AN: Thanks for your reviews and support with this story. Heartfelt thanks to all who read and review. Hope you enjoy chapter 11.
Usual disclaimers – nothing is mine.
Regina was wrong about the pirate. She had always thought him insufferably conceited and arrogant, though able to focus on a task and be driven to the point of possessed. But seeing him now, while he talked (and talked and talked) about what he had discovered when speaking with Belle and Jefferson (which seriously wasn't much) she wondered if she had had ever been more wrong about anyone in her life.
He had barely been gone three hours when he knocked on her door again, all but detaching the thing from it's hinges. He had spent nearly an hour and a half trying to convince the Hatter to assist – appealing to the man's conscience had resulted in near crazy laughter, it seemed the Hatter had no love lost for the Savior who failed to help him find his daughter. But the idea of portal jumping had caused a gleam to appear in the man's eyes. After some discussion Hook left him for the hospital and Belle who had been much more willing to assist.
Regina and Robin were still in her bed, limbs tangled, sharing soft chaste kisses and enjoying the feeling of being together again, when the pounding began, scaring them half to death. Almost certain it was a mob of angry towns' folk, both had sprang from the bed, Regina going straight to Alayna who had began to stir moments before. Thankfully having the presence of mind to summon Robin's bow and quiver from downstairs and clothing for the both of them, she had reinforced the enchantment on Alayna's nursery and used the dressing table mirror to keep watch over Robin as he approached the front door from her entry way.
She had rolled her eyes and transported herself and Alayna downstairs when she saw it was a disgruntled Hook on her porch wanting to update them and asking when they would meet again with the Charmings and the Apprentice.
"When hell freezers over," had been her immediate reply on descending the stairs.
Subtly putting his body between Regina and Hook, Robin intervened. "Hook, tell David and Mary Margaret to meet us tomorrow at Granny's," Regina's eye's widened in annoyance. Was he seriously telling her what to do with her (ok, 'their') daughter? Feeling Regina bristle beside him Robin put his arm around her waist, turning her towards him, ensuring his next words were directed to her. "We need to take Alayna into town, having David and Mary Margaret there, feeling no small amount of guilt, will certainly go a long way to smoothing over any misunderstandings with the towns' people about Alayna and her magical heritage."
Regina rolled her eyes at his turn of phrase – the man should be a politician, she thought sardonically.
"You mean lets use the Charmings' guilt over trying to kidnap our child to manipulate them into assuring the towns people that I will not raise the most powerful being in all the realms to rain down vengeance upon them for treating me like a leper for the years before throwing me over the town line like garbage?" She smiled, all false innocence.
Robin cringed "Something like that darling, yes," he said giving Hook a nod and taking Alayna from Regina's arms.
"Fine," Hook said, all business. "I will update you on my meeting with Belle and Jefferson, then return to David and Mary Margaret and set up a meeting at Granny's," he pushed past both Robin and Regina before moving into the living area.
And there they had been since, watching Hook intermittently pace and drink from his hip flask and seriously – was that thing enchanted? He never seemed to refill it and surely he must have drunk the damn thing dry by now? Seeing Hook's eye's narrow at her Regina was drawn from her thoughts. He was obviously awaiting a response and she wracked her brain trying to recall what he had just been talking about – something about a realm jumping mission with Jefferson and was the man serious? Did he know how many realms there are?
Regina opened her mouth to respond when she was suddenly overcome by a dull burning feeling in her chest. She visibly shuddered feeling her stomach flip and her magic tingle in her fingertips. What was that? Her head fell almost involuntarily into her hands and her shoulders trembled.
"Regina?" Hook enquired and she looked up. Both Robin and Hook looking at her curiously.
"What is it?" Robin asked? "You're pale."
"I don't know – just a feeling, I can't quite put my finger on it. It's probably nothing," she shrugged it off but her brow remained furrowed.
"Or it could be something," Hook began, staring at her intently.
"I don't know Hook, I'll keep my eye on it but for now, realm jumping? Really? You need to take a moment here and think about what you're saying," distraction was all she had at that point. Regina could think of a number of reasons for the overwhelming surge of magic that had came upon her – Alayna, though that was doubtful as she was happily playing blocks with Robin on the living room floor in front of her. Robin building them up while Alayna knocked them down. Emma (possible) or Merlin… likely. She needed to investigate further though. She couldn't tell Hook and risk the one handed wonder deciding to go screaming throughout Storybrooke for Merlin and Emma.
"You're right," he sighed sitting in the chair opposite her, his mind jumping from thought to thought. "I just don't know what to do, and Jefferson isn't even sure he has the capability to travel through realms though he seemed eager to try."
Regina stifled her chuckle, the 'Mad Hatter' was sure to be experiencing cabin fever at this point. 30 years trapped in a curse was one thing, but having been stuck in this realm for three years with time passing was something else entirely. "I'm going crazy here Regina. It's been two weeks and not a word!"
Crazy was the operative word - not that she could blame him. He was completely impotent in this situation and for a man of action such as Hook, being unable to help his true love, not even knowing where she was or where to begin – well Regina knew herself she would have lost her mind long before this.
"What about Belle?" Robin asked. "Was she willing to question Gold for you?"
"When he's lucid, yes, but we have no way of knowing when those periods will be or for how long they will last."
"Has Whale told you anything?" Regina didn't trust Whale, not even a tiny bit but she knew his ego wouldn't let him hold back if he knew something. He would not let an opportunity to lord his knowledge over others to go by, a chance to once again prove science better than magic… Imbecile.
"Whale was vague," right, so he didn't know. "He said Gold's mind was dealing with the loss of his power and his body was coming to terms with the physical loss of darkness from his heart." Hook gave her a dark look before once again swigging from his never-ending flask. "If you ask me he had no idea and certainly gave no indication of how long any of this would last and what state the Crocodile would be in when he came out the other side." His eyes moved from Regina to Robin.
Regina hummed softly.
"What?" Hook demanded, snapping his eyes back to hers.
"Nothing – I, I'm not sure…" Regina began. At Hook's furious glare she rolled her eyes. "It's an idea Hook, and not a very good one. Don't get your hopes up."
"Anything is better than nothing Regina, and right now you and I both know we have nothing so stop with the wild goose chases and give me something to do damn it," Hook looked ready to commit murder, every muscle in his body tense. Robin stiffened at Hook's tone and glanced at Regina. At the subtle shake of her head he relaxed somewhat, though he shot Hook a look and the pirate had the decency to look properly chastised.
"I have read about people in unconscious states being able to hear and possibly even communicate through hypnosis… I don't know enough about it Hook but we can ask Archie – perhaps he can draw Gold into a lucid period and talk to him in a way that keeps Gold with us, enables him to communicate enough that we can understand where Emma is. But we need to be clear about what we want to know – we need to have set questions and "where the hell is Emma" is not one of them."
"What do you mean?" Hook demanded. "Of course it bloody is!"
"No mate," Robin intervened. "If we question Gold in such an aggressive manner he will surely withdraw into himself again. In his mind he is completely powerless now, he's lost everything: his magic, his wife, the respect of the very people who once feared him. We need to tread carefully to ensure he feels safe – Regina's right, Archie is the best person for this. We just need to let him know exactly what information we need and let him draw it from Gold the best way he can."
"We want to know what happened to Gold when he became the Dark One. That will be a happy memory for him, he should relish the retelling of when he obtained his power." Regina offered.
"What? Then we hope that Emma is in the same realm?"
"It's the best lead we've got Hook."
Regina heard the unmistakable chug of a truck turning onto her street and instantly groaned at the thought of Charming coming to her doorstep. Midway to putting her fingertips to her temples she stopped and suddenly sat up. "Mac," she whispered.
"What?" Hook asked.
"Not what – who – Mac. My partner from California, he's here." Regina quickly rose from the couch crossing to Alayna and taking her in her arms.
"What the bloody hell are you doing bringing people in from the World Without Magic Regina? You know better than that – remember what happened last time?"
"Of course I remember Hook," Regina's eyes glowered. "You betrayed me – twice if I remember correctly and I ended up strapped to damn table!" Regina turned away from Hook, holding Alayna closer to her chest and avoiding Robin's gaze. "And Mac isn't like that… He's here to bring back Charmings' truck, not rid the world of magic."
"Wait – what are you two talking about?" Robin began.
"Not the time mate, not the time," Hook replied and Regina merely raised an eyebrow and then realized Captain Hook was in her home. "How the hell did he get into town in the first place?" Hook continued. "I thought you had Belle put an enchantment on the town line while we were in Neverland?"
"I don't know – I was meant to meet him at the town line – that's not important – the fact is he is here and you can't be. I don't need to be explaining why I have a one-handed throw back from a renaissance fair in my home when he arrives." Alayna wriggled from Regina's arms and she put her down. Watching her daughter toddle over to her basket of toys and books.
"What do you want me to do love? Hide in your closet, like old times?" Hook grinned giving Regina a wink and she had to bite back a smile. Surprised at how pleased she was to see Hook, even if only for a moment, sound a little like his old self.
"You wish Hook," she smirked. "Head out to Granny's and tell Leroy we have a new visitor in town. It should take the munchkin all of 30 seconds to let the entire town know. I think it will be best for Mac to stay here," she turned to Robin, her eyes catching his in question. While she didn't need his approval she did want to give him a chance to object given their conversation earlier. At Robin's subtle nod she continued. "Granny's will be too open. I'll get him out of town as quickly as I can. Until then, let's hope that we're not visited by –" she caught herself just before she said 'the new Dark One' and corrected "a tribe of flying monkeys." No need to rub salt into Hook's already raw wounds.
"I will seek out the cricket. Do you want to speak to him yourself Regina or shall I pass on your instructions?" Hook queried.
"You speak to him. I will have my hands full as it is with Mac. I'm sure between you and Belle you can advise him as to what we need him to do."
"Perhaps alert my men that Mac is friend not foe – he doesn't need to be stopped by a company of archers when he approaches the front door," Robin chuckled a little, remembering Mac's not so subtle threat when they were back in California. What would he do with his gun, Robin wondered, if approached by the entire forces of Robin's Merry Men?
Hook moved towards the front door to exit, "Back door, Hook. I don't think Mac needs to be greeted by Captain Guyliner his first moment in town," Regina huffed, crossing her arms across her chest, suddenly nervous at Mac being in Storybrooke. When he had called all she had wanted was to have him near, have his support, to feel his belief in her, his arms around her telling her everything would be ok. Now she was once again filled with dread at the thought of dragging someone she loved into a dangerous situation. What if something happened to Mac? It would be all her fault, and she didn't know if she could live without him…
"I can teach Robin the artistry of make up if you like your majesty." Hook's taunting words drew her from her thoughts and she had to chuckle. "You need only ask. He'd look good with a bit of manscaping," he called over his shoulder as he stepped through the kitchen to the back door.
"Manscaping?" Robin enquired, catching Regina's eye and watching her shake her head, no.
"Don't even think about getting fashion advice from a pirate," Regina said seriously as Robin walked towards her taking her into his arms.
"Should I leave?" Robin whispered, not really wanting to go but feeling like he should give Regina the space she needed right now, if she did indeed require it. Without waiting for her response he took her mouth in a kiss that he had long been awaiting to place on her lips. She buzzed with the warmth of his touch and leaned into him.
"No, of course not." She murmured as she pulled away, before catching herself and correcting – "Unless you want to – if you want to check on Marian or Rol –" Robin silenced her with another kiss, sighing he thought he could get used to this, the feeling of her in his arms, in his life.
"I'm exactly where I want to be," he said, when they pulled apart. "But you're right. I should tell Roland and Marian about Alayna now that her existence is known. I'd like them both to hear the news from me – not the town gossip mill. I'll stay and greet Mac, then leave you two to catch up a bit. I'd like to alert my men that Mac will be staying here. They will need to ensure they keep a low profile while they patrol. We will not want them to alert him to their presence." Robin smiled, kissing Regina again softly, only pulling away when there was a knock at the door.
"Alayna," Regina called to her daughter who was busy opening and closing the flaps in her favorite pop up book, largely ignoring her parent's display of affection. "Who is it? Who's there?" Regina used the same words she would use every morning at the ranch and at Alayna's excited expression she knew her daughter was fully aware of who was at the front door. On hearing her mother's words Alayna ran to the front door, maneuvering the steps with a little difficulty but refusing any help.
Like mother like daughter, Robin couldn't help but think.
Regina walked behind her. "Guess who's there little one?" Alayna raised her arms to be picked up as soon as she made it to the foyer and Regina briefly checked the keyhole to confirm it was her friend on the other side before she swung open the door.
"Mac!" Alayna squealed leaping into his arms and Robin stamped down the feeling of jealousy that bloomed in his chest at his daughter's obvious love for this man. He knew he had to be grateful to Mac, for being there when he himself was so absent. He would be – he just needed time.
"Hello Missy," Mac grinned, hugging her to him and stretching out an arm to envelope Regina who readily gave herself over to the hug, breathing in a scent that had become her home: horses, hay and sunshine. So familiar and yet so uniquely Mac at the same time. "Regina," he sighed.
"Mac," she whispered into his chest, tears in her eyes as she was suddenly overcome by the feeling of just how much she had missed him. Whatever happened in Storybrooke, with him here she would deal with it. She just needed him here. She pulled away, quickly wiping her eyes as he furrowed his brow in question on seeing her tears… what had happened here? "Come in, come in." She said shaking her head. So much ran through her mind that she wanted – needed – to tell him. Not only the Charmings' wanting to take Alayna, but Ruby and Archie's unexpected welcome and support when she was in the diner, her confrontation with Tuck, and then Tuck asking forgiveness, Robin. All of it was so much for her to take in and she needed Mac's understanding ear but a glance at Robin and she knew – not now…
Almost as though he had heard her silent plea Mac nodded his understanding and moved to change the subject.
"This is a bit fancy Regina," he said with a soft whistle. "I should have known you were a city girl at heart." Regina blushed as she walked him into the living room.
"Well, I was the Mayor if you recall Mac, I could hardly live in a studio off a barn," she raised her eyebrow in challenge and suddenly felt uncomfortable under Mac's gaze. She had conjured one of her mayoral pantsuits when Hook was pounding her front door, running on adrenaline it was pure instinct. Thank God it wasn't one of her Evil Queen gowns! After all, she was playing 'defense' at the time, anything was possible.
"You look good, Madam Mayor," Mac said with a wink. "Robin," he put out his hand in greeting, his smile open and friendly.
"Mac, it's good to see you," Robin said, surprised by both the truth of his own words and the warmth in Mac's eyes. Who would have thought his adversary would become his friend in such a short period of time?
"Thank you, it's good to finally see the famous Storybrooke," Mac said. "It really is a beautiful town Regina. I can see why you missed it so."
Regina scoffed, "I never missed Storybrooke Mac." She said serioulsy.
"Of course you did," Mac's easy reply, the certainty in his tone, had Regina softening her scoff to a smile. He was always thus; never pulled punches but any disagreement was softened by his casual and easy manner.
"Perhaps," she said quietly as she turned and walked through to the kitchen. "You must be famished, I was just about to prepare some dinner."
"I'll leave you to it," Robin said taking his leave. "I have some matters to attend to in town but may see you later." Robin again shook Mac's hand before giving Regina a nod, knowing her aversion to public displays of affection he fought back the urge to kiss her. Though he would not allow that aversion to extend to his daughter and he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek while she was still cocooned in Mac's embrace.
Once the front door had closed behind Robin, Mac moved to stand next to Regina at the counter as she began to peel vegetables and season some chicken for dinner.
"So you and Robin have worked things out?" he queried, placing Alayna in a high chair already equipped with some toys.
"Somewhat," Regina said vaguely, putting a wedge of raw zucchini on Alayna's tray. "We have agreed that we want to work things out, that we want to be together." She paused in contemplation looking Mac in the eye, "I've agreed to try." She continued with a shrug.
At Mac's silence she looked up into his eyes, saw the questions there.
"He hurt me Mac," she said softly. "He let me down and while I can understand it in my mind, it doesn't change the pain in my heart. There are wounds there that need time to heal. But I want to heal, I want to forgive, I want to be with him," she said her voice getting softer until it was barely a whisper. Pausing she looked up at him again and said with more certainty, her voice stronger, "I need to be with him. I love him and with time, we will be able to get back where we were." She smiled, "But for now we're taking things slow."
"Slow?" Mac asked his voice teasing and his eyebrow raised.
"What?" She asked confused.
"He's coming back here tonight to what? Play scrabble?"
Regina blushed furiously, swiping Mac in the arm, "Shut up." Mac chuckled.
"I like him Regina, and I like you with him. Somehow you make sense with him. Follow your heart, it won't lead you astray." He put his arm around her, pulling her into his side and resting his chin on her head for a minute before releasing her to continue preparing their meal.
Robin walked swiftly through town to Marian and Michael's house. It was early evening and he would be intruding on their evening meal but he had little time and had to rely on their understanding. He didn't like leaving Regina and Alayna, not until they had dealt with any backlash from the townspeople over Regina's arrival (with child) and sorted out this Merlin mess. Even with his Merry Men keeping watch he felt on edge.
As he walked the streets of Storybrooke Robin pondered just how much he needed to tell Marian and Roland. He didn't want to frighten them but nor did he want to have them hear rumours around town – rumours that he could nip in the bud here and now if he just told them the truth about Alayne. He cursed himself for not having this conversation with Regina before Mac arrived. He would appreciate her view… Well he would just have to follow his instincts, thankfully they had yet to lead him him astray.
Knocking on the door he could hear the sound of laughter inside. He was so happy for Roland to have this – siblings, a loud laughing family. Things he and Marian had planned in a simpler time. And still Roland had his time with Robin and the Merry Men, his boy really did have the best of both worlds. And now he would have Regina, Henry and Alayna too. More family than you'll know what to do with, Robin remembered Regina telling him she had said those words to Henry, and now they are true for Roland as well it would seem.
"Robin," Michael said, a little surprised but not unwelcoming. "I heard you had returned to Storybrooke, come in." He opened the screen door and moved back towards the dining room calling for Marian and Roland. "We are just having dinner I'm afraid – was Marian expecting you?"
"No and I apologise for not calling first, I'm afraid this couldn't wait and I don't have much time, I need to get back."
"Is everything alright?" Marian asked, rising from the table and coming around to give Robin a brief kiss on the cheek.
"Papa!" Roland called, leaping into his father's arms. "I missed you!"
"And I you little man. Finish your dinner and if it's alright with your mother I will read you a story before I go." Marian gave a swift nod as Roland quickly dropped to the ground to continue his dinner.
"Any news on Emma?" Marian asked. A natural question really and oh yes, Emma. In all the commotion of the past couple of days – his worry over Alayna and Regina, Merlin and the Blue Fairy, Emma had dropped down on Robin's list of priorities, though he was confident that Henry and Hook, as well as David and Mary Margaret would keep pursuing the search for the savior – his absence of mind would not cause any real delay.
"There have been some developments, but no solid leads yet. Gold has awoken and Regina has suggested that Archie spend some time with him and try to tap into his memories from when he first became the Dark One to see if he can provide any clues as to where Emma may have gone."
"Sounds like a good idea," Michael commented, his hands moving to his pockets. He was not really used to being a part of all the hero stuff. He led a much simpler life, both here in Storybrooke and back in the Enchanted Forest.
"And how is Regina?" Marian asked, her voice even and to anyone else she would have seemed at ease, but Robin knew better. Saw the flicker in her eyes, as she spoke. Her tell that she was uncomfortable. His heart warmed with joy as he noticed Michael give a gentle squeeze to her hand, a sure indication that he too was aware of her discomfort. If Robin couldn't be the man the needed, he was certainly glad that Marian had found another that loved her truly and fiercely as Michael seemed to.
Reflecting on Marian's question though, Robin sighed, where did he begin? "That is why I am here actually. May we sit?" Robin asked, moving them to the small living room and a well-worn couch. Michael's home was small and certainly had none of the grandeur of Regina's mansion, but it was filled with love and Robin could ask for no more for his son and former wife. How could he judge the fitness of a man's home based on the state his couch when Marian and Roland's life with him comprised of tents and a forest?
Shaking off his thoughts he decided to start at the beginning of his tale.
"When I found Regina in California she explained that she had actually met with Gold in Boston," Marian's eyes grew wide in surprise. She had been with Robin when he had confronted a most annoyed Gold, who had been adamant that he had never found Regina. "Gold had threatened her. He had tried to force her to make a deal with him… So Regina fled Boston for California." Marian nodded.
"What did he want from her Robin?" Marian asked. "What was this deal that made her leave?"
"He wanted her child Marian, our child," he paused… He never wanted to cause her pain but he needed to make this clear. His voice was barely a whisper when he spoke. "Mine and Regina's." Marian's eyes snapped to Robin's.
"She was with child when she was sent from the town?" Marian was incredulous and Robin's jaw clenched in memory: when she was sent from town…
Robin had confronted Tuck when he came back to Storybrooke with Regina and Alayna. Tuck was ashamed of his behavior, said he had felt ashamed since waking the morning after that awful night and Tuck apologized unreservedly to Robin. He also spoke of wanting to apologise to Regina.
Tuck hadn't been able to really explain what came over him that night, though that did not lesson the anger Robin felt at hearing one of his closest friends confirm that they had spat on the women he loved, had ordered Robin's men to pull Henry away from her as the boy pleaded with them to leave his mother alone, and then carried her to the town line dropping her across it. They had several words that morning before Henry had interrupted them with news that the Charmings and the Blue Fairy were at Regina's house to take Alayna away. Robin had been relieved by the intrusion - what could he say about an event that occurred two years prior?
"She was, but she had no knowledge of her condition until Gold told her. We did not think it possible." Marian nodded, while curious about many things she did not want to pry, especially not now when Robin was wound tighter than the strings on his bow and she was also aware she needed to take all this in.
Marian had come to terms with Robin's love for the former Evil Queen, but a child was something altogether new.
In the past two years she had heard many talk of the sacrifices the woman had made for the town and it's people. It was clear that 'Regina' was not the 'Evil Queen' that Marian had become so intimately familiar with. And watching Robin suffer without his Regina had certainly softened Marian to the woman who held her husband's heart. There were times when Marian was almost prepared to cross the town line and start searching this strange new world for Regina herself.
Admittedly when Robin had first confessed his feelings Marian had been confused. Hadn't her husband just threatened the Evil Queen in her defense? Hadn't he told her she was a monster? But it quickly became apparent that Robin had reacted to his own bruised feelings and not out of any sense of loyalty to his newly resurrected wife. The morning after Marian's return, when Robin had discovered that the Queen had gone, that she had been chased from the town by his own men the grief, the guilt had overcome him to the point that he had lent on Marian. The strangeness of it all not something she could contemplate while dealing with her husband's distress.
What must she think of me now? I was the one who was supposed to always be there for her. I had always been the one to see the woman behind the masks, to look beyond her past… I have let her down Marian. What must she think of me now? She will never believe in our love again. I've destroyed it all.
She had held Robin that morning, rocked him as he sobbed utterly destroyed and let her own tears fall – tears for the loss of her love and for his pain, for even in her confusion she could see that any romantic love he had felt for her had been buried with her body back in the Enchanted Forest. And as angry as she knew she should be, she just couldn't bring her self to feel it. Not when she could see Robin completely falling apart before her eyes. He had always been so strong, so jovial – always quick to see the silver lining… it was in this moment she saw how he must have grieved for her when she died. How Robin loved with his entire soul and that now, it was the Evil Queen Regina that held it… and here loss had completely overwhelmed him. So Marian did the only thing she could… she grieved with him.
Robin's voice brought her back to the present.
"This is much to take in I know – but I wanted you to hear it from me before news spreads. And Marian there is more." He prayed to the gods that this would not hurt her more; that the love she shared with Michael would numb any pain. "Gold wanted the child – Alayna – because she is, 'unique'. The product of -" he stopped talking and looked down at the ground, suddenly ashamed. Had he really come here to tell his ex-wife his child with another was the product of true love? But what was the alternative? Let Leroy convey the news?
"You have told me already Robin – you and Regina are soul mates. I understand and –" she paused to smile at him, taking a breath. "Thank you, for telling me. You're right I would rather hear it from you," she smiled and he saw her subtly squeeze Michael's hand.
"She will grow to be a powerful sorceress Marian. Gold knew of a prophecy – it's why he sought Regina out after she was sent from town," he said borrowing her turn of phrase. "The Blue Fairy has already tried to intervene, to take her from Regina and I, she doesn't want Regina to raise someone so powerful. You may hear things – around town – I just - " Robin broke off, not knowing what he wanted to say, what he wanted to ask of her. "Your support would mean the world to me." He finished, eyes glassy.
"And you will have it," she leaned over, squeezing one of his hands with hers. "Always."
"If there is anything we can do Robin, please, just let us know," Michael agreed. "Your child is Roland's sister and so, family. You have our full support."
"Thank you. I would like for Roland to meet his sister, but perhaps in a few days when things have calmed down a little? Regina's friend has arrived in town from the World Without Magic, we need to keep things quiet until he leaves – he cannot know about the Enchanted Forest or that I am Robin Hood – I don't want Roland to carry the burden of secrets he is too young to bear. But I will tell him of his sister tonight if that is ok with you?"
"Of course, I'm sure he will be thrilled to have a younger sibling to boss around for once," Marian said with a chuckle. "And Robin? Congratulations – to you and Regina." She smiled fully and sincerely at him before turning as Roland bounded past her and Michael and into his father's arms, book tucked tightly in his hand and Robin was grateful to the woman who would always hold a special place in his heart.
Roland had taken the news of his new little sister with a somberness that was unusual for him. Robin was taken by surprise, concern flooding his chest. As he began to explain that no one could take his place in his or Regina's heart Roland interrupted explaining that he now had a very serious job to do – he needed to protect his sister. "That's what big brother's do Papa." He said somberly and Robin thought he would burst with pride and only wished Regina had been there to hear him.
After promising Roland that he could meet Alayna soon he left him with his other family and made his way back to Regina's. As Robin passed by Granny's on his way to Miflin Street he could see a commotion inside, worried it was uproar over the powerful little sorceress waiting for him with her mother at home Robin made his way inside to find all the usual suspects in heated disagreement: Mary Margaret, David, Hook, Blue, Leroy, Granny, Ruby and Belle, while the Apprentice calmly looked on, sipping a cup of tea from a booth.
" - but we need to warn her," Mary Margaret said firmly. "I know she doesn't want to see us, but that doesn't mean that someone else can't go to her. Ruby?"
"Of course," Ruby said rising.
"This is all incredibly premature," Blue intervened. "We know nothing of Merlin's reason for being here."
"Gold said that Merlin would come for Regina's baby, if he's here – if we're sure that he is here, she needs to know," Belle pleaded.
"Regina made it clear she wanted to deal with this alone – it is her choice. You know how I feel on the issue," Blue said.
"And how exactly do you feel Mother Superior?" Robin interrupted – surprising them all as they had failed to hear the bell over the sound of their disagreement. "That our child would be better off with an unknown entity than her own mother?"
Blue merely raised her eyebrows in reply. Robin all but pushed past her. "What is all this?" He demanded. "What has happened?"
"The Apprentice felt another…" David paused unsure of the right terminology. "Shake in Storybrooke's magic," David began.
"Merlin is here," the Apprentice said, calm but sure, pausing to take a further sip of his tea. "There is no doubt in my mind. He has crossed over the town line and is now in Storybrooke."
"We believe soomeone needs to warn Regina," David began. "Gold was clear that Merlin was a threat to her daughter. It can't be us of course," he said, his eyes apologetic. "Perhaps Robin, now that you are here, you can warn her?"
"Of course," Robin said. "I was just on my way to her house, I'll make her aware."
"How are you gonna do that?' Leroy sneered. "I heard her boyfriend came to town."
Robin ignored the dwarf, choosing instead to speak to David. "Her friend has returned your truck to us, that is true. It is poor timing if we now have a Sorcerer on the loose but that can't be helped. I will let Regina know as discretely as possible. But right now our daughter is our primary concern – not keeping secrets from a trusted friend." Robin said making it clear that if it became a matter of Alayna's safety he would not hide the existence of magic from Mac.
"Robin be careful," Mary Margaret began.
"Yeah, you weren't here when we dealt with Peter Pan's cronies," Leroy said.
At Robin's confused glare Blue continued, "People from the Land Without Magic do not understand our ways – fear is but a tool and can be used to hurt even the most powerful among us. Ask Regina." Blue said, clearly enjoying Robin's confusion.
"Regina and Hook mentioned that before," he said his eyes flashing to the pirate. "Perhaps now is the time to explain Hook. What happened to Regina?"
"Two people came to town from the outside," Mary Margaret began. "They were manipulated by Pan into believing that magic was evil and that they could ridthis realm of magic. Part of their plan involved capturing Regina." Mary Margaret said, clearly upset at the memories.
"They had a cuff that rendered her powerless," David continued putting an arm around his wife. "When we found her she was barely alive, they had tortured her, flooded her body with electricity to extract information – though what they were wanting to know we never found out."
"The man – Greg Mendel – he believed Regina knew the whereabouts of his father. He was insane." Hook said quietly.
"Regina said you betrayed her," Robin asked, his eyes focused only on Hook, his muscles tense.
'What?" Mary Margaret turned her confused gaze on the pirate.
"We have a long history mate, that was but one roll of the dice," Hook maintained his composure, and the thief's gaze no guilt or apology in his eyes.
"But you led them to her, you gave her over to them -" Robin's words were statements, not questions, yet Hooks eyes confirmed everything and Robin felt his blood boil. "You, all of you," Robin began, clearly angry, "you call on her for help when it suits you and then you turn your back on her when it doesn't."
"Robin, this was years ago," David said with a condescending smile.
"Yes, it was. And you had no idea it even happened." Robin's voice was cold and accusing. "She carries her burden's alone – hers and yours it would seem. Forever at you beck and call but none of you are prepared to stand by her side. Yesterday you were praising the gods for her return and this morning you wanted to take her child from her. Even now you have wasted precious moments debating whether or not to warn her of this Sorcerer's presence? How long have you argued? Half an hour? And hour? More? He could already have our child!"
"Robin," Mary Margaret moved towards the archer who took a determined step back. "Regina keeps her own counsel… she always has." Mary Margaret looked saddened, but resigned to the idea.
"Perhaps because she never felt she had anyone she could trust to share her burdens with?" His tone was accusatory and he spoke with knowledge of Snow White's betrayal. It was a cheap shot and it was beneath him, but Robin was angry at this woman who seemed oh so ready to use Regina, just as she had as a child, and when it no longer suited her, Mary Margaret seemed quite capable of casting Regina aside.
"I will go and let her know of Merlin's arrival. We will meet you here tomorrow morning with Alayna and Henry – most likely Regina's friend Mac too though I'm sure Henry will be able to assist us in occupying the man while we discuss our next steps. Has the cricket agreed to help with Gold?"
"Aye," Hook said. His eyes still cold. "He is with him now. Hopefully he will have further news by morning."
"Until the morning then," Robin said, leaving without another word.
By the time Robin had made it to Regina's house he had calmed considerably. He knew these people would always call on Regina to fix their messes and her guilt over her tyrannical reign in the Enchanted Forest would mean she would always assist them (despite the fact it was years ago). He didn't like it, he never would but who was he to judge Regina's family relationships? And despite everything, Mary Margaret was family to Regina. Besides, Robin was not a man who would beat his heat against a brick wall trying to change something he never could.
He heard the sound of laughter as he opened up the door, and as he stepped into the living area he found Regina and Mac on the sofa, her face relaxed, her feet shoeless and curled beneath her on the couch, a bottle of wine half drunk between them, Alayna long ago in bed. They had been enjoying the evening, the familiarity between them causing an ache in Robin's chest. It should have been him sitting there, drawing those carefree smiles and laughs from Regina.
Both turned at the sound of his footsteps on the stairs.
"Robin," Regina smiled and sorrow filled his chest at the thought of breaking such stressful news to her that their child was in danger. He tried to mask his concern, at least until he could speak with Regina alone.
He smiled stiffly, "hello," he said, then froze, unsure of what else to say. There was an awkward silence and he could see Mac's smile fade and Regina's eyes go wary. "How was your evening?" His voice cracked and Regina looked from Robin to Mac, realizing something was wrong she intervened quickly.
"Mac, let me show you to the guest room, you must be wanting to freshen up. We can catch up more tomorrow, it's getting late." She hoped he would think she wanted some 'alone time' with Robin but one glance at Mac and she realized he knew something was up.
"Sure, a shower would be great." He said, his eyes never leaving Robin's face as though he could read everything he needed to know there.
Regina quickly moved upstairs, Mac having picked up the duffle bag he had brought in from David's truck earlier. 'Night Robin." He said, his tone even though undeniably curious.
Regina retreated up the stairs, Mac following closely behind her, and it seemed barely a moment had passed before Robin saw her returning down the stairs. She swept her right arm behind her and Robin saw the purple of her magic shimmering along the rooms perimeter. At his raised eyebrow she explained currtly, "a silencing spell – I don't want Mac to overhear. What happened with Marian and Roland?" she asked, keeping an excess of distance between them, her brow furrowed and her arms in front of her in a defensive position. He could see she had her breath held in her chest and he suddenly realized she feared something had changed for him – between them! - in the time he was away, she was concerned something was wrong for them. He was such an idiot.
Immediately Robin went to her, pulling her to him and kissing her soundly. She went willingly, her arms going around his body and pulling him to her. She breathed a sigh of relief at his words, "All went well, it is not anything that occurred with Marian and Roland that has me on edge."
"Then what is it?" She pulled back just enough to see his eyes.
"I came upon David and Mary Margaret along with some others at the diner," at Regina's nod he continued. "The Apprentice was there, he said that he has no doubt that Merlin has arrived in Storybrooke."
Regina's eyes flew to the upstairs, where he knew there daughter slept.
"How did he know?" She queried, her eyes shifting between his, a sign he recognized as her mind moving a mile a minute.
"He felt a disturbance in the towns magic," Robin said. Drawing her to him once more. "Belle is concerned that the Sorcerer is here for Alayna."
Regina's mind whirled, with things she knew and things she had no way of knowing and suddenly it was like shaking a puzzle and having all the pieces fall into place and she could finally see everything – every piece of the puzzle - without a doubt.
"When did this disturbance take place Robin, did he say?" She pulled away. She felt the strange warm feeling on her temple and in her chest, something she had felt since she arrived in Storybrooke and her gaze once again moved to the stairs. It was all falling into place.
"No, he didn't. Regina, what is it?" Robin felt her withdrawing, her brow furrowed deeply and her eyes wild. He could see tears welling and as she looked at him he was reminded of the Regina he had met in the Enchanted Forest, the one that had lost her son and all her hope. "Regina?" He breathed, devastated to see her like this.
"Mac," she breathed. "It's Mac." Robin was still confused and his expression clearly reflected that.
"What about Mac?"
"He is Merlin." He voice was soft, but sure. So sure Robin couldn't find it in himself to question it.
In her own mind Regina fought a battle. It couldn't be, but it all made sense! She pulled away from Robin. Physically putting distance between them. She couldn't think with him so close! It had to be Mac. The kiss at her temple that warmed her when she needed comfort, the physical presence she felt in her chest when she remembered his words to her, that was magic. How could she have been such an idiot? How could she have not sensed it before? All this time, Mac, her Mac, had been after one thing… her daughter.
"That's not true Regina."
His voice came from the stairs causing Robin to turn, immediately pulling an arrow from his quiver and nocking it on his bow.
"That wont be necessary Robin," he said. His voice it's usual warm timber. "Or possible quite frankly." The statement was made matter-of-fact, without any arrogance.
Mac calmly moved down the stairs and as he reached the bottom step Regina waived her hands. A sleeping Alayna suddenly appeared in her arms and as she reached for Robin's hand they were immediately engulfed in purple smoke. As the smoke cleared Regina's eyes widened as she realized they were still in her living room.
Her eyes locked on Mac's – Merlin's – accusation clear.
"We need to talk Regina, running to your vault isn't going to accomplish anything. Put Alayna back to bed. If I wanted to take her, having her in your arms wouldn't stop me."
Regina looked down to Alayna sleeping, oblivious to the goings on around her. In her mind she saw her daughter and Mac, the trust her baby had put in him as she took her first steps away from her mother and into his arms, the way she had all but thrown herself at him when he came to their door tonight. How they had splashed each other while Regina bathed her.
"That was all real Regina," Mac said softly. Clearly having read her thoughts. "I mean her no harm."
"Stop that," She said shortly. "You have no right to invade my thoughts."
"I wouldn't have to if you would talk to me."
"What is going on?" Robin cried. His arrow still nocked. Confusion clear on his face.
"Merlin," Regina said, her voice dripping with distain as she glared at Mac. "Is reading my mind. Finding my weakness so he can take our daughter."
"That is not true," Mac responded immediately. "Why do you think I want to take Alayna, Regina?" Mac asked. "Becase the Blue Fairy said I did? Since when have you ever listened to her? When has she ever helped you? Has she ever given you reason to trust her?" Mac continued down the stairs, as though to approach the living area.
"That is close enough Sorcerer," Robin said and Mac huffed. It was the first time Regina had seen him anything but calm since she almost came off one of the horses she was breaking in last fall.
"Regina, I can't control what I hear through my mind anymore than you can control what you hear with your own ears. I apologise, but it is a gift I was given long ago. And you know as well as I do, if I had wanted to take Alayna, I could have done so without coming down the stairs, I could do so right now and you could do nothing about it. But that is not why I am here."
Regina could register the logic. He was the most powerful sorcerer in all the realms (but for her daughter). Robin's pointy sticks were no match for him and even her own magic was child's play compared to that of the Sorcerer. He had rendered her unable to use her magic to leave without even breaking a sweat. Even Rumple had never been able to do that. She pressed the hand she had resting over Alayna to her eyes. Finding tears there that had yet to fall. She withdrew her hand, giving it a subtle twist and Alayna was gone. Back upstairs in her cot.
"Regina?" Robin asked, looking from her empty arms to the foyer upstairs.
"Go, Robin." She said nodding. "Watch over her. Mac and I need to talk." He gave her one final look, nodding before taking the stairs at a jog. He needed to see with his own eyes that Alayna was once again in her bed, that she was safe.
""I thought you were different, but you're just like everyone else." Regina said, her voice was so soft, barely a whisper. She looked up at Mac and he could see the softness of her eyes give way to pure steel and it shattered his heart. He had never wanted to hurt her. Had never wanted to have distance between them, to lose her trust. "Manipulating me to achieve your own ends." Her voice turned hard. "So what is that you want Merlin? Alayna? Is that why you stayed close to me?" How could she have been stupid enough to trust again? Now it could cost her everything, stupid girl!
"Regina, think back over our time together. When have I ever lied to you? Manipulated you? All I did was listen to you, support decisions you made; support you, and make sure you and Alayna were safe."
"When have you lied to me? Even your own name was a lie!" Regina cried.
"Merlin Aurelius Constantine…" Mac said quietly. "M.A.C." Regina huffed. It was hardly the point.
"I didn't tell you who I was because that would have altered decisions you needed to make on your own – tell me it wouldn't have changed things between us? If you knew I was of your world – let alone that I was the Sorcerer?"
"Of course it would have changed things… but you still should have told me."
"Like you told me you were the Evil Queen?"
"That's not the same – you knew who I was –"
"That changes my conduct, not yours. You're being stubborn and hypocritical," he spoke in Mac's typical fashion, calm and without judgment and Regina had to laugh. Mac, her Mac, was Merlin… all this time.
"That I am…" she sighed. "I wanted to tell you, so many times. The only thing that stopped me was the thought that you would throw me in a lunatic asylum". Mac took the moment where she had allowed herself to soften somewhat; he stepped forward and pulled her into a fierce embrace.
"I love you Regina. I am here for you. Nothing has changed."
"Why Mac? You had to have sought me out… why?" She pulled back, searching his eyes. Her past, her experiences with others screamed at her to push him away, but he was Mac, when she looked in his eyes he was still her Mac. And something deeper than her own knowledge and experience made her hear him out.
"I didn't seek you out Regina, you sought me out. You just didn't know it." Regina frowned, not comprehending and Mac chuckled a little, correcting, "Well, Alayna, I guess sought me out. When you met with Gold in Boston you felt threatened, Alayna's instinct, even then, was to protect you – and herself. That was when she called to me. She is the one who led you to the bus station, instead of the train station, she is the one that drove your decision to take the bus to California instead of Florida…" As he spoke she remembered making those decisions – instinct, she had thought. When all this time it had been Alayna… "And she called me to the diner."
"She was able to do all this? You could hear her in the World Without Magic?" Regina asked – believing him for some reason but requiring an explanation all the same.
"Alayna isn't a mere Sorcerer Regina, Alayna is…" Mac paused trying to find the words to explain this. "You remember the prophecy?" He asked and she nodded, "light and dark, love and hate, from a realm of magic and the world without magic, Alayna is all those things. She isn't the 'All Powerful One' as your Blue Fairy has named her. She is more than that."
"What can be 'more' than the All Powerful One?" Regina asked.
"She is the Gray," Mac said. The simplicity of his words belied by the seriousness in his eyes. "She is balance among the realms, the centre of magic, a fulcrum connecting worlds."
He took in Regina's frown – obviously working to understand what he was trying to tell her.
"But that doesn't explain how she can perform magic in a world without magic?"
Mac smiled softly, "She doesn't perform magic Regina… Alayna is magic." Regina's frown deepened… "You can take water into the desert Regina, it is still water… even if you poor it onto dry earth."
"But I can sense no magic in her – in California or here in Storybrooke she has shown no sign of magic." Regina was skeptical.
"You cannot feel her magic because she is magic. Even the magic within you is her."
"But she hasn't used any magic. Surely in a week I would have seen something."
"She is not like a child with a new toy Regina. Alayna has had magic within her from the moment she was conceived. She will use magic only when it is needed. Has there been any need since you have arrived?" It was a genuine question and Regina shook her head no in response.
"And you? I could feel your magic within me when I crossed the town line. How was that possible? What is your role in all this?"
"I am the Sorcerer. My role has always been to prepare for, serve and protect the Gray. I can only work to complete that task. Everything I have ever done has been for that end. Any magic I was able to perform in the World Without Magic was because of the Gray. She allowed it, and when you came to Storybrooke, my magic within you awakened."
"And me?" Her voice was so small, so vulnerable it broke Mac's heart. "What was I in all this?"
"I have tried your whole life to protect you Regina." She heard the tears in his voice and suddenly Regina realized that Mac knew much more than she had ever told him. Visions flooded her mind and she knew instinctively that they came from Mac: her mother punishing her as a small child, she could almost feel the burn of her mother's magic on her flesh; Daniel dying in the stables; the weight of the King on top of her; her mind torn apart by Rumplestiltskin's games; the feel of her fathers heart turned to dust and passing through her fingers. She was drawn from her memories by Mac's continued presence and his words.
"The darkness followed you because of who you were destined to be… The Mother of the Gray…" No! she screamed inside. It couldn't be that everything she had suffered was because of the destined existence of the daughter she loved more than life itself. She didn't want her daughter to be the cause of all her pain and she flashed angry for a moment, resentful that even the most perfect thing in her world had somehow caused her pain.
"The darkness wanted to taint you and in doing so, it could blanket the Gray in darkness. But you were chosen for your strength, for your resilience and you fought the darkness and in doing so ensured that both you and Alayna could fulfill your destiny."
"And now your role is complete." Her eyes were hard and Mac took a step back from her. Dropping his head to catch her eyes.
"What are you thinking Regina?" it was a simple question and one he had asked a thousand times back on the ranch, when he caught her staring off into a sunset, or watching Alayna swing on that damned tire.
"What am I thinking?" She repeated softly before straightening her shoulders and raising her gaze to look back to him, her eyes cold. "I'm thinking that you have what you needed from me, you kept me on the 'good and righteous' path until Alayna was born and like everyone else, you have what you need of me and now you'll leave."
Mac shook his head, reaching out to pull her back to him only to have her shove him off. "Regina don't do this."
"Don't do what?" She crossed her arms in front of herself.
"Don't close yourself off from me like this. I didn't betray you. I was there when I could be and tried to support you from the shadows, but I had to let you make your own decisions. You had to be free or your choices would not have been your own. Your resilience was born out of your choices. Every time you stood back up after life knocked you down you made a choice and that was your own. You made you who you are. Your heartache was a result of that journey but so was your resilience. And it was that resilience that made you the Mother of the Gray."
"The Mother of the Gray what does that even mean? And how did you support me?" She was angry, her eyes were wild but Mac could tell she was also genuinely curious.
"The Mother of the Gray is the one destined to build balance among all the worlds. You have cut across realms Regina! Do you have any idea what you did when you cast the curse? I know you see the darkness in what you did, and in a large part you credit Rumplestiltskin for that feat but you sell yourself short. You united realms and sacrificed greatly to do it! Your intensions I admit were questionable, but my God you built a link that cannot be untethered. As for how I supported you, I guided many into your life Regina. So you had the support that you needed when you needed it."
"For Alayna," she said, cold once more.
"For you."
Her frustration got the better of her, "For Alayna!" She screeched. "You needed me as an incubator for your precious Gray and nothing more!"
"NO! That is not true," but wasn't it? Really? From a certain point of view he supposed, but not his. Never his. "Regina, I can see why you might think that, but you were always more than that to me."
"Why?" She accused.
"Because of my mother." Regina's eyes softened almost imperceptibly, and Mac could feel it was more due to curiosity than any change in her feelings about all of this. "She was challenged by the darkness as you were –"
"To corrupt you," she interrupted.
"Yes – to 'corrupt' to me, because of me. I carried the guilt of her darkness for years. She was not magical, the taunting of the darkness, her inability to understand it – it drove her mad," Mac's voice remained even, but had grown incredibly soft as he revealed his own story to her for the first time.
"Mad Madam Mim," Regina breathed. She had heard legends of a witch that was close to Merlin, despite her darkness and his light. "I'm sorry," she said, seeing something flame in Mac's eyes – always Mac to her, she couldn't think of him as Merlin. "What happened to her, your mother?"
"She was mortal, she died – the sad part of it all was that she never truly lived. Like someone else I know," he raised his eyebrow at her and he was suddenly her Mac again, her endless support and greatest champion.
"And you wanted me to fight the darkness, to stay sane?"
"I wanted you to live, I wanted you to have hope, always, and yes, I wanted you to fight the darkness, but for you. I – I didn't want you to be punished because of your destiny."
"And Robin?"
"He shared your destiny and he shared your burdens. You are soul mates." Mac had a 'c'est la vie' expression in his eyes. "Robin fought his own darkness Regina, had his own tests. But that is his story to tell. You two are really a lot more alike that you have ever seemed to realize." Regina thought of what she knew of Robin and yes she could see the parallels in his life: his domineering father; the loss of his first love; the darkness he fought after Marian's death; the way Roland had been his salvation, much like Henry was Regina's.
"Yes I suppose we were… did you – help him too?" Regina asked, curious.
"I tried, as with you – you are both as stubborn as each other" Mac chuckled. "I always tried to make sure you had people around that you could rely on, that would help you."
"Tinkerbelle," she breathed. "You sent Tinkerbelle." She stared at Mac, wishing he would say no.
"You know the saying Regina, you can lead a horse to water…" he chuckled again. "But this is all the past, and right now we need to be thinking about the future. You are here, you and Robin are reunited, one as you were always meant to be. Together you are unstoppable, no one will be able to turn you to the darkness if you are united. More importantly you have your Lainey. The question is what now Regina? Are you going to run from your destiny again or are you going to embrace it? Welcome it? Live? And save your son's mother?"
Take a moment to review – I'd appreciate your thoughts on where this is going.