HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I have finished the next chapter, but it won't be up until a little later today. Again, thank you all for your kind reviews and support! I appreciate you so much!
David is speeding towards the hospital, pulling up to the entrance while Snow screams in pain, still in labor. David jumps out the truck just as Emma and Avia pull up in Emma's bug behind them. David runs to the passenger side, helping Snow out of the truck as Emma and Avia run towards them.
Meanwhile, inside the cage in Zelena's cellar, Rumple is rapidly spinning at the wheel, transforming straw into gold.
Back at the hospital, David helps his wife into a wheelchair, who is still in a load of pain. A nurse begins to roll Snow into the hospital as David, Emma, and Avia follow.
Inside the cellar, Zelena makes her way down and looks at the pile of gold straw her prisoner has created, smiling wickedly.
At the hospital, Snow lets out another scream as the labor continues. Dr. Whale meets them in the maternity ward, ushering her into her own room.
"There. That will do." Zelena states as Rumple continues to spin. "You said it yourself. Spinning clears your mind." She bends down and picks up the tray of gold and waves her hand over it, transforming it from golden thread into a golden brain. "Or should I say, your brain." She opens the nearby chest that contains David's chest and Regina's heart, and places the golden brain inside. "There's just a couple more ingredients to collect."
Emma and Avia wait outside while Snow is wheeled into her room. David and Dr. Whale proceed to help her into the bed, but as she stands up, another contraction ensues. Avia looks up at her sister with worry.
Oz…
In the past, Rumplestiltskin conjures a fireball in his hand. "Your turn, Dearie." He tells his student, Regina.
Regina opens her hand, conjuring a fireball, but it only appears for a brief moment before disappearing. Her happiness quickly fades away to annoyance.
In Oz, it seems Zelena is watching from inside a small portal in the ground. "Really? It's not that difficult." She says, seething with anger as she proceeds to conjure a fireball of her own, easily. Zelena blows it out just as a flying monkey enters. "Quiet." She orders. "I can't concentrate with all that screeching."
"It's probably me." Zelena turns around to find the Good Witch of the South, Glinda, entering. "He was never much of a fan."
"Who are you?"
"Glinda, the Good Witch of the South." Glinda introduces herself. Zelena immediately casts a defensive fireball. "Relax. I'm not here to fight you. I'm here to thank you for showing Oz the true nature of the wizard – " She says, walking past Zelena, as the flying monkey 'Walsh' flies away, screeching in annoyance. " – and for standing up to him."
"And you're glad that I turned him into a monkey?" Zelena questions, confused.
"A little time as your pet will do him good. He was a trickster, offering people hope he could never deliver. You're quite powerful, Zelena."
"I know."
"But you're wasting it on these foolish pursuits."
Zelena scowls at the good witch. "What do you know about what I want?"
"You want to change your destiny, but you can't go back in time. No one can. Why don't you come with me?"
"Why on earth would I do that?"
"Because I think I can offer you something that you're looking for. There's some people that I want you to meet."
"Who?"
"Come meet your real sisters." Glinda says, as a hint of smile flashes upon Zelena's lips.
Storybrooke / Present…
"There. Dig." Zelena orders the Dark One as they stand inside the witch's barn. Rumple drags a rake through the soil doing as he is told. "You think I'll fail." She realizes.
"I think destiny is destiny." Rumple tells her.
Zelena chuckles, retrieving the golden brain from her chest. "You're wrong." She places the brain down on a dish. "I can change it. And once I fix the past, my mother will keep me, Regina will never have been born, and I'll get everything she ever had." She proceeds to take out Regina's heart and place it on another dish on the other side of the barn. "With the right ingredients, I can do anything."
"Whether it works or not is irrelevant, dearie." Rumple says while Zelena retrieves David's sword, placing it on another dish on the opposite side of Regina's heart. "Because no matter what you change of your past one thing shall remain the same – who you are. And that is a fate you can never escape."
"We shall see." She holds out a compass and the dagger, checking the accuracy as she stands back and examines the geometric rune Rumple inscribed into the dirt.
In the hospital, Snow is lying in bed, clutching her pregnant belly and crying in pain while David holds her hand.
"It's gonna be okay." He assures her.
"Is it?" Snow cries.
"Our baby's going to be fine." He looks up at Avia who is watching from the window. "Both of them. I don't care who's out there."
"That's what we thought last time."
"I know. But this time – " He and Snow look through the other window at Emma, who is currently casting a protection spell with Regina who is standing on the opposite side of the hall, doing the same. " – we have someone else on our side."
"You really think this protection spell will be enough to hold her off?" Emma asks Regina.
"It depends if your brand of magic is stronger than hers." Regina says, walking over to Emma. "If it is, no one wielding dark magic will be able to get in here."
"That doesn't sound like a vote of confidence."
"It isn't. But we're out of options."
"Swan." Emma turns around to find Hook. "I heard the little royal was on his way."
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to be here right now." She tells him, still angry by what he did.
"I want to help."
"If you really wanted to help, you would have told me when Zelena cursed your lips."
"I had no choice. She threatened you and your family." Hook explains. "I was trying to help."
"Telling me what was going on would have been help." Emma argues.
"And a death sentence for your sister."
"Avia's safety is my concern, not yours. Which is why I'm taking this fight to Zelena. This ends today."
Emma begins to walk down the hall, determined, while David walks out having been watching from inside the room, through the window. "Emma, wait. You don't have to do this alone." He assures his daughter.
"Yeah, I do. You need to stay with Snow and Avia."
"Yeah, I know, but you need help. Take Hook."
"Are you insane?" Emma exclaims.
"He's going with you." David insists before turning to Hook. "You're going with her."
"Mm. I thought you didn't trust me, Mate." Hook says.
David sighs. "Zelena backed you into a corner. You did the best you could." He looks back at his daughter who is scowling at him.
"See? Even your father gets it."
"Yeah, because he knows about keeping secrets from loved ones." Emma points out, referring to the time he kept his secret about the Dreamshade poison in Neverland.
"Hey." David rebukes.
"I'm sorry. I'm doing this alone." Emma says, firmly.
"No, you're not. This isn't about you. It's about all of us."
"What is he going to do? I have magic. He's got one hand."
"You know I'm good in a fight." Hook reminds her.
"At the very least, he can draw fire." David adds.
"What, now I'm cannon fodder?" Hook chuckles.
"Fine." Emma reluctantly gives in to her father's demand. "He can come."
David nods, walking back into his wife's room. "Fair enough. Shall we?" Hook asks.
Avia walks into Emma's view, still looking very worried about what's happening to her mother and what could possibly happen to her. "Hang on. Give me a sec." Emma walks towards Avia. "Hey, kid."
"Are you leaving?" Avia asks.
"I'm sorry, but I have to go. I have to take care of this witch, but it's gonna be alright, and I'll be back before you know it. I won't let anything happen to you or the baby." Avia didn't trust herself to say anything, fearing she may breakdown, and Emma could see that. So, she brings her sister into a firm hug. "Hey. I promise, okay?" Avia simply nods. Emma looks at Regina, who's watching from across the room. "Regina is going to be here with you the entire time."
Regina smiles softly as she walks over to the two. "Go. I'll keep her safe."
Emma pulls away, wiping the stray tears from her sister's cheeks with her thumbs. "Thank you."
"You ready, Swan?" Hook calls out.
Emma rolls her eyes, walking back down the hallway where Hook awaits. "Yeah. Let's end this."
Avia looks up at Regina who gives her an encouraging smile as she wraps her arm around the girl.
A short while later, Avia is sitting on the floor against the wall, outside her parents' room. She has her eyes closed and her hands covering her ears while Snow's screams continue from inside. She opens one eye before she opens the other, seeing Karley and Nick sitting down next to her on either side.
"Are you okay?" Karley asks.
Avia sighs, heavily. "She's in so much pain."
"It won't last long. I'm sure the baby will be here before you know it."
"Yeah. And then what's going to happen? What if the baby is taken away just like I was?"
"Emma isn't going to let that happen. She's going to succeed." Nick assures her.
"We don't know that." Avia say, frustrated. "Zelena needs the baby for her plan to work and she needs me to help make that happen."
"The protection spell won't let her through, Avia. My mom knows what she is doing."
Avia glances at Regina who is pacing up and down the hall in front of Snow's room door. "I hope so."
"On a happy note, you're going to be a big sister." Karley grins, nudging Avia playfully. "How are you feeling about that?"
Avia sighs. "Yeah. I don't know. It's a little surprising to be gone for a year with no memory, and then return to find your mom pregnant. I mean, it's not like I never thought this day would come. They're young. Why wouldn't they want to start over with another kid that they can actually raise?"
"They're raising you." Nick points out.
"Yeah. But they're raising me starting out as a teenager. They get a brand new start with this baby. They'll be able to watch it grow up to be a teenager. They'll be able to teach it it's first words, teach it how to walk, how to do everything a kid needs their parents to teach them to do. I mean, I had Emma to teach me all those things, but I do wish that sometimes I had them."
"You do have them, Avia. They still have to teach you so much. They're not finished with you yet, and I doubt they ever will be. I mean, in case you didn't know, you're kind of a lot."
Avia laughs, rolling her eyes. "Gee, thanks." She sighs heavily. "I guess I'm just a little jealous is all. Which is crazy because it's just a baby."
"Yeah. But a baby that gets to do most of things you never got to do with your parents growing up." Karley points out, sympathetically. "It's okay to be jealous, Avia. If anyone understands – " Karley looks at her brother. They only had their biological mother for a short time before she died. So, they missed out on a lot of things with her as well. Granted, they had their dad, but there's just certain things only a mother can provide. " – it's us."
"I never should have brought Avia back to Storybrooke." Emma says as she and Hook make their way to Zelena's farmhouse.
"You did what you thought was right." Hook assures her.
"I did what you manipulated me into." She argues.
"Your parents needed you, Swan. The town needed you."
"Avia also needed me."
"And she also needed her parents whether she remembered them, or not."
"We were happy in New York."
"You know, as content as you were in that city, it wasn't real." Hook reminds her.
"It was real for me, for her. Everything that happened, happened. And everything that really happened was blissfully forgotten as it should have stayed. When I watched as Avia's memories came back to her, I also watched our past – her past from our time in foster homes come back to her as well. That's what I didn't want for her."
"Want for her… or for you?"
"Excuse me?" Emma asks, insulted.
"You've taken care of the girl quite well here. You can talk about danger all you like, but it isn't that. So, tell me, what is it? Why are you so scared of staying?" He asks but continues to answer for Emma. "I think it's because you can see a future here, a happy one."
Emma looks at the pirate, looking even more annoyed. "Let me guess – with you?"
"Aww." Their moment is soon interrupted by Zelena who appears outside her house with Rumplestiltskin by her side. "You two are so adorable. But instead of looking for each other, maybe you should be focused on me." She mocks as she walks closer to the two. "Although, without magic that could prove to be a challenge."
"The next time you try to take my power, why don't you try enchanting the lips of someone I'll actually kiss?"
"See, Emma, you've got a decision to make. You can keep your magic, which makes you oh so sad, or you can save the man that you can't wait to run away from." Zelena smiles, turning towards the imp. "Rumple."
The Dark One waves his hand, sending Hook flying through the air and into the large tub of water on the lawn. His head is held beneath the surface, making the pirate unable to breath. "Hook!" Emma shouts. She runs over to him, trying to heave him out of the water.
"Choose wisely." Emma continues to try to stop Hook from drowning, but Rumple's magic is keeping him under. "Try all you like." Zelena tells her. "You can't free him."
Emma looks angrily at the witch, who vanishes in a cloud of green smoke.
Oz…
Glinda and Zelena approach a table which resembles a large compass where two women are sitting.
"What is this place?" Zelena asks.
"The heart of Oz." Glinda tells her. "These are my sister witches from the North and the East. Each represents a special part of magic – love, wisdom, and courage. Together, our abilities are far more powerful than they could ever be on our own. We can do things that no one else can."
"Like travel through time?" Zelena asks, hopeful.
Glinda frowns. "That's not why we brought you here."
"But you said you wanted to help me. If you can't change my past, then – "
"I brought you here to change your future." Glinda walks around the table to one of the empty chairs. "This seat has been empty for some time. We'd like you to fill it."
Zelena looks around the table, taken aback. "What does the West represent?"
"The most elusive of elements – innocence."
Zelena shakes her head, disappointed. "Well, then, I'm the last person that you should consider. I mean, look at me. I'm wicked."
"But you don't have to be. Innocence reclaimed can be just as powerful as innocence born." Glinda explains. "You simply have to choose to be good."
"Well, that's easy for you to say. Good is part of your name."
"Glinda, aren't you going to tell her?" The Witch of the North asks.
"Tell me what?"
Glinda lets out a heavy sigh. "I didn't want to say anything unless I had to. I wanted to let you shape your own destiny."
"What could you possibly know about my destiny?" Zelena asks, curiously.
"Glinda's the keeper of the book of records." The Witch of the North informs her.
"It chronicles the past, present, and future of Oz." The Witch of the East adds.
"The book foretells of a powerful sorceress who will join our sisterhood as a protector of Oz." Glinda explains further.
"And you think that that's me?" Zelena asks, confused.
"The book says that this sorceress from the West will come to this land by cyclone."
"I was brought here by a cyclone."
"That's right. We've been looking for you for a long time, Zelena. You've always been meant for more. I know you don't think so, but you can do this. You just have to let go of your past."
Zelena looks away, worrisome of this decision.
Storybrooke / Present…
Hook is still underwater, now unconscious. Emma finally manages to drag him out and shakes him, begging him to wake up." Killian." She orders desperately. "Killian, wake up! Killian, come back to me." Emma then realizes what she must do. "Son of a bitch." She utters before holding Hook's nose and opening his mouth, planting her lips on his. She blows into his mouth, but as she does so, his lips glow green and a large magical glow circles around Emma, causing her magic to be drained away completely. She pulls away, staring down at the pirate. "Hook. Come back to me.
Hook suddenly begins to regain consciousness and profusely coughs up water. He looks up at Emma who looks relieved. "Swan? What did you do?" He begins to panic, realizing what Emma had to do to save him. "What did you do!?"
Oz…
Zelena walks through the main hall of Emerald City, using the magic of the floor to view Regina, over in the Enchanted Forest. She seethes with anger as she watches Rumplestiltskin teach Regina another lesson. But after a few more grunts of rage, the Wicked Witch closes her eyes and takes a few deep breaths, calming herself.
"Sorry, sis. But I'm over you." And with that, she waves her hand, causing the magic mirror on the floor to close up.
Glinda appears behind her. "That was lovely, Zelena." She smiles proudly. "I'm impressed. I knew you would make the right choice." The Good Witch holds out a magical pendant with a large white gem in the middle of it.
Zelena looks curiously at it, chuckling. "What's that?"
"A very special pendant. Each of the witches in the sisterhood wears one." Glinda fastens the pendant around Zelena's neck. "Guard it with your life. Because, in many ways, it now is your life. You were born with great power, Zelena. And now – now this pendant will harness, protect, and grow that power – all of it."
"Will it make me stronger?"
"Than you could possibly imagine." Glinda answers. "However, the price is, without it, you are powerless. But so long as you do continue to wear it, you will be able to accomplish until miracles."
Zelena smiles. "Does this mean – "
Glinda nods. "You are one of us." She confirms. "Yes. Our sister." Glinda holds up a hand-held mirror. "Take a look."
Zelena looks at herself in the mirror and watches in astonishment as her green skin fades away, back to normal. "Oh, thank you." She says, thrilled.
"Don't thank me. Thank yourself. You did it all. You let go of your envy. You took control of your destiny."
Zelena's smile of appreciation grows wider.
Storybrooke / Present…
With the dagger in tow, Zelena is walking determinedly towards Storybrooke Hospital with Rumplestiltskin not far behind. Grumpy and Sneezy, who are standing guard by the entrance, run inside.
"Incoming!" Leroy yells.
Inside the delivery room, Snow is breathing heavily with David by her side. Dr. Whale is delivering the baby just as the lights being to flicker off and on.
"What the hell was that?" David asks.
"It doesn't matter." Dr. Whale tells him. "This baby's coming."
"Avia." Snow cries out.
David lays his hand on his wife's forehead as she clutches his other hand tightly. "She's with Regina. She's safe."
At the entrance of the hospital, Leroy signals to Robin Hood and the Merry Men. Robin holds out his crossbow, along with the others. "Steady, men. Steady." Zelena and Rumple enter. "Aim true for Little John!"
Zelena simply waves her arm before any arrows are actually fired and all of the Merry Men collapse on the floor. They continue to make their way towards Snow's room, but Belle comes across them in the hall. "Oh, didn't you learn your lesson the last time?" Zelena asks, showing Belle the dagger. "This is more powerful than your true love."
"I refuse to believe that." Belle says, standing firm.
"Belle, go." Rumple begs.
"Listen to him, dear." Zelena suggests.
"No. You've put him through enough pain." Belle refuses.
"And I'm not nearly done!" She raises her arm, causing Belle to collapse. Rumple catches her before she hits the floor, lowering her down slowly to the ground. "Your taste in women really has gone downhill." The witch laughs. "Leave her, dearie!"
Avia, Nick, and Karley jump up from the spot on the floor and look nervously at Regina. "Regina." Avia panics as the lights begin to flicker again.
"Nick, Karley, take Avia and find a closet and lock yourselves inside." Regina orders. And just as Nick, Karley, and Avia make a run down the hall, Zelena steps into the hallway. "Take another step, and I'll roast you."
"Please." Zelena waves her hand, sending Regina to the floor, unconscious. The kids turn around just in time to see Regina hit the floor.
"Mom!" Nick and Karley both shout.
Zelena smiles at a horrified Avia. "Thank you for making this so easy for me."
Oz…
In the land of Oz, Zelena is staring down the yellow brick road at the land that surrounds it. "All this for me?"
"Yes, Sister." Glinda confirms. "The West. It's future and potential is as limitless as your own – " Thunder suddenly clashes in the distance, interrupting them. Glinda looks around, confused. "What is that? It sounds like thunder."
In the distance, they watch as a large, green cyclone touches down to the ground from the clouds. "It's not thunder." Zelena says, recognizing it. "It's a cyclone."
Glinda, however, looks puzzled by this. "There's something inside it."
Once the cyclone dissipates and the winds have calmed, Glinda and Zelena make their way over to the destruction the cyclone left behind. They hear a noise coming from inside it.
"Over there." Zelena points.
"Help!" A voice calls out. "I'm down here!"
The two witches hurry over to a roof of a house and move away the debris. "Oh, someone's trapped." Glinda helps a young girl out of the roof of the house "Are you alright.
"Uh. I think so." The girls says, though she is mesmerized by the witches' attires. "I tried to run to the storm cellar, but I wasn't fast enough."
"What world are you from?" Zelena asks.
The girl looks at Zelena, confused. "World? You mean, this isn't Kansas?"
Glinda shakes her head. "I'm afraid not. Welcome to Oz. What's your name?"
"Dorothy. Dorothy Gale."
"If you were strong enough to survive such a powerful storm, you must be a very special girl, Dorothy." Zelena looks at Glinda, appearing slightly worried. "Come." Glinda grabs Dorothy's hand. "We'll take you to our home. Our sisters will be very excited to meet you, won't they, Zelena?"
"Yes." Zelena forces a smile as the girl walks away with Glinda. "I'm sure they will."
Storybrooke / Present…
Snow continues to cry out in pain as she keeps pushing. She and David look towards the door when they hear a noise from outside.
"David." Snow says, worried.
"I'm here. Don't worry." David assures his wife. "I'll protect you. Just focus on the baby."
"Just one more push, Snow." Dr. Whale tells her. Snow begins to push. "That's it. One more."
As Snow forces the baby out of her she lets out a big scream as the lights flicker again. David looks anxiously towards the door.
In the hall, Avia and Zelena are staring down one another. Avia attempts to make a run for it but…
Zelena waves her hand and Avia suddenly appears in front of her. "Sorry, dear. You're coming with me. How about we give your parents one final goodbye." With Avia in her hold, Zelena walks towards the delivery room.
"Avia!" Nick shouts as he and Karley stand over a still unconscious Regina.
Inside the room, a baby begins to cry. "It's a boy!" David says, excitingly.
Snow looks gladdened by this as David kisses his exhausted wife before Dr. Whale hands the baby off to him. "Avia." Snow pants, tiredly. "Get Avia."
Zelena then bursts through the doors with Avia in her grip. "No need. I've brought her for you."
David and Snow look at the witch with widen eyes. "Avia!" They both shout.
Avia looks at her parents, who are holding her new sibling. "I'm sorry."
David draws his sword, but Zelena freezes him in place. "It's a shame I have to break up the charming little family." In an instant, the baby is transported from Snow's arms to Zelena's.
Snow looks on in horror at the witch who now has both her babies. "No, no, no, no, no, n – "
With a swift nod from her head, Zelena freezes Snow. "Mom!" Avia shouts, trying her best to free herself from the witch's grip.
Zelena smiles down at the baby. "So pure and so innocent. It's too bad you two will never know each other."
The three of them disappear in a cloud of green smoke, causing Zelena's magic to wear off, and Snow and David are once again mobile. David stumbles before turning to his wife, who looks down at her empty hands as she cries out in absolute devastation.
Oz…
At the compass-like table in Oz, Glinda and the witches of North and East are laughing with Dorothy, who's sitting in Zelena's seat, over food and drinks.
"It's so lovely to have you with us." Glinda says.
"Our home is your home." The Witch of the East assures the young girl.
"You should have come sooner." The Witch of the North tells her.
"Thank you." Dorothy says, bashfully. "You've all been so kind. You've treated me like family."
The witches smile at one another in awe. But it is revealed that Zelena is watching from behind some plants, looking unhappy at the fact that Dorothy is in her chair. As she walks away, Glinda catches sight of her and contemplates if she should follow or not.
Outside, Zelena is standing sullenly by a well with the book of records laying on the edge.
"Zelena." Glinda approaches the wicked witch with worry. "There you are. Are you feeling alright?"
With her back still turned, Zelena answers. "Go away."
"What's gotten into you?"
Zelena finally turns to the witch, revealing one side of her neck and face have begun to turn green again. "What do you think?"
"Have you been spying on Regina again?" Glinda asks with obvious disappointment.
"No. I've been watching you fawn over your latest protégé." Zelena glares furiously.
"Dorothy – are you jealous of her? Why? You two are so alike."
"Except she's spunkier, fresher-faced, and clearly more innocent than me – perfect candidate to take the empty seat at the table."
"No one is taking your seat, Zelena." Glinda assures her.
"Really?" Zelena asks, unconvinced. "That's not what this says." She turns to the book and opens it.
"What are you doing with the book of records?"
"You didn't tell me everything about the prophecy." Zelena accuses as she turns to a page in the book and begins to read. "'The sorceress from another land will make Oz her home until she fulfills her destiny and unseats the greatest evil the realm has ever seen.'" She slams the book shut. "Don't you see? Dorothy is meant to take my seat, which makes me the greatest evil."
"Fate is a funny thing." Glinda states. "You don't know if that's what the prophecy actually means. Remember what I said? Only you can shape your destiny. But if you believe you are evil, then that is what you will become."
Storybrooke / Present…
Zelena is walking solemnly with the new Charming baby in her arms, humming as she goes, while Rumplestiltskin walks slightly behind her, dragging Avia along with him.
"You're not going to succeed. Emma will find us, and she will defeat you!" Avia shouts furiously at the witch.
Zelena simply continues to hum, ignoring Avia's negative spats towards her as they walk inside the farmhouse.
In the hospital, an exhausted Snow is lying on the bed. "They're gone." She cries. "It happened again."
David quickly removes his sterile gown and grabs his sheathed sword, exiting out of the room.
Outside, Nick and Karley are helping a now conscious Regina to her feet. "Where are you going?" She asks as David walks by.
"To get my son and daughter back." David tells her, determined.
They quickly begin to follow the prince. "You're gonna get yourself killed." Regina grabs David's arm, stopping him. "David, think about this."
"What's there to think about?"
Emma and Hook walk in. "What's going on here?" Emma asks. She sees the grave look on her father's face. She looks around, not seeing her sister. "Where's Avia?"
"Did you find Zelena?" David asks.
"I did. But I couldn't stop her."
"She took your brother and sister."
"Because I failed?" Emma asks, becoming distraught.
"We're all still here, so you haven't failed just yet." Hook informs her.
"Hook's right. Come on."
Emma grabs her father's hand, stopping him. "No, wait. Zelena took my magic."
"How the hell did that happen?" Regina exclaims.
Emma looks away, embarrassed. "Doesn't matter how. It just happened. So, we need to find another way to stop her."
"There is no other way."
"That's not true." Nick tells her. "You can do it."
"Sweetheart, I don't think I can survive round three with my sister."
"Glinda was pretty specific." David recalls. "Only the purveyor of the strongest light magic can defeat her."
"Did she know about Avia?" Karley wonders.
They all look at one another when the realization hits. Emma isn't the only one with light magic inside of her. They all turn and run out of the hospital.
Oz…
"Hello, Dorothy." Dorothy is retrieving water from the well and turns around, letting out a gasp when she sees Zelena, whose skin is now fully green.
"Zelena." Dorothy sighs. "I didn't recognize you. Are you okay?"
"I decided to stop hiding my true colors." Zelena merely states as she walks closer to the girl. "According to the prophecy, you're the only one that can defeat me."
"Defeat you?" Dorothy questions, confused. "What are you talking about? I don't want to hurt you."
"Good. Because I'm going to make sure you can't!" Zelena summons a fireball in her hand and prepares to throw it at the girl who, in her defense, takes the bucket of water she retrieved from the well and throws it on the Wicked Witch. The fire dissipates and Zelena stumbles over in pain. "What have you done!?"
"Zelena!"
Zelena looks at her hands and sees that parts of her are beginning to drip away into liquid. "What's happening to me!? I'm – I'm – "
"Melting." Dorothy finishes, frightened. "You're melting. I'm sorry! I was only trying to put out the fire!"
"No!"
"It was just water!"
"No!" Zelena screeches as she continues to melt into a green puddle on the ground, her robe and hat lying on top.
"Glinda?" Dorothy calls out to the Good Witch. "Glinda!"
Glinda appears in a flurry of white smoke, looking worried. "Dorothy? What is it?"
"Zelena. She came up to me with a ball of fire, - " Dorothy explains, pointing to the green puddle. " – and I threw water at her, and then – look!"
Glinda sighs. "The prophecy has come to pass." She realizes. "And you, Dorothy, you defeated her."
"With water?" Dorothy asks, surprised.
"It was your destiny to stop her, and destiny gave you the tool."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. She didn't leave you a choice. You're one of us now, Dorothy, part of the sisterhood of witches."
"I'm sure Oz is wonderful, but I want to go home." Dorothy respectfully declines.
"I understand. Unfortunately, I don't have the power to cross realms. Only the wizard has done that. Perhaps he can help you." Glinda suggests.
"I thought Zelena turned him into a monkey."
"Now gone, her magic will be undone. He will be back to his human form."
"Will you take me to him?"
Glinda smiles. "Just follow me."
"Where?" Dorothy wonders.
"Why, down the yellow brick road, of course."
The two of them proceed together down the road, but when they leave, green smoke emanates from Zelena's remains, and before long, she is standing where the puddle once was, alive and well, having faked everything.
Storybrooke / Present…
"There's nothing more innocent than a newborn babe." Zelena says as she holds Snow and David's son in her arms. "And you, my sweet, are the most innocent of all." She places the baby in a basket which is on another part of the symbol Rumple had carved earlier inside the barn. Zelena turns around to face Avia, who is standing in the middle of the symbol with Rumple holding her firmly in place. "Now, let's get started."
"You're not going to get away with this!" Avia shouts as she tries to free herself from the Dark One.
Zelena pulls out the Dark One's dagger, holding a wicked smile. "I believe I already have. See, once I change the past, you will no longer exist, and you – " She brushes her fingers down Rumple's cheek. " – well, you and I shall meet under different circumstances. And, Rumple, you will choose me. And I will be enough."
"No, you won't." Rumple assures her. "And no matter where you go in time, I will find a way to kill you."
Zelena chuckles, grabbing Avia's arm, forcing Rumple to step back. "This will only hurt a pinch." Avia tries to move away, but Zelena manages to cut her arm anyway, causing blood to quickly trickle down into the center of the symbol. Zelena stands back and raises her hands, summoning all her magical power down causing blue light to emanate from the baby, gold light emanates from the brain, and another gold light emanates from the sword, and a red light emanates from the heart. With Avia's blood, the magical colors swirl around the compass-like symbol, following into a twirling circle, opening the time travel portal.
"No!" Avia closes her eyes, grimacing in pain, as the magic starts to consume her.
David, Emma, Regina, Hook, and Robin Hood run into the barn with their weapons raised. Rumple steps out of the compass-like symbol and turns to the heroes, along with Zelena, who lets out a laugh. "You're too late."
They see Avia groaning out in pain as she slowly loses more blood. "I'll get Avia." Emma tells her father. "You get the baby."
"Zelena, stop now." Regina demands as Robin Hood and David slowly approaches to retrieve Regina's heart and the baby. "We're not gonna let you succeed."
Zelena chuckles, turning to Rumple. "Rid me of those pests." She notices David and Robin Hood drawing closer and raises her hand, sending them flying across the barn.
"Get the dagger." Rumple instructs them. "Then the Dark One will be on your side." He waves his hand, sending Emma's gun flying out of her hands.
"It's easier said than done." Emma tells him.
"Do as I say, or I will destroy you both. I have no choice." He waves his hand again and sends Emma and Hook flying across the other side of the barn.
Avia yells louder, as the magic continues to consume, replacing the blood that is flowing from her body.
"You're going to be okay, Avia!" Emma shouts to her sister. Avia opens her eyes and sees the magic coming from her baby brother. She looks around, seeing that everyone is distracted, before she gets down on her hands and knees. She couldn't just stand here and let Zelena win. She had to do something, and she had to do it fast.
"Come for another beating, sis?" Zelena asks Regina.
"No." Regina says, smugly. "I came for some jewelry." Regina tries to grab the witch's pendant, but Zelena nods her head and sends Regina flying backwards.
Zelena looks up at the flying monkey. "Beautiful one." She points to David and Robin. "If you will?"
The flying monkey comes flying down and scratches David on his shoulder. "Remember, these creatures are our friends!" Robin reminds him.
"Don't worry. I'll use a gentle touch." David says, swirling his sword.
"Unfortunately, that's not an option for me." Rumple waves his hand and sends the two men flying backwards again.
Avia slowly crawls behind Zelena, who puts her hand up and lifts Regina into the air, strangling her with magic. "Only light magic can harm me." Zelena says. "And you're as dark as they come. It was your destiny to be this way. And it will also be your undoing!"
"I don't think so." Avia strains to say as she then turns and kicks Zelena with all her might, causing the witch to stumble and drop the dagger in the process. Avia closes her eyes and sends a white barrier of magic around the portal, sending Zelena and Rumple flying backwards completely out of the compass-like symbol.
"Avia!" Emma exclaims as they all look at the girl in shock at what she had just done.
Avia tiredly grabs the dagger from the ground and quickly crawls to her brother, covering him with her body to keep him safe. "Do it, Regina." Avia meekly calls out.
A white light suddenly forms from Regina's hands, surprising them all. "No!" Zelena gasps, horrified. "What are you doing!?"
Regina smiles. "Changing." She throws the white magic towards Zelena, knocking her back off her feet, and grabs the pendant from around Zelena's neck. A green light dissipates from the Wicked Witch, flowing into the pendant that is now in Regina's hand, rendering Zelena powerless.
The portal then closes and Avia's glow around the symbol dissipates. "I'm coming, Avia." David starts for his children, but the flying monkey from earlier flies down to attack. Annoyed, David swings his sword at the beast, ready to behead it, but in a flurry of green smoke, it transforms back into Little John. David, thankfully, stops mid-swing, and Robin is delighted to be reunited with his old friend.
Emma runs over and grabs onto Avia, lifting her up. "Hey. You're okay." She assures her sister, who is almost unconscious. "You're okay, Avs." Emma grabs the Dark One's dagger from her sister and tosses it over to Regina.
"Is he okay?" Avia asks, narrowing her eyes down at the baby.
David smiles, as he picks up the baby, and runs his hand lovingly down his daughter's head. "He's safe. You saved him." He says, proudly. "Now, lets get you three back to your mother." He says, looking up at Emma who gives him a soft smile back.
And with the help of Hook, he and Emma are able to lift a weak Avia up and they all start to walk out of the barn to return to the hospital. But Regina stays behind, with the pendant in her hand, and turns to her half-sister. "You failed." Regina chuckles. "You're not going anywhere."
"I beg to differ." Rumple chimes in and uses his magic – which is once again his – to make the Wicked Witch come sliding along the ground towards them. "I'm gonna make you pay for everything you've done to me."
"What are you waiting for?" Zelena asks. "Just do it!"
"With pleasure."
"No!" Regina orders, forcing him not to kill the witch. "Enough." Regina says, surprising Rumple.
"After everything this witch has done you're gonna protect her?"
"Good magic stopped her." Regina points out. "And good magic doesn't exact vengeance."
"She killed my son!" Rumple exclaims angrily.
"How many lives have we taken trying to get what we want?"
"You can't be serious."
"I am. Heroes don't kill."
Zelena scoffs. "So, now you're a hero?"
Regina looks up at Robin Hood, who is standing by her side, his crossbow still aimed at the Wicked Witch, and smiles. "Today I am."
Oz…
Dorothy and Glinda are walking through the main hall of the Emerald City, having reached the end of the yellow brick road.
"Go on." Glinda encourages the girl. "Ask for him."
With hesitation, Dorothy looks up at the curtain before her. "Hello?" She calls out to the wizard. "Your excellency?"
Four vertical blasts of fire shoot up from the ground, and the giant of the wizard, the Great and Terrible, takes shape from behind the curtain. "I've been expecting you."
"You have?"
"I see all. I am Oz, the Great and Terrible."
"My name is Dorothy Gale." She introduces herself. "Glinda said you might be able to help me get home to Kansas."
"I know who you are." He assures her. "You freed me from the Wicked Witch's magic. Sending you home is the least I can do to reward you."
"How do I get back?"
"Look down." The wizard waves his hand and a form of magic transpires from behind the curtain. Dorothy looks down and sees that a pair of silver slippers have appeared on her feet. "Click your heels together three times and think of where you want to be, and the slippers shall take you there." He instructs.
"Thank you so much." Dorothy says with much delight.
"Safe travels, Dorothy. May you never find yourself far from home again."
Dorothy turns to Glinda and grasp the Good Witch's hand, saying goodbye. She, then, clicks her heels three times, thinking about her home, and she soon disappears. "Thank you for your help." Glinda says, approaching the curtain. "You can show your true self now."
"With pleasure." The curtain drops, revealing Zelena, who is operating the equipment. Glinda's eyes widen, shocked, assuming Zelena had been dead. "Hello…sister." Zelena says, sarcastically.
"Zelena. I don't understand. Dorothy said – "
"I was destroyed by water." The Wicked Witch chuckles. "Foolish child. So gullible."
"But why?"
"Because now that she's gone, no one can stop me from changing my past."
"Then I will find someone else to fulfill the prophecy." Glinda says, gritty. "As long as I am in Oz, I will not stop searching until I find someone to stop you."
"I suppose that means that you need to leave Oz. Maybe you'll find the Enchanted Forest more to your liking." Zelena suggests.
"Zelena, please, it's not too late. You can change."
"Goodbye, Glinda!" The Wicked Witch waves her hand and sends the Good Witch to another land.
Once Glinda is gone, the white stone of Zelena's pendant turns a dark shade of green, signifying her transition from light magic to dark. She clutches it and smiles proudly.
Storybrooke / Present…
Back at the hospital, Avia is sitting inside one of the exam rooms with Regina, Emma, Nick, and Karley. She is holding out her arm while Regina heals her.
"I don't know how it even happened." Avia, who has now regain some of her strength, still couldn't believe what she had done. "I don't know how I did that."
Regina smiles softly at the girl. "Magic is inside of you, Avia. Just like with Emma. You both are very powerful."
"But I've never done anything like that. Why couldn't I stop her before?"
"Because magic emanates through your emotions, Avs." Emma explains.
"And at that moment, I'm sure you were feeling a lot." Regina adds. Avia exhales heavily, still in disbelief. Regina pulls her hand back, having finished healing the outside of Avia's wound. "Now, even though the wound is gone, remember, you are still healing from the inside. You lost a lot of blood. You need to rest, Avia."
Avia slowly looks up at her sister, shaking her head in dismay. "We should have never come back here, Emma." Emma looks surprised by this, as does everyone else. "You should have never brought me back."
But before Emma, or anyone, could say anything, Avia was already standing up and heading out the door. Emma and Regina share a worried look. "Okay." Regina exhales. "While you process that, I am going to go and check on my dear wicked sister."
Emma simply nods and walks out. "We'll go help Leroy and Robin gather the rest of the people who were turned into flying monkeys." Nick tells her.
"Be careful." Regina instructs sternly.
"We will." Karley nods as she and her brother walk out.
At the sheriff's station, a powerless Zelena is sitting on the cot inside of a locked cell, wrapped up in a blanket. The Wicked Witch looks up at the sound of her sister's heels approaching.
"Why, Regina?" She wonders. "Why not just kill me and put me out of my misery?"
"Because I know why you did what you did." Regina says, with a surprising look of sympathy for her sister. "We're much alike. Our mother ruined you, too. I know what it's like to not have the life you wanted – the life you feel you deserve."
"Oh, boo-hoo." Zelena glares. "You had to be Queen. You know nothing. I saw it all. You had everything."
"Did I? So, you missed the part where I lost the love of my life."
"Mother did all that for you to achieve greatness."
Regina shakes her head, disagreeing. "Not long ago, I was a lot like you. I wanted to kill someone who wronged me, and I failed. Had I killed Snow White, I wouldn't be in this world. I wouldn't be with these people, and I wouldn't have my children. So, no, Zelena, I won't kill you. Instead, I'm gonna give you what I got. I'm gonna give you a second chance."
"And what if I don't want it?" Zelena asks, angrily.
"Well, that would be a mistake, dear. Take it. Use it. Evil isn't born. It's made. And so is good. If I were you, I'd consider creating a new destiny. Because if you don't, I'll be right there to take your heart and crush it." Regina threatens. Zelena scowls furiously at her sister. "Now, if you'll excuse me – " Regina looks down at the pendant she is still holding in her hand. " – I should put this somewhere safe."
Over at the Mill's family mausoleum, Regina is down in her vault, placing the pendant into one of the empty chests that usually contains a heart. She closes the chest and slides it back into the empty slot of the cabinet. Savoring the moment, she smiles widely, having finally won for the first time, before she leaves with a more positive outlook on her future.
Meanwhile, inside his shop, Rumple is looking around when the door opens and Belle walks in. They smile happily at one another, relieved to see that the other is safe, and run into each other's awaiting arms.
"I knew you'd be back." Belle tells him.
"Your unwavering faith constantly astounds me." He says, causing her to chuckle. Rumple pulls away, both keeping ahold of one another, and looks longingly into his true love's eyes. "And after everything I did."
"It wasn't you. It was Zelena."
"It wasn't always Zelena." Rumple says, ashamed. "I will never comprehend why you continue to stand by my side."
"I love you." Belle assures him, tracing her hand tenderly down his face. "Always have." She then reaches into her purse and pulls out the Dark One's dagger.
"How did you get that?"
"Regina gave it to me – to make amends, and also because she knew I wouldn't abuse its power. I want you to have it."
"Why?"
Belle smiles, attempting to hand the dagger to him. "Because I believe in you." She says without a doubt. "It's yours. You're a free man. Just promise me one thing – promise me you won't go after Zelena. You're – I know you're better than that."
"Oh, Belle." Rumple utters with tears forming in his eyes. He gently retrieves the dagger from her. "What you're giving me is more than I can ever give you. But I will try." He then holds out the dagger. "This is trust. It means you trust me with all your heart."
Belle smiles, nodding. "I do."
"And I shall trust you with mine." Rumple promises, handing it back to her. "Take it." Belle looks down at the dagger, puzzled, before looking back at Rumple. "I am now and for all the future yours."
"Wait. What are you saying?"
"Will you marry me?" Rumple asks, hopeful.
Belle smiles, and nods immediately. "Yes." She laughs, taking the dagger back. "Yes. Yes." She sets the dagger on the counter and cups Rumple's face, kissing him passionately on the lips.
Back at the hospital, with the baby in his arms, David walks into the room where a drowsy and exhausted Snow is still laying. She immediately sits up when she sees that David has their son safely in his arms. David smiles and brings the baby closer, setting him into his mother's arms before placing a gentle kiss onto her forehead.
Outside the room, Avia is standing at the window, looking at her parents with unshed tears in her green eyes. Emma walks up, placing her arm around her. "Care to explain what you meant back there?"
Avia sighs, keeping her eyes on her parents and newborn brother. "It's just – look at them, Emma. They're so happy now. They have the baby they've always wanted. A baby they can finally raise past eight years-old. As much as I missed them, back in New York, I didn't know how much. I still thought they abandoned us. I was happy, though. We were happy." She says, finally looking up at Emma.
Emma nods, smiling slightly. "We were really happy. We still can be."
Avia shakes her head, looking back at their parents. "No. We can't, Emma. You're the Savior. This is your job – protecting this town and – " Avia exhales, annoyed. " – protecting me. Someone is always going to be after me. In New York, I was finally somewhat normal. I didn't have these stupid powers. We weren't the products of true love. We had each other."
"And we still do." Emma says, firmly.
"But it's not the same. I can see that you don't want to be here either. This is all a burden. I get that. And I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to leave and go back to your life in New York."
"My life is where you are, Avia. You know that."
Avia looks up at Emma. "Then, if you decide to leave, take me with you. Please." She begs before turning back to Snow and David who are still smiling happily at the baby. "They may miss us, but I'm pretty sure with the distraction of the baby, they'll get over it."
Before Emma can retort, David walks into the doorway and leads them both inside and over to Snow's bedside. Snow smiles with tears in her eyes at her daughters. She cups Avia's cheek and wipes away the stray tear that managed to make its way out of her daughter's eye. David wraps his arms around both Emma and Avia as they all continue to smile happily down at the baby.
Still locked in her cell inside of the sheriff's station, Zelena is sulking, staring into space, when the sound of footsteps is heard approaching. She rolls her eyes, assuming it's Regina again.
"Regina. I didn't expect you back so soon." She says.
"I don't imagine you expected me at all, Dearie." Rumple says, coming into her view.
Zelena scoffs. "What are you doing here?"
"What do you think?"
"You can't kill me, Rumple. I saw Regina take your dagger."
"She gave it to Belle." He reveals.
"And she wants me dead."
"No, of course not."
"Well, then, you'll have to do what she wishes." Zelena says. "If she has the dagger, you have no choice."
"Yes. If she has the dagger." Rumple states, taking the dagger out from behind his back. "But she doesn't." Zelena jumps up from the cot. "She only thinks she does. You see, my father taught me something – the only useful thing he passed on – a bit of sleight of hand called 'Follow the Lady.' Belle has a fake. This, however, is quite real."
And in a blink of an eye, Rumple is standing inside the cell in front of a frightened Zelena. "Wait. Wait." She begs. "I'm powerless now. Regina's got my pendant. My magic's gone." Rumple continues to step closer, backing the witch against the wall. "I can't hurt anyone!" She begins panting in a panic. "Why?"
"Because I promised my son his death would be avenged. And Rumplestiltskin never breaks a deal."
Rumple then rams the dagger into the Wicked Witch's gut and she gasps out in pain before the Dark One uses his magic to transform her into a porcelain statue of herself. When he withdraws the dagger, Zelena smashes into pieces, crumbling into a pile on the floor. He then waves his dagger, opening the cell door, shutting it behind him as he leaves. The pile of shards that was Zelena then disappears in a cloud of dust.
Down in Regina's vault, the chest containing Zelena's pendant glows green before opening and streams of green smoke seep out, working its way across the floor and out of the mausoleum.
The magic from the pendant makes its way through town and whooshes past the clock tower and through the main street, until it eventually makes its way into the woods. The green smoke continues to travel until it reaches Zelena's farmhouse, entering her barn where the compass-like symbol used to enact but had failed thanks to Avia. But as it swirls around the center point of the symbol, glowing a fiery orange, it reopens the portal to the past, granting the Wicked Witch's spell.
Boston / Eight and Half Years Ago – Group Home
A woman holds out a stuffed toy version of Mickey Mouse to an excited little girl, who is looking to be adopted. The little girl accepts the gift and climbs excitingly into the backseat of the couples' car, heading off to her new home. As they drive away, the little girl turns in her seat and waves goodbye to the children she is leaving behind in the orphanage, all of which are lined up outside, halfheartedly waving back.
"Alright, everyone, back inside." The group mother beckons the children back inside. "It's almost dinnertime." Each child walks inside, except for two: Fourteen year-old Emma and six year-old Avia, who are holding tightly to each other's hands as they watch the car drive farther away, each with tears welling up in their sad eyes. The group mother turns around, noticing they are not following. "Don't worry. You two will find a home together one day, girls." She then turns around and walks inside, leaving the girls once again outside, but alone.
Avia looks up at her big sister with hope lingering in her eyes. "Do you think that's true, Emma? Do you think we'll find a home one day?"
Emma lets out a heavy sigh, knowing she needs to be strong for her little sister. She forces a smile and looks down. "Maybe, Avia. Maybe." Even though she really didn't believe they'd ever find a home, she refused to let her sister down, nor give her false hope. So, every single time Avia would ask that question, Emma simply answered with a 'maybe.' It was the best she could do for her Avia, and for herself.
Storybrooke / Present…
Emma is leaning up against the beam of her parents' loft, watching as Snow and David tend to their newborn son, in sort of a daze while Avia is sitting on the edge of the bed, watching quietly at the doting parents unable to contain the slight jealousy rising through her.
"He's a handsome boy." David coos.
"Stop. You're going to spoil him." Snow laughs.
David then notices that Emma is zoned out. "Emma, you okay?"
Emma quickly returns from a state of deep thought, looking up at her father. "What? Yeah, of course. You guys gonna finally tell us the name of our little brother? Or should we just keep calling him 'hey, there'?" She smirks.
David scoffs. "Well, there's sort of this…tradition. Back in the Enchanted Forest, when any royal is born, you usually announce the name at a coronation ceremony." He explains.
Snow looks up from the blankets she's folding and smiles softly at Avia. "We would have done it with you if we could have."
"Did you do it with Emma?" Avia asks curiously.
Snow nods, as Emma looks away, slightly embarrassed. "We did." Snow confirms, smiling at her oldest.
"You're not gonna hold him out in front of the clock tower and present him like The Lion King, are you?" Emma half-jokes.
"Of course not." David laughs. "In fact, we've decided to forego all pomp and circumstance for a nice potluck at Granny's."
"The important thing is to mark the occasion, remind ourselves that after all that we've been through, we're still together as a family." Snow adds.
Emma and Avia glance at one another, remembering their conversation at the hospital. David sits down next to his youngest daughter with the baby still in his arms. "Avia, would you like to hold your brother? You still haven't held him yet."
Avia cringes slightly. "Um. No." She respectfully declines. "That's okay. He seems pretty content in your arms."
Snow looks at her daughter in confusion. She had realized that Avia hadn't quite been the same since her memories came back and she was growing concerned. "Sweetheart, you better take advantage of this opportunity now that he is sleeping." Snow amuses.
Avia checks the time on her phone and quickly stands up. "Actually, I'm supposed to be meeting with Nick and Karley. You know, catch up from the missing year. If that's okay with you guys." Avia looks around at the three of them, unsure. "I'm not really sure who I should be asking."
Emma throws her arm around her sister's shoulder, grinning at their parents. "Them." She answers, playfully bumping Avia.
Avia raises her brows at Snow and David for an answer. They share a look with one another, having one of the infamous silent conversations with one another. Emma and Avia look at one another, rolling their eyes, and shaking their head. Nothing ever changes. "You really should be resting, Avia." Snow says. "You're still not fully recovered after what you've went through with Zelena.
"I promise I'll rest at Regina's. We're just going to be hanging out there." Avia tells her. "Please."
Snow sighs. "Fine. Just make sure you make it to Granny's on time for the potluck."
"Will do." Avia smiles, gratefully. "Thanks."
Avia grabs her jacket from the stair railing and runs out of the apartment before either one of them changes their mind. Snow and David look at their oldest, looking clearly concerned. "You both have been acting rather odd since Zelena was defeated." Snow states. "Is everything okay?"
Emma quickly nods, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Of course. We're just trying to get back into the swing of things."
But Snow and David seemed unconvinced. "And Avia hasn't told you anything?"
Emma shrugs, dumbfounded. "Not anything I don't already know." At least she wasn't fully lying to her parents.
"But you'd tell us if something was going on with her, right?"
Emma sighs, rolling her eyes playfully. "She's fine. Stop worrying and enjoy…" She nods towards the baby that is still sleeping in David's arms. "…this." She grabs her jacket and heads for the apartment door before her parents can stop her. "I'll see you guys later."
Snow and David watch as Emma walks out, feeling defeated. "Something is going on with those two, right? It's not just my imagination?" David asks his wife.
Snow frowns as she continues staring at the closed door. "No. Something is definitely going on."
Across town, flames from the fireplace inside of Regina's house are roaring as she and Robin share a romantic picnic on the floor.
"To the return of your heart." Robin says, as they clink their wine glasses together before taking a sip. "So, how does it feel?"
Regina smiles, happily. "Stronger than ever." Robin leans in, surprising her slightly, as he kisses her passionately on the lips. She pulls away with tears in her eyes and stares at Robin in disbelief.
"What is it?"
Regina caresses his face in awe. "I just never thought I'd have this.
Robin nods, understanding. "After I lost my wife, I felt like that for a long time. Her death was my fault."
"I'm sorry."
"I would have walked through hell to be with my Marian again." Robin adds. "But when I finally admitted to myself that she was gone and that she was never coming back, I had to let that guilt go."
"My first love, Daniel, was killed because of me." Regina recalls. "Because he loved me."
"And that's why you never wanted to open yourself up again." Robin realizes.
Regina smiles. "Tinkerbell told me it was possible – I could love again. And she led me to this tavern to a man who she said I was destined to be with. I never saw his face. But – " Regina grabs Robin's arm and lifts his sleeve, revealing his tattoo. " – I did see his tattoo."
"It was me?" He asks, astounded.
"Yes. I was just too scared to approach you."
"Well, maybe things work out when they're supposed to. Maybe it's all about timing."
As they lean in for another make-out session, the front door closes, and Avia steps through, looking away, cringing, when she sees Regina and Robin quickly pull away from one another. "I have got to stop doing this." Avia reprimands herself.
"Uh. Avia, wh – what are you doing here?" Regina asks as she and Robin stand.
Avia walks carefully into the room. "Uh. You know what? It doesn't matter. It can wait. I'll just go upstairs and see Nick and Karley."
Regina looks confused by this, stopping the girl before she can make it further up the stairs. "Wait. You're here to see me?"
Avia hesitates, looking back and forth to both Regina and Robin. "Kinda. But it can totally wait. I'd rather not ruined the rest of your…date."
"Actually, Avia, it's okay." Robin says, forcing Avia to turn back around. "Whatever you need to discuss with Regina seems rather important – "
"It's really okay." Avia assures him. "It can wait. Really."
Robin leans in and kisses Regina gently on the cheek. "I'll see you later?" He asks, purposely ignoring Avia.
Regina smiles lovingly at the man she has fallen so hard far. "Absolutely."
Robin grabs his jacket. "She's all yours." He smiles at Avia as he passes by and heads for the front door.
Avia frowns. "I really didn't mean to interrupt, Regina. I'm really sorry."
Regina begins to gather their dishes and glasses. "It's fine, Avia. Robin was right. It looks important." She sets the dishes on the table before sitting down on the couch, patting the spot next to her. "Come sit down and we'll talk." Avia lets out a long sigh as she walks over and sits down next to Regina. Regina could see that Avia's mind was running at full speed and she wondered what she could possibly want to discuss with her that she couldn't discuss with her sister or parents. "What's going on, Avia?"
"First, I need you to promise that you won't say anything to my parents."
"Keep a secret from David and Snow?" Regina scoffs. "That won't be hard. But, seeing that you only mentioned your parents, I'm assuming Emma knows about this."
"Not exactly." Avia takes a few deep breaths as Regina watches her carefully. "Regina, do you have the power to take way someone's magic?"
Regina furrows her brows. "Well, that depends. Whose magic am I taking away?"
Avia's breath shakes as she turns to Regina. "Mine." She says, causing Regina to be taken aback by the girl's request.
Over at Gold's shop, Rumple is putting away his dagger into a case which he then seals with magic.
Belle walks into the shop, just as Rumple is closing the cupboard, and pulls out the fake dagger from her bag. "Okay." She stresses. "This is too much power to keep with me."
"No, I don't want it, Belle." Rumple refuses the dagger Belle is attempting to give him. "The point was – I trust you."
"I know. Well, then, is there somewhere I can store it safely? Like back in our land at your castle?" She recalls. "You had that vault, the one with no doors."
"That was for only the most dangerous and unstable magic, that which even I couldn't comprehend."
"And this doesn't qualify?"
"No." He answers, taking the fake dagger from Belle. "You see, I understand this all too well. I left that vault and all its dangers behind." Belle watches as Rumple places the dagger back inside her purse. "But this dagger is not dangerous because, as I said, I trust you." He stands back, taking his love's hands. "Let's discuss something a bit more pleasant, like, uh, our wedding."
Belle chuckles, excitingly. "Yes. Oh, I told my father the good news, and he gave us his blessing."
Rumple furrows his brows, finding that a little hard to imagine. "The man who kidnapped you in order to keep us apart?"
"Well, I've forgive him, and he's forgiven you. He knows you're a changed man. I mean, everyone does, especially me."
Rumple smiles, and the newly engaged couple share a passionate kiss.
Back at Regina's, the former Mayor is pacing in front of Avia, trying to understand what the girl is asking her to do.
"So, you want me to take away your magic?" Regina questions, confused. "Why on earth would I do that? Why on earth would you want me to do that?"
"Because, Regina, all this power I have is only putting myself, my family, and this town in danger. You and Emma said my powers emanate from my emotions. Well, I have no idea how to keep my emotions in check to keep what happened at that barn from happening again." Avia explains.
Regina stops pacing and sits down in front of Avia. "Avia, you stopped a witch from killing your brother – from killing an entire town."
"No. You did that. I got lucky. But what if next time my emotions are out of control and instead of light magic coming from me, dark magic does? Any person who has access to my blood also has access to my magic. They can turn me into anything they want. They can turn me against anyone. Why would I want to take that chance? Why do you? I'm basically the Dark One without the dagger."
Regina exhales, narrowing her eyes at the girl. "Avia, Emma and I can help you gain control of your magic. We can help you understand it."
"How can Emma help me if she doesn't even want it herself?"
Regina looks bewildered by this. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, Emma is only here because she's the Savior. But with my magic gone, Emma no longer needs to worry about saving me, or anyone, because no one is going to come here and put the town in danger if I'm not around."
"Avia, are you telling me that now that Zelena has been defeated, Emma wants to go back to New York?"
Avia shrugs, sheepishly. "We both do."
"And what about your parents?" Regina asks, sternly.
"What about them? I mean, I'll admit it'll suck being away from them again, but I don't think they'll care that much. They finally have a third chance at being parents. They get to raise a baby without any worries of someone coming to attack them. My baby brother has a chance at a normal life. With me here, what is normal for anyone?" Avia sighs, standing up from the couch, leaving Regina flabbergasted by everything she is saying. "Just please think about it, Regina. Think about how much of a better place Storybrooke would be if I wasn't around getting stabbed for my blood by every villain that is brave enough to do so. I'll see you at the potluck." Avia turns around and walks out of the house, leaving Regina stunned.
Later that afternoon at Granny's Diner, the coronation has started, and the establishment is crowded with all of the Charmings' close friends as they celebrate the birth of the new prince. Over at one of the booths, Snow is reading from the storybook as she holds the baby in her arms. Avia is sitting beside her, while David and Ruby are gathered behind them.
"'And that's when the bandit leapt on top of the carriage and stole the prince's jewels as the prince chase the thief on horseback through the treacherous forest.'"
Emma approaches with Hook in tow. "Really?" She questions, annoyed. "I can't hear the kid's name yet. But I have to hear this story again?"
"Well, my son should know where he comes from." David says.
"Are you sure you want the first thing he knows to be that his parents fell in love during an armed robbery?" Avia asks, amused.
Ruby playfully nudges her god-daughter. "They're your parents, too."
"And I wasn't armed." Snow exclaims.
Avia rolls her eyes. "Mom, you hit him with a rock."
"I still have the scar." David points out.
"Which healed." Snow exclaims. "But that's just how we met." She coos to the baby. "It's not how we fell in love."
"Yeah, that was a bit more complicated." David turns the page of the book, which shows him saving Snow's life from a group of Black Knights. "See? There were Black Knights when I saved your mother's life."
"Oh." Snow flips it to the next page that shows she is saving his life. "And the attack on the troll bridge when I saved his."
David turns the page again. "But it wasn't until I saw my mother's ring on her finger that I knew in my heart there was no other woman I would ever love." Emma and Avia share a look of embarrassment, though they secretly found their parents past sweet.
"I wish you had told me then. We would have saved so much time." Snow tells him.
"Well, how could I?" David laughs. "I had to get to my wedding."
"I'm sorry." Hook says, confused. "Am I missing something? You were previously betrothed, Mate?"
"To Kathryn." Ruby says, nodding towards the woman across the diner who is in a conversation with Granny. "Though, she was Princess Abigail back then."
"King Midas' daughter? The man who can turn anything into gold?" David nods. "Why would you leave that opportunity?" Hook wonders, earning a slap on the chest from Emma.
"Hey!" Snow exclaims, offended."
Avia laughs. "Our family is so complicated."
Snow nudges her daughter, playfully. "Hey!"
"Well, what can I say? My heart was destined for another." David smiles.
"And cheesy." Avia teases, earning laughs all around, and another nudge this time by her father. "Hey!"
"You just had to find her first." Ruby points out. "She ran away and was living on a farm."
"Oh, it sounded like such a peaceful life at the time – " Snow says. " – leave everyone and everything behind."
"Like mother, like daughters." Hook foolishly comments.
"Hook." Emma glares at the pirate.
"He knows?" Avia asks, surprised.
Snow and David's faces drop in confusion. "He knows what?" David asks.
"Nothing." Emma quickly answers.
"No." Snow narrows her eyes at her daughters. "It's not nothing. What's going on, Emma? Avia?"
Regina, Nick, and Karley walk up having just heard the last bit of their conversation. "Wait. You're leaving again?" Karley asks Avia.
"It's nothing." Avia says this time, frustrated, as she glances up at Regina, who gives her stern look.
"Are you going back to New York?" Nick asks.
"It's nothing. Just – nothing." Avia slams the storybook closed and stands from the booth, carrying the book with her as she hurries out of the door.
"Emma?" Snow questions her daughter. "What is going on?"
"I have to go get Avia." Emma ignores her mother's questions and rushes out the door, following her sister.
David starts to follow, but Hook steps in. "I'll talk to them and bring your daughters back." He promises before following Emma out of the diner as well.
Regina places her arms around her children as she stands before the Charmings. "I believe there's something I should I tell you." She says, only worrying the parents even more.
"What is it, Regina?" Snow asks, impatiently.
"Wait." Karley says, grabbing their attention. They follow her gaze out towards the window. "What's that?" She points to a beam of light emanating into the sky across town.
Rumple and Belle then walk in. "That is Zelena's portal." Rumple informs them into a state of shock. "It's open."
As Zelena's portal continues to beam into the sky, David, who is followed by Regina, Robin Hood, Rumple, and Belle, run into the sheriff's station and immediately see that Zelena's cell is empty.
"Zelena – she's gone." David sighs.
"No." Regina insists. "She was here when I left her."
"But if she escaped, that would explain the time portal." Belle tells them.
"Impossible. Without her pendant, she's powerless. How could she have escaped, let alone open a time portal without magic?" Regina notices Rumple's quiet demeanor and becomes suspicious. "Unless you did something to her."
"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, but no." Rumple says as Regina narrows her eyes at the imp in disbelief. "Well, even if I wanted to, Belle has my dagger. She would certainly curb any homicidal tendencies."
"It's true." Belle confirms.
David turns to the television screen that is connected to the cameras. "Well, if she escaped, let's find out how."
Rumple looks at the security cameras and silently panics. He had forgotten all about the cameras that are surrounding the station. "Wonderful."
David turns on the footage and they manage to view Zelena in her cell, standing solemnly. Rumple waves his hands and with magic causes the screen to go fuzzy. "What? What was that?" Regina asks, perplexed. "What just happened?"
"Yeah, we could use an upgrade." David says, frustrated. He begins to play with the knobs until the screen comes back into focus. "Here we go." They witness Zelena raise her hand into the air and turn herself into a porcelain statue and then smashing into tiny pieces which then turn to smoke and thread away.
Regina's face drops with shock. "Well, it seems her great escape was of a more permanent nature." Rumple states. "I won't ask for an apology."
"She must have had just enough residual magic to do herself in." Regina assumes. "And when she did, when she was gone, the magic in her pendant had no tether. It was set free. Her last wish fulfilled."
"So, how do we un-fulfill it?" Robin asks.
"Excellent question." Rumple says. "But until we figure it out, no one should go near it. A trip to the past could have catastrophic repercussions."
Emma looks down at her phone that is ringing and sees that it is David calling. "He's just going to keep calling." Avia tells her as Emma again declines his call.
The two sisters are sitting at the park, sulking on a bench. Avia is looking down at the page in her book that Snow was reading out loud to the baby. "Yeah. Well, I don't know what to say to him right now." Emma sighs.
"If Hook knows that I want to go to New York, that must mean you told him you want to go back, too. You feel the same way I do."
"Avia, of course I feel the same way. I'm the freakin' Savior and there's nothing I can do about it unless – "
"Unless we leave. You and I both know as long as we are here, we risk putting ourselves and this entire town in danger. It's better if we just go away and never come back. They'll all eventually move on and forget about us."
"We all know that's not true." Emma and Avia look up to see the pirate walking towards them.
"Hook." Emma rolls her eyes. "Now is not the time."
"You're both making a mistake." Hook points to the book on Avia's lap. "That book should be proof enough of what you're leaving behind – your family."
Avia glares up at the pirate. "Emma and I have been the only family we needed all my life."
"But now you have parents – parents you've been wishing for all your life."
"Our parents are better off without us. They can start a new life and have the family they've always wanted."
Hook sits down on the edge of the bench. "I don't think you believe that, Avia."
"And what would you know about what I believe?" Avia glares.
Emma sighs, taking her sister's hand. "Avia's right."
"No." Hook exclaims, frustrated. "She is not bloody right. You can't keep running away. Your home is not in New York because that was not real."
"The last year was."
"They were false memories. It was based on magical nonsense."
"Magical nonsense that kept us safe." Avia tells him.
"And now we have our memories back. Now we can make it real." Emma adds.
"Why can't you do that here with your entire family?" Hook wonders.
Emma grabs the storybook from Avia and opens it to a random page. "Because of this. I may have lived in this land for the first eight years of my life, but I barely remember it now. I've lived longer in this world, taking care of my sister. And now, in this book, I don't see my family. I just see fairytales."
"Stories of Princes and Princesses that we'll never be because of who we are." Avia states sadly. She grabs the book back from Emma and traces her fingers carefully over the page of their parents.
"We just have to do what's right for us, Hook. Avia's right. Our parents are better off, and so are we." Emma looks behind Hook and sees the beam light from Zelena's portal across town. "What the hell is that?"
Avia and Hook turn around. "I have no idea." Hook says.
"Come on!" Avia jumps up and starts to run towards the beam.
"Wait! Avia!" Emma shouts as she and Hook run after her.
Inside of Zelena's barn, the portal inside has torn a hole in the ceiling and the windows are glowing with a fiery light. They can hear the noise from inside growing intensely.
"It didn't work!" Avia shouts over the noise. "I didn't close it!"
"Avia, you need to go back to the diner!" Emma orders.
"No, Emma!" Avia refuses. "I opened this portal! I may be the only one who can close it!"
"Wait!" Hook yells, stopping the Swan sisters from entering the barn. "We can't be messing with this right now especially since you don't even have your magic back yet!"
"You don't have your magic!?" Avia exclaims.
"No, but – " Emma is cut off by the barn doors opening. The force of the portal knocks them all off their feet and drags the three of them across the floor. Emma's phone drops in the process just as David attempts to call her again.
"Emma!"
Hook manages to stab his hook into the soil to stabilize himself, with Emma grabbing his arm and Avia grabbing hers. "Hold on!" He tells them.
"I can't!" Avia screams right before she falls into Zelena's portal.
"Avia!" Emma jumps into the portal after her sister.
Hook groans in frustration. "One of these day, I'm gonna stop chasing this woman." He then allows himself to fall through the portal after the Swan sisters.
The light from the portal disappears and closes while Emma's cell phone continues to ring.