AUTHOR'S NOTES:
1: I DO NOT own Once Upon a Time, it's characters, or storyline. Once Upon a Time, story and characters, is owned by both Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz. I DO NOT own the OC twist on Wilhelm Grimm, his design, or this concept of him. This twist belongs to Will Clark. I DO NOT own any of the music featured in this story. I DO own Eiry Meagher, her story, and the art in my stories - be it commissioned or my own.
2: Bold-italic phrases will indicate Eiry's thoughts or the thoughts of others while in their point of view. Italic-underlined phrases will indicate when someone is using telepathy as a means of communication. Anytime you see "()" it will indicate when someone, in their point of view, is reliving a memory. When you see "..." it means the point of view has shifted to another character.
3: The song for this chapter is "I Will Survive" by Stephanie Bentley, the OST (Original Soundtrack) for the movie Holes.
1.) Gotta be Strong
***
I will survive, I will endure. When the going's rough, you can be sure I'll tough it out. I won't cave in. If I'm knocked down, I get up again. As long as my dream's alive, I will survive.
***
Storybrooke had erupted into chaos as everyone and everything was in a panic. It wasn't quite the homecoming I was expecting. Right, I guess I should explain: I am returning home to Storybrooke now that I have graduated from the school I was attending in Boston; a year early, might proudly I add. I saw Dr. Hopper trying to calm Pongo while he himself struggled to remain collected. I turned off the engine to my motorcycle and walked over to him. "What's wrong, Dr. Hopper?" I asked before pulling off my helmet and petting Pongo soothingly.
"Ah! Princess!" He breathed, his voice cracking from the fear he was enduring. Jiminy Cricket, always anxious about something. I thought with a brief shake of my head. "Storybrooke is in danger." I arched a brow in wonder. "Storybrooke's kill switch has been activated." I just felt even more confused. "All of us... We're all going to be destroyed." I felt my chest become tight as my lungs refused to release the air inside them.
"W... What?" I shook my head. No, I thought, I just got home! "Thank you Jiminy." I muttered before giving Jiminy a tight embrace, and ran off to find my family. As I ran through the street, I could see what he meant by 'kill switch,' Storybrooke was beginning to return to the forest it was almost prior to Regina's curse. I WILL find you. I thought reassuringly.
...
I arrived in the homely burg of Storybrooke just as what appeared to be an air raid alarm had been sounded. People tripped over themselves in a blind panic, eager to prepare for the oncoming storm, whatever that may have been. I, for the most part, looked on, half-amused, half-disinterested. This is the problem of being me; nothing surprises me anymore. I adjusted my tie, a fine red silk thing, and asked a dour-looking fellow - who was easily a head shorter than me - what all the commotion was. He cocked his head to the side and asked, "You an outsider?" I calmly explained I had been here a few years before, though he merely clucked his tongue and explained. "You've picked a bad time to visit, friend. You best get away while you can. Don't need you getting sucked into this."
I chuckled to myself, thinking aloud: "If you only knew." I tipped an imaginary hat to him, to which he only blinked stupidly before getting back to the business of panicking, and set my course for a certain man who shared my taste in attire this side of the Enchanted Forest.
...
I ran past many people, all so anxious. I can't blame them, I thought, the reality of being erased from existence would be alarming to anyone. However I had one thing on my mind: my family. I wanted to say goodbye before we were all gone. I came to a halt. Wait... I don't even know where they are. The thought alone put me in a distressed state of mind. Wait a minute... I pulled my purse up and opened it. I began rummaging through it. I smiled to myself as I found the item I sought. The vial contained a bright golden dust. Pure Pixie Dust, only found in the heart of Neverland. Pan would kill to get this... Hell, he'd kill to enter the Heart of Neverland. I shook my head. He's nothing more than a phantom to you Rie, I scolded myself mentally. Let it go. I opened the vial and grabbed a pinch. "Show me the way." With those words uttered a cool breeze lifted the glowing golden dust and made a path of golden light. The cannery? I tilted my head in wonder as I watched the forestry begin to recede. Does that mean... I shook my head. Eh, doesn't matter. I shrugged and followed the path. I was going to find them. My family. "Here I come guys."
...
I could see what the problem was. No one had a sense of their own land, it seemed. No matter. I would get to my destination easily enough. I found it exactly where I left it, an old-fashioned sign for an older-fashioned town, emblazoned with the name 'Gold.' I had to hand it to Regina, she always had to make things as obvious as she could. Why not Carlyle? I never understood that.
I stood at the door to the establishment, calling out. " Mr. Gold? Are you home?" I received no answer for my troubles, but as the forests of Maine reclaimed Storybrooke from Regina, I figured he was getting his affairs in order. So much for the Dark One's future sight; he couldn't even see a friend would pass his way. I quietly entered the shop. The number of curios and bobbles and, well, things had grown, I noticed. Mr. Gold certainly had been a busy man. I couldn't blame him, honestly. "Mr. Gold," I called out again. After waiting the usual arbitrary time, about a minute, I called out another name instead. "Rumpelstiltskin!" I heard a commotion from behind the drape that separated the shop from the back room, and in he walked. Most people annoy him; I think he's truly fearful of me. A pity, I must say.
"You." He uttered from a place I don't think he knew he had, as Belle peeked her head out at me. She was as frightened as he was, though it appeared to be a reaction from Mr. Gold. I merely grinned.
"You're not going to say hello?"
...
As I drew closer to the Storybrooke Cannery, I saw two people tugging Henry along. They were headed toward the marina. Glaring to see better, I was shocked, and infuriated, that they had Henry as some form of a prisoner. Henry! I thought before switching gears and following them. I'm sorry guys but Henry needs help. I thought directed to my family, my glare softening. "Hey!" I called out. They either didn't hear me or ignored, no matter. As I ran across the front of the cannery and turned the corner, I found Emma, Regina, Mary Margaret, and David. "He - " I started only to be interrupted by Regina.
"The last bean..." She breathed. My eyes widened in horror as the man threw the magic bean into the ocean. "They've opened the portal." I knew it was now or never. I have to get to get to them before it closes! With every ounce of energy I had, I pushed myself to run towards them.
"Henry!" The group called called as they were quick to follow my lead. Much to my dismay, my fingers just barely missed Henry's coat. I was about to jump in after them only to be stopped by Regina pulling me back.
"No!" I cried. "Let me go!" I was on the verge of tears. "Just let me go..." I whimpered and, thankfully, Regina complied. All I could do at this point was collapse onto the cement floor. Henry...
"No!" Emma debated as my adopted father pulled her back. "We have to follow them, there has to be a way!"
"Not only do we not know where they went but Hook stole the last bean!" Regina stressed.
"I don't care!" Emma debated.
"Without it, there's no way to follow." Regina rationalized. She's right. This only caused me to feel even more guilty. I promised... I sniffed. I promised I'd always be there for him.
"There has to be..." Emma muttered. "We can't let them just take Henry." I pushed myself up from the ground, ready to go and find Rumpelstiltskin. He needs to know. I thought with a nod. From there I'll track and retrieve Henry. I started off in a sprint only to find them coming up behind us. Too bad, I wasn't fast enough to halt.
...
I had advised Mr. Gold he should head toward the docks immediately. We both knew the prophecy, of course, but I told him he needed to do it. For Bae. Gold, Belle, and I were already there when a girl ran smack dab into me, knocking us both to the ground. Before I could open my eyes, I felt a familiar weight had been lifted from one. My eye patch. Opening my one good eye, I made a scramble to find the thing, but Gold was already holding it out to me, reluctance forming clouds over his face. I took it from him and replaced it to its rightful position, then looked at my assailant.
"Funny, I don't recall you being here." I said. I stood up, dusted myself off, and offered a helping hand. The moment her eyes hit mine, I knew something was familiar about this girl.
...
"Ah! I'm so sorry!" I hid behind my bangs to hide my blush. I accepted the man's hand, allowing him to pull me up. I smiled and nodded a thanks. "I'm - "
"Eiry." Rumple's voice whispered. I looked beyond the mysterious, yet familiar, man I accidentally knocked down. I ran over to the older looking gentleman and stopped before him.
"Rumple!" I wrapped my arms around him. His arms tightly wrapped around me.
"Eiry." His face was lost among my red hair.
"Rumple..." My voice trailed and causing him to look at me in wonder. "Henry's gone." I avoided his gaze. "Those people..." I bit my bottom lip.
"They've taken Henry?" He asked. His emotions seemed to peak; he was worried. So he knows... 'Bout bloody time.
"Yes. We saw it happen... I failed him as a big sister." My voice cracked as I battled my tears once more. I felt a pair of strong arms embrace me. Dad...
"You're the Dark One, do something." My father commanded.
"Gold..." Emma started. "Help us."
"There's no way." Rumple reasoned. "I spent a lifetime trying to cross worlds to find my son." He looked away from us briefly. "There's no way in this world without a portal."
"So that's it?" Regina asked, she herself seemed to be battling her emotions. "He's gone forever?" I shook my head.
"No. That's not how this story ends." I commented as I was able to collect myself. "We'll find a way." I said confidently. I'll do whatever it takes to save him.
"Eiry's right. I refuse to accept that." It seems Regina was just as determined as I was. Belle walked past my father and I and looked out towards the ocean. We all turned and followed her gaze.
"What is that?" I felt my spirits lift as a smile crossed my face. Killian. The Jolly Roger was sailing towards us. Towards the harbor.
"Hook." Emma spoke. Wait... What about that guy? My eyes widened before I looked over to him.
"I'm sorry, things got a little dramatic there..." I chuckled nervously. "I'm Eiry, but Rie is the name I normally give people." I held out my hand as I introduced. He seemed thrown off.
"Eiry..." The man repeated. I had heard his voice before. But where...? I shook my head only to frown. This was going to bother me. I normally have a good memory; I remember everyone I meet. Maybe he had changed to an unnoticeable amount from his fairytale counterpart?
...
The princess from all those years ago... A smile pulled at my lips. "You can call me Wilhelm." I introduced with a smile as I clasped her hand. Her eyes widened before she wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.
"Wilhelm!" How little Eiry had grown. Her hair was no longer to her shoulders but to her waist. The red remained and the white streak in her bangs was still there, however another white streak lined the left side of her head. She was maybe a few inches shorter than I. Her body had changed quite a bit too. Eiry no longer had the body of a pubescent teen, it was now that of a woman. "It's been quite some time." She smiled after pulling her body from mine.
"Indeed it has, princess. How long have you been in Storybrooke?" I asked as my smile remained.
...
"I was here for a little over two years and left almost a year ago for school."
"Which reminds me, why aren't you there?" Rumple arched a brow. I turned my head and sent him a grin.
"I graduated a year early with honors." That statement caused Rumple's aura to mesh with confusion, joy, and guilt. Why does he feel guilty? I wondered. I shook my head. Whatever. I'm home. The thought alone caused me to smile. Then the reality hit. Dammit Rie, you dolt. Save the mushy stuff til Henry's home safe. I pointed towards the marina where the Jolly Roger was weighing anchor. "To save Henry."
...
"Henry, that is a familiar name..." I mused aloud. I spun on my heel in the direction of the Jolly Roger. "Well, if a rescue mission must be made, time is off the essence. Let's go." Eiry's eyes rolled at my statement before we all head off towards the pier.
...
As we arrived at the docks, I decided to separate myself from the group only temporarily. I pulled out the Pure Pixie Dust once more and sprinkled some into my palm. "Where's Henry?" I whispered to the magical powder. It gathered and formed a golden sphere. My heart almost stopped beating as a gasp left my lips. "No..." Anxiety built within me. Anywhere but Neverland... I clenched my fists which caused a cold breeze to pick up. I growled to myself. If it's the only way, I told myself, I have no choice. I made my way back to the pier only to see everyone had already boarded the Jolly Roger.
"Eiry." Rumple's voice called. "You need to st - "
"No." I hissed. A glare was held in my gaze, not for Rumple but for the one I knew was behind Henry's abduction. "I promised him I'd always be there for him and I don't break promises." The sincerity in my tone was unmistakable. Everyone here knew that. I have only broken a promise once, the brief flashback forced me to shut my eyes, I'll never do it again. "No one is going to stop me." A sigh left his lips.
"Very well." He knew there was no debating with me, especially when my family was on the line. He stepped away from the edge of the ship and made his way towards Killian. "So," He paused as he stepped closer. Killian approached him as well. "You done trying to kill me?"
"I believe so." Killian answered, a vague solemnness in his tone.
"Excellent." Rumple spoke. His aura was one I couldn't decipher. "Then you can live."
"Rumple." I warned. "He's family too." Rumple turned his head, his dark aura shifting to a curious one. "We'll talk about it at a later time."
"L... Lady Rie." Killian stuttered. I nodded towards him. "I - "
"Not now." I interrupted before making my way towards the right side of the ship, not wanting to watch the despicable truth I had already learned. Rumple sighed and, with a wave of his hand, his magical globe appeared. With the prick of his finger, and a drop of his blood. The blood magic took fruition and revealed Henry's location. My nails dug into the wood as I ground my teeth together.
"Where is that? Where did they take Henry?" Regina asked the two that were gathered around the mystical globe.
"Neverland." Killian answered, which was in unison with my whisper. A splash was heard, indicating that Killian had tossed in the magic bean. He drew the anchor and we made our way towards the blue portal. I grabbed onto one of the ropes.
...
"Off to Neverland? Well, this is certainly going to be an adventure, is it?" I believe I have the presence of a church mouse, as most everyone in attendance gasped and turned. Their reactions were mostly the same as Gold's had been. Not terribly surprising. Hook was the only one I had never met personally.
"Hello, mate. The name is Hook, and this is my ship. Now, tell me what you're doing aboard." I could see Regina itching to fireball me, but she, like me, knew that would have been sheer insanity.
"My name is Wilhelm." I said. "I have traveled many roads, both here and in other lands. I believe I may be able to assist in your quest." Emma obviously had no idea who I was, nor did Hook, though I was certainly offended by the reactions of everyone else at my heartfelt offer of assistance. With the exception of Eiry; she had always been able to look deeper. She saw me as the man I was. Eiry.I smiled briefly towards her.
"No!" Both Snow and Regina yelled in unison, astonishing them both. Snow started again.
"We can't have him. Who knows what he would do? He might kill Henry himself!" Of all the people in all the realms, I was possibly the most hated. Or at least the most misunderstood.
"That settles it, then," Regina intoned as she summoned a fireball.
"Not so fast," Gold cut in. This was turning more and more into a danse macabre. "We will want him where we're going. Neverland is a dangerous place, and he has certain... Assets that may prove useful." I looked to Rie.
"What say you, little princess?"
...
I looked at him then my family and back at him. "I say: welcome aboard." I claimed with a smile. "With the threat that lies ahead of us, we'll need all the help we can get."
"But Eiry, we can't trust him." Mother mentioned causing me to look her way. I rolled my eyes. Does she NOT remember what he did all those years ago?
"Then trust me." I looked back at him.
"Eiry..." Mother's voice trailed.
"Need I remind you: he saved my life!" That caused her to look away. I drew a calming breath. "Look, one thing is for certain," I lifted my gaze towards them all. "Henry's life IS in danger." I glanced away. Not only his. I wasn't about to worry about my well-being; Henry was my priority. "Henry's arrival was foretold centuries ago, his fate was written," Only because I couldn't uphold mine... "But we can save him. Together."
...
"That it was." I responded, possibly giving the impression that I knew too much. I did. "Now then, shall we be off?" I waved my hand, and a wind began pushing us to the portal at a fair speed. "And away we go!"
...
"Who are we up against?" My adopted father, David asked. "Who are Greg and Tamara?"
"They're merely pawns." Rumple informed. Fools if you ask me. I thought with a glare. "Manipulated by forces far greater than they can conceive. They have no idea who they're truly working for."
"And who's that?" Emma questioned. Who do you think? I thought as I rolled my eyes. If Captain Hook isn't a villain, what do you think the other Neverlanders may be?
"Someone we should all fear." I rolled my eyes once more. He's nothing to fear, I thought, he's nothing but a cowardly cockroach full of narcissism and desperation. I thought with a roll of my eyes. As the ship swirled into the portal, one thought crossed my mind. We're coming, Henry. Please... Hang on.