Chapter Seven- Labyrinth of Destiny
It was the right thing...
The right thing to do... She felt sure of it...
"Ms Jones?"
There was nothing about her that questioned what she'd done, even though everyone around her screamed at her 'what had she been thinking?' 'how could she rip out a heart and crush it like the worst of them?'
"Ms Jones!" Ingrid's eyes snapped open. She was in a classroom with eighteen other students. The teacher was an older man with a deep, calming voice usually.
There were giggles around her from her classmates, fellow seniors.
"Since you're so eager to participate in class, you can display your progress on your Senior Project first."
"Sorry Mr. Barton," She muttered embarrassedly, though privately confused as to what was going on. She looked down to her side where she had three large canvases and a leather bound book in a bag. She'd been up all night working on this for the last several weeks. And she had the canvases in a portfolio so no one would see until she was ready for them to. She yawned, grabbing the portfolio and earning more giggles from her classmates. She walked up to the front white board where she then set up her display of four artworks and her book titled 'Once Upon A Time.'
Even though her paintings were only half finished, it still intrigued her classmates.
"This is interesting." Mr. Barton said. "Your project was researching the original mythologies and seeing if you could turn it into a story set in modern times?"
The other Adult male in the group was her mentor, a man resembling Killian.
"And what brand of paint did you finally settle on?" He asked.
"T. Grant Acrylique. It's a bit more expensive, but like you said Mr. Barton, it's worth the cost." She replied. Then she went on a whole speel to the class and her mentor- a well known college level historian in mythology- about her project. A story she called Once Upon a Time. It was just a story about stories, but it was so much more than that. And for once in her life she managed to impress her classmates who usually made fun at her and bullied her at every turn they had. Except in Physical Education and now, it seemed, in regards to her creativity. At the end of her presentation, she said "I should have this all done in time for the due date."
"Especially at the rate you're going." Nodded Mr. Pirat.
She saw out of the corner of her eyes her teacher marking a paper about the progress she was making.
"Very well, you can go back to your seat." Mr. Barton said as Mr. Prat helped her put the canvases and leather book back into the portfolio and her bag.
It had been such a long night that she was even dozing off while standing there. Luckily this was the last period of class before she would be able to go home, eat then take a long nap. Her parents didn't care so long as she had everything done for school. This was her senior year, and she didn't want to mess it up.
"Everyone all right?" Asked Captain RedBeard when everyone materialized then collapsed on the deck of the ship.
"Allan!" Anna and Kristoff hugged their son the moment they could.
"Where's Ingrid?" Emma asked. She'd been so close. So close to holding her daughter in her arms again. But that moment had once more been snatched away as she helped Killian to his feet.
"I don't know. I don't know what SherKhan did with her." Killian shook his head.
"This might give us a clue..." Snow White said, spotting Ingrid's bag which had landed with them.
"Hold on... She takes that every where..." Bujune said in alarm.
Emma and Killian raced over at once, opening the bag. They saw scrolls, and loads of books in a bag that was bigger on the inside than it seemed.
"You did good work on this bag, look how much stuff she's crammed in here!" Emma looked up at Regina.
"I wanted to make sure it would last and be useful to her. She's my Goddaughter after all." Regina replied.
"Ah! Her mirror!" Arjana cried out.
Emma reached for it.
"What about it?" Ray asked.
"Ingrid used this to see where the Savior was. She didn't know you were her parents at the time. But she knew how to use it still." Arjana looked between Ray and Emma.
"Show us Ingrid." Emma said, waving her hand over the mirror, which glowed brightly.
They could see Ingrid, asleep on a bed in a tower. Then the image warped as though looking into her mind itself.
"What in blazes..." Killian muttered.
Ingrid was sitting in a classroom, looking downright bored out of her mind and ready to sleep.
"Was she always like that in class?" Asked Emma.
"Not usually with me, no." Snow shook her head.
"You have a different approach to teaching, though." David commented. "That looks boring as mud, honestly."
"Can we get back to what the real problem is now?" Killian snapped. They were so close to being reunited as a family again. He had no idea what happened after he saw Ingrid crushing Ka'as heart. Something he'd never hoped to see her do.
"Show us where this is." Henry asked the mirror, which obliged.
It was an old, abandoned castle to the far North of the Enchanted Realms. A place few ever ventured.
"The Dark Kingdom..." Breathed Snow White.
"Now what?" Asked Bujune.
"Now we find a way to get our daughter back." Killian said as Emma sighed. "And defeat that Tiger once and for all."
Ingrid yawned. She'd given her progress report to her parents after school, and her parents rewarded her with a treat- a new book, one she'd been hoping for for months since it was released.
"You'll get the sequel when it comes out if you have made enough progress by then." Her mother said kindly.
Yawning again, Ingrid was in her room with her windows open. It was a perfect evening to nap with a cool breeze wafting in through the window.
And now she had a moment alone to think about everything. How weird that dream had been. She'd been the daughter of the pirate Captain Hook and the Savior Emma Swan, the grandchild of Snow White and Prince Charming, and the Goddaughter to the Evil Queen turned good, Regina. The last thing she recalled in her dream was crushing the heart of the snake woman Ka'a, which was her last wish- to have a painless death and be free from the control of the Tiger SherKhan, an old enemy of Captain Hook's. And there was a song, made loud by Ursula's powers... Quickly Ingrid went to her desk, found a sheet of paper and wrote the lyrics. It was more than just a song... And yet...
She stared at it. Everything about this project had felt interesting to her. How it influenced her imagination, how it influenced her dreams. The way she viewed her boring normal world she lived in. But it was just a dream, just a story she was writing for her Senior Project so she could graduate High School. But if they were just stories, then why did they stick to her heart so much? Why did it feel like the stories gave her a reason for being?
She didn't notice the lights were flickering in her room as she was thinking all of this. In fact, even the TV her parents were watching downstairs began acting strange.
"Must be something with the breaker..." Muttered her father, who decided to go check on it. But as he stood up, they heard a scream from Ingrid's room.
"Ingrid?" Her mother said in alarm, rushing up the stairs to the second level of the house where the rooms were. Lights were going wild, and she knew how that upset her daughter. Just like lightning storms which she was always terrified of.
Opening her door, her mother saw the lights in her room going wild as though electricity surges were coursing through the circuits. Ingrid was on the floor, terrified and huddled with a stuffed bunny half her size.
"Make it stop!" Ingrid cried out as her mother rushed over to hug her daughter. "Don't worry, Dad's checking the breaker. He'll probably be calling the electricians right away."
Her Dad always knew what to do. She took several deep breaths. Her parents never seemed to notice that when she calmed back down, the power surges went away.
"See? Look..." Her mother said kindly as Ingrid at last looked up over her stuffed bunny rabbit. "It's getting all better now."
A few days later the electricians were out at their place.
"Well, the most we can find was the power surges from the company short circuited your system yesterday." Said a man who resembled Grumpy. "We'll be making sure to fix it on our end so it doesn't happen again."
"Thanks, Mr. Grump." Said Ingrid's father as Ingrid was nearby in the yard practicing her archery for physical education class the next day. She managed to split eight arrows in a row.
"Your daughter's an excellent shot." Mr. Grump commented.
"She's been practicing." Nodded the father. "Never misses a shot. We think she might go regional if she really wanted." He was proud of her.
"Well good luck to you. I heard from my sister she's also got straight A's." Mr. Grump's sister was one of Ingrid's favorite teachers who taught history class. He put his cap back on, before getting in his truck where his partner Mr. Hap waited.
Driving away, all pretenses and pretending were dropped.
"Anything?" Asked Happy.
"No, hasn't got a clue about anything. All I know is this won't make them happy. No offense." Grumpy added at the end, realizing the bad joke last second.
"None taken. But at least we know where she's at now." Sighed Happy.
Sitting in the shop were Emma, Killian and a few others who agreed to help them. Including Rumple Stiltskin. Waiting for word from Grumpy and Happy, who'd wanted to come and help them find Ingrid to bring her home to Storybrooke at last. Arjana, Bujune and Ray were also there having vowed to Ingrid herself to not stop protecting her until she was back in Storybrooke. Ursula had been sent on her way back to her kingdom, and Allan decided he wanted to help in any way he could even if he couldn't use his magic outside of Storybrooke.
It was thanks to Rumple's planning and ventures into the other realms that they were able to leave the Enchanted Forest realms in the first place to find Ingrid in the Dark Kingdom. It had taken a few days, but now they were here in this 'backwater castle in the middle of nowhere' as Killian put it. They understood perfectly that this was part of SherKhan's punishment for Ingrid killing Ka'a. Even though through the dream catcher and Allan's eyes on the situation that it was what Ka'a desired most, to find someone who could finish the job she never could do. They also learned that Ka'a was never really SherKhan's ally or 'commander' by will. They were now part of this mental labyrinth concocted by SherKhan to keep Ingrid trapped in the darkness.
Snow White had said she was so sorry, but Emma said she was just determined to reunite the family once and for all and to defeat SherKhan. Finding each other was in their genes. Neal said that he would watch over Storybrooke with his cousin Gideon while they were away this time when they discovered a barrier around the old castle, and so they were off beyond the barrier with the potion Rumple begrudgingly cooked up for them to pass through. Rumple only helping them because of a favor he owed David in helping him understand Belle more back in the day. David had been very clear about his request, that if Rumple helped them bring Ingrid back unharmed, then they could consider each other even at last.
At one point while they were waiting for a different potion Rumple was making for memory recovery, Killian had flown into a rage saying that if he'd been paying more attention, Ingrid wouldn't be in the situation she was in. Believing that her own parents were just part of some story, she had no magical talents, she wouldn't have crushed Ka'as heart the way she did... And it was Emma who reminded him that she has her strength because her family had strength. That Ingrid wasn't just the child of a pirate, but the descendant of heroes and heroines known the world over. Yeah, they'd been so close to being a family again, but they'd find each other once more. Just like Snow White and Prince Charming did time and again.
Killian and Emma had embraced.
Now, they were here and had to figure out how to tell Ingrid that what she was writing and painting weren't just stories. Then it was figuring out how to wake her up, and get back to Storybrooke.
The sound of a truck pulling up to the electricians shop took Killian out of his revere, then the door opening and closing.
"Anything? Does she have any clues as to who she is?" Asked Emma as Killian looked up.
"Nothing. Notta. I can say that there is a bit of her old self. She was practicing archery when we were at the house." Grumpy shook his head. "Let's just say she's got her grandma's skills." He looked over at Snow who practically glowed with grandmotherly pride.
"When I went into the class undercover of her mentor, she had no idea who I was." Killian agreed with the facts.
"Either that or she's pretending really well." Emma realized as she was looking through photos Killian had taken. "None of us know what SherKhan will do if he finds us here."
"Well so far, we've been lucky." Regina, who was standing guard by the windows that had drawn curtains.
"And so long as we remain lucky, I can have this potion made in time before any serious damage is done to Ingrid's mentality." Rumple commented as he poured a glowing liquid into a small cauldron.
"I'm just glad that this is Ingrid's mind after her training with Phil, so you could find everything you needed." David commented.
Ingrid frowned as she was concentrating on her painting. It was days after the incident with the power surge, and things were pretty much back to normal. Back to their boring, normal states as they were in this boring, normal town. She was working on the details of Snow White and Prince Charming's daughter, the Savior, for her Senior Project that evening after taking a nap. When she pulled the detail brush liner away from the golden blond hair, Ingrid felt a splitting headache strike her all of a sudden.
"Ingrid?" Her mother was poking her head through the door of the room, in her hands was a tray of snacks. "Thought I'd bring you something to keep you going." The snacks included some of her favorites- rice balls, rainbow carrots, and a couple kinds of fruit on the side. "You ok sweetie?" She put the plate next to the paper palette Ingrid had her range of paints on.
"Yeah. I think I need a break anyways. Thanks mom." She said, reaching for the rice ball. It was tuna sushi flavor, which she ate up right away.
"It's coming right along I see." Her mother knelt forward to see the painting on the easel next to her daughter's desk. The easel had been her father's who handed it down to his granddaughter.
"Trying not to over render certain sections has been the trick, though." Ingrid sighed. "I know it's just a story for the Senior Project, but I want it believable."
"Of course you do, that's how you're going to break out into the publisher's world after all. Believable stories, even if they are fictional." Nodded her mother. "Well, I'll leave it to you." She hugged her daughter before walking away.
The following day was the start of spring break. Ingrid was found walking down the street and looking at the familiar settings. Her parents were too busy with work this year to go anywhere, a fact which her classmates laughed at mercilessly the day before. Almost everyone else was going to the coast to have big blow out, drunken yelling destructive parties. As if that was the best thing ever. Not to Ingrid. She preferred this town when she was alone without her classmates. No one to bother her as she searched for answers.
She knew this was wrong. But she had no idea how to escape it. Every part of her told her not to trust the people in the town, no matter how much they smiled at her, and treated her with respect. She had no friends at the school either.
Walking by a shop, her mind seemed to 'glitch' out with a migraine momentarily. She swayed on the spot as she saw Mr. Grump approaching the door. He looked exactly like Grumpy from her painting.
But how could he be here? Now? At all times? Maybe it was just part of the mental landscape... mental landscape... She gripped the brick wall of the electricians building to keep herself from falling.
"Ms. Jones? You ok?" Mr. Grump asked upon seeing her on her usual afternoon walk.
"Yeah, I-I'm f-fine..." She muttered as Mr. Grump helped stand her back on her feet.
"Why don't you come in for some cool air and water, then we can be sure." Mr. Grump suggested.
She looked up at him. He was one of the few people she could trust.
"Ok." She followed him into the shop where he went to the back. She could hear him talking to people- probably other co workers. But it didn't sit well with her somehow calling them that. He then came out with a glass of ice water for her.
"Sorry that took a bit, here. This will help." Mr. Grump said. Grumpy watched as she drank the ice water. He'd known this kid since she was a baby. The fact that she was already sensing something was off didn't surprise him at all. As she drank she swayed a bit when the beverage was gone. He could practically see the memories coming back to her as she grabbed the back of a nearby steel chair to steady herself.
"Grumpy?" She blinked as she looked up.
"Welcome back, kid." He smiled.
For a moment she looked happy to remember everything at last. Then another realization.
"I shouldn't be here!" She gasped, dropping the glass. "I've lingered too long." She turned to leave at once.
"Wait! What about your folks? Don't you want to see them?" Grumpy asked. She gave him a last, silent, terrified look of warning before dashing out the door.
The moment she left, Killian and Emma came from the back room.
"What the bloody hell was that all about?" Killian asked as Emma magicked the glass back together.
"Not a clue, but I can tell you one thing... I've never seen that kid looking so downright terrified as I'd seen her then before she left." Grumpy admitted. "There was also something else... Like a warning behind that look." He added on further reflection.
"A warning?" Emma blinked.
Ingrid sat alone on a creek bed. There were nice big rocks that she enjoyed sitting at, and this creek was the size of a small river near the house. Of course after drinking the memory potion she knew exactly who she was, then her migraines went away. But now came the more difficult task of escaping this mental trap without causing harm to her loved ones or putting SherKhan on the offensive again.
She started to hum the song her mother Emma used to sing to her as she thought about the predicament she was in. It was the lullaby that carried her through her days in the jungle, even though she had no idea back then who she was.
Killian and Emma happened to be walking down the street when they heard the humming of a sweet but sad melody.
"Shhh-" Emma said when Killian looked sideways at his wife.
"She does remember..." He muttered.
"The wolves should be in place by now." Emma said as they went to the edge where they could see Ingrid sitting by the water, humming her tune.
Ingrid heard a rustling in the nearby shrubs. It was a sound she remembered well, and turned her head slightly. She could see the shadowy shape of a familiar friend. For a moment she wondered how on earth Bujune found his way into the mental landscape, then she shook her head ever so subtly when she saw him take a quiet step forward. There was a pained look in his eyes. But he resisted coming forward to be by her side regardless. She reached up to tug at her necklace which was the very necklace her real father had given her on her birthday what seemed like now a life time ago. It was a subtle movement. One that only a wolf with wolves' eyes could notice.
Bujune saw this and stepped back into the shrub. It was an unspoken moment between them. Somehow he'd gotten the message- she knew, but had to keep pretending. He dashed up to the street level where Killian and Emma waited. Arjana and Ray followed suit.
"Well?" Asked Emma quietly as they turned back to their human selves.
"She knows." Bujune said. "The potion worked. But she can't act out now. There's something holding her captive."
"Or someone..." Growled Killian.
"We have to find SherKhan before anything else happens to her." Emma said, her heart racing.
Ingrid was already thinking this. The next day she told her 'parents' that she forgot something at the school, so she was given permission to go back and pick up whatever this was. The school made sense to her as one of the first places to look for clues as to where SherKhan was hiding. She didn't know what this place was. She wasn't even aware that it was her own mental trap set by him.
When she reached the imposing three story brick school building she took a deep breath. To get answers as to what this was, she'd have to start here. With the smallest touch of magic she managed to warp the security cameras and sneak her way in unnoticed. Schools always seemed so creepy when it was after hours. But this one especially so.
Walking in quietly, she didn't call out. She even made sure not to talk to herself or risk getting caught.
The Principal's office was on the first floor to the right of the entry into the school. That was the first place she'd have to look. With a few little magic touches, she was able to get in without causing a stir from security. She saw books and pictures all along the walls. Happy families, a father with children. Upon closer inspection, she could feel a magic aura around these photos. It's all lies, she was sure of it. With a wave of her hand, the father and Principal warped into a figure she knew too well by this point. SherKhan is the principal? That's a twisted fate. She saw the drawers at the desk in the middle of the room were locked. With a simple spell, she opened it. It wasn't anything at all like the secret drawer she imagined most principals had in their offices.
Hellooo... Her eyes went wide as she saw a jar full of ashes labeled 'Ka'a'. She saw a small book as well, picked it up, and opened it. It contained appointments, sure. Plans, yes. It was in the notes that she saw something interesting.
The mental destabilization is going as planned. It was a small note, but enough to give her an idea what SherKhan was trying to do. She kept rifling through the pages. Soon she'll never escape the labyrinth.
She heard a noise that made her jump. Making a copy of the notes, she put them in her pocket before replacing everything with a recollection spell as it was then erasing all senses of her aura. Hurrying into the hallway, she ducked out of sight behind a couple of soda machines. Then she heard voices. Voices that she was eager to reunite with but couldn't right away.
"Any sign of her?" Killian asked in a low voice.
"No, I was certain we tracked her here." Followed Emma's voice.
Mom... Papa... If I communicate with them out right SherKhan will catch on. She then used a simple transport spell on the pages to send them to her mother's coat pockets. Luckily she knew that red leather jacket well. How she missed the days when she was so small she could curl up in it, napping on her father's lap in the old family cottage when her mom was off busy being the sheriff that she was for Storybrooke. The pages and notes would be in good hands with her mother. They'd figure out something to do. In the meantime she had to pretend everything was according to design. With a silent 'poof' she vanished from the school, reappearing in an alley not far and walking out like she was just on her regular stroll around town.
Emma felt the papers fill the inner pockets of her red leather jacket with something of a surprise.
"Swan?" Killian asked, looking at his wife in concern when she reached into said pocket.
"When did these get here?" She blinked, unfolding it then quickly stifling a gasp. "Ingrid found something..."
On the last bit was a note from Ingrid herself- Must keep up the charade for all our sakes. I love you Mom, Papa.
It was a simple but effective message. It let them know the potion worked. And even she knew there was something going on that wasn't right here.
"She must've been here... We just missed her." Killian looked around.
"Come on, let's get back to the others." Emma said, and she poofed them both back to the electricians shop where they were based.
Moments after they left, SherKhan himself walked into the building disguised as the likable, caring principal of the high school. Completely unaware of the snooping around that was happening from all sides. Completely confident in his plan to hit Killian right where it hurt the most. He didn't sense any magic or disturbances as he went to his office. So long as Ingrid remained oblivious, she'd be forever trapped in the sleeping curse and mental labyrinth he used to trap her in this realm.
It seemed like days had passed by with little change. Late one night when the people who claimed to be Ingrid's parents went to bed, she knew it was her chance. She couldn't risk using magic or SherKhan would know what she was up to. Opening her bedroom window, she looked out at the tree right within reach. Quietly she popped open the screen that kept the bugs out, set it down, and listened. Nothing was stirring in this house. Carefully she stepped onto the roof, then to the tree without making a noise. She was ever so grateful for Phil's training. He taught her more than just magic. Finally she reached the last good branch, then jumped, landing catlike and quiet on the soft grass.
Looking back up, tugging her blue pleather jacket a little more inward, she stood up. She had to hurry.
Running down the streets, she thought how eerie and quiet this was. She had no idea what was happening, but knew it wasn't right. After running a ways she stopped then looked back. The house was farther behind than she thought it ought to be. And the main downtown area of this town was also farther ahead.
He knows already... She took a deep breath. This wasn't just a landscape, it was more like a labyrinth. She resumed running, knowing exactly which shop her family was holed up in. As she ran it seemed to hit her. This was SherKhan trying to mess with her mind.
Gasping for breath, she bent doubled over. Her mind... This WAS her mind after all. Everything seemed familiar, yet not somehow. Almost like Storybrooke. She caught her breath, closed her eyes and concentrated.
"What do you think you can accomplish by closing your eyes, little one?" Chuckled SherKhan. "My hold on your mental state is nearly complete."
"No. This is my mind and no one else's." Ingrid said seriously, snapping her eyes open to see the tiger circling around her like he was taunting his prey. "If my cousin Gideon has taught me anything about dream or mental worlds or whatever... in mine... I'M in charge."
She knew it would work before it happened. She poofed away from SherKhan, landing on the door step of the electricians shop. Quickly she grabbed hold of the handle. But it wouldn't budge. SherKhan was fighting this with every ounce of magic he had. The window screens shot up, she could see her parents and family on the other side in the shop, looking stunned.
"All right, you wretched beast, time to fight fire with water." Ingrid took a step back and started kicking at the door with all her brute strength. Her real parents saw what she was doing, and she also saw them motioning for the rest of the company to stand back as Emma stepped forward. She couldn't hear what they were saying as her mother raised her hand.
Finally as SherKhan resumed his human form, and was looming directly behind her, Ingrid kicked the door open with her mother's help in Savior magic weakening the door just enough.
Killian raced forward, unsheathing his sword as Ingrid fell forward.
"It's time to end this SherKhan!" He declared, while Emma raced to help her daughter to her feet.
"You will be the one who is ended here!" SherKhan shot back one last verbal blow.
SherKhan had no chance to turn around. In this mental land scape, Ingrid envisioned her father winning the long fought battle at last.
The moment the sword pierced SherKhan's heart, he, Emma, Snow White, David, Allan, Rumple, Grumpy and Happy, Arjana, Ray and Bujune all woke up. Ingrid was still asleep on the bed as SherKhan was expelled from her mind.
"Ingrid?" Emma asked, hurrying forward. Her daughter now looked more peaceful than strained like before.
"It appears she's still trapped under the sleeping curse, even if you've managed to expel SherKhan from her mind." Rumple said.
Emma brushed her daughter's bangs softly. She'd been through so much already. Leaning forward she kissed her daughter on the forehead. Everyone present all felt the rush of parental love Emma had for her daughter. It had been the same the first time Emma broke the Evil Queen's curse all those years ago.
Ingrid had been staring down at the injured SherKhan.
"This is my mind, MY sanctuary. YOU are no longer welcome." She declared. "Now get outta my head."
With a wave of her hand, she expelled the glowering, injured SherKhan away before a warm, white light descended upon her...
Ingrid opened her eyes with a small gasp.
"Mom?" She asked, to which Emma nodded, helping her daughter up and hugging her as Killian also raced forward.
"We're so proud of you." Emma said after the three embraced, then her grandmother and grandfather hurried over to hug Ingrid, followed by Arjana, Ray and Bujune. Allan stayed back, looking awkward for some reason. Grumpy silently elbowed Happy, they both looked over at the young prince with grins on their faces.
"Well, now that that's all settled, we should really be on our way." Rumple urged the Charming family.
"What do you mean hurry?" Asked Snow. "Killian defeated him there."
"Do you really think it's that easy to defeat SherKhan? You merely wounded him. He'll be along as soon as his wounds are healed. So unless you'd like to stay here and tempt fate, I'd suggest we save the parties and congratulations until we're well shot of this place." Rumple warned.
"As much as I don't like to agree with Rumple, he's right. I bet we've only won the battle here. Not the war." David nodded reluctantly.
"Well then, let's make a hasty retreat, shall we?" Regina asked, and they all poofed out of the castle.
"What happened? How did you find me?" Asked Ingrid, still confused about the events that transpired.
"Well, we had a little help." Emma handed Ingrid her bag which had the mirror.
"From Zelena of all people," Regina said as though she herself hardly dared believe those words came out of her mouth.
"The mirror?" Ingrid blinked.
Arjana nodded like she wanted to shout for joy, but thankfully for everyone's ears she refrained.
"Thank goodness your friend here remembered what it was initially for." David commented.
"Well, THAT coming from King Charming is certainly high praise." Ray sarcastically said.
Rumple looked as though he wasn't sure if he liked this lad yet or not. At any rate, his comment certainly earned a little twitch of the mouth behind everyone's backs that only his son noticed.
"So what now?" Asked Ingrid as she put her bag over her shoulders where it belonged.
"Now, we get Prince Allen back to Arendale, and then we find out a way to get back to Storybrooke." Killian said with an arm around his daughter's shoulders thusly embarrassing her in front of her friends.
"Well, you lot can go to Arendale. As for me, I'm going back to the cottage with Belle. You my boy?" He asked his son.
"I think I'd like to stay with the group a little while longer, papa. It's fun exploring kingdoms you were long ago banished from." Gideon added with a wry grin.
"I see some of the Charming's sarcasm is rubbing off on you. Not sure if that's a good thing. Very well then." Sighed Rumple, feeling annoyed again.
"Tell mum I said hi, and I love her. Love you too, papa." He added quickly.
Rumple gave his son a hug goodbye, the Charming's, Regina, Dwarves, Wolves and Allen an annoyed jerk of the head, then poofed away.
"Well, typical Rumple at least." David commented as Snow grinned.
"Still though... If you'd told my memory-erased self that I was the daughter of the Savior and Captain Hook, not to mention granddaughter of Snow White and King Charming, I'd have laughed at you." Ingrid admitted, finding a rock to sit on while Arjana, Ray and Bujune took to their wolfish forms and sat on either side of her and Bujune in front like a dark, loyal centry.
"That would be enough of a pill for anyone to swallow." Emma admitted. "I didn't want to believe my mom and dad were Snow White and Prince Charming when I first saw Henry on my apartment doorstep all those years ago."
"From what Henry's said, you were a tough one to crack." Allen said rather curiously.
"He told you about all this?" Killian asked.
"Oh yeah. It was interesting stuff to listen to." Nodded Allen.
"Either way, we should get going. Your family is waiting for you, Your Majesty." Emma said quickly to avoid any farther embarrassment.
Queen Anna was staring out the window of the throne room at Arendale. Wondering how her son's journey was going when she heard the familiar 'poofing' sound behind her. Turning she saw from a large cloud of smoke her son running over to hug her.
"We did it!" He exclaimed.
"Well done!" Anna hugged her son, ruffling his red hair.
"Mom...!" He felt rather embarrassed having that done in front of Ingrid.
Anna grinned and giggled before turning to the family watching them.
"I'm so glad your mission was a success." She said, walking over to embrace Emma. "I know how hard it can be to be separated from someone you love. For any length of time."
"It wasn't easy, but without you we couldn't have found her again." Emma thanked her long time friend.
"So this is the troublemaker?" Anna smiled, looking at Ingrid, who bowed respectfully. "Please, no need to bow. We're all practically like family here." She brought Ingrid into a hug. "And these are your friends?"
"Yes, this is Arjana, Ray and Bujune." Ingrid pointed each one to Anna in turn as she introduced them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. What are you going to do now that you're back together?" She asked.
"We were hoping to return to Storybrooke. We've been away for far too long." David replied as he put a hand on his granddaughter's shoulder.
Anna was clearly thinking.
"Why not stay a little while longer?" She asked. "I was hoping to throw a ball in your honors."
"A ball?" Grumpy said brightly.
"Yes, to celebrate us being together once again. I always thought it would be nice to celebrate at least once with my Storybrooke friends." Smiled Anna.
"Been a while since we've been to a full on ball." Snow smiled.
"And I can call in all of our old friends from across the lands. Then after the ball, you can return home through the portal." Anna said.
"Then who are we to stop you from throwing a ball? World's not in crisis or anything at the moment after all." Killian gave a wry smile.
"Papa? You wanting to go to a ball?" Ingrid raised her eyebrows skeptically. He didn't really strike her as the dancing sort.
"We just fought tooth and nail to reunite as a family. I'm not about to spoil the chance to let loose a little." Killian said as Emma laughed.
So the preparations began over the next few days. People from all over the Enchanted Kingdoms came to Arandale. Ingrid's family kept a running commentary for her and her friends.
"I never realized how well connected your family is." Ray said after Jasmine and Aladdin flew in on a flying carpet, circling around them for a bit of a show off moment. The carpet hovered above them.
"It's been a while!" Jasmine said. "Who's this?" She asked.
"This is Ingrid, mine and Killian's daughter." Emma gave Ingrid a little nudge forward- she'd suddenly become a bit shy looking.
The carpet extended one of it's corners out for Ingrid to take.
"Charming to meet you all." She smiled as Aladdin laughed.
"We'll see you at the ball later!" Jasmine called when they flew down to the ground level- the Charmings, Ray, Arjana and Bujune were all on a balcony that overlooked the entry to the castle.
"That was new!" Arjana practically cooed about the carpet.
"I hope I never have to fly on it." Grumbled Bujune who'd looked unnerved at the thought of a sentient magical carpet.
Over the next couple of days Ingrid got to meet all of their old friends, including the now Queen Merida.
"Your Mother took me on quite an interesting journey." Merida commented. "She was but a wee Dark One, but taught me so much about myself. And about mercy."
"Don't worry, that part of my past is long behind me." Emma said, thinking back on those days. "I'm glad you're doing good nowadays."
"Wells as can be, being Queen and all." Shrugged Merida. "I came out of curiosity as to the summons, now I'm curious about your bonnie wee lass here. Heard all about her adventures across the kingdoms the last couple of years. These Enchanted Realms can be quite tricky to manage on the best of days but it seems that you've handled things decently enough."
Ingrid tried to give her best humble smile.
"Well as I could, anyways. Wouldn't have made it without my friends here." She indicated her three wolves standing nearby. (Arjana, Ray and Bujune had decided to take to their wolfish forms for meeting Merida).
"Aye, good you found some. You need strong friends if you're to survive in these parts." Smiled Merida at the wolves. She didn't judge that they were werewolves. She'd seen much stranger things in her times.
There was a loud bell that chimed throughout the castle.
"And that's the sound that's telling me I should go to my quarters for the evening. I'll be seeing you all tomorrow?" She said, looking at the rest of the family.
"It was good seeing you again, Queen Merida." Snow said.
"Aye." Nodded Merida before leaving.
Later that evening, Ingrid was alone walking the halls of the now sleeping castle. There was a silent buzz of excitement in the air. Snow had explained a ball was a chance for the kingdoms to show off. Yes they would be having some fun, but also it was a chance to either forge bonds or reinforce the bonds between the lands. This was the first time Ingrid had been allowed to be alone since she was reunited with her family. Sleep eluded her. She had nightmares of a room on fire every night since she woke from the sleeping curse. So she would go for a late night stroll to calm her mind and heal any wounds that came from the flames. She didn't want her family to worry over something like this when they were all so excited to be together again.
She sighed, looking up at a family portrait of Anna, Kristoff, Allan, Elsa, Olaf and Elsa. Apparently Kristoff had been away on an ice gathering mission with Olaf and Sven but would be there in time for the ball the next day.
There was a sudden ping of annoyance. Nearly everyone she met was comparing her to her parents and her family. Though they'd all been polite, she'd seen it in her eyes- they were all looking at her as the daughter and granddaughter of these great people. Seeing her for what she could bring to the Enchanted Realms. Seeing her for the role she'd play as the daughter of the Savior. Not seeing her for who she really was. It had been a problem since she was a child. Henry had born his role relatively well growing up as the Author. And she was the Light One, whatever that meant. She still had no idea who she was to begin with, even though at the same time she knew who she was again in regards to her family and her past. But what she really wanted was to know her real self. Who she was beyond her parentage. Every single one of these great people all had the same expressions on their faces.
It was all so annoying, she thought as she walked on. She didn't notice that her shadow briefly had something of a different shape to it.
She found a spot where she thought she was alone, a hallway open air lobby of sorts and looked out the tall floor to ceiling windows up at the full moon, before letting out a frustrated groan.
Allan had been walking down that same hallway when he spotted Ingrid in a blue night robe with her long black hair hanging loose strolling his way. She looked lost in thought and deeply frustrated about something. He quickly ducked behind a suit of armor which was shining in the moonlight so she wouldn't see him when something caught his eyes. It was her shadow. Briefly in the direct moonlight he could've sword he saw it reflected in four different angles. Glancing at his own, it was only reflected once onto the wall behind him. Blinking, he stared back. The four shadows were gone in an instant. He thought it must've been a trick of the eye.
Then he heard her make the sound of someone frustrated about something, and he decided to talk to her. His nerves failing him every time before, but with no one around, this might be his chance.
Quietly he stepped out, took a deep breath, then walked forward.
Ingrid heard the approaching footsteps, and turned to see Allan. He blinked when he saw her.
"Prince Allen..." She said, suddenly feeling awkward at being caught like this.
"Erm... hi..." He looked just as awkward. Which somehow made her feel a bit better. "Just Allen is fine. I mean... we are friends right?" He looked a little uncertain about this.
To this she smiled. "Of course we are."
It was a moment before he realized he was blushing at seeing her like this, illuminated by the moonlight with the moon directly above her. In his eyes, she seemed ever the part of the Light One in that spot- glowing like a star in the night. He brought himself back to reality quickly.
"What are you doing up so late?" She asked.
"Couldn't sleep. So much going on." He shrugged, doing his best to casually walk up to her. "You?"
"Same. This kind of thing isn't really my cup of tea." She admitted. "But my parents and grandparents always seemed to get me into dancing when I was a kid."
"Yeah. My mom jokes that I have two left feet." Allen chuckled.
"I used to step on my grandpa's feet all the time." She grinned, remembering the last dance lesson before everything changed.
"King Charming taught you then?" Allen asked.
She shrugged.
"Mostly."
She didn't really seem to be the type to engage in pointless conversation. And to even be annoyed by it. For a while they stood there in silence, looking out at the night sky.
"I noticed the other day, when you were being introduced to all those people... I don't mean to pry... But you didn't seem entirely thrilled about it all?" He finally asked.
She gave a sigh.
"It's not that I don't enjoy meeting all these famous people. But when I'm introduced as the daughter of the Savior and Captain Hook, that's all people will ever see me as." She admitted, rather than biting his head off. He had after all been trapped on that island along with her and her father. He deserved to be treated as such.
"I know that feeling." He admitted. This was the first time he'd said this to anyone. She looked over at him in ill disguised surprise. "All my life I've bee introduced as the Crowned Prince of Arendale, son of Queen Anna and Lord Kristoff. These are two of the heroes who saved the kingdom from Prince Hanz and his brothers when they invaded all those years ago."
"That can't be easy." Ingrid sympathized.
"It's not. I've been trying to carve my own way ever since I was old enough to think on my own." He sighed. "Something tells me you know how difficult that is." He looked over, meeting her eyes for the first time. She nodded with a shrug.
There was something to be said about finding someone you can connect with.
"Unfortunately. It's not something a lot of people can understand." She admitted, to which he smiled.
They talked for a while longer and by the end of it Ingrid was feeling much better about the ball.
"How do you face events like these knowing that people will be judging you based on your relations?" She asked.
"By being myself and letting their comments and looks wash over me. I always take a deep breath before heading out, and that keeps me calm." He replied. "It's also super annoying having to dodge the ladies of the court who are always trying to get a dance with me."
"And you're just not that interested?" She smiled. "I always duck out the moment I can from the dances back home to avoid all the guys."
"Hey, you know what would show them?" An idea suddenly struck Allen.
"What?" She asked.
"Is if you went as my date... I mean, as friends and all. But then it would solve both our issues." He suggested. He'd been meaning to ask her to be his date for a couple days now, but couldn't find the right moment.
Ingrid considered this for a moment.
"I've never had a date to a dance outside direct family before..." She admitted. "Even as a friend. It might be fun. It would even make our families look good to everyone else."
His face split into a wide grin as the greatest relief spread through him. He was glad she was seeing it this way and not making a big deal out of it. Then he realized she was blushing.
Ingrid thought that perhaps this was the first time she'd really seen his smile, and it made such an impact on his looks. She didn't notice though, that she was blushing until she caught sight of her reflection in the window.
He decided not to make a scene of this, and let her take a moment to recover herself. Maybe hopefully even win a few extra points on his part in her books.
"Win win for everyone. Well, except for the ladies of the court." He said.
Ingrid gave a nervous giggle.
Later that night Ingrid returned to her room in much higher spirits than she had been when she went for her walk. As she bade farewell to Allen and turned her back to him, he looked at her shadow on the wall reflected in the moonlight. It looked just like a normal human shadow.
"Hmm." He muttered before turning away back towards his room. He fought hard the urge to skip down the hallways. He wasn't a school boy. Though he was quietly celebrating the fact that he finally asked a girl to a ball for the first time. First and last he thought, recalling that she'd be leaving for this... Storybrooke realm soon after the festivities were concluded. It was on a bittersweet note that he returned to his quarters.
The next day Ingrid was with Ray, Arjana and Bujune in the streets of Arendale enjoying some fresh air. The only reason she was allowed to leave her parent's side was because her three friends promised to not let Ingrid leave their sights. But Ingrid didn't mind these body guards. They stood by her even after learning who she was. They'd also been given some gold for currency to spend in the markets however they wanted, and Ingrid wanted to show her friends her old master's shop.
"And unless he's gotten some new things in, I know all about the items there." Ingrid was saying, happy to see the 'open' sign facing forward.
Opening the door, the bell chimed and she knocked lightly.
"Hello? Master?" She called, looking around as her friends followed her in with varying expressions of awe at all of the items. It wasn't just regular antique furniture.
"Hm?" Phil had been rummaging below in his front counter and stood up, startling Ingrid and her friends a little. "Ah! Ingrid. What brings you by? I thought our training was finished?" He said.
"I wanted to show this shop to my friends. It was practically my home for the better part of a year." She explained as he set his box that he was holding down on the counter.
"Your family finally giving you a little bit of free time before the big holla baloo?" Phil translated Ingrid perfectly, and she smiled.
"We have some gold too. We were thinking of looking around if that's ok?" She asked.
"Well, this IS a shop. And if you have appropriate funds, then I SUPPOSE that's ok." Phil said in his usual sarcastic tone, to which Ingrid laughed. He felt he'd been fortunate enough to have an apprentice who wasn't slighted by sarcasm and who understood what people tended to call his 'grumpy' nature compared to the rest of the sun shiny, silly, and cheerfully natured folk of Arandale. Ingrid never admitted it, but he could tell she was rather sarcastic herself. Perhaps that was part of why they got on so well during that time he was training her, he thought as the four friends walked through. That, and she was particularly intelligent for someone her age. He went about his business as Ingrid recalled everything she learned to her friends about each object they looked at until Arjana found a set of amber pendants originally forged in Corona.
"And look! There's two!" She said excitedly.
"These pendants are unique. It allows the bearers to communicate across realms, and to know that the other is always ok. When one of the bearers is in danger, the pendants emit warmth. Near their magical or physical limits, they crack. Something happens to their life force..." Ingrid imitated the pendants going 'poof', as in exploding. "There's other mysteries around these pendants, but my Master and I haven't uncovered it."
"Well, I'm going to buy them. Then there will forever be a link between the two of us. Even if you're in this Storybrooke realm, or whatever. How does this allow us to communicate with each other?" Arjana took the case the two amber pendants were in and went to the counter to purchase them. She and Phil exchanged gold coins. Then Arjana handed one of the pendants to Ingrid.
Ingrid held hers flat in her hand. An image of Arjana appeared above it, roughly four inches tall.
"I see. It's like bird post but better." She smiled, putting her own pendant around her neck as Ingrid did hers, and the image vanished.
"It only works if the person on the other end holds the pendant flat in their palm." She explained as the other two were still looking around the shop.
Bujune found a nice suit towards the back that was impervious to magic, which Phil had once used himself against an evil sorceress threatening Arendale years ago. And Ray found a magic red spear that would always return to its bearer if it decided he was worthy.
"Only way to tell if the spear decides on your worthiness is if it lets you pick it up." Ingrid explained.
Ray reached for it slowly, almost uncertain for a moment. Then his hand grasped it. The spear felt light to him, and he then stood with it next to him like a staff.
Ingrid almost felt like it was a moment of him being knighted as he spun it around in his hands.
"It suits you." She said fondly as he brought it around his shoulders then back to his right hand with a last flourish.
"Much better than that spear the old coot back home wanted you to keep using." Ray added. "Back when we were training he was the best spearman our village had."
The spear glowed red, before it shrunk down to the size of a red dagger.
"Handy." Ray said after jumping from being startled. "I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to learn about it's uses on our journey back home."
"Home... Right..." Muttered Ingrid...
The time for the ball had come. The ladies and gentlemen had all separated into their own dressing chambers, emerging in full royal regal garb. Ingrid wore a blue gown with lacy sleeves and a silk cloth draped around her shoulders, and Regina helped tuck her hair into a neat bun as Snow White put a tiara on Ingrid's head.
"Today, I'll be walking you out and this will be your first official appearance as a Princess of our kingdom." Snow smiled.
"Really?" Ingrid blinked.
"I'm so proud of you." Snow nodded. "You've proven yourself MORE than worthy."
"We're all proud of you." Emma added.
"What about you mom? Who will be walking you out?" Asked Ingrid.
"I will. It will be a big show of unity between the former Evil Queen and the Savior if we walk out together."
Regina explained. She was wearing an elegant red medieval style gown with gold and onyx gems decorating the neckline down to the skirt at the floor.
"And a show of acceptance and tradition for the grandmother to be introducing her grandchild to the entire Enchanted Realms." Snow nodded.
Ingrid took a deep sigh to calm herself.
"So no tripping on the way out or anything..." She told herself more than anyone. Her parents had taken it surprisingly well earlier that day when she told them she had a date for the ball, and it was none other than Prince Allen. Her father looked like Christmas had come early and he wanted to cause a little mischief, but Emma had nudged him in the gut with her elbow.
Arjana emerged from her dressing room wearing a pale silver and white ball gown Snow had helped pick out. She among them had the best judgement in styles and fashion for the ladies in the Enchanted Realms. Her dress was also easy to move in, which she appreciated, while her pendant stood out against perfectly. She decided to put her silver hair back in a simple yet elegant braid. Inspired by one she saw Elsa wearing in one of the portraits in the halls of the castle.
"I'll meet you in the ball room with the family." She said as Cinderella came into the room with her daughter.
"Aunty Ingrid!" Lucy exclaimed.
Ingrid looked over. She hadn't seen her niece since before she had her memories taken away, so it surprised her to see her now.
"Luce!" She said, hurrying over. Lucy was wearing a blue gown similar to her mother's. Bending down, Ingrid picked her up. "You're much heavier than the last time I saw you." She joked. Nowadays she was much stronger than she was letting on. Even Emma looked surprised at the ease of Ingrid being able to lift the ten year old Lucy to balance on one arm as her sister in law laughed.
"I've been doing some growing up." Lucy smiled, hugging her aunt.
"I didn't realize you'd be coming here?" She said.
"We, Henry and I, wanted to keep this a surprise." Cinderella hugged Ingrid. "It's so good to see you again."
Emma, Snow, Regina and Arjana all watched with smiles.
A series of bells gonged throughout the castle.
"Ah! It's time!" Snow exclaimed.
Ingrid insisted on carrying her niece, who couldn't have been happier. Lucy had always been attached to her side whenever they visited and Ingrid wanted to make up for lost time.
"Really quickly, I have something for you." Cinderella said. Reaching into a hidden skirt pocket she pulled out a small wrapped parcel. Which she opened for Ingrid. It was a blue sapphire brooch set in a silver frame. "A little something to make up for us missing the last couple of years. May I?" She asked Ingrid if she could pin it to her dress. Ingrid obliged.
"You always spoil me so much when we see each other." Said Ingrid when Cinderella stepped back a few moments later.
"It's the least I can do for my sister in law. We don't see each other nearly enough, and Henry told me what's happened to you the last couple of years." Cinderella put a hand on her younger sister-in-law's left cheek in a gentle manner.
Ingrid knew she wasn't patronizing or anything. It was just one of the ways Cinderella showed affection.
"We should be going." Regina said.
And so they departed down the halls to a room where the women of note were all gathering- Arjana said her momentary farewells and went into the great hall where she found her brothers, David Charming in his finest Kingly Royal garb, then there was Killian who for the first time in years dressed full on Pirate finest. Yet no one seemed perturbed by this.
"You really ARE Captain Hook then..." Arjana commented, to which Killian gave his crooked smile and raised up his arm with the hook for a hand. "How on earth did she get through her childhood without a lot of scars from that thing?"
"By me being VERY careful." Killian explained.
"And Emma baby and childproofing everything sharp." David piped in to which Killian gave him the look of 'really? Can't let me have this?'
Arjana laughed as her brothers joined her.
Then the trumpets sounded, and the precession of the royal ladies began starting with Queen Anna and Lady Elsa. Everyone bowed to each of the women as they descended until finally it was Emma and Regina's turn.
"Presenting Queen Regina and... The Savior!" The Friar announced from his podium.
There was loud applause for the two as they walked out in a clash of Regina's red gown and Emma's Savior White gown. But then once the onlookers adjusted, it was really quite a flattering look for them both as they descended.
"Swan..." Killian offered his arm to his wife. "You look stunning."
"I know." She smiled as Regina hugged Henry.
Standing in line Ingrid stood with her grandmother, Cinderella and Lucy were behind them.
"Nervous?" Snow asked.
"A bit." She could never lie to her grandmother.
"Don't worry, you'll be fine. Just breathe and remember to smile." Snow guided her granddaughter as the guards indicated for them to stand at the exit. She gave Ingrid a brief encouraging hug, and straightening of the tiara on her head before the trumpets sounded and the guards nodded for them to go forward.
"Presenting the Lady Queen Snow White and for the first time her Granddaughter, Princess Ingrid Snow Jones." The Friar said in his clear, loud voice.
"Here we go." Snow gently guided her granddaughter through to the top of the stairs and applause broke out.
Ingrid was reminded of how famous her family was seeing all the faces there. In that moment, she really did feel like a princess. In the distance at the throne she spotted Allen, standing with his family and was surprised by the glowing look he was giving her. She blinked when Snow nudged her gently forward, then walked with her down the steps as the crowd applauded her.
"Our little girl's all grown up." Emma commented as though she were just realizing this for the first time.
"Aye. She can now hold herself up tall in a courtly manner and everything." Killian sighed as Ingrid rushed over to her parents.
"How was that?" She asked in a whisper.
"Perfecly flawless." Emma said as she and Killian hugged her.
The trumpets sounded again.
"Announcing the Lady Cinderella and her daughter, Lady Lucy!" The Friar called once silence in the crowd fell once more.
Cinderella and Lucy both wore blue gowns, looking gentle and bright as they walked down the steps. Henry greeted his wife and daughter in a similar way as Killian and Emma had done theres.
The ceremony went on until the last pair of ladies of the court were announced, then the end of ceremony trumpets sounded. Everyone turned to face the throne, with the Charmings, Jones' and Mills towards the front.
"Thank you all for coming, we are so happy to share in this very special occasion, when our adopted family from another realm can at last be with us, even if it's only for a short time." Anna said. "I hope everyone can enjoy themselves on this evening, a night with the beautiful moon hovering above all these beautiful people."
Applause broke out, Anna signaled the maestro, and Allan stepped down from the throne making a beeline right for Ingrid.
"Ah, yes. It's tradition for the Prince to share the first dance with his Princess." Killian couldn't resist.
"Papa!" Ingrid's face turned bright pink momentarily as Allan reached them.
"All right, young lad." He handed his daughter forward to Allan.
"Watch your feet. She may step on them." Henry commented in a low whisper to Allan.
"Henry! When was the last time I ever stepped on anyone's foot?" Ingrid asked as she allowed Allan to take her hand. Henry gave her a look. "Ok fine, but it was only five times I stepped on yours at that brother-sister dance."
"Ten." Henry recalled with a fake wince to give his sister a hard time as he allowed Cinderella to draw him away for a dance.
"Really?" Allan asked, smiling through the whole sibling exchange.
"Yes, but that was a few years ago now. Hopefully you won't be walking away with a limp this time." Ingrid went with the joke instead of getting mad as they fell into step. First bowing to each other, then taking each other's hands into a gentle waltz.
The ball seemed to go on for hours. Ingrid took a special pleasure in seeing the dirty looks she was getting from several members of Allan's little 'fan club' of sorts from the ladies of the court who were his age. She danced with him, then her father. It became a big fuss among the crowd when she also danced with her grandfather who was legendary among the various kingdoms. Mainly people commenting as to how flawless the dancing of the family seemed. All without Ingrid managing to step on anyones toes or cape trails.
Lucy wanted to dance with her aunt and friend, and during a happy cheerful song Arjana taught little Lucy a joyous dance in a circle before Ingrid finally said she needed a break. Lucy had a lot of energy.
Killian found his daughter sitting at a small, round table off to the side.
"Having fun tonight?" He asked, sitting next to her.
Ingrid smiled in spite of herself.
"It almost feels like a costume gala, or a prom." She said. "Why did you agree to have this go on, Papa?" She asked.
"Because. I wanted you to have a night where you could just blow off steam, have a good time without any expense to anyone. I think my daughter of all people has earned a night to party." He said, signaling a waiter.
"Yes sir?" He asked.
"Bring me over some of your best rum, and for the lady a light, sweet red wine." He instructed. The man bowed, seeming to melt into the crowd instantly.
"Papa!" She exclaimed.
"Relax, you're of age in this realm. Besides, call it a bit of a birthday treat from your old man." The two of them laughed.
That's right, my birthday is soon in Storybrooke. Ingrid thought.
"You're the daughter of Captain Hook, been through hell and back- though not quite the same way as I- and it's about time we had a bit of a party. Though admittedly this isn't quite the party style I used to take part in." Killian said, as the waiter returned with Killian's requested rum bottle and glass of wine for his daughter. He handed his daughter the wine glass. "Just don't drink it all in one go. Small sips will do you proper for the rest of the night. As for me-" He took a giant swig of his rum and Ingrid laughed.
"Woah, having a bit of a drinking party without me are we?" Emma asked.
"Mom..." Ingrid said in surprise, then she was amused by the fact that Emma took her husband's rum bottle and took a deep swig. "Gotta act fast if you want any spot of rum while this pirate's having a drink." She explained.
Regina turned up with a glass of wine in her hands as well while Snow and David were dancing.
Nearby Arjana, Ray and Bujune were seated around the table as the family gathered for a few drinks.
"Seems weird that soon we'll all be on our way home." Arjana said.
"After all this time." Sighed Ray.
"I'm going to miss her." Arjana looked over.
"She was like one of our own for these last two years." Bujune finally spoke, taking a deep drink of his wine. Both Ray and Arjana put a reassuring hand on their brother's shoulders.
Later that night, Ingrid found herself wanting some fresh air so she wandered into the gardens after Allan showed her a shortcut.
She loved the peace and quiet on occasion to recharge herself before returning to the hustle and bustle of the ball. She was nearly tripped up by the abrupt appearance of a fluffy, bouncing white rabbit which dashed across the grass, into the shrubbery before disappearing. Then a girl ran smack into her, the pair of them falling to the ground with a thud.
"Ooof!" A blond girl exclaimed, rolling off. "Great! Now I've lost it!" She cried out. She was wearing regular clothes and a cape.
"Sorry! I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." Ingrid stood up, making sure nothing was out of place before going to help this girl.
"Oh, thanks." Said the blond.
"I think I saw the rabbit duck under there," Ingrid pointed. "If that's what you were looking for."
The blond looked that way, then paused.
"Wait..." The blond looked back at Ingrid, rather puzzled. "You seem familiar."
"Do I?" Blinked Ingrid.
"I'm Alice." The blond said.
"Alice? My cousin Robin said she had a girlfriend called Alice." It clicked in her head.
"Robin's your cousin? Then you must be Ingrid!" Alice said with a smile. "You don't quite look like how I imagined."
"It's probably this getup I'm in. I'm not normally dressed like this... all fancy and princess-like." Ingrid gently adjusted her tiara.
"I guess this makes us half-sisters in a way. If your papa is up in that castle dancing away." Alice looked up, seeing the people from a balcony.
"I guess so. What about your papa?" She asked.
"He's my realm's Captain hook." Said Alice simply. Ingrid smiled. "Though I haven't found him in a while."
"I hope you do. I know what it's like to be separated from the people you love." Ingrid said sincerely.
"Thanks. I better be going." Alice gave Ingrid a brief hug. "Which direction did you see that fluffball go?"
Ingrid pointed.
"Oh, and again, thanks for not reporting me for gatecrashing." Alice added, to which Ingrid nodded.
"No problem. Good luck on your search... Both of them."
Alice almost wished she could spend some time with her half-sister.
Ingrid watched as Alice dashed after the rabbit, which suddenly peeped its head from the shrubs before ducking back under.
"Get back here, you!" Alice exclaimed before dashing off.
Ingrid chuckled before turning away, almost turning right into Allan.
"Uh... hi!" He said awkwardly.
"Hi...?" She blinked, startled to run into him so soon.
"I didn't mean to spy I was just trying to get away from the ladies of the court and..." Allan trailed away, his heart hammering. Then she smiled. Apparently she was in a good mood. "Who was that girl?" He asked.
"A friend, looking for a rabbit..." She said. Glancing back she could see Alice standing among the shrubs. The two smiled briefly at each other before she seemingly disappeared entirely without resurfacing again. Apparently this Alice was good at hiding.
"That reminds me. Before you go tomorrow... I want to show you something. May I?" He asked. She nodded, glad he did not pursue the matter and mystery of Alice.
He led Ingrid through what he said was a shortcut to the city around them. Then through a few quick turns, down an alley way, they rounded a corner which abruptly opened to...
"The ocean." Ingrid gasped.
"I know how much you enjoy the waters. I always see you staring out at the open sea from the balconies." Allan said.
"It's been a rough seas kind of journey to get here, but I'm going to miss these waters." She said, admiring the beauty of the moon sparkling on a smooth glassy surface.
"Must be the pirate in you." He smiled, to which she chuckled nervously.
"Thank you." She said after they stood in silence for a long while.
"For what?" He asked, puzzled.
"For this... for being my friend. I remember you know... When I was in that shop, how you would visit all the time. How you sent the invitations to my friends and I for that last ball. You're a real friend. More than just the son of a famous Queen." Ingrid looked over at him. "I think it's partly thanks to you that I finally get to go home tomorrow."
"You're welcome. But I didn't do it for any sort of praise. I did it for a friend who was in distress." Allen replied.
Ingrid looked over at him for a long moment. Then leaned forward, kissing him on the cheek.
"Funny thing about this whole situation..." She said stepping away. It was just a brief peck, but enough that he was actually blushing and stammering a bit. "If I had a bit more time, I'd have liked to stay in Arandale to really get to know you better. But I know it's time I headed home. I know it's time..." She looked away to stare out at the moonlit seas. "It's been too long... Too long since I smelled the salty airs of Storybrooke... Seen my Dad's ship, the Jolly Roger docked at the port in the distance. That small clocktower above the library... RumpleStilskin's shop that my cousin helps to run..."
Allan was glad for the chance to recover himself.
"I can't imagine what it's like to be unwillingly taken away from a place you grew up in the way you were." He said.
"It was hard." She sighed. "But it's almost over."
The end of the ball finally arrived. The guests didn't stir until later that morning considering the ball lasted until well past midnight. Lucy had fallen asleep on Ingrid's lap after Ingrid and Allen returned from their stroll. With a wave of her hand, Ingrid summoned her old traveling cloak to wrap Lucy in so she wouldn't be cold until Henry came over to pick her up at the end of the ball.
"Thanks for watching her." Henry said.
"You always do so well with her." Cinderella commented.
"I will miss this bundle of energy." Admitted Ingrid, standing up as Cinderella handed Ingrid her cloak back. She patted Lucy's forehead, brushing some loose strands of bangs from her forehead.
"And we'll miss you." Cinderella hugged her sister-in-law.
"But now it's time for all of us to get to bed." Henry suggested as even Ingrid failed to stifle a huge yawn. "Especially if we're to see you guys off tomorrow." He added as Snow, David, Emma and Killian approached.
"You did so well tonight." David said to Ingrid.
"And you DIDN'T step on anyone's toes." Grinned Henry.
"You're never going to let me live that down, are you?" Asked Ingrid as Killian laughed.
"Nope. Never." Henry said as they turned to at last go to their living quarters.
Finally the group woke the following morning. Ingrid was dressed in her Storybrooke outfit she last remembered wearing- blue jeans, red t shirt, blue leather jacket, and black shoes. With her messenger bag draped over her shoulders when Arjana, Ray and Bujune walked in. When Ingrid turned around to greet them, she was also wearing her sword necklace, and amber pendant. Her brooch from her sister-in-law was tucked neatly away in her messenger bag.
Her three friends were also back into their Enchanted Realms outfits, cloaks and all. There was a long moment of silence between them. Then Ingrid broke the distance between them as she hugged all three with tears running down her face.
"I know we'll keep in touch, but I'm still going to miss you." Arjana sniffed when they broke away. "Look at you... You don't even ugly cry. What a Princess." She commented on how Ingrid's eyes weren't all puffy or make up running down her face.
"I don't wear any unnecessary makeup just in case." Replied Ingrid as she wiped her friend's tears away.
Arjana gave a weepy sort of chuckle while Ray was taking deep breaths, and Bujune was blinking furiously.
"You will always be our kin," Bujune said.
"And you mine." Nodded Ingrid.
"I'll miss you." Ray finally choked out. Earning an extra hug from Ingrid.
There was a nocking on the door.
"Ingrid, it's time." Emma peeked her head around. She'd been trying to give her daughter a few moments with her dearest friends.
"All right. You guys ready for one more walk with me?" She asked her friends.
"Always." Bujune replied with one simple, but powerful word.
They stood on a beech just outside of the city where a door had emerged. Even Ingrid's old master Phil had turned up to say his farewells with one last gift. A shield enchanted and impregnated with dragon scales so it was impervious to all fire and magic. The shield also had a trick up its sleeve, so to speak. And shrunk down to the size of a small plate when she held it flat. Like Ray's red spear.
"A gift worthy of a Princess who's the grandchild of King Charming." He said.
"I'm going to miss you, you grumpy old coot." Smiled Ingrid as the door took to it's true form.
"That's the same door that took us back." Anna commented, looking over at Elsa.
"My Papa's doing." Gideon commented. "It's the only way for us to get back home safely now without magic beans."
"Well, it's time." Snow said.
Ingrid stood with her three friends, who had taken to their wolfish forms.
"There is one last thing we would like to give to you." Ray stepped forward, his paws barely leaving a dent in the sand.
The three stepped away from the group so they were several feet away. Then raised their heads... And started to howl. But it wasn't a typical howl of a regular wild wolf or dog.
"Wolf song..." Snow whispered with a smile. It had been years since she'd heard this hauntingly beautiful melody.
When it ended, there were fresh tears in Ingrid's eyes which she quickly wiped away.
"Thank you." Was all she could muster.
The looks in the wolves' eyes told her everything she needed to know about their bond as she touched with her left hand the pendant to show Arjana she'd never forget. Quickly she tucked the shield in her messenger bag. She looked over at Queen Anna, Kristoff, Elsa, Olaf, Sven then Allan. No words passed between them, but she did offer a last respectful bow.
"See you round." Henry called as Lucy waved.
Emma and Killian each took one of Ingrid's hands.
"If we don't leave now, we'll never get home." Grumpy reminded Ingrid.
Ingrid sighed and turned away. Without looking back she watched Grunpy and the dwarves go through. Gideon and Regina waved at Henry, then hopped through the door. She then saw Snow and David follow suit. Then it was their turn to step through the portal.
They were finally going home. Together. As a family...
Author's Comments-
Saying goodbye to good friends is always hard, but it's the start of a new journey in the next chapter. I had fun writing this chapter, it felt full of sentimentality to me. I always love a good ball scene, and they're kind of actually important in the Enchanted Realms. It's also a chance to glam my characters up a bit, so they can have their chances to shine on the dance floor.
This chapter also hinted at other things soon to come. Like the ending of season 1 part A. Each season of Once had a part A and B to carry on the various overlying plot lines. Which is an interesting format. I'm also listening to the soundtrack that's up on YouTube while I write these chapters, and that helps keep me on 'track' for my writing.
After Seven chapters, this ending feels like a long time coming for me.
Over the last year I got a new computer, which I was able to actually transfer this story to and write on, polish it up etc. I had to wait a long time to get this machine, so I'm grateful to have it at last for my writings and such. I also have Photoshop and the drawing app ProCreate on my ipad, so I'll be doing some character art of my OCs soon.