CHAPTER TWELVE: New York serenade

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EROS WHITE FROWNED DOWN AT HIS ATTIRE. Given that he has spent the last twenty-nine years in civilian clothing, he had forgotten what his original clothing choice had been like.

He hit the red cloth attached to his shoulders. "Am I wearing a fucking cape?" He finally glanced up, seeing Aurora and  an unknown man.

"Snow? Eros? What happened?" The woman asked.

"We're back," snow said in a defeated tone.
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Alister would lie and say he definitely wasn't jealous, that he definitely didn't want to punch the man sitting across from Emma, had anyone asked him. He also say that the man was definitely less attractive than himself. Like, not where on the same level. But, he blamed having spent two hundred years with his brother, who had the biggest ego known to man.

Alister watched as the man left, and immediately headed over to the table and sat down.  Emma was on her phone. "Hang on, I'm just gonna finish one quick work thing."

"You!" Emma yelled at him, once she looked up.

"I can explain," Alister interrupted.

"You are a stalker!"

"With good reason though." Alister says, as if it makes it all better. "Don't scream. Just hear me out. I don't do this very often. So treasure it, love. I've come to apologize."

"For trying to kiss me?" Emma had picked up the stake knife.

"I was simply trying to jog your memory."

"It's time for you to go. Now."

"Your parents and uncle are in great danger, Emma."

"You really have no idea what you're talking about."

"Cause you think you're an orphan? Because that's haunted you your whole life? I'm here to tell you everything yo believed is wrong."

"You don't know me."

"Alas, I know you better than you know yourself. I have proof. Take a gander." He hands Emma s small piece of paper. "Here's an address. If you wanna know who you really are, who your parents are, go there."

"Leave. Now." Emma looks around, for her date.

"You've been there before. A year ago. You just don't remember."

"A year ago I was in Boston. Till a fire destroyed my apartment and I moved to New York to have a fresh start with my son."

"Regina did really a number on you."

"You're a crazy person. Or a liar. Or both."

"I prefer dashing rapscallion. Scoundrel?"

"Give me one good reason not to punch you in the face."

"You really don't believe me?" He leans a bit closer. "Try using your superpower. Yep, I know about that. Use it. See that I'm telling the truth."

"Just because you believe something is true, does not make it real," emma tells the man.

"Maybe. Maybe not. I know you, Swan. You sense something's off. Go to that address. Take a chance. Then you'll want to talk. When you do I'll be in Central Park. By the entrance of the zoo. Don't do it for me. Or you. Do it for your family. They need your help," Alister leaves.
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"How have things been since we left?" Snow asked the two, Aurora and Phillip. "The Oregs?"

"Oh, defeated," Aurora answered. "We're restoring our kingdom and our lives."

Snow White nods. "And congratulations."

Aurora smiled. "Is it that obvious?"

"You are glowing."

"Why is she pregnant and I'm the one who's sick?" Regina asked.

"Because you get sick when people are nice. It's like, if someone never have the flu, and gets it really bad, while-" Eros began.

"Shut up," Regina snapped.

"We have much to celebrate. And know that you and your friends are welcome in our kingdom. If you need anything we're at your service," prince Phillip tells the  group.

"Thank you, but all we need is horses. We have our own kingdom. Our own castle." Prince Charming thanks

Eros frowned.

Snow White rests a hand on Charming's shoulder. "Our castle was destroyed in the curse."

"Well played, your Majesty. You laid waste to everything." Hook quickly says.

"Not everything. Her castle still stands." Aurora names known.

"Of course it does. I protected it." The evil Queen says

"Well, technically, the castle doesn't belong to her. It was Snow's before she took it," Charming says.

"Well, to be fair, I married into it."

"And then murdered into," Eros speaks.

"That you did. And now, we're taking it back," Snow says at the same time, then she takes a step towards The Evil Queen. "And you are coming with us."

"You can't be serious." She replied.

"Everyone out there is scared and confused. They need hope. What better way to do that then to return united? You're coming with us. I know you don't like it. You'll learn to. For our good. For yours."

Prince Charming turns to to Phillip and Aurora. "Thank you again for your hospitality. We should begin preparations." He shakes his hand.

"Good luck to all of you."
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Eros glared down at the red clothing piece attached to his shoulder, moving it  backwards. "Why is this on my suit? Shouldn't it only be on yours, my king?" Eros mocked.

"You said you said you wanted one," Charming answered.

"I was joking!"

"Then why did you accept it?"

"Because you looked happy to finally get me a gift that wasn't a weapon."

"Grumpy, look at us. We're back to normal," Sneezy wiped a hand across his nose.

We're handsome again."  Happy smiled.

"Hey Jiminy, is that you?"

Jiminy chirps affirmative.

Eros turned his attention to the pirate neither seeing how they had seemed to stay away from the group.  Alister was packing for something.

But Hook wasn't.

Charming walked up to the two handed- brother. "That's a lot of supplies you have there, Alister."

"Well, you know what they say about preparation and all that." Alister tells him.

"So, you're leaving?" Eros asked Hook, approaching him.

"What makes you think I'm leaving, love?"  Hook asked back.

Eros eyes settled on Alister, who was packing. "Because it's obvious your brother is?"

"There's no need to overload your horse. The Queen's castle is less than a day's ride from here. We'll have everything we need once we get there." Charming tells Alister.

"Aye. That would be lovely if I were going to the Queen's castle."

"You're not coming with us?"

"You're a perceptive prince, aren't you?"

"Where are you going?"

"Listen, mate. The Enchanted Forest is your home. Mine is the Jolly Roger."  Alister looks up to see Killian talking to Eros.

"Alister , you don't even know, if it's -" Charming begins.

"Regina told me how that bloody thing worked. It returned all of our belongings to this land as well as us. It means that somewhere out there is my ship. All I have to do is find her."

"And what if you can't?"

"I'll just have to take another one, then, won't I? That's what pirates do." He finishes his preparations.

Prince Charming steps back. "Huh. And here I thought you're gone and changed."

"I tried the hero thing. Didn't take." Alister then walked over to his brother. A smile present on his face. He looked over at Eros. "Can you give my brother and I a moment?"

Eros made a gesture. "Yeah. I-I'm just gonna go talk to Snow." He left towards his own sister.

"So, you're staying here?"

"I figured to give you. A chance to be the captain of the Jolly Roger."

"So, that's it? Emma's gone. You're gonna go back to be a pirate?" Snow asked Alister, as he walked back to his horse.

"Back, my lady? I've always been a pirate." He mounts onto his horse.

"Hey." Neal walks up to them. "What Alister said just now about all of our stuff being brought back here - is that true?"

"What are you looking for?" Charming asked

"I was thinking maybe we can stop by my father's place on the way to the Queen's castle."

"Neal, I know you're hurt, but Rumplestiltskin is gone."

"Maybe. Maybe not. And if he's not maybe he can get me back to Emma."

"Neal, it's impossible. Regina was clear. The price of our return was a complete reset. No more portals. This is our realm for good. There's no way to cross over. Not without another curse."

"We have to move on. This is our home now. Now, I know, you miss them. So do we. Even if there were some way to get to them, they wouldn't remember us. The best thing we can do for Emma and Henry is the only thing we can do: Let them be and know we gave them their best chances."
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Alister had hoped for Emma to find her way back. He walked around the park, pacing. But, upon hearing footsteps, he turned. "Swan, I knew that'd work.It's good to see you again."

"Why didn't you tell me it was Neal's place?" Emma asked in anger.

"I think the tone of your voice answers that quite clearly. You never would have gone if I had." He answered.

"What does Neal have you up to? Is he trying to get into Henry's life? How does he even know about him?"

"I've already told I'm not here because of Neal. I'm here because your parents are in trouble. Their entire kingdom has been cursed, ripped back to Storybrooke."

"What are you talking about?" Emma asked in a doubtful voice. "My parents? Their kingdom? A curse? Do you know what you sound like?"

"Like a mad man, I'm sure. But it's true. Your parents need you. You're the only one who can save them. If you don't believe me at all, why did you come here?"

"Because Neal has a cameo with my son's name on it." Emma shows Alister a key chain. "How?"

"Don't you see? That is proof of what I'm saying. Henry must have left that in the apartment when you were in New York last year."

"Not good enough. I want answers. Real ones."

"There's only one way you'll get those. Drink this.," Alister hands Emma a memory potion.

"Drink the thing the crazy guy just offered me? No, thank you."

"It'll help you remember everything you have lost. If one small part of you senses that, don't you owe it to yourself to find out, if I'm right? What do you say, love? Take a leap of faith. Give it a go."

Emma wrapped a metal cut around his wrist, before cuffing the other one.

"Swan, what are you doing?"

"Making sure that you never bother my son and me again." Emma whistles. Two police officers approach. Emma turns towards the officers. "This is the guy. The one who assaulted me."

"It was a kiss." Alister says, disbelief.

"There. He confessed," Emma turns to leave.

"You're under arrest for assault and criminal harassment, sir. You have the right to remain silent." The police man warns, pulling him back as he tried to move forward.

"Swan, please. You're making a mistake. A terrible, terrible mistake. Swan, you family needs you."

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"Why didn't you go with your brother?" Eros asked.

"He'll be back," Hook replied, shrugging. "Truth be told, he and I have spent over two handed years together. I think we both could use a break."

And, Alister suggested he stay. That he stay with Eros. And then, practically demanded it.

"Regina's castle is just beyond the mountains," Snow speaks

"I think you mean our castle." Charming corrected.

"That's going to take some getting used to. The last time I was there was just after my father's death. And I've always dreamed of returning. I just never imagined it would be with Regina by our side."

Grumpy approaches Snow White. "I wouldn't count on that, sister. The Queen - she's missing."

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Snow had gone after Regina, Eros hasn't wanted to leave her alone. But, ended up having the explain the whole thing to Hook. He had been surprised that Hook revealed that, only a one other time the brothers had been separated.

Other than that, they had stuck together. Eros didn't question him on why they separated this time.
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Alister exited the police station, momentarily turning back to glare at the cops. But smiled upon seeing Emma.

"Hey. We need to talk." Emma tells him.

"I knew you wouldn't let me rot in that cage. I've been in my fair share of brigs, but none as barbaric as that. They force-fed me something called bologna." He gestured to the station.

Emma shows him a set of phonies. "What the hell are these?" In the photo, was Henry and Emma, the words above them; 'story broke'. "We never lived in a town called Storybrooke. We never took a flight from Boston to New York. We never did any of this."

"So you believe me, then." Alister says.

"I don't know. You could have photoshopped these pictures?"

"Photoshopped?" Alister asked.

"Faked."

"If you think these are forgeries, then why'd you spring me from the brig? Because as much as you deny it, deep down, you know something's wrong. Deep down, you know I'm right."

"It's not possible. How can I forget all of this?"

"I promise you there's an explanation."

"Not one that' ll make sense."

Alister rummaged through his pocket, before pulling out the potion and offering it to her. "If you drink this, it will."

"If- If what you're saying is true I'd have to give up my life here."

"It's all based on lies."

"It's real and it's pretty good. I have Henry. A job. A guy I love."

Alister frowned at that. "Perhaps there's a man that you love in the life you've lost. Regardless, if you wanna find the truth, drink up. Do you really want to live a life of lies? You know this isn't right. Trust your gut, Swan. It will tell you what to do."

"Henry always says that."

"Then if you won't listen to me, then listen to your boy."

Emma takes the potion and drinks it. She steps back, eye closed for a few seconds before she looks at Alister. "Alister."

The pirate smiled. "Did you miss me?"
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"Look!" David calls out

"What happened?" Snow questions, shocked

"That's exactly what I'm about to find out," The Evil Queen walks up to the crossroads and touches the air.  A green force appears, spreading throughout the section Regina had touched. "A protection spell. The entire castle is encircled by it."

"Didn't you do this? Undo it." Charming speaks

"Well, don't you think, if I could I'd be half way home by now? No, someone hijacked it."

"Who? Who's in there?" Snow asked.

"I don't know, but I'm gonna find out whoever 's eating my porridge. Nobody sits in my chair. Nobody takes our castle."

"Well, somebody did," Eros deadpanned.

"Now's not the time for your little sarcastic remarked," Regina snapped.

"Hey. We've got a lot of people looking to us. They're scared and rightfully so. Let's get them to safety first." Charming speaks.

"They'll be safe when whoever is in there is dead." Regina replied.

"Rushing in there is a bad plan, Regina. You know that." Snow tells her.

Robin Hood steps up. "I can offer save harbor in Sherwood Forest. It's not far. We can offer food, shelter, and a thick canopy no creature will spy you under."

"Do you have weapons?" David asked.

"We're lousy with them."

"Fine. Lead the way. But we're coming back. And whoever did this is going to suffer." Regina says

"Regina, it's our home. We'll make it save again," Snow says.

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"Snow and the Queen settled their differences. Frankly, I was bored." Alister sighed. "I had a life to get back to. A pirate's life."

"Glad to see you haven't changed." Emma tells him, handing him a glass.

"There wasn't anything for me in the Enchanted Forest. Why would I stay?" They clink glasses. "All was well until I got a message. A message saying that there was a new curse and that everyone had been returned to Storybrooke. The message told me that the only hope was you."

"You came all the way back here to save my family?"

"And my own," he adds. " and I came back to save you."

Emma takes a breathe. "Who could have done
this?"

"Someone powerful enough to reach into this world."

"Any more specific thoughts?"

"Alas, you're the savior, not me." He downed the drink.

"You know what I was yesterday? A mother. Till you showed up and started pocking holes in everything I thought was real. When I drank that potion it was like waking up from a dream. A really good dream."

"Well, you have what matters most. Your son."

"Now, I have to figure out how to explain this to him."

"Alas, I could only scavenge together enough for one dose of memory potion."

lBetter start figuring out what I'm gonna tell him."

The door bell rings, which drew the two's attention.

"Who's that?" Alister asked.

Emma sighs. "Walsh. Henry invited him."

Alister shifts in push away, about to stand up. "I could get rid of him."

Emma shakes her head. "No. My memories might not be real, but he is and so are the eight months we spent together." She stand up, singing. "I owe him an explanation."

"What are you gonna say to him?"

Emma sighs again. "I don't know. But I care about him too much to drag him into all this. Wait here."

Alister began to pour himself a drink.

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Alister had ran up the steps when hearing a shrieking sound, worried about Emma. He pushed open the door. "Swan! What the blazes was that?"

Emma turned to him. "A reminder that I was never save. All that I wanted, that I thought I could have was not in the cards for the savior. We leave in the morning."
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Alister knocked in Emma's door, waiting for it to open before he enters. He had had the wait long. And once the door opened, he quickly entered. "You're ready, Swan?"

They didn't have much time.

"Henry. This is Killian. He's- I'm, uhm. I'm helping him with his case." Emma lied.

Henry scanned him. "Did you skip bail?"

"Oh, he's still a little spitfire."

"Still?" Henry asked in confusion

"He's not a perp. He's a client." Emma tells her son.

"Why are you dressed like that?"

"Why are you dressed like that?" Alister  asked backs offended.

"Alright. Alright. Just make yourself useful, Killian, and get our bags.Henry, lend him a hand."

"Wait. We're already going?"

Emma hands him his coat "Yes, I just need one last thing."
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"It's really back. I'm really back." Emma says, as she gets out of the at, astonished.

"As quaint and homey as you remember?"   Alister asked, walking around to her/

"As cursed as I remember."

Henry has fallen asleep in the back seat.

"Last time, this curse took away everyone's memories." She adds.

"This time we don't know what it did."

"Then I'll find out. Stay here and watch Henry. Don't wake him or scare him or just let him sleep." Emma began to walk away

"Aye. Where are you going?" Alister called out.

"To talk to my parents."

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Jason huffed, annoyed the door was being knocked on. "Hook, can you get the door?"

Hook went towards the door, opening it. "Swan," he says in surprised.

"Emma?" Jason questioned pushing the pot off the burner,he headed towards the door, seeing his niece, along side David and Mary.

Emma seemed surprised to see Hook standing next to Jason, as Jason moved forward and hugged her.

"You're back!"

"Yeah, um, Alister came-"

"Alister is with you?" Hook cut her off.

"Yeah, he's just outside, near the clock-" Emma begins.

Hook ran off.

"Hook's living with you?" Emma asked.

"He didn't know where his brother was. And his shop was gone. I wasn't just gonna leave him alone." Jason explained. "So, what now?"
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{3400}

Alister: "if you don't stay here, with him, I'll cut off your tongue. I can't handle you watching his every move anymore!"