Present, Storybrooke, Storybrooke Sheriff's Department.

Mary Margaret Blanchard's cell stands empty.

Outside

Deep in the woods, Mary Margaret is running as fast as she can away from the town.

She stops briefly at a tree, then continues running deeper into the woods.

Next Day

In the morning, Henry Mills is seated in a chair, reading from his book. A young Snow White is very visible on the page. At that moment, Emma Swan, Zatanna Zatara and Mr. Gold are coming down the hallway and upon seeing the boy, Emma asks," Henry? What are you doing here?"

" I came to congratulate you." Henry smiles as Zatanna asks," For what?"

" Your genius plan." Henry blurts out only for Mr. Gold to question him suspiciously," And what plan's that, Henry?"

Henry looks down awkwardly, saying," Right."

He walks away as Zatanna goes says to Emma," Go to him, I'll stay with Mr. Gold."

" Right." Emma then walks next to Henry as he says to her," I thought Mr. Gold was in on it now that he's Miss Blanchard's lawyer."

" In on what?" Emma questions only for Henry to blurt out," The escape plan."

" The what?" Emma's eyes widens as she heard Zatanna's voice from inside," Emma, you better come in quick!"

Emma and Henry join Mr. Gold and Zatanna in front of the empty cell as Mr. Gold says to her,
" She's gone."

Emma turns to Henry and she questions her son sternly," Henry, what did you do?"

" Nothing. She was gone when I got here." Henry states as Mr. Gold tells Emma and Zatanna about the reality of this situation," Her arraignment's tomorrow. If she's not there..."

" She's a fugitive. Doesn't matter if she's convicted for Kathryn or not, she's screwed. I have to go find her before someone notices she's missing." Emma gasps as Mr. Gold asks about the "she" in Emma's sentence," Oh, you mean Regina."

" Thee arraignment's at 8:00 A.M. I'm sure she'll be here bright and early to celebrate her victory." Emma says and Mr. Gold simply shrugs," Well, you have until 8:00 A.M. then."

" What about me, how can I help?" Henry asks only for Emma to simply tell him," Go home."

" Emma, if she leaves Storybrooke..." Henry tries to talk only for Emma to usher him towards the door," Not now, Henry. Come on."

As Henry leaves, Emma turns and says to Zatanna," Come on Zatanna."

" Right away Emma."

As the two women readies to leave, Mr. Gold reminds the pair," Miss Zatara, Miss Swan, I know that time is of the essence, but if Miss Blanchard doesn't return, her future's in jeopardy. And if you're caught helping her, so is yours."

Emma however, dismisses the stakes of all this,"  I don't care. I'd rather lose my job than my friend."

Woods

At night, Emma drives her Bug along the road, asking Zatanna," See anything yet Zatanna?"

Distracted, she doesn't notice a man on the road as Zatanna quickly shouts," Whoa whoa look out!"

Emma quickly turn the wheel, causing the car to swerve to the side only to cause the man to fall down.

The car stops and Emma and Zatanna quickly gets out of the car, running to him.

Emma helps him up as she asks him," I'm so sorry! Are you okay? I didn't see you there."

" I-I think so..." The man stutters and Emma asks," Are you sure?"

" I'm fine. I'm not used to sharing the road with cars so late." The man looks at Emma and he asks her," You're the Sheriff, aren't you?"

" Yeah." Emma nods.

The man also looks at Zatanna and he says," I know you. You're that famous magician Zatanna Zatara."

" Indeed." Zatanna nods as she and Emma looks at each other as the man asks the pair, " What brings you two out here in the middle of the night?"

" Oh, nothing to worry about. I'm just looking for a lost dog." Zatanna quickly lies as the man says to them," Well, I hope you find it."

" Thank you." Emma says.

He starts to walk away, and when Emma notices that the man is visibly limping she calls out," Oh, you are hurt!"

" No, I just twisted my ankle, I think. I live just a mile down the road, I'll make it okay." The man dismisses it but Emma insists," No, let me drive you. I insist."

" Thank you." The man thanks her before introducing himself," I'm Jefferson."

" No problem. You can call me Emma." Emma introduces herself as she and Zatanna helps Jefferson into the car.

Jefferson's mansion

Soon, the car stops in front of a big mansion  as Jefferson, Zatanna and Emma get out of her car.

Emma admires the size of it as she gasps out," Wow, this is your house? It looks more like a hotel! You must have a huge family."

Jefferson however, shakes his head," Nope. It's just me."

" Here. Wait." Emma uses her keys to turn off her car before the trio heads inside the building.

Inside

Inside the house, Jefferson sets down a tea tray as he serves the pair,

" Here we go. Thought you might want to warm up for your search. It's cold out there.

" That is kind of you, but I think I should get back to it." Zatanna says as sips her tea.

" I know. That's why I brought this" Jefferson says as he brought up a map and unrolls it," I'm a bit of an amateur cartographer. Mapping the area is a hobby. Maybe this will help you track down your dog."

Looking over the map, Emma gasps out, admiring the details drawn on the map," Wow."

" What's his name?" Jefferson asks, curious.

" Krypto." Zatanna lies as Jefferson remarks over the name," Huh. Pretty unusual name."

" Well, Route 6 runs the boundary of the forest, so..." As she sips her tea. she continues," So if I just follow that I should... be able to..."

" Something wrong?" Jefferson asks, concerned as Emma puts down the teacup, grabbing her head as she mutters," I'm just, uh, feeling a little..."

" Yeah...my head..." Zatanna also stutters as she drops her teacup onto the floor," Sorry...if you don't mind...I just need to lie down."

Zatanna began to fall over as Jefferson calls out," Oh. Let me help you."

As Jefferson quickly rushes in to help Zatanna, Emma notices that Jefferson is walking normally and she gasps out," Your limp..."

" Oh. That." Jefferson says nonchantantly as he puts Zatanna on the sofa, walking towards Emma as he say, not needing to hide anymore," I guess you caught me."

As Emma loses consciousness, Zatanna could only mutter out," Who...are you?" Before she herself passes out as well.

Past, The Enchanted Forest, Forest

In the forest, Jefferson, in the Enchanted Forest is running as fast as he can.

He hides behind a tree, catching his breath.

At that moment, he heard a voice, sounding like a little girl saying," Papa, I found you."

Jefferson looks and he smiles, looking at his daughter as he compliments her," You certainly did. You must be part bloodhound, my dear Grace."

" Now it's my turn to hide and you seek." Grace smiles excitingly only for Jefferson to say to her," I'm afraid playtime's over. Though you can still use that nose of yours to hunt mushrooms, enough to sell at market tomorrow. Do you think you can do that?"

Grace nods and Jefferson smiles as the two heads out,

" Ready or not, here we come."

Soon

As the pair walking toward their home in the woods, Jefferson say a carriage near his house, prompting him to stop his daughter," Wait."

Grace notices it and she asks,"  Whose carriage is that?"

" The Queen's." Jefferson answers as Grace questions him," In our house? Do you know her?"

Jefferson quickly denies," Of course not. Now listen carefully. Hey. I want you to stay hidden in the woods, like our game. I'm gonna find out what she's doing here."

He walks toward the house, as Grace walks off to hide.

Jefferson's House

Inside the house, The Evil Queen looks around and she says to the Hatter scornfully," I'd like to say you're looking well, Jefferson, but I'd be lying. Poverty doesn't suit you."

" What are you doing here, Regina?" Jefferson questions as The Evil Queen proposes," I have a job for you."

" I don't do that anymore." Jefferson rejects her offer as The Evil Queen nods," Yes, I heard you hung up your hat. Why? Is it because of your sweet daughter Grace?"

" Because of my work, she lost her mother. I don't want her to lose her father, too." Jefferson states.

" So now you're foraging for fungus? What kind of future does your daughter have here with you? Do this one last favor for me, and you can give her the life she deserves." The Evil Queen states only for Jefferson to refuse her," That's why I'm staying. You don't abandon family. That's... what she deserves. Now, please leave."

" All I need is your special skills to get me somewhere. Somewhere you've been before. Do it, and I can change your life" The Evil Queen hands him a piece of paper and he looks it over, asking her," What business could you possibly have there?"

The Evil Queen answers," Something of mine was taken and found its way over there. I want it back."

However, Jefferson hands her back the paper, refusing to do the job for her," Then find someone else to get it."

" I see. Hard living has strengthened your resolve. Well, I'm sorry I couldn't convince you, but I understand. There's nothing more important than family." The Evil Queen states before she heads to the door, leaving Jefferson's house.

Soon

A few minutes later,  Jefferson and Grace walk amongst the stalls at the market place.

Right at that moment, Grace notices a toy cart and she calls out," The toy cart!"

The pair approaches the toy cart as an old woman who is the vendor of the cart has just sold a monkey toy to a magician and his daughter before the pair walks away.

She notices them and she ushers to the pair," Come."

Grace picks up a stuffed rabbit as she asks Jefferson," Wouldn't this make the perfect guest for our tea parties, Papa? Can I have him? Please?"

Jefferson smiles at Grace before asking the Old Woman," Excuse me, but how much for the rabbit?"

" That costs one silver." The Old Woman answers.

Jefferson counts coins in his hand, realizing he don't have enough before offering it to her," Would you take it for eight coppers? It's all I have."

The Old Woman smiles as she compliments Jefferson," Ooh, you are good father. Your last coppers for your little girl's happiness, ah?"

" Thank you." Jefferson smiles as he reaches for the toy only for the Old woman to stop him," Oh, I did not say I accept. Alas, I cannot take less than one silver. The economy. You understand."

" Make up your mind. Come on. Let's go." Grace hears the sound of a man behind them complaining before assuring her father," It's OK, Papa. Come on. People are waiting."

Not willing to accept it, Jefferson insists to the Old Woman in an attempt to bargain with her," I will not take "no" for an answer."

" Papa, please. I don't need it." Grace pleads with her father, not wanting him to stir up a scene.

Jefferson sighs in defeat, before doing as his daughter says by taking her home," Come on, sweetie."

As the father daughter pair leaves, the old woman goes around to the back of her cart and stands in front of a large mirror as it shows the face of the genie chidding her for her lack of empathy," Well, that was awfully cruel. You could've at least let the girl have her toy."

" Where's the fun in that?" The old woman cackles as her face changes to that of the Evil Queen's briefly, revealing to be the Evil Queen in disguise," Hmm?"

Present, Storybrooke, Jefferson's house.

Emma is tied up on the couch. Noticing her teacup on the floor, she covers it with a pillow and stomps on it, breaking it.

She then uses a shard to cut the tape around her wrists and free herself before looking around, wondering to herself," Where's Zatanna?"

She looks around, finding her sister nowhere in sight.

She checks the windows, finding them sealed, and notices Jefferson's telescope.

She looks through it, finding it is pointed at the Sheriff's Station. She uses the telescope to look at the holding cell, which is still empty.

Right at that moment, she heard a strange scraping sound, prompting her to investigate.

Emma then quietly opens a door peering inside a room to see Jefferson, sharpening a large pair of scissors.

" Zatanna." Emma whispers in shock seeing her sister still tied up on a chair in front of him.

Past, The Enchanted Forest,Jefferson's house.

Back in the house, Jefferson is putting the finishing touches on a stuffed rabbit and presents it to Grace, who is playing tea party and he says to her regretfully," I know it's not the same as what you wanted."

Grace however, accepts the toy from him," I love it, Papa. Thank you."

She "pours" herself some tea and takes a "sip"," Mmm. This is really good. Don't you think so, Mr. Tortoise? Papa, do you like your tea?"

Jefferson watches the horrible state of the toys, realizing that he could never give his daughter the life she deserves living like this before instructing her," Grace... I want you to go to the neighbors' for the rest of the day. There's work I have to do."

Upon hearing that, Grace questions," Can't I come with you? I like being with you in the forest."

Jefferson shakes his head," I'm not going to the forest, sweetie."

" This has to do with the Queen's visit, doesn't it?" Grace realizes it before she begs Jefferson," Whatever she wants you to do, don't do it!"

" Grace, I have to. I want you to have what you need." Jefferson tries to convince her but Grace shakes her head and begs," All I need is you, Papa. Please stay."

Jefferson picks her up, comforting her," Come here. I know. I'm sorry, baby. I have to go."

" Just promise me you'll come back. You have to promise." Grace begs as Jefferson nods," Of course."

" For our tea party. Promise?" Grace pleads and Jefferson vows," I promise. I won't miss it for the world."

He opens the door, ushering her out," Go."

Grace obediently runs over to their neighbors and Jefferson closes the door.

He uncovers a trunk, unlocks it, and removes a hatbox, sitting it in the middle of the room.

Present, Storybrooke,  Jefferson's house.

Emma watches Jefferson sharpening his scissors.

Emma closes the door quietly and ducks to the side as Jefferson looks back before turning back to continue sharpening his scissors.

Emma quickly opens a door and slips into a room. She turns around and she gasps at what she saw.

There is Mary Margaret who is tied to a chair in the middle of the room.

The woman muffles out through her gag," Help me."

" What is going on?" Emma asks as she sets about setting Mary Margaret free, untying her while removing her gag, allowing Mary Margaret to speak," Emma, thank God."

" What are you doing here?" Emma asks as Mary Margaret explains," I was in the woods, trying to get away. This man appeared out of nowhere and grabbed me. Why are you here?"

" I've been trying to find you. You escaped, remember? How did you get out?" Emma asks as Mary Margaret explains," There was a key... In my cell, under my pillow. Someone put it there."

Emma stares at her," Who?"

" I don't know, I'd like to know just as much as you." Mary Margaret shrugs, not knowing why it happened.

Mary Margaret then notices Zatanna is missing and she asks Emma," Where' Zatanna?"

" She's with that man now, we need to move before he hurts her." Emma says and Mary Margaret nods quickly," Alright. I'll help."

The pair exit the room into the hallway, moving slowly as they closes in onto the room Zatanna is in. Suddenly, the sound of a gun cocking is heard followed by Jefferson's voice saying," I see you found "Krypto"!"

" I've already called for backup, they'll be here any second." Emma lies but Jefferson however, isn't buying it.

" You haven't called anybody... for the same reason you didn't tell me about her. You don't want anybody to know you're here, which means nobody does. So now tie her back up."

Soon

Mary Margaret is back in the chair, and Emma is replacing the gag around her mouth. Jefferson stands in the doorway, gun pointing at Emma as Mary Margaret whispers," Emma..."

" It's gonna be okay." Emma assures her before she stands and addresses Jefferson," Your telescope. You've been watching us. Why?"

" I need you to do something." Jefferson simply states.

" And where's Zatanna? What did you do to her?" Emma questions but Jefferson assures her," She's fine, I need her alive. So will you if you cooperate. Now follow me."

He takes her by the arm and leads her out of the room, closing the door

Past, The Enchanted Forest, Evil Queen's palace

In the Evil Queen's palace, Jefferson arrives, carrying the hatbox as theEvil Queen looks, sneering," Jefferson. So good to see you looking more like yourself. I assume you're here because you've reconsidered my offer?"

Jefferson however, wants to settle terms with The Evil Queen," I want your guarantee that if I do what you ask, my daughter will want for nothing."

The Evil Queen vows," You have my word. Now let's open that box of yours and see what it can do."

Jefferson opens the box, taking out a top hat as she compliments," I do so like a man who dresses for the occasion."

Jefferson carefully places the hat on the ground and spins it, instructing the Evil Queen," Step back."

The hat, still spinning, draws black clouds into a vortex, rising into the air, and opens up a portal.

Jefferson turns to the Evil Queen and ushers her in," After you."

The Evil Queen however, offer him her hand and she insists," Together."

Jefferson takes her hand before warning her," Hold on."

The pair jump into the portal, entering a whole new dimension.

Present, Storybrooke, Jefferson's house.

A door opens and Jefferson shoves Emma into a room next to Zatanna as she stumbles next to her.

" Zatanna." Emma then turns to face Jefferson, threatening him," I don't know what you think you're doing, but if you hurt my sister and my friend, I swear I'll make you regret it."

" Hurt her? I'm saving her life." Jefferson says.

" How do you figure that?" Emma asks and Jefferson growls," Don't play stupid. We both know what happens when people try to leave Storybrooke."

Emma raises her eyebrow, confused," What are you talking about?"

" The curse." Jefferson answers, causing Emma to look at him for a moment, asking," What curse?"

Jefferson answers," The one keeping us all trapped. All except the both of you."

" Have you been reading Henry's book?" Emma asks and Jefferson questions," Henry? You mean the Queen's father?"

" Henry, the Mayor's adopted kid." Emma clarifies and Jefferson remarks," Oh, Henry. Your Henry... and his book of stories, the ones that you choose to ignore. Maybe if you knew what I know, you wouldn't."

" Why have you been spying on us?" Emma asks and Jefferson moves about the room, pointing his gun at Emma's head from behind briefly, then lowers it, explaining to her," Because for the last 28 years, I've been stuck in this house, day after day, always the same. Until one night, you and the magician's kid, in your little yellow Bug, roll into town, and the clock ticks and things start to change. You see... I know what you refuse to acknowledge, Emma. You're special. You brought something precious to Storybrooke—magic."

Emma stare at him wide eye, thinking he is crazy and she remarks," You're insane."

" Because I speak the truth?" Jefferson questions.

" Because you're talking about magic." Emma states," Zatanna and her dad aren't magicians in another world. Hell, their "magic" is just cheesy magic."

Zatanna rolls her eyes upon hearing that from Emma asJefferson says to her," I'm talking about what I've seen. Perhaps you're the one that's mad."

" Really?" Emma questions challengingly as Jefferson states," What's crazier than seeing and not believing? Because that's exactly what you've been doing since you got to our little hamlet."

He stands in front of Emma, inches from her face and say," Open your eyes. Look around. Wake up. Isn't it about time?"

" What do you want?" Emma asks and Jefferson simply answers," I want you to get it to work."

He shoves her down into a chair and Emma looks at him, questioning out," You want me to get what to work?"

Jefferson leans in and he demanded," You're the only one that can do this. You're gonna get it to work."

Past, Enchanted Forest, The Portal of Doors.

Jefferson and Evil Queen cross the room of portal doors and the Evil Queen remarks," I forgot how magnificent you are."

" I'm not here to relive the past. I'm here for my daughter." Jefferson says before the two approach the "looking glass" door," Here. This is the entrance. It's important that we stick together. Same amount of people that go through have to come back. No more, no less. It's the hat's rule, not mine."

The Evil Queen nods," I understand."

The pair then passes through the door, entering Wonderland.

They walk along a path, pausing at a large mushroom with the Caterpillar seated upon it

The Caterpillar looks down, asking them," Who are you? Who... Who..."

He blows smoke in their faces while asking.

" I hate Wonderland." Jefferson remarks, remembering a painful memory of the past before the pair continue walking.

Present, Storybrooke,  Jefferson's house.

Jefferson drops some cloth on the table before Emma and points to the hat on the table, instructing her," Make one like that."

Emma stares at the cloth and she looks back at Jefferson, questioning out," You want me to make a hat? You don't have enough?"

Jefferson says," Well, none of them work, do they? Or else you wouldn't be here."

He sits down and he demands again," Now make a hat and get it to work."

" I don't..." Emma tries to speak but Jefferson interrupts her," You have magic, you can do it."

Emma looks around briefly, realisation dawns on her as she recognises the aesthetic of the house decor,
" The hats, the tea... your psychotic behavior... You think you're the Mad Hatter."

" My name's Jefferson." Jefferson says, not aware what it means

" Okay. You've clearly glommed onto my kid Henry's thing. They're just stories. The Mad Hatter is in "Alice in Wonderland," a book. A book I actually read." Emma says Jefferson challenges her,
" Stories... stories? What's a story? When you were in high school, did you learn about the Civil War?"

" Yeah, of course." Emma nods.

Jefferson then ask," How? Did you read about it, perchance, in a book? How is that any less than any other book?"

" History books are based on history." Emma states but

Jefferson rebutted," And storybooks are based on what, imagination? Where does that come from? It has to come from somewhere."

He scoffs out before continuing," You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem, and everyone refuses to believe in magic."

He gestures to the hat with his gun and demanded," Now get it to work."

Emma tries to convince him," Here's the thing, Jefferson. This is it. This is the real world."

" A real world." Jefferson leans toward her and he growls," How arrogant are you to think yours is the only one? There are infinite more. You have to open your mind. They touch one another, pressing up in a long line of lands, each just as real as the last. All have their own rules. Some have magic, some don't. And some need magic... Like this one."

He hands her a pair of scissors and he says,
" And that's where you come in. You, Zatanna and your friend are not leaving here until you make my hat. Until you get it to work."

" And then what?" Emma asks and Jefferson answers," Then I go home."

Past, Wonderland, Hedge Maze

Jefferson and the Evil Queen stand at the entrance of a very large hedge maze and Jefferson asks," You want to go in there?"

The Evil Queen simply answers," What I want is a short walk through."

" A short walk?" Jefferson looks at her," You know who this belongs to."

The Evil Queen answers," The Queen of Hearts. She's not one for subtlety."

Jefferson looks at her," This wasn't part of our deal. You know what she does to anyone who crosses her?"

The Evil Queen nods," Indeed. Better than most. You can't leave Wonderland without me. Two go through, two go back. You're not gonna let the Queen of Hearts keep you from returning to your daughter, are you? That's what I thought."

They advance a few steps and Jefferson quickly stops her," Wait."

He throws a stick against one of the hedges that make up the walls of the maze. The stick is promptly absorbed by the hedge.

" Stay away from the walls." Jefferson instructs but the Evil Queen however, says," I've got a better idea. The walls should stay away from me."

Using her magic, The Evil Queen launches a blast of fire through the walls of the maze, burning it down as it creates a linear path to the center, which they walk down.

The pair soon approaches a marble vault, which Regina opens with her magic. She steps inside and removes a box from a wall.

Jefferson looks at it and he ushers her," Okay? You got what you need. Shall we?"

The pair began heading back the way they came, and are quickly stopped by the Queen of Heart's guards.

" Trespassers! Halt!" One of the guards shouts, prompting The Evil Queen and Jefferson to turn and run the opposite direction.

They move through the maze, getting stopped by guards as they go.

The Evil Queen uses her magic to throw a couple of guards into a hedge wall, which began absorbing them.

Jefferson tackles against a guard, and he shoves him into a hedge wall.

The pair run around the vault, and back down the linear path Regina created.

" Don't let them get away!" A guard shouts as The Evil Queen and Jefferson reach the entrance of the maze.

The Evil Queen turns and uses her magic to close the hedge wall on some guards.

Jefferson and The Evil Queen continue running, through the path near the Caterpillar's mushroom, heading toward the door.

" The looking glass, there it is!" Jefferson smiles as he runs forward.

However, the Evil Queen pauses at the mushroom and Jefferson stop, looking back before he questions out," Qu—what are you doing? We can't stop now! We gotta get out of here!"

" There's something I need to do first." The Evil Queen says.

She takes a piece off the mushroom," A little snack."

Jefferson questions her," Are you mad? Do you know what the food here does?"

" I'm well aware." The Evil Queen nods.She puts the box on the ground, opens it, and carefully places the piece of mushroom inside. At that moment, her father, Henry, appears from the box.

Jefferson looks panicked as The Evil Queen smiles at her father," Oh, Daddy."

The two hug and Jefferson questions," This is what she took from you? Your father?"

The Evil Queen explains to him," The Queen of Hearts has always seen me as a threat. So she wanted some leverage. I got it back."

Henry heard the sound of the guards approaching and he urges his daughter," The Queen's soldiers. We must hurry."

Realisation dawns on Jefferson and he points out,
" You knew only two can go through the hat. Which is why you didn't tell me about your father."

The Evil Queen simply shrugs," It was the only way to make sure you'd help me."

Jefferson makes a move toward Evil Queen, only to have his feet sunk in the ground," Uhh! Wait! Wait! Please. My daughter... My Grace—She's--she's waiting for me. I promised her I'd be home for tea." Jefferson pleads.

The Evil Queen spat," A promise which you now have broken. If you truly cared for your daughter, you never would have left her in the first place. You were right, Jefferson."

She looks at her father before concluding her sentence," You don't abandon family."

She and Henry pass through the door, leaving Jefferson behind.

" NOOOOO! No." Jefferson screams out in anguish and betrayal as the Knave of Hearts approaches escorted by several guards.

" Take him to the Queen." The Knave of Hearts commands as he claps his hands.

A stunned Jefferson could only look as he is dragged away by the guards.

The Queen of Hearts' palace

Soon, Jefferson is brought before the Queen of Hearts as the Knave of Hearts speaks for the Queen, who speaks to him through a long tube," Her Majesty says she knows you're responsible for helping to steal from her."

" The Queen, she tricked..." The words from Jefferson causes a collective gasp from the assembled nobles and Knave of Hearts tells Jefferson," That woman's name is Regina. There is only one Queen—The Queen of Hearts."

Jefferson quickly nods and apologises," Yes, of course. My apologies. Now, please..."

Knave of Hearts listens to what the Queen of Hearts says before speaking for her," Her Majesty wishes to know how you got to this world. How did you come to Wonderland?"

" If I tell you, will you let me go home to my daughter?"

The Queen of Hearts leans in, whispering an order to the Knave through her tube," Off with his head."

" No." Jefferson begs as an executioner enters.

The executioner swings his axe down, chopping Jefferson's head from his body.

His head is held, by his hair, by the guard standing next to him as his body thumps to the ground but to Jefferson's shock, despite being separated from the rest of his body, he's somehow still alive," I'm alive? I'm alive!"

The Knave of Hearts leans in and he says to Jefferson," If you wish your body back, then answer. How did you get here?"

Jefferson quickly answers," The—the—the hat. My hat. We used my hat."

The Knave of Hearts listens before speaking for the Queen," Where's the hat now?"

" She took it. Regina." Jefferson blurts and the Knave of Hearts say to him," If all you require to travel to your homeland is this magic hat, then surely, you could make another."

Jefferson tells him," I can't. A hat without magic is just a hat. It won't work."

The Knave of Hearts however, simply coldly tells him," Then there's your task. Get it to work."

Present, Storybrooke, Jefferson's house

Soon, Emma has finished the hat. She slams it and the scissors down on the table before sighing out," I can't make it work. What you're asking me is impossible."

Jefferson angrily shouts," No! It has to be. If it's not, I'm never going home. I'll be cursed to live in this house forever."

Emma then asks," What is so cursed about your life? Look at this place, it's beautiful. It doesn't seem cursed to me."

Jefferson however, disagrees," It's cursed because, like everyone else here, what I love has been ripped from me. Take a look."

Emma looks through the telescope, seeing a happy looking girl with her family as Jefferson continues," Her name is Grace. Here it's Paige. But it's Grace. My Grace. Do you have any idea what it's like to watch her day in and day out, happy, with a new family? With a new father?"

" You think she's your daughter?" Emma asks and Jefferson states," I don't think. I know. I remember. She has no idea who I am. Our life together, where we come from. I do. That's my curse."

" To remember." Emma says.

Jefferson then asks her," What good is this house, these things, if I can't share them with her?"

Emma then suggests to him," If you really think she's your daughter, why don't you reach out to her? Why don't you tell her?"

" And destroy her reality?" Jefferson asks before yelling out," I'm trapped by knowledge. How cruel do you think I am? You think I'd inflict that awareness on my daughter? It's hard enough to live in a land where you don't belong, but knowing it, holding conflicting realities in your head... will drive you mad."

Emma then points out," That's why you want me to make the hat work, isn't it? You just wanna take Grace home, to your world."

Jefferson nods," It's the one world where we can be together... where she'll remember who I am."

At that moment, Zatanna muffles and Jefferson removes it, allowing Zatanna to speak," I know who you are Jefferson. My father told me about you."

" How would you know who I am?" Jefferson asks as Zatanna answers," Well, me and my dad are magicians and your hat tricks did inspire some of his works."

" You're not affected by the curse?" Jefferson questions and Zatanna shakes her head," No. Me and my dad found ourselves in this world before the Queen casted her spell."

" You remember. Why doesn't she believe?" Jefferson questions and Zatanna answer," Just give her time. She needs time to believe."

" Yeah, time that we don't have." Jefferson says and Zatanna says to him," Look, I know what it's like to be separated from your kid. I am a daughter myself and my father took care of me since I was born."

" Yeah, you do, don't you?" Jefferson questions back sarcastically.

" I do. Grace lost her mother long ago did she?" Zatanna asks and Jefferson looks down, the painful memory flooding back as he nods," Yeah. It was because of my work."

" Yeah. It can make you feel like you're losing your mind." Zatanna says, empathizing with Jefferson as he shouts," I'm not losing my mind. I'm not crazy. This is real."

Emma then says to Jefferson," Maybe. Maybe it is."

Upon hearing that, Jefferson turns to look at Emma, his eyes widens in disbelief," You believe?"

Emma nods," If what you say is true, that woman in the other room is my mother. And I want to believe that more than anything in the world. So maybe you're right. Maybe I need to open myself up more. Maybe if I want magic, I have to start believing."

Jefferson then asks, hope fills in his voice," So you're gonna help me? You can get it to work?"

Emma shrugs," I can try."

Zatanna then adds, " Yeah, you can trust her Jefferson."

As Jefferson turns and picks up the hat from the table, Emma picks up the telescope and strikes him with it, knocking him out.

" Crazy son of a bitch. Quick, grab his gun!" Emma shouts as Zatanna picks up the gun from the unconscious Jefferson.

The pair then rushes out, with Zatanna closing the door in hopes to slow Jefferson down before running into the room where Mary Margaret is held in.

Emma opens the door, staying behind to keep watch while Zatanna kneels down to untie Mary Margaret, assuring her," Hey, it's all right. We're gonna get you out of here. You're gonna be okay. He can't hurt you anymore..."

At that moment, the door slams open, hitting Emma back as Mary Margaret shouts," Look out!"

Jefferson runs into the room and tackles Zatanna, knocking into her.

Zatanna throws her fist out, striking Jefferson across the face.

Jefferson wipes away the blood before throwing a downward punch, hitting Zatanna in the forehead.

As Jefferson and Zatanna are locked in battle, Emma tries to get to the gun, but Jefferson moves back, using his leg to trip her over.

Just as Emma drops onto the floor, Jefferson strikes Zatanna in the face, causing her to reel back as she clutches her nose in agony.

Jefferson, stood over the two, picking up the gun, cocking it and pointing it at Zatanna. He puts the hat on his head and smiles maliciously," Off with his head."

" No!" Jefferson looks as Mary Margaret uses a croquet mallet and strikes him hard in his head.

As Jefferson winces in pain, Mary Margaret thrusts her leg out, sending flying out of the window.

With Jefferson defeated, Mary Margaret tosses it aside and she rushes to both Emma and Zatanna, asking them in concern," Are you two okay?"

Emma nods,"Yeah."

" We're okay." Zatanna says.

The trio look out the window, down to the ground. Among the shards of glass is the hat, but Jefferson is nowhere to be seen.

Outside

Emma and Mary Margaret examine the hat on the ground as Zatanna runs back, telling them," There's no sign of him anywhere."

Mary Margaret then asks," Who was he?"

" A very lonely man." Emma answers sadly before questioning Mary Margaret's skill,"By the way, have you been taking kickboxing and not telling me about it?"

Mary Margaret admits," I have no idea where that came from."

While Emma and Mary Margaret are still contemplating the situation, Zatanna secretly smiles," Looks like you still got it Snow."

Soon

The trio heads back to Emma's car, which is covered, in the driveway as Mary Margaret points out," Oh. Emma, Zatanna, look."

Emma uncovers the car and opens the door, discovering the keys on the driver's seat. She shows them to Mary Margaret and three women sign in relief

" So, Sheriff, I guess you'll be taking me back now." Mary Margaret asks only to her surprise for to toss her the keys," Here. Go."

Mary Margaret stares at the keys before looking back at her," You want me to run?"

Emma shakes her head," No, but it's your choice. Just know something—Running ain't easy, I've done my share of it. And once you go, there's no stopping."

" Emma, everyone thinks I killed Kathryn." Mary Margaret says.

Emma tells her," Mary Margaret, you have to believe me. You have to trust us. I know it seems impossible, but we can get you out of this."

Mary Margaret asks," Why is it so important to you what happens to me?"

Emma then explains to her," Because when Regina framed me, and you bailed me, I asked you why and you said you trusted me. And then when I wanted to leave Storybrooke 'cause I thought it was best for Henry, you told me I need to stay because that was best for him. And I realized, all my life, I have been alone. Walls up. Nobody's ever been there for me, except for you. And I can't lose that. I cannot lose my family."

Mary Margaret looks at her, confused by the word used," Family?"

" Friends. Whatever. You know what I mean. Wouldn't you rather face this together than alone?"Emma asks.

Mary Margaret hands her back the keys. Emma closes her hand on Mary Margaret's.

The two exchange a look as the clock begins to chime and a look of horror struck Emma's face," The arraignment. Regina."

Zatanna quickly jumps into the drivers seat,
" I'll drive! You two hop in now!"

The Sheriff's Department

The parking space marked 'Sheriff' is shown, still empty just as Regina arrives.

She gets out of her car and upon seeing Emma's car absent from the parking spot, she smirks as she heads inside.

As Regina walks into the main room, what she saw causes her to stop in her tracks, with a shocked expression on her face.

Inside is seated Mary Margaret, who is still in her cell, is reading the newspaper and she looks up, greeting the Mayor," Madame Mayor."

" Good morning." Regina greets back, still shocked and annoyed to know that her plan has failed.

Mr. Gold then pops in and he says to Regina,
" Excuse me, but my client is not having any visitors."

" Of course not." Regina agrees, seething as Mr. Gold ushers her out," I'll see you out."

The two exit to the hall and Regina demands," What is she doing here?"

" She came back." Mr. Gold simply answers, causing to Regina growl in fury," You said this was going to work. That she'd take the key, that she'd go."

Mr. Gold nods," And she did. But it seems that Miss Swan is rather more resourceful than we thought. Fear not, your Majesty. Even with the magician helping her, Miss Blanchard is still guilty of murder. You may yet get what you want."

" Oh, I better. The only reason I made a deal with you, Gold, is because I wanted results." Regina snarls and Mr. Gold vows," And results you shall have. See you at the arraignment."

Storybrooke Elementary School

Outside of the school, Henry is sitting on a bench and Emma and Zatanna joins him as Emma says to him," Henry. Well... we found Mary Margaret."

Henry looks up and he asks," How is she?"

Zatanna assured him," She's okay. Other than being on trial for murder, she's fine."

Just then, a group of girls walk past and Grace, known as Paige in the real world greets Henry,
" Hi, Henry."

Emma recognises her and she asks Henry," Who is that?"

" Her name is Paige. She goes to school with me." Henry answers.

Emma remembers what Jefferson told her last night and she asks Henry," Henry, do you have your storybook with you? Can I see it?"

" Yeah, why?" He asks as opens his backpack.

" I'm just curious about something." Emma answers. Henry takes out the book and hands it to her.

Emma opens it, and looks at a few pages as Zatanna leans in, asking her," What is it?"

" Look at this." Emma says and the pair looks at a page.

There on the book are illustrations of Jefferson taking the hat out of the box, followed by Jefferson and Grace in the woods, and finally Jefferson, looking mad, surrounded by hats

Curious, Henry asks his mother," What? What is it?"

" Nothing." Emma lies as she and Zatanna focuses on the last illustration.

The scene then transitions from Jefferson's face in the book, to Jefferson's actual face, in Wonderland. He is crafting a hat, repeating the words "Get it to work" over and over.

The camera zooms out, showing him in a huge room surrounded by thousands of hats.

The scene transitions back to Emma and Henry on the bench as Emma, still dazed was unaware of

Henry calls," Emma? Emma?"

The sound of school bell rings woke Emma from her trance as she looks up, seeing Henry telling her," I gotta go."

" Right. Can I hold on to this?" Emma asks, causing
Henry to smile," Absolutely."

As Henry leaves, Emma flips through the pages of the book, finding everything Jefferson was talking about in there and Zatanna points out," Hey look, it's that man from yesterday."

Emma stares at a picture of the Mad Hatter working insanely surrounded by an infinite amount of hats and she asks," Hey Zatanna, do you think Jefferson is crazy or not?"

Zatanna also takes the book, looking at the page and she simply says to Emma," That's up to you to decide."

Zatanna also looks at the illustration of herself and Zatara walking away with the toy with Jefferson and Grace about to buy the rabbit, with a hint of regret in her eyes.

Past, Wonderland, Workshop

We see the Mad Hatter in the same scenario he was in in the illustration—desperate to make the hat to go back to his daughter.

" Get it to work! Get it to work! Get it to work! Get it to work!" The Mad Hatter repeats, losing his mind as the number of hats began piling up around him.