Written for day 5 of OQ Prompt Party 2020 using prompt 181: When Henry says he doesn't believe Robin's soul is obliterated, it inspires Regina to go back to the Underworld alone and search for Robin.

I hope to write the rest of this soon but I hope you enjoy this part for now!

To Rescue a Soul

"Have you lost your mind, dearie? You really want to go back to that hellhole?" Rumpelstiltskin asked, leaning against the counter.

Regina stood in front of him, holding her head high as she kept an even gaze with him. "I assure you that I am perfectly sane. And yes, I do want to go back there."

"Why?" he asked, still looking at her like she had grown two more heads.

She took a deep breath. "I want to find Robin."

"And I want my wife to come back to me but we don't always get what we want, now do we? You should know that better than anyone," he said, starting to walk away.

Anger surged through her and Regina stalked along the length of the counter. "You owe me."

He stilled, turning to her with a frown. "And how do I owe you?"

She motioned around her, annoyed he would even ask her that. "You manipulated me and used me as a pawn to get the Dark Curse casted so you could come to the Land Without Magic to find your son. And I freed you from Zelena's hold. I could probably name a dozen more things but they all point to the same thing. You. Owe. Me."

"Really? Because it seems you've always benefitted from everything you've done for I do believe your heart was on the line when I was under your sister's control. And as for the curse, you have your son and a happy ending, which is far more than some of us have," he pointed out. "So no. I don't owe you."

Regina clenched her fists before deciding to change tactics. She seized on what he had said. "My happy ending isn't complete. I told Zelena that it was belonging in this world – and specifically pointed out that Robin was part of that world. And I am not going to give him up so easily. You once told me to fight for my happiness. Well, I am."

"I told you that when Robin Hood was going to New York City and it was easier to chase him," he told her. "This time, you're chasing a ghost. And not even. I thought Miss Swan said that Robin's soul was obliterated?"

"That's what Hades said. But as Henry pointed out, he probably wasn't the most reliable source of information. Probably said that to really scare us into giving in to him," she said. "I once told Robin that fear is a very powerful tool."

"And I taught you that," he replied. His scowl started to soften. "Okay, let's assume Henry's right – which is likely – and Robin's soul wasn't obliterated. Why do you think you'll manage to rescue him from the Underworld when the Savior couldn't save her one-handed pirate?"

That was a question Regina had anticipated. She rested her hands on the counter. "Robin is my soulmate. All my research indicates that that is more powerful than being True Love."

"It is," he confirmed.

"And Hades isn't in charge anymore," she continued. "Though Hook says that King Arthur is running the place now. I don't know if that's much better."

Rumple shrugged. "I'll have to take your word for it. I didn't have the pleasure."

She nodded before continuing: "But I have to try. I can't just let Robin go until I know I've done everything possible to try to bring him back. Wouldn't you do the same if it was Belle?"

It was a low blow, she knew that, but it was her last-ditch effort. And thankfully, it worked as his shoulders slumped and he nodded. "Fine. I'll get you down to the Underworld. Is anyone coming with you?"

"No. After what happened with Emma, I don't want to put them in danger again." They had tried to argue that someone else should go with her but she refused each offer. It was best if she went on her own.

He nodded. "Alright. Meet me at the lake tonight."

"Thank you, Rumple," she said, reaching out and taking his hand, giving it a squeeze. "I appreciate this."

She started to walk back toward the door. Before she reached it, he called out her name and stopped her. Looking back, Rumple gave her a soft smile. "I hope you're successful. You do deserve a happy ending, dearie."

Regina nodded before leaving, hoping she was successful too. She wasn't going to give up on getting her complete happy ending.

She was going to get Robin back.

Regina walked away from the lake, walking into the main part of Bizarro!Storybrooke. It didn't look as broken and damaged as it had the last time she was there. And it didn't seem as red either. Looking around, she was impressed. "I guess Arthur's put in some hard work," she said to herself.

She bypassed all the stores for the moment, taking the familiar road to the cemetery. There was something she needed to see first before she continued her quest. It would tell her if she was on a futile mission or if there was still hope for success.

Walking past several headstones, she spotted the name she was looking for. She hurried up to it, her heart pounding the entire time. Coming up to it, she breathed out in relief as she read Robin's name on it and saw that it was upright. If he had a headstone, he was in the Underworld and he hadn't crossed over.

He could be found.

Now she just needed to know where to look.

Regina returned to town with a bounce in her step. She entered Granny's, walking right up to the counter and called out to the Blind Witch. "I have some questions," she called out.

"Oh gods," the witch groaned. "You're back? That pirate is gone."

"I know. I'm looking for someone else," Regina told her.

The Blind Witch approached her, scowling. "Who are you looking for now?"

"Robin Hood," she said. "He was here with us the last time we were here."

"Ahh, yes, the thief with a heart of gold. I remember him. But I thought he went back with you when Hades abandoned this place," she said.

Regina sighed, a lump forming in her throat. "Hades killed him."

"Oh. So you're here to find him?" the witch asked. "Well, he hasn't been around here. But the Underworld is bigger than it seems. He could be anywhere."

"Could you give me a hint?" Regina asked, doubting her adversary would help her.

The Blind Witch shook her head. "That's all you're getting out of me. Sorry."

She walked away and Regina sighed, pushing away from the counter as she tried to decide her next move. Looking around the diner, she tried to see if there was anyone who might be able to help her but no one looked familiar. There was only one other person she could think of and she turned back to face the witch. "Where can I find King Arthur?" she asked.

"You think he's going to help you?" the Witch asked her, scoffing. "How?"

"I've got some leverage on him," Regina replied. "Now, where do I find him?"

The Blind Witch placed her hands on her hips. "Why should I tell you? You already got enough out of me."

"Just follow the street to the castle," the patron behind her said. "You honestly can't miss it."

Regina glanced at the man, who scowled at her, before thanking him. She turned back to the Blind Witch. "Wish I could say it was good seeing you again, but I'm trying to cut back on my lies. Bye!"

She walked away as the witch cursed her out, smirking with each step. Regina pushed opened the door and walked toward the clocktower. It was the center of Bizarro!Storybrooke and she figured she would be able to orient herself best from there. As she rounded the corner, she spotted the white stone castle rising up behind the town and wondered how she had missed it in the first place. Taking a deep breath, she continued walking down the street as she hoped that King Arthur would be able to help.

But whatever happened, she was not going to give up until she exhausted every possible avenue to finding Robin. If she had to return home empty-handed, she would at least do so knowing she had done everything in her power to save Robin.

She didn't know how long it took her to reach the castle but by the time she did, her feet were sore and she had finished up one of the water bottles with her. Regina paused at the door, recovering her breath before knocking on it and waiting for someone to answer.

The door opened and she entered, frowning as she looked around when she didn't see who opened it. "Hello? Is anyone home?" she called out.

"Regina." Arthur appeared at the top of the stairs, wearing a coat embroidered with gold and red paired with black pants. He smiled as he walked down toward her. "I've been expecting you."

That surprised her. "You have? You know I'm not dead, right?"

"I do," he said, stopping in front of her. "But I know Robin Hood is. And given how much you fought for his life first in Camelot and then against those wraiths, I knew it was only a matter of time before you came down here to fight for him once more."

"Do you know where he is?" she asked, hope rising in her chest.

He paused before replying: "I know he's here. I don't know exactly where in the Underworld he is but if you come with me, I think we can find him together."

"Thank you," she said, surprised at how much Arthur had changed. It seemed death had made him realize what it meant to be a good man.

She followed Arthur to a throne room and he pointed to a circle on the floor. "Did you bring something of his?" he asked.

"I did," she replied, pulling out his scarf. She held it out. "Will this do?"

He nodded, pushing it back to her. "You're the one trained in magic. You'll have to do this part."

She knew what he meant. "It's a tracking spell."

"Of sorts," he replied, motioning to the circle. "Go ahead. Just be careful."

Regina stepped up to it, looking into the clear water flowing through that. She frowned, looking up at him again. "Is that water from the River Styx?"

He nodded. "So you don't want to touch it."

"Understood," she replied, kneeling. "But how can I use it."

"Dip the scarf into the water – carefully – and chant what's written in front of you. That will help you find him," he told her.

She did as he instructed, gently lowering the scarf into the water to prevent splashing. As it floated under the surface, she read the chant as best she could – Ancient Greek had never been one of her fortes. But the water began to glow brighter and brighter with each word she stumbled over. Just before her fingers reached the water, she stopped and she waited to see what would happen next.

The water took on a golden color before it receded to the edges, showing Regina a very familiar-looking tavern. "Are you kidding me?" she asked.

"You know that place?" Arthur asked. "How much of the Underworld did you explore?"

"Not much outside of this part. But I know that tavern. It's a long story," she said, standing. "How do I find out where it is in the Underworld?"

He knelt next to her. "Wait a few more minutes. It might give you a map."

She did as he suggested, watching the golden light cover the image of the tavern. It then rushed into the scarf, momentarily turning it from blue to gold. Once it died down, the water and the scarf looked normal.

"What happened?" she asked.

"I'm not sure," he replied, brows knitted. "I'm sorry, Regina."

She pulled the scarf out of the water and it flew from her hand, flying around her like a magic carpet. When she saw it, she nearly hit her own head. "It's a tracking spell. The scarf will lead me to him," she said.

"Do you want me to come with you?" he asked.

"No," she replied. Even though it was clear he had changed, she was still not keen to go on a journey with him. Besides, her heart told her she needed to do this by herself, which she told him.

He nodded before motioning for her to follow him again. "Alright, let me give you some things to help you on your journey."

"Thank you," she said, wondering what he would give her as he led her into the next room. She looked around and realized it was an armory, filled with different type of weapons. "Do you think I'll need these?"

"I do," he said, holding out two swords. "You and Robin. I can't tell you what will happen when you and Robin try to leave but I have a feeling you will need these. But be careful – the blades have been enchanted with water from the River Styx to work against the dead."

She nodded, understanding his warning. Taking the swords, she asked: "Do you have anything I can use to carry these?"

Once Arthur finished giving her supplies, he wished her luck before pointing her toward the stables. She walked toward them, determination filling her. Regina was going to find Robin and bring him home.

No matter what.

It felt wonderful to be riding Rocinante again. When they got to an open road just outside the confines of Bizarro!Storybrooke, she gave his sides a kick and he started to gallop down it. She closed her eyes and remembered what it felt like when she used to ride him, back when she was younger. Before she lost Daniel, before she became the Evil Queen, before she cast the Dark Curse, before she had to give up her son, before she found her sister was her nemesis, before she lost Robin.

Back when all she felt was hope.

And she felt it again with Robin's scarf wrapped around the saddle horn, guiding Rocinante to him.

She didn't know how long it took them to get to the town – time was flowed differently in the Underworld. But she figured some had to pass as she grew thirsty and hungry, eating some of the food Arthur had given her as she let Rocinante rest. Or rather, to let her rest as she needed it more than him. After boosting her strength, she mounted her beloved steed again and let him continue on their quest.

There was no twilight. One moment it was light out and then next, she was riding in the night as she approached a town. She wondered if she would ever see the tavern in the daylight as she slowed Rocinante to a walk. They entered the town with little problem and Rocinante made his way down the cobblestone streets to a familiar building.

"Whoa, boy," she said, stopping him. She dismounted and tied him to the post outside the tavern. Regina gave his neck a pat before approaching the door. With a deep breath, she threw the door open and entered the tavern.

Her heart sank as she looked over the room, not finding anyone. All she saw was a fire roaring in a hearth and a table in front of it. She walked closer to it, trying not to cry as she wondered what had gone wrong. Why had the water shown her this tavern if Robin wasn't here?

"I'm sorry, got caught up in the back," a familiar voice said. "What can I get…Regina?"

She turned slowly to find a figure standing in the doorway to a backroom. He walked closer, stepping into the fire's glow and illuminating his blond hair and matching scruff. Blue eyes shone with love but apprehension as he stopped in front of her. "What are you doing here? I was told Hades was destroyed," he said.

"He was," she assured him, reaching out to touch his face. It felt cool to the touch but he was solid, reassuring her he was there. "I'm not dead. I'm here to bring you home."

"I don't think that's possible," he told her.

Regina leaned forward, smiling. "When have we ever let that stop us before?"

He chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. Letting his smile fall, he said: "I think I'm meant to stay here and wait for you."

"That sounds utterly depressing," she said, looking up into his eyes. "And I don't think that's what you're meant to do at all. I really do think you're supposed to come back with me and raise your children to be good people, just like you."

"And what makes you so certain of this?" he asked.

She reached out, taking his hand and placing it on her chest. "Because this tells me so."

He kissed her forehead. "Well, who am I to argue that? But how am I supposed to get back? If Emma couldn't get Hook back…"

"Arthur didn't tell me much but he did give me something he thought would help," she said, taking his hand. She paused, looking around. "Did you recognize this place?"

"Yes, I spent many a night in this tavern," he replied.

She nodded, leaning closer to him. "Including the night a certain pixie brought me to my soulmate, the man with the lion tattoo."

He grinned, lifting his sleeve to reveal the tattoo in question. Regina reached out and ran her fingers over it as he nuzzled her. "Is this what you think will help us succeed where Hook and Emma failed?"

"I do," she replied. "I don't think it's going to be easy but I think we will be victorious. What do you say?"

Robin smiled, revealing those dimples she loved so much. He cupped the back of her head. "I say we should have a kiss for luck."

"Good idea," she said, leaning up so her lips met his. She wrapped her arms around him and he held her close as they kissed in the middle of the tavern, just like Page 23.

She didn't know what they would face once they left the tavern but she knew they would face it together. And she would bring him back to life, reunite him with Roland and his daughter and hopefully get their happy endings at last.