Lately my son I feel ashamed
For many things that have happened
And are happening again
Really my son I thought we'd learn
From what I see around me it's a very tough world
But all I can hope is that you take it as a challenge
To create something new that will take you far and
Hope that you can manage
Scatter some hope, 'cause it's not too late
To repair the damage
The only way it can be, so easy to see
Is I am here for you, and you are here for me
It's an ongoing process
I will take care of you and you will take care of me
If we're gonna make some progress
Gloria Estefan - I Am Here For You (Nayib's Song)
Storybrooke, Maine
Eleven Days Prior to The Final Eclipse
Holding her son's hand in hers, Regina felt at peace for the first time in so many years. Just when she felt compelled to sink back into the darkness once again, he'd thrown her a lifeline and pulled her back to safety. She now felt confident that she could be strong enough to change and she wanted to…for him. He was the truest love she'd ever had, and she would give her life to protect him.
Henry led her over to the sofa and Regina gasped when she saw the silver dragon's head staff sitting on top of his backpack.
"You…you're the East Guardian!" she exclaimed.
"I am the East Guardian and the keeper of the staff of air," Henry declared. "And the last of the Strogoff bloodline."
"You're Rumple's grandson? Archie, is this….?"
"It's true Regina. Now you know why I was sent here. My duty was to protect him until his bondmate was ready to do so herself. And now I am proud to say she is."
"Emma?! But Archie, a bonding like yours is like that of lovers!" Her face paled. "How can you endorse something so vile?"
"Henry's bonding is unique Regina, It's the strongest one there can be, that of a mother to a child and Emma wasn't chosen to be the Heart of the East Guardian. You were. That's why I was so harsh with you once I regained my memory. Henry needs you to be strong for him now more than ever because now every dark mage in the realms will be hunting him now that he's revealed himself."
"Who are they?" Regina demanded angrily.
"The Dark Ones for one."
"You mean Rumple isn't the only one?"
"No and Alemedia's control over him is weak now because Belle and Henry are keeping him anchored to his humanity. Once we find Baelfire he'll be strong enough to cast her out of his soul. Getting her out of the other two is gonna be a little harder and that's why the rest of us have to be at full strength in eleven days or Aramon's prophecy is going to come true."
Regina gasped. "No…no! Archie, you KNOW what that prophecy says will happen!"
"Mom, what's Aramon's prophecy?" Henry inquired of her.
"The destruction of our world, of Nonestica," she murmured. "Centuries ago the god Aramon forsaw that someone would destroy the emerald that stored our goddess Lurline's life force. Once that happened everyone left in our world would die and we would be trapped in this world forever. And we would see the destruction happening as the price we would pay for our survival."
"Can we stop it, Archie?"
"The only way its possible is if all eight Guardians are united and at full strength. We have to subdue Alemedia and banish her back to the Ozian Hell Realm, Ephesis. Rumple has one more trial to endure before he's ready to banish her and he cannot face it until he's reunited with Baelfire. You have more trials to endure too Regina, but I am confident these are battles you can win."
"My mother. I have to face my mother, don't I?"
Archie nodded. "And Rumple has to face his father because they both want the one thing that binds you…Henry. They know how powerful Henry is and will be and they want that power for themselves."
"Never!" Regina hissed.
"Are you prepared to protect your child until your last breath Regina Mills?" Az demanded.
"I am," she declared. Suddenly a cloud of smoke surrounded her, and her pantsuit transformed into black satin robes with an apple embroidered on the back. In her hands was a katana sword with an apple engraved on it. Az waved her hand and the group vanished. Moments later they reappeared in the sitting room of Rumple's Victorian mansion. Rumple's eyes filled with tears of pride at the woman he loved like a daughter. She had at last accepted the role the OZ had for her; to protect and love his grandson until her last breath. Not knowing why she was doing it, Regina clenched her hand into a fist and pressed it against her shoulder, kneeling.
"I couldn't have chosen a better protector for my grandson," Rumple murmured and helped her to her feet. "But you won't be fighting alone Regina. You and Emma must protect Henry together. That is my will and the will of the OZ. Has Archie explained what must be done?"
She nodded. "I have to face her one more time…and you have to face your father." She sighed. "Our darkness was born with them Rumple. We feared becoming them so much that we weren't strong enough to resist doing it." She held out her hand to Henry. He clasped it in hers and reached for Rumple's with his free hand. Archie, Belle and Az watched with amazement as a shield formed over them. "But we'll defeat them together. For Henry, for each other and for ourselves."
"There is another danger we all face Regina that you must be aware of."
Rumple went on to tell her of the looming threat of his father's minions, the cult of mage destroyers known as the Home Office. He summoned his copy of the files Archie's brother had given him and gave them to her to read through. One of her counterparts in the parallel world known as the Wish Realm barely escaped their clutches and she was now in hiding in Seattle along with Rumple, Belle and a reformed Hook's counterparts, also targets of the cult. The other Rumple and Hook were Seattle PD detectives under the names Weaver and Rogers while the other Regina lived under the name Veronica and owned a bar with her sister Zelena aka Kelly, the reformed Wicked Witch of the West and Rumple's fraternal twin daughters by Cora along with Regina's husband Robin. Weaver's son Baelfire worked in the violent crimes division at the FBI along with the Wish Realm's Emma while his younger brother Gideon worked in vice for the Seattle PD.
"You've spoken to Weaver?"
"A few times since Archie's counterpart gave me the number to contact him. He broke his curse years ago. He hasn't seen any trace of the Home Office in Seattle in two years, but they killed at least six people there. Now we know they were last in San Francisco because they killed a Cinderella and Snow White from another Enchanted Forest."
"How many other worlds are there?"
"We don't know. Isaac, that's Archie's counterpart, has found five so far and says the doors to the Storybrookes for each one become visible when we need to see them. The doors are right outside our town line but ours is the first one that was created. I'm not certain how the others came into existence."
"Alemedia," Az spoke up. "She created the other worlds and rumor has it she had her mother reborn into one of them without her memory to torture her father."
"It's highly unlikely she kept Persephone alive, dearie. Alemedia was fiercely jealous of her mother. And speaking of mothers, we need to discuss how we are going to take care of yours, dearie."
"Rumple, part of me still loves her. You understand, don't you? Doesn't a part of you still love your father?"
His eyes narrowed to slits. "That part of me died centuries ago in Neverland! And he died again the day Pan tried to take MY son from ME. I will not allow myself to be enthralled by him again. He was a liar, a cheat and a poor excuse for a father and I….I'm as bad as he was. I abandoned my son."
"No. You spent centuries trying to find him. That's what makes you different," Belle insisted, taking his hands in hers. "And we will find him. Together."
"Then why can't we imprison Mother somewhere she can't harm anyone else."
"We can." Rumple held out his hand and a strange box appeared in it.
"Rumple! Is that…" Belle exclaimed, her eyes wide with interest.
"Pandora's Box. But it does much more than contain the realms' darkest evils, dearie. It is also a gateway to one of Ephesis' worst prisons, The Realm of the Forgotten. There is another gateway in the OZ."
"The Grey Gale," Archie and Az answered in unison.
"What's the Grey Gale?" Henry wanted to know.
"Lurline's first temple but now it's the burial vault of the Ozopov and Strogoff families. According to the Book of the Ancients, Aramon Strogoff's crypt is the gateway to Ephesis and that gateway was what Bastinda was trying to unlock using my emerald. They can also use Lurline's emerald to unlock it…or destroy it so that Alemedia can walk the mortal realm in her own right," Az replied.
"And believe me, no one wants that to happen. She's dangerous enough contained in a vessel but without one she could send this world back to the Big Bang if she wanted to," Archie added.
"So, if we trap Mother in there she can never get out?" Regina asked hopefully.
"Not unless you will her out," Rumple said. "Now about her travelling companion…"
"He has a date with the executioner's axe," Archie said firmly. "Dellia and I are going back to the OZ find out what our Dark Ones are up to and we're taking him with us. Alemedia can't control them both at the same time so we're going to have to find out whether she's controlling Wyatt right now or DG. She was controlling DG when she booted us out of there."
"Be careful. The first sign of trouble you summon me. Understand?" Rumple ordered. "You know the minute you step foot there the Sons and Daughters of Shadowlands will be after you and the child Dellia carries." Rumple approached them and waved his hand over the amber rings and pendants they are. "But this should help."
The couple teleported out in a puff of green smoke leaving the others back at the shop.
But I also want my daughter back, he sent to Belle. You don't know Cora like I do. She knows Regina's every weakness and will exploit them to try to lure her back to her side. And when that happens, I will do what must be done for her sake and Henry's and that is not imprisoning her in Ephesis and risking Regina releasing her in a moment of weakness.
Henry stayed with her for another hour until she begged him to go back to the loft and get some sleep. The next day was going to be a difficult one for him as they were planning on burying Archie's construct. Her son would have to put on the performance of his lifetime while the others in the town were none the wiser.
"….Some of us knew him as Archie, others as Jiminy, but we all knew him as a true friend. And though he may now be gone he will always live on inside of us, reminding us to be our best selves. To do the right thing, to always fight for what we believe in. So we shouldn't think of today as goodbye, just as a way of saying, Archie we'll be listening," Snow was saying as she stood in front of the closed casket the following morning.
As she stepped back and into her husband's arms, Geppetto approached the grave with Archie's old umbrella in his hand. He placed it beside the tombstone.
"I miss you so much my friend. But at least you're in a better place." he said softly.
Not at the moment, he heard Archie say in his mind. No one suspects anything?
No. Are you certain this will work?
It has to. Just keep playing your part.
I will.
David stepped forward with Beth on his arm. Some of the townspeople found it difficult to look at him without seeing the man they were burying.
"I was so angry when I first found out is was your wish that made me into a cricket too, but it was as crickets that we were finally reunited. We had so little time together before the curse was cast. We thought we'd come to this land together and even though the Queen would take away our memories, she wouldn't be able to change that fact that we are…we were twins. And I'm not…" He took a deep breath. "I'm still not ready to say goodbye." He placed his hand on the casket. "But I promise you…the one who did this is going to pay!" He lowered his head and burst into tears.
And the Oscar goes to…David Molk!
Oh, shut up Archie! You better be right about this or you and I are gonna end up six feet under.
I am right and I'm sorry we have to do this but it's the only way we can lure Cora out.
Moments later the casket was lowered into the ground and everyone stepped forward to cover it with a small patch of dirt while two crickets observed the scene from their hiding place on a nearby tombstone.
That thing is getting removed when this is over! Az sent angrily.
I'm not arguing with that. I hate making David and Geppetto do this, but I couldn't let them or Henry think I was dead. They've got everyone convinced it's me in that grave.
Hook still has your construct on the ship.
Yes, and trying to scare the hell out of him. He wants to know where the dagger is. I might have him let one tiny detail slip.
Az chirped evilly. Oh, and what is that, Commander?
About Belle.
And she'll be ready for him!
Yes, she will. Let's go!
The pair flew off as the mourners began to depart.
On the Jolly Roger, was having a jolly old time, pun intended, torturing the now powerless Commander Ozopov, or so he thought.
"I don't know anything about a dagger!" the construct cried.
"No, you don't, do you? It's his weakness. Now tell me, does he have any others? Very well. I've always wanted to dissect a cricket," he added when he didn't reply. Hook pressed his hook against Archie's forehead.
"No! Wait, wait. Please."
"Aah, that's more like it. You're pathetic without your magic. Now tell me, cricket. What is his weakness?"
"Belle. The…the woman who lives with him…she…she works at the library."
"Does she now? You just sit tight. I'll be right back."
Once Hook was out of earshot Archie swapped places with it, performing a cloaking spell on his facial hair and magicking the magical restraining cuff off and replacing it with a fake, feat no other mage but an Ozian Guardian could accomplish. He was going to enjoy watching the pirate squirm before the axe fell.
At the shop Rumple kept himself busy putting out new items he'd discovered in some trunks that had been carried over from the Dark Castle when he heard the bell over the door ring but when he looked up he couldn't see anyone. He walked over to the door and stepped outside, still seeing no one. He turned around and went back into the shop to see a box sitting on the counter. He smiled, seeing the Ozian text written on the front of it.
"Hello, Rumple."
"Well, I expected this was just a matter of time. Had hoped you were dead, but hey – disappointment's just part of life. I'm sure we can agree on that," Rumple said bitterly when he turned to find Cora standing there.
"Aw, the crocodile snaps at the little bird. And after I brought you a gift."
"Yeah, did you bring the antidote, too?"
"Oh, Rumple. It's a peace offering."
"And what do you want for this, uh… this peace offering?"
"My daughter. You were so clever to get her to lay the curse so you could come here. You don't need her anymore. Let me try to get her back and let us live."
"And what do I get for my troubles?"
"Your son. You know what that is, of course."
"The seeing globe you took from Jeb Mysticos. The one I wanted. It'll find him… If this one truly is it."
"Oh, darling, I have no reason to cheat you."
"Anymore."
"I want you to find the one person in this universe who might still love you. After all, I'm doing the same thing."
"Do you have any spells to return memories? Once we cross the town line we lose ours," he lied smoothly.
"I only know what you taught me… Master. So, will you accept my offer of a truce?"
"Truce." He extended his hand and she shook it.
"Let's seal it like we used to." She leaned forward and kissed him and he felt a chill race down his spine. How could he have been so foolish to love someone like her? He would never make that mistake again. His heart and soul belonged to Belle now and soon they would consummate their union. Nothing would ever come between them again.
Belle had just finished stacking a new supply of books when a cricket flew onto her cart.
Belle. Hook is here.
Oh, is he? She grinned. Where, Az?
In the Nautical section.
How fitting. I guess I'd better go throw him out with the rest of the trash.
Mind if I watch?
Not at all.
She found the pirate standing in the corner of the Nautical section holding one of her books on pirate legends in his hands. "Uh, sorry the library's not open yet."
"Oh, I'm not here for the books, love."
"You. You're the one that broke into my cell at the Queen's palace. You wanted to kill Rumplestiltskin."
"Oh, I still do. But right now, I'll settle for you." He lunged toward her.
"Oh, will you?" She pushed one of the bookshelves, onto him and sped off, wanting to conserve as much of her magic as she could. He chased after her and approached her as she was about to get into the elevator.
"Maybe I'll have a little fun first before I kill you. You are a pretty piece, but I doubt that crocodile can keep going all night like I can." He winked at her.
"Pig!" she snarled and gestured, throwing him against the wall.
"Crocodile!" Hook growled. "Show yourself."
"Oh, Rumple's not here. It's ME doing this….dearie!"
"You have magic?"
"Yes…and I'm not afraid to use it!" she hissed and summoned his hook to her. She held it up, seeing the enchantment placed on it with her mage's senses. "Ahhh…so this has been enchanted to rip out a heart, has it? I think it fitting that it should be used to rip out yours!" She reached into his chest with the hook and yanked his heart out as he screamed. "Painful isn't it? And you deserve it! Now, I'm sure you understand what happens when someone takes your heart since you travel around with the bitch who made a career out of it. Do you?" He nodded. "Good. Now you're going to do what I say!"
She flicked her wrist and dropped him, still holding his heart in her hand.
"You just sit there and be quiet while I have a little peek at the memories in here." She conjured a seeing globe into her other hand and cast the heart's memories into it as Rumple taught her, furious with what she found there. "So….you planned to kill Rumple with dreamshade? Where is it? Answer me!"
"On…on my ship."
"And the antidote? Answer!"
"On my ship too…in case I accidently got exposed."
"Thank you. Now you can go back to your ship but I'm going to hold on to this for safe keeping." She gestured and he vanished in a puff of smoke. Az flew off one of the book shelves and shifted back into her human form.
"Now do you understand why we want to take him back to the OZ?"
Belle nodded. "Yes…but that doesn't mean we can't give him a good ass kicking or two first, now does it?" She conjured a box and placed the heart in it. "You can have it back when you're ready to take him but I'm holding onto it to be sure he does NOT use that dreamshade on Rumple. It can kill him, can't it?"
Az nodded. "Its antidote is ambrosia and it can only be found in the OZ…in the gardens at the Temple of Lurline. Hook must've stolen some of it while he was there because dreamshade originally grew in the OZ near the Temple of Shadows. I suspect Hook or Pan stole some of it too and grew it on Neverland and tried to sell the idea that it originates there."
"Come on. We need to go to the shop. I don't think this is the only place Hook has been today."
"It hasn't," Rumple said when he walked into the library. "He's been to the shop looking for my dagger, but he found something else instead. Bae's shawl."
"Oh Rumple!"
"Oh, I'll get it back but not before I remind me what a mistake it is to try to steal from me." He glanced down at the box in her hands. "Is that what I think it is, dearie?"
Belle opened the lid. "His hook was enchanted to rip out a heart, so it did. His own. I accessed its memories Rumple and you need to be careful…you and Archie both. He has dreamshade on his ship and he's planning to use it on you. And he could try to use it on Archie."
Az grinned. "He can try but it would be useless. Archie already has the antidote on him."
"What?" Rumple and Belle asked in unison.
Az held up her ring. "We named our daughter for the legendary food of choice of the Greek gods but we also had some of it mixed in with the amber in our pendants and rings. If Hook uses the dreamshade on Archie, the ambrosia on our pendants will counteract it."
"Then I suppose I'd better go to the Jolly Roger."
"I should go with you."
"No, I want you to go back to the shop and keep that heart handy in case we need it. You can use the seeing globe to watch…Belle Corleone!" he joked.
"Well it's about time people learned I'm more than just a librarian."
Rumple laughed as he vanished.
Back at the loft Snow and Charming felt uneasy when they saw Henry on the phone.
"Who's he calling?" Charming asked. Snow pressed the button to turn on the speaker.
"You have reached the office of Archibald Hopper. Sorry if I can't take your call right now. Either I'm with a patient…"
The line went dead.
"Or dead." Henry said sadly.
"It's okay, buddy. Things'll get better, I promise. You just gotta hang in there."
"Doesn't feel that way. Pongo!" he cried when the Dalmatian trotted into the apartment.
Archie sent me to look after you, he sent.
"How did he get in here?" Snow wondered.
"I brought him. David, Marco and I had a chat. Archie knew how much Henry loved this dog. We decided he should have him," Emma said when she walked in behind him. "That is, if you're up for taking care of him, Henry."
"Yeah, I am!"
"Henry, why don't you take Pongo outside and clean him up?" Emma suggested when she and Snow noticed Pongo tracked in a bit of mud.
"Okay! Come on, boy!"
"Look, I know there's a lot to work out logistically, but…"
"No, I think giving Pongo to Henry is a great idea. It's just four people and a Dalmatian, things may get a little..." Snow trailed off.
"Cramped. I know. We'll get creative."
"Or.. we could get our own place."
"You wanna do what?" Charming stared at his wife.
"You wanna move out?" Emma desperately tried to conceal her disappointment.
"Whoa! I-it's just a suggestion."
"After twenty-eight years, isn't this what we've all been waiting for? All of us under the same roof?"
"Yes, I just imagined a bigger roof... with turrets. Being in Storybrooke, we have a chance at a fresh start. Let's take it. But first, why don't David and I pick us something up from Granny's?"
"Sounds good to me."
After he cleaned Pongo off Henry went up to his room in the loft and started drawing a set of blueprints for the loft once Snow and Charming found a house of their own. He was hoping that once all the chaos with Cora blew over Emma and Regina would have joint custody of him as some of his friends' parents who were divorced did. He could live with Regina during the week and stay with Emma on the weekends or he was hoping Regina would let Emma move in with them. It was too much to hope for, but he wasn't going to stop trying.
I don't know if the three of us in the same house would work Henry.
Mom. Henry smiled.
You can hear me?
Sure, I can! Are you okay?
I just miss you honey. That's all. I want all this to be over, but it can't be as long as my mother's out there somewhere waiting for me to come to her. I'm terrified Henry. You don't know what she's like.
You can do this Mom. I believe in you. I love you.
Regina picked up the mold Henry made of his handprints as a class project when he was six and cradled it against her chest as the tears fell again.
I love you too Henry.
"Plotting your escape from Shawshank, kid?" he heard Emma ask when she walked into the room while he was sketching.
"No, they're blueprints. I had some ideas about what to do if Mary Margaret and David move out. Look." He showed her the drawing he made.
"You wanna make Mary Margaret's room an armory?"
"Yeah, you know, for weapons and stuff. To protect us, from Regina." Inside he cringed as he spoke those harsh words yet her knew it was necessary to continue their deception.
"She's not gonna hurt you. I'm not gonna let her."
"She hurt Archie. What if she wants to take me back?"
"That's not gonna happen," Emma vowed. "David and Mary Margaret are back from Granny's and they brought lunch. Go on down and join them. I gotta get back to the station. "
They heard Pongo barking downstairs as they went down and saw David Molk standing in the doorway and for a moment everyone was silent, unable to stop seeing their dearly departed friend in his face.
"Hey Molk," Emma greeted and hugged him. "Why aren't you at home? I gave you the week off."
"I…I had to see Henry and Pongo." David kneeled down and petted the Dalmatian.
"We brought lunch back from Granny's. There's plenty if you want to join us," Snow offered.
"Ummm…I can't. People have been bringing so much food to the house that Beth and I are having a hard time trying to figure out what we're gonna do with it all." He sighed. "Everyone's been so kind even though I haven't been here long."
"We all loved Archie and we feel responsible for making sure you're taken care of, David. It's what he would want," Charming said.
"If you don't mind…I'd like to come over and spend more time with Henry. Henry, I know I can't replace Archie but…but he would want me to get to know you."
"What're you gonna do about Regina?" Henry asked him.
I'll keep an eye on her, make sure she's safe, David sent.
"I have to stay out of the investigation since I'm family, Henry but I know Emma and David will do their best to see justice done." Snow handed him a warm cup of coffee. He sipped it gratefully, wishing the charade would soon be over and they could all get back to living their lives. He only stayed for an hour and spoke to Henry, mostly using their minds. This was the longest he'd used mindspeak in years, but he was getting used to it.
Regina took sanctuary in the basement of her vault. She'd sealed the doors with blood magic but that would be easy enough for her mother to break through and come to see her, but she suspected her mother had a pit stop to make first, to her former lover. Regina suspected their relationship was more than that of teacher and student once her father told her how Cora learned magic and she'd discovered the evidence for herself in her mother's spellbook, a letter hidden between the last page and the cover.
Cora, dearie
I've finally got my hands on your daughter. Never thought I'd find her, did you? Now I know why: She's the most powerful sorceress I've ever encountered. Even more powerful than you. Stunning in every way. She is the child that should've been mine…and she will be. I will make certain of that. You may have tricked me into changing our contract but as you know, I always find loopholes. She will cast my curse and reunite me with my son and then she will have the one thing you have never been able to give her, a father who truly loves her and is not afraid to fight for her against you. I do love her Cora, as the child I wanted with you, but you refused to give me. Were it not for that damned squid ink, I would've taken her from you when she was a babe in your arms. Go on then, push her into becoming queen but there will come a day dearie when your ambition will be your undoing. You will know the pain I've endured since the loss of my son.
Regina's hands trembled as she held the letter she read so many times back in the Enchanted Forest when she doubted herself and her potential. She folded it and stood up, clutching it against her breast.
"I am the Heart of the East Guardian. I will protect my son with my last breath…and damn anyone who tries to stop me!" she vowed.
Even if that person was her own mother.
"Hello Regina," Cora said softly when she walked into the vault.
"How did you get through? We destroyed the portal you could come through."
"Determination. I had to see you. I needed to tell you that I know why you sent me through the looking glass. And I know why you tried to have me killed. And it's all right."
"I think it's not all right. You told Hook you wanted to rip my heart out. I'd say that makes it not alright Mother. And I haven't forgotten you took Daniel away from me and made me queen because it was what YOU always wanted. I wanted a different life, a simpler life with Daniel."
"I love you. I just I've always shown it in all the wrong ways. And I never should have made you marry the king. I'm so sorry. When you cried over my coffin, it all changed."
"You framed me for Archie although I don't know how you managed to defeat an Ozian Guardian when Rumple warned us they are the most powerful mages in all the realms."
"Even Ozian Guardians have their weaknesses. And I did it so you could see what these people really think of you. Now you know, don't you?"
"You made an airtight case. Anyone would believe it and they do. His brother….my son…"
"I didn't want you to reject me. Not again."
"You wanted me broken."
"Receptive."
"You are the most manipulative No….I won't even argue. Come with me. We're going to town."
"Now but….!" Cora protested
"I don't care. You're going to tell Emma, Henry, Deputy Molk and the two idiots how you killed Archie! You owe me that."
And then you'll let us start over?"
"I don't see that happening, mother. But I am. I was trying so hard to be worthy of Henry. And I deserve the same thing from you."
"You're right. For you, sweetheart. Anything. And Commander Ozopov isn't dead. He's just…tied up at the moment. You are correct. I couldn't kill an Ozian Guardian unless I wanted to bring the wrath of the North Guardian down on me now that she's no longer being held by Bastinda."
"What?! Mother, what did you do? Who did you kill?"
"A construct dear. And I'm assuming Commander Ozopov demonstrated his powers to you?"
"He tried to suck out my life force Mother! How did you manage to grab him without risking her wrath?"
Cora produced a bottle of squid ink. "And I have a cuff that renders any magical user powerless…even an Ozian Guardian. I'm going to hold onto him a bit longer for insurance. But if we can convince him to work with us…"
"Work with you? I want no part of this Mother. Archie is a friend and you're going to go tell them what you've done, or I will and you're going to let him go."
"If I do this…will you give me another chance?" Cora asked again. "Let me be your mother again."
"You want to be the mother I need. Prove it," Regina challenged.
"I will." Cora said firmly.