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 he has given me, it is truly appreciated and he should get credit for the ideas contributed to this story. He's like that person behind the scene that makes sure this story doesn't go to Davy Jones Locker. Please Review once you are done reading and tell me what you think!

Chapter Thirty Three: Weak Link

"Regina! Regina, come on wake up."

Emma was shaking her awake as Regina coughed heftily. Opening her eyes, Regina looked at Emma with a confused pained look. Emma pulled her up, feeling a click in the chains. Both Regina and Emma looked down at their wrist and made a face. Emma groaned as Regina said, "I see Magesteria has a strange sense of humor putting us two together."

"You think?" Emma scoffed, and then said, "Come on, we need to find a way out of here."

"We?" Regina said incredulously and Emma snapped, "Yes, we! We are chained together, stuck in who knows where, and this Siren has Henry."

"And whose fault is that?" Regina snapped, stepping into Emma's personal space threateningly, "I believe that was yours?! They should have never given Henry to you!"

"And what? They were supposed to give him to you?! The woman who isolated him from every person because she was too busy making everyone's life a living hell?" Emma snapped, towering over the evil queen, "You made him suffer, you threw him in the middle of your violent rampage. If you hadn't given me reason that he wasn't okay, you would still have him! All I wanted when I gave Henry up was to give him his best chance and for a split second when I walked into your house I thought he had that. Then I saw how miserable he was and got to know him. Did you know the first night he was with me he cried because he thought you were going to take him back?"

Regina was staring at her wide eyed and Emma said, "Look, I saw your story. I read it and I feel sorry that your mother did what she did. But you turned into a monster and you sucked everyone down that hole of revenge. You tell me how that is taking care of him?!"

Regina swallowed, tears running down her face. She then said brokenly, "I loved him…"

"Then prove it," Emma said, firmly, "Change back for him. Prove to him that you want to change. Because if you don't he will hate you for the rest of his life and that is not what I want my son to feel."

Regina sniffed, her face becoming placid. She then said in a controlled voice, "What do we have to do?"

"Find a way out of this," Emma said, looking around the tunnel they had fallen into, "And find a way to find Henry."

"If we can find Gold, we can find a way to Henry," Regina said, as they began to walk down the hallway, "He has enough magic to find him."

Emma walked down the hallway, Regina close to her. It was damp and cold, almost looking like one of the mine entrances. They finally came to an opening to a room, stopping to look around. There were plants growing up into the walls and the floor had a really thick vine stretching up into the endless room. There was no ceiling just endless darkness and branches off of the vine. Emma swallowed and said, "Looks like we have to climb up."

"Which will be hard considering that we are chained to each other," Regina muttered and Emma said, "Its fine, we'll get to the top. We'll just have to take our time."

Regina stared at Emma almost with relief but with confusion as well. She made no comment about it as she followed Emma around the bean stalk. When Emma had finally found a good place to start climbing, she heard Regina ask, "Why?"

"Huh?" Emma asked and Regina asked, "Why are you bothering to even work with me? Surely it would have taken you no problem to unlock yourself and then cuff me."

"I refuse to leave you behind," Emma said, "I couldn't stomach facing Henry and telling him I stooped to a new low. He's had enough disappointment already."

Regina stared at her, shock clearly evident on her face. Emma then grasped onto the vines and said, "Look, I won't hurt you if you don't hurt me. We work together to get up these vines and get Henry back. Deal?"

"Deal."

Regina stared at Emma for another moment before looking back up the vines. She then looked at her hand saying, "I might have a way for up to get up the stalk."

"Huh?" Emma's question didn't need answering as Regina closed her eyes and reached out touching the vines. Emma watched Regina, magic building up around her. But Emma knew it wasn't enough. Magic took a lot of power, and even since fighting Maleficent she had been able to feel it easier. Grabbing Regina's chained hand; Emma took a leap of faith, closed her eyes, and focused…

Suddenly stairs seemed to form on the side of the vine circling all the way out of sight. Regina smiled and nearly laughed saying, "We did it!"

"Yeah, we did," Emma said stupefied. Regina then looked back at Emma more calmly and said, "Come on, we should get to the top. Who knows how long this spell will last."

"Yeah," Emma said, obviously still dumbfounded. Regina climbed up with Emma following her. Emma glanced down at her hand, a little horrified at the symbol faintly glowing. What exactly had she done? Because whatever it was certainly didn't feel right.


"Lovely room."

Blue Fairy froze, hearing the sound of a male voice. The room lights were lit, showing a rather nice sitting room. The floors were sleek and of oak wood. The walls were pale but warm, pictures surrounding the walls. She was standing near a table with flowers blooming, clutching an old leather book. She looked over to see Baelfire standing in the door way. She then said realization dawning on her face, "You're…you're-."

"Baelfire Kinsleigh," he said somewhat shortly, "Alison's father, Rumpelstiltskin's son."

"Shouldn't you be with-?" Blue Fairy started but Baelfire interrupted, "Alison will be fine. She's safe. I needed to come see you."

Joy and relief over came her face and Blue Fairy looked at him saying, "Thank God you are alive and well!"

She had quickly gone over to him, reach out to him. Baelfire flinched which made her stop. Her face fell somewhat and said almost shocked, "What's wrong child? Has something happened?"

"It seemed like a saving grace at the time," Baelfire said, exhaling as he spoke, "Trusting you."

Blue Fairy looked at him confused as Baelfire continued, "You said your pretty words, said you were on the right side. But really, what is your definition of the right side?"

Blue Fairy stared at him as he walked away from her and to the table. Blue Fairy looked confused as she said, "What are you talking about?"

"I know your story," Baelfire said calmly, "I've seen it, quite crystal clear."

Her face fell as Baelfire said, "You were mortal once, named Evelyn. You had a sister too, named Elizabeth. You were daughters to a merchant. A rather good one too, a good man. Your family helped the poor and the needy, and you especially helped the young child. A good family, one that was well respected and loved. You lived quite happily, until one terrible night. Your father was visited by a man, tall and dark. He was the Duke, the Ever First Dark One. He had been jealous of your father's fortune and killed him without thought. You begged, pleaded with him to let your sister live. But he would not listen; the evil inside him was too great. You tried protecting your sister from the same fate but he blasted you out the window and into the pond. He killed her and left you for dead. But the Guardian of Spring took pity on you, taking power of a star and giving you life, immortal life. She tasked you with bringing joy to the children, like you had always done. You did so for a time, but always saw the threat of the Dark One. A new one came and went and then I came asking you for a way for my father to be free of it. But you knew he would not go through, no you saw the evil that clenched at his soul. Your anger for it got the better of you. When he tried to get help for getting across, you didn't help him."

"There was no way for me to help him get across," Blue Fairy cried.

"But there was a way to bring me back," Baelfire said angrily, "There was a way to summon me from that world, through the Mages! You knew I wanted to be with my father! But instead you abandoned me in a world that was far crueler than the one I had left."

"I didn't know, I was trying to save you," Blue Fairy said, tearfully, "I didn't want to see you suffer the same fate as Elizabeth!"

"He was my father, he was being possessed. Instead of pitting everyone against him, why didn't you tell people about what was hurting him? Why not try and find a way to destroy the magic. NOT HIM."

"There wasn't a way!" Blue Fairy said.

"True Love's kiss," Baelfire challenged, "The Enchantress, there was so many ways. But you took none of them."

"Please, Baelfire!" Blue Fairy pleaded, walking over to him, "What can I do to prove that meant no harm! Please I never wanted to kill your father, I just saw the evil in him that has killed so many."

Baelfire paused, a smile growing on his face. He then said kindly, "Then work with me. We have a way to eliminate the dark one, but we shall need you to work together with everyone. No matter who it is."

Baelfire looked at her with a growing understanding and said, "Put your own mind at ease and do the right thing. I now know you truly meant no harm and know I will not let your sacrifice be in vain."

Blue Fairy felt him squeeze her hand reassuringly and Baelfire said, "I know Emma has told you about the children missing, but don't come looking for them like she asked. We have the children and they are perfectly safe."

"But if you have the children," Blue Fairy said slowly, "This is a ruse?"

"In a sense," Baelfire said, "We need them to work together, and this is the best way to do it. We are working against time and my daughters spell won't last for long."

"But-no!" Blue Fairy said stricken, "Baelfire, you cannot let this spell end. The consequences for us all will be too great!"

"I know what the consequences are," Baelfire said bitterly, "But the consequences will be worse if it continues. The longer the spell continued the shorter the curse will survive after the spell is broken. Just do your part and we'll take care of the rest."

Baelfire turned on his heel and walked out saying, "Everyone is going to go home, I promise you."


"Hey-Hey are you okay?"

Belle blinked to see Ruby looking at her concerned. Belle nodded slowly and Ruby said, "Are you hurt? Can you stand?"

"I-I think so," Belle whispered, sitting upright. They seemed to have fallen into a room with no windows. There was a door on the opposite side of the room. It wasn't a terrible room; it had a bed and comfy looking chairs. They were chained together though, as Belle noticed when she went to touch her head. Ruby saw her movement and said, "Here, let me look."

Belle allowed her to do so, a little relieved by her kindness. Ruby checked her head for injuries and said, "I don't see anything, which is good considering the fall we had. But still, don't do any sudden movements."

"Alright," Belle said as Red helped her over to the couch. She sat her down and asked, "What's your name again?"

"Belle," Belle said, staring at Ruby, "Yours?"

"Red," she said with a smile, "But everyone just calls me Ruby here."

"Nice to meet you," Belle said, with a weak laugh, "Wish it was under better circumstances."

"So, you're with Gold?" Red said after a good stretch of silence had past and Belle nodded. "How did that one happen?"

"Well, it's a rather long story, and you might think I'm crazy," Belle said, with almost an exasperated laugh. Ruby then said reassuringly, "No crazier than mine, I'm sure. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"No, it's fine," Belle said, almost a little happy for someone to talk to, "But can we try getting out of here? I'm sorry, I don't like being locked in rooms."

"Its fine," Red said, helping Belle to her feet, "Hopefully we won't run into the enemy."

"Hopefully," Belle said. They walked over to the door, which was surprisingly unlocked. They exited the room, finding themselves in a long hallway. They walked a bit before Belle said, "I made a deal with him."

"Hmm?" Red asked and Belle said, "I made a deal with Rumpelstiltskin to save my village. I promised that I would go with him forever. As long as he promised to save my village. I was frightened of him at first, but after a time he didn't seem that frightening. He was a little queer and oddly eccentric, but there were times that I would see him gently and kind. I was actually happy that I was there, instead of back home…"

"Why?" Ruby asked, her eyes filled with curiosity. Belle smiled bitterly and said, "My father was the Earl of Avalon. He loved me that I was sure. But you know women have their place and mine was to be married to a man I could barely stand. He was selfish, vain, always superficial and showing off. Especially to women."

"Sounds like a prince charming," Red said sarcastically.

"No kidding," Belle said, "But he had an army and good military experience. So we were supposed to marry. So when I made the deal with Rumpelstiltskin, it saved me from that."

"Almost sounds like he was your hero," Red said incredulously. Belle smiled and said, "He was a man once, before the Dark Magic took him. He still there…under it all. I think I was just one of the first to be able to see it."

"So what happened? Did you fall in love with him?" Red asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Belle smiled and said, "Bit by bit I did. And I could have sworn he was falling in love with me too. And then he let me go."

"What?" Red asked and Belle said, "He told me if I would fetch him straw and return, he would tell me about his son. He didn't expect me to come back, he was giving me a chance to leave. And I almost took it."

"What stopped you?" Red asked and Belle's looked darkened. She then said, "I met a woman, on the road. She told me of a way, that True Loves kiss would break any curse. This woman was the evil queen."

Red's face fell and Belle said, "I went like a lovesick fool back to him and I kissed him. He kissed me back and it began to break. But I told him what the woman said on the road and he thought I had tricked him, trying to weaken him to kill him. He thought I was working for her."

Red watched her companion with wide eyes, hurt filling them. Belle didn't look at her and said, "After than he told me to leave. So I did. I went to go back home and my father… was less than receptive. He turned me away, ashamed of just being his servant. God knows what he would have done if he knew I fell in love with him. I went on many adventures after that, before the Queen imprisoned me."

There was a long pause and Red looked at Belle. She then took Belle's hand saying, "Well it's not crazy. Perhaps if I didn't know Alison like I do, I might think so."

"What do you mean?" Belle asked curiously. Red looked a head, pausing a moment. She then said, "I knew Alison as Autumn while the curse was still active. She had moved here three almost four years ago with her foster mother. She was littler then, but acted all grown up. She was so cute, selling Granny her apples for our pies. I swear, she was adorable in her own little way. I never really met her foster mother, but she was always waiting in the car. Granny had finally talked to her one day on the phone, setting up so Alison would be watched during the day by us. One day, she had been coming to spend the night with me when Gold came by for the rent. He startled her half to death, sneaking up behind her. He was… polite with her in the room, calling her dearie as he said good bye. I nearly laughed, her cheeks turned so pink."

"Aww," Belle said, smiling more warmly. Ruby smiled as she said, "I thought she had the biggest little girl crush ever. She practically memorized when he would come for the rent and stay over. She tried offering her apples to him but he always politely declined. It wasn't until one festival almost two years ago that she finally went to his shop and gave him apples. He told her he didn't want any but she said she wasn't going home with them so he might as well take them. He tried them and liked them. He made a deal with her, which she gladly accepted. She came to the diner; grinning from ear to ear saying that she finally got the old coot to try one."

Belle couldn't help but laugh and then covered her mouth. She looked back down the hallway as did Ruby. A sudden suspicious look came over her face as she said, "I find it strange."

"Find what strange?" Ruby asked and Belle said, "We've been walking and talking and haven't run into anyone. I mean, why would the Siren attack us and then just leave us to wander? Surely she would have sent some enemies to keep us busy?"

"I don't know," Ruby said thoughtfully, "But then again, why would the Enchantress steal something from all the lands and sick them on us?"

"True," Belle said frowning, "All of its confusing."

"Keep that thought," Red said, a pondering expression on her face, "You're right when you say something isn't right, but we'll need to find out where everyone is first."


"Damn it!" Charming said, attempting to get back up from falling. He and Whale were in a room, with a rock climbing wall. Little vines were creeping up it, the grayish hue of the room rather creepy. At the top was a hole, as if an exit for the two of them. Whale winced and said, "Well that went well."

"Shut up Whale!" Charming snapped, as he went to stand up. Charming winced though as he moved his free hand. Whale spotted his discomfort as Charming moved it and said, "You should probably not try climbing again. It looks as if you might have badly sprained it."

"Well then what other suggestions do you have?" Charming said, "Because until we find another way out of here, we are just going to have to keep trying."

"How about just sitting still a moment, Charming," Whale snapped, obvious displeased about the whole situation, "Nothing is going to get accomplished by rushing into things."

"And nothing will get accomplished by doing nothing," Charming said, and Whale said, "Look, just at least let me tend to your wrist. We already have one handicap with these cuffs, let's not make another one."

Charming's expression softened and allowed Dr. Whale to examine his wrist. Dr. Whale did so, taking the patience to wrap it tightly. David was staring up at the wall, as if trying to formulate a plan. Whale glanced at him and said, "I would just wait a minute before trying to climb up that wall again. You've already injured yourself once; nothing's going to happen just because we raced to the top."

"The longer we stay down here, the longer the Siren holds captive my grandson," David snapped, "And I don't feel like waiting around to find out what she's going to do to him."

"Look," Whale said, just as testy, "You might be Prince in your world. But you are not prince in mine! So please understand when I say you're not the boss of me!"

"Fine, then let's find a way out of these chains and go our separate ways," Charming said, "Deal?"

"Deal!" Dr. Whale said, yanking on his chained arm. The chains suddenly broke, several of the rings falling to the floor. They shattered like glass and seemed to have evaporated. Charming breathed in as did Whale, which turned to be a big mistake. Charming felt himself burn with shivers as the room appeared to get bigger and bigger. But what he had realized actually happened was that they had gotten smaller.

"What sorcery is this!?" Whale snapped, obviously annoyed at the current situation. Charming looked around and said in deep pondering, "I'm not quite sure…"

They both looked in shock as the room suddenly began to shake. Charming then looked up at the wall in horror as he saw that it was moving. Moving to close in right on them. Grabbing Whale's shoulder, Charming snapped, "Come on let's go!"

They raced to the wall, climbing up onto the smaller vines that had been creeping up the wall. They hadn't been big enough for them to climb before but now they seemed to be just the right size. Adrenaline rushed through the two of them as the wall came closer and closer to them. Charming almost felt himself slip as he grabbed onto one of the vines near him. He looked down to see if Whale was alright, and found that the Doctor was right on his heels. David finally made it to the top and reached down to help Whale. He yanked the man up and into the opening. They crawled out into the main room as they heard a loud clanking of the wall making contact with the other wall. They both were panting and Whale said, "Well that certainly wasn't expected."

"No, it wasn't," Charming said, looking at him, "Are you alright?"

"Fine. You?" Whale asked, sitting up against the curved wall. There were several mirrors in the room but no doors. The room was circular and seemed magnificently huge from their perspective as the ceiling seemed nonexistent. In the center of the room there was a rather tall table. Pushing back his hair, Charming couldn't help but look down at the cuff that still remained on his wrist. He couldn't help but wonder if the two events were interrelated.


"How strange," Alison said staring in the mirror, "I didn't think Charming would end up as the weak link."

"Hm? Did you say something, my lady?" Jefferson said, glancing over at her from the seat in the stadium seats. He was lying down, looking quite bored. Alison waved her hand and the scene in the mirror disappeared. She then turned to Hatter and smiled coyly. She then walked over to him saying, "It's been a while since you've called me that."

"It's been a while since I've been able to call you that," Jefferson murmured, glancing up at the young Mage, "After all, it's only as of recently the muchness you has returned."

"I only wish your muchness would return," Alison replied, almost cheekily, "It's been a while since I've seen you like your conniving self."

Jefferson's cheerful face faded into a pained expression and Alison sighed. She walked over to him and sat down promptly by his head. He stared up at her as she said, "You know, for someone that lectured me so much about being happy you're really not doing it yourself."

"It's hard to do when you have so much damage to undo," Jefferson stressed and Alison said, "And I don't? I've done plenty to make many enemies and ended up in really messy stuff, and yet you still told me to find happiness."

"Yes, but-," Jefferson said exasperated and Alison said firmly, "No, no more but, although, or however. You will have your happily ever after, you've come way too far to start guilt tripping now."

Jefferson stared at her and she jokingly punched his shoulder saying, "Now get up. People will be up here sooner than you know it and you will not be sleeping on the job."

"Of course not," he said suddenly. He suddenly sprang to his feet and turned around with almost of flourished spin. He bowed to her saying, "But you did promise me a dance."

Alison smiled coyly and said, "Indeed I did."

Jefferson bowed with a flourish and clapped his hands together. The music in the stadium began to play, not fast but very reminiscent of another time. Alison did her magical flourish of a bow. Jefferson smiled, that wonderfully mad smile again as he said, "If only you'd dress up. Your hats would fit your head much better."

"As will yours," Alison said quietly. Jefferson looked at her confused as she indicated behind him. Jefferson turned and saw it sitting upon the stool. His hat, perfectly fine and prim as if it had been waiting for him the whole time. Mixed emotions crossed through him as he stared long and hard at it. Alison wasn't sure of it herself, but there was a strange wanting hope on her face. As terribly selfish as she felt for hoping it, she wanted nothing more for him to take up his hat again. But she wouldn't make him, no she couldn't be so cruel as that. Swallowing, Alison said, "It yours for the taking, if you want it."

A hard look came into Jefferson's eyes as he said, "No. That hat has caused me enough troubles. I have Grace now."

Alison's eyes glistened with tears, her heart breaking. Staring at the hat, Jefferson remembered bittersweet memories of someone he had once binded his life too. Jefferson had no intention of hurting Alison, in fact if he had turned around he would have noticed how badly she took his words. A tear slipped down her cheek and she impatiently wiped them away. She turned around, breathing in deep and then turned around and put on her very best smile and said, "Well, I guess no hat will be fine enough. Shall we?"

Jefferson turned around, allowing his smile to return. Alison then turned on her left foot, raising her arms up. Jefferson stepped behind her as he held out his arms. Gracefully Alison let her arms fall, gently resting her hands into his own. He then spun her around, spinning her until she was a distance away. One hand released, Alison leaned out staring at him intently. He held tightly to her one hand as he raised the other above his head. They side stepped slowly to the music as Alison broke her gaze. Jefferson did notice this and he asked, "Is something wrong, Milady?"

"No," Alison lied, staring off at the empty seats, "Just reminiscing about things long past…"

"Like Wonderland?" Jefferson asked quietly as he spun he around elaborately, "Our adventures?"

"Our narrow misses with the Dark One," Alison teased, hoping to keep her mind off of the present dark cloud on her mind.

Jefferson winced and said in a jovial manner, "Well considering we never got caught, I'm sure it was quite a blow to his ever growing ego."

"What did you ever do to him anyway?" Alison grinned and said as she found both of her hands in his as they slowed to a stop, "It's a rarity when Gold ever gets upset over anything."

"I worked for him," Jefferson said, slowly coming to a stop, "Long story short, there was just one thing I tricked him into giving up."

Alison opened her mouth to ask what that one thing was when the mirror began to glow behind her. Jefferson glanced at it and said, "You should watch. It might finally be them."

"I know," Alison said with an almost indifferent tone. Walking over to it, her heart winced a little bit as she watched Gold and Snow White struggling to their feet. Alison crossed her arms, biting her lip gently. Jefferson had walked up behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders. Alison didn't even flinch as Jefferson said lowly, "Are you going to be alright? You don't have to watch…."

"No I do," Alison said, forcing her voice to be stern, "I am Wonderland's Mage and I will follow this through. Just because he's family makes him no different to the others in this test."

Jefferson leaned over as Alison said, her voice having a tint of roughness, "Whatever it takes."


"Damn," growled Gold, as he felt his leg throb in protest. He and Snow had fallen into a room that was small and dingy. Snow White groaned, feeling sore all over. She tried getting up but there was a tug on her wrist. She looked down to see her wrist and Gold's wrist chained together. Groaning, Snow White said, "Of course, why would she make it easy?"

"Apparently she has no conscious," Gold growled and stood up. He then reached for his cane and leaned against it. He grasped Snow White's hand and pulled her to her feet. Snow White balanced herself and looked around the room. Looking exasperated, Snow said, "Where are we now?"

"Probably somewhere below the stadium," grumbled Gold as he moved to walk over to the door. Snow White followed, her nerves on edge. She followed him and said, "We need to find a way back to the top-!"

"No we need to find a way back to the others," Gold said testily, "Find a way to break these chains so I go can go kill this damned monster!"

"Rumpelstiltskin stop!" Snow White demanded and Gold glared at her. But when he spoke, Snow White couldn't help but notice he sounded desperate, "Stop? This woman just sent us all down a hole chained, possible hurting Belle and going after Alison!"

"And nothing will get accomplished by freaking out!" Snow White snapped, "Believe me, I'm just as worried. But we can't just go charging in when she clearly has the upper hand! That won't help with Alison or Belle!"

"Then what do you propose we do!" Rumpelstiltskin snapped and Snow White said firmly, "We are going to make our way back up to the top! The longer we delay searching for people, the less likely we are going to help anyone! Including Alison! We need to work together or we are going to fail!"

Gold watched her, reproachful for a minute but seemed to have calmed down. As much as he hated to admit it, there was truth to her words. His mask returned in place as he said calmly, "Will she be alright with Red?"

"Belle will be perfectly safe, Red will protect her with her life," Snow White said, reassuring. She then walked forward saying, "Now let's go. We'll need to be discreet from here on out."

Gold said nothing but followed her to the door. She opened it slowly and quietly, staring out of the room. She was then met with a sight that would have been amazing had the situation not been what it was. It was a white and silver room, mirrors along the walls everyone they looked. They walked to the center of the room and looked around in confusion. Snow White looked exasperated as she said, "There is no way out."

"That we can see, dearie," Gold said softly, "That we can see…"

Gold lead her over to one of the mirror's, reaching out to touch the sleek frame. Suddenly it began to glow as did the other mirrors, causing them to back away. Snow White covered her eyes and said, "What did you do?!"

"Relax dearie," Gold said, with a contemplating expression. But soon his own form went rigid as he saw a scene before him that he had long wished forgotten. Snow White glanced up to see a scene on the road, in the middle of the night. Rumpelstiltskin was standing with a boy with dark hair, near soldiers. The soldiers were snickering as he said, "I know you don't I? What was your name? Spindelshanks? Threadwhistel? Hobblefoot?"

"His name is Rumpelstiltskin," the young Baelfire said bravely.

The other chuckling continued as the knight said, "Ah, the man who ran. This your boy? How old is he? What's your name?"

Gold suddenly grasped his cane and then lashed out, a mixture of dark emotions crossing his face. Snow White didn't have the will to even bothering trying to stop him. But his cane fell on dull air, obviously no long able to strike the mirror he had just previously touched. His balance left him as Snow White grabbed a hold on him. The scene continued on like nothing had just occurred.

"I'm Baelfire and I'm thirteen!" Baelfire said bravely.

"Hush boy!" Rumpelstiltskin said exasperated. The Knight seemed pleased, but not in a good way. He then asked, "When is your Birthday, boy?"

"In two days-!" Baelfire said and Rumpelstiltskin tried hushing him again. Snow White watched in horror as Rumpelstiltskin tensed up. The Knight looked at Rumpelstiltskin and said, "Did you teach him to run like you did, Rumpelstiltskin? Did he tell you? Did he tell you how he ran from the battles and the Ogre's turned the tide while everyone was killed? He returned home to his wife who could not bear the sight of him. Because women don't like to be married to cowards."

"Please don't speak to my boy like that," Rumpelstiltskin pleaded. The Knight stood up straight and said, "It is treason to avoid service. Take the boy now."

"No-No please!" Rumpelstiltskin begged and Snow White felt tears come to her eyes. Gold was stiff, unable to move or speak. It was like he was frozen to the spot. The Knight then said with a cruel look, "Kiss my boot."

Rumpelstiltskin looked aghast as he said, "I don't understand-!"

"You wanted my price and I want your fealty! Now kiss my boot!" the Knight demanded.

"Please, not in front of my boy-,"

"Kiss my boot!" The Knight shouted and Rumpelstiltskin fell over. Snow White flinched as the Knight kicked Rumpelstiltskin. She covered her mouth and then the scene changed. Rumpelstiltskin was talking with an older man while Baelfire slept, telling him of stories of a knife and a Dark One. It changed to a clearing where the Dark One and the frightened spinner stood. The Dark One spoke, speaking cruel words that made even Snow White scream, crashing her arm out, "Enough!"

The scene stopped and faded back into the mirror room. Snow White wiped her tears as Gold now stood stone still, not meeting her gaze. She looked at him and said, "What was that?"

"That," Gold said, his voice deadening, "This…is a Binding Glass, a huge room of looking glasses that will show the users memories in the name of understanding."

"In the name of… understanding?"

"As in, if we don't work together," Gold said, his voice still dead and his gaze still distant, "It will keep showing us memories, breaking any possibilities of 'setbacks'. This is what the Role Players in Wonderland used to make better soldiers. I wasn't quite sure what it was until I activated it…"

"I'm so sorry," Snow White said, her eyes glassing over more.

Gold finally seemed to snap out of his trance and looked down at her sternly. He then said, his voice emotionless, "What? What are you sorry about?"

"That! That airing of memories," Snow White said, looking back at it, "Did that really happen to you?"

"Yes dearie," Gold said, sounding like he was talking about something unimportant, "Long ago… when I was a man."

"But you were so different," Snow White said, "What happened?"

"What happened?" Gold said shortly, "I became the dark one, I took his powers to protect my boy. And in the end I lost him. Now can we please move to find an exit?"

"No," Snow White said, terrified, "No, you need to tell me. I don't want to touch another one of these mirrors and find something else out that is horrible."

"Well you won't have to worry about that," Gold snapped, his tense body obvious acting as a barrier between her and his emotions, his humanity, "Now let it die, it is not your business!"

"It is my business-this thing is MAKING it my business," Snow White said, her free hand flinging back towards the mirrors, "Please Gold, we are not going anywhere without working together! It isn't going to let us!"

"I don't care," Gold said, grasping his cane once more, "I will destroy it if I have to."

"No!" Snow White said, grabbing his arm. He glared at her but she gaze was overpowering him as she said, "Destroying things is not the answer. Rumpelstiltskin, don't let that side of you win! It's already cost you so much!"

"How would you know my pain?!" snarled Gold, his protective wall beginning to crack and Snow said, "Because I saw it, I saw what Alison and Belle see. I see what your son see's and I see what this power has done to you! Please Gold, if you don't tell me about you this things is going to do it for you! Please don't let it do such a horrible thing!"

"The only thing horrible dearie, was what you saw there," Gold said sternly, "Me being a coward."

"No, what I saw there was a man protecting his child!" Snow White said, her eyes glassy, "That scum said that you ran from the wars? Of course you would, thousands have run from them! There would have been no way for you to have beaten the Ogres just as a man; no one has been able to do it. You had a son, a family-!"

"A wife who ran away for me being a coward," Gold said, bitterly. Snow then reached out, her strong will staring him in the face. She touched his shoulder saying, "Nothing is more important than family. Baelfire would have never wanted to grow up without you."

The mirrors had begun to shine again and displayed another seen. A man's tomb, with a grieving daughter sobbing inconsolably. Snow looked back with a touched expression as Gold looked on. There was a differently look in his eyes, watching the younger Snow White cry. It was more human the emotion in his eyes and Snow White said, "I know more than anyone what it's like to have your father taken from you."

Gold stared at her almost with a quiet expression. Snow White looked around as the scene faded again and looked exasperated. She glanced at Gold saying, "Look, I know that working with us is probably the last thing you want to be doing. But you're not alone anymore. Baelfire may be grown and Belle an adult but Alison needs you. She may not say it, she may not show it, but she needs you to be the bigger man for once. She may be the Mage of Wonderland, but she is still a child…"

Gold's eyes hardened a bit but said in a resigned voice, "Don't remind me…"

"Then make a deal with me," Snow said, releasing his shoulder and stepping back, "You keep that… power under control and help us defeat the Enchantress and go home. No more trickery, no more cunning evil plans… In return, we will leave you in peace, no more grudges, no more fighting, just peace."

Gold looked to see her cuffed hand outstretched. He glanced up at her and saw the sincerity in her eyes. Snow might not have shown it, but she was nervous. Gold had a temper and she knew it. Not only that, he also liked working alone. But her feelings were put at ease as he took her hand, saying in a resigned voice, "Deal."


"Damn it," Emma said, grimacing at the growing ache in her legs. They were far up the stalk of vines, the ground bellow no longer visible. The exit was not far out of reach, but Regina and Emma looked rather exhausted. Regina pushed her hair out of her face, looking both annoyed and out of breath. Regina glanced up and said, "Who would have thought this would have been so draining?"

"Not me," Emma said, with a long shaky sigh, "But then again, I would imagine climbing for hours and hours. Who knows what she has done to Henry?"

"Nothing," Regina said, her voice sounding a little dark, "Believe me, if the Enchantress is behind this she won't do anything until we are standing right in front of her. It wouldn't be as satisfying if she did anything now."

"Alright, for someone that's suppose to be known as the Guardian as Justice, she really makes herself look like the bad guy," Emma said, her voice rough and sounding very irritated, "What gives?"

"No one knows," Regina said leaning against the vines, "No one has lived long enough to know how she came to be. The only person that would even know the slightest bit of info on the Enchantress would be her apprentice."

"She had an apprentice?" Emma asked, "Who? Did you meet this person?"

"No, I just heard about it from one of my sources," Regina said, staring up at the endless darkness, "A person with a moving castle…."

"Moving Castle?" Emma said baffled. Regina shrugged, looking more defeated than ever. Emma stared at Regina and finally asked, "Why would you make a deal with her? Surely you would know that wouldn't end well!"

"I needed reassurance," Regina said, her voice wavering ever so slightly, "I needed to make sure the curse wouldn't disappear. Just for once, I wanted to win…"

"Win? This is about winning?" Emma said sounding disgusted. Regina obviously caught on to her tone and snapped, "Yes! Because my entire life I've been stuck in a cage. A prison I could not escape. My mother trapped me with magic my entire life. Even when I fell in love with someone, I could not escape. Then I rescued Snow White from her horse and my mother accepted a marriage proposal from the King. Snow White discovered the secret of my love and promise not to tell. But she turned around and did it anyway! My mother killed him; ripped out his heart and crushed it to dust. My mother forced me to marry the King, to be the Queen. She entrapped me for life, all because someone could not keep their mouth shut and I lost everything! So yes this is about winning because you have no idea what it's like to lose your entire life!"

"I'm sorry," Emma said, her voice a mixture of pain and anger, "And your right when you say I don't know what it was like to be in your shoes. I do know what's it's like to have your family ripped away from you. To be alone in the world your entire life, to be tossed from family to family like a meal ticket or some therapeutic tool!"

Regina watched Emma with a mixture of anger and resentment, but held of a tinge of regret. Both women had pain, as much as neither of them liked to admit it. In midst of the anger and intense trauma, somewhat of an understanding passed among them. Swallowing, Regina watched Emma look up towards the exit and say, "Come on, we should get going again. I don't want to stay in one place too long and have the Siren send someone after us."

"Right," Regina said, climbing up after Emma. The rest of the way was in silence as they finally reached the ceiling where a trap door was. Emma reached out, touching the old wooden planks with her free hand. Emma glanced down at Regina, who stared at her wordlessly. Regina reached up as well and pushed along with Emma to open the door. It swung up, hitting the ground with a soft thud. The two women exchanged glances and traveled up into the new room. Emma looked around as she crawled up into a room even stranger than the one before. It was like they were in an overgrown garden, everything stretching about ten times taller than it should be. Emma looked around, obviously in shock. Regina glanced around; surprise entering her eyes but not fazing her so obviously. The two walked forward as Emma said, "This is all so strange."

"Well that's Wonderland for you," Regina said, sounding much like her old self.

"Oh I wish Alison was here right now," Emma said, her voice growing with anxiety. Regina tensed as Emma walked forward. Regina stopped her, however, and watched her intently. Emma glanced back and said, "What's wrong?"

"Alison," Regina said, frowning in a contemplating way, "You mean Alice. Like Alice in Wonderland."

"If she liked to be called that, then yeah," Emma said, staring at Regina bewildered, "But her real name is Alison."

Regina's jaw tightened as she said, "It's probably best that she wasn't here."

"Why? If she was, then we could defeat the Siren," Emma said, narrowing her eyes slightly, "We would know how to get out of here."

"I highly doubt that," Regina said, staring around with distaste, "Alice is the Mage of Wonderland, the Land of Madness. Everything there is backwards, upside downs, and incomprehensible. Trust me when I say Alice is no exception to that."

"Why?" Emma said, her voice sounding sterner, "Did you know her?"

"No," Regina said, staring at Emma intently, "I never got the chance to meet her. Being that the Queen of Hearts and I never got along, needless to say I never took many trips to Wonderland. But I do know of her and I know that she not only trained the most dangerous team of War Players but also defeated the Queen of Hearts."

Emma swallowed and said despite even feeling stupid for saying it, "How strong could the Queen of Hearts be?"

Regina's eyes held a dark emotion for a few moments before her emotionless expression returned. Regina then said, "Her blood lust is incredible, and so is her power. Even Rumpelstiltskin failed to imprison her when she tried double crossing him."

Suddenly a gust of wind blew by, giggles floating by just as quickly. Emma looked around as did Regina. Emma was much more panicked than the evil queen as she said, "What was that?"

Regina didn't answer as she looked around. She stepped closer to Emma as the wind picked up once more the giggling becoming more incessant. Emma stared around as Regina said under her breath, "Damn, she brought them."

"Brought them? Who's them?" Emma asked, staring at the Evil Queen wide eyed. But the queen did not need to answer as Emma looked around to see Flowers appearing from the depths of the tall grass. Emma looked beyond terrified as she realized the giggling was coming from the flowers. Regina then said softly, "The Field of Flowers. Alice's little network of spies."

"But why would they be here," Emma asked, still staring at the newcomers. Regina didn't look fazed as she said, "Why indeed."

The flowers giggles had gotten louder, but something new had joined in. A female voice, soft and chilling, singing softly in the wind. Regina and Emma listened, both refusing to say a single word. As Emma and Regina listened, the two heard the twisted dreadful song:

What fun, what gain,

What silly little Dames.

Standing around in our attendance

Stuck in Dependence.

They talk, they fret

About our silly little pet.

If only they knew

About the things that our Alice do.

She may not be

As pretty as we

But she certainly knows

How badly it goes

When someone plucks out us from our home.

She know our love, our deepest desire

Besides to sing in with the Choir.

To take and seal,

To blossom from the feel

Of our homelands liquids still.

She painted the roses red, she painted the roses red.

But what you don't know, you still don't know

Is how she painted the roses red.

She painted the roses red

From the enemies that are dead.

"Oh my-," Emma started but then felt the ground give away beneath her. The flowers laughter faded away as Emma and Regina felt down a long twisty tunnel. Both women's screams echoed throughout the tunnel that seemed endless. Emma winced as she felt a pop in her shoulder and felt a nasty swooping sensation in her stomach as they fell without any contact with the walls. Emma suddenly felt something pull her back as they grew nearer to the floor. The two women crashed into the floor, but luckily broke nothing. Emma coughed as she said, "That was beyond nasty. How are we not dead?"

"Thanks to my magic," muttered Regina as the two struggled to get to her their feet. Emma looked around to find herself in a room with many mirrors. In the middle of the room was a table with two objects upon it: a key and a bottle. Emma couldn't help but feel that she remembered this room from somewhere. Regina picked up the bottle and sniffed it. Regina winced and said, "Drink Me…. Should have known."

"Pardon?" Emma asked, staring at her strangely. Unknown to the two women, two tiny men were running towards them. Charming shouted, "Emma! EMMA!"

"She's not going to hear us," Whale said, wincing, "We're much too small."

Charming looked around and noticed a box of something down bellow one of the legs of the chair. Charming opened up the box and stared at the cake that said Eat Me. A light bulb went off in his head and he said, "Whale, you wouldn't happen to remember the tale of Alice in Wonderland, would you?"

"Distinctly," Whale said, frowning at Charming. Charming then said, "Make sure to get away in time."

"Wait, Charming!" Whale said, a dawning expression coming upon his face. But Charming had already eaten a piece of the cake and had put it back down. Suddenly, Whale found himself running as the man before him grew ten times the size he should have been. The two women nearly screamed bloody murder as they backed against the wall in order to get away from the Gigantic Prince Charming. Emma stared up at him terrified as she said, "David?!"

"Emma!" his voice vibrated the room. Whale had seemed to manage to climb up onto David's now overly large boot. Regina looked at him and said, "Dr. Whale?"

"Emma Swan!" Whale shouted, obviously very irked, "Do you have the Drink Me Potion?!"

"Drink me Potion?" Emma asked, obviously confused. Regina lifted up the bottle and said, "This. Why would you want it Whale? Trying to become as small as a lady bug?"

"Stow it, Regina!" David thundered, causing Emma and Regina to shake and Whale to fall flat on his back. Emma looked around, and David tried talking more quietly, "Emma, there is a cake, with the words Eat Me. See if you can find it."

"Better yet," Regina said, holding out her hand. Closing her eyes, Regina stood perfectly still for a moment. Emma watched as something zoomed into her hand. Regina opened her eyes as she saw the partially eaten cake and said, "Here it is."

"Is this-?" Emma started and Regina finished, "The food and drink from the story Alice in Wonderland? Yes, it is."

Regina handed Emma the cake and Emma held on to it. Regina took a piece of it and gently stuck a piece of it in the Drink Me Potion. It glowed a bright blue before sending off little waves of sparkles. Regina shook it gently and said, "Good, now you should return to your normal size."

"Why should we drink that!?" Whale snapped, staring up at Regina with a dark look, "Why should we even trust you?!"

"Because if you don't, you'll be stuck as a midget man forever," Regina said, irritated, "Drink it and you'll return to normal."

"Whale," Emma said firmly, "We don't have time to argue. Drink it quick."

Whale gave them both a long stare before nodding. Regina then bent down, allowing Whale to drink from the bottle. Coughing in an irritated fashion, Whale suddenly saw Emma and Regina getting smaller and smaller until he knew he was at normal height. Regina allowed David to take the bottle as he carefully poured the mixture into his mouth. Charming felt himself shrink until he was back at normal size. He stumbled a bit, before Emma caught him. Emma looked at the pair of them, before asking, "You weren't bound together?"

"We were," Charming said, frowning, "But the chains broke."

"And a wall tried to squish us," Whale said heatedly. Regina looked at them in a mocking fashion as she said, "Well, shall we find a way out of this room?"

"Not yet," Whale said, moving like lightening. Emma nearly swore as she felt her wrist pop as she was violently yanked to the floor. Regina was now pinned up against the wall as electricity shot out from his hands. Emma winced as she felt the growing pressure around him. Charming grabbed Whale and flung him away with surprising force. Whale crashed into the table but quickly regained himself. Emma grabbed Regina, helping her back up. The two women stared in shock as Charming was punched in the face and Whale stared at his hand as electricity gathered into a ball. He looked at Regina darkly and said sarcastically, "Long Live the Queen."

He flung the ball at Regina, but Emma stepped in front of the woman. Emma found herself crashing into Regina, who crashed through the mirror. There was a screeched and Emma found herself falling on top of Regina. Coughing, she pushed against the slick floor and onto her back. Emma winced as the brightness of the room. Snow White and Gold were by their side in a split second as Snow helped her daughter to her feet. Gold held a look of distain as he helped Regina to her feet saying, "Crash landing?"

"Shut up and look out!" Regina ducked as another electric shock was sent their way. Gold immediately snapped his fingers and Whale was sent flying back into the wall. Stone made vines seem to erupt from the wall as he was trapped in it. Snow glanced at him and said, "Nicely done."

"Snow!" Charming had climbed into the room and rushed over. He hugged her briefly and asked worried, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, really," Snow said honestly, "Now that you've solved our conundrum of getting out of here."

Charming nodded slowly as they quickly exited the room. Everyone glanced at Whale, to find him unconscious. Charming looked at him with an angry expression and said, "So what do we do with this scum."

"Leave him," Emma said and Charming looked at her in disbelief saying, "He just attacked us with anti magic, we need to deal with him before he deals with us."

"We shouldn't deal with him because he's anti magic," Emma said, standing her ground, "He's obvious one of the people infected by the Enchantress which means he's not himself right now. Any punishment we cast on him now would be unfair."

"I would agree," Gold interjected, "Besides, from what the situation looks like so far, the infected can infect others. We wouldn't want to keep him prisoner near us for long because even I can't completely stop anti-magic."

"But we can't just let him run around free," David protested and Snow White said, "No we can't. Gold, do you think you have enough power to keep him asleep?"

"I have enough power to keep him unconscious," Gold said, rubbing his thumb and pointer finger together, "But with the anti-magic inside him it will only be for a few hours."

"Then let's do that," Snow White said and Regina shifted slightly. Snow looked at Gold who reached out towards Whale's head. Purple smoke was formed and was blown into Whale's face. It went into his mouth and nostrils, and there was a big heavy sigh and then nothing. Gold put down his hand and said, "That should last him a few hours. Give us enough time to figure this out."

Suddenly one of mirrors swung out, creaking loud and obnoxiously. Everyone spun around, very much on their guard. It wasn't until Ruby and Belle came around the corner. The minute they saw them, everyone relaxed as Snow exclaimed, "Red!"

"Snow!" Ruby said, as they rushed over. Belle reached out and hugged Gold with her free arm. Gold hugged her back briefly as he murmured, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Belle said, "We weren't even attacked."

"We've just been walking down that endless hallway," Red said, glanced back at the entry way and jerked her hand towards Gold, "Thank God we finally found you, it was creepy as him."

"Red!" scolded Snow and Gold merely shrugged it off. He then looked around at everyone and said, "Well now that we've been reunited, let's try and find a way back to the room above."

"And how do you propose we do that?" Emma asked and Regina looked down at the floor. A dawning expression crossed her face as she said, "Break the floor."

"Pardon?" Charming asked and Regina said, "If my theory is correct, Wonderland is filled with opposites, filled with puzzling things. So if that is true, in order to get up-."

"We must go down," Snow finished, nodding her head slightly, "It's worth a shot."

"Indeed it is," Gold said, staring down at the floor. He then said, "Everyone get to the center of the room. If we don't stay together there is more of a chance we will all get separated again."

Everyone agreed, standing around in a circle while Gold closed his eyes. But just as the magic was about to build up in his hands, something odd happened. The cuffs around their wrists suddenly unlocked and fell to the floor with a clank. Emma stared down blankly and said, "What in the world?"

Suddenly, things dropped from the ceiling crashing into the floor. Everyone stared around as the things suddenly sprang to life in an eerie robotic fashion. They looked like metal, but white light glowing through the cracks. They each seemed to hold a weapon of choice, varying in size. Everyone backed together as the puppets crept in closer. Belle grabbed Gold's arm as she said, "What do we do?"

"Just give me a minute," Gold said, grimacing. Focusing his eyes, Gold murmured, "Prepare to catch."

"What?" Emma asked, but her question was soon answered as she found herself scrambling to catch a long edged knife. Everyone had received a similar weapon except for Gold and he said, "Aim for the light opening in the chest and the crack in the neck. It should knock out the power source."

"Right," Emma said, as she suddenly ducked under as the robot puppet began to attack. Its arms spun around in a violent fashion before slamming down the club after her. Regina followed, keeping a distance from it as Emma drew its attention, looking for an opening. However it didn't not give much as the puppet flung the club around violently, cracking one of the mirrors. Emma dodged as Regina slashed out, slamming the knife into its center socket. Regina felt a shock run through her as she ripped out the knife as the puppet went limp. She then helped Emma up saying, "Nice distracting."

Charming was busy fighting his own puppet, managing to dodge the blows of the sword. Charming was quick, but the puppet seemed to be matching him. Charming winced as he felt the sword graze his arm. Not passing up the opening, Charming stabbed at its neck, feeling it break something big. Charming jolted away as the puppet jetted out in every direction. He then heard Snow White shout, "Charming, duck!"

Charming ducked, nearly sliding to the floor as the puppet with the spear started swinging and stabbing everything within reach. Snow White dodged and ducked, swinging when she thought she had a chance at an opening. Red was near her, but was much more agile with her opponent, much more effective. Red spun under the weapon, stabbing and slicing it's head off. Charming stabbed the back of the last puppets neck. The puppet seemed to die for a moment, relief settling among them. Suddenly, however, Charming was thrown back as the puppet came to life again. In fact, all of them came to life again, sparks shooting out from them. They spun like tops in a violent manner, closing in on them once again. Charming then shouted as he grabbed Snow, "What now, Gold?!"

"Give it a second," Gold grumbled, his eyes closed in concentration, "I'm working on it."

They all had back into a group once more as Belle glanced at Gold. Much to her surprise, he smirked as he muttered before snapping his fingers, "That little spitfire."

The puppets then exploded, causing all of them to jump. All of them were looking at the remains and smoke with horror with the exception of Gold, who just shook his head. Gold then walked forward, Belle releasing his arm saying, "Well, well. I must say you play this game well, Magesteria. But I'm afraid the game is over, we won."

Emma blinked before suddenly getting sucked into a tunnel. Everyone screamed as they fell through a doorway, some stumble and other falling onto the floor. The door closed with a snap, leaving them in a large study. There was a lot of open space, even with the tables filled with mechanical parts and potion sets. Not too far away, Henry sat with the other three children holding remote controls in their hands. On the TV there was in big flashing green letters Game Over. Henry looked up at Emma and said, "Hi."

Nicholas scowled and said, "Darn it! We didn't even get to do a round two!"

"I'm not surprised," Ava huffed, "Go figures the Dark One would figure it out sooner or later."

"Wha-?" Emma started and Regina said sounding hurt, "Henry what are you doing?"

"Helping Alison trick you guys into working together," Henry said, standing up while abandoning the controller.

"WHAT?!" The screams were nearly unanimous as Henry momentarily looked worried. Emma shook her head and was about to say something when someone else spoke rather calmly.

"Well, it's about time you figured it out."

Everyone looked towards a desk on the other side of the room to find Baelfire sitting at the desk with a black mug. He took a sip and said with mocking agitation, "I was wondering how much longer I would have to babysit."

"You-you were in on this-this craziness!" Emma said looked shocked beyond belief. Baelfire smiled, almost cheerfully as he said, "Well of course. I mean after all my daughter was the one who put this entire plan together. I just helped with the jumping of Rabbit holes and creation of the Gaming Puppets. And babysitting, making sure these guys stayed out of trouble."

"Where are we?" Snow White asked, sounding quite overwhelmed. Baelfire shrugged and said, "My home. Once you defeated the puppets, it was to pull you into a portal that was linked to the house."

"C'mon, can't we have another round with the puppets?" Nicholas asked, staring at Baelfire hopefully. Baelfire shook his head and said before sipping his mug, "I think you've had enough video games for one day. After all, Magesteria de Wonderland let you have full control over her Circus De Wonderland."

"Magesteria de Wonderland?" Gold asked incredulously.

"Of course," Baelfire said sounding surprised, "I would have thought you of all people would have remembered that Magesteria was what the women Mage's used to be called before people just started identifying them with the shorter title."

"I must say I never heard that before," Gold mused, slightly irked about the whole situation, "But where is the little spitfire, anyway?"

As if on cue, there was a swirl of midnight blue smoke as Alison appeared, grinning from ear to ear. Gold shook his head and said sounding a little annoyed, "You just can't keep to your own business, can you?"

"Oh yes I can," Alison said, kicking her legs back and forth, "After all, all of you became my business when I was asked to put your team work skills to the test. You see, I'm the Mage that gets to kick your butts into shape because I'm the one with the team that can't be beat."

"A team that can't be beat," Charming scoffed, "That's a bit narcistic don't you think?"

"Would you like to find out?" Alison asked, a shadow appearing in her eyes that made all uncomfortable.

"Lisie," Baelfire warned.

"Fine," huffed Alison, the look disappearing, "Needless I was somewhat impressed with you lot, even with the little weak links that needed working on."

"Weak links?" Belle asked narrowing her eyes. Alison nodded and said, "Yes. Everyone has weak links, some are more… obvious than others and some more serious. But you all have proven to be able to work through those, something that is going to be rather important when we fight against the Enchantress."

"And who says I will be fighting against her?" Regina demanded, her queenly pride returning. Henry then stood in front of her backing away saying, "I do."

"He-Henry," Regina said taken aback. Henry shook his head and said, "No, you listen. If what you said to Emma is true, if you truly love me, you will help us defeat the Enchantress. You will help us get home. If not, I will never ever forgive you. You will never see me again and Emma will lock you up in a prison cell forever."

"Henry," Regina said, staring at him, "It's not that-It's not that simple."

"Yes it is," Alison said, firmly. She watched Regina intently as she said, "Regina, this is your last chance at any sort of redemption. Surely you realize by now that the Enchantress has no intention of helping you anymore. If you don't help us, you will stand alone and suffer more severe consequences than you already face."

Alison glanced at Gold and said, stoutly, "The same goes for you."

Gold watched her a moment and then smirked. Belle couldn't help but smile as she took his hand. Gold then said, "I suppose I'll stick around… as long as my help is wanted."

"It is," Snow White said firmly. Belle glanced back at Ruby, who nodded as well with a small smile. She then looked at Regina and said, "So what's it going to be? Are you going to help us or not?"

Regina swallowed and stared at Henry with a haunted expression. She then nodded softly and Alison said, "It's decided then. Tomorrow you'll convene with a mage about the details. For now just get some sleep."

"Where are you going?" Emma asked as Alison hopped down from the desk. Stretching her arms with a yawn, Alison said, "It's the middle of the night, I've been using magic, and no matter what my freaking solar powered brain is going to wake me up the second the sun comes up. I am going to bed."

"Oh, no, dearie," Gold suddenly reached out and grabbed her with one arm, "You and I are going to have a little talk about being sneaky and underhanded because apparently you didn't learn from the last time."

Alison barely opened her mouth when she, Gold, and Belle disappeared. Snow White leaned into Charming as she yawned. Ruby then suddenly went ridged and asked, "Where is Granny?!"

"At the Inn," Baelfire said casually, "I let her know that the kids were safe and sound and she went home."

Ruby huffed and then stormed out of the room muttering something. Snow White shook her head gently as Charming said to the other three kids, "Come on, let's get you home before your parents worry."

"It's alright," Ava shrugged, "Grace's dad told our dad we were sleeping over."

"We should get going though," Grace said, getting up. She put the control on the table and said to Baelfire gently, "Thank you Mr. Kinsleigh for having us."

"It was my pleasure," Baelfire said after swallowing some of his drink. Grace them walked out of the room as Ava and Nicholas followed with a brief goodbye. Charming then patted Henry's shoulder saying, "Come on, let's get home before the sun comes up. I think we've had enough for one night."

Snow White and Charming left the room, Regina watching out of the corner of her eyes. After they left, Regina disappeared in a puff of purple smoke. Emma walked over to Baelfire's desk and leaned against it with a somewhat amused stare. Baelfire watched her with a friendly smile, gently turning his cup. Emma then said, "You owe me one."

"Indeed I do," Baelfire said, watching her without a glitch in his expression. Emma then turned and walked out of the room. Baelfire's smile disappeared and he put down the mug. Leaning back in his chair, Baelfire watched the empty door way as Vespera spoke.

"Creator, that boy… surely…"

"I know," Baelfire said, "I did notice. My daughter has an interesting friend."

"Indeed she does."

A dark look crossed his eyes, almost looking annoyed. The lights dimmed as the laugh that was very much not Vespera's rang out. Baelfire swung a bit in his chair and said stoutly, "Still watching me, teacher?"

The Enchantress appeared in a glimmer, sitting on his desk. She was dressed in the clothes of this world, her legs crossed. She looked at him with raised brows and said, "Well aren't you getting chummy?"

"It's all part of the job description," Baelfire said, indifferently.

"Is it?" The Enchantress's eyes gleamed, "Or did you heart sway when you realized your little girl was still breathing."

"Something you failed to mention," Baelfire said, his tone dripping with venom.

"I didn't know she was alive either," Enchantress said simply, "I didn't find out until I saw her down by the waters of the well."

"Where you attacked her."

"Now darling, I tried to bring her back to my home while I waited for you," Enchantress said, "I had no intention of hurting her. I didn't know she would accidentally break the Magic Filter. As you might have noticed, she is a little more resistive and rebellious than she used to be."

Enchantress came around to his side, her eyes intently fixated on him. Baelfire tensed but said nothing as she said, "As you're starting to be."

"I'm doing my job, which means I remained ever neutral," Bae added, staring at her coldly, "but if you hurt my little girl-."

"Baelfire, I promise you I won't hurt the little sweetheart," the Enchantress cooed, staring at him lovingly, "Or your darling wife."

Baelfire's expression flickered as the Enchantress said before disappearing, "But that doesn't mean I'm not going to play…"


Jane was playing the pipes, sitting in her bay window. The moon was high in the sky as she played the melancholy music filled the room. Her eyes were closed and she was lost in the music. She was so lost that she didn't notice the figure standing near the doorway.

"That music sounds very sad."

Jane's music faded, almost dropping her pipes. Looking towards the door, Jane saw Alison standing there looking at her. Her blue eyes were wide and her confused expression apparent. Jane turned to face her saying, "Alison, sweetheart, it's the middle of the night."

"I know," Alison said, "I don't have a lot of time. My astral drop won't last long. I haven't quite mastered it yet."

"It takes stamina and focus," Jane said, "Both of which can only happen if your resting properly-."

"Why are you locked up in here?"

Jane's face fell, her sigh ever apparent. Alison looked at her desperately, saying, "I keep asking people. Ryaden, Dad… no one will tell me why."

"Alison," Jane said, her eyes showing her grief.

"Please, tell me," Alison begged, her voice breaking a bit, "Let me help you. You don't deserve to be locked up in here!"

"It's complicated Alison," Jane said, getting up to walk over to her.

"Morgana has done worse things," Alison said, "Ryaden, even Sage… who locked you up in here and why!?"

"Alison, even if I could tell you, I can't," Jane said, putting her hands on the girl's shoulders, "You need to go."

"Why can't you tell me?" Alison pleaded, "I want to help you, please!"

"I love you," Jane cooed, hugging the girl to her tightly.

Alison gasped, jolting up in her bed. Her face looked pale and tears slipped down her face. Wiping them away hastily, Alison jumped when she heard, "You really need to sleep."

Alison looked at Gold, who was standing in the doorway. She looked at him miserably as she said quietly, "I don't understand why Jane's locked up… she won't tell me anything."

"I don't think she can, dearie," Gold said gently. Alison sniffed, her tears fall once more as Gold's look softened. Walking over to the bed, he sat down and wrapped his arms around her. Kissing the top of her head, he said, "I promise we will figure this out. I promise."

~Storybook~

Alarm sounded, buzzing loud like bee's as some servants of the castle scurried about. Their voices sounded panicked as they rushed down the stairs and doorways. One particular servant was running in the opposite direction, his robes swishing around his feet in an urgent manor. He climbed the stairs, going outside and across the battlements walkway. He reached a large door in a shape of a heart. The noises were lessened but he could still hear them. He didn't even knock on the door when it opened for him. The man walked in, stopped at the edge of the carpet. A woman sat on the other side of the room, calmly brushing her hair. It was brown and silky, her eyes calm as still water. She didn't even bother looking at the man as she asked, "Why do you come to me at a late hour, Knave? Have you brought me my precious Alice?"

"No, Queen of Hearts," he stated calmly, "But a messenger in the gardens has a message for you to see."

The woman paused and said, "To see?"

"Yes, You're Majesty," the Knave of Hearts said calmly, "To see."

The Queen of Hearts stood up, grasping a long red robe. It was thick flowed gracefully down her body as she tied it off. She walked over to him and brushed past him. He glanced at her emotionless and turn to lead her. They walked out onto the walkway as the Knave of hearts indicated down at her gardens. Among it were flames spelling out something in runes that most would not understand. The Knave asked, "What is it, Queen of Hearts? What does it say?"

"To the Queen of Heartless, I have returned to bring your reign to an end," the Queen stated narrowing her eyes, "and return what you have taken. Sincerely, Magesteria De Wonderland."

The Knave froze and said angrily, "The Mage? Not possible!"

"Anything is possible," the woman said coldly, "Do not take such tone with me."

She then stormed past him saying, "Tell the servants to simmer out those flames. Then kill them, I will not have anyone spreading this news to my sister."

The Queen of Hearts slammed the door, storming over to the mirror. She then pulled on the long tassel near the mirror, her face stern and cold. Staring down at a on her vanity, the Queen of Heart's face turned to worry as she looked at the young girl in a red dress and brown loose curls. Her face hardened as she heard a familiar giggly voice, "Well what a cruel demand."

She straightened up fully, her chin tilted up in a noble way. She turned around to see Rumpelstiltskin leaning against her bedposts. He straightened up, walking towards her with his usual flourish as he said, "All though I can't say it is too out of character for you, Dearie. After all, manipulating people is what you do best."

"Rumpelstiltskin," she said, unfazed, "It is my business what I do with my subjects."

"Indeed it is," he said, flourishing his hands towards the ceiling as he walked towards her. She stared at him coldly as she said, "Then what do you want Rumpel? Come to finally come kill me."

"Oh, no no," Rumpelstiltskin said, walking slowly to the vanity. He stopped as he reached down picking up the picture. He jumped back staring at her before glancing down at the frame, "I've come to see your new pet! Oh what was her name? Anna, Autumn, Arianna?"

"Alice," the Queen said, walking forward with a look of distain, "Her name is Alice."

"How pretty," Rumpelstiltskin said mockingly, "How very very pretty."

The Queen of Hearts grabbed the picture, pulling it from his hands. She strode back from him, walking to the vanity. The Dark One watched her, a cruel smile crossing his face. The Queen set down the picture as Rumpelstiltskin said, "I take it from your fiery message that your pet is no longer here?"

"No, the Hatter made sure of such things," the Queen said with a sigh, "She did have quite the free spirit."

"So what do you indeed to do about this new Mage?" Rumpelstiltskin said with an unusual darkness, "I hear the Mage learned from Jack Frost himself! The quickest learning Mage ever to have been!"

"You know this Mage?" The Queen of Hearts said sharply and Rumpelstiltskin said in an official authoritative tone, "Not in person, not at all, the Guardian of the Season of Cold made sure not to let me see the Mage. But I do know that Jack seems particular fond of this Mage. I would very much like to meet the newcomer."

The Queen of Hearts smirked and said almost mockingly, "Well I would put it out of your mind, Rumpel. As soon as I corner this Mage, I will destroy this person body and soul. And Alice will forever remain mine."

"We shall see," he said with an odd giggle, "After all dearie, I beat you once and I will gladly do it again."

"I'm sure," she said as he walked over to the shadows of her room, "See you at the finish line."

He waved at her saying, "Goodbye and good luck. I reckon with this new mage, you are going to need it this time."