Family Visit

Chapter Two

Rumple watched the family reunion from his hiding place in between two buildings. He could see the Gypsy had great power. She had produced those flames with just a glance in the direction of the dwarf. If he could harness that power, he could get Belle to take him back and go wherever he pleased.

The hat was no longer in his pocession though and neither was the dagger. He was also relatively sure that those already captured in the hat had now been freed. Especially if the Pirate and the Saviour had anything to do with it. The rate they stumbled on solutions to their problems was astounding not to mention irratating.

There were a few problems in harnessing the Gypsy's powers. First of all, she did seem to stand out. Second the Pirate and Hunchback appeared to be keeping a close eye on her. And third, his Grandson seemed to have already become attached to his future Aunt. Still, nobody had said this would be easy.

He had found his way back into Storybrooke, so how could he not find a way to harness the Gypsy's powers. Somehow he would get his own happy ending. Besides, worse case scenario, he would find the Author of Henry's storybook himself and make him write the happy ending he wanted.

In the past Belle had forgiven him, no matter his sin. But this time she was standing firm against him. This time he had hurt her and no amount of magic had been in his control so that he could convince her otherwise. But if he could get the Gypsy's power that could change. Something even the Queens of Darkness couldn't help him do.

A plan was forming but there was still work to do. Casting the happy group a final glance, Rumple slithered off into the shadows.

The group had headed to Emma and Killian's place as it was larger than the loft. Once inside Henry went straight to his room to get his book. He wanted to show Esmeralda how they had known to send a note to Emma when she had visited Notre Dame with Killian.

Esmeralda was distracted by the modern technology around them. Quasimodo was already out of his comfort zone so wasn't as easily distracted. "All of these paintings are so lifelike. Who is the artist?" She looked at the collection of photographs. "And how does he paint them so small?"

"They aren't paintings. They're what are called photographs. Don't ask me to explain Es, I don't understand it myself." Killian sat on the arm of the chair which Emma was sitting in.

Henry raced back into the room with the book and put it down on the coffee table. "Your story started to appear when Mum and Killian came to see you."

Esmeralda frowned and ran her hand across the cover. "When did Merlin give you his book?" She looked over her shoulder at Quasi to confirm she had the right book. He nodded confirmation.

Snow was confused. The book had just appeared to her and she had given it to Henry when he needed it most. "We've never met Merlin. The book just appeared."

"You mean Merlin is the author of this book?" It now made sense to Charming on how the story had appeared in the book as Emma and Killian were experiencing it.

"That looks a lot like the book he had when Es first came to France." Quasimodo flicked through the pages. "We weren't in the book at the time. Looks as though we are now."

"Do you know where Merlin is now?" No matter how long Emma was in Storybrooke she would never get used to Fairytale characters being real. Who'd have thought she would end up being the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, not to mention dating Captain Hook.

"We haven't seen him in years." Esmeralda had the same expression on her face that Killian did when he was silently working out what someone was really asking. "He liked to travel a lot. I don't think his apprentice even knew where he was half the time."

"He was heading to Greece when we last saw him, but I doubt he's still there." Quasimodo looked up from the book. "His apprentice should know how to get in contact with him though."

"Best you ask him Love." Killian was still carrying the guilt of trapping the old man in the hat along with the fairies. "I doubt he'll tell me anything if I ask."

Emma turned to her son. "You'd better call Regina and let her know we might have a lead on her happy ending Kid." Finally. They had been trying to find something for months.

"Are you sure we should get Regina's hopes up Emma?" Snow wasn't sure the former Evil Queen could handle another disappointment. Not to mention the apprentice hadn't exactly been forthcoming when he had been released from the hat.

"Snow's right." Charming had no desire to take part in anything that might make Regina revert to her evil Queen status. "Why didn't he say anything when he was released from the hat or since?"

"Would you want to tell me anything or be near me after I helped trap you in a hat?" Killian had been part of the spell to release everyone from the hat. But even the fairies were wary of him.

"I see your point." Charming was still wary of him living with his daughter. But Emma was a grown woman and could make her own decisions so he didn't really have a choice.

Henry raced over to the phone to update his other Mother on their discovery. At last, they seemed to be getting somewhere. None of them were convinced that Rumple didn't know exactly where to find the Author of the book. Especially after Henry had found the library filled with blank books in the same house which Rumple had tried to trap Emma's powers in the hat.

"So, any further problems since we were in France?" Killian was curious as to why his Sister had decided to visit. She didn't seem troubled but with Es you never knew. She was very good at hiding her intentions.

"No." Esmeralda continued to flick through the book with Quasi. "Why do I seem to have a glow around me in these pictures?"

"Apparently that's how they knew you had magical powers." Emma hadn't really had a good look at the book since their last adventure. She didn't really like seeing herself in the book and found it a little creepy.

"Mum says you can see the true nature of someone and so does the book. How does it work?" Henry had been curious since Emma had explained what Esmeralda could see.

Smiling Esmeralda held her hand out to Henry. "Try it out for yourself." Once Henry had taken hold of her hand, she turned him to face Snow and Charming. "Tell me what you see."

"There's a glow around you guys but some smudges in the glow." Henry looked up at the Gypsy, although she wasn't that much taller than him. "Is that right?"

"That's fine. Everyone has a little dark in them. The time to worry is when there is more dark than light." She nudged Henry with her shoulder. "Look at Killian when he's near your Mother."

Henry's jaw dropped. The glow around Killian was almost blinding. There were still dark spots but he was lighting up the room. "Hey Killian, can you move near Grandpa?" Killian was amused by the request, but did what Henry asked. "It's not as bright."

"Your Mother brings out the light in me." Killian quipped. He had experienced his Sister's gift but had never been able to see his own aura.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Best to keep Esmeralda's powers quiet. We know Gold is somewhere in town but he's staying out of sight. He'd love to get his hands on that much power."

"It's a good thing that hat and the dagger have been hidden separately." Snow shuddered. No matter how many times Rumple claimed to have changed, he was still only interested in power.

"Has he made any contact with Belle?" Charming didn't like Rumple being in town. His family had struggled to get out of too many deals with the dark one. And not always without some form of scar.

"Not that I know of." Emma shook her head. "I'm pretty sure Belle would let us know."

A knock at the door put a halt to any further discussion. Thinking it was Regina, Henry went to open the door. Belle stood outside glancing over her shoulder. Casting Henry a nervous smile, Belle directed her comments to Emma and Killian. "We may have a problem. I saw Rumple watching you all this morning. I think he's maybe planning something."

Emma groaned. She'd put good money down that Gold had seen Esmeralda use her powers. They would have to make sure he didn't get hold of them.

"I think we may need Regina's help." Killian ran his hand across his face. "We need to know how much power Esmeralda actually has."