Prologue

Sadness chilled Emma's bones more than the autumn winds. Grief lines etched the faces in front of her, although none looked sadder than Neal. The events earlier in the day (had it only been a day?) aged them all. Battle scars from their war against Pan and Neverland weakened their souls, their spirit. The light in her loved ones eyes had dimmed; again it was Neal whose eyes shined the least.

Her heart ached for the father of the father of their son. Loss marred much of his life. The events of the last twenty-four hours was no different. He'd lost his grandfather (was that even a bad thing? Pan did terrorize Neal and nearly killed their son) as well as his father. In just a few minutes Neal would lose his son and herself. Surprisingly, he was taking it all in stride although he could not quite hide the sadness in his heart. It glistened in his brown eyes as unshed tears.

"Hey," Neal whispered, his hand going to her arm. Gently, so as not to aggravate the healing gunshot wound, he squeezed as if to reassure her. The one word and his touch made the world around her melt away. For this moment it was just Neal, Henry, and her.

"Neal," replied the blond. Tears brimmed in her own eyes. God, he looked so sad and defeated. There had to be something. She had to help him. What good was being the Savior if she couldn't save those she loved the most? "I wanted to..."

"I know. I know. You don't have to say anything," he interrupted. Looking over at Henry, who had joined his mother, Neal's hand dropped away from Emma's arm. "I will see you both again. I promise." With a shuffling gait, Neal went and hugged Henry. Releasing his boy, he moved to wrap his arms around Emma in a tight embrace - all the while breathing in her familiar scent as if to remember it for all eternity.

"Wait," Regina called, breaking the moment so that gritty reality surrounded them. She looked from Emma to Henry to Neal. "Cassidy, I think there may be a way for you to stay. However, I need something that connects you both. It has to be something very important that ties you to Emma. Do you have anything?"

For the briefest moment, Emma's hopes were up. She wanted Neal to have a happy ending. She wanted Henry to have his father. She just wanted him - wanted Neal. "No..." Emma whispered.

However, right on top of her answer came a quiet, "Yeah." Neal dug into his pocket and pulled out a flash of silver. Pinching the chain's clasp, he let the swan pendant undulate in the air. "I gave this to her a long time ago."

"I wondered what happened to it. Give it here. Now. We don't have much time," Regina snapped as she held out her hand awaiting the talisman. "I need the three of you to place one hand on top of each other. Good." Once Henry, Emma, and Neal did as instructed Regina dangled the necklace over their hands. A white light engulfed the Swan-Cassidy-Mills family as Regina mouthed a spell.

The light dimmed and the three of them separated. Regina placed the necklace in her pocket and as the woman did so, she said, "I have given you new memories. Happy memories. Once you leave here...all this will be gone. I hope that you all find happiness. Take care of him, will you?"

Emma's tears began to fall. All she could do was nod in agreement. Forever Emma would be indebted to Regina. This was a gift beyond all gifts. Her mind was still on what was done for her family as good-byes were said. Seeing as the new curse was dangerously close, Neal had to usher her to the Yellow Bug. She just couldn't seem to function.

Neal helped her into the passenger's seat as Henry got into the back. Without turning around, he got into the driver's side, started up the car, and drove off towards their second chance.