Henry reconnects with his grandfather before having a serious talk with his currently imprisoned mothers. The fairies take Killian and Robin under their wings as they teach them the new powers Zeus granted them. And a VERY special visitor is due to arrive in Storybrooke.
Rumple calmed remarkably quickly after his outburst at the couple, his features breaking into a satisfied grin as he transported them straight into the locked jail cell. In one new, complex spell he'd only been working on recently, he'd managed to teleport them, whilst repairing the jail door and walls, plus locking them in with blood magic. All at the same time!
Trying not to look too smug, he glanced to a side of the room. "You can come out now, lad."
Henry stepped out from within the invisible bubble that'd been shielding him from sight, or any magical detection. "I gather you heard all that?"
"Yeah. Sorry if I'm being a nuisance here, it's just that Emma…she kinda just made me angry? That's when all the weird stuff happened. I didn't mean to destroy the Jail! I just completely lost my temper, and everything else."
"That was partly due to your magic coming in. Everything's gone a little haywire, hasn't it? However, I've already sorted the Sheriff's Office, so there's no need to worry on that score."
"So you locked them in jail?"
"The very cell you broke out of. I think Emma could do with time to consider her behaviour, don't you? Again, don't worry, they'll be released tomorrow."
Henry considered asking him to do it straight away. However, considering his treatment by Emma, he thought it may do them a little bit of good, being controlled instead of controlling.
"It's strange, I just spent the last few days feeling invisible to them. Mind you, If I'm honest it feels like it's been like that for the last year or so. Ever since they got married, I've felt ignored." Rumple wasn't sure what to say as Henry's mood darkened. "Gramps, you know what day it was yesterday, don't you?"
"Six years to the day since that ginger bitch killed my boy. I never forget."
"I reminded Emma a week ago, and several times after that, that we needed to go visit his grave. I even left a note. I don't think she forgot, it's just, I think she doesn't care anymore."
Rumple felt a flash of anger inside. "Your mother does seem to possess a remarkable ability to get over loss. She dated the diseased pirate within a week of Bae's funeral. Your father, the man who saved them? And then she moved onto your other mother, once the pirate disappeared. I'm sorry Henry; I don't wish to speak ill of her in front of you, but Emma brought about a great deal of pain for me. I still can't trace where Gideon's disappeared to, and that in turn tore my marriage apart. All thanks due to your mother conspiring with Belle."
The men descended into their own silent thoughts before Henry piped up again.
"About this magic of mine? I'm…I'm scared, if I'm honest."
Rumple moved over to wrap an arm around the back of the young, though now much taller, man. "I understand, though you don't need to be, my boy. Magic's all based on emotions, and I can help you to learn how to handle them to control it. Hopefully, you'll listen a little more attentively than your older mother and her sister? We'll take it steadily, but you'll learn to master it."
"Thanks. And for letting me stay. I'm sorry I'm being a pest, and for not spending more time here. I feel mum's family completely took over and I didn't fight enough for dad's side. I owe him that."
"No need to apologise. I'm a very difficult person to be around, as Bae would no doubt be the first to testify, in rather colourful language. Although perhaps I can now do this little something in his memory? There's a spare room here you can use until you're ready, and you can come and go as you please. You don't need a key, as our blood magic will open the doors. I'll set up one of the bedrooms in the main house for you to use, should you wish? Treat it like another home, even if and when you go back to your mothers."
Without asking, Henry wrapped an arm around the older man's shoulder, bringing him into a hug, attempting to hide a sniffle. "Thanks gramps, you're the best."
Rumple also felt emotional. It'd been a long time since anyone but Belle had hugged him, and certainly no man other than Bae. "You're welcome, my boy."
They finally broke apart, giving each other a sad smile.
"Now, as I told you, your mothers currently reside in the cell you vacated a little earlier..." He flicked his fingers to reveal a large globe next to them on an adjacent table. A vision appeared on the globe, showing the two women sitting side by side on the small cot, Regina apparently reading a letter. "Your sister is also perfectly safe. It would appear Locksley's babysitting tonight, and I'm sure he won't be leaving until someone returns."
The vision on the globe changed to show Robin sitting on a chair next to the large double bed occupied by his sister and Zelena's daughter. Henry thought to ask him how he was able to see everyone else's business at will, though he thought best save that for another time.
"I also took the liberty of sending a note to your mothers, confirming they'll be released in twenty-four hours. I confess I also made dire threats as to what would happen if they treated you like that again? I assure you they're quite safe, and food and drink will be provided shortly."
"You threatened them. Grandpa, you wouldn't really harm them, would you?"
"Of course not," He grinned. "But they don't need to know that, do they?"
His grandpa really was a wily old bird. "Would you let me be the one to release them? I'd like to have a little chat with them before I do though!"
"You're beginning to sound more like your father each day. I'll tell you what, why don't I give you your first magic lesson? A short spell to let them out, that you can use when you're ready?"
Mifflin Street
Robin grew increasingly concerned. He hadn't heard from Regina and had left two messages for her using the cell phone Tink and John gave him yesterday. He tried the fairy, with no success. So, after popping back into their bedroom for the third time to check his girls were still soundly asleep, he found Mulan in the phone memory and tried her. She picked up almost immediately.
"Mulan, it's Robin. Have you seen Regina? Or Emma? I was expecting them back ages ago."
"Robin? Well, I saw them a couple of hours ago. You heard about the station?"
"Sort of. I heard Henry had some sort of problem there."
"Problem? That's one way to describe it! He and Emma had a blazing row. She poofed him into a cell at the station to teach him a lesson."
"Sounds a bit harsh!"
"Tell me about it? He was so angry his magic came in! He blew the jail apart and the front door's off its hinges!"
"Henry's got magic? Where's Regina and Emma?"
"Looking for him. I've been scouting the edge of the forest but there's no trace. They went over to Gold's two hours ago."
Robin didn't like the sound of that. Regina's run-ins with Gold were usually fiery. Something wasn't right.
"I'm here in Mifflin Street, minding the girls. I can't help until someone gets here. Is Tinker Bell with you?"
"No. Look, I'll call Rory. Perhaps one of them can come across to help?The girls know them, so if they wake up they should be okay."
"Thanks, Ping. Someone needs to get over to Gold's. Get Tink or Reul to go with you, just in case he's up to something? Maybe call Belle as well, before you go over?"
"Belle?"
"She's the only one I know who could control him. Didn't they have a baby after I died?"
It took a moment for Mulan to remind herself Robin was five years behind. He clearly had no idea of the Gold's current arrangements.
"They separated some time ago. Well, he kicked her out! She lives between the convent and the library these days."
"Well I never thought they'd do that! Not with a child!"
She told him about Belle giving her newborn, a son, to Blue, to take away. And her being attacked by the Black Fairy, the baby never again being found.
"Oh god, poor Belle. Poor Rumple – losing not one son, but two?"
For the first time, he genuinely felt sorry for the Dark One. He was a father, regardless of his past.
"Well that finally split them. He threw her out. Gold blames her, Emma and Blue.
"Even more reason why we need to see him. Regina & Emma may be in trouble!"
"I'll call Rory. I'm heading back to the Sheriff's Office. Call me if you need me?"
"Okay. Stay safe, my friend! Don't tackle anyone magical without back up!"
Fa Mulan hung up, smiling. She loved Robin as the big brother she never had. When she left Aurora and Philip's palace all those years ago, she joined the Merry Men partly to get away, having fallen in love with the married couple. And knowing her feelings for Aurora would definitely not be returned, specially now she was pregnant. Robin offered her a security, a home, of sorts.
Robin had been a godsend. The one man, after Philip, she would confide in about her life, her feelings and her pain. He and his men took her in as an equal, whilst also giving her new skills that didn't just involve swordsmanship and combat. Like archery, carpentry, forestry, hunting, bush craft, animal husbandry, an appreciation for nature and most of all, friendship. A brotherly love so missing from her life for so long. He had saved her life, and she his, on several occasions. Mulan had never known Robin's former wife Marian, but from Friar Tuck's stories of his past, it was clear their love was great and a tragedy she died so early, leaving Robin a widower with a young son.
She had watched Robin raise Roland with love and devotion from a tender age, seeing the beautiful, dimple-cheeked boy grow into a remarkable, kind and surprisingly intelligent young man. Mulan acted as one of Roland's adoring 'aunties' on many occasions, especially after Robin's tragic death. When it was decided Roland would live in the Enchanted Forest with the men, partly due to Regina's complete mental and physical breakdown, she decided to travel with them, partly so she could help and support him. And now, five years on, the former outlaw was back in their lives. Mulan was determined to do all she could to help and support him, and his son, in the difficult months ahead.
The Sheriff's Office
Twenty minutes later, the former warrior, now Deputy Sheriff, arrived back outside the Sheriff's Office, to find a new front door and a bemused Blue Fairy standing beside Tink, looking just as surprised.
"Blue, what's going on? Did you do this?"
"No, Mulan, though magic was definitely involved. I sense dark magic! I didn't want to go in until someone else arrived. There's something wrong here!"
"Well we won't know until we go in, will we?"
Tink cautiously grasped the handle, slowly opening the door to move inside, as the other women followed. Stepping warily into the station, Mulan was astonished to find that all the earlier masonry, metal and rubble strewn all over on the floor had now been cleared up completely. Floors looked polished and desks tidy. Walking through to the office, she was even more surprised to see a gleaming set of bars and new door on the jail cell. And two new occupants sitting on the single cot?
Regina was sitting bolt upright on the small bed, her back against the cold wall. Emma lay next to her, her head resting on her wife's lap, with the brunette talking to her with her hand on the other's shoulder.
"Regina, Emma? What the hell?" Mulan asked the imprisoned pair. However, it seemed the royal couple couldn't hear them? Striding across the room to ask again, she was met with a strong wave which bounced her back, pushing her to the floor.
Blue stepped slowly up to the invisible wall, reaching out to touch it. "They can't hear you. They may not be able to see you either. It's dark magic, definitely. Maybe a little too strong for me to fix on my own."
Tink saw the sullen look on the former mayor's face as she held her wife, who had her eyes closed. The Blue Fairy needed to attract their attention, so raised a small, brilliant white ball of fire within her palm, with an intensity that made Regina look up.
"Emma, look? Someone's here. We should be out soon." She knew she needed the loo and definitely didn't want to go in that bucket! She was a queen after all, and there were things you didn't want even your partner to see.
"Thank god!" groaned Emma, lifting herself up to look at their rescuers. "But I need a pee, I'm desperate!"
Regina's initial relief at seeing the fairies was quickly tempered by the fact the women were shouting at her, but she couldn't hear them. She groaned.
"The bastard's made it soundproof, too. They can't hear us!"
"Gina, my magic's not working. Help me make a screen or something? I can't wait any longer!"
"Mine's not working either. Look at your wrist? The cuffs? You have to hand it to the imp, when When he casts a spell, Rumple doesn't go half measures?"
"Well too bad. I'm sorry Gina, but I'm desperate!" With that the blonde moved over to the silver bucket and started undoing the buttons on her jeans while gesticulating wildly to the audience on the other side of the cell to turn around while she relieved herself. Regina also looked away, mouthing at them, 'She needs to pee? Turn around!' hoping they'll cotton on quickly, to save any further embarrassment.
On the other side of the invisible shield, the fairies had tried combining their magic, all in vain, to break it. But Mulan, spotting the actions of the silent prisoners within, intervened.
"Er, ladies? Look, I think Regina's trying to tell us something?"
"What?" Blue distracted, looked up and realising what Emma was about to do, turned to the embarrassed Tink. "Look away now, ladies?" Offering Emma at least a little dignity, all of them turned their heads, to face away for a minute.
Just as they turned, Mulan heard heavy clumping steps enter the room as a tall, familiar figure walked in.
"Henry? Where the hell have you been?" Tink barked. "We've been worried sick!"
Henry glanced across at the three women in front of him, relieved to see the mess he'd left behind had been cleaned up. Thanks, grandpa, he thought silently, as he moved towards the cells.
But the sight in front made him blanch. His older mother was looking straight back at him, eyes wide and mouthing something to her wife to her right, her cheeks flushed. Henry looked down and, instantly realising Emma's predicament, turned away, blushing slightly with embarrassment.
"Could someone tell me when she's finished?"
After waiting a good minute, he slowly turned his head back to the cells, to see his elder mother looking straight at him, mouthing something which he couldn't hear, while his blonde mother finished readjusting her jeans, her face now beetroot-red, clearly realising Henry had spotted her, and embarrassment for all concerned.
"Emma, he can't hear a word. None of them can. At least Henry can get word back to Robin, so the girls won't get worried when they wake up?"
"Jeezus! So, what do we do now? Sit here like a lemon till tomorrow night?"
"I don't think we have any alternative. Unless the moths here come up with something, and that'd break the habit of a lifetime!"
On the other side of the invisible shield, Blue stepped calmly up to Henry and collected his right hand in hers. Looking concerned and sincere, she gazed up into the young man's eyes.
"Henry, I heard you've just discovered your magic? That's a traumatic experience for anyone. How are you feeling?"
"I'm alright now, and I've calmed down a bit. I have my grandpa to thank for that."
"You've seen David? What did he say?"
"Not him. My other grandpa. He helped me. Now before you say something about him being the Dark One and everything, you need to know I don't share your opinion! Nor my mothers', for that matter. He's my grandfather, and he'd never harm me, so thanks for your concern, but I really need to speak to these two on my own now. Would you excuse us? We need to be alone for this."
His words were said with such calm authority that neither Blue nor Tink challenged him. "Henry, they're locked in there and it's soundproofed. We can't break in, and they don't seem to be able to break out. It's sealed!" said Mulan.
"Not to me. This is blood magic created by my grandfather. Tink, could you please go see Robin, and let him know what's happened? And make sure my sister and Roland are okay? And then, finally, could one of you could let Violet know I'm alright? I know I worried her sick earlier."
The fairies shared a look, Tink nodding.
"Alright Henry. But I'll be back in an hour."
Regina and Emma watched the silenced conversation taking place between their son and the three women only feet away. Henry seemed unduly calm and apparently in control, the others merely nodding before turning to leave the room, much to Emma's irritation.
"What? Where the hell are they going? Gina, we need them to get us the fuck out of here!"
They watched as Henry slowly closed the door behind them, before, to Regina alarm, flicking his wrist, producing a gold magical flash as he sealed the door.
"Oh hell, no!" Regina muttered to herself, seeing her son's magic for the very first time.
Henry then walked over back to their cell, before pulling up a chair opposite, turning it and straddling over it, the back resting against his chest, facing them. He'd been carefully briefed by Rumple on how to conduct the undoing of his spell, but he couldn't help enjoying this moment, closing his eyes as he pretended to concentrate. Raising his arms, he then slowly lowered them, making the soundproofing part of the spell cancel, but leaving the shield untouched, and the magic-blocking bracelets on their wrists intact, ready for the next casting.
Regina was horrified. Their son was obviously a quick learner!
"Mums," he spoke calmly, as though nothing was amiss. "We should talk."
"Henry, what's going on? What's that damn imp told you?"
But instead of answering Regina, he looked at Emma, who, most unusually, appeared to be keeping quiet, looking down, avoiding his stare. Ashamed? "Mums..." He saw his older mother looking contemptuously at the letter from Gold.
"Henry, you're not staying with him, and that's final! He's-"
"My grandfather?" He cut in. "And yes, I am staying with him!" His eyes never left Emma. "I love you both, but I don't like how I've been treated by you recently. In fact, I don't like how I've been treated since you got married. And you both finally need to get it into your heads, once and for all, that I'm an adult. An adult? However, despite that, something happened today, didn't it, Em-ma?"
The blonde flinched, finally lifting her head to look at him.
"I was having a great time in the Rabbit Hole with Vi, Killian and the others. It was fun. I wasn't doing anything wrong and I wasn't drinking booze. However, one of my mothers walks in and starts yelling at me? Ordering me about, telling me to go home? Yelling at me in front of them. Treating me like a fucking child!"
"Henry, you know she would never-" Regina tried reasoning with him, but he raised his hand to stop her.
"You weren't there! She poofed me into that very cell!" He almost spat the words out. "That's inexcusable! I don't care how you try and justify it."
Emma said nothing because he was right. Regina again tried to calm things by changing the subject.
"How did you undo the soundproofing spell?"
"Blood magic. I'm his grandson, as well as her parents'."
"But your magic? How? It could only work if Emma and your father were-" she stopped herself, beginning to realise the implications, even though she was didn't want to go there.
"True loves? Soulmates? " Henry sounded hurt that he even had to explain it. "You're not limited to one true love in life, mum. You of all people should know that by now? But I guess it's all irrelevant now. After all, my dad's dead, and ma's forgotten forgotten all about him, hasn't she?"
That hurt Emma more than he knew. His angry glare just felt like a stab to the heart.
"Henry," she croaked, "That's not fair! You've no idea what I went through when Neal died."
"Not enough to visit his grave, though eh? Six years, mum! Six years! You didn't visit or even get the flowers you promised. I got some, instead."
"I was distracted! Killian and Hood just came back from the dead!"
"Killian? Oh, right. The guy we went back to the Underworld for, to split your heart and get him back? Nice. Shame we couldn't do the same thing for dad? Someone who actually saved the whole bloody town!"
"Henry, please don't. Your father wasn't there, you know that! He even told me not to go. He said he'd moved on."
Henry so wanted to continue challenging her, but seeing the dejected expression, he shook his head, looking at her with something resembling pity.
"Look, I'm sorry I've been a bit stroppy, but frankly, I'm still angry. You treated me like shit, right in front of Violet! I thought you were better than that."
It reminded Emma of how she was berated in her foster homes as a child, unsure whether to shout back or concede defeat, to make sure she got fed. Looking at the disappointment in the young man's eyes, she decided on the latter.
"I'm sorry Henry," she almost whispered it, looking in to his eyes, silently asking forgiveness. "I lost my temper. I shouldn't have spoken to you that way."
But he wasn't letting her off so easily. "You removed me by force! You poofed me into that cell!" His voice rose again, pointed to her current predicament. "How dare you?"
"I said I'm sorry," she repeated, Regina moving in to wrap an arm around her shoulder. "And I am."
"Come on Henry, she's apologised?" Regina appealed, though he still seemed unconvinced.
"Yeah, I heard the words. Not sure she means them though? I wonder if she'd be saying it if she wasn't stuck in that cell? Not nice, is it, ma?"
Emma couldn't answer, while Regina felt nothing but anguish for her two loves.
"Please, Henry? I love you both, and I hate what you're doing to each other. It has to stop. We're a family, and I can't bear it. Just be the bigger party and forgive her, too? And forgive me while you're at it, if you think I ignored you. You've absolutely no idea what the last few days have been like, my love. We're unbelievably stressed, and people do stupid things when they're stressed."
Henry closed his eyes, trying to calm. "Alright." He rose from the chair.
"Did Gold show you how to undo the spell? I need to get back to your sister."
"He told me it'd automatically dissolve at ten o' clock tomorrow night. Although yes, he did show me how to get you out sooner."
"Ten o' clock?" Emma stood up. "So what are you waiting for? Get us out of here!" She barked, Regina cringing, knowing that wasn't going to help.
"Not yet. I have something to say first, and I need you to listen. And I mean LISTEN this time?"
The blonde went silent, knowing her temper had only irritated him even more.
"Tonight, I asked Grandpa Gold if I could stay at his place, and he said yes. I asked him, he didn't ask me! My magic came in today and I need a lot of help learning how to use it properly. Neither of you trust him, but I do. Besides, I also want to learn more about his side of the family. He's the most powerful mage around, don't deny it, is it kinda makes sense."
"Henry, he's dangerous! He isn't called the Dark One for nothing. You can't stay with him."
"He's cursed, mum. You remember what she was like when she was the Dark One?" he pointed at Emma. "Or you for that matter? The two of you killed more people in the last ten years than grandpa has."
"For god's sake Henry!" Emma was back on her feet. "I thought Cruella was going to kill you! And what do you mean, both of you? Your mother hasn't-" She stopped when Regina's hand rested on hers, as the brunette glared at their son.
Henry, please don't go there? She silently thought, scowling.
"Still never told her about Graham Humbert, have you mum? Our Sheriff? YOU always told me not to keep secrets."
Emma froze, pulling back as she remembered the tall handsome man passing away in her arms seven years ago, moments after kissing him. "Regina? Graham had a heart attack," but Regina blatantly avoided looking back at her. "Didn't he?"
"I guess he did, ma. It's dead easy for a man in the peak of physical health to have a sudden fatal heart attack, when someone's squeezing his heart, don't you think?" He looked straight back at his older mother, who looked shocked. "She crushed it the day you two had a fight over him. Didn't you, mum?"
"What are you - how the hell did you know about that?"
"I'm the Author, aren't I? ! I read the chapters from one of my books yesterday. You removed his heart and kept it for years, after he refused to kill Snow White. You locked him up, then used him as your toy, your personal slave, for years. Then, when he finally stood up to you after kissing Emma and remembering who he was, you took his heart, and you crushed it. You murdered an innocent man. Not back in the Enchanted Forest, but here, in Storybrooke, as Regina Mills." He spoke calmly, steel in his voice.
Regina went white, buckling on to the cot and silently putting her hands to her face in shame, as she recalled that awful day. Her marriage must surely be over now? Emma could never forgive her for this!
But Emma just silently stared ahead, stunned by the revelation. Henry continued, his voice calmer.
"Look mums, I didn't say all that to hurt you: though I know I did, again. I'm sorry, but I'm trying to make the point that just as grandpa has a dark past, so do you! Both of you! And just as you've changed, so's he. The trouble is you won't see it. Now I don't want to argue with you anymore, so I'll be staying at grandpa's house until I go back to university. I'll come back home to stay from time to time, but I need this! I need the space from you. And before you threaten me with stopping university fees if I don't fall into line, you need to know grandpa's offered to pay them if you get 'awkward'. So, this is happening mums, whether you like it or not."
It was said with such finality that neither responded. After a good minute of awkward silence, Regina spoke, her voice now wobbly, anxious.
"Henry, please get us out of here? I want to go home."
Her tired voice sounded like she was almost begging. He knew that, with Graham's mention, he'd pushed her too far. Nodding, raising his hand, he remembered the incantation Rumple gave him. Moments later, a gold swirl of smoke captured the mothers, teleporting them from the cell.
"Bye mums."
~oOo~
Moments later, the two women apparated into their own living room, crashing onto the floor unceremoniously, as they had both been unprepared for their son's sudden use of magic. Emma fell, crashing hard and noisily against a wooden cabinet, twisting her ankle as she went down.
"OW, SHIT!"
Robin, who'd been quietly sitting on the sofa, reading when they suddenly appeared, jumped up to help them off the floor.
"Ladies?" He offered a hand first to Regina, as she was nearer, to get help onto her feet. She took it, immediately sensing a magical charge surge through her body. The jolt took her by surprise, eyes wide, brown looking straight into Robin's blue, inches away. He'd clearly also felt it. He distracted himself by going over to the blonde to help her up too.
"Emma, are you okay?" Before she could answer, Robin dropped down to where she lay, clearly in pain. "Allow me?" Silently placing his left arm around her back, his right arm went under her knees to gently support her as he started to rise. Emma winced as was lifted cleanly from the floor, her left ankle throbbing angrily in pain. Moving across to the sofa, he placed her down gently, while still supporting the legs. He pulled a cushion across and under, to support the ankle. "You fell pretty badly there. Perhaps we should put some ice on it?
Regina was still in shock at what had just passed between herself and Robin. Looking down at how he was now attending to her wife and to avoid Emma seeing her looking embarrassed, she turned her back to them, moving quickly to the kitchen.
"I'll get it. I'll make an ice pack to stop it swelling. Back in a moment."
Robin was now alone with the blonde, noticing her white, washed out face. He raised his palm, resting it on her forehead, to check her temperature. "Emma, you're looking very pale. Can I get-?"
His voice suddenly stopped, as soon as his open palm touched her forehead. A small spark arched between them, a brief yet blinding flash of golden light racing across her face. In that moment, Robin saw it all! It was like one of the Dark One's dreamcatchers Regina played before him previously. Except these pictures were being played in his mind? He saw the Saviour's life flashing past, rolling backwards at high speed.
It felt like a film was being played before him, millions of videos slowing and speeding, almost at will. Robin felt guilty, like some sort of creepy voyeur spying on his prey? Images sped past, speech too, recalling the former Sheriff's life. It was bizarre! Details, some intimate, raced through but somehow, he was memorizing everything, learning about the life and times of Emma Swan, without wanting to. He felt ashamed, not even sure how to stop them. Looking down into hazel-green eyes, he also seemed to feel all the painful emotions Emma had been going through over the last few years. Then the emotion she felt now. Fear!
He took his hand away, and the images stopped immediately. Although it had only latest mere seconds, he'd unintentionally gained so much knowledge about her, her life with other people, her actions, her fights and battles, her fears and emotions, that he felt he'd invaded her privacy. Like a foul stalker. A pervert.
"Zeus - what the fuck have you done to me?" He groaned to himself.
Emma was equally stunned, looking in astonishment at her wife's former lover. She'd felt and seen so many memories race through her mind, forcibly pulling out, and by the look on his face, realised that Robin had witnessed them all?
"Please tell me you didn't see all that?"
"I didn't intend to!" Robin looked as guilty as hell. "Zeus seems to have given me some sort of powers I can't control. I don't want them, but I don't know what to do. I'm sorry."
She could tell he was being honest, meaning every word, but she was horrified he'd seen so much. Everything? My thoughts…my time with Regina. Oh god!
"Emma, I didn't want this! I'm going to go now, but I need you to know something. I know how much you hate me right now; how much you want me gone. I understand that, and I sympathise, but you need to know that I will never leave my children again. They're all that I have, and god help anyone who stops me from being with them." Emma lay, still in confusion. "For me, only a few weeks have passed since Regina and I were together. I won't lie and pretend I don't still have feelings for her. I do. However, I now know your love for her is just as strong! I remember when I thought Marian had returned, and what that did to her. You genuinely love Regina and have cared for her, and our children, these last few years. You're a good person, and I can see why she fell for you. It's because I also love Regina, that I want her to be happy, even without me. So that's why I am going to get out of the way. I'm going to get some help from Blue to control whatever the hell I've become. I didn't ask for magic, but now I have it. So, we are going to find a way for me to see the children without screwing up all your lives." He stood. "Just make her happy Emma,? That's all I ask."
As he turned, he saw Regina ow a few feet away. She'd heard him and now looked down, her cheeks reddening at his open declaration. He still loves me. After this? She felt elated, but also guilty for being thrilled at the admission.
Emma knew everything Robin had said was true. She wanted him gone, but she also felt guilty for thinking badly of him. He'd done nothing wrong. On the contrary, he'd sacrificed himself for her wife. It wasn't his fault the timeline got so fucked up. Hell, if he and Killian had come back from the Underworld, he'd probably be married to Regina. Perhaps she and Killian too? But she'd never know.
He moved to the hall, pulling on his jacket to leave, "I'll see myself out. No need to tell me what happened. My presence is making you uncomfortable, so I'm sure Tink & Mulan can fill me in on the details tomorrow. Oh, and Emma?" The blonde lifted her eyes to him. "Henry will forgive you, I'm sure. Just give him a little space?"
The Convent
"Bravo Killian, Bravo!" screeched Blue as she watched Jones levitate a large rock from the shrubbery, slowly placing it on the grass in front of the small group of nuns, who had gathered to witness the legendary pirate's first magical moving spell. "For your first attempt, that's excellent!"
"Aye love, I guess I'll be moving on to topiary next," smirked the pirate to the assembled women. He knew it was small, but just realising this new power was within him, was awesome. "Ladies, if any of you need window boxes or rockeries built, I'm your man!" The nuns chuckled at his self-deprecation. Silvermist, who had been watching the lesson from the back of the group, encouraged him, "Small steps, Captain Jones. Small steps!"
"Indeed," Blue smiled. "I'm sorry you're going to be leaving us in a few days. Magical ability is very tricky to master at this stage. I would ideally like you to stay a little longer, if you could?"
"I'd like to, love. However, all things considered, I think I'll be on my way. There's not much for me here anymore and besides, Zeus sent me a few interesting 'tasks'"
For the next hour, Killian Jones was taught the rudiments of magic by the assembled fairies before being joined by Robin Hood, who arrived with Mulan and Ruby. The group watched as Blue directed the two men in a variety of white magic spells, moving and transforming various things, and themselves, with the assistance of the other fairies. It was a pleasant morning out there in the sun, though as they sat down for a picnic lunch spread out on the lawn, Robin sensed there was something that the senior fairy was holding back. Something important.
"Reul? I'm very grateful for all the help you and the ladies are giving us today," he smiled around the gathering, placing a hand gently on hers, "but I can't help thinking there's something you're not telling me? You seem a little…anxious. What is it?"
Blue looked across to Nova, her fair cheeks pinking. The other fairy nodded gently to her, encouraging her to open up and tell him. Few were aware that fairies could mentally communicate with one another, when they wished to do so, a fact that saved their lives on numerous occasions. 'Tell him, Blue! He'll find out soon enough. You don't want him thinking you were holding out, do you?' she silently communicated to the older fairy. Silvermist, also part of the telepathic conversation, also nodded to her sisters in agreement with Nova.
It was then they heard it. A new internal voice. Robin's?
'Yes Blue, do tell me? At least one of you tell me? I know you're holding something back. Don't make me start trying to read your minds? I accidentally did that with Emma Swan, and it wasn't good. So, whatever it is, please just tell me?'
Most of the fairies looked shocked. He could hear them telepathically? No human, apart from one, had ever spoken to them telepathically before. Only…him!
"Robin," Blue almost stammered, "You're right, there is something! But nothing bad, I assure you. I just didn't know how to tell you. It's just…well…you remember I told you Zeus appears to have sent you back here with VERY considerable powers?" Robin nodded. "Well some of those powers are, frankly, beyond my understanding. Like you being able to read minds? And communicate with us through thought alone? Telepathy is fairy magic! You've been given extraordinary gifts, which I've only ever seen one other human possess. So, we need to get help from him, to help you."
Nova stepped in front of him. "Zeus gave you this magic for a reason Robin, and we need to figure out what that reason is." She looked at the six fairies gathered around. "In the wrong hands, this level of magic, even though it's white, could be extremely dangerous. So, someone will join us shortly."
Robin frowned. "By someone, you mean Rumpelstiltskin?"
"No. Definitely not him!" said Blue, scornfully. "The Dark One may now be a little 'lighter' these days, but he has both light and dark in him and, it would appear, your level is higher than his!"
"There's got to be some mistake? I don't feel different, apart from the noises in my head from everyone's chatter. I don't feel powerful!"
"That's because your magic has been suspended since you arrived here. It's in hibernation. That's why we're here to help. To transition those powers."
Robin could somehow sense the fairy was being honest. Lie detection? Is this how Emma usually feels?
"Okay. I won't pretend to understand any of this. All these weird powers I'm told I have. So, this…'person'? When does he or she arrive?"
"He should be here very soon. He doesn't leave the World Without Magic so much these days," Silvermist was clearly excited. "But I know he's very keen to meet you, Robin."
"Well now you have me at a disadvantage. I'm intrigued. A man from the world without magic, who knows more about magic than all of you? Or Regina, or Emma?"
Blue chuckled. "He probably has more magic than all of us combined. But he deliberately chooses to live away from it. He's actually a doctor…a surgeon, in their world. Just try to be patient, because he'll be here soon, and I assure you, he will help you come to terms with all your new powers. Now, let's have another couple of hours practise, before he gets here?"
~oOo~
And with that the small group worked with Robin and Killian. From small spells, casts, counter-spell blocking techniques and chants, through to moving objects and several times, moving themselves. The small group regularly cheered and encouraged them whenever they succeeded, as though they were a couple of screen idols. They wouldn't admit it, but the two men loved the attention. Killian reminding himself he needed to tell Robin about the aphrodisiac effects of white magic on fairies!
After the session in the warm sun, Blue arranged for a little picnic on the convent lawn. Waving her wand, a second large oval table appeared, followed shortly by a white tablecloth, plates, chairs and finally a wide selection of food and drink appeared. Robin and Killian were impressed. "I have to say love, that's my favourite spell so far! You have to teach me that one?" The pirate winked at the Blue Fairy.
"All in good time, Captain Jones." She was positively blushing! A look he'd never seen on her before but definitely suited her. She left them, walking over to Mulan and Ruby, who'd been quietly watching the lessons in awe. "Miss Lucas, Miss Fa? You're welcome to join us for lunch if you wish?" The women nodded in thanks, moving to empty chairs around the now food and drink laden table.
As everyone moved to sit, Nova suddenly gasped, sensing a change in the air. Her sister fairies had also sensed it, growing excited, some 'smelling' the air. "He's just crossed the border, I can sense him!"
Blue smiled. "Very well. Ladies, gentlemen, it appears our special guest has arrived just inside the town line! Tinker Bell, would you kindly go and escort him in please?"
~oOo~