Chapter Sixty Four: Curiouser and curiouser.
"Alison!"
Alison, who was walking down the steps of the school, her backpack on her back and dressed in her winter jacket. Down by the tree, she saw Archie with Pongo waiting patiently. Alison couldn't help but smile weakly as she walked over to him. Pongo wagged his tail as Alison got closer, barking happily. Alison reached out to scratch his ears as Archie asked, "How was school?"
"School was good," Alison said, shrugging a bit, "Miss Gerson started a new book today."
"Oh really?" Archie asked, "What book?"
"City of Ember," Alison said, smoothly, "We're supposed to finish reading the first two chapters for our worksheets on."
"I see," Archie said, "Are you heading to the diner? I could walk you there."
"No, I'm heading to the stables," Alison said, "Excalibur needs to run, and he doesn't like to be coped up."
"I see," Archie said, watching her carefully, "Would you like some company?"
Alison watched him a minute and said, "Sure, if you want to."
Archie smiled, offering Pongo's leash. Alison took it and pulled Pongo along with them. Archie began to walk with Alison, making their way to the sidewalk. They walked a bit in silence as Archie asked, "So when do you start up again with Avenant's music program?"
"We started back up already," Alison said, "We have one more weekend to make up practices before our concert. Not too many people are happy about it."
"What about you?"
"Me? I don't mind it," Alison said, "I mean, the piano is trickery than my violin music but we're working on it."
"As long as you're enjoying it, that's the main thing," Archie said as Pongo sniffed the ground eagerly. Alison nodded softly as Archie asked, "So where was Henry? I didn't see him leave school."
"Henry left early; he had a doctor's appointment this afternoon," Alison said as they approached the corner. Cars were hurrying through the intersection, causing Alison to shiver a bit at the cold air whooshing by. Archie watched her carefully as he asked, "Have you made any friends in your new class?"
"Not exactly…" Alison said, somewhat evasively, "I made a friend in the program though. His name is Fife."
"Well that's good," Archie said, his voice calm and casual, "Are you at least getting along with the people in your class?"
"Yeah, I mean their nice," Alison said as the traffic light turned red, "I just… I don't know..."
"You don't know?" Archie asked, curious now. Alison moved to cross the street first as Archie followed behind. Alison didn't speak until she made it across. Shifting Pongo's leash from one side to another, Alison finally said quietly, "I don't know if it's a good idea to make friends with them."
"Why?" Archie said, surprised.
"Because," Alison said, uncomfortably, "Once we finish the spell, it will take everyone back to their homeland…"
Archie pondered this for a moment before a look of realization came over him.
"You're afraid you may not be going back to the Enchanted Forest."
"My core is of Wonderland," Alison said nervously, "I'm not sure what the spell will do."
Archie watched her a moment thoughtfully as she stared down. Archie then said finally, "I know it may seem pointless… friends are important even if the friendships themselves are not forever."
"But why put someone through the pain of having to say goodbye?" Alison looked ahead towards the unpaved road. Archie and Alison came to a stop as Pongo tugged on the leash. Archie smiled softly as he said, "Sometimes the sadness of goodbyes remind us of the wonderful memories that we share."
"Cryptic much?"
"Aren't all conscience's?"
Alison couldn't help but smile at that, looking at him warmly. Archie smiled back as he said, "People may not grieve if you leave quietly, but they can never get the memories they could have had with you."
Archie placed a hand on her shoulder as Pongo sniffed her knees. He smiled at her as he said, "Good or bad."
Pongo seemed to have had enough with them standing still so long. He stood on his hind legs and leaned on Alison licking her face. Alison giggled before kissing his nose saying, "Goofy dog."
A neigh interrupted the moment.
Alison looked to see Excalibur waiting for her in the stable ring. Smiling wryly, Alison said, "My friend is summoning me. I'll see you later Archie."
"Alright," Archie said, taking Pongo's leash, "Try not to get into any trouble."
"Trouble? Me?" Alison said, backing up with a grin on her face, "Don't you know me by now Archie?"
Archie chuckled as she raced off, holding onto a whimpering Pongo. Looking down at his friend, Archie smiled saying, "Come on boy. I've treats for you back in the office."
"Stalking the little one again?"
Cora made a face as she heard the man's voice behind her. She didn't stop looking in her mirror nor did she make it disappear. Instead she allowed the Captain to come up behind her and say, "You know, we assigned that very cold-hearted professor to watch her for a reason. So, you know, we can work on the plan that you haven't made any progress on."
Cora raised her hand and Captain Hook choked on his own breath. He grasped at his throat to no avail as Cora spoke clearly, "I needed Belle and Gold to leave before we could begin. Yes, I've assigned Avenant to watch her, get close to her. However, he can't watch her when she leaves the school or the town spy parameters."
Cora flicked her hands, releasing Hook from her spell. He coughed, collapsing to his knees as Cora watched the girl in the mirror lead a horse out into the forest. Cora's eyes softened as she said, "It's not a wonder that her horse would be such a stallion."
Cora flicked her hand in her face before allowing it to fall to her side. The image disappeared as Cora asked firmly, "Did you do as I asked?"
"I have a meeting tonight," the Captain said, massaging his throat, "I think he'll be more than willing."
"Very good," Cora said, "Very good indeed."
"I'm sorry but when exactly are you going to make your move, the crocodile's gone!" Hook said pointedly.
"I need him back," Cora said, "My plan can only come to fruition if she begins to doubt the newlyweds when they return. I need to manipulate her from the shadows. If I expose myself now, it will never happen. She'll simply blame me."
"And what's to stop her from blaming you later down the road?"
Cora smirked as she said, "Because if everything goes according to my plan, she won't trust them anymore than she trusts me."
"Nice to see you entrenched in your fortress."
Avenant looked up to see a familiar teacher standing in his doorway of his music room. Her white hair was pinned back and she was wearing a black suit tailor to her form. She walked towards him casually as Avenant shut his file and throwing his pen on the table. Looking at her impassively, Avenant said, "Well… if it isn't Miss Gerson. What can I do for you?"
"Oh nothing important," Miss Gerson said, amused, "Something I know would bother you."
Avenant's expression flickered, annoyance crossing his face. Miss Gerson grinned as she walked behind his desk saying, "I can imagine with the days off from school you are eager to get started again."
"We've had too many days off," Avenant said briskly, his voice laced with annoyance, "I tried to make a few practices this past weekend and all I've been getting is complaints from the parents for petty excuses."
"Like the Gold family?"
"Actually, Alison was here this past weekend," Avenant said, his voice sound less annoyed, "Practicing on the piano with me to catch up."
Miss Gerson didn't look too surprised but her grin faded into a thoughtful look as she said, "So she was… how is she?"
"Progressing along as my new cavia," Avenant said, shortly.
"How is she emotionally, Avenant?" Miss Gerson asked a bit more sharply. Avenant sighed in irritation as he said, "As far as I'm concerned she is alright. She came, she played, she cleared her mind."
"If I didn't know better," Miss Gerson said, with her arms crossed, "I would say she's just like you."
Avenant snorted at that lightly, looking up at Miss Gerson intently. She didn't seem bothered by this as she said, "However I do know better and I urge you caution. She may love music as much as you, but she is just a girl. A girl who's not an icebox or uncaring about the emotional needs of others."
"I care about the emotional needs, I care not for handing everything to everyone on a silver platter," Avenant said, picking up his pen again as he opened up the files once more. Miss Gerson noticed this and took it as a sign to leave. Turning on her heels, Miss Gerson said, "Oh and Avenant? Miss Krystal has been told by her girls about your young new recruit. I figured I would warn you."
With a single statement, Avenant's already displeased demeanor grew even sourer. Miss. Gerson smiled, almost triumphantly as she moved towards the door. Avenant watched her leave as he muttered, "That little fake can keep her curly head out of my program."
"I doubt she'd switch."
Avenant glanced as Fife came out from his hiding place, holding his flute. Fife looked at the doorway with a frown as he said, "Alison doesn't seem like the type for Miss Krystal's program."
"Perhaps," Avenant said, coldly, "But keep an eye on her. I need her in this program, Fife. Or the plan will fail."
"I understand," Fife said, faithfully as he went back to his stand behind the percussion instruments. Avenant glanced at him before flipping through a good amount of papers. It revealed a paper with strange ruins on it, surrounding an alchemic looking design. His frown flickered as he said, "I may need her after all…"
Regina scowled as she stumbled over a tree root.
She was in the deep part of the forest, following the path she had discovered. Old hoof prints could be seen, indicating the path before her. Alison had made her curious, saying he was gone for much longer. She was curious to know where the former stallion of the headless horseman was. That curiosity left a small feeling of dread in her stomach, wondering what the horse was actually looking for. So here she was, slightly worried for a child that belonged to what was her frienemy. Or so Henry called him…
She was getting soft.
Regina found herself near a descent into a treeless valley. It was a bit steep, some plant life low and harmless enough to grab onto. Regina made her way down the slope as she noticed something dashing across the field. It was fast and dark, rapidly getting close to the bottom of the hill where Regina found herself going. It was a horse, wild and quick. On its back was a rider, unperturbed by his speed and nature. Her hair flew behind her, whipping around even as the stallion slowed its pace. Regina made a small smile as she made her way to the bottom of the hill.
"Regina!" Alison said, as Excalibur slowed. He came to a stop, whinnying happily. Regina approached him, stroking his mane as Alison asked, "What are you doing all the way out here?"
Alison hopped off as Regina said, "Well I found myself curious about where your friend was prior to his capture."
"You and I both," Alison said, as Excalibur nuzzled Regina's hand. Regina couldn't help but smile as she stroked him saying, "He seems to have healed quite nicely."
"Yes, he has," Alison said, "I thank you for it as does he."
Excalibur nuzzled against Regina's hand again before turning himself around to face Alison. She frowned at him as she said, "Hopefully, he'll just take us to where he was trying to go. Ava and I have been trying to decipher his trail for the past few weeks to no avail."
"Us?" Regina watched as Alison played with Excalibur's mane a bit.
"Why not? You came all the way out here, no sense in telling you to go back," Alison said, rolling her eyes. Leaning over, Alison gently pulled on Excalibur's head to whisper in his ear. Stamping his feet, Excalibur turned and began to trot along the bottom of the hill. Alison watched him a moment before walking after him. Regina followed her asking, "What did you tell him?"
"To lead the way if he ever wanted me to forgive him," Alison said, shrugging innocently. Regina snorted slightly but followed Alison, keeping only a few steps behind. Glancing at Alison, Regina said, "So, with the Golds gone who's staying with you?"
"Granny believe it or not," Alison said, her voice sounding a little surprised as they followed, "She's at the diner during the day and Ruby's taking care of the nightshifts."
"I see," Regina said, following as Excalibur took them into a section of the forest, "So how big of an explosion was there over that change?"
"If you mean between Ruby and Granny, no more than usually," Alison said, "Just the slightly typical super controlling accusations flying around before she actually agreed."
"Well lucky for Granny," Regina said, snorting slightly. Alison grinned momentarily, before watching Excalibur with intrigue. He seemed to know exactly where he was snorting impatiently. Alison rolled her eyes as she said, "Impatient as always."
"What?" Regina asked baffled.
"Excalibur likes to run," Alison said, "He hates it when he has to lead me somewhere and I don't get on his back."
"Funny, he seems picky about those he lets in his space," Regina mused, "You two must share a very special bond."
"We do," Alison said, "Have you ridden?"
"Excuse me?"
"On a horse," Alison asked, her voice a bit hesitant, "Since… you know-."
"I killed mine?" Regina's voice was a tad bitter as she said, "No… no I haven't."
"I'm sorry," Alison said, her voice filled with guilt.
"No, it's not your fault," Regina said, "The first step to change is admitting that the things you've done are wrong. Or so the cricket tells me."
"You've been seeing Archie?" Alison said surprised.
Regina nodded slowly as she said, with a grimace of a smile, "Change isn't easy and… let's face it, I'm not the best decision maker in all the lands."
Alison smiled a moment at her attempt to joke. Alison glanced ahead to see Excalibur trotting off the path towards the sounds of rushing water. Regina and Alison exchanged glances before Alison raced after him saying, "Excalibur where are you going?"
Regina followed, getting hit with some of the branches in the way. Scowling, Regina found herself hurrying after the pair into a clearing by a cliff. The cliff swung around, a waterfall cutting in the middle of the beautiful piece of nature. Down in the valley, they could see the sandy bank of the pool of water. Near the water was laying something so shocking that both Regina and Alison gasped.
"No, no it's alright Mrs. Ginger. I'll tell Archie to come pick him up. I'm sure he just escaped from him."
Charming scoffed slightly, smiling as Emma pressed the phone to her ear. He stood near one of the filing cabinets as he put files away. Emma was leaning against her desk, looking slightly bored as she said, "Alright, I will give Archie a call. Thank you for keeping him with you. Bye now."
Emma hung up the phone with an irritated sigh. Leaning back in her chair, Emma pushed back her hair as she said, "Geez… not that I'm complaining about the peace and quiet, but I hate slow days like these."
"Sometimes the slowest days are the most difficult," Charming said as Emma pulled out her phone. Texting something, Emma glanced up as Charming shut the drawer and walk towards her. Charming stopped and sat on her desk, speaking softly, "There is something I wanted to ask you. It's about this plan."
"Plan?"
"To get us back home," Charming said, "Gold said Alison wasn't helping magically anymore."
"Much to my pain," Emma grumbled.
"So how is she going to help us get home?" Charming asked, seriously.
"Alison isn't helping us," Emma said, "We are helping Alison collect the potion. She is doing this for her own reasons; she can't leave until we're gone."
"Can't or won't?" Charming asked tentatively.
Emma looked at him indignantly as Charming responded quickly, "I would help her in a heartbeat with anything she needed as would Mary Margaret… but we don't want to put her in any hot water with Gold. Adopted Daughter, Granddaughter, or friendly mentor; he won't be kind if she breaks that deal."
"She is aware," Emma said seriously, "As am I and as is Regina. She is doing this because she was tasked to by the previous Mage of the Enchanted Realm. He died when he had switched places with her. Believe me; she is doing this for her own reasons."
"I believe you," Charming said, "And I-!"
Both of them froze in shock, feeling the ground move beneath their feet. The office shook, items rattled, and the lights flickered as the rumbling in the earth made them shake. David immediately steadied himself on the desk as Emma grabbed the arms of the chair instinctively. The rumbling became violent before it stopped in a sudden jolt. David and Emma looked at each other wide eyed as the phones began to ring.
"What th-Sheriff's Station," Emma said grabbing the phone as she held it to her ear, "Yes I felt that. No we don't know exactly what caused it-!"
"Sheriff's Station," David said into the phone after he had made his way to the desk. His eyes widened, momentarily not listening to Emma talking fast over the phone. Making a face, David said, "Alright, we will be down there shortly. Emma!"
David hung up the phone as he turned around. Emma pressed the phone against her shoulder as David said, "The Dwarves said we needed to get down to the town line. He says there is something we have to see."
Emma nodded as she pressed the phone back to her ear saying, "We're taking care of it. We will let people know soon what is going on."
Emma hung up the phone a minute later, grabbing her winter coat off the rack as David dressed in his. Emma wrinkled her nose as she said, "You know, I'm starting to wish I hadn't said anything about slow days."
"What was that?!"
Piper, who was sitting on his couch, looked around the shaken up room. No furniture had fallen over just some items that thankfully weren't breakable. Henry stood near him, looking slightly shaken up as Piper said, "I don't know… but it was magical related, I know that."
Henry hurried over towards the phone, picking it up and dialing a number. Piper looked at him curiously as he went to walk around the room picking things up. Henry growled a bit, hanging up the phone as he said, "Of course she wouldn't be at home. She's run off without me again!"
"Who?" Piper said, picking up the books on the floor.
"Alison," Henry said, "I haven't seen her since the wedding and she's been ducking me at school."
"Perhaps she's just been busy," Piper offered helpfully.
"I know, but it's with what that's concerning me," Henry said worried.
Piper looked over at Henry as he pulled the walk talkie form his backpack. Putting the books on the shelf, Piper walked over to his son and put his hand on his shoulder. Henry looked up at him as Piper said, "If it helps, they haven't done anything with Operation Cobra… I think Alison's just been trying to cope with everything that's been going on. Just give her time; she'll be back on board in no time."
Henry smiled as Piper smiled back. Piper then backed off, going back to picking up stuff that had fallen onto the floor. Henry turned and looked towards the window in the room. Something on the window ledge caught his attention, something that had not been there before. Henry walked over to the window, picking up the package after dropping the walkie talkie. It was wrapped in brown paper, tied with a thick rope. A note was under the knot, one that he pulled out and opened. It made his jaw drop as he read it. However the moment was interrupted when the walkie talkie buzzed and a voice rang out.
"Henry? Henry?!"
"Alison?" Henry said grabbing the walkie talkie and pressing the button, "Where are you?"
"Down in a cove, the one where everyone goes swimming in the summer." Her voice sounded faded as the static occurred. "It's off of route 6 on Cleaveway Road. Henry, is it possible to get someone to drive the truck down here?"
"Why, what's wrong?" Henry said confused.
"Because," Alison said, "We found something down here."
"Oh my god."
Snow, Emma, and David stood at what would have been the town line.
They stood in the middle of the road, staring at the end of the road. Thick forest that had not been there before cut off the road, looking eerie. Grumpy walked over to them as Emma said, "Creepy… It's like the forest just decided to pop up out of nowhere."
"You're telling me," Grumpy said, "So far, it looks like it is running half way around the town, blocking anyone off from leaving from this side. The old mill, the road leading out of this side of town has completely vanished. A cove has suddenly appeared about a mile in."
"What about the other side?" David asked.
"So far, nothing happening over there," Grumpy said, "Dopey and Happy have been watching that side with nothing to report."
"Well tell them not to get too close to the line, we don't need them getting eaten up by trees." Emma said, stepping back from the forest as she pulled out her phone. Snow shook her head in shock as she said, "What could have done this? Magic?"
"Probably from a certain black haired queen," Grumpy said snidely.
"Grumpy, now is not the time to start throwing around accusations," David said.
"So when is the right time?"
The three turned to see someone walking through the small crowd of busy police officers. All were shocked to see that it was someone they knew, someone they had thought was long since taken care of.
"When the Queen fries us all?" Sidney said, camera in hand.
"Sidney Glass," Grumpy said, his tone matching his name.
"What are you doing here?" David asked, his tone a little short.
"Doing my job," Sidney said, his strut apparent, "After all, you didn't expect that I would stay locked up for too long. Not that you cared much to come set you free."
"You framed me for committing a murder that didn't happen," Snow said heatedly.
"Regina framed you for a murder that didn't happen," Sidney corrected, taking a picture quickly before saying, "Not that any of you cared. So much so that you would let a Queen kill us all-."
"That's enough Sidney!"
Sidney found that Emma had returned, stepping between him and the group. She got into his face as she said, "Don't act all innocent Sidney, after all who was the one that did all of Regina's dirty work?"
"Apparently not all," Sidney said smoothly, glancing at the forest line.
"I gave you a deal," Emma said smoothly and seriously, "You didn't take it. As for the new development with this earthquake, I only have two words for you. No comment."
Emma glared at him as she said lowly, "Now leave before I have you arrested for interfering with an investigation."
Sidney smiled, backing off before saying, "I'd choose your friends carefully, Miss. Swan. Any closer and you might get stabbed in the back."
Emma smirked as she said, "I'd be careful about the enemies you make. I do believe there is one little Mage you made very angry with an article you wrote. I'd hate for one of her War Players to find you."
"Sidney!"
Both froze as Sidney looked over his shoulder to see a blonde haired woman get out of a black car. Sidney straightened up as he said, "Editor! What are you-?"
"Here to do my job," the blonde said briskly and matter of factly, "You know very well that you are supposed to be back filing at the office!"
Emma raised her brows as the woman approached them. Sidney stammered, "Well –Well I-!"
"Came without permission," the woman snapped, "Get back to the office now!"
Sidney jumped away, disappearing. The woman shot him a dirty look before she looked at Emma saying, "I'm sorry Sheriff. My name is Eleanor Kyles. I'm the new head of the newspaper. I'm sorry if he was giving you a hard time."
"Not at all," Emma said formally.
"He's not supposed to be on active field duty right now," Eleanor said, "Let's just say I'm not exactly pleased with his article choices."
"So why hire him back?" Emma questioned.
"Let's just say I'm not so heartless as I may seem," the woman said with a sigh, "He needed work and I needed a secretary."
Emma smiled as she said, "As much as I would love to chat, I'm afraid I must get back to my investigation-!"
"I understand, but may I ask if there will be a press conference with the results of the investigation?" the woman said smoothly, "I'd rather not be a thorn in your side in the mean time."
"I will consult with the mayor and we will let you know when that will be," Emma said, smoothly. The woman smiled and said, "I thank you for your time, Sheriff."
"Not a problem," Emma's smile remained as the woman made her way to the crowd. Getting into her car, she turned it on and smirked slightly. Sidney sat up in the back seat, saying, "Did it work?"
"Well if she hates me, she has a funny way of showing it," Maleficent said, "Lay back down; I don't want you to be seen with me."
"So that's the new editor," David said, watching Emma come back to them.
"Yeah," Emma said, "Alright. I'm going to go look for Regina, she's not picking up her phone. Meet us back at the Mayor's office with some dirt samples and we should be able to see what is up magically."
"Alright," Charming said as Emma hurried off. Snow walked up to Charming and put a hand on his shoulder saying, "Should we tell her?"
"No," Charming said, sighing, "It might be best to wait until after this is over."
"What a beauty."
Regina, Alison, and Henry where standing near a horse that was resting in the fence in arena. Piper was leaning against the fence, watching the three surround a horse. The horse was painted, her hair brown and white. Her mane fell down around her, long and beautiful even for a wild horse. Regina was healing her leg as Henry and Alison watched by Excalibur. He snickered worriedly as Alison stroke him gently. Regina nodded as she said, "She is quite a beauty… it was a shame she was trapped down in the cove. If it hadn't been for that earthquake she wouldn't have gotten hurt."
"It certainly was freaky," Piper said, watching lazily. Alison watched with interest as Regina finished healing the Mare. The mare stood up, her noises light and relieved. Regina stood up with her as Excalibur walked over to the mare. The Mare and Stallion nuzzled each other, obviously content. Alison rolled her eyes as Henry mused, "It looks like Excalibur found himself a little friend."
"It seems so," Alison said, "No wonder he kept leaving."
The mare pulled away and began to walk over to Regina. She extended her head, neighing softly at Regina. Regina smiled, reaching out to stroke her head. Alison smiled warmly as she said, "She likes you… what are you going to name her?"
"Excuse me," Regina said, as the Mare nuzzled her snot against Regina. Alison grinned as she said, "She likes you, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't mind being your companion."
"Alison," Regina said, unsure, "I'm not-!"
"Hey, you guys!"
Everyone turned to see Emma coming into the ring, looking slightly harassed. Henry looked concerned as Alison said, "Emma, what's wrong?"
"That earthquake," Emma said, "The exit from storybrooke has been completed over run by forest. It's like the exit never existed"
"We wondered what that was," Regina said, "It was strong magic."
"Can we tell where it's coming from?"
"If we can pinpoint the vertex of the magic," Regina said, "Yes. But that will be extremely difficult, we'll need to gather the residue magic to try and get a locator spell."
"I'm having Charming collect some and bringing it to the office."
"Hey, Alison, why don't we take Excalibur's friend to one of the places to rest?" Henry said suddenly. Alison looked at him surprised as Emma said, "Yeah, why don't you do that? Regina, Piper and I have some work to do. We'll meet up at the diner for dinner okay?"
"Okay," Henry said quickly, before Alison could say anything, "We will."
The two women hurried out of the arena as Piper followed more slowly. Piper watched them as he back out of the ring saying, "Don't do anything stupid without me. You have my cell number."
"Okay," Henry said brightly. Alison looked from Piper to Henry, a weak smile coming over her face. Piper left them alone as Henry watched after him a moment. Alison then moved towards the mare as she said, "It's good that your family is back together… it must be nice."
"Yours will be too," Henry said, looking at her intently. He followed her as she lead the mare and Excalibur to a large stable the Stable owner had prepared. The Mare and Excalibur went in, both lying down in the hay. Alison closed the stable doors as she said, "So what did you want to talk about Henry? I'm assuming it's important since you didn't tell Emma or Piper."
"I got a package," Henry said, adjusting his bag so he could pull out the package, "You'll never believe who it is from."
"Who?"
"Your dad," Henry said, simply.
Alison stared at him, her blue eyes wide. Henry pulled it out of the already opened wrapper and revealed a journal. Henry opened the book and pulled out a folded up piece of paper, "There is a mark on this map. He said in the journal that he left us something. Something that would help us in our mission."
"What else does the journal say?" Alison took it as she saw pages of plans and instructions. She frowned a bit as Henry said, "No other note to us, but if we can find that point on the map-!"
"We can find out what he's trying to tell us," Alison said, quickly. Closing the journal, Alison said, "Come on, let's head down there. We'll call Grace, Ava, and Nick along the way."
"What about Emma-?"
"Once we figure out what it is, we'll tell them," Alison said, holding the journal gingerly, "I just want to see what he left behind."
"My Gods…."
Regina watched the dirt in the vial glow a pale light, growing dimmer and dimmer which each pulse. Snow, Emma, Piper, and Charming watched her as she said, "That… is far from good."
"What's wrong?" Emma asked.
"The dirt, it's soaked up with anti-magic," Regina said.
"I thought we got rid of all the anti-magic?" Charming asked, his voice a little nervous.
"Of course not," Regina scowled. Opening the vial the dust magically floated out of the vial and into the air. The energy surrounding it was unnerving as Regina explained, "Anti-Magic is a part of this world, it belongs in this world. The magic that was once in that area is completely gone."
"Why?" Emma asked.
"The shadows," Regina said, a horrified look coming upon her face, "We got rid of the shadows."
Emma watched Regina as Snow asked, "the shadows?"
"While you and Emma were in Neverland, we managed to cement the shadows back under the enchanted forest," Charming explained, "So we could have a chance at getting back."
"The problem is when that happened, the shadows were snapped back like a rubber band," Regina said, "However, without the core, the magic can't follow it back."
"Which is why we haven't been transported back to the Enchanted Forest," Snow said with a sigh.
"The Anti-magic is disintegrating the magic. What you saw at what was once the town line is how the land was before my curse hit. The shadows that should have been there are returning to normal. The earthquake was the change."
"How many times is that going to happen?" Piper asked, his voice worried.
Regina grimaced as she waved her hand saying, "Until the town is completely undone."
"How long do we have!?" Snow asked, horrified. The dirt in the air disappeared as they all watched the former evil queen.
"I can't estimate," Regina said, "It could be months or years. It could be days or hours if we aren't lucky. It all depends on how the magic can hold up against the anti-magic."
"What can we do?"
"We can finish that spell and get that core back into place," Regina said, briskly, "The sooner we get back, the less we'll have to worry about that."
Snow and Charming exchanged looks, both looking rather nervous. Emma noticed as she asked, "What? Do you think that's a bad plan?"
"Oh no!" Snow said, quickly, "The plan is solid… it's just…"
Snow looked quickly at Charming. Squeezing her hand, Charming continued, "We've heard some word around the town about some people that don't wish to return to the Enchanted World."
"What?" Regina said, surprised.
"It's true, some miss the world we came from," Snow said, "However some think of this world as a blessing, a second chance. They may have come over in a curse, but some have been better off here."
"Well, they can't stay in a town that's going to completely disappear," Emma said, her voice sounding surprised. Piper nodded as Regina looked thoughtful. Picking up her jacket from the chair, Regina said, "Go have the town's people meet us as the town hall this evening. Tell them it's important."
"Where are you going?" Emma asked as Regina made her way to the door. Regina glanced at her friend as she said, "I need to check something… something that might help with this dilemma."
"Regina-!"
But Regina had left without another word.
"Are you sure you're following the map right?"
Henry made a face as he heard Ava's slightly annoyed voice. Leading them through the back alleys of an unfamiliar side of town, Henry heard Grace say, "Of course he is! He's already been here before."
"Well sorry," Ava said with a huff, "I didn't know love birds conveniently forget when they go around the block three times."
"Well forgive me, but I had to make sure we weren't followed," Henry said, dismissively, "After all, this is huge."
Henry hastily dashed down the alleyway, with the other three following behind. Henry continued to run, clearly knowing where he was going. It wasn't until they came onto an empty lot that Henry stopped short.
"Hey!" Ava crashed into Henry, scowling. Henry stumbled but didn't fall. Grace slowed down until she finally came to a stop.
"Why'd you stop?!"
"Because we are here," Henry said, "The spot on the map."
"There's… nothing here." Ava said flatly.
"It only looks that way," Henry said with a grin, "Follow me."
Henry walked forward, disappearing in a blink of an eye. Ava, Nick, and Grace all exchanged glances, following him. A cool wave of energy rushed over them as suddenly an empty lot became a front yard of a blue house.
"It's the house!" Nick said, excited, "Alison's Dad's house!"
"Yes," Henry said grinning, "It is. Now come on. Alison's already inside!"
The children raced into the house, finding that the lights were not on. Henry flicked the light switch only for nothing to happen. Ava looked around as Nick said, "So what are we looking for?"
"I'm not sure, but Baelfire wouldn't have sent it to us if there wasn't something important." Henry said, "Alison, are you here?"
"Yes!" Alison came running down the stairs. Her hair was tied up into a low messy bun and she looked a bit flustered.
"Sorry, I was up in the office, seeing if there was anything else he left behind," Alison said.
"I'll come up with you," Ava said quickly, "The rest of us should split up. See if we can find whatever Baelfire wanted us to find."
"Right!"
Henry and Grace stayed down stairs, wandering the rooms in search of any clues. Nick raced the second floor to search the rooms there. Alison and Ava hurried up the steps towards the third floor. There, the office door was already open. Alison walked back in, heading over towards his desk. Ava looked at her with a bit of a lost expression.
"So not to be that person," Ava said nervously, "But how do you know that there is something to find? I mean, what if he just wanted you to find the house."
"Because there is something to find," Alison said, searching the drawers of the desk, "Something he wouldn't put in writing."
"What?"
"The Author's Pen," Alison said, "It is a pen gifted to all Author's to use, made from a magical tree. It has great power. He probably wants us to make sure it's safe. If someone finds it who shouldn't use it-!"
"It could be really bad?" Ava suggested.
"Precisely," Alison said.
"Alright, I'll check the drawers over here," Ava said, quickly. Alison nodded, distracted. Where was it? Where would he keep it? Alison ruffled through the drawers, searching for it. Alison was pushing aside pens as she heard Ava ask a question.
"What does it look like?"
"It's in a wooden box with carvings on top," Alison said, "It will have a lock on it."
"Okay," Ava said, shuffling through a drawer.
Alison shuffled through the desk until she reached the bottom drawer. Something seemed off, like the drawer wasn't as deep as it should be. Pulling out all of the folders and papers, she felt around the bottom edges of the drawer. Pressing down on it, she felt a click.
"There we go," Alison murmured. Reaching into the false bottom of the drawer, she pulled out a mahogany box with a golden lock. Ava looked over at her as her eyes widened.
"Is that it?"
"Yes," Alison said, examining it.
"Great," Ava said, walking over to her friend and looking over her shoulder, "Now how do we unlock it?"
"That is easy," Alison said, "I just need you to be absolutely quiet."
Ava bit her lip, as if to keep herself as quiet as she could be. Alison paid little mind as she whistled a few notes. They were precise and clean, crystal clear. Ava couldn't place the name of the song but she could have sworn she had heard it somewhere before. The lock clicked and Alison opened the box.
But there was no pen.
"What the heck?" Ava asked, sounding annoyed. Alison pulled out the small scroll from the box, putting it down on the desk. Alison was equally confused and annoyed. Where was it? Alison unrolled the scroll and her stomach dropped with dread.
I'm sorry, Lisie. Fate has already chosen him.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Ava asked sharply.
"HENRY!"
Alison and Ava didn't even exchange looks. Both girls fled down the stairs towards the source of Grace screaming. They found Nick and Grace trying desperately to open a door Alison had no memory of being in the house. Lights began to flicker on and off, sparking and making a low whirling sound.
"What happened?!" Alison shouted, skidding to a stop.
"I don't know, I saw Henry go in and the door slammed shut. I can't get it open!"
Alison tried using magic to open it, only for all four of them to get blasted back. Alison moaned, her hand aching as the lights stayed on and Vespera's voice echoed.
"Welcome back, Miss Alison," Vespera said, "I see you brought friends with you."
"Vespera, open the door!" Alison said, "Please, my friend is in there!"
"Understood."
The door swung open and Alison ran into the room.
It was a large room, a room that made no sense being in the house. There were books, books like their story books lining the walls. There were large tables filled with empty paper's and books. There, lying in the middle of the floor with a pen in hand and a mark glowing on the back of his hand, was Henry.
"Henry!" Alison said, practically throwing herself on her knees to help her friend, "No, no, no, no, please get up!"
"He is alright, Miss Alison. He has been chosen by Fate."
"He is not okay!" Alison snapped as the others joined her. Grace and Alison helped Henry into a seated position. He looked dazed, as if he wasn't really with them. He swayed, only staying upright with the girls help.
"Henry," Alison snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Henry."
"Whaa," Henry looked at her phased, "Alice? What-?"
"Geezums, he's out of it," Ava said.
"Ummm, guys?"
Everyone looked towards Nick, who had picked up a book that was only a few feet from them. His eyes were wide and his hands shaking slightly.
"It," Nick said, "It has your name on it, Alison."
"What?!" Alison grabbed it and stared at the cover. In golden letters, it had written ALISON with the words 'THE LAST MAGE' written underneath. Swallowing, Alison trembled, opening it. Flipping through the pages, her heart dropped as she saw pictures and words of her story.
Her REAL story.
"What in the world is going on?" Grace asked panicked. Henry was shaking his head, as if trying to come out of it. Alison flipped through the pages, reaching about halfway through the book when she came across strange pages. The words and pictures kept jumbling around, as if they were trying to form. The other's watched puzzled as Alison said, "What in the world-?"
As she touched the page, the words and pictures settled. It showed things that Alison didn't recognize but had her name in it. They were stories, stories of things…
… that hadn't come to pass yet.
"NO!" Ava slammed the book shut without warning. Alison jumped as she looked at her friend, whose eyes were wide with fear.
"Don't read that," Ava said, breathing in deep.
"Wh-Why?" Nick asked confused, "Why can't she read that? Why were the pages like that?"
"Because," Alison said her voice afraid, "They are things that haven't happened yet. The future isn't clear yet."
"So what's wrong with reading it?"
"Because, you dope," Ava said heatedly, "Knowledge of the future is dangerous. It could make things worse."
"Or better!" Nick argued.
"Guys!" Grace said loudly, "I think the better question is where did it come from? Do you think Henry just wrote that? Or your father?"
"I doubt her Dad wrote it," Ava said as Alison opened the book back up to the very first page, "Otherwise, he would have known she was alive."
Alison looked at the page, looking for the name. All that was given was a message on the inside of the book:
Protect this, young author. This is the last piece of my compendium that must be protected by the authors that follow me. Do not let it fall into the wrong hands.- C.D.
"C.D.?" Alison asked, "Who is C.D.?"
"I'm not sure," Henry murmured finally, "It just appeared…"
"Miss Alison. Master Henry."
Vespera's voice rang loudly, spooking them a bit. Alison stood up, holding her book gingerly. The rest followed suit, Henry needing Grace to help him up.
"Creator had a message for you for me to play once you found the room," Vespera said, "Shall I play it for you?"
"Please," Henry said. The wall at the back of the study change, an image Baelfire sitting in his study appearing. Alison swallowed, her eyes turning glassy. He looked mournful as he said, "If you children are watching this, I am no longer here. If you are watching this, that means you found the Author's Study, which also means Henry has been chosen to replace me as the author."
"Whoa," Nick said gapping.
"I wish I could say that this is a task I happily pass onto you," Baelfire said, "But the Role of the Author is a long difficult one with many enemies along the way. The pen you now hold in your hand has powers beyond our understanding. It can be used to change the very fabric of reality, even though it is against the Laws of the Fates. It is your job, Henry, to use the powers to record and guide. You must not be tempted to use the pen for personal gain. You must guard it with your life. Even now villains are lurking in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to misuse this power."
"Well that's not scary," Ava said, sarcastically.
Baelfire looked down at his desk before looking back up.
"Lisie girl," Baelfire said, "I am sorry. I am sorry that I cannot be there to help you and your friends. But I need you all to stick together. With the shadows gone, the town will begin to disappear bit by bit. You don't have a lot of time to escape back to the Enchanted Forest. You will need to work together to succeed. Please don't shut them out, even though I know it's what you've had to do to survive. You and your friends are the new generation of stories. You are going to have to help the old generation with the very flaw that riddles each of their stories."
"Dad? Are you talking to someone?"
Alison choked at hearing her own voice in the recording. Baelfire quickly said, "Don't worry, I'm just finishing up work. I'll be up to help you in a moment."
Alison sniffled, tears running down her cheeks. Baelfire sighed deeply before continuing.
"Children, the house is for your use," Baelfire said, "A safe haven for the adventures that will soon follow. I love you, Alison. I wish I could have had more time with you. Be good for your Grandfather and Belle."
The message disappeared as Ava came over to her friend. Hugging her tight, Ava let Alison cry into her shoulder. One by one, the rest of them came to hug her. They couldn't relate, the terrible pain of knowing that your parents could never be with you again. Henry hugged Alison tight as he said, "It will be okay."
"I'm sorry to disturb you."
They all looked to see the White Rabbit standing in his rabbit form. He looked nervous as he said, "A thousand apologies. But the town meeting is about to start and I fear that news will not be well received, especially coming from the former Evil Queen."
"Bad timing," huffed Alison. Henry gently grabbed the book in his friend's hands. Alison looked at him fearfully.
"I'll protect this," Henry said, "I promise. It won't leave this room."
"Don't say anything to anyone about this," Alison said, "Any of this. Not yet."
"Agreed," Ava said, immediately. Grace and Nick nodded in agreement as Alison let Henry take the book. Alison nodded before disappearing in a whirl of smoke.
"What is going on?!"
"Is the town going to vanish!?"
"Where is the mayor? Did she have anything to do with this!?"
Emma grimaced as she heard the multiple voices in the hall. Snow and Charming were standing behind her, looking nervous. Waving her hand in the air, Emma shouted, "Please if I can have everyone's attention-I can't address multiple questions at once!"
The hall silenced as Emma said, "The anti-magic around the town is making the magic disappear. We will be prone to earthquakes so long as the anti-magic keeps progressing. However, we have a plan in place to return the core to the Enchanted Forest. We can go back to our world-!"
"But what if we don't want to!" Mrs. Ginger cried out.
"Yeah, some of us have better lives here-!" another man said.
"Why would we go back to be under the rule of the evil queen?!"
"You won't be!"
Everyone stopped talking, turning to see the newcomer. Regina walked up the aisle, dressed in a nice navy blue suit. Emma watched her as she walked up behind the podium. Emma moved away and watched Regina stand up straight. Looking into the audience, Regina said, "I understand your concern. I understand you are afraid. After everything I have put you through, you have more than every right to be. If my curse brought nothing else, you now have an ability to leave and make lives in this world. However I must warn you, there is a price to pay."
Regina breathed in as she said, "Once you cross the town line, you can never come back."
An outcry echoed in the hall as everyone exchanged looks. Grumpy called out, "Why should we believe you? How do we know you're not lying?"
"Because she's not!"
Silence quickly came as they looked back to see Kathryn and her family. They stood behind Alison, who looked a little put out at everyone's stares. However, it did not last as she walked up the aisle quickly saying, "The magical barrier keeps people out, keeping us safe. But that also means that if we leave, we cannot return."
"And who are you?"
Alison glanced to see the woman in the front row with curly blonde hair. She looked at Alison intently as she stood beside Regina. Alison glanced at her as she said, "You would probably know me as Alison Kinsleigh, the Mage of Wonderland."
"She helped us in fighting the Enchantress and breaking part of the curse," Emma said loudly.
"Listen!" Alison said abruptly, "I know you don't feel inclined to believe her, but believe me when I say that if you cross that line before you're ready it will end badly! No one is saying you can't cross but I am saying you have to be sure! This is not a decision you can take back."
Everyone watched as Alison said, "This town is not doomed, we have a chance to get back to the Enchanted Forest. So please don't run and live your lives with regret of what could have been."
"Why should we believe her!?" someone said heatedly.
"Believe in what you want to, not what I say so," Alison said, "But I believe in her, despite everything she threw at me and my friends… Grudges are better left buried."
Alison looked at Regina, who looked surprised. Alison backed away with a small smile on her face, watching Regina as she did so. She then smiled before turning back to the group saying, "I know you are worried that you will be under my rule, and I do not blame you. So I am here to announce that I am resigning from my position as mayor."
Alison's jaw dropped as did Emma's. Everyone in the room seemed floored as they murmured about themselves. Regina looked at them with a sympathetic stare as she said, "I hear your cries and I understand the concern. So I am willing to give someone a chance to lead you the way you should be led."
Without another glance at anyone, Regina disappeared.
"Resigning?"
Regina didn't even look back to see Emma standing in the stable doorway. Regina was brushing her mare's back as she said, "I would have thought you would have been happy. This way, I can't have the power to fire you from nosiness."
Emma smiled but said, "You could have given me a heads up. Charming and the other royals are forming a council to take on mayor duties. They will be electing a leader soon."
"Sorry," Regina said with a sigh, "But believe it or not, I have been planning to resign for a while."
"Why?"
Regina stopped brushing the horse as she looked over at the blonde haired savior. Smiling weakly and pathetically, Regina said, "I… I'm tired of fighting for power. Especially when it's no longer the thing I want most."
Emma looked at her curiously as she asked, "What do you want?"
Regina looked a little nervous as she said, "Henry… I want my son back."
Emma was quiet a moment before she walked over to Regina and took her hand. Regina looked surprised as Emma said, "Then that's what we'll do."
"What?" Regina said baffled.
"I stayed in Storybrooke when I saw Henry was miserable," Emma said, "I didn't stay to take him away from you to hurt you, just to protect him from what you were doing. If Henry ever wanted to go back to you now, I would let him do it in a heartbeat."
Emma grinned as she said jokingly, "After all, you changed all those dirty diapers."
Regina snorted as she smiled saying, "And dirty they were…"
Emma chuckled as she reached out to pet the horse. The mare snicker softly, her foot stomping against the ground. Regina began to brush her again as Emma asked, "So what are you going name her?"
"You two!" Regina said, huffing, "Why do you keep insisting that I'm 'keeping' her."
"I'll use Alison's words," Emma said, "You're not keeping her. She's chosen you."
As if to make her point, the mare turned so she could press her head into her hands. Regina smiled warmly as she pet the horse's snout. Regina met the eyes of her new companion as she said, "Raine. Her name is Raine."
Moe French stared into the glassy of whiskey.
It was far from his favorite, but it was what he had order for whatever the reason. He sat at the far end of the bar, quite alone from the other more cheerful regulars. But what reason did he have to be happy? His daughter had abandoned him, gone and married an imp. To top it all off, she had married into the family of the Wonderland witch that he had tried to put an end to. Did she not understand the evil in which she had been walking with? Did she not care? Moe made a sour face before taking a sip of his drink.
"You look like you're in need of something stronger."
Moe glanced as he saw a man dressed in leather sit next to him. Snorting lightly, Moe said, "I highly doubt it matters…"
"Of course, after the fourth drink, I'd imagine nothing would matter," the man said smoothly, "Except a fine looking woman."
"What do you want?" Moe French said, his voice a slight slur.
"I heard you had a little problem with a little Wonderlander," the man said smoothly.
"Oh did you," Moe hiccuped sarcastically.
"I can help you with it," the man said, his smile wicked and devious. If Moe hadn't been drunk, he would have been alarmed by the evilness behind it. However Moe said coldly, "I doubt it. I've already been told that if I do anything to anyone, I'll regret it…"
"But what if I had a way around your daughter's little threat?" the man said smoothly.
Moe narrowed his eyes as he said, "Who are you?"
"A friend's messenger," the man said, "Someone who wants me to pass along an offer for you to consider."
"Oh really," Moe said, scoffing, "What kind an offer?"
"An offer that will help you get what you want but also get away with it too," the man said, "So what do you say?"
Moe French looked intrigued as he said, "I might ask you your name and buy you a drink."
"ALL DONE LASSIE!"
Alison ducked smoothly as a spoon flew over her head. It crashed against the wall, knocking over a wooden statue as it tumbled to the floor. Alison was sitting in the guest bedroom she so often stayed in when she was at Jefferson's. She was dressed in sweats and a tee-shirt, showing off her skinny form. Alison watched the animal version of the March Hare jumping on her bed. She watched him jump as he said, "The place is all fixed! All fixed!"
"Good," Alison said as the March Hare stopped bouncing. She waved her hand, a red rose appearing in her hand. Handing it to him, Alison said, "Thank you, March Hare."
The hare did a flippant bow before jolting out of the room. Alison grinned as she heard Jefferson snarl down the hallway. There was a crash and Alison couldn't help but giggle. Jefferson finally wandered into the room, looking grumpy. Alison's grin mellowed as Jefferson said, "Why did you have him help me?"
"Because Chess was being lazy," Alison said, "And he gets things done quickly. I needed to make sure that the house had additional protections."
Jefferson wandered over to the bed and sat down saying, "Well, he was more of a nuisance than a help. And you should have let him use his human form if you wanted him to help."
"And let him off his leash? Never." Alison said, looking down at a package in her lap. Her grin had faded as she looked at it. Jefferson noticed as he asked, "What is that?"
"Henry and I found these packages when we found that place." Alison said, her sigh shaky.
When she did not elaborate more, Jefferson finally pulled the package from her lap. Unwrapping the package, he found something inside that made his jaw dropped.
A storybook.
"To my dearest daughter, I love you."
Jefferson glanced over to see Alison reading a note on a piece of paper. She continued her voice wavering, "I know it has been a long time since I have been able to say that to you. Please know that I have said it every night in hopes one day I can say it to you again. I know now that the title of author has passed to your friend. I had a suspicion when I met him but had to let nature take its course. I am sorry, truly sorry for the burden he now must bear. Please help him and care for him in the way you cared for me. I heard that the garden and the cabin burnt to the ground with the books inside. I am grateful you and Henry are alright, but I know that the loss of the books hurt you both. So here I have created storybooks especially for you both. You shall find in reading that Morgana's magic is not as strong as she had hoped. I love you my daughter, I can never say that enough. But know that your mother loves you just as much as me."
Alison wiped her eyes as she let the note fall away from her. Jefferson looked confused as he suddenly went through the book. He reached a picture at the end, one of Jane and Baelfire embracing. Jefferson looked surprised as he said, "Jane's alive."
"Yeah," Alison said, wringing her hands, "She is… He saved her."
"But they are both still trapped?"
"Until we can get to a world with magic," Alison said, "Even then, they won't be able to leave Neverland long."
"Well so long as we find the core, that will not be an issue," Jefferson said, "Then we will all be in the Enchanted Forest."
"Maybe," Alison said, frowning.
Jefferson raised his brows, putting the book aside. Jefferson reached over and touched her cheek saying, "Now what's going on in that puzzling mind of yours?"
"Your mind is the puzzling one," Alison murmured.
"This has something to do with going back, doesn't it?"
"Something like that," Alison said miserably, "I mean, for all I know, I'll find myself alone in Wonderland while everyone else is living out their happily ever after."
"And what makes you think that?"
"You have Grace," Alison said, "Emma has her family. Kathryn is going to marry Frederick and rekindled her friendship with Regina. Gold and Belle are married and will soon have children to coddle and love."
"And you will be one of them," Jefferson argued.
"Until they learn the horrible reality that comes with being me," Alison said, "You know just as well as I if they ever knew of all my adventures in Wonderland, they would never look at me the same again. I would be a burden they didn't want in their little happy ending."
"You don't know that."
"And neither do you."
"I know the past," Alison said, "Now that it is written, it's only a matter of time that they realize the truth."
"It was always written," Jefferson said, "That part of the compendium was lost, lost to all since the time of the Original Mage. Now we know why."
"There are plenty of books like mine hidden in the Fortress in Wonderland," Alison said, "One for each Mage of Wonderland. Why hide this one? Why is mine not finished if the other ones were done since the Original Mage?"
"I don't know."
Jefferson bit the inside of his mouth, obviously perturbed. Alison yelped suddenly when Jefferson pulled her into his arms, tickling her sides. She screeched, giggling madly as Jefferson said loudly, "I do not like being challenged into mindless battles of fortune telling. It is not our forte and you know it."
Alison couldn't speak as her giggles had turned to loud laughter. Jefferson released her as he looked deep in thought. Alison regained her breath, sitting up as Jefferson said seriously, "Being the Mage of Wonderland isn't easy. In fact, I would have rather have lost my head permanently than wish that fate upon you. However, it is what you are and people will always come after you for it. Aislinn suffered the same fate…"
Jefferson looked at Alison intently as he said, "And she even found happiness."
Alison looked troubled and ashamed. She looked down only for Jefferson to tilt her chin up saying, "They will come back for you, love. Don't start doubting that people care about you now."
"I don't doubt that," Alison said, sadly, "I'm worried if it will turn out like it did before. I can't have that happen again…"
Cora made a face as she watched her mirror intently. Waving her hand, Cora said, "My little princess… if I recall it was you who ran away from me."
The image disappeared, and Cora turned to see a wooden box. It had a window heart on its side, a glow flickering within. Tracing the edges of it, Cora's jaw tightened before turning away. Picking up a card from the table, Cora smiled coldly as she said, "But that won't be an issue. Soon… I will have exactly what I want, and my enemies will no longer hold the upper hand."
Regina walked into her mausoleum.
She had just come back from tending to Raine. She was making nice recovery, which seemed to please a certain black stallion. Regina had rolled her eyes at him as he tried nuzzling her new companion. He was such a flirt. Regina was about to snort when she froze. The coffin for her father was pushed back, revealing the entry way to her vault. Regina narrowed her eyes as she made fire appear in her hand.
Going down the step, she heard a clatter that made her race down. She saw the intruder just as she was about to send the fire ball flying.
"Regina!" Emma said, jumping out of her skin, "Geez! You almost gave me a heart attack."
"More like third degree burns!" Regina waved away her magic fire ball. "What are you doing down here?"
"I got a message saying to come to your vault!" Emma said, "That is was urgent."
Regina had a look of realization, sucking in her lips briefly in disapproval. Regina placed her hands on her hips as her annoyance increased. Emma also realized what was happening as she said, "Oh no. Not again."
"Oi! Are you two going to keep jabbering or can we get to work?!"
Emma and Regina exchanged glances as they walked down the tunnel. Alison was in a room not too far off, stirring a potion that was in a small cauldron. Henry was sitting on a trunk, reading a comic.
"I was wondering when you two were going to get here," Alison said.
"Really?! Both of you broke into my vault?!" Regina said crossing her arms, "I hope neither of you touched anything!"
"No we didn't," Alison said, "And your security sucks by the way. We are going to have to fix that if we are going to keep this down here."
"And what is… this?" Emma asked, waving her hand.
"This is the start to the potion," Alison said, "The one that is going to help us find the Core."
"I'm sorry?" Regina said, "Us?"
"Yep," Henry said, putting down his comic, "Us. We have official decided to let you join Operation Jumper."
"Not again with the names," Emma said, exasperated, "What's this Operation for?"
"Operation Jumper is to get everyone back to the Enchanted Forest before the town completely disappears and the magic is lost," Alison said, "And I need both of you to help me finish it."
"Why do you need our help?" Regina asked puzzled.
"I need a spell caster, especially since Gold told me not to use magic to help people," Alison said, "Casting this spell kinda breaks that rule."
"And making this potion doesn't?" Regina asked incredulously.
"Nooo," Alison said, "You see. I'm not actually using it to help people yet. I'm just kinda putting it together."
"That is such a weak argument that your Grandfather would be ashamed," Regina retorted. Alison pouted a bit, as did Henry. Regina exchanged looks with Emma before sighing deeply.
"Fine," Regina said, "Where are the instructions for this potion?"
"I'll show you both," Alison said, happily, "Once you solemnly swear not to show it to another person."
"Really?" Emma said.
"Look, Moms," Henry said, worried, "Just because we stopped the curse, doesn't mean we don't have enemies anymore. If someone doesn't want anyone going back-!"
"This would be the perfect time to squash it," Regina said, "Understandable."
"I promise," Emma said, waving her hands, "I won't bring anyone else here."
Regina looked at Alison and Henry, looking thoughtful. They waited patiently as Regina said, "You both trust me to help you?"
"Of course we do," Henry said, smiling, "You've changed. I know you want to do the right thing."
"Some of the time." Alison muttered under her breath. Henry have her a quick kick in the shin as she winced. "Yes. I trust you with this. You and Emma are one of the few that have really put aside your differences to help others."
"Well the sentiment is appreciated," Regina said, with a warm smile, "Now let's fix these so called security issues."
"You're Majesty?"
Cora looked down from her needle work to see Alice watching her. They were in the nursery, Alice already in her bed. The only light was from the moonlight outside and the little candle by the bed. Cora looked amused as she said, "How often I've told you not to call me that."
"I know," Alice said, softly, "But it's not nice to be improper. Especially with you."
"And I love that you are so well mannered Alice," Cora cooed, "But it isn't necessary when it is just you and I."
Alice didn't speak but watched her nervously. Cora noticed this as she put down her work. Folding her hands on her lap, Cora asked, "Now what question is on your little mind?"
"It seems silly," Alice said, quietly, "You have so many other things to feel and do…"
"Oh really?"
"Yes," Alice asked, fearfully, "But I wanted to know if you loved me."
There was a quiet moment, Cora watched Alice calmly. Alice however seemed to be upset as she said, "I understand if you don't, but I just wanted to know-!"
"Do you know what it means to be the Queen, my little Alice?"
Alice looked a little surprised, as if not expect Cora's voice to be kind. Alice swallowed as she said, "Isn't it to make the rules?"
"Oh yes," Cora said, thoughtfully, "But it is to put the welfare of the country before anyone else. Many rulers do not do this and use their power for their own desires, for their own feelings. They are selfish, greedy… Love, or other feelings, are weaknesses Alice and it doesn't befit a Queen to display such emotions when you must rule."
Alice looked a little confused, and a little heartbroken. Cora seemed to stare off into space, the window of the nursery before her. Cora twisted her thread in her hands as she said, "However… there is something for you to always remember. Something I never want you to forget."
"What is it?"
Cora reached over, stroking her hair as she said, "It is my biggest pretend."
Alice looked confused as Cora said, "And as much as I pretend, my dear sweet Alice, is how much I will always love you."
Alice smiled as she said, "And I will always love you."
TemperanceTales: I do not own once upon a time and give full credits to the creators. I know, no real adventurous flash back. We'll get to those I promise you. Thank you Bizzarieve for your contribution to this story, it is deeply appreciated. Now that you all have read PLEASE review.
