Chapter Fifty Two: Down the Rabbit Hole.
Alison screamed.
Her hair whipped around her face as she fell. Her body twisted and fell as the hole seemedto never end. Alison found as she looked around that strange objects were in the tunnel. Ticking clocks, piano's, chairs, beds, and many other objects were either falling around or were stuck on the tunnel walls. Tear's filled her eyes as she continued to fall. Trying her hardest to grab onto anything, Alison found that the hole got smaller and smaller. Soon she was slowing and tumbling down. With a final screech, Alison found herself on the ground. Her hair was falling above her though and she couldn't understand it. Looking around, she saw a chandelier chain hanging upside down. Looking around confused, Alison squeaked as she fell to the actual floor.
The tile was cold and Alison was beyond confused. There were whispers about her and adistinctlaugh that could be heard. What she could not understand was what had a long enough arm to drag her into the hole. The voices stopped, making Alison believe she had just made it up in her mind.
Shivering, Alison got up and frantically looked for a way out. As she did so, she came across a table upon which was a key. Picking it up she examined it to see that it was a simple little thing, much like the key for her box her father had made.
There was a creak and Alison looked around frantically. She noticed nothing except doors that remained dutifully shut. Walking over to one, Alison tried the key murmuring, "Maybe these doors will help me get back up…"
The laughter that had quieted now burst out loudly, echoing in the hall. Alison dropped the key in surprise, looking around. No one but she was there; Alison and a table with a little bottle on top. Looking around, Alison asked timidly, "Hello? Who's there?"
The laugh faded away, leaving Alison looking around with a sigh. Bending down, Alison picked up the key and looked around once again. This time, Alison saw a smaller door. This door had many carvings upon it, reminding her of her box once more. Crawling over to the door, Alison put the key in and unlocked the door. It swung open revealing a soft light from the world beyond. Alison peeked in and gasped. Her problems were slowly forgotten as she looked at the nature beyond the room.
There was a boom of laughter, making her jump and hit her head. Crawling away from the door, Alison looked around frightened as she heard the laughter ring around her. Trembling, Alison listened as a voice spoke up this time, "Little, little, rabbit, rabbit loo. Try to find the size for you, to get out of this dismal room."
Alison looked around but found the room was still empty of any other people. Now Alison was quite frightened and was scooting backwards on the floor. As she did so, she felt herself hit the table. Looking up, she saw the glass bottle knocked over on the table. Reaching up, Alison pulled herself up to see that it was labeled something. Frowning, Alison let go of the key and took the bottle in hand. The wording changed from a foreign language to her native one. DRINK ME… Alison was intrigued. Opening it, Alison did what her father always told her not to do and drank from the peculiar object.
Alison yelped as she felt a jerking in her body, causing her to shrink and shrink until she was no bigger than a mouse. Frantically, Alison looked about as the voice she had heard boomed around her.
"Tiny, tiny, you've become; you silly curious little one. Now jump and jump up to the key; so you can do as you please. If not my dear you will see how mean and bleak that I can be."
Alison swallowed and did as he asked. She jumped, climbed, did just about anything she could think of. However, she could not get up to the table to get the key. Looking around wildly, Alison noticed a little box with the strange writing on the top. Hurrying to her knees Alison picked it up and watched the words change to EAT ME. Alison took a bite of cake and swallowed. Alison dropped the box, coughing and choking as she grew larger and larger till she smacked her head upon the ceiling.
A cruel laughter echoed in the room as Alison started crying. Tears began to fall down her cheeks as the man's voice started again, "Failure, Failure, is you so; faulting twice in a row. Now commences a punishment that you do fear; the Pool of Tears shall soon be here."
"Wake up!"
Gold jolted out of a sleep as Alison came pouncing into his bed. Groaning, he attempted to pull the sheets up over his head. However, Alison was much faster than he and grabbed them away as she bounced saying, "Come on, sleepy head! Belle's already down making breakfast and she doesn't want to hear you whining and complaining about breakfast being cold."
Gold pushed her away as she got too close, groaning slightly. Staring over at her, Gold said tiredly, "Don't you ever sleep in?"
"Hmm," Alison said thoughtful, "Nope, never!"
"Well," Gold said sarcastically, "Isn't that my luck."
Alison stuck her tongue out at him, only for him to reach over and catch her in a tight hug. Giggling into his nightshirt, Alison heard Gold say into her hair, "Careful dearie. I'll jinx your tongue to the top of your mouth."
Alison pulled away just after he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Gold tickled her sides quickly before standing up to open the curtains. Giggling, Alison scooted over towards the edge of the bed and said, "That's not fair. I don't know all the spells you do."
Gold looked at her incredulously as he said, "So? I believe someone made water fly into my face one morning, that seems plenty enough to know."
"Yeah but there is a difference between putting magic into things like water," Alison said, "as opposed to jinxing someone… or turn someone into a snail. I may be a Mage but I don't know everything."
Gold smirked and turned around expecting to see a joking face. However, her face was quite serious as she looked at him hopefully. Turning away from her slightly, Gold said seriously, "If that is the case, you better off not knowing."
Alison's mouth opened only for Belle to come into the room promptly as she said to Gold, "Come on you! Breakfast is ready and I will not have us being late for making the last bit of preparations for the reception!"
"Alright, Alright," Gold said impatiently, "I'll be down in a minute."
Belle shooed Alison out of the room, earning an indignant look from her. Belle shut the door and said as Alison waltzed into her room, "August should be picking you up this morning."
"Okay," Alison said, shutting the door promptly. Gritting her teeth, she began pulling out clothes from the closet. Well that was a bust… it would have made things so much easier if Gold would help her. She knew a lot of things in regards to magic. But there was always one thing she could never get right. Alison flicked her fingers, sparks appearing from her fingers but nothing more than that.
Shaking her head, she picked up the phone in her room as she dialed the numbers. Letting it ring, Alison quickly got changed into her jeans and black shirt. As she was lacing up her boots, August's voice could be heard.
"Hello?"
"Hey, August," Alison said, "Did you want me to meet you at Granny's or were you coming to pick me up?"
"Actually, I was just about to call," August held a moment's hesitation before speaking again, "Some things have popped up. I have to go take care of them."
Alison paused, a look of distain falling on her face. Standing up straight, Alison said frowning, "What kind of things?"
"Just some errands," August said slightly nervously, "Just-Hang out it Belle and Gold today, I'll pick you up after dinner."
"You're going to stick me with the lovesick birds today," Alison said, her voice clearly bothered, "They have wedding stuff to do, I don't want to be around for that!"
"Well then promise me you'll find someone else to stick with today," August said hastily, "I'll try and finish my errands quickly."
"Why do I feel like your nose grew about a foot?" Alison said sharply, then let out a sigh saying, "Fine, I'll stick with someone else."
"Thank you, Lizzie. I owe you like the biggest piece of chocolate cake ever."
Alison heard the line disconnect as she hung up her end saying, "Don't bother. I hate sweets."
"Is something wrong?"
Alison spun to look towards the door to see Belle looking at her with a concerned expression. There was some strange sort of eagerness in her eyes as Alison turned away saying, "August is ditching me, as per usual. Now I've got to go to Plan C."
"Plan C?" Belle said, baffled, "What-?"
"Don't worry about it," Alison said, grabbing her backpack and slinging it on her back, "I'm heading over to Unplaced… I'll stick around with Cheshire till I figure out what I'm going to do."
"Do you want to tag along with us; we could get your dress for the wedding-."
"No, stick to your plans," Alison said with a polite air of dismissal. Ducking past her, Alison said hurrying down the stairs, "See you later!"
Belle pouted slightly, watching her leave with an air of defeat. Gold walked up behind her, noticing her disappointed demeanor. Kissing the top of her head, Gold murmured, "She's just annoyed at the puppet love… Give it time; she'll have to tired out soon."
Belle nodded but still held a slight disappointed expression on her face. Gold noticed still but this time kissed her lips saying, "Let's go eat breakfast. We have a long day ahead of us."
"Chesshire?"
Chess grinned, hearing the voice he had been desperately hoping to hear today. Turning around, he watched Alison come into his shop looking a little miffed. Leaping towards her in long strides, he hugged her tight as he said, "Too long, my dear Alison. Much too long without your presence near mine."
"It's been a weekend, Chess," Alison said, rolling her eyes. Entangling her hands in his hair, she pressed an innocent kiss to his head. Letting go, Chesshire stood up straight as he grinned at her saying, "A weekend filled with boredom and long quiet hours of laziness. Not really my style love."
"Really, I thought Cats lived to be lazy," Alison said teasingly. Sitting up on his desk, Alison watched as he huffed up. Crossing his arms, Chess said, "A vicious misunderstanding in this world. Taking our relaxation for a time for laziness. You should know better."
Chess sat down in his chair, staring up at Alison with his curious eyes. Alison merely shrugged and said smoothly, "You would think…"
Chess noticed her puzzled expression as she stared off into his shop. Leaning forward, he asked, "What's the matter, love? You look like you've got puzzlement annoying your pretty little brain."
"August ditched me today, the love birds are planning for the wedding," Alison said with an air of annoyance, "And I have to go back to the Outlands to retrieve something…"
"Outlands?" Chess's voice sounded hopeful and doubtful at the same time, "You mean in Wonderland?"
"Yes," Alison said slightly nervously, "I mean that Outlands."
Chesshire nearly gapped but then jumped to his feet swiftly. Alison did not look nearly as excited as she said, "But the problem is… I promised Kathryn I wouldn't sneak around doing it by myself."
"You won't, Jefferson and I will go with you," Chess said swiftly and Alison said, "Jefferson and Paige are out having a Daughter Daddy day."
"And what about me?"
"Kathryn said your mental age is no different than mine. Someone else she trust's still has to come with us."
Chess scoffed and said falling back into the chair, "Picky Picky. I'm a good couple years older than you."
"She said mentally, Chesshire," Alison said teasingly. Chess stuck his tongue out before falling into silence.
Chess and Alison sat in that silence for a while, Alison kicking the air. Chess held a thoughtful expression as he said softly, "You know…. We could take them with us."
Alison looked at Chess confused while he stared at her with a knowing expression. It took her a minute to realize who he was talking about when she said, "No. Absolutely not."
"Why not? Kathryn trusts them both."
"I will not, they are both pains in the butts, they'll slow us down from where we have to go!" Alison argued, her temper clearly showing.
"It's the perfect training ground for them," Chess said leaning forward, "Besides how much could they slow us down?"
"You do remember where we are going," Alison said incredulously, "To the Outlands, past the wall, to my home."
"All the more reason to bring them," Chess said, "We could use distractions."
Alison made a face as Chess stood back up again saying, "Besides… think of it this way. We can test out your little theory… in a really amusing show."
Alison smirked in exasperation as she looked up at him. His face was mere inches from hers as she said, "You just want to see someone else run around like a chicken without a head."
Chess grinned mischievously as he said, "And you don't want to see the Evil Queen do that?"
Alison smirk turned to a grin as she turned her head to toy with the necklaces on a rack. Glancing back at him, she said, "I never said that."
"Henry!?"
Emma nearly jolted as she heard someone call his name. She stood by a tree marked with a trail marker as she turned to see Regina walking down the path. For once in her life, the woman wasn't in 3 inch heels and perfectly fitted suits. Black pants, black boots, and a regular button up slate blue shirt. This change in appearance wasn't the only thing that surprised her, the fact she was here calling that name confused Emma Swan.
"Regina?" Emma said, her tone slight dubious and confused, "What are you doing here?"
Regina looked directly at her and her own questioning look appeared. Walking closer to Emma, Regina said, "Henry texted me. He said he found something suspicious at the cabin near here."
"Oh," Emma said, frowning a bit. Regina raised her brows as she said, "I'm assuming he sent you the same text?"
"Yeah, he did," Emma said, "And when I tried to call him, he didn't answer."
Regina made a bit of a face as she said, "Why do I get the feeling something else is going on here?"
"I don't know, but there's really only one way to find out," Emma said, jerking her head down the path. Regina let out a heavy sigh. The two of them began walking down the path as Emma looked around. The summer colors seem to be fading a bit, the autumn season approaching. The two were quiet a moment as the wind gently blew. It took a few minutes of walking before Regina asked, "So… Henry and Alison are in different classes?"
"Yes," Emma said, with a sigh, "The teachers are concerned that they'll keep running out on classes if they're together. I can't say I blame them, Henry skipped school a lot to run off with her."
"And you," Regina said promptly, "In fact, I remember Alison being left out a lot in the beginning. I actually invited her over one day when she was sitting alone in the park because he left her."
"Well, he was trying to break a curse. It was never his intention to ditch his partner in crime," Emma reasoned, sounding a bit sarcastic. Regina let a shadow of a smile grace her lips as she said, "Indeed…"
Emma looked ahead and stopped in her tracks. Reaching out her arm, she stopped Regina as she stared into the forest. Regina looked from Emma to the forest before saying, "What's wrong?"
"Someone's here," Emma said, frowning, "Can't you feel it?"
Regina looked around with her brows furrowed as Emma looked around in worry. There were footsteps as someone walked through the large bushes and onto the path.
"Good, you're here," Alison said cheerfully, "Now we can get started."
"Started?" Emma questioned and Regina glared a bit at Alison. Crossing her arms as Regina said, "Henry didn't send that text, did he?"
"Oh, he did," Alison said, "But he didn't do it for himself. He's currently busy with something else."
"Busy?" Regina asked frowning. Emma held an exasperated look as she said, "Really kid? More Operation Cobra stuff?"
"Exactly," Alison said, "And I need you both to help me."
Regina crossed her arms in irritation as she glared at Alison saying, "And why should I help you?"
Alison made a thoughtful look of mockery before saying, "Maybe because you don't have a choice?"
Regina and Emma opened their mouths only to have the earth fall away from them. Their screams could be heard as they fell down a hole of twisting lights. Alison smiled as Chess appeared beside her in a whirl of smoke. He grinned at her and said, "Well… that's one way to get them to listen to you."
Alison smirked as the White Rabbit appeared behind them. Alison pulled out the timer and fiddled with the dials. The rabbit then said, "You have 5 hours before the hole opens again. No sooner, no later… You remember how to get back up the hole?"
"I do," Alison said kindly. She clicked the dial down as she looked back at the Rabbit saying, "You make sure the town doesn't go to Davy Jone's locker before I get back."
"There are two Mages," the White Rabbit said with a frown, "I'm sure my leadership is not needed."
"Still, just keep an eye out," Alison said, sweetly, "After all, who's going to make sure my team behaves while I'm gone?"
"Understood, My Lady," The White Rabbit said with an incline of his head. Alison then took Chess's hand and said, "Ready, my dear Chesshire Cat?"
Chess grinned even more as he said, "Always, Lady Magesteria."
Cora walked through the woods, her cloak hood as high as it could go. The cloak was black, the red dress underneath well hidden. Her gloved hand gripped the hem of the garment as she walked down the hill gracefully. She was alone as she approached the clearing where the shore of a lake was. Even though a waterfall fell from the cliff on the cliff side of the lake, the water within the large pool was still. Near where Cora stood, there were rocks in which a person was bathing on wearing a thick white toga.
"Hello Cheater," The Siren said, rubbing water on her arms, "I'm not surprised to see you."
Cora looked over at her and said softly, "Oh?"
"Yes," Siren said stiffly as she reached down towards her leg. Slowly moving her hand, water began to float up, moving serenely in the air as she swirled it above her. The Siren said smoothly, "I could feel your mixed hatred the moment you came on the boat."
Cora didn't dare say anything as the Siren flicked her wrists. The water came raining down; the Siren making sure her hair was soaked. Reaching down to grab a water lily near her, the Siren said, "But enough of me… you had the galls to comes see me. For help, none the less."
"Not help," Cora said astutely, "I very well know what you and your companion think of me. I came for reassurance that you won't interfere with my reunion with my Pet…"
Siren raised her brows in amusement as Cora taunted saying, "Oh, I know she's alive. Don't bother to play coy with me."
"I don't play coy with females," Siren said smoothly, "It's not in my charm…. I'm surprised as to why you are even asking."
"I know very well you play on my Pet's team," Cora said sharply, "Quite frequently. Regardless of what you think of me, I have the right to this."
"You broke the rules of the game," The Siren said coolly, rubbing the flower along her leg, "You interfered with Alison's wish and attacked her beyond the terms of the game."
"Which means I have rights to make peace with her," Cora said, not losing a bit of ground, "without interference."
"Hmmm," Siren said, rinsing the extra water from her hair, "I highly doubt that is your intention. But still… rules are rules. My partner and I are only allowed to interfere as needed. I won't stop your little reunion."
Cora seemed satisfied as she turned to leave. However, the Siren said loudly, "After all, it will be interesting. I don't think you understand just how much the former little one despises your very being."
Cora glanced back at her as Siren said mockingly, "Good luck."
Cora disappeared in a whirl of smoke. The Siren laughed, her voice light and airy. However a different voice joined hers, hard and mockingly cruel. It echoed across the Lake and mingled with hers. The Siren stared into the water with a smile saying, "The Card game is almost dealt my love. Cora's just about has her hand ready."
Emma screamed as she fell down the hole.
She couldn't see, hear, or even feel Regina's presence. In fact, Emma Swan couldn't feel much of anything as she fell down what seemed to be an endless hole. Gasping for air, Emma felt like her chest was going to explode. It felt ever so long to be falling, not hitting the ground until what felt like forever.
The dirt beneath her was soft, almost sandy like. Getting up, Emma looked around to see herself standing in a forest. The forest was lush and flourishing. The trail was twisting and turning in jagged directions. However, it was clearly not the forest she had once been walking in.
"Regina!? Alison?" Emma called out, her voice harsh, "Regina!"
There was no response.
Gritting her teeth, Emma slowly began to walk down the path. What else could she do, she was clearly companionless. Standing around would only increase any potential danger. Emma looked around noting that it seemed like the early morning, the blue sky pale. Emma kept her hand on her gun as she followed the path. She walked for what seemed liked forever when she heard a loud crackling of tree branches. Emma spun around, holding out her gun as she watched someone stumble onto the trail.
"Don't get trigger happy, Miss. Swan. It's only me," Regina said, attempting to straighten out her outfit. Emma put down her gun, but kept it in her hand. Regina looked around as Emma asked, "What happened?"
"It seems Little Miss Mage sent us down a Rabbit Hole," Regina said with a huff. Emma made an exasperated face, looking around as she began to walk a bit down the path. Regina rubbed her throbbing temple as Emma asked, "Any idea where we are?"
"A potential theory," Regina said irritated, "But I don't see how it's possible. There's not enough magic in the other world for HER to open such a portal."
"Well, it's not my portal."
Emma and Regina jumped a mile high. Turning on their heels, the two women saw Alison sitting from a tree branch swinging her feet. Her eyes held innocence that not only annoyed Regina but Emma as well. Stomping a bit towards her, Emma said with a heated tone, "Kid, you cannot be dropping people down holes!"
"It's easier to have people help you when they have incentives," Alison said smoothly.
"And what incentive would that be!?"
"You can only get back up the rabbit hole when we've completed the mission," Alison said, kicking her legs. Jumping down, Alison looked at them with an impassive stare. Regina gave her an evil look as she raised her hand saying, "You little-!"
Regina gasped as she felt vines wrap around her legs tight. Gasping, Regina lost balance as she went falling to the ground, where more vines wrapped around her throat. Emma jolted down, trying to yank the vines away. But Emma was blasted back into a tree, the large bundle of vines pinning her there. Alison rolled her eyes and said, "Your earth bound magic won't work here. This is my world, Your Majesty. The world will protect me no matter what."
Alison leaned down and said pointedly, "Are you ready to listen to me now?"
Regina didn't say anything at first, but finally nodded ever so slightly. The vines instantly released them both, moving back into the ground. Both women stood as Alison tilted her head, hands on her hips. A curious look came over her face as she watched them. Emma walked closer as Alison said softly, more to herself than anyone else, "Even though, I'm a little surprised the world responded that quickly... I haven't been here in years."
"So…" Emma said, sounding annoyed, "What 'mission' are you talking about?"
"I have a plan," Alison said, "For transporting Storybrooke back to the Enchanted Forest."
"This again," Regina muttered. Alison stared pointedly at her and said, "Despite what you think, you can't keep Storybrooke in a world where Magic doesn't belong. Anti-Magic is the center of that world and your stories can't continue inspiring people if you cut them off."
"A story where I'm the Evil Queen," Regina said, scoffing.
"Which you could change," Alison said loudly, "If you allow your story to continue."
Alison rolled her eyes as Regina stared off into the forest, shaking her head. Emma cleared her throat a bit as she said, "So what is this plan… on getting back to the Enchanted Forest?"
"I have a way," Alison said, "I know how to reverse the path we came back on. If I can locate the core to the Enchanted Forest we can send it back to its rightful place in the Land of the Shadows. But for that, I need ingredients and a spell caster."
"A spell caster?" Emma asked, frowning.
"Why do you need a spell caster," Regina said, "You could just do it!"
"I need the original caster of the curse to do it," Alison said, smoothly, "AKA you. This spell can locate the thing you've now hidden."
Regina eyebrows furrowed, a look of confusion coming over her face. Emma looked at Regina with the same look of confusion. Shaking her head, Regina said, "I'm not hiding the core."
"Of course you did," Alison said, "In ripping away the core, the curse has hidden it from everyone including you. It's going to take a strong counter spell to find it."
Regina made a face and Emma said, "So what… ingredient are we looking for. Why bring us?"
"Cause I'll be grounded if I don't," Alison said, shrugging, "August ditched me and Kathryn already has to deal with family business… No one else could come."
Emma's face fell and Regina held her own look of discomfort. Alison turned around saying, "So… you two were my only options. Now, shall we get going?"
"Going where?" Emma asked, watched Alison walked down the path a little bit. Alison reached out her hand and pushed. Emma and Regina gapped a bit as a flat door pushed open. The reflection of the forest disappeared as a bright light shone through the opening. Alison walked through, disappearing into the light. Emma and Regina exchanged looks before following her into the opening.
The scene before them made both their jaws drop. Golden light shed upon an enclosed air shrouded by mist. Buildings stuck up out of them, towering tall and beautiful. There were hills that ran along another meadows sectioned off from the others. In a third sections stood a mountain that was queer just to see. There were strange objects built upon it, making it look a little like a junkyard. However, the thing that shocked them the most was what looked like a broken up tower, connected to the stone wall.
"Welcome to the Outlands," Alison said, sensitively.
"Are you sure this is what she wanted us to do?"
Henry looked down from the tree to see Ava and Nicholas watching him. Nicholas looked bored while Ava looked a little cross. Henry frowned at them both and said, "Yes, it is! Alison's in Wonderland right now so someone has to take care of the apples. It's a big deal; she never lets anyone come to take care of it. Except Jefferson…"
"Why couldn't we go to Wonderland?" Ava asked sharply and Henry sighed. Climbing down to another branch, Henry said, "That's because Alison got in trouble for our last mission. We have to be more careful in choosing missions now or we'll end up grounded. Besides, Alison said she needed my Moms this time."
Ava crossed her arms and walked a bit away. Nicholas looked up at Henry and shrugged, before climbing the tree. Nicholas made it to where Henry was and asked, "So what are we looking for?"
"Alison said to look for any apples that had any brown spots," Henry said, "She said toss them down and Excalibur would get rid of them."
Nicholas looked around as Henry plucked a bad apple from the tree, tossing it down to the ground. Nicholas glanced over at Ava, who was scanning the forest line. Nicholas said softly, "She's kind of annoyed. First we didn't really get to help with the Sandman. Now she's out here picking apples while Alison is in Wonderland. She kind of feels left out…"
"Well," Henry said, "This… Fate thing… it decides who sees who. Alison couldn't pick who got to see the Sandman. Just like we didn't get to pick who had to go with her today… or if we were going to have the same teacher."
"What?" Nicholas said, surprised, "You guys are in different classrooms?"
"Yeah," Henry said, sounding very put out, "My teacher is Mr. Randal."
"He's good," Nicholas said, "We had him last year."
"She has Miss Gerson," Henry said glumly. Nicholas's face fell as he said, "Oh… Well that stinks. Did you talk to your Mom? Maybe she can talk to them about it."
"She did," Henry said, grimacing, "I guess all my cutting school last year to see her and Emma made that decision. They even made her sign an agreement to make sure I went to school."
"Ouch," Nicholas said, "That sucks. Where's Grace going to be?"
"With me," Henry said, his shoulders slumped, "But we all wanted to be together."
Nicholas looked up and around and he noticed an apple that looked rather right for the picking. Taking it, Nicholas took a bit before saying, "Well… it would have happened eventually. Once you get into middle school, you end up with a bunch of different teachers. Besides, if our mission succeeds, teachers aren't going to matter."
"You'll have to worry about fighting off ogres and wolves," Ava said, frowning, "Where's Excalibur?"
"Huh?" Henry asked, his voice sounding genuinely surprised by her question.
"Where's Excalibur?" Ava said, "You said that Alison told you he would come take care of the apples. But he's not here."
"Huh," Henry said, frowning, "That is weird. He's always around here."
"Maybe he's off running?" Nicholas suggested, "Horses need to run, don't they?"
"Possibly," Henry said, shrugging, "It's just weird that he's not here."
Ava's frown didn't dissipate as she stared into the forest expectantly. Barely listening to the boys chattering back and forth, Ava mumbled, "Weird… sounds more like wrong to me."
"So what exactly are the Outlands?"
Alison stopped, halfway up a broken part of the wall. Looking down, she saw Emma standing closer to the wall while Regina was sitting against a rock. Regina's arms were crossed and her looked screamed of impatience. Letting out a small huff, Alison started climbing the wall saying, "There are several different planes of Wonderland. The one's that belong to the Mage are called the Outlands."
"So… this is your home," Emma said, "In Wonderland."
Alison reached the top and pulled herself up so she sat perched upon the jagged hole in the wall. Staring back down at Emma saying, "You could say that. But right now, there isn't going to be anyone here. Besides me, Chess, and Jefferson, no one's lived here since Aislinn's time."
"Well, if that's true, why are we sitting down here while you're sneaking over a wall?" Regina asked, her usually flare of attitude ever so present. Alison gave her a pointed look before saying with an air of immaturity, "Well, it's not my fault. You're the one that chose to sit."
Regina scowled as Alison peeked out towards the scene behind the wall. Alison tilted her head as she said, "I'm going to scout ahead. Wait here till I give the command!"
"He-Hey!" Emma shouted as Alison disappeared behind the wall. Emma walked closer to the wall, pacing a bit nervously. Regina rolled her eyes, obviously not anymore pleased than she had been. Putting both hands to either side of her mouth, Emma shouted, "I don't think Kathryn had this in mind when she wanted someone to come with you! KID!"
"Personally, I don't think Kathryn wants her doing this at all," Regina said as Emma put down her arms, "But that's what happens when you make a child the Mage of the Land of Insanity."
Emma walked back towards Regina, now looking thoroughly annoyed herself. Sitting on the rock, Emma stared at the wall blankly. Regina tapped her heel impatiently on the grass, looking around everywhere she could. She had started focusing on a tree branch that was hanging ever so low when Emma said, softly, "August ditched her… What could he possibly have to do that's more important than taking care of her?"
"I don't know," Regina said a bit dismissively, "But he was lucky if this is what she had in store for him."
"I'm not so sure about that," Emma said, shaking her head slightly, "I mean… what choice does she have? Gold and Belle haven't even mentioned going back to our world and I heard the last Mage kinda left her responsible."
"True. Even though after all he did, I'm surprised she's even bothering," Regina said, nodding her head slightly, "So I'm taking it that you're in on the plan of putting Storybrooke back in the Enchanted Forest?"
"I think Alison makes a good point," Emma said, uncomfortably, "You forced this world here in a curse. Think about what could happen if someone in this world found the town."
"No one can find the town, I made it that way," Regina said sternly.
"Autumn found this town, as well as Felicity Doe," Emma prompted.
"A fluke," Regina said, "Besides… her magical origins might have allowed the two of them to enter. I mean, look at Felicity, she isn't here anymore."
"But what with the curse broken?" Emma said, "Are we still going to risk everyone's happiness to be lab rats or prisoners for the rest of our lives?"
Regina was quiet for a moment, allowing the wind to take over the silence. The forest around them danced to the will of the wind, rustling leaves and creaking branches. Regina murmured softly, "I suppose that's true…"
"Huh?" Emma asked, looking back at her. Regina suddenly stood up away from the rock, walking towards the wall. Touching it, Regina looked back at Emma and said, "This wall doesn't have magical properties. I can make an entry way for us to follow."
"Regina, she told us to wait here," Emma said, unsure. Standing up fully herself, Emma walked closer to Regina as the Evil Queen said impatiently, "I don't have time to wait for Miss Brat to do whatever it is she's doing. I need to get back to Storybrooke and so do you!"
Emma shrugged, clearly not willing to argue with her anymore. Regina moved her hand against the wall, before knocking her hand upon it. The stone crumbled away, leaving a doorway in its place. Regina walked through it briskly as Emma followed at a slower pace.
The area within the wall was beautiful. A river flowed around the strange mountain, mist covering everything in a light layer. The sun was shining down, making everything seem brighter and pleasing to the eye. Emma stared around in wonder as Regina looked over towards the larger wall on the other side of the field. Pointing over to it, Regina said, "I bet that's where she went. Follow me."
Emma sighed, but followed without another verbal complaint. Regina got closer to the large river, waving her hand as she went. However, nothing happened which made her irritated as Emma asked, "What's wrong?"
"This world doesn't seem to like me using its earth for my spells," Regina said, "It's almost like it has a will of its own!"
"So how do we get across the river?" Emma asked, her voice sounding slightly sarcastic, "Swim?"
Regina gave Emma an annoyed look as she said, "Not likely. Unless you want to give it a go."
Emma walked closer to the river bank and put her foot in. The water barely came up to her ankle as it rippled around her. Frowning a bit, Emma walked further in. Two feet, ten feet, about twenty feet in and the water was only an couple inches above her ankle. Looking back at Regina, Emma said, "It's extremely shallow. It just looks deep."
"Well, it seems looks are deceiving," Regina said, wading into the water. Emma bent down, scooping up some of the sand at the bottom. Pulling her hand out of the water, Emma noticed something unusual about the sand.
"It's blue," Emma said surprised, "The sand in the river is blue."
"Well," Regina said, making a face as she waded in the water ahead of Emma, "What did you expect from a place called Wonderland."
Emma let the sand slide between her fingers before dropping it all together. Staring around with her curiosity aroused, Emma continued walking through the water, following Regina to the other side. Regina waved her hands, a swirl of smoke surrounding them to dry themselves off. Emma looked down, nodding her head in approval. Regina then looked around with a frown, looking up at the clock tower. Emma noticed her stared as she asked, "What's the matter?"
"This is too easy," Regina said, "I mean… we've gotten so close to where the Mage lives with little challenge. And where is Alison? We have seen any sign of her."
"True," Emma said, "Maybe she's clearing the way for us?"
"Possibly," Regina said, beginning to walk across the field, "But just to be safe, be on your guard-!"
Regina yelped as she tripped, falling flat on her front. Emma ran forward to help her up as the Queen looked down at her foot. A plant had caught up in it, pulling at her ankle. Regina paled as Emma pulled her up asking, "Are you alright? What did you do, trip over yourself?"
"No! I think there are traps-!"
Both of them froze a moment as the ground beneath their feet began to rumble. Emma was the first to look towards the tower to see her mouth drop open. The tower turned in their direction, Emma being able to see it better. It was made of brown wood, the golden frame holding a glass door in front. The arms on said clock began to straighten out, spinning around below the head. The face of the clock could be seen as it opened its eyes and stared down at them. Its mouth turned into an insane smirk as it said in a loud thunderous voice, "INTRUDERS! A WARNING TO ALL THOSE IN SECTORS ONE AND THREE: INTRUDERS IN SECTOR FOUR!"
"Fantastic," Regina said, edgily, "We woke it up."
The arms began to swing around faster and Emma looked extremely alarmed. Yanking Regina's arm, she said, "We need to move now!"
"Move where-!?" Regina started only to yelp when she felt the earth explode under her feet. Emma and Regina scrambled away as the arm retracted, spinning around again as a mad laughter could be over heard. Alison, who was already up on part of the wall, stared down at them mildly. Chess appeared beside her in cat form as he said grinning, "It looks like they woke him up."
"Good, that'll keep them busy," Alison said, turning and walking towards the other edge of the wall. She looked back at Chess as he watched the two women run from the clock's punches. His tail swished around in the air happily and Alison raised her brows.
"Are you coming with me? Or are you going to stay and watch the show?"
"I think I'll stay and watch the show," Chess said, "You should too."
"Can't," Alison said, "I need to get the ingredient ready. If by any chance they finish him off, would you lead them to the laboratory?"
"You'll miss the Queen's show," taunted Chess, attempting to lure her back. Shaking her head, Alison said, "Watching her trip over herself was humorous enough for me."
"Oh?" Chess said, "Are you saying it wasn't a trap?"
Alison looked back with a grin, tossing a little golden windup key up in the air before catching it. Before jumping off the ledge, Alison said, "I'm saying she's a downright klutz."
Chess chuckled before looking back down to see Emma and Regina narrowly escaping the arm crashing into the ground. Purring slightly, Chess said, flicking his tail back and forth, "This shall be interesting."
"Regina!" Emma said slamming herself into the shadows of the wall. Regina followed suit as she hissed. Emma looked at her concerned as Regina muttered, "I think I successfully twisted my ankle."
"How are we going to get by that thing?" Emma said looking back to see it spinning around slower and slower. Regina peeked up at it as she said, "It doesn't seem to sense us near the walls. Maybe if we stayed in the shadows we can find an entrance of some sort."
"Are you sure that's going to work?"
"Well, do you have any other bright ideas?"
Emma opened her mouth but shut it tightly as she shook her head. Keeping low in the shadows, the two woman slowly made their way towards the large wall. The arm's on the clock kept swinging but at a much slower pace than before. Emma kept looking up at it as she asked, "What is that thing anyway?"
"Obviously some kind of self defense mechanism," Regina said, "It's one that I've never seen before..."
Making it to the larger part of the shadow, Emma and Regina stood straight up against the wall. Regina started pressing her hand against the stone on the wall, saying, "Give me a minute and I can open up an entrance to the wall."
Emma looked up as Regina knocked on the wall. There was a rumble and Regina froze in confusion. Shrieking, Regina felt something hot run through her as she went flying across the field. Emma ran out after her, getting down next to her. Regina didn't move as fast, her head rolling. Hearing a sound, Emma looked up to see the arms moving around faster and faster. Pulling and yanking on her, Emma nearly screeched as the arm punched down into the ground near them. It sent them stumbling down into the broken up ground as Regina struggled to stop seeing double of everything. Emma stopped them from moving any further as she screeched, "We need to move!"
Regina grimaced; half tempted to scream while the other half tried to collect her wits. Emma looked up to see the arms winding up. Pulling Regina out of the crater, she attempted to pull them back into the shadows. Regina, however, only stumbled as her vision began to spin. Emma frantically looked up and down as she was lost as to what to do. The fist came plunging down again, this time heading directly at them. Throwing her arms out to protect Regina, Emma screeched before she could stop herself.
There was a loud crunching and thunderous scratching.
Emma blinked, refusing to move for a moment. Regina, who was still struggling not to see double, tried to sit up with little success. The world seemed still for a brief moment as Emma looked up to see a rather surprising scene.
The arm had crumpled, causing electric bolts to blow from it.
"SYSTEM BALANCE HAS BEEN DISRUPTED," the Clock Tower said, "NOT ENOUGH POWER TO COMMENCE REPAIRS. NOT-ENOUGH-EN-ENOUGH-…"
The clock tower seemed to stop all together, the animated tower now perfectly still. Emma stared at it in shock as Regina did the same. However, Regina was staring at Emma as she asked, "What did you do?"
"I have no idea," Emma said standing up. Regina followed suit with some difficulty. Although she wavered in her steps, Regina stared at Emma in awe as she said, "You… You just did magic! Alone! How did you do that?! Have you been practicing?!"
"I-I never said-A freak coincidence," Emma stammered, "It must have been-."
"That was not a coincidence," Regina protested. Emma would have said something else but there was crumbling sound that interrupted the conversation. Both females looked to see a new opening in the wall, leading to the other side. Regina gave Emma a suspicious look before walking towards it with a bit of a flinch. Emma looked extremely uncomfortable as she followed Regina, determined not to look at the destroyed arm above them.
Beyond the gates was a garden, a garden that made Regina curious. Emma walked forwards, admiring the garden filled with bushes of flowers, fruits, and other plants she couldn't identify. Beyond it, was a castle made of stone. It wasn't a terrible wide but was tall with many towers. The two walked on the path towards the castle when bluish-grey smoke billowed around them. They froze as it collected in front of them, a cat forming in it.
"Hello dears," Chess said, his tail swishing around. Emma's mouth dropped open as Regina made a face. Emma stepped forward with an odd expression on her face. Chess was floating on his back, looking quite relaxed. He looked amused as Emma said, "How-When did you get here?!"
"I came with Alison, loves," Chess said, turning onto his belly as he looked at Emma, "She is in the laboratory, if you would kindly follow me."
The form disappeared but the smoke remained. Regina stomped after him as Emma followed her face in wonder. They followed Chess towards large doors, which opened as they got close. The two women followed him inside as he appeared again towards the stairs saying, "This way."
"It's so weird," Emma said, "I feel like I've seen this before."
"Really, that's strange coming from you," Regina huffed while followed Chess up the stairs. They took twist and turns until they reached an end to a hallway where the doors were wide open. Upon entering it, Emma let out a small gasped.
The room was lined with books, all along the walls. There was an upper level in which books also were, but there were other platform levels they couldn't properly see. The walls were lines with vines with glowing flowers. Down bellow were tables with ingredients, papers, quills and other equipment about. By a cauldron in the middle of the room, someone stood stirring the contents.
"Oh good," Alison said, "I'm just about done. Do you need some tea?"
"Tea?!" Regina's voice made Alison and Emma winced at the sound. "You let that monstrous thing attack us and all you have to say for yourself is do we need some tea?!"
"Actually I said, 'Do you need some tea?'… Besides, you here in one piece and I have learned a very interesting fact," Alison said, scooping up a jar into the vapors. Regina anger clearly showed on her face, glaring as much as she could. Emma's face was impassive, as she couldn't tell whether to be amused or annoyed. Wrinkling her nose, Alison continued as she moved it around within the vapors, "Apparently, Emma has magical capabilities."
"Well we already knew that! Or at least, I knew she had some magic. However, using spells was an interesting new development," Regina said, allowing her edginess to shine through, "Brought upon by the damn tower outside!"
"Oh stop making such a fuss," Chess said, lazily. He disappeared and reappeared behind Alison as he said, "You made good work of the tower, even managed to make it malfunction. Noted… it wasn't working at a hundred percent-."
"Wait, what?!" Alison said, nearly dropping the jar as she pulled it out. Chess floated by, closing the top with his tail as Emma said, incredulously, "It wasn't working at full blast?!"
"No!" Alison said indignantly, "You would have been crushed and defeated instantly! What do you mean it malfunctioned?!"
"Emma did a number on its arm," Regina said, a little smugly, "It said something about not enough power to commence repairs."
Alison jumped away from the cauldron, shoving the jar into Emma's arms. Emma fumbled with it as they all turned to see Alison running out of the room shouted, "You weren't supposed to let them break Cogsworth!"
Regina snorted and turned back around saying, "Serves her right."
Emma looked around the room, realizing dawning on her face. Walking quietly along the floor, Emma whispered, "Cogsworth… the books… Oh God…"
"What?" Regina said with usual attitude. Chess watched her quietly as Emma walked towards a window that overlooked another part of the castle. Swallowing, Emma said turning around to look at Regina, "From the movie… It's from the movie."
"What?" Regina said, sharply only to hear something metal clashing. Both of the women exchanged looks as they turned and ran out of the room.
"Come on, get to full power!" Alison said, the side panels on the Tower open as there were many smaller panels glowing within. Around it, there were many gears surrounding it. Pushing her hand against the panels, she twisted the key around and around. Little bolts of electricity shot up around her hand as there was a whirling sound. The gears began to twist and turn and smoothly run. There was creaking and groaning as the arm straightened itself out. The arms began to spin around and around as the clock yelled, "FULL POWER RESTORED. TIME SHALL TICK ONCE AGAIN, LADIES AND GENTLE-SIRES."
The arms stopped short as Emma and Regina ran up to her. Emma looked up at it in wonder, as did Regina. Alison shut the panels as she backed up. The arms began to tick, slowly and much like a clock would. Alison smiled as she turned around. Regina nodded her head in approval as she said, "Impressive machine. I didn't think Wonderland had things like this."
"Wonderland is a little bit more…" Alison said, making a thoughtful expression, "Modern. We have a lot of stuff like this. Just few people to make it work."
"What makes it work?" Emma asked.
Regina watching the clock move as she said, "It's Anti-Magic… isn't it?"
"Wonderland is full of both Magic and Anti-Magic," Alison said, "We just prefer the use of magic. Anti-Magic minerals are a limited resource as it is."
"So, you don't actually use your Anti-Magic abilities?" Regina asked.
"No," Alison fidgeted, "I don't know how. I mean, I didn't really know it was apart of me until Oz told me. I just always known how to make the machines work."
"What is this tower for?" Emma asked, looking up at in wonder, "I mean… if it was protection… but there is no one here to protect."
Alison shifted a bit, looking down over the wall. Emma looked curious as Chess appeared behind her saying, "Are you sure about that love?"
Emma walked over to the edge, looking down in the sectors. One of many hills had what look like little shadows coming out of the hill.
"What are they?" Emma asked squinting. Alison made a face, clearly not happy that she was seeing them. Regina walked over to the edge as well and gaped. Clapping her hands, Alison said, "Cogsworth, a scope if you could."
"Of course, Milady Magesteria," The Clock said, a panel opening to extend a small telescope. Emma grabbed at it first, staring down into the sector. Gaping, she saw people walking about. Some weren't people at all, but small…
"Rabbits," Emma said backing away from the scope as Regina took it. Regina gasped as she looked in it. The sun peeked down through the mist, casting everything in a golden glow. Alison stared down at them, a melancholy look on her face. Emma looked confused as she said, "Why-You said you guys were the only ones that lived here."
"I have to protect them," Alison said, sadly, "People that come to the Outlands are looking for protection, especially the rabbits. Rabbits hold special powers, powers that many people like to use and abuse…. That's what happened to the White Rabbit. Before I left Wonderland, I had to make sure they were protected in case the Queen of Hearts or someone else came after the Outlands. So I had Cogsworth made…."
Emma watched Alison, a sense of understanding in her form. Regina watched Alison with a sense of respect as the girl watch the Rabbits and People. There was talking down below, growing more excited by the minute. Alison's face did not grow happy as she whispered, "I was hoping they wouldn't see me… if the Role Players find out that I'm back, it could create problems for them."
"If you are worried about the Queen of Hearts," Regina started, "Don't be."
Alison held a frown on her face as she looked towards Regina questioningly. Regina shifted uncomfortably, staring out into the horizon. Emma tilted her head looking at Regina with a suspicious look. Chess disappeared, leaving them to themselves. Letting out a shaky sigh, Regina said, "You are not the only one who had issues with the Queen of Hearts… I didn't want her following me to the new land… so I had her killed."
There was a deadly silence between them, the happy voices falling away from them. Alison stared at Regina, her eyes wide and confused with shock. Emma looked between the two of them, swallowing nervously. The air was tense as the silence trotted on. Regina look changed to a strange bittersweet as she refused to make eye contact. Emma was the first to break it as she said, "That's not really a problem, is it? After all, that just makes it safer for everyone, right?"
"Right," Alison said, snapping out of her trance a bit as she looked back down towards the crowd, "I just… Nevermind. We have an hour before the rabbit hole opens up. Mind if we mingle a bit?"
"No of course not," Emma said immediately. Regina made a face but Alison said quickly and sarcastically, "Don't worry, you'll fit right in."
"Oh really," Regina said, her voice cracking a bit.
"Yeah," Alison said with a quirky grin, "We're all mad here."
"So did you all deliver all the fruit?"
Henry looked up at Alison across the table. Ava sat next to her as Nicholas sat by Henry. They all had plates of food in front of them, three of them almost gone. Alison was picking at her fries as Henry said, "Yeah, to everyone except Gold. Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"The old coot can wait," Alison said with a smirk, "My deal with him doesn't specify what time I get him the apples just what day."
Nicholas snorted as Henry and him exchanged grins. Ava rolled her eyes as she said, "And by the way. I don't care if you need Emma or the Evil Queen, your taking me with you next time."
"Deal," Alison said with a grin. Ava grinned more fully as she finished off her hamburger. Alison glanced down as Emma turned in the booth behind her, glancing at Henry as she said, "Yeah, and next time kid, could you not sick a clock tower on us? I'd rather not die before I turn thirty."
"Oh but it's so much fun watching you run around like a chicken without a head," Alison said with a mocking grin. Emma stood up enough and leaned over whispering in Alison ear, "Well I seem to remember someone saying you were unusually ticklish!"
Alison broke out in laughter as Emma tickled her sides. Henry smiled as Emma hugged Alison tight as she said, "Come on, Henry. David and Mary Margaret are probably wondering where we are."
"Kay," Henry said, "See you guys tomorrow!"
Henry scooted out of the booth leaving Alison behind with the twins. Alison watched them leave as Ava stretched out her arms. Nicholas looked up at the clock and said, "It's late. I'm going to call Dad to pick us up."
"Kay." Ava said, as Nicholas scooted out of the booth as well. Nicholas walked into the back of the dinner out of sight. Alison finished off her French Fries, pushing her plate of unfinished food forward. Alison stared quietly at her food, Ava shifting uncomfortably. Alison noticed, looking over at her. Immediately, Alison asked, "What's wrong?"
"Excalibur," Ava started, "He wasn't there. He didn't come the entire time we were there."
Alison looked immediately worried, looking down at the plate. Biting her lip, Alison said, "That's not like him. I'll go looking for him tomorrow."
"Kay," Ava said, as Nicholas came back. He sat on the edge of the booth. He then said, "Dad will be here soon. He's just closing up shop."
Granny walked over to them at this moment, standing near them. One of the waitresses took the plates as Granny picked up Alison's. Alison smiled innocently as Granny said, "You. You eat like a bird. After all your excitement today, you should eat up!"
"Sorry," Alison said, grinning apologetically. Granny handed the waitress her plate and said, "How about you help me bring some things over to the inn before someone picks you up?"
"Kay," Alison said, hopping out of the booth eagerly.
"You did magic?!"
Emma winced as Henry sounded super excited. They were walking home on the street as Emma shrugged nonchalant. She didn't want to overplay this, she herself wasn't sure about this whole magic thing. It hadn't been the first time she used it, but to avoid Henry getting excited, Emma remained quiet about it. Looking around, she said, "Yeah, I guess... It was weird, it just came out."
"It takes like forever to learn it," Henry said, "But it would be really cool if you could. Operation Cobra would go so much quicker!"
Emma looked down at Henry with a soft expression. Letting silence pass, Emma said, "Is that what you want? To go to the Enchanted Forest?"
"Of course," Henry said, "We belong there. I just know it."
Emma nodded quietly and looked around again. The clock over the library was behind them, but it struck a memory within her. Looking down at Henry, Emma said, "Hey kid… her castle in the Outlands. Alison's I mean. It looked a lot like the castle from the Beauty and the Beast movie… And the clock tower was named Cogsworth."
"Of course," Henry said, as if it was obvious, "That's what she thought Gold's home looked like. That story was her favorite after all."
"Her favorite," Emma said, partially amused. Henry nodded and continued, "I think she was alone for so long, she had to keep things around her to remember what she was looking for."
"And what was that?"
Henry looked up at the moon, smiling brightly. Looking over at Emma, he said, "Family."
"Thank you Miss!"
Alison grinned as she pushed the last box up onto the shelf. She stood on a ladder that Granny was holding tightly onto. They were in her office, which was simple and small. Looking down at Granny, she said, "It's the least that I can do. You always feed me."
"Not that you eat much of the food I give you," Granny said, helping her down from the ladder. Alison stepped down onto the floor, allowed Granny to pull her into a hug. Kissing the top of her head, Granny said, "I heard you and Henry are in separate classes this year. I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Alison said, letting out a grin, "We'll just have to make up for it in the evening!"
The phone rang as Granny looked surprised. Picking it up, she said, "Granny's Bed and Breakfast."
There was a pause and Granny handed it to Alison saying, "It's Kathryn."
Alison took the phone and said, "Hi."
"Hey," Kathryn said, turning the sign around in her store, "How are you?"
"I'm fine," Alison said, innocently, "I ate dinner at Granny's if that's what you're wondering."
"Oh no, I was calling because Regina came in ranting on how someone sent her flying down a Rabbit Hole," Kathryn said, with an amused glint in her eyes, "And I couldn't possibly think of why this someone would take the Evil Queen."
"August and I talked, he had to run important errands today," Alison said smoothly, "So I went to Wonderland with Regina and Emma. Are you mad?"
"As long as you have dinner with Frederick and I tomorrow," Kathryn said, "I think I can let you off the hook just this once for abduction."
Alison winced as Kathryn said with a sigh, "Just ask next time...? I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay," Alison said, "I'll do dinner tomorrow… Bye."
Alison hung up the phone and said, "Well, that was close. I thought I would be grounded for sure."
Granny chuckled and said, "Stop pushing your luck. I'll see you in the morning, alright? Get those apples to your Grandfather before he turns you into a pig."
"Really? I'd think it would be a snail if anything," Alison mocked playfully. With one last hug, Alison left Granny alone in her office. Making sure to shut the door, Alison heard giggles down the hallway that caught her attention. Curious, Alison walked down the hall and peeked around the corner. Alison felt a jolt to her stomach as she saw August and Red kissing around the corner.
Alison pushed herself back out of view as she heard them. A sense of uncertainty and dark insecurities took hold of her as she felt her eyes burn. Biting her lip, Alison heard Red say, "You should head down the back stairs. Granny will probably be in her office right about now and I doubt she'd be happy if she found out you spent most of the day here."
She could hear him taking steps and Alison hid herself behind the grandfather clock as quickly as a rabbit. August past by the opening in the hallway and went down another batch of stairs. She felt sick to her stomach, memories stirred in her mind that made her sweat. A single tear slipped down her cheek, something she couldn't stop. But what could she do? Being with someone wasn't a crime and blowing her off to do it wasn't one either. But what she witnessed made her stomach twist and turn in a way she didn't like. Ruby's words had stung her, for many reasons that jumbled together. It was confusing and she didn't like it. Hurrying down the stairs, she fled the Inn with a conflicted heart.
Baelfire felt the little orb of light hit him. Peter and Tink were behind him, sitting against the rocks on the beach. Peter was dozing off, holding onto his set of pipes. Tink had clearly have been waiting for this very moment, sitting quite alert. Her face brightened as she smacked Peter with Pixie dust. Sneezing, Peter awoke as Tink said, "Bae, don't hide it. What did she say?"
"She said that she got the ingredients from Wonderland," Baelfire said, the frown could be heard in his voice, "She'll be heading to school, but she said she's confident that Regina and Emma are going to help her."
Tink's smile disappeared a bit and Peter stretched his arms as he yawned, "Why are you being such a grump then?"
"Tink, how much longer before the Falling Stars season is done?"
"A good month at the least," Tink said, warily, "Why?"
"She didn't say so," Baelfire said, looking back at her with a bothered expression, "But something is wrong."
Temperance Tales: So this upcoming mysterious character is partially a combination effort between Bizzarieve. The core of the idea was his; I just built off of it and tweaked it to fit my plan.
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.
