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!
Chapter Forty Three: Light is Warmth, Love is Light
The blistering storm pounded against the beautiful windows of the castle. Darkness had overtaken the world around it, the only light coming from the flowers on the walls. The room that Alison resided in had the most light, a lantern glowing brightly next to the bed. The maid wrung out the wet cloth as Alison whimpered slightly, shifting against the pillows. The maid glanced at her worried and said, "Are you not comfortable, Magesteria?"
"Nothing can be done about it," Alison said pushing back her hair as she stared at the ceiling. Her head was pounding in a most unnatural way. Her eyes were watering as she breathed in deeply. The maid watched the girl with worried eyes but said nothing more. Alison's breathing remained concerning as the maid tended to her. Closing her eyes, Alison suddenly heard low whispers in her ear. Opening her eyes as she looked around the room, Alice didn't notice the maid looking at her concerned.
"Did you hear anything?" the Mage asked, her face looking confused and pondering.
"No, Magesteria," the maid said slowly, "I haven't heard anything except you and me."
"Hmm," Alice said, interest filling her features, "Curious and Curiouser."
The maid opened her mouth, concern etching her features. However, her attention was then drawn towards the door, watching as the King entered the room. She stood up and bowed, murmuring respects. King Hannz entered the chamber, his wife not too far behind. The King dismissed the maid, allowing her to leave the room. Alison stared down, examining the multilayered nightgown with a wrinkled nose. The King noticed this and asked, "Is it not to your comfort, Magesteria?"
"I'm not too fond of long skirts," Alison said, "Actually I'm not fond of anything that gets in the way of me running like mad…"
"Pardon?"
"Needless to say, when you've been on the run, the fancier things are the closer your death is," Alison said, staring at them with a startling expression. It was conflicting, Darkness within the light, Sanity within the Madness, two realities molding and fighting with each other. The King was struck quiet when Clara stepped forward saying, "So, it's true. You are the child that saved my life."
"If you mean the maker of the cure that saved you then yes," Alison said, with a long heavy sigh. Clara seemed overjoyed, taking a step closer. The King stopped her, earning him a rather offended look from the woman at his side. King Hannz stepped towards the bed, resting his hands on the footboard of the bed. Alice watched him with the same expression as the King said, "You've been missing for quite some time, Magesteria. When we found you, you were in a terrible state. What happened?"
"Jack and I had a bit of differing opinions," Alison said, grimacing at the thought, "And he forced me through a portal."
"I thought the two of you were friends?" Clara asked confused.
"We were," Alison said, "Until he disappeared and came back working with the wicked Enchantress to keep a majority of the Enchanted Forest imprisoned in a World without Magic."
"The Enchantress?" King Hannz said, surprised.
"It is a long story that I cannot get into," Alison said rubbing her temples, "Let us just say that there is something wrong with him and I need to fix it."
"Are you talking about the incident with the Enchantress?"
Alison's head jolted up at the sound of Hannz voice. She stared at him long and hard, watching the forlorn look on his face. Alison opened her mouth, only for a cough to escape it. Clara looked at her husband with a worried expression as the Nutcracker said, "You are still weak from the fall. You must have been out in the cold longer than we thought. We'll fetch the doctor."
Alison couldn't stop them from leaving, the sounds vibrating in her ear as the coughing fit worsened. Scrambling up, Alison fell towards the stand where water was. Splashing the water in the basin, Alison found herself soaking her face as well as the sleeves to her nightgown. The cough subsided, leaving her to ache from the pain. A chill set in her bones, causing her to shiver as she felt something amiss. Grasping the metal container, Alison whirled around and threw it at the person that appeared behind her. The person yelped as it hit him and Alison pinned him to the ground snapping, "What are you doing here!"
"Well that is a fine way to great me, lassie," Peter said with a pointed glare, "Look at the welcome we get, Tink. After coming all this way to make sure she's safe too."
"Safe?" Alison said, her voice rigid, "Coming from the boy who yanked my hair and used some foul words to describe me?"
"Well it seems no matter the memories," scowled Peter, "You're still distrustful."
"You've given me good reason to be."
"Reason?" Peter suddenly flipped them, having him over her and pinning her shoulders, "Use faith, trust, pixie dust; but don't use reason to solve everything."
"And why not?"
"Because reason is unreasonable," Peter said, calmly, "You, the Mage of Wonderland, should understand that more than anyone."
"Why are you here?" Alison challenged, her eyes still lit with an angry fire.
"Fiery," Peter said with a grin, "That something you should keep instead of reason. You'll need that fire to save who we need to save."
"Save who?"
Peter then suddenly jumped to his feet before yanking her to her feet by her wrist. Alison stumbled before regaining her footing. Peter then entered her personal space, his face surprisingly serious as he said, "Do you really need to ask that question?"
Alison's glare was enough to send monster running for the hills. It made Peter grin as he backed away lazily. Alison remained standing in the same spot, almost evaluating what he was doing. Peter then hopped up onto the window sill. Outstretching his hand, Peter said, "Get dressed for travel, Alison. We'll be going to save Jack Frost."
Peter suddenly yelped as something was thrown at his head.
"Go back to Neverland, would you?!" Alison snapped, her eyes glistening, "I'm not playing your games!"
"I'm not playing games!" Peter said affronted.
"Oh, I know your story," Alison said, stepping back from him, "I've read it and I know how you are. Just a spoiled little boy who didn't want to grow up."
"Oh yes," Peter said with another awful villainous smirk that made Alison want to launch him to Kingdoms centuries away, "And being the grown-up child is so much better."
"Shut up," Alison hissed, lifting her hand up and flicking her wrist sharply, "and get lost."
Peter suddenly was jolted out the window, disappearing into the nightly storm. The glass of the window broke as the winds blew the now opened window into the outside of the castle. Alison felt the wind blow the snow in rushing past her as she did so. Alison turned to see it blowing into the mirror. Staring at it in a suspicious way, Alison watched as she saw an image appear on the glassy surface.
"Well, well," Morgana said, smiling coldly, "Look who's awake."
The glass to the window slowly floated back into place, repairing the window like it had never been broken. The lack of wind did not help the sinking feeling in Alison's gut as she watched Morgana's image in the mirror. She sat like a queen in the armchair, her white dress looking more like one the Snow Queen would wear. Alison gritted her teeth and said, "Well, I see you escaped. Are you back to letting yourself be a block of ice?"
"Well, I decided that I finally start being who I am," Morgana said, "Just like it's been decided for you to be put in your place."
"In my place?"
"Yes, dear, I've had enough of this game, of this wishy washy forgetfulness," Morgana said, rubbing the back of her head gently, "You were such a little pessimist as Autumn and it made me agitated. Then you reminded me how much I hated the little brat known as Alice and I realized something. If I wanted to have my dear Alison Kinsleigh back, I need you to have both sides of you return."
"Both sides?" Alison said and Morgana chuckled softly. Her smile became more villainous as she said, "You were born the best of two worlds Alison. The yin and yan, the night and day-."
"Stop being so cryptic!" Alison snapped, but suddenly felt the screaming in her head return. Falling to her knee's, Alison gasped as she grasped her hair near the roots. Morgana didn't even flinch as she watched child writhe in pain. Morgana watched as she said, "Patience dear one, patience. You come from both Magic and Anti-Magic. As Alice you had magic consuming the core, when you were Autumn you had Anti-Magic consuming the core."
"What-?" Alison said, sharp pain in her eyes as the screaming continued.
"Oh, keep up, would you?" Morgana said, simply, "There have only been a few with both capabilities and only one apart from you still lives. You hear the screaming, yes? That is your very being sewing itself back together. Your shadow finally found you little one. Anti-Magic and Magic is now falling into sync. Soon you will have the perfect balance and your fate will be written back on the Compendium."
"What are you talking about?!"
"The Compendium writes the fate of all of Wonderland," Morgana said simply, "Yours disappeared the day you left Wonderland; because you stopped being Alison Kingsleigh."
"That doesn't make any sense," Alison said wearily as her vision faded in and out.
"Of course not," Morgana said, scoffing, "Neverland and Wonderland are similar in that regard. Both worlds rely on who you are, not who you make yourself to be. And now that you have come back to us, your story will continue properly. Which means my inaction can stop."
"You," Alison said, weakly, "You knew where Jack was this entire time… didn't you?"
Morgana said with a bitter smile, "Of course I did."
"You-You two separated me from him!" Alison said hatefully, "You lied to us."
"I prefer twisting reality," Morgana said simply, "It was Jack Frost who told me he still lived…who convinced me to leave your father be... but now Jack is preoccupied with you…"
"So you're going to kill him," Alison said with a heated glare, "All for pride. Jack said it was your worst trait. You'll never truly grasp the power of your own world if you keep like this."
"Alice, Darling," The Snow Queen said, with a seriousness that startled the angry child, "Love, beauty, joy, it is all illusion. You will see this after being in my world for a time."
Alison would have glared if her energy wasn't disappearing. Morgana then leaned forward as she said, coldly, "My truce with your family is over. You are well old enough to take care of yourself, which means I have no qualms with finishing my business with your father. I suggest if you want to help him live past tomorrow, you save Jack Frost from the Enchantress."
"What do you mean save…?"
But Alison Kinsleigh didn't hear Morgana's answer; she had fallen on the floor out cold.
"There we are…"
Emma's eyes were heavy as she allowed a blur of colors to grace her vision. The sounds of the forest sang the song, soothing the presence of all. Emma could finally feel her vision returning, showing her the twilight sky. Her head felt very light in a horrible way. Her leg felt even worse. Pain was shooting through nerves, making her groan slightly. She allowed her head to tilt forward enough to see the person tending to her leg.
"The pain is incredible, isn't it," Jane said, tying the bandage on her leg. Emma noticed that there were strange leaves gauzing the wound underneath. Slowly, Emma felt a coolness briefly sting her leg and ease the pain significantly. Emma breathed unevenly as Jane said, "Mermaid's scratch will do that to you. Physical and Mental torture; living in your worst moment as it matches the pain physically."
"Wh-Where?" Emma asked, her voice slurring together, "Where's Nibs?"
"Holding guard over the Piper," Jane said smoothly, pulling out a flask. She uncorked it and pressed it to Emma's lips. Emma drank hesitantly at first, allowing the cool water to run down her throat. The more she drank, the more relief she felt. Drinking more greedily, Emma finally pulled away gasping. Jane looked unbothered as she said, "Give it a few minutes and you'll be able to walk."
"Thanks," Emma said, forcing herself to sit up. Propping herself on her arms, Emma looked around to see herself in the forest, resting on an animal skin. Jane stood up, putting the now covered flask back in her pouch. Jane pulled her belt back around her waist, the weapon of choice showing plainly. Emma felt strength return as she asked the Mage, "How did you find me?"
"I have my ways," Jane said evasively, "I'm Neverland's Mage after all."
Emma stood up, the pain in her leg making her shaky. Wobbling to a tree, Emma leaned against a tree and asked, "Baelfire…is he alright?"
"Yes," Jane said, "In fact, he is off to go make a deal with your mother and Rapunzel."
"Mother…Mary Margaret is here?!" Emma asked, her voice hard and stricken. Jane nodded and said, "In fact, it is the same deal we have for you."
"What deal? Where is Mary Margaret?!" Emma said, finally steadying herself to walk. Jane watched her impassively as she said, "There is an archway, at the very top of Dead Man's Peak. This Archway is one of the Entrances to Islet."
"Islet…" Emma said, trying to wrack her brain as to where she had heard that name before. Jane did not acknowledge her doing this, instead she continued to speak.
"It is the connectors of worlds, it's how I used to be able to get off this Island," Jane said, smoothly, "However, since the Enchantress felt need to insert Anti-Magic into it, I haven't been able to get out of this place. And unless we work together, neither will you."
"So then what do we have to do?"
Jane let out a sigh as they began walking through the brush slowly. Emma would have cursed the fact that she couldn't move quicker, however the woman in front of her made her keep quiet. Jane seemed very matter of fact, and Emma highly doubted that she would appreciate the profanity. Jane interrupted Emma's thoughts with the next statement, "What we need is the extract the Anti-Magic and heal Islet. That requires one to remove the Anti-Magic and the other to heal it with magic."
"So why haven't you and Baelfire done that?"
"Because the damage was done by a Native of the Enchanted realm," Jane said, "We need both parties to be from the same realm. Baelfire was from that world, but I was not. That is where you come in."
"What-I'm not-," Emma started but Jane said abruptly, "You were born in that world Emma. I understand you may not believe it, but you are much more than meets the eye."
Emma looked unsure, but Jane once again paid no heed. Instead they had come up Nibs, who was sitting on a fallen tree close to where the Piper was tied up. The man looked up at them and said, "Well great. The last two women I wanted to see."
"Now, now, Piper," Jane said, her voice filled with mocking, "Don't be so cranky. The fact I'm letting you be even conscious right now should tell you I mean no harm."
"Then why take my Pipes if you mean no harm?" The Piper said coldly.
"Because you see, despite the circumstances, you didn't keep my bargain," Jane said, smoothly, "You did not use your magic for good. You terrorized the whole world of Antic before heading to a world where you ended up impregnating a woman and hanging her out to dry for something you did."
"This coming from the woman who's rather play with other people's children rather than her own daughter," Piper said but was silenced by Jane taking her pipes and blowing a low tune. Piper couldn't move, frozen into the position he was in. His eyes began to droop, falling into a deep sleep. Jane gave him a disgusted look and said, "He's lucky that I know this isn't who he really is. Working with him is going to be a pain."
"Not to sound like the bitter ex, Why do we have to work with him at all?" Emma asked flatly.
"Because as much as he pisses me off, it's not his fault," Jane said, stiffly, "The Pied Piper had gotten a shard of Antic's ice in his heart while trying to save the Queen Clara from the Snow Queen Morgana."
"Antic's Ice?" Emma asked as Nibs sharpened his knife in a bored fashion. Jane nodded and said, "It freezes a person's heart, it's Morgana's specialty. It harden's the heart, makes the kindest of one's cold and uncaring until finally the person dies from it. She's done it to countless people, Baelfire included."
"She did it to Baelfire?" Emma said raising her brows.
"Hard to think he once turned into a hard nose," Nibs interjected.
"So…he never used to be this way," Emma said, staring at the unconscious piper.
"No," Jane said, shifting, "He didn't…He was lively, a little odd but he was always the life of the party."
"Sounds like him…" Emma said bitterly and Nibs suddenly looked up. His face was watching Emma, concern growing on his face and heartbreak in his eyes. Shaking his head, he said with a brave voice, "Jane, maybe it's not a good idea to trust him then. What if he sticks us when we aren't looking?"
"He won't Nibs," Jane said, "I don't expect either of you to be happy with my decision, but I have a responsibility to help Piper return to who he used to be."
"Well, if what you say is true," Emma said, shifting uncomfortably, "And he once was as good as you say, then I will help you. For my son's sake…"
"I thank you," Jane said with a small nod of the head and Nibs groaned. Getting up, Nibs said, crossly, "Don't say I didn't tell you so. Come on, Emma. We should go look for a better camp so we can plan our way up to Dead Man's Peak."
"Sure," Emma said, looking surprised. Jane scoffed ever so slightly a smile playing at her lips. She shook her head as Emma and Nibs disappeared. She wasn't alone for very long when she felt someone whisper in her ear, "That's not something to smile about."
"What are you doing?" Jane said as Baelfire moved around her, "You're supposed to be looking for Snow and Rapunzel."
"I'm working on it," Baelfire said with slight disdain, "It's a tad difficult when they are in Pixie territory."
Jane looked at him in disbelief and said, "Still? You're still having issues with Pixies even after they pledged loyalty to you?"
"Let's not talk about my issues," Baelfire said, turning around, "But the issue you seem to purposely ignore."
"I'm not ignoring it," Jane said impatiently, "Nibs is just like Peter; he likes to play pretend. Soon he'll get bored and she'll be gone."
"You better be right," Baelfire warned, before walked back into the forest, "Because he's not ready to have to leave Neverland yet."
"What happened with Jack?"
Queen Clara squeezed the extra water into the bowl before looking towards the young girl. Her hair was down, most of it falling forward. Clara noted that she looked a little different when they had found her in the snow. Her hair was longer than the queen had thought it was too, falling in slight array down to mid chest. Her skin looked slightly more colored instead of pale. There was wild energy about her, electric and warm. Her eyes were bright blue, youthful, innocent, but unhappiness. It pained the Queen to see such sadness in the eyes of such a beautiful child. Gently pressing the cloth to the young girls face, Clara said, "It isn't a pretty story, Magesteria. I'm not sure you truly wish to hear it."
"It doesn't matter if I truly wish it, I truthfully need it," Alison said, somewhat crossly, "And I would rather be called Alison, You're Majesty."
The Queen sighed, but said kindly, "As long as you call me Clara, Alison…"
Alison watched her patiently as Clara sighed. She continued to apply the surprising warm water to her face. She didn't protest as Clara began her tale.
"It happened many years ago," Clara said, "Jack had just left for his home. Morgana had been lying low ever since you healed me and he wanted to make sure it stayed that way. The next day the village was in an uproar with a vicious rumour. They said that the Enchantress had gone to see Jack; the two of them had gotten into a big fight about something. Hunting parties claimed witness the fight, great magic clashing in the distance. One of them claimed that Jack had been poisoned. My husband and I went to Jack Frost's Castle to see if they were true."
"I'm taking it that they were."
"Yes," Clara said, "We found him in a feverish state, a strange glazed look in his eyes. There was indeed an injury, a strange bruise right over his heart. We managed to rid him of his fever, but he held a strange fixation in his mind…"
The Queen fell silent as Alison began to cough. The Queen looked worried but Alison said, "Keep going! What was he fixated on?"
"He was fixated on you," The Queen said timidly, "He kept going on and on how you were in danger. Something about your fate disappearing from the Compendium."
"That's what Morgana said," murmured Alison as the Queen froze. Alison was lost in thought as Queen Clara's voice sounded strained, "Morgana… you spoke with Morgana?"
"Yes," Alison said warily, "She contacted me earlier…when you had left…"
"Oh, please dear one," Clara said with a whimper, "Don't speak with her again."
"I'm not afraid of her," Alison said indignantly.
"It's not a matter of bravery," Clara said urgently, "But of caution. Believe me, she may act like she would be concerned, but she'd rather freeze her heart than care for anyone at all."
"I never said she cared," Alison snapped, "And I didn't say I trusted her either!"
Clara was alarmed by the sudden change in tone as Alison took a very deep breath. Pushing her hair back, Alison made a face and said, "My fate disappeared…is that when he disappeared?"
"Shortly after," Clara said, softly, "He was insistent something was wrong. Just as insistent I am that the Enchantress cast some curse upon him."
"Curse?"
"This fixation, it is not right," Clara said, worried, "Jack Frost was not like that witch, he would never be so cold as to rip someone away from family…."
"Family was always important to him…," Alison muttered, "Something that I am not."
Alison suddenly grasped at her head, keeling over. Clara alarmed expression worsened, reaching over to touch Alison's shoulders. The child flinched away from her, hearing the screams echo in her ears. Alison curled on the bed as Clara asked, "Alison, what's wrong? What's hurting?"
"Echo's," Alison said with gritted teeth, "It hurts…"
"The doctor doesn't know the cause," Clara said, her eyes filled with worry, "Hannz is trying to find a cure to these headaches but not knowing the cause…."
Alison did not respond but felt the pain lessen. Going limp, she breathed heavily as Clara excused herself to go fetch tea. Alison waited to hear the door shut tight before attempting to sit up. It was a failed attempt, causing her to merely curl up into the blankets more. She was about to drift off into sleep when she felt a cool breeze enter the room that made her jolt awake.
"I told you to get lost."
"I'm sorry," Peter mocked, leaning up against the wall, "I thought you might want to know the answer to your problem."
"I'm not in the mood for your riddles!"
Peter suddenly jumped onto the bed and was once again hovering over her. Alison stared up at him, a great look of annoyance on her face. She pushed at him angrily saying, "Get off. There only a few allowed to invade my personal space and you're not one of them."
"Even if I promise to be good and tell you what's up with Jack?"
"Get off me!"
"Are you always this stubborn?"
"Ask Will Scarlet and he'll tell you how stubborn I can be," Alison said crossly, shoving at him again, "Now get off!"
Peter did get off but sat on the bed near her. Alison groaned, rubbing her temples. Peter watched her as he said, "This is why I don't like having girls on my Island. They're all too fussy."
"Are you going to tell me about Jack, or do you need another flying lesson out the window again?"
"Spicy," Peter said with another grin that made Alice want to smack him. Instead Alice waited for Peter to begin his tale. Peter let out a small sigh and said, "I can't say I remember too much of what happened while I had Anti-Magic, but I do remember that she and I came here not too long after I left Neverland. That witch came to talk to Jack, telling him that he screwed up trying to protect you in this world. He left himself open…opening for her to put the poison inside him."
"Poison?" Alison sat up at his words and looked worried, "I take it you're not referring to the Anti-Magic that way?"
"No," Peter said seriously, "I'm not. She poisoned him, she needed him weak. A strange smelling poison… Apparently there was an opening, a piece of him missing…"
Alison would have said something if she hadn't suddenly arched her back in pain, grasping her hair once more. Peter watched her with a look of casualness as he said, "You're really not taking well to the merging of your shadow are you?"
"It never hurt Tzila this much," Alison said groaned.
"That's because she's the Mage of Shadows," Peter said haughtily, "She's well adapt to detaching and reattaching shadows. Besides, the longer you're apart from your shadow, the more the merger hurts. That's why I just don't bother reattaching it."
"Well good for you," Alison gripped, rubbing her temples.
"I have- what would your world call it," Peter said thoughtfully, "Oh right, a pain killer. It'll help the merging of entities go smoother."
"And why should I trust you?" Alison challenged, staring at him coldly, "You've been fighting with me since day one. Why should I believe you now?"
"Because I'm here to help you," Peter said with heat in his tone, "I'm here to make sure you don't lose faith completely."
Peter pulled out a vial and held it above her head. Alison reluctantly stared at it and reached out to take it. Peter pulled up his hand a bit, his grin becoming a smirk. Alison finally pushed his arm out her way, saying, "Get out, I'm not playing games with you. If Jack really is in trouble then I have no time to waste."
"And just how are you going to get out of this castle without a league of guards following behind you."
"I have my ways," Alison said, walking towards the door, "If I can avoid Rumpelstiltskin for years on end, I think I can make my way out of a castle."
"With headaches and nothing but a notion to guide your way," Peter said hopping off the bed and running over to her. Grabbing her arm, he then said convincingly, "Let me help you and I will not only make sure the Guardian of Winter is safe, but your friends get home safely as well."
"What do you mean friends?" Alison said, pivoting on her heels. Peter once again stepped into her personal space and said, "Henry, those twins, and that Mage followed after you. Right as we speak they are journeying through the Woods of the Sprites to get to the City."
"What-Why are you here then!?"
"I won't go to save them," Peter said with a shrug, "My mission has nothing to do with them unless you go to them."
"You jerk!" Alison said, heatedly, "My father is going to get killed because of a stupid grudge between him and The Snow Queen! Now Henry and the others are traversing through the forest KNOWN for trapping people to their deaths! And you're standing there saying you have a mission to make me believe!?"
"To have faith," Peter corrected, "And trust. Baelfire messed up in that regard. If he had told you the truth about Jane to begin with, this never would have happened."
Alison swung out, rage clearly on her face. Peter was anticipating this and grabbed her hands. As he did so a bright green light flashed in front of them. The little pixie flew around them before the light began to grow and grow. Peter looked slightly annoyed as he backed away. Alice stared as a woman with blonde hair pinned up into a bun and a short green dress. She stood tall and proud, staring at Peter with her hands on her hips, "Peter, what did I tell you?! I told you she wasn't going to be happy to see you after everything you put her through!"
"Hello Tink," Peter said, obviously not caring that she was getting up in his face, "I didn't know what I was doing, and surely she'd understand that."
"Boys," Tinker Bell said, "To think I surround myself with them on top of it all. Now let's see."
Tink turned to see that Alison had disappeared out the door. Tink gapped as Peter sighed saying, "She's on the run now. Wonderful."
Alison sprinted down the hall, finding herself hurrying towards the staircase. The staircase went into a downward spiral into darkness. It wasn't the smartest thing to do, run off without too much of an escape plan. But between Peter and the rapidly increasing chance that Jack Frost wasn't quite right, Alison couldn't stay. She couldn't have the royal guard following after her either.
This was a mess.
Suddenly, Alison froze as she heard someone coming up the stairwell. Guards, it sounded like, talking amongst themselves. Alison backed up, looking around for any hope of an escape. Seeing a door, Alison made a dash for it. Opening the door, Alison found herself in a dark room. Alison was waiting for the sounds to pass when she heard from behind.
"Here you go!"
Alison spun around to see Tink throwing clothes at her. Alison caught them and stumbled back. Tink was smiling ear to ear as Alison stared at her with distrustful eyes. Tink's smile began to fade a little as she said, "Come on now! We must hurry before the Queen comes back to check on you."
"Why are you doing this?!" Alice snapped and Tink smiled more bitterly. Walking forward, Tink said with a break in her voice, "I waited a long time to meet you… I really did. Baelfire would never let me near after what happened with Jane…"
Alice looked at her with suspicion until she saw something strange. Tink's smile flickered, tears rolling down her cheeks as she said, "I see he's given you his hatred of Pixies…or fairies."
Tink suddenly shook her head, any traces of tears gone. Instead a firm look appeared on her face as she said, "Look, we're not leaving till we have made sure you're back in Storybrooke. Your father is going out of his mind and Pan can't have that. He needs Bae at full strength."
"Needs my father at full strength for what?"
Tink was quiet.
"Not telling me isn't going to let me trust you," Alison said flatly.
"Look, let's just say that if Baelfire comes here," Tink said impatiently, "And he will come here to find you; Morgana will do much more than freeze his heart!"
Alison watched her with a more wary look as Tink said a bit more kindly, "Look, your parents have an important destiny. Just as you do. Please I understand you and Peter have your own issues, but we can help you find your friends and get back safety."
"Fine," Alison said, obviously bugged, "Fine, but I am not leaving till Jack's been set right. Do you understand?"
"I do," Tink said with a nod.
"Then turn around," Alison said, promptly, "I'll need to change."
Tink turned and said with a bit of a stammer, "I could only find servant clothes."
Alison smiled bitterly as she changed and said, "How do you think I avoided Rumpelstiltskin all those years?"
"I'll go make sure the coast is clear," Tink said hastily, getting rather fidgety, "Peter will come by to get you soon!"
Alison winced as Tink shrunk and flew out the window into the wind. Alison shivered as she pulled on the clothes. The outer jacket went down past her knee's, parting a bit to show the white underskirt. It was a thick material, hanging a bit loosely on her. Alison tightened the belt as much as she could before pulling on the gloves. Alison wrinkled her nose at the poor shoe choice when she heard a voice from behind.
"I think you'll want to be wearing your boots?"
Alison heard something fall by her as she turned to see that Peter was standing at the window. Grabbing her boots, Alison pulled them on hastily and laced them as Peter said, "I would have grabbed your other clothes, but I thought they might not be warm enough."
"Thanks," mumbled Alison before turning to him fully and walking over to him. Peter waited for her, relaxed. Once she was close enough, Peter pulled her up onto the window sill and held out the vial. Alison shook her head and said, "I'll do it the right way, thanks."
"Stubborn," Peter said, mockingly, "But I do enjoy a challenge."
"Hurry and take us to the forest entrance," Alison said, grabbing his arm, "And no funny business!"
Peter grinned and yanked her closer saying, "Wouldn't dream of it."
The dark stairwell was cold and unfeeling. Most would get chills going up it, but one woman found herself going up the stairwell with little issue. She almost looked at peace with her surroundings as she made her way to the room she was searching for. She opened the door to reveal the outside world. Her silver hair was tied back into a thick braid that wound about into a bun. Her dress was white with a silver sparkling sheer fabric hanging elegantly from her skirts. Her eyes were fierce, almost frightening as she watched the forest beyond her home. She felt the wind breath against her as she inhaled. A cold smirk came across her face as she said seductively, "Quite a few of them this time…one of them is even a prince. How lovely."
She looked up towards the sky as she saw the shadows move along the clouds. She waved her hand as the wind began to pick up saying, "Come now, my pet. It's time to invite our honored guests."
~Storybook~
"I told you. Autumn may have been the one who found you, but I'll always be the one who loves you."
Gold was in shock, unable to move, unable to speak. Cowardice, he was such a bloody coward for not saying or doing anything. And he didn't know what to make of it when she flinched and said the next words.
"I'm sorry."
Gold blinked as she shifted slightly. Alice walked a bit closer as she held tears in her eyes. Gold couldn't stomach it, but his cowardice held him hostage to do anything. Alice kicked her leg and said, "I'm giving you false hope that I'll remember her. That I'll be the child you took in."
"You're a piece of her." Gold finally found the words to speak. He straightened up to his normal height and said, "She couldn't have become what she was without you."
Alice smiled bitterly and said, "But I was asleep."
"Asleep but not forgotten," Gold said, taking an unconscious step towards her. Alice felt a tear fall down her cheek as she backed up. Gold froze, his characteristic business façade taking over. She swallowed as he said, "Why do you always run from me? It's been this way since the beginning."
"Because," Alice said, swallowing hard, "I can't love you."
Gold felt a low to his stomach. His looked became impassive as Alice felt more tears run down her cheeks. It wasn't fair, but it was the truth. She owed him that much. Taking a shaky breath, Alice said, "I can't love you, it's hard not to but I can't. The Queen told me something I've never forgotten. Something I could never deny. Love is-."
"Don't!" Gold suddenly snapped, making Alice flitch, "Don't you DARE say that!"
"But it was true," Alice whispered softly, "Love is weakness and you were mine."
Gold face was furious and Alice knew she had really done it now. Alice stood rooted to the spot as she waited for the right words to come to her mouth. She had said everything wrongly so far, could she finally say something to put him at peace. Could she finally say that it wasn't his fault?
"Go," Gold hissed softly, his icy barrier back up. Alice trembled as she shook her head. Gold didn't seem to notice her distress as he snarled, "Leave!"
"No," Alice stated lamely.
"Why?" Gold said angrily, "You've said your piece, now do what you best at and leave!"
"I'm not," Alice said, heartbroken, "Because it'll never stop being a weakness if I leave."
Alice breathed in deep and let it go. She then said with a hard look, "Love is weakness because Love is strong. It makes people weak, do stupid things. But if once you've accepted it, it will become a power you can't be without. Losing it is devastating."
Something clicked in Gold, realization dawning in his eyes. Alice swallowed once more, wiping tears away as she said, "I can't lose you…"
Gold couldn't take it anymore.
Alice suddenly felt a hand at her cheek. She looked up to see that he had moved forward without the cane. He had a softer look to his face as he said, "Enough…enough of this mess."
Alice sniffled as he gently stroked her cheek. He then said, "It seems that no matter what, we can't just pick up where we left off…so let's just start with getting sleep."
He then moved his hand away only to gently guide her up the stairs. His face was business like again, as Alice shivered unconsciously. It wasn't fixed, it hadn't been repaired. But it was a start; something to be stored away in understanding. Gold led her to Autumn's room and allowed her to go to the bed. It hurt him, watching her look at everything with a lost expression. It took every ounce of his being not to tuck her into bed; he just couldn't do it. Turning his back, he said, "Sleep here. We'll talk more in the morning. Goodnight, Alice."
Alice watched him leave as she said with tears in her eyes.
"Goodnight Rumpelstiltskin…"
