Once Upon a FairyTale

Chapter Three: Maxwell

Who was she? I have a record and a picture of every person in town, but she was not in it. The girl that ran into me today did not belong to this town.

I know everybody in this town, and they know me. This girl clearly didn't know me. I could've killed her in an instant, but I didn't. I try to be nice, sometimes.

There was something off about this newcomer. It wasn't usual that this town had any visitors. It was only for those who were from ink and quill, and those descended. This entire town was built by my family. It was built to keep those spawned from the book, and all who come from the originals, rounded up in one area.

I paced the room. What was she doing here? Maybe she would leave, hopefully she would leave. This town wasn't made for visitors.

"Maxie," Peter suddenly flew into the room, "Did you hear, Alice is back."

I lifted an eyebrow, "The Alice? Are we talking about the same Alice?"

"Do you know any other Alice's?"

I shrugged, "We all knew she'd come back, anyways."

"They always do."

Alice left two months ago. She used to be one of the most goody-two-shoes in the town. That was, until I slipped her a bit of my special potion the night before she left. It instantly turned her to our side. The fun side.

The dark side.

"Hello," Peter snapped his fingers in front of my face, "Earth to Maxwell, come in Maxwell."

I shook my head, "Let's go pay dear old Alice a visit."

Peter laughed. I followed him out the door. We walked along the street, ignoring the sideways glances of those who saw us. Mothers cuddled their children closer. Little did they know, if I wanted to I could walk among them unnoticed...

The house Alice once lived in was normally occupied by The Hatter. He was known for throwing extravagant tea parties, everyday. He wore fifty four hats stacked on top of each other, but they were never in the same pattern twice. His jacket was inside out and missing a button, while his pants were an inch to short. His eyes always had the crazed look in them, like he might snap and kill you right then and there.

I've always liked The Hatter.

We arrived at the house to find the shutters pulled tight. Peter rapped on the door. At first, there was no response. We waited for a moment before Alice herself opened the door.

The last time she was here, she dyed her hair black and refused to wear dresses. She wore what Peter and I wore. These clothes were considered rebel clothes among the prim and proper of this town.

"You," Alice's voice was shaky, "G-get away."

Peter smirked, "Aw, Ally, didn't you miss us?"

"We sure missed you."

Alice was pale. Her black hair dye had grown out to the middle of her hair. The rest was lemon blonde.

"N-no," Alice shook her head, "I'm not like you, you made me do it. No."

She slammed the door on our faces. I scoffed, "Wow, rude."

"She seemed back to goody Alice," Peter frowned, "I thought the potion was permanent."

"So did I."

We both stared at the door for a moment. Most likely, Peter was trying to think of a way to get back at Alice. I, on the other hand, stuck to the larger plan.

"Come on, Peter," I sighed, "We have some supplies to get."

Peter grinned devilishly. We both left the house and headed into town. There was a select store that sold odd items not usually found in the normal world. Of course, they were expensive, something I couldn't afford. I needed them more than the store anyways.

Peter and I casually walked into the store. It wasn't new, us to steal. Once we made a big to-do about it. We were arrested for a few days, but we broke out.

We each had our jobs. Peter would call the attention of the store owner, who always watched us carefully, whilst I took some of the items they have in store. We followed just that plan. Peter knocked over a display as I snuck a few jars into my bag.

"You shouldn't do that," a voice came from behind me.

In one smooth motion, I zipped my bag and spun to face the new arrival. A fake smile was plastered on my face as I realized it was the new girl.

"Do what?" I asked, my voice smooth.

The girl lifted an eyebrow, "Steal, I saw you sneak the jars into your backpack."

I laughed.

"Oh, you obviously aren't from here, are you? I'm Mary Jane, the owner's daughter. These jars have just been recalled."

The girl looked at me questioningly. I hoped she would drop it, I wasn't in the mood to put her in a trance.

Luckily, she didn't say a word. I turned on my heel and headed for the door. Until, suddenly, my bag was jerked from my hands. An invisible force hurled the bag across the room, delivering the stolen goods to the cash register.

"Hey!" the store owner shouted, "Maxwell Grimm, I shoulda known you were here!"

I gave the owner a sweet smile, "Aw, come off it, Geppetto. You know you love me."

"I ought to have your head on a stick!"

"How sweet, but, I'm sorry, my head's already claimed."

It was at that moment that Peter jumped out from behind the counter. He had the backpack filled with stolen jars. Geppetto shouted for the cops, but they were much to slow. Peter grabbed the back of my shirt and dragged me out to the street. The entire time, I gave a cheeky wave to Geppetto and the girl.

Her gaze was steely, glaring at me as we ran. I couldn't take her as intimidating, as she had a flower crown resting on her blonde hair, and she wore a flowery dress. That was anything but intimidating. She was to easy.

"What happened?" Peter asked, "Those always go so smoothly."

I grimaced, "Geppetto must've gotten some new security. Some form of magic pulled that bag away from me."

"Do you think there's another witch or wizard in town?"

"It seems like it," I smiled, "We need to find them."

"Maybe that new girl," Peter shrugged.

I scoffed, "Yeah right, that 'sweet thing' wouldn't have a magic bone in her body. She's to, how do I put it..."

"Meek? Petty? Girly?" Peter suggested.

"All of the above," I replied, "Either way, we need to find this new witch or wizard. They could help us."

Peter smiled, "I'll walk around, see what I can find. Meanwhile, do your stuff, Maxie."

I grinned, taking the bag from him. He sauntered back towards town while I continued home.

I had a spell to cast.