"soulmate"

chapter 6

So this is a shorter chapter than the others but I just got back from NYC and I'm exhausted. I still wanted to get the next chapter out so here it is. Hope you like it!

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"I think I found something!" Henry practically screamed. "What is it?" David asked, while everyone gathered around the table. "I found a couple of old archives saying that the portals only open when it's time for the travelers to help someone or end something." I picked up a couple of the documents on the table, switching my weight nervously from one foot to another.

"So who am I supposed to help, and when does it stop?" Everyone looked at each other with worry and questions plastered on their faces; no one knew the answer, and even if they did, they wouldn't know how to stop it.

"Okay... wait, if I need to stop something or help someone, how do they know that it's stopped or they were helped?"

"What did you just say?" Killian asked, rubbing his head.

"Uhm, there needs to be someone or something that brought me here, but they would also have to know when to take me back... Right?" I started to question what I just said myself. "What if they're watching me?" I whispered, frantically looking around.

"I don't think that--" Snow started.

"How do you know? Didn't Regina have cameras all over that town so she could know what was going on with Henry?" I interrupted.

Regina stepped forward, her expression serious. "Yes, I did have surveillance in Storybrooke, but we can't assume the same here. However, it's a valid concern. We need to be cautious."

"Right," David agreed, "but for now, let's focus on understanding these portals and how they work."

Killian nodded. "Aye, let's not jump to conclusions until we have all the facts."

Snow added, "And if there is someone watching, we'll deal with that when the time comes. Our priority is figuring out your role in all this, and how to fulfill it."

Just then, Henry chimed in, "What if it's not a person at all? What if it's some sort of machine, programmed to monitor and initiate these portal openings?"

As Henry shared his find, I felt overwhelmed. "This is too much," I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I just want to go home."

Regina reassured me, "We'll figure it out together, dear. Let's not stress."

I was still puzzled. "Where do we even start? It feels like we're guessing in the dark."

David stepped up, determined. "Henry, find more clues. The rest of us will brainstorm."

Killian suggested, "Let's find other travelers who've dealt with portals."

Snow agreed, "We need help."

Everyone started chatting amongst themselves, trying to come up with ideas. While lost in thoughts I didn't realise Regina trying to say something to me until she put her hand on mine. She could sense that I was nervous, feeling watched, I whisper nervously. "What if something's guiding us?" I say in a wisper that sounded just as delicate as spiderwebs.

"Don't worry, whoever or whatever is doing this will have to stop at a certain point. We'll get you home." She looked at me, the look plastered on Hana's face she knew all to well, exhaustion and loss of hope. But she wouldn't let this girl go down that patch the way she did.

"I promise."

"Well thanks Queenie." I say with a small smile.

"Queenie, huh?" She asks with raised eyebrows, but a smirk was hovering over her face. Hana could tell.

"What do you want me to call you?" I say while walking to the group that was busy brainstorming, not giving her any time to respond.

Regina just laughs to herself, repeating the nickname in her head.

"Queenie."