TemperanceTales: I do not own Once Upon a Time in anyway shape or form and I give full credit to the creators. Sorry that I have not been able to get this chapter up faster, but life has it's many challenges and finding time is one of them. I did warn everyone in the beginning that I could not update this on a regular scheduled bases. I do feel bad when I have the majority of the chapter done with and can't put it up. But regardless here is the chapter. 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 in this story!

Chapter Thirty Six: Frozen Pipes.

The night air was cold and bitter, wind chasing anyone out and about in the town of Storybrooke. Not many people were out though, most inside hiding from the surprise attack of cold. In fact, there was only one person out and about in the forest. His head was hooded as he walked calmly through the snow. It wasn't until he exited the forest that he came upon a clearing. It was in a park in the town, the old swings swinging back and forth on their own. Leaning against the metal posts stood a man twirling a long object in his hands. He had a look of disinterest, his eyes glazed over like ice. That didn't stop the hooded figure from advancing to him, the staff swinging slightly in his hands. The man looked over at him and said with a deadness in his voice, "I was wondering when you would get here. I hate waiting around, even if you are a Guardian."

The hidden one reached up and pulled down his hood, allowing his almost white hair to be seen. His sharp eyes were watched the man with a cold look as he swung his staff a little more forcefully. The snow began to shift and sweep against the other man's boots. Finally stopping by the merry-go-round, Jack said to the man, "I've had to wait plenty. Do you have it?"

"Of course," the man scoffed, his voice sounding just as dead as it had been before. Standing up straight, the man walked in an arch around the Guardian, "I wouldn't have been meeting with you if I didn't."

"Good, because I wouldn't be as tolerant if something else went wrong," Jack said firmly, switching his staff to his other hand. The man scoffed and said, "So what is it you exactly need me to do?"

"I need you to bring me the Mage of Wonderland," Jack said, tightly, "I need to find her before Rumpelstiltskin does, especially now that the pesky counterpart has been destroyed."

"I would have thought it would have been easier to have her come to you as a counterpart," the man said and Jack scowled saying, "Hardly. It changed her, made her dark and untrusting. She wouldn't have come a mile near me, not without doubt. It's much easier this way…"

"Whatever you say," the man said with a shrug and said, "So when would you like me to start?"

"Now," Jack said, the snow around him floating dangerously.


"Papa," Grace asked, as she climbed in her bed, "Why hasn't Alice come to find you?"

Jefferson was on one side of the room, searching for a particular book on the shelf. His brow was furrowed as his fingers skimmed the spines of the books. Not even glancing back at her, Jefferson said with a sigh, "There are so many different variables that could be in play right now and unfortunately I do not know which one it is. Who knows what Alison is thinking right now. All we can hope is that she will come and find us soon."

Grace made a face as Jefferson let out a sigh. Walking across the room, Jefferson said, "I can't find the book. Can you remember where you might have left it?"

"I think it might be in the study," Grace said as she watched her father walk to the door, "Henry was reading it when he came over the other day."

Jefferson paused a moment and looked at Grace. Grace was now staring at him intently and said firmly, "You do believe him, don't you? I doubt he would lie at seeing Alison."

"I believe what he says," Jefferson said, with a bit of a puzzled look, "Henry wouldn't lie like that. But Alison always had a reason for hiding so I wouldn't be too concerned. I'll be right back; I'm going to go check the study."

"It doesn't have to be that book Papa," Grace said with a weak smile. Jefferson walked out of the room saying, "It does; I promise we would finish it and finish it we shall!"

Shaking her head, Grace heard the footsteps die away. Laying back against the pillows, Grace picked up the stuffed rabbit and stared at it. Sighing, she said as if talking to the rabbit like it was a normal person, "I wonder at times… Everything has gotten so queer."

The light by her lap flickered, causing her to shift her gaze. Frowning a bit, Grace looked back up at the ceiling, sleep knowing at her conscious. It had been a tiring day; they had searched the woods for Alison all day long. Poor Henry had been out from dawn to dusk and had returned so exhausted he passed out in front of the fire. She was sad for her friend, feeling his pain at not finding Alison. It made her so tired, the humming that she had begun to hear almost calming her to sleep. The hum began to spin a tune, both alluring and relaxing. She blinked but she could not really see. Finally closing her eyes, Grace almost fell off to a blissful sleep.

"GRACE!"

Grace suddenly gasped, sharp cold air entering her mouth. Her eyes snapped open, the coldness of the outside air hitting her. Outside, outside, Grace looked around the backyard of their home with a panic, how in the world had she gotten out here? Standing on the ledge of the balcony to the home, Grace whimpered with fright as she felt herself loosing balance. Strong arms grabbed her pulling her off the ledge. She didn't struggle as her father carried her inside. Setting her down, Jefferson slammed the doors shut and locked them. Turning and bending down with a wild look, Jefferson grasped her arms and asked, "Grace are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"No, no," Grace said shakily, tears springing to her eyes, "What-Papa what happened?"

"I'm not sure," Jefferson said, his voice clearly upset, "I saw you walk down the hall, almost in a trace. I called out your name but you didn't answer."

Grace wrapped her arms around her father's neck and cried softly. Jefferson hugged her tight and stared back out the window. Nothing was there, no other footsteps in the snow or aura's near the home. All he could feel was the terrifying presence of Jack Frost's power. Swallowing, Jefferson hugged his daughter tighter, knowing full well the strong presence was hiding something conniving.


Regina was walking down the street, arm filled with groceries. Passing by the people left on the streets, Regina nodded as people greeted her. It didn't warm her heart any, to hear these greetings. In fact it didn't warm her to be heading home to an empty house. The pang at her heart worsened as she thought of Henry, his face when Emma told him the news of his friend's fate. He stormed away in tears, both Emma and Regina following him. When they had found him, however, he was standing in the middle of the street clutching his bag. He had refused to say a word, and he hadn't said anything much since. Shifting the one bag of groceries from one arm to another, Regina turned the corner not bothering to look ahead of her.

"Ow!"

Regina stumbled back dropping her bag to the ground. Regina felt herself hit the concrete and groaned. Her bag was on the ground a few boxed items had fallen out. Someone reached out to grab them saying, "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you coming around the corner!"

"It's- it's fine," Regina said shaking her head. The voice had sounded familiar but her face was hidden from her. Reaching forward, Regina grabbed the bag and took the item from her saying, "I wasn't really watching where I was going. It's my fault."

"Here," the girl finally looked up, holding out a box. Regina looked up herself to take it and froze. There was Alice, holding out the box with a surprised look on her own face. The box slipped from the girl's hand, causing a loud thump to interrupt the silence. Regina shook her head and grabbed it. Pushing into the bag, Regina heard Alice said, "Huh, you look less like your mother than I thought you would, your Majesty…."

"What?" Regina said, jerking her head up. Alice stood up, brushing off her coat. Suddenly the girl whipped her head around, looking very alarmed. Regina clutched her grocery bag to her as she stared at her with shock. Alice then whipped her head around saying, "We need to leave. How far is your house from here?"

"Not far, just several blocks down," Regina stared at Alice then grabbed her hand, yanking her with surprising force. Regina found herself in a run as Alice dragged her down an alley way saying, "Too far, he'll catch us by then."

Regina could barely formulate words as Alice threw her hand out, a door in the back of store opening up. Regina opened her mouth but found herself running through a warm aura. Regina stumbled as Alice jerked to a halt and the door shut behind them. Regina looked around as she saw herself on the main room of Alice's quarters. Alice walked towards a cauldron with a casual air. Regina hesitantly walked in and said, "Where are we?"

"I think the more appropriate question is why you are here."

Regina almost yelped when someone dropped from the sky. The woman straightened herself, almost towering over Regina. Her bone structure was sharp and her catlike eyes narrowed. Regina narrowed her eyes as she said, "And just who are you?"

"Sofronia, Mother of Wondercats," Sofronia said, before turning her attention to Alice, "And I believe I told you, Kitten, not to leave."

"I didn't."

Alice disappeared, a single drop falling to the floor. The two watched as the real Alice poked her head out of a closet.

"My astral drop did."

Alice wandered over to the cauldron, holding a vial of something that was golden and glowing. Regina blinked as Sofronia walked over to her with a frown.

"You are playing with fire, Kitten," Sofronia purred.

"I'm actually playing with ice," Alice said, "Since you know, Jack's magic is frozen based."

Sofronia's lips quirked up into a smile as Alice said, cheekily, "I love you."

"Mmm," Sofronia said, "I'm going to go check on my daughters. Try not to get into too much trouble while I'm gone."

Sofronia leapt out of the window in a blur, leaving Alice and Regina alone. Alice poured the liquid into the cauldron as Regina watched her with confusion. Alice didn't seem to care, however, as she said with disinterest, "If you go through that door, it will take you to a safe place. I suggest getting a protection spell of sorts to protect yourself from Jack Frost until my work is done."

Regina didn't understand why, but she couldn't bring herself to leave. Part of her wanted to. However, the girl in front of her was the one everyone was looking for, grieving over. Would she be forgiven if she just left this child to her own devices. Regina bit her lip as Alice said again, "You're still here."

Regina stared at her a moment before putting down her bag. Quickly taking off her coat, Regina watched Alice clapping her hands together. A book appeared in mid air, opening up and flipping through the pages. Alice glanced at it and extended her hand over to cauldron, sprinkling some sort of green glowing dust into it. Regina walked toward her, saying, "Everyone's been looking for you, Alice."

"Yes indeed," Alice said, tilting her head to the left, "I have no idea why though. After all, I am quite busy."

"I know you don't remember," Regina started, her face looking worried, "In fact I'm not sure what you remember…"

"I remember coming back up the rabbit hole and running in a wall of something rather dark," Alice said with slightly furrowed brows, pulling a long stick from her sleeve. Snapping her fingers, a small flame appeared on the end and Alice said, "Something that made me go into a very deep sleep. Judging by the date, I've been asleep for quite a long time."

"Well, you haven't been completely asleep," Regina said, stopping by the cauldron.

"Well of course not," Alice said, looking thoughtful a moment, "I mean, I feel like my brain wouldn't be so confused over names and things if a piece of me wasn't missing."

Regina looked confused again. But Alice didn't give her a chance to speak again. Instead, she continued saying, "Besides, Chesshire caught me up on what happened in those years I was sleeping."

"Chesshire? How did he-?"

"Doesn't matter," Alice replied, putting the flame near the surface of the cauldron. The liquid began to bubble, glowing gold. Alice watched intently as the liquid began to turn in a slow whirlpool. Regina walked up closer, staring down with surprise. Alice glanced up with a coy smile and looked back down saying, "I've not been purposely trying to avoid everyone, but there is something important that I needed to do to get rid of this odd weather."

Regina looked up at Alice momentarily and said, "Is that what you've been doing? Gold's been trying every which way to find you-."

"Gold?" Alice looked up at Regina curiously and Regina stared blankly. It clicked in her head and Regina said, "Oh, that's right. You wouldn't know him by that name. Gold is Rumpelstiltskin's name in this world."

"Ah," Alice said, her voice falling just a tad, "The Dark One…"

Alice watched as the liquid slowly turned to gas with a quiet expression on her face. Blowing out the flame to the stick, Alice put it back up her sleeve. Regina noticed her expression and tilted her head. Shaking it slightly, Regina finally asked, "Do you even know who he is?"

"I know his relation to me," Alice said tensely, "But I have no other memories than what I saw in the other magical realms."

"I see…," Regina said as Alice summoned a bottle to her hand and held it over the cauldron. The newly formed gas swirled up into the container as Alice refused to meet Regina's eyes. Regina crossed her arms and said, "He's been trying to move heaven and hell to find you. He used spell after spell trying to find you."

"You can't locate me like that," Alice said suddenly, snapped the cork on the filled bottle, "You cannot locate me with magic. Otherwise no one would leave me be."

"Why?" Regina said, looked puzzled as Alice walked down from the cauldron, "Why can't you?"

"It's how I work," Alice said with a wave of her hand, "I'm an undetectable. Whether you are good or evil, magic cannot find me. You find me like others find others."

"By pure coincidence?" Regina mused, raising her brows. Alice let a small smile as she walked over to a desk and put the bottle in a satchel. Alison's smile had an apologetic underlay to it as she said softly, "Gold… it suits him. Suits him rather well."

"Well anyway," Alice said, "The only way to find me is to play one of my games. As it so happens, I have a game that I must play with someone else."

Alice smiled wickedly as she said, "So you, Evil Queen, must be on your way."

Alice snapped her fingers.

Regina gasped as she felt the world slip away. She was whipped around for what felt like an eternity before falling onto her living room couch. Scowling, Regina struggled to sit up as she hissed, "She's still a little brat."


Gold found himself staring into the empty room, his eyes haunted. Her bed was neatly made and the room had been untouched since she disappeared to the Mage's Manor. The sun had barely risen over the horizon, slightly illuminating the room. The nightlight was still on, reminding him that she had forgotten to turn it off before leaving. Clenching his cane, Gold stood frozen in the doorway. He would do this on the occasions that he woke up before either female. Eyeing the empty bed, Gold felt his stomach turn at the thought of the missing child.

Gold finally turned on his heel and walked over to the stairwell. He walked down the stairs, his tired eyes showing the turmoil he felt. He had tried everything to find her. Scrying, the Location potion, the whole nine yards. It didn't do much, though; her scent from the things he had wasn't fully matching her scent now. He had a feeling that would happen, after all the whole aspect of Autumn had completely disappeared. Such events messed with locating. Walking down through the living room he glanced about, as if hoping he would see her. Luck was not on his side though as he entered the kitchen alone. The darkness that had taken hold in his heart crept forward again, casting a doubt in his mind. Walking over to the sink, he filled the kettle with water and set it on the stove. Flicking on the stove with his magic, Gold walked over to the door, peering out into his back yard.

"Hey."

Gold looked over to see Belle standing in the doorway. She was already dress for the day, wearing trousers and a blue silk blouse. Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, catching the briefest of light from the morning. He smiled weakly, and said, "Hey. How did you sleep?"

"Well enough," Belle said with a forlorn expression, "I heard you walking around last night. Could you not sleep?"

"No, no I could not," Gold said softly, looking back out the window. Belle slowly walked over to him, reaching out to touch his arm. Gold looked back down at her as she stared at him hesitantly. Taking his hand, Belle looked down briefly before saying, "I was wondering if after breakfast you wanted to go out searching with Red in the woods-."

"No," Gold said shortly, "I need to go and finish some things."

Belle's face fell and she squeezed hand. Gold stared down at her and said, "I can't do this…"

"Yes you can," Belle assured him, her eyes begging. Gold's expression went impassive, almost cold but Belle would not be deterred. Coming to stand in front of him, Belle said firmly, "I know it's been hard, that we haven't been able to find her. But please don't give up, she needs you."

"No," Gold's tone was sharp and short, causing chills to run down her spine, "No she does not. I've tried scrying, I've tried everything in my power to locate her and failed. Autumn Doe is gone, completely. Any memory, any scent, disappeared like air. I have no way of finding this child, I never did!"

Gold yanked away from Belle, who was looking at him in shock. His whole body was tense and agitated as she watched him storm to the door way. He stopped as Belle said, "Rumple, please. She loves you-!"

"Loves me?" he snapped, turning around in a manner that made Belle flitch. She had only seen him like this once before and that was after she had told him of true loves kiss. Belle stood her ground though, waiting for him to finish, "Did you know that despite never meeting the Mage of Wonderland, I knew her. She spent a majority of the time running away from me, running to another world just so she didn't have to meet me! You tell me how that's love, you tell me how that child loves me because that's the child we are now dealing with!"

"That's because you didn't love her!" Belle said bravely. Gold stared at her, almost offended. Belle stepped toward him and said, "Don't give me that look. You had not a care in your heart then for that child and she knew it. So forgive her if you scared her into hiding because you were so fixated on this damn curse!"

It might have been the truthful thing to say, but it didn't sit well with Gold. Turning on his heel, Gold walked into the living room. Fear entered her eyes and she went after him. Grabbing his arm, Belle felt himself wretch himself from her arms and snapped, "Belle-!"

"No Rumple," Belle begged, "Please! Don't you think I don't understand, that Ruby and Granny don't understand? She didn't just forget you Rumple, she forgot us all! The only difference is that at least she'll know you…"

Tears slipped down her face as Gold looked aghast. His temper seemed to have simmered down to nothing. But Belle could help but notice the deadness in his eyes, dancing with his misery. Reaching out, Gold stroked her tears away saying, "Oh Belle… believe me, she'll love you. You were here favorite, reading your story over and over again. But the difference between me and everyone is that she never saw me as anything but the bad guy."

And with that a single tear coming down his face, Gold magically disappeared.


"So we still don't have any idea where Alison is?"

Emma, Charming, Red, Granny, Midas, and Kathryn stood in the study with Ryaden sitting at his desk. Many of them looked tired, but Kathryn and Red looked the worse. There eyes held a glassy exhausted look and held rings under their eyes. There were many papers all over Ryaden's desk and objects that looked like trinket toys laid across the top. Tzila stood near him, standing behind him. Her dark hair had small braids strewn throughout her hair with little flowers attached. Her dress was much different this time, looking much more like a robe. It was midnight and had belled sleeves. Ryaden sighed and grumbled, "Not a clue. Oz has been trying to find her with no success."

"No one's seen from the Wonderlander's either?" Snow asked with anticipation. Tzila shook her head and said sadly, "No, we haven't. The only one we have seen is Jefferson and he hasn't a clue as to where Alison is either. He and Grace have been searching the woods but they still haven't found anything… Her father's home has seemingly disappeared as well."

"Which isn't too surprising," Ryaden said with a sigh, "He's probably has it protected for situations like this."

Snow's face fell and she gently grasped Charming's arm. Charming glanced down at her before looking back up at the group. Red glanced at Kathryn, who looked stone faced. Midas put his arm around his daughter and said to Ryaden, "Surely this is not all the news you have for us Mage's?"

"No, no it is not," Ryaden said with a heavy sigh, "There is something that was discovered during this whole situation with Moe French and Alison. We found a room underground in the mines. There we found the core to the shield's Anti-Magic at last."

Everyone looked shocked and almost excited as Emma said, "So, we did it. We can find a way to destroy it and go home!"

"It's not as simple as that," Tzila said suddenly, "Not that simple at all."

Emma narrowed her eyes in confusion, an expression that most held to some degree. Ryaden glanced up at Tzila, who let out a shaky sigh. Staring at them with a forlorn expression, Tzila said, "There was a reason that there was something stolen from each realm. Seven seals are in place around it. Three of which are already broken and inactive; however there are still four more seals to break."

"So we do what we've been doing, what's so complicated about that?" Emma said baffled and Ryaden scowled and said, "Jack Frost is the oldest and well seasoned Guardian out of them all. Are you seriously telling me that you expect to simply waltz up to him and stab him with a rose? You'd have to be young and ignorant to believe such things!"

"Not only that," Tzila said with a sadness, "We have the problem of getting back home…"

"What do you mean?" David asked, his agitation growing.

"I told you before, the curse was the only thing from keeping the shadows of this town from forming," Tzila warned, "Now with the curse beginning to break, our time has gotten significantly shorter."

"How long?" Granny asked, firmly.

"Anywhere from month to three months," Tzila admitted, "It depends how much the remaining enemies will try and tamper with it."

Emma looked very unsettled while Snow was looking nervously at everyone. Grasping onto Charming's arm, Snow then asked Ryaden, "Then what can we do to get back home?"

"We are working on a way, but it's tricky," Ryaden grumbled, "We'd need to find the core of the Enchanted Forest."

"The Core?" Emma asked and Midas said with a surprised but alarmed look, "The Core is here in Storybrooke?"

"Yes," Ryaden said with a sigh, "With the Core being here, it is will only reaffirm to Bezaleel that the world is gone. The shadows of this town will eventually settle unless we can get back through Bezaleel to what is left of the Enchanted Realm and reestablish the core there."

"And let me guess, the way through Bezaleel is dangerous?" Charming asked, his voice sounding rather testy. Tzila frowned and said, "It is difficult. Bezaleel is a place of shadows. Finding the correct path will be tricky, but it will not be impossible."

"The dangerous part will be going through the Enchantress to get to the core. Because as you've already seen, she's found a way out of her imprisonment," Ryaden said loudly.

"And whose fault is that?" Charming said heatedly, "You know, you all preached team work and yet you're the ones that seem to be falling apart at the seams."

"You're right," Tzila interrupted before Ryaden could snarl, "My father's blunder caused untold harm to us. But that doesn't stop us from trying to do better and stop her from cause more harm."

Ryaden stared hard at Charming as he said edgily, "For now, we are focusing on finding Alison. Without her, we won't be able to stop Jack Frost."

"Why is she so important to defeating him?" Kathryn asked, frowning with furrowed brows. Ryaden glanced at her and said, "She is Antic's opposite. With her magical powers now able to be used easier, it will be easier to try and immobilize him or challenge him. We'll need to find her before he does. God knows what he wanted with her…"

"Well we are not going to find her standing in this room," Granny said with a huff. Grabbing her cross bow off the table near her, Granny said, "Come on Red. We'll check the Western Forest."

"Okay," Emma said, tapping her fingers against her hips, "Then we'll keep checking in the town. We have a lot of ground to cover in a short amount of time."

"Wait."

All froze before turning around to see the door opening. Jefferson stood in the doorway, looking as if he had been knocked off his feet and chilled to the bone. Tzila tilted her head in surprise as Ryaden said, "Jefferson! What a surprise to see you by your lonesome."

"I left Grace in the safety of the circle," Jefferson said firmly, "We've run into a new dilemma."

"What dilemma is that?" Tzila asked as Jefferson came to the desk. Emma looked at him as Jefferson said, "Someone's trying to bewitch Grace."

"What?!" Charming said surprised as Jefferson continued, "She was in her bedroom at night and I went to go get a book in my study. I came out to find her walking out onto the balcony. She didn't respond when I called her name. By the time I made it to the balcony, she was standing on the edge. I grabbed her and she snapped out of her trance, telling me she had heard a humming in her ears before falling asleep."

Ryaden looked alarmed at that last piece of information as did Tzila. Granny looked at him saying, "Did you see anyone?"

"No, not a soul," Jefferson said, "Neither did Grace."

"Who could summon that kind of power?" Charming asked with narrowed eyes and Tzila glanced down at Ryaden. Ryaden scowled and said with gritted teeth, "I know who, and believe me it's not good news for us."

Everyone stared back at him and Ryaden let out a heavy sigh. Tzila glanced at him as he gripped his hand into a fist as he started again, "There is a man. A man who had obtained the power to conduct power over living beings. He was a good man, mainly using his power to help people. In fact he ended up being a dear friend to the King and Queen of Antic City."

"The Piper?" Jefferson said, shaking his head slightly, "There's no way-."

"There is," Ryaden said sharply, "Piper had gotten in Morgana's way when she tried attacking the Queen. She had stabbed him with Antic's poison. A poison that turned his heart cold. He went as far as nearly kidnapping dozens of children because the villagers had mocked him."

"So let me get this straight," Emma said, with furrowed brows, "We have a man running around from another town that can control children with a song. How come we haven't heard him?"

"The song isn't one that can simply be heard," Tzila said, "The spell has to be specifically aimed towards one particular audience. It's not something that can just be played and people can be controlled."

"At any rate, we need to locate him," Ryaden said loudly. He leaned forward, his hands a tad bit more relaxed than before, "I doubt Grace is his target, but I won't rule that out. It seems more likely Piper is trying to lure Alice to him."

"Then why would it affect Grace?" Ruby asked and Tzila answered, "The spell is tricky, a single individual is difficult to try to enchant when you do not know them well. It may be reaching out to other girls linked with magic."

"Ryaden's right," Granny said, forcefully, "We need to get a move on. The last thing we need is for Jack Frost to get to Alison before we do."

"I'll head to the station," Emma said, as they all went to leave, "See if anyone else has reported that their kid went waltzing out a window."

"The rest of us will look for Alison," Charming said, glancing over at Kathryn, "Will you be coming out to search with us?"

"I think we'll take out rest," Midas interrupted before Kathryn could speak. She looked at him affronted and he said firmly, "We've been out all night and searching with no mind will not accomplish anything."

"Very well, then let's not waste anymore time."

Ryaden watched them leave the study with clenched fists. Tzila noticed his action, but did not do anything until the last person shut the door. Ryaden barely noticed as Tzila sat down on the arm of his chair and pushed his shaggy hair out of his face. He glanced up at her as she spoke softly, "Don't be angry with them, Ryaden. They don't understand things yet."

"I don't like it," Ryaden said with gritted teeth, "They are too inexperienced, and we don't have enough time to wait for them to grow up."

"They are grown up," Tzila argued and Ryaden snapped, "Really? So then where's Regina? Why didn't they bring her with them? I tell you why, they still aren't cooperating."

"You don't trust her either," Tzila said pointedly. Ryaden pulled Tzila onto his lap and gently traced her jaw line. Ryaden stared at her intently and said, "Trust is not what I'm asking for. Cooperation is what I'm demanding. Alison had the right idea in grouping them together, I will not have them throw her hard work away because they are too busy hating on each other to save everyone's lives."

Tzila was quiet and said, "Then what about you Ryaden. What other information will you not trust me with?"

Ryaden did not glare or scowl. Reaching up, Ryaden gently pulled her down for a brief kiss. Tzila felt it linger on her lips even after he pulled away saying, "I trust you, implicitly. Your father is not a man anyone wants to cross."

"Promise me something," Tzila murmured, her voice sounding rather hypnotic, "Don't do such a thing again."

Ryaden finally scowled, which made Tzila smirk a little. But he gently grabbed her chin and pecked her lips saying, "Only if you promise to dismiss what I tell you."


The air was cold and chilly, nipping at the young twin's cheeks as they hurried through town. The girl's pigtails were blowing behind her as the boy was doing best to shield his eyes from the oncoming snow. The clouds were thickly blocking the sky, preventing any blue from shining through. Everyone in town could feel the cold and was loud in complaining about its wrath in its intrusion on the almost summer weather. There was one particular employee shoveling the walkway in front of the shop, grumbling darkly as they rushed past him. The boy glanced back, the man slowly disappearing in the distance as they hurried down the street. Looking back in front of him, he said, "You would think people would be less obscene in the way they talk about snow."

"What do you expect when you get tons of snow falling in the late spring?" Ava said firmly as she rushed. They rushed into the back alleys of Storybrooke, navigating their way the tall mansion that was covered in snow. Ava walked up the driveway looking at the sides of the road to see what looked like glowing mushrooms statues. Nicholas looked at them in wonder as he said, "I wonder what people think when they see that?"

"Probably think it's a driveway light," Ava said as they climbed the front steps to the home of the Mad Hatter. Nicholas looked at his sister nervously as Ava rang the bell. They heard the bell echo within the house, slightly muffled from the walls. Ava then stepped back, looking at the door with her own apprehension. The wind created the only noise they could hear. Tree's brushed together, causing snow to fall gracefully to the ground. Running of faint footsteps could be heard as the door swung open to reveal Grace standing there. Ava and Nicholas hurried in out of the cold and Grace quickly shut the door behind them. Ava watched her friend lock the door as Nicholas asked, "You said you had news?"

"Yes," Grace said with an urgent tone, "You're never going to believe what happened last night."

"If it's similar to our story, then we might," Ava said with a heavy sigh. Grace looked at them confused for a moment and Ava said, "Can we go sit down? It was a long walk and my legs are close to being numb."

"Come in here," Grace said walking into another room. The twins followed her and found themselves in a sitting room with a roaring fire. Jefferson was nowhere in sight, Ava noticed. He had probably gone out to search for Alison again. Sitting down, the twins stared at Grace who had sat by the fire. Staring into it, Grace said, "Something tried to take me last night."

"Take you?" Ava asked sharply, and Grace nodded. She grasped her skirts saying, "I thought I was falling asleep, but according to my father it was like I was sleep walking. It was like something was pulling me away, and I almost ended walking off the balcony."

"Geez, that puts our story to shame," Nicholas said, his face worried and Ava gently elbowed him. Looking down at Grace, Ava then asked, "Did you happen to hear some type of strange melody?"

"Yeah I did," Grace said with a surprise, "It was like a hum, vibrating in my ears."

"Knew it," Ava said with a hushed tone. Grace tilted her head with slightly narrowed eyes as Ava sighed. Fiddling with her hands, Ava said with a quiet tone, "We had something similar happen to us last night. I fell asleep to the humming too, or at least I thought I did. Dad said that I had sleepwalked right outside to the main road before he managed to stop me."

"It didn't happen to you?" Grace asked, staring at Nicholas who shook his head. Nicholas glanced at the fire saying, "I had fallen asleep before Gretel. I didn't hear anything at all."

"Oh," Grace said sounding worried, "I wonder how many other children this happened to?"

"You don't think it happened to Henry too, do you?" Nicholas said suddenly, sounding even more worried, "If no one saw him…"

"Henry's fine," Grace said softly, "I called him. He didn't hear any hum or sleepwalk anywhere."

"Well that's a relief," Ava said with a heavy sigh, "But clearly there is something off. What could do something like this?"

"I don't know," Grace said shaking her head, "Dad seemed a little wary when I told him about the hum. But when I asked him about it, he told me that he wasn't sure."

"Where is he now?" Ava asked and Grace said with a fleeting look out the window, "He's out looking for Alice again I think. He's really worried, he won't say it outright but he is."

"We just can't get a break can we?" Nicholas said exasperated, "First we all get stuck inside this curse, then we get waken up by the Monster of Fear, then Alison finds out her father is still alive, then he disappears, and now her counterpart has been destroyed so she won't remember any of us. What else could go wrong?!"

"Don't ask that question," Ava said with a scowl, "What we need to do figure out our plan on how to find her, memories or not."

"Well we can't find the Wonderlander's," Grace said with a frown, "Believe me, we tried that. We've looked everywhere!"

"Even at the cabin?" asked Ava and Grace made a face. The fire made a loud crackle and caused everyone to glance at it. It roared brightly in the fireplace, keeping the children nice and warm. But it didn't comfort them in any other way. Grace shook her head slightly as she said, "We didn't find her there. But the strange thing is, someone's picked some of the apples from the tree."

"Odd," Nicholas asked, "Are you positive?"

"Indeed," Grace said, "There was an empty patch on the tree."

"Strange," Ava said, frowning with a pondering look, "Someone's picking them. Why don't we stay at the cabin?"

"What?! Nicholas asked with a terrified expression, "But what about Jack Frost?!"

"He won't matter, Alison's got a force field that will keep him away," Ava shrugged, "There's no way for the snow to get in so we'll be safe."

"No, Dad already said that it won't guarantee our safety," Grace said with a shake of her head. Ava made a face but didn't say another word as the door opened. All three looked over to see Jefferson walking past the doorway and down the hall. The footsteps faded as Grace said quickly, "I'll be back. Do you want anything to drink?"

"Tea please?" Nicholas asked, hopeful and Grace smiled warmly. She looked at Ava, who just shook her head stiffly. Grace's smile flickered before disappearing through the doorway. Ava merely stared into the fire as Nicholas looked on nervously. Opening his mouth, Nicholas close it quickly when Ava stood up saying, "I need the bathroom, I'll be back."

Nicholas watched his sister leave with an exasperated look. Shaking his head, she stared down into the fire that she had been looking into. She had been acting odd since Alison disappeared and she wouldn't tell him what was bothering her. Letting out a shaky sigh, Nicholas listened to Grace and Jefferson bustle about in the other room. The fire flickered calmly, lulling him into a doze. It wasn't until he felt someone gently tap his shoulder that he finally snapped up straight.

"What? Oh," Nicholas said, looking at Grace. Holding his tea out for him, Grace looked around the room as Jefferson sat down. He was holding his own tea, bringing it to his lips and sipping it. Grace sat down with her own drink and said, "So did you have any luck finding Alice Papa?"

"No, no that is not what I was doing today Grace," Jefferson said with a grave tone, "I went to the Mage's Manor, informing them on just what had occurred last night."

"Oh," Grace said surprised, "Did they know?"

"Yes," Jefferson said with a cold expression, "Pied Piper is working with Jack Frost."

"Pied Piper?" Nicholas asked confused as Grace tensed up a bit, "Who's Pied Piper?"

"Pied Piper is a man who can manipulate living things with a song of a pipe," Jefferson said leaning forward, "What happened to Ava, Grace, shows me one thing. That Piper is trying to summon the children to him for a reason."

"What reason could he have to do that?"

"Due to his tie with Antic, it is most likely he is working with Frost," Jefferson said with a sigh, "We think they are trying to lure Alison to them."

"Well," Nicholas said, "I just figured out how it gets worse."

"How do we stop him?"

Grace was looking at her father, obviously frightened. Nicholas looked between the two of them and glanced up at the ceiling nervously. Jefferson glanced at her soothingly and said, "We don't do anything. Emma and the rest will locate the Piper and disable him. He's too dangerous to be sending children to find him. He can possess children, he's done it before. Trust me, it ended badly the last time he did it and it hasn't changed now."

Grace nodded and Jefferson suddenly looked up at the ceiling alarmed. Shooting up from his seat, Jefferson made a dash to the back door. Grace and Nicholas looked baffled, scrambling to their feet as they heard the door burst open. At first neither of the children understood the sudden agitation in Jefferson's actions. However, Grace's heart dropped when she heard her father screaming at the top of his lungs.

"Gretel!"


Rumpelstiltskin sat in the back of his shop, polishing the violin he held so dear. His eyes were distant and his movements slow. The light by his desk was the only thing illuminating the office. It was late, he knew that much, but he hadn't the mind or the heart to head back home. Instead, he sat polishing items that he himself could never physically use. Sighing, Gold put down the violin carefully as if it would shatter beneath his fingertips. Carefully, Gold stood up and grimaced at the stiffness in his back. Stretching slightly, Gold heard a little bell chime in the front of his shop. Gold didn't even bother to greet the person as he walked over to the work table. Gold turned the pages of the book, not looking back to see Belle come into the back of the shop. She watched him with greatly concerned eyes, slowly walking towards him. Gold glanced back and his eyes softened at the sight of her. He looked back down at the book saying, "Hey."

"Hey," Belle asked gently, reaching out to touch his arm, "What are you doing?"

"Just some work," Gold said with a sigh, "Work with spells for any possible attacks…"

Belle watched him stare at the page, deep in thought. Sighing, Belle leaned against him with a tired expression on her face. Glancing down at her, Gold slide his arm around her waist and said, "How did the search go?"

"Unproductive," Belle said sadly, "Found nothing…"

"Not too surprised," Gold murmured, his voice sounding heavy, "When she doesn't want to be found she won't be found."

"Rumple," Belle murmured, nuzzling into his arm, "I'm sorry."

Gold didn't respond to her apology, instead he shut the book with a snap and glanced at Belle with a weak smile. Gently reaching up, he tapped her nose and said, "Why don't we head home for the night? I'm sure you're hungry after being out all day."

"I won't say I'm not," Belle admitted softly, the sad expression upon her face. Gold grasped her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. The two disappeared into the purple smoke, the light turning off in the shop. The very child who was the source of the couple's sadness watched the light go out without hesitation and she sighed. She looked a little puzzled and tetchy as she straightened up. Sofronia and Chess stood behind her with other wondercats. Pulling her hair back, Alice put her hat back on and said, "Are you lot ready? I think we've waited long enough."

"Yes, we are," Sofronia asked, her voice smooth, "I can feel it working."

"Good," Alice said, her voice sounding gleeful, "Then let's get started. You know what to do."

"Of course," purred Sofronia, slouching down. Her and the other cats speed off, crashing into the shop's door. Chess walked up to Alice and put his head on top of hers saying, "Are you sure about this?"

"As bright as daylight," Alice remarked, reaching up to touch his hair. Chess closed his eyes on contact, relaxing a bit. It had been such a comforting gesture, her aura warming to the touch. It was something he missed, especially being held prisoner in the Queen's jail. He shivered at the thought and Alice pulled her head away. She stared at him concerned and said softly, "Don't worry, Chess. I won't let her do anything more to you."

Alice kissed his nose innocently and he smiled weakly. He straightened up as Alice walked across the roof top, arms out. Chess's concern returned as he followed her with long strides saying, "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine Chesshire," Alice said, her voice carefree but Chesshire shook his head. Catching up to her quickly, Chesshire said, "Even with what we've told you about your mother? And your father?"

Alice stopped on the edge of the roof top, staring down into the streets. The wind began to pick up, pulling her forward. It was all for not however, the wind unsuccessfully leading her to where it wanted her to go. Her face looked torn, as if something ate at her inside. Breathing in deep, though, her expression calmed down and she said simple and gently, "They are where they are. If he's happy, then that's enough for me."

"Even without you?" Chess said, unsure, "I know you're counterpart was desperately trying to hold on to the connection between father and child."

"Well," laughed Alice acrimoniously, "I can hardly say that my spirit or magic is that of a child, even if my body and mind still is. No…I feel our paths have pulled us too far in two different directions for us to be together now."

Chesshire walked up behind her as she turned. She smiled warmly at him and she said kindly, "You have me a while longer, Chess. Even if we don't have Jefferson as well."

Chesshire smiled, more genuinely this time and murmured, "Shall we go take you to your doom?"

Alice rolled her eyes as Chesshire scooped her up in his arms. Grabbing around his neck, Alice glanced into his eyes and said, "You're not taking me to my doom, you're taking me to the last post."

Chess glanced at her for a moment before jumping to the other buildings. Alice was looking ahead when she felt his chest rumble as he let a low hum, "If only it was so simple…"

"Why wouldn't it be?" murmured Alice, with a questioning look upon her young face. Chess didn't answer but jumped from roof to roof until they landed near the stables. It was closer to the town road, the last broken lamp post unlit. Chesshire set Alice down and she walked forward calmly. Chesshire looked around, slightly uncomfortable. Alice touched the pole and had an alarmed look on her face. Alice looked at her companion and said, "Chess."

"Understood," murmured Chess, disappearing in a whirl of smoke. Alice stood there by the post looking around. She kicked the snow softly as she said clearly, "You know it's really not nice to stare."

The wind began to pick up some more, blowing her hair around. Grabbing her hat that almost fell off, Alice watched as a tunnel of wind appeared, a male with white hair appearing. He looked rather young and his eyes were far from dull. They were sharp and alive as the wind calmed down. Alice looked on as if she were greeting an old friend, but with a touch of uncertainty. The male walked towards her, his staff swinging as he walked and the bells ringing on his boots. He outstretched his staff, making her chin look up at him as Jack Frost spoke.

"Where is it, Alison?"


"So you haven't found anything so far?"

Emma was driving in the car with Zoie, who was staring down at a map with an intense look. Emma glanced over at Zoie, who was holding the phone out towards the middle of the car. It was night and the street lamps were illumination the streets. Zoie shook her head slightly and said, "No nothing here. Nothing that's showing up on the map anyway."

"We'll keep looking on our end," David's voice rang loud and clear over the phone, "He has to come out again, I highly doubt he could snag Alison so quickly."

"Right, I'll send you a message if we find anything," Emma said loudly, driving her yellow bug down the back streets of Storybrooke. Zoie then pressed the button, hanging up the phone. Putting it down with a sigh, she said, "It's frustrating. I've only met the Mage of Wonderland on a few occasions; it was hard to believe she had superior skills that rivaled Mages. Needless to say, her hiding skills are superb."

"Yeah, well, that happens when you've had to try and survive," Emma said turning the corner, "I never thought it was going to be easy."

Emma drove down the street only for something to dash in front of the car. Slamming on the breaks, Emma nearly swore as the bug came to a screeching halt. The car jerked, causing both residents to receive some major whiplash. Zoie was the first to respond as she unbuckled saying, "What the hell?"

Emma unbuckled a tad bit slower as Zoie got out of the car. The someone that had darted out in front of them had fallen down out of reach of the car, coughing hard. Zoie looked surprised as the person looked around wildly as Emma got out of the car. Emma blinked and then was down by the person's side in a blink of an eye and said, "Regina!"

Regina let Emma help her get up, staring around wildly. Emma looked at her baffled and said, "Where have you been? I've been trying to find you all day."

"Now's not the time for that!" Regina said urgently, "We need to leave, get back to my manor!"

"Why, Regina-?" Emma started but she suddenly heard something loud and pitchy. All three adults grabbed their ears, feeling their knee's jerk beneath them. It was like shocks were being sent up there spine, making them jerk at random moments. Regina keeled over as Zoie groaned. Emma managed to look up a bit to see someone standing in the darkness of the alley way Regina came out of. The man pulled something away, allowing his hands to fall down from his head. Emma felt her head jerk down as he said, "Well, well. Looks like I've snagged the Queen's fickle friends. What a joyful occasion for me."

Emma gritted her teeth as she heard him walk towards her. Emma finally forced her head up to look up their captor in the face. In that moment, the world around them seemed to have matched the weather and froze. His hair was a bit longer and jagged but his eyes were still the same. They pierced her in surprise as he said in astonish, "Emma?!"

Emma paled about three shades to her natural skin tone as she watched the man stare down at her. Her own eyes were filled with shock, anger, and disbelief. Tears threaten to break her cold expression as Regina looked at him and then at her. Regina then hissed as the man turn around in bewilderment, "You know him? How do you know him?"

A dark tortured look came about in Emma's eyes as she whispered softly, "He's the man you wished would never show up."

~Storybook~

"Well, well. Isn't this a pleasant gathering?"

There was a noticeable gasp that went throughout the Queen of Heart's court. The Queen of Heart's herself glanced through her mask, watching the visitor approach. Being regal and beautiful as she was, the queen held her composure. However, the intruder/guest noticed that she was clenching the stick of her mask ever so slightly. The guest grinned and said, "Well, well/ What do you have to do to get a proper greeting around here?"

"How about waiting for an invitation?" The Knave of Hearts said with a snotty edge, "What do you want Rumpelstiltskin?"

"I would like to speak with the beloved Queen of Hearts," he said with a flourish of his hands and stared at the Knave with a pointed look, "Alone."

The Queen whispered in her device, her voice echoing softly through it. The Knave of Hearts made a face before clapping his hands. The Audience left in a hurry, obviously pleased about the sudden dismissal. Rumpelstiltskin seemed pleased as well. The Queen did not move until the two were quite alone. She then put down her mask, revealing her face. Rumpelstiltskin strutted forwards, brandishing his hand around as he spoke, "Well, well. Finally where you belong, being Queen in a land of psychotic partiers."

"What did you wish to speak to me about Rumple?" The Queen said coyly, standing up from her seat, "Surely it was not to throw insults?"

"Why of course not dearie!" Rumpelstiltskin said with a mocking hurt expression, "Why would I ever dream of insulting you? No, I came to make a deal."

"Oh?" the Queen said and Rumpelstiltskin replied, "Yes, I want to discuss something with the Mad Hatter, or otherwise known as Jefferson. Normally I would have just gone to speak with him, especially since this land no longer has a Mage. But when I heard that he was in your care, I figured I would come deal with you first."

"And what would I get for this little… intrusion?"

"Information, of course!" Rumple said, raising up his arms in exaggeration, "I believe you remember Queen Regina?"

The Queen of Hearts had an irritated dark look cross her face. Clearing her throat, the Queen said with a dignified air, "I remember Regina. How could I forget the child who worked alongside of you to get rid of me?"

"Temper, Temper," Rumple said with a snicker, "Haven't you heard? She is planning to enact a curse!" Rumpelstiltskin said, "A curse that will rip away all her enemies happily ever after!"

The Queen shifted uncomfortably, her eyes having a flicker of alarm in them as she asked, "How?"

"No, no, no dearie," the imp said with a cruel laugh, "You'll have to agree to my deal before I say anymore."

"Fine, fine. Deal!" The Queen said impatiently, "How does she plan to do such a feat?"

"It will take a year or so to get all the things she will need. But trust me when I say, you'll be the first she curses after Snow White. After all…"

Rumpelstiltskin walked up to Cora and said with bared teeth, "She did work with me to get rid of you."

"How do I stop this curse from victimizing me?" the Queen asked and he laughed wickedly. He jumped back, leaving the queen standing alone.

"Well luckily for you," Rumple said, "I happen to have a protection spell. It will take a little work…"

Rumpelstiltskin threw her a pouch, which she caught. Examining it, the Queen watched as the Dark one said before disappearing, "But I'm sure even you can do it."

"Well, well. If it isn't the Mad Hatter?"

Jefferson froze, pausing a brief moment on the hat he was sewing. Jefferson glanced around, a haunted expression overtaking his tired face. Putting down the hat, Jefferson narrowed his eyes and said, "It has been a long time since I've heard that voice."

"Well, that's what happens when you've been stuck inside all the time. You tend to forget thing." The voice echoed loudly, but he was nowhere to be insight. Jefferson gripped the hat he was holding as he said with dangerously alarming voice, "What do you want, Rumpelstiltskin? How did you find yourself in this prison of a world?"

"Why, through magic of course," the imp's voice said with a bit more of a pitch, "Same as you. Had to pay a pretty price to use that beloved hat of yours."

"Price?" Jefferson said, his tone worsening. Pacing slowly through the columns of hats, the Mad Hatter listened to the Dark One's unruly voice, "Yes, the Queen said something about needing a vorpal stone…"

"Come out coward!" Jefferson said bravely, "If you are going to mock me, do so to my face!"

Jefferson suddenly inhaled sharply as he felt his throat constrict tightly. The hat fell to the floor as Jefferson struggled to breath. Still the imp could not be see but his satisfaction could be heard as he said, "Now, now dearie. Watch that temper, otherwise I might forget how well you dear daughter Grace is doing."

Jefferson felt the pressure release and Jefferson coughed violently. Jefferson glanced up at the dark ceiling, hoping that he would hear news. Rumpelstiltskin had the slightest bit of pity in his voice as he said, "She's safe and sound from the Queen, dearie. Although, the Queen hasn't held up to her end of your bargain."

"I'd rather she stay far away," Jefferson said firmly. The imp snickered and said, "Suit yourself. Besides, I have a deal I wish to discuss before the Queen of Heart's decides to do what she does best and go back on our deal."

"Unless your deal involves a safe trip back to the Enchanted Forest, Good day," Jefferson said impatiently. Rumple's laugh was high pitched as he said, "How about an important ingredient into getting you back home?"

Jefferson heard a poof and he turned to see a long scroll sitting on the work table. Walking back over to the table, Jefferson picked it up and began reading the fancy print. Scrunching his nose, Jefferson muttered, "What a waste of ink…"

"Yes, yes," the imp said impatiently, "I will help you in getting home with this rare magical object. One I received from a Wizard in a traveling home. He gave me this object but unfortunately like your hat, it only helps transportation between magical worlds. The other object that will transport between non-magical worlds is in a non-magical world. Something about a counter part to his home..."

"In return for a favor," Jefferson murmured with a frown, "A steep price indeed…what is this favor?"

"Let's just say I'm saving it for a rainy day," his voice said gleefully, "So what say you?"

Jefferson finished reading the page his eyes widening as he said, "Is that-?"

"Yes it is indeed!" the Dark One said gleefully, "So do we have a deal?"

Jefferson saw a poof of purple smoke and a crystal appear glowing like a star. Swallowing, Jefferson heard him say, "Crystallized gas from a very important star. Surely you know which one."

"I do," Jefferson said with a mad glimmer in his eyes. Picking up the quill, Jefferson signed the parchment and the scroll disappeared in a flash. Rumpelstiltskin said with his high pitched voice, "Thank you for your service."


Rumple stood in the middle of the clearing, standing confidently in the high collared leather jacket he so often wore. Calmly walking along the old roots of the tree, Rumpelstiltskin felt the wind blow against his back. Smirking triumphantly, Rumpelstiltskin said pulling his jacket hem, "Well, well. How nice of your to join me. I do enjoy punctuality."

Aislinn walked out from behind the tree, her long dress strewn with leaves. She watched him with a slightly cautious expression. Rumpelstiltskin watched him with a greedy dark expression as Aislinn said, "Have you done what I've requested?"

"Yes," Rumple said flourishing his hand and a rather intricate hat appeared in his hand. Aislinn took it, examining it with a soft look. Rumpelstiltskin seemed pleased as he said, "Now. Since I have completed my end of the bargain, I wish for you to complete yours."

Aislinn did not respond to his request but continued to stare at the hat. It was like the guardian was in a trance. The imp waited somewhat patiently as Aislinn began to speak, "You made a deal with Queen Regina to use his hat to get to Wonderland, then you made a deal with the Queen of Hearts to speak to Jefferson. Surely you did not need to use such a roundabout way to complete your end of the bargain?"

"Perhaps," Rumpelstiltskin said stiffly, "But that is my business. Your business is to complete your end of the bargain."

Aislinn stared at him and said, "Very well."

Snapping her fingers, whitish-orange smoke swirled around at her fingertips. A greedy look came over his face as a rose appear in her hand. It was a soft pink, almost glowing in the moonlight. Holding it out to him, she said, "Here is your payment, Rumpelstiltskin. One Briar Rose, fully grown and powerful."

"Thank you," Rumpelstiltskin said, taking his prize, "Aislinn.''

Rumple began to walk away, examining the beautiful rose. Aislinn watched him with a wary and curious expression and said, "Why do you need another? I was almost positive you had one of your own."

"I did!" Rumpelstiltskin said with a perky tone, "But there was a certain dragon I had to appease and before I knew it one thing led to another and a deal was made!"

"You and your deals," Aislinn said with almost a scoff. Rumpelstiltskin began to walk away on the tree roots with an air of success about him. Aislinn watched him with now a look of distain. The Imp did not seem to mind; in fact he seemed blissfully unaware of her appearance. Rumpelstiltskin laughed wickedly before saying, "Just remember; as long as there is a need, there is a deal!"


Jefferson was sitting in the courtyard of the queen's palace, the tree's towering tall above him. The moon was big and illuminating the beautiful world around him. Jefferson almost seemed at peace as he was sewing a velvet midnight fabric together. It looked simple, nothing elaborate. Jefferson seemed entranced though, as if it desired all of his attention. Jefferson almost didn't notice the sudden display of magic before him, purple smoke billowing around to reveal a familiar imp.

"Well, Good Evening Dearie," Rumpelstiltskin said with a wicked smile, "Nice to see you free from your little closet."

"You," Jefferson said, standing up while letting his work fall to his seat, "What are you doing here?"

"Well, well, luckily for me the day has finally come," Rumple said his laughter loud and pitched, "The day where I come to cash in my favor."

Jefferson clenched his jaw and said, his voice heavy, "What do you want?"

"So forward, so forward," Rumpelstiltskin said almost leaping forward. Jefferson flinched as the imp approached him with composure. The Dark One pointed at him and said, "Today is that day, isn't it? The day you went back on your deal with me. All because of True Love."

"No," Jefferson said after a period of moments, "I did not do it for love. In fact I didn't even break any deal. You asked me to bring you the Mage of Wonderland. Perhaps the outcome isn't what you liked because you failed to tell me the important details of what you were asking me to do!"

"It wasn't your business!" snapped Rumple and Jefferson snarled, "It was! You set me up as your murdering accomplice!"

"Hardly!" The imp laughed cruelly, "You hardly have the stomach to kill a fly, let alone a person. Besides, I wasn't going to kill her. I was just going to absorb Wonderland's power from her body to open a portal."

"Which would have killed her," growled Jefferson, "The Mage of Wonderland cannot be without the power once she is chosen."

"Indeed, an unfortunate side effect," Rumple said with a meek mocking voice, "One that doesn't change with generation."

Jefferson's heart skipped a beat and not in a good way. The cruel grin widened on the Dark One's face as he tapped his fingers together and said, "Nice to see your memory is intact."

"You can't," The Mad Hatter's voice sounded dangerous, "I won't let you…"

"You don't have an option!" Rumple said cheerfully, allowing his voice to get louder, "Because you owe me a favor! Something the Mage should take quite seriously."

The Dark One loudly spoke, walking about the courtyard saying, "I want an audience with the phenomenal Mage of Wonderland! Summon her for me Jefferson, and our contract will be fulfilled. Or else the consequences will be severe."

Jefferson gritted his teeth and turned on his heel. Torment filled his eyes as he whistled lowly but loudly. Rumple smirked, unaware of the growing hope on the Mad Hatter's face. Gods he hoped she would do what they discussed. Inhaling deeply, Jefferson felt the wind blow warmly on his face. His eyes opened as he heard the whispers fill the wind. The Dark One looked momentarily baffled as Jefferson turned around to see the garden hedges opening up a doorway. The Dark One looked over at it and then looked back at Jefferson said, "Where is she?"

"The Mage of Wonderland is like the other role players in this world, she has her own rules," Jefferson said with forced calmness, "You asked for an audience and these are her following rules. The Mage loves games, she will indicate the game for you. I have summoned her, now the rest is up to you."

"Very, very clever," The imp sneered, the slight distain upon his face, "So, what's the game?"

Jefferson did not open his mouth to speak but a voice made itself known. Rumple grinned as Jefferson stood rigidly as it spoke the words softly, "Catch me if you can, before I reach the Islet Clan."

Alice found herself running throughout the woods at breakneck speed. Her long nightgown was white and she had a thick wool vest over her fastened. Her eyes were wide with trepidation as she ran. She could feel his presence swarming behind her, searching for her magic. It was his downfall, her saving grace that he relied on magic so much. But her disadvantage was not knowing the terrain of Wonderland. Alice ran, trying to remember the map location. But all her she could find herself doing was running a breakneck speed. The mist around her feet was increasing as she heard his voice echo in the forest, "I will find you dearie! Jack Frost cannot protect you forever!"

Alice stumbled a bit, tears slipping down her cheeks. The mist was getting thicker and she felt him burning through magic. He was getting ready to trap her, the forest around her was screaming at her what he was doing. Coughing and choking on her lack of breath, the mist seemed to turn to fog and he was getting closer. Alice suddenly felt his magic release and she felt her heart nearly stop. No, he couldn't find her here!

Suddenly Alice screamed as she fell down into what seemed like a hole. Feeling her body spinning around, colors blurred her vision as she felt someone pull her down the hole. Thrashing about, Alice tried to see who was pulling her, but she only saw tinted fog. When Alice could finally see beyond the fog, she found herself crashing into boxes. Coughing, Alice struggled to get out of the boxes. Many sounds filled her ears, some joyful and some noisy. Her vision went in and out as she heard someone said, "Whoa, little Miss. Whatcha doing jumping in the boxes?"

Alice blinked and looked up to see a boy standing there, dressed in worn clothing. He had on a top hat, holding a pipe in his mouth. Alice looked confused and she said, "What-?"

"I'm telling you, it's not as fun as the stuff happening out there," the boy said jerking his hand over his shoulder, "Come on, I'm sure even little girls could find something better to do."

"I never meant to," Alice said indignantly but he waved her off saying, "Whatever, you do as you please. Go ride one of those donkey's out there. I saw a man take quite a few of them away…"

Donkey's? Alice felt confusion tug at her heart as well as warning. She didn't think there were any Donkeys in Wonderland. Brushing off her dress, Alice then stared up at the ceiling; then it clicked. Alice looked at the boy smoking the pipe saying, "I'm sorry, where am I?"

"Ha! Leave it to a gal to get lost, "the boy said with a cruel laugh, "But whatever, and little chick. You are in the greatest place on earth! The Land of Play, The Isle, Theeahhhhh!"

Alice jumped back, shock overcoming her as she saw the boy choke, allowing the pipe to fall to the ground. He grabbed his throat as his ears slowly began longer and pointed. The color of his skin began to change to dark. Alice backed away as she saw the boy transformed before her, the story coming to life in her head. The once boy had finally turned into the donkey, kicking and jumping towards her. Alice back away into the broken wooden wall. Alice looked to see a gap just big enough for her to go through. But before Alison could move, the door burst open to reveal a familiar looking man that made Alison freeze.

"Here's another little runt!" snapped Ryaden, holding his watch in his hand. Alison felt her whole insides freeze, remember the last she saw of this man. He hated her, he hated her and now she was in his world. It all made sense now, where she was and who he was. Alice bent down to crawl through the opening, but she accidently stepped on broken wood. It cracked and Ryaden immediately glanced at her. A surprised look overtook his face as he shouted, "You!"

Alice made a mad dash away, feeling his grasp skim her ankle. Scrambling away, Alison Kinsleigh barely heard any of the sounds around her. If she had, she might have stopped to listen to Ryaden. But all she could think of was safety, but where was safe? Only one person ever escaped this Island and he had been made of wood.