Chapter Sixty Two: Waking.

Alice awoke with something nice and soft underneath her.

She was in her bedroom, the sun shining bright through the curtains. Getting up slowly, Alison looked around to see that she seemed to be quite alone. Getting out of the bed, Alison tiptoed over to the window as she stared down into the courtyard. There were the servants being ordered around by the Duchess of Clubs, waving her hands as she attended to a table filled with scrolls. Alison titled her head as she watched, wondering about the events that flowed through her mind. Had it all been a dream or had her Majesty saved her?

"Well, looks who's finally up."

Alice spun around, her red dress rustling about her legs. Cora stood in her doorway, Tweedlies flocked on either side. Alice bowed deeply as Cora smiled warmly at Alice. Walking over, Cora's skirts rustled about her as she said, "You and the Tweedlies gave me quite a fright. They called your name and were unable to find you. When I came to look in the garden myself, I found you sleeping under the rose tree."

Alice waited until Cora gently touched her chin, inviting her out of her curtsy. Alice then stood up saying, "I am sorry, Your Majesty. I didn't mean to fall asleep, and my dream was too exciting to wake up just yet."

"Well, my darling Alice," Cora cooed, bending down to kiss the top of her head, "You will have to tell me all about it. But first, I would like to introduce someone to you. He'll be your new escort; one that I think will be a more reasonable playmate."

Cora extended her hand as a man entered the room. He was dressed in Red and was very much a soldier. However his face made her gasp as Cora said, "May I present my new Knave of Hearts, Will Scarlet."

"Lady Alice, I am very pleased to meet you," Will said smoothly. Alice stared at him a few moments before she curtsied quickly saying, "It is very nice to meet you, Will Scarlet. If you don't mind me asking, have we seen each other somewhere before?"

"No Lady Alice," Will said coming out from his bow, even though there was familiar twinkle in his eye, "I am afraid we have not had the pleasure of meeting before."

Alice looked a little disappointed as she looked up at Cora curiously. She then asked, "But what of your other Knave? I thought he was the Knave of Hearts?"

"I have many Knaves, I shuffled them around to different suits as need be," Cora explained simply, "Now, why don't we go have our tea? And you can tell me about this dream."


Jane laid there, cold as ice.

It brought a cold kind of anger that Baelfire had never experienced. All the years of fighting magical demons, ice-hearted sorceress, and everything other thing thrown his way compared nothing to the anger that filled him. It spurred him in a terrible way, knowing that Jane had been lying in this tomb very much alive since she had been laid in. Clenching his hand, he stared at her with his deep brown eyes.

A musical noise filled his ears.

It reached to sooth his soul, to calm his nature. However Baelfire, being who he was, did not budge to this magic. He needed not to be suckered in by anything just yet. Turning, he saw the pixies come down to him, one female the other male.

"Baelfire, why have you summoned us?"

"Jane still lives," Baelfire said shortly, pointing into the tomb.

The female shrilled, the musical noise filling the air as she swirled around the tomb. The male pixie approached as he asked, "Are you sure?"

"Positive, I felt her pulse!" Baelfire snapped, glaring up at him. The male pixie made a sad musical noise as the other pixie swirled around Jane. Jane breathed ever so slightly and the female pixie backed off. The male grew closer to her, dust falling from his wings as he did so. The glowing specks of dust fell upon her, glowing against her skin as it faded into it. There was another small breath as the male pixie murmured, "Incredible…"

"How could she be breathing?!" Baelfire said, obviously distressed, "She's been in that tomb for months! And how could anyone not know that she was still breathing upon placing her in there!?"

"The magic," the pixie said gravely, "It's of a dark sort. It's a curse, one that slowly consumes the person in ice. Inch by inch, it consumes until it has full turned a person to ice. She wouldn't die because I'm sure the curse doesn't allow for it."

"If we remove the curse, would it kill her?"

"Not likely, however… I do believe once the ice has reached her heart she will surely die."

"Can you stop it?"

"No," The pixie said "We need something stronger, stronger than true loves kiss."

"Stronger than true loves kiss," Baelfire said flatly, "Do you know how HARD that is to find!? I can't leave this island and I no longer have Anti-Magic either!"

"You may not have to or need it."

Baelfire looked up at the female pixie, who looked at him sadly. The music that came off her wings indicated as much as she said, "There is a cave up on dead man's peak… in it was said someone to have infinite wisdoms. It is tricky, though, the cave has spells to prevent those of bad intentions."

"Will I be able to get what I need?"

"Yes, if you make it to the center of the mountain."

"It is a long shot, but it should work," the male pixie said.

Baelfire looked down at Jane, who laid their still as stone. Reaching out, he touched her cold cheek. She did not stir, even though she wished she would. With this, hope sprung like a wild flower. There was a chance, a chance that his little one would not forget their love…would not be marred by their story of tragedy. A chance that his mind may not be marred as well…

Baelfire leaned down and kissed her forehead saying, "I will return."


"Don't bother, I've already told you. I've hidden it where you won't find it."

Belle was stirring the eggs on the frying pan. The smells filled the kitchen, as did the sunlight that spilled through the windows. Gold, who had been setting the table, walked over to Belle as he slipped his arms around her waist. She smiled warmly as he leaned in towards her ear and said, "Not even a glance?"

"Not even," Belle admonished, "It's bad luck to see the dress before the wedding."

Gold scoffed as he pulled her closer as he muttered, "Bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, the dress before the wedding… tell me what is bad luck for the bride?"

"The bride has to wear something new, something borrowed, something blue," Belle said, giggling as he pressed light kisses to her neck.

"Doesn't sound nearly as torturous as being separated from my love for twenty four hours…" Gold murmured as she turned off the stove. Putting the spatula down, Belle glanced at him as she teased, "Well, think of it this way. You get Alison all to yourself for the evening."

"Yes because detangling her from you is going to be easy as pie," Gold argued.

"She agreed to your deal and besides," Belle sighed, "I doubt you'll have a hard time detangling her from anyone…"

There was a silence between them as Gold sighed softly. Hugging her reassuringly, Gold said, "Belle, I've told you this before. She loves you-!"

"I know, that's not what I mean," Belle said quickly.

Gold watched her with a look of inquiry. Belle sighed again, a little more heavily as she said, "She won't talk to anyone. Not to me, not to Henry, not to Archie… she's been giving everyone the shortest answers she can. It's like; she's a completely different person. And with Kathryn it's even worse. She won't look her in the eye-."

"Belle," Gold interrupted, "She's been through a lot… She lost two of her war players and had her abuser come back from the dead trying to kill her. She's not going to be herself."

"I know," Belle said, her voice concerned, "I wish there was something else-."

"She'll get through this, give her time to grieve," Gold murmured softly. Belle smiled weakly as Gold kissed her gently. Pulling away, Gold said a little more firmly, "Now, let's get breakfast on the table and I'll go get the little one up."

"I hope the school opens back up soon," Belle said, as she took the pan and spatula before walking over to the table, "She could use a distraction."

"The school is to open back up in a week, to ensure the safety of the children. Charming is updating the security today," Gold said, as he walked towards the kitchen door, "He's placing the spells up with Miss Swan."

"Can he do that?"

"The spells are on slips of paper. All he has to do is press them against the entry ways of the school and the spell will do the rest."

Gold left Belle then, walking through the dining room and living room. As he approached and climbed the stairs, Gold thought of the truth in Belle's words.

She had been distant, very distant. He had noticed it but felt it had been in important that she have time to grieve. However, she wasn't improving any and was now isolating herself from everyone; even the Kathryn she loved beyond all measure. This wasn't good. The wedding was only days away and then Belle and he would have to leave her. He didn't want to leave her, most certainly not with her like this. Getting to her bedroom door, he knocked on it while saying, "Dearie, it's time to wake up."

There was no answer as Gold sighed. Opening the door, Gold said, "Come on, you need to at least eat something-."

Gold froze upon entering the room, realizing he was talking to no one.


"Chief!"

The chief looked up from his map, staring at the warrior that had just run into the council ring. It was in a clearing of their camp, not too far from the thickness of the forest. The elders looked up as the warrior bent down in respect as he spoke.

"The Mage is here to speak with you."

The chief glanced at the council member's as he nodded his head at the warrior. The warrior left them, disappearing into the forest as the council members watched him.

"Leave me," the chief said curtly, "I would like to speak with this man alone."

The council member's left, one by one as Baelfire emerged from the forest's depths. He bowed to the Chieftain, who nodded his head in respect. Baelfire sat as the chief said, "You spared my son. Pan would have not been so kind."

"Pan is not here and neither is he me. We would have no warriors left if I killed every rash action," Baelfire said, "But I did not come here to speak about your son."

"I imagine not," the chief said, "So what are you here about?"

"I'm here about the cave at Dead Man's Peak," Baelfire said, "It is said you know where it is."

"I do," the chief said, pulling out a pipe and lighting it, "Why do you want to go there? Those caves are dangerous."

"Jane still lives," Baelfire said simply.

The chief froze as Baelfire shifted. Blowing out smoke from his mouth, the Chief asked, "How can this be? We saw her placed in the tomb, lifeless and unmoving…"

"She was cursed, it was a curse that struck her stomach," Baelfire felt sick as he said so, "One that will consume her body and soul if we don't stop it."

"I see," the chief said gravely, "So that is why you need to go…"

The man pulled the pipe from his mouth as he said, "At the west side of the mountain, you will find a cliff that overlooks the mermaid's lagoon. At the height of the full moon, the entrance will be revealed."

"Thank you," Baelfire said, standing up to leave.

"Wait," the chief said, "I would like to discuss one more thing."

Baelfire paused, his dark eyes watching the chief before him. The chief puffed the pipe as Baelfire waited for him to speak. Puffing, the chief asked softly, "You have a child, don't you? A little girl?"

"Yes," Baelfire said, "Why does that concern you?"

"Do you know why adults are chosen to be the Mage of Neverland?"

Baelfire shook his head, and the chief sighed.

"The Land of Play, the Land of Wonders, and the Land of Knowledge… we all coincide with one another. Each of our lands holds a common interest for those who come to stay, one that other lands cannot say for themselves. Our worlds are not worlds that are those who get lost, but for those to find the way."

Chief blew out as he looked at Baelfire intently, "It is something Peter Pan will never understand… not until he feels it for himself. But I think you understand…"

"It's a place," Baelfire said, "For children to find their way..."

"To the families they love most," The Chief said, nodding, "To the futures they will hold. In a way, this Land of Motionless Time does the very thing that's against its nature: makes children grow up. That is why it is always an adult, for a child could never lead other children to that conclusion."

"Land of Wonders and Knowledge…" Baelfire murmured, "You speak of Wonderland and Oz."

"Of that I do," Chief said, looking at Baelfire knowingly, "I think this land chose you for a reason… and I think part of that reason is so you may understand your little one's role that much clearer."

Baelfire nodded and began to leave once more. The Chief then said sharply, "But be careful, Baelfire. This world will test your resolve. After all, this world will test a parent's heart until it succeeds or gets destroyed."


"Hey."

Regina looked up, seeing someone standing at the stall door. Regina was standing next to Excalibur, who was standing rather patiently. Regina had on hand on his back as she stroked his neck tenderly. Excalibur snickered affectionately as the person came and stroked his snout lovingly. Regina managed a smile as she said, "Well, look who's out and about."

"I came to check on him," Alison said, swiftly, "How is he?"

"He's healed quite nicely," Regina said soothingly as she stroked Excalibur's side. Alison watched this briefly before saying softly, "I'm surprised. He doesn't usually let anyone near him…"

"Well, he wouldn't let any of the others near him," Regina said, moving around Excalibur so she was closer to Alison, "He kicked, thrashed, and snarled when Gold tried to get close. Or Ryaden for that matter."

"He must like you," Alison mused weakly. Excalibur nuzzled Alison gently, stepping closer to her. Regina watched the interaction between the two. Alison leaned her forehead against his snout before kissing him softly. The horse whinnied softly, more relaxed than Regina had ever seen. Regina cleared her through as she ran her fingers through his mane.

"Most of his injuries were somewhat fresh," Regina said, "I would estimate a little over a week, but no older than that."

"He's been missing longer than that," Alison frowned, pulling away from him a bit, "A week would have been when I heard his cries in the woods…"

Regina was quiet before she straightened herself up. Moving past Alison, Regina said, "Well, you have a strong sturdy steed, Alison. I'm sure he will want to stretch his legs."

Regina stopped at the stable door as she asked, "Will I see you for training tomorrow?"

Alison nodded, saying nothing more to confirm her answer. Regina seemed satisfied by this as she turned to leave. However, Alison's voice stopped her in mid action.

"Why aren't you with Emma? I thought she and Charming were putting up the spell on the school today."

Regina made a tense face, obviously bothered as she said, "The Charmings didn't desire my help. I told Emma not to argue over something so trivial. Besides, I was coming to make sure that Excalibur had completely healed."

Alison smiled briefly, weakly. Regina gave her a friendly smile before leaving her alone. Alison's smile disappeared as she looked back at Excalibur. He whinnied as she stroked his head, showing her irritation. They were still resisting… even after all she had done they were refusing to work together. Gritting her teeth, she leaned against him. They needed to work together; they couldn't go back to the Enchanted Forest like this. If so, everything she worked for would have been for nothing. She brought her team here for nothing…

She had to bury Dee and Dum for nothing.

Excalibur snickered, catching Alison's attention. Kissing his snout once more, Alison murmured, "People are idiots… so closed-minded."

Excalibur snorted, stomping his hooves. It was almost as if he was agreeing. Alison smiled weakly as she said, "I'll be back to run with you. And maybe you can show me why you went missing in the first place."


Baelfire waited by the Cliff-side.

It was agonizing the wait, the moon almost at its peak in the sky. Baelfire stood with his arms crossed, grinding his foot into the ground. All this time… she had been slowly dying in that tomb and he had never once noticed something off. Gritting his teeth, he almost glared up at the sky muttering, "If this is your way of mocking me, I don't appreciate it."

There was only the twinkling of stars to greet him, an answer in and of itself not good enough. Closing his eyes, Baelfire tried to clear his mind and calm himself.

Only for a familiar tinker to ring in his ear.

"Tinker Bell," Baelfire grumbled, "I thought you were going to see Alison."

"I was on my way," Tink said as Baelfire opened his eyes, "And then a pixie came with a message. Is it true?"

"True as can be," Baelfire said, "Right now, our only chance is for the opening to the Dead Man's cave to open."

"You know that place is booby trapped," Tink said sharply.

"Are you saying that I shouldn't go?"

"Of course not you-!" Tink stopped herself, something glistening out of the corner of her eye. Baelfire watched her before looking to see what she was staring at. The rock on the walk was beginning to sparkle, more and more brightly. An entrance slowly appeared, showing a dark hole in the mountain. Baelfire glanced at Tink murmuring, "If you're going to help me, would you mind lighting the way?"

Tink fluttered her wings, growing small in a flash of light. Tink floated to the entrance, emitting pixie dust. The dust floated in the air, lighting the way as she entered the tunnel. Baelfire followed her, allowing himself to leave the moonlight night.

The passage was narrow, just enough room for Baelfire to follow her. The rocky ground beneath his feet was dry and slightly crumbly. Tink floated a bit ahead of him as they approached what looked like cave in. Baelfire looked up towards the ceiling where he had seen an opening at the merging point of the cave in and ceiling. Tink swirled around saying, "I'll go scout ahead."

"Ti-Wait!"

But Tink vanished through the opening.

Baelfire growled as he climbed up the cave in carefully. It didn't look fresh; however he couldn't be sure it wouldn't shift. Getting close to the opening, Baelfire muttered, "Pixies should know better than to split up by now."

Baelfire made it through the opening, sliding down the other side. There was light in the room he had just entered, small holes high up on the sides of the large room. Pillars stretched all the way to the ceiling of the cavern, thick layers of sand surround them. Baelfire walked forward with narrowed eyes as he asked, "Tink? Tinker Bell!"

There was a laugh.

Baelfire froze, it sounded familiar but it wasn't Tink's. It echoed through the cave, seeping into him. Where had he heard it? It was light and air as it faded away. Reaching down to grab the hilt of his sword, Baelfire asked, "Who are you? Where are you hiding?"

The laugh grew loud again as he could hear footsteps. They grew closer as the child's voice rang out, "Where indeed…so many places to be… But then again, it is my game. You never did know how to play…"

A child walked out from behind the pillars, her dress floating down about her knees. Baelfire felt a lump immediately grow in his throat as he watched the six year old girl approach him. Her hair was messily straight as she said almost tauntingly, "Isn't that right, Daddy?"

Baelfire swallowed as he felt his hand slip down from the hilt.

"Lisie."


"Hey! Wait up!"

Alison froze as she heard Henry's voice. Stopping reluctantly, she turned to see Henry running towards her. He jumped the fences of the stables and skidded to a stop beside her. He panted as he looked at her saying, "You walk fast."

"I was heading to the garden," Alison said flatly but there was a soft look to her features, "What do you want, Henry?"

"You-," Henry said, grabbing her hand as he caught his breath, "You need to come with me to Archie's."

"What?!" Alison tried to yank his hand away from him as he tugged, "No! I don't need Archie-!"

"Yes, you do!" Henry argued, gripping her hand tight, "You've been ignoring everyone all week long!"

"I don't need the shrink to tell me anything! I'm fine!" Alison argued, her voice becoming heated.

"You're not!" Henry said, getting in front of her before, "You've been moping, ignoring, and pushing away anyone that tries to help! Archie can help you!"

"I didn't do anything, Henry! Why does everyone try to keep punishing me for something I didn't do!"

Alison pushed Henry out of the way but he caught her by the hand one more. Alison glared at him, her eyes glassy and her expression livid. Henry looked at her with shocked expression, his anger slowly fading. Henry looked at her as he said, "Why is that punishing you?"

"To force me to sit in a room with man that I'm supposed to tell every little secret to or I get labeled the broken child?" Alison snapped, yanking her hand away. However, her hostility seemed to lose its edge as she turned around to walk away saying, "No thanks…"

Henry followed after her, keeping a few steps behind her as to not invade her personal space. Henry watched her sadly. Henry shifted his backpack as he said, softly, "What if you didn't go as a patient? What if you just talked to him because he's a friend?"

"Why would I trust him just because of that?"

"He's Jiminy Cricket. He's friends with everyone," Henry said with a shrug, "It's what a conscience does."

"What? You don't think I have a conscience?" Alison said, not nearly as angry but still abrasive.

"I think your bugged," Henry said, sadly, "I think you're hurt and afraid and I think you think that pushing everyone away is going to make things easier but it's not. You're just making it worse."

"And you know that how?" Alison asked, miserably,

"Because if it was making things better, you wouldn't be so miserable," Henry said, "And I wouldn't feel like I lost my best friend!"

Alison stopped, quite dead in her tracks. The forest creaked around them, birds twittering around. Henry didn't stop, walking around her once more so she was in front. Henry stared at her hardly as she stared at him, her expression quite vulnerable. Henry shifted as he said, "You stopped talking to me, you won't come meet anyone… you didn't even tell me the truth about Molly."

Alison let her mouth fall open a bit before clenching her mouth shut. But she walked along with Henry slowly as they approached the garden's boundaries. Henry watched her with the same expression as Alison said, "It was bad enough we're not in the same class. She seemed to be nice to you; I didn't want your school year to turn sour."

"I know, believe me, I know you better than you think I do," Henry said as they walked up to the cabin, "But your hiding isn't helping. You won't even show me this locator spell to find the core. Please…"

Henry gently grasped Alison's hand this time as he said, "You need to let someone in… please I need you. We need you. And more importantly you need us…"

Alison stared down at his hand and a shadow of a smile crossed her face. Giving his hand a squeeze, Alison opened the door. They entered the cabin, something Henry hadn't really been in before. There was a futon covered in a quilt, a table with baskets, and a fire place. There was a door to the right, assuming to be the bedroom. Henry saw a picture on the wall of a horse which reminded him.

"How is Excalibur?"

"Good, thanks to Regina," Alison said, as she dropped her backpack on the ground. She walked over to the door and held her hands out against it. Lights shimmered on the wall as Henry dropped his backpack on the ground. The lights faded, a click occurring as Alison opened the door. Walking into the room, Henry saw that there was just a full sized bed with a night stand. Alison hurried over to it as she opened the drawer saying, "It's complicated. The spell the Master gave me before he left wasn't completely clear. I've been able to identify all the ingredients except one."

Alison pulled out a scroll, small compared to some others. Letting Henry unroll it, he examined it as Alison said, "A thing most precious that cannot be replaced… I don't exactly know what it means; all I know is that it has to be grounded into dust and added last."

"Three pinches of the dust of sleep," Henry murmured, "The vapors of the snap dragon, mermaids scale, a piece of the Fallen Star, the potion of redemption, and a thing most precious that cannot be replaced to be ground to dust mixed under the smiling moon in the place of the greatest and oldest magic. What kind of locator spell is that?"

"I'm not exactly sure," Alison said, "He didn't really leave me a play by play."

Henry looked at it curiously as Alison wrinkled her nose. Sniffing the air, Alison made a face as she asked, "Do you smell that?"

"Sme-?"

The floor shook violently as a roaring explosion reached their ears.

Alison and Henry jumped a mile high as Alison watched the wall towards the door begin to glow like fire. Panicking Alison grabbed Henry screaming, "Get down!"

Henry felt a violent tug at his stomach as he felt heat almost kiss his face. There was a whirl of wind around them as he felt the ground beneath his feet disappear. Alison's arms left him as he tumbled along the grass. Henry grimaces as he scrambled to his feet. They were outside in the forest edge, watching as the whole garden burned. Alison scrambled back back, her heart racing. She was staring at the garden in fear watching the cabin went up in flames. She was holding her arm, which held a nasty burn on the forearm. Henry reached over and grasped her saying, "Alison, your arm-!"

Alison didn't answer, all she looked on in fear. She whimpered as Henry accidentally brushed her arm. Henry grimaced as he helped her up saying, "Come on, we need to leave!"

"The garden-!" Alison said, her voice breaking.

"We can't do anything! We need to leave!"


"You're not real."

The little Alison Marie smiled at him, that beautiful smile he loved. Baelfire stood rooted to the spot as the little girl paced around him saying, "I am real… very real."

"No," Baelfire said, "You can't be. You're some trick, some specter-!"

"Specters can't lean against anything." The little one leaned purposefully on the rock pillar nearest to her. "Specters wouldn't know that you used to tuck me in each night, wrapping me in the soft blue blanket."

The girl's eyes flashed as she looked at him harshly, "A blanket you failed to tell me was made by my mother."

The words sliced through him, the creeping ice filling his body. Emotions he had long repressed, long forgotten filled him as he swallowed. Baelfire opened his mouth as he said, "Lisie…I didn't-"

"You didn't what?! Think I wanted to know!" the girls voice shrilled, echoing in the cave, "Think I wanted to know if the mother I barely knew even loved me!"

"She did love you…" Baelfire said faintly.

"As if I would ever know!" Alison said, her voice cold, "You never said anything kind about her! Any time I ever asked, you wouldn't let me ask the thing I wanted to know. You would get angry when you thought I wasn't looking! Curse her for abandoning us when in reality, you abandoned us!"

"No," Baelfire said, his voice going rough.

"You could have saved her, but no! You wanted her gone! You couldn't deal with the fact she was sick! You couldn't stomach the fact that she went to the Master for help, that you couldn't save her!" Alison's blue eyes glittered coldly at him, "While she sat in that Manor, desperately trying to return, you made sure that the only person I would ever have was you!"

"I love her, just as I love you!" Baelfire voice got stronger as Alice laughed harshly as she said, "Love her? After all you said and done, you expect me to believe that? You can't even save her!"

"Yes I can!" Baelfire said, "And I can prove it! Let me pass and I can prove it!"

Alice grew quiet, staring at him with mysterious blue eyes. "What makes you think you deserve her love?"

"I don't deserve it," Baelfire said, "I let my hate drive me to nearly destroying an entire town; Jane is in that tomb because of me! Don't let an innocent suffer for my mistakes, she deserves to live!"

Alice smiled as she said coyly, "Finally, something we can agree on."

Alice clapped her hands as she poofed into dust. The pillars around him did the same, making him throw up his hands in the air. Coughing slightly as he felt a tickle in his throat, Baelfire waited before allowing himself to look again. Much to his surprise, he found himself in a room filled with many trinkets and a roaring fire. Red banners with white and black swirls hung on the rocks and a bed was pressed up against the wall opposite him. On it, much to his surprise was a little mouse staring at him patiently.

"What the-?"

Red smoke swirled around, growing bigger and bigger. It disappeared, revealing a woman with her hair messily falling about her mouse ears. She had long fingernails that looked like claws and her nose looked like it had dirt long upon it. Round gold glasses were perched on her nose as she jittered at him.

"Not a what the. Who the," the woman said tutting as she picked up the knife. She picked up a fruit as she began to peel away the skin, "You know, you are awfully the same as she described you. Impatient and loving."

"I'm sorry, who are you and who are you talking about?" Baelfire asked, staring at her queerly.

"Silly boy, can't you keep up!" The woman said as she continued to peel away, even though the skin was long gone, "I am the Door Mouse! The only reason your daughter didn't drown upon arriving in Wonderland."

"Door mouse," Baelfire repeated, his mind filling in the pieces, "You're from Wonderland…"

"Breed and Born," the Door Mouse said, "Or is it Born and Breed?"

"But what are you doing here?"

"I am the maker of tunnels! Rabbit Holes after all come in all shapes and sizes so finding them are not difficult for me," the Door Mouse said, impatiently, "Now you've come here for a reason."

"I need a cure for Morgana's curse," Baelfire said, "I was told I could find it here."

"Yes, you can," Door Mouse said, "And since you passed my test, I shall gladly give it to you least you sick that beastly cat on me!"

"Cat?" Baelfire asked baffled, "I have no cat!"

"Oh the lies you and your little one tell!" the Door Mouse said warningly, "But enough of that! Let me finish my work so you can be out of my hair!"

Baelfire didn't say another word as she carved into the fruit's flesh deeply. The piece fell to the floor as a bright light came from the core. She reached in and pulled out a strange looking stone, that was translucent in color as light swirled around inside.

"It is the pit of the wonderland pear," the mouse said wisely, "Squeeze it into you lover's mouth and the curse will be banished. However, be warned. She will become bound to the person in which puts this in her mouth. Bound in a way that even death cannot separate."

Baelfire took it as she took a bite of the remaining fruit. Baelfire didn't budge however as he looked thoughtfully down at the core. It was warm, and it wasn't as hard as he thought it was. However, something else occupied his mind as the mouse squeaked, "What are you still doing here! Begone!"

"You know Wonderland's Role Players, correct?"

"Of course," the mouse said bristly, "I even knew you're little one."

"Do you know of the Role Player who gives no name but his laugh?"

The Door Mouse froze and paled. Slinking down on her bed, she stared at him blanched as she stuttered, "Oh my heart… I worried that you would ask of it."

"You know him," Baelfire said quickly.

"Know him," the Door Mouse moaned, "How can Wonderland not know him? He's in everyone's minds, everyone's dreams…."

"Who is this man?" Baelfire asked, "Is he truly that evil?"

"Evil!" the Mouse shrieked, "He cannot be evil, he cannot be good. After all Death, even of the red sort, is not bound by the terms of good nor evil."

"Death?" Baelfire looked confused, "Is that his name?"

"It is not only his name but being," the Mouse said, "Red Death. He was in Wonderland since before it's Awakening. He knows… he sees beyond anything we can imagine. He has seen what Fate has seen. He tells us what to do; we sing the song and go to our tasks… Oh that poor girl, I had only meant to help her on her quest to find you-!"

"You gave Lora the Wonderland elixir," Baelfire said suddenly, narrowing his eyes slightly at her.

"Well you are smarter than you look!" The Door Mouse said, "I did indeed, that poor thing had been looking far and wide for a cure… Red Death gave it to me… to give to her…"

"Why?"

"I don't know!" the Mouse cried tearfully, "He said it was awfully important."

"Did my daughter know him?"

The Mouse wailed as she moaned, "Don't ask what I can't tell! Now leave me be, leave me be! Before Red Death comes for me!"

She turned back into a mouse and disappeared, leaving Baelfire to stand there numb.

What was this Red Death that people seemed to fear?


"So there is nothing left?"

Gold grimaced as he squeezed Belle's hand. They were sitting at the kitchen table as Emma, August, and David stood in the kitchen of Gold's home. Gold shook his head as he said, "I managed to put out the fire before it spread, but the garden and cabin are completely gone."

"Can't you just fix it with magic?" Emma said, shifting.

"No, I tried," Gold said, shaking his head, "Luckily, the only two things of importance managed to escape from the cabin."

"Thank heavens for that," Belle said, "I'm just glad Henry and Alison made it out in one piece."

"How could this have even happened?" August asked, his arms crossed.

"We're not quite sure," Emma said, "But we did find a card at the scene so we suspect it was the same people that tried stealing our information."

"Regardless," Gold said, "There is some kind of dark magic at play."

There was a bitterness to his tone that everyone noticed. However, no one had the nerve to comment on it. Instead August said, "Well, let's just be grateful that both children are safe. We have new magical protections up in all the places the children will be."

"Yeah, they'll be safer from here on out," Emma said, " Well, it's been a long day. I think I'll leave you in peace. Call me if you need anything else."

"Will do," Belle said as August said, "I'm going to let Granny and Ruby know Alison's safe. I'll see you both later."

August also left them alone in the kitchen as Gold let out a long sigh. Belle reached her other hand over to squeeze his as she said, "There wasn't really anything else you saw? Magically, I mean."

"No, honestly," Gold said, lifting up his hand to kiss hers, "I just hope you didn't hide your wedding dress anywhere in her cabin."

Belle laughed weakly as she said, "No, and I swear that is the only hint you're getting."

"Shame," Gold said as they heard footsteps descending the stairs. Belle and Gold glanced towards the opening as they saw a tired looking Kathryn.

"Any luck?"

"Not a word," Kathryn said, sighing heavily, "She doesn't want to talk to me…"

"Enough of this," Belle said with a mutter, "She can't keep doing this."

"Sweetheart," Gold objected, his eyes filled with something Kathryn had never seen: fear. Belle shook her head as she said, "No, no she needs to talk to someone. If she bottles this up Rumple, we will regret it."

"Let me try."

The women jumped as Archie stepped into the room. Pongo was at his side, his tail waving back and forth as he wandered over to Kathryn happily. She bent down to stroke his head as Gold frowned at the former cricket. He finally spoke, his voice disapproving, "What makes you think that she'll want to talk to you?"

"Because she needs help," Archie said, "And if I can prove to her that all I want to do is help, I think she will…"

"Archie," Kathryn said, looked at him unsure, "I don't think-!"

"All I'm asking is to try," Archie said, "What have we got to lose?"

Alison was sitting on her window ledge, the window open wide. She was dressed in a simple black shirt and sweat pants. Her hair was down her front, wet from the shower she had taken not too long ago. She stared out into the darkness as she heard a crackling noise beneath her. Alison jumped as she looked down from her window and saw an unusual sight.

"Hi," Will said, hanging from the wines growing on the side of the house. Alison couldn't help but smile weakly as she said, "Will, what are you doing?"

"Climbing," Will said, "I didn't think they would let me in the front door."

Alison shook her head but reached down to help him up into the window. After a bit of a struggle, Will was soon sitting beside her as she said, "You're still not very agile."

Will stared at her and he said, "Oh is that the thanks I get. I've been looking for you all day and you proceed to insult me!"

Alison's smile remained until she looked more carefully at his face. He sported a black eye, as well as a few other small bruises. Alison reached out and touched his cheek gingerly as she said, "What happened to you?"

"Ahhh," Will said, "That. Stan got a good swing at me."

"What?!" Alison looked surprised as Will made a face saying, "Stan was bragging, and despite what you might think no one at the bar appreciated being under Darren's thumb."

Alison winced at the name but her smile returned as Will said, "Needless to say, Stan won't be coming back to the bar for a very long time. Boss said if you ever needed anything…"

"I'll keep that in mind," Alison said, softly. Will watched her as he asked softly, "Are they really gone?"

"Yes," Alison said, "They are…"

"Do the Queen's know?"

Alison made a face as she said, "I certainly didn't tell them…"

"Do you think they'll come here?"

Alison's smile vanished again, a bitter hopeless look overcoming her face. Staring at him intently, Alison whispered almost apologetically, "I already think their eyes and ears are already here…."

Will nodded and he was quiet once again. He watched her with gentle eyes; however she could still detect emptiness behind it. He reached out and squeezed her hand as he said, "No matter what happens, I'll be here in any way I can."

Alison scoffed but held a glance of appreciation. Will squeezed her hand once more before escaping out the window saying, "I'll leave before the Dark One comes up and roasts me."

Alison snickered as she watched him disappear. She watched him climb down clumsily as he slipped a fell the last couple of feet into the shrubs. Alison giggled a bit as he managed to get himself up. He took off into the night as Alison heard something behind her.

"Been a while since I've seen that smile."

Alison snapped her head around; looking in the door was as Archie stood there. He was holding Pongo's leash tightly, as the dog was eagerly trying to get over to Alison. Alison watched him with a wary look, her amusement gone from her features. Archie smiled weakly at her as he struggled a bit with Pongo's leash. He said, "Even if it is only half of what it could be."

"Do you really expect it to be full?"

Archie shook his head as she looked back out the window. Pongo whimpered as he struggled against Archie, who tugged him back on, said, "Who was that just now?"

"He's an old friend, Archie," Alison said a bit dismissively, "Not someone to be concerned about."

"Sorry," Archie admitted, "I didn't mean to pry."

Alison didn't respond to that. She merely continued to stare out the window, her arms resting on her knees. Pongo pulled rather hard, the leash almost slipping from Archie's hands. Alison glanced back in his direction as Archie asked, "Is it alright if we join you? Pongo-!"

"It's alright," Alison said with a small sigh, "You can let him go."

Archie let him go as Pongo happily bounded over to her. Alison turned, so Pongo could hop up on her. He licked her face quickly, causing her to smile a bit as she scratched behind her ears. Archie came and sat down on the other side of her. She didn't look at him; however she giggled as Pongo sniffed around her neck. She kissed the top of his head murmuring, "Silly dog."

"He's missed you," Archie said and Alison's face fell slightly. Archie noticed and he said quickly but kindly, "I think you and I need to have a good honest talk."

"Why should I? So the world can know my secrets?"

"This isn't to know your secrets," Archie said, "I promise it's not. I sincerely want to help you Alison. I know you think I'm just a reporter of info to Gold and Kathryn-"

"And everyone else with access to my file," Alison said under her breath.

"But if this talking session goes well," Archie said, gently, "it'll never have to be that."

Alison glanced at him, letting Pongo lick her cheek again. Archie looked at her nervously as he said, "Once the adoption is complete, Gold has discontinued my service. He feels it doesn't help… which actually benefits us."

"How so?" Alison looked at him with a curious stare.

"Because that means if you want to talk to me," Archie said, "If you feel you need someone to help you through what you're feeling, I'll be here to help. Not as a psychiatrist, but as a friend."

Alison scoffed and looked back down at Pongo with a distant expression. Archie waited as Alison scratched Pongo's ears gently. The wind blew softly into the room as Alison murmured, "You know… I always wondered what you would be like."

Archie stared at her as she let Pongo sit beneath her. He panted, looking around her room as Alison said, "My father and August always told me stories about everyone. Dad always told me stories about Gold and August always told me stories about his father and you."

Archie listened to her, waiting patiently as she continued, "You always seemed to know what to do. You always seemed to know what the right way was. In fact, I had a tutor who was very much like you. He met a lot to me…"

Alison gaze became glassy as she said, "However he, like so many others that have helped me, paid a terrible price in the end… From people like Darren and worse…"

Alison looked over at Archie as she said, weakly, "I'd rather not see you suffer the same fate."

Archie looked at her gently, and said, "Well, as you know in my story, I never give up on people who need my help…"

Alison would have smiled if she could have found the energy to. Archie looked at her as he said, trying to lighten the air, "So… I'm surprised you weren't reading your book when I came up here. It's usually what you do when you're alone."

Alison bit her lip, her eye filling with tears. Looking back out the window, Alison jittered her foot as Archie's heart fell. Dread filled his sentimental heart as she said softly, "It's hard to read when it's burnt to a crisp…"

"The book," Archie said, his voice breaking, "It was in the cabin."

Tears finally slipped down her cheeks as she said with her broken tone, "As well as Henry's…"

Alison buried her head into her arms as she tried to take deep steady breathes. Pongo whined, getting back up to come lick her exposed cheek. Archie reached out and slipped his hand into hers. He gently squeezed as he whispered, "I'm so sorry Alison. I am so sorry."

Alison shook her head as she jerked back, hitting her head lightly against the wood. Wiping her eyes, Alison stared at him with a set jaw before saying, "I lost my dad, I lost Jane… Dee and Dum are dead. Gold will be leaving with Belle on Mage business till who knows when even though he's supposed to be getting custody! Kathryn's is being hurt because she's getting tossed aside like a piece of rubbish and now the only things I had from my dad are gone!"

Archie squeezed her hand. He watched her face as she leaned against the wood of the window whispering, "Can I stop losing things, just for once?"

Gold, who was listening in the doorway, grimaced before turning and leaving the hallway in silence.


Cold.

This darkness was cold and miserable. It filled the empty void that had once been her functioning mind and body, leaving her with nothing but it's company. She didn't like it, she didn't want it. All she wanted was for some little mercy to take kindly to her and pull her from this wretched misery.

There was a small voice.

It echoed in the darkness, waking up the small bit of conscience left. It was like a flicker of warmth, one that she didn't even know what to do with. It came again, but this time a little stronger and a little clearer. It brushed against her, making her slightly more aware and slightly more alive. There was a small urge, an urge to push. To push up and beyond the darkness that had been all she had known. But what was beyond it? Did she know, had she ever known? The voice echoed again, this time making her tremble. Wait. She could trembleshe could feel

She could feel.

Warmth began to spread, starting from head to toe. She was feeling, she was hearing, she was seeing…

She was awakening.

Jane.

Opening her golden eyes, Jane saw daylight.

Blinking, the blurriness of her vision was cleared ever so slowly. However she soon found herself staring at a familiar ceiling. How could that be, moments ago she could have sworn she was dead. She should have been dead. Her body ached, but she wasn't in any terrible pain. Sitting up slowly, she looked around the room she had once known so well.

The sun was in its afternoon stage, setting in the distance. The light poured in through the openings of what used to be her room. Things had changed, anything too personal no longer in sight. Looking down she was not on a bed at all. All she was on now was the chaise obviously made of wicker and animal skins. They prickled comfortingly against her, making her smile weakly. Looking around once more she finally saw him.

His beard was no longer than a half an inch, but he looked as if he could use a good shave. His dark hair fell down in waves as usual, covering his closed eyes. He was leaning against the wall, sitting on a chair. Tink was sitting on the window sill next to him, staring out at the scenery. Jane made to get up, rustling the blanket that had been covering her. Tink was alerted as she looked towards Jane. Her eyes lit up as she grabbed Bae by the shoulder and shook him saying, "Bae! Baelfire WAKE UP!"

Baelfire grumbled, awaking as he did so. Glancing about, his eyes stopped at Jane and her heart fluttered as his look intensified.

"Jane," Baelfire murmured.

Jane looked at him as he stood up. Jane looked about and said, "Bae, how-!"

Baelfire crushed her in an embrace, forcing her to stay seated on the chaise. Tink looked amused and slightly harassed as she watched. Baelfire's hand was holding Jane firm by the nape of her neck, while his other wound around her back. Kissing her soundly, Baelfire refused to relent until Jane broke then kiss saying, "Easy there… make me way too lightheaded and I apparently just came back from the dead."

Baelfire nuzzled her gently as Tink said loudly, "Not really… Apparently Morgana's a lot more sadistic that we thought."

"Sadistic, evil, and most importantly dead," Baelfire said, kissing her twice more before pressing his forehead against hers. Jane smiled, still a little one the weak side as she said, "Well someone missed me…"

"Don't be too deceived, he's sucking up to you right now," Tink said, rolling her eyes at the display of affection. Jane's smile flickered as Baelfire grimaced a bit. Tink swirled around till she turned small and flew out of the window. Jane looked at Baelfire concerned as he sat back on the chaise, looking forlorn. Jane reached out as she asked, "Bae, what's wrong?"

Baelfire was quiet a moment, as if he was ashamed of what he had to say. Jane frowned but squeezed his hand in reassurance. Baelfire looked a little bit more at ease and spoke.

"There was only one way to break this curse," Bae murmured, "And for that, I am sorry…"

"Wha-?"

Jane felt it.

It prickled the back of her hand as she looked down to see the letter M forming on the back of her hand. It glowed lowly as she held it up. She stared at it impassively as Baelfire murmured, "It's bound you to me… which means if I die, you die. If I can't leave yet…"

"Then neither can I," Jane said with a sigh. Gripping her hand tightly, Jane said, "… Bae, how long was I under?"

Baelfire understood why she would ask that. It wasn't for mere curiosities sake. Letting her go, Baelfire stood up and walked over to one of the opening's in the building.

"Months, many months," Baelfire said, "It's almost October in that world. If it's not already…"

Jane groaned as she hung her head a moment. Baelfire winced, knowing very well how much it pained her. He quite understood that pain now, having to bear it himself. She stared out at the scenery beyond the windows as she said, "Does she know?"

"That you died?" Baelfire said, his tone heavy with grief, "Yes, she does… She doesn't know this new turn in events, however."

Jane watched him as he turned to face her. A serious expression was on his face as he said, "There is something I need to talk to you about…"

Jane stood up, walking over to him a little unsteadily. He watched her as he asked a bit sharply, "Red Death… What do you know about it?"

Jane froze, only a few feet away from him.

Baelfire couldn't help but be worried and concerned. This was the second reaction that had been almost exactly the same as the first; terrified. Jane wrung her hands, as she looked at him with that frightful expression. Baelfire would have reached out to sooth her if she had turned to look out the opening.

"The Man who gives only a laugh for his name," Jane murmured, "A dangerous Role Player from what I was able to discover…"

"Yet he has the name Red Death."

"He did not give himself that name," Jane said, bitterly, "The Wonderlanders did. It is said in their stories of legends that he was there from the beginning of time. He is the top Game player in every war that the Wonderlanders play. He controls everything, chooses who lives and who dies. That's why people call him what they do."

"How come Alison's never mentioned him?" Baelfire said, incredulously, "How come you never told me up until you died!?"

"Probably because he's never interacted with her," Jane said, weakly, "At least, none that's she's told me. As to why I never got around to discussing it, well I believe I was put on ice for quite a bit. I couldn't tell you my worries until now."

"Right," Baelfire said, "So how did you find out who he was?"

"The vision that I showed you," Jane said, "It was given to me. I didn't know by whom until long after you left Neverland. I discovered from the Door Mouse it came from Red Death."

"Why would he give that to you?"

"Probably because he wanted to ensure that his Last Mage would still exist," Jane said, "But then I had discovered that not too long after Lora died Wonderland flew into a raging war. It was rumored that Red Death was anger, livid even."

"He thought he had lost his Mage," Baelfire said.

"I thought he did too," Jane said, "I was sure that baby girl was the child you and Lora were supposed to have together. So I left it be."

"What about when you got pregnant?" Baelfire asked, "Surely, you had suspicions then."

"Briefly," Jane said, "But then the doctor told us we were having a boy and by the time we actually had her, I was… not well."

They were quiet a while as the nature around them followed suit. It was an unusual quiet, no wind blowing at all. Jane sighed softly as she broke the silence, "Death is mysterious, and that fact he seems to be a physical being astounds me."

"Would you trust him not to hurt her?"

"No," Jane said, "I wouldn't trust it. That's why I told you of him. We need to find a way back before he finds her!"

"And how are we going to do that?" Baelfire said, his voice mildly bitter, "You know messages are hard to send and we can't leave here!"

"I have a way around that."

Baelfire and Jane looked to the other side of the room to see a familiar presence standing there. He hopped down from the window as he walked towards them with a mocking grin. He put his hands on his hips as he said, "It's nice to know that death can be overcome, Lost Girl."

"Peter!" Bae jumped from his lover's side he walked towards him, "Did you see her? She's alright?"

"Alright is a relative term," Peter said, his grin never fading, "However, if you follow my plan, anything her last adventure might have taken of her will be solve in an instant."


"Hatter!"

The Mad Hatter looked up from his work to see Alice hurried down into his lawn. Will Scarlet followed behind, making Hatter narrow his eyes somewhat. However he looked back down at his work as he said, "There is the wee laddie! Do you know how long I've missed your presence?"

"I'm sorry I was sleeping!" Alice said, hurried along the tea table as the March Hare threw a cup her way. She spun around to miss it as she made her way to the Hatter. Mad Hatter scoffed as she stopped by his side and said, "Sleeping, all this time and you were sleeping! Do you know how many pricks I've gotten because you weren't here to remind me to use the thimble? Too many of many."

"I'm sorry, Hatter," Alice said sadly, "Really I am. But I had the most wonderful adventure. It all happened in my dream!"

"Did it?" The Mad Hatter said as Alice ducked under his arm as she sat upon his lap. He was forced to put down his work as he looked at her with a frown. She nodded as she said, "If you'd stop working for a few minutes, I could tell you about it."

"Stop working!" The Mad Hatter protested, "I might as well stop thinking or blinking! I would never understand your story!"

"But it is a lovely story," Alice protest, her blue eyes wide. With that, Mad Hatter's eyes softened as he watched her pout. Taking her little hand, he kissed her fingers lightly as he said, "Why don't you take March Hare to fetch some water for tea? Then you tell me your tale."

Alice happily obliged, hopping away with the March Hare in a fit of giggles. Will watched her, arms folded in front of him. Hatter resumed his work as he said, "So man of hearts, how does it feel to have none?"

"I don't know what you mean," Will murmured immediately.

"I'm no fool," Hatter warned, "She took it in a dream, a dream you wish you were allowed to speak of."

"But I'm not," Will said, "So put it out of your mind."

"Shame," Hatter said, "She seemed quite fond of your adventure…"

"And for now," Will said, watching Alice play, "that is good enough for me. That and the fact I can keep her safe…"

The Hatter looked up at him, continuing to sew the hat ornaments quickly. Glancing back down, he turned the hat in his hand as the Hatter said softly, "We'll see if that will truly be enough… especially now with the Queen of Hearts wanting the pretty heart in her chest."

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.