Snowing's choice- part 3

Jade Star asked for a oneshot of a third and final instalment to Ch1849 "Snowing's choice" (1849 is part 2) where Snowing go to Gold to break Regina's curse. They have to face Maleficent but have no weapons. Gold pulls out Emma and Neal's swords.

Snow and Charming used the next couple of weeks to gather intel on everything that was going on here in Storybrooke, whilst staying out of Regina's way as much as possible. They now felt they knew enough to break Regina's curse. They would get their children back. There was only one person who was powerful enough to help them: Rumplestiltskin. Or as he was known here: Mr Gold. Both Snow and Charming were more than confident he knew his real identity. So when they marched into his store they were not going to beat about the bush.

"Well if it isn't Storybrooke's newest residents." He said coldly. "I don't know how things work where you're from, but here, we don't barge into another person's place of work looking like we've just swallowed a bee hive." Charming marched up to the counter and slammed his hands on it threateningly.

"You know exactly where we're from." He growled. "Rumplestiltskin." Rumple smiled slyly.

"Well, you are brave, aren't you? Assuming I would know what you're talking about."

"Don't play games with us." Snow snarled. "Tell us how to break this damn curse so our children remember who they are." She demanded. Gold looked right through them.

"What gives you the impression I can do such a thing?" He questioned them.

"You only do something if it benefits you. You told us Leo would be the saviour. You wouldn't do that if you didn't know how to break it. So the quicker you tell us, the quicker you get what you want." Snow told him. Rumple didn't react for a minute or so, and then he slowly nodded.

"I can help you break this curse, but it won't be easy."

"Just tell us how." Charming insisted. They would do anything to get Emma and Neal back.

"Do you remember before you had be locked in that cell? Do you remember I had you place an object in a secure location for me?" Charming nodded. He knew to what Rumplestiltskin was referring to.

"The egg you had me place inside Maleficent. What has that got to do with breaking the curse?"

"It has everything to do with breaking the curse." Rumple said seriously. "If you get me that egg back, I can assure you that the curse will be broken." Charming knew when someone was lying. He didn't like it, but since Rumplestiltskin wasn't lying, he would trust him. Just this once.

"How exactly do we fight a dragon with no weapons?" He said, by way of agreement. Rumplestiltskin smiled. He pulled out a box from under the counter.

"With these." He answered. He found a small key from his large collection and popped open the lock. He opened the lid of the box and Snow and Charming gasped when they saw what was inside: Emma and Neal's swords.

"You had no right to these." Charming snarled, snatching the box from him. Rumplestiltskin raised an eyebrow.

"Well that's the thanks I get for keeping them safe all these years." He said coldly. Charming just glowered at him. "Well, regardless, you have your weapons. Follow me, I will show you where to find her."

"Wait." Snow said. Charming looked at her. What was there to wait for? They were so close to getting their two eldest back. "Shouldn't we call Leo? Fill him in?" Leo was being looked after at the diner by Red and Granny whilst Snow and Charming went to Rumplestiltskin. Charming kissed Snow's forehead.

"He'll be sleeping by now, Snow. Leave him. By the time he wakes up in the morning, he'll have his big brother and sister back." Snow nodded, a smile forming on her face. They were getting their children back.

Rumplestiltskin led the pair down the mines and explained to them what they would have to do. He would wait up above to control the small hand operated elevator for when they returned. Charming clutched Neal's sword as Snow clutched Emma. They joined their free hands together and nodded. This was it.

They had done it; but not without cost. During the brawl between the Charmings and Maleficent Snow had been injured. Badly. Charming helped her hobble over to the small life.

"Rumplestiltskin!" He called up. "We have the egg. We need to be quick. Snow's hurt!" Rumple peered down the shaft. He grimaced at the amount of blood coming out of the bandit princess. That did not look good."

"Send her up first with the egg. The lift only takes one." Rumple explained. Charming didn't have any time to argue. He placed Snow inside with the egg and Rumple quickly hoisted her up. He grinned when his greedy fingers were finally clutched around that egg. Then, without another word, he turned and fled.

"No!" Snow gasped through the pain.

"No!" Charming reiterated. The snake had tricked them. He had to get up there. Snow would bleed out.

"Just hold on Snow!" He urged her as he began to climb the rope attaching the lift to the shaft. By the time he had made it to the top, she was unconscious. "No no no!" Charming bellowed. He scooped Snow up into his arms and bolted for the door, and then the hospital. "Stay with me Snow." He begged. "The kids need you."

When Charming arrived at the hospital, Snow was taken from him. He was questioned about the nature of her injuries, but how do you explain that a dragon's wing knocked her onto a spiky rock in the mines? Although his phoney explanation of her slipping and falling against a loose knife didn't seem to go down too well either. All Charming could do was pray she was alright. In the meantime, he had called the diner. Doctor Whale had told him things weren't looking too good. Charming couldn't have Emma and Neal here in case the worst happened, but he could make sure Leo got to say goodbye if need be. Which was exactly what happened.

Charming couldn't believe it. His head was spinning. She was gone. Snow was gone. How was he meant to live without her? Leo went in before his dad. He knew he had to say goodbye to his mom.

"I love you, mom." Leo sniffled as he bent down and pressed his lips against his mom's cheek. As he did, a bright light spread out from them and right to the edges of town. Suddenly, Snow sat up. Leo stumbled backwards. Charming's eyes widened. She was alive!

"What was that?" Leo asked. Charming came over and hugged his son. He had done it.

"That, my boy, was the curse breaking." He said with a grin. He bent down and pressed his lips against Snow's.

"Gross." Leo complained. Snow and Charming chuckled. They looked at each and smiled before Charming kissed her cheek and bolted out the room.

"Where's he going?" Leo asked. Snow rubbed her thumb against Leo's cheek.

"To get your big brother and sister, Leo." Snow told him. "We can be a family again." She promised her youngest. Leo smiled at her excitedly. It was finally over.