The Clash, Book One

Chapter 31: Pretty in Blue, Part G

Several blocks away, Detective Weaver had just walked into a vacant Roni's. He then asked her, "You were looking for me?"

"That's right. Take a seat," Roni told him, and he sat down at the bar. She placed a drink in front of him, and he then looked up at her expectantly. She then questioned, "What does the name Rumplestiltskin mean to you?"

"Rumplestiltskin?" Weaver repeated slowly as Roni nodded slightly. He then told her, "Well, didn't he sleep for 100 years?"

Roni's expression read that she was not impressed. Slight exasperation overtook her tone as she stated, "That was Rip Van Winkle, and we're not doing this. I'm awake, and so are you.You're always awake."

She paused before she explained, "And I'm sure you think you have a good reason for pretending you're not, but it's time to drop it. Drizella and Gothel are working together, and we both know how bad that's going to be for everyone, including Henry, your grandson," as though this were a normal occurrence.

Weaver then asked, "My grandson?" receiving a nod from Roni. He chuckled lightly as he continued, "I'm not even married," before taking a drink.

Roni slammed her hands on the table as scolded him, "Stop it! This isn't a joke.I need a partner, Gold. And as powerful as Alena is, she's going to need all the help she can get to go up against whatever the hell Drizella and Gothel are planning. Not to mention that she has enough of her own problems."

With a tilt of his head, Weaver then asked, "You mean that young, blonde woman that worked for Victoria Belfry? The one with the twin girls?" cupping the drink in his hands.

With a glare, Roni then vehemently stated, "You know who she is, and you know I'm right. As much as I'd like to go to Storybrooke for that help, that can't be done. We can't get there, and they can't know we're here."

Her expression then softened as she fondly spoke, "It's us against them, and we're here together just like it used to be."

Weaver shrugged slightly as he pointed out, "The only thing we've teamed up for is a few happy hours." He then took another sip of his drink before he got up and began walking out of the bar.

Roni decided to go with one last attempt: "If you're keeping your cover because of the Guardian, it's the wrong move. Belle wouldn't want this."

Stopping in his tracks, Weaver then turned around and asked, "Who's Belle?"

Roni sighed before she told him, "Never mind Detective. I'll just have to find help somewhere else."

Weaver then walked out of the bar as Roni stared after him.

New Enchanted Forest, 4 Years Ago

"You know, if you stay pretty close to the palace, I'm not sure you'll get into trouble," Henry told his sister as he handed her a sword.

Alena grabbed the blade and sheathed it at her waist. She then told him, "I think you forgot who you're talking to. I sometimes have a knack for trouble."

While she had been joking, there was also truth in her words.

Henry couldn't help but grin as he replied, "Oh, yeah. Mom told me a few stories - especially when she was teaching you magic. She seems to think you got that knack from Hook."

Even though it was probably true, Alena rolled her eyes in response. Henry couldn't help but chuckle.

He then tilted his head as he admitted, "And I have to agree with her. Hook does tend to end up in some pretty, uh, interesting situations."