Killian carries on watching his wife's adultery on the dream catcher. Then he discovers a very different side to what happened. Snow, ready to leave in an ambulance for New York, gets two unexpected visitors. And later, Henry discovers something about time travel, and how their lives could have changed. For the better?

The Gold Mansion

For the best part of an hour, Killian had sped through the images displayed on the dreamcatcher, Merlin sitting silently behind him, watching his reaction, rather than the screen. Whenever the on-screen version of his wife and the queen had started becoming too romantic or intimate, he'd fast forwarded. Seeing that once already was bad enough! Fortunately, there were only two or three more times like that, but despite speeding them up, they seemed to drag on for ages. So much so that he was beginning to question whether, potion or no potion, after her less than flattering comments about his own talents in the bedroom, and admitting to having sometimes faking her orgasms, Emma had really been unhappy with their love life before all of this? He tried to put it out of his mind. But god, it rankled!

The scenes jumped quite a bit after that, and of course, he only saw those where the pair were together, never alone. He'd watched them locate the Dragon in New York the following day; the Oriental mystic, who he vaguely remembered from when he appeared in Storybrooke, trapped behind a mirror. He saw the disheartened looks when he told the pair he couldn't remove their cuffs. But he couldn't resist a smirk when he saw the stunned look on Regina's face, when he told her she was pregnant! She was haughtily dismissive, as usual But he could see that, underneath all the bravado, the news had shaken her.

After that, he'd fast-forwarded the dream catcher to a point where, after buying things from a pharmacy, they'd returned to their hotel, and now both sat on the large bed, after Regina had apparently used a pregnancy test kits similar to the ones Emma used when she discovered she was expecting Hope. Apparently confirming the Dragon's diagnosis, he frowned when Regina immediately dismissed any thought of telling the baby's father. She said he was her past apparently, and Emma her future. Or whether she'd even keep it? But his heart sank further when Emma had suggested they set up home together, somewhere other than Storybrooke, and raised the child. She seemed to have dismissed the minor fact she already had a daughter. Never even mentioned her. And the looks the women exchanged? He knew that look from old, having received it himself on many occasions. It was clear that, putting aside the lust-filled stared, Emma seemed to have genuinely fallen in love with her.

Sighing, he reluctantly returned to fast forwarding the images once again, stopping whenever they spoke. They'd even discussed getting married. Twenty minutes on and he watched them checking out of the hotel, grinning when a furious former Mayor came back to say her card had been declined. And again later, when they received emails from Storybrooke's acting Sheriff, saying they were likely to be arrested and charged, once they returned.

But his schadenfreude was soon forgotten when they publicly kissed, yet again, and dismissed thoughts of ever coming back, Regina even suggesting they marry sooner rather than later. Maybe in Miami. Emma agreed more than enthusiastically, giving her the sort of smile once reserved for him!

He paused the dream catcher.

"Merlin, could we continue this later? Maybe tomorrow? I'm beginning to feel rather nauseous and frankly, in need of a stiff drink!"

"Sorry Killian, no can do. I have places I need to be. Besides, I swore to Emma and Regina that I'd destroy their blood and hair samples before I left. And you should know, I never go back on a promise." Seeing the despondent look, he couldn't fail to sympathise with the dejected man. "However, I've seen almost all of it myself, and I can assure you that you'll be reaching the most critical point shortly, when the potion wears off, Emma first. Let me make you some tea, while we crack on?"

"Could you magic up something stronger?"

Granny's Diner

After last night's meeting at the Town Hall, when Henry Mills stood in front of everyone and tried to explain what'd happened over the last month, Granny had sat listening, as bewildered as everyone else. The Sorcerer had stood by Henry and after he sat, reconfirmed everything he'd learnt, corroborating much his story. And if they were to be believed, Snow and her own granddaughter were unfortunate victims of a cruel poison.

And now, sitting in the little lounge at the back of the diner, the old wolf's fingers trembled as she finally opened the letter she'd been given by Merlin:

Dear Granny,

I know by now you'll have heard many rumours about me, since I left. Or I should say, since I was thrown over the town line by The Dark One. Most are probably true. But I still felt I had to write to try and explain?

I honestly never meant to hurt Dorothy. Far from it. I actually loved her, and I still do. Don't forget I once woke her up from a sleeping curse with a true love kiss? So I know we were, for sure. But I get urges that I can't explain. Urges that make me act without thinking. Urges that make me hurt the very people I love.

Snow and I hadn't been together since before she met David all those years ago. She fell in love with him, and she's still in love with him, despite everything that's happened. Henry told me we did what we did because of a faulty potion made by Ingrid, the Ice Queen. Remember her? I have to believe that, because I'd never imagined myself doing anything to hurt David, or their marriage. Why would I hurt the man who saved me from Spencer's lynch mob? He was my closest male friend ever, and I've betrayed our friendship in the worst possible way.

Despite everything you've heard, Snow's an innocent in all this, so please try not to hate her? When the potion wore off, she was so horrified by what she'd done that she took an overdose of sleeping pills. Can you believe that? She actually tried to kill herself! Henry said she's still in hospital and may not get better. So she needs your love and support right now, not hate.

As for what happened between me, Belle, Mal, and the others, please try and remember that I'm still part werewolf, not wolf like you? My instincts and passions take over. And Dorothy suffered because of them. She's right to be shot of me now, and I can only hope she'll one day find someone who truly loves, appreciates and deserves her.

I've decided to settle somewhere called Portland. It's just over an hour's drive from Storybrooke. There's no magic here, so I should at least be safe from Gold and at least being here does seem to stop my more uncontrollable urges? Gold told Merlin he probably wouldn't be able to stop the Dark One from killing me if I came back, or Belle for that matter. So, I'm staying away, for good.

I feel lighter here. Less…werewolf? Is that possible? Maybe it's because there's no magic here. You're not going to believe this, but on Thursday I looked up at a full moon, and it didn't affect me! It's like, being away from has made me more human?

So, I'm starting a new life for myself here. Merlin and his friends are helping me, and Belle might even come and live with me. But tomorrow we're leaving for a month to sail south with some friends we made, and head to a place called Cuba, in the Caribbean, hopefully. Belle also seems happier here too, though she's obviously very worried about Gideon.

I love you Granny. And I hope one day you'll find it in your heart to forgive and talk to me? You could even come visit? I've left my new number and email address at the bottom. Merlin's helping me to get settled.

There's a wonderful world outside Storybrooke, and Merlin said it'd be perfectly safe for you to cross the town line and come see me when I get back? Though you may want to talk to him, or Henry first, to make sure.

I know I can never get Dorothy's forgiveness, so I can only hope you'll keep an eye out for her, and help her in whatever way you can? I just hope she finds someone more deserving of her love than me one day.

Granny, you're my last living relative and I hope and pray that I see you again.

All my love,

Ruby xxx

Storybrooke Hospital – an hour later

"I'll come see you in New York as soon as I can, mum." Emma, sitting on the edge of her bed, squeezed her mother's hand as they waited for the charter ambulance, arranged by Merlin, that would soon take her to the larger hospital, where she was expected. "But I guess it just depends on whether I'm going to jail or not?"

"I'm sure it won't come to that, Emma." Snow squeezed it back, giving her a worried smile. "Hank's bound to see sense in the end. Especially with a little persuasion from Henry? After all, he's the one who figured out we were all being manipulated, wasn't he?" That's when she spotted the pattern on her daughter's wrist, which had been covered since she came back. "What's this?"

"It's the magic-blocking cuff, but very different to the last one. It changed into this when we first left and crossed the town line. Regina's got one identical."

"God, hasn't that wretched man caused enough damage? Especially after what he did to Ruby and Belle!"

"It wasn't Gold's doing mum, it was Henry's! And he's not taking them off either of us till Killian and Robin agree, and they think it's safe. Considering what happened in the diner, I can't exactly blame him?" Her mother looked puzzled. Clearly, she hadn't been told about Robin and Roland. "Robin's forgiven Regina, but Killian…kinda needs more proof, before he lets me anywhere near Hope. It seems a small price, considering I did try to kill him in front of her?"

An awkward silence followed as Snow rubbed her daughter's knuckles, noticing how badly she'd been chewing her nails, something she used to do when she first arrived in Storybrooke.

"We'll get through this, Emma. We always do." She tried to give her an encouraging smile.

"Is that some kind of hope I'm starting to hear? Because if it is, it's about bloody time! I really need it right now. You were always the symbol of it around here, after all!"

"I'm trying my best, my love. It's just that I'm-" but she was interrupted by a nurse coming through the door.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Miss Blanchard…" Cynthia, the nurse, moved over to the drip in Snow's upper arm, adjusting the valve and checking the bag level, and the catheter below. She was clearly in a rush. "I thought I'd let you know your ambulance was delayed, but should be here in about an hour. Mr. Merlin should also be with us before you leave. I have Leroy and Mrs. Lucas outside, asking if they can see you before you go? What should I tell them?"

The Gold Mansion

Killian had spent over two hours watching events unfold in New York and Miami, fast-forwarding through most of it. In between the intimate scenes, he'd watched them repeatedly declare their love and devotion to one another, to the point, in his mind, of nausea. They'd talked about where they'd live, the type of home they'd buy, and more importantly, when they should get married. There was barely a mention of Henry, Hope or Emma's parents. And at that point, they appeared to be two infatuated lovers planning a new life together, leaving everything behind.

Then came the about-turn. Emma seemed to have woken seriously unwell, as she charged out of bed, and into the bathroom. As he could only see scenes with the two of them, it next cut to Emma, kneeling over a toilet bowl, clearly being sick, while an anxious Regina held her hair back, trying to soothe her. It was just as Emma had described it, earlier on the Jolly. She complained of migraine. Does that cause sickness? After shivering and going back to bed, the scene soon ended after Regina had tried comforting her.

The next scene seemed to be from the following morning, when Emma found her lover sitting hunched up on a chair on the hotel balcony, overlooking the ocean. And she looked utterly dreadful! Red-eyed, pale and apparently exhausted. So very different to how the normally elegant, perfectly made-up woman usually appeared. Emma asked her about the pregnancy, but it was moments later that she came out with something that made her finally realise what they'd done:

"Swan, Don't you think it's curious that less than two weeks ago, we were just friends, both happily married to people we thought our soulmates? With our children, living perfectly happy lives?"

"Weird right?" Emma appeared to look away, avoiding her eyes. Regina noticed.

"So, you've seen something too, haven't you?"

"Remember yesterday when I woke up from that nightmare? Well, in it I dreamt Henry, Killian and Hope were here, in this room. They were accusing me, and…saying goodbye, for good? Killian then crushed my heart in front of them! That's when I woke up. Sorry, but I didn't want to face you, after that."

"So, you woke up realising you've destroyed everything you hold dear? And for what? Don't tell me, you believed you were in love with me, and nothing else mattered? Well, I had a nightmare too! I dreamt I'd been arrested after we went back to Storybrooke. I was then physically dragged out of the Sheriff's Office and killed in front of the entire town! Killed by the very same man who saved me from Hades, in view of Henry, who was smiling at me?" Regina's voice appeared to be breaking. "The man I happen to love!" There was a pause while she rubbed her eyes. "The father of the child I'm carrying. I'm very sorry Emma, but despite everything I said I'm really not in love with you! I can't explain how it's happened, but…I love you as a friend. And yes, I must confess I've been attracted to you for quite some time and did, on several occasions, wonder what it would be like if we ever took it further? Dammit, even Robin noticed! He even used to joke occasionally, about the two of us being so close. But until two weeks ago, I never imagined-"

"STOP!" Emma finally spoke up. "Just stop talking a minute, okay?"

She sat down beside her. "Look, I know how you're feeling. Because I feel just the same! The day before yesterday, before I took that swim? I just knew you were my everything. Like I didn't want to do anything, or be anywhere without you? Then I started seeing visions. Killian, Hope, Henry. Then I had the nightmare and since then, I came to realise I wasn't really in love with you either? And worse, I've screwed up everything back home."

"You too? So why did we...?"

"I've no idea! I've been asking myself that since I woke up yesterday. Why did I completely fuck up my marriage, and almost kill my husband? Why did I hit Henry? And Roland? I don't know! But one thing I do know, is that the woman who did that, wasn't me, even though I remember everything." She shook her head. "I'm sorry Gina, but I also exaggerated my migraine yesterday, so we wouldn't have sex again? I thought if I told you what was going on in my head, it'd break your heart."

"It's already broken after what I did to Robin. Frankly, I want to curl up and die."

At that point, Killian paused the dreamcatcher, freezing the image of the two seemingly distraught women. Looking around, he discovered the Sorcerer watching him, closely.

"You say you've watched most of this already, Merlin?"

"Like you, I fast forwarded through most of it. But the salient parts, yes."

"And your conclusion?"

"Emma was telling the truth. Sadly, I believe she's the unfortunate victim of a faulty potion, which changed her perception of everything she holds dear, including you. Regina, Snow and Ruby Lucas were affected in much the same way, by the same potion."

"If I carry on watching, what comes next?"

"Lots of tears and grieving. The realisation of the damage they'd left in their wake. Then, the following morning, they try to figure out why it had happened. Realising Snow and Ruby had been similarly afflicted, they wrongly assumed Rumpelstiltskin was behind it, wanting to seize control of Storybrooke. If you carry on watching, you'll also find Emma admits her overwhelming love for you repeatedly, and also becomes extremely traumatised when she recalls what your young daughter witnessed? Regina went through similar emotions, coupled with the fact she's also carrying Robin Locksley's child. In fact, it was only when Henry finally called them while they were in Miami, and explained what had happened to them all, that they discovered the true cause."

"She's pregnant? Has she told him?"

"I believe she did shortly after she arrived back."

"This potion? You said it's worn off, but if those magic-blocking cuffs come off, is there any change of either of them regressing?"

"None as far as I can tell. Killian, your wife and Regina have just gone through a major trauma not of their own making. They feel tremendous guilt and embarrassment over what's happened. Plus, they've both been suspended from their positions here, and are awaiting trials which could send them both to jail."

"I gather Gold told Locksley that the potion would only exaggerate their feelings of love that had existed before? So Emma must have felt something for her to begin with?"

"That's true. In fact, if you play the dream catcher further, you'll discover they also both admitted to brief relationships with other women in their past, and even their previous interest in one another. But Emma's love for you is so much greater, which you heard her admit. So goes on to repeat that several times over the next few days. So, shall we continue?"

"Please."

Storybrooke Hospital

"I've had a letter from Ruby. It appears I owe you an apology."

"Eugenia, you only reacted to how we behaved and what you saw. You owe me nothing." Snow looked over the old woman's shoulder, at the dwarf, who held his cap in his hands, his head down, looking equally embarrassed. "I'm just sorry David and Dorothy were treated so badly, as a result."

"Still, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have rushed to judge you. Your Henry and the Sorcerer explained what happened, last night, in the town hall." She turned to look at the woman's daughter, who'd been standing by the window, peering out. "I guess that goes for you too, Saviour! Have you patched things up with your man yet?"

"I tried. We'll have to see..." Emma felt more than uncomfortable that everyone knew about her personal business, and her recent behaviour. "How's Ruby? Have you spoken to her yet?"

"No, not yet. She's off sailing to Cuba with Belle Gold apparently. But she's asked me to go see her when she gets back. Unlike you two, what she did wasn't just caused by some damn potion. Her and that librarian may have been brewing a while, but there were others. Before and during. I just feel for poor Dorothy? I knew it would catch up with her in the end."

"According to Henry, Belle and Ruby had been carrying on for the last four years? What makes you so sure there were others?"

"Others?" Snow looked up at her. "You mean other women?" She was being deliberately disingenuous. She already knew all too well about her best friend's old habits, but didn't realise anyone one else knew. What did she know? "How did you-"

"I may be old dear, but I'm still a wolf! I can smell 'em on her, when she comes home! And some of 'em are married!" Mother and daughter exchanged surprised looks. "And it wasn't just women. There were men too. But to do that with the Dark One's wife? How stupid can you be? She's lucky he didn't skin her alive the moment he laid eyes on her! He's done worse to others, for a lot les!."

Emma wanted to ask who these other married women were, but thought it best to stay silent. For now. The former waitress had always had a reputation, even after getting married. In fact, a couple of months after Emma had arrived in the little Maine town, and before the first curse was broken, Ruby had stayed the night at Snow's loft, after she'd joined them for a girls' night out. After Snow had gone to bed after having far too much to drink, Ruby had openly flirted with Emma downstairs, and she'd responded in kind. One thing led to another and they finally wound up in her bed. It'd been fun at the time and they were both single. But knowing how Regina would seize on any bit of gossip or rumour to destroy her in Henry's eyes, nothing happened after that one time. In fact, the woman would flirt with just about anybody. She'd even flirted with Killian over the years, and even once suggested a threesome when they were courting and she was tipsy. But this?

"Yeah, but at least she's safe now, isn't she? Henry said Gold's in England with Gideon, and he's unlikely to be coming back to Storybrooke. Like ever?"

Both women looked more than surprised. "You've got to be kidding me? The Dark One staying away for good? Not a chance! You think of all the rent he gets from everywhere around here."

"Just telling you what he said, Granny. He also claims he's transferring all his properties here into Gideon and Henry's names. Henry might even wind up being your new landlord? He's seeing Gold in a month's time, in Portland, when he gets back."

"Portland? Isn't that where Ruby and Belle are planning to live?" Snow became worried for her friend's safety. "They wouldn't be any danger with him, would they?"

"I wouldn't have thought so, if he doesn't have any magic when he's out there."

"Storybrooke without the Dark One?" Granny shook her head. "I'll believe that when I see it! But if it's true, I'll start hanging out the bunting! What with you and your girlfriend…" She couldn't help notice Emma's glare, but she carried on regardless. "…not having any magic here now either, it'll be like a Storybrooke Independence Day!"

The ungrateful cow! After everything she and Regina had done to keep everyone safe over the years? Is that what everyone else thinks around here?

The Gold Mansion - earlier

After Emma and Regina had walked out of The Dark One's study, unable to take any more, they'd received the call from Henry with news of his grandfather. Emma then left for the hospital to see her mother, while Regina decided to wait for her son to arrive, determined to seek answers from Merlin. There was no point in going home too early. In fact, since Robin and Roland had left Mifflin Street (or rather, had been forcibly ejected), her home now felt like an empty mausoleum. Robin had already told her he and Roland would come back tomorrow, once he'd put their things together, and arranged cover at the pub. But for now she hated the emptiness of the place.

Being told Merlin was currently in his grandfather's study, watching the dreamcatcher with Killian, Henry decided to wait in Rumple's lounge. It was bad enough last time! Now, Regina joined him.

"Were you being serious? About Gold staying away from here for good?"

"I'm only telling you what he told me, mum. He said it was for the best. For everyone."

"How's it for the best? If he stays away from magic and his dagger, he'll grow old and die! And once he dies, so does the magic that's shielding this place, and possibly, Storybrooke itself!"

"Yeah, you said. That's why we need to speak to Merlin. Because he's told-" He stopped talking the moment he heard the door to the study open. The Sorcerer emerged, followed by Henry's stepfather, who looked surprised to see him. "Killian?" The former pirate had a serious look about him. Not surprising considering what he'd probably just seen. "Are you okay?"

"Hello Henry." Although he'd spotted her, he completely ignored Regina. "I guess I will be. What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you to finish with Merlin. I need to talk to him about something?" He turned to the Sorcerer, giving him a stern look.

"Aye well, I'll leave you be. Merlin, thanks for arranging that..." he shook the man's hand. "I owe you. However, I need to collect my little pirate from someone who's been looking after her. No doubt be seeing you?"

Henry waited till Killian had finally left, closing the door before turning on the Sorcerer.

"You knew all of this was going to happen, didn't you? You just knew!"

"That a witch's faulty potion would affect your mothers and your grandmother, making them do the things they did? No, Henry, I didn't. I'm not omnipotent, whatever you may think. Although yes, I'm a seer but I don't have the ability to look into each and every detail, of each and every life, in each and every realm, as they change, I-"

"Not about them! About Grandpa Gold! About him leaving Storybrooke? You knew he'd do it, didn't you?"

Merlin looked surprised by the question but remained calm. "Yes Henry, I did."

"So you know what's going to happen next? And whether we all survive or not?"

"I do, and I don't. In fact, it's one of the reasons why I'm still here." Surprisingly, he seemed to be smiling? "To make sure you do survive, where possible, with or without Rumpelstiltskin."

"You knew?" Regina was the one looking angry now. "You knew this would happen, yet you did nothing to stop it?"

"That's not how I work, Regina. I can't stop your fates, good or bad. I merely react to them, and prevent the most damaging consequences if need be. Only under the most dire of-"

"Most damaging? That's crap Merlin, and you know it! I know something about your powers! You could've gone back and stopped the Ice Queen leaving that damn potion in the first place! You could've stopped Emma and I smelling it, and you could've prevented Snow from trying to kill herself, for god's sake! You could've-"

"And possibly cause thousands of future deaths in the process, by the tiniest rupture in the timeline? No Regina, sorry to disagree, but I can't just change your fates. At least, not without consequences, in this timeline, or any other. Only you can do that."

"In this 'timeline'?" Henry just wanted the truth. "What's that even supposed to mean?"

"Henry, time doesn't work in the way you think. We often have identical lives, running in parallel with our own, caused by serious breaches or changes in our fates. Take you for example? In my time I've met at least four versions of Henry Mills, and his mothers, so far. And his father Neal, oddly enough? But there's more out there I've yet to discover."

"My dad? He's alive?"

He nodded. "Not the Neal Cassidy you knew, but his doppelgänger. And your doppelgänger, too. His son, Henry Cassidy."

"But that's…so, you're saying I could see him if I was able to travel through time, like you do?" He knew he might be talking nonsense, but just the thought of meeting his father before their fates changed, or what he became, made him curious, forgetting all thoughts of his grandfather.

"In theory, yes. But again, he's not your father at this point, is he? His timeline diverged from your own father's the moment he failed to accede to August Booth's threats, many years ago. Last time I saw him, he was the proud owner of a cyber security company, happily living with his son, Henry's younger sister, and yes, Henry's mother Emma, in Florida. He wouldn't know you."

Henry shook his head in disbelief. There were other versions of him out there? "You said you found four of me?" He looked at Regina. "What about my mum? This mum? Does she get a better life somewhere else, too?"

"As for a better life, that all depends on the life choices they made at certain times. But yes, there's other versions of Regina out there. With different choices, their fates changed, resulting in diverging timelines." Merlin now looked at the suspended former mayor. "I've only seen four versions of you both so far, Regina. For example, in one case, young Regina in her late teens managed to flee Misthaven with her first love, Daniel Colter, before her mother was able to murder him. They escaped to a different realm. One without magic, where the timelines changed again ass a result. She and Daniel went on to have two children eventually. She lived happily, before eventually passing away, peacefully, in her sleep in her early eighties."

Regina's jaw dropped in disbelief. A life with Daniel?

"And in another timeline, a much less fortunate Regina was killed by The Dark One, in Storybrooke, shortly after he discovered she'd imprisoned Belle French in an asylum cell for twenty-eight years! The very same woman who went on to become his wife? Odd how it was only this realm's Belle that saved you Regina, from much the same fate, by having made Rumple vow never to kill you."

Regina gulped, knowing in her heart it was probably true, even though Gold had never acknowledged it. That would explain why he put up with her? "Go on then, Sorcerer? I'm intrigued. Are there any other timelines where I wasn't killed, but lived happily?"

"Well yes, the fourth one." Merlin's smile broadened, looking almost…smug? "That one which I found the most interesting. Their fates changed from yours within months of Emma arriving in their Storybrooke, her son having brought her there. Their first curse wasn't broken by Emma kissing Henry awake from a sleeping curse. Far from it! Instead, it was your own doppelgänger who broke it, all by herself, by kissing Emma Swan." He rather enjoyed the look of embarrassment on the brunette's face. "While they clashed terribly at first, as you both did here, over time that particular Emma and Regina realised their hidden feelings for one another much sooner. And eventually, they started to realise they were reciprocated. Quite simply, they fell in love? They even got married when their Harry was about thirteen. But you know the most remarkable thing? They went on to have two more children, one each, in addition to Henry."

"So?" Henry shook his head. "What's remarkable about that? Here we've already got same-sex couples, male and female, raising kids in Storybrooke and Sherwood. Happens all the time outside the town line. In fact, we've even got our very own polyamorous 'thruple' here too! The Briars? Mulan, Philip and Aurora? Mulan's just had another baby. In a way you could also say I was raised by two mums here, even if they weren't a couple."

"I don't think you understood my point? That particular Emma and Regina conceived and gave birth to two children together! One each, without any male donor, IVF or adoption involved! Emma had the boy, Regina the girl, nearly two years after her. Two living beings, created only by two women? Even today, I'm not entirely sure how it happened. But it did."

"Bullshit!" Regina rolled her eyes, dismissive. It was rare for her to swear in front of Henry, even though he was now an adult. But this was ludicrous. "Or as Robin would say, you're talking bollocks? I may not be a doctor Merlin, but I know basic biology! And that's physically impossible, for obvious reasons."

"You'd think so, wouldn't you? But you see Regina, I've met them. And their children, and I've listened to their stories, and it happens to be true. You know, we even ran DNA tests? Emma's DNA runs in Regina's child, and vice versa. Also, my own test on their magical signatures confirmed everything. It shouldn't be possible, but it would appear that when true love and magic is involved, between two powerful sorceresses, the laws of physics as we currently know them can indeed be broken!"

"You're seriously saying my mums created two babies together?" Henry was the one grinning now, looking at his increasingly uncomfortable older mother. "In a way, it kinda makes sense? Even here, before all the stuff with Ingrid's potion, I always felt there was something between the two of them, you know? Like some sort of...connection?" His eyes were on Regina. "Mind you, they'd definitely both deny it if I said anything!" Then something else occurred to him. "Hang on, you said 'true love' magic?"

"It's the only viable explanation. It also explains why both children have magic, too."

"Can we move on, please?" Regina stood, relieved the pirate had left, not liking the way the conversation was going, while glaring back at the Sorcerer. "We've more important things to deal with than other timelines and fates, no matter how interesting! We currently run the very real risk of our very own version of Storybrooke collapsing, taking all of us with it!"

"That's true Regina, and it's one of the reasons I stayed here a little longer. I'm assuming you're referring to the magical shield currently hiding you from the outside world?" Both of them nodded. "You should know that I've already added a separate barrier over The Dark One's this morning, before I met Captain Jones on his ship. With some minor adjustments, of course. As the first magic degrades, the other will hold, still preventing outsiders from entering Storybrooke, as before. But it'll also prevent unknown magical entities coming in, too. A problem I know you faced in the past."

"You did all that without even consulting me?" She changed from embarrassed to annoyed in an instant. "How dare you? You should have talked to me first! I'm the goddamn Ma-" but she managed to stop herself. She wasn't the mayor any more. She'd been suspended. "I'm one of the few people with magic around here, that would have a chance of fixing things!"

"Except you don't have your magic at the moment, do you?" He glanced back at Henry. "And nor does Emma. So, I thought it'd save time, for safety's sake? Plus, I've made some improvements."

"Meaning?" Henry was worried. "Can Grandpa Gold still get back in? If he wanted to?"

"Well…" Merlin, unusually for him, hesitated. "Let's just say that, under the circumstances, he'd find it more…difficult, than previously?"

"So, you knew! You were talking to him in Portland, weren't you? I saw you take him to one side for ages. I saw you. You persuaded him to go!"

"Not quite, but yes, I did have something to do with it. Howevever I only knew about him travelling to Europe with his son just before they left. As we were outside Storybrooke, without the influence of The Dark One listening in, or under his influence, we talked and he realised it was for the best."

"Best for who? You?"

"Everyone. You and Gideon included. And Rumple himself. Yes, he told me about his trip, and I told him that if he stayed away, the Dark One's power over him would be weakened before finally disappearing, provided he stay away. It was his decision. I merely influenced him, with the help of another."

"But…"

"Think of it from his point of view, Henry? He finally has a chance to be truly happy at last. He has the wherewithal, and the funds, to make a very comfortable life for Gideon and himself, in the land without magic. He can even live near to where Belle's planning to settle, so they can easily share custody. He could then live a normal life, just like everyone else? You can then get the chance to know the real Rumpelstiltskin, your grandfather, not just the man under a malevolent evil force. As I said, it was his decision."

"You said you never interfere? But you did!"

"When an opportunity comes to keep a Dark One away from others, keeping it, not him, out of harm's way, possibly for millennia, of course I'll intervene!" He even had Zeus's express permission to act, though he'd never tell them that.

"You said 'minor adjustments' to the shield?" Regina eyed him, suspicious. "Improvements? What kind of improvements?"

"Everyone in Storybrooke, and Sherwood, is now free to leave and return, should they wish, without any of those wretched memory-wiping charms. They now have just the same freedoms that you gave yourself, Regina. Should you wish to bring in anyone else from outside, I have made arrangements for the current Mayor to be able to issue scrolls to allow it. That's how the ambulance collecting Snow will get here. Which reminds me, I need to go. Regina, would you like to come inside quickly and witness me destroying the blood and hair you and Emma gave me?"

Regina was mortified. Although it sounded like a sensible decision, and she knew she'd never be able to change The Dark One's original boundary spell herself, even if she'd been the one to cast it. But it also meant that, even with her magic, she'd now have no control whatsoever over the lives of the rest of the little population. And she couldn't even call on Sidney, her genie and personal slave, wherever he was? And even though she was no longer the Evil Queen, and shouldn't even think about controlling people like that again, it was the knowledge that she could, if needed, that always gave her that innate confidence in her own abilities to whether any storm. Now that was history.

Fifteen minutes later, as Henry drove to the hospital in silence, Regina in the passenger seat, their minds were in very different places. Regina's on Robin, his son, and the baby she was carrying. And the fact she'd just received a message from the Acting Sheriff.

Henry's mind was on something different altogether. Those other realms of Merlin's. And his father. But finally, noticing how tightly her hands were gripping the seat and the hand rail, he could see the tension in her face as she stared straight ahead.

"You okay? I wasn't driving too fast, was I?"

"Mm?" That broke her from darker thoughts. "Oh, no, it's fine. I'm sorry Henry, I've just got a lot on my mind."

"I can see that. Has Robin said when he's coming home?"

"By the weekend hopefully. He's short-staffed this week, so he said he'll stay over in Sherwood."

"It's going to be a bit weird for him though, coming back? After everything that's happened?"

"We have to find a way to put it behind us. He says he understands, so I can only hope he does."

"He should. He's one of the good guys, remember? What about Hank Morgan? I saw you looking at your phone. You heard anything back?"

"I'm to attend the Sheriff's Office at ten tomorrow morning. I may well be re-arrested, and have to stay there until the trial. That's why I didn't push Robin to bring Roland home just yet. We'll see, after what happens tomorrow."

"I have to say mum, I'm impressed you and ma haven't asked me to take the cuffs off, yet?" He smiled, glancing at the tattoo. "I can imagine it must be merry hell you having to drive and walk everywhere, like the rest of us mere mortals?"

"Are you poking fun at me, young man?" The royal brow arched. "I'm perfectly capable of using my legs, thank you very much! Besides, I haven't asked because I know you made a promise to Robin, and I can't expect you to break it. Guyliner maybe, but not Robin."

"I'm a man of my word, mum. I spoke to Robin earlier, and I told him I was going to see Hank myself and asked him to join me? If only to help get ma off that assault charge against him and Roland in the diner. He said he would."

"Well that's kind of him, considering everything that's happened. Unfortunately, my charge is for slavery, not assault. Sidney Glass? I can't blame that on the potion, and I can't see old Judge Jeffery letting me get away with that particular misdemeanour? Jeffery was the one who fought against the Villains' Amnesty, four years ago."

"Well, we'll have to see. But Merlin's also going to tell him everything he's learnt from the dreamcatcher, so…keep your fingers crossed?" Seeing her so down, he tried to sound encouraging. Anything to lift her spirits. "Still, wasn't it weird what Merlin said about those other timelines? About you and Daniel making a life together? My dad living in a different timeline with Emma? And me having a sister with them? I made me wonder whether-"

"Don't you dare even think about realm-jumping!" Regina glared, knowing where his mind was no doubt heading. He was as impetuous as she was. "Merlin said it himself. That particular Neal Cassidy isn't your father. When your other mother time-jumped, she caused merry hell around here. You remember Zelena, disguised as Marian, Robin's wife? Bringing back Queen Elsa, causing those problems with the Ice Queen? No, never mess with time, young man."

"I guess. Still, wouldn't it be great to meet yours and Emma's babies? My brother and sister? Can you imagine it, two children conceived between two mothers? And he said they had magic! So, bearing in mind their timeline and fates changed shortly after Emma came here, that means you and her must have had some sort of 'true love' feelings before our own fates shifted. So you must have felt something for her back then? Why didn't you say something to her at the time? You could've-"

"Henry," even just talking about her past, very-much hidden feelings towards Emma, with him of all people, was making Regina more than uncomfortable. "I really don't want to talk about this, and for god's sake, don't say anything about this to Robin! Or anyone else for that matter. I'm serious Henry! Coming out with something like that could wreck any chance I have of repairing my marriage, or Emma's!"

"But…babies with magic? Doesn't that tell you that-"

"Robin's my true love!" She almost barked the words out. "Not Emma! And as for magic babies, in New York the Dragon told me that this baby I'm carrying has magic, too! Even though I can't feel anything because of these damn cuffs. But please, can you just drop this?"

Rhode Island

It wasn't a good time for her phone to pick up a signal. She'd forgotten she'd even left it on?

But now she lay on the large bed in the front berth, naked as the day she was born, with Jerard on top and inside her as Ruby and Olivia lay coiled together right beside them, Belle cursed when she realised she hadn't switched her phone off. The little device, lying only ten foot away, sprang rudely into life, spitting out incessant noises as the stored messages and texts came flooding in.

"Ignore it!" Moaned the former Storybrooke waitress, whose face was currently buried between the slender thighs of the chestnut-haired woman they'd met only days ago, Olivia doing much the same thing to her own lower half.

For the last two days, they'd sailed offshore, having stopped late the previous evening at a small port somewhere near Boston. And now, having moored up in a little harbour situated some three hundred miles south of Storybrooke, all four of them, having had lunch nearby, had retired to the ship's berth to sleep off the boozy lunch at a local bar. At least, that was their intention. However, as with the previous day, Olivia had other ideas.

And that's how Belle found herself indulging, once again, in a fairly energetic foursome with Ruby and the other couple. It'd been a torrid hour, with all four sharing their bodies enthusiastically; and Belle now found herself lying on her back, Jerard deep inside of her once again, while right next to them, Ruby and Olivia were coiled together in a sixty-nine, drawing deep guttural moans of ecstasy from each other, as she built towards her next orgasm. Only ten minutes earlier she'd been scissored senseless by the woman, as Jerard had taken his turn with Ruby. She'd never experienced sex like this before and although it was tiring, she also found it blissful. At least it was, until that bloody phone went off!

"Jerard, can we stop please? Sorry, but I just recognised that ringtone? It's my son!"

~oOo~