Chapter Sixty Six: A Mad Tea Party.
"Chess! Chess you silly kitty, where did you go?"
Alice wandered the maze, looking for her smiling floating friend. She no longer seemed like the six year old girl that had fallen down the rabbit hole, but her energy was still young and curious. She was dressed in a black dress with red roses. Turning around a corner, Alice looked around hopefully. However, Chess was nowhere in sight. Alice made a face, pursing her lips. Spinning around, Alice said loudly, "Come on Chess! We have a party to go to!"
There was still no answer, causing Alice to slump her shoulders. Alice went to walk away saying, "I guess I'm going to the Mad Hatter's all by myself."
Alice walked back into a large square in the maze, a fountain in the middle. Alice had made it all the way to the middle when she heard something to her left. Alice squeaked as a large furry creature pounced on her, tackling her to the ground. Alice giggled as Chess's tail purposely rubbed against her face. Chess finally backed away saying, "Now, now. What kind of Best Friend would I be if I let you go alone?"
"A horribly mean one," Alice said, sitting up. Chess floated in the air as he looked around lazily. He rolled onto his back as he said, "Where is your other friend? The mumbling one."
"You mean bumbling?"
"No, I mean mumbling," Chess said lazily.
"He's working on something for her Majesty," Alice said, "She told me to go find the Mad Hatter and have tea!"
"Today?"
"Yes!" Alice said, happily, "I even have new tea leaves for him!"
Alice stood up and brushed off her skirt. Chess looked intrigued as he said, "Why don't we go somewhere else? I have some friends that are having a party in a nearby meadow."
"But the Queen wanted me to go to the Hatters," Alice pouted, "She was sending Will to come get me once he was done…"
"Well, it would be best not to cross the queen's temper," Chess said, his voice slightly reluctant. Alice perked up as she led the way down the path. The Cheshire Cat watched her as he said lowly, "Well this will be interesting…"
"So you haven't seen him again?"
Alison shook her head, walking with Ava down the hall. They were heading towards the stairs as Alison explained, "I've seen him on and off over the past few weeks… I've been ignoring him though. You should stop worrying about it. If we ignore him he'll go away. So I heard Grace and Henry are going to the festival together."
"Yeah, he asked her," Ava said, bothered, "How are you so calm about this?! He betrayed us and sicked the Monster of Fear on us!"
"He's dodgy, but he's hardly something to be concerned about," Alison said, "If we keep paying attention to him the longer he will stay. So are they going together with us or together alone?"
"Alone for sure," Ava said, rolling her eyes but then brightened asking, "Wait, you're coming with us?"
"Well yeah," Alison said, surprised, "It's not like…"
"What?"
"It's not like I have anyone to come with me," Alison said, "Granny and Red are busy at the diner, Kathryn is busy with Frederick, and what I normally do I can't exactly do anymore…"
"What do you me-oh!" Ava said quickly, "Right, I forgot about the garden… Well you can come with us! There are plenty of things to do."
"Ava Zimmer! May I speak to you please?"
Ava groaned as she looked down the stairwell to see the Principal there. Ava looked at Alison as she said, "I'll see you later?"
"I'll be back home about dinner time," Alison said, sighing, "There is something I want to check out before I come back."
Ava nodded before parting ways. Alison wandered by the music room, seeing that much to her surprise Avenant or Fife wasn't there. Pouting a bit, Alison waved her hands in the air before appearing in Regina's office. Regina looked up from her salad as she said, "How was school?"
"Uneventful," Alison said, "Thankfully Sage was nowhere to be seen."
"Shame," Emma said, coming out from behind the open door, "I could use target practice."
"Emma, as talented as you are, he could wipe the floor with all of us," Regina said, reading through the book that was in front of her, "He's been the Mage of Fear longer than Rumpelstiltskin's been alive."
"Longer than the Master actually," Alison said with a hint of annoyance, "However, that's not going to stop me from beating him with Gold's cane."
"Well, that's not nice Ali."
Alison whirled around as Emma and Regina jumped. There stood Sage, leaning against the wall as he pouted.
"I don't think Belle would be happy with you taking a leaf out of the Dark One's books," Sage said.
"What are you doing here?" Regina snapped as Alison made a face. Sage looked sincerely at them as he said, "Right to the point... like I would expect nothing less of you three. I have a deal to make."
"We're not interested," Emma said flatly.
"Oh I think you will," Sage said, smoothly, "I have a piece to your puzzle."
"And what's that?"
"The potion of redemption," Sage said, "I have it."
Alison froze, as Regina crossed her arms and Emma scoffed. Sage let a flicker of annoyance pass over his face as Emma said, "And how would you know that we are searching for it?"
"Because I helped the Master make it," Sage said.
"You what?" Alison asked immediately.
"You have got to be kidding me," Regina said, crossly.
"The Master and I made that spell when you decided to cast a curse over entire nations," Sage said indifferently, "We each kept pieces and parts to put it together until the time was right."
"So now the time is right?" Alison said skeptically.
"Of course, you three are finally working together as a team," Sage said, "Now about the deal-."
"You betrayed everyone in Antic and you expect me to make a deal with you," Alison said stoutly.
"I expect you to try and understand," Sage said exasperated, "What would you have done if he was your brother?"
Alison made a face, an indignant face. Emma looked annoyed, however she walked over to Alison saying, "Come here a minute."
Alison allowed Emma to pull her out of the office. Sage went to move as Regina raised her hand threateningly. He stopped as Regina said, "I'll roast you if you take another step."
Sage looked amused, which seemed to annoy Alison even more. Emma finally shut the office door and Alison immediately hissed, "You can't seriously trust him. I just got done telling Ava that all we have to do is ignore him and he'll go away."
"And so will are chances at getting this potion," Emma said, "We have gone through every potion book Regina has; we can't find this potion anywhere!"
"But it's not like he's just going to hand it over," Alison said, hushed, "He'll probably dragging us in to do his dirty work for him-!"
"And we will find a way to kick him to the moon if that's the case," Emma said, "But for now… we need him."
Alison made a face before turning back towards the office door. Opening it up, Emma and Alison walked back in. Sage, who was patiently leaning against the wall, watched as Emma walked towards Regina. Regina looked sour but did not say a word. Alison stopped a few feet away from Sage, crossing her arms as she stared at him. Sage looked at her innocently as Alison said, "What do you want from us?"
"I am willing to part with the potion," Sage said, "And owe you a favor for whatever you desire, my lady. I only need two favors in return. Allow me to return with Dr. Whale to my world."
"Why?" Regina asked sharply.
"I need assistance with a long occurring issue," Sage said, seriously. "Something only he can help with. Trust me, he won't be hesitant."
"What is your second favor Sage?" Alison said, obviously in no mood for him at all.
"I hid this potion in a mountain," Sage said, "My vault so to speak. However, without you three, I cannot break the protective spell I put around it to get what I need. Help me get inside and you can leave with your potion back to this realm."
"What do you need from-?"
"It's nothing that concerns anyone but I dear," Sage said smoothly, "Do we have a deal?"
Alison glanced back at her two companions' in hopes for a protest. When neither of them gave any indication, Alison looked back saying, "Fine, but then you leave everyone alone. Regardless of the reason's in Antic, you betrayed and attacked everyone."
"Fine," Sage said frustrated, "We'll depart for my world at Midnight. Make sure Whale is with you."
Sage snapped his fingers, disappearing in black thunderous clouds. Alison looked extremely annoyed as Regina sighed. Looking at Emma, Regina said, "So… who gets the task of talking to Whale?"
"I'll do it," Alison said, her voice clearly agitated, "I'll need the distraction."
Regina and Emma didn't argue as Alison left the room. Emma waited until her footsteps had long disappeared before saying, "Should we really do this?"
"Didn't we just say yes?" Regina said slightly sarcastically.
"I know, but clearly he is a shady character," Emma said, "And while my superpower didn't go off, I've got a bad feeling about this."
"Well, if he tries and double cross us, I can attempt to hit him with a fire ball," Regina said, her voice slightly sarcastic, "I can't make any promises though."
Emma made a face before saying, "That's what concerns me."
"WHAT DID I TELL YOU!?"
Alison winced at Ava's screech, as did Nicholas. The children were sitting in Grace's bedroom, the night long since fallen. Ava's face was red with anger, standing near the window rigidly. Alison was leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed. Grace made a face as she flipped the page of her workbook, tapping her pencil on the page as she said, "No need to yell. We really shouldn't be surprised he wanted something."
"Tell me you aren't considering this," Ava said, her voice outraged.
"We need that potion," Alison said, "We can't find the ingredients for it anywhere."
"And so you go into the lion's den to get it!" Ava said angrily.
"I highly doubt it's the lion's den," Henry said, "We may not like him, but we made peace with Jack in Antic. I don't think he would let Sage hurt us."
"Besides, he only helped Jack so he could protect him," Alison said, "It's an excuse, but one I can't argue with."
"Take me with you," Ava demanded.
"I can't," Alison said, "I'm already taking Emma and Regina with me. Besides, it probably would be best if I didn't take you."
"Why?!" Ava said, "I can defend myself!"
"Oh, I know," Alison said, letting a small smile grace her face, "That's not what I'm worried about."
"Then what are you worried about?"
Alison bit her lip before saying, "The obvious."
"The what?" Ava said as Henry snickered. Grace lightly hit his shoulder as Nick snorted. Alison kept a relatively straight face as she said, "You. He likes you."
"Wha- Alison Autumn Marie Kinsleigh!" Ava said, flushing up even more but for a different reason. Alison shrugged weakly as she said, "It's a fact. He likes you."
"He's like thousands of years old!" Ava shrieked.
"He's actually only 17," Henry said, "Same with Jack. Their ages are frozen or something."
"Really?" Nick asked surprised.
"Yeah, Jack had mentioned something about it in Antic," Henry said.
"Well, that I would have never guessed," Nick said, twirling his sling shot in hand.
"At least they look it," Grace said, dropping her pencil, "Look at Chess, he looks as if he could be twenty two but in reality he's only 15 in human years."
"Human years?! How old is he in cat years?"
"Over thousands of years old if you actually counted," Alison said, "But people grow up as they mature, not as the years go by. Counting years is only for the record keeping sake."
"So you could actually be older -!"
"GETTING BACK TO THE POINT," Ava said, looking at them heatedly, "I don't like you going without one of us."
"I'd rather him not try to kidnap you," Alison said, "I don't need to spend the next month and a half looking for you because he wanted to play a game."
Ava made a face, but didn't argue as Alison said, "Look, I need you guys here. If more cards come attacking, I want to make sure no one tries to grab the you know what."
"The what-?" Nick asked baffled only for his sister to throw a pillow at him, "Oh right. THAT you know what."
"You think the cards attacking is related to the you know what?" Grace asked worried.
"I do," Alison said, "I don't believe in coincidences. Which is why you all need to stay here."
"Alright," Ava said, staring at Alison pointedly, "Make sure you kick him hard if he tries to keep you."
"I'll send him flying to the moon," Alison said, getting up, "I need to go see Chess before I leave. I'll see you guys in the morning."
Alison opened the door and walked out without another word. Descending the steps, Alison found herself walking past the living room as she heard a loud voice.
"Leaving me out again?"
Alison groaned, not able to stifle it even a little bit. Turning, she found Jefferson leaning against the doorway with a tea cup in his hand. He was staring pointedly at her as he said, "You know, I thought we were past this."
"I'm going," Alison said, "With Emma and Regina. Don't take this the wrong way, but I don't think Sage wants me to bring anyone else."
"But he didn't say that."
"I just want to be in and out."
"So going without me ensures that you'll be speedy?"
"Jefferson-!" Alison said, exasperated.
"No, tell me, because I'm trying to understand what the resistance with talking to me is," Jefferson said heatedly, "I thought we were over this."
"We are!" Alison said, trying her best to keep her voice down, "Believe me, if I thought I needed you with me, you would be!"
Jefferson's jaw tensed as Alison sighed heavily. Looking at him sadly, Alison said, "Jefferson, I could never do or say enough to you that would express how much I care about you. You are my best friend that has been there in the worst of times and I'll never forget it."
Alison reached up and touched his cheek. Jefferson watched her with a hard expression as she said, "You are Grace's Father. She needs you more than me and that's never going to change. If you died protecting me, I would never forgive myself for putting her through my agony."
Jefferson's gaze softened as she leaned up to kiss his cheek. Pulling away, Alison said, "I can protect myself now. It's them upstairs that will need your watchful eye. Especially if the cards attack again."
Jefferson's mouth quirked up as he said, "You're the klutzy one, little kitten."
"And Emma will pick me back up if I fall," Alison said, "I've already lost too many War Players, I cannot lose you too."
"Are you ready Doctor?"
Dr. Whale doubled checked his bag, making sure the clasps were shut. Emma and Regina were standing in the clearing, Regina waiting impatiently by the door. Emma was standing by Whale, who seemed more than ready. Whale smiled weakly as he said, "To go home? Definitely. To see what the Mage of my world wants? Not entirely."
"We will do our best to make sure you get home safe," Emma said, reassuringly. Dr. Whale glanced at Regina, his eyes momentarily distrustful. However he smiled as he said, "I'm sure you will. I doubt Sage wants anything serious, we've had certain dealings in the past."
"Really? Like what?" Regina asked, her voice suspicious.
"Not that it's any of your concern," Dr. Whale said, "But even Mages need Doctors."
"Especially one that puts on neck bolts?" Emma teased.
"Oh those are the best!"
Everyone spun around to see Sage standing by the door, grinning wickedly. Walking to the middle of the clearing, Sage said, "Hello Doctor. Good to see you well."
"And you, Sage," Dr. Whale said, "Are we ready?"
"Almost, just waiting on my dear friend the Mage of Wonderland," Sage said smoothly, "Late, as usual."
"Hardly!"
Sage turned to see Alison magically appear. She looked extremely harassed, walking toward the door that obviously did not belong in the clearing. Grasping and turning the doorknob several times, Alison said, "We still have two minutes until midnight. Now come over here."
Sage looked amused, walking over to her as the other three slowly followed. Alison glanced at him as he asked, "What do you need?"
"A memory," Alison said, extending her hand to him, "I need to be able to see where I am opening this door to."
Sage reached out, gripping her hand tightly. The symbols edge on the back of their hands glowed, both breathing in sharply as they felt the magic surge. Emma watched in interest as she felt their magic swirl and combine. The edges of the door began to glow brightly before it jolted open. Emma and Regina jumped as it did so, shocked at the scene before them. Alison and Sage let their hands fall as Alison said, "Sage and I will go first. The door will close behind us so there is no need to worry about fussing with it."
"Alright," Emma said faintly, staring at the door with the shock that was still very much apparent. Regina had reclaimed her composure as Dr. Whale looked at the door with intrigue. Sage held out his arm to Alison saying smoothly, "Shall we take a stroll Milady?"
Alison narrowed her eyes as she said, "Try anything funny and you will pay for it dearly."
Alison took his arm as Sage said smoothly, "Wouldn't even dream of it, Ali."
"Hatter!"
The Mad Hatter hiccuped, sitting up in his seat slowly. He groaned, feeling the throbbing feeling in head return. The March Hare was hopping around, slamming the silver spoons around the table. Chairs were knocked over and its legs broken about. Alice and the Cat came closer to the table as the Mad Hatter said loudly, "Well if it isn't a wee laddie! I'm afraid there is no room today!"
"No room! No room!" The March Hare cackled as he hopped around madly, his eyes more crazed than usual. Alice looked surprised as she said, "I think it's more no place to sit than no room, Hatter."
"No room to sit equals no room! Must your mind be ever so slow to catch on?"
"Well I'm sorry," Alice said, her voice surprised as she sat on a stool close to the Hatter, "I didn't mean to come uninvited. The Queen sent me to play today."
"Did she now? That Queen of Tarts!" The Mad Hatter said his voice in a slight slur, "I'll never get my work done if she keeps sending me hers!"
Alice looked a little wary, tilting her head in confusion. Chess floated above, gracefully dodging the towels the March Hare was now throwing. Reaching into her little bag the Queen had given her, Alice handed him a box of tea leaves saying, "I brought new tea leaves! They make really nice tea."
"Aha!" The Mad Hatter jumped up startling Alice as he swooped down giving her a sloppy kiss on the cheek, "We shall be the judge of that! Tell me, why is a Raven like a writing desk?"
"I don't know," Alice said, shrugging her shoulders, "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
"Don't ask me, I asked you!" the Mad Hatter said, tossing around the covers of cups as he made the tea, "I wouldn't ask you if I knew!"
"Well I'm sorry," Alice said, now obviously thoroughly annoyed with him, "Would you stop throwing things, once it's broken it can never come back!"
"Like I need reminders!" the Mad Hatter laughed harshly, "Too far too late to be telling me such things!"
"Hatter, are you drunk?" Alice asked, looking at him with a wrinkled nose.
"Not at all!" The Hatter said, his manner clearly indicating otherwise, "Here is your tea!"
Alice took the cup, sniffing it first. Alice made a face as she said, "This smells like what Will drinks in the flask. You are drunk!"
"Nonsense, now drink up!"
"I can't drink this! I'm too little!"
"Alice Little," Mad Hatter said, "Is that not what you think your name ought to be?"
"Well-!" Alice started but was interrupted as Chess said, "I think it's time we ought to leave, Alice."
"Hardly it's not the time! We haven't solved the riddle!" The Mad Hatter scoffed, throwing himself harshly into the seat as the March Hare began to throw cups, "Why is a Raven like a writing desk?"
"I don't know!" Alice said, her voice now angry, "I think you would find a better way to use the time than wasting it with asking nonsensical riddles!"
"Time," the Mad Hatter muttered, his voice angry, "Time. It's wasted, oh yes its wasted! What is to be spent on something precious, I'm spending it babysitting you!"
"I'm not a baby!" Alice shrieked, her eyes now filled with tears, "And I won't waste your time any longer!"
Alice stormed away from the table, not caring that she knocked over the stool. The Mad Hatter watched after her, looking quite shocked and dazed as she shouted back before crossing the gate, "This was the stupidest tea party that I've ever been to!"
Alice disappeared and The Mad Hatter slumped. Even the March Hare had stopped bouncing, his ears sagging as disappointment showed. The Cheshire Cat hissed at him and the Mad Hatter glared up at him. Chess flicked his tails as he said, "I wouldn't have brought her at all, old friend. But the Queen ordered that she go."
"She could have played with her new friends at court," the Mad Hatter muttered.
"What friends?" Chess said lazily, "You mean the toys in her room? Or the books on the shelf? As fun as they may be, they don't replace you."
"Implying something? Then come out and say it."
Chess grinned maliciously and before disappearing he said, "I may not be very clever. However, Grace and Alice are spelled different ways. You cannot replace one for another."
Avenant was surprised.
Many might find it creepy that he knew his student's schedule like the back of his hand. However, he liked to know what they were doing, especially if it affected their music. Alison's schedule was the one he knew second best of them all. She woke up at six thirty, walked and arrived at school at seven fifteen to play in the loft with Fife. She attended class from eight fifty to three in the afternoon, attending practice on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until five thirty. On Tuesday and Thursday she would seek him out to either play or listen until dinner. Today should have been one of those days. Yet she wasn't there. She had mysteriously disappeared, not to be seen on his monitor system or his spy. Twirling the pencil in his hand, he sighed as he sat at the piano.
"Missing your little cavia?"
Avenant made a face as he heard Miss Gerson's voice. Putting the pencil down, Avenant said shortly, "Is there something you needed?"
"I think I should be asking you that," Miss Gerson mused, "I would have thought you'd be losing your mind without your Christine Daae."
"I am not losing my mind," Avenant said coldly, "And she is not Christine Daae, it's a poor comparison."
"Oh?"
"Yes," Avenant said, "Christine Daee was a soprano singer. Alison's musical capabilities go beyond that. Anyway, as far as I know Alison doesn't sing."
"Doesn't mean she can't." Miss Gerson said, "But I digress, you miss her. It's not surprising that she's gone."
"Oh?" Avenant looked over at her as Miss Gerson. She nodded as she looked off the balcony thoughtfully and she said, "As much as we as a school would like it to be different, she is the Mage of Wonderland. That role also means being the Queen of an entire realm. She can't always be here."
"And how would you know that much of Wonderland's culture?" Avenant inquired.
"I've read my share of books," Miss Gerson said, wickedly, "And I've had many adventures in other worlds back in the day… You pick up certain things."
"Oh really," Avenant stood up, walking over to her as he asked, "Just who were you back in the Enchanted Forest, Beatrice Gerson?"
"Someone very few people miss but so many people used," Gerson said coyly, "But the real question is Avenant… who exactly are you?"
Avenant smirked, before turning away saying, "Just a prized musician, Madame. Now if you shall excuse me…"
Miss Gerson took that as a sigh to leave as she turned and walked towards the stairs. She stopped by them, glancing back at him as she said, "I hope your intentions are good with Alison. She is quite an unappreciated treasure, I'm afraid."
Miss Gerson left, allowing Avenant to be alone. Taking a deep breath in, Avenant said under his breath, "I appreciate her… she has the fairest magic etched into her very being… and the foolish bride of the Dark One has her in her possession. THAT I cannot and will not allow."
The world was enchanting.
It was strange, for it seemed to almost be in sepia tone. The trees were bare and the leaves were dead on the ground. However, it still held a beauty to its nature. But what really surprised Emma was staring at Alison. True, they all still had color; however her blue eyes seemed eerily enchanting in this world. Something none of them really had. Alison tossed her long hair, now dressed in a white tunic and tight pants. Emma herself was dressed in a similar outfit, except she had a black leather vest over hers. Regina was in her red riding outfit, her hair pulled back into a French bun. Sage was dressed as he was and Dr. Whale was in his long doctors over coat. He looked pleased as he said, "It is good to be back in this world."
"I bet it is," Alison said, her voice kind a moment before she said, "Now where is this vault of yours?"
"It's in this forest," Sage said smoothly, "Follow me. "
The group followed him, going through the quite forest. A couple of crows cawed from above, flying away as they passed. Alison looked around as Regina demanded, "What exactly are we dealing with once we get to your vault?"
"There are certain protection spells about it," Sage said mildly, "Puzzles to solve. However it needs you three to open it: One of the Lightest Power, One of the Darkness of Night, the other of Fairest Magic impartial and incomparable to all."
"Well that's fairly specific," Regina said sarcastically.
"Indeed."
There was a crack.
Alison stopped dead, as did everyone. Sage narrowed his eyes slightly as Emma asked warily, "Is it dangerous in this forest?"
"Not too many people wander about here," Sage said, casually, "There are lots of traps around here."
"Oh really?" Regina said sarcastically.
"That would have been nice to know!" Emma said sharply.
"Shush!" Alison said, pulling her blade from the sheath on her back. They heard something moving, something moving quickly, something…
Alison screeched, feeling the ground give away. Emma jolted forward, only for Regina to grab her saying, "No don't!"
The trap disappeared, leaving them alone. Sage sighed as Emma asked, "Is that one of the traps you were talking about?"
"Of course," Sage said with a small sigh, "Well, Doctor. I need you to now to lead these lovely ladies exactly due North. There will be a rather large tree. Trust me you will know it when you see it. Go inside the entrance. I will meet you at the Vault door once I find Ali."
Sage walked towards the trap, stepping on it purposefully. He fell into the hole at once, leaving Emma, Regina, and Whale alone. Emma stared in disbelief as she asked lowly, "Did he really just leave us alone in the world known for terrorizing people."
"Yes," Dr. Whale said, smoothly pulling out a compass, "Come with me. Unless you want to follow them."
"No thank you," Regina said rudely, "Lead the way."
Alice sat on the bed, quietly turning the comb in her hand. She was under the covers, still in her nightgown. One of the Tweedlies was in her room, putting dresses away. After she had hung up the last dress, she wandered over to Alice, humming warmly. Smoothing out the bed covers, Tweedlie asked, "Lady Alice, are you waiting to have your hair combed?"
"No," Alice said, her voice sounding unusually quiet. Tweedlie looked even more surprised as she asked, "Then would you like something to play with? Her Majesty is in court with a guest and Will Scarlet is still away. I know you haven't been feeling well. Not at all."
"No thank you," Alice said, softly, "I'm fine."
Tweedlie nodded, her golden curls bouncing as she said, "If you need me, I will be in the ball room making preparations for the party tomorrow. Just ring the bell and I will hear it, My Lady."
"You are excused," Alice said softly, "Thank you, Tweedlie."
The woman left Alice alone, who sighed. Falling back on the pillows, she sniffed with her stuffy nose. It had been a good few days since she had fought with the Hatter. Ever since, Alice felt sick with an achy sort of sickness. The doctor had been to see her earlier today, promising to make her a nice medicine. She couldn't think of any medicine that tasted nice, so she wondered if he was bringing medicine at all. Alice twirled the comb in silence.
"Alice."
If Alice had been feeling well, she would have jumped. However, she looked towards the door to see Cora standing there. She bowed her head shamefully, waiting for Cora. Cora walked over to her in long strides, her red dress rustling as she did so. Sitting on the bed, Cora tilted up her chin silently. Alice looked at her sadly as she asked, "I'm sorry I couldn't curtsy."
"Never mind that," Cora asked, her voice soft and concerned, "I heard you weren't feeling well."
"My chest hurts," Alice admitted, "And my nose hurts."
"A cold," Cora said with a light purposeful sigh, "A terribly irritating thing. The doctor is bringing you medicine now."
"He said it was supposed to taste good," Alice said, "But I can't think of one that tastes good."
"Well this one will," Cora said, unable to stop the small smile that appeared on her face, "He will be along shortly."
Cora took the comb from the child's hands and began to comb back her hair. Alice felt a warmth in her heart, a comfort she knew she had never known before her. Cora watched Alice carefully as she asked, "You never told me about your trip to the Hatters."
"It wasn't fun," Alice said, "It was a dumb tea party because he was grumpy."
"Majesty? The doctor is here."
"Send him in," Cora said to the soldier, ceasing her action. He nodded, allowing the doctor to come in. He was holding a cup in his hands. He bowed deeply as Cora asked, "Have you finished her medicine?"
"Yes, Queen Cora," the man said kindly, "This should help her feel better."
He walked forward when Cora waved her hand, hurrying over to her. He handed her the cup, allowing Cora to examine it thoroughly. Once she was certain it was safe, Cora brought it to Alice's lips saying, "Drink this, my love."
Alice drank it, the sickly sweet liquid entered her mouth. Swallowing it, Alice let out a small shiver. Cora watched her sternly as Alice said, "It is sweet… really sweet."
"Better than most medicine," Cora reassured. She leaned in and kissed Alice with a motherly gesture. Alice watched as Cora put the comb on the bedside table. Cora watched Alice as she said, "Get some sleep Alice. I will be back to check on you before dinner."
Alice nodded before lying back on the pillows once again. Cora left with the doctor, shutting the door tightly. Alice would have closed her eyes if she hadn't heard a familiar swishing noise. Looking up, Alice saw Chess floating above her with a cheeky grin.
"Hello lovely," Chess said, "It seems you have caught a friendly bout of sickness."
"I've never heard of a friendly bout of sickness," Alice said as Chess flicked his tail under her nose. She giggled a little as Chess said, "No, but I bet this little cold of yours might have to do with you storming away from the Hatter's and into a rain cloud."
"I was there first, the rain cloud came second." Alice said with a huff but the added sadly, "Not that the Hatter cares…"
"He cares, lovely one," Chess said smoothly, "He always gets drunk on that particular day."
"Why?" Alice asked, her curiosity once again apparent.
"It was the day he lost his daughter," Chess said smoothly, "Many years ago."
Alice gaped, looking stunned. Chess watched her carefully as she said faintly, "I didn't know he had a daughter."
"Yes," Chess said, "He came and was trapped in this world, separated from his little girl ever since. Every year, he drinks to forget what he's lost…sometimes it gets out of hand…"
Alice eyes water, now glassy in appearance. Wiping her eyes, she sniffed deeply. Shaking her head sadly, Alice whispered, "I never knew."
"Of course not, you never asked," Chess said, "Not many people do…"
Alice looked slightly ashamed, bowing her head. Chess floated near her as he said, "Now now, dear. Once you get better, you can go see him."
"Why would he want to see me?"
"Too many pricks to his fingers, he's not making very nice hats right now. The Queen will be ever so cross with him."
Alice laid back on the pillow, allowing Chess to curl up next to her. She hugged him to her, murmuring, "You're warm."
"Then let it drive your chills away love," Chess purred, allowing Alice to fall asleep against him, "I will always be here."
"Ali. Alison."
Alison groaned, feeling soreness in her shoulder. In fact, she was quite sore all over. However the pain she felt in her shoulder was worse. Feeling someone help her up from the ground, Alison opened her eyes. At first, she thought she was blind. However it took a few moments to realize that they were in the dark. There was a snap of the fingers and the torches in the underground passages were lit. She could see Sage's worried face as he asked, "Are you alright?"
"I've been better," grumbled Alison, "Any reason you haven't poofed us elsewhere?"
"I can't, this passage way is supposed to trap people down here," Sage said, "Just long enough so I can get to them first."
Alison made a face before shrugging away from him. Sage watched after her a minute slightly annoyed as he said, "Ali, you fell over a hundred fee-!"
"And I have no patience for this, you should have warned us sooner there were traps!" Alison snapped.
"That's not what this is about," Sage said, bluntly, "You're still angry about what happened in Antic aren't you?"
"You betrayed every single one of us and then disappeared without another word, why in the world would I be angry?" Alison said sarcastically.
"Alison, he's my brother!" Sage cried out, obviously frustrated, "Your friend! He wasn't in his right state of mind, what was I suppose to have done!?"
"Worked with us! We would have helped you," Alison shouted, spinning about, "You didn't have to break everyone's trust and toss them around so you play the boogie man!"
"Oh come on!" Sage said, his voice now sounding mad, "You really think that's why I did it?"
"What else should we think?" Alison snapped, glaring at him, "You never came back to apologize. You just ran off without another word!"
"Did you even think that maybe I wanted to keep the one family member I had left from leaving me alone to live a very long and miserable life!" Sage said, almost yelling at this point, "Ali, if I really thought he was going to REALLY hurt you, I wouldn't have let him get near you! Any of you!"
Alison watched him, refusing to look away. Sage growled, turning away as he rested his hands on his hips. Sighing, Sage let his shoulders sag a bit. Alison refused to let a single emotion show as Sage said, "I suppose Jack already told you about our mother."
"Briefly," Alison said, cautiously, "He did, why?"
"Did he mention we had a sister?"
Alison looked surprised as she said, "No, he didn't."
"Her name was Sally," Sage said, "She was a couple of years younger than us. She had the brightest smile and laugh. She- you'd never know she was my youngest sister with the way she bossed me around though."
"Well someone has to," Alison scoffed but sobered when he leaned against the wall. He was upset, that was clear as day even in the dim light. Alison walked over to him as she couldn't help but ask, "What happened to her?"
"Jack fell into the lake, as you know. It's where he became the Guardian of the Season of Cold," Sage said sighing, "I took Sally back to my home world upon Jack's request to take care of her."
"So she's here?"
"Do you know about the Legend of the Guardians?"
"No, not exactly."
Sage sighed as he said softly, "The Guardians are those who have proven themselves worthy by Fate. People that Fate gives a second chance... However, you've noticed the Guardians look different in age?"
"Yes," Alison said, "Is that because they died at that age?"
"Guardians are either blessed or cursed to age as their lover ages," Sage said, his voice hollow, "If their true love dies, then they remain that age forever."
"What does this have to do with your sister?"
"Jack was never in love," Sage murmured softly, "We've always been connected through the strangest of magic, linked because we are twins. Sally, however, was not."
Alison inhaled sharply, her eyes glassing over as Sage was quiet. Finally he spoke and he sounded sad, "Jack never fell in love, so we never aged. Sally grew up though… fifteen, seventeen, even reached into her twenties. Then she grew sick, heartbroken that she didn't think we loved her enough to age with her… she never said so but I could see it in her eyes. Finally one morning she didn't wake up."
Alison felt a tear slip down her cheek as Sage made a face saying, "I would have died to age… just to prove that she meant the world to us."
Alison didn't know what to say, and luckily Sage didn't expect her to say anything. Instead he said, "Jack loved you more than life. If he hurt you… if we hurt you, then I can never beg forgiveness enough. I just can't lose him. He's all I have left."
Alison made a weak smile as she said, "Well then… you can start with leading me out of this tunnel. Then I'll give you a few tips on how to NOT make Ava hate you so much."
Sage couldn't help but grin as he said, "No death? No stringing up by my ankles? Must be feeling merciful today."
Sage yelped as Alison punched his shoulder hard, giving him a pointed look as she said, "Don't make me regret this. You're still on probation."
Sage grinned as he said, "That's more like it."
The Mad Hatter hissed as he pricked his finger. He was in his work room, the sun shine peeking in through the windows. Hats were stacked all around as he sat on the cushion. He continued on with his work, despite the lonely heart he carried. Alice had not come back to see him and he doubt she ever would.
"Hatter?"
Then again, she was always full of surprises.
"Another voice in my head to contend with," The Mad Hatter said with a scoff, "Or perhaps I am dreaming?"
"Or perhaps you should look up to see you're not," Alice said, moving around the Mad Hatter's hats. He did look up, much to her surprise. She made her way to sit across from him, looking at him seriously. He quite expected her to start screaming or berating him. However, he was not expecting what she said next.
"Why didn't you tell me you had a daughter?"
The Mad Hatter stopped his work entire, putting it down with shaky hands. His eyes looked storm, yet he showed no other signs of anger. Instead, he merely replied, "You never asked."
"It seems I'm a horrible friend, never asking about such things," Alice said sadly.
"Hardly true. It's only fair because I can't ask you anything without getting an answer of 'I don't know.'"
"I suppose," Alice said, reaching out to pick up a hat, "In any case, I'm sorry."
"Wrong," The Mad Hatter said, a quirky smile playing about his lips, "I'm the one that I should be apologizing, and you are the one that should be accepting the apology."
Alice couldn't help but smile back, knowing all was well. The two sat in comfortable silence as the Mad Hatter continued working on his hats. Alice twirled the hat around in her hand, a sense of curiosity coming over her.
"Why do you make so many hats?"
The Hatter was sewing together the hat in an agitated manner. He glanced up from his work again to look at her. The girl was all dress in blue, he realized, the color complimenting her blue eyes. In her hands was one of the many hats he had made. It was very similar to the hat on his head, but pitch black. Its ribbon was ice blue and has silver swirls embroidered on it. He didn't stop what he was doing, but said, "I have to make it work."
"Make it work?" she asked baffled. Nodding, he said, "Yes, yes to make it work. That is why I make them."
Frowning, the girl looked down at the hat and then put it on her head saying, "I think I like this one best."
Hatter glanced up at her, his hands still tying ribbons together. It was a little too big for her, but a smile still crossed his face. Looking back down at his work, the hatter merely replied, "Your head is much too small for that hat. It will have to grow. Besides, if a hat doesn't work there is no sense to have it."
"What do you mean by it doesn't work," she asked almost crossly, removing the hat from her head, "Surely these hats have a perfectly good to use."
"Not all hats are made for wearing Alison," Hatter replied, not looking up from his work.
"So then what does this one do?"
The Hatter smiled bitterly before saying, "Door to my home, Alison, a door to my home."
Alison looked at the Mad Hatter curiously and then shook her head. She put the hat down next to her before brushing off her skirt. Getting off the pile of books she was sitting on, she walked over to him and said, "Hatter."
Her voice was gently, which reminded him of someone. Flinching, he tried to continue working only to have her grasp his arm and say, "Jefferson stop."
He stopped and looked at her with narrowed green eyes. Smiling gently, she said, "Then the answer is simple now isn't it? You shouldn't be making a hat."
"Well… he did say it would be obvious."
And obvious it was.
The tree was large enough to have a door carved into it. It was intricately done; the images carve upon it unsettling. Two monsters were attacking each other, a jack-o-lantern in the middle. Regina raised her brows as Emma said, "Well… who will be the brave one to open the door?"
"I will, if it so concerns you," Dr. Whale said, smoothly. He closed his compass and pocketed it, striding over to the door. Regina and Emma watched him carefully as Emma asked under her breathe, "Are you sure the kid will be okay?"
"I'm sure she will do her very best to roast him if he tries anything," Regina said, "And knowing how well she's been progressing, I'd say he's going to have a run for his money."
"Is that pride for your student showing?" Emma teased, "What happened to family rivalries?"
"The door is safe!" Dr. Whale's voice rang out. Regina began to walk forward but glanced back at Emma saying teasingly, "If her getting better with her abilities means giving Gold just a little bit of hell, I'm all for it."
Emma snorted before she followed Regina to the open door. Dr. Whale already began his descent as the two women followed. They found themselves wandering down a dim passage way, steep and unsteady. Dr. Whale seemed lost in his thoughts as Emma asked, "So what did Sage want from you?"
"We've had an agreement," Dr. Whale said, "In the past. Needless to say my research intrigued him."
"I see," Emma said, her voice sounding a little nervous.
"Do not be concerned, it is not devil's errand I am assisting," Dr. Whale said as they made it down into a large stone room. Torches were already lit, illuminating the walls and a large metal door. In front of it stood three metal statues, resembling the creatures on the tree door. By these statues there stood Sage and Alison, unharmed.
"Kid!" Emma said, sounding relieved. Alison turned to them and hurried over, allowing Regina to put her hands on her shoulders. Regina checked over Alison as she asked, "Are you alright? He didn't hurt you?"
"No, no he didn't," Alison said.
"Well now that we are all here," Sage said, loudly, "It is time for you to do what I brought you here to do."
Emma, Regina, and Alison turned towards him as he said, "These three statues require magic from each of the three different types of magic. Once you activate the statues, the door will open and you can retrieve your potion."
"Alright," Emma said, her face tense, "Let's get this show on the road."
Each of the three stood in front of the statues, extending their hands. After a few moments, their hands glowed respective colors as the magic flowed into the statues. There was a strange thickness in the air, feeling the spell surrounding the vault coming down. The eyes of the statues began to glow as the door swung open. Sage smiled as he led Dr. Whale inside. The three magic users went to stop when the ground violently shook, knocking them to the ground. Regina stumbled as Emma fell against the wall, shouting, "What is going on?!"
Alison looked shocked a moment before an impassive look overcame her face. The statues began to move, growling as they approached them. Alison began to back away as Regina snarled, "He tricked us! That's what happened!"
Regina conjured a fireball as Emma regained steady footing. Throwing it towards the creatures, the flames exploded before disappearing all together. The three creatures were still in one piece as they approached menacingly. Regina looked startled as the three creatures roared loudly. Wind from nowhere sent them flying back into the wall. Alison screeched as she felt her shoulder pop, pain abundant. Emma and Regina scrambled up as they waved their hands in the air. A shield appeared and Emma looked at Regina saying, "Check on the kid!"
Regina made no argument, running over to Alison and stooping down. Alison whimpered as Regina felt her shoulder. Grimacing, Regina said, urgently, "I need to push your shoulder back into place, it's dislocated!"
"Regina!" Emma shouted as the creatures roared, flames erupting from their mouths. Regina glanced back in worry as Alison snapped, "Hurry up and do it!"
Regina pushed and there was a crack in the air. Alison screeched a bit as the shield collapsed, sending Emma flying once more. The creatures were closing in on them slowly, blocking any route of escape. Emma scrambled up as Regina and Alison stood. They pressed close together as Emma asked, "Got any better ideas?"
Alison suddenly looked alert, as if an idea had come to her. Loosening up, Alison said, "Yes I do."
Alison stepped forward, standing rather calmly in front of the middle creature. It snorted, warm air coming out from its nostrils. Alison reached out her shaking hand, partial from pain and partially from uncertainty. Emma looked shocked as Regina shouted, "Just what the hell are you doing?"
"Trust me," Alison said, "If Sage is like I think he is, he would do something like this."
The creature in front of her growled, but stopped its advance. It watched her, almost patiently. It was like it was waiting for her to make the next move. Swallowing, Alison took a step forward and pet its head.
The eyes of the creature stopped glowing.
Emma gaped as Regina looked extremely agitated. Putting her hands on her hips as she snapped, "Really-?!"
The creature nearest to her snarled, making her jump a bit. Alison looked back at them as she said, "Put aside your fear! They're just statues. Once you prove that we can head inside."
Emma and Regina exchanged glances before nervously approaching them. Emma reached out with a seriously shaky hand, touching the snout of her growling creature. The eyes stopped glowing as Regina touched her own. All three statues were still, stuck in the position they were now in. Alison moved around them as she walked over to the door. Regina stormed around as Emma followed more slowly. Regina looked dark and angry as she said, "I'm going to fry him. He could have warned us it was going to do that!"
"He likes testing people," Alison said shortly, "It's annoying but it's his world after all."
"Not going to stop me from giving him a piece of my mind!" Regina snarled as Alison said, "No! No, leave him to me. It will be bad if one of you harms him, considering we're still in his world. You two find a chest of gold. Inside is the potion of redemption. You get it and meet me back out here."
"Meet you out here? How big is this vault?" Emma asked sharply. Alison walked to the door and opened it to a very large room of odd treasures. Emma gaped as Regina made a face. Sighing, Alison walked in saying, "Just go to the left and keep going straight. You'll see it once you find it."
Alison walked away hearing Regina scoff and mutter something angrily. Alison couldn't blame her, even if she was being fussy. She was also really annoyed with Sage, but the fact he didn't warn them meant he needed time. The question was, what did he need time for?
Alison squeezed between two large cabinets, finding herself in the shadow of a tall expensive looking mirror. She could hear Dr. Whales voice and hiding in the shadow of the mirror, she listened.
"-her body is pristine shape for someone who's been dead. How is this possible?"
"She fell sick with a strange illness. Her body is dead, but her soul is still trapped inside." Sage's voice spoke in earnest and desperation. Alison found herself peeking around the mirror seeing Sage and Dr. Whale standing near a long chaise. A woman was stretched out upon it, her long hair lying against her torso in waves. She was pale and didn't breathe from what she could see. However, a sinking feeling in Alison heart told her exactly who it was. Sage looked at Whale as he said, "Can you do it? Can you bring her back?"
"I could," Dr. Whale said, grimacing, "But there will be a terrible price to pay."
"What?" there was a tint of darkness in Sage's voice as he glared at Whale. Whale waved his hand as he said, "It's not my price, so put it out of your mind. For the procedure she would need a magical heart. However because of her condition, it has to be a specific one…"
"What kind of heart?"
Dr. Whale stood up, looking down at Sage grievously. Sighing, Dr. Whale spoke with a forced calmness, "She needs a heart that will trump the magic of the illness that plagues her. This illness is a terrible one and it needs a strong lively force of magic. One that I have only seen in one person."
Alison stomach lurched, making her breath in deeply. She moved back behind the mirror, remaining hidden. She heard Sage ask strangely, "Alison?"
Dr. Whale didn't answer verbally, but whatever he did physically was enough of an answer for Sage. Alison should have run. She should have fled with Regina and Emma, leaving Sage behind. However, Alison found herself waiting. She needed to know what he was going to do.
"Get out."
The words were harsh, as if someone had wounded him. Alison felt confusion, relief, and grief flow through her as Dr. Whale said nervously, "Sag-!"
"Your brother is waiting back at your home! Now get out of my sight and leave me be!" Sage snarled, and Alison heard Dr. Whale walk away. His footsteps faded as he left them behind. Alison paused, almost afraid to move. It wasn't until she heard something that she never expected to hear.
A sob.
Alison couldn't help herself, she moved around the mirror into the open. Sage was bent over, holding his dear sisters hand tightly. His body was wracked with sobs. Alison walked closer, her body feeling almost numb from the grief coursing through her. She made it to the other side of his sister, seeing her white face. Noticing the pinprick red dots on her neck, Alison grimaced.
"Gisil," Alison said, her voice grave. Sage jumped, looking up at her wildly. Alison didn't look at him as she knelt down, whispering, "It's a sickness. It's common in Wonderland… it runs rapid in the Midlands. It traps the soul in the body, holding it 'hostage'. In Aislinn's time, a whole village of children caught it in one night with no warning."
"Is there a cure?" Sage asked, his voice pleading.
"There is no cure," Alison said hollowly, "What can be done is not a cure."
Sage looked at Alison as she reached to touch Sally's cold cheek. Alison didn't seem bothered by it as she said, "The Wonderlanders can release the soul inside, free them. But loved ones began releasing the souls only to put them in roses, in hopes that they could still care for them. Its how the Garden of Roses came to be."
Sage looked miserable as Alison said, "I can release her soul… if you would like me to. But I cannot bring her back to you... it seems only Whale has a way to do that."
"How can you even offer that!? Sage snapped, letting go of his sister's hand. He stood and moved around the chaise as Alison glanced up at him. He fell to his knees again as he said, "Why do you offer things that could bring harm to you?! Why has your self-worth become so little?"
"People die," Alison said, softly, "In Wonderland, People even know the circumstance in which they are to die. I'm no exception. My Fate, no matter how I get there, will be the same. My ending will not be a happy one because in the end my life will be taken from me. I won't die in my sleep or from illness. Someone will take it. If I had a choice, I would like if someone was to take it that it be put to good use. Be taken for someone who can actually be loved."
Sage's eyes looked stormy, but he never elaborated on it. Alison looked back down at Sally, looking rather sad. There was a silence between them before Sage said, "Do it."
Alison looked back at him, who had his eyes filled with tears. Her heart broke as he said, "Release her soul. She deserves to have peace."
Alison nodded vaguely before gently placing her hand over her heart. Alison's hand glowed light blue, and something misty left Sally's body. Sage looked up desperately, in hopes for some glimpse of hope. Fate seemed to have mercy for a form of Sally appeared. Smiling, she reached out a ghostly hand and mouthed words that only Sage could know. She then disappeared in a burst of light, leaving them alone. Alison's magic faded away, and she opened her eyes. She looked at Sage, who was shaking badly. Alison barely had time to grab him as he collapsed sobbing. Alison hugged him tight, feeling tears prickle her eyes as she whispered, "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry."
"Aww! I missed it again!"
Alison was watching Ava trying knock down the bottles. Alison smiled and said, "You mean, with all the time you used a sling shot to get wolves, you can't knock down bottles?"
"Shut up, Alison," scowled Ava as Alison giggled a bit. David, who had been talking to Mr. Tillman by his truck, came up by Ava and said, "Look. Let me show you. It's all in the wrist."
David let the ball fly and the three bottles came crashing down. Ava grinned up at him as the game tender went to get Ava her prize. Alison shook her head as she said, "Prince Charming. Saving the day since he got smacked with a rock by his wife."
"Hey, if it wasn't for that, we wouldn't have been married and given birth to the Emma," David said, smiling, "Which means there would be no Henry, which means no friend for you to run off with."
"She has me," huffed Ava offended, but the added gratefully, "Anyway, thanks."
"My pleasure," David said, "Now if you will excuse me, I need to find my wife before she ruins Henry's and Grace's 'date'…"
David walked away as Alison rolled her eyes. Ava made a face as she said, "It's not really a date. All they do is walk around and hold hands."
"So? Would you rather they be kissing?" Alison teased as Mr. Tillman walked over chuckling. Ava scoffed as she said, "No, but I don't like that they run off alone. We're being ditched."
"Speak of ditched, your brother is still back at home playing video games," Mr. Tillman said, "If you go fetch him, I'll wait on line to get us dinner until you two get back."
"Alright," Alison said quickly before Ava could argue, "Come on, let's drag him out of his little hole."
Ava caught on, following Alison quickly as they wandered through the festival. They finally made it to the other side of the event, making their way down a street. Ava glanced behind as she said, "So Sage seemed pretty torn up?"
"Worse," Alison said with a sigh, "It's expected considering the circumstances."
Ava made a disappointed face as she said, "Now I feel horrible… all that time we gave him grief about betraying us-!"
"He understands that what he did to us was wrong, we shouldn't feel guilty about being angry with him," Alison said, sighing, "Ignoring him and giving him grief after he had come to help us. That might have been wrong."
"Hey, that first part was your idea," Ava teased as they rounded the corner. Alison slowed down, her face going impassive. Ava noticed as she said suddenly, "Hey I'm guilty for the second so don't feel bad!"
"I know," Alison said with a strange look, "Can you go get Nick? I'll meet you guys along the way. There is something I have to go see."
"Oh," Ava said, surprised, "Okay."
Alison crossed the street quickly as Ava continued onward. Alison found herself walking up to a shop door and swirling her fingers. It unlocked and Alison found herself wandering inside Gold's shop.
It was dark, excepting the lights coming in from the street lamps outside. Everything was clean and orderly. It was all as she remembered from when she had visited it last, before he was gone. It tugged at her heart, making her throat dry. Walking towards the desk he often stood behind she reached out to touch the pen in the holder.
"Miss him?"
Alison turned as she heard the voice and the little bell. Emma stood in the doorway, watching her with sympathy. Alison shrugged, rubbing the sides of her arms as she said, "Yeah… It's been over a month now. "
"They will be back," Emma reassured, "They're probably working with the other Mages as we speak."
Alison was quiet for a moment as she looked into the displays. Smiling weakly, Alison said, "You know, I remember being in here a year ago. It was just before you arrived and Henry and I just met. He was terrified that I brought him in here. So much has changed since then."
"Yeah it has," Emma said smiling softly at the memories of the past year. Alison nodded as she said without any trace of smile, "Henry and Paige, everyone's back to their old selves, Gold and Belle reuniting, having a second chance at love… soon they'll be having a new family of their own-."
"Hey," Emma said suddenly. She walked over at Alison as she put on hand on the girl's shoulder and the other tilting her chin up. Alison looked at Emma with a vulnerable look she didn't share with many other people. Emma looked at her as she said, "I know what it's like… to be tossed around and around like we don't matter. We've had to survive on our own for so long, it's hard to believe we can be a part of something wonderful. I know it's hard to accept and understand but they love you. Any family that they have isn't going to be complete without you."
Alison's mouth twitched, as if she wanted to smile but couldn't. Emma smiled jokingly with glassy eyes as she said, "And as I said before, if he doesn't realize what a wonderful Granddaughter he has, I'm going to kick his rear and throw him in jail until he does realize."
Alison let out a choked laugh as Emma said, "They will come back. Please don't be afraid that they won't."
Alison's smile fade a bit as she whispered, "I know… I'm just afraid it's not going to be any time soon."
Ava walked into their house, shouting as she closed the door, "Nick! Come on, Dad wants you off the video games. Alison's going to meet us along the way-!"
"Ava! You need to come look at this!"
Ava was surprised, hearing that Nick's voice was coming from the kitchen, not his bedroom. Hurrying into the kitchen, she found him staring out the large glass door in awe. Frowning, Ava asked, "What is it you're staring at-?"
Ava gasped.
Candles were lit everywhere, the different colored lights shining brightly. She wasn't girly about a lot of things, however she always found herself giddy at the sight of burning candles. In the middle of the lawn she saw a familiar teen standing there hopefully. She walked passed Nick and went out onto the small wooden porch. He looked at her sincerely as he said, "I'm sorry, Sunshine. I really am. Forgive me?"
Ava couldn't him but smirk, looking down sheepishly. She glanced back up with her bright eyes as she said, "Only if you promise to come up with a better nickname."
TemperanceTales: I do not own Once Upon a Time and give full credits to the creators. Thank you Bizzarieve for your contribution to this story, it is deeply appreciated. Now that you all have read PLEASE review.
