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 in this story! Sorry this took me so long but here it is regardless.

Chapter Thirty Eight: Tearing of the Teams.

"So she lied to me?"

David winced as he watched his grandson stared at him with an aghast and broken look. The air around them was tense, the shadows of the night coming to worsen the situation. They were at Granny's Inn, in one of the many rooms that was in the residence. Regina was hiding in the shadows outside the door, leaning on the wall. Watching in, Regina had a mixture of emotions crossing her face. Snow stood not too far away looking on as David began to explain in a gentle way, "In a sense... yes she did."

"But why?" Henry said angrily, his voice raising, "Why would she lie to me? Why keep this from me!?"

"Because," David said his voice faltering as he tried to formulate the words, "She was trying to protect you…"

"You mean like how the evil queen tried to protect me? By lying?!" Henry said, his voice having a stab of viciousness. David began to shake his head but he did not even have a chance to speak when a female voice interrupted, "No, no she did not."

Henry suddenly looked up and saw Regina walk in through the doorway. David tensed but said nothing at her sudden intrusion. Snow White watched her with a slightly suspicious look as Regina walked over. Bending down, Regina stared Henry in the face and said, "No Henry. She did not lie like me. I can promise that Emma doesn't share that in common with me."

Henry stared at Regina, looking at her in disbelief. David watched her as she asked suddenly, "Henry do you remember what had happened around the time Emma told you about your father?"

"She-she became sheriff," Henry said shaking his head slightly in confusion. Regina nodded and said, "Do you remember what I did to make sure she wouldn't be?"

"You published that article," Henry said, drearily, "About how she gave birth to me in jail and how she ended up there…"

"That's exactly right," Regina said softly, "And that's exactly why she couldn't tell you."

Henry stared at Regina and she continued, "I did not know your father's identity. But I know now for a fact that the only reason Emma gave you up was because she couldn't keep you. You father left, left and disappeared without a trace. He left Emma to make a decision that no one should have to make by themselves."

"But, she didn't even tell me," Henry said indignantly, "She lied."

"To protect you from facing a terrible situation," Regina said firmly, "No one, Henry, in their right mind would send a child to a man after they cause hell on earth…I lied, I lied to you and myself because I was selfish. I wanted to win, and that's why I don't have you right now. Emma lied because she didn't want you taking a bus ticket to find a man with ice for a heart. He was cruel to Emma and don't think that he would treat you any differently because you're his son."

"You don't know that," Henry said and Regina said, "Yes I do. That's how Antic's ice works. Believe me; I've seen what it does to people who can't control its power."

Henry looked down and Regina reached forward and tilted his chin up. Regina stared at him and said, "Remember Henry, you brought Emma here. You made her stay through guilt and concern. Emma never got a choice in any of this rubbish. I think it's unfair for you to judge someone who got dragged into dealing with problems beyond comprehension and then expect them to be a perfect knight in shining armor."

Regina let Henry go, standing up on her feet. Regina then walked out of the room saying, "I will see you later, I'm beginning my search at the toll bridge."

Henry watched Regina disappear. His face looked stunned as he sat in silence. David watched him with his own amazed expression and asked, "Are you okay, Henry?"

"I…I don't know," Henry said softly, holding the book to him. David then said, "Look, don't worry about us-."

"But how are we going to get Emma back?" Henry asked and Snow White said, "Don't worry, we have a plan. You will stay with Granny at the Inn until we get back."

"We will get Emma back," David said with assurance, "And Ava, I promise you."

Henry obviously wasn't please but did not say anything. Instead he allowed David and Mary Margaret to hug him and tucked him in. Henry clutched Alison's book After that the couple left the room, growing look of worry on their faces. Taking her hand, David kissed her head and said, "It will be alright."

"But you heard Alison," Snow White said, with a worried expression, "If he comes after Henry…"

"It'll be fine, Granny will protect him," Charming said firmly, "She'll be able to sense him before he can get too close."

"I hope your right," Snow White said, as they stepped out into the considerably warmer air.


Alice couldn't help herself.

Standing on top of the building across from Gold's shop, Alice found herself watching him walk into his shop with Belle in arm. She had been expecting him to come follow her. In fact, she was surprised at the intense self-restraint he was showing. Sofronia had explained quite thoroughly what her counter part's relationship to him was. They had been so close; anger spurred inside of her at that thought. Or maybe it was jealousy, Alice wasn't quite sure. What she did know was that this counterpart had put herself through so much, had so many secrets. That was the child he loved and it killed Alison inside knowing how much he loved her. The problem was she wasn't her.

"Spying isn't nice."

Alice turned on her heel, staring as Jefferson came out of the shadows. His stare was anxious, in disbelief. He walked towards her and her form relaxed. She smiled at him warmly and chided gently, "I should say the same to you. However your spying skills have much to be desired."

Jefferson scooped her up in his arms, hugging her tightly. Alice returned his hug, wrapping her arms around his neck. Jefferson's eyes looked misted over, as he shut them and said, "I thought you might not come back."

"Well obviously not the case," Alice said cheerfully, "But if Jack had his way, you might not have."

"He had you long enough," Jefferson murmured, sounding much more like his old self again. Setting her back down on her feet, Jefferson knelt down as Alice looked at him. A bittersweet smile crossed her face as he said, "I'm glad to see you alive and well."

"I'm glad you found Grace," Alice said, tapping his nose almost childishly, "I hope it's everything you had been looking for."

"And then some," Jefferson said honestly, "Even if I miss our crazed adventures."

Alice's smile faded as she said, "It seems though you've been quite on an adventure since I've left you… If I had stayed…"

"Then you would have been captured and put through much more torment," Jefferson said firmly, "And that would be something you would not have forgotten. Trust me, this was better for everyone."

Alice glanced over her shoulder and turned away from him. She stepped back to the edge of the building and stared down at the shop bellow. The lights were still on in the back, confirming that they were still there. Alice bit her lip and then said softly, "I'm not so sure about that."

"Because Gold is upset?" Jefferson said incredulously and Alice nodded. He came along side her and leaned over. He watched the shop with her as all was quiet. Alice watched the shop, a warm breeze blowing her hair back as she said softly, "He loved her."

"He loves you," Jefferson stated bluntly.

"He's never even met me," Alice said, giving him a very childish frown. She looked at him, her arms supporting her on the edge of the building. Jefferson couldn't help but smile jokingly and said, "Snow White and Prince Charming started off as enemies and it was that one encounter they fell in love."

"Yes," Alice said sighing, "But my life's far from a fairytale."

"The Compendium would beg to differ," Jefferson's said and Alice shrugged. She stared down at a shop saying, "It's a story, like any other. It's just one that has not ending yet."

"It could be a happy one."

"Maybe, but it would seem silly to worry him when I return to Wonderland."

There was a silence, a dead kind of silence. Jefferson gripped his hands together, forcing his gaze to keep looking down. Alice, however, looked at him and said softly, "You knew I would have to go back. I'm it's Mage after all."

"Yes, but no one said I have to like it," Jefferson said tightly, "You said you wanted to come back here."

"Yes, but ever since I've woken up, I've felt out of place," Alice said, "I'm like a coat that's being forced on someone it doesn't quite fit."

"Strange comparison," Jefferson muttered and Alice chided him gently, "But it's true. I don't belong here. I thought I did but it turns out I was very wrong."

"Wonderland is psychotic, dodgy, oblivious," Jefferson muttered and Alice said gently, "So is Chess, the March Hare, Dee and Dum, and me. But we all love you. Wonderland is a place filled with life and love, as chaotic as it can be. That's why it's so important."

Jefferson smile returned, having a bit more of a quirk to it as he said softly, "I'd hardly call you dodgy."

"Well I'd hardly call you sane, but yet here we are in Storybrooke and the only person who got locked up in the Asylum was the very person who didn't deserve it!" Alice said with a scoff. Jefferson's smile was bitter, his hands tightly grasping her own. The shop door had opened, Belle leaving its safety with Gold. Gold locked the door and walked out. Alison fidgeted, her blue eyes looking deeply conflicted. Opening her mouth, she watched them walk away arm in arm. She closed her mouth though; her shoulder's slumping just a little bit. Jefferson glanced at her now, tilting his body towards her. Pushing her hair back, Alice listened as Jefferson said, "Come with me. I have something that might help you."

Alison walked after Jefferson, the night life slowly interacting around them. The stars in the sky could not be seen as the lights in the town made it impossible. However, the noise of people talking and laughing dimmed down. Soon they were in a street of comfortable looking homes. Alison looked around; she felt something nostalgic entered her brain. Whatever tenseness was in her nerves seemed to melt into nothingness. She watched as Jefferson walked up to a house and stopped by the steps. It was a pretty house, Alison noticed, and she saw a light on in the bottom window. Jefferson put his hands in his pockets and let out a sigh. Alice looked around some more before asking, "Where are we?"

"This house belongs to Kathryn Nolan," Jefferson said, loudly, "She was your counterparts foster mother, the only woman she truly loved enough to call mother…"

"Mother…" Alice said softly, but then said firmly, "How does that help me?"

"Because despite Autumn's memories disappearing, I know she was able to access your memories," Jefferson said, "And I believe that there were certain events that awoke you, even just a little bit."

"Do you honestly believe she was one of those events?" Alison asked, frowning once more. Jefferson nodded and said, "Yes, one of the few things you shared in common with your counterpart was that you desired a mother. I think if you just talk to her it will help with your conflictions."

"You can't just give me the answer," huffed Alison and Jefferson grinned saying, "That, my dear, would be cheating. We're not in Wonderland, love, there are actual rules to abide by…."

"Wonderland has rules," Alice said staring at the house nervously.

"Rules that get constantly broken by other role players," Jefferson said calmly, "Now, go on. I'm betting that you'll have found your answer once your inside."

Alice made a face before timidly walking up to the house. Her heart was thumping inside a little heavier, she wasn't sure why. The wheels in her head were turn as she went through the possible many theories on what was on the other side. Reaching out her hand, she knocked on the door several times before ringing the doorbell. Waiting, Alice rocked on her feet back and forth, her shorter yet still long hair blowing around in the wind. There was a distinct sound of running coming down the stairs as she heard someone come to the other side of the door. Alice bit her lip slightly as she saw the door open to reveal Kathryn Nolan standing before her.

"Alison!" Kathryn said, her voice sounding breathless. Alice barely had any time to say anything as Kathryn had her in a bear hug. The child's eyes were wide, as she felt something familiar come over her. However, that's all it was, a feeling. Alice didn't jump away, but she didn't return the hug either. Kathryn however didn't embrace her long as she stepped back. Smiling weakly, Kathryn said, "I'm sorry, I know you must not remember me."

"I know," Alice said quickly, a feeling of confusion overcoming her, "But you knew my counterpart?"

"Yes," Kathryn said stepping closer to the door, "Why don't you come in? We can talk more inside."

Alice went in after a moment's hesitation. She glanced back, but Jefferson was no longer there. Kathryn closed the door and lead Alice into the kitchen. She invited Alison to take a seat, pulling out a chair slightly. Alice sat down as Kathryn grabbed a kettle saying, "My real name is Abigail, daughter of King Midas. Everyone at the moment though knows me as Kathryn Nolan, the jewelry shop owner."

"Oh, I see," Alice said, her mind put a little at ease, "You were my counterpart's mother?"

"Foster mother," corrected Kathryn said as she filled up the kettle. She turned off the water and looked back at Alice saying, "It was not long after her first foster mother was sent away, Autumn needed a home."

"Autumn?" Alice said baffled, and Kathryn kindly said, "It was your counterpart's name. Autumn Doe."

"Autumn," Alice said softly, "My favorite season…"

Kathryn put the kettle of the stove, a strange wondrous look overtaking her face. She looked at Alice with a moment of surprise and then allowed her kind expression to return. Kathryn then took a seat at the table after turning the stove on. She folded her hands neatly on the table and said, "She had been mistreated by her foster mother's boyfriend. I was approached to take her in and I agreed. She was reserved quiet; it was almost unnerving how apathetic she was."

Alice shifted in her seat and said, "It doesn't sound like me at all."

"I'm sure it wasn't how she wanted to be either," Kathryn said calmly, "And I'm sure being a counterpart helped nothing at all. She changed a little bit though, opening up to me bit by bit. I had unfortunately gone through a period of absence after a fight with what my cursed life said was my husband and then being kidnapped. Luckily we were able to pick up the pieces thought after I came back. She finally opened up completely to me, telling me that she was Gold's grandchild and that her father had passed away in a terrible fire. She told me about a mother she never knew, never had a chance to experience a mother's love… She told me her real name was Alison Kinsleigh."

"She told you that?" Alison said sharply as Kathryn nodded slowly. Kathryn smiled said, "That night, I knew something had changed, like something surfaced in her eyes. It pure, something I never saw in her eyes. Sadly I never saw it again. Not till now."

Alice blinked and said, "I'm not Autumn Doe."

"Of course not," Kathryn said reassuringly, "She is gone. I think she tried to be you, after seeing your memories. I think she believed deep down that's what she should have been. Which in turn, give you a chance to awaken bit by bit."

"I don't remember, I won't remember," Alice said exasperated, "Autumn Doe is gone."

"I'm not talking about memories. Those are, as you say, gone forever." Kathryn said, "That isn't what's important, Alison. I'm talking about connections, bonds to people. Memories may come and go, but feelings are never truly forgotten."

The kettle began to whistle and Alice asked as Kathryn stood up, "You think I would remember them?"

"I think you would feel them, not remember," Kathryn said, softly, "You shared the same body after all, it was only natural after she saw your memories, that it would give you would begin to feel things that were important to you."

Kathryn took the kettle off the stove, turning it off. Kathryn pulled two mugs off the shelf and began to open her jar of tea bags. Just as she was about to pour the water, Kathryn heard Alice say:

"I heard it once."

Kathryn looked back as Alice looked contemplatively. She was staring at Kathryn hard and she said, "This feeling…I know I've felt it before. It was while I was sleeping…in the darkness of that tunnel. I couldn't even begin to see in the shadows when I heard someone say I love you. It was a female voice…she sounded so honest I felt like I was actually able to see some…"

Kathryn looked at her with surprise as Alice stood up. She looked at Kathryn curiously and said, "I think it was you… if you ever even said those words."

Kathryn swallowed and smiled warmly. She took Alison's hands and said softly, "Yes, it was me."

Alison looked at Kathryn and said, "How do you know so much about it? Bonds I mean."

"Because your curse was similar to ours," Kathryn said gently, soothingly causing Alice to tremble as she heard the love laced in, "The only difference is that your counterpart's memories were eradicated."

Alice watched Kathryn and said, "But I don't remember… how can I remember the feeling but not remember the memories?"

Kathryn smiled and said, "I was told by a friend so long ago that when you're truly meant to be together, love will find a way."


Emma wandered the halls, searching for some way to escape. She had regained the ability to walk around and was now trying to find a way out. She was still bound by the wrist, not finding something to cut it apart with. For a house this big, it was sure kept clean. Emma had found her way into a study. In fact, it was the very study that Autumn and her had been in Morgana's manor. The chairs from the scuffle were still in the very same spot. Emma winced as she remembered that day.

"EMMA!"

She jolted turning around and hearing his footsteps. Emma looked around desperately as she tried to find a way to escape. Emma looked on the study for anything to help her at all. However, the Pied Piper's music reached her ears as she froze up, falling to the ground. It grated on her nerves until it stopped and Piper grabbed her. He forced her to walk out of the room, almost dragging her. Piper was fuming, beyond mad. Emma didn't have to wait long to find out why.

"You nervy woman!" Piper snarled, "Hiding the fact that I HAD A SON!"

"You left!" Emma snapped, the pain in her jaw incredible. Emma yelped as he slammed her into the wall. His eyes bore into hers and almost send terrified shivers down her back. Piper hissed, "I gave you the chance to be honest. Now…I am making good on my promise."

Emma felt herself being dragged down a hallway. She would have tried to struggle if she could have. Piper kicked the double doors open to reveal a lobby. Emma looked concerned as she saw that the railings on the second floor platform were gone. He brought her over to the edge and pulled out his hand. In his hand was a small ball that looked very much like a large marble inside she noticed however, was electricity. He tossed it down saying, "Open Up, Islet! I need a rabbit hole."

The ball hit the floor but seemed to melt into it. Suddenly a portal open electricity shooting out from it. Emma looked on in horror as she snarled, "What are you going to do, throw me into Wonderland?!"

"Oh, no, Rabbit Hole's aren't limited to that place, even though they are known for it," Piper snapped, "No this is going to take you to another world. A place not easy to escape."

Grasping her arms, Piper's face was in her own by a mere few inches. Piper eyes were cold as he said, "You and your family will not get away with this, no one makes a fool out of me."

Emma would have snarled, would have beaten him if she hadn't been frozen. A fact that she would soon understand to be a saving grace. Emma was forced to see something in his eyes, something in his eyes that stabbed at her. His eyes were dead, ice, but then she saw something that she didn't expect to see. She saw the fire behind them, anger, and a strange sense of hope. Emma unfortunately did not have time to understand it as he let her go and she fell into the portal. Piper watched the portal close, his anger seemingly dissipating. However, he heard a voice say behind him.

"How interesting."

Piper turned to see Jack standing there, arms crossed. He almost had a shadow of a smile on his face. Piper stared at him breathing deeply as Jack said, "I'll be taking Ava now. So you won't need to worry yourself with the child anymore."

Piper watched Jack turn around and said suddenly, "And Piper?"

Piper watched Jack as he retreated into dark. His voice rang loud and clear, adding more fuel to his fire.

"If you were able to get so angry with the mother of your child, perhaps that ice is not as strong as you think it is."


Gold nearly jolted out of his seat as he heard the door bell go off. He was alone in his study; Belle had long gone to bed. Staring up at the clock he saw that it was a quarter after eleven. Who would be coming this late? Gold went to stand when he heard the door unlock. He froze, turned to see who the intruder was. Alice walked into his line of view when she lifted her hand and the door shut itself. She watched him, her blue eyes staring closely. Gold rested both hands on his cane and watched her with an almost defeated expression. He was however the first to speak.

"You have a lot of nerve entering my house uninvited."

Alice made a shrugging movement with her shoulders and looked around. She then said, lifting up her hand to touch the hanging wind chime lightly, "If you really didn't want me here, I wouldn't have been able to get through the door…"

Gold didn't say anything immediately in response, instead his grip on his cane tightened as Alice walked around the couch. Gold tightened his jaw as she stopped, leaning against the wall. She watched him, noticing a very exhausted and confused look on his face. Alice shifted as a looked hardened in his eyes. It wasn't comforting; in fact, she felt something vibrate through her nerves. There was something familiar about it; however, Alice couldn't quite place it. Standing firm, Alice watched him stand up straighter and Gold said coolly, "I can't help it when everyone keeps bursting into my home. I'm not using magic unless it's necessary."

"Really?" Alice tried to sound light and playful but the lonely look in his eyes was nagging at her conscious, "That's strange coming from you."

"Things have changed," Gold said flatly, "Considerably."

Alice stared at him with a pondering expression and said, "You seem less… eccentric."

"Well, dearie, that's what happens when I can't understand something," Gold said, his tone still very short.

"And what's that?" Alice asked, her voice going soft.

"You," Gold said, "I can't understand you. You show such displeasure with myself at your little round up and now you've broken into my house. Why are you here?"

There was such loneliness to his words now, it yanked at all of her heart strings. Alice opened and closed her mouth, unsure of what to say. Impatience and defeat mingled with the loneliness as he said distantly, "Forget I mentioned anything…"

Forget….

Alice's heart dropped into her stomach, horror seizing her. Tears swam in her eyes as Gold looked away and walked toward his door saying, "Please leave, Belle is sleeping and I'd rather her not awaken…"

Gold walked to the door, his heart heavy. He could not do this, seeing her in this home. It wasn't her, she didn't remember him, she didn't love him. That child disappeared; she died and left them forever. Gold hand was on the doorknob when he realized she wasn't behind him. Gold straightened up sighing but froze when he heard something. Something beautiful, something melodious.

A violin…

Gold spun around to see Alice stand in the middle of the room, playing the violin that had been in his shop. The piece was lively and Gold knew he had heard it somewhere before. So long ago, in his shop, Autumn played with the same zeal. Her moves were near flawless as the music smoothly went along. Autumn eyes remained closed, opening at only a few parts during the song. Gold continued to watch her, captivated. The lively, almost playful music would sometimes slow and become more romantic. It wasn't a terribly long piece, but he treasured ever moment, hope rising with every note. Logic told him that it wasn't possible, the memories had been erased. But how else…

Alice stopped, slowly putting the bow down. Her eyes opened, but she did not look at him. Instead she stared down, her expression very queer. She placed the bow and the violin down on the table gently, Alice said, "I can't believe it didn't click with you, when I talked with you last… or first if you want to be technical about it."

Gold watched her, swallowing. Cowardice took him again, tying his tongue as he grasped his cane. It was more for support of his nervousness than what used to be his lame leg. Alice finally looked up at him and it pained him to see tears in her eyes. She then said softly, "I told you. Autumn may have been the one to find you, but I'll always be the one who loves you."


The wind blew in Storybrooke as the sun peeked onto the town. The early morning light cast shadows on the small spaces in town. Charming and Snow were walking in one of these back alley ways, peering into old windows. Both of them looked tired, as if they had been searching all night. Snow sighed as she carefully shut an old door to an abandoned building. Charming had his arms crossed as he watched his wife's shoulder's slump. Snow began to walk down the alley way and said, "Where could he be hiding her?"

"I don't know," Charming said, "But someone must have seen something…"

Charming walked along side Snow, who looked quite miserable. Gently grabbing hold of her hand, Charming watched as his wife looked down at his hand entwining with hers. Smiling weakly, Snow looked at Charming and he said, reassuringly, "We will find her."

"Oh there is no doubt about that."

It was faster than a flash of lightening. Charming felt his entire body freeze, trembling from the terrible feeling running through his body. He couldn't move, his mind was slowing and was unable to resist the spelling running through him. Snow spun around, seeing Piper sitting on the edge of the roof. Snow grabbed the gun from Charming's holster and pointed it at him. Pulling the piper down, the Piper scoffed and said coolly, "Don't bother. I highly doubt that you would want something to happen to your True Love in the process…"

Snow's jaw tightened but she did not put down the gun. Piper jumped down and straightened with easy. Twirling the pipe in his hands, Piper examined Snow White and said, "Well, I won't lie. I can see why you are called the fairest of them all. I would have to say Emma takes after you…"

"What do you want?" Snow said, "Are you going to kill me?"

"No," Piper scoffed, "Even though after Emma kept my son from me, your deaths would be satisfying."

Snow glared at him and he said, "No that's not what I want. What I want, is to give you a choice."

"A choice?" Snow said, frozen to the spot. She refused to put down the gun, refused to move into a stance of defeat. Piper smirked as he circled them, speaking rather candidly, "I am going to give you a passage to another world. Neverland, if you care to know. You will travel alone, and I will not follow."

"And why would I be going to this land?" Snow said, incredulously.

"Because," Piper said, eyeing her coldly, "Your daughter is there."

Terror took over Snow White's face as she said with a shaky voice, "You're lying."

"No, I am not," Piper said smoothly, "And if you even think of shooting me, you'll never have a chance to save her."

Snow White flinched, tears springing to her eyes as she let her hand fall to her side. Bending down slowly, Snow White put down the gun. Piper's smirk became more arrogant as he watched her straighten back up. Piper pulled out a marble looking object, electricity shooting out from it. He clenched it in his fist and said, "This little object will open a Rabbit Hole long enough for you to jump in after your daughter."

"And what? Have you kill my husband?" Snow said angrily. Piper snickered cruelly and said, "As much composure as it would bring me to do so, I will not be physically harming or killing the Prince. No… his punishment will be much worse than that. You see, you're going to have to choose. If you go, Charming will be forced to stay knowing that his daughter and wife are stuck in another world out of his reach."

Snow looked at Charming, who was still quivering from the spell. Biting her lip, Snow looked from Charming to the Piper with a pained expression. The Piper seemed to be enjoying it, but there was a certain deadness to him that unnerved her. Snow tilted her head as Piper said, "If you stay, however, you leave Emma to the mercy of Neverland. And might I remind you of her… inexperience with Magic."

Fear came crashing into her heart as Snow remembered the dangers in their world. Dangers Emma had never faced. Warlocks, witches, monsters of terrible power… Biting her lip, she looked at Charming heartbroken and walked over to him. Kissing his lips gently, Snow said sadly, "I won't abandon our daughter again…I'm sorry…"

Snow then walked toward Piper, who smirked. He tossed the marble forward and whispered something. Snow watched the rabbit hole opening, electricity shooting out from it. Bracing herself, Snow jumped into the portal. Piper let out a cruel laugh as he reached out his hand. The portal disappeared as did she, leaving Charming and Piper alone. Piper watched him for a moment, the man trembling before him. Snicker, Piper brought the pipe back to his lips and blew a soft little tune. Piper disappeared in a swirl of grey smoke and Charming gasped. He crumpled to the ground, the pain shooting throughout his body. Tears left his eyes, as he knew that even if he could get up his wife was beyond his reach. Anger, anguish, and terror filled his body as he struggled to get up. Suddenly David felt someone helping him up muttering absently, "Got him good, Tink. If only the snow had been gone sooner…"

"Wha-?" Charming felt this someone gently push him into a wall he could support himself with. Charming soon saw Peter Pan jump up onto the building sitting with an arrogantly mellow look on his face. Tinkerbelle flew around him, gracefully and energetic. Charming, who was still taking heavy breaths, said with confusion, "You're…Peter?"

"That's right!" obviously Peter was pleased with Charming's words, "I would be Peter Pan, the Hero of Neverland!"

Charming looked at Peter and said, "Is there a way for me to follow her?"

"No," Peter suddenly scowled, "You cannot. You are too old to follow. To teach you to get to Neverland would take far too long."

"What about a Rabbit Hole?" Charming asked immediately asked and Peter shook his head saying, "You shouldn't rely on those things. They are temperamental. I don't have those abilities anyway."

Charming's face fell but Peter did say with a grin, "But I can return to Neverland! Don't worry, I will get them back! C'mon Tink!"

Tink few around Peter, the dust falling upon him. Peter jumped into the air and Charming shouted, "Wait! How can you even leave town?!"

"All those that the witch brought over can leave," scowled Peter, "Especially since the Anti-Magic has left me, which was the only thing tying me to this world."

Peter watched Charming a moment as he straightened up. A look of resolution came over his face and he said, "Then if I can't come with you, I will just have to work harder in getting rid of this Enchantress. Will you promise to take care of them?"

Peter pulled off his hat, his messy hair revealed. With a bow, Peter promised and flew off into the sky. Charming watched him go with a heavy heart. Anger, hurt, and blame filled him at he still felt the pain in his body. Grabbing his gun off the ground, Charming then walked away with a stumble in his step and a dark place in his heart.

Which was never a good thing at all.


Alice awoke in a bed she vaguely remembered falling asleep in. Blinking her eyes, Alice sat up to find herself alone in a room that she felt very comfortable in. The sun was shining through the windows, casting lights and shadows on the floor. Pushing her hair back, Alice slipped out of bed find herself still in her clothes. Making a face, Alice peered around the room closing her eyes. She felt their two presences, still sound asleep. Sighing, Alice opened her eyes and walked over to the closet. She opened it to see clothes in the closet. Most were old jeans and tee shirts. There were a few sweaters and skirts that were a uniform. At least she remembered the importance of something more mobile… Alice scowled at the memory of ripped dresses and long skirts. Closing the closet door, Alice took a few steps back and outstretched her hand.

She tapped it several times and the edges of the door glowed. She opened it and walked into it to reveal her room. This time she was on a platform that had clothes hung on several lines. Some were riding dresses, some looked like peasant shirts with sashes, and some were dresses with skirts that look to end slightly above the knee. Alice walked along, her fingers skimming the fabrics. She finally reached one that she decided was good enough. Pulling it down, Alison went behind the screen to change.

"Well, Dearest, it's nice of you to stopped hiding your quarters from us."

Her voice echoed throughout the large room, her heels clicking on the smooth floors many feet below. Alice did not seemed bothered by the sudden intrusion. Instead Alice continued changing as Tzila paced the main floor below examining the objects on the shelf. She reached out, gently picking up a vial off the shelf saying, "Not that it mattered much. As long as your quarters were inaccessible we at least knew where you were."

"Hardly," Alice said, her voice carrying throughout the room, "I could have been on the moon for all you know. I just so happen to not like people touching my things. Please, put that back down. I have a place for everything."

"Well," Tzila said, putting the vial with a tad bit more force than necessary, "You seem quite on edge? Does this have anything to do with your disagreement with Jack?"

Alice fixed her tunic and sighed. Pulling on her boots over her leggings, Alice bent down to tie them saying, "It doesn't matter. My magic is spreading over Storybrooke and soon he won't be able to do much."

"That's if it works in time," Tzila said, walking about the main floor. Suddenly she heard a loud whoosh above her and Tzila turned to see Alice standing up straight, fixing her thick wool sweater that stopped halfway down her legging clad thighs. Tzila smiled softly and said in her soft-spoken tone, "Nice to see the life that is you, Little One."

"I'll say!"

Alice turned in time to see Sage crashing into her. He was hugging her tight to him, grinning like an idiot. Tzila rolled her eyes, her smile dying from her lips a bit. Sage spun Alice around in his arms once before setting her down. Alice, who looked slightly caught off guard but smiling kindly, looked at him and said, "Well, it seems someone is happy today. I would have thought with Jack being in the vicinity, it might put you out."

"Put me out? Never!" Sage said with a cheerful disposition, "Especially if it means you're coming out to play."

"If I might interrupt a moment," Tzila said suddenly, "There is something you should know Alice before getting anything further along in your plan."

Alice and Sage stared at Tzila, who in turn reached up to touch on of the hanging flowers on the wall. Tzila examined it as she spoke, "You do realize that the ice of Antic takes longer to melt."

"Yes," Alice said, tilting her head a bit, "So what-?"

"There is a lake in this town," Tzila said softly, "A lake that children have been going to skate on…"

Sage's face remained calm but Alice's face held a look of horror. Tzila looked at them and Sage gently touched Alison's shoulder. Paling considerably, Alice felt a tense feeling fill her being. Tzila, who had been walking towards them, stopped by them and said, "And if I recall, both of you remember the thing about Jack…"

"No," Sage said, who looked at her with furrowed brows, "He wouldn't be that dumb..."

"Are you sure?"

Alice didn't need another word to send her running out the door. Alice felt the magic warp around her as she stumbled in the sloshing snow. Running down the hill, Alice could hear children's voices laughter just ahead. Alice barely heard Sage call behind her as she let her feet fly. She had barely been looking where she was going until she collided with something. They pair crashed into the ground, the wet snow soaking their clothes.

"Ow!" Nicholas cried as Alice pushed herself off him. Henry, who stood dressed in his winter clothes, gapped as Alice stood up straight. Sage stumbled down the hill and stopped himself, preventing himself from falling forward. Henry stared at Alison wide eyed as she said as she rushed off into the forest, "Sorry!"

"H-Hey!" Henry stammered, going to follow after her. Nicholas stood up and looked from the direction Alice had run to Sage. Sage scowled a bit, shaking the wet snow off his pants. Nicholas finally asked as Sage went past, "What is going on?"

"We need to get down to the lake," Sage said, as Tzila stepped down off the hill, "The lake isn't safe for people to be on it!"

Suddenly, they heard screams down at the lake which caused the three to dash down the lake. Children were standing at the still snowy shore of the ice-covered lake. Alice and Henry had pushed through the crowd of children and were already making their way onto the ice. Sage, Nicholas, and Tzila made their way through the crowd towards the shore. Tzila watched as Sage and Nicholas went ahead and she asked one of the children, "What's wrong?"

"It-It was scary, she-she fell from the sky!" the child stammer, her eyes wide with fear, "She came down with a crash and the ice started cracking!"

"Ava!"

Alice winced as she heard Nicholas's voice. She slid along the ice as Henry was behind her, trying to keep himself steady on the ice. Alice finally made it to Ava, who was laying on the ice groaning softly. Sage scowled as he slid across the ice saying, "This is beyond not my thing! Alice, how is she?"

"She's alive, she should be able to make it back to town," Alice said as Henry and Nicholas made it over. The two of them helped Ava up, who was barely conscious. Henry and Nicholas slowly made their way towards the shore, slipping around on the ice. Sage finally stopped and said with agitation, "I hate the freaking ice. It was always Jacks thing, not mine!"

"Which is what doesn't make sense," Alice said, crossly, "Why would he drop Ava here? Surely he would know it would scare everyone off the ice!"

Sage shrugged and said with an irritated face, "Whatever, let's just get Ava back to town shall we?"

"Yeah," Alice said frowning. She began to slide along the ice when suddenly the wind began to pick up. Henry, Ava, and Nicholas slipped down onto the ice. Alice froze, trying to keep herself steady as she felt the vibration on the ice. Tzila pushed her way to the front of the crowd and screamed at the children, "GET AWAY FROM HERE! GO!"

There was a cold laughter that filled the air. Children ran up the slopes screaming. Some people came tumbling down the hill, heading towards the lake side. They were still too far up to see what was going on. Red and Granny were trying to make it down the hill with Kathryn in the lead. Her blonde hair struggled to get down the hill, running into the children trying to get away. Red helped Granny jump down from rocks as Kathryn asked frantic, "Can't you transform into the wolf?"

"No," Red said, her voice sounding frantic as they raced down the hill, "That's not how it works, it's not Wolf Time yet."

Sage stood not too far away, looking at Alice alarmed. Alice looked at Sage with horror as she heard the ice began to groan and crack. Sage suddenly felt himself get knocked back to the three children, wind catching him square in the gut. Alice went to move but she felt the wind knock her down. Henry grabbed onto Ava, helping her to her feet as Nicholas slide around on the ice. He then shouted over at Sage, "What's happening!?"

"It was a trap," Alice said, her small voice barely a whisper.

Suddenly the ice cracked beneath her, the world falling away from her. Alice felt her body turn as she looked down into the lake where there was not just water, but a portal. A portal turning like a monsoon in the water. Alice barely got a chance to scream as she disappeared into the portal. Sage suddenly looked up to see Jack appear in a burst of wind. Jack smirked and said, "Checkmate."

Jack went to fly downward when shadows suddenly shot up, trapping itself around Jack. Sage looked back to see Tzila on the ice, her hands outstretched. Her hands were trembling as the four made it to their feet. Sage looked at Tzila and said, "Tzila, you shouldn't-!"

"Don't waste valuable time! Sage, go after her!" snapped Tzila. Sage then looked at Henry, Ava, and Nicholas said seriously, "If she meant anything, follow me."

Sage jumped in and the two boys looked at Ava. Ava nodded and grasped them tightly. The three children jumped in after them, screaming as they fell. Tzila could hold it no longer as Jack broke free of the shadows. He threw his hand out a shot of wind following after the Mage and Children. Jack then looked towards Tzila, a look of anger on his face as he shouted, "Stay to your own business! You of all people should know better!"

Tzila yelped as she felt a sharp wind pierce her. It sent her flying back, crashing into the shore. Kathryn, who had finally made it down the slope, ran over to Tzila and bent down saying, "Are you okay?"

Tzila was holding her side, struggling to sit up. Kathryn looked horrified when she saw dark stain forming on her clothes. If she had understood who Tzila was, she would have been surprised to see the tears falling on her face. Tzila's next words, despite her injury, said loudly and coldly, "At least my heart is not made of ice Jack."

Jack looked bothered by that as Red and Granny made it down the hill. Jack glanced at them and then raced down towards the portal. Tzila jolted forward, Kathryn trying to help her not harm herself any further. Tzila managed to scream, "Stop him!"

Granny aimed her bow at Jack's retreated back and it glowed a strange color. It shot after Jack into the portal as it shut, the water calming. Red ran to Tzila and Kathryn asked, "What happened?"

"We were too late!" moaned Tzila, a sense of horror filling all of them. Granny approached them, a look of confusion and suspicion on her face. Red look concerned as she looked from Granny to Kathryn to Tzila. Tzila's skin turned white, Kathryn struggling to keep hold on the woman. The world around the Mage of Shadows spun, not able to see someone pulling her away from Kathryn. His strong arms cradled her, the smell of smoke filling her nose. Tzila looked up to see Ryaden staring at her intensely.

"He took Alison."


Morgana opened her eyes.

She was alone in the healing room. In fact, she was sure she was the only one in the manor at this point. Which made things much easier for her. Morgana stood up, fixing her white dress and her hair before saying, "It's about time Jack Frost made his move."

Morgana walked over to the door. When she reached out to touch it, a glimmer of a shield appeared. Clucking her tongue, Morgana said, "How childish. I expect better of you, Ryaden."

Morgana twisted her hand, the room going suddenly very cold. Her eyes glowed white as the shield began to become visible again. Cracks formed as the room shook and creaked. The shield around it collapsed as Morgana made her way out into the hall. Walking to her rooms, she came to a doorway completely incased in ice. Waving her hand, it crumbled away as she stepped in.

The room was freezing. There wasn't a bed or furniture or anything personal. The only thing in it was a large mirror that was incased in ice. Smiling coldly, Morgana said, "Oh how I've missed you, mirror."

Morgana traced the edges as the mirror began to glow. Pressing her hand against the glass, her hand began to disappear through it.

"Morgana!"

Morgana looked back to see Oz standing there with a lance. Pursing her lips, Morgana clucked, "Now, now, Oz. We both know you wouldn't use that on me."

The lance struck her arm, pinning her to the frame of her mirror. Morgana hissed as she heard Oz's voice again.

"Don't be so sure what I would do."

Morgana yanked out the lance, growling as she did so. Her eyes stared coldly as she said, "Don't forget, what goes around, comes around, Oz."

Oz grimaced, a dark path appearing on the clothes cover his arm. Regardless, he went to strike her on for her to blast him back with her magic.

"So long," Morgana said, "I have better things to attend to."

Morgana disappeared into the mirror as Oz got to his feet. However, when he went to follow the frame around the mirror shattered, causing the mirror to float in midair. The glow of the mirror stopped and Oz growled.

"Well played, Morgana. Well played."

~Storybook~

"My Lady."

A young woman sat in a chair in a tent, her long hair pulled to one side, cascading down over her shoulder. A herder sat before her, bowing low. The afternoon light shone in through the openings in the tent. Her legs were crossed, the black thin fabric falling gracefully around them. Her sleeves were puffy but had ribbons tied evenly apart along her arms. Sighing, she watched as the herder began to speak.

"Lord Ryaden wished me to inform you to head back to the tower. He will be late in returning tonight."

"Why?" she said displeased, her soft voice making him flinch. He cleared his voice as he said, "There has been a problem on the Island. A breach of security…"

"A breach of security," the woman said, frowning. The herder nodded and said, "Lord Ryaden said it would be better if you didn't wait for him."

"I'm waiting," she said impatiently, "Tell him to come here."

The Herder hurried away, leaving her alone in the tent. Letting out a sigh, the woman said, "What a pain. I have a feeling I won't be getting to sleep tonight…"

There was a sudden loud rip as something came crashing through the top of the tent. The woman jumped a bit in her seat and watched as something moved about under the pillows and ripped tent fabric. She watched a girl looked her in the face panicked. Scrambling to her feet, the girl said, "Please, please you have to help me!"

The woman opened her mouth slightly as the girl begged, "Please, I have this really creepy Mage after me, he REALLY hates my guts. I'm just trying to get back."

A strange smile crossed the woman's face after the girl looked pleadingly at her. The woman bit her lip before she spoke, laughter apparent in her voice, "How did you come to this world young one? Did your older brother bring you?"

"No," Alice said making a face, "I have no brother. I fell through a portal."

The woman looked even more intrigued as she asked, "Who are you? What is your name?"

"My name is Alison Kinsleigh," Alice said, her voice imploring, "The Mage of Wonderland."

The woman's face looked surprised for a moment as she said, "What?"

"Please, I'm just trying to get back to my world," Alice begged, "I don't want that Mage to catch me, he is a rightful crank and I don't want to get turned into a donkey!"

Finally the woman broke out laughing, much to Alice's confusion and dismay. The woman bent forward, her laughs muffled into her hand. Tears began to come down her cheeks, Alice breathing in with a sniffle. The woman finally calmed down and looked back at her. Suddenly, the woman's face became concerned and understanding as she bent down and said soothingly, "Oh, no little one, don't cry. You'll be safe with me. Come here."

Alice looked at her reproachfully but allowed the woman to pull her into her lap. Kissing the top of her head, the woman said, "Don't worry, Ryaden won't hurt you. Trust me; I'm the last person he wants to be messing with. Especially today."

"Why were you laughing at me?" huffed Alice. The woman chuckled, stroking Alice's hair out of her face. She then said softly, "I'm sorry, my manners are clearly not with me today. My name is Tzila, and I am the Mage of the Land of Shadows."

"Oh," Alice said with surprise, "Pleasure to meet you... pardon me asking, but why would he not want to mess with you?"

Tzila smiled and leaned over kissing to top of her head again. Alice suddenly felt a wave of dizziness come over her, allowing herself to rest in the woman's arms. Tzila smile never faded as she watched the child fall asleep. She only made a sudden movement when the tent opened to reveal Ryaden. He froze as he saw Alice but the woman holding her shot him a look. He made a face but didn't make a comment. Tzila smiled and said, "Done scaring people, love?"

"We have to get to the tower," Ryaden said with urgency, "Pirates are back on shore."