Lost, Then Home: The Third Book in the A Tale of Two Sisters Series

Part One: Rescue Mission

"Although we've had our differences, I can always count on you to get things done, unlike the rest of them," Regina said to Mr. Gold as they and the girls started walking back to the camp to regroup. "You're right. They're just a liability."

"I wonder what happened with the rest of them," The Dark One replied.

"I recount Pan telling them that Neal was alive and Emma taking the bait, which I regard as a big waste of their time."

"Mom," Reagan scolded with a whisper.

"Good going, Regina," Serenity said sarcastically.

Regina sighed, "I'm sorry, I should've known better."

"No, there's no need. Bae is alive," Gold said, shocking the Mills women. "Pan wasn't lying. I have seen Bae on the island. And he might have a way off it. Don't worry, the travel plans are after we rescue Henry."

"There's something you're not telling us," Serenity said. "What happened when you and Neal saw each other?"

"All you need to know is that next time we see my son, it will be him who puts Henry back in his arms and father and son are reunited."

At the sound of swords being drawn, Reagan quickly drew hers whilst Serenity created a fireball. The bushes rustled, and in came the other heroes along with Neal and Tink.

"You guys scared me," Reagan said.

"What are you doing here?" Mary Margaret asked.

"Same as you, except we actually have a chance," Regina nodded at the box Gold held in his hand. "Pandora's Box. It could trap Pan for eternity simply by opening the lid."

"You didn't tell me my father was with Regina and the girls," Neal whispered to Emma.

"I didn't know," she replied.

"Your father is The Dark One?" Tinker Bell asked.

"Yes. And he isn't getting anywhere near Henry," Neal replied.

"Bae . . ." Gold said.

"Why? What are you talking about?" Emma asked.

"There's a prophecy that says that Henry will be his undoing," Neal explained. "He didn't come here to protect him. He came here to kill him."

"That's why you wanted to get to Henry first," Mary Margaret said as everyone started drawing their weapons.

"To be on his own—"

"So no one can stop you," Hook interrupted David.

"So you can kill him," Regina said.

"It's not gonna happen," Reagan said as she pointed her sword at The Dark One. "Not unless you go through all of us first."

"You're making a mistake. I don't care if the boy is destined to be my undoing. I won't hurt him," he said.

"Because that sounds just like you," Regina said.

"Without me, you will fail. I'm the most powerful amongst us."

"That's why we can't trust you," Neal said.

"If I could give you my dagger, I would. But I can't," Gold replied.

"But you can give me Pandora's Box. I don't have to trust you if I could stop you."

"Son . . ." The Dark One hesitated, but eventually put the box in his son's hand.

"Look at me. You so much as lift a finger to perform magic, you're gonna spend an eternity in this box."