Secrets

Spectrum

While the others were sleeping, Rumplestiltiskin guarded the area. It was always a wonderful time to plan his scape, scheming his way to the Sorceress's Hat. However, the Dark One knew he could go nowhere until the queen's return since he was the one leading the group. Also, he wondered what had happened to the Merry Men with more curiosity than he should.

Don't get him wrong, Rumple held no affection towards Robin Hood's group, but he would be a fool not to worry about the urgency in John's note.

If something was at loose in the woods, none of them were safe and as much as it bothered him to admit, this whole thing could destroy his plan completely.

Dark magic was his specialty and Rumple could tell something was not right. The darkness had occupied the area and he wasn't sure of how powerful or what it really meant. Magic is always intriguing, yet unpredictable. This urn was an interesting annoying thing, but the Dark One knew it wasn't the only problem.

When the subject is magic, specifically the dark kind, the more you have, the more you want. It changes the balance in nature and it draws spirits who want the same darkness.

Enchanted Forest is a much darker place than they remembered, and Rumple was trying to turn the situation on his favor. He noticed the weak sunlight slowly grow into a fierce one, assuring all the living the day had already began.

Gently, Rumple caressed Belle's forehead and woke her up. The girl quickly stood and went to wake the others. After a quick breakfast, they continued the long walk searching for the urn and Rumple couldn't help but wonder why Regina was taking so long.

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She opened her eyes but quickly closed them shut again. Couldn't the daylight be gentler? The queen chose to stay a few minutes with her still sensitive eyes closed, trying to acknowledge what had happened to her.

Her whole body was soared and there was a tension in her muscles she hadn't felt in a long time. The magic in Will was strong. Breaking the spell took a toll on her but at least now she knew what kind on being was in the woods.

Taking a deep breath, the queen opened her eyes once more. After a moment adjusting to the light, Regina looked around. She was in a big tent, surely the Merry Men had settled someplace for her to stay after Robin picked her up.

She stood up with a frown, resting her hands on her soared legs. It felt like she had run for hours and couldn't move properly. Regina quickly moved her hand to her chest and checked her heart beat. The sharp pain she felt before passing out had been more than inconvenient. She knew that kind of pain, she had felt it almost her entire life.

Dark magic is never subtle, Regina reminded herself.

Still clouded by sleepiness, the queen walked out of the tent and, finding the Merry Men sitting on a circle around a small bonfire, walked towards them.

Robin met her eyes quickly after her head appeared behind the tent's entrance. He stood up and met her halfway. "Regina." He breathed out, relieved. "How are you feeling?" The outlaw questioned, searching for anything out of normal in her body.

"I'll be alright, don't worry." She replied with a small smile. "How's Will?" The queen added, concerned.

"He's fine, just a little shaken. He wanted to be here with the others, but I tried to convince him otherwise. Eventually, he agreed." Robin said softly, tucking one of Regina's loose hair behind her ear. "And you should do the same." He added.

"No, I want to be here. I'm fine, he was the one cursed." The queen replied, stepping closer.

"Yes, you're the one who collapsed after saving him. I guess the treatment should be the same." The outlaw insisted but the lest Regina wanted was to be alone in a tent, so she kept protesting and reluctantly Robin accepted. She briefly kissed him and, together, they walked back to the Merry Men.