Chapter Fifty Eight: Prices Paid.
Alice stared up the sky as she saw the twinkling stars.
Will Scarlet was lying next to her, his eyes closed. He seemed to be sleeping but Alice wasn't quite sure. She wanted very badly to sleep however the stars kept her awake. The tree they were in had a platform Will had quickly put together hours before. It wasn't terrible high in the tree, but was high enough to avoid being seen right away. Staring up the sky curiously, Alice wondered out loud, "I wonder if the stars had names, what they would be?"
"Era," Will murmured, almost spoken in a sigh.
"What?" Alice asked curiously. However he did not answer her as he was quite asleep. Alice sighed as she sat up in hopelessness. There was clearly no sleeping for her to have tonight. She was rather homesick after all. She wondered if the Queen or Hatter even realized she was gone.
In the midst of her wonderings, Alice heard the breaking of a branch.
"Will! WILL!" Alice hissed, shaking him, "Wake up, Will!"
"Mhph, what is it?" Will mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"I heard something moving around," Alice said in a hushed tone.
"Probably just the noise of the forest," Will muttered, laying back down. Alice looked at him crossly as she heard the noise again, and again, and again. In fact this time the noise did not stop, but sounded as if someone was walking towards them. Alice peeked down to see that someone was walking beneath them. She was dressed in a dazzling white coat, the shawl attached to a collar. Her hair was pinned up nicely in a bun as her face looked very kind. She looked up at Alice with a smile and said the following words.
"I do apologize for that terrible pain in your shoulder. I'm afraid that's what happens when you sleep in trees."
"Wha-?" Alice shrieked as she and Will fell to the ground. He yelped as he fell, hitting the ground with a thump. Alice scrambled to her feet, her shoulder throbbing with pain. Will made it to his feet as well as well but was quite out of it. The woman in white approached Alice as she said, "My Champions! I knew I would find you here."
"Champions?" Alice questioned. Will made it to his feet finally and stared at the White Queen. Will paled as he said, "You're Majesty!"
"Hello Will Scarlet," The White Queen said as he bowed quickly. He then yanked at Alice's hand as he said, "I'm sorry. We must be going; we've a long way to travel."
"Yes, to my Garden Castle," the White Queen said airily, "We must keep my Champions safe."
The White Queen watched them expectedly as Will made a face. She clearly wanted them to follow and Alice had a feeling she was not going to take no for an answer. Alice looked up at Will's face as she said, "If anything, just to sleep."
Will nodded tersely as the Queen smiled kindly. She then turned and said, "Follow me, My Champions."
Alison groaned as she felt herself awaken.
It was still early outside, the dawn light just barely peeping in at the window. Her bed felt unusually cold as she felt a cool breeze hit the back of her neck. Alison shivered as she realized that the window was left open. Getting out from her bed, Alison hurried over to the window to close it shut. Letting out another shiver, Alison didn't remember leaving the window open. Alison then crawled back into bed, not willing to get up so early on a Saturday. After all, she was exhausted after the previous day. Between Avenant's strict rehearsal, Archie probing questions about her dreams, and Molly tripping her up in the hallway; Alison had absolutely no intention of gracing the world with her presence yet.
Alison literally froze when someone sat on her legs.
Alison nearly screeched, kicking violently as the intruder yelped. Alison stared at him with wide eyes as Cheshire sat on the very end of her bed.
"That hurt!" Cheshire whined, rubbing his leg.
"What are you doing in here?!" Alison said petrified. Chess looked surprised as he opened his mouth to speak. However, there was a knock at the door that made them both freeze.
"Alison? Are you alright?"
"I-I'm fine, Belle," Alison said hastily, "Just got spooked, that's all!"
"Do you need me to come in?"
"No, no, I'm going back to sleep," Alison said hastily, "It's too early…"
"Alright," Belle said, obviously not too inclined to disagree. Footsteps could be heard as Belle made her way down the stairs. Alison didn't move until she heard Belle in the kitchen making breakfast. Sighing, she stared with wide eyes over at Chess.
"You really need to watch where you kick," Chess mumbled.
"You need to not scare me to death Chess," Alison said exasperated.
"I'm sorry," Chess whined, "But I've been up all night, I couldn't sleep."
"Are you lonely?" Alison teased.
"Yes!" Cheshire said, affronted, "You very well know Cheshire Cats don't sleep alone."
Alison watched her friend as her crawled over to her on the bed. He sat beside her as he reached into his pocket. Glancing at her, he said, "And besides, you never came to get your gift from me. I want you to have it before the wedding."
"We still have time before that," Alison teased. Chess pulled out a box and opened it.
It was a necklace, one that had multiple chains; looking a lot like the one Emma wore every day. However on this was a leaping cat. The stone inside the metal rim was multicolored, shining even in the dim light as he pulled it out of the box.
"I remember Henry bought you a key chain like it," Chess admitted, "You seemed to like it so I figured I would make this."
Alison smiled, looking up at him with her baby blue eyes. Chess unclasped it and reached around her neck to put it on. Alison allowed it, touching the cat pendant as he withdrew his hands. She looked back up at him as he grinned.
"There, perfect," he said triumphantly.
"It is beautiful," Alison admired, "However, the dress will hide it."
"My gift is for more than just this occasion," Chess said swiftly, "It is an everyday token from your eternally bound servant…"
Alison looked at him amused as Chess looked at her with a curious expression. Alison then glanced back down at her necklace scooting off the bed. She walked over to the mirror in her room, saying as she went, "I never made you swear any oath to me Chess. You are free to do as you please."
"Of course you would never make anyone swear an oath to you," Chess said, "Oath's come from the heart; if one makes someone swear an oath then they truly mean nothing."
Alison shook her head at her friend as she looked back at him saying, "What oath have you made yourself swear then?"
Chess smiled at her softly as he said, "To serve my Lady to the end of my days."
"Unless I pass on before you," Alison joked. Chess's smile faded. He stepped off the bed as Chess stared intently at her. Alison's smile faded from her face as Chess said, "Alison…we need to-!"
"Alison, are you up?"
Gold's voice sounded groggy and irritated. Chess leaped towards the window turning into a cat as he did so. Alison opened the window and allowed Chess to escape into the outside. Quickly closing the window, Alison heard her door open as she looked over to see Gold standing there. He smiled at her as he said, "Did you leave the window open again?"
"Something like that," Alison said sheepishly.
Gold shook his head as Alison made her way back onto her bed. Gold sat near her as he said, "I can't believe you two wake up at this ridiculous hour."
"I can't believe you can sleep after the sun comes up," Alison said as she laid back onto the pillows, "It gets too bright!"
"There is a thing called curtains, dearie," Gold said, "I put them in your room for a reason."
"Doesn't matter," Alison said, tapping her nose, "My brain is a synchronized clock."
"Indeed," Gold said with a smirk. He then ducked down to kiss her cheek as he said, "Now why don't we go down and see what Belle is making for breakfast?"
Gold pulled her up as he said, amused, "Or are you going to eat like a bird, again?"
Alison's eyes held a glint of laughter in them as she whistled in response.
"We should probably gather the town's people for a meeting."
Snow looked over at David, who was looking over a file with an exhausted look on his face. She was standing in the kitchen, washing dishes from their late breakfast. It hadn't been what they had planned to do with their day; however David didn't come home until three in the morning. Biting her lip, Snow glanced back down at the dishes saying, "Are you sure that's a good idea? Do we truly want to frighten people?"
"People need to know," David said, "Whoever is doing this is skilled and we need people on alert."
"Have you talked to Alison about it?" Snow said, "Maybe she knows something about someone who can absorb the life from people?"
"I can't ask," David said, his voice irritated, "Emma said Gold made her promise not to assist us with any magical problems anymore. No doubt so he can keep making deals with us."
"True," Snow said, defensively, "But he may also just be trying to protect her. She is his granddaughter after all."
"Look, I'm not saying he's being completely unreasonable," David said, walking over to the counter top, "I know Gold loves her, but I also know he's manipulative and cunning."
Snow looked at her husband as she said, "But he loves her. He's not going to hurt her."
"Really?" David said, "So why do you think she made that promise?"
"Because he is our Mage?" Snow suggested.
"Because she's scared," David said, "Scared that she's going to lose his love when she does something to displease him."
Snow looked at him in shock as he sighed. He leaned against the counter as he was silent for a while. David shook his head slightly as he looked back up at her. David held guilt in his eyes as he said, "Look, I was not as close to Autumn as Kathryn was. Not by any means. And it kills me that I just let Gold and Kathryn decide whatever instead of actually helping her. But I know her well enough to know she loves Gold with everything she has. But I am not convinced that love is given as much in return."
Snow let a look of understanding come across her face as she moved around the counter. She wrapped her arm around him comfortingly. Snow rubbed his back as she said, "Charming, you are the most loving person that I know. I know it must eat at you that you didn't parent Autumn when she needed someone to. But David, she has a family who loves her. If you don't believe Gold or yourself, please believe me."
David looked at her and smiled. Standing up straight, he took her in an embrace as he said, "I knew there had to be a reason I loved you so much."
Snow giggled as he playfully kissed her saying, "So… shall we go hunt for this life force eating demon?"
"Of course," Snow said, "What kind of Hero's would we be if we let the bad guy get away?"
"Alice, we really should leave here."
Alice looked at Will surprised, putting down the muffin in her hand. They were at a table near the side of the hall. The court was filled with people, talking happily and lightly to one another. They were all dressed in white except for Will and Alice. The White Queen was sitting at a table, her throne like chair standing out from all the rest. She smiled warmly at them as Alice said, "We will… but why are you so anxious?"
"Do you not know who the White Queen is?" Will asked, sound surprised.
"No, actually I don't," Alice admitted, "I don't know a lot of things."
Will looked nervous, glancing about the room. The White Queen had looked away from them talking with the man sitting beside her. Will leaned over towards Alice as he said softly, "I don't want to alarm you, but the White Queen is the Red Queen's sister."
"What?" Alice said stricken, "Why didn't you say so before?!"
"Because," Will said, "The two sisters have been locked in battle since their sister of another kingdom was defeated. The Red Queen brought you here as her opponent so I didn't think she was going to hurt you."
"Is that why she keeps calling me Champion?"
"Most likely," Will said as Alice seem to settle down a bit. However she looked confused as she asked, "So why should we be in such a rush to leave?"
"Because, I'm afraid she might keep you here," Will said, "It's what she does. If you stay past the date in their game, you can never leave the Midlands. That way she will always have her champion."
Alice's face filled with dread as she looked at the White Queen nervously. She wasn't paying attention, still chatting with the man beside her. Alice then looked back at Will as she asked, "Do you know a way out?"
"I do," Will said quickly, grabbing her hand, "Follow me. Don't make a fuss."
Alice and Will quickly left the room, ducking behind a tapestry. Behind it was a door, one that led to the outside. They hurried through the garden as Will said, "There is a hole in the wall that we can slip through and go back into the forest."
"Will Scarlet!"
Alice nearly jumped out of her skin as Will was forcibly taken into custody of hidden Knights. Alice gasped as she watched the knights grabbed him as the lead Knight said, "You are under arrest for stealing the White Queen's jewels."
"What? I stole nothing!" Will shouted, struggling against them.
"It's true sir, he's been with me the whole time!" Alice protested only to squeak as the head night grabbed her wrist saying, "The Queen has demanded you to be taken to her chambers. Please come with me, Guest of the Queen."
"Alice!" Will shouted as the Knight pulled Alice away.
"Will!" Alice said panicked as the Knight's forced him out of sight.
"Where is she?!"
Emma winced at Regina's impatient tone. They were in a forest clearing, Emma sitting against a tree. Regina was standing with her arms crossed, looking rather harassed. The sun peeked down through the trees as Emma said lazily, "I'm sure she's on her way. I'm sure she's making sure Gold wouldn't come looking for her."
"You got that right!"
Emma and Regina looked towards the source of the noise to see Henry and Alison coming down the slope. Alison looked slightly harassed while Henry cheerful. Emma jumped to her feet as Regina snapped, "You're late! And Henry, why are you here?"
"We're supposed to be hanging out, so I figured I would at least watch," Henry said.
"Henry, it is too dangerous!" Regina snapped only for Alison to retort, "No, it won't be. Henry's going to watch from far enough away where he won't get hurt!"
"Alison, this is not-!"
"If Henry has to leave, then it's going to turn into a lie that I'm spending time with him," Alison warned, "If it turns into a lie, Gold is going to find out. He stays, or this doesn't happen."
Regina scoffed, looking thoroughly annoyed. Emma didn't look happy either but she didn't outright protest. Instead, Emma walked over to Henry and said, "Come on, Henry. Let's go sit on the hill out of the way."
Henry nodded, excitement growing on his face. He and Emma sat far away from them, Regina still glaring at Alison. Alison took a couple steps forward as she said, "Shall we begin?"
"Yes we shall," Regina said, waving her hand. The book appeared in her hands as she said, "We'll start off with some basics, I need to gauge your skills. Starting with this…"u
Regina made a rock appear in her hand, holding out it patiently. Alison blinked as Regina said, "Make it fly."
"That's it?" Alison swirled her hand, and the rocked began to swirl in the air. However Regina snatched it, the look on her face annoyed. Alison made a face as Regina said, "Enough. Now, if you will let me do the following, I can test something else."
Alison gave her a suspicious look as she nodded. Regina then waved her hand, and Alison hissed as she felt a burning on her forearm. Alison yanked up her sleeve as she made a noise of pain. Henry and Emma looked concerned, sitting up straighter as they watched. Alison looked down to see that there were elvish markings that were glowing on her arm. It was an odd sensation, feeling that everything was getting sucked back into her body. It was suffocating, making her cough as her knees buckled. Henry and Emma shot to their feet as Emma said urgently, "Regina!"
Alison slammed her hands into the ground, a pulse shooting through them. Roots shot up from the ground as they wrapped around Regina, sending her careening to the ground. Regina flung her hands, the roots burst into flame. Coughing, Alison's arm shook as they tried to support her. Regina stood up, brushing off the dirt from her clothes. Alison glared at Regina as she said, "What was that for!?"
"Gauging your skills," Regina said, crossing her arm once more, "And you actually seemed to have a good foundation already."
"Why is that surprising?" Alison said, brushing off her pants, "I was taught how to protect myself."
"I didn't doubt you didn't have some foundation," Regina said, "Whoever taught you did so well. However, what you must learn goes beyond the basics you know. We need to figure out how you can use both Magic and Anti-Magic."
Alison watched as Regina waved her hand. A candle appeared, floating in the air. Alison blinked as she heard Regina said, "Close your eyes. Empty your mind, close off your heart. Focus on this one task: light the candle."
Alison did as she asked, clearing her mind and eliminating emotion. Regina walked closer to Alison feeling the magic pool into concentration. Regina smiled as she felt the magic about to do its work.
Only to screech when a shocking explosion knocked them over.
"Alison!" Henry launched himself from his spot and hurried over to his fallen friend. Emma also jumped to her feet, following her son quickly. Regina sputtered, tasting a bit of dirt in her mouth. Alison groaned as Regina sat up snapping, "What was that?! I said light it, not blow it up!"
"Well forgive me," Alison snapped as Regina made it to her feet, once again brushing off dirt. Henry knelt by Alison, pulling her arm in support. Alison made it to her feet as Emma brushed off her clothes in concern. Regina stared at Alison as the girl said irritated, "That's always what happens when I try making my emotions go away, it explodes!"
"Explodes?" Regina murmured, staring at Alison.
"Okay, I think that's enough for the day," Emma said, looking obviously very flustered.
"No," Regina said sharply, "Henry, go back to sitting with Emma. Just in case."
Emma looked at Regina with a look of protest, only to be glared at. Alison gently prodded Emma as she whispered, "It's alright. One more go?"
Emma made a face, but Henry pulled her away. As soon as Henry and Emma were safely back at their sitting spot, Alison looked to see Regina conjure a new candle. Regina watched her curiously as she said, "Alright… let's try this. I want you to close your eyes, try and picture your magic."
Alison closed her eyes, feeling the magic pulse in her body. Regina paced around her as she said, "Now I want you to feel it, let it flow through you. Sadness, sorrow, happiness, whatever it is. You need to feel that you want that candle to light. Want it like it is the most important thing to you."
Alison did as she was asked, flinch at the unusual sensation in her. Her body seemed to shiver at the emotions running high. Alison wasn't quite sure she liked it, unconsciously suppressing it once again. Regina could feel her resistance, making a face. Leaning over, Regina then leaned over towards Alison and said, in her ear, "Unless, of course, your mother died for no reason."
Regina was completely caught off guard as Alison slapped her across the face.
Regina stumbled as Alison stared at her in anger. Her eyes were glassy but no tears fell. Turning on her heel, Alison stormed away as Henry jumped to his feet to chase after her. Emma stood as well, climbing down the hill as she glared at Regina. Regina rubbed her cheek as she scowled saying, "That hurt."
"What did you expect?! Just because you're teaching her, it doesn't mean she's got to put up with your mouth!"
"It was necessary," Regina mumbled, staring in the direction of the candle saying, "Look."
Emma glanced over towards the candle and her mouth fell open in surprise.
The candle was lit.
"Holy cow," Emma said as Regina watched Henry disappear into the forest. Frowning deeply, Regina said, "Did you notice something about her explosion, Emma?"
"You mean her candle explosion or her smacking you across the face explosion," Emma said sarcastically.
"Both," Regina said, "But the candle one in particular. What kind of explosion would you say that looked like?"
"Ummm," Emma thought about it, her expression turning curious, "Like an electrical explosion…"
Regina smiled coyly as she said, "I agree. I think her magic requires emotions while her Anti-Magic requires emptiness."
"But why explode like that?" Emma said, "And I thought magic needed a clear head too?"
"Some magic," Regina said, "Obviously, her type of magic is different. As for the explosion… I would need to train with her some more to figure that out."
"Well let's hope she'll come back," Emma said shortly, "You said a pretty awful thing."
"I know," Regina said, sighing, "I know."
"Master Flinn?"
Flinn heard the sound of Eliza's voice, questioning and confused. His hands skimmed over the brail, holding the book carefully in his lap. He turned his head towards the direction of her voice as she said, "You have a visitor. His name is Jefferson; he says he's from the manor down the road. He said he would like to speak to you."
"Very well, send him in," Flinn said, rest the book fully on his lap. Eliza allowed Jefferson to enter the room. Jefferson sat across from Flinn as the Prince asked, "What can I do for you Jefferson? I do not believe I know you."
"Ah, no," Jefferson said immediately. His tone was friendly as well as his appearance. Eliza seemed satisfied by this as she disappeared from sight. Jefferson glanced towards the empty door way as he looked back at Flinn saying, "I came by because I wanted to thank you."
"Thank me?"
"Yes," Jefferson said, examining the man before him. Jefferson noted his neck was exposed, revealing the scars around his neck. With them being concealed, Jefferson could see why Alison would have been concerned. However, Jefferson saw them in their entirety. The scars were multiple and smaller, some only being an inch long. Jefferson then continued, to avoid a probing question at his silence, "You helped My Lady the other day."
"Your Lady? You mean the girl who fell down the slope the other day?"
"Yes," Jefferson said with a grin, "She's such a klutzy one, always getting herself into trouble."
"It wasn't a problem," Flinn said waving his hand, "I would never leave anyone who needed help. However… you said she was a Lady?"
"Yes," Jefferson said quickly, "My Lady Alison."
"Lady Alison…," Flinn wondered, "I never heard of a noble with such a name."
"Well, I'm sure many people haven't," Jefferson said, "She mainly keeps to herself to avoid making dangerous enemies."
"Dangerous enemies?" Flinn questioned, "For such a young one?"
"Yes," Jefferson said, "People can be very cruel on their path to gain power."
Flinn nodded, looking a little forlorn at his statement. Jefferson noted this as he said, "Well, I am glad to have been able to thank you. I'm afraid I must return to my work."
"Of course, it was my pleasure," Flinn said indicating towards the door. Jefferson stood up and walked quickly towards the door. Jefferson nodded towards Eliza, who was sitting on a comfy chair knitting. She nodded at him as he left the house, rubbing his arms as the cool air hit him. Scowling, Jefferson couldn't help but want the warmth of summer that Wonderland always seem to have. However, he knew that didn't happen in this world, so he hurried home to find Paige waiting for him in the hallway.
"Grace, what-?"
"Alison," Paige explained, "She's here and she's really upset…"
Jefferson peered into the living room to see Alison staring into the fire place. Henry wasn't sitting too far from her as he watched her sadly. Paige looked at her father hopefully as she said, "She won't talk to me… maybe she'll talk to you?"
Jefferson sighed as he took off his jacket saying, "I'll try. Why don't you take Henry upstairs?"
"Kay," Paige said, "Henry? I got a few new books for us to look at. Do you want to look at them?"
Henry looked towards them, catching on. He looked at Alison with pity as he stood up and left the room. Jefferson walked into the room as he sat down by Alison. Alison was staring into the fireplace, watching the flames crackle within. Sighing, Jefferson laid down next to her as he asked, "So what brings you to my humble abode, Alison?"
"I hate her," Alison said darkly.
"I see," Jefferson said, "Which of your many 'hers' are you hating today?"
"Regina," Alison seethed, her hands clenched.
"Should have guessed, your sneaking-around-behind-Gold's-back lessons were today," Jefferson said, "Not that I would disapprove."
"And yet you found it necessary to put it like that," Alison said coldly.
"Well of course," Jefferson said, "It is the truth. As I said, I'm not complaining. It's about time he got a taste of his own medicine."
"I swear, if you want me to leave, I'll just go and leave you in peace!" Alison made motions to move away however Jefferson grabbed her wrist. Giving her a tug, Jefferson watched her slip onto her side. Wincing, Alison glared at him. However, all Jefferson noticed was the glassy stare she was giving him. Jefferson's face became dark as he asked roughly, "What happened? What did she do to you?"
"What she usually does!" Alison said her voice with a hint of hysterics, "Taunt me, poke at me- taunting me about Jane-!"
Jefferson froze as Alison sunk down completely, her hands over her eyes. Jefferson's jaw went tight as he watched Alison silently. Shaking her head, Alison stared at the ceiling saying, "All because she wanted me to light a stupid candle…"
"Wait," Jefferson said, his voice keeping the element of roughness, "Start from the beginning. This all happened in the midst of her teaching you?"
"Yes," Alison said, "We were trying to do a spell to light a candle… She told me to clear my mind and will it to light. Then it exploded…"
Jefferson sighed, as if he already knew the answer. However, he waited for Alison to finish.
"After that she told me to use my emotions to power the spell," Alison said, her tone angry, "Told me that unless my mother DIED for no reason-!"
"I get it," Jefferson interrupted, and added miserably, "And I know why she did it."
Alison stared at him hard as he let out a shaky sigh. Jefferson then looked at her saying, "Alison… I've told you before your powers are tied into your emotions… a better way to explain it is that it is a physical part to your being."
Alison looked at Jefferson with narrowed eyes, confused. Jefferson tapped her head as he said, "It's very much like an extra organ in your body. It's of the utmost importance, like your brain or your heart… Suppress it or kill it, you will suffer and die."
Alison stared at him, still confused as she said, "Why, why isn't anyone else like that?"
"Because it's the price of magic," Jefferson said, "The Siren put a piece of Wonderland's core in you to save your life. It fused with the magic lying dormant inside and became a part of you. Many other sorcerers or witches learn magic, use magic, but very VERY few people rely so solely upon it to breath every day."
Jefferson watched her sadly as he said, "Aislinn suffered similarly. She also had to learn that being the Mage of Wonderland means proudly wearing your emotions on your sleeve."
"That's not something to be proud of," Alison said almost growling at him, "It means you get used, abused, and tossed aside like a piece of garbage!"
"It means that despite what everyone else would like to do with you, you won't let them because there is nothing for them to use against you," Jefferson said, "Alison, please… I know that it's hurts you. It hurts you terrible to open up… but if you want to continue to strengthen your magic, you're going to have to talk about these things."
"How do I talk about Jane period?" Alison said coldly, "She's dead. And no matter how Regina pokes at me, that's never going to change…"
"It's not about bringing Jane back from the dead," Jefferson said, reaching out to point over where her heart hid, "You're focusing on it because it's bothering you in here. As many things bother you in there, you just need to believe that it is okay to not be in control. What it's about is letting it go…"
Jefferson stroked Alison's cheek as he said, "You are the Mage of the Land of Insanity, also known as the Land of Life… But, Alison, even bringing back the dead is outside your capabilities."
Kissing her head, Jefferson murmured, "Just know that contrary to belief, she loved you."
"Let me go!"
Alice yelped as she fell to the floor of the room the Knight pushed her in. Wincing, Alice jumped to her feet as the door snapped shut. Alice hurried over to pull open the door. Banging on the door, Alice almost didn't hear a woman's voice saying, "You really should be careful what you ask for."
Alice whirled around to see the White Queen sitting at a small round table with a pretty tea set. She was smiling warmly at Alice as she said, "Come, I have your tea all ready for you. Some milk and the slightest amount of sugar, quite a strange taste…"
"Majesty," Alice said, walking over to her briskly as she looked at her beseechingly. The White Queen looked at her with kindness as Alice said, "Please my friend did not steal your jewels! He had been with me this entire time-!"
"Oh I know," the Queen said, "I know you two went to sleep shortly after we arrived and woke to come eat for breakfast. After cleaning yourselves up of course."
Alice looked at the Queen confused as the White Queen opened the sugar bowl to put some sugar in her own cup. The White Queen stirred her cup gently as Alice said, "If you knew that, then you know he didn't steal the jewels last night! So he doesn't deserve to be imprisoned."
"Oh he didn't steal the jewels last night, or even this morning," the Queen said, tapping the spoon lightly on the side of the cup before putting it on the tray, "But he quite needs to be imprisoned for stealing my jewels."
Alice sat down in the free seat, looking even more puzzled than before. The Queen did not look at Alice as the girl said, "But you just said he didn't steal them."
"Oh he stole them," the Queen said, "Not today or yesterday or even in the past. The jewels will disappear by two this afternoon."
"But-But he," Alice said, "He hasn't stolen anything yet!"
"Yet," The White Queen said, "The key word. My lovely Alice, in this kingdom people shall pay for their crime before it is even committed. After all, how else can I make sure the price of crime is paid in full?"
"That doesn't make sense," Alice said, palely, "Not in any word of the sense."
"It makes perfect sense," The White Queen tutted, "Cold tea doesn't make sense to me. Now drink up."
Alice stared at the White Queen hardly, the look of determination on her face. Alice made no motion to pick up her tea but did say darkly, "You can't keep me; I WILL leave with my friend!"
The White Queen smiled at Alice mysteriously as she simpered sadly, "In my mind, Alice... You are quite already gone."
"Here you are Stan."
The man nodded his head as he took the glass from the waitress. She wandered away from his table, leaving him to drink. Not many people were in the bar; however that didn't stop him from looking around. He couldn't help but notice a pretty brunette was sitting by herself at the bar. Smirking, he stood up and wandered over to sit on the stool next to her.
"Hey."
She glanced at him, before taking a sip of her wine. Smiling at him, she said, "Hello. Can I help you?"
"Yes," he said smoothly, "You can tell me how long you've been an angel here on this dull earth."
She smiled embarrassed, looking down at her glass. He grinned, obviously encouraged by her action. She looked back at him as she said, "You're quite the Charmer."
"It's what I am known for," Stan said, smoothly. He then took a drink, examining her thoroughly. Around her neck she was wearing a beautiful necklace of red jewels. Smirking he said, pointing at her necklace lazily, "Pretty necklace. Where did you get it?"
"Thanks it was on sale," the woman said with a smile, "A girl can't resist a good deal."
"Of course not," Stan said, "However… I'm sure I can put something just as beautiful around your lovely neck."
The woman raised her brows as he pulled a golden necklace out of his pocket. Gasping, she reached over to touch it lightly. It shimmered beautifully in the light and his smirk was rather smug. Looking at him, she asked, "Where did you get such a beautiful necklace?"
"I know a guy," Stan said, "Who can acquire beautiful things, for beautiful ladies."
"Oh," she said, a look of interest in her eyes, "Is he a jeweler?"
"Of sorts," Stan said, waving his arms in the air, "He's the ruler of this fine establishment!"
"Stan!" the bartender suddenly shouted. The two looked at him and he said, his voice filled with warning, "Keep your trap shut."
Stan winced as he waved his hand, dropping the necklace down near his drink. Taking another gulp, he looked at her with a smug expression as he said, "I've got more where that came from to… so what do you say we head back to my place and I show you some more."
"I say," the woman said leaned over and putting a piece of paper in his hand. She whispered in his ear saying, "Call me."
Promptly, the woman walked away. The man grinned with negative intentions as he looked down at the folded piece of paper in his hand. Unfolding it, he was surprised to not see a phone number on it but words. Words that said the following:
"If you report this, you will be thrown into jail for possession of stolen goods."
"Did it work?"
Red came walking into the back of the diner, where David and Snow stood with August. The laundry machines were running, making a little bit of noise. Red grinned as she held up the golden necklace saying, "One golden necklace for your highnesses to use."
"Nice," August said, "You didn't have to knock him out did you?"
"Nope, his never ending ego might have deflated a bit," Red said, "But he's still conscious and breathing. At least until he drinks himself to sleep…"
"Thank you," David said, "Now we have something to go on."
"Are you going to take it to our little Mage?" Red said with a grin, "If you see her tell her that I need to steal her for a night."
"Well first, Henry is stealing her tonight," David said with a sigh, "A second, I guess you guys didn't get the memo?"
"Memo?" August questioned.
"Apparently Gold made Alison promise not to help the people of Storybrooke with magic anymore," Snow said. A disgusted look came over Red's face as she said angrily, "Why?! You know what, don't even! No doubt it's so he can keep storing people in his back pocket!"
Red stormed away, leaving a stunned Snow and Charming. They looked at August as he sighed. His face looked pained as he said, "Look, I'll go talk to her. Go see if Gold can help find out anything from the necklace."
August hurried up the stairs, knowing full well where she went. Walking down the hallway to her room, August noticed she had left the door quite open. Stepping inside, he saw Red staring out the window with her arms crossed. Sighing, August walked over to her and put his hands on her hips. She shifted her shoulders, but did not pull away from him. Leaning over to kiss her cheek, August whispered, "He's just trying to protect her."
"No, he's protecting his own assets," snapped Red, "He's manipulating her from helping people and actually doing good in this town!"
"Red, it's not as simple as that," August said, exasperated, "Look. I know the Mage rules well enough, being around Jane so long required it…. I'm telling you, it's not a good thing for Alison to be trespassing on their turf. She's the Mage of Wonderland, not the Enchanted Forest."
"But she-!"
"Red, Gold and Belle are now bound in a very special way to the Enchanted Forest," August interrupted impatiently, "Them not doing their duty is NOT going to benefit Alison in the long run. She could get accused of trying to take over another Mage's realm."
Red looked at him mortified as she said angrily, "That's full of it! She's not doing anything of the sort-!"
"But don't you see how bad that looks?" August said, "Wonderland land is KNOWN for having war after war after war! If she's keeps stepping into their role, she IS overstepping her boundaries. It's Mage interference!"
Red made a face as August said, "Please, don't make a fuss over this…"
"I won't about the magic," Red said darkly, "But you can't deny he hasn't changed. He's still manipulative, no matter how many debts he forgives."
"True," August said softly.
"So why are you letting him have full custody?!"
August winced, glancing nervously at the door. When he saw that no one was there, August looked back at her sternly as he said, "Red, we all have our faults. His she could benefit from; mine will only hinder her in ways that could kill her."
Will yelped as he fell to the floor.
The jail cell wasn't terrible as most, the light stone walls well cleaned. However Will was not pleased, not pleased at all. The door was made of the nicest wood, something he had been attempting to break open. He had even tried throwing himself into the dainty door, only to discover it wasn't as dainty as it looked. Groaning, Will got to his feet as he let out a sigh.
"Leave it to her to accuse me with her mental ravings," Will groaned, "She hasn't bloody changed at all."
"GUARDS! GUARDS! Quickly to the hall! The Queen's jewels have been taken from the case!"
"What?! It is not yet two o'clock!"
"JUST GET UP HERE!"
Will leaned his ear against the door, listening to the guards run off. He listened, silence reigning for a while. However, he soon heard soft footsteps hurrying down the steps and over to the door….
"Will! Wh-What are you doing?"
Will whirled around, seeing Alice standing with a concealed stone door that was now opened. Confusion over took his face as he looked from her to what he thought had been the door. Pointing at the door, Will stammered, "I-I was-How did you get in here?"
"With a key?" Alice said, dangling the keys that were still inside the door.
"Yes, but how did you get the key?!" Will asked, obviously embarrassed.
"From a guard," Alice said, staring at him with a no-duh expression.
"Yes, but how did you get it from the guard?!"
"I took it from him when he dropped it after I made him slip!"
"How did you make him-?"
"I threw water on the floor, now can we go?!"
The White Queen watched from the window as Alice and Will ran out into the garden. They made it to the wall where they slipped out of sight. The lead knight walked up to stand next to her as she sighed. The Knight glanced at her as he asked, "Would you like us to pursue them?"
"That will not be necessary," the White Queen said, in stupor, "It's so strange… she stole the jewels."
"Your Majesty never did say it would be him."
"No, but she took them before two o'clock."
"Is it of concern?"
"She defied the Compendium," The White Queen said, softly.
"Are you certain?!" the Knight said, his voice filled with shock.
"I am the only person who retains all the information from the Compendium," The White Queen said, "And I never forget anything… which can only mean one thing…"
The Queen's lips broke out into a smile, one that was true as could be. However in the same breath, the Queen had a tear fall down her cheek. The Knight noticed this as well as he asked, "Your Majesty, what troubles you?"
"Nothing," The White Queen said, her voice filled with bitter sweetness, "But I know now… that child is the One."
"So, what are you planning on doing?"
Gold glanced up from his work, seeing Belle lean against his desk. Looking at her intrigued, Gold asked, "What do you mean?"
"The night of the bachelorette party," Belle asked curiously, "What do you plan on doing?"
"I will be finishing up a couple of things," Gold said, "Some last minute honeymoon preparations."
"You mean you're not planning anything?"
"Nothing particular interests me," Gold said standing up. He then too her hand, leaning in to touch her nose with his. Belle couldn't help but smile as he said, "Except marrying my bride to be."
He kissed her then, sweetly and lovingly. Belle kissed him back, reaching up to touch his cheek. Pulling away slightly, Gold then said, "That and trying to keep that little one from disappearing on me."
"Rumple," Belle said, "She's not exactly little anymore."
"Don't remind me," Gold groaned, making a face as he encircled his arms around her waist, "She's already up to my shoulders."
"Soon it just won't be height anymore either," Belle said cheerfully, "Soon it'll be hormones, then body,-."
"Belle," Gold warned, "Don't make me tempted to freeze her biological clock."
"Rumple, I don't think that's necessary," Belle said giggling, "She's still the ever growing cynic in regards love."
"Well not so much to love, as of romance," Gold said, "I swear I'll never understand how a little child hates it so much."
"It's a stage," Belle said simply, "Enjoy it while it lasts."
"Oh I will," Gold said with a smirk, "And I will enjoy this…"
Gold leaned in kissing her, a little more ardently than before. Belle slid her arms around his neck, falling into his loving gesture. Letting out a small sigh, Gold parted saying, "For all eternity."
"RUMPELSTILTSKIN!"
Gold growled as he heard Charming's voice echo through his shop. Pulling away from Belle, he looked just in time to see royals come into the back of the shop. Gold put on his fake smile as he said, "Well if it isn't the Charmings. What can I do for you?"
"We need your help," David said, "We have an item that might have magical residue on it. We need to catch it in order to hunt down a murderer. Would you be able to identify it?"
"I could," Gold said, business like, "For a price."
"Rumple!" Belle objected.
"No, you're going to help us," David said menacingly, "Or-!"
"Or what?" Gold said sharply, "You'll go behind my back and ask Alison? No can do."
"I know that already!" David snapped, his temper getting the better of him, "However, I'd hate to tell you that this murderer is doing it by sucking the life force out of women. You tell me what you're going to do when this monster targets your granddaughter? After all, she has an incredible power tied into her life force."
"Charming!" Snow said, looked exasperated. Belle and her exchanged glances as Charming and Gold glared at each other. David was the first to speak as he said meaningfully, "You can't protect her or Belle all the hours of the day, so help me make sure this demon doesn't get that far!"
Gold still glowered at him as he said, "Show me the item."
Snow pulled out the necklace, showing it to him. Gold took it, examining it carefully. Waving his hand, the magic began to glow around the necklace. Gold's looked darkens as the magic turned black, black as night as it hissed. The three other shifted uncomfortably, obviously bother by what they saw. Gold snapped his fingers as the black smoke turned into flames, disappearing all together. He dropped the necklace back into Snow's hand as Belle asked nervously, "What was that?"
"A very dark magic," Gold said, "One I haven't seen in many years. This magic has a siphoning ability. The user attacks those with a good quality life force, one that could help them live for countless years."
"So, what, he's like a vampire?" Snow said, sounding rather bothered.
"Yes and no," Gold said, "This magic user wouldn't survive on blood. And as I said, it needs a good quality life force for his abilities to work. Also, the person would need to touch someone's skin to siphon the life force."
"So if it's so rare couldn't you have traced it back to whoever did this?!"
"No," Gold said bothered, "This magic is dark; its powers are too poisonous for me to do such a spell. However, I can help you in disposing of him."
"Why?" David said, "Is it that difficult?"
"The user lives for countless of years partially because they obtain high regenerative powers," Gold said, "The only way to kill it properly is through burning or crushing its heart. Believe me; I've dealt with one before. It was a messy trial and error…"
Snow and Charming exchanged extremely worried looks as Belle looked around in discomfort. Gold looked troubled as he said warningly, "I would have everyone on alert. Or I can assure you, many other people will die."
Regina sat nervously by the fire.
It wasn't like she had done it to deliberately hurt her. However, she was resisting and Regina had to be sure that it was what she thought it was. In fact, she had even warned Alison that it was not going to be a cake walk. However, Regina couldn't help but feel guilty for more than one reason. She had made Alison ask if she was ready to do this. But the question was she; would she be able to hurt Alison this way? The Evil Queen would have said yes in a heartbeat. But she didn't want to be the Evil Queen. She wanted to just be herself.
The phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She picked it up and noticed who it was on the caller ID. Sighing, Regina picked up the phone as she said, "Emma, I really do not need another lecture-!"
"It's not Emma, it's me."
Regina looked and felt surprised, hearing Alison's voice at the other end. Gripping the phone a little tighter, Regina said, "I didn't think I would be hearing from you again. Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Look, sorry I stormed off. It was… just not what I was expecting it to be."
"In all fairness, it wasn't what I was expecting either," Regina said honestly.
"So are we still on for next week?"
Regina paused, her ever growing surprise reaching its peak. Her mouth twitching downwards a bit, Regina then nodded saying, "Definitely. Practice lighting as many candles as you can, and over various distances. Gauge how tired you get after doing it for periods of time. I'll see you next week."
Alison heard Regina hang up the phone, already dressed in sweatpants and a tee shirt. She and Henry were sitting on the couch that they had in Emma's living room. Emma was in the kitchen, making dinner as Henry asked, "Are you sure?"
"Definitely. I'm not going to let this stop me," Alison said, sincerely. Henry grinned as he said, "Am I still allowed to come watch?"
"Of course," Alison said grinning, "Besides, we need to spend time together. We really don't get to do it during the week."
"Yeah, especially with you being in that music program," Henry said, then added excitedly, "We really should get together after school though. We have this new friend Molly. She's really nice and a lot of kids in our class have been asking about you. We should meet up after school so you can meet her and say hi to everyone else."
Alison's grin faltered as Henry closed the book that was next to him. He leaned forward to put it on the table as Alison said somewhat nervous, "Henry…"
"Alright kids, eat up. I don't feel like getting scolded that you both didn't eat healthy this evening."
Emma walked over with two plates of stir-fry, hand it to them. Henry rolled his eyes as he said, "Like she ever eats sweets. She only ever does it to be polite."
"Tis true," Alison said, wrapping the noodles around her fork. Emma then sat on the coffee table gingerly as she watched them. They both noticed this action as Henry asked, "Mom, is something wrong?"
"Look," Emma said, "About this new murder case, I-I don't…."
Emma faltered for a moment as Alison gently prodded her with her foot. She looked up at Alison with a bitter smile as she said, "I don't want you two running off without me and Regina. This guy is dangerous; he steals people's life forces. Either one of you could be his next targets."
"Emma, we won't," Alison said before Henry could even speak, "We're not stupid, we promise."
Alison glanced pointedly at Henry as she asked, "Right?"
"Hey, why glare at me like that?!" Henry huffed.
"Who's the one who went running into an unstable mine," Alison said, "Or ran off to Boston? BOTH times not telling me?"
"I wouldn't talk. You got captured by the Snow Queen!"
"Guys?" Emma said, interrupting their quarrel. Henry and Alison exchanged looks before nodding. Emma smiled as she kissed the top of Henry's head. Emma ruffled the top of Alison's as she wandered back into the kitchen. Henry looked at Alison as he asked quietly, "Do you really think he's that dangerous?"
"I do," Alison said, "Not many people can kill people like this Henry. And when they can, they're dangerous…"
Alison looked at him serious and said, quietly, "Let's not be picking any fights with someone like that, okay?"
Cora's eyes gleamed strangely as she watched the two in the mirror. She was almost glowering at Alison, her fingers twitching slightly. It was like she had offended her, even though the child's words had seemed harmless. Waving her hand, Cora watched the image disappear as she responded darkly.
"I sincerely hope you didn't just say that, My Pet. You don't have a choice."
The man hissed as he pricked his finger on the needle.
It had been the umpteenth time he had done that this evening. However, it didn't sway him any from his work. After all pricked fingers were a small price to pay in order to achieve his goal. However, he did curse the person that made him prick his finger every time he thought of her.
"You little rascal, Alison," The man muttered madly, "You owe me your company in as many pricks as I've gotten."
There was a flutter that made him freeze.
The man glanced up, still sewing a flower on a hat as he saw a pure white bird sit on his shoulder. It reached its beak inside his ear as he continued to work. Even though he was distracted he heard this message loud and clear.
"Do not trouble for our Hero, Jefferson. No harm shall come to her now."
The Mad Hatter grinned as the bird flew away. He continued to sew, a little more happily, as he said, "Be safe now, dear Alison. I want to hear this new story you'll tell me once you've come back."
Temperance Tales: So, this is the chapter that would be the equivalence of Wool and Water. Nevertheless, no matter how I looked at it, the title really didn't fit with this particular change in this story. This will happen a few more times, as I'm really making my version of Alice in Wonderland, showing what happened before she became the Mage. I do not own Once Upon A Time and I give full credit to its creators. Bizzarieve, thank you for all your help. I do not own any of the fairytales and give credit where credit is due.
