A powerful visitor come to Storybrooke to help Robin and Killian with their new powers. Meanwhile, Emma and Regina continue to squabble.

Storybrooke Town Line

Moments earlier, a large black Audi with heavily tinted windows, slowed up to a crawl near the invisible town line that separated Storybrooke from the non-magical world.

"Dad? Why are we stopping?"

"I think we've arrived. I'm sensing a shield."

"What, here?" The young woman looked around at nothing but trees, fields, and the winding road ahead. "You sure? I don't see anything."

"Watch," I think we're moving across the line about…now?"

The car crawled slowly over the invisible boundary. As it did, an entirely different view suddenly emerged, a 'Welcome to Storybrooke' sign appearing on the right, and a little further, a slight, blonde woman, wearing a sparkly short-skirted green dress, stood by the side of the road, watching them.

Outside, as the car drew closer, Tinker Bell felt the unmistakable pull of white magic, as the driver brought the car to a stop.

The door opened, and a figure immediately stepped out of the vehicle.

"My Lord?" She now felt decidedly nervous.

The tall, grey-bearded man moved to the fairy, his face breaking into a grin. "Well, if it isn't Tinker Bell?" His arms opened to rest his hands on her shoulders. "It's lovely to see you again, my dear. You're as enchanting as ever."

She sniggered, blushing like a teenage fan meeting her pop idol for the very first time. What she'd said to Killian yesterday was truer than ever. White magic was catnip to fairies, and this man was saturated with it! "Blue sent me to show you to the convent. Don't worry about the car, I'll can put it somewhere safe?"

It was then she spotted a figure sitting in the passenger seat.

"You've brought someone?" She caught the young woman's piercing blue eyes staring right back up her. "That can't be? Surely not. You've brought Celia?"

"No, my dear. This is Annabelle, her sister. Celia's currently in England."

Hearing this, the woman in question slid the window down further, leaning her head out but staying seated inside.

"Hi? It's nice to meet you. Just call me Anna?"

The fairy beamed back, taking an offered hand. She could see the resemblance between father and daughter now. "I'm Tink! The honour's all mine, Anna."

Her father came closer. "Annabelle, let's get you out of there, shall we? Tink here's an old friend. She's taking us to meet some very special people." He opened her door wide, moving in to slowly ease the young woman from her seat. "So, I think we should just let us teleport her there, don't you?"

Tink noticed how Anna moved extremely slowly, turning and wincing repeatedly as she struggled to get out of the car, clearly in some pain. Her father cautiously held her under the armpits, as she tried to straighten as she gradually stood.

"Oh, you're hurt?" She rushed to take her left side, to try and support her. "How can I help?"

"It's alright." She flinched again, but gave her a tight smile. "I was involved in a car accident two weeks ago, and I hurt my back pretty bad. I've got spinal damage which won't heal without some serious surgery, so dad thought it best to bring me out here with him, to somewhere with magic. So he can use his…'other' methods?" She winced as the fairy took her hand.

"Would you rather we all go to the hospital first?"

Her father stepped forward. "There's no need, Tink, this will be quicker, I assure you! I'll heal her as soon as we get to the convent." With that he took his daughter's other hand. "Okay, ready when you are?"

And with that, the familiar pale green smoke swirled around them as they, their car, and all their luggage were transported from the town line.

The Convent

Even Killian and Robin felt the air change! Like a warm pulse of hot air washing over them.

Seconds later, Killian was the first to turn as a thick column of silver smoke, much bigger than usual, appeared in the centre of the lawn, expanding rapidly and eventually clearing, to reveal three figures and a black saloon nearby.

Tinker Bell appeared to be holding hands with a taller, blonde woman, who was hunched over. Fair in appearance, the woman wore an elegant shawl over a light blue dress. She appeared nervous the moment she spotted the audience staring back at her. As she tried to step back, the third figure, an older man, took her free left hand.

"It's okay my love! We're among friends here." The young woman tried to relax, attempting a small smile.

Robin also studied them, already feeling some strong energy coming off them; lots of it! Roughly six feet tall, seemingly in his late-fifties, with whitish-grey hair and a neatly trimmed silver-grey beard, the man had an owlish look and a formidable presence about him, as he gently held the woman to his side.

With tears now in her eyes, Reul Ghorm, the normally cold, composed and redoubtable Blue Fairy, walked nervously over to the man, stopping just in front of him, before, to Robin's surprise, bowing her head while bending her knee and lifting the edge of her blue skirt, to deliver a perfectly-executed curtsy.

"My Lord. We're truly honoured to welcome you here!"

Killian couldn't help noticing that as soon as their leader showed obeisance to the stranger, her fairies, including Tink, all did the same thing, all curtsying to the strangers as one. The man, his eyes now twinkling, smiled widely as he stepped forward, taking Blue's hands into his own as she straightened.

"Reul, it's lovely to see you again, my dear. You're looking as gorgeous as ever!"

Blue's cheeks flushed, like a schoolgirl with a crush. "Thank you, my Lord."

"Hey, none of that 'My Lord' nonsense? We're friends! First names only, please?"

"Very well. Welcome back, Merlin."

~oOo~

Killian and Robin exchanged a look, confused, as Tink and the fairies gathered like groupies around the new arrivals. Stepping to his side, Killian whispered, "He doesn't look like Merlin to me."

"I quite agree," the archer whispered back. "This one's older, greyer, taller, whiter. And a bit more…English?"

Although they were out of earshot, it was clear the middle-aged man had picked up on what he'd said, a smirk now appearing on his face as he looked over at them, before turning back to the fairies.

"I'm sorry, where are my manners?" He took the young blonde woman's hand in his own again, drawing her gently in to the group. "I get so easily distracted these days, and I haven't introduced you properly. Ladies, I'd like you to meet Doctor Annabelle Sage, my daughter."

Stepping closer, Killian looked over the young lady standing to 'Merlin's' side. She had one of the most beautiful faces the former pirate had ever seen, even compared to Emma's. Long, golden curls wreathed the most pure, natural complexion. Her eyes a piercing sky-blue, and her skin looked as smooth as ivory. Although she appeared to be in some sort of pain?

"Hello, It's nice to meet you all. Dad's told me so much about you." She spoke in a slightly husky voice, her accent as English as that of the man she called her father. Robin thought he recognised the accent. English Home Counties; slightly clipped, yet confident.

Killian returned her smile, but couldn't help noticing some of the fairies looked slightly intimidated by her? Apart from Blue, who now looked positively smitten, grinning widely as the young woman's eyes met hers.

"Anna, it's really you? My goodness, haven't you changed?" The head of the fairies gasped.

"I'm sorry, have we met before?"

"Yes, but you were a baby then. I'm Reul Ghorm, but most people here know me as the Blue Fairy, or Blue. I also met your older sisters. How are Rosalind and Celia?"

As Anna started to relax and start talking, her father stepped away, across to the two men looking on, as the rest of the fairies crowded around the woman, introducing themselves in turn.

'Merlin' looked down at Killian's left hand, grinning. "Seems Zeus patched you up pretty good there, Captain Jones?"

"Aye, that he did. I'm sorry mate, I don't wish to be rude, but have we actually met? Because the Merlin I knew, looked nothing like you!"

The older man seemed surprised, then rolled his eyes, realising the problem.

"Oh, the face? You don't recognise me? Yes, this is one of my 'true' forms; but we've met before. In Camelot. Here, allow me?" For a moment his eyes flashed a bright gold, before his face and body transformed into another altogether! A darker-skinned, shorter and slimmer figure, close-cropped black hair, and looking at least thirty years younger? Both men stepped back, astonished.

"Bloody hell, it really is you!" The former pirate choked. "Merlin?"

"Recognise me now?" Chuckled the now-familiar figure, with the same accent.

"Aye, but, but, didn't I…?" he stammered, trying to get the words out.

"Kill me? Yes, you did. Technically."

Killian's mind was racing, remembering his brief time as a Dark One. How he'd plotted with Nimue to kill the man standing in front of him. Is this some bloody joke? He thought as he remembered the consequences of that terrible time, feeling the anger rising within.

"Was that some sort of sick plan? I was killed, dammit! I went to the Underworld. Emma was nearly…Robin died…what sort of sick bastard does that?"

"Calm yourself, Captain. There was no plan. I just reacted to what was needed. You did kill me, or one of me, though Zeus brought me back, as he's done on several occasions over the last two millennia. As he's now done with you, and the revered former outlaw here." He looked across at Robin.

"Revered?" Robin smirked. "Revered may be putting it a bit strong, Merlin. But I'm pleased you're still with us. However, I really don't understand. In the Underworld, Arthur mentioned you now live in the world without magic?"

"Perfectly true. I have for many years, coming back and forth when needed. In this world I'm a surgeon, based in London. Though I also work in New York several months of the year. It helps keeps me balanced."

"Balanced? With all your powers? Why would you live somewhere without them?"

"Too much power affects the mind and soul and can make you really quite mad if you allow it? I've lived a very, very long life and it's rather therapeutic living without magic for a while, as you'll both discover very soon. You'll soon find-"

He was interrupted by Anna loudly gasping in pain, Blue moving to support her. Merlin stepped briskly away from the men and across to her back.

"Oh I'm sorry my love, I became distracted again. Anna, just lean forward a bit more and rest your arms on Captain Jones's shoulders here? With your back to me? This shouldn't take long."

Robin and the fairies watched in silence as a warm golden glow emanated from Merlin's hands, which appeared to float gently over his daughter's lower back. Anna rasped and groaned, clearly in agony, several times. Then, as the pain eased, she slowly straightened, inches from Killian's face, her own face now finally relaxing as the pain left her.

Good god, she's stunning! Killian thought to himself, as she started smiling in relief. "Thanks dad. I wish we'd come here a week ago? And thank you Mr. Jones? Flattery will get you anywhere." She even winked at him.

It was the former pirate's turn to blush, realising he must have said it out loud? "Erm…you're welcome?"

"Excellent," Merlin was more than relieved to see his daughter no longer suffering. "Now, I gather these ladies have gone to the trouble of preparing us a no-doubt delicious spread. Perhaps we should eat before we continue?"

Mifflin Street

Emma and Regina had had yet another sleepless night.

After Robin left the previous evening, Regina asked her wife what had happened between the pair of them. But Emma refused to even discuss it, instead hobbling up the stairs to bed, the Dark One's magic-restricting cuff still on both their left wrists. They'd lain in the dark, holding each other as Emma's ankle throbbed, the swelling still painful.

"Emma, please? What happened with Robin down there? What did he say to you?"

"Gina, I've had a horrible day! I screwed up Killian's leaving party, I upset Henry and Vi, I got thrown into a cell; I found out my supposedly-reformed wife murdered one of the first friends I made when I got here; and to cap it all, my son saw me pissing in a bucket? I just don't want to talk about it, okay?"

"We promised each other no secrets. Remember?"

"Secrets like Graham? It cuts both ways, you know? How long were you going to wait to tell me about that little murder?"

"You're right, I should have, and I will tell you everything about that horrible time. But we've been through too much. Emma, I saw something happen just now. Did he hurt you in some way?"

Emma wanted to avoid it but knew she wouldn't let up.

"Not hurt me exactly. I don't think he meant to, but he just sort of, violated my privacy."

"He did what?"

"He read my fucking mind! He put his hand on my head and my life flashed by! It sounds stupid, I know, and he seemed just as shocked as me. But I could tell from his face he got to see everything! And I mean everything! He read my mind on the Jolly yesterday too. Blue wasn't joking Gina, that man's got stupidly powerful magic now! And he's got Rolly and even the girls eating out of his hand. Added to which, my own son hates me, and would rather spend time with Rumpel-fuckin-stiltskin than his own mother? And now Henry's got magic too?"

"Henry does NOT hate you Emma. Whether we like it or not, the imp is also his family; the only living relative on his father's side. It's not so unusual that he wants to spend time with him. I may not trust him but Gold would never hurt Henry, even if Belle no longer has any influence. But we have to help him ourselves, especially now his magic's come in."

"Which he doesn't want us to help him with! I poofed him out of that bar, and locked him in a jail cell, remember? He's still angry with me, and frankly, I can't blame him! What kind of mother does that to her son?"

"The kind that loves her child, and wants to protect him. Yes, you did something stupid, but he WILL forgive you. He always does. He's just sore."

"And what about Hood? How do we fix him?" Regina heard the anger in her voice

"Fix him? What do you mean, fix him? He'd never harm you, or the children; you know that. What are you worried about? He hasn't threatened you, has he?"

"No, of course not. But this isn't the guy you knew, Regina. He's, well…"

"He's their father, Emma. And he's done nothing wrong."

"Forget it. Just...just forget it and go to sleep." With that, Emma pulled away, turning her back on her.

Regina felt more than irritation at the cold shoulder. She felt angry.

~oOo~

Once again, neither of them slept much that night, but neither spoke again. The cold-shouldering continuing until the morning, when Regina woke to the sound of Honour knocking on their bedroom door.

"Mummy, can we come in?"

She rolled to Emma's side of the bed, finding it empty and cold. She'd clearly been gone some time.

"Of course, sweetie."

Honour & Robyn burst through the door, Honour jumping excitedly on to the bed. "Morning mummy…where's Emma?"

"She had to get up early sweetheart. Did you sleep well, Robyn?"

"Yes thanks, Auntie Gina. Papa played with us last night, read us a story, then made one up in his head. He was very funny."

"I'm glad you had a nice time. Well Robyn, I'm afraid we need to get you back to your own mummy later. I promised her we would meet at Granny's for lunch. So what would you like to do this morning?"

"Can we go see Papa again? Robyn wants to come too."

Regina didn't want to upset them, but she felt, after Emma's outburst last night, she was somehow being disloyal by meeting him yet again. Especially after last night.

"I don't think so, honey. He'll probably be busy today, I'm sure. Perhaps a little later in the week?"

The little girls looked crestfallen. "Please? Rolly's with him. Why can't we go?"

"Roland is…well, he's a bit older than you, so he's safer in the forest with John and Will. Maybe another time?"

The sad faces made her feel as guilty as hell. Robyn slid off the bed. "Papa's back, Auntie Gina! I want to go see him. Would mummy let me?"

"You'll have to ask her. We'll see. Now, who fancies going to the park and the swings?"

Neither answered, Honour also sliding back off the bed. "No thanks," she muttered, as she turned to leave the room.

"Oh, come on! Why so glum? You're going to be seeing a lot more of papa very soon, I'm sure. Please don't be sad? Honny, please come with me? Am I really that boring?"

Honour picked up on her mum's 'upset' voice, even at that age. "Sorry mama. Okay, we go to the park?"

Regina smiled back at the girls, trying to hide her feelings. Henry wasn't talking to her or Emma, Roland was with Robin, Johnand the men in the woods, and now her little girl only wanted to be with him?

"Thank you, angel. Let's have breakfast, and get ready for the day."

Storybrooke Docks – The same morning

Ever since his days as a shepherd, David Nolan had always been an early riser.

The former Prince Charming had given up his role as a deputy sheriff some years ago, within weeks of Emma being removed from office by the new Mayor, Albert Spencer. His heart just wasn't in it. He and Snow had bought a farm near the town boundary and life was relatively good, although he still missed the old role. Now, as he took his usual early morning jog, he decided to take the route through the dockyard, as the early fishing boats came in to harbour.

He spotted her as he jogged across the jetty, sitting alone on the bench overlooking the water. Her long golden-blonde hair instantly recognisable from behind. She sat hunched forward on the seat, clearly deep in thought. Pausing his run, he walked over, speaking softly so not to alarm her.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

The blonde snatched her head up. "Dad? Hi. Sorry, I was miles away."

"So I see." David sat down next to his daughter, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her into him. "Something wrong, princess?"

Emma half-smiled, looking into her father's eyes and giving his cheek a peck before letting herself be pulled in to him, her head resting on his shoulder. She'd never openly admit it, but she secretly loved his hugs and cuddles. He was the strong, silent type; the one who could calm her during her most anxious times. He could put up with all manner of her shit, of verbal abuse from her wife, of unreasonable behaviour from her mother, with a soft smile and a simple hug. Since they married, he even started to treat Regina in much the same way, like a stroppy teenage daughter who just needed love and affection from a father figure. The first time David dragged Regina into his arms, the then Mayor froze, the way she always did, panicked, and even threatened him. Emma found it hilarious and adorable. David of course, ignored her protestations and carried on regardless, hauling her wife in for a bear hug whenever he felt like it. After several weeks Regina finally confessed, after many drinks, and as Emma had long suspected, that she rather liked the unhesitating affection and love her father-in-law provided his difficult and tempestuous daughter-in-law.

As she looked up at him, it was fairly obvious she'd been crying.

"What is it? And please don't just say 'nothing'? Talk to me?" He pulled her in a little tighter, as she started to break.

"I've screwed everything up, dad. I think I'm losing her." Tears pooled in her eyes.

David, true to form, just waited, holding her steady as her sobs continued. He wasn't going to rush it, knowing that she'd eventually calm and tell him all in her own good time. What she needed right now was simple affection from a loving father. Several minutes later, she did calm. Wiping at her eyes, she eventually told him about the incident at the Rabbit Hole. How she overreacted. About Henry's magic coming in due to his temper exploding. About him destroying the jail; then her fall out with Gold, being locked in the same cell; and finally her spat with Regina.

"Sounds like you've had quite the night?" He kissed her brow. "Though you know Henry and Regina will understand, don't you? Your mum and I have had many spats over the years, but we've always forgiven one another, as you will. You two of you have true love. Don't forget that."

"That's just it. Since Robin-fucking-Hood came back, she's…different! She's still in love with him. After all, he gave her Honour, and even bloody well died for her, didn't he? How the hell am I supposed to compete with that?"

"Who says you have to? Emma love, I really don't know what to tell you. But I do know she loves you. I mean really loves you! I just know. I've seen the way she looks at you and I've had enough experience to know what you have is real. Don't doubt her?" He handed her a handkerchief to wipe her face. "I know Robin's return came as a shock, but I think I know him well enough to believe he'd never try to harm you, or your relationship with her. It's because he loves her, he just wants her to be happy and I'm sure he's already realised that that's with you! But he also has children here Emma, so he isn't going to up and leave them, and he'd be a pretty poor father if he did. My love, I think you should talk to him? Tell him what's on your mind? I'm sure he'll understand, and stay back from the pair of you, provided you let him have full access to his children. And little Robyn of course."

"That's just it dad, he already knows! He read my mind. I mean, literally!" Emma went on to explain what happened the previous night.

"Okay. That's more serious. Blue told your mother that Robin has magic, but I didn't realise it was that powerful! Emma, no matter how frustrated you get, you must talk to him! But you mustn't fight him under any circumstances. If he's still unsteady with that power, he could hurt you, even if he didn't mean to. And you need to talk to Blue again. Or even Gold."

"I can't talk to Gold! He's already threatened me once, and he's still angry with me about Belle's son. Last night he said he'd end me if I get in the way ever again? My superpower knows he wasn't lying!"

"Can't you ask Belle to talk to him?"

"Not much point. He still blames her, and me, for getting Gideon kidnapped in the first place. So we can't use her to control him any more. She doesn't even have the dagger. He virtually slammed the door in her face last time. And that's the man Henry's turned to, to control his magic?"

"But Gold's his grandfather too. Henry may be the key to sorting this out. He has a way with him, unlike anyone since Neal. Now, why don't you come home with me, have some breakfast, and we'll then figure out what to do. Like we always do." He smiled, pulling her in closer.

She nodded. "I love you dad, even if I don't say it too often?" She gave him a sad smile, her first that morning.

"Yeah, but I love you more."

The morning spent in the park had been pleasant enough, but as Honour and Robyn played on the slide and swings after skimming stones over the pond, Regina's mind kept drifting back to yesterday's events. Try as she might she couldn't get him out of her damn head, remembering that horrible day he gave his life to save hers.

"Come on girls, it's time to take Robyn home."

She messaged Emma for the fourth time that morning, still getting no response.

"For heaven's sake Emma, stop sulking and talk to me?"

~oOo~

Twenty minutes later, as they entered the diner, Regina suddenly felt a powerful warm pulse wash over her. Magic?

It was strong - very strong! And she knew from past experience, that meant someone, or something, new had entered Storybrooke.

"Well, here we go again?"

The Nolan Farm

Emma also felt the same wave, while in the middle of tucking into a bacon and egg sandwich. She shivered.

"What is it honey? What's wrong?" Snow noticed her violent twitch.

"I don't know. I think…I think someone's crossed the town line? I'm sensing magic, and lots of it!" The annoying thing was that, like Regina, Emma's bracelet was in place, preventing her from doing anything but detect it. And as she rubbed it, mother recognised the cuff for what it was.

"Emma, why on earth are you wearing that…thing?"

"Not by choice, believe me! It's a little 'gift' from Gold, a punishment for what I did to Henry. He put one on Regina, too. Apparently, it'll release all by itself later tonight, then I'll be back to normal. I hope!"

"Ooh, that man! I really need to speak to Belle. He needs to be stopped once and for all from doing this sort of thing!"

"No, Snow!" Charming countered, perhaps a little too forcefully. "I mean it this time, please don't go there? Belle's destroyed any influence she had over him. Leave it to Henry. I'll go check on the town line, and ask around and see who's here. Emma, I suggest you try to reach Regina? Without your magic, you may not be safe."

The Antique Shop

Rumpelstiltskin, hunched over his desk, working on yet another repair, also felt the magical wave, immediately recognising it for what it was. And the likely signature.

"Henry? I need to go check on something. Could you mind the store, please?"

"Sure Gramps," he noticed him shivering. "Something wrong?"

"I don't know for sure, but I think we may have an unwelcome visitor. I'll be back shortly."

A silver-grey cloud quickly enveloped him and within seconds the Dark One was gone, leaving a mystified grandson.

At the town line, Rumple apparated at almost the exact spot where Merlin and his daughter had left, only minutes earlier, leaving a frustrated Dark One trying to identify the last traces of magic left behind.

"Damn!"

Back at the Convent...

After an excellent lunch in the convent gardens, Merlin sat back in his chair.

"My goodness Reul, I haven't eaten so well in ages! I'm you so much, and for the excellent company. Now, let me get settled in, then Anna and I will happily return the compliment tonight."

"You're very welcome; we're just honoured to have you among us again after so long. I can't remember when we…when we…I'm sorry, did you say 'settled in'? Are you staying with us for a while?"

The other fairies looked on excitedly. Merlin was more than a famous name amongst the Fae. He was the most powerful, famous sorcerer of all time! He had saved their entire species, centuries ago. Over two thousand years old, this seemingly affable, middle-aged man in front of them represented the very peak of magical heroism. Of loyalty to the point of death, and beyond. Merlin's deeds in Camelot were well known to humans. But the fairies knew of his other past lives. His ability to travel through time, correcting misdeeds. His willingness to sacrifice himself for others, and his almost encyclopaedic knowledge of magic. Merlin was Zeus's standard bearer, having been sent back to earth numerous times to right wrongs. He was a god himself, surely? Or failing that, a demi-god. All the more reason why the fairies adored him.

"Well yes, that's my intention. Annabelle here had a major accident a few weeks ago, she's healed but she needs time to recover fully." He beamed a proud smile at his youngest, who rolled her eyes at him. "She has magic too, just like her brother and sisters, but as we all mostly live in the world without t, it's always good to come somewhere like Storybrooke, and just 'recharge the batteries'? It reminds us of what we are. She'll fully heal quicker here too, so when I got your call to help young Robin and Killian here, we decided to also use it to take a little break, perhaps a month or two, let her rest up before we head back. That is, if you don't mind?"

"My Lord, I'm…overwhelmed! The Blue Fairy gushed. "We'd be truly honoured."

"The honour's all mine, Reul. We're among friends."

Annabelle stepped forward. "I think I'm going to like it here. Maybe I could visit your hospital? Like a sort of 'busman's holiday'?" she smirked.

'Hospital? Busman? Sorry, I don't understand." Killian also looked confused, then sight bringing a glorious smile from the beauty opposite.

"She's a doctor, Captain Jones." Blue explained. "In their world, Anna is Doctor Annabelle Sage, and her father is Professor Sir Merlin Sage, royal surgeon, knighted by the Queen of England herself!"

"Sir Merlin? Then I am indeed honoured to meet a real-life Knight of the Realm." He stood and bowed courteously, remembering good form from his time in His Majesty's Royal Navy. "And perhaps 'Lady' Annabelle?"

The girl laughed softly. "No, it doesn't work like that anymore, Killian. Only the wife gets the title!"

"And sadly," Merlin interrupted, "Anna's mother passed away some years ago."

"I'm sorry to hear it. Seeing your daughter's beauty, I'm sure she was a goddess to behold."

"She was indeed. I miss her terribly but fortunately, I still have four children to remind me of her." Annabelle placed a loving hand on her father's in comfort, with a sad smile. He sighed, then rallied. "Anyway, to business! Blue, you asked me to teach these two reprobates a few things about magic?" Merlin smiled at the men, a twinkle in his eye.

Before she could respond, Robin stepped forward.

"Merlin, I'm very grateful for any help you can give me, though I'm not sure I have all this 'power' everyone talks about? But I'm seeing things, hearing everyone else's thoughts, their history even? I'm confused. Help?"

"Don't worry about it, Lord Locksley," the Sorcerer assured, "a few hours and we'll soon straighten you out!"

"'Lord' Locksley?" Killian butted in, smirking. "Surely our thief here isn't a closet part of the aristocracy?"

"Indeed, he is, Captain. The Locksley family go back a long way, through to King Richard the Lionheart, in fact! One of this man's forebears even had an 'affiliation' with Richard's Queen, the fair Berengaria. As we now know, the King preferred men, particularly King Philip of France, so we must assume Richard had no issue with it, as the family were rewarded for their bravery and loyalty. Robin here is actually a direct, albeit illegitimate, descendant of Berengia. It could be argued he has more claim to the English throne then the current monarch!"

That made Jones roar with laughter. "I knew it! You old dog, I always knew that supercilious, superior attitude of yours came from somewhere? I should have guessed. Well, well, well, we're in the presence of royalty? I bow to you, my liege!" He gave Robin a mocking bow, grinning widely.

"Cut that out, pirate," Robin retorted, without any hint f malice. "I don't care who my ancestors were, or who they slept with, I'm no royal! Despite my feelings for Regina, I hate the whole concept. All of that self-important, self-serving crap that comes with it. Ludicrous ceremonies, honours and titles made up to keep certain people in top jobs to protect their position. It's a nonsense. They all collapse in the end."

Merlin chuckled. "Personally, I happen to agree with you. It's one of so many reasons I choose to live in a non-magical world. Plus, having magical powers in additional to nonsensical hereditary ones, without some sort of control, gives you a very unfair advantage over others. It goes to your head. You start believing you're wiser than your fellow human beings. Then you begin to control them without their permission. Then start to harm those who disagree with you! Eventually you start to take lives, including innocent ones, while justifying to yourself why it needs to be done. Magic leads to madness, then darkness if there isn't some means of controlling it!"

"So that's why you live in New York and London?" Robin pondered. "To escape magic? To avoid going mad with power?"

"Not quite, but you're close. We actually live mostly in England, where I chose a career in medicine. I also have a surgery in New York for three months of the year, and travel another three. It helps keep me grounded. But I come to lands such as Storybrooke to recharge my old magical batteries, from time to time. Anna and her brother and sisters grew up over there, though they all possess certain powers too. So, coming here is almost like a health trip for us!"

Robin looked puzzled. "I'm confused. Zeus gave Killian and I some of these powers. Blue's been enormously kind and understanding helping us, though apparently, I have some higher level of magic, which I need more help with? Apart from an annoying ability to overhear people's thoughts, and read their memories, whether I want to or not, I can't seem to tell the difference!"

The old sorcerer smiled benevolently. "So impatient, Mr. Locksley. That's because we haven't removed the controls Zeus also set upon you. He knew gaining this strength would be awkward at first, so he wanted one of us to be with you when it happened." He looked over to Blue and the fairies. "Ladies, what say we remove his chains and, like a balloon, let our outlaw soar?"

Ruby lowered herself to Mulan's ear, whispering, "Chains? Soar? What's he talking about?"

"He means Robin's magic. He's about to release it for him. To turn it on!"

Merlin took Robin's hands in his own, closing his eyes. "Now, relax. Just leave the rest to me? There may be a bit of swirling, lights and a little dizziness at first but, just enjoy the show."

Robin closed his eyes. A moment later, piercing golden light started to grow from somewhere behind his eyeballs. The light seemed to coil around itself, warmth spreading down and throughout his body, leading to a tingling sensation all over. Then a feeling of overwhelming…energy?

"Holy shit! Does…does it always feel like this?" he opened his eyes as so many new colours and senses assailed him. The surrounding fairies also sensed the change. Tink brought her hands over her mouth as she felt a strong magical shock wave. Blue merely smirked, wide eyed, having seen this release once before.

Merlin sniggered. "At first. But don't worry. I'm now going to teach you how to control it. Robin, I'm going to show you powers you cannot possibly imagine!"

"You mean the sort of things Regina and Emma can do? Or Rumpelstiltskin?"

"Even more so, my new magical friend! That's why you need help. Zeus didn't give you this ability for nothing. He has plans for you! There will be major battles to fight. He knows there will be challenges ahead, for you specifically!"

Robin groaned. This must be how Emma feels, everyone always expecting her to act as their saviour? "Don't tell me. Magic always comes with a price, right?"

"Sometimes, though when you are truly doing something for the genuine benefit of others, the gods seem to know and expect no payment."

He was too bewildered to argue; just grateful he was here to help. Merlin took his pause, turning to Killian. "Now Mr. Jones, I sense the ruler of Olympus also gave you some powers?"

"So I believe," Killian muttered, "Though unlike my archer friend here, I don't seem to be reading minds? It would seem moving rockery's all I'm good for. Though I shouldn't be churlish. I do have a nice new left hand, my ship's restored, and I appear to have gained the ability to make money? So, for that, I'm grateful."

"So you should! Though you also have additional powers I need to release. Not quite the same as Locksley's, but powerful, nonetheless. Now, let's release them and see what we have, shall we?"

With that, Merlin moved across to take the former pirate's hands in his own, closed his eyes and cast the unbinding spell.

~oOo~