TemperanceTales: 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. So off we go, read and review. I give credit to Bizzarieve, for he has once again helped me with the brilliant idea's that are his. Enjoy... or at least... try to. Read and Review.

Chapter Forty Eight: Bittersweet Victory

"Well isn't this sweet."

Morgana walked forward, ice forming underneath her feet. Her eyes were watching the couple standing before her, angrier than bulls. Morgana laughed softly and cruelly as Jane stepped in front of Baelfire. Morgana said, "It's too easy…having you here away from Daddy dearest and your favorite teacher."

"Like I need either of them to end you," Baelfire said darkly. Morgana watched him with greedy eyes, circling them like a hawk. It was nerve racking; how cold and dark her aura was now. Jane couldn't help but feel a touch of nervousness when Morgana circled around them. Baelfire, however, looked something that he never did. His eyes were full of hate, full of threats, full of revenge. Snow was beginning to stick to the ground of the peak, as well as around the ice that Morgana had just blocked the archway of. Morgana couldn't help but smirk at him as she said softly, "I'm surprised at your self-restraint. Normally by now, your hotheaded mouth would have run away with you."

"It seems time hasn't thawed your cold heart any, Morgana," Baelfire said, coldly.

"Thank the Fates," Morgana said, her eyes never straying from him. Jane couldn't help but looked back and forth between the two. There was a great amount of tension. A tension that Jane felt to be more than just mere hatred. Morgana clucked her tongue as she said, "If only they had let me take care of you sooner… then a little child wouldn't be caught in the middle."

Baelfire's looked only worsened as he stepped in front of Jane hissing, "Don't you speak of her, especially when your kindness is as nonexistent as the warmth in the fire."

"Ever the writer," Morgana said with a roll of her eyes. She swirled her hand around as the wind blew snowflakes around. Jane touched Baelfire's arm as she said loudly, "This is my world, Morgana. You have no rights to be here!"

"You tried to enter mine," Morgana said, smoothly, "Gives me the right to enter yours."

Morgana's eyes glittered strangely as she said coldly, "But my fight is not with you."

Jane found herself flying backwards, slamming her head upon the ground. Before she could get up to recover, she was sent flying down the path tumbling. Baelfire wasted no time, shooting the bolts of electricity from him. Morgana swirled around into nothingness, her cold laugh filling the air. The snow spun around him, blocking him from leaving. The laugh turned to words as the Snow Queen spoke.

"You were always such a naïve little boy," Morgana's voice said, "So naïve that with all your wanderings and all your adventures that you would be safe from magic in that Manor."

"Quiet Witch!" Baelfire bellowed, pulling his sword from the scabbard. Her laugh became more mocking as she continued, "Never ever once thought about how they would come after your beloved baby girl. Jane had the right idea initially, giving her up…. But it seems no matter what, she always kept the child out of magical hands."

"Stop taunting me," Baelfire said, his voice heated and angry.

"She certainly became a special little one, the Mage of Wonderland," swooned Morgana, mockingly, "It's not a wonder that Jack wanted to keep her away from you when she left…"

"So it was you," Baelfire seethed.

"No!" Morgana appeared behind him, partially hidden by the swirling wind. Her face held a cold type of anger. Her eyes were boring into him as he swung his sword out behind him. She disappeared into the swirling snow once more. Baelfire watched with suspicious eyes as Morgana said, "I had nothing to do with what Jack Frost wants with her. She is his business, not mine."

"If he is anything like you, then I expect no better." Baelfire said, "Now come out!"

Morgana let out a laugh, one that barked and made him want to shiver. Her voice whispered, "So much like the dull headed Charming…so hotheaded…"

"Perhaps," Baelfire sneered, "But I actually have the means to back it up."

Baelfire drove his sword into the ground, electricity shooting up from the ground violently. The air grew tight as the bolts raged into her storm. Her cries could be heard as Baelfire grasped the hilt tightly while making sure anyone else would not be hurt. The pain seared through his arm, tearing at his nerves. The pain violently spread throughout his arm up into his chest. Baelfire choked as he released his grip. The snowy wind fell as Morgana appeared, panting and shivering slightly. Her glare was deathly as she smirked coldly. Baelfire tried to get himself up as Morgana said, "Far cry… from a little boy, I must admit. If it wasn't for your arm, I have to say you could actually win."

Baelfire grimaced as he tried to move. However, the pain was getting the better of him. He couldn't move, he couldn't… Baelfire glared as she was able to stand with some swaying. She leaned against the frozen archway as she raised her arm saying, "You winning does not seem the cards the Fates are giving you… Getting rid of you will save me the years of torment from your insult."

Baelfire said with a malicious intent, "All because I hate winter…"

Morgana's face turned sour as she flicked her wrist sharply. Ice formed into spikes as they pointed in his direction. Baelfire began to count, trying to summon up enough Anti-Magic to pierce back. Morgana shook her head as she flicked her hand. Wind made him fly backwards, hitting the ground hard. She clucked again and Morgana said softly, "Now now… you wouldn't want Alison to actually feel what you were about to do, would you?"

Baelfire narrowed his eyes as Morgana said, "No one ever told you? When a Mage dies, its opposite can feel it. Its agonizing believe me. I barely knew the Mage before her, but when she died it was an agonizing sensation…"

She then frowned and said distastefully, "Goodbye, Baelfire. Say hello to Lora for me."

Baelfire closed his eyes as he heard the whooshing of her spikes. He suddenly heard a piercing screeching, one of a sour note being hit. He groaned, his body protesting the sound. Morgana's scream filled the air as Baelfire opened his eyes. Morgana was doubled over as she grabbed at her stomach, trying to pull out some invisible object. Baelfire looked back to see a horrifying scene that made adrenaline rush through him and make him move. Jane held her bleeding stomach as she swooned.

"I'm sorry," Jane whispered, her eyes glassing over.

Morgana's screams filled the area; making both of them looked towards her. The Snow Queens face turned grey, her eyes becoming sullen, her body frail. Baelfire couldn't help but shiver in horror as he asked, "What's happening?!"

"Mage's are not suppose to kill one another," Jane whispered, "It a law writing laced in out marks…she is now paying the price for what she's done."

Morgana let out one last blood curdling scream as she deteriorated into nothing by ash. The snow around them began to melt and the air became much less cold. The rain however washed over them as Baelfire pressed his hand against her wound, trying to stop it. Jane then said, with a bitter laugh, "It was never an exact art… those damn pipes… and she was never the best aim…"

"Quiet!" Baelfire barked, but his voice was also frantic. Jane shook her head and reached up slowly. She slid her hand against his cheek and whispered, "Stop… it's too late. Even… if you could stop the bleeding, the poison's already in me."

"Jane!" Baelfire said, his voice showing his panic. He grimaced as he felt a pain to his heart, the pain returning with the adrenaline. She smiled weakly and said, "I can't have you die… we can't both die."

"And neither of us will," Baelfire said firmly, but his eyes told a different story. He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers saying, "I screwed up… I shouldn't have let you go. I should have fought like hell to get you back. I shouldn't have ever let Alison think you were the wicked one…"

Jane sniffed, and whispered in attempts for humor, "Wrong story…"

"I wasted all this time," Baelfire said, his voice sounding broken, "Tempting Fate, playing with darkness, and now I lose the greatest light in me… I don't deserve the role of writer. Not anymore."

Jane would have kissed him if her whole body didn't feel numb. Slowly, she felt less there as Baelfire moved to put a cleaner cloth on her stomach. Jane shifted, grabbing his hand. Baelfire looked at her with tears in his eyes as she said, "No, Bae…please. I have little time left and you know it… If I don't give this to you now, Alison will be alone for a Fate that will test her greatly."

"A Fate?"

"You never once asked how I got that image of Alison," Jane whispered, "It didn't come from me…"

"Who did it come from?" Baelfire asked, his voice trembling as he took her hands. Jane swallowed as he vision blurred for a few seconds when she whispered, "A… Role Player….The Role Player… one that gave no name other than his laugh."

Jane traced the symbol on his hand. It began to glow as Baelfire suddenly grasped at her hand, stopping her. Baelfire looked at her and asked, "What are you doing?"

"These boys need a Mage," Jane whispered, "They need a man who will let them have their fun but will remind them eventually of what they need… I was that, that figure that would eventually lead them back… except like Peter, one could say I got too comfortable with their presence… didn't push Peter when he wouldn't let them leave. But you…. You will have that strength."

"Jane!" Baelfire said, his voice wretched.

"Who better than his best mate," Jane whispered softly.

"His Lost Girl," Baelfire pleaded.

Jane smiled more warmly as she said, "I can't say I'm lost anymore, now can I?"

Baelfire let out a shaky sob as he kissed her. He kissed he with all his might, passionate and sensual. Jane responded as best she could. Baelfire closed his eyes as he felt magic pulse through him. It was an ask, a plead for permission. Baelfire hesitating, knowing very well that the Anti-Magic within him would be lost, as well as his title as author. However the vision of his darling little one came to mind, her laughter ringing in his head. He allowed it without another thought, the Magic surging through him quickly. Baelfire pulled away with a gasp, but the pain in his body remained. Jane was now white as snow as she and him fell to the ground completely. The pain was severe as Jane whispered in her small voice, "My pipes… give them to her…."

Baelfire passed out then, the pain sending him to nothingness.


Belle was beyond frightened.

She had been brave, talking to Rumpelstiltskin. But now she stood with Granny, holding the grip on her sword as they waited at the spot. The sky seemed to be at a permanent twilight as she and Granny waited. They watched the meadow as Belle shifted nervously. Granny looked over at her and asked, "Nervous you made the right choice?"

"I just…" Belle swallowed, "I know his reasons, I just-!"

"I know," Granny said suddenly, "And I actually do understand."

Belle looked at Granny as Granny looked down solemnly. She shifted her bow and said, "I've done a lot to protect my granddaughter…even doing some things that others consider wrong or selfish. We may not share a lot in common but that is the one thing Gold and I share in common."

Granny looked over at Belle and smiled saying, "Just know that I do think you made the right choice."

Belle smiled weakly and looked down at the battlefield. She looked upset as she said, "I just wish everyone could see the goodness in him that I see."

Granny smiled weakly only to hear a deafening roar. The birds flew up out of the forest as they looked towards it. Swallowing, Belle watched as the ground began to rumble as the Wonder Cats zoomed out of the forest like cheetahs. Belle grasped her sword as Granny's eyes widened saying, "Oh my…"

The trees of the forest burst up as the Jabberwock did as well. It was huge, it's long neck straightening into the clouds. Its wings created wind that sent Belle and Granny grabbing for anything to hold onto. Belle swallowed as she saw it, terror filling her from head to toe. It was rotten to the core, nothing good about it. It struck it's head down as it went after the cats in the valley. Belle asked, "What are they waiting for?! It's right there!"

"It takes time to open the portal that size!" Granny shouted.

It looked at them.

Belle froze as its marble eyes started at them. Pushing at Granny, Belle said, "Move!"

It snarled, waving its tail swiftly.

Crashing into the cliff, Belle felt the ground beneath her feet crumbled. Granny stumbled into a safe zone, but Belle fell. And the ground she was going to fall to was a hundred feet below her. Granny screamed her name, but wasn't able to grab her. Belle closed her eyes as she suddenly felt magic engulf her. Opening her eyes, she hit the ground no harder than soft waves hit the sand. Looking up, she saw a man looked down at her wearily.

"Rumple," Belle said, joy mixed in with relief, "You came-!"

"If you can be brave enough to stand on a cliff in full view, I think I can help distract it," Rumpelstiltskin said, pushing back her hair. Helping her up, he watched her for a moment. Then he looked back up and said, "It's fast with its tail and head, but not with moving. If we can aim at its underbelly with magic it might frustrate it enough to keep moving."

"We need to let everyone know-!"

"I already did," Gold said sheepishly. Belle paused before tackling him in a hug. Gold hugged her back as she said, "Thank you…"

"Thank me later," Gold said, before turning his attention back to the Jabberwock. It was trying to attack the Wondercat's again, clearly not something with a big attention span. Gold waved his hand as her weapon turned into a bow and arrow. Granny had made it down the cliff and over to him. Belle looked at him with confidence and Gold said, "Let's shove this thing back to its hole."

"Ryaden!"

Ryaden grimaced as he stood on the mountain cliff above the fight. He was spinning the stupid hat, and it wasn't opening for him. Agitation grew as he spun it around and around only for it to stop. Tzila frowned as she walked over to him in haste as she said, "What's wrong? Why isn't opening?"

"It's different," Ryaden said, gritting his teeth, "The hat is different than summoning Islet. Give me time!"

Tzila looked towards the Jabberwock fight, slightly dismayed. As she stood, Tzila disappeared into the shadows again and Ryaden swore. As he got the hat to spin on its own, Ryaden went to stand. It went to grow until Ryaden felt something twist in his stomach as he snarled. It was like something was burning his nerves, something quite unsettling. The hat slowed until it stopped once more. Ryaden knelt back down, the reason for this unsettling pain becoming more clear.

"Jane…" Ryaden murmured, his voice beyond the emotion of anger. He glanced at the hat and swallowed.

She was dead.


"Follow me," Whale said, leading the group down an alley way. It was dark the path they were taking, but they were running into fewer people that way. Kathryn held onto her dagger, looking nervous as Regina stood near her. Midas nodded and lead them on. Nova and Grumpy stayed close, Red at the tail of the group. Everyone was tense, not speaking unless they had to. Kathryn swallowed nervously as Regina asked her softly, "Are you alright with doing this?"

Kathryn looked back at her wildly and nodded briefly. Regina nodded and grasped her hand tightly. Kathryn smiled weakly as Regina lead her forward. Nova fidgeted nervously as she whispered, "I can't do this…"

"You can!" Grumpy said reassuringly, "I know you can!"

"I'm just a fairy assistant, I'm not a really fairy godmother," Nova said tearfully, "How can I do this?!"

"Because!" Grumpy said firmly, "It's your dream! This is it, this is your moment."

Nova looked down at him, allowing her affection for him to shine through. He did the same as he said firmly, "You can do this. I know you can!"

"We're here!"

Everyone entered the courtyard carefully, seeing the stones. Five were now dead, two only being lit. Everyone, however, was looking around in confusion. Red paced quickly as she said, "Where is everyone? There should be guards here."

"Are you complaining? Let's get the over with," Grumpy said firmly.

"Couldn't have said it better myself!"

Grumpy felt himself flying backwards as he knocked Whale over as well. Charming had swung out from behind one of the stones as well as other soldiers came out of hiding. Midas pulled out his sword as Regina allowed a fire ball to escape and hit an oncoming attacker. Kathryn jumped, slashing out as someone came up and tried to grab her. Kathryn didn't hit as the person jumped back. When she saw who it was, she froze.

"Frederick," Kathryn said, her voice sounding broken. He didn't seem to hear her as he swung his sword attempting to hit her. Kathryn dodged, feeling angry and torn. She had him, she TOOK him. Kathryn dodged as he almost hit her. Regina flung around and sent him flying into one of the dead stones. He was knocked out as Kathryn looked at her wildly. Regina looked at her sympathetically as Kathryn let a small smile grace her mouth. Regina suddenly grabbed Kathryn as another soldier nearly crashed into her.

Grumpy kicked a soldier into a tree away from Nova as Whale was in a vicious punching match with another Anti-Magic user. Red managed to keep two people at bay and shouted, "Charming! Come to your senses, she's using you!"

Charming skillfully fought Midas, swords clashing into each other. The swords finally stopped each other as Charming said in a hiss, "No more than the Mage's are using you!"


"Look out!"

The Dwarves scattered as the tail of the Jabberwock came crashing down. The Jabberwock tried snapping at them as the Dwarves scatted in different directions. They ran at breakneck speed, avoiding the creature trying desperately to snatch at them through the trees. Sneezy yelped as he scattered away with Happy shouting, "How much longer!?"

"Not much!"

The Jabberwock screeched, reeling up as its huge shadow shot up at it, forming spikes. It flapped it's wings desperately, trying to escape it's clutches. It did so, but something exploded in it's face, something like a firework. More continued to be shot towards it as everyone saw Oz and Zoie shooting them off the cliff. It flew up into the sky, escaping its shadow as it hid in the clouds. The Dwarves stopped and looked to see Tzila clap her hands together and allowed the shadow to disappear. She looked at them, panting slightly as she said, "Ryaden's just having difficulty open the portal big enough. He's almost there."

The roar deafened them as the Jabberwock stormed down from the sky, hitting the cliff with Anti-Magic. Oz and Zoie seemed to have left already though as it raged and stormed. The smell was atrocious, dark and disgusting. Tzila looked up and Happy asked, "I guess you can't do that trick again?"

"My spell only works if it's close enough to the ground," Tzila said, "It'd have to be on top of us again."

Suddenly then Jabberwock was hit with an arrow filled with magic.

It burst around the underside of the beast, flames bursting beneath it. It roared in anger and looked down to see Belle purposely placed in sight. She swallowed but kept her cool. She whistled long and hard at it before running into the woods. It roared and flew down, trying to follow her in the thicket of hiding places.

Belle could feel her heart racing as she heard the Jabberwock tear up tree's not too far from her as she tried to keep it's focus busy. Ryaden just needed a little more time… just a bit more. Belle suddenly screamed as the trees around her were ripped up from their home. Belle fell from the weakened ground and soon had the Jabberwock charging Anti-Magic. Belle went to reach for her weapon but could no longer find it. Her heart almost stopped as she looked back to see a bright light coming into a dark mouth. Firing out, Belle thought she was surely going to die.

However, a well-placed arrow shot the Jabberwock in the eye. It screeched, thrashing around as it tried to claw the arrow out. Gold rushed and grabbed Belle, pulling her up. Belle barely had time to register Granny's scream when Belle felt Gold grab her. The two were thrown from the impact of the Jabberwock's tail. Granny was about to shoot at it when another arrow hit the Jabberwock near what would have been its ear. It screeched as another arrow flew, bouncing off its tough skin. Granny looked up at the cliff to see a hooded person shooting arrows at it. Granny then loaded her crossbow and started firing at it. It screeched, confused obviously as to just what it was suppose to be attacking. It backed to the middle of the field where what happened next was introduced by Ryaden's statement.

"GET BACK IN THERE, YOU DAMN LIZARD!!"

It roared as the portal opened wide underneath it. The air was sucking at the Jabberwock, drawing it in. It screeched and roared, threw Anti-Magic high into the air as it scrambled to escape its clutches. Everyone was rooted to the spot as it was absorbed into the portal loudly. The Dwarves were in stupor with the scene as the Jabberwock disappeared with the portal. The Dwarves were frozen at first. Happy was the first to break the silence when he said, "We did it."

Sneezy sneezed and everyone looked at him. He looked sheepish as he said, "Sorry."

The Dwarves broke out into nervous laughter. It wasn't until an arrow came shooting down near them that made them jump and freeze. They turned to see the hooded figure walking towards them, holding the bow tightly. They're frozen state disappeared as the person pulled off their hood and spoke.

"Really, you should know better than to let your guard down."

"Snow!" All the Dwarves rushed to her and embraced her. She embraced them as Sleepy asked, "Is it really you Snow?"

"Whole and Sound?"

"Yes," Snow said, smiling, "It's really me."

"Good," Happy said, "I don't think we could handle another betrayal like Charmings…"

"Betrayal?" Snow said, confused.

"He ate a cursed apple," Doc said, "Now he's evil."

"Doing the Enchantress's bidding," Bashful said, worried.

Snow's jaw dropped, shock entering her features. However, Snow then breathed in deep and said, "I wouldn't worry… I'm sure Emma will whip him into shape soon."

Tzila appeared behind them with Ryaden, who looked grim. Tzila smiled weakly at Snow and said, "Wonderful of you to join us."

"Indeed," Snow said, with a grim smile, "It was good to get rid of something…"

"Yes," Ryaden said with a sour taste in his mouth, "It seems we have rid of something… as well as a Mage."

"What?!" Tzila asked looked over at him shocked. Ryaden grimaced, before looking at Tzila solemnly. Tzila's eyes were wide, terror taking her face. Snow also looked panicked as she asked, "Who? Oz? Ours?"

"Jane," Ryaden said and Tzila let out a strange noise. Tzila did not seem the one to swoon but she did. Ryaden caught her as Snow covered her mouth and began to tremble. Shaking her head, Snow said, "No… They were going to Antic to save Alison! Islet was cured, they should have made it!"

"Well they didn't," Ryaden said, "And I'm sure Baelfire didn't make it there either."

Snow White closed her eyes, allowing a tear to fall down her face. Tzila managed to compose herself enough to stand alone, but tears were apparent. Even the dwarves were upset as Tzila looked at Ryaden and said, "You don't think-."

"No, I don't think he's dead," Ryaden said, wincing, "I think something happened to him though… and we both know why I'd have that inkling in the first place…"

Tzila paled, something most wouldn't think possible. Sneezy sneezed and asked, "Who would stop them?"

Snow White blinked and then looked up whispering, "The Snow Queen…"

Everyone looked at her surprised and she looked around at them all, snapping out of her trance. She looked slightly affronted and said, "Why does everyone think Alison and Henry are the only ones who read those books!? Now how do we open Islet to get back?!"

"We can't open it," Ryaden said, "Islet doesn't like Neverland, it's our opposing land. Besides, we would need Peter's Pan permission and that's a difficult thing to come by."

"But Peter is the good guy, he's Baelfire's best mate," Snow said, "Surely he would let us come to help him!"

"No he wouldn't," Ryaden said scowling, "And no, he isn't. Peter is an immature boy; his mentality isn't purely good or bad. He constantly plays with both. He will want Baelfire to stay and won't let us come to ensure that he doesn't."

"But we-!"

"RYADEN!"

Everyone jumped as they turned to watch Granny running towards them with a devastated look on her face. Snow ran forward and greeted Granny. Granny didn't speak as she let Snow hug her. She then pulled away and looked at Ryaden saying, "You need to get to Belle now."

"Why?"

"Because Rumpelstiltskin got hit," Granny said breathless in a bad way, "He's dying."

"Just keep still," Belle begged as she tried to bind an injury on her loves arm, "This is going to sting."

"I'm sure no more than it does," Gold said with a gasp. There was a pool of blood growing underneath him. He was prompt on a large boulder as she attended to him with shaking hands. Her eyes were filled with tears as she frantically tried to help. Gold groaned as she tightened the strip of cloth. Belle looked at him filled with worry as she said, "Ryaden will be here soon. Granny went to get him and you'll be fine…"

"I doubt it," Gold said, "He can't bring back one who's meant to die."

"Don't," Belle said, touching his cheek, "You are not going to die…"

"Maybe, its better this way," Gold grimaced as he spoke, "This damn curse can finally be gone from this world…"

"Don't talk like that," Belle said, holding onto Gold while she tried to stop the bleeding, "You'll be alright. We're together now, everything going to be fine. You'll see."

"At least- I got to see you…one last time…" Gold choked, the light in his eyes dimming. He reached up his good arm and touched her cheek. She grasped his hand, shaking her head as tears went down her face. Ryaden ran up, the other's in the group not far behind him. Ryaden bent down next to him as he began to try and heal him. Gold just looked at Belle with a sadness to his face. Ryaden swallowed as the injuries healed, but kept a nasty bruise. A mark glowed on his hand, making the letter F. Ryaden made a face as he looked at them all gravely. Shaking his head softly, Ryaden murmured, "I'm sorry…."

"Don't be," Rumpelstiltskin said, brokenly, "Just… take care of her…"

Belle looked up at him horrified as she shook her head. Ryaden backed away as Belle said, "No. No! Please, there has to be anoth-!"

"Belle," Gold said, imploringly, "Look at me."

Belle looked down at him as he said, "Please… I'd rather not die as the monster…."

"You never were… not to me," Belle said tearfully. Snow's eyes were filled with tears as the other Dwarves watched solemnly. Gold stroked her cheek as he said, "I want to die… the man you wanted…."

Belle shivered but did as he asked. She leaned down and kissed him softly. It was a simple beautiful thing. However, it soon turned to sadness as Gold's hand fell to his side and his body limp. Snow turned and allowed Granny to embrace her. The dwarves pulled off their hats slowly as they bowed their heads. Ryaden embraced Tzila, who watched on sadly. Belle pulled away and began to shake. She grasped his jacket and said, "No… no. Please. Please! Please don't leave me!"

She buried her face into his jacket as she sobbed hysterically, "I love you…"

With those three little words, a light exploded around them that blinded them all.


"Is that all you got!"

Midas grimaced as he tried to get up from his spot. Charming had his sword in hand as he pointed it at him. However, Charming went flying back as a branch from a tree came flying down, knocking him backwards. Kathryn ran over as Regina went after Charming. Kathryn grasped him, leading him away from the fight. Midas looked at her with a grimace as he murmured reassurance to her.

"Abigail," Midas said softly.

"I'm fine," Kathryn said, squeezing his shoulder. She looked up in time to see that another stone suddenly went dead, Anti-Magic disappearing from it. Her face looked relieved as she whispered, "They did it."

"Don't lose focus," Midas said and Kathryn went rigid. She turned as she saw Frederick getting to his feet. Kathryn gripped the hilt to her blade. A look of frightened determination came over her as she stood. He pulled out his sword and took his stance. He swung out and Kathryn blocked, their dance beginning. Kathryn was clumsy, not fully understand the art of sword play. However, someone came to her aid as another sword swung out. Frederick looked with blank eyes as Red went to Kathryn's side.

Grumpy and Whale knocked back the last soldier attacking. Grumpy hit him on the back of the head with his axes handle. Grumpy then said to Nova, "Come on, let's stop this thing!"

He dragged her almost over to the Machine as she paled. However Grumpy was blasted backwards as Charming struck Regina, causing her to fall into the ring of stones. A force field surround them, leaving Regina and Nova to a woman who appeared in glimmers. Regina glared at the woman as the Enchantress laughed. She walked towards them saying, "You made this too easy."

Regina threw a fire ball in her direction as the Enchantress blocked it She then flicked her hand and Regina found herself pinned to the wall. She struggled but to no avail. Nova trembled as the Enchantress began to circle her like a hawk. Nova trembled as the Enchantress said, "You are the fairy they sent to disarm it… how amusing."

Nova let a tear fall down her cheek as the Enchantress watched her. Swallowing, Nova asked, "Why are you doing this?"

Enchantress watched her, not speaking to answer her question. Nova swallowed as she said with bravery she did not feel, "Answer me! Why?!"

"To guard," Enchantress said, "And to protect."

"Guardian's are the elements that exist in all worlds," Nova said, backing away from her, "You may be powerful, you may be a sorceress who deals in justice, but a Guardian is something you are not!"

Nova felt herself trip as she fell to the ground. The Enchantress approached her calmly as she said, "What would you know? You're nothing more than a klutzy fairy who couldn't believe in herself if she tried."

"Don't listen to her Nova!" Grumpy shouted only for Charming to attack him with his sword. Whale threw Anti-Magic at Charming, only for him to deflect with his sword. Whale dodge, wincing. Whale watch as Charming moved about them in an arch. Red and Kathryn fought with Frederick, the soldier holding his own with ease. Charming watched them briefly before looked back at the other two.

"Charming, I can fix this," Whale said, "Please let me help!"

"I don't need help!" Charming shouted, his anger showing in his voice, "Not from you!"

"I beg to differ!"

Charming felt a blow to the back of his head, making him stumble forward. He flung his sword around, it striking another blade. Charming finally got a look of his attacker and froze when he saw the face.

"Emma," Charming said, his voice clearly surprised.

"I'd liked you better when you were Charming," Emma seethed, swinging her sword down to pin his blade. Emma then released it to grab Charming. Chicken winging him, Emma grabbed his shouting, "Do it Whale!"

"With pleasure!" Whale summoned up enough Anti-Magic and shot it at his heart. Emma let go of him as the Anti-Magic hit him, falling back against a tree. Charming stumbled back, his image being distorted by a strange translucent light. Charming then froze, looking up with a horrified look on his face. Everyone looked at him, nervous as can be.

"Emma," Charming said, paling, "I'm-!"

"It's fine-!"

There was a sudden boom, making everyone freeze. The fight between Frederick and the two women stopped as they all looked to the horizon to see a cloud of light storming towards them. The Enchantress stopped walking, staring over at the light in surprise. Nova looked over as well and gasped. Emma's jaw dropped as she said, "What the hell is that?!"

Charming stared as it came closer at a rapid pace saying, "I don't know."

Charming reached to grab Emma as the power rushed over them blinding them. Nova watched as Regina was released and the magic stormed around them. All though it stormed, any malicious intent could not be felt. Instead, Regina felt something wondrous and powerful fill her as she shouted, "What is that?!"

"It's… True Love," Nova said, staring up in wonder. She then looked over at the Enchantress, who was watching her. The stare was filled with emotion, full of expectation and intention. The Enchantress disappeared into the clouds, vanishing from sight. Nova gapped and then grabbed Regina's hand. Regina looked down at her hand in shock as she said, "What are you doing?!"

"Just trust me!" Nova shouted as she lifted her hand. Regina looked at her in surprised and then nodded rigidly. The two women closed their eyes as they allowed magic to surge through them. The statue cracked even more and shattered into a million pieces, allowing a magical light to shoot up to the sky. It burst through the clouds allowing the blue sky to be seen. Regina gapped and then laughed into delight. Nova watched with the brightest smile she had ever seen. The circle grew bigger, allowing the others in their party to be seen. Kathryn stood by Red in wonder as Frederick blinked. Light returned to his eyes as he said, "Abigail…"

Kathryn looked at him and her face glowed as she said in relief, "Frederick!"

She threw herself into his embrace as Red laughed delightedly. Emma looked up, her eyes in amazement as she smile warmly. Charming watched her, letting a small smile grace his mouth. The circle got even bigger as another group was revealed. He shouted, "Snow!"

"Charming!" Snow dashed over to him and they embraced. Tzila and Ryaden looked around in surprise as the Dwarves reunited with the group as did Granny. Red embraced her as another person appeared, August looking baffled. His heart skipped when he saw Red and she saw him. Grinning, Red rushed at him and pounced. August embraced her as Granny watched fondly. Chess and Grace were also present, standing close to one another. Ryaden nodded and said, "What a boom."

Tzila laughed as she watched the beauty of the Magic swirl around them more slowly. She then looked over at another opening becoming known to her. She gasped and pulled on Ryaden's shirt. He looked down at her before looking over at the indicated spot. His mouth dropped open as he saw two people standing together.

Belle blinked, feeling a sensation through her that wiped away any negativity. She slowly looked up at the person she was holding onto and gasped. There he stood, straight as can be and with a look of shock that she couldn't quite place. Nor did she care to as she broke out into a smile and whispered, "It's you…"

Gold looked down at her and stared for a moment. Then he smiled and said, "You did it."

He leaned down and whispered to her lips, "My hero."

He kissed her then and she kissed him back with her loving affection. The clouds began to disappear up to the sky, leaving them in a bright cheerful state of town square. Belle would have deepened their kiss if she hadn't felt warmth on the back of her hand. She pulled away, as did he. Both of them looked at their hands to see that a mark was glowing up them. Belle gasped, the identical marks fade to light marks. Gold swallowed and said, "Mage…"

"We're the new mages," Belle said, in realization.

Everyone looked on in wonder as Ryaden scowled and said, "So that is what that little ankle-biter was planning! What a little-!"

"Ryaden!" Tzila scolded and looked towards them. She smiled a weakly and whispered, "Solved the conundrum as protecting themselves, she did…"

"Indeed."

Everyone jumped and turned, double taking at a tree that now stood in tall splendor. It's trunk twisted, flowers and vines crawling up the base. The tree held deep autumn red leaves, a warm breeze running around it. A woman came out from behind it, her blond hair bouncing gracefully. Grace watched as a man with red hair and a thick beard came out. She licked her lips and asked, "Who are they?"

"Zahra, Guardia of the Season of Life. Fintan, the Guardian of the Season of Heat," Chess recited with a hum. Grace watched as another woman came out, her hair long and her eyes a startling blue that didn't seem natural. She gapped as he leaned over, "Aislinn, the Guardian of the Season of Sleep."

"Mom," whispered Grace ever so softly.

Aislinn's eyes flickered over her, before turning her attention to the others in the group. Emma swallowed as Aislinn continued, "Congratulations. Your test has been completed."

"Test?" Gold said, almost hollowly. Aislinn nodded and said, "The Enchantress told you from the start that if you cooperated, you would succeed in starting your journey home. And you did."

"Starting?" Snow asked.

"I thought she said we would go home," Snow whispered.

"That, is your journey to find," Fintan said, deeply, "With the help of each other. It is what Fate has decided."

"Fate?" Regina stated blankly, "You speak as though it's a real person."

"It is as real as you and I," Zahra said kindly.

"Whether it is a person or not is not clear," Fintan said.

"As it does not make itself known so frequently," Aislinn said, "But what we do know is that you will find a way."

Emma swallowed as she walked forward boldly. Snow went to grab her, but Charming stopped her. Emma stopped near them as she gave them an indignant look. She looked between them as she said, "Why? Why would you choose a six year old girl to be a Mage of the craziest world?!"

"Watch your tone," Fintan thundered but Aislinn raised her hand. She looked at Emma powerfully as she walked towards her saying, "My answer is the same reason why you were chosen the Savior."

"And why's that?" Emma asked, her tone broken.

"A diamond in the rough," Zahra said, sincerely.

"You and Alison lead parallel lives," Aislinn said, "You both lost love and grew up cynical. But that, Emma, is what made you both perfect Hero's."

"By suffering?"

"By not trying to be one," Aislinn said, "By just protecting the thing you were denied and cherish above everything else… and that's all a hero ever does."

Emma swallowed and Aislinn stared sadly at Charming and Snow, "You may have found them… but you can't truly have them. Another parallel you must share for eternity."

"What?!" Gold said sharply. All three Guardians looked somber as Zahra said, "Jane is gone…and Baelfire Fate is bound to Neverland for all eternity."

"No!" Gold's voice shook as a frightened insecurity took hold, "No, there must be another way…"

"There isn't."

Gold froze at the sound of his voice. Baelfire came around the tree, glowing in an odd white magic It was ghostlike. Ryaden swallowed as Tzila bowed her head. Gold broke away from Belle as she let him go. Tears ran down her face as Gold walked toward him heartbroken. Tears filled his eyes as everyone either bowed their heads or looked away. Baelfire watched him sadly as he said, "I'm not here…not in physical form anyway… Papa I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Gold said, tearfully, "We'll fix this!"

"There is nothing to be fixed," Baelfire said simply. He walked towards Gold as he said, "Papa, you came back for me. You let light back into your heart and gave up power for love. I couldn't be more proud to call you my father."

Gold couldn't help but smile weakly. Baelfire stopped near him and said, "But I chose my path a long time ago. This is the price I've paid for my arrogance. I fought Morgana, Jane died because Morgana killed her. Morgana died because she killed a Mage. The Lost Boys found me and saved me with the water on the Island. But the price for drinking it is great. The water runs on the Island alone, if I ever leave, I will die."

"I'll find I cure!"

"We all will!" Snow said, bravely.

Gold looked back and looked at them. Everyone nodded in assurance as Gold felt a rush of gratitude for their sincerity. Baelfire chuckled weakly as he shook his head. Baelfire said gently, "This is the Fate I have now accepted… I am the Mage of Neverland, where many never leave. I live in the Land of Stories, where they are always told. Papa… our connection with each other will never be lost again…"

Baelfire leaned and kissed his forehead. Gold trembled as the cool magic washed over him. Baelfire backed away and said softly, "Except it is time to go our separate ways."

Gold watched him, yearned but understanding. Baelfire looked relieved as Gold nodded and backed away. August moved forward, Red not far behind. Baelfire smiled weakly and said, "Good to see you found someone, Pinoc."

"Bae," August said, devastated, "What the hell am I going to tell Lizzie?"

Baefire's expression changed, becoming solemn. He then said as he disappeared, "Same thing angels tell their loved ones… I'll be watching."

He was gone then, the Guardians watching the group sadly. Aislinn came forward as Gold watched her, a stern expression overtaking his features. She stopped and said, "I am sorry. I know that the loss no matter what form is bitter."

"Where is she?" Gold interrupted.

"She?"

"Where is my granddaughter?" Gold said, staring hardly at her, "If we succeeded then why hasn't she returned?"

"There is a retrieval team working on bringing the children home as we speak," Zahra piped in.

"The poison may be gone from the shutter of love, but the emptiness isn't," Aislinn said sternly, "She has something that she needs to return. Something that Jack should have never given her in the first place."

"And what's that?" Snow asked.

The other two Guardians disappeared as Aislinn watched with a serious expression. She also began to fade as she said, "A piece of his heart…"

They then were left alone as Red said, "A piece of his heart? What piece of heart?"

"More importantly," Emma said, her voice suddenly stricken, "What did she mean by children?!"

Snow looked at Charming questioningly. Charming grimaced and said softly, "Henry, Ava, Nicholas, and Sage went after Alice in Antic."

"WHAT?!" Emma shrieked and Kathryn looked up. She suddenly gasped as she saw a dark cloud commence to overcome the sky. It had a tint of greenish hue, as a cold air began to blow. Chess shivered as Grace's already upset form worsened. Any warmth from true loves magic wore off as everyone looked around. Kathryn looked towards something and she let out a horrified cry. She pressed herself into Fredericks arms as Frederick said confused, "What's the matter? Abigail!"

"That's what's wrong," Midas said, looking grave. Everyone was confused as well until snow fell from the sky slowly. Midas lifted his hand and pointed at the objects of his daughter's distress. Horror seized them as the lights in the street lamps went out, one by one.