A/N: So sorry for the delay; my psych professor is...well, for lack of a better term psychotic. Anyway, i don't know why this chapter took so long to write, but I have edited to the point of insanity. I hope you enjoy it. Please Review! :)

The sun rose high over Storybrooke, drowning the sleepy town in golden hues; Gold stood at the border staring straight out ahead of him. After his late night visit to Regina, he didn't go home; he knew he'd find no rest. The house was too empty without Emma. His feet practically touched the bright orange line that was preventing him from leaving as effectively as if it were a brick wall. As the dark one, he was tempted to believe that he was above such nonsense, that he could step over that line and remain unaffected. But he knew better; he also knew he stood to lose too much.

On the flip side of that, if he just stepped over that line all of that pain would be forever forgotten. The shame of all that happened during the ogre wars, the loss of his wife, the pain of watching his son slip away, what happened to Belle; all gone in an instant. Emma was part of his Storybrooke life, he would remember her.

While it was tempting to forget all he had done as the dark one; the memories of his son were just too precious. All of this – the curse and every deal he made from the moment he lost his son was all done in an attempt to find Bae. He couldn't leave Storybrooke, but he could hope that the magic would return Bae here. Gold's stomach growled loudly, reminding him he needed to eat. With one last resentful glare at the painted line, he limped back to his car with a heavy heart.

Mary finally stopped shouting when a guard came to the door. "Our leader requests an audience." He said, opening the dungeon door. Emma was unnerved as Cora smiled at her; it was sinister, calculating, and Emma couldn't get away fast enough. Emma kept close to Mary as they were led into the village.

"Why didn't you listen to me, Emma?" Mary chided, trying not to sound too harsh.

"I'm just trying to find a way home. My son is alone where Regina is free after we saved her…again. I should've let him shoot her." Emma replied venomously.

"Charming's still there; he'll keep an eye on Henry. He always wanted a son; I have a feeling they'll get along fine." Mary said trying to comfort Emma, instantly chiding herself for her choice of words. "Not that he wasn't happy when you were born, I just meant…"

"I know what you meant, its fine."

"Wait here…" the guard said gruffly, leaving them in an open clearing. Mary and Emma stopped walking, waiting for the leader of the camp.

"Emma, I'm from this world; I know its dangers and Cora is at the top of that list. Please from now on, just listen to me." Mary pleaded. Emma held her gaze defiantly, hiding the fear and uncertainty that plagued her.

"Is that why you came through the portal? You thought I'd be helpless here?"

"No, I didn't want to lose you again; I wanted to be with you." Emma smiled at her words; she'd be lying if she said she wasn't glad that Mary was with her here.

"Lancelot?" Mary said, looking over Emma's shoulder to the knight who was their leader. As in a knight of the round table? Emma wondered as she turned to see the man behind her.

"Snow?" Mary rushed towards him, laughing as she through her arms around him. "If I had known you were the prisoners they brought back, I never would've let them lock you up." Emma watched in disbelief; just when she thought nothing else could surprise her; she meets one of King Arthur's knights who just happens to be best friends with her mother.

"Lancelot…really?" Emma said sarcastically.

"He's an old friend, we can trust him." Mary said with some measure of relief. "Lancelot, this is my daughter Emma; Emma, Lancelot."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness." He said, shaking her hand. It took her a moment to register the title.

"Whoa, what did he just call me?" Emma asked uncomfortably, trying not to laugh. Lancelot looked to Mary confused.

"We were separated, she only just found out she was my daughter; that she is a princess." Mary explained briefly, the pain apparent in her soft voice.

"My apologies…" Lancelot ushered them to a nearby table where what looked like lunch was being served. Emma came over a bit queasy as she looked at some of the questionable items on the table. She sat beside her mother; staring at what looked like barbequed wooden clubs.

"What in the hell is that?" she asked, staring at the platter incredulously.

"That is kaimara, an acquired taste, but it's all the hunters could bring back; one part lion, one part serpent, and one part goat." Lancelot answered as he sat down.

"Like turducken?" Emma asked, inspecting it curiously on her fork. Emma only half listened to the conversation as she smelled and tentatively tasted everything on the table.

"I don't understand; how did you all escape the curse? We were told this land didn't exist anymore." Mary asked.

"We don't know why or how, but those of us in this region were protected when the curse struck. Finding this place wasn't easy, but you'll be safe here." Lancelot assured her.

"We can't stay, Lancelot. We have to get back to Storybrooke; my husband is there, Emma's son, my grandson. Can you help us find a portal?"

"Leaving would be unwise. The enchanted forest isn't how you remember it. The ogres have returned."

"Ogres…" Emma interrupted, wondering if these were the same creatures that Gold fought in the wars. "…as in fee-fy-fo-fum?"

"Those would be giants…" Mary corrected, squeezing Emma's hand.

"Ogres are far worse…that's why we live here. Please Snow, stay here; there a no more portals left." Lancelot pleaded emphatically.

"I may know of one…" Mary said.

"You do?" Emma asked hopefully. They had only been here a few hours and if it meant getting out of here, she'd do almost anything.

"Where?" Lancelot asked.

"Cora is near, I don't want to voice my plans. She's too powerful."

"Not anymore, she was stripped of her powers when the curse was enacted. We keep her locked up on account of her reputation."

"Well, regardless, I'm not taking chances. Trust me…I may have way. Please let us go?" Mary asked again.

"I'll allow it, but with conditions."

"Name them."

"Mulan! Philip!" he called. Emma watched as Philip left Aurora's side as he and Mulan stood beside Lancelot. "You will allow my two finest warriors to go with you; they can defend you."

"We can defend ourselves –" Emma began.

"Deal…" Mary agreed wholeheartedly.

"If you guys are such good friends and your some legend, why don't you take us?" Emma asked curiously as they all stood from the table.

"The people feel safer if I'm here. There are many dangers that still threaten us."

"Thank you, Lancelot…for always watching out for me." Mary said gratefully, hugging him again.

"It's my honor, Snow. Until next time, Your Majesty…" Lancelot said with a bow, retreating to his tent.

"We should prepare to leave." Mulan suggested leading them from table. Emma followed behind them, feeling increasingly frustrated as time dragged on. She felt out of place and helpless here, wanting nothing more than to get home to Henry.

"Why didn't you tell me you already spoke with Jefferson?" Henry asked with a pout, sitting beside his grandfather at Granny's. James swallowed his eggs, looking pleadingly at Ruby for help who simply smirked and walked away.

"Because I know how much you want your mom back; I wanted to have a plan already in place before I said anything. I just didn't want to disappoint you." James told him, hoping he'd understand.

"But I can help you…"

"I know you can Henry, but it'll require magic and magic –"

"Always comes with a price. I read the book, you know." Henry interrupted. James smiled sympathetically; he knew Henry only wanted to help but magic was just too dangerous.

"If you really want to help me, you'll finish your breakfast and you'll go to school where I know you'll be safe. I'm sorry, kid; I just can't let you near the stuff."

"Ok…" Henry said in defeat. James smiled as he rubbed Henry's shoulders, taking another sip of his coffee. Having become the sole caretaker for the young boy certainly had its challenges; especially with a boy as smart and clever as Henry. The bell over the door rang and every head turned to see Mr. Gold step into the diner. For an imperceptible moment, he and Gold made eye contact before James quickly dropped his gaze; he was hoping to ignore infamous dealmaker.

Normally, Gold would have sat in a booth alone, but he wanted an update on Emma. He begrudgingly limped to the counter taking a seat beside the prince, much to his dismay. Gold was used to having people stare at him fearfully, but now that the curse was broken there was an element of pure hatred in their eyes. He can't say he's surprised; he's made deals with most of the people in this town; it wasn't his fault if they couldn't uphold their end of the bargain.

"Mr. Gold," Ruby greeted with a forced smile. "What can I get for you?" Ruby wore her normal scowl when dealing with him, but ever since he got Belle a job here she seemed a little more tolerant. It probably had more to do with the fact that he temporarily lowered their rent.

"Coffee, a small cup of fruit and some scrambled eggs, please." Gold asked politely. Ruby poured the coffee and set it before the pawnbroker as she went to the kitchen to place the order.

"Good morning, Mr. Gold." James said tentatively, not looking up from his breakfast.

"Charming…"

"Hi, Mr. Gold…" Henry said, waving enthusiastically. Gold smiled brightly, relieved to see the boy doing so well after nearly dying. Another bad memory he wishes he could forget.

"Hey Henry, how are you, young man?"

"I'm ok…hey, now that the curse is broken; have you found your son?" Henry asked innocently. Charming and Ruby's heads turned to Gold incredulously at the question.

"No, I'm afraid not..." Gold said, barely above a whisper.

"Wait, wait, wait…you have a son?" James asked incredulously.

"Do you have any magic?" Henry interrupted. "Cause we need –"

"Henry…" Charming chided in a hushed tone. Gold looked to Charming, knowing it wasn't good news; he shifted his gaze to his coffee mug, turning it in circles.

"I take it you found your missing person…"

"Yea, he can't help us." James replied, a bitter edge to his voice.

"Mr. Gold, I know you like my mom. Can't you help; please?" Gold stared empathetically at Henry as he pleaded, wishing there was something he could do.

"Oh, Henry, I would give anything to help you get your mother back. But magic is different here and my power is limited. I'm sorry."

"It's ok…" he said sadly, lowering his head in defeat. Gold suddenly felt guilty for crushing the boys hope and he suddenly felt the need to give Henry some good news. The best part was he wouldn't even be lying. If they could get to the wardrobe, hopefully Emma's magic would be enough to start it. If not, there was no telling how long they'd be there; he knew of no other way to get back here.

"I will tell you a secret…" Gold began in hushed tones, motioning for the boy to move closer. Henry leaned in, forcing James to lean back slightly as the two spoke through him.

"Your mother, being the Savior that she is, has a bit of her own magic. If Snow is as smart as I think she is, she'll be heading to the wardrobe that sent Emma here in the first place. And Emma just might have enough magic to make it work…" Henry's eyes lit up, a broad smile forming on his face.

"Do you really think so?" Henry asked excitedly.

"I do and don't worry; your grandmother is the best possible person to be with Emma right now; just ask your grandfather. She's fought many battles of her own and survived in the wilderness alone. They'll make it back…of that I have no doubt." Gold assured him, sitting upright.

"Is that true?" Ruby asked hopefully.

"Indeed…"

"How do you know?" James asked intrigued.

"Well, you were there, Charming; when did the portal open?" James went over the events in his mind, recalling that Regina had been trying to make the hat work from before they even got there.

"When Emma touched Regina…"

"Precisely..."

"So, if the wardrobe is still there, Emma would have enough power to make it work?" James clarified, truly hoping that Gold wasn't lying to him right now.

"How many times do I have to tell you? True love is the most powerful magic of all; of course she'll have enough power…"

"Henry, the bus is here…" Ruby informed him, staring out the window. Henry jumped down from his seat, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

"Alright, have a good day at school…I'll pick you up later." James said tossing the boys hair.

"Ok, Gramps…see you guys later…Thanks Mr. Gold!" he called over his shoulder. Though, Gold never had a chance to answer as the door closed behind him.

"Thank you for that…for telling him. He's been so upset lately about all this; it's good to see him smile."

"I only wish I could get them back for you…" Gold lamented, his eyes far off. An awkward silence settled over them, all lost in their own thoughts. Belle emerged through the double doors, immediately sensing the tension. She set the plate in front of Gold with a bright smile.

"Good morning, Mr. Gold…" Belle greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning, Belle; thank you." He replied gratefully. Belle quickly retreated back into the kitchen to escape the awkward tension. Gold stared at the plate, realizing that though he was hungry, he had no desire to eat.

"I've never seen someone greet you so cheerfully…" Charming said as Gold forced down the first bite of his eggs. "She must not know who you are."

"Mr. Gold arranged for Belle to get a job here." Ruby informed James before Gold could respond.

"Really; and why would he do that?"

"Do you remember out little chat in the infinite forest, the woman I spoke of?"

"You mean the true love you said was dead?" James asked with an incredulous stare. Gold only nodded in response. "If she's your true love what are you doing with my daughter?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but Regina told me she dead. I care very much for Belle, but I've realized now that it's not true love as I once thought. I take care of her needs financially and Emma knows all about it." James was speechless at the fact that Gold had a son and that this woman from Gold's past was still alive. If Emma knew about and was ok with, it wasn't his right to judge. But it didn't mean he had to like it.

"Well, I'm off to the mines, help the guys find some fairy dust..." James announced, rising from his seat as he paid his bill. Ruby watched as Gold pushed the food around his plate as she cleared the plates from James and Henry.

"You look terrible," Ruby pointed out bravely. Gold scoffed as he nodded in agreement, not sleeping tends to have that effect. "Not hungry?"

"Afraid not dearie," Gold agreed, pushing the plate away.

"I'll tell you what, I'll put this in a box and get you some coffee to go. This way you have it if you get hungry."

"Thank you, Ruby..." Gold whispered. He knew he wouldn't eat it, but he was grateful for the gesture. He paid his bill and left a generous tip for both Ruby and Belle, limping slowly from the diner with his coffee in hand.

"Choose your weapons wisely." Mulan ordered as she led them to a chest full of weapons. Emma looked at the bow and arrows, swords and assorted other medieval weapons, lifting a small dagger from the chest stuffing it into her boot.

"Do you have my gun? "I had it in my pocket when we fell threw but it was gone when I woke up." Emma asked, watching as Mulan pulled it from her pocket.

"Is it magic?" Mulan asked, inspecting the weapon in her hand. Emma was worried that she'd try to pull the trigger.

"Depends on who's shooting it…" Emma said, holding out her hand. Mulan handed her the weapon and Emma instantly made sure it was still loaded; listening as Mulan laid out the rules.

"Follow our lead, step where we step and do exactly as we say and you just might survive."

"Thanks for the pep talk, but we'll be fine…I just killed a dragon last week." Emma said sardonically, tucking the gun in her pants.

"Have you ever seen an ogre?" Mulan asked, approaching Emma slowly. "I've known a few…"

"Legend has it that when they kill you; the last thing you see is yourself dying in the reflection of their eyes." Before Emma could respond, Mulan was shouting another order.

"Let's walk, it'll be dark soon. Phil…" Mulan turned to where she thought Philip would be. She rolled her eyes with scoff when she spotted him kissing Aurora goodbye yet again. Emma couldn't help but smirk; not too long ago she was the one who would roll her eyes in disgust at happy couples.

"Philip…" Mulan said sharply. With one last kiss, Philip tore himself away from his princess and fell in step with Mulan. Emma and Snow walked behind them.

"Don't let her rattle you. I won't let anything happen to us. Stick to the plan."

"What is the plan? You haven't told me anything. What's going on?" Emma demanded in hushed tones. Mary looked around for any signs of Cora before she said anything.

"The wardrobe." Mary whispered at last.

"The wardrobe; like the wardrobe that sent little baby me to Maine? You think that can get us back to Storybrooke?"

"I don't know, first we have to see if it survived the curse then we'll worry about making it work."

"Where is it?"

"My place. You want to see where you're from Emma? That's right, we're going home."

Emma felt her heart begin to race at those words; she was going to see what should have been her home. In as long as she's searched for her parents, she never thought she would have to travel to another world to see where she came from. This all felt like some bizarre dream and she hoped that she be waking at any moment. But as the time dragged on and the further they walked, Emma was only too aware that this was no dream.

"So what's with you and Lancelot?" Emma asked curiously, trying to pass the time. She assumed wrongly that only fairy tale characters would exist here, knights from mythological folklore came as a surprise.

"Oh, he worked for Charming's father, or King George. In a world full of strangers it was really good to see a familiar face. In a strange way we owe him your life." Mary said thoughtfully; Emma's eyes widened in disbelief silently willing her mother to tell that story.

"See, King George was furious at Charming for breaking off the wedding to Midas' daughter; he hired Lancelot to deliver me to him. I assumed he was going to kill me to get back at Charming. But when I got there he told me his story and little did I realize that he cursed me…so that I would never have children. The king eventually let me go and Lancelot found me and warned me that the King had sent men to where Charming's mother was to kill her." Mary's eyes watered at the memory; the fear of how she would tell Charming and the untimely death of his mother.

"By the time we got there, she had been shot with a poison arrow. Charming knew of a nearby lake that had healing magic that could save her life. On the way she made me tell her what happened and she said that the water could lift my curse as well. When we got there the lake was gone. There was only enough for one sip and she wanted me to drink it; sacrificing herself so that we could have a child. I refused. It was his mother's last wish to see his son married; Lancelot performed the marriage and handed me a chalice of water. In it was the last of the healing water and my curse was lifted."

"Wow…" Emma whispered as they walked. She was coming to realize that there was so much to her story than she ever thought. It never occurred to her how much her parents had lost and sacrificed just to be together.

"Come on…let's catch up…" Mary said in Emma's silence. Emma followed numbly, wondering what other surprises awaited her on this journey; she's not sure how much more she could take.

The old wooden wheel creaked softly as Gold desperately sought the escape this wheel used to provide. He became the dark one so he could stop feeling helpless, but he's never felt more like a caged animal in his life. He couldn't go home and nothing was working as a distraction; not to mention he could never leave Storybrooke. He was trapped and all he could do now was wait and in Emma's absence, perhaps try to break this new curse.

The bell rang over the door and he listened as someone rifled through the shop. He stood slowly and moved to the curtain, watching as Regina tore through books and trinkets, clutching the spell book against her.

"Can I help you find something, Regina? A certain gold medallion perhaps?" Gold taunted as he stepped through the curtain.

"Where is it?" Regina demanded.

"Somewhere you'll never find it, I assure you."

"I can find it with this…" Regina held up the spell book with a smug smirk; Gold couldn't suppress his sinister laugh. It was almost cute the way she tried to threaten him with her book of tricks.

"Really, dearie?" he laughed mockingly.

"You must be going soft, Rumple; I can remember a time when you would have just killed me. Emma's made you weak…" Regina baited him. Gold clenched his jaw as he glared at her; it seems the return of her magic has made her feel invincible. He was in no mood to play these games.

"I can still kill you Regina, and Emma isn't here. That wraith will ensure that you will behave. Are you willing to bet your life that I won't follow through if you double cross me? No one would miss you; I'm sure everyone would believe that you left on your own after the two public attempts that have already been made on your life." Gold let the threat hang in the air as Regina glared daggers at him. Ironically enough, of the two attempts on her life, he wasn't responsible or part of either of them.

"I would suggest that you get Emma and Snow back before you start threatening me, Regina. Perhaps you and Jefferson could put your heads together…" he suggested with a cruel smile, knowing that above all Jefferson wanted her dead.

"Jefferson is a broken man; he's useless…" Regina spat venomously. Gold leaned his elbows on the glass counter as he studied her; it was a question that plagued his curiosity since Jefferson kidnapped Snow White and Emma.

"Tell me, your majesty, of all the people you could have chosen to keep their memory, why would you choose Jefferson? After everything you did to him, I would have thought he would've been the one person you made sure to make forget. Or do you really just enjoy being at the top of everyone's hit list?" Regina clenched her jaw, glaring murderously at him.

"I told you, now that I have my magic I am getting my son back first, then I will figure out a way to get Emma and Snow back. I just need to know that I'm going to live long enough to accomplish that." Regina said, ignoring his question all together.

"As long as you do as I say you will live…" he promised her. Regina's eyes burned with raw hatred at the statement and she turned to go. "You know, if you have to use magic to keep your son, then you don't really have him, do you? I'm sure your mother could tell you a thing or two about that…" Gold said with a smirk as he stared after her.

"I can see it now." he said twisting the knife in deeper.

"See what?" she demanded venomously turning around to face him.

"It's just you holding that book, rambling on about getting your son back; I told you once you didn't look like her…but now I can see it." Gold could see the hurt his words had caused in her eyes; knowing Regina never wanted to be like her mother. Without a word, she left in a huff; presumably to go find Henry. At that Gold decided to go home and try a few spells to break this curse. He needed to feel like he was doing something productive and that wasn't possible here.

Mulan and Philip had considerable distance on Emma and Mary as they walked in relative silence. The sun was beginning to set and Emma wondered if and when they'd be stopping. She considered herself to be a physically fit person, but after walking for hours on end with no water she felt ready to pass out. Still, she was careful not to complain as they climbed yet another small hill, opting instead for sarcasm.

"I don't know about you but after this I could definitely use a drink or two…or twenty. I will never take my car for granted ever again." Emma said breathlessly as Mary laughed beside her.

"Well, if you want company, trust me; I will happily join you. We could even make it a girl's night. You, me, Ruby and Belle; maybe see if Ashley wants to come."

"Sounds good to me…" Emma agreed as they tried to catch up to their defenders.

"Emma, what happened between you and Gold?" Mary asked hesitantly. Emma stared at her mother, caught unprepared by the question. If they even caught a hint that Gold was responsible for putting her and Henry in danger, they'd never accept him.

"What do you mean?" Emma asked as nonchalantly as possible.

"It's just that you two have been so close; I thought when all of this happened you would have gotten closer to him instead of pull away."

"Pulling away is my immediate response to everything stressful, running is a close second." Emma replied, her words more sharp then she intended.

"No, you both were acting strange the other morning. When Charming asked if you had broken up both of you said 'not exactly'; which suggests that you're 'not exactly' together either."

"It's complicated Mare, I had just found out from Pinocchio what had happened and I had kidnapped Henry. Then Henry almost died and everyone got their memories back when the curse was broken and I found out who Gold really was. I finally found my parents and discovered I was a princess and that fairy tales are real. It was all overwhelming and it all happened in the same 48 hour window. I panicked…"

"Fair enough…" Mary mumbled, more to herself than Emma. "Do you love him?" It was a simple question and despite everything that happened, there was a simple answer.

"Yes, I do…" she admitted softly. Emma had no idea if that fact even mattered at this point in light of what happened. But she loved him; there was no denying that.

"So, what are you going to do now that you know who he is?"

"Can we not talk about this now?" Emma snapped. "I don't know what I'm going to do; I've barely had time to catch my breath and now we're trapped in fairy tale land. I have more important things on my mind right now like getting home to my son." Mary shrunk back at her harsh words and Emma instantly chided herself.

"I'm sorry –" Emma began, before Mulan's voice cut her off.

"Alright, this is as good a place as any to set up camp for the night." Mulan called as they stopped walking. Emma sighed heavily in relief at the prospect of rest as they finally caught up to the warriors. "We just need to find water and firewood."

"Um, if we're hiding from ogres shouldn't we, I don't know; not start a fire?" Emma suggested sardonically.

"Ogres are blind, they hunt by sound alone." Mary informed her as if talking about the weather.

"Right, because that's something everyone would know about ogres."

"Look, I know you're out of your element here…" Mary began as she approached Emma.

"I'm fine…" Emma replied defensively.

"I know, but maybe you should just stay here while we get wood and water; guard the campsite."

"You mean the big empty clearing?"

"It's the safest place, we'll be right back." Mary said in an exasperated tone, clearly getting annoyed with Emma's sarcasm as she and Mulan went separate ways to gather supplies. Emma sat down with a huff, lying down in the cool grass; chiding herself for her unnecessary harshness towards Mary. Extreme sarcasm was just another way to deal with circumstances beyond her control. She didn't want to admit it but she felt entirely inadequate and helpless here.

"So what's it like; your world?" Philip asked beside her. Emma jumped at the sound of his voice; he had been so quiet this whole journey she had forgotten he was here. Emma propped herself up on her elbows, contemplating how to explain an entire world of people.

"Uh, well, there's no magic; no ogres or fairy godmothers. I guess it's similar to here; different countries have different races, languages and types of people."

"Is it true there are no happy endings?" he asked sadly; Emma looked at him for the first time since he sat down; studying his pained expression.

"I don't think there are no happy endings; it's true that there are a lot of miserable people there. True love is kind of a myth where I'm from, but there is happiness. I think happy endings are just harder to come by, not necessarily that there are none to be found. Plus, the curse was designed specifically to take away happy endings…"

"Yes, we've all lost what we loved…" Philip agreed with a forlorn expression.

"What about you and Aurora; you both seemed to be pretty in love when we left…"

"She had been asleep for a year already when the curse struck. Mulan and I had been trying to find her and time just froze, and we all remained on that island. We resumed our search a few months ago when the curse started weakening. I had just woken her when the floor opened up. Then we found you…I just wanted to say thank you for breaking the curse and I'm sorry for how we treated you."

"You're welcome…" Mulan returned with wood and set to starting the fire. Philip left the moment she returned to go hunt food for dinner. Emma rolled her eyes and bit her tongue as she realized what was going on; apparently at 28 years old, she needed a babysitter.

James was in the mines with the dwarves, trying to find any trace of fairy dust. They would need it to restore Sneezy's memory and he hoped that it could also assist in restoring Jefferson's hat. His mind was consumed with thoughts of his daughter, both her past and present alike. His mind still reeled with the revelation that the blue fairy had lied to them about the wardrobe; Emma grew up alone and vulnerable because of that lie. All he knew is that whatever had happened was truly terrible. Image after vile image clouded his mind after that conversation with Gold and they plagued him still.

He was trying not to imagine his child being abused in any way but it was the only scenario that fit. It would explain her extreme guardedness, her inability to trust people; it would certainly be something he could see her wanting to keep secret from her parents. Regardless, he wouldn't ask her as Gold suggested as much as hated it; as much as it was already driving him crazy. He resented that fact more than anything; Gold knew his daughter and he didn't.

"Charming!" Ruby's frantic voice pulled him from his thoughts as he turned to see his old friend looking terrified. "Regina has Henry…" Fear gripped his heart as his blood ran cold at her words.

"What?" He grabbed his shirt as he followed Ruby from the mines.

"Apparently she has her magic back and she just showed up the school and took him." Ruby explained as they rushed through the tunnels.

"Is anyone hurt?"

"No, Henry went with her to ensure that didn't happen."

Regina sat at the table; Henry safely locked away upstairs, glaring at the book she once hated. Gold's words echoed in her mind along with her mother's and every vow she'd ever made that she wouldn't become like her. It was so long ago Regina could hardly remember who she had been before all this; when Daniel was still her love. Even after his death she still wasn't evil; all she wanted was freedom – freedom from her mother and freedom from magic. Now it has come full circle and her own son wanted freedom from her and her magical bonds.

Regina loved her mother despite all her flaws, but she couldn't lift a hand against her. Snow became the scapegoat, a safe and defenseless target to unleash her revenge upon. A part of her felt guilty, the rest of her felt justified – Daniel's death deserved justice and she took it upon herself to deliver that. But she never thought she'd lose herself so completely that she would turn into her mother. Now she was holding her son hostage by magic, just like Cora had done to her.

But there was still hope with her son, despite how mad he was; how crazy she made him feel – it was still his wish that she be kept alive. Somewhere inside him, he loved her and somewhere inside her, she wanted to be redeemed in his eyes.

Regina jumped at the sound of her front door being kicked open, turning to see Charming charging at her with his sword drawn.

"I want to see him…" he demanded. Regina set the book down and rose from her chair; he lifted his sword to her throat as she stood before him.

"Henry come down…" she called calmly, her eyes never leaving Charming. "You won't be using your sword…"

"Whatever you conjure I can fight…" he said valiantly. Regina lifted her hand and pushed the blade from her neck.

"I mean you won't need your sword," Henry stood on the staircase and Regina met him halfway, her heart was heavy with regret. The tears filled her eyes; swallowing her pride as she faced her son…this was the hardest thing she's ever had to do.

"Henry, you're going to go home with David…" she said. James' eyes widened in surprise at her words, he had expected that to be much harder.

"Really…?" Henry asked hopefully, looking between Regina and his Grandfather.

"Really…I shouldn't have brought you here. I was," Regina paused, trying to find the words to explain this to child that he would understand.

"I don't know how to love very well; I wasn't capable of it for a very long time. But I know; I remember that if you hold on to someone too hard it doesn't make them love you. I'm sorry I lied to you; that I made you feel like you were crazy. But I want you to be here because you want to be here and not because I forced you…and not because of magic. I want to redeem myself." She whispered hoarsely, holding back the tears that threatened to fall.

"Go get your things." Henry said nothing as he turned and ran up the stairs.

"Then prove it…" James said behind her.

"How?" she asked, descending the staircase.

"Help me get Emma and Snow back."

"I have no idea how to get back to that land." Regina admitted tearfully; her life depended upon finding a way back there. "Just promise me that while you look for them, you take care of my son."

"That I can do…" James promised. He'd never seen Regina show any kind of emotion other than spiteful hatred, he was moved by her genuine plea for her son's safety.

Regina watched with a heavy heart as Charming led her son away. She didn't know much about being good or about redemption; all she knew was that she wanted to be someone her son could respect and love. She closed the door with a flick of her wrist, lifting the book from the table; this was to first thing that would have to go if she was truly going to try. Regina knelt down before the fireplace, holding the book over the flames.

The sudden fear of being powerless; of needing her magic and not having it overcame her and she pulled it back. Regina stared at the book in her hands, unable to let it go. But she vowed to never use it again. She could lock it away; this way no would ever find it and it would be there if she needed it. Regina set the book on a shelf and locked the cabinet, pressing the key to her lips. Somehow, she would win back her son without magic.

Emma lay on the cold ground beside the dying firelight; Mulan stood guard nearby as they slept, or tried to in her case. She reached into her pocket, pulling out the torn and crumpled piece of paper. Emma angled it to the light, reading his words once again. She had been determined to hate him, to be angry at him as long as possible before she got this letter. The anger over his betrayal was still fresh in her mind, but so was her love for him and God forgive her; she still wanted to be with him.

Deep down she knew that Gold would never truly hurt her or her son, which is what made this so much harder. Out of his extreme grief and fear of losing his son forever, he placed both of their lives at risk. She couldn't ignore it and she couldn't excuse it despite how she understood his desperation. So why did she want to forgive him? If this didn't make her the world's most certifiable woman, she didn't know what would.

In this moment, she wanted nothing more than to be in his oversized bed, held in the safety of his arms; anything but lying on this cold hard ground in the wide open of a foreign world. She wondered what he was doing; if he was sleeping soundly or if he was as restless as she was in his absence. Emma sighed heavily, placing the letter back in her pocket. Her eyes drifted closed, hoping to get some rest before the dawn.

Gold tossed and turned again, his legs tangled and bound in the silk sheets; he felt on the brink of insanity as sleep eluded him once more. The scent of cinnamon and the floral scent of her shampoo lingered on her pillow, teasing his nostrils. Images of her face and bright smile filled his mind, and once again he could hear her voice. Gold tore the sheets from his body in a huff of aggravation; when did he allow her to become such a part of him that he couldn't rest without her?

He limped down the hallway, determined to find a room in this mansion that wasn't haunted with her presence. As Gold stood in the corridor, he realized how empty this house was; how truly empty his life was. The door in front of him was the room he prepared for Bae on the off chance he found him. The room directly beside it was the room Emma slept in before she moved into his room, decorated for any grandchildren he may have if Bae became a father. Behind him, across from his bedroom was the room he decorated for Belle.

As he stood alone in the darkness, he finally understood Emma's distaste of wealth as he realized that he owned an entire town, yet he had nothing. All he had were empty rooms built as shrines to those he'd loved and lost. His home and his shop were filled with trinkets that were someone else's precious memories; memories he had bargained for and stolen away as a price. He was surrounded by shadows, plagued with memories as he limped down the stairs.

He laid on the leather couch, pulling the flannel blanket over him. Even though they shared many a moment on this couch, it was the only place he could find rest. Gold released an exasperated sigh, draping his arm over his eyes. His body trembled and ached with the fatigue of exhaustion; in the three nights and two days that Emma's been gone, he's barely slept. It wasn't just her absence, it was not knowing if she survived; not knowing if she was hurt or lost.

Everything that was good was ripped from that land, leaving it to all that was evil. His only comfort was that she had Snow with her; a woman who could fight with the best of them and lived in the wilderness alone for months. Emma and Snow were both fighters, both survivors; if anyone could survive and find a way home, it was them. But he didn't know how much more of this he could take.

Everything was so wrong without her.

This isn't one of my best, but I have the next three chapters almost done, so I had to post this. I hope you enjoyed it anyway.