disclaimer: We do not own any of the OUAT characters. Just our added characters.
Extra info: This story has two writers. One of us writes Helena and the other writes Amy. You will notice a difference in how Helena's and Amy's perspectives are portrayed, we wrote them like we ourselves notice/see things. Fair warning: we are insane. Enjoy!
I'm so sorry, Guys. I know I'm late. This chapter required a lot of extra editing that Amy and I had to do together and I had a long shift scheduled for Thursday.
As a make up present, I have hidden a game in this chapter. Anyone who completes it will get to ask for a spoiler. And by 'ask' I mean that you can specify what kind of spoiler you want.
This is going to be great! Instructions on how to play will be at the bottom. Good luck!
Chapter Eleven
'The window is open, so's that door. I didn't know they did that anymore. Who knew we owned eight thousand salad plates?' Helena grimaced as 'For the first time in forever' played in her head. In her defense, she was standing in a hidden corner watching nine or so servants carry plates and other dining utensils in and out of the great hall. Could anyone blame her? Well, yes, because she was blaming herself. Helena rubbed a hand over her face trying to wipe away her thoughts. No matter how many times Snow said she could sing whatever she wanted whenever she wanted that still did not mean she actually could. Especially when the songs stuck in her head were Disney songs. Why did she have to end up in a fairy tale world of all places? Where she could not sing all her favorite Disney songs? Why not Percy Jackson? Or Brotherband? Yes, Brotherband would have been nice. Skandians and wolf ships and killing people. Lots of fun.
"There you are! Why are you always hiding in corners? It's your friend's wedding! What are you hiding from?" Red's energetic voice cut through Helena's thoughts.
Helena sighed, visibly deflating. "The wedding." She mumbled under her breath in answer to Red's question.
"What was that?" Red asked, coming to stand in front of the younger wolf.
Ahh! Stupid wolf hearing. Helena will have to get used to having someone around with hearing that's just as good as her own. "Sorry," Helena said. "I'm just not a fan of big parties. They're just a bit…much."
Red seemed to think about it for a minute. "It's the large number of people, isn't it? That many people bother you, right?"
Helena nodded, "That and other things." As usual, keeping her answer vague, not wanting to explain the real reasons behind her distaste for fancy events.
"You know you can't get out of it right? Snow will kill you."
Helena scoffed, "She can try, but yes, I know I can't avoid it forever."
"Then why are you not ready?! Come on!" Red grabbed Helena's hand and dragged her away.
Helena groaned, "Fine, but I'm not wearing a dress."
As it turned out, neither Red nor Snow liked that very much, but Helena, eventually, got her wish. Helena wore an emerald men's jacket with golden cuffs and floral embroidery above the wrists, on the front of the jacket, and the collar. The jacket was also trimmed with gold and had shoulder plates. Underneath the jacket, she wore a linen shirt and black pants that fit snugly into her black knee-high leather boots. With the decorative sword attached to her left hip, Helena felt much calmer than she normally did at these kinds of events. Technically, Helena has never been to an event like this. Helena reminded herself as she looked around the large ballroom. This castle, Helena knew, held many such ballrooms, but this one was by far the largest. Allowing for the truly astounding amount of people now hosted inside. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, but there were too many shifting pieces for Helena to feel comfortable. Too many chances for something to go wrong. Hence the reason Helena was, once again, hiding in the corner. Hiding was a bit of a strong word though. She was not hiding, just watching. Using the tactical advantage of the wall at her back. 'If you can learn by watching others, you won't have to deal with the consequences of making the mistake yourself.' Helena did not even remember who told her that, but her people-watching habits had stemmed from those words many years ago. They had served her well ever since. Though, it had become more of a sport than a learning exercise. Helena found humans to be extremely odd, especially in their emotional behavior. Helena was always curious about what emotion might be the cause of a particular action. For instance, there seemed to be a father-daughter duo, at least Helena assumed they were father and daughter, the age difference would suggest that, though she could be wrong. They were in more medieval times, and women could be married off as early as thirteen. Helena, you got sidetracked. Yes, Helena knows, shut up. Back to the father-daughter duo. Though the girl appeared to be enjoying herself, she seemed quite upset with her father and him with her.
Helena had to admit she was curious to know why. Her best guess was some form of overprotectiveness. She had yet to see the girl dance with any man but her father. On top of that, the father kept glaring daggers at any man young or old who approached. Maybe abandoning her place against the wall would be worth it to find out a little more about the situation.
Amy had danced the past who-knows-how-many dances with Rumpelstiltskin. She was getting bored with next to no conversation from him. She loved the dances but she would prefer if she danced with someone she enjoyed. Like Caleb or any of the Stiltiers. She used to dance at a ballroom dance club called TGD. She had even been asked on a date by a guy with a rose at one of their usual end-of-the-semester balls. There are so many eligible men here and I'm stuck with the Dark One! My ONE time out of the stupid castle and I have to spend it with him!
Amy sighed in discontentment. I need a break. Please! The dance ended. "Papa, may I get a drink?"
"Yes, be quick about it," Rumple told her and escorted her off the dance floor. He continued to follow her all the way to the drink table. Dang, it! It's like having Dylan as a puppy dog all over again. Except it's my father. Ugh! Ah! No. The Dark One. He is NOT my father! Amy shook the thought away.
They arrived at the drink table. There was an assortment of juice and alcoholic drinks. I could use some Alcohol, but no way they're giving that to a teenager. Actually… wait… it's medieval. They shouldn't care!... Are you really going to drink it?... No… Get tea.
Amy got some sweet tea, determining the best way to get rid of Rumple. How did I get rid of Dylan? 'Amy, Dylan isn't Rumplestiltskin. Dylan was easy. Say 'Squirrel' and he'd run off.' Great. Any clever ideas then? 'Again, I'm not actually Helena.' It came to her, "Papa, will you excuse me while I go freshen up?"
"Why? You're dancing with me and you're decent." He replied.
"Not that kind of freshen up." Amy mentally facepalmed, "I need to use the laboratory, don't worry I'll keep a look out for trolls." Amy picked up her dress and quickly made her way across the floor.
"Rosette!" Rumple yelled not too loudly as to cause attention but loud enough. Amy ignored her father's calls and continued down the halls and out to the balcony, she took a deep long breath and slammed her palm against the railing.
"Why? Why did this have to happen to me?" Amy looked at what she hoped was Blue's star, but with her luck, was definitely not. "Morgan, John, Dylan, Helena… Breathe." She whispered under her breath.
"Well, that was dramatic." An oddly familiar-looking woman stepped out of the shadows.
Helena? Wait no. Can't be Helena. It's official I'm seeing things. Amy squinted at her, "Do I know you?" Amy asked a question to herself more so than the woman.
"Probably, have I ever helped you bury a body?"
"Helena!" Amy ran up and hugged the poor woman, "It's you! It's you! It's really you!"
"Woah there, you've got the wrong person, Kid." Helena awkwardly accepted the hug.
"What? It's me, Amy!" She pulled out of the hug staring Helena directly in the eyes, "Do I really look that different?"
"Okay, Kid, clearly you're having a rough day, but I don't know you," Helena replied.
Wait, stupid spell. Duh, I look nothing like me. "Helena, daughter of Susan and Allan Blake. I like your brother Zach. You know, black hair, pink shirt. You had to deal with me and Dylan for the last six months! Tall, lanky, curly-haired idiot. You have the most adorable little sister Agnes, who runs up to me and hugs me every time she sees me!"
Helena slapped a hand over Amy's mouth, "Okay, I believe you, but keep your voice down!" Helena hissed.
Amy noticed Helena's confused expression, "So, you're freaked out… and I don't blame you. What do I have to do to prove to you that I am Amy Lily Kelly?"
"What is my opinion of rain and/or thunderstorms?" Helena asked
Amy looked at her confused, then started thinking because she did not know off the top of her head. "You hate rain and like thunderstorms? I don't know." Amy sighed in defeat, Crap now she's definitely not going to believe me.
"How on earth did you get here?" Helena asked in her slightly dramatic high pitched indignant voice.
Amy's eyes widened and clapped excitedly, "Wait? You believe me? Did I actually get that right?"
Helena laughed, "Oh, heck no. But that was the point."
Amy's face contorted in confusion, and she huffed wanting Helena to continue without actually telling her to do so.
Helena gave her a victorious look, internally debating whether to say anything or not. She stayed silent with a knowing smirk.
"So, just to be clear, because of all the fairy tale stuff and you messing with me, I'm confused. Are you or are you not Helena Blake?" Amy asked Helena as she felt her head explode.
"Well, that depends, have I or have I not helped you bury a body?" Helena appeared to thoroughly enjoy torturing her to Amy's utter annoyance.
Well, this is getting nowhere. Amy's frustration grew and she huffed rubbing her temple. An idea popped into her head. Amy smirked, "So, I guess if you're not Helena Blake, it won't bother you if I went and married Zach." She stated the question as fact, and fully smiled now, giggling at Helena's upcoming reaction.
Helena facepalmed and groaned in disgust at the thought. "No, no, no. Why?"
Amy burst into laughter falling onto the stone floor. "Ah ha! It is you!"
"Mm-hmm…" Helena moaned, unable to speak.
"Rosette!" Rumple in his disguise walked in, not that my Amy could see it. "What are you doing spoiling your dress? Get up. We're going."
Amy held her breath, knowing she was about to do something either incredibly brave or stupid. 'It's ironic how often those two coincide.' A quote appeared in her head, but she had no idea what movie it was from. She looked around her to make sure she did not have any witnesses and pulled out the dagger, "No, Dark One, I command you to go back in, play your character, and return in fifteen minutes to take you and me back to the dark castle. After we get back, you will take a forgetting potion to forget these last few minutes." Rumple again stood shocked but obeyed.
Helena raised an eyebrow at Amy. "Explain." She said simply, all traces of amusement gone from her face.
"Haha, yeah, so, I'm Rumpelstiltskin's daughter. Help me."
Helena just shook her head.
"You're not shocked?" Amy raised her eyebrow at Helena.
"Nope."
Amy shrugged and sighed, "Of course, you aren't. So, who are you related to or are you just some random villager slash background character?"
"It makes sense that you would be in the middle of everything and I'm just here, does it not?"
"Really, that's it? I'm Rumplestiltskin's daughter and you're just here. No relations at all. Lucky." Amy pouted over her predicament.
Kate just rolled her eyes.
"Oh! I have magic! It's awesome!" Amy exclaimed excitedly to Kate.
"Don't suppose that means you could just poof us back to our world then?"
"Uh… no… I assumed that wouldn't work, because if it could work, Rumple would have found Bae by now."
Helena narrowed her eyes at her judgmentally, "Amy," Helena said slowly, "Are you telling me you haven't actually tried?"
Amy backed away a bit, "Um… well… see…"
"Amy!" Helena reprimanded her.
"I'm sorry!" Amy apologized dramatically, "I've been learning with Rumple and trying to figure it out but, to be fair, I was taking a little longer because I thought I was alone! Plus, I can't do anything without Rumple getting on me! On top of that, you were no help! You just sat there! Mocking me!"
Helena raised an eyebrow.
"Ugh, nevermind." Amy sighed, "How about you? Have you figured anything out?"
"No, I haven't been in a position to even look. I was waiting for Rumple to get locked up."
"Wait! I forgot that happens!" Amy exclaimed and then pouted, "Wait, but he won't be there. I'll be alone. I can't be alone! I'm going insane!"
"Going? Amy, you went insane long ago."
"Well, so did you. But, I seriously feel like I'm losing my mind. I want people. Seriously! At this point, I might purposely get in trouble just to gain his attention. The ball was supposed to be my social thing and I've been dancing with Rumple all night! It's annoying! I mean look at all the cute guys, I mean they're not Zach, but still, come on!"
Helena stared at Amy, then blinked repeatedly, thinking through the hurricane of words thrown at her. Finally, Helena held out her hand. "Care to dance? I know I'm not as cute as any of the guys out there, but I'm told I can be quite charming when I want to be. So, Dance with me?"
Amy took her hand and rolled her eyes, "Not what I meant, but sure. Also, you look a lot like Zach which makes you much cuter than any of the guys here."
"Then, by all means, pretend I am him. Just don't kiss me please." Helena smirked at her as Amy's face fell to hide her oncoming blush.
"I hate you." Amy sighed loudly.
Helena smiled and simply led her back inside to the dance floor.
As they walked backed inside, Amy whispered frantically, "Helena, they're going to think we're gay or something."
Helena whispered back in a soft calm voice, "Don't worry about them. All that matters is what you think. If you're uncomfortable we don't have to, I was just trying to help."
"Okay…" Amy hesitated, Just pretend it's Zach. All you have to do is pretend it's Zach in his hot pink shirt. Amy sighed like the three girls in Beauty and the Beast when Gaston walked past them, although Zach was more like a Legolas, Faramir, or Aragorn mix, honestly, she couldn't describe him if she tried, but he was definitely not a Gaston.
Amy and Helena waltzed around the room ending up next to Snow and Charming. Helena and Amy followed the waltz sequence with several twirls, promenades, decorative arm sweeps, and rotations.
"Helena, when did you learn to dance? I didn't think you could." Amy asked her as she spun.
Helena shot a sly smile at her, "I've never held anything against dancing. I've just never had a practical reason to learn it. Now I do."
"So," Amy smirked, "Would you consider a wedding dance a practical reason?"
Helena nodded, "Yes, in fact, I would. There is only one issue with your evil plan that I just saw right through." Dang, it. "Wedding dancing is something I do not have to learn till I actually get married."
Amy growled amidst her sighing, "Fine!" She paused for a moment, deciding to change the topic back to something relevant. She said, "So, any ideas of when or how we meet after this? Also, what do I need to research or find while we await my father's imprisonment?"
"Well, My Fair Lady, to know that I would also need to know what you have already researched." Helena said, easily falling into the overly formal speech pattern Amy was using.
"Uhh…" Amy's face contorted into what Helena has previously called her thinking face trying to remember, "Well, lots of Neverland, the first thing I was researching on was how to get his dagger, which didn't end… well…" Amy lowered her voice as she spoke, unfortunately remembering the past event, but quickly skipped over it. 'You really think I'm going to just ignore that reaction.' I'm going to pretend you will. "Anyhow, I've had to be more careful of when I research. I've found a ton of magical things, all of them cool but none of them helpful. I don't know where to look and I'm not about to ask Rumple."
"Yeah, no, asking Rumple is a bad idea. Hmm…" Helena paused which Amy took as a signal to continue talking.
"Definitely, I don't know, I did find the Dark Fairy's wand. I don't know if that could help us or not, but I really don't want to wait that long. I also found some stuff on dreamshade that might have more magical abilities than just an incurable poison." Amy relayed the information to her hoping it would trigger a response.
Helena hummed in acknowledgment, clearly thinking. Amy waited more patiently than normal. "The dreamshade, even if it could get us back, isn't a good option. Getting to Neverland would be incredibly difficult, considering the lack of magic beans right now."
"I couldn't get by as a lost girl and just summon him?" Amy interrupted.
"No," Helena said firmly. "Even if it would work, we're not calling the shadow." Helena changed from Amy's friend to her mother.
"Worth a shot." Amy mumbled under her breath as the music slowed, "Well, I'll keep looking."
Alright! First Chapter we meet each other in! This chapter was really hard to write and edit for us because we kept having to switch perspectives and then try to describe the other person from our perspective.
but you're not here to listen to me rant. you want the instructions on how to play my game!
Okay, step one: I set apart a small section of the chapter. Find that
That section I have set apart is rather confusing. Why would I make Amy answer a question she does not know the correct answer to?
Step Two: Send me a review or massage with your guess as to why I would make her do that to prove she's really Amy.
If you get it right you can ask for your preferred spolier.
Good luck, everyone!