As the first lights of dawn broke the skyline Archie Hopper couldn't help but gaze up at the Swan house, where a troubled boy would be awake soon enough starving for hot coco with cinnamon and bagels. Archie sighed and with it went the man who had seen a thousand cases oh so it seemed. Pongo tugged against his lead eager for the warmth of the fire and the relentless need to escape the soul defying rain.
"I know Pongo, I know", Archie assured the dog as they circled the town and headed homewards.
The Previous Day
Henry struggled out of bed amid a haze of intoxicating dreams where he pictured himself running through the Enchanted Forest sword in hand jailing the wicked, slashing down ogres, slaying the mightiest of dragons and surrounded by the family he cared so much about. It was for this reason that as he stared out at the clock tower remembering days afar, he planned a visit to Archie Hopper. Hoping that this man could give him the answers or something to mend what was broken that he knew would be fixed with faith, trust, love and maybe a bit of pixie dust.
Henry raced down the stairs eager to reach Archie before his days rush began, but also before either of his mother's would spot something was amiss. Apart they were strong but together united, they were a threat far more deadly than the wildest imagination. All one had to do was ask his great grandfather, who had seen their power with his own piercing eyes and had paid the price by his own son and Henry's grandfather Rumplestiltskin: The Dark One.
"Henry. Is that you kid?"
"Yeah. I'm just going to see Archie. I said I'd walk Pongo for him", he lied smoothly, a trait which indefinitely ran in the family.
"Alright then. You better get going."
"Be careful", shouted Mary Margaret as he was leaving.
"Wait Henry." Almost made it.
"Don't forget your bagels and coco."
"Thanks Grandpa", he added rather testily as he gulped down his drink by the mouthfuls, trying to think passed the searing scorching pain that now burned his throat and was making its way down his stomach, where the hungry butterflies would drown it, as he himself now felt like he was sinking down the rabbit hole.
"I'll eat the bagel on the way…. I'll walk slow I promise", he regarded sensing the reproach that lay on the tongue tips of the three people staring at him with only the kindness that family can afford.
Shutting the door swiftly behind him Henry finally allowed himself to sigh in relief but not quite, there was still the task ahead to contend with as he turned the corner heading for Archie Hopper's house.