AN: See chapter 1 for story notes and summaries.

Ships: Snowing, Rumbelle, Swan Believer, eventual Swanfire, and a delightful Golden Mad Charming BroT3. :)

Please consider leaving a review. Feedback is much appreciated.

Also, feel free to follow me on Tumblr lilacmoon83. In an effort to grow my Snowing fanfiction blog on Tumblr and get more visibility for my writing, I invite anyone following my stories here on to follow me on Tumblr. I have a sizable following here on , but that hasn't really transferred over to Tumblr. I've been considering doing face claims for all original characters in this story too. So if you're interested, give me a follow on Tumblr and help my stories get a bit more visibility through reblogs and shares!

For one face claim reveal, I will tell that I chose Gal Gadot as the face claim for Persephone...cause she's perfect as Persephone!

Please consider leaving a review if you're reading. It is very much appreciated!

Thanks for awesome the reviews. Here are individual responses:

Barratta Jennifer: Yep, Cora has a plan. Yikes.

Naomi Blue: The mole is revealed in this chapter! Yep, she has underestimated the friendships here and that will probably cost her.

Beth1980: Lol, Rumple is like a mob boss. Yeah, I think Moe was a terrible father and he could have been redeemed, but instead they had him refuse to give her true love's kiss to wake her just to keep her away from Rumple. My hunch is...true love's kiss from him wouldn't have worked and he probably suspected it wouldn't. I think he loved Belle...but not enough to let her be her own person. That's my take anyway.

Number Ten: Sorry, CS is just not my thing. Emma married the man that killed her grandfather. Robert's death had a huge negative impact on David's life and he wouldn't have come clean if Emma hadn't caught him trying to burn the memory. It was something I couldn't get passed. No, the plant isn't Hook, but is revealed in this chapter. Yeah, Rumple being a double agent has a lot of room to blow up in everyone's faces. Yep, Jefferson is still around and will reappear, probably in the next chapter. And NoTP means No True Pairing. It's the opposite of OTP(one true pairing). I didn't like that they took over the show. I didn't like that they wasted the Camelot arc on dark Hook when they could have focused on family and actually having Snow and Charming have an active role in saving Emma like they promised. Emma and Hook constantly lie to each other, right up until just before their wedding with the lie about David's father. If you dissect their relationship, it's literally built on lies. Snowing has had a couple lies here and there, but their foundation is built on trust and true love. And as much as CS fans want CS to have the foundation that Snowing has, they don't. Sorry, but remember, you asked. :) As for baby Hope...you see her for two seconds and then it's a doll so it's not really much to form an opinion on. I was more excited to see an older Neal, even though it was brief.

Jrocks: It's okay to vent, but I am largely positive about season 7, even without Snowing. I'm glad you liked the part with Emma and her parents.

Izzypirelli: I agree, someone should buy Moe a World's Worst Dad Mug cause the only dad that probably has him beat is Malcolm and that's saying something. I agree, it was a very good line and a very Belle line. Yes, Henry will be the key here and though Snow will eventually forgive her, she won't be apologetic like she was in the show. Too much is going to go down and she's also had all this extra time in the dreamscape to really think about everything. Yes, I will eventually have a flashback with Leopold. And considering who her mother is, Snow might actually eventually have a conversation with a dead Leopold. And she won't be happy with him and you'll see why, though you can probably guess by what she learns in this chapter. The question of Johanna is answered in this chapter. Yeah, it does effect her not having a heart I think. She doesn't feel much and Persephone does, so that's what Cora plans to use against her. Glad you like the part with Emma defending her parents. I love it too. Yes, I know. I'm so glad Snow has Charming too, especially with all that is to come. Glad you're enjoying so much!

Sara K M: Yeah, Moe is the worst father. You're right, he thinks what he is doing is right which is why he is the worst. Glad you liked Emma defending her parents. It's something I wanted in canon and never got. Glad you liked all the feels and couple moments. :) Yes, Regina is definitely in conflict. As for the mole, we delve into that in this chapter and Hook makes another appearance as well. So glad you're still enjoying!

Dreaming Out Loud

Chapter 49: Deception

Two weeks. Two weeks has passed since they rescued Belle and two weeks since Regina had disappeared, seemingly without a trace. It was a very uncomfortable peace, but for the most part, they had proceeded to move on with their lives. They had a constant dwarf patrol on Regina's mansion, but not one soul was seen physically coming or going from her house. They knew better, of course and remained diligent.

With time moving again and people settling into new lives, post curse, it was clear that an election for Mayor was simply a formality and held just the day before. Snow won over Midas in a landslide victory, still surprising the somewhat still unsure Princess. But Persephone told her it really was no surprise at all. Snow had fought for them and made sacrifices for her people that other leaders never had. Despite her family's support, Snow was still unsure about her rule, but was glad to have her mother beside her to help her navigate this new world. David and Emma continued to run the Sheriff's station and had their share of issues to deal with. Some people were still in unrest and trying to figure out their new lives. It often led to domestic disputes and civil quarrels, but somewhat normal duties for a law enforcement team in a town with magic. Henry also continued going to school, and though he did ask about Regina here and there, he was happy living with his biological family.

They were just beginning to discover what it was like to live together as a family. Though they loved the loft, it was cramped with five of them and a dog, even with magical extensions. And now that families had shifted, there were a few vacancies now in town, but they weren't sure any of the houses were right for their family. And unfortunately, knowing that Cora was out there and Regina by her side still managed to cast a cloud over them.

Persephone could almost feel the looming storm stirring in her blood. She knew Cora wouldn't be silent much longer and she should have realized she would begin her siege on the very day that was so precious to Persephone. Her beloved little Snow's birthday.

Instinctively, David and Emma knew how Snow felt about this day, but this was the first birthday they would be spending together outside the dreamscape. They also knew to tread lightly as well. They suspected it would be much harder for Persephone not to want to celebrate, but knew Snow would steadfastly reject even a hint of a party or gifts.

As she came out from behind the curtain that morning though, she eyed her husband with scrutiny, as he made pancakes.

"What's this?" she asked suspiciously.

"Just breakfast," he replied innocently and she cocked her head to the side, as she looked to her daughter, who was devouring a plate of pancakes and bacon. Then to Henry, whose cheeks were adorably sticky with syrup. The boy seemed to want to tell her something, but had probably been warned against any happy birthday wishes.

"I know what you're up to," she said, as she sat down with them. He kissed her temple and put a plate in front of her.

"I swear it's just breakfast, my darling," he promised.

"Pancakes during the week...right. I know you, Charming," she responded, but proceeded to eat anyway. He had gone through the trouble and she would never miss an opportunity to sit down with Emma and Henry, even on this day. He sighed.

"We love you...and we love showing you how much, even on this day," he said. Her irritation deflated a little and she nodded gratefully.

"Okay...but there better be no party or gifts or anything. You know how I feel about celebrating this day," she said with vehemence. He held his hands up in surrender.

"We promise," he assured. The true test came when Persephone joined them and all present could definitely sense a tension between mother and daughter.

"You're not even going to let me say it, are you?" the Goddess asked. Snow shook her head.

"I really wish you wouldn't…" she replied.

"Snow…" she started to say.

"No...she may not have been my real Mother, but she raised me and she died on my birthday," Snow argued. Persephone took her hands on her own.

"She was just as much your mother as I am. Eva came to be a very good woman and she instilled that goodness in you. I couldn't have asked for more from her. This day...I know it has much sadness, but your birth on this day was my greatest joy," she said.

"How can you say that?" Snow asked.

"How can I not?" Persephone countered.

"Because...I was born with a death sentence on my head and you had to give me away. How does this day not make you sad and angry?" Snow asked. Persephone gave her a watery smile.

"There are things about this day that are very hard...I both gained and lost you on this day. I mourned that your real father would never see you...how fair you were. You took my breath away the moment I saw you," she recalled.

"Then my Mother escaped with you and a piece of my heart went as well...but I absolutely do not regret this day. You are the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me," Persephone added, as she pillowed her daughter against her chest in a hug. A few tears escaped down Snow's cheeks.

"That day...I learned that there is love at first sight and though it was heart wrenching, I knew that there is nothing I wouldn't do for you, even if that meant giving you up so Hades would never touch you," she explained. Snow sniffed and was about to say something when they heard a knock at the door. She opened it and found no one behind it, except a box made of crushed velvet. She picked it up and brought it inside, before opening the lid.

Tears filled her eyes and she struggled to keep from breaking down in sobs, as she took out a beautiful tiara.

"What is it?" Henry asked.

"It's a tiara...it was my...it was Eva's," Snow replied tearfully.

"It must have come over with the curse, after all," David said, as he put his hands on her shoulders.

"Most items of any importance or value did and a lot of them are in Gold's shop," Persephone added.

"Why would Gold leave it on the doorstep? We're in his shop all the time and he may not loathe us, but he just doesn't strike me as the type to give stuff back," Emma said, as she read the card in the box.

"He didn't leave it...someone else did," Snow said. Persephone felt a spark of dread fill her. With Cora in town, it was just too coincidental.

"Snow...there's something I need to tell you and it concerns Johanna," she said, as they sat down.

"Is this what you wanted to tell us a couple weeks ago?" David asked. The Goddess nodded.

"I shouldn't have put it off, especially with Cora lurking. I should have known she would attempt something like this," she lamented.

"What does Cora have to do with Johanna?" Snow asked in confusion.

"Sweetheart...this is the last thing I want to tell you, because I know that woman was there for you after Eva died," Persephone began. Snow nodded.

"She was...father was grieving too and Johanna helped a lot," she said.

"Except that she was planted in Eva's court...by Cora," Persephone revealed. Snow stared at her for a moment, trying to comprehend what that could mean.

"I...I don't understand," Snow refuted.

"Eva and Cora had history that began before you were born," Persephone said.

"They knew each other?" Snow asked. She nodded.

"How?" Snow asked. Persephone closed her eyes, wishing that she didn't have to tell her, for it was about to shatter everything she knew and thought about Leopold.

"They knew each other...because before Leopold was engaged to Eva...he was engaged to Cora," Persephone revealed. Snow blinked and stared at her.

"That's...that's not possible," Snow refuted.

"Snow…" Persephone started to say.

"No...that can't be! My father didn't know Cora until he married Regina," she cried.

"I wish that were true, but he was once in love with Cora. He broke off the engagement when your mother revealed a secret of Cora's that she was hiding from Leopold," Persephone said.

"She told a secret?" Snow squeaked.

"I'm afraid so...but Cora's secret was not innocent. She blamed Eva for ruining her chance at becoming Queen," Persephone explained. Snow swallowed thickly. It was a lot to take in and she had a feeling there was more.

"So...what does this have to do with Johanna?" she asked. Persephone sighed.

"More than you know. Johanna, like everyone, has a past," she said.

Many Year Ago

One year after Snow was born

Today was a happy day in the Kingdom, a very happy day, or so it had been decreed by King Leopold and Queen Eva. The Kingdom had been blessed with a Princess one year ago on this day, during the worst snowstorm the Kingdom had ever seen. The King and Queen doted upon their perfect little bundle and she was already being called the fairest in the land. But this day was not a happy day for Johanna at all, as she lay flowers on the grave of her husband. For the King and Queen, this day was joyous and special. For Johanna, it was the day her husband had died in the service to Queen Eva's family.

He had been out in the storm that day, unnecessarily carrying out the orders of their royals to spread the word that their Kingdom had an heir to the Queen's family in the north, when an avalanche swallowed his carriage on his way back through the north passage.

The King and Queen had offered her family their condolences and even compensation in the wake of his tragic death. But their joy did not dull and their perfect world still spun, as they rejoiced in the birth of their precious Snow White. Johanna's world was shattered and forever changed though. She knew nothing would ever be the same again and she couldn't help but blame them.

"So tragic...another life ruined by that insipid girl," a female voice said, as Johanna whipped around.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"That's not important. What is important is that you and I have much in common, my dear," Cora cooed.

"I don't know what you mean," the other woman replied.

"Oh, but like you, I lost everything important to me, because of Princess...now Queen Eva," Cora responded. Johanna looked at her.

"You?" she asked. Cora nodded.

"What did she do?" Johanna asked curiously. Cora looked around like she was seeing if anyone else was around.

"I have a secret...a dark secret that King Leopold and Queen Eva would very much like to stay buried. Can I trust you?" Cora asked.

"Of course...it's not like I have anyone left to tell anything," Johanna replied sadly.

"Yes...I suppose that's true now, thanks to Eva," Cora said bitterly.

"What happened to you?" Johanna asked.

"I was once engaged to marry Leopold, but Eva ruined it by divulging a secret I had about a foolish transgression I had before I even met him. He rejected me and married her instead," Cora replied.

"That's awful," Johanna gasped.

"Oh it was...she did it deliberately and vindictively so she could be Queen. She stole everything from me, just like she stole it from you. We're kindred spirits, you and I," Cora said. Johanna swallowed thickly.

"They're happy...and today, the entire Kingdom celebrates the birth of the Princess, while I mourn the death of my beloved," the woman said bitterly.

"Yes...what if I told you there might be a way for us both to get revenge?" Cora asked.

"Revenge?" Johanna asked in confusion. Cora nodded.

"Yes...you see I managed to pick this up in one of the villages earlier," she said, showing the parchment to Johanna.

"Queen Eva is looking for a new handmaiden and a nanny for the Princess?" she asked.

"Yes...I think you should inquire about the position. I think you would be perfect for the job," Cora replied. Johanna looked at her incredulously.

"You want me to be near that woman every day?" she asked in disbelief.

"Have you ever heard the saying keep your friends close, but your enemies closer?" Cora questioned. Johanna nodded.

"I suppose so, but I don't see how the Queen will pay for what she did by me becoming a nanny to her perfect little brat," she responded. Cora smirked.

"Revenge takes time, my dear. But I can assure you that if we plant you in Queen Eva's court, then it will allow me to plot against her and get revenge for the both of us," she offered.

"It's wrong...revenge is wrong," Johanna refuted, no matter how much she wanted it. Cora nodded.

"So is injustice and Eva thinking she can ruin lives, just because she was born a royal and we were not. Think of your husband...he would be alive if not for her. Doesn't he deserve to be avenged?" she asked.

"Of course...but we don't even know if I will get the position even if I do apply," Johanna reasoned. Cora waved a hand over the parchment and handed it to her.

"Oh trust me...present this to Queen Eva and you'll be hired on the spot," she replied. Johanna took the parchment and her jaw set in determination. She looked at Cora and nodded. Instinctively, she knew revenge was wrong, but for the first time since her husband's death, she finally felt like she might have a purpose. And that purpose would be avenging her loved one…

Persephone finished telling her the story and looked at her stunned daughter.

"I'm sorry honey...I don't like having to tell you all this," she said.

"I...but this is Cora we're talking about. She obviously manipulated Johanna, right?" she asked.

"Oh I'm sure...it's what she does best. But Johanna making contact with you now of all times is too coincidental," Persephone replied.

"You think she's still working for Cora?" Snow asked.

"I know she is…" Persephone replied. Snow swallowed thickly.

"But...she was always so kind to me and she really helped me after my...mother died," she said.

"At Cora's insistence, she was told to remain close to you and she did until Regina chased you out of the castle. Johanna was dismissed then, but Cora had what she wanted. Eva was dead. You were suffering and Regina became the Evil Queen," Persephone replied.

"I...I need to go. I need to see her," Snow decided, as she got up and put her coat on.

"Snow...that isn't a good idea. It's exactly what Cora wants," Persephone warned.

"Is anything I ever thought about my life...at least my life before Charming, real? Or is it just one lie after another? One big deception?" Snow asked bitterly. Persephone reached out to her.

"Snow…" she started to say. But she shook her head.

"No...I have to do this," she refuted.

"Snow…" David tried to go to her, but she held her hands up.

"Please Charming...I need this. I'll be fine," she promised, as she hurried out. He sighed.

"This woman...Johanna, tell me she doesn't really blame Snow for her misery? Snow had nothing to do with what happened to her...or Cora for that matter," David said, a touch angrily.

"I wish I could...but they both hate Snow simply because she exists. Johanna won't show her true colors yet though...not if she is once again working for Cora," Persephone replied.

"Mom's not going to see her coming then. She's going to forgive her if Johanna asks for it," Emma reasoned.

"Then we'll have to watch out for her," David said. Emma sighed.

"Come on kid, let's get you to the bus," she said.

"Aw...I miss everything because of school. Come on Wilby," he called, as the dog followed them down the stairs.

As the shop door opened that morning, Rumple could feel her presence even from the back room. Cora carried an air of coldness and he could sense her magic from anywhere. In many ways, she was his most accomplished student with the true potential to surpass her teacher. And that's where Cora worried him deeply. He had created this monster and he wasn't sure if he could defeat her alone. Surprisingly, David's suggestion for him to play the double agent was a good plan. He just had to really sell it and he knew even as convincing as he might be, Cora might still see right through him. She knew his weaknesses better than any and that made him very uncomfortable. And as someone who had ripped her own heart from her chest, Cora had little weakness to exploit. He had to trust that between himself and Persephone, they could match Cora. The latter had little to lose though, while Rumple and Persephone potentially had much to lose; much that could be used against them by Cora.

He couldn't see the outcome either with his foresight. He was finding that even with magic returned to him here in Storybrooke that the future was very cloudy, probably due to magic being different here and the multitude of factors that might determine the future. He saw so many paths and none were clear. It was unnerving to him when he didn't have all the answers and he berated himself internally for not seeing these complications. Trusting others was still not something he did well, but in this case, he didn't have a choice.

Clearly, Persephone and her family were allies and Cora was the snake waiting to strike at them all as prey. If there was one thing he knew for certain, with Cora around, he did not have a future, nor did his family. And that meant only one thing. Cora had to die. And how they would accomplish that, he couldn't see. He was going into this blind and he only hoped she would buy his performance.

"Don't lurk in the shadows, dearie...it's not polite," he growled, as he stepped out from the backroom, finally coming face to face with her.

"Hello Rumple," she cooed.

"I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever show your face. You're never one to keep a low profile," he mentioned. She smirked.

"Sometimes it's necessary, especially when you need to study your enemies," she responded.

"You mean the Charmings and me," he retorted.

"Persephone and her little family are most certainly that. But I never wished for you and I to be enemies, Rumple," she cooed in return, as she stepped closer.

"Is that why you're here? To make nice with me so I won't vaporize you on the spot?" he questioned. She chuckled.

"We both know that you and I are quite evenly matched, as much as you hate to admit it. But yes...I am here for a truce of sorts," she replied.

"I suspected, but I'm afraid you have nothing I want, dearie. So kindly get the hell out of my shop," he growled.

"That's where you're wrong…" she countered, as a case appeared in her hand and she put it on the counter.

"I've heard you have somewhat of a friendship with Snow's peasant Prince. I'll admit it puzzled me...just what could you two even have to talk about?" she inquired.

"The Prince and I both love our families. Not that you would understand that," she retorted.

"Now Rumple...that's unfair. You know I love Regina…" she argued.

"If what you show Regina is love, then I pity her," he countered.

"Are you sure you don't want what is inside here? Are you really going to risk not finding your son to preserve some pitiful friendship you have with Prince Charming?" she tempted, as she took the globe out of the case. Despite knowing exactly what was inside, the surprise on Rumple's face was well acted. He gingerly reached out to touch it, but she pulled a way. He clenched his teeth.

"What. Do. You. Want?" he bit out angrily.

"A truce. You get the globe and in return, you do not interfere when Regina and I finally make Snow and her family pay," Cora responded.

"You really think you can defeat Persephone?" he questioned.

"Persephone's love for her family is weakness...it's a problem I have overcome. Regina will learn to as well under my guidance. For her precious Snow, the Queen of the Underworld will do anything and that is why she will lose," Cora responded.

"Well, then I wish you luck, dearie...you'll need it," he replied.

"Then we have a deal?" she asked. He glanced longingly at the globe and his jaw was set in determination.

"We have a deal," he confirmed.

"Shall we seal it like we used to?" she cooed. His stomach flipped at this. Kissing her was the last thing he wanted to do. It was betraying Belle, but if he didn't sell this, then it could endanger Belle later on. So he did what she wanted and they sealed the deal with a kiss. The look of smug satisfaction on her face was enough to churn even his stomach and he watched her leave with trepidation. Cora was one of those people he couldn't read very well, probably because there was no heart in her chest to betray any emotion. He had no idea if she really believed they had a truce and had a gut feeling that she was probably expecting him to double cross her later on.

"I hope you're ready when she comes at you, dearie," he said, as Persephone peered in from the backroom. The Goddess didn't look so certain either and that worried him even more.

"Me too," she agreed.

Snow spied the woman in her garden, as she approached. She was planting snowdrops and it instantly made her feel that perhaps her mother was wrong. After all, if Johanna secretly hated Eva, then why would she plant an entire garden full of snowdrops?

"Johanna…" she called out. The woman looked up and smiled brightly.

"Snow...my dear Snow…" she said, as she opened her arms and the raven haired beauty went into her arms. She sniffed, as they pulled back and she just knew her mother had to be wrong about this one. Even if Johanna had initially been prodded to take a job in her Eva's court by Cora, it was obvious that things must have changed.

"I never thought I'd see you again. Or this," Snow said, as she held up the tiara.

"Oh, I came across it in Mr. Gold's shop and I knew how much it meant to you. I knew you had to have it," Johanna replied. Snow had been in Gold's shop quite a few times over the last couple weeks and had never noticed it. But then she hadn't really been looking for it either.

"Mm...thank you. Oh, you're planting snowdrops," Snow said fondly.

"They remind me of you, because you were born during the harshest winter of all and they, like you, survive anything," Johanna replied, with the same fondness.

"That's why she named me Snow…" Snow murmured, now realizing that Eva's memory of naming her and the reason were actually Persephone's.

"I thought keeping the garden would be a nice way to honor her," Johanna mentioned.

"But you're aware that Eva wasn't my biological mother?" Snow asked. The other woman nodded.

"Yes, but Eva will always be your mother to me. She loved you so much," Johanna replied. Snow sniffed.

"I miss her," she said.

"Me too," the older woman agreed, as she brushed a tear away from Snow's cheek. A rustling noise was suddenly heard and Snow looked around curiously.

"What was that?" Johanna asked.

"Stay here...I'm sure it's nothing," Snow replied.

"Snow…" Johanna started to protest.

"Please...I'll be right back," she promised, as she trekked off toward the woods to investigate. She crept silently and peered into the clearing from behind a tree. Years in the forest made her quite adept at being absolutely silent. She had learned such to survive, of course, for if the game she was hunting got away, then Snow went to bed hungry that night. She resisted the urge to gasp, as she spotted Cora and Regina there. Suddenly, another man approached from the other direction and Snow didn't recognize him. But there was one thing about him that she did. For one hand, he had a hook.

"It's been a long time, Your Majesty," Hook greeted, as he bowed deeply to Regina.

"Hello Hook," Regina said in return, before turning her attention to her mother.

"Did he go for it?" she asked. Cora nodded.

"We made a deal. He has the globe and won't interfere with any of our plans," she replied.

"And you trust him?" Regina asked incredulously.

"Oh of course not, darling...but the globe will keep him occupied with finding his son, while we search for the one thing that can kill him...his dagger," Cora replied.

"I deserve to be the one to kill him...I've waited centuries to get my revenge on the Crocodile!" Hook spat.

"Lower. Your. Voice...the animals would only be too happy to wander into town and tell Persephone or her wretched daughter everything we're saying," Cora snapped.

"Now Hook...if you kill the Dark One with the dagger, then you become the new Dark One and I'm afraid that is a pleasure I'm going to reserve for myself. Once we have it and I'm the new Dark One, we can then eliminate anyone that stands in our way of having what we want," Cora stated. Regina looked unsure at best. Somehow, her mother becoming the Dark One gave her fear that went bone deep. But if it could get her Henry back and she could manage to get across the town line, they'd be free, for her mother would never follow her into a place with no magic. As for Hook, the look on his face was pure rage.

"You promised me revenge on the Dark One!" he shouted.

"He's going to die...isn't that enough for you?" Cora asked.

"No, it's not bloody enough...and you know it!" Hook growled.

"Perhaps not, but this takes precedence over your revenge. My daughter's son has been taken from her and that Charming little family...and everyone they care about must pay," she said.

"You can either help us bring about a new order and reap the benefits...or you can take your chances in going against us," Cora warned. Hook clenched his teeth, but was clearly relenting.

"Fine...I suppose watching the Crocodile die is something at least," he said, as he pointed a finger at her.

"But I want a good life here…" he demanded. Cora smirked.

"And you shall have it. But first...we must find the dagger," she said, as they trekked back toward town. The look on Snow's face was pure horror, as she hurried back toward Johanna's house. Suddenly, she heard a noise and froze in her tracks.

"Who's there?" she called, as a twig snapped. She jumped and started running, as there was someone now following her. She looked back though and saw that there was no one there. She stopped and looked around in confusion. Suddenly, she screamed, as she felt a hand on her arm. She turned, ready to punch whoever it was when she saw it was her husband.

"Whoa...it's me…" he soothed and she fell into his arms.

"Oh Charming…" she cried, as she felt relief at being folded against his chest.

"I know I probably shouldn't have followed you to Johanna's, but I was worried about you," he said, as he kissed her hair. She shook her head.

"No...I'm glad you did. I just saw Cora and Regina...we're in so much trouble," she fretted tearfully. He shared her troubled look, as he led her out of the woods. Once they were gone, Hermes appeared, as he removed Hades' cap of invisibility from his head and glared at their backs. He would have to wait for another opportunity...