A/N: Well, did you guess it? Again feel free to leave a review even if you think this is crap. The point of my fanfiction is to improve my writing. Can't exactly do that without feedback, can I? Leave a holler or if you would prefer p.m. me. Either way helps me get better at the endgame of becoming a novel writer.

Enjoy!


Storybrooke – Now

Emma Swan had never before seen a smile so bright in all the realms. The man before her looked practically pleased as punch as he stared at the girl with raven hair. His hands dug into those very locks and gave them a gentle run through. His eyes took in every detail of her face like a man in the desert discovering water.

Robin Hood drank her in. The dimples on his cheeks were on full display and his digging hands landed on cheeks an exact replica of his own. Twin smiles on dimpled cheeks told Emma Swan all she needed to know.

"Your name is Odette Locksley," Robin said, "youngest child of King Robin and the Good Queen Regina. The blood that runs through your veins is ours, the product of soulmates, princess of second chances."

The girl's answering smile seemed to grow impossibly brighter. A soft giggle fell from perfect ruby lips. She shook her head free of the few tears that remained. She crushed herself into the older man's hold. Together the two melded into a deep embrace none could ever dare break again.

"I missed you, Papa."

Emma watched the pair in shock. She stumbled backwards as the weight of meaning came crashing down on her. Fresh tears surged forth from her eyes. She was torn. She wanted to jump for joy and join in on that wonderful hug. Yet she also wanted to scream and holler in pain for other reasons entirely.

"Wait, you…" Emma gasped, "You're Regina's daughter?"

Two pairs of blue eyes and those same dimples turned on her. The smiles were so identical Emma stepped back further in fright. She nearly found herself crashing to the ground she was so distraught.

Still the sheriff wiped herself off. She forced herself to be strong and her body to exhibit those features exactly. She stepped forward with her chin held high an accusing finger pointed solely at the girl.

"You can't be…" she said, "Regina can't… You're impossible."

The girl's smile shifted then. The dimples were still there just less prominent and hidden behind those deadly red lips. A familiar upward tilt took hold of those same lips. Eyelids drooped into a malevolent mirror. The smirk hid away the light and image of Robin of Loxley and instead submerged into a perfect replica of the Evil Queen.

"So I've been told," Odette said.

"This can't be happening."

Emma was in shock. That was the only way to describe the shortness of breath and the heat in her cheeks. Her hands were shaking. Why were her hands shaking? She wasn't even nervous. She definitely needed to catch her breath though.

"This is just-" she stammered, "Robin you can't honestly believe this!"

The outlaw simply frowned at her statement. He stepped away from the crying girl and towards the sheriff. Emma backed away, fear suddenly flashing to the forefront of her mind. She raised her hands and watched as her magic shimmered on her fingertips.

It burst forth as her anxiety grew. Robin Hood stepped in front of the raven haired girl. His two palms rose up in defense. Emma watched as her magic was stopped by a wall of blue flame.

Suddenly the anxiety was gone.

"What the hell?" She said, "Since when did you have magic?"

The questions kept coming after that. Her mouth was an unfiltered waterfall of words and confusion. The sheriff watched as the many emotions flittered around the outlaw's face. She tried to stop her mouth from the flow of uncontained thought, but she couldn't.

This was all too impossible.

Finally Robin had enough. His heavy hands slammed onto her shoulders and squeezed with patient affection. Emma found her mouth stop at the action alone. It had been so long since the man before her did that. Stubborn tears were once again prickling at her eyes. She fought the emotions back and tried to focus on the outlaw's lips.

"You will get your answers Emma I promise you," Robin said, "but right now there are more pressing issues on our hands."

"You're right," Emma said, "But first thing's first."

All three forest dwellers disappeared from the woods, no other sign of their presence than the small tendrils of white smoke left far behind. A man; brown hair, sharp blue eyes and a three piece tailored suit, walked from behind the giant maple tree. Upon his face was a brought, pleased smile. Ryan Prince's nimble fingers were quick as they dialed into his phone.

"They found him sir," he said, "They'll soon be on their way. Prepare yourself, your majesty. Your queen will soon wake."

And with that he disappeared in a puff of sulfuric charcoal smoke.


Storybrooke – Then

Robin was nervous. He could feel the untapped energy flowing through every artery, every capillary, every infernal vein thrummed with it. He could barely stop the sparks from spouting out of his fingertips.

"You just have to concentrate," a voice said.

"I am concentrating!"

The sparks flew into a full blown bolt. It struck just above the savior's blonde head. Emma, kind and gracious as always, didn't even flinch at the near fatal blow. A sad sort of smirk appeared on her lips instead. She shrugged her shoulders and casually pointed to his still sparkling hands.

"See," she said, "When you focus your anger it gets better."

She gave him one of her sheepish grins and playfully bounced back and forth on her toes. She raised her hands and gave him a silly little wink. Her blonde hair floated strangely in the air.

"Now," she said, "Attack!"

Robin tried, he really did. He just couldn't focus on his anger long enough to get the sparks to shoot out. Instead he only almost set a curtain on fire. Thankfully Emma was quick or Regina would have killed them both within seconds of finding out.

"Robin," Emma sighed, "What's going on? You have the anger and you're focusing it just fine. Why can't you attack me?"

The outlaw rolled his eyes. It wasn't exactly his fault. He tried everything to perfect this one silly attack. But his opponent was Emma Swan. The woman was a friend, family really. How was he supposed to attack her?

"No offense," Robin said, "But you and I aren't exactly enemies as it were."

The blonde seemed to understand immediately. A cheeky grin once again lit up her features. Her left hand shot out towards the only other living soul in the Mausoleum. Captain Hook was brandished into the middle of the practice room with a giant shove and an ungraceful landing.

"Bloody hell Swan that's bad form," the pirate said.

"Well he likes me," Emma said, "Perhaps we should do it with somebody who has actually hurt him. You know, somebody who say threatened to kill him in the past and almost did so if not for the fact that he was family."

The savior nodded her head as if that solved anything. Both men glared at her. The blonde simply winked at them both in reply.

"Come on," she said, "We haven't got all day."

The pirate readied himself by drawing his sword. His chiseled chin drew back. His eyes turned to tiny slits. His entire face took on that of one in absolute pain.

"Alright mate," he said, "Come at me."

The sparks died at Robin's fingertips. His left hand shot out towards the pirate, who flinched expectantly, and he sighed. The outlaw made certain the savior looked him straight on.

"This is pointless," he said, "I've no ill will towards your pirate any more than for what you did to Cora… and you forced her birth several months too early. If I should hate either of you it would be you for endangering my child."

The sparks returned but even they lacked their usual stubborn lick. They couldn't even maintain their blue color. They were red and yellow blobs pulsing up and down his middle fingers. The hate was there but there was something else, something wicked bubbling under the surface.

Robin Hood knew fear was always going to be his downfall.

"I've got an idea," Emma said.

She seemed immune to doubt. So long spent under her parents' constant tutelage of hope and love had finally gotten to her. She was officially a Charming inside and out, an optimist impossible of stopping. The savior waved her hand and her pirate disappeared behind a cloud of white smoke.

What appeared in his stead definitely sent Robin's veins on fire. Standing exactly where the pirate had once been was a skunk of a man. His hair was cut back to a short buzz, a haircut more appropriate for the men of the military in the Land without Magic. His hazel eyes were still filled with hate. A black leather jacket was the only thing the man, far shorter than Hook by a few inches at least, could ever have in common.

A red shirt peaked out from underneath said leather jacket. His denim jeans even held the same blackness that resided in his heart. Instead of a rapier or dagger at his hip there was a flagon of whatever alcoholic beverage he worshipped this week. This poor pathetic excuse of a man was none other than the Sheriff of Nottingham himself, Robin Hood's greatest enemy.

"There," Emma said, "That should do it."

"What?" The sheriff said and oh how Robin hated that sleazy voice.

The sparks came as the savior knew they would. Their electric hum filled the air, snapping and snarling like the caged beasts they were. Robin grinned as the darkest parts of his soul took over. He focused on that bubbling, boiling inferno that rage deep inside only this man could ever create.

"What's going on?" The sheriff asked, "Emma what is he doing? Robin… mate?"

"I'm not your mate," Robin replied.

The bolt unleashed at his command. It aimed dead center towards the blackest heart in all the lands. The bolt was white hot and his aim was true. An unfortunate white shield blocked the strike from penetrating its goal.

"Good," Emma said, "Now break my shield."

"Break your shield?" the sheriff said, "Bloody hell Swan you're not still mad about that laundry I did last week? I honestly thought I was helping."

The lightning and Robin's hatred died down with those very words. The shield once again disappeared from view. The outlaw could now clearly see the difference in stance. The sheriff was usually tall and confident, filled with a deep seated pompous belief that he was a gift to all of mankind. This man though he looked the spitting image was more adjusted to flouncing about in straight-backed leather aboard an unsteady ship.

Robin closed his eyes and felt for the strings he knew were there. He pulled and pulled until he felt the illusion give way. The sheriff disappeared and grew into the very image of the pirate Captain Hook once again.

"Emma I could have killed him," Robin sighed.

The savior didn't even look phased. Her bottom lip stuck out in a little pout before she came waltzing towards him. Delicately her hands landed on his shoulder and she gave him a quick squeeze as if it were a hug.

"I was just trying to give you some motivation," she said, "Besides it worked. If Killian had never spoken you would have-"

"Killed him," Robin said, "I would have killed the man you love, Emma. That's what would have happened."

"No," Emma shook her head, "You would have maimed or seriously injured at worst."

Her green eyes impaled him with her utmost trust. Emma Swan smiled rather sheepishly. She gave his shoulders a pat and a squeeze. Then she leaned down with her voice pitched low and confident.

"You keep forgetting you're a good man, Robin," she said, "and good men don't kill. That's what makes the sheriff of Nottingham such good practice. He's the only man who tried to marry your wife and when that didn't work he tried to help Cora manipulate Regina. I'd hate him too if I were you."

"For the record I find that man absolutely deplorable," Hook said.

He joined Emma in sitting on top of one of the men chests decorating the practice room. He even cleared away some books for his love to sit more comfortably. A candelabra was moved to a protective spot on the floor soon after and a sitting invitation was extended to the flabbergasted outlaw standing in the room's center.

"And I've killed and pillaged for a good three hundred years before Swan came around," the pirate finished with a cheeky grin of his own.

"Yes well," Robin sighed, "It's not the anger I'm lacking. It's…"

"Something else?" Emma pushed kindly.

"Something else," Robin agreed.

The outlaw slumped down on the chest beside them. His hand fell into his hands. He took deep controlling breaths but nothing helped. He was torn in two and didn't even know where to begin.

"Have you ever stopped to think that maybe you're just using the wrong emotion?"


Storybrooke – Now

The dwarves were abuzz with panic. Leroy and Walter argued non-stop. Bashful kept trying to stop Dopey from eating anything toxic. Happy kept Mr. Clarke well-supplied with tissues. The shouting began to take over all other sound. Poor Dopey found himself trapped in the sheriff's office, his fingers firmly plugged into his ears while his five brothers bickered and fussed.

A giant white light appeared in the middle of the quarrelsome crew. The appearance was so fast and so sudden that no dwarf was left unscathed. The howling wind was their only warning. Dwarves were shot everywhere separated by gale force winds created by magic alone.

Happy landed in the garbage can. Mr. Clarke and Walter found home on the comfy office chairs. Leroy was knocked to the floor near the barren coatrack and entrance. Poor Bashful fell through glass and slammed into poor Dopey.

The six dwarves lay in groaning heaps on the floor. Not a single one was able to rise to their feet. But once the light faded, fear was the last thing on their minds.

"Emma," Walter groaned, "Wha… what brings you here?"

The dwarf yawned after speaking. Happy was quick to slap him in the back of the head while Bashful and Leroy forced the man behind them. Dopey too seemed perturbed and guilty of something.

"What's going on?" Emma asked.

Her eyes looked upon each man with suspicion before casually rising to the bars just beyond. Her mind struggled to comprehend what those very green eyes were seeing. The two cells in the station held two cots, uncomfortable and with very scratchy blankets because the mayor refused to replace them. Two unbearably soft pillows rested on these sad little beds.

"Why are we here?" Robin growled.

The outlaw effectively distracted the sheriff. The dwarves too just then took notice. They gave a tiny cheer and were quick to crowd around him. Dopey even hugged him as if they were life-long friends. Bashful and Walter removed him after much force.

It was when Odette's bright blue eyes blew wide, staring quite plainly at the jail cells in the corner, that Emma Swan realized what was wrong. Her head swung round to stare at the account again. Two cots, two blankets, two pillows, but no Ryder Wood.

"You guys let the prisoner escape!" Emma hissed.

It was now Walter who took on the bashful expression. He began stuttering something that may have been an apology. He pointed Bashful's way and quickly through him under the bus citing:

"He's the one who took an hour to find snacks so you can't blame me."

Naturally another argument came about. Leroy was accusing all of his younger brothers for every deed performed both in Storybrooke and the Enchanted Forest. The sextet was so busy blaming each other that they failed to notice their audience no longer heard them.

"Odette," Emma said, "Where would Ryder go?"

"Who the hell is Ryder?" Robin asked, "What's going on? Where's Regina?"

"About that," Odette tried.

"No, that's not important now," Emma said, "Where would Ryder go?"

"How the hell am I supposed to know?" Odette asked, "He came to Storybrooke for his own reasons. He's just trying to help me break this curse. I don't know what else he came here for."

"Because if we don't find him before your mother she will kill him!"

That little bit of information got more attention than intended. The bickering ceased. Odette's blue eyes darted nervously towards the outlaw. Robin Hood's features morphed away from confusion into absolute anger. Emma swallowed trying to create distance by stepping back. Naturally Robin Hood followed.

"What do you mean?" Robin asked.

Emma tried not to flinch at that tone. She remembered the first time she ever heard such a tone from him. He was panicked. He believed Regina was dying. He had only just come back from the dead then. It would be quite understandable for him to repeat that same voice now, when he came back to a world only he seemed to remember.

"Emma," Robin's voice was sharp as he spoke, "Where's Regina?"

"Ryder Wood," Emma explained, "He's the missing prisoner. He's also Odette's brother."

Robin stopped moving. The anger was wiped away from his face. It was confusion that once again furrowed his brow and pursed his lips. He darted his blue eyes to the girl and silently begged her for answers. Odette shamefully looked down to her toes and sulked.

"It wasn't my idea to steal from the Dark One," she muttered.

"Emma!"

Panic set the sheriff's heart aflame. She turned around, her magic already pulsing to her fingertips. Sheriff David Nolan and Deputy Killian Jones ran into the cell room of the sheriff's station. Both men were thoroughly out of breath huffing and puffing as if they ran for miles.

"It's Regina," David said, "She's at the Merry Men's camp."


Storybrooke – Then

Robin jumped to his feet instantly. Emma and Hook too joined him in the display of shock. Regina Mills, the eternal pain in the outlaw's ass, waltzed right into her vault as if she had a right to.

"Get your royal arse back to the hospital!" Robin yelled, "You're supposed to be resting."

Regina rolled her eyes, of course. She stepped further into the room and pointed at the lurking figure behind her. Dr. Frankenstein, complete with white lab coat and nervous expression, stood behind her. He was scratching his chest nervously and trying to blend into the stone wall.

"Relax," she said, "I brought Whale with me. I'll be fine."

"Fine?" Robin was pretty positive he was going to kill her himself, "You are recovering from dehydration! You should still be in the hospital. We even made certain you were properly drugged up for it."

"In my defense the drugs still haven't worn off," Victor Frankenstein said, "but the calculations were to her original flow of magic. Now with the crown she's burning it off faster than we can get it in her. It's going to take time for us to develop a better sedative and when I threatened to involve Henry-"

"I brought him here," Regina said, "yes, doctor. Thank you so much for the tattling. I'll be sure to give you all my cookies and take two naptimes next time."

"This isn't a game, Regina," Victor said, "This is a matter of safety. You can't keep busting out of the hospital anytime you feel like it! Next time you're going to d-"

The poor doctor never got to finish his speech. He was enveloped in a crisp violet smoke and forced away. Regina even rolled her eyes like a child. She gave them each a snarky smile and casually leaned against the wall.

"Relax," she said, "I sent him back to the hospital. I figure we have at least thirty minutes before Snow knows. She's babysitting anyway and Neal's been extra fussy."

She seemed proud as punch at that. Her shoulders even rose in merriment. If Robin wasn't so flabbergasted at the moment he'd have probably killed her. In fact, he was already considering practicing ripping hearts out with hers. Then he'd at least know why she did half the crazy things she did.

As it was he was still trying to regain his ability to think beyond murder.

"Oh hush," Regina rolled her eyes again bloody hell, "I'm fine. I used a unicorn horn to heal myself. I told Whale I didn't need his services but you all insisted I still needed a doctor. So really this is your fault."

"My fault?" Robin choked out, "How is thi-"

"If I didn't have to rescue you none of this would have happened," Regina said, "You should have known better."

The damned woman had the indecency to step away from the wall and casually peruse her mass of magical items. Robin's hands shook violently. He heard a slight electric hum enter the air.

"Rothbart wants revenge and he's using my past to do it," Regina continued, "It really isn't that hard to connect the dots. I threatened Charming to get Snow to take a bite of the apple."

"And how well did that work for you, your majesty?" Emma asked.

Robin heard the humor in her voice. He was on the verge of throttling her too. It was one thing for Regina to act so stubborn and foolish. But the savior, as her unofficially designated best friend, was supposed to be on his side.

"Exactly," Regina said, "Rothbart is going to lose just like I did. There is nothing to worry about. You're going to defeat him, Robin… It's destiny."

Then that awful wretch of a woman flashed him one of her radiant smiles and guilt took hold. Robin looked away, his eyes burning for a reason he couldn't stand to think of. He felt the air grow cold when understanding dawned.

"But that's not what you're afraid of," Regina gasped.

The sound of hopelessness in her sweet voice forced the outlaw to face her. He watched as her bottom lip trembled, her soft hands shook. He turned towards the savior and nodded her to the door.

"Right," Hook said, "That's our cue, Swan. We'll just be outside, mate."

The pirate and the savior disappeared around the corner easily. Their matching footsteps mounted the stone stairs with hastened ease. The giant oak door slammed behind them. That was the moment Robin chose to speak.

"I've no doubt, milady," Robin said, "That I will defeat the monster who killed my parents."

He stepped forward, cupping her soft face and gently pressing her down. She sat on the trunk as directed. Her chocolate eyes were filled to the brim with questions, concerns and everything in between. But her lips remained sealed, puckered with resistance to avoid speaking too soon.

His right hand came to join his left upon her silky face. His thumbs caressed the olive cheeks he loved so much. He reveled in how the queen couldn't control the impulse to close her eyes at his ministrations. He watched as a breath of ecstasy issued from her lips. He indulged in a light kiss on her forehead. Her eyes popped open and new questions formed.

"He's a villain," he said, "and true villains always stand in the way of their own happiness. You taught me that, my love."

He bent down on one knee, his hands still caressing those olive cheeks. He silently feared their loss more than anything else. His magic, likewise, pulsed forth to mix with his odd foray of emotions. He watched as the shocks failed to touch the queen's skin instead opting to caress in rhythm with his fingers.

Regina's eyes closed once again. Her throat bobbed up and down in swallow. She breathed in deep before allowing him to see those beautiful chocolate eyes. Then the question flew from her lips without restraint or remorse.

"Then what are you afraid of?"

"You."

He removed his hands because he had to not because he wanted to. He could see the questions and self-doubt creeping into his beloved queen's mind. Her face contorted into one of pain and confusion. But her lips remained still and she did not voice anything. She simply waited, trusting him to give voice to the true meaning of his one word.

"If I win," Robin said, "I become king."

The confusion only deepened. Regina's forehead bowed and crinkled into a v. Her head lifted to better search his eyes. Her nose steered slightly to the right with its constant pull of skin. Her hands turned to grip the trunk she sat upon bracing her for the missing blow that was sure to come.

"I become king," Robin repeated.

His hands ignored his urge of chivalry. They grabbed onto her cheeks and fought to smooth away every worried wrinkle until they were non-existent. He had to fight to keep himself from kissing away her fears.

"and you once again become the reluctant queen."

Her eyes burst open once more. A new understanding took over her features. Where self-doubt and harsh fear once stood now a soft love filled every inch. Her hands moved to join his upon her cheeks. They lowered until their hands were perfectly in her lap. Then the former Evil Queen leant forward until their foreheads were touching.

"Robin-" she said.

"I will not force you into a role you did not ask for," the outlaw said, "I will not be just another in the long list to hurt you… not after Zelena. I can't be that to you. I can't force you to-"

"I'm with you," Regina replied, "Always, remember?"

Her hands left his in favor of pressing against his cheeks. He could feel his stubble work hard to press against every soft millimeter of her skin, to fill it and mark her as his. His magic too seemed eager to claim her touch. It sparked forth to feel her magic's impressive flames.

"If you choose to be king," the queen said, "I will follow you."

"And if I choose to leave the kingdom behind and appoint someone else?" He asked though they both knew that would never happen.

"Then we will have two very disappointed boys," Regina said, "though I think our little princess will probably be no worse for wear. I won't have to worry about her father spoiling her quite as much."

He laughed and allowed himself the luxury of kissing her lips. The taste of salt filled his senses. His magic turned to fire in his veins. Something like liquid lava filled until only happiness remained.

"We should really work on getting your magic under control," Regina said.

Her lips spoke otherwise. If they were under different circumstances the outlaw would have taken advantage of that. Instead he focused on the fact that he was about to battle against an evil madman intent on destroying his family no matter the cost.


Storybrooke – Now

"Oh no," Emma said.

"What?" Robin asked.

It killed the sheriff to hear the desperation in the outlaw's voice. Her heart burst with guilt. She looked up to find herself staring at twin blue eyes wide with concern. Her eyes found David's and breath was suddenly able to fill her lungs.

"What's going on?" Robin demanded his voice slowly getting higher in volume as he spoke.

"It's Regina," Killian said, "Little John said-"

"Little John is alright?" Robin gasped, "What about the rest of my men? Are they here too? Did Rothbart bring them any harm? Odette, what about your siblings? Where are they-"

"Aye, the men fine Robin," Killian said.

His ocean gaze turned to Emma and his light smile fell. Concern began to cover his features. He turned to David in search of an answer. But it was Odette who seemed to read the blonde sheriff's mind.

"Did she have a hostage?"

Robin's bright blue eyes dulled at the question. His heart visibly fractured right before all eyes. A loud hum began to sound. Quickly a sharp crackle filled the air and the humming became louder.

The lights overhead began to flicker on and off and then on again. The crackling hum grew steadfastly louder. Odette was the first to flinch. She stepped forward and latched onto the outlaw's shoulder. That was when Emma Swan discovered the source of the strange sound.

Robin Hood's fingers were rippling with blue lightning.

"Okay," Emma said, "Easy. Robin, just calm down."

Odette sent a familiar scowl her way. Her olive nose scrunched at the bridge. Her blood red lips puckered petulantly. Her hands clung to the outlaw's and squeezed. For a moment the lightning dulled.

"That's it, Robin," Emma cooed, "Nice and calm."

The lightning spiked.

"You're not helping!" Odette growled.

Her hands shot to her father's and squeezed again. The lightning dissolved into her own olive skin and the girl never once flinched in pain. A small soft smile grabbed her lips, ensnaring them with childlike wonder and affection.

"Emma what's going on?" David asked, "What's she doing?"

"It's Robin's magic," she replied, "He's having a difficult time controlling it right now."

Emma flinched when the humming returned so she stepped forward with both hands raised high in surrender. Her mind whirled with thoughts and too many emotions. She couldn't help that her vision kept falling on the young brunette glued to the outlaw's side. The sheriff was still reeling from that particular discovery.

"Tell me what's going on!" Robin screamed.

His harsh words were exclaimed by a bright leap of lightning. From his fingertips the electric strand shot out one of the lights behind him. Odette was quick to press her fingers more securely around her father's fingertips. The humming continued but the sparks were fewer and farther between.

"Regina's not in any danger," Emma said, "But she's not there for friendly matters either."

"Then why is she there?" Robin asked, "What could she possibly want there? Everything she loves… Everything she needs is at home in her mansion."

"Not everything," David said.

All eyes turned to him worry and hope on their features. There was an odd tension in the air. The possibilities were too endless to know what was truly about to happen.

"Henry," David explained, "Regina doesn't have Henry."

Emma was a little disappointed. The weight of her missing son returned to her shoulders and she deflated under the pressure. The guilt was now gnawing away at her, devouring her whole.

"To be fair," Killian was quick to add, "she doesn't remember Roland or Cora's existence either."

"What?" Robin said.

The outlaw deflated right before their very eyes. His shoulder sagged. His arms fell limp. A crestfallen expression dawned his chiseled chin. His blue eyes dulled to black coals and he seemed drawn into the concrete floor below.

"What do you mean she doesn't remember?" Robin asked.

"It's Rothbart's curse, Papa," Odette said, "Nobody remembers anything to do with him… including me."

Her head bowed down in shame. Her right foot scuffled inwards. Her hands fell to clenched fists at her sides.

And a giant gasp filled the air.

"Papa?" Happy said, "You cheated on Regina again?"

He was smacked in the back of the head by Leroy of course. The grumpy dwarf pulled his brother to his side and growled in his ear. His face turned into a whirlwind of curling black beard and flying spit.

"He thought Zelena was his dead wife you idiot!" He said, "And Emma said we were under a Dark Curse. For all we know she is Regina's."

"But she can't be Regina's," Killian said, "the queen can't-"

"It doesn't bloody well matter whether or not she's Regina's child!" Robin screamed, "What has that blasted madman done to my wife and why are we not going after her?"

Silence soon followed the little outburst. The outlaw was left seething before them while everyone else struggled not to look him directly in the eyes. His rage and confusion only seemed to be growing with every silent moment. He cursed them all and kicked at the nearest chair without a second thought.

"Where the hell are my children? Surely you know the answer to that one then!" He said.

"That's it!" Odette cheered.

Her face lit up and those silly dimples returned. She was now the spitting image of her father. Those blue eyes were alight with mirth and happiness. Her eyes crinkled gently at the corners. She looked so young when she was happy.

All eyes fell to her eagerly. For a moment she shrank away from the attention, her right hand deftly tucking away a stray hair behind her ear. After a breath or two she stood tall and addressed them with courage and confidence.

"She's been going to the camp all along, right?" Odette said, "Maybe that's not coincidence. Maybe it's exactly what we thought Papa was doing when he escaped the hospital."

"You think the queen's searching for Robin Hood?" Killian asked, "No. She's looking for your brother… She's looking for Roland but she thinks he's Henry!"

A proud smile fell upon his lips. His ocean blue gaze sparkled with pride. The deputy practically lit up at the girl's mind. He was a kid in the candy store with no limits and no rules.

"Of course," Odette said, "Why else would she constantly go into the forest? Has she ever shown any interest in getting dirty? Mom hates messes. She's going to the woods because the curse is weakening."

Emma found Odette's smile growing contagious through the whole station. Soon there wasn't one face not showcasing teeth. Even the once bickering dwarves, who clearly had no idea who Odette was, seemed unable to contain their giddiness.

"She can't remember," Odette finished boldly, "because Rothbart knows if she has hope she will never be his. That's why he separated her memories from the rest of you. He wants her feeling alone and unloved. He wants her to believe she's the Evil Queen."

"Then I guess we must awaken the Good Queen Regina," Robin Hood replied.

He disappeared in a puff of electric blue smoke before another word could be muttered. The dwarves whistled and commented on the outlaw's new gifts but the rest of the heroes were left to question and wonder.

"He doesn't know what he's walking into," Killian said.

"Emma, he can save her," Odette said, "You know he's the only one who can."

"I know," she said, "but we have to make sure he survives the encounter long enough to give her True Love's kiss."

"And what about the thief?" David asked, "Do you expect me to let you run off with this girl who claims to be Robin Hood's daughter unprotected?"

"No," Emma said, "You're coming with the rest of us. Leroy, you and the other dwarves stay here in case Ryder returns."

"And where are we going, love?" Killian asked.

"To the Merry Men's camp," Emma replied.

The white smoke took them away even as she spoke.


Storybrooke – Then

Getting the queen back to her hospital room proved an impossible task. Even the combined forces of Henry and Snow were not enough. Frankenstein himself had to negotiate just to get the woman to take her prescription from Sneezy, via blackmail of course.

"I'm fine," Regina said.

They were walking to their destination and the woman had the gull to be in the lead. Robin had to slow his steps just to make sure she didn't collapse of overexertion. The fact that Zelena found it absolutely humorous wasn't helping. The wicked witch was the only one with the knowledge of what kind of spell would keep the queen where she needed to be. Naturally she was useless as always.

"Hey!" Zelena hissed, "I take offense to that. In case you have forgotten, my plan had me snuggled up to your little attacker in no time flat."

"By almost killing your sister," Emma said.

The savior's voice was a soft growl on the wind. She and the pirate had the wicked witch sandwiched between them like the prisoner she was. Emma had even threatened the redhead with a few fireballs not too long ago.

"Enough," Regina said, "We're almost to the camp. Zelena, you know the plan."

"Yes," the witch replied, "I disappear to the utter horror of everyone, pretending that I am on Lord Rothbart's side until your thief there wins. Then I place my pretty bracelet on his wrist and grab on while I help you, your idiot boyfriend and your precious savior to bind him to the woods. Can I go now?"

She didn't even wait for an answer. She disappeared before even Snow White could once again voice her doubt on the queen's plans. Zelena was so swift in her departure she missed Regina's wavering response; wavering because she almost passed out from standing too long.

Robin caught the stubborn woman before she could even hope to fall. Without thinking he waved his hand and a seat appeared. He was too busy placing Regina in the chair to even notice it.

Until he stepped back.

The throne, for it was a throne and a grand one at that, stood in the middle of the forest as a beacon. It was crystalline in nature with its legs of clear obsidian, blue in color with hints of amethyst in its center. The arms were platinum and stretched over the blue obsidian like an elegant vein of ivy. The top of the throne held a similar shape to that of Regina's crown. It too was platinum and fluttered like moving peacock feathers.

The back of the throne was the same blue obsidian but the hints of amethyst were different now. Instead of beating in the heart of the stone it only served to be the glue between. The obsidian formed two arrows where platinum failed to reach while the amethyst itself was in the shape of an apple, an apple cradled by those same blue arrows. A pair of platinum crowns even sat in the apple's middle shaped like a heart.

"Um," Emma said, "Did you mean to do that?"

Robin had no time to reply. The sound of laughter and a bizarre hum filled the air. The wind picked up to unbearable levels. Wisps of raven and blonde hair were blown about. The outlaw had to reach forward just to keep the brunette on her royal chair, pushing her down so she couldn't get up.

His body was the next to protect her. The outlaw flung himself between the madman and the throne. His hands sparked of their own accord. A field of lightning formed before him.

Rothbart waved his hand. The field of blue light disappeared with ease. A low chuckle emitted from evil lips. The madman's long scar turned black on the left half of his face matching his eyes perfectly. It was with ease that he tossed the others aside as if they were nothing more than insects in his way.

"Since you set the challenge," Rothbart said, "It is my right to choose the challenge."

Robin nodded his head. He remained steadfastly sealed between the madman and his queen. He would only move when the battle began.

"Name it," Robin said.

"The Test of Penelope," Rothbart replied, "The proper way of any lord of fantasia."

"No," Regina moaned.

Robin didn't like it any better. The test in question involved stringing the bow of Apollo. A bow given as a gift to Odysseus ages ago, it was rumored to have disappeared during the mourning period after Odysseus's death. Considering Hyde's evil plan to bring all untold stories to Storybrooke, it was likely the bow would be there.

"Very well," Robin said, "I accept-"

But he never got to finish, just as always Regina was a step ahead. She moved out from his protection and struggled to run to the madman ahead. The dark wizard smiled at the pathetic display she was, nearly bending to her knees and begging for his mercy.

"Please," Regina said, "don't. "

"And why not?" Rothbart asked, "The crown has given you the knowledge my queen. Why should I not proclaim my right to the throne through this usurper?"

Regina winced at hi question. Clear pain sizzled in her eyes before the crown took over. Red and black tore away from the platinum crowning, disappearing the queen in a rather odd array of smoke and glowing embers. The crown's vicious glow was so bright and so cruel that Robin was powerless to even penetrate its thick fog. Black spikes appeared wherever he wished to touch.

"Let her go!" Robin cried.

The madman simply shrugged his shoulders. Laughter bubbled out of him as the outlaw wished poison would. The dark wizard couldn't stop chuckling at the queen's dilemma.

"It is no fault of mine." Rothbart dared to say, "The crown is simply following its master's desires."

Its master's desires indeed for when the smoke cleared the queen too was changed. Gone away was her simple blue frock, exchanged in favor of something far more revealing and tight to the skin. This dress, if one could call such scraps of fabric that, nearly revealed as much as it covered. The neckline plunged low to the navel barely concealing her breasts behind two small scraps of cloth. Her skirt had a giant slit running up the middle to the very apex of her thighs. It too was mere lace on her body, filled with holes and not enough cloth.

Her bottom was thankfully covered with red. This red cloth wrapped where the black lace couldn't, hiding her decency as best as it could though it still didn't even reach mid-thigh. Her back was exposed to the wandering eyes of the madman standing before her. Only a few pieces of red lace bothered to covered the exposed skin of her belly and breasts where slit couldn't be bothered.

And that crown, once platinum and covered in shimmering silver light, now was dulled into black obsidian. It sat like iron spikes upon her head. A few rubies glinted in the sunlight penetrating the forest canopy. Her chocolate eyes were shadowed with red while her lips were smeared with black.

She looked pale with the amount of powder painted on her skin.

"Now that is the look of a true queen," Rothbart remarked.

Robin almost lost his temper right then and there. He came within seconds of punching that smug smirk right off that man's face. It was the queen's firm hand and gentle squeeze that forced his hand. He stepped away as she commanded.

"I accept your challenge," Robin said, "Even though Odysseus's blood does not run through my veins. I will gladly do anything to protect my family from you."

"No, Robin," Regina cried.

This time he was the one to silence her. A simple touch of his palms to her cheeks was all it took. His thumb shot out and soothed away her trembling lip. The noise was sudden as it flared through his mind, a scream of protest and shout of a name, a title, a-

Mother!

A heart is ground into dust. Happiness obliterated from every cell in his body. There was nothing but a cruel, cool crisp emptiness.

Emptiness soon fell away into hatred. It was a burning hot thick thing that invaded all breath and thought. It fueled him as he took that girl's heart into his palm and squeezed it with everything he had.

Now… where were we?

Fear soon took over, as it always does when hatred takes hold. Fear of that green light and that beautiful lion tattoo, the black ink was almost too perfect for words. The chiseled chin of that man ahead sent shivers down his spine.

You can let go of all that anger that weighs you down.

But that was impossible. Evil was the only way, the only course that would lead to Henry, Roland, Robin…

It's not going to kill you… It's going to END you.

And before he can so much as comprehend what is going on a body appears. The man… no, Robin; Robin Hood stood before him with his arms stretched out wide to protect him from harm.

Not him… her.

Robin, focus!

And suddenly new images appeared. There was a cavern, dark and desolate and filled with far too many terrible things. A waterfall in the middle of the woods was next. It fell elegantly into a river of giant coy.

The bow, Robin! Look for the bow.

The outlaw did as the queen demanded. He searched and searched her brain. The images were fuzzy and far too confusing. He was blue and reaching towards her in the middle of the street. The Clock Tower's yellow light was ominous in the background so it must have been night and it was freezing.

He was running for his life, dodging arrows and trying hard not to let his twisted ankle bother his speed. His heart hammered in his chest and his breath huffed for far too long. Lungs burned as if life had never truly lived within them. His head spun with wicked thoughts and chaotic screaming.

It was there. The hidden gem among the rocks arrived as promised. The belly was a perfect crescent moon. The grip glowed red then purple until only blue remained before beginning the process all over again. The rest of this gorgeous bow was encased in silver, the string sat in a loose curl at its feet.

The bow was in a cavern of sapphire. It sat on a moonbeam stand and beckoned to him. Robin's fingers itched just to touch it.

Who dares disturb my slumber? A deep voice asked.

Robin Hood blinked and he was back again, staring into wide chocolate eyes.

She looked drained. That was the outlaw's first thought as he stared at his beautiful queen. He could see the way her eyelids drooped so suddenly. Her fingers, entwined so completely in his shirt, shook. He could feel her chest struggling to move with the quick intake of breath.

Understand? She asked and never once did she move her lips.

Yes, he replied.

"I'm ready," he said aloud.


Storybrooke – Now

The forest was always a tricky place to appear into. One had to be aware of every limb, leaf and trunk of the trees around. The very texture of the bark could wind up dangerous when not properly envisioned and Robin Hood was a bit out of practice.

He did indeed appear in the very heart of the Storybrooke Forest and he was successful in finding the toll bridge. Unfortunately the middle of the Merry Men's camp was still quite a pace away and a few factors were missing from the outlaw's memory. This small change and this alone proved to be why Robin Hood magically appeared onto a slippery, moss-covered rock and nearly fell to his wicked death on another pointy rock. Thankfully he had enough of a glimpse of his surroundings to use magic as his aid.

He reappeared on the bridge and sighed. He was getting far too old for such near-death adventures. He was now too used to being away from the trees, in a land of cushions and constant bitter deception.

Probably it was safer amongst the trees after all.

When white smoke appeared to his right, the outlaw only had the energy to roll his eyes. A slight slew of curses fell from his lips and he once again found his temper barely contained. He watched as sparks struggled to fly from his fingertips. His blue eyes closed and he concentrated on the scents of the wood.

"God Papa, what the hell is wrong you?"

"Princesses do not put the lord's name in vain, young lady!"

The familiar moniker escaped from his lips before thought even transpired. He watched as four familiar faces each took on different characteristics. Poor David was once again frowning, a deep v on his forehead only expanding as he looked from him to the girl at his left. Killian was frozen between a laugh and a cough his shock winning over his own amusement. Poor Emma looked on the verge of yelling herself and she probably had too many words to voice for the time they had.

But Odette, his precious sweet miracle Odette, stood with her hands on her hips and a right eyebrow raised high in challenge. Her blood red lips were puckered out. Her blue eyes blazed with fire.

"I'm twenty-two now, Papa," she said.

Her statement was another heart-wrenching blow. Their years apart were too many. She had become a grown woman and he had missed every moment of it. His little girl was officially no more.

"Of course," he said, "I apologize, darling. I should have been there to see it. I've missed so much."

"You don't know the half of it," Emma said, "We were going to tell you but you smoked off."

"Regina doesn't know who you are, Robin," David said, "She doesn't know who any of us are."

"With the exception being Henry of course," Killian grinned.

The trio each gave him nervous glances but his eyes couldn't help but fall onto the girl standing at their left side. Odette had indeed grown since last he saw her. Her hair was shorter but not terribly so. It was now more near the middle of her back in a cascade of wild curls, just like her mother. Her face was clear of the acne plague. Her muscles looked harder too, more defined than they had been previously.

She looked less like the girl who wanted to live in trees and more like a queen of hard labor.

"Okay," Robin said, "What's the plan?"

"We go to the camp and bind Mom's powers," Odette shrugged, "That way she won't try to kill you before you kiss her."

The shocked outrage did not come from Robin of Loxley, King of Thieves. Instead it was David Nolan and Killian Jones who cried out in horror. They turned to the girl they clearly didn't trust and hissed. Their swords were drawn and at her neck in seconds. Odette didn't even flinch at the motion. She merely rolled her eyes and raised her right eyebrow higher.

"Seriously?" she said.

"What the hell are you two doing?" Emma asked.

Robin rolled his eyes. He silently told his daughter to take care of the swords at her neck. She in turn shrugged her shoulders again, rolled those beautiful eyes she inherited from him, and responded with another raise of her eyebrow. If it wasn't for her mother's playful smirk he would have yelled at her failure to follow orders.

Instead that was the outlaw's doom. He waved his hands and the swords appeared in his own. Quickly he returned them to their owner's, though in the safety of their homes and not on their untrustworthy persons. He leaned back upon the railing and dared cross his arms to await cooler heads.

Emma glared at him.

"What is wrong with you?" She hissed.

The outlaw couldn't help the laugh that escaped. Her scandalized face was almost too much. It was as though they were in the midst of another heated debate on the economy. She was practically foaming at the mouth with her worry.

"I don't have the time to waste on their doubt of my daughter's sincerity," Robin said, "You said my wife believes herself to be the Evil Queen. I must amend that and I don't want her killing your father or the pirate because of a little misunderstanding."

Now Emma looked confused. They were going in circles, wasting time while his men fought not to harm the Evil Queen. Perhaps they too were unaware of their history together. If Little John or Tuck so much as harmed a hair on Regina's head they would all die. He couldn't ever forgive them even if it was in self-defense.

"My men-" Robin began.

"Your wife?" Killian growled, "Good god man what do you remember? Zelena killed her ages ago. That's how she became Cora's mother-"

"What?" Odette gasped, "That's how Auntie Z… Cora is a rape baby?"

The girl's outburst stalled whatever thoughts the pirate had. Killian kept sputtering for an explanation, looking from Emma to Robin for guidance. His hook kept twirling in search of a believable answer. But David Nolan's blue eyes were narrowed.

"Your wife," he said, "You were talking about Regina when you said your wife."

Robin rolled his eyes again. Honestly he understood why Regina was constantly complaining about them. But he also remembered how often they were quick on their feet in battle. Their intelligence was marked not on the obvious but by their ability to adapt at any given moment.

He really needed to remember that right now.

"Yes," Robin said, "Do you not remember? You were standing beside me. Well you were right behind John and threatening death with your eyes."

Only blank looks came to be. David stepped forward and gave a careful glance Odette's way. He caulked his head to the side and quietly asked his question.

"What do you need us to do?"

Robin sighed in relief. His eyes once again shot to his little girl. His precious princess still stood with her hands on her hips. Her pursed lips puckered out further. Her right foot began tapping. The fire blazed hotter in her eyes.

She was not going to like this.

"Emma and Killian can come with me," Robin said, "I need you to keep Odette safe."

"I am not a child anymore," Odette naturally argued.

"Never the less," the outlaw replied, "You are my daughter and as much as I would love to flaunt you to the world your mother has no idea of your conception let alone that you are even possible. To her right now you are just a liar and the Evil Queen never took well to liars. Besides do you really think your mother would want you to see her like this?"

His daughter's head fell down in defeat. Her shoulders sagged and tears of glass dared to trace her beautiful olive skin. No, Robin couldn't have that. He quickly wiped away those infernal things and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. He found an echo of his love mirrored in her beautiful eyes.

"Uncle David will take good care of you," he said, "But I need to do this without worrying about you."

Odette bent forward until their foreheads touched, and by the gods was it painful that he missed so much. She was careful as she wrapped her hands around his own. She stopped his thumbs from wiping away her tears and even smiled when another kiss was planted to her forehead.

"Uncle David doesn't trust me right now," she whispered.

And Robin closed his eyes to hide the emotions that truth caused. He planted another kiss to her hair and forced her to look him directly in the eyes. There was nothing but trust on her beautiful features. He squeezed her hands in encouragement.

"He will," he promised, "but you have to show him your true self. Let me worry about your mother."

He winked and she laughed exactly as she had when she was but knee high. She giggled incessantly then and he always imagined his beloved Regina looking exactly like that when she was so small. This time it was the outlaw who tucked the errant stray hair behind her ear. He planted another kiss to her temple just so he could carefully whisper into her ear.

"Protect your uncle," he said, "In case I fail in returning your mother to us."

A slight nod of the head was all the answer he needed. David and Odette both disappeared with the wave her delicate right hand. Robin waited until the violet smoke fell away before addressing the rest of his audience.

"Okay," he said, "Let's go meet the Evil Queen."


Storybrooke – Then

"The rules are simple," the queen said, "Find the bow. String it and return within the hour. Whomever carries the bow shall be king. I will leave the victor to decide the fate of his foe."

Her chocolate eyes were very pointedly staring at him. Robin could feel her heavy gaze boring down on his retreating back. He was running through the woods for all he was worth.

An image appeared out of nowhere. A tree stood out among the others for its pine needles little white tips where leave met branch. Its bark was hollowed out, marred with a crude etching of an E + T. The image grew and grew until a fork appeared in the road. A single red leaf fell from the white birch tree separating the two sections of road. It fell in perfect alignment with the left path.

Robin lunged forward. He didn't even register the moment the choice of two paths came. Instead he noted the differing trees and chose left. His right hand found the tree not even a moment later. A moment of rest was necessary for the outlaw to continue.

The next image crashed upon him like a vicious wave. Ferns and other walks of nature plagued his head. Three mushrooms forming a ladder on a dead tree stood out. It was hidden near a bear den. A bush of red berries with a sweet aroma, they were holly berries.

Robin smiled. He ran to the area he knew of with a silent thanks to his queen. Her laughter filled his ears immediately.

The images came swiftly from then on. His destination barely even took much time to find, knowing the right path did help. The outlaw ran until the waterfall appeared. He dove straight into the wonderful coolness of the water and indulged in a moment of cool contemplation.

Robin, hurry!

The urge sent his magic into overdrive. It flickered and flung until it sparked free of his hands. The magic flew to the small mountain the waterfall cascaded from. A giant explosion of sound began to call out all around.

"Who dares disturb my slumber?"

The deep voice of Regina's memories belonged to a giant lion made of rock. It stared down on him with two unimpressed white orbs. The giant maw opened to repeat its question a sense of urgency now hindering its tone.

"I am Robin Hood," the outlaw replied.

"Proceed," the lion said, "but remember, touch nothing but the bow."

It opened its maw to reveal a tongue of stone stairs. The outlaw moved down them without hesitation. His hands sparked to light his way and in reaction, the cavern erupted into its own brand of light. Robin ignored the splendid beauty of sand and jewel in favor of the talking doors between him and his prize. His patience, paired with Regina's own, wore thin too fast.

Blue fire surged forth from his hands. Both doors melted away into nothingness. A hole appeared in one while death ran from the other. The yellow sand turned into a glass pathway and the bow was in sight.

The moment his hand touched it was the very moment everything in the world fell into place. A sort of hum filled the air and the soft scent of apples floated into his nostrils. The great swell of warmth Robin often associated with Regina filled his heart.

It was all taken away the moment his right hand dared to touch that bloody string. The vision appeared in his head along with a searing pain. Something hot and sticky trailed down the right side of his face. His eyes burned with unshed tears.

The room began spinning. He was no longer trapped within the cavern of sand and jewels. He was lying in a heap on the rough green grass of the woods. Leaves cut into his knees and cheek. Breathing was almost impossible. A harsh rasping filled the air and the taste of copper flared on his tongue.

"Regina!" Snow White's voice screamed.

Prince Charming suddenly appeared. His blonde hair had red and black flakes caked into it. His shirt was torn in many places. A giant black figure appeared behind him a sword already raised to strike. Somehow Robin's hand, far daintier and darker than it should have been rose and unleashed a powerful white light. The black soldier dissolved and the prince withdrew his sword.

Three black figures turned to ash with every swish of silver. A red ball came out of nowhere. The prince deflected it without once turning his eyes away. He swooped down and quickly placed his sword gently upon the outlaw's back. A hot wind flared but no pain arrived where the sword remained.

"David tell him!" Regina's voice erupted from Robin's throat.

"The fairies were attacked by their own shadows," Charming said, "Zelena's doing everything she can but it's too late. Rothbart wants the crown!"

The prince exclaimed his point by avoiding yet another near fatal blow. This time though, his body flung on top of Robin's. David pulled the outlaw's body through the mud and the dirt until Robin felt his back slam into the harsh bark of a rather bald oak tree.

A grunt issued from his lips and Robin then knew it was Regina the prince was protecting.

A pinching began in the bottom of his gut. Robin Hood winced as the familiar tug of magic pounded into his lungs and pulled away at his skin. His head compressed into a vicious white hot pain. Air flew away from his lungs and then slammed itself back in without permission.

The lyrical music of the birds was eclipsed by the loud clanging of swords. Robin opened his eyes to find himself in the middle of a battle for the ages. It was the kind of affair that was worthy of one of Henry's stories.

Fairies were using pixie dust to disarm giant black armored soldiers. Emma and Zelena were fighting side by side. Prince Charming was defending the Evil Queen while Snow White's arrows shot to kill.

And a single black clad figure swung his sword towards Robin's torso.


Storybrooke – Now

"Where is it?"

The mayor's voice echoed through the trees. It reverberated on the few giant boulders in all of Storybrooke. A squeal of pain quickly followed. The voices of many once merry men filled the space where nature should have called.

"Oy," the voice of the indignant Will Scarlet said, "Wha' wuz tha' for?"

"Where is it?" The mayor repeated.

"Where is wha?" Will asked, "You 'aven't exa'tly been forthcomin' on wha' we're 'spose to be lookin' for, ya-"

His voice was thoroughly cut off by the familiar groan of released air. Robin could just make out the younger man's silhouette. His figure was high in the air, well away from the ground and his arms struggled to pull at invisible hands.

Regina, for her terrible part, only laughed at his desperate attempt. She was quick to flick her wrist. All of the humble Merry Men were frozen in place. Tuck now stood still mid-run. Little John was hunched over, his giant hands barely lifting Tuck's axe off the ground. Munch was stuck mid-leap from a log.

"Don't play games with me, thief," Regina said.

For a moment Robin thought she too flinched at his favorite moniker.

"The bow," the mayor stressed, "Where is it?"

"Wha…" Will struggled for every breath, "Wha' bow?"

He was slowly beginning to go from a deep russet red to a very violent purple. Regina didn't care or at the very least didn't seem to mind. Her dangerous mind was too focused to deal with such simple things like air and murder. She only wanted one thing and she had always been too willing to do whatever it took to achieve her goals.

"The bow you stole from me, you idiot," Regina rolled her eyes at the infernal man, "It was in my vault yesterday and when I went to check last night it wasn't there. Now you being a crew of thieves conveniently located nearly on top of it can't exactly be a coincidence, can it?"

Robin pinched the bridge of his nose. It was his fault his men were in such danger. He was the one to decide the location of their camp. It was his sole choice to be as close to Regina as he could.

Unwilling separation had been the source behind his decision making. He had thought his wife had been returned from the dead, thanks to the mayor's own half-sister Zelena. With his wife's return his marriage vows were once again valid and he was forced to be parted from the woman he loved so much.

Being near her vault was the closest he could come to peace of mind at the time and their reconciliation did nothing to convince him to move the camp away. It had come in quite handy during some of their more explosive disagreements.

"Regina-" John tried.

"It's your majesty!"

The mayor stomped her foot just like a child. Her hands went to her hips and for a moment, just one tiny moment, Robin Hood feared his one true love. Sparks shot out from her sides. Her right foot began tapping away. Then the cool composure and poise of the Evil Queen appeared on her pretty face.

"Now," she said, "someone better start talking because I don't care how many of you blockheaded mongrels I have to kill to get what I want. So I'll ask again, because I'm feeling nice; where is the bow?"

His men's lips were sealed. Robin knew that long before the silence began. He watched as a variety of wide frightened eyes turned towards their chosen queen. There was acceptance in their gaze. His men, his brave and merry men, had made their choice.

"Silence," Regina mocked them in a perfect wicked purr, "Is that truly your decision?"

Silence was indeed her answer.

The mayor's blood red lips puckered into a toddler's pout. Her hands went to her hips and this time her right foot stomped into the ground hard. Chocolate eyes rolled to the back of her head before her right hand gave a meager wave.

His men fell to the ground, the force of magic no longer defying gravity. The mayor even chuckled as they stumbled to regain their footing. John barely missed the friar's axe. Tuck struggled to recapture his flying rosary. Munch was now sprawled in a compromising position.

"Because I am in a forgiving mood," Regina said, "I will allow your little display of defiance to slip through the cracks… for a price of course."

She gave them her patented cheek smile. Yet her chocolate eyes were glinting purple. They held no light, only anger and pain. She was enjoying the fear she created. She was an agent of chaos.

This was indeed the Evil Queen.

"Tell me where my son is," the queen said, "and I will forget this little deviance ever happened."

His men considered the offer. He could tell simply by the way their eyes kept darting from one person to the other. Finally it was John who stepped forward. His voice was soft as he spoke.

"Regi… your majesty," he bowed as he spoke, "Please. As much as we honor your benevolence, you must know that we have no idea where any of your children are-"

Regina's plastered smile fell away. Any semblance of control disappeared. Her right hand shot out and Little John once again found himself air-bound. He struggled hard against the invisible strings of magic crushing his windpipe. His legs kicked for purchase. The air wheezed as it fell from his lungs.

"Congratulations Little John," Regina said, "You are now my first volunteer."

She paused to make certain every merry eye was watching her.

"Watch close my dears," she said, "This is the price for disobeying your queen."

"No!" Robin screamed.

Emma went into action seconds too late. She latched onto the thief's shoulders, pressing down hard. Within a simple breath Killian was there pressing down the struggling outlaw beneath her. Together they struggled against their captive until he finally collapsed in breathless defeat.

"Please," he said, "I have to stop her."

"No Robin," Emma said, "She'll kill you."

But it was already too late. The mayor turned her attention to the very trees they hid behind. With the flick of a wrist the trees grunted and groaned. Their branches grew and reached downward. They spiraled just so until all three newcomers were ensnared in their grip. The trees brought them out of hiding and into full view of the woman attacking.

"My, my," Regina said, "What have we here? A new morsel joined the pirate and the street rat. What an honor to bestow upon me."

She flicked her wrist and the three were dropped unceremoniously to the ground. Regina didn't even look as she pushed Little John away. Her chocolate eyes were focused on Robin Hood and Robin Hood alone. She stepped forward her magic already working to choke the life right on out of him.

The outlaw had to think twice before going into action. His heart burned and damned tears threatened to invade his eyes. But he was just as stubborn as the woman before him so with a wave of his own wrist he broke free from her hold. From the very depths of his soul he recalled the summoning spell and brought forth his trusted bow.

The fletching of his arrow was pulled to his cheek when the next attack began. A red fireball appeared in the mayor's hands. Her teeth were bared a lioness on the hunt about to make the killing strike. Robin matched her demonic fire with a bit of his own.

The fireball unleashed and so did the arrow. Both met in a war of fire and lightning mixing and mingling as their warring counterparts always would. The flames and light combined into a white wisp before disappearing completely, a victim yet to be found.

"Your magic is strong, dear," Regina gave him with only a hint of reluctance.

Her ball became alit with flames once more. Her whole body turned onto the giant, burly man and the rest of his merry crew. The glint in her chocolate eyes was that of a crazed beast, a hellion bound for sinful glory. Then she twisted until their eyes met.

"But is it strong enough to save them?"


Storybrooke – Then

The pain felt foreign as the sword slid through flesh. A cry shot out from two differing points in the wood. Vision blurred between the infernal bow falling to the ground, its string disappearing into the grass below, and Prince Charming bravely fighting away more soldiers than he should have.

Robin had to bite his tongue to concentrate. His right hand shot out a ball of blue straight into that wicked black soldier. Ash and dust filled the air where the creature once stood. The outlaw fell down to the ground and turned to examine the wound. His hand lacked any blood when staring at the gaping hole in his shirt.

One look up confirmed his angry suspicions. The queen's right side was slick with red. Her right hand shook with the added effort of supporting his pain and taking it as her own. With a few silent curses and a not so silent promise, Robin raised his hand to heal the wound. His focus was only taken away for a moment but it was enough.

Rothbart had the bow. In his haste to save Regina Robin had failed to see Rothbart take the bow right out from under him. The madman was already busily working to string the bow for all he was worth. For some reason the string gave him resistance.

"No seventh son will ever wear my crown!" Regina screamed.

Her eyes were solid black, pupils dilated so much she looked demonic in her puffing state. Hook barely had hold of her. His silver was obscured by blood and soot. He seemed to struggle to hold the tiny queen in his grasp. Regina, unaware and uncaring of her captor, stepped forward as if she was someone else entirely.

"You will never be worthy, Septimus," she said.

Septimus was an unusual name for Regina to know. That was Robin Hood's first thought when he heard the name. He wasn't concerned with her suddenly black eyes nor with the way she allowed Hook to support her after. He was simply aware that the name spoken by his love was one she should have never heard of before.

The outlaw lunged forward without worry or care. His hands were instinctive as they sparked with light. Robin didn't even pause to consider his actions for what they could mean. He just stood behind the madman who dared steal his throne. He placed his hands on both sides of his head and unleashed his pain.

Too many volts of electricity surged into Rothbart's body. The dark wizard was shocked into dropping his struggling grip on the bow. Robin didn't even take the advantage. He simply pushed the man to the side and walked forward.

The outlaw lay claim to the bow in his hand, left holding the belly while his right hand picked up the string and placed it gently in its proper place. The bow's grip turned sapphire if the outlaw had cared to notice. He simply ignored everything magical with the piece including its strange new glow. His thoughts were only filled with that of a new quiver and a hungry need for some arrows.

If Robin were paying attention he would have noticed his right hand held an arrow of perfect gold. The outlaw would have been made aware of the queen's magic surging onto their attackers. He would have seen the many black soldiers lining up twelve in a row aligned to protect their king.

But alas the outlaw did not register anything but the breath he took to fill his lungs. He paid heed to the way the string pulled back in his fingertips. He felt the fletching of his arrow caress his palm. He saw his enemy in the sight and felt the snap of his arrow's release.

Robin Hood's arrow never missed.

Rothbart's red cape became tethered to the ground. A jolt of blue light forced him to remain in his crouched position. The twelve armed soldiers dispersed into oblivion with holes in their hearts. The madman was trapped.

Robin felt a wave of power wash over him. He took the few remained steps required to put his new arrow somehow pulled, plucked and ready to fly directly in his enemy's face. A sick sense of satisfaction glowed in his heart. He could end it all and never once have to fear this man above all others ever again.

"Robin!"

Regina's voice acted as an anchor to his warring thoughts. The arrow and bow dropped their stance. His head turned away from his enemy and to the very queen his world revolved around.

She was different now. Her hair was loose and curled gently on the ends. Her face was free of paint, her eyes shadowed lightly in green. The crown upon her head was once again platinum feathers. Her dress too was green and draped over her body in a gentle caress. Gone away was the sheer lace and barely there cloth. Her dress alone brought out the light in her chocolate eyes.

"Please," she said hand outstretched.

Robin took Regina's hand. The bow fell limp to his side. He pulled his queen into a tight embrace and held on tight. An image passed between them, one of a desperate queen clutching close to a sleeping curse encased hairpin and a promise of second chances.

"Lord Rothbart of Fantasia," Robin Hood said.

He gained the attention of more than the black eyes staring straight into his soul, hate and anger swirling in the madman's eyes. The outlaw didn't bother to step forward or acknowledge him. He simply clutched tighter to Regina and allowed her apple scent to fill his lungs and heart.

"You are hereby stripped of your title and comforts," Robin said, "You are bound, Rothbart, bound to this forest and its comforts. You shall remain here until a proper tribunal can be established."

With the wave of his hand a black cuff appeared. It sat upon the madman's wrist as if it had always been there. Robin could feel the magic flare in the air.

"You no longer have any power here," Regina said.

A light pulsed from their clasped hands. The pure white light shot towards Rothbart and filtered through every inch of his body. The trees themselves were penetrated by its tight grip and affected. The grass popped up, vines came out of nowhere and branches reached down. Rothbart was struck until blood poured from his lips. Droplets of the red substance fell to the earth and fed the soil. The foliage and plant life disappeared just as suddenly as it came.

It was done.


Storybrooke – Then

The celebration at Granny's was in full swing. The counter was covered head to toe with silly paper banners and far too much food. Silly silver foil letters creating the word "congratulations" hung from the ceiling on any and all available surfaces. There wasn't an inch of wall left untouched by some childish drawing or another.

Everybody in town was there for the celebration. And it was a celebration for how could it not be when such memorable people like Prince Charming, Snow White and even the formerly Evil Queen were the center of it all. So it was without a doubt the best place for young Henry Mills and his partner in crime, Roland Loxley, to whisper in the archer's ear.

"Mom just went to the bathroom with Mom," Henry said, "She and Grandma have her perfectly distracted. She'll have no clue."

"No clue," Roland repeated. Then he whispered in a voice just a little louder than a mouse, "and Auntie Emma promised me cookies if I keep her and Auntie Snow's secret. They don't know I'm in on it, Papa. Just like I promised."

The little boy put his dimples on full display with the giant grin that enveloped his face. Robin was quick to weave his fingers into those bouncing curls. He ruffled Henry's hair too when the boy looked a little too left out. There were twin grins on all three faces, Robin was sure of it. Soon the whole town would be celebrating.

Snow White interrupted the threesome with a giant grin of her own. She quickly pointed towards the bathroom door and bounced a happy baby Neal on her hip. Her black dress was already covered in slime but she seemed happier than they had ever seen her.

"She's coming," she said, "Get ready."

Sure enough Regina Mills was indeed entering the diner's main hall once again. The raven haired brunette was wearing a red dress that hugged each and every curve. Upon her face was the most radiant of smiles and the cause of those smiles was none other than the laughing blonde at her side. Emma too chose to wear her own version of red for the occasion, throwing away her patented red jacket for one night of revelry. It was the first night in ages that both women got to be carefree in front of the masses, and everyone loved it.

"Operation Checkmate is a go," Henry whispered.

"Go get her, Papa," Roland cheered.

The two brothers ran off with Snow as if nothing out of the ordinary were about to happen. They gathered around the guests and quickly drew any and all attention with Roland's dimples. Emma Swan noticed the two boys, quickly seeking out their archer of a father. When blue eyes met green a smile dawned the savior's features. She was quick to make her excuses to the brunette at her hip and slipped away into the awaiting arms of her pirate.

Regina's radiant smile grew impossibly brighter when he finally caught her eye. She quickly walked to him, a sultry pep to her usually tame steps. Her hands encompassed his wrists and slowly worked their way up biceps, triceps and shoulders until her fingers found home at the base of his head.

"Hi stranger," she said.

Robin's hands naturally found home on her waist and he closed what little distance remained. They shared quite the passionate kiss before that tiny something pressed itself into his palm. A quick look away from his beautiful distraction and there was Will Scarlet slipping a small black box into his hand with a knowing wink and sassy smirk of his own.

The queen, always aware of her surroundings even when she didn't need to be, noticed the exchange. She looked to throw Will a soft smile before turning. Her left eyebrow quirked high on her forehead in question. Robin replied with a playful tilt of his own eyebrows. The pair shared a sassy smirk of promises best left for later.

"I have a question for you," Robin said.

"A question," Regina playfully replied, "What kind of a question?"

"A life changing question," Robin said.

Chocolate eyes froze for a minute before returning his cheeky, playful tone. Regina's right hand went to his cheek, palm pressing firmly into every fold before pulling down and away once more. She nodded her head and stepped back.

"Alright," she said, "Ask."

Robin considered ending it right then and there. Everybody was already giving them way too much attention. It wouldn't be long before Regina caught on that something big was happening. But the idea of her sassy smile and surprise were too big a bonus to release. So Robin ignored his fleeting moment of doubt and stuck with the plan.

"Since you once again saved Storybrooke from certain doom," he said, "and you've been an especially good girl."

"I have, have I?" Regina replied.

Her hands once again roamed up his shoulders. Her fingertips were gentle as they brushed at his scalp before looping behind his head. She minimized their space without fully invading. Their noses were still inches away but her warmth made thought very difficult.

That was probably the idea.

"Well," Robin cocked his head and shrugged earning a light slap, "You did save the day and all so I figured that warranted a rather big present."

"A present," her eyes lit up at the thought, "What kind of present?"

"Ah," Robin shook his finger, "There it is. My question for you, milady is: do you want your present now in front of all these people or would you rather wait until we were home… alone… without our sons?"

The queen's breath caught. Robin watched as her eyes darkened with lust. A slight blush began on her cheeks. Unconsciously her tongue darted out to wet her lips. A dangerous smile appeared on her features.

"Dr. Whale said I can't do that for another week because of all my extra exertion," Regina said.

Robin chuckled and shook his head. He quickly kissed her nose and watched her squirm away in fear that someone would be looking. Of course she wasn't paying attention enough to notice the many eyes fixated on them but that would come later. Right now the outlaw wanted to enjoy the moment.

"Indeed," Robin said, "and unlike you I take Dr. Whale's orders very seriously."

She scoffed at his statement. It was no secret that the notorious leader of the merry was just as keen to leave hospitals as he was to enter them. Neither he nor the queen ever lasted the whole night in the wretched place of health unless they were out cold. So the gentle roll of her eyes merely made him laugh instead of being insulted.

"Well when it comes to you I take him seriously," he explained, "and since we won't be doing that anytime soon-"

"We won't?" and she sounded so disappointed.

"Afraid not milady," Robin said, "but since that isn't in the cards I figured I would keep you in suspense only if you wished it. So, I ask again, do you want your present here in front of your family and friends who like me cannot get enough of your lovely smile… or would you rather-"

"Now!" Regina replied, "So long as you promise it is appropriate for the eyes of young innocent children who may or may not belong to us and our friends."

She was a child in a candy store. The innocent fervor upon her face made everything worth it. Her cheeks were perfectly flushed. Her skin glowed with childish wonder.

Yes, now was the perfect moment.

"As you wish," Robin replied.

He bent to one knee exactly as rehearsed. Regina gasped as she watched him take the small black box. He opened it with confidence. He watched as joyful surprise turned to worried confusion.

"There's nothing in it," his queen said.

"There isn't?" Robin asked though he couldn't help but smile full well knowing the truth, "Perhaps I should remedy that for you."

He closed the box in his right hand, held it tight and watched her chocolate orbs. With his left hand he made a swirling motion above it. The box disappeared in a plume of blue smoke. In its stead stood a lonely golden ring a single blue violet diamond in its center.

"Regina, will you marry me?" He asked.

The queen's reply came with a single tear upon her olive cheek.

"Yes," she said.

Then all hell broke loose.


Storybrooke – Now

"No!"

Robin Hood rushed forward, his bow and arrow carelessly tossed aside. Regina looked at him in disgust. She raised a fireball high above her head, ready to smite him where he stood. But before she could even throw it at his head, the outlaw pulled back his sleeve revealing a tattoo, his lion tattoo.

Regina's flame died in her hand as she observed the ink spot. Her gleeful look faltered. Shock and awe were all that remained.

"You know who I am," he said, "Milady."

"It's your majesty," Regina replied but it lacked its usual cold edge.

Emma lowered her hands allowing her own magic, magic yet to be used in the chaos, to eke out into the stale air. She moved away from the Merry Men. She could see the look of confusion on her best friend's face. It was almost like watching a ghost returning back to life.

"Milady," Robin said, smiling through it all, "You told me once… that this tattoo meant we were destined for each other. That we're soulmates!"

Regina did not reply. Her brown eyes merely grew wide in fright before schooling back into the all too familiar features of the evil queen. Emma nearly groaned in agony before watching Robin grab Regina roughly by the shoulders. He pulled her close and the effect was immediate.

She was suddenly watching him in confusion. Tears sprang to chocolate eyes to the mayor's own surprise. Her hands, seemingly unaware of their owner's commands, explored every inch of the outlaw's torso before combing his chest. Her right thumb popped up rubbing the stubble on his jaw and she seemed almost exhilarated when Robin closed his eyes on reflex alone.

Emma much like the other members of this strange audience watched the scene unfold, riveted.

It was a strange ballet between the two lovers. The outlaw kept reaching out towards the woman he loved, his fingers were apparently very eager to explore every molecule of the mayor's face. And Regina was a willing prisoner she could only watch the man. Her chocolate eyes were wide with fright.

"You-" she began.

"I love you, Regina," Robin interrupted, directing all attention on him. "No matter what you've done, I will always love you."

Regina shook her head, pushing backwards. A scowl returned to her features. Her brow creased and her breath grew ragged. She shook her head again as if blinking away a stubborn haze.

"It's your majesty," she said, "Need I use my magic to-"

Robin grabbed her arms and pulled them tight against him. The queen struggled to get out of his grasp but was easily subdued by her own confusion. Emma felt her breath freeze as she recognized that spark of fear in her friend's eyes. Her family was about to be reunited.

"Please," Robin said, "Can't you see? You know who I am."

His delicate palms smoothed away every wrinkle, every frown. His thumb worked hard to vanish the wisps of confusion from her cheeks. He even dared to allow his fingertips the luxury of lingering on her blood red lips.

"We're soulmates!" He said.

Regina laughed, cold and mirthless. She easily slid from her true love's arms and latched onto his right wrist. She dug her thumb into the ink, purple smoke pulling at the mark. She even smiled when a sharp cry fell from her thief's lips.

"My mother's dead now," she said, "What could you possibly gain with this farce?"

Robin's teeth were barred as he struggled against her magic to reply.

"Tis no farce, my love. I am the man the pixie dust showed."

Regina's hand fell limply to her side. Chocolate eyes blew wide in horror. Robin's tattoo stayed on his skin. He looked relieved to be released from her magical fury. But the sadness in his eyes made Emma know exactly how he felt. She watched in awe as he dared invade the personal space of his queen yet again.

But the mayor stepped away. Her head shook and her grasped at the air for better purchase. Her whole body was visibly shaking now, not just her voice. Her heaving chest bobbed up and down as she struggled with whatever thoughts threatened her mind.

"You can't be…" Regina said.

Robin's hand gently cradled the mayor's cheek. He smiled brokenly at the fear on her features. His thumb began to soothe away the tears leaking down her chin, tears she seemed unaware of falling. Their foreheads almost touched at their close proximity.

"Let me kiss you," he said, "and remember."

"True Love's Kiss," Regina gasped.

She removed herself from his grasp yet again. Emma and the others nearly cursed in outrage, but Robin Hood was his usual self. He pulled her back to him and spread his fingers through the hair at the base of her skull. With a soft pull their lips were barely inches apart.

"I love you," Robin said.

He crashed his lips upon her own as if drinking water after months in the desert. He held nothing back and Emma waited with bated breath. She couldn't feel the familiar magic but she could see the pair's lips interlocked. Then the two broke apart.

Robin wore a look of absolute confusion.

"It didn't work," he groaned.

Regina's cheeks again glistened with tears. Her chocolate eyes were staring at her true love with something new. There was determination in that glint. Emma was suddenly very afraid that Robin Hood was about to die. She stepped forward to stop whatever war was about to begin. Only the Evil Queen had other plans.

Regina Mills curled her hand in Robin's shirt and pulled. This time she initiated the locking of their lips. Emma's jaw fell at the display of passion before a familiar warmth fluttered through the air. The buzz of magic and happiness that could only be True Love's Kiss came through.

Regina was the first to pull away but not nearly as far as before. The look of absolute confusion on her face was quickly replaced by pure joy. Her hands began to explore Robin's face, rubbing at his stubble in adoration. Tears sprang to Emma's eyes as she realized her friend had returned.

"Robin," Regina said, "You're… You saved me."

"Forgive me milady but I do believe you saved yourself," he said.

Regina laughed, one of joy and hope, before crashing her lips onto his all over again. She was pulling at his lapels and holding onto him for dear life. Tears of joy were now sparkling on her cheeks when she pulled away.

"Regina," Emma called.

"Emma!"

Regina sprang into the savior's arms joyfully. The two friends shared a hug so long overdue. Then Regina was back in her true loves arms, afraid to let him go. Her face suddenly turned worried. Her brown gaze met Robin's.

"Henry and Roland are gone," she said, "I was looking for them in the mansion. You weren't there and I just knew something horrible happened. Cora's bassinet wasn't in the nursery. It was as if she was erased completely from the house."

"What happened next?" Emma asked greedily, "What else do you remember?"

"I ran to the back door to see if you were all outside and just didn't want to wake me," Regina gulped, "Then I heard his voice…"

"A voice," Robin said, "Whose Regina?"

"I…" Regina struggled to describe whatever it was in her mind, "I don't-"

Regina's whole demeanor changed once more. Her whole body started shaking. She was begging as if to an invisible force repeatedly saying, "no… please." She pulled Robin close as tears fell freely from her eyes.

"I don't want to go," she said, "I want to stay. I want to be with Roland, Henry, Cora and you!"

Robin held the quivering mayor close. Emma stepped forward, trying to understand what was happening. She reached out to comfort her friend. Then she felt the familiar pull of dark magic.

The sheriff pulled back as if burned. Her heart began to race erratically. The mayor pulled tighter against the outlaw, still shouting and crying into his shoulder. Robin tightened his grip on her too. He bent his head low and whispered into her ear.

"It's alright love," Robin said, "I'm not letting go."

"No you don't understand," Regina said, "He doesn't want me here. He doesn't want me anywhere near you. He's going to take you away again. He's already had me kill, Robin!"

Her admission caused a stir of worried looks amongst the group. Killian struggled to pull onto the blabbering mayor. He pulled her straight out of her true love's arms and dared shake her sharply.

"Who Regina?" Killian asked, "Who did you kill? Was it Frederik and Abigail? Are you the one who framed Ryder? Tell me who!"

"I don't…" Regina stuttered, "I can't-"

Her words cut off not by others but by an action. Killian yelped in great pain. He tore his one good hand away from the queen and clenched his ears. A screamed of pure agony fell from his lips.

Regina screamed too. The agony and pain was written plainly upon her olive cheeks. Robin and his Merry Men couldn't go near her. A giant sphere of obsidian black surrounded her from their grasp. The mayor's hand shot out towards Emma, begging the sheriff to save her from what was happening.

"Emma, please!" Regina called, "I want to stay here!"

She disappeared as quickly as blinking. She vanished from her love's arms without her usual smoke. It was just a simple blink and Emma knew exactly what that meant. The magic was still burning in her hand as she stared at the thief's lost blue gaze.

"What-" he began.

But the question could not issue from his lips. He struggled to catch his breath, to control the caged rage under his skin. The sharp hum of static filled the air. Robin Hood's fingertips blazed with blue short, sharp shocks. He swallowed once more to try and get the words out.

"Wha' the bloody hell was tha?" Will Scarlet questioned, as eloquently as ever.

Emma felt her cheeks flare with heat. Her breath caught in her throat. She looked to the still howling Killian Jones for answers. The man's ocean gaze met her own, red and raw with too much of everything. His hand latched onto hers and he pulled her tight. His voice was hoarse as he spoke.

"Did you hear the whispers too?" He asked.

The sheriff fell to her knees. A great cold fear enveloped her skin. Her lungs felt as though they were taking on ice. Her pulse pounded against bruised flesh. Her green eyes lifted to the group of thieves in cold acceptance.

It wasn't until she found bright blue that she truly felt afraid.

"Her master called," Emma said.

She marveled as she watched the many emotions plague the outlaw's features. She recognized the confusion and pain. She felt his anger bubbling in her own chest. Then she saw the exact moment realization dawned on his own features. He knew exactly what she meant.

Regina Mills was now the Dark One.


Storybrooke – Now

Regina reappeared in a dark, dingy cavern. Her master's table glimmered with the red glow of dark magic. She scowled at the man before her. Her dagger mocking her from the man's black gloved hand.

"Now that your memories have been returned," her master said, "The real scheme begins."

Storybrooke – Then

"I will destroy your happiness," Rothbart said, "If it is the last thing I do."

Rothbart's shoulders shook with mirth. He couldn't contain his laughter as he stared at the wrong end of Robin's drawn bow. He merely waved his hand and forced the diner door to open. His boots were silent as they stomped on the floor, venturing ever closer to escape.

"Hey!" Robin screamed.

Rothbart looked back in time to find the tip of the arrow heading straight for him. He disappeared in a puff of red smoke, a bright red fireball zipping towards the boys without delay. Regina barely had time to react at all.

She screamed out for help though she knew none could come. She grabbed her fiancé's sword and brandished it high. Fire met blade instead of Henry's delicate brown head. But gravity was the true enemy of the queen knocking her to the floor without delay.

The outlaw tried to stop her fall but it was already too late. They crashed into the floor and held each other tight. Hands came from all angles to pull the pair to their feet.

"Don't worry Regina," Emma said.

"We'll stop him," Henry promised.

"You always save the day," Roland explained.

But Regina knew the truth. She knew the vengeance that pierced their enemy's heart far better than anyone. Even hook's silence confirmed every thought flickering through her mind. A soft increase of pressure proved Robin knew the same as she.

"It's not that simple," she said.

And really, revenge never was.


Storybrooke – Then

The potion was ready. It was bubbling white smoke exactly as it was supposed to. There was nothing stopping her now.

But Regina still couldn't bring herself to drink it.

She knew it was the right thing to do. Her sacrifice would be Storybrooke's salvation. That wasn't the cause of her hesitation. For Storybrooke, for her children and family, she could do anything.

It was Robin.

He needed to know too. He needed to understand why she was doing this. He needed to see her actions for what they were, the work of a hero.

So it was with resignation that she listened to his boots pound down on her vault's stone steps. Another pair of familiar boots were quick to follow. Regina had to close her eyes to keep her emotions at bay. She turned towards the entrance, anxiously awaiting her fiancé.

Robin Hood stepped forward. His blue eyes were blazing with anger. He made it three steps before the queen's magic took hold. The entranceway behind him was blocked by a purple mass. Emma Swan and Robin Hood were no longer a united front against Regina Mills.

"Hey!" Emma yelled, "Regina you can't do this. Let me in!"

She didn't. She refused. Robin too struggled against his magical hold. Regina quickly put that to bed by waving her hand again. A black bracelet fell on her soulmate's left wrist. He looked at it and unleashed an impressive growl.

"Regina," he said, "let me go."

But the queen refused him. She shook her head and allowed herself the space needed for this kind of exchange. Stubborn tears poured from her eyes without permission and she couldn't find it in herself to stop them. So she shook her head again and stepped back once more.

Regina felt the cold stone of the podium behind her, digging into her back in mockery.

"Regina this isn't funny!" Emma shouted, "Let me in. You're making a mistake! We can defeat him. Villains always lose, you know that."

"Sometimes heroes do too," Regina replied.

Those words were enough to stop the savior dead in her tracks. The hammering of light magic stopped. The blonde's form pressed against the purple cloud obstructing her entrance but they would not budge. She was stuck and so was Robin Hood.

"Regina," Robin said, "Let us go. Now."

The queen shook her head again. A bout of terrible bravery came upon her. She stepped forward instead of away. She even allowed her tears to flow.

"Don't worry," she whispered, "You'll be free as soon as I drink it."

"Drink what?"

Robin's face went from anger to dreaded fear too fast. His skin paled. His dimples diminished. His eyes lacked their usual luster. The brave hero Robin Hood was gone. All that stood before her now was Robin of Loxley, the man before the legend.

Regina stepped back again. She turned to make certain her potion still held. It was a useless endeavor. She knew how the potion worked. Even if she were to leave it for a day, a month, a decade… it would still work the same. So no she wasn't looking to check.

She was just buying herself more time with the man she loved.

"Regina," Robin said, "Drink what?"

His voice was a boom of wavering confidence. The fear in it alone made more tears flow. The queen could feel her resolve ebbing away with every desperate gasp he made. She blinked and gasped back the many emotions threatening to stop her. Then she turned around and felt her heart shatter all over again.

"Regina-"

"You have to understand," she said, "I know how he thinks. No matter what we do… no matter how hard we fight… It won't be enough."

Her stomach curled at the very thought. Years of doing the right thing and it all added up to nothing. She was once again going to lose her happiness and it was once again her own fault. But she had to do it. She owed the people of Storybrooke so much.

"He wants you to suffer," Regina explained, "and he won't stop until he knows you're broken. That's exactly what I did to Snow… what I tried to do to Emma… It's what I've done to everyone here in Storybrooke."

"But you've changed," Robin replied, "Regina you aren't that person filled with hate. You've given yourself a second chance and we tried… believe me several generations have tried to give that man the same peace but he won't stop. You're wrong. He's nothing like you. He doesn't want forgiveness. He only wants to make everybody suffer-"

"And that's why I have to do this. To end everyone's suffering."

Regina hated this. She hated the look of defeat in her love's eyes. But it was the truth and he knew it. Rothbart wanted his enemy to suffer and he knew the only way for him, for any hero, to suffer is to hurt the very people they serve. That was the true horror of the Dark Curse.

That was why Regina used it all those years ago.

"I can't stop him from casting the curse," Regina said, "Once the spell is cast it cannot be undone. You know that."

He gave a nod of agreement but no other answer came. Robin's blue eyes were filled to the brim with anger and despair. He was desperate. Regina could feel it in her veins just how much he suffered now. She couldn't help but hate Rothbart all the more for it.

"I love you, Robin. But it's time for me to accept that I can never truly have a happy ending."

"Don't you dare," Robin growled and for a moment Regina was afraid he was breaking her spell.

"Don't you dare even suggest you are still a villain," he continued, "Villains don't do this. Villains don't make friends of their enemies. You are many things, my queen, but a villain isn't one of them."

"Then you know why I have to do this," Regina said, "because I need you to understand."

The tears came and there was no stopping it. The despair came and took over everything; every thought, every memory. It was time to accept that she would never have happiness.

"You are my happy ending, Regina," Robin said, "and we live in a world where heroes get their happy endings. We will have our happy ending, milady."

"We can't," Regina shook her head, "In order for this to work you have to suffer."

Robin's face grew paler. True horror struck his features for the first time to the queen's knowledge. The outlaw struggled harder against the invisible strings pinning him to the ground. Lightning began crackling towards the very cuff meant to stop all magic from happening.

The dizziness hit like a whirlwind. Regina had to reach behind her just to keep herself steady. The vast cascade of emotions drained away from her. Her vision kept bouncing between Robin Hood's stubborn form and her own bumbling one. That was how he was breaking the cuff's hold. He was using her magic and combining it with his own.

"I won't let you do this," Robin said.

She pelted forward with everything she had. Her lips connected with his in the most passionate display she had left. Their inward duel ended as their lips raged on and on. More tears fell when the queen's lips fell away.

"I want you to know that I'm not doing this for you," Regina said.

Robin's eyes dulled more. His thumbs pressed hard into her forearms, his brute strength working double to keep her in his arms. But she stepped away. She moved to the podium where their torture would begin. She took the lonely smoking goblet and turned around.

The queen wanted to see her soulmate until the very bitter end.

"I love you Robin," she said, "but you have to suffer. Rothbart needs you to suffer. He won't consider cursing the town if he knows you are already miserable."

"Regina," Robin's voice was without force now. It was full of desperate longing. His arms stretched towards her violently. Her spell still stayed his feet.

"Please," he begged.

"You have to understand," Regina said, "I'm doing this for Storybrooke."

She ended her statement because she had to. She punctuated it by taking a giant gulp from the frothing goblet in her hands. The last stray tears fell away from her eyes just as the potion took full effect.

"No," the man moaned.

Emma came running in. Regina rolled her eyes at the savior's entrance. She put the goblet back where it belonged and locked away her few remaining ingredients for potions. It wasn't until she turned around that she truly realized who was standing in front of her.

She rolled her eyes again.

"Ms. Swan, if you keep inviting civilians into my vault I'm going to have to ban you," the queen said.

She finished packing, certain each and every one of her beloved items were locked safely away. She turned back to stare at the man. Something in the back of her head prickled.

"Wait," Regina said, "Robin Hood! You sent a thief to my vault! This is a new low even for you, Emma."

She was scandalized. She made certain to use her blood magic on the locks. She wasn't going to let some forest smelling thief anywhere near her things. That was the last thing she needed, some thief causing yet another disaster in Storybrooke.

"Regina," Emma said, "Please tell me you know who Robin Hood is."

The queen stared at the blonde as if she was a moron. Then she remembered her parents and rolled her eyes again. But the seriousness in those green eyes gave her pause. So she gave the thief a good once over yet again, only to discover that same prickling in the back of her head.

Guilt was quick to follow.

"Right," Regina said, "You're the one whose happiness is being threatened… Well, be rest assured that the savior and I have everything under control. You will get your happy ending. I promise you."

After a long awkward pause Regina realized Emma was staring at her for a reason. Carefully she extended her hand for the shake that was customary after such a statement. The man, Robin Hood, was slow at taking the offering. He shook it but his blue eyes weren't filled with hope as expected.

They looked rather hopeless if she had anything to go by.

"I thank you, your majesty," Robin said, "but know that I intend to restore my happy ending no matter the cost."

"Yes well," Regina said, "Just don't get in my way."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Robin Hood replied.

That odd prickling began in her mind again. She shrugged it off because she was certain it was nothing. She took her hand back surprised he still held it so willingly in his grasp. He walked away, a wounded puppy with nowhere to go. It wasn't until Regina turned to her best friend that she even realized the blonde was staring.

"What?" She asked.

Emma's reply was a simple look of disbelief. Her green eyes were red with sadness. Her bottom lip trembled just a bit. Regina wasn't sure what she was supposed to do.

"What have you done?" The savior asked.


In the Next Chapter: To prove his innocence, Ryder searches for the book. After drinking the forgetting potion, Regina finds herself obsessed with saving Storybrooke from Rothbart. Robin Hood struggles to make the queen fall in love with him all over again and Rothbart has plans of his own where Regina's concerned.