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 Thirty One: Chessboard

"Where is Alison?"

Ava was watching Henry, who was sitting on the grass by the usual tree. It was before school and the usual five children were down to four. Henry shrugged and said, "I have no idea. I didn't see her on the way to school today. No one was at Gold's house either…"

"Maybe she's sick?" Nicholas asked, his face looking worried as Ava looked thoughtful. Paige shrugged and said softly, "Maybe the Mage's had something to do today. I know Papa had to go off and take care of business today. He went off after dropping me off at the bus."

"Whatever it is, we'll find out later," Ava said with a shrug, but added caringly, "I just hope she's okay."

The bell rang and the five looked towards the school. Henry stood up as Ava and Nicholas groaned. However as Henry lifted his bag, all of his papers fell out. Paige bent down to help him pick them up and Ava said, "We have to go. Our teacher is already in a bad mood. Something about lack of sleep…"

"Go on ahead," Henry said, obviously a little flustered, "We'll see you later. I could have sworn I closed it…"

Ava and Nicholas ran off as the two gathered his papers. Handing them to her, Paige said worriedly, "I really hope nothing bad's happened. Alison's had enough going on, what with her father appearing out of nowhere and Kathryn not remembering."

"Well, perhaps she should have taken my advice."

Henry and Paige jolted up, Henry holding on to his bag tightly. Regina Mills stood there with a big fake smile plastered to her face. Paige looked wildly from Henry to Regina, refusing to move from his side. Henry however, had an angry look come over his face, and he said heatedly, "I'm not talking to you."

"Is that anyway to treat your mother," Regina said, lowly and Henry snapped, "You're not my mother, not anymore. You gave that up when you decided to hurt everyone, especially me."

The fake smile faded from her lips. Regina had conflicting emotions cross her face; anger, sadness, regret. Shaking her head, the fake sincerity was back and she said, "While I would be more than happy to discuss this, I'm not here to talk to you. I'm here to have a little chat with your friend, Autumn Doe. Is she here?"

"No, and we wouldn't tell you if we knew where she was," Henry glowered and pulled on Paige's sleeve. Paige followed him without another word and Regina watched with a little bit of a glazed look in her eyes. Shoving her hands in her pocket, Regina watched Henry disappear inside the school.

"Hard to watch him go?"

Regina gripped her coat pocket and turned to see Gold standing there. He was in his usual suit and leaning against his can. Regina put on a fake smirk and said, "Well, Rumple, I didn't expect to see you so soon. I figured you would have waited to kill me till I was good and alone."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about me, dearie," Gold said walking towards her with an air of danger, "Not yet, anyway."

"Well I am so relieved," Regina said with a mocking expression. Gold held a serious stare as he said, almost bitterly, "I made a promise to someone that I wouldn't kill you."

"Who could illicit such a promise from you?" Regina said, a hint of surprise in her tone. Gold nearly towered over her as he said lowly, "Belle."

Regina didn't even bother to look surprised, but did give her tone an attempt for shock, "She's alive?"

"You are," Gold said, shaking his head slightly in disbelief, "A dreadful liar."

"Well apparently I was good enough to have you believe my first little lie," Regina mocked, no longer pretending. Gold's hand gripped his cane tighter as Regina purposely taunted him more, "So what did she have to do to have you promise that? Sacrifice her first born? Sell her soul to you?"

Gold then smirked, in a dark way that even Regina hadn't seen. It chilled her, so much so that Regina had to struggle to keep up her confident look. Regina didn't think it was possible, but Gold straightened up and said, "Well, that is something you'll never know dearie. But I will let you know that promise does give me a little lee way. After all, she's far from foolish. If you harm Belle, if you harm my family… I will end you. Don't think for two seconds I'll even let you get the chance to hurt Belle and Autumn so I will tell you this only once: Leave them alone."

Gold then walked past and Regina stood there for a moment. The chills remained, but something else had taken hold of her. Her anger, her frustration, her insecurities roared from a constraint flicker to a roaring flame. Regina then said loudly and mockingly, "I guess neither of those females told you about their fathers!"

Gold stopped, but did not turn around. Regina continued, looking over at him with a hateful smile, "Ohh, I guess not. It seems Autumn, or should I say Alison, doesn't trust you at all. Wouldn't even tell you that your own SON was her father. And Belle? Her father shunned her, that much I didn't lie. He was so desperate to get rid of her, gave her money and anything else he could give to send her off. If either of them loved you like they said they do, you would think they would trust you enough to tell you the truth."

"Believe me dearie," Gold said suddenly and loudly, "I don't care if they want me to run off the face of the earth, I will protect them if it is the last thing I do."


Alison woke up, blinking her eyes blearily. The sun light was pouring into the room, a room that was very bleary at first. Her smell, however, worked like a charm. Breakfast, it was definitely breakfast. Belle was never up before her, however, and neither was Gold. This thought made her jolt; school. She hadn't ever slept in this late; she was usually good about this. Scrambling up, Alison looked around to see a surprise. This was not her room, most definitely NOT her room. It was blue in color, and the room was unnervingly tidy. Alison looked around to see herself in a rather large bed. The sheets were fluffy and dark brown. How did she get here? Getting up out of bed, Alison noticed a bag in the corner of the room; her bag. She began to walk over to it timidly before she heard a noise downstairs. Alison looked over and began to tiptoe out of the room.

There was a long railing that lined the hall that lead to other rooms. A stairwell led down to the second floor where another larger staircase led to what seemed to be the first floor. The walls were warm in color, the light from outside contributing to it. The floor was sleek and the runner carpet clean. Alison tiptoed, walking down the stairs in awe and shock. It was exactly the same. It was like walking in a memory. The windows, the pictures, everything was the same from when she was growing up. How could that be? The house had burnt to a crisp and yet this house looked exactly like the old one. Walking towards the stairs, Alison crept down the stairs to the main floor. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Alison looked around and saw the room to the left that furthered her confusion.

It was the living room. The couches were just a cushiony and brown. The rug was light blue and the same colored curtains covered the windows. However, it was the ceiling that made her mouth gape.

A beautiful mural of the fairytale realm she loved to read about. It had been her favorite part of the house growing up. Every detail was exactly the same, even the worn spots. Shaking her head, Alison said, "How is this still here?"

"It's a long story, Miss Kinsleigh."

Alison nearly jumped out of her skin. Wildly looking around, Alison searched for the source of the noise only to find that voice echoed around her.

"Creator, your daughter is awake. It seems Miss Kinsleigh is still confused about her surroundings."

"Thank you Vespera. I guarantee you she most definitely is now."

Alison whirled around to see her father standing near the staircase. He looked disheveled, his shirt was untucked and the top two buttons unbuttoned. His hair was messy as usual and his grin sheepish.

"Morning," he said.

"How-," Alison said, turning around in a circle while pointing at the ceiling, "How is this-how did I get here?"

"I carried you," Baelfire said simply.

"This place- how is this place here? It burnt up and yet-!" Alison said frowning in confusion.

"It is still the same," Baelfire said, "Yeah there is a reason for that."

"I-Is it the same reason some random voice just keeps talking?" Alison stammered, staring at the ceiling in confusion. Baelfire chuckled as he said, "Yes it is. But first, breakfast. C'mon, I made blueberry pancakes."

Alison looked stubbornly at him, obviously not pleased with the change in subject. Baelfire turned and walked towards the kitchen saying, "Unless they aren't still your favorite?"

"That is hardly the point," Alison muttered. Looking around, Alison followed into the kitchen. This too was exactly the same as she remembered it. The round table still had the old blue tablecloth with the same white plates. The walls were still bright and the counters sleek. The smell of blueberry pancakes filled her nose while the French doors let in the golden light of day. Walking over to the table, Alison sat down with a lost expression on her face. Baelfire put the platter of pancakes down on the table as well as syrup. Looking at her, he noticed her expression and sighed. Walking around to her, he scooped down to give her a one arm hug.

"I promise to explain," Baelfire said, kissing the top of her head, "But please, after breakfast."

Alison wiggled a moment but nodded. Baelfire released her, walking towards his own seat. Alison put pancakes on her plate before saying, "You better not have put any chocolate chips in this."

"Any kid and I mean any other kid would love chocolate chips in pancakes," Baelfire said rolling his eyes, "I end up with the one kid who abhors chocolate."

"It's gross," Alison said, pouring syrup on her pancakes.

"To you," Baelfire said, "I see that still hasn't changed."

Alison took a bite, chewing slowly. Baelfire watched her carefully before pouring syrup on his own pancakes. Alison swallowed as Baelfire asked, "So what has changed? Is your favorite color still blue?"

"Yep," Alison said, "Are you still a bacon hound?"

"Hey, you can never have too much bacon," Baelfire said.

"Until bacon is made of pigs that were once human," Alison retorted.

"No bacon in this world is made that way!" Baelfire said, exasperated.

"That you know of," Alison huffed, taking another bite of her pancakes, "Do you still ghost write stories?"

"I do," Baelfire said, "I've taken a bit of a reprieve for a while."

"Why?"

Baelfire waved his hand vaguely as he said, "To take care of other important jobs."

"And that would be-?"

"-A conversation for after breakfast," Baelfire finished, cutting up his pancakes, "I hear you're doing well in school."

"I guess you talked to Miss Blanchard," Alison said.

"Yesterday," Baelfire said, "Is history still boring?"

"Abundantly," Alison said, twirling a fork in hand, "Do you still hate carrots?"

"Yes, I do," Baelfire sighed, "I don't even have Excalibur to feed them too anymore. Not since…"

Alison froze, before glancing up at her father. He seemed to get lost in thought before saying, "He's been gone since the fire."

Alison watched him a moment before jumping up from her seat. Running to the fridge, Alison opened it up and searched in the drawers. Pulling out an apple, Alison shut the drawer and the fridge before dashing to the back door. Baelfire watched in confusion as he said, "Lisie. Lisie, what are you doing?"

Alison rushed outside without a word, not caring she was only in her pajamas. Baelfire hurried to his feet as he followed her out into the backyard. Alison was heading near the forest line and whistling loud. Baelfire groaned as he shouted, "Lisie! It is too cold for you to be out here without a coat! Alison!"

Alison let out one more whistle, completely ignoring him. She stood still, waiting very patiently. Baelfire was not so patient. Scowling, he walked over to her saying, "I don't know what you're waiting for but-!"

Baelfire stopped dead in his tracks for what came next. A horse that was black as night came trotting out of the forests. Tossing his mane, he whinnied as Alison looked back at her father. Baelfire walked forward, his eyes shocked at what he was seeing. Excalibur looked in his direction and walked forward. Extending his snout, Excalibur allowed Baelfire to stroke it.

"Hello old friend," Baelfire said softly, "Glad to see you well."

"He's followed me everywhere I've gone," Alison said, extending the apple to her father. Baelfire took it and fed it to Excalibur murmuring, "Thank you."

Excalibur took the apple, ate it, and nuzzled Baelfire affectionately. Excalibur pulled away, trotting off into the forest. Baelfire circled his arms around Alison. Alison grasped his arms as she said, "It's cold."

"Well no kidding," Baelfire said, scooping her up, "Come on. Our pancakes are getting cold."


"Ryaden, are you sure about this?"

Ryaden walked down the hallway, Tzila attached to his arm. Her face was concerned and worried as Ryaden said, "I'm sure. We need to know for sure what we are up against."

"I can't imagine she would do such a thing," Tzila said nervously, "I know her movements have been questionable in the past but for her to attack the Master-!"

Ryaden spun around and dipped his head to kiss her soundly. Pulling away, Ryaden said earnestly, "We HAVE to be sure."

Tzila looked nervous as Ryaden said, "Pull me out if things look like they will turn for the worst."

"I always do," Tzila said softly. Ryaden kissed her once more before turning and walking even further down the hallway. The hallway was long and dark, even though there were windows every 12 feet or so. It was quiet, very quiet. Ryaden finally reached the end of the hallway, where a unique door sat. The knob was in the middle of the door. The door had intricate carvings of nymphs and sirens upon it. Ryaden let out a heavy sigh as he put a cigar in his mouth saying, "I hate doing this."

Ryaden turned the knob, the sound of gears clicking away. The carvings on the door began to move rotating around and around the knob until the lock clicked open. Ryaden opened the door, walking into a room that was certainly not part of the manor.

The furniture was covered up in this particular room. White, dusty sheets covered them and dark curtains partially covered the windows. The door shut behind him, something that he should consider creepy but didn't. Ryaden walked over towards the window, pulling the curtain aside a bit to see the stretch of forest that lead to a particular town.

"Ah hell," Ryaden grumbled.

"I see you've pieced it together."

Ryaden glanced over towards the shadows to see her standing there. Her long dark hair tumbled down her front, concealing her loose fitted dress. It was dark in color and her shoulders bare. She walked forward as she said softly, "I suspect you would first."

"I was really hoping I was wrong," growled Ryaden, "After all, I didn't think you would sink so low as working for the Evil Queen."

"I don't work for anyone," she said, her dark eyes staring intently at him, "I teach lessons that others are afraid to teach, to bring justice to a world filled of wrong."

"Including to little girls who haven't done wrong?" Ryaden said, "You're still full of it."

"And you are still bitter," she said, stopping in front of him. Pulling the cigar from his mouth, she said, "You shouldn't smoke that. It isn't good for your health."

"It wasn't good for my wife's health when she was attacked in her own world by a monster," Ryaden growled, his eyes dangerously flickering, "Or that you've got this whole town on a chessboard installed by your meddling students."

"I had no part in attacking Tzila," the woman said shortly, "I've only played the part in gathering the pieces that would bring you here and force you Mages to help this town."

"Why do I feel like helping is not what your intention is," seethed Ryaden.

"People need pushes to become their better selves," the woman said coolly, walking away from Ryaden, "I am tired of seeing the people of the Enchanted Realm get on their high horses, put on a heroic façade, and then destroy lives without another thought. I'm tired of certain people with power forcibly restrain innocent people while pretending to be good."

"If you are talking about Jan-!"

"I'm not just talking about your imprisoned Mage," the woman stopped and looked at Ryaden coldly, "This town is about to be taught a lesson. And I have every intention of teaching it."

"With the help of the author?" Ryaden asked sharply.

"Oh Ryaden," the woman laughed, "You know as well as I that even I can't change his job to observe and to record. His business here is his own."

"So why bring his daughter into it," Ryaden asked, "Why did you try attacking her?"

"Oh Ryaden," the woman's laughter subsided, "Who said anything about attacking her?"

A mischievous gleam in her eyes appeared as she whispered, "That's solely reserved for you."

Ryaden barely had time to react as lightning smashed past him. The woman disappeared in a glimmer as lightning shot around at all angles. Ryaden swore and bellowed, "Tzila!"

There was a pull and a tug as shadows pulled him away. Before he knew it, he was lying in Tzila's shivering arms.

"Ryaden," Tzila crooned.

"It's her," Ryaden said, "It's definitely her."

"Are you sure?" Tzila said, aghast.

"Positive," Ryaden said, "Even if the details are still unclear. Tell Oz to get the others together. We have serious problems brewing in this town."


Morgana stirred, her body heavy and sluggish. Where she was laying was soft and too warm for her liking. Rubbing her eyes a moment, she finally opened them to see herself laying in a room. A distinct glow surrounded her and the bed she was laying on. Turning her head, she saw several more beds. One of them had a boy laying still, also surrounding by a glowing light. Morgana frowned softly as a voice echoed in her ears.

"It's about time you woke up."

Morgana groaned, looking the other way to see Jane sitting in a chair just outside the glow. She looked unimpressed as Morgana grimaced. Sitting up, Morgana said, "I see they assigned you to healing me. I'm surprised you would even bother."

"I have my reasons," Jane said, smoothly.

"You're freedom?" Morgana said, scoffing, "I suppose with the Master gone, you have the opportunity. Not that I blame you. I never did like the Master sticking his nose where it didn't belong."

"Enough," Jane said sternly, "You're in a lot of trouble."

"I suppose you're referring to my role in placing the Mage of Wonderland in the foster system?" Morgana said simply, "Am I right?"

"You're not even denying it." Jane sounded angry. "You must be mad to think this is something to be cocky about."

"I'm not," Morgana said shortly, "Believe me, it wasn't something I actually wanted to do."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"Believe what you will, but what happened that day she disappeared was beyond my control."

"How so," Jane asked sharply. Morgana sighed.

"I was told to take her there by someone who even I dare not defy," Morgana said, "None of us would have."

"Who?" Jane asked.

"Jack Frost," Morgana said, recalling the events that had occurred so long ago.

"Don't take her to them."

Morgana looked over her shoulder to see someone she did not expect. She stood in ruins of a home, snow still falling around her. A young male came down off the wind and landed on the porch. Under his arm he carried a box and held a staff in his other hand. Morgana clutched the unconscious child to her, her hand cradling the back of her head. Jack walked towards her and his usually icy eyes softened at the sight of the young child. Morgana looked at him with wariness as she asked, "Jack, what are you doing here?"

"Stopping you from making a terrible decision," Jack said seriously, "After a terrible accident."

"Jack, don't be cryptic," Morgana said flatly, "I don't have time, and I'd rather take her to the Mages before she wakes to find her father's ashes."

"Is that sympathy, Morgana?"

"Hardly," Morgana said coldly, "He's dead and unfortunately I wasn't the one to do it. I just rather not deal with the whining and the tears…"

"You can't take her to the Master," Jack said shortly, swinging his staff. The bells rang as he walked towards her calmly. Morgana stared and said, "You can't take her, Jack. Antic is MY world. It isn't a place for someone like her."

"First off," Jack said coldly, the vibe actually sending chills down the Mage's spine, "It's my world. I CHOSE you to be Mage, so don't tell me what I can and cannot do. Secondly, you are not taking her to our world because she's staying in this one."

Silence fell between them as Morgana looked shocked. She then shook her head slightly as she said in disbelief, "Jack, even I wouldn't condemn her to this worlds way of fostering children. She needs a home-."

"What she needs is to be able to get back to Wonderland," Jack said firmly, "After all, the Queen of Bloody Hearts just broke a big rule."

"Well since when is that new?" Morgana rolled her eyes as she shifted the child in her arms. "Cheating is how she became the Queen."

"Well this is the rule that is never meant to be broken," Jack hissed, swinging his staff at her, "The Winner of the Wonderland War get's a wish that no one can interfere with. Alison's wish was to be with her father again."

"But he's dead," Morgana said, "The Fire Demon killed him."

"No, he is not. But the two of them cannot be reunited. The story of his death is the story she must believe." Jack Frost stopped a foot away as he said, "She interfere, she killed him. And now Alison is being forced into a deep sleep."

"Why?" Morgana asked, baffled and Jack waved his hand. Morgana blinked before she noticed a power gathering strangely. Pulling the child to one side of her, Morgana saw that the child's hand was glowing a symbol. The two letters combined that Morgana knew what it was.

"Anti-Magic," Morgana said, "She inherited that as well?"

"She's becoming overtaken by it," Jack said, "Anti-Magic is something this world has an abundance of. It's how the technology can come to be in this world so quickly. But Alison needs both, she IS both. Right as of now, she has disappeared off the Compendium."

"Are you serious?" Morgana said surprised.

"I am," Jack said, "She needs to remain in this world for her to be able to find herself again. She will be the key to an important puzzle that the Enchanted Forest will encounter, but she HAS TO STAY."

Morgana felt Alison stir in her arms, causing her to look down at the child. Jack raised his staff over Alison, specks of snow falling down on her head. She whimpered as they melted upon her face as Morgana asked, "How do we tell her?"

"We don't," Jack said softly, "We don't have to tell her anything, my magic will make sure she knows that he's gone. She won't remember the events that occurred here. She'll know there was a fire that caused his death. You will need to take her to the orphanage. Quickly as you yourself cannot stay."

"But why-?"

Morgana gasped, stumbling a bit as she glanced down at her free hand. It trembled and shook. Jack stared indifferently at her as he said, "Two of the same cannot exist in the same time."

Jack held out the box with the name engraved Lisie on it and said, "Now go."

"I took her then," Morgana said, shortly, "To the orphanage that Jack said would guarantee her arrival to Storybrooke. Because my past self was already in this time and place, I couldn't stay to question Jack's motives. It wasn't until I was reunited with the other Mages that I realized his motives."

"I'm sure that troubled you so," Jane said coldly.

"Jane, regardless of how I feel about that boy, I have no intention of causing harm to the Mage of Wonderland," Morgana said, "You know why I can't hurt her."

"Mages can't harm other Mages," Jane said, "Not physically anyway."

Jane stood up, a glare appearing on her face. Morgana watched unamused as Jane lunched forward, pinning Morgana to the backboard of the bed with a knife to the throat. The glow around Morgana faded, causing pain to reenter the Snow Queen's body. Jane hissed, "I know you think your so clever. Dropping her at the orphanage and telling them how her own mother abandoned her. All so you could cause strife for Baelfire if they were ever reunited."

"What's the matter, Jane?" Morgana said hushed, "Are you scared that she won't accept the truth?"

"Oh no," Jane said, "But you caused her a pain to be in her heart. One that I will ensure to pay you back for."

Jane removed herself from Morgana's space, tucking the knife away. Jane then said simply, "I hope you feel better soon. For your sake, anyways. It would be a shame for someone to come looking to kick you while your down."

Jane left then, walking out of the room. Morgana rubbed her neck with a smirk and said, "Fiesty as ever… a trait that seems to run in the family."

Jane walked down the hallway, a worried expression on her face. Ryaden was waiting a few windows down with his cigar in his mouth. He glanced at her briefly before saying, "I heard all that."

"Things just got a whole lot worse," Jane said, worried, "Why would Jack want Alison to end up in Storybrooke?"

"Not sure," Ryaden asked, "Thought it was interesting that the old witch thought healing you was going to have me help you."

"She's just trying to stir the pot," Jane said.

"That matter we've discussed…"

"It's all set and ready to go," Jane said, "When the time is right."

"Good, good," Ryaden said, "I did a little digging… I may have found a way to break the imprisonment and binding spell."

"How?" Jane asked.

Ryaden grimaced as he said, "The only way to break these spells is for the ones whom the spell was designed to withhold discover the truth."

Jane's face looked confused as she said, "That's it?"

"Yes," Ryaden said, gravely, "And we both know who that is."

"So wait a minute," Jane said, exasperated, "So Baelfire-!"

"Could tell her. Even though you and I can't," Ryaden said, but his voice hesitated. Jane narrowed her eyes and said, "What?"

"He could tell her," Ryaden said, "But do you understand what that will mean?"

"What?" Jane said, crossing her arms.

"If she were to find out the truth before she's ready to hear it," Ryaden said, "Will result her being mad at the Master."

"As she should be!" Jane interjected.

"And I'm not saying the anklebiter shouldn't be!" Ryaden said, "But think about it. The Master left her in charge of a mission. A mission that she will probably dump upon learning the truth if she's not ready to hear it. If the Master comes back and finds her not compliant, do you really think he's going to think twice about releasing his wrath?"

Fear crossed her eyes, answering Ryaden's question. Sighing, Ryaden said, "Just… let her find out on her own. We can't cause a break in our group, there are too many breaks happening and we can't give our enemy any more leverage."


Alison pulled on her sweatshirt, huffing as it pulled and tugged on her long hair. She was back in her father's room, getting dressed out of her pajama's. Looking around the room, Alison wiggled her feet as she took in just how much it looked like their old home. How could that be? Had her father tried to replicate everything they had lost? What was that voice that had been talking earlier?

Sighing, Alison went to stand up from the bed. She heard a small clank that caught her attention. Alison looked down to see the crystal Ryaden had given her. It wasn't glowing brightly, but it did seem to have a low-grade glow. Her stomach twisted in dread as she picked it up. How did this even get here? What did this dim glow mean? Alison felt the dread grow in her stomach and make her shiver. Should she investigate? Was she even ready to be questioning the man who she loved so dearly.

She didn't see how she had much of a choice.

Biting her lip, Alison quietly walked outside the hallway and began to walk around aimlessly. The glow did not get any brighter or lesser, only remained the same. Even as if she walked into his office and began searching through his things, the stone glowed dimly without changing. Frowning, Alison stared out the window of the office in confusion.

She nearly jumped out her skin when he spoke.

"Already snooping?"

Alison spun around to see her father leaning against the doorway. Alison tried to keep a blank face as he said, "I shouldn't be surprised. You never did like keeping mysteries a mystery. I just didn't think you would actually become Ryaden's errand girl."

"I'm not his errand girl," Alison snapped, her temper threatening to flare, "He and I are just on the same page when it comes to checking all of our bases."

"Even when it comes to me?" Baelfire's voice sounded a touch hurt.

"Well you don't make it easy not to suspect you," Alison said, "You show up here in a house that should be gone, shocking people with Anti-Magic after the Master disappeared from being attacked by an Anti-Magic force, and are hostile to the other Mages for whatever reason. Now I have this crystal that shows faint traces of Anti-Magic from the people who not only entrapped everyone here but also attacked me twice!"

Baelfire scoffed, staring at the floor as he smiled exasperated. Alison looked at him with glassy eyes as he looked up at her with a sober expression.

"Fair points," Baelfire said, "All of them are fair points. I suppose you're going to want the story behind it all?"

"I need to know," Alison said, walking around his desk. Her eyes remained glassy which tugged at his heart strings. "I've been tossed around for so many years thinking you were dead, and now I'm staring at you alive. But instead of being just relieved, I'm scared. I'm scared that you are on the opposite side of this-!"

Baelfire scooped her up, hugging her tight. Alison choked a bit, sniffling as Baelfire kissed her forehead. Baelfire set her down on the desk to sit, staring at her sadly. Baelfire's brown eyes met with her blue ones as he said, "I'm the author, Lisie. The author doesn't get to pick sides."

Pulling up a chair, Baelfire sat in front of her as he said, "I guess it pays to start from the beginning. Starting with this house. I supposed you've noticed it is still the same."

Alison nodded as he said, "Well that's because it is… at least the inside is. This house is a very special house. The house we grew up in is the one that belonged to the man that took me in: Charles Kinsleigh. He was the author that came before me. He had left me the house before he passed. I remained there after Lora and I had returned from Antic. Lora got sick and soon passed. I was devastated, depressed. One night, I was at home in a raving storm. It was brutal, one of the worst we had. An old woman ended up on my doorstep, needing shelter from the cold. After tending to her, she revealed herself to me. She called herself the Enchantress. Some call her the Guardian of Justice, the perfect balance of good and evil, of magic and anti-magic. She told me that my heart was pure and that she wanted to help me in my mission as the author. She connected Charles Kinsleigh's house to this one, The Moving House some have called it. There are only two in existence. One fueled by Magic, the other by Anti-Magic. This is the one with Anti-Magic."

"So that's why it's kind of glowing," Alison said, softly, "Because it came from her."

"Yes," Baelfire said, his voice breathy, "It did. That day the house went up in the fire. It was just the shell of the house. I was able to disconnect the base from the house before the fire spread. By the time August and I made it back to what remained of the house, it had been burnt and frozen beyond repair. We found your blood all over the back porch."

Baelfire sighed deeply as he said wearily, "I was beyond angry. So angry that I wanted that woman to pay for what she did to you."

"So much so that you waited for the curse to break to get revenge on the Snow Queen?" Alison said, scoffing a bit, "That would be all fine and dandy, Dad, had she actually been the one to attack me."

"Her magic was all over that back porch," Baelfire growled.

"And it was the Queen of Hearts that set the house on fire," Alison interrupted swiftly, "And it was the Monster of Fear that attacked me once I got inside the house. You know, the thing the Enchantress decided to overpower with Anti-Magic. To attack me. Like she's been doing."

"The Snow Queen may not have hurt your directly, but she took you from me," Baelfire snapped, "The Mages have a tendency to overstep boundaries in other Mage's personal matters and it's been a source of contention between everyone for too long!"

Silence reigned the room while Baelfire buried his face in his hands. Alison tapped the desk a moment before asking quietly, "Are you talking about what happened to Jane?"

Baelfire froze a moment as Alison continued, "She's been trapped in the Manor. Which is only supposed to happen if she's done something really, really bad. I asked Ryaden about it, but he said that only you could talk about it."

"She's done nothing to deserve being locked up," Baelfire said, shortly, "Let's leave it at that."

"But that's-!" Alison started, clearly frustrated.

"Lisie, that is part of what I came here to take care of," Baelfire said, his tone showing no more patience than it did before, "Just let me deal with it."

Baelfire stood up and reached out to cup her cheeks. Leaning her forward, he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Alison looked up into his brown eyes to see a plead.

"I don't want to lose you again."

"Dad," Alison said, "I can't not deal with it. The Mage of the Enchanted Forest disappeared after going to my world. He left me in charge to take care of this mess-!"

"Wait a minute," Baelfire interrupted sternly, "What?"

"The Master," Alison said, swallowing, "He's missing. You had to have known that."

"I did, but I didn't know he traded with you," Baelfire said stricken.

"Why does that matter?" Alison said.

Baelfire didn't answer. Instead he turned around, running his hand through his hair. Leaning against the bookshelf unit in his office, he sighed deeply. Alison watched him in concern as he said, "Just like before… I can't see anything in regards to you."

"What?" Alison said.

"My mirror," Baelfire said, "I could never find you in it. I could never see anything that ever had to do with you."

Baelfire turned and looked at his daughter gravely as he said, "You're not safe here. There is one way this will go and it is going to rear its ugly head back in your direction."

"From her?" Alison said.

"I honestly can't tell you who," Baelfire grimaced, "My role as the author prevents me from giving any sort of information like that."

"Of course it does," Alison said bitterly, "But I can't just go run and hide-!"

"Lisie! This isn't a game!" Baelfire said exasperated.

"I know that! Do you honestly think that I would have made Kathryn forget for kicks and giggles!" Alison snapped, her temper flaring, "No! You wouldn't because you were too busy hiding and making yourself look suspicious while I had to appease the other Mages so they wouldn't come after you! Now your being cryptic and vague when all you need to do is be straight with me so the Mages will leave you alone!"

Baelfire looked at Alison brokenly as Alison's eyes watered with tears. Looking down, Alison closed her eyes and breathed in deep. She was slipping; she couldn't stop the feelings from bubbling out. Sighing, Alison asked wearily, "Just tell me this then. Are you helping this enemy we are facing?"

"No," Baelfire said firmly, "I am not."

Alison heard him walk back over to her and cup her cheeks. Alison looked up at him as he said, "I have business here, that is true. But Lisie, the thing I want most right now is to make sure you are safe."

"Even if that means being okay with me being a Mage?"

Baelfire made a face as he said, "I don't think I'll ever be okay with that. However, I won't leave you high and dry. As long as you run everything you do by me. Deal?"

Alison looked at him and sniffed, "You know, it is entirely your fault the whole 'the deal is struck' thing started."

Baelfire scoffed but smiled as Lisie rested her forehead on hers saying, "Deal."


"Why are we here?"

Gold was sitting with Belle in the corner of the as others sat in the sets across from the Mages. Snow White sat with David while Emma remained standing. Ruby and Granny were closest to the Mages while Archie sat with the Blue Fairy. Tzila shifted as Ryaden said, "We've figured out who helped Regina entrap us in Storybrooke."

"Who?" Archie asked and Ryaden said, his voice going dead, "The Enchantress."

Silence filled the room and Gold gripped his cane. His eyes grew dark as Ruby looked worriedly at Granny. Emma looked around confused, but didn't ask anything just yet. Snow White looked worriedly at Tzila and asked, "Are you sure? The Enchantress may be deadly, but it doesn't seem like her to help someone like Regina."

"Oh, not if you know her like I do," Gold said, his smirk almost borderline angry. Belle looked at him nervously. Gold gripped her cane and said, "She'll help evil if she thinks it will teach them a lesson. That's how she works."

"Who is this Enchantress?" Emma asked finally and Gold leaned forward saying, "The Enchantress is a powerful sorceress. She's been around longer than me or the dark ones before me. She goes around seeking justice and humility everywhere she goes."

"So why is she a bad thing?" Emma asked and Gold said, "Because unlike most people who protect the innocent from the guilty, she goes after the guilty punishing them for all eternity. Most of those punishments have ended in death."

Emma looked mildly worried as Ryaden said, "All the more reason we need to be wary. Regina made a deal. She added a clause into the curse that would ensure that if the curse was completely broken, the last link to the Enchanted Realm would be destroyed and the world would cease to exist."

"What do you mean link to our world?" Charming asked, his voice hopeful, "Are you saying it still exists?"

"Yes," Tzila said, sadly, "For now. The link of which Ryaden speaks of is in my world Bezaleel, the realm of shadows. My world is the Shadows of all the worlds, including the Enchanted Realm. When the curse was enacted, the shadows of the Enchanted Realm were disrupted opening a space for the world's inhabitants to be transported here. But because the curse froze time, it prevented the shadows of this town from forming. Then the curse began breaking and the shadows of this town had begun forming. Slowly but surely."

"So you're saying if the curse completely breaks, the world we all knew will disappear?" Snow White asked devastated. Tzila nodded and said, "Luckily, Alison's spell is keeping the curse alive and preventing that land from being gone forever."

"But wouldn't the land have been destroyed when Emma broke the curse?" Granny asked and Jane said, "No, even if the curse broke we would still have time. It would take about three days for the shadows to complete disappear. But it would be dangerous to try and undo it then."

"So, we just keep the curse alive until we reverse Regina's little change," Gold said, "Seems simple enough."

"You would think."

The doors opened and everyone felt a gust of cold wind. Everyone stood up, as if commanded as a woman came in: the Enchantress. Her hair seemed lighter than it had in the darkness, the rich brown flowing down her shoulders. She wore black turtleneck with long trousers, her eyes devoid of emotion. Her aura… was none existence. Nothing could be felt, and everyone felt that was more dangerous than anything. Emma watched as the woman came in tall and proud. She looked around and smiled saying, "What a nice little gathering. It makes my job so much easier."

"What do you want," Charming asked, standing in front of Snow White, "You have a lot of nerve to show up here after everything you've done."

"I have a lot of nerve?" the Enchantress said, her sweet voice sending shivers up spines, "You, my dear prince, have a lot of nerve. I have been in this world far long than you could even dream to be, so don't you tell me what I can and cannot do."

Charming couldn't help but feeling something striking him mute. He did not move, nor did anyone else. Gold had become very stiff and stood very protectively in front of Belle. Enchantress did not even seem to care as she pace in a circle looking at everyone. She then turned to the Mage's and said, "Where is the little sweetheart? I haven't seen her in many moons and I would love it if she would be here."

"Alison's not here," Oz said, his voice laced with finality, "And won't be here. So if you have something to say, go on and say it."

Enchantress almost seemed to glare at him and said, "Gladly. I will be simple and to the point. Everyone one of you in this room and beyond is going to be put to my little test. I have been alive for many years and I tire of watching you greedy people take what you want without second thought of consequences."

"Who are you to say what greedy is?" The Blue Fairy protested, standing tall and without fear. Archie glanced up in time to see the Enchantress stare him square in the eyes. Shivering, Archie remembered things of a not so pleasant time. He sat back down in his chair, face hiding in his hands. The Blue Fairy looked from the Enchantress back at Archie before concern filling her eyes. The Enchantress then said as the Blue Fairy bent down by him, "Do not think I do not know the greed and anger festered inside of each and every one of you. I have 'stolen' things from your lands, and am still taking things away from you. My Anti-Magic inside of every single person I have entered it will make it spread like fire. Work together and you will find riches beyond imagine. If none of you can work together, I promise you none of you will get home."

"What are we working against?" Emma demanded but Enchantress turned her stare towards Emma. Emma found herself suddenly frozen, feeling rather childish. Many memories that Emma long tried forgetting began to resurface. Tears threatening to come, Emma looked away her arms crossed. Emma rubbed her arms as a glimmer of pity crossed the Enchantress's eyes. Enchantress walked towards her and said, "Against time. The people I have stolen, will be hard at work to break the curse completely. If you can 'cure' them, you will have proven yourself to be able to go home. If not…you don't have the right to return to the world half and half."

"What is you motive?" Charming asked, "What is your goal?!"

"My motive is my business," The Enchantress said sharply, "And my Goal is reveal the 'True Evil' that lives within Storybrooke."

She then disappeared, no smoke but almost as if she glimmered away. Gold looked a bit haunted but had his usually sarcasm, "Well, that was informative."

"Informative?" Emma said, her insides still frozen, "We're screwed."

"Quite the contrary," Gold said, "Now that we know what we are up against, we stand a fighting chance."

"We?" Blue Fairy snapped, "Who said you would be helping us?!"

"ENOUGH!" Ryaden thundered, his voice commanding silence, "We don't have time for petty arguments, we are all working together! Or have you all already forgotten the price a little girl's already had to pay for this!? What everyone will pay if we don't!?"

Everyone seemed struck mute. Oz sighed as Ryaden felt Tzila grip his hand tightly. Oz then said, "Look, everyone go home and regain focus. We Mage's need to convene and get everything together quickly."

Oz watched as slowly everyone left. Gold had been the first, Belle trailing after him worried. Emma was the last, giving them a worried glance before leaving the room as well. Tzila groaned and Ryaden said, "This is a disaster. An absolute disaster. How are we going to get this lot to work together?"

"We can't," Oz said with a bitter sigh, "But I know someone who can."

"No," Ryaden said, "We are not putting her in a worse position. Alison has done enough."

"We don't have a choice," Oz said, looking at him sadly, "I don't want to either. But Alison's got the best strategic brain I've seen when it comes to getting teams together. I mean, she's got the best squad of War Players that the Master ever saw, we need that right now."

"But she's a child," Tzila said upset, "You of all people know that."

"I know," Oz said, before walking out the door, "But that's exactly what we need."

""Well then," Alison said, sitting in the office chair watching the scene before her. She was sitting cross-legged in the chair as she watched the image disappear. Baelfire was unloading a box, putting books onto the table. Alison was playing with a chessboard, turning the knight piece in her fingers. Making a face, Alison said, "They're going to be a fun bunch of people to get to work together."

"Especially the Mages can't do the same half the time," Baelfire muttered.

"We can," Alison said, "The arguments usually start with Ryaden arguing with Ozzie and the Master and Morgana putting her sarcastic two cents in."

Baelfire paused, looking over at his daughter with a questioning look. He continued putting the books down when he said, "You call the Snow Queen by her first name."

"Sometimes," Alison said, "It is her name."

"She's the reason why we were separated for all these years," Baelfire said, his voice heated.

"Yes, and she's imprisoned in the manor for that," Alison said, "Unfortunately, she still hasn't woken up for questioning."

"Convenient," Baelfire muttered under his breath.

"Daddy," Alison said, "Don't get sidetracked."

"Well what are you going to do about this team that doesn't want to work together? Now that the Mages have officially dumped in your lap." Baelfire asked, sighing deeply.

"What I usually do," Alison grinned, placing the knight down in a group of pawns, "I'm not going to give them a choice."


Gold nearly stormed into the house, with Belle trailing behind him. He picked up his cane hung it on the coat hanger, taking off his own coat. Tossing it onto another hook, Gold grabbed his cane as he walked away. Belle didn't bother to take off her coat as she followed him into the kitchen. She found Gold leaning against the sink obviously disturbed. Belle didn't get too close but she did speak up, "Rum, what's wrong?"

Gold said nothing, but stared at his faint reflection in the glass. Biting her lip, Belle leaned against the wall and said, "Is it that woman? Did you know her?"

"Know her?" his voice sounded many things: pain, darkness, angry, "Dearie, she is the reason the dark one is in existence."

"What?" Belle said, sounding shocked. Gold let out a shaky sigh and said, "It was after I lost Bae. I had thrown myself into understanding the depths of the limits to my powers. It was then when I had learned about its long wretched history. It all started with a Duke, all too greedy and unkind for his own good. He pillaged his lands as well as many others. Lords and Prince's went to the Enchantress and pleaded for her help. She then disguised herself, as she does with many, and came with the bitter cold snow. She approached the Duke, who was drunk and vulnerable. She asked for shelter from the cold winter's night, but he sneered and turned her away. She offered him a single rose for a night's stay, but he instead turned to stab her with his knife that he kept under his cloak. She transformed, terrible and great. She cursed him, binding his fate to the knife that he had tried to end her life. He begged her not to, but she didn't listen. He was cursed, impish at sight. His wife fled as did many of his staff. He was miserable for a time. But his powers were great, and he began his wicked ways again only worse. People fled to her, begging for her help once again. Enchantress simply stated to give it time."

Belle was quiet, even her breathing could barely be heard. Gold continued though as if he had forgotten she was there, "Soon his son became jealous of his father's powers. He took the very knife that was his fathers and stabbed him with it, becoming the new dark one. This dark one was more terrible than the last. He also had a son, but he was smarter and more wicked than the own Dark One. He had his most valued soldier kill the dark one and then took the knife, controlling him. Making him do his bidding. Until…"

Belle swallowed and Gold said, "Until I stole the knife many moons later. To save my son. But the Dark One provoked me into stabbing him. And I became the new Dark One."

"What did he say to provoke you?" Belle asked, "What did he do?"

Gold had a dark look cross his face and said, "He said that Baelfire was not my real son."

Belle swallowed and Gold said, "My ex-wife, Bae's mother, was not exact the best role model in the world. She ran off…with a pirate. Leaving Bae and I alone, all because she thought of me a coward for not fighting in the Ogre War."

Anger crossed Belle's face, tears slipping down. Wiping her eyes, and Belle said, "What a heartless thing to do for such a pointless thing. What kind of mother would want her child's father to go and die in the war!?"

Belle came behind him and wrapped her arms around him. Gold turned in her arms and embraced her. Kissing her forehead, Gold closed his eyes. They remained entwined for a while before Gold murmured, "I turned him into a rose."

"What?" Belle pulled away and Gold was looking at her sheepishly.

"Gaston," Gold said, his voice sounding a little anxious, "I turned him into a rose."

Belle stared at him and then smiled weakly saying, "I already knew that."

"Did she tell you everything?" Gold said, his voice a little annoyed and edgy, "That child-!"

"No, no," Belle shook her head and said, "I had a feeling there was something up when you left to answer the door. It wasn't until I found out Gaston was missing when I pieced it together."

"And you're not angry? How can after everything I've done, you not be angry?" Gold asked, as she walked over to the table where roses were sitting in a vase. She touched its petals as she said with distaste, "I know you've done terrible things, but as I said before I understand that power is crippling you. In ways I think you refuse to acknowledge. But I know one thing, when you truly love someone, someone worth fighting for, you never let them go."

Belle then made a face and said stoutly, "And no, that does not mean you can go turning people into roses."

Gold couldn't help but grin and encircle his arms around her. His amber eyes were staring sharply into hers as he leaned down kissing her warmly. Companionable silence fell upon theme, well welcomed after the day's events. Gold then pulled away and said, "Only the ones you want dearie."

Belle smacked him, and turned saying, "I will be upstairs. You can make dinner tonight."

"I'm in the dog house already?" mocked Gold and Belle shot back, "If you'd like."

Belle walked out of the kitchen, swaying a bit. Gold chuckled before turning around and beginning on his task. His face fell however when he began to think about the Enchantress's warning. He didn't want anything to harm Belle, Bae, or Alison. In all honesty, he was at the point where he didn't want to harm most people. Just a few well wedge enemies, like Regina. Regina was a problem, going so far as to add a clause that could be so destructive. That woman just could no longer see any sense. She was going to harm someone soon, especially a little Mage.

And it would be his fault.

Gold turned on the water, feeling a little sick to his stomach. He angered a lot of people, and honestly Gold had stopped caring for his own wellbeing after Bae had come to this world. Belle had and was still at paying the price for it; so had Baelfire. But now Alison, the little darling he had grown to love dearly, was paying the price for it. Snapping the faucet off, Gold removed the pot from the sink putting it on the stove. He couldn't help but smile when he heard Belle humming softly in the other room.

There would be no use worrying Alison now. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin her day with her father. But that certainly didn't stop the guilt from being there.


The room she was in was dark, the moonlight shining in brightly. The room was filled with shadows and lights of the night. However she could not appreciate it, for she was the form sleeping on the bed. Her long hair was spread out, catching the lights of the moon. It was a rather charming sight, enough to make almost anyone smile in peace. However, the softness of the scene was interrupted by a click in the window. Making a face, the girl continued to sleep on despite the window of the bedroom opening. The intruder crept in, sliding his feet to the floor gracefully. A soft little sparkling light surrounded him, but he impatiently waved it off. He seemed almost entranced, but in more of a perplexed way than went beyond normal. He finally made it over to the bed and stared at her. The girl slept peacefully, her breathing even. Anger began to fill his eyes as he watched her, as if she had done something offensive. Taking out a dagger, he lifted up his hand.

The light flicked on, and the intruder blinked.

"Hello, Peter," Jane said softly, leaning against the doorway. Peter took a step back looking over at Jane. He noticed this worlds clothes upon her form but a look of age despite her looking no older than Emma Swan. She walked towards him and Peter said, "Jane…you shouldn't have."

"I didn't Peter," Jane said softly, "Not much… you know I will forever remain the Mage of Neverland."

Emotions flicked across his face as she came around to the bed. She sat down upon it and stared down at the girls sleeping face. Peter still looked frightful, glittering anger crossing his eyes. He backed away and asked, "Who is she? An enemy?"

"No Peter," Jane said, watching the girl sleep, "She's the Mage of Wonderland. Her name is Alison Kinsleigh."

Peter looked at her surprised, staring down at Alison even more puzzled. He put down the hand with his dagger and said, "Kinsleigh… his child."

"Yes, Peter," Jane said, "Bae's child."

Excitement grew, challenging the confusion. Peter than said, "Then she must come away with me! We will have all sorts of adventures, and stories. Many stories to tell!"

"No Peter," Jane said suddenly, reaching out towards Alison but placing her hand near the child instead, "She cannot. Alison has faith, but she no longer has trust. It is such a difficult thing for her now, people have made her grow up too quickly. Much too quickly…"

Puzzlement grew more and more, frustrating Peter. Tink flew about, obviously panicked. However, Alison Kinsleigh slept on, blissfully unaware to the circumstances surrounding her. Jane watched Alison, still not looking at Peter. Peter finally said with anger, "Why?! Why does she look so much like her!? Why does she look like my Wendy?!

"Because," Jane said, finally reaching over to brush Alison's hair out of her face, "She's my daughter."

Peter looked aghast, as if she had burned him. Silence entered the room, cold and unwelcoming. He then said angry, "No. You said never again!"

"I did," Jane said, softly, "But I couldn't help it. Bae and I were looking for you, but we couldn't find you… We loved each other Peter."

"Why aren't you with him then?!" Peter snapped, obviously hurt, "Why is it Tink said you've been in that Manor if you love him?!"

"Because I couldn't be with him," Jane said bitterly, "Mage's aren't supposed to have children. It's considered taboo. I kept my pregnancy a secret from the Mages. However, after Alison was born I became very sick. All I could see was Margaret. There was so much pain Peter, I couldn't sleep. I couldn't bear being in the same room as Alison, I was too afraid of many things. Baelfire didn't understand, I couldn't understand. All I could hear was Margaret crying and feeling cold. So I went to the Manor to get healing from Ryaden, to try and help ease the pain. Baelfire didn't want me to go… but I did anyway."

Jane felt a tear slip down her cheek and said, "I shouldn't have… The Master discovered that I had given birth and imprisoned me in the Manor."

A symbol began to glow around her neck, causing Jane to grimace. Jane rubbed it as she said, "He silenced Ryaden and me so other Mages wouldn't find out. The spell prevents me from telling those woven into the spell the truth."

Peter stared at Jane, looking less angry but more surprised. Tink floated sadly, as if remembering Jane's pain. Jane watched Alison and said lovingly, "She does look like Wendy, Peter. So very much like her Grandmother. I just wish you could have seen her sweet aura. It's much more jaded now."

Peter watched Jane and said, "We'll get it back… if I did it with you I can do it with her."

Jane finally looked at him and smiled softly. She then looked back at Alison saying, "Perhaps…"

Jane said nothing more after that, silence reigning once more. Peter said nothing more, but jerked his head at Tink. Tink then flew out of the window with Peter following. The door shut softly as Jane was unfazed by his action. She was more than in a trance, she was day dreaming. So unaware that Baelfire was standing in the shadows of the doorway, watching her intently. His arms were crossed and his was gripping his arms tightly. Pain was in his eyes. Finally, Baelfire cleared his throat causing Jane to jump.

"So," Baelfire said, "Are you really here?"

"No," Jane said, "I'm afraid not. The imprisonment spell apparently can only be broken through Alison realizing the truth."

"And I can't tell her?" Baelfire said, walking over to the bed.

"You could," Jane said, sadly, "But Bae, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why?" Baelfire's tone was pleading, "Can't we just be done with this mess?"

"That is not how this works, Bae," Jane said miserably, "We can't afford her learning things too soon. It could cause a problem between her and the Master and I will not be putting her head on the chopping block with him if he comes back! He is too dangerous, Bae."

Jane stood up, looking at Baelfire nervously. His stare was questioning. Biting her lip, Jane said, "I should probably go before she wakes… she isn't ready for the truth yet. Seeing me will just make her question things even further."

"Jane," Baelfire said, stepping forward towards her as she stood up, "Please…"

"I can't," Jane said brokenly, her eyes filled with sadness, "I think we both know that Alison is too curious for her own good and won't let it rest on her own."

Baelfire reached out, touching her cheek. He could tell that she wasn't the real one, but it didn't stop him from wanting to comfort her. Jane looked at him with her golden eyes wistfully as she said, "Keep her safe."

Jane disappeared into a single shining drop. It dropped to the floor, leaving Baelfire alone with his sleeping daughter. Letting his hand drop limply to his side, Baelfire watched his little one sadly.

"Always," Baelfire murmured.

~Storybook~

Alison watched out her window as the snow came falling down. Her bedroom was warm and the flower in the pot was blooming. It had been a long time since she had seen Jack, as he had to go away to spread on his winter. She missed him terribly, but nowhere near as much as she missed her father. The magic in this world was hard for her; it made her near hopeless she would ever find her way back home. Jack didn't seemed worried, even as he left to go take care of business.

"I'm sure you will figure it out soon," Jack said hugging her tightly, "Your connection to the world is strong. Much stronger than any of the Mage's I have seen. In fact, if I ever actually considered the years to count, it would have been over a thousand years ago since I've known a Mage like you."

"But then why can't I master this, if I'm so strong?" Alison protested, obviously upset, "I wish you didn't have to leave, I'll never get it right!"

Jack looked at her sympathetically and kissed her forehead saying, "I'm positive you will. But just in case something terrible happens…"

Jack slipped a necklace around her neck, its silver delicate looking chain holding a rather beautiful silver pendant upon it. Alison examined it and Jack said, softly, "When you're in desperate need of help, just call for me. I will be there."

Alison looked back up at him and nodded. He then kissed the top of her head lightly and jumped over her. He glanced back at her and said, "Till the half moon cycle."

Alison sighed, fingering the pendant. She wished he would come back, but she hadn't the heart to summon him. It was for emergencies only, but she wished she could just talk with him. Sighing, Alison barely heard her bedroom door open. Jefferson peered in as did the March Hare. He didn't throw anything, which was would have been surprising enough if Alison had been paying attention. Jefferson walked over to Alison and sat down by her saying, "Milady you have been here all day, is pining for Jack Frost to return a good way to solve the conundrum?"

"Nothing is a good way to solve the conundrum," Alison said miserable, "I don't know why I was chosen to do this at all!"

"Because you are special," Jefferson said, instantly, "And because the world was half mad."

"Half mad? It's all mad!" Alison scowled and Jefferson said, "Hardly, it can't be all mad. Otherwise everyone would be either getting along or be getting along with the killing."

"I don't think it's as simple as that," Alison said looking around, as the March Hare jumped around her room, putting things away or taking them out. March Hare then slipped across the floor, throwing the tea cup against the wall. Jefferson scowled and said, "March, if you keep breaking the cups, we shall not have even a moment to drink tea! And here in the place which is dead and nothing grows, is a very dreadful place to not have it!"

Alison then suddenly perked up, a light glimmering in her eyes. She then dashed out of her room with March Hare spinning on the slippery floor. He threw something he was holding at the door before hopping to her closet. Jefferson took off after her, grabbing a coat from the dresser. He dashed after, only to find himself chasing her down outside. Taking the coat he had grabbed from inside, he threw it around Alison's shoulder's saying, "Milady, I know you've done excellent in defending yourself, but please keep such a coat on."

"Shush, Jefferson," Alison said, placing her hands on the snow beyond the courtyard. Closing her eyes, Alison focused in attracting as much as the life she could. At first Alison couldn't feel anything. Then she felt it; a small twirling sensation surrounding her hands. Alison felt the pressure of it increasing slowly but surely. Lifting up her hands, Alison watched as her midnight blue magic surrounding white swirling lights. Her magic cage grew smaller and smaller until she saw the magic blend and the pressure lightened. The color was icy blue, but just as warm as her own. Alison then stared at the Snow Lights and pondered. Placing down her hands, Alison soaked the ground with it.

Suddenly, the flowers bloomed, lights awaking from the middles of the flowers glowing in the dark night. Alison gasped, watching as the whole garden glowed with the lights. Alison stood up, warmth tingling from her fingers. She was so much in awe that she didn't notice Jefferson walking up behind her, taking off his own coat. Jefferson grinned insanely and swooped Alison up and twirled her around. Kissing both her cheeks, Jefferson said, "What joy to feel the warmth of your muchness again!"

Alison laughed incessantly, hugging around his neck.

"What a beautiful sight."

Both stopped dead, looking towards the direction of the voice. Morgana stood there, wrapped in furs. Despite her pleasant comment, her eyes were dead and cold as was her entire demeanor. Jefferson tensed up as Morgana walked towards the pathway leading away from the courtyard saying in a very lifeless and indifferent tone, "Excellent work, Alison. It may be too…warm for my tastes, but it is certainly wonderful to see the Snow Lights in full bloom."

Morgana's challenging icy magic made Alison falter for a minute, causing the lights to dim slightly. But Alison quickly gathered herself, having the lights at full bloom. Morgana then left and Jefferson glared after her. He then walked back towards the castle saying, "What a statue she is; cold and hard as it. Wouldn't you say, Alison?"

Alison stared after her, her little eyes now swimming in confusion. She watched the pathway, as if hoping to see some sign. It wasn't until they were almost inside when Alison replied to the Hatter sadly.

"I suppose so…"