Warning: Heavy implication of Sexual assault in this chapter. Nothing graphic but intent is obvious.
Belle rushed with Emma and Bae over to Regina's house. According to her son the séance had been a bust they also called David and Snow who had both left after the failure to return to the mansion. When they got there they found a bit of a mess inside.
"What happened?" asked Belle.
"Turns out my mother came through after all," said Regina.
"And I had the displeasure of getting possessed by a ghost," added Alice who was using a notepad at the moment and sitting in a chair with her legs swung over the arms.
"Don't supposed said ghost helped you find out what happened with Zelena and Cora?" asked Emma. The blond nodded before writing.
"And some of you aren't going to like it."
"Why?" asked Charming. Alice shrugged, and wrote out the next sentence.
"Because it doesn't paint Snow's mother in the prettiest light."
"What?" asked Snow in confusion. Alice sighed and they waited a minute while her hand raced back and forth across the paper they then bent over to read.
"Cora was meant to marry King Leopold. However, Cora was pregnant by a gardener who blackmailed her to give him jewels. Then Princess Eva tattled to Leopold who tossed aside dear Cora causing her to abandon baby Zelena."
"Why'd she have to give up the kid?" asked Emma.
"My mother was social climber. No unwed mother was gonna manage that," said Regina. "But if Eva hadn't told Zelena could have been passed off as Leopold's kid."
"She didn't want to give up Zelena. She was forced to by my mother. She told a secret. Just like I did," said Snow in utter shock.
"Wait. I thought our family were the good guys," said Emma half sarcastically.
"Life is too messy for it to ever be that simple," said Belle with a wave of her hand. "Not to mention that it was Cora's desire for power that caused her to give up Zelena really. She could have kept the babe it simply would have hampered her ambitions."
"Maybe but you're saying if it wasn't for Snow's mother, Cora would have never gave up Zelena?" said David.
"She would have been tutored by Papa all if it weren't for this Princess Eva?" said Bae.
"Well, that explains her plan then," said Belle. "She's planning on going back. Back in time to change what happened."
"Are you certain?" asked Regina looking surprised. "No one's ever been able to cast a spell to go back in time."
"Clearly she thinks she can succeed. I mean brains, courage, a resilient heart. Those ingredients are in every time-travel spell I've found."
"So that means..." said Emma
"Zelena's going back to kill my mother," exclaimed Snow.
"I'm guessing this is where your help ends," quipped Emma Regina rolled her eyes.
"Now, think it through, Ms. swan. That means you'll have never been born, and neither will Henry."
"So glad our son is the sole thing keeping you on our side," said Bae dryly and Regina just looked exasperated. Belle noted that like his father humor was Bae's defense when things got worrying.
"And on this different path, Regina, you may not be, either," pointed Alice.
"It's a good thing no one has ever succeeded with this time-travel nonsense," said Snow hopefully.
"Just because it hasn't been done doesn't mean it isn't possible. It was the same way with the Dark Curse," said Belle hating to be the one to rain on the hope parade but knowing she had to be realistic.
"The baby." said David.
"What?" said Bae.
"That's what's missing. That's why none have succeeded. Somehow, some way, our baby is the key. Zelena went to a lot of effort to get close to our unborn child. That's what she's after." said David.
"What is she going to do to with? –" began Snow. Though Belle's mind was turning. Snow and Charming were a powerful true love match. Perhaps the most powerful. A child of theirs would be unique.
"It doesn't matter. She's not gonna get it. We're gonna stop her. Since our baby's not born, she's stuck, and we have what we need Time," said David. Snow sighed.
"Just not very much of it."
OUAT
Rumplestiltskin joined Zelena for dinner as she asked.
"You should have a woman dress you more often." she told him. "Please, do have a seat." Rumple moved towards the table and sat down.
"I wonder how much civility I'll be asked to endure before this evening's true purpose is revealed." Zelena laughed.
"Relax. You know I'm not one for subtlety."
"Well, how lucky for me," he said forcing himself to give her a crooked smile.
"Play coy if you like. But we both know it wasn't a dagger that brought you into my kitchen," said Zelena pouring him wine.
"Well, coercion take many forms, my dear, but I can assure you, I'm not here for the boiled peas," he couldn't lay it on too heavy yet or she'd be suspicious.
"No, you're here for my secret, aren't you? How I've cracked time travel."
"Can you blame me? Time travel spells have been written since the dawn of the dark arts but never cast. It's against the fundamental laws of magic." Zelena chuckled.
"Magic doesn't fail. People fail. Laws only exist until they're broken by someone...superior." Rumple inclined his head.
"And You. You've deciphered the laws of time travel?" Zelena nodded.
"When that baby is born, I am going back to claim the life that I deserve. It's the product of one of the greatest true loves of all times. The perfect vessel for my spell. And..." she looked coy "There's no reason that you can't come with me." Ah there was his possible in.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Your son might live but you went through an awful long time without him and he without you. What if you could fix that?"
"You mean, never leave him?" asked Rumple careful to sound tempted.
"Exactly! Your son would never know abandonment. Would never have hated you. Don't you want that?"
"Yes...that would be wonderful." he said. "And...if anyone could pull it off it would be you." He reach out to take the bottle of wine and stood up pouring her another glass as hers was near empty. "I should thank you."
"For what?" asked Zelena
"For showing me something I should have seen long ago. It's never easy for a man to admit he's wrong. But I wronged you and hurt us both." Zelena looked enticed.
"Those mistakes can't haunt us. Not anymore. Soon, history will be wiped clean." Rumple chuckled.
"Until then, a gentleman always makes amends for his failings." He reached out stroking her cheek Zelena leaned into it and he moved forward kissing her neck. His stomach rolled in disgust as Zelena stood her back to the table letting out a moan. Her hands dug into his shoulders before he moved and forced himself to kiss her on the lips.
As always it felt like a violation and a betrayal to do this with anyone but Belle. He ran his hand down her skirt as if moving to push it up as they pulled away for breath he caught a glimpse of the handle of the dagger but just as he reached for it he found himself frozen.
Zelena pulled away panting and looking furious.
"Sorry, love. Afraid not!"
"Never on the first date, eh, dearie?" he said.
"You just wanted the knife."
"Obviously. You really think I'd WILLINGLY give myself to you for any other reason?"
"Because you are so devoted to your precious little Belle," snarled the witch forcing him to his knees.
"Yes." he snapped. "And she's twice the woman you'll ever be dearie."
"What is it about her that's so special?! What does she have that I don't!?" exploded Zelena in frustration. Rumple felt the compulsion to answer and didn't bother fighting it this time.
"She's witty, kind, brave, selfless, she sees the monster for what he is and accepts it while bringing out the best in him. She treats my son as if he were his own and can be trusted completely. She held my dagger for years and never abused it. It's true love dearie. And no time travel spell can change that. Belle will always be my perfect match and you...you'll just be an obsessive little fangirl."
Zelena slapped him.
"You won't be so cocky when I've done my spell. And you just squandered your chance to fix things with your son."
"I may have failed my son often but Bae wouldn't have his son if that weren't the case and I will not alter my boy's current life to ease my past guilt."
"So be it. To the bedroom doll. You started it this time after all. And by the time I'm finished...your wife wouldn't want you back anyway." Rumple felt sick to his stomach as he was forced to obey the woman's fiendish commands silently apologizing over and over in his head to his wife.
OUAT
Belle was visiting the Hatter's while Henry and Grace played out back, Jefferson's property was of course situated in the woods which made it a fun place for children to enjoy. The kids had been directed to stay within sight of the house and the three adults were glancing out the back every few minutes or so.
Unfortunately it seemed to be during one of their brief moments of turning away that chaos struck one moment the kids were there the next they were gone.
"What the hell!" said Jefferson as they raced out to the back yard. Footprints showed two sets of tracks running further into the forest being chased by a third.
Before the three could run after them Henry suddenly appeared.
"It's Grandpa!" he exclaimed. "Zelena made him chase after Grace and I he forced us away from the house! He seemed to be aiming for me though."
"That means Grace is alone with a dagger-controlled Rumple," said Jefferson while Alice looked in the direction Henry had pointed in horror. "Belle you get out of here in case Rumple come's back we're going after them." The two parents swiftly followed after the tracks.
"How did you get back?" asked Belle as she and Henry hurried for the car. "Grandpa vanished my teleportation potion so Grace grabbed hers and gave it to me," said Henry looking very distressed. "I didn't want to leave her."
"You didn't have much of a choice Henry. If your Grandfather was being forced to target you then Grace was probably safer without you." she reassured him.
"I hope she'll be ok," said Henry. Belle gave him a small smile.
"I'm sure she'll come out safe." God she hoped so. Not only for her dear god daughter's sake but also Rumple's. She knew he'd never be able to forgive himself if he harmed her dagger or no.
They were just entering town when Henry's phone dinged.
"They're safe!" Belle breathed a sigh of relief. Henry's phone dinged again.
"Annnnnd the baby is coming. They want to meet us at the hospital to plan." Belle groaned changing the car's direction.
"FANTASTIC." They arrived at the hospital and hurried inside where Emma and Regina were putting up a barrier.
"You really think this protection spell will be enough to hold her off?" Emma asked.
"It depends, if your brand of magic is stronger than hers. If it is, no one wielding dark magic will be able to get in here."
"That doesn't sound like a vote of confidence." said Emma.
"It isn't, but we're out of options," replied Regina before turning around. "Henry!"
"Hey moms," said Henry.
"We just had a lovely scare. Zelena sent Rumple after Henry."
"Thank god you got away," said Regina.
"I'm willing to bet the incoming child probably distracted Zelena from keeping Rumple on the hunt," guessed Belle.
"Why would he go after Henry?" said Emma. Belle shrugged.
"Leverage? A chance to destroy something that matter's to both Rumple and Regina? The point is he's safe."
"But for how long?" said Regina.
At that moment Bae came hurrying over.
"Hey bud," he said to Henry.
"Hi dad," said Henry with a smile.
"I heard what was happening what's the plan?" asked Bae. Belle saw Emma take a deep breath.
"Can I talk with you three alone a minute?" Regina, Bae, Emma, and Belle all moved away from Henry slightly.
"Henry can't stay here. Zelena will be gunning for the hospital the moment the kid comes out," said Emma. then she took a deep breath. "In fact if things go really South today and we don't stop her. Henry can't be in town.
"You mean send him away again," said Regina looking heartbroken.
"It's only a contingency plan but hiding out won't do anyone any good if Zelena wins." Neal nodded.
"I see where you're going with this." Belle thought she could too but was still a bit shocked when the woman said. "Belle I need you to do me a favor. I need you to drive to the town line with Henry. We'll keep you informed but if I give you the word or you don't hear from us by the end of the day, I need you to drive over with Henry." Belle watched Regina who nodded grudgingly.
"I agree. Not that I'll let my sister win. But I also won't take chances with Henry's life."
"You'd trust me with Henry?" she asked the trio.
"Nobody I'd trust more mom," said Bae.
"You are the best option at this point," agreed Regina. Belle nodded.
"Alright, but it's a last resort. None of you are allowed to actually go and die mind you." Bae chuckled pulling her into a hug.
"Understood." Belle sighed.
"In that case. I'll let you say your goodbyes."
OUAT
Emma they walked back to Henry. She didn't like the idea of separating from him but she was a realist and while she wasn't beaten yet she wasn't willing to risk Henry's life. Sending him off with Belle was the safest option.
"You're going to have to fight the witch aren't you?"
"Probably." said Emma who knew that was the inevitable outcome if she wanted to stop the witch from taking her sibling. "Are you worried?"
"No." said Henry with a small smile.
"Really?" asked Regina.
"Defeating bad guys is what you do," he replied. Emma's heart swelled at the vote of confidence and she pulled him into her arms. He then did the same with his father and Regina.
"Right, you go with your Grandma now," said Neal. "She'll take care of you now and if things go sideways." Henry nodded though he looked bothered and followed Belle out. Regina walked away and Neal turned to Emma.
"I knew you were going after the witch."
"You and Henry think far too much alike but yes," said Emma.
"Right then let's go," he said. Emma shook her head.
"No way. I'm not risking Henry losing BOTH his parents in a showdown with that woman."
"I'm not standing by doing nothing!" said Neal. "We literally just sent my mother off for that reason."
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you've got to be in the direct line of fire," argued Emma. "If anything, one of us needs to be able to follow."
"Emma, wait, he's right. You don't have to do this alone." said David.
"Yeah, I do. You need to stay with Mary Margaret."
"Yeah, I know, but you need help."
"And I do not want to be useless," said Neal she could tell he would not be deterred.
"Fine." she huffed. At that moment Hook joined them.
"I heard about the little Prince how can I help?'
"You can help with protection duty," said David.
"Mm, I thought you didn't trust me, mate," said Hook in surprise. To Emma's shock her father shrugged.
"Zelena backed you into a corner. You did the best you could." Personally she hadn't quite forgiven Hook yet.
"See? Even your father gets it." Emma snorted.
"Yeah, because he knows about keeping secrets from loved ones."
"Hey!" exclaimed her father.
"I still think I should do this alone," she said.
"This isn't about you. It's about all of us." replied Neal. "Besides, you know, I'm good in a fight."
"At the very least, he can draw fire."
"What, now I'm cannon fodder?" asked Neal looking moderately offended.
"He probably hasn't forgiven you for Phoenix. Fine. You can come."
"How gracious," said Neal with an eye roll. "Let's go."
OUAT
Emma and Neal approached the farmhouse.
"So still thinking on if you want Henry here or not?" asked Neal. Emma nodded truth be told she was secretly glad to have him at her side even if a part of her was scared for him.
"Yes, I don't know what to do. One minute I see him happy here with his family and it feels right the next he's in danger and I want to high tail it out of here like the road runner." Neal chuckled at the reference.
"Well, we do have to also consider Henry's point of view in this. We don't want him hopping on a bus from New York to Storybrooke." Emma snorted.
"True."
"That said I'm not sure that's the only reason you are scared of staying is it?" Emma felt slightly uncomfortable at this. Neal was probably the person that knew her best in the world at this point so of course he would have picked up on the other part of her inner turmoil.
"And what exactly do you think that is?" she asked with a scoff.
"I think you see a future here and that scares you. Because every other time it's fallen through. I should know after all considering I was responsible for one of those times." Before Emma could respond another voice rang out.
"Aww. You two are so adorable. But instead of looking for each other, maybe you should be focused on me. Although, without magic, that could prove to be a challenge." They turned to see Zelena and Gold the latter looking torn up at the sight of them.
A wave of Zelena's hand an Emma and Neal's gun's had disappeared. Emma worked to summon her magic. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Neal edge back towards the barn she guessed he was hoping to circle round and catch Zelena from behind since the woman's primary focus seemed to be on Emma.
Trying to distract the witch she said.
"The next time you try to take my power, why don't you try enchanting the lips of someone, I'll actually kiss?" Zelena shrugged.
"See, Emma, you've got a decision to make. You can keep your magic which makes you oh so sad and disappoint your parents with the selfish option or do what they would do,"
Emma furrowed her brow in confusion and slight frustration at how hard it was to get her magic to come at will. Zelena waved a hand and suddenly Hook was there. Zelena smiled.
"Rumple." Gold tossed Hook head first into a nearby well holding him down. Several things then happened at once. The magic Emma had been gathering shot towards Gold who deflected it easily. Emma ran to the well to try and pull Hook out to no avail.
Neal then tackled Zelena from behind the barn wrestling with her for control of the dagger. This seemed at least to interrupt enough of her control for Gold to stop drowning Hook and Emma yanked the man out just as Neal was sent into the side of the barn with a blast of green magic.
Zelena stood up looking severely ruffled and turned to Emma.
"Your other boy toy lives for now because I want to see the look on the bookworm's face too when I kill him. But the pirate. His life is in your hands." Then she and Rumple disappeared.
Emma shook Hook but he seemed to have swallowed too much water. She knew he needed CPR and it looked like Neal was unconscious at the moment.
She knew the smart thing would be to let Hook die. And she didn't hold the personal attachment she had to her family or Neal. However, despite not seeing things as black and white as her parents letting him die didn't sit right. She sighed.
"Damn it." and began to do CPR. The moment her lips touched Hooks she felt as if something were being sucked out of her. She pulled away and after a few more rounds Hook gasped sitting up and coughing up water.
"Swan! What have you done!?"
"Saved your ass," she replied and once she was content he wasn't about to kick the bucket hurried over to the now stirring Neal.
"Hey," she said touching his cheek. "You still with me?" There was trail of blood at his head.
"Yeah, only thing permanently hurt his my pride," he muttered. Wincing as she helped him stand.
"Are you kidding? Hook wouldn't be alive if you hadn't distracted Zelena's control. You took on a psychotic witch with nothing but a football tackle."
"And you lost your magic," said Neal catching sight of the alive hook and obviously putting two and two together. Emma sighed.
"We'll have to work out something else." They glanced over at Hook who had stood up and was walking over.
"Thank you Baelfire. And you Swan. You didn't have to save me." Neal shrugged and Emma nodded before saying.
"Come on let's get back to the hospital that's probably where they are going next."
OUAT
It killed Neal to see the way Zelena controlled his father. Treating him like a dog to be called to heel. He read the fear in his Papa's eyes as soon as the pair appeared and immediately started on some sort of plan. While Emma distracted Zelena he made an attempt to get the dagger. It was a long shot but the best he had. He knew his Papa had noticed what he was doing but was purposely ignoring it. Even now under her control he did all he could to help them.
Unfortunately, then Zelena had brought Hook into the equation upping the anti and despite Neal's best attempts the red head proved stronger than she looked. Well, that and the whole magic thing.
The next thing he knew he was waking up to a concerned Emma who'd lost her magic going by the fact that Hook was alive.
"Come on let's get back to the hospital that's probably where they are going next." said Emma and he agreed wondering how on earth they were supposed to stop the witch now but knowing they couldn't give up.
OUAT
Belle and Henry had swiftly gathered the essentials for if they needed to high tail it out of Storybrooke. Then Belle drove them to the town line and they waited watching the phone.
Truthfully a part of her felt it was wrong to run out on Rumple. Yet she also knew that he'd want her to protect their grandson, their son was trusting her with a piece of himself that he held just as precious as they considered him. She'd have to rely on the others now to save her true love.
Belle tried putting on music but they agreed it just made things more tense.
Jefferson had joined them in his car with a very sullen looking Grace apparently Alice was going to try and join the efforts to stop Zelena and like Bae if possible would follow them if things went beyond saving.
Belle sighed.
"Do you think they'll stop them taking the baby Grandma?" asked Henry.
"Truthfully? I don't think there are any protections they can come up with that would stand up to her and protect the child," she said quietly. Not that it was worth rolling over and giving in. "I'm sorry I shouldn't be so pessimistic around you." Henry shrugged.
"It's ok. You're not sugar coating it because I'm a kid. And you haven't completely given up hope right?" Belle shook her head.
"No I haven't."
"I don't think we should do this," said Henry the windows were open in both cars meaning the conversation carried and Grace chimed in.
"I agree I don't like this," suddenly the blond got out.
"Gracelyn get back in the car," said Jefferson even as Henry did the same. Belle sighed getting out herself and walking round soon joined by Jefferson.
"Do you think that we want to be leaving?" she asked. "That if it weren't for our love of you that we wouldn't now be fighting side by side with the others to free Rumple and stop this danger?"
"Grace I love your mother," said Jefferson. "It kills me to know she's going into danger. And if I weren't a parent I'd be fighting tooth and nail for your Uncle Rumple. But I won't leave you an orphan."
"Mama went," argued Grace.
"Yes because someone from our family needed to," said Jefferson.
"What about my parents they're both going," said Henry. Belle sighed.
"That's likely because of your mother's position as the Savior and your father's concern for his father. I'd be there too if I weren't the only other family member available to take you out of here."
"Look good always defeats evil but it can't do it if you don't stand together and that includes ALL of you," said Henry.
"We can't run now and abandon them," said Grace. "And we won't go with you!" Belle looked at Jefferson who seemed lost. Her phone dinged.
"What's it say?" asked Henry.
"Emma's lost her magic and the baby's been taken they're heading to the farm house. They want us to go now just in case."
She glanced from Jefferson to the resolute faces of the children.
"What do we do?" she asked she couldn't deny she found herself tempted by their words.
"Well, dragging them over isn't an option...so I suppose we just got checkmated by a pair of tweens," said Jefferson.
"Henry's parent's will kill me," she said.
"Speak for yourself. Alice will musically flay me," replied Jefferson before turning back to the kids. "We may not be able to even drive there in time." Just as he said it they were surrounded by blue smoke and moments later appeared in the woods not far from the farmhouse.
"When did you learn to do that?" Henry asked his friend. Grace shrugged. "I just wanted really hard."
"Well you two stay put. AND I MEAN IT." said Belle.
"Agreed. You two move and if we survive this you are grounded till you are eighteen." said Jefferson. Both kids sighed but nodded in understanding before the adults took off. They reached the farm house impressively around the same time as the rest of the team.
"What happened to protecting Henry!?" demanded Regina.
"And Gracie," added Alice holding up her phone. Jefferson shrugged.
"We got out played by a hope speech and a pair of twelve year olds."
"You should have magickly stuck them to the car seat if you were that determined to make them leave," said Belle. "We did convince them to wait in the woods."
"Well that's progress," muttered Emma.
"That's our kid," replied Bae dryly.
"Have we got a plan?" asked Belle.
"David goes for the baby, Robin's going for the heart, Regina's going for Zelena because we think she's got light magic potentially..."
"That's not outrageous," said Belle thoughtfully the woman did share a love with Robin it seemed and had true love for her son.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence bookworm," said Regina though the nickname was now more endearing than vicious.
"Right," continued Emma. "The rest of us try and focus on Gold. Though you and Neal ought to try and stay out of his reach if possible." Belle supposed this made sense.
"Fine," said Belle. "But let's also try and disrupt the ritual," Together they approached the barn in which Zelena and Rumple stood. In the center of it was a circular symbol drawn in the ground with four points. At each one was a different object, heart, baby, gold brain, and the sword hilt.
Colored tendrils rose up from the sigils etched in the dirt.
"Don't worry, dearie. Once all this is over, you won't remember a thing." Zelena was telling Rumple.
"It isn't over, yet." said David.
"And who's gonna stop me? Certainly not the savior. Or the songbird who lost her voice."
Alice flipped the witch off.
"And the rest of you aren't particularly impressive. Honestly Belle...I'd have thought you'd have given up on a lost cause by now."
"On the contrary. I'm here to get my husband back."
"Right then, Dark One rid me of these pests, oh and be sure to kill your precious wife and son." Belle and Bae immediately got to the opposite side of the barn missing the fireball sent their way mean while Hook, Emma, and Jefferson had a go at Rumple.
"Go, get him. We got your back." Emma told David who started making for the baby
"And I've got your heart," Robin told Regina moving in with his crossbow.
"Zelena, stop now. We're not gonna let you succeed." Regina told her sister and Belle and Bae made for the circle, Belle holding a spade.
"Come for another beating sis?" asked Zelena.
"No I came for some jewelry," replied Regina attempting to grab the amulet only to be thrown back. In the mean time Belle and Bae dashed for the circle.
Zelena called down monkey's trying to force them off their path. Belle lunged for the circle digging the metal spade into the indent in the magic circle and pulling it towards her. It was a thin track she made in the dirt but enough that the spell began to be disrupted.
Meanwhile Bae had used a pipe to hit the creature with a dart making it fall.
"Remember, these creatures are our friends," called Robin.
"Don't worry, I'll use a gentle touch." said David just as Jefferson who had been doing quite well with Alice, though Emma and Hook were out of the running, backed up enough to kick, the golden brain out of it's spot severing the spell further.
Zelena let out a scream and tossed him away before turning to choke her sister right about the time Rumple finally managed to hit Alice before turning on Belle who shoved Bae as far away as possible.
Rumple looking utterly agonized grasped Belle by the throat drawing her closer. She could see tears in his eyes even as she started to lose her vision. However as soon as she was close enough and feeling a tad regretful she tossed a handful of dirt she'd held in his face causing him to cough and release her she scrambled back attempted to get up and expecting another attack but it didn't come.
She turned to look at Zelena who was suddenly on the ground and missing her amulet. Her eyes immediately looked for the dagger and been knocked out of Zelena's hand and to Emma's feet. The savior bent down to pick it up as Belle rushed over to her husband figuring for the moment she was safe to check on him.
"Rumple darling." her husband looked at her starting a little as she reached up to stroke his cheek. He reached down then to cup hers as if unable to believe he was finally free to do so.
OUAT
Rumple felt Zelena's control release the second the dagger fell from her grasp. However, he could still hardly believe it and it was only after his wife reached up to stroke his cheek that he was able to come out of the strange haze he found himself in. Then the reality of what he'd just done hit him like a carriage. He'd nearly killed his entire family.
"Oh my Belle I'm so so sorry I..."
"Don't apologize that wasn't you it was that heinous bitch." she said fiercely.
"Mom's right don't go blaming yourself," said his son walking over.
"Bae," whispered Rumple.
"Hello Papa," his son said as he pulled him into a hug. Then he glanced at the Hatters suddenly realizing something.
"Pip!" he swiftly waved his hand and the woman gasped.
"FINALLY! And don't even start," she added as he opened his mouth.
"Seriously you just gave the woman her voice back don't piss her off," said Jefferson. Rumple gave his dearest friends a resigned smile though it froze when he suddenly realized he'd been so worried about his family he'd not looked to who had his dagger now.
He turned to see it in the hands of none other than Emma Swan. This was going to be interesting.
"You've got the dagger," he said.
"Yeah, just didn't want to interrupt the moment," she replied as she moved forward and to his surprise with no prompting looked as if she were about to hand it back. However Charming suddenly spoke up.
"Wait Emma!"
"What?" asked Emma pausing though it seemed more out of curiosity.
"He's the Dark One. Now we have the..."
"What the power to CONTROL him? Like she did?" asked Emma pointed to Zelena who was still on the ground.
"No. Not like that just make sure..."
"Make sure what? Because last time I checked the only time he's attacked us is when he was being controlled by the Wicked Witch of the West. It's his dagger, his free will, none of us, hero or no have the right to control it. Why don't you take the baby back to Mom?" The Savior looked slightly disgusted with her parents before turning back to Rumplestiltskin and handing him the dagger.
"There you go."
"Thank you Miss Swan. You've no idea how much I appreciate this." Emma shrugged.
"I don't care what they say, whatever else you're family. Now I'd better get this one back to the station."
"What's gonna happen to her?" asked Belle, personally a part of Rumple wanted to rip Zelena limb from limb but another was utterly exhausted and simply wanted to go home.
"We'll decide once we've got her in custody," said Emma.
"Just one second," said Alice who winked at Rumple. He immediately waved his hand causing a temporary sound barrier. Alice let out what he assumed was a piercing whistle for Zelena cried out before the blond stopped and he removed the barrier.
"That'll keep her ears ringing," said Alice cheerfully.
"She did the same thing to me not fun," muttered Hook.
"Shall we go Rumple?" asked Belle.
"Yes, I think so," said Rumple quietly.
"Bae could you take the Cadillac? Jefferson knows where it is and you'll need to let the kids know what happened anyway," asked Belle leaving Rumple curious but filing the question away for later.
"Sure," taking that as their cue to leave Rumple waved his hand and he and Belle disappeared reappearing inside their room at home.
Author's Note: And sooo Zelena is defeated but PLENTY more twists to come. I thought it would be realistic for Emma, Neal, and Regina to be on board with the idea of getting Henry out of town on the off chance Zelena won. I also wanted the Hatter's and Belle involved in her defeat so having them help disrupt the spell seemed like a good way without taking away from Regina's little light magic show. I could also totally see Zelena taking things in a much darker direction upon realizing that Rumple was only trying to seduce her to get the dagger. Thanks as usual to all my lovely readers and especially the commentors you make my day! Please leave a note below if you like the story!