The group of fairytale characters arrived at the Queen's Palace and immediately noticed the absence of guards. "I've never seen the place so quiet. What do you suppose happened to the Black Knights?"

David shrugged at his wife. "I know a few of our group used to be in her service. She might have released them from duty once the curse broke."

Ruby pushed through to the front and caught up with the royals. "I wanna come in with you."

Snow nodded and linked her arm through the wolf's. They inched cautiously up the path towards the large gate. It was locked but Snow knew the secret way in. She jumped over the wall and David and Ruby followed her down the bank. "There's a secret passage here. I've never told anyone about it, but I used to play in it when I was a child." She felt around for something on the ground and when her fingers made contact with it, a grin spread out from cheek to cheek. "It's still here." She unclicked the latch and a door lifted revealing a passage directly under the palace wall. She jumped down into it and waited for her best friend and husband to join her, before closing the hatch again.

It was dark in the passage. David lit a torch he saw hanging on the wall and swung it in front of them illuminating the way. "Lead the way, Snow."

She hadn't been inside the palace for years but she remembered the route like the back of her hand. They slipped through the dark tunnels quickly, winding and making sharp turns at Snow's instruction. At the end of one long passage, she pushed open a panel revealing her father's old study. She grinned. "This hasn't changed one bit. I don't think Regina ever came down to this part of the palace. My father used to bring me here and tell me stories." She looked nostalgic as she ran her hands over the spines of the old, dusty titles.

David and Ruby gave her a moment but looked between themselves awkwardly. David never knew the King but Ruby was victim to one of his hunting parties many years back. She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Not to be a downer, but we really should get to Regina."

Snow snapped out of her memories and sighed. "Sorry, you're right. Let's go." She rattled the door open and took them up another series of corridors and stairwells that led into the main entrance of the palace. This part had been remodeled to the Queen's taste. All black, like her heart. A few guards stood about and immediately advanced on the trip. "Wait! We are here to help! We're looking for the Queen. Is she here?"

One ofthe guards flicked his helmet up and Snow recognized him. "Mr Pevensie?"

"Mary Margaret. Guards, stop. They're no threat." The other lowered their weapons and the man got closer. "She's not here. I was at home correcting math tests and the next thing, I was back here like nothing had happened. What's going on?"

Snow let out a wail. "We don't know. That's why we came. It happened to all of us, Edmund. I didn't know you were knight."

He lowered his head in shame. "Things were different back then. It was well compensated work. That's all. It was never personal." During the curse, he'd worked along side Mary Margaret as a teacher at the school. They didn't exactly get on, but that was the curse. Since it lifted, they'd been making progress and he'd agonized over the past.

"Are you sure she isn't here? What about Emma and Henry?"

"I haven't seen any of them. You're welcome to search the place though. I'll help. We weren't sure what to do, so we kept guard here in case anyone returned. Come. I'll take you to the Queen's chambers."

They followed Edmund up to the top levels of the palace and checked rooms along the way. There was nothing. When they finally reached the chamber, Snow shuddered out a breath. "What do we do? Where are they? What if you all stayed?"

Ruby was quite. She walked around the room and was drawn towards the cupboards. "She was here. Recently."

"Who?"

"Regina. I'd know her scent anywhere. She's been back but she isn't here now." She opened the cupboard and instantly saw three items were missing. The perfectly round marks signaled where something had been taken. "She came for some magic."

David strode over to the cupboard and saw what Ruby was seeing. "She's right. Someone's taken some things from here and recently by the layering of the dust. Are you sure it was Regina? Could it have been someone else?"

Ruby sniffed the air deeply and shook her head. "No. It was her. No-one else has been here in decades."

Snow looked as though she was about to cry. "Emma and Henry?"

Ruby held back her own tears. "I'm sorry, Snow."

David's brief stint as deputy gave him a good idea of what had happened. He thought it through considering all angles before voicing his opinion. "Okay. I think we can assume Regina is trying to work out a way to get back to Storybrooke. Maybe she doesn't know we are here too. If she got separted from Henry, I'd say that is likely her only concern right now. She might not be thinking straight."

Snow and Ruby nodded in agreement. "Can you pick up her scent? Maybe we can track her down before she curses us all again."

Rubyforced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'll try. I think she used magic to get in and out though. It's harder to follow a trail when it's airborne."

They left the Palace feeling deflated and returned to the group to make the announcements. Ruby shook her head at Granny. "The Queen isn't here. We are going to start searching the land but if a small group would like to stay here in case shee returns, then we can arrange messengers between ourselves.

A few volunteered,weary from physical exertion after so many years living a relatively sedentary lifestyle. David split the remainder into four groups. One would go in each of the directions. "Ruby, which way do you think we should go?"

She inhaled deeply again, calling on her instincts and picked up the faint scent of apples. She tried to work out the direction and closed her eyes. Her body turned towards the scent. "This way."

David made a note and instructed the others. "We'll head west. We meet here again in seven days. Make sure you rest and are safe. Inform anyone you meet to find our camp back here at the Queens Palace."

Snow, David, Granny, Ruby and Leyroy piled into the carriage and set off into the notoriously difficult to navigate Queen's Forest. Ruby and David sat up front directing the vehicle. "Are you sure she went this way?"

"I'll let you know in a few hours." She winked and they shared a laugh.

"Remind me again why you aren't on the investigative team at the station?"

Ruby grimaced. "After last time, I realized I don't have the stomach for it. I'm pretty squeamish."

David chuckled. "Go figure!" He was quiet in his thoughts. "Did Emma tell you what was going on with her?"

"No, but I know she and Regina were getting along." It wasn't a lie. Emma hadn't exactly told her. Not willingly.

"What's your take on all this?" David asked, hoping for some insight from a different perspective.

Ruby blew out a hard breath. "I think you're right. If Regina was suddenly ripped away from them and ended up back here, she'll be working on a way back."

"Then we better hope we find her before she finds one and leaves us all behind."

"We'll find her. I always sniff out her secrets."

Emma woke up to bright lights flashing all around them. She felt her heart racing and saw the crew running around on deck. Quickly, she got to her feet and went to see what was happening. Hook spotted her approaching. "I think we're going up. You might want to hold on to something."

Emma woke Henry up. How he was sleeping through all the noise and movement was baffling. She wrapped her arm around a rope and held him tight. "What's happening?"

"Looks like we're gonna go to the surface. Just keep hold of me." Her heart was pounding in her chest as the ship sailed up a wall of water. It was like riding a gigantic wave, only they couldn't see where it ended. They'd been under the sea for four days. Ariel had reassured her that everything was fine on her end and they'd kept in contact via the mirror each night. Her stomach lurched as they contunued to climb higher. Henry shoved his fingers in his ears as they popped with the sudden shift in altitude.

The ship reared backwards and was almost vertical now with the wave. Hook secured the wheel firmly and Emma used all her strength to keep herself and Henry from falling off the back end of the ship. As they got closer to the sky, the boat stsrted to lean forward again. Crew members grabbed onto anything that was fixed in place and Emma buried Henry's face in her arms. "We're gonna be fine. Just hold on tight."

Finally, the ship resurfaced from its long underwater voyage. It crashed down onto the waves and rocked back and forth on the surface. As it settled into it's new position, the bubble that had surrounded them and kept them safe on the journey popped loudly. Everyone looked up gasping but were soon assured when they felt a fresh breeze against their skin. Cheers went up from all ends of the ship and a round of applause for their captain.

Emma let herself smile and breathe a sigh of relief for the first time since leaving Storybrooke. She got up and Henry stood up too. They went to the side to see where they were. Hook was beaming.

"Welcome to the Enchanted Forest. You had me worried there, Princess." He blew out the tension and laughed merrily. "I never thought I'd be so grateful to see those stars again." He nodded towards two stars shibing brightly in the daytime sky. It was surreal seeing them but Emma and Henry were just as happy to be above water.

"Is that the one to Neverland?" Henry asked grinning upwards.

"Aye, lad. Second star to the right."

"Thank you for bringing us here, Captain. How much farther until land?" Emma was overjoyed they were there in one piece.

"Take a look." He pulled out a telescope and handed it to her. She looked out and he lined it up to the spot they would dock. "That's where we'll land. This is the south side. You did well to get us so close considering you've never clapped eyes on the place. Not much longer now. Another couple of hours and you'll be back on dry land."

The wind rustled through her hair and she inhaled the fresh air deeply. "Woah, look ma!" Henry pointed and ran over to the side of the deck. "It's just like in my book!" Emma walked over and rested her hands on the wood smiling and taking in the view. It really was lile looking at the pictures in Henry's book. The bright blue waters surrounded the coastline and seemed to sparkle with magic. In the distance, she could make out lush green forests, the turrets of castles and palaces rising up over the landscape. She saw the one she'd only recently looked at in Regina's drawer.

"It's beautiful. Look. That's your Mom's. Look familiar?"

Henry squinted and Emma turned his head to spy it. She heard him gasp and felt a warmth spread over her chest. "My playground. She, made the fort like her palace?"

"Yup. You are one very spoilt kid, you know that, right?"

Henry nodded smiling to himself. "I know I was really mean to her before but I do love her. She's my mom." Tears broke his voice on the last phrase and he turned to bury his head in Emma's embrace.

"I know you do and so does she. She'd do anything for you. No matter what anyone else thinks, she deserves her happiness and we are gonna make sure she gets it." She ruffled his hair and spotted Ariel on the water. The mermaid made some gestures and Emma understood she would meet them on shore once it was safe. She gave her the thumbs up and watched her swim away.

"I guess we're gonna have to tell Grandma and Gramps what happened."

Emma groaned. "Let's find your Mom first before we start making speeches."

Henry looked up at her in confusion. "She's in the palace though, right?"

Emma shook her head. "No, she's somewhere out in the forest. I've got a map though. We'll find her."

Henry huffed. "Have you tried the mirror again. Maybe if you can tell her we're here, she can come and meet us."

The blondetried to keep her expression neutral. She didn't like lying to him but the last thing she wanted to do was get him worrying. "Maybe when we land, I'll try her again. Too many pirates here." She winked and Henry seemed satisfied with the excuse. The ship inched closer to the port and they could make out more details of the land. It was breathtaking seeing the magical place from Henry's stories in real life. The last leg of their journey was spent enjoying the view and Emma began to relax somewhat with relief at getting there unscathed.

When the ship pulled into the harbor, the crew began jumping off and tying the ship. "Do you know where you're going?" Hook asked as Emma put her backpack on.

"Not really, no." She grimaced feeling a bit embarrassed that she'd come all this way without much of a plan. Hook disappeared into his captain's quarters and returned with a rolled up map.

"I know this land like the back of my hand. Take it. It will give you a better idea of where you're going." She smiled and took the map.

"Thanks again, Killian. Good luck with your hunt too."

He nodded and watched the blonde and the young boy get down off the ship. He called down before thry got too far. "The Summer Palace is north. Queen's Palace is south. Take care."

Once she was out of sight, he disappeared down into the bilge and whistled. Cora revealed herself in a burst of magic. "We're here. I've kept my end of the bargain, now do yours." He extended his hand and hook and Cora looked at him in disgust.

"Not quite. You were to lead me to my daughter. All the way."

"Surely you've got magic for that? Come on, Cora. Just put it back and let me be on my way."

She snapped her wrist with a flourish and laughed. The ropes from the floor rose up like snakes and wrapped tightly around the pirate's body, rendering him completely immobile. He had no time to react and the next thing he knew, he was being hoisted up into the air and forced against the side of his ship. "You foolish man! Did you really think you had any chips to bargain with? If you're no longer willing to play along, then I have no further use of you."

Cora ran her hands in front of herself and the magic transformed her to look exactly like the captain. Hook struggled against the restraints but realized he was suspended by a meat hook and dangling like a fish. "Don't you look handsome. Okay, point taken. Let me down and I'll do whatever you ask."

She shook her head and began leaving the room. "You had your chance. I think it's best I take it from here. Goodbye Captain." Cora left the ship disguised at Hook and stepped onto the land she'd long been banished from. She breathed in the fresh scent of pine and pixie dust and watched the Savior disappear off behind a cart to meet a little mermaid. She laughed to herself. "So that's how you did it. Smart girl. I'll remember that for next time."

Emma looked around sheepishly and spotted Ariel loitering around a cart. She strode over with Henry in tow and snuck behind to catch up with the mermaid. "Hey, thanks for getting us here. How are you feeling? You must be exhausted."

Ariel grabbed a pear off a vendor's stall and took a bite. "I'm actually pretty good. Just hungry. By the way, I overheard one of the harbormen telling one of the crew that anyone from Storybrooke is to go to the Queen's Palace. Snow and David have set up a camp there."

Emma and Henry grinned at each other. "That's great! Thanks so much for finding that out." She opened the map and referenced her print out next to it. "Is that Queen's Palace?" She pointed at a dot on the black and white image from the mirror.

Ariel nodded. "Yes, it is. Wow this is a very accurate map. Is it magic?"

Emma chuckled. "Kinda. So if that's Queen's Palace, then I'm guessing this is the coast, so that dot would be west of there?" She was talking to herself really and checking the points on the map Hook had given her. Ariel confirmed.

"I think so. It's just forest though. In fact, it's the Queen's Forest. Nobody is allowed in it. Or was."

Emma looked around trying to get her bearings with the landmarks. She spotted the turrets of Regina's palace off in the distance and situated herself. She held the print out over the map and held it up to the light. "Okay, lools like we need to head towards somewhere called Silver Mines Village. That looks like the closest point on the map to where Regina's hiding. Do you know it?"

Ariel shook her head. "I don't. She looked at Emma's map and found the place she was referring to. She squealed in delight. "Ah ha, but I do know Poseidon's Ocean which is south of that. I can take you there. Over land it's about a two days ride."

Emma looked around the harbor and spotted a merchant with a couple of horses tied to his cart. She bound over to him grinning. "Hey, I'm Emma, daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Can I borrow your horses?" She figured name dropping might get her farther in this place. She had no idea how to ride a horse, but it couldn't be any more difficult than a motorbike, could it?"

The merchant bowed at her. "Princess! Of course, it would be my honor." She felt a bit embarrassed as the guy lowered himself in front of her.

"Uhm, thanks so much. I'll get them back to you. If you meet us at Queen's Palace, they will be there for you. What are their names?"

"However long you need. This is Harley and this is Davidson."

Emma smirked and looked at the two horses. "Really? Sounds lile my kinda horse power!" The merchant helped her untie the beasts from the cart and she walked them over to Ariel and Henry. "I got us a ride. Do you know how to do this? I might need a few pointers."

Ariel nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I did it once." She got up on the brown steed, Davidson,and took the reigns. "You just get on and say, hiyah!" The horse took off and Ariel turned it around and came back. "See! Easy!"

Emma tried to get up in the white horse, Harley, and failed several times. "Woah! This is awkward." She eventually managed it after a bit of panting and shuffling. "Okay, Henry, you'll have to ride with me."

Henry got up easily and rolled his eyes. "You know, I've taken riding lessons since I was four?"

Emma narrowed her eyes at him, her brow knitting in the middle. "I didn't know that, no. Maybe teach me?"

He saat at the front and took the reigns. He clicked his heels and the horse trotted off nice and steady. "Or just let me take the lead on this one, Ma. You drive me around all the time."

Her eyes went wide. She was stunned and quite impressed with her son. Pride filled her heart as she sat back and let him show off his skills. Regina would be so proud when she saw him too. They followed Ariel on the path along the coastline. It was quite relaxing bobbing about on the horse and feeling the sea breeze on their skin. If it wasn't for the worry in the pit of her stomach, Emma could have really enjoyed the trip.

They rode until it was almost nightfall. Ariel stopped outside a tavern. "I think we should stay here tonight and continue in the morning. The horses need to rest and I think you do too Emma." She looked at the blonde noticing her pale skin and sunken black circles under her eyes. It was obvious the woman hadn't slept at all on the ship. They tied up the horses and Ariel arranged accomodation for them. Considering she lived under the sea, she knew how to get around this place relatively well and fit in. Emma knew she and Henry stuck out like sore thumbs in their jeans and modern clothing.

As they entered the tavern, whispers were heard around them calling her out as the Savior. The one who'd brought them all back. She kept her head low and tried not to let the chatter bother her. Henry was excited about being in a tavern. More so when a server placed a tankard of ale down in front of each of them. Emma quickly grabbed it away and handed it back to the server. "Uhm, maybe just water for the kid, thanks."

He scowled. "I'm nearly twelve. I'm practically an adult here."

Emma laughed in disbelief. "Okay big boy, when those two digits switch places, I'll let you have a beer." She sipped her own and almost gagged. It was not what she needed on an empty stomach, and after all the new modes of transportation. She popped another travel sickness pill in her mouth and hoped now she was on land, she might be able to keep something in her stomach. When the server brought over a stew, she doubted it. Henry looked just as disgusted when his spoon found a huge chunk of pigs fat. He quirked an eyebrow at Emma.

"I'm not really hungry."

She sighed and pushed both their plates away. "I think I still have some candy bars,chips, and jerkyin my bag. Hardly nutritious but, well, at least I know what's in it." He agreed and they left the main part of the tavern for their room.

As they were walking through, Emma bumped into someone and had a flash like a dejavu. "Oh, so sorry."

"No problem, milady."

She turned to see who it was and why they felt so familiar to her. She didn't see his face but noticed a lion tattoo on his forearm. Another flash and she knew exactly who he was and where she'd seen that before. Regina's memories.

Emma put Henry in the bed and arranged a mat on the floor for herself with a few pillows. Compared to the ship, it was comfortable and soon her eyes were closing. She woke every hour or so, jumping out of her skin in panic. Her dreams taunted her with images of a faceless man, sweeping Regina up in his arms and kissing her passionately. It was just a dream. It didn't mean anything. Her and Regina were a true love pairing. She tried to shake the nightmare off and go back to sleep but it kept playing over in her mind. What if they weren't? What if she couldn't wake her up?