#mmm the pain of robin being taken away from her family

[corgiplays]

Thinking thoughts because I've seen so much Russian Robin content but I'm putting a switch on it

So short history lesson but Poland was under Russian rule soon after WW 2 and became a communist country and was freed after an election in 1990 so

- Polish Robin who was placed in a spy program after her parents caused issues for the government (more about this later)

- She was shipped off to Russia were she spend the rest of her teen years training

- She was there when Alexie was told he had a year to fix whatever went wrong with their attempt the first time

- Robin definitely tried escaping back to Poland a few times but ended up getting caught and faced serious repercussions (omg is that Enzo?)

- She is technically Steve's age but because when she came to America her english was like nonexistent she was held back a year

- She was in the states since 1983 in Alaska but after reports of the chemical leak in Hawkins she was sent there for the rest of 1984 till season 3 starts

- Buff Robin enough said

- She tries to convince Dustin that whatever he got on the recording wasn't Russian but after a long debate she gave in to help them because she thought they'll think it's from Russia but after Steve pointed out the Indiana Flyer ride Robin knew she was in deep shit

- Robin was forced to tell the commander what's happening and got the shit beat out of her for translating their code to Americans but she promised that she'll keep them away

- During the interrogation the commander makes a comment about Robin being Polish but Steve never noticed the comment, he also makes a remark how Alexie was a traitor and that she'll wish she could meet with him instead (aka she'll wish she was dead)

- Of course that doesn't happen as Steve and Robin are saved by Dustin and Erica but the Soviet Union isn't too happy with what happened, so they send a mission file to Robin stating that she has to stay and keep an eye out for anymore Upside Down activity

- No one knows what Robin's real motives are because she doesn't want to lose her only friends

- After season 4 when Hopper gets dropped off by Enzo, Robin is there and ends up cornering him with a gun pointed to his gut and forced to tell her everything he knows

- Vecna uses Robin's trauma against her and once she's saved she slips back into her survival mindset and starts to only speak Polish or Russian while lashing out if anyone got too close

- The gang does find out about Robin's affiliation with the Soviet Union and their horrified, some broken translation from when she went into her survival mindset and an attack by a Russian spy helped put the pieces together

- Everyone distances themselves from Robin because how can we trust her after this but El keeps in touch with her because she's still Robin

- Robin tries to sacrifice herself to save the party because they will never trust her again and see lost all of her friends because of this but thanks to El for being so nice Robin doesn't die

————

- Robin is littered with scars, her least favorite is the Soviet Union brand on her torso (on the left side under her ribs) along with multiple cuts, scrapes, bullet wounds and some scars done by herself (once everything is fixed Nancy kisses all of Robin's scars so she feels better about them)

- Robin loves the snow especially when it snows at night because she has her happiest memories then

- Absolutely amazing at making Polish foods and deserts and the whole party loves it too which makes Robin happy because she gets to share her culture with her favorite people

- Has awful nightmares and her and Hooper end up trading stories of their times in a Russian Prison because they know their not alone in their fear

- Dresses baggy and more masculine because of the scars and how much she hates her body for being exactly like the Russians wanted it for a spy

- Has a surprisingly difficult workout routine because of her spy training (Steve gave up after 5 sets of one exercise, Nancy sits on Robin's back while she does push ups)

- Has a surprisingly high alcohol tolerance

- Knife tricks

————

Completely forgot Poland was once communistic which is sad because I'm Polish but wooo

Honestly this came out of the blue but I like it

[sylvanfreckles]

Blinded (FebuWhump 18)

Fandom: Fire Emblem: Awakening Summary: When a renegade noble tries to blind Chrom with a caustic liquid, Robin steps in to protect his friend.

* * *

Robin let his gaze travel around the room as Chrom made his plea for support to Lord Rasmir. Three of the noble houses of Ylisse had yet to acknowledge his friend's right to the title of Exalt, and Chrom was trying to win them over with diplomacy before his public coronation. He didn't need the support of all the noble houses, but presenting a unified government so soon after the war with Plegia would be good for the people.

Unfortunately, Lord Rasmir didn't seem to agree. He hadn't been outright disrespectful, but Chrom and his delegation had been brought in while the lord was holding a dinner party, and had been left standing in front of the high table rather than invited to join. Rasmir himself seemed to be listening to Chrom, although his slouched posture showed a lack of interest, and he toyed with the wine glass in front of him rather than drinking from it. Most of his guests ignored the royal delegation altogether, carrying on with their own conversations despite the Exalt's presence.

Rasmir picked up his wine glass, seemed to reconsider, and set it back down in favor of running his fingers down the cheek of the young woman sitting to his left, curling a lock of her blonde hair around his finger. “House Rasmir has always supported the Exalt,” he finally said.

“You have always pledged support,” Chrom agreed diplomatically. “I am only asking for a public gesture—for your formal attendance to the coronation in two weeks.”

The lord's eyebrow twitched. It was such a small, understated gesture that Robin wasn't sure he would have noticed it if he hadn't been looking. Rasmir lifted his wine glass, his lips twisting into a sardonic grin. “Then I propose a toast: to the reign of the Exalt. May he live long enough to see it.”

Robin saw the movement a heartbeat before it happened. Instead of drinking, Rasmir flicked his wrist to dash the wine over Chrom's face and chest. Robin leaped in front of his friend to try to wrestle the wine glass away from the lord, seeking to at least save his friend the humiliation intended by the insult, but he only succeeded in turning himself into the target. Dark red wine seeped into his hair and clothes and ran down his face and neck...and then it started to burn.

“Robin!” Chrom caught him from behind when his legs gave out. “Shepherds, to me!”

He could hear their friends charging, intent on protecting their Exalt and tactician, but there was the sudden ring of steel-on-leather echoing throughout the room around them. Robin tried to pry his eyes open to see what was going on, but whatever had been in the wine glass burned against his eyelids and the world around him was reduced to shadows.

“Is this a coup, Rasmir?” Chrom demanded angrily. His body was taught with rage, and Robin could feel the subtle shift in his friend's body as Chrom prepared to join the defense.

“When a wounded lion walks into your camp, you'd be a fool to let it walk out again,” Rasmir taunted. “Did you really think you could just take the throne, after everything your family has done?”

“Maribelle,” Chrom called as he shifted, dragging Robin to his feet. “Take Robin and my sister and find someplace to hide. Keep them safe until it's over.”

Lissa started to protest, but Robin found himself suddenly thrust against her as Chrom spun around, then the ring of steel against steel as the prince blocked a blow meant for them. “Now!”

“Come along, dearest,” Maribelle was on Robin's other side, pulling his arm over her shoulder. “Chrom's right: we have to get you out of here.”

The princess didn't argue further, and Robin found himself supported between the two young women as they fled the scene of battle. The liquid on his face burned, trickling in fiery lines down his neck and chest. He wanted to dig at it, to scrape it off of his skin, anything to stop the horrifying burning.

“Here, I'll try this one,” Lissa panted and slipped away from them. With one arm free, Robin dragged his hand up to dig at his eyes. It was worse than the time he'd rubbed his eye after helping cut hot peppers for the evening meal, but it was all over his face this time, and the tips of his fingers were starting to burn.

“No, Robin, don't touch it,” Lissa gasped, pulling his hand away from his face. “Here, I got it open.”

“Excellent, Lissa,” Maribelle sounded breathless as they half-carried Robin into the room. It smelled of clean wood and water, and the women gently set him down against the interior wall before setting off for their own tasks.

There was the heavy sound of the door closing, then the scraping of something heavy against the floor, and a splash of water.

“That should hold it, at least for a while,” Lissa's voice was strained with worried. “Do you think the others...”

“They'll be fine.” Maribelle was back at Robin's side, and he heard her shifting around before the delicate touch of a damp handkerchief was brushing over his face. “Dear heart, is there a bucket? We have to wash this off of him.”

“Mmm...there's a big bowl...I don't think they store much more than the water barrels in here.”

“That would be perfect. Yes, Robin, it's all right. I'm sorry it hurts so much.”

For all her airs, Maribelle actually had a kind bedside manner. She clasped Robin's hand in one of her own and dabbed at his face with the other.

“He's bleeding,” Lissa siaid worriedly. She'd taken Robin's other hand between both of hers, and he thought it was as much for her comfort as his.

“It was some kind of acid or poison,” Maribelle replied. “Miriel can tell us more; she's made a study of such things. Do you have a handkerchief, dearest? No, just hand it to me...you need to keep him calm.”

Robin tried to say he didn't need to be kept calm, but his voice came out as a whimper. Lissa squeezed his hand and scooted closer. She sniffed, and a splash of water landed on the back of his hand.

He tried again. “Liss...”

“I know,” Lissa sniffed, pulling one hand away for a moment, probably to wipe at her own eyes. “I just don't want to lose any of our friends.”

“We won't,” Maribelle replied, her voice ringing with sincerity. “Not in here, and not out there. Lissa, I'm so sorry, could you bring me some clean water? See how it's getting stained? I don't want to risk further contamination.”

It seemed to carry on for hours. Maribelle asked for clean water frequently, but though her ministrations were putting an end to the spread of the acidic burning nothing was easing the pain of the affected areas. Eventually the women worked together to shift Robin's head into Maribelle's lap, which was at least more comfortable than the floor, though the pain on his face and neck was started to drain his strength. She'd resorted to just covering the burned areas with cool, damp handkerchiefs in an effort to at least draw some of the heat out.

“Lissa?”

Lissa gasped. “It's Chrom!”

Robin felt the air shift as she leaped to her feet, then some uncertain sounds like something heavy being shoved around on the floor. “Chrom!”

“Are you all right?” Chrom's strong, familiar voice made something inside Robin relax a little. He hadn't realized how worried he'd been until now.

“We weren't harmed, but it's bad,” Lissa explained. “That stuff, it burned him...he can't see, Chrom.”

Chrom knelt next to them—his friend's presence always familiar, even when he couldn't see him. “Miriel and Stahl are searching the manor for whatever was in that glass. We'll find a cure, my friend.”

Robin nodded, though the movement sent a sharp pain through his head.

Of course they'd find a cure. How hard could it be?

* * *

“It's not as easy as it sounds,” Miriel explained. “We neutralized the acid itself, but there was extensive damage. Regeneration potions or spells are still mostly experimental.”

Chrom let out a sigh and dragged a hand over his face. “Are you saying it's permanent?”

“No, of course not,” Miriel adjusted her glasses. “The damage to Sir Robin's eyes, while extensive, did not result in the loss of his vision. That's due to the inflammation of the surrounding tissue. We're searching for a way to ameliorate his body's natural recovery, but he will recover with or without our help. It will just take time.”

Another sigh, this one of relief. “Have you told him?”

The mage nodded. “He seemed in high spirits when I left his rooms. Now, if you'll excuse me, Your Highness, I must return to this current set of experiments.”

Chrom waved her away, watching for a moment as she bent over a rack of phials with two of the palace's healers and the herbalist from Ferox. At least it was basically good news...he would have hated Robin to face such a challenge permanently, though he was confident his friend would have overcome it.

They'd put Robin in a room close to the healer's workrooms, and Chrom made his way there next. Rasmir's attempted coup had caused more problems within the council, and he'd had to spend most of his time on his return in meetings with advisors, governors, or other lords to convince them Ylisse was not on the point of revolt. He finally had a few hours free now, and was determined to spend some time sitting with his convalescing friend.

“Hello, Chrom,” Robin greeted him as soon as he entered the door. The tactician had a length of clean bandage wrapped around his eyes, to protect the irritated skin beneath, but he still followed Chrom's progress through the room as though he could see him.

“How did you know it was me?” Chrom asked with a smile.

“I'm developing more acute senses due to the loss of my vision.”

Chrom stared for a moment, mind whirling through the possibilities, then Robin was doubled over laughing.

“I wish I could see the look on your face,” he wheezed. “You all sound different when you walk; as long as I pay attention I can usually guess. I do it all the time when I'm reading, you just never notice.”

“Very funny,” Chrom teased, settling into the chair next to the bed. “How are you feeling?”

Robin shrugged, raised a hand to pick at the bandages on his face, but pulled it back down when he realized what he was doing. “A little impatient to be well, I suppose.”

Guilt twisted in Chrom's chest. “Robin, I...”

“Don't,” his friend turned to face him, a grim smile on his face. “Chrom, do you really think I regret this? That I could  regret saving you, even if it meant it hit me?” he gestured toward his eyes, and Chrom winced. Robin hadn't come out of this without a few scars, though they would fade with time. Patches of skin on his face were rough and irregular where the acid had burned too deeply. There were salves and treatments that could help with scar tissue, but they had to wait until Robin's eyes healed.

“So...is there anything I can do?” Chrom asked awkwardly. Robin's face brightened, and he pulled a thick volume out from under his blankets and held it out to Chrom. The prince laughed as he took the heavy book. “Why were you hiding this?”

“Lissa thought I needed to focus on something 'more cheerful' for my recover,” Robin said sourly. “But this one looked really interesting, and I haven't found anyone to read it to me.”

Robin had obviously taken this book from the palace library before their visit to Lord Rasmir, though how he'd smuggled it into his sick room Chrom would never know. “Well...” Chrom teased, gently thumbing through the rough pages. Gods, this one was old...they'd both fall asleep while he was reading it.

“Please?”

Chrom laughed, turning back to the first page. “All right...The Tactics of War Mage Tychius, chapter one. 'In the course of my years serving in the high court of...'.”

* * *

Real talk: Real talk, Robin was probably carrying that book with him the entire time. You never know when you might get the chance to read!

[lilacmoon83]

A Darker Curse

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 32: Abduction

David sighed and pulled the curtain closed around the bed. He had taken Snow home after the celebration was ruined by the debacle created by Geppetto and Blue. He could scarcely believe that had happened right before their eyes. The door opened and Emma came in, before closing it behind her.

"Hey...how's Mom?" she asked quietly.

"She finally cried herself to sleep. I held her...feeling helpless, because I can't spare her any of this pain," he replied. Emma took his hands.

"Just you being here for her makes it easier, Dad," she assured him.

"I just wish I realized that he was that desperate," David lamented.

"Dad...none of us knew he would go to those lengths or that Blue would even agree to help him. That's what really gets me...she's supposed to be good," Emma said.

"She lied to us about the wardrobe to help Geppetto. I should have known she wouldn't refuse him again," he replied, as he looked at her.

"How are you doing? He's your brother," he mentioned. Tears filled Emma's eyes.

"I miss him…" she said quietly. He took her in his arms and cradled her head.

"I miss him, Daddy," she cried, as he held her.

"I know, princess...and I'm going to do whatever I can to get him back," he promised. She shook her head.

"Even if Gold can come up with a way to turn him back...the only way we'd ever get to him is if we kidnap him," she said.

"And your mother would never go for that if it meant traumatizing him," David realized.

"He still seemed to know her though...even though he called her Princess Snow," Emma recalled.

"Even back in our land...he loved Snow. but you're right, she'd never stoop to the lows that Geppetto did," he agreed. She nodded.

"And our perfectly laid trap for Tamara was ruined at the same time," she said.

"Hey...we'll get her. Are you sure you don't need me at the station today?" he asked. She shook her head.

"Things are pretty quiet...and I'd rather you stay with Mom," Emma said. He nodded.

"Though we still need to figure out what to do with Detective Bishop," she said.

"Keeping him locked up is unlawful, but we can't just release him back into the Land Without Magic with everything he saw," she added.

"I think a memory potion will be the best solution for that. I'm sure Gold can help and then we can help the Detective over the town line," he replied. She nodded.

"Time for lunch?" he asked. She smirked.

"I won't say no to grilled cheese," she replied. He smiled and went to the kitchen.

"Coming right up," he said.

~*~

Tink sat at the bar at the Rabbit Hole, staring at the glass of amber colored liquid in front of her.

"You know that stuff isn't going to help," Regina said, as she sat down next to her. She scoffed.

"I suppose I should have seen this coming," Tink said.

"I've spent most of my life not letting anyone get close. It worked and I didn't get hurt," she added.

"Yes...but it's very lonely. I know what it's like. I may have been cursed to forget Robin...but cursed life was very lonely," Regina said.

"Oh I think we can toast to your mother's demise for sure," Tink agreed.

"Don't give up...we're going to get him back. I'm not going to let them get away with doing this to my sister...or you," Regina replied.

"Even if we can reverse...what are we going to do? Kidnap a little boy?" she asked. Regina's brow furrowed.

"Well...we need to avoid the kidnapping part, but we're going to figure this out," she promised.

"I don't know...maybe this is for the best. Maybe I should just go back to Portland," Tink said.

"No...you don't belong there. You belong here with people that care about you. With friends," Regina said, as she put her hand on the blonde's. She smiled thinly.

"How is Snow?" Tink asked.

"David said she finally fell asleep crying. He's staying home with her today," Regina replied.

"Damn…I knew Blue was the worst, but never pegged the old man to be so cruel," Tink said.

"None of us did. We all kept thinking he'd calm down and that it was just going to take him time to adjust to the aftermath of the curse," Regina replied.

"On top of that, we're nowhere with Tamara. She slipped away and it was the perfect distraction for her," Tink said.

"We'll figure out another way to draw her out," Regina replied.

"I hope so...let's just hope she didn't get their little magical display on film," Tink said.

"You think she'd release it on the Internet or something?" Regina asked.

"It's hard to say. She hates magic. If she got others to believe in and hate it as much as she does…" she replied.

"Then she could bring others here," Regina said.

"Yes...an angry mob entering town is just what we don't need, because I guarantee their weapons will not be pitchforks and torches," Tink replied.

"Then we find her and see that she and Detective Bishop find their way out of town. Then we put up a barrier, because I know from talking to Snow that this world isn't kind, especially to people that are different," Regina said.

"Yeah...and people like us end up in government labs or internment camps," she muttered.

"Not happening...not on my watch. My mother may have brought us here, but I'll actually protect us," Regina vowed. Tink smiled.

"I'll toast to that," she said, as she finished her drink.

"Okay...that's enough of that for today," Regina said, as she paid her tab and they left the bar.

~*~

Geppetto smiled at his little boy, as they sat in his workshop. He was working on repairing an appliance, while Pinocchio pretended to repair his own item with his wooden play tools. It was almost like nothing had changed and he knew this was truly their new beginning.

"Papa?" Pinocchio asked.

"Yes, my boy?" he asked in return.

"Why was Princess Snow crying so much?" he inquired innocently. Geppetto frowned and a flash of guilt filled him. He knew what he had done was underhanded at best, but just as Snow White would have done anything for her family, he had done the same.

"I'm not sure, my boy...but I know that the Prince will surely take care of her," he answered simply.

"She has her daughter too...and I have you. That's how it should be," he added.

"Princess Snow had her baby?" he asked with interest.

"Um...yes, my boy. She escaped the curse and had her a long time ago. She is grown now," he explained.

"How come I don't remember the curse?" Pinocchio questioned.

"Err...well, I don't know, my boy. The curse was a confusing time and no one was themselves," he answered vaguely. Thankfully, someone walked into the shop and Geppetto smiled at the young woman.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"I hope so...I have this antique clock and I was hoping you could fix it. I think it needs new works," she said. Geppetto took it and examined the insides of the clock.

"Ah yes...I have what you need in back. Give me just a moment," Geppetto said, as he went in back, leaving Pinocchio at the workbench.

"Hello there," the woman said.

"Hi," the boy said shyly.

"My name is Tamara...what's your name?" she asked.

"Pinocchio," he replied and she smirked at that.

"That's a very unique name," she said.

"Would you like to see my puppy?" she asked.

"You have a puppy?" he asked, as his interest peaked.

"In my car...it's right outside," she said, as she took his hand and led him outside.

"Here we go...it should be good as new now," Geppetto said, as he returned, but frowned when he noticed she was gone. Then he became alarmed when he realized Pinocchio was too. He dropped the clock and ran outside, just as the woman sped away in her car with his boy in the backseat.

"My boy!" he exclaimed in fear.

~*~

"Okay little man...let's add the chocolate chips now," David said, as he had his grandson sitting on the counter beside him. Neal had dropped him off and was covering his patrol to help Emma out since she was pretty insistent that he stay with Snow today.

"There…" David said, as the little boy poured the bag in.

"Good job," he praised and he clapped his hands at the praise.

"Nana is pretty sad right now, but I know cookies from her littlest man will help her feel a little better," he said, as he stirred the batter, while his grandson watched him intently. He then handed one stray chocolate chip to the little boy and watched him immediately eat it.

"Nummy…" he cooed.

"Yeah...nummy is right," he agreed, as he put the first batch in the oven.

"Okay...let's put you in the high chair," he said, as he did so.

"Nana!" little David called and he looked up to see Snow there with a small smile on her face.

"I love watching you with him," she mentioned, as she approached and then lifted up on her toes so she could kiss him tenderly. He kissed her back and slipped his arm around her waist.

"Hey…I'm glad you're awake," he said.

"Mmm...thanks for not asking if I'm okay," she mused. He kissed her forehead.

"Well, I know you're not and it's okay not to be," he replied. She leaned against his arm.

"I almost forgot what it was like to have someone understand me so completely," she mentioned.

"Well, then I guess I'll just have to keep reminding you," he whispered, as the timer dinged.

"Cookies!" little David called, making him chuckle.

"You are definitely our Emma's, little man," Snow said with amusement. David took them out of the oven, just as Emma walked in.

"Ooohh...cookies," she said, sounding just like her son. Her parents chuckled and Emma hugged her mother.

"Hey Mom…" she said, as Snow hugged her back and Emma rested her head on her shoulder. David smiled at them, as he put the cookies on a plate to cool.

"Everything quiet?" David asked.

"Uh yeah...Gold is working on a memory potion for Detective Cranky. He is getting really loud about not being let out or getting a phone call," Emma said.

"The sooner we get him out of town, without his memory, the better," Snow agreed.

"Mmm...yeah, bringing a bunch of cops with guns in here, or worse, the feds, would be really bad," Emma said, as she munched on a cookie and started breaking off cooled pieces for the baby. Little David shoveled the pieces into his mouth with chubby hands.

"Good...then maybe things will stay calm around here and we can convince Geppetto what he did was wrong," David said.

"I love you baby...but he's never going to see that. He has his son back...and he'll never give him up again," Snow said sadly.

"He's your son too...he had no right to take him away, especially since we know August didn't want this," David said, as he put his hands on her shoulders.

"I know...but I don't want him to go through anymore trauma. If he's happy...then I'll find a way to accept that," Snow said bravely.

"You are way too good, Mom. You should want Geppetto's guts on a stick," Emma replied. Snow smiled thinly.

"Deep down, I'm really angry, but if my son can still be happy...then I can accept that," she said.

"Emma's right...you are a much better person than him," David agreed, as there was an urgent knock on the door. Emma answered it and was surprised to see a frantic Geppetto there.

"You must help me!" he cried.

"Why the hell would I help you with anything after what you did to my mother?" Emma asked sternly.

"Because my boy...he's gone!" Geppetto cried.

"Gone? What do you mean gone?" Snow asked, with trepidation in her voice.

"A woman...she took him! She came into the shop with a clock for repair. I went into the back room to get works for the clock. I was only gone a moment and she was gone! She drove off with my boy!" he cried, as he paced the room.

"You left him alone?" Snow asked in alarm.

"It was just for a moment!" he shouted back at her.

"Hey...don't yell at her," David warned.

"What did she look like?" Emma asked.

"She had dark hair and skin...I've never seen her before," Geppetto tried to explain.

"Was it this woman?" Emma asked, as she showed him a photo on her phone.

"Yes...that's her!" he exclaimed.

"Tamara took him…" David realized.

"Who is this woman?" Geppetto demanded to know.

"She is an outsider and we were going to corner her this morning. But then you pulled your little stunt and she got away," Emma told him and he looked down in shame.

"Please...help me find my boy," he pleaded.

"Oh we'll find August," she assured, as she dialed a number.

"Tink...it's Emma. We have a huge problem with Tamara. Can you meet us at Gold's shop?" she asked.

"I'll be right there," Tink replied, as Emma hung up the phone. She plucked her son out of his high chair and Snow ran to get his diaper bag.

"Please...let me come. Let me help!" Geppetto begged. They looked at him and then nodded.

"Let's go," David said, as they hurried out of the loft.

~*~

Pinocchio sniffed and continued to cry, as the woman drove across the town line.

"I wanna go home…" he whined.

"Sorry kid...I have my orders and they are to bring you to Portland," she replied.

"But I want to go home," he repeated, as he suddenly had a flash of memory.

~*~

"Auggie…" Princess Snow called, as she awoke. He was crying again, but trying to be really quiet. They only had a one bedroom apartment and they slept in the same room, with baby Emma in the bassinet and them on a mattress.

"I'm sorry…" he said.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetheart," Snow said, as she pulled him into her arms.

"The Prince should be here with you...not me. My Papa lied to you," he said.

"Oh sweetie...none of that is your fault," she assured him.

"I miss my husband...but I love you and I know that he would be glad that I found you and made sure you weren't alone," she said.

"He would?" August asked. She nodded and kissed his forehead.

"He would...and he's here with us in spirit. I see him every time I look at Emma," she replied.

"You're my little boy now...and we're a family. And someday, we'll find everyone and Emma will break the curse," she added.

"When we do...can I keep staying with you?" August asked.

"Of course...I would love that," Snow replied, as she tucked him in again.

"Now...no more tears. Go back to sleep," she said, as she rubbed his back.

"Okay…Mom," he muttered and closed his eyes, missing the look of joy on her face.

~*~

Pinocchio blinked in confusion. That was odd...why was he having memories with Princess Snow as his mother? None of that could have happened...could it? He didn't have a mother. It was just him and his Papa. Then again...his papa had been unable to tell him what had happened to him during the curse. Had Papa lied? He looked at the woman in the front seat of the strange, fast moving carriage. He didn't know what this place was that she was taking him, but he knew it was bad. Princess Snow and the Prince were really good at finding people though. Would they find him?

~*~

"Oh my gosh…" Belle said, as she rushed to greet them once they entered the shop. Emma had called Gold on the way and gave him a short rundown of what had happened. She hugged Snow and the other woman welcomed the embrace. She and Belle had a budding friendship and Snow was grateful for that. She hadn't been able to make many friends in the last twenty years. She had found out quickly that she couldn't let anyone get close out of fear of the questions that would inevitably come.

"You must be so terrified," she said worriedly.

"I am...he must be so scared," Snow cried, as Belle hugged her.

"He is my son...I'm terrified too," Geppetto insisted, as Belle glared at him.

"You're the reason this is happening at all," the brunette retorted.

"Yes...if not for you, August would be the grown man he is and Tamara would have had no interest in him," Rumple added.

"You don't know that! He was the author...that could have put him in danger too!" Geppetto insisted.

"Perhaps...but your display in the park showed her the thing she hates most. Magic..." Tink interjected.

"Do you have any idea where she would take him and why?" David asked.

"I don't know exactly why, but I'm fairly certain she would have taken him back to Portland. It's her base of operation right now," Tink replied.

"Then Portland is where we're going," Neal said.

"You can't...you're wanted in Portland," Emma reminded him.

"I don't care...I'm not letting you go alone," he said.

"My parents are going with me...and I was hoping you'd stay with our son. If you go...you could be arrested," she replied. He sighed and nodded.

"I don't like it...but going to jail wouldn't do us any good," he agreed, as he took their son.

"Belle and I will be going as well," Rumple announced, as he presented four potions, one for himself, David, Geppetto, and Belle.

"Me as well...you'll need me for sure," Tink said.

"Those of us that were cursed must ingest the potion to keep our memories," he said, as the four of them took the potions.

"I will secure seven plane tickets to Portland, Oregon, but we'll still have to drive to a large airport," he added.

"We can follow you in the bug. Boston is probably the best bet. They'll have direct flights without any layovers," Emma suggested.

"Then that's the plan. Pack and we'll meet at the town line in an hour," David said, as they dispersed temporarily.

~*~

Snow frantically packed a duffle bag with their clothes, while he gathered their toiletries and helped her pack everything.

"Snow…" he said, as he stopped her for a moment and pulled her into a hug.

"What if she hurts my little boy?" she feared.

"No...we can't think like that and we'll find him. I won't rest until we do," he promised.

"Besides...if she just wanted to hurt him, I think she would have just done that here. He's going to be okay...have faith," he implored. Tears filled her eyes and she hugged him tightly.

"Come on...let's go," he said, as she sniffed and wiped her tears away. He kissed her tenderly and grabbed their bag, as they joined hands and left the loft with Emma.

~*~

They arrived at the town line shortly and Geppetto opted to ride in the backseat of Gold's car, which was uncomfortable at best with the tension between them.

Emma and Tink took the front seat of the bug, while her parents climbed into the back of the bug. It was a bit snug, but they didn't seem to mind, as her father seemed content to hold her mother as close as possible.

"Be careful...I wish you'd let us come with you," Regina fretted, as she leaned into the bug window.

"We will...and someone needs to protect Storybrooke while we're gone in case there is trouble and there's no one better," Snow told her sister. Regina smiled and squeezed her hand.

"Don't worry...we'll find August and I won't let anything happen to any of us," David promised. She smiled.

"I know...call me when you land," Regina said.

"We will," Snow promised. With that, the two cars rolled over the town line and took to the highway. Robin put his arms around her, as they watched the cars, until they couldn't see them anymore.

"They'll be okay…" he promised.

"I know...in the meantime, I need to go to my mother's vault and work on a barrier spell. The minute they get back, we put that Detective over the town line and wall the town off from this world," she said. He nodded in agreement, as they got back into her car and returned to town.

[lilacmoon83]

A Darker Curse

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 9: A Single Drop of Blood

Regina took a deep breath and walked into the Rabbit Hole. She swallowed thickly, as she spotted him behind the bar, drying some glassware. It wasn't very busy. Only Storybrooke's regulars were out drinking this late.

"Ah...Deputy Mayor Mills, what a surprise," he said. His name was Robin in their land, but here, she knew he was known as Ethan Locke.

"Why is that?" she asked suspiciously.

"I've just never seen you in here," he reminded.

"Oh...yes, well I've been branching out recently," she responded. He smirked.

"I've noticed. What'll you have?" he asked.

"Appletini," she answered and he stared at her for a moment.

"Let me guess...you don't know what that is," she said. He smirked.

"Oh I know what it is. It's just not something I get asked to make...ever," he replied, as he started mixing her drink.

"Yes, I suppose it's an unusual request," she agreed, as he pushed the finished drink toward her and she took a sip.

"Mmm...you made it perfect," she complimented. He grinned.

"A visit and a glowing review from the soon to be Mayor. I'm moving up in the world," he joked.

"Well, I haven't won yet and some would tell me that choosing an outsider for a running mate is risky," she said. He nodded.

"Perhaps, but your friend and her little family seem like they are fitting right in and none of the voters seem to be objecting," he replied.

"Or maybe they're all sick of my mother and her tyrannical rule," she quipped.

"That too," he agreed.

"Well then...perhaps a toast to your campaign is in order," he said, as he poured a couple shots. She smirked and clinked her shot glass against his.

"To a new rule in Storybrooke," he toasted. She nodded and they did their shots.

~*~

August quietly tiptoed down the stairs in the loft. It was three in the morning and once again, insomnia had struck again. So he did what he always did when that happened and decided to do some writing. He hoped to quietly slip by David on the sofa so as not to wake him and make his way to the kitchen island. Unfortunately, the old creaking steps must have been enough to wake him and the other man jolted awake. But then August knew the reasons for David being a light sleeper had nothing to do with him and everything to do with what he had been through.

"Sorry...I was hoping not to wake you," he apologized.

"It's okay...I'm kind of a light sleeper," he mentioned.

"Yeah...I'm a bit of an insomniac myself. Mom is always fretting about me not getting enough sleep," he replied, as he opened the book he was working on.

"Wow...did you do all these?" David asked, as he looked at the illustrations in amazement.

"Oh yeah...it's kind of something I work on for Henry on the side. It's fairy tales...but not really the versions that most people know," August answered.

"You're writing your own fairy tales?" David asked with interest. He nodded.

"I am...you want to take a look?" August asked.

"Uh yeah...I'd love to," David replied, as he stared at the illustration of Snow White in a glass coffin and Prince Charming arriving to awaken her. August watched his face and saw how incredibly enamored he was with the picture.

"Snow White...but a bit of a different version than most know. It's Henry's favorite...and Emma's but she'll never admit it," August said, as he flipped the pages back to the beginning.

"You should read it," he offered and David did so with eagerness.

~*~

Cora smirked, as the man she was waiting for met her in the alleyway.

"Good...you're here," she said.

"Yes, Madam Mayor," the portly man, wearing a red stocking cap, replied.

"I have a job for you to carry out and it can't be linked back to me," she stated.

"Of course…" he agreed.

"You will be paid well and if you're caught, you'll take the fall, is that clear?" she asked.

"The fall?" he asked with trepidation.

"Yes...because I can promise you that if you rat me out that it will be the last thing you ever do. I have people that stomp out rats that betray me. But if all goes well, I get what I want and you get rich. Do we have a deal?" she questioned.

"What's the job?" he questioned.

"You're going to start a fire at Mr. Gold's house...with him still in it," she stated. The man's face became a mask of disbelief and horror.

"You...want me to attack Mr. Gold?! That's suicide!" he exclaimed.

"And I can promise you a way out of town with enough money to set you for whatever new life you find if you complete the job," Cora said, with a smirk, as she opened a case. The man's eyes widened, as he saw that it was full of cash and his greed easily overwhelmed the risk of what she was asking him to do.

"Just set the fire and that's it?" he questioned. She nodded curtly.

"Yes...and then you're in the wind. Not even Mr. Gold can find you, for this is enough money to disappear forever," she tempted. He nodded.

"When do you want it done?" he asked. She smirked.

"Now…" Cora replied. The man gulped and then nodded nervously.

"The money will be stashed behind the town welcome sign. You can pick it up on your way out," she told him, as he ventured off to carry out the job.

~*~

August had gone back to bed, leaving David to read and he was enthralled by August's work. All the stories were different than the versions he knew, but seemed so familiar, which didn't make much sense. After some time, he heard someone coming down the stairs from the loft and saw that it was Emma with the baby.

"Oh hey…" she said, a bit surprised that he was awake.

"Hi...sorry, I can't sleep so I'm reading some of August's book," David replied. She smiled.

"That's fine, I was just going to wake my Mom. There's a bit of an emergency and Graham needs my help," she explained.

"I...I can watch him," David offered and she paused for a moment.

"Unless you're not comfortable with that, which I totally would understand," he added. But she smiled.

"No...you're great with him and he seems to love you. But only if you don't mind," she replied.

"Not at all," David said, as Henry went easily to him and Emma watched her father's face light up at the baby. She felt her heart ache, knowing that his time with her as a baby had been stolen. But she was happy that her son would have him in her life. And she knew what kind of man her father was, thanks to all her mother's stories. She knew the moment his memories were restored that he would love her more than she would ever be able to comprehend.

"Thanks...I appreciate it," she said.

"Don't mention it. It's my pleasure," David replied, as she grabbed her keys and headed out. David cradled the baby boy in the crook of his arm and then looked at the book.

"Would you like a story, buddy?" he cooed, as he moved onto the couch and resumed reading the story about Snow White and Prince Charming.

~*~

To say that Emma was surprised when she arrived at the address that Graham had texted to find it in flames was an understatement. Mostly because the house was more like a mansion and she knew it belonged to Mr. Gold. Immediately, she doubted this was an accidental fire. With all the positive moves they had made in loosening Cora's stranglehold on the town, she had expected her to do something bold. And this was definitely bold. Taking Gold out was risky, but would be a huge pay off for her if she could succeed. She quickly ran up to Graham and observed the firemen trying to put the fire out. But no one had gone in yet and they all looked very ill-prepared. That didn't surprise her, for they probably had never had even one fire in town. With that, she removed her red leather jacket and took a deep breath, as she prepared to go in.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Graham asked.

"If we wait on these guys, Mr. Gold is a dead man," Emma replied, as she ran into the house. Her mother was going to kill her.

~*~

Flashback

David rattled the bars and struggled with the lock. Snow had taught him a little about picking them, but he suspected that the damn thing was enchanted so he couldn't pick it. But it didn't stop him from trying. He had a really bad feeling that the woman he loved was in danger and he knew what Leopold and Cora had planned for him. They wanted to hurt Snow and killing him would do so. He also knew what her sick, creepy father wanted and the thought of him terrorizing her made him both livid and scared for her. Suddenly, his bad feeling was realized, as he felt something odd in his heart. He almost doubled over in pain and somehow knew what it meant. Not many would ever experience a connection like he and Snow had, but their love was so true that he didn't doubt for a second that he was feeling her phantom pains. His face went ashen, as his guts twisted in pain.

"Snow…" he uttered, as the pain dulled and slipped away, just like she did. His eyes widened and he rattled the bars desperately.

"SNOW! What have you done to her?! What have you done?!" he screamed at the top of his lungs. It was only moments later that King Leopold entered the dungeon hallway with a cold stare resting on him.

"What did you do to her, you son of a bitch?!" he spat angrily.

"You are only tiring yourself making such racket, but if that is how you'd like to spend your last few hours alive...then so be it," Leopold stated.

"Answer my question, you sick bastard...what did you do to her?!" he roared.

"Save your theatrics...I have done nothing. She, in her insanity and desperation, has done this to herself," Leopold said.

"What the hell are you talking about?" David demanded to know.

"She couldn't bare the news of your execution and it drove her mad enough that we have received word that she put herself under a sleeping curse," Leopold said, as he glared at the handsome young man that had taken his daughter away from him. David's eyes widened in horror, but then somehow, he knew why she had done it. She had done it to take herself out of the equation and he knew she was hoping he would get free, for he was the only one that could break that curse.

"You did this to her," Leopold claimed.

"I did this? We love each other...and you're the one doing this to us! You're the one trying to keep us apart!" David spat.

"You are not worthy of my daughter, shepherd. You may have masqueraded as a Prince quite well, but you are still a low born peasant that ruined her," Leopold growled.

"I may be a low born shepherd, but you're just a sick man that wants to do things to his daughter that no father should ever do," David growled back.

"You know nothing of royal bloodlines. Snow is pure...I can't have her tainted with low born blood. You've sullied her enough as it is...thankfully no bastard child came of it," Leopold hissed.

"You're a sick, twisted old man...royal bloodlines or not. A father that wants to do to his child what you want to do to Snow is evil...and I won't let you hurt her," David promised. Leopold smirked.

"You won't be around...your execution will commence at dusk," he said smugly, as he walked away.

"You know I'm the only one that can wake her! Only true love's kiss will break the curse and you know that I'm the only one that can give her that, as much as it pains you," David reasoned.

"Then my daughter will sleep eternally, for I will never allow her to be with you," Leopold said, as he walked away.

"I want him dead when we get back. The Queen and I are going to find my wayward daughter," Leopold told the guard.

David waited quietly for quite some time and thought about a strategy to escape. He had to get to Snow, but he knew the chances of him doing so without help were slim at best.

"I'll find you Snow...I don't know how yet, but I'll find you," he promised

"That's going to be a little hard to do without your head attached," one of the guards said snidely, as they unlocked his cell and dragged him out. He took the opportunity and despite his shackled hands, he disposed of them almost effortlessly. He ran through the corridor and turned the corner to find another Black Knight in his path. He looked the other way and found another behind him. The one behind him used a bow and arrow. He ducked away, but the arrow was not aimed for him and killed the other Black Knight. He looked back at his helper in surprise, as the man removed his helmet.

"Who the hell are you?" David questioned.

"A friend. Snow is in a precarious place and her fate rests on you," the Huntsman told him, as he unlocked his shackles and gave him a satchel.

"Go...these are provisions and there's a horse waiting once I get you out," he continued.

"Why are you helping us?" David questioned.

"Because she once helped me. Go," he urged, as David mounted the horse and set off into the forest.

~*~

Emma coughed, as she practically carried Gold out of his burning house and helped him onto the gurney. He was immediately put on oxygen and their eyes met.

"This was no accident, was it?" she questioned.

"We need to get him to the hospital, Deputy. Your questions will have to wait," the paramedic told her, as Gold was loaded into the ambulance. Emma sighed and looked up to find Regina arriving.

"Hey…" she said.

"She did it...she went after Gold. She's getting desperate," Regina muttered.

"Yeah...now I just have to prove it," Emma replied. The other woman snorted.

"Even if you do, you'll never link it back to her. My mother rarely does her own dirty work these days," Regina said.

"The fact that Gold survived is bad news for her though. He will not let this go," she added.

"Yeah...that's what I don't get. I mean, this is a really bold move. Why come after Gold? I mean, as much as it scares me, I'd expect her to go after my parents," Emma said.

"She still will...but you're right, this was a really risky move. There must be something she needs from him or that he has for her to take this kind of risk," Regina replied.

"She obviously wanted him dead, but I know that she knew there was a good chance that he'd survive," she surmised.

"Yeah...can you go with him to the hospital and keep an eye on him until I get there? I want to poke around here. I doubt there's any evidence left behind, but you never know," Emma replied.

"Sure," Regina agreed.

"Oh...and you call my Mom and tell her what's going on?" she asked.

"What and tell her that her daughter just ran into a burning house? Yeah, no thanks," Regina replied.

"Please?" Emma begged and then pouted her lip.

"Oh please...that's pathetic. Not happening...I'm not getting yelled at on your behalf," Regina refuted.

"Come on...you're supposed to be my Aunt, right?" Emma whined. Regina rolled her eyes.

"Oh fine, but you owe me," Regina said, as she followed the ambulance to the hospital, while Emma looked around and Graham filled out the report. She went around back and found the back door had been pried open.

"Definitely a break in," she called to Graham.

"Damn...now we just have to figure out who is either dumb enough or brave enough to try to kill Mr. Gold," he said.

"Or whose greedy. Money can make some brave enough to risk it," she replied.

"You think someone was hired to kill Gold?" Graham questioned.

"Oh, I'd bet money on it," Emma replied.

"The problem is proving who I know it is," she added, as she continued to poke around for clues

~*~

Snow awoke that morning and checked her phone. It was early and she peered out from the curtain. And the sight she saw on the sofa melted her heart. David was fast asleep with baby David on his chest and the book. She put a hand to her heart and sniffed, as her emotions got the better of her. This should have been him with Emma, but Cora has stolen that from them. She went to the kitchen and it was the smell of brewing coffee that eventually roused him.

"Good morning," she said, smiling at him and he noticed the baby began to stir.

"Morning…you're probably wondering about this," he said.

"My guess is that Emma got called into work and you offered to watch him," she surmised.

"Uh yeah...I was up and couldn't sleep. She seemed okay with it," he replied.

"She should be...you're wonderful with him," she complimented.

"He likes being read to and to be honest, I enjoyed it a lot. August is a wonderful writer," he complimented. Snow smiled.

"He is," she agreed, as she sat down beside him and they quietly watched the baby sleep for a bit, while the coffee brewed. Soon, the baby was awake and they enjoyed coffee together, after they changed and fed him. About that time, Snow's cell phone rang and she answered.

"Hey Regina…" she answered.

"Hi...I'm sure you figured out by now that Emma got called in," Regina said.

"Yeah...David and I watching little David," she replied.

"She got called in, because there was a fire at Mr. Gold's house. And no, I don't think it was an accident," Regina told her.

"Oh my God...is he okay?" she questioned.

"Yeah...they have him on oxygen, but other than mild smoke inhalation, he's unharmed. Emma got him out in time," Regina explained.

"What do you mean Emma got him out?" Snow asked sharply.

"He was in danger and she went in after him. What? Are you really surprised that your daughter inherited her father's foolhardy courage?" Regina quipped. Snow sighed.

"Is Emma okay?" she asked.

"She's fine. She's still at his house investigating. But I thought you'd want to know. Emma and I agree that this wasn't an accident and if my mother is bold enough to go after Gold...then she's either desperate or needs something from him badly enough that she was willing to take the risk," Regina stated.

"I agree...we'll be right there," Snow said, as she hung up the phone.

"What's going on?" David asked.

"Apparently there was a fire at Mr. Gold's," she told him. His eyes widened.

"Is he okay?" David asked.

"Regina says he is, but I think we should go check on him. Emma thinks it was arson," Snow replied.

"Wow...there's only one person I can think of that's brave enough to go after Mr. Gold," he mentioned. She nodded.

"That's definitely one thing we're all agreeing on," she said, as she bundled the baby up, grabbed his diaper bag, and they left for the hospital.

Cora smirked, as Sidney entered her office.

"Did you get it?" she questioned.

"Bribing the paramedic with that wad of cash was easy enough," Sidney reported, as he handed her the vial with a drop of blood in it. Cora took it and pulled a sheet off an object. It was a globe on an axis, but it was completely blank.

"Excellent. Now...let's find you, Baelfire…" she cooed, as she poured the drop of blood on the white surface of the globe, with an eager smirk.