Past- Enchanted Forest
She lay on the ground wheezing for air. It had taken everything in her to climb down the beanstalk but if she was going to die she was going to do it if not even on her terms but at least in her world. It was over and she knew it. She had never done anything in her life that anyone would remember. She didn't have anyone that would mourn her passing. And sadly the one thing she convinced herself she didn't care that that was going to be her dying thought.

"You look like you're in pain, dearie," a squeaky voice said from the side of her.

She sent him a look that told him everything he needed to know. She was angry that she was dying and probably willing to make a trade. "How very perceptive." She meant for it to come out snarkier and, well, stronger but it came out as more of a moan formed into words.

He began to tsk with a smile. Jack's anger was starting to rise. She wasn't a healer but she could tell you that anger probably sped up your dying time. That might not necessarily be a bad thing though. This stab wound was by far the most painful thing she had ever felt. It felt like she was being torn apart, as though something were clawing it's way out.

"You don't even know me and yet you've come here to enjoy my death," she said more like a statement than a question. It sounded defeated. Almost as though she was tired enough of the world that she would give up right then and there.

But she wouldn't, he could see that. She was a fighter. "No, dearie," he said all too gleefully for Jack's taste, especially Jack's dying taste, "I've come to make a deal." He smiled down at her making his gold foiled skin crinkle.

She went to scoff but found the effort too painful and instead settled for a light laugh. "Your window's fading fast. What's the deal?"

"I will save your life, plant you in another world, without the painful memories of your past, and you can live a new life."

Jack had dealt with people like this before. There was always a catch, a price she usually wasn't willing to pay. "But as I'm sure you know, magic always comes-"

"At a price, I know. What's the price?" She asked, her patience wearing almost as thin as her lifeline.

"The beans, and one favor," he put up one finger to emphasize his point with a smile. He looked down on her. She'd take the deal, he saw it already. She would ask a few questions and then take it.

"What's the favor?"

"You'll know when I ask, dearie. So, do we have a deal?"

Jack looked around at her surroundings. The only thing she was wary about was the favor. It could be anything. But no, she could handle anything this little imp could throw at her, if not avoid it entirely. "Deal." He laughed giddily, then snapped his fingers. And she was gone.

Present Day-Watchtower
"Fine." She had to take this chance. If it was her only way back to the land of the living then she had to take it. Even if it killed her.

Rumpelstiltskin smiled and snapped his fingers. Suddenly her decaying body appeared in front of her. All she could think was, thank goodness holograms can't smell because this'll take more Lysol than even Oliver could afford.

He waved his hand over the body and it transformed into her old self. It looked like she was just sleeping. It's funny, you never really see yourself. Sure, you see yourself in mirrors and pictures but it's not the same. It's not like seeing yourself in real life. It was one of the many strange experiences she got to have.

"Ready?"

Tess nodded. He muttered a few words under his breath, making fluid and strange hand gestures.

Next thing she knows, she shoots up from the table she was laying on so she was sitting, taking a deep breath. "Breathe, dearie, you have to get your oxygen levels up. After all, you're no use to me dead," he said with a smile.

Selfish little imp. Her breathing began to slow and her heart beat steadied to normal pace. The next thing she noticed was the reality of it all. The solidity, the scent, the feel, even the metallic taste in her mouth. "What's next?" she asked, getting up and heading to get herself a drink. The first one she's had in over a year. She honestly couldn't wait to feel the burning in her throat that could take the edge off the imp in front of her.

"Back to the Enchanted Forest. Have you heard of the wicked witch of the west?"

Tess cracked a smile. "Yes."

"She's invaded the Queen's kingdom. We want it back."

"Last I checked the queen had magic on her side."

"She does, but the beasts the witch has are somehow-"

"Stronger than magic. But the question I must ask is, she doesn't have any knights in shining armor to take care of this for her? I understand that she wasn't a fan favorite but doesn't she have a vault of hearts that makes them bend to her will?" She recalled that the Queen was always hated, but somehow always seemed to have plenty of staff on hand. Upon further questioning she discovered her trick. It was twisted, but clearly it worked.

"It's a long story. We need someone to take control of this matter. And I remembered a deal I made with a little redheaded monster slayer and suddenly she became the top pick."

"As flattered as I am, you expect one person to fight a dozen, if not more, monsters by herself and win?" she challenged.

"You will have a few people. Have you ever heard of the merry men?"

"As in Robin Hood?"

"Yes. They are to help you."

Not them again. Years ago, she had an encounter with them and she hadn't held them in the highest regard since. "It's not like I have a choice."

"You always have a choice, dearie," he replied.

Not one that she would consider making. "When do we leave?"