Mini Chapter 1

Emma fell to the ground, the dark magic shroud faded away. She lay quiet and still. The look on her face was peace, though her friends and family knew what turmoil had entered her body. She was a vessel for the darkness, and that would not be easily reversed.

Regina was the first to make a sound. She let out a sob, and her heart felt heavy with guilt. She knew that Emma saved her out of a desire to preserve her own goodness, or happiness… but she was suddenly overcome with conflicting emotion. Emma had to know that there was no happiness in Storybrooke without her. Was she really that blind? Regina reflected on how much she had come to care for her. Emma had shown her compassion and a matching respect from the moment they'd met. Images and sounds from their first meetings played back in her head, and she regretted how long it took her to look back on these incidents in a different light. The evil queen within her had treated Emma as a threat. She hadn't been back then, but she would be now. Tears streamed down her face as her mind raced towards solutions…

Perhaps they should have let Gold die. That thought was not Regina's alone. Snow and Charming certainly felt the same. Regina could see it in their eyes though she only glanced at them briefly. She saw Hook melt to the ground, his love for Emma causing him unbearable pain. He wanted to take this from her. He wished it on anyone and everyone else but his beloved. He lay his hook over her heart. His eyes closed as if in mourning.

"Why does she just lie here as if she's died?" Hook's voice was strong in anger and weak in heart.

Henry spoke up and all eyes turned to him longingly. "I read…" he paused with a lack in confidence, "that it took a little while for Rumplestiltskin to really allow the power to inhabit his new skin… as strong as my mom is…"

"She may be fighting it off!" Snow spoke with some hope. She glanced around meeting Charming's gaze and smiling.

"I'm afraid it is just taking some time. The darkness will not exit on it's own." Regina sighed, picking up the dagger. More tears were shed silently as they all took a look at it for themselves. "We must imprison her the way Rumplestiltskin was kept back in the old land…" She frowned and spoke words as if she were robotic, expressing her knowledge to the others… gathering strength despite her emotions.

"We will not imprison our daughter," Charming spoke rashly. Snow turned to him and rested her forehead on his. She shook her head slightly. As he looked into her eyes he realized there was no other choice. No one in the group attempted to respond to his remark, and the men lifted her gently to carry her to the cell in the sheriff's office.

Snow asked what the Apprentice had said in his final moments… and Hook did his best to share the news about Merlin. All listened intently as they entered the office and carried their former savior to her cell.

Mary Margaret tucked Emma into the bed as if she were a child, kissing her golden hair and caressing her face. She walked out slowly reaching out for Charming's hand. The sound of the bars closing seemed so harsh to her that she began crying again silently. Regina moved forward to begin a powerful enchantment.

As the magic hummed behind him, Hook took a seat and buried his head in his hand. He slowly drug his fingers down to his chin and thought aloud… "What if we removed her heart… to keep it safe?" He let his hand go inquisitively.

Only Henry heard, and swiftly took a seat across the desk saying his response loud enough for the entire room. "No! She needs her heart! That's whats' going to keep her fighting the Dark One within!" This made sense to the lot of them. "and before anyone asks me to try and write something, I broke the quill for a reason. I'm not going to be able to change what has happened without some sort of personal gain consequence. I'm only supposed to record what's actually happening. I can't allow myself to play God."

Regina glanced at her son with pride. She would do what she could to spare Henry the pain that she knew all too well… the pain of a life that comes along with manipulating others. He'd be far better off than her. She did not envy him, but rather took joy knowing he was making the right choice. She saw a flash of a smile from his younger self and she took his hand. She released her other hand in the same motion and the wall of magic shimmered and sealed.

"What should we do?" asked David.

"Find Merlin," Snow ventured… She became overwhelmed with the challenge. Her hands shook slightly, and Charming grasped them to steady her.

"He could be anywhere…" Henry thought aloud. He looked across the desk at Hook thinking that through his former travels between realms, he may have gained a few clues. His eyes met Hook's, but he saw nothing but grief. He seemed to be defeated in this moment. Henry worried that Killian would give up on Emma. Was his own mother the strongest of all of them? He knew that something set her apart as the savior, yet he believed that others certainly would need all of their own power to get through this situation. As he scanned the room the only figure standing in strength was his other mother… and he knew she had to lead.

"Mom," He stood up, "Emma needs us to fight for her the way she fought for you. She helped me understand the goodness in you when I ignored it for myself… and she helped this town understand how to love you when you were still feared."

Regina cut him off, standing taller and reaching over the desk to hold his hand. "You don't have to convince me Henry…"

"Swan and I may have started out somewhat rocky in the beginning but surely you all know of my fondness for her now." The whole room seemed to nod. Everyone understood that Regina would have to invest her whole self in this quest to return Emma to herself. Snow nodded at Charming and Hook met Henry's glance with strength this time. Robin held Regina from behind and she embraced his arms with her own. A peaceful feeling overtook the room and everyone seemed to breathe easier just as Emma's body began to move slightly.

No one noticed at first, but she began to flex her fingers and toes. Emma unconsciously braced her heel on the foot of the cot and pulled a foot out, dropping the boot she was wearing to the floor. Everyone turned at the sound. They all saw the flexing of the fingers at her side and a scaly quality overtaking her smooth skin. It was barely noticeable but still present.

"We have to hurry," Regina took the lead. "Hook, find Belle and fill her in. She may be able to find something in her books on Merlin. Henry go and look through the storybook. Try to find clues in there."

"I need to check on Neil," Mary Margaret whispered toward Charming and rushed out without instruction.

"OK, David check with anyone in the town you think may be useful. Find as much information on Merlin as we can gather." She turned to Robin and held his head in her hands. She closed her eyes and breathed out. He breathed in. The swirling environment began to settle.

"I'm sorry this probably isn't anything resembling the happy ending you and I were trying to create." He closed his lips and brushed the dark hair away from her face.

Regina tilted her head in a realization… "You know people keep talking about endings, but I'm starting to think that's not the point… Life doesn't end till it ends. We keep existing through the worst of circumstances. I think I… we… have to figure out how to be happy while we face our demons… That's the mistake I made before. In my past I made life about revenge on a person who was as plagued by her own mistakes as I. I chose misery while Snow chose happiness. But even though I was wrong in the way I went about living, I did gain power. Power I wouldn't have learned how to wield without the path that I chose. Power I can now use to help someone that I love." Her hand rested on his jaw. He reached up and cupped it with his own. Her eyes shifted from left to right searching his for understanding. There were tears in them as she realized that her ability to love had been awakened. She loved Robin with all her heart, she loved her son with all her heart, and yes she also loved her truest friend with all her heart! How strange it felt to have increased her capacity for love. She now felt enough magical strength to destroy a world, only the familiar building within her was not darkened with hatred or fire. She felt as if she were the ocean, containing an infinite amount of flowing water. This was certainly different.

Mini Chapter 2

Henry awoke to the sound of Regina exiting the house. She noticed it was a beautiful morning… At least that would help her tasks to be more enjoyable. She smiled with that glimmer of hope, and the kindness in her eyes was visible to Henry as he ran alongside her. She smiled at him and asked, "What did you learn from the book? I came into your room around 3 am and I saw you asleep on top of it."

"Why didn't you wake me up?" He laughed.

"I figured you needed your sleep for what we had to do today." She was very matter-of-fact, though she let out a small laugh as well, draping an arm over his shoulder as they walked briskly toward the docks. The pair of them felt the confidence in their stride as they set off on their mission.

"Well," he began, "Merlin is mentioned a few times… but not in my book. I found more information about him in other books we have. He seems to only appear in someone's hour of need when a person's destiny is threatened. He appears to the greats. For example, there's the story of the sword in the stone. Arthur needs guidance in becoming the king. He has lessons to learn, and confidence to gain if he is going to earn his place at the throne… The way I see it, Mom is in her hour of need, and well, her destiny can't be to become the Dark One. So we have to find a way to make him appear to us." They slowed as their walk ended at the edge of a dock.

Regina removed a conch shell she'd been carrying in her pocket. Henry heard her whisper Ariel's name. He looked surprised and smiled with excitement at the thought of their prospective visitor.

Regina spoke quickly now. She asked him to let the mermaid know they were looking for information from all the realms. He nodded and she placed the shell in his hand. He looked with determination at the horizon. Regina relaxed a little as she heard the sound of familiar splashing in the water behind her. She was now headed to the library, where Belle was waiting and scanning through texts in sight of the entrance.

"The way I see it is that Merlin should already be around if he has a role to play in our story," said Belle once she'd heard Henry's assumptions. She'd read late into the night as well. Books lay rather carelessly all around. Pages with Merlin's name were opened and marked. "Unless… something's happened to him. It may simply come down to the fact that he is thousands of years old. He may not have the power that he once had."

"You mean he may be in retirement," snickered Hook with a disgusted look on his face. He sat at a nearby table with his good arm extended, stretching and retracting his fingers. His head lifted as David and Mary Margaret entered hastily, letting in a breeze that tickled the pages of the open literature.

"What about true love's kiss?!" Mary Margaret asked with short breath. Her smile was gleeful and romantic. She was of course a big believer in the concept.

"I'm afraid that didn't work with Rumple," Belle began, but was interrupted by a stirring in the back of the room.

"I may have an explanation for that," A meager looking Mr. Gold entered. Though he'd used a cane for as long as they could remember, his use of it now was total dependence. He looked as if he were still dying. He was certainly not a man who should be roaming the town, and Belle recognized that. Glossy-eyed she rushed to his side to help him into the nearest chair. He looked only at Belle, and spoke freely as if they were alone. "I told you I've been selfish. However, even I did not realize the extent of my withholding," his voice struggled to reach a volume over a whisper, "I believe that my walls of self preservation prevented us from having 'true love.'"

Belle sank down beside of him and the effect of shock seemed to overtake her expression. "Though she truly loved me, I continually chose power over her." His admission, though quite obvious to everyone in the room, seemed to be affecting Belle greatly.

Hook rose immediately with determination and ran out of the library. David, Mary Margaret and Regina followed behind him. Through the window Belle could se Henry run up behind them and join their group.

They had left the room quiet with Rumple struggling to find more words to comfort Belle. He became painfully aware of the conflict that exists between many… damaged couples. Here he was, the one she loved the most, and also the one who had hurt her the most. How could he comfort her? "I never listen…" he started weakly, "when you get angry," he shook his head, "I never treat you… as the equal you truly are. Your kindness is as powerful as my darkness ever was…"

He did not know if he had a clear point. It occurred to him that he was always apologizing, yet had never before intended to make things up to her.

Belle heard his thoughts, but was distracted by her own mind. "Everyone here seems to want something Rumple… and everyone seems willing to fight or quest or battle to receive their desires." She rose and began pacing. "I think it's time I did the same." She spun around to face him. "I've worked very hard for you Rumple, and I don't intend to give up now. My greatest desire is 'true love' with you… You have always had the power to procure wishes for others… I'm betting that even without magic, that talent won't just disappear." Rumple nodded, realizing that the time for his omniscient attitude, and manipulative speeches, was indeed over.

"Are you willing to help me get my happiness?" She asked, for the first time truly putting her own needs above her tendency to please others… She longed to become a force to be reckoned with… to build the life she desired for herself… to make the choices a hero would. Though she'd always had strength, she knew now that burying her needs was cowardly… and in that way she'd been just like him. He did not have to nod to assure her of his dedication. She believed in the promise in his eyes. And he felt that promise, in this moment, fill his entire body as a liquid fills a glass.

Hooks eyes, were filled with fear as he entered the office. He could not bear to see Emma even somewhat resemble his long reviled crocodile. He was conflicted when he noticed her skin more scaled and rough even from the angle at which he stood. He stopped quite a distance across the room as Regina passed him to observe the changes for herself. Emma's state seemed fairly normal… but risking her release seemed like a tough call. The others entered silently, also wondering about the chances of disaster.

"I'll take it down, but I need you to feel very sure of yourself Killian… if she escapes we'll have a whole new problem on our hands. This cell is for her safety as well as ours." Regina saw the nerves he seemed to be wrestling with.

"I could do it." Henry volunteered. Regina tilted her head in empathy. She knew Henry had enough true love for Emma that a kiss from him just might work, but still the fear of harm befalling her son made her feel like saying no. She did not however, say it, but looked to Mary Margaret who shared her concerned look.

"Henry, I don't think your mom would want you to put yourself in danger." Snow embraced him from the side, running fingers through his hair. He looked at Regina for permission.

"But you know it could work!" He pleaded with her.

"Henry, I was talking about Emma." Snow turned to face him. He tightened his lips out of respect for his incapacitated mother's likely wish, then turned back towards Regina. She was closing her eyes, thankful for the thought of Emma's shared protectiveness of their child.

Hook felt guilty that this teenage boy had more courage than him in this moment. His body filled with adrenaline and he felt as if he was bluffing when he finally said, "Remove the charm." Suspense filled each person in the room as Regina began her work.

Mini Chapter 3

Hook collected his breath and tensed all of the muscles in his body. David grabbed his shoulders almost lovingly and squeezed. He massaged Killian whose eyes began to glaze over. He attempted to rid himself of all fear and doubt, but at the same time felt his emotion for Emma fade. How could he complete this task without passion? Numbing one emotion meant numbing them all… Yet he leaned towards suppressing the fear.

The shimmering wall came down, and Regina stepped aside.

The room held their breaths as Killian took each step towards the cot. He saw Emma's chest rise and fall as he had many times before. The clothing on her body had the same old familiar clinging and hanging… but the bare skin on her chest was unrecognizable. She was expressionless. Her face seemed like a shimmering shell. It was not green as Rumple's had been… at least not yet. It was just rougher in texture, right down to the cracked lines on her lips.

Hook bowed forward and hesitated. He did not move away but paused in his forward motion. He let go of his fears and tried to imagine her as she had been. His kiss, he intended to be deep… so as to work properly. His head swung into the familiar motion. The moment their lips met it was as if they were magnetized… locked together by a powerful force. The room did not see the fear in Killian's face as he swung back attempting to separate. Emma rose with him.

Her parents smiled seeing her get on her feet in what appeared to be a lively and passionate interaction. Her eyes remained closed while Hooks sprung open. Were he able to scream with his eyes, he'd have done so. Emma backed him into a wall with a thud and her hand rose to his neck gently. The passion appeared to be romantic to all who stood beyond the bars. It was not until Regina caught a glimpse of Hook's bulging eyes did she realize he was choking. She twirled around and grabbed the dagger from the desk out of instinct.

"Emma!" Regina's voice was strong and amplified. "You will not kill him!" She realized quickly that what she would see when Emma turned around would be disturbing to the lot of them. Their eyes widened in fear as they watched the shimmering hand release Killian extraordinarily slowly. He collapsed as he was released.

"Get out!" yelled Henry.

Hook made his way out of the cell briskly on his knees, only rising back to full height when he propped himself up on the nearest desk. Emma did not move to exit, but stood with her back to the others. Her arms were outstretched and her fists tightened. Her stance was strong and intimidating. Regina moved to close the cell. Her fingers wrapped around a single bar as it shut. She held the dagger far behind in her right hand. She began reciting the enchantment in her head rather than aloud. She had to finish before Emma could escape. She dare not look away from the new Dark One as the wall of magic began to rise. However she did blink, and when she did Emma flashed before her, grasping the hand on the bar with her own.

The room jumped at this, but Regina began to enact the rest of the enchantment faster, locking eyes with Emma. The sight of her changed face caused Regina more pain than fear. Her resolve did not waver. She was acutely aware of the pressure she felt from Emma's hand. She focused on the touch through the last bit.

"Give up Regina," Emma smiled eerily with a heavy, taunting voice. Her head tilted slightly to the left.

Regina stood strong staring her down with the dagger now pulled in behind her back. She did not respond with words, but attempted to converse with her eyes. She would not give up on her.

"Emma, you have to fight this!" Snow begged. Her daughter seemed unmoved by the outburst. Still she did not flinch or blink. Emma, nor Regina moved. The two of them were frozen in a standoff. Emma did not release Regina's hand…

"Why… why didn't it work?" Killian asked.

Emma tilted her head to the right now… never breaking Regina's gaze. "Why do you think?" She spoke as if inhabited by a demon.

"Because you don't love me?" he asked as if he'd known the answer all along… and whether it was nonsense to listen to the words of this new being in the form of his girlfriend, sadness began to fill his features.

"I don't love anyone like that." Each word was like a punch in the gut. She spit it out like a viper.

Regina held her position feeling Emma's hand as if it were begging her for help. It was as if that hand was all that remained of her friend, and it was holding on for dear life. She paid little attention to the expression on her face, now that she was sure all of the goodness had drained from it. If she escaped the hold on her hand that would be the last of the person she knew… and she just couldn't let go. Staring into her eyes she begged this new adversary within Emma to be cooperative. She established a connection with the new Dark One without saying a thing.

Henry rushed forward and grabbed the dagger out of Regina's right hand. "Let her go!"

Emma released Regina and the last bit of good energy dissipated into the air. Regina was sad to let go of her, but she knew Henry's intentions were right. She looked down, affected by the loss.

Killian walked out slowly, unable to handle the jab Emma had inflicted. David followed to reassure him.

Emma began pacing and gesturing at the walls, almost punching, blocked by the barrier. It was clear she was not going anywhere. The sight was reminiscent of a caged wild animal. Still, Mary Margaret was determined to stay in the office and watch over her daughter. She swayed slightly and then sat on a desk near the entrance.

Afraid to speak to this being who was surely not his mother, Henry led Regina out slowly. She held his hand tightly and they both developed morbid expressions on their faces. Emma was gone, for now.