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 his brainstorming with me. I know I have this here every time, but I mean it every time regardless. So please read and review.

Chapter Forty Nine: Two Jacks and a Queen.

Alice swallowed as she peered out from the curtains.

Henry looked at his friend, who was dressed in the blue dress the maid had brought in. The top was made up of one shoulder vine like jewels. It twisted around the high neckline on the silk. The silk torso floated down slightly about the tulle skirt, which stretched to the floor. Her hair was done up in a bun. Stray wisps of hair fell down into curls and he couldn't help but think she very pretty. However, the look on her face was nervous. Henry asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Alice said, "Just summoning up enough courage just in case."

Henry nodded as Alison tapped her foot impatiently. She looked at the dance floor and watched as people danced around in their own nice clothes. It was elegant and graceful. It lacked any emotion except proper frivolity. Something that Alison couldn't stand, it seemed so… fake. Henry watched her a moment and said, "Are you nervous about dancing?"

"More of who I'm dancing with," Alison murmured.

Henry shifted and mumbled back, "It's a good thing you practiced with Peter then…"

Alice suddenly looked at him sharply. Henry looked down meekly before saying apologetically, "I'm sorry. I saw you guys…"

Alice shifted uncomfortably as she saw Henry look a little solemn. Biting her lip a little bit, Alison asked suddenly timid, "Are you mad?"

"Mad? No," Henry said shaking his head, "I just… you hate him, but you danced with him. If you only dance with those you love-."

"There are different forms of love, Henry," Alison interrupted, watching him, "I love people for different reasons. Love is weakness because love is strength. It's a double edge sword that many choose not to wield. It is mine… even when I don't want it to be."

Henry watched her as Alison licked her lips. The orchestra music played throughout the hall as silence fell between them. Henry glanced out at the dance floor before saying, "You look like a ballerina…"

Autumn gave him a look and Henry said hastily, "I mean you're pretty like one-I mean-!

"I get it," Alison interrupted but gave him a small smile of reassurance. She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek just as the song was ending. Clapping began as Alison pulled away with a halfhearted smile. Moving her way out onto the dance floor, the Nutcracker saw her coming and announced, "Magesteria de Wonderland!"

The crowd parted a bit, allowing her through. People bowed and curtsied, as she nodded her head in respect. Swallowing, her heart began to thump a little more heavily than usual. Alison stopped precisely in the middle and looked at the royals with nervousness. Clara nodded encouragingly as the Nutcracker cued the music. It began to play as Alice began to count out the rhythm. Reaching the destined number, she turned around seeing someone standing there.

Only it wasn't Jack Frost.

"Hello, love," Jefferson said smoothly, taking her hand and kissing it lightly as the dance demanded. Alison, Autumn, or Alice, it really didn't matter who someone picked. She was absolutely horrified to see him. She was so mortified that she failed to curtsy when she was supposed to. Jefferson glanced around the ballroom with anxious eyes and murmured, "Manners, love, don't forget them."

"What are you doing here!?" Alison hissed, curtsying quick enough to catch up. Jefferson scowled, a hint of amusement on his features as he took her hand and led her in turn, "Well, it would seem that I'm saving you from a terrible mistake."

"What's going on?!" Hansel asked, horrified, "What's he doing here?!"

"Sh, I'm trying to listen," Gretel hissed, fixing the hat on her head. Both were dress in servant clothes, Gretel dress like a boy. Her hair was braided tightly, concealed by a paper boy hat. Hansel shifted nervously when he felt a rushing breeze hit the back of his neck. Hansel looked over his shoulder and asked, "What was that!?"

"Hansel, shush!" Gretel said, nearly stomping her foot in frustration. Hansel bit his lip but turned his attention back towards the shadowy stairwell. Something twitched and Hansel barely got a chance to breathe.

"Tha-I-how did you even get here?!" Alison whispered, allowing him to take her other hand. A sense of terror entered her voice as she continued, "You didn't-!"

"The Hat is as still as can be," Jefferson said abruptly, leading her in the waltz. Alison glared at him, grief stricken as she said with forced control, "Why aren't you with Grace?"

"Did you not hear me," Jefferson whispered, almost annoyed that she asked, "I'm saving you!"

"No," Alison whispered viciously, "You're not. You are getting in the way!"

Jefferson jerked her in the right direction, looking thoroughly annoyed and confused. Alison followed in the dance, but only halfheartedly. Jefferson would have sighed with irritation if they hadn't been surrounded by people. Instead he said, "You plan to dance with Jack and then what? Play nice so he'll send you home?"

"I want to hit him over the head for taking me from my home to begin with!"

Jefferson's surprise on his face was unmistakable as he leaned in and asked in her ear, "What are you talking about?"

"Jefferson," Alison said heatedly, "He took me; he's the one that put me in that damn system instead of living out my wish."

Jefferson suddenly narrowed his eyes, his figure becoming tense. Jerking her towards him in a spin, Jefferson looked down into her face. Madness was in his eyes; it was something that most people would be frightened of. Clara was nervous, becoming restless in her seat. What threw her for a loop was when she saw the look forming on Alison's face. It was a little yearning, as if she missed the look that was on his face. The music came to a close and the Nutcrackers eyes closed in disappointment. People began to clap as the dancers bowed. Jefferson reached up to touch Alison's cheek, murmuring blankly, "The muchness is darkened…"

Rage and uncertainly filled her as she pushed him roughly away. Jefferson seemed alarmed, but the madness remained. Alison stared at him indignantly as she snapped heatedly, "Says the man who hung up his hat!"

Alison stormed from the room, not caring if she knocked into anyone. Jefferson took a minute before darting after her. Henry panicked and went to run down the servant's stairwell to follow. However, Henry found himself blasted back into the ball room, stopping the new dance all together. The Nutcracker and Clara jump to their feet as a dark mass of a monster loomed over them. The people screamed, fleeing down the servant entrances. The monster laughter cruelly and two forms burst from him. Henry watched as Ava and Nicholas fell by him.

"Ow," Nicholas groaned, "My head…"

"You and your stupid curiosity," Gretel snarled, getting to her feet. The Nutcracker pulled out a sword and proclaimed, "What do you want, demon?!"

"Demon?"

The monster growled but the darkness seemed to part along the ground as someone walked forward calmly. His face was friendly looking as he said, "I suppose I've been called worse things... What a party… such a shame I've come to end it."

"Sage," Henry said confused as the teenager approached him. Sage's face was mellow, which felt out of place with the Monster of Fear storming behind him, merging with shadows and a smile that chilled everyone in the room. Gretel look turned angry, more livid than anyone had seen her. She got up shouting, "Traitor!"

Sage's facial expression flickered for a moment as Gretel said, "Why?! Why are you doing this?!"

"I guess him being my brother doesn't account for much," Sage said mildly. The Nutcracker went to move but Sage raised his hand lazily. The Nutcracker was stopped, shadows lurking around his feet. The Nutcracker struggled for a few minutes only for Sage to roll his eyes. Clara went to move only for Sage to send a chilling glare in her direction, threatening in nature. Clara bit her lip, but did not move. Sage smile returned as Gretel spoke up once again.

"No, it doesn't!" Gretel shouted, getting to her feet. Sage looked amused but held a glint of anger in his eyes. She glared and wasn't afraid to get up in his face as she said, "I wouldn't ever make my brother hurt my friends! I'd sock him if he ever did!"

"It's true," mumbled Hansel.

"Well," Sage said, "It's a good thing I'm not your sibling."

Gretel barely had time to breath when Sage flung her back. She landed a good few feet away as Henry and Hansel went to get up. Both were flung backwards, pinned against the wall. Sage made a face as he approached Gretel saying, "Sunshine, something you have to learn about my family is that we stick with each other. No matter the cost at stake, no matter the consequences to people's actions, we never let anything become in between us."

"Even if he's about to kill our friend," Gretel said, heatedly, "Your friend."

"He won't hurt Alison," Sage said mildly, "In fact he won't hurt anyone if you all do what he asks. All you have to do is leave Antic. So please, Sunshine, don't be dumb. Take his deal."

"If you think Jack is not going to hurt Alison, then your dumb," Gretel snapped bravely, "Dumber than a box of rocks, Sage."

His looked darkened and his friendly façade dropped completely. The monster lurking in the air began to growl as Sage said edgily, "I have lived longer than you by thousands of years. I have to be one of the oldest mages among everyone. I am not known to be the King of Hallows Eve for no reason, child!"

Gretel's face didn't change but her body went from tense to trembling. Sage smirked, almost cruelly when he heard something fly past his head. Sage looked up to see Clara holding her cross bow, cautiously approaching him. Sage raised his brows as Clara said, "That was a warning shot. Next time, I won't be so lenient."

Sage raised his hand and said while waving, "I guess you didn't learn from your husband's mistake."

Clara suddenly let her hand snapped forward, leaving the bow in one hand. Icy wind blasted him back as Sage looked mildly surprised. Clara watched with an impassive stare as the children watched in awe. Nutcracker felt the shadows sink away from him as Sage said, "Well, well. Jack never said anything about the Queen using magic."

"It seems Morgana's little stunt left its mark," Clara said softly. Sage smirk turned malicious as the shadows began to growl, shaking the room a bit, "Well, that's interesting… let's test that mark, shall we?"

Gretel shivered as the power in the room grew. Sage suddenly waved his hand at the children and whispered, "Time for you three to sleep."

Henry and Hansel suddenly slumped as Gretel struggled to stay conscious. Sage allowed a moment of sympathy before reaching out in her direction. He then murmured, "I am sorry, Sunshine."

Gretel collapsed then, still as stone. Sage then looked up at Clara and the Nutcracker prepared themselves. Sage grinned, snickering at them. Boogie then jumped down, forming into some sort of dog shaped shadow. Allowing a scythe to form in his hand, Sage said, "It seems I have a job to do."

"Sage!"

A little girl's voice pierced through the air, her bright eyes full of protest. Her long straight hair flew around her face as she looked through the woods. They seemed filled with snow and cold air. The breeze was gentle however as the girl walked through them with a pair of ice skates in her hand. The girl bit her lip as she heard rustling around her. Her voice taking of tone for fright, the girl said, "Sage, this isn't funny. Come out or he'll be very angry!"

The girl turned and looked up as she heard a noise in the tree. She sighed as she saw a white bird fly away. Turning around, she continued to walk forward. Until, that is, someone jumped out at her.

She screamed as she fell backwards as the boy screeched. He jumped down from the tree, looking thoroughly pleased with himself. The girl however, began to cry. The teenaged boy's smile faded a bit as he said, "Aw, Sally, I'm sorry. I didn't think I'd spook you that bad."

"I-I was not!" She said flustered, obviously trying to save face, "You're just mean, Sage!"

He rolled his eyes in a playful manner as he walked forward and brushed the snow off her. He then took her hand and said, "Now, now. Let's get going. I heard dear old Frost is going to be cross with me?"

"He's not old, and he will be cross!" Sally said, worried, "You're awfully late!"

"If he was that cross he could come get me himself," Sage said shrugging, "Not you."

The girl made an offended look but couldn't help but be relieved. Sage grinned and said, "Come on, I'll race you home!"

"Hey!" she squeaked, as the teen took off, "No fair! Get back here!"

The two races through the woods, tossing snow at one another to slow each other down. The girl was in fits of giggles as they approached a cabin with smoke coming out the chimney. There was another boy who looked very similar to the other, chopping wood. He glanced over at them and shot Sage a stare. Sage grinned sheepishly and said, "Sorry… I was-!"

"Out frightening people no doubt," Jack Frost said coolly.

"Nothing they don't appreciate," Sage said meekly. Jack Frost rolled his eyes as he slammed the axe down into the post. Releasing it, Jack Frost said bending down for a moment longer, "I'm sure… so why the farmer's wife came to speak with mother has nothing to do with you."

"Nothing!" Sage said baffled, "I was playing down near the lake."

"Another fine place you're not supposed to be!" Jack Frost let snow fly, hitting his look alike square in the face. Sally shrieked as snow began to fly around the front yard like crazy. The three played in the snow, allowing the young girl to smile wide. An elderly woman came out with another woman, who was in her own way lovely. Her hair was white in color and her lips pale pink. Her grey-hazel eyes were fierce but held a touch of kindness in them. She held an air of being something great, something almost heavenly. The elderly woman chuckled and said, "It looks like your daughter found your other son, Khione."

"So it would seem," her voice was firm in nature as she watched them play. Her eyes softened a bit when said, "Just as playful and a trickster as his father in nature, I'm afraid."

"If I remember correctly, that's what you loved most about him," the elderly woman said. Khione smiled weakly as she watched her children play. Shaking her head slightly, Khione said, "That is true, but I'm afraid what I loved most of him is what got him killed."

"Well," the woman said softly, "I must return to my husband with the news. I am sure I will see you soon old friend."

"Mmm," Khione said as the woman made her way to the woods. The wind blew gently as she watched her leave. Looking up towards the sky, she whispered, "Keep her safe now…"

The wind blew a little harder, as if in response. Snowflakes fell about as Khione's attention turned towards her son's voice.

"Mother!"

Khione smiled as Sage approached her with good cheer on his face. He stopped near her as she gently flickered her finger under his nose as she chided, "You've been teasing your sister again?"

"Sorry, I don't mean anything by it," Sage said sheepishly. Jack lightly whacked him on the back of the head playfully as he led Sally inside. Khione shook her head as she said, with an air of exasperation, "Jack Skellington, whatever am I going to do with you?"

Sage scowled slightly and said, "Sage, Mother. Sally gets so cross if she's the only S in the house."

Khione laughed, a loud sincere one, and said, "Of course, Sage, of course…"

Alison stormed into the gardens, quite beyond upset. Peter flew down in a rush as he asked, "What happened? Why didn't Jack show up?"

"Because this idiot came and ruined my plans!" Alison jerked her hand over her shoulder as Jefferson came into view. Peter was about to question further when something crashed into the side of his head. Peter made an obscene comment as Tink flew down near him. Alison looked with wide eyes as she saw the March Hare very much in his animal form. Her jaw dropped as he shouted, "You're all late for tea!"

"HARE!" Alison shouted, just as flustered as she was before, "What are you doing here!?"

"Savin' your backside, little one!" The Hare laughed loudly before hopping around them. Peter glared as he put his hand on his knife saying darkly, "I could skin you, rabbit."

"I wouldn't call him that."

Alison whirled around to see a white rabbit walking towards them, fixing its jacket. His eyes watched her carefully as he said to Peter, "Hare's don't like being compared to my kind. We are quite two different creatures in Wonderland."

"Both of which are not suppose to be here," Alison said, her voice quite upset. The White Rabbit gave her a look of exasperated sympathy as he spoke, "Mistress, I understand your distress with the Hatter. Now is not the time to allow those emotions to get the better of you. We must make haste and leave Antic right away."

"But Jack-!"

"Will come after us," The White Rabbit said, "But there is no reason to further endanger your friends. You know what the Guardian of the Season of Cold will have Sage do if we don't leave!"

Alison swallowed, her emotions conflicted. Peter, however, was becoming quite livid as he said, "All these animal's squabbling about how we can't handle ourselves. Alison, you can't seriously be listening to them."

"Peter-," Alison started.

"No, we defeated countless obstacles," Peter said, "You can't tell me that was nothing!"

"Pardon your squabble," Jefferson said rigidly, "But I would like to know what distress I seem to be causing!"

"How about being here for one thing!" Alison said, her voice growing heated.

"I'm saving you!" Jefferson said, half angry and half exasperated, "Now come, Grace is waiting for us all!"

"Good, go back to Grace!" Alison said, her voice cracking slightly, "That's where you should have been anyways!"

Jefferson went even more rigid and Alison knew if looks could kill she'd be dead. However an explosion above interrupted them, causing Alison to look up in horror. Smoke was coming off the balcony and Peter said, "It looks like Sage is helping him after all."

"That was expected," Alison said with a grimace. She then looked at the three other crossly and said, "If you really want us to get home, then help the children upstairs. I'm sure the Nutcracker and Clara are holding him off right now."

"And how are we supposed to defeat the Mage of Hallowed Land?" Jefferson challenged as Alison threw the White Rabbit an object that was filled with strange water. The White Rabbit looked up nervously at Alison as the March Hare zoomed off cackling. Jefferson was still staring at Alison said, "I suppose you'll just have to trust me…"

Jefferson gritted his teeth but left with the White Rabbit. Alison let them leave before turning on her heel and Alison said, "Get us up in the air. We need to distract Boogie."

"Alright!" Peter said with a grin, "That's more like it!"

Peter went to grab Alison by the waist when a blast of cold magic sent him careening to the ground. Alison was horrified as she fell to her knees to make sure Peter was okay. Tink flew around, sending dust around to protect them. However Tink found that she was sent flying to the ground as well when the Ice Spirits lashed out at them. As beautiful as they had been before, they were no longer. Baring their sharp pointy teeth, they hissed at them and fly back towards the person controlling them. Alison saw who it was and said heatedly, "I knew this world's beauty was only skin deep."

Jack twirled his staff in hand, the Ice Spirits flying back into the flowers. Staring at her a moment, Jack spoke in a low tone, "A beauty you once appreciated sincerely, if I recall correctly."

"I did," Alison said, angrily, "Before you showed its true vileness."

Jack twitched his staff and Alison's attention was drawn away as Peter sat up. The entrances to the gardens closed and an icy dome stretched above their heads. Peter jumped up but Alison grabbed him. He glared at her but she said, "Ice here is poison… crashing through it would lead to our doom."

"True," Jack said, "But I'll gladly let him go unharmed to save a man's life."

Jack hit the staff against the ground and there was a gust of billowing wind. Snow formed and allowed a man to be seen. Alison looked petrified as she saw the elderly man looked at her with stern eyes that looked to have weakened.

"Alison," The Master said, looking at her grievously.

Peter looked down at Alison, slightly alarmed. Alarm would have been an understatement for Alison's expression. It was terror, absolute terror. Jack stared at her with cold intent as he said, "Wonderland's Queens did their damage to him I'm afraid. I don't want him to perish, which is why I will gladly let that boy take him back to Tzila."

"Alison don't-!" Master fell silent as Jack waved his hand impatiently. Anger fueled Alison's expression as Peter gritted his teeth. Jack stared pointedly at Alice and said, "Come on. Of all the things you were Alison, dumb was never one of them. "

"Don't listen to him," Peter said firmly, "He's bluffing."

"Am I?" Jack twisted the staff and the snow and cold air fell away from the Master. Master grimaced, letting out a raspy gasp. A dark mark began to creep up his neck as Alison raced forward but was frozen to the ground by the thick ice. Jack looked impassive everywhere but his eyes. They were pained, tortured as the Master let out a shiver.

"I don't want to do this," Jack said.

"Then don't!"

"I won't," Jack said, "If he takes him back."

"Alison, don't!" Master was thunderous even when he was in pain, "I have lived many years, too many to count, and I have cause nothing but pain for you and others! Let me go, Apprentice."

"Shut up!" Jack snapped and jerked the staff and the Master fell silent. However, the Master's eyes said much more than words ever could. Livid tears fell down her cheeks as Alison watched. Her comment was directed at him, completely ignoring Jack.

"I will not!"

Jack was completely taken off guard as a rush of piping hot air sent him careening backwards. Blue flames followed and prevented him from advancing. Alison felt her feet become free and she dashed towards the Master. Cold air had overtaken him again, but the darkness didn't fade. Her eyes went glassy as she said, "Why isn't it regressing?!"

"Because I am letting it run its course," The Master said, his voice still as deep even with his pain, "I would rather die to save you and my dear old friend… I couldn't live knowing my friend fell to darkness and destroyed the thing he loved most."

Alison felt rage burn in her as tears slipped down. Alison shook her head and whispered, "I am not the thing he loves most. And you are not going to die. I'm still very angry with you and you are not getting off the hook that easy!"

"Dying is inevitable…And I am sorry for Jane," his eyes were falling the blankness, "I will never stop being sorry for taking your mother… I just wish I could tell you everything… explain why you had to suffer so much… Teach you more of the role…"

He could not finish as his words died in his mouth. He fell to the ground fully, even with Alison holding onto him. Alison shook him, her voice breaking as she spoke a language that Peter could not understand. Her voice continued to break as Peter made his way over and grabbed her shoulders.

"We need to go-!"

The Flames burst up, dissipating into the air. Alison looked up, the expression on her face something dark and unnatural. Jack looked cold and dangerous. His eyes were filled with anger and grief. If Alison hadn't been so enraged as she was, she might have held sympathy for him. However, it was not the case. Peter watched cautiously as Jack said smoothly, "No one… is going anywhere. Not until I say so."

Peter didn't see it coming.

Alison launched herself at Jack, heat raging around her in startling ways. Her fist made contact with his face, a sickening sound could be heard. Jack had stumbled back, Alison barely giving him any time to react as she used magic to blast him further into the garden. Alison disappeared after him. Peter's jaw dropped as Tink made her way around Peter's head. Tink whispered something melodic and Peter said, "Yeah, I didn't think she'd do that either."

Peter glanced down at the Mage and then looked at Tink asking, "Can you bring him back?"

"I could," Tink said, "It will take me a while though."

"Good," Peter said, "Cause I think these two are going to take awhile…"

Alison stumbled into an over grown part of the garden. No one could be seen, the gardens still as could be. Growling, Alison pushed the frozen willow branches out of the way. There were no footprints or anything that would show another person being there. Looking around, Alison made movements to leave the gardens… until a sharp pain shot into her stomach.

Alison almost screamed in pain, the horrible sensation filling her. It wasn't a pain that was occurring to her. No… this pain didn't seem to belong to her. It belonged to someone else… a name that made Alison surprised to hear running through her brain.

"Morgana…," Alison said, her voice heavily confused, "What-?"

A pain suddenly shot into her arm, this one belonging very much to her.

Alison turned to see a willow branch stabbing her in the shoulder. Attempting to melt it away, Alison shrieked when another branch did the same thing to her other arm. Alison struggled but felt something race through her. It made her feel slow, feeling shivery and sickly all at once. Her muscles were forced to relax even with the pain rushing through her. Falling to her knee's, Alison felt blackness overtake her vision unwillingly. It was poison, it didn't belong in her…or she was going to die.

"Did the farmer's wife need something from you, Mother?"

Khione looked at Sally as she continued to spin the thin thread around the ball she had already spun. They were in the bedroom, Jack Frost tending to the fire in the corner. Sage sat lazily on the bed his arms folded. Sally shifted under the covers as Khione said, "Yes she did. It seemed there was a something lurking in the fields, scaring the animals into chaos."

"Really?" Sally said, looking at Sage in accusation. Sage looked sincerely baffled and shrugged his shoulders. Khione shook her head and said, "It's nothing, my love. Just some animals being spooked by wolves I'm sure."

"But doesn't Jack controls the wolves Mother?" Sally asked, her eyelids drooping slightly in sleep, "Why-?"

"It's something I'll be checking into tomorrow," Jack said, firmly, "Sometimes the wolves get restless in the night. After all their prey is in the off season right now, sleeping until the full moon cycle starts."

"True," Sally murmured, "But you're the Guardian of the Season of Cold, Mother. Why don't they do as you say?"

"Because I don't control creatures with free will," Khione said, soothingly. She reached out to stroke her daughter's hair. Sally's eyes closed and her breathing became deep. Khione smiled weakly as Sage looked at his mother incredulously. Clearing his throat, he said sternly, "The wolves don't cause that kind of havoc Mother."

"I know," Khione said going back to her ball of thread, "But it's important not to burden her young mind."

Sage watched his Mother with a dark look. Khione didn't look at him until Sage got up and asked, "Was it him?"

Khione paused in her work a moment and Jack Frost went rigid. Sighing, Khione said, "Always like your father… quick to get to the point of things."

"Father would have charge in after that monster," Sage said heatedly, "He never tolerated The Monster of Fear and neither do I!"

"Sage," Jack hissed as Sally stirred slightly. However she stayed asleep as Sage restrained his temper. Khione was quiet when she spoke next.

"You scare just like he does, it's in your blood," Khione said, "Fear is just as important as love or kindness. It protects people."

"Yes, but I don't hurt or kill people," Sage said, exasperated, "It's not fun, not a good taste to have in the mouth. That Monster has killed, including Father."

Jack closed his eyes tightly as Khione become quite visibly upset. Sage held an expression of guilt on his face as he went by his mother and grasped her hand. She didn't look at him as Sage said, "Mother, I am the Mage of the Hallowed Lands. Let me deal with him!"

"No," Khione said sternly, "Your father thought he could deal with him and perished. I will deal with this creature myself."

Khione then watched as Sage got up and stormed out of the room. Sighing, Khione looked down at the ball of thread in her hands. Jack peered over at her and said, "Mother, I do not wish to offend-."

"Then don't," Khione said with a broken firmness.

"It is a creature from Father's world," Jack Frost said, getting up and going over to his mother, "As a fellow Mage, even I know that he has a right to go after the Monster of Fear."

"There are things Sage does not understand," Khione said sadly, "Things he will understand if he goes after him. And my son, that is something he's not ready for."

"COME ON YOU GOT TO DO BETTER THAN THAT!"

Two figures were sent flying from a balcony, crashing towards the ground. One raised her hand towards the ground, slowing the force they were falling. Clara hit the ground as the Nutcracker joined her. Growling the Nutcracker stood up and helped his wife up saying, "What kind of coward hides behind monsters?"

There was an evil laughter, Sage's laughter to be precise. Clara glared at her husband pointedly and said, "Do you HAVE to taunt powerful beings?"

Nutcracker made no comment because darkness swirled towards the ground. It formed into Sage, who was smirking evilly. Clara watched Sage as he walked towards them with his arms outstretched. Glaring, Clara watched Sage as he said, "What's the matter, Your Grace? Not enjoying our little lesson?"

"I wouldn't be enjoying your little lesson," Clara said, "Being that it's not a lesson."

"But it is," Sage said clucking his tongue, "I would have thought you would have been more keen to be fighting a magic user."

"Why?"

"Would you prefer to be fighting Jack Frost?" Sage said casually, "I doubt he would be so merciful."

"You call viciously attacking me, my husband, and YOUR companions merciful?" Clara challenged.

"Yes," Sage said mildly.

"Well good for you laddie!"

Sage barely had time to duck as something came crashing over his head. Sage looked behind him wildly as the March Hare hopped around like crazy. The Dark shadows formed on the castle wall and Sage said, "Boogie!"

The dark form went shooting after the Hare, only for it to suddenly disappear. Sage looked surprised until the dark form appeared behind him and struck him down to the ground. Clara gapped as she looked to see a White Rabbit walk next to them saying, "Classic trick in the book of tricks."

"Rabbit!" roared Sage, obviously quite bothered. Clapping his hands, he shouted, "You'll pay for that!"

Boogie charge at them only for something to shoot through its head. It turned to see Gretel stand at the top of the balcony, looking indignant. Sticking out her tongue briefly she shouted, "You can't catch me!"

Gretel disappeared as the monster growled. Sage shouted at it but it was no use. Boogie raced after her, leaving Sage to deal with Clara alone. Sage growled and said, "Stupid monster, fine let him mess things up."

A dark flame grew in his hand, the air becoming bothersome as everyone became nervous. Clara then outstretched her hands and snow began to swirl around. The Nutcracker looked worried as he said, "Clara-!"

Clara flicked her hand as the Nutcracker was frozen to the spot. Nutcracker wasn't pleased but watched as his wife absorbed the magic in the air around her. Sage raised his brows and said, "Element magic…fairly difficult magic. Let's see how you use it."

The ground began to shake as the flames around his hand grew and blasted at her. Clara was able to block it, the wintery magic pushing the flames back with a struggle. Clara's face was clearly strained as Sage's magic got closer and closer to her. Sage looked amused in such a way that Clara found extremely irritating. The March Hare threw a knife at Sage only for it to disintegrate. The White Rabbit looked frightened and nervous as Clara winced.

"Disappointing," Sage said cruelly, "I expected better."

Clara's magic suddenly began to swirl, surrounding his magic as she pushed it backwards. Sage looked surprised as Clara said, "And I expected better of one of Magesteria's companions."

Sage's facial expression turned dark. Clara noticed the bitterness behind it and took that as a chance to continue.

"Your brother is not in his right mind," Clara said, "And you basically give him the chance to hurt her."

Sage's magic suddenly ripped apart Clara's winter magic as she, Nutcracker, and the White Rabbit was blasted back into the gardens. Clara barely got time to recuperate when the Nutcracker was suddenly suspended into the air, choking. Clara went to get up, gasping his name in terror. However, Sage forced her back down to the ground with his other hand. His expression was a lividness that most wouldn't think was possible from him as he said, "You really should watch what you say to me. I may be more merciful than Jack, but I'm not as kind with insults!"

Sage slammed the Nutcracker against the ground, knocking him unconscious. Clara would have said something if she hadn't been forced to yelp. Sage's magic forced her to her feet as Sage said, "Now, let's continue."

"Sage!"

Sage looked back to see Sally running down the slopes. He stood on the ice, hands in his pockets as he watched his excited sister sit at the edge of the ice. Sage grinned as he said, "Done with your chores!"

"Yes, no thanks to you!" Sally scolded.

"Hey, I finished mine!" Sage said, defensively and playfully.

"But made no motion to help me!" Sally argued, "If it wasn't for Jack, I would still be washing clothes!"

"I'm sorry," Sage said, as Sally skated towards him, "I didn't think it would take you that long."

"You should be," Sally scolded, "Since you're the one who makes the biggest messes."

Sage took her hands and leaned forward to kiss her nose. Sally giggled as he said, "I truly am, My Lady."

Sally tried to stop giggling as they skated around on the ice. The two passed the time in enjoyable company. Sally was spinning with Sage when she happened to look over to see someone stand at the lake edge. Letting go of Sage's hands, Sally skated towards him saying, "Jack!"

Sage stared at Jack's form for a moment before his face stricken. Skating as quickly as he could, Sage shouted as he pulled on his sister's shoulder, "Move!"

"What-?" Sally said baffled, "Sage, what's wrong-!"

Sally screamed as Sage flung her around to avoid a sharp knife flying past her head.

Sage skated them as far away from the impostor as he could before sending the knife back at it. It hit him square in the chest as Sally screamed. Hiding her face, Sage watched intently as Jack Frost appeared beside them panting.

"Thank God," Jack said, "She was with you."

"And a good thing you're here," Sage said venomously, "Look."

The impostor's form turned to almost a black goo, taking a monstrous form. Its laugh was taunting as the two boys glared at it. Finally the creature spoke, chilling enough to the bone.

"So this is the New Mage of Fear?" the monster was arrogant sounding as he was frustrating, "How pathetic. Stealing your magic won't be nearly as challenging. But how rude of me, let me introduce myself to you. I am the shadows in the night children fear. I am the darkness that corrupts the innocence of ignorance. I am the creature children call the Boogie Man."

"Jack," Sage said lowly, "Take Sally."

"Sage, no!" Sally started but it was too late. Sage was gone in flash as was the monster. Sally rushed to skate after them only to hear a sickening crack beneath her feet.

"Come and get me, little boy!"

Sage made a scythe appear in his hand, the look on his face dangerous and frightening. He slashed out at a tree the monster had been standing in when it disappeared. The monster laughed as he said, "Weapons are useless with me! You can't kill something that's has no true body!"

"What do you mean!? You're just as really as me!" Sage snarled as he swung out his Scythe again, hitting the monster this time. However, the goo like substances turned to mist and disappeared. Sage looked around in confusion as the monster said, "Did your mother never tell you? The Monster of Fear is a companion to the Mage of Fear, born from the shadows of his magic. A pet so to speak… I was your father's such companion."

"Lies!" Sage snarled, "I have no such companion!"

The Monster of Fear laughed cruelly. He continued to speak as Sage turned to see if he could spot him. The Monster of Fear said, "That's because I still hold the magic that would allow you to have such thing. Your father was LAX… he wanted to bury all of his negative emotions when he had his family. He wanted nothing to do with me, being the being that children feared in the night. So I being the superior one that I am TOOK them and used them to severe myself from him. By the time he could even try to stop me, I DESTROYED HIM."

Sage suddenly felt something stab through him, pinning him to the ground, "Just as I will DESTROY YOUR FAMILY."

Sage watched as the Mage of Fear formed above him, dark in nature. Sage's eyes glinted strangely as he said, "Then I'll just take that power before you can."

The Monster suddenly shrieked as Sage broke the black spike holding him down. His hand went straight into the upper part of the monster. It shrieked as Sage sneered, "Power is born from the heart. Human or not, you must have one to obtain power. All I have to do is take yours to defeat you."

The Monster roared as a strange light began to make him bubble. Power made the ground shake and tremble. The Monster finally burned into nothingness, leaving Sage holding a golden orange power in his hand. It looked like something not known to his world. Sage couldn't stop it from floating away from him burning brighter and bigger before him. It spoke to him, a face appearing upon it.

"Hello, Jack Skellington…"

Sage glared at it almost and said, "Are you the power of the Monster of Fear?"

"Yes," it said softly, "I am. I am the core…how may I serve you?"

"I should destroy you," Sage seethed, "For all the pain you have caused my family."

"You won't," the core said, "Or you would have done it already…"

Sage was quiet and the core continued to speak, "You have a strong heart. A stronger heart than the Mage before you. This will be essential for the burden you already bear as Mage."

"My father was a good man!" Sage responded quickly.

"That he was," the core said, "But he was not always so. Your father has been known to hurt with his powers… something he grew to deeply regret. It corrupted the bond between us. That is how the Boogie Man was formed. You, Skellington, understand the real purpose of fear. I believe with you, you can lead the Hallowed Land to its purpose."

Sage seemed conflicted but said, "If I bind you with the shadows of emotion, will you take on that emotion?"

"That is how I am born to each Mage…"

"Then I will bind you," Sage said firmly, "With unwavering loyalty to me."

A mark burned on Sage's hand, causing him to grimace. The core said, "I accept. May we fix the damage that may be done."

Sage watched as the core shot into him, causing him to double over in pain. Letting out a gritted groan, Sage felt the pain surge to his feet, the shadow beneath him twisting and changing. Sage watched as it settled and swallowed.

Sally stood at the edge of the shore, sobbing into her knees. She felt a rush of familiar magic and looked up to see Sage. He looked around, seeing that the lake had cracked. Panic rushed through him as Sally latched herself to him, crying. Sage grasped his sister as he asked, "What's wrong!? Sally where is Jack!?"

"Gone!" Sally sobbed, "The Ice-it broke! I fell in but Jack switched with me. Mom came and she disappeared-They're gone!"

Sage froze as his sister sobbed. His eyes began to burn as his heart filled with dread. He tried to feel their presence but was not able to. Gritting his teeth, tears fell down his cheeks as his sister clung to him for dear life. It was indeed as she said…

They were gone.

Gretel screeched as Boogie crashed into the table at the landing.

She had been running through stairwells as the Monster of Fear came after her. It couldn't seem to take on a proper form as it chased her. It was good, because the thing's aura was frightening enough. Gretel had reached a room with many openings. Above were birds of sorts, twittering strangely. Gretel didn't get a chance to even look at them as she felt the monster swipe at her successfully. Gretel hit the floor with a sickening crack as she whimpered. Looking over at the monster towering over her, she felt a pain radiate in her arm. Gretel bit her lip nervously as she saw the monster changing form, laughter echoing the room. The laughter change in tone, sounding fairly familiar to Gretel. Gretel couldn't help but feel her stomach swoop as her father stood before her. Twitching the axe in his hand, the Monster laughed and said, "Close your eyes, child, and I will make it quick."

"Not as quick as we'll make your defeat!"

The monster barely had time to react as water flew into his face. Screeching unearthly, the monster writhed in pain as Gretel clasped her hands over her ears. Goosebumps appeared on her skin as it fell back only for a portal to open up. Gretel watched as the Boogie Man was forced to spiral down into the portal in the standing wall. The Portal closed slowly and all that was left was a swirling chalk mark. In a flash, Henry and Hansel were at her side helping her up. Noticing the bruise on her arm, Hansel asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Gretel said as Jefferson came out from behind the wall. He looked out towards the gardens, a conflicted look on his face. As the children made their way over to him, Jefferson's expression changed from nervous to stricken as Jefferson said, "I need to get down there! Go find a safe place!"

"Wha-Jefferson!" Henry shouted as Gretel stared out into the gardens to see what Jefferson saw. There was an icy dome that seemed to be increasingly thick deep in the gardens. Hansel looked out as did Henry when Jefferson did not return. Gapping, Henry said, nervously, "What is that?"

"Jack Frost," Gretel said, "He's trapping her."

"Skellington!"

Sage almost winced went he heard the Mayors voice. But he put on his usual troublemaker smile and turned to watch the Mayor wander over to him. They were in a town that seemed normal except for the twilight-grayish appearance. The Mayor was two faced and Sage didn't like dealing with him. But he obviously needed something important so Sage said, "Mayor! What can I do for you?"

"We have our check rounds coming up," the mayor said nervously, "The New Mage of the Enchanted Forest has come with concerns about some creatures from our world breaking the limits and he's quite annoyed-!"

"I will meet with him," Sage interrupted, "Don't worry about it."

The Mayor smiled in thanks but licked his lips nervously. Letting out a sigh, Sage said, "I'm assuming that he's here now?"

"Yes, in my office," the Mayor said his voice shaking a bit.

Sage patted the man's shoulder with more force than necessary and said, "Good man. Give me five minutes and he'll be out of your way."

"Thank you, Jack! This is why everyone adores you!" The Mayor hurried off and Sage rolled his eyes. Walking over to a large building, he went inside and found himself walking towards an office with big doors. Opening it, Sage saw a young man that was with a woman with long hair.

"Are you the Mage of this World?" the man said in surprise.

Sage nodded, trying not to snort as his tone. It was not the first time that someone was surprised at his appearance. In reality, however, he was much older than the man standing in front of him. Instead Sage smiled and said with a friendly tone, "My name is Sage. I'm assuming you are Yensid?"

Yensid nodded and said, "This is my wife, The Mage of the Land of Shadows. We've come with an offer that we hope you will accept."

"I will do my best," Sage said mildly, "It may be out of my hands."

Sage walked behind the desk and put his feet up. Yensid did not seem deterred as he said, "I am sure it won't be… in fact I come in good tidings."

"Good tidings," Sage said, "That can't be good."

"I promise you it will be," Yensid said, "Consider it a job offer."

Sage smile didn't fade but his tone was clipped when he said, "I already have a job. I am the Mage of Fear, King of Halloween."

"Exactly why the Fate's could use an ally like you," Yensid said smoothly. Sage raised his eyebrows as he said jokingly, "The Fates… are you an oracle in your world?"

"Not exactly," Yensid said, "I was sent on behalf of the Guardians of the Seasons, who act on fates behalf."

Sage froze a bit as Yensid stared at him intently. Sage's face didn't change but his aura did. Sitting up straight, Sage rested his arm on the desk saying, "Go on."

"They have seen the path before the realms," Yensid said, "The Destruction due to chaos of villains with not a single thread of morality… they would like the Mages of these worlds to form a council in order to keep the worlds from falling into this chaos, to keep the chain of order going."

"My world has no problems," Sage said shortly.

"But it will," the woman said softly, and Sage couldn't help but stare at her. He expected a louder voice, a bubbly happy one. However he turned his head away as she continued, "All worlds are connected in some way. Evil is one of those connections. I know we have many corrupted royals and villains in our world. All which have endless connections."

"The Guardians would like to ensure that the good stands an equal chance," Yensid said, "The stories of good and evil are important to many; especially in other worlds where magic is not so easily obtained."

"So, what, we band together to make sure evil doesn't win?" Sage asked, his brows raised.

"We band together to make sure chaos doesn't destroy our realms," the woman said, "Which it will if we don't band together."

Sage was quiet before saying, "What's the cost of this mission, exactly?"

Yensid watched him as he said, "The Mages banding together means that you will be away from this little village of yours. Your entire world becomes your home, acting on the orders of the Seasonal Guardians."

"I'm quite happy in my little village," Sage said shortly.

"Being a Mayor's backbone?" The woman responded smoothly. Sage's smile fell then, sending her a pointed stare. The woman shifted slightly as Yensid touched her hand. Young love, Sage thought, that's what it was with these two. Doing anything in pride would not serve him well. Sage sighed and said, "Let me think about it?"

Yensid nodded and stood up saying, "Thank you for your time. Come, I think we've taken up his five minutes."

The two left, leaving Sage to himself. Snorting, Sage stood up saying, "A perceptive one he is."

Sage waved his hand and transported himself to the grave yard. Walking up the slope, he got to the top of the cliff. A grave stood splendidly by itself, Snow light's surrounding it. Sage smiled weakly as he said, "They were always your favorite, Sally…"

"You were always her favorite."

Sage froze as someone appeared behind him with the ring of the bells. Sighing irritated, Sage said, "So says you. Even though, I say she appreciated you more with all the help you gave her."

Jack Frost stood behind him, looking unearthly. There was a look of sadness on his face as he said, "You played with her though, taught her how to climb a tree, how to skate on the ice…"

"She never went on it again," Sage said, shortly.

"Sage," Jack said wearily, "Stop it."

"Stop what!" Sage said, agitated, "Our sister grew up! She missed you, she missed Mother! I watched her grow up in tears knowing the fact that she would die and I would live! You tell me what I'm supposed to stop!?"

"Blaming yourself," Jack Frost said softly, "You don't age the same, no one in this world does. That's why Father allowed himself to love Mother."

Sage sighed for the umpteenth time that day and said, "It's been years since her death, since I've seen you…What do you want, Jack?"

"I want to give you a second chance," Jack said.

"With the Council?" Sage snorted, "As if…"

"Think about it!" Jack said, earnestly, "We lost everything because a Monster broke rules and invaded a world to torment it to death. What if there had been other Mage's to help us? To aid us to make sure of little casualty? If we actually made sure every Mage was ready to deal with the world's power they have mastered, we could prevent much disaster."

"Or create more corrupt power hunger demons," Sage said darkly. Jack Frost shook his head. He looked at Sage and said seriously, "The Guardians, myself included, have created a way to make sure that certain traitorous demons will be punished accurately."

"How?"

"Fate," Jack said, "Gives everyone a mark. A Mark designated for users of powers that have important roles. Fate is allowing us to weave a contract in anyone who accepts the mark of the Mage, to ensure the group's safety."

Jack walked forward and said lowly, "I think it's time for the King of Halloween to fade away…and for the Mage of Fear to return."

"Stop getting distracted!"

Clara went flying once more as Sage growled impatiently. The Nutcracker would have raced over but an invisible barrier was in his way. Gritting his teeth, the Nutcracker looked at the Rabbit sharply and asked, "Can't you get me in there?!"

"Not without killing us both," the rabbit said honestly, "My powers are not as strong here and Sage is a Original Mage of the Council. His strength is unmatched for someone like me."

Clara grimaced, pain racking through her body as Sage looked at her with a disgruntled expression. Clara looked over at him and Sage said, "I may have been wrong… it seems your magic is just that-!"

"SAGE!"

Sage felt something hit him in the side of the head. Sage looked over to see Gretel racing towards him with her sling. The White Rabbit panicked as he said, "No! Go back inside, it's not safe!"

Sage's eyes glinted strangely as he said, "One last try..."

Dark flames grew in his hands and Gretel froze in fear.

"NO!"

Gretel felt the heat swarm over her head, her eyes closed as she braced herself for the burn. The burn never came but an intense chill. Was this was it was like to be burned? Gretel opened her eyes to see Clara blocking her, a storming white magic overwhelming them. Clara seemed a little dazed as she allowed her magic to absorb the flames. Sage looked mildly surprised before he grinned and said, "I knew it."

Clara suddenly felt the snow magic flow into her, forming a mark on the back of her hand. Her eyes were genuinely surprised as she saw the M glowing on her skin.

"It can't be…" Queen Clara said, stunned. Sage grin never faded as he said, "Welcome to the Council, Queen Clara."

Clara froze before turning on Sage and said, warningly, "You can't kill me... not without paying a price."

"Nope," Sage said, "And you can't kill me."

"But you had no problem trying to kill me!"

Sage barely dodged the rock swung at him as Gretel charged at him. The shield dispelled and the Nutcracker went running. Sage grabbed Gretel and said, "Sorry, Sunshine. Things will make sense soon."

Gretel was so caught off guard by him grabbing her that he was able to kiss her forehead before disappearing in a thunderous cloud. Gretel looked thoroughly harassed and shrieked, "GET BACK HERE, YOU CREEPY-!"

"Gretel," The White Rabbit said, wearily, "He's not coming back."

The Nutcracker embraced Clara tightly, kissing the top of her head. Clara hugged him back, her body trembling slightly. The Nutcracker noticed and said, "Don't worry, it's alright."

"I have her role, her power," Clara said weakly, "How is that okay?"

The Nutcracker tilted her head up as he whispered, "You're more deserving of it."

Clara smiled as the Nutcracker kissed her soundly. Gretel made a face and said, loudly, "I hate to break your moment, but we have a problem!"

Clara and Nutcracker broke apart as they looked at the girl. Gretel pointed to the dome that stretched high into the sky and asked, "How do we get inside that?!"

They all looked up at the ice, feeling the growing power inside it. Clara swallowed as she shook her head saying, "It's too strong child… it needs to be broken from the inside…"

"So we can't do anything!?" Gretel asked, agonized as Henry and Hansel appeared. Clara trembled as the Nutcracker shook his head saying the following words.

"Just trust that your friend knows what she's doing."

"Wake up."

Alison opened her eyes, standing in a white fog. She felt strange, weak. It was like the world had been taken from her and she couldn't place why. It wasn't until she heard sobs and cries filling the air. Her own eyes prickled with tears as she recognized the voice.

"Dad?" Alison called out, her voice in a panic, "DADDY!"

There was no answer as Alison raced into the fog. The cries continued as Alison saw the dark forms ahead of her become a little clearly. A man cradled a woman's limp body, sobbing quietly. Tears fell down her cheeks freely as her stomach dropped. The forms disappeared and Alison felt stricken. Racing forwards, she yelled again.

"DAD!? DAD, WHERE ARE YOU?!"

"He's gone."

Alison turned to see Alice standing there with a blank expression. Alison watched Alice stand there as she said, "He's safe and gone. It is something we can't have right now."

"Gone," Alison's voice broke as she nearly buckled at the knees. Alice however, grabbed her and said, "Now's not the time! You know what you have to do!"

"No I don't," Alison cried, "I failed, she took him from me. He took him from me."

"Stop it!" Alice said, "There's nothing we can do except complete the task at hand!"

"What task!?" Alison said, exasperated and hurt. Alice glared pointedly and said, "Kill the Beast!"

Alison whimpered, her eyes opening slowly.

She was tied to the tree, the willow-like branches held her tightly in place. She looked around to see that she was in a clearing where a solitary grave stood. It was beautiful, like most things in this world. However, it held a sadness that Alison couldn't quite place. The tombstone held elaborate carvings and the flowers that she easily recognized as Snow Lights grew around it. They weren't in bloom, as they were quite out of cycle with Antic at the moment. Alison felt a pang at a memory when she heard a voice speak clearly.

"Sad, isn't it?"

Alison felt a rush of negative emotion run through her as Jack came into view. He walked towards the tombstone with an empty expression as Jack said, "Age is obviously irrelevant when it's been frozen, but I was barely sixteen at the time. My mother was the Guardian of the Season of Cold at the time…"

Alison stared at him pointedly, only for him to continue looking at the grave.

"Her memorial is here in the garden," Jack said, "A tribute fit for the finest of queens… It still never made up for what we lost though…"

Jack finally looked at her, his eyes tired and nervous. Even in her state of bitterness and anger, she couldn't help but feel curious at the sudden emotions. The aura around him seemed different, more mellow and relaxed. He walked towards her and it finally clicked in her mind why he was this way.

"They defeated her," Alison said, her voice rather emotionless.

"The Enchantress," Jack said, "Yes, they did."

"And yet I'm still tied up," Alison said, her voice growing sharper, "I'm still very much your prisoner, and if I'm correct your Mage just killed Jane."

"Her actions are not mine," Jack said softly.

"Your lack of action is what I'm getting at!" Alison said, her voice finally snapping. The binds held her tighter as she struggled a bit. Jack watched her with a blank expression as she glared at him. He didn't quite show emotion until Alison said bitingly, "YOU let everything that ever happened to me happen! You're the reason everyone whines and complains on how I'm not who I am."

Alison was suddenly slammed tighter against the tree as his facial expression turned angry. He stomped over to her practically and snarled, "I had no choice in the matter! YOU were the first time I ever begged and pleaded with the Fate to change its mind! It left me with no other option other than your death!"

That struck Alison silent. Jack turned away and walked back towards the memorial with his shoulders slumped. Alison felt her chest get tighter as she absorbed everything he was trying to tell her. Alison watched him with the now mixed emotions in her heart as he said, "I didn't want you to go in the system… I wanted to take you back to Wonderland. But with the Fates being changed with the core change, you wouldn't have been allowed to return. This was the only way…"

"Why not just send me back to my Father?"

"Then you would have died. There was no ending where the pair of you lived."

Alison tightened her jaw as she whispered, "Was Jane supposed to die?"

"No," Jack said, heavily, "Morgana changed her Fate, and was punished justly…"

Alison made a face and Jack let out a weak laugh saying, "You hated Mother's so much… yet you keep harping about Jane… has your heart changed?"

"As much as I would have liked it to be different," Alison said, her voice now filling with venom, "I'll never get the chance to ask my questions, or to even have a chance for a change of heart... But she still meant something to me... she loved me and protected me so I refuse to forget that!"

Alison couldn't really tell from her angle, but it looked as if Jack was nodding his head slightly. Pulling against her bonds again, Alison made a face and said, "So is this your plan? To keep me tied up for the rest of eternity."

"Could you quit being so dramatic," Jack said annoyed, "I swear, I can tell you are the daughter of a writer…"

A sense of dread filled her, Alison asking very suddenly, "Where is he!?"

Jack tensed a moment and didn't look at her as he said, "He's alive… still in Neverland."

"Why?" Jack winced and Alison felt a panic inside as she shouted, "WHY!?"

"Because he's the new Mage of Neverland!"

Jack's tension seemed to worsen as Peter jumped down from out of nowhere. He seemed to have a strut in his step as he looked at Jack mockingly. Alison watched him as he said, "I must say, I was surprised when my Lost Girl was defeated. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't pleased with the choice of successor."

Alison swallowed, the fear in her gut refusing to be silenced. Pulling against the vines, Alison then tried focusing her magic as Jack said coldly, "So typical of you, do you not care that he'll never be able to leave?!"

"Oh, you knew about that little quirk," Peter said surprised as Alison froze. Tears threatened to sting her eyes as Peter said, "Well, I know that he might not like it. However, I think Baelfire needs a little reminder of who he is at the core of it all."

Jack glared as Peter said, "Even if that does mean separation from the thing he loves most."

Alison swallowed, attempting to will her tears to not fall. It wasn't the time or place to be losing it. Her body however was not cooperating. Images stirred in her mind as an overwhelming feeling took over. Grinding her foot into the snow, Alison tried desperately to focus. The two males didn't even seem to notice Alison's struggle as Jack said, "Like you would know about love. Of all the things you have at your finger tips that are something you are to be forever barred from."

"That I am," Peter said, "Admiration is better than love any day."

"Just as toying with people emotions apparently," Jack said coldly.

Peter's eyes glinted, as if catching onto something that anyone else hadn't. Alison barely heard Peter speak his next words they were so low and taunting.

"So you were watching," Peter said, softly and then spoke loudly, "Are you jealous? Is that why she's tied against a tree? I'm no expert on these kinds of things, but I'm pretty sure that's less than appealing."

Peter went flying as Jack's staff made contact with his face.

Alison felt her emotions begin to spiral as Jack walked towards him saying, "She's tied up right now because she HAS something of mine. She had a piece of my core and I don't need the likes of you nosing your way into something that has nothing to do with yo-!"

"Enough!"

Jack and Peter barely had time to react as a hot burst of magic sent them both flying. Peter, already being on the ground, flew into the nearby tree. Jack, however, caught himself as he slammed his staff down to dispel the hot air. The steam caused by her magic was rushed away by cold as Alison stood near the scorched tree, looking thoroughly livid. Peter stood up as Jack stared at her. She stomped over to him as he said, "What did Jefferson tell you about stifling your emotions? You keep doing that, and you'll be hurting your-!"

Alison's hand made contact with his face, the sound loud and cringe worthy.

Peter looked mildly amused as Jack's expression turned dark. Alison finally shouted as loud as she possibly could, "YOU ARE THE LAST PERSON TO BE TELLING ME WHAT TO DO! You both are acting like stupid, arrogant boys!"

"Last I checked, that's what I was," Peter piped in only for Alison to wave her hand impatiently. Peter yelped as vines entangled themselves around them as she turned her attention back towards Jack. He was staring at her emotionless as she said, "You should know better to be arguing with a smug brat."

"You should choose your dance partners more carefully then," Jack said, stoutly.

It was the wrong thing to say as Alison pushed him with magic, the air becoming stifling hot. Swirling his staff around, snow burst around them and swirled to encase them. Alison looked around as it sped up, the cold making her emotions freeze. His anger was apparent, the magic showing his displeasure. One emotion broke free inside her, her hurt. Jack held a strange glint in his eyes as she said, "It was pretend! That's all that idiot ever does and that's all it every amounts to! I don't have your core and I don't know why you keep insisting that I do!"

"Because I gave it to you!" Jack said frustrated, "Or have you forgotten already?!"

Alison opened her mouth to argue, only to freeze in mid motion. Alison reached up and grasped the chain around her neck. Pulling it out, it revealed a rather beautiful pendant, silver and sparkling. She looked at him confused as he looked momentarily surprised. She opened her mouth only for him to shake his head vehemently. Grabbing her hand tightly closed around it, Jack said, "It's not that… however I'm surprised you still have it…"

Alison looked confused as Jack tightened his grip around her hand as he said, "That's not how I gave it to you…"

Slowly but surely, Alison realized what he had done. Gripping his hand back, Alison whispered, "You're dumb…"

Jack couldn't help but smile as he said softly, "But it's your kind of dumb."

It went against everything Autumn would ever do, in fact Autumn's voice should have been screaming for her to step away. She should have been angry, crazy, and absolutely ready to beat the living daylights out of him. There had been honesty in his answers though. Even the Autumn side of her was yearning to finish and win this ridiculous game. Stepping forward, the three united in a wish and did what her friend so desperately needed.

Taking his hand, a single kiss was given, and everything went bright.