Chapter 25.

"You can have it all, just not all at once."

Storybrooke

Darkness crept every tiny corner of the whole town. Everyone was gathered at the town hall anxiously waiting for some good news that didn't came anytime soon. Much of the town's people were losing hope and others hang on to it like a life line. There were heavy moments of silence that were breaking people spirits. Snow and David didn't know what else to do to keep the moral up.

"It is getting hard to keep everyone calm." Snow said cradling baby Neal in her arms. David kisses her forehead.

"I know. But we have to continue trying at least until Regina and the others get here." David put both of his hands in Snow shoulder.

"I hope they are well." Snow sigh.

The door to the town hall open revealing Tink and Daniel that were approaching the Prince and Princess.

"We may have a way to stop Marian at least." Daniel said with hope in his eyes. Tink nodded to the princess that had a quizzically look on her face.

"What do you mean?" Snow ask. Tink and Daniel looked at each other before directing their eyes to the princess.

"We have to make her remember." Snow narrowed her is not understanding.

"I am afraid that I quite not follow. She has all of her memories. She knows about Regina and Robin. So I really don't understand what you are trying to say." David said still having his hands on top of Snow's shoulders.

"Not her memories but her feelings." Tink said in an annoyed tone. Daniel notices it and continue explaining what they meant. "We have to make her remember her feeling more specifically her feeling for Roland. She is hurting because Robin loves Regina. When I talked to her about Roland she somewhat calmed down" Snow and David widen their eyes and at the same time said "You What?" Daniel release a breath. "I talked to her not more than 15 minutes ago. She was standing at the edge of the darkness waiting for Robin and Regina and repeating many times that they needed to pay."

"How do you propose we do that?" Snow asked them both.

Tink and Daniel looked at each other with caution. Snow wasn't going to like their plan.

"Roland needs to speak with Marian." It was Tink who spoke.

"No. Do you want Regina to take off my head? She may be good and all but when it comes to her children she is a lioness." Snow said. Tink chuckled at Snow comparison to a lion. Snow tilt her head. "Did I said something funny."

Tinkerbell shook her head. "No. It just that the term lion implied to Regina brings memories. But right now that isn't the important thing. Marina still is Roland's mother she have a right to talk to him. Besides he won't be alone. Emma and Daniel can be by their side." Snow gave a curious look to Tink. "Daniel?" She asked. Tink smile a little. "Well he was able to talk to her without attacking. She trust Daniel to some degree we need to take advantage of it."

"If we are doing this we need to do it right. We have to prepare Roland first." David said. Snow gave him a disapproving look but he ignored it. "We need to find a way to lure her in." David. Tinkerbell and Daniel nodded.

"I do not like this in the slight less. Robin and Regina aren't going to like it." Snow said turning around and walking to Emma, Henry and Roland.

"Maybe Rumple can help us with that part." Tinkerbell said looking around searching for the Dark One. "Where is he?" She asked.

"Honestly I haven't seen him today." David just said.

The forest was so dark, now more than ever. Although darkness was never a problem for him. He felt everything so familiar. He still crave it, still crave the power that came with it.

"I know you are following me dearie." Rumple said cane in his hand and leaning against the well where all the darkness was coming from.

"Good to know you haven't lost your touch Rumplestiltkin." Rasputin voice came from behind but he didn't flinch, didn't acknowledge it.

"Some things are hard to lose." Rumple said putting the cane in front of him both hands on it.

"I agree with that statement. So tell me. To what I own the pleasure of you presence." Rasputin stands at his side. Staring at the dark patches in front of him.

"I want to know what are you really after?"

"I have been clear about my desires Rumple. Unlike you I don't have hidden agendas." Rasputin said in a neutral tone. "I will get the two queens cast the curse."

"Well you have a problem there dearie. They are no longer in this realm." Rasputin laughed to Rumple's words.

"I know that and I know what they are looking for. You have 2 parts of the medallion but even if you complete it neither Regina nor Elsa will be able to use it. As long as they have darkness in their hearts the Phoenix pendant will be just a relic." He walks forward and turns to see Rumple. "I thought you were better than this Rumple. The mighty dark one doesn't know what the next move is."

"You honestly believe that?" Rumple asked. "I have learned a lot from the people that surround me. People change." Rumple stood tall.

"Well my dear Rumple. People may change but you still the same. Tell me have you told Belle that the dagger she have is fake." Gold's demeanor changed.

"That is none of your concern. I just came to let you know that you are going to be stopped."

"The dark one giving ultimatum that is rich. Don't worry, I am not going to fail. You see I have leverage. You are going to pay for taking what doesn't belong to you." With that he disappears in black smoke.

Enchanted forest.

Elsa and Jefferson stood at the castle doors waiting for Regina and Robin. Being alone made both of them feel weird and awkward but they couldn't deny how much they felt attracted to one another.

"Can I ask you something?" Jeff asked rubbing his hands waiting for her response.

Elsa tilt her head. "Sure."

Jefferson swallowed hard. "Why don't you want to go back to Arendelle?"

Elsa looked at him for a few seconds before answering his question. "Brings back way to many memories. Being there without my sister hurts a lot. I was naïve and because of that I lost the person I love the most." Jefferson took her hand and squeezes it lightly. That gesture made Elsa's heart swell. "I have a question for you as well." The hatter scrunched his brow together in question but nodded letting her know it was okay. " Elsa stood in front of him watching straight in his eyes. "Why did you kiss me?" That took Jeff by surprise even though he knew that she was going to ask eventually. He took a deep breath before answering. "Honestly? I don't know. The only thing I know is that kiss made me feel more emotions in one minute that I have felt in the past 30 years." Elsa blushed at his answer. She couldn't muster words so he continue talking. "I want to keep feeling them. I want to keep kissing you every day. Being with you feels right. Feels perfect." Elsa breathe hitch. Every word she could think of died in her throat. Since she couldn't talk without making a fool of herself she took a few steps towards Jefferson cup his face and kissed him. They felt an army of butterflies in their stomachs.

Robin and Regina were watching them in awe.

"I feel bad of breaking the moment." Said Robin one arm over Regina's shoulders. She rested her head on his chest.

"Me either but we have to go to Storybrooke." Regina said in a sad tone.

"I believe that is enough public display of affection." Regina said walking down the stair Robin following behind. Elsa and Jefferson broke up the kiss abruptly.

"That is rich coming from you. Ever since we left Storybrooke you've openly declaring your affection towards the thief." Jefferson said in a playful tone to which Elsa chuckled.

Regina rolled her eyes to his comment.

Robin took Regina by the waist and pulled her close to him so he could plant a kiss upon her lips.

"Her Majesty can't help it. I am irresistible to her." Regina arch a brow and took a step back. "Humble much dear? Your ego is going to get the best of you." Regina bit her lip and winked at his direction. "Shall we leave? The Enchanted Forest is taking my spirit down." Jefferson nodded. "You know the drill." And with that he threw his hat. "Storybrooke here we come."

Storybrooke

They arrived in front of the town hall. Regina was taking in her surroundings. The darkness claimed the majority of the town. The only safe place was Town Hall.

"We should let everyone know we are here." Said Robin. Regina, Elsa and Jefferson nodded and made their way to the door. When Robin had his hand on the door knob someone called his named. He turned around and saw Marian.

"So you finally decided to come back to Storybrooke." Marian said appearing in black smoke. Robin was taken aback to her sudden appearance specially her using magic.

"Marian…" He was going to ask something but she cut him off.

"You don't have to say anything. I know what are you wondering but I don't feel like explaining myself to you. Robin you have disappointed me choosing the evil queen over me, your wife" Robin cringed at the term Evil.

"She is not evil Marian."

Marian clench her first and conjured a black ball to attack Regina. Robin noticed and stood in front of her.

"Go inside and explain what we found out with the others." Robin said. Elsa and Jefferson obliged but Regina didn't move. "Regina go." It was a command but she didn't want to go.

"No. I'm not leaving you with this maniac. I am sorry Robin she may be your wife and all but she is clearly not in a good place." Regina took his hand. "Besides if we are going to get marry we need to start on doing everything together." Regina smiled at him.

"You are so stubborn." Robin said lacing his fingers with her. "You as well." Regina countered.

"That is sweet and all but how are you supposed to marry her if you still linked to me?" Marian laughed wickedly Regina could only roll her eyes to her.

"Doesn't matter. I am going to kill her and you are going to be with me again Robin. We can be a happy family like we always wanted." Marian transported herself in front of Robin. "Remember for better or for worst. This is only a phase more."She kissed him and left.

"Well this isn't the Maid Marian I kept reading in Henry's books." Regina said annoyed by the kiss Marian gave Robin. He turned around to see Regina who clearly had anger in her features.

"I am surprise just like you. I won't allow anything to separate us." Robin hugged Regina tight. "We should go inside I really want to see Roland." Regina nodded and they entered.

When they entered the hall everyone eyes fell on them. Snow, Emma and David where sitting in a corner talking strategies. Daniel and Tink were with Henry and Roland entertaining them. Jefferson was introducing Grace to Elsa. When Henry and Roland saw them go through the door they ran to their parents.

"Mom, Robin."

"Papa, Gina."

The boys yelled as they ran to embraced them. Robin crouch to his knees to receive his son hug. Regina opened her arms to receive Henry.

"I missed you so much mom. I was so afraid that you wouldn't come back." Henry said without letting her go, he was afraid that she would evaporate. A tear rolled down Regina's eye.

"I missed you as well my little prince. I love you Henry." She said. Closing her eyes shut breathing in her son scent. Robin stood up with Roland in his arms.

"I missed you too Gina. I was a brave knight like you told me." Roland said holding his head high proudly.

"I bet you were my little knight." She kissed Roland's cheek.

"Henry always kept me company like a big brother." Roland said happily, having Henry made him happy.

Henry took a step back and smiled at Regina. "I hope he wasn't a handful?" Robin asked "No. contrary he was a really good boy." Henry said nonchalantly.

Snow, Tink, David, Daniel, Emma and Hook approached them after giving them time with Roland and Henry.

"How are you both?" Snow asked. Regina smiled at her, an honest smile. "We are fine, Thanks for the concern." Snow took Regina's hand and smiled at her.

"You seem different." Emma noted to which everyone began to looked at Regina and agreed with Emma. Regina looked at the with an arch brow.

"I'm still the same." Regina said.

Tink looked at Regina. "No no. Emma is right you seem different. You are almost…" Daniel cut her off.

"Glowing." Daniel smiled at her and quickly notices the sparkle in her eye.

"Yes, glowing." Tink confirmed. "It can only mean 1 of 2 things. Or maybe both." Regina and Robin looked at the fairy that had a smirked on her face. Everyone else follow to do them same.

"Well spit it out Tink." Emma said clearly annoyed.

Tink huffed. "Marry or Pregnant." Regina widen her eyes in disbelief at her fairy friend words.

"Is there something I should know?" Robin asked playfully. Regina rolled her eyes.

"Hardly. If I was with child you would be the first to know. And why would you think that Tink? " Tinkerbell squeal in delight when Regina didn't deny the other option.

"So you that means… Robin proposed." Everyone gasped at Tink's words.

Robin and Regina gaze each other.

"So much for keeping it a secret." Robin said laughing. Regina shook her head. "It seems that way."

Regina said matter of factly.

Everyone began asking questions about their trip and about how Robin proposed. Regina was getting annoyed by the people that kept insisting on knowing detail of something personal and special for her. Snow and Emma began telling them what happened while they were away and the plan that Tink and Daniel had to break through her and her frozen heart.

"Now that you are up to date mind showing me part of the phoenix pendant?" Rumple appeared between smokes.

"Sure right after you explain to me while the hell you told us to go to the Enchated Forest and Arendelle when all this time you had the other parts." Regina used her Evil Queen voice and mask.

"Well dearie I need you to buy me time." Rumple lean against the wall. "Time for what?" Regina asked. "Time for me to find a spell to eradicate the darkness that is taking over the town. Time to find someone who can actually use the medallion and time for me to find a counter spell for the one Rasputin placed on you. OR do you want him to be able to control you?" Rumple asked in a sing song matter. Regina approached him "I take it you did all those things?" Regina asked. Gold made a vial appeared on his hand and gave it to her. "Here this is enough for you and Elsa." He took a few steps towards Elsa and gave her a vial as well. Both queen looked at each other and drink the potion. After they took it a green smoke left their bodies. "That should do it for the mind control part. I need your help with the spell to get ride of the dark aura. As for the medallion our best bet is to train Emma more in magic so she can use it."

Emma took a step forward. "Wait me? I thought Regina…"Regina cut her off. "I can't because I still have darkness in my heart and it needs someone pure to be control." Emma didn't quite understand but if she was needed she would help. "Can we get on with this. I really want to go home you know."Regina told Gold. He gave her quick notes about the spell they were going to use. It was elvish magic. Rumple told Emma they were going to need her help as well. To get rid of darkness they are going to need pure light magic. After they place the spell all over town they began talking strategies to defeat Rasputin.

"We need to save Marian." Everyone looked at Regina surprised at her words. "What? I think that she is being manipulated. She was in a vulnerable state. No one can take lightly that your husband is in love with an evil queen." Those last words tasted bitter on her mouth but she admitted they were true. Robin took her hand. "Hey you are not evil. And I am with you Marian is not a bad person, she was corrupted by that vile person." Robin squeezes her hand.

"That may be true and all but you need to be preparing for the worst." Rumple said standing up taking Belle's hand. "In the mean time I'll be in my shop gathering more info on Rasputin. He told me something today that I still cannot decipherer." With that he left the town hall.

Jefferson stood up and walked to Regina. "I'll at my house if you need me."
Regina looked at him surprise. "You are offering your help?" Regina asked to which he rolled his eyes. "Anything to protect my daughter… and Elsa." Everyone was surprise at his words and Elsa blushed. "Make sure you don't hurt her because you will have to answer to me. Are we clear?" Regina protective side made an appearance.

"Crystal clear your majesty." Jefferson turned to Elsa. "Do you want to have dinner with me and Grace?" He asked, Grace was clearly delighted with Elsa, "Please say yes." Grace said with pleading eyes and Elsa couldn't resist. "I will love to." She said and made Jefferson smile.

"I think we should leave as well." Regina told Robin taking him by the hand. "I am really tired and all I want is to be with you, Henry and Roland all cuddle up." Robin kissed her cheek.

"Sounds like a plan."