Chapter Fifty Seven: The Looking Glass Insects.
"You're Majesty."
Eracebeth stared into the mirror as she watched a young girl wander through the woods into a large meadow. In this meadow was a small town in which she knew was placed many, miles south of here. Frowning, Eracebeth muttered as she said angrily, "This dense child. She's going completely in the wrong direction."
"You're Majesty?" The Queen once again ignored her Tweedle, who was looking at her nervously. He looked back at his brother, who shrugged slightly as he looked afraid. The Tweedle bit his lip, turning back to face his Queen as he said, "My Queen…"
The Queen pursed her lips as she flicked her hand upwards. The man gasped, his feet being sucked into the ground. He struggled as he continued to sink. The brother Tweedle looked aghast as he was frozen to the spot. The sink man struggled as the Queen tutted, "I don't care for interruptions, I shall have you know. So if you have something important to say, I would go and quickly say it."
"Majesty, I have the item you requested!" he cried out, obviously quite distressed. The Queen flicked her hand again and he was pushed out of the ground. Standing on firm, unblemished stone, he looked to see the Queen beckon him towards her saying, "Bring it to me."
He hastily picked up the glass cage near him, a strange thing flying around inside it. He brought it to the Queen, bowing his head as he did so. Opening the door, she allowed the strange thing to climb onto her open hand. It was small like a dragonfly, but it had scales like a dragon. Its eyes were dark as night as its wings were made of a strange metal. It seemed to be waiting as it hissed. The Red Queen smirked as she blew into its open mouth. A smoke came from her lips as it went into the creature. Its eyes glowed as she whispered, "Go… find your kind, spread your poison. Smite that child."
Gold watched her sleep.
It was quite the sight to behold, as she always woke before him. However tonight he had difficulty sleeping and it always brought him a small comfort to see her at peace. However when he had come tonight… it was not so.
Alison whimpered in her sleep, her face no longer relaxed but helpless and in pain. Reaching out, he stroked her cheek to feel that she was quite warm. It wasn't all that hot in the room but there was no doubt that the dream she was having was not pleasant. Gold hesitated, afraid to wake and startle her. Alison let out another whimper of pain as she uttered the words that Gold knew but did not understand. Narrowing his eyes he said softly, "So that's what Kathryn was talking about…"
Alison inhaled sharply as she jolted up on the bed, looking slightly alarmed. Gold watched her as she looked around the room, obviously not fully awake. She finally looked at him, her breaths deep as she shivered slightly. Gripping the sheets tightly, Alison asked timidly, "What are you doing in here…?"
"I couldn't sleep," Gold admitted, "I came in to check on you and found you tossing and turning."
Alison swallowed, obviously bothered by something. Gold reached out and stroked her cheek gently saying, "Now… what was this nasty little dream about?"
Alison breathed in deep as she frowned. Gold waited patiently as Alison said, weakly, "I-I don't-It keeps leaving…"
"Just try," Gold murmured softly. Alison closed her eyes, as if trying to focus on what she had been so frightened of. Gold waited; he could feel her bewilderment radiating off of her. Soon sadness replaced it as she opened her eyes to look at him. A tear ran down her cheek as she said with a hint of growing hysterics in her voice, "I can't… it's too muddled up, just too many things…"
"Hey." Gold immediately wiped her tears away as he moved to push back the covers. She was already sweating from her frightening dream and the comforter was certainly not going to help. He sat up against the backboard of her bed as he pulled her close to him. She curled up against him, obviously too tired to stay awake. Kissing the top of her head, he whispered, "Don't you worry… Everything is going to be fine."
"What are we looking at here?"
David looked back to see Emma coming down the hospital hallway. People were walking by like any other day but Emma was far from here on just a social visit. David sighed as he said, "A woman was assaulted last night by a strange man."
"Strange?" Emma asked nervously, "How?"
"He stole her purse, her necklace and jewelry," David said, "But this is where it gets strange. She said when he grabbed her, she felt like he was draining all her energy…"
"What?" Emma said, looking dumbfounded. David jerked his head over towards the door as he said, "Once you look and talk to her, you'll understand."
Emma frowned at him as she walked into the room. She peeked over to see a woman sitting up in bed, her face ashen and her hair having strips of white in it. She was trembling, obviously quite shaken up. Emma grimaced as she came over and said, "Hey, I am Sheriff Swan. What's your name?"
"Emily," She whispered softly, "Emily Crane."
"My Deputy told me you were assaulted last night," Emma said kindly but professionally, "When and where did it happen?"
"Off of Darrell Avenue last night," Emily said, "I was walking home when I heard something fall. He snuck up behind me…."
She sniffed as tears went down her face. Emma watched with a sympathetic look as the woman continued, "He-He grabbed me… and then there was so much pain. I felt like he was sucking out my soul."
The woman broke down sobbing as Emma looked at her with a blank expression. She then asked sensitively as the woman weakly wiped her eyes, "Did you get a good look at his face?"
"Nothing too concrete," the woman hiccuped, "His hair was messy and his eyes dark, empty and cold."
"Do you think you would be able to identify him if you saw him again?"
The woman shrugged as she said, tiredly, "I could try… it's all so-."
"I know," Emma said understandingly, "Get some rest. You're safe now."
The woman couldn't help but smile at those words as Emma turned to leave the room. David followed her as they walked quickly down the hallway. David kept up with her as he said, "The only thing we found at the scene that could be potentially useful is that there was a matchbook for the White Rabbit Bar where the neighbor found her."
"Well then," Emma said, "It looks like I need to go take a visit to the bar and poke around."
"For what? We don't have a good description of him."
"No," Emma said with a knowing tone, "But we know what the jewelry looks like."
Alison was nervous.
There were many people in the room as she stood there in the corner of the room. They were older, most of them at least sixteen. She couldn't help but notice that Fife was nowhere to be seen and neither was Avenant. She squirmed as she found herself uncomfortable in the room. She was about to take a seat, when she heard a whisper.
"Alice."
Alison glanced over to see Chess standing in one of the doorways. The others were too busy chatting and with a look at the clock, Alison realized she had a good five minutes before rehearsal actually began. Hurrying over to the doorway, Alison walked a little further into the hallway as she said, "Chess, it's about to start."
"I know, but I wanted to give you something," Chess said, quickly, "Stop by the shop afterwards?"
"I can't, I'm supposed to be keeping Belle company after school," Alison said with a sigh, "Another time?"
"Very well," Chess said, "So you and Belle? How did that come about?"
"Gold asked me to," Alison said simply, "I have to go. See you later."
Alison hastily went back into the room and found a chair that was off to the side of the group. Her bag was kicked under the seat as she tapped her foot on the ground. There was a taping of her shoulder as she peered up to see Fife grinning at her. He sat down next to her as he said, "Hey."
"Hey."
"Alright, everyone quiet down!"
Every quieted down as Avenant entered the room. He put down his briefcase on the table and removed his suit jacket, tossing it on a chair. He glanced at them as he said, "So, I hope you have all recharged your batteries this summer because we will be hitting the ground running this year. But first, let me introduce our newest member, Alison Kinsleigh."
Alison nearly shrunk into her seat, afraid to stand up and be seen. However Avenant clearly wasn't expecting her to as he made no motion towards her. People glanced around the room as one dark-skinned girl said, "Finally! Twenty eight years and I can lose the title of newbie!"
Everyone broke out into snickers and Alison couldn't help but smile. The girl winked at her as Avenant said shortly, "That's enough. Alison is my new Cavia. So I expect everyone to be helpful and on their best behavior."
A couple of snickers broke out but were silenced by Avenant's icy glare. Alison looked at Fife confused as Fife pressed a finger to his lips. Avenant took out a stack of papers and gave them to a student nearest to him. "This is this schedule for this year. Our Concerto Introduttiva is October sixteenth, I expect everyone to retrieve and practice their music."
Alison took the paper from Fife, looking over the scheduled dates. Pushing back her hair, Alison glanced back up to see Avenant saying, "Today, I expect you to be practicing. On Friday, I expect you all to be ready to start rehearsing. The auditorium is open for those who want to use it. Go. Now."
The students quickly got up and began walking over towards a large table as Alison looked at Fife nervously. Fife smiled at her as he said, "Just wait a bit. Everyone will be flocking the table for a while. So, you have Miss Gerson?"
"Yes," Alison said.
"I had her," Fife said, but then said thoughtfully, "Or thought I did… think I did. Two lives in one head kind of makes you wonder…"
Alison couldn't help but grin. Fife then looked at her curiously as he asked, "Who were you back in our land?"
"I am not from your land," Alison said, "I was born here. However, I do have a home in another world…"
"Wonderland?"
"How'd you guess?" Alison said sarcastically, but held good humor. Fife snorted slightly as he asked curiously, "So how did you end up here? Did the Queen take you prisoner?"
"Not at all," Alison said, "I found this town about four years ago… been here ever since."
"Huh, interesting," Fife said.
"What about you?" Alison asked curiously, "Who were you?"
"Professor Avenant's apprentice," Fife said, "He was a well-liked musician back in the Enchanted Forest. My parents were slaughtered a long time ago, Avenant found me and took me in."
"Fife!"
Fife looked over to see Avenant staring coldly at him. Shrugging slightly, Fife said, "Come on, I'll show you where to find your things."
Alison followed Fife over to the table in which music folders were laid out. Alison noticed her name on a sticky note, two folders bound together. Picking it up, Alison peeked through the folders to see that there was music in there for both piano and violin. Looking over at Fife, she watched him pick up a small stack of folders as he glanced the music over. Alison gapped when she noticed all the different music pieces in his folder.
"How many different instruments do you play?"
"Many," Fife said with a grin, "Mostly woodwinds."
"Geez," Alison said looked at him, "Do you sleep?"
"And eat, go to movies, and read," Fife said, "Come on, I know where we can go so we won't get bugged."
Alison followed him, leaving the busy room behind. They walked down the hallways and into the auditorium, the lights on the stage shining. It was nice, but Alison could not appreciate it. Fife had grabbed her hand as he pushed open a door that was well hidden by the shadows. Fife took her up a set of stairs that lead to a balcony. There were older seats, but many seemed to have been removed. There were various spot lights with wires neatly wrapped up. In the corner was a piano, not fancy by any means but a piano all the same. She looked around as Fife walked over to the piano saying, "No one comes up here often. Just Professor Avenant and I."
Fife walked over to the piano and pulled out an instrument case from underneath. Alison looked curiously as he pulled out the piccolo. Alison went and sat down in front of the piano, pulling out the pieces. She looked curiously at the complexity as Fife set up his music on the stand.
"Something wrong?"
Alison glanced up at Fife, seeing the concerned look on his face. Alison said, "No, it's just… does he usually make you play an instrument you're not familiar with?"
"For a concert?" Fife said, "Me, yes. Mainly because I can. Others he doesn't do it unless they specify they have two different instruments they play."
Alison squirmed as she thought it over. Had there been a mistake on her application? She didn't tell Kathryn she was any good at the piano; just enough to play around in the afternoons with her. However, Alison shook her head as she said, "So what is the Concerto Introduttiva?"
Belle waited outside for Alison, holding her coat close to her. She was wearing a blue cotton shirt underneath that could be seen peeking out from underneath her jacket. She wore a dark pair of pants with a grey ankle boots. She wore gloves as she rubbed her arms together. Fall had already begun the trees turning colors that most would think beautiful. She was quite one of those people who thought so, however she was surprised that it had turned cold so quickly. The sky was cover by grey clouds as she noted it made everything seem a little less bright. Sighing, she peeked down at her watch to see that she still had another five minutes to wait.
"Hey!"
Belle looked up surprised as she heard a familiar voice. She looked over to see Mary Margaret walking over to her. Belle smiled as the school teacher came closer asking, "What are you doing here?"
"I'm waiting for Alison to get out of her program," Belle explained, sounding a little unsteady, "Rumple wanted us to spend the afternoon today."
Mary Margaret beamed but noticed Belle's lack of enthusiasm. Tilting her head, Mary Margaret said, "But you don't seem happy… why?"
"Because it's not like she wants to spend time with me," Belle said, sadly, "It was because Rumple asked her."
"Belle, I'm sure she wants to spend time with you," Mary Margaret said, "I just think with all the switching of homes, she doesn't get a chance."
"Really? Because when she wants to do something, she doesn't usually let anything stop her," Belle argued softly, "I just…"
"Hey!"
The two women looked up to see Alison coming down the steps, slinging her backpack on her back. Glancing at Mary Margaret, Alison said, "Hi! Going home?"
"Yes, I was just on my way," Mary Margaret mused. Giving Belle a friendly look, she said, "I'll see you tomorrow. Enjoy your afternoon."
Belle watched Mary Margaret leave as Alison waited till the school teacher was out of site. Alison then grabbed Belle's hand and tugged on it. Belle looked down to see Alison grinning at her with a Cheshire Cat grin. Giving her hand another tug, Alison said, "Come on! I want to get dinner so we can get going!"
"G-Going where?"
Alison grinned back at Belle before saying, "You'll see!"
"I've had enough of this!"
Baelfire cringed as he heard Peter's angry voice. He was sitting on the beach, the dark twilight now upon them. Peter was stalking over to him as Tink flew from Bae's side. She flashed around Peter's head as Peter scowled saying, "Stop it Tink! I wouldn't tolerate anymore of this adult wishy worry nonsense!"
Tink grew big as she hissed, "Peter! That's entirely not fair!"
"Shut up!" Peter snapped, "When he was picked to be the Mage of Neverland, I was hoping he was actually going to be useful! All he's done is wait each night for glowing orbs to arrive!"
Peter glared at Baelfire as he said, "Jane at least would have been more useful."
"PETER!" Tink hollered, smacking him hard on the back of the head.
"No," Baelfire said, "He's right."
Baelfire watched as one last star shot across the deep violet sky. Letting out a sigh, Baelfire said, "That was the last one…"
Peter looked annoyed as Baelfire looked at them briefly. The writer stood up, brushing the sand off his pants. Tink then fluttered her wings as she said, happily, "Good! Now I can go ahead and see her!"
"Actually," Baelfire said, "No."
"No?!" Tink said, shrieked. She grew small again as she noisily dived bombed him, flying around his head. Baelfire swatted her away as he said irritated, "Give it a rest! I have a reason for it!"
Tink flew away and Baelfire sighed, irritated. Peter watched his friend approach him as he said, "Look, the end of the Falling Stars means that another game of War starts up between the boys and the Natives, right?"
"Right," Peter said, watching his friends, "They are already preparing the new ones. Why?"
"I'll make you a deal," Bae said swiftly, "I'll lead on the new boys in the game, cause some chaos, win the war, whatever you want."
"You," Peter said in disbelief, "Are you going to lead the game?"
Bae nodded, a smirk on his face. There was a glint in his eye, one of cleverness and one of eagerness. It was more than Peter had seen out of him in a long time. Peter grinned as he said, clapping Baelfire's shoulder, "That's more like it! So what is it you want from me?"
"No luck?"
Emma looked over at David ruefully as she sat down. They were sitting at a table near the back as Ruby passed by their table. Shaking her head, Emma said darkly, "None at all, and I know none of them are being straight with me."
"I'm sure you'll find a way soon," David said.
"I'm not so sure," Emma said, "This bar… the White Rabbit. They seem pretty shady to me, like black market kind of shady."
"Any chance to get a warrant?"
"Not enough reasonable cause," Emma said tapping her fingers hard against the table, "Just wish there was a way in…"
Alison was watching them, carefully listening to Emma's words. She was chewing on a French fry as Belle flipped the pages of her storybook. Swallowing, Alison twirled another French fry on her plate while Belle searched for something. Stopping at a particular page, Belle said, "So… I have a question. Why are there no stories about you in here? I mean, except for the generic one."
"Hmm?" Alison glanced back at Belle as she said, "Oh, that. Well my father couldn't see my story. It went against the rules for some reason."
"Hm," Belle hummed, looking at her amused, "I thought it was more along the lines of your never-ending secret keeping."
"Well it helps with keep the secrets," Alison said, nodding in agreement slightly.
"I thought we decided secrets weren't something for you to be keeping," Belle said.
"Well, that's all fine and dandy," Alison said, "Until we get to the secrets I keep that secures the safety of the people in Wonderland."
Alison ate a french fry as she said, "We should probably finish. That way I can show you the gloriousness that is the Series of Unfortunate Events before I show you my surprise."
"Isn't," Belle said, frowning, "Isn't that the book series where all the bad things keep happening to the children?"
"Yup," Alison said with a grin.
"Why in the world would you ever read those!" Belle said, "They are so depressing!"
"But they are so good," Alison said, "Besides, you read stuff like Romeo and Juliet!"
"Yeah, a book about the wonders of young love," Belle said.
Alison looked at her with an incredulous stare as she said, "You haven't gotten to the end of that book, have you?"
"No," Belle said.
"You really need to," Alison said, "Like really need to. Like we can't even have this conversation until you do."
Glancing back at Emma, she noticed David get up and leave. Ruby had come around to Emma's table to give her a hot cocoa. Emma seemed rather bothered as Alison looked over at her. Belle glanced at Emma before saying in an amused tone, "Are you eavesdropping again?"
Alison made a face in protest however Belle challenged her with an amused expression of her own. Tapping the table, Alison said with a shrug, "I just-I can't help it, she looks bothered."
"Your curiosity knows no bounds," Belle said, shaking her head.
"Like yours is any better," Alison shot back. Alison finally took another bite of her dinner before there was a scratching of a chair. Belle glanced over to see Emma walk over with a mug as she sat next to Alison. Belle smiled at her and said, "Hey Emma."
"Hey," Emma said, nodding at Belle, "Sorry to interrupt your day, but I need help."
"What kind of help?" Belle asked curiously.
"Kid, you wouldn't happen to know a potion to make people tell the truth would you?" Emma asked.
"It takes too much time," Alison said, "And I'm not allowed to help you with magic anymore."
"What?" Belle said surprised, "Why not?"
"If this is about Regina-!" Emma started angrily.
"It's not," Alison said glumly, "It's Gold. He made me promise not to help people of Storybrooke with magic anymore."
Emma made a face as Belle looked both surprised and concerned. Alison picked up her pickle as she took a bite from it. Chewing it up and swallowing it, Alison then said, "But there is a way for me to get the information that you want. You said it was at the White Rabbit bar, correct?"
"Yeah, but kid they're not going to talk-!" Emma started exasperated.
"To you," Alison said quickly, "But they will to me."
The two women looked at her in surprise as she took another bite of her pickle. Belle looked ever so confused as Emma's mouth fell open a bit in horror. Belle looked between them both, trying to string together what these two seemed to know. Closing her mouth, Emma paused before speaking, "Kid… I can't let you near a bar…"
"Why would they even-?" Belle started.
"I have a friend that goes there," Alison said quickly, "If you guys can get him to me, I can see what's been going down."
Alison then straightened up and said perkily, "Then Belle and I can get back to our evening before Overlord comes to take her away."
Belle couldn't help but marvel at how quickly Alison deterred the tense atmosphere. Belle knew there was something else going on, but she also knew that Alison was not going to elaborate on it anytime soon. Trying to let it fade to the back of her mind, Belle heard Emma speak up again.
"Kid they won't talk to me," Emma said, "I highly doubt he will come if I asked him."
Belle inhaled sharply and quickly as she said with a bit of pride, "I think I have a way to get him to talk to Alison."
The man sat at the bar, drinking an ice cold beer.
He was at the corner, just where he liked it. No one came to bother him, no one sat close to him. The man was perfectly alright with this, as he didn't liked to be bugged. So it came as a surprise to him when the bar tender came over to him and handed him a glass filled with a cider colored liquid.
"I didn't order anythin' else," he said shortly.
"I know," he said, his own tone clipped, "But a pretty lady ordered it for you. Told me to give yah this as well."
The bartender handed him a small envelope before walking back down where a group sat laughing. The man watched the bartender a moment before opening the envelope. He pulled out a piece of paper that said in elegant writing: You're late for the Library, and it has high standards to be kept.
If he could feel such things, his heart would have been in his throat. In fact, he could swear that he could feel it as he read those little words. Crumpling the note in his hand and shoving it in his pocket, he murmured, "Alice…"
"Are you sure he'll come on seeing just a note?"
Belle and Alison sat on the couch in the back of the library. Alison nodded as she said, "I'm sure he will. He'll understand what it meant, trust me."
Belle nodded softly as she looked about the library. They fell into silence as they waited, Belle staring at the ceiling with her arms crossed. Alison glanced over at Belle, a strange expression entering her facial features. Turning a bit to face her, Alison whispered, "I'm sorry… this was not what I had intended for our night out."
"What?" Belle looked at Alison surprised. Alison looked sheepish, which made Belle smile warmly. Belle turned so they were facing each other as Belle said, "Don't be sorry. I'm not."
"You're not?" Alison asked surprised.
"No," Belle said warmly, "In fact, I've learned things about you today. Like your curiosity has no limits, and that you start picking at your food when you don't want to eat anymore. But the one that I treasure knowing the most is that you'll never turn away from someone who needs help."
Alison couldn't help but smile weakly before letting it disappear. Belle watched her as she asked, "So…how did you come to know the people at the bar?"
Alison cringed, clenching her jaw and Belle immediately regretted asking anything. It was careless to think Alison would actually want to answer; after all it couldn't have been a good memory. But before Belle could apologize, Alison actually spoke up, the answer freely though sullenly given.
"Darren would make me go with him and Felicity," Alison said stiffly, "Most of the time Darren didn't want anything to do with me. But there were times he would get on this kick that he wanted me close, to remind me…."
Alison trailed off, her eyes growing distant. However, before Belle could question her further, Alison straightened up as she asked, "Did you hear that?"
Alison jumped up before Belle could answer, as she made her way towards the back of the library. Belle followed her and they made it towards the back where a man had tripped over boxes that had been stacked there. He made it back to his feet as Belle asked sharply, "Who are you?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make such a bloody mess," the man said standing up, "But I was looking…"
He trailed off as he looked at Alison. Alison grinned as she said, "Nice to know you are as clumsy as usual Will."
"Nice," he said, obviously bothered, "Nice! All this time I've been wondering what happened to yah and here you stand, giving me grief!"
"I'm sorry, who-?" Belle started.
"Don't be," Alison said, "This is my old friend, Will Scarlet."
The man growled.
He shouldn't have left the woman alive; he should have finished off her life force. However he had sense someone else coming and he wasn't about to get caught now. Sitting back in his chair, he grumbled as he watched the computer screen. He hadn't seen the kid in a while. Being out and about, he hadn't been able to follow her exact movements. However, she would be wandering about soon. Her curiosity is what would kill her, as well as her ignorance. He smirked cruelly as he watched the screen, seeing a lovely woman walking down the street, her hair falling down in curls and her face rather young. She wore an overcoat with shawl, giving her the air of modesty.
"Well," he said, his voice unmerciful, "I'm not about to pass up a chance for round two."
"So how have you been?"
Will looked over at his friend, sipping on his coffee that Belle had brought for him. They were sitting at one of the desks, Belle off putting books away on shelves. He smiled wryly as he said, "I think you mean to ask how I ended up here?"
"Well obviously you found a way back to the Enchanted Forest," Alison said, simply, "Otherwise you wouldn't be here… Enjoying your freedom, I hope."
"Not too bad of a life," Will said, reasonably, "No Queens ordering you to do their dirty work, no price for your head posted on every tree."
"I think it would be on bulletin boards here," Alison said with a grin.
"Regardless," Will said, his voice turning serious, "My life went on… now my question is how did you end up HERE? I remember clear as day seeing you in the bar on more than one occasion."
"For once, you have a good memory," Alison said her voice sounding slightly unsteady.
"Why?" Will asked, "Why aren't you with your father?"
Alison swallowed as her eyes became glassy. Biting the inside of her mouth, Alison looked up at him and said, "Not everyone gets what they want."
Will looked at her, a degree of blankness on his face. However, she could tell that he was bothered as he said roughly, "I'm sorry, Alice. If I could bring him back to you, I would."
"It's not possible," Alison said, her voice saddened, "So put it out of your mind."
The two sat in silence a few moments before Will said quietly, "I'm sorry…I wish I hadn't been under a curse… or I would have pummeled that cheat into the ground."
"It doesn't matter," Alison said quickly, "He's dead now, so there's nothing to fear."
"You know that's not true," Will said, "There is still plenty to fear. Otherwise we wouldn't be meeting secretly like this."
"True," Alison said, "I need your help. Someone attacked a woman, stealing a necklace from her. He… drained her life force."
"Powerful stuff," Will said, "Even you can't do that."
Alison winced and said, "There are many things I can't do."
"True," Will said, his voice half joking, "Otherwise you'd be the Goddess of Life."
Alison snorted and said, "I'm not anything of the sort. Regardless, he's been around the White Rabbit Bar for sure. Have you seen anything suspicious?"
"Nothing too out of the ordinary. People usually come in for dirty dealings," Will said, "But I do remember that a drunk was trying to woo some woman with a golden necklace. I didn't think too much of it at the time, but now you say that…"
"Know his name?"
"You know him," Will said, "Remember Stan?"
"The bar smoocher?" Alison said her voice sounding slightly grumpy, "Yeah, I remember him."
"That's who's got it," Will said finishing his coffee, "But I would appreciate not getting tossed in the middle. There are still a very good few folks that hang around there that won't think twice about hurting someone…"
"Emma won't cause too much of a scene," Alison said, "Nothing is going to point to us. Trust me."
"Always," Will said with a grin, "How about we skip out of here and I'll buy you a drink?"
Alison smiled warmly as she said, "Perhaps another time. I've already been dragging Belle around with me; I want to actually take her to do what we were supposed to be doing."
"Fair enough," Will said, standing up, "A rain check then love."
Alison stood up as well, walked away from the table. Will walked over and embraced her, hugging her tight. She returned his hug and smiled as he said, "You've gotten taller. About time, people were tired of squatting."
Alison smacked his back but kept in good humor as she backed away saying, "Get out of here."
He did as he was asked, walking out of the library leaving them. Emma came out from behind some shelves as she had a grin plastered on her face. Alison looked at her as she went to grab the empty coffee cup. Frowning, Alison stood up straight asking, "What?"
"Buy you a drink? Seriously?" Emma said, incredulously.
"Has a whole different meaning in Wonderland, I promise you," Alison said.
"So he's a Wonderland friend?"
"Most definitely," Alison said, "But that's not a story for now. Did you get what you need?"
"Absolutely," Emma said, "I thank you two for your help."
Belle looked pleased as did Alison as Emma left them alone in the library. Belle turned around and said happily, "So… what did you have planned for the rest of the day? Apart from reading books?"
Alison grinned as she said, "Well come on. We should be able to go see now!"
After letting Belle lock up the library. It was now dark outside, the light posts glowing to illuminate the street. Alison grabbed her hand and practically dragged her across town. Soon Belle found herself walking under the tree's as Alison lead her along. It was rather dark, however the moon lit the way, Alison seemed to quite know where she was going. She reached what seemed to be a wall of small branches and leaves as she pushed some out of the way. Belle couldn't help but wonder what this child had in store for her.
"Alison where are we going?"
"We're actually already here," Alison said with a grin, "Just duck under and we can enjoy the show."
Alison disappeared beyond the wall of leaves as Belle stared in bewilderment. Ducking through the leaves, Belle found herself walking on rock as she looked up to see her surroundings. She gasped as she did so, seeing what Alison seemed so excited about.
It was a cliff. The view of the ocean was as clear as the moon was hanging in the sky. It was full, and it cast a beautiful glow. The stars could also be seen, glittering high in the sky. Belle gasped as she watched a star shoot across the sky. Alison was sitting on the ground, staring out at the ocean appreciatively. The waves bellow made a soothing noise as Belle sat down next to Alison. Alison peeked up at her hopefully as Belle said, "It's beautiful!"
"I found it," Alison said, "When I was young. I had been cooped up at that house for a while and I really didn't want to talk to anyone…"
Belle looked at Alison in astonishment. The young girl's facial expression was apathetic, even as she watched the scene before her. Alison continued softly as she had done before, "Darren was controlling… a pig, a drunk… Coming here reminded me that there was still peace in the world. That something had it, even if I didn't."
Belle swallowed, unable to help the tears that came to her eyes. Wiping them away hastily, Belle said, "Why are you telling me this?"
Alison looked at Belle surprise as if she did not expect Belle to say such things. Alison watched her as she asked, "Why wouldn't I?"
"I just-I just didn't think you trusted me that much anymore," Belle said softly, almost as if she was ashamed, "You always seem to run to Kathryn or Henry…"
Alison gaped a moment before shaking her head saying, "I trust you. I wouldn't be sitting here right now if I didn't!"
Alison hesitated a moment as she admitted awkwardly, "I just… can't always stand the mush…"
Belle could help but let out a snort as she said amused, "The mush?"
"Oh come on, don't make fun of me!" Alison said with a whine, "He gets all lovey dovey when you walk into the room. It's gross!"
Belle couldn't help but break out into giggles at Alison's embarrassed face. Hiding her face in her hands, Belle tried to stop giggling. Alison made an indignant look as she said, "Fine, make fun of me. But one day when you have a kid it's going to seem significantly less funny."
"A kid," Belle said incredulously, finally breaking away from her hands, "Aren't you skipping ahead a little bit?"
"No, I know how this goes," Alison said in a no-duh tone, "First love, then comes marriage, and then comes the baby girl to drive you both crazy when she falls in love with a boy when she's older."
"A baby girl," Belle said amused.
"Yes," Alison said with a huff.
"And how do you know it will be a girl?"
"Because I said so," Alison said, stubbornly, "And she'll drive you nuts because it's in her genes."
Belle couldn't help but giggle again as she said, "And why does it have to be her? You'll soon have a boy that you'll fall in love with and Rumple's going to go ballistic."
"Never," Alison said sternly, "It'll never happen so long as I live."
"Mhm," Belle said pulling Alison into a one arm hug, "Sure it won't."
Luckily for Alison, Belle could no longer see her face. Alison looked upset for a moment, as if remembering something very unpleasant. However, Alison didn't want the moment to be ruined; she didn't want this happy glow in her heart to stop just yet. She wanted to cherish it…for deep down where she had buried the reality; she knew it wasn't going to last forever.
"So how is she doing?"
Cora and Avenant were sitting at a round table. Avenant was reading book, not bothering to look up at her. Cora was playing a strange game with cards, shuffling the deck and flipping over a card. She placed the seven of diamonds carefully next to the eight. She began to shuffle the deck as Avenant said briskly, "Her abilities are as you said, quite talented. She seems to like the program, as well as Fife."
Cora would have seemed pleased if she hadn't notice the look on Avenant's face. Looking back down as she shuffled, Cora asked, "However, you do not seem pleased. Why?"
Avenant shut the book with a snap as he looked up at her with a mild mannered expression. Watching her for a moment, Avenant said, "Did I say I was displeased with her in anyway?"
"Your tone says much." Cora said.
"I apologize," he said standing up. He gave her a little bow as he said, "I am not displeased. In fact, I am extremely satisfied with my new Cavia."
The door opened as Hook came in saying, "You're Majesty, pardon the intrusion. However there is something I need to discuss with you."
Cora glanced at Avenant as he said, "I shall return tomorrow."
Avenant left as Hook watched him leave. Cora scoffed as she went back to her game saying, "What an unpleasant fellow."
"Majesty, there has been a new development," Hook said, firmly, "In regards to the little trio of females."
"What about them?"
"It seems Emma Swan needed help in apprehending a criminal," Hook said, fiddling with his hook.
"And that should surprise you?" Cora said, reshuffling her deck, "It's not the first time she's asked for help."
"Yes but this criminal seems to have a magical essence," Hook said, "One to absorb a life force."
Cora stopped shuffling, her face blank.
Hook didn't seem keen on waiting as he said, "What should we do? We can't have any of them losing their magic-!"
"No," Cora said, "We cannot."
Cora took a deep breath and said, "Watch them. Watch them very closely. Let them try and deal with the situation at hand. If and only if they can't is when we shall interfere."
"Should we not try and discover his identity?"
"No, the girls will do that for us," Cora said, her tone one of dismissal. Hook looked thoroughly irked, as if this inaction made his skin crawl. However he put on an irritated smirk as he bowed and left the Queen of Hearts to her game. Hearing the door shut, Cora breathed in deep again, allowing a look of anger and contemplation to grace her face. Pulling out a card, she placed the King of Hearts bellow the Ace as she seethed, "We'll see how just fast you learn, my Pet…I do hope not to be disappointed."
"Belle? Are you here?"
Gold had come home with no sounds in the house. The light in the living room was left on, but the rest of the house remained in the dark. Hanging up his coat on the coat rack, he wandered towards the stairs where he made his way up. He didn't expect them to be gone so late, it was already ten o'clock. Wandering up the stairs, he opened the door to Alison's room asking, "Alison, are you awake-?"
His question was answered before he could finish.
Alison was quite asleep, her breathing deep and even. However, she was not alone. Belle was asleep as well. She was propped up against the backboard; Alison curled up into her side. A book was resting gingerly on Belle's lap, her hand holding it in place. Alison's head was tucked under Belle's and Gold couldn't help but smile. Gold walked over and pulled the book from her hand. As he did so, Belle stirred and looked up at him with sleepy eyes.
"Rumple, Belle shifted slightly, "Hey."
"Hey," he said, "I'm assuming it went well?"
"Wonderful," Belle said, "Even though she made me read this depressing book. Well, read and sign. She's gotten a bit rusty in that department."
"Series of Unfortunate Events?" Gold said, "Doesn't surprise me one bit."
"Anyway," Belle said, "It was a wonderful afternoon."
"Good," Gold said, teased, "I told you it was all in your head."
"Hmmph," Belle said, "Now shoo. I'm going back to sleep."
"Shoo? I do believe she is my granddaughter."
"Well tonight she's mine," Belle said, teasingly, "You can't have her."
Chuckling briefly, Gold put the book on the nightstand and turned off the light with flick of his fingers. Kissing Belle's lips and Alison's cheek, Gold made his way to leave the room. He glanced back to see Belle already dosing off and Alison snuggling into her more. The afternoon seemed to have been a success, and he wasn't going to let anything to spoil that moment now.
"Hey David, I saw you left a message to call you back. What's up?"
David grimaced as the other officers around him tapped off the area. Sirens were loud and the lights shining obnoxiously. Glancing back, David said, "We have a new development in the case. It looks like the guy has upped his game…"
David saw the dead woman get covered by a sheet as he said, "One of the Blue Fairy's Fairies is dead."
"No ticket no entry!"
The man slapped the shutters to the small carriage as it rode away. Alice huffed as she said irritated, "I didn't want entry. I wanted directions."
Alice sighed as she wandered down the path that the carriage had gone. It was taking her to a forest in which she knew not what lurked. However it didn't seem that unfriendly as the sunlight shone on the checkered path. She had to be going in the right direction; she was following the path after all. However, as Alice wandered further into the woods, she could not think as to why she was following the path in the first place. As she finally came to a stop, Alice heard a strange humming. She looked up to see the golden dragon fly like creatures staring down at her. The wings we giving off a strange smoke as she tilted her head curiously, "What pretty creatures…"
It came like lightening.
Alice screamed at they attacked her. Their bites were quick and painful, like a needle pin. Alice cried out as she tried batting them away in fright. However they were soon scattered when a lantern was brandished at them. Alice was scooped up as he snapped at them, "Sod off, you annoying little bugs!"
Alice found her head hurting as he rushed them out of the forest. Her memories came back to clarity as she remembered why she went in there in the first place. He sat down, putting the lantern on the ground. She finally got a good look at her savior. The man must have been in his early twenties and he interrupted her thoughts by asking, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I think so," Alice whimpered, rubbing the bug bites on her arms. They were just small bumps. She looked at him worried as she asked, "What were they?"
"The Queens favorite Looking Glass Insect… most commonly known as Snapdragons," the man said as if it were obvious, "Didn't you know that was their den?"
"No," Alice said with a sniff, "I was just trying to find the Red Queen's castle…"
"The Red Queen!" the man said horrified, "Why would you go there?"
Alice breathed in deep as she said sadly, "I have to so I can go home…"
The man's eyes darkened as he said, "So she dragged you into her little chess game. Typical."
The man pulled Alice to her feet as he said, "You can't go through the Snapdragon den without a carriage. There smoke makes you forget what it is your doing or even who you are. However, I've never seen them attack someone like that."
"But I can't get a carriage," Alice protested.
"And we won't," he said firmly, "I'm going to lead you through another part of the woods."
"You're going to help me?" Alice said incredulously, "Why?"
"I don't like the Red Queen," the man said getting to his feet, "If helping you means making her angry, then by all means I'll help yah get home. Besides she's already ruin hundreds of lives. I don't feel like watching another one get ruined."
Alice couldn't help but smile and he asked, "What's your name?"
"Alice," she said holding out her hand, "Alice Little."
"Pleasure to meet you, Alice," he said shaking her hand, "My name is Will Scarlet."
Temperance Tales: I considered giving you the translation of Cavia…. BUT I think it will be much more fun to see who will go and check. So who is this new villain that lurks in the shadows? Does Cora know him? Will Alison and Emma be able to defeat him?... And I won't say another word about the matter, or spoilers might be exposed.
I do not own Once Upon A Time and I give full credit to its creators. I don't own fairytales, though it would be cool if I did, and I applaud those who created them (even if they have long since departed from this life). Bizzarieve, thank you for all your help. If it was possible, I would say bow to the audience for all your help and input.
