TemperanceTales: I do not own Once Upon a Time in anyway shape or form and I give full credit to the creators. I don't own any fairytales not done in the show either and give credit to respectful owners. I give credit to Bizzarieve for all the help.
Chapter Twenty Six: Meeting the Mages.
Groaning, he opened his eyes to find himself in the same room he fell asleep in. This shouldn't be alarming, but it was. Not because of the room, but because he was able to look at the room. Looking around, he did not feel the same stiffness that had once occupied his body. Managing to sit up, August found himself looking out the window of Granny's room he occupied. Blinking in confusion, August suddenly remember what had happened before he blanked out.
The phone rang, making August jump nearly out of his skin. Hurrying out of bed, August clumsily went over to the phone. Picking it up, August said, "Hello?"
"Finally awake to the world, sleeping beauty?"
"Bae," August said, sitting down in the chair with a thud, "Did the transfer work?"
"Yes," Baelfire said, staring around. He was standing on a porch, looking out as the purple haze died away. "I see the Mages have prolonged the spell?"
"Yeah, it seems that way," August groaned, "Bae, I have so much I have to tell you."
"What? That the Master has now disappeared and the Mages are looking for an Anti-Magic user very much like me to pin the blame," Baelfire somewhat taunted and August said, "First off, I hate you. You and that blasted mirror, I don't know why I should tell you anything anymore. Second, that's not funny. You really could get accused, especially with Snow Queen being here."
"Oh, I dare her," Baelfire growled, his eyes darkening, "If she knew what was best for her, she'd scram before I could get my hands around her neck."
"Baelfire-."
"Look, I don't need a lecture," Baelfire said, shortly, "I've waited over thirty years to see dear old dad and was forced to wait five years to level the score with Snow Queen. I'm not leaving Storybrooke until I have done both-."
"Baelfire," August said firmly, "There is a Seventh Mage."
"What?" Baelfire said, sharply.
"There is a New Mage of Wonderland," August said, "Autumn, she goes by."
"And you couldn't tell me this earlier?"
"Well since you have the mirror, I thought you would already know, Mr. 4.0," August mocked.
Baelfire sighed, rubbing his temples. He glanced out before asking, "Is she dangerous?"
"I'm not sure. She been known to be friendly with your old man."
"That's not helpful."
"Well it's what I know," August said, "And she knew a lot about me and why I was here."
"Let me take care of it," Baelfire said, "Lay low for a bit. I'll send word when I've determined she's a threat or not."
"Bae-!" August started only for the phone to go dead. Sighing, August hung up the phone. That wasn't going to end well. Especially since he didn't convey the uncanny resemblance the mage shared with another little girl they loved so much.
Autumn ran.
She ran through the halls of the manor that seemed to warp around her. She couldn't see straight, the buzzing in her brain stretching through every limb. The female laughter rang throughout the hall as she tried to escape. Autumn turned a corner in hopes to escape.
Only to reach the end of a hall with a large window.
"Why," Autumn whined as the ringing in her ears sharpened. The laughter grew louder as she said.
"Don't run, little raven. There is nowhere to go."
Autumn looked back and yelped as the ringing sharpened once more. Running to the window, she opened it and looked down. Down was long, with water below. Autumn felt anxiety fill her, knowing full well the fall could kill her.
So could this person, this woman.
She had to warn everyone.
Autumn gasped as she jumped down to the watery basin below, bracing herself for the pain.
Emma awoke to a room that was not her own.
Or at least she didn't think it was her own. It was a room that she would take a liking too. Sleek modernized furniture, light blue walls, two bay windows that let in the salty air breeze; Emma couldn't help but sit up in her bed and walk over to the window. She was still in the same clothes, felt the same aches… the only thing was she now was in a room that had pictures of herself, herself and Mary Margaret, and Henry.
Henry.
"Henry!" Emma shouted, walking out of the bedroom and into a nice living room. Henry was standing there, looking around with a lost expression as he said, "Emma… Emma what happened? Where are we?"
"I don't know kid," Emma said, walking over to a shelf. Picking up an envelope, Emma saw that it had her name and an unfamiliar address, "I almost want to say… it's our place."
"Ours?" Henry asked, his eyes lighting up.
"Yeah," Emma said, "Ours."
Henry grinned and said, "I should call Autumn! Tell her that whatever she did to save the town from Anti-Magic worked."
Emma's heart dropped as Henry dashed over to the phone. Emma snatched it away first, leaving Henry much confused.
"Emma, what's wrong," Henry said.
"This," Emma said, "This is wrong."
Henry looked confused as Emma ran her hand through her hair. Emma hurried through the other rooms of the house. She finally stopped in the kitchen, realizing that Autumn was not there. Henry found her, looking nervously as he asked, "Emma, what's wrong?"
"Henry," Emma said, "Autumn was supposed to be here. She said that she would wake up where I woke up."
"What?" Henry looked alarmed. There was a knock on the front door. Before Emma could even make it, the door unlocked and swung up.
There stood a livid Mr. Gold.
"Where is she?!" Gold fumed.
Emma barely stammered out an answer as Gold pushed his way past her. Glancing around the house, Gold turned to watch Emma close the door and look at him harassed. But Gold had no time or patience for such things as he continued on his rant.
"So instead of the curse being broken, I wake up to find that the curse is frozen in place, a forcefield around this entire town, and new memories of fostering a eleven-year-old girl who is currently not in her bedroom or anywhere else!"
"I don't know where she is," Emma said, "She said we would wake up together and we didn't!"
"And why would she be waking up here?!" Gold hissed, "Why was she even with you?!"
"We were cleaning up your mess," Emma savagely, "This curse was about to break when there is an anti-magic shield or whatever looming just beyond the town line!"
"An anti-magic shield?" Mr. Gold said incredulously.
"There is!" piped in Henry, "Autumn said it was really strong-!"
"Even so, that still doesn't explain where she is!" Gold snapped, gripping his cane threateningly.
"She isn't here," Emma said, "I've already told you, she said that she would be where I woke up and she's not!"
Emma stepped closer to Gold, her eyes glowering. Gold stood his ground as Emma said, "We could stand here all day arguing but that is not going to help us find her faster. Don't you have some kind of spell that can locate her?"
Gold scoffed, staring at her incredulously as he said, "Don't you think I would have done that by now, Miss Swan? She cannot be located by magic."
"Then let's look for her the old fashion way!" Emma snapped.
"Yes because we're going to find her by trooping through the woods and calling out her name!" Gold snarled.
"Emma?"
Emma and Gold looked towards Henry, who was looking towards a full length mirror. His head was tilted, watching the mirror strangely. Emma couldn't figure out why until she saw the mirror shimmer.
"What the-!"
Emma barely had time to speak when she found herself being pulled towards the mirror. Emma barely had time to brace herself for the impact, only to find that there was no impact. At least, not immediately. Emma yelped as she and Henry were tossed to the floor. Emma groaned, turning to see Gold walk through the mirror. Glaring at him, Emma said, "What was that for?!"
"It wasn't me, Miss Swan." Mr. Gold said, coldly.
"No, it was me."
Emma looked towards the voice. A woman with shoulder length hair walked down the long stairwell leading into the room. Emma and Henry stood up as she said, "I'm sorry that you had to be brought in such a way. We needed to maintain the secrecy of our location."
"Well if it isn't the Mage of Neverland," Gold said, mockingly, "Jane."
"Old Croc," Jane mocked right back, "It's nice to see you without your scales."
"What are we doing here?" Emma asked abruptly.
"Our meeting is being held upstairs," Jane said, "If you would follow me."
Emma looked unsure until Henry said, "It's okay. She is Autumn's friend."
"Oh?" Emma asked unsure, only for Henry to take her hand and lead her up the stairs. Gold scoffed, following them at his own pace.
The stairwell led to a large hallway that led them to a study filled with people. Many Emma did recognize but there were only two that made her heart stop.
"Emma!" Snow's arms were wrapped around Emma faster than Emma could react. Emma remained frozen, something that Snow did not pick up on as she pulled away. Charming walked over as well and also went to give Emma a hug as well. But Emma was saved by a male's voice that sent unwanted chills down her spine.
"So this is the group?"
They all turned to see a man sitting behind a sleek wooden desk. In his hand was a cigar that was smoking slightly at the end. He was dressed somewhat sloppily in a suit, worn dress shoes and his hair fell about his face. His feet were propped up on the corner of the desk. Putting the cigar to his mouth, he said in his thick accent, "So these are them?"
"Yes," Jane said, walking around the outskirts of the room, "These are them. Now if you will excuse me, I have other important business to attend to."
Jane opened a door in the study and disappeared from sight. Gold made his way away from Emma towards a woman with brown curly hair. Emma watched him queerly as his eyes softened. Gently brushing back a loose curl, he asked if she was alright. Her answer was a brief nod. Emma barely noticed her parents face the man as Charming stepped forward boldly, "And just who the hell are you? Why did you bring us here?"
"Bold little prince," the man said, "Name is Ryaden, Mage of the Isle."
"A Mage?" Red asked surprised.
"And what is the Mage of Trickery Island doing in our little town?" Gold asked, coldly, "If that is where we even are anymore."
"Ah, Rumpelstiltskin," Ryaden said, "Nice to see you not looking like a shiny lizard."
"Ryaden, don't be rude."
Everyone's attention turned to see a woman with long dark hair enter the room. She was dressed in a simple dark purple gown that barely hung on her shoulders. She looked tired, but she strode in gracefully as she said, "We need their cooperation, after all."
"You should be resting," Ryaden said as she approached his side. Tzila frowned and plucked the cigar from his hand saying, "And you shouldn't be smoking that."
Waving it, it disintegrated into wisps of shadows. Ryaden huffed and did not protest. Tzila looked towards them all with a calm expression as she said, "My name is Tzila, the Mage of Bezaleel."
"Well now that everyone knows who you are," the Blue Fairy said, her tone clipped, "What is this problem that we keep hearing about?"
"Anti-Magic," Ryaden said, folding his hands sloppily on his stomach, "It's surrounding Storybrooke, trapping all of us here."
"What?!" David said, angrily as everyone else panicked. Emma looked confused, but didn't ask. Gold gripped the cane, his jaw tight. He then said as Belle stayed close to him, "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Ryaden said, "When this curse was enacted, something from each of our own lands was stolen. We came here, searching out what could be occurring, and that's when we discovered the globe of Anti-Magic surrounding this town. It is very much active, very much dangerous. We don't know which anti magic user is capable of such power, nor do we know what his or her motives are."
"What we've had the Mage who stalled out this curse do was make it so only a few select would remember their pasts," Tzila said, "That way mass panic could be avoided, and we can have time to destroy this trap without further distractions."
"If someone wanted to keep us here, why steal something from your lands?" Archie asked, "Surely that would only cause for more enemies to rally against him."
"Unless he wanted us to come," Ryaden said, distantly, "We can't be sure, I'm afraid. We're just going to have to squash whatever his plan is."
"How do we do that?" David asked and Tzila said, "There should be a core somewhere in Storybrooke, a core fueling the Anti Magic Dome. Once we find it, we can figure out how to destroy it."
"We don't care what you do with the town, but we will tell you one thing," Ryaden warned, "The reason we brought everyone here was so you can work together. Whatever harm anyone has ever done, we shall deal with. But we demand that you put all your differences behind you. The Mage who stalled out this curse sacrificed much to have you all remember, do not put this chance to waste."
Ryaden glanced at Gold with narrowed eyes as he said, "Do we understand each other?"
Gold smirked tauntingly as he said, grabbing Belle's hand, "Of course."
He disappeared in a whirl of purple smoke, Belle disappearing as well. Emma didn't seem fazed, probably because of all the magic she had been exposed to in the last 24 hours. But something was tearing away at her gut as she felt her mind whirl. Where in the world was Autumn? Gold was now gone to do who knows what and Emma hadn't the faintest idea where she could even be. Henry seemed to be thinking along the same as he said, "Ummm… sir. My friend, Autumn. She's been -!?"
"She is no longer your concern," Ryaden said, shortly, "She is strictly our problem now."
"Your problem?" David asked, his eyes narrowing, "Why would she be-?"
Ryaden snapped his fingers, saying, "Goodbye."
The group disappeared, leaving the two alone. Tzila put her hand on Ryaden's shoulder, saying, "That wasn't kind. The boy is concerned, as are we. She was supposed to report back hours ago."
"She'll show up. She always does," Ryaden said, "And when she does, she'll join us back here."
"Is that wise?" Tzila asked softly.
"We need her to be safe," Ryaden said, "We have no idea who is doing all this."
"But this group seems attached to her."
"They'll get over it," Ryaden said, shortly, "She's one of us."
"True," Tzila said, "But she is also one of them too, Ryaden."
Ryaden swung the chair to stand up. Putting an arm around her waist, Ryaden pulled her close and kissed her soundly. Tzila sighed softly before pulling away to say, "We aren't the only ones that care."
"I'm aware," Ryaden said, "But we Mages are the ones with the responsibilities. Regardless of how old we are."
"Trying to get magic to work?"
Regina clenched her fist together, staring at the flower she had been bent over next to. They were in Regina's office, which was illuminated from the afternoon lights. Regina stood up, letting out an exhale. Turning on her heel, Regina said, "It's not really your business Morgana, now is it?"
Morgana walked, her heels clicking along the floor. Her dress was simple, covered by a jacket with light fur lining. Reaching out, the Snow Queen picked up one of the apples sitting in the black basket. She tutted and said, "Still trying to pretend you haven't lost, eh Regina?"
"I haven't," Regina said, scoffing slightly, "Just some minor setbacks."
"Mmm," Morgana said, examining the apple. She put it back down before looking back towards Regina. Her grey eyes were indifferent as she said impatiently, "Really darling, you must learn to know when you've lost the battle. Trust me; I've been doing this much longer than you."
Regina gave a little smirk as she said, "I still have this town, don't I?"
"Well, depends," Morgana said, somewhat smugly, "You may not have it for long. Right now you have Snow White, the Seven Dwarves, the cricket, the wolf and her Granny, the imp and his lover, Henry and the Sheriff all working together to get rid of this new boundary of Anti-Magic all trapping us here."
"Well good luck," mocked Regina, "That's won't be easy. Trust me; I've made sure of it."
Morgana raised her brows and said, "Oh? And just what are you implying Regina? Are you telling me you've something to do with this new development? Last I checked, magic users can't use Anti-Magic."
"Well then I guess you'll just have to figure it out on your own," Regina taunted, stepping right into Morgana's personal space, "But I will tell you this, there are someone people willing to do whatever it takes to get their revenge. No matter who they hurt."
Regina then walked around her and out of the room saying, "Have a good day, Morgana."
Morgana watched Regina leave with narrowed eyes. Morgana smirked slightly saying, "You too dear. I hope you keep your own words in mind. After all, you might have just sacrificed something big just to keep this town."
The forest crunched underneath her feet.
The woman was cloaked, the old black cape brushing the floor. There was something eerie about her presence. The forest seemed to reflect that eeriness as it's normal vibrancy faded and the noises of normalcy ceased. It was quiet, too quiet.
Which made the screeching that much more terrifying.
It flew down from overhead, the dark cloaked creature screeching loudly and menacingly. The woman pointed into the forest and murmured in an echoing tone, "Go."
The creature fled into the shadows of the forest, leaving the woman alone. All that could be seen of her face was a mocking smile. Her laughter filled the air as she said, "Let the games begin."
"Good lord, it looks like a number had been done on her."
Autumn whimpered, the voices around her not sounding a hundred percent clear. Moving her head around, she opened her eyes to see bright lights. Grimacing, Autumn lifted an arm over her eyes. Her arm felt like lead, as did the rest of her body. However, the voices sounded familiar and kept her conscious. A hand pushed back her hair as the voice said urgently, "Alison? Kid, wake up!"
"Elisabeth, be gentle! She's been through too much."
Autumn froze, allowing her arm to move. Her vision adjusted and cleared to see Chess staring down at her concerned. With someone else with a very familiar face.
"Felicity," groaned Autumn, "But how- why?"
"No time to fully explain," Felicity said, "We need to go. Can you stand?"
"Everything doesn't feel right," Autumn whined, the buzzing in her body fluctuating.
"Yeah, well, that's what happened when you've been exposed to raw Enchanted Realm Magic. It doesn't sit well with Wonderland's brand of stuff…" Felicity said, as Chess helped Autumn into a sitting position. "We need to move now."
"I don't think she can move, Elsie," Chess said warily.
"Then help her!" Felicity said, urgently, "We have to move. I smell something foul coming this way!"
"Foul-?"
The screech filled the air.
It shot adrenaline through Autumn's uncooperative body. Leaning into Chess, she allowed him to help her flee as Felicity snarled, "Run! TAKE HER AND RUN!"
Autumn could barely feel her legs move but she could easily hear that shriek getting closer. Chess dragged her by her arm, almost flying through the forest. Autumn stumbled as she tried to clear her head enough to comprehend what was going on. Tripping over a tree root, Autumn stumbled to the ground. Chess recovered quickly as he shouted, "Alice, we have to move!"
"I'm trying," Autumn said with gritted teeth. The screech from above their heads made them turn to see the monster hovering above. It smelled, the stench horrendous. Her heart almost stopped as she saw the pure magical energy gathering in its boney palms. Chess managed to pull her to her knees, but it was too late.
Autumn screeched as she felt the electricity shoot through her. She could barely hear Chess snarling as he collapsed to the ground. It was the last clear thing she saw as many noises filled her ears. Voices were screaming, the creature was screeching, and magic was soaring. It had felt like an eternity before the world stopped spinning and things became clearer.
"-Miss Swan, would you quit pacing over my shoulder!"
"Well I'm sorry! I'm still a bit freaked out over that-that thing!" Emma's voice said edgily, "How badly hurt is she?"
"She has magic in her that doesn't mix well with our raw magic," Gold hissed. His back was to her, blocking Emma from view. "She looks like she been drowned in a river and tossed around in the dirt. I think it's self-explanatory how badly hurt she is."
"That's because I had to jump in the river," Autumn whined.
Both of their bickering stopped as a new voice above Autumn's head said, "Autumn, your awake."
"I've been awake," Autumn mumbled, rubbing one eye as she sat up. They were in Gold's home, more specifically her bedroom. Belle was sitting on one side of her bed, leaning on the head board. Belle slipped behind her, supporting her shoulders. Gold turned so he was facing her fully. His sharp brown eyes met hers as he asked, "Why did you jump into a river?"
"Because the anti-magic user is really, really strong and I didn't feel like getting my butt kicked again," Autumn mumbled.
Gold stared at her intently as Charming walked in. Emma looked confused as she asked, "I thought you had the filter thing to keep you safe?"
"Something knocked it away from me and broke it," Autumn said, rubbing her head, "Everything is still fuzzy."
"It will be for a while," Gold said roughly.
"The monster disappeared into the forest," Charming said, "We haven't been able to find it since."
"It was probably recalled by its Mistress," Gold said, "I don't think we will be seeing it again any time soon."
"Are you okay kid?" Emma asked, walking over to Autumn. Autumn nodded, but provided no other verbal answer. Gold then turned to them and said, "I hate to interrupt this little meeting of the minds but I doubt she will be sending this creature back. Not when no one in this town remembers. So if you would please leave my house so I can tend to my business."
"But I thought the Mages said that she-!" Charming asked confused.
"The Mages have no say," growled Gold, taking Autumn's hand and tracing the palm. Charming was about to say more when Emma stopped him and said, "Don't. She will be okay here."
Emma glanced back as she said, "I will be back in a half hour to talk to you, okay kid?"
"Okay," Autumn murmured. The two of them left as Belle looked at Gold nervously. Gold was too busy examining Autumn's hands to visibly notice. Autumn bit her lip as Gold muttered, "There's no more of it inside you. However, you magic is going to be neutralized for a half day."
Autumn nodded, leaning back into Belle. Belle hugged her gently, kissing the top of her head. Gold, however, didn't seem as mushy as he said coolly, "Belle, please go start dinner. I need to talk to Autumn alone."
Belle looked surprised but nodded surly. Giving Autumn one more squeeze, Belle slipped away and out of sight. Autumn looked at Gold nervously. He stared pointedly at her as he said, "You and I have to talk."
"I was afraid of that," Autumn said, nervously. Gold gripped her hands as he said, "You stalled the curse out."
"Yes," Autumn said, "The Mages needed it stalled. There was Anti-Magic everywhere."
"And they trusted this task to a ten-year-old girl because…?"
"It was one of my potions," Autumn said, nervously, "I knew how to use it best."
"I see," Gold said, "And why did you tell me none of this?"
Autumn flinched as he squeezed her hands and said roughly, "Why would you give up the one woman who bent over backwards for you? Why did you go behind my back and prevent me from doing the one thing I created this curse for?"
Autumn felt tears prickle her eyes at the thought of Kathryn, of his reason for leaving. Her gut twisted at the thought of telling him about his mission being futile or watching Kathryn live a happy life without her. Gold's eyes seem to soften momentarily but he didn't say anything more. Taking a deep breath, Autumn looked up at him with a serious expression.
"Because people would have gotten hurt," Autumn said fiercely, "Including you and Kathryn and everyone else I care about."
Gold yanked her into his arms, hugging her tight. Autumn breathed in his cologne, sighing in semi relief as he said, "You are a Class A Troublemaker, you know that."
"I'm neutral actually," Autumn said, her voice muffled by his jacket. Gold snorted softly before saying, "Now why doesn't that surprise me?"
"Because you know me oh-so-well?" Autumn suggested. Gold shook his head before saying, "Not entirely… but I very much want to."
Autumn looked up at him, hopefully. Gold lightly kissed the top of her head and said, "Regina is going to murder you."
"Well she can get in line with the hundred and one other people," Autumn huffed, "Besides, you'll protect me."
"Mmm, maybe I'm getting too old for this 'protecting' business," Gold said, "Especially for people that go sneaking around behind my back."
"You're just mad that I beat you at your own game," Autumn taunted, slipping away from him to hop off the bed. Gold watched her amused as she teased, "Besides, I figured your influence would have more punch."
"Excuse me?" Gold said. She walked over towards the door turning around. She was grinning now as she said, "You heard me. With the way you're whining, I guess I was wrong."
"Ohoh," Gold said, his voice dangerously mocking. Autumn grinned, backing up out of the room. He followed her, leaning ever so briefly on the cane before lifting it up effortlessly. He walked normally towards her and Autumn looked surprised. Autumn backed out into the hallway saying, "That is really not fair…"
"Oh it's plenty fair, dearie," Gold said, "Just like your punishment for such cheekiness will be plenty fair."
Autumn sprinted off, only for Gold to grab her. Autumn squealed, laughing as he pulled her back into her room. He tickled her sides, until she found herself doubled over in giggles. Allowing her to breath, Gold hugged her gently. Autumn then looked up at him grinning and said, "You know, that's not really a punishment."
"No," Gold said, "But do you really want to know what is?"
"Not really," Autumn said, honestly and Gold said, "Then don't do such a sneaky thing again. Now, go on and entertain yourself. Belle is making dinner so it should be ready soon."
Autumn's looked of curiosity came over her as she sprinted off to the kitchen downstairs. He chuckled and walked down the stairs. He was about to peek into the kitchen when there was knocking at the door. He walked over to it and opened it to reveal Emma. He said, "Sheriff Swan, back very promptly I see."
"I did say a half an hour," Emma said, glancing at him indifferently, "Can I talk to the kid? It will only be about five minutes."
"You can," Gold said, "But I would refrain from talking about Kathryn, she hasn't talked much about it and I don't think she wants to."
"I understand," Emma said, "It's not related to that."
"Alison!" Gold called, walking towards the kitchen, "Sheriff Swan is here to see you."
Emma watched Autumn came around the corner. She walked over to Emma with a somewhat guilty look. Emma smiled, as if to tell her that it was okay. Autumn walked over to the door as Emma said, taking Autumn's coat off the coat rack, "Let's go for a walk kid, it's been a long day."
Autumn nodded, taking the coat from Emma as they left the house. Autumn stuck her hands in her pocket saying, "Sorry, I was…."
"It's alright," Emma said quickly, "I'm just glad you're okay."
They walked in companionable silence as they made it to the main street of Storybrooke. Emma then said saying, "What are we going to do about this, kid?"
"About what?" Autumn asked, looking up at Emma. Emma glanced down at Autumn saying, "About telling Gold about your dad. I'm assuming you still haven't told him the bad news."
"Of course not," Autumn said, "It would crush him."
"Well we can't keep it a secret forever," Emma said, with a sigh, "He's expecting me to find him."
"Maybe we can just pretend to look for him, and then tell him that we found out he was dead?" Autumn suggested and Emma said, looking uncomfortable, "But that's still not being honest, I mean you're his…grandkid?"
Autumn couldn't help but start laughing a bit. Emma bit her lip, her mouth forming into a smile. She then too burst out laughing saying, "This all is very…awkward."
"Yeah, especially since Snow White looks your age," Autumn said, tossing her hair back, "We really shouldn't be laughing…"
"Probably not," Emma said, "I think I'm just going to have to tell him the truth. I think he would understand why you wouldn't feel comfortable telling him that."
"And if he doesn't?" Autumn asked, almost sounding fearful. Emma looked down, offering a comforting smile saying, "Then I'll kick his rear and throw him in jail till he changes his mind. Telling him how lucky he should be to have a wonderful grandkid."
Emma snorted, stopping to laugh again. A smile overcoming her face, Autumn said, "Come on, Emma this is serious."
"I'm sorry," Emma said, turning back to face Autumn, "It's just he doesn't seem…"
Emma froze, her eyes going wide and her look stunned. Autumn looked at her concerned as she looked to see what Emma was staring at. When she saw what Emma was staring at, Autumn could have sworn her heart stopped. It had to have, because she couldn't breathe or move. Gasping, she stepped a few paces back. Autumn couldn't believe her eyes. No, it couldn't be, there was absolutely no way he could be alive. And yet there he was getting out of the car. His hair was dark and neatly combed, his dark eyes warm and gentle. He hadn't shaved but it wasn't long, and Autumn knew that it was unmistakably him. Trembling, Autumn swallowed hard as Emma recollected herself and stood in front of Autumn. Grasping Autumn's shoulder comfortingly, Emma watched the man approach Emma with a sincere look on his face. Emma put on a nice smile as she said, "Hey, can I help you?"
"Yes, I'm looking for a Granny's Bed and Breakfast. I'm meeting a friend there," he said, his voice soothing as she remembered. Autumn couldn't help but shiver, but desperately tried to collect herself. She stood up straight and put on her best poker face, but felt her eyes slightly dampen from threatening tears. Emma smiled and said, "Yeah, she's actually right down the street. It's a big house, you can't miss it."
"Thank you. Hey, I didn't catch your name," he said and Emma said, reaching out the shake his hand, "Emma Swan, I'm the Town Sheriff."
"Ah, hello," he shook her hand, and Emma nearly flinched when she felt a little electric shock, "My name is Baelfire Kinsleigh."
He peered over and spotted Autumn. His eyes stared intently at her, as if he was trying to see through her. She could have sworn her lungs were sucked from air while he took her in saying, "Who is this? Your kid?"
"No," Emma said, glancing at Autumn, "She's my son's friend Autumn, she and I were just out for a walk."
Baelfire smiled, but his eyes looked on more sharply. Like there was something he wanted from her. Autumn suddenly felt really nervous in a really bad way as she extended her hand saying ever so softly, "Nice to meet you."
He grasped her hand, and Autumn nearly reacted to a shock running through her. He stared intently at her saying, "Likewise."
He released her and said pleasantly to Emma, "Well, I shall be heading off. Thank you for the directions. Perhaps I'll see you around town sometime."
"How long do you plan on staying?" Emma asked casually as he walked back to his car. He opened the door and said, "For a while. Have a good night."
He got into his car without another word and went off. Emma's face went from pleasant to stricken as she said, "How can that be?"
Autumn couldn't speak, she was trembling so badly. Her face had gone pale and tears were coming down swiftly. It couldn't be, there was no way. Autumn breathed in sharply and shakily. Emma looked back and immediately hugged her saying, "Relax, we'll figure this out."
"Emma," Autumn said, choking the words, "That's really him. He just-but ho-?!"
Emma grasped on to Autumn saying, "Come on, this is not a place to sort this out."
~Storybook~
"Quickly, we don't have a lot of time!"
Alison quickly followed after Hatter into the woods. She had on a dark cloak and was following the Hatter through the woods. There were loud sounds of the Queen's guards coming after them, but luckily night concealed them for the most part. Little Alison looked quite upset as she followed Hatter to the best of her abilities. She felt strange, with the magic flowing through her. She wasn't sure she quite liked it. Tears crept down her cheeks as the Cheshire Cat's face appeared in a swirl saying quickly and quietly, "This way, we're almost there."
"Good!" Hatter said, looking relieved. There was a sniffle and Hatter looked around wildly. Alison stood there, trembling from head to toe. She may physically no longer looked like the six year old he met, but her eyes definitely brought him back to that time. He hated to see her eyes filled with tears as she said, "Hatter, I want to go home. I want my Dad."
"You will," Hatter said, taking her hand with on hand and reaching his other to her face. Wiping her tears, Jefferson said, "But for now we must hurry to a safe place. The Queen won't rest till she's found you."
Hatter quickly followed the Cheshire Cat down into the depths of the forest, leading Alison by the hand. Leaves of all sizes brushed up against them, making Alison whimper. Hatter shushed her kindly, understanding the feeling deep inside her. The sounds of the soldiers died away as they kept moving deeper and deeper into the thicket. It had felt like an eternity had gone by before they made it out of the thicket of forest. Alison then looked around, seeing a wondrous site before her. It was like a huge room with leaves as the walls and the sky for the ceiling. There were canopies of gigantic leaves held by thick winding roots. Cats of all sizes like Cheshire either laid out on these branches and there were people there too. But these people seemed quite cat like. Long, slender, their eyes very cat like. One stood up, looking more splendid that the others. She had dark tan skin with sharp golden brown eyes. Her dark hair was free and wild, but her well defined face was beautiful to Alison. Her body was toned muscle wise and her clothes very strange. Alison looked afraid, burying her face into the Hatter's coat. He looked at Alison with surprise and the cat woman said her voice sharp and slightly accented, "It's alright child. You are safe with me here."
Alison looked over at the woman as she approached. She smiled, her cat like smile much more mysterious than Cheshire's. She then stood up straighter saying, "I must say, I never thought in the thousands annuals of living I would see another mage like you again."
"Please," Hatter said, sounding a little put out, "Are you sure-?"
"I'm positive," she said sharply. She looked from Jefferson and back to Alison saying, "The presence is strong within her."
Alison looked even more frightened and the woman purred, "No, don't be frightened Alice. You are perfectly safe, as is the Hatter. My son has taken quite the liking to you."
Alison looked at the woman and asked warily, "Your Chesshire's Momma?"
"Of course," the woman said, taking Alison into her arms as Jefferson let go of her hand, "My name is Sofronia. I'm the Mother Cat. And you name is Alice, no?"
"Alison," sniffled Alison, "Only the Queen called me Alice."
"Well then," Sofronia said, pushing back Alison's hair, "You are Kitten to me now. For now, we shall rest. While we some are nocturnal, you are not. I will protect you while you sleep."
"When can I go home," Alison sniffled as the Mother Cat brought her over to the bed where other cats were sleeping. Mother Cat laid her down saying, "Once you have mastered your powers, you will be able to go home to your father. Do not worry; time will pass here but not there. You father won't even know you've gone and you will look exactly the same before you left."
Sofronia soothed Alison to sleep, purring a lullaby to her. Pulling the blankets above the sleeping child, she watched the young one intently. Hatter watched and said with a heavy voice, "She's been tainted by our world."
"Don't say things so crassly," the Mother Cat said, "The magic agrees with her. It's been a long time since someone has been chosen."
"Yes, but she is just a child."
"All the better," Mother Cat said, "It means we'll have a Mage for many more phases. Do not worry yourself Jefferson, she may just be the key to you getting home."
