A/N: The first two or three chapters are somewhat of a retelling of the final three eps of season five. None of the characters or the dialogue from the episode are mine. The retelling is necessary for the story, and it is not simply a recap of the episodes. Also, apologies to anyone who read this before I fixed the scene breaks. I haven't uploaded a story in a while and accidentally published before I was done editing.

Chapter One

Hades tightened his arm around Zelena as they stepped through the portal and into Storybrooke. Zelena held the baby tight as she turned back to the portal.

Hades put his hand on her back to guide her away. Zelena frowned as she gazed behind her.

"How much longer will it stay open? Maybe we should have waited for them. What if they don't make it?"

"Don't worry, dear. What could possibly stop them?"

Gold stepped through the portal.

"A greeting party for me?" he quipped.

Zelena narrowed her eyes. "Where are the rest?"

Gold shrugged in disinterest. "I'm not their keeper. Nor do I care to deal with either of you. You stay out of my way, I'll stay out of yours."

He brushed past them.

Hades glanced up at the sky as a cloud blocked the sun.

"We should get little one inside. Wouldn't want to get caught in a storm with her."

Zelena nodded and glanced again at the portal. She was beginning to worry about her sister. And even that stupid thief who'd fathered her child. As much as she couldn't stand him, she couldn't deny he seemed to truly care for Regina and his little girl. And they'd trusted her.

"Don't worry. I'm sure they'll find us when they arrive. And if they don't we can find them after we get settled," Hades assured and led Zelena away from the portal.

As they walked away, Hades turned back and narrowed his eyes at the portal as its color flickered and turned blue.

Regina felt his hand on her back guiding her into the portal, but the second she stepped through it slipped away and all she was aware of was the swirling blackness around her. And then there was the smell of trees and damp grass. She looked around taking in her surroundings. They were back in Storybrooke. She shivered involuntarily as she sensed the strong dark magic pervading the town. She blinked and tried to focus.

"Henry?" She said as she spun around searching for her son. He crashed into her arms.

"We made it, mom." Henry said into her shoulder as he hugged her tightly.

She felt Robin's hand on her back again and shifted her weight back slightly into his arms.

"Where are Emma and David?" She frowned turning to Robin. "I thought they were right behind you."

Robin turned as well. "I thought so too."

Regina moved back toward the still swirling portal they had stepped from. She felt Robin grab her arm. "Careful, Regina."

"I'm not going to fall in. I know what I'm doing," she answered testily.

Just as she moved to step forward Emma and David stumbled out of the portal. Emma nearly knocked Regina down as she fell into her, but Robin had quickly moved behind her to brace her. She smiled. She knew he was upset with her, but he still had her back.

"So everyone made it back?" Emma asked.

Robin looked around. "Where's your sister and my daughter?" Robin asked turning to Regina.

Regina sighed. Wasn't that the question of the hour?

"I'm sure she's here. We'll find her. Henry, go with Emma and David and let Snow know we're back. We'll find my sister and meet back up with you to determine our next steps."

Henry moved back into Regina's arms giving her another tight hug. "Be careful," he whispered.

Regina nodded. "I promise."

As Henry walked off with Emma and his grandfather, Robin turned to Regina.

"I need to check on Roland first," Robin said in a curt tone.

Regina nodded. "Of course. Let's go." She reached for his hand, but he turned abruptly and started walking toward the Merry Men's camp. Regina hesitated as she let her hand drop, but quickly fell in step behind him.

Regina was struggling in her heels to keep up with Robin's pace, but she knew he was desperate to see his son and she could feel the anger and tension rolling off him, so she didn't ask him to slow down.

Robin was fuming. He'd left his son alone in Storybrooke because he was supposed to be safe here. He better be safe. If anything had happened to Roland because Regina had to go gallivanting down to the underworld…He let his thoughts trail off. That wasn't fair. They'd agreed Roland would be safer in Storybrooke and Killian and Emma were his friends too. He'd wanted to help. Well, to be honest, probably not so much for their sakes, but for Regina's. He couldn't bear the thought of being separated from her again. They'd spent more time apart than together since meeting. But then she had to go and trust her wicked sister. The sight of his camp broke him from his darkening thoughts leaving only one thought in his mind as he started to run toward the camp: Roland.

Regina saw Robin break into a run as soon as the camp came into view. She'd let him surprise his son on his own. She kept her pace steady as she saw Roland come into view and start running toward his father.

"Papa!" Roland squealed in excitement as he ran toward Robin's open arms. Robin scooped him up into his arms as soon as the little boy came into his reach.

Regina smiled as she watched them embrace. Robin was such a good father. Such a good man. She really didn't deserve him. And now his daughter was in danger because of her. But she'd really thought Zelena was trying to do the right thing. She thought they were in a better place. Maybe they were. Maybe Zelena didn't know what Hades had done. Maybe her sister hadn't betrayed her yet again. When did she turn into Snow White, she wondered to herself.

"Gina?" Roland asked as she approached the father and son. The merry men had started to gather around.

"You made it back!" Little John said.

"Did you doubt me?" Robin asked.

"Not for a second." John said patting Robin on the back. He turned to Regina. "Your majesty." He said nodding his head deferentially.

Regina smiled. "Nice to see you again, John." Her smiled widened as she looked at Roland. "And you my little knight."

"Can we go get ice cream? Uncle John said I had to wait 'til you got back."

"Not today, my boy. I have to go get your little sister."

"The baby?" Roland asked. Robin nodded solemnly.

"Yes, your baby sister. But I had to come say "hi" to you first. I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too, Papa. Can I go with you?"

"Not today, my boy."

"Can Gina take me to get ice cream then?" Roland said trying again.

Regina shook her head. "I have to go help your papa, Roland."

Roland's lip turned down and he looked ready to start crying.

"I promise we'll get ice cream tomorrow, Roland. You can even get two scoops." Robin promised.

"Two different kinds?" Roland asked.

Robin nodded.

"Okay." Roland agreed.

Robin lifted Roland into Little John's arms. "We have to go John, but keep everyone together and alert. We're not the only ones that came back from the underworld. Zelena's back and she's brought Hades with her.

John frowned. "Hades?"

"The god of dea-" Regina glanced at Roland and stopped midsentence. "The god of the underworld."

John nodded. "I'll let the men know. Be careful my friend." He gave Robin another pat on the back as he turned to leave. "Good to have you back."

As soon as John started back to the center of camp, Robin took off again.

Regina had to jog to keep up. She was going to twist an ankle at this rate. She reached forward and grabbed his arm as soon as they were far enough away from the camp not to be overheard.

"Robin, it's going to be okay. We'll find Zelena and get your baby back."

"And you think she's just going to hand her back over? Hades has my daughter, Regina. Do you really think it's going to be that simple?"

"We'll just tell Zelena what Hades did and explain to her-"

"Regina! You did make it back!" Zelena rushed toward them.

Robin immediately started to demand his daughter.

Regina put her hand on Robin trying to get him to calm down. Attacking Zelena never worked well. She'd just get defensive. Regina tried to calmly explain what happened, but it was too late. Zelena had already stopped listening.

"That depends on Hades. We'll do what we need to to protect this town." Regina said. "Hades isn't the man you think he is." The moment the words left her mouth she knew it was a mistake. Zelena was on the defensive.

"He's not a man at all. He's a god and if you try to hurt him, you do so at your own peril." And she disappeared.

"Well, explaining the situation went over real well. Now how I am supposed to get my daughter back?" Robin asked.

Regina shut her eyes.

"Let's meet up with the others. Then we can try to figure out where they are."

Robin turned and walked away from Regina. He was so angry. How could she be so naive to trust Zelena? After everything she's done. Regina of all people should know what her sister is capable of. And now his daughter was in danger. Did she not care? Just because it wasn't her baby? Was she still jealous about that? Robin shook his head. This was his anger talking. Of course, Regina cared. He knew she cared. She loved Henry even though technically he was Emma's. And she treated Roland with the same affection.

Regina felt his anger and pain pulse through her heart and soul. It was enough to keep her following at a distance. She understood. She did. He was right. It was her fault his daughter was with Zelena. He'd had her back safe in his arms and she'd asked him to let Zelena take the baby. She would fix it. She would get Robin's little girl back.

After meeting with the others, they'd headed immediately to the tunnels. Regina led the way. Robin was following in a sullen silence. The whole situation seemed impossible. Regina just hoped the heroes would be able to work out a plan while they were gone. If they were successful it wouldn't take long before Hades and Zelena were coming back after them for the baby.

Regina glanced back to make sure Robin was keeping up with her as she took another turn down a different passageway. As she looked down the tunnel she thought about the last time they went traipsing through her hidden tunnel system. Being the Evil Queen had definitely taught her the importance of secret tunnels. It was ironic. The last time they'd been in the tunnels, she'd been the one desperate and missing her son. Though she'd never wish to be separated from Henry again, she did wish she could take away Robin's pain.

"Look, I'm sorry I trusted Zelena with your daughter."

"Glad to finally hear it."

"For once I was trying to be optimistic and give her a second chance like you gave me."

"You deserved it. She doesn't."

"All she wants is what I have. I made her think love was possible-"

"So you're not actually apologizing, you're defending her. Again."

Regina flinched at the bite behind Robin's words. "Robin, no-"

"Forgive me if I don't care to listen. I have a daughter to save," he said as he walked away from her.

Regina couldn't move for a minute. She was so tired. Tired of fighting. Tired of danger at every turn. Tired of trying to do the right thing only to have it backfire in her face. She shook it off and continued. He was nearing another turn and wouldn't know which way to go. He was right. They didn't have time for this now. They had to save his daughter.

Regina stopped in front of an open door.

"Welcome to the town hall."

"Secret passage indeed." Robin breathed a sigh of relief. Almost there. Only a few more hurdles and he'd have his little girl back in his arms. "Thank you, Regina."

"You're welcome. And I know you can't accept this right now, but I do feel horrible for what I did. I'm sorry Zelena has your daughter." Regina said. She felt the guilt weighing her down. No matter what she did, it always seemed to be the wrong choice. "And I'm really trying to make up for it."

"You're right. We do owe Zelena another chance."

"Oh don't just say that to appease me." Regina frowned. Did he think she wouldn't help him if he didn't always agree with her?

"No. I'm not. If being with you has taught me anything it's that we all have the capability to change. And the future is not written by our past. Regina, you are my future."

Regina was surprised as Robin's lips met hers in a passionate, desperate kiss. She embraced it. He leaned in and bumped her nose as he pulled way.

"Okay, thief." She bit her bottom lip. God, she loved this man. "Tell me what the plan is."

"Well I always follow one rule. Don't go into a job without a good plan to get out. But with my daughter on the line I've broken my own rule, I have no plan. So if you want to turn back…" Robin trailed off. He couldn't ask Regina to go into without a plan. It wasn't safe.

Regina shook her head and interrupted his thought. "I'm with you. Always."

"Good. Well then let's go save my daughter."

They stood just outside of her office. She could hear them talking.

"God, I hate that man."

"We need a distraction."

As Hades walked past Robin and Regina, Regina held her breath.

"Who needs a plan when you have blind luck?" Robin grinned as they hurried into the now empty room. Regina couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had been building in her stomach since they'd left the tunnels.

They quickly walked to the baby and Robin scooped her up into his arms just as Hades returned. Robin put his daughter back in her carrier and stood blocking her.

"You stay away from my daughter." Robin warned.

Regina shot her hand defensively toward Robin, trying to keep him back. Hades had some sort of a crystal wand in his hands and he was aiming it at them.

"Oh believe me, she's not the one who's in danger."

Hades advanced toward them turning the crystal to point directly at Regina.

"Hades stop. This isn't worth it. If you kill me you will lose Zelena forever." Regina stated with more confidence than she felt.

"Only if she know about it. And this" he lifted the crystal higher. "isn't going to kill you. It's going to end you. No underworld, no moving on. One minute you exist and the next you don't"

Regina sensed Robin moving beside her and tried to stretch her arm farther to keep him back. She knew she was no match for whatever that crystal was.

"This was my idea to break in here. Just use that on me. Just let her go." Robin said as he stepped forward.

Regina gasped. "No." He couldn't do this. She couldn't lose him. Regina held her arm out trying to keep Robin still as she felt the panic building.

"Sorry, ladies, first," Hades grinned as the crystal glowed blue and a beam of magic burst from it.

"No!" Regina screamed as Robin stepped in front of her. He was hit before she could stop him. She felt gripping cold when the magic hit him. Everything seemed to stop moving. He was turning to face her, but he wasn't, his body was on the floor. Her brain couldn't process what was happening. A magical aura of Robin was in front of her she reached for him. She couldn't let him go. This couldn't be how it ended. She never told him how much she loved him. She looked down at her hands. There was nothing there. She was looking right at Hades as he rejoiced over what he'd done. He was excited. But she wasn't really seeing him. Her eyes dropped to the floor. To Robin's body. Her hands shook and her legs felt limp as she dropped to her knees reaching for him.

She slowly raised her eyes to Hades. He was pointing the crystal at her again. "Don't worry. You won't apart long." Hades said.

Regina was vaguely aware of her sister entering the room.

"Regina, what happened?"

She argued with her sister. Tried to make her see. Why couldn't Zelena see she'd been trying to protect her. Protect all of them from Hades. Hades was still pointing the crystal at her. She wondered for a moment if it would be better to just let him end her too. But then Robin's sacrifice would have been for nothing. Sacrifice.

Zelena had turned to Hades. They were arguing. He was trying to convince Zelena of his plans. This was it. This was her chance. He wasn't watching her and besides, what did she really have to lose? Regina charged at Hades knocking him back and knocking the crystal out of his hands.

Zelena scooped up the crystal before Regina could. Well, that wasn't exactly the plan, she thought.

"It's okay. Use it. End her." Hades told Zelena.

Regina faced her sister. "Zelena, I do believe in you. I defended you when no one else did. I wanted so badly for you to find love. But sometimes love blinds us. Hades tried to kill me already."

"No she's lying." Hades interrupted.

"Robin died to protect me. That's what true love is. It's sacrifice. It's giving up everything for the person you love. But Hades won't give up a single thing for you. Like he said. He wants it all."

"Don't listen to her. She doesn't think you deserve to be happy. This was all hers when you had nothing. All you have to do is kill her." Hades advanced until he stood right beside Zelena. "And you can have everything you everything you ever wanted. Do it. If you won't I will."

Zelena raised the crystal. She activated the crystal pointing straight at Regina. Regina braced herself. She was only semi-aware of what Zelena was saying, but it was clear she'd made her decision. At least it would be over quickly. She wouldn't have to feel the pain. The overwhelming loss. The emptiness. She was broken from her thoughts by Zelena's screams and the strong magic filling the room.

Regina turned to see Hades turning into a pile of dust. Zelena had killed Hades. She'd chosen Regina. No one ever chose her. In some corner of her mind, she knew she should comfort Zelena who was breaking down in front of her. She knew the pain of killing someone you loved. She'd done it more than once after all. But the overwhelming need to be near Robin took over. She wasn't ready. She ran back over to him and gently cradled his head in her arms as she leaned down to him. She needed him. She loved him. This couldn't be happening. She was all alone.

The feeling of a hand on her shoulder drew her from her thoughts once again and she turned to see Zelena trying to comfort her. Or trying to comfort herself. Regina wasn't really sure, but it didn't really matter.

The baby began to scream. Regina felt each scream like it was a punch in her gut. The baby knew her father was gone. Zelena didn't move. Regina frowned as the baby continued screaming. She pushed her sister back.

"Zelena."

"Hmm?" Zelena's eyes were fixated on something over Regina's shoulder. The dust. Hades. Of course. Regina grabbed Zelena's face and forced her gaze away from the dust.

"I know you're grieving, but your daughter comes first. You wanted to be a mother. Be one."

Zelena met Regina's eyes and stood up to retrieve her little girl. Regina looked back to Robin. She didn't want to leave him. Once she called the others it would be real. She would have to leave him. Continue her life without him. She was vaguely aware of Zelena bouncing the baby trying to sooth the little girl.

"Regina?" Zelena's voice was hesitant and nervous and maybe a little scared.

Regina turned to look at her. "Yes?"

"What happens now?"

Regina sighed. The question of the day. What did happen now? Where could she go from here? She shut her eyes briefly wishing it was all a nightmare. Just a simple bad dream. But she knew it wasn't a dream. She pulled away from Robin and stood up.

"We move on."

She fumbled in her pocket finally finding her phone. A sob nearly escaped when she swiped the lock screen to reveal a smiling outlaw and his son. Roland. She was going to have to tell Roland. Maybe John would do it. One thing at a time, Regina, she thought to herself. She quickly moved away from the home screen to her contacts.

"Snow, I" She stopped the words catching in her throat. She didn't know how to do this. Snow was asking if she was alright and if they got the baby. "We…the baby is here. Zelena is taking down her protection spell" She glanced at her sister who took the hint and waved her hand. "I…just come to my office. And have the others wait downstairs. I, I'd rather not deal with everyone." Snow was still rambling on asking more questions, but Regina felt numb. She hung up on Snow mid-sentence.

Snow hung up the phone. David and Henry looked at her expectantly.

"That was Regina. She said the protection spell is down."

"Great! Let's go!" Henry said enthusiastically.

David picked up on Snow's apprehension.

"Did they get the baby? We should call Emma so she can meet us there," David suggested.

Snow hesitated. "Yes, let's call Emma, but she needs to wait for us to go in. And Henry, maybe you could stay with Neal for me. I don't really want to take him since we don't know what we might be walking into."

"What do you mean? Didn't they get the baby?" Henry asked.

"I think they did. Regina said the baby was with her. But she didn't really say what was going on so I'm not sure if it's safe for Neal. Please, Henry?" Snow pleaded.

Henry sighed. He was always stuck on the sidelines. But his grandma was right. Someone needed to stay with Neal and it made more sense for his grandpa to go. But maybe…

"I can go with David and you can stay here with Neal." Henry suggested.

David caught the panic in his wife's eyes as she struggled to come up with a reason that wouldn't work.

"Henry, I think your mom called Snow for a reason. And you know both your moms would want you to be safe and make sure your uncle is safe."

"Fine." Henry pouted.

"Let's go, David. You can call Emma from the car."

Emma was pacing outside City Hall when Snow and David arrived.

"I thought you guys were never going to get here. Why did I need to wait? What if they're still in trouble?" Emma questioned the second her parents got out of the car. Before they could answer she was already moving toward the door. "Well, come on. Let's not waste anymore time."

Snow reached out her hand to gently grab Emma's arm.

"Regina asked me to come up alone first."

"What?" Emma spun around to face her mother.

"No." David said firmly at the same time.

"Yes." Snow said. "Regina asked me to come up to her office alone and that is what I'm going to do."

"Snow, you don't know what's going on. What if it's a trap?"

Snow sighed. David was right of course, it could be a trap. Regina hadn't sounded okay. Hades could have been forcing her. But it didn't make sense. Hades would want them all dead and he wouldn't be anymore afraid of them as a group than as individuals. He was strong enough to take them all on at once.

"I don't think it's a trap. Trust me, please."

David met her eyes and then finally sighed. "Okay. You have 10 minutes. Then I'm coming up."

"15." Snow shot back.

"15." David agreed. "Be careful." He pulled her into his arms, embracing her tightly. He'd just gotten back to her and now she was leaving him again. He lifted her chin and leaned in kissing her. "I love you."

"I love you too, Charming." Snow smiled. "I've missed you." And with that she turned and entered City Hall.

After calling Snow, Regina had dropped back to the floor beside Robin. She was running her fingers through his hair absentmindedly. It was morbid. He was gone. But it was soothing.

Zelena was pacing and seemed ready to have another nervous breakdown.

"Regina, I need to leave. They're going to blame me and lock me up." Zelena said.

"No, they won't. You saved the town from Hades. They will thank you."

"Who are we thanking?" Snow's voice asked as she stepped into the room. She froze as she took in the scene in front of her. Both women had red eyes and looked to have been crying. Regina was on the floor, her hand still running through Robin's hair. And Robin. Robin was laying on the floor in an unnatural way and was frighteningly still. "Regina…" Snow started in a voice full of dread. "What's wrong with Robin? Is the ambulance on its way?"

Regina looked up at her and her eyes said it all. It was too late. "Oh, Regina!" Snow rushed to her and wrapped her arms around Regina. Regina immediately tensed. She couldn't cry anymore. It was done. She had to deal with this. She pulled away from Snow.

"I need help with…" She shut her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again. "I don't know who to call or how to do this. You handled Neal's funeral arrangements, right? Since Gold wasn't…" She trailed off after shooting a glance at her sister. Now wasn't the time to pick at old wounds. They had enough new ones to deal with.

"Oh. Right. Yes. Okay. I can do that. Don't worry about that. David and I will make all the arrangements." She looked nervously around the room. "Did Hades leave?"

"Hades won't be a problem anymore." Regina said. "He's gone. Forever." Her voice shook. "Snuffed out of existence." Another tear escaped as she looked down at Robin.

"You killed him then?" Snow asked.

"I did." Zelena stated. Snow's head jerked up in surprise.

"Oh." She stammered. "And Robin?"

"It was supposed to be me." Regina whispered. "Hades was trying to destroy me, but Robin saved me."

"Oh." Snow took in the utter devastation on Regina's face. "He loved you, Regina. You know it's not your fault he's dead."

"No?" Regina asked sarcastically. "He loved me. Too bad no one warned him that was a death sentence."

"Regina" Snow started, but Regina had abruptly stood up.

"No. I don't want to talk. I need to go." She needed to get out of here. Needed to get away before she suffocated, but she couldn't quite bring herself to leave. "You'll take good care of him?" she asked.

Snow nodded. "Of course."

"And let the others know what happened. That Zelena is not at fault. She saved us from Hades."

Snow nodded. As soon as she got reassurance, Regina waved her hand and disappeared in a cloud of smoke.