A/N: And we're back. Hi guys, thank you all again for your wonderful responses, they make my day every time. I have this chapter and the first section of the next one just about ready, I'm just debating a couple of details that can effect how events pan out. Anyways, I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I own zero things.

Chapter 10: Unexpected Arrivals

The Enchanted Forest

Zelena watched with a smug smile as the dark hoard, that was currently blocking out part of the sun's midday light, flew ever closer to the castle. The black mass, coming into focus to reveal her army with Walsh (the largest of them all) leading the way.

While the rest of the pack took off back to their perches amongst the trees and pillars, her commander flew through the window to land by her side.
In a puff of green smoke, the monkey once more, became a man.
"Did you get it?" she asked, anticipation making the magic below her green skin begin to spark at her fingertips.
Walsh merely smirked and proceeded to pull out the long, vine-engraved, piece of wood from within his jacket pocket. He handed it over to his mistress, who took it into her hands, balancing the weight and feeling the power.

With a victorious cackle, Zelena shot out her hand to summon her broom, which flew readily into her waiting palm.
"Come my pretty," she crooned to Walsh, who had taken on his simian form, "Storybrooke awaits."

~E&K~

Storybrooke

"Are you sure about this kid?" Emma asked for the tenth time, as she and Henry traced the familiar route through the town to the Mayor's office.
She knew that they needed to see Regina, that her son in particular, needed the reassurance that his other mother was safe. But, Emma couldn't help but remember the feelings that had encompassed her the day before. The barest hint of hope that had evaporated and left a sense of despair at the oblivious eyes of her father and her pirate. She had spent years building up a thick skin, so it had been easy to hide her emotions, only letting the small amount of tears fall late at night when she was alone in their shower at Granny's.
Henry didn't have her experiences. He'd been exposed to some terrible things (Neverland had undoubtedly made him stronger) but he would in no way be prepared for the lack of recognition, and possibly lack of care, that he was about to experience from the woman who had spent ten years raising him.

Her son was stubborn though, possibly a more genetic trait that he'd inherited from her, and simply sighed heavily at Emma's continued attempts to get him to return to the inn.
"Mom, I already told you, I'll be fine. I know she isn't going to know me, I'm ready for that, I can deal with this. I just...I just-"
"Need to know she's okay," Emma finished for him, "I get it kid, I do, I'm just worried about you."
Henry reached over to take her hand, which she squeezed reassuringly, before letting it drop back to her side as they neared the somewhat imposing white building. She could just hear Killian's voice in her head, quipping about the Queen's austere sense of design and the grunt he would make as she elbowed him in the ribs. Sure it made her feel a little bit insane, but having that piece of Killian, her Killian, with her, was a huge source of comfort. She felt so very alone in this town where she knew everyone but no one knew her; with nobody but Henry by her side to keep her grounded.

Taking a deep breath, she marched her way up the steps and through the doors, trying to portray an air of cool authority (technically she had it, as Storybrooke's newest deputy) Henry lead the way down to the main office,
although he came to an abrupt halt outside the door, meaning Emma almost went colliding into the back of him.
"Jeez kid, a bit of heads up would be nice."
But Henry wasn't listening, instead he pointed to the desk that lay ahead of them, where a woman sat waering a crisp black suit with a green blouse.
"Is Tinkerbell, my Mom's personal assistant?" he asked quietly, so as not to alert the working fairy to their presence.
"I can't tell," Emma replied, "She looked all wild and dirty the last-and only I guess-time I saw her. Only one way to find out."
Pushing back her shoulders, Emma strode across the room to stand before the desk, catching the woman's attention who looked up with a smile.
"Good afternoon," she said in the familiar accented voice. Definitely Tinkerbell. "How may I help you?"

"Hi there," she responded, ",My names Emma Swan, this is my son Henry, I was actually hired as the new Deputy yesterday and was wondering if I could speak with the Mayor."
The fairy smiled up at her, "Oh yes, Sheriff Nolan called and said we could probably expect you at some time. Just give me a minute." Reaching over, she pressed a button on her phone, buzzing through to the main office.
"Yes?" came the crackling reply.
"The new deputy and her son are here to see you," Tinkerbell replied.
"Of course, send them straight through Tina."
"Tina?" Henry asked when the buzzing had finished.
"Tina Kate Rosaline Bell, the Mayor's assistant, at your service; but you can call me Tina. The rest is a bit of a mouthful; why my parents thought I needed three first names I'll never know. Anyway, if you would like to go on through."

Tina K. R. Bell, Emma thought to herself as they approached the glass door, these curses are getting more clever.
She reached up to knock lightly, turning the handle as the brisk voice on the other side called "Enter."
Regina looked exactly the same, her hair was perfectly in place, a coat of bright red painted on her lips and a sharp black dress and heels to complete the combination. Even her office was identical. The only difference was the welcoming smile that lit up her face, one that most certainly hadn't been there when Emma had first met the Mayor of Storybrooke.
"Good morning," she said brightly, a term Emma never thought to apply to the Queen before, "I'm Regina Mills, Mayor of Storybrooke, and you must be Deputy Swan."
"Emma, please," was her response, as she shook Regina's hand.
"And you must be Henry."

Emma looked over her shoulder, to where her little boy was standing, frozen, just across the threshold to the room. He was gazing at his mother who was beaming back at him. Emma watched with sadness, as that same tiny spark of hope that she'd felt, disappeared from her sons eyes as he made his way carefully to her side and reached across the desk to shake Regina's hand.
"Henry Mi-Swan," he stumbled, not used to the alternative surname, "Nice to meet you Madame Mayor."
"Such a little gentlemen," Regina praised, "We don't see much of that around here nowadays. Please, take a seat."

The pair sank down into the plush, cushioned chairs across from Regina's leather one.
"I have to say Miss Swan," she said, "I was rather impressed when David called me. He told me how you walked into his office like you owned the place and practically demanded a job. I admire a woman with backbone; not to mention you apparently got Jones to lose his words for a few minutes, which is something I'd very much like to see."
Emma blushed profusely at Regina's account, "I'm sure Deputy Jones was just in shock from having a woman enter his mancave."
The other woman simply smiled knowingly, taking in the blondes nervous shifting at the mention of her new colleague.
"Whatever you say Miss Swan. Now I heard from the Sheriff that you used to work bail-bonds."
"Yes, back in Boston I tracked perps and set up fake dates and the like to catch them."
"Sounds exciting. I'm sure it's quite the change of pace to go from a big city bounty hunter to a small town cop."

"Um...yes...I guess," Emma stuttered, noting the slight narrowing in Regina's gaze, "But it's not necessarily a bad thing. It's hard to balance a potentially dangerous job whilst also being a single parent. I had to think about Henry first, and if anything happened to me, there would be no one to take care of him."
"No family then?"
"I'm an orphan," Emma answered, the words getting caught, considering that her mother was only a few blocks away and her father was patrolling the streets, "In a way, the fire that drove us out of Boston was a blessing in disguise. Now I don't have to worry about Henry being alone, small town family spirit you know?"

Regina simply hummed, searching across Emma's face from over her steepled fingers.
"Well Storybrooke is plenty quiet," she said eventually, I'm sure you'll settle in very well."
"Thank you Madame Mayor."
"I'm sure I'll be seeing you Deputy, have a nice day Henry."
Henry simply smiled and nodded, speed walking out of the room in front of Emma, who followed after shaking Regina's hand once more. She found him out on the front steps, gazing off into the horizon, his eyes not really focused on anything. Emma sidled up and took a seat by his side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"You did really good kid," she said, squeezing him to her as he wiped his sleeve across his eyes, "I'm so proud."
Her statement earned a watery smile and a loud sniff.
"Look Henry," she continued, "This has been a rough morning, so I think you should head back to the room, and I'll head to Gold's by myself, okay?"
For once he didn't protest; just nodded his head and gave her one last hug before trailing off in the opposite direction to her, back to Granny's, where he would have the space to do what he needed. Emma watched him go with a lingering sadness, before pushing off the steps, and making her way down to the pawnshop.

~E&K~

Inside the Mayor's office; Regina put the blinds back in place, took up the phone and hit speed dial.
"Nolan?...Fine Jones, it's Regina...I just had a meeting with the new deputy...yes Swan...would you listen?...I need you to do a background check into her...what do you mean why? Because I said so...Jones I understand you have a little crush on her, but I need this done...I think she could be hiding something...look into building fires in Boston...yes now...I don't care if you're hungry...it's not that I don't trust her, I don't even know her...there's just something that seems awfully...familiar about Miss Swan...yes...okay...thank you Deputy...goodbye."

~E&K~

Once again the streets of Storybrooke were alive with the mid-morning crowd, who all made a point of staring at Emma as she went past, partly because in their minds she as 'new', but also because of the shining badge that she had clipped to her belt. David hadn't told her yet when she was on duty, but Emma knew the truth about Storybrooke and wanted to be prepared for any possible circumstance where she may nee dto get involved, using the badge as a means to control people, who may otherwise dismiss her.

Oddly enough, she noted, the library appeared to be closed. She had yet to spot Belle around town , and this was just further evidence that she may be missing or hidden away. If everyone had kept their relationships though, Emma believed she would be right in assuming that she would find Belle at the destination she was now heading for.

Gold's shop was open as per normal, and the usual hodge-podge of modern and antique goods from both this world and the Enchanted Forest, filled the windows.
The little bell tinkled above her head, as Emma pushed through the door into the darker space, noticing that there was no one behind the main counter by the till. However, somebody obviously heard her entrance, as the curtain to the back room rustled and was pushed aside, to reveal somebody emerging backwards, with a box in their arms. Emma would recognise the voice anywhere, and so was prepared when he turned around to realise that she was there.

"Good morning," she said after a long, and frankly, quite uncomfortable, moment of silence.
"It is now," said the man, not even being subtle as his eyes mapped over her body, before slinking around the counter to hold out a hand, "Neal Gold," he said, "And who do I have the pleasure of assisting today? I would say Deputy Jones, judging by your badge, but you're far prettier than he is, and far less annoying"
"Deputy Swan actually," she answered coolly, "Emma Swan."
"An absolute delight to meet you Emma," he said, warm air washing over her skin, from where he had invaded her space. It just didn't feel as good as when Killian did it. "How may I help you?"
Clearing her throat, Emma glanced at the curtain, where she could hear someone shuffling around.
"I was actually wondering if your father was here?" she said, trying to ignore the shock that crossed Neal's features at her words.
"Belle," he called over his shoulder, eyes not leaving hers, so she could see the confusion and intrigue there.
"What is it Neal?"

That solved one mystery.
Belle appeared from behind the curtain, looking like her normal self, other than her pale features and the bruises under her eyes that indicated sleepless nights.
"This is the towns new deputy, Emma Swan," Neal said quietly, gesturing to where Emma stood.
"Nice to meet you," said Belle kindly, "Is there something the matter that's brought the department down here this morning?"
"Oh no," Emma replied quickly, "I-"
"She's asking for papa," Neal interupted.

Belle too had a momentary look of shock, her eyes travelling back to Emma, although her gaze was more shrewd than kind.
"How do you know Robert?" she asked, with an edge to her voice.
"Well, I-" Emma started, but was stopped when a voice called out to Belle from the back room.
The brunette cast one more searching look at Emma, before dashing off and leaving her alone with Neal, to attend to whoever was asking for her. They stood in an awkward silence, catching bits and pieces of the muttered conversation happening out of sight.
"Emma Swan...looking for...yes Swan...Deputy...don't know her...asking...but...are you sure?...okay."
Belle reappeared, looking somewhat grim, "Deputy Swan, if you'd like to come through here. He'd like to speak to you...alone."
Neal tried to protest, but Belle took him by the arm, cast a warning look at Emma, and then marched them both out of the shop.

Cautiously, Emma edged towards the curtain, pulling the material aside, and stepping into the even darker space.
Rounding the corner, so that the large shelf to her right was no longer blocking her view; she let out an involuntary gasp.
Lying half-upright, propped up on pillows in the narrow cot by the wall, was Rumplestiltskin.
He looked pretty good for a dead man, minus his pale skin and the cough that seemed to wrack his body every few minutes.
"Gold?" she muttered, not quite believing it.
"Miss Swan," he answered, looking her straight in the eye.
"You-"
"I remember you yes, and clearly you remember me."
"How is it...how are you...what the hell is going on?!"
He flinched at her raised voice, pressing a hand to his head and groaning.
"Not so loud deary. Use your inside voice and I can tell you what I think has happened."

Emma took measured steps towards him, sinking down into the chair by his cot that she assumed Belle had previously been occupying.
"Okay Rumplestiltskin," she said, "Tell me what you know."
With a deep breath in, he began:
"I had every intention of dying when I killed Pan, it was the only way to end him for good, however something didn't quite go to plan. The Darkness that lives inside me, wasn't gone. It was scattered and lost amongst the rest of Storybrooke's magic. As the curse came, the Darkness felt the Queen's counter spell and prepared itself to return to the Enchanted Forest; but, the manner of the spell changed."
"Changed how?"
"Whatever spell Regina was casting, she altered. What she did would keep us in Storybrooke, with our relationships in tact and the town still here, but the curse would wipe our memory. I don't know why she did this but-"
"The Bug," Emma said quietly, "The Bug stalled and Henry and I were trapped, if she stuck to the original plan, he would have been alone."
"There's your answer then," Gold sighed, "The Queen couldn't do that to her son and so she cursed the town to stay so he wouldn't be abandoned."
"I need to know," she said with earnest, leaning forward, "I need to know if there's any way I can break it."

The Dark One just looked at her as if she was the biggest idiot to ever walk the earth.
"Of course there's away to break it Savior; the way all curses are broken."
"True loves kiss," she whispered.
"Bingo."
"So all I have to do is kiss Henry again and everyone will have their memories back!" she was up out of her seat in an instant, but Gold's voice halted her.
"Not so fast Miss Swan," he said, "It's not that simple. You and Henry are outside of the curses purview, you cannot break it together."
"Then how."
"You have to make one of them believe."

She slumped back into the chair.
"You're telling me, I have to get somebody in this town to love- wait no, not just that- to true love me or Henry and kiss them to break this curse?"
"Precisely."
"Then I hope you enjoy this life Gold, because I can never make that happen."
"You don't have a choice," he all but spat at her, anger rolling off him in waves, "There is still magic here, it's weakened slightly, but it exists; that's why I'm healing so slowly. It's only a matter of time before Regina accidentally throws a fireball and the whole town descends into chaos because they realise something is wrong. These people are living double, in some case triple, lives; they will tear each other apart, unless you do your job and bring back the happy endings!"

Gold was practically screaming at her now and Emma had had enough.
She got up, the chair skidding out behind her, and stalked away; a light bulb popping as she did.
"You can't run from this Miss Swan," Rumplestiltskin sang out behind her, "The happy endings you must save, or you'll dig your families grave."

~E&K~

Outside of the shop, she covered her face with her hands and screamed into her palms.
"Pleased to see me then lass?" said an accented voice off to her right.
Glancing over, she saw Killian looking down at her with concern in his eyes. Normally, it would have been a comfort, but right now she was pissed off and had half a mind to punch a wall.
"Leave me alone would you Jones," she huffed, pushing her hair back into place, "I'm really not in the mood to be dealing with you right now."
There was a brief flash of hurt across his features, which seemed totally unreasonable seeing as, in this life, he hardly knew her. But Killian was quick to cover it and put on a cold facade that she hated, but was all too familiar with.

"Actually Deputy," he growled, "I'm here to ask you a few questions."
Emma looked at him with confusion.
"Mayor Mills called after your meeting and asked me to look into you. Seems there have been no building fires in the Boston area recently and Emma Swan was a bail-bonds person, but she lived alone with no record of a son and hasn't been seen for nearly a year now. So; who exactly are you?"
"Killian, I promise I can explain everything just- what the hell is that?"
Hook turned to follow where she was staring and his eyes widened at the bright green twister that appeared from the sky to touch down somewhere in the woods. He was still in shock, he only just noticed Emma running off in the direction of the freak storm.
"SWAN!" he yelled, but she didn't look back, and he had no choice other than to follow.

~E&K~

The Enchanted Forest

Zelena touched down in an empty clearing with Walsh at her side, back in his human form.
"Now my pretty," she said, pulling out the wand, "Time for us to go."
Just as she was about to raise the wand and cast the spell, an arrow whizzed from the trees and flew past her ear.
"What the-?" she hissed as a group of men appeared around them.
"Who are you?" called the one in front of her, with his bow raised, "And what are you doing in our forest?"
"Your forest?" the witch asked, calling her magic to her hands, "I believe you'll find this is my forest, but you are welcome to it now seeing as I'm leaving. I would run along if I was you."

Ignoring the men around her, Zelena pointed the wand at the sky to summon a storm to her.
Lightning began to crackle and hit the trees, as the green storm clouds rolled in, spiralling together, to form her bridge to the other land.
"What did you do?!" cried the man with bow, yelling to be heard above the winds.
"I told you to go!" she shrieked back...but it was too late.

The twister hit the ground in the middle of the clearing, the men tried to scatter, but were caught up and pulled one by one into the eye of the storm. Walsh grabbed hold of Zelena, who merely laughed as they were whipped away and carried towards this Storybrooke.

E&K~

Storybrooke

Emma came panting to a halt where she thought the storm had touched down and mysteriously vanished all at once. Killian was hot on her heels and grabbed her arm the moment he stopped beside her.
"What were you thinking?" he bellowed, "What would ever possess you to run full pelt towards a-"
A groan from somewhere in the bushes brought an end to his tirade.
The two Deputies shared a look, before creeping over.
Pushing aside the foliage they saw a group of men lying on the ground, all armed with swords and bows, with cloaks wrapped around their shoulders.
"What the?" Killian muttered, just as the men began to stir.

A/N: I'm assuming you guessed who just arrived in Storybrooke. If you haven't (why not?) I won't say, that's for the next chapter, which I promise is coming together in my head; I just need to get it onto paper, or laptop, or whatever.
See you soon my lovelies :)