Well, this is the final chapter in this little saga. Thank you to everyone who read it and gave their feedback. I really appreciate all the support I got for this story! -x

The portal appeared suddenly and unexpectedly. The red-purple whirlpool erupted from the earth, throwing chunks of rock, dirt and small trees all around. Emma had to duck to avoid a small boulder from crashing into her temple. The group scattered and shrieked to avoid the debris. Once the portal stopped growing, Emma stepped up to the swirling edge of it and pointed a sword expectedly. On the other side of the portal, directly facing Emma, was Charming, who also had his sword held high. Neal and August also took up positions to the left and right of Emma. Red pushed the children behind her while the newly-healed Blue Fairy placed a force field around them.

After a few tense seconds, a cloaked figure lurched out of the whirlpool, landing roughly to Emma's immediate left. Emma brought the sword inches from the figure's neck. "Who are you?" Emma shouted, threateningly. Out of the corner of her eye, Emma saw two more figures hop out of the gateway. Charming and Neal approached the two others.

The figure pulled the hood away from their head, and immediately locks of onyx hair flowed down to their shoulders. The person looked up, and to Emma's surprise she recognized the figure instantly. "Mulan?" Emma asked with a gasp. Mulan nodded, her long hair blowing in the wind brought on by the portal. A final person jumped out, nearly knocking August over. The portal closed then, with a thunderous pop, and a crater is left in the earth as evidence.

Emma lifts Mulan to her feet as Charming, Neal, August and the new visitors walk over. Aurora, Lancelot, and an unknown, handsome man all walk with a flustered gait to Emma and Mulan. Aurora races to Emma and hugs her tightly, while Charming playfully pats Lancelot on the back. "How did you guys get here?" Neal asked, his brow furrowed seriously.

In the distance, probably 3 miles away, thunder and lightning roared, which signaled Rumple's location. A few others in the group cautiously meandered over to meet the new recruits. "Well, it's a long story," Aurora said, smiling, her arms still wrapped around Emma's waist.

"I'm Phillip. Nice to meet you," The handsome stranger said, holding out his hand to Emma with a smile. Emma shook it, realizing with relief that he was not a fearsome stranger, but instead a valiant prince. Aurora let go of Emma then, and went to kiss Phillip on the cheek. He blushed, acquiring a giggle from Aurora.

Emma, Charming, Neal, August, Mulan, Aurora, Phillip, Lancelot, the Blue Fairy and the rest of the group all circled up around a large stump a few feet from the crater. Henry wrapped himself up in Emma's arms while she patted his head. Aurora layed on Phillips's lap, while Hansel curled up to Red. Mulan sat straight, her hair now pulled into a braid, and began to recount their tale.

"Aurora and I traveled to a new world to rescue Phillip. I don't believe the world has any official name, but we called it the Spirit World. Once we got there, we fought many beasts and ghouls, but eventually we were able to rescue Phillip's soul. On our way out of the Spirit World, we saw Sir Lancelot and we took him with us.

"After our adventure in the Spirit World, we went back to the Enchanted Forest, and we planned on living our lives in peace there, hoping one day Snow White and Prince Charming would return to rule. But after a few quiet days, an old witch appeared and threatened to kill us. It really wasn't that big of a threat, but after we defeated her we found a pouch of fairy dust on her. Long story short, we used the pouch of dust to make a portal here." Mulan explained tersely.

"What's happening here? In this land? Do you all usually spend your evenings in the woods?" Aurora asked, squeezing Phillip's hand.

"No," Charming said with a chuckle. His face became serious. "Regina has gathered an army and forced the citizens to take sides."

"Take sides for what? What is the problem?" Lancelot asked, arching his eyebrows in curiosity.

"Snow. Regina has launched an attack on Snow and our entire family. Sadly, the majority of the town joined Regina's ranks." A boom of thunder interrupted Charming. "Including, more recently, Rumplestiltskin." Charming frowned.

"Even worse, while Regina grows stronger, our army weakens. We've already lost so many brave lives." The Blue Fairy said softly, squeezing Red's hand somberly. August coughed, wiping his eyes quickly. Neal scooted closer to Emma and Henry.

"Where is Snow?" Mulan asked, looking around.

"She's resting." The Hatter replied, nodding towards a group of trees where the group had decided to set up their sleeping shelter. Mulan nodded, approving. A few hours went on, and one by one people went to join Snow and rest.

Soon, only Emma, Charming, Henry (who has near sleep in Emma's lap), Mulan, Neal, the Hatter, Red and Lancelot remained awake. "We need to talk about..." Emma looked around and took a deep breath before finishing her thought. "We need to talk about our endgame." Red nodded silently, while Neal cleared his throat.

"I agree. I've only heard a few details about this aweful battle, but I can tell that we will lose this war if we don't plan something soon. You've already lost so many lives." Mulan said, seriously. The group nodded in sorrowful agreement.

"We need an escape." Neal whispered, not expecting anyone to hear. Everyone turned to him, surprised. "We need an escape." He said again, more confident. "Let's face it, we won't win. Sooner or later, Regina and Rumple will capture and kill most of us. Personally, I'd rather not die, or watch the rest of you die. So, we need an escape."

"I agree, that seems like our best option at this time." Mulan said.

"How would we do it? The barrier is still surrounding the town. None of us except Neal and Emma and Henry and August can leave." Red said, skeptical.

"A portal. To another land." Lancelot exclaimed, excitedly.

"How? We have no beans," Charming started, extending his arm to show the barren field.

"My hat." Everyone turned quickly to look at the Hatter, who was idly playing with his shabby top-hat. "My hat is a portal, as Emma knows."

"Does it have enough power, though?" Emma asked the Hatter, ignoring his jab.

"I'm afraid not. Perhaps the Blue Fairy could power it up." The Hatter replied.

"What am I 'powering up'?" The Blue Fairy asked, walking up quietly behind the Hatter with a smile.

"We plan on leaving Storybrooke as soon as possible in order to survive. Since none of us can pass the boundary, we need to go through a portal to another land, instead. We were hoping you would be kind enough to supply power to his hat so he can supply us with a portal." Charming explained.

"I see." The Blue Fairy nodded, her face unemotionless. "And you all agree with this plan?"

"No." Emma said suddenly. Charming turned to her, shocked. "Look, I don't want to take my child through some wormhole, and into an unknown realm!" Emma explained, wrapping Henry tighter in her arms. "And I- I can't go back into the Enchanted Forest. Not after all the ogres and-and zombies and..." Emma trailed off, remembering the terrors of the Forest.

"That's why we won't be going back to the Enchanted Forest. We'll go to a completely new realm." The Hatter replied nonchalantly.

"And which realm would that be, Jefferson?" Emma said spitefully, shaking slightly.

"That's not important. What's important is that we get out of here soon!" The Hatter shouted, standing. The group was shocked into silence. "We can't go to the Forest. That will be the first place Regina will think to look. Either we go to a new land, or we don't go at all."

A few seconds passed in silence, everyone trying to decide what to do. Finally, the Fairy spoke in a hushed voice. "I'm afraid it doesn't matter what you choose." Everyone looked at her quizzically. "My wand is at the library. I have no power without it. I can't power up that hat or send anyone anywhere withouht it." She said, frowning.

"At first light, we will go to the library and retrieve the wand. The Fairy will power up the hat and we will leave, hopefully without many more casualities." Mulan said forcefully, leaving no room for discussion.

One by one, the group dispersed to the sleeping area. Neal carried Henry, who was fast asleep. Emma passed the Hatter and the Blue Fairy, who were deep in hushed conversation. Emma laid beside Henry and Neal, and fell asleep before she could think any more about the next day.

The morning light crept through the trees and into Emma's eyes. She jolted up, realizing with a start that in just a few moments she would hopefully be in a new world. Emma stood up and saw that she was the last one up. The rest of the group had gathered by the large stump from last night, and they were all well-equipped with weapons.

Emma walked over to them and was handed a sword by Grumpy. Mulan made eye contact with Emma and then hopped on the stump. "Listen! We are going to the library to retrieve the Fairy's wand in order to be transported to a new land. Hopefully we will not meet too much resistance, but if we do you must be prepared to fight. Good luck to you all." Mulan jumped off the stump and lead the way out of the woods.

After about 10 minutes the army had reached the road directly across from the back entrance of the remains of the library. Only a few charred walls remained of the once-glorious library. They were only 5 feet away from their destination, but Rumple's thunder clouds were approaching from the right at an alarming pace. Rhythmic chants and shrieks followed the cloud.

"Go!" Mulan charged towards the library. Immediately, arrows and flaming debris were shot at her, which all missed their target. Aurora and Phillip ran after her and an arrow struck Phillip in the shoulder. Emma pushed Henry behind her and the two ran across the street, deflecting arrows with her sword. A large chunk of flaming rock flew threw the air and struck Dopey in the head, knocking him to the ground. Dr. Frankenstein ran forward and stabbed the unconcious Dopey in the abdomen with a vicious grunt.

Mulan and the others spread out in the library looking frantically for the wand. Snow hid on the opposite side of the street behind a group of trees and shot arrows at Regina's army. Emma looked and saw an arrow fly into Frankenstein's throat, killing him instantly. Cinderella, the Woodcutter, and King George rushed to the tree where Snow was hiding, but were intercepted by August and Red. August slashed at King George, who blocked with his shield.

Red slashed at Cinderella's face, leaving 3 deep, bloody scratches in the princess' face. Cinderella screamed and punched Red in the stomach. The Woodcutter lifted his ax and brought it down on Red's back, but Red dodged at the last second. Red ripped at the Woodcutter and sliced his throat, making him fall to the ground in a bloody heap. August and George were still lunging at each other until Snow let loose an arrow into George's leg, making him cripple to the ground. August kicked the elderly man to the floor and went to help Red. August pounced on Cinderella from the back and Red slammed her claws into Cinderella's stomach with a sickening thwack and crunch.

"Got it! I got it!" Grace cried, jumping and holding the slightly-shimmering wand in her hand. Her father, the Hatter, ran to her and hugged her tightly. While he kissed her on the head, he removed the wand from her hand and passed it over to the Blue Fairy.

"Where's Snow White?" Rumple's voice echoed throughout the library, causing Emma to shudder. Suddenly, Rumple appeared in the former foyer in a puff of purple smoke. His skin was glittering and golden, and his teeth were sharpened like needles. He held a wicked dagger in his hand, which he held like a throwing knife. "Well?" He said, annoyed. Mulan jumped at him with her sword, but he put his hand up and she bounced away, as if by a force field.

In a split second, Rumple threw the knife to his left without looking, and it landed in Hansel's chest with a resounding thump. Hansel gasped and crumpled to the floor when the dagger suddenly removed itself from his chest and flew back into the hand of Rumple. Rumple was grinning from ear to ear as Aurora knelt down beside the dying boy.

"I'm right here, Rumple." Snow said sternly, standing on top of a shaved-down bookshelf. She raised her bow and aimed it at Rumple, when a lightning bolt came from the sky and struck her down. Charming lept for her but was pushed back by the invisible field Rumple had thrown up. Regina floated down from the sky and stood beside Rumple, both smiling in triumph. They were going to kill Snow and all the rest could do was watch.

Regina sauntered over to Snow, who was clambering back to her feet. Regina brought her fist down on Snow's right temple, which Snow didn't have time to deflect. A bruise was already coming on as Snow jabbed at Regina's stomach. Regina coughed, having the wind knocked out of her, and brought a bolt of lightning down on Snow again.

"Mom!" Emma cried, tears welling up in her eyes. Henry hid behind Emma, whimpering. Charming stood and pounded at the air where the force field was. Snow continued to be electrocuted, while Regina laughed hysterically. Suddenly, Lancelot tossed his sword at Regina. The sword stuck itself in the barrier, frozen in air beside Regina's face. Lancelot charged at the hilt of sword and began wiggling frantically. Rumple shrieked, but it was too late. The force and speed of Lancelot's wiggling of the sword cause cracks to appear in the field. The cracks spread until the entire barrier was brought down, and Charming jumped forward to punch Regina.

Regina's nose started bleeding, but she shot a bolt of lightning at Charming who was hit. Emma ran at Rumple, who was preparing to toss the dagger again. Out of nowhere, Hook appeared in front of Emma and jumped on Rumple. Emma stopped in her tracks and watched as Hook and Rumple fought on the floor, throwing punches and kicking like schoolchildren.

"Now!" The Hatter cried, taking his newly-charged hat from the Fairy. He placed it on the floor in front of him and spun it clockwise. The hat had little momentum at first, but then began to spin faster and faster on its own. Within a few seconds, a large green-tinted portal appeared on the floor of the library, spinning wildly and sucking books and debris into it. "The portal!" He cried desperately.

Without a second of hesitation, Red jumped in, followed closely by Grumpy and Happy. Emma left Hook and Rumple and grabbed Henry. She knelt down to his level and grabbed his head in her hands. "Hold on to me. No matter what happens, hold on to me." Emma said hurriedly, then kissed Henry on the head. He nodded in understanding and took Emma's sweaty hand.

Emma stood and began to jog to the spinning whirlpool. "You know what to do." The Hatter said to the Blue Fairy. Emma didn't understand why, but the Fairy was crying.

"Are you sure, Jefferson?" The Blue Fairy asked, wiping her eyes. Grace was holding on tightly to the Hatter's leg. The Hatter nodded, gravely. The Blue Fairy took Grace by the hand and led her away and to the portal.

"Daddy! Are you coming?" Grace asked, worried. The Hatter ran to her and hugged her tightly.

"Of course sweetheart. Go. I'll be there soon." The Hatter said reassuringly with a sad smile. He kissed Grace deeply on the forehead, then let her go. The Blue Fairy and Grace jumped in at the same time, leaving without a trace.

"Jefferson," Emma said, going to the Hatter.

"Emma, go. Now!" The Hatter pushed Emma away. Emma looked and saw Lancelot, August and Mulan jump in.

The fighting was still going on, in vain. Regina was shocking Snow and Charming repeatedly while Rumple and Hook still thrashed on the floor. Hook slashed Rumple across the chest, leaving no marks due to Rumple's rough, magical skin. Rumple pushed Hook away and Hook fell backwards into the portal with a surprised scream.

Regina lept on top of Snow and scratched at Snow's face. Snow gathered all her strength and pushed Regina off of her, making Regina fly a few feet away. Charming pulled Snow to her feet and the two ran for the portal. Charming looked over and saw Emma, and mouthed the words 'go!' Emma, still holding Henry's hand, took off for the portal. Neal ran up beside them, bleeding profusely from a cut on his forehead. Emma and Neal jumped in with Henry behind them and felt a cool rush.

Phillip lunged at Regina, who was flying straight for Snow. Phillip latched on to Regina's back and began to choke her. Regina stopped flying for the portal and placed her hands on Phillip's arms, then eltrocuted him. He screamed and let go, falling to the floor. Aurora ran up to him, and began to pull his body to the portal. Ragina cackled at the sight of poor Aurora dragging Phillip in vain. Charming ran to Aurora, who was already a foot away from the vortex. Aurora stepped back and Charming lifted Phillip up and threw him into the portal.

"Aurora, do it. Please." Snow said, quietly. Aurora shared a knowing glance with Snow, then began to push Charming towards the portal. Snow was standing face-to-face with Regina, unarmed.

"No! No! Snow, what are you doing?" Charming cried, so loud that Aurora's ears began to ring. Aurora fought to push Charming back, holding him away from Snow. Regina landed in front of Snow, a look of confusion on her face.

"David," Snow said calmly, a single tear rolling down her cheek. She turned to face Charming and Aurora. "You have to go. I have to stay here-"

"No!" Charming cried, nearly knocking Aurora over. The Hatter came over and helped restrain Charming. The portal was starting to slow down and shrink.

"Yes. It has to be like this. I am a bad person. I have to repent for what I've done. I love you, Charming." Snow said, peacefully. Rumple came to stand beside Regina, both grinning slightly.

"No! Snow!" Charming cried. With a final shove from Aurora and the Hatter, Charming fell into the portal, screaming the entire way. The portal disappeared, leaving scorch marks on the floor. The hat was all that remained, still spinning slightly. The Hatter snatched it off the ground and ran away, into the woods, out of sight.

Aurora stood straight, frowning in defiance. "What will you do to me?" She said strongly, clenching her fists. Snow closed her eyes. Rumple tossed his dagger, hitting its target, killing Aurora instantly.

"As for you, Ms. White." Regina said, inches away from Snow. With a booming cackle, Regina shocked Snow with a huge volt of electricity, knocking Snow out instantaneously.

Emma opened her eyes and saw the bright sun and trees above her. She heard birds chirping in the distance. She stood up, shakily, and saw the others around her. With a sinking feeling in her stomach, she noticed that Snow and Aurora were missing. Emma put her hand to her head, trying not to cry. She looked down, unable to look at the sun, and saw that she wasn't standing on normal ground. No, Emma was standing on bright yellow bricks. With a sigh, Emma looked up again and saw in the distance a huge, glowing, green city.