A/N: WOOOOHOOOOOOOO! Words cannot describe the epicness that was Sunday's episode, I was in fetal position almost the entire time fangirl squealing. . . I mean *cough cough* the episode was okay. . . Oh what the heck am I saying, I have nothing to hide. IT WAS AWESOME! Except now I don't really like the August character; oh well I'll learn to love this man.

Disclaimer: BTW I don't own it, but I did call it.

Chapter 4

****************Storybrooke******************

Walking into the hospital, Emma nodded toward the woman at the front counter.

"Hello, I'm here to see Mr. French." Emma leaned on the counter. The woman checked her files, looking at Emma she spoke. "Room 312."

Emma thanked her and headed towards the long hallway of doors. The place was still in repairs, caution tape covered most windows, but the day before they had gotten all the tree limbs out. Finding the room she knocked, then opened it without waiting for a reply.

Laying in a hospital bed was Moe French. He looked pathetic. A brace was covering his neck, he could hardly turn his head to look at her.

Guess canes can be deadly. Emma thought to herself, remembering how Gold looked while beating the man. He also had a cast on one arm, along with many bruises and cuts. Seeing the sheriff he had a look of unease.

He should. Emma thought. She didn't particularly like French, but she didn't have to. She was just here to ask questions.

Pulling up a chair near his bed, she decided to start off casual.

"How's it going Moe?"

He seemed a little uneasy at first, but then began to speak.

"Besides gettin' my van taken before the biggest sellin' day of the year, then getting kidnapped and beatin', it's been a good week."

Looking down she smiled. "Guess that wasn't the best thing to ask." Looking around, Emma didn't notice any flowers or get well cards, it looked like an other hospital room, only one with an occupant. Emma thought that was strange. "Hasn't anyone come to see you?"

Noticing that the sheriff was looking around the room he simply answered. "No, don't have anyone who would come."

"You don't have any family?" Finally getting to what she wanted to talk about.

Shaking his head Moe continued. "No, my wife died a long time ago."

Hmm. . . That's strange. Emma thought. So maybe the wife's death had something to do with Gold.

"Sorry to hear that. Mind if I ask how?" She wanted some answers.

Moe laid silent for a moment. He seemed to have trouble remembering it, then as if a light clicked on he answered. "It was an illness. She got sick, and by the time we realized it was serious, it was too late. For everything." His eyes became clouded with pain and his voice cracked.

"What do you mean by everything?" Emma didn't know how far down this went, but was determined to find out.

"We had been together for a long time. We thought after awhile the house got too lonely. We wanted kids, but she got sick before we had a chance."

"So you don't have any children, you don't have a daughter?" Emma was finally getting to the bottom of this.

French's face became pale and thoughtful. He was like that for a while till he shook his head. "No, we didn't have any kids."

Yeah, that seems legitimate. Emma thought. Having all she wanted and noting his reaction she decided that there was more to the story. Getting up to leave, Moe called to her.

"Just so you know, I have no idea what he was talkin' about."

Emma turned around her head cocked slightly, "What?"

"Gold, I don't know what he meant by all that. Just thought you should know, I didn't."

Digesting what he said Emma wasn't sure she quite believed him. Before opening the door she asked one more question. "Did anyone put you up to it?" She wasn't sure why she had asked the question it just came out.

Looking shocked by the question Moe tried to regain his composer. "No ma'am."

Funny. Emma didn't believe that either.

Leaving the hospital she knew it was time to do some research.

Finally on her break, Ruby decided to go walking. She had been cooped up in that diner for what felt like years, she needed to get out. Walking around she noticed Leroy, the town drunk, fixing some of the street lamps. She noticed Dr. Hopper walking his dog, Pongo. She couldn't think of anyone to talk to so she sat down on a bench, her mind beginning to wonder.

She didn't even notice when the young boy sat down next to her.

"Hey, Ruby." Henry smiled up at her.

Ruby jumped at the voice that pierced her thoughts. Looking down at the boy she gave a small uneasy smile. "Hello?"

Shrugging as if understanding her unease Henry started a conversation. "You seemed lonely, so I wanted to talk to you."

"And what exactly is it you want to talk to me about?" Ruby didn't know what this kid wanted, but he was different from others his age. He was Emma's son, he was actually a lot like his mom, Ruby thought.

He observed his surroundings as if they would give him something to talk about. Apparently they weren't helping because he just shrugged and said, "Well, what do you want to talk about?"

Ruby stared at the little boy. He was known throughout the town. He was the boy with the huge imagination. Ruby liked him though; she thought it was cute whenever he came into the diner. And ever since Emma came he's been a lot more social with everyone than usual.

But he was only ten. Not much of a talking buddy, at least, not for someone her age. She shrugged. "Probably couldn't talk to you about it."

"Why not? If I can I could try to help," he said, looking up into her doubtful eyes. "What've you got to lose?"

Ruby actually laughed. This kid wanted to help her, he barely knew her. "Well I guess I kinda feel trapped." She glance at Henry and laughed again, he looked like he was clinging to every word.

"I understand. Storybrooke is getting old for you."

Ruby's mouth dropped, he really understood, at least he seemed like he did. "Wow, you're right. How'd you know that?"

Henry just shrugged, "My mom has talents and so do I."

"Yeah scaring people and controlling them," Realizing she had said that out loud she tried to cover her tracks. "I mean-"

"I know what you meant. But I meant Emma. I kinda understand people."

Sighing with relief, Ruby looked at the young boy. "Yeah, I guess you do."

"So what's wrong with Storybrooke?"

Looking at the same stores she did everyday, she put her head down. "I don't know, there's nothing wrong, it's just routine. I want some excitement, we haven't had anything amazing since, since. . . Gosh I don't know, maybe forever."

Henry nodded in understanding, "Yeah it's kinda dull," he looked up at her thoughtfully. "If you could do something fun, while in town, what would it be? What's something out of character that you've wanted to do?"

Ruby thought for moment. She had already done anything worth doing, well that was fun for her anyway. She even did about anyone who was fun. Whatever, she thought it would be something different.

"I have an idea," Henry looked at the young waitress.

This should be good. Ruby decided to humor the kid, and who knew, maybe what he thought would be fun. Yeah, finger painting. "Okay, what did you have in mind?"

Henry handed her a folded piece of paper, it was a flyer.

"I was thinking maybe some baking?" He said with that adorable smile.

*****************Enchanted Forest*******************

Red awoke again to the sounds of the birds, but this time it was both in better and worse circumstances. True she wasn't in that place, but now she believed there was a deadly man after her.

Well if it's a fight he wants it's a fight he'll have. Red thought to herself. He had killed her parents, if he wanted to find her, he will be in for the surprise of his life.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of metal cutting wood. She sat upright at the sound, feeling alarmed and on edge. But of course it was only the man to whom this house belonged to.

He noticed her and turned, "I did not mean to wake you."

"Not to worry, I should be up and about," she said as she stood.

Picking up her basket she made sure it was still the same as when she had arrived, not that she didn't trust the old man, just habit. She walked over to the table where the man was working at. She saw a small object that looked almost human-like. It was a block of wood on top, but the bottom seemed to have legs, with things sticking out the end, maybe they were meant to be feet.

"I wanted to thank you for allowing me refuge here," Red said as she went towards the door.

Gepetto stood and accompanied her. Once outside they said their good byes.

"It was very nice to have met you, Red," he said with that smile on his face. "It has been a while since I've had a visitor."

"You are quite welcome, Gepetto."

Part of her wanted to leave to see her Granny, but another was afraid to go on this journey alone. Jiminy the cricket had left and most likely would not be back. Not wanting to leave just yet she decided to ask about the object she had seen him working on.

"Excuse me but I was wondering, that thing you were working on, what was it?"

Gepetto's face fell for the first time since she had known him. "Just a puppet, a personal project." With that he went back into his house and left Red standing on the trail, all alone.

She continued on her journey when she heard a familiar chirp. "Good morning, Red."

Red turned around quickly trying to find the small cricket, but to no avail. "You are a hard one to find Jiminy," and with that he was on her shoulder once again.

Red was glad to have company again, but couldn't help wondering why he left. "So how was your night Jiminy?" She asked softly, not wanting to upset the creature.

He was silent for quite some time before he spoke again. "I'm sorry about that, but I don't do too well in houses, too many squashing issues."

Sighing with relief Red was happy that was all it was. "Well I understand, but I do wish you would have said something earlier."

"I apologize. I should have said something."

"Well I'm sure you wouldn't have had anything to worry about, the man who lived there was very kind."

"So how was Gepetto?"

Red stopped walking. How did he know the man's name? Red looked at the cricket. "How did you know the old man's name?" She eyed the creature, knowing he was keeping something from her.

"Oh, uh, well..."

"Jiminy. . ." Red spoke slowly.

"Alright," he stammered. "I know the man you stayed with. That is why I hid. I was ashamed." The cricket sounded as if he had done the worse thing in the world. But to Red that couldn't be farther from the truth. This cricket was better than most humans she knew.

"Why on earth would you feel ashamed?" She said delicately, not wanting to pry.

"I've been looking after that man since he was a young boy. I had made a deal with a horrible 'thing'." And then Jiminy told her his tale. "I was desperate and wanted a way out, and he gave me one. But at a price." He seemed to be speaking to himself. "There's always a price." Taking a breath he continued. "My perfect way out backfired. I used to be a man, I knew of a young boy, but his parents are gone because of me," his tiny voice was shaking. "I wished and wished, the blue fairy granted me actual freedom, and I've been looking after him ever since." The small cricket seemed out of breath.

Red had continued walking in silence. What was she to say?

"So you didn't want the man to see you, and he doesn't know who you are?"

"No, he doesn't. I'm not worthy of his kindness, so I watch over him from a distance. When I noticed you I decided to get to know you better, in case you came upon the man's house. You passed by the way." He chirped happily.

But Red still had some questions. "Who did you make the deal with, what happened?"

"My, you are one for details. Alright, a horrible creature, he was more than a man, an imp if you will. I wanted to be away from my lifestyle. He gave me a potion that would change everything, but it was not used on the ones it was meant for. It was used on a little boy's parents."

"Does this imp have a name?" Red was wondering if Jiminy could feel her shaking.

"His name is Rumpelstiltskin. Pray you never meet him. He makes deals with someone who has no other options, but magic always has a price, some greater than others. If you do ever meet him, do not make a deal." His voice was serious.

Little too late. Red thought to herself. Memories of the man that night so many years ago came hurtling back at her. Now hearing of Jiminy's tale she became scared of how hers would end. Her heart was racing. But like she had so many years ago she pushed the memory away, into the abyss of her mind.

As they continued walking, Red recalled something Jiminy had said earlier. "If you watch over the man, then does that mean you won't be traveling with me?" Red didn't want to be alone again, not when she understood what it was like traveling with someone. Red stopped to look at the small cricket.

"Unfortunately, yes," he hopped off her shoulder. In a tree somewhere he continued. "You have told me where your grandmother lives, I spent all of last night searching. You are very close, about a three hour walk down this path," Red felt tears coming, but never let them get far. "It was lovely to meet you Red Riding Hood, I hope we meet again."

Laughing she nodded toward his general direction, curtsying, she called back. "It was an equal pleasure to meet you, sir Jiminey Cricket." And with that she heard the chirp of crickets gone. Sighing, she did as was directed and headed toward her Granny's house.

About midday she came over a hill, where she could see her Granny's house. But to her dismay she noticed horses all around her house. They were the horses of the men earlier on her trip.

It's time. She thought as she quietly made her way to her Granny's.

A/N: Please Please review, thnx. I'm so excited, i'm going on my first trip to Disney World Thursday; it's gonna be a blast. See you guys when i get back ;) :3