Once Upon A Time: Hook’s Adopted Son (Book One)

by RavenDragon643

What if Hook had one other piece of happiness, an adopted son? What if the child was a certain viking? After Hiccup was banished from Berk, he and Toothless travel to the Enchanted Forest where he ends up getting adopted by Killian Jones AKA Captain Hook. Until the day, Regina cast her curse and it took Hiccup and Toothless with the rest of the people to Storybrooke.

6. A Price For Gold

(The Enchanted Forest)

Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, the classic rags to riches story. But this was a different story, where Cinderella ends up making a deal with the Dark One instead of the help of her Fairy Godmother.

It was the night of the ball at the prince's castle, Lady Tremaine and her daughter had left their home for the ball. Cinderella was left behind, she was sweeping away the leaves in the garden wearing the torn-up rags that she had on and covered in cinders from the fireplace. Her stepmother and stepsister had destroyed the dress that she wanted to wear to the ball. The life she has right now is a mess, she's now the maid of her own home. Her fairy godmother had appeared to help her, the fairy godmother pulled out her wand and explained to Cinderella that she could give her a better life.

Suddenly, something hit the Fairy Godmother and she exploded into nothing, leaving her wand on the ground. Cinderella looked at the man who had just killed her Fairy Godmother. "No need to be frightened." He said in a twisted tone.

"No need? You just killed my Fairy Godmother! She was gonna help me." Cinderella shouted in anger.

The man just looked at Cinderella like she was gullible and naive. He asked her if she knew what the wand had held. She told him that it was just pure magic but the man said that it was pure evil. He was saying that he was doing Cinderella a favor since all magic comes with a price. He tries to convince Cinderella to go back to her life. She didn't want this life, her own life was wrecked, and she had nothing here for her.

The man just told her to change it without magic since she could not handle it or the consequences. Cinderella stopped the man by saying that she could handle the magic, she was willing to do anything to get away from her stepfamily. "Do you know how to use that wand, Mister..."

"Rumplestiltskin. And, yes, of course, I do," he answered.

Cinderella was begging for Rumplestiltskin to help her. There was a small smirk across his face as he agreed to help her, for a price that is. Cinderella would owe him one favor, one where she would have to give up something very precious in due time. With her wish, she'll have riches more than she'll know but she doesn't care for riches she just wants to leave. Rumplestiltskin could tell she was desperate so he agreed to help her. All she had to do was sign the dotted line on the contract that Rumpelstiltskin had made appear along with a quill. She quickly agreed to the deal and signed the contract faster than you could say 'A happy ending.'

With a wave of the wand, Rumpelstiltskin had turned Cinderella's ragged clothes into a beautiful sparkling blue ball gown, her hair was up in a bun with a tiara on her head. She had never looked more beautiful in her life. Cinderella looked down and in front of her was a pair of glass slippers. "Glass?" she questioned.

"Every story needs a memorable detail," Rumplestiltskin explained.

With her new look, Cinderella was off to the ball, unaware that this debt would be something that she would regret.

(Storybrooke)

In Storybrooke, Emma was walking Henry to the bus out in the open, she didn't care what Regina would do to her but she wanted to spend time with Henry. Henry wanted to come up with code names for Operation Cobra so that way Regina couldn't figure out the plan. Henry already gave Harry a code name which was Night Fury. Emma just told Henry to call her by her first name for the time being. Henry said goodbye to Emma and headed onto the bus. As Emma watched the bus leave, she saw Graham pull up in his police car with his lights flashing trying to get Emma's attention.

At first, she thought Graham was going to arrest her but he wanted to thank her for finding David. In fact, Graham wanted to offer Emma a job as his deputy with Harry. "Thank you, but I have a job," Emma stated.

"As a bail bondsperson? There's not much of that going on here. Why don't you think about it?" Graham asked as he handed Emma his card with his number and left.

Emma Swan sat in Granny's Diner, enjoying a rare moment of peace with her hot chocolate in hand. Harry, who had just started his shift, had been kind enough to bring it over with a small smile. She was focused on her thoughts when the familiar click of heels echoed across the diner. Looking up, she saw Regina Mills striding purposefully toward her. Without invitation, the mayor slid into the seat across from Emma, a calculated smile on her lips. "I hear you've been spending time with my son," Regina began smoothly. "But relax, I don't mind."

Emma raised a skeptical brow. "You don't?"

"No," Regina said, her voice dripping with a mix of nonchalance and authority. "Because you no longer worry me, Miss Swan."

Emma's suspicion deepened. "And why is that?"

Regina leaned in slightly, her gaze unyielding. "I did a little digging into who you are, and what I found out was... quite soothing. It all comes down to the number seven. The number of addresses you've had in the last decade. Your longest stint anywhere was two years. Really, what was it about Tallahassee that held your interest so long?"

Emma's expression tightened at the mention of Tallahassee, a place tied to memories she wasn't ready to revisit. Shrugging off the jab, she replied, "If you're wondering, I've already found a place to stay in town."

"Oh, I'm aware," Regina said, her tone sharp as a knife. "You're staying with Miss Blanchard, but let's not pretend that arrangement is permanent. No lease. No commitment. It's consistent with your pattern—running before you've set down roots."

Emma bristled but said nothing, letting Regina continue her tirade. "In order for something to grow, it needs roots. Unlike you, Miss Swan. You don't have any," Regina said coldly.

Her words were final and cutting. "People don't change; they only fool themselves into thinking they can. So as you carry on your transient life, I suggest you think about Henry and what's best for him."

With that, Regina rose gracefully and left the diner, leaving Emma to stew in her words. Emma couldn't help but think about what Regina had said. In fact, she was so distracted that she spilled her hot chocolate all over herself by accident. Ruby directed her to the laundry room for her to use. She took off her sweater and tossed it into the washing machine. Emma heard someone crying, she turned around and saw a maid named Ashley Boyed who was crying because she turned the sheets pink. Emma also saw that Ashley was almost nine months pregnant, the poor girl was stressed enough with that baby coming.

"Last night, I felt contractions and the doctor said that the baby could come any day now," Ashley explained.

Emma figured that would be great for Ashley but the truth is, she's scared. When the baby comes into her life, she thinks that she can't do it. No one else thinks she can care for the baby or do anything for that matter. For a moment, Ashley was starting to believe it. Emma crouched beside her, meeting her gaze. "Screw them. How old are you?"

"Nineteen," Ashley whispered.

"I was eighteen," Emma admitted.

Ashley blinked. "When you had a kid?"

Emma nodded, her voice softening. "Yeah. I know how it feels to have everyone telling you what you can and can't do, especially with a baby on the way. But here's the thing—whatever you're considering, whatever you're scared of, the choice is yours. Not theirs."

Ashley bit her lip. "It's not that simple."

"It never is," Emma agreed. "But if you want people to look at you differently, you have to make them. You want to change things? Then change them yourself. Because trust me, there are no fairy godmothers coming to save the day."

Ashley's tears slowed, and she nodded, a spark of determination flickering in her eyes. Later that evening, long after Mr. Gold had locked up his pawnshop for the night, Ashley took Emma's words to heart; too much, perhaps. Armed with a brick, she shattered a small pane of glass on Gold's shop door and slipped inside. Quietly, she moved to the painting that hid his safe. She was mid-heist when a familiar voice broke the silence. "Ashley," Mr. Gold said, stepping out of the shadows. "What are you doing?"

Ashley's hands trembled as she turned to face him, her expression resolute. "Changing my life," she declared.

Before he could react, she sprayed him with mace. "Ahh!" Gold cried, clutching his eyes as he staggered back.

Ashley took the opportunity to grab the key from his pocket, opening the safe and seizing its contents before fleeing into the night.

The next day in Mary Margret's apartment, Emma had brought in all of her things from the trunk of her car. She only had one box, Mary Margret asked her if the rest of her things were in storage. Emma just stated that she wasn't sentimental so it made things easier for her. There was a knock at the door, Mary Margret opened it, and standing outside was none other than Mr. Gold. He wanted Emma's help to find Ashley Boyd since she broke into Mr. Gold's shop and took something from him last night. Mary Margret decided to leave the room so the two of them could talk alone.

Emma asked him why he didn't just go to the police about this. "Because she's a confused young woman, she's pregnant, alone, scared. I don't want to ruin this young girl's life, but I just want my property returned." Mr Gold explained.

However. he refused to share what that property was. He did mention that it's a precious object but left it at that. He even showed Emma a small scar that he had gotten from Ashley last night when she broke in. He explained that he heard Ashley rambling on and on about changing her life, he had no idea what had gotten into her. He was begging Emma to help him otherwise he'd go to the police and no one wanted to see that baby born in jail. Emma agreed to help Mr. Gold find her but she was doing this for Ashley. Both of them heard Henry coming up the stairs but he froze when he saw Mr. Gold.

The two of them made small talk then Mr. Gold left. "Do you know who that is?" Henry asked.

"Yeah, of course I do," Emma answered.

Henry thought Emma meant that she knew who Mr Gold was from his fairytale book. Henry snuck out of his house and Regina was at a meeting till 5:00 so he figured that he could hang out with her but Emma needed to find Ashley. Emma and Henry were now outside heading for Emma's car even though Henry was begging Emma to let him help. "No, it could be dangerous," Emma stated.

"The pregnant maid is dangerous?" Henry asked with uncertainty.

"She assaulted Mr. Gold. This isn't a game. She's desperate." Emma answered.

Henry wanted to help find Ashley but Emma told him, no but Henry convinced Emma to bring him along. Emma was trying to be responsible for Henry even though he wanted to spend time with her. He defiantly pulled out that card and Emma told him to come along. "So, the maid, what's her story?" Henry asked.

(The Enchanted Forest)

At the palace, Cinderella and Prince Thomas were wed after the wedding, fireworks lit up the sky as the guests danced the night away. Snow White and Prince Charming even come to the wedding, the masked dragon rider just watches from the crowd. Cinderella danced with the king as he welcomed her into his family hoping for it to grow soon. She even danced with Charming and Snow. Snow was proud of Cinderella, she showed that anyone can change her life.

But that night, Rumplestilskin had appeared and danced with Cinderella. No one noticed him at the ball "What are you doing here?" Cinderella asked.

"I just wanted to make sure you're happy with your end of the bargain. You know, true love, riches. Happy endings. Did you get everything you desired?" Rumplestilskin replied.

"Yes. Yes, I did. Now, what is it you want? What's your prince? My jewels? The ring?" Cinderella questioned.

Then came the price, a price that was something that Rumplestilskin knows what's coming soon, her first-born child. And we those words ringing in her head, the Dark One vanished without a trace.

A few nights after the wedding on a stormy and cold night, Cinderella was packing a bag to take with her and ran away instead of paying Rumple's price. But Thomas had returned early from his hunt due to the storm. At that moment, Cinderella knew she had to tell him the truth about Rumplestilskin, his deal, and their child. First, she reveals that she was pregnant with their child then reveals the truth about how they met the night of the ball. "I didn't understand the price of magic. So I promised him something in return." Cinderella explained.

When Thomas asked her what Rumplestilskin wanted from them, she looked down at her stomach and Thomas understood that the Dark One wanted their child. Cinderella feared that she would lose everything that she had now, Thomas, the child, her new home, everything. But Thomas didn't care what the Dark One says, he might have brought them together with magic but he didn't create the love they both share. "But I can't break the deal I made. He's too powerful." Cinderella stated.

"Then the answer is simple, we make another deal., Thomas answered.

The two heard a small purr coming from the window, Cinderella faced the window and saw a small dragon perching on the frame with a note attached to its leg. The note was from the Masked Dragon Rider, he wanted to talk with Cinderella, alone. Cinderella wasn't sure if she should trust him, she thought that this masked dragon rider could hurt her. Thomas doubted that he had met the masked dragon rider before and he was one of the good guys. "Just hear him out. He might know how we can stop Rumplestiltskin." Thomas stated.

The little dragon encouraged Cinderella to follow him to the Masked Dragon Rider. She followed the dragon to the outskirts of the royal garden, she stopped when she saw the man himself with a Night Fury. "I got your message. You wanted to see me," she said in an unsure tone.

"I know about Rumplestilskin's deal with you. I can help you but if you want this baby, you have to be ready. You have to make that choice, having that baby means you're giving it the best chance it has." The Masked Dragon Rider spoke. Cinderella understood what he meant, the masked Dragon Rider told her that the Charmings, dwarves, and he would help.

(Storybrooke)

Emma and Henry headed to Granny's diner to talk to Harry and Ruby more about Ashley and the baby. Turns out, Ashley's boyfriend left her in the lurch right when he found out they were expecting and hasn't spoken to her since. Ruby saw that Billy had brought her red car to her but almost shattered her glass wolf that hung from her car mirror. Emma asked if Ashley has any family in town "She has a stepmother and two stepsisters that she barely talks to." Harry explained.

Henry started piecing who Ashley was in his fairytale book. "Look, I don't know what you've heard, but it's wrong," Ruby said.

"Everyone in town thinks she's not ready to have this kid, but she's trying. Taking night classes, trying to better herself, trying to get her life together. She wants this baby, it's her choice whether or not to give that child its best chance." Harry stated.

Emma understood how Ashley was feeling, but Ruby suggested that they should stay out of it. Ashley's been through too much with the baby but there was something else that Ruby wasn't telling Emma, Harry, and Henry. Harry insisted that Emma should try Ashey's ex, he might know where she is. "I know where he lives. He still lives with his dad and I think you'll be shocked about how controlling his dad is," said Harry.

The house was as unwelcoming as its owner. Emma and Harry stood on the porch while Henry waited in the car. When Sean opened the door, his father, Mr. Herman, loomed behind him like a barrier. "We're looking for Ashley Boyd," Emma said. "She's in trouble. We thought she might've come to see you."

Mr. Herman's lips curled into a dismissive smirk. "My son doesn't have anything to do with that girl anymore. Whatever trouble she's in, it's got nothing to do with us."

Harry's eyes narrowed. "That's funny, coming from the man who forced his son to break up with her."

Emma turned to Sean. "He's the reason you broke up with her?"

Sean hesitated, his eyes darting between Emma and his father. "Absolutely," Mr. Herman said, unapologetically. "I'm not going to let my son throw his life away over a mistake."

Emma bristled. "So you just told him to leave her?"

Harry scoffed. "Classic. You don't let your son make decisions for himself."

Mr. Herman's voice turned sharp. "I'd watch that tone, boy. You wouldn't understand what it means to be a parent."

Emma stepped forward, her voice low and firm. "Some people only have the backseat of a car. And don't ever talk to Harry like that again. It's his life, not yours."

Sean's voice finally broke through. "Dad, maybe we should help her look."

"It's a waste, Sean," Mr. Herman snapped.

Harry met Sean's gaze. "Sean, this is your life, not your dad's. You want to help Ashley? Help her. The choice is yours."

Sean faltered, his father's grip on him still evident. "I'm sorry," he muttered before retreating into the house.

As the door closed, Mr. Herman sneered. "Believe me, if I knew where she was, I'd tell you. I went to a lot of trouble to get her that deal."

Emma's brow furrowed. "Deal? What deal?"

"Ashley agreed to give up the child," Mr. Herman said matter-of-factly. "She's being paid handsomely for it."

Harry's eyes blazed. "She sold the baby?"

"You make it sound so crass," Mr. Herman retorted. "I found someone who'll ensure that child has a proper home."

"And who are you to decide if Ashley's capable of being a mother?" Emma demanded.

"Look at her," Mr. Herman scoffed. "She's a teenager. She's never shown any evidence of being responsible."

"Maybe she's changing her life," Emma shot back.

Harry added, "It worked for me, and it'll work for Ashley."

The conversation ended with more questions than answers. But one thing was clear; Ashley had made a deal with Mr. Gold, and time was running out to stop her from following through. Emma and Harry got back in the car and drove to Granny's hoping to catch Ashley there. No one has ever crossed Mr. Gold with a deal but Emma was happy to be the first. They tried to see if they could stop Ashley but she had already taken Ruby's car and left for Boston. Henry had snuck back in the car as Harry and Emma tried to drive all the way to Boston. Henry revealed himself in the car explaining that Ashley can't leave Storybrooke, bad things happen to anyone who does.

"Henry, we don't have time to argue with you over the curse. We need to get you home." Emma stated.

"We have to stop her before she gets hurt. We're wasting time. If you two drop me off, you'll never catch up to her. Then Mr. Gold will call the police, and he'll have her sent to jail." Henry claimed.

"I hate to say it Emma but Henry has a point. If we turn back now then Ashley will be in serious trouble. We can't let Gold get his hands on that child." Harry explained.

Emma felt powerless against the two and she agreed to let Henry stay. 'Ashley, what did you get yourself into?' Emma thought.

(The Enchanted Forest)

In the Dwarf Mines underground, Cinderella and Prince Thomas were being led through the tunnels by Prince Charming, The Masked Dragon Rider, and Grumpy. Cinderella had already gone through seven months of her pregnancy, during that time Charming and the dwarves had already come up with a plan to deal with Rumplestilskin. The dwarves had converted the mines into a special prison cell just for him. "But how will we get him here? He's eluded all forever." Cinderella questioned.

"His strength is also his weakness. His deals. He can't resist making them, and we already know who he wants to deal with next. You." Grumpy explained.

Snow White had sent a message via bird to Rumplestilskin to agree to meet with Cinderella to make a new deal. Cinderella is gonna tell Rumple that she's having twins and if he wants both, which he will, Cinderella will propose a new deal. The Masked Dragon Rider handed Cinderella a quill that had been enchanted by the Blue Fairy. Anyone who signs with it will be frozen, their magic made impotent which will get them to transport Rumplestilskin to his cell. All Cinderella must do is get him to sign that contract and the spell will work. "Ella, this man is a scourge. You will be doing the entire land a service." Charming said.

Cinderella was scared, she had seen what magicians had done and it had come with a price that she couldn't pay. She was worried that this magic would have a price to pay as well. Thomas told Cinderella that he'll pay the price for this magic "I will do whatever is needed to save you and our child." Thomas stated.

Charming and Grumpy lead them to the cell that the dwarves have made for Rumplestilskin. The cell lies in the deepest parts of the mines, that way no one can ever find the Dark One. "I hope you like it. A lot of dwarf blood went into it. Plus one dragon." said Grumpy.

Cinderella and Thomas left once they understood the plan, and Charming and the Masked Dragon Rider stayed behind to talk. The masked dragon rider looked at Charming with a serious look "If we get Rumplestilskin in his cell, what about his deal with Cinderella? We both know that he'll still try to get his hands on the baby." the Masked Dragon Rider pointed out.

"We'll do whatever we can to make sure that Cinderella has her baby," Charming stated.

Out in the castle gardens at night, Cinderella waited for Rumplestilskin to show up for the plan to work. She heard his impish voice behind her as he saw that she was showing, Cinderella was ready to put the plan into motion. She gathered her courage and stated that she wanted to alter the bargain that they had made. She lied to Rumplestilskin about being pregnant with twins, knowing that it would make him want to take the deal. "And you would, what? Give up both? Why is that I wonder?" he questioned within

Cinderella could feel the fear starting to grip her soul. She needed to convince him that she was telling the truth so she gave Rumplestilskin a little sob story for extra belief. "My husband, he's having a hard time. Our kingdom is poor. We're losing money. Our crops are dying. We can't support ourselves or our people." she stated with a few tears in her eyes.

Rumplestilskin started to get suspicious about this new deal until Cinderella stated that she couldn't always have more children, and she couldn't grow crops where the soil was dead. "In exchange for our other child, you will see to it that our land is once again fertile. I think it's more than fair." Cinderella explained as she brought out a contract.

Rumplestilskin had quickly agreed to the deal. Cinderella pulled out the enchanted quill for Rumple to sign the contract with. He took the quill and examined it, Cinderella feared that he was onto them. "You know, the only way to stop me is through magic," Rumple stated.

"I'm not trying to stop you." Cinderella lied.

"Of course, you're not. Because as we all know, all magic comes with a price. And if you were to use it to, say, imprison me, then your debt to me would only grow. And we wouldn't want that, now would we?" he asked, sending chills down Cinderella's spine.

Cinderella just nodded yes as Rimplestilskin took the contract and signed it with the quill. Once his name was on the contract, the magic in the quill activated, immobilizing Rumplestilskin as Cinderella called out for Prince Thomas. Thomas came with Charming and the Masked Dragon Rider with a prison cart being pulled by horses to transport Rumplestilakin to his cell. Rumplestilskin threatened Cinderella that he would have that baby in this land or another just as he was placed in the cart. Cinderella thought the nightmare was over but it had only begun.

She started to feel false contractions from the baby and Thomas ran off to the well to get water. However, four minutes and the contractions had passed but Thomas wasn't back with the water, something was wrong. Cinderella ran to the well to find him but Thomas was nowhere in sight, all that was left of him was his cloak. She ran back to Charming and stormed up to Rumple, ordering him to tell her where her husband was. "I haven't done anything. In case you haven't noticed, I've been otherwise engaged." Rumplestilskin stated.

He was telling the truth, and the Masked Dragon Rider came over to Cinderella, promising her that they would come from Thomas. "Until that debt is paid until that baby is mine, you're never gonna see him again. In this world or the next, Cinderella, I will have that baby!" Rumplestilskin threatened.

(Storybrooke)

Emma's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as the car rumbled through the darkened streets of Storybrooke. The night was thick with the kind of silence that made her feel like the world had slowed down like time itself was holding its breath. She glanced to her side, where Harry was sitting, his jaw set with concern as he kept his eyes on the road. In the back seat, Henry remained unusually quiet, his face twisted in thought as he pieced together everything they had learned. But it was Ashley's cries of distress from the front that kept Emma's focus razor-sharp. Henry was the first to spot the car. "I told you. It's her car."

Ruby's car, broken down just before the Storybrooke border, sitting there like an omen. Emma swerved the car to a stop next to it, heart hammering in her chest. She jumped out of the car quickly, her boots hitting the pavement hard as she scanned the area. No sign of Ashley. Her eyes darted to the bushes by the side of the road, and then she heard it—a faint cry. Her breath caught. "Ashley?" Emma's voice called out, fear gripping her as she hurried toward the sound.

There, sitting in a patch of grass, was Ashley, hunched over and clutching her stomach. Her face twisted in pain. The sight struck Emma hard, her gut tight with anxiety. "Aaah! My baby. It's coming!" Ashley screamed, her voice ragged with panic.

Emma's heart skipped a beat. She dropped to her knees beside Ashley, trying to remain calm as she examined the situation. "We're gonna get you help," Emma said quickly, trying to steady her own nerves.

Emma and Harry helped Ashley into the car and drove back into town to the hospital. The car was speeding toward the hospital, but Emma wasn't sure if they would make it in time. Behind her, Ashley was in excruciating pain, her hands gripping her stomach. She could hear Ashley's breaths, ragged and fast, like she was struggling to keep herself together. Harry glanced at Emma, his brows furrowed with worry, but he said nothing. The tension in the air was thick. Henry turned around in the back seat. "Is the baby really coming?"

Emma nodded, keeping her eyes on the road ahead. "Oh, yeah."

Her gaze flickered to Ashley. The girl's face was pale, tears streaking down her cheeks. "Don't worry," Emma said, trying to soothe her. "The hospital isn't that far."

Ashley's voice cracked, desperate and fearful. "No, no, no, no, take me to Boston. I can't go back there."

Emma's heart ached as she glanced back at Ashley. She understood the fear in the girl's eyes, but there wasn't time for that. "Oh, no. We don't have four hours, trust me. I know."

"I can't go back there, please," Ashley sobbed. "He's gonna take my baby."

Emma felt the weight of the words press down on her. She wasn't sure how to answer, but she knew one thing. She wouldn't let anyone take Ashley's baby. Not if she had anything to do with it. "I won't let that happen," Emma said firmly. "But do you know what you're asking for? If you keep this child, are you really ready?"

Ashley's eyes met Emma's, and Emma could see the struggle in them—the fear of the unknown, the overwhelming weight of the responsibility. But in those eyes, Emma saw something else too. Something stronger. Ashley nodded, though she looked like she was still trying to convince herself. "Yeah."

Emma's voice softened. "Are you sure? Because I wasn't."

Ashley blinked, her expression confused. "You weren't?"

"Nope," Emma said quietly, her thoughts drifting back to her own past. "If you want to give this kid its best chance, it's gonna be with someone who's ready. So know what that means. Your whole life is gonna change. And once you decide that it's yours, this running away can't happen. You have to grow up, and you can't ever leave. Understand?"

Ashley nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Yes. I want my baby."

They finally arrived at the hospital; Emma and Harry helped Ashley out of the car. The minute they walked in, Harry called for a nurse to help them. The nurse grabbed a wheelchair and helped Ashley into it then wheeled her to a hospital room for the delivery. The sterile, white walls of Storybrooke General Hospital's waiting room felt suffocating, each tick of the clock echoing in Emma's mind. Harry sat next to her, his fingers tapping a quiet rhythm against the armrest. Henry, on the other hand, was lost in his thoughts, his gaze fixed somewhere beyond the windows, yet his words still carried the weight of truth.

"You know, Emma," Henry began, breaking the silence. "You're different."

Emma turned her attention to him, her brow furrowed in curiosity. "What's that?"

"You're the only one who can do it," Henry said, his voice steady. "The only one who can leave."

Emma's face twitched, surprised by the sudden change in direction. "Leave? What are you talking about?"

Henry's expression remained serious, his eyes locking onto hers. "Leave Storybrooke. You can go. You're the savior."

Emma blinked in confusion. "You're telling me that I can just leave? But you came to find me in Boston. You didn't leave. So what's the difference?"

Harry, who had been quietly observing, let out a soft chuckle before speaking. "Sounds like Henry's trying to make sense of a whole lot of things. But what he's saying... It's true. You're the one who can make a choice others can't."

Henry nodded, adding, "I didn't have a choice. I had to come back. I was ten, but you—you can leave. You can do whatever you want. That's what makes you different."

Emma's heart hammered against her chest, the weight of her son's words sinking deep within her. She had been running for so long, but maybe—just maybe—it was time to stop. To confront the very thing she had been avoiding. To leave. Before she could respond, a voice interrupted their thoughts. "Ms. Swan?" The obstetrician approached them, smiling. "The baby is a healthy six-pound girl, and the mother is doing fine."

Emma breathed a sigh of relief, her worry ebbing away as she rose to her feet, her hand instinctively reaching for Harry's. "Great news," Harry said softly, looking tatEmma with a reassuring smile.

But just as they were about to head toward Ashley's room, the familiar voice of Mr. Gold echoed from the hallway. "What lovely news. Excellent work, Ms. Swan. Thank you for bringing me my merchandise."

Emma's stomach churned at the sound of his voice, her eyes narrowing. She exchanged a glance with Harry before they both turned toward the coffee vending machine where Mr. Gold stood, a cup in his hand.

"Mr. Gold," Emma said with forced politeness, her eyes locking onto his. "What are you doing here?"

"Ah, Ms. Swan," Mr. Gold's lips curled into a thin smile as he sipped his coffee. "I'm just enjoying the fruits of your labor. I must say, it's quite the stroke of luck for me today. Care for a cup?"

"No, thank you," Emma replied tersely, her gaze never leaving him. "A baby? That's your merchandise? Why didn't you tell me?"

Emma didn't hesitate, her eyes narrowing at him. "A baby? That's your merchandise? Why didn't you tell me?"

Mr. Gold chuckled, seemingly unfazed by her accusatory tone. "Well, because at the time, you didn't need to know."

Emma's frustration simmered. "Really, or you thought I wouldn't take the job?"

"On the contrary," Mr. Gold responded smoothly, his smile a little too wide. "I thought it would be more effective if you found out yourself. After seeing Ashley's hard life, I thought it would make sense... to you. I mean, if anyone could understand the reasons behind giving up a baby, I assumed it would be you."

Emma clenched her fists at her sides. "You're not getting that kid."

"Actually," Mr. Gold replied, his expression unchanging, "we have an agreement. And my agreements are always honored. If not, I'm going to have to involve the police, and that baby is going to end up in the system. And that would be a pity. You didn't enjoy your time in the system, did you, Emma?"

Emma stood her ground, her voice cold. "That's not gonna happen."

Harry, who had been silent up until now, stepped forward. His voice was firm, a stark contrast to Mr. Gold's calculated calm. "You think threatening Emma will work? Maybe you should look around, Gold. People in this town don't scare easy."

Mr. Gold's eyes flickered briefly with a mix of irritation and curiosity. He eyed Harry but didn't respond, instead continuing his tactic of playing the situation to his advantage.

"I like your confidence," Mr. Gold said, the faintest hint of admiration creeping into his voice. "Charming, but all I have to do is press charges. She did, after all, break into my shop."

Emma was quick to counter. "Let me guess, to steal a contract."

Mr. Gold smirked. "Who knows what she was after?"

Emma narrowed her eyes, undeterred. "You know, no jury in the world will put a woman in jail whose only reason for breaking and entering was to keep her child. I'm willing to roll the dice so that the contract doesn't stand up. Are you? Not to mention what might come out about you in the process. Somehow I suspect there is more to you than a simple pawnbroker. You really want to start that fight?"

Harry stepped closer to Emma, his eyes never leaving Mr. Gold's face. "Just letting you know, Gold, that fight might be one you can't win."

For a moment, Mr. Gold's eyes shifted, assessing both Emma and Harry. He was quiet for a beat longer than usual before his lips curled into a smile—almost like a predator sizing up its prey.

"I like you, Ms. Swan," Mr. Gold said, his voice low and smooth. "You're not afraid of me, and that's either cocky or presumptuous. Either way, I'd rather have you on my side."

Emma didn't flinch. "So she can keep the baby?"

Mr. Gold tilted his head slightly, his expression hardening. "Not just yet. There's still the matter of my agreement with Ms. Boyd."

Emma's eyes flashed with resolve. "Tear it up."

"That's not what I do," Mr. Gold said, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You see, contracts, deals, well, they're the very foundation of all civilized existence. So I put it to you now: If you want Ashley to have that baby, are you willing to make a deal with me?"

Emma's jaw clenched, but Harry was the first to speak, his voice steady as he addressed Mr. Gold.

"You don't trust him, Emma," Harry said. "This isn't the time to make deals with the devil."

Mr. Gold chuckled softly, unfazed by Harry's words. "Oh, Ms. Swan. I assure you, it's not a deal with the devil. But a deal nonetheless. And if you want Ashley to have that baby, then I'll be needing something in return."

Emma didn't back down, sizing Mr. Gold up as if she were weighing the consequences. "What do you want?"

Harry stood by her side, arms crossed, still wary of Mr. Gold's every move. "You don't trust him, Emma. This isn't the time to make deals with the devil."

Mr. Gold's smile widened, his voice low and deliberate. "Oh, I don't know just yet. You'll owe me a favor."

Emma sized him up, her eyes narrowing. "Deal."

With the agreement made, Emma, Harry, and Henry walked toward Ashley's room. As they entered, they found Ashley holding her new daughter, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Hey," Emma said softly, her gaze drifting to the little bundle in Ashley's arms. "What's her name?"

Ashley smiled faintly, her voice tinged with exhaustion but full of warmth. "Alexandra."

"That's pretty," Emma said, her heart swelling with emotion. "She's beautiful."

Ashley's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Thank you for getting me here."

Emma nodded, her gaze steady. "Mr. Gold was outside. I took care of it. She's yours."

Ashley blinked her expression a mixture of relief and disbelief. "She is? But what did you do?"

Emma met her eyes, her voice soft but firm. "Made a deal with him."

Ashley's face lit up, her tears finally falling. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Emma gave a small smile and turned to Henry, who was looking at her with a mix of admiration and uncertainty. "Oh, hey kid, it's almost 5:00. You gotta get home."

Emma offered to give Harry a ride but Harry refused. He said that he was gonna stay with Ashley just in case anything went wrong. Emma and Henry quickly left the hospital, the weight of the day pressing on Emma's shoulders as they headed out into the night. Emma brought Henry home and she actually took Harry's offer to be a part of the police as a deputy to Graham.