Chapter Thirty-Eight: One Last Stand
Into the Enchanted Forest
Gerda watched Michael's eyes close, as his head tilted to the side. He was unconscious, leaving Gerda alone to face the Evil Queen.
The Evil Queen laughed wickedly, walking closer to Michael. Gerda struggled against the vines, remembering the other times she had to save her father from the Evil Queen. It was hard to believe that Gerda had been rescuing her father again and again for a full year.
When Michael was captured the first time, the Evil Queen transported Gerda to a forest she didn't recognize, forcing Gerda to choose between her magic and her father.
The second time Michael was captured, Gerda had tried to kill the Evil Queen, wanting her dead for all the pain she had caused Gerda's father. But in the end, both the Evil Queen and Michael survived, leaving Gerda to carry a small scar of what she could have become. A villain.
Now, a year after the first time they had met, once more Gerda was caught in one of the Evil Queen's magical spells, the Evil Queen threatening her father yet again. Would this ever end? Were Gerda and the Evil Queen going around in circles, destined to go against one another until they both died of exhaustion?
The Evil Queen was now beside Michael, stroking some loose bangs away from his face. She turned back to Gerda.
"So Gerda, what seems more appropriate? Death by hanging? Death by the sword? Perhaps I can use a bit of magic?" The Evil Queen held out her palm, a fireball magically appearing in her hand. She grinned wickedly.
Gerda, who had still been struggling against the vines that snared around her, refused to look the Evil Queen in the eye, having no idea what she should do. She wanted to save her father, but was questioning what the outcome would be. Would she rescue him and escape the Evil Queen this time, only to have her father captured in a few months?
Gerda had saved the old man from the market square, and hadn't died when she defied the Evil Queen. But she wasn't so sure she could do that with Michael. It was either him or her this time.
Gerda tried to catch her breath, thinking back to what Rumpelstiltskin had told her.
You have more power than you give yourself credit for. That was true. Gerda was quite powerful for someone who was still going through puberty. And in the past year alone, Gerda had grown in strength, finding herself capable of more magic than she ever thought possible. She couldn't just let that magic go to waste. Taking in a deep breath, Gerda opened her eyes and wrapped her hands around the vines, knowing that she could untangle them with magic.
The vines fell to the floor, and Gerda opened her eyes. She gasped.
The Evil Queen held the fireball over Michael's head, and Gerda saw the ends of Michael's hair start to burn. Any closer and her father would be cooked.
Gerda clenched her fists, trying to think. If she tried to get any closer to Michael, whether it be by force or by magic, the Evil Queen would roast her father alive. And even if Gerda aimed a shot at the Evil Queen, her Royal Wickedness would respond by hurting Michael. There was no way around the predicament that had unfolded.
Gerda looked at Michael, and knew that he shouldn't be caught up in this whole situation. He hadn't done anything wrong. It would be better….if he weren't even there.
Gerda, now knowing what had to be done, closed her eyes, saying goodbye to her father in her mind. Whatever happened next, Gerda didn't want her father to be around. To see what would become of his only daughter.
Holding out her hand, Gerda thought back to their old house in the village where this whole mess started, and magically sent Michael there.
Gerda knew she had succeeded when she heard the Evil Queen cry out in anger. Smiling, Gerda opened her eyes, happy with the success of her spell, and felt a cold hand wrap around her neck.
"You would rather me torture those villagers instead?" She demanded. Gerda felt her chest tighten. She knew someone else would get hurt.
With strength that only came from her magic, the Evil Queen held Gerda in the air by her throat, watching the life slowly drain out the girl. Gerda knew she would drop her eventually, but she didn't want to be unconscious when she did.
So looking around for something to use against her enemy, Gerda looked back to where her father had been sitting only moments before, and saw something shining on the ground. The talisman.
Frustrated, the Evil Queen threw Gerda back, sending the girl to the floor. Gerda tried to catch her breath, watching the Evil Queen walk to the balcony edge. The Evil Queen glared down into the market and saw five of her knights collecting the bodies of their comrades who had been killed by Rumpelstiltskin, and grinned.
"Guards!" She bellowed. Her knights looked up at their Queen, hands to their foreheads. Some of the villagers who were still in the market looked up at the Evil Queen as well. They regretted it immediately.
"Bring me four villagers. Now." Gerda could hear the villagers run in fear as knights did as they were told, collecting victims for the Evil Queen. Gerda heard a small child cry out in the crowd.
"Mommy!" She called, and Gerda heard the mother struggle to get back to her child. The Evil Queen merely rolled her eyes.
"Bring the child, then."
Gerda wanted to cry out in anger, but she needed the Evil Queen distracted so she could grab the talisman. Biting her tongue, Gerda looked back at the talisman, waiting for the right moment to take it. Suddenly, Gerda remembered how her father had gotten into the Evil Queen's castle, and looked around the room. The Wicked Witch of the West's broom was nowhere in sight.
Snow White and Mulan stopped their horses in the outskirts of the forest that surrounded the Evil Queen's castle, hopping off their noble steeds and ducking into the bushes. Looking into the market square that stood in front of the castle, Snow White watched in horror as some of the Evil Queen's knights dragged villagers against their will into her castle, while the Evil Queen watched from her balcony. Rage ripped through Snow's core.
"Where's Gerda?" Mulan asked. Snow White didn't respond, still looking at the Evil Queen. She was wondering the same thing.
Hearing a noise behind them, Snow White notched an arrow into her bow and turned around on her knee, ready to kill. However, she dropped her weapon when she saw Guardian come forward, not carrying Michael on his back.
"Where's Michael?"
Gerda remained still on the tile floor, the Evil Queen's back to her as the knights lined the five villagers in front of the Evil Queen. The little girl held her mother's hand, tears falling down her small face.
Waving her hand, the Evil Queen sent her knights away, giving Gerda the perfect opportunity to go for the talisman. Praying she wouldn't be heard, Gerda started to army crawl across the floor, stopping to catch the eyes of one of the villagers.
A teenage boy, about three years older than Gerda, gave her a quick glance. Trusting him, Gerda looked over at the talisman. The boy followed her line of vision, and nodded. He turned back to the Evil Queen, and taking in a deep breath, ran at her.
Not expecting the boy to make such a distraction, Gerda watched in horror as the boy grabbed at the Evil Queen's legs, knocking her to the floor. Using the moment wisely, Gerda continued to crawl quickly across the floor, reaching the talisman. She scooped it into her hand, and crawled back to her spot, tucking the talisman safely into her pocket.
"You fool!" The Evil Queen roared, kicking at the boy. Two knights re-entered the room and wrapped their hands around the boy's arms, lifting him off the ground. The boy struggled against their grip, but couldn't break free.
Standing up, the Evil Queen wiped off the dirt she had accumulated from the tackle off her dress, and tilted her head to the side. A wicked grin spread across her face.
"Looks like we found our first victim." She stated. She walked towards the boy, and stopping right in front of him, pushed her hand through his chest.
"Mikey!" The little girl screamed. The little girl's mother wrapped her arms around her daughter, crying.
Not able to bear it any longer, Gerda stood up and ran at the Evil Queen, attempting to push her to the ground.
However, the Evil Queen heard Gerda coming, and turned around to face her. She grabbed Gerda by the throat once more and held her in the air, Gerda's throat in one hand, the boy's heart in the other.
The Evil Queen laughed mirthlessly, glaring into Gerda's eyes.
"You try and be a hero Gerda, risking your life to save others." She stated. The Evil Queen tilted her head to the side.
"But you can't save everybody." Pushing her arm forward, the Evil Queen threw Gerda back, watching her hit the far wall. The Evil Queen then turned back to the boy, and smiled. Mikey turned to his mother and little sister.
"I love you." He stated, tears in his eyes. He then started to bend forward as the Evil Queen squeezed his heart.
"No!" Gerda cried out. The Evil Queen ignored her, continuing to squeeze the boy's heart.
Gerda turned away from the boy, and looked at his little sister. Tears fell down her face, more welling up in her big brown eyes. The same big brown eyes that Roland had. The same big eyes that filled with tears when Robin was kidnapped, and when Gerda was hurt. The same big eyes that had witnessed death before, and would most likely witness it again.
Reaching into her pocket, Gerda pulled out the talisman, and thought of Roland. A little boy who had grown up without a mother, because of the Evil Queen. Gerda wasn't going to let this little girl loose her brother the same way.
"Stop!" Gerda commanded, and the talisman started to glow in her hand. The Evil Queen turned around and faced Gerda, about to demand what was going on, when she saw the talisman in her hand.
"The heart for the talisman." Gerda stated, holding out her hand.
The Evil Queen looked down at the heart for a moment, looking back at the boy who owned it, who was currently lying on the ground in pain. Turning back to Gerda, she walked forward, and held out the heart.
Gerda grabbed it quickly, and looking back at the little girl, placed the talisman into the Evil Queen's outstretched hand. Gerda then walked past the Evil Queen, and pushed the boy's heart back into his chest. He looked up at Gerda with sorrowful eyes.
"I'm, so sorry." He apologized. Gerda smiled at him. "You did your best." Gerda then turned back to the Evil Queen. The Evil Queen laughed wickedly once more.
"Do you know what I am now capable of with this talisman, Gerda?" She asked, holding it out as she inspected it. Gerda didn't want to guess, knowing the answer would be bad.
The Evil Queen looked up at Gerda, grinning.
"I can take away your magic. Permanently."
Snow White stroked Guardian's mane, not knowing what to think. Where was Michael? Why wasn't he with Guardian?
Answering her question unexpectedly, the Wicked Witch of the West stumbled out of the trees, a fireball in her hand. When she saw Snow White and Mulan standing with Guardian, she grinned, and aimed her fireball at Snow's head.
"Finally someone who can pay." She then launched the fireball, which Snow White barely dodged.
Rolling on the ground, Snow White notched another arrow into her bow, aiming it at the Witch's heart.
"What did you do to Michael?" Snow White demanded. Mulan unsheathed her sword.
"What did I do?" The Wicked Witch asked, confused. "It's what he did to me! He stole my broom!"
Mulan, who had her sword out and was ready to attack, let it drop to her side, confused as well.
"We're fighting about a broom?"
"It's an enchanted broom." Snow White explained, not taking her eyes off the Witch.
"Yes, and that buffoon attacked me in the air and rode off on it." The Wicked Witch spat. Another fireball appeared in her hand.
"And now, you two are going to pay for it."
"Hold on." Snow stated, standing up. "Why would Michael steal your broom? He was going after you."
The Wicked Witch rolled her eyes, and crossed her arms.
"Well, he ended up riding the broom right into the Evil Queen's castle."
Snow White looked at the Wicked Witch in shock, then looked back at the castle. She could have sworn she saw something in the distance, but ignored it. She could only think of Michael being trapped once more in her step-mother's castle.
Turning back to the Wicked Witch, Snow aimed her arrow at her.
"Well, no matter the case, Michael did what he thought was right."
"Yes, and stopped me from saving Gerda!" The Wicked Witch exclaimed. Snow White looked at her confused, while Mulan stared back at the castle, looking into the sky.
"Um, Snow…"
"What do you mean, stopped you from saving Gerda?" Snow White demanded.
"You came to the Enchanted Forest to hurt her!"
Now it was the Wicked Witch of the West's turn to give Snow a confused look.
"I never wanted to hurt her." The Witch's face became crestfallen, and Snow wondered what Gerda's connection to this woman was.
"Snow…" Snow White ignored Mulan, but feeling Guardian head butt her, rolled her eyes and turned to see what Mulan was looking at.
"What is it…-?"
"Incoming!" Mulan pushed Snow White to the ground as the Wicked Witch of the West's broomstick flew right over Snow's head, almost taking it off.
The broom halted in front of the Wicked Witch, who grinned. Climbing onto it, the Witch started to float above the ground, heading for the castle.
Snow White stood up, and ran at the witch, knowing that if she saved Gerda, she would end up separating her from Michael, and Snow wouldn't let that happen.
So, mimicking what Michael did, Snow White grabbed onto the broomstick, pulling it and its rider to the earth.
The Wicked Witch of the West gave Snow White an evil look as the two women fell to the earth. The broomstick fell to the ground for a short moment, before Mulan picked it up. She then tossed it to Snow, who swung her leg over the broom and hung on for dear life as she lifted into the air.
"No!" The Wicked Witch of the West cried out, but it was too late. Snow White took off for the Evil Queen's castle, determined to save Gerda.
Gerda stared at the Evil Queen in shock. The talisman can take away my magic forever?
Ignoring her stares, the Evil Queen looked to her guards, and rolled her eyes.
"I am feeling generous." She stated, pointing at the villagers.
"Release them." The knights nodded, and started shoving the prisoners out of the room. Mikey didn't want to leave Gerda alone to face the Evil Queen on her own, but Gerda shook her head, knowing that he would only end up getting hurt if he stayed.
Gerda watched the villagers leave, and turned back to the Evil Queen, staring at the talisman.
"So Gerda, this is how it will end." The Evil Queen started to walk to the right, and Gerda matched her steps and started walking to her right, finishing a circle that the Evil Queen had started.
"I will gain more power than ever before, and you will die a slow and painful death." The Evil Queen shivered in glee, loving the idea.
Gerda felt her skin crawl, knowing that her death would be imminent. She was, however, glad that she hadn't killed that man in the market square, or that she hadn't allowed the Evil Queen to kill Mikey. Gerda was happy, knowing that she had prevented the Evil Queen from burning her father alive. That she had sacrificed herself to stop the Evil Queen from killing Snow White or Will Scarlet. Gerda was glad that the deaths of her friends and family were not set in stone like hers was.
However, Gerda heard someone call out to her in the distance, and felt that hope fall. She recognized the voice immediately. Feminine yet strong, full of courage and leadership. The future queen of the Enchanted Forest was calling out Gerda's name.
Both Gerda and the Evil Queen looked out from the balcony, seeing Snow White fly towards the castle on the broomstick that Gerda knew belonged to the Wicked Witch of the West. So that was where it had gone…
"Not again." Gerda whispered. She looked over at the Evil Queen, who sneered wickedly at Snow White. Holding out her hand, she pointed the talisman in Snow's direction, and looked over at Gerda.
"Care to see what else this talisman can do?" She asked.
No, I don't. Gerda said in her mind. For as the Evil Queen aimed the talisman at Snow White, Gerda looked at her friend, and held out her own hand. Snow White gave her a confused look, then started to shake her head.
Like with Michael, Gerda didn't want Snow White to see what was going to happen next. Looking away, Gerda turned to the Evil Queen, and closed her eyes, magically transporting them somewhere else. Somewhere that couldn't be found. Where Gerda would die without her friends watching.
Snow White flew in through the balcony and landed on the hard floor of her castle roughly, still managing a better landing then Michael.
"Gerda!" She called out, looking around. But it was too late, and Snow White knew that. Sinking to her knees, Snow White started to cry.
"Snow?" Snow White looked up, and saw Michael standing beside the Dark One, who snatched one of the EVIL Queen's necklaces and shoved it into his pocket as he looked around.
"Michael." Snow White said, standing up. Michael ran to her, helping the princess to her feet.
"Where's Gerda? All I remember is her being wrapped up in vines before I blacked out. Then, I was at home." Michael explained.
Snow White gave him one of her trademark confused looks.
"Gerda sent him away." Rumpelstiltskin explained, stepping forward.
"She didn't want Michael to see what was going to happen next." The Dark One then looked around.
"And apparently, she didn't want you to see anything, either."
"What do you mean?" Michael asked, somehow already knowing the answer.
The Dark One looked at him, and sighed.
"Gerda traded the talisman for a heart. A heart that the Evil Queen was going to crush. She saved a boy's life, in exchange for her own." Rumpelstiltskin started to walk around the room.
"The Evil Queen can use the talisman to take away Gerda's magic." The Dark One sighed once more as he paused in the middle of the room.
"And when she does, she will kill Gerda."
Gerda opened her eyes, and found herself back in the same forest where she had first saved her father from the Evil Queen. The Evil Queen had forced her to choose between keeping her magic or her father, and Gerda had chosen her father.
To Gerda, the place seemed perfect. It was where she lost her magic the first time, and it seemed fitting for it to be the place where she lost her magic permanently.
"I see you're the sentimental type." Gerda turned around and saw the Evil Queen rise from the ground, looking at the forest around her.
"Seemed fitting." Was all Gerda said. The Evil Queen didn't deserve anymore of an answer than that.
The Evil Queen tilted her head to the side, and sighed.
"Gerda, it doesn't have to end this way." Gerda looked at the Queen in confusion.
"You can join me, Gerda. Together, the Enchanted Forest, and all other realms, will fear us. They will bow down before us." The Evil Queen smiled at Gerda, which made her feel even more nervous.
A chance to rule beside the Evil Queen?
"You will be able to grow stronger in your magic, and I can teach you all that I know." The Evil Queen offered. She then swept her hand around her in a grand gesture, pointing out the forest that surrounded the both of them.
"You will be free to roam the forest and our lands, taking what you want and making the perfect home."
Gerda closed her eyes, actually liking the idea that the Evil Queen proposed. She could imagine a home tucked away in the depths of the forest, a small cottage with a lovely little garden and a few animals she would take care of. There, Gerda and Michael would be free, no longer having to worry about the Evil Queen, because she will no longer be a threat.
Except that it's too late. A small voice spoke out in Gerda's mind, pausing her fantasy. The Evil Queen has already hurt your father, Gerda. Do you really think that by joining her, you guarantee his safety?
The fantasy in Gerda's mind shattered, being replaced by fear; fear of what would happen if Gerda did join the Evil Queen.
What if one day, years from now, you decide that enough is enough, and don't want to help the Evil Queen anymore? Well, she won't be able to hurt you, because you will be too strong. But, she can take it out on someone else.
Gerda felt her throat tighten. Her father would still be hurt. Because no matter what Gerda decided, the Evil Queen would always have Michael as a pawn, someone to use against Gerda if the time came. And knowing Gerda, knowing the refusal she held against the acts of the Evil Queen, the time would come sooner rather than later.
Opening her eyes, Gerda shook her head.
"I won't join you." She stated. "I won't become you."
The Evil Queen let her hand fall to her side, sighing.
"I was hoping you wouldn't say that, Gerda." The Evil Queen then reached into her dress, where she had hidden the talisman, and pulled it out.
"Because now, you leave me no choice."
Michael stared out into the Enchanted Forest from the Evil Queen's balcony, his hands shaking.
"We can't just stand here." He stated, itching to search for Gerda. But Rumpelstiltskin refused to move.
"This is a battle she has to fight, Michael. For her own good, and yours."
Michael turned around to the Dark One.
"How can you just let a young girl die?" He demanded, striding over to the Dark One. Snow White rose from the seat in front of the mirror.
"Easy, Michael." She warned. Michael ignored her.
"My daughter is out there, fighting against a witch, and all you can do is stand here and tell me that this is for the best?" Michael demanded. "Have you ever had your child slip away from you like this, in a situation beyond your control?"
Michael had hit a soft spot, one that Rumpelstiltskin allowed no one to see. In one quick motion, the Dark One had one hand around Michael's neck, pinning him to the wall.
"You have no idea what I have been through." He spat through gritted teeth.
"You have no idea the pain I have endured." Michael tried to release Rumpelstiltskin's hand, but the Dark One was too strong.
"Gerda is fighting for her magic, for power, but more importantly, for her life. And yours." The Dark One spat. "You would stand no chance helping her. The Evil Queen would kill you in a moment." Finished ranting, Rumpelstiltskin let Michael fall to the ground, turning away as he gasped for air.
"And I'm afraid that you would be too late." Rumpelstiltskin stated.
"Why is that?" Michael gasped, looking up. Rumpelstiltskin was staring out of the large window, past the Enchanted Forest.
"Because the battle is almost finished."
Michael, finding the strength to stand up, joined the Dark One where he stood, and looked out the large window as well. Far off in the distance, he saw purple and blue light high above the trees. Magic.
"Gerda."
Gerda wouldn't give up her magic without a fight, not like she had with the talisman. But that was to protect an innocent boy's life. Now, her magic was on the line.
The Evil Queen shot at Gerda with dark purple magic, trying to ensnare her with vines that sprouted from the earth, or throwing spells at the trees, hoping that their limbs would wrap around Gerda's torso, holding her hostage.
Gerda, however, knew what the Evil Queen would do. She expected the attacks that came at her, but knew it was only a matter of time before she grew tired. That was when the Evil Queen would finish her off.
"How can you defeat me, Gerda?" The Evil Queen demanded, taunting the girl. Gerda tried to ignore her, not wanting to waste her energy, which was starting to drain quickly.
"My dear child, I have practised magic for as long as you have been alive, perhaps even longer." The Evil Queen noted, stretching out her hand. A line of purple magic shot from her fingers, barely missing Gerda's head.
"Give up now, and I will try to be more merciful with your punishment." The Evil Queen laughed, knowing that Gerda would suffer dearly for all the stress and strain she had caused the Evil Queen in the past year. It was like dealing with a younger, more powerful Snow White.
As much as Gerda tried to, she couldn't ignore the Evil Queen, because she had a point. What chance did Gerda stand to defeating an evil sorceress, one that was trained by the Dark One himself? Maybe she should give up…
And it was in that moment of doubt, that moment of giving in, that Gerda had paused long enough for one of the trees to wraps its branches around her, pulling her back. Gerda was then hanging in midair, her arms held out from her sides against her will, with another tree limb wrapped around her torso.
The Evil Queen laughed wickedly, walking forward. She pulled out the talisman from her hand, and gave a satisfied sigh.
"It's over, Gerda."
Michael, who had been watching the two bolts of magic dance in the sky, watched as the blue magic disappeared, meaning that something had happened to Gerda. What had happened exactly, Michael didn't know. But he could only assume the worst.
Falling to the floor, Michael pounded his fists into the black linoleum tile, repeating the gesture until his knuckles started to bleed. Tears fell down his face, and he didn't hold back the sobs. Snow White fell to the floor beside him, wrapping her arm around his shoulder as she leaned her head on Michael.
Rumpelstiltskin, however, remained erect, and closed his eyes, listening.
"She's not dead." Michael and Snow both kept their eyes to the ground, waiting for Rumpelstiltskin to say he was wrong. After a few moments had passed, and the Dark One had said nothing more, Michael looked up.
"How do you know?" He asked, standing up. He grabbed Snow White's hand and helped her to her feet, gently wrapping his arm around her.
Rumpelstiltskin held up his finger, wanting the two adults to listen. At first, there was silence. But a moment passed, and the two began to hear something beat. As if….
"A heart beat." Snow White said, looking at Michael. Michael looked at the Dark One, who nodded.
"Gerda still breathes. And still fights for her life."
"But for how long?" Michael groaned, feeling himself lose hope.
Rumpelstiltskin looked back out the large window, looking into the forest once more.
"As long as it takes for her to realize that she has something more powerful than the Evil Queen."
The Evil Queen wasted no time, and thrust out her hand, which the talisman sat upon.
Instantly, purple magic began to seep from the object, as a bolt of light struck Gerda in the chest. The girl watched in sadness as blue light started to leave her body, as if her very soul were being ripped out. Gerda watched the talisman start to fill with that same blue light, and knew it was only a matter of time before her magic left her body entirely, filling the talisman.
The Evil Queen watched in satisfaction as the talisman started to fill with Gerda's magic, and looked up at Gerda, whose face had started to pale. Gerda felt like she was going to throw up.
"Do you want to know what I am going to do with you once your magic is gone?" The Evil Queen asked sweetly. Gerda didn't answer her, already feeling the sweat fall down her face.
"First, I am going to capture every one of your allies, and make them pay for helping you. And of course, I am going to let you watch." Gerda instantly thought of the Merry Men, as well as Will Scarlet, and felt her stomach form into a knot.
"Then, I am going to hunt down that wretched princess Snow White, and kill her for, well, obvious reasons." The Evil Queen tilted her head to the side, and came closer to Gerda.
"And finally, before you face death yourself, you will watch me kill your father, and that wretched man Robin Hood, and his young son, Roland."
The way the Evil Queen said Roland's name made Gerda's blood boil. She clenched her knuckles, and felt her body fighting to be free of its bond.
The Evil Queen turned away from Gerda, laughing mirthlessly at the girl's pathetic attempt.
"Isn't this a lovely way of saying 'I love you'." The Evil Queen turned back to Gerda.
"Your father's attempt at keeping you from me for all these years have turned out to be for nothing, only to lead to your death in the end. It was as if he didn't love you at all."
Gerda, who had dropped her head in defeat, looked back up, feeling something blossom in her chest. Love.
"You're wrong." Gerda spat, trying to focus her eyes on the Evil Queen. The Evil Queen looked up at her, curious. Gerda looked down at the talisman, which was still draining her of her magic.
"You're wrong about my father." Gerda repeated. "He did love me. And he still does."
Gerda thought back to all those times that Michael had hidden her in the forest when the Evil Queen had come through the village. How Michael wouldn't let her go into the woods alone at night, worried that some of the Evil Queen's knights would be on patrol. How a year ago, Michael took the fall and risked his life, attacking the Evil Queen so that Gerda could escape. How for the past year, Michael has been tormented by the memories of torture that he had endured, but still fought to get back to Gerda.
A sudden strength began to grow in Gerda, and she saw the line of blue magic leaving her start to shrink in size. She looked up at the Evil Queen.
"My father did everything he did because he loves me. Something you know nothing about." Gerda said frankly. The Evil Queen's face filled with anger, but Gerda didn't care. Thankfully, she hadn't noticed the talisman, which was no longer draining Gerda of power.
Knowing she needed to keep the Evil Queen busy, Gerda stalled.
"Michael Roland of Locksley suffered a great amount of torture because of you, to protect me. He let himself get captured so I could escape, stood up against you and your knights to help me. He did everything he could to keep me safe because he loves me. And I love him!" Gerda felt the restraints on her arms and torso begin to shrivel away as she grew in strength, and saw the talisman slowly leak out her magic, watching the blue light work its way back to its owner.
"You asked me how I could defeat you, Regina." Gerda stated, using the Evil Queen's first name, which no one dared to say aloud.
"You asked me what the point was in fighting you. Well, here it is; love." The bonds fell away from Gerda and she dropped to the forest floor, landing on her feet. She looked up at the Evil Queen, and grinned.
"Love was the reason my father never gave up on me. Love was the reason I fought against you to save him. And love is the reason I will continue to fight you, until the day I die, which will not be today!" Gerda stretched out her hand, and watched as blue magic streamed from her fingers.
The talisman exploded, leaving little shards in the dirt. The Evil Queen looked at Gerda in shock.
"Love is the reason why I will not let you hurt my family, or my friends!" Gerda aimed a shot at the Evil Queen, hitting her square in the chest. The Evil Queen flew backwards in the air and hit a tree, falling at its feet. She looked up at Gerda, and for the first time, was truly scared.
"And love, is also the reason why I will not kill you." Gerda let her hands fall to her sides, and walked towards the Evil Queen.
"I know you once loved someone, Regina. Once upon a time." Gerda stated, feeling sadness for the Evil Queen. That was soon replaced with rigid determination.
"But I will not let you hurt my family or friends." Gerda lifted her hand, and watched as the Evil Queen started to float in the air.
"Come after anyone I care about again, and you will have me to deal with. Hurt anyone I love, and I will find you. And next time, I might not be as forgiving as I am today." Gerda promised. She then released her grip on the Evil Queen, and watched her fall to the ground.
The Evil Queen glared up at Gerda, but knew she had been defeated.
"This isn't over." She declared. Gerda, however, knew otherwise.
"I'm afraid it is. Permanently." Gerda stated, using the Evil Queen's same tone of voice when she had the talisman. The Evil Queen glared at Gerda as she disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke, leaving Gerda alone in the large forest.
Gerda had won.
Thankfully, Rumpelstiltskin knew that the Evil Queen would return to the castle, and transported himself, Michael and Snow White to the area outside the castle in the forest where Mulan was waiting with Guardian. The Wicked Witch was nowhere to be seen.
Michael looked around. "Where's Gerda?" He asked the Dark One. "What if she didn't make it? What if she didn't find what was more powerful than the Evil Queen?"
The Dark One giggled, confirming in Michael's mind that the man wasn't fully sane. Or sane at all.
"Trust me dearie. She did."
"And how can you know?" Michael complained. The Dark One turned to him, sighing.
"Because I'm not blind!"
"What do you mean by that-?" Rumpelstiltskin pointed behind Michael, and Michael turned to see someone walking up to him. Someone with red hair, two blue eyes hidden behind black glasses, and a lot of magic. Someone who had just defeated the Evil Queen.
"Gerda?" Michael asked aloud, walking quickly towards his daughter. He then started to run.
Gerda started running for him, tears falling down her cheeks.
"Gerda!" Michael repeated, pulling his daughter into his arms. He hugged her tightly, never wanting to let her go. He stroked her hair and smelled the forest on her clothes. Gerda held tightly to her father, never wanting to lose him again.
Father and daughter, finally reunited, with no Evil Queen or Wicked Witch after them. Both finally safe. Both finally…
"Free." Gerda stated, pressed against her father's chest. Michael let her go, holding his daughter's face in his hands.
"What?" He asked.
"We're free, papa." Gerda announced. "Finally free."
Snow White and Mulan came running at Gerda, embracing her and patting her on the back. Guardian followed them, licking Gerda's face and playfully chewing her hair, nuzzling his head against her face. Gerda stroked his mane and patted his torso, happy to be reunited with her loyal steed. And friend.
Michael smiled. "You were right, Dark One. Gerda did defeat-"
Michael paused, Rumpelstiltskin nowhere in sight. Too happy to worry about his disappearance, Michael pushed Snow White and Mulan out of the way so that he could give Gerda another big hug.
Zelena clutched her broomstick her hand as she peaked out from behind the tree, watching Michael and Gerda embrace. They were so happy to see each other. Finally back together after all the trouble they had been through. Trouble that Zelena was slightly responsible for.
"She doesn't need me." Zelena sighed, and turning her hand, disappeared on the spot, no longer wanting to separate her daughter from her father.
Will Scarlet had begged Belle to come with him, to escape the Dark One and live freely in the Enchanted Forest with him, but Belle had declined, knowing that it would only be so long before Rumpelstiltskin found her.
So, it was with a heavy heart that Will left the manor, but soon reunited with the Merry Men, and gave Robin Hood a brotherly embrace.
Meanwhile, Belle prepared for Rumpelstiltskin's return, cleaning the dining room. She then heard a knock on the large door, and putting down a plate, hurried to answer the door.
One of the windows in the dining room opened slightly, and the older gentleman from the market square snuck inside the manor, landing silently on the carpeted floor. Walking to the large glass bookcase that stood at the end of the room, the old man opened the door and looked inside, scattering different magical items as he searched.
Finally, he pulled out his hand, clutching a vial filled with light blue powder, the same shade as Gerda's magic.
"The time will come when she will need these." The old man stated, grinning as he tucked the vial into his pocket. He then closed the door to the bookcase, walked back to the window, and escaped the manor.
Rumpelstiltskin magically appeared in the room moments later, looking around.
"Belle!" He barked. He then immediately looked at the glass bookcase at the end of the room, knowing that something was missing. Walking over to it, he opened one of the doors and peaked inside. The vial with Gerda's memories was gone.
"Oops."
One Year Later
One year had passed in the Enchanted Forest, as Gerda and Michael led peaceful lives in a small cluster of the woods, hidden from the world by all except a select few.
Snow White, making sure that the two were taken care of, departed from their company, promising that she would see them again. In the months that followed, Snow White was captured in a net by Prince James, who turned out to be her Prince Charming. The two married, and were now expecting a baby girl, due any day. However, the threat of the Evil Queen's curse loomed over their heads.
Gerda tried not to think about the curse too much, and was able to focus on other important tasks, such as finding food for her and Michael to eat.
Having wandered into King Stefan's kingdom, Gerda sent word to her father that she would be home in a few days.
Michael, however, couldn't just sit around and wait for his daughter. Guilt tugged at his body, reminding him of the memories he had stolen from Gerda. A year had passed since the encounter with the Evil Queen and Zelena, but Michael couldn't help but feel ashamed that he didn't even let Zelena introduce herself to Gerda. She wasn't all that bad.
Deciding that he wanted to rid himself of this guilt, Michael ventured to Rumpelstiltskin's manor, knowing he would find Gerda's memories there.
But when he reached the manor, he found it empty of all occupants, which were both Belle and the Dark One. Neither Michael nor Gerda knew about Rumpelstiltskin's capture outside of Prince Thomas's castle, as Gerda had cut them off from the main kingdoms, so that her magic would remain secret. And no one knew that Belle had been captured by the Evil Queen a few months ago.
Letting himself in, Michael looked around the manor, searching everywhere he could for the vial of memories that once belonged to Gerda. However, a few hours had passed, and all Michael had found was an old note, with the name Michael written on the front.
Opening the note, Michael read what the Dark One had written to him.
Dear Michael,
I am very sorry, but Gerda's memories were taken from me. I don't know who did it, but they are gone.
Oh well.
Michael dropped the note to the floor, letting it lie on the ground beside some broken glass.
A mix of relief and regret filled Michael's mind, as Michael thought back to what had happened in Oz all those years ago.
However, his trip down memory lane was cut short when the sound of a bell cut through the air. A bell that was supposed to be rung from King George's castle when the curse was approaching.
"Gerda!" Michael screamed, but it was too late. Looking outside, Michael saw the black and purple clouds engulf the Dark One's manor, wiping Michael of all his memories, as the curse swept him off to StoryBrooke.