Nate was pretty certain he'd never been more nervous in his life. When Eliot called him he'd just figured out where Jefferson had been hiding. He knew David Nolan was off looking for the man as well. He should have realized it earlier. The sheriff had beaten him to the punch, and he was too desperate to really look for them. Once again his tunnel vision had cost him quite dearly. Now he was finding out something else.

"What do you mean the doctor wants to take her off the drugs?" He screamed, "Eliot, tell him he's not allowed to do anything without my permission. I want to be there when she wakes up!"

"He doesn't think she'll wake up during this switch, Nate," the hitter replied, "He thinks the most that will happen is that her eyes might open briefly. The medicine isn't working, Nate. She's in a lot of pain right now."

"Listen!" The mastermind shouted. He was already starting the car and pulling into traffic. He almost crashed into a stupid yellow bug parked on the wrong side of the road. He just didn't care. They weren't going to do this to him. "These people haven't seen her in twelve years. They didn't care enough to check up on her and look for her. They didn't even bother to believe her. They don't know her. I do. I know Sophie Devereaux and I know for a fact that she is going to wake up this time. Now tell them not to do anything until I get there! I'm not going to let her think I abandoned her when she needed me most."

"Alright," Eliot sighed. He wounded unhappy. "I'll do what I can. Anything else?"

"Find Hardison and tell him to get his ass in there! He needs to man up and support our grifter. I don't care what problem he has. She needs him to be there and she's going to have it."

The hitter merely grunted a small reply. He sounded thoroughly amused too. The mastermind didn't really care or think about it too much. He was too focused on getting to the hospital on time. He knew Eliot. The younger man's loyalty was to Sophie first. He wouldn't dare allow her to suffer any pain that was unnecessary. He had five minutes at most before the doctors would go into action. He wasn't going to take any chances. He was going to be there.

He regretted skipping the hotel the moment he entered her room. His shirt was almost completely untucked and his hair was standing on end. One look his way and the grifter would know everything. He suddenly felt embarrassed by his own appearance. He hadn't had a chance to shower since early yesterday morning. He'd been running all over the place. He couldn't even remember the last time he had a meal that wasn't a cup of coffee or a snickers bar. Maybe he should have given the doctors permission to switch after all.

"No changes yet, Nate," Eliot growled.

The mastermind scowled at him. He could tell the doctors hadn't even gotten to her drip yet. Then he turned his gaze on her sleeping form and almost left right then and there.

Her hair lay lifeless against the pillow. Its beautiful luster was almost completely gone. Even her waves looked flat and dead. Her cheeks weren't pink. They were white. It was almost as though they just suddenly decided they were going to magically grow paler with every breath she took. Yet he knew from experience how warm those cheeks were. He'd been rubbing them every night since she landed in the hospital just three days ago.

Her hands still looked normal. They weren't bandaged anymore. Her wrists still were but not her hands. The doctors told him there wouldn't be any scarring too. Her olive skin only looked green around the edges. It didn't look like that white color Sophie kept telling him was ivory or that really light yellow he was told was cream. Her eyelids still looked purple. It kind of drove him crazy. He couldn't tell if she woke up just to put eyeshadow on or if somebody punched her in both eyes and she just didn't have the heart to tell him about it. Either way made him sick to his stomach. He was constantly fighting his fists just to keep calm.

His eyes probably looked just as bad. He hadn't slept for any more than a few hours at night. He couldn't allow himself any more than that. He was constantly afraid she would wake up and let him sleep. He needed to see her eyes. He needed to see the care and concern. He needed to get rid of that image of hate.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Mr. Ford?" Dr. Wales asked.

Nate just nodded his head in reply. It was established a while back that Sophie had listed him as her medical proxy. He hadn't even known he was listed. She didn't mention anything. She didn't even ask him. Hardison just explained to him that he was the proxy, told the doctors and disappeared. The mastermind hadn't even seen the hacker since then. He was too upset with him, too afraid he'd punch him.

The medicine filtered through rather quickly. He could tell simply by the way the grifter's nose scrunched up slightly. He could tell she was in pain. He knew her too well. Her breathing pattern hitched and changed to a slightly more erratic rhythm. Her fingers twitched slightly and her elbows wriggled in protest. The doctor stared at her in complete shock. Eliot did too. Nate didn't really know why. Sophie could take drugs better than junkies.

"I've never seen anyone filter drugs through that quickly," Wales said.

Nate shrugged and stepped forward. He didn't care about the conversation going on behind him. His hands were too busy trying to calm the grifter down. She was at the part where she knew she wasn't somewhere familiar. She was trying to get her senses straight just to see if she was safe. She needed him to tell her it was alright. It was working too. If she really remembered him that is.

"I'll go get the others," Eliot said.

The hitter's footsteps started pattering down the hall. The mastermind's ears were trained enough to know Parker's hurried feet would be there soon. The thief hadn't left the grifter's side for a moment. Of course she refused to leave the room but she was right outside it. She said it had something do with the chairs being more comfortable. He knew it was a lie but she needed them to believe her.

"Come on Soph," Nate cooed, "Open those beautiful eyes of yours. I need to know you're alright."

The grifter obeyed immediately. Her eyes started blinking rapidly. She kept trying to move her hands to rub against them. He helped by rubbing his thumb along her cheek. Then those brown eyes of hers found his. They looked a little hazy but he could see the smile in them. Even her lips tilted upwards slightly.

"Robin," she said.

Nate frowned at that. For a minute his entire world fell on its axis. Then the haziness fell away from her eyes and panic started to shine through. Her arm gripped onto his wrist and she tried to sit up. The only reason she didn't succeed was because he was right there with her, shaking his head and telling her to stop.

"Nate, why am I here?" She whispered.

He released the breath he'd been holding since this whole thing began. His hand wiped away some stray hairs from her face. Then he lightly kissed her on the cheek. He nuzzled into her neck a little and kissed her again just because he could.

"You needed to be here," he said, "Sophie, you almost died."

"What happened?" She asked. Her voice was still pitched low. Her eyes were glued to him, shooting towards the strangers in the room for safety purposes. She was afraid.

"We don't know," Nate said, "the doctor thinks you might have had a… a reaction."

"Was it something I ate?" She asked.

He chuckled and kissed her cheek again. He could tell she was starting to remember. He could see it in her eyes. They were connecting all the dots he didn't want to fill. She just didn't know enough to understand why he was so scared. He was afraid of this.

"Do you remember anything that happened?" He asked softly.

"I remember Mr. Gold visiting me to thank me for my help," she shrugged, "We had a fight."

"You and Mr. Gold had a fight?" He asked. He was going to kill that man. He'd asked him several times for any information. He knew there was something wrong with Sophie heading towards that man's store in her psychosis.

"No," she shook her head, "You and I. We fought over something… I think it was Regina again."

He almost sighed with relief. He could tell she was still mad at him. He couldn't even remember what it was he'd said to get her so riled up. He was just so glad she was awake. He couldn't care less about how aware she was of everything. Normal people didn't absorb pain relievers so quickly, but normal had never been a description fitting of Sophie Devereaux.

"It doesn't matter now," he said, "Do you remember anything else? Like when you cut yourself?"

Sophie stared at him blankly. He could tell she was trying to figure out what he was talking about. She was blinking just to take her mind off the pain. It had to be awful for her not to be distracted so easily. She was trying though. The dots were swirling around in her head.

"I ate an apple," she huffed.

He almost didn't hear it. It was nothing more than a puff of air that escaped from her lips but everything clicked into place. Her lips fell and her eyes dulled immediately. She was staring at him with those big brown eyes of hers, sadness etched into them completely. She looked on the verge of collapsing all over again.

"I didn't mean to scare you," she said.

She raised one of her delicate hands and started fixing his hair. It wasn't with the same effort though. Just like that smile, it was forced. She was trying to act normal. That was enough for him now. Later he would worry. But right now she was aware of her surroundings and acting more like herself. Well, she was trying to be.

He kissed her again.

"You're safe now," he whispered, "That's enough. You remember what happened?"

She nodded her head. Her eyes were telling him the truth though. She wouldn't tell him what happened. She wasn't even going to tell him why. He was okay with that too. Now wasn't the time.

"Good," he said, "now we can worry about getting you ready to get out of here."

"What's the play?" She asked. He could see the relief his words gave her. That shouldn't have been as worrying as it was.

"None," he said, "I want you healthy when I take you home. I don't care how long it takes and I definitely couldn't give a damn about your opinion on the matter."

"You're going to make me stay here then?" She huffed dramatically and that old sparkle was back momentarily. "You don't even like hospitals."

"I like them when you're in them," he lied.

She wanted to call him out on it too. She even had the retort right there on the tip of her tongue. But she wasn't going to use it and he knew it. She didn't have the energy or the proper focus. Plus they both knew how stubborn he was when it came to her health.

"You need to be here, Soph," he whispered into her ear.

Those words cemented whatever decision she'd made. Her dark eyes turned black with sadness and her stubborn chin just nodded slowly. She was going to stay if only because he asked. Now they just had to focus on the rest of the difficult recovery process.

"Hello Ms. Devereaux," Wales said, "If you don't mind I would like to fully examine you for a few minutes. It's kind of protocol and I'm afraid I have to ask your friends to leave."

This seemed to be the moment the grifter became aware of the others in the room. Her dark eyes fell on the three thieves hiding in the back. Parker waved. Hardison tried to smile. Eliot just nodded his head and acted as though nothing happened. A smile was tugging away at her lips the way everybody looked so concerned for her. Then David Nolan entered the room.

There was something in her eyes. It was a spark of anger and grief all rolled into one. The man's presence did something to the grifter. Her semi-smile fell away and hopelessness took its place. It was as if her whole world was skewered within seconds of the man's entrance. It took Nate's breath away how quickly and easily it seemed for her to mask such hatred and depression. But he couldn't forget that glint in her eyes.

For just a moment, they'd flashed red.

"Do whatever you have to doctor," she replied. There was nothing in her voice to betray that anger. Even her face was devoid of all bitterness. She was a perfect angel newly arrived again. "I'm in your more than capable hands."

Nate knew he should stay. It was an instinct that seemed rooted deep in his bones. He'd never felt such an impulse before. He'd never felt such fear either. But Sophie just gave him a look and he was ushering the others out. Even David Nolan was forced to leave by the busy doctor. Yet the warning signs were singing. His gut was twitching in panic and he felt the need to find some way out before it was too late.

Sophie looked as though her world was over.

%%%%%

Regina knew something was wrong. She could sense it in the air. The clouds could sense it too. They were turning the same dark purple they had when the curse was lifted. Yet rain still poured from them, drenching all of Storybrooke in their tears. Even the pavement was cracking.

She let herself into Gold's pawnshop as she had several times before. She didn't care if the older man was upset with her. He had his Belle. He had everything he could ever possibly want. She didn't have anything to bargain with. Why would he help?

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Just as she realized just what was going on, it was already too late. Gold was standing in his usual place, ominous and foreboding against the backdrop of broken glass and dusty trinkets. His eyes were narrowed towards her. She could practically feel the sting of his power. But business was business and maybe he would see what kind of benefit this would offer.

"Don't bother," he said, "I don't want to hear whatever this new plan is. I don't want anything to do with you."

She couldn't help feeling taken aback by his words. Usually he listened to her before he dismissed her. This was new. And the way he looked at her. Surely ensnaring his beloved for a few decades didn't warrant such hate. It was the way they were. He shouldn't have been this cold.

"Have you seen the weather lately?" She demanded.

He shrugged, "It's just a little rain. Nothing for you to concern yourself with."

"And the pavement on the streets," she asked, "the sidewalk? I've even noticed cracks in some of the oldest buildings in town."

"This town wasn't exactly built, was it?" Rumpelstilskin asked, "I wouldn't be surprised if twenty-eight years of remaining in the real world has made an impact on our buildings. The magic in their making wasn't meant to sustain after the curse broke."

"I suppose that would be why the clouds are purple too." She was getting desperate. There was a clawing fear developing in her stomach. She had to make him see it her way. She needed him for this battle. "You and I both know that isn't so."

"You haven't lived in this world fully, your majesty." He turned away from her then, as if she was nothing but dirt on his shoe. "Perhaps that is what happens when it rains."

"Marian's awake!" The panicked words couldn't help but fly. She was going mad with the news. Everything she witnessed suggested it. She could feel the old magic humming in her bones. She knew it was a sign of her sister's return.

Gold turned then. There was no sympathy. He was even colder than before. His eyes were blazing, practically as gold as they had been in their world. The power in the room shifted towards him automatically. His fingers sparked with the magic within.

"Why would that be so bad?" He asked, "After all, she has always been your greatest opponent when it came to the protection of Snow White."

"You know what kind of power she holds," she sighed, "She's a loose cannon. There's no way we can know whose loyalty she belongs to anymore."

"Are you frightened, your majesty?" Gold stepped towards her intimidatingly. He was using his build and his power to its full potential. It almost made her miss the pathetic man he used to be.

"You and I both know what kind of damage she could do," she whispered. She was breathless. She hadn't even realized he'd pushed her into a corner. If he wanted to, he could kill her and nobody would even know it. She couldn't even properly defend herself either.

Gold smiled and backed away. His eyes were sparkling with laughter and merriment. It was nice to know the possible end of the world placed so highly on his list of priorities. He was practically giggling with joy.

"You're in trouble now, dearie," he said, "You must really be regretting your actions now."

Regina lost the breath she just regained. He knew. How could he possibly know? Nobody knew. The land was cursed before word could even spread around. Even Robin didn't know the whole story. Of course he didn't know who he was so he technically didn't count.

"You've finally took that one step too far, dearie," he cried, "You should have stopped while you were ahead. Those consequences aren't as promising as you once thought, ay?"

Regina glared at him.

"I did nothing wrong," she lied.

Rumpelstilskin laughed. It wasn't his usual laughter either. This wasn't in enjoyment of other people's misery. No, this was just cruel. His eyes were glowing gold and he was laughing just to cause her pain. He knew. There was no way he couldn't.

"Right and they call me The Dark One because The Light Bringer was already taken," he said. "You've made your bed, dearie. It's time to lie in it."

"You know what kind of danger Marian poses," Regina scowled, "You know what she could do to you. I may have done the deed but you're the one who taught me the power to do it!"

"Don't you dare put this one on me," he growled, "I'd never stoop as low as you. I'm cruel but I'm not that evil."

"You're the one who pushed me to bring us here purely for your own agenda!" She hissed, "The only reason we're in this world is for your son! You wanted somebody to do the spell for you because you didn't have the guts! You brought us here!"

"Yes but I never…" he made a noise of annoyance and shook his head, "You did this to your sister all by yourself, dearie. I had nothing to do with this. I warned you, didn't I? I told you to think before you dared to mess with her. You had your revenge. You lost fair and square. You had to take it too personally! I told you to leave her alone!"

"You taught me to take out every obstacle."

"And you sure as hell failed at that, dearie!" He yelled, "I taught you to pick your battles wisely. Deal with the consequences! Get out of my shop now."

"You're the only one who can help me," she cried.

"No," he shook his head, "There is no reason on Earth I would help you. Not after what you did to her."

The man walked away from her with no problems at all. He just took his cane and slowly hobbled through the door. He swished back the curtain, gave her one final look and smiled. He was laughing again as he left her at the counter. But she still had one card to play.

"Even if I needed you to help me find her daughter?" Regina asked.

The man used his powers to come back. He appeared before her with angry eyes of outrage. There was intrigue as well and a question. She smiled. All would be revealed in due order.

"Why would I help you with that?" He asked.

Her smile deepened considerably. It was nice, having him in such a compromised position. It was time for her to relish the moment.

"Forgive me if I am wrong," she sighed, "but you and my sister have an arrangement, yes?"

He made no reply. He merely glared daggers her way. That was answer enough for her.

"This arrangement was done to insure the safety of her children should she be unable to, correct?"

"In exchange she would help me find my son," Gold nodded, "The only thing I couldn't protect them from was Death itself. I made certain they would have a failsafe though. As long as one of them thought of home, they wouldn't transport themselves there immediately-"

"Where they would be under her protective charms," Regina nodded, "but at the time their home was no more. You know what that means, don't you?"

"Yes, I do," he said, "but why would I help you?"

"Because helping me helps you," she said, "If I can find her daughter, I can find your son. If I help you find her son that upholds her end of the deal…"

"Thus making you as close to even as possible," Gold laughed, "You honestly think that would be enough of a bargaining chip. You're the reason her daughter turned up missing to begin with."

"It's a start," she agreed, "One that has no guarantees. But I've also got the added bonus of her husband's memory to think about. I can make him remember it, I'm sure."

"Undoing your own mess is only going to go so far." Gold was in her personal space again. His eyes were gold once again. There was venom in his voice and urgency in his tone. "What is in this for me?"

She tried to answer him but he raised his hand and shook his finger. "Don't use my son," he said.

She sighed and used her mind to think of a reply. Her eyes automatically focused on the woman in the distance. Gold's eyes fell on her too. Anger once again flashed across his features. His fingers were once again sparkling with magic. She looked at him and smiled. Sometimes weaknesses were just too fun.

"I'll make certain you and your true love will never be apart again," she promised. Then she smiled and sweetened the deal with something she knew he would never pass up. "And I'll even keep Marian's fire away from you. You knew my mother. You've always been quite impressed with just how much my sister reminded you of her. What do you think she'd do if she learned just how much you participated in my plans?"

This time Belle moved forward and looked towards her true love in horror. She didn't know much about Regina's sister. She only knew what Regina was truly capable of. If Rumpelstilskin and his protégé were frightened of somebody everybody else in town loved, then she knew what kind of trouble was coming their way. Regina almost felt sorry for her. She was just an innocent bystander. But she wasn't too innocent, she chose to be with The Dark One. She was just another casualty of war. It was time for her to man up and accept that.

"Rumpel," she sighed, "Is this true? Did you help her do all of this?"

Gold looked sad. It was such an odd thing to see. He even frowned and looked towards his onetime prisoner in horror.

"Yes," he said, "I did it for my son at first. Then I did it because I lost you. But I will spend the rest of my life trying to make up for that."

"Prove it," Regina said, "Tell me where her daughter went?"

Rumpelstilskin laughed, heartlessly once again. Then he said, "She disappeared the same way Ms. Swan did."

Regina felt her whole world turn on its axis. Everything was clicking into place. Her worst fears were about to be realized. Her hopes were dashed.

"Her daughter came into this world all on her own," he said, "And she definitely didn't land in Storybrooke."