Turns out I did get broken; sorry! The old spine went bye bye, and I didn't help things by playing another three matches- yes I am a stubborn idiot. And I have been neglecting you!

I was so tempted to do a re-write, because frankly the Miller's Daughter episode nearly killed me, but I'm going to continue as it would require major plot overhauls! (Though if you're interested in the other version let me know!)

"Pan."
Neal paused, only a limited number of people referred to him as that; and as far he was aware none bar Hook were in Storybrooke. Turning, he frowned, "Who's there?"
"Look down."
"Oh..." Seeing the feline sitting at his feet, he paused, "Chess?"
Standing, she ruffled her fur, "The one and only."
He nodded, somewhat shell-shocked, "I didn't realise the curse had got you too. How have you been?"
Giving a feline equivalent of a shrug, she replied, "I'm better now the curse is broken. But I find myself with the need of a master thief."
Crouching to her level, he sighed, "Chess, I can't. I've just found out I'm a father and... and I'm trying to be a better person. I can't be the thief anymore."
The Cat nodded solemnly, "I understand." Putting her paws up on his knee, she pushed her head against his chin with an affectionate purr, "I've watched you grow up so many times Bae. From when you stopped being able to fly, to now. I just want you to know; I'm proud of you." She grumbled, "Even though you're father is the king of all arseholes."
Chuckling, he nodded, "No argument there. Thanks Chess." He ran a hand through his hair, "What is it you are looking to steal?"
"Your father's dagger..."
"No!" Neal cut her off quickly, "I won't let that power destroy you too..."
He was silenced when she placed a paw over his lips, "Oh hush! I don't want his bloody dagger; Cora has it, and I suspect she plans to use it."
"Shit." It took him less than a moment of deliberation, "I'll help you. What do you need?"
Nodding, she sat on the pavement, "What I need is a distraction."

Knocking on the door to the Mayor's office, Neal could feel nervousness creating butterflies in his stomach. When the door opened, he tried to speak in a steady voice, "Are you Regina?"
The Brunette regarded him carefully, "Yes. Who are you?"
"Oh, urm, I'm Neal; I'm Henry's father. Could... Could we talk?"
Regina's frown remained etched across her lips, but she nodded, "Fine. Mother! I'll be in the upstairs office.

The office was filled with things that (though she would never admit it) scared and confused her. Despite her magical powers, Cora was lost in this new world; and as for the computer? Well that could go to hell, in her opinion; damned confusing thing. One piece of technology she had learnt to love, however, was the instant coffee machine outside. Plucking one of the green pieces of paper, her daughter claimed was money, off of the desk; she walked out of the office.

Appearing in a swirl of grey-silvery magic, Chess immediately ran to the desk. With a shuddered breath, she ran her fingers over the blade lying on its surface. Her hand subconsciously rose to hover over her chest a moment. Shaking her head, she swore as she heard Cora returning. Flashing into her feline form, she leapt up onto the desk; and tried to pick up the dagger. Even though in her cat-state, she had the use of opposable thumbs, Chess found her paws dexterity severely lacking. AS she fumbled the door opened, and she froze. Part of her was relieved when she realised it was Regina. The Brunette had slumped against the door and was muttering curses to herself.
Releasing a soft mewl in greeting, Chess chuckled when Regina jumped slightly. Frowning, she was just about to wander over to the feline when a roar of, "YOU!" Came from the door.
Both Regina and the cat looked round to see her mother holding a ball of magic in her hand. The former queen jumped in surprise as the feline released a throaty chuckle. Tilting it's head, it regarded Cora a moment before turning back to Regina; showing a wide Cheshire grin. "Your mother has a good memory." The grin faltered slightly, "Though I was disappointed that you didn't remember me."
Cora's face carried no arrogance, only pure loathing, "Damned vile creature! How do you yet live?!"
Turning herself, she sat gracefully, "A brick and a burlap sack may have served you better than blasting me off of that balcony." The cat's green eyes narrowed, "Cats land on their feet remember." Finding her grip on the dagger, she stood on her hind legs as easily as she would four. Taking a bow, she smirked, "Now, I'm afraid I really must be going." Snapping the fingers of her free hand Chess disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"NO!" Cora launched herself and the fireball forwards; catching the cat as she dissipated. She collided with the desk hard, as the dagger hit the surface.
Despite having planned to kill her mother just hours earlier, Regina could help but take a few hurried steps forward to go to the older woman's aid. "Here, let me help..."
"Get off me" Throwing Regina off, she turned venomously, "What the hell was that creature?! And how did it survive a curse which should have atomised it."
The former queen could only shrug, "I have no idea. I thought she was just a cat."
Gripping the dagger, she growled, "At least we still have the dagger; the plan can still go ahead."

Materialising, Chess fell to the floor holding her arm. Gritting her teeth in pain, she steadied her breathing enough to heal the severe burns Cora had just dealt her. Jefferson had leapt to his feet as soon as his friend had appeared, "What happened?!"
Wincing as the skin knitted itself back together, she growled, "Cora caught me with a fireball as I was trying to steal Stiltskin's dagger."
Helping her to her feet, he gestured to the arm chair across the room, "Have a seat, I've just made a pot of tea."
With a deep sigh, she tilted her head, "Oh Jefferson, I bloody well love you."
He shrugged, "I just know you too well." Handing her a cup, he smiled, "Tea solves all problems."
Pausing, she took a thoughtful sip, "Hmm. If only it could get fix Cora and Stiltskin."
A slightly manic laugh bubbled out of the hatter, "Maybe if you threw tea over them it would work?"
Beginning to laugh, Chess's face suddenly froze.
"What is it?"
Her widest grin flashed across her face, and her yellow eyes flashed wildly. Leaping to her feet, she planted a solid kiss on Jefferson's forehead, "That's it! Jefferson! You're brilliant!"
Shell shocked, he spun to chase her as the brunette bolted for the door, "Chess?... What... WAIT! Throwing tea is a bad idea! Chess!...CHESS!" But all that remained of her in the corridor was a faint wisp of smoke. Running a hand through his hair, he released a nervous titter, "Oh me, oh my, Chess; there are times when you make me seem sane in comparison." A bout of giggles escaped him, "Perish the thought."

Hope you are still enjoying it, despite my tardiness.

I'm going on tour with the rugby girls for a week, so I won't be able to update again till I get home. But I have plenty free time after that so I'll crack on and try to get the next few done!

As always I love to hear what you think, and frankly I'm addicted to reviews- unashamed addict!