Snow finally returns after her transplants, Ruby reunites with Belle and the other couple, Henry gives his family an update on his European trip, and they finally get to meet his resurrected father, who has news from beyond the grave.

Storybrooke - one week later

The private ambulance hit a pothole as it passed over the Storybrooke town line.

"OW!" Snow winced as the pain shot through her side. It'd been only two weeks since the double transplant, confirming her body was still only part of the way through her recovery. "I left that!"

"Sorry love," said the driver, from just ten feet away. The tortuous, to Snow, eight-hour journey was thankfully, nearly over. Just as well, as she'd just spent the entire ride from New York lying down in the back, in an ambulance cot, unable to see properly out of the heavily tinted glass. "I didn't spot that last one! We just went over your town line, and the roads seem to be pretty crap over this side? Someone needs to sort them out! Maybe get your mayor onto it? The same thing happened the last time we drove up here, so I'll slow down a bit now till we get there. Not long now, I promise."

The driver and the taller man sitting alongside him, had earlier introduced themselves as Clive and Paul, though she felt sure she new Paul from somewhere in her distant past? She didn't ask him as her mind was elsewhere, but she became suspicious when during the ride he said he knew the place already? In one of the medic seats opposite, sat Annabelle Sage, Merlin's daughter, who gave her a sympathetic smile. She'd been reading a magazine, but stiffened noticeably a moment ago, her fair hair ruffling, like a cold breeze had just blown over her as she looked out the window?

And her eyes? She could've sworn her irises flashed bright gold just now?

"So, we're finally in Storybrooke?" Snow gave a deep sigh. "Well thank god that's over."

"Yes, just give us a few minutes. We'll be taking you to a treatment room first, just to check you over after the long journey, to make sure everything's okay. Then we'll get you into a private room where they're waiting for us. You may even be able to have a bath if you like?" Annabelle smiled down at her, resting a hand on her arm. "Though you'll still need a nurse or someone to help you in and out."

"A bath? Oh, that and a decent hair wash sounds heavenly!" Then her thoughts turned back to the tall man sitting beside the driver. "Excuse me? Hey, you there, Peter, isn't it?" The tall, broad, bearded man, who must have been at least two inches taller than even Henry, turned in his seat, nodding. "Clive said you drove here before? Do I know you from somewhere?"

"You've got a good memory there, Mrs…Miss Blanchard. Yes, we last met a very long time ago. The name's Kay. Peter Kay. I used to be one of Arthur's knights."

"Sir Kay, I knew it! I never forget a face., but please call me Snow? So, you've both been to Storybrooke before?"

"Less than a month ago. We brought a young lady back here, like you. But she was in a bad old state, and only days from death at the time? Lung cancer. Nasty business! Still, Merlin fixed her up and the next evening she appeared in the pub we were in, as right as rain? We then found out she's only one Merlin's daughters! By a former dragon lady friend of his, who he never even knew about? She was there too. Crazy, right?"

Snow's eyes widened. She remembered seeing the young woman in question when she was going in to have one of those horrible dialysis sessions. "Lily? Maleficent's daughter?"

"That's the one! Though she'd much better now, all thanks to Merlin's magic, thank goodness. Seems the Dark One was involved in curing her too, somehow?"

"It's one of several reasons I choose to travel up here with you?" Annabelle chipped in. "To make sure you were okay during the long journey, obviously. But also to meet a half-sister I didn't even know existed? According to dad it was all centuries before my own mum was even born? I want to meet her, so I can report back to my own brother and sisters. I just hope we get along."

"That's astonishing. So how did you manage to get over the town line this time without stopping? Did you get one of those scrolls the mayor used to issue?"

"That's kinda dad's doing again? Because the Dark One isn't here, the town's magical shield had started to collapse without him? So to stop outsiders discovering this place dad used his own magic to fortify it, and make a new boundary. Now, everyone who's already here can now come and go freely as much as they want, without any restrictions or loss of memories. But anyone new from outside gets blocked, unless they're met outside, and allowed in."

"Well that's a relief!" It'd also make it a whole lot easier to travel between there and Portland, once she was ready to move. "I noticed your eyes went Gold just now, like Emma's do when she goes over the town line? You've got magic, like your father?"

"Nothing like as powerful as his, but yeah, my brother and sisters have it, too. As we usually live in realms without magic, he's promised to teach me some more healing spells and other stuff while we're here. I'll probably also help out in the hospital for a couple of weeks, as he told me your local guy is completely overwhelmed with too many patients."

Snow shook her head. There were now so many changes happening in Storybrooke, she wondered whether, after everything that'd happened, she could ever feel a part of the little secret community, ever again? Or did it just reinforce her reasons for moving on?

Wilmington, North Carolina

It took three long days for the schooner to sail from Virginia Beach to a port near Wilmington, about two hundred and fifty miles south by road. And for Ruby, fourteen gruelling hours by overnight coach from New York. But she got there before they did and, after receiving all the relevant directions and instructions from Jerard by phone, she checked into the historic beach front hotel they'd booked. After freshening up, she decided there was still time to catch some afternoon sun. So changing into a short summer skirt and T shirt, she made her way over to the little historic port where they'd be arriving, to greet them.

And when tit finally came into view, her mind went back to that afternoon in Portland Harbour, only a few weeks ago, when she and Belle first met the other couple. As it drew closer, she grinned when she recognised the former librarian now standing at the wheel, guiding it in herself, with Olivia standing close behind her, presumably giving instructions. Jerard was moving about on deck, fiddling with various ropes after the sails had been lowered, ready to hop off and tie the vessel.

"AHOY!" Ruby bellowed out as they drew closer, all three looking up in her direction. "Looking good there, Belle?"

And she really did! Normally very self-conscious, unlike herself, she was surprised to find her wearing a blue bikini. And she looked great in it! She'd never seen her expose so much bare flesh, apart from when they'd slept together. Normally wearing a more modest one-piece costume, she now seemed to have a nice all-over tan, presumably meaning she'd worn something similar for at least a few days? Olivia, usually far more comfortable in her own skin, looked as she always did; stunning in her purple bikini, her gorgeous chestnut hair down, and both women wearing dark sunglasses. They looked every inch like models straight off a catwalk, while Jerard, now standing at the bow, was bare chested, in only a small pair of white shorts. Her mind went back to that evening before she'd left them for New York, when she'd gripped that tender little ass of his as she lay under him, being ploughed mercilessly into the mattress, in full view of the others. She may have still been tired from the long overnight Greyhound bus, but the sight of them still made her feel a little horny, and unusually for her, overdressed?

Once the boat was moored and tied up, and reunion hugs and kisses exchanged, the four of them took a taxi back to the hotel apartment he'd reserved three days ago. And while Jerard and Olivia took a long restful bath together to recover, Ruby seized the opportunity to take her friend out onto the room balcony to discuss what they were unable to, in front of the other couple.

~oOo~

"So Snow's already on her way back? That's a bit soon, isn't it?"

"Well they've done everything they need to do. They now need Merlin to use his magic to heal everything on the outside, and help make sure the new liver and kidneys don't get rejected in future? I talked to her about it. Merlin's daughter's going with her in the ambulance. Did I tell you about Annabelle? Wow, now she's seriously bloody fit!" Belle rolled her eyes at that. "No, seriously? I'm telling you, if Emma Jones and Queen Elsa could make a baby together, that's what she'd look like!"

"Ruby Lucas, you never change do you? She even started chuckling. "I dare say you tried to get her in the sack, or at the very least, out on a date?"

"I tried, but no chance, she's straight. And she seems to have a thing for Charming? At least, according to Snow."

"Whaaat? You're kidding?"

"Nope. Anyway, enough about me, I'll tell you the rest later. What about you? Dare I say you look a bit happier than when you left?" Her eyes raked over her. "And you're now even into bikinis? What's been happening? And more important, have you spoken to Gideon yet?"

"Yes. And his father. And Gideon's brother, Neal."

"GOLD? You've actually spoken to the Dark-!" She stopped herself, lowering her voice, just in case one of the others had left the bathroom. Then she realised what she'd just said. "Neal?"

"Or Bae, as Rumple always called him. Yes, he's alive, and he's in Rome with them. Henry's flown over there, too."

"How?"

So Belle told her about recent events. About speaking to Neal, and how Merlin had somehow persuaded the gods to send him back from the afterlife, to help prevent the Dark One returning to his magic and causing more mayhem for centuries to come. About her supposedly getting Gideon back in just over three weeks' time. And how her former husband would settle somewhere between Boston and New York. How Neal would now take over some of his commercial affairs, working with Henry, who'll be starting at Harvard. And how she would have to liaise with him directly, instead of Merlin.

"That's brilliant! No wonder you look a lot happier? You get to have Gideon living with you, even if it is for only part of the time? That's great news, Belle!"

"I know. Provided it all happens, it's very good."

"So Neal's really back? I can't believe it! It seems like years ago when he died."

"Killed more like, because of Zelena. I'll be meeting him when I get Gideon back. All being well, I'm planning to take him back to Storybrooke with me, one last time. I'll probably only be there for a few days."

"You're seriously going back?"

"We were tossed over the town line with only a car and suitcase! So I kinda have to. There's still lots of my stuff at the house and the flat that I need to keep or get rid of. Plus, I really need to speak to dad."

"I'd forgotten all about Maurice! You never seem to talk about him. Have you spoken since we got chucked out?"

"No..." She looked away, feeling rather ashamed. "We're not exactly close ever since Rumple came on the scene, and it got even worse when he found out I was marrying him. He always hated him with a vengeance. So, it's…difficult?"

"Can't honestly say I blame him? When it comes to your ex, your dad sounds an excellent judge of character to me, babe. It's been nearly a month now, so maybe you should just call him? At least let him know you're alive? Despite everything, he's still Gideon's grandfather."

"I guess. But I'm still hating the idea of going back. Everyone's going to know by now what happened with you and me. They'll probably be calling me the adulterous little tramp who dared to cuckold The Dark One? And the looks? God alone knows what could happen if I bump into Dorothy!"

"Don't remind me? That's why I'm never going back, even though Granny keeps asking. Word's probably got out about not just you and me, but Snow and me, and me and…well, everyone else."

"Everyone else?" Belle's brows arched so high they were virtually off her forehead. "For heaven's sake, how many of us were there? Were they all women?" It was Ruby's turn to avoid her questioning gaze, guiltily looking away and not answering. "Guys too? So who are we talking about? Guido, from the nightclub? He always had a thing about you." She gave a slight nod. "Sean Herman? I noticed him blatantly checking you out in the Rabbit Hole." The former waitress finally looked up, giving another nod. "But he's married, Ruby!" Belle wasn't even sure why she added that little extra detail. Wasn't she also married when she cheated?

"If it makes you feel any better, it wasn't cheating that time. Ashley was with us. We fooled around a bit, and he caught us, so we kinda…included him?" She tried to smile at the memory. "But it still doesn't excuse it. I was married too. And there were plenty of others."

"Probably best I don't ask. I can understand you not wanting to go back, but I have to if only to clear my things out? I'm still thinking about settling in Portland. There's a boarding school for gifted children not too far away from there, which Gideon's going to be seeing with his father. As Rumple and Neal are planning on living in Boston, it's also going to be a good location for both of us toco-parent him. Are you still interested in finding a place in Portland with me?"

"Yeah. About that? We may have someone else who's offered a suggestion?"

The following Saturday.

Storybrooke. Granny's Diner.

Three weeks had passed since Regina returned to Storybrooke with Emma.

But even though she'd been properly out in public for the first time last week, with Robin, attending the Briar's unusual polyamorous wedding and subsequent christening, this was the first time she'd set foot in Granny's since that dreadful day she and Emma had publicly raged against everyone, and threatened the life of the man she loved. At least she hadn't gone as far as Emma, who'd slapped Henry, belted Roland, and used her magic to slam Robin into the wall. The tattoo currently around her left wrist a testament to what Henry had to do to restrain them both from their worst excesses.

"Come on? It's going to be fine. You'll see." Robin whispered, seeing her freeze up just inside the door, rather than go straight in. He took her hand, gently but firmly leading her to a far table. "Just try and relax?"

"That's easy for you to say? You haven't-" But she stopped talking when the curmudgeonly old proprietor approached her, the moment she sat down. She carried something in her hand.

"Morning, Lockleys. Where's your lad this morning?" She addressed Robin but nodded at Regina. "The little 'un, not the big 'un?"

"Morning, Granny," he smiled up at her, and she responded in kind. "I dropped Roland off at the riding school. He's just started having lessons. How are you feeling today?"

"Tired all the time? Achy? Just old bones from being as ancient as me. You young pups will no doubt find out for yourselves, one day." She then looked across at Regina for the first time, placing something the size of a large stone in front of her. "Here, I got you something?"

Regina looked at a rather large, gnarled bulb. "Garlic? Er, well, thank you Granny." But she clearly seemed slightly confused.

"It's come from my herb garden on the allotment. It's a lot stronger than the stuff from the stores, and it's been infused with chilli, so you can put it in a cooking pot. But boil a bit of it in water and it'll sort out that morning sickness of yours, good and proper! Not too much, mind, just a spoonful! Otherwise, it'll bring back that upset stomach you've also had."

"That's…that's kind of you." Regina was more than surprised as it was the first time the curmudgeonly old she-wolf had ever shown her a kindness. This was, after all, one of the councillors who'd suspended her from the mayoralty. And it was true; she had been suffering over the last week, almost vomiting several mornings. "How did you know?"

"I may be an old wolf," she tapped the side of her nose. "But this hooter still doesn't usually let me down? You should be right as rain in a couple of days. Now, what're you having?"

Regina thanked her again, and gave her food order, followed by Robin doing the same. It was only then she noticed Grumpy standing just behind, looking like he was waiting for his turn to speak, his head looking away, as though embarrassed about something? Several of the other dwarves were standing behind him.

"Leroy," Robin also noticed him, as Granny left with their order. "You want to say something?"

"Yeah," he looked sheepish. She'd never really gotten on with any of Snow's old dwarves, even long after the curse. Not surprising, considering how she'd treated them all in times past? But their own leader came closer to the table. "I guess I just wanted to apologise, on behalf of me and the lads? For making assumptions about you and the Saviour?" Several of the men behind him nodded. "Merlin and Henry told us about that potion that made you both do weird stuff? Even though we've never thought of you as our queen, but Snow's, but now we know better, we're sorry."

An apology from a dwarf? And him of all people?

"Thank you, Mr. Leroy." It was the first name she'd ever addressed him properly, aware that Robin was sitting close, watching. "I'm sorry too, for what happened. Potion induced or not, my behaviour was completely reprehensible. I apologise if my actions caused you to suffer in any way. I-"

"Is that thing still working?" She was rudely interrupted by the one they called Sneezy, now glaring, and pointing at her wrist. And he seemed to be addressing Robin, not her. "That…tattoo thing? She had a cuff on before, that stopped her magic! Are we still safe? From both of them?"

"'She'..." Robin suddenly stood, his voice louder, clearly irritated by the impudent dwarf. "...Happens to be my wife! And yes, everyone here is perfectly safe!"

"You can't blame us for askin'! I was in here when the other one belted you, and your lad. And I heard what she said to you, when you walked out that night, an' all!"

Regina could tell Robin was about to lose his temper completely, moving menacingly toward the dwarf, when she put a hand on his arm to stop him.

"Mr. Clarke, you're perfectly safe, I assure you! And yes, you're absolutely right, I did do some horrible things, and made vile threats. But only because I was under the effects of that wretched potion, as was Emma! And as I later learnt, Snow and Ruby Lucas, too. Once again, I can only apologise…" She realised all eyes in the diner were now on them. "…to all of you. Robin, Roland, and Henry, have sought fit to forgive us." She raised her left wrist in the air. "And I can only hope you can find it in you to forgive me as well, one day. As for this? It's the same cuff you saw Henry put on me; but it transformed itself into this the moment we crossed the town line. Emma's has changed, too. My magic's still being blocked, as we speak, and will remain so until Henry returns from his trip to Europe, provided Robin here, and Killian Jones, are still in agreement."

"Hmph," he grumbled. "So what happens when he finally takes it off you? Both of you?"

"I have to assume our magic will be released, just as it was before he put them on."

She noticed the way he looked back at the other men, clearly still concerned, and it put doubts in her own mind. Could the potion still be affected by her magic in any way? Could she go rogue again, once she got it back? Fortunately, Robin interrupted her dark thoughts.

"Guys, I appreciate you may all want to ask questions, but right now, I'd like to have a quiet, peaceful breakfast with my wife, alone, if you wouldn't you mind?"

As the men retreated back to their tables, she considered how everyone had been treating her since the Briar wedding last weekend. Apart from Sneezy, most people had been surprisingly equitable, even amiable towards her? Something she wasn't used to. And as word had gone around about her pregnancy, a number of women had come up to her expressing delight, giving her congratulations and best wishes. It'd been surprisingly pleasant to find people thinking kindly of her for once. She knew most of it was probably down to Robin's reputation in the little Maine town. He was the forest people's hero, after all. But even when she was on her own, they hadn't shown her that one trait that she saw on most of them before she left town. Fear!

Did NOT having magic have something to do with it?

Mifflin Street – the following morning

Regina and Emma had deliberately avoided calling or meeting one another ever since Regina had left the hospital in New York, following Merlin's scan, nearly three weeks ago. Both thought it for the best, as neither wanted to antagonise their husbands unnecessarily, as they worked to restore their trust. But they'd still missed one another and had a lot to catch up on. But it was Robin's suggestion, after talking with Killian, that the other couple come over and join them for their agreed web call with their son, Henry having arranged it two days earlier. The men were also keen to hear about Neal, who'd supposedly risen from the dead, sent back by Zeus, to help stop the Dark One from ever being united with his magic. Was it even true?

And now, as the four watched Regina's large MacBook screen, Emma and Regina sitting side-by-side on the sofa opposite, their men standing immediately behind them, and Hope sitting at her mother's feet on the floor, the screen came to life and an instantly recognisable face appeared.

He looked a lot more suntanned, and frankly, smarter than when he'd left her in New York two weeks ago? And she didn't recognise the summer clothes he was wearing?

"Hi mums," said a smiling Henry, who then noticed who else was there. "Hi Hopey! Hi guys!" He was genuinely pleased to see the four of them together, after all their recent difficulties. "How's everyone?"

"A lot less suntanned than you, by the look of it?" Emma grinned back at him not waiting for anyone else to answer. "And I see you shaved that scruffy old beard off?"

Henry just smiled, seeming genuinely happy, and not offended in the least. "Hey, I liked it! But yeah, it was getting way too hot over here for that, so it had to go. Especially after dad said he thought it was better suited to a tramp on the subway?"

She sniggered. It seemed her former lover hadn't lost his sharp tongue and ability to wind people up.

"I happen to agree with him!" Regina now studied the now clean-shaven, heavily suntanned young man, who looked like he'd also had his hair trimmed. "You look much better without one. And younger. So where is 'here' right now? Where are you calling us from?"

"Cairo, Egypt. We went to Giza this morning, to see pyramids. And a museum where they keep Tutankhamun's mask? There's loads to see here. We did a two-day cruise up the Nile this week."

"Sounds wonderful. I'm rather envious."

"Yeah, we should do a family trip over here one day, mums? Like, all of us? After this, I definitely want to travel a lot more. England's pretty cool too, and I'm sure Robin would like to see it again?"

"Well, I'm afraid you'll need to count me out for the next couple of years?" Regina subconsciously put a hand over her stomach. "I'm going to have my hands full once this little one appears in six months' time?"

"Sorry mum, I forgot. So how are you feeling? Any morning sickness yet?"

But before she could answer, she heard a deeper, quieter voice, off-camera.

"Regina's pregnant?"

Instantly recognizing his voice, Emma froze. He's there! She knew it was possible, but assumed Henry was alone. And also, that he might be making it all up?

"Is that Baelfire I can hear somewhere over there, lad?" Killian spoke for all of them as Henry nodded, grinning at something, or someone, out of view. "You best put him on then?"

"Dad?" The young man beckoned, followed by various shuffling sounds, before he finally moved into view on Henry's left, before sitting so they could all see his face. And even though she'd already been told he was back, Emma's jaw still dropped as she looked, goggle-eyed, at the first man she'd ever loved, now on screen, beside his own son.

"Hi folks! Guess I'm the last one you ever expected to see again?" He looked at the four adults staring back at him, all looking suitably shocked, Emma even more so. Then the little blonde head in front of her. "Hello there, little miss? I guess you must be Henry's sister? Hope, isn't it? Henry told me all about you! My, you do look like your mummy, don't you?"

Emma had already zoned out, instead just staring at the screen as they talked; so she didn't see Hope's shy smile as she turned, putting her face into her mother's jeans. She didn't hear Robin saying something about how well he looked, younger than he remembered. Neal then said something about Zeus giving him a few extra benefits before he left the afterlife. Was it really him? Robin was right, he did look remarkably well, even under the Mediterranean tan. And more like the endearing, cheeky young thief she'd first met when she stole his car. Frankly, he looked great.

"And Regina? Pregnant, eh? Well congratulations to you both! You're looking great on it, blooming in fact; but this one appears to have forgotten to tell me you were expecting?" He nudged his son's shoulder playfully, with his own. "Too busy telling me all about this other Storybrooke he visited."

"Thank you, Neal. And yes, it certainly came as quite the surprise, as I didn't even think it was even possible. I'm just over ten weeks gone, so it's still early days, but we're hopeful. And what about you? Robin's right, you do seem to look exceptionally well for someone who's been dead for ten years? You came back two weeks ago, by Zeus's hand, I gather? Henry's been giving me updates. Did he also make you aware that he starts his first year in Harvard in only three weeks time? I trust you'll be bringing him back in one piece?"

"Oh, this great lump?" He nudged their son again. "He's more than able to look after himself! I mean, have you seen the size of him? Sorry, of course you have. But yeah, he'll be back."

"I fly back to JFK in a week, mum." Henry answered for him. "But yeah, it's been a brilliant trip. They all fly back a week after me, and we'll meet up again in Boston. They've already got people looking for a decent sized place to live over there." It was then he realised his other, younger mother had barely said a word since asking about his beard. "Ma? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Hen. It's just still a bit of a shock seeing your dad like this? All alive and…well, everything?"

"All thanks to Zeus and Merlin…" He gave his former lover a sad smile, thinking she was still one of the most beautiful women on earth; but sadly, no longer his. "You're looking well yourself, Emma. You too, Hook? Congratulations on marrying the perfect girl, by the way? And now you've even got a daughter? She's gorgeous and thank Zeus she looks like her, and nothing like you, eh Jones?" He ribbed the former pirate.

"Aye mate," he rested a hand on his beloved daughter's shoulder. "I've been blessed. So, Henry tells me you're back to stop the Crocodile coming back to cause more mayhem?" He noticed the hint of a frown on the until-now smiling man on the screen. "Do you think that's even realistic?"

"Jones…" Neal had called him much worse in the past, but his daughter sat in front of him, watching. "You wouldn't recognise him since he left! He's got a new life for himself, and a decent future at last, away from all that shi- magic. You know, he's even dating someone?"

A new start for the man who crushed Milah's heart? Who took his hand? Killian hid it, but he felt enormously irritated by the news. It seemed unfair for the spinner to get a new life, after everything he'd put him through. "So, what happens next? He just comes back to live somewhere else, just a few hundred miles from his dagger? Wouldn't it best if he just stayed over there, thousands of miles away instead?"

"He probably would, and still can. But he made a promise to his little boy, my brother. The lad still wants to see his mother regularly, whether she deserves him or not."

"So, you already think you know what Belle did? You're only seeing his side of the story, mate." The others looked at him, surprised Killian seemed to be picking an argument right now.

"I've already spoken to Belle, twice now, over the last few weeks, and she admitted to me that she was in the wrong!" He gave him a steely stare but didn't want to lose his rag in front of the man's daughter. "Look Jones, I get that you hate the guy, and wish he was dead. But what you've never understood is that he was always totally controlled by The Dark One! You were controlled for only days, and Emma for what, a week? But he's had it in him for centuries! That's the one who killed my mother, not him! And yes, he's trying to keep it away from everything! He knows all too well that this'll make him grow old and die. But if he does, he'll save thousands of future lives!"

"I'm not sure your own mother would see it quite so simply, Baelfire." He grumbled, unconvinced.

"It's Neal now, and I've already spoken to her! I was dead until two weeks ago, remember? I'd moved on."

"You actually spoke to Milah?" Even Emma was pulled out of her thoughts by that. "How? I was there when Gold threw her in the River of Lost Souls!"

"The Underworld changed after Hades was destroyed, Emma. Zeus himself changed it back to what it was originally intended for. A purgatory where, if you've been judged pardonable, you go until you've properly repented, before going on to the Better Place, Heaven, Valhalla or whatever you choose to call it. If you deserve to, of course? All the lost souls were removed from the river, and most of them are now in the better place, the one who won't sent down to Lucifer for eternity. I've met my mother many times since, and I can tell you she'd admitted and regretted everything she did to push my father over the edge! It's finally accepting what she did, that helped her move on. And once again Jones, when he threw her in that river, he was being controlled, that time by Hades!"

"So, you actually spent time in Heaven?" It was Robin asking this time, knowing he needed to change the subject quick, to stop it getting too heated. "What's it like?"

"Brilliant. It's hard to describe, but you get to meet everybody just by thinking about them? It's kinda like another form of magic, but everyone has it. I met Marian, by the way? And your mother."

"Marian? How?"

"Imagine you can multiply, duplicate yourself, so you can speak to many people, and do many things, all at the same time? Once Zeus asked me if I was willing to go back to the living, word went around and all sorts of passed souls approached me. People I never met but knew some of you? Time's an odd concept there, but Marian came to me after having heard I was going back. She said she wanted me to let you know, should I speak to you, that she and your mother are now at peace, keeping a proud eye on you and Roland, and that Cecilia's with her."

"Cecilia?" Robin looked astonished. "She's there too?" It was a name he hadn't heard for many years, and his eyes started to redden. Regina noticed. Was she an early love he never told her about? She looked up at him. "Cecilia's my sister. She died when she was only five. Typhoid."

"Oh." She placed a hand over the one now resting on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, my love."

"And Regina? Just so you know I've also spoken to the other Henry, your father. And Daniel."

"DANIEL?" Now it was her turn to look shocked. "You actually spoke to my Daniel?"

"Yep. He'd also heard about me going. In fact, I had to make lots of notes before l was sent back, so I'd remember everything? You and I will have to talk about it later Regina, after I've had a chance to read them again, because he's told me personal things you really need to hear face-to-face? But basically, he's at peace, happy, reunited with his family, watching over you and immensely proud of what you've become after having had such a difficult time? And to hang on in there! Keep going, and you'll be reunited eventually." He spotted the concerned look on the former outlaw's face. "And Robin, that doesn't mean she won't be with you as well when you've passed; or you with Marian? Or whoever you've loved and cared for in the past? Duplication, you see? I know it sounds really corny to say this, like something out of a bad movie, but there, love really is divisible, and infinite. It changes your perception about...well, everything?"

"Thanks for telling me." Regina almost whispered the words, choked and slightly overcome by the thought of being reunited with her first ever love; the young man, virtually a boy at the time, her mother so cruelly murdered by ripping his heart out and crushing it, right in front of her. Emma noticed, and guessed what was going through her mind, having witnessed the obscene killing in a dreamcatcher, in Camelot. She patted her friend's knee, resting it there, giving her sympathetic smile.

"Back to Milah?" Killian brought them out of their private thoughts. "She's happy?"

"She is. I also met your older brother, Liam? I take it he properly passed over after he met you in the Underworld?" Now it was Killian's turn to be astonished. "He said to let you know both your parents are reunited, your father forgives you for what you did to him, but to let you know that your younger brother, who's also called Liam I understand, is still living, but struggling, and in need of help, before he does something he'll regret! Again, I'll talk to you about them separately, as I've made notes."

Killian stayed silent, nodding. Many years ago, he'd killed his own father in a fit of rage, after he'd sold and abandoned them to the hands of a cruel naval captain, when they were mere children, to face virtual slavery. But it was just one more shameful act of so many in the former villain's past life. And he was trying to move on.

Henry had silently watched his father's performance throughout, and both his mothers' reactions, with pride. He'd spent more time with him in the last two weeks than he had during the rest of his life, learning more about his past and his character traits, seeing a lot of himself in them. He'd now been sent back, by Zeus no less, on a mission to save his grandfather from a dark power that had overwhelmed him, possibly saving countless thousands of innocent future lives. His grandfather was now behaving more like, he assumed, the kindly man he was before he picked up that damn dagger. And he had both sons with him now, and even a potential long-term girlfriend. And he was happier than he'd ever seen him.

As he looked at the screen, at his two mothers, their husbands standing behind them, he knew that despite recent difficulties, they were happy too. They still had their true loves, Emma another young child, and Regina with one on the way, barring any difficulties. So now there was his resurrected father, Neal Cassidy, to consider. He'd just come back to the living, but apart from a son and a grandfather, he now had no one. He needed a loving partner of his own.

So there and then, Henry decided he was going to fix that!

The Sherwood Arms – later that evening

At a corner table in the main bar, Robin had just told David about everything he'd heard during the call with Henry. About Neal Cassidy, Emma's former love and Henry's father, being present, having been restored to life by Zeus as a means to help prevent the Dark One returning to the source of his magic. About their plans to return to the US under new identities, so Rumple could start a whole new life as an experienced lawyer in New York, and their search for properties in Boston.

"I can't quite believe he's alive? How did Emma take it?"

"Even more shocked than we were! But it was Bae, all right! I'd recognise that mischievous smirk anywhere. And he looked younger and fitter than I remember him?"

"So why Boston? It's only a few hundred miles away. Why not stay over there, in Europe? It sounds like way too much of a temptation for him to come back to his dagger? And let's face it, if he did that, all hell would break loose!"

"It's all in hand apparently. I gather now Merlin's reset the magic on the town line, it's under his own control, and he's set a few extra traps if he did try to come back? But Bae doesn't seem to think it's going to be a problem. As I said, they've helped set up a whole new life for him out there. He's also got some sort of job as a senior partner in a law firm Merlin fixed up for him? He's even got a girlfriend? Can you believe that? He's dating a woman who already knows about his sordid past?"

"Astonishing. So, if he's staying away, it's going to be safe for Belle to come back?"

"No idea, but I guess so. Neal did say he'll be working with Henry to help sell off or lease out all Gold's properties. He said he might even be able to persuade Belle to come back, to help? Anyway, that's enough about them, what about you? How's Snow? I hear she's still in the hospital waiting for Merlin?"

As if on cue, a small group of four, three men and a woman, walked in through the main pub door, led by Hank Morgan, the Acting Sheriff. It was still relatively rare to see strangers in Storybrooke, and Robin noticed his friend's concerned look, having had to deal with numerous threats from strangers.

"It's okay, I recognise them. Those guys with Hank were in here last month. The big one used to be one of Arthur's Knights of the Round Table, Sir Kay. That's why Hank knows him. They know Merlin, and brought Lily, Mal's daughter back from New York in an ambulance. Guess they must've done the same for Snow? Not sure about the woman, though."

The woman in question turned to look in their direction as they moved closer to the bar. And the moment she spotted David, when she recognised him, she gave him a beaming smile and a wave.

"But I do." He stood. "That's Merlin's daughter. I met her in New York. Come on, I'll introduce you?"

"Mr Nolan?" She offered him her hand to shake when they reached her. "Or should that be Your Royal Highness when I'm here?" She smiled again as he took it.

"I'd rather you just call me David?" He smiled back. "Hello Annabelle, it's lovely to see you again." Then he noticed the smirk on the former outlaw's face. "And this here's Robin Locksley, the owner of this place."

"It's always a pleasure to meet a new face around here, milady." Robin in turn offered his hand. She was slightly taller than him, more so in her heels, and she seemed to have an energy coming off of her? Being so close to Regina, he recognised the power of magic. Her pale skin looked flawless, like her hair, and her blue eyes the picture of health, reminding him of the models in some of Regina's magazines. "Robin of Locksley, at your service. Welcome to the Sherwood."

"Robin of Locksley? Sherwood?" Her eyes widened, her smile broadening even more, and displaying a set of perfect white teeth. "How stupid of me not to connect the dots! You're Robin Hood?"

"I like to think I've left my days as a thief behind?" He smiled back. She seemed naturally flirtatious, and if it wasn't for the fact he was already deeply i love with and happily married to the perfect woman, he was fairly sure if he was still single he'd be asking her out on a date. "David tells me Merlin's your father? Is that what brings you here?"

"Partly, yes, though it was also to help bring David's wife back in the ambulance a few days ago."

"Annabelle's a doctor." David clarified. "A rather brilliant one, as it turns out? She operated on Snow in New York." He noticed her cheeks pink, slightly embarrassed at the praise. "And just so you're aware Anna, Snow happens to be my ex-wife. We divorced a few weeks ago."

"Of sorry, I forgot." But the smile never left her lips. "I'm also here hoping to meet a half-sister, who I never even knew existed till a few weeks ago? Dad didn't know either, He tells me Lily's due back here tomorrow."

"Lily? Lily Page? Maleficent's daughter?"

"Yes. You know her?"

"A lot more than I did! She's been staying on my farm recently, with a friend, Dorothy Sage. They've been helping me with the lambing season. You're right, they're due back shortly. Lily told me she's going to be living in Storybrooke from now on, as she's just been cured of lung cancer and needs access to magic to keep it at bay."

"You've got a farm? I imagined Prince Charming living in a castle or something?"

"Once upon a time. But I've always been a shepherd at heart."

As she started asking him questions about the farm and his life, Robin watched their little interaction, noticing how neither of them had stopped smiling at the other since she'd walked in. There was definitely a connection there.

Athens. The following morning

Nearly five thousand miles from Storybrooke, in the ancient Greek capital not far from the Parthenon, Rumple yawned as he woke up in his hotel room. Gideon was sharing the twin room next door with his older half-brother, and Henry the room after that. But he wasn't alone.

"Good morning?" Came the soft voice from the woman lying beside him on the next pillow. "Sleep well? Any more disturbing dreams?"

The woman, known in this realm as Celeste Moreau, and Queen Morgause of Orkney in another realm entirely, pulled herself closer under the quilt, after having spent the previous evening, and night, with him. Like Rumple, she was a former villain, who'd repented of her many evil deeds and took advantage of Merlin's offer of a new life.

"Good morning, deari-" He just about stopped himself from his old habit. "…my dear. Perfectly, thank you, and no, no more visits from my old…nemesis. You?"

They'd arrived in Athens two days ago, and the following morning the group split up and set about viewing several of its most famous sites. But it was when he and Henry visited 'The Temple of Olympian Zeus' that he had a disturbing experience. For after taking a short break for lunch, when he visited the onsite mens' toilets and washed his hands, he saw him. Or it.

For there, staring right back at him, was the almost ghostly figure of himself as The Dark One, its malevolent eyes now almost pleading with him? He hadn't seen the creature since he'd left Storybrooke and frankly, hoped never to see it again. But there it was! The creature had been beside him, inside his head ever since that day he'd stabbed its former host with the dagger. It'd taunted him, ridiculed him, tormented him from that day on, until it had complete control over him. Yet now, it appeared weaker, even more grey than ever. If it'd been human, he'd say that it looked like it was dying? But it wasn't. It was immortal. Which was the primary reason why his son had returned.

But once he'd left the ancient ruin, it had gone and he'd felt almost…lifted?

"Like the proverbial log. Did you speak to Merlin about it?"

"Aye. He suggested I avoid historical sites with links to the Greek Gods? Perhaps it was a mistake bringing my family to the former seat of their power on Earth? So, I probably won't be going with Bae and Henry to the Parthenon this morning. I don't want to…tempt fate?"

"Probably wise. You can spend the day with me, instead?"

"I'd like that. It was good of you to delay your return to New York and fly over to meet everyone."

"I really enjoyed it! Your Henry has a very wise head on his shoulders for someone so young, and as for Gideon, that boy's brighter than boys three times his age! And as for Neal. Having never met someone who's spent a decade in Heaven, I so wanted to pick his brains? I have so many questions I want to ask him. But they're all delightful. You're a lucky man, Angus Gold."

"I am. I really am. Have you given any more thought to my…proposal? About coming and living with us?"

"I have. But I'll make a final decision after we get back to New York, and you recover from that surgery? You don't mind waiting a few weeks, do you?"

"Considering we've only known each other a few weeks? Not at all."

"Good. Now, when did you say we were all meeting for breakfast?" She pulled herself closer to him, resting her head on his chest and rolling a long left leg over his. And it was clear she hadn't put her silk chemise back on after last night's fun.

"Eight thirty. Two and a half hours away."

"More than enough time, then."

Storybrooke Hospital

It was around seven in the morning when Merlin finally returned to Storybrooke. And an hour later, when he stood beside Snow's bed, Doctor Whale behind him, having just checked her over.

Well Snow, I'm pleased to say everything appears to be healing nicely."

"I'd say that's an understatement," Whale added. "I'm amazed she's back so soon? I met your daughter Anna when they brought her back. I gather she also operated on her?"

"Yes, on the stitching and the liver transplant itself! I operated on the kidneys and an old friend helped with rejection issues. I'm rather surprised not to find Annabelle already here, waiting for me? I did tell her when I'd arrive, but I haven't actually spoken to her yet and her phone's not answering. I was rather hoping I could teach her some of the magic involved with scar tissue healing. Oh well, there'll be other times, no doubt."

"So does that mean you can tidy me up and I can get out of here?" Snow sounded desperate. "Because I have to tell you I'm getting seriously bored waiting around!"

"Understandable. Yes, I'll deal with the scarring, which shouldn't take too long. After that, you'll probably need to take it very steady for the next week at least? Maybe you should call David, tell him I'm here, and he can collect you after lunch?"

"No, Emma's collecting me. I'm staying with them till…well, whenever. I'll call her again."

The Nolan Farm

Groaning when he heard his phone ring, David cursed himself for having left it on by mistake. He was sorely tempted to ignore it and let them leave a message. After all, it was only seven in the morning? But recognising his daughter's ringtone, and how Emma always hated early starts, he realised it could be important, so reached out and picked it up.

"Emma?" He yawned loudly, despite trying to stop himself.

"Dad?" She heard it. "Sorry, did I wake you? Aren't you normally like, up for hours by now, doing sheep rustling, cattle shearing and stuff?"

"And good morning to you too, sunshine!" He tried to not to chuckle. "I see your knowledge of animal husbandry's as strong as ever? No, I decided to have a lie in for a change, as we got back late from the Sherwood last night. You okay? How's Neal?" He'd dropped his son off at his older sister's house yesterday, as the boy was going to be spending the next morning sea fishing on the Jolly.

"They just left. I also got a call from mum just now, to say Merlin's back in town. He's patching her up, and she thinks she'll be ready for us to collect her around midday?"

"That's quicker than I expected!" He could sense in her voice that she wasn't exactly delighted at the news. "Is there a problem?"

"Not exactly but, well, I know I said yes when she asked if she could stay here with me and Killian, till she's up and about but…are you sure we can't persuade her to go back to the farm?"

"I did offer! For Neal's sake, as much as hers. But she just doesn't want to. She's a single woman again Emma, and I can hardly make her now, can I?"

"Yeah, I know. But, I just thought that there was a small chance that if he did, you and her might, kinda, eventually, sort things out between you?" Then she picked up on something. "Wait? You said 'we' got back from the Sherwood? Is Dorothy still staying with you? And Lily? Are you…alone?"

"They both got back from New York yesterday, and yes, they're here, and they're both in one of the guest bedrooms at the moment."

"Ah. Probably one reason why mum doesn't want to go back there?" Her tone sounded almost…accusing?

"Well before you try to lecture me Emma, you should also know your mother told me she wants to find somewhere in Portland to settle? She also accidentally let slip Ruby's probably going to be living with her."

"Ruby? Dammit, I knew she was holding something back!"

"Emma, much as I love you, unless there's something important, can we have this conversation later?"

"Erm…sure. I'm meeting Regina in Granny's at eleven, to prep for the final court hearing. Maybe join me there? I'll bring Hope as she's been missing her 'Bumpa'! "

"I'd love that, I've missed her too! Okay. I'll see you later? Bye, my love." Without waiting for a response, he ended the call, putting the phone back down again, before yawning once more, and sinking down between the sheets.

"Problems?" Said the sleepy English voice of the naked blonde doctor lying beside him, under the sheets. "Do you need me to leave?"

"No," He turned over to face her. She really was extremely beautiful. "Unless you have to?"

"Not yet. But my dad said he's coming to Storybrooke today, so I should get up soon, I guess?" She stroked his cheek, pulling herself in a little closer. "Having any regrets about last night?"

"None whatsoever. Should I?"

Meanwhile…

After talking through Snow's recent history with Whale, Merlin was just about to go back and use his magic to heal her remaining scar tissue, and check her over before finally releasing her from their care, when he received a call from the hospital in New York. One of the senior consultants.

"Professor Sage? Is that you?"

"Hello Georgina. Yes, I spotted your message earlier, but I got waylaid?"

"I'm sorry to call when you said you'd be out of touch for a couple of weeks, but I just had some rather interesting information back from Pathology, about the Locksley pregnancy? The one with the DNA tests we carried out two weeks ago? A Mrs…let's see now…Regina Locksley?"

"I remember it well. Nice healthy foetus, about eight weeks, I recall?"

"Yes, well…there's nothing wrong with the foetus per se; but running the data, there seems to be something very…odd? Something the lab can't explain."

"Go on?"

"The DNA tests you requested on the cotton bud and toothbrush the mother brought in, all cross-matched with the baby's. So, whoever gave the samples is definitely the father."

"Yes, I'm aware. I read the results myself, and gave Mrs Locksley a copy when she was there."

"Yes, but then, when they found other chemicals in the mother's blood, they ran more toxicology tests and discovered extremely high levels of several toxins, one of them being almost a match to levonorgestrol!"

"Used in the morning-after contraceptive?" He thought back to Regina's past, and how the young queen had once poisoned herself to avoid getting pregnant by King Leopold, and partly to confound her vile mother, who had her own evil plans for any potential royal offspring. It had made her wholly infertile, or so she thought at the time.

"According to Malcolm at the lab, with all that toxin inside her, her body should've rejected the newly fertilized embryo within a matter of days, or even hours? But somehow, she didn't. And now they're tracking wider, there seems to be even more DNA in the blood, if that makes any sense? So, we have the mother's, the father's, and….something else's."

"Email me the report please, Georgie? I'll try and have a word with the mother."

~oOo~