Sup.
I figure it's time for a little timeline recap. Why? Well this story takes place in the OUAT reality BUT within that reality things progress through several different realms of different worlds at different times. For instance The Enchanted Forest and Agrabah are two different realms of the same world. Neverland, The Enchanted Forest, Wonderland, The Land Without Magic (Our World), etc are in cannon, different worlds separated by barriers. The England the Darling family lived in is in the past of our world (for the purposes of this story). Neverland is also part of a larger world called Everlie (in this fic) to which all the worlds are tethered in some way. It's also been established in this fic that there is a huge amount of time that passed between when Peter Barrie was murdered and the Dark Curse was cast. So, based on what has been presented, here is a loose order of events. Already caught up? Skip to *OUATE*
Happens around the same time:
Destane begins his campaign to become all powerful. Somehow steals an artifact that throws Sylphine (the Sun) into the Danny Phantom reality where the story "The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions" takes place. This destabilizes the OUAT Universe
The Black Fairy kills her son Rufio (and a LOT of his siblings) to try and attain ultimate power; fails and becomes the Blue Fairy by accident (Enchanted Forest)
Peter Barrie, born a Shadow Caster, is murdered by his village; accused of being evil. Is then resurrected as Peter Pan by the Moon after surrendering his heart so he couldn't feel anymore (Enchanted Forest)
Five years later Felix is born to Peter's sister Ann, When it is discovered he inherited his uncle's gifts, his mother tries to bind his powers. Bad idea. After meeting his 'dead' uncle, teenaged Felix snaps and his dark side Seether slaughters the whole family before leaving with Peter.
Baelfire is born. All that crap with the seer, Rumple's rep, the dagger, Milah/Hook, and the magic bean happens a span of roughly 13 years.
Baelfire ends up in turn of the 20th century England. Meets Wendy. Takes her brothers' place with the shadow.(Our world 1900's)
He ends up in Neverland on Hook's ship, then in Peter's clutches (Neverland. Duh)
He escapes (or so he thinks); arrives in Arabah (Same world as the Enchanted Forest)
Something happens and Sheherazade, Jasmine's sister, wishes him to where fate needs him right before Destane kills her. (Same world as the Enchanted Forest)
Baelfire become Neale (Land Without Magic)
Meets Emma as very young adult. Turns her in because of Pinocchio, that wooden prick (Land Without Magic)
The story as presented in the show takes place until I wildly diverge from cannon.
But, there's a large chunk of time missing in there. Half a millenium give or take passes in the Enchanted Forest between when Peter dies and Regina casts the curse.
Rumple encounters the seer again, gains her powers. Sets about finding the mystery boy
Fast forward several centuries in the Enchanted Forest.
Rumple meets Cora originally planning to make a deal with her so she can give him a child. They fall in love but Cora becomes the first and only person to break a deal with him by ripping out her own heart to marry Prince Henry. This happens after Peter possesses the King' shadow and tricks her into doing so.
Regina is born and Rumple at some point decides to use the woman who should have been his daughter for his own purposes once she is old enough.
Enter all of the following in some order:
Regina betrays Jasmine while trying to help her and gets her friend's father killed; learns her mother will never love her.
Regina marries Snow's father after Daniel's death
She learns magic; banishes her mother beyond the looking glass to Wonderland
Regina has her crisis at the tavern; gets Tinkerbell stripped of her wings.
Pretty much all of what was shown in the show occurs with minor changes:
The Mad Hatter's wife turns out to be Alice but what happened to her isn't clear
Jasmine is forced to marry Destane but 'kills' him by accident then remarries to his son Mozenrath. Who had been trying to kill the man anyway for murdering his mother and binding his life to his with a cursed gauntlet.
Belle's necklace is enchanted to keep her kiss from breaking the Dark One's curse.
When the curse is cast, Destane awakens from his sealed sleep; so long as their life forces are joined by the gauntlet he cannot die. Mozenrath rips out his own heart, shoves it into his wife to keep his father from using his magic against her thus finding a loophole that break's Destane's tie to his life.
At some point Calypso and Jack Sparrow become part of the mix but it's not clear exactly what world they are from.
Sometime after the shadow takes Balefire, it comes back to the Darling house, something happens and the home is destroyed. Their mother, father and dog perished but Wendy was taken by a stranger and her brothers never found. Among the rubble, a strange boy with a creepy voice appears and takes the form of a yardsman's shadow to get away from the scene.
In the present:
Team Good N Evil journey to Neverland to find Henry
They find and then immediately lose Henry to Pan again; this time after he binds Henry to him by taking part of his soul and making him a Lost Boy. Unknown to them, Henry falls into a coma afterwards. To Peter's confusion.
The dejected group meets Gabriel, the Moon God who created Pan; whom he calls his Evil Angel
Princess Tiger Lily, the Priestess of the Sun Goddess, leads them to the echo cave to escape Felix's psychotic second persona
Their deepest secrets get revealed including Peter's death and rebirth as the Moon Priest from Rumple. The first person Regina hurt was while trying to prove she would be a good future queen was her friend Jasmine. Neale's connection to all three worlds and reasoning for his crippling inability to trust. Emma feeling she is unworthy of love. Charming's poisoning and Snow's desire to have another child.
Meanwhile Henry realizes he IS Pan's heart. He gives his heart to Felix by kissing him to save his life. By proxy, he also gave it to Pan who was already in a, um...relationship, with the blonde. As much of one as a literally heartless bastard was capable of. The result is the three of them now share two.
Killian reveals he killed himself after Milah's death and became a Wraith; the Jolly Roger is a ferry of the dead. Also that Tink drowned off the shore of Neverland when her wings were stripped and he reaped her soul.
Returning to Storybrooke
Reveals that Rufio is Pan's shadow...and he's not happy with mommy.
Micheal and John are the ones who got Tamora and Greg to kidnap Henry and have been spying on the town for Pan.
Like Jefferson, Jasmine has been there the whole time with her memory intact but only because Mozenrath's heart shielded her from half the curse.
Destane's true goal is to rule all of reality. But to do this he needs a new body, the one he's been after all along, Neale's. But he couldn't just take it. He's been manipulating things behind the scenes so his heart would "grow too cold to care" and he could infect it. Living his life as he has caused Neal's heart to almost completely turn into a block of ice.
Yeah here are hellifed holes in that. But they are on purpose and will be filled in as the story progresses. Here we go again, Breaking Benjamin gets us started with Dance with the Devil.
*OUATE*
"Henry, you must understand that whatever he has told, given or promised you to lure you to his side is false. His cruelty and wickedness are legend; a heartless monster even the Dark One fears." Blue shook her head. Mourning the bright spirit that's been lost to them. "For whatever reason he was stranded in his domain we are grateful, lest our home world had become darker than it did."
"You really shouldn't be talking about that Blue." He sighed and she flinched almost imperceptibly.
"You say you came to help us. How can we believe that? Shadow Casters are abominations." Astrid glared. "Peter Pan is the most wicked one to exist, how can he help?"
"That's not entirely true. For starters you're all still alive."
Instant panic. Everyone began to back away, more so than before. Henry rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Wait. That came out wrong. Okay, um, Peter is a bastard who's done awful things, I'm not defending that. But have any of you considered how he go that way? It started with the misconception that Shadow Casters are all evil. Because of something he was born with, something that wasn't even his fault, his family lead the the mob that tortured and killed him. What do you think happens when a soul is in such agony after death it would do anything not to be in pain anymore?"
"It would...warp." Astrid looked as if she's been slapped. Many of the nuns' eyes were downcast and confused at the mental exercise. "S-still you haven't given any proof of this. And if you did, you would have us take up arms with a wraith?"
"No. Sorta but- Look,here's the deal. The easiest way to deal with part of this mess amounts to destroying this town. It's purpose has been served and for it to continue existing is warping reality."
"And what purpose is that?" Granny half asked, half demanded.
"Restoring an Evil Angel's heart." He smiled brightly. "The only reason Storybrooke was ever allowed to exist in the first place, the reason the curse was cast, was so I would be born and and be where Pan could find me."
*OUATE*
Rumplestiltskin cursed at the pheasant frantically trying to escape the coop it was fenced in. This idiot dare try to double cross him?! The pathetic part of it all? What was promised in exchange for getting the girl to marry him was an old ring in his possession. One the man had no use for as it was broken beyond repair. Oh but the dark one knew with the right spell, it could be mended, by trapping a powerful being within the stone. If only he'd honored his end, he wouldn't be a bird now.
So what if his lady love only married the gallant knight because her family had been robbed then slaughtered by bandits her "father" tried to swindle. Wishing 'to be her everything' hadn't been a very specific request. Now he was-she had no family, no money and not a single noble would offer her aid for something the her line brought upon themselves. But instead of being grateful, the knight tried to give him a fake. Sir Arenol reasoned something sought after by the dark one must be worth more than the deal they struck. Surely he could get more out of it. Then the dunce destroyed it by accident; chucking it into an enchanted spring 'for safe keeping'.
Honestly!
"I suppose Lady Kelly will never know out of all the parties involved she was the only one that didn't get completely screwed over. After all as your wife she has your title, estate, fortune...and a lovely pheasant dinner for her honeymoon feast." His statement was followed by that irritating giggle.
As he pondered over another dead end, the imp remained unaware he had watchers.
Peter chuckled at the look of horror on his companion's face. Baelfire had been magically silenced and forced to watch his father strike a deal with this man, then go into town as Lady Kelly's father to dupe rival thugs into thinking he was hiring one group to eliminate the other and take take over their territory. The young boy watched as every member of the baron's house was killed including the servants so there could be no witnesses. His eldest daughter spared only because she tripped and got locked in the wine cellar somehow.
"Papa loves you soo much. He's willing to do anything to have you back. Or is he?" Pan emerged from the trees, leaving Bae frozen in place by the spell to watch. "Long time no see Rum!"
"You!" The dark one fired off a blast of magic which his target neatly side stepped.
"Aw, is someone still sore about daddy?"
"My father wasn't a good man but he deserved far better than the end you gave him Pan."
"Really now? I could have sworn his last act was to attempt to rip out your heart after learning his own would not fit the bill. That he himself offered in hopes of gaining powers."
"Yes after you told him such lies and gave him the means to do so!"
"Are we talking about the same incident?" Peter pretended to think. Then that cocky grin appeared. "I could have sworn all I said was how valuable a heart of his bloodline was. That I would reward the one who gave it to me with powerful magic. He was stupid enough to think I wanted that gnarled thing beating inside him. And had no problem trying yours instead. Not my fault the fool dropped and crushed his own."
"Why you-!"
"Ah, ah, ah. I'm not here to stroll down memory lane Rum. No, I am actually here to help. Your last business venture didn't pan out did it?"
"What's it to you?"
"Well, I happen to know what you want and where to find it. And how to get it."
"...Bastard, where is my son?!"
"What makes you think I have him? It's been, what, 100 years or so? Wasn't he mortal?"
"You wouldn't be here to gloat over nothing."
"Yes well that's true. In any case, I've come to make amends as it were. I happen to have a very special item just for you that will bring your son back to you. Or you could continue with this...whatever you call it. Chasing a vague premonition from a woman you killed. The same woman who got you into this mess." With a wave of his foe's hand, Rumple found himself holding a lantern.
"It's real..." Black eyes widened in awe. "Why would you give this to me, much less have it at all?"
"So, you've heard of Adeona's Lamp then. It's light leads lost children home. But to find a lost child, something must be given. As for how I came to posses it you know that I am. I have absolutely no use for the thing." A dismissive huff came from Pan. "To ignite the fire all you have to do is surrender your magic to the wick. Something precious for something precious, a fair trade wouldn't you agree?"
"So that's your game. To steal my power, make me weak and vulnerable." Rumple glared. "I'm done playing your games you monster. You offer this gift to make me suffer. "
"That's just a delightful bonus Rum ol' boy. You know this will do exactly as I've told you. I've never lied to you before. Not in this life or my last. Though if I had, perhaps I wouldn't have died." Pan's eyes flashed with anger. "Besides, no one refuses my games and I always win. You'll be miserable no matter what you chose."
"No. No I do refuse. I shall find my son with no help from the likes of you and keep my power. Perhaps I should take yours!" Rumplestiltskin dashed forward throwing the lantern down to smash upon the ground. Claws extended, he drove his left hand into the Prince of Neverland's chest. It shocked him that the thing wearing a boy's face didn't even react at all. So did feeling absolutely nothing to grasp but frigid oblivion. Not even the cavity where his target should be...
"My chest has been cold and empty for over a century, dear boy." Peter whispered into the other man's ear. With a flick to the forehead, The Dark One found himself hurdling backwards into the forest coming to a forceful stop against a mighty tree. Instant KO.
"Do you see Baelfire? He could have had you in his arms again. I truly would have let you go to him. But in all the years you've been gone, he's only learned is how to hide his cowardice with bravado. He doesn't love you only what having you represents." Pan gently stroked the now sobbing boy's cheek. "That he can have what he wants without consequences. No such luck, love. Everything has a price."
Peter snapped his fingers and the dark one's dagger levitated before them.
"I'll give you a choice. This is the source of his power. Whoever holds it commands him. If you desire, you may have it or refuse it and become mine. Think about it Bae. You could make him be good. Stop him from doing these awful things. Don't you deserve your Papa back?"
As much as he wanted to reach out and take the dagger...was it a trick? Probably, Pan obviously enjoyed the misery of others. As if he fed on it. So, even if he spoke the truth, it's likely to have a catch. With growing distress, he realized what it was. The dagger wouldn't give him his father back, only control of the Dark One. The same Dark One who'd just declared he would rather keep his magic than have the child he claimed to love back in his arms. He could stop his reign of terror but not make him that man he used to be. Couldn't force him to love him more than this magical crutch.
Was it selfish to just wish his life was like before?
"I...can't." came out as a broken whisper.
"What now? Speak up love." That wicked gleam shone in Pan's eyes again.
"I can't! Magic alway has a price. It twists your desires and makes them nightmares no matter how good your intentions. This cursed dagger is no better than that stupid bean was!" Tears flowed freely from the teen's eyes. How could this be any worse?
"So you choose me. How sweet."
Baelfire caught the meaning of that too late. Right after speaking, Pan grabbed the back of his head and pulled him close. Then forced his tongue into the confused child's mouth.
*OUATE*
"I remember." Neale gasped from the floor. "I remember you offering me the dagger. Then what you did to me when I refused it you pervert."
"Really? Was it that traumatizing?" The Moon Priest took in an expression of mock hurt. "I thought you enjoyed it You did pass out afterward, you mean that wasn't from sheer bliss?"
And cue the yelling, looks of disgust, etc. The memory hadn't been projected like the one with Belle. All anyone in the room knew about it came from that short exchange.
"Oh my god!" Emma screamed. "You had sex with him?!"
"I knew you were evil but raping my son?!" Gold roared, power crackling in his hands.
"OH HELL NO!" Neal yelled, face redder than a tomato. His arms flailing around somewhat comically. "Stop being so damn vague and insinuating shit you bastard! He kissed me, that's it."
"That's not much better." Snow mumbled then gasped. "Wait! Then why didn't you become a Lost Boy?"
"Who says he didn't?"
Everyone grew quiet at that question.
*OUATE*
And there you have Baelfire's encounter with the dagger. Oh yes, Pan is an ass who loves to torment people. We also know now how Rumple's father died and when he tried to take Pan's heart (and how badly that worked out). Plus Henry starts to explain why whatever the townsfolk were about to do is a terrible idea. But, if Neal is bound to Pan as a Lost Boy, how did he 'escape' Neverland and grow up?
Adeona is the minor Roman goddess who guides lost children home. What use would Pan have for an artifact that could return his boy to their former homes? Just to have something to lord over his childhood friend.