Author's Note:

PLEASE READ

The story begins immediately after Episode 1 of Season 1, when Emma meets Gold in Granny's inn. The storyline in the first episode is pretty much the same excluding the fairy tale flashbacks, with a few key differences to take note: Graham is NOT in this story. I do apologize. He has been replaced with a Foster Dailey, for you to discover who he is. Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time or any of it's (in show based) characters. All new characters belong to Disney and the Brothers Grimm. I merely played around with them.

Also, Jessie! You don't get to read this chapter. LOL You know what I'm talking about!

Enjoy.

Chapter 1

Eons Ago:

It was created by a stroke of luck more than anything else and no one quite remembers anymore who came up with the idea. The Queen herself? Some sparrowman who merely looked up at the moon and wondered what it might hold. Perhaps a dream given to the fairies for future days when times were dark and hard. Regardless of the matter, the fairies quickly sought to bring its power down to the forest in hopes that it may bring forth luck and prosperity. They called it the Blue Harvest Moon, which came every 100 years in times of the harvest, shining its light through the Moon Stone. The stone was gifted to the fairies eons ago by the dwarves who mined their fairy dust in return for an abundance of food and warmth beneath the earth. Its light then burst into the blue fairy dust, which was more powerful than any common dust they often used.

The cauldron they used to mix this new dust was soon imbued with its power. The fairies soon realized that this power could be used for either great good or great evil and sought to hide the cauldron away from mortal beings. They hid it beneath Bald Mountain were the fearsome dragon Kyto lived, guarding it for many years to come and would only give it back to the fairies should he feel it was safe in their hands. Though he did not care for the actions of Men or fairies, he never gave up so easily what he held in his possession. That was the nature of dragons. But even dragons could be deceived.

Prologue- A Millennium before the Dark Curse:

The magic ripped through the houses, cracking the wood to splinters as blood splattered over the remaining walls. Cries called out for only moments before they were torn from the throats of the slaughtered. It was violent. A rampage of pure raw magic. The bodies thrown uncaringly with few managing to escape before they too were thrashed open by the monster's power. The fairies fought hard, many tossed aside like insects, their magic too feeble in their attempts to subdue the beast. Only the Queen could manage a possible victory and even she was forced to use trickery as a means to even stand a chance.

One fairy stood on a neighboring hill, the sight before her silencing whatever questions she had for her actions. If she was honest, it had worked too well. While no other fairy or magical creature had the hope to achieve it, she had bested herself. Her own genius displayed in all its power. When the beasts had completed its genocide, all hopes of fleeing to the forest were diminished, as the queen and her fairies finally managed to grab hold of the creature and bind it. The fairy cursed.

As she sought to flee herself, she was soon halted by a blur of wings and color. A sister of hers had thrown her to the ground, each now tumbling down the earth, struggling to regain their footing. Once done, neither brushed off the dirt on their dresses as they stood and faced the other. The fairy didn't care. If it was a battle her sister wanted, so be it.

"How could you?!" Her sister cried. "You've killed thousands!"

"I didn't kill them. He did. And it had to be done!"

"It doesn't matter how you word it, it's still the same thing. You betrayed everyone!"

The Black Fairy snarled. "I had too! I had to show you, to show the Queen, you were both wrong. The humans can't be trusted."

"You never gave them a chance!" The Blue Fairy raised her wand, aiming it at her sister. There were rules regarding fairy magic and one never pointed it at their own. "I'm sorry sister."

"You can't do this!" Raegan cried out. She raised her own wand, daring to match her sister's resolve, but she was too late. Ruel had cast the first spell and she found dark hands grabbing her, pulling her into another realm where not even the queen could find her. A dark realm where light never shone.

"You will pay for this! One day! I will see to it! I will have my revenge!"

Her cries were muffled with the last whirl of magic shutting the portal forever. The Black Fairy was banished, but now a new darkness loomed the lands and the fairies only hoped that one day, someone could save them all.

Present Day:

Mr. Gold steeled himself against the onslaught of memories and magic. Images of the past and 'what was to come' flooding his once foggy conscious with brilliant lighting; shining into the darkest corners where an impish delight could be heard, giggling and muttering of plans set into motion once again. Breaking his trance Granny waved the wad of rent conspicuously in front of the innkeeper's newest, if not only, guest. Reaching out with long narrow fingers, noting the absence of scales, he smiled; not caring how the woman who suddenly seemed so interesting raised a brow.

"You enjoy your stay, Emma."

She blinked, "Thank you?"

He left the women and slid into his car, making his way through the still sleepy town. He laughed, enjoying for the first time the full delight of the ironies the town and its folk had to offer. Turning left onto Pasture Hill he made his way to the second largest mansion in a rather small town. The first was the mayor's. He could taste the spike of aromas in the still stagnant magic floating about. Ash and brimstone. And apples.

"Gold," Fogg opened the door, glaring at his visitor who thought it prudent to visit so late at night. He was a tall and slender man, his eyes sharp, nose narrow, and his knuckles gnarled and crackling with old Arthur, always scaring the children. "It is rather late, wouldn't you say?"

"Had your fair share of visitors this evening?"

"What do you want?" Fogg stepped aside. Together the two men bore many similarities from their cold demeanor to their well tailored suits, but what Gold possessed in power, Fogg possessed in character. While he had the people's security and control, Gold had their fear. Oh, but Gold knew Fogg better than most. And when the time came Gold would enjoy wrapping his fingers around the older man's throat for all he had done in another life. But he kept his pleasures as bay. We're just getting started, dearie.

"It seems we have a visitor in town." Gold spoke. His cane gently tapping the marble floor as he made his way to the parlor. He took a quick glance of his surroundings, noting how particularly quiet it was.

"Oh? People don't come to Storybrooke." Fogg replied. "They don't leave either."

His voice was deep and rasp unlike that of Gold's slick silver tongue. In fact, it was rather ear piercing. Like a shard of glass lodged in the throat threatening to finish the job if Gold didn't hurry.

"From what I have heard, she appears to be Henry's mother. His birth mother."

Fogg gave a slight pause but continued as if it didn't concern him. He sat himself down in a large leather chair which just happened to make him appear taller than it should. "And of what concern is it? Particularly to you?"

"Oh, not to me. But you? It seems young Henry Mills had brought her here to help him with the curse."

If speaking alone wasn't enough to make one's ears crawl from the body, Fogg's laugh certainly did the trick. He had spent the last month month hearing about this curse, the mayor's insolent child rambling on about magic and witches. She had sent her son to him when Doctor Hopper proved useless. He took a more practical approach, not bothering to deal with emotions or psychotherapy or whatever nonsense that boorish man thought useful.

"Then I wish her the best of luck." He teased.

Gold smirked, enjoying the charade. "And what will you do?"

Raising a brow, Fogg knew what the pawnbroker meant. Should this woman come to take Henry away, Fogg would lose all favor with the mayor. She had entrusted him to cure her son from the nonsense of fairy tales and should he lose that trust, the town he's been biding his time for would slip through his fingers. That wouldn't do him any good.

"Well, I'll have to wait and see. Have you met her?"

"Not formally. Just a passing by."

Fogg peered his eyes at Gold, each wondering what this news would bring.

"People don't come to Storybrooke." Fogg spoke.

Regina's phone was violently abused, what with the multiple slams of the receiver until finally finding its placement. She gave out a curse.

"How could he be so useless!"

Six months. Six months they had to fix her son and his delusion of fairy tales and curses and this was what it all came down to. A late night sherry drink with a complete stranger whom she and Henry both claim to be his birth mother. Regardless of the actual facts, Fogg proved incompetent. At this point he was no better than Hopper.

Henry was slipping further away from her and now, with this spontaneous endeavor, she feared he was gone. Fortunately, she wasn't one to back down. What dangers could this Emma Swan possibly bring? The case was closed. The adoption was closed. She had no right to swoop in and-

"Am I interrupting?"

She groaned. As if this day couldn't possibly get worse.

"Gold, what brings you to my office today?" She watched the pawnbroker carefully. He was always harder to pinpoint than Fogg and worse, she had no control over either of them. He tapped his way to her desk, settling himself in the chair across. It was always said Gold had the town's fear while he feared nothing. One of the very few qualities she actually admired about him. The rest was met with begrudging respect.

"Just thought I'd drop in for a visit." He smiled. "Speaking of which, I saw we had a new visitor in town."

"You've met her?" Though it came as more of a bitter respond than an actual question.

Whatever annoyance Regina felt with the two men who failed immediately replaced itself with deep concerning fear for the one sitting in front of her. It was one of those few begrudging qualities.

"I may have met her on one of my casual due-ins at the inn. Emma Swan."

The grimace on the mayor's face told him what he already knew. "And you've met her too." He smiled. "Am I to assume, due to your previous phone violations, that Fogg failed to live up to your expectations?"

"He's as useless as Hopper. But it's no matter. I don't think she will be staying."

"And what makes you so certain?"

She bit back a laugh. "I may have a way or two."

Gold leaned forward, placing the weight of words on his cane. "You know, Madam Mayor, if both Hopper and Fogg proved…invaluable, perhaps you require more promising help."

She paused in her shuffling of office documents that she gave no real notice of. She knew this was a bad idea but it was a matter of which outcome was worse. Allowing Miss Swan to take away Henry…or whatever Gold had up his well-tailored sleeves. "What are you suggesting?"

"I understand that Henry is an important matter in your life," He stated, ignoring the mayor's deadpanned retort. "And the arrival of his biological mother may hinder your already strained relationship. Let me do what I do best and perhaps, along the way, I can resolve your little dilemma."

Then Regina laughed, much to Gold's own unfazed reaction. "What are you going do? Sell her your trinkets?"

He smiled. "Maybe I'll just work a little magic."

Enchanted Forest- Moments before the Curse:

The Dark Mistress watched as the flames licked the bricks of the fireplace, not caring if it singed her hem or kissed her skin. She was born in fire. She lost her mind in the fire, recalling how she had gotten to this moment and remembering who had brought her here. She swore revenge. But her thoughts were broke yet again by the pestilent giggling of a mad imp, exercising his welcome by lounging in her chair and continuously staring at her, no doubt wondering what she was thinking.

"Will you stop that?" She retorted.

"Mm, whatever do you mean, dearie?"

"That tittering. It's driving me crazy."

He giggled again. "My apologizes. It's just too funny." Now he had begun a constant laughter, marking his sanity or lack of it.

Maleficent sighed. She knew she would regret it. "What is funny?"

"Have you not informed Her Majesty of your…um, idea?"

As the Dark One stood up and began his prancing around the room, she reclaimed her seat, petting her unicorn pony as it walked up for attention. "It doesn't concern her. Besides, she'll have everything she wants. And I'll have everything I want. And you-"

Her words were halted as he stretched his steps from one end of the room to mere inches from her now terrified frame in a single blink. "I get to watch all you souls go about yours days as I continue to plot your demises." He tittered before stepping back to return the space between them.

She exhaled her held breath, recalling just how dangerous he could be if he wanted. Or perhaps he hadn't fully reigned in the madness that held him in the mines. If he had ever reigned it in at all.

Rumplestiltskin smirked. He couldn't help it. It was just too funny. One never knew how the future would unfold, even if one saw it as he did. It was like a puzzle. Sometimes you started with the sure and certain pieces like the corner and edges. Sometimes you had to start in the middle with like images and colors. And sometimes, someone would throw in a piece you didn't even know you were looking for. Maleficent had done just that and what that piece had to offer was just too funny.

Overall, the town seemed fine. No evil queens, no curses, no magic spells, and no fairy tale creatures. Nothing to make Emma or any other passing visitor question their surroundings or reality. Which brought Emma to wonder why she was even still in this town if not for Henry. She knew he was going to be okay. Every kid questions where they come from. Even those who know their parents are their parents. But that was the rub.

Henry knew he was adopted and knew he believed something was wrong with his town. And for some part of her she couldn't explain, perhaps aside from some innate maternal instincts, she had to stay. She had to make sure he would be okay. Regina seemed….just fine. A bit rough around the edges but that was expected for a single mom raising a child and running a town. It certainly couldn't be easy but he had a nice home. He should be happy. So what exactly was his problem?

"Emma?"

She spun around to find she was spotted. Mary Margaret. She certainly looked innocent enough. In fact, Emma was certain she never met someone who looked so innocent before. Behind them they could hear the children playing for their mid-morning recess from the iron gate fences of the school playground. Henry was sitting somewhere at the benches, watching his homeroom teacher and mother talking. He was happy they met. That would really help things along.

"Oh, uh, hey."

"What are you doing here?" Mary Margaret blinked, tilting her head in question.

"Um….just-"

"Henry doesn't get out until three o'clock." The teacher smiled.

Emma groaned. "I'm sorry, it's just…I don't know."

"It's okay to worry about him. It's a bit rough for him at times, but…I like to believe he's doing okay."

"Rough?" Emma scoffed. "From what I saw it didn't look rough. He had it pretty nice I'd say."

"What do you mean?"

Emma paused. What was she doing? She didn't come here to have an emotional in-depth conversation with Henry's homeroom teacher. Just like she didn't come here to spy on him to make sure he got to school okay and had…friends...or something.

"I'm sorry, I should probably go." She apologized, leaving straight to her car to head back to Boston.

"Emma, wait." Mary Margaret called out before she got too far. "I know you're concerned for him. And it's okay to be-"

"No, it's not." Emma defended, remembering what Regina had told her. She did ask for a closed adoption. "I gave him up and he doesn't need me. He has Regina, a nice house…you. I mean, you seem to really care about him."

"I do." Mary Margaret smiled, before backpedaling to ensure she wasn't taking favoritism. How awful of a teacher. "I mean, what I mean is…I do care about him. I care about all my students. Henry is just…he's special."

I'd say, Emma voiced in her head. What he had told her just wasn't normal.

"Henry has a wild imagination." Mary Margaret continued. "And it helps him. It helps him deal with things."

"Things?" Emma asked, alerts going off in her head. "What things?"

Emma wondered if this woman knew of her super power. If maybe Henry had told her. He didn't seem the kind to hold off secrets from people he liked. He wanted people to know about the curse, except for his mother. Emma watched her, waiting to see if she would try and lie. She laughed when Mary Margaret let out a sigh. Defeated.

"Regina had him see someone who could maybe help him. You know, not believe."

"In the curse?" Mary Margaret nodded. "Who?"

Wednesdays were the worst. Kathryn Nolan didn't mind the middle week rush of paperwork, or the clients who felt they deserved their due of the 1st Amendment, despite the accusations against them were so blatantly clear; Wednesdays were agreement days. And she was already late picking up her husband for the hearing. So far, divorcing David had proven to be a challenge and at this point, she was beginning to think it was a waste of time. However, the real challenge wasn't the actual legal separation, but rather the assets involved. Her cursed father-in-law, the town's D.A. Albert Spencer, had practically forced a prenuptial at the beginning of the marriage entitling her to nearly nothing of value in case of a divorce. She cursed herself more for agreeing to such a deal. Apparently, he didn't trust her. What a joke.

Everything was perfect in the beginning. David had been kind and attentive and the perfect Prince Charming. They were even about to start a family. Then the robberies began. David and his friend Keith had been busted for theft but each being let out with a warning the same day. After all, this was Storybrooke. Things like that didn't happen. Kathryn begged him to not let it happen again and he assured her. He even went so far as to cut ties with Keith. For a few days. And then the assaults happened. And everything just got worst after that. So for the last several months, she had been fighting to find some loop hole or release from the prenuptial and she was beginning to fear it was iron clad. Until Mr. Gold offered to help. Which, in itself, was a miracle.

Noting once again the time, Kathryn gathered the last of her paperwork and headed to the main office. Her boss, Jane Drake, was the Head Attorney of Gold's Law Firm and Kathryn's best friend. She didn't have many and lost the few she had after David's escapades. However, Jane was a workaholic to say the least. Every moment had to be useful doing something to fill the empty spaces. That something was bent over contracts, signing agreements, and occasionally, yelling at the lower lackeys who couldn't seem to file simple paperwork properly. Jane had been like that since she lost the baby. Not that Kathryn, or anyone in hearing distance, would ever voice that thought out loud.

"Shouldn't you be gone already?" Jane greeted her without a glance from her work. "You know he doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Gold owned the town's pawn shop, his own personal hobby, and the firm; but often left Jane to do all the work. He trusted her and she proved it. Jane was good at her job. She was the best and Gold's second-in-command. Unfortunately, due to her family ties to the D.A. and her friendship with Drake, conflict of interest prevented much of anyone else in town with power to help her. Except for Mr. Gold himself. And when there was something Jane couldn't get done, Gold stepped in. And not always in his most benevolent mood.

"Shouldn't you be at home?" Kathryn dared to retort. "It's your day off after all."

"Why go home? You know what Gold expects to get done. Speaking of which…"

Kathryn glanced at the clock above Jane's head and cursed. Now she was officially late.

"Bastard!"

"Swine!"

Foster Dailey banged his head on the headrest. The glass walls of his office did nothing to shut out the obscenities the two had been throwing at each other for the last several hours. And his oncoming headache told him it wasn't going to get any better. His only relief was the couple of hours Kathryn Nolan and her husband had for their court hearings. It always had to be done in the station in the interrogation room, seeing as David still had a flight-risk mark on his papers. Keith, however, could only be left out for restroom uses.

The sheriff didn't get it. The two use to be 'thick-as-thieves', literally. They ran Storybrooke for almost two years, breaking and entering, stealing anything they could, practically lawless. Until Fogg got his hands on them when they tried to steal from the church. Everyone thinks they just got sloppy, but Foster still believes it had something to do with her.

Grace Boutilier. She was the youngest daughter to George Boutilier and last year, she was murdered.

After her death, David and Keith did just get sloppy. But they also turned on each other, violently. Last month Keith had beaten David up at the Rabbit Hole after being let out for good behavior. As for Grace, her body was found in the river up north in the forest. And despite all efforts, no crime could be connected to either David Nolan or Keith No Name.

Foster peeked at the clock. Kathryn was late. Again. He guess he didn't really mind too much. He understood how hard it was with David but he also knew there wasn't much that could be done. Spencer had done a real number on her with the prenup and to top it off, she had to deal with Gold of all people.

"Jackass!"

"Will you two please be quiet!" Foster yelled through the glass. Why couldn't the state handle these two?

"Excuse me?"

The sheriff looked up, expecting to see one of the two glaring at him. He didn't really care. But he was shocked again to see Emma. Her visit had certainly turned Regina on her head and while he got reprimanded for it, with Regina lecturing him about town line patrols and outside connections concerning runaway kids, he liked her. Emma had spunk and she could clearly handle Regina…so far.

"Emma, what brings you here?" Foster stood up, offering her a seat.

Taking it, Emma took a look at the two cell-holders. She had met some unpleasant cell mates before, but something was definitely going on there. "I was hoping maybe you could help me. With the town?"

"The town?" He asked. "So you've decided to stay?"

She smiled weakly. "For Henry. I just want to make sure he'll be okay. I know I asked for a closed adoption," She quickly defending, "but-"

"He's still your son. Even if not legally." Foster remarked. "I get it."

"I really don't want to cause any more trouble than I already have, but…he came to find me and clearly he thinks something is wrong with the town. I just want to know what's going on that will make a ten year old think that….it's cursed."

"Well, every kid wants some kind of magic, right? And every town has that one house where the witch leaves." The sheriff laughed.

"But he thinks that witch is his mother. Did Henry run away because of her? She's seems pretty intense."

Foster sighed. "She's very protective. You have to understand, Regina doesn't have anyone else."

"What do you mean?" Emma asked.

"It's just her and Henry. She doesn't really have a whole lot of friends."

Emma scoffed. "I can see why. But something has to be going on. Mary Margaret mentioned Henry was seeing someone. Could you tell me where Doctor Hopper is?"

Foster paused and frowned, squinting his eyes. "Hopper? Henry isn't seeing Doctor Hopper."

"He isn't?"

"Well, not anymore. Regina fired him. At least, as Henry's doctor."

"So who is he seeing?" Emma asked, but Foster didn't get to answer. They were interrupted by another knock on the door. Yet another blonde woman waiting patiently, pacing on her feet.

"Kathryn," Foster stood up. "Just give me a moment. I'll have David ready soon."

"Thank you." Kathryn smiled and left to the interrogation room.

As Foster reached for the cell keys, he looked at Emma hesitantly. "I'm glad you're here, Emma. I think Henry really needs you right now. Just be careful."

Emma titled her head. "Why do you care about him?"

Foster glanced down, fiddling with the cell keys. "I had a boy once."

Emma smiled thinly. Once.. Foster didn't have to actually say it. His tone was clear enough, and the look he gave to the small bird on his key chain, she knew it. She had that look too. Just once.

"I guess I kind of see Henry like my own."

"He must trust you too." Emma said. "If he told you about the curse."

Foster laughed. "Madam Mayor has him wait here at the station on conference nights. He likes to talk a lot."

"Tell me about it." Emma laughed.

Doctor Hopper's head was heavy. His desk was a mess of scattered notes, one glass of scotch, and a notice of his medical practice termination in a month. He didn't understand where it all went wrong. He didn't do anything that any other therapist wouldn't. He encouraged Henry to hold onto his dreams but not to let it root themselves into his life. He tried to help Henry see that they were just stories but he wouldn't break the boy either. Unlike Fogg. Whatever the Madam Mayor chose to throw at him, Archie could handle it. All he was worried about now was Henry's mindset and safety. Fogg was not the most practical man when it came to psychology. Something Archie had tried to persuade the mayor's opinion from for Henry's own good, but she wouldn't see it. He even tried explaining to her that for beliefs as strong as Henry had concerning that book and the stories, it took longer than a few months to let go of.

Nothing worked. Now he had one month to see other medical practices outside of Storybrooke or terminate his license altogether. He groaned, causing Pongo to raise his head from his nap. How did this happen? What could persuade the mayor to suddenly threaten to evict him? Though he knew there was no threat about it. It would be certain if he didn't figure something out.

Someone knocked on the door, fully waking up Pongo. Archie sighed. If this was the mayor, he would be happy to go ahead and pack. Her phone call earlier that morning had lined the nails to his coffin. The termination notice began hammering. A personal visit so quickly after the fact would seal the deal.

Apparently, the angels looked down on him because it wasn't the mayor; but Archie now had the full assumption that this was the reason behind Regina's recent actions.

"Miss Swan. What brings you here?"

"Hey, I was wondering if I could ask a few questions." She asked.

"About Henry."

It wasn't a question. They knew the boy was the only reason she was even still in town. Archie had noted her trepidation last night. She had not wanted to be here and looked ready to run at any moment. He felt a part of her was still ready to run. But here she was. And still a bit nervous. Archie smiled. That was expected.

"I hope you don't mind and that this doesn't get anyone in trouble, but Mary Margaret had told me Henry was seeing you . You know, about the fairy tales?"

"Ah." He bent his head.

"But then, the sheriff told me…you weren't. Did something happen or…."

"It's complicated." He said.

Emma perched her lips. "It's Regina, isn't it? How many people know about this? About the curse and how he thinks everyone is a fairy tale character?"

Archie walked to this desk, reaching for the scotch. To his relief, Emma never made note of it but it didn't help to ease his nerves either. "Not many. And I think Madam Mayor would like to keep it that way."

"How long was Henry seeing you?"

"About five months. But then…she felt I wasn't doing a good job so…she sent him to someone else."

"Who?" Emma pushed. Foster hadn't told her either and surely, she felt Mary Margaret would have known something about it. So why did she keep it a secret? "Archie, if something is happening to Henry, I…I would like to know. Maybe I can help."

"I can assure you, Emma," Archie defended, knowing where she was going. "I wouldn't let any harm come to Henry. But Fogg is…intense."

"Intense? What does that mean? Who's Fogg?" Emma asked.

"He's the town Judge."

Emma's eyes grew big. "The judge? A judge is trying to help Henry not believe in the curse?" Surely he was joking. What did a judge know about therapy? If Regina thought a judge could help Henry better than a licensed doctor, what else did she have in mind in raising Henry?

Archie smirked. "He's also the church pastor."

"O…kay." Emma lagged. "So what makes him so intense? What, does he preach about fire and brimstone and damnation? Because if so, how can Regina think that's okay? I mean, Henry is ten."

"Like I said, it's complicated."

"Surely there is something against that. Some medical law or something? Malpractice?"

Archie walked over to his desk, taking the notice and handing it to Emma. He may not be able to fight against Regina, or have the nerve, but he had to do something. Even if it was just for Henry. "Regina is the mayor. Often what she says, goes."

Emma glanced over the notice. "So she's firing you because you couldn't help Henry? Has she always been like this?"

Archie bit his lip. "Not always."

Enchanted Forest:

Maleficent groaned. What was taking so damn bloody long? Surely Regina got lost in her gloating and showmanship, taunting Snow and her prince about her new curse instead of actually doing it. She really wished the Queen would hurry up. Her company was spent watching the imp dance and clap around the cauldron. Truth be told, it was done and ready. Misting over to the cobblestones and illuminating its ominous green glow, casting a dark shadow around the pot. If the dragon queen was being truthful, she couldn't possibly imagine how Rumple had come across that thing. But it mattered not. It would serve her purposes.

The sturdy clanking of heels echoed the halls as their new guest presented herself. Regina ignored her friend's protest and magicked a box. It was small and black with engravings of thorns and roses. If one looked closely enough, they would see a faint red glow shining from the crack of the lid. If they listened closely enough, they would hear the sound of a small thumping, as if something was alive. A heart.

"What took you so long?" Maleficent complained. "It took me less time to take it than for you to retrieve it."

Regina glared. "Forgive me if I had to take a few moments." Her eyes softened as she returned her gaze to the heart. "It is precious to me."

"Hm, yes, well, shall we get on with it?" Rumple urged the ladies. "We'll have plenty of time later." He squealed.

The three readied themselves around the cauldron. Regina focused her attention to the heart, speaking the needed words as the imp and dragon shared a gaze. The spell was complete and dark clouds began to roll.

The mayor's office was as foreboding as her home. If decor could be taken into accountability for crazy ideas, Regina would definitely be to blame. Somehow, Emma couldn't see a personal decorator touching her office. Her wallpapers were birch trees, the color scheme black and white, and she seemed to favor apples. Emma could see Henry's thought pattern here. She was definitely the Evil Queen. Or Cruella de Vil. Too bad the only Dalmatian she saw was Dr. Hopper's, but that could also explain why she threaten to fire him. Emma bit back a laugh. Great, now she was beginning to believe in the curse too.

"Miss Swan," the Queen grimaced. "I thought we had already discussed the legal matters. Yours is a closed adoption-"

"I know. So legally, I have no right to him. But I can still see him. And I just want to make sure he's okay."

Regina leaned back, her stare never wavering. "I don't think that's a good idea, and I assure you, Henry is just fine. I've managed to take care of him and raise him for ten years now. I've got things under control."

There was a heavy pause before Emma dared to ask, "Who's Fogg?"

Regina's glared turned to ice. "Why, he's the town Judge. And the church pastor." She smiled.

"What is he like?"

"Is there something you're looking for, Miss Swan?"

Emma unfolded her legs from her Indian style on the couch, leaning her elbows on her knees. Regina wasn't the only one who could look intimidating. Emma knew the tricks and while she may not have a town at her beck and call, she liked to think she had skill. "Henry hitched a ride to Boston to find me. Surely it couldn't have been because of some curse. I know he's your son and I know you have all legal claim. But he brought me here for a reason. If I can help him…I am going to."

Regina smirked. "Unfortunately for you, there is nothing Henry needs help with. Not from you. In fact, I fear you will only make things worse."

"How?"

"Henry doesn't need any more confusion in his life and I fear, that's what you bring."

"Exactly how?" Emma dared.

"Miss Swan, I think it's just best for everyone if you left town. Preferably as soon as possible. Besides, I doubt you have money to stay at Granny's for the rest of Henry's life."

Emma smiled. "I'm sure I can figure something out. I tend to travel."

"And that means…you don't intend to stay."

The women stared down. Regina was right about one thing. Emma didn't like to stay in one place. Mostly, it wasn't in her job description. She had to travel. But maybe this time could be different. This time, she had a reason to stay. And she wasn't going to let some Evil Queen or curse stop her. If Henry needed her, she was going to be there.

"I paid for a week at Granny's. I'll figure something out by then." She turned to leave, her determination now solidified. But Regina stopped her on her heels.

"If I was you, Miss Swan, I'd be careful."

Emma turned, matching the mayor's icy glare. She was starting to get tired of being told to watch out. "Or what?"

Regina leaned forward. "You might just see what I am capable of."

Emma smiled. "I agree."

The man stepped carefully, his long black mop and goatee doing well to help keep him hidden in the shadows. Last night he had felt the pull of magic as he watched the yellow bug nearly speed pass all the stop lights, seeming in a hurry to get somewhere. Tonight was no different. The clock continued to tick, moving from second to minute. Soon it would be a few months until the curse was broken and finally, certain people would pay. The Queen could have her revenge however she sought fit. He didn't care. He had more powerful enemies to go after and that required more careful planning. After all, there were more dangerous things than curses and far more dangerous creatures than Dark Ones. He walked pass Gold's Pawnshop, pass the library and the diner, and on towards the church, singing a song of bells.

Author's Note: This isn't your average Once Upon a Time. I have changed everything (nearly). We are introduced to new characters and new histories. A few new baddies and one who is the main reason for this story. I wanted to see what all that character could do. If you ever have any idea on who some of the characters might be, I really want to know what you think. But PLEASE, PM me only. I everyone to try and figure it out and not read it off in the comments.

I will also apologize again for Graham not being in the story at all. I know some people will be upset about that. I have my reasons. I am not one to jump on the bandwagon of a character just because he is 'hot' or 'sexy' (and personally, I never saw him as such. He was okay to me. Now if you want to talk about Lee Pace as Thranduil in the Hobbit. That is one bandwagon I WILL jump on to. That man is a god). Any who, I felt he did not have as large of a role as they could have given him and I couldn't really find one.

I apologize for the summary. I realized right before I posted this I totally forgot to make one but I hope it works well.

Lastly, I have had this idea in my head for over a year. It HAS to come out. One way or another. So with all that said and done, please leave a review!