669 Words this chapter. Author's note: For this story, Robin and Regina are together. I thought about writing it in but it never really fit. Marian has made peace with them both.

Chapter Fourteen

Henry was sitting in Regina's arms in her living room. He had finally stopped hysterically crying and was only gently sobbing. She was shaking with fury.

There was a knock. "Come in!" she yelled a bit harshly.

She sighed with relief at Robin's face. Behind him were Little John and a couple more Merry Men. "Thank you for coming."

He bowed. "Of course, my lady." He eyed the boy. "How...is everything?" he asked weakly.

Regina gave a wicked frown. "I'm going to freaking kill her," she muttered through clinched teeth. She had explained the situation when she called him earlier, so Robin knew who she was talking about and why she was so furious.

"No, Mom," said Henry, sniffling. "It's not her fault."

"It is too!" she yelled. "What kind of a mother says such horrible things?"

"One...that's...been twisted," said Henry through stifled sobs. "She's...not...the same. We have to help her."

Regina looked down at him and her face softened. She broke into a weak smile and kissed his head. "You're too good, Henry. I'm sorry, but all I want to do is smack her in the head."

Robin chuckled.

"You have to see her, Mom," said Henry. "Her eyes are black and she's...she's black! I mean her skin, her hair even, it's all turned."

Robin met Regina's eyes. Both filled with worry.

"There has to be something we can do."

"No, Henry, you are staying far away from her."

"Mom..."

"Lad, if she is so transformed, then it is not safe," said Robin. "We all know Emma Swan is a good, kind person. The last place she would want you is in harm's way."

Regina nodded. "She did send you to me, where I could take care of you."

Henry nodded. "And she rang Grandma to come get me. She's still there, Mom. Somewhere inside she's still her." He sniffled.

Regina pulled him closer and hugged him. "Yes." She sighed. "We'll get her back to normal, Henry."

Henry nodded.

Regina smiled. "And maybe...I won't turn her to ash."

Robin chuckled.

"Promise?"

Regina gave a slight smirk. "We'll see." Then her cell rang. "David. Yes...really?" She scoffed rudely. "You're putting all your hopes on love? Seriously? I'm sorry but I say we go in and smoke that nun's a..." She stopped, looked at Henry, and changed words, "um, butt, then we deal with Emma."

Robin shook his head and laughed.

Regina went on listening. She rolled her eyes. "Fine. Call me when the 'Great Love In' fails and you want a rescue."

Henry couldn't help but laugh.

Regina shut off her phone and shook her head. "They're going after the greatest darkness since the realms began and they're going to hold hands and blow kisses at it!"

"I'm sure it's more involved than that, my love," said Robin.

"Grandpa Gold said that it feeds on hate," said Henry. "I guess they figure love will defeat it."

Regina shook her head. "Idiots."

Robin laughed. "You've offered your services should they need it, Regina. I and the lads are prepared to help as well. Until then we must have faith."

"Yeah," she said. She sighed. "I'm going to make tea. Yes, tea," she said. "Henry, you stay here."

"I'll keep the boy company," said Little John.

Henry smiled as the large man sat beside him on the sofa.

"Good, why don't you boys play something?" suggested Regina. Henry nodded and she smiled back at him, then she and Robin went to the kitchen.

The other Merry Men went outside to guard the house.

Henry started up a video game but his mind was on Emma. She needed help. If love was the key, no one loved Emma more than he did. He looked at the front door and then at Little John and took a deep breath. He nodded to himself.

His mother needed him. Operation Light Heart was on.

End of Chapter Fourteen