A Dish Best Served Cold

"...So your son, whom you promised me WOULD deliver the Dark One to us, has turned out to be as pathetic as that former coward?" Cora sneered at her travelling companions. "I will handle the Dark One myself. YOU will take care of his other weaknesses or I'll rip your hearts out of your bodies and make you watch while I crush them to dust!"

Hook and Milah, who prided themselves on cowaring before no one could not help but cower before the former Queen of Hearts. Her evil deeds were the stuff of legends and sometimes used to frighten children into behaving for their parents. It was rumored that her own heart was no longer in her body, rather kept in a secret location. She'd removed it years ago, believing love to be a weakness rather than a strength, a lesson she thought her daughter had learned well but Regina, like the man she spawned her on turned out to be a bitter disappointment in the end. That would have to be rectified.

If her own powers were not strong enough to defeat Rumplestiltskin, she still had one other weapon at her disposal, held in the custody of the one person who had proven not to be a disappointment to her despite her rejection of her years before. Now she chided herself for spending so much time grooming Regina when the other girl proved to be a much better student.

Cora excused herself and returned to her quarters, removing the satin cloth covering the mirror she'd brought with her from Wonderland, a mirror that served both as a portal and allowed her to communicate with her protege. She stepped through the frame and found herself in the throne room of the palace her student now occupied.

"We should do this ourselves," the woman spoke up, waving her hand over a crystal ball.

"And we will dear, the most difficult task. The trivial ones we'll leave to the pirate and his crew."

"And him?" The woman gestured to a locked door.

"Leave him where he is until we can devise a way to counteract his unique ability."

"We don't need Regina...I can do this with you," the woman insisted.

"I want her back!" Cora hissed.

"And what about me?" the woman's voice rose in anger. "Haven't I done enough to prove my loyalty to you? What more do you want of me?"

"Stop that blubbering! I will have my daughter back and you will not interfere. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes," she sighed.

"I will bring Regina here and you will begin work on reversing the aging spell that's been placed on her."

"My experiments have been failures. I've sent my pets out in search of new volunteers."

"I may also be bringing you someone else for your amusement."

"Oh? And whom might that be."

"My former page. Rumplestiltskin's son!"

She was unaware that she had Rumple's greatest weakness under her roof for so many years yet she'd inflicted enough pain on the boy during that time that he was certain to remember and fear her. And there would not be a Jefferson's hat for him to use to escape her this time.

"So that imp was able to reproduce? Terrifying thought." There was a screech on the other side of the mirror and a thud as a large monkey with wings deposited an unconscious Munchkin at his mistress's feet.

"Why thank you my pretty!" the Wicked Witch of the West handed the creature a treat and patted its head. "A perfect specimen. I'll get started on this one right away."

"I will contact you again when I have Regina."

"Until then...Mother."

The image in the mirror vanished. Zelena, born from a brief encounter with a con man who frequented the tavern she once worked in had always been one of Cora's best kept secrets and with good reason. An illegitimate child would have ruined her chance to become a queen when she married Prince Henry. Little did she know that he would never take the throne either, his father's kingdom conquered by the forces of King Leopold and Princess Eva a year after Regina's birth. She sent her firstborn to Oz, never imagining the child would come looking for her.

Zelena's magical talents, scorned by the man who raised her, were more advanced than Regina's even without the assistance of a tutor in her younger years. The girl learned her skills on her own until Cora took her under her wing and honed her skills until Zelena's magic was as powerful as her own.

Her latest test subject now locked in his new quarters, Zelena decided it was time to pay a visit to her other guest. She heard a snort from the other side of his mirrored prison.

"Now is that any way to treat your hostess?"

"What did you expect me to do? Kiss your feet? Can't do that in here and I'd be terrified of eating fungus."

"I could let you out for a bit...if you ask nicely."

"No thanks. Would rather be stuck in here than endure even a second of your company." He shook his head. "Sometimes I wish I was back in your counterpart's prison. She makes you look pale in comparison."

"She cant be as powerful as me."

"Oh but she is. And she doesn't have your little skin affliction. Envy is so hard on the complexion, isn't it?"

"I would rip your heart out..."

"Ah, but you can't, can you? You can't use any magic against me because it would just blow up in your green face and then you really would be having a bad day!"

"Shut up!"

"For someone who prides herself on being so wicked, your efforts are nothing more than parlor tricks. I do wish you could meet a truly wicked witch. She would mop the floor with you!"

"I'd incinerate her!"

"Wouldn't have the chance. She'd suck out your life force before you could blink."

Taunting his captor was always the highlight of the day, he never would've gotten away with it in his previous prison because that captor had been prepared for the likes of him.

And it was no idle boast when he claimed there was another Wicked Witch of the West with powers greater than hers. Stolen powers, but still greater ones nonetheless. And her consort, known only as the Commander, was equally ruthless or so it had seemed.

There were times when he felt being trapped behind this mirror was best for everyone. His abilities made him far too tempting a weapon to be used against the most powerful of mages, even those who served the light. That was what his previous captors had planned until the Commander released him, claiming to know who he was and where he needed to be though HOW he knew was anyone's guess. He thought finally he would be able to complete the mission he'd been on for years, finding the family he never knew only to be captured again. Perhaps it was his fate to spend the rest of his life imprisoned.

"Did you have something else you wanted to say or will you spare me the agony and leave me in peace for a few hours?"

Zelena glared at him.

"How intimidating," He shook his head and picked up one of the books he'd been carrying in his pack and started to read. "Well, don't come back when you do. I want to finish this book."

"I'm not finished with you!" she snarled. "Give me that book!"

"Not on your life."

"You'll give it to me or you don't eat."

"Then I won't eat. Your cooking is terrible anyway. If you even cook it, that is."

"I DO cook!"

"Then you might want to get more lessons before you give someone food poisioning."

"The book, or you don't eat for two days."

"Lady, do you think I've never gone without a meal before? Newsflash: I have and I STILL refused to give in to demands."

She leaned against the glass. "Why do you always have to fight me? It would be so much easier if you cooperate," she added softly, leaning down to allow him a view of her cleavage. He shivered in revulsion. Her counterpart was much more attractive but he wouldn't have even dared to touch her either. The Commander would've skinned him alive and worn his intestines as a hat.

"Hey, Mrs Robinson, I don't want you to seduce me so lay off."

"What?"

He rolled his eyes. "Never mind. You wouldn't get it even if someone smacked your green face a million times."

"You'll change your mind when the hunger pangs begin!" she hissed. She yanked the velvet curtain down over the mirror and walked away, wishing she was able to remove his smart tongue. She was certain the solution to her dilemma was in that book and she WOULD get it no matter what the cost.

And he was equally determined to make certain the second book in his pack reached the recipient it was intended for: Rumplestiltskin. It's contents were far too dangerous in any other hands if they managed to find someone to translate it.

Back on the Jolly Roger, Jones and his crew made their preparations to launch their attack against the Gold family that now. to their bitter disappointment, included Jimmy.

"...You're no son, you're no son of mine

You're no son, you're no son of mine

You walked out, you left us behind

And you're no son, you're no son of mine..."

Rumple winced when he passed by the closed door to Jimmy's bedroom, hearing the haunting song by the rock group Genesis playing on the boy's stereo. He rapped twice on the door to alert the boy to his presence and entered.

"Seems fitting, doesn't it?" Jimmy asked, turning down the volume. "Because it's exactly what SHE said to me."

"It's her loss son," Rumple said softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I've been giving some thought to what we discussed earlier and there's something else I need to speak to you about."

"Yes...?"

"You will always have a home here with us but if you agree, I would like you to become my son legally."

Jimmy's mouth dropped open. "Y...You...you want to adopt me?"

"I do. Belle and I spent most of the night discussing it and she agrees. There'll be some red tape involved but I can speed things along."

"I...I don't know what to say..."

"Take as much time as you need to think about it."

"I don't need to!' he cried and threw his arms around him. "I want to stay here, to be your son more than anything now! I know I drive you crazy sometimes but this is the first real home I've ever had."

"Then I'll get the paperwork filed right away. Come on downstairs and get some breakfast."

"Ummm...are you gonna tell everybody?"

"Are you worried Bae and Alina might object?"

He nodded.

"I'm not. They've accepted you as part of the family in the time you've been living here. We're just going to make it official."

Jiminy was still nervous when he went downstairs to see his brother, Alina, Henry, Emma, Ilyssa, and Belle already at the table.

"Bae, Alina, there is something your Papa and I want to discuss with both of you," Belle announced.

"Is it about Cora?" Bae inquired.

"No, but she is a concern as are Hook and Milah. They are in Storybrooke."

"How do you know? Have you Seen them Papa?"

"No Bae. I talked to them," Jimmy spoke up. His brother glared at him from across the table.

"What did you tell them?"

"That I am not going to do anything against my family...THIS family," Jimmy replied firmly. "I went there hoping I could get them to open their eyes and put an end to this stupid feud but they wouldn't listen to me."

Bae scowled. "I'm not surprised Our mother's had it in for Papa since before I was born and your father..."

"...goes along with whatever she says. Like a puppet. I'm finished with them and...they are with me."

"Bae, Alina, your mama and I have talked it over and we've decided that we'd like to adopt Jimmy legally, if you both give us your blessing." Rumple announced.

"If you don't want to I'll understand," Jimmy said and lowered his head.

Bae understood the boy's fears of rejection well. He had them himself when he first started living with the Cassidys. They passed in time but the first months had been hard.

"As long as you keep to your word that WE are the family you want to be part of, you have my blessing."

"I'm not a Jones anymore. They didn't want me well I don't want them either!" Jimmy declared fiercely. "From now on I'm a Gold too."

"You followed your heart and it led you to us,"Alina said. "The heart never lies. You're home now." She said simply. "I'm happy to have another brother, but don't become an overprotective dragon like Papa and Bae, please!"

"Can't promise that little sister. Some guy tried something on you and I won't be responsible for my actions."

Alina groaned. "Grace and I are gonna end up old maids forever!'

"I'd rather you end up an old maid than get involved with someone like Hook!" Bae retorted.

His sister made a face. "C'mon, Bae! I Do have brains. I wouldn't date somebody like that!"

"Better not!"

Belle smiled faintly, wishing she had brothers like Bae when she was a child but being an only child, she often wondered if she were a disappointment to her father for not being born a boy.

Alina rolled her eyes. "Brothers!"

"Honey be grateful you have them. I sometimes wished I had when I was growing up."

"I'm gonna be the protective big sister with Cas...and already am with Regina," Emma spoke up.

Alina considered. "Okay. Then that means I get to boss the twins around." Then she added, "And just don't forget I'm not some silly girl that needs her brother telling her what she ought to do. The only one who's allowed to do that is Papa."

"Okay," Bae laughed. and finished his breakfast. "I gotta get over to the dojo before my class starts."

"Have a good day hon," Emma said and gave him a quick kiss. Ilyssa covered her eyes.

"What?"

Henry chuckled. "I dunno what made her do that Mom but it was hilarious!"

"She's a smart lass," Rumple chuckled, and tweaked his granddaughter's nose.

"She gets it from me," Bae taunted. Emma threw a piece of toast at him.

"Oh get going before you're late!"

"See you later," her husband smirked. Then he went out the door, whistling the tune to "Ride of the Valkyries."

"Why do I put up with him?" Emma sighed. "Okay Lyss, time to go to 'Punzel's."

Kathy Filardo

Her daughter clapped her hands and squealed.

"Rumple I can go in late today if you want to start the adoption process," Belle said to her husband.

"All right, dearie. I think the sooner we do so, the better." He didn't like leaving loose ends.

Alina grabbed her backpack. "Henry we better get going or we'll be late for school."

"Okay." He went and hugged and kissed his mom and sister.

Alina did the same with her parents and siblings.

Jimmy planned to spend the rest of the day working on a new project using some of the photographs he'd taken in the last few months. Henry and Bae taught him how to use a computer and a tablet and he spent part of his allowance on several photo editing programs that he could use to enhance them or add special effects.

"Let me go and draw up the papers," Rumple said. "We'll get them notorized down at the courthouse." He looked at his new son. "Jimmy, I'm going to need your signature on some of these."

"Ummm...it looks like chicken scratch but I'll sign anything you need."

"You'll need to do it in front of two witnesses," Rumple answered. "Emma, you can be one and Belle the other." He summoned the legal forms and began filling them out rapidly. He wrote efficiently and neatly.

Jimmy wished his writing looked like that.

Rumple signed the document with a flourish, then handed the pen to Belle. "Sign there, sweetheart. Then Jimmy, you sign here, and below that Emma signs." He indicated the proper spaces.

The papers signed, Rumple tucked them into his briefcase for them to be notarized that day. Normally an adoption involved months of red tape but he'd always been able to find shortcuts around that as Regina learned when she'd adopted Henry years before. He'd also gotten a call from Doctor Whale about reaching a joint custody agreement with Lilly once Meredith felt more comfortable spending time with him. He was making progress now that she was on her honeymoon and not due back for another two weeks.

Rumple and Belle drove to the courthouse while Jimmy remained at home working on his project. He already had several sets of photographs done, including one of Rumple in his old Dark One leathers using a program to add a flame burning in the palm of his hand. He also edited a photograph of Belle in her gold dress by adding sparkles to the skirt of her gown.

"Hey guys, what do you want me to do for this one of you?' he asked the twins. They stared at him.

"Yeah...keep forgetting, you're not ready to tell me yet but I promise ya I'll come up with something good, okay?"

Dylan clapped his hands, Daria following suit.

He couldn't wait to show Alice and Hatter their portraits.

"...Are you sure about this Gold?"

Judge Thomas looked up from the document he was reading and frowned at the sorcerer. "You know whose son that boy is."

"I do..and you know I don't trust easily but Jimmy has earned his place in my family," Rumple said firmly. "His parents want nothing to do with them but it's their loss, not his."

"Are they...here?"

Rumple hesitated to answer, not wanting to start a panic. "If they are, my family can handle it."

"Good because that damned pirate caused me enough headaches back in the forest. Gods, I wish I'd been able to capture him and make him dance at the end of a rope. The woman too. She's as ruthless as him."

"No one knows that better than I do," Rumple said with a hint of bitterness. "But her sons are nothing like her. Jimmy is his own person and a better one than either of his parents. Trust me on that."

"All right. I'll take your word for it." He handed the documents back. "You can tell Jimmy he is officially a Gold now."

Belle smiled. "He'll be so happy. Rumple, let's take him out to dinner to celebrate tonight."

"Sounds like a plan, sweetheart. I'll see if Bae and Emma or the Nolan's want to babysit."

"Let's try the Nolans. Bae and Emma should be with us."

"You're right. I'll text Bae, let him know and then he can make arrangements for Lyss too." Tonight should be Jimmy's special night, which was why Rumple wanted his younger children and granddaughter to stay home. So he could focus his attention on his new son.

"I'm texting Snow now...oh...she's going to have Meredith too...Doctor Whale got called in to work early."

Rumple winced. "Maybe we'd better ask Alice then. Meridith, Regina, and Cas is enough for her to handle."

"Good idea since we know Meredith and Regina are like oil and water."

One benefit of his large extended family was there was always someone on hand to help if needed. He knew Alice was home tonight, Jeff was working on a new trick with his hat, and Grace was helping Alice bake for the upcoming bake sale.

"I won't be surprised if the twins want to help with the bake sale."

"They make great taste testers. Alice told me she's made several new things, some of them sugar and gluten free."

"I'm always willing to test anything chocolate." Belle said with a grin. "Call Jimmy and tell him the good news."

Rumple texted his son, who promptly asked if he could pick the restaurant.

Sure. This is your night, son.

Thanks, Papa. There's this new Asian fusion place that just opened up in Mountain View that I've been wanting to try, Jimmy texted back excitedly. Mountain View was the nearest town to Storybrooke.

Make reservations for seven, Rumple told him. We'll be home shortly.

Aye aye, sir!

"I'll stop somewhere and buy Jimmy a gift before I get home Rumple."

"You do that. I'll wrap it." Her husband grinned. He knew Belle would pick something that expressed their wish to welcome the young man to the family without being tacky or too sentimental.

It would also give him some time alone with the boy. Rumple was worried Jimmy was suppressing much of his anger and hurt at Milah and he wanted to make sure the kid talked to him before those destructive emotions made him act out.

No one understood the pain of rejection the way Rumple did, and he knew Jimmy was still hurting over it.

"Maybe we should ask Jimmy if he wants to talk to Archie when he gets back from his honeymoon," Belle said.

"Yes. That would be a good idea. I'll run it by him," the sorcerer agreed. "Mean while I'll do what I can to help him."

"I know you will and so will I." She kissed him tenderly. "The books are calling darling. Have a good day."

"You too. See you later." He waved as she drove off in her Mini then he got back in the Cadillac and returned to the Victorian.

Two men who had been following the car on foot stopped to take a breath.

"How...how are we gonna keep up with him in that fancy coach?" one panted.

"We better figger it out or Cap'ns gonna make us walk the plank."

"I wanna run that crocodile through!"

"You'll get turned inta a slug first...better let that witch take him."

That 'witch' in question was currently staking out her youngest daughter's new home under the glamour of a blind woman.

It had come as quite a shock to learn that the daughter of her bitter rival was now raising the child that had been her revenge against the royal family. It was a glorious day when she gazed into her mirror from Wonderland and saw her daughter take her rightful place as Queen of the Enchanted Forest, forcing everyone to go down on their knees in homage to her for that was where they all belonged.

No, Snow White would not escape her punishment. She would join her mother and father in death.

Regina was not looking forward to having Meredith Bergmann for company that evening but she would try to be plesaant as she always did.

Her mom always told her that making someone welcome was not always easy but it was worth it to show kindness if possible since sometimes that was enough to change their attitude.

"Maybe we can teach her how to bake some goodies for the sale," Snow mused.

"That could be fun,"Regina agreed. She enjoyed baking with her mom and Alice.

"Okay...I'll get out the Easy Bake oven too so you can make your own little treats."

Regina clapped her hands. "Can we make apple tarts?" She loved anything with apples in it

"Of course!"

Regina cheered, and Cas giggled from his bouncy chair. The baby didn't know why his sister was happy but he was excited because Regina was, and that was enough.

"We're gonna make goodies Cas! Mommy, can he eat some apple tarts?"

"Yes. But in very small pieces," Snow told her.

Cas, like his mother and sister, loved apples. His favorite food was cinnamon applesauce.

"Honey, Meredith is here!" David called from the living room.

"Let's go and greet our guest, Regina," Snow said. She was trying to teach her daughter hospitality the way her own mother had.

Meredith was already in a foul mood, wishing it were her grandmother watching her not Snow White but she overheard her father asking several people to take her for the day and be turned down.

"Okay now remember what we talked about, Meredith?" Victor prompted. "About being polite and having fun?"

"Yeah," she grumbled.

"Hey," he sighed and gently took her chin in his hand. "I'm sorry I have to go in to work but that's how it is when you're a doctor. When I get off call we can spend the day doing something together but for now I want you to try and have fun with the Nolan's. You know if you quit being so grumpy then people will start wanting to be around you more. Because nobody likes a sourpuss."

"But I wanna stay with you!" she cried. "Wish Gramma were home instead of with that dumb cricket!"

"Archie isn't dumb," Whale told her. "And you'd be bored to death waiting for me in hospital on call room. This way you can be somewhere you can play and do something besides watch TV and rearrange my phone. Give it a chance, Merry, won't you? It's only for a few hours."

"I'll try Daddy," she said sadly.

"That's my girl." He kissed her cheek. "I'll see you later."

Meredith put on her best smile and followed David into the kitchen.

"Hello Meredith," Snow greeted cheerfully. "We're making some baked good for the upcoming sale. Would you like to help?"

"Ummm...I really don't know how to bake," Meredith admitted. "Gramma always does the baking and Daddy doesn't know how to to cook either. We just go to Granny's a lot." She made a face.

"We can teach you. C'mom. It's really easy." Regina piped up.

Meredith pointed to the Easy Bake Oven sitting on the counter. "What's that?"

"Oh, Mommy got me that so's I can bake my own stuff! It's really easy, That's why they call it the Easy Bake."

"You mean it's a toy that really works like an oven?"

"Uh-huh."

Meredith had little interest in toys as her grandmother and father learned once she started living with them but she did love books and was trying to improve her reading skills as much as she could so that she could read some of the same books they did.

"I don't play with toys much. I read. But I really do wanna learn how to make stuff so we don't have to go to Granny's all the time. That's too expensive."

"Doesn't your daddy know how to cook?"

"Nope. He's bad at it. I mean really bad! One time he tried to make me soup in the mic and he cooked it too long. It went all over the place."

"Maybe ask him if he can hire a housekeeper like Alice," Snow suggested.

"Ummm..that's really expensive too."

Snow was pleased to see the usually aloof older girl learning to open up a little more, thanking her lucky stars living under Doctor Whale's roof had been a positive influence rather than a negative one. Playboy he may have been but it seemed that he was willing to put all that aside for his daughter's benefit.

"He has it. He's a doctor," Regina reminded her.

"Yeah but you shouldn't really waste a lot of money on things you can do yourself," Meredith reasoned. "That's what Gramma taught me. I have to do chores for Daddy if I want to earn an allowance to buy books and he says I gotta do them at Gramma's too when she gets back."

"I gotta take Princess out when she hasta go and Mommy's teaching me how to fold the clothes after she washes 'em."

"Yes, you do Regina," Snow said proudly. "I think all children should learn to do chores."

"You didn't when you was a princess."

"And that was unfortunate. I was glad when I got to live with the dwarves. It was an eye opener for me on how everyone else lived. It also taught me to have greater respect for those less fortunate and be willing to help out more. You know Mr. Gold likes to do that."

Meredith's eyes widened. "He does? But...but he's rich as Midas!"

"Uh-huh but he's the one leavin gift baskets all over town on Christmas!" Regina clapped her hands over her mouth. "Ooops! Mommy, I think I wasn't 'sposed to tell anyone that."

"It's okay honey. I think Meredith will keep out secret."

She nodded, still stunned by the sorcerer's generosity, recalling her father's advice that she would learn so much more about everyone in their little town if she put forth more of an effort to try to be social.

"People aren't as bad as you think Merry," he'd said. "Some are but there are a lot of good ones out there too. Like you."

"Everyone thinks I'm bad."

"Because that's the impression you give them. Let them see the sweet little girl I see. You could have so many new friends if you show them the wonderful person you really are...how talented."

"All I do is read."

"So? One of these days your reading will put you on the path to a career."

This evening with the Nolans would be her first test, a test her father had every confidence she could pass with flying colors.

She hopped onto the barstool beside Regina's and glanced down at a set of index cards sitting in front of the Easy Bake Oven. "Oooh, you can make cookies in here too!"

"Yep. We're makin apple tarts but I gotta cut 'em up really small so Cas can eat 'em."

"Honey, I'm gonna go take Princess for a walk," David said from the doorway.

"An make sure she doesn't poop in someboy's yard!" Regina warned.

David laughed. "I will."

He put on his coat and hooked Princess up to her lead. The Dalmatian began growling the moment she stepped outside.

"Princess, what is it?"

Danger.

She bared her teeth. There was something evil lurking and she was ready to chew it to pieces once she found out. David gripped the handle of the leash tightly, trying desperately to keep up as the Dalmation raced toward the bushes.

"Princess, stop! Stop!"

"Hello Charming," he heard a woman say from behind him and felt something hard strike the back of his head. He fell to the ground. Princess leaped at the black cloaked figure ready to chew it to pieces. "Oh no you don't!" A cloud of purple smoke surrounded the dog, turning it to stone.

Cora lowered the hood of her cloak and waved her hand over the unconscious form of David Nolan, transporting him to the Jolly Roger. Hook and his crew would find plenty of ways to amuse themselves with their new toy.

Now it was time to deal with the bitch Eva and Leopold had spawned.

In the kitchen Snow, Meredith, Cas and Regina were having a wonderful time getting all of their delicious treats ready to bake in Regina's Easy Bake and Snow's oven. Meredith even asked Snow if she could bake an extra try of cookies and tarts to take home to her father. The two girls seemed to be getting along splendidly working together. Snow was even beginning to have some hope that they would eventually become good friends.

"I can't wait to try these," Regina murmured, staring at the apple tarts cooling on the baking tray.

"Not until they've cooled down honey."

"Your dad's been gone a long time," Meredith observed. "Princess really must've had to go."

"Ah, he stops and gabs a lot. That's what Mommy says. It really gets Princess annoyed. No Cas! You can't eat it now. You're gonna burn your mouth off!" Regina cried when she saw her brother reach for one of the tarts. Cas howled in protest.

Meredith covered her ears. "Holy crow! He's gonna scream down the walls."

"Don't I know it. Mommy, make him quit 'fore we go deaf!"

"Okay, okay." Snow picked up her son and broke off a piece of a blueberry muffin that had just finished cooling. "You can have that until the tarts are done."

The baby smiled.

"What a nauseasting picture of domesticity."

Snow back against the counter at the familiar voice. "No...NO! It can't be!"

"It's HER!" Regina screamed and jumped off the barstool. "UNCA RUMPLE HELP! SHE'S COME TO GET MEEEE!"

"Who...who is that?" Meredith asked fearfully.

"Regina..." Snow handed the baby to her daughter. "Run!"

"Mommy, she's gonna kill us," Regina sobbed, clutching Cas tightly.

"Regina, we gotta do what your mommy says and get outta here!"

"I want Daddy, Unca Rumple...anybody!"

"They're not here," Cora said smugly. "And I've waited a long time to put you back where you belong Snow White."

"You're not getting my daughter!" Snow snarled and grabbed a butcher knife. "Regina, Meredith! Get help quickly!"

The terrified girls ran out of the kitchen, Regina grabbing the cordless phone off the counter. She handed Cas to Meredith.

"I gotta call Unca Rumple. Hold Cas an don't let go!"

"It's okay Cas. It's gonna be okay," Meredith soothed the sobbing infant. "Regina, we gotta hide..."

Suddenly Cas vanished from Meredith's arms.

"Regina! Cas is gone! He vanished!" Meredith screamed.

"She got him! She got Cas!"

"Call whoever you gotta call but hurry up!" Meredith urged.

In the kitchen Snow was horrified to see her son reappear in her arms, asleep.

"I am NOT taking care of your brat so you can join him...back where you belong. Under your sleeping curse." Cora taunted.

"My husband will find us and wake us up. He ALWAYS finds us," Snow sneered. "So enjoy it while it lasts, Cora."

"Oh but I've added a little twist this time, dear. He only has fourteen days or you and your son will never wake up again."

"You bitch..."

"Say hello to your parents for me, Snow."

Cora gestured and teleported the now sleeping Snow and her son to her bedroom. She gazed into the full length mirror on the wall and smiled.

"Hello Rumplestiltskin. I've waited a long time for this reunion but I'm sorry you couldn't make it. Just know this: you won't have your family either when I'm finished with you!"

Regina misdialed several times before she finally heard Rumple answer his phone.

"UNCA RUMPLE HELP! SHE'S HERE AND SHE'S GONNA KILL ME!"

"It's time to go home Regina...and remember who you are!"

The phone fell out of the terrified child's hands.

"You're not taking her anywhere, you old witch!" Meredith ran over to Cora and kicked her in the shin.

"Well I see you need to be taught some respect too, you little brat!"

Regina threw her arms around Meredith. "She's gonna kill us. She's gonna kill us."

"Not if my daddy carves her up like a turkey first!"

"He won't even know where you are."

The two girls vanished in a puff of smoke.

Gold's shop

"Regina!? Regina!" Rumple cried frantically, the silence on the other line terrifying him and leaving him no doubt in his mind whom 'she' was. He sent a quick text to Belle explaining what was happening and teleported over to the Nolan house. The cordless telephone lay on the living room floor broken.

He ran as fast as he could throughout the house, hoping he would find Snow or David alive and able to tell him what happened but when he entered the couple's bedroom he found Snow lying on the bed holding Cas in her arms.

"Oh, no no…." he moaned, assessing them with his magic and to his relief he discovered that there were both still alive but under a sleeping curse. "It's going to be alright Snow. I'll find Regina for you. And then I am going to make that woman pay!"

He heard laughter behind him and turned to see Cora's image in the mirror.

"Hello Rumplestiltskin. I've waited a long time for this reunion but I'm sorry you couldn't make it. Just know this: you won't have your family either when I'm finished with you!"

"That's what you think, dearie!" he hissed and threw a fireball at the glass.

If it was a war she wanted, then a war was what she would get.

Author's Notes: Buckle up dearies, this ride is about to get very rocky!