FLASHBACK

Enchanted Forest

Rose was practically a fugitive. She knew some of Regina's knights had been aware that she survived.

She was certain Regina knew she was alive. It puzzled her why she wasn't killing her herself but one of the nights she had been running away from the same poor tortured, empty shell who saved her life the first time, she understood.

Regina just wanted her out of the way because of Snow. Rose hadn't done enough to stop her cousin from babbling, for breaking their promise.

Rose valued promises. The moment Snow broke it, something broke inside of Rose. Some trust she put on the kind girl. Since that day, Rose never ever trusted Snow anything. Her feelings, how people treated her. Absolutely anything.

It was as if that trust bond shattered and she'd never be able to fix it again.

It was also, her devastating realization that got her deaf to the knight sneaking up on her.

It was when Rose was saved by the second time by a kind heart. Only this woman's song was ringing loudly in soft pain for a sudden lost.

The melody of this woman sang heartbreak but determination to not lose someone, even a stranger.

It was when Rose met genuine compassion from a stranger.

A royal stranger who knew Rose needed help. And shelter.

And for the first time, Rose found a friend in a woman called Abigail.

~8~

Rose tried for a way to return to Neverland in her dreams but none worked. Whatever Peter was dealing with, he didn't want her there.

Rose felt hurt each time she'd fail in contacting with the first boy who has helped her without asking for anything in exchange, the first person who had never turned his back on her and accepted her as a whole person, not like the freak everyone saw her as.

The lost boys were also missed. Her first family who didn't care who she was. She wanted to see them again.

Abigail, Rose somehow still kept her at arms-length even though the woman knew briefly about her as their kingdoms had little to none communication. Abigail was kind to her.

Which is why, the moment Rose received a letter from the woman, for first time asking for her help, Rose couldn't deny it.

Abigail had done a lot for her that Rose knew she had to pay somehow her kindness.

~8~

Day - Woods

The letter was specific on where to wait for Abigail. Rose had put on a hood to hide her identity as she waited for the woman in boredom.

The galloping of horses caught her attention, glancing around to see Abigail and a man riding on horseback with two of Abigail's guards behind them.

"We have reached my father's realm" Abigail told them "We should be safe here" They stopped, dismounting "Prince James. This Red Rose. A friend of mine"

Rose pulled her hood down, revealing her face to them, "I wouldn't call us friends"

Rose didn't want to get attached to her because when Abigail left, this would hurt for the girl whose heart had learned to feel again. The thought of Peter angered her, unbelieving he'd push her away. Her exterior turned cold again.

Abigail sent her a brief smile, knowingly. "You are, everyone who helps me get true love is my friend"

Rose blinked, snapping back to the present, "Right. Why did you summon me here then, Abigail?"

"I'll explain in a moment" Abigail promised, turning to James "I have provisions waiting for you"

Abigail handed James a leather bag.

"I can't take any of it" James told her, tossing it away. Rose looked at him in slight amusement "Not until you tell me what's really going on. And why Rose is here"

"I told you" Abigail told him.

"Stop playing games" James told her. A guard approached. Abigail signaled him back. "If you have no feelings for me, as you have said, why show me any kindness at all? What haven't you told me?"

"This isn't about you, James" Rose drawled, "Or me. It's about her. Your songs don't match to be together. Her song matches better with another man. A man named Frederick"

Abigail nodded, smiling sadly.

Rose remembered the first time they met when she saved Rose from that knight. Abigail had been trying to save Frederick for days when she heard commotion of someone struggling, seeing a panicking redhead girl being dragged away. Abigail didn't want more suffering so she helped the girl, knocking out the knight and brought her closer to where she was with Frederick to keep her safe. It was a hidden place after all. Rose had felt something different about the golden statue where Abigail in sadness explained everything to the girl, wanting her to forgive her fearful experience and her wanting someone to listen to Frederick's story.

James looked between them "What happened?"

Abigail sighed "We all have our own tragedies, lost love being the worst. I thought reuniting you with yours might grant me some consolation"

"Well, I'm afraid I'm not able to help you, then" James told them "My 'love' told me in no uncertain terms that she does not feel for me as I do for her. Can't fight for something that doesn't exist. So there's my tragedy"

Rose chuckled, amused "I can't believe from all kind of loves I've witnessed, True love is the most complicated. Yours' not tragedy. Tragedy is your entire kingdom burning down because you are related to the wrong people"

Rose walked away, toward a small wooden pavilion.

Abigail looked at Rose sadly, turning to James "Follow me" They followed Rose, walking toward a golden statue. Rose was examining it carefully as she had done it every time she visited. There were two guards standing near the statue, eyeing Rose cautiously, wearing chainmail and carrying spears. Abigail looked at the guards "A moment, please" the guards walked away. "This is where my beloved Frederick sacrificed his life"

"I'm sorry" James told her sincerely "Did he die in battle?"

Abigail sighed "We were traveling with my father, King Midas. When our caravan was ambushed, Frederick bravely defended us, and was cut down saving my father's life"

"It's a fitting tribute" James told them "The craftsmanship is-is remarkable. I haven't seen anything quite so... lifelike"

James touched the statue's arm.

"That's because the arm you're touching is actually Frederick's" Rose explained, without looking away, seeming to be listening intently "His song is as strong as ever"

James dropped his hand, "Excuse me?"

"It's not a statue" Abigail explained "Frederick saw the attack when no one else did, and threw himself in front of my father, knocking him to safety. Because of my father's curse he was instantly turned to gold"

James was in shock "All curses can be broken. Have you tried true love's kiss?"

Abigail shook her head "Until my lips bled"

James realized "The gold got in the way"

Abigail nodded "That's about the time I met Rose. She was on the run. She was one of the first people to give me hope that Frederick could be saved. And why I called her today"

Rose tilted her head curiously "What can I possibly do?"

"There's a legend of a lake, Lake Nostos" Abigail explained. Rose's expression became guarded, colder. No way. "Its waters are said to have magical properties that can return to you something that was once lost"

"How will a teenager help you in that Lake?" James asked

Rose frowned. "I'm not a teenager. I may look like one because of what I am-" And the times she's visited Neverland, "But I'm actually 20" James frowned. "And I understand why she would need my help. The lake is guarded by a siren. They drown their victims which is why no one who has ever gone in there has managed to return"

"How do you know?" James asked.

Rose sighed "My mother was a siren. She was shunned out of her family and the ocean when she fell in love with my father when she was supposed to drown him. I'm part siren"

Coral, Rose's mother had lived in the ocean before meeting her father. She and her family were hunting in the waters Rose's father had been sailing at. Coral saw something in him, something in his song that drew her to him, unable to drown him. It was rare but his song was pleasant to her ear, Coral would tell her and with that, she wouldn't follow through her instincts. They were gone in his mere presence, making her able for the first time to express emotion. Something sirens weren't capable of.

Abigail noticed James' expression "You needn't to fear Rose. She'd never hurt someone on purpose"

"Only who deserves it" Rose clarified, pursing her lips.

Like those knights wanting to end her life. She could still hear them scream at night. More now that she didn't have Peter and Neverland to distract her from her nightmares.

James shook his head "I don't"

Rose looked at Abigail, "While sirens hate half breeds like I do, I consider myself strong enough to face them to get the water for Frederick. I don't think I'm gonna be fooled like they do to you humans. What they do is sing to humans to mess up their song to their frequency so you only listen to their voice. That way is easier for them to drown humans without interruptions"

Abigail looked concerned, "I didn't know that. You don't have to do this for me, Rose"

"I made a promise to help you" Rose told her "I don't break promises. They can't mess my song as I can practically do the same. Besides, that water could be helpful to restore this" She held up a dried magic bean. "I've been trying to find a way to restore it so I can travel away from this place so I can start over, away from the people who want me dead so I can finally be at peace and this waters can help me. If it doesn't work out, I at least have to try. I always liked two songs in harmony, in happiness"

It had been difficult finding that magic bean. She knew giants harvested them but by the time she reached their home to ask for assistance, their home was destroyed and burnt like how her kingdom had ended up. It had been another pang of pain in her heart as she saw all the lives lost. Innocent lives. Between the disaster, a bit of hope had returned to her when she found a single bean. The one she had in her hand. It was a way to remember that there was always hope to return to Peter.

And now? This hope was returning, glad she hadn't lost it. That she hadn't thrown it away as she wanted to along the dried bean.

"And if you die, neither of us will" Abigail told her.

"Nonsense" James told them, looking at Rose "I'll go with her and together we will succeed and you'll be reunited with Frederick and your misery ends. If we fail, the misery that ends will be ours"

Rose seemed slightly impressed, nodding in agreement.

For the first time, Rose felt hope returning, too bad she wasn't that capable to show how much this meant for her to them.

~8~

Night

In the middle of the woods, James, Rose and Abigail were walking along.

"What's this?" James asked, pointing ahead.

"It's a shrine to the guardian of the lake" Abigail answered "Every man who faces it leaves an offering here first, asking for the creature's mercy"

"We're gonna be fine, Abigail" Rose told her, sighing "He's the one who should stay"

"No way I'm leaving you to face that siren alone" James told her. Rose looked annoyed "If what you said it's true, they can still get to you. You're part human, have you forgotten that? The siren could get your human side and you're gone forever"

"It'll get to you fist" Rose replied. James sighed. Rose seemed to get an idea, smiling sadistically "Oh! You get to be the distraction right? Good idea, James"

Rose walked away.

Abigail shook her head, "You bicker like children. Good luck. And if you can, protect her, please. She's been through a lot to become like that for all I know"

James nodded, "I will"

James walked away, following after Rose.

Abigail looked after them, concerned for their safety but grateful for their help.

~8~

Charming and Rose were walking closer to the shrine, in silence.

"So..." James trailed off.

"Do you know how to fight?" Rose asked.

James looked at her in confusion "Why do you ask?"

"Because we could just stay still to be trapped for the incoming King George's knights or we can fight them," Rose answered.

James stopped walking, "Incoming Knights?" He repeated, looking around "Where?"

"They almost get to us" Rose pointed behind herself, "We should act fast or we won't get to Lake Nostos"

James pulled out his sword, turning around to face the incoming knights.

A guard walked closer, pointing at Rose "We finally caught up to you, Red Rose" Rose looked at him in boredom. Again, the same? She was a little surprised Regina put another kingdoms to her search. So she indeed was a pain in the ass for the queen. Good to know. "You fooled everyone into thinking you were dead, but there was no body to find"

"I should give you a medal for your observations, then" Rose told him sarcastically.

The Knights and James pulled out their swords to fight, charging at each other. James easily disarmed some knights, kicking them unconscious.

Rose turned her head to face a few of them, a playful smirk playing on her lips as she whistled a sharp tone. The sound echoed through the knights heads and helmets, spasming in pain, falling to the ground, groaning. Some screaming in pain.

James turned to her at the sounds of pain, shocked. "What?"

A knight was sneaking upon James. Rose narrowed her eyes, her pupils darkening slightly as she gave another whistle. The knight fell unconscious. James looked down at him, turning to Rose.

Rose placed her hands behind her back, calmly and innocent," We make good team"

"Rose, what did you do?" James asked, looking around the unconscious knights.

It was the first time he noticed a slight concern in the girl as she looked at them, nibbling on her lip.

"I didn't aim to kill them" Rose told him. "Are they-?"

James frowned warily, kneeling in front of them, checking them. "No. You just knocked them out"

Rose sighed softly, "Good. I... That would have been a little troubling"

James was confused, understanding Rose had some kind of magic but didn't want to pressure her into explaining.

"We should continue" James told her.

Rose nodded and the two of them walked awah, continuing their trip until they reached a shrine. The entrance toward Lake Nostos.

Rose frowned slightly at the entrance, "You should stay here"

"I said I wouldn't let you go alone" James told her. "I don't break promises"

Rose pursed her lips. If just Snow had valued the same when they were little.

"It's because you don't trust me, is it?" Rose asked coldly, looking at him. "Because I'm different"

James shook his head, "No. I do trust you" Rose furrowed her eyebrows, slightly surprised, "I know it's weird. And soon but I don't think you are a bad person"

Rose softened slightly, nodding. Her heart clenched as she thought about Peter once saying that to her. The first time she lowered her walls around him.

James gave a slight smile, gesturing at the shrine. They both walked entered the shrine, finally walking off to the lake.

~8~

Lake Nostos

James and Rose approached the shore of the lake, taking off their cloaks/hood. James pulled out his canteen, going to fill it in the lake as Rose stood by, looking around cautiously. The ripples from the canteen spread, and a shudder was heard throughout the lake.

Rose could hear it. The cold darkness her mother warned her from.

There was a difference between these type of siren. There were sirens like her mother were musical, using their voices to lure people to them, some sirens like the one from this lake were corrupted, their songs shattered. Rose felt a shiver pass through her at the void sensation of this corrupted siren.

Rose stepped forward, coldly "I know you're here, siren" She stood in front of James, protectively "Make yourself known to me, darling. Show yourself"

"How do you know they're here?" James asked, placing down his canteen, standing up.

"Her cold essence and empty soul" Rose answered "There's a void where she is, no music. No noise. They're a void. They're cold beasts"

Suddenly, a beautiful woman adorned with jewels, a siren, raised from the center of the lake "And what does that make you, dear?" Rose looked at her emotionlessly "What it is like being able to feel every emotion human do but unable to express them? That's worse than not feeling at all, don't you think, half-breed?"

James drew his sword "I doubt it"

The Siren smiled.

~8~

The Siren walked on the water, approaching Rose and James.

"Stay back" Rose warned.

"Don't need to be rude, Red Rose" The Siren told her. Rose tilted her head aside "Yes, I know your name. I knew your dear mother, Coral" she said in disgust. She looked at James, "However, this lovely man, I don't know his name. How can you resist the temptation, child? He's easy to get" They stayed silent "Come on, my boy. Wouldn't you like to come with me? I can be anyone you want me to be"

James glared at her, "Stop. We know what you are. Your deceitful words are a spell meant to lure us to our deaths"

"Yet you trust someone even worse than me" The Siren replied, pointing at Rose.

James pursed his lips "I will not fall prey to your deceptions"

The Siren chuckled, "So you're immune to me as dear Rose?" The Siren poured water from the lake on her face, transforming her face into that of Snow White. Rose narrowed her eyes hatefully "Like me now, Charming?"

Rose couldn't believe it. James and Snow. And to think she was actually liking him. She should make Snow feel her pain. She glanced at James. Another person who actually liked her for who she was and didn't care she wasn't completely human.

Peter would have liked her to save him.

"James" Rose warned "Remember that's not really her. It's an illusion. It's not real"

James stared at the siren, his mind becoming clouded by the song the siren was playing for him to lure him out, forced to stop by Rose, pushing him back.

"You know sometimes illusions are better than truth, Rosie" The Siren told her, approaching them "Like when you fooled yourself to believe you'd be happy among humans who hated you, who feared you, who called you names. Not even your own cousin cared for you. Look at what she did to you, forced you to go into the run. Killed the so called creatures you called parents. They didn't give you what you deserved, the opportunity to explore all that power you have. You think listening to people's songs and controlling music is only what you can do? You can do more Rosie. And if you come with me, if your friend comes with me, I can show you. Come closer both of you" Rose blinked, a little fallen for the sound of the song the siren was singing for her, allowing James walk pass her, following behind. "Closer"

James reached the Siren, kissing her.

Rose was starting to walk closer as well in a trance like state when the light of the lake hit on the coral necklace hanging around her neck. She blinked. Once. Her mother gave two corald to her to make it. Her mother who loved her. Twice. The necklace she created for herself and Snow to remember each other. The real Snow. Snow wouldn't hurt people on purpose.

This wasn't Snow.

It was like waking up from a dream, her mind foggy but she empowered through it, seeing James standing in the middle of the lake with the fake Snow. The fake Snow who kissed him, speaking sweetly.

"It's me. I love you" It was her voice what snapped Rose completely out of the trance like. There was no song, no comforting presence.

Rose looked up darkly, out of the trance like state "No" Her voice was loud and stronger than the siren's that sent vibrations through the water.

James pulled away from the Siren, out of the reach of her luring song thanks to Rose's own Siren Song being stronger than the Siren's keeping his mind clear "It's not you. I've felt real love, and this isn't it. I know the difference"

The Siren looked at them coldly, "Congratulations, Prince Charming, Princess Rose. You two are the firsts to defeat me in my own game"

The Siren pushed James into the depths of the lake, dragging him down to the bottom.

"Oh, you're not" Rose told her.

Rose jumped toward the lake. Being half Siren, she was able to breathe under water, seeing James struggling to be free from a seaweed, swimming closer, seeing a sword and a dagger on the lake floor near skeletons of dead warriors and bones, swimming toward the lake floor, picking up the sword, swimming toward James, cutting off the seaweed, ushering him the surface as the Siren swam toward him to stop him. Rose got in her way, squinting her eyes, concentrating in the Siren, the irises in her green eyes turned to slits for a moment as she forced her own Siren song to reach the Siren telepathically, stopping her from swimming to James, stabbing her harshly, causing her face to transform back to its original state. The Siren looked at her in shock. Rose smirked, starting to swim toward the surface, looking around, seeing James sitting safely at the edge of the lake, closing her eyes in relief.

~8~

Woods

Shrine

James and Rose returned to Frederick's shrine, where Abigail was waiting for them, laughing in shock and relief at seeing them alive.

"Water from Lake Nostos, as requested" Rose told her, her hair still damp from the Lake water.

James handed her a canteen of water.

Abigail smiled in shock "Remarkable. But how did you two managed to slay the beast?"

"The fate of your true love was at stake" Rose answered "It was a battle neither of us couldn't afford to lose"

Abigail walked toward the statue, pouring the water over the head which trailed down the body, melting the gold around the armor, falling to his knees. Abigail gasped in joy, shock and relief, kneeling next to Frederick. James watched in shock. Rose looked at them in content, though the Siren's words about her being unable to express herself still ran through her head. Abigail pulled the helmet off Frederick's head, laughing in joy, kissing him

"Abigail, what happened to me?" Frederick asked.

"You were trapped, but now you're free" Abigail answered. They smiled, continuing to kiss. James and Rose looked away, smiling slightly. Frederick noticed them. Abigail stood "This is James and Rose. They're the ones who freed you"

Frederick stepped closer to shake Rose's and James' hands. "I am forever indebted to you"

James smiled, "Well, pay us back by walking down the aisle with someone you truly belong with" Rose nodded in agreement, "And, perhaps, giving me a horse and supplies for a journey as well?"

"Done" Frederick answered.

Abigail walked closer to embrace Rose, who awkwardly hugged back, "Thank you so much. It means a lot you helped a stranger when she needed it and stayed until the end. If that's not a friend, then I don't what you are" She pulled away, "Where will you go now that you kept your promise to me?"

Rose tilted her head "Away from this place" She held up a restored magic bean, "I know the place I will go to, somewhere I'm finally accepted for what I am"

Abigail smiled softly "You're accepted here with me. Don't forget that" She looked at James "What about you? Where will you go?"

"To find Snow White" James answered.

Rose looked away, sighing silently.

Abigail smiled "You are going after her"

James sighed "True love isn't easy, but it must be fought for" Frederick and Abigail looked at each other, smiling. "Because once you find it, it can never be replaced"

"How will you know where to find her?" Abigail asked.

Charming tilted his head "Well, a bird helped me track her down once, hopefully it can again"

"Well, then, good luck" Abigail told him. "Oh, and, James, please, make haste. When King George discovers that the union of the kingdoms has been ruined, he will come after you. Some people will stop at nothing to destroy the happiness of others"

Abigail and Frederick walked away.

James looked at Rose, curiously, "You're leaving, right? I hope you find that happiness you were looking for"

Rose nodded slightly, managing a small sincere smile, "Yeah. Actually, helping Abigail today to be reunited with Frederick made me realize helping people makes me happy. And I know of someone who needs my help right now" She looked down at the magic bean, "And I won't stop until I help him. So I guess this is a goodbye for us"

James nodded, smiling slightly "It was nice to meet you. And don't let what that Siren said to get to your head. She was just trying to bring you down so you wouldn't be able to defeat her"

Rose hesitated, nodding slowly "You're not that bad yourself" James laughed. Rose threw the magic bean away from them, a green vortex starting to form. Rose looked at James, "Send Snow my greetings. Tell her I blame her for everything. And I hate her"

Without waiting for James to reply, Rose jumped to the portal, closing just as she got in.

James stared after the empty place in confusion, shocked.