Hello, everyone! I've returned with a new update! Without further, let's continue.
Like always, I don't own OUAT.
"Why is a raven like a writing desk? Have you guessed the riddle yet?" the Hatter asked, turning to Alice again.
"No, I give up," Alice replied. "What's the answer?"
"I haven't the slightest idea," said the Hatter.
- Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Storybrooke: Present time
3rd POV
"She's alive," Emma struggles to speak as she hauls herself and Alice out of the air vent. "Get the paramedics!"
Everyone stared at the blonde, sad to see how far into her grief she's lost herself, but a moment later, when Alice mutters a name under her breath, the group jumps into action.
"Paramedic, quickly!" yells Gold, helping Emma secure a safe location to lay the injured woman. "Hurry, please!"
"How is she alive," one paramedic inquires as he looks over the woman. From head to toe, Alice is covered in dirt and blood, making it nearly impossible to see the severity of her injuries. "We need to get her to the hospital now."
At once, the paramedics haul the poor woman off to the hospital. Emma immediately raced behind them, Gold and Hopper tagging along. However, Emma didn't notice a man not too far behind them who witnessed a certain raven-haired beauty moving to the hospital. Following after her in hopes of seeing the woman, the mysterious man followed after them at a distance so as not to be spotted by the group.
Still, the moment everyone arrived at the hospital, no news reached them on the current condition of their friend. All they can do is wait for a miracle.
Hours later, a few more people joined their little group. Mary Margaret came as soon as possible, but she was little to no help to the blonde. Even the mayor came to console the blonde, although she claimed only to be here at the behest of her son. Still, as the hours passed, the group still had no news as a nurse came to ask Emma a few questions.
"Forms?" Emma inquired as she received the clipboard. "What forms?"
"I'm sorry, Ms. Swan, but we need you to fill these out, seeing as you're the only person she knows," explained the nurse. "Is there anything we should know? I know you informed the paramedics that Ms. Thorn isn't allergic to anything."
"No, ma'am."
"Okay, well, just turn in the paperwork when you have the chance."
"Wait," Emma called out, stopping the nurse from departing. "Is there any news?"
"Not yet. I'm sure the doctor will be with you shortly."
With that, the older woman left the deputy and her friends to return to her job. Unbeknownst to the group, a man silently follows the nurse to inform her about a few developments.
Wonderland: Pre curse
3rd POV
A few years have passed since the day Jefferson met Alice, but he's made sure to visit the girl frequently. They've become great friends even if Jefferson still hasn't seen her face, but that means nothing to him. Not often does Jefferson find a curious soul like Alice, so he'll take what he can get. Luckily enough, it seems as if fate is on his side since his path has crossed Alice's once again. Like many of their meetings, he finds himself at the end of her figurative sword. As the woman throws him to the ground, Jefferson wonders how he's been so blessed to meet Alice.
"Why are you smiling," questioned Alice as she picks up the precious ruby her customer is buying from her. She was hired by the Mock Turtle to steal a ruby from the Red King during one of his banquets. Unsurprisingly, Jefferson was also there to steal the exact ruby, but for another customer, in a strange land Alice has never ventured to before. When the two escaped the Red King's territory, the fight began with Alice coming out as the victor. "It's almost as if you like being tossed around."
Instead of responding to her comment, Jefferson chose to change subjects. "Busy?"
"Not really, do you have something in mind?"
"Join me for a drink?"
"Am I paying?"
Chuckling, the infamous Mad Hater rises to his feet, "No, I'll pay."
"Then you have a deal," Alice smirked. "Meet you at the Clove around 10 o'clock?"
"Sounds like a deal."
Jefferson arrived at the Clove before his friend, so he waited at their table in the meantime. After assignments, the two usually meet at the tavern for a few drinks. Their friendship may have started rocky, but it soon grew to a mutual understanding. Also, even if the Mad Hatter will never admit it out loud, he attained feelings for the mysterious girl. The only problem is the danger that lurks over the horizon.
Cora was banished by Regina to Wonderland three months ago and has gained power over a portion of the land. The Red King and White Queen have kept their respective borders safe, but it's easy to notice that the peace enjoyed and taken advantage of in Wonderland will soon disappear. War is imminent, and only time will tell if his friends survive the outcome.
"Why so glum?" Alice asked, surprising Jefferson at their usual spot as she hugs him from behind before walking to her seat. "You're usually the life of the party."
"Not really," Jefferson quietly laughed. "That's the Hare and Cheshire."
"I disagree."
Hatter smiles at Alice, but it never reaches his eyes. For the last month, he's tried to persuade the female to flee Wonderland with him. Each time she's refused his offer in favor of their remaining friends.
"So, how have you been?"
"Same as always. Acquiring goods, scaring Rabbit, and hanging out with Tweedle Dum and Dee. Oh, actually, now that I think about it, Absolom asked about you recently."
"Geeze, what for?" Jefferson moaned in annoyance. The only time the caterpillar sought him out is to nag him about something.
"Apparently, your old friend the dormouse has gone missing."
"What?"
The Dormouse, much like the March Hare, is a frequent guest at his mad tea parties. Now, she's missing. The last time he was in Wonderland, he heard how many prominent and low figures in the land either went missing or in hiding. Now the Dormouse has been added to the list of names. How much longer until Alice's name is on the list as well?
"Hatter?"
"Huh?"
"You spaced out on me, is all."
"Oh, sorry about that. I was lost in thought."
Reaching for his hand, Alice gives it a firm squeeze. "I know you're worried, but I'm sure she's fine."
"I'm not too sure about that, Alice."
"C'mon, Hatter, it's the Dormouse. She's as slippery as Cheshire."
"But she's gone nonetheless, and it's only a matter of time before the rest of Wonderland joins her. Don't you see that, Alice?"
"Jefferson-"
"Alice, you don't know Cora as I do. She will use her magic to control Wonderland. Please, leave this land."
"I can't; my friends are here."
"All of them are protected by the White Queen, unlike yourself."
"I don't need her protection, nor your constant blabbering," Alice scowls as she drops some money on the table before walking away from the man. Leaving the table, Jefferson follows Alice out of the tavern into the street. "Don't follow, Hatter."
"I wouldn't have to follow you if you'd come with me. Alice, please, it's not safe here."
"It's not safe anywhere, Hatter. Not here, not England, or Avalon. I won't travel to another world again, and certainly not the Enchanted Forest."
"Alice, please!"
"No!"
"If you'd just listen, you stubborn woman!"
"If I'm such a hassle, why do you stick around?"
"Because I love you!"
Halting in her steps, Alice waits for Jefferson to take back what he dared to utter in her presence. He never does, and her heart speeds up with excitement and fear. Slowly turning to the man behind her, Alice lowers her hood to meet the eyes of her long-time friend. To Jefferson, it's like seeing a gift.
She was beautiful to him. From her long curly black hair to the crystal blue eyes shining toward him with her perfectly tanned skin. Alice was perfect in his eyes before she dropped her hood, but now, Jefferson felt as if she was untouchable. Still, that doesn't stop him from striding forward to bring her in for a kiss.
Alice didn't hesitate to reciprocate the kiss, holding on tightly to the man. Even as they made their way to Alice's current home, Jefferson held onto the woman with all his strength.
Storybrooke: Present time
3rd POV
"What do you mean she has no insurance?" panicked Mary Margaret. "Don't you two have any?"
"I do, but Alice doesn't," Emma explained to the group. "Alice... she's never been sick."
"Even so, Miss Swan, it is essential to have insurance."
"Well, why don't you tell Alice next time she clocks in for work, Gold. Because I've tried for years to tell her, but she doesn't listen."
Dr. Hopper was a stuttering mess as he tried to comprehend the situation. "Why would she deny something as necessary as health insurance? Mr. Gold, Alice is your employee; didn't you offer her an insurance plan?"
"Of course I did; however, she claimed to have one."
"Emma?"
Smacking her forehead, the blonde let out a low groan. "No, that was a lie."
"Why would she lie?"
"I'm sure you've been able to tell by now, but Alice is strong."
"Well, I did notice the other day, but that has nothing to do with matters of insurance and protection."
"For Alice, it's enough. She's never been sick since I've met her. Hell, she has never suffered any injures."
"But Emma," Henry tries to cut in. "What about the-"
"That's enough, Henry."
"What is it," Regina inquired, a little too innocently. "What happened?"
"Nothing, madam Mayor."
"Really, because if it isn't important, my son wouldn't have brought it up."
"It's nothing that concerns you," Emma warns the older woman as she tries to focus on what she can write on the forms. "I'll handle it."
"You don't have to," Gold interrupts. "I can lend you the money necessary for the hospital bills."
"No, Gold, I'm not making another deal with you."
"This isn't a deal, Miss Swan. I just want to make sure Miss Thorn receives the proper treatment she's entitled to. Please, take the money."
Raising an eyebrow at the retired sorcerer, Regina regards the man with an undeniable smirk. "Why, I've never seen you so generous, Gold. Why the sudden change of heart."
"If you aren't here to help," Gold growls at the former Queen. "Then get out."
"Gladly."
"But we still haven't seen Alice," Henry reminds his adoptive mother to no avail.
"I'm sure Deputy Swan will give her our regards. Let's go, Henry."
The two leave the group, but Emma doesn't bother to stop them. She has enough on her plate, so the last thing on her mind is to pick a fight with the Mayor.
As the blonde finishes the paperwork, Dr. Whale approaches the group with a look of deep contemplation alongside the nurse from before. Emma pushes the clipboard into Mary Margert's hands as she rushes to greet the doctor.
"Is she okay?" Emma immediately questions the doctor. "How bad is it?"
"I- well, I don't know how to explain this."
"Did she die?!"
"What? No, it's just- Ms. Swan, your friend is completely fine."
"What a relief," Emma breathes out as the rest of the group finally relaxes.
"No, Ms. Swan, you don't understand. Alice Thorn is perfectly healthy, as in she has no injuries."
"What?"
"How is that possible?" Mary Margaret questioned the man. "She fell down an elevator shaft."
"I don't know, but she doesn't have a single injury."
Gold walks forward, looking uneasy by the odd turn in events. "Are you sure you have the right patient? When Miss Swan rescued her, Miss Thorn was covered in blood and dirt."
"Yes, but the moment we washed her up, we couldn't see an injury. We did scans, x-rays, CTs, the entire work up, and nothing is there. It's like a miracle."
"Emma isn't that great," Mary Margaret excitedly yelled, hugging her friend. "Alice is going to be okay."
"Right," Emma smiled, still in shock over the news. "Oh, this is for you," Emma told the nurse as she takes the clipboard from her friend to hand it to the other woman. "I answered what I could."
"Thank you, Ms. Swan," said the nurse. "Whatever you haven't filled out, I'm sure her husband can inform us."
"Huh? Alice isn't married."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, she's my best friend and I'm the only family she has. We went over this before, remember?"
"Well, there is a man claiming to be her husband-"
"What? Who?"
Together the group follows Dr. Whale and the nurse to the emergency department. When the group arrives at the nurse's station, there stands a finely dressed man with dark brown hair. Without hesitation, Emma marches forward to question the man, but Gold beats her to it.
"Mr. Hecate?" he calls out to the younger man. "Is that you, old friend?"
"Ah, Gold, I didn't notice you there?" the mysterious man smiled wryly. "What brings you to the ER?"
"Wait," Emma calls out. "Aren't you the seamstress?"
"You mean seamster?"
"Same thing. What are you doing posing as Alice's husband? She's not married."
Without speaking, Jefferson pulls out his wallet to show the group a photograph of himself and Alice on their wedding day. Like most things, when the curse brought everyone to the land without magic, it also brought some evidence from their previous life, depending on what it was. Castles and wealth were left behind, but some of Jefferson's photos of Alice followed him to the new world. Also, the curse creates stories to keep its victims occupied, so it supplied him with a wedding certificate and the death certificate with Alice's name on it.
The photo, itself, doesn't showcase any magic that would confuse the populace; instead, it looks as if the two booked a luxurious garden to do their photoshoot when in reality, the two were within one of the White Queen's illustrious gardens. Still, it's obvious to anyone looking at the picture that they look happy.
Alice wasn't looking at the camera in the photograph as the younger version of the woman chooses to stare loving at Jefferson with a laugh echoing from her lips. She wore a long flowing wedding dress that modestly revealed her shoulders. She had a sweetheart neckline that wrapped around her comfortably in lace patterns with lace sleeves reaching her wrist, where the silver bunny bracelet Alice always wears can be seen shining in the sunlight. The rest of her dress flowed gently in the wind, allowing the woman to radiate. Alice's long curly black hair is pulled into a half-updo, but strands manage to escape, fluttering on her cheeks. Her veil, reaching to her elbow, seemed to frame the female in what Emma could only term as a gentle glow.
In all the time Emma has known Alice, she's never seen her friend look so radiant... so happy.
"I don't understand," Emma muttered under her breath. "She's never been to Storybrooke before. Hell, she doesn't have a wedding ring."
"We didn't get married in Storybrooke," Jefferson explained. It wasn't hard for the man to spin a story while telling the truth, so explaining his past with Alice to Emma was almost too easy. "I met her when we were teens. She had just moved to a new place after leaving England."
"Al's English?"
"No, but she moved around a lot when she was a kid. We got married in our early twenties. After her supposed death, I moved to Storybrooke to start a new life."
"How did you two get separated?"
"That seems to be the question I would like to know as well. I don't have a definite answer."
"You mean you don't know," Mary Margaret chimed in. "How is that?"
"The last time I saw Alice, we were home, taking care of our daughter."
"Alice has a kid," Emma yelled in shock. The news nearly overwhelms Emma, and if she felt this way, only Heaven knows how Alice might react. "Where is she?"
A sad look crossed Jefferson's face as the memory surfaced in his mind. "I lost her too. Everything fell apart once Alice disappeared. One second, I was living a perfect life beside her, then she was gone. No traces of her... I couldn't even find her body. The authorities marked it off as abduction and later murder. There's this woman who hates Alice, but we never thought much of it until the day she went missing. There wasn't enough evidence to charge her, so I was forced to let it go. Later, her daughter got the better of me, and I lost my daughter in the process. Then the woman's daughter fled the scene with her father, and I've been alone ever since."
"That's terrible," Mary Margaret whispered sadly. The rest of the group felt the same, although they brightened considerably, knowing the husband and wife would reunite soon. Emma, on the other hand, still didn't believe the man.
Her superpower for catching liars didn't detect a lie from Jefferson, but something didn't feel right. How did they manage to find Jefferson at the perfect time? Things like that only happen in Fairytales.
"You don't believe me do you?" asked Jefferson knowingly. "Trust me, when I first laid eyes on Alice, I nearly had a stroke. I couldn't believe my luck."
"Wait, old friend," Gold intervenes, stepping forward to speak with the man. Rumpelstiltskin remembers the story his Mad Hatter told him in their former life when Jefferson finally returned from Wonderland. He also learned of Regina's treachery somewhere down the line, but to think that Alice is from their world; it was almost too unreal to believe. "Alice said she hasn't had the pleasure of meeting you."
"Do you remember how you called me the other day to inform me of a talented seamstress? I wanted to meet the woman who received high praise from such a stringent man. I went to your shop at the exact moment you were speaking with the Mayor. I peeked through the window on the door and I saw her, but I couldn't handle it, and I left. I've been trying to find a way to walk up to Alice, but I couldn't. How do you walk up to your wife after all this time when you thought she died. Then I heard the news about the cave-in, and I rushed after her. The last thing I want is to lose a chance to see Alice again."
As much as Emma wants to fight it, she knows how much this will mean to Alice. If anything, she'll have to keep a close eye on the man to ensure nothing suspicious occurs. "Then today is your lucky day- I mean night."
"So, you trust me?"
"No, but I won't get in the way of Alice finding out about her past."
"Right, I wanted to ask about that. You said Alice isn't married, but you're her best friend. Why don't you know something like that? Or the fact she had a child? You didn't even know about England. All of these are significant aspects of her life."
"Let's speak somewhere else," Emma states as she turns to Dr. Whale. "Where's Alice."
"In her room, but she still hasn't woken up."
"Can you take us there?"
"Of course," agreed Dr. Whale as he led the group to Alice.
Wonderland: Pre-curse
3rd POV
The following morning Jefferson lays awake in bed with Alice wrapped in his arms. He had just woken up when he found her asleep on his chest. Not wanting to ruin the moment, Jefferson didn't dare move, not that he wanted to. If anything, this gave hope to Jefferson that Alice would join him in the Enchanted Forest. With that in his mind, joy bloomed in the Hatter's heart as he kissed the sleeping woman on the top of her head.
Another hour later, just as Jefferson was about to fall back to sleep, Alice began to stir. "Hmmm?"
"Good morning to you too, Alice," Jefferson smirked. Alice froze, her eyes widening before relaxing again as she notices the man beneath her naked body.
"Oh, it's only you, Jefferson."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, I don't know about you, but I don't often wake up in bed with another."
"Fair point," admits the Mad Hatter as he pulls Alice closer to him. "Now that you're awake, we could go another round?"
"Tempting, but no," grinned Alice as she walked over to her dresser. She remembers throwing her clothes on top of it the night prior, but now all she can find is Jefferson's undergarments. "Have you seen my clothes? Oh well, it doesn't matter since I need to change regardless," spoke Alice as continued her search. Instead of answering her, the Hatter kept his eyes on the raven-haired beauty, which earned him a glare. "Jefferson."
"What? Let me have this moment! I've been dreaming of the moment you'd reciprocate my feelings for years."
"Why didn't you say something sooner?"
"Coming from the woman who never showed her face until last night, I'm offended."
"Okay, I guess I'm not the easiest person to confess to."
"Exactly; now, can you come back to bed?"
"Fine, I guess we're due for another round."
Hours later, the two make their way through the forest, and Jefferson thought it was the perfect moment to brooch the subject again. "Alice?"
"Yes?"
"About the Enchanted Forest-"
"This again," the hooded female spins around to ask. "Why do we continue on this subject?"
"I thought it would be a good idea considering we just made love last night."
"That doesn't mean I'm going to the Enchanted Forest."
"Then what was last night?!"
"The heat of the moment...?"
Hurt flashed across Jefferson's eyes when he heard the statement leave Alice's lips. "Is that all it was to you?"
"What? No, you misunderstand-"
"Because it meant everything to me, Alice. I poured my heart out to you and it was just a one-night stand for you?!"
"Hatter-"
"No! Just stop," said Jefferson, walking away from the woman he loved. "I can't listen to this."
"Jefferson, please listen to me," begged Alice as she ran to catch up to the portal jumper.
"So, did all of that mean nothing to you?!"
"Of course not! Wait, no, I mean it does!"
"I was just a passionate night!"
"No!"
"I can't believe you would use me."
"I would never, Jefferson. If you would only listen."
"Then explain it to me, Alice," yelled the Hatter, rounding on the female. "What am I to you?"
Freezing to the spot, Alice couldn't figure out what to say. All of her life, she has loved and lost. Each form of love was different than the last, but none of which lasted the course of time. Her first family split up during her youth, causing her to wander the new world alone. The adoptive family that took her in one moment drove her away the next. Morgan took her in only to receive punishment from Lord Oberon for doing such a thing in his absence. Since then, Alice swore to never allow another soul to keep a permanent spot in her heart again. She may care for the residents of Wonderland, but she would not love them.
At least that was the plan. It was easy at first, but the longer Alice lived here more difficult the task became. Essentially, that's the reason Alice kept her hood up when she returned to Wonderland. No one would see her face or get familiar with her. She would be a phantom living out her days in peace until her death. Nevertheless, Alice hadn't anticipated some of her friends from her childhood to be alive. The White Rabbit, Absolem, and a few forest flowers.
The kindness of her friends made it impossible to forget their bond. Then the new bonds she created over her stay in Wonderland caused her to become emotionally compromised. It only got worse when Jefferson arrived in her life. It was almost too easy to love the man. He had such a loving heart and a passionate soul, that Alice fell in love almost immediately.
Still, the past fears crept up from within her heart, stopping her from moving forward. Not to mention the realization of what would happen if she left.
Sadly, over the years, the beings in Wonderland have come to rely on her. From tricks and trades to support for various problems, Alice has come to their aid without question. Even with the rise of Cora, Alice has helped many creatures escape the older woman's clutches. If she were to leave them now to escape to another world, what would they do without her?
"Alice," whispered Jefferson as we walked up to the raven-haired beauty. "Please."
"I'm sorry, Hatter."
Letting go of Alice, Jefferson takes a few strides before spinning his top hat on the ground, disappearing to the Enchanted Forest. Alice didn't bother stopping him; she knew it was the best choice in the end, but the pain in her heart didn't ebb, nor did the tears threatening to escape her eyes.
"Alice," a familiar voice called out from behind her. The White Rabbit came running through the tall mushrooms and moss seconds later to land at Alice's feet. "Thank goodness I found you!"
"What? What happened?"
"It's terrible, Alice! The Red King has fallen!"
"What? What are you talking about, Rabbit? That isn't possible I was just at his palace last night."
Alice could hardly believe the words leaving her friends mouth. She refused to believe it. True, the White Queen has more power than any other creature in Wonderland, but the Red King is no joke either. There's a reason he stayed in control for as long as he did. How can Cora overthrow him so easily?
"It's true, Alice. Last night, Cora overthrew the King and was given the title Queen of Heart's."
"By what power did she conquer the King?"
"The Jabberwock."
Chills ran down Alice's spine when she heard the dragon's name. Of all the creatures to fall under the control of Cora, Alice had prayed the Jabberwock would never be one of them, but it seems her prayers went unheard.
While she was in the arms of the man she loves, the Red Domain was surrendering to Cora in an effort to save their lives.
"This can't be..."
"It is, and now the only power that can protect us is the White Queen. We must hurry! The news is still spreading across the land; soon enough, everyone will be in a frenzy!"
"But-"
"There is no time for arguments, Alice!"
"But our friends, White Rabbit? Are they safe?"
The furry creature couldn't speak, too choked up on emotions to utter a word.
"No..." whispered Alice in distress. "The Tweedle twins?"
No response.
"Dodo bird?"
Silence.
"The Duchess, Gryphon, Bill the Lizard, Bayard, and his family?"
Nothing.
"The bunny you fell in love with?"
"...I didn't even get to tell her I love her..."
"I'm so sorry," Alice muttered, unable to believe the news. "I-"
"None of that matters now," Rabbit interrupts, forcing Alice to listen. "The only power that can protect us now is the White Queen. Follow me!"
Together, the two ran through the forest towards safety but little did the White Rabbit know that Alice had something else in mind.
Arriving at the castle of the White Queen, the Chess Knights allowed them entry, ushering them to the Queen at the behest of Rabbit. When the two arrived at the throne room, court was in session. Alice remained near the back of the room, looking around at the spectators. Many faces she did not recognize, but to her relief, there were a few she did. Cheshire, the March Hare, Duck, Lory, and Eaglet.
As the court continued, Alice decided to pay attention. She may not rely on the White Queen's power, but if her friends are in danger, Alice needs to learn as much about the situation as she possibly can.
"I understand your grief," the White Queen spoke. "My forces are working diligently to save as many beings as we possibly can before the spread of Cora's power. The Castle and the territory surrounding it are under protection, so there is no need to worry. The spells guarding us are as ancient as Wonderland itself. There is no need to fear. Not even the Jabberwock can reach the Castle."
"But so many have been lost," an advisor to the Queen wailed. "Most of the White Kingdom will be abandoned!"
"We must prioritize. The Jabberwock is formidable; if we face him directly, we'll lose. The best course of action is to save whom we can."
"But what about the people we've lost," another person spoke, but to this, the Queen couldn't answer.
It's becoming apparent to all the individuals in the room that this is a lost cause. Well, all except for Alice.
"Can't you ask for help?" Alice spoke up as she strode to the front of the throne room. "You made a pact with Glinda the Good in the past. Make another."
"I can't," the White Queen sadly states. "She is facing a Wicked force in the likes Oz has never seen before."
"Then ask Absolem for advice."
"Alice," Cheshire crooned in a deceptively kind voice. "Why do you think Wonderland has fallen to the Queen of Hearts? Because of the blue caterpillar, that is. How else would the Queen of Hearts learn about the Golden Poppy?"
"What? No! Absolem would never betray us."
"Not on purpose," Rabbit voiced sadly. "However, Absolem was taken not long ago, and I fear he must have broken under the Queen of Hearts' hand."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Alice inquired. She had seen Absolem a week ago, and now he's gone? So many things could have been done differently if only she had known in advance.
"Little Alice," the grinning cat flew across her vision. "What can you do? You are a wanderer, nothing more, nothing less."
Alice didn't argue with the cats' assessment of her, but she refused to give in easily either. "We still can't allow this to happen. We have to rescue them."
"I'm sorry, I can't risk my forces for a suicide mission," The White Queen grimly adds. "We'll lose more lives than we'll save. I can't condone such recklessness."
Alice stares at the Queen in understanding, even if she hates the thought of leaving her friends.
"Alice," a deranged voice calls forth in a melancholy tone. It was the March Hare, looking lonely without the dormouse at his side. "Have you seen the Hatter recently?"
"...He's in the Enchanted Forest performing deals, per usual," Alice answered, withholding the rest of the truth. Still, the Hare smiles, happy that at least one of his friends escaped the vile Queen's hands.
Looking around, many of the citizens looked to be in various states of fear and stress. All because an evil sorceress decided to rule a kingdom of desolation. That's not something Alice can allow.
"Give me a list of names Cora has abducted."
"No, Alice!" Rabbit screamed, running to hug her leg in hopes of stopping her. "I didn't run throughout Wonderland trying to find you only to have you walk to death's door now. Please, stay here. I know you don't trust royalty, but I assure you the White Queen can be trusted."
Kneeling to her friend's height, Alice returned his embrace with as much strength she could offer. "It's not in my nature, Rabbit," spoke Alice before turning her attention to the Queen. "It's true I don't trust anyone with a crown, but can I trust you to care for my friends?"
"You have my solemn vow."
"Then I'm off."
Without another word, a nearby Knight hands Alice a list of missing creatures. Taking the list in her hands, Alice leaves the throne room, determination driving her to save her friends.
Storybrooke: Present time
3rd POV
To her friends inside her hospital room, it was hard to see Alice in this state. IV lines, heart monitor, and hospital gown. Still, Alice is alive; that's the only thing that matters. She still hasn't woken up, but everyone is content to allow the woman to rest. She deserves it more than anyone else.
Mary Margaret went home since she has class the following morning, and Hopper decided to give the group some privacy. Gold didn't want to leave, but he knew it wasn't his place to stay either. So, after goodbye and reassurances from Jefferson and Emma to call him when Alice's condition changes, the man left. Now, only the two remained, each with a chair pulled up to both sides of the seamstress.
"Emma," Jefferson calls out quietly. "What happened to Alice."
Taking a deep breath, Emma tries her hand at explaining the situation to the mysterious man across from her. "She has amnesia."
"How?"
"I don't know. When I met Alice, she had already made a life for herself. Someone found her on the side of the road and drove her to the hospital before vanishing. At least that's the story everyone gave her. Alice doesn't know anything, not even her name."
"Well, that explains the Thorn part."
"Actually, that one was on purpose," said Emma, a small smile appearing on her face. "The hospital staff loved her so much they came together to buy her a bouquet of roses. Alice didn't have the heart to tell them she hates roses, so she took them but she accidentally pricked her finger on a thorn left behind by the florist. She thought it was funny and named herself Alice Thorn. She said if anyone hates her, they can always say she's a thorn on their side."
"Sounds like Alice," Jefferson laughed.
"So, Alice is her real name?"
"Hm? No, it isn't. For some reason, no one could pronounce her actual name, so she changed it to Alice some time ago."
"What is it then?"
Jefferson hesitated. Knowing his Alice, he's sure she wouldn't want anyone knowing her real name, especially with Rumplestiltskin nearby. However, this is a version of Alice he doesn't know. Not really, that is. Alice still has the same self-sacrificing attitude she wore in the past. Still, what else is the same? This version is friends with Gold, while her past self never wanted to go near the man.
In Wonderland, the only one to know her real name besides himself was Absolom. Can he trust Emma with the secret?
"If I tell you, will you promise to never tell another soul?"
"Of course, but why is it a secret?"
"Alice is trying to avoid a certain someone from recognizing her. I'll explain more when she's awake."
"Alright."
"Her name is Ailish."
"Ailish," Emma sounds out. "Huh, I almost prefer Alice."
"Everyone seems to agree," Jefferson smirked before his grin turns into a frown. "So, does she remember anything?"
"No," Emma quietly remarks. "She doesn't remember anything before waking up in the Hospital. Everything is a guess for her."
"I see... Is she seeing anyone?"
"No, she's not in a relationship. For some reason, Alice always felt wrong about dating someone."
Jefferson lets out a sigh of relief at the news. All this time, he was afraid she had moved on, and the mere thought was crushing him. It was terrible enough Jefferson had to watch Grace live with another family, but if Alice moved on, Jefferson would've lost what little sanity he had left.
"Are you going to take her with you?" Emma asked the man. This entire time the blonde has been trying to brooch the topic, but the thought of Alice leaving her stopped her.
For the Hatter, the answer should have been simple. Yes, in any other case, he would've taken Alice away; however, if he does that now, it may cause his wife to hate him. The new version of his wife doesn't know him, and it seems she only trusts Emma. As much as it pains him, leaving her with the blonde may be the only choice he has; still, at least having her alive gives him hope. Perhaps one day, he'll have his family together again. Plus, with the savior in town as his wife's best friend, well, it seems like an unstoppable force to Jefferson. That alone brings him joy, knowing the Evil Queen's downfall is at hand.
"No, I think it's best if she remains by you until her memory returns. I'll slowly build my relationship with her until then."
Relieved by the answer, Emma agrees as the two begin to plan a way to best help their mutual loved one.
Wonderland: Pre-Curse
Alice's POV
Nearing the Queen of Heart's territory, I slow my steps. It's hard to think I was here two days ago stealing from the former Red King.
"Guess Jefferson wasn't wrong after all," Alice mutters to herself as she surveys the area. The pain in her heart hasn't left, and she doubts it ever will, but now isn't the time to think about such things. "Let's get you guys out of there."
Sneaking closer to the castle, Alice watches as the servents scurry about redesigning the property. Creeping up behind an unsuspecting worker, Alice knocks her unconscious and steals the uniform off the servant's back. Hiding her clothes in the forest, Alice dons the new apparel as she boldly walks through the castle gates.
"Hey, you," another servant calls to Alice. "Get over here; we could use some help."
Walking to the group, Alice looks at them curiously. "What seems to be the problem?"
"Some idiots planted white roses in the new maze the Queen wants. Now we have to paint each flower red."
"It's as if they want her to kill them."
"Exactly," the old man sighed. "Can you help?"
"Sure, I'm not busy at the moment," Alice shrugged. She follows the man and a few others to the maze where they will be painting. Once they arrive, they lay out a map to showcase what sections need to be painted and others primed. Alice took this time to memorize the map for her upcoming escape.
As the group began their job, Alice entered a friendly conversation in hopes of learning more about the new Red Queen. "So, can you guys believe the new norms the Queen wants to implement," she whispered to the group. "Just yesterday, she ordered something new."
"It's horrible," a female worker mutters under her breath. "But no one can say a word without her hailing for another execution. We've lost so many already. Off with their heads, she says!"
"I heard some were fleeing to the outskirts of Wonderland."
"Terrible idea, really," a young turtle spoke up. "Believe me, slow and steady wins the race. Everyone is running around when they need to stay put. If the Jabberwock finds them, they're good as dead."
"Exactly," I agree to appease the turtle. "But the young and fearful are always the first to act."
"A burden, really. Still, I bet no place in this world is safe now."
"I don't know about that," a frog spoke up. "I heard the White Queen has a fortress not even the Jabberwock can get through. It is bound by ancient magic."
"But no one can make it there. Plus," I paused for theatrical effect. "Absolom is here."
A round of gasp echoed throughout the group as the news spread, and the older man who first spoke to me took the reins of the conversation again. "Where did you hear that?"
"Those blasted fish that managed to get all the good jobs told me. Waving their status per usual."
"Arrogant welp."
"Right, but who knows how much the caterpillar will last under the Queen's care."
"Plus, the new upgrades to the prison... it must be horrible."
"More upgrades? What now?"
"Spells that activate if the correct guards don't pass through."
"What in the world does that mean?"
"Apparently, you must be holding the keys to the dungeons or face death by curses."
"Sounds terrible; I would hate that job. What if you accidentally left the keys lying around?"
There was a round of agreement as we returned to our tasks. Hours later, when our group goes separate ways, I slowly sneak down to the dungeons. I wait until nightfall when the change of guards arrive to attack.
Taking down the tired duo and their replacements, I make quick work of the group. Hiding their bodies, I steal all of their keys and slip inside. I still don't know how many guards remain inside, so I'll have to be careful.
Walking close to the shadows, I tiptoe past the few pairs of guards who have already received their replacements. Still, after another hour of searching, I haven't made any progress. So, to quicken my search, I start following guards in hopes I find my friends. The new plan works, and in no time, I see them.
After waiting for the guards to disappear, I slink to the cells and call out to them. "Guys, are you all here?"
"Alice?" the dormouse cries out in a cheerful voice. "I've never seen your face before!"
"Shh!"
"Sorry..."
"Well, is everyone here?"
"No, Absolom is missing-"
"Up in the Queen's room he is."
The Tweedles chimes in to inform me about our three-inch friend and his predicament. Thinking about my options, I can't come up with anything good. If I go for Absolom first, I'll never have the chance to rescue the rest. However, if I save them first, the new Queen will make it impossible to rescue the caterpillar.
"Bayard?"
"Yes, Alice?"
"Do you think you can sneak everyone out of here without being caught?"
"Yes, but where are you going?"
"To save Absolom," I grit as I unlock the cells. I hand each of my friends one golden key. Once in their hands or mouths, I lead them as far as the gardens before turning back. Just as I reach the castle, the bells sound, warning the guards of the new developments. "They must have found the bodies!"
Running through the halls, I managed to sneak past the guards using the secret passages I located over the years. Luckily, the Red Queen hasn't had the chance to change everything yet.
When a group of guards runs past my hiding spot for the umpteenth time, I grab the last of the Card Knights and haul him into another room. Pushing him down to the ground, I begin my interrogation. "Where is Absolom?"
"I'll never speak."
"Fine."
Grabbing his arm, I slowly tighten my hold. The valiant Card Knight, try as he might, can't hold out. "In the Queen's bedroom!"
"I know that part, but where is her bedroom?"
"It's in the East wing rather than the West wing where the last King stayed."
"Thanks," I chimed before knocking him unconscious. "You've been a hell of a playing card."
Running out of the room, I rush out the room to the East wing. It isn't long before I arrive, kicking down the door to the room. "Absolom?!"
"...You stupid girl," a weary and weak voice answers. In the corner of the room, I see my dear friend in a small chamber looking rather purple.
"Absolom, what has she done to you?" I asked, rushing to his side. "Don't worry; I'll get you out of here!"
"But where will you go?" another voice joined the fray. Suddenly the broken door flies back to its hinges, and the room fills with guards and the new Red Queen. "You seem familiar... do I know you from somewhere?"
"No, we've never met."
"Well, it doesn't matter. Some of my men found a couple of guards tied and gaged in the shrubbery. You wouldn't happen to know how that happened, do you?"
"Yeah, I put them there," I speak confidently. "You big-headed prat."
Anger flashes through her eyes, indicating I struck a nerve. "Honestly, most people bow to their new Queen, so bow!"
I sudden immense power pushes down on me, but no matter how forceful she is, I refuse to move a single inch. "You see, no matter what you say, I don't think my body will agree," I joked through gritted teeth, bearing them like an animal flashing their fangs. "I swore… long ago to never bow to anyone who dons a crown… I'll keep that promise… no matter what!"
Growing angry, she sucks in a deep breath, "Then you've left me no other choice."
"...I care little for your options..."
"For committing acts of treason against the Queen of Wonderland-"
"I am Alice, Goddaughter of Morgan le Fay!"
"-I sentence you to death! OFF WITH HER HEAD!"
"AND I WILL NOT BE DENIED!"
Pushing against her magic, I jump towards the shocked Queen of Hearts. Cora tries to stop me, but it's to no avail as the clash of our might throws the two of us backward. Instead of meeting her in combat, I break the cage holding my friend hostage and grab him. Some of the Card Knights try to stop me, but I throw them out of my way.
Seeing no other way, I run to the balcony with Absolom in hand. "HOLD ON!"
"...There isn't any other choice, stupid girl…"
I leap off the building as spears whiz past us. Moments later, I land on the floor, shattering the concrete beneath my feet. Without delay, I run to meet up with the others, leaving the Red Domain behind me.
The White Kingdom
3rd POV
Days have passed since Alice left for the Red Kingdom, and still, no news of her return has reached the ears of the White Rabbit. Even with the Rabbit standing at the gate waiting for developments, he's heard nothing
"Rabbit," The White Queen calls out, gliding to the small creature. "You must remain patient."
"How can I? She still hasn't returned, and if I hadn't allowed her to leave, she still might be here."
"I doubt that... your friend doesn't seem to like royalty."
"Please, don't blame her. Alice has lived a sad life. Many who bear a crown have shown cruelty to her. Kings, Queens, and the Lords of the land."
"She isn't from Wonderland, is she?"
"No, Alice isn't, but a citizen she'll always remain."
"In that, I do agree, and so does she," smiles the Queen, waving a hand at the horizon. "It seems we have company."
Looking towards the distance, the White Rabbit sees his companions, including a darling grey bunny. Rabbit runs with all his might to the bunny of his dreams, and it isn't long before a crowd joins him.
Alice watches the scene unfold as she gently places her dear friend Absolom in the hands of the White Queen. "He's sick; can you heal him?"
"I will do my best," she gently replies as she hands him to a knight with instructions on where to take the three-inch caterpillar. "Thank you, Alice. We couldn't have done this without you."
"No problem," Alice replies shortly before turning away from the Queen.
"Wait, where are you going?"
"To free Wonderland."
Storybrooke: Present time
3rd POV
As morning came, Jefferson woke up tired and sore. Hospital chairs aren't the most comfortable places to sleep, and his age isn't helping. "Geeze," he whispers, stretching his body. "I need to ask for a cot because another night of this will kill my back."
Looking around, he notes Emma's sleeping form. It was decided that she would leave for work, allowing Jefferson to care for Alice in her absence during the day. The blonde should be waking up soon to head back to her apartment to change.
Rather than keeping his attention on Emma, Jefferson focuses his gaze on his wife. Just as he looks over to the woman, a gasp leaves him as he stares into the eyes of the woman he loves.
Alice woke up moments ago, hearing a noise that disturbed her sleep, only to find a man near her. Tired, Alice regards him with a weary hello.
"Jefferson...hi."
So, what do you guys think of the new chapter? Let me know in the comments. Until next time, goodbye!
