In this chapter, we meet the extended family of our key characters.

Note: So my monthly fic update was cut in between due to monsoon rains wreaking havoc on our power and communication lines. But anyway, I am back and here is the update!

Chapter 11

His aunts always had impeccable timing. Not this time though as they would arrive when Gold still had three more days of leave as ordered by both Regina and Whale.

That didn't get him out of picking them up at the airport though.

So that was where he stood. At the waiting area of the airport, Bae playing something on his phone while he and Milah looked over to the entrance waiting for his three aunts to arrive.

Gold's cadillac wouldn't be able to fit everyone and they needed Bae to help with the luggages. So Milah had offered her van, which wasn't the car she usually used but Gold was able to drive it.

"I still can't believe you haven't sold this," said Gold as they waited. "I mean it's probably as old as Bae already."

"Says the man who keeps practically everything he has owned from the day he was born," replied Milah, playfully slapping his arm. "You know you should probably declutter your home before your aunts decide to do it themselves."

"Yeah how do you expect to ask Belle to move in if we don't have space," came the voice of Bae from inside the car and Gold resisted the urge to whack him at the back of the head as Milah laughed.

"No comments from back there," replied Gold as Milah continued to laugh harder.

"What? Papa our house is like an pawnshop with all the things inside," replied Bae, not looking up from his phone. "You even have that teacup that Belle chipped a few days ago."

"And the scarf I had that got a tear," said Milah but her eyes held no reproach in them. She smiled and gave Gold a sideways hug. "You know for a very intimidating journalist, you're a very big softy at heart."

"I am not," replied Gold.

"He's actually a big huggable teddy bear," came Bae's input and Gold really wished he had something to throw at his son.

"ADAM!"

Impeccable timing as always, Gold thought as he turned back to the airport and sure enough his three aunts were all heading towards them. Aunts Flo and Mary waving while Aunt Ana with another older gentleman pushed carts with their luggage on.

Aunt Flo was the first one to reach him and hugged him tight, Aunt Mary doing the same to Milah and Bae who had gotten out of the car as soon as he had heard his grand-aunts.

"Oh Adam we've missed you," said Aunt Flo upon letting him go, giving Aunt Mary the chance to squeeze the daylights out of him. "All of you. Milah, lovely as always and my dear, Baelfire you have grown so much."

"Aunt Mary I need to breathe," said Gold playfully as Mary Gold finally let her adopted son go.

"I hope you're still open for hugs then," said Aunt Ana as she arrived with the elderly man.

"For you, Aunt Ana, always," replied Gold as he walked over to her and swallowed her in a hug.

"Oh Adam, this fine gentleman is Maurice," introduced Aunt Flo. "We had met at the airport in Australia and by chance he was always on the same route as we were."

"These are Milah and their son Baelfire," finished Aunt Mary.

"I thought the ladies needed some help with their luggage and gave a hand," replied Maurice as he shook hands with Milah. "You can just call me, Moe."

"Well Moe is here visiting his family as well," added Aunt Mary.

"The least we could do is give him a lift for all the trouble he went through for us," finished Aunt Flo and Gold resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His aunts were always in sync with one another and it was mind boggling at times and annoying most of the time, especially when they wanted something.

But it was the least they could do, a man who went through a flight with his aunts was a hero in his book.

"Of course Moe," replied Gold as he shook the man's hand. "Where're you headed?"

"A good restaurant," declared Aunt Flo as Gold turned to her with an eyebrow raised. "Come now, nephew. We're all famished and Moe has been such a gentleman."

"I wouldn't want to impose," began the older man but Aunt Flo and Aunt Mary had already taken an arm and led him to the car.

"Our nephew has always been a generous lad, he won't mind," came their declaration and Milah and Bae laughed as they all headed to the car. Gold sighed when a hand landed on his shoulder.

"Do be patient with those two Adam," said Aunt Ana with a smile. "They've just missed you."

"This is how they show it?" asked Gold but his aunt knew that he was only teasing. They all boarded Milah's van and with Gold as their driver, Moe at the front seat, his aunts and finally Milah and Bae at the back row.

"So what do we want to eat?" asked Gold as he started the van and headed out of the airport.

"Oh Moe maybe you could invite your daughter to come join us," remarked Aunt Flo. She turned to her nephew and added. "Moe has come all the way to surprise his daughter."

"She's been living by herself since she moved," added Aunt Mary.

"I'm really sorry about them," whispered Gold as his aunts continued to talk to Milah and Bae about Moe, about their trip and a whole lot of other things.

"Ah it's no matter," replied Moe with a smile. "Your aunts are an enthusiastic bunch. I usually bore people when I talk, especially about my inventions, but not them. They were all ears."

"Oh they're all ears about everything," replied Gold. "Including my private life." He mumbled to himself.

"Say do you happen to know any good places to eat near this place," said Moe as Gold stopped at a redlight and Moe offered him the piece of paper, which surprisingly had the address of the Times.

"Actually I was thinking of a cafe near there," replied Gold. "Is that near where your daughter is?"

"Yes," replied Moe with a smile. "Can't wait to see her. It's been such a long time now. Might ruin the surprise if I ask her to meet us there but at least I don't have to wait."

"I understand the feeling," replied Gold as he thought about the woman he's been dying to see all week.


Regina Mills was a patient women when she wanted to be. She could act very interested in whatever it is you were saying and pretend to be a person who actually gave a damn about your political promises when it suited her.

She was however a woman who was completely and utterly bored.

It had been a good 15 minutes since she had asked Arthur Camarie what he would do if he were to be elected again. And the man had not stop talking and rambling and actually repeating his promises from the last time he was interviewed by the Times.

He didn't even notice Regina firing about five texts to Robin on how bored she was, planning a dinner and maybe watching something with Robin's son Roland.

Regina smiled a little remembering how Roland had taken to her the first time Robin had introduced her to his son from a previous marriage. Robin was a widower and that was one of the reasons he had retired from being a competitive archer to just writing about sports.

Good thing too, Regina thought.

It was close to four years now that Regina had inherited the Times from her father. Board and editors included.

A year after, her father had passed and around the same time that Robin had lost his first wife. It was Neal of all people to recommend the former Olympic Archer to write for the Times since Regina was giving up the Sports Section to be the Editor-in-chief.

"I think I've rambled on, Ms. Mills, I do apologize," said Arthur and Regina put on a very realistic smile.

"No problem Minister," said Regina. "It will actually help me write the feature on you." Granted, the man always did have a tendency to ramble on and on about the same thing and the article will not have any substance whatsoever.

"Well if you say so," replied Arthur. "I think we're covered the political side, time for the family background again?" Of course Arthur knew the format already. Coming from a political family in a sense, being bred from day 1 to be a public servant, he always did his homework.

"Well," began Regina as she checked her notes. "I think you've talked a little bit about that when we did a feature on you before." She paused and looked at Gold's questionnaire. She could ask that one cliche question but at least Arthur would ramble on again and she could go back to talking to Robin. "Well what about a very personal question. What made you go into public service and leadership?"

Arthur smiled and Regina nodded that this was different. It felt like a real genuine smile. "It was actually my father's friend back overseas. They were close but my father only studied abroad and was still a resident of this country. But my godfather always went by our way once in awhile."

"A politician as well?" asked Regina, slightly intrigued with the change in Arthur's demeanor.

"No," replied Arthur. "But his main mission in life was to help people. That's what got to me. He always told me I had the guts to be a leader and follow a good cause." He paused and smiled again at the memory. "He told me to find my calling but to never forget what was the bigger picture."

"And what was that?" asked Regina.

"That no matter what you can do, or what you're good at, whatever field you chose to dedicate your life with," began Arthur. "Remember that all purposes revolve around one thing, helping others." Arthur turned away from her slightly, getting lost in his own thoughts. "That is, after all, what is most important."

"He sounds like a very good man, Minister," replied Regina sadly. The way Arthur looked away meant that this godfather was greatly missed.

"He was-is," replied Arthur, turning back to her. "Well we don't really know. Lancelot has told me that there was still no news." At Regina's confused look, he continued. "My godfather was lost at sea after a trip when he had separated from his wife after the death of their daughter. She had died in a tragic car accident and left her parents stricken with the loss of their only child."

Regina's eyes widened a bit. It couldn't be possible...but this godfather of his was overseas. No, there were a lot of parents who had lost their child in car accidents. But there was a smaller group of parents, fathers in particular, who had lost their child in a car accident and then went missing just like the story of Blue's friend.

"I've asked Lancelot to look into it since he and I are close and he's being your international correspondent," continued Arthur. "Lancelot even met him once."

That friendship always intrigued Regina, given the fact that the two men had fought over the love of one woman, who had eventually chosen Arthur. But even with that conflict in their past, the three had remained friends.

"Maybe more resources could help," offered Regina, she would of course but she needed to find out something.

"Are you sure Ms. Mills?" asked Arthur, slightly surprised with the offer. "It's not really as newsworthy as you may think."

"I'll be the judge of that Minister," answered Regina. "But as far as I'm concerned, good men deserve the headlines rather than...well other people and the horrors of this world." She dare not mention anyone but from the look on Arthur's face, he understood.

"Thank you," replied Arthur. "Lancelot, Gwen and I would love to know what has happened to him...at least even if he has died then we know." He reached into his pocket for his phone and produced a picture to show Regina. "He's name was Merlin. Merlin Avalon."


Harry hated waiting for people. If he set up a meeting, at a specific time and place, he wanted the person there and then.

What was the purpose of setting the time when the other person was late?

That was what Harry Donn was known for, punctuality, impatience and a temper you really do not want to test.

So when Isaac Heller arrived ten minutes late, his eyes already told Harry that the younger man was very very anxious of what was going to happen next.

The only thing Isaac had going for me was he was still useful. If he wasn't, Harry would have done something far harsher than glare at him.

"I'm so sorry Mr. Donn," began Isaac. "I-"

"Saved it for someone who actually cares, Mr Heller," snapped Harry. "You asked if we could meet. I gave you the details. You're tested my patience already." He paused and fixed the man with a hard stare. "Don't push yourself over the edge. What do you have?"

"Right, of course," managed Isaac as he opened his bag to offer Harry some files, with shaking hands. Harry took them rather forcefully, making the other man jump back in his chair a little. "The only evidence that Vivienne Avalon died of car accident is that piece of paper."

Harry studied the folder in his hand and sure enough, it was just a report. No pictures of the wreck, no autopsy, just that she had died on impact. No statements, no witnesses, the drunk driver also died in the hospital hours later.

That was a little intriguing. Even with all his faults, Isaac Heller was useful once in awhile. But that was not the task Harry had given him.

"That is all well and good, Mr. Heller," began Harry as he kept the file, Isaac beaming with satisfaction. "But that is not what I had asked you to do. Or am I mistaken?"

The smile was instantly wiped off and Isaac rummaged through his bag quickly, Harry sighing in annoyance. Of course the file proved to be useful, it implied that there was some sort of cover up that was going on, whether Avalon did die of a car crash or not.

"There was one instance that Vivienne Avalon was seen having a check-up with a doctor," replied Isaac, finally finding the file he had. It was a copy of what looked like a patient log. "The doctor wasn't a gynecologist, just a general practitioner. I'm not really sure-"

Harry snapped the paper away from Isaac to stop the man from rambling. That was more enough, and he could take over from there. "Anything else before I push you over the edge?"

Isaac swallowed and shook his head. "I could continue the search and try to find the identity-"

"Which is what I've asked you to do and yet," Harry paused as Isaac immediately stood up and clutched the sling of his bag.

"I'll keep you posted," he practically shouted over his shoulder as he ran out of the restaurant.

Harry sighed, true enough some of the other patrons and waiters were already looking at him funny. Trust Isaac to be subtle of all things.

"That looked like it was a painful experience," came the voice of a lovely red head Harry had been seeing quite too often but still the voice made his eyes widen just as Zelena Greene took the seat Heller had initially vacated.

"I'll live," replied Harry with a small smile. "What brings you here Zelena?"

"Just wanted to get out of the house, Harry," Zelena said with a bright smile that honestly made Harry's heart skip a little beat. "My father and step-mother are in full campaign mode and I'd rather not be there."

Harry nodded, noticing how different her voice sounded when she talked about her family. He had known Nimue Blackhall even before she had become Nimue Greene and she was a woman nobody should consider messing with.

They had of course a mutual understanding of not getting in each other's way and Harry had always kept his end of the deal. Nimue on the other hand was reaching far enough and Harry knew that one day, his old acquaintance was going to meet a very bitter end, especially when she decided to marry Zozo Greene.

"Wasn't that the famous political ghost writer?" asked Zelena all of a sudden. "Isaac Heller, I think his name was."

"Yes," replied Harry, amused that she of all people would know him. "I'm surprised you know him."

"Well father has been doing his homework with all this political business he is determined to get himself into," replied Zelena, as she reached over and took Harry's glass. "Don't tell me you're thinking of getting into politics as well? Is it to spite my father?"

Harry's smiled widened. Of course Zelena knew of his and her father's little battle of wits, especially when Zozo Greene was true to his surname of being green with envy anytime Harry Donn would show up and cask Nimue to dance.

"Sadly politics is a line I will never cross in my lifetime," replied Harry, taking the glass back, his fingers brushing hers ever so lightly. "Even if it would annoy your father to no end. I'm more of a rule breaker than ruler."

Harry drained his glass and motioned for a waiter to bring them a second round. "No, Isaac Heller being what he is, is useful when gathering information. His work does require a good head for research and the a very big and powerful circle of friends."

"Your line of work will forever puzzle me, Harry," said Zelena, leaning back on her chair. "And whatever it is that you do, it looks to be perpetually boring."

"I hope I do not offend you Zelena," began Harry, as he leaned forward. "But yours, I believe, is much more of a snooze fest than my own."

Zelena laughed and Harry smiled. That was a sound he would be fine hearing for the rest of his life. "Touche…"

She trailed off and Harry had the greatest urge to take her hand in a form of comfort. "You ok?"

Zelena's smile was forced, Harry noticed. She played with the glass as the waiter had set it down on their table. "Oh just a small case of confusion," replied Zelena standing up all of a sudden and standing by his chair. "Not really sure what I want to do with my life."

Harry met her gaze as he too stood. They just stayed there, looking at each other and was it his imagination or they leaned forward at the same time...a breathe away from-

His phone rang.

Zelena giggled as he groaned in frustration. "I guess third time really is the charm," she said as she winked at him and turned and walked away.

Harry watched her go, very very disappointed. That was the second time he was interrupted from finally kissing Zelena Greene and it looked like the feeling was mutual, and come hell or high water, he was going to get a third chance and that would be the clincher.

His phone was still buzzing and he grabbed it, wishing death to the person on the other end. "You better have a great excuse for calling at the worst possible moment."

"What has gotten you all riled up?" came the dominating tone of Regina Mills. "Arthur Camarie just told me a piece of very vital news."

"What? That he's finally decided on a concrete plan as a minister?" replied Harry in annoyance as he sat back down on the now table for one.

"That he has a godfather who is currently missing ever since his daughter died in a car accident," replied Regina, not caring for Harry's little outburst. "Sound familiar?"

Harry's eyes widened as he stood and tossed a couple of bills on the table. "Please tell me you got a name."

"I'm not an idiot," replied Regina. "David and Sidney are working on it but we could always use you."

"I'm taking that as a compliment Your Majesty," said Harry knowing full well that the nickname was earning him a glare across the line. "Name so I can get to the bottom of this."

"Merlin Avalon."

Harry stopped. That name seemed familiar to him but he couldn't place where or when he had heard it….but he was certain it was a name he had heard before.

"Harry? Hello? Am I still talking to someone?" asked Regina on the other end.

"Yes," said Harry. "I may have something. I'll call you as soon as I get my informant back. Think I scared him a while ago."

"Any news?"

"Just that the report for Vivienne Avalon's death just appeared out of nowhere," said Harry as he reached the alley near the restaurant he had just left. "And that she had visited a general practitioner."

"That doesn't prove she was pregnant," replied Regina. "But you got me at the accident. You think that wasn't what happened? Because of Malcolm did murder her, I'm putting that in the front page tomorrow."

"We both know Malcolm is not capable of such a thing," said Harry. "Besides, Blue thinks that as well."

"Regardless," began Regina. "We're surely lacking in information." After a pause, she added. "You're really losing your touch Donn. Are we distracted by a certain red head?"

Harry's face flushed and he growled at her over the phone, "Goodbye Regina." She just laughed as Harry hanged-up on her.


"Hey Papa," answered Belle as she saw who was calling her. "What's up?"

"Oh I just called to make sure you got the surprise I had sent your way," replied her father. "I'm pretty sure the service had said they would just leave it outside your door."

"That's rather stupid don't you think?" began Belle as she made her way from her bedroom to her door. "What if someone else takes interest and just steal it?"

"I doubt it given the size," replied her father.

"Now I am intrigued, what is it?" asked Belle with a small smile. Her father was of course an inventor and he would usually send her his latest invention.

"Just open your door and find out."

The words seemed louder and Belle's eyes widened at her phone then back at the door. She wrenched it open and sure enough her father was standing right outside, phone next to his ear, a bad by his feet and a very broad grin on his face.

"Surprise!"

"Papa!" shouted Belle and threw her arms around him and swallowed him in a hug. "What are you doing here? How did you even get here?"

"I wanted to surprise you," replied Moe French as he released his daughter. "And I wanted to congratulate you in person with the big promotion."

"Oh papa!" said Belle as she teared up in happiness. Her father really was a spectacular man. "I'm glad you survived the airport."

"Oh I met these ladies who were heading the same way and we sort of helped each other out," began Moe as Belle motioned him in her flat. "They've been travelling the world but were finally on their last round before heading home."

"Ladies?" asked Belle, amused. "Really? You?"

"It's not like that my bluebell," replied Moe, blushing slightly. "They've invited me for dinner tomorrow. A thanks for helping them carry their luggages. I really don't understand why women pack so much."

Belle laughed. "You seemed to have made some friends, papa. Ladies at that, I'm impressed." She paused and remembered that she was supposed to have dinner with Adam and his family tomorrow. "Would you be alright tomorrow? I do have a dinner date but I can cancel-"

"No need bluebell," replied Moe with a smile. "We promised to meet at the park near your building. We drove past it from the airport."

"If you say so," replied Belle as she hugged him again. "It's very good to see you, papa."

Moe smiled, giving his daughter a sideways hug. "This prior commitment tomorrow? Someone I'll meet any time soon?"

Belle laughed, of course that was also on her father's agenda. "Maybe. I'll just have to prepare him first."

"You should have met the man I had the privilege to meet today," began Moe. "Good head on his shoulder, though married from the looks of it."

Belle laughed. "I'm sure you're going to like him too, papa."