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! This took longer than far expected due to technical difficulties, but has finally made it up here. Read, enjoy, and review.

Chapter Forty: Mother's Maze

The room was filled with the light from the sunrise. The furniture was covered with white sheets, still as marble. The door was open, old and made of dark wood. This made it easy for the man to walk in, being very light on his feet. He walked about the room, peeking behind the white sheets with curiosity. Walking about the room, Jenkins found himself pulling off a sheet laying over a desk. It was an older styled desk, worn from use since its time of creation. Jenkins was looking around at the desk, seeing the books and sheets of paper. There was a picture frame with a man holding a little girl with a big bright smile. Next to it was a rather elegant looking quill, a long white feather looking prim and perfect. Jenkins picked it up, examining it with a curious expression.

"Jenkins."

The man yelped as he felt himself fly into the air. Crashing into the ceiling of the room, he looked down to see the Enchantress staring up at him, her hand spinning slowly and gracefully. The quill had fallen back onto the desk as she strode around the desk itself. Jenkins smirked at her and said, "Well, well. If it isn't Miss. Teacher."

Enchantress flicked her wrist and he fell onto the covered couch, groaning as the old cough groaned. Turning away from him, she snapped her fingers to cover the desk back up. Jenkins made it to his feet, rubbing the back of his neck. The Enchantress stopped by the mirror, letting the sheet fall from it. Jenkins leaned against the covered desk muttered, "Really, was it necessary to slam me into the ceiling. Sophie will be mad if I come home bruised."

"Ever the vain one," the Enchantress said briefly watching his appearance in the mirror.

"Says the woman in front of the mirror."

The Enchantress actually let a small smile grace her lips before her eyes getting lost into the mirror again. Jenkins then held a serious expression as he crossed his arms. The Enchantress didn't not jump when he began to speak in a tone uncharacteristic to him.

"Was it you?"

The Enchantress spoke nothing, but frowned as she watched the mirror carefully. She wasn't merely looking at her reflection, Jenkins knew that much. However that was not going to let her off the hook for the conversation that needed to take place. Refusing to move but determined to get her to pay attention, Jenkins pulled out a rather simple yet alluring object. The Enchantress let out a small gasp as she turned with a look of genuine surprise. Jenkins smirked as the Enchantress walked over to him and went to snatch it from him. Jenkins pulled his arm away, holding it above his head. The Enchantress managed to snatch it as she said, "Where did you get something like that?!"

"I'm surprised teacher," Jenkins said casually, "Usually you are the first to guess when Bae and I do something underhanded."

"I'm surprised he would even find something like that," Enchantress said, obviously offended. It didn't seem to meet her eyes however as Jenkins said, "Perhaps its fate coming around to bite you in the back."

The Enchantress stared at him, with slightly narrowed and confused eyes. Jenkins then further elaborated saying, "You sent his Lisie-girl to Antic. Antic, the place of Baelfire's most hated nemeses. All after you told him that you wouldn't harm a single hair on her head."

"Well someone certainly did his homework," The Enchantress said smoothly, "But I haven't harmed a single hair on her head. Jack is taking her to Antic for his own reasons."

"Tell me, what part of opposites don't you seem to understand," Jenkins said, testily, "Antic will harm her, she's hasn't fully recovered herself yet. After all, you above all should understand her genetics."

The Enchantresses stare seemed hard and if he were a regular man, he would have felt tremendous guilt of older memories come to pass. However, he had been working with her long enough to understand how to deal with said emotions. He wouldn't also mind bragging about not being a normal man either. His blood began to boil though when he heard the Enchantress say, "I never knew you cared about Alison so much. Did the little sweetheart warm your childish heart as well?"

"Oh no, not at all teacher," Jenkins said loudly, "But if this is how you treat your student's daughter, then I hate to even fathom what you have planned for my unborn child."

The Enchantress opened her mouth but failed to speak as Jenkins said darkly, "You listen and listen well. You keep your hands-off Sophie and my child or I will find a way to end you teacher. You may have died once but you're not dead yet, which means I can and will kill you if you don't listen."

"I had no intentions for Sophie or your child to join the fight," Enchantress said sharply, "As for my goddaughter, I had no intentions of her joining the fight either."

The Enchantress threw the object back at him, Jenkins catching it with swiftness. He looked at her surprised and said, "You're letting me use it?"

"It will be one less thing off my plate of things to do," the Enchantress said, turning and walking towards the mirror. Jenkins watched her with a wary look as she said, "I need to make things go faster, I won't have enough time otherwise before that woman makes it here."

Jenkins watched her with a wary look as she said, "Go. Make sure they are ready for my final test."

"And how would you like me to do that?"

"Use your imagination, I know your good at that," the Enchantress said, fluently. Her fingertips reached out to touch the mirror, tracing symbols onto the smooth surface. Jenkins frowned and said, "What is your final test anyway?"

The woman said nothing to him and Jenkins sighed, knowing full well this was the end of the conversation. The symbols she traced began to glow, and dark shadow swirling in the mirror. The Enchantress smiled and cooed, "Jack Rabbit, it's time to come out and play..."


"Have you spotted her?"

Two tall teens stood close together, walking from the forest to the path. They wore hoods of pelt and tattered clothes. One shook his head, his bearskin pelt shaking slightly with it. His voice was deeper than his companions as he said, "No, nothing. Not even a boot print. She must have fallen on the other side of the forest."

"What a pain, the Master won't like this," he said shaking his head. The one with a raccoons hat shrugged and continued on saying, "Well, nothing we can do about it. Let's head back to base and see if one of the others found her."

The two disappeared, murmuring comments to each other, sounding fairly emotionless. What little did these two know was that the very woman they were searching for was hiding from them with her companion squeezed in between the boulders. Rapunzel helped Mary Margaret out as the short haired woman said, "They are looking for me…why?"

"Intruders are not well liked," Rapunzel said with a grimace, "The Lost Boys have had to deal with too many pirates."

"I see, I'm guessing that the pirates were so kind," Mary Margaret said and Rapunzel shook her head. Leading her down the rocky path, Rapunzel said, "Not at all. We shall descend from here; the tree's will give us cover."

"Okay," Mary Margaret said, following her. They walked in silence for a part as Mary Margaret watched her with a nervous mind. Where could Emma be? If intruders weren't well liked then surely if anyone found her it would not end well. Rapunzel stumbled on the rocks and it snapped Mary Margaret out of her trace. A curious look overcame her face and she asked the question that had come into her mind.

"How did you come to Neverland?"

Rapunzel looked back to see Mary Margaret following behind her in the clothes she had been given. The woman was fairly pretty, even with her short hair. The blue dress had a corseted top, showing off the pleasant figure she had. The bow was upon her back and arrows equipped. It suited her well, as if she belonged in such clothing. Shaking her head, Rapunzel looked forward as she said, "A strange question to ask me."

"I'm sorry, but I didn't think that people could grow old here," Mary Margaret admitted. Rapunzel held a nostalgic expression on her face as she said softly, "I was sent in by an evil woman in order to separate me from my true love. She found out about our marriage and told me that she would destroy me, sending me to a world that would have killed my child…"

"You child…" Mary Margaret looked confused as Rapunzel put a hand to her stomach. Mary Margaret suddenly looked alarmed as she said, "You're pregnant?"

"Yes," Rapunzel breathed, "People do not grow old here, time has been stopped. Giving birth to children would be impossible."

"Then how is the baby still living?" Mary Margaret said her voice constricted. Rapunzel pulled at a chained that was close to her neck. A little shard was upon the end, glowing slightly as it dangled. Rapunzel said softly, "A Pixie gave this to me…she took pity on me and my child. It protects the child while the babe is within me."

"A Pixie…" Mary Margaret said with a warm smile, thinking of the fairies back in the Enchanted Forest. Rapunzel hid the shard back in her dress and said, "Pixie's love children, it saddens them to see them become the victims of treachery."

They came to the bottom of the slope; tree's now had become scarce. Mary Margaret looked ahead and almost gapped to see what she did.

Hedges stood in front of them as long as the eye could see. The opening had wooden planks built in an archway, dead vines hanging down. Rapunzel made a face and said with caution, "We must be careful her, Mary Margaret. I know how to get through, but if we separate we could possibly be lost forever."

"What is this place?"

"The Mother's Maze," Rapunzel said, "The Lost children's mother's come here to find them but can never escape. We should be alright, but we mustn't stray from one another."

"How come they never escape?" Mary Margaret said with a timid look. Rapunzel looked a little ill as she said, "It is said the maze will swallow them whole..."

"I can go," Mary Margaret said bravely as she swallowed her fear. Rapunzel looked at her incredulously and said, "What?"

"I can find this man, just tell me where he is," Mary Margaret explained looking at the companion with desperation. Rapunzel shook her head as she said, "Mary Margaret, this place is dangerous-!"

"All the more reason for you not to go through," Mary Margaret explained, "I don't want to bring anymore harm to your child!"

"Don't be daft," Rapunzel said, "I've been through here before and I can do it again. You haven't been here before and even if you make it to the other side, I can't promise your safety with the other magical creatures."

Rapunzel looked at Mary Margaret firmly and said, "I'm the only one that can get you to him, we have to stick together. If I return to the mountain, the Lost One's will know that I helped you. I can get you to the man we need, just trust me!"

"Alright," Mary Margaret said, breathing in deeply, "Let's go."


"Rumple?"

Belle walked down the stairs, dressed in her fleece pajamas. The house was dark and held no signs for the man she searched for. Tiptoeing through the living room, Belle found herself wandering out to the back door in the kitchen. It was unlocked and partially open. Belle slipped out, walking into his back yard where his shed stood. The lights inside were on, giving her both hope and curiosity. Pulling back her long thick hair, Belle reached out cautiously and pulled the door open quietly.

There he sat at the work table, rapidly flipping the book pages. It sat propped up by other books, looking well used. His back was to her, but the tension remained in the air. He was working on something, scrolls opened around the vials. Gold reached out touching the vial, only for it to glow a dark purple. Belle shivered, a frown appearing on her face. She hated when he used magic dark like that. It felt…. Controlling. Belle knew magic was not evil, in fact she had seen the most beautiful magic in her life. However, the maniac expression on his face plus the Dark One's magic frightened her.

"Rumpelstiltskin."

Gold did not respond but continued working on what he was working upon. Belle licked her lips before walking over to him. He paid her no heed until she had touched his shoulder. He glanced back briefly, not meeting her eyes. He looked back down at his work, taking a pen and writing ruins on a paper. If Belle had been reading it, she would have understood what was written. But she was too worried for her beloved to pay attention to such things. Instead she stilled his hand saying gently, "Rum-."

Gold suddenly violently jerked away, standing up suddenly. Belle nearly jumped out of her skin as Gold walked away from her promptly. He slammed his fists down onto a table surface. He didn't look at her, but he did finally speak. However, they were not the words Belle wished to hear.

"Leave."

"It's late," Belle protested, "You need sleep-."

"Go back to bed!" Gold snapped, grabbing things off the shelf. Belle felt a tinge of anger grow as she said courageously, "Not unless you go to bed as well!"

"Do not try my patience!" Gold roared, turning around. Belle's heart almost broke in half as she saw the turmoil and anger. He may not have been much taller than her, but she felt him towering ten feet above her, "Go to bed!"

"Stop it!" Belle snapped, refusing to back down. A look of uncertainty crossed his eyes as she said bravely, "Do not let your anger get the better of you!"

"HE TOOK HER FROM ME!"

"I know! But it won't do her any good!" Belle insisted, "Anger is not the solution and neither is using dark magic! What would she say to you if she was here right now?!"

"That I was a fool!" Gold snarled, "A fool for letting her out of my sight, a fool for letting her wander with that damn puppet doing who knows what, a FOOL for not immediately taking her in my arms when Autumn died before my eyes and taking her home!"

Gold went to turn away but Belle grabbed him and pulled him to her. Belle felt tears prickle her eyes as she felt the tension turned to anguish, sobs wracking his body. It killed her inside to see him like this, but it was better than the Dark Magic that coursed through his body. Belle sank to the ground with him, stroking his hair as he buried his face into her neck. He rocked into her, the shivers of his body shaking hers. Belle almost let out a small tearful gasp when she heard him say the following words.

"She's gone."

"I know," Belle cooed, tears slipping down her cheeks as the man in her arms crumbled into his despair.

"I failed," Gold cried, gripping her tight, "I failed and now the only piece I had left is going to die."


"Kid where are we going?"

Emma was following the boy through the forests. The strangeness of this land was beautiful in its own way. Vines hung from the leafless trees, looking limp and dry. The beaten down bath had dusty dirt with long thin grass on either side. The wind held the salty taste of the sea, clearing Emma's nose. However, Emma couldn't help feel anxiousness being here as Nibs said, "We are going to the Pixies home, Tree Hollow. There they will be able to heal you up just like new!"

"Pixies," Emma repeated, sounding tired, "Pixies…"

The boy glanced back at her, his eyes filled with curiosity. Turning around as he walked, he watched Emma with a curious face. Emma barely heard the little boy suddenly say, "I'm guessing you didn't think a place like was really real, huh?"

"Huh?" Emma said, her face looking like a lost puppy, "Well, not exactly."

"It's alright, a lot of old people don't believe," Nibs said, but added with a tilt of his head, "But not many of them have that stray eyes either."

"Stray eyes? What are stray eyes?" Emma asked as they made their way up the path. The boy did not answer as they seemed to have made it to the top of the cliff where the silver light showed the scene before them. They were on a cliff high above an almost never-ending stretch of hedges. Mist was layering the ground of this strange occurrence, making Emma feel slightly drawn to it. Tilting her head, Emma asked softly, "What is that?"

"A terrible place," Nibs said frowning deeply, "We won't want to go in there."

"Why not?" Emma asked, looking down at him with furrowed brows. Nibs gently grabbed her hand, pulling it as he walked along the path saying, "It's the place where people get trapped with regrets. To protect us young ones of Neverland. It's not a place we should be entering."

"Oh," Emma said, as Nibs had a growing look of concern on his face. The path began to take them downwards, and Nibs made a face saying, "We'll need to go near Mermaid Lagoon to get to the Tree Hollow."

"So…," Emma tried to think back at the movie Peter Pan, "we just have to avoid them? How hard can that be?"

"Have you ever tried to avoid a mermaid before?" Nibs said in a cross and whiny kind of way, "It's not as easy as it sounds."

"No," Emma said all flustered, "But aren't they just, you know, obnoxious and flirty?"

"Is that what the stories say now?" Nib said with a huff, "Geez, Wendy must not have fixed it after Peter showed her!...Or maybe she just didn't want to talk about them anymore."

"Wait, wait, Wendy?" Emma said, shaking her head as she tried to piece together information, "She was real?"

"Yup, she was as real as could be," Nibs said proudly, but then added sadly, "But I guess she's now just a story in that world too…"

"Sorry kid," Emma apologized, but Nibs waved off his hand and said, "Ahh it's alright. Just remember to stay close to me. Pixie's can't help you if you're sleeping ten feet under."


"So we haven't been able to communicate with Jane?"

Tzila looked up from her chair, seeing Red and Kathryn sitting across from her. They were in the study once more, the curtains drawn to dim any light. Tzila poured tea into the cups and said, "No, we have not. It's almost as if she's not trying to communicate on her end."

"Can't you just appear in her mirror?" Red asked and Tzila scoffed slightly saying, "I'm afraid it doesn't work like that dear. Communicating between two worlds means have people on both ends to grasp it. Jane hasn't grasped at any of my messages so we haven't been able to communicate."

"So her father and mother have no idea what's become of Alison," Kathryn said with a sad voice. Tzila shook her head and slid tea cups over to them as she said, "No, and we can't see what Jack has done with Alice either. We've been able to spot Sage and the children; they are still safe as they can be. But the Mage of Wonderland's fate is still a mystery."

"Could she be dead?"

Kathryn shivered when she heard the words fall from Reds mouth. As much as she hated to hear them, Kathryn had wondered if such a fate had fallen upon the poor child. Red gripped her hands, preparing for the worst. However, Tzila shook her head and said, "She's alive, we know that much. Otherwise the magic in the street lamps protecting Storybrooke would have been extinguished."

Red and Kathryn looked relieved but Tzila looked worried. However, neither of the two women questioned it as they didn't think much of it. They sat drinking their tea, not speaking much to the Mage before him. It wasn't that Red didn't like her; there was just something… frightening about her. Perhaps it was just the magic within her messing with her wolf senses. There were sounds of footsteps racing by the door but the only indication of acknowledgement was Red glancing at the door. Kathryn then wrung her hands as she said, "Then how do we get them back?"

"For Snow and Emma, we will have to trust that Emma will be able to fix the Isle Portals so she can cross through," Tzila said with a bit of a grimace, "We can't fix it here because there is too much Anti-Magic interference. They will have to fix it on that end."

"Snow can do it," Red murmured, "She has too."

It was almost like a prayer, which made Tzila almost look sad. But Kathryn's next question interrupted her thoughts.

"What about the children?"

"Sage and Oz are working on that," Tzila said, softly, "Just know there will be a portal to get them back."

"And you're not going to tell us more than that?"

"I'm afraid to," Tzila said bluntly, "I'd rather not tell anyone under fear of the Enchantress finding out. Especially with Morgana's sudden disappearance."

Red made a face obviously not pleased. Red put down her tea cup, irked by her answer. Kathryn however, held more a passive demeanor as she gently put down her cup. Kathryn stared at Tzila with a political politeness that surprised the Mage. Standing up, Kathryn said, "I understand. We will go find Prince Charming and tell him the children are in good hands."

Tzila watched them to go leave and she said loudly, "Kathryn and Red, there is something I should warn you."

Red and Kathryn looked back to see Tzila twirling her tea cup around in her hand. Tzila looked at them with a grimace and said, "The Enchantress…. Stole someone's shadow from my world. It's been a recent development and due to my prolonged recovery I haven't been able to directly confirm who it belongs to. All I know is that…it something you must be careful about."

Kathryn nodded and Red said, "We'll let you know if we see anything."

The two left, Red striding along in front. Kathryn couldn't see her face, but she could very much tell that she was aggravated. The princess held her tongue until she found herself walking along the back streets of Storybrooke.

"You must keep a calmer perspective with the Mages."

"What?!" Red said, her voice coming out unintentionally harsh. Red had spun around on her heels, a rather wolfish expression in her eyes. Kathryn took the tempered comment in stride as she explained, "Believe me, I have dealt with my share of diplomats in my life. The more anger the Mage's see, the more distrust they will have. If you let your temper spiral out of control…"

"I know, I know!" Red groaned, turning away from the woman briefly to walk a few paces. The brunette turned back around with glassy eyes and said, "I don't like them not telling us what's going on! How do we know they aren't doing something underhanded?"

"Because they have been on our side from the start," Kathryn said, calmly walking towards Red and stopping a foot away, "Tzila even said the only reason she's not telling is because of what the Enchantress might do."

"What about what Jack Frost might do?!" Red said, tears escaping her eyes in a mad dash, "They are on his turf and Alison has the extreme disadvantage of his world being her opposite. For all we know, he could be well on his way to killing her!"

"Hey." Kathryn grasped her shoulder and reached out. Red felt Kathryn tilt her chin up and Kathryn said, "We would know if Alison was dead. We know now how to tell. And in all honesty, I have a hard time believing Jack Frost brought Alison there to harm her."

"Why? He's working with the Enchantress, filled with Anti-Magic," Red shivered at the thought of something more happening to Alison, "I swear Kathryn, if he harms a hair on her head…I can't handle that sight again…"

Kathryn looked at her with a sympathetic dawning look and she said, "I know. I know, it bothers and worries me just as much. But the facts we know in front of us don't necessarily point to him intentionally hurting Alison."

"How so?"

Kathryn dropped her hand and she said with folded arms, "Well…for one thing he was responsible for getting rid of her memories. Jack trapped us in that way."

"How do you know that?"

"Alison told me herself that Jack had the cure, that it had been his plan all along. Jack made sure that the one and only cure to the attack of Anti-Magic was forgetting of memories, erasing a whole lifetime she had lived. Why would he make sure the cure would erase all those memories of abuse if he just wanted to kill her?"

Red bit her lip and Kathryn continued, "I know this sounds strange and I won't put it past him of unintentionally hurting Alison. But I also believe from what I read in their story together that he won't harm her like Darren did."

Red sniffed and said sadly, "I hope your right."

"Now come," Kathryn said, "There is a man with a hat that I want to go see."

"A man with a ha- you mean Jefferson?"

Kathryn nodded as Red asked, "Why?"

"Just because the Mage's won't tell us their plan doesn't mean we can't make our own," Kathryn said, firmly, "And he has a hat that can transport people to other worlds so maybe there is a way to bring the children back."

"That's clever," Red said her face brightening in realization, "You had that plan from the start, didn't you?"

"Had a feeling they would keep their plans quiet," Kathryn said, "And no one ever said we couldn't try on our own."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Red said, "Let's go!"


The Maze walls were frightening as Mary Margaret followed Rapunzel through the maze. The path beneath them was of stone, their boots lightly clicking against it. Mary Margaret grasped her bow in hand, very much on her guard. Rapunzel looked back with cautious eyes and said quietly, "So the person you are looking for…who is it?"

Mary Margaret bit her lip, adjusting her grip on the bow. She wasn't sure how much she should tell this woman, but it seemed unfair that Rapunzel put trust in her and that she gives absolutely nothing in return. Mary Margaret said, "I'm looking for someone very important to me… She was sent her because a former significant other was angry. In that anger he sent her through a portal to here."

"How terrible," Rapunzel said with feeling, "What did she do to cause such anger or was there no reason…?"

Mary Margaret shifted her bow from one hand to the other as she said, "Over a situation that was very much his fault."

Suddenly a child's laughter echoed through the maze, making Mary Margaret and Rapunzel jump with shock. Rapunzel grasped the handle upon her sword and said, "The maze is on its guard too early..."

"What is that?" Mary Margaret said, staring ahead. Rapunzel looked ahead but saw nothing but the Maze. However what Mary Margaret saw was a different story.

A child stood at the intersection of the Maze, her gaze unwavering. Mary Margaret began to shiver as she took in the young child's features. Her hair was pulled into a pony tail, the blond color looking almost pale. In fact, her overall color scheme was pale, except her eyes. Thos hazel eyes that she knew so well. Eyes that made Mary Margaret feel regret, knowing that she partially caused the pain within this child.

"Mommy…"

A violent tremor went through her body as Rapunzel looked from her to the empty intersection. Her eyes looked concerned as she walked closer to Mary Margaret. The look of concern quickly turned to realization as Mary Margaret whispered, "Emma…"

"Mary Margaret!" Rapunzel said, loud and firm but Mary Margaret seemed too far entranced. The child had a frown upon her face as she whispered, "You sent me away, Mommy. You don't love me."

Mary Margaret found herself running at those words.

"Mary Margaret!"

But the woman raced after the young child, her heart in her throat. The child had whisked away, effortlessly running through the maze's paths. Mary Margaret's long skirts whipped around her legs as she ran along. The child's cries haunted her as they grew farther and farther away. Tears filled her eyes as she screamed her child's name, fear beating through her heart. As the child's voice disappeared, Mary Margaret slowed with sobs racking through her body. Guilt began to surge through her system without giving her any sense to wonder at these sudden feelings. The school teacher finally came to a stop, finding herself at the intersection in the Maze. In the center was a fountain that released no water, looking old and cracked. What ultimately caught her attention was a woman, who was sitting by the fountain edge. Her cloak was tattered, covering her from her shoulders down. It was a strange cloak, bunching around her waist strangely and the material forming a poncho around her shoulders. Her grey hair was thin and messy, like it hadn't been brushed in ages. Wiping her eyes, Mary Margaret found herself wandering over to the woman, who was now staring down at an object in her hand. However, Mary Margaret had only been momentarily distracted by what her original purpose was.

"Excuse me, Madame, have you seen a young girl," sniffed Mary Margaret, trying to regain strength to her voice. It didn't seem to work as the woman didn't answer her. Instead she took the object into one hand and lowered it to the dry bottom of the fountain. Confusion was added to Mary Margaret's feelings as she watched the woman run the cup rim along the bottom of the fountain. For some strange reason, the other feelings didn't feel so urgent as they did before. The older woman then brought it to her lips and smacked her lips together. Mary Margaret furrowed her brows when she heard the woman whisper, "Water for the journey, water for the journey."

Mary Margaret opened her mouth but suddenly felt some press something over her mouth. She gasped, inhaling something spicy. This someone dragged her backwards, away from the woman and her strange antics. Mary Margaret struggled against the arms restraining her, the feelings she had dying away. The person let her go as Mary Margaret spun around to see Rapunzel staring at her exasperation.

"Why didn't you tell me you were a mother?"

"I-we-what?" Mary Margaret said, shaking her head, "What is going on!?"

"The maze goes after mother's whose children come to Neverland," Rapunzel said, her tone rather short, "It's the world's way of protecting the children who come here."

"But my daughter…she's-," whimpered Mary Margaret only to get cut off by a scream. Mary Margaret and Rapunzel to see the woman in the courtyard. She was going rigid, as if something was freezing her body. The cloak parted, and Mary Margaret gasped when she saw the woman's legs turn to wood. Rapunzel looked repulsed but not surprised. The woman's cloak seemed to turn to autumn leaves as the poor woman screamed until she had completely turned into a leafless tree. The leaves fell to the ground and Mary Margaret wavered. Grasping her companion's elbow, Rapunzel pulled her away and whispered, "This maze is full of illusions. Please don't stay from me again or we'll never get out of here."

Mary Margaret swallowed, tears coming to her eyes as Emma filled her mind once more. Rapunzel was there however to hug and sooth her, leading her away.

"How very queer."

Baelfire sat at the mirror, staring into it with interest. He was cross legged and sitting back, his hand tapping on the table next to him. Waving his hand, electricity illuminated the scene displayed into the mirror. Baelfire tilted his head and said loudly, "I didn't think the pixie's would help in a situation like that…"

"They aren't merciless, Bae."

Bae looked back to see Jane facing away from him. Her body was rigid as she placed the object on the table closest to her. An unsettling feeling grew in his stomach. Standing up, he walked over to her quietly as he asked, "What's wrong?"

"I hate that maze," Jane said with venom, tears threatening, "We should have not let them in there. It's torture for a mother in that place, even if you're not a mother of the lost children."

Baelfire stopped behind her and touched her hips. She didn't make any motions that she acknowledged his touch but it didn't stop him from asking his next question.

"Did you get stuck in there before?"

Jane nodded, her head slowly moving up and down. Baelfire's moved his arms around her waist as he hugged her asking, "Was it with Margaret?"

Jane nodded, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. Baelfire spun her around, making her face him. His face was in shadows but Jane knew that his face was in sadness. Brushing away her tears, Baelfire pressed his forehead against hers and whispered, "It wasn't your fault."

"It is very much my fault what happened to Margaret," Jane whispered, "Failing my daughters seem to be a common occurrence."

"What happened with Alison is NOT your fault."

"According to Alison it is," hiccupped Jane, trembling in his arms. Baelfire shook his head and he said with a growl hiding beneath his words, "No, she knows the truth now. She wanted both of us back, not just me."

Jane let out a small gasp as he kissed her soundly. His arms were around her, his hands rubbing her back up and down. Jane closed her eyes, leaning into him with her hands slide up to his shoulders. Baelfire pushed her gently towards the direction out of the room and Jane pulled away, whisper, "The plan…"

"Can wait till they get out of the bloody maze," he muttered, "This can't."

~Storybook~

"Behold the White Queen."

The crowd cheered as the Queen walked through the village. The town folk were all wearing top hats as she walked through them. Her knights walked behind her as she gracefully walked among the people. The village was filled with bright light and friendly houses. In the middle of the town stood a clock tower where a series of red and black knights stood outside by a carriage. The White Queen made a slightly dark face as the White Knight behind her said, "The Red Queen is here."

"I see that," the White Queen said, walking with grace as the people cheered around her, "Remember this is not either one of our lands."

"Understood."

The White Queen walked with her soldiers as she passed the carriage and climbed the tower steps. She walked through the doors and into the surprisingly long hall. At the end were two spiral metal staircases, and a long table stretched in front of them. There stood the Red Queen, tall and holding herself with a seductive stance. Her dress was far from modest; the top filled with gold and rubies, the long skirts red and split down the middle. Her long legs were bare and the top of her dress was quite revealing. She looked over at the White Queen and held a smirk of distain on her face. The two approached each other, their own guards keeping close to their mistress. The two queens stopped close to each other and the Red Queen said, "Well, well. If it isn't my sister Marana."

"Eracebeth," the White Queen said, "I didn't know you were coming."

"Well I didn't know you were," Red Queen said moving her hand around and around, "Now all we need is our middle sissy Victoria to join us."

"I'm afraid she won't be joining us."

The two queens looked around to see someone coming down the stairs. Her long leather skirts were swishing about her feet. There was a slit in front of her skirt too; however she had on black leggings and boots with golden clasps. Her deep blue shirt was silky and button up, the v line showing off a necklace with a clock pendant. Her golden brown hair was tied at the base of her neck, crimped waves falling down her back. There was a hat at the top of her head, flowers tied into the ribbons. Her eyes were deep brown, with flecks of gold in them. She held herself at proper stance, something about her petrifying. She walked towards them as servants brought out a coffin to the table. The woman walked towards them as the White Queen bowed her head murmuring, "Mage Aislinn."

"If it isn't the Mage of Wonderland herself," the Red Queen said with a mocking tone. Aislinn stared at her with a looked of distained amusement on her face. There was something insane about her, something that made the guards behind the Queens shiver. The Mage walked over to the coffin and said, "You are wondering why I sent for you two wonderful Queen's. It is because there is a terrifying danger in Wonderland."

"Oh really?" Red Queen asked, her voice filled with mocking, "Aren't you supposed to be the one that deals with the danger in Wonderland?"

"Which is why I had to summon you both because now I need your help," Aislinn said with resilience. She walked over to the coffin and opened it to reveal a face that made both of the Queens gasp in shock and terror. The woman's face was similar to the two that stood next to one another but her hair was dark in color. Her youthful face looked ashen grey as she laid quite still.

"Victoria," Aislinn said, "The Queen of Hearts."

The coffin lid slammed shut as Aislinn shut it saying with a wave of her hand, "Or should I say the former Queen of Hearts."

The servants came and took the coffin away. The White Queen stared after her, her eyes filled with tears and hand on her mouth. Red Queen looked bothered, a dark look overtaking her face. Aislinn walked towards the two of them and said, "Someone took her magical core."

"What?" White Queen looked mortified, "Her core?"

"Why?" The Red Queen said with venom, "Who would do that and why?"

"An intruder came to Wonderland," Aislinn said, "I'm not sure who, but there have been whispers of someone taking over the Queen of Hearts Castle. People haven't been able to go near it and those who do, don't come back."

"So what do you need from us?" Red Queen said. Aislinn looked slightly self confident as she said, "If this person took her core, she could gain the powers she had. It's a bypass without having to go to the Siren for a blessing to the Role Players. It's a terribly stupid thing to do. After all, this world has cons to cutting corners."

"Enough babbling," Red Queen said, "And answer my question. What do you need from us?"

Aislinn smirked at the Queen and said with a scoff, "There is a way for me to get into the Queen of Hearts Castle without being invited so to speak. But in order to do so, I need the consent of the two other Queens to enter the Gates to the Upper Lands."

"You need our permission to open the way?" The White Queen said and the Red Queen said turning away and walking towards the doors, "Permission granted."

"Eracebeth!"

"And you better give her permission too," Red Queen said with a dangerous chill, turning around, "Only we have the right to end the Queen of Hearts, not some world jumper with a quick temper."

The Red Queen then spun on her high heels and waltzed away with her guards following after her. The door slammed shut behind her and the White Queen looked nervous. The White Queen looked at Aislinn with worry, her eyes still filled with tears. Aislinn didn't look bothered by her reaction, in fact she didn't look swayed at all. Instead she held a cocky insane smile as the White Queen said, "I hope you know what you're doing Aislinn."

"Of course," Aislinn said with a flourish of her hand, "Don't I always!"

The White Queen looked at her with a weak expression and said, "Then I give you my permission. As long as you remain safe."

"Excellent!" Aislinn said turning around with a cheery disposition, "Then my team and I will leave at once!"

Aislinn turned on her heel saying, "Enjoy the festival. Hatter says it's glorious this time of year!"

She disappeared in a swirl of light blue smoke and the White Queen sighed. She then felt something appear behind her and the White Queen smiled. Turning on her heel, she looked to see a young boy dressed in nice clothes. He had cat like eyes that were yellow in color and boyish messy hair. The soldiers looked at each other and the White Queen said, "Leave us. You need not stay on such an occasion."

The Knights left and the Queen bent down to kiss his head. She then pulled away and said, "Hello, Chess. Have you come with the other Cheshire Cats?"

"Yes," he said, his voice sounding surprised, "Is the Queen of Hearts dead?"

The White Queen's kind face flickered and she said, "Yes, she is."

"Are you sad?"

The White Queen made a face and said, "In ways I am."

Chess pouted and The White Queen bent down so she was down on his level. She smiled warmed and asked with a warm smile, "How is your training going?"

"Okay," Chess said with a shrug and said, "Momma's pleased."

"But you're not?"

"I just…," Chess started, making a silly frustrated face, "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

The White Queen pulled Chess into her arms and he said, "Will I be chosen?"

"Chosen?"

Chess said, "Momma was chosen by the Original Mage. Sissy was chosen by Aislinn. Will I be chosen too?"

"Chess," The White Queen said with a sigh, "It's not that they were chosen…."

The young boy looked curious as the White Queen said, "Your mother, your sister… they weren't chosen. They had a bond with the Mage, a bond that can never been replaced."

"Will I find mine?"

The White Queen smiled and said, "Of course you will. Just give it time. Now let us go join the celebration, I'm sure your sisters are looking for you."

He nodded and grinned; cause the Queen to laugh a little. The two walked out into the dazzling sunlight, greeting the people dancing and singing.

"Did she say yes?"

Aislinn looked up to see a group of people in a room with no walls. One was a man with dark rabbit ears on a paperboys cap. He looked in mid teens; his hair could still be seen even with the hat on his head. His face looked sly, smirking as Aislinn entered the room. Two knights stood near him, one red and one white. They looked older but they towered like beasts. A man with messy dark brown hair sat in the corner, wearing a brown suit with a green shirt. He looked up from his books around him; his gold glasses were metal rimmed and oval. Near him sat a woman with short hair, ending about her chin. Her outfit was of black leather, the vest looking shirt showed her toned arms. Her eyes were cat like, staring up at a man standing in the middle of the room. The last man in the room wore a top hat with expensive looking clothes. He grinned at her as he walked towards Aislinn with arms out. She grinned with a little more warm and a tad less insanity. Leaning towards him, she said, "Yes, she did."

The Hatter grinned and spun her around as the others perked up as well. The White Knight laughed, his old voice strong as he said, "Then what are we waiting for! Let us prepare for departure!"

"Shut it, old man," the teen with rabbit ears said, jumping up onto the railing near one of the openings, "Last I checked, you weren't leading the mission."

"Quiet, you hooligan of a March Hare!" the White Knight snapped and the Red Knight smacked him in shoulder and said, "Come, old rival of mine, let us go ready our horses for the journey!"

The Knight's clambered down the spiral stairs and the March Hare saluted Aislinn saying, "Madame."

He leaped off and jumped down, causing the man in the corner to roll his eyes. Shutting his books and picking them up, the man stood and walked towards Jefferson and Aislinn saying, "Well, while all of you get your weapons and barbaric equipment, I shall be setting up the surveillance. Tell me when you've left."

"Very well," Aislinn said, smiling wickedly, "Be on your way."

The man began to walk away, nodding towards the woman still sitting by the chair. The woman grinned, raising her brows briefly. The man then walked towards the spiral staircase and Aislinn said, "And Tortoise?"

The man looked back at Aislinn said, "Please hurry."

He smiled and waved his hand saying, "Don't be hasty, dear Lady Aislinn. I will do things as the Pace requires them."

He walked away down the spiral staircase and Jefferson rolled his eyes saying, "It's rude to keep a lady waiting."

"Mmm, same could be said for you," Aislinn teased with a little huff. Jefferson wasted no time leaning in and kissing her soundly. The woman didn't seemed too bother by their public display of affection. Aislinn pulled away and Jefferson said, "Such a tease. But I think we should let our little kitten go run or she'll be clawing at our legs."

The woman grinned and said jumping to her feet, "Hey, I behave."

"On occasion," Jefferson said and Aislinn said with a laugh, "Rarely reserved."

"You two and your matching letters," the woman said, walking towards them. Sling arms around them, the cat woman kissed both their cheeks and said, "Now, I'll be going to play with some soldiers. Maybe then we can gain some insight."

"Constantly consistent," Aislinn teased her friend before kissing her cheek saying, "Be careful, Elisabeth. I don't want to lose you before the games begun."

"Then you two better hurry on up," Elisabeth said with a cat like grin, "Or I'll be playing all by myself."

And with that, the Cheshire cat leaped off the platform and out of sight. Jefferson looked down at Aislinn with mad eyes and Aislinn stared up at him and asked, "Let the games begin?"

Jefferson grinned before pulling her into a tight embrace saying, "Always."