Disclaimer: Property of A&E and ABC. Not Mine.

When David drops off his wife and grandson at the library early the next morning, Hades is already pacing inside, restless and edgy. This was never part of his plan. He is now stuck with not one, but two mortals invading his space for an indefinite period of time. He can already feel the walls shrinking in around him, and it's not even 9 a.m.

Yet as the day progresses, his concerns ease. It's obvious that Snow has everything in hand. Hades does as she asks – fetches papers, provides his opinions when requested, and basically acts as her lackey. It chafes, the servitude, but if this is how he earns the trust of the heroes, and undisputed access to Henry and his book, well... a god's gotta do what a god's gotta do.

The next afternoon Snow White is scouring the library for who-knows-what. Hades cringes when she calls out to him in overly cheerful tones. "Oh Rhye, would you come here a minute?"

He complies, finding her in the small room off the back. She is standing next to a large cardboard box tucked in the corner, lightly coated with dust. "This is a laser printer," she states with authority. "We could use it to print everything we need – flyers, forms, anything. We just have to hook it up."

There is a glint of false encouragement in her eye when she continues, "Do you want to give it a try? I'm not very technical, and Henry's disappeared… again."

That's another new wrinkle; the boy has a habit of going AWOL, only to return hours later. He's up to something, but this time Hades isn't in on the plan.

Regardless, Snow's patronizing tweaks his ire. "I'll see what I can do," he tells her with forced politeness.

"Excellent. If we can get this printer working, it'll save us a lot of time."

She then resumes her pointless quest, and Hades is left to unbox the heavy machine and haul it to the circulation desk alone. He slides out the instructions from the plastic bag taped to the top. Mere mortals have no problems using technology, and if they can do it, so can he. Twenty minutes later, the printer is assembled, the toner installed, and the ream of paper loaded into one of the trays. He even ran the device through the appropriate alignment configuration. All that is needed now is to connect it to the computer.

The bubbly brunette is chatting avidly on her cell phone when he waves to her from the circulation counter. "I'll call you back in a few minutes," she tells her phone. Disconnecting the call, she walks over.

"Lady Snow, the printer is nearly ready. The last step is to connect it."

"Really?"

"You are surprised, milady?"

Snow cocks her head slightly at him. "No, perhaps not." There's mirth in her words when she says, "You know, my husband tried to set up something like this at our home. A device that works with the television. It didn't go well."

"Perhaps he didn't read the instructions."

She laughs. "No, I don't believe he did. Okay, so let's plug 'er in and see what happens."

Hades watches her wiggle the small device she calls a 'mouse' and the computer comes to life. "I'm pretty sure we plug the printer into the back of the computer." She crawls under the circulation desk. "Would you route the printer cable down to me?"

He takes the black wire, labeled as a 'USB Print Adapter' by the paperwork, and stuffs it into an opening behind the monitor. A few seconds later, Snow resurfaces and they both stare at the computer, waiting for the technical magic to happen.

It does. A digital rectangle pops up on the monitor, filled with more instructions. Contrary to her words, Snow clicks and taps on the machine like a pro. More such boxes appear, and the woman navigates through them all.

"Okay," she finally proclaims. "We should be good to go. Let's try to print something."

Hades eyes follow the small arrow as it slides across the monitor, stopping at a multi-colored square along the right hand side of the screen. With yet another click, an image appears, overlaying all the other boxes still displayed. It is a picture of Belle with the heroes, standing outside the library. All share the same goofy grin. The Dark One is curiously absent, as is Regina.

"Oh! I remember this," Snow sighs. "Happier times... anyway, let's print it."

She clicks the mouse again, causing more small squares and boxes to display. It seems computers are all about that small arrow and rectangular boxes.

"There," she says with satisfaction. "It should print."

They wait for a minute, but nothing happens. Snow clicks and tries again, but the printer is silent.

"This doesn't make sense. I know I installed everything. It should work." She bangs and wiggles the mouse, opening more rectangles while closing others. Hades looks on in fascination as she continues to struggle. The urge to try his own hand at it is strong.

"Might I, milady?"

Snow pushes back from the desk and leaves the office chair in a huff. "Feel free," she gripes. "I've tried everything and it should work. Stupid machine."

Hades sits and palms the mouse device. The small arrow on the screen moves as his hand moves. Aha! This isn't so hard. First order of business is to de-clutter the screen. Females - not the most tidy of creatures. The small red 'X' in the upper-right hand corner of the rectangles looks promising, so he guides the little arrow over it and clicks the button on the mouse, just as Snow had done. The rectangle disappears. Perfect. He repeats this for the remaining panels, including the image of Belle. Layer after layer evaporates into the digital void until only one is left. It's labeled 'Online Registration' and has a button that said 'Close' on it. Hades clicks the arrow over that button and the large white box disappears.

Another now displays; it was hidden beneath the other panels. This box has a light blue button labeled 'Next'. Hades clicks it, and then three more just like it, until a green button reads 'Print Test Page.'

"It didn't finish," Snow murmurs over his shoulder. "I couldn't see it; it was under all those other pop-up windows." She points a soft pink nail at the narrow green button. "Click that for me, will you?"

Hades obeys and the printer whirs to life. Seconds later he hears the rattle and click of the machine, and within moments, a piece of paper rolls out of the top. Snow retrieves it and her face beams, grinning ear to ear.

"You did it. It works!" She reaches over and hugs him tightly, despite being seated in the chair. Hades doesn't even have time to react before she releases him, bouncing on her feet with delight. "Well done, Rhye. You sure you haven't used one of these before?"

"No, honestly I haven't." Hades is as surprised as she is. He actually did it. He made the fool machine work.

"You are my new hero, Sir Rhye. Thank you!"

Snow White returns to making her calls, and Hades is numb, staring dumbly at the computer's monitor. He's not anyone's hero. How could she say such a thing? As a test, he moves the arrow to the small square on the right. The image of Belle returns, larger than life. There is a tiny grey symbol at the top of the monitor that resembles the printer. He clicks it, and the machine awakens, humming and popping. Hades retrieves the paper when the printer finally quiets. There they are, in vibrant color, similar to the pages from the storybook, only crystal clear. Genuine happiness shines in their eyes – in Belle's, in Emma Swan's, in Snow and Charming's. Henry is at the center, years younger but staring straight into the camera's lens with that same confidence and intensity he carries today.

The satisfaction from installing the printer fades rapidly, leaving annoyance and frustration in its wake. Hades crumples up the paper into a tiny ball and tosses it into the wastebasket under the desk.

ooooooooooooooooo

Two nights later, Godric confronts him after supper.

"We need to speak, my friend."

The burly man leads Hades into a small drawing room. Darkly stained panels line walls decorated with framed artworks and dimly lit sconces. Each piece of furniture speaks of age and wealth. Godric heaves his bulk into an overstuffed leather chair, and gestures for Hades to do the same with its twin.

His defenses flare to life as he faces the knight, now dressed to resemble an off-hours banker. There's an undercurrent of tension, of animosity. Hades has seen it before, but it's never been directed at him. Until now.

The man scowls as he pulls a folded piece of paper from the chest pocket of his starched white shirt. "This," he says as he unfolds it, "was given to me today. Perhaps you'd care to enlighten me?" He hands the paper over to Hades. It is the flyer advertising how he and Henry will be available to discuss opportunities to find people their happy endings. Bold, red letters cross the top – 'Come Visit the Storybrooke Library's Booth at the Midsummer Festival!'

Hades offers it back. "I'm not sure what else you want to know, Godric. I thought it was pretty self-explanatory."

"This document lists you as the coordinator for assisting in this writer's activities."

"Author," Hades corrects. "The young lad Henry Mills is The Author."

Godric's eyes widen and then narrow. "Then the rumors are true. But, how can a boy so young have penned our stories?"

"He didn't. Another Author existed before him, one that abused the power. He was removed, and the boy took his place. He's apparently done this type of thing before with great success."

"I see. Renault told me of your new activities – a job as a librarian? I never would have pictured you at such a vocation."

Hades keeps his ire in check. "I like to read."

"No, my friend. You like to drink and bed women. Yet since we've arrived, you've done nothing of the sort. We all assumed you resumed your old habits when you neglected to join us in training these past few days. It seems now we were mistaken."

"I am turning over a new leaf."

Godric purses his lips. "Indeed. And what, perchance, has inspired you to do so?"

"Does it matter?"

"If it puts my knights and my people in jeopardy, then yes, my friend, I would say it does indeed matter."

Hades barks out a laugh. "Feeling a little paranoid, Godric? The boy is going to help people find their happy endings. I'm just his administrative assistant."

The knight's voice is cold. "Do you forget our obligation to Mr. Hyde?"

"What of it? This doesn't affect him or whatever the hell he is doing with Storybrooke." Hades gestures towards the dark draperies. "This helps the poor sots out there who are stuck on a permanent camping trip in the woods."

Godric sighs, deflating at least a third of his bulk. "Rhye, I cannot interfere with Hyde's plans."

"Fine," Hades snaps. "Then don't."

"You're missing my point. This boy, this Author, may be of interest to Hyde."

"Well, I'm sure Henry can write his story if he signs up for it."

Godric is losing his patience – it's written all over his face. "Why must you be so cavalier? I'm trying to warn you that you and the boy might be putting yourselves in harm's way, and there's nothing I or the other knights can do to help!"

Well that's news. Hades hasn't thought much about Hyde; he's been too focused on his own plans. Maybe he will mention this to the Charmings and Henry's parents tomorrow. It might have slipped their minds as well.

"I appreciate the warning, but that boy is protected by quite a flock of powerful people. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"Perhaps, but what of you? Will they protect you as well?" There is a depth in Godric's words, a seriousness that lingers in the air as the brawny man peers at him.

"I'll be fine," Hades says with a confidence he doesn't quite feel.

Godric stands. "As you wish. But be aware – if you defy Hyde, you are on your own. I will not subject my people to his wrath."

Hades' eyes flash with irritation as he rises to meet the knight's gaze. "So you dishonor the code of the Knights Templar. Abandon the ties of brotherhood and leave me to fend for myself."

There is hot breath on his face as the knight glares angrily. "Do not question my fealty, Rhye. It is you that is abandoning us."

Hades doesn't back down. He's not about to give up his meal ticket. "So be it. At least now we know where we stand."

"I suppose we do. For now, you are still welcome to stay here under the hospitality of Mr. Hyde. But should what I fear come to pass, you will be asked to leave."

Hades flinches. He has a pretty cushy life here. Is he honestly willing to sacrifice it in order to have Henry write him back into existence? The Fates had said the path was unpleasant. Perhaps this is what they were referring to.

"Understood."

"Good evening to you then, Sir Zacharais." The words are cold, dismissive, as Godric strides from the room. Hades watches him go, and knows he just lost an ally he didn't realize he had.

"Good evening, Sir Godric."

ooooooooooooooooo

The hazy damp of the pre-dawn air muffles Hades' footfalls as his sneakers pound against the pavement. He's three miles into his run, and it's done nothing to improve his disposition.

He's had no time to do research of any kind, and the implications of Godric's warning haven't left his mind. Both are constant reminders of his mortal life and its limitations, and Hades is damned tired of being forced to accept all the things he cannot do. But there's an even bigger issue, and it's the one he's been mulling over for the past thirty minutes. Something just… doesn't feel right with him. His focus, that spark that drives him, is wavering.

It must be the influence of the heroes. Why they would get under his skin is a mystery, as they are not the shining examples of purity and perfection that they claim to be. He sees them clearly now. They are flawed. Snow is assuredly kind and caring, but she also has a nasty vindictive streak. She knows what she wants, and she will do whatever is necessary in order to get it. Her husband, while the living embodiment of a White Knight, is also reckless and judgmental. He has been trying for days to convince the others to let him and Emma hunt down Hyde. Take him down by 'whatever means necessary'. But Snow and Regina keep talking him out of it.

Hades has been privy to all of their conversations, both in the library and at Granny's – where he now dines with them after work. This new arrangement also requires him to endure the company of the pirate, who remains as annoying as ever. Zelena has not made a return appearance, and Hades wonders if she will attend the festival. That momentous occasion kicks off in five hours - a day filled with food, games, and vendors from every corner of the Land of No Magic. It will conclude with a huge potluck feast and dancing under the stars.

His head is still awhirl as he hits mile four, his back coated in sweat as he pants his way up the hill. Perhaps it is the festival itself. So many people. Hades is a loner. He's been a loner for centuries. Today he will have to be on high alert in order to maintain his cover. However, he will not be attending in his Knight Templar accoutrements. Godric has all but alienated him from the others. Even the loyal Caden is treating him differently.

Mile Five brings no relief, so Hades turns and heads back to the mansion. The hot shower helps, and when he's dressed smartly in dark grey pants and a pale blue dress shirt, he feels even better. He studies his sword, resting on the chest by the foot of the bed. Hades has been around long enough to know that events such as this bring out the worst in people. More than ever, he misses his power. He's vulnerable, and if he dies as a mortal, he isn't sure what will happen. The Fates hinted at it being the true end – he'd cease to exist. The concept is frightening. Hades slides the scabbard over his shoulder. The sword ruins the look. It's ridiculous. He totes it along anyway, and right before he exits his bedroom, he clips a leather sheath containing a small, thin knife onto his belt. Just in case.

Renault eyes Hades' armaments strangely, but he wordlessly chauffeurs him into town anyway. Hades thanks the quiet man, and with a heavy sigh he heads towards the library. He has a long day ahead of him.

Two hours later, he and Henry are sweating underneath the temporary shelter created in front of the library's double doors. Forms and paperwork are displayed before them on the folding table, each pile held down by a book, as the people walking by tend to stir up a breeze.

"This is boring," Henry whines. "No one wants to talk to us."

"Give it time, kid. It's early. Watch the people or something. Count red hats."

The teen pulls out his phone, taps it, pouts, and then puts it back in his pocket. He's done this all morning.

"Why do you keep doing that?"

"Doing what?"

"Looking at your phone."

Henry scowls. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Obviously. But if I have to watch you fiddle with that phone every thirty seconds for the next six hours, I'm going to run you through with my sword. So… what's eating you?"

"It's nothing." Henry's shoulders lift and droop as he sighs. It's a language universal to all males.

Hades chuckles softly. "Oh boy, kid. Who is she?"

The teen gapes at him. "What?"

Hades pats the boy on the shoulder. "We've all been there. So… is this that girl you went to New York with?" He tries to recall her name, but fails.

"Yes. Violet. She isn't talking to me any more."

"What'd you do?"

"I didn't do anything!"

"Well, what didn't you do?"

"She… I think she likes someone else."

Poor Henry. Young love is like that. Fickle and fleeting. "Are you sure?"

The teen pokes at the forms in front of him. "I don't know. I saw her with another boy the other day. I think he's from your world. Tall. Has sandy hair that falls into his eyes. Older – probably seventeen or eighteen. Looks like he's from California – a surfer type. Dresses in the same faded t-shirts I told you not to wear."

Holy crap – the kid just described Caden. "And Violet…?"

"She and her friends from Camelot have been hanging around with him and his friends a lot lately. The girls are showing them around town, explaining our world and stuff."

"Well, that doesn't mean anything. Have you asked this Violet to do anything with you lately? Like a date?"

"No."

"Well then what's she supposed to do? Wait around for you to ask her?"

The teen's words are snide. "I've been a little busy."

"So have I kid, but women are like that. If you don't pay attention to them, they find someone else who will." That's one thing Hades learned early on. If you want to woo a woman, make her your world. After you have her, well… that's a different story.

"I do text her, but sometimes it is a while before she replies."

"I recommend you try to dance with her tonight. See if she'll meet you somewhere. Bring her flowers when you meet her. Women love flowers. And I'll tell Caden to back off a bit."

"Caden? Who's Caden?"

"The boy bothering your Violet. He's my squire. Well, mine and Godric's." Okay, maybe just Godric's.

Henry's complexion darkens. "What?"

"Yeah, technically he's my roommate, too. I'm pretty sure he and the other squires are just… well, making the best of their situation."

"He's a knight?" Henry seems to have missed the rest of Hades' diatribe, and his eyes are frantic.

"Well, not yet. But he trains with Godric in order to become a knight. So yes, someday I suppose he will be."

"You have to teach me. I want to be your squire."

Hades shakes his head in disbelief. "Why in the world would you want to be a squire? You're the Author. You're family is made up of the most powerful people in this town. Being a squire is well… beneath you."

"No, I need to be a knight. Violet is from Camelot. Her world was nothing but knights. Her dad was a knight too."

"Henry," Hades says seriously, "you don't want to be a knight. Trust me. You are destined for far greater things."

The boy's eyes glisten and frustration echoes in every word. "Everyone tells me that but no one is showing me what to do! I can barely ride a horse. I can barely use a sword – the only one I can use is wooden and… I can't use it any more. I drove my grandfather's truck once and I took out a mailbox. How can I be destined from greatness if no one ever teaches me anything?" He rants on. "Can you ride a horse?"

"Well, yeah," Hades replies.

"Can you use a sword? Can you shoot an arrow? Can you drive a car?"

"Yes, okay kid I get your point. I can do all of those things."

Henry's eyes narrow. "Who taught you to drive?"

Dammit. "Renault did one day," Hades blurts. "He's teaching all of us. It isn't that hard. One pedal stops. The other makes the car go. The wheel in the middle determines which way you go. Piece of cake."

"I want you to teach me. I want you to teach me all of it."

Oh hell. There's that tone of his, the influential one. "Let me think about it." The teen looks hurt, and a new pang of emotion hits Hades' heart. There's no definition for it – but it resembles guilt. Hades sighs. "Look, what I can teach you today, right now, is that in order to get your girl's attention, you need to make her feel special. So, why don't you think about how you might do that once we're finished here, okay?"

"Okay." Henry pulls out his phone, checks it, and then stuffs it back into his pocket.

"Flowers, kid. They are suckers for flowers."

ooooooooooooooooooooo

Hades stomach rumbles as he is dismantling the folding structure that made up their booth. The day was a moderately productive one – many people did stop by. The boy was actually rather professional, explaining the concept of The Author and what he could and could not do for them. He even hauled out the original storybook for examples.

Of course, people were excited by it, as Henry preached hope better than the most avid televangelist. As the day wore on, the word spread. He and Henry wound up talking to those interested for much longer than he anticipated. Regina dropped by during the mid-afternoon with a small cooler filled with bottles of water and a couple sandwiches. It took the edge off, but according to Henry's phone, the potluck was in full swing right now and they both were missing it.

"Let's just tuck this stuff inside and clean it up tomorrow," Henry says with a sense of urgency. "I want to get to that potluck."

"Me too kid. I'm starving. One ham sandwich does not a meal make."

He and Henry haul the table and the partially dismantled tent through the double-doors. The teen is about to leave when Hades stops him.

"Hold up a second."

Henry turns, impatient. "What?"

"You wanted to learn from me? Here's lesson one – never woo a woman with dirt behind your ears. Come with me." He leads the teen back to the small lavatory, where they both freshen up.

"Feel better?" Hades asks when they return.

"Yeah, actually I do. Thanks."

"Always look your best, kid."

The thought reminds Hades of his sword, resting idly on the folding table. He eyes it warily. Does he really need to drag it along? Charming and Emma are already patrolling the entire event. Is the extra protection truly necessary?

Renault's raised brow from earlier flitters across Hades' memory, and he leaves the ornate scabbard on the table as he and Henry hurry out the door.

They arrive at the open glen of the town hall just as the sun begins to set. The heat of the day has faded, and there's a rich scent unique to mid-summer that saturates the air. Soft music is playing from a band of gypsies, a haunting, tortured aria that fits Hades' mood almost to a tee. It's rare one attends a party a mere fifty feet from where they died.

This can't be easy for Madame Mayor either, but the idea to use the glen was hers. Hades scans the scene, giving credit where credit is due. Regina has style. Round, frosted white bulbs are strung haphazardly from the trees, creating a soft, warm light as they delineate the space. Long, rectangular tables covered in white, each lit by six candles, congregate in the area nearest to the road. There are three other tables solely dedicated to food. Across from them at the other end of the glen is the wooden dance floor. It is lit from above by a crisscross of tiny clear white lights that shine like fireflies. To say it was romantic was an understatement.

Henry spots his mother Emma at a far table and treks towards her. Hades follows, and is surprised to learn that the heroes saved them each a space at their table. The Charmings, Hook, Emma, and Regina are aligned down one side, and opposite them is a set of six men. Recognition pings in the back of Hades' mind. These are probably the dwarves. But where is number seven?

Hades scans for Zelena, but does not see her. Perhaps she is with her daughter. She was at the festival today, he saw her pushing the baby's stroller along Main Street; visiting the various stalls that caught her fancy. But she didn't come close to the library, and after a while, she disappeared from sight entirely, swallowed by the crowd.

He dismisses his thoughts of her with a shake of his head and focuses on what's important. Food. He and Henry carry back plates heaped with potatoes, carrots, beef stew, chicken wings, ears of corn, and everything else that catches their fancy. Both dive into it like it's their last meal.

The Savior is amused. "You two sat all day," she teases. "How can you both be so hungry? David and I were out beating the streets and we didn't eat that much between the both of us."

Henry mumbles in reply, and Hades just grins and shrugs.

"Speaking of which," Charming mutters, "we better get back to it."

Emma pats her son's head. "Have a good time tonight, kid. Stay safe, okay? Don't wander off."

"Mmm… m'okay mum," the teen replies through a mouthful of potatoes.

Regina shares a pointed glance with Emma. Looks like Mama Mayor is on guard duty tonight.

"Well," Snow White chirps, "I for one am going to go and enjoy myself. Anyone care to join me on the dance floor?"

One of the dwarves stands up. "I will. It's about time we did something fun in this town." He's grouchy about it, but Snow takes it all in stride.

"Excellent. Lead the way, Leroy."

Ah, so that's the infamous Leroy that spied on him and Henry. Good to know.

The other dwarves peel away, as does Regina. She murmured in Hook's ear before she disappeared, so apparently the pirate is now on watch. When a young girl approaches their table, Hades' instincts prick up like ears on a dog. She's a cute little thing with long dark hair.

"Henry?" she calls softly.

"Violet!" The teen almost falls over as he turns to face her. Lesson two for Henry is restraint. Wooing is one thing. Making an idiot of yourself is another issue entirely.

"Hi… can we talk?"

Uh oh. Hades and Hook eyeball each other. Those are the top three words a man never wants to hear.

"Sure!" Poor Henry is clueless, and he follows Violet towards the front steps of the mayor's office.

"You going to follow them?" Hades asks.

"Aye, but I'll give the boy some privacy. Care to join me?"

"Why not?"

He and Hook find a suitable stake-out spot under a large oak. The pirate pulls out a flask from under his black leather jacket, and takes a long swig. He offers it without a word, and Hades chokes and sputters as the bitter rum burns his throat.

"Dear god, pirate, what the hell kind of swill is that?"

Killian laughs, loud and ribald. "That'll put hair on your chest, mate. Good stuff."

Hades coughs and swallows. "God-awful, if you ask me."

"Aye, well, perhaps I'm used to it." He then points towards Henry and Violet. "And perhaps we should offer some to the youngster as well. Their chat doesn't seem to be going so well."

The young girl is staring at the ground, fidgeting with the pleats of her blue and white dress. Henry's face is sullen, and a part of Hades pangs for the boy. Love is never easy, kid.

A voice from behind startles them both. "What's going on? Where's Henry?" Regina has returned, and she isn't alone. Zelena is standing a mere ten feet away, draped in a summery dress of pale jade. It is light and airy, and very unlike her. Her hair is down, flowing in wavy cascades over her shoulder. She is timeless, and in a way, innocent. Her daughter is nowhere to be seen. They make eye contact for a split second before she turns and studies the grass at her feet.

Hook points out Henry and Violet to Regina. "He's over there, getting his heart squished like a bug. We're waiting to help pick up the pieces."

The brunette studies her son. "Oh. It's her. Well, good. He's too young to be dating anyway." The mayor has also changed her attire. She is clad in a royal blue dress, still tailored but elegant rather than formal. It hugs her form nicely and makes her much less intimidating. She's standing idly next to the pirate, who turns his head and makes a point of studying her appearance. "Quite a new look for you, luv," he says with a crude wink.

"Wink at me again and you'll have an eye patch to match that hook, pirate."

"Now that," Hook says snidely, "is an interesting attitude for a woman trying to worm her way into another good man's heart."

"Who says I'm here to find a man? Maybe my sister and I just want to have a good time."

Hades' ears perk up.

"Izzat so?" Hook sneers. "A 'good time'?"

Regina's voice lowers to a harsh, whispered growl. "That is not what I meant and you know it. We both need to do ... something to move on. Oh, forget it. Be as judgmental as you want. I wouldn't expect anything less."

The pirate's face pales. "Oh. I didn't think..."

Regina interrupts, "No, you didn't."

There's an awkward silence between the two heroes, and Hades is doing his best to remain a fly on this very intriguing wall.

Humility ripples through Hook's words. "Apologies, luv. Don't let me stand in your way."

It seems Regina isn't much for sentimentality, as she hurriedly dismisses the topic. "So, you'll keep an eye on Henry for a while, right?" She leans forward and stares through Hades with beady parental eyes. "Both of you?"

"Certainly, Lady Regina."

"Good. C'mon Zelena. Let's get you something to eat and then we'll go have some fun."

Zelena's voice is as hesitant as it is soft. "Regina…"

"No," the mayor says firmly. "We agreed. We're doing this."

"Oh, all right."

The two wander off and Hades follows Zelena with his eyes. He watches as she picks at her food with a grimace. She clearly doesn't want to be here, and he wonders why Regina is making her do this. Moreso, he wonders why Zelena is tolerating it.

"They're a pair, those two," the pirate says to him. "Right powerful. Right bitchy too."

Hades steals a glance over at Henry. He's still talking with Violet, but the aura of the conversation seems to have improved. Good for him.

"You know they're sisters, right?"

Yes, you idiot. I know them better than you do. "Yeah," Hades replies neutrally. "Henry told me."

"Aye. Don't tell Regina, but her sister can wallop her ten times over. Zelena's one of the most powerful women I've ever seen, second maybe to my Emma."

"Really," Hades intones dryly.

"Well, mate, I thought you might want to know, given that you fancy her and all."

"I do not fancy her."

"Aye… right... Just keep in mind, women with power aren't so easy to tame. Takes a lot of time, commitment." The pirate's voice lowers. "They aren't easy to love."

For once, Hades agrees with the fool man. Zelena was definitely not an easy woman to love. He wonders if Emma rejected Hook as much as Zelena rejected him. Dear Gods – does he actually have something in common with the pirate?

"A very good man once told me that love was the one thing truly worth fighting for." Hook gestures towards Regina. "He died for that belief, by protecting her."

"Your point?"

"A powerful woman can bring out a powerful love in a man. One that makes you do bloody crazy things. Just... giving you fair warning. " Hook then elbows him gently in the ribs. "Oy, mate. Look. Fun's about to start." He tilts his chin towards the sisters and two men are standing nearby. One is the unnamed hero who visited the library on the first day it opened. The other is shorter, and an unknown. They appear to be asking for a dance.

"The one on the left is the resident … oh, the head-shrinker. Emma has a word for it."

"Psychologist?"

"Aye! Hopper is his name. Looks like he's going for your girl." Hades stifles a growl as the tall, happy man leads his woman onto the dance floor. Regina follows along with the shorter man.

"The other bloke is from your world. That's Dr. Jekyll. He's an odd sort, but harmless enough. It's that Hyde character you have to look out for. He's his other half. Don't ask how I know – it's something I'd right rather forget."

Hades is half-listening. That Hopper is chatting merrily with Zelena as he leads her in a makeshift waltz. She's smiling at him. Jealousy is a new emotion, but it burns bright in Hades' heart.

Hook lays a hand on his shoulder. "Relax. He's just being polite with her. Besides, she'd never go for a bloke like him. Both those women need strong men. Men like… uh oh."

"Uh oh… what?"

"Men like that one. Isn't that your Captain?" The pirate gestures with his hook at the fully robed knight approaching Zelena. It's Godric. Hades' brows narrow as his ex-brother-in-arms taps the quack hero on the shoulder to cut in. His ire intensifies when the quack relinquishes Zelena to him.

Hades starts towards the dance floor, but Hook stops him short. "Whoa, my friend. Charging out there like a bull in heat won't do you any favors."

"You're right," he mumbles. "I know that."

"Let's see how things go. It'll be… educational. Zelena's a witch."

Hades growls. "Don't insult her."

Hook holds up his arms in defense. "No, no… I don't mean it like that. She's an actual witch. That's who she was. Wicked Witch of the West from a land called Oz. Oh boy… your mate is asking for trouble."

Godric is inching his body closer and closer to Zelena, but she continues to back away. The music ends and Godric places his hand along the small of her back, guiding her off the dance floor. Hades blood boils when Zelena allows this, albeit somewhat stiffly. The brawny man's hand is drifting downward, and Hades' fingers are digging into his palms.

"Easy mate. If he's foolish enough to cop a feel, he's in for a world of hurt."

Sure enough, the knight's hand drifts down over Zelena's rear. There's a split second between the time he squeezes her ass, and the time she waves her hand and launches him six feet straight up into the air.

Hook crosses his arms. "Told you so."

Hades is biting back laughter. Godric is hovering a good four feet from the ground while Zelena is snarling up at him. He can't make out her words, but he knows that tone. That's my girl.

She continues to rant, and Regina rushes to her side, trying to placate her. Finally she drops the poor knight with a flick of her wrist, and he lands hard on his side.

Hook is delighting in this. "Ooh. That'll leave a mark."

Zelena snaps at Regina and then waves her hand, disappearing in a puff of green smoke.

"See? Not an ordinary woman. Not in the slightest. You sure you don't want an easier bit of fluff? There's a nice one, was a fairy once. Cute. Sweet. I could set you up, if you'd like."

Hades stiffens. "No thank you."

"Aye, well. Can't say I didn't warn you."

They both steal a glance over at Henry. He and Violet seem to have resolved their issues, and are walking towards the dance floor, hand in hand.

Hades smiles. Young love wins the evening. However, Regina notices the pair and is not as pleased. Her scowl runs deep when she approaches them.

"Well, this night is a disaster."

"What'd you expect … trying to domesticate the Wicked Witch is like trying to tame a tornado." The pirate chortles and nudges Hades. "Heh. That's a joke."

Regina's eyes darken. "She cannot stay cooped up in that farmhouse for the rest of her life, and you know it."

"Seems like she bloody well can, luv."

"She needs to get out. She can't raise that baby alone." Hades blinks. This is news.

Regina continues, "I did it, and it was one of the hardest things I did." She glances at Henry and Hades follows suit, noting the teen's happy smile as he leads Violet off the dance floor. They are headed towards the food table. "I'm lucky he didn't turn out any worse than he did. I made a lot of mistakes."

She's wrong. Henry is a good kid. "Lady Regina, you're mistaken. Henry is a fine boy. Smart, gifted."

"You're kind, Rhye, but he's also headstrong and rebellious. It takes a village to raise a child, and that's what I want for Robin's daughter."

There's actual compassion in Hook's words, and the sneer is gone from his tone. "She has you, Regina."

The dark head shakes a negative. "It's not enough. Zelena needs… more."

"You afraid she'll go evil… er, wicked again?"

The lack of a response is deafening. Moments pass before she murmurs, "I can't let Robyn turn evil." She looks up and there are tears in her eyes. "Evil isn't born, it's made."

She and the pirate share a look. Hades is now an awkward third wheel, and both recognize it quickly.

"Hey, sorry mate. Madame Mayor and I have a bit of a history with… shall we say… the darker side. But we're reformed now. Well, mostly."

"Yes, apologies Mr. Rhye. You see, the Captain and I have had, well, life-altering experiences that turned us onto the right path. He was brought back to life by Zeus, and I removed all the darkness from me via a potion, of sorts."

The world around Hades coats itself in a haze of red. "What did you just say?"

"Aye mate. Zeus, God of Olympus, he brought me back from the Underworld. I was dead as a doornail but I helped defeat the God of Death, and as thanks, well, here I am."

The calm, controlled demeanor Hades' spent a lifetime perfecting implodes into rage as reality sinks in. Regina is prattling on about Dr. Jekyll and a potion, but Hades doesn't hear her. He hears nothing but the pounding of his blood boiling in his ears.

His brother did this. How dare he meddle in Hades' realm? It must have amused him, like a cruel joke – restoring the last mortal Hades tortured and manipulated back to life. Zeus did it out of spite - just to show he could.

Hades can't control it. He's going to blow his cover if he stays with these two sappy mortals any longer. "Excuse me," he says, trying for polite but snarling just the same. "There's something I need to attend to."

He storms off, hearing the pirate murmur to Regina, "I think you upset him."

Hades is livid. Damn Zeus! Once he has his power back, he will find his errant brother and annihilate him. If he needs to make another Crystal, he will. Gods are eternal – and Hades has nothing but time. He'll spear him through his thick skull and spit in his face when his brother crumples to dust at his feet. Then he'll find the Fates, and he'll rip out Zeus' thread of life for good.

He stomps down street after street, his rage intensifying with every step. Enough of this piddling life with the heroes. He needs to get down to business and get Henry to write him back into his body. Hades finds his way to the library, and is tempted to kick down the door, when a light flickers from the back room.

This sets him off further. What is wrong with these mortals? Don't they have any respect for property? They need to be taught a lesson. Hades quietly unlocks the front door and slips inside. His scabbard glints in the dim light. With slaughter on his mind, Hades retrieves his sword from the folding table and creeps towards the back room.

A low voice is grumbling, either to itself or another is uncertain. Hades pauses, listening. The voice is demanding, and there's a second that replies. Defiant, yet full of fear.

Holy hell – that's Henry! Hades acts on instinct and flips on the lights, closing his eyes and facing the bright bulbs for three seconds before opening them – allowing them to adjust quickly. Before him stands the tall, dark visage of Mr. Hyde, squinting against the glare. He's holding Henry's book in one hand while the other is dangling the teen by the front collar of his shirt. The boy is a good three feet off the ground.

The very fine thread of Hades' sanity snaps. He has absolutely had enough of everyone disrupting his plans and taking what is rightfully his. He whips his sword around and stops the sharp point a hair's breadth away from the carotid artery on the pale man's neck.

"Put. Him. Down."

Hyde's head turns with precision slowness, his gaze traveling down the silver blade glinting in the fluorescent light. Dead eyes burn into Hades' own, setting every instinct ablaze with alarm. Hyde has no soul. Hades should know, he spent centuries collecting them. Lovely, tortured, battered things - the God of Death is the de facto expert on a mortal's soul.

Yet this Mr. Hyde is nothing but an empty husk. Hades repeats his threat, unwilling to back down despite the gnawing fear eating away at his gut. Dammit. Godric knew. He warned him. Hades should have listened.

The air grows thick with anticipation. Seconds pass like minutes as each man measures his opponent. When Hyde's brow narrows, Hades makes his move. He slices deep across the man's neck and leaps back, poised to strike again. Hyde howls and tosses Henry into the nearest bookcase, where the boy yelps and crumples to the floor.

"Henry! Run! Get your family!" Hades eyes flash in shock as Hyde removes his hand from the gaping wound. There is no blood. A low chuckle permeates the room. The black head tilts slowly from side to side as the cut shrinks and then disappears.

Shit. This is not going to end well.

"Little man," Hyde purrs, "I remember you. You are Godric's second. Why do you challenge me? You know I can crush you in an instant." A thick arm lashes out with lightning speed, but Hades dodges it and offers up a parrying slash in return. The man groans in pain, but again the gash heals.

"Seems not, my friend," Hades retorts. "You know, if you want your story written, we can certainly arrange an appointment for you." He backtracks towards the main lobby, optimistic that the demon man will follow him. "We're booked for the next two weeks, but I'm sure we'll find a way to squeeze you in."

"I do not need my story written. In fact, I would prefer it remain untold." The dark man is marching towards him with long, pointed strides and Hades is grateful that Belle kept the bookshelves spaced so far apart. She's going to be terribly upset when she sees what he did to them. Hades sprints behind the smaller bookcase to his left and with all his might, pushes it down onto Hyde. There. That should slow him down.

Hades doesn't know where the boy is, but he hollers to him just the same. "Henry! Get the hell out of here!"

Hyde rises from the pile of books like a behemoth from the depths of Hell itself. The storybook remains buried in the melee, temporarily forgotten. Meaty fingers fold together and knuckles crack. "You… are becoming annoying."

"I do have that effect on people," Hades quips, shifting his sword in his hand. "It's a gift."

"Sir Godric will be distressed when he hears I killed you. But I need that book, and that boy."

"I need him too. You may have him when I'm done, if you ask nicely. Why don't you try again on… let's say… the fifth of never? I do hope that works with your schedule." Hades dodges to the right and delivers a searing cut down the man's forearm.

Hyde sneers, the dark eyes flashing with rage. "You may be quick with words, little man, but you are no match for me."

"Over-confidence is the number one killer of villains. Did you know?" Hades has never wished for his power more. He even tries to call it forth, but of course, there is nothing. He feels the walls close in as Hyde traps him in the corner by the ornate elevator doors. The thick arms stretch outward.

"It appears you have run out of things to say, my friend."

"You're right. But I have plenty left to do." Hades twists to the side and drives his blade into the electronics on the elevator, specifically damaging the large capacitor. Electricity sparks with crackling intensity before the entire thing overloads and explodes, hurling them both towards the center of the room.

Hades stumbles to his knees, bruised and half-deaf from the blast. His sword is a good ten feet away, tarnished and warped. Glass is crunching beneath him as he takes survey of the damage. Oh, the poor library. A split second later there is a steel grip around his throat. Hyde stands and Hades feels nothing but air beneath his feet.

"That was an excellent try. Truly, you are a spirited one. But, I'm afraid it's time to die."

Hyde squeezes, dead eyes glittering with pleasure. Hades feels his windpipe clamp shut. He struggles and claws at his throat, but to no avail. There are flickering stars and grey rings clouding his vision as he gasps for air. His brain searches weakly for ideas, and in a flash, he remembers the knife. He fumbles at his side and pulls it free. Using every ounce of energy he can muster, he plunges the blade straight into the black depths of Hyde's left eye.

The man yowls and flings Hades like a rag doll to crash into the front wall and land in the shattered remains of the front window. He lies prone on the floor, too weak to move, every cell shrieking in pain. He recoils in horror as Hyde yanks the knife from his eye and throws it towards the circulation desk where it embeds itself right above the letter 'U'. There is black ichor oozing down the pale man's cheek.

"Take that, you damned bastard," Hades rasps as he struggles to breathe.

The remaining good eye burns red. Hyde is truly a demon. "You will pay for this. I am not going to kill you, I am going to rip your soul apart."

He reaches into his overcoat and retrieves something from the inside pocket. It's a wand. Hades heart clenches, terror coating him like rain. The monster can wield magic. Yellowed teeth bare in an inhuman grin as Hyde approaches.

"Good-bye, little man." The tip of the wand glows red and then the double front doors of the library fly open with a blinding white light. The power from the blast sends Hyde crashing into a large bookshelf, the blow knocking the wand free from his grasp. It bounces off the far wall and comes to rest atop the remains of the elevator door.

"Back off, asshole," Emma snarls, hands glowing.

It's all of them. All of the heroes, and… thank god, there's Henry. The boy runs to Hades' side, his face pale.

"Let's do this," Regina says to the Savior, and they both call up their power, igniting their hands in red and white respectively. David has a unique-looking gun pointed straight at Hyde's chest, and Snow has brought along her bow for the occasion. Hook is off to Emma's right, a silver sword lodged in his good hand.

Hyde stumbles to his feet. "This isn't over," he growls. He pulls a tiny white pill from his jacket pocket and slams it onto the floor. The ground shakes and a small, dark hole opens beside him. He leans into it and disappears into its depths. It closes with a faint 'pop' a few seconds later.

Snow White finds her voice first. "What the hell was that?"

"Portable transportation spell," Regina states, her hands dimming. "Very advanced magic."

This is all very nice, but Hades thinks it's about time for a nap. He peers up at Henry and tries to say something clever, but he's too weak to form any words.

"Moms! We need to help him."

Hades sees a lot of different shoes pattering quickly towards him before he falls into the welcome depths of unconsciousness.