Chapter 2: Forging a New Life
Robin collapsed onto the bed, feeling absolutely exhausted. He had barely managed a shower and now just lay there in his towel. In the back of his mind, he could hear Regina scolding him for getting the blankets damp. And his heart broke anew as his mind continued to process everything that had happened since the funeral only a couple days earlier.
Namely, the reading of Regina's will.
Dr. Hopper was the executor of her estate - which Robin learned meant he was responsible for making sure Regina's last wishes were carried out. Robin believed she had made a good choice as Dr. Hopper was fair and empathetic but would respect her wishes. It had been difficult, though, to sit in that room and watch Regina's life get neatly divided up. But he was there to support Henry, who still looked absolutely lost and hadn't really shown much emotion since his outburst at Zelena at the repast.
Robin was worried and wished he knew what was going on inside the boy's head but knew he had to be patient. Henry would open up when he was ready.
Unsurprisingly, Regina had left most of her estate to Henry. She named Emma, Charming and Snow as his guardians, leaving him with his family. Henry also inherited the house and it was up to him to decide where to live until he was considered an adult. Everyone assured Henry that he did not need to make any decisions right away and could take as much time as he needed. But Henry said he wanted to stay at his grandparents' loft for now and invited Robin to move into the house with Roland and Margot, which surprised Robin.
"Mom and I talked about you all moving in before we went down to the Underworld," Henry explained. "And I think she would want you three to live there."
"Thank you," Robin said, covering the boy's hand with his own. "We will be honored."
Henry nodded. "I just have one condition. I get to keep my room and can stay over whenever I want."
"Deal," Robin replied. "You are always welcome. It is still your home and you will always be part of my family."
"Well, now that that's settled," Archie said. "There's just the matter of the trusts."
Emma blinked a few times before asking: "Trusts?"
Archie nodded. "Regina made one last update to her will before heading to the Underworld. She set up three trusts - one for Henry, one for Roland and one for, well, Baby Girl Locksley."
"I'm sorry," Robin said, confused. "What exactly is a trust?"
"It's money that Regina has set aside for each child," Archie explained. "I control them until each child turns twenty-one. Until then, money can only be withdrawn to be used for something for the child, such as school. Then at twenty-one, they can use the money however they see fit."
His words sank in and Robin sat back, stunned. "Regina set aside money for my children?"
Archie nodded. "I can get into the particulars later but suffice it to say that each trust is for a substantial sum."
"So Roland and Margot will always have money here?" he asked, relieved his children will never know what it was like to go without when Archie nodded. Gratitude then filled him and though he wished Regina was still with them, he was glad she had managed to help care for his children from beyond the grave.
There had been a few odds and ends Archie had to wrap up as well but soon everything was done. Regina's entire life had been neatly divvied up and the group went out for a rather somber lunch, everyone still processing what they had learned from Regina's will before continuing to adjust to life without her.
While there were less things for Robin to worry about, it still wasn't easier to wake up and go about his day without his soulmate by his side. He rolled over and picked up one of Regina's pillows, holding it against him. Taking a deep breath, her familiar vanilla scent washed over him and it was almost as if she were there.
Almost.
Gods, he missed her.
Robin lay there a bit longer, clinging to Regina's pillow as he wallowed in his grief. He didn't get many moments to allow himself to feel his loss, not when he had two sons who were also grieving and a baby daughter to care for. So he took these moments when they came to let himself fall apart and then pull himself back together for his family. They needed him and he needed to keep moving. He kept reminding himself that it was what Regina would want.
You can do this, he told himself. For her. For them.
He set his pillow aside and stood, crossing to the dresser and opening a drawer. Within minutes, he was dressed and he hung up his towel to dry. Robin padded out of the room and across the hall to the nursery, checking on Margot. She slept soundly in her crib, her little chest rising and falling. Love filled Robin and gently brushed one of her curls from her face, happy to have his daughter with him.
DING-DONG!
"I think your Uncle John is bringing your brother home," he whispered to Margot. "Keep dreaming and I'll go get him."
He went down the stairs and crossed to the door, opening it. Roland threw himself at Robin, wrapping his arms around his father's legs. "Hi, Papa. I'm home," he said.
"Hello, my boy," Robin said warmly, his spirits lifting as he cupped the back of his son's head. "Did you have fun with your uncles?"
"Yes," Roland said. "But I'm glad to be home."
John stepped into the house, looking very serious. "Can I talk to your father alone for a moment, Roland?" he asked.
Robin's heart sank and he brushed some of his son's curls down. "Why don't you go put your things away in your room?" he suggested.
"Okay, Papa," Roland said. He then hugged John. "Thanks for spending time with me, Uncle John."
"Anytime, Roland," John said fondly. Roland pulled away from him and headed upstairs to his bedroom.
Once they heard his bedroom door close, Robin turned back to John. "What is it?" he asked.
"The Merry Men and I would like to talk to you," John replied. "Can you get away tonight?"
Robin glanced up the stairs, thinking of Roland and Margot and running through potential babysitters. "I can ask a few people and see if they can watch the children for a bit," he said.
"Good," John said. "It's important."
"I can tell," Robin replied. "Where am I meeting you?"
John shrugged. "Wherever you decide. You are still our leader, Robin. We'll do as you say."
"Okay," Robin said, feeling guilty. He hadn't been much of a leader to his men lately and owed them an apology. "Granny will probably let us have the diner to ourselves for a bit if I ask. We can meet there."
"Sounds good," John replied. "I'll let the men know. See you tonight, Robin."
Robin nodded, holding out his hand. John took it but then pulled him in for a hug, which made a lump form in Robin's throat. Back when he lost Marian, he had relied heavily on his men and especially John to help him through the grief. Now, he realized he had pulled away from them and knew that if his men weren't going to leave him, he needed to rely on them again. He needed to be their leader and most importantly, their brother and friend.
John released him before heading out. Robin closed the door behind his friend and took a few calming breaths. Once he felt his emotions were under control, he headed upstairs to spend time with his son and to start making arrangements for that night.
Granny shut down the diner after the dinner rush for him and the Merry Men to use for their meeting. She also went to Regina's house to watch Margot and Roland for him. Robin thanked her profusely but she waved him off. "Tonight is usually a dead night anyway. I'd rather you and your men use it than for it to sit empty," she told him.
"I appreciate it," he said. "Margot and Roland are asleep so they shouldn't give you any problems. I'll be back as soon as possible."
"Don't worry. Take your time," she told him. "You need to focus on yourself as well during this time."
He nodded, leaving the house and starting the walk to Granny's diner. Robin arrived and entered, finding his Merry Men waiting for him. They had pushed several tables together to form one long one and they watched as he approached the empty chair positioned at the head. "Hello," he greeted.
"Welcome, Robin," Tuck greeted. He held out a glass. "Ale?"
Robin took the glass from Tuck and John held up his own glass. "First, a toast to the memory of Regina."
"To Regina," the other men said, holding their glasses up. Robin swallowed before raising his own glass. They all clinked their glasses before taking long sips in Regina's honor.
Setting down his glass, Robin looked around at his Merry Men - the brothers he had neglected and took a deep breath before addressing them. "What do you wish to discuss?"
Everyone turned to look at John, who looked nervous. "I don't know if you know, but the people from Camelot are trying to find a way back home. They are thinking of asking the witch to use a special wand to open a portal back there. Merida and her people also want to go as well."
Robin's stomach turned as he recalled the conversation he had had with Henry during the repast after Regin's funeral. He took a gulp of his beer before saying: "And you want to go back with them."
"We would like to discuss it," John said, stressing that point. "Together, as a group."
"Alright," Robin replied, his stomach twisted up in knots. "That sounds fair."
He took another sip of his beer before looking around at his men again. "Who would like to go first?"
"I guess I will," Much said, speaking up from the other end of the table. "I don't really feel like I fit in here at Storybrooke. The woods here are nice but we're often contained within the town's borders. We can't travel and there's not much to steal here. Honestly, there's not much of a reason to steal. I just don't feel like a Merry Man here."
"Does anyone else feel like that?" Robin asked. "It's okay if you do. I want to hear from you."
A few other men raised their hands. Each echoed Much's feelings - they felt trapped within the boundaries of Storybrooke and did not know what to do if they didn't need to steal from the rich to give to the poor. "I just feel lost," one said.
"I understand," Robin replied. And he did. While Regina had left plenty of money to care for Roland and Margot for years, he still wanted to be a productive member of Storybrooke and go straight at last. But most of his skills weren't in high demand so he needed to consider his next steps carefully. He wanted to make the most of his new life in Storybrooke but he understood if others wanted to return to their old lives in the Enchanted Forest.
Some of his men looked relieved and Much spoke up again. "We also know that with Regina no longer with us, there isn't much tying you to Storybrooke anymore and so...well…"
"You thought I would want to return to the Enchanted Forest as well," Robin said, looking as some of his men nodded.
Robin took a deep breath, knowing his men deserved to know his plans. "I will be honest. I do want to stay here in Storybrooke," he said.
"You do?" Much asked, surprised. It seemed the men who had voiced their desire to return to the Enchanted Forest all believed he would agree with them if their expressions were anything to go by.
"Yes," Robin replied. He sighed. "I know many of you have not felt at home here. And I do feel guilty that I adjusted to this world faster, mostly with Regina's help. I failed you as your leader as I ran off with Regina and them from adventure to adventure, even abandoning you completely when I went to New York."
His men shook their heads and Tuck reached out, patting Robin's hand. "You did not abandon us. You did what you felt was the right thing to do. You took care of your family. None of us can fault you for that."
"I fault myself," Robin admitted softly. He had known something seemed off about Marian when she did not show much concern about them leaving his men behind. It was as if she had no connection to them at all and in truth, she didn't because it hadn't been Marian but Zelena. Robin often wondered what would've happened if he had voiced some concerns before crossing the town line. Would Zelena's deception have been discovered sooner? Or would it have changed nothing at all?
"You came back," Little John told him. "That's what's important."
All the attempts to ease his guilt had the opposite effect. "I came back but we soon were whisked away to Camelot and then were chasing Emma before going to the Underworld...I appreciate you trying to convince me otherwise, but the truth is I've been a terrible leader to you all. And I'm sorry.
"I'm sorry I didn't help you adjust to life here as well," he continued. "And I understand if you want to leave. But as I said, I want to stay. This world...I believe this is a better place to raise my children, to raise Roland and Margot. We've all seen the medicine this world offers. Roland and Margot both will be able to go to school and have a more stable life. I want to go straight and give them the best lives possible."
He paused and John nodded. "We understand. Your family comes first. It's not just you or even just you and Roland. You now have two children. And our lifestyle is not an easy one."
"You have to do what's best for Roland and Margot," Tuck agreed. "And it does sound like Storybrooke is that place."
"It is," Robin agreed. He then took a breath. "Part of me wants to be selfish and demand that you all stay. Even though I haven't been acting like it, you are my family. I can't imagine raising my children without you all by my side, especially now that Regina is gone.
"But I won't. That wouldn't be fair to those of you who do not feel at home here and who wish to return to the Enchanted Forest," he continued. "So though it breaks my heart to do so, I release you from your duties as Merry Men. Go and live your lives how you see fit and I just ask that when you think of me, you do so fondly."
Stunned silence filled the diner as his men processed his words. Many went wide-eyed while he saw a few look away. Robin suspected they were trying to hide tears and he understood, his own heart shattering even more. But he did not want their last memories together to be sad ones so he picked up his glass and raised it up.
"A toast, men, to all of you and all the good we did and fun we had as Merry Men," Robin said. "May we always look back fondly at our time together and think of each other with love."
No one moved, all still sitting in shock. Robin sighed. "Come on. Do we want our last night together to be a sad one? I myself have had enough sadness to last me two lifetimes. I'd rather make this a happy one."
"Robin's right," John said, raising his glass. "To the Merry Men!"
"To the Merry Men," the others chorused, raising their glasses. Clinking then filled the diner before everyone took sips in their honor.
Everyone started to talk after that, sharing stories and jokes with each other. Robin relaxed as he leaned back in his chair, glad to have this one last night with his men. It was just like old times back in Sherwood Forest and he would always remember them fondly, no matter where life took all of them after that night.
Robin felt better than he had in weeks after a few hours spent with his men. He knew it was mostly due to the beer he had consumed and that he would likely pay for it the next morning. But it would be worth it to have this one last night with his Merry Men before life took them in separate directions.
His phone buzzed as he helped his men clean up the diner for Granny's. Pulling it out, he sighed. "It's one of those text message things from Emma," he said. "She's coming to pick me up."
"We're all going to walk back to camp," Tuck told him. He then grew pensive before saying: "I'm staying in Storybrooke. I already made the decision and even have a job lined up."
Surprise and happiness filled Robin as he shook his friend's hand. "Congratulations! And I'm glad you'll be staying in Storybrooke."
"I figured this would be our permanent home anyway but when the men started talking about finding a way home, I realized that I preferred being here," Tuck replied. "There are plenty of preachers in the Enchanted Forest, not many here. I can fill a need here and relieve some of Archie's burden. He shouldn't be the sole moral compass and sounding board for this entire town."
"I think you could do a lot of good here in Storybrooke," Robin agreed, clapping his friend on the shoulder.
Alan nodded, bringing over some chairs. "I'm staying as well. There's so much new music to learn. I even got a job at a local music store to help learn more. And I may start to give lessons there as well."
"That sounds wonderful," Robin said, proud of his friend. "I think you're going to really love that job."
"Me too," Alan agreed happily. "And I might also be able to play at the Rabbit Hole too. You need to come see me when you can. I know it'll be difficult with your children…"
Robin gave his shoulder a squeeze. "I'll figure something out and come to see you when I can. Promise."
"I'll be there too," Tuck told Alan with a smile.
"You can count me there as well," John said, joining their group. "I can't wait."
Surprise filled Robin and he slowly turned to the man he considered his brother. He had figured John would go back to the Enchanted Forest - it never seemed like his friend and second adjusted well to Storybrooke. "You're staying?"
Little John nodded. "I had considered going back but when you said you were staying...You are my family, Robin. You, Roland and now Margot. And home for me is wherever you three are. If that's Storybrooke, then my home is also Storybrooke."
"Oh, thank god," Robin said, relief coursing through him. "I would never keep you some place where you were unhappy but I was really hoping you would stay."
"Of course," John replied. "You're my brother."
They hugged each other and Robin felt the tears pricking his eyes. He pulled back, wiping his eyes as he chuckled. "I think I need to go home and get some sleep."
"I think we all do," Tuck agreed. "I think most of the men have a lot of thinking to do for now."
John nodded. "A lot of men are still undecided. I guess we'll see how everything shakes out soon."
"Well, no matter what happens, I'm glad I have you three," Robin said, grinning as he looked at the three men who had been with him the longest. "The original Merry Men."
Tuck chuckled. "I hadn't realized it until you said it but...yes. We are the originals. I guess everything comes full circle."
"I think there are probably a few more men who may stay," John replied, clapping Robin on the shoulder before doing the same with Alan. "But if in the end it's just us four, I know I will have my brothers by my side."
They all smiled and Robin felt better knowing he would have some of his family in Storybrooke. It would make things a bit easier to have John, Tuck and Alan with him here. Roland and Margot would get to grow up with their uncles around them, raising them with Robin just as he always imagined.
"I must say, I feel better now," Robin said. "And it's not just because of the ale consumed tonight."
All four chuckled as the bell over the door rang. Robin turned back to see Emma standing there. She gave him a little wave and he nodded to her. He started shaking hands as he said his goodbyes. "You all know where to find me. And if you choose to stay, we'll do this again soon. I promise," he told his men.
They cheered before he left with Emma. Cold air hit his face and Robin realized how warm he was, knowing it was mostly the alcohol. Still, he let out a soft moan. "This feels good."
"Do you want me to leave the window open a bit for you?" Emma asked, opening the door to her yellow bug. "Let you have some fresh air?"
"Thank you," he said, sliding into the passenger seat. "And thanks for picking me up."
She climbed into the driver's seat and lowered the windows before starting the car. "You're welcome. Now that you're staying, though, we should probably teach you how to drive."
"Yeah," he said. "There's a lot I have to do to officially settle into this realm. First and foremost is to get a job."
"Well, we can always find something for you to do at the sheriff's station, if you want," Emma offered, driving down the street.
Robin chuckled, touched by her offer but knowing it would not be a good fit. "You may be the only sheriff I trust, Emma, but that doesn't mean I want to come work for the enemy."
She grinned before giving him a look. "I hope this doesn't mean you're about to become a one-man crime wave."
"Do not worry, Sheriff, I intend to go straight," he said, rubbing his chin. "Maybe Granny has need of my services."
"Have you ever worked in the food services business before?" Emma asked him, turning onto Regina's street.
He nodded. "I once ran my own tavern in an attempt to go straight after marrying Marian. But of course the sheriff would not let me be and most of my profits were going straight into his pockets."
"Well, you don't have to worry about that," Emma said, pulling up to the house. "We'll find something for you to do. I actually dropped Henry off earlier. Maybe he could think of something."
Robin smiled, his heart warmed that Henry was spending the night with him and the children. They would be able to have breakfast together. And after Regina, Robin trusted Henry's knowledge of this world the most. Henry would help him find the right job, he just knew it. "Sounds good."
"Have a good night, Robin," Emma said. "And I would recommend a glass of water and some Tylenol. You're going to feel tonight tomorrow if you don't."
He chuckled, knowing she was right. "Thanks for the tip. I'll do just that. Goodnight, Emma."
"Goodnight, Robin," she replied. "See you in the morning."
Robin climbed out of the car and headed up the path to his front door. Granny greeted him. "Everything good?"
"Yeah," he said. "How about here?"
She nodded. "All was good. Margot went down around eight and Roland was not too far behind her. Henry came by and has been in his room since then. I'm not sure if he's asleep or not."
"I'll check on him before I go to bed," he replied. "Thank you so much, Granny."
"You're welcome. And if you ever want to go out again, just let me know. Don't forget to let yourself have some fun, Robin," she told him, giving him a knowing look over the rims of her glasses.
He nodded, touched by how much she cared for him. "I won't. I promise."
"Good," she said. "Have a goodnight, Robin."
"You too," he said, watching as she left and got in Emma's car to return to her diner. Robin then closed the door and locked up for the night.
After getting a glass of water, he headed upstairs to check on the children and finding there was light on in Henry's room. Knocking, Robin opened the door and saw the older boy lying in bed reading. Henry looked up. "Do you mind if I spend the night?"
"Of course not," Robin assured him. "But it's getting late. Ten more minutes and then lights out, okay?"
Henry nodded. "Goodnight, Robin."
"Goodnight, Henry," Robin said, closing the door behind him. He then checked on Roland, finding his son sound asleep. After kissing the boy's forehead, Robin headed to the nursery to peek in on Margot. Like her brother, she was also asleep and he kissed her forehead as well. Assured his children were tucked in for the night, he headed to the master bedroom to turn in himself.
After brushing his teeth and changing into his pajamas, he collapsed into bed. Robin had found the medicine Emma recommended in the medicine cabinet and he took the two pills. He then continued to drink the water as she had told him, picking up the picture of him and Regina on the nightstand.
"I miss you," he said. "I talked with my men tonight. I think some are going to go back to the Enchanted Forest and that does make me sad. But several are staying, including John, Alan and Tuck. I'll at least have them and that makes me more hopeful."
He sighed, gently stroking her image. "You should be here. If I could turn back time and change places with you, I would. I'm so sorry, Regina. I promise to take care of your loved ones for as long as I'm alive."
Robin pressed a kiss to his fingers before pressing them to her image. He set the picture frame aside before pulling the covers over him, drinking the water as Emma instructed before slipping off into a dreamless sleep.
When his alarm rang the following morning, Robin didn't feel as bad as he sometimes did after a good night of drinking with his men. There was just a hint of a headache but after reading the medicine bottle, he took two more pills and knew it would go away in no time. He changed into an outfit for the day before heading down the hall to check on his children, starting with Henry.
Once he confirmed that Henry was awake and changing for school, Robin moved to Roland's room. He entered it and shook his son gently. "Roland, time for school," he said.
"Five more minutes, Papa," Roland groaned, not opening his eyes. "Please?"
"I'm afraid not, my boy. You need to eat breakfast before going and so you need to get up now," Robin told him, wishing again Regina was there. She had the magic touch when it came to getting Roland out of bed in the mornings.
Though he groaned again, Roland pushed the covers back and climbed out of bed. Robin helped him change into his uniform and then sent his son downstairs with Henry. He crossed over to the nursery and found Margot lying in her crib, awake but not crying out just yet. Smiling, he scooped up his daughter and kissed her cheek. "Good morning, sweetheart. Did you have a good night?"
She cooed in response and he nodded, laying her down to change her diaper. "Ahh, that does sound like a good night. Did you have sweet dreams?"
They continued like that as he got her ready for the day, having a conversation with Margot though she couldn't speak yet. He had done it with Roland when he was a baby and had seen Regina do it with Neal, so he knew it was something that would help his baby girl as her brain continued to develop.
Robin picked Margot up and carried her downstairs to the kitchen. Henry and Roland sat at the table eating oatmeal and Robin smiled, knowing the older boy made the breakfast. "Thank you," he told Henry, placing Margot into her carrier.
"I made you some as well," Henry replied. He then glanced down at his bowl, tears filling his eyes. "Mom's was better though."
A lump formed in Robin's throat as he spooned some oatmeal into his bowl. He understood how Henry felt well - there were many meals he had since made that he couldn't help but think that Regina would've made it better. Sitting down, he squeezed Henry's shoulder. "Your mother is a tough act to follow," he said.
Henry nodded and they continued to eat their oatmeal as Robin kept an eye on the time. As the clock's second hand inched closer to the quarter hour, Henry then asked: "Robin, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course," Robin said, sipping his coffee. "What is it?"
"Your honor code included something about not messing with magic," Henry said. "And I know you loved my mother. What about her magic?"
Robin set his mug down as he considered the answer to Henry's question. "I didn't always understand your mother's magic and it sometimes seemed to complicate things more than solve them. But it was part of her and so I tolerated it."
Henry looked pensive as he stirred his oatmeal. Robin leaned closer, placing his hand on Henry's arm. "Why do you ask?"
"Just asking," Henry said, sighing. "Magic just seems to create more problem than it solves."
"Aye," Robin replied, nodding. "It does."
Henry grew thoughtful as he finished his breakfast. "Do you think we would be better off without magic?"
It had been a question Robin had asked himself a lot lately. Magic had tricked him into thinking his wife was alive and creating a baby with the Wicked Witch of the West. And now magic had taken his soulmate from him. But it had also given him his daughter and a better place to raise his children, so he wasn't entirely sure he could condemn it.
"I can't say," Robin finally admitted. "I just know I am grateful for what magic has given me and I grieve what it's taken from me as well. I believe that everything works out the way it's supposed to."
Henry sighed. "It's just so hard to believe that right now."
Robin reached out and cupped the back of Henry's head. "I know. But just remember you are not alone. You have a family who loves you and understands what you are going through. You can always talk to any of us."
"Thanks, Robin," he said. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Good." Checking the clock, Robin's heart skipped a beat. "Ah, you two are going to be late! We need to go!"
They cleaned up their bowls and placed them in the sink. Robin put Margot into her little coat before carrying her out to see her brothers off on the bus. Both hugged Robin before Henry helped Roland onto the bus. He waved until the bus rounded the corner and then lowered his arm with a sigh, looking down at Margot. "It's just you and me now, sweetheart."
Margot yawned and he chuckled. "Don't worry, my girl. I'll find us something fun to do while we wait for your brothers to come home," he said, heading back into the house to continue what he thought would be a normal day.
He would be wrong.
Laundry was tedious, no matter what world he lived in.
It was easier here in the Land Without Magic. Regina had machines that washed and dried the clothes so he did not have to go to the river and then lay the clothes out on a rock in the sun. While it didn't take the entire day or more like it used to, it still took Robin a few hours to do all the laundry. His children had a lot of clothes and they tended to get them dirtier far quicker than his own clothes. So he spent most of the morning doing the laundry so everyone would have clean clothes for the rest of the week.
Then he needed to do it all over again.
Robin picked up a basket of clean clothes when the ground shifted between his feet. He lurched forward and grabbed the washing machine for support. Bottles of detergent fell from the shelf Regina had installed over the machines and he batted the softener away before it hit his head. Everything grew blurry as the room continued to shake and Robin began to count the seconds.
Once he got to twenty, everything stopped. He let go of the washer and began picking up the bottles as he debated washing the clothes that had fallen out of the basket again. Deciding against it, he started to pick it up when crying made his heart stop. Robin raced from the laundry room and up to his daughter's nursery to comfort her. No doubt the shaking had upset her as well.
He scooped her up and held her close, rubbing her back as he comforted her as something vibrated against his leg. Robin reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, answering it. "Hi, Emma. Are you calling about the shaking?"
"I am now," Emma said, sounding frazzled. "But I was calling because the school called and said Henry never showed up for his classes. Is he with you?"
"No. I put him on the bus with Roland," Robin replied, his heart speeding up as he worried something happened to his boys. "Do you know if Roland is in school?"
She assured him that his son was in school before sighing. "We're going to have a meeting to see if we can figure out where he went. Are you available to come?"
"I have Margot," he told Emma. "The shaking upset her. I don't feel comfortable leaving her."
"My dad has Neal," she replied. "Bring Margot."
He thanked her and she said she would pick him up in a few minutes. Robin ended the call and looked down at his daughter, sighing. "Never a moment's peace, huh, Peanut? Let's get you ready and then go find your brother."
Emma picked him and Margot up, taking them to her parents' loft. David was inside as well, pacing the floor. He looked up and relief filled his eyes as he crossed over, holding out his hand. "Thanks for coming, Robin. I'm sure between the three of us, we'll find Henry," he said.
"I hope so," Robin replied, shaking the prince's hand. "I can always call on my men. They'll happily help us look too."
"Good," Charming said, "though I hope we don't need to call on them."
Emma nodded, walking away. "I think between the three of us we can figure out where Henry's…WHOA!"
Her right leg went up in the air as the room once again shook, causing her to fall backwards. Charming caught her as he gripped the nearest chair to keep them both upright. Robin hugged his daughter's carrier to his chest as he widened his legs, bracing himself against the shaking as things began to fall off shelves and counters in the prince and princess' loft. He wished Regina was there with them, certain she would know what was happening.
Once again, he counted. This time he got to thirty before the shaking stopped. Margot started to cry again and he set the carrier down. His arms shook as he unbuckled her and picked her up, holding her against his shoulder as he rubbed her back. "It's okay. I've got you. You're safe," he cooed to her.
"That's the second time," Charming said. "What's going on?"
"I think I might be able to answer that." Robin looked up from his still fussy daughter to see the Dark One standing in the doorway. He leaned against his walking stick, though Robin believed that was more for show than necessity.
Robin looked over at Charming and Emma, wondering if they could trust anything the Dark One had to say. It was clear father and daughter were just as suspicious as him. Charming tensed up as he comforted his own son and Emma approached the Dark One. "What are you doing here?"
"I need the sheriff's assistance," he said, stepping into the apartment with his eyes locked on hers. "Something has been stolen from my shop - a very special chalice that holds a very special power."
Emma stared at him with an incredulous look. "Are you going to tell me that the Holy Grail was in your shop and got stolen?"
"The Holy Grail? Nonsense," he replied, shaking his head. "Though that's a good reference for this particular chalice. And to be honest, it's half a chalice."
"Half a chalice?" she asked. "Are you sure it's been stolen and not just on its side?"
Robin bit his cheek to keep from laughing as the Dark One scowled. His eyes narrowed. "I know it's been stolen because it is the reason why Storybrooke is experiencing the episodes of shaking."
"This missing half-a-chalice is causing earthquakes?" Emma asked, still sounding very confused. Robin felt the same way.
"They aren't so much earthquakes as they are magic quakes," he replied. "That half-a-chalice contains some very powerful magic that has essentially been allowing Storybrooke to exist in this world since you broke Regina's curse. Without it, the magic holding the town together is degrading and the longer it stays out of Storybrooke, the more likely the town will cease to exist."
Everyone gaped at the Dark One as terror filled Robin. He looked down at Margot as her eyes fluttered closed and wondered what would happen to him and his children if the town ceased to exist. Dark thoughts filled his mind and he pushed them aside, knowing he had to save the town Regina had loved and considered her home.
"Why didn't you have this chalice in a more secure location?" Charming asked, sounding almost as angry and scared as Robin felt.
"I did," the Dark One snapped. "And it was guarded by blood magic. Which means only one person could have taken it."
Realization dawned on them at the same time. "Henry," Emma said breathlessly.
"Why would Henry want to steal the chalice?" Charming asked, looking between Emma and the Dark One to see who would speak first.
The Dark One shrugged. "I was hoping you would know why or at least where my grandson has run off to."
"We don't," Emma replied, sounding scared and frustrated. "He's runaway with something that could destroy the town. Do you think he knows that?"
"No," Robin said, certain of that fact. "I don't know what he's doing but I do know one thing. If Henry knew that it would put the town his mother loved in jeopardy, he wouldn't do it."
Emma nodded. "I have to agree. But it still doesn't explain why he stole it in the first place."
"Let's check his room here," Charming suggested. "Maybe he left a note."
"If not, we can go back to Regina's house and check his room there," Robin suggested, wondering if Henry had other reasons for staying over the night before beyond just missing his mother.
Emma shook her head, pulling out her phone. "Let's try some modern technology. Henry's phone should still have the tracking app I downloaded onto it. It should tell us where he is."
They watched as she opened an app on her phone and the color drained from her face. "He's left Storybrooke," she said.
"What?" Robin asked, his heart sinking into his stomach. He had promised to keep Regina's son safe now that she was gone and he had already broken it.
"Where is he going?" Charming asked, leaning closer to his daughter to see her phone. "And how is he getting there?"
Emma pressed her lips together, lowering her phone. "He took a bus to get to me in Boston. We should go to the bus depot."
"You need to do it quickly," the Dark One said. "If he has that chalice, the further he gets away from Storybrooke, the worse the shaking episodes are going to get."
As if to prove his point, everything began to shake again. Robin reached for Margot and held her close as he braced himself. More items fell off the shelves and he heard a few things shatter. Storybrooke was truly starting to crumble around them and they needed to find Henry before everything was gone.
"Okay, it seems that Henry is going to New York," Emma said, coming out of the bus depot. "He has a several hour lead so I need to leave now if I want to stop him from doing something he'll regret."
"You can't go by yourself," Charming said, frowning. "I'll go with you."
She shook her head. "Both sheriffs can't go. You need to stay behind and take care of the town."
"I'll go," Robin said, certain it would be what Regina would want. He turned to Charming. "Can you and Snow watch Margot and Roland for me?"
Emma frowned. "Are you sure about this, Robin?"
"I am," he replied. "I owe it to Regina to bring her son back home safely and save the town she loves. Loved."
"While I understand that…"
Robin jumped in. "I'm also an expert tracker, even in this strange world, and I'm someone Henry may be more willing to open up to rather than to his mother."
"I think it's probably best if Robin goes," Charming agreed. "Snow and I will be happy to watch Margot and Roland for you."
"Thank you," Robin said, turning back to Emma. "What should I bring with me?"
She motioned for him to follow her as she walked back toward her car. "We can pick it up together. Henry's already gotten a head start on us and we need to leave as soon as possible. Are you okay with that?"
"I am," he said. "Just let me say goodbye to my children."
"Alright," she agreed, opening the door to her yellow bug. Robin got in the passenger seat and she started it up, heading to the school so he could talk with Roland.
Robin looked out at Storybrooke as they drove past the buildings and he took it all in. He would not let anything happen to this town he had now adopted as his own, the town where his soulmate was buried. While he knew Roland would likely not be happy about him leaving again, Robin hoped his son would one day understand why he needed to do this - not just for Regina but for everyone's future.
They would not lose Storybrooke.
A/N: Looks like Robin will have at least some of his Merry Men to support him as he starts his new life in Storybrooke. But first, he needs to get Henry and bring him back before he does something rash!
Expect some Outlaw Believer in the next chapter!
And we'll get some Outlaw Queen goodness soon! Just hold on a bit longer!
-Mac
