The apprentice gave Regina his wand to find Emma. She was where all the dark ones were born, somewhere in the Enchanted Forest. Only the wizard Merlin could help them save Emma from the darkness.
"I know Merlin", August exclaimed
"What ? You've been living in our world all your life", David wondered
"Yes, that's right but I saw him in hologram, he was the one who told me who Neal was and where to find him to separate him from Emma. If I remember correctly he told me he was trapped in a tree"
"Where would he be?"
"I don't know, but he had a lot of power to come and talk to me as far as Sri Lanka, I sincerely hope he can help Emma"
Regina handled the wand. With August's help, she had come to terms with her part of light and dark and was starting to trust herself, that was what could make her work. She realized that she had to find an object that belonged to Emma so that the wand could geotag her.
While Snow and Charming went to get Emma's blanket, Regina asked August to take care of the city for her. She gave him the keys to the town hall:
"Why don't you want me to come with you?"
"A month ago I promised to protect you and I will continue. It can be dangerous and I refuse to lose you. You are extremely precious, after everything that has happened to me. The city deserves to be protected by you. You won't have much to do, just make sure everything is going well in my absence. I'll be back soon, I promise."
He took her tightly in his arms and kissed her on the forehead. Regina left to join the others at Granny's and help Emma.
Six weeks later, Emma had filled her whole being with darkness. She had cast the black curse. Everyone had forgotten what had happened. They just remembered that they had been to Camelot and then Black Hole.
They were surprised to see Emma changed: white hair, black clothes, eyes of death ...