THIRTY

                                    

                                          
(CHAPTER 30 - QUIET MINDS)
🦢🗡
Flashback - One Year Ago
Belle and Alana journeyed through the forest in search of the Vault of the Dark One, "Ever since it happened I haven't been able to stop thinking about Rumple's sacrifice. I mean, how he died to save everyone in Storybrooke," Belle said.
"You know, that wasn't it. He died to save us, his family," Alana told her.
"At least, he died a hero," Belle said.
"Were you surprised he had it in him?" Alana asked.
"Of course not, were you?" Belle asked in return.
"I don't know," Alana shrugged and began to reminisce over old memories, "I mean, my papa was never the most selfless guy. I know, he wished, he'd never let me go through that portal. I know, how sorry he was, but now, that I have a child of my own, I can't imagine ever doing what he did."
"He regretted what happened with you so much. He was willing to do anything to get back to you," Belle told her.
"Well, that's one thing about him I can relate to because I would do anything to get back to Henry," Alana said.
"It's getting colder," Belle said and they entered a clearing, where snow lied on the ground, "Look."
"Come on, let's get what we came here for," Alana walked ahead of her, "Let's get my father," She said.
End of Flashback
Somewhere in the woods, Elias and David had split off from Emma and Nadia, in hope of being able to gain more ground as they searched for Mr Gold. David glanced at his son, "So, how was Alana?" He asked.
"It was hard. Henry makes it complicated. It's not just about me. She's hoping Gold can help bring his memories back," Elias said.
"That would be an added bonus to finding him," David said with a nod.
"Would it? A couple of days ago I would have thought that was true, but now..." Elias began, but slowly trailed off.
"Now what? How's he gonna stay in Storybrooke without them?" David asked, but his son only remained quiet, "Unless, you're not planning to. You think, you'll go back to New York after we break the curse?"
"A week ago Henry and I were playing video games and eating fruit roll-ups. Now, I'm chasing after the Dark One, hoping he can help me find the Wicked Witch of the West," Elias told him.
"What about Emma?" David asked.
"I'm not going to make her. She has Nadia and I know they love each other...even if they seem distant right now," Elias said.
Somewhere nearby, a shout was heard and the men took off into the direction of the sound. Eventually, they found Mr Gold on the ground with his head in his hands as he groaned in pain. 
Elias crouched beside him, "Gold, are you alright?"
"No! No! Not alright, not alright," Mr Gold said in a panic as Emma and Nadia arrived on the scene, "I can't quiet the voices."
"We know that you were held captive by the witch. Do you know where she is?" Elias asked.
Mr Gold nodded, "Yeah, she is..." he attempted to tell them, but a wave of pain struck his head again, "There's no room. No room, there's too many voices. Too many voices!"