Chapter 4

Regina, Tinkerbell, Will and Rumpelstiltskin come face to face with Jafar. Regina has her fireball ready and Tinkerbell is ready to fight for Neal.

"You took Cora away from me," Jafar growled.

Regina looked bewildered and Rumple was completely annoyed. "Cora. This is about Cora. Where is my son?" Rumple demanded.

Jafar only smirked and it ran shivers down Tinkerbell's spine. "In the forest fighting for dear life along with that supposed queen Anastasia."

Will's ears perked up. "If you have harmed her-

"The forest will take care of them. "They all hear the roar of an animal. It's strange and unnerving. Then Jafar's maniacal laugh fills the air.

"It looks like the Jabberwocky has found its prey," he stated. "Good luck finding them alive." He disappears in a whirlwind.

Tinkerbell faces Rumple. "We can't lose Neal."

"Or Anastasia," Will added. "The jabberwocky is menacing. It gets inside your head."

They search the forest high and low until Will spots Anastasia. "Anastasia!"

She runs to Will plowing into her arms. "You're alive." He holds her face in his hands.

"Where's Neal?" Tink questioned.

Anastasia has a troubled look in her eyes. "He's in the cave."

Rumple uses his magic to make a beeline for Neal and Tink is there to join in for the ride. What they see is horrifying. The jabberwocky is in the form of a female and Neal looks terrified.

"Get away from him!" Tinkerbell yelled.

The monster turned at the sound of Tinkerbell's voice. "My…my…we have company."

Neal's haunted eyes look her way. "Tinkerbell…leave."

"Look at her. The one who doesn't measure up to the real love of your life," the Jabberwocky taunted.

"Stop," Neal pleads.

"The little boy needs his fairy. Are you weak like your father?" the Jabberwocky continued.

"That's enough!" Rumple yelled and used his magic to defend Neal but it didn't affect the woman.

Neal yelled for his father to stop. "Leave me!"

"No, my boy," Rumple said.

The Jabberwocky laughed harder. "Pathetic. You are weak and that's why people leave you. Your mother, your father, the Captain, Emma. Even you don't measure up to your son. He will leave you too!"

It hissed and Neal could feel her breath all over his skin. The words slowly engrained in his head.

"Don't believe her Neal. You're stronger than this. I love you."

Neal focused on Tink's voice. "How can you love me?"

"You're strong and kind. You would do anything for the people you love. You have a big heart," Tink replied.

"She's lying. She knows you are in love with Emma. You always will be."

Tink wouldn't let one small insecurity she had distract her from rescuing Neal. "Neal, look at me. Look into my eyes. Do you believe me when I tell you that I trust you?"

"Yes," he answered.

"Good. Then reach for me," she said and holds out her hand.

Neal searches his mind and recalls all the times he and Tink spent together. Neal doesn't know where he got the strength but magic courses through him. The Jabberwocky is defeated.

They all head back to Storybrooke.