A/N: Thank you for those of you who followed, faved, and reviewed. Anna: I was so happy to see your review I'm really glad you liked it.
Present Day
Neal fell back entirely exasperated and freaking angry out of his mind. August of all of the guys in all of the world, Emma moves on with freaking August! The same guy who told him he just had to leave Emma. The same guy who stole the money he gave Emma so she could at least have somewhat of a good life. She had a kid with August? The same guy who had turned into a kid a year ago. He shook his head in utter and complete bewilderment. He looked back into the window and saw her and August laughing with Henry. It absolutely made him boil up. He had a good mind to go in there and punch him the face and give him a few explicit choice words. He took a deep breath, he knew that wasn't a good idea to do in front of Henry. And Emma would not be pleased at all. That really wasn't the best way for him to reunite with Emma. Emma was already mad at him he was sure, he couldn't let that be their first meeting.
He stepped back and took a firm deep breath. He could not do this, not tonight, not right now. He needed to collect his bearings and figure out what he was going to do. He had arrived here on a completely different mission. He had to remind himself. He was actually worried about little Pinocchio. He searched for little Pinocchio and baby Alexandra and his search had led him to here of all places. Then it suddenly occurred to him, his search led him here and he found Pinocchio except he had turned back into an adult somehow and he was holding a baby with blonde hair. That must have been Alexandra. She wasn't Emma and August's baby, well that was a relief. It still hurt to see them looking and acting as family though.
If he found them there they couldn't be living that far off. He was sure he could find them, he couldn't confront him right now at this moment, not when his anger was still so fresh on his mind. He was so thoroughly relieved that Alexandra was okay, and he needed to call Ashley and Thomas to let them know she's okay. He still was not in the right frame of mind to meet them to confront them.
So he decided to go to his apartment. He hadn't gone yet, but it would be a good place to collect his thoughts and figure out what his next step was. After he opened the door he fell on a toy.
"What the hell?"
As he got up he saw his small bachelor pad apartment turn into a completely different place. There was a bassinet, play pin, and an elaborately carved changing table. As well as baby toys everywhere.
"What in the world did that puppet do to my apartment!" Neal yelled outraged.
He knew it was August. August was the only one who knew where he lived. And he's in the town with a baby. He should have known he would crash here. He always did when ever he was in town. They've had kept in contact over the years via messengers doves and when ever they had physically met, August would crash at his place, which was fine by him. Even though they had their issues he had became his friend strangely enough. But this...really? He took over his entire apartment so he could raise a baby...he started to feel a little bad for feeling angry. August was taking care of baby Alexandra after all. It occurred to him that it really must have been the months he thought it was and August had found Alexandra on the town line and has been taking care of her. It tugged at him a bit, it looked like August wasn't going to let history repeat itself. He could have handed her over to the foster system like he did with Emma and just go on living his own life. What did August know about taking care of a baby? So as he let himself look at his apartment surrounded by diaper bags and baby things, he was happy that August made the right choice. He was taking care of Alexandra.
When he went to his bedroom that was rearranged as well and not only did it have a beautifully carved crib but it had a small bed as well.
"What's with the small bed?"
Then he looked at his desk, which looked like August had taken over too, with his famous type writer still there, as well as a lap top. At least his phone was at the same spot he left it. He was a little peeved because he did have a certain order to things, this was where he would work, this is where he would draw. August also took down his easel. He looked at his cordless phone. He remembered he had this phone specifically for work calls. It felt so weird to think about his work life and his life he had in New York, it seemed like an entirely different life. He saw there was a light blinking he had messages. It seemed kind of crazy to him that he'd get calls after a year. August must have took over his phone too. He played the message. He was stunned to hear it was his boss' voice. He remembered the last time he heard from her she was really not pleased that he asked for an extended leave and he wasn't sure when he'd be back. She told him he either would tell her when he was coming back or don't bother coming back at all. So there went that job. It wasn't the end of his world to lose it, spending time with his son was more important. His old boss spoke, "August, if you could be a dear and send me the copy tonight that would be great. We have clients looking at the project tomorrow."
He blinked at his phone, not freaking surprised at this point. He came in his city and took his girl, his kid, his apartment, so of course he would go and take his job as well. Story of his freaking life! She seemed a lot nicer to August too. Icing on top of the freaking cake!
He angrily started to leave the room. He couldn't even go to his apartment in peace. Then he looked at his window, looking at his window always gave him peace, because his dream catcher would help him feel calm and resolute and he stopped dead in his tracks completely frustrated to no end.
"Where in the Hell is my Dream Catcher?!" He yelled.
Then suddenly the door opened and August came in pushing the stroller with little Pinocchio by his side. He blinked his eyes wondering if he was seeing what he thought he was seeing.
"Neal! Your alive!" Little Pinocchio ran to him so amazingly excited and hugged him.
Neal hunched over to hug the kid back, still completely bewildered.
He looked down at little Pinocchio and up at August, who looked just as shocked to see him.
Then Neal asked, "What in the world is going on here?"
A Few Months Earlier
August brought little Pinocchio and Alexandra back to Grannies. There was a booth with a high chair. Little Pinocchio ran to it and there was a over sized bag on it. He searched through it and found a bottle for Alexandra.
August held Alexandra and Pinocchio gave it to August to give to her.
August sat down feeding this baby a bottle feeling completely strange. Pinocchio touched the bottle and asked, "Can I help?"
August looked down at an eager younger version of himself and said, "Sure. But be careful."
"I fed her before. Ashley let me!" Pinocchio said proud.
"Okay." He said as he let him hold the bottle as he held her in his arms.
Then he looked at him and asked, "Would you like to hold her and feed her?"
"Yes, I can do it! I've done it before." Little Pinocchio said.
August sighed a seven year old had more experience with babies then he did.
He gently handed her to little Pinocchio, who handled her with care. Then he said, "It's okay Alexandra. Everything's going to be okay."
Then August said, "Can you stay here for a little while? I need to do something."
Little Pinocchio nodded his head as he put his attention back to Alexandra.
August took one last look at them and then left Grannies. They would be fine, without him. There was no one around to pose any kind of threat to them. He sighed. Little Pinocchio, he was the better version of him anyway. His papa got his second chance with him, he got the innocent son that he deserved. It was a good thing that the Blue Fairy turned him into a little kid. His papa wouldn't accept him, as the adult version of himself. How could he after all that he has done? How could he after all of the times he failed?
He went over to Gold's shop. He had to have some type of magical device to help him to bring little Pinocchio and Alexandra back to their parents, where they belong. August was unsure about where he belonged. He doubted if there was any such place.
As he opened Gold's shop anger and fear filled him. The place was completely empty. There wasn't anything there but an empty counter and empty shelves. He found a wooden chair and threw it violently. All of the magical devices were gone. He thought maybe there could be some device to at least lead them to find a way to get back. But there was no way. All of the magic was gone.
The Enchanted Forest
Neal was all ready to help Ashley and go with her to find what ever portal she thinks is in the Sherwood Forest, Robin, however seemed to have his reservations.
"Sherwood Forest isn't the same as it once was. " Robin said.
"I don't care. It is the only way, it's my only hope in getting back to my daughter. I exhausted myself in search for some other way, there is no other way." Ashley said with complete certainty in her voice.
"So you've known about this for some time. Why haven't you asked me right away? Why search for other options? Do you know what has happened to Sherwood Forest?" Robin asked.
"No, I wasn't aware of what happened to Sherwood Forest, I...I know it is not a guarantee that it will take me to my daughter. It is a shot in the dark, but it is the only shot that I have." Ashley said.
That made Neal's hope diminish just a bit. He knew there was always a catch, but in all of his years he knew there was always a way. He also knew a thing or two about portals. They could be complicated.
"What magical portal is in Sherwood Forest?" Neal asked.
"It's a magic mirror." Ashley said.
"A magic mirror? I haven't heard of a magic mirror as a portal. I have only heard of them being used as a weapon of spying." Neal said thinking out loud.
"Yes, this was the only one I've heard that was a portal." Ashley said.
"And it is in Sherwood Forest. You are certain of this?" Robin inquired.
"Yes, I am certain because I buried it there." Ashley said.
"Where exactly?" Robin asked.
"Just outside a small cottage, it's was owned by the Scarlet's."
"Scarlet? As in Will Scarlet?" Robin asked intrigued Neal detected a twinge bit of anger there.
"Yes. How do you know him?"
He shrugged, "He stole from me."
Neal looked at him and he laughed, "Are you telling me that someone stole from the great Robin Hood?"
"Hey, it's not funny. I trusted him, I took him in, accepted him as one of our Merry Men, and he betrayed me. My men could have gotten killed. I told him we had a strict rule of not stealing magical objects and that was all he was after."
"Magical object? Was it a mirror?" Neal asked.
"Yes." Robin said.
"So this Will used it and you buried it?" Neal asked Ashley.
"Yes, he used it so he could run away with my step sister. My step mother followed them there and they used it. She was going to take it. I followed her with Thomas and we were able to take it, before she got a chance." Ashley said.
"Why did you interfere?" Robin asked.
"Ana was trying to get to her happy ending. I had to make sure she got it, since she helped me with Thomas." Ashley said.
"So this mirror you know it works?" Neal asked.
"I'm just not sure what world it goes to. But it could work like a magic bean right? And go to what ever land you are thinking about?"
"It could. Or it could lead you to an awful land with no way of getting back." Robin pointed out.
"That is a risk I'm willing to take for a chance to get back to my little girl."
Robin nodded, "It's going to be dangerous, Sherwood became overran by trolls. Prince Phillip had some troops ridding this land of them but they retreated to the Sherwood Forest."
"Really? Was Mulan a part of that?" Neal asked.
"No. She's no longer fighting by Prince Phillips side." Robin said.
"Where is she?" Neal asked concerned.
"With some of the Merry Men, protecting your father's castle." Robin said.
Neal nodded touched and said, "Well that is good. I appreciate you leaving men there."
"We didn't want the Wicked Witch getting a hold of anything there." Robin said.
Then Ashley asked, "So are you going to help or not?"
"I will bring the rest of the Merry Men who are here with me and I need to get someone to look after my son." Robin said.
"I should say my good bye's to Belle." Neal said.
Ashley nodded in agreement and said, "I shall meet you here in a couple of hours."
Belle was going through books in Regina's Palace library. There was a whole stack beside her while she was immersed in one in particular. Neal walked in and Belle jumped up.
"Neal, you scared me."
"Sorry." Neal said.
"It's Okay. Look, I think I found a way to bring your father back but it'll be dangerous." Belle said.
Neal's face fell.
"What is it?" Belle asked concerned.
"Look Belle, I am so happy that you will never give up on my father." Neal said.
Belle searched his face and said, "Your not coming with me, are you?"
"I am so sorry. I found a way to get back to Emma and Henry. And it's not just about them. There are two kids out there scared and alone and I have a way to reunite them with their parents and I have to take it." Neal said.
"You should." Belle said with a small smile.
"Look, Belle, you can't do this alone. Promise me, you won't travel to the Dark Castle by yourself." Neal pleaded.
"I can take care of myself." Belle protested.
"I know. I know you are strong and brave, but no one should have to journey alone. Please Belle, for me." Neal said concerned.
Belle looked down slightly frustrated and then looked up at Neal and her face softened.
"OK, for you, I won't leave until I have found a travel companion." Belle reassured him.
He took her hand and said, "Thank you, Belle, for everything."
"What is family for?" She asked giving him a warm sincere smile. He smiled back and gave her a great big bear hug.
"Now go and get the rest of your family and we will meet again with your father alive." Belle said filled with hopeful tears.
He looked down at her still in their embrace a little awed by her.
All he had to do now was pack for his provisions and then he was out of here. As he was on his way out Regina charged in front of him.
"Where in the hell do you think you are going?" She asked shouting.
"It is none of your business." Neal said.
"If it has to do with my son then yes, it is my business!" Regina yelled angry.
Neal shook his head, "I don't have time for this. I have to get my son and his mother and two innocent kids to make sure history doesn't repeat itself again!"
"I didn't make this sacrifice all for my son, so you can undo everything I did for him!" Regina continued to yell furious.
"Yeah, I'm sorry if I refuse to see them forgetting all about their family as a happy ending. I'm not giving up on them and there is nothing you can do about it!"
Then suddenly Robin came in between them and said, "Hey, calm down. Both of you. What is going on here?"
"It is none of your business thief." Regina said.
He rolled his eyes at Regina and turned to Neal and asked, "Well?"
"It's just a parental custody disagreement thing." Neal said.
"A what?" Robin asked confused.
"Henry. We're having a dispute about our son." Regina said.
His eyebrows furrowed in even more confusion then before. He seemed to be going over all of the information in his head and he seemed to come up with a conclusion that highly disturbed him and asked, "Wait? You two used to... and your not together anymore...?"
"Oh hell no!" Neal yelled.
Regina face consorted in disgust. "Not in a million years, he's Rumpelstiltskin's son!"
Then Neal said, "She's the Evil Queen."
Robin sighed in relief. Then he asked in confusion, "So how?"
"Emma is Henry's birth mother, but she gave him up because she was in a lousy situation and ..." Neal began to say.
"I adopted him." Regina said.
"I didn't even know she was pregnant." Neal said deep in regret.
Robin gave him a small sympathetic smile in showing him he understood regret.
"Oh, give me the sob story later. The point is I made sure that Henry had a good life with Emma. I had sacrificed my happiness with him so he can be happy and safe and okay and your trying to ruin it."
"I'm not trying to ruin anything, it's a fake happiness brought on by magic. You don't think it won't come with some consequences or a price. Magic always comes with a price!" Neal yelled.
"Oh and how are you going to undo that with out more magic?" Regina retorted.
"I'll do what I have to." Neal said.
"I am not going to allow you to..." Regina began to say.
Robin got in the middle of them and said, "Enough! This isn't getting anywhere."
Neal sighed in deep frustration putting his hand through his hair. He didn't have time for this. He had to go and get Ashley but he had a feeling Regina would not back down unless she was reasoned with.
"Look, Regina. I know you love Henry. Ever since Never Land I knew you would do what ever it took to ensure his safety. I had had my doubts and fears when I fond out that the Evil Queen raised my son but I changed my mind about you after our experiences in Never Land. I am glad that you were there for him and I could see that you raised him well."
Regina was touched by that but then she held that in and said, "Flattery isn't going to change my mind."
Neal was about to go on and then he was interrupted by Robin.
"Regina, I know you want to see your son again."
She glared at him, it seemed to Neal that the two were having an argument in their minds.
"It doesn't matter what I want, it matters if he is happy and safe."
"I know that, that is part of being a parent, you want what is the best for him, but if you truly believed that being separated from him is best for him then you would've never..."
Alarmed she glared at him afraid he was about to reveal something she didn't want him to reveal.
Then he continued, "I know from the short time we've spent together that you truly believe that you will see your son again. I don't think that you truly believe that your son being separated from you and having no memory of you is best for him."
Regina's breath nearly hitched at the sincerity in his voice. She held back tears.
"That is not his plans. He's not going to be reunited with them to bring him back to me. He'll reunite with them and they'll have their perfect happy little family. Why would he come back after that? Why would he bring Henry back to me when he and Emma can have Henry to themselves?" Regina said talking to Robin.
Then Neal said, "Regina. That is not my intent. Okay, maybe it would have been before everything that happened in Never Land but things changed. I got my father back. I thought I lost him to the darkness forever. And Emma she has her parents here. And Henry...you are his parent too. We have our family here and I do not plan to escape from that. Belle's going to bring back my father. And I will do what ever it takes to bring Emma and Henry back to the rest of their family." Neal said.
Regina was all out of retorts and so she said, "Very Well."
Then she turned to Robin and asked, "So you are still going to guide them to Sherwood Forest?"
"Indeed."
"Why? Why leave your son behind to help strangers?" Regina asked.
"They aren't all strangers I am helping you and Neal be reunited with your son. Besides no parent should be away from their child. And no child should be without their parents. There are two lost kids out there who need to be reunited with their parents. If I can help with that, then I will. Besides I know my son will be in good hands with you." Robin said looking at Regina intently.
"Fine. Go. I will not interfere." Regina said putting her hands up in defeat.
"Besides I don't trust those neanderthals with your son." she continued in her dismissive voice. Then she stormed off and Robin watched her leave for quite a while.
Neal tried to hold onto his laughter.
"So you seem to have a way with Regina." Neal said smirking.
"So we better get meet Ashley before she goes with out us." Robin said as he began to walk in the direction of where they were going to meet her.
"So are you just going to blatantly ignore my Regina question."
"Yes." Robin said.
"Fair enough." Neal said ready to go on his way to reunite his family.
A/N: Thanks for reading and let me know what you think.
