Enchanted Forest, a few years before the original Dark Curse

Megara settled in for the night, tossing and turning, searching in vain for anything remotely resembling a comfortable position. Why was the ground so hard? What she wouldn't give for a nice, plush feather bed. Maybe if she tried really hard, she could convince herself that Hercules' cloak was a nice, fluffy pillow. The howling wind in the trees above them was actually a lullaby. Maybe if she used her imagination she could actually get some sleep.

Meg turned over once more, looked past the fire and at the peacefully sleeping form of the god on the other side. Who was she kidding? The conditions might be less than ideal, but she'd always been capable of nodding off the second she laid down. It wasn't the less-than-comfortable conditions that was causing her insomnia. It was the sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.

She and Hercules had been travelling for two days now, and with every moment, it became clearer that Hercules was actually a wonderful man. Meg was steadily, with every passing hour, becoming fonder and fonder of him. Truth be told, she was a whisper's breath away from falling in love with him.

The thought of hurting him, betraying him was almost a physical ache. How in any realm was she to go through with this?

Meg closed her eyes, fondly remembered the joy and affection in his eyes as he'd talked to her earlier that day. How was she to deal with it when the light went out of those eyes? When he no longer looked at her like she hung the stars, but rather like she was some kind of ugly, poisonous insect that he was well rid of?

How was she to forgive herself when he lost his family, his heritage, his very identity? And really, what was Hades' plan with him? Was it worse than merely neutralizing his rival's power? Did Hades have plans to harm him—kill him as soon as his last bit of immortality was removed?

The chill that raced over Meg had nothing to do with the night breeze. If he died because of her…

Meg took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Well, she didn't have to worry about that last one, did she? She'd taken care of that worry the other day when she'd dumped those two drops of potion on the ground. Even if (no when!) she went through with this, all would not be lost. He'd still have a tiny bit of his godhood. Surely that would be enough to protect him from Hades doing him physical harm, wouldn't it?

Half an hour later, Meg finally sighed loudly and sat up, leaning against the tree at her back. It was no use. She couldn't do this. She'd tried to muscle through the guilt and pain, but it was no good. Hercules did not deserve what Hades had in store for him—whatever that was—and Meg could not be the one to royally screw him over.

So what now? Should she just dump the damn human potion on the ground? Throw the vial away? Tell Hercules what was going on? Double cross Hades?

It took only a moment to reject all of those options. Hades may be ridiculous in a lot of ways, but he was more than a formidable foe. Double crossing him would be utter disaster. Chances are if she just tossed the potion, he'd find out and cause even worse problems for her and Hercules. (Although…what exactly is worse than having your soul held for all eternity by the devil, Meg didn't know.)

Nope, the direct route would definitely be best.

She thought for a moment, her fingers idly tapping against her skirt. If she wasn't mistaken they were actually only a quarter mile or so from the temple of the gods. Maybe she'd be best off contacting Hades there? It had worked for her (in a matter of speaking) when it came to saving Michael. Maybe it would work again.

Meg looked up at the stars, the position of the moon. It was still the middle of the night, dawn several hours away. Glancing over at Hercules, sleeping deeply with a small smile on his face, she nodded. She could get to the temple and back before he woke.

And when he did wake up…what then? The thought of leaving him, never seeing him again, was already beginning to feel like a physical ache in her chest, but she couldn't very well continue with the ruse. She had no family that needed saving from a dragon. How was she to proceed when the subterfuge was gone?

Meg got to her feet and set her face in a grim line. Well, she'd deal with that later. One thing at a time. First thing she had to do was break the deal with Hades. When that was done…she'd figure out something.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

"Hey Hades!" Pain said, peeking his ugly head into Hades' study. "Call for you on your private god-line!"

Hades looked up and then rubbed at his temples, willing the headache to recede. Just as well he got interrupted, he was starting to get frustrated out of his mind.

He'd been bored, nothing appealing, so he'd made a trip to the chipper blonde he'd set up as his Underbrooke event planner.

"So what's a guy to do around here, toots?" he'd ask, lounging negligently in the chair before her desk.

He glanced behind her at the brightly-colored banner of a couple with big smiles, clearly having the time of their lives. The company's logo sat proudly at the top, surrounded by the tagline "Underbrooke: Have a Hell of a Good Time."

"You've got a whole afterlife of possibilities laid out for you, my lord," the blonde said. "What do you feel like doing?"

Hades sighed deeply. "If I knew what I wanted to do, I wouldn't be here, would I?"

She'd listed off several possibilities, her chipper grin falling a little more as he met each new idea with a scowl and an eye roll.

The fact was…there was just nothing going on around here. Hadn't been a war topside for decades, not a real one. No fascinating new souls. No excitement. There hadn't even been any problems lately. He was bored as hell.

Finally, in the end, she'd thrown up her hands, passed him a book of crossword puzzles and shooed her from her office.

So here he sat, getting more and more frustrated by the moment because his current crossword puzzle—on creative methods of torture—was kicking his blue-haired butt. How the hell was it that he, the god of the dead, could only think of five different methods of torturing people? He was losing his touch, and no mistake.

And so it was when Pain showed up, Hades found himself saying something he didn't think he would ever say. "Thanks for stopping by to tell me. Definitely glad to see you."

Pain did a double take. "Me? You're…you're happy to see me?"

The little guy did an annoying jig, reminding Hades of nothing so much as an eager, yappy little puppy. He scowled. "Yeah, well don't get used to it. Probably a onetime thing."

"Of course, of course," Pain said with a broad smile. "So…you gonna go answer your phone?"

Hades got to his feet and waved the little man away. "Yeah, heading over now. Any idea who's calling?"

"Yeah!" Panic said, appearing next to his friend. "It's that Meg lady. You know the one that's supposed to take care of Hercules for you."

Hades perked up at the information. "Really? You think she's succeeded at her mission already? That's impressive! Never would have believed it."

Pain shrugged. "Who knows? She seems pretty agitated though."

Hades shrugged. "Yeah, well, she wasn't exactly thrilled with the arrangement. Probably feels guilty or some such ridiculous emotion."

"I'm not so sure, boss," Panic said. "She's there at the temple muttering something about 'I can't do it; I just can't do it'."

A chill descended on Hades. He didn't like the sound of that. "And you didn't think that was important information to let me know?"

Pain shrugged. "Well, I mean, you seemed so happy and excited; didn't want to ruin it."

Hades growled. "Next time tell me when you have information! If that little minx thinks she can double cross me…"

Well, there was nothing for it. Best see what Meg had to say for herself. If she was thinking about going back on the deal he would…he would…well, he didn't know what he'd do, but it definitely wasn't going to be pleasant for her.

Hades made his way to the "god" phone booth he had set up just outside his living room. Stepping inside, he sat in the comfortable chair he'd had installed and then pressed the "video chat" button.

"This is Hades, god of the dead. How can I help you?" he said automatically.

Meg stood before him, pacing in an agitated manner. She jumped at the sound of his voice, and then narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "You could give me my soul back."

Hades rolled his eyes. "Yeah, we've talked about that," he said. "Your soul's mine fair and square, lady…unless, of course you have news for me. You here to tell me you finished your part of our little deal?"

Meg looked away, clearly agitated, and Hades heart sank. This was not going to be good. At all.

"Look," she said, finally looking back at him. "Here's the thing. The deal's off. I can't do it."

Hades felt his hair flame and took a sadistic pleasure in the sudden flash of fear the action brought to Meg's eyes. "Are you really telling me, me that you want to welch on our deal?"

She looked intimidated for all of a heartbeat and then he saw the sheer stubbornness and determination come into her eyes. "Yeah. That's exactly what I'm telling you."

"You wanna give me a reason?" he thundered. "I mean other than the fact that you've obviously gotten hit with the stupid stick. Think Meg! Think! This is the solution to all your problems! You do this one teeny, tiny thing for me, you get back your soul. You're your own woman again. You don't owe anyone. What possible reason could you have to throw all of that away?"

"I know exactly what I stand to lose!" she yelled, startling him by getting right in his face (well, where his face would have been if he was more than just a hologram to her). "I've tried. You have no idea how much I've tried, but I just can't do it! Hercules…well, he's a great guy. He's strong and kind and funny and desperate to help people. I can't take that away from him."

Hades groaned to himself. Wonderful. The little tarte was in love with him. He got up and began pacing his phone booth (not an easy endeavor).

Love was the bane of his existence. How many times had love ripped a victory away from him? How many times had a person been on the brink of a truly terrible deed, only to turn away from it because of love? How many times had a person heroically saved those who should rightfully belong to him now because of love? How many times had people reconciled—and finished their business—before their deaths because of love.

And no matter what he tried, he could never stamp it out; not when it was real. Not when it was true. Love was the strongest force in any of the lands, and Hades knew very well that nothing could stamp it out—not when the parties who loved truly believed in it.

If Megara had fallen in love with Hercules, Hades was well and truly screwed. There would be no forcing her to do his bidding. Hades only hope was that he caught the love in time before it became fully entrenched.

"Well," Meg said irritably, "say something!"

"You are a damn fool," Hades lamented, shaking his head. "You really think he cares about you? That you mean something to him? Idiot! You're just a means to an end to him! He's using you! Meg, open your eyes! He's trying to become a hero for his own selfish agenda; just because he's trying to destroy me. Me! His kind, loving uncle. Who does that? Trust me, Meg; the minute he gets what he wants from you he'll walk away…just like your other man. What was his name? Michael? Please tell me you're smarter than that!"

Hades knew before he even finished his tirade that it was no good. The stubborn, determined look never faded from her eyes. Not a hint of doubt entered her expression. Whether she knew it or not, this woman had already reached the point of no return. She loved Hercules and there was nothing he was going to be able to do to change that.

Damn it!

"I don't care," Meg said through gritted teeth. "He can do what he wants to me—not that I think he will—but he can. Do what you want to me, but I am not betraying him!"

Hades swore long and fluently. Why? Why couldn't anything work out?

But slowly, the anger faded as a new idea took route. Maybe Meg wasn't going to help him willingly (and wittingly), but that didn't mean she couldn't be of use.

Love had kicked his ass for more years (decades, centuries) than he could count. It was long past time he returned the favor. Hades grinned nastily as the idea blossomed in his mind. Love thought it was going to get the best of him again? Not gonna happen! This time, Hades was going to use love to his own advantage.

Composing himself, he turned back toward her. "Fine. Your loss."

Meg narrowed her eyes. "Just like that? No threats? No tantrums? No pleading?"

"Nope, none of the above," Hades said with a toothy grin. "You want to be stupid? No skin off my nose. Go ahead. Go off and be an idiot. I'll find some other way to put my plan in motion."

She watched him closely for another minute or two and then shrugged. "Um…thank you? I guess I'll be going then…"

"Yeah, you do that!" He said genially. "Go enjoy your time with your Hercules..."

She turned and walked slowly away.

"…while you still can," Hades added as soon as she was far enough away the sound would no longer carry.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Underworld, present day

Plans for the day completed, the rest of the group dispersed quickly. Soon only Emma, Killian and Henry were left at the house by the sea. Henry disappeared up the stairs, hoping to take a shower and get ready for the day when he'd really get to meet "Grandma Milah" and "Uncle Liam".

Emma sat beside Killian on the loveseat and immediately reached for his hand. She could sense that something was troubling him, despite all the victories they'd celebrated in the last day or two. They sat in silence for several moments, Killian looking aside, picking at loose threads on the sofa with his hook, Emma periodically tossing him worried glances.

Finally the tense silence became too much.

"Alright, out with it," she said.

He shot her a surprised look. "Out with what, love?"

"Something's bothering you. What is it?"

He gave her a quick smile that he clearly wanted to appear sincere. "Nothing in the least, Swan. All is well now that we're reunited and are well on our way to getting home."

Emma shook her head and gave his hand a quick squeeze. "Uh-uh. We share a heart now; no way you can get out of it that easily. I know something's bothering you; I can feel it too."

"Fascinating how this heart sharing works, isn't it love?" he asked, contemplatively. "The connection between us…it was always there; from the moment you pulled me from a pile of corpses it was there. But now, literally being the other half of my heart…I feel as though I know and understand you on a level I never did before."

Emma smiled, feeling the love well up within—whether it was strictly hers, or a combination of the both of theirs she neither knew nor particularly cared. "Yeah," she agreed. "It's…it goes beyond words. Doubt anyone beyond my parents could truly understand it."

"Aye, that's probably so."

Emma sighed again. "Look…if you don't want to tell me now fine. You can tell me on your own time, but I know something is bothering you. Won't you let me in? Maybe talking it out would help."

He looked at her for long moments and then sighed, pulling his hand away for a moment so he could rake it through his shaggy hair. "It's…it's just a bit awkward, aye?" he finally said, refusing to look at her. "Going to see Milah, I mean. I love you with every beat of our shared heart, but…but there's a part of me that will always love her as well. I wish to see her, to assure myself she's truly alright, to find a way to send her on to Elysium. But I don't wish to hurt you…"

Emma stopped him with a finger to his lips. "Killian, she was an important part of your life. A desperately important part of your life. I know how deeply, how completely you love. What kind of a person would I be if I begrudged you an opportunity to get closure, to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to you? I'm happy for you. I'm glad you get this chance for healing."

He looked down at her in awe. "You truly mean that?"

"Of course!" Emma said. "And yeah, it might be a little…awkward, especially when you think of all the messed up family connections, but hey. At least it'll keep things interesting."

A slow smile slid across his face, and he reached up to cup her cheek. "You are an amazing woman, Emma Swan, and I love you."

Slowly, tenderly, he leaned down and kissed her. She sighed into the embrace, scooting closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. After the last few weeks, she'd never, never take these little moments, these tender embraces for granted again. She'd gladly remain here in his arms for the next decade straight, if she was able.

A loud, put-upon adolescent sigh broke them apart a moment later. "Guys, do you have to do that all the time now? I mean I'm glad you're back together and everything, but..." Henry rolled his eyes dramatically.

Killian pulled back, grinning, still resting in the circle of Emma's embrace. "I shall remind you of this, lad, when you find your own true love one day and you want nothing in the world more than to be as close to her as you are physically able."

"Doubt it," Henry said skeptically.

Emma laughed. "We'll try to control ourselves kid. So, everybody ready to go have a few reunions?"

Killian got to his feet and gallantly offered her his hand. "Lead the way, Swan."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Killian looked around with interest as he, Emma and the lad walked the streets of Underbrooke. It was strange, this feeling within. His head was filled with a strange mix of false memories and real ones. He supposed this must be how all the rest had felt when the original Dark Curse broke.

Rather disorienting, to be sure.

They'd approached the town cautiously, unaware what state they'd find it in now that all the residents were back in full possession of their memories. Killian had half expected the streets to be a chaos of people running around, panicking, looking for loved ones, but at first glance everything appeared rather normal.

Or normal for Underbrooke, at least. The town's level of disrepair was more than a little jarring in comparison to its living counterpart.

From time to time residents, ranging in emotion from dazed to joyful to incensed walked by. It appeared a small mob was forming near what would be Granny's topside. From what Killian could hear, it sounded like the leader was attempting to incite the crowd to march against Hades in retaliation for stealing their memories and their hope of moving on.

A futile endeavor that, no doubt. What hope would a small band of magic-less mortals have against a god?

"Maybe we should go do something…" Emma said, looking worriedly over at the group.

Killian shook his head. "Best not to get in the middle of it, love," he said. "As filled with righteous indignation as they currently are, I'm quite sure any such attempt would only lead to them turning on us as well."

"I guess…" Emma said slowly. "Maybe we can, I don't know, help them after they have a chance to calm down?"

"Perhaps so," Killian said, "but for now, we'd best continue on our way."

Henry led the way, giving the agitated crowd a wide berth. He chattered excitedly, evidently thrilled at the prospect of meeting some of his long-lost relatives.

They continued on for a good half-mile and then Henry picked up the pace. "Come on guys! The schools just up ahead. We'll be there any moment."

And so they were. The sun broke free of the overhead clouds just as the Underbrooke Elementary came into view. Killian looked around, head swiveling from side to side, but it was Emma who saw her first.

"Look Killian, there she is," Emma said, pointing forward. "At the crosswalk."

Killian looked in the direction Emma pointed, and he felt the tears come to his eyes. She looked different—she wore the attire of this realm, her hair pulled up into a pony tail—but it was no doubt his Milah.

A wash of emotion flowed over him—love, loss, gratitude, pain. It had been years, centuries, and the pain of her loss had faded significantly—particularly after he found Emma—but it had never truly healed. It was like an infected wound; it had festered for centuries, never truly healing. Now—now, perhaps he could finally find the peace he'd sought.

Emma squeezed his arm. "Go on," she whispered. "Go to her."

He gave her a quick, hard kiss, and then moved forward. "Milah?" he said through a suddenly tight throat.

She looked up quickly at the sound of his voice, and slowly a wide, joyous smile broke across her face. Setting her traffic sign aside, she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck, breathing his name.

For long moments they clung to each other, speaking centuries of emotions through the hug. Finally she pulled back, grinning. "Look at you! It sounds weird to say it considering where we are, but you look good!"

He chuckled. "As do you, love. For a woman who's been dead for centuries you're positively glowing."

She laughed. "So…looks like the reclusive Colin Delamer got his memories back…and looks like the two of us were right about things being weird around here."

Killian's eyes widened in surprise. In the bustle of all that had happened, he'd forgotten his visit from 'Rachel' a few days ago. "Bloody hell love, that was you…and me."

Milah laughed again. "Yeah, it was us. Did…did you ever find the blonde woman who was looking for you?"

Killian looked back at Emma and Henry, who'd hung back, no doubt wishing to give them privacy. He gestured, and Emma stepped forward, taking his hand. "As a matter of fact, I did. Not only did she find me, but it was our kiss that broke the curse."

Emma looked over at the other woman, smiling tentatively. "Hi again. I'm Emma Swan."

Milah looked surprised for a moment and then stepped forward and put out her hand. "Nice to meet you, Emma Swan. So you're Killian's true love?"

Emma took the other woman's hand awkwardly, glancing aside. "Yeah…yeah I guess I am. I'm sorry. I know this is weird…"

Milah smiled. "It doesn't have to be." She glanced over at Killian, and his heart warmed at the warm, friendly look she gave him. "I…I know it's been a long time, centuries apparently, since we were together. Of course Killian's moved on. I'm pleased to know he's happy; that he's found someone to love him as deeply as you obviously do."

Killian's heart swelled…and then sunk as a new thought occurred to him. "Milah, love," he said through a suddenly tight throat. "You're here, here in the Underworld."

She shot him a confused look. "Yes…"

"That means you've unfinished business to attend to," Killian continued. "Is it…is it my fault? Is it my fault you're here? Are you trapped in this bloody awful place because I failed…I failed to avenge you? Did my moving on ensure you never can?"

Milah stepped forward, shaking her head definitively. She raised a hand, cupping Killian's cheek. "That's never what I wanted. I wanted you to be happy; I didn't want all the pain, all the anger on my behalf. Killian I love you! I want you to have your heart's desire. What happened….what Rumple did to me was terrible, but I would never want it to destroy your life as well as mine."

Killian looked at her in wonder. "Truly, love?"

Milah stepped forward, took Killian's hand and put it in Emma's. "Truly, Killian. You've found your happy ending. Follow it; be happy. That will be enough closure for me."

There was silence for many moments, Killian too overwhelmed to speak, but eventually it was Henry who spoke up.

"So, Grandma," he said, "if Killian wasn't your unfinished business, what is?"

The three adults turned startled eyes to Henry. In truth, Killian had forgotten the lad was even there in the emotion of the moment.

"Grandma?" Milah said, brow furrowed.

Emma stepped forward. "Yeah…this is Henry. My son and…your grandson."

Milah looked confused for another moment and then her eyes widened. "Bae? You and Bae…?"

Emma grimaced. "This is where the really awkward part comes in. Yeah, I knew him as Neal, but long ago he and I…were together. Henry is our son."

It would appear the revelation had floored Milah, not that Killian could blame her. What a tangled, tangled family tree Swan's lad had! Finally, Milah looked down at Henry, gentle smile draping her face. "You…you look like him."

"You think so?" Henry asked with a grin.

"Yes; very much."

"Cool!" Henry said. "I didn't get to know him for very long, but I always wanted to get to know him better."

Milah looked from Emma to Killian and then back. "To be honest…it's Bae that's my unfinished business. Leaving him, abandoning him the way I did, was the greatest regret of my life. If I could just know he's okay, that he forgives me…"

Emma stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Milah's arm. "He did and he does."

"Are you sure?"

Emma smiled. "Yeah. You know how I know? He's not here; he doesn't have any unfinished business. If he still held anger against his mother or unforgiveness toward her, he'd be here in this literal hell-hole right now. He's not, and that tells me all I need to know."

Tears came to Milah's eyes. "It's all I ever wanted. If I could just have one moment with him; one moment to apologize, to try to make it right…"

Killian stepped forward and hugged her once more. "He's waiting for you in Elysium. Perhaps if you were to let go of the pain, the crippling guilt you could see that forgiveness is possible for anyone. Gods know I've done terrible, seemingly unforgivable things, but I have to believe forgiveness, a chance at grace is possible. If not, we're rather all doomed, aye?"

Henry stepped forward as well. "They're right, Grandma. I bet if you can see yourself as worthy of forgiveness you can move on!"

Killian knew quite well the power of Henry's belief. How could one hold out against such faith? He watched with a gentle smile as the emotions passed across Milah's face—skepticism, guilt, acceptance, joy.

Slowly she smiled as the tears began streaming down her face. "I…I believe," she said. "I'll see Bae again, and I'll get a chance at making things right with him."

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a shimmering door, bathed in light appeared in the road before them. Emma stepped up to Killian and wrapped him in her arms, sensing his need for her strength, her comfort.

"It's so beautiful…" Milah said, looking through the doorway to a sight only she could see. She took one step through and then paused, turning back toward Killian and Henry and Emma. "Thank you," she breathed before turning once again and rushing toward the light.

When she'd crossed the threshold, the door gradually faded from existence. The last thing they heard before the light faded was a joyous male voice. "Mama? Mama, is that you?"

Notes:

-I really liked last Sunday's episode where we saw Milah again! She's never been my favorite character, but I really liked what we saw of her in 5x14! The one thing I didn't like was the fact that Rumple basically killed her again and deprived her of the possibility to move on. That was just heartbreaking…so I decided to fix it. :-)

-Sorry it's once again taken me forever to update. Truth be told, I've been having a pretty tough time of it lately. My health still isn't good, and my computer is also away at the shop, the result being—writing has been like pulling teeth. I'm going to do my very best to write the next chapter—about Liam—before Sunday's episode, but no promises!

-Up next: Back in time, Hades puts his newest plot to use Meg to get to Hercules into action. In the present time period, CS and Henry make their next stop—to the docks so that Killian can finally be reunited with his beloved brother.