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Chapter Text

Princess Aurora liked Storybrooke very much. It was a very cute little place. But it also seemed that she and her son were not the only refugees relocated there by their land's newest curse. Many people that Aurora had heard of, hailing from realms around her own had been brought there by the second curse of smoke. Life in Storybrooke was comforting. All told? It was far better than what she'd left behind. 

On the whole... Aurora still felt a large bout of irreparable grief. Her castle had been laid to waste because of a surprise ogre attack during the witching hour. Amongst the deceased fighters by the end? Prince Phillip. So Aurora buried him at daybreak before setting out with only her son for company. Nothing of home remained. Only choice left? Pursue the open road to look for Mulan.

Aurora had not seen her since informing her of her pregnancy. Not until much later did the princess realize that her news had broken the other woman's heart. Only the gods knew if Mulan would be interested in a conversation if when they did reconnect again. But it was worth some kind of shot. Or so Aurora hoped. 

The journey hadn't lasted more than a day. It was well after dark when the magical cloud appeared, rolling through the land. Much like some sort of storm. After the darkness lifted, both she and baby Phillip were in the middle of Storybrooke's very own Main Street. Now? It was time for a new adventure she knew nothing about. 

Under guidance of Ruby Lucas, Aurora and her son began adjusting to their new life. They even had a decent room at Granny's inn. But even after all that, Aurora's heart ached. She missed terribly the father of her child and also the one had held her heart from the start. Confused by her feelings, Aurora could only weep when it all became too much. But Ruby lovingly looked after her. 

Meanwhile... 

Unbeknownst to many, Mulan had a young daughter called Hope. She was the light of her life. But having been forced to leave her behind in their village, Mulan didn't talk about her. It hurt her. Almost physically. 

Mulan's husband, General Li Shang, had exposed her for impersonating a soldier and fighting in the war that had been plaguing their area. Mulan met a cruel fate as a consequence. Banishment. Leaving Hope hurt. Still, Mulan told herself it was the right move. Absolutely nothing about any open road was a safe place for a child. 

Mulan did have the luck, after one terrible evening in particular, of bumping into Robin Hood. Even his band of merry men. Each welcomed her as a sister. To be loved by them gave Mulan enough courage to go back for Hope after some time. Then they would go to look for Aurora. Surely she would grant them living space in that vast castle of hers. Maybe even sanctuary. It was worth a shot. Or so Mulan hoped. 

But Mulan's plan of retrieval backfired. Shang found her just as she'd collected their daughter. He physically punished his wife for what she'd been attempting to do. And he kept a close eye on his family after that. Mulan felt her spirit finally break. 

Several months of this had passed before the magical cloud appeared and swallowed them up. Maybe a fresh beginning was ahead. 

The cloud spat mother and child into the Storybrooke woods, but more specifically in an old recreational vehicle. Their new dwelling. Mulan's physical punishment kept her from going to explore their surroundings because things had caught up.

To that end? She and Hope didn't stray far, living off the land. Mulan felt shame for being a shell of her former self. Life was now trying to get back to something reasonable. As for Hope? Like any curious three-year-old, she was curious about the world around her. And made the most of those feelings. 

Rather fed up with her mother one evening, Hope wandered away to do some exploring of her own. But then the four-year-old grew hopelessly lost. 

In true gut-wrenching tears as she stumbled her way down a well-traveled hiking trail, Hope called out, "Mama? Where are you?" 

No answer came. At least in a verbal way. No sooner had words left her mouth than she saw a pair of large yellow eyes shining at her through the gloom directly ahead. They weren't human at all, but wolfish. Ruby in her true form was before Hope. She was out on patrol because it was Wolf's Time. Instinct told Hope to run because she'd always heard that wolves were dangerous. However, something was vastly different about this one. Especially when it bowed to show submission.  

Quite awed, she ran her fingers through Ruby's fur. "Hm. You're so warm, pretty wolf. Just like a blanket."

Hope's words ended in a yawn. Exhaustion kicking in, she stumbled. But Ruby caught her. Like hell she was going to leave Hope alone. She had to get her to safety. Now? It was just a matter of driving a certain point home first. 

"Wow. I'm sleepy," Hope confessed when she let out another power-sapping yawn. "But I lost my mama."

Ruby sat on her haunches momentarily. She then pulled Hope close in a hug with what leg she wasn't standing on. Least she could even do. 

Understanding really crashed into Hope. "My pretty wolf? Can you understand me?" 

Ruby bobbed her head in confirmation. Then she let out a soft woof before lowering herself all the way down to the forest floor. Hope understood. Ruby was going to help her. Completely trusting because this was all so extraordinary, Hope clambered on to Ruby's back. She would bring her somewhere safe. 

A short journey later... 

No sooner had Aurora finished wondering if anything exciting was to happen, she heard a soft scratching at her door. Such a sound meant only one thing. 

"Hm." she said to Phillip as she rose from her armchair with him in her arms. "Ruby has come for a visit! Let's go let her in, hmm?"

The little boy just sighed heavily and curled up against his mother. It was time for bed. He didn't care about anything else. At least... for the time being. Slumber sounded wonderful.  

Very unbothered by the sight of Ruby as a wolf, Aurora let her friend into the room. But what she didn't expect? For her to be carrying a child on her back... much less one that was dirty, worn out, and sleepy. Aurora felt that even a sneeze would have set the little one into tears of overtired hysterics.

But then the child made eye contact with her. All at once, Aurora felt as if all of the air had been promptly knocked from her lungs. But the feeling was justified. Why? This little girl was the spitting image of Mulan. Just what did this even mean? Was Mulan somewhere nearby? 

Keeping herself together, the princess gave her houseguest her complete attention. "I am called Aurora. May I ask your name?"

The girl pointed to herself. "Hope." 

"Alright. Hope," Aurora continued to be gentle. "What is wrong?"

Her answer came out sheepishly. "I lost mama..."

"But," Aurora pointed out. "I think Ruby found you...?" 

Hope nodded. "Yes. And she is very pretty."

Now choosing to test the little one's knowledge, Aurora said, "You should see her in human form."

Now Hope grew flabbergasted. "She's a werewolf?!" 

"Correct." confirmed Aurora. "She's wonderful at finding people who are lost because her nose works well. Do you have something of your mother's that Ruby can use to find her in the morning?"

Hope handed Ruby a purple scarf she'd been wearing. "This is mama's."

Ruby inhaled the scent of the lost warrior at once. But she chose to reassure her tiny friend by wagging her tail and then gently touching her nose to the little girl's left shoulder. Hope felt such calm that she kissed Ruby's fur before turning back to her other savior. Something new had come to mind. 

"Rora," Hope said sleepily. "Do you know my mama?"

"Mhm." said Aurora. "I do."

Hope asked her, "Does mama make your heart smile?"

Aurora nodded. "Oh, yes."

"Good." Hope said emphatically before motioning to the princess's offspring. "Who is that?" 

Aurora said, "My little boy is called Phillip." 

Any further thought on that matter was put off when an audible growl from Hope's middle could be heard, so she asked Aurora, "Is there any food?" 

"Yes." Aurora told her. "One moment...." 

Hope was very soon tucking into Aurora's leftover turkey sandwich that she'd saved from earlier. It was the first food she'd had in awhile. Aurora soon grew so lost in her own thoughts that she temporarily forgot about calling anyone. But she still managed to put Phillip to bed and even give Hope a bath. So at least there was that. 

On the very edge of sleepiness as she curled up on Aurora's bed later, Hope mumbled, "You said that Phillip is your baby boy?"

"Yes." Aurora confirmed. 

"Where's his papa?" Hope asked. "What's his name?"

"His name was also Phillip," Aurora sighed sadly. "But he was called away to be an angel."

Hope traced shapes on Aurora's stomach, thinking. "Your Phillip grew in there?"

"Indeed he did." Aurora stroked Hope's face. "Why are you asking these things?"

"I don't have a papa 'cause I think we lost him." Hope only sounded upset over the next tidbit. "Rora? My mama has a baby on the inside..."  

Feeling her heart lurch, Aurora said as calmly as possible, "She does?" 

Hope nodded, eyelids too heavy at last. "See you in the morning..."

Hope was then promptly out like a light. She fell asleep faster when Ruby curled up at her feet. Slumber soon took even her. Asleep on the other side of the room in his crib, Phillip let out a sigh of content. Aurora soon realized that none of her companions would not be awake until the morning. After she also got ready for bed, it took some time for the princess to fall asleep. And rightly so. Just one thought plagued her. 

Mulan was in the Storybrooke woods, alone and pregnant. 

Chapter Text

Aurora found herself going through the motions of her morning when day broke. She let Ruby out before she changed back to her human form, and then bathed before getting Phillip ready for his day. But it was during this last part that Aurora's mind wandered. Vastly. 

Just who happened to be the father of Mulan's newest child? Were they together? Or married? Everybody knew that Mulan was a private person, but still... it was quite a surprise that she hadn't mentioned a family. Ever.  

Aurora murmured to her son after he'd been thoroughly cleaned up from eating, "I really hope we can find Mulan today. And most of all, my boy? I hope she's well. Just the gods know how she fared without Hope." 

Meanwhile, the little girl was in the process of waking up on the bed. Her heart lurched at the realization of not being with Mulan. But then her body relaxed at once when she saw Aurora. She who had kept her safe. The angel in purple. Aurora sat beside Hope, who responded by resting her cheek against her bust while yawning. This child really did not like the mornings. At all. 

"Good morning, little bird." Aurora gently stroked Hope's face. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, Rora." Hope grinned sleepily when Phillip held her hand. "But where is Ruby?"

Turning thoughtful, Aurora said, "Hm. Seeing as the sun is up, she's probably back in her human form now. I think she went to change her clothes. But she doesn't live too far." 

Hope's bottom lip trembled. "But what about finding m..."   

Hope's concern over finding Mulan soon grew disrupted by a knock at the door. Her mouth dropped open when Aurora did give the caller permission to enter her home. Ruby was there. Dressed cheerfully in a red-colored everyday knee length dress, black stockings, and steel-capped boots bedecked in a wolf paw print pattern, she seemed ready for the day. Her long brown hair had even been styled into a vast fishtail braid that cascaded straight down the middle of her back. She also wore a decent black leather jacket. All in all? Ruby seemed ready for an adventure. The wicker basket dangling from her left arm certainly lent credence to this observation. 

Hope grew deeply awed. "Is that Ruby?" 

"Mhm." Ruby joined them on the bed and smiled in amusement when Hope immediately moved into her lap. "You know? I am so happy that I found you last night."

Hope hugged her tightly. "Same. You make my heart happy. Just like Rora and Phillip."

"You also make my heart happy." now Ruby hugged Hope. "We will keep taking care of you until we get you back to your mama. How does that sound?"

"Very good." Hope lessened her hold on Ruby. "Thank you."

"You are most welcome. And you know? I noticed that you needed new things to wear, so this is for you." Ruby placed the basket in Hope's lap. "Go ahead. Open it."

Aurora proceeded to watch as Hope removed a blouse, jumper dress, tights, a warm jacket, and even a pair of sturdy boots. Everything was in sizes that Hope would need. Even fun colors. Ruby helped Hope get dressed, even styled her dark locks into something practical. Both Aurora and Ruby noticed that their tiny friend was completely awed, as if new clothes were a rarity in her world. How odd. 

Just what had she been through before? The sooner they found Mulan, the sooner even that question could be answered. If luck was on their side today. 

Ruby checked her watch as they headed out of the diner after breakfast. "It's eight-ten already. Emma should be in her office now. David, too."

"Oh." said Aurora. "They can most certainly help us."

Completely elated by everything around her, Hope didn't protest when Ruby carried her. It meant more time for observation. And no concerns about wearing her legs out. Hope was fine about that. 

She soon asked Ruby after a while, "Did you say the names David and Emma before?" 

"Uh-huh." confirmed Ruby. "I did." 

Hope told Ruby, "Mama said Emma is a good person. But she also said that David is Emma's papa. Is he nice to her?"

Still wondering just what drove the little girl to ask such heavy questions, Ruby said, "Yes."

"Good." Hope said with emphasis. "But Ruby? Is mama's friend Belle around here? Mama said she is a very good tracker and that that makes her very honu... honna..." 

Ruby hid her amusement when realized just what word she was getting hung up on. "Hey. Are you trying to say the word honorable?"

Perking up, Hope said, "Yes!" 

Ruby hugged her. "Then you are in luck. Belle does live here. I promise that someone will send for her as quickly as possible. But I also have a feeling that she is going to love you."

Meanwhile... 

Emma Swan had been having a surprisingly routine morning. Such was a rare commodity in her world. The recent influx of newcomers because of the newest curse definitely kept her on her toes. And she didn't mind. Still... she would have liked something new. Even just for a while. But leave it two to of Storybrooke's most unlikely 'best friend' pairings to liven things up for her. Because why not?

"Hey." Emma rose from her desk, sounding puzzled as the newcomers entered the general area of her station-house. "I'd say 'good morning.' But that's hardly addressing the elephant in the room."

While Aurora briefly wondered what an elephant was, Ruby stepped forward. "Emma? Say hello to Hope. I found her wandering on a hiking path yesterday evening."

Emma tried to not stare in open surprise as she bleated, "You found her?"

"I did." the younger woman said seriously. "Hope was lost, frightened, hungry, dirty, cold. But I couldn't just leave her there."

"No," agreed Emma. "That's a good point. I would've also corralled her. But how does Aurora come in?" 

The girl in purple said, "Ruby brought Hope to me because she lives next door. But she was also well in her animal form. I helped her look after Hope, as the hour had grown far too late. Ruby didn't have proper thumbs. I do."

"Ah." said Emma with a soft laugh. "Got it."

Now Aurora spoke pointedly, "Emma? Do you see whom Hope is a mirror of?" 

"Yeah." Emma felt herself experiencing a turn of surprise when she looked at Hope again. "Just what is going o..." 

New footsteps threw her train of thought straight off the tracks when sounds of new footsteps caught her attention. David had chosen that moment as his moment of arrival. He had been out for a brief morning patrol. But the sight of his daughter's company attracted his attention at once. Ruby always brought something fun to the table. Even Aurora did. Just about anything was possible with either of them. 

"Good morning." David said pleasantly as he drew level to them. "Dare I ask what's going on?" 

"That's just what I want to know. And your timing is impeccable." Emma told him. "Long story short? Ruby found Hope, here, when she was out on patrol yesterday evening. Aurora helped to look after her. Now they're here. So are you. Ruby, Aurora, and I think that Mulan is Hope's mother. But that hasn't been confirmed or denied. Yet."

Hope told Emma promptly, "She is." 

"Well," David said as Emma praised Hope for her help. "That's that. I feel glad. But am I to assume that Mulan is in Storybrooke?"

"Correct." Aurora sat in the nearest chair with Phillip when the boy sighed loudly. "Hope said her mother in the woods. I guess we need to go get Belle now. Hope has great faith in her about tracking because she knows for a fact that Mulan finds Belle's tracking abilities honorable."

Knowing that Aurora hadn't brought up Snow as a means for help now because she was at home with baby Neal, David said, "Okay. I just saw Belle a minute ago by the library. But I'll have Robin Hood meet us at the entrance to the wood because he will wish to help."

Relieved, Aurora said, "Excellent. Please impress upon whomever you recruit that speed is of the essence. Hope said that Mulan is pregnant."  

Unable to stop himself, David and Emma said together, "Pardon?!" 

Dazedly, Aurora said, "It's true."

"Uh-huh." added Ruby. "Our tiny friend is adamant on the matter. What happens now?"

"You two," Emma decided as she laid eyes on Ruby and Hope. "Will come with me."

Quite pleased, Hope slid out of Ruby's arms like a bar of soap. "Where are we going?" 

Emma was now openly amused by Hope's enthusiasm. "We're off to see Belle."

Hope cheered, "Yes! Which way do we go?" 

But she was already hurrying out of the room so she could find the building's main door. A distant thud followed by giggles told them that Hope had laughed off accidentally crashing into a file cabinet before she redirected her course. Wild. 

"Yep." Emma laughed. "She's definitely Mulan's kid."

Nearby, Aurora groused, "It should not be acceptable to be so cheerful at this hour..."

Putting her out of her misery, David said, "Come on. We'll draft a plan of approach. The library is close by..."

While she and Emma went to look for Hope, Ruby told Emma, "Good thing the library is just across the parking lot. Now to cross our fingers that Belle will at least find the current angle of things to be amusing..." 

Chapter Text

Just as Aurora, Ruby, Emma, and even David found themselves amused by Storybrooke's latest population influx, Belle also did. She loved people. Twenty-eight years in the confinement of Storybrooke's hospital drove her out of her mind. Nearly. Even Lacey had made her feel insane. But at this point... There was concern if Belle was not involved in one of her family's near-daily adventures. Being square in the middle of things really suited Belle well. And everyone liked when she was. Mostly because Belle remained clear-headed the longest. 

However... it was not yet nine o'clock just now. Her very quick spot of library housekeeping had been accomplished. Now she was locking up the building. And wondering if she would pop over to see Emma. Just in case. 

But the sounds of tiny feet running across the parking lot soon caught her attention. While not as expert a tracker as Ruby, Belle's own senses were most certainly sharp. Years of exploring the forest around her father's castle had honed them. Quite the same could be said of the time she'd been filled with exploring the area by Dark Castle, the Infinite Forest. Belle remembered all of it vividly. These days? Belle knew almost everything about Storybrooke. People had stopped questioning this of her. 

But... the sight of a small girl bearing a distinct resemblance to Mulan? Definitely new. And unexpected. 

"Hello." Belle greeted the child. "Who are you?"

The girl trilled, "Hope! Are you Belle?"

The princess responded, "I am."

Joyous, Hope turned about face as she called out, "I found her!"

Belle watched in her amazement as Ruby came strolling into view. At her side? Emma. Both of them seemed amused about something. Even sheepish. 

"Good thing the library isn't open today." Belle said in amusement when they drew level to her. "Just what is happening?"

Ruby felt absurd. "Hope is Mulan's daughter."

"Friend," Belle gave a soft laugh. "I should think that you have never told me anything more clear. Hope seems to be Mulan's mirror image. Are you saying that my friend is in Storybrooke?!"

Ruby nodded. "But more to the point? Hope has been truly obsessed with finding you. Mulan told her, at least once, that she considers you honorable because your tracking skills are top-notch."

"Wow." Belle felt flattered. "Mulan must have told Hope how I encountered her in the first place..."

"Just a second." Emma sputtered. "I've heard that story. Aurora told me. But how old are you?"

Clearing her throat, Ruby told Belle, "We need your help."

The other princess bowed in a very Rumplestiltskin-like manner. "I am at your service. What is it?"

"We have to 'step on the gas' now," Ruby told her. "Because Mulan is pregnant."

And to this blindsiding information Belle bleated, "Are you kidding?"

Ruby shook her head. "Nope."

Emma told Ruby, "Go."

Belle proceeded to listen as Ruby filled her in on Hope's ballad. Her wish for a non-mundane day had come true now. Perfect. 

"And," Belle said with incredulity when Ruby had finished. "You've been helping Aurora look after Hope ever since?"

"Mhm. Now you have the picture as much as the rest of us know it." Ruby told her. "I could use your help in the woods. Truly. David is getting hold of Robin. Aurora? She's helping him draw up a 'plan of approach,' as they're calling it. But you know the woods around these parts as well as I do. Is it a secret that you explore and catalog the area? No."

Belle smirked. "Is this about how you 'short-circuit' around flowers?"

Ruby blushed. "Okay, maybe..."

Belle's amusement grew. "I'm in."

Ruby and Emma said as one, "Thank God."

Because of Storybrooke's recent population influx, a new vast number of children called the place home. To that end? A very pleasant childcare facility had been established now. Emma found this permanently funny because it meant that Storybrooke was inching further and further from 'small town' status altogether. But working in Aurora's favor today was that the building was a few doors down from the station house. Phillip was even a regular. So it made sense as to just why he wasn't in his mother's company when the others returned. 

Knowing from previous conversations just how dearly Aurora held Mulan, Belle told her, "I feel so pleased to see you. And I am as caught up as I can be. What is next?"

Aurora's eyes fell to David as she replied, "That is up to him now."

Meanwhile...

On most days, Robin Hood the thief regarded the cell phone as a pesky but necessary invention. But there were exceptions. Like today. While his men and Roland explored the area, he found himself awaiting the arrival of his friends at the entrance of the wood. Why? David needed his help. And once the situation had been explained, Robin was vastly interested. So he agreed to help. 

And he was alone with his thoughts until Regina wandered by. She had been out for a morning walk. Just because. It would later surprise approximately no one that Robin had availed her of the situation as he knew it, nor even that Regina had accepted his invitation of participation when it was given. These two didn't have the willpower to resist each other. And for the thief and the witch... knowing this last fact certainly made sex fun. 

"Huh." Belle remarked at the sight of the witch. "Looks like it is to be that kind of day. Seems right." 

Emma complained to no one, "Really?"

Regina rolled her eyes. "Good morning, Emma."

David spoke to Robin. "How...?"

Robin shrugged. "We only just met here. And Regina can be helpful."

Nodding, Regina said to David, "Correct."

Belle asked Regina, "Are you caught up?"

Regina told Belle, "I am. Thank you."

Belle said in relief, "Good." 

Moving towards Hope, Regina turned friendly. "I know your name. Do you know mine?" 

Giggling, Hope then blew her a kiss. "Yep. Hi, Regina."

She continued to be friendly. "Hi, Hope."

"Rora said you have magic." Hope grew skeptical. "Is that real?"

"Yes." the woman conjured up a flying carpet for the girl. "See?" 

Entranced, Hope now breathed, "Yep."

"Climb on, little one." Regina lowered the carpet down. "I will keep an eye on you."

As no one had let her down so far, Hope did clamber onto the carpet. She even let Ruby steady her when she toppled over. Hope's own morning was proving to be very interesting. A real flying carpet? How marvelous. 

But the unconventional traveling party finally made their way onto the trail and began to follow the main path. Absolutely nothing ever quiet could ever happen when these people were together. And that was fine because all of them did love a good adventure. Still... Everyone made a conscious effort to be careful because they had an actual child in their midst.

One would have to be a liar if they did not find the sight of Regina looking after the offspring of Mulan the warrior even a little charming. Especially because Hope was hanging on to every word as Regina enlightened her as to certain tidbits about the area around them. It made things lighter. 

Aurora led the way. Ruby walked on the right, acting as her support. Just in case. David and Emma? They walked behind them, chatting softly. Who knew about what? So Robin wound his way to the front. And walked on Ruby's free side. 

"My friend," Robin said to Ruby. "I've heard tell of what you happen to be."

Now keeping her cool, Ruby said, "Is that so? What do you have to say?"

Cheerfully, Robin responded, "I find it fantastic."

Ruby perked up. "Thank you."

Now Robin asked her, "How keen is your sense of smell?"

Ruby said, "Very."  

Aurora smirked. "Until she gets near flowers."

Ignoring Aurora, Ruby extracted the scarf that Hope had given her in the night. "Our friend lent me this. Hope said it belongs to Mulan."

Feeling run-over at the sight of it, Robin said, "Wow. Never thought I'd see that thing again."

Utterly thrown, Aurora voiced a protestation. "What?!"

Some feet behind them, David had a lofty sigh that Emma called him out on. "What are you thinking?"

David answered, "Just that it will be a nice time when your brother is old enough to begin to appreciate the outdoors. Would you come along with us on our nature walks, Emma?"

"Definitely." Emma found herself agreeing. "But you know? This is a nice morning. Only thing to make it complete? An appearance of a fairy."

Her words were quite telling. Not so many feet further up the trail, closer to Regina and Hope, a fairy did fall out of the sky. 

Chapter Text

Like so many recent transplants from The Enchanted Forest these days, Tinker Bell the fairy happily made her home in Storybrooke. And she loved everything about the place. While it was tradition that all fairies resided in Blue's convent because they were openly subservient, Tinker Bell refused. She kept the attic room at Granny's inn. Everybody else there found her presence comforting. It even amazed them that a fairy called the place home. After that, Blue chose to just leave her pupil be. 

It was also expected to find the green-clad creature in the thick of the near-daily adventures. But what surprised everyone was that she was often found in the library. Still, it finally surprised approximately no one when Tinker Bell and Belle developed a very close bond. Any outsider would have painted them as mother and child. 

But... 

One thing Tinker Bell did find odd about herself was that nearly every place she went in the precious little town she now called home, children of all ages flocked to her to say hello or wave or even sit near her in the library. It seemed that the children of Storybrooke simply just loved her. And so she returned the kindness. It was both peaceful and fulfilling. Except for today. Rather a surprising dream had come to her in the night and she felt compelled to consult with Blue. 

She found her on the convent grounds. Blue could be seen tending to an area of the front garden showcasing her precious bluebells and bluestars. But they made her happy. So that was that. 

All the same, the ancient creature did feel even more happiness when she saw her pupil on the approach. For as much as they drove each other crazy, Blue found that she would have been lying if she said that she didn't enjoy when Tinker Bell was around, these days. Her well-being mattered to her. Even despite their previous turbulence. 

"Good morning, Tinker Bell." Blue greeted her pleasantly when she drew level. "How are you? I have not seen you in a few days now."

Feeling her confidence boost just from Blue's kindness, Tinker Bell answered, "I'm well. Thanks. But I've actually come here looking for you. Uh... do you still know about matters of dream interpretation?"

"Yes. I may be ancient, but I remain practiced in dream interpretations." Blue drew closer to Tinker Bell and chose to show her kindness as she began to tremble. "What is it? You are safe."

Centering herself, Tinker Bell began, "I had a rather vivid vision in the night concerning a ch..."

But before Tinker Bell could even finish her sentence, a bright green puff of smoke enveloped her and proceeded to quite literally take her away from the conversation. It happened so fast that the green fairy could only stare in confusion. Blue? She let out an unguarded shriek of surprise. When she recollected her own bearings, she teleported away from her home. She was at least pleased to have a goal. 

Tinker Bell quite literally fell from the sky and crash-landed on a hiking path. But she had a turn of surprise when she rose to her feet and proceeded to tidy herself up. She was not alone. Emma, David, Aurora, Belle, Regina, Ruby, Robin, and... a little girl on a magic carpet were all some odd seven or eight feet away. Each person seemed thoroughly astonished by the sight of her. Not that Tinker Bell blamed them. She felt equally confused. 

But... 

A muted poofing noise and the appearance of billowing blue-colored smoke altered them to the arrival of yet one more being. Blue. Curious about what had yanked her pupil away so abruptly, she had chosen to follow her. But she had also landed neatly on her feet. And Tinker Bell performed an over dramatic eye-roll. Blue's favorite act of juvenility was that of showing off. 

Yet on her carpet, Hope bleated, "There's two?!" 

Aurora said to her, "Are we to take it you just wished for a fairy but only thought of one?" 

Still astonished, Hope answered, "Yes!" 

Aurora motioned towards the direction of the others. "Have you ever seen them before?" 

Hope shook her head. "No. But people talk and I hear." 

Now keeping a miraculously straight face, Aurora asked, "What are your favorite colors? Tell me."

Shifting her attention back to the newcomers, Hope responded breathlessly, "Green and blue." 

"Just whom," pressed Aurora. "Were you thinking of?"

Presently having eyes only for Tinker Bell, Hope murmured, "Her!" 

"I haven't any idea what's happening," Tinker Bell strolled over to them. "But I have quite literally been summoned by a child who specifically knows about my teacher and I."

Emma lifted an eyebrow. "Refusing her now'd just be rude?" 

Tinker Bell bobbed her head. "Precisely."

"Hang on." Emma said while she watched Tinker Bell take over from Regina about magically steering Hope's carpet. "If you were the only one thought of, how'd your teacher get here? Besides the obvious?"

Tinker Bell sighed, "She really did follow me."

"It's true. Tinker Bell and I had been in the beginnings of an important conversation at my home. But that really is neither here nor even there. I believe that my pupil has discovered a new trait now: that of being a fairy of the town's children." Blue spoke pleasantly as she then surveyed the unlikely gaggle on the whole. "Just what is happening?" 

Aurora and Ruby said as one, "But don't you read minds?" 

Blue continued to be disarmingly pleasant as she responded, "No." 

Choosing maturity, Regina said, "Here."

The witch snapped her fingers. Pure understanding of the situation instantaneously filled the fairies and each sobered up. Fast. While they both knew they'd been drawn into another misadventure, they hadn't expected everything to be as vast as it was. Now? They were in it for the long haul. 

But it was yet the green fairy who said, "What now?"

When all eyes fell to Ruby, she had a turn at eye-rolling as she told them, "I still have the scent we need. Come on. This way."

Robin walked on one side of her while Belle took the other. In light conversation with her while she continued to steer the carpet was Tinker Bell. Robin was unsurprised. The bond those two had was both unlikely and beautiful to watch. But he still continued to think about the circumstances that had caused him to recognize the scarf Ruby had on hand as a means of tracking down their missing friend. No real way to avoid an explanation. Great. 

The party came to an unceremonious halt when they stumbled upon a part of the trail where flowers by the multitude blossomed. Ruby became overcome by one very long bout of sneezing. So Belle moved on. They would find her, soon enough.

Belle enjoyed hiking to the spot because the tranquility of it all reminded her of the botanical garden her mother had had in their palace before her death. Many of the flowers had even been yellow or purple, her most favorite colors. Ever. The memories were comforting... especially because she'd been having the same dream lately. Over and over again. She needed someone to talk everything over with. Such as Blue. 

"Child," came the fairy's voice right beside her now. "Are you alright?"

Belle very nearly jumped out of her skin when Blue joined her, but she still answered, "No. I am not okay. But do you really not read minds?"

Blue answered as they headed away from the others and through the grotto altogether, Blue said, "Correct."

Shaking her head in amazement, Belle muttered, "This is going to be a long day. Just what I need."

Landing on rather a big choice that she had been sitting on for decades, Blue said, "Every day in Storybrooke is long when you are a prominent member of society. I have not forgotten that yours and Aurora's families both outranked even Snow's before the wars. Life went as it did. But the regality remains. I do have some information that I suppose you are old enough to know by now."

Quite thrown, Belle said, "Yes?"

"I was Colette's fairy godmother. And because she adored me so, I was the first to know that she was carrying you. But that was because I could sense you before she had an inkling. To that end," Blue said coolly. "I was there when you were born. And I was even present at your naming ceremony. So were Aurora's parents."

Belle sputtered, "Why?"  

"Briar Rose was Colette's childhood playmate and then her girlhood love. Life again went as it did." Blue reflected. "Still, I loved even Briar Rose because I was also her godmother. And I am for all those in her line. I mean it. On top of everything? I also have knowledge that may suggest Aurora's lineage not being entirely what she believes it to be. Everything I said can also be applied where our darling Ruby is concerned."

Now gravitated to the spot, Belle could only stare. Blue delighted in cryptic speech. Belle found it amusing. Usually. But now she was experiencing a moment of pause because the fairy had just blindsided her vastly. A real first. 

Belle now had question after question. Why had her own mother been so close to Blue to even start with? Was Blue truly the godmother of those she had mentioned? How had Colette even met Briar Rose? And how deeply had they loved each other in the end? Were Aurora and Ruby her sisters? Blue had really done it now. And... she was walking away. 

"Blue!" Belle hurried after her. "Wait for me!" 

Chapter Text

Belle's and Blue's conversation had occurred some ways up the trail. Everyone else had hung back because Ruby's floral-induced short-circuiting moment was truly that humorous. But by the time they'd caught up to the princess and the fairy, Belle had been stunned into a brief silence. Had Blue confirmed anything of Belle's wonderings during the next phase of their conversation? She had not. However... what further details Blue had provided had sent Belle for a head-spin. And on top of that? Blue seemed pleased with herself. 

And so Belle just murmured, "I should very much like to speak with Aurora and Ruby later on..."

Quite the familiar voice responded, "Here we are."

While Belle responded to Aurora's words by jumping like a spooked horse, the adult newcomers could only stare. Belle was known for being on the ball. Most of the time. Behavior like this? Well, it was odd. Very. 

"Bookworm," Regina said curiously. "What is wrong?" 

"Hm." Ruby turned to Emma. "I accidentally dropped a glass at the diner yesterday and the damn thing shattered. Belle jumped a mile. And not just because she had a chair at the main counter."

Nearby, David said, "Yeah. I saw that."

Clearing her throat now, Tinker Bell addressed her teacher. "Just what has brought you and Belle here?" 

"Look." Blue pointed to a nearby geographical slope. "Our friend noticed it first."

Everyone else followed her gaze at once. And Emma found herself having a sigh. Nestled at the top of the slope in question? Pinocchio's old mobile home trailer. She hadn't thought about it in a long time. When Aurora and Ruby laid eyes on it, understanding crashed into them about how Hope had grown so discombobulated in the night. But the little girl just rounded things out through full transparency by scowling. 

"Mama's there. But," Hope rolled her eyes in an over-exaggerated fashion. "I fell..."

The group then watched in confusion as Hope dismounted her magical carpet and moved closer to Tinker Bell. Up until now, she had shown strict preference for Aurora. Or else Ruby. The fact that she'd wanted the fairy was a surprising twist. Especially because they'd never met until ten minutes prior. 

"Hey." Tinker Bell scooped her tiny friend up into a hug. "I've got you." 

Surprised, Aurora asked Tinker Bell, "Is she trembling?"

"Yes." Tinker Bell answered. "But I haven't any idea as to exactly why?"

Emma spoke suddenly. "Hey. Is it just me or is Tinker Bell glowing?"

She quickly shook herself out so the glow Emma had noticed would fade. "Huh. That never happens..."

But before anything more could occur, she and Hope winked out of sight in a cloud of green smoke. No warning. Regina noticed, however, that the little girl appeared more startled than anything else. Had she accidentally triggered the fairy's teleportation ability? Strange. 

However, David and Emma yelled together, "What the hell?!" 

But Aurora groaned, "Mulan is going to murder me..."

Now making Hope's flying carpet vanish, Blue then turned to Regina with a sharp, "No."

Regina jumped. She had been planning a 'detour' to look for Tinker Bell and Hope. It would be a chance to actually do something remotely good for a change. But Blue's uncharacteristically sharp tone had caught her off-guard. 

"What?!" the witch cried. "Am I really so transparent?!" 

"Sometimes." Blue answered calmly. "But I need you to stay with everyone else, if you please. I will go find them. And I know just whom I'd like with me."

Distracted, Regina said, "Whom?" 

Blue moved closer to Belle and extended one hand. "Please?" 

Knowing better than to refuse Blue, Belle took her hand. "Very well. After you."

Blue activated her bottomless well of magic, and it coursed from her body to Belle's. The princess was taken aback when she realized it felt exactly like a warm hug. But no sooner had they left than they'd only just arrived at the next intended stop. This was good. Except for how Belle's body handled it.

She was quite suddenly expelling the contents of her stomach on to the side of the trail. Blue helped her through it unquestioningly. While Belle and Rumplestiltskin would be connected through a very primal magic during sex because they loved each other so much and she enjoyed that, no one had ever warned her of magic producing an adverse reaction all the way to the point of illness. And she was not a fan. 

"My apologies." Blue sounded appropriately sheepish as she used magic to fully cure Belle of her ills. "I will have you know that your mother had that reaction to being teleported for the first time and she was a child. Even your father had the same reaction. He was but a dash bit younger than you are now."

Belle straightened herself out. "Thank you for patching me up; that is very kind of you. And I would like to know exactly why it is that you know the things you've availed me of so far. But... that would not even begin to cover the most immediate matter. Blue? Just why on earth did you pick me to come with you?"

Blue laughed softly. "Snow is not here because she is with her baby. And Ruby will be needed once her body remembers itself. You had a tremendous influence on Prince Phillip and Mulan even finding Aurora in the first place. I daresay Mulan will appreciate hearing that someone she likes and believes to be honorable went looking for her child."

"Ah." Belle stood taller at her godmother's praise. "I then thank you again. But... what could have caused Hope such agony that she miraculously jump-started Tinker Bell?" 

Sighing, Blue said, "Undoubtedly a thought or a feeling of whomever she and Mulan landed here without." 

Belle asked, "Have you any idea...?"

Blue actually shuddered. "I believe so. And if it is whom I believe, then we must hurry. Now." 

Meanwhile... 

Emma rubbed her temples as she very sternly said, "Everyone else accounted for? Yes? Or no?"

Aurora, David, Regina, Robin, and Ruby chimed as one, "Yes."

Emma groused, "Good." 

Aurora then pounced when she noticed that Robin had gone quiet again. "Speak."

Robin spoke to the entire company at large. "My men and I encountered Mulan on the road already seven months back."

Emma asked, "Where were you?" 

The thief responded, "On the outskirts of Silverquarry."

Unable to help himself when he recognized the name, David could only say, "Oh." 

In actual confusion, Emma said, "Hm?"

Aurora said, "Silverquarry was my realm. I never had a chance to rule before its age of desolation."

Emma replied, "Copy that."

Regina spoke to Emma before Aurora came lost in a well of nostalgia. "Hey. The area Snow grew up in thrived on agricultural trading with peasants and yes, I kept that going during my reign. King George? He was an absolute leech whose realm had a heavy dependency on ours and the sea-faring trade. Avonlea was rich farmland before the ogre mess. I know that Belle used to tour the area with her parents when she was a child and could regale you if you'd wish. The werewolves were by and large xenophobic under Anita's rule. But..."

"Even in the brief time I knew Anita," Ruby sighed. "I still came across the knowledge that the colony pack she ran were craft-makers and minor livestock handlers. They made a living by trading with various kingdoms and villages. Mother would not have them starve out. But I did also learn that they were spotted in the marketplaces of King Maurice and King Stefan. Frequently." 

Nodding, Regina said, "I can confirm this."

"Throw in a telling name like Silverquarry,” Aurora said to Emma. "And just what do you suppose we were famous for?"

"Oh. Silver mining. Understood." Emma looked closer at the other princess. "With Robin bumping into Mulan on the road, would it have been an easy journey?"

"No." Aurora's tone was both short and bland. "My palace was in the desert."

Before Aurora could burst into tears, Ruby gave an errant sneeze as she asked, "What happened next?"

Robin recalled, "Mulan was profoundly sad. But now that I've been around more people who actually know her, I'll wager that she had just learned of Aurora being with child and was already making up her mind to retrieve Hope. We did not know her before then, but we'd heard rumors of her heroics. To have Mulan with us was truly an honor."

"But...?" David pressed. 

"The sadness was just so peculiar. I offered to let Mulan stay the night at our encampment because 'desolate' is truly the best way to describe where we were. Gentlemen I try to be, I made sure Mulan had her fill to eat. And I even found new clothes for her to wear when she inquired about any being on hand. One item," Robin pointed to the scarf in Ruby's left hand. "Was that."

Emma shook her head in wonder. "And our friend kept it?"

Ruby nodded. "Uh-huh. Actually, Hope was wearing it when we found each other."

"But I prompted Hope to let Ruby see it when I informed her of what she can do." added Aurora. "That is how she has it now."

Turning to Robin, Regina said pointedly, "Is there a conclusion...?"

Swiftly clearing his throat, Robin said, "Yes. Our friend sat with us and slept in a tent beside mine but she was gone before any of us woke. Never saw her again. Ever."

While this conversation occurred, Ruby seemed to be losing her balance. And she frowned because the feeling was confusing. But Ruby only just had time to press the scarf into Emma's hands before touching her own hands to Robin's and Regina's shoulders before all three of them vanished from view in yet another cloud of green smoke. Now? It was just Emma, David, and Aurora. Great. 

The younger princess cried out, "WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?!"

But Aurora then gave a genuine shriek of surprise when Snow White spontaneously materialized into being beside her. Now Aurora just walked away in defeat. Emma hurried after her. Snow? The woman just remained confused. 

"Hm." she quipped. "At least the baby is being looked after. I came looking for everyone because it got way too quiet. And when I can't find you, something's usually up. Charming? Am I wrong?"

He sighed. "No."

"Then," Snow drew closer to her husband. "Just where the hell did Aurora even go? And why'd Emma follow her? They are not friends. Each thinks the other to be a diva."

"Nice terminology." David wrapped a hand around Snow's waist as they headed in the direction of where the others had gone. "Let us follow the kids. I have a lot of explaining to do."

Chapter Text

Regina recognized the area that she and Robin had materialized in with Ruby as even a deeper part of the wood, as compared to where they had been a few moments prior. It was just out of the usual patrol grounds of even the thief and the werewolf. Peculiar. 

Robin quipped, “Hm. If Roland was here, he’d find this entire situation hilarious.”

“No doubt.” agreed Regina. “But this feels like the beginning of one of Henry’s jokes: a witch, a thief, and a werewolf get stranded in the woods…”

Robin wanted to agree. But logic began catching up. Ruby was not near them. In fact…

“Hey.” Robin motioned to the area of the path laying ahead. “I believe Ruby may need some help.”

Regina followed Robin’s gaze to see that Ruby was in the process of emptying her stomach’s contents. Nothing more about anything was to be done. At least until this critical juncture had been handled. 

Quickly catching up to the younger woman, Regina put a hand in the small of Ruby’s back. “Easy does it. For some people, teleportation aversion is quite real. And sometimes? Genetic.”

Ruby continued to be ill. But Robin watched in fascination as Regina used magic to heal her. Instantaneously, Ruby was cured. She even righted herself. All traces of her ills were gone. Even the physical evidence. Now she felt like herself again. 

“Wow.” Ruby straightened her clothes out. “Thank you so much. I believe that that is the kindest thing you have ever done for me before.”

“Glad to help.” returned Regina. “I believe all this change as of late might actually be stirring something in me…”

Robin gave a pointed cough that came with a reminder. “Stay the course…” 

“Oh.” Regina bobbed her head while she once again addressed Ruby. “And you are most welcome.”

Riding the high that was Regina being nice to her, the younger woman said, “I have no idea what made me teleport at all just now. Granny told me once that she has been teleported before but she said she had no issues. And I never saw my mother teleport in the short time I knew her, but I think she would have even sooner spat on the ground than interact with anyone that has that kind of magic.”

“Correct.” Regina confirmed. “I heard many a whisper about Anita and her colony over the years. The xenophobia of just that example really lines up.”

Ruby sighed, “Wow.”

Robin added a thought of his own. “I believe that that happens to be every one of Ruby’s relations mentioned except for a father.”

“Well, that’s because I haven’t any idea of who he could be. At all.” Ruby shrugged. “Granny also doesn’t know my father’s name. She was just so sincere about it that I believed her.” 

“Alright.” Robin took her words in stride. “Where to from here now?”

Ruby bleated, “I beg your pardon?”

Regina laughed softly. “I am not as good in the woods as people seem to think I actually am. Robin does have tracking as an area of expertise, but…”

“The two of us defer to you.” Robin finished. “Each of us will follow you because we know that tracking comes naturally to you by design.”

Ruby leaned at the compliment. “Wow. That is very kind. Just a moment…”

Ruby centered herself and fine-tuned her senses. Though she was not lost, this was not an area she ventured into all the time. She couldn’t be too cautious. And it did not take much longer for her to pick up on a smell that was terrifically out of place. ‘Overpowering’ seemed like the best word about it. 

The unlikely trio continued on down the path together for some time. Robin and Regina weren’t sure as to just where they were going. But because Ruby hadn’t steered them wrong, they happily walked ahead together. And spoke softly. It was nice to be outside. 

Ruby soon fell behind, altogether. Some new odd scent had invaded her senses. And Ruby felt compelled to identify it. The sooner, the better. Stat. 

Finally… Ruby saw it. 

A small palm-sized wooden box half-buried in the dirt by the side of the trail. When Ruby extracted it and cleaned off the grime, her heart jumped. The box had a carving of a baying wolf upon its face. Behind it? A rising moon. While the rest of the box was devoid of color, the creature had been painted red, yellow, and purple. How strange. 

Quickly pulling a handkerchief out of one pocket, Ruby wrapped the box in it. She then tucked it away in her wolf-bedecked waist bag before securing it shut again. That particular treasure, the woman had remembered to grab from where she’d accidentally left it in Emma’s office a few days prior. She was glad to have the box out of sight. For now. They would come back to it at a later point. Ruby also felt the need for Belle and Aurora to be present when she did sit down to explore the box. Could she explain why? No. And that really did not sit well with her. 

Meanwhile… 

Blue and Belle found themes now standing before a particular patch of trail. While immediately devoid of human life, there was a horse black as pitch grazing aimlessly near a good-sized cabin just on the other side of a small brook. Quite run-down and sad-looking, the dwelling did not seem immediately habitable. But the horse remained a visual signal that someone did call the place home. Curious. It was here Ruby, Regina, and Robin caught up to them. Both parties were surprised to see one another. 

Belle said in surprise, “How…?”

Regina cut directly to the chase. “We are as befuddled as you.”

Her companions chimed, “Correct.”

Blue asked the newcomers, “Have you seen Tinker Bell or Hope?"

Much to her chagrin, they said on a unified front, “No.”

Ruby pointed to the horse. “Okay. Then does anybody recognize him?”

Mutually choosing to not ask how she knew the horse’s gender at a glance, Blue answered on behalf of herself and the others, “No.”

“But,” Belle said. “It would make sense that whoever he belongs to is the one calling that cabin a home. Blue has one idea of who it is.”

Regina looked over at the fairy. “Do not leave us hanging.”

Blue sighed, “I believe that the occupant is who Mulan fears: Li Shang.”

Her pronouncement invoked equally-different reactions in the others. Regina felt horror. Belle? The need to vomit once more. Even Robin had a full-body shudder. But Ruby felt confused. 

She asked them, “Just what am I not aware of?”

Blue said blandly, “That man is a warlord.”

Ruby’s heart did a nasty flip. “Oh.” 

Belle told her, “Most people call him by his family name of Li. The man is older than I by some years. But he successfully invaded Avonlea about three years before my mother died.”

“When he was about half a decade or so older than Henry is now,” Regina tacked on. “Li invaded King George’s kingdom. Before that? Li’s father brought desolation to Midas.”

Dazedly, Ruby could only say, “What?!”

Blue didn’t miss a beat. “The queen said what she said.”

Robin Hood spoke up. “My men and I saw Li’s trails of destruction many a time during our travels.”

Furrowing her brow, Ruby spoke very carefully. “I have seen Aurora turn frightful when boxed into a corner but she is otherwise genuinely kind. All the same? Every one of us here has most certainly seen that she is pining for Mulan.”

Regina said, "Absolutely true.”

“However,” mused Robin. “You’re also thinking that she would not pine for someone dangerous.”

Ruby nodded. “Exactly.”

Robin continued to pick up Ruby’s thread. “Mulan is deeply tied to Li because he has to be Hope’s father. And Mulan is a warrior of great renown. But I think that Mulan carries a different belief system than Li must.”

Belle murmured as an old memory came back to her, “Mulan was also on her own when I ran into her…” 

Protesting, Robin cried, “When was that?!” 

Regina said quickly, “I will tell you that ballad later on.”

Belle spoke again. “Us each winding up here has not been for nothing but rather a lot of suppositions are flying about. What do we need? Undeniable proof.”

Blue and Regina said together, “For sure.”

Meanwhile, Ruby would have continued the conversation but the sound of creaking wood in the slight breeze had caught her attention. It was not the cabin or the trees. Just something else, altogether. So they moved away from the cabin. Everybody else followed Ruby. And they were surprised with her. 

Before them some feet closer to the trail than the cabin stood in the ground a haphazardly-made wooden sign on a stake. But Ruby felt confused. The letters were not in any language that she knew. Or could read. 

So it was Robin who addressed the proverbial elephant on the trail. “Can one of us read these markings? At all?”

Performing her own shudder as she took in the words and their meaning, Belle answered, “I can.”

Regina pressed, “Well?”

Now looking around at the others, Belle said, “It’s warning against all trespassers. And a proclamation that the general known as Li Shang does live in that cabin. We have to get out of here. Now.”

Her companions didn’t need telling twice. 

Chapter Text

On the other side of the wood, Hope was yet with Tinker Bell. She had her own agenda. Tinker Bell was just her mode of transportation. Rather nonplussed, the fairy played along. She couldn’t understand how this very human child was activating her magic like so. 

But what intrigued Tinker Bell the most was that Hope was getting increasingly frustrated with each teleportation. She wouldn’t reveal why. At least not yet. 

In truth, Hope was looking for the box that Ruby had found. She had had it when she’d been accidentally separated from her mother. Then on her journey down the trail towards town, she’d accidentally dropped it. Now she wanted to retrieve her mother’s lost treasure. If at all possible. Hope just hadn’t expected her deepest hopes to be fulfilled in her quest. 

Meanwhile…

Those who had found the cabin met up with everyone else at the foot of the slope leading to Mulan’s place. But they also caught Emma, David, and Snow up. Speedily. 

After a headcount, Snow said, “Where are Tinker Bell and Hope?”

“Last we knew,” Emma sighed. “Hope somehow activated Tinker Bell’s magic.”

Aurora nodded. “They actually teleported away.”

Snow sputtered, “How…? If Hope is Mulan’s kid…”

Emma interjected, “I promise you that she is. Just wait until you see her.”

Eyebrows lifting in acknowledgment, Snow continued. “Hm. Then if that’s that, how is she activating Tinker Bell’s magic?”

David said blandly, “That is the real question.”

Ruby sighed, “I just wish they would circle back here already.”

No sooner had those words left her mouth than they all heard a familiar muted poofing noise in their midst and saw green smoke. Tinker Bell had materialized but a fraction of an inch to Snow’s left. And she had Hope. 

Blue asked her pupil, “Where have you been?!”

Tinker Bell said truthfully, “Around.”

Intervening before the fairies could fully bait each other into petty ridiculousness, David spoke to Tinker Bell. “What was your side trip even about?”

“Other than that I swear our tiny friend is looking for something,” Tinker Bell responded thoughtfully. “I really have no idea.”

Spotting Aurora, Hope ran to her with her arms outstretched. “Here I am!” 

Aurora picked her up. “And I’m pleased to see you again.”

While they caught each other up, Emma said to Ruby, “What now?”

Ruby led everyone up the slope towards the motorhome. But she backed away when they reached the front door. All eyes fell to Aurora. Hope even ran back to Tinker Bell. Nothing about this moment was hers. Just Aurora’s and hers only. 

“Hey.” Regina helped Aurora to stand in something of a relaxed fashion. “Calm yourself. Mulan really needs you to have a clear head. She must be frightened out of her mind. Take it one step at a time.”

Aurora bobbed her head as she centered herself. “I understand. Here I go.”

Regina’s hazarded guess about Mulan being frightened was absolutely on the nose. During the period of Shang’s punishments after catching his wife and child trying to escape, he trapped them in an inner area of the palace. They had everything they could want. Except for an exit of any kind. There were guards posted everywhere. 

One evening found Mulan and Shang mulling over news from the royal midwife, regarding news of their incoming child. It changed the course of any chance regarding freedom. And Mulan was left feeling especially devastated. 

Just before she was returned to her prison, Mulan noticed a small curious looking box on a shelf of trinkets near the door. It depicted a wolf with a moon behind it. Vastly intrigued simply because she loved wolves and abhorred the hunting of them at all, Mulan took the box. She also felt drawn towards it. And she couldn’t explain why. Not even to herself. 

Mulan was hardly with Hope again for five more minutes before the curious tremendous purple cloud appeared. Next thing she knew? Both she and Hope had been deposited in the new land at this peculiar-looking home. They made the most of it as best they could. 

Pregnancy-induced sickness then caused Mulan to feel too ill to move. And then Hope disappeared. Literally. And with her wooden box. 

But this day marked the first one since arriving that Mulan felt completely fine. Could she understand it? No. 

In the present… 

Mulan’s door squeaked as Aurora entered, calling out to her, “Mulan?” 

Bowled over, Mulan immediately sank back on to the bed as she returned, “Back here!” 

Aurora burst into tears at the sight of Mulan. She looked as if she had seen better days, but she was there. And whole. Then Aurora took in the vastness of Mulan’s pregnant middle. She looked fuller, healthy. Aurora’s heart lifted in hope. While the other woman was not full-term, she looked close to it. Even Robin’s estimation of seven months appeared to be correct. 

In tears of surprise, Mulan reached out to Aurora. “Please come here.”

Aurora joined her at once. Both women embraced one another tightly because it meant that dreams did come true. And that hope did exist in the world. Even when delayed. 

“Mulan,” Aurora pulled away first but continued to look upon her lovingly. “There is just so much to say. However, I promise you that so many have helped me to find you. And whatever it is that is going on? You are safe. No matter what. By the way… I think you look extremely beautiful.”

Mulan perked up at her compliment. She then held one of Aurora’s hands flat against her midsection for her and pressed it down. The mothers were promptly rewarded by feeling the baby kick them before settling in for a nap. 

Hands yet on Mulan’s middle, Aurora murmured, “Gods…”

Mulan said softly to Aurora while they then wiped each other’s tears away. “She gives me peace.”

Aurora’s heart skipped a beat at the gender-confirming pronoun. “She?”

Mulan said, “Yes. But if you’ve made it this far, then you’ve encountered my other daughter. Haven’t you?”

“Yes. I have.” Aurora continued to be gentle. “She’s beautiful. Truly. And I promise you that she has been very safe this entire time.”

Quite nearly nauseas with relief, Mulan asked Aurora very clearly, “Where is Hope?”

She was yet outside with everyone else. But a semi far-off sound had caught her attention and filled her with deep fear. Out of instinct, Hope again activated Tinker Bell’s magic. They now materialized halfway down the main trail that everyone had just traversed. Tinker Bell continued to be patient. 

Gently, she asked her friend, “How are you doing that?”

Hope arched one eyebrow in a very Mulan-esque way as she responded, “I wished in the night on a green star for someone with magic to keep me safe. And…”

“Yes?” Tinker Bell prompted. 

“Now,” Hope held one hand out flat. “I can do this.”

Tinker Bell watched in amazement as after an infinitesimal moment, a chain with an intricately-decorated glass vial hanging from it. Tinker Bell was then extremely astonished to see that the vial was filled with a fine white sand-like substance. Fairy dust. 

She looked at Hope again. “Please tell me: did you ask the star for anything else?”

Yawning hugely, Hope told Tinker Bell, “A wolf. Mama said before that they’re good guardians.”

As memories of the dream she’d intended to speak with Blue about in her first place, Tinker Bell said, “I see. Did Ruby appear before you on the trail after that?”

“Yep.” Hope yawned again and now seemed to be struggling to stay awake. “Then I wished for a fairy godmother. Now? There’s you. Thanks, Tinker Bell. I love you.”

And Hope fell asleep in her savior’s arms although not before she magicked the jewelry into place around Tinker Bell’s neck for her. Hope had given her a physical token of adoration and friendship. Tinker Bell was immensely flattered that a child of Mulan would love her so. Being a fairy godmother was a tremendous responsibility. Still, she felt more than ready to take that on.  

Tinker Bell hugged Hope close as she whispered, “And I love you. No matter what.”

Hope grinned in her sleep. 

Over at the motorhome… 

Emma cursed filthily in confusion after Tinker Bell and Hope vanished yet again. So everyone gave her a wide berth. 

Regina said, “What has her so pressed?!” 

“Whatever it is,” Belle said suddenly as she took an entire step back. “I daresay that Ruby knows.”

The collective attention was now shifted over to her. Only but mere seconds had gone by since the others’ departure but she had also heard the source of Hope’s great fear. Now she was looking directly down the slope. Following her gaze, they understood why the woman had gone on the defense. 

Shang was there. While his horse foraged anything tasty on the trail, the warlord made his way up to the others on the level ground. But so thick became its tension that one could have cut it with a knife. Blue became everyone’s next defense runner. 

Standing between her family and the newcomer, she said, “Each of us knows exactly who you are. But do you know who I am?”

Shang immediately gave the creature a sweeping bow of utmost respect before straightening up to look her in the eyes again. “I do have one thing I am curious about.” 

Blue said, “Yes?”

“My wife is Mulan the warrior. And I now believe that she is in this very strange new land with our children. But Mulan also took something of mine.” Shang told Blue. “Have you seen her around?”

Without missing a beat, Blue said, “No. But if I ever find out that you’ve been asking about your family again, I am not the only one up here whom you’d have to worry about.”

Shang challenged, “How is that?”

Regina stood on Blue’s other side. “I remember the disaster you brought unto King George. And I would be hard-pressed to ever forget what your father did to King Midas.”

Rather astonished as an old memory clunked into place at the last moment, Shang said carefully, “Queen Regina?”  

She bowed flamboyantly. “In the flesh.”

Now Shang’s confidence was beginning to slip. “But… you’re actually real?”

“Mhm.” Regina felt a dash of amusement. “Why? Have you heard tales painting me as myth, in days gone by?”

Now Shang sounded begrudging as he made an effort to straighten himself out. “Yes, m’am.”

Belle stepped forward at this point to speak to the newcomer. “Can you recall the battle at Whitstone Citadel?”

Even more taken aback, Shang felt even more aghast. “Princess Belle?”

Performing an actual regal bow, she responded, “It is I.”

Ruby stood at the end of the line. She believed in the concept of safety in numbers. But what she did not expect? Shang’s first words to her. 

“The she-wolf…” he murmured. 

Quite puzzled, Ruby could only say to him,  “Yes?”

“But if you’re here,” Shang looked from Ruby to Belle. “Where is your third?”

Ruby and Belle said together, “What are you talking about?”

Shang straightened himself out a little more now. “Never mind. I was not here. Good day.”

They could then only watch in puzzlement as Shang swiftly exited their presence. When he did make it to the bottom of the hill, Shang rode away on his horse as fast as he could. Strange. 

Chapter Text

Aurora watched the scene on the slope unfold from the safety of the motorhome. She and Mulan elected to stay put when Shang appeared. Neither wished to stir the pot. But they both came to the conclusion that Hope used to Tinker Bell to literally remove herself away from the situation because she was worried about it. 

Mulan spoke to Aurora when she joined her on the bed again. “Last time I saw you before this morning, you said that you were with child…”

“Yes.” Aurora moved closer. “I have a son called Phillip. He and Hope love each other. Phillip always brightens whenever Hope walks into a room. She adores making Phillip giggle. Me? I love watching them together.”

Mulan grinned gratefully. “Thank you for telling me that.”

The mothers continued to speak lightly with one another. Outside, Tinker Bell finally materialized atop the slope with Hope yet in her arms. But they appeared just a breadth of an inch away from Emma. 

Startled, the princess complained, “Really? What is with your lack of self-awareness where teleportation is concerned right now? Aren’t fairies usually good at that kind of thing?”

“Yes. But,” the fairy sidestepped her. “I’m carrying a child. Hope throws my accuracy off.”

Blue said to Tinker Bell, “Just where did you end up with Hope this time?”

Clearly heeding her teacher’s exasperation, Tinker Bell answered, “Back down the trail. Hope has… imprinted on me.”

Blue sobered at once because she understood what her pupil meant. “Oh.”

Emma, her parents, Regina, Ruby, Robin, and Belle said together, “What?”

Blue pointed to her pupil’s new jewelry. “Did Hope make that?”

Tinker Bell said, “Yes.”

“But,” Ruby interjected. “Hope does have magic?”

Blue shot her a very ‘get to the point’ expression. It said that they would address the bigger picture later. Just not now. 

“Hm. Forget it.” Ruby held the door to the motorhome open for the fairy. “Come on.”

Tinker Bell and Hope emerged into a sitting room of sorts once Ruby closed the door behind them. It was run-down but served its purpose. Hope remained asleep in her new godmother’s arms. But she did visibly relax when she felt the warm air. Curious about the newcomers, Aurora made her way to the front of the motorhome again. And she felt relief at the sight of who it was that had come visiting. The day’s adventure had come to a close. Finally. 

Aurora said gently, “Has the little one been with you?”

Tinker Bell answered, “Mhm. We will catch up later on. But where is Mulan?”

Aurora beckoned for her to follow. “Back here.”

Mulan’s heart jumped when they entered the room. She was weak with relief to see Hope. Everything had become good now. But what she found staggering? A legendary fairy was holding her child. Even lovingly so. 

“I’m happy to see you in one piece, Mulan.” Tinker Bell set Hope into her arms. “And I can’t wait to get to know you.”

Electing to pinch herself later, Mulan responded, “Thank you. For everything.”

“Of course. And Hope is a very pleasant child.” Tinker Bell bobbed her head when she saw that the little one was beginning to wake up. “I will be outside.”

On her way out after the princess and the warrior thanked her, Tinker Bell discreetly used her magic to fix up Mulan’s appearance. It was just one more kind thing to do. But she still exited quietly. 

While Hope continued to wake up, Mulan said to Aurora, “Dare I ask where your betrothed is?”

Aurora felt her eyes brim with tears immediately. “There was an ogre attack at our castle. Phillip chose to fight with our other defenders. But…”

“I am so sorry, with all I have.” Mulan’s eyes filled with tears as she connected the dots and wiped Aurora’s tears for her. “Phillip was always very kind to me. Those will be the memories of him that I will treasure forever.” 

“Thank you for telling me that.” Aurora cleaned Mulan up. “You are so kind…”

For the first time since arriving to Storybrooke, Aurora finally wept. Her previously-unshed grief had come out now. And she couldn’t stop it. 

“Hey.” Mulan pulled Aurora close to her so she could hug her easier with one arm. “You came looking for me. And you succeeded. But you also looked after Hope when we were separated. Thanks. How about we all sit here together for a few more minutes?”

Breathing a sigh of relief as she melted into Mulan’s hold, Aurora whispered, “Thank you.” 

Chapter Text

Though Mulan so wanted to stay in her bubble with Aurora and Hope, she knew that the world awaited. Quite a few things needed talking about. 

"Rora," Mulan said to the princess as they made their way to the front of the motorhome. "Is there some place I can eat? Continual hunger has made me lose my focus..."

"I promise that we can take care of that. Soon. And you know? I will even fetch my son so that you can finally meet him." Aurora told her. "But let us just go slowly."

Belle stepped forward first when they emerged from the motorhome. She had always admired Mulan. While their first meeting was accidental, the warrior had given her her first real taste of an adventure. And Belle had never forgotten that. Ever. 

"Mulan," Belle pulled her close in a warm embrace when the other woman was more steady on her feet. "I am so very pleased to see you."

"And I, you." Mulan returned the affection before they then pulled apart. "How are you?"

"Pleased, now that you are safe." Belle then motioned to the warrior's extra cargo. "But you look beautiful."

"Thanks." Mulan cleared her throat before she could allow a single compliment to turn her into an overly emotional mess now. "Will you please help me to catch up with everyone?"

Belle cheerfully obliged her in her wish. And Blue observed. She had long heard whispers about the warrior who had had a hand in making sure that Aurora was woken up on her dais. All the same, Blue had never had a chance to meet Mulan. Blue had also long admired Mulan because she was also widely-known for being against the hunting of wolves. And in these parts? That meant a lot. But the stunned look on Mulan's face when she did reach the fairy told Blue that she knew exactly who she was. 

Choosing kindness, Blue said, "I am as pleased as the others to see you."

Mulan's heart cartwheeled. "Thank you."

"I have helped the others with finding you today." Blue studied her. "Am I correct in thinking that you are desiring to eat?"

"Yes." Mulan said emphatically. 

"Good." Blue approved. "Have you any questions?"

"Yes." Mulan repeated. "But have any of you seen the father of my children? Li Shang? The very last occasion on which I saw him, he formally denounced me."

"What exactly does that mean?" Emma said with some apprehension.  

"So say the laws of our kingdom," answered Mulan. "He is no longer the father of my children. Or my husband. Am I making sense?"

Understanding that Mulan was describing a divorce, Emma responded, "Uh-huh. I do."

"And," Regina said gently to Mulan. "We have most certainly seen him. Even had a conversation."

"But," Snow swooped in as she threaded one arm through Mulan's. "We will discuss all of it on the way back into town. Alright?"

David loyally bookended them. "It's a bit of a walk but we will go at your pace. Come on."

As the odd assortment of people finally headed onto the trail and in the direction of Storybrooke-proper, one more person was yet watching them. Just from further back. She had been watching them since Ruby's discovery of the wooden box on the trail. But she did not intervene. 

Alive only because she had been given a single chance by the gods of her kind, she had roamed her land ever since because she wanted to find her family. It had just taken some time because she hadn't gotten swept in up in a curse before. Until now. 

She also had other serious reasons for keeping tabs on everyone. She desired the wooden box that Ruby carried in her waist bag. And quite rightfully so, for it was hers. But she did find comfort that Ruby was caring for it. Better her than Shang. On top of being a terrible person, the man was an unscrupulous wolf-hunter. And that wouldn't do. By any means. 

Quickly checking the contents of her wolf-bedecked drawstring bag, she had at least one relief-bout. And how. Tucked inside amongst her other treasures were two boxes identical to the one that Ruby had found. Now? It was just a matter of getting all three boxes in the same spot. This would happen. Eventually. But there were other things to process first. 

And so, Anita carried on towards town. 

Chapter Text

Though not the oldest being in Storybrooke at all, Diana 'Granny' Lucas was definitely part of the actual older crowd, but it didn't bother her. She had plenty to keep her busy. The diner and the inn took care of that. Mostly.

The rest of it? She kept an unofficial tally of the great big oak tree of the family living in Storybrooke. Rather a lot of people co-existed amongst its branches. And it seemed that more and more members were being added all the time. Someone had to keep track. And so Granny did just that because it also kept her plate full. That was that. And she felt content about the matter. 

In the present, Granny looked around the dining room of her more mad kingdom. A few patrons were about. Henry could even be seen catching up on homework in one booth, his own meal already finished. Everything was quiet. 

Still... The old woman wished for even just a dash of excitement in her day. 

Emma held the door open for her peculiar delegation of the day. She then joined them once everyone had entered the diner. Mulan looked around the dining room in awe. New horizons had been presented to her and she hadn't any idea where to begin. So she would just observe as much as she could. Everything was amazing to her already. 

Joining the others from behind the counter, Granny asked Ruby, "Will I be getting an answer at some point later on?"

More than understanding that she was actually serious, Ruby stood straighter as she said, "Yes."

Granny arched an eyebrow as she registered her grandchild's precise tone. "But...?"

Shuffling her feet, Ruby said, "But I have a lot of clues to sift through. Or... something like that."

"Okay." Granny eyed Ruby closely. "And take a breath."

Ruby exhaled noisily. Her mind had been so wrapped up in tension that she'd been holding her breath without even realizing so. But her grandmother always knew how to give her a reset when the moment required it. She'd always be thankful. 

Granny moved on to the newcomer, saying, "I know exactly who you are."

Taken aback, Mulan sputtered, "How?!" 

"Tales of your heroic deeds reached even our sleepy little village back home." Granny told her. "And, Mulan, so too did the whispers about how you champion all wolf-kind in the name of protection. For that? I thank you."

A bell went off in Mulan's head as she said, "I know about your granddaughter. But... Are you...?" 

"Not entirely anymore because it fades with age. But some things remain." Granny tapped her nose for emphasis at that point. "Once upon a time? I was extremely sleek and powerful, exactly as Ruby is today. Anyone who protects wolves? They are my family for life. Same for any and all of their children. I mean it. Do you understand?"

"I do. Thanks." Mulan only just refrained from pinching herself. "By the way... have you met Hope?"

Granny said kindly to Mulan when Hope chose that moment to blow her a kiss, "I met her this morning when she came in for breakfast with Ruby and Aurora. Hope is charming. And rather beautiful."

"Wow." Mulan perked up even more. "I thank you again for the kindness."

Catching on when Mulan leaned into her arms, Aurora said to Granny, "Are there enough menus for us all?"

Granny said, "Yes. And everything is on the house today."

Emma sputtered, "Come again?"

"I insist. Now go." Granny made shooing motions. "All of you have an observer."

True enough, Henry had noticed the strange delegation and was watching them with wide eyes. But the boy also scrambled to his feet as the others approached. Standing on ceremony was at least one good habit that Regina had managed to drum into him over the years. 

Mulan said to Emma, "Is this Henry?"

Emma nodded. "Uh-huh."

Regina tacked on, "He is our son."

Mulan looked at her in surprise. "Hm. Did you say 'our'?"

Emma and Regina said together, "It's a long story."

"Oh, my God." Henry actually pinched himself. "Even Mulan is real. And I thought I'd seen everybody..."

"Hey." Ruby said to Henry. "Are you on one of your 'camp out at the diner days to finish up homework' Saturdays?"

Henry said, "Yes. But I did finish."

"Just what I want to hear." answered Ruby. "You can join us after you clean up after yourself. Okay? Someone'll go snag the big booth now. But I'll wait for you."  

Although not on the clock, Ruby did help her unconventional family get settled in to the dining room's biggest booth a few minutes later. She also pretended to not notice when Regina used magic to ever-so-slightly enlarge the space to let them all be comfortable. But the sight of someone outside, at the end of the block immediately caught her attention when she absently glanced out of the window. 

David noticed her expression of pondering and pulled her aside. "Whatever it is, go. Seriously. I know you more than well enough to know that it'll bother you if you stay."

Ruby left at once. She also exited through the back door because it would be easier to get to where she needed that way. Less foot traffic. In her haste, she passed by Belle and Aurora. They had been talking together out of the others' earshot together by the washrooms. But they paused in their conversation. A news matter had quite suddenly taken priority. 

Belle said to Aurora, "Should we...?"

"Mhm." said Aurora. "Let's go."

Ruby was vaguely aware of her friends following her outside. She had become too fixated on whom it was she'd noticed to think of much else just then, but especially because this person was last known to have been dead as a door-nail for some time. What was going on? But even the lady at the end of the street seemed to be stunned. Was this really happening? Belle watched with Aurora from a distance now. If anything? They would at least be witnesses. 

Ruby called out in confusion, "MOTHER?!"

Anita cried to her in joy, "LEYLA!"

Chapter Text

While Ruby helped everyone to settle at the big booth, Aurora watched. She also stood off to the side because she was entertaining a big thought. Belle noticed. 

She adored Aurora and knew that the feeling was mutual. Neither princess' kingdom had had much political overlap, insofar as they knew, so they hadn't met until recently. But they were still so close that they behaved like sisters. To that end, it was not unusual to find them confiding in one another. Summing it up? The act was commonplace. And so nobody thought anything of it when Belle brought Aurora to the back hallway near the washrooms. 

She said, "What are you thinking about?"

Aurora told the truth. "I am weak with relief to see Mulan, and to know that she has Hope again. But..."

Belle guessed, "Your attention has now landed on someone else? Dare I say it's Ruby?"

Wide-eyed, Aurora blurted, "Can you read minds?" 

Belle shook her head. "Mm-mm. But I know Ruby well enough to know that she was the family's first ally. Ever. Did you know that?"

"I didn't." Aurora said in surprise. "Wow."

"Ask Ruby or Snow how they met. I promise that the story is worth it." Belle gently tapped Aurora's arm. "But go on. Please."

Aurora cleared her throat. "Have you noticed that Ruby has been 'off her game,' as the words can be put?"

Belle answered, "Absolutely. And Ruby is not one to deviate. Usually. I am even quite certain that her finding Hope was no coincidence. But I also believe that our friend happens to be sitting on a secret. Now the guilt of not sharing it has begun to show. I think the secret is why she went 'haywire' in the forest."

Aurora said, "What?" 

"We did help you find Mulan. That much is fact." Belle turned thoughtful. "However... I noticed after I returned with Tinker Bell's mentor that Ruby was distracted. Almost as if something had thrown off her tracking abilities."

"Hm." Aurora furrowed one brow. "I don't recall seeing anything that would have been a nuisance to her, like fresh blooms. Are you talking about another person?"

"Correct. And," Belle went on. "You did tell me on the way here about watching our interaction with Shang. But I truly believe that there is yet one more person lurking in the woods, other than him."

"Of course. That would make sense at this point." Aurora laughed hollowly. "But have you ever learned of how long Ruby has lived with Granny?"

"Mm-mm." Belle admitted. "Still, I've always had the idea that the length is extraordinarily long."

"I believe that." reflected Aurora. "Hm. Now I just feel curious about our friend. Have you any clues about who Ruby's parents are? Or where they could possibly be?" 

Taking extra care to not spill the details of the lineage-related conversation she'd had earlier on with Blue, Belle said, "No. At least where her father is concerned."

Lifting one eyebrow, Aurora said, "Then what of Ruby's mother?" 

"I know for a fact," Belle answered. "That she and Snow met her mother. Once."

Hanging on to her every word, Aurora now asked, "What do you know of that story?"

"Not much." lamented Belle. "Our friends won't divulge any details. And I've tried. But I also think that Snow has actually been sworn to secrecy over the matter."

Exasperated, Aurora now asked, "I beg your pardon? What gave anyone that idea?" 

"Only," Belle smirked. "That Snow can't hold her drink. Much."

"Wow." Aurora shook her head in amusement. "Will you tell me the story there some other time? Please?" 

"You can count on it." Belle promised. "But on the other hand, I'm unsure as to two key things about our friend."

"Just what are they?" asked Aurora. 

"The first item," said Belle. "Would be whether or not our friend is an orphan."

"Oh. I am. The feeling is not fun." Aurora shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "But what is the other curiosity?"

Belle said simply, "Our friend's name."

Having been told previously of everyone's false identities during the time of the First Curse, the other princess chose her words carefully. "Alright. So 'Ruby' is her Storybrooke name. I understand. But Belle, do you pay attention to names because of who your other half is?"

"Exactly." confirmed Belle. "The days I spent with him at his castle were so very long. Still... During the times I heard whispers of Ruby back then, she had but only a moniker. They called her by 'Red.' It complimented a magnificent cloak she wore. But I feel unsure if even Rumplestiltskin, or even Emma and her parents know Red's actual name."

Aurora wanted to respond to this. But she grew disrupted when Ruby chose that moment to dash past them and out the back door. Equally confused, the princesses followed. Ruby had really deviated from her usual ways today. Odd. 

But as Ruby did ask them to leave when she realized that they'd arrived to watch what was about to happen, she let them be. For now. The woman at the end of the block was tall. Regal, even. Her outfit was most certainly old-world. All the same? Looks alone explained to everyone whom this was. And Ruby felt faint. 

She still called out, "MOTHER?!"

Anita called back in joy, "LEYLA!"

Aurora and Belle chimed, "That's her name?!" 

Anita in her supersonic hearing heard them clearly. And bolted. Fast. More confused than ever now, Ruby chased after her. Just what was happening?

"Mother," the younger woman also sounded exasperated. "I can run fast!" 

While she followed her, Aurora said to Belle, "Did all of that just happen?"

"Uh-huh." Belle fixed her shoes and straightened her clothes out. "I may not have a super sense of smell the way that those two do, but I still know how to find someone. And I have never failed. Just follow me."

Aurora and Belle ended up in an area of the woods just behind the station. There were still walking trails aplenty, but one feature in particular stood out about this place. And by a landslide. This was where Henry's newer up-to-date playground was. The seclusion of the space made it an ideal space for a secret meeting. But Ruby was waiting for them on the part of the trail that led to the playground entrance. 

Quite as gently as she could, Belle asked Ruby, "Where is your head right now?"

Ruby laughed nervously. "What did you two see after I ran past you? Be honest."

Aurora said, "We saw you and your mother call out to one another." 

Unable to help herself now, Belle unceremoniously interjected, "Your name is Leyla?"

Bowing deeply, she said, "It is."

Belle asked, "Who all knows this fact? Other than your mother and your grandmother?"

"Just the two of you. I don't tell people what I'm called because it has always been a fear that someone could use that information to their advantage because of what I am. Come to that? My first love never knew my name." Ruby shrugged. "The story is that my mother named me Leyla because I was born at night. And that is what the name does mean."

"Amazing..." Belle and Aurora murmured together. 

"I was also born on the first night of a full moon." Ruby told them. "But I have been with Granny since I was very brand-new."

Aurora processed this information a dash bit longer while Belle asked Ruby, "When was the last occasion that you saw your mother?"

Feeling absurd, Ruby answered, "When we buried her. Anita was dead." 

Together, Belle and Ruby cried, "WHAT?!"

"My life has never been quiet. Oh, the stories I could tell you both." Ruby sighed. "But am I to take it that you two followed me in the first place out of curiosity or concern?"

"Actually," said Aurora. "Try both."

Belle nodded. "That, and facing this town's absurdities alone is unwise. Do you have any last words? Or... what have you?"

"Please don't tell anyone my name yet," said Ruby. "But especially the other person whose name is a color."

"Why," Aurora took on a tone of surprise. "Can we not say Bl..."

But Ruby made a hissing noise while Belle swiftly replied, "Such is that fairy's magic that she can and will come running if someone intentionally uses her name."

Aurora sobered up. "I will remember that."

Speaking to Ruby, Belle said, "I never encountered your mother when I was younger and traveled the land with my parents. The only reason I've ever heard any details is because of the events that you and Snow have given me before. I respect not having been told the entire story because I didn't carve that part of history out."

Ruby prompted, "But...?"

"I still heard rumors when I was a girl about a werewolf colony led by a powerful she-wolf not fond of magic. At all." explained Belle. "Was that Anita?" 

Ruby said, "Yes."

"I suppose only the gods know of anything like an attitude-change," Aurora chimed in. "But you have my word that I will be careful about what words I use and when I use them."

"Good. Thanks." Ruby straightened herself out. "Now just follow me."

They found Anita lurking in the shadows of the play structure. She still seemed stunned. However, she was now stationary. But only because she felt fascinated. 

"Mother," said Ruby as she and her company approached her. "Please don't run again. My friends aren't like us. They are human. All we want is to have a conversation with you."

Taking a tentative step closer, Anita said, "That is fair. Do you have anything more to say just now?

Ruby moved even closer. "Would it be alright if I hugged you?"

Closing the gap and sweeping her daughter into the warmest of hugs now, Anita said, "Yes." 

Chapter Text

Aurora and Belle watched in fascination as Ruby continued to talk to her mother. It seemed like a previously-unknown side of their friend had come forth. However, her joy was their joy. 

But Anita turned her attention to their company after a few more moments. Aurora had to keep from taking a physical step back; the older woman had the exact same soul-penetrating type of gaze that her offspring had. In truth? Anita was doing all she could to not start crying right then and there. 

But she spoke gently. “Hello, Aurora. Hello, Belle. My name is Anita. I am so pleased to meet you both.”

They chimed in actual confusion, “Have we met?”

Anita shook her head. “No. But I’ve long since known about you each since you were very small. The answer there is complicated. But have you any idea about what my daughter and I are?”

“Uh-huh. Both of us know.” Belle said while Aurora gave an emphatic nod. “I heard whispers of you back in our land.”

Aurora tacked on, “My friend has informed me of those whispers.”

“And,” said Anita. “What do you think?”

“I am curious to know you.” Belle answered. “And it seems as if you’ve come a long way since everything happened.”

“Mhm. I agree with her on that.” Aurora said. “But this land’s all about starting over. I am willing to take that step.”

“As am I.” agreed Belle. 

“Thank you.” Anita’s relief was quite vast. “By the way… just where are we?”

Belle sighed, “That is a long story…”

“Too true…” muttered Aurora. 

Standing between them before they could each spiral, Ruby told Anita, “Belle does know about what you tried to make me do to Snow…”

Heaving a sigh as the memories came back, Anita groaned, “Gods…”

Taking a certain opportunity, Aurora said, “What happened?”

Ruby sighed. “The short version is that my mother once tried to get me to murder Snow because she is human.”

“Definitely true.” Anita confirmed. 

“Oh.” said Aurora. 

“Then,” Anita pointed to a nearby bench. “Why don’t the three of you sit there? Hm? I will explain what I know.”

Ruby sat on the middle of the bench. Her friends bookended her. Anita gathered her bearings to the best of her ability before she spoke. One very life-altering chat was ahead. 

Finally speaking as she stood before them, Anita said, “I have no idea what happened to Ruby and to Snow after I died. But my soul went to the gate of Lykos Fields. Do any of you know…?”

Belle answered as Ruby and Aurora looked blank, “That is the wolf afterlife.”

“Correct. Very good.” praised Anita. “I was met at the gates by the guardian. He offered me a second chance.”

Now Anita’s company blurted in surprise, “What?”

“I promise you that that is what happened.” Anita told them. “But I was then given a mission.”

Keeping her cool as best she could, Ruby asked, “What was it?”

Anita replied, “To find you and my mother and Snow. My ultimate goal is to make amends. But…”

Cottoning on first, Aurora said soberly, “The curse happened.”

“Exactly.” sighed Anita. “I somehow did not get swept up.”

“What of your pack?” Belle asked her. "Did they?" 

“No. But,” Anita gave a sad sigh. “Everyone banished me.”

Memories of her brief time amongst them flashed before her eyes, prompting Ruby to say, “But everyone loved you. And you had their loyalty. Respect, even. Why…?”

Anita told her, “They didn’t like that I didn’t finish Snow off when you stood up to me.”

Aurora murmured to no one in particular, “Hm. I really must learn the rest of that ballad…”

Continuing on before anyone could become wholly distracted, Anita then said, “My pack chose to ‘pass the torch’ because I did actually die.”

Ruby asked, “What happened when you found them?”

Anita grew sheepish. “Everyone was less than impressed that I turned away the chance to go in to Lykos Fields when it was just a few feet in front of me.”

Aurora recognized that even that short statement meant something. So did Ruby. But Anita felt a dash of amusement when they moved their attention to Belle. It seemed she was the most well-read of the three. Now they were waiting on her to fill in the blanks. Again. These three operated like their own family. 

Belle told them, “Lykos Fields is a place of terrific honor for those of wolf-kind. Back before I left my family home, I came across that information in a book. Gates do serve as a wall. But there’s even a gate guardian that passes judgment on who is worthy enough to enter. His name escapes me. For now, at least.”

“Hang on.” Aurora furrowed her brow as she began thinking hard. “Just where do you go if you aren’t worthy?”

“That is another discussion for a different day.” Belle reflected. “I believe we are now at the part of a reaction or ‘choice words’ that Anita’s pack had when she came back.”

“Mother,” said Ruby to Anita. “Has Belle missed anything?”

“No. I suppose that the important matter for the moment would be that my pack decided to consider me as unclean, because even though I was fully qualified to enter Lykos Fields then and there, I chose to take the second chance offered of me by the guardian. Do you understand?” 

Feeling immense love towards her mother, Ruby said, “I do.”

“Then,” Belle realized. “Are you saying that you’re more interested in following through than spending eternity in regret?” 

Anita responded, “Exactly. My pack was not so understanding because our time with lovely Leyla was just so short.” 

“I have a curious family situation. So too does Belle. I am sure you are going to figure even a little bit of it out, in addition to whatever it is you know that she and I do not.” Aurora told Anita. “But have you even seen your pack?”

“No. I have absolutely no desire to because it took returning from death to see that the world is big. And so beautiful.” explained Anita. “I escaped the curse. But I lived in the apocalypse it created. So I roamed the land for twenty-eight years. There was nothing else I could really do.”

Ruby studied her mother as she asked, “What happened when things picked back up?”

“My life then became about avoiding the criminals.” Anita delivered her next words with a shudder. “But then I had to work very hard when I realized that Li Shang was loose.”

Upon the realization that things had come full circle, Aurora protested, “This isn’t happening!” 

Now Belle said to Anita, “But then you made it here quite recently. Were you nearby when we were all in the woods? Just give us the truth. Please.”

Anita confessed, “I was watching from a distance for the entire time. And I was ready to protect any one of you. Just in case.”

Ruby complained, “Why didn’t you show yourself?!” 

Aurora and Belle chorused, “Shang.”

“Yes.” Anita confirmed. “Exactly like his father did, that man hunts werewolves in the name of eradication. Would I fight him for one of you if I had to? Yes. And I still will, if the occasion happens to occur. But I was not about to risk everything just then when I saw him speaking with all of you. Also…”

Ruby arched one eyebrow as she understood where her mother’s mind had gone. “Ah. I take it that you saw the fairies?”

“Mhm.” said Anita. “I did.”

Aurora spoke to Ruby in amusement. “I have not forgotten that you said your mother does not really like magic. But are the fairies and the werewolves not friendly with one other?”

Belle said thoughtfully, “I believe that a more adequate phrase would be ‘healthy fear.’ Such is how I came to understand it when my other half explained it to me.”

Promptly making one more connection, Anita remarked to Belle, “There have always been whispers that your other half is the name-connoisseur. Is that real?”

“Mhm.” Belle stood. “I am all but his wife.”

“Where is he?” asked Anita. 

“Back in town.” Ruby told her mother as she and Belle also stood. “Please come along. We have so much more to discuss.”

Anita followed them away. 

Chapter Text

Anita cheerfully marveled over the details of the walking trail as she headed along with Ruby, Aurora, and Belle. She no longer felt as turned around as she did when she’d first locked eyes with her daughter on Main Street. There were many thoughts yet swirling around in her head. Anita so desperately wished for some place where she could unpile them, but she decided to just go one step at a time. For now. Besides… She soon found herself distracted. And how. 

Catching up to the others again after she’d paused to look at some interesting plants, Anita said, “Just what is it that you three have been giggling over together for the past few minutes? Hm? Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

Belle responded in great faux-innocence, “Hm. I suppose this is the part where I say that rather a lot of people from our world are back in town. One might think some of them to be in the category of ‘old wives tales.’ And they will certainly say so of you…”

“But,” Aurora tacked on thoughtfully. “But I think that all three of us can think of one person in particular whom you should speak with… Although mostly because it’d be unavoidable.”

“Uh-huh.” Belle and Ruby chimed. “That’s for sure.”

Anita pressed, “Who…?”

Gleefully, Ruby answered, “Your mother.”

Feeling dread at the thought because she already hadn’t gotten along with her mother in the years leading up to their falling-out, Anita reacted. Instinctively. 

“Well,” sighed Belle when the older woman bolted. “At least she’s going in to town.”

Aurora quipped, “That is a small win I will take. For now.”

“Agreed.” Ruby motioned for her companions to follow her. “Hey. Come on. I have a feeling that she’ll stop at the trail’s end.”

Ruby was not wrong. A smidgeon of logic had caught up to Anita. She had made it to Main Street earlier because of sheer dumb luck. Beyond that, however, the woman had no idea about anything. Except that her old-world clothes were heavy. And out of place. But her companions showed mercy, especially in regard to the fashion dilemma. It really was impractical for everyday Storybrooke life. 

They brought Anita to the clothier. He helped all new town transplants with acclimation in this way. And Anita was pleased. She soon found herself the owner of a splendid earthen-colored vintage tea-length dress, a pair of red-colored tights, an emerald-colored trench coat, even tall black steel-capped boots like Ruby’s own that laced all the way up to her knees. Anita felt complete.

The world around her had well and truly changed, but now she at least looked like she belonged. Anita also pretended not to notice when the clothier told Ruby that he would not take a penny. Kindness was not an act the woman was used to. Ever.  

From there, the unlikely traveling party made it back to Ruby’s room back at the inn. A pit stop had to be made before anything else occurred from there. Upon closing her door firmly, Ruby put her mother’s things away for safekeeping. Then she disappeared into her closet.

So Anita looked around Ruby’s room. This was her daughter’s innermost sanctuary. And it showed just what kind of person that Ruby had grown up to become. Exactly like the rest of the rooms in the establishment, Ruby’s featured a bed and a bedside table, as well as a dresser, a closet, plus a washroom. The woman also noticed a tall number of potted plants around the room. Sighting them also brought forth a pang of guilt.

Anita still had yet one more secret. And she didn't know whom she’d share it with. If anyone. But Anita perked up at the sight innumerable book stacks around Ruby's room.  

So she asked her, “Is reading a pastime?”

“Oh, yes.” Ruby confirmed. “I have read every book in this room.”

“Why,” quipped Anita. “It’s as if you have your own library.”

“Hm.” Ruby finally emerged from her closet. “How clever that you should say so. Belle keeps our library here. It is just across the lane.”

“Oh?” said Anita. “May we please go?”

“It’s closed today, but we will go tomorrow and Aurora will probably join us because we do a lot together. Everybody knows. My friend will also bring her son, Phillip. The boy loves people.” mused Ruby. “Most of all? That baby loves being read to. I indulge him when Aurora is busy…”

“Please,” Anita rose to her feet and joined her daughter. “Just use your words.”

The younger woman said, “Aurora’s little boy gets the giggles whenever he sees me. And he loves to hug me when I hold him. Aurora said Phillip figured that out by himself. And all the same? Both of us agree that the boy emits content around me."   

“Hm. I see.” Anita said. “Please: go on.”

“Aurora is a survivor of her own special kind of terror. Belle, too. But you know? My friends also emit content.” Ruby cleared her throat. “I think that Phillip, Aurora, and Belle imprinted on me. Is that a thing at all? Honestly? I have no idea.”

Anita asked her, “Just how much do you love them?” 

Ruby answered, “I love the baby like a nephew. Aurora and Belle? The three of us love each other like sisters. And they also know exactly what I am.”

“Seems like they also embraced it.” Anita reflected. “So as to answer the question: yes.”

“Oh.” said Ruby. “That’s a relief.”

“I agree with you.” Anita tacked on. “And imprinting is ‘a thing,’ to borrow a phrase that you just used. But Leyla…”

She said, “Yes?”

Anita gave her a kind look. “They imprinted on you because they’re your pack. Understand?”

Promptly feeling her heart flood with emotion, Ruby answered softly, “Uh-huh. I do understand. Thanks for telling me.”

Anita bobbed her head. “Of course. Are there more in your pack?”

Ruby said in truth, “Yes. But Aurora, Belle, and Phillip are the main three.”

Noticing that her daughter seemed on the verge of bursting from bottled-up feelings, Anita pointed to something Ruby was holding. “Just what is this about?”

Ruby swiftly straightened herself out. She’d been so wrapped up in the conversation about imprinting that she’d genuinely forgotten what she’d removed from her closet in the first place: an emerald-colored leather satchel. 

“This is for you.” Ruby handed it to Anita. “Life around this town means expecting the unexpected. But it also means having some place to put your treasures of the day. I suppose that I should mention that there’s another young member of my pack, too. She is very brand-new at using magic.”

“Oh?” said Anita with vast interest. 

“Mhm.” Ruby handed Anita her bag. “The little one is going to be taken with you because you are my mother. And I haven’t a doubt she will create something to demonstrate affection.”

"Ah. Now you’re also making sure I have some place to put her token because after whatever happens next, we probably won’t be back to this building for a while.” now Anita tried her bag on. “Is that it?”

Ruby said, "Yes. Quite like the clothier, I provide help to newcomers. Except…”

When Ruby's thought process trailed away because of a new emotion-flood, Anita picked up the slack. “Except you give people beautiful bags in which to hold their own treasures. Just in case they have no place to go at first. I will ask later about why the task has fallen to you. But I need you to know that I think it’s amazing. Noble, even.”

“Really?” Ruby said in genuine surprise. “Why?”

“Because it means you give people even a little bit of security. That can really make a difference when someone’s world is going the wrong way.” Anita caressed her daughter’s face gently. “Amazing. You grew up to be so beautiful and so kind. I can’t wait to get to know you, precious daughter. But only should you have me.”

Ruby answered her, “I definitely will. Truly. But I guess that the heaviness of everything has been hitting me in waves. But… is that bad?”

“No.” Anita pulled Ruby into a warm hug. “The feelings are normal. We’ve been given a second chance. I am willing to do whatever you need.”

“Even,” Ruby mumbled as she sank into her mother’s embrace. “If we’re talking about a hug?”

Anita pulled her daughter closer to her. “Especially if we’re talking about a hug.”

Mother and child then spent the next smidgeon of time in their own bubble together. Each had spent so long without one another that every moment from this one forward was all about making it up as they went forward. But it was what worked. That was that. And no one could take it away from them. Ever.

Anita did still feel nervous about reuniting with her own mother soon. However, that could wait. And it had to. Ruby needed her. 

Chapter Text

While Ruby and Anita reconnected, Aurora and Belle stood together in the hallway. Both of them were content to wait. On the other hand, each princess felt like pinching herself. Rather a lot of cosmic things had been unfolding. And they happened to be in the middle of it. For now? They were just catching their breath.

“Is it just me, or is there something both mysterious and comforting about Anita?” said Aurora at length. “Me, I have only ever heard rumors about her before. And even that was a long time ago. Still…”

“I also feel it.” Belle responded. “Plus, Ruby generates the exact same feelings that Anita does in that fashion. She always has.”

“Oh.” reflected Aurora. “That feels nice to know.”

Belle went on, “I suppose that Anita is whom Ruby inherited those traits from. And Anita would have gotten them from Granny. Does that make sense?”

Aurora said, “Yes. But…”

Kindly, Belle asked, “What is it?”

Now Aurora said, “Where was your kingdom?”

“Directly at the foot of Piracore Mountain Pass. But the area is extremely rural. It took at least two days to get to the closest village.” answered Belle. “In the north, anyway.”

“Oh? But what of any to the south?” Aurora wanted to know.

“Golnan Wood was in the way.” Belle shrugged. “So it took longer.”  

Easily remembering that forest for having been ogre-adjacent, Aurora said, “I see.”

Now redirecting the conversation before her friend could wander off the mark because of what had to be bad memories, Belle asked her, “Why are you asking about where my home was?”

“Before I… slept…” Aurora cleared her throat. “My kingdom well and truly fell apart. Invoking Maleficent’s wrath was the opposite of clever on my parents’ part. The way I recall it, it was my father’s idea. But my mother went along with it because she was expected to.”

Curious, Belle asked, “Who explained this to you?”

“Phillip and Mulan. Their version of events came out when I asked for it. But anyway… I paid the price for my father’s foolishness, didn’t I? Now it’s become what it’s become.” said Aurora. “By the time that you began to send anyone even remotely in my direction, my kingdom was but a great wasteland.”

“Oh. I understand that because the same became of mine before I made my exodus.” recalled Belle. “Then I heard that your parents passed away…?”

“Correct.” Aurora then had a moment of pause before taking the plunge with her next thought process. “I wish to tell you a secret. Our favorite fairy leader will probably figure it out, if she hasn’t already, because that’s just her way. But I will tell Mulan.”

Cottoning on, Belle realized, “That is because she is all but your wife.”

“Exactly.” confirmed Aurora. “One more question: is your other half who I think…?”

“Mhm.” said Belle. “I have my secrets with him and he has quite a number with me. But I would never betray anyone else’s to him. I even understand that you’re not saying his name because you don’t wish to summon him. That’s fine. You have my word that I will tell nobody anything about the words you seem anxious to tell me. Go on. What is it?”

“I believe in magic because I was taught to respect it. But I even find it fascinating. And someone whom I love like a sister comes from a line of magical creatures, doesn’t she?” now Aurora took extra care to center herself. “Phillip and Mulan did also tell me that my parents passed away while I slept. They told me so because it was what they know…”

Belle asked Aurora, “Did you trust the accuracy of what you were told?”

“I still do.” Aurora said. “My father was kind but overwhelmingly goal-oriented.” 

Thinking of her own father, Belle reflected, “I really do understand even that aspect.”

“Good.” approved Aurora. “I believe that my father is dead. But ever since Ruby brought Hope to my door, I have been filled with hope that my mother is alive. Why her and not also my father? I have no idea. But Storybrooke…”

Thinking now of the twenty-eight years that she’d spent alone before being brought the chance to rehabilitate, Belle said, “It really is a place of beginning anew. Full-stop.”

“What happened to you?” Aurora wanted to know.

“That is a different story for a different day. And we will have that conversation. I promise.” the younger woman answered. “But being part of the recent chain of events has gotten you even more hopeful?”

“Yes.” answered the older princess. “But is that foolish?”

“Mm-mm. I would give anything to be able to hold my mother again. Unfortunately, Colette was a casualty of war.” Belle told Aurora. “I still won’t share your secret. But I can also promise you that our favorite fairy leader and her pupil are excellent listeners. They are kind to those who are kind to them. Especially people who respect magic.”

“Gods. Thank you for telling me that, Belle. I mean it. And I will most certainly seek one of them out when I can.” Aurora pulled herself together before she started crying. “In our land, our kingdom was beautiful before it became the nation’s topmost eyesore. But before all that? Before the drought and the famine? We were a forest realm.”

Privately wondering how old Aurora was, Belle said, “Oh. Avonlea was near the woods, but the last home I lived in before coming to this land was in the Infinite Forest.”

Greatly surprised, Aurora protested, “I beg your pardon?!” 

Belle said calmly, “I promise you that that is fact. Living where I did also gave me a tremendous opportunity so as to learn about our land on the whole. And I recall everything. Your kingdom was between that of Lake Nostos and the proper mouth of The Infinite Forest. Have I missed anything?”

Aurora shook her head. “No. Very good. I could sometimes hear wolves howling at night in the forest when I was younger. Did you?”

Again wondering how old Aurora was, Belle answered, “Yes. I could and I was never frightened when I heard them. Wolves are predators by nature. I know that. All the same… I felt only peace. My father thought that to be absurd.”

Aurora said, “So did mine. But now… You and I know each other. The two of us also have a charming friendship with Ruby. I cherish it the way I know that you do.” 

Pleased that Aurora was an observant person, Belle noted, “She also adores us.”

“Mhm.” Belle agreed. “That is definitely true.”

“So,” Aurora chuckled nervously. “I would also be remiss to not mention how Ruby’s mother has also noticed our friendship with her. Even that she grew emotional about the fact.”

“Hm. Good point. And there’s also the part where Anita seems to genuinely like us.” said Belle. “But what are you saying? That we have some of the pieces to a puzzle and no clear full picture?”

“Yes, Belle. That is exactly what I am saying. However, I am at a loss for words about where to go from here.” answered Aurora. “What are we to do?”

But Belle found herself lamenting, “I wish I knew.”

The door to Ruby’s room opened again before the duo could say anything further on the topic. And so they gathered themselves. Now that Anita’s appearance had been tarted up, all four women understood more than ever what was to happen from this point.

Granny was behind the main counter in the diner. 

Having nothing more to do just then, the old woman watched those at the biggest dining table. Mulan and Hope seemed to have become the center of attention. But neither seemed to mind. Just belonging to a family unit, no matter how peculiar, that loved them and wanted them was enough. Granny’s favorite part? Those at the table there were the only patrons in the place. For now.

But everyone soon fell quiet. They then shifted their collective attention towards the area of the establishment leading to the inn. Granny followed the group’s gaze. And her heart leapt.

Belle and Aurora had returned from their detour with Ruby. But… In their company was…

Granny cried out in shock, “ANITA?!”

Both Aurora and Belle worked quickly to yank Ruby out of the way. Last thing she needed was for either of her elders to unintentionally collide with her as they reunited. Granny and Anita saw only each other. No one else. Anita even burst into tears, the moment her mother pulled her in for one big hug. And she barely remembered to return her mother’s affection before the thought left her head altogether.

Anita spoke again when they pulled apart. “I have so much to tell you. But… I haven’t any clue about the beginning. Mother? Is that bad?”

Granny shook her head. “No.”

Anita searched her mother’s face when she realized there was one more impending thought. “Hey. What is it?”

Speaking very carefully, Granny told Anita, “I forgive you.”

Taken aback because she knew at once what her mother was talking about that warranted forgiveness, Anita blurted, “Really?”

Wiping Anita’s tears for her, Granny said, “Yes. I mean it. Really. I just can’t believe that you’re alive.”

Face burning, Anita carefully asked, “Then I suppose you heard what happened to me to make me end up so?”

Granny told her, “I did. We can talk about it later, after I get you a room. Alright? The day is far from over just now. But what really matters is that precious Ruby has her mother back. Our family is whole. And we have a commodity we’ve never had. Even once.”

“Oh.” said Anita. “You mean peace.”

Aurora and Belle now gave Ruby a gentle nudge in the others’ direction. They watched as the others hugged each other. And were they pleased to bear witness to an unfolding sight so lovely? Of course. But each wished they could hug their own mothers again.

Over at the table, Regina had a small jump when she noticed Snow. It seemed she had grown startled. Curious.

Regina hissed, “What is it?”

“The one and only time I ever met Anita,” Snow told her. “I was on the run from you.”

Feeling the wind leave her sails prematurely, Regina said in a matching way, “Oh.”

“I’d met Ruby very shortly before that,” Snow continued. “But… I am absolutely the reason she was never able to know Anita longer than the exceedingly short time they had together after being reunited back in our land.”

Tentatively, Regina said, “What happened?”

Snow answered back, “Anita died. I am pleased that things are happening as they are at the moment. I still feel confused.”

Just down the booth, Robin warned Snow, “Find your mark.”

Snow did. Her timing was quite perfect. Ruby and Granny, supporting Anita, came to stand at the head of the table. They were bookended by their company. But Snow could read a room. It wasn’t long before she found herself looking Ruby’s mother in the eyes. But now? They were much kinder than they had been during the last occasion on which they’d met her own.

Tentatively, Snow said, “Can you remember…?”

“I remember everything. And I will explain myself to you. I promise. You deserve as much of an explanation as my daughter does.” Anita responded without missing a beat. “What I tried to get Ruby to do because of my belief system… Well… I had to literally die and come back to see how outrageously wrong I was about all of it. Can you ever forgive me?”

Without hesitation, Snow told Anita, “Yes.”

Vast relief lifting from her shoulders, Anita said, “Thank you.”

Still continuing to choose kindness, now Snow told Anita, “I have a husband now. And I am a mother. It all happened because I had surprising luck to find the farm where your mother and your daughter lived. They chose to take me in even though I was on the run. And your pack later spared me, anyway. I still have no idea why. But I am alive because of the biggest pack back home. Thank you.”

Reading the room, Belle said to everyone at the table, “Please make way for Mulan to come here.”

And everyone did as told. Rare was the day when Belle bossed anyone around. Rumplestiltskin more than filled the quota on the regular. Still, Belle commanded such authority when in the moment because it was a reminder of how she had had political power in her own realm. Disobeying the woman felt rude. No matter where they were.

Now Ruby watched Anita survey Mulan as she made her way forward. Exactly like most people back home, so too had Anita heard of Mulan’s heroic deeds over the years. Anita also knew of the warrior’s fondness of wolves. And that she believed in protecting them. 

 Bringing Mulan closer when she was in reach, Aurora asked her, “Have you any idea of who exactly this is?”

Rather stunned, Mulan answered, “I do.”

Anita performed a gesture of genuflect in respect as she spoke to Mulan before saying, “I know exactly who you are.”

Extremely taken aback at the gesture, Mulan asked, “But why bow to me? I am no one at all.”

Aurora tutted, “We both know that that is not even close to true.”

“I have known about you for quite some time. And the fact that you protect wolves is utterly noble. Thank you for everything, wolfheart. My kind is eternally grateful.” Anita bowed again before straightening up and holding Mulan’s gaze. “I ruled Palahtmor. And my daughter was born within its walls.”

Mulan promptly felt more stunned than ever. 

Palahtmor was a half-sunken castle deep in the middle of The Enchanted Forest. While no one could remember who the original inhabitants were because they had long since left, it so happened that the largest colony of wolves in all the land had called the place home for many decades. That was that.

Greatly insular, the wolves did at least keep the ‘smaller environmental pests’ in check. By eating them. And the local farmers were grateful. Was the balance a curious one? Yes. But it worked. Even that was that.

Still, the kingdom closest to the castle of Palahtmor was Mulan’s.

And now that Anita sood before her? Mulan suddenly grew beset by the feeling that they had met some time in the past. She just couldn’t explain why. But on balance, Mulan elected to sort her feelings out with Aurora later on. She hoped.

Mulan said, “Your territory was but half a day away from where I grew up. How fortuitous. But…”

“Yes?” Anita gently prompted. “What is it?”

Mulan asked carefully, “Does this mean that we have now become friends?”

“Yes.” Anita said. “It also means, Mulan, that I will mother your family.”

“But why?” Mulan asked in surprise.

Ever patient, Anita said, “Because it is no secret back home that you and Aurora are parentless.”

“Oh.” Mulan reflected. “That is correct.”

“Then life happened for me to the point where I was unable to be with my daughter while she was growing up. For that, I am determined to learn about her life as it presently is. And she knows that. I am also determined to try with your family.” Anita made another sweeping respect here. “But… It will only happen if you should have me.”

Now Mulan felt astounded. 

If she was recalling facts correctly, Anita was the queen of her colony. Or at least she had been during her previous lifetime. And in this one, the woman revered her. Now Anita also wished to protect her family. One great reason that Mulan had been so shunned by her neighbors back home was because her family situation had always been the furthest thing from traditional. Ever. 

So just who was she to deny a queen?

“Yes. Please. And thanks very much.” Mulan bowed as best she could. “Truly. I would be honored for you to look after us now.

Also bowing in respect, Aurora said, “As would I. Thank you. It has been rather some time since I have had a mother at all.” 

Mulan sighed in lament, “How I dislike that I can say the same about myself.”

Anita lovingly consoled her new surrogate children. Had this been part of her original intentions at all? No. Right now, it was all about being a port in a storm to a family adrift in an ocean. It was the right thing to do. Especially given past memories. But that was a different ballad.

Meanwhile, Ruby experienced great pride towards her mother. Anita was well and truly trying to be a good person. A great many things were yet to be discussed. Yet… Here was Anita choosing kindness because she wished to. And that had become enough.

But then Ruby pulled her head out of the clouds in time to watch Mulan, Aurora, and Belle to those yet at the table. Great amusement occurred upon reaching the final stop. Ruby’s thoughts were justified immediately. 

Hope had grown agog at the sight of Anita. But so had Phillip. Each was experiencing a cosmic pull in the wolf queen’s direction. But because the children could only gape, no other thoughts but astonishment were filling their minds. It was funny. Sort of.

Anita asked, “What is happening?”

Aurora sighed, “My children seem to have completely forgotten themselves. But what has me surprised is that my s… Hey! Hope!”

Aurora had called the child’s name admonishingly. To the surprise of everyone, Phillip had risen telekinetically from where he had been on Blue’s lap. Now the boy could be seen hovering a fraction of an inch above the tabletop. And he was laughing hysterically.

Beside Phillip, Hope made a show of laying her hands flat on the tabletop. It was her attempt to show that she was not performing magic. And it appeared to be true. Zero indications of any magic was emanating from them.

With very Mulan-esque exasperation, Hope said, “Mummy! It was my brother!” 

Everyone else’s eyes fell to Aurora. She even halted as she began to process what all Hope had said in front of everyone. Aurora knew that Hope had a deep affection for her and for Phillip. Still… She’d had no idea that Hope cared for them enough to consider them her family. Knowing that she actually did felt surreal.

Quite unable to help herself, Aurora dropped her guard as she asked, “What did you say?”

Exasperation mounting, Hope spoke as clearly as she could. “Mama is mama. Phillip is my brother. You are mummy. I love him. And you.”

While Aurora continued to flounder, Anita said to Hope on her behalf, “But you didn’t make the baby float?”

Pleased that someone was at last cottoning on, Hope tapped the tabletop as she cried, “Yes!” 

But she then just as quickly burst into giggles when she realized whom she’d spoken to. And Hope even looked away. This woman enchanted her. Just as Ruby did.

On Hope’s other side, Emma asked her, “What’s the matter?”

Hope answered reverently, “But she’s a queen!” 

Wondering if Hope was aware of how many royals had been at the table all along, Emma said, “Uh-huh. That’s true. Excellent job. Have any last words for now?”  

But with all the seriousness that she could muster, Hope asked Emma, “Should I bow?”

“Hm. I think,” Emma pointed to Hope’s half-eaten lunch before her. “That you should finish that.”

Deciding that Emma had a point, Hope returned to her spaghetti and meatballs. Phillip soared through the air and into Aurora’s outstretched arms when she made eye contact with him. And the boy laughed about it. Rather loudly.

When Aurora had caught her son and felt confident he wouldn’t float away again, she said to Anita, “I have always been told that my line is of humankind. But… Phillip is well and truly the first one born of me to demonstrate magic of any type. I think he wanted to be closer to you.”

Chiming in, Belle to Anita, “You know? I bet he and Hope have realized that your present form is but a guise.”

“Oh.” responded Anita. “That makes perfect sense.”

Then reaching out, Anita gently rubbed Phillip’s back. The little boy giggled softly. But then he curled up against Aurora before ultimately looking away from Anita. However… He did appreciate Anita’s gentleness. It was enough.

Shifting her attention to Aurora, now Anita said, “I’ve never had cause for being around human children. So I suppose it’s fair to say I don’t know much about them on the whole. But the fact that the ones present are so unafraid of my mother, my daughter, and myself brings me hope. Tremendously.”

Aurora praised, “Outstanding.”

“I,” Mulan said to Anita. “Can only say that Hope is acting like she is because we’ve both heard many whispers about you. Many. I think she thinks that you were a myth. Now it appears that she’s preoccupied with understanding that you are most certainly real.” 

“I am flattered. But I am happy to go at her pace.” Anita said kindly. “By the way…”

Realizing that she was addressing both of them, Mulan and Aurora said, “Yes?”

Anita gave yet another deepened bow before looking at the couple as she said, “Your family is beautiful.” 

Blushing spectacularly, Mulan and Aurora chorused, “Thank you.”

Bailing them out before anyone became speechless, Ruby spoke pointedly to the booth occupants. “Hey. Is there any room for us?”

But Ruby’s words broke the moment. 

Everyone who hadn’t already eaten remembered that they were hungry. So the next while found everyone dining together again like the family they were. Some people even ordered their favorite desserts. Hope even conjured up a stuffed brown wolf toy for Anita as a friendship token. The woman graciously accepted it before storing it in the new bag that Ruby had given her earlier on. 

Aurora noticed over the course of the meal that Mulan had grown increasingly lost in thought. Strange. But this was exactly what was going on for the warrior just then. Anita felt distantly familiar to her. Mulan couldn’t place why this was. Not knowing bothered her. Big time. Unable to actually read Mulan’s mind, Aurora decided that she’d ask later.

Chapter Text

After lunch, people started to go their separate ways. For the most part. Hope seemed to have different ideas. And she was handling them creatively. 

Hope had parked herself on Tinker Bell’s lap. And she did not seem keen on moving away from her godmother. Hope was in the middle of a scheme. And her glee was apparent. Everyone could follow along because it was funny. 

Tinker Bell spoke from a place of amusement. “Hm. Well… I was going to go to the river. But never mind. I like this.”

Mulan hissed at her, “Hope!”

Aurora made a rising signal with one hand. “Get up!”

She ignored them both, although inspiration arrived when she noticed that Blue hadn’t left yet. Immense curiosity was rolling off the old creature in waves. Hope couldn’t help noticing because Blue’s curiosity felt exactly like a warm hug. 

On a whim, Hope even extended one hand. Blue took it.

Nearly at once, a surge of magenta-colored magic emanated from Hope’s hand and enveloped Blue’s. Then Hope grabbed Tinker Bell’s closest hand with her free one. Yet more magenta-colored magic surged forth. It even seemed stronger.

Mulan said softly to Aurora, “Hey. Look.”

Aurora followed her discreet indication. Just a foot to their left, Granny, Anita, Ruby, and Belle had also been watching Hope expand her hold on the fairies. But then Aurora realized something else. The other four happened to be responding to Hope’s latest spell generation. Aurora didn’t fail to notice that Mulan was absently rubbing soothing but strategic soothing circles on her baby bump. Or that even Phillip had become hypnotized by Hope’s power. 

Choosing maturity, Aurora then repeated to Hope with a tad more emphasis, “Get up.”

Without breaking her concentration, Hope answered carefully, “No…?”

And then a very surprising thing happened altogether. In a puff of magenta-colored smoke that coincided with a familiar muted poofing sound, Hope winked out of sight completely. It happened so swiftly that the adults could only stare. But Phillip soon broke the tension. By laughing. Hysterically.

Easing herself back into the booth, Mulan said, “I can promise each of you that I have no idea where her magic is coming from. None at all. My line is human. Same for Hope’s father.”

Yet trying to sooth her very giggly baby, Aurora found herself asking, “What happens now?”

Blue sent an extremely gentle surge of magic in Phillip’s direction. He quickly absorbed before letting out a yawn bigger than himself before he rubbed his eyes and curled up against Aurora. She just let out a relieved sigh. Though her son was cheerful even for a baby, Phillip was known to get caught in long loops of laughter until he got weepy with exhausted frustration. 

Standing up and coming around the table, Tinker Bell said, “I will find Hope.”

Anita and Ruby chorused, “Then we will help.”

“I’m sitting this one out for obvious reasons,” Granny tapped the floor with one show. “But I trust that someone will regale me later…?”

Quickly realizing that her mother’s words were aimed at her, Anita said, “Yes.”

“Not helping to look for a child who so admires my tracking skills feels wrong,” Belle remarked. “So count me in.”

Blue spoke in barely-concealed amusement. “Then I suppose I will come along to make sure none of you gets injured. Or wanders away from the mark.”

While Blue began herding the other adventurers away, Anita said to Aurora and Mulan, “One of us will come calling when we find Hope.”

Aurora and Mulan said, “Thank you. And good luck.”

Granny went back to the kitchen to see about the booth getting cleared of its dishes. 

Aurora returned her attention to Mulan. She was resting in her seat. And her hands were splayed once more over her vast midsection. Mulan looked tired. Radiant, even Aurora felt her heart jump over that last observation. But she next experienced a large dose of reality.

Mulan had a reputation for being fierce because she was. 

But…  

The warrior seemed more care-worn than Aurora could remember of her before. The princess also noticed that Mulan bore a scar on one cheek. Her other half had been through something. Whatever it was, it had traumatized her. Greatly. Aurora was by no means unfamiliar with such a feeling. But she realized Mualn would relax more when they were somewhere calmer than their current location.

Just as quickly taking heed of the time and a certain change in her body, Aurora gave Mulan her hand. “Please come along.”

Mulan groaned as she let the younger woman haul her to her feet and steady her, “I am tired. And so huge. What happens from here?”

Aurora told Mulan, “Our son really needs to be fed. So it’s time to go handle that. My bed’s very soft. I will even sit with you…”

Realizing just what Aurora was driving at, Mulan said, “Ah. Is this the part where I fully explain myself?” 

Balancing Phillip on her opposite hip, Aurora then guided Mulan to lean against her as she said, “Yes. But we can take our time. Hope will be perfectly safe. I believe that she is having a learning moment we cannot assist with.”

“Still…” Mulan sighed. “Our daughter has attracted the attention of the one who tamed the name-keeper, two ancient fairies, and even two powerful werewolves. I suppose that that really is that.”

Aurora wrapped her free arm around Mulan’s waist and began to guide her. “Exactly. Now I will take care of you.”

Experiencing another bout of relief, Mulan said, “Thank you.”

In truth, Aurora’s and Phillip’s room was neither too big nor too little. Everything was just right. Although… There was definitely room for a family. Aurora even pretended to not know that her space was the biggest one. It also had all the things one would expect. There were even books and plants everywhere. Just like in Ruby’s room. The thing that well and truly stood out of all was that every painting on the wall depicted stars. Mulan felt even cozy.

The room was even bathed by a soft warm light when Aurora switched on a lamp as she said, “It isn’t much. Still… It’s home.” 

“And I think it’s beautiful.” Mulan indicated the nearest star painting. “Hey. Do you love stars?”

The younger woman told her as she closed the door. “Yes. I do. And I even prefer darkness.”

Thinking of the lamp, Mulan tacked on, “And low light?”

Aurora nodded. “Mhm. But you are the first one to know that about me.”

Taking another guess, now Mulan asked, “Is it because you were asleep for so long…?”

“Yes. I saw an endless field of stars, much like a flower field. And you know? It was beautiful.” now Aurora gave a nervous chuckle. “The stars comforted me...”

Mulan grew gentle at the sight of Aurora growing lost in thought. “Have you ever said that aloud?” 

With a jolt, Aurora said, “No. I never even told Phillip. The two of us were about moving forward and rebuilding our kingdom.”

“I see.” Mulan continued to be gentle. “Was there ever any hope?”

“Mm-mm. I can say there wasn’t any hope.” lamented the princess. “Our kingdom was dying.”

Mulan held one of her companion’s hands and kissed it. “I am so deeply sorry.”

Kissing Mulan’s hand a few times in return as her heart raced, Aurora still remembered herself enough to say, “Thank you.”

Mulan’s own heart fluttered from gentleness. There were many things she was about to share. And she hoped Aurora would still even like her. But feeling the gentleness at this juncture made her burst into tears. Nearly. How she loved this woman.

But Mulan still pulled herself together to say, “Am I correct in guessing that you gave birth when it was dark?”

Nodding, Aurora said, “Yes. And wolves could even be heard howling close by…”

Mulan finished, “But you’re wondering if one of them was Anita?”

“Yes.” confessed Aurora. “Is that absurd?”

Mulan said seriously, “No. I am choosing to believe that it was.”

“But why?” asked Aurora blankly. 

“I heard wolves on the night that Hope joined the universe. And,” Mulan grew thoughtful as she tacked on a new thought. “I believe everyone was on the other side of my wall.”

Very startled, Aurora bleated, “That is how close they were when Phillip was born!”

Before Aurora could spiral, Mulan pointed out some very interesting room features. “What are these about?”

Aurora jumped when she saw exactly what Mulan was pointing to. 

By Phillip’s crib could be seen a cocoon-like bed fit for a child a handful of years older than him. It even hung from the ceiling. Right inside could be seen a nest of blankets and pillows. Aurora had never seen such a bed. 

However… Its color was a giveaway about who had gifted it because it was a familiar shade of dark blue. Aurora could even see a very big and matching steamer trunk nearby. Completing the luggage was a folded-over notecard atop the lid. Strange.

But Aurora said, “I think I know exactly whose magic has been at work here.”

Mulan laughed softly. “As do I.” 

“And I will have a look.” Aurora cleared her throat. “Still, I will help you get comfortable.”

Mulan was happy to let Aurora help her on to the bed. She even removed her shoes for her and put them away. 

What surprised Mulan the most was that she accomplished all of it with one hand. Her other was tightly clamped around Phillip, to keep him in place on her hip. He watched her every move with intense curiosity and even had one arm slung over one his mother’s shoulders. His other was holding tightly onto Aurora’s dress, too. They had a routine. 

Still something else came to Mulan. And she experienced a great swell of pity.

“Aurora,” she said. “Are you used to being alone?”

The other woman’s face momentarily fell. A great torrent of emotions even crossed it, even one of great grief. Here was a person who had suffered hugely in a different way. The reaction told Mulan everything she needed to know. 

Aurora answered, “Yes. I am used to being alone because I was the only child my parents chose to have. But I did not even meet Phillip until my fourteenth birthday.”  

Truly caught off-guard, Mulan asked, “Really?”

“Mhm. Really.” Aurora replied. “I will not bore you with details. But still… The answer to your question is yes, even taking Phillip into account. And what about you?” 

“Taking Hope and the incoming little one into account, I am also used to being by myself. Lack of adult companionship can be saddening.” Mulan hurried along before the point was lost. “Our new home right really is about beginning anew. But why not help each other since we made it this far? I still have a lot to tell you while you feed Phillip. Understand?”

Aurora said, “Uh-huh. I do.”

“Then,” Mulan indicated Phllip. “May I start by holding him while you see what our winged benefactor left us?”

Aurora felt her jump yet again. She cared for Hope because of who her mother was. It came naturally. Aurora even felt like this the daughter Mulan carried now. Knowing now that Mulan regarded Phillip like a son meant everything. 

Which worked out. 

Phillip was leaning in Mulan’s direction. And now? His arms were outstretched.

Setting the baby into Mulan’s arm’s, Aurora said, “Here you go. Phillip adores people. Oh. Look.”

Though it seemed to take all of his effort, Phillip was now standing on his very wobbly legs because he wanted to be level with Mulan. And then he hugged her. Mulan returned his offered affection by gently hugging him and then supporting him as he continued to stand on the mattress. Phillip was wide-eyed at the sight of her. And so? Mulan indulged him.

“Hello, little one.” Mulan rubbed Phillip’s back as he continued to hug her. “I love you.”

The little boy sighed in content at Mulan’s kind tone. But then he reengaged eye contact. Aurora noticed why. Mulan had begun playing with him. Now the pair saw only each other.

Aurora watched her family fondly. Then came her slew of wonderings.

Just what had Mulan meant by, “I still have a lot to tell you”? Did it have to do with Shang? He had already appeared once. What if the man found them again? And… What if he did something bad? Aurora felt worried. She also missed her parents. 

Aurora knew that she and her loved ones had landed in this odd land for a reason. 

Still… Aurora just hated that the circumstances that surrounded the current version of her family’s coming to be were bad. Nothing about her life was quiet. Ever. The current issues were just the latest installment.

And Aurora grew distracted again.

Phillip’s delighted laughter had filled the air. Mulan had truly amused him. And so the boy made it known. Mulan truly loved this child as if she had borne him herself. The boy seemed to be picking up on it. So this made their bonding easier. 

How did Aurora feel? Rather pleased.

Then her heart skipped a beat when a new thought process occurred to her.

Mulan had clearly been through a tremendous amount of upheaval. And Aurora had a feeling she was about to learn the full extent. She was already preparing. But… Aurora even had a feeling that the brave warrior front was just that: a front, a guise. It had hardened Mulan over the years. Had anyone ever figured it out? Aurora didn’t think so. By any means.  

The person sitting on the bed with Phillip… This was the real Mulan. And she had only just now chosen to take off her armor. Why? Because she knew she was very safe. 

Mulan had grown tired, felt vulnerable in more ways than one, but the woman was yet able to show love to others because life had not succeeded in beating it out of her. This woman had survived some kind of hell. Did Aurora feel frightened about what she could learn? Yes.

But she was willing to learn.

Chapter Text

When sleep came for Phillip after Mulan played with him after Aurora paused in her activities to feed him, it did not take long for the little boy to fall asleep in his caregiver’s arms. He knew she loved him. And that was enough. Mulan gently set Phillip in his crib once she felt sure he was asleep.  

Meanwhile… 

Aurora used the time to finally look in the blue steamer trunk standing near Hope’s hanging cocoon bed. The contents of a folded note atop the trunk told Aurora exactly who had provided the new presents. Blue. To that end… Aurora experienced tremendous gratitude. Her family had someone who loved them. Dearly.

Then she received a surprise when she did at last open the trunk. It was bigger inside than out. While Aurora did find this odd, she was more intrigued than anything else. And she also reminded herself that her family’s benefactor was quite literally magical. So… This meant that anything could happen.

Aurora was quickly proved correct.  

The trunk itself was filled with all kinds of books, toys, and other useful items for her family that she would have never otherwise thought of. Each of these had been tucked around three smaller trunks. They contained many clothing and footwear choices for herself and her family. 

Aurora’s gratitude only increased. Everything was all more than enough. It seemed Blue just wanted to take care of them. Even just for awhile. Being loved by her felt amazing.

Still… 

Mulan’s hurried but hushed tone cut through her thoughts. “Rora… Please come over here. Just… Try not to make any sudden movements.”

“Hm?” Aurora stood. “Gods…” 

Aurora's heart had jumped into her throat as the reality of what she was looking at caught up with her. She even sat on the bed. 

Mulan’s hands were both aglow in some kind of a warm vibrant turquoise-colored haze. It looked just the same as Hope’s magenta-colored magic that she had brought forth in the diner before vanishing from sight. The only difference here was that where Hope had experienced trepidation, Mulan was feeling perplexed. Even conflicted. 

But Aurora maintained her personal sense of patience and gently laid one hand over Mulan’s heart as she said, “Hey. All you have to do is breathe. Understand?”

“Yes. I do.” Mulan moved Aurora's hand to a different spot and held it one place with both of hers. “I understand what you’re telling me. And I thank you.”

Aurora barely remembered to give a nod of acknowledgement to Mulan’s response. Mulan had touched her with one of her glowing hands. The magic alone had caused vast peace to cascade through Aurora, quite in the blink of an eye. It was the kind that came from being with someone you cared for. Deeply.

But… Aurora was also quite suddenly aware of how very warm and alive Mulan felt. 

The other woman had slipped her hand under the top of her shirt. Now Aurora was touching Mulan’s bare skin. She could even feel her heart begin to beat faster. Mulan was just as fascinated.

She asked rhetorically, “What is happening?”

“I believe,” answered Aurora. “That for some reason unbeknownst that you do have magic. It has never shown itself until now. But… I suppose that whatever it is that is unfolding is one reason Hope has even displayed magic in the first place. And even has the interest of more than one magical creature.”

“Hm.” said Mulan. “That’s a good point.”

“Please be honest with me.” Aurora went on. “Does magic run in your family?”

“I honestly have no idea anymore.” Mulan replied. “My father was incredibly narrow-minded on the matter. He loathed magic. The man was convinced that it was evil.”

Lifting her eyebrows, Aurora asked, “Even when it came from someone good?”

“My father found all magic repulsive.” Mulan said blandly. “And for that? He claimed it made no difference about where it came from.”

Darkly fascinated, Aurora now pressed, “What about your mother?”

Loosening up, Mulan said, “Mama loved magic. And she taught me to embrace it.” 

Aurora this time asked, “Where is she?”

“No idea.” Mulan lamented. “She disappeared quite some time before this current situation began unfolding.”

Aurora said blankly, “I beg your pardon?” 

Mulan shrugged. “We were very close. But I last saw my mother about a week before I was to marry Shang.”

“Mulan,” Aurora’s tone became gentle. “What happened?”

“My mother was as opposed to my arranged marriage to Shang as I was.” recalled Mulan. “She made sure my father knew. To that end? My parents had a terrifically big fight about it one evening. And the next morning… Well… Mama just wasn’t there.”

“Do you think she’s…” Aurora couldn't bring herself to finish the question.

“I have always believed that mama is alive. Somewhere.” Mulan answered firmly. “But I most certainly heard my father strike her.”

“That’s perfectly wretched…” murmured Aurora. 

“Indeed.” Mulan agreed. “That said… My mother is resourceful. Why do you think I know how to navigate nature?”  

Raising her eyebrows again, Aurora said, “Are you saying that she would have run away?”

“I am,” answered Mulan. “Because I have always chosen to believe that she would have found refuge with a good magical being.”

“Then I believe it with you.” Aurora decided. “What is your mother’s name?”

“She is called Fa Jia. And I look exactly like her. I would look for her. But…” she pointed to her vast middle and then heaved a sigh. “So… Now I would just give anything even to learn about where my precious mother is.”

Aurora opened her mouth to reply. But she became distracted immediately. Something else had caught her attention.    

“Mulan,” Aurora held the other woman’s hands up for her to see. “I believe the moment has gone.”

And Mulan sighed again. The colored haze had faded. Now her hands were back to their normal appearance. 

“Indeed.” said Mulan. “Shall we consult a fairy later on?”

“Yes.” Mulan agreed.

Gesturing in the direction where Phillip continued to sleep, Mulan asked Aurora, “Is he a heavy sleeper? Yes? Or no?”

Aurora said, “Yes.”

“Then,” Mulan began. “I think we have reached the point where I tell you exactly what happened before we were brought here. But I do not wish to tell the story again for awhile. Okay?”

“Very well.” agreed Aurora. “Then you have my full attention.”

“I am quite sure,” Mulan said sheepishly. “That you can easily recall the day I came to your palace?”

Aurora felt a twisting stab of grief as the memory came back. “Yes. I do.”

“Then I will have you know that I was already traveling because Shang banished me from our village. It was a punishment. We had a war in our kingdom, with a smaller nation. I think the finer details do not matter. But,” Mulan cleared her throat. “I joined the efforts by disguising myself as a man so I could go into battle. I secured a victory. People were extremely proud of me.”

Fascinated, Aurora now asked Mulan, “Did they ever discover your identity?”

“Mhm.” confirmed Mulan. “It came out after I was injured in the fighting and the camp doctor treated me. But no one seemed to care about my deception.” 

Aurora asked her, “When did Shang find out?”

Mulan answered, “Not until after I was home again. We served in two different divisions.And I even returned home first.”

“I see.” observed Aurora. “Where was Hope?”

“I left her in the care of trusted staff.” explained Mulan. “And...”

Giving Mulan’s hands a comforting squeeze, now Aurora asked, “What happened?”

“News of my deeds took time to reach home.” Mulan ran her hand broadly against her baby bump as felt the little one stretch out restlessly. “And then? I was banished so swiftly that I did not get a chance to say good-bye to Hope.”

Feeling devastated, Aurora moved closer as she said, “I am so sorry. Were you pregnant when you came to me?”

“Yes. But,” said Mulan. “I hadn't any idea.”   

“Then where did you go after that?” Aurora wanted to know.

“I aimlessly wandered the countryside.” Mulan admitted. “But… One evening not long after I left your palace… I bumped into Robin Hood and his men. They were very kind.”

“They do seem like nice people.” reflected Aurora. “How long did you stay in their company?”

Mulan answered, “Just the night. Robin gave me a hot meal, clothes more suitable for travel, even a place to sleep. I left just before sun-up.”

“Why is that?” Aurora asked her.

“I did not want Robin to talk me out of a new idea.” said Mulan. “Otherwise? There was no real way I would have actually done it.”

Cautiously, Aurora said, "What was it?"

“I chose to go back home so I could fetch Hope. Once and for all. Then I would return to you and Phillip to formally seek asylum. Or… something.” Mulan gave another shrug. “Why did I choose to do it? Because I know that we are still worth so much more than the way our lives had been at the time.”

Aurora’s heart caught in her throat as she said, “We would have told you yes. Our home was not the greatest because the kingdom was in vast unrest and experiencing incredible desolation. But we would have made it work. The children even would have had three parents.”

Her heart lifting, Mulan asked, “Would Phillip have loved Hope? And the littlest one?”

“Yes.” Aurora answered confidently. “There were plans to give our boy more siblings. But we also really wanted him to have a sister. Or two. Please hear me when I say that Phillip would have loved them as much as he already loved our boy.”

Her heart now swelling with affection, Mulan said in relief, “Thank you for telling me so.”

Aurora gently squeezed Mulan’s hand again. “What happened that you didn’t come back to me? Mulan… Did you get caught?”

“Yes.” Mulan said. “Shang retaliated by trapping us in an inner part of the place. We had everything that we could have wanted… Except for an escape. Eventually, Shang finally formally denounced me. It was one last blow.” 

“Does he know that you’re with child?” asked Aurora.

“Yes. And he is not pleased that the little one is another girl. Now? Now… I believe Shang is looking to contain us.” Mulan said blandly. “And…”

“Yes?” prompted Aurora.

“I also took a treasure from Shang to spite him.” said Mulan.

“Is the treasure in this land?” asked Aurora. 

“Unclear. Now it seems to have totally vanished.” Mulan laid on the bed. “You know? I was even looking at that treasure before the vast cloud appeared…”

Mulan’s thought process ended in an uncomfortable groan. 

The child she was carrying did not seem to appreciate the new position Mulan had put them in. So the little channeled her frustration into kicking and pushing against her mother. She was annoyed. Aurora too easily remembered this kind of experience from when she had been pregnant. Now the princess felt great sympathy.

“Hey.” Aurora laid with her. “Phillip is asleep. Hope? She’s in good hands with Ruby, Anita, and the others. It really is just us now. And I would like to keep taking care of you. Understand?”

Nodding, Mulan said, “Yes. Thank you for everything.”

Aurora told her, “And you are completely welcome. I am also more sorry than I can even tell you that you suffered.

Aurora's words trailed away as she tried to think of how best to phrase her next train of thought. But Mulan offered her mercy.

“What is it?” Mulan said to Aurora. “You can tell me anything. I promise.”

 “When you did come to see me I did tell you that I was with child.” Aurora commented. “Looking back… I now realize that you’d also had something to say. Am I wrong?”

“No. I was going to say that even though I absolutely did not understand it, I was as equally in love with Pillip as I still am with you. But…” Mulan exhaled noisily. “I suppose that your announcement dashed my confidence at that moment. Do you judge me?”   

“No.” Aurora kissed Mulan on the cheek to drive the point home. “Phillip cared for you deeply. As do I. Life had to happen for us to get to this moment where you and I have since made a family. But I do love you, Mulan. And I cannot imagine a future where we aren’t as bonded as we are becoming. Understand?”

Mulan told her, “I do.”

“Please know that we have found a way to make it all work.” Aurora kissed Mulan again. “And there is another thing.”

Mulan asked, “Yes?”

“Before Phillip left to fight the war effort against the ogres that came to our kingdom,” said Aurora. “He told me to be on the lookout for you. It was almost like he knew he would not be back. Phillip would have wanted us to be safe. And happy together.”

Amazed, Mulan asked, “Really?”

Aurora told her, “Mhm. Life has most certainly happened. But here we are.”

“Yes.” Mulan kissed Aurora on the cheek. “It seems that we all became a family when we weren’t looking.But I am willing to figure it out. What about you?”

Aurora answered without hesitation, “Yes.”

And so for the next while, both mothers talked quietly together about their hopes for the future.

Chapter Text

While Aurora and Mulan continued to speak on serious matters, Hope’s own plate was very full. That she had magic was a surprise. Even to her. But it amused her. So did the fact that Belle, two fairies, and even a pair of wolves found her interesting. Hope also considered this lucky. There were some big questions weighing on her heart. And she wasn’t sure her parents could answer them.

So… Hope teleported away from the eating establishment to see who'd follow her.

Congregating just outside the front gate of Granny’s diner with Blue, Tinker Bell, Blue, Anita, and Ruby, Belle said, “Okay. Hope is a complicated person. Luckily, we do know that she loves the woods. But…”

“Storybrooke is definitely surrounded by them.” observed Blue. “I believe that you can find Hope. And I know for myself that I certainly can. Same for my pupil.”

Beside Blue, Tinker Bell told Belle, “I believe that she wants the rest of you to learn from this moment. But I also do. That said, a person can’t find what they haven’t even a foothold on.”

“Oh.” said Belle. “You mean that I’m the type who needs a nudge when it comes to tracking because I’m human.”

“Exactly.” Tinker Bell confirmed.

“Hm.” Belle sighed, “Your intuition is completely correct because you aren’t wrong.”

Tinker Bell bobbed her head in acknowledgement as she responded, “So that leaves…”

Both Anita and Ruby stood straighter when the others shifted their attention to them as one. Mother and child were both trackers by nature. In their case, however, it boiled straight down to literal animalistic instinct. They would be the foothold Belle was looking for.

Turning to her offspring, Anita asked her, “Where exactly did you find Hope in the woods that evening? Hm?”

“In the woods. She really was not too far from where she had been staying with Mulan.” Ruby recalled. “She was just so tired by the time she found me that it must’ve felt like she’d been walking for an eternity. Poor thing…”

“Focus.” Anita warned Ruby. “I remember where their home was because I was watching when you all encountered Shang…”

Ruby sputtered, “What?!”

Anita hissed, “Stop it.”

Clearing her throat, Ruby said, “Go on.”

Finding her mark again, Anita continued, “Can you remember if our tiny admirer ever mentioned anything about places in the outdoors that she would find interesting?”

“Yes.” Ruby told her mother after a moment of pondering. “Hope mentioned in passing to me at least once that she likes water.”

Belle mused, “How interesting. She and Mulan do not hail from a place near water. But Storybrooke has two options in that category. Distinction matters.”

Ruby told Belle, “Hope was talking about rivers.”

Belle said in relief, “Thank the gods.”

While Tinker Bell gave an empathic nod, Anita said to Belle, “I take it that we do have a river here…?”

“Yes.” Belle answered.

“Where is it, please?” Anita wanted to know. 

Pointing in a diagonal direction even further away from where they were standing, Belle informed her. “It’s northward. Beyond the hospital.”

“Very well.” Anita performed a sweeping bow of respect. “Then after you.”

Following her mother’s example, Ruby also bowed as she said, “Yes. After you.”

So Belle turned and headed away. Her band of merry travelers followed. Belle just wondered what area Hope had materialized in. Anything was possible here. This was proven regularly. Belle also hoped they could help Hope. Their tiny friend had zeroed in on them all for a reason.

But what?

Hope now found herself in something of a dilemma. 

Teleporting from the diner had been successful. And personally, Hope was proud of her accomplishment. Being magical was fun. Still… Hope did not like that she was alone in the woods. Her only comfort? The sound of the nearby river.

Loyally, Blue, Tinker Bell, Ruby, and Anita followed Belle through the main area of town, past the hospital, over the toll bridge, and on to the main walking path. But they had only gone a few steps when both Ruby and Anita turned as one in the direction of the river. Everyone else followed their lead. But the whole group felt dark fun at Hope’s expense.

The little girl had materialized atop a particularly large rock. And her mind was fully wrapped around the idea of not losing her purchase upon it. Even at a distance, the others could see that she had a very Mulan-type thinking expression in place. All other thoughts had faded to the background. So it didn’t occur to her what her situation undoubtedly looked like from someone else’s perspective. Like the others, Anita found that Hope had landed herself on top of a flat-surfaced boulder. It was only about two feet high. At best. And to Hope, it had to feel exactly like a towering mountain. 

So Anita erred on the side of the caution when she joined Hope and even extended a hand outward. “There you are.”

Vastly astonished, Hope took Anita’s hand as she blurted, “You can reach me?”

“Yes.” Anita laughed softly. “I can."

Hope leaned in Anita's direction. “My legs are tired.”

“Here.” Anita picked Hope up. “Is that better?”

Surprised by how gentle Anita’s hug was, Hope melted into it before answering, “I do feel better. Thanks.”

Everyone else watched as Anita continued to hold and comfort Hope. They were all seeing the little one for who she truly was: a regular scared, confused, approaching-overtired little girl. Anita still felt an abrupt wave of grief. She’d missed almost the entirety of her own child’s life until the very brief time that they had had together. Holding Hope caused Anita to wonder what Ruby had been like at this age. 

I hope she was as happy as she could be, thought Anita.

She addressed Hope after she felt certain she had regained her bearings. “Why did you leave where we were?”

Hope confessed sheepishly, “I lost something that’s mama’s.”

“Hey.” Tinker Bell moved forward so Hope could see her. “What was it that you lost?”

“A box made of wood.” explained Hope. “I like it ‘cause it’s pretty…”

A memory from earlier coming back to her, Tinker Bell said, “Oh. Is this box what we were looking for?”

“Yes.” confirmed Hope. “And… Sorry about going everywhere…”

“Please don’t worry about it.” Tinker Bell told Hope kindly. “Did you go into the woods that night because you wanted to?”

“Yeah.” sighed Hope. “But… Tink?”

“Yes?” the fairy asked.

“Mama’s box,” replied Hope. “Has a wolf and a moon on it.”

“Okay.” Tinker Bell bobbed her head. “I will remember that.”

Observing them, Ruby felt her heart skip a beat. Hope was describing the box she’d found on the trail. In fact… Ruby was quite certain she had Mulan’s box. Anita felt her own heart skip a beat. Hope’s box was just like the two she already had. It also seemed the only real reason Shang had surfaced at all. What was going on?

Belle watched all of them. She couldn’t not. It was plain to her that the werewolves had some kind of secret that Hope knew some version of. Tinker Bell seemed to be keeping Hope actively engaged in conversation so she could figure out things for herself. Blue quietly surveyed the scene for herself. Other peoples’ learning moments felt fun to witness.

But when Hope experienced a wave of guilt about a new thought altogether, she teleported. Again.

Dejected, Anita lamented, “Just when I was getting her to relax…”

“But,” Ruby looked around. “Where’d she go?”

Quickly pointing to the nearest tree, Belle said, “Up there.”

Everyone followed Belle’s indication. Hope was literally the closest tree. And watching them. Carefully. 

“Alright.” Anita said to no one in particular. ”I feel compelled to join her. That child likes me very much, and not just because she understands I'm royalty. Or because she seems to understand that my present form is a front…”

Realizing that Anita was actually stumped, Blue said, “It’s also probably because she understands that you are a mother to one of her most favorite people.”

“But…” Anita protested. “I only knew my child for a few months!”

“Yeah.” sighed Ruby. “The two of us are becoming friends. But we are practically strangers to each other.”

“At least Hope feels very safe around you both.” Belle remarked. “So do I.”

“Same…” Tinker Bell remarked.

Amused by the digression, Blue said to Anita, “I would also wager that Hope reveres you as she does because you are a parent who is older than all three of the ones that she does have. That undoubtedly appeals to her overall. But… Our friend probably does not know the words to explain that.”

“Oh.” said Anita. “When you put it like that, I completely understand.”

Blue made a motion for Anita to walk ahead. “Then after you.”

Tinker Bell followed them. She felt morally-compelled to tag along because Hope had already claimed her as her godmother. What kind would she be if she didn’t show up for Hope during her crippling existential crisis. Blue brought up the rear simply because she was curious. And she could react quickly if anyone fell out of the tree. Ruby and Belle could only watch as the others made their way up.

Ruby said to Belle, “What now?”

Belle sighed, “You and I will have to wait for them to come back down.”  

Greatly amazed by who had turned up for her this time, Hope cut straight to the point. “Anita? Was I bad because I lost my mama's box?”

Anita said, “Mm-mm. Did you mean to lose it?”

Carefully, Hope told her, “I did not.”

“Then it really was an accident.” Anita told her. “I believe that the box will turn up in time. And your mama will understand.”

Skeptically, Hope asked, “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Anita said. “Hope, would it be alright if I held you for a few more moments before we go back down?"

“Yes.” Hope decided. “Please.”

With help from Tinker Bell and Blue, Hope found herself being magicked into Anita’s outstretched arms. She even sank into her hug again. Hope’s topmost goal was to have a nice long sleep in the first available bed offered to her. But this also felt pleasant.

Eventually…   

The fairies took Hope off Anita’s hands for her as they made their way back into town. Both also promised to look after her. So Anita made her way back to the diner on her own. She would at least inform her mother about the expedition.

Spotting her offspring when she entered, Granny joined Anita as she said, “I take it that things went well…?” 

Anita responded, “They did.”

Granny asked, “Then where did everyone go?!”

“The fairies are minding Hope. I was promised that I needn’t worry about her anymore,” explained Anita. “But she loves them. And they love her.”

“Well, that is very nice.” observed Granny. “What about Ruby and Belle, then?”

“They decided to go for a walk through town when we emerged from the walking trail. I love that they are so close.” Anita said. “But were they friends before Storybrooke?”

Granny confessed, “I honestly don’t know. But they still haven’t any clue…?”

Anita shook her head. “They don't. And I practically dangled things in front of them. Yet…”

“No one took the bait. I see.” Granny said. “But have you ever told anyone…?”

“Of course not.” hissed Anita. 

“Hey. Take it easy.” then Granny had a sigh as she caught the time. “Wow. The dwarves are due by very soon.”

“Hang on.” Anita said quickly as she quickly connected some dots. “Right now, are you talking about the ones who travel in a group?”  

Granny answered, “I am.”

Taken aback, Anita said, “They’re actually real?”

Granny laughed. “Yes? Why would they not be?”

“I’ve only just heard rumors about them.” Anita shrugged.

“Well,” said Granny. “I promise you that Leroy and the others are definitely real. There are seven in the group. Even just one should like you.”

Anita asked, “What about the other six?”

“It’ll be some version of a healthy fear.” Granny shrugged again. “As it is, Leroy and the others thrive on punctuality. It can be counted upon.”

“So you’re going to make sure nothing’s gone awry in the kitchen.” Anita deduced. “Correct?”

“Yes.” answered Granny. “But then I will come sit with you so that you can tell me all about what happened with Hope. Alright?”

“Very well.” acknowledge Anita. “I understand,” 

So mother and child parted. 

Anita took the table closest to the back door, simply because it was out of the way. But then she emptied her bag of the treasures she’d been carrying and not mentioned to anyone so far. Two brown wooden boxes. Each one had a carving of a wolf howling at the moon on its lid. 

Why Anita had both of them were truly reasons of her own. But now Mulan and Hope knew about the third one. Ruby actually had it. Her mind just seemed too busy to put all the pieces together. 

And so… Anita would just wait for her mother. Patiently.

Back out at his cabin in the woods, Shang remained irritated that he still hadn’t recovered his wooden box yet. 

Chapter Text

Hope was asleep in Tinker Bell’s arms before they even made it back to Main Street. Now she needed long uninterrupted sleep. Recognizing this, Belle and Ruby went for a stroll together. Anita headed for the diner. Tinker Bell stayed beside Blue. And not just because she was carrying a sleeping child. The other fairy had something weighing on her conscience.

Blue asked her pupil, “What is it?”

“I think that my day… in a broader sense…” Tinker Bell shrugged. “Is far from over.”

Lifting one eyebrow, Blue asked her, “Do you feel that you have something to complete?”

“I do.” Tinker Bell said carefully. “And I do not choose to disclose. Yet. However… I must finish this part of the day because it is what is right.”

“Hm. I admire the initiative, Tinker Bell.” Blue told her. “Come with me to show Mulan and Aurora that we have their daughter. Then I will need your help with one more thing. After that, you are free to do as you choose again. Understand?”

“Yes.” Tinker Bell confirmed. “I understand. Thank you.”

“Of course.” Blue bobbed her head. “Please follow me.”

One block away…

Aurora and Mulan continued to enjoy their time together. But their conversation soon faded when all the high-priority topics had run their course. 

And so Mulan said rhetorically as Phillip continued to nap, “I wonder how Hope is doing.”

Her words were followed immediately by a knock at the door. But Mulan just let out an off-guard groan of discomfort. Her youngest child really did not enjoy sudden loud noises. And they demonstrated their feelings by kicking her with both feet. Hard.

“I remember that feeling very well because Phillip was just shockingly strong.” Aurora helped Mulan into a sitting position there on the bed and fixed up her appearance. “Okay. How is that?”

Exhaling when she’d caught her breath, Mulan said, “I feel better. Thanks. Will you please go get the door?”

Aurora did. But she was very surprised to find Blue and Tinker Bell there. One very sound-asleep Hope was even in the green-clad fairy’s arms. 

But clearing her throat, Aurora stepped aside as she said “Please come in.”

The fairies did so and while Blue busied herself with helping Mulan from the bed, Tinker Bell said, “Hope is overtired from her excursion. But Blue, Ruby, Anita, Belle, and I helped Hope work through some things weighing heavily on her mind. Everything worked out well.”

Pleased, Aurora said, “Thank the gods.”

“Indeed.” Mulan chimed in as she reached them. “However… I suppose that breaking our daughter’s confidence is not something that any one of you are intending to do?”

Tinker Bell said, “Exactly.”

Looking around, Blue asked, “Where is Phillip?”

Mulan answered, “Sleeping in his crib.”

“Mhm.” confirmed Aurora. “By the way, Blue, thank you for all your gifts. It was very kind.”

“Yes. Thank you for everything.” agreed Mulan. “What you have done is a tremendous help. I mean that.”

“As do I.” added Aurora.  

“Then I am pleased to have made things easier.” Blue said. “To that end…”  

“Yes?” Mulan and Aurora said together.

“I would like to look after Hope and Phillip at my convent tonight. The other fairies there will help.” responded Blue. “Tinker Bell can help me bring them there. But then she has other things of her own to attend to. I will bring the children to the diner in the morning at seven-fifteen. Alright?”

“Okay.” said Mulan. “Thank you again.”  

Aurora bobbed her head to convey agreement. “I will go get Phillip. One moment.”

The little boy didn’t wake from his nap. And Hope didn’t wake from hers. But both children grinned broadly when their parents hugged and kissed them good-bye. The children could still sense that they were with people who loved them. So they had no complaints. Even when the fairies used teleportation as a direct travel method.

Upon the other four clearing out, Mulan moved across the room to sit at the table by the window. She was not interested in its view today. Instead… Her mind was on a new thought altogether. But Aurora could only imagine what it was. She’d ask in a minute. 

Chapter Text

A LONG TIME AGO 

Three-year-old Fa Mulan felt she had a good life. But she did because it was true. Now.  

Like all the other children in her village at her age and younger, she had been born during a long period of warring strife. Never in her life had she known peacetime until the war had been won, just a month ago.

Mulan had no idea what the adults had been fighting about in the first place because she was just a child. So she concerned herself with marvelous everyday things like playing with her friends and exploring the forest around her village with her mother because nature was enchanting to her. All that really mattered to her was that her war general father was home. Life could fully return to normal. Finally.

The wheels were turning particularly fast in Mulan’s head today. 

Her mother had informed her during their stroll in the woods today that there were wolves in the area. While there were those that were unkind, there was also a grand pack that was not entirely what it seemed. And it was this pack in particular that patrolled the area of the woods closest to the village. They could even be trusted in the face of an emergency. Mulan wanted to find the creatures with all she had.

Mulan had fully-expected her mother to give permission after voicing the desire to go look. But she didn't. Rather to Mulan’s dismay, Jia had instead pointed out that it was nearly dusk. Then it would be proper nightfall. So… Seeking the wolves would have to wait until morning.

Dismayed, Mulan still headed off into the woods, anyway.

Her curiosity had overridden all else. But now she had a unique series of problems to tackle. To the best of her toddler-aged ability.

One: she’d gotten hurt after tripping and scraping her knees.

Two: darkness was falling rapidly.

Three: she had no idea where she was.

Four: she could hear a wolf in the not-so-far distance.

Meanwhile… 

Anita was on patrol because it was Wolf’s Time for her.

But she felt especially sad today. It was her daughter’s birthday. Sweet Leyla was already three. Anita had not seen her since she was brand-new. It had even become an internal family affair. Unfortunately, going back for her would mean upsetting a very delicate balance. And so Anita had no choice to let things be as they were. Even though her heart ached immensely.

She howled sadly at the moon about it.

Multiple times. And loudly.

This evening, Anita ran close to the farming village nearest where her pack lived. Everyone here acknowledged their existence because it was they, the wolves, who took care of the numerous ecological pests in the area. The villagers were immensely grateful. But the wolves took care to never appear in their human forms because not everyone in the neighboring villages viewed the pack in such high regard because they were predators.  

Eventually…

The increasing wails of a frightened child caught Anita’s attention. So she followed them.  

After only about five minutes, Anita emerged from the thicket to find a small child sitting atop a log on the side of the walking trail. She had to have been around Leyla’s age. Or so.   

The clothes she wore were of such quality that suggested she was from a family of prominence. But they were torn, dirty. Anita was also quick to notice that the little girl had a skinned knee that was bleeding. Had she fallen? Or caught on some low-hanging brambles? Great smudges of dirt were also on her face. Anita realized with yet one more lurch that the child had swiped at own face because of the tears. She could not even imagine how frightened she had to have been. 

But one big truth still rang true overall: this child was lost.

Mulan sensed Anita’s presence before she saw her. Vast peace even filled her body. It was confusing. But her tears did cease. And in her heart of hearts, Mulan understood that this was a good thing. She even experienced the entire epiphany at a most opportune moment.

One very large pair of bright yellow eyes were watching her from between two tall oak trees on the other side of the trail. They even moved closer. And blinked. But Mulan’s feelings moved to those of sheer amazement. A large brown-colored wolf had loomed into view and was now sitting before her. Mulan’s pure instinct told her that the creature had no desire for harm. By any means.

“Beautiful wolf…” Mulan rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't dreaming. “Beautiful wolf… Can you see me?”  

Anita bobbed her head.

Immediately smitten, Mulan told Anita, “I got in a fight with mama. Then I left. Was I bad?”

Anita shook her head broadly.

Stifling a yawn that still wracked her entire frame on the whole, Mulan asked, “Please help me get home?”

The wolf lowered herself to the ground as Mulan slid off her log. Finding the village, and in turn, the child’s home, would not even be that difficult because they were already relatively close by. Anita even had the reputation as being the undisputed best tracker in her entire pack. And although Anita was not overly-fond of humans in general, she did have a soft spot for their young because she was a mother. Protecting his child made sense. It even felt natural.  

Mulan’s feeling of peace increased by the time she’d secured herself on Anita’s back and they’d set off in the right direction. She also felt pleasantly sleepy. Her angel had a lot of body heat. Still… The fact that a wolf could understand her brought Mulan an overwhelming sense of comfort. She was very safe. No matter what.

In the long run…

Less than a half hour had even elapsed since Mulan had left her parents’ compound through a gate that had blown open. It took only moments for Fa Zhou and his wife Jia to realize that their daughter was not home. Many everyday lessons came with child-rearing. No question. And tonight… Zhou and Jia were learning something brand new.

Just how headstrong their little girl was.

Instead of drawing attention to herself, Anita decided to approach the village from the forest. She’d caught on to Mulan’s familial scent immediately. Anita still felt relieved to see that the compound backed up to the forest and that the same gate Mulan had slipped through wasn’t closed. The Fa family staff turned the entire house upside down to help their bosses find their child. No one would rest until Mulan was in sight again. 

Pleased to be back where she belonged, Mulan called out, “Mama! Papa!”

Both Zhou and Jia raced into the compound courtyard. Incredible relief overcame them together. Mulan had returned home again.  

Plucking their daughter off Anita’s back, they hugged her and kissed her. Each even began to speak of cleaning her up when her state of disarray was illuminated by the full moon overhead. But Mulan was just happy to have come home. Especially when her father and her mother acknowledged her unusual guardian.

Unsure if the creature could even understand him, Fa Zhou still gave a sweeping bow of respect to her as he said, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing Mulan home to us.”

“I,” Fa Jia performed her own bow. “Also thank you.”

Wiggling out of her mother’s hold, Mulan planted herself on the earthen courtyard floor. She even staggered momentarily when the pain from her injuries remembered itself. But she stayed on course.

“Beautiful wolf, thank you for bringing me home again.” Mulan hugged Anita warmly. “I love you.”   

Experiencing their own amazement, Zhou and Jia looked on as their daughter whispered last-minute thoughts to her caretaker. Mulan even lovingly stroked the wolf’s fur when she sat on her haunches. They were in their own world completely. But then Mulan’s parents became distracted. 

The wolf used one of its legs to hug their daughter.

Everything about this creature was extraordinary.

Understanding that this interaction was bigger than all of them put together, Mulan asked in wonder, “Are you a she-wolf?”

Pleased and proud that Mulan had made the leap on her own, Anita gave a new deepened bow. The child returned the gesture. Mulan understood the importance of politeness when visitors came to her parents’ home. But she also saw that some kind bond was forming. Any ability to describe it just eluded her.

Mulan spoke to Anita once a few more moments had passed. “Beautiful wolf… I have something else to say.”

Anita tilted her head sideways to convey that she was listening. 

Mulan asked Anita, “Do you have your own little one?”

Anita bowed again but made a sad sound. 

Sympathetic, Mulan told her, “I am sorry.”

Indicating herself and her husband as she spoke, Jia told Anita, “The two of us feel the same.”

“Yes.” confirmed Zhou. 

“My husband and I also hope that you can be with your little one again someday.” added Jia. “Please also know that you and your kind will always be welcome here. Each of you will also be protected in the land around the village. We rule it. Our word is law. Really. Everlasting protection because you took care of our daughter when you didn’t have to is the least we can give you.”

“My wife is fully correct.” Zhou paused. “Hm. Perhaps you and Mulan will even cross paths again one day.”

This time, Anita bowed to convey hope. And optimism. She liked these humans. A lot.

“Perhaps,” Jia suggested to Anita. “Our girl will even find your little one and be her friend some day.”

Great gratitude filled Anita. So she fully encircled Mulan before looking back up at the elder Fas. She even waited. This visit was as miraculous to her as it was to them. 

Speaking again, Jia said, “Are you telling us that you’ll protect Mulan if or when you meet in the future?”

Anita bowed one more time.

But then she hugged Mulan again. The little girl was beginning to look worn out. Mulan even seemed ready to fall asleep on her feet. Anita even heard the rumble of Mulan's empty stomach. She was reaching her limit now. And fast. 

Meanwhile, Mulan’s parents continued to be amazed. They were talking with a wolf. And she in her own fashion was answering back. Everything about the experience felt dreamlike. 

Once again speaking to their visitor, Jia now asked, “Is it time for you to return to your kind?”

Anita gave a soft bark of confirmation.

Zhou said, “Please be well.”

“Thank you again for everything.” Jia told Anita. “You and your kind are now our family forever. Please know that,”

“Beautiful wolf,” Mulan used both hands to blow a kiss while her parents bowed, “Each of us loves you very much.”

Anita hugged Mulan one last time. She even encircled her again to drive home her own promise of protection. But in understanding that the Fa family was one of prestige, Anita bowed regally to each person in turn. Anita even gave Mulan a gentle fond nudge on one shoulder. She was marking her, making her her family. Being loved by this little girl made Anita’s heart ache just a tad less. Her life would never be the same. Ever. 

The click of the gate shutting behind Anita upon her departure brought Mulan back to reality. And she crumpled to the courtyard floor when her legs gave out. Mulan was exhausted. Sumber became all Mulan desired from there.

Jia picked her daughter up from the ground. She even held her close while Zhou led the way back inside their home. They both quietly discussed how to clean Mulan up. And ways to keep her awake so she could eat. Mulan was the center of their universe. 

And that wouldn’t change. Ever.

Chapter Text

IN THE PRESENT

Mulan came out of her flashback with a jolt.

Aurora now sat across the bedroom table from her. And she seemed to be waiting. Patiently. So Mulan pulled herself together.

“Is everything alright?” she asked.

“Hm.” Aurora lifted one eyebrow. “Please allow me to pose the same question to you.”

Mulan sighed, “It seems that Hope’s reverence towards Anita and Ruby is generational.”

“I beg your pardon?” Aurora said blankly.

“I just remembered,” Mulan laughed nervously. “That I have met her before. Listen to this…”

Meanwhile….

Anita continued mulling over everything about her new life in Storybrooke. 

The woman had long realized she had been given a second chance to live. And that she couldn’t squander it. Rebuilding relationships with her mother and her daughter had already begun. So had some other things. And this was good. 

Still…

There was one more person whom Anita most certainly had to speak with. Logic dictated that he had to be around. Somewhere. Anita just felt dread any time she thought about having a conversation with him.  

But Anita just as quickly centered herself.

She had to pay attention somewhat because she was in her mother’s public establishment. And she was a woman that was very perceptive. Anita really was not in any mood to have any extra information wheedled out of her before she’d had a healthy amount of uninterrupted sleep. So Anita moved quickly to put away the ornate wooden box with its wolf carving that she had been looking at again. Just in case.

Making her way back to Anita once she'd seen to it that Leroy and the others had been served at the counter, Granny brought over a full meal to Anita’s table. She even sat across the table with Anita. They would eat together now. After all these years, the younger woman remained solitary by nature. It hadn’t taken Granny long to realize this. Giving Anita food would keep her still. Even if only for a moment.

Pleased, Anita said to her mother, “Thank you for the food. It really is very kind.”

Granny responded, “You are my child. Grown or not, I will always take care of you. Now please. Eat.”

Over the course of the meal, Anita finally told her mother all about her ‘quest’ with Ruby, Belle, Blue, and Tinker Bell to look for Hope in the woods. She skipped over nothing. And Granny felt fascinated. Life in this town wasn’t dull. Ever.   

Once they'd both finished eating and their things had been cleared away by one of the waitresses, Granny said, “I’m very pleased that all of you found Hope. And… Now I feel curious about one aspect of today’s events in particular.” 

“Oh?” said Anita. “What is it?”

Granny asked, “Why are you being so kind to Hope? And Mulan? Do they know…?”

Anita lamented, “It’s complicated…”

“Try me.” the other woman deadpanned.

“Hope is extraordinary in her own right,” reflected Anita. “But I believe that some part of her has figured out that my current form is a front. She also respects me because she somehow also realized that my house is a noble one. And that little girl knows I’m older than the parents she does have.”

“Oh.” said Granny. “I understand.”

“Very well.” Anita chose her next words carefully. “Tell the truth. Does Hope know that our girl’s different?”

“I haven’t any idea.” Granny confessed. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if she does.”

“Alright.” sighed Anita. “I suppose that will have to do.”

“Indeed.” Granny said. “Got one last thought to share?”

Anita cleared her throat. “As for Mulan? I met her a very long time ago when she was around Hope’s age.”

Sitting up in surprise, Granny protested, “Excuse me?! Do you think she remembers you?!”

“I believe it has come back to her by now. Or will. Soon.” Anita tapped the tabletop absently. “But before we go on…”

“Hm?” said Granny. “What is it?”

“I must know…” Anita said carefully. “Is he in these parts?”

Knowing full-well who her daughter meant, Granny answered, “I promise you that he is.”

Anita could only respond by groaning and sliding down in her seat.

Chapter Text

QUITE SOME YEARS EARLIER…

Anita Lucas loved her mother Diana to the best of her ability. But where the older woman chose to live amongst humans, Anita had come to prefer the traditionalist ways of her father. The man was also a werewolf but she had not met him for the first time until recently. What Anita understood there was that her parents had such different ways about how to live that they could not live together. At all. So they lived apart, Anita knowing nothing of her father’s world until an invitation had been extended. That had been that. 

But Anita grew so in love with her father’s world that she knew there wasn’t any turning back. And it was what Anita had learned while visiting her father that sent her for such a turn. 

While her parents had never married because her mother had never been interested in the idea, one thing did remain. The man was literally a king. Full-stop. The werewolves down there in the sunken ruined castle were his many subjects. Everybody adored him. They even treated her the same when explanations had been had. Anita was their lost princess, found. 

She only returned to her mother’s house because it had been expected of her. 

But on her way home, Anita had been swept off her feet by him. Their evening at the tavern would be in her memories for the rest of her life. It had been beautiful, fast, and short, all at once. Most of all? It had already been a month ago.

But Anita had since made a very startling realization about herself since then. Had she any idea in regards to handling it? No. 

Diana found her daughter at their dining table. But what felt the most startling was that she was just quiet. Even staring in to space. For a person who loved to be the thick of all activity, this was highly unusual. 

Now sitting opposite her, Diana asked her offspring, “What is wrong?”

Still stunned, Anita told her mother, “I… I’m with child.”

“Oh.” Diana said softly. “I was wondering when you would figure so…”

Anita said in genuine surprise, “What?”

“My extremely strong sense of smell is not for nothing, child.” the older woman tapped the bridge of her nose. “I can smell those changes. Everyone thinks I have a gift.”

“Oh.” said Anita. “But it really is just second nature, as you have always mentioned.”

“Exactly.” Diana touched the tabletop with one hand. “Please tell the truth. Did you meet someone on your journey home?”

Anita sat back in her seat as she began stroking her lower middle. “The man is kind, handsome, and smart in every way. But he can’t know about this child. Ever.”

Stunned, now Diana asked, “Why?”

“I have since learned that he has a wife. And they have a daughter who is almost a year old.” tears cascaded their way down Anita’s face. “I have also heard faint whispers of another child around her age. But I have no idea where she is…”

Fast pulling herself together at her daughter’s obvious anguish, Anita said, “Your choices have been yours. That is that. Moving forward’s the only option. But you’d really deny the child you carry of two older sisters? Why? Exactly whom did you meet on the road?”

Anita wiped her tears away and shook her head as she stood up. “No. That is most certainly something I shall carry to the grave.”

Diana watched Anita leave. But she could only wonder what was going on in her head. 

FIVE MONTHS LATER

Today found Anita back in her same chair again. 

She was vastly swollen with child and still had some time to go before the child was to be born. Anita loved her child, but she never wanted to be pregnant again. The entire experience had halted Wolf’s Time on the whole. Such an experience physically drained Anita. However… The idea that she was in the process of producing an heir to her father’s kingdom was vastly comforting. Now? The future had been secured. 

Anita was also sticking to her word about not letting slip the name of the man whom she had so seduced at the tavern all those months ago. Her child’s older siblings were both of equal importance in the social hierarchy. But both families outranked Anita in general. Stirring the pot there was not a task she wished to start. Ever. 

Plus… She was yet digesting the words that had just been delivered to her by the Blue Fairy last week. 

One extreme development overrode it all. 

Joining her daughter at the table, Diana asked Anita, “Have you given more thought of what that man called Hazel came to see you about?”

“Yes.” Anita cradled her vast middle with one hand while using the other to comfort her child as the little one stretched out in their cramped confines as best they could. “My father is dead now. Just as I told you an hour back, I am going because it is my birthright.” 

“Then,” Diana said resignedly. “I will make sure that you have what you need. Any questions?”

Getting right to the point, Anita said, “Why did you choose to stay amongst humans instead of marrying my father?”

“Oh, Mars and I had a difference of opinions where humans and wolves are concerned. I am also not of royal blood. Mars only found me to be a stunner whom he met one evening. But in the end of everything…” Diana sighed. “He could truly not stand the idea of watching you grow up amongst the humans.”

Anita pressed, “Please tell me why.” 

Diana responded, “Mars believed that wolves are better than humans.”

I agree, thought Anita. 

But she said aloud, “My daughter’s older siblings have their worlds. And she will have her own because she will inherit when her day comes. The baby is as royal as I am. I can’t outrun my destiny. And she needs to be ready for hers.”

Diana protested, “What exactly are you aware of?” 

Hauling herself up with just a smidge of difficulty, Anita said, “More than I wish I was.”

Now Diana watched as Anita donned her magnificent brown hooded cloak from where it hung by the door before inquiring, “Just where do you think you are going right now?!”

“I am off to find Hazel. The man offered me his allegiance and loyalty because he was that way for my father.” Anita fixed her cloak in place before she regarded her mother again. “He must send word that the queen is coming home at last.”

FOUR MONTHS LATER 

Thirty-one day old Leyla Lucas just sank into the warmth of her cozy cocoon. She even sucked on one thumb. All was well. Being in motion soothed her. And so Leyla slumbered, full of content. 

The thing she would never know until adulthood? It happened Leyla was in motion this night because her own grandmother had stolen her away so she could have a new destiny altogether now.

Chapter Text

PRESENT DAY  

In the end, Anita informed her mother of her long-ago meeting with Mulan and her family. She even recollected the thoughts she’d remembered about her life choices during pregnancy. Now they were all out there. Anita had realized since arriving in this land that part of the reconciliation efforts would have to involve honesty. Starting with her mother.

She rewarded her daughter’s efforts by promising to keep the secrets for her. Mum was the word. And Granny also gave Anita directions to the next place she wanted to visit.

Meanwhile…

Ruby and Belle continued walking the streets of Storybrooke together.

Now that the adventure with Hope was done, the pair was just enjoying the opportunity to hang out. Normally. The matter of zero looming peril made it easy.

And because both women felt so drawn to each other at this point, Ruby confided in Belle about the wooden box that she’d found. Belle was deeply fascinated by the whole aspect. Especially once Ruby showed her the treasure. But Belle came up short when Ruby asked her if she’d ever seen it before. The princess had not.

Eventually? They went about approaching the matter in a very direct fashion.

Some way down the block, Tinker Bell emerged back onto Main Street by herself. She had successfully helped Blue to get Hope and Phillip settled at the convent. And now Tinker Bell’s agenda was hers.

But she became completely distracted when she noticed Ruby and Belle.

The fairy even felt called to them just then. And she couldn’t explain why. So she settled for following them at a distance. She’d have an explanation by the time she caught up to them. Perhaps. 

Well aware that he was not the most popular person in Storybrooke, Rumplestiltskin decided that this was just a fact of life he’d have to live with. And so? The man stayed away from the chaos most of the time. Unless he was part of it. 

However… Today was not that kind of day. Rumplestiltskin stayed in the antique shop.

He still felt amused by just who entered the establishment with Belle.

After greeting his love, he addressed her companion. “Hm. Good day, Miss Lucas. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you here before. Not about leisurely business, anyway.”

“Why are you being so pleasant?” Ruby said in surprise.

“Why not?” Rumplestiltskin shrugged. “It’s a lovely day, the sun is shining, birds are singing…”

Belle quickly swooped in.

Occasionally, Ruby was known to go ‘haywire’ when in close proximity to someone particularly magical. She jokingly called it a character flaw. But Belle knew it was because the wolf half was having a moment. She also knew Rumplestiltskin. He had to have realized what was happening. And elected for some fun because he was bored.

So Belle hissed, “Stop. This is not the time.”

Rumplestiltskin bowed in defeat.

Now turning to Ruby, Belle said sharply. “Pull yourself together. Please. Do you remember why we’re here?”

“Yes.” Ruby cleared her throat. “I do.”

Rumplestiltskin asked her, “Did you come to my shop out of boredom?”  

“What? No.” Ruby stepped on the gas when Belle gave a pointed cough. “I guess we’ve come here to seek your insight. Or… Something along those lines…”

“Oh?” said Rumplestiltskin. “Just what is on your mind now?”

“Does this,” Ruby set her carved wooden box on the countertop. “Mean anything to you?”

Rumplestiltskin was taken aback. He knew exactly what this box was because he had heard of it before. And its companions. Although… He’d never had cause to see one in person. Ever. How strange that even one should cross his path. But he still just as quickly in that infinitesimal moment compartmentalized his emotions to keep the others on track.

Tinker Bell finally entered the shop.

And she continued to feel absurd. The fairy still hadn’t come up with an explanation for following her friends. Now she really felt befuddled.

It was the ringing of the bell over the shop as Tinker Bell entered that caught Rumplestiltskin’s attention. He even felt amused again.

Still remembering her manners because of whose domain she’d entered, Tinker Bell greeted Rumplestiltskin. “How do you do?”

Even more amused because he could see she was also having her own moment and hadn’t even seen the box on the counter yet, Rumplestiltskin returned, ”I am very well. Thanks. May I help you out with something?”

Her absurdity only mounting, Tinker Bell answered, “Actually… I was looking for Belle and Ruby…”

“Hm. It seems my place is turning into a regular meetinghouse.” Rumplestiltskin observed. “At least you don’t have to go any further. They've only been here five minutes.”

Facing the fairy, Belle said, “We have hardly been apart for an hour…”

“Uh-huh. She’s right.” Ruby added thoughtfully. “How did you get here now?”

Belle joked, “Were you following us?”

Giving a nervous laugh, Tinker Bell said, “Okay. Maybe…”

Realizing that her friend was nervous because of Rumplestiltskin’s presence, Belle told her, “Just speak. Rumple won't hurt you.”

Tinker Bell pressed, “How can you be sure?”

Pleasantly authoritative, Belle said, “I can be sure because I promise that he knows better.”

Quite begrudgingly, Rumplestiltskin replied, “It’s true.”

“You see?” Belle told Tinker Bell cheerfully. “Find your center again. What is it?”

“Well…” answered Tinker Bell. “I did follow you and Ruby here from down the block. Why? Because I felt drawn to you both for some inexplicable reason.”

Ruby said, “Please keep going.”

Tinker Bell shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “I can’t stop thinking of the treasure that our mutual sidekick was interested in.” 

Ruby muttered, “How strange that you should bring it up now…”

Giving her a nudge of course correction, Belle still managed to look Tinker Bell in the eyes as she asked, “Why?”

Tinker Bell shrugged. “I suppose that that’s just it. Something told me that I should just bring it up with both of you. And here we are…”

“Indeed.” reflected Belle.

“Anyway…” said Tinker Bell. “Here. This is what that box looks like.”

Using knowledge that Hope had unintentionally imparted on her earlier, Tinker Bell used magic to conjure up an image of the box out of green-colored smoke. It was a match to the one on the counter. Belle and Ruby grew stunned. The shopkeeper still seized the moment. 

“Dearie,” Rumplestiltskin said to Tinker Bell as her smoke-image dissipated. “Tell the truth. Now. Is this the box?”

Very startled because she finally noticed its presence when Rumplestiltskin pointed it out, Tinker Bell answered, “Uh-huh. That’s it…”

Just as confused, Belle and Ruby chorused, “What is happening?!” 

Tinker Bell sighed, “I meant what I said about feeling drawn to you two right now.”

Rumplestiltskin asked the trio, “Is this about Hope?”

Belle, Ruby, and Tinker Bell cried, “How do you know about her?!”

In response, Rumplestiltskin lifted one eyebrow.

And Belle translated. “This really is not the time to put serious effort into that kind of thought.”

Ruby could also only sigh.

Tinker Bell capitulated. “I guess that’s fair.”

Belle turned back to Rumplestiltskin. “Okay. Please tell us what you know about this matter. From the top.”  

Rumplestiltskin’s day really had started off blandly.

It was what it was.

But patience had always been a maddeningly useful virtue for him.

So when whispers of the business concerning Mulan, Hope, Shang, Ruby, and even Aurora passed his way, Rumplestiltskin just filed the information away for later. Same for when he heard about Anita through the grapevine. Things would play out the way they needed to. Just like always.

Yet…

The combination of being visited by his love and two very prominent creatures at the same time…   It was a pleasant plot twist. Especially because they all seemed so puzzled about the same artifact. How strange.

But Rumplestiltskin still pulled himself together when he saw three pairs of eyes focused on him.

“Very well.” Rumplestiltskin cleared his throat. “I have heard of these boxes before.”

“Oh? ‘These’?” Tinker Bell remarked.

“Yes.” Rumplestiltskin confirmed. “While I have no idea where they actually originated, I do know that there is a set of them.”

Ruby murmured, “What…?”

Tinker Bell asked Belle, “Have you tried opening this one?”

Belle shook her head. “No.”

Ruby watched her friends take turns trying to follow through on the idea. It ultimately didn’t work. The curious wooden box was really stuck fast.

Speaking in a tone of observation, Rumplestiltskin said, “They can only all be opened when they are all in the same room.”

Ruby looked at her friends again.

By now, it was beginning to occur to her that the box didn’t seem to want to be opened. There was a spell of literal resistance. Probably. The curio was perfectly ordinary in every remaining respect. But Belle was caught off-guard. She even paid for it. 

Belle had applied such useless force on her latest attempt in box-opening that she actually toppled over.

“Why," Belle said in exasperation to Rumplestiltskin as Ruby helped her up. "Did you not just say so?!”

“I was getting there. Or… something like that.” Rumplestiltskin shrugged again. “As it is? The rest of what I know on the matter is that those boxes really will only open once they are all in the same room.”

Ruby asked, “Then how many are there? Hm? You mentioned that they're a set…”

“I promise you, Miss Lucas,” answered Rumplestiltskin. “That there are three in the lot.”

“Okay. I believe you.” Ruby said. “Still… You really have no idea where those boxes originated in our land?”

Rumplestiltskin answered, “Correct.” 

While Ruby pondered this, Belle asked Rumplestiltskin, “Is there anything else?”

“Indeed.” confirmed Rumplestiltskin. “Only those who are truly unafraid of wolf-kind are this drawn to the boxes when they are even remotely aware of just one.”

Like Hope and Tinker Bell, thought Ruby.

“Oh.” said Belle in a tone of sudden understanding.

Rather unintentionally completing the circuit, Tinker Bell mused, “Like myself and Hope.”

“Yes, dearie.” Rumplestiltskin responded. “Just handle that as you so choose.”

“I will.” Tinker Bell said confidently.

Furrowing her brow, now Ruby asked Rumplestiltskin, “Why tell us these things? Other than the fact that it was us who asked first?”

“I should think that's because one of you is driven by innate curiosity. Two of you are also not quite human and could one day kill me for some hopefully-warranted reason. Or another. Maybe this is just me making things up as I go.” Rumplestiltskin replied, performing a third shrug. “But you all came looking for information. Haven’t you? Now I’ve dispensed some.”

Belle said with dejection, “I can’t believe that he has a point…”

Choosing to pose her own question, Tinker Bell asked Rumplestiltskin, “Why did you mention Hope?

“Her surfacing here, and her whole entire situation is not unfolding for nothing. Especially given who originally found her and who took care of her. Think about it.” answered Rumplestiltskin. “I think their hand in things isn’t over. Yet.”

Speaking without thinking, Tinker Bell stated, “But you see the future!”

“Don’t you?” Rumplestiltskin asked her. 

“No…?” Tinker Bell replied carefully as Ruby put the box away.

Once again swooping in because Rumplestiltskin was getting ridiculous, Belle asked him, “What is your point?”

He shrugged a fourth time. “Just that people of all ages tend to turn up in this town for all sorts of reasons. Am I wrong? No. But I will protect Hope and those she loves. If the need arises. Worry not.”

The women before him said together, “Thank you.”

Amused as ever, now Rumplestiltskin went on, “Perhaps everything will make better sense when discussing what you understand amongst the right mixture of people.”

“But… How are we to kn…” Belle’s words petered out into a sigh. “Never mind. Forget it.”

Rumplestiltskin asked the trio, “Anything last thoughts?”

“No.” said Ruby as Belle and Tinker Bell made the appropriate agreeing motions. “But thank you. Really. I can actually say that you've been helpful to us.”

Rumplestiltskin quipped, “Glad to serve.”

The unlikely trio said their good-byes. And the shopkeeper politely returned them.

But when he was by himself again, Rumplestiltskin laughed. “At least they won’t be bored…”

Chapter Text

Greatly pleased that her mother had given her the new information she needed, Anita set out for her next destination. It wasn’t too far away. Still… Anita tried to quell an ever-growing thought.

Huh. What if he doesn’t even remember me?

The woman also realized that she was on her way to possibly ruin the proprietor’s life. For that? Anita now became darkly amused.

But… I have to learn from someone else that he is married…      

Not so many doors down Main Street… 

The proprietor of the Game Of Thorns flower shop was having a slow day.

Maurice ‘Moe’ French did miss being the ruler of a royal kingdom. There was no question about it. However… Mauruice did not miss that Avonlea’s future had been bleak when the First Dark Curse had taken them all away. It had been teetering on the brink of non-salvageable ruin.

These days… Maurice was a florist. The job was not terribly exciting. But it was better than doing absolutely nothing. Especially because he and Belle were not exactly friends anymore.

The man still chose that moment in his shop to entertain a different kind of thought that he never told anybody. Ever.

What if my life as it was, and as it is now is punishment from the gods for being a horrible husband? Twice?   

Anita pulled herself together when she finally made it to the Game Of Thorns flower establishment. She liked flowers. Very much. Only… Minus the part where some varieties made her sneeze more than others. No need to have anything trivial derail the visit. Especially now. 

The shop was empty of any other potential patrons.

But the tinkling of the bell over the door sounded as Anita entered. She even felt peace as she entered the shop. Even if only for a fleeting moment. All around the room were flowers and plants of all kinds. They were even packed so densely that the air was calm because the very scent was pleasant to the senses. It was like being in the woods again. Kind of. 

Then reality kicked in.

Maurice crossed the room to greet the new person.

He immediately halted in his tracks when he locked eyes with her. And it was as if ice had filled his heart, even his veins. Immediately. The man’s own memories of time spent one evening, some decades ago, in the company of a vixen, came flooding back. Maurice pinched himself. Nearly.

The man finally blurted, “You?!”

Anita bowed regally. “Indeed. But how do you do, your highness?”

“I… What…?” stuttered Maurice. “You know who I am?”      

“Yes. I also know that you even withheld a great deal of information back then.” Anita answered calmly. “Straight down to the fact that you have a wife.”

Maurice groaned, “This is not happening…”

Anita closed the distance between them. “Oh, it is.”

Now Maurice fought every instinctual desire to take a step away from her. “What’s your name? Please…”

“Most people seemed to know me by my original name of ‘Anita.’ That is what it is. However… Back then? You’d’ve heard people refer to me as,” she bowed even deeper before straightening back up. “Noor.”

Surprise filled Maurice all over again. He’d heard whispers of a figure called Noor before. And that she was not to be trifled with. Ever. 

Maurice shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I have heard of you. But I suppose we had no reason to know full details about each other that night…”

Now humoring him, Anita said, “That is definitely true.” 

Maurice asked, “Then what do I call you?”

Anita answered coyly, “My name.”

Realizing that Anita was baiting him for fun and that she would not have turned up without a reason, Maurice took a different approach. “Very well. That being that… How did you find me here?”

“My mother told me where to look.” answered Anita.

“Your…” now Maurice’s headache only grew.

Now Anita half-taunted him, “Yes…?”

The man tried again. “Why have you come for a visit?”

Looking him directly in the eyes, Anita replied, “You and I have a lot to discuss together.”

Maurice remained, “Such as what?!”

Still not breaking her gaze, Anita told Maurice, “Our daughter.” 

Maurice’s life immediately flashed before his eyes. A slew of memories about raising Belle even came back to him. Unfortunately… They were almost immediately drowned out by a more upsetting fact. He and Belle were currently estranged. This was practically written in stone.

But Maurice told Anita, “What are you talking about? I have a daughter. She isn’t yours!” 

The man’s words did sting. But Anita still reeled himself in when she remembered Maurice didn’t have all the facts in hand. Yet.

Arching one eyebrow, Anita said, “Tell me. Are you able to recall the night of a particularly magnificent rainstorm back in our land? Every person with enough decent wits about them sought refuge anywhere with four walls and a roof. Including a roadside establishment for hunters, called The Silvered Stag. Can you remember now?”

More memories of the night came into clearer focus for Maurice as he groaned, “Why is this happening…?”

Anita said, “Keep going.”

Maurice now seemed to be choosing his words carefully. “That was a night of wild choices I had never made before in my life. You’re saying that we made a baby daughter?”

Pleased that he was beginning to understand, Anita said, “That’s correct.”

Maurice asked, “Is she an adult now?”

Maintaining as much calm as she could, Anita told him, “Uh-huh.”

Realizing that Anita seemed to be excluding their daughter’s name on purpose, Maurice asked, “Is she local?”

“Yes.” answered Anita. “She even works at the diner.”

Maurice processed the information. But he experienced his latest jolt of surprise as a new thought came to him. Anita watched. But she felt pleased. Maurice had come to the correct answer. By himself.

As clearly as he could, Maurice asked Anita, “Then… Are you telling me that Ruby is ours?”

“Mhm.” said Anita. “That’s correct.”

Reeling this time as he began to recollect every interaction he’d had with Ruby, Maurice asked, “Why did you never say anything?!”

Now scoffing, Anita answered, “I did think of it.”

Maurice prompted, “And…?”

“And,” Anita spoke the word with a hard underscore. “I learned that you were already a father! So what was I? A way to go behind your wife’s back? Hm? Do you have any idea how that made me feel?”  

Resigning himself to a longer conversation, Maurice asked Anita, “How did it make you feel?”   

Anita snapped, “It made me feel dirty and used! But even more so after I realized that you have a family! To that end? I stayed away because I had no desire for us to be a reminder of the facts.”

Finally having the decency to feel ashamed, Maurice lamely offered, “I see…”

Anita went on, “I am older than I appear to be. And that is most certainly a different topic…” 

Maurice asked, “Then what is the current subject of course?”

Anita answered, “I was younger back then. But the sands of time had already happened to you. They were also beginning to happen to your wife. Can you understand what I’m saying to you?”

Fully understanding that she was addressing the topic of the notable age gap, Maurice answered, “I do.”

“Thank goodness.” Anita said. “On top of everything else? I was also at a juncture in my life back then, anyway.”

“Oh?” Maurice felt curious against his will. “Dare I ask…?”

Anita answered, “I ended up going down a different road. One that lined up with my own personal birthright.”

Maurice asked, “Just what do you mean by that?”  

Anita had a wild moment of pause.

Neither she nor Maurice had been in full command of their faculties that evening at the inn. Mostly because the ale had been from a particularly intoxicating batch. Anita had also not even been informed of her birthright particulars until reaching the middle of her pregnancy. But she still wondered how Maurice wasn’t fully grasping all the facts even though they were laid out in front of him. 

Finally, Anita said, “I am not human.”

Reason began catching up with Maurice once more. “Hang on. You’re a werewolf? Like Ruby?”

Anita bowed again.“I am. We were born this way.”

Now Maurice openly staggered.

He liked wolves in general. But because they were ferocious predators by nature, he had always just admired them from afar. Maurice also appreciated that wolves were also known to eliminate animal pests that invaded farmers’ crops. Their speed was unmatched. So too was their strength. Everybody knew it.

However… It was werewolves in particular that were of the variety to look down on humans. Anita literally had the power to end his life if she found him particularly annoying. So what was this moment? A demonstration of holding herself back?

“Noor… Anita… Whatever name is your favorite one…” Maurice cleared his throat. “I can only imagine how jarring your life circumstances became when you realized that Ruby was there. Truly. Still… You are speaking as if there is an additional part about your birthright discovery. I have connected enough of those dots now. So, just what is it? Tell the truth. Please.”

 “The short version,” Anita said. “Is that I learned in the middle of my pregnancy who my father was.”

Greatly intrigued but rather vexed that she hasn’t elaborated, Maurice filed the information away. “Very well. Did something happen that prevented you from raising Ruby? A straight answer is appreciated.”

So Anita said, “Yes.” 

Feeling his mind race, Maurice asked, “Then have you come to see me for some reason other than what’s been so far mentioned?”

Anita repeated, “Yes.”

“Okay… That is good” Maurice now shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I suppose by now that you know exactly what makes this town land in the category of ‘unique.’ Yes? Or no?”

“Yes. I do know about the curse that the queen cast. And,” said Anita. “That even includes the part about false names. Do you have a new question?”

Maurice began, “I know the false names of many Storybrooke citizens. And especially the ones of the people of my kingdom. But there was an entire town-involved adventure about learning what Ruby is…”

Now Anita deadpanned, "What is your point?” 

“Only that ‘Ruby’ has to still be a false name that she obviously likes,” Maurice reasoned. “But ‘Red’ must be a curse name of some kind. Am I wrong? By any stretch?”

“No.” said Anita. “But you’ll have to ask her on your own what her name is because I can’t just give everything away.”

“So noted.” Maurice told her. “Life in Storybrooke is full of unending surprises. One learns to get used to them. I have. Why are you in Storybrooke now?”

“I arrived in the most recent ‘wave.’ But my story is long. No, that is not a joke.” answered Anita. “By any stretch.”

“Will you share some tidbit?” asked Maurice. 

“I can tell you in total honestly that Shang is here.” Anita said calmly. “But he is also loose.”

Easily remembering the harm that Shang’s warlord father had once caused Avonlea, Maurice protested, “I beg your pardon?!”

Unimpressed, Anita sneered, “Be a man!” 

Maurice pulled himself together. “Why are you telling me any of this?”

But Anita deflected, “I know who Belle is to you because I have made friends with her. She is incredibly kind. And so beautiful. But I also know that that woman has experienced loss. In more than one way. Just when did you last see her?”

“Belle and I have not been on speaking terms for awhile.” Maurice hurried along when Alita’s expression of being unimpressed grew. “Please. What do you want?”

Anita said, “I would like for you to keep your eyes open when Belle, Ruby, Aurora, and Mulan are concerned with everything. Please?”

Confused but electing to not press the issue and wondering how Mulan factored in, Maurice told Anita, “I give you my word that I will.”       

Breathing a sigh of relief, Anita said, “Thank you.”

“It’s also occurred to me that we have a lot to discuss now.” continued Maurice. “But… Are you still capable of turning…? I mean, there has been a full moon…”

Anita gently let him off the hook. “I am not entirely capable anymore. Like human women, there are some things about me that begin to fade with age. But focus. Okay? What are you asking?”

Maurice blurted, “Will you meet me at The Rabbit Hole?”

Finally the one confused, Anita cried, “Exactly what is that?!”

Maurice told her, “This world’s version of a tavern.”

“Understood.” Anita straightened herself out. “I will meet you there at sundown.”

Obediently, Maurice echoed, “Sundown.”

Pleased that he understood, Anita bobbed her head in acknowledgement. And to convey that she was done. Maurice returned the gesture. Anita exited the Game Of Thorns flower shop. Maurice? He was alone with his thoughts again.

Chapter Text

A small number of decades earlier…

Today found Anita traveling. Again.

But she didn’t mind. Village life was excruciatingly boring. One of Anita’s main highlights was her monthly trip to the marketplace to peddle the wares that she and her mother made. It broke the monotony. Today, Anita was on her way back after three successful days of making profits and the list of purchases her mother had given her before leaving home. Her bags and purse were both considerably full.

On a realistic note… 

Her village was definitely still some way out. Anita could have normally made the journey, market supplies and all, but the weather had been shifty. And she did not want to run the risk of her horse accidentally getting spooked if the wind broke a tree branch too loudly. 

Anita booked a room for the night at the first inn she found. It even had an attached stable for the patrons’ horses. While she would have rather been sleeping in her own bed, she consoled herself by reflecting on the fact that the detour meant that this was one more night away from home. She chose to be grateful. 

These were the thoughts Anita entertained herself with.

Now she was just sitting alone at a table in the establishment’s main dining room. Dinner had been awhile ago, and while the food had been unremarkable, consuming it had been something to do. For awhile. Now it was too early for bed. So Anita found herself at the empty table, bored. The only constants she focused on were the dull chatter of the other patrons. And the rain as it began hammering down against the building even harder.     

It was what it was. 

Further at the back of the room, King Maurice of Avonlea sat by himself at his own table. He was in an appearance-altering disguise. Nobody under this roof even suspected him. And he considered himself lucky. But not anywhere else. The king was in deep trouble. And he had no idea how to fix it. Or if he could. 

Maurice tried to rule his kingdom to the best of his ability. And he even tried to ignore his recurring dream that his kingdom would one day be in war and ruin at some point during his lifetime. But his thoughts became invaded by something else altogether. The king was no moral man. He had a wandering eye. Which was why he’d finally run away from home. Plus adopt a foolproof disguise. 

The king was by himself right now because his wandering eye had come back to haunt him. 

Last year, he and his wife, Queen Colette, had gone to visit King Stefan and his wife, Queen Briar Rose at their castle. The other couple were their political allies. But they were also longtime friends. The visit occurred because the others had requested their friends’ advice on how to handle the whispers of the obnoxious imp with crocodile-type skin who lived in the Infinite Forest. 

However… The visit to the castle in Silverquarry hadn’t ended without Maurice and Briar Rose drunkenly committing sin together. They both remembered the event just fine. Their spouses didn’t even have a clue. As for Maurice and Briar Rose, they elected to never talk about the encounter again. It was a secret. 

Life had been fine until this morning. A letter had arrived for Maurice by messenger. Its contents meant nothing would be the same again. Ever. But he still pulled it from one pocket to read. Again.

‘M–

Much has changed since the last time you walked these halls with Colette. I am delighted. But just as worried, too. I have a child now. They are nearly a year old. I only mention it because the little one is yours. My husband has no idea. Luckily, he believes with every reason that he is the father because we were already trying to make a child. I still give you my word that the little one is yours. Tell Colette or don’t. I should think that that choice is yours. But stay away and please don’t ever come back. Everything is for the best that way.

–BR’

Maurice tossed the message from Briar Rose into the roaring fireplace beside the table. The paper burnt to a crisp. Immediately. So Maurice felt better. At least that counted for something. 

Anita’s in-the-moment monotony broke when her eyes landed on Maurice. He was tall and hazel-eyed, solidly-built, dark-haired, square-jawed. The clothes he wore were unremarkable but situated for traveling. He was even the only other person in the dining parlor sitting alone. 

Something else then occurred to Anita. This man, whoever he was, was in disguise. Anita couldn’t see through it because it was powerful magic in action. She also couldn’t begin to imagine how she’d even realized there was a disguise in place at all. But the fact remained that the stranger did have one. 

Maurice jumped out of his own skin. Almost.

Now making herself comfortable on the bench opposite him was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen before.

Tall, thin, pale-skinned with dark hair, dark eyes, and even sharp-jawed, this woman was a vision. Her clothes were ordinary. But well-suited for traveling. There was nothing remotely distinguishing about the material. So he couldn’t even wager a guess as to where she stood in the local society rank. But Maurice quickly decided it didn’t matter. 

Feeling brave, Anita said, “I have no idea what’s going on. But I can tell you are in disguise now. Am I wrong?” 

Maurice was intrigued at once. “You aren’t.”

“Good.” Anita studied Maurice again. “I can’t see through your disguise. And I don’t care.”   

Surprised, Maurice blurted, “That so?”

Anita nodded. “But I am going to guess that you’re a person of prominence. Why else would you be disguised at a roadside inn located in the middle of the woods?”

“Hm. Good point.” Maurice gave a nervous laugh. “But you really don’t care?”

“Correct.” Anita calmly confirmed. 

“But why?” asked Maurice. 

Shrugging, Anita said, “You are the most interesting person I’ve met in a long time now. Truly. How sad is that?”

 “Hm. It’s rather sad.” Maurice dutifully agreed before studying Anita further. “What’s your name?”

Anita waved one hand of dismissal. “That doesn’t matter tonight. Understood?”

Maurice told her, “I do.”

Anita studied him again. “What are you doing here?”

“Trouble at home.” answered Maurice. “I suppose that that is one version. But you really have no idea who I am?”

“Correct.” Anita repeated as calmly and confidently as before. “I really do not. Am I foolish? Tell the truth.”

Wondering just how this woman’s mind worked, he said, “No. I promise that you are not foolish.”

“Good.” Anita said for a third time before gently touching one of Maurice’s hands with her own. “But what is it about the trouble at home? I feel curious. Or… Do you not wish to discuss it?”

“Yes. I mean…” Maurice quickly backpedalded when Anita raised her eyebrows. “I do not wish to discuss matters.”

“Very well. I understand.” Anita promised him. “We will discuss anything else. I don’t even judge you for not being home with… whomever you call family.”

“Thank you.” Maurice answered in relief. 

Their conversation to other lighter things from that point. It all became looser when two full ale tankards were ordered. The people at this table were merely two strangers, enjoying each other’s company. And becoming friends. 

It was after awhile that Maurice asked through a slight ale-induced haze, “Hey. Where are you from?”

“That also does not matter tonight.” Anita turned regretful as she spoke through her own ale-induced haze. “I have to finish the journey home tomorrow. But I do not wish to.” 

Maurice gently traced shapes on Anita’s hand as he said, “I suppose that you staying for a few days out of the question…?”

Lamenting, Anita said, “That is definitely true.”

Maurice asked, “Why?”

Thinking of her market wares that would need to be distributed upon return, Aniat told him, “Because there will be consequences if I do not arrive when expected.”

“Then…” Maurice now scrambled to not sound so forlorn. “We will just have this evening. And we will enjoy every moment now. Deal?”

“Yes.” Anita told him. “Deal.”

They were both quiet for a few moments as they began absorbing the reality of their newfound unique bond. It was what it was. No going back. 

Maurice finally asked Anita, “Do you have any commitments?”

Understanding this to mean a spouse and/or children, Anita said honestly, “I do not. Why?”

Anita had a feeling that she knew exactly what Maurice was driving at now. But she had chosen to let him get there on his own. Making the man work for it was amusing to her. 

Maurice tried again. “Would you… Would you like to get out of here? I have a room upstairs.”

He waited for her to answer. But Anita still experienced an infinitesimal pause. 

She and this man were already committing a sin by letting things get this far. What Maurice was proposing now… It lived square in the category of ‘no going back.’ Anita knew it. So did Maurice. 

But what she didn’t know about were the secrets Maurice was keeping. (His identity, his family, his love-child.) He decided that he would handle that if Anita ever learned the truth. Anita then proceeded to remind herself that she was an adult. One fully-capable of making her own choices. And whose overbearing mother was no place nearby. Committing sin would also serve as another exciting deviation from her boring life. 

So… There was going back. Whatsoever. But if anything…. Now Anita felt only excitement. 

She turned back to Maurice. “I would love to go.”

Maurice brightened. “Reallly?”

Anita swiftly downed the last of her drink and laid out the appropriate amount of gold for it. “Yes. Are you ready to go?”

Maurice followed Anita’s actions before saying, “Yes. I definitely am.” 

Chapter Text

Sundown. 

As she entered The Rabbit Hole bar, Anita was put in mind of the place where she and Maurice had first laid eyes on each other so long ago. But Anita still felt some relief when Maurice waved to her from a corner booth. She had no idea what they would even talk about tonight. However, she was pleased he’d thought about privacy. This was good. 

After the waiter brought their dinners, Anita finally began, “So… Just what are the rules here?”

“Hm?” said Maurice.

“We have never had a friendship.” Anita clarified. “I have no idea if we ever will. But we both are parents to the same person. Although she doesn’t have a grasp on the whole picture. Yet.”

Cottoning on, Maurice deduced, “You’d still appreciate parameters. I think for the sake of sanity on both ends?” 

Anita said, “Yes.”

“Huh. Like you said: we are two people who made the same person.” Maurice paused to think. “I will be a gentleman if you don’t claw my eyes out. Deal?”

“Okay. Deal.” from there, a few more moments of eating went by before Anita voiced a new thought. “My story is long. But some details cover encountering Snow White when she was a brand-new fugitive.” 

Eyebrows raised, Maurice remarked, “I never met her before this land. But I remember the rumors, just fine. Have you seen her since emerging into Storybrooke?”

“Yes. And we are working on a friendship.” Anita cleared her throat. “Please. Did Avonlea get caught in any of her political undertow?”  

“No.” Maurice shook his head. “But only because we had our own strife altogether that could be summed up in a single term. War.”

Genuinely sympathetic, Anita said, “I am sorry.”

“Most kind.” Maurice politely acknowledged. “Will you tell me the rest of your story? Please? I fully believe that there is much more to be said.” 

“Very well.” agreed Anita. “Ready?”

Maurice answered, “I am all ears.”

The course of the whole meal progressed while Anita told Maurcie everything she’d been through. Including being robbed of Ruby and meeting her as an adult, what meeting her and Snow had cost, even every detail of the deal she had made while in purgatory. Maurice felt very surprised when she finished. He hadn’t known what to expect. Even imagining one detail of what had just laid out would not have crossed his mind. At all.

He still pulled himself together as he gently said, “I really do not judge you.”

Now Anita felt stunned. “Why?!” 

“We wouldn’t be having this conversation. Ruby, Belle, and Aurora would not have grown up so beautifully… or faced their distinct personal hardships. That is just the beginning.” replied Maurice. “Am I wrong?”

Swiftly shaking her head when she realized Maurice was correct, Anita said, “No.”

“Glad we’re on the same page.” he returned. “What else would you like to know?”

Anita simply deflected altogether. “I have never once been married.”

“Is that so?” Maurice asked in genuine surprise. 

Now Anita nodded as she politely cleaned herself up and pushed her now-empty plate to the outer edge of the table before changing tack altogether. “Why did you ever step out on me with your wife to begin with? Tell the truth. We made our choices. You just did it twice. But I am the final stop before we start getting to the younger versions. And you know it.”

Maurice realized Anita was right, again. Though they were not even friends. They were bonded by the part of the web they’d woven which had created Ruby. So now Maurice even understood that Anita was perfectly justified in feeling like she was owed something. Especially because it seemed she was willing to be his confidant. 

“If you must know…” Maurice tidied his own space and appearance. “We were in an ongoing fight which had already been particularly bad on that day.”

“Why?” asked Anita. 

“Because,” Maurice answered begrudgingly. “I wanted to try for a boy.”

Now Anita felt unimpressed. “What about your wife?”

Maurice answered, “She was absolutely content with Belle.”

Even more unimpressed, Anita said, “Fine. Was this the day that you learned of Aurora?”

“Indeed. A messenger delivered a letter from Aurora’s mother.” Maurice elaborated. “The letters gave details…”

Anita spoke. “Except for extremely pertinent ones, I take it?”      

“Yes. Briar Rose then used her letter to explicitly instruct me to stay away.”  Maurice lamented. “Ever meet her?”

“No, but I still heard whispers about your wife after our encounter,” Anita said. “Such as the fact that Collette and Briar Rose were girlhood loves. But then Colette married you. And Briar Rose married King Stefan. Is that true?” 

“Mhm.” Maurice confirmed. 

“Then,” pressed Anita. “What happened?!”

“Royal duties. But…” Maurice looked at her. “Did you hear whispers of Belle and Aurora? Ever?”

Anita said in a brusque tone, “Yes.”

Realizing that he’d unintentionally steered them into undesirable territory, Maurice bobbed his head in acknowledgement before changing lanes. “I couldn’t hope noticing when you came to visit me at my shop that you mentioned a specific birthright pertaining to yourself.” 

“Yes. I began to learn the truth about myself when I was halfway through carrying Ruby because my mother finally told me.” Anita eyed Maurice. “Have you figured out who she is yet?”

Amazed he could even keep up, Maurice told her, “No. But only because I have not stopped to sift through that aspect.”

Anita finally said, “My mother is the proprietor of the bed and breakfast.”

”Gods…” Maurice groaned as the gravity of the situation began sinking in on him even more.

“My mother is wolf-kind and has an ordinary birthright.” explained Anita. “She chose to live amongst humans instead of living with my father as his wife because his traditionalism was not something she agreed with. And he eventually could not stand the idea of me growing up with humans.”

“But she still raised you away from him, anyway?” Maurice arched his eyebrows as he realized how absurd it sounded aloud. 

“Yes. I was definitely still pregnant when I learned the full truth. He just had to pass into the next life to begin with. I would have otherwise never known.” Anita shrugged. “My mother must have written to my father at some point to tell him that I was pregnant. A man called Hazel came to see me.”

“Did this Hazel fill in the blanks that your mother kept empty?” Maurice wanted to know.

“Yes. He did.” Anita answered him. “The rest of the truth came tumbling out when he also said it was now my duty to take my father’s throne.”   

Utterly flabbergasted, Maurice posited, “This means that you are of royal blood?”

Equally serious, Anita said, “Yes. And so is Ruby.”

“Amazing.” Maurice shook his head in wonder. “But since history unfolded the way that it did, I take it that you left home to take the throne because of your father’s death?”

“Yes. I believed in the traditionalism where my mother did not because it felt far more exciting than drab village life that my mother was perfectly content with.” said Anita. 

“What was the tone of your time as queen?” Maurice asked curiously.

“I ruled with an ironclad fist,” sighed Anita. “Up until…”

A great understanding slammed into Maurice. “Ah. You ruled with an ironclad fist until Ruby and Snow entered your life.”

“Yes. That is exactly what happened.” Anita said seriously. “But…”

“Yes?” prompted Maurice. 

“How did you pull off bedding myself, your wife, and Briar Rose in the same stretch of time? Tell me.” Anita goaded him. “I dare you.”

“It was foolishness, coupled with my frustration about Colette actually telling me,” said Maurice. “That she had no interest in wanting a son. Ever.”

Anita remained unimpressed but relented. “Fine. By the way… The fact that you bedded a pair of girlhood loves, a splendidly-rare occurrence in and of itself, who could not come to be because of royal duties is your problem.” Anita said firmly. “But I have no problem that they loved each other. Now I’m just wondering if Briar Rose and Colette are alive somewhere.”

“Hm. Briar Rose… Well…” now Maurice heaved a tremendously big sigh. “She lived in such a different world that I eventually lost track when Avonlea started becoming engulfed in war strife.”

Anita said, “Then what about your wife?”

Maurice answered, “Colette vanished almost immediately after a particularly bad ogre attack that damaged Belle’s memory so badly that she was ‘disconnected’ for three days.”

“Did the girl somehow convince herself on her own,” Anita said slowly. “That her mother had gone to the next life because of the attack?”

Maurice answered, “Yes. I have no idea why she thought it in the first place, but it was just easier to tell Belle that that was the truth. Everyone else played along.”

“And Belle has always believed it?” Anita said incredulously.

”Correct.” Maurice told her. “I have never corrected the impression. So it is what it is.” 

“How have things not caught up with you more,” Anita indicated herself. “Than they have?”

”I don’t know.” answered Maurice. 

“Then there isn’t any way that Belle won’t begin to figure things out.” Anita deadpanned.

“Why?!” sputtered Maurice. “Is it because Shang is loose?!”

Now Anita could only nod. 

But she and Maurice were thinking the same thing. It’s going to be a long night.

Over the course of more drinks and even dessert, Anita told all about the events concerning Aurora, Mulan, and Hope in particular, and having watched the others in the woods as they talked to Shang, even the wolf boxes. In a word? Maurice felt fascinated. But he became understandably startled at the mention of Mulan being with child. Anita didn’t blame him for having those feelings. She was impressed Maurice could keep up.

At length, Maurice eventually said, “Everything you’ve told me so far has been connected. Now… I’m wondering who found Hope in the forest. Was it you?”

“No. Our girl did that.” explained Anita. “She brought her to Aurora for assistance because she was in her true form.”

“And Hope was not frightened?” Maurice remarked in surprise.

“As I understand it? No.” Anita said. “But as it happens, they are friends and neighbors. Belle even gave them her assistance in the morning because Hope actually knew to ask for her.”    

Befuddled now, Maurice pressed, “Why do you know any of this at all?”

“The girls told me. But do you understand what I’m saying? The girls took care of a child none of them bore.” Anita looked at Maurice. “Now tell the truth. Is there anyone in the preceding generations on your side who had or has magic?”

Shrugging, Maurice, “I have no idea. But we always taught Belle to respect magical beings, on the off-chance she ever encountered the ruler.”

Now Anita became distracted. “Why?”

“She is her godmother. Even Colette’s.” Maurice explained. “Focus. Why are you asking about magic?”

“Because,” answered Anita. “We saw Aurora’s baby son perform what had to be his first bit of magic.”

“I beg your pardon?!” protested Maurice. “What did the boy do?!”

“He levitated himself across a table and into my arms,” answered Anita. “Because he wanted to be closer to me.”

“Oh? Then did Hope exhibit magic?” Maurice half-joked. 

“Yes. But,” Anita hurried along when Maurice could only stare. “As for baby Phillip…”

“What about him?” asked Maurice. 

“Poor Aurora seemed completely baffled.” Anita told him.

Searching his memories, Maurice responded, “Aurora is within full rights to be baffled because her mother is… or was… thoroughly human. Do we also keep an eye on curious happenings in that area?”

“Yes.” Anita decided. “But I suppose that this is the part where I tell you about how I told Mulan and Aurora that I would look after them and their family because they lamented about being motherless.”

“Oh. That was very kind of you.” Maurice grew thoughtful now. “I was wondering if Aurora and Mulan are a couple. The way that you’re talking…”

Anita lifted an eyebrow. “Hey. Would you have been upset if I actually said they are?” 

Promptly realizing that she had the potential to react violently if he said something she didn’t like, Maurice quickly answered, “No. I would not.”

“Good. Because they do come in a set. The whole situation there is complicated. I don’t claim to understand it all…” Anita grew temporarily unguarded. “What do you know about Mulan?”

“The woman has always been a mystery to be.” admitted Maurice. “But I have nonetheless always admired her for all the heroics to her name. Sanctuary would have been hers, and Hope’s, if they had ever found themselves in Avonlea. Why?”

“I will have to tell you the story at a later date, but I met Mulan when she was a child.” Anita sighed. “I even freed her from the situation that our girl found Hope in.”

“Cycles do repeat themselves.” Maurice remarked. “But are we both in agreement that the whole reason is also unclear?”

“Yes.” confirmed Anita. “That is everything… Save one final thought about Shang..”

“And what would that be?” said Maurice. “Do you think that Shang is frightened and avoiding us because he started remembering the damage he and his father both wrought?” 

“Yes. And you should have seen him.” said Anita. “He really was not expecting to encounter the succeeding generations of the people he and his father so badly wronged.”

“What warlord ever does?” Maurice asked her darkly. “But none of them knew what you were watching?”

Anita shook her head. “What especially intrigued me was that he seemed to know that Aurora is already part of a different kind of set.” 

“Strange.” said Maurice. “Just what is that about?”

“Even that remains to be seen. But…” Anita now absently touched her bag strap. “Do you recall how I mentioned the boxes decorated with wolves?”

“I do.” Maurice confirmed. “Why? Do you have one?”

Withdrawing it and setting it on the table for Maurice to see, Anita said, “I only have that one. And I believe there are three. Hope seems to know about at least one of them because she actually used Tinker Bell to find it.”

Impressed, Maurice asked, “Was the little one successful?”

“No. And she was comically vexed about the matter.” observed Anita. “But doesn’t know the term because she is a child.”  

“That is one box in your possession, plus one other whose existence you and I are both acknowledging tonight. Because Mulan’s little girl has locked on to it for her own reasons. Do I have that right?” Maurice asked. 

“Yes.” answered Anita. 

 “Then if there is a third one, it’s also around Storybrooke.” Maurice went on. “Is that the agreement we’ve come to on the matter?”

“Yes. And,” replied Anita. “I would not be surprised if one of the children finds one of the unaccounted for ones first.”

Maurice bobbed his head. “Yes. Nor would I. But the last thing we need is Shang ever getting his hands on even one. Agreed?”

Anita said seriously, “Agreed.”

Maurice pointed to the box. “Belle has one of these as a child. It must belong to the same set. Unfortunately… I have not seen the thing in a very long time. Perhaps it vanished and landed here. Somewhere. Who knows?”

Thrown because she had been expecting more than this from him, Anita now asked, “What?”

Maurice told her sheepishly, “I really do not know any more than that. And I do apologize.”

“That isn’t necessary. But thank you for being honest. I mean what I say.” Anita told him. “But…”

“Yes?” asked Maurice in surprise when he saw Anita had extended one hand outward.    

“You and I are going to keep an eye out for the others now. I believe something else is coming. They need the protection of at least two parents who know them. Or about them. The same goes for the younger versions. I can’t do this alone. For that? I need your help.” Anita extended her hand further. “Deal?”

Maurice returned the handshake as he answered Anita, “Deal.”