Price of Gold
The Enchanted Forest
The wicked stepmother and the ugly stepsisters, dressed in beautiful gowns, got into their carriage that would take them to the ball. Cinderella was left behind, sweeping the cobblestones dressed in rags. She looked up as a yellow ball flew towards her.
"Do not despair, my dear, you will attend that ball."
"Who are you?" Cinderella questioned.
The yellow ball turned into a full grown woman with yellow wings.
"I'm your Fairy Godmother, and I'm here to change your life, Cinderella." Cinderella's eyes saddened and she looked at the ground.
"But my Stepmother told me that I couldn't go, she forbade me to leave."
"Your Stepmother doesn't have this." The fairy brandished her wand. "This wand has the power to take you to the ball, to your prince, and too…" She exploded and Cinderella's eyes widened as a strange looking man appeared, claiming the fairy's wand.
"What did you do?" she asked worriedly.
"Now, now, I got what I wanted. There's no need to be frightened."
Cinderella frowned at him.
"No need?" she repeated. "You just killed my Fairy Godmother. She was trying to help me!"
"Was she?" the man asked. "Do you know what this is?" He held up the wand.
"Pure Magic," Cinderella answered.
"Pure evil," he corrected. "Trust me. I've done you a favor. All magic comes with a price. Go on back to your life and thank you're lucky stars you still have something to go back too."
"My life… it's wretched."
"Then change it," he told her. "You can't handle this."
Holding up the wand, he turned to leave.
"Wait, please!" she stopped him. "I can handle it. Please, I will do anything to get out of here, anything."
"Anything?" he questioned.
"Do you know how to use the wand, Mr.…"
"Rumplestiltskin. And yes, of course I do."
"Then help me," she begged.
"Well, if I do, and you can indeed shoulder the uh… consequences, then you'll owe me a favor."
"Name it, what do you want?"
"Something precious," he answered.
Cinderella sighed, looking away.
"But I have nothing," she wept.
"Oh, but you will," he comforted. "With this wish will comes riches more than you know."
"I care nothing for riches," Cinderella told him. "I'll give you anything you want. Just get me out of here."
"Now we're talking," he nodded.
"Well… how does it work?" she asked.
Rumplestiltskin magically summoned a scroll, which he unrolled as he spoke.
"Fear not. My needs are small, and all you have to do is sign on the dotted line. Do we have a deal?"
"Yes, yes thank you," she quickly signed without reading. He inspected the document carefully.
"Mmm…"
Waving the wand, he turned her rags into a ball gown. Her hair was styled beautiful and glass slippers appeared in front of her.
"There," he said confidently.
"Glass?" Cinderella asked, looking at the slippers.
"Every story needs a memorable detail," he shrugged. "Let's see how they fit, shall we?" She put on the slippers, smiling brightly. "Now you have a good time," he said. "But be sure to watch the clock."
Storybrooke
The bell of the clock tower rang as Henry and Emma walked down the street.
"Are you sure we can been seen out in the open?" Henry questioned.
"Enough sneaking around," she answered. "If your mom has a problem with me walking you to a school bus, I am more than happy to have that chat."
"You're brave," he commented. "You'll need that for Operation Cobra. Speaking of, do you think we need code names?"
Emma frowned, "Isn't "Cobra" our code name?"
"That's the mission," Henry corrected. "I mean us. I need something to call you."
"Oh, um… well, I don't… you can just call me "Emma" for now."
"Okay, well, I'll see you later, Emma." He bored the school bus.
Emma turned and walked down the street, frowning with Sheriff Graham pulled up in front of her in a police car, blaring the siren.
"What's with the siren?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It's so hard to get your attention," he answered.
"All right, well you got it. Are you arresting me again?"
"I'm thanking you."
Graham sighed, as if what he was doing was hard.
"For your help finding that coma patient. We all owe you a debt of gratitude."
"Well, what do I get?" Emma asked. "A commendation? Key to the city?"
"How about a job?" he offered. "I could use a deputy."
Emma shook her head, "Thank you, but I have a job."
"As a bail bondsperson? There's not much of that going on here."
"I don't see a lot of sheriffing going on around here either," she shot back.
"Well, here's your chance to see it up close. There's dental. Why don't you think about it and stay awhile." He drove away, leaving her in the street.
Granny's Diner
Ruby walked over to Emma's table, carrying a cup of hot cocoa.
"Thank you," Emma said, looking over her newspaper. Ruby smiled, setting the cocoa on the table and walked away. Regina entered the dinner and headed over to Emma.
"How was your walk with Henry?" she asked. Emma gave her a confused look. "That's right, I know everything. But relax, I don't mind."
Regina sat opposite Emma.
"You don't?" Emma asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Regina nodded. "Because you no longer worry me, Ms. Swan. You see, I did a little digging into who you are, and what I found was quite soothing. It all comes down to the number seven."
"Seven?" Emma questioned.
"It's the number of addresses you've had in the past decade. Your longest stint anywhere was two years. Really, what did you enjoy so much about Tallahassee?"
Emma rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her drink.
"If you were wondering, I did find a place here in town."
"I know, with Ms. Blanchard. How long is your lease? Oh… wait. You don't have one. You see my point?" Regina smirked at her. "In order for something to grow, Ms. Swan, it needs roots, and you don't have any. People don't change, they only fool themselves into believing they can."
"You don't know me," Emma spat.
"No, I think I do. All I ask is that you on your transient life, you think about Henry and what's best for him. Perhaps consider a clean break. It's going to happen anyway. Enjoy your cocoa."
Standing, Regina flounced away. Emma stood and spilt cocoa on herself.
"Ugh, really?" she groaned. Ruby rushed over with a towel.
"Eesh," Ruby said.
"Do you have a laundry room I can use?" Emma asked.
"Mhm!"
Emma walked in the back to the laundry room where a young woman was working. She put her shirt in the washer and took one off the clothesline. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no!" the woman exclaimed, pulling something out of the washer. "You okay?" Emma asked. The woman held up a sheet. "The sheets, they're uh… pink." "You try bleach?" Emma asked.
The woman lowered the sheet, revealing her very pregnant stomach. "Oh." "Last night, I felt contractions," the woman said tearily. "The doctor said that the baby could some any day now." "So… that's great," Emma said awkwardly. "It's just that, um, when the… when the baby comes… no one thinks I can do this. No one thinks I can do anything. Maybe they're right." "Screw them," Emma said firmly. "What?" "Screw them. How old are you?" "19." "I was 18." "When you… when you had a kid?"
Emma nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. "Yeah, I know what it's like. Everyone loves to tell you what you can and can't do especially with a kid, but ultimately, whatever you're considering doing… or giving up… the choice is yours." "It's not exactly what you might think it is," the woman told her. "It never is," Emma agreed. "People are going to tell you who you are your whole life. You just gotta punch back and say, "No, this is who I am." You want people to look at you differently? Make them. You want to change things, you are going to have to go out there and change them yourself because there are no Fairy Godmothers in this world."
Pawn Shop
Mr. Gold walked up to his shop door and changed the sign from open to closed. He shut the lights off and exited the shop, locking the door behind him. After he was away from the shop, the woman appeared.
Approaching the front door of the shop, she bashed in the bottom left windowpane of the door with a brick, and entered the store. She approached a painting on the wall, which she pulled away, revealing a safe.
"Ashley, what are you doing?" Mr. Gold asked from behind her.
Spinning around, Ashley glared at him.
"Changing my life." She sprayed him with mace. He cried out, falling to the ground. Ashley removed a key from his person and used it to open the safe.
Mayor's House
Regina prepared her makeup in a mirror. She glanced at Henry who was sitting at the table.
"I know you think otherwise, but I don't enjoy these Saturday city council meetings. Sometimes they're just unavoidable. Now, you know the rules?"
"Yes on homework, no on TV, and stay inside with Penny."
"Good boy," Regina smiled.
Looking at Penny, she narrowed her gaze.
"Under no circumstance does he leave this house."
"She means, I can't see my mom," Henry corrected.
"She's not your mother," Regina snapped. "She's just a woman passing through. Now, do as I say, or there will be consequences." She looked at Penny again.
"I'll be back at 5:00 sharp."
As Regina drove away, Penny tugged on her jacket.
"Come on, Henry," she said once the car was out of view. He smiled brightly, grabbing his backpack. Hand-in-hand they rushed to see Emma and Mary Margaret.
The Blanchard Loft
Mary Margaret brought a plate of food to Emma, who was unpacking her recently arrived belongings.
"I'm so glad my stuff is here," Emma said. "Oh… thanks." She took the plate from her roommate.
"So, that is all your stuff?"
"What do you mean?" Emma asked.
"Is the rest in storage?" Mary Margaret asked.
"No, this is all of it. I'm not sentimental."
"Well… it must make things easier when you have to move."
There was a knock at the door and Mary Margaret opened it to see Mr. Gold.
"Ms. Blanchard, is Ms. Swan here?" Mr. Gold asked. Emma walked over.
"Hi," he greeted. "My name is Mr. Gold, Penny's father, we met briefly on your arrival."
"I remember," Emma said stiffly. "Good, I have a proposition for you, Ms. Swan. I need your help. I'm looking for someone."
"Really? Um…"
Emma glanced at Mary Margaret, who got the hint.
"You know what? I am going to jump in the bath." She walked away, leave the other two alone.
"I have a photo," Mr. Gold said. He handed her a picture of the young woman Emma had met the day before. "Her name is Ashley Boyd, and she's taken something quite valuable of mine."
"So… why don't you just call the police?"
He pursed his lips together.
"Because, uh… she's a confused young woman. She's pregnant, alone, and scared. I don't want to ruin this young girl's life. I just want my property returned."
"And what is it?" Emma asked. He smiled slyly at her.
"Well, one of the advantages of you not being the police is discretion. Let's just say it's a precious object and leave it at that."
"When did you see her last?" Emma asked.
"Last night. That's how I got this?"
Winching, he showed her a large gash on his forehead.
"It's so unlike her. She was quite wound up, rambling on and on about changing her life. I have no idea what go into her. Ms. Swan, please just help me find her. My only other choice is the police, and I don't think anyone wants to see that baby born in jail, now do they?"
"No, of course not," Emma shook her head.
"So, you'll help me then?"
"I will help her," she corrected.
"Grand."
Behind them, the door opened, and Henry rushed in, followed a bit more slowly by Penny.
"Hey, Emma, I was thinking we…" He trailed off and stiffened when he saw Mr. Gold.
"Hey, Henry, how are you?" Mr. Gold asked.
"Okay," Henry tense.
"Morning Papa," Penny said.
"Good morning, Darling," he said. He glanced briefly down at Henry. "Give my regards to your mother, and um…" Mr. Gold looked back up at Emma. "Good luck, Ms. Swan."
As the door shut behind him, Henry spun on his mom.
"Do you know who that is?"
"Yeah, of course I do."
"Who?" he questioned. "Cause I'm still trying to figure it out."
"Oh, I meant in reality."
Henry looked at the boxes.
"Is that all you brought?" he wondered.
"Henry, what are you doing here?"
"My mom's gone 'til 5:00. Penny thought we could hang out."
Emma sighed, "Aw, kid, wish I could, but there's something I gotta do."
Storybrooke
Henry walked down the street with Emma, towards her car.
"Please let me help," he begged.
"No, no, it could be dangerous," Emma told him firmly.
"The pregnant maid is dangerous?" Henry questioned.
"She assaulted Mr. Gold."
"Cool!" Emma shook her head.
"This isn't a game. She's desperate."
"How do you know?" Henry asked.
"Because I know."
"Well, then let's find her."
Emma stopped, looking down at the boy.
"Oh no, no, no, no, no there is no "let's". You cannot come with me."
"Then I'll look for her myself."
"Then, I'll make Penny tell me where you are and bring you back."
"Then you wouldn't be helping the maid."
"I'm just trying to be responsible here," she tried to reason.
"And I'm just trying to spend time with you."
Penny laughed lightly as Henry got into the car.
"Oh, that's really not fair." Emma sighed and looked at Penny. "What are you gonna do?"
"Head back to the loft." Emma nodded and climbed into the car.
"So the maid, what's her story?" Henry asked.
The King's Palace
On her wedding night, Cinderella viewed the fireworks display on the balcony. Prince Thomas approached her from behind.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly, wrapping his arms around her.
She smiled, "Nothing. Every year when I was growing up, I used to watch these fireworks afar. And I knew what they meant. Something special was happening at the palace. Now they're for me, for our wedding." Turning her head, they shared a tender kiss.
Turning, they walked back into the castle where a large crowd was waiting to celebrate their marriage. The crowd included the King, Snow White, Prince Charming, and Liliya. Cinderella embraced Snow White joyously.
"I'm so happy you could come."
"Son," the King nodded.
"Thank you, Father," Thomas said.
"You look beautiful," Liliya told Cinderella politely.
"Thank you, Liliya."
As the crowd began to dance, the King joined Cinderella.
"My dear Ella, we are thrilled to have you join our family, and I hope our family will soon be growing." She blushed and he smiled.
"My darling," Charming said to Snow before taking Cinderella's hand.
"Congratulations, Ella, you two are going to be very happy."
"Why, thank you, James." He spun her and she found herself with Thomas.
The prince smiled, about to speak, but then Snow stole Cinderella away.
"Ella dear." The two of them giggled. "This is truly a night for celebration. Do you realize what an inspiration you are to everyone?" Cinderella shook her head.
"All I did was get married."
"All you did was show that anyone can change her life," Snow corrected. "I'm proud of you."
While Snow walked away, Rumplestiltskin appeared on the dance floor.
"I'm proud of you, too," he crowed.
"You," she accused. "What are you doing here?"
"I just wanted to make sure you were happy with your end of the bargain. You know, true love, riches, happy endings. Did you get everything you desired?"
"Yes," Cinderella nodded. "Yes, I did. Now what do you want? What's your price, my jewels? The ring?" He shook his head.
"No, no, dear, keep your baubles. What I want is something you don't yet possess, but something I know is coming: your firstborn." He disappeared, leaving her standing frightened.
Cinderella's Chambers
A thunderstorm rolled outside as Cinderella packed her things. Prince Thomas entered, smiling at her.
"What are you doing?" She startled, spinning around to face him.
"I thought you were hunting."
"I was, but the weather wasn't agreeing so we came back early. Are we going somewhere?"
Studying her face, his smile dropped.
"You're going somewhere."
"Something's happened," she said hesitantly.
"What?" he questioned.
"I'm pregnant," she practically whispered.
"Ella, that's wonderful!" he smiled brightly again. "Why are you upset? This is what we wanted."
"There's something else."
Cinderella gulped, but knew she had to tell the truth.
"When we met that night at the ball, it wasn't my Fairy Godmother who sent me. It was Rumplestiltskin. I made a deal with him for this life. I was stupid. I didn't understand the price of magic. So I promised him something." "
What did you promise him?" Thomas asked.
"He tricked me. I thought he'd want our gold or jewels…" "What was it?"
As she touched her stomach, Thomas gapped at her.
"Our baby?"
"I'm so sorry," she told him. "And now I'm gonna lose it all, my… my life, you." He quickly shook his head.
"No. I don't care what that imp said. Magic may have brought us together, but it didn't create this love."
Thomas pulled his wife into his arms.
"But I made a deal," she reminded him. "I can't break that. He's too powerful."
"Then the answer is simple," he told her. "We make another deal." She laid her head on his chest and he held her tighter.
Granny's Bed and Breakfast
Emma and Henry questioned Ruby about Ashely's disappearance. A tow truck was on the street, putting down Ruby's car slowly.
"So, this boyfriend of hers, you don't think he was involved in her disappearance?" Emma asked.
"Uh, that would mean that he was involved with her at all, which he isn't. He left her in the lurch right after they found out they were expecting. Hasn't spoken to her since. Like I said he's a…"
The tow dropped her car and she gasped.
"Hey, hey, hey Billy, be careful. You almost shattered my wolf thing. It's good luck." She pouted at him and his eyes went wide.
"I'm sorry Ruby," Billy said quickly. "But look, it's fine."
Emma rolled her eyes, looking at Ruby.
"Um, Ruby, what about her family?"
"Oh, um, she's got a stepmom and two stepsisters that she doesn't talk to."
"Wait, a stepmom, stepsisters, and she's a maid?" Henry asked.
"Henry, not now," Emma warned.
"Look, I don't know what you've heard, but it's wrong," Ruby said. "Everyone thinks she's not ready to have this kid, but she's trying, taking night classes, trying to better herself, trying to get her life together. Can you understand that?"
"I think so."
Ruby smiled sympathetic at her before crossing her arms.
"Then maybe you should just stay out of it. She's been through enough already."
"I've been through it, too, Ruby, and I can help her."
Ruby sighed, "Then try her ex."
"Where can I find him?"
"He lives with his dad."
Herman Residence
While a car pulled into the garage, Emma knocked on the door. She was greeted by a young man with blond hair.
"Sean Herman?" she asked.
"Yeah," he nodded. "Who are you?"
"I'm Emma Swan. I'm… I'm looking for Ashley Boyd. She's in trouble. I just thought maybe she came to see you."
"My son doesn't have anything to do with that girl anymore."
Emma turned her head as a man walked up the walk towards the door.
"Whatever trouble she's in, I am sorry for, but there's nothing we can do to help you."
"You're the reason he broke up with her," Emma said.
"Absolutely," Mr. Herman nodded. "I'm not gonna let my son throw away his entire life over a mistake."
"So, you just told him to leave her?"
"Well, what were they going to do, raise the child in the backseat of a car?"
Her gaze turned sharp, "Some people only have the backseat of the car."
"Well, they're to be pitied. I'm not letting that happen to my son." Mr. Herman walked into the house. Sean stopped him.
"Dad, maybe we should help her look."
"It's a waste, Sean," his father disagreed.
Rolling her eyes, Emma set her gaze on Sean.
"Sean, if you want to come, come. Stop letting other people make decisions for you. If Ashley runs away with this baby, she's gonna be in some serious trouble."
"She's running away with the baby?" Sean asked worriedly.
"Yes."
"Sean, inside. Now."
As Sean headed inside, Mr. Herman began speaking to Emma.
"Look, believe me, if I knew where she was, I would tell you. I went through a lot of trouble to get her that deal."
"Deal?" Emma questioned. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't you know?" he asked. "Ashley agreed to give up the child. And she's being paid very well to do so."
"She sold the baby?" Emma gapped.
He shook his head.
"Oh, you make it sound so crass. I found someone who's going to find that child a good proper home."
"And who are you to judge whether Ashley is capable of providing that?"
"Look at her!" he exclaimed. "She's a teenager, and she's never shown any evidence of being responsible. How could she possibly know how to be a mother?"
"Maybe she's changing her life."
"Everybody says that. Now look, I found someone who's going to pay Ashley extremely well, someone who is going to see to it that everybody's happy."
"Mr. Gold," she concluded.
"Well, isn't that why you were hired? To bring him the baby?"
Storybrooke
Henry frowned at Emma as they drove back to Granny's Diner.
"You can't make her double-cross Gold," he warned her. "No one's every broken a deal with him."
"Happy to be the first," she told him. "If Ashley wants to have this baby, she should have it. Anyone who wants to be a mother should damn well be allowed to be one."
Emma pulled the car up to Granny's Diner and the two of them entered. Ruby was standing at the counter.
"Why didn't you tell me she sold the baby," Emma demanded.
"Because I didn't think it was important."
"Really?" Emma asked. "Considering that's why she's running away."
"Look, Ashley's my friend. I don't like the idea of people judging her."
Catching sight of the wolf figurine that was in Ruby's car sitting on the bar, Emma picked it up.
"Ruby, where's your car?" She closed her eyes briefly, letting out a sigh. "You didn't send me to Sean to find her, you sent met here to give her a head start."
"Look, I'm only trying to help her."
"Yeah, so am I. Ashley is in more trouble than you know, Ruby. Where is she? Don't make her deal with Gold without me."
Gulping, Ruby looked down at Henry.
"I can't talk in front of him. He's the mayor's kid."
"Hey, I'm on your side," Henry told her. Emma leaned her head down.
"Henry," she whispered. "I need to find this woman, and in order to do that, I need you to go home, okay? So, please listen to me, seriously. She's not gonna tell me anything if you're around."
"Okay," Henry sighed.
"Thank you."
As Henry left, Emma turned back to Ruby.
"She left town," Ruby finally said. "Said she was gonna try Boston. Thought she could disappear there."
"How long ago did she leave?"
"About a half-hour."
Storybrooke Highway
Emma drove towards Boston.
"What did she tell you?" Henry asked, sitting up in the backseat.
"Henry!" she startled. The car swerved for a moment, before she regained control. "What the hell? I'm going to Boston, you can't come with me."
"You can't go to Boston, she can't leave!" he cried. "Bad things happen to anyone that does."
"I don't have time to argue with you over the curse," she told him. "I've got to get you home.
Henry shook his head wildly.
"We have to stop her before she gets hurt. We're wasting time. If you drop me off, you'll never catch up to her."
"Henry…"
"And then Mr. Gold will call the police, and he'll have to send her to jail."
Emma sighed, "Buckle up." She stared out the windshield. "Ashley, what did you get yourself into?"
Dwarves' Mines
Prince Thomas, Prince Charming, Liliya, and Cinderella entered the mines.
"Why are we down here?" Cinderella shivered.
"We need a place to keep him," Thomas answered her.
"Rumplestiltskin is the most dangerous man in all the realms," Charming said. "He needs his own special prison, so we converted the mines to hold him."
"But how will we get him here?" Cinderella asked. "He has eluded all forever."
"His strength is also his weakness," Liliya said quietly. "His deals. He can't resist making them, and we already know who he wants to deal with next, you."
Charming nodded, wrapping a comforting arm around Liliya's shoulders.
"We've sent word with one of Snow's bluebirds. He's accepted a meeting with you. You're going to tell him that Doc heard something with his stethoscope, two heartbeats." "You're going to tell him it's twins," Thomas told his wife. "And if he wants both, which he will, you propose a new deal. Grumpy…"
Grumpy opened a box containing a quill.
"A quill. I… I don't understand."
"The Blue Fairy cast a spell on it," Liliya informed her. "Whoever signs with his will be frozen, their magic made impotent."
"All you must do is get him to sign the contract," Charming said. "Ella, this man is a scourge. You will be doing the entire land a service."
Worriedly, Ella looked over at Thomas.
"Should we even use Magic? Isn't that what is causing these problems to begin with? What if this Magic also has a price?"
"Then I will pay it," Thomas told her. "I will do whatever is needed to save you and our child."
"Let's go," Charming said.
As they ventured deeper into the mine, they reached a cell.
"I hope you like it," Grumpy said. "A lot of dwarf blood went into it."
"You sure this will work?" Cinderella asked.
"Once he is in there, he'll never get out," Charming promised. "You'll be safe."
"We can do this, Ella," Thomas said confidently. She took a deep breath.
"Okay. Let's get him."
Storybrooke Town Limits
Henry spotted Ruby's car broken down just before the border.
"I told you. It's her car."
"Ashley?" Emma asked. She parked the car and ran over. She found Ruby's car empty.
"Aah!" they heard Ashley cry out. She looked around, finding Ashely on a patch of grass near the car. The young woman looked up at Emma with terrified eyes. "My baby. It's coming."
Helping Ashley into the car, Emma climbed into the front seat.
"Is the baby really coming?" Henry asked.
"Oh, yeah," Emma nodded. She looked at Ashley. "Don't worry. The hospital isn't that far."
"No, no, no, no, take me to Boston. I can't go back there," Ashley despaired.
"Oh, no, we don't have four hours, trust me. I know."
"I can't go back there, please," Ashley sobbed. "He's gonna take my baby."
Turning her head, Emma shook her head.
"I won't let that happen, but do you know what you're asking for? If you keep this child are you really ready?"
"Yeah," Ashley nodded.
"Are you sure? Because I wasn't."
"You-you weren't?"
"Nope. If you want to give this kid its best chance, it's gonna be with someone who's ready, so know what that means. Your whole life is gonna change, and once you decide that it's yours, this running away can't happen. You have to grow up and you can't ever leave. Understand?"
"Yes," Ashley agreed. "I want my baby."
Palace Grounds
A pregnant Cinderella stood waiting for Rumplestiltskin, who appeared holding a small flask. He tossed it away when he saw her.
"Well, well, well. You're starting to show. A little bird told me you wanted to speak."
"Yes," she nodded. "I'd like to alter the bargain."
"That's not what I do," he told her.
"But I think you'll want to. I'm having twins."
The man's eyes widened.
"Is that so? Ooooo, let's have a look." She tried her best not to flinched as he touched her stomach. "And you would… what? Give up both? Why is that, I wonder?"
"My husband… he's… he's having a hard time. Our kingdom is poor. We're losing money. Our crops are dying. We can't support ourselves or our people."
"And would you trade your other child for… comfort?"
"I can always have more children, but I can't make crops grow where the soil is dead."
She produced a contract that Liliya had helped her write.
"In exchange for our other child, you will see to it that our land is once again fertile. I think it's more than fair."
"Yes! Yes, yes. It is. If what you're saying is true."
"It is, and all you have to do is sign on the dotted line."
Cinderella held out the raven black quill.
"What a lovely quill," he chirped, taking it. "Wherever did you get it?"
"It's from our castle," she answered.
"You know, the only way to stop me is through magic."
The princess laughed, "I'm not trying to stop you."
"Of course you're not," Rumplestiltskin crowed. "Because as we all know, all magic comes with a price, and if you were to use it to say… imprison me, then your debt to me would only grow and we wouldn't want that now, would we?"
"Just sign the contract please," Cinderella asked.
"Are you sure you're happy with this new arrangement?" She answered by holding up the contract and he took it. "Then so it shall be." He signed with a fancy flourish. He became suspended in a blue aura.
"Thomas!" Cinderella cried.
As Thomas, Charming, and Liliya raced to her, Rumplestiltskin glared at him.
"No one breaks deals with me, dearie. No one," he growled. Liliya kept her eyes averted from him, one hand on her sword hilt. The carriage pulling a cell wagon approached. "No matter where you are," he continued. "No matter what land you find yourself in… I assure you, I will have your baby!"
Storybrooke Hospital
Emma and Henry waited in the waiting room for the arrival of Ashley's baby. Emma was pacing while Henry sat patiently.
"You know Emma, you're different."
"What's that?"
"You're the only who can do it."
"Break the curse?" Emma asked. "Yes, I know. You keep telling me that."
"No, leave," Henry corrected. "You're the only one who can leave Storybrooke."
"You left and came and found me in Boston."
"But I came back. I'm ten. I had no choice, but if anyone else tried to go, bad things would happen."
She frowned at him.
"Anyone, except me?"
"You're the savior," Henry told her. "You can do whatever you want." He sighed, "You can go."
"Ms. Swan, the baby is a healthy six-pound girl," the Obstetrician said. "And the mother is doing fine."
"What lovely news." Emma turned her head, seeing Mr. Gold walking up to them. "Excellent work, Ms. Swan. Thank you for bringing me my merchandise."
Palace Grounds
Charming and Grump loaded Rumplestiltskin into the armored carriage. Cinderella stood a few paces away with Thomas.
"Did we really win?" she asked.
"Yes, I told you we would," he said soothingly.
"I was so afraid," she confided. "I was so afraid that we'd fail, that… I'd have to go back to the life, that… was terrible life. I was afraid I would lose you. And that nothing would have changed."
"As long as I'm alive, you will never go back to that life," Thomas promised.
After they kissed, Thomas pulled away, setting his hands lightly on Cinderella's stomach.
"Now… how is our little Alexandra?"
"Alexandra?" she repeated.
"Did I not mention that I picked out a name?" he grinned.
"A name?" she laughed. "That's more like a prison sentence."
"Well, I like it," he said.
"Men, you really know nothing of ch…"
She gasped as a flash of pain went through her.
"Ella, what is it?" Thomas asked worriedly.
"Oh, it's… it's the baby. Something's wrong."
"No, no," he shook his head. "It can't be, it's too soon. It must be the stress, the excitement."
"Oh, I'm dizzy."
"Liliya!" Thomas called. He led Cinderella to a small stone bench.
"Sit, sit. I'll go get you water."
As Liliya joined Cinderella, Thomas ran into the woods. He found a well, but an unknown force was nearby. Suddenly, Cinderella set better. She called out to her husband. "Thomas, it's okay. It's passed… Thomas?" Liliya stood, walking with Cinderella to the well. Thomas was nowhere to be found. "Thomas!"
In a rush, she headed back to the carriage where Rumplestiltskin sat.
"What did you do?" Cinderella demanded. Liliya grabbed her arm, holding her back.
"Ella, what's wrong?" Charming asked.
"Your highness, what happened?" Grumpy questioned.
"What did you do to my Thomas?" Cinderella cried.
"I haven't done anything. In case you haven't noticed, I've been otherwise engaged."
"Something's happened to him," Cinderella sobbed. "You know. Tell me!"
Rumplestiltskin smirked at her.
"I have no idea, dearie, but I did warn you. All magic comes at a price. It looks like someone has just paid."
"Don't listen to him," Liliya soothed. "We will find Thomas."
"No, you won't," Rumplestiltskin told them. "Until that debt is paid, until that baby is mine, you're never gonna see him again, in this world or the next Cinderella. I will have that baby."
Storybrooke Hospital
Mr. Gold stood by the vending machine. He hit it and got a free cup of coffee. Emma approached him. He smiled at her.
"Well, well. Must be my lucky day. Care for a cup, Ms. Swan?"
"A baby," she snapped. "That's your merchandise? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Well, because at the time, you didn't need to know."
"Really? Or because you thought I wouldn't take the job?"
The pawnbroker shook his head.
"On the contrary. I thought it would be more effective if you found out yourself. After seeing Ashley's hard life, I thought it would make sense… to you. I mean, if anyone would understand the reasons behind giving up a baby, I assumed it would be you."
"You're not getting that kid," Emma growled.
Rolling his eyes, Mr. Gold took a sip of his coffee.
"Actually, we have an agreement. And my agreements are always honored. If not, I'm going to have to involve the police and that baby is going to end up in the system, and that would be a pity. You didn't enjoy your time in the system, did you Emma?"
"That's not gonna happen."
"I like your confidence. Charming, but all I have to do is press charges. She did, after all, break into my shop."
Emma glared at him, "Let me guess, to steal a contract?"
He shrugged, "Who knows what she was after."
"You know, no jury in the world will put a woman in jail whose only reason for breaking and entering was to keep her child. I'll willing to roll the dice that contract doesn't stand up. Are you? Not to mention what might come out about you in the process. Somehow I suspect there is more to you than a simple pawnbroker. You really want to start that fight?"
"I like you Ms. Swan. You're not afraid of me, and that's either cocky or presumptuous. Either way, I'd rather have you on my side."
She crossed her arms.
"So… she can keep the baby."
"Not just yet. There's still the matter of my agreement with Ms. Boyd."
"Tear it up." He shook his head again.
"That's not what I do. You see, contracts, deals, well, they're the very foundation of all civilized existence, so I put it to you now. If you want Ashley to have that baby, are you willing to make a deal with me?"
"What do you want?"
"Oh… I don't know just yet. You'll owe me a favor."
"Deal." They shook and Emma grabbed Henry.
The pair walked into Ashley's room where she was holding her baby.
"Hey," Emma greeted. "What's her name?"
"Alexandra," Ashley answered, cradling her daughter.
"That's pretty," Emma told her.
"Thank you for getting me here," Ashley said.
"Mr. Gold was outside. I took care of it. She's yours."
"He is?" Ashley asked. "But what did you do?"
"Made a deal with him," Emma shrugged.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Ashley gushed, holding the baby tighter against her chest. Glancing at the clock, Emma's eyes went wide.
"Oh, hey kid, it's almost 5:00. You gotta get home!"
Granny's Bed and Breakfast
Regina stood in front of a mirror, getting dressed. She fixed her hair and called into the bathroom where someone was taking a shower.
"I have to go. Henry's expecting me home at 5:00. But I'll see you again, at the next council meeting. Oh, and don't forget, you left your socks under the bed." She left the room, heading to her car.
Storybrooke
As Emma drove Henry home, she looked over at him.
""Pumpkin"." He glanced at her. "My code name. I was thinking in honor of Cinderella… "Pumpkin"." Henry shook his head. "What? You got a better one in mind?"
"Yep."
"Well?" Emma pressed. "I'm not sure you're ready yet."
As they pulled up to Henry's house, Henry pushed open the door. He could see Penny at the piano in the living-room.
"Henry!" Emma called as he headed to the door.
"About what you said at the hospital, about me being able to leave?" He spun around, a worried look on his face.
"Yeah?"
"See you tomorrow."
Grinning, he rushed into the house. He threw a quick hello to Penny before running up the stairs. Penny sighed in relief, going back to her music. She heard Regina's car pull up. She glanced at the stairs where Henry had lost a shoe.
Regina walked into the house, frowning at the mostly empty room.
"Where's Henry?" she asked.
"In his room, reading," Penny answered, finishing the melody.
"Of course. Enjoy your night, Penny."
"Good night Madam Mayor."
As she left the house, she heard Regina berate Henry for leaving his shoe on the floor. She smiled, happy that they hadn't been caught. Emma was cutting it a bit close, but at least the two of them got to spend time together.
Storybrooke Hospital
Holding a gift bag, Sean walked into Ashley's room.
"Is that her?" he asked nervously.
"Sean," Ashley breathed out.
"I'm so sorry," he told her, walking closer. "I never should have left you."
"You're back?"
"Yeah, I'm back," he smiled. "Here, I got her a present."
Sean pulled a pair of shoes out of a gift bag and they both laughed.
"I don't know if they're gonna fit."
"They're perfect," Ashley told her. He leaned down, carefully kissing her. The baby fussed and they pulled away, smiling at each other.
Storybrooke
Emma stood outside her car and she called Sheriff Graham.
"Hello?" he asked when he picked up.
"Graham, it's Emma. I was thinking maybe some roots wouldn't be so bad. The deputy job still open."
"Absolutely." Emma could hear the smile in his voice.
"Then I'm in. Regina gonna be okay with this?"
"I don't care, it's my department. I'll see you Monday morning."
"I'll see ya."
Granny's Bed and Breakfast
As Emma hung up, Graham stretched, throwing him phone down onto the bed. He was shirtless, and he reached for it. He needed to get home. Penny was expecting him. After buttoning it up, he smoothed down his wet hair. He reached under the bed, retrieving his black socks.