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 Two: Circus De Wonderland
Jefferson was washing the dishes, his head filled with ponderings. They had Grace's acting parent's over for breakfast this morning, the neighbors in the other world. Much to his surprise they had been joyful over his return. Every day he had been gone, they had been worried that he had been killed.
"We thought that something might have happened with the evil queen," her foster father had said, "We thought she had you killed. Nothing would have destroyed Grace more if she had…"
Jefferson winced at this thought, putting the dishes in the drainer. Nothing would have killed her more… the thought made him joyful but aghast. Joyful that she still loved him but aghast that she would have been in pain over his death. Jefferson finally dropped the sponge in the sink. Sighing, Jefferson wondered if this feeling of guilt would never end. How could he help it though, when he knew Grace deserved much better?
"Are still sulking, Hatter?"
Jefferson couldn't help but smile briefly at the sound of the voice. Standing up straight, Jefferson turned around to see Alison Kinsleigh sitting on his kitchen table. She was dressed in her usual jeans and a tidal blue sweater. Her hair was down and her hands were fiddling with the timer. Sighing, Jefferson said, "Hardly. However, I am mourning your current wardrobe change. I quite miss seeing you in dresses. They were quite nice."
"They also were completely impractical," Alison said, "Corsets and stockings… I swear, I don't need them!"
"What about the one Chesshire and I made you?" Jefferson teased, and Alison said, "I'm saving it for a special occasion. I'd hate to ruin it with a fight."
Jefferson froze, narrowing his eyes slightly. The smile had gone and his body language went rather tense. Alison took advantage of his silence and said, "There is going to be a field day today Jefferson and I've been summoned for the main performance. Are you interested in being my plus one?"
Jefferson's jaw tightened and said, "What about Grace?"
"Will be protected, of course," Alison said, "By one of my best. I promise no harm will befall the two of you."
Alison looked at him hopefully and asked, "Will you join me?"
Jefferson watched her for a moment and Alison couldn't help but wonder if he would actually do it. However, he second guessing went right out the window when he smiled insanely. He then bowed and said, "I would be honored as long as there is one dance."
Alison smiled, grinning cat like and said, "Gladly."
"I wonder if Alison will be in school today?" Henry wondered as he and Emma walked to the school. Emma looked down at him and said, "Probably not. I think Baelfire said he wanted to spend a little bit more time with her. I know that they have a lot that they will need to work out."
Henry nodded but added sadly, "I hope she comes back soon. We miss her and the festival is around the corner."
"What Festival?" Emma asked and Henry said, "We have a festival at the end of each school year, with a different theme each time. Everyone's just waiting on the school staff to pick the theme."
"I see," Emma said and then teased him gently, "Are you going to ask her to go with you?"
"What? No! Not like that!" Henry said, getting rather flustered, "It's just that Ava, Nicholas, Grace, and I want her to be there! There'll be a lot of games and stuff-."
"Relax, kid, I was just teasing," Emma said, wrapping her arm around him and squeezed him reassuringly, "I'm sure Baelfire won't keep her out of school too long."
Henry and Emma walked over to the school stopping by the side walk. Ava, Nicholas, and Grace were waiting for him. Emma noticed and then hugged him saying, "Alright, kid. Go on, your friends are waiting for you."
"Kay, see you later!" Henry dashed off to his friends and Emma smiled. She watched them run up to the school before Emma walked on. She was deep in thought when someone walked up besides her. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard a male voice say, "Finished walking Henry to school?"
Emma looked to see Charming walking besides her, nervousness taking over. It was strange knowing that this man besides her was her father. It was still hard for her to fathom it. Emma nodded and said, "Yeah, he wanted to take the bus but I said I would walk him instead. I'm still nervous about Regina."
Charming's face fell a little bit and said reassuringly, "Don't worry, we'll deal with her."
"Will we?" Emma said, sounding pained, "She's always been one step ahead of us and I doubt that's going to stop just because we're reunited."
"No, but we can stop her," Charming said firmly. "We've done it before and we'll do it again."
"No, you've done it before!" Emma suddenly snapped, "And the price of that was to ship me in a box to another world! What else are we going to have to sacrifice to beat Regina?"
Charming's face fell and Emma felt a rush of guilt come over her. Shaking her head slightly, Emma said, "Look, I know that you and mom sent me away to save everyone. I mean, that's who you are: hero's, leaders, but for twenty eight years of my life I was alone. I'm not a hero, I'm not a princess, I'm just… me. And I am tired of losing things because we go charging into battle relying on hope alone."
Emma watched him for a moment before muttering, "Sorry…"
Charming was stone still as Emma walked past him. He then looked back and said, "Where are you going?"
"To Gold," Emma said, looking back at him.
"Emma, don't!" Charming's voice sounding stern, "Rumpelstiltskin is evil, don't go dealing with him!"
"Sorry," Emma said, "I know he's done terrible things, but I don't think he's evil as everyone thinks. He's made mistakes, and you want to know what, so have I!"
Emma stared at him intently and said, "And I am not going to make another one."
Emma turned on her heel but heard a loud explosion. The ground shook beneath their feet and Emma looked back in the direction of the school. Terror seized her as she heard screaming. The two of them raced back to the school to find people running out of it as smoke seemed to be pouring out of it. Snow White was ushering children out with another teacher and found her way over to Emma and Charming. He grabbed her and said, "Mary Margaret what's going on?"
"Where's Henry?" Emma asked panicked. Snow shook her head saying, "I don't know, the kids had to go to the gym this morning!"
Emma opened her mouth and suddenly felt pressure build up in the air. It became alive, violent, and electric. Emma found herself struggling to stand as everyone around them began to panic. Emma looked at Charming and Snow asking, "What's happening!?"
"I don't know!" Snow cried out, grabbing onto David's arm, "It feels like-!
Emma suddenly felt the pressure stop, the air suddenly still. The three looked on in confusion as the screams began to worsen. Suddenly Emma noticed a figure standing at the top of the school, something bright being held up. Emma then turned around screaming, "Get down!"
Emma went to the ground as Snow looked up in confusion. Charming grabbed her and pulled her down sharply just as the bright thing exploded. One by one in a wave of people, everyone fell to the ground. Unconscious or winded, silence fell over them. Emma managed to get herself up, shaking and terrified. Charming helped Snow White to her feet as Emma stared at the school. She ran inside, the gas still in the air. Emma couldn't help but notice it smelled of spices and made her dizzy. Covering her face, Emma ran down the hall in search of the gym. Charming and Snow followed but stopped dead upon the smell. Snow White stood smelling while Charming released her saying, "Emma wait! You don't know what you running into!"
Snow White had a look dawning upon her face and suddenly said stricken, "Charming! Emma, wait!"
Emma reached the gym first where kids laid unconscious on the floor. She looked around for Henry, unable to find the boy. In fact she couldn't see Grace either. Pulling her arm away from her face for a moment, Emma screamed, "Henry!? HENRY?!"
There was no other voice but her own but as she came into the gym, Charming followed close behind her. Charming looked stricken, horror taking over. He grabbed Emma's shoulders and said, "What evil is this?"
"Guys."
Emma and Charming turned around to see Snow White staring up at the painted brick wall. Both of them looked stunned when they saw words painted upon the wall. Words that slowly disappeared as they read them.
"You have been formally invited to a most wonderful. We are the thrilling exciting party that will bring you closer than ever and frighten you to tears. Four darling children have already arrived, hoping that they will be accompanied soon. If not dire consequences will soon commence. Each guest will receive an invitation in the mail at exactly 12 pm, and will follow the instructions precisely. I look forward to greeting all of you and wish you a very pleasant morning. Sincerely, Magesteria."
"Who is Magesteria?" Charming asked, narrowing his eyes.
"More importantly," Emma said her voice growing more concerned by the minute, "Which children did she take!?"
"I don't know," Snow said, "But we'll need to do some looking to find out."
"Elisabeth, you have a guest."
Elisabeth looked up from the bar she was cleaning, seeing one of the waitresses standing near her. Next to her was someone Elisabeth had not been expecting to see. Smiling catlike, Elisabeth said, "Thanks Mell. Why don't you pull up a seat kid?"
Autumn did so without hesitation, kicking her legs ever so slightly as she said, "So, I may have been kind of a jerk."
"I most definitely deserved it," Elisabeth said, "Especially considering I acted like I knew nothing about Wonderland or anything for that matter."
"Still," Autumn said, "Thank you. For saving me from that Wraith."
"You're welcome," Elisabeth said, "So Chess told me… about your father. I can't even imagine."
"I'm dealing," Autumn said, "I have a question…"
"I may have an answer," Elisabeth said.
"Why?" Autumn asked, "Why stay with Darren if you are who you said you were? Why go through all of this!?"
"Here," Elisabeth sighed, "Give me your hand."
Elisabeth extended her hand and waited. Autumn extended her hand, allowing Elisabeth to place it above her heart.
Where it was supposed to be.
Beating.
Only it wasn't.
"How?" Autumn asked, mortified.
"I don't know," Elisabeth said, brokenly, "He was awake and violent and dangerous and I was so afraid that he was going to kill you. Or worse."
"That's why you wanted me to get to know Rumpelstiltskin," Autumn said, pulling her hand away.
"I knew the crooked old imp liked you," Elisabeth said, "I knew he could protect you. But I couldn't just tell him. Darren wouldn't let me say anything."
"And you don't know what he did with it?" Autumn asked desperately.
"No," Elisabeth said, "Not a clue…"
Autumn looked troubled as Elisabeth said, "Look, kid. Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. You, you have bigger fish to fry from what Chess tells me."
"Speaking of that," Autumn said, "I need a favor."
"Shoot," Elisabeth said, smiling, "What do you need?"
"So who plays the violin?"
Gold looked at Belle, who was examining the violin. They were in his living room, supposedly cleaning. Gold was polishing a metal tea pot, not too far away from her. Putting down the pot, Gold said, "In this world, Alison plays it. In the other world, it was my son."
Belle paused and looked over at him. Gold smiled weakly and said, "He had always loved music and when I had become the dark one, I had acquired it for him. He was a quick learner, playing often in the hours of the night. After he had left it was one of the only things I had left of him."
Belle put it back down gingerly as Gold said, "One of the many traits those two seem to share."
"But she's different," Belle said, softly as Gold came around to her and pulled her gently into him. Gold nodded softly and said, "Yes, she is different. Especially in stubbornness."
"I don't know about that," Belle teased softly, "All three of you seem to share that trait."
"Oh really?" Gold said, holding her firmly to him. He kissed her cheek lightly as she said, "Yes really. Also Alison and you seem to share the same cunning and strategic brain."
"Well, I can't say that it hasn't landed us in a heap load of trouble at times," Gold said, kissing her lightly. Belle smiled, leaning back into himself slightly. Belle then turned around in his arms and asked, "What trouble could you, the all knowing dark one, get yourself into?"
"Needless to say, I've made a lot of enemies," Rumpelstiltskin said with a little flourish of his hand. He then slid his hand behind her head saying, "But still… I've seemed to have made an acquaintance or two along the way."
"Acquaintance?" Belle asked, her voice filled with mirth, "I certainly hope I'm more than just an acquaintance."
Gold closed the distance between them, kissing her sweetly. Belle slid her arms around him as she kissed him back, feeling him embrace her tightly. The kiss was loving, dizzying, and left both of them filled with contentment. Gold couldn't help but allowing the kiss to grow and neither could Belle. She could hardly believe that she was here with him, safe after all those years. Belle suddenly winced, feeling a sudden feeling of uneasiness. Gold noticed and pulled away asking softly, "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," Belle said, feeling embarrassed and weak, "I just-that cell I can't forget."
Gold had a mixture of emotions cross his face: anger, grief, pain, but loving comforting. He then kissed her briefly saying, "I won't let that happen again, Belle. She may have gotten the better of me then, but I won't be tricked a second time."
Belle stared into his brown eyes as he said, "I won't lose you again."
Gold leaned down, kissing her soundly. Belle kissed back, kissing him with just as much love as he was giving her. Belle was about to increase the intensity when he suddenly stopped. He stared at her in almost stupor, as if trying to calculate something. Belle had opened her mouth to ask what was wrong when there was a knock at the door. Gold looked over with false irritation and said, "That's probably the mail. Be right back, darling."
Belle allowed him to leave, staring after him in slightly confusion. Perhaps it was just his senses getting the better off him. It was almost uncanny how sensitive he was to sensing people coming and going. Belle turned back to the violin, reaching over to close the case. When she had done so, Gold had entered back into the room frowning. Belle looked back and noticed the look upon his face. Belle came beside him and said, "What's wrong?"
"I'm not sure," Gold said, staring at the envelope, "But I have a feeling it's not good."
There were the names Rumpelstiltskin and Belle, in fancy neat script upon the white envelope. He opened it as Belle watched on as he unfolded the letter and the two began to read:
"I hope my wishes find you both in good health. The two of you shall need it for the things you must do instructed by this invitation. You have been invited to a show filled with entertainment and thrills. Four children have already joined us by the names of Henry, Paige, Ava, and Nicholas. If you do not do as this invitation instructs I will be forced to take a fifth by the name of Alison Kinsleigh. At precisely six pm you shall arrive at the school and remain out front. There you will be accompanied by the other guests and will wait for the doors to open. When the doors open, you may enter and join us for our terrifying event! I shall hope to see you then. Sincerely, Magesteria."
"Rumple," Belle said terrified, "Who is Magesteria?"
"I have not a clue," Gold said, his voice harsh. He stuffed the letter in his jacket as Belle asked, "What do we do?"
Gold grabbed Belle around the waist as he said, "Hold on."
Belle gasped as she felt her vision being whirled around for a split second. Grabbing Rumple's jacket, she blinked to see herself standing in front of a nice house. Gold released her in order to walk towards the house. Belle followed him in to see him calling up the stairs.
"Bae?" Gold was almost halfway up the stairs, "Alison?!"
"Rumple!" Belle ran up the stairs after him. They had made it all the way to the third floor when Baelfire came out of a doorway to the left.
"Dad," Baelfire said surprised, "What are you doing here?"
"This," Gold said, snapping the letter out, "Someone has taken Ava, Nicholas, Grace, and Henry."
"What?!"
Alison poked her head out the door of where Baelfire had come from. Her blue eyes were stricken as she said, "They were taken?!"
"Yes, by this Magesteria character," Gold said, handing Baelfire the letter. Baelfire read it, raising his brows as Gold continued, "Do you have any idea who this person may be?"
"No," Baelfire said, "I've never known someone with such a name."
"Well whoever it is plans to come after her next," Gold said, gesturing towards Alison.
"Um, old man, I have a name," Alison huffed, ruefully.
"As do I," Gold said, "And it's not that."
"Anyways," Baelfire interrupted, "We'll need to work on finding the kids. I have some business to finish and I'll see if I can uncover any tellable information. In the meantime…"
Baelfire stared pointedly at Alison and said, "Stay in the house. The house has defenses against magical forces."
"I'm not a baby," she protested.
"I wouldn't know with all the whining you do!" Baelfire mocked playfully. Ruffling her hair, Baelfire said, "Stay in the house. Finish up your room with your Grandfather and Belle."
Autumn growled, turning on her heel and disappearing into the opening in the wall. Baelfire gave a half hearted wave as he left saying, "Make sure she doesn't try to climb out the window."
"The window-?" Belle looked worried a moment before running after Alison. Sighing, Gold said, "I am getting too old for this."
"Alison!" Belle climbed the stairs and found herself in another doorway. Inside was a bedroom. The walls were pale, the curtains baby blue. There were boxes all over the floor and a large bed near the bay windows. Alison was standing near a mirror, tracing the edges of it. She was frowning, as if something wasn't doing what she wanted. Belle didn't question it as Gold stalked over to her and grabbed her hands saying, "Enough!"
"I need to find them!" Alison protested.
"We will find them," Gold said sternly, "But I need you to stay out of this. If this Magesteria is working with the Enchantress, then we are taking no chances."
Gold hugged her tight as he growled, "I won't lose you to her."
Alison eyes were wide with shock, looking uneasy. Gold pulled away, staring at her for an answer. Alison nodded slowly and said, "Alright."
Gold kissed her forehead as he said, "I'm going to call the sheriff. See what those fools know."
Gold walked out of the room, leaving Alison and Belle alone. Alison looked after him conflicted, shifting uncomfortably. Belle walked over to her and said, "Don't worry. We will find them."
"Kathryn, what are you doing?"
Kathryn looked up from zippering her coat as Dottie came into the room. She then glanced back at her coat before picking up a box saying, "I have some things I have to go attend to. I've taken care of the orders that people were supposed to pick up today. I won't be back to the store till tomorrow so try not to destroy the store while I'm gone."
"Like I would," scoffed Dottie, waltzing over to the desk and spotting a piece of paper on her desk. Lifting it up, Dottie looked shocked as she said suddenly, "Kathryn? What is this?!"
There was a rather large picture of a girl with brown hair and bright blue eyes. Kathryn was hugging the child with a rather warm smile. The paper had in big letters: HAVE YOU SEEN HER? Dottie felt Kathryn tug the paper out of her hands saying, "Don't you remember the whole computer hacking incident? I had gone home that night and found this picture on my desk with a note saying She needs you signed friend… I can't help but feel I know this girl and I know if I find her I'll be able to remember."
"Kathryn come on think about this!" Dottie said exasperated, "You don't even know what you're walking into. What if you get there and you frighten the poor kid? That looks very stalkish."
"She has a right to have answers as much as I," Kathryn said indignantly. Dottie watched as Kathryn walked out briskly saying, "Manage shop, Dottie. Leave me to my business."
Kathryn shut the door and Dottie groaned. She immediately went over to the phone and dialed a number. She waited as it rang and tapped her foot impatiently. She glanced back at the door as a tired male voice said, "Hello?"
"Ozzie, it's me," Dottie said, leaning back against the desk. Her tone was serious and her form was tense, "There is something wrong."
"What?"
"That spell you gave me, to erase her memories," Dottie said, "It didn't happen, she's off to go find Alison as we speak! Someone is trying really hard to get her to remember and its working."
Ozzie's sigh was loud and heavy. Dottie waited patiently and listened as he said, "Don't worry about it. We shall take care of it. Just stand by for further orders."
"Understood," Dottie said, hanging up the phone. Ozzie hung up the phone, standing by the desk. He stared down at the phone a moment while someone watched him from one of the door ways. She leaned against the door frame of her bedroom and asked lightly, "Is everything alright Ozzie?"
"I'm afraid not, Tzila," Oz said, with a sigh, "I have some work to do. I would go rest up; you're going to need it."
"I thought I would find you here."
Jane froze at the sound of the voice, clutching the papers in her hand. Sighing softly, Jane put the papers down on her desk. The room was a rather decent size, the bed up against the window. The sheets were brown and fluffy, illuminated by the son light. There were many tables with many books and objects. Jane turned around and saw Baelfire leaning against her door frame. His arms were crossed and he was staring at her intently. Jane then looked back down at her desk meekly and said, "Of course I would be, it's my room."
Baelfire then walked towards her, his eyes never leaving Jane. Jane did not look at him, but did say, "So I here there is a new game about to commence. It's not wise."
"But it's the only way for them to start working together." Baelfire countered, but he seemed much friendlier than he had been over the past few encounters. Jane wasn't sure what to think about that. She merely pulled out an instrument and began to measure the diagrams on the papers. Baelfire came up behind her as Jane said, "No, I mean it's not wise for you to get so involved. The Enchantress won't be pleased. You're supposed to be neutral."
"What she does now is her business," Baelfire said, almost in a murmur, "What I do now is my business as well."
Baelfire stopped behind her, plucking the instrument out of her hand. Jane didn't even bother protesting as she found herself looking into his brown eyes. He leaned towards her, inches away saying, "We need to talk about this."
"About what?" Jane said, exasperated, "Alison needs to find out on her own."
"I understand that," Baelfire said, "But you hiding isn't going to help that. Alison already knows that your imprisoned and it bothers her greatly."
"It bothers her now because she doesn't know the truth," Jane said, staring hardly at him, "When she does, that love will turn to hate."
"You honestly think that?" Baelfire said, surprised.
"Yes, I do," Jane said, her voice getting suddenly heated, "When we met her, it was no mystery to the Mages that she hated her mother. All because she thought her mother hated her."
Baelfire's surprise could not be hidden. Jane stared at Baelfire objectionably and said, "Out of all the mistakes I made, THAT was not one of them. And out of everything you told her, it had to be that."
"I didn't tell her that, I couldn't tell her anything!" Baelfire said heatedly, but it didn't stop guilt from building up in his eyes, " I was angry at the situation at hand, for this whole stupid thing! I was angry at you for not listening and him for taking you away, that was certain! But never did I wanted her to think it that you hated her, I didn't want her to feel that."
Baelfire brushed her tears away with her free hand saying, "I wanted you to come back to us."
"Why?" Jane asked sounding ever so confused, "If things made you that angry and made things that difficult then why?"
"Because no matter how hard something can get," Baelfire said, lightly stroking her jaw line, "Having something is always better than having nothing."
Jane swallowed just as Baelfire brushed his lips against hers. Jane neither rejected nor returned his kiss, as she was in too much shock. Baelfire didn't seem to care as he kissed her a little more fully, gently pulling her head closer. Jane finally got over the initial shock, slowly kissing him back. Baelfire pulled away ever so slightly, Jane still feeling his lips very close to her own as he spoke.
"I'm sorry. I didn't understand what you were going through; I wouldn't have understood what you were going through. I had no idea what it was like to have been imprison with the child you gave birth to and watch her slip away because of that," Baelfire kissed her again, sweetly. "I was too wrapped up in my own anger to see what kind of pain you were suffering. If I had, you wouldn't have had to go to the Master and Alison wouldn't have had to pay the price for all of it."
Jane said nothing but her expression spoke volumes to him. He kissed her again, comforting and loving as she responded to his kiss. She found herself reaching up lacing her fingers through his dark hair. She was trembling as he pulled away. Baelfire stroked her hair behind her ear and said, "Keep watch out for me. I don't want any mess ups during her game."
Jane nodded and said, "Be careful."
Baelfire smirked and said, "The Klutz is telling me to be careful?"
"The Klutz is telling you to be careful," Jane muttered, "Considering you're the reason I ever became known as the Klutz."
Baelfire released her backing away. A look of bitterness crept back into his eyes and said, "Just watch. And when I get back, we'll figure this out."
Jane smiled weakly and said, "If Alison doesn't kill me first."
"She won't," Baelfire scowled, "She loves you too much."
"I don't know about that," Jane said, as Baelfire walked way. He waved his hand before disappearing from her room. Jane leaned backed against the desk, watching the doorway a moment before letting out a long heavy sigh. Walking over to the other side of the room, Jane pulled on the coat hook to have the floor open up. A crystal pool of water was revealed, lights rippling across the water unnaturally. Jane laid down on her chaise and reached down, skimming her hands above the water. It rippled, revealing a scene with Baelfire meeting up with Alison. Jane couldn't help but smile, resting her head.
This was going to be interesting.
"Are we ready?" Charming asked as he looked back at the group. The sky was growing to be night as Gold stood by Belle protectively. Emma stood near Mary Margaret as Ruby zipped up her coat. Emma glanced at Gold and asked, "Where is Alison now?"
"With her father," Gold said, protective and stiff, "They are lying low till this mess is over."
"And worse comes to worse, Granny is on guard," Ruby said, her hand hovering over her pocket, "She'll alert us if something goes south."
"So then let's not waste time," Emma said, looking down at her invitation, "Let's go, the invite said that we needed to enter through the main entrance."
"It won't let us in till the doors open," Gold said as they walked up to the entrance of the school. Charming walked ahead near Emma saying, "We tried to get back into the school but there was some sort of barrier from preventing us from opening the door. Can you sense what kind of magic it is?"
"No, and that's the strange part," Gold said, frowning as Belle held onto his arm in some fear, "I cannot feel anything but something at the same time. It's like something is blocking it from being fully identified."
Emma looked back at him but then was distracted when the doors opened. Everyone watched as a bright light was illuminating from the doorway. Emma swallowed and fingered her gun. She walked forward first and said, "Remember our first priority is getting the kids out of here."
"Right," Gold said, his voice sounding a tad sarcastic and devious. Belle glanced at him worriedly as they all approached. Entering the bright light, everyone felt the warm radiating aura overtake them. They all walked what seemed like hours before they came to a dark door way. Emma went first, walking through the door and took a few steps, staring around. Wonder and disbelief entered her system as she stared around.
This was definitely not the school.
It looked as if she had stepped into an abandoned stadium. The tent walls were large, stretching almost beyond her vision. The tight ropes looked unsafe and the rings hung limply from the ceiling. The wooden seats were empty and almost dusty looking. The large circle in the center was on a rise almost like a stage. On the stage there were several boards in a circle standing in an upright position almost like mirrors. The torches that were scattered about weren't lit as Emma walked towards the middle. Everyone finally walked through, all of them thoroughly shocked. Emma walked up onto the stage and looked around as Snow White said, "What is this place?"
"It almost looks like a circus," Ruby said, staring around sniffing slightly. Emma's voice then projected in an echo as she shouted, "Guys! Up here!"
Everyone hurried up onto the stage, where they found Emma standing over near one the boards. Regina stood there, chained against it. Whale was chained as well, not too far away on another board as Charming ran to free him. Emma removed the rag that was tied against Regina's mouth as she asked, "Who did this to you?"
"I have no idea," Regina said, her voice harsh but a bit frightened, "I got this Magesteria letter and I came looking for Henry-."
Charming glanced back as he attempted to remove the rag from Whale's mouth. However he felt some sort of magnetic pull snap his back to the board next to Whale. The torches around them suddenly roared with flame as everyone felt themselves get yanked backed against the boards. Gold gritted his teeth as he felt the cuffs lock him and Snow White together as Belle found herself chained to Ruby. Emma struggled against the magic pinning her to the board. Rumpelstiltskin tried focusing magic to his fingers but found that he couldn't. Circus music began to play, choppy and distorted as the circus tent seem to come to life. Emma then shouted, "Magesteria! Where are you?!"
There was a laugh, one that made everyone freeze. It was a woman's laugh; there was no doubt about it. In a swirling golden gas, a woman appeared. She was tall and slender, almost delicate. Her long hair was crimped and had blue ribbons tied into it. It was bound in a rather unique fashion, framing her face attractively. Her corset was black as night and her dress was white and pale blue. The skirts floated about her like mist as she stared around at them with deep grey eyes. She finally spoke, her voice calm and so sweet it gave one chills.
"Here I am."
Emma stared at her, feeling something send chills over her. Charming stared at her with realization as Ruby said, "You? You're Magesteria?"
"You're a siren," Charming said, his voice sounding cold, "I've seen your kind before."
"Really?" she sounded almost mocking, but still charming as ever. She walked towards him, graceful and slow. "I doubt you've seen my kind exactly before. After all the siren's in the Enchanted Realm are different then I."
"If you're not from the Enchanted Realm, then where are you from?" Snow White demanded and it dawned on Emma. Gold seemed to have realized it too as the Siren said, "I am the Siren of Wonderland. And I am the very thing stolen from that land."
"The Siren of Wonderland?" Belle asked confused and Emma said, "You're the one who chose Alison to be its Mage."
"Chose?" The siren turned towards Emma and smiled wickedly. She then strutted towards Emma, her skirts rustling from the movement. Siren then stopped a good distance in front of Emma saying, "I didn't chose her; I acquired her. Chose would imply that she's not mine, but someone I decided was worthy."
"Well she's not yours," Gold sneered, glaring at the creature before him, "And you can tell that bloody Enchantress who 'stole' you that she can't have her either."
"We shall see about that, Oh Dark One," the Siren said, turning her attention towards him, "In the meantime, I do hope you enjoy my game. After all, it was designed especially for everyone."
The Siren then snapped her fingers and trapped doors opened beneath everyone's feet. They all went sliding down, leaving the Siren alone in the middle. The trap doors shut with a snap and the Siren smiled victoriously. She then said loudly, "I think they believed me Mistress."
There was a swirl of Midnight blue smoke and Alison appeared, dressed in the very same outfit that she had been in at Jefferson's. She held a rose in her hand, light blue in color with thorns. Holding out the rose to the siren gracefully, Alison said, "You've done well. Now please go hide yourself, I'd rather no harm befall you."
"As you command, Mistress," The siren bowed before disappearing with her token. Alison watched the spot for a moment before pulling something out of her pocket. It was a walking talkie, one very much like the one Henry had. Clicking the button, Alison said into the speaker, "Get ready, my performers. Circus De Wonderland is about to begin."
~Storybook~
"Jack, why is she so cold?"
Jack winced at the question, not looking up from his scroll. Alison was sitting on his desk, kicking her legs slightly as she looked at him expectantly. She seemed different in both demeanor and appearance. Her face was calm and the aura around her was strong. Jack glanced up at her and said, "Despite being here many years, she is still very much transitioning to this world. The magic makes her frozen, emotionless. This often gets misinterpreted as coldness or cruelness. Until she master's it, she will not be able to show her emotions properly."
"So poisoning the Nutcracker's bride wasn't cruel?" Alison challenged gently but sounded as though she meant business. Jack gripped his quill tighter and said, "Why must we talk of troubling things?"
"Because you and I know Jack that my training here has come to an end," Alison said, her voice holding a note of sadness, "And I'd hate to leave and find you in some terrible trouble because she hasn't controlled herself in a manner in which she should."
"I see Sage has had no problems of troubling you with dilemmas not your business," Jack said shortly, "I'll have to remember to deal with him later…"
"Jack, don't-," Alison started, exasperation beginning to show.
"You sound much older now," Jack said suddenly, as if in attempts to change topics, "And look older as well. If only that truly were the case…"
"Jack, listen to me," Alison said, reaching out to touch his hand, "Please."
"Alison, I cannot interfere," Jack said, pained, "Either way, I would be in hot water. If I save the queen, Morgana will only continue to believe she has mastered her magic. If I don't, then the people of Antic will suffer."
"Then don't interfere," Alison said, softly, "Just listen to me."
Jack looked at her but did not say another word. It was all she need to speak, all she needed to see. Alison then said, "The King as put out a decree that anyone with a cure to the Queen's disease is to come forward."
"There is no cure," Jack said and Alison smiled wryly. She then said, "But there is Jack. I have it."
Jack stared at Alison, as if in disbelief. Alison pulled out a vial and said, "Morgana's poison is Antic's coldest ice, freezing her from the inside. All she needs is to drink Wonderland's Gas processed and she will be cured."
"You've come quite a long way," Jack said with a heavy sigh, "From a girl crying under the chair…"
"Crying won't get me back to my father," Alison said, softly, "And this will cure the Queen."
"And Morgana will be livid," Jack groaned, "Absolutely livid."
Alison couldn't help but grin slyly and said, "That's exactly the point."
Jack froze and then looked at Alison surprised. Alison's grin turned into a smile and said, "You will have killed two birds with one stone. Morgana will take one step forward instead of one step back and Antic will be at peace."
"But you will leave," Jack said, suddenly, "And return to Wonderland…"
"Yes Jack," Alison said softly, keeping her hand on his, "I have to. The Queen of Hearts needs to be stopped. And I need to get back to my father."
"I'll be alone," Jack said softly, and Alison was taken aback. She hadn't thought of it like that. But it was partially true; apart from her there were not many people here. Even Morgana was not here in his home on a regular basis. Her face falling into sadness, Alison said, "It's true, I won't be here. But I won't forget you. I could never forget you."
Jack still looked pained and Alison felt sadness take place in her heart. Alison leaned over and kissed the top of his head. Jack looked up as she pulled away saying, "I'll challenge then you, Jack Frost. If you can get your winter to follow me, you will always see me and you will always have my heart."
Jack couldn't help but smile and said, "Challenging your teacher?"
"Of course," Alison said, "What lessons could a teacher teach if he cannot learn from his student."
Alison then slid of the desk, pulling her hand away. Jack suddenly reached for her hand, taking it in his own. Alison looked back and he stood up. He didn't release her hand as he said, "I have a few parting words of my own, since we speak of lessons. In regards to the Queen of Hearts, I can only tell you one thing. Always know your battles, and you will never lose."
He took a step closer to Alison, looking somewhat distant. He continued, "Never let Rumpelstiltskin find you. I know your relation, but the imp he is now is not ready for you. I can only promise that he will use you, not love you."
Alison nodded, sadness taking her heart once more. Jack then brought her hand up and he kissed it softly. Alison gasped as she felt a cold feeling skate across her hand. A snowflake symbol glowed in a flickering manner before disappearing on her hand. Jack then said softly, "When you are done with healing the Queen, go to the biggest mirror you can find. Touch it, and it will be able to bring you back to the Cheshire Forest in Wonderland."
Jack pushed back her hair and said, softly, "Then I can only watch."
Alison smiled weakly and embraced him. Jack seemed a little bit shocked, but then embraced her as well. Alison pulled away after a time, saying, "Goodbye Jack."
Jack stared into her blue eyes and said, "Goodbye Alison."
She left them, walking out of the room slowly. She took him in; afraid as if she would forget what he looked like. Jack watched her until she was out of his sight. He did not move until her footsteps had completely died away. Jack then walked over to the desk and sighed heavily. Loneliness and despair crept into his eyes as he sat down. She would soon be back in Wonderland where he could no longer help her. That precise thought is what scared him the most; and it had been forever since Jack Frost had been scared.
