They retreated to back outside the vault
"Gold, this curse, is it going to work like the last one?" asked Emma.
"The last one was created to service the Queen's wishes. This will be done per Pan's desire. I would count on something hellish."
"The curse was built to be unstoppable. There's nothing that can be done," said Regina.
"That can't be true all curses can be stopped or broken," said Belle looking at her husband who appeared pensive.
"Well, it is possible to stop it."
"What?" asked Regina.
"By using the scroll, it itself. It can only be undone by the person who used the scroll. That's you, Regina. You must destroy the scroll. Both yours and his curses shall be ended, but know this—there will be a price; a steep one."
"So what do you suggest to get us the scroll since Pan currently has it?" asked Jefferson.
"Instead of going to him, bring him to us with a spell." Regina looked confused.
"What spell Uncle Rumple?" asked Grace.
"One that will return Pan and Henry to their own bodies," explained Rumple and Henry's face, or rather Pan's lit up with understanding.
"If I'm back in my own body, that means I'll have the scroll. I can bring it to you guys."
"Exactly right, Henry," replied Rumple with an approving nod.
"No offense Rum. But even you aren't powerful enough to cast such a spell on your own," said Alice looking worried. Rumple shrugged.
"Well, given the proper tool, I could be." Belle searched her mind for what tool would work to enhance Rumple's magic so he could cast the spell but this time it was Tinker Bell who had the answer.
"The Black Fairy's wand. One of the most powerful fairies that ever existed. Well-versed in dark magic. The Blue Fairy exiled her, but before she did, she took her wand." Rumple smirked.
"I assume our dearly departed Blue has it hidden in her residence."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's hit the convent," said David with Bae nodding in agreement.
"Can I come? I should pay my respects to Blue, after all," said Tinker Bell.
"I'll also join," said Hook.
"I can help with back up," said Jefferson eyeing the pirate warily. "Go with your mother Grace."
"Stay safe Papa," said Grace as the pair hugged.
"I'll look out for him kid," said Bae.
"Then it's settled. The rest of us should get back to my and prepare Henry for the spell," declared Rumple before they headed their separate ways.
OUAT
Neal rushed with Tinker Bell, David, and Hook too the convent time was short and Pan was ruthless.
When they got there they found the fairy's all dressed as nuns plus one more he vaguely recalled being named Nova, who wore casual clothes but seemed to be joining in the mourning around the coffin which held the body of the Blue Fairy.
"Sorry to interrupt, but we need your help," said Tink.
"With what?" asked one of the fairies.
"The Black Fairy's wand is here. We need it," said Neal
"We can never..." began one but Nova cut her off.
"Why? What could cause you to need something with such terrible potential?"
"It's a terrible thing, but what's coming is worse. Another curse. Now where is it?" asked Tink. Before anyone could answer there was a pounding noise outside and something dark could be seen through the windows flying around.
"What the hell was that?" asked David. Jefferson rolled his eyes.
"The boogeyman what do you think your majesty?"
"Pan's shadow." said Hook.
"What does it want?" asked Nova.
"The wand," said Neal. Most of the nuns ran for it as the shadow entered through an open window, however, Nova and Tink stood their ground joining Hook, David, and Neal, Nova pulling out her wand.
"Get the hell out of here!" yelled David. The shadow ignored him.
"I don't think it recognizes your jurisdiction," quipped Jefferson and despite the danger Neal snorted. He could see how his father got along with this fellow.
"Stay covered! Over there!" They ran for the pews. The shadow lunged for Neal and would have caught him before he reached cover if Nova hadn't sent some sort of spell that looked a bit like a sparkler that caused the creature to swerve giving him time to reach the pew. Unfortunately, in its retreat the shadow caught Nova and sent her flying she hit her head on a Pew and was knocked out.
"NOVA!" cried Tink.
"Yeah, that shadow's gonna pay," growled Jefferson with a glare.
"So all we have to do is light the candle, right? That's how you trapped it in Neverland?" asked David.
"Yeah. This time I say we get rid of it for good," said Neal.
"I'll draw its ire." said Hook. His next words with Tink were drowned out by the howling of the shadow but next thing Neal knew the pirate was leaping over the pew and drawing the Shadow's attention. Unfortunately all the shadow did was sent Hook flying as he had Nova. Though Hook managed to recover before hitting anything.
"It's too high. We gotta get closer," said David.
"And I can't fly up there," said Neal. Then he had a realization and turned to Tinker Bell. "Tink." She looked at him incredulously.
"If you didn't notice, I don't have my wings."
"That's a vial of pixie dust you have though," said Jefferson.
"It doesn't work," said Tink.
"Tink, you made it work once. You can do it again." Tinker Bell looked unsure. Then she glanced at the fallen body of Nova. She slid out of the pew and stepped to the middle of the room. Closing her eyes she opened the vial of pixie dust and Neal watched as it began to glow green and float up around her. It carried her into the air and up towards the shadow.
She held out the coconut with the lit candle and it sucked the shadow inside. She clamped the lid on and floated back to the ground.
With the coast clear Jefferson went to check on Nova while Bae went to join Tink who was speaking with Hook.
"Great job Tink," he said.
"Thank you, Baelfire."
"I knew you could do it Tinker Bell!" said the cheerful voice of Nova. They turned to see her being helped up by Jefferson.
"It doesn't matter what Blue says you were a fairy through and through today."
"You really have changed," said Tink. Nova shrugged.
"True love can do that." Suddenly there was a strange tinkling sound like that of bells. They all looked over towards the coffin and saw that the Blue Fairy's wand, which had been laid to rest with her was suddenly floating out of the coffin.
Some of the other fairies had come back in now the danger had passed and they looked on in awe as the wand floated towards Nova.
"What's going on?" asked Neal. Jefferson was grinning.
"Oh, this is brilliant."
"The wand of the head fairy chose blue to lead us. Now she's dead and her shadow's been returned..." Tinker Bell trailed off.
"It's choosing a new leader," said David.
"But why me? I'm not even part of the group anymore," said Nova as the wand stopped in front of her.
"It clearly deems you worth despite what Blue thought," said Neal. Tentatively Nova reached out and took the wand. Immediately a wave of power flowed over her and for half a moment the outline of pink wings appeared before she looked normal again.
The other fairies and Tink bowed their heads in respect.
"Congratulations Nova," said Jefferson. Nova nodded still looking a little unsure.
"Thank you. And for my first act as Head Fairy I'm restoring Tinker Bell's status as a fairy."
"Wait really?" asked Tink. Nova beamed.
"Of course, you've more than earned it."
"What about the Black Fairy's wand?" asked Neal. Nova nodded.
"I got all of Blue's knowledge when the wand passed to me so I know where she hid it." Nova waved her hand and a wand appeared in it. She held it out to Neal. "Good luck."
"Thanks," said Neal.
"We'll be sure to tell Rumple the good news," added Jefferson and Nova smiled.
OUAT
Rumple was running over his spell books making sure he had all the correct information for doing the spell before it needed to be performed.
"Belle can you get me that grimoire?" he asked nodding towards one of the shelves and his wife obliged.
"You're sure this will work?" she asked.
"You doubt me?" he asked.
"No. I just worry for our grandson that's all," she said.
"I got this under control I promise," he said softly.
"I know." They shared a look that was interrupted by the return of Bae, Jefferson, David, and Hook. Thankfully for the first two safely.
"We got the wand," said Neal.
"Excellent I'm surprised the fairies were so accommodating," said Pip. Jefferson laughed.
"Oh they weren't at first. That was until a new head fairy was chosen." This peaked Rumple's interest.
"There's a new head fairy?" asked Snow.
"Yes Blue is gone for good," said David sadly. Pip let out a cheer and then sung under her breath "Ding dong the bitch is dead," so that the children in the back room couldn't hear.
"Whose the new head?" asked Emma.
"Nova," said Bae.
"That's marvelous!" exclaimed Belle. "She always wanted to be a fairy godmother." Rumple smiled thinly. He was pleased for Nova who he might not quite count as a friend yet but...maybe an amicable acquaintance. However, they had other priorities.
"As delightful as this turn of events is it's not going to matter much if we can't stop Pan. Henry!" he called and Henry, and Grace came out of the back room.
"You ok kid?" asked Emma. Henry nodded.
"Yeah, just ready to be back in my own body."
"Not much longer now, Henry." said Rumple trying to give his grandson a comforting smile. "Belle the cuff?"
"Right," said his wife going to a cabinet and pulling out a green cuff.
"What is that?" asked Snow.
"This is one of the only useful things that I managed to pilfer from Greg and Tamara before they left for Neverland. It renders anyone with magic utterly powerless. Let me see your wrist, Henry." He put the cuff on the boy's arm. "I want to make sure when my dear old Dad awakes that he is weakened. This will lock his powers."
"So what happens now?" asked Grace.
"I enact the spell, you Henry, fall into a deep sleep and when you awake, you're back in your own body."
"Then you hang on to that scroll and come find us as fast as you can," directed Pip.
"I will," said Henry laying down on the cot.
"It's time," said Rumple. He waved the wand and Henry closed his eyes. Moments later the boy began to convulse.
"What's happening!?" asked Emma in a worried tone.
"Henry's spirit is leaving Pan's body," explained Belle. The shaking continued for a while before gradually subsiding.
"It worked." said Regina.
"Let's go find our son," said Emma and she left the shop with everyone else but Belle trailing out after.
"Aren't you going to get rid of him and join?" asked Belle. Rumple shook his head.
"In a moment. My father and I have some...unfinished business."
"Do you want me to stay?" asked Belle stepping closer and laying a hand on his arm. Rumple shook his head.
"No. This is something I need to do. You run along." Belle nodded.
"Alright," they shared a tender kiss before she departed. He turned to his father ready to soon be rid of the man for good.
OUAT
Belle caught up to the others near the clocktower where the others were gathered around Regina who lay on her back.
"She passed out when she touched the scroll," said Alice by way of explanation as Belle hurried to hug Henry.
"Regina!" said Emma loudly. The Queen sat up
"Emma." she stood.
"What happened? You okay?" asked Emma.
"Yes, I'm fine," said Regina sounding distracted.
"You sure?" asked Alice with a raised eyebrow.
"What is it? What happened when you touched it?" asked Snow.
"I saw what needed to be done."
"Don't you love it when being unconscious is useful," quipped Jefferson.
"Mom, are you going to be okay?" asked Henry. Regina placed a hand under his chin.
"The important thing is you will be." Henry grabbed her hand but as he did so the scroll disappeared from Regina's palm and a voice rang out.
"No, he won't." Belle's heart dropped to her stomach as they all turned to see Pan striding towards them.
"He has the–" began Hook but he was cut off as they were all frozen in place.
"Curse? That I do," said Pan smirking.
Belle tried not to panic as Pan stalked closer she tried to focus on reaching inside of her to channel the tiny bit of power she'd gained when she bound herself to Rumple. To use it to break his spell.
OUAT
Rumple felt like a failure and a fool. He should have just stabbed Pan while he was unconscious. But no! He'd gotten overconfident. And now it might very well be the death of those he loved. He stared at the sword contemplating cutting his hand and the cuff off.
Then he looked outside and saw Pan on main street in front of everyone that had run outside. There wasn't time anyway. He needed to do the brave thing and he needed to do it now. No loopholes.
OUAT
"Look at you all. A captive audience. I could play with you like a pack of dolls, couldn't I? I think I'll start with these two." He walked over towards Bae and Belle who were both glaring at him Belle silently fighting the spell.
"Hmm. You both look so adorable. Hard to tell who to kill first." His gaze then shifted to Bae. "No, it isn't. "My dear daughter in law may be irritating but you're still the most important thing to dear little Rumple." Fury and desperation coursed through Belle at the threat to her son. However suddenly Pan was yanked away from them as a hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Stay away from them," growled Rumple. A wave of relief washed over Belle at the sight of her husband. She'd been terrified when Pan arrived not knowing if he'd killed Rumple. Unfortunately, she also noticed Rumple now had the magic binding cuff on.
"How about this? The worm has teeth." said Pan mockingly. "Let me guess? You're here to protect their "Wuved ones?"
"I'm not gonna let you touch my family ever again."
"Oh, I'd like to see that," replied Pan utterly unintimidated.
"Oh, you will. Because I have a job to finish, and I have to do whatever it takes. No loopholes. And what needs to be done has a price. A price I'm finally willing to pay."
OUAT
Rumple knew what had to be done but he also had some last good byes to be said. He looked first to Bae.
"I used the curse to find you, Bae, to tell you I made a mistake. To make sure you had a chance at happiness. And that happiness is possible. Just not with me. I accept that. I also wish the same for you Henry. I'm glad I had the chance to know my grandson. Hatter, Pip, Grace, you all gave me a family I never looked for nor realized how much I needed. That's a debt I can never fully repay. But I can protect you."
"Pretty Pretty words," scoffed his father but Rumple ignored him.
"I love all of you." Then he looked to Belle he'd need her for this last bit.
"And I love you, Belle, you made me stronger."
"Stronger?" asked Pan still unconvinced.
"Yes." he replied.
"But still no magic," pointed out his father.
"Oh, but I don't need it. You see, you may have lost your shadow, but there's one thing you're forgetting."
"And what's that?"
"So have I. And now it can retrieve something precious that I need," he met Belle's gaze willing her to understand as his shadow came whistling in.
OUAT
"And now it can retrieve something precious that I need," Rumple said meeting her gaze as Belle heard Rumple's shadow approaching. A sense of dread filled her she knew what he was asking. Could see the plea in his brown eyes. She'd managed to break a part of Pan's spell. Just enough so that she could speak the word that would save those she loved and utterly break her.
"Apparentem," the dagger appeared in her palm and the shadow took it from her bringing it to Rumple. A tear trickled down her face.
OUAT
She'd understood him. Of course she had. She was his brilliant Belle. He'd been able to see Belle's lips move in surprise when he'd begun his little goodbye speech and so knew she could speak the necessary word. Now it was time to follow Belle's favorite phrase. Do the brave thing and bravery will follow. Rumple grabbed Pan pulling him tight against him.
"What are you doing?!" demanded Pan trying to pull away to no avail.
"You see, the only way for you to die, is if we both die. And now... now, I am ready." He took the dagger and stabbed Pan in the back pushing it in deep so that the dagger then impaled Rumple as well. His father screamed in pain as a black cloud swirled around them and then the boy Pan was replaced with none other than his father as he'd once remembered him. Scruffy and grown.
"Hello, Papa." he said.
"Rumple, please. You can stop this. Remove the dagger. We can start over." His father smiled. That con man smile that had fooled Rumple so often into thinking he cared. "We can have a happy ending." Rumple scoffed.
"Ah, but I'm a villain. And villains don't get happy endings." He then twisted the dagger deeper and a gold light exploded from the wound enveloping them as he died Rumple kept his eyes on Bae and Belle.
OUAT
Belle watched as Rumple drove the dagger into Pan and himself feeling as if she too was being pierced. A gold light surrounded the pair as they died before disappearing leaving only the curse behind. She felt Pan's spell disappear completely and the strength in her legs gave out as she collapsed to the pavement sobbing.
"Rumple..." he was gone. Gone for good. Her true love. The man who'd loved her with all his heart. Who'd always sought to protect her was dead. How was she to go on?
She felt people on either side of her each with an arm around her but it took a moment for her to recognize that it was Alice and Bae.
"I'm sorry," said Alice gently her usually melodic voice thick with tears.
"I know it's hard but you've got to stand," said Bae. Slowly helping her up. Once she was standing Belle got a better look at her fellows she saw Jefferson hugging a sobbing Grace and Emma comforting a crying Henry though she herself looked perturbed.
"We can mourn Papa later, right now Pan's curse it coming," said Bae who was looking devastated. Belle nodded.
"We...We can't let what he did be...be...in vain. Regina." The woman who'd knelt to pick up the curse nodded.
"You're right."
"Well can you stop it or should we prepare our souls? Cause mine is gonna take some time," said Hook. Any other time Belle actually would have found the quip funny now she couldn't even manage a chuckle.
"No. I know what needs to be done. It's just a matter of doing it." Belle didn't pay much attention to the ensuing conversation. It didn't take a genius to work out what reversing the curse would require.
Regina had to sacrifice the thing she loved most to cast the curse. She'd need to do the same to cancel it. Though in this case likely just giving up Henry should do the case. Honestly it just added to Belle's increasingly awful day. Not only had she lost her husband but she'd be losing her grandson too. Oh if only Rumple could have taken him with her.
OUAT
They all ended up back at the town line Emma had the yellow bug parked at the edge and ready to go. It was time for goodbyes. Belle was honestly largely still lost in her grief and so started slightly at the cry of...
"Grandma," she look up and saw Henry approaching from where he'd evidently been saying goodbye to Grace. Her god-daughter had tears in her eyes once more and now was being hugged by her parents.
"I suppose this is it then Henry," she said.
"I'm sorry about Grandpa Gold," said Henry. Belle nodded.
"So am I. He loved you you Henry." The boy nodded.
"I know." Belle held out her arms.
"Come here." the boy accepted the embrace hugging her tightly.
"I love you Grandma."
"And I love you Henry. I couldn't have asked for a better grandson."
"I know not everyone likes you Grandma. But...I'm glad to have had you and Grandpa Gold," said Henry. Oh how wise beyond his years that boy was. Belle smiled bending so that she was at his height thank you Henry.
"That means a great deal to me." She ruffled his hair as he pulled away. Then she wrapped an arm about his shoulder and guided him over to where Emma was speaking with Bae.
OUAT
Emma stood by the bug allowing Henry to say his goodbyes she'd already bade farewell to her parents and spoken with Regina about changing their memories, much as she didn't love the idea. Now Neal walked up to her and she felt her heart break a little further.
"So this is it," she said.
"I suppose," said Neal. Emma shook her head.
"I'm sorry I didn't come to Granny's. Saying goodbye now. It makes me wish I had. That I hadn't let my fear waste so much time." Neal shook his head.
"After all the hurt I caused you who could blame you? Besides between my psychotic fiancée, our son getting captured, and my evil grandfather I don't think we'd have had much time for wooing anyway." Emma let out a slight laugh, even now Neal could find some humor in the direst of situations.
"Why is it losing you is the only time I can seem to admit I love you?" she asked. Neal shrugged.
"Impending doom makes us do odd things. I love you too and I'm going to miss you Em. But I know you'll take great care of our son."
"At least something good came from us during the time we did have together," said Emma though the fact wasn't stopping her breaking heart.
"Yeah, something great," agreed Neal taking her hand and giving it a squeeze. "Besides, you never know what may happen."
"What do you mean?" asked Emma. Neal gave a small smile.
"My father spent years trying to find a way back to his son. What kind of a father would I be if I didn't do the same? I promise if there's a way back to you two I will find it." Emma didn't like false promises of hope. They usually led to nothing but hurt. But that wasn't what this was. Because she knew Neal. He was a fighter like her and if he said he'd try to get back to them then he would.
"Then we'll be waiting," she replied returning his small smile with one of his own. Then acting on instinct she reached up and took off the Swan pendant necklace pressing it into his hand.
"Emma I can't..."
"You say you're going to find us? Give it to me when you do." Neal swallowed hard and his hand closed around the necklace.
She heard the sound of heels on pavement and turned to see Belle approaching with an arm around Henry. Belle was another person she felt sad to leave not just because she'd been a good friend to Emma and grandparent to Henry, but also because she could predict how ostracized the woman would likely be in her grief. Few people had liked Gold so it was unlikely Belle would be getting an outpouring of support.
Even Emma's own parents hadn't made any move to show sympathy towards the woman. Yes, she'd miss Belle.
OUAT
"I think there's one last person to say goodbye to," she said as Bae wrapped the boy in his arms.
Emma side stepped Bae to move closer to Belle.
"Hey, look, I'm sorry for what happened with Gold."
"I appreciate your word's Emma. Yours and Henry's kindness means a lot."
"Don't let any of those bastards back in the forest get you down," said Emma. Belle shrugged.
"Since when have you known me to care what other's think? I doubt that many will respect my grief anymore than they did my love but it was worth it."
"You don't deserve this," said Emma quietly.
"And you don't deserve to lose your family so suddenly," said Belle nodding towards the Charmings.
"Hey you're a part of that too," said Emma.
"Yes, I suppose your claim of Rumple being your father back at the airport was a tad more spot on than expected. You should have just added in law," replied Belle her tone not quite as strong as it would normally be when teasing.
"I did do that," replied Emma with a half-smile. "Just take care of yourself, ok?"
"I'll look after myself and Bae," replied Belle and the pair shared a hug then she moved back to where the Hatter's stood.
"Ready for this?" asked Jefferson.
"Not at all, but at this point where I am is mattering less," replied Belle watching as the yellow bug rolled across the line. Regina turned back towards them destroying the scroll and sending rays of purple lightening from her hands towards the green smoke of the curse as it enveloped them.
Author's Note: So! Blue is official DEAD. The hag finally gets her comeuppance! I thought having Nova take her place would be a nice little twist. I also added Belle giving Rumple the dagger in so that she also played a part in saving the town. Once more it was a joint effort. As always they are a true love team. I also added some dialogue in Rumple's farewell for Henry and the Hatter's since he did care about them. Lastly of course we have the changes of SOMEONE ACTUALLY COMFORTING THE WOMAN COLLAPSED ON THE STREET! (That always infuriated me) a few people genuinely mourning since I've built the relationships as closer, and some Swanfire since that is sort of a secondary ship in this fic. Anyway hope you like the chapter if you do please leave a note with your thoughts below they really do feed the creative process! Until next time!