The Thing You Love Most

Mayor's House

Regina flipped through Henry's book, pausing on a page depicting the Evil Queen at Snow White and Prince Charming's wedding. Charming's sword was in mid-flight toward the Queen.

As she turned the page, she found that the last several pages had been ripped out. She frowned, heading up to Henry's room. She found him getting ready for school.
"The missing pages, where are they?"
"It's an old book," her son said matter-of-factly. "Stuff's missing. What do you care?"
"I care because you think I'm some evil queen," she said. "And that hurts me, Henry. I'm your mother."

Regina touched his cheek softly.
"No, you're not," Henry said, moving away from her.
"Well, then, who is?" Regina asked. "That woman you brought here? I don't like what she or this book is going to you. Thankfully… both are no longer an issue." Henry looked at the ground, shuffling his feet. "What?" she asked. The clock tower chimed, and the Mayor turned her head towards the sound. Henry exited the room as her face turned shocked.

Clock Tower

Regina stood on the sidewalk, looking up at the clock. Archie, walking Pongo, walked up to her.
"Hey, how 'bout that? Guess those rusty old innards finally straightened themselves out, huh?" Regina looked across the street at Emma's car.
"Yes, how 'bout that, indeed?"

Granny's Bed and Breakfast

There was a knock on Emma's room, and she opened it to see Regina standing in the hallway, holding a basket of apples.
"Did you know the honey-crisp tree is the vigorous and hardy of all apple trees? It can survive temperatures as low as forty below and keep growing. It can weather any storm. I have one that I've tended to since I was a little girl. And to this day, I had yet to taste anything more delicious than the fruit it offers."

Emma frowned suspiciously as Regina held out an apple.
"Thanks," Emma said, taking the apple.
"I'm sure you'll enjoy them on your drive home."
"Actually… I'm gonna stay for a while." Regina's mouth puckered slightly.
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Henry has enough issues, he doesn't need you confusing him."
"All due respect, Madame Mayor, the fact that you have now threatened me twice in the last twelve hours makes me wanna stay more"
"Since when were apples a threat?"
"I can read between the lines," Emma said. "Sorry, I just want to make sure Henry's okay."

Regina looked at her, her eyes dark.
"He's fine, dear. Any problems he has are being taken care of."
"What does that mean?"
"It means I have him in therapy. It's all under control. Take my advice, Miss Swan, only one of us knows what's best for Henry."
"Yeah," Emma nodded slowly. "I'm starting to think you're right about that."
"It's time for you to go," Regina told her.
"Or what?" Regina took a step closer.
"Don't underestimate me, Miss Swan. You have no idea what I'm capable of."

The Royal Wedding

The Evil Queen glared at Charming and Snow White.
"I shall destroy your happiness if it is the last thing I do." Turning, she started walking away.
"Hey!" Charming yelled at her. She turned and he hurled his sword at her. As the sword neared her, the Queen disappeared in a puff of smoke, the sword along with her.

Evil Queen's Palace

The sword pierced a wall behind the Evil Queen, who spun around, staring at it.
"Would you like something to drink?" asked Valet, holding a goblet.
"Do I look like I need a drink?" she snapped. "
I was only trying to help." He offered her the glass and she took it.
"Thank you."

The Magic Mirror spoke as she approached it.
"Now that was an awfully big threat. Destroy everyone's happiness? How do you plan on accomplishing that?"
"The Dark Curse," she answered.
"Are you sure, your Majesty?" Valet asked.
"But you said you'd never use it," The Magic Mirror said.
"You made a deal when you gave away that curse," Valet added.
"You traded it away," The Magic Mirror reminded her.
"She won't be happy to see you," Valet told her quietly.
"Since when do I care about anyone else's happiness but mine?" the Evil Queen argued. She looked firmly at Valet. "Prepare the carriage. I'm going to the Forbidden Fortress.

The Forbidden Fortress

Maleficent and the Evil Queen sat in front of a fireplace.
"How are you, dear?" Maleficent asked.
"I'm doing fine."
"Are you?" Maleficent asked, a small smirk on her lips. She poured herself a drink. "If it were me, I'd be simply tortured, watching that flake of sow so happy. Weren't you about the same age when you were to be married? Before she ruined it all?" She raised her glass. "Yes, you were."

The Evil Queen rolled her eyes.
"It was about the same age you were when that sleeping beauty got the best of you, my dear Maleficent."
"I soldiered on, as you will, too. Hopefully."
"Enough games," the Queen said firmly. "You know why I'm here. I need my curse back."
"It's not yours anymore," Maleficent reminded her. "A deal's a deal. I traded you my Sleeping Curse."
"Which failed. Undone by a simple kiss." The Queen held out her hands. "Now, please, return what's mine."

Maleficent shook her head.
"The Dark Curse, really? You must know that not even its unholy power can bring your loved one back from the dead. Have you considered a pet?" She stroked her unicorn's muzzle. "They can be quite comforting."
"The only comfort for me is Snow White's suffering."
"Well, it's her wedding night, I doubt she's suffering right now."
"I need that curse," the Evil Queen said. "I know you keep it hidden in the orb above your staff."
"Hidden for the good of all, old friend," Maleficent snapped. "Whoever created that monstrosity makes the two of us look positively… moral. Who did give it to you?"

The Evil Queen stood, "Where I got it is none of your concern. Hand it back."
"Must we do this?" Maleficent asked, standing.
"Alas, we must." Using her magic, the Queen took fire from the fireplace and launched it at Maleficent, who used her staff to deflect it. The Evil Queen then used magic to levitate the various weapons in the room and pointed them towards Maleficent.

The Unicorn whinnied and the Queen pointed the weapons at it.
"No!" Maleficent shouted. She moved quickly and protected her unicorn. The Queen dropped the chandelier on Maleficent, using the curved metal to ensnare her.

Maleficent dropped her staff and the Evil Queen picked it up.
"Love is weakness, Maleficent," the Queen told her friend. "I thought you knew that."
"If you're going to kill me, kill me!"
"Why would I do that?" the Evil Queen asked. "You're my only friend."
"Don't do this," Maleficent begged. "This curse… there are lines even we should not cross."

The Queen turned the staff upside down and broke the orb against the floor.
"All power comes with a price," Maleficent said. The Evil Queen picked up a small scroll. "Enacting it will take a terrible toll… It will leave an emptiness inside you… A void you will never be able to fill."
The Evil Queen smiled, "So be it."

Enchanted Forest

The Evil Queen, her valet, an ogre, a gnome, and a blind witch, gathered around a fire.
"Who among us is tired of losing?" the Evil Queen asked. They cheered. "That's why I called you here. To put an end to our misery. Today, we claim victory. And move to a new, better realm. A place where we can finally win."

The blind witch came closer.
"And we'll be happy?"
The Queen nodded. "I guarantee it. But first, I need something from you. A lock of hair from those with the darkest souls. You must trust me. Because… if you don't… there are other ways." Using her magic, the trees started to move, surrounding them. The gnome, witch, and ogre removed locks of hair. She smiled darkly. "A wise decision."

She collected the hair.
"All that remains is the final ingredient." Her valet presented a box to her. She opened it and took out a large heart. "A prized heart, from my childhood steed. A glorious beast whose passing will fuel our victory. Let my wraith be unleased!"

Tossing the heart into the fire, it bloomed into a cloud of dark smoke. After a moment, it dissipated, leaving those assembled looking shocked and confused. The gnome began to laugh.
"Yeah, you really unleased something there!" He pointed and laughed at the Queen, who promptly turned him into stone.

Mayor's House

Regina picked an apple from her tree as Sidney Glass walked up, showing off a newspaper.
"The Mirror strikes again," he said cheerfully.
"You're late," she snapped.
"Sorry, I wanted to bring you the latest edition. I assure you, it's one of my better hatchet jobs." He presented newspaper. She took it from him.
"That's not what I asked for. What'd you find out about her?"

Sidney shrugged, "Well, the truth be told, there wasn't much. She spent a lot of time in foster homes. She got into a little trouble when she was a kid, but the details are locked up pretty tight. Since then, she's clean. Bounced around all over. The only thing I really learned was that she doesn't like to sit still."
"That appears to have changed," Regina muttered.
"I-I didn't know that, um… she had Henry when she was in Phoenix? How'd he wind up here in Maine?"
"So, if I'm understanding you correctly, you found nothing of value."

Regina's eyes were dark as she looked at the reporter.
"That means you have no value, Sidney. Do you know what I do with things that hold no value to me? I throw them away." His face turned concerned.
"I-I'll keep looking." He quickly walked away.

Granny's Dinner

Emma sat at the counter, reading the newspaper. Ruby sat a mug of hot chocolate, with cinnamon, in front of her.
"Here you go," Ruby said.
"Thank you… but I did not order that."
"Yeah, I know," Ruby nodded. "You have an admirer." Emma turned around, seeing Sheriff Graham seated in a booth across from Penny.

Walking over to them, she held the cocoa out.
"Ah, so you decided to stay," Graham said with a smile.
"Observant. Important for a cop."
"That's good news for our tourist business, bad of our local signage."

At the look she gave him, his smile disappeared, turning awkward.
"It's – it's a joke… because you ran over our sign…" Penny giggled quietly, and Emma rolled her eyes.
"Look, the cocoa was a nice gesture, and I am impressed that you guessed that I like cinnamon in my chocolate, 'cause most people don't, but I am not here to flirt, so, thank you, but no thank you."

Setting the cocoa on the table, she crossed her arms.
"I didn't sent it," Graham said.
"You didn't?"
Penny shook her head, "No, he didn't." Henry turned around from the next booth.
"I did. I like cinnamon, too." He got up.
"Don't you have school?" Emma asked.
"Duh, I'm ten. Walk me."

Storybrooke

Henry and Emma walked down the sidewalk.
"So, what's the deal with you and your mom?" Emma asked.
"It's not about us, it's about her curse," Henry said. "We have to break it. Luckily, I have a plan. Step one: identification. I call it, "Operation Cobra.""
"Cobra?" Emma questioned. "That was nothing to do with fairytales."
"Exactly, it's a codename," Henry said cheerfully. "It'll throw the Queen off the trail."

Emma nodded. Seemed like sound reason.
"So, everyone here is a fairytale character, they just don't know it."
"That's the curse," Henry said. "Time's been frozen… Until you got here." Emma began to take a bite of the apple she was carrying, stopping when Henry looked at her. "Hey! Where'd you get that?"
"Your mom," she answered.
"Don't eat that!" He took it from her and threw it behind him.
"Okay… Um, uh, all right. What about their pasts."

Henry glanced around.
"They don't know. It's a haze to them. Ask anyone anything and you'll see."
Emma pursed her lips, "So… for decades, people have been walking around, in a haze, not aging, with screwed up memories, stuck in a cursed town that kept them oblivious."
"I knew you'd get it!" Henry cheered. "That's why we need you. You're the only one who can stop her Curse."
"Because I'm the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming?" Emma clarified.
"Yes! And right now, we have the advantage. My mom doesn't know that. I took out the end, the part with you in it."

Unzipping his backpack, he took out pages from the Once Upon a Time book and handed them to Emma. Emma looked at the pages containing an illustration of Prince Charming placing baby Emma in the wardrobe. The name "Emma" was clearly visible on the baby blanket.
"See? Your mom is Snow White!"
"Kid…"
"I know the hero never believes it at first, if they did, it wouldn't be a very good story. If you need proof, take them, read them. But whatever you do, don't let her see these pages. They're dangerous. If she finds out who you are… then it wouldn't be bad."

Emma stopped walking as they reached the school.
"I gotta go," Henry said. "But I'll find out later and we can get started. I knew you'd believe me!"
"I never said I did!" Emma called after him.
"Why else would you be here?" he called back. He ran off towards the doors.

Mary Margaret walked up to Emma.
"It's good to see his smile back," she said.
"I didn't do anything," Emma mumbled.
"You stayed," Mary Margaret corrected. "So… does the Mayor know you're still here?"
"Oh, she knows," Emma snarked. "What is her head? She's not a great person, how did she get elected?"
Mary Margaret shrugged, "She's been Mayor as long as I can remember. No one's ever been brave enough to run against her. She inspires quite a bit of… well, fear. I'm afraid I only made that worse by giving Henry that book and now he think she's the Evil Queen."

Smiling, Emma shook her head lightly.
"Who does he think you are?" she asked.
Mary Margaret scoffed, "It's silly…"
Emma laughed, "I just got five minutes of silly. Lay it on me."
"Snow White." Emma's eyes turned shocked. The school bell rang in the distance. "Who does he think you are?"
"I'm not… I'm not in the book…" Emma blinked several times. "Can I ask you a favor?" Mary Margaret nodded. "Regina mentioned the kid's in therapy; do you know where I can find the doctor?"

Dr. Hopper's Office

Inside Archie's office, the doctor sat reading through a newspaper. Emma knocked on the door and entered.
"Hey," she greeted. "Emma Swan." He stood, picking up his copy of the newspaper.
"I was just, uh, reading about you. Let me guess… you're here for help with a little post-traumatic stress?" Chuckling, he set the paper down. "That diagnosis was free, by the way."

Laughing, Emma shook her head.
"No, I'm here about Henry." He tensed up.
"I'm sorry, I-I… I really shouldn't…"
"I know," she nodded quickly. "I'm sorry, I just… just tell me something. This fairytale obsession, what is causing it? I mean, he thinks everyone is a character in his book. That's… crazy."
"I-I hope you don't talk that way in front of him. The word "crazy" is um… quite damaging. These stories – they're his language. He has no idea how to express complex emotions so he's translating as best he could, this is how he communicates. He's using this book to help deal with his problems."

Emma tilted his head to the side, confused.
"But, he got the book a month ago. Has he been seeing you longer than that?"
"Um – yes, he has."
"So, it's Regina, isn't it?" Emma asked.
"Uh – his mother is a… very complicated woman, and uh – over the years, her attempts to try and bring Henry closer have only backfired."

Moving to a file cabinet, Archie opened it and removed a file.
"Why don't you take a look at the file?" he offered. "Um… see what I mean?" Emma looked at him curiously.
"Why are you doing this?"
"Well… he talks about you a lot. You're… very important to him." Emma smiled hesitantly.
"Thank you." Archie nodded, giving her a small smile. "Just uh… see that I get it back, okay?"

Archie opened the door and Emma moved to the exit as Penny peaked inside.
"Come on in, Penny," Archie said.
"Hello Miss Swan," Penny greeted again before taking a seat on the couch. The doctor looked at Emma.
"Miss Swan, just for the sake of the boy, be careful how you handle his… belief system. To destroy his imagination would be… would be devastating."

Emma left and Penny eyed Archie warily as he sat at his desk, picking up his phone.
"I'll be with you in a minute," he promised before placing a call. "You were right," he said when someone picked up. "She was just here... Yes. H-how did you know she was gonna come here?"

Penny pursed her lips together when he turned back around. He settled in his easy chair, pulling out a notebook. He tapped his pencil against it. He smiled at her, but she didn't say anything.
"Nothing today?" he asked. She gave him a small nod, pulling a book out of her bag. They settled into silence, something they were both used too.

Granny's Bed and Breakfast

Emma sat on her bed, reading through Henry's file. She looked over at the door when there was a knock on the door. She walked over, opening it to see Sheriff Graham in the doorway.
"They here… if you're concerned about the "Do Not Disturb" signs, don't worry; I've left them alone." Graham shook his head.
"Actually, I'm here about Dr. Archibald Hopper. He mentioned you got into a bit of a row with him earlier?"
"No," Emma said, shaking her head.

He shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm shocked too," he agreed. "Given your shy, delicate sensibilities. He says you demanded to see Henry's files and when he refused, you came back and stole them."
"He gave them to me," Emma told him.
"Alas, he's telling a different tale. May I check your room? Or must I get a search warrant?"

Opening the door fully, Emma walked over to the bed, gesturing to the files spread on it.
"This what ya lookin' for?" Graham picked up a file, glancing down at it.
"Well, you're very accommodating… But, I'm afraid, Miss Swan, you're under arrest. Again." Emma scowled as Graham started to cuff her.
"You know I'm being set up, don't you?" she asked.
"And whom, may I ask, is setting you up?"

Storybrooke Elementary

Mary Margaret sat on a stool, addressing her students outside the school. Regina walked up as Mary Margaret spoke.
"Water… synthesize." Regina cleared her throat and Mary Margaret stood, approaching the mayor.
"May I speak with my son?" Regina asked.
"We're in the middle of a lesson. Is it important?"
"Do you think I'd be here if it wasn't?"

Tapping Henry's shoulder, Regina led her son off to the side.
"Henry, sweetie, I have some bad news," Regina lied. "The woman who you brought here… she's been arrested. She broke into Dr. Hopper's office and stole his files. She's a con woman. She's trying to learn about us in order to take advantage of us. "That's why she's sticking around. I'm sorry." Henry shook his head, "No, you're not." Regina frowned at him.
"I know you think otherwise, but all I'm doing is trying to protect you. This is gonna be good for us, you'll see. Things will be better." The school bell rang, and Henry started away.
"I gotta get back to class."

Storybrooke Sheriff Department

Emma stood against a wall, holding a sign in front of her. Graham was behind a camera, taking mugshots.
"You know the shrink is lying, right?" Emma asked.
"To the right, please," Graham said. "Why would he lie?"
Emma shrugged, "The Mayor puts him up to this… she's gotta have something on him. He's terrified of her, like everyone else in this – town."
"To the left… Regina may be a touch intimidating, but I don't think she'd go as far as a frame-job."
"How far would she go?" Emma questioned. "What does she have her hands in?"
"Well, she's the Mayor. She has her hands in everything."
"Including the police force?" Emma asked.

Graham gave her a look and started to reply, but Henry interrupted, running into the room. He was followed by Mary Margaret and Penny.
"HEY!" Henry shouted.
"Henry!" Graham started, turning around. "Henry… Penny, what are you doing here?"
Mary Margaret sighed, "His mother told him what happened."
"Of course she did!" Emma exclaimed.

Addressing Henry, she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Henry, I don't know what she said –"
"You're a genius!" he told her excitedly.
Emma startled, blinking, "What?"
"I know what you were up to," Henry said. "You were gathering intel." He lowered his voice a bit, "For "Operation Cobra"." Graham frowned, looking at his sister.
"I'm sorry, I'm a bit lost…"
"It's need to know, Sheriff," Henry told him. "And all you need to know is that Miss Blanchard's gonna bail her out."
"You are?" Emma asked. "Why?"
"I – uh – trust you." "Well," Emma turned to Graham.
"If you could uncuff me…" She extended her cuffed wrists. "I have something to do."

The Mayor's Office

Regina sat at her desk, working, when she heard a chainsaw coming from outside. She looked out the window at her apple tree. Emma was cutting off a branch with a chainsaw. Regina jumped to her feel and ran outside, rushing up to Emma.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Picking apples," Emma answered.

Emma dropped the chainsaw.
"You're out of your mind!" Regina snapped.
"No, you are if you think a shoddy frame job's enough to scare me off. You're gonna have to do better than that. If you come after me one more time, I'm coming back for the rest of this tree. Because, sister, you had no idea what I am capable of." She started walking away. "Your move," she called over her shoulder.

The Enchanted Forest

The Evil Queen stood near the pit where her Dark Curse had failed. She was brooding with her valet beside her.
"Perhaps it's for the best," Valet offered. "The forces you're summoning are darker than we can conceive."
She rolled her eyes, "Oh, now you're trying to protect me."
"It's what I do," he told her.
She sighed, "I know. You're the only one who does."
"Helping you… is my life."

The Queen looked down at him.
"Well, then, help me understand why this curse isn't working." He took a deep breath.
"If you want took now that, then you need to go back to the person who gave it to you in the first place." She looked away. "Revenge is a dark and lonely road. Once you go down it, there is no heading back."
"What is there for me to head back to?"

Rumplestiltskin's Prison Cell

Rumplestiltskin looked at the bars of his cell as he heard rats scurry about. He smiled to himself.
"It's just us, dearie. You can show yourself." One of the rats, in a cloud of smoke, transformed into the Evil Queen. Rumplestiltskin made a pleased sound.
"That Curse you gave me," she began. "It's not working." She held out the scroll.
"Oh, so worried!" Rumplestiltskin chortled. "So, so worried. Like Snow, and her lovely new husband!"
"What?" the Queen asked. "They paid me a visit as well. They were very anxious. About you. And the Curse."

Angrily, the Evil Queen stepped closer to the cell bars.
"What'd you tell them?" she hissed.
"The truth! That nothing can stop the darkness… Except, of course, their unborn child. You see, no matter how powerful, all cursed can be broken… Their child is the key. Of course, although, the curse has to be enacted first." She dipped her head slightly.
"Tell me what I did wrong."

Shaking his head, Rumplestiltskin smiled darkly at her.
"For that, there's a price."
She huffed, "What do you want?"
"Simple," he answered. "In this new land, I want comfort. I want a good life… with my daughter."
"Fine! You'll have an estate, be rich."
"I wasn't finished!" he yelled. "There's more."
The Evil Queen sighed, "There always is with you."
"Yeah, yeah… In this new land, should I ever come to you for any reason, you must heed my every request. You must do whatever I say. So long as I say "Please"."

The Evil Queen frowned at him, tilting her head to the side.
"You do realize that should I succeed, you won't remember any of this?"
"Oh well, the what's the harm?" He stepped back into the cell.
"Deal," she agreed. "What must I do to enact this Curse?"
"You need to sacrifice… a heart." He made a flourish with his hand.
"I sacrificed my priced steed."

Rumplestiltskin jumped against the cell bars. He reached through them and grabbed her throat.
"A horse? This is the Curse! You think a horse is gonna do? Great power requires a great sacrifice. The heart you need must come from something far more precious."
"Tell me what will suffice," she demanded.
"The heart is the thing you love most."

Upset, she removed Rumplestiltskin's hand from her throat.
"What I loved most died because of Snow White!" Rumplestiltskin stroked her cheek.
"Is there no one else you truly love?" She merely stared at him. "This Curse isn't going to be easy. Vengeance never is, dearie. You have to ask yourself a simple question. How far are you willing to go?"

Bringing her face closer to Rumplestiltskin, the Evil Queen smiled vemonously.
"As far as it takes."
"Then please stop wasting everyone's time, and just do it! You know what you love…" He pushed her away. "… now go kill it!" With a sweep of her skirt, she turned and walked away.

Granny's Bed and Breakfast

Outside her room, Emma used a key to open the door to her room.
"Miss Swan?" called Granny. Emma turned around, facing the elderly woman. Granny flushed an embarrassed red. "Oh my, this is terribly awkward. I need to ask you to leave." Emma looked at her with a stunned look on her face. "I'm afraid we have a "No Felons" rule. It… it turns out it's a city ordinance."
Emma sighed, "Let me guess: the Mayor's office just called to remind you."
Granny nodded, "You can gather your things, but I need to have your room key back." Emma handed her the key.

Town Hall

Regina kneeled on the grass next to the fallen branch of her apple tree, putting apples into a basket. Sheriff Graham walked up to her.
"She destroyed city property," Regina said. "I want her arrested."
"Again?" Graham questioned.
"What are you waiting for?" Regina asked.
"I'm just not convinced arresting her is the right plan." Regina stood. "And I'm not talking about your tree. We both know she didn't steal those files."
"Oh, do we?" Regina asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I mean… she looked pretty shocked when I leveled the charges against her."
"That's because she doesn't like being caught."

As Regina kneeled again, Graham pursed his lips together.
"Or because she was set up," he suggested. "And if she was, that means Dr. Hopper was lying. If he's lying that means that someone asked him to." Regina stood again, straightening her back. "Are we really confident that the man's conscience won't eventually get the best of him?"
"I think your schoolboy crush is clouding your judgement," Regina said firmly. "Remember, I made you Sheriff. And I can take it away just as easily."
"You want me to arrest her again? I will."
"Good," Regina knelt once more.
"But she's gonna keep comin' at you. And I know you, you are gonna keep comin' at her. You will do whatever it takes to get her out of here. And you may succeed."

Angrily, Regina got to her feet.
"I will succeed! He's my son! It's what's best for him."
Graham nodded, "I know that's what you believe. But if this escalates, it seems to me the only one who will get hurt is Henry." Regina sighed, but didn't deny it.

Storybrooke

Outside Granny's Bed and Breakfast, Emma walked along the sidewalk to her car. She stopped and noticed there was a boot on it. Her phone rang and she fished it out of her pocket. She answered it with an annoyed sigh as she looked at her car.
"Yeah?"
"Ms. Swan, I'd be happy to continue demonstrating my power, but in my writing, I'm guessing your resolve to stay is only growing?"
"You have no idea," Emma smirked.
"Well then. I think it's time we made peace. Why don't you drive over to my office?" Emma slammed her car door shut. "Or walk – whatever suits you." Emma hung up, rolling her eyes.

The Mayor's Office

Inside Regina's office, Emma sat across from her as they talked.
"I'd like to start by apologizing, Miss Swan," Regina said. Emma's face turned shocked.
"What?"
"I just have to accept the reality that you want to be here…"
"That's right. I do."
"… And that you're here to take my son from me."

Emma sat up straighter, shaking her head.
"Okay, let's be clear: I have no intention of taking him from anyone."
Regina frowned, "Well then, what are you doing here?"
"I know I'm not a mother," Emma said. "I think that's pretty self-evident – but I did have him, and I can't help it – he's got in my head and I want to make sure he's okay. The more you try to push me out, the more I want to be here, especially after seeing how… trouble he is."
"You think he's troubled?"
"Well, he's in therapy, and I only got through a couple pages of his shrink's notes before you had me arrested. But putting all that aside – he thinks everyone in his town is a fairytale character."
"And you don't?"
"How can I? The poor kid can't even tell the difference between fantasy and reality and it's only getting worse. It's crazy."
"You think I'm crazy?"

Turning her head quickly, Emma saw Henry standing in the doorway.
"Henry…" He ran out of the office and she stood. "How long as he there?" she asked Regina.
"Long enough," the mayor smirked.
"You knew he would be here," Emma accused.
"Did I know that my son comes to my office ever Thursday at precisely 5pm so I can take him for dinner before his therapy session? Of course I did. I'm his mother. Your move." Emma glowered at her, "You have no soul. How in the hell did you get like this?" Regina made no reply as Emma exited the office.

The Dark Palace

The Evil Queen stalked through a promenade lined with mirrors. The Magic Mirror appeared in various mirrors along her path as he addressed the Queen.
"What happened? Did you get your answer?" She made no reply, only continued to walk. "What's going on? Your Majesty? Your Majesty!"

The Queen entered her great hall where her Valet was lighting candles. He turned and smiled at her. "
Did Rumplestiltskin tell you what you needed to know?" "
Yes," the Evil Queen answered.
"… And?" he pressed.
"I'm not sure I should say. I'm conflicted." She paced the room.
"How bad is it? Maybe I can help?"

Mid-step, she turned to him, sadness in her eyes.
"I have to cut out the heart of the thing I love most." Realization dawned on his face.
"Me."
"Daddy, I don't know what to do," she whispered.
"My dear… please… you don't have to do this." "
I have to do something," the Evil Queen said.

As she resumed her pacing, her father followed.
"Then move past this," he reasoned. "I know this may sound self-serving, but you don't need to enact the Curse." She turned, addressing him face-to-face.
"But I can't keep living like this! What Snow did to me, what she took from me… It's eating me alive, Daddy. Her very existence mocks me. She must be punished."
"What…" She walked away and he followed. "If the price is a hole that will never be filled, why do it?" She stopped again. "Stop worrying about Snow White and start over. We can have a new life."
"But what kind of life?" she despaired. "All I've worked for, all I've built, will be gone. My power will disappear. They already think I'm nothing."
"Power is seductive, but so is love, and you can have that again."

Holding his arms open, Valet gave her a soft comforting smile. After a moment, the Queen stepped into them and her father enfolded her into the embrace.
"I just want to be happy."
"You can be," he soothed. "Of this, I'm sure." She shed tears as he continued to speak.
"I believe, given the chance, we can find happiness together. But the choice is yours."
"I think you're right," she finally agreed.

She stepped back, looking at him.
"I can be happy." He breathed a sigh of relief. "Just not here." Abruptly, she reached into her father's chest and removed his heart. He looked shocked then fell to the floor. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, holding his heart in the palm of her hand.

The Blanchard Loft

Mary Margaret sat at the table, working on needlecraft. Penny sat across from her, scribbling rapidly on a notebook. The both looked at the door when there was a knock. Mary Margaret stood and opened the door to find Emma Swan in the hallway.
"Hey," Emma greeted. Mary Margaret opened the door fully. "Just wanted to say thank you and, um…" She handed over an envelope. "… pay back the bail money." After a pause, Emma sighed.
"You look like you need to talk," Mary Margaret observed.

Emma sat next to Penny at the table and took a sip of hot chocolate.
"Cinnamon?" she asked. Mary Margaret's eyes widened as she set a plate of cookies on the table.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I should've asked. It's a little quirk of mine. Do you mind?"
"Not at all," Emma shook her head. Mary Margaret offered her a cookie. "No, thanks… When you bailed me out, you said… that you trusted me. Why?" Mary Margaret shrugged, "It's strange – ever since you arrived here, I've had to oddest feeling, like we've met before. I mean, I know it's crazy…"
"I'm starting to reevaluate my definition of crazy."

Penny laughed, smiling brightly.
"For what's it's worth," she said. "I think your innocent."
"Of breaking and entering, or just in general?"
"Whichever makes you feel better," Penny answered. The trio laughed. Emma sighed, sobering.
"Doesn't really matter what anyone thinks I did or didn't do. I'm leaving. Thank you for everything, but I think it's for the best. If I stay, Henry's only gonna keep getting hurt." Penny tilted her head to the side, "What happens if you go?" Emma didn't respond. "I think the very fact that you want to leave is why you have to stay. You care about him. Besides, who will protect Henry if you won't?"

Dr. Hopper's Office

Visibly distraught, Henry sat across from Archie at his therapy session.
"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" Archie asked. Henry said nothing, only fiddled with Archie's umbrella. "You know, that umbrella is kind of my good luck charm." Henry remained quiet. "Is that why you think I'm Jiminy Cricket?"
"I don't think you're anyone."

As Henry set the umbrella down onto the table, Emma burst into the office holding the storybook pages Henry gave her. Archie jumped to his feet.
"Miss Swan. Look, I can explain. The Mayor forced me –"
"I know, don't worry about it," Emma interrupted. "I get it." She turned to Henry. "Henry, I'm sorry."
"I don't want to talk to you," he muttered.
"Miss Swan," Archie said worriedly. "If she knew you were here…"
"To hell with her."

Emma sat down and addressed Henry again.
"Henry, there is one simple reason I stayed here – you. I wanted to get to know you."
"You think I'm crazy!" he exclaimed.
"No I think the Curse is crazy. And… it is." She sighed. "But that doesn't mean it isn't true. It is a lot of to ask anyone to believe in, but there a lot of crazy things in this world. So, what do I know? Maybe it is true."
"But you told my mom –"
"What she needed to hear," Emma finished. "What I do know… is that if the Curse is real, the only way to break it is by tricking the Evil Queen… into thinking that we're nonbelievers. 'Cause, that way, she's not onto us. Isn't that what Operation Cobra was all about? Throwing her off the trail?"

Henry's eyes brightened and he smiled.
"Brilliant!"
"I read the pages," she told him. "And Henry, you're right – they are dangerous. There is only one way to make sure that she never sees them." Emma took the pages and placed them in the fireplace, burring them up. "Now we have the advantage." Henry threw himself into her arms.
"I knew you were here to help me!" "
That's right, kid. I am." She broke the embrace to look at him. "And nothing, not even a curse, is gonna stop that." They hugged again and Archie smiled.

The Enchanted Forest

A fire blazed as the Evil Queen removed her father's heart from a small chest and added it to the fire burning in the same pit from her failed attempt. Black and green smoke rose and surged forth. She smiled, successfully casting the Dark Curse.

Walking down a forest path, the Queen approached a gravestone and stopped. She leaned down, placing a single black rose before it.
"I love you Daddy," she murmured. She lightly traced the words: Henry, Beloved Father, before walking away.

Town Hall

Regina tended to her apple tree as Mr. Gold approached.
"What a mess," he remarked.
"Not for long," she stood, dusting off her hands. "What can I do for you, Mr. Gold?"
"I was just in the neighborhood, thought I'd pop by. Lovely to see you in such high spirits."
Regina chuckled, "Well, it's been a good day. I just rid the town of an unwanted nuisance."
"Emma Swan? Really?"
Regina nodded, "Yes, I imagine she's halfway to Boston by now."

Mr. Gold picked an apple, rubbing at it with the sleeve of his jacket.
"Oh, I wouldn't bet on that." Regina scowled at him. "I've just seen her strolling down main street with your boy. Thick as thieves, they looked."
"What?" she asked.
"Perhaps you should've come to me," he shrugged. "If Miss Swan is a problem you can't fix, I'm only too happy to help, for a price, of course."
Regina shook her head, "I'm not in the business of making deals with you anymore.
As she turned her back to him, he smirked at her back.
"To which deal are you referring?" The smirk dropped as she turned back to him.
"You know what deal."
"Oh, right, yeah. The boy I procured for you. Henry. Did I ever tell you what a lovely name that was? However did you pick it?"
"Did you want her to come to town? You wanted all this to happen, didn't you? You finding Henry wasn't an accident, was it?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Where did you get him?"

Mr. Gold remained silent and she hissed.
"Do you know something?"
"I've no idea what you're implying," he finally said.
"I think you do," she stated. Mr. Gold said nothing, only smirked a bit. "Who is this woman, his mother, this… Emma Swan?"
"I would say you think you know exactly who she is."

Regina stared, stunned.
"I really must be going," Mr. Gold said. He made to leave, but she blocked his path.
"Tell me what you know about her!" she demanded.
"I'm not gonna answer you, dear, so I suggest you excuse me." She said nothing and didn't move. "Please." He took a bite of the apple and walked away. A stunned Regina turned and watched him go as he threw the apple over his shoulder.