Chapter Fifty Nine: Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee.
"There you are!"
Will came around a tree, where Alice was sitting by a fire. He was carrying a bag of something in his hand as he made his way down the slope. The sun was rising, casting a friendly glow in the forest. Alice watched him curiously as he sat down beside her as he reached inside the bag.
"Of course I'm here, I didn't move," Alice said, "Did you get lost?"
"Hardly," Will said, pulling out a couple of apples, "I was just getting us breakfast."
"Thanks!" Alice said with a grin, taking one and munching it on it delicately. Will took a hearty bite out of his apple as she asked, "But if you didn't get lost. Why act like you couldn't find me?"
"Because someone," Will pinched her nose playful as she made a face at him, "Likes to go wandering off."
"If I didn't we would have been caught twice by now," Alice said, "And if you had listen to me, we could have avoided the White Queen all together."
"No, we wouldn't have," Will said, "She would have followed us."
Alice looked at him curiously as Will pulled out a map, examining it carefully. The birds twittered up above flying about from nest to nest. Will wasn't distracted by this nor was his attention taken away by Alice's next question.
"How do you know?"
Will didn't say anything as Alice looked at him with a small frown. After a moment's silence, Alice spoke up again, "You knew how to get out of her palace. You act like you know her well enough. How do you know her?"
"I live here Alice," Will muttered, "I've lived here longer than I've cared for."
Alice looked at him, noticing the sad expression that shadowed over his face briefly. However, she didn't get to question him further on it as he said, "So. It seems if we go follow this river, it'll lead us straight to the left side of the board. Then, we'll be able to make claim on this Queen's game and you can go home."
"Make claim?"
"Aye," Will said, "It means you've fulfilled your order in the game. Now we should get going, before she sends something else after you."
"What else could she send after me?" Alice said, her voice filled with dread.
"Bandersnatch, Mumwrath, other horrifying and terrible creatures," Will said as he put out the fire that had warmed Alice to the bone. Her face paled as he stifled the fire into nothingness. Turning back to her, Will said, "Don't worry. If we keep moving, we should be nearly out of the woods by the night."
Will helped her up, fixing the collar on her blue overcoat. The deep blue skirts showed through her dress, the strips of the darkest night. It was warmer clothes they had gotten from the White Queen, already stained from sleeping on the earth. Alice took his hand as he led her through the woods.
The Red Queen waved her hand as the image disappeared in the mirror. Smile cruelly, The Red Queen said, "What a wonderful idea…. It's unfortunate, my love, you shall pay the price with her."
There was a meow.
Alison groaned a little, feeling something soft rubbing against her cheek. She was comfortable, warm, and for once she had slept through the night. However, something was rubbing against her cheek that made her smile. Reaching up, she stroked the soft fur as she said, "Chess, he'll kill you if he finds you."
Alison sat up in bed as the cat jumped off her shoulder. He turned, his tail elegantly moving back and forth. Alison shook her head as she said, reaching out to scratch behind his ear saying, "You have a death wish. Protecting me or not."
The cat meowed in response, purring as he rubbed his head on her hand. Alison's smile remained in place, even as the door opened to reveal a harassed Mr. Gold.
"Alison, I'm afraid I-," Gold froze as he saw the cat. Narrowing his eyes, he pointed at him as he said testily, "Is that who I think it is and why is he in here?"
"Yes, it's who you think it is," Alison said, sweetly, "And he's in here because he's making sure I'm well protected."
Gold glared at the cat, whose ears were pointing back. Gold took a menacing step as he said dangerously, "Leave. Before I skin you."
Chess hissed but disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Making a face, Alison watched as he entered the room. Making a face at him, Alison said shortly, "He's just doing his job."
"His job is not necessary," Gold said, "Especially when I already have it."
"Gold," Alison said, stretching, "I learned a long time ago that making sure you have your bases covered is a good thing. Especially when you have a soul sucking demon running around somewhere."
"His protection is not necessary," Gold said, "You have me."
"Yes," Alison said, "As well as many able War Players."
"Whom I would chuck back into Wonderland at first chance," Gold said protectively, "Considering I'm a far better protector than your band of loons."
Alison snorted as he glanced at her suspiciously. Alison slide to the edge of the bed as she said, "Please. As if you've ever been able to keep up with me."
"Oh really," Gold said, his voice still rather serious. However there was a glint of amusement in his eyes as she grinned at him. Gold walked towards her as he said, "Since when."
"When you tried capturing me in the White Queen's woods and FAILED," Alison said.
"Pure luck," Gold said.
"When you crashed every ball, dance, festival, and party looking for me," Alison said, looking up at him with mocking.
"The Queens were fussy of my presence," Gold said, scoffing slightly, "And I highly doubt you even had an inkling that I was coming…"
"You have no way of actually knowing that," Alison taunted, "And then there was that day you tried to break into the Fortress of Ruins to get the Compendium. Only… to get suspiciously lost…"
"Yes," Gold said, frowning, "But I don't recall anyone else being there… Just old traps of an irritating ruin…"
Gold stared at her pointedly as she said mockingly, "You don't REALLY think that the hallways moved by themselves, do you?"
"Well then," Gold caught her chin in her hand as he continued, "Let me propose a deal. You have to avoid being caught by me till nine o'clock. If you can, you get whatever you wish for."
"Oh, and what do you get if by chance you win?" Alison said jestingly.
"The night of Belle's bachelorette party," Gold said, "You are stuck with me for the evening after I've finished my business. No Henry, no Charmings, no disappearing into the woods with the Twins. Just with me."
"Well then," Alison said with a grin as she disappeared into smoke, "You have a deal."
"So I heard you're going to be a bridesmaid at the Dark One's wedding?"
Red paused as Ashley sat at the counter, staring at her pointedly. They were in Granny's as Red was cleaning the counter with a rag. The look Ashley was giving her was one she had seen before. It was one she didn't appreciate but knew better than to feed into. Continuing her task, Red said normally, "I am Maid of Honor in Belle's and Gold's wedding. We are having a bachelorette party in a few days."
"Poor woman," Ashley simpered, "She must be in deep with him to be agreeing to that union."
"She's not deep in anything," Red said, "She's doing it because she wants to."
"As if," Ashley said, "No one would agree to spend the rest of their lives with him unless they had no choice. Unless it's the kid…"
"Ashley, if you value our friendship at all, you're going to stop right there," Red said, warningly, "I'm not having this conversation."
"Come on, Red!" Ashley said, aghast, "You can't tell me after everything he's done, you've completely forgiven him."
"I don't need to," Red said, "He is bound to serve our world. The Dark One's powers are gone."
"I still don't trust him," Ashley said, darkly.
"I don't expect you to," Red said with an irritated sigh, "However I would appreciate that you stop insulting Autumn. She hasn't done anything to you to deserve your mouth."
"I'm not insulting her!" Red gave her a pointed stare. "Alright, I'm not trying to insult her! Really, I'm not… I just, don't think she thinks at all when it comes to Gold. You can't convince me that Gold is capable of loving her as much as she loves him."
"It's not our business," Red said, not willing to answer her question, "It's hers. Focus on your own baby."
"I think you have gotten us lost."
Will was kneeling, rubbing dirt together with his fingers. Glaring back at Alice, who was looking at him crossly. He then stood up saying, "Not lost. There should be a river if we keep heading this way."
"Or we could find someone who knows the forest and ask what way to go," Alice suggested.
"And where do you think we would find said person?" Will asked sharply as Alice looked around. She then noticed something, hurrying around a tree to see a sign covered with vines. Her heart brightening, Alice said, "There is a sign over here!"
"Alice, I'm telling you. We don't need directions," Will said coming around the tree as Alice walked closer to the sign. Brushing off the vines, Alice saw the writing on the sign as she whispered, "What strange names… Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum…"
"What did you say?" Will asked only for something to jump down from the tree. They both jumped as another jumped down on the other side of them. Alice walked a little closer to Will as he looked at them warily. They straightened up, showing their appearance a little bit better. They were two twin boys, grinning madly as they brushed off their different colored vests. They circled them as Will paled visibly as he said, "Oh lovely. We just HAD to run into them."
"Who-Who are they?" Alice asked.
"'Who are they?' she asks," one said, stuffing his hands into his pockets, "After she just said our names as well!"
"Well we didn't say our names," the other argued playfully.
"You idiot, we don't have to if she's already said them," the boy said roughly.
"Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum," Will said, his voice agitated, "You just had to say their names!"
"Will Scarlet," Tweedle Dee said, gleefully, "Come back for another beating?"
"Hardly, we were actually on our way," Will said, grabbing Alice's hand as he did so. However Tweedle Dum knocked her hand from his. Gripping it tight, he pulled Alice away from Will a bit. Alice noticed he wasn't as tall as Will but was a good two heads taller than her. He grinned sweetly at her, kissing her hand before saying, "I'm Tweedle Dum. My brother and I own this part of the forest. May I inquire your Lady's name?"
"I would," Alice said, "But you're brother looks like he's about to brawl with my friend."
"Alice, I don't-!" Will yelped as Tweedle Dee slammed him hard into a tree. Alice winced but didn't jerk away from Tweedle Dum as he went to speak again.
"A friend who was being rude to you," Tweedle Dum argued, "Which is quite an opposite than what a friend should be."
"While that might be true," Alice said, "I'd rather you didn't hurt him. I quite need his help to get home."
"What if I helped you," Tweedle Dum said sweetly.
"Hey!" Tweedle Dee said hotly, "Why just you? I'm the one that found them first."
"Not true!" Tweedle Dum said, abandoning Alice's hand as he rounded on his brother saying, "You jumped first but I'm the one that spied!"
"The lies you tell me!" Tweedle Dee abandoned Will who fell to the ground. Alice hurried over to him as Tweedle Dee continued, "Just like the lie you spoke of me ruining that rattle!"
"My words are not a lie, but yours are riddled with them!"
"Are you alright?" Alice asked worriedly.
"I would be better if you didn't let that curiosity get the better of you," Will argued as he sat up straight. Alice made a face as she said, "I should have let him pummel you."
There was a loud roar.
Alice turned to see the twins get knocked aside as the creature glared in her directions. Its fur was grey and coarse. Its eyes were red and its mouth large. Its feet had visible long claws that looked tough than any stone. The horns upon its head made her think of a goat however it was bigger than any animal she had ever seen. No goat that Alice knew of could growl that way either. Alice stood up as did Will as she asked, horrified, "What is that?"
"Bandersnatch," Will said, his voice stern, "Run!"
Alice ran as Will grabbed a nearby branch, throwing it hard at its head. It charged at him, knocking him flat into the tree and knocking him out. It sniffed the air before growling darkly again.
Alice ran through the forest, stumbling as she went. She was frightened as she hurried through the tree's, hearing the Bandersnatch crash against the ground as it went. Alice nearly screamed, frightened as tears came to her eyes. Alice took another step and did scream for the ground beneath her feet crumbled, sending her down the slope and hitting moist dirt. Alice heard running water as she got an idea.
The Bandersnatch crashed down into the bank near the river, the water a good few feet down. It was a drop, vines protruding out of the ground and down towards the water. It sniffed the air, wandering down the bank. It growled, frustrated at the lack of scent. There was a cracking in the woods, one that sent the creature chasing after it. Alice heard it run off, hiding in a small curve in the bank. It created a perfect hiding spot, even if the water wasn't very pleasant. She was waist up in the water, holding on to vines as she waited. Trembling, she moved to pulled herself back up on the bank when she screamed.
Her footing had faltered, the ground beneath it collapsing. The water was deeper than she initially thought, struggled as she tried to swim to the surface. However, she knew not how to swim. Once again however, luck was on her side. For someone pulled her out of the water and onto the bank.
"Are you alright?!" Will asked sharply. Alice coughed, water spilling from her mouth. It did not deter Will from aiding her. Instead he watched her until she could sit up as he said with a monotone seriousness, "Luckily, you didn't go out into the deep part of the river. Or else we would have both drowned."
Alice couldn't help but laugh at that as Will helped her to her feet. Taking off her coat, Alice shivered slightly as Will wrung it out the best he could. Alice watched him a moment before looking towards the thick of the forest. Biting her lip, Alice said, "Do you think the Bandersnatch will come back this way?"
"No, I think you've thrown off its scent," Will said, as Alice began to wring out her skirt, "Hopefully we can say the same for those Tweedles."
"Who were those boys exactly?" Alice asked.
"Tweedle Dee and Dum," Will said, "A couple of rough boys that's 'own' that part of the forest. They are known to pick fights, hold people captive until they've had their fun."
"Oh lovely," Alice said, sounding slightly put out, "And I sent us straight in their direction."
"Indeed you did," Will said straightening up as he held out Alice's jacket, "So next time, please listen to me."
Alice stuck out her tongue before walking over and putting the now only damp coat on. Thankfully it was warm otherwise Alice was bound to catch a cold. Alice walked along Will as she said stoutly, "At least I got us to the river."
"That you did, Lass. That you did."
"So, class! Tell me what you think of the story Peter Pan so far?"
Alison couldn't help but grin as the students closed their reading books. One kid said, "Isn't it kind of silly to be reading these stories? I mean, we are from a world with magic!"
"I know, all the more reason to read them," Miss Gerson said, leaning against her desk, "It's nice to know what this world thinks of the magical realms."
"They don't believe in the magical realms," one boy joked.
"That's not true!" Lesley said, "I'm sure there are people who believe. I mean, look at Alison!"
"She doesn't count!" the boy scowled, "She's Alice in Wonderland!"
"He makes a good point," Alison commented lazily, "Whatever the differences in Lewis Carroll's story were."
"Unless he wrote the story about a different Alice," Jess suggested.
"Interesting theory," Alison commented thoughtfully, "But a lot of what he wrote did actually happen, however different some of the details are."
"Well, then someone is just going to have to make an accurate Alice in Wonderland," Miss Gerson said, winking at Alison.
The bell rang and the students began to eagerly put their books away. Miss. Gerson then said, "Now remember! Do not walk home alone; we are still on high alert! Don't forget that your math and history homework is due tomorrow!"
Alison began to close her bag when she felt someone touch her shoulder. She looked up to see that Miss Gerson was waiting by her desk as she said, "Wait a moment, Alison. I'd like to talk to you."
Alison waited as the classroom filed out, Lesley and Jess waving at her briefly. Alison smiled after them as she looked up at Miss Gerson. She smiled knowingly at her as she asked, "So how was Avenant today? Picky, cold, heartless-."
"None of those," Alison said letting out a grin, "He was more… pokerfaced."
"Ha!" Miss Gerson said, crossing her arms, "Sounds like him. So is he teaching you wonderful violin tricks on the violin."
"More like teaching me to play the piano?" Alison suggested as she stood putting her bag on her back. Miss Gerson said, in slight irritation, "Sounds like him, ever the perfectionist. But don't be too discouraged by him dear. He's always been an odd one; just know that if he didn't like you he wouldn't have accepted you."
Miss Gerson smiled warmly at her as she said, "I look forward to hearing you at the concert."
Miss Gerson walked out of the room as she said, "See you tomorrow!"
Alison grinned as she said, "See you!"
Alison went to step out of the room when she heard Miss Gerson say happily, "Ah! Mr. Gold. What can I do for you?"
Alison froze as she heard him say, "Oh, I'm here to pick up Alison. Is she still here?"
"Yes," Miss Gerson said, "She's down in the classroom."
Gold smirked gleefully as he nodded at her before walking down the hall. He approached the classroom as someone dashed out of the room. He could not see the person's face as the hood blocked his view, but he recognized the backpack. Dashing after her, he shouted, "Nice try dearie!"
Gold rounded the corner, only to find himself walking into a wall of water. Coughing and sputtering, Gold found himself utterly soaked. There was a cackling of laughter above him as he looked up to see the Tweedles standing up on the lockers. They held buckets in their hands as they grinned down at him.
"Soaked like a Fish, he is!" Tweedle Dee said as he watched Gold wave his hands to remove the extra water. Glaring up at them, Gold watched as Tweedle Dum said, "Well of course! Fishes like a soak!"
"GET LOST!" Gold thundered as they disappeared into smoked. Gold looked over to see the person in the hooded sweatshirt. Pulling off the hood, Gretel's face was revealed as she looked at him with a firm stare.
"Her Magesteria apologizes for the shock you might have," Gretel said, her voice strong and hearty even though she truly was nervous, "However, she refuses to be caught in such a feeble manner and urges you to try harder."
Gold's smirk became dark, twitching slightly as he raised his hand. Disappearing in a whirl of purple smoke, Gold left Gretel alone in the hallway. Sighing in relief, Gretel turned to walk out of the hallway only to get doused herself by water. Gasping, Gretel looked up to the lockers. Who she saw there, made her face drain of all color.
"You," she said, her voice tinted with anger.
"Rumple said these charms should work."
Charming and Snow stood in the sheriff's stations as Belle put the last box on the desk. She looked up at them kindly as she said, "Rumple said if people wear them and they are attacked, the spell will burn whoever it is. This way, we can at least have a chance of figuring out who this person is."
"Thank you," Charming said, "We will get them distributed as soon as possible."
Belle smiled warmly as she watched Charming look over the charms. Snow was looking intently at Belle, who did eventually notice this action. Charming glanced at Belle briefly before putting the charm back in the box and picked it up saying, "I'll go call a meeting to hand out these charms. Make sure to take one yourselves."
David left, leaving Belle and Snow alone. Snow rocked a little bit on her heels before Belle finally broke the awkward silence, "Is there something you needed?"
"I was just wondering," Snow asked curiously, "Since you are our Mage as well… have you been learning magic?"
"What? Oh no," Belle said, waving her hands nervously, "Tha-That's more of Rumple's skill. Not mine. Besides, I would have no teacher."
"He could."
"Considering his abrupt answer to Alison, I won't even dare ask," Belle said, shaking her head slightly, "Besides… I'd rather help in my own way."
Snow smiled understandingly as she asked, "I don't see Gold here today. Is he busy?"
Belle rolled her eyes with a smile on her face as she said, "In his own way. He and Alison are currently in a game of chase."
Snow laughed, shaking her head as she said, "The games they play."
"Of course, he loves her dearly," Bells said warmly, "She is his little one."
"And maybe soon," Snow said, her voice filled with light, "You'll also have a little one to think about."
Belle couldn't help but touch her stomach, smiling eagerly as she said, "I hope so."
The goblet crashed into the mirror, sending it to pieces. The Red Queen looked angry in a cold manner as her Tweedles behind her looked frightened. The Red Queen turned as she said icily, "Summon up the guards! Have them at the forest line! We can't let them get through!"
"Can't let who through?"
The Red Queen turned to see Cora standing there, her gown red and high neck, a narrow v opening extending several inches. The Tweedles bowed as The Red Queen said, putting on a face smile as she said, "Your Majesty. How lovely as ever to see you. What brings you to our little board game?"
"Oh, something terrible I'm afraid," Cora said, "My Pet has gone missing."
"Your Pet is missing?" The Red Queen simpered, "I wasn't aware you had taken one. Especially after what happened last time-?"
"That man was not my Pet," Cora said coldly, "He was a favorite. And besides, I don't wish to make idle talk about things in the past. I would like to know if someone new has wandered in to your board game. After all, you wouldn't want someone ending your game…"
Cora held a glint in her eyes as she said menacingly, "Leaving you open to a new war."
"Darling, it'll never happen," Red Queen said, "After all, no one likes a Cheater."
Cora flicked her hand and the Red Queen choked. Cora walked very close to her as she said, "Now, now. All I want is to make something clear. If my Pet is found hurt in any way or form, I will burn everyone on this miserable board."
Cora released the spell and the Red Queen sputtered. Her Tweedles didn't dare move as Cora walked away. Glancing back at the Red Queen, Cora said smoothly, "I do hope the game is entertaining. I'd hate to be bored."
"Playing games, are we?"
Alison grinned at Jefferson's voice as she opened her eyes. She was leaning on a table in his work room. There were candles place around the room, in various places. Jefferson looked around the room as Alison shook her head slightly. Tapping the table, Alison said, "It's slowly coming to an end… Gold's currently at home about ready to plan his next move. What he doesn't know is that when he turns on the fan in his bedroom, he's going to get a shower in powder."
"Why would he go into his bedroom?"
"Because I put his spell book with the tracker spells in there," Alison said with a grin, "Now shush I'm trying to get these to light."
Jefferson looked amused as she closed her eyes once more. There was a fluctuation in air temperature and the flames flickered on every single candle. Alison's grin remained as she turned around to see the product of her work. Jefferson rolled his eyes as he said, sarcastically, "Wonderful. Now you can set things on fire magically."
"Are you implying something?" Alison said amused.
"Just that your family seems to have this terrible habit of setting things on fire." Jefferson said, teasingly.
"It's fun," Alison said, "Besides, it's saved our behinds more than once."
Alison sat on the table as she waved her hand. The flames disappeared as Jefferson walked towards her. Alison looked over at the clock and said, "I wonder if The March Hare has bombarded him with the paint balloons yet… after all there is a good chance he might not actually need the book..."
"Alison," Jefferson said as he stepped directly in front of her as he said, "We need to talk."
"Famous last words from the joy killer," Alison whined.
"The team," Jefferson said, "While they are enjoying this little game of yours, are wondering what you are planning next."
"What do you mean?" Alison said, "We're helping them find the core to the Enchanted Land."
"You mean, you've been helping them find the Enchanted Lands Core," Jefferson corrected, "They have been feeling oddly left out… they are concerned that you might be wavering in my resolve to actually return-."
"I'm not wavering in anything!" Alison said hotly, but then calmed a bit as she said, "I just… I'm doing what needs to be appeased for everyone else's sake. Besides right now, I'm not convinced that everyone's on the same page."
"What do you mean?" Jefferson asked, his voice a little sharp. Alison took a deep breath in as she said, "People keep trying to make a life for me here. August not so much anymore, I think he's finally realizing that there's no chance for it… But Kathryn and Gold are both bent on making sure I'm always preoccupied with things here…"
"Rather than somewhere else," Jefferson finished as Alison looked down. Alison bit her lip as Jefferson watched her. His expression became a little bit bothered, as if there was something on his mind. Alison didn't notice it right away but when she did, she looked surprised. Reaching up, Alison tilted his head towards her as she asked, "What's wrong?"
"I'm not sure whether you're ready to hear it," Jefferson said guiltily.
"Which means I might never be," Alison said, "So tell me anyway?"
Jefferson sighed, resting his hands on the table. She was trapped now, even though she knew very well Jefferson wasn't keeping her there by any force. Looking into her blue eyes, Jefferson said, "Gold is getting full custody."
Alison blinked, as if she hadn't comprehended what he had said. Against the sinking sensation in his stomach, Jefferson said, "It just came out recently by a judge that the day before their wedding the custody agreement switches over to Gold, the adoption complete."
Alison's poker face settled as she looked over towards the display of hats. Jefferson looked a mixture of misery and anger as he made her look at him. She looked a little surprised as he said, "Don't! Don't put that mask on with me! Please say something…"
Alison swallowed, the glassy look portraying in her eyes. Swallowing, Alison said softly, "I don't know… I just…"
Jefferson blinked as Alison stared away briefly. Taking a deep breath, Alison whispered, "Was it stupid to think this would go on forever?"
"No, it wasn't," Jefferson said immediately, "It was stupid for them to think giving false hope was a good idea."
A tear slipped down her cheek as, Jefferson rubbed it away quickly. Kissing her like a father would his child, Jefferson then pressed his forehead against her own as he said, "It couldn't go on that way forever… regardless of their willingness. We both know that you can never escape the fate that you were meant for."
"So what do I do?" Alison hiccuped, "She hasn't even said anything to me…"
Jefferson winced as he heard the betrayal in her voice and he hugged her tightly. Alison wrapped her arms around his neck as he whispered in her ear, "I don't know… Just know that she loves you, as does Gold. Even if I don't agree with him…"
Jefferson rubbed her back as he said, "Try not to cry too much, I'd rather not have you both drown in your tears."
Alison yanked on his hair quite deliberately, an annoyed smile appearing on her face. Looking into his green eyes, Alison said heatedly, "You. Only you could be a heartless toad in a moment of where I needed comfort."
"And still be your very best friend in the whole wide world," Jefferson said with a grin. Alison rolled her eyes however Jefferson pulled her back into an embrace as he said softly, "Regardless of who has custody over you, I will remain your faithful hatter until the end of my days. I made a promise to your father to take care of you… and I will do so like I would Grace."
"You wouldn't be such a blockhead to Grace when she's crying," Alison grumbled but leaned into his embrace.
"No, my lovely Alison. That treatment is solely reserved for you."
The clock chimed in the corner interrupting their moment. They both looked towards it as they saw that it was nine. Alison smiled wryly as Jefferson said, "It looks like you won."
"Indeed," Alison said, "He'll be absolutely livid."
"So why in the world are you still here," Jefferson said, his grin insanely pleased, "Go collect your prize. Be sure to rub it in his face that we got the better of him."
"Smug much?"
"I don't like that he doesn't want us to protect you," Jefferson said with a huff, "This should show him that he's not the only one who's willing to fight for you. Now go."
Alison grinned as she waved her arms in the air. She disappeared, appearing on the door steps of Gold's home. There were no lights on in the house as Alison realized she must have beaten them home. Grinning even more so, Alison pulled out her key as she unlocked the door. Closing it behind her, she turned on the hallway light as she found herself wandering up the stairs. All was quiet, all was peaceful. She knew that would not last long as Gold would be home in a mood. A look of triumph was on her face as she entered her bedroom.
Only to find Gold sitting there with an impish smirk on his face.
"Hello dearie," Gold said, "Come to surrender?"
"Surrender?" Alison teased, "I think, old man, you need to buy yourself a new watch."
"Oh do I?" Gold said, sounding amused. His smirk had twitched at the mention of old man, but he did not move to get off the bed. Instead he watched her move around the bed as she pulled out pajamas from her dresser.
"Yes, you do," Alison said, "It's past nine."
"Indeed," Gold said, "It was a mess cleaning up all that paint."
"So March Hare did find you after all," Alison grinned triumphantly. Gold did finally get up as he said, "Well dearie, all I have to say is this…"
Gold gently grasped her shoulder as he kissed her cheek saying, "I win."
Alison blinked in confusion as he went to walk away saying, "Ah, no. Were you not listening? I avoided you till nine!"
"Indeed," Gold said, reaching her doorway, "Nine at night. However, dearie, I never specified whether to am OR pm nor did I specify nine o'clock on what day. So no matter what dearie, I was going to win this bet."
Alison glared, a sense of outrage entering her emotional aura. She set the pajamas back down, refusing to break eyes contact. Gold smirked as he said, "Your team may know how to get the better of people. In fact, I must tip my invisible hat to them. However, I still have a better silver tongue than yours."
Alison wandered out into the hallway as she watched Gold walked towards his room. Belle had come out of her bedroom, already dressed in her night clothes of blue silk. Giving Alison a weak smile, Belle said, "Well, I must say it was rather amusing to watch him come back to the shop covered in paint."
"Wait," Alison made sure Gold's bedroom door was closed, "He didn't come back here?"
"No, he didn't," Belle asked curiously, "Why?"
Alison broke out in a grin as she tiptoed over to his door with purposeful grace. Belle's look of curiosity went to realization as she also grinned. Walking over to the door eagerly, Belle said knowingly, "What did you do now?"
Gold snarled, both of the women hearing it loud and clear. Alison grabbed the doorknob as to hold the door closed. She looked at Belle grinning as she said, "Powder. On the fan."
Alison squeaked as Gold attempted to wrench open the door. Belle assisted, grabbing over Alison's hands as to hold the door closed. Both of them were trying very hard not to laugh as Gold thundered, "Autumn. OPEN THIS DOOR NOW."
"Oh but why would I do that, dearie?" Alison said teasingly, "Aren't you enjoying your winter wonderland?"
"Hardly, now open this door!"
"You see, you MIGHT have a better silver tongue than I. However," Alison grinned as she and Belle stood firm, holding the door shut tight, "I am the better prankster and therefore will always win."
Gold tugged at the door again, "Wh-As strong as you are dearie, I highly doubt you can hold this door forever!"
"True, but I think the two of us will be able to hold it closed for a very long time," Belle said, Alison giggling madly. There was a pause before Gold warningly, "Belle-!"
"Rumple," Belle mocked, before she also broke out in giggles. Both females were giggled as Gold yanked at the door, opening it just a tad bit before it snapped shut again. Alison giggled her next words, "You see, this is what happens when you let the ratio of girls and boys be two to one in the house. If you had let Chess stay, it would have been even."
"I," Gold said, his voice sounding much like the menacing imp he once had been, "am going to count to three. And if you both are still on the other side when I incinerate the door-!"
"I say we bolt for your room at two," Alison whispered ever so softly.
"One."
Belle grinned and nodded. The two of them let go of the knob and hurried over to her bedroom as Gold said, "TWO."
Alison closed the door, Belle leaning against it with her. Locking the door, Belle and Alison broke out into giggles. Belle pressed her ear against the door as Alison turned around. Alison stared as Belle said softly, "I wonder if he actually incinerated it…."
"Um," Alison said, pulling on her sleeve, "Belle?"
Belle looked down at Alison before following her stare. Both of them screeched as powdered flew into their faces. They waved the floating powder from their sight, Alison sneezing at the tickling under her nose. Belle gaped a little bit as they saw Gold standing there, powder and all as he smirked rather dangerously at them. Both of them pressed against the door, knowing they were still very well in for it.
"Three," he said, triumphantly.
A woman squeaked as she saw something dash in front of her.
The poor woman jumped out of her skin, only to see that it was a mouse scurrying into an alleyway off of the main street. Sighing shakily, the woman continued to walk down the street as she fumbled with her keys in her pocket. She was almost home; she would be safe and sound...
"Well, aren't you a pretty one."
Emma heard a woman scream.
Jumping from the seat she had been sitting in, she found herself running from her outside table at Granny's taking a split run in the direction of the noise. Piper, who had been sitting with her, went to chase after her as he shouted, "Emma!"
Emma rounded the corner to see that a man was thrown back against the front of a building. The figure groaned, his shoulder having a deep gash as Emma noticed that the man's hand burned. The White Rabbit was standing quite straight, holding the woman who had long since fainted. Emma couldn't quite tell but he was glaring at the man saying, "It's quite rude to be so rough with a woman."
The man quickly regained himself as Emma looked at him saying, "Get her to the hospital! Please!"
"Very well," The White Rabbit said before disappearing. Emma pulled out her gun as the man stood up. Holding it out, she shouted, "Put your hands above your head!"
The man however was quick, pulling out a gun of his own. Emma shot at him but missed as he took several at her. Emma felt her heart stop a minute, not because she had been shot, but because someone barreled her out of the way. The man made to leave only to have a chain whip him across the face. The man snarled, the fabric of his hood ripping. The chair retracted as Tweedle Dum stood swinging it carelessly and menacingly. Tweedle Dee yanked Emma to her feet as he said, "Should have kept the White Rabbit. He could have finished him off!"
"You-You," Emma stared him, a little disoriented, "You two are the Tweedles."
"At our Lady's service!" Tweedle Dee said proudly. Piper had finally caught up, stopping short as he saw the scene before him. Yanking out his pipes, Piper blew a sour note. It made Emma and the Tweedles cover their ears. The man froze, the magic binding his legs in place. The hooded man struggled as Piper said, "It is useless!"
"Indeed! It's quite useless that hood now!" Tweedle Dum said cheerfully, "You might as well take it off."
Emma pointed her gun at the man once more, making a face at Tweedle Dum's particularly confusing statement. However in taking off his hood, Emma found herself frozen in utter horror. It wasn't because he had actually heeded the Tweedle's request or that he was inhuman. In fact his face was quite human and it frightened Emma because she knew very well she had seen it before.
"Something the matter?" he said coldly, "You've looked like you seen a ghost."
Emma didn't have time for any reaction for they were all blasted back by a force of energy. Emma felt herself hit the brick like a thrown rag doll. Her vision spotted in and out as she felt herself fill with dread. She could feel Piper pick her up as her vision went black. The last thing she heard was Piper yelling her name.
"Finally! Alice, I think the fish is almost done."
Alice was stretched out, feeling the sun warm her nicely. The afternoon glow had set in as Will was by a fire, cooking the food. Glancing over at her, Will said firmly, "I wouldn't get too comfortable. We'll have to get going fairly soon."
"I know," Alice said, "But I can't help but try and warm up a bit. I did take a fall into a cold river…."
"That's not cold," Will said, smiling jestingly, "Wonderland is known for many things but for having real cold for things like snow is not one of them."
"Snow?" Alice sat up, curiously looked at Will, "What is snow?"
"It's the white little flakes that fall from the sky!"
Both Alice and Will froze as two people jumped down onto the bank. They straightened to reveal the Tweedle Twins, packs slung on their backs. Tweedle Dum looked at Alice with a grin as he said, "I've never seen it, but some bloke with a muttering voice talked of it a lot."
"What are you doing here?!" Will asked sharply, "We've been off your turf! Now how about letting us be!"
"Why would we do that?" Tweedle Dee said, "After all, we just want to help her get back home."
"Or would you rather the Red Queen help with that?" Tweedle Dum said unrolling a piece of parchment, "I don't think she's going to be much help."
Will walked forward as Alice stood up. Snatching the parchment, Will looked upon it. Both his and Alice's faces could be seen as he said, "Oh lovely. We are officially wanted."
"All the more reason to let us come with you," Tweedle Dee said, "You know we know this land better than you. Know its villains, its icky secrets…"
"Why would you want to help us?" Alice asked, her voice filled with suspicion.
"Because we like you," Tweedle Dum said perkily.
"And we like him enough to not want him dead," Tweedle Dee said, jerking at Will.
"I feel the love," Will said, as he backed up. He walked over to Alice as she glanced up at him. Biting her lip a bit, Alice asked, "What do we do?"
"Honestly," Will said, "I think we would be wasting our time trying to talk them out of it."
Alice looked at them with a determined look as she said, "Alright, you can help us. But if you hurt Will more than necessary is the moment we ditch you."
"Understood Milady!" Dee and Dum said happily as they bowed at the same time. Will made a face as Alice looked at him whispering, "Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Yeah," Will said, "Just as long as you're safe."
Temperance Tales: 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.
