Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot and any unrecognizable characters and dialogue.

So there's really no excuse I can offer to make up for the lack of updates but I promise I'll get another one (or two) up by this weekend. I hope you like it and there is one scene that came from a lovely picture I found on Pinterest, though I don't know the name of the artist.

Anyway, enjoy!

"So, what should we get, Anna?" I turned to her, the smile dying on my lips. I went still in horror at the sight of Hanna in front of me, frozen solid. "Anna!" I lunged at her, cupping her frozen face as tears began to fall from my eyes. "No, no, no, no! Not again!" I whispered furiously, slumping against her hard body as sobs overwhelmed me.

"Erin, what have you done?"

I turned, keeping my arms around her, to see David, Emma, Mary Margaret, Heath and Jack. Flinching under their accusing stares, I swallowed thickly at the hate growing in their eyes.

"I-It was an accident!" I protested, pulling away from Anna with wide eyes when Mary Margaret raised her bow and Emma cocked her gun. "I-"

"You're too dangerous, Elsa." David continued as if I hadn't spoken. "You're a monster."

"No." I whispered, my heart breaking and shattering into splinters as I looked between their hard, unforgiving faces. "Please!" I raised my hands defensively as they surrounded me. "Jack-"

"I can't keep cleaning up your messes, Elsa." He snapped and my body went cold as he continued. "Don't you see? Your sister is dead because of you!"

I flinched away as if struck before I turned from him and closed my eyes, falling to my knees in front of my frozen sister as grief overwhelmed me. I dimly heard the sharp, metallic noise of a sword being unsheathed and slowly looked up to stare at Anna's frozen features as the blade touched my flesh-

I shot up, a scream dying on my lips as I looked around wildly, realization flooding me when I saw the familiar surroundings of my bedroom. Clutching the sheets closer, I swallowed when I saw the amount of ice and snow coating the bedroom, the eerie stillness in the air caused by my grief from the dream.

"Elsa!" I looked up at the pounding on the door and flung back the covers, racing to make sure the door was locked before Anna could burst in. I winced when her fists hit the door again, the sound echoing around the room. "Elsa, let me in!"

I closed my eyes, withholding the sorrow welling inside me as sharp spikes began to form on the walls, crackling loudly as they grew.

"Hanna, what happened?" Heath had arrived, no doubt drawn by the combination of my screaming and Anna's yelling.

"It's Elsa! I woke up to her screaming and-" Anna broke off, worry clouding every syllable as she began to descend into hysterics. "She won't let me in the room!"

"W-what should we do? Should we-Should I-"

"Go get Jack." Anna made a noise of impatience. "Now, Heath!"

I slid down the frost-covered door, tucking my knees into my chest as Heath's footsteps faded. I held in a whimper, watching as the spikes grew even longer and I quickly hid my face in my knees.

"Conceal it. Don't feel it. Don't let it show." I continued to whisper the words, aware that they hadn't helped in the past but, right now they were all I had.

"Elsa...please."

"Elsa?" I looked up from the books in front of me, smiling at the sight of Anna in the doorway.

"Come in, Anna." Pushing the books to the side, I cleared the desk and waited for Anna to enter the room, raising an brow silently at how she hovered near the door. "What's on your mind?"

I watched as several emotions crossed her face, keeping my smile in place as confidence suddenly flooded her expression and she took a few steps closer.

"I wanted to ask you a question, Elsa." She inhaled deeply. "But, if you don't-"

"Yes?" I asked, closing the last book and focusing completely on her.

"W-will you share a room with me?" She rushed out, fear of rejection painted all over her freckled face. "I-it's just, we have so much to catch up on and considering all that's happened I thought we could-"

"Anna," I stood, cutting of her rambling and walked forward, clasping hands with her before I smiled mischievously. "I have a question for you."

"What is it, Elsa" She asked, a smile growing wider on her lips.

"Do you wanna build a snowman?"

"Erin?!" Jack's fist hammered against the door for the fifth time and, as with every other time, I refused to respond. Lost in the haze of grief and horror from the nightmare, my room remained coated in ice and snow. The eerie stillness that usually accompanied my grief hadn't abated either and the snow was frozen in midair. "Come on, Snowflake! Open up!"

"Should we call Gold?" Anna asked quietly nd the heartbreak in her voice only served to deepen my grief.

"Hold on, let me try something."

I waited for Jack's footsteps to fade before I slowly raised my head from my knees and stared out the frosted window. I studied the geometric-like shapes silently, not surprised when the frost suddenly cleared and Jack's face appeared. He made a motion with his hand and I inhaled shakily, replacing my head on my knees as tears welled up in my eyes again.

Shoulders shaking, I closed my eyes as the dream overwhelmed me again. The very idea that he people I considered family, could see me a threat and a monster, the true cause of my pain was seeing Anna frozen again.

I curled into myself even tighter, swallowing when the crackling of ice came again. I'd nearly killed my sister twice, the reminder sending a deep echoing pain inside me as long-suffering wounds were torn open once again.

A soft knock caught my attention and I slowly raised my head to see Jack on the windowsill, his brow drawn together in concern as his knuckles rested against the glass. Lace-like spirals of frost spread at his touch and I watched them, silently comparing his powers to my own.

His always looked far more delicate than the almost harsh, geometric-like snowflakes that I usually created. I slowly slid my gaze back to Jack, who, after swallowing heavily, gently pushed the window open.

"Erin?" He asked, his breath-like whisper nearly shattering the stillness of the room. "Hey, snowflake." With a soft breeze, he was in the room, looking around at the ice. "What happened?"

He lightly stepped closer and I curled tighter into myself, what was left of the frost and snow hardening to solid ice. Ignoring the change, as my powers couldn't do much more than distract him, Jack padded closer until he was crouched in front of me.

"Snowflake?"

"I had a nightmare." I finally whispered, watching as his eyes widened and his brow rose. "I...I dreamed that I'd frozen Anna again and you all-" I broke off, sobs overwhelming me again as their hate-filled stares filled my head again.

I willingly fell into Jack's embrace when he settle next to me, pressing against his head against the top of mine. "We all what, Erin?"

"Killed me." I whispered, feeling him stiffen before the soft crackle of ice made me look up to see frost spiralling rapidly from the staff held tightly in Jack's hand.

He was suddenly in front of me, though I couldn't find it in me to muster the energy to react to his abrupt movement. The wooden staff dropped to the floor with a loud clatter before his now free hands grasped my shoulders tightly.

"Elsa, look at me." Obediently, I raised my eyes, taken aback by the absolute pain dancing in his icy eyes. "I'd never let them hurt you, you know that."

Shaking my head, I closed my eyes tightly and turned away from his earnest gaze. "Why can't any of you see?" I whispered brokenly. "I'm dangerous...to all of you. To everyone."

"Hey now," his fingers gently curled underneath my chin and turned me back to face him. "I promised that we'd figure this," he waved around the icy room. "Out. But, if this is going to work, you need to start believing in yourself again."

As soon as the words left his lips, Anna chose that moment to start pounding on the wood behind me again.

"Elsa! Come on, don't make me get Heath to break down the door!" Her threat made me want to laugh, however hysterical the giggles would be, at the thought of Heath agreeing to break down my door.

"We'll be out soon, Hanna." Jack said suddenly, forcing his voice to sound cheerful even as he frowned deeply at me. "Just go ahead without us."

Anna grumbled loudly even as she agreed and I slowly began to relax when her stomping faded away.

"Now," Jack focused back on me and offered his hands with a small smile. "We have somewhere to be."

I took his hands, a small amount of happiness swelling when no frost formed on his pale skin at my touch. "Where?"

"The mines." He smiled widely, white teeth flashing in the dim light of my room. "The Dwarves think they're close to hitting fairy dust."

"Well, I think that-"

"Queen Elsa!" I stopped talking to Anna and turned, my brow furrowing when I caught sight of the guard running toward us. "Queen Elsa!" He panted out, nearly doubling over when he reached us and I shared a concerned look with Anna before speaking.

"Yes?"

"We've managed to capture the Captain of the Jolly Roger!" His excitement was palpable and I blinked in shock before I shared a look with Anna, who was nearly vibrating with excitement.

"Where is he?" I managed to ask, hoping they hadn't taken him to the dungeons just yet.

"He's currently on the docks, Your Highness." He bowed again and I nodded, waving a hand distractedly for him to lead the way. Anna looped her arm with mine as we walked to the Fjord in silence.

As we approached, I caught sight of a leather-clad man surrounded by several guards and raised an eyebrow at the amount of men. At our approach, the men quickly stood to attention before executing bows, though the stranger remained standing with his hands behind his back.

"Queen Elsa."

I opened my mouth to speak, only for the pirate to cut me off.

"So, this is the illustrious Snow Queen I've been hearing all about." The smooth drawl of his words made me pause and I slowly turned my gaze from the captain of the Guard to the now smirking pirate. The guards, unsurprisingly, took offense to his familiar address of me and they quickly forced him to his knees.

"You'll show the proper respect to our Queen, Pirate!"

"Gentlemen." I said softly, holding back a smile at how quickly they snapped their attention to me. "Your defense is appreciated but violence should never be used." I pointed out, smiling gently to soften the blow and watched as their faces colored sheepishly. "Now," I stepped forward, Anna shadowing me. "I find myself at a disadvantage, sir. You know me, yet I have no knowledge of you."

"Killian Jones," the man dipped his head, still on his knees. "But, you may know me by my more colorful moniker."

"And that is?" Anna asked, speaking for the first time and I narrowed my eyes at the look in his when he glanced at my sister.

"Captain Hook."

"How long have they been down here?" I asked as Jack led me through the now clear tunnels, raising an eyebrow as the sound of pickaxes got stronger.

"Since the day after everyone decided to stay." I started in surprise and turned to see Ruby behind us, carrying a basket of muffins.

I raised an eyebrow at the walking cliché she represented at the moment and she shrugged sheepishly in response. She raised an eyebrow at how covered up I was but said nothing, clearly sensing that it was a sore subject.

Jack reached toward the basket, only to jerk his hand back with a yelp when Ruby lashed out with her hand and smacked his away.

"Ah, ah, ah!" She pointed a finger at him. "This, is for the Dwarves and David."

Eyeing her warily, Jack lightly flitted to my other side, placing me in-between him and Ruby. I rolled my eyes at his actions, ignoring his glare as I turned to my friend and smiled hesitantly at her.

"How are you?" She smiled at my query.

"It's been...an adventure adjusting." Shrugging, she adjusted the basket on her arm. "Granny and I, thankfully, don't fight like cats and dogs anymore, honestly there isn't really enough time."

I smiled wryly. "Remembering an entire lifetime will do that to you."

"How about you and Hanna?"

I skipped a step at her words, gratefully falling into Jack's arm when I tripped and nearly fell flat on my face. She stared at me in concern and I managed a grimace in return. My relationship with my sister, while still in the mending stages, seemed to be going in every direction but the right one.

Trying not to keep things from her and trying to keep her safe didn't exactly go together well and it was putting very unneeded strain on our relationship. This morning didn't exactly help matters either and I dreaded the inescapable confrontation that would happen all too soon.

My sister was nothing if not persistent, I thought as we rounded the corner in time to see David, Heath and six of the dwarves hacking away at the walls. Anna and Henry were off to the side, the latter perking up when he caught sight of Ruby and her basket of muffins.

"Keep swinging dwarves!" Leroy commanded with a swing.

"They find any fairy dust yet?" Ruby asked as Henry dipped a hand into the basket.

"Not yet." Anna said with a shake of her head. "But, when they do," she placed a hand on Henry's shoulder with a faint smile. "We'll find a way to get Emma and Mary Margaret back."

Ruby sighed, sending Henry a wide smile before she turned to go. "I'll be back later with lunch!" She promised a haggard looking David with a smile before she glanced at me. "Oh, and don't forget, we need you at the diner today."

I nodded, having already gotten the call from Granny last night, and with another smile, Ruby pranced away. I smiled fondly at her antics before I turned in time to see David putting his shirt back on.

"I hate mine dust!" He grumbled out as his head slid through the hole. "Leroy! If you find anything, I'll be at the Sheriff's station."

The dark-haired man stopped mid-swing and took a surprised step towards David. "You're takin' over as Sheriff?"

"Stepping in." He corrected. "Until Emma's back." With that, he stepped past us, sending me a wide smile as he did so. Henry was quick to follow and I swallowed when I realized that I was alone with Anna, as Jack had floated off to join Heath like the traitor he was.

I awkwardly cleared my throat, fiddling with my fingers before I smoothed them out and placed them in front of me. Anna suddenly snickered, her previous sadness melting away as she raised a hand to cover the noise.

"...what?" I asked cautiously and she shook her head, slowly removing her hand from her mouth, smile still in place.

"It's just..." She gestured to my hands with a fond, loving smile. "You used to do that all the time before your coronation."

I blinked, caught off guard, before a smile overtook my surprise and I unclasped my hand. I placed one on her shoulder, smiling at her as hope lit up in her eyes.

"I have an hour before Granny needs me, want to take a walk?"

"Captain Hook?" I repeated, shock rendering me near speechless. The man that had killed Rumple's wife was not two feet from me, looking like he owned the dock despite being tied up and on his knees.

And, if Rumple's age was anything to go by, the man before me was nowhere near the age he looked.

"I see my reputation proceeds me." I inwardly rolled my eyes at the satisfied smirk he wore before I turned to the head Guard.

"Where did you capture him at?" I asked softly, ignoring the still smirking man before me as Anna cautiously looped her arm with mine.

"Believe it or not, he was in a tavern, Your Majesty." The man answered dryly, sending the kneeling pirate an unimpressed look while he was at it. "Most of the crew were sleeping off their beer on the floor."

I nodded distractedly, wondering what should be done with Hook. I eyed him thoughtfully, smirking inwardly when an idea struck.

"I know someone who would be very excited to see you, Captain."

"Oh?" He asked, his smile widening flirtatious. "And, who might that be, luv?"

The guards moved to reprimand him again and i raised my hand, halting them before I took a step forward and bent down to his eye level, watching as my answer made his face pale rapidly.

"Rumpelstiltskin."

"I'm sorry." I sighed as we settled onto the park bench, Anna resolutely keeping ahold of my hand even when I tried to tug it from her. "For this morning."

"What happened?" She asked curiously, concern creasing her brow. "I've never heard you scream like that. Well," she amended quickly. "Except for...after we found out about Mama and Papa."

I inwardly flinched at the reminder of our parent's deaths and sorrow gripped me when I realized that we couldn't even visit their graves. Anger, directed solely at Regina, welled inside me at the reminder that we were stuck her until a miracle happened.

"I-I had a bad dream." I finally answered softly, keeping my gaze firmly on our joined hands as my powers began to stir inside me. Conceal it. Don't feel it. Don't let it show.

"About?" She frowned when I didn't respond. "Come on, Elsa. Tell me."

"Anna-"

"No, Elsa." She snapped firmly. "You need to start letting me in. Now, tell me what the dream was about."

I closed my eyes, trying to block her out as the storm inside me began to worsen. "Something bad." I managed before I suddenly yanked my hand from hers, flinging it out before the blast of snow practically exploded from my left hand.

I nearly leapt off the bench, gasping at the sight of the patch of ice at my feet. I turned to Anna, who was staring at it wide-eyed before she looked at up at me.

"Elsa..."

Holding back a whimper, I spun on my heel and sprinted away from Anna, ignoring her calls to come back.

"Elsa!"

I blinked when a shot was thrust under my nose and looked up to see Granny at my side.

"You looked like you could use it." She set it down, patted my shoulder and returned to her post at the register. I sighed, reaching out and downing the alcohol, swallowing past the burn in my throat. A soft crackle of ice caught my attention and I quickly released the shot glass when I saw the ice creeping up the edges.

Inhaling shakily, I nearly jumped when Ruby laid a hand on my shoulder. "Erin, honey, are you okay?" She asked and I forced a smile.

"Yeah," I kept the smile in place, clenching my teeth so hard they felt like they were going to crack. Unconvinced, Ruby frowned before she sent me one last worried look and turned to take a glass of ice tea to a customer. Surprised, I watched as she placed the ice tea to Belle and quickly rounded the counter, making my way to them.

"...your third ice tea this morning." Ruby pointed out, smiling awkwardly. "Wouldn't wanna call you a cab."

"No, I-I've never had it iced before." Belle stuttered out with her own shy smile. "I-It's delicious."

"Belle?" I asked and she looked past Ruby, her smile widening when she caught sight of me.

"Elsa!" She immediately brightened and I responded in kind as Ruby looked between us curiously.

"You know her?" She asked, smiling when I nodded. "Well, I've just never seen you in here before." She directed at Belle, who sobered slightly.

"Well, I, uh...I've been a kept woman until recently." She offered vaguely, clearly referring to her imprisonment in the psych ward by Regina.

"Let me guess...bad breakup?" Ruby asked sympathetically and, to my surprise, Belle didn't refute it.

She glanced at me before nodding. "I think I may be headed there."

"Do you have a place to stay? Any family here?"

"I-I'm not sure. I'm still looking." She looked anywhere but me and i frown ed, wondering what had happened between her and Uncle. "But I-I'm on my own for now."

"I can ask Granny about a room here."

"Really?" Belle asked in surprise, her smile widening when Ruby nodded. "Thanks. Uh..." She trailed off awkwardly.

"Ruby."

Belle frowned thoughtfully. "What I really need, though, is-is a life. A job."

"Well, what do you like to do?" I asked with a smile. "What interests you?"

"I do love books."

I shared a look with Ruby, who suddenly smiled before she turned back to Belle.

"The library. It's been closed forever, but, uh, things are changing now." Ruby pointed out with a smile. "Maybe they need a librarian?"

With a wide smile, Belle quickly paid for the ice teas before she exited the diner, nodding at our Ruby's promise to get her a room.

"Hey, Ruby?" I called as I watched Belle walk down the street. "Can you cover for me?"

She looked pointedly around the nearly empty diner. "I think I can manage." She answered dryly before shooing me away. "Now, go!"

Sending her a grateful smile, I ducked out of the diner and headed down the street towards Gold's. Sighing inwardly when I caught sight of him on the street, I rushed to him.

"Gold!" He turned, his face drawn and worried, making me pause. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes, of course." He muttered, blinking owlishly at my raised eyebrow. "What makes you think anything's amiss?"

"Maybe because Belle was just in the diner, pretty much saying she was about to go through a bad breakup?"

He winced at my words. "Yes, well, I will admit that we've hit a bit of a..." He paused, clearly searching for the right word and i rolled my eyes when he found it. "Rough patch."

"Rough patch, right." I shot back dryly and he sent me a stern look that I ignored. "She left the diner though." I offered, watching as he deflated once again. "Ruby suggested she go and see if they needed someone to run the library."

"Regina's always kept the library closed." Gold said gruffly as I slipped my arm through his and we began to walk down the street.

"Yes, but things are changing." I pointed out as he led us towards a familiar apartment. "Why are we going to Mary Margaret's?"

"I believe asking our acting Sheriff for help finding Belle would be...productive." He stated simply and I nodded, falling silent until he suddenly spoke again. "By the way, why has your sister called me half a dozen times in the past hour?"

I froze, my arm slipping from his as he continued to walk. Frowning, he stopped, turned around and touched my arm with gentle hands.

"Erin, dear?"

"I-I...I had a nightmare this morning and...Anna was asking me about it." I whispered, swallowing past the sudden lump in my throat as the nightmare once again flashed before my eyes. "She kept pushing and pushing and...I almsot hurt her."

"Hurt her?" He asked quietly and I nodded, closing my eyes tightly.

"I...she wouldn't stop badgering me and..." I broke off, guilt clouding me at how I described her questions. "She...she's jsut worried about me and-"

"Your powers reacted to the stress?" He surmised and I nodded, opening my eyes as I raised my shaking hands up. "Perhaps it's time I started giving you lessons again."

I looked away from my hands, still frowning even when he nodded at my questioning stare. "I-I'd like that." I managed and he smiled fondly before hooking his arm with mine once again.

As we walked up the stairs, my phone quietly vibrated in my pocket and I sighed in relief when I saw Jack's name flash across the screen. Anna, and even Heath, had called me at least a dozen times each in the past few hours, only for me to ignore each and every one.

"Hello?" I answered quietly, mindful of Gold's curious stare. "Yes, I'm sorry about that..." I frowned at Jack's words. "No, I will not Jack!" I finally snapped before I jerked my phone away from my ear and snapped it shut.

"Dare I ask?" Gold asked after several heartbeats punctuated by my angry breathing.

I shook my head, angrily reaching up to push away the small wisps of hair when they escaped my bun. "No." I said shortly and he nodded before he approached the door, gently rapping his knuckles against it.

David answered it, his brow twisted in displeasure when he caught sight of Gold on the other side, though he sent me a friendly smile.

"May I have a word, Sheriff?"

"Uh, acting Sheriff." David corrected impatiently. "And I'm already late on another busy day, cleaning up the mess you made."

I held back a snort when Gold spoke. "My apologies. That was a moment of poor judgment on my part. And it's not lost on me that I'm now here to ask for your help."

"Well then, it shouldn't be lost on you when I say no." David responded impatiently, still frowning.

"Hear me out first." Gold pleaded, though I was positive only I could hear the faint pleading tone in his voice. "I'm here to report a missing person." He handed David a piece of paper and I blinked when I saw Belle's face on the sheet. "She left my home early this morning, her name is Belle."

David examined it before he spoke in a soft, understanding voice. "Back in our land, you mentioned you loved someone once. Is-"

"Yes." Gold answered shortly.

"You also said she died."

"I'd thought she had."

"Well, why don't you just use the tracking spell you gave me to find Jefferson?" David asked curiously and I suddenly shook my head, suddenly remembering that particular spell.

"It only works when you have something that belonged to the person." I turned to Gold, who was watching me silently. "I'm guessing Belle has no personal effects here?"

He nodded once and turned his attention back to a contemplative David.

"How can you be sure she's gone missing and not… Run away." He asked carefully, clearly not wanting to draw out Gold's ire.

Gold narrowed his eyes and I squeezed his arm tightly in warning. "I can't. Look, the townsfolk are less than sympathetic to my plight. But you…" He paused, smirking faintly. "You're in the rather unique position to understand exactly what I'm going through. Will you help me?"

I heard Anna's stifled snicker, making sure to keep my face carefully blank as all color drained from the once tanned pirate's face.

"N-now, let's not be too hasty, Majesties." Hook sputtered out, looking remarkably like an open-mouth fish that I had bite my tongue to keep from laughing. I shared a look with Anna as the pirate continued to babble and, after she cleared her throat, Anna nudged me gently with her elbow.

I sighed, sharing a faint smile with her before I turned to Hook, surprised to see him still speaking. "Ahem."

He stopped mid-sentence and I watched as doubt clouded his features. "Do you even know the Dark One?" He asked and I allowed a smirk to curl my lips.

I raised my free arm and rotated my hand, a small flurry forming on my palm. Aware of Hook's wary eyes, I suddenly flicked my palm towards him and watched him flinch as the snow passed harmlessly around his body.

"Had I never met the Dark one, that would have more than likely frozen you." I stated calmly, unprepared for his response.

"Know quite a bit about freezing people, do you?" He asked archly, nodding in Anna's direction as an outraged gasp escaped her.

"How dare you say that to my sister!" Anna ragged and she leapt forward, only for two guards to grab onto her as I stared at the pirate. Icy rage filled me at his cocky smirk and I opened my mouth.

"Rumpelstiltskin, I summon-"

"Stop!" Hook shouted, though he suddenly stopped when I lifted a foot and slammed it on the ground. The ice spread from my shoe to surround him and I watched as the spikes slowly pressed closer to his exposed neck.

Eyes, finally wary, raised to meet mine and I stepped forward until I was right in front of him. Lowering myself until we were eye to eye, I snarled quietly at him. "You dare to judge me?" I hissed out, mindful of how quiet the dock was. "You, who have murdered, plundered and done Gods know what?"

His eyes widened as I stood up and I turned, flicking my hand to make the ice dissipate. Anna hooked arms with me, her face still red from fury as she glared at the man behind me.

"Take him to the dungeon." I commanded before I set off for the castle, fury stewing inside me before settling like ice in my stomach. "I don't wish for him to taint our morning anymore than he already has."

I listened with a frown as the man in front of us ranted and raved about how Gold had turned his father into a pig. Questioning why, I immediately regretted it when he proceeded to amp up his ranting. sharing a look with David, I quickly spoke over the man and thanked him for his time before I turned to join Gold, who was watching us several feet away.

"Do you remember turning a butcher into a pig?" David asked as we approached and I watched as Gold's brow drew together.

"Can't say that I do." He answered airily. "Why?"

"Well, he does. Apparently, it was his father." I answered dryly.

"I'm beginning to understand why nobody wants to help you." David interjected flatly and I elbowed him, keeping my eyes on Gold as his expression fell ever so slightly.

"W-Well has he seen Belle?"

I shook my head, frowning sadly when his expression fell even further. "No," I stepped forward, taking his arm in mine and squeezing it fondly. "Don't worry, we'll find her."

"Okay, so what's next?"

"Granny's." David smirked lightly. "We can see who else you terrorized there."

As we began walking to Granny's, Gold frowned awkwardly before opening his mouth.

"Look, uh… Can I ask you a question?" He directed at David, who frowned in response. "A-About you and Mary Margaret? H-How… How does that work?"

I blinked at him like he'd grown a second head while David all but gaped. "Are you asking dating advice?"

"'Course not, no." Gold scoffed out unconvincingly.

"Honesty. That's how we did it." David suddenly answered fondly. "Hard work, and being honest with one another."

"Well, I don't lie." Gold defended, making me roll my eyes.

"There is a difference between literal truth, and honesty of the heart." I looked up, swallowing when I caught sight of Anna and Jack leaving the diner. "Nothing taught me that more than this curse."

"Elsa?" I looked up and smiled softly at Anna when I saw her reflection in the mirror. "May I come in?"

"Well, it's your room too, silly." I reminded her softly,. her tinkling laughter warming my heart and pushing away the doubts that had cropped up since our meeting with Hook this morning.

She pranced in, quickly ducking behind the changing screen before she slid out on slippered feet. I watched as she slid around the floor for several minutes, wincing when she ran head first into the chaise.

"You okay?" I asked, finally turning on the stool to watch as she simply raised her hand.

"Yup!" She cheered before she suddenly flipped herself off the arm and danced over to me, leaving me to catch her when she slipped. "Woah!"

"Looks like someone needs to go ice-skating again." I teased, unprepared yet unsurprised for the delight that brightened her eyes.

"Ooh! Can we!?" She asked, jumping up and down on her feet as I laughed and nodded.

"Yes!" I had to yell over her cheering but a smile found its way onto my face at the sight of her joy. "How about tomorrow afternoon? I can ice the courtyard and we can invite the village?"

"Sounds great!" She enthused before a thought seemed to strike her and a frown twisted her features. "But...what are we going to do about Hook?"

I frowned at his name, looking towards the window as Anna tightened her grip on my hands. I squeezed back, silently telling her I wasn't upset with her before I sighed.

"Well, let's just see what we can get-"

The door slammed open and I was on my feet, standing protectively in front of Anna as Kai entered the room red-faced.

"Kai?"

"Your Majesty...it's her, she's here." He panted out as I turned my head to share a worried look with Anna. "It's Regina, the Evil Queen."

Ruby studied her nails disinterestedly. "Belle, huh? Sorry, doesn't ring a bell."

I winced inwardly, aware that I'd already spilled the beans on Belle's talk with Ruby and I. Gold sent her an unimpressed look at her fib but, David cut across him before he could try to threaten the answer out of her.

"Ruby, listen to me. If you've come across her, you've got to tell me. I'll make sure nothing bad happens."

"Yeah, but what about him?" Ruby jerked her head in Gold's direction, making his lips thin until they were barely visible.

"We've got him." I assured her, frowning sheepishly while I was at it. "And I also let it slip I'd seen her here."

Ruby rolled her eyes in exasperation. "She was in earlier. She was looking for a job. I pointed her in the direction of the library."

"And you both think she went there?" Gold asked quietly and I shared a look with Ruby before she shrugged.

"Don't know. But, when you find her, give her this." Ruby lowered herself to search behind the counter. "She left it in her booth." She tugged a sweater out and laid it on top of the counter.

"Well, that's mine. She didn't have anything for the cold." Gold explained defensively when he caught my amused expression.

"You sure you'll watch out for her?" Ruby asked suddenly when Gold went to reach for the sweater.

David nodded. "Yes, why?"

"I think…" Ruby looked around nervously before she lowered her voice. "I think I can find her. Lately, since things changed, I've been, uh, a little more sensitive to odors."

"You can smell her?" I whispered back in surprise and she shrugged like it was nothing.

"I guess it's cause of the wolf thing."

Sniffing deeply, Ruby swiftly led us out of the diner and down the street, suddenly coming to a stop in front of Moe's Flower shop, sniffing wildly around.

"What's wrong?" David asked a frustration covered Ruby's face.

"I had her, but, uh… I lost her trail." She said, continuing to sniff around before frowning angrily. "It must be the flowers. I… I can't track her anymore. I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Gold said calmly and stepped to the door. "This is her father's shop."

"You again." Frnech hissed when we waked in, fury covering his entire face. "Out! This is a private establishment-you're not welcome."

"Last I checked, he still owns the town." I snapped flatly, pointing at Gold while he simmered next to me. "Where's Belle?"

"I won't let anything happen to her, Moe." David promised, though the hard expression never left Moe's face.

Ruby nodded. "We're just worried."

"Don't be. She's safe." Moe snapped shortly and I frowned at the way he refused to make eye contact. "So you can stop looking."

Gold sighed, clearly annoyed that he had to actually ask Moe for anything. "Look, if I could just have the chance to talk to her-"

But Moe was already shaking his head angrily. "You will destroy Belle like you destroy everything else. Well, I won't let that happen."

"What have you done with her?" Gold asked, sudden and quiet hatred coloring his voice as he took a threatening step forward.

"There's only one way to get her-" Moe started, only for Gold to suddenly jab him in the chest with his cane.

"What have you done with her?!" He repeated with a snarl and I took a step forward, not sure if I would be willing to stop him.

"I have to make her forget about you. No matter the cost. Even if it means she forgets me, too." Moe explained in a trembling voice and my eyes widened in shocked realization at his words.

"He's sending her across the town line." Gold hissed out before he spun on his heel, leaving David to yank Moe with us as we exited the shop.

"Where are you sending Belle across?" David demanded, though Moe pressed his lips tightly together. "You know we have patrols on the town line to make sure no one crosses accidentally. So, how are you planning to pull it off?"

I jerked when Gold suddenly lunged and Moe, pinning him to the truck by laying his cane across his neck. "Where? Where are you sending her across? Tell me!"

"Uncle!" I shouted, uncaring of the looks I got from Ruby and David. "Stop! You'll kill him and then we'll never find her!"

David latched onto Gold's shoulders and yanked, managing to pry the furious man off Moe. He looked down, his eyes widening before he looked up at the red-faced man.

"You've been down in the mines." He breathed out, watching as Moe's lips twisted angrily. "The Tunnels-" He turned to us. "They lead out of town."

I entered the throne room, frowning at the sight of Regina standing near my throne.

"Last I checked," I called, making her spin around. "You have no rights to command me in my Kingdom."

"Well, thankfully for me, I wasn't commanding you." She stated simply as I walked forward. "I see you haven't lost your touch." She noted, eyeing my newest ice dress mildly before she turned around and looked around the hall.

"Why are you here?" I asked cautiously and she turned around, smirking.

"I'm not here to cause trouble, dear." She soothed almost mockingly. "I'm simply here for your prisoner."

"Hook?" Attempting to hide my surprise, I took a step forward until I was standing a few feet from her. "And may I ask what you want with him?"

"That would be my business."

"And, I believe that when you ask for my prisoner, it becomes my business." I shot back flatly, making her chuckle softly before she nodded herh ead at me.

"Touche." She sighed as if going through a great ordeal. "I need a job done and Hook has the skills that I require."

"Dare I ask?"

Her smirk grew. "You probably shouldn't."

"And if I refuse?" I finally asked after observing her for several heartbeats. Her lips twisted in a wry smile and she took a step forward.

"I believe you know the answer to that."

The raggedly dressed man raised his hands in defense when he caught sight of our group. Before Gold could do anything, I raised my hand and pinned the now yelling man to the wall with a thin sheet of ice.

"Well done, dear." Gold growled out before he flicked his arm out down the track. I watched, nearly terrified, as his magic streamed down through the mine. After several seconds, a saw a small smirk lift the corner of his mouth and sighed in relief. With a tug of his hand, Gold brought the cart back down the track and I rushed forward when it came to a stop. Belle, still in shock, simply started when the cuffs on her wrists magically broke.

"That is seriously...wow." Ruby exhaled, clearly summing up the way we all felt about what just happened.

Gold approached the cart and gently helped Belle out. "Belle, are you alright?"

"Yeah. I, uh…I think so." Still looking dazed, Belle blinked around at us.

"You remember who I am?" Gold pressed.

She nodded. "I do, Rumpelstiltskin. I…I remember."

I watched as Gold hugged her, frowning sadly when she didn't reciprocate the affection. Wincing inwardly, I realized just how much the scene before me mirrored Anna and I and silently resolved to do better.

"Belle, what's wrong?" Gold awkwardly pulled away from her stiff form.

"Thank you for what you just did, but that doesn't change that you're too cowardly to be honest with me."

"Well, Belle, that's just-"

French spoke up and I rounded on him angrily. "I tried to tell them that, Belle. Come with me, darling."

"After what you just tried to do to her?" I asked, unable to stop myself. Belle stepped to my side, placing a hand on my arm before she spoke in a hard voice to her father.

"You're no better, Father." She accused. "You don't get to decide what I do or how I feel. I do. If either of you cared about me, you would've listened. I don't want to see either of you again. Ever."

Looking between the two flabbergasted men, she quickly stalked toward the exit and, after sharing a look with Ruby, we raced after her.

"Hey," Ruby called, slipping her arm around Belle without breaking her stride. "I promised you a room at Granny's."

Belle looked between us, a small smile spreading across her otherwise miserable features. I returned the expression, slipping my arm through hers and squeezing her arm before letting go.

"Come on, we'll get you settled in."

"Jack?" I looked around the shop, jumping and clutching at my chest when Jack came out of the back room. "God! You scared me!"

Laughter escaped his mouth despite the hand covering it. "Yeah, I noticed." he tilted his head curiously. "D'you need something?"

"Is it that obvious?" I asked, abashed, and he nodded.

"I've known you since you were twelve, snowflake." He reminded me as he lightly stepped towards me. "I can usually read you like a book."

I sighed, smiling fondly when he opened his arms for a hug that I quickly accepted. Closing my eyes tightly as his hand drifted over my hair, I inhaled deeply before I spoke.

"Can you help Emma and Mary Margaret come back?" He stiffened and pulled away enough to look down at me.

"You want me to cross over?" He asked quietly and I nodded, guilt churning in my gut at what I was asking. "But, I can't help you here then-"

"I'll be fine. We'll be fine." I promised and his frown deepened.

"'We' meaning you and Hanna?"

I swallowed past the lump in my throat, managing to make myself nod once. "I'm working on it." I promised. "I...I realized that all I'm doing is more damage to our relationship by pushing her away again."

He nodded sagely, his expression serious. "Good." He raised a hand to cup my cheek. "Because she called Heath crying earlier."

I closed my eyes at that, feeling them burn at the thought of my sister's tears. Unsurprisingly, it began to lightly snow around us and I quickly reigned in my sadness.

"Please?" I finally asked, keeping my arms around him and he sighed deeply before he began to nod.

"I'll go."

I tried to smile, though the pain that skewed my expression was mirrored in his. "It's not forever."

"Forever isn't long."

I watched silently as Regina's carriage sped away from the castle, sighing and rubbing at the bridge of my nose when the pain behind my eyes increased. Regina's request, though it was more like a demand, for Hook was one that I didn't exactly want to deny.

He unnerved me and I wanted him gone. Short of execution, there was little I could have done to keep him out of Arendelle's waters. banishment, while effective, couldn't exactly keep him out if he truly wanted to come in.

"Elsa?"

I turned to see Anna in the doorway and took a step forward, offering my hands for her to take. She brightened and clasped hands with me tightly before speaking again.

"What does Regina want with Hook?" She asked curiously and I sighed, turned my head to look out the window as the dark carriage became a speck in the distance.

"I don't know, Anna." I frowned and turned back to her. "And I don't think I want to."

"Anna?" I lightly knocked on the door, biting my lip when it opened and revealed Heath. He smiled tiredly before he slipped past me, gently patting my shoulder as he did so.

Inhaling deeply, I took a step into the room, not surprised to see a lump underneath the covers.

"Anna?" I repeated, watching as the lump stirred before her head peeked out from underneath the blankets. "Oh, Anna." I whispered when I caught sight of her red-splotched face and eyes.

Before I could think, I was on the bed next to her as she curled against my side.

"I'm sorry." Anna whimpered out and I shook my head, gently running my fingers through her tangled hair.

"Shh, don't apologize." I swallowed softly. "I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have lost control and I shouldn't have run from you. I just..." I looked away, sighing softly. "I don't want to hurt you."

"You're my sister." She whispered back, gripping our hands between us tightly. "You would never hurt me."

Sadly, I shook my head and pressed our joined hands against her chest until I could feel the beat of her heart.

"I already did once." I swallowed again. "And one time was more than enough."

Comments? Thoughts? Questions?