Disclaimer: I am not the owner of AF or OUAT

Artemis was well into building the device when Neal woke up. The man frowned, glancing around the room with a slightly dazed expression. Butler was helping him by finding and handing him parts and tools, while Holly was actually constructing more basic sections of the tool. Progress was being made quickly as a result, and that was exactly what they needed. "What…where am I?"

Artemis glanced over at him, smiling. "Storybrooke." That made him stiffen, staring at Artemis who sighed. "I didn't have other options. If I didn't bring us here, the LEP would have discovered we survived their bio-bomb. That would have meant they'd continue pursuing both of us, which is not something I had intended on happening."

"And my father?"

"Has no idea either of us are here." Artemis glanced over at him, hesitating. Holly nudged him, glaring at him harshly and making him sigh. "Though, if my plans work accordingly, that will be changing."

"No way! I'm getting away from this place then. I've spent decades just trying to stay away from him, and I'm not about to stop now."

"That's why I intend to make him forget I even exist." Artemis glanced over towards Neal, who froze at that. "And to get him to agree, I need to make a deal. That is where you come in, Neal."

"Artemis. You're asking him to help, not ordering him around." Holly glared at him, while Artemis sighed.

"Right." Focusing on adding another part, he paused. "My intended trade is going to be your safety, Neal. For appearances sake, I wish to be your kidnapper, holding you hostage from your father."

Neal stared at him, before letting out a short laugh. "He'll kill you for…" He trailed off, blinking a few times. "No, you're his kid too. He wouldn't…"

"Exactly." Artemis smiled. "If it were anyone else, this plan would not work. However, as family, he should be more willing to make a deal, rather than angering to the point of violence. As for what he is agreeing to, it will be as vague as possible." He glanced over at Neal. "I do not think he'd willingly forget about me, after all. So, he needs to think this is an invention that I am wishing to test on a live subject. To put it simply, I will tell him I will either test it on you, or him."

"And once he finds me, he won't let me go." Neal shook his head, closing his eyes. "You do realize that, right? That I'd be giving myself over to him if I help you like this."

"You can leave town." Artemis glanced up at Neal, smiling faintly.

"And he'll follow."

"Actually, he won't." Holly glanced over at him, shrugging. "I heard them talking about issues with the town line. If they leave, they forget who they really are. So, everyone in this town is stuck here."

That made Neal hesitate, glancing at him. "And you'll keep him busy here while I leave?"

"As long as it takes to wipe his memories, yes."

Neal paused, slowly rubbing the back of his head. "I don't know." He sighed. "I don't like you, kid. You got me into this mess in the first place, and you aren't exactly sounding like someone who deserves help from anyone. But…no one deserves to live like I did. To live with that man…" He closed his eyes, scratching his neck. "Fine. I'll do it, but not because we're close or anything. You get away from him, and so do I, that's the only way this works out. Got it?"

Artemis nodded, smiling faintly. "Excellent. Then, feel free to relax and make yourself at home. This room will be where we construct what we need, after all." Neal nodded, glancing over at the screen of the laptop Artemis was reading from. He blinked at the foreign writing, seeing the gnomish letters before shaking his head.

"Whatever you're building kid, I'm impressed. What language is that?"

Holly glanced towards him, sighing. "Gnomish." He blinked, while she stood up. "The same language those officers used that went after you and Artemis earlier. I advise you to ignore them, though." She looked towards him, closing her eyes. "They're kinda big on staying hidden, even where we're from. Arty's the only mud man that knows about us, and we plan on keeping it that way."

"I think you're forgetting Minerva."

"And Juliet and my brothers." Artemis glanced over at her, smiling faintly.

"Okay, you and anyone who gets dragged into your schemes." She glared at him, and this time Artemis shrugged. "The point is, we usually use stuff like this to keep ourselves hidden. We wipe minds, and if that isn't enough, we keep our secret by killing you guys off. It isn't pleasant, but it's the way things are. The only reason Artemis still remembers is because he's managed to get through both a blue rinse and memory wipes with his knowledge of us still intact."

"I thought it related to my ability to constantly save your people from inter-species war and such." He glanced over at her, tilting his head. "After all, I was the one who came up with the plan to stop Opal from opening the Beserker gate."

"And in this world, she has all the power she wants." She shook her head, while Neal was just looking lost following them. "So, get focused on your work so we don't have to see what kind of a world that is, mud boy."

Doing as she asked, Artemis focused on the device they were building. Neal sat back and watched, with Butler helping on occasion. This town was fighting to keep things as they were, but Artemis was done with all of the fighting and disasters. Fairy tales might have happy endings, but the path to those endings took time and often twisted into more conflicts than Artemis wanted to live with. Regardless of who his true parents were, he was returning home to the Fowls and actually taking time to relax after this. Maybe starting new projects wasn't the best of ideas after all, even if their funds were getting low. Holly was right about him being impulsive, and he should try and take some time to enjoy his second chance at life instead.

Artemis was finished with his device. It was built, and ready for use. So, when he ran into Emma in the apartment, he told her to contact Gold and tell him his son had something to show him. Despite everything going on, he was certain the man would come. So, with Holly and Butler in the room with Neal, getting the man attached to the memory wipe machine, Artemis waited for his father instead.

When the man entered the room, Artemis wasn't certain if he was as expected or not. With a business suit and walking cane, he carried himself with a confidence Artemis was familiar with seeing. "Artemis. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Walking forward, Gold extended a hand out towards him. Emma watched from the doorway with narrowed eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.

Shaking his hand, Artemis smiled. "And you must be Rumplestiltskin." The older man smiled, nodding.

"Of course, though there is no need for being so formal." He smiled, reaching out and grabbing Artemis' shoulder. The young genius had to fight against the urge to pull away for now, not wanting to anger him more than necessary. "We're family…father and son. I have another son…" His smile widened, and he squeezed Artemis' shoulder. "I've wanted to meet you from the moment I learned the truth. So, really, feel free to call me Pappa, Dad—"

"Those are terms used by children, and I refuse to use them." He hadn't even been willing to call his mother Mom. "Regardless, I had thought you'd be interested in seeing what it is I do with my free time." The man blinked at him, while Artemis turned and began walking down the hall. "You see, I have a great interest in technology. Working with computers and science has been a hobby of mine for quite some time, and I've just finished a new invention. I was about to test it, but given the news of my birth father existing in this world, I thought you'd like to see it before I returned to my home."

"Returned?" Gold paused, staring at him.

Nodding, Artemis stopped. "Yes, returned. My mother has attempted to use me, by physically stealing away my heart I might add, and I've heard that my father is more interested in making deals and growing his own strength than he is in any actual connections to people." He held a hand out, seeing him about to object. "I know, it could very well be little beyond rumors, but they were sufficient to make me desire to leave before further conflicts arose."

"I'll protect you, though." He walked closer. "Yes, I've had moments in the past where I made mistakes. But, Artemis…I've grown since then. There's magic here, and I can teach you how to use it." He knew enough already, but Artemis didn't interrupt. "Please, just…at least try, for a little longer. Get to know who I really am, rather than who they say I am. I'll make it worth your while. We can build these…inventions of yours together."

Nodding, he smiled. "Very well. I will consider it." That seemed enough for him, and Artemis focused on moving towards the room again. Really, his father seemed to be trying far too hard to keep him here. Artemis didn't know if he was doing the right thing, but it was what needed to be done. Neal had mentioned a few stories of growing up as Rumplestiltskin's child. This man was abusive to others, and his own child was isolated and alone because of the fear he inspired. Artemis wouldn't have minded such a situation, but he would have no freedom to make his schemes if he remained here.

"Now, this device is untested, so there could be some unexpected results." Artemis opened the door, and he smiled when he saw the set-up was finished. Neal was sitting in the seat with wide eyes, with Holly at the computer and Butler making a show of keeping Neal still in the machine. "This gentleman came here with me from New York, and is going to be our test subject." He paused, glancing over at them. "What was your name again? I believe it was rather unusual, but I can't seem to recall it."

Looking towards Gold, the man inhaled deeply. Rumplestiltskin seemed to be frowning at him, looking uncertain of what to say, but the look in his eyes told Artemis he noticed at least some similarity between the grown man and his child self. "Baelfire." He wasn't using any fake names right now. Artemis couldn't have it happen, if this was to be believed.

"Bae—"

"Right, Baelfire." Artemis was moving on, not letting Gold speak. "Butler, do make sure he can't move. Any unneeded motion could disturb the circuits and result in electrocution. It would be a waste of time to have to find a new subject afterwords."

"You…how could you do something like this?" Rumple turned towards him, his eyes wide. "This man…you've kidnapped him from his home, right?"

"That's a bit of an extreme term, Mr. Gold." Glancing towards him, Artemis smiled. "And I know better than to admit to any crime. As I stated before, he came with us from New York."

"And he has not agreed to this test?"

"He isn't in his right state of mind." Glancing over at him, Artemis smiled. "It is obvious he suffered before coming here. Maybe my machine will correct that duress for him. Holly—"

"Stop this!" Gold stepped forward, glaring over at Artemis. "If you need to test your device, that is fine, but not on him." He glanced over to the seat, swallowing. "Not on Bae."

"Would you be willing to take his place then?" Artemis folded his arms over his chest. "I have to say, I didn't plan on using you, but it would be quite a way to observe my abilities in person."

Gold seemed to hesitate, glancing at the device and then between his two sons. Artemis knew he'd be willing, as soon as he mentioned the risks involved. Really, the risks were false, given the construction of the machine. However, Gold did not know that. So, the man slowly started to nod. "I will. Just please…let him go. Artemis, that man he's…"

"My half-brother." Artemis nodded towards Butler, who began releasing Neal. "I am already aware of this fact. I had gone to New York for the sole purpose of tracking him down, and learning more about what to expect of my birth father. His words were in part why I was convinced I'd only find problems if I remained, Mr. Gold. Though, it was not enough to make me wish to not meet you."

Neal got up after being released, sending a glance towards Butler before walking towards the door. He hesitated there, turning towards Gold for a moment. Then, he just shook his head and walked out. Rumple's grip tightened on his cane as Butler gestured towards the chair, waiting for him to take Neal's place. Slowly, the man walked towards it, sitting down and letting Butler attach the machine to his head, strapping him in. "What exactly am I supposed to do?"

"Just remain calm and in that seat. You will see soon enough." Artemis walked over to Holly, nodding towards her.

"Are you sure? You know there isn't an easy way to go back from this." She spoke under her breath. Glancing towards Gold, he nodded. That man might try, but he wasn't Artemis' father. The Fowls raised him, and he wanted to get back to his home. So, Holly began getting to work, and Artemis slowly found himself helping her with the process. It was different, being on this end of a mind wipe. Yet, he couldn't help but feel satisfied with the result. Cora wouldn't willingly speak of his existence with Gold, and now Gold wouldn't remember a thing. Nothing was going to get in his way of heading back home now.

When the machine stopped running, Holly nodded at Butler again. Gold was removed, and this time unconscious from the process. Moving him to the living room, he set the man down. Artemis began the process of disassembling the mind wipe machine, with Holly's help. "You know…we can bring you back with us now. No1 should be able to pull you back too, once we've gathered all of this."

He nodded, smiling towards her. "I'm looking forward to it. Perhaps I should leave my latest project alone for a while. I don't think I'd be too fond of ending up in another realm I don't recognize." Holly patted his shoulder, before continuing on her work in silence.

It didn't take long for the device to be packed away, this time in various parts. Butler carried them with him, moving towards the exit of the apartment with them. Gold just woke up, seeing them leaving with a frown. "Wh—why am I here? I was supposed to be working on a way to…" He trailed off, rubbing his head. "I don't remember meeting you before. Who are you?"

Glancing towards him, Artemis smiled faintly. "No one you need to remember." With that, he walked out, moving quickly with his companions through town. He didn't need any of them giving him some emotional goodbye after all of this. They were companions, but he'd had enough of fairy tales for a lifetime. He'd prefer to stick with his world, where magic's rules made sense and where fairy tales really were nothing but fiction. So, when he felt a familiar pull of magic dragging him back, he could only smile.

Back in Fowl mansion, he glanced around the familiar lab and saw No1 greeting them. "I see you found him! Welcome back, Artemis." Nodding towards the demon, Artemis smiled.

"It is good to be back. I take it you've been busy assisting in retrieving me?"

Nodding, the demon stood up, stretching slightly. "Yup. That device of yours is rather impressive, but it isn't something to toy around with. Qwan already warned me about messing with other dimensions we don't belong in. Apparently, there are different versions of us in some of them, and meeting yourself can be a bit…weird. Even if that wasn't a problem, there's the issue with magic in other worlds, functioning differently in all of them and just not existing in others. Getting around that—"

"I get it." Artemis stopped him, glancing towards the door. "I do believe I saw enough to come to those conclusions myself. As of right now, I think I've done enough traveling through dimensions to satisfy any curiosity I might have once had." Even if it wasn't his intended result, of course. "Butler, I think I'd like to rest for now. All of this plotting against magical beings has exhausted me again. I may look like a twelve year old, but I do not think I have the energy of my younger self anymore."

"Of course, Artemis." He smiled faintly, walking out of the room with him. "Thank you for the assistance, Holly. I'll keep a better eye on him in the future for you."

"You better." Holly glanced over at Artemis, shaking her head. "And you better stay out of trouble without his help, too. Every time I think we've gone through our last adventure, you go and find a way to have another. If dying to stop Opal wasn't enough to teach you a lesson about your schemes, I really don't know what will be. So…just promise me you'll try to keep others in mind when you do things like this, alright?"

He nodded, moving away from her. "Of course. I wish you luck in reporting back to the others. I'm assuming they will be interested to hear about what we've learned…especially Foaly."

"I have a feeling you'll get the chance to talk with Foaly before I will. He's gotta be missing your little hacking sessions by now." Smirking, Artemis shook his head. He still didn't think that would be the case, but he'd likely resume the challenge soon enough. "Take care, Arty."

"And you as well, Holly." With that, she and No1 prepared to leave. Artemis left for his room, relaxing and closing his eyes. His parents might never tell him the truth, but he supposed he didn't have to reveal that he knew it either. Right now, he wanted things to remain as they had been. So, he'd do exactly as he told Neal he would do. Everything that happened in those other realms would become distant memories, and instead, he'd hold onto the life he had here, appreciating it more now that he knew there had been a chance for him to have had quite a different life than what he knew. He was a Fowl at heart, and he'd always belong in this family, regardless of what his genetic code said about where he belonged.

Another story finished! I'm finally getting the amount of writing I'm doing back under control...now, I'm down to four unfinished stories, I think. I do hope you enjoyed. Thank you for reading and please leave a review with your thoughts on the story!