The events in this chapter coincide with the episode "7:15 A.M.", before "An Apple Red As Blood", and during "Fruit of the Poisonous Tree", from the ABC television show "Once Upon A Time".


Chapter Seven:

The Storm

Storybrooke, Maine – The Present

Early in the morning, Asher drove to Granny's Diner. Inside, Asher saw Mary Margaret and Emma already in the diner. As he sat down, he noticed Mary Margaret approach him. Emma looked stunned, but concerned for her friend. After getting a call from the station, Emma left the diner.

Asher turned to Mary Margaret. "Mary Margaret, what can I do for you?"

"You're a loner, right Asher? Maybe you can help me," said Mary Margaret.

Asher chuckled. "With what?"

"Well, you don't know much about women. How do you get love out of your head?" asked Mary Margaret.

"Now you're asking the wrong person," said Asher.

"Just try to think," said Mary Margaret.

Asher thought for a moment. "If I were ever in love with someone… I'm not sure what I would do, but I certainly wouldn't try to keep love out of my mind. Why are you asking me this?" He ended the conversation fast. "I should go. I've got survival training today." He left the diner, noticing a storm was brewing in the sky.


Middle-earth – Flashback

Months passed over the land. As the hobbits stayed in Rivendell, Frodo continued to receive letters from Snow White. The recent letter he received from her told him that she was going to help rescue her Prince "Charming" from his father's grasp. He knew Snow White wanted his help, but was he going to take it? At his room, Frodo was approached by Sam, who looked determined to help him.

"Mr. Frodo?" asked Sam, concerned.

"I'm fine, Sam," said Frodo.

"You're still thinking about travelling to the Enchanted Forest again, aren't you?" asked Sam.

"Sam, Snow White might need my help," said Frodo. "I know that's asking a lot… what more can I do?"

"You could just decline it. You don't have to go," said Sam. "Besides, you gave me your sword Sting as a gift, remember?"

"I haven't forgotten," said Frodo. "I just wish there was some way I could help her."

"Help her with what? Mr. Frodo, you can't be serious," said Sam. "If you are going, at least let me come with you."

"Sam, I couldn't risk you doing that," said Frodo.

"It's the same way I feel about you going out there alone," said Sam. "Don't do it, Mr. Frodo, please?"

Frodo knew he wasn't going to win this fight. "All right, Sam. We'll do things your way, for a time."

"Thank you, Mr. Frodo. I'm glad you see sense," said Sam.

Yet Frodo's heart still thought of helping Snow White rescue the prince.


Storybrooke, Maine – The Present

As the storm thickened up, gradually it brought down the rain. David escorted Mary Margaret inside an abandoned log cabin, where they talked about them seeing each other at 7:15 a.m. Inside the forest, Hadrian and his class were also caught in the storm. They built a couple of tents minutes before the storm hit Storybrooke. Asher happened to share the same tent with Curtis, who agreed to sign up for Hadrian's survival class. As they waited for the storm to pass, Asher had a thought that needed to be brought up.

"Kurt, why did you join Hadrian's class? I know that's asking…"

"Would you have preferred that I didn't join?" asked Curtis.

"No, I'm glad you signed up," said Asher.

"Look, I'm not an expert but I know something's bothering you. You still want to be a loner?" asked Curtis.

"It's what I'm used to," said Asher.

"I know, but don't you wonder if meeting friends is a good thing, having a relationship with someone you really care for?" asked Curtis.

"Who's that? I've only seen the same people," said Asher.

"Yeah, but don't you wonder what it would be like to fall in love with a woman?" asked Curtis, curious.

Asher paused. "I haven't really thought about it." He hesitated. "I don't know. I'm not sure what would happen if I met the right woman. She would have to be unique for starters." He changed the subject, "Any luck with the grocer?"

"Her name is Samantha Willow." Curtis hesitated this time. "I've spoken to her a few times."

"And what?" asked Asher.

"Mister Asher, I think it's a touchy subject. I'd rather help you," said Curtis.

"Why can't I help you?" asked Asher, chuckling. "If you care for this Samantha, then I don't see why you shouldn't talk to her more, get to know her, see if she's the one."

Curtis listened to the wind outside the tent. "It stopped raining."

Leaving their tent, Asher and Curtis regrouped with Hadrian and the rest of the class. Teresa seemed eager to get out of the cold weather. Hadrian helped his students tear down the tents. He ended the lesson a few hours later, with a return trip out of the forest back to the downtown area of Storybrooke.


Middle-earth to Fairy Tale Land – Flashback

When Legolas went with Gimli to the Glittering Caves, the elf was in awe. The caves were as Gimli described them: filled with gems and crystals and dark pools. As they explored the caves, the two found a portal. The two traveled through the portal, only to end up in the Enchanted Forest. They were near a cottage.

"Where do you think we are, Gimli?" asked Legolas.

Gimli thought. "I can't be sure. Did we enter Fangorn?"

Approaching the cottage, Legolas said, "Perhaps I should knock."

Legolas knocked on the door three times. Opening the door revealed a man wearing mining clothes and a brown hat. He had big ears. Also, the man's expression was grumpy.

"Can I help you with something?" asked the man.

"Excuse me, sir, but my dwarf friend and I came through a portal. I wonder if we came to Fangorn Forest or Mirkwood," said Legolas.

"Perhaps this man knows nothing," said Gimli.

"I'm a dwarf and you came to the seven dwarfs' house. If you don't mind…"

A woman with black hair, pale skin, and wearing trapper's clothing approached the dwarf, blocking the door. "No, it's okay Grumpy. They might know what happened to Frodo." She approached the door, leaving Grumpy no choice except to return inside. She asked the two, "So, you came from another land?"

"You mean we're not in Fangorn," said Legolas.

"What's Fangorn?" The woman recovered, "Never mind. You two are in the Enchanted Forest."

"I knew we weren't home at Middle-earth," said Gimli.

"Gimli," said Legolas.

"I'm sorry. Who are you?" asked the woman.

"I'm Legolas of the Woodland Realm, and this is Gimli," said Legolas in introduction.

"I'm Snow White," said the woman.

"The lady Frodo spoke of," said Legolas.

"So, you know Frodo," said Snow.

"Legolas, maybe it's all right if we cut our journey short for a while," said Gimli.

"Well, I'm about to rescue the prince. If you two would like to join me," said Snow. "I'll send word to Frodo again. Hopefully, he can answer this time."

"If he doesn't?" asked Gimli.

"Then at least I tried," said Snow.

o-o-o

Middle-earth – Flashback

In Rivendell, a dove entered Frodo's bedroom. Picking up the dove, Frodo took off the folded note from its foot. The dove flew away as soon as he released it. Opening the parchment, Frodo read Snow's message:

Frodo,

I am heading to the castle to find my prince. Legolas and Gimli, your friends, are here. If you wish to return to the Enchanted Forest and help me, you may do so. Otherwise, I will know your answer and understand.

Snow White

Minutes passed before Sam knocked on the door and entered the room. There, he found Frodo preparing a pack. Sam knew, somehow, where Frodo was heading.

"Leaving again," said Sam.

"Sam, Snow White needs me. I cannot abandon her," said Frodo.

Taking the sword Sting from his belt, Sam passed it to Frodo. Frodo rejected the passing and said, "Sam, I cannot take Sting. I gave the sword to you."

"And now I'm giving it back to you, to use when you help out Miss Snow. Bilbo would have wanted you to have this sword," said Sam.

Frodo took the sword then. "Thank you, but what will you use for a weapon?"

"I still have my sword that Tom Bombadil gave me," said Sam, admitting freely.

Merry and Pippin entered the room, as if on cue. Merry said, "We couldn't help overhearing."

Pippin asked Frodo, "You're going again?"

"To the Enchanted Forest. Snow White needs me and I feel if I don't return there…"

Merry said, "It's a new land and you're interested in it. We understand, except the part where you're leaving us behind."

"I have to. I'm sorry," said Frodo.

"But you can't," said Sam.

"Sam, what do you want me to do? Take you three along?" asked Frodo.

"Yes," said Merry and Pippin in unison.

Merry inquired, "Frodo, if you go out there by yourself, you'll either become lost or in danger. We can't let you face it alone."

"Mister Merry's right, Frodo," said Sam. "I won't let you go on alone, either."

At that, Frodo grinned. "My friends, what would I do without you?"

"Well, either be lost, in danger, or worse on your own," said Pippin.

"Pippin." Merry turned to Frodo, "So, when do we leave?"


Storybrooke, Maine – The Present

Later that same day, Emma returned to the apartment complex. There, she found Asher going into his mailbox to sort through his mail. Emma decided to greet him.

"Asher," said Emma, getting his attention straightaway.

"Oh, Emma," said Asher. Glancing up, Asher told her, "By the way, I have to thank you again for helping me find my strong box."

"It was no trouble." She noticed the portfolio. "What have you got in there?"

"Just a bunch of photos. It's nothing special," said Asher, being modest.

"Would you like to show me them anyway?" asked Emma. "I've got time."

Closing the mailbox, Asher told her, "I'll have to show you the photos in my apartment."

"That's fine. I'll come with you," said Emma, following Asher's lead.

Reaching his apartment, Asher unlocked the door and stepped inside. He allowed Emma passage into his apartment, before closing the door. Asher set down his portfolio on the table, before finding a place for the mail. Emma sat down at the table as Asher returned, unzipping the portfolio. Once the portfolio was open, Asher and Emma looked through the photographs Asher had taken. Emma was stunned.

"You did all this?" asked Emma, convinced.

"It's a hobby," said Asher. He repeated, "It's nothing special."

"It's better than what I would have done. Why don't you go into this?" asked Emma.

"I'm a janitor. Nothing more. Besides, who would look at my photos?" asked Asher. "I'm sure Regina would have something to say."

"I think if you have a gift, you shouldn't waste it," said Emma. "You understand?"

Asher sighed under his breath. "I suppose you're right."

"These are good, Asher. I'm sure…"

Asher tensed up. "All right. I understand you like my photos, but that's as far as I can go with this."

"Are you sure that's what you want?" asked Emma.

"What else is there?" asked Asher.

Emma leaned in. "I figure if you're doing something you love, you don't let other people influence your decision. You know what I mean?"

Asher sighed. "I suppose I do. Thank you."

"If you need my help again, all you have to do is ask," said Emma. As she grabbed her coat and gloves, Emma noticed Asher indeed had a stump for a middle right finger. She asked, curious, "What happened to your finger?"

Asher peered down at his missing finger. A blank stare came across his face. "I don't know. I've always had it for as long as I can remember."

"What do you remember?" asked Emma.

Asher looked up at her. "I don't know. I'm sorry."

Emma nodded. She walked out of Asher's apartment, closing the door after her.

o-o-o

The next morning, Curtis entered the grocery store. Inside, he saw Samantha Willow at the clerk desk once again. Walter Clark was also present, sorting through and stacking a shelf. Taking Asher's advice, Curtis approached the clerk desk. He got Samantha's attention right away.

"Doctor Greenhow, how may I assist you?" asked Samantha.

Curtis hesitated. Bravely, he asked her, "What are you doing on Friday?"

Samantha shrugged. "Work. Why do you ask?"

"I was hoping, when you got done with your shift…"

"I leave work at five. Shall we meet at Granny's Diner then?" asked Samantha.

"On Friday?" asked Curtis.

Samantha chuckled. "No silly, after work today."

"Oh, I suppose," said Curtis. "How about at the lunch hour? I'll be working at the psychiatrist's facility, but I'll get out then."

"Great, it's a date," said Samantha.

"Sounds good," said Curtis. He left the grocery store, relieved.


Fairy Tale Land – Flashback

Legolas checked the window to see if anyone had come. So far, there hadn't been any sign of his companions. Gimli approached Legolas then, looking concerned.

"Maybe they won't show," said Gimli.

"I did send Frodo a dove," said Snow, heading outside the cottage. As she looked, a portal opened a few feet away from the cottage. Out from the portal, much to Snow's relief, came the four hobbits. "He's here, and he's brought friends."

Approaching Snow, Frodo asked, "Did you miss me?"

Snow shrugged. "I'm surprised you came back. It's been weeks since we last spoke."

"Really? It's been months for me," said Frodo.

Merry asked Snow, interfering, "Where is your prince?"

"He's been imprisoned by King George. We better hurry," said Snow.

Snow led the four hobbits inside the cottage. As they came inside, the hobbits greeted Legolas and Gimli.

"It's been a long time, my friends," said Legolas.

"Aye, that it has," said Gimli.

"Time to show this king what seven dwarfs can do," said Grumpy, picking up his axe.

"Eight dwarves, Grumpy. Remember, I am one of your kin," said Gimli.

"I don't see it," said Grumpy, noticing he frustrated Gimli.

"Remember why we're going," said Snow.

"To save your prince. We remember," said Grumpy.

Legolas pulled Frodo off to the side. He whispered, "Where are Aragorn and Gandalf?"

"They didn't come with us," said Frodo.

"What a shame. We could have need of a wizard," said Legolas.

Pippin called, "Oi, when you two are ready, we're about to depart."

"Come on, Frodo," said Legolas, returning to Gimli.

Once the group was ready, they departed from the seven dwarfs' cottage. Snow told them they would meet up with Red Riding Hood and her grandmother. When they did, Snow alerted the two to her plan. Red and Widow Lucas were well-prepared.


Storybrooke, Maine – The Present

At the lunch hour, Asher stepped inside Granny's Diner. There, he saw Curtis and Samantha together, sitting at a booth. Deciding to leave the two alone, Asher made his way to the long white table, where he sat down and ordered some food and drink. As he waited for his food, Asher looked about the diner for a few minutes. Then he saw Phillip Irving talking to Hadrian Basile. Eventually, Ruby came over with Asher's food.

"Here you are. Can I get you anything?" asked Ruby.

"No, thank you," said Asher.

"Okay," said Ruby, leaving Asher alone.

As he ate his meal in silence, Asher's thoughts returned to what Emma said to him. Was it possible he could become a photographer? The very thought seemed farfetched, yet it was a hobby he enjoyed doing. However, with Regina in charge, he doubted he could be of use. When Ruby came back, Asher called her over. He asked her, bluntly:

"Ruby, you wouldn't know if there are any job openings for photographers?" asked Asher.

"I don't. I'm sorry," said Ruby.

Asher nodded. "All right, I was only asking."

As Ruby moved away from Asher, Asher noticed the stranger enter Granny's Diner. Asher said nothing as the man sat down, setting his box underneath the table. Asher looked away as the man ordered a drink and some food. He figured he would leave the man alone, but something was telling him to go and talk to him. He let the matter rest as he dug into his food.