"Who are you?"

The question was so simple. So easy to answer. But she knew. Even then it would change everything. Artemis knew, she just knew that things on Neverland, things with Curly, things with Peter would never be the same. And it did. Everything changed with that one simple easy question.

She wish she said the things she wanted to say, to go back. But maybe that wouldn't have made a difference. Maybe she needed the time, to learn, to harden, to suffer. Without it she never would have appreciated the good things to come.

Even though she hadn't been the best at the time, Artemis knew one thing: Things were changing. Which meant she was too.

At least one thing had remained a constant whether she was in Neverland, the Enchanted Forest it even Storybrooke. For she knew why, she was there. A constant in the stories.

For she…she wreaked havoc.

Storybrooke
Before the Curse Had Been Broken. (Set in the episode 'The Return' S1 Ep19.)
30 Years Since Artemis's Had Been On Neverland.
Mr Gold's (AKA Rumpelstiltskin's) Pawn Shop.
Morning.

"Hey, Mr. Gold." Henry greeted, stuffing his hands in his pockets smiling widely at the man. "Good morning, Henry." Mr Gold replied, walking towards him, his cane tapping against the floor. "What can I do for you?"

"I want to get a gift for Miss Blanchard."
"Oh, I see."
"Since, she didn't kill that woman." Henry said, making Mr Gold smile. "Good thinking."

As the two chatted (Henry attempting to distract Mr. Gold for as long as possible) While August snuck in though the back. Inspecting the room, August looked around, as Henry continued his discussion about bells.

The room was filled with trinkets and strange objects that seemed rather out of place and a mixture of both messy and tidy. A sort of chaotic clean, if you would.

As August looked though the items, he glanced up feeling almost drawn towards a shelf, trailing his fingers along a few books, lightly sticking his fingers on the top, about to pull it down-

"May I help you?" Mr Gold asked suddenly. August turning around calmly. "Yeah. I'm looking for some maps. I'm a bit of a collector."

"Yes. Well, there's maps through in the shop. This is my office." Mr Gold replied, his flickering over the man suspiciously.

"I thought this was the entrance."

"It's not." Mr Gold said, his eyes now transfixed on the bookcase behind August. "The shop's through there."

August nodded, walking Mr Gold though the curtains into the shop. Mr Gold's eyes following him, glancing back up at the bookcase before following behind.

"Please don't ask me that."
"I have to, Artemis. You need to tell me."
"I'm Artemis, Peter. That's who I am. I'm Artemis."
"Yes, but Artemis who?"
"That makes no flipping sense!"

"You broke our deal." Regina snapped, Regina Mills AKA the Evil Queen. Yeah, Artemis knew her pretty well. "I broke one deal in my life, dear. And it certainly wasn't this one." Mr Gold replied smartly.

"Kathryn was supposed to die, and Mary Margaret was to get the blame." Regina said, almost waiting for him to contradict her. Artemis had to admit, if she were there (then and awake) she would have laughed.

Regina did know who she was dealing right? Rumpelstiltskin would argue with the Devil if he wanted to. "Yeah, murder seems so much worse here, though, doesn't it? You can't just turn someone into a snail and then step on them, can you? You didn't say 'kill her'. We agreed that something tragic should happen to her. Now, abduction is tragic."

"The intent was perfectly clear." Regina snapped. "Oh, let's not talk about intent. Intent is meaningless." Mr Gold retorted.

"Intent is everything."

"Please." Mr Gold said, picking up his strange helmet that he had been busy with, hanging it back up on display.

"This is going to raise all kinds of questions about where she was and how the test results were fake." Regina continued. "Oh, yes. And, um… And who put the key in her cell." Mr Gold said lightly.

Regina froze, the pieces coming together. "It's all going to lead to me, isn't it? You bastard. This doesn't make any sense. You and I – we've been in this, together, from the start."

"Oh, have we?" Mr Gold chuckled. "You created the curse for me. The curse that brought us here, and built all this." Regina said, edging closer to him.

"Yes, it's about time you said thank you."

"Why did you do it?" Regina asked, staring at him. Mr. Gold sighed, shuffling on his feet. "Well, you're a smart woman, Your Majesty. Figure it out."

"Just tell me!"
"I can't! Because if I do, they-you…You'll never look at me the same."
"Who are you?"
"Please-"
"Who are you?"
"Peter I'm begging—"
"And I am telling you, if you don't tell me—"
"What? You'll kill me? Please…Please do."
"…Don't make me….I'll do it."
"Then do it!"

Sighing to himself, Mr Gold shut the back door of his shop. Rubbing his hand over his face, he looked up walking towards the bookshelf that August had been poking his nose in.

Trailing his fingers along the books, he pulled down the one in the middle. The bookshelf slid to the side, revealing a small almost cupboard sized room. Holding one thing inside.

Picking up a chair Mr Gold sat down, patting the glass coffin. It was similar to Snow Whites, with intricate details and smooth cool glass that allowed Mr Gold to slid his hand up and down along it easily.

It was oddly relaxing, watching her sleep. She seemed peaceful, her long blonde hair much like her nieces resting on her hip. She was in a long white nightgown, a homage to where she came from. And a design to show her regality.

He had met her a few times, each time finding more respect for the small spitfire. She was like Regina in many ways, but he often found himself comparing her to Baelfire as well.

She reminded him of Bae. She had a heart like his, warm and kind.

"Don't worry," he mumbled to her, trailing across the case. The glass coffin was the only thing that radiated magic. Strong powerful magic. It was a good thing too, the magic inside was the only thing keeping her alive.

For now.

But it was almost time.

"Don't worry, Artemis. You're going to be out soon."

"I-I just…Please, Artemis just tell me…please…Your my-friend, your my…Your my friend and…I love you."

"If I do, promise you won't—hate me or—"
"I promise."

"I am Princess Artemis, the sister to Prince David Charming, the once protector of Snow White, the princess of thieves, wreaker of havoc, the cursed daughter—You more titles? Believe me, I have enough."

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