Hey, guys! This is my semi-new story for OUAT. I used to be the author for Mistress Mine, but I left the story for this version. I hope you guys like it.
I do not own OUAT. Only my Oc's.
Similar to the show, there will be moments that go back and forth from their world to ours. Usually, I'll have a warning stating when it will happen.
"And what is the use of a book," thought Alice, "without pictures or conversations?" - Chapter 1, Down the Rabbit-Hole by Lewis Carroll
Wonderland Before the Dark Curse
"Rabbit! White Rabbit! Where are you?" I call out into the woods. "Show yourself!"
After a moment of silence, I hear a strange sound coming from the mushrooms a few feet from me before the white rabbit pops out to greet me. Instead of my customary greetings to my old friend, I tap my foot with impatience. He of all creatures should never be late.
"I've been looking for you," I point out to the creature as his ears flop down in shame. "Where have you been? We agreed to meet at sunrise, not at noon."
"Forgive me, Alice, but I had no choice."
"No kidding, considering you're never late. However, that isn't an excuse. Where have you been?"
"Well, if I tell you, promise me not to be too upset."
"Rabbit, there has only been one time in my entire life I've been upset with you, and I doubt you can top that occurrence."
Present Day Boston
"Hello, I'm Alice Thorn, I ordered a cake last Tuesday," I explain to the baker as I hand her my receipt. "It's a small birthday cake."
My name is Alice Thorn, I think? I'm not too sure, but my guess is as good as any. I'm a seamstress who lives in Boston, Massachusetts. I haven't lived in Boston for too long, but that's due to Emma. Right, Emma is my best friend, who happens to be a bounty hunter. Exciting job, but it causes us to move around a lot. I don't mind too much since I don't have a family to call my own except for Emma.
I was on my own for a couple of years until Emma came into my life. Honestly, I don't even know my age. The doctors mentioned something about being in my twenties, but that was just a rough estimate. Nothing about me is known.
I was found in a ditch covered in dirt. The stranger who found me didn't stick by long enough to tell me this himself. He dropped me off, spoke to the police, and ran off in the middle of the night. The only thing I have to clue me in about my past life is a bracelet with a silver rabbit on it and a black uniform meant for a warrior. Probably cosplay of a show or movie I liked.
Sometime later, Emma and I meet and we become friends through our many encounters throughout the years. After some time, we decide to stick together rather than remaining by ourselves. Which is why I'm at a bakery picking up the birthday cake I ordered for her. Once I receive the cake I rush home, hoping to beat Emma there. Lucky for me, I have time to spare. I closed my shop early today to grab the cake, and Emma told me about a bounty she had to collect tonight.
Just as I place the candles on top of the cake, the door opens, alerting me of Emma's entry into our home. However, before I can move to greet her, Emma's scream stops me. "Don't move!"
I freeze in place in the most uncomfortable position. Confused, I call back to the older woman. "Why can't I move?"
"You have to promise me you won't get mad!"
"Because it's your birthday, consider this a gift. I won't get mad."
"Promise?"
Rather than answer her, I tiptoe to Emma only to glare at the woman in front of me when I turn the lights on. There she stands, wearing my only pink dress with wine all over the lower portion. It's red wine, as a matter of fact. It takes everything I have not to get mad at Emma when I explicitly warned her she was no longer allowed to take my dresses when she went to work.
"It's your birthday, so I'm going to let this go," I say slowly to the woman. "Just hurry into the kitchen before I decide to eat the cake by myself."
"Aw, Al, you got me a cake?" Emma smiled, taking off her heel by the door. "Is it Red Velvet?"
"With Cream Cheese? Oh, I don't know; I guess you'll find out if you ever go into the kitchen."
Emma tiptoes past me with a smile on her face, and I soon follow her. When we reach the kitchen island, Emma's eyes widen at the cake, but more importantly, the gift beside it.
"Alice, you didn't have to get me a gift."
"Eh, it's not like you're a difficult person to shop for when it comes to gifts."
"Can I open it?"
"It's your birthday, not mine."
With that as her answer, Emma opens the gift in haste. It isn't much, but it does mean a great deal to me. Inside the box is a bracelet that is similar to the one I have. It's a silver chain with a Swann as its only charm.
"Alice, I love it," she whispers as I take the bracelet and latch it around her wrist.
"I hoped you would."
"How much did it cost?"
"Geeze, you suck at receiving gifts," I mutter as I push her to the cake. I light the candles and stand to the side with my phone at the ready. "Happy Birthday, Emma!"
Emma gives me one last smile before blowing out the candles. I snap the picture at the perfect moment before putting my phone away. "So, what did you wish-"
A knock at the door stops me from finishing my question. Looking at my best friend, I raise an eyebrow in a silent inquiry. She shrugs her shoulders in response before walking out of the kitchen. I follow her as far as the hallway and wait for her to open the door. When she does, instead of hearing a voice from an older person, the sound of a child sounds through the doorway.
"Are you Emma Swan?" the young voice questions.
"Yeah. Who are you?"
"My name's Henry. I'm your son."
Without waiting for a response, the kid pushes past Emma only to gape at me when his eyes land on me. I don't exactly help the situation since I'm pointing at the boy with my mouth wide open in shock.
"What the hell?"
"Alice?"
"Dude, it's a kid?! And he knows my name!"
"Yeah, I heard, Alice," Emma mutters as the kid walks past me and into our kitchen. The two of us follow after him as Emma tries to find a way out of the situation. "Whoa! Hey, kid! Kid! Kid! I don't have a son! Where are your parents?"
"Ten years ago," The child interrupts. "Did you give up a baby for adoption? That was me."
"Wow," is the only thing I can say. When I look over to Emma I can see the panic in her eyes. Sensing the impending freak-out session, I grab Emma and haul her into the bathroom. "I'll handle this. Stay in here until you straighten yourself out." I tell the blonde as I walk back to where we left the kid. When I enter the room, the child stares at me in wonder and excitement. "Uh, what's your name again kid?"
"Henry."
"Cool, um, do you want something to drink?"
"Yes, please."
"...Alrighty then."
Going to the fridge, I pull out Emma's favorite juice since there is no way I'm sharing mine with the runaway brat. After I pour the drink, I hand it over to the punk and take a step back from him. Henry takes a swing before looking at me curiously.
"Did you know about me?" Henry asked, but for some reason, I feel like this isn't the question he wants to focus on at the moment.
"Yeah, Em told me about the kid she gave up. So, um, I'm sorry, I'm out of my depth here. I have no clue what I should talk about right now."
"How about that bracelet you have on?"
"How about no."
"Why not?"
"Because it's none of your business."
"Alice!" Emma calls my name. Looking to my left side, I notice Emma joining us once again. "Are you honestly arguing with a ten-year-old?"
"An annoying ten-year-old..."
Emma gives me a look to which I raise my hands in surrender. Not wanting to annoy her, I excuse myself and head to my room to give the two some space. It doesn't take long before Emma stalks into my room and flops down onto my bed right beside me.
"I'm going to take a wild guess and assume the meet and greet didn't go so well."
"Well, it can't get any worse..."
"...Why would you say that," I mutter to the blonde. "Now it's definitely going to get worse."
"Oh, come on, Al. You don't believe in that crap, do you?"
"No, of course not. I said it simply to annoy you. Of course, I believe it, Em!"
"You don't have to yell," Emma grumbles as she sits up. "So, I have to go drop the kid off at his house."
"Where is it?"
"Storybrooke, Maine. A couple of hours to his parent's place. I'll be back sometime after midnight."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"Nah, I know you have some clientele coming tomorrow to your shop."
"I can reschedule."
"No, don't worry, Al, I'll be fine."
"You know, I may not have your superpower, but I do know you rather well, Emma."
"Listen, I want to get this over with as quickly as possible."
"I understand, but you might need the support. What if you get attached to the kid?"
"Not if I get this over with as soon as I can," Emma challenges me with a smirk. "I'm going to get changed before heading out. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Alright, but bring some McDonalds on your way back."
"Got it!"
After Emma left with the kid, I went about straightening up the apartment. Once I finished, I put on a movie waiting for the blonde to get home. I know she left me at home so I can get some rest, but I can't when I know she's not home. I've never been a fan of being alone in the apartment, so I might as well eat some cake and watch a movie while I wait for Emma's return. Nevertheless, around 1'oclock, I begin to worry, but considering how far Maine is, I decided to give Emma more time. Around 2:10 am, I send a text asking for an update. Around 3:00 am, I'm calling her phone only for it to go to voicemail. By 4:00 am, I'm searching up Storybrooke only to come empty-handed.
"What do you mean it doesn't exist?" I mutter to myself as I search for the town. Growing frustrated, I call the police, but they aren't much help either.
By 7'oclock, I'm opening my shop with my phone at my side. Knowing Emma, she'll call and to inform me she decided to stay at a hotel. If that doesn't happen, I'm jumping on my motorcycle and racing down there myself. It won't be easy since I have no idea where this town is, but I'll find it somehow.
"Miss Thorn, are you here?" A voice calls from the front of my shop.
"Coming," I reply as I slap on a fake cheery disposition. Walking to the customer, I welcome her as I move her to the meeting room. The entire time I'm taking the woman's order, I keep an ear open for Emma. As I finish taking down the last measurement, my phone finally rings, causing me to jump. Checking it, I notice a random number, and I pray it's Emma.
"Oh, I'm so sorry about this, but I've been waiting for an important call all day."
"That's all right."
"Well, I'm done taking notes, so I'll call you in three to four days to let you know about the progress of your dress and to go about any last details."
"Great! I'll be waiting for your call. Bye, Miss Thorn."
"Bye!"
I wait for the customer to leave the shop before answering my phone on the final ring. "Hello?"
"Alice?"
"Emma! You had me worried sick. I thought something terrible happened!"
"Well, I got into a car crash."
"What? How? Are you okay?"
"One question at a time, Al."
"Okay, what the hell happened?"
Emma goes on to briefly explain what happened to her since she left the apartment. From her kid being the mayor's son to the fairy tale nonsense, and finally, the mysterious wolf that caused her to crash the bug she calls a car. However, she can't disprove she wasn't intoxicated the night before after taking a sip of cider, so instead, she's going to assist in finding Henry, who's gone missing again.
"I got to admit the kid does sound like you with all of the runnings he does."
"Hahaha, Alice, very funny."
"So, where are you calling from? I noticed it was a different number."
"Sheriff's office; My phone broke during the crash. By the way, I probably won't be home 'til later tonight."
"That's what you said last night."
"Well, this time, I'm not going to utter the same sentence from last night. I guess the jinx is real since I got caught up in this mess."
"Next time, knock on wood or something."
"Doing that right now just in case. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know what's going on. I'll try giving you another call later before I head home."
"Alright, just let me know if you need help."
"I will; bye Alice."
"Bye Emma."
As I place my phone to the side with a relieved smile, a swarm of customers walks through the doors. Looking at the clock, It reads 8:30 am. The day has barely begun, and I'm already exhausted. Still, knowing that Emma is safe is the only thing that matters, so without worrying the customers, I place a broad smile on my face to greet them.
Hours later, I arrive at my apartment and drop my bags at the door. Walking to my bedroom, I flop onto my bed and throw my shoes to the side as my cell starts to ring.
"NOOOO!" I cry, wanting to sleep. I grab the phone and answer it. "Hello?"
"Hey, Alice," Emma says through the line. I can almost hear the grin in her voice. "You sound happy."
"I hate you… you know I'm sleepy."
"Love you too, Alice, but I didn't call to have a sappy conversation. Plus, it's your fault for staying up late."
"Whatever, Em; are you on your way?"
"...About that..."
Emma informs me about the current developments and the reason behind her delay. At first, I object to her decision, but after considering everything, I agree with Emma. True, she has no right to Henry, and I remind her of this, but if she feels he's in danger, then the best thing I can do is support her. No child should suffer from any type of abuse whether it be mentally, or physically. So, Emma warns me about her week-long stay, and I assure her that I'll handle everything while she's gone. By the time I hang up, it's 11:45 pm, and I'm drained. I change into my pajamas before falling asleep.
Wonderland Pre-Curse
"So, you want to explain why you're late?" I ask my dear friend, the White Rabbit. "Because this isn't the norm for you."
"Well, the missus asked me for some help with the children."
"Ah! Now I understand the delay. Didn't Mrs. Rabit give birth to another dozen two weeks ago?"
"Yes, and I'm quite proud of her. Now I'm a father of 34 strong rabbits! Speaking of children, how do you fare, my dear."
Smiling to myself, I touch my flat belly, imaging the child I will soon give birth to in 8 or so months. Never did I imagine the possibility of having a family of my own. When Jefferson entered my life, I found him rather strange, like most of Wonderland, but I didn't suspect THE Mad Hatter of stealing my affection. Now, two years after we've married and peace resides in Wonderland, the two of us came to the decision of having children of our own.
"Healthy, thanks to the White Queen, I've had regular visits with the doctor and a well-balanced diet. Jefferson is quite meticulous with the dealings in our home, so there is only so much I can do. Today is the first day after the announcement that the two let me out of their sight."
"Be patient with the two, Alice. The realm is up in joyous spirits since the news of your pregnancy."
"True," I smile as we walk down the trail of wildflowers. They sing as we walk, hailing good tidings as I walk past them. "It's a long way from the time the realm named me the Black Knight who vanquished the Jabberwocky. The formidable champion of the White Queen."
"Or the Bandit Alice, wanted thief by the Queen of Hearts: Cora."
"Or the collector of goods."
"Or the strange child who journeyed from the realm without magic... What was the name of the city you hailed from."
"London," I whispered. London is the last place I saw my brother, and the one place I will never return to no matter what.
When I left the enchanted forest (my true home), my brother Baelfire said it would be a new start for us. We would have a better life in London, but in reality, it was a lie. We lost our papa upon our arrival; we had no resources or home to return to, nor a family that loved us. Then one day, I had accidentally followed the White Rabbit to Wonderland. After fighting my way back to London, I learned my brother left me to return to a land with magic. Filled with rage at the thought of him leaving me, I didn't bother searching for him any longer. I tried to get help, but I was transported to an orphanage. A family adopted me only to send me to an insane asylum due to my rambling. Having enough of London, I ran away and experienced plenty of adventures before returning to Wonderland.
"Right, what an awful place that was."
"I agree, but the great thing is I'll never return to London."
"Alice," Rabbit quietly inquires. "What if something were to happen here in Wonderland?"
"Like what?"
"I don't know, but what if you could no longer stay? Where would you go?"
"Hm, I don't know. Jefferson and I never really talked about it, but I'm sure a day like that will never come."
"For all our sakes, I hope not. Without you to keep the Queen of Hearts at bay, I fear Wonderland will fall into ruins."
Present-day: One week later
"Emma, you said it would only be a week?"
"I know, but the kid needs me."
"Ugh," I moan, facepalming when I hear the same excuse as before. Over the past week, Emma has regaled me with the adventures of Storybrooke. From arrest stories to coma patients and everything in between. Now, she wants to stay longer, but she doesn't want to remain there too long either. The only good thing that came from this is the new phone she bought.
Truthfully, I want to help Emma, but she's going back into her old habits. Long ago, before we met, Emma had a history with the law. Before going straight, she was trying once again to find her family before giving up for good. By the time I met Emma, she didn't even think about looking for her parents. Now, instead of looking for them, she is latching onto Henry. This worries me. I don't want her bad habits to creep back up. Not only that, but she doesn't have a chance considering the documents she signed for the closed adoption.
"Emma, I'm worried."
"Don't be!"
"Em, don't tell me not to worry! Especially not after everything you just said."
"Al, I can't just leave him here."
"But what happens when you do?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Emma, eventually, you'll have to come back home."
"What if I don't...?"
"What?!"
"Nothing, you're right! I'm acting ridiculous, and I know it. I just want a chance at a family, and I'm throwing that onto Henry. At first, I did want to see if he has a good life, but now I'm attached. I can't seem to let go. I know I should leave, but I keep leaving more of myself in this town, and I don't know how to give it up."
"Em."
"I'm fine, Al. I'll be home in three days, I promise."
When Emma hangs up, I stare at the phone in contemplation. I know it's best to rip the bandaid off before it's too late, but a part of me wonders if that's the right choice. I don't want to doubt my choice or regret anything. This can be Emma's only chance to resolve all of the demons she has.
"I hope I don't regret this either," I mutter into the void of my apartment. Going straight into my room, I prepare a bag with our belongings and order a shipping company to pack the rest of our stuff. Thankfully, we don't own too many things so it should be an easy transition per usual. Tomorrow morning, I'll have to call my clients whose designs I haven't started and warn them that I need to transfer their requests to tailers in the area. To the rest of my list of clients, I'll finish it and ship it from my new location. An explanation will have to do as an apology, but for Emma, it's worth it. "Well, Storybrooke, here I come."
Character Info
Real Name: Ailish
Alias: Alice Thorn, The Black Knight, Al (Bt Emma), Lish
Family: Rumplestiltskin aka Gold (Father), Milah (Mother: deceased), Morgan le Fay (adoptive mother) Baelfire (Brother), Jefferson (Husband), Grace (daughter)
Extended Family: Henry Mills (nephew), Peter Pan aka Malcolm (Grandfather), Black Fairy aka Fiona (Grandmother)
Best Friends: Emma Swann, White Queen, White Rabbit
Appearance
Hair: Curly, Black, reaches hips in a v-cut
Eyes: Big light blue
Skin: Tan (similar to Rumple)
Height: 5'8
Lips: On the thinner side
Scars: Across the right elbow
Prized possession: Silver bracelet with the white rabbit