Title: Part 5

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 5

Towering over the resting form, her intense gaze remained steady on the younger woman's face. 'True love's kiss? What if it does not work? What if it does? What am I to do then? This world is dangerous for us but large from the maps I've seen. We may require an escape strategy, even with the assistance of Regina it may not be so easy. Take heart dear one, I promise everything will be as you wish even if it means my life. Again.' Taking a deep breath, Fey slipped nervously into the beside chair and took the brunette's hands in her own. "Please," she whispered, placing a light kiss to the back of one hand in silent prayer. 'I need your help as I cannot do this alone. Open your eyes, begin this chance of a new life.' An indescribable wave passed through her like a cold chill raising the hairs at the back of her neck but it was the low, barely audible cough that stung like a dart to the chest. Hope swelled and fearful caramel pools lifted to consume the most beautiful sight she'd seen in hundreds of years.

The haze that felt heavy over mind and body began to rise, cleansing her of the curse's effects. One moment of relief was clung to, savored as if it were her final breath. In that passing tick of time it all made sense, every glorious, triumphant vision and each sharp, vivid sound. Then darkness infiltrated the peace and consciousness jolted her body upright. Vision returned and though a blur she knew by the feeling of this room something wasn't right. Blinking slowly until regaining focus, breathing also slowed but she shifted uncomfortable. A woman stared at her with such. . .emotion that she could not understand. What was this place? Who was this beauty?

Dropping the brunette's hands, she lunged forward with a sound that was the closest thing to a squeal of delight she'd ever make. Enveloping the woman in her arms, a tear trickled down her cheek and she stifled a sniffle. Her body trembled with joy but the bubble of bliss ruptured when the form against her stiffened. Easing away, Fey met a crystalline gaze and what she found suffocated her heart. "What is it? Is something the matter?" she choked out in a straggled, apprehensive voice. Whatever cruel joke fate might be playing, Fey couldn't deny the cure had worked. For that she felt her debt to Henry had grown beyond their simple exchange and when the time came, she would make it known to him. For now a million questions seared every inch of her brain, filling it to the brim and taunting the warrior with endless unfortunate possibilities.

Confusion paralyzed the young beauty as reality layered onto her increasingly scattered mind. Before she could even respond verbally physical contact was initiated, leaving her conflicted even as her muscles constricted. Clearly she must know the blonde but how? "D-," she rasped, becoming painfully aware of the dryness in her throat. Swallowing hard, she pushed through the pain, "Do I know you?"

Utterly crushed, Fey grasped the back of the chair to keep herself steady. Those words left a gaping hole in her chest but shock numbed the inevitable pain which would surely catch up to her later. Wiping her face in an attempt to regain some dignity she then poured water into a little paper cup like that nice woman from earlier had instructed and shakily offered it to the brunette. "Yes," she revealed weakly, clearing her throat to muster some strength. Honestly, Fey didn't know what to say or do now. Of all the outcomes this might be one she could fix but it certainly wouldn't be easy and nearly impossible alone. Casting it all aside she continued in a much calmer, flat tone, "but we can talk of that when you are well enough. How are you feeling?"

Meanwhile. . .

"Mom!" he shouted, bounding toward her.

"Oh, hey kid. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be doing homework?" Emma probed with a gentle smile. After talking to Belle she knew exactly when to make a move if it came to that but she had to wonder if asking would get her farther. Something about all of this still smelled funny to her but getting to the bottom of it required finesse as much as muscle which the Savior wasn't accustomed to. Maybe if she could strike a deal with Regina they could work together. After all, it wasn't Gold she was handling here.

Tugging the woman into an unlocked room, the young man beamed, "Fey wanted to know how to break a sleeping curse! She's here to save someone close to her and I think my mom is helping."

Sleeping curse? Then Belle was right. Whoever she was must be in the secret ward downstairs with the other special cases. It still didn't clear up who these women were but one step at a time. 'So Fey is here, huh? Wait, Regina's helping them? Hm, I wonder if this has something to do with the Enchanted Forest. David said something about Regina bringing over certain things and people from our land, the ones she chose. It has to be clearing a debt of some kind, otherwise what would she gain?' "What makes you say that?"

Henry shrugged. "I don't know, I have a hunch. So did you find anything?"

"Nothing solid but I think it's time I have a talk with your mom. Maybe we can infiltrate the enemy camp, y'know? Get information from the inside but only if you're willing to help me by spending some time with her. I know how much she wants to see you and that's all I've got to offer. What do you think kid?" She hated using Henry as leverage but if he was willing it might be the easiest way to figure out the details. Now what was she going to tell Mary Margaret and David? That could end very badly.

Henry didn't even think about it before responding, "count me in! I know you'll have to do the investigating but it's ok, I do kinda miss my mom. She seems different. Maybe it won't be so bad."

Emma nodded, replying, "anytime you want out, you let me know ok?"

"Ok."

Down the hall. . .

Signing the final bits of paperwork she flashed her trademark smile which caused the naturally squeamish intern to flee the other direction in a hurry. "Put a rush on it dear, " she shouted after him followed by a deep sigh. She'd checked on Fey only to discover the brunette had awoken in the hours she'd been gone and the only way to keep her safe now was relocation. Being discharged was merely the first hurdle in the beginning of a very long process however. This could take a while considering the poor dear had apparently lost her memory. Until they could get a specialist to take a look, the brunette wasn't going anywhere. Thankfully very few people were involved in this situation and those who were knew exactly what the Queen could do to them if crossed. Though she was trying to change having a reputation still held some perks and it would be some time yet until these people understood those habits were in the past. The deeper into this task she found herself, the more she realize how good helping Fey and her friend felt. Sure there was the small matter of their deal but her end had been fulfilled. Everything beyond this point was of her own kindness. What an odd concept.

'Maybe if Henry can see what I'm doing he'll be proud of me. . .and want to see me again. I miss him so much. But he's not my only motivation. It's strange. I've spent so little time with Fey and yet it feels like we've known each other forever. Perhaps I sense a kindred spirit. Her life has been as tormented as mine before I came here. I can't imagine being separated from the one person you love for hundreds of years. Able to watch but never interfere. It must have been truly agonizing.' The intern crept closer, dropping the paper on the counter before her and escaping into the break room before a word could be spoken. Looking over the preliminary diagnosis, it stated the local neurosurgeon had scheduled a full workup and continued monitoring over the next few days. So the most Regina could do was tighten security by throwing her weight around a little. If at all possible she'd make sure Fey's dearest stayed in the locked down ward for her own safety.

Folding the paper neatly, she tucked it in her bag and strutted down the hall fast as her heels would carry her. It was time to collect Fey and be on their way before somebody other than a few staff members realized they were around. In her haste she didn't notice the click of a door opening and nearly barreled over the person stepping out, backing up a step with a stern glare. "Watch where-" her face flushed ever slightly when she recognized the stunned features starting back at her. "Miss Swan. . ."

Like a deer in headlights the blonde felt like she'd nearly been hit by a car, the narrowly avoided collision shaking her resolve and allowing a sliver of surprise to appear on her features. The spike of rage faded and after collecting herself she finally relocated her vocabulary, "Regina? What are you doing here? And where's the fire?"

'Great. Just great. So much for my quick escape.' Hiding her frustration behind a mask of calm, she recovered flawlessly, "it doesn't concern you Miss Swan. I have everything under control."

"Mom?" said a small voice from behind the Savior who stepped out of the way so Henry could get closer to his adoptive mother.

"Henry," Regina's voice lightened and she couldn't contain the happiness spreading over her face. Leaning down she gave him a tight squeeze that was followed by slightly alarmed questions, "are you ok? Is everything alright?"

Smiling at her, he returned the embrace and nodded. "Emma forgot her keys again," he fibbed.

At the Charming residence. . .

"I'm sorry for the way I behaved."

"And I'm sorry I didn't talk to you first."

"Do you really think we can trust her?"

"No but the only thing she asked for was to be wherever Henry is. I've never seen her like that David. I. . .can't take her son away from her. Maybe she deserves it after everything she's done but I'm not like her and I won't have any part of something like that."

A soft knock at the door interrupted their conversation, eyes locking before he moved to answer it. The strain melted from his face as he welcomed their guest in, "hey Red."

Red's expression was serious as she stepped into their living room, frowning as she asked, "what's been going on? Everyone is talking but they don't know anything for sure. I want to hear it from you."

Another glance was shared between the lovers before their silent communication decided Snow would be best suited to explain. "Well, after Emma and Regina stopped the town from being destroyed a mysterious stranger cut off Greg and Tamara's escape and held Henry hostage. I'm not sure what Regina said but she convinced this woman to back down and. . .before she left she gave me the last remaining portal bean. We haven't been able to find any information on this Fey woman but we haven't stopped searching."

Listening intently, she shook her head, "it wasn't the last portal bean. I was down at the docks for my run just now when I noticed some very flashy lights. By the time I reached the end of the dock it was nearly gone but I think Hook used one to sail off somewhere. And he wasn't alone."

"What is that pirate up to?" Charming growled

"I think we should find out," Red suggested with a stern nod.

Special cases ward. . .

Stealthing her way through the halls, she dodged the nurses like a pro but found Fey leaned against the wall beside the door she intended to go through. Halting, their eyes met and she gulped. There was something awfully intimidating about the woman but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. "How is she?"

Fey exhaled deeply. There was no need to hide the truth of the other woman's condition from the nice girl so she replied, "frightened but awake. She. . .doesn't remember."

"I can relate," she confessed, hesitantly placing a hand on Fey's arm. "I can try to help if you like. I can't promise anything but it'll be easier for her to interact with someone she doesn't know."

This logic made no sense to Fey but one thing that did was the other woman's understanding of the situation. "You have lost your memory?" she pressed, curious both about the experience and how she got them back.

"Yes. Every person is different. Some regain their memories over time while others may never remember but you mustn't give up hope. It's still very early and the doctor hasn't even seen her yet. Visiting hours are nearly over but I'd be happy to look after her while you're gone."

Fey nodded. The answers provided were sufficient and she could tell the sort of person this woman was from the handful of interactions they'd had. She'd learned long ago not to trust anyone but with this task she could make a small exception. Catching Belle's eyes, she pinned her down with a stare and spoke very seriously, "alright but if any harm comes to her you will answer to me. Is that understood?"

There was that dangerous stare that made Fey so frightening but much like other "beasts" she'd seen it was merely a display of protectiveness. Nodding submissively, she tried to reassure Fey, "she'll be safe in my care."

One floor up. . .

After sending Henry to fetch them coffee, Emma met Regina's gaze. "Look, I know you said it's none of my business but no matter what you think you can't do this alone Regina. You're going to need help."

The brunette stare became pointed, "are you offering Miss Swan? What possible reason could you have to help me?" Had the world turned upside down? She couldn't understand why Emma would say such a thing until she considered the possibility it was actually information she was after. How transparent and disappointing.

The Savior frowned. "Henry," she replied with partial truthfulness. "He's worried about you and I don't trust that Fey woman. He wants to visit you but I won't let him near her without knowing exactly what's going on. Not after what happened at the docks. So that's the offer Regina. I help you, you get to spend time with Henry, everybody wins."

She couldn't believe her ears. Scowling, she sneered, "what aren't you divulging Miss Swan?"

Lowering her voice, Emma answered, "I want full disclosure. No lies, no half truths, no dodging questions and no games."

Emma's offer appeared to be genuine and they did share a common goal. Keeping Henry safe. She could feel her resolve fading and decided however out of character it might be, she'd compromise if it meant seeing her son on a regular basis. "If this arrangement is to work I have requests of my own. You'll have full disclosure if I have your word nothing that is said will be uttered to another soul, including the Two Idiots. My only other stipulation is that under no circumstances do you use visitation with my son as a bargaining tool ever again, are we clear? This is not a temporary arrangement Miss Swan. I expect it to carry on even after this situation has been taken care of."

Emma hesitated. She'd have to dodge Snow and Charming or lie to them, neither of which sounded appealing but there was no other way. "Crystal but if Henry decides he doesn't want to visit, you have to respect that."

"Fine," Regina begrudgingly agreed. After all, if it was his decision she couldn't keep him against his will. Strangely she felt lighter now, relieved there was somebody she could discuss things with even if she didn't entirely trust the other woman's motivations. In the spirit of their deal, she added, "would the two of you like to come over for dinner? We could discuss things further over a drink afterwards, while Henry does his homework."

Emma cracked a smile. It was odd but nice being civil. "I'll ask him."

Downstairs. . .

"Hello."

"Hi, my name's Belle. How are you tonight?"

The brunette fidgeted, gazing helplessly at the other woman. "I. . .I don't know. Do. . .I know you?

"No, I volunteer here but I was once just like you. It's hard, for everyone. What can I do to help?"

She stared at the woman curiously. Smiling, the answered, "sit with me? I have so many questions but. . .I think I hurt her feelings." Bowing her head, she sighed.

Belle settled in beside the woman who looked no older than herself and used a gentle tone, "it's not your fault and I'm sure she'll forgive you."

"Belle is it? Will it ever get easier? Can I remember?"

"Yes, it's Belle. We'll have to wait and see. I can't promise anything other than I'll be here to help you. If you're alright with that of course." She smiled gently at the lost young woman and hoped the offer would be taken. It wasn't long ago she could have used a friend when nothing made sense and it took everything in her open her eyes each morning.

The woman's smile seemed so inviting and for reasons unknown to her, Belle made her feel. . .comfortable. "I'd like that and thank you. I. . .wish I had a name to give you but. . ."

Stroking the brunette's hand, she interrupted, "it's quite alright. Why don't we start by finding one you like for now?"

~tbc~