Chapter 38: The Sorcerer's Hat
It had been a sad night for everyone. The people who knew of Zelena and her associates' attacks last night met up in the Charming's apartment to share stories. They were Mary Margaret, David, Henry, Hook, Regina, Alice, Cyrus, Taj, Rafi, and the White Rabbit. Mary Margaret informed them all that Cora invaded the apartment last night and kidnapped Neal, Henry, Emma, and Elsa. She did not know that it was in fact the Snow Queen who had taken Emma and Elsa. Regina rescued Henry and Neal and then told them that Peter Pan was killed. Regina's most grim news was that Cora now has the Dark One's dagger and thus controls Rumplestiltskin. She also said that Cora used the dagger to kill Zelena. No one knew where Belle, Will, or Anastasia ended up. They hoped the trio would turn up somewhere later in the day. Alice told the group that Amara defeated Jafar and the Jabberwocky and then sacrificed herself to resurrect Taj and Rafi. Alice, however, did not tell the group that Amara used the Sorcerer's Hat to trap Jafar and the Jabberwocky. She told Cyrus that their worst enemies were in the hat. If they ever got out, Amara's sacrifice would be in vain. So, she wanted to keep the hat to make sure no one ever released Jafar and the Jabberwocky.
"We have to rescue Emma." David said.
"Cora vowed to take away my happiness." Mary Margaret said. "There's no telling what she'll do to my daughter."
"Our best chance of stopping Cora is to release the Dark One from her grip." Regina said.
"How can we do that?" Taj asked.
"Last night," Regina continued, "Gold told me of a magic hat that has the power to release him. He knows it's in Storybrooke, but he doesn't know where."
Alice stared at Cyrus with a look that said "Don't you dare say anything." Alice and Cyrus both knew that if the hat ever left their possession, then there was a chance that the Queen of Hearts could get her hands on it, which would make matters unfathomably worse.
"We can't just run around the entire town looking for a hat without people getting suspicious." Henry said.
"We can't tell people that my mother is back and that she has the Dark One." Regina said. "That would create more fear and chaos."
Regina's cell phone suddenly began to ring. She picked it up from the table and saw that it was Dr. Archie Hopper.
"You should answer him." David said. "He's probably asking about what happened last night. You'll need to lie to him and then he'll help calm everyone else down."
Regina then answered the phone. Meanwhile, Rafi pulled Hook into the hallway.
"I need to talk to you." Rafi said.
"Is now really the best time mate?" Hook asked. "We're in the middle of planning to stop Cora."
"There is no good time." Rafi said. "I was murdered last night. Then, my mother sacrificed herself to revive me and my brother. It's made me realize that life is short. A few nights ago, we kissed in the park in the moonlight and I know you enjoyed it as much as I did. So, I need to know now if that's going anywhere or if you're just planning on using me until Emma is rescued."
"It's not like that." Hook said.
"Yes it is." Rafi said. "Do you think I'm stupid? I know you're in love with Emma Swan. Everyone can see it. You just wanted someone else to make you feel good while she got over Neal's death. You think she's ready to open up again. So you don't need me anymore."
"You're right." Hook said. "I only got together with you for a small bit of fun, but I do respect you and I'm not some monster who plays with people's emotions, at least not anymore. I don't think we're going to go further."
"That's what I thought." Rafi said as he angrily started to walk away before hook grabbed his arm.
"Mate." Hook said. "I know you're upset because of your mother. I truly understand, but I don't want that to come between us as friends. I never should of come to you romantically. I was just desperate. We were both genies before. What we have is unique. We need to stand together and not divided if we're going to stop Cora and rescue Emma."
"Of course." Rafi said with a fake smile. He was still quite upset.
The two then re-entered the room to find Regina end her phone call with Dr. Hopper.
"What were you two talking about?" Cyrus asked.
"Nothing." Rafi said.
"What did the cricket want?" Hook asked.
"He called to say that he saw something in the park just now while he was walking his dog." Regina said.
"What?" Alice asked.
"A fire." Regina said. "There's a fire in the park now."
"Do you think it's Cora?" Mary Margaret asked,
"Only one way to find out." Regina said.
Regina then waved her arms and consumed everyone in purple smoke except for Mary Margaret and Alice, who were holding their babies in their arms, and Henry. The smoke cleared and took them away.
"I wish she took us with her." Mary Margaret said.
"I hope she can find my mom." Henry said.
"Just be glad to be here." Alice said. "If it is Cora, I don't want my daughter anywhere near her."