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. So please don't think I just purposely keep this area same chapter after chapter. I just don't always have anything to say before the chapter begins. It's been a bummer for me that I have only been able to update every few weeks. So off we go; read and review!
STORYBOOK
"Well, well, if it isn't Jack Frost."
Jack heard the female voice echo in his study. He knew that voice. It was the voice of someone who was imprisoned long again. Frowning deeply, Jack grabbed his staff saying, "Still watching from the shadows? Why don't you bring your astral drop out and have this conversation face to face, Enchantress?"
There was a loud laugh as snow flew around in the air for moment. Soon Jack was face to face with the Enchantress.
"Well, well, Jack Frost," Enchantress said, "Don't you seem tense? Has being lonely gotten under your skin?"
"What do you want, Enchantress?" Jack asked shortly, twirling his staff dangerously.
"Oh, I just came to see how you were doing," Enchantress cooed, "Especially with your little Mage companion winning the Wonderland War."
"She's earned her way home," Jack said, shortly, "I am fine."
"Are you?" Enchantress said, lightly running a finger on his desk, "Even though her fate has disappeared off the Compendium?"
Jack stopped twirling his staff.
"What?"
"The little one's fate," Enchantress said, "Completely disappeared off the Compendium."
"You're lying," his voice chilled.
"I am not," Enchantress said, "The magic in her is being forced asleep. Which means, she will not be able to defend herself against the attack the Queen of Hearts is sending her way."
Jack stood up sharply, his eyes glaring at her. He could see no deception in her face. Gripping his staff, he said, "She lost, she should not be interfering with the Winner's wish!"
"The Queen of Hearts is a cheater," The Enchantress said, "You really think she cares about breaking the rules? No… she doesn't."
"Then I will save her," Jack started only to be interrupted. The air blew around them, whispering upon the air. Jack looked around wildly, hearing the message that was hidden in the wind. The Enchantress raised her brows amused. Jack glared at the whispering wind as he snapped, "You can't honestly expect that of me, Fate!"
The whispering ceased immediately as Jack looked stricken. The Enchantress smirked as she said, "Well, that's quite the revelation. It seems your going to have to do something that would break the little one's heart. Separate her from her father… or she dies."
"SHUT UP!" bellowed Jack Frost, turning on her.
Something pierced his heart.
Jack choked, feeling the blade sink deeper into him. The Enchantress smiled at him coldly as she said, "Jack, Jack, Jack. You did a naughty thing. You gave the little one a piece of your heart, didn't you? No matter… it will just make corrupting your heart that much easier."
Jack screamed as the Anti-Magic shot through him. Everything was burning, burning his insides until he had collapsed on the floor. The Enchantress watched him patiently as she said, "Fate has tasked me with a challenge. A challenge that will bring the little one to the dwellers of the Enchanted Realm. Fate wants her story to be completed and it will never happen with her father present."
The Echantress watched him writhe on the floor, "And Fate is not something your can ever defy. So be a good little boy and make sure she stays as far away from her father as she can. Unless you want to be burying her six feet under."
Chapter Forty Four: Cold as night, Night Struck Heart
"Do you think it's safe to camp here tonight?"
Sage blinked at Henry, who was staring at him from the small bed of thick blanket. Hansel and Gretel were already asleep while Sage tended to the fire. They were taking shelter in a small cave, the snow fall outside falling steady. Sage grinned and said, "Of course. Not even Jack's wolves will come out to hunt for long. As long as we have the fire, we'll be fine!"
Henry resisted rolling his eyes before he watched Sage tend the fire. Sage was staring into it with a quieter expression as Henry watched. Curious, Henry sat up and watched him as well. Sage had been off ever since coming to Antic. Henry wouldn't dare say that he knew Sage well enough to know him inside and out, but he KNEW that something wasn't right. Henry was quite sure Sage was pondering many things when he asked this next question.
"How did Jack become the Guardian of Winter?"
"Season of Cold," Sage correctly flatly, "And it's not a pretty story…"
"Tell me?"
Sage didn't speak and Henry sighed frustrated. He then said, "Look, I've had the evil queen for my mother. How much worse could the story be?"
"Henry," Sage said, his voice sounding a touch angry a moment, "I know it may be hard for you to comprehend, but there are worse things over many realms than your mother."
Sage then smiled sadistically and said, "So be grateful that the Evil Queen loves you sincerely."
Henry groaned and laid back down with a plop. Sage's smile remained as Henry said, "I can't take you seriously, you know that."
"Neither can Alison. I think she says something all the lines that I'm full of it."
The wind blew around the cave entrance, whispering a soft lulling song. Sage froze, a look of serious confusion overtaking his face. Henry was surprised, it was seldom to see Sage look so alarmed. Sage stood up and watched the wind outside. Sage suddenly had a dark look overcome his face as Henry asked, "Sage? What's wrong? Sage?!"
"Henry," Sage said seriously, "Hold your breath. Now!"
"Hold my breath?" Henry asked, confused as Hansel groaned. Stretching his arms, he yawned as he said, "What's all that noise?"
The wind's song began to play louder as the wind began to invade the cave. Sage watched as the fire went out and he looked stricken. He then turned to them and said, "Henry! Hansel!"
But it was too late.
The icy wind blew around them as Henry and Hansel were swept out of the cave and into the sky. Sage felt the wind surround him as he heard laughter fill his ears. It was female, light, noble, and evil. Sage gritted his teeth as he heard the woman's voice say, "Come to me, darling."
"Henry!? Hansel!? What's going on!?"
"Gretel!" Sage said, turning to see her get up. She looked delirious a moment before she seemed to snap out of the trace. She lunged towards him saying, "Sage!"
"NO!" Sage flung out his arm and a shadow launched itself at her. It grabbed her and lifted her up. She struggled as Sage gave direction to the shadow, "Take her! Find Alison! "
"No! Sage!" Gretel cried out, but it was too late. The wind had swept him off into darkness of the frightening storm as Gretel found herself being flown through the forest air with no way of stopping. The shadow brought her a long ways before something rammed into it, causing it to drop Gretel. She screamed and she fell into the thick snow alone. Coughing, Gretel got up and looked around lost. The forest was filled with sparkling ice trees and darkness of night. The storm seemed to have disappeared, leaving just snowflakes to fall to the ground around her. It would have seemed beautiful to those who first saw it. However, it seemed lonely and frightening as Gretel shouted, "Hello?! Is anyone out here?! Hello?"
The girl waited and no one, not even Jack Frost appeared to her. Sighing, Gretel pulled at the chain around her neck that held the compass. She examined the broken compass as she sighed heavily. However, in examination, she realized that the needle was moving. Gretel gapped, watching as the needle spun around and around till it stopped, pointing northwest. Gretel looked a little wary at first but then held a small smile. Walking through the heavy snow, Gretel began her long trek through the woods. Maybe, just maybe, she would be able to find and help her companions.
"Morgana."
The Queen stepped through the icy mirror, entering the realm she knew so well. The icy air swallowed her, refreshing her. The hall was long and made with the marble and dark wood she knew so well. Approaching her from the other side of the room was Jack Frost, a bandage could be seen around his right arm. He looked fairly unpleased as he tried to stretch his injured arm. Morgana raised her brows as she said, "I hate to say this, darling, but you look awful."
"I've been worse." Jack's voice was flat, emotionless as could be. Morgana herself had to hold back a shiver from the lack of emotion from the person in front of her. Jack surveyed her, his look cold and analytic. Stepping towards one of the many ice mirrors standing tall in the panels of walls, Jack said smoothly, "You don't look well either, Morgana."
"That much was your fault, I believe," she said sharply, "Getting me involved in your crazed vendetta."
"I told you to stay out of this after you put her in the orphanage," Jack warned, "I told you to leave her alone."
"Well, how could I Jack?" Morgana mocked, "She's my opposite and not pushing her along goes against the vows the Council made me take. You took away one of the very cores of her being. I couldn't leave the child alone. "
Morgana then added sharply, "You were the one who said she must always be BOTH."
"There was no need for you to be taunting her," Jack said dangerously and Morgana said coldly, "Jack, the only thing I did was give her proper motivation. Now she'll come to you without reservation."
"And hold a blade to my throat," Jack said flatly.
"How violent," Morgana said affronted, "Does everyone forget that this is an eleven-year-old girl?"
"Who's had to deal with much more than most adults," Jack said, "Don't underestimate her, Morgana."
"I could say the same to you," Morgana said, with a false sweetness it made his facial expression twitch, "But regardless, you are back where you belong and now I'm no longer need to help the Mage's with their Anti-Magic problem."
"So then what will you do?"
Turning back towards the mirror, she pasted her hand over it, the mirror shimmered to reveal an island that was in a very far off realm. She smirked; a cold looked entering her eyes as Jack said, "Are you going to sate your pride?"
"Of course," Morgana said softly, her eyes glittering coldly, "I did warn her after all."
"So tell me."
Alison and Peter were walking through the forest, almost knee deep in snow. Alison glanced back at him briefly as Peter continued on in his conversation, "You tell me this is such a dangerous forest but you'd rather march through it instead of flying overhead?"
"I don't feel like being dropped thank you very much," Alison said stoutly, "Or being carried. Especially by you."
"So walking through the so claimed dangerous forest is a much better plan?"
"We need to find the others quickly," Alison said shortly, "If Jack gets leverage, we're not going to have much choice in anything."
Peter sighed and he said annoyed, "Are you just going to keep dismissing everything I suggest?"
"Until you come up with a good idea, then yes," Alison said, "Yes I will."
"No offense, lassie," Peter said pointedly, "But I've been around longer than you."
"Which shows being around longer clearly doesn't make you any wiser!" Alison turned around and stalked towards him. Peter watched her approached with his arms crossed, leaning against one of the tree's. The expression on his face was amused and relaxed as she said, "All you care about is getting me to trust for whatever the reason. If you really want me to trust you, you had better act like you want me to!"
"If you'd give me the chance, I would," Peter said, flatly, "Why are you still so mad anyway?"
"I don't take kindly to people grabbing my hair just because they feel like picking a fight."
"I was cursed!"
"And you're still acting just as irritating."
"The only thing that's irritating is that I'm walking through a forest with a girl who won't even tell me what's inside lurking!"
Alison suddenly screeched.
Peter blinked as Alison fell to the ground. It almost maddening to watch; Alison grabbing her hair as she convulsed. The world spun colors in Alison's eyes as she hit the snow. The screams in her mind were back as the incomprehensible words pieced her harshly. Just as quickly as it came though, it stopped abruptly. It was only then that she noticed Peter had helped her sit up, holding something in his hand. Pushing his hand away with narrowed eyes; Alison said stoutly, "I told you, I'm not taking it."
"I'm not normally one to tell other's what to do," Peter grumbled, "But I swear, you are too stubborn for your own good."
Alison didn't respond to that, only allowed herself to leaning against him. Her sharp breathing finally slowed to normal as Peter waited with a bored expression on his face. Curiosity suddenly sunk back as moments crept by and Peter asked, "What is in this forest?"
"At this point, nothing should be," Alison said, "Jack and I made sure of that. But you can't be too careful."
"What do you mean Jack and you made sure of it?" Peter's voice was now spiked with curiosity. Alison winced, as if she had spoken out of turn. Getting to her feet, she began to walk away only for Peter to dash in front of her, invading her personal space once again. Alison inhaled deeply as she said calmly, "Long story short, there used to be a Sorceress that lived in these woods. She ruled them, made it impossible to pass through safely. Particularly males."
"Well somebody had men issues," Peter said a little flatly.
"Indeed," Alison said, moving around Peter as she began to walk through the forest again, "She favored men; she favored men so much that if she couldn't have them, no one could. It got so bad that she started killing them. Freezing their hearts to the point of death."
"Okay, so someone had really bad men issues," Peter said a little bit more wary as he followed her, "So how did you and Jack stop her?"
"Well, she apparently worshiped Sage like there was no tomorrow," Alison said with an irritated sigh, "Being one of the very few that has escaped her clutches. And she saw me with him one day. Got extremely jealous or something like that. So she kidnapped me."
"That seems to happen to you a lot."
"The problems of being only six," Alison grumbled, "It's really not all that hard to get snatched. Anyway, Jack found out and went ballistic. The two of them got into a fight and she tried to rip out my heart."
"Tried?" Peter inquired curiously. Alison nodded softly before continuing, "She didn't know I was the Mage of Wonderland. So needless to say, she wasn't expecting my heart to be surrounded by magic so…vibrant I guess you could say."
"Fiery," Peter said with a sadistic grin, "I bet that burned her right."
"Something like that," Alison said thoughtfully, "She was paralyzed from it. Jack took the opportunity and sent her flying off the balcony and into the ravine that surrounded her hide away."
"Why do villains surround themselves with dangerous territory?" Peter wondered with a sigh.
"I don't know," Alison said pointedly, "You tell me."
Peter stopped, as did she. The atmosphere was tense as Alison stared intently at him. Her blue eyes were cynical, suspicious. Peter felt a rush of anger as he said, coldly, "I'm not a villain."
"Really?" Alison said, distrustfully, "He cannot love; it was the riddle of his being. You're nothing but a boy who wouldn't care if everyone fell down around him, as long as you can play your game. Anyone who disregards precious things so carelessly deserves the fate they get!"
Peter suddenly grabbed her arms and pinned her into a tree. Peter was quite taller than her, something she hadn't quite noticed till now. Peter leaned his head down, his ashy light brown hair falling into his face. Alison refused to show any sign of weakness as he said warningly, "I would watch your words carefully. While it's true that one girl is worth twenty boys, I'm not beneath making enemies with them."
"And what made you think we were friends?" Alison said accusatory, "You've never once extended any friendship or shown any interest in me. Except to belittle me."
"Girls and your grudges," Peter said rolling his eyes as well as well as his head, "I was cursed, I'm sorry!"
"No you're not," Alison said, the despair filling her eyes, "You have no idea what it's like to regret anything. You don't feel, Peter Pan!"
"So you not only look like her but sound like her," Peter muttered, "Wendy said that too."
Alison snapped.
Peter recoiled as Alison broke free and punched him square on. He was surprised, as if he didn't expect her to do it. Stumbling back, Peter ended up leaning against a tree across from her. The snow on the tree fell down slowly as he watched her. He didn't look angry, but did hold a dangerous calmness to his persona as she stood fuming.
"So that's who you've been comparing me to!" Alison snarled, "Well I am not your precious Wendy Bird, and I won't be like any other female in my family you've tried to woe!"
Alison then spun on her heel and raced off.
"Alice," Peter said firmly, rubbing his cheek, "Alison!"
But she was gone.
"Damn," Peter said standing up straight, "That hurt."
"Served you right!"
The little green pixie appeared before him, her green pixie dust floating about her. Peter glared at her and said, "Serves me right? She's the one that's holdin' a bloody grudge."
"Well you're not makin' it any better," Tink said, crossly, "You very well know she's not entirely wrong."
"I know I'm not the most well behaved boy on the island," Peter said menacingly, "But that does not make me a villain."
"Maybe," Tink said, "But Peter, she's never going to trust you until you prove it, which involves not prodding her into petty arguments."
"And you couldn't have stopped our conversation before she stormed off?"
"I'm your pixie, not your mother. YOU fix it."
Pete growled as he snapped, "Well you better help me find her! Who knows what lurking in this forest now?!"
"Well, lovely, it's still just little old me."
Peter turned around only for white to completely obscure his vision. Wind spiraled around him, Making Peter Pan unable to move. Laughter could be heard amongst the wind. Choking, Peter heard Tink scream as he shouted, "Tink?! TINK!"
Peter tried to fight the wind only to receive a fair amount of bruises. Peter hissed and shouted as he felt himself careening off into the air, "ALISON!"
"She can't hear you," the woman said with a laugh, "No one can."
Alison sped down off the hill, her anger slowly dissipating. The snow around her was the only thing that slowed her down. She didn't trust him, she couldn't trust him. In one of the many storytellings, Rumpelstiltskin told her about Peter Pan and his tie to Neverland.
"He keeps those boys there," Gold said, warningly. Autumn was sitting on the couch with him, as he fiddled with her long hair, "And during the day, things seem right as rain. But once the darkness of night settles in, many of the boys cry throughout the night; wishing to go home."
"So why don't they?"
"Because Pan doesn't let them," Gold muttered, "He doesn't let anyone leave unless he wants them to."
"Why?"
"Because he rules that place," Gold muttered, "If they choose him, he keeps them. It's only when they start to yearn to grow up that he sends them back."
"But Jane's the Mage of Neverland," Autumn argued softly, "I know her. She's an adult."
"Jane is one of the few adults that grow up still believing in such foolish notions," Gold said, "One of the only people that truly understand the purpose of his childish mind."
Autumn looked at him curiously as Gold stared into the fire place. His eyes were lost, the fire shining in his dark brown. Something held him hostage, pulling him back to a day that Autumn didn't think he enjoyed. Something clicked in her mind, Autumn gapped slightly. Closing the book gently, she snuggled into his side as she murmured softly, "You were a lost boy, weren't you?"
Gold seemed to snap out of revere as he looked down at her. Her blue eyes were staring curiously at him, waiting for him to say something. A small bitter smile appeared before he said softly, "My father abandoned me. He was a coward, and a cheater. Spinsters had taken me in, and that's where I met him."
Aututmn waited patiently for Gold to continued, tapping the button on his vest. Her cheek rested on his chest as he finally spoke again.
"He was a blacksmith's boy," Mr. Gold said, "His parents were well off, already having him engaged to a girl. But Peter wasn't interested, he was childish as could be and couldn't stand the thought of growing up. So he devised a plan, for us to run away and never have to worry of parents ever again. The spinsters had given me a bean, to escape the bad name my father had. So Peter and I escaped, to a world called Neverland."
"So what happened?" Autumn asked.
Gold winced as he said darkly, "He grew increasingly reckless, so much so that he almost killed me. He betrayed me, having his shadow send me back to the Enchanted Forest…"
Autumn gapped again before biting her lip. Snuggling closer to him, Autumn murmured softly, "I'm sorry… If it makes you feel better, I wouldn't ever go."
Gold smiled wryly, reaching down to tap her nose. Autumn giggled as he pulled her up to kiss her forehead. Rubbing her back as she settled down against him, Gold murmured into her hair, "I wouldn't ever let you…"
Alison came to a slow walk before finally stopping. She felt her stomach twist at the memories of Gold. She had to get back, as much as she didn't want to admit it, Peter was her best chance at getting back. Sighing, Alison went to turn around when someone grabbed her, covering her mouth. She struggled as she found herself pulled down into the thickly snow-covered bushes. She finally saw that someone she didn't expect to meet staring through an opening in the bushes.
"Clara! What are you doing here?!" Alison said with disbelief.
"Looking for you!" Clara said, obviously offended by the young girl's statement, "You ran off on us without so much as a word!"
"That's because everyone in your Kingdom will be caught in the cross fire if you're with me!" Alison stated before nearly screeching as the pain shot through her mind. She felt her spin arch as the whispers grew louder and angrier before Alison let out a cry. Clara immediately took the child in her arms and tried to sooth her. As she looked up, alarm took her expression as she covered Alison's mouth. Alison squirmed only for Clara to tighten her grip.
"Stop fighting!" Clara whispered urgently, "Somebody's there."
"What?" Alison peered out to see someone walking through the forest with some difficulty. The screaming in her head began to dissipate, allowing her to see the scene before her better. Her mouth dropped as she got a better look as to who it was.
Her hair was French braided, the braid bound into a bun at the side of her head. Her hair sparkled silver, almost as if there were stars in her hair. The dress itself was white with sheer fabric falling feathery about the skirts. The dress had a dropped waist, but was partially covered with a thick cloak, with snow shapes embroidered in. Her eyes were icy, however, staring around at the forest with distain.
"Who is that?" Clara asked.
"The Sorceress of these woods," Alison hissed, "The Ice Maiden."
"I thought Jack killed her?!" Clara said stricken.
"Apparently Jack's no good at double checking," Alison said, urgently, "Now shush!"
The woman continued to walk, until she came to a stop. She then raised out her arm, a bird flying down from above. It was pure black in color, cawing harshly at her. It dropped something in her hand, as she extended it out. Alison peered closely, only to gap when seeing the pipes that she knew Peter always carried. Guilt and irritation at her own foolishness grew within her; she shouldn't have left him alone. The Sorceress smiled coyly and said softly, "So they are foreigners. How wonderful."
She then looked back at the bird and said icily, "Find the girl."
The bird took off as the woman disappeared in a swirl of sparkling snow and wind. Clara and Alison didn't move for a good few moments. Clara was the first to shift, going to move out from the bush. Alison attempted to follow her, her body shiver from both the headache's and temperature. Clara didn't seem to notice as she stared at the sky saying, "We'll need to get out of this forest quickly. If that really is her, her storm will start up again soon."
"Why? She's got Peter and from the sounds of it, she has my other friends as well!" Alison said, miserably, "Who else would she want to take?!"
"Clara!"
The two spun around to see the Nutcracker coming down the hill with someone behind him. Alison couldn't see at first who it was, she was too exasperated with seeing the King walking towards them. Throwing her hands up in the air, Alison said, storming away from them, "Why!? Why did you both come after me?!"
The Nutcracker looked momentarily surprised as Clara gave him a look. The girl behind him came out slowly, her eyes widening. Stumbling a bit through the fluffy snow, she said timidly, "Alison stop."
Alison stopped, her eyes widening. She turned around to see Ava standing there, her eyes searching Alison's own eyes. An odd sensation came over her as she felt a whisper come across her mind as they exchanged something more than a glance.
Ava walked back over to them and said, "Sorry, Gage is the 'bully' of the school. He's really not all that tough, just hot headed."
"I noticed," Autumn said obviously irritated. But her voice softened as she said, "Thanks."
"No problem," Ava said with a shrug, "Besides, it looks like you knocked him pretty good. My name is Ava and this is my brother Nicholas. I'm taking a guess that your name is Autumn."
"How do you know my name?" Autumn asked and Ava said, "We're friends of Henry, we met him a couple of days ago. He told us about you."
"I take it she's a friend of yours?" The Nutcracker inquired his voice calm as came be. Curiosity was apparent on his face as well as his wife's. Ava looked hopeful, frozen only a few feet away. However, before anyone could get their answer, Alison screamed.
It was blinding, filled with intense with pain. Alison felt her knee's give out as she collapsed into the snow once again. Ava, Nutcracker, and Clara dashed over to her as Alison writhed in pain in the snow. The Nutcracker grabbed the thrashing child as Ava yelled, "What's happening?!"
"She's having another attack," The Nutcracker said, as he pulled the cord around his neck. It suddenly burst into light blue dust as it fell over Alison. Alison suddenly stopped struggling, falling limp in his arms. Ava looked at him suspiciously as Nutcracker heard Clara say, "We need to find shelter. We won't be able to do anything with her like this."
"What about my brother!?" Ava snapped, "What did you do to her?"
"She's sleeping," The Nutcracker said impersonally, "Snow Pixie magic will do that. We can't travel with her thrashing so violently."
Ava bit her lip as Clara put her hand on Nutcracker saying, "Hannz. Please… the forest is far from safe to be out in the open."
"Too true," Hannz said, standing up with Alison easily, "Come, I know of a place for us to hide till she wakes."
Charming was on edge.
He wouldn't deny that part of it had to do with his family crisis. He knew that it was a part of it. He was sitting in Mary Margaret's kitchen with his cup of coffee, wishing he wasn't sitting there alone. He wanted his family back more than ever. If only the Mage's would let him help. The shadows may have been cemented, but they were no closer in finding the core of the Enchanted Forest or finding out how they were going to break the last three seals. The Anti-Magic shield was growing stronger and there were becoming more reports of domestic brawls that borderline strange for the townspeople still under the curse. Tzila and Oz had managed to fend the Anti-Magic infected off into Tzila's prison, but that wasn't a permanent fix. He was ninety-nine percent positive that Tzila did not trust him and after the whole Jack Rabbit incident he didn't exactly blame her…
But then she trusted Regina.
Regina had been going to the Mage's Manor every day. Grumpy had alerted him to this and no matter how many times Charming asked, Regina wouldn't tell him what she was doing there. Reassured him that it was strictly to help people get back home, but he was no fool. Regina was the Evil Queen, just as Rumpelstiltskin remained the dark one. However the Dark One was leashed, he wouldn't dare do anything in front of Belle to displease her. Regina had no one to keep a leash on her, no loved ones to hold her back. She was the one who put them in this situation to begin with and he couldn't fathom trusting anyone who had let their own souls turn black.
"Charming?"
David suddenly looked up, jumping slightly as the door opened to the apartment to reveal Red coming in with a small basket filled with goodies. David smiled with a scoff as Red shut the door saying, "I figured you'd want something to eat, since you didn't come by the diner for lunch or dinner."
"I was…" David began as Red set the basket on the counter. Red gave him an understanding look as she said, "I know. I know… I miss them too."
Red sat down next to him and David sighed. Tapping the counter, David said, "I thought we would have gotten them home by now…. It's been too long."
"I know," Red said, softly, "It's been really hard for us, for you. Especially with the Mage's not saying a word about much of anything."
"Yes," Charming said softly, "We can't just keep imprisoning people. Soon everyone will wake up."
"If we had Alison, we could be using the flowers right now," Red said sadly, "But we don't have her now either…"
"Looks like the Enchantress plays her cards well," David said with a heavy sigh, "The question still remains as to why she's punishing us?"
"The greed and the anger fester inside everyone," Red murmured as she looked at the basket on the counter, "Or something like that…"
"The only anger I have is the one she created," Charming said with a huff. Red shook her head slightly and said more encouragingly, "Well, moping won't get us anything. Let's fill our stomachs and talk of happier times."
"I think I'll take up filling my stomach," Charming said with a weak smile. Red shuffled through the basket asking, "Have you ever had one of Alison's apples before?"
"No," Charming said, with a bit of a laugh, "We never really got the chance."
"Well," Ruby said, pulling out an apple, "That's going to change."
She handed him an apple, allowing it to fall into his hand. Its weight surprised him as he examined it. It was golden in color, looking quite fresh and perfect. Charming then took a hefty bite, the very sweet juices exploding out. Red watched as Charming swallowed and took another bite. Red watched him with a smile, her head leaning on her hand. Charming raised his brows and asked, "Aren't you going to eat?"
"Why would I do that?" Red asked, "You already fell for my trap."
Charming's stomach lurched.
Gasping, Charming fell out of the chair, feeling every muscle in his body tense up. He couldn't breathe, he choked for air as he felt the tenseness rush into his heart, making it hurt, making it burn. Charming struggled to turn himself to look at Red. She stared at him with a smile, one that chilled him now as the feeling worsened. She stood up and waved her hand. The image of her seemed to trickle off and reveal a man. Charming looked confused as he felt himself able to breathe again. However his heart began to feel heavier and heavier. The man bent down by him as David asked, "Who are you?"
"A friend," he said, "Or at least soon I will be."
Charming groaned, grabbing his chest as he felt the immense heaviness and tenseness. Charming tried to speak, to yell, but he found he could not. The man held up his hand, obviously not bother by his pain as he said, "Please don't bother, you need to conserve energy."
The man smiled as he stood up and said firmly, "My name is Howl Jenkins. You can consider me Baelfire's replacement."
"Wha-?"
"Sh," Howl said pressing a finger briefly to his own lips, "Don't speak. Just know that I am his replacement and I'm a thousand times more vicious."
Howl paced around the apartment as the Prince writhed on the floor. David's breathing became labored as a glazed look overcame his eyes. Howl examined a mug and said, "I find poison's apples awfully overrated. However…"
He glanced at Charming with a flashy smile and said, "It seems to do the trick."
"What did you give me!?" Charming choked out, his vision becoming blurry and dark. Howl smiled cruelly and said, "It's poison of your own making. If you hadn't allowed darkness in your heart, it wouldn't work."
Charming finally fell unconscious, his body limp. Jenkins smile became a little more wicked as the shadows around him began to dance. They twisted and turned their way to the prince as Jenkins said to the unconscious prince, "It's called the Heart of Darkness for a reason."
"Sage…"
Sage groaned as he felt pain reign in his body. He was in a chair, he knew that. His arms were bound behind his back tightly, borderline painful. The air was icy, an icy he had long since forgotten. Gritting his teeth, Sage finally opened his eyes to see the Ice Maiden standing in all her glory. She was smiling as Sage watched her approach. He groaned as he said, "God, Jack really needs to bloody double check his kills."
"Well," Ice Maiden said smoothly, "I think it's rather good he didn't. I would have never gotten to see you again."
Sage rolled his eyes as a sarcastic smile appeared on his face. Forcing himself to sit up, Sage asked, "So, what have you been up to? Freezing people's hearts?"
"Oh no," Ice Maiden said sweetly. She approached him and sat on his lap. Sage didn't make any movement to push her off, but his jaw did tighten. She pushed back his blonde hair, staring down into his eyes. She then leaned down saying, "I've been looking for you…what shadow have you been lurking in?"
"None of your business," Sage said mildly, leaning his head back, "Gods, your breath stinks."
A flicker of insult crossed her face as she grabbed his chin saying, "No need to be so rude. After all, you wouldn't want anything happening to that girl you were with. I believe you called her Sunshine?"
"Something like that," Sage said in a bored tone. The Ice Maiden stroked the collar of his shirt and said, "You've gotten thin, love. You've been keeping company with the skeletons too long."
"What do you want?" Sage groaned, rolling his eyes.
"I want you," The Ice Maiden said simply, "Even if you've found a new girl to play with. What did happen to Alice anyway? Did you forget her?"
"Hardly," Sage said mockingly, a sadistic smile back on his face, "In fact that's why I'm in Antic in the first place."
This time the Ice Maiden let the insult show plainly on her face. Sage almost was impressed with her acting skills as she said in a deceitful hurt tone, "Why, Sage. Must you be so black-hearted?"
"I've got the Boogie Man as my Pet. Yes, I think black-hearted is a requirement." Sage said, his friendly like nature returning to him. The Ice Maiden then stood up and said, "Well, I hope it fills your heart with joy when I tell you that Alice is here in this forest. With that little piece of sunshine of yours."
If Sage was alarmed by her words, he most definitely didn't show it. Instead he said loudly, "I can't say Jack will be too happy with you. If you hurt Alice, he won't let you live."
"Who says anything about hurting her," Ice Maiden said coyly, "I'm more interested in letting Jack know where she is. I heard from a little bird he's looking for her. And I'd hate to be in the way of that reunion."
Before Sage could do anything in response, there was a loud caw. Both of them looked up the very large dome. It was made of thick ice, cracks letting the lights from the moon inside. It was then that Sage noticed cage's hanging from the ceiling. While there was one he could not see inside, he did notice that unconscious Henry and Hansel occupied the others. Through the single opening near one of the cages, the black bird swooped, cawing loud and proud. Sage grimaced as the Ice Maiden smiled triumphantly. She then looked down at Sage and said, "Found them."
Alison whimpered, feeling the hard stone floor beneath her. It was cold, very cold. Alison opened her eyes to see that she was in room. Or at least a ruin of one. It was grey, everything was on a grayscale. Slowly, Alison got up and looked around. The walls had started to crumble up top, leaving large holes in what once looked like a great hall. The statues of knights were cracked as she saw an empty throne. Alison turned and looked around for an exit but saw nothing but windows filled with mist. Alison looked baffled as she suddenly heard a small laughter. Alison whipped around and around wildly, trying to identify where the sound was coming from.
"She painted the roses red, she painted the roses red. But what you don't know, you still don't know, is how she painted the roses red…"
Alison backed up, her growing look of concern much more apparent on her face. She tensed up as she heard, "She painted the roses red…"
"Who are you!?" Alison shouted, sounding rather panicked.
"From the Enemies that are dead."
Alison finally spun around, seeing someone coming out from behind the broken throne. She wore a blue dress, simple and covered with a basic apron that was worn and dirty. Her boots were of old brown leather, looking like they had seen better days. Alison gapped as she saw that the person had the same exact height and the same exact face stood calmly.
"You- But I-?"
"Honestly, you'd think you'd know me," Alice stated curiously, "Since I know you. After all if we didn't know each other, we wouldn't be each other."
"Really, the confusing chit chat is not necessary." Alison stated flatly, "Where are we?"
"This is your test," Alice said cheerfully, "If you want to save your friends, then you need to win a little game. Call it Kill the Beast if you must."
Alice walked around Alison as Alison stated in a stammer, "I-I don't understand. Kill the beast?"
"Yes," Alice said simply, "If you want to awaken to save your friends, you must slay the monster."
Alice walked back up towards the throne and sat down up the seat. Looking around, Alison looked for a clue as to what she could be talking about. Nothing appeared to shed any light. Alison shook her head in confusion and said, "What Monster are you talking about?!"
"Me."
Alison spun around and saw something come out of the shadows. Her hair was long, hanging down past her waist. She wore faded jeans and an old sweatshirt as she approached. Her eyes were light in color, even in the grayscale. She was staring fiercely at her as Alison's jaw dropped.
"Hello Alison," Autumn said coolly, "It's nice to finally meet you."
