Alice's plan to overthrow the Queen of Hearts is thwarted by a dashing pirate with a hook. Years later, after the curse is broken, they reunite once again.
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I wake up slowly, enjoying the cool breeze brushing across my face, carrying the damp, earthy smell of the forest. Did I sleep through the knocking? That doesn't make sense, Lacey yelled for me to get up. My eyes open blearily as I scan my surroundings. I gasp, lifting my head when I see where I am. I can see the vibrant green grass of the Enchanted Forest surrounding me. The tension in my body releases. We must still be in the clearing. I try to recall how I got here. The Ogre. The fainting.
How embarrassing.
"She's awake." I hear Mulan say from right next to me.
I sit up too fast, and my head spins.
"Shit," I say, putting my head in my hands.
"Don't-" Mulan presses a steady hand to my shoulder, trying to ease me back down, but I shake her off.
"I'm fine, we need to keep going," I say honestly.
Seems like the food and my so called "nap" did wonders for me. I'm still weak, but at least I won't collapse again. I think. Emma and Snow approach with relieved expressions on their faces. Emma kneels beside me.
"Alice, you just fainted." She chastises.
"I just need more food and water, and I'll be fine," I reassure with the biggest smile I can manage.
And a shower might be nice. I'm covered in grime.
"That's an understatement, you're skin and bones," Mulan says as she stands.
She digs through her satchel for a moment and hands me some food. I grab the wrapped piece of meat from her and a water skein.
"Thanks," I say with a smile.
She simply nods her head before walking away to check on her friend. I begin to shovel the meat into my mouth greedily. I even take the time to suck the bone clean of any excess fat. Only then do I reach for the piece I'd taken earlier.
"When was the last time you had a proper meal?" Snow asks softly.
I open my mouth to answer, but she interrupts me.
"Besides today."
"It doesn't matter," I mumble, keeping my eyes fixed on the food instead of her face.
Once I've sufficiently scarfed down all our rations, I get to work on hydrating myself. I take large gulps of water, a couple of drops spill out, running down the length of my neck.
"You saved me," Emma whispers.
I stop drinking with a large gasp for air.
Emma's head rears back slightly.
"Actually, that was your mother." I correct her with a humorous smile, already feeling more like myself.
"You would have if you weren't weakened." She reminds me.
