Recap: Our players are still pretty scattered. Charming troops have left for Midas, where Scar and Guy of Gisborne are the last men (with armies) standing against Snow and David. Regina agreed to help, magickally, then recruited Robin to join Snow's cause. BTW, that random mutt gets around, right? Anyway, Regina and Emma (back at Charming Castle) did a spell to catch a glimpse of The Mastermind. Emma's all over the place, tries to avoid Killian till he's not there to avoid, doesn't know Regina pushed pause on the baby development… Wesley and Belle are on the ship (speeding dangerously because, Athena). Belle's still under the love potion. Roland gets caught up with Killian while Killian gets his crew from Asgard, because Killian has a plan and has begun to enact it. And what is going on with Roland and his feelings about things? And why is Roland and Heimdall in agreement over something?...

A/N: I'm so sorry. I rushed the writing of the last few sections of this chapter, posted it, then rushed in deleting it. After rereading it, determined to get it right... it wasn't as bad as I thought. I finally convinced Muse to help me finish it (for reals) with an actual ending that ties up loose ends. So, if you've already read this when it was posted before, you don't have to reread this chapter! I edited very little, grammar mostly. (I wanted to make changes.. but I didn't.) The new sections will be in the next chapter, which I am adding very soon. Like tonight, tomorrow, this week soon.

Assuming you're still here, not angry with me.. thank you for sticking with this!

(And I will never delete anything once posted ever again.)


~Continue, Evening Day 24~

The Mastermind stood at her window, feeling a prickle against her spine. Morgana instantly knew what that meant. She was being watched.

She could appreciate the tactic. Really. But without knowing who did the spell or why, she couldn't stand for it to continue. Instead, she muttered a small counter-spell which instantly blew up in her face - figuratively speaking. They were good. Not only did they manage to keep their identity secret from her, they also broke the connection and any chance she had of tracking the Magick to the sorcerer who conjured it.

There were only so many people who could, or would, have done that. Regina, being the main one. Morgana wasn't concerned. The older woman wouldn't likely remember her from that one meeting so long ago.

That didn't matter.

What mattered was how well her plans, even the last minute adjustments, were coming together. She'd managed to get her claws into Guy and Scar before Snow's hopeful plea's reached them. Those men were putty in her hands, and would stand their ground.

And then, she would finally get her revenge.

She was downright giddy at the prospect.

~B~

Belle shivered as the ship slowly pulled into port, less than an hour from the Charming Castle by horse. She craved land. Especially after that.. Turbulent ride she'd just escaped.

The owl, she had decided must be Athena, had disappeared already. Belle wasn't quite sure how long ago, but knew it had to be the Goddess. Owls were not sea-faring creatures, much like her, but the bird had been with them the majority of the trip - if the crew were to be believed.

Belle couldn't wait to be abed when the bed didn't move or sway to the ocean. She felt like she could sleep for weeks. How were they going to get there, though? It was likely close to midnight, though unsure of the exact time, but she also didn't care. She was moments from dry land, an hour from the castle, and perhaps even closer to a solution to the love potion Jorie had given her - if she could just speak to Regina.

What was it with the men she liked? Rumple kept her as his prisoner and slave, at least at first, Jorie slipped her a potion, and Wesley was a pirate. She didn't have very good experiences with pirates, but at least this one had kept her safe and was bringing her back to where she - momentarily - belonged.

Not that she liked him.

When the ship's gangway finally lowered onto the dock, Belle sprinted toward it, nearly flying in her desperation to disembark. She didn't even care that she stumbled and fell onto the boardwalk where she happily remained motionless, pleased that the ground beneath her was no longer swaying.

She'd never admit to the tears of joy streaming down her face. No more sickness, no more medicine to keep it at bay, no more cramped quarters. She could live on this boardwalk for the rest of her life and die happy.

And then a feminine throat was cleared artificially, causing Belle to spring up, dusting off her dress as she did. She knew that distinctive sound. She had lived with it for over a decade.

"Hey, Regina."

"Belle. I wasn't expecting you so soon."

"There were a few changes to the plans."

Regina hummed in acknowledgement, eyeing the Revenge with disdain. "Pirates? What happened to Jorie?"

Belle took in a lungful of air before plunging in, explaining the whole story - captured by pirates, the Pirate Captain feeling pity for her love story woes, taking her the rest of the way to Camelot, Jorie's attentions, then his potion which caused the sorceress to examine Belle through her fingers. Regina continued to listen with rapt attention as Belle mentioned the owl and their speedy return, her eyes flicking over to the ship and it's crew every few seconds as the tale was told.

"Well. I do have good news." Regina said dryly. "The spell isn't that special. Bad news. You really do have to let it take its course."

Belle tried - and failed - to hold back her groan. "What exactly does that mean?"

"I hope I'm not interrupting." Wesley said as he and another crewman brought over Belle's luggage, setting it down beside the two women. He nodded to his subordinate. "Thank you, Inigo." It was a clear dismissal, but the man didn't seem to mind at all.

"And who is this?" Regina raised a brow at Belle, who sighed.

"The Captain, Dread Pirate Roberts."

"Interesting." Was all Regina said, but Belle knew better. Regina had that look in her eyes. The one that said she knew more than she ought to.

But Belle didn't have the time to inquire further, because a bright light from the heavens shone on the grass several meters away, causing those on the docks and Revenge to shield their eyes. Before it was safe to look, there was an audible thump along with a small earthquake.

"What the hell?" Regina was off like a racehorse, followed closely by Wesley. When Belle's shock-induced mind caught up to her, she ran after the other two, stopping short when she grew close enough to make out at least two dozen bodies laying in the grass.

And they were moaning.

Wesley began moving from man to man, checking to see if anyone needed assistance, while Regina stood off to the side, looking at the scene through her fingers. Belle could tell the instant Regina knew something, because the other woman's shoulders squared off.

"Hook! Roland!" Belle hadn't heard that level of rage in a very, very long time.

~K~

Killian groaned, hitting the ground harder than normal. He'd bet his own ship that that was on purpose.

Bloody Heimdall could have easily slammed them down a little harder as a punishment for questioning him. Bloody Gods and their bollocks power trips-

He'd spent the better part of an hour arguing with Heimdall - and Roland - about this unknown stranger, and the likelihood of finding a spell or anything to transport their group within the timeframe allotted - which didn't leave him with much time once he gave into the duo, landing him back on the doorstep of the Charming Castle.

"Hook!" Oh Bloody He- "Roland!" Here lies Captain Killian Jones, who survived over 200 years of life in bloody Neverland only to die at the hands of The Evil Queen for reasons that involve her step-son.

It was the only thought he could think, laying there, mentally checking himself over for cuts, bruises, or broken bones. He found he was a bit sore, which was to be expected, but otherwise healthy as a horse.

Until Regina got through with him, he was sure.

Aching, he forced himself upright, noticing he was the first of his crew to do so. He did manage to spot three figures against the horizon, the moon barely illuminating them against a backdrop of near-black. It took him all of two seconds to construct the scene before him. Regina was the first he deciphered. Likely due to her presence, obvious to a blind man. The other two weren't quite as straightforward, though if he had to guess, that could be Belle. But she was meant to be in Camelot, no?

The last person was clearly male in gender, which sent his hackles straight up, making his thoughts fly to the argument from before. In an odd way, Killian just knew this was the man in question. And he was out checking for injuries amongst Killian's crew. He wasn't sure what to make of that.

Killian let his head drop for a moment, shaking the remaining cobwebs off, before straining to stand.

"HOOK!"

"Aye, Majesty, don't twist your knickers, I'm right bloody here." He didn't know why he had to goad her. He might as well be on his deathbed, though, so why not have a wee bit of fun?

"Bring me my son." Her quiet demand nearly buckled his knees, and Captain Hook feared no man - er - woman. But that tone in that decibel was unfathomably terrifying.

"Ooh." He really was a glutton for punishment. "All 'bring me my son' in a commanding voice. Chills."

"I'm right here, mom."

Hook turned toward the voice, strained from the same pain he was feeling. Killian moved at the same time as Regina, both stepping over bodies as swiftly as possible to reach the young man - the strange shadow-man continued checking the crew, and the woman (who was possibly Belle) was beginning to aid the stranger.

Interesting.

Roland was just maneuvering to push himself up when the duo arrived, Regina checking him over through her fingers.

"Relax, Majesty. Just a bump, perhaps a bruise or two. Heimdall likely just dropped us a bit vigorously -"

"Heimdall?!" She was on him, then, glaring with all the force a person could. "What are you thinking, taking my son -"

"It was an accident." Roland stood with a bit more ease than Killian had. He tried not to think about that. "I was following him when he called for the portal - or whatever that was - and I got sucked into it."

Killian simply nodded, shrugging when Regina whirled back around to confirm the story - or kill him. He wasn't sure yet.

"Then what were you doing going to Asgard in the first place, Captain?"

"Had you not wondered why my ship only had three individuals onboard when we were magickally pulled to this realm?" Killian ran his fingers through his hair. He did not have time for this. "My crew had been left behind. I was merely returning for them, to bring them here." He motioned with hand and hook the scene around them, the groaning men who were beginning to stand - as the figure from earlier was moving toward them with the woman, who Killian was now certain was Belle.

"Milady. Pleasant travels?"

She scoffed, reaching their little group with the man - dressed in all black, wearing a mask - "Captain Hook, meet The Dread Pirate Roberts."

Killian raised an eyebrow at the other man, having heard the stories.

"You didn't mention you still knew him." Roberts spoke with mirth in his voice. Was he flirting with the displaced princess?

"It wasn't relevant."

Curious, indeed.

"A moment of your time, Roberts. I need a word."

"A word with the notorious Captain Hook?" Roberts smirked. "How could I ever refuse?"

Regina tried to stop them, but Killian kept moving away from prying ears as he heard Roland say something - likely to distract his mother. He was the one who wanted this meeting to take place, afterall.

Roberts broke the silence after checking behind his shoulder that they had moved far enough away.

"What is this about, Hook?"

He simply hummed thoughtfully in response, taking his time to compose his thoughts.

"I wonder, when was the last time you got a chance to test your skills?"

He knew he had the man interested, at the very least. "What are you suggesting?"

"There's a war brewing, and I find I'd like to play the hero for once."

"Hero? Captain Hook?"

"Aye, I'm aware of the irony."

"If I may, what brought this on?"

Killian moved his eyes to get a side look at his companion. He was definitely interested now.

"The love of a woman, and the desire to prove myself."

Roberts turned to look behind them, humming in thought. "A pirate playing hero for the love of a woman. Tell me your plans, then, hero."

Killian could feel the persona of Captain Hook slipping back on in full force, his grin taking over his face.

"I thought you'd never ask."

~R~

Regina eyed the two pirate captains in distrust. That couldn't be good. Of course, she had heard of The Princess Bride from the gifted memories, and knew a few stories of The Dread Pirate Roberts from her own memories. But now, she wondered of the true story, and how the male protagonist had become free to flirt with Belle.

It may have been a favorite movie of Regina Mills, Mayor.

"Regina." Belle must have said her name a few times, causing the sorceress to lightly blush. She didn't usually get caught off guard. "How do we just let this potion run its course?"

"It hasn't been triggered yet, has it?"

"I - I don't think -" Belle shrugged. "I've honestly got no idea."

"Was Jorie stopped from finishing something after you drank it?"

"He tried to kiss me."

Regina nodded, sighing. "Find someone to kiss you, then. Let the potion color your view of them. It should only last a month or so after the kiss, and you'll have to remain within a kilometer or so of them, otherwise you'll die."

Belle choked on her own tongue. "Die?"

"And this one was a botched job. Whoever made it had no idea what they were doing. I can't be certain, but I think you'll be just fine."

Regina looked to Roland, standing a few meters away and leaning forward - it looked like he was trying to hear the conversation of the Captain's.

"Roland." He spun around faster than she'd ever seen him move. "Just what are you up to?"

~W~

"You're quite sure we can't kill anyone?" Wesley asked, lilting his voice to project sarcastic humor more than anything.

Hook just gave him a blank sideways stare.

Wesley sighed, attempting to check the time by the night sky. It was too dark, however, the moon gone from view was the main factor that kept him from easily discerning-

"It's nearly midnight." Hook supplied. How could he possibly know that? "The only hiccup in my plan is getting there, tonight."

Wesley knew how to do that. He knew it the instant Hook's plan had been laid out. Everything would need to be done before daybreak, before the Charming troops arrived the next afternoon, before the majority of the enemies could wake and begin fighting. It required stealth, something Wesley hadn't done much of in his years as a pirate.

Wesley's solution to their travel dilemma was his small jar of Hermes tears, which he had used a drop of here or there to travel to other locations - and realms - when needed. Telling Hook of this jar was.. unwise. Though.. he did desire a notch in the hero column. Which meant helping, and using a drop or two.

His desire to be.. heroic had absolutely nothing to do with a certain brunette beauty.

Wesley sighed, placing his hands on his hips.

"Alright, then Hook. I have a way to get us and our crews to Midas in a matter of moments. I need to hop back onto the Revenge, collect my crew." And a few drops from the jar.

"Aye, I shall do the same."

"Are you sure your crew is up to this after that fall?"

Hook let out a huff of a laugh. "Trust me when I say, this was a mere flesh wound compared to other things we've all had to endure."

~Rol~

If there was anything Roland knew, it was he had to get away from his mother long enough to go with the pirates. It was going to be a sight to behold, and he didn't even have to do anything. Just stand back and watch.

But Roland was torn. He had an equally pressing feeling to stay right where he was. But why? He was beginning to believe his feelings had merit, having trusted them enough to see some interesting sights, travel to a new realm, and even help a notorious pirate captain.

He'd failed to listen to them enough, now, having experienced enough of the nausea and dizziness to know avoiding them just wasn't worth it.

Leaving with the pirates was the obvious choice. There would be something to see, though he wasn't entirely sure what.

Staying - that almost seemed ridiculous. What could possibly go on here, at the Charming Castle, that was worth it to miss the excitement of two pirate crews working together?

He'd stayed at the Charming Castle for nearly a month, he knew what to expect - a whole lot of nothing.

Still. The lingering feeling that tonight would be different just wouldn't go away.

~K~

Midnight was fast dissipating, he could tell. Being alive as long as he had taught him enough tricks to tell the time despite the lack of a moon on a black night.

Killian, Roberts, and their respective crews were standing together around the place Killian had landed. Belle, Regina, and Roland were standing off to the side.

Killian smirked, noticing Roland's stance. Whatever Roberts was up to, Roland would be joining them - Killian had no doubt.

He watched, curious, as Roberts glanced around the group to check the readiness of the crews. Nodding more to himself than to the others, he tossed a small glass vial onto the ground, which created what looked like a swirling pool of black.

A portal. How Roberts did that without a bean, Killian had no idea.

But he was determined to find out.

With a wink, Roberts jumped into the portal, followed by a few of his men before Killian jumped himself, the last thing he saw being a running Roland, before everything vanished.

He was floating in nothing, seeing the men who jumped before him just below, the men who jumped after just above, a man next to him must have jumped around the time he had.

Roberts was the furthest down in the nothing they were floating in. Killian kept his eyes on the man, knowing whatever happened to him would happen to everyone else, too.

Killian Jones was not accustomed to making such a leap of faith.

It felt like ages before a line of light appeared around the masked man, causing him to disappear from the nothing Killian still floated in.

One by one, the men below Killian began to light up and disappear just like Roberts.

When Killian was no longer above another man, he instinctively drew a deep breath, feeling the tingle of light as it surrounded him and the man next to him, before he landed gently on his feet -

In sight of the castle of Midas.

He let out his gulp of air. "Bloody hell."

"You may want to step aside." Roberts teasing voice spoke, causing Killian to step towards the other captain in time to see another man appear where he had just been.

Obviously, the Revenge crew were quite accustomed to this, instantly moving when they materialized. Killian stayed just a few feet from the area to communicate with his own men that they needed to move. Once every pirate had been accounted for, Killian moved to where Roberts was standing.

"Is your scout off?" Roberts asked.

"Aye. Yours?"

Roberts just nodded, turning toward the castle. They'd already agreed on sending scouts first, then halving the work.

Though Killian wondered about the motives of the other Captain, he couldn't help but feel this was the correct path. Working together.

How the blazes had Roland known? And where was the man-child?

It only took about ten minutes for the first account to arrive. There were only three enemy tents, though there were countless soldiers among them.

Just after relaying his news, the scout left to check the castle when the other scout returned. He had the same information, though he added that it seemed the Charmings we're residing in the patchwork tent, and that the army surrounding it may be an ally - or holding the Charmings against their will.

Killian sent his man away to check the castle, turning to Roberts.

"Whoever reaches the patchwork tent must remain cautious."

Roberts nodded. "While it may not be in my blood to hold Royalty to a higher standard, I hold nothing against Snow White and her Prince Charming. If they are indeed being held, they will be freed."

Killian eyed him carefully, checking for a hint of subterfuge. Finding none, he nodded shortly.

The scouts arrived as if they had raced each other, breathing heavily and bending over to catch their breath.

"There's only -"

"A few soldiers -"

"Walking around -"

"In the courtyard -"

"I counted -"

"Four -"

"No, five."

Killian rolled his eyes, letting them land on Roberts who just looked amused at the situation.

With a nod between Captains, they separated, moving in opposite directions.

Staying low to the ground, running on the pads of their feet, the Jolly's crew followed their scout to the first tent.

Killian took only one moment to remind everyone there was a reason they had rope and gags, before motioning for his men to begin tying up the enemies.

Killian and two of his men went directly for the tent, aware the Generals would be sleeping inside while their men delt with whatever weather the elements had in store for them.

There were only three men inside, which was fortuitous, as Killian and his men knocked the enemy leaders out with the handle of their swords before bounding, gagging, and dragging the men outside. They then began assisting the rest of the Jolly crew in doing the same to the lower level soldiers.

It was not an easy task. Carefully, quietly, maneuvering dead weight to properly secure the enemy took time. It was nearly an hour before they could move on. Killian nodded to two members of his crew to stay behind to look after these men, motioning for the scout to take them to the patchwork tent.

~S~

Snow woke to an awful racket.

Was it morning already? Had the fighting already begun again?

Groaning awake, she moved to sit up before she was fully awake, yawning.

When she finally had the energy to open her eyes, one thing could not escape her notice.. It was still pitch black outside.

She was instantly alert, shaking David awake before moving to a spot in her tent that would allow her to peer outside, where she spotted Jefferson and his men standing before what looked like pirates - and they were all shouting.

Men.

She looked for a familiar face, spotting Killian Jones, sighing in relief. Whatever this man was doing here, he was too in love with her daughter to be here for any heinous reason.

Smoothing out her clothing, she stepped outside, leaving David to his rush of shoe-tying even after her warnings that they really shouldn't undress in the middle of a warzone, even the shoes.

"Jefferson!" The madman turned abruptly. "They're with us."

"Apologies, Majesty." Killian took a formal bow that Snow waved away. "We were uncertain if you were captured or taking refuge."

"Refuge." She told them, feeling David's presence just to her left. She was about to continue speaking, before seeing Killian grinning like a cheshire cat at her husband, then she noticed David's hand on her elbow. Turning impatiently, Snow did a double take when she saw what the pirates had been up to.

Every other soldier from the last two holdouts were bound and gagged, watched by men commanded by a pirate Captain.

What in Misthaven was going on?

~B~

Belle wasn't exactly thrilled with Regina, who took her, her luggage, and Roland to Charming's Castle before leaving Roland in a poof just to take Belle back to Rumple's old home.

She hated being in this dark memory hole.

"Regina-"

"Rumple has ingredients." Was all the sorceress would say on the matter. Assuming it had to do with the love potion still in effect, Belle only grumbled to herself.

~E~

Emma woke with a start, hearing some sort of argument just outside her door. She tried ignoring the muffled voices, though they simply wouldn't go away.

Stomping over to her door, flinging it open, she angrily stared at Roland and Reginald, who was stationed outside her door through the night, apparently.

"Emma!"

"Is that how you address Her Royal Highness?"

"I'm more concerned about the absence of my sleep." Emma muttered, glaring daggers at the two.

"Something's coming!" Roland's wide eyes were serious, and terrified.

"What is coming?"

"He can't provide answers, Highness. He has a feeling."

Emma took a long breath in through her nose, letting out all her aggravation as she looked over Roland and his fervent nodding. While she detected no lies, he did seem freaked out enough to try and take seriously.

"Fine, Roland, I'll get dressed. Stay." She pointed a finger at him before closing the door and ruffling her hair in tired aggravation. If he was right, now would be the opportune time for an attack on the castle with the majority of soldiers and protections gone - half way to Midas by now. Surely Regina was here, though. Nothing would get past her if her son's life hung in the balance.

~Morgana~

It was a beautiful night, the darkest time just before dawn. Morgana watched impatiently, in dog form, just sitting. She needed to time this right. Surely by now, Regina would be busy with Belle. That moment of magick she felt seemed strong enough, but how could she know -

Roland, the son of Regina, followed by a soldier and Emma had stepped out of the castle.

Grinning, she transformed back into herself, bringing up a forcefield to keep her and the three others together.

Waving a hand, she struck down the men, though one simply stepped back and disappeared. She'd savor Roland's downfall later. For now, she had a princess to dispatch of.

~The Battle~

Emma looked at her friends in shock as Reginald fell to the ground, Roland vanishing out of thin air. The latter had just been in the middle of some sentence about seeing things and feeling things and that tonight was important.

The magick forcefield was growing smaller, she could just barely see the barrier. She felt it more than saw.

"Emma."

Looking around, terrified, Emma saw the dark figure. It was clearly a woman, the same one from the potion she had brewed with Regina, though who the hell it was - she had no idea.

Feeling the buzz of magick, she pulled up a shield, thankful Regina forced the issue and made her learn as the lightning struck the shield and left her unharmed.

"You have been listening to your lessons. Good Girl."

"Who are you?"

"A student Regina turned away."

This time, Emma felt a different thing, something light, but sticky. Terrified, but calming herself down enough to enlarge the shield to surround her, she was shocked when the attack hit. Spiders. Crawling all over her shield.

Angry, Emma's burst of flames shot out, grilling the spiders, a few blasts directed at her unknown opponent.

"Not bad." The woman laughed, close enough that Emma could see her more clearly. She wasn't much older than Emma, beautiful, grinning the most terrifying smile she had ever seen.

"What the hell do you want?"

"Your death!"

Fuck the shield. Emma thought of all the people she needed to protect from this awful woman, determination filling every fiber of her being until a blast of her magick shooting out of her heart toward the woman.

A terrible scream could be heard from miles around, in every direction.

Emma crumpled in exhaustion.


Thank you for reading!