Regina cursed silently. It wasn't fair. Her magic could have found the answer to this problem in seconds flat. Why was she forced to use… this?
The computer wasn't very helpful. It kept stalling out every time she typed in her niece's name. It was almost as though somebody went through the trouble of erasing her completely. That didn't make any sense. Why would anybody want to get rid of a baby?
Says the woman who cursed an entire world for her own personal gain.
Regina stopped typing at that. She hadn't heard that little voice in her head in a while. She had forgotten her conscious' existence. It must have returned during one of her visits with Archie. That actually made sense. Jiminy Cricket was this world's appropriate version of a conscious. Maybe she was changing after all.
Finding the niece you ripped from her mother's arms after twenty-nine years isn't exactly changing. It's just fixing your own mistake.
She wasn't exactly a fan of this new inner voice. It made her feel bad for how she treated her sister. She didn't exactly need that. She already knew how badly she screwed that relationship up. That train wreck happened long before Snow even got her fairytale. Mother was always pinning them against each other. Regina secretly thought she was trying to see which would end up triumphant.
Marian had the potential. Mother constantly said the girl knew how to be cruel. But her little sister never truly seemed interested in causing pain. Sure she excelled at it. Their mother used Regina as target practice often. It was a wonder how there were two children born of that woman. She wasn't very interested in being a mother. Even when she praised Marian it was after a cruel whipping.
That was the difference between them. Regina was never whipped. Mother wouldn't allow that of a future queen. Her ambition refused to allow such measures to be taken. So instead, when Marian was old enough to take it, every mistake she made was taken out on her little sister. The younger daughter learned quickly how to control her crying. She didn't know how to control her powers though. They just came out of nowhere one day, when Mother was highly upset with Regina and using her magic against her. That should have been the first sign.
Marian set the entire stable on fire in her anger. She kept shouting at Mother, begging her to free her big sister. When that didn't work, her fingers set aflame. She wasn't scared like normal children would be. No, she grinned and started touching things. She kept touching things until Mother agreed to release her big sister. Then Regina grabbed the girl and forced her to run. They waited three days before they dared to find their way back home. Mother forced Marian into training immediately after. The whippings stopped because Marian had a purpose.
The computer sizzled and fizzled. It was shooting flames and bolts of lightning. Regina tried to fix it by pressing a button. The computer caught fire in response. She shouldn't have allowed herself to get lost in the memories. That was when her powers became most unpredictable. Now she was going to have to explain this to Archie during their next session. She hoped he wouldn't be upset with her over this.
It's not like you did it on purpose. You were just thinking about the moments in your life before you screwed Marian over.
Okay, it was official. She hated the voice inside her head. Having a conscious was a burden she didn't want to bear. She just wanted it to go away and leave her alone. She wanted to go back to being the good child. She wanted to be that same little girl who absolutely hated how happy her sister was when she set that stable aflame. She wanted to be the woman who taught Marian the importance of being a true and just witch instead of a sorceress like their mother.
"Oh well," she muttered, "Since I'm in the rabbit hole anyway."
She used her powers to stop the fire from spreading. She used her magic to make a blanket appear out of thin air. She draped that blanket over the flames and watched in amazement as the flames disappeared. Modern science in this world was almost as good as real magic. It was one of the reasons she enjoyed this world so much. Then Emma Swan had to come and take everything away from her.
That was your fault too. If you hadn't cursed the Enchanted Forest you would still be where you belong and everybody else would be as well.
Regina shrugged at that. Her inner voice had a point. This was her fault. But if she hadn't done such terrible things, Henry would have never been in her life. Sure she messed that one up too, but she still had a chance. Snow, David and Emma were all willing to let her prove she deserved to be in Henry's life. All she had to do was obey his one rule. No magic. That just so happened to be more difficult than she wanted it to be.
"Maybe if I use it for good," she thought aloud.
She decided to try it first instead of thinking through. She waved her hand on the globe nearby. She still had Marian's baby blanket. She even took the liberty of taking her niece's favorite rattle. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Maybe it would all pay off.
She waved her hand and forced the globe to turn. She hoped this worked. Her niece's life was going to be turned upside down by this. She was going to discover that she was actually wanted by her parents. She was even going to discover that it was her aunt who separated them in the first place. Then she was going to have to explain magic and how it made them forget her. She even insured they would never find each other by unleashing her sister and brother-in-law out into the world at different times.
"Maybe this isn't such a good idea," she said.
Too late. You found something.
She turned around and couldn't help but gasp. She found something indeed. The marking was a giant red dot. Well, it was Robin's symbol. The Golden Red Eagle was soaring above the globe grandly. There was no doubt that it was about to land. Its wings were fully extended. Its talons tucked in and it was making circles as it tried to land. Its choice to land wasn't exactly as surprising as she wanted it to be.
The red words were glowing bright. The eagle even posted its nest there. It was cuddling with a tiny baby eagle. The two were cooing and licking each other. The big eagle even started to clean the baby on their new home. Then they disappeared and allowed the words to form English.
The girl was in Storybrooke, Maine.
%%%%%%%%%%%%
Archie was staring at his collection of books when he heard a soft knock on his door. He immediately dropped everything he was doing and went to answer it. Nathan Ford was standing outside, waiting for permission to return.
"Rrrr… Nathan, come in," Archie replied. He opened the door wider for the man and grimaced at his almost slip up.
"Sophie said you wanted to see me," Nate chimed.
He was looking very nervous and taking in all of the room at once. It was such a familiar habit that the former cricket almost squealed in bliss. He composed himself quickly though and motioned to the nearest cushion.
"Have a seat," he said.
Nate obliged and immediately looked uneasy. He performed another quick sweep of the place and his anxious expression began to grow. His eyes finally landed on the liquor cabinet and he licked his lips in interest.
"Ah," Archie said nodding, "She told me you were an alcoholic."
Nate's face immediately switched to one of surprise. He licked his lips again and nervously began tapping his foot.
"She-uh, she talked about me?" He asked.
"It's why you're here actually," Archie agreed.
He poured the mastermind a quick drink of scotch and then himself one. He handed over the canter and noticed the bizarre look coming from his guest.
"Did she tell you I have a soft spot for scotch too?" Nate asked trying his hardest to smile and sell the question as a joke instead of an accusation.
"No," Archie shook his head, "I only have scotch, Mr. Ford. I'm a psychiatrist not a mind reader."
"Good because my girlfriend's a mind reader and that would just be weird."
This time Nathan's joke actually landed the way he wanted it to. He took a swig of his glass in celebration of his achievement. Then he took a few more to gain some courage. Then he finished it off and proceeded to obtain some more.
"About Sophie," Archie started softly. He figured starting slow would help ease the transition of what was to come next. "I'm going to have to ask you a few questions…"
"I'm sorry if she refuses to speak with you about anything," Nathan apologized right on cue, "I know she can be difficult but she's not used to opening up to people. She's still trying to figure out how to trust. She just needs to warm up to you that's all."
"Actually, about that," Archie said, "She seems to suggest… well, I don't usually do this but…"
"Doc, I'm the only person on this planet who will punch you if you betray her trust," Nate replied with coldness starting to set into his tone, "But even I know that the most dangerous thing you can do to her is keep what's ailing her a secret. I need to know what's going on so I can help her. I'm sorry if you don't agree because you are more than qualified, but I think I'm better suited for the job."
"I agree completely," Archie smiled towards the man.
Nathan frowned at his answer. Clearly he wasn't expecting that. He poured himself a heavy amount of liquor and escorted the bottle to the chair with him. He sat himself down and looked the counselor straight in the eyes.
"She's already told me that you're gifted with getting what you want so I decided to be frank with you," Archie explained, "You see, Ma… Sophie seems to suggest that…"
"Sophie suggests that?" Nate helped him along kindly.
"Well, that you are the one preventing her from getting better," Archie finished softly. Then he winced because he knew what was coming next.
"She told you that?" Nate asked. The look of dismay on his face was not the one the shrink was expecting.
"Well, she hinted actually," Archie stammered. He wasn't expecting such surprise.
"Hinted that I'm the problem?" Nate demanded bitterly. He looked furious now. It was like his whole world was about to fall apart.
"She told me about Sam," Archie stated, "In fact that was the only thing I could get out of her that would actually help. She said you were thoroughly crushed after his death?"
"Crushed," Nate stared at the shrink in betrayal, "I know Sophie. She told you I was destroyed. Why would that be the reason you can't help her?"
"Apparently you are still mourning your son," Archie replied, "And because of something horrific that happened in her past she's afraid that will be the one thing to destroy you."
"She had a kid?" Nate stared at the shrink in confusion.
"I didn't say that," Archie arched an eyebrow towards the man.
"She helped me recover from Sam's death," Nate growled, "I can help her with whatever it is that is destroying her!"
"I'm afraid that it isn't that simple," Archie replied.
"What do you mean?" Nate asked, "Why can't it be that simple? What could be so bad that she can't tell me about it?"
"It affects you too," Archie explained, "There's something in your entwined past with Sophie that she is too scared to talk about. She can't move on out of that fear. She's thinking about your feelings and putting them ahead of her own recovery."
"What could be so terrible that she…?" Nate's face grew white with fear, "She's not involved in Sam's death is she? No, she couldn't be. NO, that's too horrible. No, she couldn't…"
"It's not that," Archie smiled at the mastermind, "But Sam is the factor."
"It's a miscarriage," Nate realized sharply, "She had a miscarriage. That was what caused the giant freak-out in Granny's. She was pregnant and worried too much about how to tell me. That's what happened. Dammit, she could have told me that. She doesn't have to suffer through that alone. She shouldn't. She taught me that!"
"It's not quite that either," Archie replied, "It's similar in context but not quite the same thing."
"Then what the hell is it?" Nate growled, "Why am I here?"
"You're here to talk about your son," Archie explained, "How are you dealing with his loss now? She said it's been seven years."
"We're not here to talk about me we're here to talk about her," Nate replied.
He was glaring at the psychiatrist now. His deep blue eyes were boring warnings of death into the other man's head. His face was stony and his hands were shaking fists of anger. He was at the end of his patience.
"That may be true on your end, Mr. Ford," Archie replied, "But Sophie won't talk until you do. And that means I won't be able to help her until I help you."
That seemed to be the tipping point. Nathan Ford threw the bottle of scotch across the room. He then picked up the psychiatrist by the collar and glared. He just stood there, glaring. He seemed incapable of actually swinging his fists against him. There was something akin to fear shining in his eyes. It must have been the same look Archie was giving him because he was scared.
"I know you're angry," Archie swallowed thickly. "I know it's hard to watch someone you love suffer. Watching two people fall apart is probably worse. I can only imagine what torture this must be for you now, but I'm here to help you. I can't help you if you don't talk."
"You're supposed to be helping Sophie," Nate rasped.
Archie nodded in agreement. "But I can't do that because she thinks you can't handle her secret," he said, "I'm trying to make it possible for her to share. You're right, Mr. Ford. She can't keep whatever it is bottled up inside. If she does, it will tear her into pieces. Please, let me help you. If I can help you, I can help her."
The mastermind considered his words for a few minutes. They were precious minutes too. The collar around his neck was starting to grow tighter. Archie was certain he would run out of air before Nate finally agreed to discussing what was on his mind. This was the major difference between him and Robin. Robin was an open book. The only time he was ever guarded was when he was discussing his brother's betrayal. Marian had worked wonders with him over the years. He actually started mentioning John's name again before the curse descended.
"Alright," Nate released him as he spoke, "If you're sure this will help Sophie, I'm willing to do anything."
Archie smiled in appreciation. He felt honored really. Nate was a thief. Revealing a weakness of any kind was impossible. It spoke volumes about how much he cared for Sophie Devereaux. He was willing to put himself on the line for her. Another trait that belonged to Robin Hood. At this rate the lines between the two would be blurred completely.
"Alright," Archie said, "Let's start with the easy questions, shall we? Where did you grow up?"
"Boston," Nate replied, "Let's cut to the chase. My father was a con, an alcoholic bastard who went to prison before my son was even born. He missed out on birthdays, graduations and other monumental occasions. Hate the bastard and I'm kind of pissed that I'm just like him. But I obviously cared for him enough to try committing murder for him when an ass from the past killed him."
Archie stared at the man in shock. He wasn't expecting such a verbal overload. He didn't even have enough room on his paper to begin untangling this mess. It didn't really matter anyway. The mastermind was already rolling over his mother's death and heading straight through his failed marriage.
"Met Sophie fifteen years ago," Nate drawled, "She was gorgeous and smart, two things I find highly attractive despite myself. She ran. I chased. Eventually the lines between us blurred together until we became friends. When my son died, she was the one I told the truth too not my wife. I didn't cheat. That's a point both of them hammer down my throat all the time but I told Sophie something I couldn't tell Maggie and that is why my marriage fell apart."
Archie had an answer for that. It didn't really matter though.
"So I became a thief and fell in love with Sophie," Nate said, "We were actually pretty happy until Storybrooke found its way on our map. Now I'm watching her tear herself apart and I finally understand why Maggie wanted a divorce. She was hoping that would snap me out of my stupor. Here's the important part though, I'm not leaving her!"
"I think that's a good idea," Archie replied.
Nate stared at him as if he had three heads. He could understand the gesture. After all of the fussing and bombardment of words, it didn't make sense to agree with him. But it was the truth. Leaving Sophie would only increase the stress on her mind. She would feel guilty for allowing her secrets to get between them, even if it was for their own good. Besides, Nate did know how she felt. He was the only one truly equipped for her healing. Perfect opposites, they had no choice but to meet each other half-way every time. Even this world was no exception.
"I'll admit, I don't know what secret she is hiding," Archie sighed, "but I know she's worrying about you too much. I need you to remind her that she's important too. That's going to bring her back enough to maybe start opening up."
"You want me to con her?" Nate asked, "I've tried that. We got into an argument last night because of it. At the end she freaked out because a vase broke in the same room. She kept saying sorry and that she would control it."
"She broke a vase?" Archie didn't like the sounds of that.
"No," Nate rolled his eyes, "The vase just fell off the desk. I must have moved it while I was getting a drink. She acted as if it was her fault though. She worked herself up to the point where I was afraid she would turn blue. I had to put a sleeping pill into her water again."
"You're drugging her?"
Archie knew he sounded as though her was judging. He wasn't. He was just afraid. If Marian knew there was magic in Storybrooke that would cause problems. All of the control she had gained could be lost. Drugging her would only increase the lack of control. She would eventually go mad with the magic running through her veins. They needed the truth to come out, sooner rather than later. Nobody knew what secrets she really had. The burden of those secrets could burn the whole town down.
"I'm just trying to make her sleep," Nate cried. The guilt from the action was enough to show his desperation. "If I don't drug her she won't. I had to fight her the night before just to keep her in bed. I can't just watch her hurt herself again. I won't let that happen!"
"Ahh," Archie nodded, "You feel guilty because you weren't there. You think you could have prevented it if you were there."
"Is that really such a leap?" Nate asked, "The only reason she even bothers seeing you is because I make her. She probably wouldn't even eat if I didn't have Parker and Hardison watching her. Eliot bullies her into everything. She's trying, for us, but it's not working. We need something that will work!"
"I'd give you a prescription but that would just make her loopy," Archie shrugged, "I can't give her anything because she won't talk and when she does it's about you."
"So what do you want me to do?" Nate cried, "I'm desperate. Please, anything you can give me I'll take. I'm willing to pay for it too. On or off the table."
Archie stared at the man in shock. He wasn't expecting this turn of events. He was expecting a man desperate, yes. The man's fear alone was obvious from the way the grifter talked about him. This was unprecedented. He was willing to violate all of his rules for her. Unfortunately, he might have to.
"I want you to prove she's not alone," Archie ordered softly, "She needs to know you're able to take the burden. You have to prove it to her. Let her tell you in her own time, but be careful. Stop drugging her. She'll be able to sleep if you talk to her. Try… try telling her stories about your past. I have a feeling that's exactly what she needs. Remind her of what you've become as well as what you used to be. She might just come back to you after all."
"And after that?" Nate asked, "What if it doesn't work? You want me to commit her and send her away to some place nobody will take care of her?"
"No," Archie shook his head, "It will work. You're doing it right. You're proving you care. You just have to keep it up. In a month, have her visit me. We'll decide then what to do if it's not working."
"You're trying to get her to tell me what happened," Nate gasped. "Why?"
"AS I told you before, Mr. Ford, you're somehow related. Thank you for coming and feel free to drop by any time."
The mastermind shook his hand and left in a daze. The psychiatrist couldn't blame him. In normal circumstances he wouldn't introduce the idea of the family taking over for another three months. But time was not on their side anymore. Marian just went from worrying townsmember to a ticking time bomb. Archie raced towards his phone and dialed the only number he knew he could trust.
"Hello David," he said, "We've got a problem. Marian knows about the magic. What are we going to do?"
