The Lion, The Witch and The Emperor's Citadel

by JamesGrant42

Events leave Regina powerless in an unknown realm searching for her son. Stranded, she must entrust her safety to the mysterious Dark Prince. But can she really trust the man stole away her powers?

2. Chapter 1 - Rewriting Fate

Chapter 1 – Rewriting Fate

Henry slumps his well-worn backpack against one of Storybrooke Harbour's wooden pylons as a steady, wind-whipped swell gently rocks the mighty Jolly Roger before him. Her busy captain prowls the deck as Henry leaves his bag behind and approaches the magnificent vessel before him.

Henry: "Permission to come aboard, Captain?"

Hook startles momentarily, but soon laughs as Henry walks up the ship's gangway.

Hook: "Aye, granted!"

Hook rushes over as Henry steps aboard the Jolly Roger. Henry holds out his hand to Hook, who takes it and draws the young man into a warm embrace.

Hook: "Henry! It's good to see you, mate."

Henry smiles awkwardly as Hook releases him.

Henry: "What are you doing out here all alone?"

Hook smiles as he places an arm around Henry's shoulders.

Hook: "I'm no longer alone, am I?"

Henry can't help but smiles at the captain's youthful optimism.

Henry: "I guess not…you still didn't answer my question."

Hook laughs before he continues to speak.

Hook: "Aye, you should know by now that a sailor's duties never cease even when docked in port."

Henry nods as he leaves the captain and strolls around the mid-deck. Hook rests lightly against the starboard rail. He raises an eyebrow at his restless guest as he removes a single coin from his pocket. When Henry finally turns around to face him Hook smiles and flips the coin over to his visitor. Henry catches it and eyes it curiously.

Hook: "A penny for your troubles, sailor?"

Henry inspects the tossed coin and laughs to himself.

Henry: "This is a dollar."

Hook smiles happily.

Henry: "Nevertheless, the invitation still stands."

Henry nods as he looks nonchalantly around the ship's rigging again.

Henry: "It's just my mother…"

Hook raises an eyebrow again.

Hook: "I'm afraid, young lad you'll have to be a tad more specific with that one."

Henry smiles as he glances up along the starboard rail.

Henry: "You get one guess…"

Hook laughs to himself briefly.

Hook: "Aye, Regina. Who would've guessed otherwise?"

Henry nods before continuing.

Henry: "Ever since the Evil Queen appeared in Storybrooke she seems…off."

Hook nods slowly.

Hook: "Ah…well, your mother's been through the lot lately. Losing the outlaw on its own couldn't have been all smooth sailing."

Henry shakes his head gravely as he moves over to lean on the ship's portside gunnel.

Henry: "No Killian, it's more than that…when we speak these days she seems so…lost. And she's stopped doing much of anything really."

Hook moves over to the gunnel and begins fastening ropes.

Hook: "Well, idle hands do the devil's work!"

Hook slyly smiles as he passes Henry a coil of looped rope. Henry shakes his head and begins uncoiling the tangled rope.

Henry: "She still has some of her magic…"

Hook laughs aloud.

Hook: "Magic doesn't make the world go round, Henry."

Henry nods once as he begins coiling the untangled rope around his arm.

Henry: "She's still seems lost though…"

Hook stops and turns to Henry.

Hook: "Regina did cleave her heart in two, Henry."

Henry stops rolling the rope and looks directly at Hook.

Henry: "You think having the Evil Queen made her happy?"

Hook shrugs his shoulders and takes Henry's coiled rope, storing it away safely.

Hook: "Regina's a complicated woman. All I know is that when you remove a part of yourself you change the whole."

Henry nods and moves over to the mid-deck. Suddenly the Jolly Roger creaks loudly and a small ripple flows over the ship. Henry raises an eyebrow and speaks.

Henry: "What was that?"

Hook raises an eyebrow and smiles.

Hook: "Just the ship adjusting to the day's warmth."

Henry nods once and moves to dismiss it as nothing when without warning the ship creaks again. Hook laughs aloud as Henry jumps backwards suddenly.

Hook: "Lost your sea-legs there sailor?"

Henry ignores Hooks jest as he stares down at the mid-deck in front of him. He steps back again as two sets of five gouges appear in the deck below of him. Henry speaks.

Henry: "Hey Killian, what gouged the deck here?"

Hook laughs out loud.

Hook: "I know even plank and rail from bow to stern and I know there are no gouges marking the mid-deck!"

Henry looks up from the deck and raises an eyebrow at Hook. He points down as he speaks.

Henry: "Well, I hate to say it Killian but your wrong…look."

Henry turns back towards the gouges as the ship creaks again. As quickly as they came all ten gouges disappear as Hook joins Henry on the mid-deck. Hook glances down at the unmarked deck before eyeing Henry suspiciously.

Henry: "Okay, they were right there a second ago!"

Hook raises and eyebrow concerned.

Hook: "Are you feeling well, sailor?"

Henry rolls his eyes.

Henry: "You don't believe me?"

Hook smiles at Henry.

Hook: "Oh, I've no reason to doubt you, Henry…but alas, there they are not. Do you still see them?"

Henry smiles before shaking his head.

Henry: "No, they're gone now."

Hook nods slowly.

Hook: "A mystery then…right! Carry on then, sailor…"

Henry laughs to himself before gathering up all his belongings. He walks onto the docks, leaving the Jolly Roger and her bemused captain in his wake.

Henry begins walking along the water's edge as Emma appears upon the wharf carrying a basket. She boards the Jolly Roger and eyes the confused looking captain as he eyes the deck suspiciously. Emma smiles as she interrupts the flow of Hook's thoughts.

Emma: "Staring at work isn't going to get it done, Captain."

Hook smiles warmly at Emma's light jest.

Hook: "Nor will a visit from a treasure-laden, fair maiden."

Emma laughs as she hands him the basket.

Emma: "Don't get your hopes up…it's one of Granny's."

Hook laughs as he kisses Emma before taking the basket.

Hook: "Do I dare ask what exotic delicacy graces this week's menu board?"

Emma smiles happily.

Emma: "Not if you want to keep your appetite."

Hook nods disappointedly.

Hook: "Ah, I see…"

Hook sets the basket down before leaning against the starboard rail. Emma looks down the rocky beach at Henry as he disappears around a bend. She turns back towards Hook and speaks.

Emma: "What did Henry want?"

Hook smiles coyly as Emma's eyes narrow in suspicion.

Hook: "Uh-ah Swan, I'm honour-bound by the code."

Emma rolls her eyes.

Emma: "Let me guess…what happens on the Jolly Roger stays on the Jolly Roger?"

Hook laughs as he glances down the rocky beach.

Hook: "Aye, or something to that affect. Besides, what's a man without a little mystery?"

Emma shakes her head and laughs.

Emma: "Technically, we're still aboard your boat…"

Hook immediately interrupts Emma.

Hook: "Ship…boats are for toys, love."

Emma shakes her head again.

Emma: "Okay, your ship…"

Hook nods once.

Hook: "Better."

Emma rolls her eyes before looking down the beach Henry disappeared down.

Emma: "No really, what did Henry want?"

Hook looks down the same beach before speaking.

Hook: "Your son was just concerned about his mother…the other good one."

Emma laughs to herself.

Emma: "Regina…who isn't worried?

Hook nods slowly.

Hook: "The boy's concerns are valid, Swan. She's been keeping to herself since the spell traded Hyde for her duplicate."

Emma sighs as she rests on the starboard rail alongside Hook.

Emma: "The switch was her idea, you know?"

Hook nods patiently.

Hook: "Aye…and it rid us of a most formidable and unpredictable adversary."

Emma nods, turning to Hook.

Emma: "Yeah, but replaced him with a far more dangerous one."

Hook sighs to himself.

Hook: "Such was the nature of the incantation…"

Emma shrugs unhappily.

Emma: "Better the devil we know, I suppose…"

Emma stands up before speaking again.

Emma: "Well if Henry's concerned I'd better go and pay the good queen a visit."

Hook smiles as he stands as well.

Hook: "Be gentle, love…"

Emma smiles before drawing Hook to her. They kiss and Emma smiles coyly before speaking.

Emma: "Aren't I always?"

Hook shakes his head from side to side as he watches Emma traverse the gangway and disembark the Jolly Roger.

Henry strolls calmly along the still waters of Storybrooke Harbour and out of sight of the Jolly Roger. He reaches down and gathers up a small stone. Henry sighs heavily, casting the flat stone into the water. Without warning the stone flies back out of the water and hits him squarely on his forehead. Henry growls and rubs his injured brow as a nearby figure begins to laugh happily. Surprised, Henry turns around quickly to meet Poseidon. Henry raises his uninjured eyebrow at the King of the Sea who begins to speak jovially.

Poseidon: "I would advise against casting stones into unfamiliar waters, but I fear that lesson has already been learned."

Henry nods and continues to rub his head.

Poseidon: "Anyway, what troubles you? Henry, am I right?"

Henry nods quickly again, gazing out over the calm blue waters before him.

Henry: "Is there is a way of changing the future without changing the past?"

Poseidon laughs happily.

Poseidon: "Why, that's exactly what we do with every action taken here in the present."

Henry nods again and sighs deeply. Poseidon examines Henry closely before speaking.

Poseidon: "You wish to change your own fate, do you?"

Henry shakes his head quickly, irritating his slowly fading injury.

Henry: "No, my mother's. But it seems like its set in stone…"

Poseidon nods happily again.

Poseidon: "Well, if you want to improve her fortune I know of no place in the sea…however, rumours say that such a place exists on land."

Henry's mood brightens a little.

Henry: "Really, where?"

Poseidon smiles happily. He points towards the forest behind them.

Poseidon: "In the forest behind you, there is a well that has the power to grant any unselfish wish made to it."

Henry sighs, his growing happiness evaporating in an instant.

Henry: "Oh, I doubt that will help her when she's up against this…"

Henry removes a large leather-bound storybook from within the backpack slung around his shoulder. Poseidon eyes the book curiously.

Poseidon: "May I see that?"

Henry hesitates and Poseidon laughs to himself.

Poseidon: "I have no wish to take it from you, besides only water imbued with magic can wash the ink from these pages."

Henry smiles and hands Poseidon the storybook. He flicks through the book in awe.

Poseidon: "This is a powerful object you have here, Henry…"

Henry shrugs, unconvinced.

Henry: "It's just a bunch of stories."

Poseidon smiles curiously.

Poseidon: "All of which have come to pass."

Henry nods once.

Henry: "I suppose, the written word holds many truths…"

Poseidon laughs to himself.

Poseidon: "And just as many lies…what do you know of the legends below the waves?"

Henry raises an eyebrow.

Henry: "Not a lot, actually…"

Poseidon smiles and turns towards the sea, the storybook still open in his arms.

Poseidon: "Well, just like on land there are stories of the sea, so too in the sea there are stories of the land."

Henry nods curiously in agreement.

Poseidon: "One legend tells of a leather-bound volume that, rather than just holding tales of might and magic, actually holds the flow of time itself…protecting it from all of those who seek to alter it."

Poseidon suddenly snaps the storybook shut, jarring Henry form his brief reverie. Poseidon laughs and hands the storybook back to Henry.

Poseidon: "But then again who really believes in legends these days?"

Henry smiles and nods once.

Henry: "Yeah, who even reads books?"

Poseidon smiles slightly disappointed.

Poseidon: "Too true…and as far as I know the only person who can destroy that book is one of its authors."

Henry laughs and places the storybook back into his backpack and slings the whole lot over one shoulder. He turns slowly before speaking.

Henry: "Thanks for the chat. I guess I'll see you around sometime?"

Poseidon smiles and nods quickly before waving to Henry as he moves steadily away. Poseidon shouts over to Henry causing him to turn around.

Poseidon: "Remember actions, like your stone casting, have consequences…so be certain you're acting for the right reasons."

Henry smiles slyly and waves goodbye. He quickly disappears into the wooded forest.

Poseidon smiles slyly as well as he walks further down the stone beach. Suddenly he is surrounded in a cloud of dark purple magic before emerging as a tall figure wearing a heavy black robe. The figure casually walks down the beach briefly before stopping. He turns around to face the sea and moves his right arm out in front of him. The man stares at his arm for a moment before smiling happily as his arm begins to fade away.

Figure: "So, the boy's the final piece."

The figure slowly disappears completely.

Emma arrives outside Regina's manor house. She climbs out of her yellow car and draws in a deep breath before closing the door. She walks steadily up to the front door and rings the bell. After several tries with no response Emma moves to the door handle. She turns it once and is surprised that it's locked. She checks the street for bystanders before removing a small kit from her jacket pocket. She uses the kit to pick the lock quickly.

Once successful Emma opens and enters the Regina's mayoral mansion. She moves around the mansion's many empty rooms until she finds Regina searching through stacks of boxes in her up-stairs office. Regina looks up from the newly rummaged mass of items as Emma enters the room.

Regina: "Shouldn't a sheriff know 'breaking-and-entering' is still considered illegal in this town?"

Emma laughs to herself.

Emma: "Well, technically I haven't broken anything."

Regina smiles to herself.

Regina: "Not yet…anyway Sheriff Swan, what reason do you have for 'entering' my home?"

Emma smiles happily.

Emma: "Well Regina, you don't call. You don't write…hell, you don't even answer your door anymore!"

Regina laughs and turns around to the wide windows behind her.

Regina: "Ha! How can I? When she's out there watching, bidding her time…waiting for me to slip up."

Emma raises an eyebrow at Regina curiously.

Emma: "Are you feeling alright, Regina?"

Regina turns quickly around eying Emma suspiciously.

Regina: "Of course…why wouldn't I be?"

Emma shakes her head as Regina buries herself in amongst her mother's old things.

Emma: "No reason…you just seem a little on edge, that's all."

Regina sighs and comes up for air. She raises her arms above her head in frustration.

Regina: "Well, wouldn't you be if you had your evil half made whole? And if that's not bad enough! To then have her brought into your home when she wants nothing more than to punish you and destroy everyone you love!"

Emma moves in closer towards Regina and begins piling Cora's belongings back into their original boxes.

Emma: "Regina, have you ever thought the reason the Evil Queen hasn't hurt anyone may be because she might not want to hurt anyone at all? Otherwise, we'd all be pushing up daisies right now!"

Regina pauses briefly before moving to rummage through another box. Emma stops filing as she grabs hold of an ornately carved and curling wooden baton.

Regina: "Well no…but I can't be as complacent as you. She's up to something, I know it…"

Regina reaches over and suddenly snatches the baton from Emma.

Regina: "Don't touch that!"

Emma is taken aback. She raises her palms up.

Emma: "Geez, Regina! Sorry for trying to help…"

Regina sighs as she gazes at the curling wooden baton now in her hands.

Regina: "It's me who should be apologizing, Emma."

Emma smiles happily.

Emma: "Don't sweat it. What is that anyway?"

Regina nods once before placing the baton back on the table.

Regina: "You shouldn't touch this one, I wouldn't want you eviler half channelling its dark power."

Emma nods transfixed by the wooden baton.

Emma: "Yeah, well okay. Next time a little heads-up might be in order!"

Regina smiles but says nothing further.

Emma: "It's one of Cora's, isn't it?"

Regina nods and turns to Emma.

Regina: "It's part of the magic my mother stored away to boost her own in case of emergencies, but it's effects only last a few moments. I went to use it, you know? But when I tried I failed miserably."

Emma looks at Regina curiously.

Emma: "How come?"

Regina growls out her frustration, surprising Emma.

Regina: "Because I'm good now! For all the good it's gotten me…"

Emma laughs to herself.

Emma: "You want to be evil again?"

Regina shakes her head from side to side and sighs.

Regina: "Of course not…I just want my magic back! All of which just happens to be tethered to my darker side."

Emma smiles knowingly.

Emma: "Not all your magic. You still have the light you defeated Zelena with."

Regina shrugs away Emma's suggestion.

Regina: "Yeah, but that's sporadic at best. And at worst I could level half the block!"

Emma laughs at Regina's exaggeration.

Emma: "You just need to learn how to control it…I can help you with that, if you let me."

Regina laughs out aloud.

Regina: "Ha! Now isn't that the height of insult!"

Emma smiles to herself.

Emma: "More like irony…"

Regina turns towards Emma slightly disgusted. Emma continues before Regina can speak.

Emma: "Regina look…Henry's worried about you and frankly, so am I."

Regina scoffs and turns away from Emma.

Regina: "Well, you both have nothing to worry about."

Emma moves around back into Regina's line of sight.

Emma: "Oh, really? These past few months you've become distant, withdrawn and, dare I say it? A little paranoid! You know, not everyone is out to get you."

Regina rolls her eyes.

Regina: "Yeah? Well, past experience tells me otherwise."

Emma draws in a deep breath before speaking.

Emma: "Regina, just swallow your pride for once and let me help you…for Henry's sake."

Regina crosses her arms over her chest.

Regina: "Okay, fine!"

Emma raises an eyebrow at Regina.

Emma: "Really, just like that?"

Regina sighs deeply before speaking calmly.

Regina: "You know one day that card may not work…"

Emma smiles happily.

Emma: "Well, we play what we're dealt. We're still good?"

Regina laughs to herself.

Regina: "Like I have a choice in the matter! Yes Swan, we're good."

Emma nods before moving back around to the other side of Regina's desk.

Emma: "Good…I'm going to see my parents now, but I'm free after that if you are?"

Regina uncrosses her arms and begins sorting more of her mother's belongings.

Regina: "Apparently now that I'm as reclusive as a hermit, my schedule's always free."

Emma smiles and exits Regina's office.

Henry takes the storybook to the wishing well and drops it into the well. As the book plummets to the bottom it suddenly disappears in a cloud of dark purple magic. Henry raises an eyebrow before quickly turning around to see the Evil Queen holding the storybook. He grits his teeth and clenches his fists.

Henry: "Hey, that's mine!"

The Evil Queen laughs happily as she clutches to the book firmly.

Evil Queen: "Not if you're going to destroy it, young man."

Henry growls and rushes at the Evil Queen. She smiles and flicks her right hand, causing the nearby tree branches to reach out and wrap around Henry's waist. They lift him up as he struggles in vain against their many tangled limbs. Henry cries out with frustration.

Henry: "Argh! Let go of me!"

The Evil Queen smiles as she examines the book in front of her nonchalantly.

Evil Queen: "Only when you've calmed down. Believe it or not, I have no wish to harm you."

Henry continues to struggle against his bonds.

Henry: "Yeah? Well, the feeling's not mutual."

The Evil Queen rolls her eyes.

Evil Queen: "Very well…if you won't take my word for it, then here."

The Evil Queen flicks her wrist again and the branches let go of him. Henry hits the ground, but soon stands up. He rushes at the Evil Queen again, this time a blue force-field bounces Henry off the Evil Queen and he is sent flying across the wooded clearing. The Evil Queen smiles as Henry tumbles away from her, she speaks.

Evil Queen: "Until you're wits match your bravery you will lose every time, Henry."

Henry slowly gets to his feet again patting the dry dirt from his clothes as he does so.

Henry: "What happened to not hurting me?"

The Evil Queen smiles savagely.

Evil Queen: "I said I lacked the desire, not the capacity…and besides if you want to nit-pick it was you who ran into my shielding spell."

Henry shakes his head slowly before pointing towards the storybook still in the Evil Queen's hand.

Henry: "Do I get that back sometime soon?"

The Evil Queen smiles sweetly.

Evil Queen: "Of course, when you tell me what you're doing with this all the way out here?"

Henry smiles to himself.

Henry: "That's my business…"

The Evil Queen smiles sweetly again, patting the storybook in her arm.

Evil Queen: "And now it's mine…if you want this back then start talking, young man."

Henry readjusts his clothes before speaking calmly.

Henry: "Okay, give me the book and we'll talk, evil mum."

The Evil Queen laughs heartily.

Evil Queen: "You really expect me to fall for that? Anyway, I asked first…what are you up to out here?"

Henry moves to refuse the Evil Queen until she raises him off the ground with magic.

Evil Queen: "No more games, Henry."

Henry nods quickly once and is lowered back to the ground.

Henry: "Fine, I'm here to destroy the book."

The Evil Queen laughs to herself.

Evil Queen: "That much was obvious…for what purpose?"

Henry sighs to himself, pausing briefly.

Henry: "To change the future."

The Evil Queen raises an eyebrow.

Evil Queen: "You know you can't use fate reversal magic on yourself, don't you?"

Henry smiles savagely.

Henry: "Well, it's a good thing I don't want to change my own then. I was using the book and the well to wish back the person a loved one, loved…"

The Evil Queen raises an eyebrow curiously.

Evil Queen: "Who?"

Henry smiles slightly pleased with himself.

Henry: "Daniel…"

The Evil Queen sighs.

Evil Queen: "A noble thought…and a foolish one at that! You know you would've ceased to exist had you succeeded in bringing Daniel back?"

Henry eyes at the Evil Queen suspiciously.

Henry: "What? I would have brought him back now."

The Evil Queen shakes her head slowly.

Evil Queen: "No Henry, with the book gone you would've brought Daniel back when he was a…"

The Evil Queen falters on her words, she pauses a moment to regain her composure. She continues speaking.

Evil Queen: "When he was. And if he were alive, then the Charmings would never have met. Without them there's no Emma and no more you."

Henry looks surprised.

Henry: "Oh…well, being evil wouldn't you want Daniel back, regardless?"

The Evil Queen shakes her head and levitates the storybook, sending it back to Henry.

Evil Queen: "Not when you're the cost."

Henry nods slowly, but looks confused as he catches the storybook.

Henry: "What's this?"

The Evil Queen smiles slyly.

Evil Queen: "Your book, of course!"

Henry raises an eyebrow at the Evil Queen suspiciously.

Evil Queen: "Well, if you're still willing to help us, someone's got to make sure you don't destroy half the town in the process."

Henry laughs to himself in disbelief.

Henry: "You mean you won't stop me?"

The Evil Queen laughs as she shakes her head.

Evil Queen: "Stop you? I'm going to show you how! Just answer me one thing, why Daniel?"

Henry nods slowly.

Henry: "To help my mother find her happiness again. I think he could've changed her fate."

The Evil Queen smiles fondly.

Evil Queen: "He would've changed mine too, but you only need to make her happy. That is all! Fate reversal magic is very powerful, Henry. So, before you start you had best be certain…"

Henry smiles enthusiastically.

Henry: "I've never been more certain about anything in my life!"

The Evil Queen smiles as well.

Evil Queen: "Good, unfortunately you lack the ingredients for your particular spell."

The Evil Queen moves her hand and a row of ingredients appear on the ledge of the wishing well. Henry's mood brightens as she moves over to the wishing well.

Henry: "You're going to cast the spell for me?"

The Evil Queen shakes her head and laughs.

Evil Queen: "Of course not! This is an author's spell, and we already have one of those, last time I looked."

The Evil Queen beckons Henry over to the well.

Henry: "Why do I get the feeling like another shoe is about to drop?

The Evil Queen laughs.

Evil Queen: "Because you are smart, that's why Henry."

Henry eyes the Evil Queen suspiciously again.

Henry: "So, why are you helping me?"

The Evil Queen hesitates a moment before plunging her hand into her chest, she removes her own heart. She hands the blackened heart to Henry.

Evil Queen: "This is why…"

Henry raises a curious eyebrow.

Henry: "You trust me with this?"

The Evil Queen nods slowly.

Henry: "How do you know I won't crush it?"

The Evil Queen turns to Henry and smiles fondly.

Evil Queen: "Because I know you…as much as the, others, will tell you otherwise."

Henry looks at the Evil Queen's heart as she continues.

Evil Queen: "You know, I remember the first moment I saw you?"

Henry looks up at the Evil Queen and shakes his head, surprised. The Evil Queen continues.

Evil Queen: "It was the moment I fell in love with those big brown eyes. I even remember the relief I felt the first night you feel asleep cradled in my arms and the joy when you took your first steps through the world."

Henry looks up at the Evil Queen.

Henry: "You remember all that?"

The Evil Queen laughs heartily.

Evil Queen: "Of course I do, why wouldn't I?"

Henry raises an eyebrow.

Henry: "But you're evil?"

The Evil Queen smiles coyly.

Evil Queen: "And that makes me incapable of feeling anything?"

Henry shrugs, allowing the Evil Queen to continue speaking.

Evil Queen: "Besides, were we really so saintly before the split?"

Henry nods slowly with understanding. The Evil Queen points towards the assorted ingredients.

Evil Queen: "If I may, it would be an honour to witness you cast your first spell?"

Henry continues to eye the Evil Queen's heart as a faint flicker of light illuminates it's cold, dark core. He smiles and turns towards the Evil Queen.

Henry: "I'd like that very much…evil mum."

The Evil Queen laughs as Henry hands her back her heart.

Evil Queen: "It's a good thing you hadn't crushed this…the other me would've died as well."

Henry looks suddenly shocked.

Henry: "What?"

The Evil Queen nods as she places her heart back in her chest.

Evil Queen: "We share one heart and one soul you don't last long with only half of either."

Henry raises an eyebrow.

Henry: "My grandparents share a single heart."

The Evil Queen rolls her eyes.

Evil Queen: "Yes, that little revulsion I'm acutely aware of…"

Henry furrows he eyebrows concerned.

Henry: "Hey, they're my grandparents!"

The Evil Queen sighs.

Evil Queen: "Well then, wish them both long lives because once one passes the other…"

The Evil Queen notices Henry's dismay and so softens her tone.

Evil Queen: "Will too…anyway, don't you have a spell to cast?"

Henry smiles happily again.

Henry: "What do I do?"

The Evil Queen smiles as well.

Evil Queen: "Okay, here comes the fun part!"

Henry leans in close as the Evil Queen unrolls a small scroll beside him.

Emma climbs the stares and knocks on the door to her parent's apartment. Charming opens the door and immediately smiles broadly.

Charming: "Emma!"

Charming leans in and hugs Emma enthusiastically.

Charming: "How are you going?"

Emma laughs lightly.

Emma: "I'm always good!"

Charming ushers Emma inside.

Charming: "Come in, come in! Your mother's just upstairs and will be down in a minute. Would you like a cup of coffee or something?"

Emma laughs as they enter the apartment.

Emma: "I'd love a coffee, if that's what's going?"

Charming bows briefly, before closing the door.

Charming: "Your wish is my command."

Emma smiles as Charming fills the kettle and collects three cup from the cupboard. Emma can't help but smile at the way Charming moves efficiently around the kitchen.

Emma: "Well, isn't someone turning out to be the perfect housemaid!"

Charming laughs as well.

Charming: "Well, you know what they say happy wife, happy life. Speaking of which…"

Charming smiles briefly as he looks up the stairs.

Charming: "Hey, Snow! We've got guests!"

Charming smiles while he waits for Snow's reply.

Snow: "Who is it?"

Charming motions to Emma to speak, she smiles briefly before shouting up the staircase as well.

Emma: "Just you favourite daughter!"

Snow pauses momentarily.

Snow: "Emma?"

Charming shakes his head as Emma laughs.

Charming: "No, guess again!"

Snow descends the staircase to find the two of them laughing.

Snow: "Well, I can see the pair of you enjoying yourselves, at my expense no doubt?"

Emma smiles as she hugs Snow warmly.

Charming: "Just a little dad-daughter bonding is all."

Snow nods slowly, unconvinced.

Snow: "I see…I hope you, at least, offered our honoured guest some refreshments?"

Charming bows regally.

Charming: "Of course, your highness. I have the kettle boiling as we speak, if that is to your liking?"

Snow eyes Charming suspiciously.

Snow: "It is…"

Emma smiles amused.

Emma: "You've trained him well…"

Snow nods happily as Emma sees Neal across the room

Emma: "So, how's my favourite baby brother?"

Snow turns to Emma happily as she takes over making them their hot drinks.

Snow: "He's great! Today he gets to have his play-date with Robin, Zelena's bring her over any minute now…oh, and I think he said his first word!"

Emma turns to Snow surprised.

Emma: "Really? That's awesome."

Snow nods emphatically.

Snow: "Yeah, I know. People say they grow up so fast, and they're so right, Emma."

Emma smiles as she approaches little Neal sitting up in his play-pen. She kneels down and holds out her hand to him. He smiles happily and grabs hold of her extended finger causing her to smile again.

Emma: "Hey there baby brother…are you speaking now?"

Emma turns towards Snow as she gentle moves both her and Neal's arms around in a swaying motion.

Emma: "So, what did he say?"

Snow finishes making them both a cup of coffee and moves over towards Emma who stands and takes possession of her warm cup.

Snow: "Earth…"

Emma raises an eyebrow in slight surprise as Charming moves to the kitchen bench shaking his head.

Charming: "He did not."

Snow turns to him shocked. She places her free hand defiantly on her hip as she leans on the opposite side of the kitchen bench to Charming.

Snow: "He did too! I was there."

Charming scoffs as Emma smiles silently into her coffee mug.

Charming: "Yeah, and so was I! And it sounded more like 'erp' to me."

Snow rolls her eyes at Charming before speaking.

Snow: "Oh, nonsense…you had your guard down while you lounging around on the sofa."

Charming turns towards Snow affronted.

Charming: "Wait a minute! First of all, I was recuperating from a rather busy day at the office. And second, a true warrior's guard is never down, ever."

Snow laughs and turns towards Emma while still directing her words towards Charming.

Snow: "Well, you were still half asleep whatever your state of 'recuperation'."

Emma laughs awkwardly to herself. She looks from Snow to Charming trying to discern the real reason for her parent's sudden bout of bickering. Charming interrupts her confusion as he moves over to Neal to give him his bottle.

Charming: "To the untrained eye yes, but my other half was still keenly alert to all my surroundings."

Snow laughs lightly again before moving over and sitting herself down on the lounge. Emma joins her awkwardly.

Snow: "Then why did you nearly jump out of your skin the moment I spoke up?"

Charming laughs as he kneels down. He hands Neal the bottle before swivelling around to speak to Snow.

Charming: "Can I help it I married the most light-footed princess in all the known realms?"

Snow rolls her eyes again.

Snow: "Oh, please! An ogre could've traipsed through the living room and you wouldn't have battered an eyelid."

Charming shakes his head as Neal takes hold of his bottle.

Charming: "I'm starting to think one did…"

Emma stares in confusion at the pair of them before finally interrupting them.

Emma: "Guys, really?"

Snow raises an eyebrow at Emma before smiling quickly.

Snow: "Oh, you thought we were fighting?"

Emma eyes Snow suspiciously as Charming stands up.

Emma: "Yes…weren't you?"

Charming laughs loudly. He raises his hand up to Snow as he passes her by.

Charming: "Up high!"

Snow smiles happily as she slaps his outstretched hand with hers. Emma stares oddly at both of them.

Snow: "We've been practising the whole 'disgruntled-couple' act all week. I think we're doing all right so far…"

Charming smiles as he moves over to lean on the kitchen bench once more.

Charming: "Good use of the ogre, by the way."

Snow bows briefly before pointing towards Charming.

Snow: "Hey, even nicer turn-around but."

Charming bows as Emma speaks up.

Emma: "Yeah, but you really walked yourself into that one though."

Snow turns to Emma as she thinks for a moment. She finally nods once before smiling emphatically.

Emma: "Do I need to ask why the act?"

Snow shrugs once.

Snow: "No reason, it's just with everything for us going so well it gets a little…well, boring sometimes."

Charming quickly turns to Emma slightly embarrassed.

Charming: "But it's a good problem to have…anyway what are you up to these days? Between Henry and Killian we hardly get a chance to see you at all."

Emma smiles awkwardly as she drinks more of her cooling beverage.

Emma: "Yeah well, life's been really busy at the moment. Which is also a good problem to have…but I can't say the same thing for Regina."

Snow turns to Emma surprised.

Snow: "Yeah, I know…what's with her? Every time I go to see her she's never home."

Snow and Charming exchange glances.

Charming: "Mmm, we never seem see her about town like we used to either."

Emma nods in agreement.

Emma: "Yeah, I know…I just got back from her place right now."

Snow turns towards Emma, her surprise quickly turning to concern.

Snow: "Did you? How's she coping?"

Emma shrugs as she draws in an easy breath.

Emma: "Well, she isn't now that the Evil Queen's in town."

Snow turns to Charming.

Snow: "I always knew that was a bad idea…"

Charming slowly shrugs before turning towards Emma.

Charming: "There wasn't much else we could do."

Emma raises her eyebrows briefly as she takes another mouthful of coffee.

Emma: "Anyway, Regina's just locked herself in her mansion for now."

Snow nods without much enthusiasm.

Snow: "Mmm…well, you know what they say. When you lock yourself away from others you also shut everyone out that's trying to help you."

Emma nods in agreement as she drains away the last of her coffee.

Emma: "Pretty much…Regina's worried about her magic so I'm going back there to see if I can help."

Charming nods happily with approval.

Charming: "Well, tell her we're still around if she ever needs anything. Not that she'll admit to needing anyone, ever."

Emma smiles as she stands. She places her empty mug back on the table.

Emma: "Will do, thanks for the coffee. It won't be long before little Neal is up and walking all on his own."

Snow turns to Emma shocked.

Snow: "Oh, don't say that…or I'll have to baby-proof the entire flat!"

Charming shakes his head.

Charming: "By 'I' she means me."

Emma smiles as they exchange knowing glances.

Emma: "Naturally…"

Snow sees them and smiles happily.

Snow: "Your father knows I'm always right even when I'm wrong."

Charming shrugs in modest defeat.

Charming: "Why fight the inevitable?"

Emma smiles again.

Emma: "Good advice."

Charming sighs as he looks over the apartment with new eyes.

Charming: "But still, the first thing I'll have to baby-proof the weapons cabinet. I wouldn't want my son slaying his first dining room setting before his second birthday!"

Emma laughs as she moves closer towards the exit.

Emma: "No. Well, good luck with your remodelling. I don't think it'll be very long before I'll have to barricade Killian's rum stash from Henry."

Snow turns to Emma surprised as she moves to lean against the kitchen bench.

Snow: "Oh, thankfully we've got some time before that with Neal!"

Charming moves over to get the door for Emma. He leans in close to her to speak.

Charming: "You know how mother loves a good whine…"

Emma smiles as she leans in as well.

Emma: "Nice one."

Charming nods happily as he opens the door for Emma.

Charming: "Thanks…"

Emma steps through the open door before turning around to say goodbye.

Emma: "I'll see you guys later."

Charming nods as Snow leans around the closing door.

Snow: "Bye, Emma!"

Emma smiles as she moves hastily down the apartment staircase.

Henry turns towards the Evil Queen.

Henry: "So, what does this spell actually do?"

The Evil Queen smiles knowingly.

Evil Queen: "The Author's Spell rewrites someone's story without changing significant events that would otherwise alter the course of the spell caster's life."

Henry raises an eyebrow.

Henry: "It changes the past without changing the present?"

The Evil Queen laughs lightly.

Evil Queen: "Yes, I suppose it does. Well, that's the plan, anyway…still keen?"

Henry nods emphatically.

Henry: "Of course, what do I have to do?"

The Evil Queen hands the small scroll to Henry.

Evil Queen: "Here take this. Now using a strong confident voice, speak the first line in the verse. After that line you cast the first ingredient in the row into the well. Then move to the next line and ingredient and so on. Continue on like that until all lines are said and all ingredients are gone."

Henry nods slowly as the Evil Queen eyes him carefully.

Evil Queen: "Did you follow all that?"

Henry nods again but with a little more enthusiasm.

Henry: "Speak, cast and repeat. Yes, I get it…"

The Evil Queen smiles happily.

Evil Queen: "Good. Now the last ingredient is your book, but before you cast it in you must first name the person to whom your wish to change their fate as well as what you wish to change about their life."

Henry nods happily.

Henry: "Okay, got it."

The Evil Queen waggles a stern finger at Henry in warning.

Evil Queen: "Remember Henry, the more you speak the more likely things will be altered unnecessarily."

Henry nods again and places the storybook to the right of the last of the spell's ingredients. Henry turns towards the Evil Queen.

Henry: "Hey, what are these anyway?"

The Evil Queen laughs to herself.

Evil Queen: "You don't want to know…now I'll stand back and remember you must wish for Regina's long and lasting happiness, that is all! The spell will do the rest."

Henry nods as the Evil Queen backs away slowly. Henry smiles at her as he unrolls the small scroll. He draws in a deep breath and speaks the first line.

Henry: "The author that you now behold…"

Henry casts in the first ingredient causing a dark purple light to shine deep within the well. Henry turns to the Evil Queen concerned. She smiles and nods quickly once, willing him to continue.

Henry: "Must rewrite a story already told."

Henry casts in the second ingredient which causes the well to emit a green light.

Henry: "Within sacred water I do consign to sink…"

Henry casts the next ingredient changing the well's light to turn a deep blue.

Henry: "Words written hastily with magical ink."

Henry casts in the fourth ingredient turning the well's light orange.

Henry: "I, who now commands their fated strife…"

Henry casts in the fifth ingredient causing the well to turn white.

Henry: "Do seek to change my chosen's life."

Henry casts in the sixth ingredient making the well glow red. Henry smiles as he puts the small scroll down on the well's stone-lined rim. He draws in a large breath before picking up the storybook. He holds it over the red glow of the well and speaks.

Henry: "I wish for true and lasting happiness to find Regina Mills…"

Henry glances quickly over to the Evil Queen and smiles. He turns back and speaks.

Henry: "And her other half, the Evil Queen."

The Evil Queen's eyes widen as she hears Henry's last request. She tries to stop him but he drops the storybook into the well. Suddenly the well darkens and draws in the small scroll. A second later a burst of air sucks in the front half Henry's body. He just manages to catch himself on the well's stone-lined rim as a bright light illuminates the well once again. Henry stares mesmerised into the light as the burst of air that drew him in begins to be expel itself from the well as the light grows increasingly brighter.

Suddenly the light shoots upwards as a firm hand grabs Henry's shoulder and reefs him out of the well. The blast of light erupts out from within the well knocking them both unconscious as it sends them tumbling across the clearing.

The beam of magic continues up into the sky high above the sleepy little town of Storybrooke.