Hi! This is a little monologue of sorts from Dark!Emma's POV. She's really interesting and complicated. I'm intrigued by her character, especially after tonight's episode. (But, I still want our Emma back eventually;).) So, I just thought I'd write this and sort of analyze her character and thought process. I hope you enjoy! Oh, and a review wouldn't hurt. ;)

The Dark One.

What is "the Dark One", really?

Isn't it simply a label?

I'm still Emma Swan, but better. I'm more confident. I'm more passionate. I'm tough, I'm strong, and clever. I have never felt more free!

So, why can't people just accept that? The people I love, of course. I don't care about the opinions of those who betrayed me. And, I have extremely high standards now, so those who I do love should feel privileged to be loved by me.

Yes, it's true. The Dark One can still feel love. I'm still human! I feel love, I feel hate, I feel joy and anger and sadness and loneliness.

Fine...maybe I am a bit lonely. When I see them laughing together and being a great big family, probably pretending I don't exist, maybe even forgetting I'm not there, it...it hurts.

But, only slightly.

The Darkness is my company now, though. Who needs them? Especially when darkness and power is not only always there for me, but also rewarding.

Who needs them? Especially when they'll betray you as soon as a new label is smacked on your name! When you're the good-hearted Savior, they adore you. But, once so much as a dark cloud has swirled around you, and your name is written on a sharp piece of metal, they'll turn their back on you and push you away! They'll treat you like the scum of the Earth! How do you think that feels?! The heroes who value this light and goodness are the true villains, because once you're not like them, you're nothing to them!

So, who cares what they think? They're all cowards who can't handle change!

Maybe it would be nice to hold his hand again, to hear her words of encouragement, and to have him look up to me again...but it's not worth it anymore. I won't keep trying to please them. Those who truly love me will soon see past the labels and the darkness.

Oh, and as for those who betrayed me, they'd better watch their back. Because now, I'm strong, I'm tough and clever. And, best of all evil.

I'm Emma Swan, but better.

I'm more than just a thing to label.

I'm the Dark One.