Sorry this took so long. It proved to be a bear to write. All of the characters wanted a say :) I had intended on finishing this story before 5B starts up in March but that might not happen. I figure it'd be ok since it's mostly my own storyline anyways. I already have the ending wrapped up in a nice little bow. We'll see how these characters get us there!

In case any of you were confused, I started this story before the episode where Red uses a magic bean to return to the EF. That's why she's here. And I just love her friendship with Snowing.

Thank you for all of the support and reviews! You all are great!

"Why are you all standing out here?" came Red's breathless voice as she ran up to the group of dwarves huddled outside of Snow and Charming's loft.

"We can't get through," Happy replied, begrudgingly rubbing his still sore shoulder.

"What do you mean, what happened?" she asked, looking at the perfectly open doorway.

"We tried to go in but we got kicked out by magic, sister," spat Grumpy, still very much irritable at being thrown on his backside while on a rescue mission. After all, it seemed like that's what this was becoming.

The young woman sniffed and looked up at the loft windows. "I can't hear or smell anything. What kind of magic is this?"

There conversation was halted, however, as Red's head turned, alert for some reason the others couldn't hear or see yet. Grumpy looked up as the headlights of Regina's car came into view a few moments later, glad she'd answered his phone call. The dwarves had been waiting outside Snow's building, poking and prodding at the barrier to see if it would let up. Sneezy had tried hitting it with his pick axe and paid dearly when it rebounded and he was hit just above his eye with the blunt end. Doc was trying to patch him up with the first aid kit now.

Regina, Robin, and Henry exited their vehicle and hurried over, all glancing up at the loft windows. Robin, as usual, had his bow and arrow already at the ready and, Grumpy noticed with a swell of pride, Henry had his sword gifted to him by his grandfather. The Prince, not the Dark One. Grumpy winced at his own thoughts, the situation with Emma coming to mind, reminding him of Rumpelstiltskin's new found mortality. Either way, the imp was an ass, and Grumpy didn't trust him.

"Has anyone been able to get through?" Regina asked, business-like as usual when these sorts of things befell them all. She'd removed her gloves, glancing briefly at Sneezy to answer her own question, then looked up at the windows of the loft again. Grumpy still held some bitterness in his heart towards the former Evil Queen, but he trusted Snow's opinion of Regina's reformation. Well, more Charming's in this case as the Prince tended to be more leery about granting amnesty to former enemies who'd tried to murder them all countless times. And, Grumpy had to admit, Regina was a useful ally.

"Not since David went in," Grumpy replied gruffly. Nothing made him, well, grumpier than the frustration of being trapped on the outside of yet another adventure, unable to help his friends. He'd been especially irritable lately due to not finding a way to change Dopey from a tree back into a dwarf.

"The lights stopped flickering, but we haven't seen nor heard anything since he went in," he continued.

Regina considered his answer for a moment before carefully approaching the doorway, palms up. Everyone held their breath as they watched her halt, her hands skimming over the invisible barrier. She pursed her lips into a thin line and her brow furrowed as she continued to work.

"What is it Mom?" Henry asked, worry lacing his voice.

"Barrier magic. Very sophisticated barrier magic."

"Do you know who might have placed it?" Bashful asked, going beet red the moment the words left his lips. It was a testament to how worried he was about Snow and her family that he spoke out loud at all. Regina minutely shook her head.

Robin tilted his head in curiosity. "You can tell who did it?"

"All magic has a signature. A feeling or color or smell," Regina responded, still focused on the doorway.

"Like light magic and dark magic looks different," Henry supplied. Regina smiled at Henry over her shoulder and nodded before turning back to the barrier.

"That's right. And if you're advanced enough you can also sense the signature of whomever cast the magic. If you know what to look for," she continued.

"You aren't sure who's this is though," Robin guessed after a brief pause, watching her intently, looking as if he'd do anything to pull her away from this unnamed person's magic as soon as possible.

"No," Regina responded lowly.

"You don't think-" Henry started.

"It's not Emma, Henry," Regina interjected, guessing his train of thought before he could finish. Henry let out a breath of relief, though his hand tightened around his sword as he thought what everyone else was thinking. Who was doing this? And where were Snow and Charming?

"Something's very wrong. I can feel it," Red said, warily staring upwards at the windows again.

"I don't like this, sister," Grumpy chimed in, stepping forward. "We need to get in there. The only thing ever able to stop those two," he glanced up toward the loft before looking back at Regina, "from getting out of trouble is magic. And, since we don't know who is pulling the strings of this barrier, I say you bust through the damn thing and our rescue party can be on its way."

He stopped and impatiently tapped his pick axe handle against the palm of his other hand. This standing around was making him edgy. Regina sighed, seeming to mull over what he'd said. He gritted his teeth, knowing there must be few options left if Regina wasn't sending any snide remarks his way. Old habits die hard, after all. Although, them throwing words at each other once in a while was better than throwing curses and mining equipment. Regina's jaw set and she faced the building again.

"Stand back. I'm not sure how this is going to go," she said after a moment, raising her hands, a determined expression on her face.

Everyone heeded her advice, stepping back a few paces, clutching their weapons. Regina's palms started glowing as she pressed them against the invisible wall. She jolted back at first contact but kept her footing, her magic pouring into the barrier and seeming to disappear into it. Seconds later, they could see the the barrier rippling out from Regina's magic, almost making it look like the building was under water. A collective feeling of relief went through the group as they prepared to ascend the stairs. Until...

"Look!" Henry cried, pointing up to the loft windows. Grumpy felt his heart leap to his throat as the glow in the loft above them increased, the crackling and roaring of magic reaching their ears.

Son of a bitch, Regina thought, straining all of her efforts to remain focused on maintaining control of her magic. The barrier was weakening, that much was certain, but Henry's cry and the surge of magical energy that followed turned her blood to ice. This was more than just barrier magic. They needed to get to Snow and Charming now. The familiar magical pull and sound of a portal being opened reached her, even from this distance. Whatever was happening up there, time was quickly running out.

Regina closed her eyes, blocking out everything around her as she focused on breaking down the invisible wall piece by piece. Whomever cast this was good, but not infallible. She was pushed back again as the two magics warred against each other, but still remained upright. Her efforts were tiring her and her hands were starting to shake but she kept steady, knowing something terrible may happen if she failed.

This wasn't the first danger any of them had faced together but, somehow, this felt different. Snow and her prince were like real family now, and Regina would do anything to help her family if she could. Besides Zelena. That crazy witch was on her own after they found her again and secured Robin's daughter's safety.

"Regina!" Robin yelled as sparks flew where her palms connected with the barrier. Thoughts of her wicked sister had added a little zing to her magic, prompting her to renew her efforts.

Almost there. Come on.

Suddenly, without warning, the opposing force dissipated. Regina stumbled forward, not realizing at the time just how hard she'd been pushing herself. Robin was at her side in an instant, an arm around her waist and other hand under her elbow to keep her upright as she caught her breath.

"You did it Mom!" Henry cried, a joyous smile on his face as he hugged her. The dwarves were already filing towards the door, Red right behind them.

They abruptly stopped as Regina shook her head and gasped, "No, I didn't. It collapsed on its own."

"What?" Robin asked, squeezing her shoulders reassuringly. "What does that mean?"

Regina inhaled a shaky breath before responding. "I don't know." She looked at Red. "Do you hear anything."

After a moment, Red shook her head negatively and Regina's heart fell. This wasn't good. The group looked around at each other, the decision to ascend the stairs made with nods and tightening of fists on weapons. The dwarves led the way followed by Red, Robin, Regina, and Henry. The troop came to the door of the loft to find it had been kicked open. Regina could see that the loft was in shambles, items strewn about all over the floor like the aftermath of a wind storm. In the middle of the main room kneeled one solitary figure.

"David?" Regina questioned uncertainly.

The man in question didn't respond. Instead, he continued to sit on his knees, gaze unseeing as he pressed his palm to the floor. His breathing was uneven and he looked as if he could fall apart at any moment. Regina exhaled and reached for Robin's hand as he placed it on her shoulder. They were too late. She felt Henry peek around her shoulder to see his grandfather for himself. The dwarves had formed a half circle in front of the Prince, though they didn't approach too closely. Red was quietly standing next to David, brow furrowed and head tilted, eyes full of worry. Regina hesitantly took a few more steps into the room before kneeling in front of David.

"David," she tried again, more strongly this time.

He took a sharp breath and looked up to meet her gaze. It was as if he'd just now realized there were other people in the room with him. Regina had seen this look in his eyes before. He looked nothing short of haunted. There was a minor wound on his neck that was still bleeding, soaking into the collar of his shirt. Red knelt down beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. He glanced briefly in her direction at the touch but didn't pull away as his eyes went back to where his hand was placed on the floor.

"They're gone," he rasped.

Regina gave a small nod in understanding.

"Do you know where?" she asked as gently as she could. She could hear the dwarves shuffling behind her at their prince's news. Red's eyes swam with tears. Henry came to kneel on David's other side, a slightly bewildered look on his face. David swallowed hard before replying.

"The Enchanted Forest. It was a portal."

"Who opened it?"

Anger replaced the grief in the prince's eyes. "George. He escaped his cell."

"How'd he do that?" Grumpy growled, taking a step closer to the huddle on the floor.

"Lily," David replied, eyes meeting the dwarf's. Red let out a small gasp, the hand on David's shoulder tightening reflexively. Henry's hand clasped his grandfather's other shoulder bracingly. Regina closed her eyes in understanding, opening them again to find David looking towards the other side of the room. He stood and strode over to the far wall, stooping to pick up a small object from the floor.

"This was how she did it. She was holding it when the portal opened. Snow.." he cleared his throat, "Snow told me this is what she used."

The group gathered around to warily look at the necklace. It looked innocent enough but there was obviously more to it.

"It's part of the egg Lily hatched from," David explained, remembering what Emma had told them. He looked at Regina. "Any idea how she got it work?"

"I have a few guesses. May I?" She held out her hand and David handed the necklace over. She turned it over as everyone looked on.

"Well, a dragon egg is naturally full of magical properties and this particular one is from our land. It stands to reason she could have used it. I'm just not sure on the logistics.." she trailed off, handing it back to David.

"Maybe we should talk to Belle? If anything, she can start researching," Henry suggested, still staring at David with concern.

Grumpy "humphed" at the suggestion, his disdain for the man that would accompany Belle apparent. Regina certainly couldn't blame him for that.

"That's a good suggestion, Henry," Doc said. All but David and Regina muttered their general agreement

"Do you have something else in mind?" Robin asked, pulling the prince from his thoughts.

David rubbed a hand over his face, other hand on his hip. The talks had pulled him out of the initial shock of losing Snow and Neal. He'd deal with the emotional piece later. Right now, they needed a plan. He needed to do something.

"I'm going to talk to Emma."

All eyes snapped to him.

"I think you," he continued, tilting his head to the dwarves, "should go scout around town. Make sure everyone is alright. Who knows if anyone else was set loose when George escaped."

The dwarves glanced at each other, nodding in agreement.

"Red, can you go talk to Belle? Maybe fill Granny in and have her find the rest of the guard?"

"Of course," she responded.

"Robin, can you head to the forest and warn your men? We could use all the trustworthy eyes we can get right now."

Robin looked uncertainly at Regina, but nodded as she squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"Regina, Henry," he said, eyes going from one to the other, "I need you with me."

Everyone started filing out to their respective assignments. David went to the bedroom to see what weapons they'd stashed there since his sword was now in the Enchanted Forest. If anything, he figured he could grab Snow's bow and arrows from their hidden spot on top of the armoire. He stopped abruptly when he saw Neal's overturned cradle. Slowly, he bent down and carefully set it upright again, tears pricking his eyes. The mere thought of his son being in that crib when it fell infuriated and sickened him.

He took a deep, shaky breath. He needed to focus. Reaching up, he grabbed his wife's trusty weapon of choice along with a knife that he stuck in his boot. Perhaps Rumpelstiltskin would have a spare sword he could purchase for the time being. He'd need one when he found a way back to the Forest. His heart clenched at the thought, hoping Snow was alright. She could take care of herself, he knew, but George was unrelenting in his revenge and Lily was an unexpected wild card.

Exiting the bedroom, he made his way to the front door, trying not to look at the destruction in the loft. Henry and Regina had waited outside on the landing, giving him a little time and space. He glanced inside once more before shutting the door and leading the way down the stairs.

"Do you think Mom knows anything?" Henry asked him as they stepped outside. David knew his grandson was still upset with his mother for what she'd done, and that he didn't trust her.

"I don't know. I'm hoping she can give us a little direction at least. She knew Lily better than anyone," David replied as they made their way to the truck.

He wished he knew why his daughter hadn't come to the loft. A small, nagging part of him felt that Emma knew what was happening and chose not to come; he hated that part. However, it was hard to argue with the fact that the Dark One in any form usually knew the ins and outs of anything magical happening in this town. The bigger part of him, the father in him, felt like something must have kept her from coming to their aid. She was still their Emma and he couldn't bring himself to even think that she'd betray her family like this. Something must have happened.

"How do you plan on approaching this?" Regina asked, stepping aside for Henry to sit in the middle seat by David while she slid into the other passenger seat. "She's not exactly the model ally at the moment."

"I'm aware," David rejoined dryly, turning on the headlights, shifting the truck, and steering in the direction of Emma's new place. "Either way, she deserves to know what happened to her mother and brother. No matter what, she's still my daughter. I'm hoping that alone will convince her to help us."

"Gramps, what if she wants you to make a deal? She's already manipulated all of us, who's to say she won't do it again? We have no idea what her motives are," Henry replied, betrayal and hurt tinging his voice. By her expression, Regina privately agreed with her son.

"I have to try, Henry," was all he could say.

His heart pained at the amount of animosity Henry had towards Emma, however warranted. Their family was emotionally and now physically torn apart and it killed him. He was not going to let this happen. They continued the rest of the way in silence, Henry nervously fiddling with the hilt of the sword David had gifted him, Regina staring out of the window as though deep in thought.

Walking up the steps of Emma's house, they weren't greeted by anything out of the ordinary. David knocked on the door and leaned a forearm against the doorframe, listening intently. Regina stood alert on the other side of the doorway, Henry looking sullen behind her. He knocked again. Still no answer. Grasping the doorknob, he was surprised to find it turning for him. He met Regina's gaze and nodded before turning the handle the rest of the way and opening the door.

"Emma!" he called. Silence.

"She's probably not here," Regina said, looking around.

David shook his head, the feeling of something being off prickling the back of his neck. For the second time tonight, he knew something wasn't right.

"I'll check the basement," Henry offered, making his way down the stairs.

Regina walked quickly down the hallway ahead, leaving David to search the main living area. He stepped around the couch, alert for anything amiss, and almost jumped at the sight of Emma laying on the couch. She was on her side, eyes closed as if sleeping, but that wasn't what caught her father's attention. His eyes scanned the magical cuff that was on her wrist before he knelt beside her and shook her gently on the arm.

"Emma."

To his relief, her eyes fluttered open. She met his gaze with a look he hadn't seen since she'd sacrificed herself to the darkness. It scared him to see her this way. His daughter looked so vulnerable, David had to resist every parental urge in him not to pull her into his arms and hug her. Instead, he asked, "What happened?"

Don't kill me. I promise that we'll see much more of Emma next chapter. This chapter was just getting too long. I already have a good sized chunk of it written. Please accept my peace offering :)