The Princess and The Hatter

Chapter Eighteen

Once Upon a Time in the Enchanted Forest . . . .

You hadn't been away long, since Regina  let you escape from the castle, a small baby bump forming. *Reference chapter five flashback* It was then, hugely to your surprise that when you and Jefferson showed up at Rumplesitskin's place. 

 "And I've had my time wasted. I'm sorry but, uh, transcending death is beyond even my reach."

The two of you pop out the hat  "I thought nothing was beyond your reach?" Jefferson say sacratically before you both stop chuckling, seeing Regina you pause. "Busy. Should we...?" Jefferson begins awkwardly. 

"Sister" You nod but she glares at you. 

"No, no. Nothing important going on here." The dark one stands from his wheel of Gold. 

"Rumpelstiltskin!" Regina says in shock. 

 "Ignore her."

"I indeed to" You glare "Setting the kings hounds on us? Sending you mother close by?" You say at her spiteful face. 

"We want you back and safe. . ." 

"No you don't." 

"I warned you, you would be hunted. . ." 

"You're my sister!" 

"I will be your queen Y/N, don't forget it." You shake your head at her words, an element of a threat there. "Your child deserves better." 

"I can't undo what she did Regina . . . but you dare hurt my baby and you'll join him in the afterlife. . ." The room goes silent. You turn to Rumple. "We got what you wanted." On your words Jefferson hands Rumpelstiltskin a crystal ball.

"What about the slippers?" Rumplestiltskin looks at the ball and then the two of you. 

"Oh. Couldn't find 'em. Heard talk they've already been moved to another land." Jefferson announces, you had spent a long time looking for the Ruby slippers. 

"That's what I needed to get to that other land." Rumple grumbles "you've lost your touch now your  . . . a family" Rumple hides his emotions looking at your swelling belly. 

"Well probably my last trip. . ." You snap back "anyway, why come with us in my Jeff's hat. I'm sure we can work something out.?" You frown at his need of a change in realm. 

"No, no. The hat only transports between magical realms. I need to get to a land without magic." He says almost angrily. 

"Why would anyone want that?" Jefferson said with distain. 

"My business."

"You want the ball or not?" You say a little fed up "I need a wee" you pull a face. He takes the crystal ball.

"Mm... Yes. Help yourself to as much gold as you deem appropriate." He motions to you and Jefferson who smiles triumphantly. "Oh, and you. You can let yourself out. Our work is done." He motions to Regina, wafting her away, you watch in confusion. 

"Wait, so that's it? You're not going to teach me anymore?"

"So long as you harbour foolish notions of bringing back the dead, so long as you live in the past, you'll never find your future. Teaching you is a waste of time."

"Teaching her?" You ask aloud but just then an idea comes into Jeffersons head. 

"Pardon me" Jefferson appears behind Regina scaring the living shit out of her "for eavesdropping, but I think you need to look elsewhere for assistance."