Title: Part 4

Series: The Unknown

Author: Affinity/Mel

Archive: None but willing to share if you ask ^.^

Pairing: Some implications, slowly working my way there (eventually SQ and others)

Rating: PG

Disclaimers: Don't own Once or anything like that, just borrowing their characters.

Comments: I'm a feedback whore so if you want more of this, you'll have to let me know that ^.^ Also, I don't have a beta so all mistakes are mine and will be fixed as I find them.

Part 4

Quietly peeking into the room to satisfy her curiosity, she found two young women who were clearly very close. One lay unconscious while the other spoke strange words over her. Could this be the person that had the town buzzing with gossip? Glancing down the corridor nervously, she let out a soft sigh of relief when emptiness greeted her. As her gaze returned a chill traveled up her back and she swallowed hard. What a strange feeling. And then a voice came from within the room.

"Please, come in."

Meanwhile. . .

With a heavy sigh, she pushed her way into the shop and instantly found his eyes boring into her. "I think I've made it clear we're no longer doing business," he sneered.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she retorted, "I believe this may be an exception. Hear me out and we might both get something we desire."

"But you don't have anythin I could want dearie."

"Oh but I do," Regina argued, raising a small red vial between two gloved fingers.

Squinting, his palms pressed against the glass while leaning in to take a better look. Eyes slowly returned to the former Queen. "You have 2 minutes."

At the Sherriff's station. . .

Devouring the last bite of a doughnut, she sighed then took a sip of coffee. Papers were scattered about the desk like a tornado had blown through and she glared at them in dismay. All this research and not one shred of useful information. What could she be missing? How was Fey this damn elusive? Obviously there wouldn't be any records on her but Emma was running out of ideas of where to look. The sudden crackle of static followed by a voice broke her concentration. A smile conquered her lips as she held down the button, "I copy. What's up kid?"

"So I was thinking, maybe she gave us a fake name. But we know she's looking for a woman, right? Well, she kept asking where she was. Maybe mom has been keeping her somewhere?"

Emma nibbled her bottom lip. It was a sound theory but she wasn't quite sure where Regina might hide a person without bringing suspicion on herself. 'Wait, didn't she hold Belle captive too? Well, that was the rumor anyway. Hm. It's worth looking in to on such a slow day.' Clearing her throat, she responded, "good idea. I'll see what I can dig up and you get back to class."

One hour later at the hospital. . .

Emma felt a bit nervous. She wasn't convinced Mr. Gold bought her story but he'd still revealed where the young woman could be found and for that she was grateful. Waiting patiently at the front desk, she surveyed the institution more thoroughly than she'd had a chance previously. For such a small town this hospital was pretty enormous and it made her wonder how many secret passages and wings it might have. "Sherriff?"

Casually turning, she couldn't help but catch the contagious smile beaming from the other woman. "Belle. I was wondering if you have a moment to answer a few questions?"

Shifting a little awkwardly, she gave the officer a nod and gestured toward an empty room. "Uh, of course. Is, um, is something wrong?" she worried aloud while pushing the door open.

"No, no, please have a seat," Emma began, closing and locking the door to be certain they wouldn't be disturbed. Once they'd both settled in she continued, "I know this might be a sensitive subject and correct me if I'm wrong but I've heard you were held captive during the curse."

One auburn brow shot up and her curiosity piqued. Why was Emma asking about that? It was too late to press charges and Regina had done far worse to others in this town, or so Belle had gathered. Squirming under the Sherriff's stern gaze, she nodded. "I was but why do you ask?"

It would have been a relief to know Belle could help her had the truth not made her stomach turn. What kind of person holds another hostage like that? And why? Frowning, Emma replied, "I'm investigating a missing person I believe Regina might have a reason to hide. I was hoping you could tell me where she kept you prisoner in Storybrooke in case this person is also being held there."

Thankful for Emma's honesty, she found herself put at ease. This was something that could greatly impact the lives of those she'd become so familiar with, even through the haze of 28 years. Expressing herself as much with her hands as her words, the beauty replied, "here. Well, there's an area in the basement where special cases are kept. Its guarded by a very strict set of nurses who I'm fairly certain don't sleep but I've um. . .found a way around that. I can show you but you must promise to help them."

"You have my word."

Later. . .

Fey paced impatiently from one end of the strange metal boxes to the other, eyeing them with mild intrigue. From watching patients and visitors alike operate them she was confident she too could collect a warm beverage or food parcel but there was a monetary barrier preventing this. Where the hell was Regina? Another displeased grumble from her midsection and her lips fell into more of a frown. Suddenly a blindingly cheery voice invaded her personal space.

"F-Fey, right?"

Slowly turning, her eyes were forced lower and a very slight moment of surprise passed over her features. It was the boy, the one she'd nearly split from ear to ear. The only response she gave was a nod. There was no time for this. She needed to find something to eat so that she could return to the room immediately.

After doing a bit of detective work himself, Henry had made his way to the hospital in hopes of catching Belle or maybe Emma. From hanging out with his granddad he knew Belle volunteered there and if his biological mom was sniffing for leads, it was the best place to start. So far he hadn't had much luck but then he saw Fey. She still made him nervous but he had to try. After all, the charm of innocence was on his side and maybe that was an advantage. Her intense gaze burning a hole in the vending machine didn't get past Henry and he asked sweetly, "did you want something? It's better than the cafeteria food, trust me. What do you like?"

Staring at him for a second, the warrior pondered his intentions. Why would he help her? What could he gain? Glancing back at the machine, she shrugged. So many options and she honestly had no idea what she might like, let alone what any of it was called. A grumble from her stomach betrayed her, and she replied cautiously, "I simply require nourishment before I return to wait for Regina."

Well, one of his moms was here somewhere. 'I wonder what she's looking for.' Popping in exact change, he picked out the biggest pastry in the machine then moved onto the next one for a tasty cappuccino. Anyone new to this world had to try this combination in his opinion, even if doughnuts and coffee were more traditional. Once he finished gathering the items he offered them to her with a beaming smile, "careful, the drink is hot but it's really good. These should be enough until my mom gets back." He paused. "Can I ask you something?"

Begrudgingly accepting the offerings, she sniffed the steaming liquid and found quite a pleasant aroma. Food in this world was certainly an art form of sorts with all the different creations and combinations she looked forward to exploring once this mess was sorted. With her quest for food complete, Fey found herself torn between staying and leaving. "Thank you young one." She owed the boy a debt and though painful to admit, the sleeping form in that quiet room wouldn't likely be waking anytime soon. Then something caught her eye. He carried a book which looked very old and her decision became clear. Defeated, she set her cup on the nearby table and settled into a chair. "Only if you understand equivalent exchange. In my homeland everything comes at a price."

Information for information? What could she possibly want to know? It seemed fair but Henry was smart enough to realize it could get dangerous if he shared the wrong things. Snagging a snack for himself, he then sat across from her at the table and agreed, "ok. So, are you here visiting someone?" The number of questions might be limited and he wouldn't waste any time.

The boy was smart to cut right to the chase and received a stern nod. "I am." Pointing to the book, she continued, "what spellbook is that?"

Henry gave his book a confused look, then returned his eyes to Fey. "It's a storybook about the Enchanted Forest," he explained, curious why the woman wanted to know. After devouring a couple chips and carefully forming the question in his mind he asked, "who is she?"

Now he was getting very personal and while she wouldn't lie there would be very obvious details left out in her response. "Someone very dear to me. For her safety I cannot mention her name. This storybook as you call it, does it mention the cure for a sleeping curse?" Back home stories were simply a retelling of a past so long ago the details were blurry and though each version differed a grain of truth remained throughout. Perhaps this encounter would not be such a waste of time after all. Pulling at the plastic, she attempted to open the package.

"Yes," the young man said, struggling to choke back the rest of his words. A strong part of him wanted to tell her exactly how to break the curse but he also knew once he did that, they were done. He needed to make this last question really count and settled on an obvious but complicated matter. "Why are you here?"

Fey's posture stiffened noticeably and her mind raced uncontrollably. Clearly he was holding back but thus far their exchange remained mutually beneficial so she'd continue with all the patience she had. No need to rush if by the end she could wake her sleeping beauty. Shifting focus back to sating her growing hunger, she applied more force and the flimsy material tore open. She delighted in that first bite, the sweet mixture of cinnamon and sugar dancing over her taste buds. Swallowing it down with a sip of the still fairly hot drink this sensation of bliss filled her, if only for a fleeting moment. She couldn't wait to share these luxuries with the only person in her life that mattered. "To save her. How do I break this curse?"

~tbc~