Chapter Fifty One: Which Dreamed It?

"You're Majesty?"

The Queen of Hearts did not look up from her book as Alice peeked her head into the room. The Queen of Hearts still looked splendid, even dressed in a red dressing gown. Alice was in a white night dress that stretched down her feet. The Queen of Hearts flicked the page, speaking in a soft yet commanding voice, "I thought I tucked you in already, Alice. Why are you out of bed?"

"I'm sorry," Alice's young voice was small as she stayed rooted to the spot, "One of the mocking birds is at my window… he's pecking something awful and I can't sleep."

The Queen shut the book with a snap as she said in a harassed voice, "You would think that those birds would know better…"

The Queen stood up and Alice hastily bowed her head. The Queen did not fail to notice as she strode over to her. The Queen caught Alice's chin in her fingers as she tilted the girls head up saying, "Alice, the fault is not yours. It seems my Mocking Bird is good at being especially irritating."

Alice allowed the Queen to lead her down the hall, feeling a little relieved. The Queen however looked blank as they entered Alice's room not far down the hall. Distinctly, there was a repetitive pecking that clinked the window. They entered the room to see a rather large grey bird looking puffed up. The window was open but the bird remained pecking at it. The Queen scowled and said, "I hate these birds… I swear if they weren't so useful at times, I would get rid of them all."

The Queen strode over to the window, clucking her tongue quickly. The Bird flew to her ear and whispered something very close to the Queen's ear. Alice tilted her head as the Queen fluttered her hand at the bird, shooing it away. The Queen strode over and shut the doors briskly saying, "What a waste of time… oh well."

Alice tried to stifle a yawn, only for the Queen of Hearts to turn briskly. She let a weak smile grace her lips, something rarely seen, as she said, "I'm sorry, my little Alice. Here you are prepared to stand while sleeping."

Alice didn't protest as the Queen led her to the bed, tucking her in under the thick covers. Alice snuggled right down as the Queen laid by her. Stroking the girls long tangled hair out of her face, the Queen said sweetly, "I'd hate to know what lovely dreams that bird interrupted…"

"Not sweet," Alice murmured sleepily, "Chilly…"

"Chilly?" The Queen looked surprised. "Is it too cold for you?"

"No," Alice mumbled, trying to stifle a yawn, "The man's laugh was chilly… it made me shiver… I don't like it."

The Queen's face held a dark expression for a moment before shushing the girl in front of her. Stroking Alice's cheek, The Queen of Hearts said, "Well don't you worry… your dreams will be sweet for you now… after all that chill of a dream is gone now…"

Cora kissed Alice's head, as the girl's breathe evened out. She smiled warmly as she said, "Goodnight, my love."

Alison awoke with a gasp.

Her body was hot and sweaty all over, however she shivered like the temperature had dropped to freezing. The room was dark, but Alison paid no heed as she clamored out of her bed and hastily flew to the door.

The hall was just as dark, with only the dawn shining in through the windows. Alison rushed to the bathroom, not even a second thought in her head. A whimper escaped her as she shut the bathroom door. The motion was loud but luckily for her, no one was close enough to hear it. Tears prickled her eyes, the unpleasant feeling not subsiding as she hastily turned on the shower. Jumping into it, Alison felt the cold water douse her form.

Alison sighed, trying to regulate her breathing. Dreams, dreams, that's all the nights ever seem to consist of were dreams. The cold water ran through her hair and into her clothes, seeping through. Alison didn't care; however, as she felt the emotions subside. She hated these dreams, these dreams she had to hate the most. They seemed so sincere so loving, but just the thought of the Queen made her burn in a terrible way. Alison was not one to ever wish for it, but it was times like these she wanted to forget. Gritting her teeth, Alison could almost barely feel the cold water pounding on her skin.

It had been months, months of summer that had brought joy to her heart. However, Alison had never been able to shake this dark feeling that constantly hurt the heart in her chest. These nightly occurrences had only made this feeling worse. Letting out a shaking sigh, Alison turned off the water when she felt that she was good and ready. As she stepped gingerly out of the shower, she heard Kathryn beginning to walk around. Grabbing at a robe, Alison muttered, "Might as well get ready for the day…"


"So kid, are you excited for school?"

Henry looked up from his book to see Emma sitting next to him. She was still eating her cereal as he fiddled with one of the pages. The bright morning sunshine was pouring in through the windows, illuminating the apartment. Henry smiled, a little weakly as he said, "Kinda… I'm worried though that Alison might not be in the same class as me."

"Well that shouldn't be an issue," Emma said, stirring her cereal with a spoon, "After all, she took the tests over the summer. The school said she would be fine to move on to the next grade."

"I know," Henry said shifting, "But there are other teacher's…. two different ones. What happens if we aren't in the same class?"

"Then you guys will probably find some other way," Emma reassured, rubbing his back briefly, "But for now, eat up. You still have a good few hours before thinking about that."

A knock at the door interrupted the conversation as Emma looked over her shoulder. Getting up, Emma walked over to the door as Snow White and Prince Charming made their way down the stairs. Henry smiled at them as said, "Morning, sleepy heads."

"Hey," Snow said, playfully ruffling his hair, "It's not that late!"

"Nine thirty is pretty late," Henry said with a grin.

"I seem to recall someone sleeping in till about ten this summer," Charming said, a tad bit mocking. Henry closed the book up as Snow took his empty cereal bowl. Putting the book in his bag, Henry said, "It happens… Alison got grounded about a hundred and one times and I had nothing to do."

"It can't be really considered grounding if Gold does it that many times," Snow said, pulling mugs out of the cabinet. Snow looked over as Charming said, "I personally think it's just because he wants one on one time with Alison."

"He probably doesn't like Kathryn having custody," Snow said as Emma came back into the room, closing the door. Emma held up and apple with raised brows and Snow mouthed her confusion. Charming put the kettle on the stove and said, "It's probably because he doesn't like August jumping in, letting two little troublemakers do whatever they want."

"All for good, we promise," Henry said, with a grin.

"Speaking of troublemakers," Emma said walking over to Henry. She placed the red apple in front of him and Henry stared at it with a serious expression. He looked up at her with more innocence than needed as she asked, "Why do apples keep appearing on our door step?"

"I don't know?" Henry said grabbing his bag, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?"

Emma gave him her famous I'm-not-buying-it look. Henry slid off the stool as he swung his backpack on racing towards the door saying, "I'll meet you at Granny's for lunch!"

"Hey-!" Charming started but it was too late. The door swung shut as Emma watched after with a suspicious stare. Snow White raised her brows, smiling in amusement as she said, "He's up to something…"

"Yeah," Emma said, her voice slightly exasperated, "And I'm going to find out what. After I've had my breakfast."

Henry raced his bike down the side road that was leading towards the forest. The warm wind hit his face as he steered the bike towards a paved driveway. Kathryn's house stood in its blue and white glory, the day time accenting it's well maintained exterior. Henry put his bike under the porch before running up the stairs. On the porch, he met someone leaving the house dressed in a pink blouse and grey trousers. She smiled at Henry warmly saying, "Good Morning Henry."

"Morning, Ms. Nolan," Henry said cheerfully, "Going out?"

"I have some business to take care of this morning," Kathryn said walking down the steps towards her car, "I'll see you later."

"See you later," Henry said before going inside the house.

It hadn't changed too much. The only significant changes that had been made were the pictures of people that hung on the wall. Some were of Kathryn and Frederick, or of King Midas. But many of them were of Kathryn and Alison. They were happy ones, something that warmed his heart to see. Henry couldn't help but stop and appreciate them a moment before he heard someone say behind him.

"Hey, Henry!"

Henry looked up towards the stairwell near him as saw August peeking his head down as he said, "Long time no see! Lizzie is upstairs waiting in her room."

"Thanks! So how's your book coming along?"

"It's coming along," August said as Henry walked up the stairs towards him. August lead him up the stairs as Henry asked, slyly, "Can I read it?"

"No, and don't you even think about looking for it," August said sharply, "I've got it hidden where not even Lizzie's going to find it."

"You know you never did tell me why you call her Lizzie."

August grinned as he led Henry to Alison's bedroom, which also was still in the same place. He opened the door and said, "Let's just say someone hated the nickname Alice. Bae and I fought over what other nickname we could use. He started calling her Lisie-girl. I told him if he was going to pull a stretch like that, I was going to call her Lizzie."

August suddenly yelped as a pillow flew at his head and as Alison peeked her head out. She grinned as she said, "Hi Henry."

"Hey!" Henry said happily. August swatted Alison back with the pillow saying, "What are you hitting me with the pillow for?!"

"For arguing with my dad," Alison accused, "AND for keeping Henry from our meeting!"

"If you let me know what it's about, I could help," August suggested hopefully.

"No, Red wanted you to meet her at the diner in an hour. We'll be working on this all morning," Alison said, "Besides you're an awful liar."

August suddenly grabbed her, tickling her sides. Alison shrieked, struggling to break free. Henry moved past to go into her room as August gave her a big kiss on the cheek saying, "Fair enough. Make sure Jefferson stays with you."

Alison grinned as she went inside her room. Closing the door, Alison heard Ava say loudly.

"So what's going on?"

Alison looked back to see her friend sitting around her room. Paige was sitting on the soft beanbag in the corner, reading a magazine she brought. Jefferson was sitting in a chair by the desk. Nicholas and Ava were sitting on the bed pushed up against the window, both with an apple in their hands. Henry sat himself down by Paige, opening his bag. Pulling out his book, Henry said, "We might need a new code, by the way. Emma's getting suspicious."

"Sorry," Alison said, "Maybe I should have Chess come get you. He's got enough magic to shape into a cat now."

"That's probably a good idea," Jefferson mumbled, twirling his hat in his hand, "Except with you, Gold hates cats."

"Well, I'm here most days of the week and only at Gold's on the weekends, so Chess will just be sneaky," Alison said, going over to the dresser and pulling a drawer open. Pulling out a couple of thick small books, Alison shut it with Jefferson saying, "Sneakiness is not one of his strong points."

"Not really," Paige said, looking up from her magazines, "But getting back to our conversation, why are we here?"

"Because," Alison said, "I've recruited you all for the continuation of Operation Cobra."

"Ummm… Didn't Operation Cobra finish already?" Paige asked, looking confused.

"Yeah, the curse is broken," Nicholas said, finishing off his apple. Tossing it up into the air, Nicholas watched as it disappeared in a blue warp. Nicholas looked over at Alison, only for her to shrug and sit at her desk saying, "I use it for my compost pile. Breaking the curse was part one to Operation Cobra. The second part was getting back to the Enchanted Forest."

"Back?" Paige looked at Alison with brightened eyes.

"There's a way back?" Ava said, her attention sharpened on Alison. Henry looked at Alison excitedly as she said, "There is, the other Mages told me so. We have to find out where the core of the Enchanted Forest is."

"What does the core have to do with anything?" Nicholas asked.

"The Core is what makes the Land thrive and live," Jefferson said immediately, "All worlds have one in some degree. If we can put the core back in the lantern they sent to the shadows of the Enchanted Forest, it should send everyone back."

"So… find the core and we can go back," Paige said slowly, "Where do we even start?"

Jefferson himself shifted as he watched Alison open one of her books saying, "My dad wrote a lot of books about a lot of people we thought were fairytales. This one book talks about a man that mastered the art of dust…"

"The art of dust?" Henry asked, "Like… Fairy Dust?"

"The story goes that he was a miner that explored far off lands," Alison said, "One day the ship he was on shipwrecked onto an island shore. The Fairies and Dwarves saved him and took him in. The man was in awe from the magic of the land, but noticed his new friends had been sad. A mysterious plague had taken over the land, killing the flowers that had given the fairies their powers. The creatures were falling into disturbed dreams as quickly as the flowers were dying. The man discovered the jewels in this world were powerful and after a time was able to create a power to help the fairies perform their magic again."

"Fairy dust," Henry said in awe. Alison nodded and said, "With help from the fairies, the man discovered that the plague was being caused by a strange plant called night root that was being burnt by an evil fairy from the Dark Forest. The man and fairies were able to chase off this dark fairy to a castle far into the mountains, the power of the light fairy dust overpowering her. The fairies then buried the night root deep under the earth, never to be seen again. The man was able to use the poppy seed mixed with a special type of diamond to create a powder that awoke the creatures from their disturbed slumber."

"Lovely story," Jefferson muttered, "How does this help us?"

"The man disappeared when he was in his hundreds," Alison said, knowingly, "He was last seen by a tree that never woke."

Jefferson froze as Alison said, "A tree that's was later renamed as Aislinn's Tree."

"Mom," Paige said immediately, "The tree they left in the town square."

"You think he's still alive?" Ava asked.

"I think so," Alison said, "He was important enough to get near that tree. That tree belongs to the Guardian of the Season of Sleep; he wouldn't have been there if he wasn't welcome."

"That's the guardian's tree," Jefferson said flustered, "It's not her tree… there is no guarantee."

"No, but they'll know where he is!" Henry said excitedly.

"You still haven't told us how this helps us," Ava said frowning.

"I need a certain type of jewel," Alison said, "It's one that's really hard to find… If I can get this jewel, I'll have the other ingredient to help find the core."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Paige said eagerly, "Let's go there now!"

Paige raced out of the room with Nicholas and Ava following her. Henry quickly grabbed at her book and said, "No fair! You didn't tell me your dad wrote more books!"

"I only just found them yesterday! August had them hidden away in his stuff." Alison protested, but did not fight him to retrieve the book. Henry hurried out of the room as she rolled her eyes. As she stood up, however, Jefferson stood in her way and towered over her. Sending him a pointed stare, Alison asked sharply, "Something the matter, love?"

"Nothing for you to worry about," Jefferson said, his tone clipped, "As long as we're just getting the jewel, it shouldn't matter."

Alison looked a tad bit cross as she said, "It sounds like it's something for me to worry about. Does this have something to do with Aislinn?"

"It doesn't matter!" Jefferson said exasperated, "Let's just… go."

Jefferson left in a fidgety state as Alison watched after him curiously. She was distracted when something rubbed up against her leg as she looked down to see a stripped blue, grey, and black cat. She shook her head saying, "You are enjoying yourself just a tad bit too much."

There was a rush of grey-blue smoke and the very human looking Cheshire Cat stood grinning at her.

"Well I would be lying if I didn't enjoy being in my feline form," Chess said, stretching out his arms, "But being in this form has perks too… like talking."

"Because purring only gets you so far," Alison teased, grabbing her jacket off her chair. Chess held a mock offended expression as Alison pulled on her sneakers. After shaking her head, Alison looked at her door worried as she heard Jefferson talking downstairs.

"Is he going to be okay?" Alison asked, worried.

"With Aislinn," Chess said, "Probably not…Mother said the relationship between them… is tense."

"Hmm," Alison said, making face, "Let me guess, because she's now the Guardian of the Season of Sleep?"

"I think so…" Chess said, "It was a painful parting."

Alison nodded, a look of determination coming on her face as she said, "Well… that's just not going to fly."


The dark library was briefly illuminated as the door opened abruptly. A soft clicking of heels could be heard mingling with the heaviness of boots. The door shut with a ring as the man winced. The woman didn't seem bothered as she examined the room with interest. The man seemed to have no patience as he said rudely, "Is there a reason we are walking around in the dark, Your Majesty?"

"Yes," Cora said coolly, her red skirts rustling around her legs, "I'd rather not draw attention to the fact anyone is here. After all, it's better than waiting till nightfall after the library is closed… why people are awake at such late hours is beyond me."

"Not everyone is a stickler about such things, Your Majesty," the man said, using his hand to peek at one of the books on the shelf. Cora flicked her hand back, his hand being forced away from it. He glared at her as she said, "I'm sorry but we are supposed to keeping low tabs. Touching things is unwise."

The man rolled his eyes but left the book alone. The Queen paced the room before coming to a wall with a set of mirrors on it. Smiling cruelly, she flicked her hand up and the wall rose to reveal the elevator. The man raised his brows as the Queen said, "Here it is… the entrance."

"And it's in a library," the man said sarcastically, "No wonder it's hard to find."

"Hard to find if you don't know how to look," Cora said with her usual grace and firmness, "Now… do you remember what to do?"

"Of course," the man said with a wicked grin, "You have the relic?"

Cora extended her hand, an object swiftly appearing in a whirl of smoke. The man took it and Cora said, "Then I will see you on the other side."

The dark cavern was damp and cold. Water was dripping onto a broken tomb, slowly and unevenly. Another sound suddenly interrupted it, as the elevator came to a stop and let the man out. Scowling, the man said, "What a dingy place… I'd hate to ever befriend this Evil Queen."

"I'd advise against it."

The man was blasted back as he felt magic pierce him. Hitting the rock ground, the man grimaced as he heard an unearthly sound. Gritting his teeth, he quickly got to his feet to see the dust on the ground forming into a skeletal looking form. It made even him swallow in nervousness as he got his wits about him. Put on a dashing smile, he raised his arms out and said, "You must be Maleficent."

The screech was loud, making him wince as he felt the cool air pierce him. He grimaced as he said, "I've come with good tidings I assure you. I am in search of a rare item that only you know its whereabouts. Dark Fairy dust to be precise."

Maleficent screeched at him, swooping down and swiping at him angrily. It sent him flying once again, except this time he went flying into the cavern wall. Grimacing, he quickly got to his face as he said loudly, "I understand your aggression, believe me. I've come with a bargain!"

The man stood as Maleficent hissed but did not progress. The man continued saying, "Give us the dust, and I can turn you back to your human form. Free you of this wretched place!"

The man looked worried as he heard Maleficent screeched again. However, this time, she seemed to back off, as if expecting him to do something. The man pulled out the object and lifted it up to her. He blew into one end and the telescope like relic twisted until a light hit her.

There was a burst of magic as a bright purple light as the monstrous looking creature turned into a rather pretty woman. Her features were sharp and her eyes coy. Her light colored hair fell in ringlets down her front as she looked at the man with a smirk of a smile saying, "Much better… what a curious little object."

"It holds powder from a very ancient mirror," the man said with a devilish smirk, "It's said that this mirror would show a person's true form. After someone broke the mirror, it was built into this contraption to show the truth."

"A mirror," Maleficent said, eyeing him.

"Mirror's are powerful things," the man said, "I know someone who concealed a whole kingdom with them."

"Well," Maleficent said, "A man with knowledge of many things… Well, I believe you've earned this."

Maleficent pulled a vial out of the folds of her dress. She handed it to him and said,her voice filled with warning, "Use it carefully... I'd hate to not see your handsome face again, good sir."

The man smirked as he took it as he said, "Well… a good sir is something I haven't been called before."

Maleficent raised her brows as she said seductively, "Then what shall I call you then?"

The man twitched his handless arm as he said with a grin, "Captain… is good enough, love."


"Professor?"

Avenant shut the file he was holding as the woman's voice spoke loudly over the speaker. He was standing in a large music room with everything just so. Putting the file on his desk, Avenant said, "What is it, Mrs. Potters?"

"I have your eleven-thirty appointment here for you."

"Please send her in," Avenant said without a moment's hesitation. There was a good few minutes of silence before he heard a knocking. He looked behind to see her knocking on the door with a questioning look. He smiled and said, "You must be Kathryn Nolan."

"Yes, I am," Kathryn said, politely, "And you must be Professor Avenant."

"Yes," Avenant said, "Come, have a seat and we'll wrap this up quickly."

Kathryn looked a little surprised at his statement but didn't let it show for long. She sat down in the seat and watched him with a friendly smile. He opened a file on his desk and said, "Her portfolio was very intriguing… the music extremely advanced for her age group. How long has she been playing the violin?"

"She played when she was younger," Kathryn said, "But she's been an avid player over the past couple of years…"

"I believe it," Avenant said, "Whoever taught her the basics taught her well."

"He did," Kathryn said a little vaguely. Avenant noticed this but didn't press it. Instead, he shut the file saying, "Well, normally I don't like to take students so young. They usually drop the program after a couple of sessions and it doesn't help us any."

Kathryn looked a little concerned as Avenant then said quickly, "However, if she is as good as the portfolio suggests, and then she should be the exception at the audition."

Kathryn smiled with relief and said, "She will be ready. Her only regret is that she couldn't come today."

"I meet with the parents first and then meet the child," Avenant said abruptly, "Which brings me to the next question of why you are here?"

Kathryn looked taken aback as she said, "I beg your pardon."

"I'm sorry, I should clarify. I was wondering why you are here alone. Her temporary custody arrangement is that between her grandfather and yourself," Avenant said smoothly, "Even her godfather has ever sort of release form for her. So where are the other two?"

"August is supposed to be keeping an eye on Alison," Kathryn said, "So he couldn't come… As for Mr. Gold, I can assure you he was thinking of her best interests in not coming."

"Best interests?"

"He didn't want to start this off on a bad note for her," Kathryn said, sounding a little put out, "While is reputation has improved…"

"He didn't want her to be disqualified," Avenant said, sternly, "I promise that the only thing that would disqualify her is lack of talent."

"Which I assure you, won't be an issue," Kathryn said, adamantly.

Avenant smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. Glancing down at the child's photo in the file, Avenant said with a tinge of tension, "I sincerely hope not."


"Is the coast clear?"

Alison winced as she heard Henry's garbled voice over the radio. Clicking the radio on, Alison murmured with annoyance, "No Henry, both your mom's are still talking with the old men. People and their petty arguments…"

"Well, it's not their fault we need them away from the tree," Paige said, sitting under the tree that Alison was sitting in. Jefferson was with her as he looked rather tense in the face. Alison scowled and said, "What possessed them to put the tree in the middle of town square, I'll never know."

"Probably to make it difficult to actually see them," Jefferson said, "For those not worthy, they will not appear. We will probably will have to wait till nightfall before they will even consider coming out."

"Well I'm not waiting that long," Alison said grumpily, "I need them before that. Henry, can you distract them away from there?"

"Roger that!"

Alison put the radio down as Jefferson impatiently tapped his foot. Paige looked up at him nervously as Alison watched Emma pick up her phone. Regina talked with the two men impatiently, her voice carrying a bit. They seemed to of had their fill as they stormed away, leaving a very frustrated Regina. Jefferson was staring off into outer space when Paige finally asked with disappointment concern, "What's wrong, Papa?"

"Mh?" Jefferson said, looking down at her. Paige swallowed and asked, "You seem upset… is it because of mom?"

"Perceptive," Jefferson murmured before he could stop himself. Paige look of concern became upset, causing Jefferson to look aghast. Alison shifted as she listened, watching as Emma talked to Regina frantically. Regina looked stricken as they hurried off. Jefferson then said, "Look, your mother loves you… whether she is able to come out for you or not-!"

"Oh, she's coming out!" Alison said testily, twisting herself around the tree branch so she could drop to the ground, "Aislinn!"

"Oh God," Jefferson groaned as Alison raced over to the tall tree in the courtyard. Paige couldn't help but smile weakly before looking nervously at her father. Jefferson was shaking his head was a solemn but bemused expression on his face. Sighing, Jefferson stood up saying, "Come on, let's go make sure she doesn't kill herself."

"Huh?" Paige looked ever so confused as her father began to walk over toward the courtyard where Henry, Ava, and Nicholas were watching Alison storm around the tree. Nicholas looked concerned as he said tentatively, "She's…ready to go."

"Why isn't Aislinn coming out?" Ava asked as Jefferson and Paige got closer. Paige, looked up at her father with a hurt expression, and Jefferson's looked was impassive. Alison stormed back around the front, grabbing the trunk of the tree saying agitatedly, "Aislinn, I need to find the Master of Dust and I'm not waiting just because you've got personal complexes with hat head over there!"

"Alison!" Paige said exasperated and her voice sounding a little upset. Alison paid her no mind as she began to climb the tree. Henry shook his head as he watched his best friend climb the tree. Looking towards Paige, he noticed her upset expression. Henry looked at her sympathetically as he said, "Paige, she'll come out. I know she will."

Jefferson's jaw tightened but he did not say a word. Paige smiled a bit before someone yelled out.

"HENRY!"

Henry spun around to see Regina and Emma storming over to him. He paled a bit as he saw the angry and frustrated expression on their faces. The other children shifted nervously as Jefferson back up a bit. Regina made it to him first as she said, "What are you doing here?! You told Emma that you needed us back at the apartment ASAP."

"I-I was-," Henry said.

"Clearly not expecting us to be back this soon," Emma said coolly, "What are you up to?"

"AK!"

Everyone, minus Jefferson, jumped as Alison fell out of the tree and landed with a thump. Paige and Nicholas rushed forward as Jefferson shook his head at her. The two children helped her up as Jefferson asked, "Are you done?"

"No!" Alison snapped, "We need to find this guy, or we can't continue!"

"Can't continue what?" Regina asked sharply, making Alison turned around. Making a face, Alison said stoutly, "None of your business."

Alison suddenly felt a rush of air hit her feet as she found herself falling and screaming. Everyone jolted again and Emma went to run towards the hole. However, she and Regina fell down the hole before they could even blink. Paige screeched as she fell, the other three children followed suit. Jefferson went to go after his daughter in desperation, only to be blasted backwards by a blunt force to his head. Blacking out a moment Jefferson groaned as he tried to make it to his feet. When he had, he noticed that the area around him was not of the courtyard but in a grey toned forest. Glaring at the tree, he said heatedly, "Aislinn, what did you do!?"

There was a breeze of area that calmly floated about. He watched as she appeared from behind the tree, dress in grey. Her sharp eyes pierced him, the color he was not used to seeing her in. Gritting his teeth, Jefferson watched tensely as Aislinn approached him saying softly, "I did what Alison asked of me…"

"By throwing them down a hole!" Jefferson found himself snapping.

"It's how they will find the man they are searching for," Aislinn said calmly, but there was a sharpness to her that made Jefferson rooted to the spot, "You and I need to talk."


Cora stared at the picture.

The room was clearly aboard a ship, quite well kept in appearance. The room was large and the windows let in enough light from the outside. The Queen of Hearts was sitting in a nice cushioned chair, staring at a picture that was kept on the wall. It was of a girl, a girl with brown hair and the blue's eyes that made most people at ease. However the look on the Queen's face was troubled, fiddling with the locket at her neck. Taking a deep breath in, Cora made the picture invisible when someone entered the living quarters.

"You wished to see me, your Majesty?"

"Yes, I did," Cora said, glancing back to see Avenant bowing briefly in her direction. She made a cross face before she spoke, "The good Captain has managed to get a precious item that I needed. As well as a neutral party was set free. Were you any more successful in finding what I requested?"

"It depends on what you mean by successful," Avenant said smoothly, his face rather impassive. Cora's looked darkened as she stood up. She took a step towards him as she said, "I don't like smart answers, Professor. I don't know you well enough for you to do them so please… answer me straight forward."

"The grave you asked me for," Avenant said, "It exists, but there is an unusual story that goes along with it."

"And what story might that be?" Cora asked, a note of displeasure on her voice. Avenant did not look bothered by her tone as he said, "I indeed found the grave you had asked of, however the girl's name that is on the grave is a name that is on my student roster."

"What?" the Queen's voice was sharp, demanding in nature. Avenant said coldly, "Alison Kinsleigh is a girl who is trying out for my music program."

"How old?"

"She'll be twelve this March," Avenant said smoothly. Cora's face tensed a bit as she gained a thoughtful look. Avenant watched her carefully as he asked, "Is this a problem?"

"Not at all," Cora said smoothly, "In fact it is an interesting development. Keep an eye on her for me."

"She's only an applicant," Avenant said warningly, "She's not in my program yet-."

"Trust me she will be," Cora said, "Her music abilities are quite impressive and will be of no hindrance to your reputation. Just do as I ask."

Avenant inclined his head before saying, "That I will do."

Cora allowed Avenant to leave, allowing herself to look deep in thought. Fiddling with the necklace around her neck, Cora looked back to see the picture appear. Staring at it intently, Cora said softly, "Well… it looks like mourning you will be no longer necessary, my Pet."


"Emma! Emma!"

Emma groaned as she felt someone shaking her shoulder. Blinking, she found herself slowly sitting up with the help from another. There was heaviness about her that she quite couldn't place. Vision came back into focus as she asked, "What happened?"

Regina looked around and said testily, "We fell… to where I have no idea. You probably would be better off asking that one over there."

Emma looked up to where Regina indicated and gapped at the scene before them. There they were sitting on what looks like grey clouds in a very dark night sky. The only light to illuminate their figures was the stars that hung gracefully in the sky. Alison glared at Regina and huffed, "How am I supposed to know! I asked Aislinn to help me find the Master of Dust, not send me on a midnight stroll!"

Emma blinked as Alison sighed irritated as Regina stood up. Glaring at Alison, Regina said, "Well now we are here and have no idea what happened to Henry!"

"I'm sure he's fine, he's more resilient than you give him credit for," Alison said stoutly, walking forward through the clouds. The clouds seem to poof up under her feet as she walked. Emma stood up and said, "I'm sure he is, but why are you potentially putting yourselves in danger again?"

"I told you, I need to find the Master of Dust!" Alison said, looking back at them with an indignant look, "I need something he has and this seems to be the only way to get to him!"

"Why do you need anything from him?" Regina demanded, obviously still annoyed. Alison made a face but she answered simply, "Operation Cobra."

Regina gapped, as did Emma. Emma was the first to speak though as she said confused, "Ummm… kid. Didn't we already break the curse?"

"Yeah," Alison said, "But you don't see everyone back in the Enchanted Forest though, do you?!"

"Wha-Why would you want to go back there?!" Regina said, stricken, "There's trolls, ogres, demons, and-and all sorts of evils things over there that you can't comprehend!"

"That I can't comprehend!" Alison thundered, looking over at Regina. Regina was about to say more when she froze. Emma had frozen as well. Alison noticed and looked at them both confused. Emma was the first to elaborate on their concern when she pointed past Alison saying, "What is that?"

Alison turned to see what she was pointing at.

Silvery sparkling dust was swirling around eerily, building up a strange form. Emma instinctually grabbed Alison, pulling her back away from it. Alison watched it warily as Emma said, "Regina…"

"Got it," Regina said, flicking her fingers. Nothing occurred, causing Regina to flick her fingers several times. Emma looked between her and the growing figure saying stricken, "Regina-!"

"It's not working," Regina said, gritting her teeth, "Alison, try putting a protection spell-."

"I can't," Alison whispered, as she tried flicking her own fingers to no avail. The dust began to glow, making them even more nervous. Emma swallowed as the wind began to pick up. The glow swirled around until a person could be seen. A person that made all three of them stunned.

"Well well," the old man whispered, chuckling, "Quite the characters have shown up at my abode."

The old man was cheerful in nature: rosy cheeks, light colored eyes, and weathered skin. His hair was wispy and white, peeking out beneath his nightcap. He was not much taller than Alison, but the aura was just as energetic as hers. The man bounced towards them, making them flinch as he said, "The Evil Queen, The Savior, and The Alice of Wonderland. What a wonderful group of guests, dreams that shall be abound now!"

The man waved his hand and the clouds swirled up. They slowly formed into a table and chairs. Bouncing towards the table, the man blew dust towards the table and tea cups appeared.

"Come and take a rest you three!"

"I'm sorry," Emma asked, her voice slightly raised, "But who are you?"

"My name is Ole-Luk-Oie," he said with a bow, taking off his hat with a flourish, "I am the Man of Dreams."

"Ole-Luk-Oie," Emma said, warily. Regina, however, snorted and said, "Ole-Luk-Oie, the Sandman. You were screaming at Aislinn to see the Sandman."

"Well, I need him and I wasn't screaming!" Alison retorted, only for Ole-Luk-Oie to pull her towards a seat saying, "Now, now. Don't start bickering. I don't want anyone to have bad dreams tonight!"

Alison fell into the chair with an oof. Ole-Luk-Oie looked at Emma and Regina cheerfully, indicating towards the other seats. Regina sat down in a seat near Alison as Emma sat saying, "I'm sorry… my son and his friends might have fallen down with us. Do you know where-?"

"Wherever Fate wanted them to go," Ole-Luk-Oie said, "Fate chooses who comes to my dreams, not I."

Alison took the tea cup, taking a sip to taste a honey tasting tea. She looked over at Ole-Luk-Oie curiously as he bounced up and floated in the air. He crossed his legs sitting in midair as he made a tea cup appear in a swirl of dust. Sipping his drink, he said, "So curious, so curious… what can I do for you three?"

"I don't know, ask this one," Regina said sarcastically before tasting her tea. Alison glared at her but didn't say anything. Ole-Luk-Oie looked at her knowingly as he said, "Not true, not true. Her wishes are her own, not yours. Fate wouldn't send you here if you didn't have a dream to fulfill."

Regina rolled her eyes slightly as he looked at her pondering. Sipping his tea once more, he remained watching her as Alison's curiosity overtook her glare. Putting her tea cup down, Alison asked, "You said Fate chooses who comes to your dream… is Fate a person like you?"

"Fate is Providence," Ole-Luk-Oie hummed, while examining Regina, "As Ole-Luk-Oie is the Master of Dreams."

"I thought you were the Master of Dust," Alison said, a little nervous as her eyes got glassy. Ole-Luk-Oie appeared next to her, making a handkerchief appear for her. Alison jumped, but took it from the man. He looked at her kindly as he said, "That was your father's assumption… a correct assumption but I was never called that before him."

Alison looked a little relieved but unnerved. Ole-Luk-Oie appeared by Regina, examining her with a deep pondering look. Regina looked at him with a strange look as he said, "Your dream… it's one that wouldn't surprise many... but the contents of your dream surprise you."

Regina made a face until he had said, "Your dream is of a boy, a boy with brown hair. You both clearly love each other; however one boy turns in to two, and three girls replace them. Soon you have been overwhelmed by your confusion and desire…"

Regina looked at him with a stormy look as he said, "Your heart is big Regina, much too big to be an Evil Queen."

Regina shook her head slightly as Emma and Alison watched her. Emma watched her with a sad reality, turning her tea cup. Alison was staring at her with a curious little look, searching for a certain reaction that the Queen had yet to give. Regina made a face as she said, "I'm not the one who added evil to my name."

"Not initially, however you are the one who accepted it," Ole-Luk-Oie said knowingly, "You fostered the title, made it grow. Although you shall be happy to know that your dream is still within reach…"

Ole-Luk-Oie had a sparkle in his eye as he said, "You just have to prove that you want it with all your heart."

Regina looked at him with a baffled and incredulous expression before she gasped. Her eyes closed as she fell into the clouds quickly but gracefully. Both Emma and Alison jumped up in their seats, their looks stricken. Ole-Luk-Oie was not.

"She is leaving my dream world," Ole-Luk-Oie said smoothly, "Something the two of you will be doing soon."

Alison was staring at the clouds that Regina had disappeared in with a nervous stare. Emma looked beyond nervous, she looked on guard. Staring at Ole-Luk-Oie pointedly, she didn't let her guard down as Ole-Luk-Oie said, "You two have similar dreams to one another… terrifying dreams. However, your dreams have been different as of late. Happier dreams…dreams of your new founded family. However, you find that in their presents you begin to shrink… you keep getting smaller and smaller and the feeling of steadiness begins to fall."

Emma stared at him with glassy eyes as he continued saying, softly, "You worry that you will not live up to your status…. Such a pity."

"I don't need pity," Emma said coolly, her look impassive. Alison watched the two of them, swallowing softly as Ole-Luk-Oie said, "Of course you do not…. What you need is to realize."

"Realize?" Emma asked, raising her brows. However, Emma found herself falling unconscious. Alison watched as Emma also fell into the clouds, gracefully and quickly. Looking over, Alison saw Ole-Luk-Oie floating near her with a more serious expression on his face. Alison beat him to speak saying, "I need a certain type of dust-!"

"I know what it is you are searching for Alison," Ole-Luk-Oie said deeply, "I know that it serves you a duo purpose this dust… It is true you want this dust to aid these people in their return… however there is another reason you need it. Your dreams are never happy ones… It is the one thing that breaks my heart to see. No one should feel the way you have been forced to feel."

Ole-Luk-Oie sipped his tea before making it disappear and said, "I'm afraid I can't make the Dreams of the Queen or him disappear."

Alison inhaled sharply, her eyes turning glassy. Shifting in her seat, Alison asked sharply, "Why? The dust is supposed to be able to do anything you want."

"As long as your dream is pure," Ole-Luk-Oie said simply, "Yes."

"So why can't you stop them," Alison said, her voice having a tint of anxiety, "You're the sandman, you control them."

"Yes, my dear, I do," Ole-Luk-Oie said kindly, reaching forward and cradled her hands, "Dreams are crucial to everyone, Child. They help us sort through the deep problems that hide in the shadows of our mind. The dust I will give, but it will not do exactly what you wish it to do…"

Ole-Luk-Oie let go of her hands, floating a bit away. Alison looked to see in place of the kerchief was a heavy tie bag sitting there. She looked up at him and he said knowingly, "Even I think these enchanted personas shouldn't be stuck in this cruel world…"

Alison weakly smiled before allowing the action to disappear. Looking down at the dust again, Alison shook her head slightly. Ole-Luk-Oie watched her as she looked back up at him with lost eyes as she asked, "Why are those dreams so important…?"

"My dear," Ole-Luk-Oie said knowingly, waving his hand. Alison felt herself slip into darkness as he said words she had not heard in a long time, "The question is not why they are important. It is what were you looking for?"


Jefferson and Aislinn were standing near one another, staring at each other intently. Jefferson seemed more bothered as he stood rigidly. Aislinn did not seem bothered by this as Jefferson asked, "Grace…"

"Is safe at home in her bed," Aislinn said gently, "As you will wake up soon in yours."

"So they didn't find the Sandman," Jefferson muttered and Aislinn said, "Only Emma, Regina, and Alison need the sandman. Fate won't allow anything less than that."

Jefferson looked at Aislinn sarcastically before saying, "So Fate doesn't think our child deserves to see her mother?"

"It does," Aislinn said tightly, "But at the same time, Fate needs our daughter to stay out of harm's way… considering she already knows too much now."

Jefferson scoffed, finally breaking the eye contact with her. Walking away Jefferson said, "So he'll keep making her wonder why her mother won't see her…when she knows she very well can."

"You know that's not true," Aislinn said shaking her head, her eyes somewhat glassy. Jefferson turned around, looking quite mad, "It doesn't matter what I know to be true or not, it's the dark thoughts that take root in her mind that matter! I can only say so much Aislinn before she stops believing me!"

"Stops believing you," Aislinn said softly, "Or stops believing in you."

Jefferson didn't look at her, but stared off towards the tree. Aislinn walked towards him saying, "It always was the dark insecurity in you, the connection with Grace. What you don't know is the years she was separated from you. She never once hated you for what happened… In fact she prayed to me, begging me to make sure you would come home safely."

"So why didn't you?" Jefferson muttered, but only half heartedly. Aislinn stopped directly in front of him saying, "You did… last I checked you came home in one piece."

"Ever the sarcastic one," Jefferson said snorting softly.

"I have to be," Aislinn said with a huff, "Alison hasn't quite mastered unconditional sarcasm."

"Can't with all the darkened muchness," Jefferson said before Aislinn smacked him on the back of the head crossly. Jefferson gave her a look as she said warningly, "Don't keep making a fuss, muchness is muchness. If she remained all light, she'd never learn."

Jefferson kissed her in that moment, soft but deep. Aislinn kissed back, clearly not bothered by his action. Entangling his fingers in her hair, Jefferson pulled her to him in an embrace. However after a few loving moments, Jefferson pulled away. Leaning forehead against forehead, Aislinn said, "This was never meant to be easy… it was not as simple as coming back from the dead."

"I know," Jefferson muttered, "… why are you doing this?"

Aislinn had a bitter smile on her face before his vision began to darken. Her voice was soft as she said, "Fate felt I owed the child a debt… a debt she'll soon understand fully."

Jefferson jolted, staring up at his bedroom ceiling. Groaning, he sat up in his bed while rubbing his eyes. Looking around, he noticed someone sitting at the end of his bed. Smiling weakly, he said, "Hey."

"Hey," Paige said, "How was mom?"

Jefferson looked at her, slightly surprised before saying, "How did you know?"

"I just knew," Paige said softly, watching him kindly. Jefferson nodded, looking about his bedroom. He glanced back at her asking, "Are you mad?"

"No," Paige said looking a little caught off guard, "I'm actually happy."

"You're happy. You didn't get to see your mother and you're happy." Jefferson repeated. Paige nodded and she said coyly, "Of course not… I didn't need her. After all, I'm not the one that gets tense and upset when talking about her."

"You and your mother," Jefferson said shaking his head in stupor, "You both love teasing me."

"You make it so easy," Paige said, with a weak smile. Shaking her head, she looked towards his window saying, "No… no that's not what I'm upset about."

Jefferson looked concerned and asked, "What are you upset about?"

Paige shook her head sadly as she said, "Alison… and Henry… you know I always thought it was silly that theory… but I always wished they would 'recruit' me…."

"Recruit you…" Jefferson repeated, "If you thought it was silly, why-?"

"Because I envied them," Paige said sadly, "They had all these adventures… and every time I try I never get anywhere."

"Helping Alison," Jefferson interrupted, "Is never anything you expect it to be. Her adventures are nothing that she asks for and when she asks for them, she doesn't really have options on who she takes with her."

Jefferson held his daughters hand and squeezed it. Paige looked at him as he said gently, "Just know you're her best friend in the whole wide world and that puts you in a series of adventures itself."

Paige giggled, shaking her head slightly. Jefferson glanced at the ground as he said, "I don't know."

"You don't know what?" Paige asked curiously.

"I don't know how your mother is," Jefferson said, "I didn't ask."

"You didn't ask," Paige said, offended, "You got to see her and you didn't even ask how she was?! What is wrong with you!?"

"I didn't-there was-Ow! Stop hitting me!" Jefferson said as Paige proceeded to whack him with a nearby pillow. She stared at him as she said, "No, I won't! She goes out of her way to protect us every day and you don't ask how she's doing."

Jefferson grabbed the pillow as he said, "Well not everyone is as sensitive as you, my dear Grace."

Paige whacked him hard with the pillow before stopping. Shaking her head, and Jefferson smiled weakly. Staring out the window, Jefferson said, "She was listening."

Paige looked at him surprised as he said, "Every time you asked her to watch over me… she was listening."

Paige smile returned, a warm content one as he said, "She loves you more than anything. You were her final blessing… that's what she named you Grace."

Paige nodded as she leaned over. She hugged him tight and he hugged her back. She inhaled deeply as she said, "She loves you too… I just wish you'd remember that."

"I do," Jefferson said softly, "I think that what makes it so hard sometimes…"


"You let her go off by herself! What did we agree on?!"

Alison winced, sitting on her bed. She was in her room at Kathryn's home. The light outside was no longer existent, the window showing the darkness of night. The room was illuminated only by the dim lamp on the night stand. She was in her pajamas, her hair falling forward over her shoulders. Her bangs fell off to the side of her face. In her hand was a phone. Pulling it to her ear, Alison said, "And this is why I didn't want to involve Emma and Regina."

"I'm sorry." Henry's voice really sounded sorry. "I couldn't stop them from telling."

"It's fine," Alison said with a sigh, "It was unavoidable. So… you just woke up randomly in your room, and it was like you had been up there the whole time?"

"Yeah, Dad didn't even seem bothered that I just randomly walked into the living room," Henry said, "So what was he like? The Sandman?"

"He was a cheerful little old man," Alison said, thoughtfully, "He was quite unusual though, he kept saying how we were 'in' his dream…"

"But we were sleeping and dreaming…," Henry said but then added thoughtfully, "Wait… so was it a dream?"

"I don't know," Alison said, pondering, "I can't figure out if he was dreaming of us and we fell into the dream… or we fell asleep and he came to our dreams…"

"That doesn't make any sense to be dreams at all, you got the jewel," Henry said, sounding frustrated, "Wait, did you get the jewel?"

"I did," Alison said, holding the pouch in her hand. Frowning softly, she examined it saying softly, "Why are the smallest items the most powerful…?"

"I don't know, maybe because of irony?"

Alison grinned and looked down at the bag. However, her grin disappeared as she heard footsteps climbing the stairs. She then said quickly, "I gotta go. See you tomorrow Henry."

"Only if you're not grounded."

Alison hung up the phone and hid the magic dust in her nightstand. Falling back on her bed, Alison watched as Kathryn opened her bedroom door. She looked quite cross as Alison said meekly, "If it helps at all, I'm not hurt…"

Kathryn shut the door as she said warningly, "Why? Why do you just jump into things without a thought of the danger or a thought of even talking to-!?"

"Because I'm not used to doing that!" Alison said quickly, "And I didn't think the Sandman would be dangerous, he was a Hero long ago."

"He could have been dangerous," Kathryn said, exasperatedly, "Why didn't you tell me what you were planning or have August go with you!?"

"Because I had Jefferson so I was hoping it wouldn't matter," Alison said with a heavy sigh, "And it wouldn't have matter if I had brought August, only people who truly need the Sandman are allowed to see him…"

Kathryn watched Alison intently, making the child squirm a little bit. Pushing her own hair back, Kathryn took a deep breath in before saying firmly, "Why did you go to see the sandman?"

Alison took a deep breath as she said, "I need a jewel turned to dust…. It'll help everyone get back to the Enchanted Forest."

Kathryn's looked softened a little bit but she kept pushing on, "But that's not all, is it? You needed that dust for something else…"

Alison shifted, making a face. She didn't look at Kathryn as a small sense of realization hit her face. Kathryn then stated softly, "You're still having the nightmares aren't you…"

"Yes," Alison said rigidly, "And no…"

"No?"

"I've been having different ones," Alison said, hesitating a moment, "About the queen…"

"Regina?" Kathryn said baffled.

"No," Alison muttered, "The Queen of Hearts…"

There was a deep silence between them. Kathryn watched as Alison hugged her knees to her chest, staring out towards the floor. Kathryn bit her lip, any irritation that she once had evaporated. Finally, Kathryn spoke in a gentler tone, "What are those one's like?"

Alison shook her head slightly, still staring off towards the ground. She clearly didn't want to say, however Kathryn remained silent. After almost a minute had gone by, Kathryn almost thought she wasn't going to say anything. However, Alison finally spoke saying, "They're memories… of the time we spent together in her castle. The ones I hate the most…"

Kathryn looked a little confused as she said, "What happened in the castle? Did she do something…"

"It's more of what she wouldn't do," Alison said coldly, looking up at Kathryn with a dead expression, "And these dreams… are just painful reminders that she wouldn't do it."

Kathryn watched her sympathetically as Alison allowed herself to get lost in her thoughts. Kathryn knew she wouldn't say anything more and sighed. Standing up, Kathryn said, "Well… can't just catch a break from these night terrors can you?"

"Story of my life," Alison said dully. Kathryn leaned down, kissing her cheek saying, "Come wake me up if they happen again… maybe we can find out what they mean."

Alison rolled her eyes and said, dubiously, "I doubt it."

"Regardless, you have to," Kathryn said pointedly, "Or otherwise, you're grounded for running off when you know you're not supposed to. And it's not going to be like your Grandfather's type of grounding either."

Alison looked at Kathryn warily as she said, "That sounds like manipulation at it's finest."

Kathryn raised her brows as she said, "It's a choice. Do you want to be grounded for real?"

"No," Alison said quickly. Kathryn said firmly, "Then do as I ask. I'm tired of you taking ice cold showers and having you think that I don't notice."

Alison watched her for a moment before nodding. Kathryn waved her hand, encouraging her to scoot over. Alison scooted away so Kathryn could pull down the sheets. Crawling under the covers, Alison let Kathryn tuck her in under the sheets saying, "Are you ready?"

Alison nodded as Kathryn opened the curtains by her bed, showing the night sky. Kathryn opened the window as Alison propped herself against the pillows. Kathryn watched as Alison blew into her hand, a light blue smoke swirling around in her hands. Kathryn turned off the dim lamp, allowing the moonlight to come in. The light blue smoke glowed as Kathryn began saying, "We hope this message gets to you, Baelfire. Your little girl almost got herself grounded today."

"Hey!" Alison huffed, staring at her with a playful accusatory expression. Kathryn smiled coyly as Alison said, "It's probably good that I didn't, she'd have a hard time enforcing it since I'm going to the old coot tomorrow. We managed to get the dust from the Sandman… hopefully that'll help get Operation Cobra going along."

"We miss you," Kathryn said kindly, "We hope Pan isn't driving you crazy. If you're anything like your daughter, he probably is. But all the same, we hope he's not."

Alison shifted in the bed, leaning closer to the ball as she said, "I hope you okay, if you can please try the mirror. I've moved it to my bedroom in hopes we can talk. I love you."

"Sweetie," Kathryn said, softly. Alison glanced as Kathryn made a circular motion with her hand to speed up. Nodding slightly, Alison promised, "I'll see you soon. Tell Tinker Belle I said hi, tell Peter to go jump off a cliff. Put flowers on mom's grave for me… Good bye."

Alison lifted up her land and whispered, "Take it to Neverland."

The little orb shot out the window, like a shooting star. Alison looked a little sad but hopeful at the same time. Kathryn shut the window as Alison said, "I wonder if he even gets them… He never sends one back. Tink hasn't been back in such a long time-."

"Tink may not be able to come and he might not know how to do it," Kathryn said softly, "Even you can't describe how it's done."

"I don't know how I really do any of it," Alison said, "I just… do it."

Kathryn leaned over and kissed her forehead. She smiled weakly and said, "Goodnight. I'll see you in the morning."

"Or the middle of the night," Alison warned. Her face softened however as she said to Kathryn, "Goodnight."

Kathryn got up and walked over to the door as Alison snuggled into the pillows. Glancing back, Kathryn saw that Alison had already fallen asleep. Shaking her head, Kathryn said leaving, "Ever the quick one…"


Somewhere on a distant shore, a man stood waiting. His hair was dark and it looked he hadn't shaven in a couple of weeks. His face looked calm as he looked up at the sky. The sky was covered in stars, planets shining bright in the sky. However, this man was waiting for one star to twinkle just so.

And it did.

A little orb came shooting down to him, hitting him and entering him. There was a rush of familiar magic that made him smile truly. He didn't move for a while even as Peter and Tinker Belle came down beside him.

"So," Peter said, fiddling with his pipes, "What did Lassie have to say now?"

"Told me to tell you to go jump off a cliff," Baelfire said smoothly, turning to face him, "She said to tell Tink she says hello."

Tink grew big, fluttering her now large wings. Grinning, Tink said, "Every time! God I miss that child. When can I go see her?!"

"When the falling stars have finished falling. Tink you should know that by now," Peter said with a glower, "You know, you raised a little brat Mate."

Baelfire's look went solemn as he turned and began to walk away. Peter then raised his arms out in protest as Tink rolled her eyes saying, "Now look what you did, Peter. You can be such a donkey's-."

"Oh would you go flutter off," Peter said, irritated, "Bae! Come on, get back here. Bae!"

Baelfire walked in the forest, having plucked flowers from the willow trees. Braiding the stems carefully, Baelfire didn't pay attention to Peter flying down behind him. Scowling, Peter said, "You know, you walk fast. If you would just use magic-."

"I'm not flying Peter," Bae said shortly, "Magic shouldn't be used so recklessly."

"Oh come on!" Peter said, "Where's you sense of adventure?"

Baelfire finished braiding the small wreath as he said, "Buried in the grave…"

Peter sobered up, not saying another word. They entered a clearing, the moon above lighting up the stone coffin. Peter hung back by the tree, pulling his pipes out. Beginning to play, Peter paid no mind to his friend as he went towards the grave. Baelfire stopped next to it and put the flowers on it saying softly, "She misses you love…"

"Misses you I'm sure," Cora tutted, as if she didn't believe a single word he said. Waving her hand the mirror's image disappeared to reveal her face in it. She didn't spend a moment to look at it however as she heard a man say behind her.

"Now what, you're Majesty. We were counting on him being here."

"You were counting on him being here, Captain," Cora said smoothly, "I did not need him to be here. With this new development, this puts quite a bit of a change in our plans. I now have a pet to retrain… we just need to gather a little more information."

"And what of me," the man said, coldly. He stood up from his desk as Cora turned to face him fully. She smiled cruelly as she said, "And you…. Captain. You finally have leverage for your revenge."

Temperance Tales: Goodness me… I like to make the chapters look just a little bit different, but I like this format so much there really wasn't much to change.

So Bizzarieve… I always give him credit for Brainstorming with me… but in looking back I never gave him credit for exactly which characters he help me with… It saddens me to say that there is so much that I will probably regain my mind to lose my mind trying to sort out what idea's were his. Well I can tell you to start off with Avenant is actually his character. Indeed that one was his idea, not mine. I believe inserting Howl's Moving Castle was one of his idea's too… I'll mention more as the chapters go on as I really feel like if I don't put it, that I'll just be inserting credit for the sake of doing it. This is NOT the case, as I truly appreciate any help give to me or ideas… he just happens to be the only one. So onwards to my Disclaimer and please my audience dears… tell me what you think of this chapter.

I do not own Once Upon A Time and I give full credit to its creators. I do not own any fairytales… or I would not be a fanfiction writer on here hahaha. I give the fairytale's owners their full credits such as Snow Queen and Rapunzel and stories that Once Upon a Time hasn't done or is just plain different from mine.