Disclaimer: I don't own OUAT or anything affiliated with it.
AN: I apologize for the long wait. Real life has been kicking my butt. Not to mention, my laptop crapped out and the fact that I'd lost a close friend and my grandmother as well. It's been eventful. Fair warning, the characters are OOC and I'm sure that it is unrealistic, but, hey, it's fanfiction and the entire show is unrealistic! That being said, enjoy!
It's not long before they get to the well where her father brought magic to Storybrooke. She sees and feels the energy of the spell that had already been put into place.
"Papa, stop!"
Rumple turned and looked to see his daughter, Henry, and Ruby running towards them.
"Mom? You're not helping Emma and Mary Margaret are you?" Henry asked.
"I'm helping you, Henry," Regina replied. Katelyn snorted.
"What are you talking about?" Henry asked.
"You're going to kill them," Ruby said as she took a step forward. Rumple lifted the wand that he'd used to create the vortex-like barrier over the well and sent her flying back. She was out cold.
"Ruby!" Katelyn cried as she spun on her father, "Papa, how could you?!"
"Sorry, dearie," he said more to Ruby than his daughter.
"Mom, what are you doing?" Henry asked again more forcefully.
"We can't let Cora come through the portal. You have no idea what she would do to us," Regina said.
"Emma and Mary Margaret are going to defeat her. They're the ones that are going to come through," Henry cried.
"Henry, your mother's right. It's going to be Cora," Rumple told the boy. Katelyn rounded on her father.
"No, it's not, Papa! It's gonna be Emma and Snow! I know it! Have faith! They're heroes and they'll win!" Katelyn exclaimed.
Rumple looked at his daughter affectionately.
"Sweetheart, I can't take the chance that she'll come here. If she does, she'll use you and your mother against me. I can't let that happen," he said sadly.
"Papa, whatever happens, we'll face it together. Please stop this," Katelyn said softly.
"I can't," he replied.
Henry, after speaking with Regina and receiving the same result, ran towards the well only to have Regina restrain him herself.
"You can't! Stop it! You can't! You're going to kill them! Please! No! They're going to make it through! We have to turn it off! You're going to kill them!" Henry cried in horror.
Henry struggled with Regina and Katelyn took a step towards the well.
"No, you don't, young lady! I already almost lost you once! I'll not do it again!" Rumple exclaimed as he pulled her to him.
"Let go of me, Papa! I can save them! It'll be Emma and Snow!" Katelyn cried as she struggled against her father's grip. He held her tightly. She closed her eyes and focused on her magic. She teleported out of his grip and right next to the well.
"No!" Rumple cried as Katelyn stuck her hands out over the magic, "Regina!"
Regina turned to see what Katelyn was doing and ran up and knocked her away from the well. Katelyn got up as the magic sparked at her fingertips.
"Emma and Mary Margaret are going to come through. I know it. You said you wanted to change – to be better. This is how. You want me to have faith in you? Have faith in me," Henry told his mother as he walked up next to Katelyn and took her hand to calm her.
Regina looked at her son and the little sorceress that had helped her son in every way possible. She turned to the well.
"Regina," Rumple said as she extended her arms over it and took away the barrier, the magic knocking her back forcefully.
After a moment, no one comes through the well. Henry's face fell.
"No!" he cried. Katelyn wrapped her arms around her best friend.
"I'm sorry, Henry. I'm sorry," Regina said remorsefully.
Just then a hand shoots out of the well and Emma drug her body out with Snow following along behind.
"Mom?" Henry said in surprise.
"Henry!" Emma cried.
"Mom!" Henry exclaimed and ran to her in a hug. Snow wrapped her arms around her daughter and grandson. Katelyn smiled at the happiness before her. She ran over to them and joined the hug.
"I missed you!" Emma exclaimed to Henry.
"I missed you too!"
"I missed you so much!"
When they were done hugging, they turned to see Rumple slinking off, Regina on the ground, and Ruby just coming around. Katelyn went to Ruby to check on her.
"What's going on? What happened?" Snow asked.
Henry looked over at Regina.
"She saved you. She saved both of you," he said, "Katelyn helped too."
"Thank you," Emma said.
"You're welcome," Regina replied and Katelyn gave them a smile as she helped Ruby to her feet.
"Are you okay?" Ruby asked.
Emma, Snow, and Katelyn all nodded and Ruby ran to Snow and they embraced.
"Where's my husband? I need to find him," Snow asked as she broke the embrace. Ruby led her away, "Katelyn, go back to Belle! Straight to your mother, do you hear me?"
Katelyn nodded.
"I'll make sure she gets there safe, Ruby," Emma said.
Emma had an arm around Henry and took Katelyn by the hand as well.
"I missed you as well, kiddo," she said to Katelyn.
"I missed you too, Emma," Katelyn replied with a wide smile.
Emma looked over at Regina.
"Um, your mom… She's, uh… She's… A piece of work, you know?" Emma said with a small laugh.
"Indeed, I do. Welcome back," Regina said stoically.
"Thanks," Emma said.
They walked back to the town and Emma dropped Katelyn at the diner where Belle was still waiting for Katelyn. She was pacing back and forth across the diner. The door opened and she looked up to see Katelyn run through the door. Belle wrapped her daughter up in her arms.
"Oh, my baby! Is everything okay? Are…" she began.
"Emma and Snow are back. Regina saved them. She stopped whatever magic she and Papa had put in place," Katelyn said, "Papa tried to stop me. He was scared about Cora coming though you know he won't admit it."
"I know, my darling. I shall talk to him later. Are the others okay?" Belle asked.
"Ask them yourself, Mama," Katelyn said as the group walked into the diner sans Emma who sent them ahead.
Belle got up and walked over to Snow and David.
"I'm so sorry for Rumple putting you in danger," Belle told Snow.
"It's okay, Belle. I understand why he did it. Thankfully, my grandson and your daughter were there to help stop him and Regina before it was too late," Snow said with a smile. Snow embraced Belle who returned the hug.
"I'm just glad that you're safe and back," Belle said with a smile.
Katelyn came over to them.
"Your majesty, does this mean you'll come back to teaching now that you're back?" Katelyn asked. Snow chuckled at the little girl.
"Katelyn, when have I even given cause for you to address me as such? You know you can call me Snow or Mary Margaret," Snow said.
"I know. I was trying to be polite like Mama and Papa tell me to be. So, are you coming back? The substitute isn't you and the others aren't fond of my ability to do magic. I'm sure after everything that has happened that they would avoid me and tease me even more," Katelyn said.
Snow knelt down in front of Katelyn. She took the girl's hands in hers.
"I am coming back. Soon, but not right now. If the others, children or adults, give you any trouble or pick on you in any way, you come to me. I'll take care of it, okay?" Snow said.
"Thanks, Snow," Katelyn said with a watery smile. Snow wrapped her arms around the little girl.
"You are so welcome. I missed seeing you while I was gone. I wondered how you were getting along," Snow said.
"I'm okay. Especially since I get to have my Mama back and David has been teaching Henry and me to swordfight and how to ride a horse, though the horse thing didn't go over well the first time," Katelyn said. Snow's eyes widened as she looked up at her husband.
"I'm sure that he or Henry will tell me everything later," Snow said with a chuckle.
Emma came into the diner. Snow stood up and Katelyn ran over to Emma and hugged her.
"I'm so glad you guys are back and safe," Katelyn said. Emma patted her back.
"So am I, kid, so am I," Emma said. Belle walked over to Emma.
"Emma, I…" Belle started.
"No need. It's okay," Emma said. Belle smiled at the blonde.
"Kate, what do you say about finding your Papa so that we can have a talk with him?" Belle asked.
"Okay, Mama," Katelyn said.
"Well, we're about to have a welcome home celebration for Mary Margaret and Emma's return. Can't you stay?" David asked.
"I'm sorry, but no. Rumple will come looking for us and I imagine you don't want to see him at the moment," Belle said truthfully.
"Belle," Snow said.
"Mama's right. We need to go," Katelyn said. She took her mother's hand and they left the diner. Katelyn waved at everyone as they left.
They made their way to the shop and found Rumple sitting on a stool in the back. He was at his spinning wheel, but he wasn't spinning.
"Papa?" Katelyn said and he turned to see Belle and Katelyn standing behind him.
"Hey," Rumple said softly, "I know you're angry with me, but I had to do what I did in order to protect you both. If Cora…"
"Rumple, stop. Yes, I'm angry that you, yet again, hid something from me, but I understand why. You have a hard time trusting anyone, even me," Belle said, "I just wish you were more open and honest with me."
Rumple hung his head. He looked at his daughter who stared at him. She walked over to him and placed a hand on his knee.
"Papa, no matter what should happen or what does happen, we'll face it together. Just like we always do. Sometimes you need to ask for help," Katelyn said.
"I'm not used to that. It'll be a major adjustment, but I'll certainly try," Rumple said as he placed his hand on his daughter's.
"Can we go home now?" Katelyn asked, "I'm tired."
"Absolutely, darling, it's been a trying day. It's time for dinner anyway," Belle said.
"You don't have to cook, you know? I can handle it," Rumple said.
"I know. I want to."
Rumple smiled as he got up and lead the girls out of the shop to go home. Once home, Katelyn ran upstairs to shower while her parents prepared dinner together. While in the shower, she felt a stirring in her stomach. It felt like there was something bad that was going to happen. She couldn't put her finger on it though. They just got Emma and Snow back, what else was going to go wrong? She finished, got dressed, and headed downstairs for dinner. She was exhausted from the amount of magic she used today that, after dinner, she went to straight to bed. She just hoped that the next day would be easy.
The next morning, Katelyn woke up early and got ready for school. She didn't bother trying to wake her parents and decided that she'd just have a bagel and some fruit for breakfast. She ate alone and then decided that it was time to wake her parents. She went upstairs and opened their door. She saw that her father's side of the bed was empty and her mother still slept soundly. She walked over to her mother and shook her shoulder.
"Mama, it's time to get up."
Belle stirred and opened her eyes.
"Good morning, baby."
"Morning, where's Papa?"
Belle looked over to his side of the bed. She sighed.
"He's probably in the basement again. He's been working hard to find a potion so that he can find your brother."
"What if Bae doesn't want to be found, Mama? What then?"
"I don't know. I know that your father won't stop looking for him though. Don't worry about that right now though. I'm going to get dressed. Why don't you go down and get your father out of the basement and then we'll take you to school, alright?"
"Okay, Mama."
Belle kissed her forehead and Katelyn went downstairs. She walked over to the basement door to find it locked. She thought about knocking on it, but wanted to try her magic. She focused on the lock and saw it unlocking in her mind. She smiled when she heard the click. She opened the door and made her way down the steps. She saw her father at a spinning wheel in the far corner and a table with what seemed to be a chemistry set for potion brewing. She saw a couple of bookshelves with very thick volumes on the shelves. On a table in the corner, she saw a hand-drawn picture of a young boy. She walked to it and looked at it very closely.
"I locked that door for a reason."
Katelyn turned to face her father, somewhat startled as she almost had forgotten he was there.
"I'm sorry, Papa. I'll knock next time."
"See that you do, sweetheart, there are some dangerous items down here that I do not wish for you or your mother to mess with."
Katelyn nodded and looked back at the picture.
"Papa, is this Bae?"
Rumple looked at the picture and nodded.
"That was your brother when he was just a boy. It's a memory that I hold dear."
"I never knew you could draw."
"I have many talents, darling. Now, what brings you down here?"
"Oh, Mama told me to come get you. It's almost time to take me to school. Papa, what are you going to do if you can't find him or if he doesn't want to be found?"
Rumple looked back at the wheel in front of him. He knew that it was going to be hard for Bae to listen and to forgive him. He never really thought about what would happen if he didn't find him.
"I wouldn't worry. I'll find him."
"What happens after you find him?"
"I'm not sure. I hope he can forgive me for what happened."
"I think he will, Papa."
Rumple got up and limped over to her. He kissed her forehead and hugged her to him.
"I certainly hope so, my darling."
"Papa?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you think he'll like me?"
Rumple smiled.
"I think he'll love you. Now, let's get you off to school."
Katelyn smiled as he took her hand and they headed up the steps together.
Katelyn had a pretty boring day in school. Snow wasn't back yet and that disappointed her, but she didn't have anything to worry about with the other kids and teachers picking on her due to being under the protection of the princess and no one wanted to face her wrath or the wrath of the Dark One. She and Henry ate lunch together and that was when he realized something was bothering her.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know. I can't shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen. Maybe I'm just being crazy."
"Maybe, but I don't know. Have you talked to your dad about it?"
"No, I don't want to worry him. He's had so much to deal with already."
"What do you mean?"
"He's been trying to figure out a way to cross the town line to find my brother without losing his memories. Not to mention that there are still a few things he and Mama are working out. They've been going on dates. Yuck."
Henry laughed.
"What did you expect them to do?"
"I don't know, but they're always looking at each other and kissing or touching. It's like they're addicted to each other."
"They're in love. True Love, if I remember correctly."
"Yeah, well, I don't need to see it."
They both laughed and went on about their day. It wasn't until the bus pulled into the town square that she really knew that something was up if all the Charmings were waiting for Henry to get off the bus, not to mention Emma looked a nervous wreck. She reached over and grasped Henry's hand.
"What's wrong?"
"Something's happened. Something bad and they're fixing to tell you."
"How do you know?"
She looked at him. He nodded.
"What do you think happened?"
"I don't know, but it's definitely not a good thing."
"Stay close to me. I don't want to do this alone."
"I have your back."
Henry smiled and she leaned her head on his shoulder as the bus came to a stop. He guided her off the bus and Emma met him at the bottom of the steps.
"Hey Emma."
"Hey Kid. I need to talk to you."
Henry looked at Katelyn.
"It's something I need to tell you alone," Emma said.
"Emma, it may be best if Katelyn is there," Snow said. Emma looked at her mother and nodded.
She guided the kids to the nearest bench and sat down facing both of them, taking note that they hadn't let go of each other. She took a deep breath and let it out.
"What's happened?" Katelyn asked.
Emma looked at her.
"How do you know something's happened? Did someone tell you?"
"No, but I've had a very bad feeling all day and it's not every day that you, Snow, and Char…David wait for Henry to get off the bus."
'Kid's too perceptive,' Emma thought.
"What's happened, Emma?" Katelyn said.
"It's Archie. He's been killed," Emma said.
"What?" Henry said in a tone of disbelief.
"Archie was found this morning. That's what Pongo was going crazy about. We found out who did it too."
"Who?" Katelyn asked skeptically, assuming that they would automatically blame her father as they did most times.
"Regina," Emma said looking at Henry.
"What? My mom killed him? How do you know?" Henry asked.
"We saw it. Gold taught me to use a Dreamcatcher to see in Pongo's memories or whatever and we watched the whole thing happen. I'm so sorry, kids," Emma said as she saw the tears in both their eyes.
Henry hugged her tightly, letting go of Katelyn who wrapped her arms around her middle as if it were difficult to breathe. Aside from her, Archie was the only other person to believe Henry and her about the fairy tales. He was always kind to them and a good friend. She couldn't believe he was gone.
"Kate?" Henry said as he reached for her.
"I need to go. I have to go," Katelyn said as she disappeared in a puff of pink smoke.
"She'll be okay. It'll take some time, but she'll be okay," Emma said.
Henry buried his face into his mother's shoulder and she held him as he cried.
Katelyn found herself outside of Archie's office, looking at the crime scene tape on the door. She fingered the lettering on the door as tears fell down her cheeks.
"Papa!" she cried as she broke down in sobs.
Red smoke filled the hallway as her father came to her.
"Katie?"
He looked at where he was and he knew what was wrong. As best he could, he gathered her into his arms and magicked them home. Belle looked up as the smoke cleared to see her daughter clinging to her father with tears falling down her cheeks.
"Oh, my sweet girl, come here," Belle said as she took Katelyn from her father's arms and wrapped her in her own, sitting down on the couch.
"I think the Charmings told her," Rumple said as explanation. Belle nodded as Katelyn sobbed harder into her mother's shoulder.
Belle stroked her back and soon her sobs quieted into sniffles and then her breathing evened out as she fell asleep.
"I'm going to put her to bed," Belle said as she stood and carried Katelyn upstairs. Rumple followed behind them.
Belle laid her gently on the bed and took off her shoes. She moved a strand of hair that had fallen into her face. Her cheeks were puffy and her eyes were swollen and still wet.
"My poor baby," Belle said, her own voice choking with emotion, "Was she this bad when you told her what you thought Regina said to be true?"
"Worse, she was much worse. She nearly collapsed," he told her, "She'll be okay. It'll be a while, but she'll be okay."
"I know. I just don't like seeing her hurt and I can't make it better."
"I know. I feel the same way. I felt the same way when I had to tell Bae about Milah. That pain is not something I wanted to see on any of my children's faces, but it's a part of life and I felt as helpless then as I do now."
"She did call you. She was scared and upset and she wanted her papa. She did seek comfort from you."
"I know and that's all I can offer."
"It's enough, Rumple."
"I hope so."
Belle guided him out of the room to let their daughter sleep.
Katelyn woke a couple of hours later out of a nightmare. She gasped for breath.
"Papa! Papa! Mama!"
Footsteps were heard on the stairs as both parents came into her room to see what was wrong.
"What is it, love?" her father asked as he sat down on her bed.
She flung her arms around his neck and held tightly to him. She buried her face into his chest and cried.
Belle came up beside them and ran a hand up and down her back, soothing her fears.
"Baby, what happened? Was it a nightmare?" Belle asked.
Katelyn nodded as she sniffled and sobbed.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Rumple said.
She shook her head and leaned into her father's chest. Rumple snuggled her close and rocked gently.
"Are you hungry, baby girl?" Belle asked. Katelyn shook her head again.
Belle leaned down and kissed her forehead. The phone rang and it startled Katelyn.
"Shhh…it's just the telephone," Rumple said soothing her again.
"I'll get it," Belle said. Rumple nodded and Belle left to answer the phone.
Once Belle was out of sight, Katelyn began to look around. Rumple looked down at the girl in his arms.
"What is it, sweetheart?" Rumple said.
Katelyn shook and wriggled in her father's grasp.
"MAMA!"
"Shhhh! Shhhh! She's just gone to answer the phone, sweetheart! Calm down! It's okay!" Rumple said trying to soothe her again, but she was frantic. It was as if she hadn't heard Belle say she was going to answer the phone.
"MAMA! MAMA!"
"I'm right here, baby! I'm right here!" Belle said as she flew into the room. She sat down next to Rumple and Katelyn again, "I'm right here."
Katelyn calmed and reached out to touch her mother. Belle took her daughter's hand and brought it to her lips and kissed it.
"D-Don't le-leave m-me," Katelyn sobbed out.
"I wasn't going to, darling. I only went to answer the phone. It's okay," Belle said, "Why don't you tell Papa and me about the nightmare? It might help you feel better."
"I-I was in-in my room and I-I heard a-a noise and when I-I went to find y-you and Papa, I saw R-R-Regina!"
Katelyn started sobbing again. Belle took Katelyn from Rumple and hugged the girl tightly to her.
"Shh, Papa and I are right here. She'll not hurt you while we're around."
"S-she wasn't tr-trying to hurt me! S-sh-she ki-ki-killed you!"
"Oh my baby, we're just fine. That's not going to happen. I promise," Belle told her.
"She h-had Papa's d-dagger. S-s-she made him…"
Katelyn was too overcome with sobs to finish the sentence. Belle looked at Rumple with tears in her eyes as she saw the fear in his.
"Katie, look at Papa," Rumple said and she did, "I won't ever hurt you or your mother. Dagger or no dagger, I'll not lay a hand on either of you. I can promise you that."
"S-sh-she still k-killed you!"
"Honey, it takes more than an Evil Queen to rid the world of your Papa and Mama. I can promise you that," Rumple told her.
"S-she t-tried to k-kill Mama b-before."
"And she'll not dare to try again," Rumple said softly, "I'll protect you with all that I am."
Katelyn flung herself at her father again and hugged him fiercely.
"C-can I sl-sleep with y-you tonight?"
Rumple looked at Belle who nodded.
"Yes, sweetheart, if it makes you feel better," Rumple replied.
"I-I love you, P-papa."
"I love you too."
She turned in her father's arms and pulled her mother into their embrace.
"I-I love you, Mama."
"I love you so much, baby."
Rumple looked at Belle.
"Who was that on the phone?" he asked.
"Oh, um, that was Snow. She called to say that, um, they're burying Archie tomorrow if we wanted to attend the funeral," she replied.
"That was fast," he said.
"I said the same thing. She said that she hoped it would help Henry have some closure about it all. Maybe Katelyn will too," Belle said.
"Are we going?" Katelyn asked softly.
"Do you want to, sweetheart?" Rumple asked her.
Katelyn nodded.
"Then we'll go in the morning," Belle said.
"I can't. I have something I need to do, but you can go without me," Rumple said.
Katelyn tightened her grip on her father.
"No, Papa, I want you there too," Katelyn said.
"I can't, baby. I'm sorry. I have something to take care of."
"But…"
"I can promise you that I'll see you afterwards. Will that help?" he asked.
"Uh, Snow invited us to her place after for the wake," Belle said.
"I'll see you after that then, okay?" he asked Katelyn.
"Okay."
"Come on, let's go to bed," Belle said.
She stood and lifted Katelyn into her arms and Rumple followed to their room. She put Katelyn on the bed and grabbed her nightclothes to quickly change. Once she'd finished, Rumple did the same and they climbed into bed with their daughter snuggled between them.
The next morning was a dismal and dreary morning. The skies were overcast and somber as was the mood at the Storybrooke Cemetery. Snow spoke of Archie as a conscience and as a friend which had Katelyn in tears again. She reached over to pet Pongo who sat next to Henry whining for his lost master. She looked at Henry who was just as upset as she was. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around her best friend.
"I'm gonna miss him," he said.
"I know. I am too," she replied.
"Now who are we going to go to about our plans?"
"I don't know, Henry. Have they found Regina yet?"
"No, not yet, but they've barely had the chance to look."
"Yeah."
"Are you coming to Grandma's?"
She nodded.
"Do you want to ride with me?"
"Let me ask Mama."
She went over to Belle who was talking to Ruby.
"Mama, is it okay if I ride with Henry to Snow's?"
"It's fine with me. Are you okay?"
She shrugged and hugged her mother before walking back to Henry.
"She said okay."
They walked back to Emma's bug, hand in hand, and didn't speak at all. They both knew what the other was feeling and the company was all they needed. Once at Snow's, Henry went and sat down on Snow's bed. Katelyn joined him. She laid her head on his shoulder and they just sat there. Everyone else was talking and eating things people brought. A chill went down her spine and she shuddered.
"What is it?"
"Mama's in trouble. I have to go."
"I thought she told you not to run every time you felt her being a little scared."
"This isn't a little scared. She's afraid for her life."
"Be careful."
Katelyn nodded and vanished in a puff of smoke. S
She arrived outside the elevator in the library next to her mother hugging her father.
"What happened? Was it Regina? Are you okay?" Katelyn asked as she threw her arms around her mother's waist.
"No, it wasn't Regina. It was a pirate with one hand."
"Hook," Rumple said.
Belle and Katelyn looked at him for an explanation.
"He and I are old nemesis," he said and guided Belle and their daughter out of the library.
He walked quickly with Belle at his side and Katelyn following.
"Where are you going?" Belle asked.
"The shop."
"Why?"
"Well, let's just say there are many wonderful things in there that I could use to make sure that pirate never comes near you again."
"Rumple, no. We need to report this to the sheriff. They'll take care of him. You're so close to finding your son. Please, don't let your hatred for this man get in the way of that."
"But he tried to harm you."
"But why? What happened between you two?"
"Belle," he sighed, "It's not really your concern."
"He attacked me. It most definitely is my concern."
"Many years ago, I was married to a woman named Milah. Until Hook crossed our paths."
"She was Baelfire's mother?"
"Yes. And because of that marauding cur, he grew up without her. He took my wife, he took Bae's mother, so I took his hand."
"That's why he came after me. But, what-what about her? What did he do with her?" He looked away and she put a hand on his. "Rumple, you can tell me anything."
He smiled at her.
"She died. That's all that matters."
He turned the key in the door and opened it. Katelyn walked in and looked around to see such a mess.
"What happened in here?" Belle asked.
"Hook. This is why he attacked you," Rumple replied.
"To get you out of the store. What did he want?" Belle surmised.
Rumple walked around the counter to where his safe was hidden by a photo and it was hanging open. He saw it was empty. Belle's eyes widened.
"What is it? What did he take?" Katelyn asked confused about everything.
"He took your brother's shawl. I figured out how to cross the town line to find him and he took the one thing I needed!" Rumple lifted his cane and brought it down on a replica pirate ship again and again.
"Rumple! Rumple! Stop it! Stop! Please!" Belle exclaimed.
"No, you're right. I have to retrieve what's mine," Rumple said breathing heavily.
"Let me-let me help you."
"This is my fight."
"And this is my fault! If Hook had never attacked me, you would've never left the shop."
"How do you propose we get the shawl back?! Have you dueled with a pirate before?! How exactly are you going to help me?!"
"Well, I'm not just gonna sit here and do nothing!"
"No. You're gonna go back to the library, lock the door, and wait for me to dispense with this problem."
"And if I don't? You'll cast some spell on me that leaves me no choice?"
"No. I trust you'll do as I wish, as you trust me to be a better man. Belle, please. Hook has maybe cost me the chance of finding my son! I don't want to lose you too! Here, look," he walked around the counter and bent down and pulled out a small pistol, "I want you to take this, just in case Hook is stupid enough to come after you again. Point this, pull this trigger, and the gun'll do the rest for you. All right?"
"Yeah. Yes," she said as she took the gun from him and he turned to leave, "Wait. Promise me that you going after Hook is just about getting the shawl back."
Belle sighed. Katelyn walked over to her mother, minding the broken glass and items that were strewn all over the floor.
"Mama, is he going to be okay?"
"I don't know, baby. "
"You're not going to let him go alone, are you?"
Belle looked at her daughter.
"I don't know what to do. Come on. Let's go clean up that mess at the library and then we can work on cleaning up the shop."
Katelyn waved her hand and smoke filled the room. Everything was put back into place. Belle looked at her daughter who had a grin on her face.
"You remember what your father said about magic?"
Katelyn hung her head slightly.
"It always comes with a price," she grumbled out, "I was just trying to help."
"Next time, we'll do it the old-fashioned way, okay?"
Katelyn looked up at her mother and nodded. She took the offered hand and they walked out of the shop to the library.
They got to work as soon as they walked into the lobby. She helped Belle stand the cart up that she'd pushed over onto Hook. They then began to restack the books on the cart. As Belle moved some of the books back onto the cart, she noticed a knot of rope lying in front of her. She picked it up and looked it over.
"What's that, Mama?"
"Some type of knot."
She got up and went to the stacks and searched out a book, From the Keel Up: A Nautical Guide. She flipped through the pages and found the knot. It was called a "Monkey's Fist." She grinned.
"Hook came here on his ship."
"Mama, what are you doing?"
"Katelyn, I want you to go back to Snow's. Stay there and let your Papa and I handle this."
"But Papa said to…"
"Yes, but I'm going to help him whether he wants it or not."
"I want to help too. It's my brother."
"The way you can help is to go back where it's safe and stay there until we come get you."
"But…"
"No, now go."
Katelyn sighed and Belle touched her arm before she vanished. She looked up at her mother.
"I love you. Don't worry. Everything will turn out alright."
"I love you too, Mama. Please be careful."
Katelyn hugged her mother and Belle held her tightly. Once released, she vanished in pink smoke and reappeared at Snow's apartment. Henry looked over at her.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, Mama was attacked, but she's okay."
"Good."
Henry sighed and reached over to the phone. He dialed a number and put it to his ear.
"Who are you calling?"
He patted the bed and they put the receiver between their ears. They heard Archie's voice on the other line. Katelyn sniffled. Once it got to a certain part of the voicemail, Henry hung up.
"Or dead," he said with a sniff. David and Snow walked over to them.
"It's okay, buddy. Things'll get better, I promise. You just have to hang in there," David said.
"Doesn't feel that way," Henry said.
The door to the apartment opened and Pongo ran in and jumped up between them.
"Pongo!" the kids cried in unison.
"How'd he get in here?" asked Snow as Emma came in.
"I brought him. Marco and I had a chat. Archie knew how much Henry loved this dog. We decided he should have him," Emma said and then looked at Henry, "That is, if you're up for taking care of him, Henry."
"Yeah, I am!" Henry exclaimed. Emma and Snow looked at the floor that had paw prints all over it.
"Henry, why don't you and Katelyn take Pongo outside and clean him up?" Emma said.
"Okay!" he replied and jumped up with Pongo's leash in hand. Katelyn followed them. "Come on, boy!"
They left the apartment and went outside. Henry began wiping Pongo's paws.
"It's cool that they're letting you have him."
Katelyn patted Pongo's head.
"Yeah, I just wish that this wasn't the way I got him. I wanted a dog, but not this way."
"Archie would've wanted it this way. At least he can make you happy."
"It still doesn't change the fact that he's gone and not coming back."
"I know. I miss him too."
Katelyn shudders.
"What is it? Is she scared again?"
"Yes, but I'm not supposed to go to her. I'm supposed to stay where it's safe and not get hurt."
"When have you ever listened to them about things like that?"
"Mama seemed really serious about this. Hook is extremely dangerous."
"Did she go after him herself?!"
"Yeah, she didn't want Papa doing bad things to him."
"Kate, she could be hurt!"
"I know! I know, and I don't like it!"
"Well, forget what they said! If it helps them, go!"
Katelyn looked so torn. She looked over to Henry.
"Would you do it?"
"Yes! I have done it! Now, go!"
Katelyn smiled and kissed Henry's cheek and vanished.
Katelyn appears on the ship right next to her mother. Belle gasped and Katelyn looked shocked at seeing her father beating Hook.
"Papa! Stop!"
Rumple stopped and looked at her.
"Do it! Do it! Kill me," Hook said and then over to Belle and Katelyn, "He has to show you how powerful he is!"
Rumple went to lunge again.
"No, Rumple! That's what he wants! To destroy every bit of good in you," Belle said.
"Rip my heart out," Hook said as he pulled his vest aside slightly, "Kill me like you did Milah, and I'll finally be reunited with her."
"He has to die, Belle," Rumple said as he lunged at Hook again. His hand over Hook's chest where his heart is, pushing slightly.
"No! No, he doesn't. There's still good in you. I see it. I've always seen it. Please. Please, show me I'm not wrong," Belle said as Rumple looked at her and the fear Katelyn had in her eyes as she stood closer to Belle.
"Please stop, Papa. Just come home," Katelyn said softly. Rumple wavered as he heard the emotion in both their voices. He turned and looked at Hook.
"You take you little ship and sail until you fall off the edge of the world. I never want to see you again," at that, he slapped Hook one last time and stood. He grabbed his cane and put a hand out to Belle, "Let's go."
Belle took his hand and pulled him off the ship. Katelyn followed. Once away from the ship and beside the Cadillac, Katelyn hugged her father tightly.
"Thank you for not killing him, Papa."
Rumple patted her back.
"You do realize that you are in trouble, young lady?" Belle asked.
Katelyn looked over to her mother with a sad expression.
"I know, but I couldn't let you do it alone. I wanted to be there for you and to help."
"Well, be that as it may, I didn't want you in harm's way and neither did your Papa. What would've happened if he had hurt me and then went after you?"
"But he didn't! Papa showed up! He saved you and we saved him from doing something bad!"
"That still doesn't account for the fact that you deliberately disobeyed me!"
"I'm sorry, Mama! I just wanted to help!"
"I know."
"You didn't do as Papa wanted and let him handle it. It almost got you killed."
"Yes, but I'm an adult and I made my choice and you are a child, my child! You will do as you're told!"
"Fine example to set, Mama!"
"Hey! That's enough, both of you!" Rumple exclaimed, "You both were in the wrong. Katelyn, your mother is supposed to protect you and tell you what to do and you're supposed to follow those instructions. You didn't and now you are going to face the consequences. You're not to go anywhere without one of us with you or another adult. And Belle, she's right about leading by example. I did ask you to stay there because, like what you did for our daughter, I wanted you to be safe and out of harm's way. Now, that's enough squabbling for one day. I want to test the shawl and then go home."
Belle gaped at Rumple for scolding her as if she were a child. Katelyn just stood there with her head hanging.
"I'm sorry, Mama. I should've listened to you."
Belle looked over at Katelyn and wrapped her arms around her daughter.
"I'm sorry too."
"Good, now, let's go," Rumple said as he opened the backdoor of the car. Katelyn got in and he shut the door. He opened the passenger door and Belle got in and then he entered the driver's side and they drove off.
They arrived at the town line and Rumple turned the car off. He looked over at Belle and smiled and he held up the shawl.
"This would have been lost, if it wasn't for you, Belle. I would've been lost. After everything you've learned about me, after everything I've done, why haven't you given up on me?"
"I learned a long time ago, that when you find something that's worth fighting for, you never give up."
They both smile at each other. They looked back in the back seat to see that Katelyn was asleep. They smiled again.
"Let's let her sleep," Rumple said. They got out of the car quietly and stood at the town line.
Rumple pulled a bottle from his pocket and poured the liquid over the shawl which shimmered blue and then returned to its previous form. Belle gathered it up and put it around his neck.
"Okay," she said.
"Here we go," Rumple said as he took the step over the town line as Belle watches nervously.
His whole body shimmered the same blue as the shawl had before and after it was over, he turned to Belle.
"Belle."
"It worked!"
"Yes, it did!"
"Now you can find your son."
"Oh Belle, I so wish you were coming with me."
"As do I, but….it doesn't matter."
"And why not?"
"Because you'll find him, and when you do, I'll be waiting here for you when you get back."
Belle leaned across the town line to kiss him when a gunshot rang out.
Katelyn jolted awake to see Hook holding the pistol that her father gave her mother. She looked in front of the car and couldn't see her parents. She jumped out the car and ran to the front. She gasped as she saw her father holding her mother, his hands covered in her blood.
"No! Mama!"
"Oh, fear not, she'll live. She'll just have no idea who you are," Hook snarled.
"What you have done cannot be undone!" Rumple exclaimed.
"Well, now you finally know how it feels! Well, go ahead, Crocodile, do your worst!" Hook taunted him.
"Oh, I intend to," Rumple replied as he conjured a fire ball in his hand.
Katelyn saw the car.
"Papa, watch out!"
She watched as her father rolled over her mother, moving them both out of the car's path. She looked back to see it strike Hook and him flail in the air before it crashes just behind the Cadillac.
