Summary: Commander Rourke's quest for The Heart of Atlantis has led him to Storybrooke, where he'll stop at nothing to obtain the crystal.
Chapter 1
A stranger strides with purpose down the main sidewalk of Storybrooke. He's headed in the direction of Mr. Gold's pawnshop. The sign above his head tells him he's at the right place, Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiques Dealer. The logo on the shop window corresponds; they are gold-colored, emblazoned, with a stylized illustration of three gold coins. However, the sign on the door reads, CLOSED, Please Come Back Later. Lucky for the stranger the front door is unlocked, so he helps himself inside. Unbeknownst to him, he rings the bell.
Having heard this, Mr. Gold emerges from the backroom to see who it is and what they want. The stranger doesn't strike Mr. Gold as familiar. He is a very large, muscular, middle-aged man with a powerful build. He has grey balding hair with each white streak on both sides, brown eyes, and thick eyebrows. He's dressed in a standard military uniform that usually Army commanders wear over a gray tank top, green military pants, and brown boots. As the likely customer makes his way through the store he notices an array of antiques and knick-knacks. Some are in display cases while others hang overhead or on the walls.
"I'm not sure what you're looking for," states Mr. Gold, "but I can probably tell you where it is a lot quicker than you could find it."
The gentleman casually approaches the counter. He reaches into his pocket to retrieve something, sliding it across the display case to show Mr. Gold.
"I was wondering if you had anything like this in your shop."
At first glance, it appears to be a crumpled-up drawing of a giant crystal.
Mr. Gold chuckles, handing him back his scrap of paper. "This is a pawn shop; I sell antiques. I believe what you're looking for is a jewelry store."
The man becomes frustrated, watching as the shop owner threatens to walk off before hearing him out. "This isn't your average jewel. In fact, it's probably worth more than any old diamond."
Peaked by his own curiosity Mr. Gold turned on his heels. "Go on; I'm listening."
"It's called The Heart of Atlantis. It's big. It's shiny. It's quite valuable."
Mr. Gold knew of such a place from Belle, who read about Atlantis in a book. She told him it was a lost, ancient city, in ruins that sank in the ocean nearly a hundred years ago. Never did she mention anything about a crystal. Gold figured this guy was crazy. He certainly looked it. At a second glance, he noted dark circles had formed under the guy's eyes due to lack of sleep his hair is unkempt, but despite this, the gentleman appeared to be in a surprisingly good mood.
"I'm sorry, I don't have anything like that in my shop."
The man had lost all patience, slamming his fist on the counter, causing the glass to crack. "You don't understand! I need that crystal!"
His outburst didn't scare Mr. Gold, who advised him it was time to leave. The guy cooperated, collecting his drawing, and made his way to the front door.
"Mark my words; you haven't heard the last of Commander Lyle Tiberius Rourke!"
Later that same evening, Commander Rourke stood across the street, staking out Gold's Pawnshop. He waited for the lights to go out and the shopkeeper to leave. Gold switched off the lights, set the alarm, and locked the front door. After doing so, he got an eerie feeling he was being watched. He spun around, looking in both directions. In a panic, Rourke ducked down, hoping he hadn't been spotted. Gold narrowed his eyes in suspicion but had no such luck at seeing who or what was watching him. Figuring he was just being paranoid, Gold hobbled to the parking lot, got in his car, and drove off.
Rourke jogged across the street, taking one last sweep of the area to make sure no one else was around. He didn't want or need any witnesses to his crime. Using a crowbar, Rourke broke the glass to unlock the door from the outside. He slid an arm through and turned the deadbolt allowing himself inside. As The Commander walked throughout the shop, Rourke noted the place was somehow creepier in the dark. He decided to strike a match in hopes of seeing better, but the flame provided very little light. It did catch the glint of something shiny hanging from the ceiling near one of the display cases.
"The Heart of Atlantis perhaps?"
He moved closer in disappointment realizing the object was just a crystal baby mobile, but that didn't discourage Rourke from continuing his search. Figuring something as valuable as the crystal wouldn't be left hidden in plain sight, The Commander didn't bother with the display cases. The thing that caught his eye was a painting that hung on the wall behind the cash register. It looked large enough to hide something. He stepped behind the counter to get a better look. While running his hands along the edges of the frame, he unintentionally moved the painting, revealing a small safe.
"Bingo, I love it when I win!"
He didn't know the combination to the safe, but it didn't matter because he would pry it open with a crowbar. Unfortunately, there was no crystal inside just a dagger, which didn't interest him the least, with the name Rumpelstiltskin on it. Apparently, the shopkeeper was telling the truth after all. Suddenly, a light was shown on him belonging to Sherriff Swan. Rourke has been caught in the act.
"Freeze! Keep your hands where I can see them and turn around slowly," she instructed.
The Commander did as he was told. Emma took out a pair of handcuffs, placing them on his wrists.
"What gave me away?"
"You did. When you broke in, you triggered the silent alarm."
A sharp pain shot through Rourke's chest, causing him to drop to his knees and yell out in pain. Emma tried to remain poised and professional, but her emotional intelligence got the better of her. She grew concerned for his health. Aware he was an older man, she assumed he was having a heart attack and called for emergency services. Paramedics arrived on the scene, loading Rourke onto a gurney and into the back of the ambulance. Emma followed them in her police cruiser across town to the hospital, where she stayed in the waiting room. As the medical staff attended to Rourke, Sheriff Swan called Gold to notify him his shop had been broken into again.
Doctor Whale and his medical staff work as quickly and efficiently to go about saving Commander Rourke's life.
"Doctor Whale, what do you want us to do?" asked a nurse.
Whale ponders a moment before giving instructions. "Start a cardiac catheterization."
The nurse does as instructed, readying the electrodes to stick to Rourke's chest. However, after removing Rourke's shirt, she's in for a baffling surprise. Her eyes grow wide with shock and disbelief.
"Nurse? What's wrong?" inquires doctor Whale. "Did you hear what I said?" He follows her gaze to Rouke's chest, giving a similar reaction. "What the hell?"
The Commanders chest appears transparent and crystal-like. Whale orders his staff to stop working then heads to the waiting room to update Emma.
She rises from her chair upon spotting the doctor. "Well? What's his prognosis?" wondered Emma. "Is he going to be okay or not?"
Doctor Whale let out a sigh. "It's difficult to say."
"Listen," began Emma, "I understand doctor-patient confidentiality, but this guy is just as much my suspect as he is your patient, so I'd appreciate a health update."
"You don't understand," declared doctor Whale stepping closer speaking in a lower tone, "It's not that I can't tell you what's wrong with him; it's that I don't know. Whatever he's got, it's unlike anything I've ever seen or treated before."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Emma wondered.
"For me, it means knowing what I'm dealing with before I start treating a patient. And for you, it means it makes a difference between this guy spending the night in the hospital versus a jail cell," stated doctor Whale before walking off.
Emma stood there feeling less than encouraged at the doctor's words. She was desperate for answers, and since he didn't give her one, she would get one herself. Emma looked around; noting all of the staff was busy. She took the opportunity to enter Rourke's room. The Commander looked like he was sleeping, providing Emma with the perfect window to observe his condition. She approached cautiously in hopes of not disturbing his sleep. Rourke's chest is exposed, giving off an eerie blue glow. What on earth? She thought. Her curiosity naturally drew her closer. Emma reached out her hand to touch Rourke's chest, but he stopped her, grabbing her by the wrist.
The Commander pulled her close, speaking in a low gravelly voice. "Your doctors can't help me."
Emma struggled to break from his grasp, but he was stronger than he looked.
"Only one person can help me." Rourke reached in his pants pocket and pulled out a picture to show her. It was of a couple, but The Commander pointed to the woman. She had long white hair and caramel-colored skin. "Her name is Kidagakash Nedakh. If I'm not mistaken, she's the last of the royal Atlanteans. The necklace, the shard of crystal around her neck, will heal me."
"Clearly, you're insane. What if I choose not to help you, huh? Then what?" spat Emma watching him struggle to breathe.
"This is what will happen," stated Rourke. Suddenly, more of his chest became transparent and crystal-like. "Pretty soon, that will spread to my entire body. What I have isn't a disease; it's a curse. Medicine can't fix this, but that crystal can. Find the woman find the crystal, and save my life."
"I can't promise anything," argued Emma. "I don't even know if these people are in Storybrooke."
"Oh, they're here," replied Rourke. "I can feel it."
A nurse entered The Commander's room. "I'm sorry, but you shouldn't be in here. He needs his rest."
"I was just leaving," comments Emma.
She smiles upon leaving the hospital. During her scuffle with Rourke, Emma was able to obtain the photo. She would show it around town in hopes someone had seen the couple. Emma's experience with finding people told her Granny's Diner is the first place she should look; the parking lot was full of cars, but the lights were out, which was cause for suspicion. She opted to investigate cautiously, approaching the entrance wielding her service pistol and flashlight. As Emma opened the door, she sounded the customer bell. Suddenly, the lights came on, and people popped out.
Granny, Ruby, Mary-Margaret, Henry, Mayor Mills, David, Marco, and Leroy shouted, "SURPRISE!"
Everyone startled Sheriff Swan half to death. Thankfully, she didn't accidentally fire her gun during the excitement. She noted there's a HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner, streamers, and party balloons.
Everyone collectively groaned in disappointment.
"You're not Doctor Hopper," said Leroy joining the other dwarfs in drinking.
"Emma!" Enthused Henry, who ran up to hug her.
"Hey, kid," she said, lowering her gun placing it back in its holster.
"Henry!" Scolded Regina, "Come here." She narrowed her eyes in disapproval.
Regina disliked the idea of her son being around a gun even less; than being around Emma.
Regina stood behind Henry placing her hands on his shoulders, "Sheriff Swan, put your weapon away; since when is having a surprise party against the law?"
"It's not," replied Emma, "I didn't know; I thought someone might have broken in like they did Gold's shop."
Just then, doctor Hopper entered the diner.
The patrons gave a less enthused reaction, "Surprise!"
"Oh my, is all of this for me?" said Archie.
"Happy Birthday, my friend!" greeted Marco.
"Someone broke into Mr. Gold's shop," said Henry.
Emma frowned, "Kid, you shouldn't have heard that."
Regina smirked, "Then you shouldn't have mentioned it in front of him." She made herself level with Henry trying to be her proximity of "maternal," but she fell just short of genuine, "Why don't you tell Doctor Hopper Happy Birthday?"
Henry looked between his two mothers before making a decision. He ran over to Doctor Hopper and Marco, leaving Regina and Emma to speak freely.
"As Sheriff, you should be investigating the break-in, not rudely interrupting a surprise party," stated Regina.
Emma scoffed. "As Mayor, you should be doing whatever mayors do instead of partying."
Regina lowered her voice. "Doctor Hopper invited Henry and as his mother," she spat, "I'm his ride home. Unless you would rather him walk this late at night, which is just plain old irresponsible." She glances at the clock on the wall. "Sheriff Swan, it's been a pleasure, but it's past Henry's bedtime."
Regina spitefully walks up to Henry, yanking the boy away from his friends and out of the diner.
Mary Margaret, having watched from afar, approaches Emma. "Are you okay?"
"Fine. I thought Regina would never leave," Emma pulls out the picture to show Mary Margaret. "Have you seen either of these people?"
Mary Margaret shakes her head. "No. I'm sorry I haven't. Who are they?"
Emma takes her by the forearm, practically dragging Mary Margaret down the hall near the bathrooms to speak more privately.
"Emma!"
"Truth be told, I'm not even sure myself," she admitted. "Earlier this evening, I caught this guy robbing Mr. Gold's shop. Just as I'm about to arrest him, the guy has a heart attack. Or what I thought was a heart attack. I called for an ambulance and went to the hospital, but Whale wouldn't tell me what was wrong and refused treatment."
"Refused treatment?" questioned Mary Margaret.
"That's what I said!" replied Emma. "I decided to see what was wrong with him. That's when things got weird."
"Weird how?" wondered Mary Margaret.
Emma lowered her voice to a whisper gesturing to her chest. "The guy's chest was glowing blue, and I could see through it!"
"You're not making any sense," stated Mary Margaret.
David rounded the corner, interrupting them. "Ladies, we're about to cut the cake."
"David, we're a little busy," said Emma.
"Busy doing what?" he inquired.
Emma pulled out the picture to show him. "Have you seen either of these people?"
David took the photo from her, giving it a good once-over. "I haven't seen the woman, but I've spotted the man before."
Emma got excited at the new lead. "Really? Where?"
"The library," explained David, "I drive past there every day on my way to work at the shelter. I've seen him come in and out of there a lot lately. You might want to try there."
Emma took the photo back, thanking David before leaving.
Despite being the weekend, Emma was up bright and early in the morning. Usually, she slept in, but she had something work-related to do. She intended to stake out the library before it opened at 8 AM to watch for the guy David pointed out in the picture. The guy is a slender, young-looking, 32-year-old man. He has light brown hair, fair skin, brown eyes, thick matching eyebrows, and large black spectacles. He shouldn't be hard to miss.
As it approached the hour, Emma sat staked out in her police cruiser across the road from the library, watching and waiting. Just then, she spotted Belle walking down the street. Belle fumbled with the keys, and a guy matching the one from the picture was kind enough to help her. He held the door open for Belle then followed her inside. Figuring the guy posed no threat; Emma left her gun in the glove box before moving in. She casually entered the library, pretending to look around.
"Good morning, Sheriff Swan," greeted Belle. "Can I help you find something?"
Emma smiled. "I'm just browsing," she lied.
"Let me know if there's anything I can help you with." Belle went back to work taking inventory. She noted a book was missing. "Milo, did someone check out Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea?"
Emma eavesdropped.
Milo came over to Belle. "It could just be misplaced. Tell you what; I'll look around while you check the computer. I still hate that infernal thing."
Belle laughed. "You're just not used to technology."
Milo debated while browsing the shelves. "We don't have those where I'm from."
"The computer doesn't show anyone checked it out," said Belle.
Milo frowned. "I don't recall misplacing it."
Emma is about to speak up until she hears Mr. Gold's voice and ducks behind a bookshelf.
"I confess," said Mr. Gold. "I took it," he handed the book back to Belle, who placed it on the shelf. "Interesting piece of literature," he quipped, glancing in Milo's direction. "I think my favorite part is when Captain Nemo and his crew visit the legendary underwater realm of Atlantis."
Milo does his best to ignore Mr. Gold swallowing hard at the mention of Atlantis.
"I rather enjoy the work of Jules Verne," comments Belle.
"Yes, I know," states Mr. Gold, a slight tinge of annoyance slipping into his tone, "but I was wondering what Milo thinks."
Milo pushes the bridge readjusting his glasses. "Gee, if I had to pick, my favorite is From the Earth to the Moon."
Mr. Gold smiles smugly. He holds up his cane, preventing Milo from placing a book on the shelf. "I meant, what do you think of Atlantis."
Milo laughs nervously. "Oh, well... As a linguist and a cartography expert, I can tell you if such a place did exist, someone would have found it by now."
Mr. Gold narrows his eyes. "So it would seem..." He lowers his cane.
"My lunch break is at noon," comments Belle, "meet me at Granny's, and we'll make it a date."
Mr. Gold smiles at Belle. "See you then." Back turned, he walks away with a dissatisfied look on his face.
Emma comes out from behind the bookshelf. "What was that all about?"
Belle shrugs. "I'm not sure. For some reason, he's taken such an interest in Atlantis. But you won't hear me complain it's better than his obsession with magic."
"Magic?" asks Milo.
Emma steers the conversation in a different direction. "Hello, I'm Emma Swan; I'm the town Sheriff."
Milo shakes her hand. "Nice to meet you; I'm Milo Thatch."
Emma always felt awkward meeting new people, and now was no different. She struggled with what to say next. Deciding to skip the small talk, she went straight for business. Emma pulled out the picture to show Milo.
"I was wondering if you've seen this woman."
Milo took the picture from her recognizing the woman instantly. "Yes, that's my wife. Where did you get this photo?"
"Short version? Off some guy at the hospital," admitted Emma.
"What did he look like?" asked Milo. After Emma described the gentleman, Milo went pale like he'd seen a ghost.
"Are you all right?" concerned Emma. "You look like you're gonna be sick."
"No, I'm fine," assured Milo. "Belle is it necessary for us both to take inventory. Something has come up that I need to attend to."
"No," replied Belle, "I guess I can take inventory alone, but it will take longer without you."
"I'm sorry in advance," apologized Milo. He struggled to put on his jacket. "Belle, I'll see you tomorrow. Sheriff Swan, it was nice meeting you!"
Mr. Gold watched Milo peddle his bicycle down Main Street. He started up his engine and followed after Milo in his car. Milo biked quite a ways out of town, crossing the toll bridge in the process. Figuring he knew the shopkeeper was following him, Milo suddenly turned off the beaten path.
Where are you going? Wondered Mr. Gold, proceeding to follow.
The dirt path became too narrow for him to drive down. He stopped his car, parking behind some bushes. Mr. Gold continued on foot, walking through the thick of the forest. However, the further he walked, the more discouraged he became, worrying he lost Milo's trail. He could no longer see tread impressions from Milo's bike or footprints. Any trace of either looked as if they'd been wiped clean. How clever, Gold thought. Eventually, he reached the end of the path coming upon a clearing. He pushed back some branches revealing a cove with a rushing waterfall. He spotted Milo diving into the water. Not exactly dressed to go swimming, Gold opted not to go in after him. He decided to head back to his vehicle to drive into town and report to Rourke.
Mr. Gold tsk-tsked. He stood over The Commander, who was laid up in the hospital bed.
"My, my, deary, that is the work of magic if ever I saw it. Powerful as well; it's unlike anything I've ever seen before." Gold was in awe over the eerie blue glow and diamond appearance of Rourke's chest.
The Commander sat up as best he could. "Your that shopkeeper I asked about the crystal."
"Close, I'm that shopkeeper you tried to steal from." Mr. Gold's mouth pursed into a threatening smile. "Nobody steals from me. Thankfully I won't have to deal with you. Magic is doing that for me. As I say, "All magic comes with a price," and it looks like you're paying dearly."
The Commander had an inkling that this guy knew something about magic. He grabs Mr. Gold by the collar.
"I'll pay you whatever you want if you can make this stop!"
Mr. Gold freed himself from Rourke's grip.
"I'll help you... on one condition."
The Commander groaned in pain. "Name it!"
"I procure some of the rarest and dangerous magical items, and the crystal you're in search of is no exception."
"You want the crystal too? Why?"
"Never mind why I want it. We both want it. And when two people have a common goal, they can work together to achieve it."
"Fine. First, we have to find this couple." Rourke reaches into his pocket to retrieve the picture but realizes it's gone. "The Sheriff! She stole my photo."
"Sheriff Swan was here? What did she want?"
"I assume she wanted to arrest me for breaking into your store. But once she saw me like this..."
"Sheriff Swan shouldn't be any trouble, but we have to act soon, starting with getting you out of here." Mr. Gold assists The Commander in standing up. "Your condition looks stable. I can't cure it, but I might have something in my shop that can slow it down."
