Chapter 20

So this got longer than I expected but I figured y'all wouldn't mind. If Rumple and Belle seem out of character, sorry, not sure how to write them if they had gotten together so early. As always, thank you for your fabulous reviews. You take my breath away!

Regina's teeth went on edge when she heard Rumple's giggle. She officially regretted returning his dagger to him.

He was in the great hall. Belle was beside him looking nervous. But they stood together, closer than ever but neither were happy with Regina coming to see them. When Belle recognized Robin, her face lit up. "Robin!"

She ran over, immediately hugging him. Regina was glad Robin couldn't remember their last visit, since Belle hadn't been here. "Hello, Milady."

"Seeing the pair of you entering my castle. I'm getting a sense of déjà vu," he said coldly, still eyeing Belle in Robin's arms.

Belle stepped away. "It's good to see you." She clearly meant Robin. Her eyes fell on Regina and not sure of their relationship, tried probably for the sake of politeness. "And you too, Your Majesty."

"We're not here on a social call," Regina said flatly.

Rumple approached them. "I wouldn't think so. And we aren't taking visitors socially, so please leave."

"No!" Robin said quickly. Rumple whirled on him but Robin wasn't to be deterred. "Look, I'm sorry but my son is missing. And her Majesty thinks you can help."

"She thought wrong," Rumple said quickly. "I have no interest in helping her or you for that matter."

Anger boiled in Regina. She hadn't expected him to sit them down for afternoon tea, but he could show a little gratitude. "You bastard! I give you back your dagger and you can't even take the time to hear us out?"

Belle looked back and forth between Rumple and Regina. She understood his resentment, but she didn't like hearing about a child in danger. "Your son? Is this the child of the woman you saved with Rumple's wand?"

Robin blinked in surprise. "Yes, Milady. How did you know?"

"We followed you," Belle explained. "He thought you were up to no good when you stole that wand but I knew you had a good reason. Turns out I was right." She turned towards Rumple with a triumphant look on her face.

"Yes, yes, well, he technically owes me twice now for not killing him that time, along with the last visit he and Regina paid me before. Tell me, thief, do you remember that?"

Robin's eyes fell on Regina, it wasn't a pleasant look. "No."

Sensing the tension, Rumple seemed pleased. "What's this? You realize the queen removed your memories? Violating isn't it?"

Regina almost reminded Rumple it was his very own memory potion he gave her to give to Robin, but knew that wouldn't matter to Robin. "Not as violating as it will be if you don't help us."

Rumple snorted at that. "Please, dearie. You gave up your one shot at controlling me. It's not my fault you let sentiment control your judgment."

"Sentiment?" Regina repeated. "Is that what you have with Belle? Sentiment?"

Belle obviously looked displeased at Rumple's choice of words but she wasn't moving quickly to help Regina either. "Rumple is working through some of his internal struggles. But after what you did to me, I'm not sure I want to help you either."

"What did you do?" Robin asked.

"Nothing that bad! I just imprisoned her for a little while. She was treated fine." She knew how ridiculous she sounded but she couldn't quite bring herself to apologize.

Rumple happy to see that in this even Belle wasn't anxious to interfere, he gestured towards the door. "So let my payment be not throwing you out on your asses, don't let me hear you say I'm not grateful. But if you don't leave in ten seconds-"

Robin shook his head. "Wait! Please, it's my son. My only son. I can't lose him. And the people who have him-"

"Are not my concern, thief," Rumple said.

It was getting to Belle however. "Rumple, he's just a boy. Maybe we ought to hear what-"

"Wrong!" Rumple said. "It's not my fault that someone has taken his boy and he's found himself all tangled up in with her." Rumple pointed at his former student. "It's also not my fault he's a thief who has already stolen from me and lived to tell about it."

Sensing that maybe it wasn't too late, Regina approached Belle. "Belle, I'm sorry about what I did to you. It wasn't anything against you, it was my way of hurting Rumple. And it worked. I did hurt him and he's still punishing me for that. Then I used you again to get what I wanted. To be a part of taking down a new evil." Regina glared at her teacher for a moment. "An evil even worse than the pair of us."

"You think that's all I need to hear?" Belle said, tears glistening in her eyes. "That you're sorry?"

"No," Regina knew it wasn't enough. It probably would never be. "But don't take it out on Robin. You know he's a good man. A kind man who only wishes to help others, even those who don't always deserve it. Right now, his son, Roland, the sweetest boy you'll ever meet, has been kidnapped. And he's with some people right now that were connected to Rowan. Or I think they were."

Now Rumple was interested. "Rowan? Not anyone connected with him. I killed everyone at that camp."

Robin had been staring at Regina during her soliloquy. His expression quickened her heart rate. But when he broke that stare to look over at Rumple, Regina shuddered slightly, which Belle noticed. Ignoring the maid, Regina answered. "You did but remember after killing Rowan the souls that left his body? I think they returned to some people who still are either trying to finish his plan or enacting revenge."

"Wait, souls? Rowan was a Nachzehrer?" Robin asked.

"How do you know that word?" Rumple questioned. Maybe he would help after all.

Robin answered, "Because we had to kill one in my camp."

Rumple scoffed, walking away and over to Belle, protectively. Regina could tell this was not something he wanted to hear. "I highly doubt that."

"No, Rumple," Regina corrected, facing her former master. "He wasn't quite full strength. He was in the process of transformation."

Rumple didn't say anything to that. He folded his arms and Belle instantly placed her hand on his shoulder, sensing this was truly bad news. At her touch, he asked, "How in the world would it have gotten…"

"He was one of my men," Robin said, stepping closer, mirroring Rumple's own pose. "We had to kill him but he was innocent of anything, everything. All he was trying to do was protect my boy and they stabbed him with a poisoned blade. Now they have my son."

"Who is they?" Rumple asked. "Did you see them?"

"No, by the time we found Sade and in the village we were in it was impossible to pick up their tracks."

Rumple looked from Robin to Regina. "I see, what do you plan on doing about this?"

Hope was growing inside of Regina that Rumple would help after all. "We came to you. All I know of Nachzehrers are what you taught me and I read in this library. The drawings and images that were there, I have no doubt this is what Sade was to become."

"Connected to Rowan and Skylar," Rumple finished for her. "I hadn't thought about how Rowan got his powers. It looked to me he sucked souls through his hands, Nachzehrers use their mouths so it didn't register. But with the dark elves helping him, ah, I can't believe I didn't see it."

"So it is true that dark elves originated this curse?" Regina asked, sure she was right but asking anyway.

Rumple was busy thinking it through in his mind. Belle took a step back, absorbing the news too. Glancing at Regina, she said, "Rumple told me how the pair of you entered Rowan's camp. That he was after Rumple because the previous dark one had banished him to another land."

Regina was growing tired. She didn't want to go through with this but making nice to the maid was a small price to pay for Rumple's help. Pulling out a chair from the table, she nodded. "Yes, but this time, it seems they are after Robin."

"Why?" Belle asked. She turned to Robin for an answer.

Unfortunately Regina knew he couldn't give her one. He didn't remember. "Because I think they are upset with Robin for the battle. It was Robin's strategy that defeated the orcs Rowan initially sent. It ruined his plan."

Rumple's eyes widened as he remembered. "Yes, yes, that's right. I'm sure Rowan expected that army to make their way through the realm fairly easily. Not to be defeated at the first pit stop on their tour!" The dark one turned to Robin, considering him. "There was another dark elf in charge back then. I remember seeing him as I watched the battle."

"You watched the battle?" Robin repeated. "And you didn't help? How could you-"

"You had things in order so what difference does it make?" Rumple said dismissively.

Stomping over to get between him and Belle, Robin wasn't about to let it go. "It makes a difference because I'm sure lives were lost. I may not remember but a battle is a battle and people die quite easily."

Regina tensed as she watched Robin's resentment grow. He was close to calling Rumple a coward again, and the last thing she needed was for him to say it in front of Belle. It would be quite unlikely she could stop Rumple in front of her. She tried to change the conversation back. "This dark elf. You think Rowan may have sucked out his soul for losing the battle?"

Both men took a step back. Rumple obviously did. "Yes. And sounds like he blames Robin for losing his soul in the first place. But why did he take your son?"

Robin shook his head. "Because I wasn't around. It was the next best thing."

Rumple pulled out a chair. "I'd like nothing better than to throw the both of you out of my castle. But if there is another dark elf running around with Nachzehrer blood, he's going to need to be stopped."

Rumple explained that the real origin of Nachzehrer were unknown. They were monsters that used to roam freely in Toomey. But the dark elves had learned to control them and…perhaps more importantly make more. Thinning their numbers down, dark elves had taken the blood of Nachzehrer and crystalized it so it would last indefinitely but could also be used later if more monsters were needed. But in that state it was basically harmless, it needed to return to its original blood form to infect.

"Who cares?" Robin asked, impatiently. In the last few days he had learned far more of dark creatures then he ever wanted, he just wanted his son back.

"Because, thief!" Rumple shot back, "It's important because I'm sure that's why our lands aren't filled with these soul sucking predators."

The queen contemplating what Rumple had said earlier, asked. "You think he needs to make more?"

"Precisely, dearie," Rumple answered.

Robin had to keep squeezing the arm rest of the chair he was sitting. He hated being around the dark one, he especially hated the way he talked to the queen. Knowing they had a complicated history was one thing, but seeing it before his eyes bothered him. "Fine, what is it he needs?"

Belle placed some wine on the table for them to drink. Robin had to bite back the urge to laugh. He was sitting in the dark castle with the dark one and his former student while being served refreshments. If Roland wasn't missing, he could have made light of the situation.

Rumple took a sip and leaned back. "They use something called MacGuffin Root. Mixing it with the powder while applying heat, the Nachzehrer blood will return and be just as potent as ever."

"So they must need more of this…MacGuffin root." Regina drank some of the wine. Robin was in awe at how relaxed she was considering the situation. "Where does it grow?"

"In the Cheviot Hills in King George's kingdom." Rumple answered taking another sip.

Robin had had enough. He jumped up from the table and stormed around the room. "That's so far away! They're probably there by now and already made enough potion to poison everyone!" He stopped at a window, glaring out into the direction he could almost imagine his boy in the midst of several of those monsters.

"Robin," Regina was beside him now. Her hands were on his shoulders, rubbing small circles along his back. "You need to calm yourself and stop thinking like this. It won't do you any good for you or Roland. If they are there, they probably only just arrived. It was this morning when they took him." He wanted to argue that but he couldn't. He was growing tired. Had it really just been this morning since he saw his Roland?

Belle approached them with an odd expression on her face. Robin could tell she was a positive person so she probably wanted to echo the queen's sentiment. But seeing the pair of them like this was distracting her, the outlaw could only imagine how they must looked. Robin quickly stepped away, and ignored the ache he felt at the loss of her touch.

With everyone on the side of the room, Rumple was forced to get up. "Well, Regina, it's amusing to me to watch you care so much for this fugitive thief. But you always did go for the outdoorsy type."

"Rumple," the edge was in her voice. "Don't."

He turned to Belle. "Did I ever tell you about Daniel?"

A fireball shot out of her hand making both Robin and Belle jump. Rumple simply laughed. "Sorry, dearie, couldn't resist." He turned back to Robin now. "You can relax, Locksley. The process with the MacGuffin takes a long time."

That was good news, sort of. "So what do we do now?"

"I can give Regina exact coordinates of the best place to find the root and you two can teleport there and out of our castle."

"Actually, Rumple," Regina said. "I need to save my magical strength. So you can come along, doing the teleporting yourself."

"He's not going with you!" Belle shouted, upset at the very idea.

Rumple extended his hand to Belle, trying to calm her. "Don't worry. I won't."

The queen shook her head. "Oh yes, you are. But don't worry, Belle, he can come right back. But I need him to come along briefly and tell him the rest of my plan."

"Your plan?" Both Robin and Rumple reiterated together. Robin should have known she had something in mind. He probably should be worried but for some reason he couldn't help but feel better at the thought. He did wish she would tell him about it though.

Both Regina and Rumple began arguing. Eventually Regina took Rumple to the side so they could discuss this privately, leaving Belle and Robin alone. Turning to Belle, Robin had a chance now to thank her. He knew he owed her his life the first time he had entered the castle.

"It's okay, Robin," Belle said. "I know you don't trust him and Rumple has a lot to answer for, but he really is a good man underneath."

He wanted to laugh at the naïveté but his eyes focused onto Regina. Was he any different? "So she imprisoned you?"

Belle straightened at that. "Yes, she did. I hated her for it." Robin could understand that. Belle continued. "But it was strange. She let me go and returned Rumple's dagger to him. She could have used it to control him forever."

Robin wouldn't want that power but he could sense Regina would. "I'm glad she gave it up."

"We were confused on why she did. I was worried she had something else sinister in mind. But after hearing her today, speak up for you…"

She didn't finish. Robin couldn't help his curiosity. "Yes?"

"I guess I know now what changed her mind." She gave him a look and Robin laughed nervously. That was ridiculous what she was implying.

Before he could come up with a reason to dismiss it, Regina and Rumple returned. Rumple said. "Okay, get your belongings Locksley. I'm taking you and Regina on a trip!"

"Rumple, no!" Belle exclaimed.

Rumple smiled. "Relax, dearie, I'll be right back." Robin could see a look pass between Regina and Rumple, he didn't like it one bit.

As they arrived at their new destination, Regina immediately took in their surroundings. They were in a forest. "You sure this is the right place?" Regina asked.

"You don't have to worry about my teleporting skills," Rumple said. "I don't know exactly where he would be. Or they since you are sure there were two of them. But MacGuffin root is throughout this area."

Regina nodded, getting out the caller stone. "Good. Remember Rumple, our deal."

Rumple smiled. "Remember yours."

Regina shivered before she could stop herself. A look to her right and she could see Robin staring at her and he obviously noticed. He would be curious about what she and Rumple had talked about. Saying the words on the calling stone, the rock began to glow. She set it down and stepped back, gesturing for Robin to do the same. Rumple was already far enough way, quite familiar with the magic.

After several minutes the light glowed so bright the three had to turn away. When the light left, they turned to find half a dozen merry men with gear surrounding the stone. In spite of Regina telling them what to expect, they still were a bit shaken at what just happened.

Regina didn't have time for them to recover. Stepping between them, she reached down now where both stones lay. Picking them up, she approached Rumple. "Here, I want you to have the traveler. I may need you later."

Rumple glared at her but took it. "I may not come."

Regina met his eyes. "I think your interest in how this all goes down will force you to come."

Taking the stone, he was gone in a flash.

"Was that the dark one?" asked one of the merry men.

"Yes," Robin answered. "Little John, get to work on a fire. Alan and Michael, we are making camp here. The rest of you, be careful but put some traps around our camp. It's unlikely they'd walk right into a lap but we may get lucky. Or the very least have some breakfast in the morning."

"I brought breakfast," Little John said.

Regina rolled her eyes. "Why am I not surprised at that?"

John looked like he was about to say something but Robin got between them. "John, the fire."

As they got busy, Robin looked at her. "Care to tell me what you and the dark one spoke about?"

"No, it's nothing that will concern you." He didn't look like he believed her. "I promise."

He stared at her for a few minutes keeping Regina on edge. Then he finally relented. "Fine, we're all tired. We'll need to get some rest. You will want to get our bed roll out."

Regina blinked at that. She hadn't considered. "I don't exactly have one."

The other three men in camp glared at her. John said, "We didn't bring one for her, Robin."

Of course they hadn't. "So I guess I get to sleep on the cold wet ground now."

Judging by their reactions, they could care less. "Can't you just cast a spell and make one?"

Folding her arms, Regina shook her head. "Starting now I need to conserve my magic, should we run into another Nachzehrer. And you can address me as your Majesty!"

Robin got her attention when he handed her his. "Here, take mine."

"What? No, I don't mean to take yours. You need your rest and-"

He shook his head. "I'm not going to get any sleep anyway. If I do, I'm sure there will just be nightmares."

Regina held his gaze. She didn't know how to be comforting. She wanted him to get the best sleep out of everyone but knew it was futile to expect him to be able to. But part of her was nervous about using his bedding. What if smelled like him? Since their time in the cabin, Regina had dreamt of their night together. She hadn't fought it, it was the one pleasure she allowed herself since walking away from him. But here surrounded by his own men, she'd die of shame should they know what she was dreaming.

She took it and tried to get as far from him as possible. Eventually everyone got settled. There was some fruits they could eat to help fill their stomachs. Regina hadn't realized how hungry she was. One man was chosen for first watch. Regina felt odd, if someone had told her a year ago she would laying down in Cheviot Hills with a pack of outlaws she'd have thrown them in prison for being crazy. She also wondered how she would get in any sleep once Johns snoring kicked in. But fatigue eventually overtook her. And she slept.

Robin got some sleep, but the nightmares of Roland got to him and he awoke. Telling Michael he could just go to sleep, Robin took the second watch. It was a moonlit night and he could see over everyone. His eyes fell on the queen. With everyone sleeping including her, he could now take the time to admire her beauty.

His mind went to what Belle said earlier. He might have dismissed it if he hadn't seen her with his own eyes plead with Belle. The queen pleading with a servant? Apologizing? Conflicting emotions surged through him, part of him thought it crazy, the other part was touched. He even was overwhelmed. She was a queen after all, why did she care about a thief like him?

Looking up at the moon, his mind went to a memory with Roland. He had asked about the moon and Robin had talked about it. How it appeared in the night sky in different shapes. The boy was so full of questions. Was he awake now? Was he looking up at the same moon? Where was he?

"No! Stop!" Regina was saying in her sleep. She wasn't speaking loud enough to wake the whole camp, especially with John's snoring. Robin approached her. "Don't, mother. Please. Daniel, don't hurt him. Please!"

He tugged at her. "Your Majesty!" He didn't want to shout and wake up the whole camp. He knew she would be embarrassed. "Regina!"

Saying her name, her eyes flew open. They were mere inches from each other. Robin started to lean in but she jumped back. "What…what's going on?"

She truly was scared. Who was this Daniel? "You were having a nightmare."

"Oh." She sat up, looking around the camp and pushing strands of hair behind her ear. She looked so vulnerable at the moment. Robin had to fight back the urge at putting his arms behind her.

"Don't worry, they haven't woken up."

"I'm amazed you could hear over that racket," she said, and Robin had to smile at that. Her queenly voice was back but she was actually shivering and he knew it wasn't cold that made her do so. Before he could answer her a noise outside the camp got their attention.

She jumped up. "What was that?"

Robin looked in the direction too. "I heard it. Came over there." Another sound and Robin realized they had caught something.

"Everyone, get up!" He jumped up and headed in the direction. Regina was shouting at him to wait but he couldn't. Maybe it was the dark elf. Maybe it was his son. When he got to the trap, he saw it was a human.

Approaching him, Robin raised his sword. He heard Regina was just behind him followed by the rest of the merry men. "Who are you?"

The person didn't answer but struggled to get away. The trap was designed to tighten at that and pain must have increased, forcing him to cry out. Except the sound he made proved it wasn't a he, but a she.

"Who is it?" Regina asked, fireball at the ready.

Robin reached out and pulled back the hood of their captive. Raven hair fell in place and her pale complexion was illuminated by the moon. Robin might never have met her before, but there was no mistaking who this was.

And that Regina was right there as well. "Snow White!"

So finally we are getting somewhere! It is time to deal with the Snow White problem. What do y'all think? You have been so excellent in your reviews I'd hate for you to hold back now!