I do not own Once Upon a Time.

So now for something completely different, kind of. We are going back to the Enchanted Forest, think of this as an Alternate Universe story. This is a new adventure for our favorite people. Bernadette is the OC and she is somewhat like my previous character.

It was times like this that Bernadette truly thought she was nothing more than a shadow. Her slippers barely made a noise as she further ventured into the damp dark dungeon. Why did she have to pull the short stick? Jefferson knew she wasn't overly fond of the dark. Maybe it was pay back for their last mission, he still had water in his ears.

Bernadette got to the bottom of the stairs and peered down the hall. Two burly guard stood in front of a cell door. A poison dark to the throat was enough to bring them to the ground.

Her way was now cleared and she silently picked the lock

The man inside looked at her curiously when she entered. "Are you here to rescue me?"

Bernadette gave a heartless chuckle. That was all the emotion she was capable of anymore. She wasn't here to save him; she couldn't save anyone. "No, I want something you have."

"I am nothing but a street rat. I have nothing."

She took a step closer. "That's not true and you know it. Where's the lamp, street rat?"

Fear and panic crossed the man's face. How did she know about that? "Who are you?"

"No one of importance. Now answer my question."

"No." The man pulled himself to his feet, he stood a head taller than Bernadette.

That did not concern her. "Here are your choices. Either you give me the lamp or you have to deal with him." Bernadette did not have to clarify who he was. And kept the fact to herself that she could not return empty handed. "You don't want that, do you Aladdin?"

Aladdin stiffened. How did this mystery woman know so much? She had to be a new breed of minion. Oh, how the world was changing.

Yes, he was a street rat, but he knew who not to double cross. He had made a deal and while his current situation wasn't ideal, he had to hold up his end of the bargain.

Aladdin got down to his knees and felt around in the dark to find something. Then he stood up, a lamp in his hands.

"Pleasure doing business with you." Bernadette could fake being polite and smile.

"Are you his newest lackey?" He asked.

Disgust swept over her. How was she supposed to answer that? For once, she didn't have a snarky comment. So she let her fist do the talking.

Bernadette reentered the world of the light and hope, pulling her veil over her head. She did not want to attract attention. Now where was the hookah bar she was supposed to meet Jefferson?

She found it about ten minutes later. She walked inside and instantly felt like she was on display. Could the place be any seedier? It was a hive for scum and villainy. Not that Bernadette hung out with heroes but she knew who to keep her distance from. And she never wanted to be in over her head.

Every set of male eyes were on her. Bernadette knew she was easy on the eyes and it wasn't for lack of trying. Pale skin, dark brown eyes, maybe it was red hair that attracted the attention.

Finally, she found a familiar face in the crowd and she headed over. Jefferson chose a table in a back corner. He was alone, neither of them associated that much. They were loners.

"Good job." He greeted her.

"How do you know I even got it?" Bernadette asked, sitting across from him.

"You have never failed a mission. I have complete faith in you." Jefferson told her, he always felt he had to give her a confidence boost.

Something that resembled a smile crossed her face. She was a proud woman; she did not need warm words. But at the same time, she wanted them.

Two small cups of ale were placed on the table. "Drink to our success, then we need to go. We have a tight deadline." Jefferson said, tapping his cup to hers. Bernadette touched it to her lips. "What happened to your hand?" Jefferson knew he had to ask, though he had a pretty good idea.

"He called me a lackey. Like a henchman or a goon…"

"Bernadette…"

"I prefer mercenary. It sounds better."

That broke his heart, how she was forced to handle herself and the things people called her.

Jefferson had a slightly complicated relationship with Bernadette. It was mostly business but sometimes it was border lined on friendship. He was a loner and always avoided partners in his line of work. But when he was told he had to take one, he was glad it was her. Over the past few years, they had a trust, they had each other's backs during missions. To an outsider, Bernadette was dangerous and cold. But Jefferson saw a softer side of her and knew there was so much she hid. But he also knew not to push.

Jefferson and Bernadette left the city and walked into the desert. He was not fond on having an audience when they exited the realm.

'The coast is clear." Bernadette told him after she looked around. The lamp was still in the folds of her dress.

He placed a colorful top hat to the ground and spun it. The inside lit up, that was their ride back.

Jefferson held out his hand to her. She only shot him a dirty look, then he took his hand back. "Ladies first."

Bernadette jumped through the portal. Jefferson followed.

Good bye Agrabah.

Hello Enchanted Forest.

Thoughts so far?