Alice couldn't stop smiling as she tugged Robin forward through the twisted arch of mushrooms that marked the entrance to Wonderland. Her boots barely brushed the ground, as though the memories of her tower-bound days had finally been replaced with pure freedom.

"Robin, look!" Alice gasped, pointing at a pair of glowing butterflies that danced in the air. The creatures shifted colors with every flutter, painting streaks of light in the thick mist.

"Yeah… cool," Robin muttered, tightening her grip on her bow as her eyes darted toward the distance.

Alice frowned, her excitement dimming slightly. "Cool? That's all you have to say? This is Wonderland! The place where the impossible is just another Tuesday!"

Robin gave her a thin smile. "It's… a lot, alright? Loud colors, things flying everywhere. It's not my thing."

Alice hesitated, her gaze drifting to a nearby field where tulips sang a soft, jazzy tune. "I thought you'd love it. You've always been the adventurous type."

Robin sighed, her green eyes clouded. "Adventure is fine, but I like to know what's real and what's not. This place? It feels like it's mocking me."

Alice bit her lip, the sharpness of Robin's words hitting her harder than she expected. "It's not meant to mock anyone," she said quietly. "It's… home."

Robin's eyes softened for a moment but quickly darted away. "Maybe it's your home, but I feel like I'm trapped in one of those dreams that doesn't make sense."

Alice's hands fell to her sides, her fingers curling into the soft fabric of her coat. "It's not just a dream," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "This place kept me going when I had no one else. It gave me hope when I was locked away. And now…"

Robin paused, guilt flickering across her face as she watched Alice turn away to face the glowing, pastel-colored forest.

"…And now, I wanted to share it with you," Alice finished, her voice barely above a whisper.

Robin adjusted her bow, stepping closer. "Alice, I didn't mean—"

"Forget it," Alice cut her off, her shoulders stiffening. She started walking ahead, her boots crunching on the kaleidoscopic moss. "Let's just get on with it. We're here to pick up the Queen's invitation, right? The sooner we get it, the sooner we leave."

Robin flinched at the coldness in Alice's tone. She hesitated but eventually followed, her footsteps heavy against the vibrant landscape.

The two found themselves at a long, impossibly crooked table, surrounded by mismatched chairs. Cups of tea floated in the air, pouring themselves without spilling a single drop.

"Come now, sit, sit!" called the Mad Hatter, his hat tilted at an impossible angle. "We can't have a Wonderland visit without tea, can we?"

Alice took a seat with a forced smile, motioning for Robin to do the same. "It's a tradition," Alice said, trying to rekindle her earlier enthusiasm.

Robin reluctantly dropped into a chair, crossing her arms as a teacup floated toward her. "Do I have to drink this? What if it turns me into a frog or something?"

Alice huffed. "It's tea, Robin. It's not going to hurt you."

But Robin didn't touch the cup. She leaned back, her eyes darting to the other side of the table where the Cheshire Cat's grin hovered, slowly revealing his full form.

"Lovely to see you again, Alice," purred the Cheshire Cat. His golden eyes flickered to Robin. "And you've brought a guest! How… interesting."

Robin narrowed her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Only that Wonderland doesn't often welcome skeptics," the Cat replied with a toothy grin. "It prefers open hearts and curious minds."

Robin pushed her chair back, the legs scraping loudly against the ground. "Yeah, well, Wonderland can deal with it. I didn't ask to be here."

Alice shot up from her seat, her eyes blazing. "Why are you acting like this? I thought this would be fun!"

Robin threw her hands up. "Because it's not fun for me, Alice! You might love this place, but I don't belong here."

The table grew silent, the inhabitants of Wonderland watching with wide, curious eyes. Even the Mad Hatter froze mid-pour, tea spilling onto the table.

Alice's voice cracked as she spoke. "So that's it? You don't want to share this with me?"

Robin's mouth opened, but no words came. For a moment, she looked like she might apologize. Instead, she turned and walked away.

Alice sat alone under a twisted willow tree, her head resting on her knees. The bright hues of Wonderland dulled as her emotions weighed heavy on her.

The Cheshire Cat appeared beside her, his form weaving in and out of visibility. "Sadness doesn't suit you, Alice."

She sniffed, not bothering to look up. "I wanted her to love this place as much as I do. But she hates it. She hates me for bringing her here."

"Nonsense," the Cat replied, curling his tail around her. "She doesn't hate you. She simply doesn't understand."

Alice frowned. "Understand what?"

"That Wonderland isn't about making sense. It's about embracing what doesn't," he said with a grin. "Give her time, Alice. Sometimes the best journeys are the ones where we lose ourselves a little first."

Alice wiped her eyes, determination flickering in her chest. "I just want her to see what I see."

The Cat purred. "Perhaps you need to see what she sees too."

Here's the continuation with more conflict and a magical journey to find a Wonderland relic.

Robin wandered aimlessly down a path lined with checkerboard grass, her mind replaying the argument. She hated the way Alice's voice had cracked, the hurt in her eyes. But before she could return to make things right, the shrill sound of trumpets cut through the air.

"Presenting Her Majesty, the Queen of Hearts!"

Alice and Robin both turned—Alice from under the willow tree, Robin from the forest. A grand procession of card soldiers marched toward the clearing, flanking the Queen herself, who rode in a carriage shaped like a giant rosebud.

The Queen stepped out with exaggerated grace, her crimson gown sweeping the ground. "Alice," she said, her voice dripping with authority, "you've returned to Wonderland just in time."

"For what, Your Majesty?" Alice asked, standing and brushing herself off.

The Queen's lips curled into a sly smile. "A most dire task. Someone—or something—has stolen my Crown of Balance."

Alice's eyes widened. "The Crown? That keeps Wonderland from collapsing?"

"Precisely," the Queen replied. "Without it, this realm will fall into chaos." Her gaze flicked to Robin, who was now walking toward them. "And who is this? A thief, perhaps?"

Robin stiffened. "Excuse me?"

"She's with me," Alice interjected quickly. "Robin would never steal from you, Your Majesty."

The Queen tilted her head. "Very well. Then you'll both retrieve it. Fail, and Wonderland's collapse will be on your conscience."

Robin scoffed. "We're not exactly volunteers."

"You'll find the Crown in the Labyrinth of Mirrors," the Queen continued, ignoring Robin. "But be warned: only those who truly understand themselves—and each other—can navigate its paths. You leave at once."

With a snap of her fingers, the Queen vanished, leaving Alice and Robin in awkward silence.

The Labyrinth of Mirrors stood tall and foreboding, its walls reflecting the distorted world around them. Shards of light danced across the air as the two stood before its entrance.

"I can't believe we're doing this," Robin muttered, gripping her bow tightly.

Alice crossed her arms. "You could have stayed behind."

Robin shot her a look. "And let you do this alone? Not happening."

They stepped inside, the air growing colder as the mirrors warped their reflections. The path ahead split into multiple corridors, each more disorienting than the last.

"Which way?" Robin asked.

Alice hesitated. "I… I don't know. Wonderland's never been like this before."

"Well, that's comforting," Robin said dryly. "Let's pick one and hope for the best."

They walked cautiously, their reflections flickering in the mirrors. Occasionally, the mirrors spoke, mimicking their voices in mocking tones.

"Why are you even here, Robin?" a reflection sneered. "You don't care about Wonderland."

Robin froze. "What the—"

The voice turned to Alice. "And you, Alice. Always so desperate to make people like you."

Alice's face reddened. "Ignore it. The mirrors are trying to get under our skin."

"Is it wrong, though?" Robin muttered under her breath.

Alice stopped, turning to face Robin. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Robin sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "It means I don't belong here. This place—it's too much. And you're trying so hard to make me like it, but it's not working."

Alice's voice rose. "Maybe if you'd stop judging everything for five minutes, you'd see the magic in it! This is my world, Robin. Can't you just try?"

"Magic?" Robin barked a laugh. "All I see are tricks and chaos. You wanted me to see your world, but you didn't stop to think if I'd fit into it."

Alice's jaw tightened, her fists clenching. "And maybe you didn't stop to think that I brought you here because I trust you. Because I wanted to share something important to me!"

Their shouting echoed through the labyrinth, shaking the mirrors. Suddenly, the ground beneath them cracked, splitting the path into two.

The mirrors swallowed them into separate corridors, leaving them alone with their distorted reflections.

Robin's Corridor:

Robin's mirrors reflected not just her face but moments of her life. Scenes of Storybrooke appeared—her stealing the Sheriff's bug, the taunts of other children, and her own struggles with her mother's reputation.

"You've always been the outsider," the mirrors whispered. "And now you're ruining the only friendship you have."

Robin gritted her teeth, but doubt seeped into her heart. "I didn't ask for this," she muttered.

"But you did ask for her," the mirrors hissed. "Don't you see? You're pushing away the only person who truly sees you."

Alice's Corridor:

Alice's mirrors showed her tower, the years of isolation, and the faces of those who mocked her madness. She saw herself crying in the tower, whispering to imaginary friends.

"Why do you keep hoping people will understand you?" the mirrors asked. "Even Robin can't. She thinks you're foolish, childish."

Alice shook her head. "She doesn't think that. She's just… scared."

"Or maybe she doesn't care."

Eventually, the two stumbled into the center of the labyrinth, where the Crown of Balance hovered above a pedestal. But the mirrors in the room flickered with their reflections, creating shadow versions of Robin and Alice that blocked their path.

"You'll have to fight for it," a voice boomed.

Robin and Alice exchanged a look, their earlier anger giving way to determination.

"Ready?" Robin asked, drawing her bow.

"Always," Alice replied, gripping a shard of broken mirror like a dagger.

The fight was chaotic but forced them to trust each other. Robin covered Alice from a distance, shooting precise arrows, while Alice darted in close to disable the shadow versions.

As the last shadow fell, they collapsed to the ground, panting.

Robin looked at Alice, her voice soft. "I'm sorry. For everything."

Alice wiped her face with her sleeve. "Me too. I didn't think about how overwhelming Wonderland might be for you."

Robin reached out, her fingers brushing Alice's. "It's not the place. It's me. I just… I've never been good at fitting in anywhere. But I want to fit with you."

Alice smiled, squeezing Robin's hand. "You do. You always have."

With a deep breath, they placed their hands on the Crown together, restoring balance to Wonderland.

The glowing lanterns of Wonderland's famous Tea Garden cast a soft, warm light over the table where Alice and Robin sat. The chaos of the labyrinth and the retrieval of the Crown had left them both drained, but now, in the stillness of this corner of Wonderland, a sense of calm began to seep back in.

The table was adorned with mismatched teacups, saucers, and tiered trays of colorful sweets. Robin fidgeted with her bow, which now rested on the ground beside her chair. Alice, noticing the tension in her girlfriend's shoulders, reached across the table to place her hand over Robin's.

"You don't have to keep it so close, you know," Alice said gently, nodding toward the bow. "We're safe here."

Robin gave a small, forced smile but didn't pull her hand away. "You can never be too careful. This is Wonderland, after all."

Alice tilted her head, studying her. "It's not Wonderland you're worried about, is it?"

Robin sighed, finally setting the bow aside. "You've got that annoying way of seeing right through me, you know that?"

Alice grinned. "It's part of my charm." She picked up a teapot shaped like a rabbit and began pouring Robin a cup of tea. "So, what's bothering you?"

Robin hesitated, staring into the tea as if it held the answers. "It's just… everything. The labyrinth, the shadows, Gothel—" She stopped herself, shaking her head. "I feel like I'm always one step away from failing."

Alice set down the teapot, her expression softening. "Robin, you didn't fail today. We got the Crown back. Wonderland's safe."

"That's not what I mean," Robin said quietly, her voice almost breaking. "Back when Gothel… when she got into my head, made me think I was weak—I've never really shaken that feeling. And now, every time I let my guard down, I think… what if she was right?"

Alice's heart ached at the vulnerability in Robin's voice. She reached across the table again, taking both of Robin's hands in hers. "Gothel was wrong," she said firmly. "You're not weak. You're one of the bravest people I know."

Robin looked up, her green eyes searching Alice's face. "How can you be so sure?"

Alice smiled softly, brushing her thumb over the back of Robin's hand. "Because I've seen you. I've seen how you fight, how you protect people, how you care. Bravery isn't about not being afraid, Robin. It's about standing up even when you are."

Robin's lip twitched, as if she was trying not to smile. "You always know what to say, don't you?"

"Not always," Alice admitted. "But when it comes to you, it's easy."

The air between them grew still, charged with something neither of them dared to name. Robin leaned forward slightly, her cheeks tinged with pink. "You're the reason I keep trying, Alice. Even when I'm scared, even when I feel like I can't…"

Alice's breath caught. "Robin…"

Robin hesitated for only a moment before reaching up to cup Alice's cheek, her palm warm against her skin. She searched Alice's eyes for any sign of hesitation, but all she found was the soft glow of trust and something deeper.

Slowly, Robin closed the distance, her lips brushing Alice's in a tentative kiss. The world seemed to hold its breath as the kiss deepened, soft and sweet but filled with the unspoken emotions they'd both held back for so long.

When they finally broke apart, Alice's cheeks were flushed, and her blue eyes sparkled with wonder. "Well," she said, her voice breathless but teasing, "I guess tea parties aren't so bad after all."

Robin chuckled, her forehead resting lightly against Alice's. "Don't get used to it."

Alice grinned, her hand finding Robin's. "Oh, I'm definitely getting used to it."

For the rest of the evening, the weight of their pasts felt just a little lighter, and the world—both Wonderland and beyond—seemed a little brighter.

In the dim corners of the Tea Garden, where the whimsical glow of lanterns failed to reach, Mother Gothel stood motionless, her presence an unnatural shadow amidst Wonderland's vibrant chaos. Her dark eyes glinted as they fixed on Alice and Robin, seated together at a table piled with mismatched teacups and colorful treats.

Robin leaned close to Alice, brushing a lock of blonde hair from her face, her expression soft in a way that made Gothel's stomach churn. The archer's green eyes carried a tenderness that Gothel recognized all too well—a devotion she had seen before, when she had dragged that same archer through a world of pain and fear.

She moved closer, her movements silent, her shadow stretching unnaturally across the ground. Robin laughed softly at something Alice had said, her hand brushing against Alice's as the two shared a conspiratorial smile.

Gothel's jaw tightened, but her smile didn't falter. "Robin Hood," she whispered, her voice as smooth as silk. "Still pretending to be brave, I see. I wonder if Alice knows what you looked like the last time we met. How you screamed. How you begged."

Her nails scraped along the bark of a nearby tree, the sound faint but grating. "And you, my darling Alice," Gothel continued, her tone shifting to something softer, almost tender. "Always so eager to see the good in people. So blind to how easily they can betray you."

She tilted her head, her dark curls falling over her shoulder as she observed her daughter's radiant smile. "Does she know?" Gothel mused. "Does she know how far I went to protect you? How much pain I endured to keep you safe?"

Her voice turned cold, her smile hardening. "Of course not. You've chosen her over me. You've chosen weakness over strength. But don't worry, my dear. I'll remind you soon enough why love is the greatest weakness of all."

As Robin reached across the table to take Alice's hand in her own, Gothel's shadow retreated, curling like smoke into the depths of Wonderland.

The lanterns flickered faintly, and the air grew a degree colder, but Alice and Robin remained blissfully unaware. For now.