Chapter 5: Preparations
Robin walked up to the convent door, knocking on it. He took a few deep breaths, hoping he would be able to get his answers. The fairies, especially Blue, were not big fans of Regina but hopefully they could put that aside to help him. If he had to, he would let them know the fate of Storybrooke depended on it. No matter their feelings toward Regina, they would want to save the town.
The door opened and one of the fairies stood there, dressed in the familiar blue skirt and sweater of the order. "Can I help you?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied. "I was hoping to speak with the Blue Fairy."
"Of course, come on in," she said, stepping aside so he could enter the convent. He stood in the foyer as she closed the door behind him. She smiled, motioning for him to follow her. "I'll take you to her."
He thanked her, following the fairy deeper into the convent. She stopped in front of a room and knocked on the door. Robin heard Blue tell the fairy to enter and he waited as she announced him. She then motioned for him to enter the office.
Blue stood behind her desk as Robin approached her, a soft smile on her face. "Hello, Robin," she said. "What can I do for you?"
"I would like to talk to you," he said. "It's about Regina."
Her smile dimmed but she still nodded. She looked past him to the fairy still standing behind him. "Can you bring us some tea, please? And close the door behind you," she said.
The fairy nodded. "Yes, Mother Superior."
"Please have a seat," Blue said, motioning to the chair nearest Robin as she sat down behind her desk again. He took a seat as she asked: "What do you want to know about Regina?"
"Well, I guess I first want to know what you know," he said. "I know you helped Emma stabilize the town, stopping those earthquakes. Did she tell you why you needed to do that?"
Blue nodded. "Yes. She said that the town was tied to Regina's magic and that it was falling apart now that she's…gone."
"Yes," he replied, not sure how he felt about her choice not to say the word dead. "Did she tell you anything else?"
"She did," Blue said, looking down at her clasped hands now. "She said that there's a chance to bring Regina back."
He nodded. "Yes, there is. The Dragon gave me a key that will lead me to the place where I can rescue her soul."
"Where is this place?" she asked, frowning.
"I think I have an idea and that's why I'm here," he said. "I had a dream last night. Except I don't think it was entirely a dream. At the end, an arrow lodged in a tree near me and there was a note on it. I took it off in the dream and when I woke up, I was holding it."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the note. Robin set it on the desk. "It's in Regina's handwriting," he said. "I would recognize it anywhere."
Blue picked it up and nodded. "Yes, it is hers."
"I asked her for a sign last night about what she wanted me to do," he said. "Then I have that dream and wake up with that note. She gave me the sign."
"Are you sure?" Blue asked, handing him the note back. "Maybe you found another note she had left before she died."
Robin's anger surged through him as he fixed her with a stare he hoped froze the blood in her veins. "How many notes do you think Regina wrote saying 'Save me'?" he asked her.
Blue grew quiet before sighing. "I still think you shouldn't rush off based on a dream."
"I'm not here for permission," he said, tucking the note back in his pocket. "I'm hoping you will at least point me in the right direction so I don't waste precious time searching the woods."
"Why would I do that?" she asked, her expression never changing so he couldn't tell what she was really thinking.
He did not break eye contact with her. "Because you know it's the right thing to do."
She frowned now. "Is that so?"
"Yes," he said. "So will you help me?"
"Fine," she said, sighing. "But I am just going to tell you that I think this is a bad idea and that it's best to leave Regina where she is. It's safer."
He crossed his arms. "Safer?"
She nodded. "Yes. You know who she is."
"I do," he replied. "I don't think you do. You only know who she was and keep judging her for it."
"In my experience, people don't often change," she argued.
He held her gaze. "Is it that they don't change or that you've never given them the chance to do so?"
Fire burned in her eyes. "What does that mean?"
"You are a respected practitioner of magic and someone that can be trusted for the most part," he said. "That's why I'm asking you for help and not Gold."
"But?" she asked, no doubt hearing the word in his tone.
Robin nodded. "But you are very judgmental. You decide whether someone is good or evil and then refuse to change your mind. And I think we've all learned that there is a fine line and we're all capable of both."
She looked down as she said: "Maybe."
"I guess that's a start," he replied. "So will you help me find Regina?"
When she still didn't respond, he sighed. "Fine. I was hoping you would do it to finally help Regina and acknowledge she's changed. So if you won't do it for her, do it for the rest of Storybrooke. What you and Emma did was only a temporary patch. Without Regina, Storybrooke will cease to exist sooner rather than later. Do it to save everyone."
That seemed to get through to her and she lifted her head, nodding. "Fine. I'll do it for Storybrooke. Not Regina."
He thanked her and she sighed, pulling out a notebook and a pen. "So, why don't you tell me about this dream you had?"
"I told you everything," he said. "I was walking through the forest and then came upon this house."
"Then how am I supposed to help you find it?" she asked.
He frowned. "I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. My men and I can find the house well enough. We're excellent trackers. I need you to tell me what might be in the house so I'm prepared to face whatever it may be."
She nodded. "I understand. Can you describe the house better? Anything distinctive you remember?"
"It looked like a manor house from our world," he said. "It was made of brick and had a room made of glass."
"Sounds like it's a greenhouse," she replied. "A room where they can grow plants all year round."
He nodded. "So what do you think this house is?"
She sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I have a few theories. I'll look into it."
"Thank you," he said. "I'll check in with you in a couple days."
"Alright," she replied, looking less-than-thrilled with his plan. "If you have any more dreams, please let me know. Try to write them down as soon as you wake up, while they're still fresh in your mind."
He promised to do that. "Hopefully I'll have more information so we can figure out what's going on."
She nodded. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes," he said. "I've been thinking lately about Tinkerbell. Do you know if she's still in Storybrooke?"
"I don't," she replied, surprised. "I haven't seen Green since Emma and Hook returned from Zelena's time portal."
He frowned, wondering where she had gone. "Well, if you see her, let her know I was looking for her."
Blue promised she would before opening the door. "I'll have one of the fairies escort you back to the front door."
"I think I can find it on my own," he replied, noting that she wouldn't even take him herself. "Thank you."
"Good day, Robin," she said, closing the door.
He was dismissed.
Robin pressed his lips together before walking back down the hallway. One of the fairies peeked out from a room nearby and pointed him toward the door. "Have a good day, sir," she said.
"Thank you," he said. "You too."
He walked to the door and stepped out of the convent. Taking a deep breath, he walked down the stairs as a familiar truck pulled up. David rolled down the window and smiled. "Heard you were. Need a lift home?" he asked.
"Depends," Robin said. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," David replied with a knowing smile. "Got a clean bill of health from Whale. You won't be passing anything onto Margot."
Robin nodded, opening the door. "Then I appreciate the ride."
"Good," David said. "I was also hoping we could talk about your meeting with Emma. And maybe apologize for my daughter."
"Emma is an adult," Robin said. "She doesn't need her father to apologize for her."
David sighed, pulling away from the convent. "I know. But I still feel the need anyway. I'm also sorry we couldn't be there instead."
"Children get sick," Robin said. "And then they get you sick. I'm well aware of that."
"I'm sure you are," David agreed, chuckling. "I'm still sorry we couldn't go. And if we had known she would take Hook, we would've just canceled on you altogether and just rescheduled."
Robin nodded. "If I had known, I probably would've done the same. Honestly, Hook was not the problem. He was really reasonable and understanding of the situation."
"Really?" David asked, sounding surprised.
"Yes," Robin replied. "Hook cares about Henry and sees him like a son, just like me. We at least have that in common."
David nodded. "Henry has a lot of people looking out for him. A lot of people who love him."
"He does," Robin agreed. "He is very lucky, even if he doesn't feel like it right now."
"Yeah," David said. He then hesitated for a moment before saying: "Emma also told us about Regina. I mean, about the fact you could go and bring her back from the dead."
Robin swallowed, nodding. "Yes, the Dragon said I can do that and I've decided that I'm going to do it."
"Oh," David said, sounding surprised. "Is it because of what Emma said? Because her mother and I laid into her about that."
"You did?" Robin asked, surprised now. He thought they would agree with their daughter that bringing Regina back was the easiest solution (for them).
He nodded. "You would think after everything we went through in the Underworld, she would understand that it is not an easy solution. And we also agree with you - it sounded more like Emma was suggesting it out of a selfish desire to fix everything rather than a true desire to bring Regina back."
"Yes," Robin said. "I sometimes feel this entire town doesn't really miss Regina and just wants her back so she can fix their problems."
"I know," David replied. "Snow and I said the same thing."
Robin raised an eyebrow. "You did?"
David nodded again. "She misses Regina, especially as they were just starting to rebuild their relationship. But she feels she's always been too selfish with Regina and wants to make sure she does what's best for Regina."
"That's what I want for her too," Robin said, understanding Snow's concerns. "That's why I'm going to find her and bring her back."
"You are?" David asked, sounding surprised. "I hope you don't feel like you have to because of what Emma said."
Robin shook his head. "I'm not doing it because of that. I'm doing it because it's what Regina wants."
David frowned. "How do you know that?"
"She sent me a message in a dream," Robin replied. "I know that sounds strange but it's what happened."
"Honestly, that's probably the most normal way someone has gotten a message through to us here in Storybrooke," David said, nodding. "So what did her message say?"
Robin fingered the note in his pocket as he said: "Save me."
There was a shift in the air as David grew more somber. "It's that bad?"
"I don't know," Robin replied. "I didn't see her in my dream. I got the message on an arrow stuck in a tree."
"I didn't think Regina knew how to shoot an arrow," David said. "You sure it's from her?"
Robin nodded. "It was a dream. She probably didn't really shoot the arrow but used something she knew would get my attention."
"Good point," David said. "So what do you think she needs to be saved from?"
"I don't know. That's why I came to the convent to talk with Blue. With Belle unavailable, she's likely my best hope of knowing what Regina may be facing," Robin replied, rubbing his face with a sigh.
David nodded. "And did Blue help you? I know she isn't Regina's biggest fan."
Robin sighed. "She's doing it reluctantly. More to save the town than Regina. I hated having to play that card but I realized I had no choice."
"I know," David replied. "I'm sorry."
"Thanks," Robin said. "I'm surprised you and Snow are so supportive. I would think you would be the most opposed to me bringing her back."
David chuckled. "Maybe a few years ago, yes. Well, I would've. I think Snow would've been supportive. She never stopped loving Regina or wanting to have a relationship with her again."
"I think deep down, Regina wanted that as well," Robin said, recalling the interactions he witnessed between the two. "I think reconciling with Snow really helped Regina find peace."
"I think Snow felt the same way," David said, "but now she feels it was too soon. That they still had so much more to do."
Robin sighed. "Regina had a lot more to do."
David nodded. "Agreed."
"So I have your support?" Robin asked, suddenly finding it important that he did. "If I go to find Regina?"
"Of course," David replied. "We're ready to come with you."
Robin shook his head. "I think I need to do this alone. I think it's best if you all stay here in Storybrooke and keep the town safe for us."
David frowned. "From what?"
"Who knows?" Robin said, shrugging. "There always seems to be someone or something attacking the town though."
"Sadly, that is true," David replied, sighing. "It was probably a miracle nothing happened while we were in the Underworld."
They reached Regina's house and David put his car into park. "Just let us know what you need. We'll be ready to help."
Robin nodded. "Thank you. I'll let you know once I have a better plan. I'm not going to make the mistake of rushing in without one again."
"Of course," David said softly. "Good luck."
"Thank you," Robin said, opening the door. "I'll talk to you and Snow soon."
David nodded. "Give our love to Henry and tell him that our door is still open for him. Our loft will be a Hook-free place if he wants."
"I'll let him know," Robin replied. "I'm sure he'll appreciate it."
"I hope so," David said. "We miss him."
Robin said goodbye and closed the door, stepping back so David could drive off. Once his truck disappeared around the corner, Robin walked up to his front door and let himself in. "I'm home," he called out, toeing off his shoes by the door just like Regina would've wanted.
"Papa!" Roland burst out of the living room and raced toward him. Robin picked him up, holding him close as Roland hugged him. "I missed you."
"I wasn't gone long," Robin said, kissing the side of his head.
Roland shook his head. "You were gone forever!"
"It was only an hour," Robin said, setting Roland down. "But I'm back now. Did you have fun with your Uncle John?"
"I thought we did but now I'm not sure," John said, stepping out of the living room and crossing his arms.
Roland chuckled. "Don't be silly, Uncle John. We had fun but I still missed my Papa."
John sighed. "I guess I can't argue that."
"Why don't you go play in the living room while Uncle John and I go talk in the kitchen," Robin suggested, gently pushing Roland toward the living room. "We'll be right across the hall if you need us."
"Okay," Roland said, returning to the living room. Robin motioned for John to follow him and walked into the kitchen.
Robin opened the fridge. "Can I get you anything?"
"I'm good," John replied. "I already helped myself earlier."
"Alright," Robin said, pulling out a bottle seltzer. "Suit yourself."
He opened it and took a sip before sighing. "So I got Blue to agree to help me find out more about where Regina might be."
"That's a good first step," John said. "So you're certain about doing this?"
"For the most part," Robin replied, taking another sip. "I won't lie. I do still have some doubts. Mostly about the children."
John nodded. "I don't know how Roland will take you going on a quest and not coming back within a couple hours."
Robin sighed. "I know. He's already lost too much for someone his age."
"I know," John said. "Tuck and I have talked with him but I think he might need more help than we can give him."
"You mean Archie," Robin replied, realizing where John was going.
John nodded. "Yes. I think Archie will have more tools and resources that will better help Roland at this time."
"I'll talk to Archie before I leave," Robin said, deciding to do it the next day. "Get Roland the help he needs."
"Good idea," John replied. "He might also help prepare Roland for your quest."
Robin nodded. "I'll mention that too."
John sighed. "I wish I could go with you."
"I know," Robin said. "But I'm pretty sure I need to do this by myself. The Dragon said it was me who could bring her back. Besides, I need you to stay here with Roland. You and Tuck are the only ones I know he will be the most comfortable around while I'm gone."
"Yeah," John agreed. "I guess that's how I can help you this time."
Robin nodded. "I feel better knowing Roland will be with his uncles."
John frowned. "What about Margot?"
"Her too," Robin added. "I worry a little less about her since she's so little. All she really needs is someone to feed her, hold her and change her diaper and she's happy."
"That is true," John replied, chuckling.
Robin stepped forward and squeezed his friend's shoulder. "I trust all my children with you. I know you love them as you would your own."
John nodded. "I do."
"Would you also be up for some training sessions with me?" Robin asked John, stepping back.
"Training sessions?" John asked, frowning. "Why?"
Robin took a deep breath before saying: "I haven't really been at the top of my game since coming to Storybrooke. If I'm going to go rescue Regina, I can't afford to make any mistakes. Not again. I want to be ready. I want to be Robin Hood again."
John nodded, understanding what he meant. "Alright. We can start training tomorrow if that works for you."
"Yes," he said. "Once Roland and Henry are in school, I'll drop Margot off with Ashley and come join you and the men in the forest."
"Sounds good," John replied. "I'll see who else is interested in training. I think we'll have a few. We'll be the Merry Men again."
Robin chuckled. "Yes, we will."
John held out his hand. "I'll leave you alone to spend time with your children. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Oh," Robin said, disappointed. "I thought you would want to stay for dinner."
"Well, I never say no to free food but I have other plans," John said. "I'm meeting someone for dinner."
That surprised but pleased Robin. "Oh?"
John's cheeks turned pink. "Yeah. It's still relatively new so I don't want to speak much about it just yet."
"I get it," Robin said, recalling how he used to sneak out to see Marian because he didn't want to tell his men until he knew it was serious between them. "You'll tell me when you're ready."
"I will," John promised, holding out his hand. "Thank you for understanding."
Robin took his hand. "You're my brother and I only want what's best for you. Never forget that."
They hugged for a moment before John pulled away. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yes, you will," Robin replied. "And have a good time tonight. You deserve it."
"Yes," John said, grinning. "I do."
Robin chuckled, walking his friend back to the living room so Roland could say goodbye. John hugged him before heading out, ready to go on his date. As he closed the door, he really hoped John had a great night.
He walked back into the living room and clapped his hand. "Alright, my boy, you have me all to yourself until your sister wakes up from her nap," he told Roland. "What do you want to do?"
"Can we watch a movie and cuddle on the couch?" Roland asked, setting his toys aside. "Please?"
"Of course," Robin replied, moving to the TV. "What do you want to watch?"
Roland joined him as he looked over the different movies, reading the names as best as he could. He pointed to one. "Can we watch Robin Hood? Please?"
Sighing, Robin nodded. "Alright. We can watch Robin Hood."
"Yay!" Roland cheered, jumping up and down. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome," Robin replied, pulling the video down. "Do you want me to make us some popcorn too?"
Roland nodded, his eyes lighting up. "Can we make them like Regina did? In that special machine?"
"We can try," Robin said, hoping he had watched Regina enough to operate the machine. He held out his hand. "Do you want to help me?"
"Yes!" Roland hopped off the couch and took Robin's hand. "We can figure it out together."
Robin chuckled, leading him into the kitchen. "Yes, we can."
It probably took longer than it should've but Robin and Roland managed to figure out how to work Regina's popcorn maker. Robin poured the popcorn into a bowl and added some butter-flavored salt to it, just like Regina used to do. After pouring them both some drinks, they returned to the living room and settled in for the movie.
"Alright," Robin said, picking up the remote and trying not to grit his teeth as he started the movie. "Time for Robin Hood."
"Yay!" Roland cheered. He leaned against Robin. "Thank you, Papa."
Robin's annoyance melted away seeing how happy Roland was. He figured he could put up with this movie where he was a fox for his son's sake. Kissing the top of Roland's head, Robin said: "You're welcome, my boy."
They sat on the couch, enjoying the popcorn as they watched the movie together.
"I think I found something." Blue slid into the booth where Robin had been enjoying his lunch and slid a book toward him. "I think you're looking for Gracey Manor."
He wiped his hands on a napkin before reaching for the book. "Gracey Manor?"
"Yes," she said. "That book has some more information about it that I think you might find helpful."
"So Regina is there?" he asked, still confused.
She hesitated for a moment before sighing. "I can't say with absolute certainty that she's there. But this is my best guess and I'm pretty confident about it."
He set the book down. "Why is it your best guess?"
"I had heard rumors for years of a place that served as a stopping point between life and death," she said. "A place where souls could get used to the fact they were no longer alive before moving onto the Underworld."
"I thought the Underworld was that stopping point?" he asked, sipping his drink as he thought of their time in Bizarro Storybrooke, as Regina had called it. "That's what it seemed to be when we were there."
Blue nodded. "There can be multiple stopping points for the dead. The Underworld is just one of them."
"I see," Robin replied, though he was still confused. "And you think Regina went here instead of the Underworld?"
"Yes. You described seeing a house and so I think it's Gracey Manor. She might have ended up there because the Olympian Crystal prevented her from going to the Underworld, which is what is likely working in your favor," she said. "Regina's spirit is still in this realm."
He nodded. "That makes sense."
"But there is a catch," she said, looking solemn.
"Of course," he replied. "I didn't expect that it would just be as easy as me walking in and then walking back out with her."
Her lips twitched as if she wanted to smile. "No, it certainly won't be that easy."
Robin tapped the book. "And how will this book help me?"
"It's written by the only person to walk into Gracey Manor…and walk back out again," she said.
"Only one?" he asked, his heart sinking. "That doesn't give me much confidence."
She looked down for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "Well, the only one we know about. There could've been more who just didn't tell anyone what they did."
He nodded though he could tell that she didn't believe what she was saying. But they could pretend for now. "Well, I promise to read the book carefully," he said.
"Good," she said. "The house will not release one of its spirits easily and will look for another to add to its collection."
"Understood," he replied, a chill running down his spine.
She took a deep breath. "I'm going to see if there's anything I can send in with you. And I can't believe I'm going to say this, but maybe talk with Maleficent as well. There may be something she can give you as well."
He nodded, knowing that she would only recommend Maleficent as a resource when she had no other options. "I will, thank you."
"Do you have any other questions?" she asked him.
"Not right now," he replied. "Maybe after I read the book."
That seemed to satisfy Blue and she started to slide out of the booth. "Then I'll leave you to enjoy the rest of your lunch in peace. Good luck, Robin."
"Thank you, Blue," he replied. "I appreciate your help."
"You're welcome," she said. "If you do go, I hope you are successful and can return home with Regina."
He thanked her before turning his attention back to the book. Robin studied it - it was a small book with a black cover and no title. Only the design of a crystal ball in gold decorated the cover. Hopefully it would help him figure out a plan to rescue Regina and escape with his life as well so they could finally get their happy ending.
"Thanks for coming, mate," Hook said, holding out a bottle to Robin. "Ale?"
Robin took the bottle from him. "Thank you."
Hook nodded, motioning to the small table in his galley. "Do you want to sit here or out on the deck?"
"Do you have any place to sit up there?" Robin asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Not really," Hook replied. "Unless you want to sit on some crates I have up there?"
Robin shook his head. "Living in Regina's house has made me soft. I prefer cushions now."
Hook sighed. "Same. I think we've been domesticated."
"I agree," he replied before shrugging. "It's not that bad."
"No," Hook agreed, nodding as they sat down. "It's pretty nice."
Robin raised his bottle. "To domesticity."
Hook clinked his bottle against Robin's. "I can certainly drink to that."
"So, what did you invite me over to talk about?" Robin asked after swallowing a good gulp of his ale. He set the bottle down and leaned back, waiting for Hook's response.
"Well, Henry, for starters," Hook said. "I know we haven't come to much resolution regarding the lad."
Robin nodded. "Though I know you've been keeping your distance from him. Thank you for respecting his wishes."
"Of course," Hook replied. "I care for him and want what's best."
"I know," Robin said. "You made that clear during our meeting."
Hook sighed. "I know Emma wants what's best for Henry too. I think she's just a little…raw…after everything that happened and maybe not thinking as clearly as she should've."
Robin took a deep breath before saying: "I might be raw too."
"Right," Hook agreed. "So tensions are rising."
"Yeah," Robin replied. "But I'm trying to do what's best for Henry. I just hope Emma is as well."
Hook nodded. "She is. Or at least, she will be. Her parents and I had a talk with her as did the Cricket. I think she's starting to come around to what needs to be done."
"I'm glad to hear that," Robin said, grateful to have Archie on his side as well. "I really want to make sure Henry will be in good hands before I go to rescue Regina."
"He will be," Hook promised. "He's got a lot of people looking out for him."
Taking a sip of his beer, relief filled Robin. "Yeah, that definitely helps."
Hook's eyes swept over him before he said: "There will also be a lot of people looking after Roland and Margot too."
"Thank you," Robin replied, gratitude overwhelming him. "I know they will be safe and cared for here in Storybrooke."
"You're welcome," Hook said. "I think that brings us to the other reason I asked you over today."
Swallowing a sip of beer, Robin frowned. "Is it about my quest to save Regina?"
Hook took a breath before saying: "Yes."
"You're not going to talk me out of it, right?" Robin asked, still not sure about Hook's true loyalties and motives.
"No," Hook replied. "I think you're doing the right thing. I just might have some help for you."
That intrigued Robin. "You do?"
He nodded, standing. "Wait here. I'll be right back."
"Alright," Robin said, watching as he left the cabin. He frowned, hoping he wasn't about to be ambushed.
The door opened again and Hook stepped into the room. "There's someone I think you've been looking for."
Robin frowned, not sure what he meant. "I have?"
"Yes," he replied, stepping aside. "A certain fairy, I believe."
"Hello, Robin," Tinkerbell said, entering the cabin. She lowered the hood of her coat as she smiled at him. "It's good to see you."
Surprise filled him as he stood. "It's good to see you too."
Hook grinned as he turned to Tinkerbell. "Can I get you something to drink?" he asked her.
"I think I'll have whatever Robin is having," she said, sitting down across from Robin. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Hook replied, opening a bottle for her and handing it to her. He then grabbed his own bottle. "I'll leave you two alone. If you need me, I'll be out on deck."
Robin thanked him before Hook stepped out of the cabin. Once the door was closed, Robin turned back to Tink. "Where are you staying? Blue didn't know where you were," he said.
She snorted. "I don't want her to know where I am. She took my wings and made it very clear that I am not one of them. And I don't want to be. I'm happier on my own."
"I guess I get it," he replied, knowing he wouldn't want to be around someone who had treated him so badly. "You still haven't answered my question, though."
"I've found a little apartment," Tink replied. "It's above a little store and the owner has given me a job there."
Robin nodded, pleased to hear that. "I'm glad."
She smiled. "Funny enough, I think I've finally found the place where I belong here in Storybrooke."
"Much like Regina," Robin said, recalling what she had told Zelena in the hospital cell before they were whisked away to Isaac's twisted world.
"Yes," she replied, her smile falling as sadness filled her eyes. "I suppose so."
She cleared her throat before saying: "I went to her funeral. I stayed in the back so you may not have seen me but I was there."
He swallowed as tears threatened to fall again. "Everything was such a blur. You could have been front and center and I still wouldn't have realized it."
"I understand," she said. "You looked like you were still in shock."
"I was," he replied, sighing. "Honestly, I still am. I can't believe she's gone and that it happened so fast."
She nodded. "It usually does."
He rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to figure out what else she knew. "Did Hook tell you anything before inviting you here?"
"If you're asking if he told me about you going to find Regina and bring her back to life, no," she replied, surprising him. "But it's been the subject of other conversations around Storybrooke."
"Of course," he said, sighing. "You're not allowed to have any secrets here."
She shrugged, grimacing. "Sorry."
"It's okay," he replied. "It actually makes it easier. I don't really need to explain it to you, I guess."
"No, you don't," she said. "So you're really going to go get her?"
He nodded. "Yes. She deserves a chance to live the rest of her life with her family. And she's asked me to do it."
That seemed to surprise Tink. "She has?"
"Yes," he replied. "She sent me a message in my dreams and has asked me to come rescue her."
"And you're sure it was her?" she asked, frowning.
He frowned as well. "Of course. Why?"
She didn't answer his question but asked one of her own. "Where do you think she is?"
"Blue believes she is at Gracey Manor," he said. "She gave me a book and from what I've read so far, I think she's right."
"That's what I was afraid of," Tink replied, leaning back in her chair with a sigh. "It only increases the worry that she wasn't the one who sent you the message."
He crossed his arms. "I am certain it is her."
She nodded. "I know you do. And there's a very good chance it is her. It's just…Gracey Manor."
"What does that mean?" he asked, growing more worried. "What am I about to walk into, Tink?"
"I really don't know," she said. "I'm sure the book Blue gave you will help with that. I can just tell you what I've heard in my travels."
He leaned forward. "Please do. I want to make sure I have all the information I need to rescue her."
She sighed. "Alright. So, Gracey was supposed to be a ferryman, escorting people from the world of the living to the world of the dead."
"But he didn't do that, did he?" Robin asked. "Blue told me Gracey Manor is a stopping point for those who are transitioning and getting used to being dead. So he just took care of them instead of ferrying them?"
"Well, Gracey Manor was supposed to be more of an inn where souls could stay before he ferried them to the Underworld," she said. "At first, that's what it was but slowly, he started making less and less trips until he stopped altogether."
A pit formed in Robin's stomach. "Did the souls just not want to leave?"
She shook her head. "Most of what I've heard is that Gracey learned that the more souls he collected and kept, the more power he gained. And so he essentially stopped ferrying them and kept them trapped in his manor house."
"What power did he gain?" Robin asked, worried they were about to deal with another Hades.
"No one seems to know," she replied. "He just keeps looking for more souls. The stories say he needs one thousand souls to get the power he needs."
"How many souls does he have now?" he asked her.
She sighed. "Some say he has nine hundred, others say he has nine hundred and ninety-nine souls and just needs one more."
A chill went through Robin. "So he may be trying to lure me there. Regina may not even be there?"
"I don't know," she replied. "I just want you to be very careful when you go there. If the Dragon believes Regina can be returned to life, then you need to do that. But you have to be prepared for Gracey to not only want to hold onto Regina but to hold onto you as well."
"I didn't think this would be easy," he told her. "I know only one other person has escaped Gracey Manor before."
She nodded before tilting her head. "And I assume you were looking for me to see if I could give you something to help you?"
He sighed. "Maybe, I don't know. I just know you were the one who first led Regina to me and I guess I hoped you would help lead me to Regina now."
"I don't have any magic," she replied. "There's no pixie dust here."
"I think you might have more magic than you know," he told her, taking her hand. "Pixie dust or no pixie dust."
She gave him a small smile. "You have a lot of faith in me."
He nodded. "Of course I do. And I know that has a lot of power on its own."
"I suppose it does," Tink replied, before sighing. "I'm not going to make any promises but I can see what I can do."
"That's all I ask," he assured her. "Thank you."
She nodded, before motioning to the door. "So, I heard you decked him. Is it true?"
He chuckled. "I did."
"Good for you," she said, clinking her bottle against his. "It's about time."
"Maybe," Robin replied. "But I was just so angry at the injustice of it all. He got to come back but Regina couldn't? It just wasn't fair."
She sighed. "I agree."
He paused for a moment, taking another swig of his beer before saying: "I know you and Regina had a rocky relationship."
"We did," Tink said. "But I also think I came to know her better."
"You do?" he asked.
She nodded. "I had a lot of anger toward her for many years. And I realized I let it consume me much like her anger had consumed her. When she said she was worried that she wouldn't know who she would be without her anger, I thought the same thing."
"Is that when things changed between you two?" he asked, intrigued even more now.
"No," she replied, "though I think we understood each other a little better. But I was still pretty angry at her, especially knowing she didn't go to find you."
He considered her words before asking: "So did it change when you saw her with me here in Storybrooke?"
She shook her head, taking another sip before saying: "It changed when I saw her with Henry."
"Ahh," Robin said, smiling. "She's a great mum."
"She is," Tink agreed. "All I wanted was to prove to her that she could love again and she discovered that. She loves her son."
He nodded. "Yes, she does."
"And she loves you," she added.
"She loves me," he agreed. "And my son and my daughter. I want us to be a family together."
Tink smiled. "Then I think you're going to be fine."
Her words confused him. "What?"
"I'll still look to see if I can get you something that will help you escape Gracey Manor," she said. "But your biggest weapon will be the love you share with Regina. Once you finish reading that book, you'll realize the same thing."
"How's it going in here?" Hook asked, opening the door and poking his head inside. "Do you still need time?"
Tink shook her head. "I think we're good. Right, Robin?"
He nodded, realizing he had gotten what he wanted from Tink and that they had nothing else to discuss for now. "Yes, we are."
"Good," Hook said, entering the room again. He shook his empty bottle. "I was in need of a refill. Anyone else?"
"I'm good," Robin replied as Tink shook her head. "I need to get back to my kids soon."
Hook nodded. "Of course. Wouldn't be the first time I drank alone so feel free to leave."
Robin shook his own bottle. "I still have some left. You're not going to throw me out and let all this beer go to waste, right?"
"That would be a crime," Hook replied, sitting down. "So, what do you want to talk about now?"
"Your ship," Robin said, taking another sip of his beer. "Your choice."
Tink nodded. "I agree."
Hook laughed. "Alright, then. Want to exchange some old war stories and see who has the craziest one?"
"Sounds like fun," Robin replied, grateful for something light after the conversation he had with Tink.
"Agreed," Tink said. "I'll go first, if you gentlemen don't mind?
Robin shook his head. "Not at all."
She grinned. "Excellent. So I didn't go straight from the Enchanted Forest to Neverland. I had a couple stops in between…"
As she talked, Robin relaxed and enjoyed the rest of his beer. He had a lot to think about when he got home, but for now, he could just spend some time with friends.
"Coming," Robin said as someone knocked incessantly on the front door. He slung the towel he was using to dry the pans from dinner over his shoulder as he approached the door. Opening, he was surprised to see who was on the other side. "Blue?"
"Hello, Robin," she replied, looking nervous. "Can I come in?"
He nodded, stepping aside so she could enter the house. "Please."
She walked into the house and stood in the foyer as he closed the door. "I know it's late but I've discovered something important and it couldn't wait."
"Okay," he said, seeing how serious she was. He motioned to the dining room. "Let's head inside. I don't want the boys overhearing this."
"Of course," she replied, walking into the dining room with him.
He closed the doors behind him and turned to her. "What is it?"
She took a deep breath. "Your window is closing."
"What window?" he asked, confused. "What are you talking about?"
"I was doing some research and I learned that Gracey Manor only stays in place for a short period of time after welcoming a new spirit," she explained. "It's about six weeks."
A chill swept through Robin. "Regina died a little over a month ago."
Blue nodded. "You don't have much time left to save her."
"Okay," he said, running his hand through his hair. "But I have about a week, right? So if I solidify my plans in the next couple days, I'll still be fine to go find the manor before it disappears."
"Yes," she replied, though she looked hesitant as she answered. "But I wouldn't take the chance."
He nodded. "Understood. I'll plan to leave the day after tomorrow."
"Good call," she said. "I'll get whatever else I can find ready for you."
"Thank you," he replied. "I'll check in with you tomorrow."
She nodded. "I'll be at the convent all day. Stop by any time."
He thanked her again and walked her back to the door. Robin made sure she had a way to get home before she left. Closing the door, he took a deep breath and looked at the living room. It was time for him to have a difficult conversation with his sons.
A/N: So part of this story is inspired by the Haunted Mansion ride in Walt Disney World. Don't worry, you don't need to be really acquainted with it to understand it. But I will throw in a few references in future chapters so those who are familiar with the ride should keep their eyes open for them!
Tink is also back. She just disappeared in the show so I thought it would be fun to figure out where she's been.
Robin is getting ready to rescue Regina. So there will be some adventure coming in the next couple chapters and Regina will make an appearance soon. I hope you enjoy it!
-Mac