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

Hades leans back against the circulation desk, his fingernails digging into the soft wood under the green marble counter. He is frozen in the icy numbness of disbelief, and he is not alone. All around him the heroes are mute, stunned by their new reality. Hades' mind is reeling; he can't believe it actually happened. He's known for weeks that the Evil Queen might return. He's suspected for days that she was in the library the night the storybook was stolen. But deep down, he never took the threat seriously. He genuinely believed that between himself and the ever-victorious heroes, they would keep the boy safe. He was wrong. He was careless and stupid, and now Henry is gone.

The shrill voice of Granny slices through the still air. "So? What's the plan?"

"Will you give us a moment?" Zelena snaps. She is standing behind her sister, who is slouched in Henry's black leather executive chair, her chin tucked into her chest. Regina's elegantly manicured hand is shielding her eyes, her fingers pressing hard against her temples. She hasn't moved a muscle for the past five minutes.

The Savior is the opposite, but faring no better. Emma is pacing the length of the front window, a caged animal about to go mad. Hades suspects she is trying, as he is, to rein in her emotions and think rationally. Also, like Hades, she isn't succeeding. The new grey blinds slap and clang violently against each other as she swipes at them with a growl.

The pirate addresses the graying woman with an air of quiet authority, despite his squinting eye and obvious pain. "We could use your help. Someone needs to tell David and Snow what happened. They can start organizing a search party." He removes the steak from his eye. "And… perhaps dispose of this. Thank you for it. It did help."

The older woman nods and grabs the meat from his hand. "No problem. I'm on it. I'll get the dwarves, too. They can start clearing away the damage in the diner so we can use it as a command center." She's out the door three seconds later, but to Hades, still trapped in the haze of denial, it seems like hours.

"Emma," Hook murmurs, reaching for her, "come here."

She turns her head and Hades can see the fear spiking in those green eyes. The pirate sees it too and steps towards her. "We'll find him. The Evil Queen won't hurt him."

"How do you know that?" Regina says without lifting her head, her voice raspy and choked. "I don't know what she'll do to him."

"Regina," Hook replies with surprising seriousness, "I'm certain of it. Think back on all you've done for him. What you sacrificed for him. You raised him for ten years as the Evil Queen. Every villain has a weakness. Yours was… and hers is… Henry."

Hades glances over at Zelena, and her light eyes meet his. Their mutual agreement with the pirate's assumption is unspoken, but understood just the same. It's a valid point, and it deflates some of the intensity. But not all of it.

Hook now has the pacing Savior wrapped in his arms, despite her reluctance. "You know its true, Emma. We'll find him, too. You know she won't win."

"That doesn't make it any less scary," she whispers, finally folding into him.

He winces but kisses the top of the blonde's head. "I know, luv. I know."

Hades studies the pirate, intrigued. He never pictured Hook as much of a leader, or a diplomat, but in the span of a few minutes he calmed both Regina and Emma, and rid them of the nagging Granny. It's impressive, and suddenly Hades sees him in a completely different light.

Killian Jones is a realist. He's grounded and pragmatic, particularly in times of crisis. He may not be the smartest tool in the shed, and he certainly isn't a White Knight like Charming or Godric, but in a way, he's more effective than both. He's always been manipulative and cunning, with that annoyingly smarmy charm that Hades would love to rip right off his scruffy face. Yet it's clear now those influential skills run quite a bit deeper. There isn't much Hook misses when it comes to people. He identified Hades' chemistry with Zelena in five seconds flat. He saw right through Regina's bravado and knew she was afraid to admit she made a mistake in drinking that potion. He sees through the Savior's endless rejections and hostility and knows they're all defensive smoke and mirrors. Killian sees people and situations for what they are, not what he wants them to be, and he uses that information to his advantage. In a way, he's not all that dissimilar from Hades.

The realization spawns another new thought. Hades has done his fair share of influencing during his lifetime. Perhaps he should leverage those talents against his dear friend Godric. If there's one person that knows where Hyde is, it's the leader of the Knights Templar.

Bemused, Hades walks around the circulation desk and retrieves his sword, attaching the scabbard to his belt. Newfound respect for the pirate notwithstanding, he has a best friend to save.

"I'm going to go find Henry," he states.

"Easy mate, we can't go running off half-cocked. Let's give David a few more minutes and we'll come up with a plan."

"We don't even know where to start," Regina sighs. "Haven't you been looking for Hyde for weeks, Emma?"

The blonde disengages herself from her boyfriend. "We have. I don't know what to do either. I don't know where they'll strike next."

Hades sees Zelena's posture tense, uncertainty brewing in her eyes. "I need to leave as well," she says quietly. She glances down at her sister, her calm expression masking her fears. "I'd feel loads better if I checked in on Robyn. I'm sure she's fine but…"

Regina finally removes the veil of her hand from her pale face. "Robyn. Oh my god, Zelena. I didn't even think…"

"I'm sure she's fine," Zelena repeats casually, her tone etched with an indifference Hades knows isn't real. "Let me go check and then I'll be back, okay?" She lifts her eyes to Hades and drops the façade. He acknowledges it with a warped grimace. The Evil Queen isn't lacking for reasons to decide Robyn is hers as well. Zelena forces a smile and steps away from the chair. "I promise - I'll be right back." She mouths silently to Hades, "Stay with her? Please?"

He shifts his gaze to Regina's broken, pained eyes. "Good luck," he says softly as he nods in consent.

With a wave, Zelena disappears into her emerald cloud of smoke. Hades starts to approach Regina, but she stands abruptly and drills her amber eyes into his. "I do not need a babysitter."

"That's not what she was implying," Hades retorts.

"You know," she says, tilting her head, "I came in here to talk with you. So let's talk. Follow me." She strides over to the door, pausing to examine the brass bell on the floor in the corner. "Damn old wolf is too strong for her own good," she mutters. She turns her head to the Savior. "I'll meet you in the diner in ten minutes."

Emma's eyes dart to Hades with concern. "Regina…"

The brunette sighs with frustration. "Relax, Miss Swan. He'll be fine. I'm not going to kill him."

"I didn't say you were."

Regina scowls as she opens the door. "No, but you thought it. I'm the good half, remember? Let's go, Mister Rhye."

Hades tightens his grip on his sword and follows her onto the streets of Storybrooke, nodding briefly at Hook and Emma in farewell. Hopefully it's not his last good-bye. She leads him towards the diner, and he repeats silently in his head that she's a hero now and won't torch him into oblivion. Right before they reach the lattice patio, she takes a left turn down an alleyway, eventually stopping in front of an old detached garage. The chipped yellow paint is peeling off the clapboard siding and the dirt driveway is overgrown with weeds. With a wave of her hand, she raises the bulky wooden door. Amidst the rusted tools and old gasoline cans is a large 'something' covered by a stained oilskin tarp.

"You were right," she tells him quietly, staring into the darkened space. "I didn't want to admit it, and now they have my son."

"If I had known she was going to attack today, I would have told you myself weeks ago." He growls softly. "I never would have let him out of my sight."

"I try not to dwell on past mistakes." She turns and faces him, emotion flooding her gaze. "But I'm not very good at it."

"Me either." Regina, you have no idea.

"Earlier you said you were leaving to find him. Where do you plan on looking?"

"Honestly, I wasn't going to look. I was going to go do some persuasive influencing."

One brow rises in question. "Oh? To whom?"

"Godric. The leader of the Knights Templar, aka Hyde's brute squad."

She grins as her eyes flash in understanding. "I like that idea." She glances down at the sword on his hip. "You plan to use that as leverage, I assume?"

He pats it gently. "I'm hoping it will loosen his tongue a bit." Or slice it off. But he won't tell her that. She's still a hero, despite the hints of maliciousness in her eyes.

"I'm going to trust you," she states. "And I don't do that often. But I see how you are with Henry. You've gotten through to him in a way that I never could, nor will. He's happier now and I'm… grateful for that."

Hades' insides feel like Jell-O. "Thank you."

"That applies to my son, and only my son. I believe you have his best interests at heart. Which is why we're going to do a little carjacking today. Well, sort of." She sweeps her hand and the tarp wafts to the side, revealing a jet-black modified Harley-Davidson FatBoy, complete with twin exhausts and custom fenders.

Hades' eyes sparkle with automotive envy. That's a nice bike.

"This belongs to a man with a rather complex history, who is very good at digging into secrets that prefer to remain hidden. I sent him on a little quest after our adventures in New York, and he hasn't returned yet. But that's to be expected – he's probably overseas." She gives Hades a once over. "He's useful, despite being a self-righteous pain in the ass. You remind me a bit of him."

Hades says nothing and she chuckles to herself. "Exactly. Anyway, I wouldn't expect you to know how to ride one of these so…."

"I do," he tells her before she can magic it into something much less useful, like a horse. Or a Ford.

"You can ride a motorcycle?"

"I can." He lets the statement hover in the air, testing how far her curiosity will go.

Her eyes narrow. "Well, if that's the case…" She walks over and flips up one of the saddlebags. Reaching inside, she pulls out a visored half helmet and hands it to him.

"Do what you can to find my son. And don't get yourself killed."

He slides the helmet onto his head and tightens the straps. He's always hated these damned things but he's not about to risk his life over one. Mortal flesh and asphalt don't mix.

She stares down at his loafers. "August always wore boots. And a leather jacket."

"They're just for extra protection," he tells her. "Like the helmet."

"Oh! Well then." She waves her hand and Hades is instantly clothed in a heavy black leather jacket with a gleaming silver zipper. He can feel extra thickness along his back and shoulders, indicating armor. His hands are covered in buttery black racing gloves, and his comfortable khakis are now dense, slightly stiff denim. He lifts one foot, and the minimal weight of the solid black boot surprises him.

"That's pretty close to what he wore," she says. "I'll admit I don't have a clue when it comes to this type of thing, but when you ask properly, usually the magic finds a way."

It does indeed. "This is perfect, Lady Regina," he says, returning to his knightly cover. "Thank you." He disconnects his scabbard and fastens it to one of the saddlebags, strapping the sword down tight. He circles the Harley and checks the fuel switch before tossing one leg over and mounting the bike. Both hands grasp the black grips, the clutch within easy reach of his fingers and the brake a tad further. His left foot tests the shifter, finding it in first gear. This August guy knew his stuff. He lifts his toe to lock it into neutral before walking it carefully out of the garage.

Brown eyes are studying him, rather intently. "You've done this before."

"Yes, milady," he says with a grin. Of course he has. Particularly during the 1960's, when mortals were splattering themselves across the pavement left and right. A particular group of Hell's Angels that died during a bar fight were delightfully fun to torment. He would chase them through the streets of Underbrooke on twin versions of their Harleys, the loud, rattling mufflers drowning out their screams. If they didn't run fast enough, he'd hit them. His smile widens. Ah... the good ol' days.

Once he's out into the alleyway he maneuvers the bike towards Main Street. He's about to turn the key when Regina places her hand on his arm.

"Wait. You'll need this." She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a dated cell phone. She flips it open and taps on it for a few seconds. "Do you know how to use one of these?" she asks, turning the display towards him.

"I've watched Henry fiddle with his for months now. I think I can figure it out."

She taps it again. "It's set to reply to Emma. If you learn where they are, text her and we'll meet you there. If you get into trouble, call her and we'll find you. At least I think we can find you. She said she made sure all our phones could be traced now." She frowns slightly before handing it over.

Hades takes it and zips it into the side pocket of his jacket. "I'll contact you if I learn anything, Lady Regina."

"Don't try to take on the Evil Queen and Hyde alone. She really is as bad as they say."

Hades agrees wholeheartedly. He had a great deal of respect for the Queen during her heyday. He knows she'd drop him like a stone without batting an eyelash. Taking her on without the heroes and their magic at his side is out of the question. They'll need all the power they can get.

The light bulb clicks inside his head. "We'll need Zelena for this. She can use the wand against the Queen."

Regina ponders that before replying, "That's not a bad idea. When she's back I'll ask her to go get it."

A new and rather exciting thought crosses his mind. "I can swing by the farmhouse and tell her, if she's there."

Regina sees right through him. "Nice try, loverboy, but you have better things to do than dazzle my sister with leather and chrome. In fact, I'd appreciate it if you'd not let her see you like that."

Oh? "Why not?"

"Zelena's got a thing for…" She stops herself, but it's too late. That cat's officially out of the bag.

Hades winks slyly. "Appreciate the tip."

She shakes her head, undoubtedly chastising herself. "You've proven yourself with Henry. My sister is another issue entirely."

"I have nothing but good intentions towards your sister, Regina."

"That's fine, but I see the way she looks at you. She doesn't quite grasp the concept of… casual relationships. I just ask that you respect that – because not doing so will hurt her." Her eyes darken. "I won't see her hurt."

Hades is tempted to call Regina on her hypocrisy, but he knows the argument doesn't hold. She's sincere. Things have changed since that day in her office, for both of them. Regardless, he's absolutely driving by the farmhouse, right after he beats the location of Hyde's lair out of Godric's fat ass.

"You have my word, Lady Regina," he says before starting the FatBoy's engine with a dull roar. It rumbles powerfully beneath him. Oh yeah.

"I'll hold you to it," she hollers over the din. "Now go find my son."

ooooooooooooooooooo

The Harley churns beneath him as he winds his way up the narrow road to the mansion, the ring of the exhaust announcing his arrival long before he breaks through the trees. He rolls it slowly up the driveway and parks it alongside the Dark One's Cadillac before killing the engine. Easing the bike onto its kickstand, he dismounts, stuffing the keys into his jeans pocket. It doesn't take long for him to ditch the helmet and refasten the scabbard to his belt. Feeling particularly badass, Hades climbs the steps and knocks boldly on the front door.

The resounding echo is hollow, which is somewhat confusing. It almost sounds like the mansion is empty. Hades peers through the side window, and sure enough, the overstuffed couches and reclining chairs that used to decorate the main hall are gone. He tries the front door, but it is locked.

Well, someone's got to be around somewhere. Rumple's car is here. Hades wanders and tests the side door. Locked. He opens the half gate and checks the sprawling back yard. Empty. Even the training equipment that used to sit tucked off to the side under the eaves is gone.

This isn't good. Where'd they go? Odds are slim they're with Hyde. It'd be incredibly difficult to house five rowdy knights and their plethora of squires and servants without attracting some attention. He's sure that Charming and the other heroes are out scouring the Storybrooke by now. They've probably enlisted the help of every other secondary hero they can find as well.

Frustrated, he returns to the front of the mansion. To his surprise, a dressed-down Godric is sitting on the top step of the front porch, arms resting across his thighs, evidently waiting for him.

"Hello, brother," he says casually, as if Hades showing up on a Harley in leathers was a normal, everyday occurrence. "What brings you by today?"

"What the hell happened here, Godric? Where is everyone?"

"They left."

Thank you, Captain Obvious. "I see that. Where'd they go?"

"Off to live their lives, find their destinies."

"And you're still here because…?"

"Because I need to be."

"Why? Are you Storybrooke's resident house-sitter?"

"Perhaps."

Hades has had enough of the vague-speak. "I'd love to stay and chat, but… I'm kind of in a hurry." He unsheathes his sword and whirls it right under Sir Godric's nose. Surprisingly, the man doesn't even flinch, and Hades' senses prickle in alarm. Regardless, he makes his demands known. "I need you to tell me where Hyde and his new partner in crime are hiding."

Blazingly blue eyes meet his before peering down at the glittering blade. "That's a nice sword. Your new friends give you that?"

"They did, yes. I recommend you treat it with respect. It's coated in basilisk blood."

The brawny man leans backwards, and Hades grins. That's more like it. He rotates the hilt slowly in his hand, and Godric shies away, shifting his weight across the porch floor.

"Now," Hades purrs, "about Hyde's whereabouts. Care to share?"

"Your swordsmanship's improved. I'm impressed. That's a longsword. Not the easiest weapon to twirl around like a baton."

Hades twists his wrist and does exactly that before slamming the blade down between Godric's knees, embedding the point deep into the wooden board a few inches from the brown scuffed loafers. Fear flashes across the bulky man's face as he scrambles backwards. Hades croons, "Do I have your attention now? Can we be done with the circular conversations, or would you like me to bring my parade routine closer, say near the carotid artery in your neck?"

Godric sighs as he hefts himself to his feet. "I can't help you."

"Can't," Hades growls, yanking the sword free from the top step, "or won't?"

"You really have become rather intense. All this dramatic nonsense. What happened to the good old days – drinking, traveling, pinching a few bottoms? We had some pretty fun times, me and you."

"Yeah…well, times change." Hades' brows narrow. "And so have you. This passive, indifferent attitude doesn't suit you. The Evil Queen give you the wrong potion or something?"

The thought sparks in Hades' mind the minute the words leave his lips. What if the Queen took his heart? Gods, how could he even check? It's not like he can reach into Godric's chest and fish around. However, that would explain his weird behavior, and why the other knights disbanded, or whatever they did. A shudder runs through him as he realizes they all might be dead. Yikes.

The knight shakes his shaggy head slowly. "No, no magic. Hyde did mention her though, before we parted ways."

"You parted ways with Hyde? Did he kick you all out?"

Godric's bulk quivers as he laughs a little too loudly. "No, my friend, he didn't kick us out. For as powerful as he is, I think we still outnumbered him. He respected us and I did my best to show him respect in return. Our alliance was always an uneasy one; I knew it would dissipate some day."

Hades instincts are redlining in the back of his mind. He's missing something – he knows it. It's right in front of his face, but he just can't see it. He tries another tactic. "Look Godric, I am sorry to drive out here and bother you, but this is a life-or-death situation. The Evil Queen broke into the local diner about an hour ago and kidnapped the boy Henry. The Author."

"That's not surprising. I warned you about that. Hyde has wanted him for a while."

"You did, and I should have heeded your warnings." Hades sighs, "Do you have any idea where she might have taken him?"

"You admit when you're wrong now too? That's new."

"Yes, I can admit when I'm wrong. Hooray for me. Can we celebrate later? Right now I need to find the boy. He's in danger. I need your help, Godric."

"Wow, those friends of yours really did a number on you. Maybe it's you that's under their spell? I hear the women are pretty powerful magic-wise. Particularly that redhead."

Hades' temper soars to new heights. "Dammit Godric, I'm not under any spell. They could kill him. Can you live with that – knowing that a boy's life was on the line and you did nothing to save him? What about honor? What about chivalry and the code of the Knights Templar?"

"That's all a load of horse shit and you know it."

"So you're fine with letting a young boy suffer in the hands of those demons, knowing that you could have helped - but deliberately chose not to?"

Some of Godric's old fire returns to his voice. "I didn't say that."

"Well then, dear friend," Hades sneers, "what exactly is it that you want from me?"

"I want you to answer my question."

"Oh? And what question was that?"

Godric lifts his head, a smug expression smeared across his face. "I don't repeat myself."

Hades clenches his teeth and rewinds his short-term memory. What the hell did Godric say first? Nothing fancy… something along the lines of why Hades was visiting.

"Godric, I came here today to see if you know where Hyde is staying. I need this information because I believe he and the Evil Queen are working together, and as I mentioned earlier, about an hour and seven minutes ago, she kidnapped my friend Henry."

"Better," Godric nods. "Getting warmer."

Ugh. This is lunacy. Maybe this is the Evil Queen playing with him through Godric.

He chooses his next words carefully, as if speaking to the Queen herself. "I need to find where they are and confront them. I need to ensure that Henry isn't in any danger and question why they feel they can't work with the current authorities in the town to establish a compromise."

"Nope, ice cold now. Way too diplomatic. We both know you'd run them through if you could."

Hades scowls. "No point in trying, since they're damned near impossible to kill."

"Nothing's impossible, my friend."

"That's a lovely motivational statement, but sell it to someone who wants to buy a bridge. Or a poster. Have I answered your question yet? Can we move on now? I just need to know where they're staying. Or where they work. Or where they buy groceries. Do their laundry. Pick a chore. Any chore." Goddammit Godric, throw me a freaking bone!

"Why do you need to know?"

"I told you. They have Henry."

"So?"

"Um… he's in danger? We need to find him before something terrible happens? Like they kill him?"

"Isn't he the Author? Wouldn't he just write himself out of danger?"

"Not without the pen, he can't."

"And where's the pen?"

"Locked up in…" Hades blinks and immediately shoves Godric against the front door, pinning his shoulder to the frame with the palm of one hand. He raises his sword with the other, hovering the point deathly close to the man's thick neck. "Nice try, Queenie. No pen for you."

Godric sighs heavily. "Such theatrics. I told you, I'm not under any spell. I'm just pointing out to you that there isn't much Hyde or this Evil Queen can do with the boy if he doesn't have his pen."

"They stole the storybook," Hades tells him. "We're not sure why."

"Most people use books for reading, you know. You can also use them as a doorstop. Or a coaster." Godric peers up at the roof over the porch, a wistful expression on his face. "There is a whole set of nice thin books in the mansion, about ten or so of them. They're in a bookcase in the main hall. They'd make lovely coasters."

Hades lowers his sword and releases the knight. It's official. Godric is insane. He's absolutely lost his marbles.

"I'm done with this," he says coldly. "Have fun knowing that you let an innocent boy suffer in the hands of two soulless monsters. Try falling asleep with that on your conscience tonight."

"You have no idea what haunts my conscience each night," the brawny man murmurs.

"I don't want to know," Hades replies, "because whatever it is, it's driven you right off the deep end."

"I'd say the same about you," Godric taunts. "That's quite the heroic act you've got going."

"Says the man whose sanity has flown over the cuckoo's nest," Hades growls as he walks towards the motorcycle. "For the record, it's not an act. This is who I am, and I'm not about to take another ride on the ambiguity merry-go-round just to debate it with you."

Hades straps his sword to the bike quickly, and plops the helmet on his head. Now he's back to square one. He swings his left leg over the padded leather seat, careful not to graze the still hot exhaust pipes. The only thing he can do now is reconvene with the heroes and try to find the other knights, assuming they're not dead. Sir Trefast might help – he wasn't that bad a guy.

Hades reaches into his pocket for the key when Godric hollers, "They're in the one place you're not looking. That's all I can tell you."

What the hell is that supposed to mean? He's certain the heroes have looked under every rock and in every crevice of Storybrooke.

"Not helpful," Hades mutters as he keys the Harley back to life. He flips the gearshift up into neutral and walks the bike backwards, careful to swing the rear tire away from the Dark One's sedan. He casts one last glance towards the porch, where Godric is standing in the center, arms crossed and head held high. Hades shakes his head in bewilderment and the straps flap against his neck. He quickly fastens them before peeling out of the driveway, refusing to look back at the broken, brawny knight that is either under the Evil Queen's spell, or suffering the aftereffects of a massive psychotic breakdown.

ooooooooooooooooooo

Hades tightens his grip on the black leather of the handlebars as he flies down the road to Zelena's farmhouse. His mind is continuously rehashing the bizarre conversation with Godric. Either Hyde or the Queen did something to him – something decidedly unpleasant. There's no other logical explanation. Maybe Godric disagreed with them and the fight turned ugly. But if that's the case – why is he still alive?

The black and white building comes into view as the motorcycle passes beyond the tall copse of trees. Hades cautiously drives along the dirt driveway, careful not to spin out the back tire. He parks quickly and stuffs the helmet back into the saddlebag. Using one of the circular rearview mirrors, he does a quick check of his thick, unruly hair. His haircut from a couple of weeks ago is still holding, despite the helmet. The leather jacket really does suit him; it draws out the contrast in his eyes. Not bad for a scruffy-looking mortal.

Optimistic that his new look will knock the socks right off Zelena, he steps confidently up the stairs. He raises his arm, but his fist stops six inches from the dark wooden door. It is open, slightly ajar.

That's odd. Maybe it didn't latch when she closed it. Pushing it gently, he calls out to her. "Zelena?"

The house remains silent, and a ripple of uneasiness lifts the hairs on the back of his neck. He steps inside and says her name again, but the lack of a response sends a rivulet of fear trickling through his veins. Relax, he tells himself. You're overreacting. He's just jumpy from all that's happened. Zelena is too, and that's probably why her door was open. She's either back at the diner with the heroes, or with Robyn at that convent. Rational thoughts need to prevail here. There's no reason why the Evil Queen or Hyde would have any interest in her.

Hades releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "It's nothing," he mumbles to himself. "She's fine." Besides, this is Zelena. She's a far cry from a weak and helpless damsel in distress. He clomps his new boots along her floor, heading for the table in her living room. He'll pick up the wand for her and that'll be that. They can regroup and all go kick Hyde and the Evil Queen's asses from here to kingdom come.

The main room is the same as he remembered, except Zelena has clearly been busy with her spell work. The table in the far corner is overrun with papers, vials and bowls of herbs. Hades sorts through the mess, intrigued by the mention of squid ink on one rumpled notecard. It seems the majority of her work relates to a rather unusual topic – astronomy. There's documentation on the rotation of the sun, the solar system, and Einstein's theory of relativity. Hades blinks at the higher-level Calculus equations spattered across the pages. Dear Gods, what in hell is she working on? He digs deeper and finds books on Greek mythology, specifically related to Mount Olympus and his brother Zeus.

Hades lips curl, white-hot jealousy searing his gut. What does she want with Zeus? He shoves the books to the side, knocking a bowl of herbs to the floor. He's tempted to rip up everything with his brother's gloating image on it, but practicality reminds him to focus on the task at hand. He returns to his quest, ruffling through the clutter for the wand, but comes up empty. He checks the left corner of the table, where it was before, but although the vials and disassembled clocks remain, there is no wand.

Had Zelena already picked it up? He remembers Regina's phone and grabs it out of his pocket. Why not use it and ask? A quick press on the center button brings it to life, displaying a smaller version of the messages Hades always sees on Henry's screen. He stares down at it, wandering haphazardly towards the kitchen while he reads. The last text from Emma has him chuckling quietly. 'Protection spell u taught me was a dud.'

He glances up from the phone to avoid bumping into the chest of drawers, and his heart skips a beat before slamming into overdrive. Zelena's old, battered refrigerator is wide open, the door blocking the entryway. With terror in his throat he presses against it slowly and steps into the kitchen.

The small room is empty save for a pink diaper bag with grey accents resting on the floor. The top flap is flipped open, revealing a compartment Zelena was obviously filling with fresh formula and baby food from the refrigerator. He can see the bottles and a few tiny jars tucked inside. A thick divider separates that section from a much larger one that is stuffed to the gills with diapers and folded baby clothes. Two canisters of organic formula are tucked into another pocket on the side.

Regina's phone is sweaty in his palm. He presses the green icon, hoping it will call Emma. He will not panic. Maybe Zelena forgot the bag. He holds the flip phone up to his ear, and seconds later the tinny ring confirms he did it right. His patience wears thin as the rings continue. Restless, he paces through the house, checking room after room. Each is undisturbed and empty. He hangs up and dials back, his blood pressure rising with each passing second. Goddammit, Emma! Answer your phone!

Finally he hears a click and the Savior's voice. "Hello? Rhye, is that you?"

"Yes, it's me," he barks, "Is…"

"Did you find Henry?" she blurts, interrupting him. "Wait, is something wrong?"

The fear coating her words douses his ire, forming a cold, hard lump in this throat. Breathe. He has to breathe. "I didn't find Henry. Is Zelena there?"

"No. Regina talked with her earlier. Is everything okay?"

"Put Regina on the phone."

"Oh, okay." He can hear rustling and then Emma's voice from a distance. "He wants to talk to you."

"Hello?"

"Please tell me you know where Zelena is."

Hades' heart plummets when Regina replies, "No, I was just about to head over to the convent to see what's keeping her. We spoke earlier – Robyn is fine. Zelena said she was going to pop back to the farmhouse to get the wand and enough food and diapers and things for a few days. She was going to drop them off and then meet us back here."

His words are leaden, dead. He doesn't even know how he finds the strength to say them, but he does. "I'm in her kitchen. Robyn's bag is here. But Zelena isn't."

Regina's digitized voice is mired in shock. "What?"

Five seconds later, dark scarlet smoke swirls three feet to his right. Regina's eyes travel from the pastel bag to the open refrigerator, and finally meet Hades' own. "No," she says weakly, dropping to her knees. She reaches for the grey and white strap, fingertips barely touching it. "No… I can't lose them both." Regina peers up at him, tears of anguish brimming against dark lashes. "I can't."

Hades doesn't reply. Somehow, seeing Regina has made it all real, and he can't accept that. He will not accept that Zelena is gone, not when Henry was taken from him just hours ago.

Emma's voice is pitchy and shrill through the phone still dangling from Hades' hand. "Rhye? Regina? For chrissakes, what the hell is going on?" He peers down at it but doesn't respond. A few moments later, with the Savior still screeching, he flips the phone shut.

It can't be true. But each breath he takes drives the reality deeper as it tears his soul apart. His overwrought mind is replaying a symphony of scenarios from the Evil Queen's slaughtering past. The thought of losing Zelena to that kind of cruelty ignites a cold fire deep within the hollow of his heart. It's been a while since he's felt the villainous burn of retaliation, and he embraces it like an old friend. The Queen will pay. Hyde will pay. If they have harmed one small hair on Zelena's head, he will destroy them. He revels in the hatred rising within him, stoking the chilling flames to murderous heights.

Regina's strained voice breaks the silence. "What did your knight friend say?"

Hades takes a deep breath, tempering his rage, sharpening it for use later. "He was cryptic – talking in circles. I think the Queen or Hyde did something to him. He was also alone - I don't know what happened to everyone else. The last thing he said was that they're in the one place we haven't looked."

Regina's eyes widen in surprise.

"What?" Hades barks. "You can't tell me there's an inch of this town that Emma and Charming haven't turned over."

"There is," she murmurs quietly. "I don't know how they got in there, but I guess they figured it out. I should have checked, but I never thought she'd…" She is suddenly serious, driven. "We have work to do."

Hades can't hide the vindictive purr from his words. "You know where they are."

Regina's voice echoes his. "Yes, I do."