The Shepherd

All Rights belong to Disney

Nolan House

David stared at the house in front of him. He didn't feel ready for this. Kathryn was standing next to him, arms crossed.
"You know, you had the same look on your face before we bought it, too. You couldn't see past the ugly windmill on the lawn. And said you'd never buy an old lady house. Do you remember what made you change your mind?"

Staring up at the roof, he shrugged.
"I see the windmill's gone." She gave him a small smile.
"Come on." She reached for his hand. "Everyone's waiting." A confused look appeared on David's face.
"Who's everyone?" he questioned as Kathryn pushed open the door.

There was instant cheering when they walked inside. Kathryn started pointing people out to David.
"This is Gene," she introduced.
"Good to see you, David," Gene smiled.
"How are you doing?" David asked.
"And this is Ellen, his wife."
"Ellen. Hi."
"God to see you, too."
"And Frank," Kathryn said.
"Welcome home, David," Frank said.
"Hey…"

They continued walking through the house, stopping when they came across Dr. Whale.
"Hey Kathryn," he greeted. "Hi, David."
"Hi."
"Look," the doctor said. "I know this is a lot, but it's good for you. The smallest things can trigger your memories. Just try and have fun."
"Thank you, Dr. Whale. I'll do my best."

In another part of the room, Henry leaned closer to Emma.
"You know why he doesn't remember? The curse isn't working on him yet."
"Henry, David has amnesia."
"Which is preventing the curse from replacing his fairy-tale story with fake memories."
"Right, because everyone here has fake stories that prevent them from remembering who they really are."

Henry nodded, looking confidently up at her.
"Right, and now is our chance to help him. We just have to get him to remember that he's—"
"He's Prince Charming," Emma finished.
"We just have to jog his memory by getting him and Ms. Blanchard together."
"Didn't we just try that?"
"And it woke him up."

The conversation stopped when David approached them.
"Hey, you're the ones who saved me, right?"
"Yeah, I guess," Emma shrugged.
"And, uh, you're also the only people I know here."
"You can hide with us," Emma offered.
"Fantastic."

From a passing tray, David snagged a piece of cheese that had a toothpick sticking out of it.
"Thank you."
"So, you ever use a sword?" Henry asked. David laughed at the question.
"I'm sorry?" Henry shrugged, looking at the ground as David looked to Emma. "Emma? You live with Mary Margaret, right? You know if she's coming tonight?"
"No, she couldn't make it," Emma answered.
"Oh…"

In the kitchen, Regina spoke quietly with Kathryn.
"You should go out there. There's plenty of good. Go, be with your husband." Kathryn shook her head sadly.
"I lost him once. Now I have him back, but it's like I still don't have him back. You have no idea how that feels."
"Actually, I do. I lost someone once too."
"Really?"
"Yes," Regina nodded. "But the love I lost, there's no bringing him back. You have a chance here. Go to him."

A tiny smile appeared on Kathryn's face.
"You're right. And, Regina, thank you. Thank you for being such a good friend. It's been so lonely. I'm not used to having one."
"Neither am I."
"Well, like it or not, you have one now."

Leaving the kitchen, Kathryn searched the room for David before ending up next to Emma and Henry.
"Have you seen David?" she asked.
"Um, he…" Emma looked around before glancing at Dr. Whale.
"No, we haven't," Dr. Whale answered.

The Blanchard Loft

Penny sat in the grass below a tree as Mary Margaret tried to hang a birdhouse.
"Did you not get the invite?" a voice called. Penny lifted her head to see David walking towards them. Mary Margaret startled, almost falling off the ladder.
"David." He helped her down before climbing up the ladder.
"Here."

Easily, the man hung up the birdhouse. He stepped down and smiled hesitantly at her.
"So, I heard you resigned from the hospital. Was it me? Because of what I told you? About how I felt. About you." She didn't answer, merely lowered her head.
"Come on. Don't tell me it's one-sided."
"You're married," Mary Margaret said. "It should be one-sided."
"What is should be doesn't matter. Whoever married Kathryn, it's not me. I didn't choose her. I'm choosing you. Now I know you feel it. I can tell."

Mary Margaret shook her head.
"I know you think that we have this connection, but maybe it's because I happened to be the person who saved your life? So why don't we leave it at that?" She headed to her loft. Penny stood, following. She cast a glance back at David, who didn't notice.

The young girl followed Mary Margaret upstairs, standing by the counter. ~
"Have I made a mistake?" Mary Margaret asked quietly.
"I don't know," Penny said, wrapping her arms around Mary Margaret in a comforting hug. "But I'm sure you'll figure it out, Mary Margaret." The teacher smiled, kissing the top of Penny's head.
"Thanks, Pen." "Any time," Penny smiled, pulling away.
"Now, how about some hot-chocolate?"

The Enchanted Forest

Prince James fought against a Behemoth, seeming to lose the fight as the Behemoth threw the Prince over his head. James pretended to be dead, but as it attacked, he rolled out of the way, stabbing the Behemoth with the sword.
"Next time," he grunted. "Make sure I'm really dead."

As the Behemoth fell, King Midas rose.
"Well done."
"Well done?" King George scoffed. "There's an understatement." He rose as well. "You see what my son did to that brute? He just killed the unkillable."
"A valiant feat for sure," King Midas agreed. "But it is still just a man. Can he do the same with a dragon?"

King George smiled, "Do Fairies sprinkle dust? Do Trolls live under bridges?"
"Father, relax," James said. He looked to King Midas. "I can kill whatever beast you set after me."
"My kingdom is plagued by a dragon like nothing you've ever faced before. He has killed every warrior that's tried to slay him."
"He has yet to face me," James said confidently.
"My kingdom needs this threat vanquished."
"And my kingdom needs gold," King George said. "I'm sure we can work something out."

Taking a breath, King Midas held up his gloved hand and someone removed it, nearly brushing against King Midas' hand.
"Careful," he chided. "Remember what happened to Frederick." He looked to James. "Your sword?" James held out his sword and with a touch of his fingers, King Midas turned it to gold. "Consider it a down payment. You'll get the rest when you deliver the dragon's head to me."
James grinned, "It's a deal. Forgive me if I refuse to shake on it, King Midas."

King Midas laughed, "Come. Let's discuss the details." He and King George walked away as one of James' knights lifted a goblet.
"A toast to our fearless prince!"
"Yeah!" the rest of the guard shouted.
"No, there's no celebrating today," James said. "This was but a simple test. The task before us, it's too big, too important to make light of. Just because I was easily able to kill this brute doesn't mean—"

His words were cut off as a sword went through his stomach. He fell to the ground as the Behemoth's arm went limp once more, its sword dropping from it's grip. The knights gathered around him, one leaving to chase after King George.

A few days later, King George said one last goodbye to his son before a group of knights took the body away.
"Your majesty," a knight said. "There is no time to grieve. If Midas learns he is dead, he will find another warrior to slay his dragon, and we will never see an ounce of his gold."
"Yes, yes," King George agreed. "The kingdom must survive."
"So, what are we to do?"
"I have asked for help. It should be here soon."
"Oh, it's here."

Behind them, Rumplestiltskin grinned.
"Leave us," King George told his knights. They hesitated and he snapped at them.
"So, this is how you treat my gifts. You really must be more careful."
"He wasn't a gift. He was my son!"
"A son I gave you."
"In a deal we made. You did me no favors."
"Yes, yes I did. Shame you and the queen couldn't conceive a child on your own. My price for that is pittance. But now that she's gone, well, I assume that conceiving an heir is out of the question. Let alone a dragon slayer."

The King crossed his arms.
"Then let's do another deal. Bring him back. I need my son to do this. I'll give you anything."
"Anything?" Rumplestiltskin repeated.
"What do you want?"
"There's a magic wand I desire. It belongs to a certain fairy godmother who's patron to your family. I want to know her whereabouts."
"Done. Now tell me. How do I bring my son back to slay the dragon."

The Dark One giggled, "Bring him back? Oh, no, no. That's out of the question. He's dead. Magic can do much, but not that!"
"But you just said—"
"Nothing about resurrection."
"Then my kingdom is lost. I am alone."
"Oh, dear. Oh dear, dear, dear. Did I not tell you that I could have your son slay the dragon? And am I not a man of my word?"
"I thought you said he was gone forever!"
"Oh, that he is. But his brother."
"His what?"
"His twin brother. Did I not mention there was another?"

The Blanchard Loft

That night, Mary Margaret angrily scrubbed at her dishes. Emma was sitting at the counter with Penny on the couch with a book. Emma raised an eyebrow at how furiously Mary Margaret was scrubbing.
"You might want to ease up or that Brillo Pad's going to press charges."
"The dishes were just pilling up," Mary Margaret muttered.
"Does this have anything to do with David stopping by? I saw him sulking as I pulled up."
"We just, um, we just…"
"Yeah, I know what you both did. And you did the right thing."

Her roommate sighed, "He made a pretty compelling case."
"But he's still married. I know. I was just at the party."
"What do I do?"
"You need to stop cleaning and have a drink."

Emma poured two glasses.
"Here's the thing. I don't know a lot about relationships, other than having my that failed. But generally speaking, if you think something you want to do is wrong, it is. So, you got to stay strong, and he as to figure out his life." She raised her glass. "Cheers."

Nolan House

Sitting on the couch, David looked through an old box of pictures. Kathryn was sitting next to him.
"You look different," she said. "Your hair. It's longer. You used to always have a buzz cut. You used to complain that long hair was itchy and hard to take care of."
"I guess it grew out while I was in there."

She gave him a tiny smile. One that was full of hesitation.
"So, I was going to go to bed. Do you want to join me?"
"Do you meant "go to bed" go to bed? Or go to bed?"
"Whatever you want," Kathryn said.
"Why don't we just sit and talk some more?"

Leaning forward, Kathryn pressed her lips against his. He froze, not moving before quickly pulling back. He stood, the pictures falling off his lap onto the floor.
"This isn't right," he said before leaving.

Enchanted Forest

Young shepherd, David, was herding his sheep into its enclosure.
"Come on," he grinned. "Come. Come on. Hey. Didn't see that coming, did you?"
"Honey!" a voice called. David turned, seeing his mother, Ruth, walking towards him.
"Mother! How was the market?"
"It was interesting."
"Interesting?" David repeated. "Normally you come back cursing the prices."
"Oh, well, that's still the case. But this time I had a very interesting talk with the grain merchant."

Tying the fence shut so none of his sheep would escape, David's brow furled.
"Grain? We don't need any grain."
"He has a daughter. She's ready for marriage. He thinks the two of you would make a great couple."
"Mother," David groaned.
"I know, I know, I hate myself for even bringing it up."

David walked closer to her.
"Let me guess. She has a dowry that will save the farm."
"We are running out of options," Ruth murmured.
"Mother, please," David pleaded. "As poor as we are, love is one thing I can afford. I will find a way to save this farm, but I won't do it by marrying for riches. When I marry, I want it to be because I choose to spend the rest of my life with someone I love."
"When are you going to learn?" Ruth sighed. "You can't have everything."
"Or perhaps he can," the Dark one said, appearing with a laugh.

The Shepherd gapped at his mother.
"A twin brother? And you gave him to that man?"
"We were poor," she whispered. "Barely surviving. And he came along with an offer. One of you for the farm."
"Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"The deal forbade us from ever speaking of it. Your father regretted the decision the minute that man took your brother. He carried the guilt with him to his grave."

Nearby, Rumplestiltskin called to them.
"Hate to interrupt this tender moment. Time is of the essence."
"Mother, wait in the house while I deal with this," David said. His mother nodded, heading inside as he turned to the Dark one.
"What do you want from me?"
"Oh, no me, dear," Rumplestiltskin said. "The King. He needs a prince to slay a dragon."

David scoffed, shaking his head.
"I'm not a dragon slayer."
"No, but your brother was. This newfound kinship will be your salvation. Simply play the part. The king's knights will take care of everything else. All you must do is deliver the dragon's head to Midas."
"What's in it for you?"

The Dark One's eyes narrowed.
"What's in it for me is my business. You should be asking yourself what's in it for you. You do this, your poor mother, well, the king is going to make sure she never wants for anything ever again. Your farm will be saved, and you, should you survive, you shall come home the conquering hero! Now, don't tell me you don't want that." "
I don't have a choice, do I?"
"Oh, everyone has a choice, dearie. Just make sure it's the right one."

Granny's Diner

Mary Margaret sat across from Penny as they talked quietly. They often joined each other for breakfast because Penny didn't work until the afternoon and Mary Margaret didn't feel like spending her mornings alone.

They looked up as Dr. Whale came to stand by their table.
"Hello Dr. Whale," Mary Margaret said.
"So, I heard that you resigned from the hospital," Dr. Whale said. "I hope it wasn't because of me."
"Why would it be because of you?" Mary Margaret asked.
"Well, our date," he shrugged sheepishly. "I never called you after. It's not classy and I'm sorry, but if you could ever find a way to get over it, you know where to find me. Have a good say."

As the doctor walked away, Penny looked accusingly at Mary Margaret.
"Seriously? You went on a date with him?" Mary Margaret opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Regina.
"Ms. Blanchard, may I have a word?"
"Of course," Mary Margaret nodded.

Regina slid into the booth beside Penny, ignoring the young girl.
"I wanted to talk to you about my friend Kathryn. But more specifically, I wanted to talk to you about her husband David. You don't belong together. He's not yours. He's taken. Find somebody else."
"I haven't done anything," Mary Margaret said quickly.
"Really?" Regina raised an eyebrow. "So he just up and left his wife on a whim."
"He did what?" Mary Margaret gasped.
"You don't know," Reinga asked.

Mary Margaret shook her head and Regina leaned closely.
"Well, I suspect you soon will, so listen carefully, dear. Because it's in your best interest. Stay away. He's in a fragile state. He doesn't know who he is or what he's doing, so you're this close to wrecking multiple lives. So before you do something that can't be undone, let him remember who he was." She slid out of the booth and left the diner. Penny watched her go, wondering how a woman like that ever became mayor.

The Enchanted Forest

David stood in full armor, studying his reflection in a shield.
"There he is," King Midas greeted. "Our savior. The man who is going to tear the dragon limb from limb." David drew his sword. "You do this," King Midas continued. "And you'll be a legend."

As King Midas walked away, one of the Knights came closer to David.
"Here. Let me. You fastened it wrong." He properly fastened David's armor before taking the sword.
"Well, how will I fight?" David asked. "How will I protect myself?"
"You won't," the Knight snapped. "You will stay outside the cave while we kill the dragon. If you don't come out of this alive, Midas won't give our kingdom any gold. You might have the title of hero, but not the job." In the distance, the dragon roared.

The lead knight led David and the others towards the dragon's lair.
"The dragon's lair is through there. You stay here. We'll be back." He left David with two other knights and the rest followed the lead knight inside.
"Did you know him well?" David asked.
"Who?" one of the Knights asked.
"My brother," David clarified. "The Prince?"
"Yeah, we knew him," the knight nodded. "He was the bravest man we ever met."

From inside the cave, the dragon roared and exhaled fire.
"They need our help," David said as men screamed. The two Knights with David tried to hold him back.
"We stay here," a knight said. "Our orders are clear."
"People are dying!"
"Don't move! Stay back!"

Breaking free, David ran towards the cave. He pulled the Lead Knight out of the way, looking frantically for the man's sword as the dragon exhaled more fire.
"Stay here!" he ordered. He tried to pick up a fallen sword, but it was too hot, and he immediately dropped it.

He ran between two rock faces, picking up the golden sword along the way. The dragon tried to follow, but couldn't fit through the gap.
"You didn't see that coming, did you?" David taunted before slicing the dragon's head off with the sword.

Storybrooke Elementary School

In her classroom, Mary Margaret opened her mail with a letter opener.
"Careful," David said from the doorway. "Looks sharp." She gasped, looking at him.
"You can't be here."
"I needed to see you," he told her.
"Tell me you didn't leave your wife because of me," Mary Margaret begged. "I do not want to destroy your marriage."

Quickly, he shook his head.
"You're not. It's me. I don't want to hurt her either. But the most hurtful thing to Kathryn would be me pretending. She needs someone to feel about her the way I feel about you."
"I'm trying really hard to stay away from you. To do the right thing."

She started putting books on desks, avoiding looking at him.
"Why is that the right thing?" David asked.
"Because you already have a life," Mary Margaret snapped.
"With someone I didn't choose!"

The school bell rang, and Mary Margaret's students began to enter the class. David ignored them, continuing to speak.
"The man who chose that life, whoever married Kathryn is gone. The man here wants someone else."
"You really have to leave me alone," she said, pushing him out the door.
"Is that truly what you want?" he asked.
"Go."

David grabbed her wrist.
"Meet me tonight. At least think about it. I'll be at the bridge where you found me at eight o'clock. Think about it and then decide. If you don't show, I'll know, and I'll never bother you again. But if you choose this, if you choose us, you know where I'll be." He released her wrist and left the school.

Storybrooke Sheriff Department

Emma looked through files as Graham walked into the room, carrying a box of donuts.
"Sometimes the cliches are true," he told her. She crossed her arms, frowning at him.
"Okay. What do you want?"
"Remember when I said no night shifts?" he asked, grimacing slightly. "I need you to work tonight. Just this once."
"Why?" Emma questioned.
"It's Penny's birthday tomorrow and she's spending it with Gold, so I was hoping to take her to dinner and just spend some time with her."
She sighed, "You're lucky you brought a bear claw."

She plucked the bear claw out of the box as Mary Margaret came rushing into the room.
"Emma, can I talk to you for a minute?" Graham smiled awkwardly.
"I'll just go patrol my office…"
"Thanks," Emma gave him a nod as he closed his office door.

Turning, she looked at Mary Margaret.
"He left his wife," Mary Margaret gushed out. "David! He left her! He left Kathryn!" Emma frowned, holding up a hand.
"Okay. Slow down."
"He did it for me," Mary Margaret continued. "He wants me to be with him. He wants me to meet him tonight."
"That's, uh…"
"I mean, I'm trying so hard to be strong, but he just keeps coming. I mean, how do I stop it? You know, how do I let him down? What would you do"

Emma took a deep breath, thinking her answer through.
"I'd go," she finally said. Mary Margaret's face turned shocked.
"What?"
"Well, he left her. It's one thing to say that he wants you, but it's another to actually make a choice, and now he has. That's all you can ask for." "Given her new friendship with Kathryn, I don't think Regina would be happy." "All the more reason to do it," Emma shrugged.
"Good lord," Mary Margaret gapped. "Is this really happening?"
"You tell me."

Granny's Bed and Breakfast

In his room, David paced the room, his head spinning. He looked out the window, his eyes finding the clock tower. The time read 7:45. Grabbing his jacket, he walked out the room. He pulled a map out of his jacket, trying to find his way.

The Enchanted Forest

Inside King Midas' castle, King George and David presented the King with the dragon's head, which had been turned to gold.
"He has done it," King George said. "Everything you asked for and more. My son battled the dragon and prevailed."
"Bring it to the palace," King Midas ordered. "Put it between the chimera nad the mapinguary."

Knights carried the head away as King George looked to David.
"We did it. We pulled it off."
"Yes," David agreed. "Now how much longer before I can return home?"
"That's a discussion not for now."

King Midas smiled at them.
"From this day forth, may that beast's head be a reminder to us, of the valiant warrior who killed it. The bravest, most noble prince I have ever met. You have earned my utmost respect."
"We treasure that respect, King Midas, just as we respect your treasure," King George said.

The other king laughed, shaking his head in remembrance.
"Yes, yes. You were promised gold, and gold you shall have, but I did not get to where I am by thinking small. I stand before you now because I dared to dream big. I was not just looking for a dragon slayer. I was looking for the strongest warrior in the land, a hero. Someone who could unite the kingdom. Someone I would be proud to call family. Bring her!"

The Shepherd's eyes widened as a young woman with golden hair, wearing a sky-blue dress entered the room.
"Gentleman, may I present my daughter Abigail? Beyond gold, beyond anything, I value her most. I promised her I would only give her hand in marriage when I could find a companion worthy of her… and now I have."

Abigail looked at her father then at David.
"He killed the dragon?" At her father's nod, she pursed her lips. "I guess he'll do." King Midas smiled and looked to David.
"And so, Prince James, I offer you my daughter's hand in marriage."
"King Midas," David began. "I am humbled by your generous offer, but I can't honestly say I'm—"

King George interrupted, gripping tightly at David's shoulder.
"My son," he laughed. "Always so humble." He pulled David aside, whispering into his ear. "If you say anything but yes, you will be responsible for the destruction of everyone and everything in our kingdom. You will marry this girl. Or I will kill you. I will kill your mother. I will turn that farm to ash. Do you understand me?" David said nothing and King George gave him a grim smile. "I'll take your silence for wisdom. Follow it. I know you'll make the right decision."

Mainstreet

David had made several turns, becoming more lost when he ran into Regina.
"Mr. Nolan?" she asked. He startled, looking up. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean to startle you. I was just heading home from work, and I saw you. Are you lost?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "Yeah, kind of. I'm looking for the toll bridge."
"Ah, where you were found."
Yeah."

She looked at him, a friendly smile playing on her lips.
"Trying to jog your memory?"
"No, I'm meeting someone." David's answer caused the smile to drop from her face, turning into a frown.
"So, you made your choice."
"Yes."
'Well, I don't' suppose I can convince you to change your mind?"
"I can't change what I feel."

Regina sighed, nodding her head slowly.
"No, of course not. Walk down the street to Mr. Gold's pawnshop. You'll find a fork in the road. Go left. It will take you to a hiking trail that leads directly to the bridge."
"Thank you, uh, for understanding." He started walking away, slowly momentarily when she called out to him.
"Good luck, David. I hope you find what you're looking for."

Pawn Shop

Opening the door to the pawn shop, David stepped inside.
"Hello? Hello?" he called. Hearing no response, he caught sight of a mobile that was hanging up. It was purple and crystal with unicorns that glimmered in the light.
"Charming," came a voice.

Turning, David caught sight of Mr. Gold standing with his hands on his cane.
"I'm sorry?" he questioned.
"The mobile. Isn't it charming. Exquisitely designed. Masterfully crafted. I could get it down if you like."
"No, no, no," David shook his head. "I mean, it's very nice, but actually I'm looking for the toll bridge. The mayor said there was a fork in the road by your shop, but…"

The shop owner pursed his lips.
"It seems Ms. Mills has led you astray."
"Yeah," David agreed. "You'd think the mayor would know her own town."
"One would think. Out of the door, turn right, two blocks, you'll find the trail. Can't miss it."
"Thank you."

David started to leave but spotted an object that made him stop. It was an old windmill that Kathryn had showed him a picture of.
"See something you like?" Mr. Gold asked.
"Where did you get that?" David asked.
"That old thing?" Mr. Gold tilted his head to the side. "That's been gathering dust for forever."

Cautiously, David spun the windmill. It creaked as the blades rotated, sending dust into the room.
"I think this belonged to me," he murmured.
"Really? Are you sure?" Doubt was laced in Mr. Gold's voice.
"Yes," David said, his eyes closing for a moment. "I remember."

The Enchanted Forest

Atop his horse, David galloped onto his mother's farm.
"Mother," he called, dismounting.
"Oh, you're back. You're alive!" Ruth exclaimed.
"Yes," David nodded as she threw her arms around her.
"Oh. Oh."
"I did it."
"Are you hurt?" Ruth asked, pulling away slightly. "I've been so worried."
"I'm fine, mother, really."

Ruth backed a few steps away, examining her.
"Oh, look at you. Look at you. You… you look like a… like a… oh, you look like a prince! Come inside, I'll make us some supper. You should see the house, the farm. The king is going to take care of us. He's already started." She started for the house, but paused when she noticed David wasn't following.
"What? What's wrong?"

David sighed, "Midas wants us to unite the kingdoms. By marrying me to his daughter."
"What?" Ruth gasped.
"It makes the grain merchant's dowry look like sheep dung."
"No," Ruth said, shaking her head. "You were right to turn down that offer as you must this one too. Every day you've been gone has shown me it was shameful for me to ever encourage you otherwise. Your freedom to choose is more important than anything. I'll give up the farm."
"No."
"They can't force you."
"Yes, they can," David snapped. "And because of our ruse, Midas can never know who I am, which…"

Tears started to form in Ruth's eyes.
"We can't ever see each other again," she murmured.
"Yes," David said quietly.
"Then don't do it. Run away."
"I can't! They'll kill you!"
"I lose you either way," Ruth cried out. "At least I know you'll be happy."
"I already accepted Midas' offer. I didn't come here for advice, Mother. I came here to say goodbye. There was too much at stake. I couldn't let the kingdom suffer on my account. I couldn't let them hurt you. You know, you were right about one thing. I can't have everything."
"Oh, my boy. My sweet, sweet boy."

Taking off her wedding ring, she held it out to him.
"Give this to your wife to be," she told him.
"No, mother. I don't love her. I don't even know her. I can't take this."
"Just because you don't know her doesn't mean you won't grow to love her. True love follows this ring wherever it goes, my son. I had it with your father. I've had it as your mother. Now you will have it. Take it."
"No. No."

The Shepherd shook his head as she pressed the ring into his palm. Gently, she curled his fingers over it.
"Take it, and I'll know, even if I never see you again, I'll know you'll find love. I'll know you'll be happy." Forcing back a sob, she wrapped her arms around his neck again, hugging her son for what could be the last time.

Toll Bridge

Standing at the edge of the bridge, Mary Margaret anxiously twisted the ring on her finger as she waited.
"You came." She turned, seeing David jogging up to her.
"You sound surprised," she said, searching his face. "In fact, you almost sound a bit disappointed."
"I remember."
"Kathryn?"
"Everything."

A small sigh escaped Mary Margaret's lips. She knew that this was too good to be true.
"And you love her?"
"I don't know. But I know I did. I remember how I felt, and I think I have to honor that."
"And everything you said to me—"
"Is true," he cut her off. "I do have feelings for you. Intense feelings. Feelings I don't quite understand."
"You're going back to her."

Her words were clipped and tense. She shouldn't have come out here. She shouldn't have believed that this was really happening.
"It's the right thing to do."
"The right thing to do was not to lead me on," Mary Margaret snapped.
"I know."
"So you've made your choice."
"I'm sorry."
"That's okay. I guess it just wasn't meant to be."

Then she started walking away. She left him there, standing at the edge of the bridge. It wasn't until she was further away that she let the tears fall. Maybe love just wasn't in the cards for her. She wasn't sure. But she knew one thing, this hurt.

Mayor's House

Emma drove through the streets of Storybrooke on her night shift. She caught sight of someone exiting the window of Regina's house and pulled over. Getting out of the car, she hit the figure in the stomach as they walked back.

With a grunt, Graham stumbled backwards.
"This is celebrating Penny's birthday?" she asked, eyes wide.
"Plans changed. Regina needed me to—"
"Sleep with her?"
"No."
"Why were you sneaking out of the window?"
"Because she didn't want Henry to know."
"You did this with Henry in the house?"

They were whispering, but Emma was tempted to raise her voice at him.
"He's sleeping. He doesn't know."
"Oh my god. I wish I was Henry right now. This is disgusting… Does Penny know?"
"No!" Graham was quick to say. "And I'd prefer it to stay that way."
"I wish I was them right now," she muttered, shoving the car kyes into his hand. "You can finish my shift. I'm done working nights… and when is Penny's birthday?"
"October 1st. Emma…"

Emma stormed off, not caring to listen to him. He'd tricked her. For what? To sleep with the Mayor? The woman she hated. What was wrong with him? He acted like one thing when they were at the station, and she was… she was beginning to hope… No! She couldn't think like that. It was too late. Damage was done and like she said, she was done with night shifts.

Nolan House

The doorbell rang and Kathryn answered the door, frowning when she saw David outside.
"You were right," he said. "I did hate that windmill out front." A small gasp left her.
"You remember? How much do you remember?"
"Enough," he answered. "I know we weren't at a good place when I left. I know you thought I was leaving you, but I wasn't. I wanted to work things out, I just needed some time. Then I had my accident and got much more time than I expected. I'm sorry."

A few tears prickled behind Kathryn's eyes.
"I'm sorry too," she whispered.
"I know we have work to do," David said, ducking his head for a moment. "Let's see what happens?" She let a smile appear, blinking back the tears that were threatening to spill.
"I'd like that."

The Enchanted Forest

David walked towards King Midas and King George with Princess Abigail on his arm.
"Let this mark the beginning of a new era, of a new kingdom, untied and strong," King Midas said.
"An era of mutual prosperity," King George added.
"Abigail, James," King Midas smiled. "As I stay to work out the particulars of our land with King George, go to your new home at my palace. We'll be along shortly. And the celebration will be beyond your dreams."

Prince Abigail leaned close to her father, kissing his check as King George pulled David off to the side.
"Thank you, Daddy," Abigail to her father. "I trust that you know best."
"I'm glad you made the right decision, son," King George told his son, holding out his hand. David shook it.
"Thank you… father."

The Princess turned to her soon-to-be-husband.
"Come. I'm tired of waiting."
"Well, then, our journey shall begin," David told her. "I thought we might take the scenic route." She walked away as King George patted David's shoulder.
"Smile, son. You're on the road to true love." David took a deep breath before following Abigail.

Deep in the woods, a dark-haired young woman perched in a tree, watching the road as a royal carriage came driving up. She smirked as they pulled to a stop, discovering her trap.
"There's something in the road!" And that was her cue.

Granny's Diner

Mary Margaret sat alone at the counter, playing with a napkin. Dr. Whale entered the diner, coming to sit beside her.
"Rough day?" he asked.
"Don't feel like talking," she muttered.
"Come on," he said, a charming smile appearing on his face. "Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone when you don't give a crap what they think."

The teacher sighed before nodding.
"You ever walk into a situation where you know exactly what's going to happen? And then you go into it anyway. And then what you're afraid of happens, you kick yourself because you should have known better. But that's just who you are, so you keep punishing yourself?"

Dr. Whale shook his head.
"Nope." She turned her head, looking at him.
"How do you do that?"
"By never doing what's expected," Dr. Whale answered. "It keeps like interesting. Can I buy you a drink?"
"You can buy me two," Mary Margaret answered, feeling a boost of confidence.