Temperance Tales: I do not own Once Upon a Time in anyway shape or form and I give full credit to the creators. I don't own any fairytales not done in the show either and give credit to respectful owners. I will now give credit where credit is due: thank you Bizzarieve for all the help. I will probably keep adding this because of all the help in sorting out my ideas. If you guys do have any more ideas about other fairytales that you want to see, TELL ME. I will consider them.

Chapter Twenty Four: Sleeping Curse

"Where are we going?"

Baelfire was following Peter up a narrow cliff path. They were already high on the mountain, the sun warming the island. Baelfire couldn't tell how long he had been here with Peter and the Lost Boys. It had been filled with fighting some of the pirates that searched for the secret hide out. Peter flew down, his feet touching the ground. Peter and Baelfire had gotten quite close, in fact Peter considered him his right-hand man.

"I'm going to introduce you to someone important, Bae," Peter said swiftly, "It's about time you meet the Mage of Neverland."

"Mage of Neverland?" Bae asked, looking rather wary. Peter said, walking over, "Don't worry, she's not bad. She's very much on my side."

"What are Mages?" Bae asked as Peter flew back into the air. Bae followed Peter slowly up as Peter said, "Mages are those who understand World's magic completely. There are many others but Jane is the best. She's defeated three pirates in one blow. Not a scratch on her pretty little head."

Baelfire looked at Peter and said, "Will this help me find Rumpelstiltskin?"

"Absolutely! Jane can guide you, a Mage is just what you need," Peter said, grinning cheekily. Bae look went from worry to hopeful as he watched his new friend. Peter flew up saying, "We're just about there! Tink will guide you the rest of the way!"

Bae watched Peter quickly disappear from sight as Tink flew down. Baelfire smiled and walked with the pixie. She was friendly with him, never doing anything he didn't like. Bae wasn't like Peter, he didn't like to use magic. In fact, he didn't like magic at all. It had consequences, severe consequences. So when Tink went to sprinkle him with her dust, he lost it. Peter had calmed him down, but he didn't try to make his friend try again. Tink flew around happily and Bae said, "You're lucky to be so carefree…"

Bae reached the top of the mountain. He then saw the house that was built like a small fort. On top was almost an observatory. It had no walls and had winding stairs that went all the way to the top. Tink led up the stairs and into the observatory like room. It was laced with vines and leaves, the afternoon glow casting a beautiful aura. In the middle of the room was a pool filled with crystal blue water. The tables surround it, having an assortment of things upon it. But that is not what caught Bae's attention. What caught his attention was the woman.

She was beautiful.

She was standing by the pool where Peter was flying above her. Her hair was brown with feathers tied into it. Her dress was tight around her waist, her dress simple and green. Looking over at Bae with her golden eyes, she smiled. Walking over to him, Jane said, "So you're Baelfire. I'm Jane, the Mage of Neverland."

"Please to meet you," Bae mumbled, obviously a little flustered. Jane noticed but was kind enough not to say anything. Instead she said, "You have nothing to fear from me. I know you are son of the Dark One."

"Do you?" Baelfire said tensely.

"Yes," Jane said, approaching him. She stopped by him, and put her hand on his shoulder, "I know what plagues your father, Bae. And what plagues him is something that can be stopped."

Baelfire jerked away from her and said, sharply, "How would you know?! Those powers, that evil took my father from me!"

"And you can get him back," Jane said, gently. Peter had gone tense, a little alarmed by Bae's anger. But Bae's business was his own, just like Peter's business was his. He would never interfere with something Bae wanted. Walking back over to Bae, Jane said, "I've seen your father's good side Bae. It still lives, all because he loves you."

"Then why hasn't he tried to find me," Bae asked sharply, hurt, "Why hasn't he come!"

"He is trying Bae," Jane said quietly, "Coming into that world is not easy, and when he does a great price will have been paid."

Bae was struck mute and Jane walked over to one of the tables. She picked up a mirror and said, "Here, this will help you find your way Baelfire. It will show you anything you ask, but be careful. Knowledge is a powerful thing; it can lead you down dangerous paths."

Baelfire took it, examining the mirror. Stroking the metal, Baelfire heard Peter said, "Jane needs our help Bae. She was just about to tell me what the mission is when you arrived!"

"What's this mission?" Baelfire looked at Jane, who's smile disappeared. She looked down into the waters and said, "Hook and his pirates have come onto the shore. Hook and his queen have taken the princess of our Hunters, Tiger Lily."

"And let me guess, we need to save her!" Peter said, "I'll gather up the Lost Boy's immediately!"

Peter flew away, Tink following. Baelfire stared off after them as Jane turned away. She was about to leave when she heard:

"How do you know my father's good side still lives?"

Jane looked over at Baelfire with a bitter smile and said, "I was a young mother…kidnapped by Hook for a grudge he held against my mother Wendy."

"Wendy?" Baelfire looked surprised, "The girl Peter talks of?"

"Yes," Jane said, "She was the one the lost boys called mother…who I called mother. Hook was angry because of her thwarting his plans. So he kidnapped me and my daughter, Margaret. We were held captive here for months…"

Her eyes went glassy as she said, "My daughter became ill…I had to escape. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, your father appeared. I begged him to free Margaret but he could not. The bars were made of special material that could only be opened with Neverland's magic. So he taught me, taught me the magic of Neverland. I asked what your father's price was and he gave me none. Instead, he cast a spell so that when I learned the magic, I could escape. One night, I was able to make it work. I had escaped with my daughter and she did live a while longer, was able to spend the last of her life in peace. She told me before she died to thank your father."

Baelfire felt the sorrow from this woman, her pain. Jane then looked serious saying, "I stayed here, became this Lands Mage. It's all I have left…"

Baelfire hid the mirror away in his pack and said, "I will help you. If this Hook is as terrible as he sounds, he must be stopped."

"Then there is something I must tell you," Jane said, looking him, "And I fear you may be very angry."

"Tell me anyway," Baelfire ordered, narrowing his eyes. Jane sighed and said, "Your father lied to you. Your mother is not dead. She ran off, with the pirate named Hook."

"What?!" Baelfire said angrily, "Why?!"

"Because she wanted adventure, she fell in love with Hook," Jane said, sounding a bit disgusted, "She didn't want to be married to your father…"

"Or be mother to me apparently!" Baelfire said heatedly.

Baelfire turned angrily. Jane rushed over and grabbed him. She turned him around and said, "Don't! Don't rush into this with a hot head. You'll lose this fight if you do!"

Baelfire stared at her long and hard and she said, "Don't give in to hatred. Please…I would never wish that upon anyone. Come here."

Baelfire was pulled over to the water as Jane reached out. Its rippling water suddenly stilled, revealing images. He saw a little baby playing in her crib. Her eyes were blue and her smile the warmest thing he had ever seen. He then asked, "Who is she? Margaret?"

"Oh no," Jane said, smiling warmly at him, "She's yours Bae. Your little girl…"

"Mine?" Baelfire said incredulously, "I'm only fifteen."

Jane laughed and said, "Oh no, she doesn't exist yet. But she will soon, if you choose such a path."

Bae couldn't help but feel an attachment to the baby he was watching. He watched as a man with dark hair scoop the baby up and cradle her gently. Jane watched him and said, "Don't cheat yourself of joys in life…that's all hatred will do."

"Jefferson! Jefferson!"

Autumn wandered around his house with a frown upon her face. He wasn't here, anywhere here. Which was really strange, he would always be hear around this time. She needed to talk to him to top things off. Paige remembering everything was a change in the plan she had not anticipated. Sighing, Autumn finally wandered into one of the rooms. It was the bedroom she recognized as the one Jefferson used to let her sleep in. Wandering about, she peeked inside the closet to see a shocking surprise. A midnight blue velvet dress hung in the closet. It was like the riding dress that the women wore, a slit down the front. Underneath the jacked was a high collared shirt that was blue silk with a black choker attached. Touching it, she nearly jumped when it changed to deep mahogany hues.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

Autumn froze, spinning around to see someone sitting on the bed. He held a flash in one hand and was sitting propped up against the headboard. Taking a swing of his flask, he said, "I think the Mad Hatter and your Kitty Cat made that for you."

"What are you doing here Ryaden?" Autumn said suspiciously, "Where is Jefferson?"

"Somewhere," Ryaden said taking a swing of his flash before putting it away, "He had some business to take care of."

"So now I'm stuck with you and your never-failing grouchy self," Autumn said, sarcastically, "Lovely."

"Oi," Ryaden said, "Don't be a brat. Especially since I came with sincere intentions."

Autumn stared at him with a suspicious expression.

"As sincere as I get anyways," Ryaden said, "I heard the Master asked of something for you to complete."

"Yes."

"Mind telling me what that is?"

"I can't talk about it," Autumn said, "It's something that shouldn't be repeated."

"Does it have to do with the Dark One?"

Autumn didn't reply but fell back on the bed. Ryaden sighed as he said, "Regardless, there is another task for you."

"Another task to prove my loyalty?" Autumn asked harshly as Ryaden narrowed his eyes at her.

"We needed to ensure you weren't swayed," Ryaden said stoutly, "Do you know how bad it looks to find you in this town after years of you being MIA?"

Autumn once again did not reply and Ryaden let that matter drop. Reaching inside one of his coat pockets, he pulled out a vial. It was filled with a blue glowing liquid. Autumn frowned as she looked up at it. He held it over her head and didn't protest when she snatched it away.

"Is that-?"

"One of your potions? Yes," Ryaden said, "I saved them after you left Wonderland."

Autumn looked at it, her brows furrowed as she said, "Why do you want me to use an Essence of Prolonged Time?"

"Because we need this curse to be stalled out longer," Ryaden said, "There is an Anti-Magic shield surrounding the town just outside the magical barrier that there is currently. I'm thinking whoever is using the Anti Magic is in league with the Evil Queen. We need you to keep an eye on the Dark One. There will come a time when he'll try to bring magic into this world just as the curse is broken. When he comes to bring magic from the wishing well in the woods, you need to be down into the cavern bellow the well. There will be the waters. With this potion, you need to somehow tamper with his curse so it can be as wished."

"Why do I have to do this?"

"You are his granddaughter," Ryaden said, "You share his bloodline and that is the only type of magic that is going to be powerful enough to make this potion work for what we want. Mess this up midget and-!"

Ryaden was surprised once again. Autumn managed to chicken wing him to the bed, glaring down at him. She leaned over saying, "I don't mess things up. Just because your sore that I didn't let you kill your pirates, doesn't mean I won't get the job done. Threaten me again, and I'll throw you in the Jabberwocky Den."

"Jabberwock," Ryaden corrected, his voice growling, "It's called the Jabberwock, midget."

"I'll call it what I like," Autumn said, releasing him and hopping up from the bed.

"I'm sure it doesn't appreciate that." Ryaden said, sitting up as he rubbed his shoulder, "Geez, midget, you've grown quicker and stronger than the last time I saw you."

"I've had to," Autumn said, indifferently, "If you don't be quicker here, you get hurt. Especially without magic to save you."

Ryaden watched her carefully, his eyes having a brief glimmer of pity. Standing up, he walked over to her and caught her in a one-armed hug. Autumn looked up in surprise as Ryaden said, "Don't get too callous, ankle biter. The world will be a miserable place if you do."

"You mean don't be like you," Autumn said as he released her. He rolled his eyes as he said, pulling out another object and handing it to her, "Keep this on you when you go down into the mine. Your magic and the Enchanted Forest's raw magic don't mesh well. This filter will keep you from any harm. Be prepared, things are about to change rapidly."

Ryaden disappeared in a whirl of smoke leaving Autumn alone. Sighing, Autumn sat in an arm chair in the corner of the room. She stared at the two items, biting her lip. This potion had a price, a price that made her heart haunted. The greater the power, the bigger the sacrifice. Autumn was so lost in thought that she jumped a bit hearing a friendlier voice.

"I forgot how remarkably unpleasant he was."

"Chess," Autumn said, looking up to see him. He walked over to her, leaning against the arm of the chair lazily. He looked down at her with mild concern as he said, "What will you do?"

"What they ask of me," Autumn said, sighing. She pocketed the items, looking thoughtful as she stood up. Chess watched her as she asked, "Have you seen Jefferson? There is something I need to tell him."

"I'm afraid not, love," Chess said. Autumn walked over, leaning up to kiss his cheek. Chess watched as Autumn walked over to the door saying, "I'm going to head home now. Tell Jefferson that I'm looking for him?"

"I will," Chess said, in a hopeful tone. Autumn graced him with a smile and left. Chess smiled, but then let out a sigh. He felt terrible for Alison, to be stuck doing things she didn't want to be doing. It was like being in Wonderland all over again. Except this time things were worse, she knew full well know what the consequences of actions can bring; especially with magic.

S.C.

"Miss Swan."

Emma looked up from her work to see Mr. Gold walk in towards her. The office looked unusually clean, as if much was cleared out. Walking over to the chair, Emma sat down. Leaning back, Emma then said, "Hello, Mr. Gold. What can I do for you?"

"I've come to tell you the name of the person I want you to find," Mr. Gold said, leaning on his cane. Emma didn't look surprised but did look intrigued. Mr. Gold then said, "His name is Baelfire."

"Excuse me?" Emma said, looking confused. Inside, her stomach dropped. Of all the scenarios Emma had running through her head, this was not one of them. This could not end well. Mr. Gold then said, "I know it's unusual, but it's his name none the less. I need you to find out where he is and bring him here."

"Who is he?" Emma asked and Mr. Gold paused. Gripping his cane, Mr. Gold said, "He is a family member of mine. My son to be specific."

"You have a son?" Emma said baffled and Mr. Gold, obviously getting a little uncomfortable said, "Yes, I do. I'm not expecting immediate results, but I would like you to find him as quick as you can."

"Fi-Fine?" Emma said, obviously flabbergasted. Mr. Gold nodded and then went to leave. Emma then said loudly, "Wait. What happened between the two of you?"

"We had a fight," Mr. Gold said, not turning around to face her, "And I never saw him again."

Mr. Gold left, feeling a deep heavy weight in his heart. This was it, the one thing that he truly wanted and it was all resting on that cynical disbelieving woman. Sighing shakily, Mr. Gold looked around to see the nice weather. It didn't help his mood, but it was a brief distraction. He noticed a familiar pair walking down the street: August and Henry. That writer was lucky he left him alive, after the stunt he pulled. Anger filled him again as he hurried towards his shop. He needed to leave him alive, he would be key in pushing Emma when the time came. Unlocking his shop door, he walked in.

To a familiar visitor.

"So your wife's name was Milah."

Mr. Gold froze, looking at Autumn. She was sitting on the desk, reading glasses on and open book on lap. Mr. Gold looked at her and said, "And how would you know that?"

"Peter Pan, Hook, her running off to be his Pirate Queen," Autumn said, reciting it as if it was a list, "Honestly, she sounds like a bigger witch than Regina ever could be."

"Well none to the offense, I don't want to be talking about my ex-wife," Gold said testily. He walked over to one of the displays as Autumn pouted briefly. She then said, "So I guess you don't want to hear the story of Peter Pan?"

"Not really," Gold said shortly.

"Even if she paid the consequences to being the pirate queen?" Autumn asked, hoping to tempt him into it. Gold showed no interest however but said instead, "No, dearie, I have no interest. I've already had someone trick me and I don't feel like hearing about another who did it to me and my son,"

"Wait, who screwed with you?" Autumn said baffled. Gold snapped one of the cases shut as he took the object. He looked over at Autumn as he walked over to his office saying, "August Wayne Booth felt it prudent to pretend to be my son."

"What?!" Autumn snapped the book shut, following him into the back. Gold sat down by his desk, putting the silver object down. Gold sighed and said, "I was fooled."

"Are you kidding me?" Autumn said, in disbelief, "You thought that flirting obnoxious guy was Baelfire?"

"Obviously," Gold said, not happy with the topic of conversation. Autumn shook her head and said, "Well first off, I'm going to kill him. I haven't been giving him potions to keep his body from turning back into wood so he could do this."

"Wait a minute," Gold interrupted, looking at her confused, "What?"

"He's freaking Pinocchio," Autumn said, looking at him with the same disbelief, "How in the hell did you not know? You're Rumpelstiltskin; you're supposed to know who everyone is!"

"Says who?" Gold said, annoyed, "And how did you know he was Pinocchio?"

"Says every tale you're ever in," Autumn said, shaking her head, "Look I've been slipping potion into his coffee while he's been talking with Henry. I mean, it was obvious he's Pinocchio with his leg changing back into wood. But if you really need a clearing up, just have him meet up with Marco he'll freeze like a deer in headlights."

"That's cruel, don't you think?" Gold said, watching her intently. Autumn walked over to him looking thoroughly annoyed. She sat up on one of his work benches, leaning against the shelves. Opening the book, Autumn muttered, "That's what he gets for being just as bad. Great, now I have to find it again."

"We are not reading the story about my ex-wife," Gold said sourly, "I'm not in the mood."

"Why did you let them go anyway?" Autumn suddenly asked, "I mean, I would have expected you to kill her after all she did. I mean, I know you cut off his hand to get the bean, but why didn't you crush her heart when you had the chance?"

"I was going to," Gold said forebodingly, "But I felt death would be too swift. No…Hook is not a loyal man. He would leave her once he found a prettier bar maid."

"Dark much?" Autumn said, raising her brows. Gold clenched his hand around his cane and said, "It's what she deserved for abandoning our son. Now go on, I have work to do."

"Fine," Autumn said, sighing purposefully, "I guess you don't want to hear that your son found a rabbit hole, hoping it would take him back to you but instead took him to Neverland where he confronted Milah about her rotten choices."

Gold froze. Autumn went to shut the book and he said, "Don't."

He looked over at her with an incomprehensible look and said, "He's in another story other than my own?"

"Yes actually," Autumn said, crossing her legs, "He is."

"And when were you going to plan on telling me?"

"When you were ready for it," Autumn said, pointedly, "I wasn't going to be so heartless as to tell you stories that you weren't ready to hear."

Gold sighed and Autumn looked down. She then said, "Are you angry again?"

"Yes."

"With me?"

"Yes," Gold said, exhaling, "And no."

"Well which is it," Autumn said, her throat constricting again, "Yes or no. It can't be both."

Gold stood up and walked over to the bench. He sat down on the stool by it and said, "Do you not trust me?"

"What?" Autumn asked, trying not to feel like she was being cornered. Last time it happened it didn't end well. Gold stared at her intently and said, "Do you not trust me? Are you afraid that I'm going to go on a rampage again?"

"No," Autumn said, obviously uncomfortable. He was so calm it was unnerving.

"Do you think this is a game?" Gold asked, his calm voice sounding frightfully dangerous to her. Autumn refused to let herself shiver as she said, "No, not this. It's not a game."

"Then why hide this from me? Why is it your hiding these things and then acting like it's nothing when you tell me?" Gold demanded, almost towering over her. Autumn looked up at him, and said with such honesty she could cry, "Because it's not nothing. Because it is something, something that hurts you."

Gold reached out, touching her face. At his touch she began to tremble. A flicker of pain crossed his face as he leaned in kissing her forehead gently. This child, knew too much that she shouldn't. But there was no changing that. However, he wouldn't let her keep this block up forever; he would just have to push her bit by bit. He adjusted himself so they were both sitting on the bench, Autumn resting against him. He leaned down whispering into her ear, "Tell me."

Autumn swallowed as Gold hugged the child gently. She looked down at the page and said, "Peter and Hook were mortal enemies, and everyone of Neverland knew this. But no one would know it better than Peter's best mate. His mate was not a resident of Neverland but a newcomer. He had been from a land with magic before so was not too unfamiliar with the way things worked. But he had just come from a land without magic, where things were quite unkind. Fallen down a rabbit hole he did, in hopes to find the man he still called father. His name was Baelfire, but he did not find what he seeked. Instead, he found a land which would steer him back to his path. Peter and him grew close during his time there, but Baelfire would soon face a challenge he did not expect. The long lost mother he thought once dead was truly the Captain Hooks lover, the Pirate Queen. The pirates had captured the Princess Tiger Lily, in hopes to bring out Peter Pan. Their plan succeeded but the Pirate Queen Milah was shocked to find herself face to face with the son she had long abandoned. Baelfire attacked her, fighting her away from Hook and Peter. She begged, pleaded with her son to understand that she never loved his father. That she could not stand being married to the town coward. Baelfire grew even angrier at her words and told her that she had no right to call him coward. Milah begged with him, telling him he could come with her, to see the world. Baelfire refused, and resumed his fight once more. He finally had her cornered, pointing his sword at her throat. Peter, who had pushed Hook into the trap net her had set for Peter himself, told Bae to finish her off. But something stilled Baelfire's hand, whether it was pity or something else he wasn't sure. Baelfire put down his sword and walked away. Peter then grew angry, asking why he didn't kill his mother for being so evil. Baelfire looked at Peter saying that he had no mother to kill. Milah was so distraught at her son's reply that she drowned herself. Hook, in a blind rage, when to attack Baelfire but was chased away with his pirates as the Indians came to fight to reclaim their princess. There was much celebration, but Baelfire did not join. He had pulled Peter aside and said that he must take him back to the magic less world. Peter was surprised and asked why he did not wish to go back to the enchanted land. Baelfire told him that his father must come find him, to prove that he truly wants to be with him. Peter looked unhappy, but would not keep his friend where he did not wish to be. Peter brought him back, but gave Baelfire a set of pipes much like the ones Peter owned himself. Peter told Bae he would always be his best mate and would visit him often. Bae said Peter would always be welcome. But Peter never did come back and Baelfire was left to face new adventures alone."

Gold was quiet, his grip around Autumn tight. Shutting the book, Autumn was even quieter than him. Tracing the letters on the cover, Autumn felt him shift behind her. He gently made her look at him and said, "Is more of his stories in here?"

"Yes," Autumn said, leaning into him.

"Why would your father take such an interest in my son?" Gold asked, staring at her intently. Autumn bit her lip, Gold frowning in confusion. What was making her so nervous, so upset? These secrets were eating her alive, why wouldn't she just tell him? Autumn felt herself be nervous but hopeful. Maybe, just maybe this would actually work. It wouldn't hurt him so much; he was already taking this better than she thought he would. Autumn then said, "My father thought it was important that his story be known. His story was just as important as yours."

"And who is this father of yours," Gold asked, the question Gold could not figure out the answer for the life of him. He was losing his touch. "Why would he write this book if he was a man from this world?"

Autumn looked at him, her eyes a little unfocused as if she was getting lost in memories. Gold felt his heart skip a beat as he saw her mouth open as if to formulate her answer.

"Mr. Gold? Are you here?"

Marco's voice made Autumn pull away from Gold. It had startled her, snapped her out of whatever trace she might have been in. Gold almost growled at the intrusion, he had been so close in bringing down that wall. Gold grabbed her, pulling her back to him. He kissed her forehead before saying, "Wait here, we're not done."

Autumn watched him leave, terror seizing her. His statement frightened her, it sounded to business like for her liking. Looking over at the door, she immediately found herself quietly creeping towards it. Grasping the handle, Autumn pulled it open to race outside. The moment had passed, the memory of his attentiveness to his son stung her, hurt her. In that moment, Autumn's dark insecurities took hold causing her to run. But it didn't surprise Gold to find her gone.

But it did surprise him to find she left the book.

S.C.

"Where is he?"

Sage winced as he heard Morgana's sharp tone and said, "He should be along soon. Master said he had something important to tell us."

"Well I wish he would hurry up," Morgana snapped and Ryaden rolled his eyes. Jane narrowed her eyes and said, "Shut up. You are the last person that gets to tell off anyone around here. Relax Tzila will be back with him shortly."

"It sounded like he found out what was missing from Wonderland," Sage said, lying back on the couch, "He sounded panicked."

"Well whatever it is, we'll be ready for it." Morgana said dismissively, "Wonderland is small and annoying."

"And yet the Mage made you concede," Sage mocked and Jane repressed a smirk. Suddenly, grey smoke appeared and Tzila fell to the floor, gasping for breath. She was covered in scrapes and bruises, shocks appearing off of her like she had been electrocuted. Ryaden flew from his seat to her side as did everyone. Ryaden held Tzila demanding, "What happened?"

"Master-it found us," choked Tzila, tears filling her eyes, "I couldn't see it-."

"What-Where is Master, Tzila?" Jane asked, urgently.

"Gone," Tzila choked out, "Gone…"

Ryaden gritted his teeth and said, "I'm taking her to get treated. Everyone stay here!"

"What about Alison!" Jane said stricken, "What if something goes after her?"

"Nothing's going after her," Ryaden said, picking up Tzila, "Just stay here!"

S.C.

"Hey Autumn!"

Autumn looked back to see Henry running up to her with someone else coming along behind him. Looking on with a surprised look, Autumn flinched when she saw that it was August. Keeping her façade calm, Autumn turned fully as Henry stopped right by her. August managed to catch up, a limp in his leg. Autumn narrowed her eyes, noticing its odd limp. But she said nothing in regards to it, instead said, "What's up, Henry?"

"I need to talk to you," Henry said panting, "It's urgent, Operation Cobra urgent."

Autumn nodded and jerked her head saying, "Follow me, I know of a safe place to talk about this."

Autumn hurried down the alley ways, Henry and August following from behind. Autumn finally slipped into what looking like an old dance club. The windows were partially boarded up, letting in rays of light. The tables were covered by cloths and the dance floor dusty. Autumn leaned against the bar as August looked around saying, "Odd place to know about."

"Well, I've had a lot of time on my hands to explore this town," Autumn said, casually, "I know a lot of its secrets. Now what's the emergency?"

"Emma's trying to take me out of town," Henry said, his voice sounding agitated. Autumn felt a rock hit her stomach as she said, sharply, "What?"

"Emma-she-she tried to take me out of Storybrooke last night," Henry said, "I managed to convince her to take me back here, but she just won't believe me about the curse! Autumn this is getting really bad."

"Did you try convincing her?" Autumn asked August and he nodded bitterly. Pulling up his pant leg, he said, "I told her of my story, her story, our story. I even tried showing her what the curse was doing to me, but she couldn't even see."

"Big surprise," Autumn muttered as she saw Augusts wooden leg. Turning around she grabbed one of the cups that still remained and gently waved her hand around the rim. Midnight blue gases filled it and liquefied. Handing August the cup, Autumn said, "Here, drink this. It will hold off the curses effect on you."

August's brows furrowed as he took the cup hesitantly. Henry looked at Autumn warily and said, "I thought Gold didn't want you using magic."

"Yeah well…" Autumn said, kicking her foot forward, "I'm having a bad day. Well I can't say this is entirely unexpected, things often get worse before they get better. But now we have a bigger problem."

"What's that?" Henry asked as August drank the liquid. He coughed, doubling over groaning. His legs slowly turning back to normal, August stood up coughing. Autumn ignored him as Henry spared him a look. Speaking in her soft manner, Autumn said, "We can't break the curse."

"WHAT?" Both shouted quite shocked and angry. Autumn winced and said, "Well, we can't completely break the curse yet. We are going to have to do this in steps."

"Why?" Henry asked and Autumn said lowly, "Anti Magic is why."

August looked stricken as Henry asked, "Anti Magic... What is Anti Magic exactly?"

"Everything has a counterpart Henry; don't ever forget that," Autumn said, "As somewhat given away by the name, Anti Magic is the opposite of Magic itself. It's binding, almost used as a nullifier. It's a type of energy that even now is difficult to understand, to overcome is even harder."

"Anti-Magic has been known to even challenge the greatest magic of all," August said, "True love. Anti-Magic is nasty stuff."

"And why is this a problem right now?" Henry asked and Autumn said, "Because right now, on the outside border of Storybrooke we have an Anti-Magic shield locking us in. So even if everyone was to get their memories back, we still can't leave Storybrooke. And because of the way the curse works, it won't send us back to the Enchanted Forest once we get the memories back. Emma needs fully accept her destiny, to have that final battle begin."

"So what do we do?" Henry said, looking worried, "If everyone gets their memories back-."

"It'll be absolute chaos, people will be frightened and panicking," Autumn nodded, "No it will be better to have people remember bit by bit."

"How do you plan on doing that?" August asked and Autumn said with a sigh, "With a little bit of luck and magic, I can have the curse wired so that a few people will remember once Emma breaks the first part of the curse. It's a slight delay, but until we figure out what to do about the Anti Magic, it's one of the best options we got."

"But what do we do about Emma?" Henry asked, looking rather upset, "All of this will be no use if she doesn't believe."

"Well, now that you've and August have tried, now it's my turn," Autumn said simply, "I had a plan for this Henry, don't worry. Just be patient, she'll believe us soon."

Henry nodded and said, "I have to go, the Evil Queen will be looking for me soon. Especially after our disagreement this morning."

Autumn watched Henry run off, saying goodbye quickly to August. August was staring at her intently, which made feelings of nostalgia come about. It was hard watching him, knowing full well who he was. But he did not know who she was, and that's the way it needed to remain. August finally spoke, snapping Autumn out of her thoughts.

"There is something you're not telling," August said, "How did you come to use magic?"

"Magic is integrated into me," Autumn said, almost like it was rehearsed, "It's a part of my body like my heart and brain. And what is it that I'm not telling, Pinocchio? I believe I answered all of his questions."

"Then answer mine," August said, taking a step forward, "How are you going to wire the curse? Surely you can't have enough magic-?"

"I don't, and even if I did it wouldn't work anyway," Autumn said, "The curse's magic and mine are different. I need the original curse maker to bring a little bit of magic."

"Rumpelstiltskin," August said, "Why would he need Magic?"

"Because unless he brings it, there will never be a way to go home," Autumn said, walking forward. She was never afraid of him. "Emma needs to know magic or else we'll be stuck here for eternity."

"And just who are you? How did you know I was coming for Emma?" August asked. Autumn stared at him contemplatively and said, "I told you, I'm Autumn Doe. I came here with my foster mother three years ago, and if you read that article, you know the rest of my story."

August tilted his head curiously and Autumn said, "As how I knew you were coming for Emma, you had your cap tied on to your bag. I recognized it from the book."

Autumn walked past him and said kindly, "Now go spend time with your dad. You never know what tomorrow will bring."

S.C.

"Hey Emma, are you okay? You sounded weird over the walkie talkie."

Emma closed the door as Henry and Autumn walked in. Night was almost upon them and normally she'd be back at Kathryn's, secretly prepping for the next step. However, Emma had wanted to talk to her and Henry. Emma looked distraught at first glance, which threw Autumn into a state of concern. Something was wrong. Emma then said, "Yeah, I just needed to talk to you."

Autumn noticed the bags packed by the door and her stomach dropped. No. Autumn looked at Emma in a panic as Emma said, "You were right to say I couldn't leave town with you. But I can't stay."

"What?! No Emma, you can't leave! You have to break the curse!"

"Henry! Stop!" Emma said aghast. She bent down and looked at both Henry and Autumn. "Both of you stop. This nonsense has to stop. This can't keep happening. I've already worked it out with Regina. I used my super power Henry, she's tell the truth; she's going to take good care of you."

"Yeah but she wants you dead!" Henry said and Emma said, upset, "Henry come on!"

"You can't leave."

Emma met Autumn's glance. Autumn was staring wide eyed and said, "You can't leave. Emma, you can't."

Emma bit her lip and pulled Autumn into a hug. Autumn froze, feeling her insides drop. Emma whispered, "I know, I know what's between you and Gold now. And I promise you, I'll fix it but I have to go."

Autumn shook her head, gritting her teeth together. She stared at Emma indignantly and said, "The curse, Emma everyone needs you!"

"Autumn, Henry, you can't keep doing this, skipping school, running away, and most of all you can't believe in curses," Emma begged, "Neither of you."

Autumn stared in temper as Henry said, "You-You really don't believe?"

Emma hesitated and stood up saying, "This is reality. I have to go, but I will be able to see you. The both of you. I promise this will get better…"

Henry dove into to hug Emma and Emma hugged him back. Autumn backed away however, shaking her head. Emma looked heartbroken as Autumn said, tears threatening to come forward, "You can't leave. You can't abandon everyone!"

"Where did you get that?"

Emma and Autumn both looked at Henry, who was looking at a turn over sitting on a plate. He walked over to it as Emma said, "Oh, Regina gave it to me."

Autumn's stomach lurched as she saw it. Henry sniffed it and said, "Apple! You can't eat that, it's poison."

"It's not," Emma said, reaching out, "I'll prove it to you."

Henry snatched it as Autumn darted forward. She stopped as Henry backed himself into the cabinet. Emma looked exasperated as he said, "Fine if you don't believe me, I'll prove it. You may not believe in the curse, or in me. But I believe in you."

Henry then did something that made Autumn lunge.

He bit it.

Autumn was too late to slap it out of his hands. She didn't think he would do that. She stared at him, wide eyed as he swallowed it. He looked at Autumn with sorrowful eyes, which made her stomach turn. Emma look of exasperation didn't leave as she said, "Fine, now that you've had it, can we get back to our conver-."

Henry collapsed, making Emma freeze. Autumn shook him, even though she knew it would do no good. Oh gods, she did have one. How did she get one?! Autumn pressed her ear against his chest to hear no breathing. What would it do in a world with no magic? Emma, who looked more horrified by the minute, said, "Henry…Henry!"

"Call an ambulance!" snarled Autumn, staring Emma down.

As Emma ran to call 911, Autumn looked down at Henry terrified. What would the hospital be able to do against a sleeping curse?