Chapter Sixty: It is of My Own Invention.

"And with his head of that snicker snack, the laddie went galumphing back!"

The Tweedles roared with laughter, the fire illuminating their campsite. The Tweedles were sitting by Alice, who was giggling amongst them as well. Will was resting against a tree as he couldn't help but smirk a bit. Closing her eyes, Will said, "Do you mind? I'm much too tired to listen to you both butcher Wonderland's ancient Tales of the Original Mage."

"We ain't butchering anythin'," Tweedle Dum scoffed as Alice looked curiously over at Will. She then asked, "Tales of the Original Mage? What's a Mage?"

"What's a Mage she asks!" Tweedle Dee laughed, "Doesn't she know anything!?"

"Watch it lad," Will said warningly, "Or she'll set a trap for you while you're sleeping."

Alice made a little face, sticking her tongue out at Tweedle Dee before turning her attention towards Tweedle Dum hopefully. However he had tensed up, looking out into the forest. Alice rested her hand on his arm, only for him to stand up. Alice watched him as he fingered the dagger hidden in his belt. Alice, now worried, asked, "What's wrong?"

"Will," Tweedle Dum said, "Dee, get up!"

"What are you going on about?" Will muttered opening his eyes. But he also froze up as he heard loud shouting as speck of light could be seen through the tree's. Will jumped to his feet as did Tweedle Dee. He pulled out his sword as he said to Alice, "Alice, you need to run!"

"What?! No, I can't-!" Alice said frightfully.

"You can, you're the smallest of us!" Will said, "Now RUN!"

"HALT IN THE NAME OF THE QUEEN!"

Alice did as she was told, running into the night with only the moon to light her way.

It took some time for her eyes to adjust, trying to run as fast as she could from the fighting. Bumping into some small little branches, Alice felt hot tears slip down her cheek. She could still hear hoof prints of a horse, getting closer and closer. She rather did not like this game, wishing Cora or anyone would save her. Just as she thought this, however, Alice tripped and fell onto the ground. A fiery light came over her, the horse stopping somewhere near her. Rolling onto her back, Alice noticed that a soldier in an old white suit of arm was holding a burning torch. Stabbing it into the ground, the man knelt down as his gravelly voice said kindly, "Do not be discouraged, sweet lady. I am here to save you from the Red Queens guards."

"Save me?" Alice question, as the man tried to take off his horse like helmet. However, he could not manage it, as he grumbled in annoyance. Alice stood up as she giggled as he said, "Blasted helmet. Sometimes I think the Red Knight has stuck glue to the inside!"

"Here!" Alice said kindly, walking over to him as she unfastened the bottom leather piece under his chin, "Let me help you."

It took a few moments, but she was able to shake him out of it. His face was that of an old man. His mustache was wispy, as was the white hair on his head. His eyes were kind and cheerful, glowing at her warmly. Taking the helmet, he put it under his arm as he took her hand. Kissing it, he said, "Now one can breathe more easily. Good Lady, I am the White Knight and I am your rescuer."

Alice giggled at the flourishing drama in his voice as she said warmly, "I'm Alice. Alice Little."


"How is she progressing?"

The Sandman hummed, feeling a chilled presence behind him. Floating in midair, Sandman looked to see a familiar person standing in the midst of his cloudy dream. The sandman was watching a young girl in an opening made by sand. It swirled slowly as he watched the young girl fidget slightly in her sleep. Smiling knowingly, Sandman said, "She is progressing as the previous Mage said she would. Future events will begin to test her security in oneself."

The person made a face as he said, "If you say so."

"Do not be concerned," Sandman said gently, "People must grow and mature in their own way. Little Alison Marie is no exception."

"Marie?"

"Did you not know her middle name was Marie?"

The person behind allowed the corners of his mouth to quirk up. Shaking his head slightly, the person said, "Will she be alright?"

The Sandman was quiet at those words as he said, confidently, "She will win. Of that I'm sure."


Alison awoke, feeling very oddly and extremely warm. Sniffing slightly, Alison smelled scents of which she was not used to waking up to. Reaching up to rub her eyes, Alison froze when heard someone grumbling slightly. Her eyes opening wide, she saw that she was facing a slumbering Gold. Sitting up, the blanket slid down, causing another sound that did not belong to either her or him. Glancing over, she looked on in complete shock to find she had been sleeping in between them. Belle sighed, but did not awaken.

Alison felt frozen in terror. It was irrational and completely unwarranted, especially as she remembered the events that had led to this. They were all dressed in their clothes from yesterday still, Belle being the only one in pajamas. After all, Gold had locked them in here. Powder revenge turned to pillow fights and eventually ended with them curling up on the bed, listening to Belle read her book. They must have fallen asleep after that, for Alison couldn't remember anything else.

Did it matter? She shouldn't be in here! That was the main thought screaming in her mind, memories of another time creeping back to haunt her. Crawling as quickly and quietly out of the bed, Alison felt her body shivering from a reaction she didn't want to think was occurring. Alison had found the door was unlocked, much to her relief as she fled the bed room. She flinched unconsciously as she heard Gold call her name softly, making her run inside the bathroom and shutting the door tightly.

"Mmm?" Belle awoke to find that Gold was sitting up on the other side of her bed. Blinking in confusion, Belle watched him as he smiled softly at her.

"Good Morning," he said softly.

"Good morning," Belle said a little groggy still, "What-?"

"It seems we all fell asleep in here," Gold mused, "Alison just left."

"No wonder it got so cold," Belle murmured sleepily. Sitting up, she looked at him with smile as he leaned over. Kissing her softly, Gold said, "We should probably go get breakfast ready. It's almost seven fifteen…"

"I know," Belle said, kissed him again as she said, "It was a nice sleep in."

"For you two, this is still early for me," Gold scoffed, as Belle prodded him to get up. Gold took the hint, getting up off the bed as she giggled. Gold shook his head as he said, "I would have thought you two would be out of giggles by now."

"Mm, hardly," Belle said as she wandered over to her dresser, "Now shoo, you need get changed."

"Why bother? I never got out of the clothes from yesterday," Gold protested. Belle pushed him playfully out of the room as she said before shutting the door, "And if you recall, they have been through a hundred dirty tasks yesterday, including getting doused in flour."

"Partially your fault, thank you very much," Gold said as Belle shut the door. Gold scoffed a bit as he went to enter his room. Something stopped him however, feeling something was quite not right. Looking towards Autumn's bedroom, he noticed that everything seemed very quiet. In fact, it was very empty in regards to the usual magic in the air. She had gone already.

But the question was why?


"So you see, that's why I have to get through to the forest!"

Alice was riding on the horse with the Knight in clumsy armor. It was almost daylight, the sun not quite peeking out in the sky. Clucking his tongue, the White Knight said in a hum, "What a predicament? Well, my Lady, I can bring you as far past the border of the woods. However, my move in the game ends quite there."

"I thank you for it," Alice said thankfully. He then said thoughtfully, "So you don't know the Tales of the Original Mage. Would you like to hear his tale?"

"Yes!" Alice said eagerly, "I would, especially if I knew what a Mage was."

"A Mage is a powerful magic user," the White Knight said dramatically as the horse trotted along the path, "One that masters the natural magic of the world they live in."

"Oh," Alice said curiously, "So like a witch?"

"Nothing of the sort!" the Knight scoffed, "Listen to my tale and you shall see!"

He cleared his throat as he said, "He came to this world in a flash of green fire! Fire that was hotter than the sun but set nothing a flame. The land of this place was lonely, the magic hidden away from all by an evil force. This newcomer found himself on an adventure to awaken the land and give purpose to the land he saw such great potential! As he traveled, he met six companions to whom he would forever cherish in his heart. Three of these were proud and strong, each having special traits of their own! These three woman were loyal to him, but to their land first. One friend was a queer sort, always jumping from place to place without so much of a blink of an eye!"

"Much like a rabbit?"

"Of course my dear! This friend traveled as the man's messenger, taking news from the other people in the land to him."

"What of the other two friends?"

"One was his best friend, always arguing and never leaving each other's side," The White Knight mused, "This friend was always making sure that the Man was taken care of, even sewing patches to his clothing."

"Sounds like Hatter," Alice murmured.

"The last was the man's most beloved," the White Knight mused, "He loved her beyond measure, the creature of beauty. She was the leader of a species most proud in this land, lean and strong. All of these friends however served the man as if he was their master. Together, they brought life to the land he had grown to love so much and the world loved him in return. Soon, he was crowned the first King and Mage of Wonderland by the Keeper of the Magic. The Keeper of Magic warned him and his companions that magic came with a price, even the magic she now let flow. Little did everyone know that one of these prices was that he would be the last King of Wonderland to ever be."

"But the Man did not want to be the sole ruler," The White Knight said as the horse began to descend, "So he crowned the three females Queens. One was prouder than the most, so he placed her as Queen of the Upperland. The other two were sisters with love beyond condition so he therefore placed them as the Queens of Midland. Leaving himself to the Outlands, the Mage proposed to his love, promising to allow her to run free as she pleased. In return, his feline lover swore that she and all from her clan afterwards would mate their souls to the Mages after him."

"She must have loved him very much."

"As he did her. But as he got older, he realized that the world would soon need to be guided without him. So he spent many years, writing the sacred tome in which the place he named Wonderland would soon never live without: the Compendium."

"I heard talk of that," Alice said, "They called it the score of Wonderland. It tells of everyday till the end of time."

"Indeed. As he was finishing it however, the Queen of White stole a glance. The image burned into her mind, the magic cursed her and those who followed her to know the events that would come ahead of time. The Queen of Red became cold with anger with her sister and thus the rivalry of the Red Queen and White Queen came to be."

"The Queen of the Upperlands made a truly successful land, ruling over other Queens she had placed in to fill her heart. However, she never found the love she had craved for many years. Much to the Mage's aghast, The Queen of the Upperlands became engulfed with jealousy over the Mage's lover. She captured the Cat clan, trapping them in the Upperlands. The Mage was angered and grieved by the separation of his lover and son. So the Queen of the Upperlands became cursed, cursed to be enslaved to the matters of the heart. Thus, the rivalry of the Queen of Hearts and the Mage came to be."

"The mage neared the end of his time in Wonderland, as much as many were grieved. Over the years, the Mage made sure to write the stories of the Mages that would follow him. However, the Queen of Hearts came before he could quite finish the Last Mage's Story. She banished him from the world, making him leave the same way he came. Thus the story of the Last Mage was lost to this world forever… and the Keeper of the Magic summoned her lover of Death to help keep the Mage's words true…"

Alice waited but he said nothing more. Shifting slightly, Alice said, "So the Kings now… are they not Kings of Wonderland?"

"Oh no, no one holds that title," the White Knight scoffed, "Everyone knows the Kings are nothing but fools with powerful fists."


"Is mom awake yet?"

Dr. Whale came into the waiting room where David, Mary Margaret, Piper, Henry and Regina were waiting. Henry was looking at him worried, obviously rather tired but much too concerned. Regina had her arm wrapped around his shoulders as Dr. Whale said, "She hasn't awoken. She hit her head hard I'm afraid. She's lucky that she's gotten away with a concussion."

"Any idea of when she will wake?"

"Her vital signs are good, I imagine it's whenever her body is ready to wake up," Dr. Whale said, "I'll call you when she does."

"Thank You, Dr. Whale," David said as Dr. Whale nodded quickly and left the room. Regina sighed and said, "Great, we finally have a potential ID from someone and she's lying still as stone in bed."

"Did you get anything off the security camera's?"

"No," David said, glumly, "Nothing clear. Piper, you didn't recognize him?"

"No, but Emma definitely did." Piper said, "It was like a she saw a ghost. In fact he even commented on it."

"Well it has to be someone from here," Regina said, "No one should be able to get into this town!"

"Are you sure?" Snow asked, hesitant to even suggest she might be wrong.

"Yes!" Regina said firmly, obviously annoyed.

"Alright look," Piper interrupted, "Why don't we do this? Do you have picture compilation of pictures of convicts? Perhaps I might be able to find his face there."

"That'll take forever," Regina said shortly, "I should just wake Emma up, I could heal her-!"

"No, magic always comes with a price Regina," Snow said stubbornly, "And I don't want Emma to pay that price! We'll go with Piper's plan."

"Snow, why don't you take Henry home to get some sleep," David suggested, "I can take Piper to the office."

"But I want to stay-!" Henry protested.

"No, you need to sleep. You are already missing school," David said, shaking his head.

"Don't worry, if Emma wakes up, we'll come get you." Piper reassured his son. Henry made a face but didn't protest anymore. Snow led him away David following closely behind. Piper stalled, however, leaned over to Regina as he said, "Heal her."

"I'm sorry?" Regina said incredulously.

"We don't have time to wait on pictures, we need to find out who this guy is," Piper said firmly, "I'll keep them busy, you heal her."

"What about the price of magic?" Regina said mockingly.

"Regina, you and I know better," Piper said with gritted teeth, "Healing is energy costing NOT consequential in any other way or to any other person."

Regina's face was blank for a few moments but smirked and nodded. Piper nodded at her and said, "Call me when she's up."


Alison heard something beautiful.

She had come early to use the piano, try and clear her head. However, she found that music was already filling the auditorium. It had completely entranced her as she couldn't help but wonder where it was coming from. Finding that the door to the balcony was open, she figured someone was up there. Who would know of that spot, unless it was Fife. She wasn't aware he played the piano. Climbing the stairs as quietly as she could, she kept herself around the corner as she looked at the player.

It was Avenant.

His hands moved swiftly and flawlessly over the board, a thousand times better than she could play. The music was light and echoing, filling her with awe that made her forget the confusion and frustration in her heart. Her breath caught in her throat as she tried not to sigh with the enchanting music. She knew the song from somewhere, but she could not think where at the moment. She couldn't help but watch him play, the tempo slow but enthralling. Alison knew she really shouldn't be spying like this, he might want privacy. But it ached her to think of leaving. Even when the music faded off, Alison couldn't help but lean against the corner watching him.

"If you're going to stand there, you might as well come over and play with me."

Alison jumped out of her trance as she saw Avenant and look at her expectantly. He didn't seem displeased however he wasn't exactly friendly with his stare either. Shaking her head slightly, Alison said, "I'm sorry, I came to play the piano… I don't want to disturb you though-!"

"There is a violin under the piano," Avenant said, as he closed the music book he was working with. Putting it down his open briefcase, he pulled out a folder with music in it. Alison walked over to him slightly timid as she pulled out the violin case from under the piano. Alison pulled it out as she looked at him curiously. He was setting up his music as Alison finally asked, "That music you were playing… what was the piece?"

"Swan Lake," Avenant said abruptly, "From the ballet composed by Tchaikovsky."

Alison couldn't help but smile as she said, "I thought it sounded familiar…."

Avenant looked at her quizzically and it took Alison a few moments to notice his stare. When she had, she looked at him with an apologetic smile as she said, "It was my father's favorite play. He played music from it all the time."

"What instrument?"

"The piano for that one. He also played the violin."

Avenant nodded as he asked, "Aggravation or confusion?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I know for a fact that you have a piano at home for certain," Avenant said, "If you just wanted to practice you would have done it at home. However, you came here which tells me this is more about clearing one's head. So aggravation or confusion?"

Alison twirled the bow around in her hand, a little unnerved about his dead on observation. Making sure that the violin was tuned, Alison said, "Both…"

"Very well then," Avenant said, "Here, play this."

Avenant held out sheet music and Alison put down the bow so she could take what he offered. Alison looked at the title, seeing the title Swan Lake Waltz. Looking at him curiously, Alison set it up on the stand as she went to retrieve the bow. Settling the violin under her chin, Alison nodded her head three times before beginning to play.

The music, while it was something she never played, she knew the notes and the song from memory. Her father used to play this piece for her sometimes, as she danced embarrassingly around the room with August. It was rather nice, the violin and the piano complimenting each other perfectly. She had never heard the combination before for this song. It was light a beautiful, slowly edging away her bad mood. The music filled her, made her smile as they reached its crescendo. It came naturally as she slowed to nothingness. Lifting up the bow she looked over at Avenant as he looked up her. He held a shadow of a smile on his face as he said, "Feel better?"

"Much," Alison said, with a sigh. Avenant stood up as he walked around to where she was standing. Alison looked at him curious as he asked, "So… is everything okay at home?"

"Yes," Alison said with a bit of a stutter, "I mean, obviously I was bugged… I just have a lot of things that I wish I could just forget about."

Avenant nodded as he said, "Well…. If you need something else to clear your mind, I'll be here with music."

Alison smiled a bit even as he moved back around the piano saying, "Provided you keep up with your other work."

Alison nodded as she said, "I will keep that in mind. I'll see you later Professor."

"Mhm," Avenant said as her sat back down at the piano. Alison left him in piece as she wandered down the stairs. Leaving the auditorium, Alison walked down the hall as she went to leave the building. It was still a bit early, but Ava had wanted to see her. She had sounded frantic in the message she had left last night. However when Alison went to go out of the doors, they whirled open to reveal a frantic looking Tweedle Dum.

"What are you doing here?!" Alison said, shocked, "I told you to patrol-!"

"Alice, you need to go!" Tweedle Dum said, completely ignoring her words, "NOW!"

"Wh-?"

Alison shrieked as she and Dum were thrown backwards, slamming into the floor. Alison heard a sickening crack; however it had not been from her. Looking around, she saw Dum lying completely unconscious. As she reached to him, Alison yelped as something flew over her and also rolled along the ground. Staring, she saw that the March Hare laid limply on the floor. Alison, now fully terrified, tried to get herself up to run. However, something was tied around her head, the cloth yanked into her mouth. Inhaling sharply, Alison felt a chill seep into her. Blackness filled her vision as she felt it enter her system. The last thing she saw was her fallen warriors.

The question now was by whom?


"I see you are staring at my little box!"

Alice, who had been toying with the open box, let it fall back where it hung on its saddle. Nodding, she listened to him as he said, "It is of my own invention; to keep clothes and sandwiches in. You see I carry it upside-down, so that the rain can't get in!"

"But things can get out," Alice reminded gently, "The lid is open, didn't you know?"

"No I didn't," the White Knight said with a look of vexation as the horse quickly walked along the path as the forest thinned out, "I suppose everything has fallen out. But inventions are important, Lady Alice! Don't ever let those silly ideas escape for someone else's uses."

He pulled the horse to the stop, the field ahead holding no trees. Bushes of different wild fruit were around as he let Alice off the horse. She smiled up at him as he fiddled with something. Pulling out a cord with two black stones tied to either end. Handing it to her, he winked at her as he said, "Let you mind soar!"

"Alice!"

Alice, gripping the cord, look to see Will come out from behind one of the bushes. Quickly curtsying to him, Alice ran into Will's arms as she said, "You're okay!"

"Yeah, the Tweedles are distracting the Knights in the woods," Will said, "Come on! The Castle will be in sight before this afternoon!"

"STOP IN THE NAME OF THE QUEEN!"

Alice and Will jumped at the sound of the voice. They turned to see a man in red armor like the White Knights approaching. He drew his sword as he said, "The Red Queen has order your deaths!"

"Leave them be, villain!"

The White Knight charged forward. Pulling on his helmet, the Knight said, "Take her! Flee!"

Alice felt Will pull on her as he hissed, "Let's go!"

"You knave!" the Red Knight bellowed Will and Alice making their escape towards the maze of the Red Queen on the other side of the meadow, "You have exceeded your moves!"

"I will do so when necessary!" White Knight said, his horse restless, "Do you not remember a time where we fought alongside another…"

"It was long ago, when our beloved Mistress still lived," the Red Knight grieved, "And now you would make me kill you as well."

"As long as you spare the child," The White Knight said, pulling his own sword, "We are old timers… we cannot serve her."

"Serve her?" The Red Knight said, "I see… so she is the ONE…."

"Yes," White Knight said, gripping his sword tightly, "Now let us be rid of this wretched life!"


"Find anything?"

Piper sighed, hearing David walk back into the room. Shaking his head, Piper flipped through the pages of the record book saying, "No. Nothing yet. It was a bit of a long shot after all."

"Yeah, well, we still have a couple more books," David said, setting the thick binders down on the desk. Piper's mouth quirked down before he shut the binder he had been looking at. David leaned back again the door frame as he watched Piper grab another binder and pulled it towards him. Shifting slightly, David asked, "So… you and Emma… what exactly are your intentions with my daughter?"

"Emma can take care of herself Charming, and can make her own decisions. Neither you or I get any say in the matter," Piper said shortly, "Nor does she need protecting from me."

"Anymore," Charming said shortly. Piper slammed the book shut as he looked up at Charming. Standing up, Piper walked around the desk as he said, "I'm sorry, I don't see where you get off criticizing me on anything."

"Excuse me, you left her in jail and left her to suffer!"

"I had a thick piece of ice in my heart for protecting my best friend's wife," Piper snapped, his temper short, "from the Snow Queen, who not known to be satisfied by just the death of her enemies! So forgive me Charming, if I was quite not myself!"

Piper got in Charming's face as he said, "Emma is a grown woman, and she has taken care of herself for years WITHOUT YOU. She's had to face the horrors in her life ALONE. Don't think you can get on the high and mighty horse with every friendship she is going to make!"

Piper stormed out of the room as Charming gritted his teeth. Letting out an irritated sigh, Charming wandered over to Emma's desk. Glancing over at the safe, David stared at it long and hard before reaching over to it.

"I'm not sure how your daughter will appreciate that."

David turned his body abruptly to see Gold standing there, serious expression and all. David was quiet as Gold took a few steps towards him saying, "If she's kept it under lock and key, it probably means she doesn't want anyone to read it."

Charming stared at Gold with an indifferent look as he said, "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Oh I'm sure I don't," Gold said, coolly.

David made a face as he sighed harshly. Leaning back in the chair, Charming said shortly but grievously, "I have a right to know what horrors we submitted her to."

"You have no more right than I had to look at Alison's file," Gold said.

"I thought you took her file?"

"I did," Gold said testily, "But unlike you, I actually had the decency to ask before reading her file. Do you really want to be breaking all forms of trust because of impatience?"

"Why are you here?" David asked, deliberately changing the subject.

"I came here looking for Miss. Swan, actually," Gold said, "But seeing as she's not here…"

"She's in the hospital," David said, "Unconscious."

"Unconscious?"

"Yeah, she had a run in with the Life Absorber," David said, "She recognized him but he attacked her and got away."

Gold straightened up as he asked firmly, "Was he caught on camera?"

"Nothing good enough to look at," David said, glumly, "Piper's description doesn't help much either."

"Any similarities with the women?" Gold asked.

"Just that they are young," Charming said, "Young and female. Is that important?"

"Youth, yes," Gold said, his voice pondering, "Youth comes with good quality life force. Women, however, seems to be a preference."

The phone rang, interrupting their conversation. Reaching over, Charming picked it up and said, "Hello?"

There was a silence and David's expression turned grave. Gold looked slightly suspicious as David said getting up, "I will be right over. DON'T touch anything. Send all the students home."

David hung up the phone. Gold watched him with blank eyes as David said, "We need to get down to the school. Something's happened."

"What?"

David looked at him gravely as he said, "The Wonderland War Players were found defeated in the school."


"What's your name?"

The boy looked up timidly, seeing a shadow casting over him. He had been sharpening his spear, made from stone, wire-like weeds, and a stick. Many boys around them were bustling about, but this particular male stood out to the boy the most. He was an adult, his face unshaven and his clothes of black leather. A sword was at his side as he stared down at the boy with narrowed brown eyes.

"Marcus, sir," the boy murmured, "And yours?"

The man couldn't help but smile at the boy's manners as he said, "Baelfire."

The boy gawked a little bit as Baelfire sat next to him. Baelfire watched him as the boy stammered, "You-You're the Mage. The sorcerer."

Baelfire snorted at the name as he said bitterly, "Well that's a new one."

"Sorry sir," Marcus said, hastily, "It's just that the boys said you could use magic."

"I could," Baelfire said tersely, "But enough of me. Are you new to the game? I don't think I've seen you around before."

"No, I just came a few days past," Marcus admitted, looking around nervously, "The game… it's not REALLY war, is it?"

"Not real war," Baelfire replied smoothly, "Both sides know that it's a game."

The boy sighed a little in relief which made Baelfire unnerved. He didn't let it show too much as Baelfire said, "My advice. Find a friend who's played the game several times before."

"Have you played the game before?"

"Yes," Baelfire said, "Long ago."

Marcus nodded as Baelfire said with a grim smile, "Good luck."

Baelfire walked through the camp, clapping his hand on a couple of their shoulders. Baelfire made it around to the edge of the camp to see Tink hiding behind one of the trees.

"Are you almost ready?" Tink asked.

"Are you talking to me now?" Baelfire said, his voice sounding a little strained.

"For now," Tink said, "But the minute Peter gets back, I'm off."

"That's fine," Baelfire said, glancing back at Marcus, "Where is he-?"

"From? In a magical world in a little town," Tink said, her thoughts curious, "I think it was called Meadow something…"

"I didn't know children from magical lands came here?"

"Why not? You did."

"Yes but I was on earth when I came here, not the Enchanted Realms."

"Children come here to play until their hearts yearn to grown old," Tink said with an air of the sing song she naturally held as a Pixie, "Magical realms are no exception."

"Keep watch on him for me, will you?" Baelfire said, "I promise he's not going to be here very long."

"Oh? Are you certain?

"Yes," Baelfire said, "And I'd like him to get home in one piece."

Baelfire walked away, disappearing into the forest. Tink couldn't help but smile weakly as she said, "You're settling… you can actually sense these things now."


"Oh god," Red said with a gasp.

The War players were tied up, their arms pinned to their sides. March Hare and the White Rabbit were in their animal forms, quite unconscious. Dee and Dum were tied together. Charming was talking to the principle as Belle stood next to Red. Both women looked shocked as Gold walked about the room. Examining the rope, he narrowed his eyes as he waved his hand. The ropes disappeared as they all fell to the floor. Gold made a face as he said, "Pyry, the rope is laced with Pyry."

"Is that bad?"

"It's from Antic," Gold said, "So yes, it is. You said you sent all the students home?"

"Yes," David said over his shoulder. The Principal left them alone as David walked back into the room. The boiler kicked on, making loud noises as Gold held a worried expression on his face. Looking over at Belle, Gold said, "Sweetheart, I want you to go with Red and make sure Alison's at home. It can't be coincidence that they would get strung up here."

"Right," Belle said, as she and Red hastily left the room. Gold then looked down at the limp Tweedle as David said, "You don't thin-?"

"I think whoever it was wanted to send a message," Gold said, dangerously. His mood had taken a turn for the worse. "Which means he's sending her a message."

"But why?"

Gold narrowed his eyes as he noticed something sticking out of the boy's vest. Reaching down, Gold pulled it out as David walked over to him asking, "What is it?"

"This is why," Gold said, his voice rough, "Look."

David took the card as he stared at him. Looking back at Gold, David said, "The King of Hearts… do you know him? Does she?"

"I don't bother myself much with that world, dearie," Gold said, "And Alison has never mentioned anything about the Kings of Hearts… Just the Queen."

"Yeah well, to every Queen there is a King," David said, "Or at least that's how it usually is."

"Not this Queen, dearie," Gold muttered, but didn't speak anything further. David then sighed, saying heavily, "We have to ask her just to be sure. This can't be an acc-!"

"David!"

Kathryn's voice rang out through the hallway as they both looked towards the door. David made a face as Gold said quickly, "I'll go and fetch her. Meet me back at the sheriff's station."

Gold left quickly as Kathryn accidentally bumped his shoulder. She opened her mouth to apologize only to have Gold disappear. Shaking her head slightly, Kathryn went to walk into the room. Gasping at the sight of the role players, Kathryn's eyes filled with tears as she said hysterically, "What happened here?!"

"They were attacked, most likely by the monster attacking the women," David said, grasping her shoulders.

"What about Alison?! Is she-?!"

"Kathryn, Gold is going to go get her," David said, "I have to wait here till the ambulance comes to get these guys. But I need to know, has Alison ever mentioned something about the King of Hearts?"

"No," Kathryn said, softly, "Why?"

"Because," David said, gravely, "We think he might behind these attacks."


Emma gasped as she shot up in the hospital bed.

Regina jolted in her seat, surprised by the sudden movement. Regina, looking concerned, grabbed Emma's shoulders as Emma groaned at the sudden movement. Her head was spinning but she felt a sense great urgency. Regina tried to push her back down into the bed as she said, "Emma, stop! You are still not completely healed!"

"I have to find her!" Emma choked, struggling against Regina, "I have to warn her!"

"Warn her?" Regina asked confused, "Warn who about what?"

Alison groaned, her chest aching painfully.

Opening her eyes, Alison found herself lying on a hard bed in a basement. Sitting up, Alison groaned as she felt the world spin slightly. As she moved to support herself better, Alison felt something heavy around her ankle. Looking down, Alison saw a thick cuff around her ankle. It was glittering blue and silver around the dark metal. Alison tried to unlock it with magic. However, all she felt was it begin to build up and die back down. Alison whimpered as she said with a groan, "Pyry…."

A loud neighing of the horse caught her attention. Alison looked around frantically, seeing the dimly lit basement. There were computers, off at the moment and stairs that lead up to a trap door of sorts. The horse neighed again as Alison shouted, "Excalibur!"

"Would you quit your shouting?"

Alison looked over towards a corner, where a man came out from behind a stack of boxes. His face was hidden by shadows until he came under a light. Alison's jaw dropped, her face overcome with fear and revulsion that went beyond that anyone could imagine. He walked towards her as he ran through his hair saying, "That damn horse has cost me more trouble than it's worth. But after all I couldn't have him running off to warn you, now could I?"

Alison swallowed as she scooted back on the bed as her eyes became glassy. Her body began to shiver, something that made the man smirk in sadistic delight. He walked over and grasped her chin as he said with a voice filled with mockery, "Like the chains, sweetheart? It's a useful little invention."

She let out a gasp as she whispered his name in a tone so frightened it was definitely uncharacteristic for her.

"Darren."

Temperance Tales: Bum, BUM, BUM. 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.