The skies above Storybrooke were turning a harsh gray as the stranger from the other night worked on his bike. He was just outside of the Mills house, in clear view of the front door. As he continued to work, Eve happened to be walking down the street, on the hunt for the stranger, when she laid eyes on him. Eyes narrowing in suspicion, she approached him.
"What are you doing here?" she questioned, causing him to look up.
"Fixing my bike," he answered, not even looking up.
"Not here, on the street. Here in Storybrooke."
"Just visiting."
"Nobody visits Storybrooke," Eve insisted as she looked over his bike, spotting a wooden box on the back. "And what's that?"
"A box."
"Cute. I mean what's in the box?"
"Just something I need to do what I came here for," he replied, getting back onto his bike.
"Thought you were just visiting."
"Doesn't mean I don't have something to do," he answered as thunder rang out.
They both looked up at the sky, seeing the brewing storm above them. As they did, the door to the Mills house opened, allowing Henry and Regina to step out. Both paused when they saw the stranger and his motorcycle, Henry making eye contact with the man.
"You better get going," the stranger told Eve, even as his eyes never left Henry. "Looks like there's a storm coming."
Regina was just beginning to approach, suspicion and anger on her face, when the stranger got up. He grabbed his helmet, putting it on before driving off down the street. The three Storybrooke residents watched him go.
"Friend of yours, Miss Flemming?" Regina questioned.
"I have no idea who that man is," Eve answered honestly.
…
At the Blanchard Loft, Emma was eating breakfast as she watched the news. The weather was currently on, reporting on an oncoming storm.
"Top of the morning, this is chief meteorologist Bill Gosalyn with your up-to-the-minute Storybrooke weather. Well, break out those galoshes, folks, it's gonna get soggy. We've got a major storm system moving down the coast. The latest Doppler shows the worst band of precipitation moving is into Storybrooke right about the time you're putting the kids to bed."
In a flurry of movement, Mary Margaret came rushing in, toothbrush in her mouth as she hastily spat out toothpaste into the kitchen sink.
"I can't believe I overslept," she let out, rushing about and getting ready to leave.
"It's only 7:10," Emma told her. "You've got plenty of time to get to school."
"No, I have to be there at 7:15! Science fair. I'm helping the kids with their project before school."
"I'm sure if you're five minutes late, they'll live."
Mary Margaret opened the front door, pausing long enough to turn to her roommate with an excited smile.
"We're making a volcano," she insisted, all but slamming the door behind her.
"Okay then," Emma let out, her superpower going off as she rose from her chair.
…
Later, Mary Margaret quickly made her way into Granny's Diner, taking her seat at one of the tables. She then removed her hat and used a spoon as a mirror so she could adjust her hair. Once she was satisfied with it, she set her spoon down and grabbed a book from her bag, a copy of The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. As she opened it up and began to pretend to read, David walked inside and went up to the counter.
"One cream and sugar, one black," Ruby read off before handing the beverages to David.
"Thank you," David replied, handing her the money for the order.
As he grabbed the coffees, he turned to leave, catching sight of Mary Margaret at her table. He stopped in front of it, giving her a warm smile.
"Good morning."
Mary Margaret feigned surprise, looking up and lowering her book.
"Morning!"
There was a brief moment, then David cleared his throat.
"Uh, I should go. I'm gonna be late for work."
"Right. The uh, animal shelter, right? How's it going?"
"Well," David laughed, "the apes haven't taken over."
"Yet," Mary Margaret quipped.
"Not on my watch."
The two shared a laugh, then David slipped out of the diner. Mary Margaret watched him go, her face falling when she noticed Kathryn standing by his car. David handed her one of the coffees, kissing his wife on the cheek. Mary Margaret's heart sank and she turned back around, letting out a mournful sigh. Just then, someone sat down across from her and she looked up, shocked to see it was Emma, a knowing look in her eye.
"This is making a volcano?" she remarked.
"I-" Mary Margaret tripped over her words, trying to find a good excuse. "I was just-"
"I get it."
Realizing there was no point in lying, Mary Margaret just sighed and confessed.
"He comes here every morning at 7:15 A.M. to get coffee," she explained quietly.
"For him and his wife."
"I know, I know, I know. I just like to... come here to see him.".
"So, you're a stalker?"
"No, not really." Mary Margaret paused for a moment as Emma gave her an incredulous look, clearly not believing her. "Maybe a little bit. And it's not like I'm following him. I just know that he spends his mornings with Kathryn, gets coffee, then drives to the animal shelter to start work at 7:30, and then he's home around 5:00."
"Oh, is that all?" Emma asked, more than a little put off by just how much her roommate knew about David.
"...Thursdays they pick up Chinese for dinner." Emma winced, then gave Mary Margaret a sympathetic look, which caused the older woman to all but collapse on the table in misery. "I can't get him out of my head."
"I know. Maybe the first step is not showing up here tomorrow."
"Love's the worst…" Mary Margaret groaned, running her fingers through her hair. "I wish there was a magic cure."
Looking up from her morning cocoa, Eve turned towards the two ladies with a concerned expression on her face. Her eyebrows furrowed a bit as she bit her tongue, remembering a similar time Mary Margaret's counterpart had said the same thing.
The Enchanted Forest. Many years ago…
Snow was out in the woods surrounding the small cabin she called home. There was a wild turkey in front of her, one that was about to become dinner. Readying a spear, she took aim at the bird, ready to strike it down. However, something startled the bird, causing it to take off. Curious, Snow gripped her spear and moved to investigate. Hearing some rustling in the branches, she moved out, ready to strike. She stopped herself though when she saw a woman with long black hair and a large, very conspicuous red cloak.
"Hey!" the girl called out, holding up a gloved hand to stop the attack. "It's me!"
"Red..." Snow let out, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Spear, Snow," Red said, gesturing to the spear still aimed at her head.
"Oh, sorry," Snow apologized, lowering it as she walked up to her. "Wasn't expecting you for a month."
"It's been a month,"
"Has it?"
Red let out a light laugh.
"You're really taking well to the solitude, aren't ya?" she questioned rhetorically.
"It's fine. It's exactly what I wanted, to be out here, away."
"Well, you certainly got what you wanted." Red then held out a large basket full of vegetables, a few eggs, and even a couple loaves of bread. "Here you go."
"Thank you," Snow replied, taking the basket and hooking it onto her arm. "So… How are things back in the world?"
Red smirked knowingly.
"Come on. Ask what you really want."
Snow tried to play ignorant, but Red saw right through her. Letting out a sigh of defeat, Snow relented.
"Prince James… is he…?"
"I'm afraid so," Red answered, her smirk fading to a sympathetic expression. "His wedding to Princess Abigail is in two days time."
Snow was completely taken off guard by the news. She stepped back, nearly dropping the basket. Red reached out, gently taking her friend's hand.
"You okay?"
"I just thought... the longer I was out here, the easier it would be for me to forget him, but… instead all I do is think about him."
"I'm sorry..."
"I just wish there was a way to get him out of my head."
Red pulled back at that, a look of concern on her face. Snow instantly caught on, straightening up.
"There is, isn't there? Is it Nicholette? I mean, she's the most powerful sorceress in-"
"No, no..." Red cut off. "It's not her… its the being she opposes."
That took Snow by surprise.
"Opposes?"
"Nicholette is the embodiment of light magic, everything good it can do. But then… there's a being that embodies everything about Dark Magic. A man known for granting anyone who asks their most unholy of request, but always for a price."
Snow stepped forward, a determined look in her eye.
"Who is this man?"
…
That night, Snow rowed out on a boat to a small dock that was surrounded by an almost unearthly mist. It was lit by a single lantern, which just added to the eerie feeling of the entire area. Once she got close enough, she got out of the boat and onto the dock so she could tie it off.
"How much?"
Snow looked up to suddenly see Rumplestiltskin sitting in the boat, running a hand along the bow.
"Exquisite craftsmanship. Then again, I'd expect nothing less from Snow White. Even in hiding, you still have an eye for the best."
"How do you know who I am?"
"Oh I know many a thing, dearie," he told her as he got out of the boat. "Like how you're here to make a deal. So, what can I do for you?"
"Snow!" a familiar voice rang out.
Rumple let out an annoyed scoff as Nicholette appeared, locking eyes with Snow. The wanted princess looked shocked at the presence of the Alchemist, though Rumple just looked annoyed.
"Nicholette, what are you doing here?" Snow hissed.
"Stopping you from making a deal with the Dark One. What could you possibly want from him anyway?"
"A cure. For a broken heart."
That made Rumple laugh lightly.
"So even the fairest of them all suffers from the worst affliction of this world… unrequited love. Sadly, even I am bound by the laws of magic. I can't change the past, I can't bring back the dead, and I can't make someone fall in love. So, if that's why you're here-"
"No, that's not the problem," Snow clarified. "We can't be together."
"Snow, is this about Charming?" Nicholette questioned.
"He's getting married in two days, Nicholette… just thinking about it hurts too much to bear. I just want to forget I was ever in love."
"Now that, I can help you with," Rumple offered, fishing a vial from his pocket.
He then scooped some of the water from the lake into the vial, causing it to turn a cloudy white, before offering it to Snow.
"That'll do it?" Snow assumed.
"Not yet. No two loves are… exactly alike. We must make this…" he suddenly plucked a few hairs from Snow's head. "Personal."
Nicholette's eyes widened, but she could only watch as Rumple dipped the hair into the bottle. With a small shake, the hair dissolved into the cloudy liquid. With that done, he held it out to Snow with a small flourish.
"Now, it'll do it. Drink this, and the next time you see the object of your grief, you won't even remember who he is."
"Snow, don't," Nicholette insisted. "I know you're in pain right now, but you cannot just forget about love."
"What's the point of love if we can't be together," Snow argued, taking the bottle.
"Oh, I agree," Rumple spoke up, resting his hands on Snow's shoulder as he leaned in close. "Love makes us sick, haunts our dreams, destroys our days. Love... has killed more than any disease."
"Maybe so, but love is also the most powerful magic of all, especially a love as true as Snow and Charming's."
Rumple began cackling at that.
"If he truly loved her, then why is he marrying another?"
Those words seemed to harden Snow's resolve. She clutched the bottle close to her chest, her decision made.
"What's your price?"
"Oh these will do fine," Rumple replied, holding up the remaining strands of her hair he'd plucked.
"What do you need of my hair?"
"What do you need of it now that it's been plucked from your head? Do we have a deal?"
She nodded, turning back to her boat as she slipped the bottle into her tunic. Nicholette winced at that, then turned to Rumple.
"Just what are you planning, Dark One? You would never give such powerful magic away for a few measly strands of hair."
"My reasons are just that, dearie." He leaned in close, baring his jagged teeth in a vile grimace. "Mine."
At Dark Star Pharmacy, Mary Margaret was collecting supplies for the big storm coming up. She already had batteries, a flashlight, as well as a couple canned goods, just in case. She could hear a weather report in the background, warning about the storm. As she turned a corner, she ended up running right into Kathryn, both dropping their stuff with a shout. Regina, who was picking up some comics for Henry, glanced over slightly as the two women worked to pick up their stuff.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Mary Margaret insisted.
"It's fine, don't worry about it," Kathryn assured her.
"I wasn't looking."
"Clearly," Regina sneered, tucking the comic into her own basket.
Kathryn picked up an Apollo bar, holding it out for Mary Margaret.
"Is this yours?"
"Yes, thank you," Mary Margaret replied, taking it before grabbing another item. "And this must be..."
She trailed off as she stared at the item. It was a pregnancy test, and seeing it made Mary Margaret's heart lurch.
"Good luck," she finally spoke, handing it to her with slightly shaking hands.
"Thank you," Kathryn replied, smiling slightly as she took it.
She walked off to continue her shopping, leaving Mary Margaret with Regina. The mayor stopped her shopping, turning to her old enemy.
"I trust you'll be discreet," Regina insisted, getting a confused look from Mary Margaret. "Their lives are their business, not yours."
Mary Margaret just nodded as Regina walked off.
The Enchanted Forest, Many Years Ago...
At King George's castle, Charming stood on a balcony looking out at a massive feast taking place in the courtyard. Among the festivities, the servants were working overtime to prepare for his inevitable wedding. Just then, the door to his room opened, allowing King George to enter.
"James," he greeted, bringing a wooden box with him.
"How goes the feast?" Charming asked, turning towards him.
"Your absence is felt. It is, after all, in your honor. I thought this might rouse you from your chamber."
He set the box down, lifting the lid to reveal a golden crown.
"You could feed the entire kingdom for an entire winter with that crown."
"It's a gift from King Midas, for you to wear as you wed Princess Abigail. Once that is done, our new prosperity will allow us to feed the kingdom for all eternity." When Charming still looked less than thrilled, the king scoffed. "Show some enthusiasm."
"Enthusiasm was never part of the deal. The wedding's in two days. I've honored your deal."
"But I want your heart. Not just your honor."
"My heart shall belong to Abigail," Charming reassured about to turn away.
"You think I'm a fool, don't you?" King George responded, causing Charming to stop. "Your heart can't belong to Abigail when it's held by another woman, and don't try to deny it. I know that look. Who is she?"
"... I met her on a journey. We haven't see each other since, but… she's stayed with me."
George was seething, and it showed in his tone.
"Forget her."
"You speak as if that's so easy."
"Nobility was not meant to be easy. All this wealth, the power we hold over other men's lives-do you think that comes at no cost?"
"I asked for none of it."
"You were chosen to be my son. Plucked from poverty, wanting for nothing. Be thankful for that."
"It wasn't charity, 'father', it was the only way to save your kingdom."
"Watch yourself, boy. This is a choice you made, a role you have taken. Honor it. There is too much at stake." The King then began stalking towards the exit, but not before some parting words. "Do whatever it takes to get that woman out of your head, because nothing is going to stop this wedding."
The doors slammed shut behind him as Charming ran his fingers through his hair, unsure of what to do.
"Well," a new voice declared from behind him, "I see you're also struggling with the pain of love, though clearly in a different manner."
Charming turned around to see Nicolette standing near the window. His eyes widened, recognizing her from when he was taken from his farm to become Prince James.
"You. What are you doing here?"
"Attempting to help someone I've come to see as… well, a friend. I believe you know her. Snow White?"
"Snow?" Charming let out, walking up to her. "Is she alright?"
"Heartbroken about the wedding. She… she's about to do something foolish, believing you do not love her as she loves you. Please, help me save her."
"Of course. Tell her that I haven't stopped thinking about her since we met. That-"
Nicholette held up a hand.
"Write it down. It has more meaning like that."
Charming nodded, grabbing a piece of paper and a pen. He quickly wrote up a letter spelling out his feelings towards Snow. Once he was done, he picked up the letter and handed it to Nicolette.
"Can you get this to her before tonight?"
Nicholette smiled.
"Without a doubt."
With that, she vanished into golden smoke, taking the letter with her.
In the woods outside of town, Mary Margaret found herself walking down the road, trying to clear her head of her torrent of thoughts. As she walked, the sound of cooing reached her ears. She stopped, looking around to try and find the source of the sound. After a bit of searching, she spotted a net in an embankment. It was moving frantically, and as Mary Margaret drew closer, she spotted a dove entangled within the net.
"Oh, hey," she let out, kneeling over the dove. "How'd you manage to get yourself…" She carefully got the dove out of the net and picked it up, being careful as she held it. "Come on, let's see if we can get you some help."
...
Mary Margaret took the dove to the animal shelter, handing her over to Dr. Thatcher, the head veterinarian on duty. He looked over the bird as David stood by, watching.
"Well, the good news is, no broken bones," Dr. Thatcher informed Mary Margaret. "She was just a little dehydrated. I got her some fluids, and she should be just fine."
"And the bad news?" Mary Margaret questioned nervously.
"Well, this is a North Atlantic dove. It's a migratory species, very unique among American doves. Now, they tend to form strong monogamous bonds, meaning-"
"If I don't get her back to her flock, she'll be alone forever."
"Well, it's... It's a long shot," the doctor admitted as he gently placed the dove into a cage lined with a towel underneath, "but the alternative... She'll heal, but she won't be happy here."
"I'll take my chances," Mary Margaret replied, picking up the cage. "Thank you doctor."
"You're welcome," Dr. Thatcher replied before walking off. "Good luck."
"Mary Margaret, there's a storm coming," David insisted. "You really shouldn't be out there."
"Well the storm is coming tomorrow," Mary Margaret dismissed, taking the cage in hand.. "And if I want, she could be lost forever. Completely alone. No one deserves that."
"Then let me drive you."
"I don't need your help David," she reassured as she left, maybe a bit too quickly. "I'm fine."
David just stood there as she left, looking down at a discarded dove feather in contemplation.
…
Meanwhile, Emma was loading up some supplies of her own into her police cruiser as she listened to a news report over the radio. Eve was with her, helping with the supplies.
"I got an extra bunch of blankets just in case, as well as another case of D batteries," she declared.
"Good," Emma responded. "I get the feeling that this storm is gonna be pretty nasty."
"That's putting it mildly," Eve replied before looking up and seeing Regina approaching. "Speaking of nasty…"
Emma looked up and saw Regina stopping in front of the car.
"If you're looking to blame me for the storm Madame Mayor, I think you're taking things a bit too far."
"I need you to look into something, Sheriff," Regina informed them.
"We're a little busy trying to prepare for the storm," Eve informed her curtly. "We don't have time to do your dirty work."
Emma smirked a bit at Eve's sass, but Regina didn't rise to the bait.
"Someone's in town. Someone new."
"Yeah, I know," Emma replied. "We met him the other night. Gave him directions to Granny's."
"You talked to him? Well, what'd he say?"
"Just asked for directions. What's the big deal? Who is he?"
"I don't know. I asked around but no one seems to know anything. There's something about him… something familiar."
"Must be one of the untold millions you cursed," Emma joked.
Eve flinched upon hearing that, trying to maintain her poker face. Thankfully, Regina was more focused on Emma in that moment, color draining from her own face.
"What?" she let out.
"Oh, you know, the curse," Emma continued. "Henry's whole thing."
"Sheriff, I need you to find out who he is, what he wants, and what he's doing here," Regina demanded.
Emma sighed, straightening up to face Regina.
"You know, as hard as you tried to find one in my case, there is no law against visiting Storybrooke."
"This isn't about the law, Miss Swan," Regina pressed. "You're gonna do this because I asked you to and because you'll see it's the right thing to do."
"And why is that?"
"Because, as Miss Flemming can attest, he was in front of my house, taking particular interest in the one thing you and I both care about… Henry."
That made Emma pause. She glanced over at Eve, who just silently nodded, remembering how the stranger had stared right at Henry.
"We'll look into him," Emma decided, climbing into the car with Eve as thunder rumbled overhead.
...
Back out in the woods. Mary Margaret was driving along as the thunder grew ominously louder. The dove was in its cage in the passenger seat, cooing slightly as her savior attempted to find her flock..
The Enchanted Forest. Many years ago…
Snow sat on a rock in an open field, glancing down at the potion Rumplestiltskin had given her. The temptation to take grew within her with each passing moment. She was about to pull out the cork, until a gloved hand covered it.
"Don't be so hasty, Snow," Nicholette urged, pushing the bottle down.
"Nicolette?" Snow let out in surprise. "Why are you here?"
"To make sure you don't do something you'll regret."
"You have no idea how much this hurts, being in love with someone who doesn't love you back..."
"Actually," Nicholette reached into her cloak, pulling Charming's letter from out of nowhere, "I'd say he loves you very much."
Snow took the letter, unfolding it so she could read it.
"Dearest Snow, I've not heard from you since our meeting, and can only assume you've found the happiness you so desired. But I must let you know, not a day goes by that I have not thought of you. In two days' time, I'm to be married. Come to me before then. Come to me and show me you feel the same, and we can be together forever. And if you don't, I'll have my answer."
Snow couldn't help but smile upon reading the letter. She covered her mouth with a hand, tears in her eyes.
"He loves me..."
"So, what say we go make True Love happen?"
Snow quickly sprang to her feet.
"Let's go."
As Mary Margaret continued driving, she spotted a large tree that had apparently fallen over at some point. Cursing slightly, she stopped the car and got out grabbing the bird cage. The weather then took a turn for the worst as thunder continued to roar overhead.
"Well, the flock can't be much farther," she reasoned. "We just have to beat the storm."
The rain was beginning to pour, prompting her to pull the hood of the raincoat she was wearing up over her head.
"They're waiting for you."
The Enchanted Forest. Many years ago
Snow and Nicholette both approached the front gate of King George's palace. Both had their hoods up to hide their faces, with Snow also grabbing a large basket of flowers so she looked like a delivery girl. At the gate, she could see a Steward checking every one out as they approached, and from the expression on his face, he was already having a bad time.
"This isn't going to be easy," Snow noted.
"I've got this," Nicolette reassured, walking towards the Steward. "Flowers for Prince James, from the kingdom of Midas."
The Steward looked over the pair, his eyes narrowing. Discreetly, Nicholette twirled a finger before sending a small golden light right at the Steward. He blinked, then shook his head before speaking up.
"Right, of course. Top of the northeast spire. Though I suggest taking the service stairwell or the guards will toss you over the walls."
"Good to know," Nicolette replied. "Thank you."
The two then went off, Snow genuinely impressed with the display. Once they were inside, they slipped towards the tower.
"You go on and go, Snow," Nicholette insisted. "This part of the story, it's just you and him."
"What about you?" Snow questioned.
"I'll be fine. Now go, your prince is waiting."
Barely hesitated before heading off.
…
Once inside, Snow carefully maneuvered herself through the halls, dodging the soldiers and servants alike. As she moved about, she quickly hid behind a pillar, dropping Charmings letter on the floor. She quickly dove for it and grabbed it before ducking back behind the pillar just as someone entered the room. She leaned against her pillar, sliding along it as she remained hidden, trying to avoid whomever just entered. She peaked around the corner, seeing that it was none other than Prince Charming himself. He failed to notice her, so she stepped out from her hiding place. However, as she did, a hand grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth to silence her. Unable to properly fight back, she was dragged off, Charming remaining completely ignorant.
...
Snow was brought down to the castle dungeon, shoved into one of the cells without so much as a word.
"Wait!" she tried, reaching through the bars as the guard locked the cell. "I'm a royal emissary!"
"Sure you are," the guard replied as held up Charmings letter. "The king will decide your fate."
The guard then walked off, leaving Snow to begin desperately seeking an escape. The first thing she did was test the bars to see if any of them were loose. When that failed, she climbed up to the top of the door, only to find them stable as well. She then turned her attention to the rough, stone wall that made up part of the cell, trying to climb up. She didn't make it far before losing her grip and falling into the foul hay that littered the dirty cell floor. As she laid there, groaning slightly, she head whistling from the opposite cell.
"Who's there?"
The figure stepped out of the shadows, revealing himself to be a dwarf.
"What are you looking at, sister?" he asked.
Snow just ignored him as she picked herself up.
"Tried it all," he told her. "Steel gets stronger as we grow weaker."
"Well," Snow declared as she grabbed some of the straw and began twisting it together to make it stronger, "I am not giving up."
She began attempting to pick the lock as the dwarf just scoffed.
"Give it time. Grumpy."
"I'm not grumpy," she told him. "I'm focused."
"No, my name. Grumpy. I'm telling you, there's no way out."
"Well, I'm Snow, and I'll find one."
The straw snapped and she let out a growl, throwing the straw and turning away from the lock, electing to search the ground for anything useful.
"If you say so."
"There's someone out there for me. Someone I love very much, and I will not lose him."
"Love, huh?" Grumpy approached the bars, leaning on them so he was looking down at Snow's crouched form. "Good luck with that."
"Yeah? Well, what do you know about it?"
"It's why I'm stuck in this hole."
Seeing no way out, she let out a groan of frustration before falling backwards.
"I had it bad," Grumpy shared. "She was as beautiful as a fairy, but I lost her. I was desperate to get her back. So I came up with a plan. I worked in the diamond mines. Traded all my wages to the foreman for a diamond to propose. But I got swindled. It was a stolen rock, and I took the blame. I'm no thief, but they think I am. Should've known better, but I wasn't thinking clearly. All cause of love. And now here I am, trapped with no way out."
"I know a way out," a new voice promised.
Both Snow and Grumpy looked up, just in time to see a dwarf dressed in all black slipping into the dungeon. Trailing behind him was Nicholette, a smile on her face as she gave Snow a small wave.
"Ran into this fellow scaling the wall," she declared. "Mentioned he was going to free a friend, so I asked to tag along."
"Stealthy?" Grumpy let out.
The dwarf slipped over to Grumpy's cell, smirking.
"Who else? Now, you ready to get out of here?"
Stealthy then pulled the keys out of his pocket, working on the lock to the cell. Nicholette then approached Snow's.
"How'd you know I was in here?" Snow questioned.
"The guards mentioned capturing you, so I cast a minor sleeping curse on the castle. Nothing fancy, they'll wake up in a matter of hours."
"Made doc's sleeping gas look like child's play," Stealthy complimented. "Come on, the others are waiting with transport."
"How many more of you are there?" Snow questioned.
"Eight in total," Stealthy answered. "Brothers who look out for one another."
He managed to get the cell open, Snow giving Grumpy a wave.
"Good luck," she told him and he and Stealthy prepared to leave. "I hope you get your love back."
Just as they prepared to disappear down the hallway, the lock on Snow's cell burst into light as Nicholette was forced to step back.
"Damn!" she cursed. "Arcane locks to prevent magical tampering. I can't get it open..."
"What?" Snow let out.
Upon hearing that, Grumpy froze in his tracks. Stealthy shook his head in protest, knowing what he was thinking.
"Son of a…" he almost cursed before grabbing the keys. "Give me those."
Reluctantly, Grumpy turned around and returned to the cells. He shoved them into Nicholette's hand and the Alchemist quickly unlocked the cell. Once it was open, Grumpy grabbed them both.
"Come on, and keep up."
All four then took off out of the dungeon, vanishing into the darkness.
Back in the woods, Mary Margaret towards the sound of nearby dove cooing, gripping the bird cage in her hand.
"Do you hear that?!" she told the bird. "Your flock."
She came to a stop at a nearby cliff, looking down and seeing a massive ravine below her. She set the birdcage down just as a loud thunder clap rang out. Distracted by the sound, Mary Margaret's foot slipped on the ground, causing her to begin sliding down the steep incline leading to the ravine. At the last second, she managed to grab onto a root, but was left dangling over the edge of the ravine. She screamed loudly, struggling to keep her grip as her feet kicked uselessly, trying to find something to cling to. She tried climbing up on the root, but that merely pulled it out of the ground. Just when all seemed lost, a hand came down and grabbed her.
"Grab my hand!" David's voice called as his other hand came down to try and grab her.
Desperation taking over, Mary Margaret fumbled for his hand before finally grabbing it. He quickly pulled her up, gripping onto a nearby root to help keep him anchored. Finally, he managed to pull her back up onto the safety of the ground, both falling into a heap on the ground. Mary Margaret clung to him instinctively, shaking from adrenaline.
"You really think I'd let you come out here alone?" he asked. "You okay?"
"Yes..." she let out, finally pulling herself off him and dusting herself off. "Thank you."
She then started heading back towards the road, prompting David to follow.
"Where are you going?" he questioned.
"I came to find the flock!"
"And I came to find you before you got hurt!" David replied as they reached the road and rain began to fall. "We have to go!"
Mary Margaret then saw the birdcage on the ground and ran to get it.
"No!" she insisted.
"Doing this on foot, is not the best plan!" David told her, having to shout over the thunder and the rain.
"The road was blocked!"
"I know, I saw! Now we have to go! It's too late!"
"But the bird-!"
"Mary Margaret, it's not safe!" David all but screamed, grabbing her arms and forcing her to stop. "We need to get out of here!"
Reluctantly, Mary Margaret complied, as the two made their way back up the road.
The Enchanted Forest. Many years ago…
The four of them continued making their way through the tunnels looking for any sign of escape. As the group passed by an opening, Snow fell back towards it.
"Oh, wait," she called out, getting everyone to stop. "Stairs."
"No, we sneak out through the courtyard," Stealthy shot down.
"No, it's safer if we climb over the outer wall. Trust me, I've been hiding from royals for a while now."
"Listen to her," Nicholette warned. "She would not lead you astray."
Grumpy and Stealthy exchanged looks before turning back to Snow and Nicolette.
"Sorry ladies," Grumpy decided, "but Stealthy got me this far."
He and Stealthy then took off.
"Grumpy," Snow hissed desperately. "Grumpy, wait."
"My spell won't last long, and I doubt it got everyone in the castle," Nicholette said nervously.
Snow watched where the dwarves had disappeared off to, clearly torn on what to do...
…
It didn't take long for Stealthy and Grumpy to make it up to the courtyard, emerging from a tunnel tucked along the edge. As they made their way towards the gate, a group of soldiers rounded the corner.
"Halt! We have an escaped prisoner!"
"Grumpy run!" Stealthy called out. "We can make it!"
"Stealthy, no!" Grumpy insisted.
Before he could get too far, an archer on the wall fired an arrow, nailing Stealthy right in the back. He dropped like a sack of potatoes with barely a sound, dead in impact. Grumpy screamed in rage and disbelief, rushing over to his brother. He ripped the arrow out, turning Stealthy over to try and save him, but the life had already faded from his eyes. Realizing he'd lost his brother, Grumpy broke down, just clinging to Stealthy as King George and his men surrounded them.
"Where is the girl?" the King demanded.
He looked up at King George, fury emanating from his entire body as he locked eyes with George.
"What girl?" he spat.
"Kill him."
A guard drew his sword, ready to cut Grumpy down. The dwarf straightened up, determined to face death with dignity. However, before the blow was struck, the guard was hit back by a sudden blast of magic. He crumbled to the ground to reveal Nicholette, her hands glowing with golden magic.
"Don't. Touch him," she warned.
"The Alchemist," King George recognized. "Get rid of her!"
The guards all charged at Nicolette. She easily evaded the sword strikes, sliding under them or simply twisting out of the way. As she did, she'd throw her balls of magic, each successful hit knocking the guards unconscious. As she did this, a guard snuck up from behind and grabbed a nearby bottle of ale. He then managed to smash it over her head, causing her to drop to the ground. She was dazed, and the alcohol now pouring down her head was making her go bug-eyed. She struggled to pull herself together as the guard stood over her, his sword at the ready to take her head.
"Looking for me?" Snow's voice called out.
Everyone turned, shocked to see Snow standing by a large pile of hay, a lit torch in her hands.
"Snow..." Grumpy let out.
"Let them go," Snow demanded, lowering the torch, "or this place will burn."
King George scowled at Snow for a moment before turning back to Nicolette and Grumpy.
"Begone, you two."
Grumpy helped Nicolette to her feet, the latter then scooping up Stealthy's body. Before they left, both looked back at Snow, looking both worried and mournful.
"Go," Snow urged. "I'll be fine."
Nicolette nodded as the two went off, leaving Snow White at the king's mercy.
"Now… Snow White," King George spoke as the guards took her torch and bound her hands. "We need to talk."
The road in the woods led Mary Margaret and David to a mysterious cabin.
"There!" David pointed out. "Come on!"
He and Mary Margaret made their way to the cabin, the latter looking inside to find whoever owned it.
"Hello!" She called out. "Hello?! Is anyone there!"
David looked inside another window, seeing no one there.
"It's empty!" Mary Margaret realized.
David went to the door and tried to open it. When he found it was locked, he just kicked it open for them.
…
Later on, David stoked a fire for the two to warm up by.
"Ok," he let out, turning to Mary Margaret. "Let's get you dry."
"Whose cabin is this?" Mary Margaret wondered, looking around. "I mean, I doubt they'll be happy with you just kicking down the door."
"Well, you're roommates with the Sheriff, so I doubt she'll arrest us for breaking and entering."
David then pulled a blanket off a shelf, making to wrap it around Mary Margaret's shoulders. However, she brushed him off.
"Hey, I'm just… I'm just trying to help," he insisted. "What's going on with you today?"
"What's going on?" Mary Margaret repeated. "What's going on is I still have feelings for you."
"What?" David let out in surprise.
"Why do you think I go to Granny's every morning at 7:15? It's to see you." She shook her head. "I don't know why because it just makes me miserable, because every time I see you, it just reminds me that you chose Kathryn instead of me. And that's why I didn't want you to come to the woods with me. Cause being around you is too... it's too painful."
To her surprise, David found himself laughing slightly.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"It's just… the reason I go to Granny's every morning at 7:15 is to see you."
There was a moment of silence as they both took that in. David made the first move, slowly moving in for a kiss, but Mary Margaret stepped back.
"How can you do this?" she whispered.
"What are you talking about?" David whispered back.
"David I know!"
"You know what?" David asked in genuine confusion.
"About Kathryn."
"What about Kathryn?"
"That she thinks she's pregnant."
David stepped back in surprise.
"What?"
...
At Granny's, Eve and Emma took shelter from the storm, both of them soaked to the bone. Emma took off the knit hat she was wearing, letting the sopping wet thing drip dry in her hand as Eve did her best to wring the water out of her poncho. As she did, she spotted the Stranger sitting at one of the booths, nursing a cup of coffee. Eve gently elbowed Emma, gesturing to the booth. Emma took notice, then nodded, both approaching the booth. Emma sat down across from him as Eve took the seat next to him, boxing him in.
"Hi there," he greeted, glancing between the two women. "To what do I owe the company?"
"We need to talk," Eve told him.
"Didn't we already do that?"
"Well now, we're gonna do it again," Emma told him.
"Why?"
"Because," Emma eyed his wooden box on the floor. "You're suspicious."
"Sitting here? Out in the open? Drinking coffee? Wonder what kind of hell I would have raised had I ordered a doughnut."
"You were stalking Henry," Eve argued. "You were watching his house, and I saw how you were eying him."
"I think he was eying me first. Guessing you don't get a lot of visitors in this town."
"You're dodging," Emma accused. "What were you doing outside his house?"
"Like I told the golden girl here, my bike broke down. It happens."
Their eyes then fell on the large wooden box that had been attached to his bike, and which was now sitting on the booth next to him. Eve narrowed her eyes, gesturing to it.
"Your mysterious box. What's in it?"
The Stranger glanced down at it, a small smirk playing on his face as he rested a hand on the box.
"It's awfully frustrating, not knowing isn't it? I get the feeling that's a new experience for you, Golden Girl."
"Just tell us," Emma pressed, her own curiosity now piqued.
"Why?" the Stranger questioned, his smirk never fading. "Is it illegal to carry around a box in these parts?"
"Of course not, but-"
"You really wanna know, don't you?"
"No," Emma insisted. "Well… maybe."
That got a chuckle out of the Stranger, who went as far as to pick the box up, placing it on the table as he looked at the two women with a triumphant, teasing grin.
"I'm gonna make you wait. You're gonna have to wait a long time, and watch me carry it around, hauling it, to strange and mysterious places. And with each passing moment the mystery will become more tantalizing. Your imagination will inflame, but so will your frustration, never knowing, only guessing, 'What could possibly be inside that box?'" He then leaned in, focusing solely on Emma. "Or, you could let me buy you a drink sometime. No golden girl, no badge, just you and me. Let me do that, and I'll tell you right now."
"You wanna buy me a drink?" Emma questioned.
"Yep. It's as simple as that."
Emma smiled a little.
"Okay, a drink it is."
The Stranger turned the box around so the latches were facing him. He flipped them both open and popped the lid open. After pausing for a second, he turned it so the women could look in, only to find the contents to be a simple typewriter.
"Really?" Emma questioned.
"A typewriter..." Eve let out. "You just… carry a typewriter everywhere you go?"
"I'm a writer. I find that the sound of the buttons is relaxing to me, compared to keys on a keyboard, or a pen on paper."
"And that's why you're here?" Emma presumed.
"I find this place provides inspiration. Don't you?"
Neither woman answered as lightning cracked outside. The stranger then closed the box, gently nudging Eve until she got the hint and stood up.
"Have you been here before?" Eve questioned. "You said this place provides inspiration, so… you've been here?"
"Never said that," the Stranger replied, leaving a tip on the table before gathering the box in his arms.
"What about that drink?" Emma asked.
"I said 'sometime' didn't I?" he replied before leaving.
The two looked at each other in confusion, left with more questions than answers after the encounter.
…
"You didn't know," Mary Margaret realized.
"No," David insisted, shaking his head.
"And you two aren't trying to-"
"Not as far as I know. Mary Margaret, you have to believe me, I-"
"Shh," Mary Margaret let out, getting David to stop talking so she could listen to the noise outside, which was nowhere near as loud as it had been. "The rain's stopped. I need to get her out."
She grabbed the bird cage, running back outside.
"No, Mary Margaret-" David tried to caution as she went out the door, prompting him to follow.
The two made their way down the road, David still weary about the situation.
"Mary Margaret please. Can we at least ta-"
"Shh," she let out again. "Listen."
David paused for a moment, hearing the sounds of several birds in the trees above.
"The flock!" Mary Margaret cheered. "It didn't leave!"
"Must have been waiting for the storm to clear."
Mary Mararet opened up the cage and took out the dove.
"Okay girl, time to join your friends. You can do it."
She then tossed the bird into the air, watching as it took off into the air, rejoining the rest of her flock. She and David watched on with smiles on their faces, with Mary Margaret laughing happily. David took a chance and tried to hold her hand, but she pulled away.
"No, David," she insisted. "It's too painful."
"It doesn't have to be," David told her. "We don't know that Kathryn's pregnant."
"It doesn't matter. You chose her."
"I know, but I still have feelings for you."
"You can;t have both."
"But I do have both." David turned so he was facing Mary Margaret directly, holding her arms in his hands.
"I know. I know it doesn't make sense. But it's like I have these two conflicting lives: memories of feeling for her, and real feelings for you."
"Who's to say which is real?"
"I can't get you out of my head."
"I know," Mary Margaret told him as she gently freed herself from his grasp, stepping backward, away from David. "Me too. But, we're going to have to. We're just going to have to forget each other."
She then turned and began walking back down the road, leaving David standing there dumbfounded and heartbroken.
The Enchanted Forest. Many years ago…
Snow White found herself standing before King George in the grand hall, watching as the king appraised her with clear disdain. She was no longer bound or guarded, but she didn't try anything, knowing doing so was a suicide mission.
"So, you're the one," he surmised.
"I don't know what you're-" Snow tried to respond.
"Enough," King George cut off, holding up her letter. "I know everything. You poisoned his heart. Now his marriage, and with it, the entire kingdom all because of your feelings."
"I wish feelings could be helped, but they can't," Snow told him, the bottle of potion in her tunic suddenly feeling very heavy.
"Of course they can. Love is a disease. And like all diseases it can be vanquished in one of two ways. A cure, or death. Do you know where your beeloved is right now? He's right down that hallway, packing for his new life."
"He'll never even know I'm here."
"Oh yes, he will. Because you are going to walk down that hallway, Snow White. You're going to sneak in and tell him you received his letter. You're going to tell him why you're here. Because you don't love him. It'll break his heart. And it will cure him.
"Or you'll kill me?" Snow White assumed.
"Oh, no." King George leaned in, his voice filled with malice and contempt. "I'll kill him. Killing you would only make him love you more. And the marriage and the kingdom would ultimately crumble. But if he were to die at an assassin's hand, he would die a martyr. Midas would forgive even laud the dead. And the merger would be complete.
"You would do that to your own son?"
King George just scoffed, fists clenching as he spoke once more.
"He is not my son."
...
Inside his room, Charming was packing his bags, preparing for the journey ahead. As he continued to do so, Snow White stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. She was struggling to keep up a calm facade, the letter all but crushed in her grip.
"James," she called out, her voice shaking slightly.
He turned towards her, a smile instantly coming to his face.
"Snow…"
"I got your letter."
"You came," he let out before running to Snow and lifting her into the air. "You came!"
He pulled her in for a kiss, but Snow quickly backed up, stopping it before it started.
"Wait," she insisted. "James… Us? It can't happen."
"What's wrong? Of course it can. You're here! We can go, we can be together, we can leave all of this!" He takes hold of her hands. "I know there are costs, but I've planned for everything. They can't hurt us! And now that I know you love me too-"
"I don't-" Snow cut off, making Charming drop her hands in confusion.
"What?"
"Love you. I don't." She was fighting back tears at this point, just barely keeping up the facade. "I'm sorry. You said I would always be in your heart, and that is too cruel a fate. Go live your life. Live it without me because there is no place for us together." Tears started filling his eyes too, and Snow began to choke up, forcing herself to continue. "Fill your heart with love for someone else. Someone who can love you the way I never have. That I never will."
Knowing that sobs were not far from breaking through, Snow silently handed Charming the letter, then turned and walked out. As she left the way she came, her tears finally began to fall.
The next day at the Nolan house, David got dressed for work just as Kathryn walked in the room. David glanced at her, remembering what Mary Margaret had told him about the potential pregnancy. He contemplated letting the matter die, but he just couldn't.
"Anything you wanna tell me?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Something's up isn't it? What?"
After a second, Kathryn sat down on the edge of the bed and sighed.
"I feel like ever since you've come home you're here, but you're not 'here'. I know you say you're trying, and I know you've been through a lot but-"
"No, no Kathryn-" he tried to protest, turning towards her
"No, david," she insisted. "Please let me finish."
Reluctantly, he gestured for her to continue.
"I know it's been hard on you, but it's been hard on me too," David continued listening as he walked over to her. "I want a family with you someday. I want children. I'll be honest, I thought I was pregnant. And when the test came back negative, at first I was upset. But then I was relieved. We're not ready! If I was pregnant now, it...it would be a disaster."
"Yeah," David agreed.
"But I want to fix this," Kathryn went on, reaching out and taking David's hand in hers. "I want to fix us."
"Me too."
"Do you?" Kathryn questioned, getting a nod, which seemed to embolden her a bit. "Well then let's go see Doctor Hopper. Let's get some help. Will you do that? Will you give us our best shot?"
"Yeah, look," David agreed, sitting down next to her. "I know we're su… I know we're supposed to be in love. And I want to make that work."
Kathryn smiled in response.
"It's 7:10. You should get going if you want coffee before work."
She got up to go continue getting ready, but stopped when she felt David's hand close around hers.
"No," he decided, standing up. "Why don't we go downstairs and have some breakfast instead? hmm?"
Kathryn looked back at him, smiling at the idea as they walked down to the kitchen to eat, hand in hand.
The Enchanted Forest. Many years ago…
Completely heartbroken, Snow walked down the road away from the castle. She took one last look before continuing on, tears falling freely at this point. As she walked, a warm hand came to rest on her shoulder. She looked over to see Nicholette now walking beside her, a bandage on her head and a sympathetic look on her face. A few seconds later, torchlight filled the path as Grumpy joined the women, along with six other dwarves.
"You okay, sister?" Grumpy asked.
"Not even close..." Snow sobbed.
"King George…" Nicholette let out, "What did he do? Why did he let you go?"
"... so I could break James' heart… and my own."
"Oh Snow..."
She pulled Snow closer, wrapping her cloak around the sobbing woman in her best attempt at comfort. Snow let her, her pain too great to fight anymore. Grumpy then reached up, taking Snow's free hand in his.
"Come on," he insisted.
"Where are you taking me?" she asked.
"Home. we all lost someone today."
"Now we're seven," Doc lamented.
"You and the Alchemist, you saved me tonight," Grumpy went on. "I owe you. We owe you. So we're taking you home with us, Snow, and we're gonna protect you."
"The only thing that needed protecting is destroyed…" Snow insisted. "My heart."
"It will heal," Nicholette assured her. "All pain, even the pain of a heartbreak, will soon become nothing but a distant memory."
"Or..." Snow reached into her tunic, pulling out the potion, "I can forget… drink this, and make all my feelings, all my pain… just… disappear."
"Snow, don't," Nicolette insisted.
"You should listen to her," Grumpy agreed, taking the vial.
"Grumpy, you of all people know the pain of lost love," Snow pressed. "Wouldn't you give anything to have your pain erased?"
"No. because as wretched as it is, I need my pain. It makes me who I am. It makes me Grumpy."
"Besides," Nicholette insisted, giving Snow a small squeeze, "you're not alone anymore. And you never will be again. So please… put the potion away. Your cure isn't in that bottle. It's with your friends."
"… okay," Snow agreed, putting the bottle away.
She did as she was bid, then allowed herself to be escorted out of the forest.
At the Blanchard loft, Emma sat opposite a despondent Mary Margaret, eating breakfast in morose silence. Emma glanced up at the clock, seeing that it was 7:15. She then glanced back as her roommate, reaching out and taking her hand. Mary Margaret looked up, then miserably turned away, though she didn't remove her hand. If anything, her grip tightened, as if she didn't want to be alone.
Sometime later, Nicolette returned to the cabin Snow was staying at to make sure all of Snow's things were gone. She was tucking a few odds and ends into her cloak, preparing to return them to their rightful owner as soon as she got the chance. As she worked, she heard a horse fast approaching the house. Nicholette's eyes went wide as she instantly went on the defensive, thinking it was one of King George's men. The second she saw the horse clear the forest, she struck, sending a blinding ball of golden light flying right at the rider. The rider just barely dodged the ball, being revealed to be Prince Charming.
"Wait!" he called out.
"Cha-, Prince James?" she called back, catching herself before killing her magic. "What's going on? What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to find Snow," he explained, getting off his horse.
"She's not here… why are you? What purpose could you have to come here?"
"I know she lied to me when she said she didn't love me. I don't know why she did, but-"
"King George," Nicholette cut off, almost desperate to explain the truth. "I don't know the full story, but she went to the palace with the full intention of running away with you. She was captured, and the next thing I know, she's leaving the palace with a heart so broken, I'm surprised she didn't perish right there in the woods."
"Where is she now?"
"I don't know for certain. She's taken dwelling with some dwarves, but I don't know where they live."
"Then I'll find her…" Charming declared, getting back on his horse as he looked out at the horizon. "I will always find her."
…
Meanwhile at the Dwarves cottage, Grumpy came barreling through the door, looking uncharacteristically excited.
"Doc!" he shouted, startling the dwarf from his appraisal work. "Where's snow?! Where is she?!"
Doc pointed towards the back room, which had been turned into Snow's bedroom. Grumpy rushed into the room, where Snow was just beginning to wake up.
"Snow! Snow!" Grumpy exclaimed, catching the woman's attention. "The royal wedding! The kingdom's abuzz! It's off, Snow, he left her! James left Abigail!" Snow just looked confused, so Grumpy pressed on. "Did you hear me? Your Prince Charming isn't getting married."
"Who?" she asked vacantly.
Grumpy's face instantly dropped when he heard that. His eyes then drifted over to the nightstand, where an empty potion bottle was resting...
It was 7:45 at Granny's Diner when Mary Margaret ordered her coffee. She took it from Ruby, preparing to head for the school. As she turned towards the door, it opened as David came walking in. Both of them froze, then David immediately turned on his heels and walked right back out. After a second, Mary Margaret rushed to go after him, chasing him around the corner.
"What are you doing?" she demanded.
"It's 7:45," he responded, turning to face her.
"I know."
"Well, I'm trying not to see you!"
"Well, I am trying not to see you."
"Well, how do we stop seeing each other?"
"...Apparently we can't," Mary Margaret declared, nearly throwing her hands in the air from exasperation.
"This is a problem."
"Yes."
There was a moment of silence, then David spoke up one last time.
"She's not pregnant."
After taking a second to let that sink in, both of them reached out and grabbed one another, kissing passionately. Mary Margaret's coffee fell to the ground so she could just hold David tightly, as if afraid to let go. From the diner window, Eve watched the pair, smiling a bit as she sipped happily on her own coffee. From a car parked just across the street, Regina was also watching the pair, a look of murderous intent etched across her face.