"Oh god, is he unconscious?" gasped Emma as they all ran to the boy's side.

"Henry, can you hear us?" asked Regina desperately shaking Henry. Belle shook her head moving to check the boy's pulse.

"He passed out as soon as his heart went into Pan."

"Is he breathing?" asked Emma.

"Shallowly," replied Belle.

"What the hell did you do to him?" demanded Emma.

"Oh, I didn't do anything, Emma. It was Henry. He removed his heart of his own free will." Emma unsheathed her sword lunging for Pan.

"I'm gonna take it back from you," as she did so Pan disappeared before reappearing by a rock tossing Pandora's box between his hands.

"I don't think you have it in you," now Belle stood as well drawing her own sword fury coursing through her on behalf of her husband and grandson. "Rumplestiltskin didn't. Why should you?"

"If she doesn't I do," snapped Belle.

"Where is he?" demanded Emma.

"What did you do?" asked Bae.

"Belle here worked it out, didn't you?" said Pan.

"He's in Pandora's box," said Belle.

"Correct! Safe and sound. And out of the way."

"And unable to challenge you," said Belle.

"As if he ever was. Unfortunately for you, he can't hurt me anymore. And neither can you."

"Really?" asked Emma moving to take a hit at him and managing to cut Pan on the arm. "How did that feel?"

"Like a tickle," said Pan before soaring out of the cavern. They returned to Henry's side where Regina was tending to him.

"You're going to be all right, Henry. We're gonna get you home. This preservation spell can keep him in this condition for a while longer. Buy us time to get to Pan." Regina waved a hand over Henry.

"Preservation spells on live bodies generally have a length of an hour," added Belle.

"So an hour to save Henry. Neal, you were a Lost Boy. Any idea where he went?" asked Emma. Bae shook his head looking lost.

"I know where he lived. Where his compound..." Regina interrupted him.

"That's idiotic. We all know that. Think he's stupid enough to go back? Please."

"Enough." said Emma firmly.

"Don't tell me what's enough. My son is dying!" snapped Regina and Belle felt a wave a sympathy for the woman along with her own concern for Henry.

"Yes, but jumping down each other's throats isn't going to help save Henry any faster," pointed out Belle.

"Belle's right. And it's our son. So, yes, I know how you feel." added Emma.

"You have no idea what I feel. You have your parents. You have this—" she gestured to Bae "person; a pirate who pines for you. You have everything and yet you claim to know what I feel? All I have is Henry and I'm not about to lose him because he is everything."

"You're right. I don't know what you feel. So what do you want to do? You want to run the show? Run it. How do we save Henry?" said Emma and Belle understood what the blond was doing. In giving control to Regina she was helping calm the woman. Regina sighed.

"I don't know."

"Even if we can find Pan, he was powerful before. With Henry's heart, I-I don't know if we can hurt him," said Bae.

"Well that's not strictly true," said Belle. Nodding to Emma's sword. Regina smirked.

"The bookworm's right. We can. Look. You nicked him. He can bleed. We can hurt him. And if we can hurt him, we can kill him. And we will."

OUAT

They brought Henry back to Pan's camp.

"What happened?" exclaimed Snow.

"Pan stole Henry's heart and trapped Rumple in Pandora's box," Belle summed up.

"So much for the all powerful Dark One," scoffed Hook.

"Do you want to go mono e mono with him Hook?" asked Belle tersely which shut the pirate up.

"How do we find Pan?" asked Snow.

"If he's airborne, he could be anywhere on the island," said Bae. Belle placed a comforting hand on her stepson's shoulder.

"An hour isn't much time. I suggest we get started looking." said Hook. Regina ignored this storming up to Pan's second in command.

"Where is he?!" the boy smirked.

"Gone. There's nothing you can do. He's already won. Pan never fails."

"You won't talk? How about I make you talk?" she moved to rip out his heart a move Belle didn't oppose. Desperate times called for desperate measures. However, Emma stopped her.

"Regina, wait."

"There's no time!"

"I think Regina's right Emma. We are on a bit of a time crunch," pointed out Belle. Emma nodded.

"And if what I'm about to try fails you can do it. But I don't think torture is our best move here. Look at these kids. They've been to hell and back. We need to try something else."

"Yeah, we tried the cute and cuddly. They don't respond to reason. What else do you have to offer?"

"What every kid wants. A mother," said Emma before turning to the rest of the assembled kids since Pan's second in command was clearly a lost cause.

"Guys, listen to me. We are not going to hurt you. I know you're loyal to Pan and I get that, but you are making a terrible mistake. For a long time, I thought I was never gonna find my family. I was an orphan like all of you. A lost girl. And I was reminded today that I am not alone. That I have a lot of people who love me. And I never thought that was gonna happen. If that can happen to me, it can happen to you."

"Pan is the only family we need," said the older boy who she now recalled Pan mentioning being called Felix.

"Quiet," said Belle.

"No, family doesn't do what he did. Pan lied to you and made you do terrible things. He lied to Henry and then stole his heart!"

"To save the island," said one of the other boys. But Emma shook her head.

"No, to save himself."

"Don't listen to her. Pan cares about all of us," argued Felix.

"No, he doesn't. We care about you. And we can save you. We can take you home with us. To our land. There's no reason to fear Pan anymore. Until he absorbs the power from Henry's heart, he can be stopped."

"You just have to tell us where he is." added Snow kindly. Felix stood.

"Leave now while Pan still allows you to breathe. That's the only hope you'll get." That was enough for Belle perhaps if the boy was silenced it was cease the other's being intimidated. She pulled some poppy dust from her satchel and strode over blowing it in Felix's face.

"Time for someone to take a nap," she said as the boy keeled over unconscious.

"Where is Pan?" Emma asked the group. There was silence for a moment and then one of the younger boys spoke.

"Can you really bring us home?"

"Yes, with your help." Emma assured the boy.

"His thinking tree," said the child.

"Yes, his thinking tree." another agreed.

"What is that?" asked Belle.

"That's where he goes when he wants to be alone."

"You can find him there. It's not far."

"Can you tell us where that is?" asked Emma. The first boy who had spoken nodded.

"But you have to swear... swear that you'll take us with you."

"I promise. We are going home."

OUAT

"The Pixie Woods? That's where he is?" asked Regina the lost boy nodded.

"It's just north of here. It's where the used to grow."

"You know where that is?" Emma asked Hook.

"Aye. The whole region is deserted now. No one but Pan has set foot in those woods in centuries."

"Then let's make history," said Bae and Belle prepared to follow behind but Emma stopped them.

"We're gonna need you here. Both of you. Once we get Henry's heart, it's gonna be a race back. We need help on both ends." Bae seemed to accept this but Belle was not as willing to agree.

"Emma that's my husband in that box."

"I know and now I need you to trust me to get him along with Henry's heart," said Emma. Belle didn't like this. She'd much prefer to be doing this herself however if there was anyone she was going to trust she supposed it would be Emma.

"Fine," she said and watched Regina, Snow, and Emma disappear into the forest.

"They'll get Henry and Papa back," said Bae patting her back before they turned back to David and Hook.

"What do you need from us?" asked David surprising Belle in his willingness to listen to someone else.

"Let's gather up the Lost Boys. Get 'em aboard the Jolly Roger. Prepare the ship to fly." said Bae.

"Let's hope you have a Pegasus sail. Otherwise, we're at the mercy of the trade winds." Warned Hook. Bae smiled.

"Better. Emma mentioned you went to my old hide out and she gave me this," he held up a coconut with holes in the top. "We just need to trap Pan's shadow in here. It'll get us home, long as your ship holds together."

"As long as your plan holds together, she will," countered Hook.

OUAT

Their plan to draw the shadow was fairly simple the shadow answered to Pan but also to a lesser extent it listened to Pan's followers. At least in so much as it would come when they called.

"You promise if we help you do this you'll take us home?" asked one of the boys. Belle nodded.

"We swear to you."

Hook, Belle, and Bae all hid. Bae had the coconut with the candle inside and Belle had a lighter at the ready. The lost boy called and seconds later the eerie wind from the shadow picked up and it came hurtling down towards the clearing. Belle flicked the lighter lighting the candle and Bae sprang up holding out the coconut as soon as the shadow was close to them.

The shadow howled angrily as it was sucked into the flame of the candle and Bae slammed the top of the coconut shell back on.

"Nicely done," said Belle.

"We put this in the sail and we're golden to get back," replied Bae who still looked worried.

"Don't worry Bae, Emma and Regina will manage it," said Belle.

"You don't include Snow," pointed out Bae.

"Two of those three are willing to do anything to save Henry. I'm not sure if Snow White will ever cede the moral high ground."

"You know you and my father are more similar than I thought," said Bae. Belle nodded.

"There's a lot of people that make that mistake. I bring out the best in your father but I'm not as naïve as many believe."

"Well, thanks for the reassurance. For the record I think you are right. We're going to get Henry and my father back." Belle gave Bae a smile that was only slightly forced.

OUAT

They led the lost boys onto the Jolly Roger. Felix was also brought along though he was kept unconscious and with his hands tied.

Bae watched standing next to Belle as they waited for the return of the others. He'd not realized till this trip how strong Belle was. She'd come all this way for a child that wasn't even blood related to her and had been ready to face down Pan.

Then there was the matter of Emma. The bridge had gotten their feelings more or less out in the open but he knew they would need to properly sort them out when this was all over. Once their son was safe. He didn't blame Emma for being scared to trust him again. But it did leave him with a sliver of hope that he might be able to win her back.

Suddenly he heard shouts and the trio of Snow White, Regina, and Emma appeared on the shore they hurried up the gangplank.

"You got it?" he asked. Regina held up the heart and Emma the box.

"Where is he?" asked Emma.

"He's over here!" said Bae gesturing to where they had laid him out on the deck. Emma and Regina knelt next to him along with Bae.

"Hold on, Henry," said Regina and she pushed the heart back into the boy's chest. Belle held her breath hoping with all her might this would work.

"Henry?" asked Emma.

"Are we too late?" asked Belle.

"Henry? Honey!" pleaded Regina tearfully. And then Henry let out a gasp his eyes flying open as he came to life and sat up hugging all three of his parents.

"Woah, woah, woah. Take it easy, buddy," said Bae.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to save Wendy and by the time you made me question Pan it was too late."

"It's okay. It's okay." said Emma.

"Right now, it's time to rest," said Belle gently. Now Hook spoke up.

"Welcome back, young sir. Only the best for our guest of honor don't you think? Captain's quarters."

"Come on, I'll tuck you in." Offered Regina.

"Wait a minute what happened to Grandpa Gold?" asked Henry his brow furrowed with worry. Belle couldn't help but smile at how even after all he'd been through Henry was still concerned about his grandfather.

"Well, I think that can be easily solved," said Belle with a smile. "Care to do the honor's Bae?" her stepson took the box from Emma and opened it. Seconds late Rumplestiltskin appeared in a swirl of smoke. He looked around seemly shocked by his surroundings.

"Bae," he said his eyes falling to his son.

"Papa," said Bae and then to Belle's joy he pulled Rumplestiltskin into a hug which the Dark One returned. When they pulled apart Rumple's eyes switched to Henry.

"Henry, I'm sorry I couldn't..."

"It's alright Grandpa, I know you tried," said Henry moving to hug him. Rumple embraced the boy meeting Belle's gaze over the top of the child's head.

"I told you I wasn't going to hurt him," said Rumple as Henry moved back towards Emma and Regina. Bae nodded.

"I know. I should have believed you. And I also should have said something else."

"What do you mean?" asked Rumple a wide range of emotions seemed to be going across Bae's face as he said,

"You said you didn't want to tell me that Pan was your father because you didn't want me to know you were as much of a failure to me as he was to you. To know that you were the same. I should have told you then and there. That you aren't. You came back for me."

Belle felt tears prick the edges of her eyes at the happiness and relief she could practically feel radiating from her husband as the pair hugged again. She was so lost in her husband's happiness she was startled when Bae addressed her. Holding an arm out for her to join the hug.

"Hey you're a part of this too." Belle beamed and wrapped her arms around Bae and Rumple.

"That's my boys."

"Now you know your grandfather's safe I'm gonna back Belle here and say you ought to head to bed," said Emma to Henry. Henry nodded.

"Alright. Goodnight," they waved goodnight to the boy and he and Regina went below decks.

Belle turned to Rumple.

"I told you you'd make it."

"That's the last time I doubt you my love," he said.

"Probably won't be," she scoffed carding her fingers through his hair. "But I'm used to it."

She pressed a kiss to his lips.

OUAT

His son had forgiven him. Really forgiven him. Not to mention Henry was safe, Pan was defeated and he was alive. It was all too good to be true.

"I told you you'd make it." Belle said looking up at him with those beautiful blue eyes.

"That's the last time I doubt you my love," he said.

"Probably won't be," she replied in a disbelieving tone. "But I'm used to it."

She pressed a kiss to his lips. Regina returned from down below.

"I've charmed his heart so nobody can ever rip it out again," she said.

"A wise move," said Rumple.

"Thanks I..." however whatever Regina was about to say was cut off by a scream from below decks.

"Henry!" they exclaimed and hurried down below. Rumple had Pandora's box in his hand and a horrible suspicion about what awaited them. Sure, enough they entered the captain's cabin to find Pan trying to pull out Henry's shadow.

"Blood magic works both ways, Father," he snarled and opened the box trapping Pan who let out a scream of fury.

"Henry? Henry? Henry!" asked Regina in concern. Henry took a deep breath.

"It's okay. I'm okay."

"Are you sure?" asked Belle.

"He's a strong boy. You raised him well Regina," said Rumple not noting any injuries on his grandson.

"Thanks Grandpa," said Henry.

"You are welcome."

OUAT

Rumplestiltskin and Belle watched as Regina, Emma, and Bae forced Pan's shadow into the sail and they took off and out of Neverland.

"Thank you for coming with me Belle." said Rumple.

"I don't know that I was that much help," said Belle.

"You said it yourself. We're stronger together. You might not think you were useful but I'd never have convinced Bae to stay if it weren't for you, and I'd not have been nearly as strong in...other ways against my father if I didn't have the support of my wonderful wife."

"It's kind of you to say so," said Belle. "And so you know I'll be here by your side. Forever."

"And I'm the luckiest man in the world for that," replied Rumplestiltskin. He watched his son interacting with Emma.

"Do you think she'll forgive him?"

"I think our son isn't going to make the same mistake twice. And I think that with enough time, he'll be able to prove himself worthy of a second chance."

"I suppose given he's finally forgiven me anything is possible at this point."

"It's disturbing to think Neverland actually brought our family closer together," said Belle shaking her head.

"Hmmm. Perhaps. But not wholly surprising. Anyway, I'd say Bae is set to be a much better father than me." Rumple watched as Henry returned from below and was now hugging Bae.

"The situations were different," said Belle lightly. "You undersell your value. I can't think of a father that loves their son more."

"I suppose. But speaking of Neverland. About those confessions..." Belle cut him off.

"I'm not bothered by the knowledge that you aren't sure if you could bring yourself to give up the curse. It's a part of who you are and it's your prerogative if you wish to keep it." Rumple let out a sigh of relief.

"In that case you should know I don't hold the fact that you considered leaving against you. I set you free so that you could have that choice. I love you because of who you are not simply the fact that you've stayed steadfastly loyal to me."

Belle smiled and he could tell she had been somewhat worried.

"In that case all is well," she stood on tip toe to kiss him.

"I love you Rumplestiltskin."

"And I you Belle," he replied before joining their lips.

Author's Note: So not too much outside of canon happening here but we do get some Rumbelle sweetness and a bit more Bae/Belle bonding. I also changed the time of when the shadow was trapped. If you like the story please leave a note below about what you enjoy! I love to hear people's thoughts on what I've written! Until next time!