Earning Happy Endings

by BrainWithAMouth

All it took was one choice. Cora decided to allow Regina's curse to take her as well, though not without securing some protection of course. Now, more people from the Enchanted Forest lived a lie in Storybrooke for 28 years, and Emma will find herself in the midst of it all. With the help of her son, they'll find out who can be trusted, and who may want them gone. Canon divergence.

35. Stitches

In this chapter, HE'S ALIIIIIIIIIVE!

Disclaimer: Still don't own it. Still bitter about the finale. Sigh.

So last chapter, passionateswan88 asked about the Percy/Ruby ship name. Cant-Stop-My-Fandoms and I always called them Wolf Knight, but we thought it'd be fun to put it to a vote. Everyone feel free to add suggestions, and after a bit, we can put up the ship name to a vote.

As always, thanks to Can't-Stop-My-Fandoms for helping me edit this, and bY the Dawn for their life saving Enchanted Forest map.

Enjoy!

---

Stitches

---

March 6, 2012

Tien was holding Emma's hand as she skipped down the street, walking alongside Phoebe and Henry as they made their way to the bus stop.

"Are you going to have a strawberry cake?" Tien asked Henry, looking around Emma as Henry walked by her other side.

"Ew, no," Henry said in disgust. "It'll be chocolate, obviously."

"I like strawberry cake," Tien protected.

"It's not your birthday," Emma said. "It's Henry, and he gets to have the cake flavor he wants."

Henry felt vindicated.

Then, sensing Tien had learned her lesson but felt a little pouty, Emma asked, "When is your birthday, by the way?"

"June," Tien answered, perking up immediately. "Um...June 8?"

She looked at Phoebe when she guessed this, which Phoebe confirmed.

"Phoebe's birthday is on December 4," Tien then added. "And Henry's is on March 7."

"Yeah," Henry said, a little curious why she decided to announce the obvious.

Emma could guess it was Tien's way of including him, as well as making sure she got it right.

"Mom," Henry said, "can I invite my friends to my birthday?"

"Sure," Emma replied, "but you'll have to get their parents' permission to. Make sure to tell your friends to get an answer tonight so we can prepare enough food."

Henry smiled.

Then, Tien made an offer to Henry. "I can make Happy Birthday words on the wall."

"You mean a Happy Birthday sign?" Henry asked, he and Tien subconsciously moved in front of Emma so that they could stand next to each other by the school bus stop.

As the two became absorbed in their conversation, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she found that it was Phoebe, who nodded for her to step back, wanting to speak more privately.

"What is it?" Emma asked her.

"I have no idea what to get Henry for his birthday," Phoebe confessed, trying to prevent the future birthday boy in question from hearing. "I was wondering if you had any ideas.

"You could always make him something," Emma suggested.

"Like what?" Phoebe asked.

"Um…" Emma thought it over before rattling off some ideas. "Maybe a personalized notebook? That way he can write down whatever comes to mind, whether it's something about the town or anything. It is kind of short notice, so you can get him a comic book. He's been eyeing some Wonder Woman comics. Hey, if neither of those works, give him an IOU or something that you can do for him."

Phoebe let out a sigh of relief. "I'll think about it. Thanks."

"No problem," Emma replied.

"How's the move going?" Phoebe asked.

Emma felt a little amused at the girl's persistence, which had begun since the previous night. "Still ongoing. We'll start moving some things in there today, and a few more tomorrow. Relax. We'll move into the new place soon enough."

"I am relaxed," Phoebe lied, though the little smile she had gave it away.

The bus, along with more kids, arrived, and Henry came over for a hug. He was followed by Tien, who hugged her leg.

Phoebe hugged her too, and both seemed surprised by the act. Surprised, but not unwelcome to it.

With one last blush, Phoebe joined Henry and Tien on the bus.

Emma then spotted Declan getting on the bus. He'd apparently arrived with Marian, who was busy helping Roland get on the bus. She was only successful after Roland was sated with a kiss on the cheek.

As the bus departed, children packed inside, Emma went to Marian.

"Hi, Marian," Emma greeted, though she soon apologized upon realizing she startled the woman.

"Don't worry about it," Marian told her. "I just got lost in thought."

"Are you okay?" Emma asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

Marian made herself give a calm smile, trying not to betray the awfulness churning inside her. Graham...poor Graham. The tiniest reminder of the previous night - the stiffness of his body, the shaking as he cried - threatened to make her start crying. The worst was his eyes; how he either avoided looking at her, his gaze darting away like he was ashamed, or when his eyes would bore into hers, his pain piercing her like a knife.

The shock of what she learned hadn't completely faded, and that was enough for her to smile and pretend to Roland and Declan that everything was fine, nothing had changed. Oh, Graham was just tired, that's why he couldn't get out of bed for breakfast today.

Nothing had changed. No, it hadn't.

...Yes it did, just not everything. It didn't change the way Marian felt about him, or change her view of him as a kind and strong man.

What this new knowledge did was give her a better understanding of what he was going through, made her more aware that she needed to figure out how to help him, and made her despise Regina.

All this, however, Marian kept to herself. Graham had told her she was the only one who knew the full extent of what happened to him, and for now, he preferred to keep it that way.

So, for Emma, Marian provided her a half-truth.

"Mostly," Marian answered Emma. "I'm worried about the boys, what with a certain someone roaming about. I don't suppose this certain someone has tried visiting her daughter."

The look Marian was giving Emma made her understand instantly. She nodded for the two of them to start walking, which they did.

"Nope," Emma replied, feeling like someone was off with Marian, but she knew that Marian's concerns were genuine. Not that she could blame her. "She hasn't shown herself to anyone. Did the Merry Men mention anything?"

"Nothing to report," Marian replied. "It would help if we had anything besides a general outline of what she looked like. Does she have any scars, birthmarks? Any allies that would be willing to shelter her?"

"Again, nope," Emma said, feeling as frustrated as Marian sounded. Once they reached Emma's car, they stopped and faced each other. "I appreciate everything you're doing, I do. Just continue keeping an eye out for anything weird."

"We're all stuck in a magic-less land with at least three known magical troublemakers," Marian surmised. "Everything is weird." After a pause, Marian let out a little sigh. "We'll do our best."

"Okay," Emma replied. "You need a ride?"

"No need, I've got my own," Marian replied. Then, because she felt the need to lighten the mood, she added, "By the way, Declan wanted me to ask if you were going to have a birthday party for Henry."

"Oh yeah, it's going to be tomorrow," Emma replied. "Henry and I wanted to know if it was okay for him to go."

"I'll ask Graham, but I'm pretty sure he'll say yes," Marian said. "Henry's one of Declan's best friends."

The declaration made both women smile, and after a promise to ask Graham what he thought, they departed.

Emma got in her car and headed to the station. She could use her downtime to plan a party.

---

At lunch time, Henry got a chance to reconvene with all of his friends to talk about his upcoming birthday party. All of them were excited for it, and promised to ask their parents about the details.

It was at their usual lunch table, a circular table just big enough to fit the six of them, that Nick asked a question of the utmost importance.

"What do you want for your birthday?" Nick asked Henry eagerly.

Ava nudged her brother and not-so-subtly said, "It's supposed to be a surprise."

Nick nudged her back while taking a bite out of his sandwich. "What if we get him something he doesn't like?"

Because he felt the need to remind them that he was right there, Henry piped up with, "I'll be happy with whatever you get me."

Declan declared, "Then I hope you enjoy the skunk butt rug I got you."

Henry poked him in the side. Not for the joke. Just for the smug smile he gave him.

Dork, Henry thought affectionately.

LJ shook his head at Declan's lame joke. Soon enough, they were distracted by their newfound conversation involving Declan 'lovingly' offering to give LJ the skunkbutt rug, and LJ 'caringly' threatening to paint Declan's egg green and serve it with ham.

Henry was soon distracted from the one-up-manship going on between his two best friends, as well as Ava and Nick's own affectionate spat about the pros and cons of asking someone what they want, by Grace.

"Are you excited to turn 11?" she asked him.

"Yeah," Henry said with a big grin. "This will be my first birthday with my real mom."

Grace nodded before a serious look came over her face.

"What is it?" Henry asked curiously.

"Um, Henry, don't get mad, I'm just curious," Grace stammered quietly. "When you say Emma's your real mom, do you mean just because she's your birth mom, or…?"

The question caused Henry to temporarily pause in surprise. "Well, no. At first, I told her that because, well, I just wanted a mom." He didn't need to explain who the 'her' was. "Thing is, I don't call Emma my real mom because she's my birth mom. She's my real mom because I love her and she loves me, all of me. You know?"

Grace nodded but then shrugged.

That's when Henry realized why she might be asking.

"How are things going with your parents?" Henry asked her.

Grace seemed both surprised and relieved that he'd figured her out, because she didn't need anymore prompting to answer him, though quietly so the others wouldn't overhear. "Not great. They don't fight in front of me, but I know it's going on. My papa and my cursed parents always frown whenever they're in the same room. If they smile, it's always...kind of forced. Like they're trying to pretend everything's fine when it's not. It all started because Papa wanted to move back into his house with me, but my cursed parents don't want me to go."

Henry nodded. He'd seen scenes like this play out a lot recently, though all of the adults tried shielding the kids from it. They weren't stupid. They knew this hurt people.

He also figured this is why Grace asked him that question. If he had to guess, Henry believed that Grace would choose Jefferson as her real parent, since her cursed parents had been her neighbors. He also realized that even if Grace herself realized this, she was too afraid of hurting their feelings to speak it aloud.

"It'll turn out okay," Henry told her.

"How do you know?" She asked him.

"I just do," Henry replied confidently, because he was. He couldn't explain it, but sometimes he'd just get these gut feelings, and he knew that if he followed it, things would turn out alright. He'd felt the same way when he first embarked on his journey to find Emma, and he was sure about Grace's situation too.

"What're you guys talking about?" Ava suddenly asked, startling Henry and Grace.

Seeing the slight rosy tint in Grace's cheeks, Henry covered it up with, "Grace and I are talking about what kind of food we should have at my party."

Declan instantly jumped in with, "Chips, soda, cupcakes, sugar."

"What? You want straight up sugar at the party?" Nick asked with jesting incredulity.

"It's like you don't even know me," Declan pretended to huff.

Sufficiently tricked, the kids then flung themselves into conversation about food for the party. Subtly, Grace nudged her knee against Henry's and sent him a grateful smile.

---

Killian had to admit that he'd never seen anyone fly through books the way Belle did. Rapunzel was helpful in stocking and organizing, and Killian himself loved them, but Belle outright adored them.

The two of them were alone in the library while Freddie and Art, enjoying their newfound freedom, had gone to the forest to exercise. Also, Rapunzel was spending some time with Frances, and Killian told her that was just fine with him. Rapunzel had also taken Lady with her for a much-needed walk.

While they were out doing that, Belle quickly took to learning the Dewey Decimal System in record time. Killian could hardly make a move in one direction without Belle suddenly appearing, adding another book the pile in her arms. She would then rush off to lovingly and gently putting the books where they belonged.

It was certainly a sight to see.

"I'm sorry," Belle apologized as she at least paused her fervor. "What were you saying?"

"I was asking if you liked the apartment," Killian said, amused.

Belle smiled, slightly embarrassed. "Freddie and I like it very well. Thank you."

"No need to thank me," Killian replied. "How are things between you and Freddie?"

When Belle smiled again, there was no embarrassment. Only fondness. Love.

"We're doing quite well," Belle replied.

Killian smiled. He was glad to see that two of his friends were happy, especially after what they were put through with Freddie's curse and Midas' men.

"How is your family doing?" Belle asked Killian, feeling friendly toward the man who'd nearly died trying to help her True Love. Whatever grudge she held against him was gone.

"Well, thank you," Killian answered.

"Is the move going alright?" Belle asked as she set the books on a nearby table. As much as she loved them, they were starting to put a strain on her arms.

"It's...going," Killian admitted. "We're slowly moving in, but it likely won't be complete until after Henry's birthday."

And that's not even taking into account if any of the kids want to change the color of their rooms, Killian thought.

They weren't exactly pressed for time. After all, neither Snow nor David ever said any of them had to move out. However, once the idea of more space in the loft entered everyone's minds, the allure of the idea only strengthened, as did the tension of everyone being in close quarters.

"By the way, how are the kids?" Belle asked.

"They're doing well," Killian answered. "Henry's excited for his birthday. Phoebe is excited for a room of her own. And Tien is excited by just about everything."

Belle was smiling at him.

"What?" Killian asked curiously.

"Just that," Belle said, "you seem happy. Especially about your kids."

My kids.

They were, weren't they? His children. Not just Phoebe and Tien, but Henry too. He cared, loved, each of them. He worried for them whenever he couldn't keep them in sight. He knew he'd die and kill for them. And, deep down, he thinks Emma feels the same way. She loved Henry, and she cared for the girls. They were all moving into a home together. The only thing that wasn't there was a legal piece of paper declaring him as their father.

I should really get around to that someday.

Killian hadn't realized until that moment that he was smiling, and when he did he couldn't stop himself. He felt light and at ease, and even with the back of his mind reminding him of the threats to his family, he knew Belle was right. He was actually, truly happy.

He looked at Belle, and saw some sadness on her face.

"Something wrong?" Killian asked her.

"It's nothing," Belle lied.

Killian wasn't convinced. "If you ever did want to talk about it, I'm here."

"It's nothing," Belle lied again, but with far less conviction. "It's just that...it's something with my father."

Killian didn't say anything, waiting for Belle to say something.

She didn't take long to talk, though she seemed hesitant to say it. "I went to see my father earlier, before you came here. I told him what happened between me and Freddie. He seemed pleased that Freddie's curse was broken. Just not how it was broken. I know it must be a shock, but I thought he'd be happier about this."

The happier for me was left unsaid.

"Maybe it's just a father worrying for his daughter," Killian offered, though it felt hollow.

Belle seemed to know it too. "That's what I keep telling myself, but I don't know if that's the case. I keep getting this feeling that my father just expects Freddie to go away, but it's our choice, and he'll have to get used to it."

"That's the spirit," Killian concurred.

The woman looked temporarily pleased before she grimly added, "but it's not just my father. I'm also worried about Rumple."

"How come?" Killian asked. He could guess, but he wanted to know what she had to say.

"He hasn't approached me since yesterday," Belle said, "but I know he won't be happy that Freddie and I are together. I'm worried about what Rumple will do to him."

Milah's dying face flashed before his mind. Killian wasn't just worried for Freddie. He was worried for Belle too.

"The crocodile won't touch either of you," Killian promised. "He'll have to get through me."

"I wish it was that simple," Belle said, touched by his words, but not entirely comforted by them.

Not wanting the atmosphere to retain its tense mood, Killian thought of something.

"Would you like to see what I got Henry?" Killian suggested. "I could use a second opinion."

Belle smiled, relieved at the topic change. "Absolutely."

Killian led her to the backroom, and after removing some carefully placed boxes and other assorted items, he pulled out two identical items.

"Are those wooden swords?" Belle asked.

"Aye," Killian replied, balancing both swords between his hand and hook. "It's a side project I've tinkered with for some time. I know the boy loves the stories from his book, and I know he'd like to be a hero someday. I figured this would give him some practice."

"It's great," Belle said. "He'll love it."

"You think so?" Killian asked, realizing how nervous he felt and sounded.

"Of course," Belle replied. "He seems to have a spirit for adventure."

Killian relaxed in relief, glad that he might have done well in his gift getting.

The bell at the front desk dinged repeatedly.

"I'll get it," Belle told him before she headed to the front.

Killian put the swords back in their hiding place before joining her. There, he found a woman with red hair, olive skin, and an upturned nose. She was holding a notepad and conversing with Belle. Well, that seemed to be her intent, as Belle was talking to the woman, but she wasn't verbally answering back.

That's when Killian recognized her.

"Nerissa?" Killian asked as he approached the women. "Or is it Ariel?"

Ariel nodded, her green eyes anxious. She then showed them both a missing person poster. There was a fairly professional sketch drawing of a man with short hair, the black of the pencil indicating he was a brunette, a greek-like nose, and thin lips. The poster also included these words:

Prince Eric of the Maritime Kingdom

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Color: Brown

Ariel is looking for him.

There was also contact information.

"You're asking if we saw him?" Belle asked.

Ariel nodded once more, signing something Killian couldn't understand.

Belle looked at Killian confusedly.

"She doesn't have her voice," Killian told her. "She's using sign language." He then apologetically told Ariel, "I'm sorry I don't know much about it." One of the few signs he did know was, indeed, sorry. He formed an 'A' with his right hand, and rotated that hand over her chest in a couple of clockwise motions.

Ariel mouthed "It's okay," and he guessed what she signed correlated that. She then took her notepad and wrote something down before showing it to them.

If you see him, could you please let me know?

"Will do," Killian said before a thought occurred to him. "Have you checked the docks?"

Judging by the look on Ariel's face, she hadn't. She started signing, but then huffed in frustration when she remembered they wouldn't understand her. She then wrote something else down.

Lots going on. Should've checked.

"If it's any consolation," Belle told her, "I think we're all still catching up. Good luck in your search."

Ariel brought her fingers up to touch her chin, smiling as she brought her fingers forward while mouthing "Thank you". She then left, presumably toward the docks.

"Do you know why she lost her voice?" Belle asked her.

"From what Snow told me," Killian said, "Regina was the cause of it, and she hasn't been forthcoming about what she did with Ariel's voice.

"Poor woman. Ariel, I mean." Belle said before shaking her head. "Is there anyone in this town Regina hasn't hurt?"

"I've been asking myself that same question since this all began," Killian said. "For now, though, she's not our problem. We've got better things to think about."

"Like a certain boy's birthday?" Belle inquired.

Killian smiled. "Exactly. Speaking of, I think that present of his could use another onceover."

---

David was having lunch at a sandwich shop alone. Snow was having lunch with the other teachers, as she'd been invited back to teach at the school.

Guess they figured out that firing Snow White for Regina's sake wasn't the best decision.

To be fair, they were all under a curse, so David would let it slide.

As it was, David needed some alone time, and he appreciated that the sandwich shop had tables outside for patrons. He loved his family and felt so, so happy and grateful that he could hold them in his arms again, but sometimes he just needed to be by himself. There was a lot he needed to process.

For instance, what he and Snow were going to do. Everyone seemed to respect them enough to listen to their instructions, which was useful in the chaos of the first few days after the curse broke. However, they couldn't just be a teacher and a dog walker, right? They were a queen and a king, with all the responsibilities that it entailed.

With Regina out of the way, who was the mayor of this town? Should there even be a mayor?

There were other royals to consider: Ella and Thomas (well, Thomas' father), Prince Eric (he wondered if Ariel found him yet), Rapunzel (they all but confirmed her parents weren't in town, so she was their representative), Phillip (who confirmed his father died), and Aurora (who was in a coma). Not to mention David and Snow.

They all had people they were leading, who trusted them with their interests. Perhaps a council would be better? Furthermore, if this hypothetical council was going to be composed of royals, do royals like Percy count? He is a prince, and a trusted friend.

He also doesn't know about the secret you're keeping from him?

David's head throbbed as he remembered that Morgana was around, and that Percy didn't know about it. He'd gotten lucky that Percy hadn't actively searched for her, but it was only a matter of time until he did.

If there was a council, Snow would be better suited for the job. She was more of a diplomat than he was. He could join the police force. Grumpy and Happy were, as of this morning, officers of the town, so David could join the ranks. That way, he could not only protect the town, but he could also protect Emma.

His baby girl was a grown woman with a son, but that would never stop him from always wanting to be near her, to protect his family.

Suddenly, he was joined by Dr. Whale.

"You," the man said as he took the seat across from David. "We need to talk."

"Why hello Dr. Whale," David said flatly. "Please, take a seat."

Dr. Whale sighed impatiently. "Is it true?"

"Is what true?" David replied, annoyed by the man's rudeness.

"People are saying that our old world is gone," Whale said. "Others are saying that you're not trying to find a way back."

"Well, the whispers can stop," David said irritably, not liking the tone Whale was taking with him. It was bad enough this man acted like an ass when he was cursed. Now he has to act like David is some kind of idiot. "We can only guess what's happened to our old world. For now, we have to focus on helping everyone that's here."

"So you think it still exists?" Whale persisted.

"It's possible," David replied.

"What about other lands?" Whale questioned further.

Something about that inquiry struck David as odd. Not the question itself, but the way Whale subtly leaned closer to David, the way his eyes burrowed into his...almost hopefully.

"What business do you have in other worlds, Whale?" David questioned. "Who are you really?"

Whale immediately leaned back, got up, and without so much as a "By your leave," he walked away.

"Ass," David muttered under his breath.

He finished his sandwich, and was nursing his drink when he spotted a familiar person walk by. One that should not be out and about while school was in session.

"Phoebe!" David called out, and the poor girl was so startled that she nearly jumped in the air.

Phoebe looked around to see who had called out to her. Once she spotted David, who realized he had a confused but slowly growing look of disapproval on his face, she froze up.

David made a 'get over here' motion with his hand, feeling himself go into Dad/Grandpa Mode.

After the tiniest moment of hesitation, she walked over to him with all the sway of a guilty man walking to his sentence.

"Soooo," David drew out the word as he looked at Phoebe. "What brings you out here today?"

"Um," Phoebe blushed, "well, you know, I thought, 'Wow today's a great day to, um, not eat cafeteria stuff, so…"

"So you decided to skip school," David surmised. "Without telling anyone."

"Um...yes?"

David raised an eyebrow. "Was that a question?"

"Yes," Phoebe amended. "I mean, no. But...how much trouble am I in?"

"That depends on your dad," David said. "Did you not get any packed lunch today?"

"I forgot to make myself some," Phoebe said.

"You could just ask one of us to make it for you," David pointed out.

"I didn't want to be a bother," Phoebe said.

David stopped himself from sighing. "Phoebe, how many times do we have to tell you? You are not a bother. Whoever told you that you were?"

Phoebe looked down, her face trying not to get twisted up.

David knew that they didn't exactly have a ton of time, but he couldn't miss out on the opportunity to get Phoebe to open up, even if it was just a little bit. If it came down to it, David would say that he had important family business to discuss with Phoebe.

He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, hearing the distant voice of his mother not to do so. Just like in life, he shifted his arms back a little, marginally listening to her.

"Let's get one thing clear first," David said. "You cannot skip school whenever you want. Not only would that scare everyone since we wouldn't know where you are, but there are people out there who might hurt you. And for the record, none of us think you're a bother, so why do you think you are?"

Phoebe couldn't quite bring herself to look him in the eyes, but she did eventually answer him.

"Everyone's always trying to protect me," Phoebe said weakly. "My mom, Blue, Dad. My whole life people have been trying to keep me safe, and sometimes they've gotten hurt or worse." Phoebe cleared her throat, her face twisted in sadness, and her next words slipped out before she could stop them. "Sometimes I just don't know why they bother."

"Because we care about you," David instantly said. "Don't ever think that again, okay?"

Phoebe nodded. "I'm sorry. I'm just...used to taking care of myself and Tien. I'm the older one, and Tien's so little." There was determination in her eyes as she added, "It's my job."

"No, it's not," David said. Before Phoebe could let out whatever objection she had, he raised a hand. "Let me rephrase. You've been a great big sister to Tien, and also one to Henry whenever the need arose. As for taking care of either of them, it's not your job. It's Killian and Emma's job to feed you, clothe you, and give you shelter. I don't doubt that they appreciate the help, but your only job is to go to school and be a kid. The added stipulation is that if you need help, you ask for it. Not just from Emma or Killian, but from Snow and I too. All you have to do is ask. Okay?"

"Okay," Phoebe said quietly.

"Speaking of," David said cheerfully, a tone that took Phoebe by surprise, "what do you want to eat?"

"Huh?"

"You. Food. What?" David said, keeping up the upbeat tone. "That's why you're out here right?"

"You don't have to-" Phoebe stopped herself at David's look. "What about the time? I might be late getting back."

"I'll explain it to the school," David said. "On the condition that you never do this again. Promise."

"Promise."

"You sure?" David asked again before extending his hand. "You have to shake on it."

Smiling a little at his mild antics, Phoebe reached forward and firmly shook his hand. "I swear on my life I'll never skip school again."

"That's more like it," David joked as they both gave one last firm shake before letting go of each other's hands. "Now, what would you like to eat?"

---

"Miss Swan."

Emma focused on signing some paperwork in front of her.

"Miss Swan."

Huh. Two forms were stapled separately and they needed to be together.

"Miss Swan."

A paperclip. That'll be-

"Are you going to ignore me forever?"

We can always hope, Emma groaned in her mind as she tried not to pay Regina any mind.

Regina was bored. There was nothing to do for her except talk to Midas, and neither was keen on making conversation. It was a marked improvement from when Regina was forced to share a cell with...how did she refer to them? 'Guards of low-birth?'

Something like that. Emma began to tune out after a while. Right now, Midas' men were kept in the storage closets in the back. It took her, Grumpy, and Happy some time to clear everything out to make room for the men, and to find another place for their stuff. Not to mention that they had to get Marco to install locks outside the door to secure the prisoners, and just to be sure they could properly watch over the men, they had Marco create a window in order to peer inside putting in bars instead of glass so that the men couldn't stick their hands through to try and unlock the door if a guard wasn't looking.

It had to be done, though. There were only two cells, and they couldn't risk Midas sharing a cell with anyone. Besides, despite wishing that her newfound magic had some way of shutting Regina up, Emma preferred to keep an eye on her.

Emma turned her palm upward and looked at it. The idea of her having magic was truly beginning to sink in. She'd told her parents about what happened, hoping they'd have some idea about where it came from, but neither of them could offer an answer.

She had played that scene over in her mind again and again. One thing stuck out - she didn't think about using magic. She just felt the overwhelming need to protect Killian, the fear that she would fail, the anger against those who would dare harm him.

How she lo...she lov-

I can't even think out the words, Emma berated herself. She deeply cared about Killian, she knew that, but actually saying it outloud…

Huh. She could move into a home with him, want to be with him, raise children with him. Sometimes she really hated these walls-

"Miss Swan."

"What?" Emma snapped, her patience running thin.

"Finally," Regina said. "Here I was thinking you were deaf."

"We could only be so lucky," Midas said, sitting boredly in his cell.

"I didn't ask you," Regina snapped at him. "When I need an opinion about how to not lose my kingdom to a daughter, maybe I'll talk to you."

"You lost your kingdom all on your own," Midas sounded close to rolling his eyes. "You didn't need a child to betray you."

Tired of both of their bullshit, Emma said, "In case you guys forgot, you," she pointed at Regina, "have been a major pain in the ass and you," she pointed at Midas, "are in here because you tried to kidnap a man, and your men nearly killed us."

Both of them tried to object, but Emma raised her voice. "I don't want to hear it. You don't like it? Then I'm sure the guys locked up in the storage closet might like trading places with you two. Is that what you want?"

Neither of them answered with more than a heated glare.

Emma let out a low and quiet sigh, wondering when Grumpy and Happy would get back from patrol. She was told that the other dwarves were interested in joining, but none of the others wanted to commit yet.

Footsteps. Someone was coming in.

Turning her head, Emma saw a woman she recognized as a former hospital security guard enter the bullpen. Lea Wen was her name. In reality, it was Mulan.

"Deputy Swan," Mulan greeted stiffly, still dressed in her security guard uniform. "Do you have a moment to talk?"

"Sure," Emma said. "Let's step into the office."

Mulan nodded sharply before they stepped inside.

After closing the doors and the blinds, Emma asked, "What do you need?"

"I want to work here," Mulan said bluntly. "I served the Emperor of Leshou for a number of years, but it seems that no one from Leshou came here. Save for me." Mulan briefly paused, and Emma detected sadness from her. Mulan quickly covered up any trace of it with stiff formality. "I'm confident I've found an old weapon of mine. I just need to get it back. If you need references, you can talk to Freddie Leander, Belle, and Prince Phillip of The Moor. You can also talk to my fellow hospital security guard Sleepy, formally known as Walter, about my work at the hospital."

"Great," Emma said, trying to absorb the information. "Here's my first question - why do you want to join the police force?"

There was the slightest shift in Mulan's stance. Taking in a small steadying breath, squaring up her shoulders, nearly invisible to anyone who wasn't looking for it. The almost imperceptible signal of preparing for a lie. No, a half-truth.

"Storybrooke is, for the foreseeable future, our home," Mulan told her. "The work would be challenging, but I'm not afraid of that. I understand that two of the Seven Dwarves have become your officers, but with everything going on, you can't be too careful."

"What about the hospital?" Emma asked. "Don't they need you?"

Mulan momentarily paused. "Not as much as the rest of Storybrooke needs me."

Emma knew she was holding something back. She knew Mulan was telling the truth about not being afraid of a challenge, and Mulan did have a point that they could use all the help they could get. However, Emma didn't think she was telling the truth about why she wanted away from the hospital.

She also realized that Mulan wasn't about to tell her that.

As long as it wasn't because of something illegal, Emma didn't much care.

"I'll run it by Graham," Emma told her. "He's not feeling well today, but he's still the sheriff, so he has final say. If he does say yes, then you'll have to go through a trial period."

"I'll pass it," Mulan said resolutely.

Emma didn't doubt her.

Mulan left to return to the hospital, but no sooner did she leave then Whale stormed in. Except he didn't bother looking at Emma. He went straight for Regina's cell.

"Hey," Emma said warningly, but Whale paid her no mind as he stood in front of Regina's cell, looking like he wanted to throw open the door and go at her.

"Send me back," Whale demanded of Regina.

Regina said, "I have no idea what you-"

Whale slammed the side of his fist against the cell. "Don't lie!"

"That's enough," Emma said firmly as she grabbed his shoulder and forcefully pulled him back.

"I know our worlds still exist, I know it," Whale insisted to both of them, though the majority of his focus was on Regina. "I know you have a way back."

Regina sighed. "Even if I did think the Enchanted Forest still existed, my way back was destroyed by Miss Swan and her family to send the wraith away."

Emma told her, "If we hadn't done that, the wraith would've sucked out whatever was left of your soul out of your body."

Whale tried arguing further, but Emma grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the bullpen and into the hallway.

"Let go of me," Whale shrugged out of Emma's grasp.

"Look, I know you want to go back, but-"

"You have no idea what I want," Whale shot back. It wasn't the warning tone in his voice that made Emma pause. It was the underlying desperation.

Being in Storybrooke with two memories must've been weighing on Whale more than Emma thought.

Whale then said, "Hey, quick question - have you seen a guy named Jefferson around?"

"Jefferson?" Emma questioned.

Assuming Emma didn't know, Whale clarified with, "Caucasian looking guy, six-feet-tall, kind of ridiculous brown hair, decent blue eyes. Has a hat with him. You see him around?"

"Why do you want to see him?" Emma asked.

"So he is here, good," Whale surmised impatiently. "Do you know where?"

"I'm not giving away someone's location unless-"

Emma didn't get a chance to finish her sentence as Whale already turned around and walked out of the station.

"Ass," Emma said under her breath as she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. Going through her contacts, she found the right number, pressed the Call button, and brought the phone up to her ear, waiting for the ringing to stop.

"Hello," Ruby's voice came in from the other end.

"Hi Ruby, it's Emma."

"What's up?"

"Whale just came by the station looking for Jefferson," Emma answered. "He wouldn't say for what, but he's probably looking for him right now. I can't leave the station yet on account of the prisoners, and I don't have Jefferson's number. Can you get in touch with him, or maybe Rapunzel, and let him know?"

"Sure," Ruby said. "I'll also keep an eye out for Whale."

"Thanks Ruby," Emma replied. "I appreciate it."

Emma ended the call, and put the phone back in her pocket.

What did Whale want with Jefferson, and what did it have to do with Jefferson's Hat? Also, Whale had said worlds, not world. Killian mentioned Neverland, but Emma doubted Whale came from an island of murderous boys. What was his story?

"Skip with me, Henry," Declan goaded his friend, already linking their arms together.

"Why?" Henry laughed.

"School is over," Declan started both his sentence and a minor skip, "your birthday's tomorrow, and because I said so, that's why."

"You're so weird," Henry said, already trying to get Declan to skip along. "Seriously, what's got you in a good mood?"

"I don't know," Declan said with a smile as the boys nearly made it off school grounds, their bemused friends trailing behind. Declan leaned against Henry. "Your birthday's tomorrow, Graham and I are about to pick a house. Things are kind of great."

"Oh booys," the voice of Henry's grandmother drew out the word.

Both boys stopped their skipping, turned around, and saw Snow standing there with Phoebe, Tien, and LJ. It seemed that the rest of their friends had already dispersed.

"Hi Grandma," Henry greeted, unlinking his arm from Declan's to go over and hug her.

Grandma hugged him back before addressing all of the kids. "Emma and Ray called to let me know that they were busy right now, but David's picking you all up and taking you to the library."

"Where are you going, Gra- Snow?" Tien asked, stopping her fumble before it could be completed.

"I need to talk to the other teachers about something important," Snow told her, smiling warmly at the girl.

Henry got the urge to say something, do something, to get his grandma to look at him again.

Before he got the chance, Grandpa arrived with Copper on a leash. He and Snow exchanged a short kiss - prompting Tien to aww and giggle, Phoebe to look away, and Henry and LJ to forcibly muffle the disgusted noise Declan made - before David led them all to the library. Copper seemed determined to appear to lead them, hence how hard he was tugging on the leash for them to keep going.

While the girls walked on either side of David, Tien doing most of the talking about her day, Henry watched them wistfully. He wanted David to look at him, but he didn't know what to say.

Declan said something, to which LJ responded with, "I overheard my uncle talking earlier."

"About what?" Declan asked.

"Custody stuff," LJ answered. "You remember how lots of kids were put with the wrong parents during the curse? Some of the parents are fighting over them. I think some of the cursed parents just want visitation. I couldn't hear anything."

"This thing is a shi-" Declan clammed up when Grandpa glanced back at him. Declan, knowing Grandpa would snitch to Graham, coughed, "A mess, that's what it is. Wasn't gonna say anything else."

Declan and LJ began to talk, which allowed Henry to become lost in his own thoughts.

He hadn't seen Regina since she was arrested, and he didn't want to. Did that make him a bad son, even if she was...if she was a bad mother? Was it terrible that he thought so? He wouldn't trade living with his actual mom with Regina, but still…

Henry was saved from his internal conflict when they arrived at the library.

Once they were inside, the instance Tien saw Killian, she shouted, "Daaaaadddy!" racing over to the man.

Killian, mindful of his hook, opened his arms and picked her up in a hug.

"Hello my darling girl," Killian said affectionately as he looked at Tien. "How was school today?"

When was the last time Regina did that for me?, Henry wondered, watching as Phoebe went over. Killian gently deposited Tien on the floor to allow Phoebe to hug him. Phoebe was asking him where Lady was. Picking me up in a hug like that? Maybe when I was little, but I can't remember it.

"Henry," Grandpa's voice brought him back. He looked up and found his grandfather was the only one standing with Henry now, as Declan and LJ had gone over to a nearby table. Copper was sniffing Henry's leg. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm fine," Henry lied, adding a smile to help the facade.

Grandpa paused before getting that look. The kind where he thought he came up with a great idea.

"Hmm," Grandpa hummed, "you know, I heard that there were stables here, ones with actual horses."

Henry got excited. "Really? Can we go there?"

"Maaaaaybe," Grandpa teased, chuckling a little at Henry's not-whine. Nope. He did not whine. He was almost eleven, and if Grandpa said otherwise, Henry would deny it. "You want to go?"

"Yes," Henry said insistently, bending down to scratch behind Copper's ears as the pup whined for attention.

"You want the others to come along?" Grandpa asked.

When Henry nodded, his grandpa called out to Declan and LJ. Once he got the boys' attention, he asked, "You two want to go see some horses?"

"Like real ones or toy ones?" Declan asked skeptically.

"Real ones, obviously," LJ replied, then looked at Henry's grandpa uncertainly. "Right?"

"Oh, absolutely," Grandpa said. "Want to come?"

Declan and LJ were already packing their things up.

"Can we go too?" Phoebe asked, halting her attempt to take off her jacket.

"Daddy, can we go?" Tien asked, grasping Killian's hand and jumping up-and-down. "Can we, can we, can we?"

"I don't know," Killian said as he looked over to David. "Can they?"

"By all means," Grandpa said as he handed Copper's leash to Henry. "Join in."

Both girls instantly smiled. Phoebe hugged Killian, and after they released each other, Killian bent down low enough for Tien to kiss him on the cheek.

"See you later, Killian," Henry said as he began to head out.

"Just a moment," Killian said as he motioned for Henry to come over. The girls followed Grandpa and Henry's friends outside, leaving Henry and Killian alone...well there was Copper there too. Then, Killian led him further into the back of the library.

"What is it?" Henry asked curiously.

"I wanted to ask you something serious," Killian said, and Henry prepared himself for the worst. "Are you truly okay with all of us moving in together?"

That was...not what he expected.

"Yeah, I am," Henry answered slowly. "Wait. Did something happen? Are we not moving in together?"

"We still are," Killian was quick to assure him. "I wanted to make sure you were fine with it."

"Why wouldn't I be?" Henry asked, genuinely confused.

"Because you've been uprooted quite a bit lately," Killian answered. "You're not used to a life with constant big changes. Truth be told, no one can ever get used to a life like that,"

Something about what he said clued Henry into something, which led him to ask, "Did you have a life like that?"

Killian paused in surprise before he smiled fondly at the kid. "Perceptive lad, aren't you?"

Henry tried not to preen too much at the praise.

"In answer to your question," Killian continued, "yes, I did have a life like that. The only constants were my brother and the sea. What we did and who we were with...that doesn't matter much. The point is that you're still growing, and you need to feel safe with the people you're with."

"I do feel safe around you," Henry insisted.

"Truly?" Killian asked.

"Of course," Henry said. "You're like my-"

It was too soon. He couldn't say the word he wanted to say, that Killain was like...like a dad, partly because he risked Killian saying, But you're not my son.

"Like your what?" Killian inquired gently.

"Like, um, like, uh," Henry stuttered badly, cheeks flushing in embarrassment. "Like my...important person. Because you were always there for me, even before my real mom came here. You always wanted me around and looked around for me. You're, you know, just, important, like-"

Killian placed a comforting hand on Henry's shoulder, allowing the boy to stop. Henry thought his face was beet red from how hot it felt.

"You're important to me too," Killian told the boy. "That's why I want both you and Emma to live with the girls and I. It's because you're so important to me that I want to make sure you're completely on board with this plan."

"I am," Henry replied, a touch more quietly now.

"As am I," Killian said.

Neither could be sure who initiated the action. Was it Killian slightly tugging Henry towards him, or was it Henry leaning into the man's touch? Either way, the end result was the same. Henry ended up in Killian's arms, and the two embraced each other.

They didn't speak on it, but deep down the two were having the same conversation.

You're like my dad.

You're like my son.

Eventually, they let go, not least of all because people were waiting for Henry outside. That helpful reminder came from Copper, who began barking and tugging his leash in the direction of the front door. After some well wishes, Henry reluctantly left Killian's side, and went to join his grandfather and the others.

Grandpa was reluctant to use his truck, mainly because it could only safely hold three people in the front. Anymore would have to go in the back. However, the stables were a ways away, so they had to go with the option that wouldn't result in exhausted children trudging their way home.

Obviously, Grandpa drove, Phoebe sat next to him with Tien in her lap, and Henry was at the end. In the bed of the truck sat Declan, LJ, and Copper. Since none of them planned on doing homework there, they all left their bags at the library. That is, everyone except Declan, who kept his egg in his backpack at all times.

Henry's grandfather drove exactly at the speed limit, if not a little slower, especially at turns. Still, they got to the stables in one piece, and everyone soon piled out to get to the horses.

Henry hadn't been to the stables in a long time. He knew Regina had them, and managed their upkeep, but she also hadn't been there often.

Maybe because of Daniel, Henry thought, thinking about how the stableboy's death had, in part, caused Regina's descent into darkness.

Banishing those negative thoughts from his mind, Henry heard the horses bluster, and the kids started running inside.

"No running," Grandpa reminded them before he looked at Henry, who remained by his grandfather's side. "So, you're nearly eleven. You'll be a man before we know it. That means that, eventually, you might become a knight."

"You think so?" Henry asked.

"Definitely," Grandpa replied assuredly. "If that's what you want. And to be a proper knight, you need to become acquainted with your steed."

Up ahead were the horse stalls, and a couple of heads had already popped out. LJ stood in front of a white horse with black hair, Declan standing a bit behind LJ. Phoebe stood in front of a brown horse with a white streak, going from the top of its head to its nose. Tien kept trying to open the stall door, but Phoebe stopped her. How she managed that and keeping ahold of Copper's leash while he 'growled' (it was a touch too weak to call it such) at horses, Henry didn't know.

"Is he mine?" Henry asked, going to the one LJ and Declan stood in front of. He heard Grandpa clicking his tongue, and upon turning around, he found the man standing next to the first stall, where the head of a white horse with brown spots (including around its blue eyes) appeared.

"This one's yours," Grandpa announced.

"Do we all get horses?" Phoebe asked as the girls approached.

"I want a horsie," Tien announced.

"Maybe when you're older," Grandpa told her as he reclaimed ahold of Copper's leash.

"Hel- erm, heck of a birthday present," Declan commented, stopping his curse as Grandpa and Phoebe gave him looks, and Phoebe preparedly covered Tien's ears.

"How do I get on him?" Henry asked.

"Oh, you're not riding today. None of your are," Grandpa told them, and quieted the group when they started to grow. "There's too much to learn before any of you hop in the saddle."

"We have to groom them first, right?" LJ asked. "So they can get to know us."

"Exactly," Grandpa replied. "I'm guessing your uncle taught you that. What else did he mention?"

LJ puffed up his chest. "He said that for a knight and steed to bond, you have to feed them, groom them, and clean up after them."

"And why is that?" David asked the group.

"To get them to trust you," Declan replied, gripping the straps of his backpack. "They need to know you care about them, so they'll care about you."

Is he thinking about Sunshine?, Henry wondered.

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Grandpa acknowledged. "If any of you want one of these fine animals to be your steed," he addressed the group, but looked specifically at Henry, "every morning, you'll have to muck out their stall, brush them, feed them, and talk to them. Then, after school, you'll do it again. Every day, twice a day."

"When will I get to ride him?" Henry asked, looking at his future steed.

"When the horse tells you," Grandpa answered simply.

They heard a new man's voice say, "Oh, hello."

The group looked and found a young man with brown hair and brown eyes, a slight beard on him, holding a bucket of feed. "I didn't know anyone else was here."

"We only just arrived," Grandpa replied as he walked forward and held out his hand. "My name is King David. You are…"

"Prince Phillip of the Moor," the man replied, shaking Grandpa's hand.

"Ah," Grandpa said quietly before letting go of Phillip's hand, and telling the kids, "Go pick up some brushes. You all have grooming to do."

The kids got to it, and while Henry was focused on his task of getting acquainted with his steed, wondering what to name the creature. There was no name on the stall, so he figured that he could name him.

Henry also decided to do some eavesdropping.

"Good to hear that witch is dead," Phillip muttered to David. For a moment, Henry stilled, as he thought they were talking about Regina, but then Phillip added, "I just wish Maleficent could've reversed the curse on Aurora before…"

"Even if she wanted to, she couldn't," Grandpa replied. "Aurora still hasn't woken up?"

"No," Phillip said sadly. There was a pause, and then he sighed. "It can't be helped. I'm not her True Love, and I've had to accept that. I just wish for Aurora's sake there was something I could do. Mulan and I have taken shifts on who keeps watch over her, but I know it's distressing Mulan, even if she won't admit it. She always talks to her..."

Grandpa was telling him something else, but Henry could no longer hear it. From the sounds of it, they were moving further away from the kids.

That's enough snooping I guess, Henry thought as he brushed the horse's blonde hair.

"What should I call you, huh?" Henry asked the horse. He tried thinking of a good name, but nothing seemed good. Normally he'd have no trouble with this. Maybe thinking aloud would help. "Um...Speed?"

The horse actually shook his head.

"Savior?" Henry said cheekily.

The horse moved in such a way that it bumped Henry.

Henry felt a touch petty. "Blondie."

The horse whinnied in discontent.

Henry was hungry. "Kit Kat?"

The horse sounded most displeased.

Henry sighed. "I know, not my best work. Don't worry, noble steed. I'll figure out a name before we go on a big adventure."

---

Thanks to Emma's warning, Ruby knew that the instant she saw Whale pulled Jefferson away from Granny's Diner, she needed to snoop.

Then again, even without Emma's warning, she would've known trouble was brewing by the way Whale and Jefferson interacted with each other. Jefferson had been sitting outside with Rapunzel and Lady, though the man's main focus was on Rapunzel.

Where was Morgana?, Ruby thought. After Percy had told her the story about Lainey, and Morgana's role in her death, Ruby had thought it was too big of a coincidence for the two women to share the same name and not be the same person. It just wanted a name people in the Enchanted Forest wanted to give their daughters, as the only figure they knew of with such a name was a villain from old tales.

This just confused Ruby even more. Morgan le Fay from the legends of King Arthur and Camelot was a villain, plain and simple, one who betrayed her brother. The Morgana Ruby knew had nothing but good intentions, at least toward Rapunzel, and the love was clearly mutual. Morgana always looked out for Rapunzel, even during the curse when they were Frances Durand and Dada Meyer. From what Ruby learned, she'd been in Rapunzel's life since she was seven.

How did this woman sync up with the same woman who caused Lainey's death?

Ruby hadn't drawn up the courage to ask Rapunzel, who was telling Jefferson about Morgana wanting to volunteer at the hospital, before Whale appeared.

He had a bad energy to him, like it was vibrating under his skin, aching to be released. Ruby only caught the tail end of their conversation, not helped by the buzz of other customers in the diner, but she saw the way Whale and Jefferson tensed around each other.

They know each other, Ruby internally surmised. You don't act that uncomfortable around a total stranger, not like that.

She told the manager to hold down the fort. She then walked past a confused Rapunzel and Morgana, and covertly followed Whale and Jefferson, hiding behind a corner before the men stopped to look at each other.

"I already told you," Jefferson told Whale. "The Hat is broken."

"Can't you fix it?" Whale asked.

Jefferson gave an aggravated sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "For the love of- I don't know how many times I have to say this. I didn't make the damn thing, so I sure as shit don't know how to fix it. And even if I did, does it look like I have magic?"

"Who did make the hat?" Whale practically snarled.

"I don't know-" Jefferson cut himself off, harshly putting his hand back down, and looking up to give Whale a hard stare. "I don't know who made it. All I know about it is how it works. If you want to know more, ask the Dark One. He's the one who gave it to me in the first place."

Jefferson worked for Rumplestiltskin?, Ruby thought. From the sounds of it, it seems like he and Whale have a history. What does the Dark One have to do with all this?

"Do you think he made it?' Whale asked.

"Hell if I know," Jefferson replied. "Look, our business together concluded a long time ago, and I'd like to keep it that way. You go on and ask him if he made it. I'm sure you two can play catch up."

Jefferson began to turn around, and that's when Whale grabbed his arm.

That was enough.

Whale didn't want to let Jefferson go. "We're not done here."

"Yes, you are," Ruby told him as she appeared, and forced Whale to let go.

"Jefferson-"

Whatever Whale was going to say was cut off by sudden shouting.

Ruby listened in, and realized before either of the men did (thanks wolf hearing) that it was Percy, Morgana, and Rapunzel. Lady was also barking fearfully.

"Oh shit," Ruby swore as she realized what was happening. Ruby and Jefferson both took off back to Granny's, paying no mind to Whale who made the decision to walk away.

Once they got back to the diner, they saw a scene of minor chaos that Ruby couldn't quite wrap her head around. There before her was Percy - sweet, gentle, chivalrous Percy - gripping the lapels of Morgana's jacket, dragging her out of her chair like he wanted to strangle her.

"Percy, stop it!" Rapunzel screamed as she tried to grab Percy's arm, but he was much stronger than her. Besides, she was also trying to keep a hold of Lady's leash, who was whimpering the entire time.

Percy pushed Morgana against a wall, looking furious.

"Percy, let her go," Ruby demanded as she and Jefferson approached. Even if Morgana had only been portraying this facade of a loving caretaker to hide an evil nature, she didn't want Percy to do anything he'd regret.

Ruby took Rapunzel's place to try pulling him off of Morgana, who hadn't raised a hand to defend herself. Meanwhile, Jefferson held the nearly hyperventilating Rapunzel, who was still pleading with Percy to let Morgana go.

"Everyone, stand back," the command came from Morgana of all people. She didn't look at them though. Her focus was entirely on Percy, her calm yet guilty expression a sharp contrast to his angered and grieving appearance. "Ruby, you can let go of Percy."

"Morgana," Rapunzel called out tearfully.

"It's alright, darling," Morgana told the younger woman softly.

Ruby reluctantly released her hold on Percy's arm. She noticed how people inside the diner were currently gawking at the display. She'd have to break it up soon.

Finally, Morgana addressed Percy. "It's been awhile Percival."

"Not long enough, witch," Percy spat out.

Morgana raised her hands up in peace. "If you'd allow me to explain-"

"What?" Percy asked, his anger for once in his life clouding his focus. "What possible explanation could you give for killing my cousin?"

Morgana's calm fractured. It occurred to Ruby that she was genuinely shocked by what Percy had just said.

Ruby took that moment to suggest, "How about we all take this down the street and not in front of everyone? Now?"

Turns out, it wasn't a suggestion.

Percy finally let go of Morgana, who didn't put up a fight as the five of them (plus the dog) walked down the street. Really, this was between Morgana and Percy, but Ruby was there to make sure she could physically separate them if needed. Rapunzel didn't want to let Morgana out of her sight, and Jefferson wasn't going to let her face it alone.

Eventually, once they went to the same isolated and lonely building corner Ruby had previously hidden in for Jefferson and Whale's confrontation, the conversation started up again. Thankfully, Percy was, for the moment, content to angrily cross his arms over his chest.

"Talk," Percy ordered, his body taut as a wire, only marginally relaxing when Ruby placed a hand between his shoulder blades.

"Your cousin," Morgana got out like the words were jammed in her throat. "Elaine. Is she truly dead?"

"Yes," Percy hissed out.

"How did it happen?" Morgana asked, Rapunzel sticking close to her, glancing at Percy distrustfully.

Percy must've caught onto that, as his face...softened was too strong a word. However, he did become less aggressive in his stance. Now when he looked at Morgana, his stare was colder. His voice, however, was hollow. "Childbirth. The midwife told me after she...after she died that the stress of whatever she went through made things so much worse. It's possible she could've died otherwise, but what you did sealed it."

Ruby pressed up against him in comfort.

Rapunzel looked between Morgana and Percy confusedly. "Morgana, what…?"

Percy interrupted her. "Why did you do that? I've spent over thirteen years trying to figure out why you would steal Merlin's Gauntlet, created that damnable portal, and...just why?"

"It was because of the damn gauntlet," Morgana replied, the answer a burst of emotion that even Morgana didn't expect. "Arthur was obsessed with his quest. I saw the future. I knew it would bring him to ruin."

"What are you talking about?" Percy demanded. "What does that have to do with any of this?"

Morgana sighed as if the entire weight of the world was burdening her shoulders. Everyone was looking at her now, and it seemed to Ruby that Morgana, a woman in her late 30s at the youngest, had aged ten years in the blink of an eye. Percy had told Ruby some things about what his world his like, and who the people who inhabited it were, but Ruby was under no illusions that she or Percy knew everything.

She was pretty sure Morgana was going to prove her right.

"I love my brother," Morgana told the group, though her eyes were only for Percy. "I...haven't always protected him when I should have, but I tried to make up for it. When I began wielding my magic, once of my unintended gifts was seeing the future."

"You're a Seer?" Ruby asked, noting how Morgana said the word 'gift' like a curse.

"Hardly a true one," Morgana answered. "I can only catch glimpses of the future, and try to build on my knowledge to understand what it is I'm looking at. Think of it like peeping through a keyhole."

"Yet you based your betrayal on a glimpse?" Percy questioned.

"If you saw what I did…" Morgana briefly trailed off. "Tell me, Percival, before we left our world, can you remember the last time Arthur went one day without talking about his quest?"

The question stopped Percy short, smoothing out his expression into a surprised expression.

"Neither can I," Morgana replied morosely. Then, for perhaps the first time, Morgana turned her gaze to address the rest of the group. "Without divulging private details that don't concern this current conversation, Arthur began his quest years ago. Merlin's Gauntlet was a magical item he believed would help him. At first, we all tried to help him." Morgana's eyes became more distressed now, tired too. "However, over time, it was all he could think about. He started neglecting his duties to his kingdom and his family, his health. The quest didn't simply become a priority, it became his sole focus." She looked at Percy. "Am I wrong?"

Percy looked like he'd rather chew on a nail than admit she was right, but he did indeed nod.

"Was I?" Morgana insisted, wanting him to verbally answer.

When he spoke, his voice was quieter.

"He was neglecting his wife and daughter," Percy admitted. "We tried to get him to slow down, but nothing would deter him. Arthur would barely sleep, he'd forget to eat. He was going to kill himself at the rate he was going."

"And worse," Morgana replied ominously. "I saw bits and pieces of what was to come. Camelot in ruins, Arthur's family torn apart, the Knights of the Round Table at each other's throat. All of it as a result of his quest. I was not going to let that happen to him."

"Why not talk to them?" Rapunzel finally spoke up. From the look on her face, Ruby surmised that she'd been told some, but not all of the information Morgana had presented to them.

The older woman looked at her sadly. "You don't know what our world - Percival's and mine, that is - was like. I was a queen, but that didn't detract that I was, in their eyes, a mere woman. Had I come to Arthur with my concerns, he would've seen me as an overprotective and paranoid sister. Had I gone to anyone else, I would've been labeled a hysterical witch."

"I wouldn't have done that," Percy declared.

"How was I to know that?" Morgana defended. "We hardly talked to each other, and you were always with-" Morgana closed her eyes in guilt, opening them again to stare sorrowfully at Percy, who looked like she'd just stabbed him. "I swear to you, all I tried to do was send that wretched gauntlet to another world, and I nearly destroyed my hand doing so." Morgana turned up her palm to show them the star-shaped scar.

It looked painful.

"I tried to prevent anyone else from getting near the portal," Morgana continued. "I knew the risks, and I was willing to take them." Guilt was etched into each line on the woman's face. "I'm so sorry about your cousin. When I realized she wasn't here, I thought perhaps she hadn't been brought along with everyone else, like Rapunzel's parents."

For a moment, Percy didn't say anything. He just looked at the woman before him with a hard expression, but such sad eyes.

His next words sounded hollow, without pity. "If you had talked to me, Lainey might not have died."

Morgana didn't respond. She looked like she wanted to shrivel up.

"Do you have magic?" Percy asked her.

The older woman shook her head.

"Good," Percy told her. "Maybe you won't kill anyone else while you're here."

He then took off without another word, and none of them knew what to say after that.

---

"Killian! You here?" Killian heard Emma's voice call out.

"I'm here, love," Killian announced as he walked out of an aisle in the library, smiling as they approached each other. Soon, they were holding each other, pressing kisses against each other's lips.

He was pretty sure Belle made herself disappear into the back.

"How are you?" Killian asked her once they pulled back far enough to speak, but still holding each other close, her arms around his neck and his around her waist.

"I'm fine," Emma sighed. "I just had to get out of there before I murdered someone."

Killian winced in sympathy before giving Emma a quick, apologetic kiss. "Regina's never been easy to be around. Let alone being around her for most of the day, every day."

Emma groaned. "Tell me about it. Right now Happy and Grumpy have taken over watch duty."

"What about Graham?" Killian inquired.

"He's taken a sick day," Emma replied before the two finally released each other, though Emma's hand held his. "Another thing, Mulan wants to become a cop."

Killian raised an interested eyebrow. "Does she now?"

Emma nodded. "I called Graham before I left, and he said we'll give her a trial period." That's when Emma winced. "No wonder he called in sick. He sounded terrible."

"Hopefully he feels better soon," Killian added. "Perhaps we should drop by with some food later."

"Yeah maybe," Emma replied. "Speaking of, where are the kids?"

"David took them to see horses at the stables," Killian answered.

Emma blinked in surprise. "There are stables in this town? What else don't I know about?"

"Here's something," Killian offered. "Ariel came by looking for her prince. I suggested the docks, and perhaps she'll find him there."

"Oh right," Emma acknowledged. "She still hasn't found her voice, right?"

Killian nodded.

"Damn," Emma sighed. "Maybe there's something I can do."

"There might be," Killian suggested. "Regina is the one who took her voice. Perhaps there's something in her personal effects that would indicate what she did with it?"

"I don't know," Emma frowned. "Graham and I already went through most of her things when we tried to find out where his heart was. I don't think I found any clues about Ariel's voice. Looking it over again couldn't hurt."

"If anyone can help them, it's you," Killian told her, knowing it weighed on Emma that so many people needed her help, particularly her friends. Then, in a lighter tone, he said, "Now, onto happier things, shall we?"

Emma willingly and knowingly followed his lead. "Like the house?

"It's like you know me," Killian teased. "I spoke with Goldilocks, and all of the utilities have been set up. Her moving me put in our beds, so our plan to use sleeping bags in the loft for the time being is a go. They also moved in plates, utensils, and the other furniture we bought to replace the stuff we're not taking from my old apartment."

"It's nice of you to let Belle and Freddie keep most of that stuff," Emma commented.

Killian shrugged. "They need it more than I do."

Emma smiled at him warmly before kissing him. She was going to live with a generous, kind man, and they were going to raise three kids. Life was good.

Killian was thinking much the same thing, with the added bonus thinking about his girls in particular, and for a specific reason.

Emma sussed out that something was up. "What are you thinking about?"

He was a little surprised to have been caught. "About the girls."

"What about the girls?" Emma prompted, not willing to just accept such a vague answer.

"I…" Killian trailed off, suddenly nervous about speaking of his desires out loud, solidifying them with words. Furthermore, he knew that, given her past, Emma could be sensitive about the subject of adoption and parenting. However, there was no shaking her off this, so he might as well be honest.

Killian cleared his throat. "I was thinking that...I should take Phoebe and Tien under my protection. Legally that is."

Emma searched his face, trying to figure out what he was saying...then it hit her. "You want to adopt them."

Killian nodded. "They're my foster children right now, but...I love them. I love both of them like they were my own, and I want to make that official. The problem is I know that one day my past will catch up with me. I'm trying to move forward, but I worry about how this might backfire on them."

The reaction was subtle but immediate. The little twitch in Emma's hand as she continued to hold his. Her eyes never wavering from his face, containing an intensity that Killian loved, especially when it involved something she was passionate about.

She tried to sound impartial, but she couldn't completely uphold the lie. Not with how blunt her words were.

"I don't see the downside," Emma told him.

"Emma-"

"I heard what you said," Emma interrupted Killian. "I just don't see the downside in officially adopting two little girls who see you as their dad." Then, something in Emma cracked, and she suddenly didn't look so sure of herself. "Unless you're worried about getting bored with them if a bio kid coming into the mix-"

"Whoa, whoa," Killian stopped her, affronted at what she was getting at. "I would never get 'bored' with my daughters. What do you take me for?"

"I know, I'm sorry," Emma quickly apologized, but she wasn't quite looking at him. He now realized they were no longer holding hands. "It's just, I, the thing is…"

A theory formed in Killian's mind to explain Emma's reaction, but the thought didn't form in words so much as an image in his mind's eye.

The image of a little girl, who only wanted to be loved, being cast aside for another.

Did she...did she just say how…

"Why do you think that could happen?" Killian asked, having already guessed the answer.

Emma swallowed. She was now in the same position as Killian when she figured something was up with him. And just like him, she realized that he wasn't going to let this go.

More to the point, she didn't want to hold this in. Whatever walls she'd built up over the years crumpled because of this one man.

She crossed her arms over her chest, and averted her gaze from his eyes, using his slightly exposed collarbone as a focal point. A frown was set on her face, and she tried speaking with a dispassionate tone. "I was with the Swans from when I was about six months old until I was three. They were going to adopt me, but then the mo- the mom found out she was pregnant. They kept their baby and gave me back. End of story."

"Emma-"

"Look it was a long time ago and I'm over it," Emma interrupted, sounding utterly not over it. "They didn't want me. Once they found out they were going to have a baby of their own, they decided taking someone else's reject wasn't such a good idea. It's okay though. I haven't seen them in over twenty years, and I made it without them, so screw them. They didn't want me so-"

She tried to say I don't want them. Over the years, Emma had told herself that statement over and over until she finally believed it. She didn't want them anymore, not after they proved how little they cared for her.

"I was a placeholder," Emma told Killian, hating herself for how her voice shook ever so slightly. "Just someone to occupy a space for a biological kid. It's not like it's the first time someone preferred their real kids over me. Maybe they just needed a practice kid before an actual one came around."

"Emma-"

"And really, who cares about a kid who isn't theirs if there's a real one around?" Emma continued on, not even hearing Killian that time. "I wouldn't do that though, but I know how it feels-"

Emma didn't realize how bad her voice was shaking until Killian pulled her into a hug, and she realized her throat hurt from quivering. She thought about pulling back, pulling herself together through sheer force of will like she always did, but she couldn't. She just couldn't. What she could do was sink into Killian's arms, tightly coiling her arms around his waist.

She tried to speak, but a harsh cough came out. Yeah, that's what it was. The warm water falling down her cheeks even as she pressed her face into Killian's chest? That was something else too.

"The Swans are, if you don't mind me saying, fucking idiots," Killian told Emma softly as he rubbed her back, appreciating that he got a tearful laugh out of her. "You're in no way a placeholder. If they couldn't realize that after nearly three years, they didn't deserve you." Killian kissed her head. "I promise you that I will never do that to Phoebe or Tien. If I ever even come close to you, I give you full authority to kiss my arse."

Emma laughed a little then, feeling good enough to pull back and wipe at her eyes, though only after spending another second hugging him tightly.

Killian kissed her head, and after reassuring her he'd be right back, went to the front desk and grabbed some tissues. Quickly enough, he returned to her, and handed her the tissues.

"Thanks," Emma told him as she cleaned herself up. "And sorry. Damn, I just-"

"No need to apologize," Killian said. "We're in this together, right?"

"Right," Emma replied, allowing him to kiss her forehead, and hold her close once more.

The moment was broken up by a ringing sound, and vibrations in Emma's jacket pocket.

Emma sighed, pulling back to pull out her phone, seeing it was the station's number. "Shit, sorry. I have to take this." She saw Killian nod before she answered the phone, "Hello?"

"Deputy, we have a problem," Mulan's voice told her.

"Mulan?" Emma asked confusedly, keeping her voice steady. "What are you doing there? Where's Grumpy and Happy?"

"Dealing with the inmates, but that's not the issue," Mulan replied sharply. "I just got a call from Sleepy at the hospital. There was a disturbance in one of the operating rooms, but it looks like someone's barricaded themselves in. What's more, one of the orderlies thought he heard someone screaming."

"Dammit," Emma swore under her breath.

"There's something else," Mulan added. "We got a report that someone broke into a mausoleum at the cemetery."

"Fuck," Emma swore more loudly, catching Killian's attention. She mouthed what happened, and he swore too. Was Cora behind this?

She told Mulan, "Listen, the second Grumpy and Happy are done with the prisoners, tell them to get the other dwarves to guard the mausoleum. Graham and I sealed it off before, but it looks like someone else got to it. Right now, I'm heading to the hospital."

Emma hung up the phone and told Killian, "Looks like there's an emergency at the hospital. I have to go."

"You need backup?" Killian asked her.

She was tempted to say no, feeling embarrassed by the vulnerability she just showed, but there were reports of someone screaming. It's possible whoever was in that operating room just hurt themselves, but they couldn't rule out that someone else did it to them.

"I can cover you."

Both Emma and Killian startled at the sound of Belle's voice, both of them having forgotten she was even there. However, there she was, standing there by the front desk. She must've figured they were done talking and came back.

Emma looked at Killian. "Sure. I can't give you a gun, though."

"No need," Killian replied, holding up his hook. "I'm well-armed."

They took off in her Bug soon after, with Emma hoping that she wouldn't look like she was crying by the time they got there.

Once they arrived at the hospital, Emma hastily found a parking space and ran inside. On the way in, she accidentally bumped harshly into a woman she vaguely recognized. She hastily apologized, especially since the woman looked so despondent, but Emma didn't pay her much mind.

Morgana, the woman she bumped into, just went to fill out some forms to volunteer at the hospital. She wouldn't realize it until later, but something happened when Emma touched her, something...awakened in her. At the moment, though, she was more concerned with trying to do something useful, something that didn't harm anyone.

Meanwhile, Sleepy was there to meet Emma and Killian at the main lobby's front desk, though the poor dwarf looked ready to fall dead asleep at any second. Still, he managed to keep up with them as they walked to the elevators.

"What happened, Sleepy?" Emma asked.

"I don't know, none of us do," Sleepy told them as they entered the elevator and began to ride it up. "Everything was fine until the power went out all of a sudden. Luck-" Sleepy let out a big yawn. "Luuuckily, the backup generators br-brought power back on." Sleepy let out a tired sigh as the doors opened to the right floor, and he led them to the correct operating room. "One of the orderlies heard someone screaming, and maybe heard a window get busted, but no one's managed to get inside."

Indeed, there were at least three orderlies trying to break into the room, and curious bystanders watching.

Emma took out her badge and held it up. "Alright, everyone back to your rooms. Now."

It took a few moments longer than it should have, but with Sleepy's help, they managed to clear the hallway until only Emma and Killian resided.

They had to give shoving the doors to the operating room a shot, but no dice.

That's when Killian thought of something. "Any chance you can make your hands glow and-" he mimicked something exploding.

"I'm not sure," Emma replied. "I think that what happened before was a one-and-done thing."

There was a groan inside, indicating that someone was still alive in there.

"I don't think so," Killian said resolutely. "I think, deep down, you know how to bring it out."

"Except I don't," Emma insisted. "No one knows how I did what I did. Not my parents, and definitely not me."

"Think about what happened when you used magic. I was in trouble, in pain, and I needed your help," Killian surmised before pointing to the room. "There is someone in there in pain right now who needs your help."

Emma gave it a shot. She held up her hands, pointing them at the door, and thought about it. She thought about someone in pain. Someone in distress.

Nothing happened.

Emma sighed as she dropped her hands. "I don't...I don't think…"

"What if it's not about thinking?" Killian suggested when Emma failed to come up with something. "What were you feeling when I was in trouble?"

She paused before saying, "Angry." Because they hurt you.

"What else?" Killian prompted.

"Scared." I thought I might lose you.

"And?" Killian prompted further.

Love, Emma thought. She couldn't say it out loud.

"Whatever you felt, try to focus on that," Killian said as he stepped back to give her some space. "Focus on what's inside you, your heart, and bring it out."

Emma hesitated before nodding. She took in a long breath through her nose before releasing it again. She raised her hands up.

What was she feeling? She was worried about whoever was in there, terrified she'd be too late, angry that all of these people were getting hurt and she kept trying to help them.

Compassion. There was compassion there. Not just as an aside, but as a driving force. All of those other emotions came from the fact that Emma didn't want people to get hurt, she wanted to help them. She'd do anything to make sure no one else died. If she could just get this damn door to-

Her hands glowed white, and before she could blink, the doors to the operating room slammed open.

Staring in shock, Emma muttered, "That was me?"

Killian approached and kissed her cheek. "Indeed it is. Let's head inside."

"Right," Emma said as the two of them entered the room. The lights were flickering, possibly indicating some damage. There was certainly damage to the window, as the glass was littered on the inside of the room near the windowsill, and light from the outside helped illuminate some of the room.

They walked to the operating table, and Emma let out an "Oh shit" as she saw a severed arm on the table, blood seeping from the ruined end of the limb where it had been torn from someone's shoulder.

"Emma, it's Whale," Killian said as he approached a side of the table that was hidden from her view.

Emma went over and, sure enough, there was Whale, lying on the ground, face pale and breathing raspy. His arm was gone, leaving a very bloody space.

Swallowing down the sudden vomit that wanted to come up, Emma nearly on the ground. She tried to heal him with her magic again, but the light briefly sparked before dying out.

"Oh for the love of-" Emma started before Whale suddenly coughed and weakly thrashed. Shit. He needed help immediately. "Easy, Whale, it's just me. Deputy Swan and Killian."

"Send a doctor!" Killian bellowed to the hall.

"I did it," Whale said weakly.

"Did what?" Emma asked, staring at the dying man.

"I brought him back, but…" Whale coughed wetly, blood spilling on his lisp and chin.

"But what?" Killian asked. Whale's eyes fell shut, and he became silent. Killian lightly slapped his face to wake him up, which partly succeeded, though the man was barely conscious. "Whale, but what?"

"He's…" Whale croaked, "I've made a monster. An undead monster."

---

After they got Whale to an emergency room, with the doctors unsure about the chances of Whale's survival, Emma and Killian went to figure out who Whale last spoke to. That's what led them to Jefferson.

They found him sitting outside of Granny's Diner with Rapunzel. Lady, upon seeing Killian approach, immediately began yipping and pulling on her leash.

"Hey, girl," Killian greeted as he kneeled before the dog, who licked his hand. "Did you miss me?"

"Yes, she did," Rapunzel said, and Emma noted that she seemed more subdued than usual. She seemed displeased with something, and every so often would glance down the street. However, when Emma looked to see what it was, she found nothing there.

Emma also knew that they had important business. "Jefferson, we need to talk."

"What about?" Jefferson asked.

"When was the last time you spoke to Dr. Whale?" Emma asked.

Apprehension. Understanding. In an instant, Emma saw Jefferson subtly try to hide that reaction, but he couldn't hide it from her. He knew something went sideways.

"Maybe we should take a walk," Emma 'suggested', wanting to keep this private.

"Is this about what happened earlier?" Rapunzel questioned. She had given Killian the leash, if only because Lady was ready to choke herself on it to get to her master, and sat up in her seat. She was looking at Jefferson. "About your old business?"

"What old business?" Killian asked as he stood up, he and Emma shoulder-to-shoulder.

Jefferson shifted uncomfortably, and hesitated in speaking up.

"Look," Emma started tersely, "Whale said he created some sort of monster, and this thing ripped off his arm. He passed out before he could tell us more, and he's in critical condition right now. What do you know?"

"Go on," Rapunzel coaxed Jefferson. "Tell them what you told me."

Jefferson sighed. "Years ago, I worked for the Dark One. Yeah I know, I know, I'm a piece of crap." He added that last bit when he saw Killian's nose flare. "One of these jobs involved working with Whale, but his actual name is Victor Frankenstein."

"Franken-" Emma stopped herself before she could too worked up. She shook her head. "Okay, so Whale is Frankenstein. Did he ever create his monster?"

"He wanted to," Jefferson told her. "He was obsessed with using science to bring back the dead. He and the Dark One had a whole thing about science versus magic."

"How did Wha- Frankenstein come to work with you and the crocodile?" Killian asked, giving Jefferson a hard stare.

Jefferson looked like he wasn't going to enjoy this next bit. "He - the Dark One - wanted us to play a ruse on Regina. You heard what happened to her fiance, Daniel? How he got killed?" Emma nodded, so he continued with, "The Dark One wanted us to push her to...a point of desperation. She hadn't crossed the threshold yet. She still…" Jefferson looked ashamed. "She wasn't like she is now. The Dark One didn't like that. We were supposed to pretend to try to bring Daniel back to life, but there was no way we'd be able to do that. The Dark One thought that if she lost hope of ever being reunited with Daniel, she'd be ripe for his taking."

"Well that worked out great, didn't it?" Emma snarked. Jefferson had alluded to bad things in his past, but deliberately fucking with someone's mind? Plus, this did explain the animosity between Frankenstein and Regina back in the station.

"It was a job," Jefferson weakly defended before his shoulders slumped. "But you're right. We did something terrible, and we helped make Regina what she was."

"It doesn't excuse everything she did," Rapunzel said.

This brought her to Killian's attention. "Quick question - how do you know about this?"

Now both of their witnesses looked uncomfortable.

Rapunzel shrugged, but she couldn't bring herself to keep the truth from Killian, at least not all of it.

"I saw him talk with Whale earlier," Rapunzel told Killian. "When I asked what it was about, he told me."

She left out the bit where after they were alone - Ruby going to the diner and Morgana to the hospital - he tried sidestepping her questions. However, fed up with everyone hiding things from her, she put her foot down, and he fessed up. Admittedly, she was relieved that her sudden fears that he would scold her, tell her she was being dramatic, and so on and so forth hadn't come true. It felt nice being listened to, especially after what had happened right before that.

Learning about what happened between Percy and Morgana, hearing from both sides what happened, and knowing that there was still more being kept from her, left a bitter taste in Rapunzel's mouth.

At least Jefferson had been honest. He'd admitted making bad decisions in the past. She just didn't know they involved Rumplestiltskin.

Well, now she did, and she was better off knowing the truth.

Bringing the conversation back to the topic at hand, Emma said, "What did he want from your today?"

"The Hat," Jefferson answered. "He wanted to get back to his world, but I told him the Hat was destroyed. He asked if I could fix it, but I reminded him that I didn't make the Hat, had no idea how to fix it, and if he was so desperate to get back, he should talk with the Dark One. I doubt he ever did though. Those two didn't exactly see eye-to-eye."

That matched with what Emma saw earlier in the station. She then asked, "What did Frankenstein get out of that old job?"

"He wanted a heart," Jefferson replied. "In our world, a heart ripped out of someone's chest with magic retains magical qualities. In his world, he didn't have access to anything like that. He figured that would help him in his experiments."

So Frankenstein was from another world. Good to know.

The call about the mausoleum being broken into came to Emma's mind. Pieces started to form together and create a picture.

"Jefferson," Emma pondered aloud, her voice a little quieter as she began to realize what might have happened, "do you know what Regina ever did with Daniel's body?"

"I assume she kept it preserved," Jefferson replied. "That's what she did with it when we first saw him. Plus, she doesn't tend to let things or people go."

Shite, Killian thought, having remembered what Emma told him on the car ride to the hospital. He asked her, "You think Frankenstein took Daniel's body and heart and tried resurrecting him?"

"He couldn't. Daniel's heart was ripped out and crushed," Emma replied. "But...maybe he took someone else's heart, and used that as a substitute."

"If he did, that would've been a mistake," Rapunzel intoned without realizing it.

"What do you mean?" Killian asked.

Blushing at having spoken up, Rapunzel added, "Um, I just mean that mixing up body parts isn't generally a good idea. I-" she cleared her throat, willing herself to speak more clearly. She didn't want to expose Morgana as a witch, as she still held a great deal of loyalty and love for the woman who was, for all intents and purposes, her surrogate mother. Besides, being stuck in a tower made finding ways to pass the time essential, so she studied. "I read in multiple books that ripping out a heart is dark magic, which is already considered unstable. Add that into trying to put that heart into the corpse of a different person, and you're bound to get a terrible result."

"Like a monster who rips off someone's arm," Emma surmised.

Killian asked them all, "Any idea where Daniel might've run off to?"

What did Snow say about him?, Emma wondered. He worked for Regina's family. Where...where…?

"He was a stableboy," Emma answered. "So he might be at-"

Emma and Killian simultaneously took on panicked looks as they both came to the same horrifying realization.

"The stables," Emma breathed out. "The kids are at the stables."

She was already rushing to her car, distantly hearing Killian tell Rapunzel to look after Lady for a little while longer, and he followed her.

Both of them piled into the car, and the doors were barely closed before Emma turned on the sirens installed in her car and peeled onto the street.

As Emma drove quickly and hastily put on her seat belt, eyes glued to the road, she heard Killian make a call.

Someone must've answered, because Killian immediately fired off with, "David! David, get the kids out of the stables now! There's a dangerous-"

Even from her seat, Emma heard the sounds of fighting, of David grunting, and her heart seized at the thought of someone hurting their dad.

"David! David!" Killian shouted. "Shit. The call ended."

Emma gunned it.

---

"Buttercup."

"No."

"Tarantula."

"Try again."

"Potooooooo."

"What even, dude?"

This was a snippet of a minutes-long conversation Declan and Henry had been having, with Declan offering increasingly nonsensical names for Henry's steed. Henry suspected Declan did it to see Henry go nuts.

It was starting to work when they heard the adults yelling.

"Was that David?" Tien asked a little too loudly, causing the other kids to shush her. They exited the stalls and closed the doors behind them so the horses wouldn't run off.

"Stay here," Phoebe told them as she passed Tien over to Henry, who had to hold the little girl's shoulders to prevent her from following her sister.

Phoebe cautiously went further down to investigate what was happening, turning the corner, and immediately rushing out of the way of a body thrown in her direction. When it hit the ground, Henry saw that it was an unconscious Phillip.

"Phee!" Tien cried out fearfully, her little hands gripping Henry's as she shuffled back into him. Henry turned them around so that she was behind him.

The teen girl moved even further out of the way as Grandpa was similarly thrown into view.

"Grandpa!" Henry shouted, the horses neighing in distress, and he tried to rush forward to help. However, Declan quickly pulled him back, and Henry thought he also felt Tien's hand grip the back of his shirt.

One second later, a man came into view. He was tall, wearing clothes that didn't belong in Storybrooke, and looked better suited in Henry's book. His skin was deathly pale which starkly contrasted his dark hair and eyes.

Copper ran up to the man, putting himself between David and the man, barking a warning at him. Henry felt enraged when he saw the man kick Copper aside. The poor puppy whimpered, but still tried to get between them.

Horrifyingly, the man not only had spatters of what Henry was sure was blood on his shirt, but with a snarl the man reached down and gripped Grandpa's throat, lifting him up in the air. Henry's grandfather tried fighting him, but the man was too powerful. Copper barked again.

"Grandpa!" Henry called out, trying once more to move, but now Phoebe was pushing him and the others behind her. "Copper! Here boy! Here!"

The puppy was torn, but eventually decided he needed to protect the human puppies, and began to walk over to them.

LJ had enough. He picked up a horseshoe, ran forward a few feet, and threw it at the man's head.

It did nothing except grab his attention.

The man threw Grandpa in the direction of the opposite horse stalls like a sack, his body hitting the floor with a thump, and he was struggling to regain his breath as he stirred on the ground.

"Oh crap," LJ said, quickly going forward to scoop up Copper, then hastily backpedaling as the man threateningly walked toward him.

Phoebe picked up Tien and shouted, "Run!"

They all began to run away from the man, but in their panic they didn't realize until it was too late that they were walking to a dead end. Turning around, they found the man was advancing towards them. They were cornered.

"Stay back!" Phoebe ordered, her voice catching at the last word as she tried not to show her fear. Tien clung to her as she began to cry.

Henry watched the man. He was snarling at them, acting more like an animal than a man. However, for the strangest reasons, Henry felt some amount of pity for him. He was dangerous, no doubt, but he seemed to be mindless. Lost.

He began to walk towards him.

"Henry, no," LJ whispered, reaching out but failing to grab Henry in time to pull him back.

"You…" Henry trailed off, drawing up his courage as he stood a few feet away from the man. He wasn't attacking. That was a good sign right?"

"You gotta stop," Henry told him softly, trying to avoid committing the tiniest perceived slight against the man, who stared at him oddly. "Listen, you're...you're scaring my friends and the horses." Henry saw blood on the man's hand. He searched for wounds, but he couldn't see anything. Maybe he wasn't looking hard again. "Ar- are you hurt? Can I help you?"

Henry tentatively reached out a hand.

The man snarled and gripped his shoulder, lifting him off his feet.

"No!" Declan screamed. "Leave him alone! Please!"

A second later, Henry's shoulder burning as the man's vice-like grip, Henry futilely trying to dislodge himself, all of the other kids appeared and tried to help Henry. Phoebe began hitting the man, with Declan hugging Henry's waist and pulling him away while LJ grabbed the man's hand. Henry could hear Copper barking.

Henry glanced down and saw Tien lift up the man's pant leg, and just like with Regina, sunk her teeth into his flesh.

The man grunted, and Henry thought he felt an odd thrum of energy in his hand when the man suddenly let Henry go. The sudden lack of resistance caused Declan to fall backwards to the ground with Henry in his arms. Phoebe was pushed to one side while LJ was pushed to the other, both of them slamming against the horse stalls.

To their collective terror, the man reached down and picked up Tien by the neck.

"Ow!" Tien complained as she reached up to touch her mouth, and Henry thought she might've just lost a baby tooth. She squirmed in his grip, and they all shouted or screamed as the man tossed her behind him.

That's when Killian appeared, and in a millisecond, realized what he needed to do. He rushed forward and caught Tien while she was in the air.

"Dad!" Phoebe shouted as she got back up, torn between rushing to Tien and her father, and staying behind to protect the boys.

Henry saw his mom brandishing her gun, pointing it at the man. "Kids, this way!"

Phoebe, Henry, LJ, and Declan hastily got up and ran toward them, LJ still holding poor Copper in his arms. Killian set Tien down on the ground, and the kids huddled behind them, Phoebe helping a still woozy Grandpa to his feet.

"Daniel," Mom said warningly as she approached the man with her gun. He stopped and stared at her. "It is Daniel, right? Listen, all we want is-"

'Daniel' roared, the sound a mixture between human and animal, and rushed forward. Henry's mom let out a warning shot, but this didn't slow his advance. She tried firing again, but he knocked the gun out of her hand. He swung at her, but she managed to dodge.

Killian rushed into the fray, and when Daniel tried hitting Henry's mom again, Killian swung his left hand forward and sunk his hook into his arm.

Suddenly, an Asian woman wielding a sword ran into the stalls.

Henry's mom grabbed Daniel's arm, and held on as tightly as she could. The effort was intense, as she was visibly straining to just keep her stance.

"Mulan," Mom struggled to say, "you better be right about that sword."

"Let's see," Mulan said before ordering, "Everyone, get back!"

They immediately did so, Grandpa shepherding the kids back and shielding them with his own body. Mom and Killian tried letting go at the same time, but Killian had to exert a little more effort on account of his hook getting stuck in the guy's arm. Once he did though, he backed off.

Daniel started to advance at Killian when Mulan shouted his name. He turned around and growled at her.

To Henry's surprise, Mulan spoke to him calmly, almost remorsefully.

"I heard the details about what happened to you," Mulan told him, gripping the sword handle and preparing to strike. "You don't belong in the world of the living anymore. I'm sorry you were forced back."

The sword, to Henry's shock, began to glow.

Daniel growled and charged forward.

"I hope this helps," Mulan told him as she rushed forward, ducking under his swing, and driving the sword through his chest.

"Oh, fuck," Declan swore as he looked away.

LJ couldn't look away, nor did he want to. His uncle made no illusions about the kind of life knights led. He told him that people died. He also knew that his uncle tried holding LJ off from seeing it as long as possible.

Phoebe covered Tien's eyes before the attack landed, and let David cover her eyes as he wrapped an arm around her.

Henry looked onward, feeling guilty for the sigh of relief he felt, but feeling so profoundly sad at the same time. From what Mulan said, Henry guessed that Daniel was brought back from the dead. How? He didn't know. What he did know was that, deep down, as he watched Daniel's veins temporarily glow before dying out completely, he didn't think Daniel wanted any of this.

Mulan held the now limp man and gently helped him to the ground. She pulled her sword out of him, but to Henry's surprise, there was no blood.

"No blood flow," LJ answered Henry's unspoken question.

"Henry."

His mother suddenly appeared before him, and Henry instantly found himself in her arms.

He turned his head, and Phoebe was next to them. Emma was hugging her at the same time. Tien was nestled between all three of them.

More arms around him. Henry turned his head, and saw Killian there too.

He sunk into their arms.

---

Killian held his girls tightly to him once the doctor cleared them to go. Thank the gods none of the kids were seriously injured. Henry, Phoebe, and LJ would sport some bruises for a few days, and Declan was a bit shaken up, but none of them had to stay at the hospital. David had taken Copper to the vet, and called to say that while Copper was bruised, he too thankfully wasn't seriously hurt.

As for Tien, Killian found her baby tooth lying on the floor of the stables. As sorry as he felt for Daniel, he wanted to drop the bugger into hell for hurting his little girl.

To his surprise, Tien was nonplussed about the lost tooth.

"I lost my tooth," Tien told him as she used her finger to pull back her cheek to expose the place where her tooth was.

"Yes, you did," Killian replied slowly. "Didn't it hurt?"

"Yeah," Tien said. "I fought a bad guy, Daddy."

"Please never do that again," Phoebe said tiredly. "You scared the crap out of me."

"You said a bad word," Tien tattled, though Killian hadn't missed the fact that she was shaking a little still, or how tightly she was pressed up against his leg.

Graham and Percy had come by as soon as they got word about what happened. Both Declan and LJ tightly hugged their surrogate fathers before they were taken home.

Killian and the girls entered the hospital's main lobby, where Emma sat with Henry, their adjacent seats divided by the seats' arm rests. This didn't stop Emma from keeping one arm tightly wrapped around her son. He'd been given the all clear sooner than the girls had.

Henry was the first to spot them. "You guys okay?"

"Bruised, but alive," Phoebe informed him.

Her slightly blasé response bothered Killian. He expected crying, shaking, or some other outburst. Hell, he probably would've been more comfortable with it. He didn't know what to do with this. The kids never should've been put in that situation in the first place.

When he locked eyes with Emma, he knew she felt the same way.

"Are you sure Grandpa is going to be okay?" Henry asked Emma.

"Yeah, he will be," Emma replied. "He'll just have some bruising on his neck."

"What about Phillip?" Phoebe asked

"He's going to be okay," Emma told her, smiling at her relieved face. "That concussion will keep him occupied though."

That's when Emma frowned. "Not knocking your bravery, kids," Emma addressed the children, "but next time a monster comes at you, run the first chance you get."

"We couldn't," Henry protested. "He was blocking the way."

"I meant after that," Emma corrected, referencing what the kids had relayed of the events at the stables. "You could've been killed."

"We couldn't leave without-" Both Henry and Phoebe started saying, and awkwardly waited for one of them to speak.

Killian's eldest took the initiative.

"I couldn't let that monster hurt Henry," Phoebe proclaimed.

"I had to try to stop him from hurting everyone," Henry added.

"Daniel could've killed you," Killian pointed out to them both.

"So?" Phoebe argued. "I'm the oldest. I'm supposed to look out for them."

Killian was getting a mite frustrated. "Phoebe-"

"We're a crew, remember?" Phoebe pointed out, stopping Killian's argument. "Henry and Tien are part of our crew, and so are the others. What was I supposed to do? Save myself and abandon them?"

"You're my crew too," Henry argued back, focusing on Phoebe. "I'm the one who's going to be a knight when I get older, so I get to protect you. So there."

"Same," Tien added.

The kids devolved into seeing who could one-up each other on who would protect whom.

Meanwhile, all at once, Killian was struck by the level of...devotion they showed each other. None of them questioned risking their lives to save each other. Bravery he expected and approved of, even if they nearly scared him half to death with their stunt. However, the sheer amount of loyalty they all showed each other...it just...it made him want to...

"Do you want to be adopted?"

The words came out of Killian's mouth before he could think about them, and the silence was instant.

Henry thought Killian was talking to him, and he couldn't help but feel disappointed when he realized he was talking to the girls.

The girls, meanwhile, both stared up at Killian.

"You-" Phoebe started. "What do you mean?"

Here goes.

"I mean," Killian said, "how would you feel if I made things official by legally adopting your two as my daughters?"

"We're not your daughters?" Tien asked, sounding upset.

"You are," Killian gently reminded her. "Adopting you would just mean that it'd all be legal."

Phoebe thought aloud, "Like...like we could have your last name?"

"If you want- Phoebe, what's wrong?" Killian asked as he saw the teen tear up.

Henry's disappointment dissipated, as he stood up and hugged the girl for comfort, who hugged him back.

Tien hugged his leg harder and started jumping in place.

"Yay! Yay! Yay!" Tien cheered, either ignoring or simply not hearing the shushes coming from the front desk. "You're gonna be my daddy for real!"

"Are you serious?" Phoebe was fully crying now.

Emma got up and went to her other side, giving her a side hug. "He's serious, Phoebe. He told me he wanted to."

"I'm giving you my word that I want to adopt you," Killian told Phoebe. "And I always stick by my word."

Phoebe broke away from Emma and Henry to hug him, and as Killian rubbed a hand down his back, he saw Emma and Henry looked at them fondly.

"Can we take a picture?" Phoebe asked through her now-happy tears. "I look like a mess but I really want a picture."

"I gotcha," Emma said as she pulled out her phone.

After Henry grabbed some tissues from the front desk and handed them to Phoebe, who promptly got herself cleaned up, the future family got into position. Picking up Tien, Killian rested her on his right hip. He slung his left arm around Phoebe, who sniffled as they faced Emma.

"Smile at three...two...one."

A flash. Their first picture as a family.

Killian was happy.

---

No one noticed a lone woman, a recent volunteer, slipping into Whale's operating room, the only noises being the sound of Whale's raspy breathing and the heart monitor beeping rhythmically. She couldn't be completely sure about why that was. Maybe it was how exhausted everyone was from trying to save his life. Maybe it was her reawakened magic hiding her from view like it did in the past.

Either way, Morgana brought forward the cooler that contained Whale's severed arm. She'd heard the doctors talk, the gossipy lot they were.

No chance of reattachment.

We'll see about that.

She looked at the security guard asleep in the chair nearby, the only other person in the room.

Worrisome as the sight of a sleeping security guard was, it served her purpose.

Maybe you won't kill anyone else while you're here.

Percival's words had been swirling around her head ever since their confrontation.

I deserve every bit of his fury, she thought as her hands rested on top of the cooler. Truly, security in this facility was subpar.

If he had been responsible for one of my sisters' deaths, Morgana pondered, I would've hated him too.

Morgana had been ready to burn the world down after what Uther Pendragon did to her father, her mother, and her sisters. If Percival was content in burning her too, she might not even fight him.

That was a lie. Of course she would fight him, but only because Rapunzel still needed her. Only once the duke was caught and done away with, and Rapunzel's safety assured, would she climb and sit on whatever pyre Percival wanted to light for her.

She didn't know Princess Elaine of Corbenic well. Morgana only met her once or twice, and she thought her a naive but sweet girl. An unlucky one as well, as everyone knew that Lancelot fathered her illegitimate child, but would not marry her.

It would have been the right thing to do, Morgana thought. Elaine would've been embarrassed, but she wouldn't have been subjected to the scorn of others.

Her heart had ached for the girl, and she knew Arthur's had too. They both knew what happened to women who gave birth to bastards.

Clearing her throat and her mind, Morgana set out to her much-needed work. She wouldn't have much time before someone realized something was amiss.

She opened the cooler, and after making a face, she drew out Whale's arm, and gently placed it by its correct and empty socket.

"I don't know what you did that got you into this mess," Morgana told him quietly, knowing the unconscious man couldn't hear her, "but I'm here to help."

Maybe you won't kill anyone else while you're here.

"I won't," Morgana promised aloud as she felt something powerful stir inside her, an old feeling she hesitantly welcomed. She may have started out using magic for selfish ends, but Merlin helped her see how she could use it for good. How to heal others, not just herself.

Morgana experimentally waved her hand, and the expertly done bandages over Whale's shoulder magically unwrapped themselves.

"Here goes," Morgana said before she used one hand to press Whale's severed arm against his shoulder, and the other to cover the wound.

Think of it like threading a stitch, Merlin once told her. Weaving the pieces together.

A younger Morgana had wondered if you could do the same with families. She then asked him, How do I make it work?

Dig into whatever you're feeling, Merlin replied. Focus on what you want, and let it happen. Embrace what you're feeling, and make it reality.

Thread. Stitch.

Her palm glowed, and it illuminated the side of Whale's face.

Thread and stitch.

Flesh coming together once more.

Threading a stitch.

Once she felt satisfied, Morgana took her hand away, and let out a big smile when she saw that Whale's arm was completely reattached. Her hands were bloodied, but it was worth it.

Maybe you won't kill anyone else while you're here.

"Never again."

Morgana slipped out of the room and out of sight before anyone noticed she was there.

---

It was getting late, and they'd have to get back to the loft soon. Emma had some last-minute planning she wanted to go over with Snow. Plus she knew that everyone was kind of exhausted. Even Lady, who nearly fell over in excitement at seeing all of them after nearly a day of barely seeing any of them, was napping on Henry's lap.

They just had to make one last stop.

"Here it is," Emma announced to the car as she pulled up in front of the house.

"That's our house?" Henry asked his mother.

"Sure is," Emma said. "Let's take a quick peak."

"I'm kind of tired," Phoebe admitted.

"Cool, I'll pick which room is mine," Henry said as he began to unbuckle his seatbelt, a motion that stirred Lady.

"Not before I do," Phoebe replied with renewed energy, hastily undoing her seatbelt.

Emma fondly shook her head as everyone got out of the car. Killian held Lady's leash, and somewhat surprisingly, Henry held Tien's hand as they climbed up the steps. Killian tossed Emma the keys, and Emma opened the door.

The kids rushed in.

"No running," Emma warned as she turned on the lights.

The kids surveyed the entrance since they could now actually see it.

None of them were content with staying in one place, as despite Emma's warnings not to run, they still, well, ran.

"We're not running, Mom," Henry argued as he and Tien, still hand-in-hand, rushed into the kitchen. "We're speed-walking."

"Sure, kid," Emma snarked. She sighed affectionately.

"Ready for this to become an everyday thing?" Killian asked as they stood side-by-side, Lady resting on her foot. "Kids running around everywhere."

"Can't wait," Emma replied, the two of them kissing.

It was interrupted by Phoebe yelling from the sole bedroom room on the first floor, "I found my room!"

"Where?!" Henry shouted as he dragged Tien out of the kitchen and into Phoebe's new room.

Emma and Killian followed, though only after they dissuaded Lady from setting up permanent residence on Emma's foot.

"Ah come on," Henry complained as Phoebe stood by a window in the room. "This is gonna get a lot of sun."

"I know," Phoebe smirked.

"Hey, kid," Emma said. "You know there are more rooms upstairs."

Henry had apparently forgotten this, as the next second he and Tien were racing to get to the stairs first.

"I've got this," Killian said before he kissed her again, following the other two children. She heard him scolding them for running.

Turning back around, Emma found Phoebe looking out the window of her chosen room.

Emma walked up until she was standing next to Phoebe. Looking out the window, she saw that it had a decent view of the street and, if timed right, would allow for a lot of sun to come in. She'd chosen well.

She turned her face to look at the teen, and found that she looked contemplative.

"What's up?" Emma asked her.

Phoebe looked up at her with her big brown eyes. "The house is really nice."

"It is," Emma replied. "Now what are you really thinking?"

The shy smile on Phoebe's face gave it away.

"I'm thinking…" Phoebe trailed off, "that...I never thought I'd have this again after my mom died. A home, a family." She hastily added, "I mean, Blue and Nova and the others are great and all, but they always had to put their duties as fairies first. They took care of us, but it just…"

"Didn't feel like you were a priority," Emma guessed.

Phoebe's shoulders slumped in clear relief. "Exactly." She then frowned. "I'm gonna say something awful. I know it's bad, but can I say it?"

"Of course," Emma told her.

The girl's eyes briefly became downcast. "I'm not happy that the Dark One attacked Tien, but after Blue said we couldn't risk sending Tien to a human family, I was kind of relieved. Even back then, when we just knew each other for a little bit, we got close. Having her around felt like having a family around. I know, it's selfish, I know, but...after Regina ruined my life as I knew it, I...wanted a family again. Now Killian and you and Henry are here, and it definitely feels like a family now. I just keep wondering if it's going to end."

For a brief moment, Emma didn't see Phoebe. She saw herself, looking mournfully as another home told her to pack her bags, or another foster sibling she grew attached to, despite her best efforts, was adopted into a family.

She wants this to be real, Emma realized. But she keeps waiting for someone to come in and take it all away.

A few years ago, hell maybe a year ago, Emma would've been cynical enough to tell Phoebe not to get her hopes up, or at least not encourage any hopes.

The Emma that came to Storybrooke wasn't the same Emma that stayed.

"Can I tell you something?" Emma asked. When Phoebe nodded, she continued with, "I grew up in a bunch of different foster homes. Never stayed in one place for too long. Tried not to get attached, but sometimes I just couldn't help it. I ended up getting anxious about having a home. Except with this place." Emma placed a hand on the windowsill. The sky was growing dark now. "This...feels good to me."

Emma put her hand down and looked at Phoebe. "I know how you feel, and I know you're waiting for something to go wrong, but I think things can be good here."

Phoebe looked so damn vulnerable when she asked, "You really think so?"

"Yes," Emma replied honestly. "I do."

The teen's previously splotchy face at the hospital had returned to its normal look on the car ride over. Now it threatened to make a comeback. It also brought the arrival of some fidgeting from Phoebe, like she wanted to say something but stopped herself.

"What are you thinking now?" Emma inquired.

"Can I…" Phoebe was quieter now, her eyes darting between Emma's eyes and her collarbone, as if worried to look her right in the eye. "Can-" She cleared her throat, then rushed out, "Can I hug you?"

"You want to hug me?" Emma asked her.

Phoebe nodded sharply, preparing an apology in case Emma said no.

It wasn't necessary, as Emma turned to fully face the girl, opened her arms, and said, "Come here."

The girl hesitated for a moment before pressing herself against Emma, wrapping her arms around the woman as Emma did the same for her.

Phoebe was stiff at first, they both were, but as the seconds passed in silence, the two of them subconsciously gravitated toward each other's warmth. Their muscles relaxed, and for a brief moment, Phoebe closed her eyes as she let herself become enfolded in Emma's embrace.

She would always love her mother, and would never forget her. Phoebe simply hoped she wasn't being disloyal when she thought, Hugging Emma...feels like having a mom again.

At the same time, Emma felt more comfortable holding Phoebe, marveling at how a girl, who felt so small in her arms, could be so brave, so kind, so...everything. She meant every word she said. She wanted Phoebe to grow up and just experience nothing but good things. She knew it wasn't possible. A lifetime of disappointment and heartbreak taught Emma that. However, that didn't stop her from wanting to protect Phoebe, to try to mitigate all of the bad things with the good.

Emma replayed the scene of Phoebe crying with joy as Killian announced that he wanted to adopt her and Tien.

Just like with a certain phrase she hesitated to tell Killian, Emma kept one other thought to herself: How long until I end up adopting them too?

---

George didn't know why he decided to go out into the woods at some gods' forsaken hour.

That was a lie. He did know. A letter had been waiting for him in his office. It told him - it didn't ask - to meet with the sender at that hour at that specific location away from any witnesses. Normally, he would've dismissed it, but then the letter went on to mention that if he didn't, the sender would tell everyone that he tried poisoning Snow White. It even described in detail the potion he used to make her infertile.

His current position was tenuous enough. He didn't need any bad press when he was, for the most part, alone. He found some men still loyal to him, but after Midas' disloyal daughter enacted a coup d'état, imprisoning her own father and his royal guard, the cowards were hesitant to act with him.

He finally arrived there, and found that it was two minutes past the meeting time. There was no one there.

George, despite himself, began to worry. He hurried as best he could, but he had important business to deal with. He managed to get some cases involving the custody of children put in the wrong family during the curse. The old man grit his teeth as remembered that the only reason he got some of these cases was because they had been rejected by the upstart calling himself Sir Percival.

I thought Lancelot was mad, George complained in his mind. Efficient, deadly even, but ultimately mad and to be kept at an arm's length. His turning against me to help Snow White proved it. If the coward hadn't run off, I would've-

"It's about time you arrived," a woman's cool, smirking voice said.

George turned around, suppressing what he thought was the chill of the night, and saw a plain-looking woman standing before him. Her back was straight, her hands were clasped in front of her, and the smile she gave him didn't reach her eyes.

She had company. There was a man standing slightly behind her. He was another ordinary sort. Blonde hair with hints of grey, his dull green eyes looking over George as if he was the one intruding.

"Who are you?" George demanded.

"Oh, yes, how silly of me," the woman laughed, though George instantly pegged it as a formality, something ladies in his own court did to appease an unfunny gentleman of interest. "I look different since the last time you saw me. I'm Princess Cora."

George narrowed his eyes. "Try again. Cora died years ago. And even if she miraculously returned from the grave, you look nothing like her."

"That was the point of this spell," 'Cora' said. "It changed my appearance so my lovely daughter wouldn't kill me on sight. As it happens, I don't have access to my magic, but I will soon."

"This is nonsense-"

"You know," the woman interrupted airily, "this reminds me of that time where King Xavier, when he was still alive that is, introduced his son and new daughter-in-law, me, to Your Majesty. You were standing next to your wife, who looked gorgeous in her blue silken dress, wearing the silver necklace you'd given to her for her birthday. She was a pretty little thing, wasn't she? Though empty inside. Always empty."

George paused, both by the clear recollection of the event he'd hardly thought about in decades, and for the burning anger at the slight against his late wife.

"How do you know all this?" George asked, getting an unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"I already told her," she replied, speaking to him as if he were a child, "I'm Cora. And this is Duke Sitz of Corona."

The duke nodded.

"Even if I believe you are who you claim to be," George argued, "why did you call me here today?"

"Because I know you're tired," Cora said, almost sounding sympathetic. "You've fought your entire life for what you have. You fought for your crown, your wife, the stability of your kingdom. You sacrificed things you desired over and over to achieve your goals...and how does a mere farm boy thank you? By spitting on all you and your true son worked for by dismissing an engagement your kingdom desperately needed, and running off with a rogue princess. And now their brat is trouncing around town with a pirate, and everyone accepts it as normal. Meanwhile, we have to hide in the shadows like rats hoping they won't come by to get rid of us."

That's when she briefly unclasped her hands to gesture at the duke. "He can't obtain his princess because she's surrounded by all the so-called heroes." She then gestured at George. "You can't hope to roam free forever without Snow White or her husband coming to seek revenge." Cora then placed a hand over where her heart should've been, "And I can't be reunited with my daughter. We all have things we want, things we deserve, that we can't have because of them."

George finally pieced things together. "You want to form an alliance."

"Of course," she said, acting like it was the most obvious thing in the world. She put on a good act. "We'll need to buy our time, but with our combined forces, imagine it - David and Snow White dead, the 'Savior' too. Our kingdoms restored to their former glory as they should be. All of us where we should be."

He couldn't deny the appeal of it, but there was a glaring problem. "In case it escaped your notice, we don't have any men, and you just said you don't have your magic. So what exactly do we have?"

"Oh but we do have a man. An inside man," Cora told him with a cold smile. "I have, in my possession, the heart of the sheriff of Storybrooke."

"I thought you said-"

"It was a gift from my daughter before she was locked up," Cora interrupted him. "He's been so helpful with everything. He's the one who told me about what you did to Snow White, because Regina told it to him."

George couldn't help it. He smiled. "And he won't alert the others because you told him not to."

"Well, I told him to forget it ever happened," Cora said. "It's remarkably simple."

An image began to form in George's mind. The image of David and Snow and their child lying in unmarked graves. Of the boy in his grasp, the bastard Henry raised by George as he raised James, creating a worthy heir out of nothing.

"Duke Sitz has been kind enough to send out feelers to his men," Cora added, allowing the duke to speak for the first time with a nod.

He nodded back to her. "Most of them hardly remember Princess Rapunzel except when she was a scared little girl. They follow me."

A scared little girl versus a man who clearly had no trouble or shame taking on a little girl.

George might've gone for the girl.

"Once I have her in my protection," Duke Sitz promised, "I shall do my utmost to protect her. She's been gone for too long. As my queen, she'll never have to worry about being scared again."

And as his queen, he'd further solidify his own claim as king to that particular kingdom. He either forgot or conveniently ignored the real possibility that Rapunzel would rather choke on dirt than marry him.

George doubted he'd give her a choice.

"You have two choices. Hide in the dark and hope for the best." Cora stepped closer until she was right in front of George. She held out her hand. "Or, you can join us, gather our forces, and step into the light."

He had a feeling she might object to his wishes to have the boy for himself. After all, Henry was Regina's adopted child.

Truth be told, he didn't care. He'd deal with Cora when the time came.

For now though…

George took their hand, and they shook on it. "It's a deal."

---

Whew! Another chapter done, so much has happened again. I left y'all with that cliffhanger. You're welcome ;)

Finally got around to that Morgana-Percy confrontation. Percy is left with a lot of conflicted feelings, and hasn't forgiven Morgana, as he's still processing what she said. Meanwhile, she blames herself for Lainey's death, and wants to make amends.

The Swan-Jones fam is sooooooo close to moving into that house, and they're gonna be a family!

I think that Regina got her magic back because she touched Emma, so I figured that Emma, as a PTL, would act as a kind of magic reactivator, hence why her bumping into Morgana brought her magic back.

Speaking of, Emma is slowly coming into her magic, so yay!

And yes, Cora is here. She's always been here, and now she's basically collecting her Legion of Doom :)

See you next week!