The Dark Backward

Chapter Fifteen

In Gold's shop, outside of the Dark Backward…

A short time after Gold left Granny's, he returned to the cabin where he safely secured the new to be villain, before he returned to his shop to collect a few items for himself and the Author, until the Dark One looked up upon hearing the bell over his door ring as someone entered and Cruella walked inside as she stated, "Here you are. Ever since our alliance has broken up, you've made yourself rather scarce, darling."

Gold stood straight as he looked at the villainess and coldly answered, "And you've proven yourself to be of no more use to me, just like Maleficent and Ursula have. Before the Sea Witch betrayed us and joined the side of the heroes that is. If you've come here to make sure I will be keeping up with my end of our bargain despite you turning out to be a bitter disappointment, Cruella… worry not. You will have your happy ending. All villains will. Just like all heroes in this little town will get the storybook endings they deserve too."

"I see you've found yourself a new pet," he continued, when Pongo stepped out from behind the dog hater and began to growl at him as the dalmatian bared his teeth. "Is his former master dead?"

"Funny… you aren't the first to ask me that," she scoffed in reply. "No… the cricket's just fine. He and this mongrel were out walking, I used my influence on his doggie when I saw an opportunity, and here we are. Although, I did run into the Savior's parents out in the cemetery looking for Regina before I made my way here. I don't doubt they've probably found her by now. I hope you got whatever it was you wanted from her."

The Dark One smugly responded, "I will soon enough. She will do everything I want her to do for me from now on. Because I have the right leverage over her. It matters not if the Charmings have found her. They can't help her. Now… as for you, dearie…"

The villainess cut him off again as she interrupted, "You can save your breath, darling. I do believe that our alliance has long since come to an end. Remember? I don't have to do anything for you any longer. I have my own plans for the Savior. Don't worry, what I have in mind for her will assure that she becomes dark just like we both want."

"I hope so," Rumplestiltskin answered her. "However, whatever you plan to do I'm afraid will have to wait. Neither Miss. Swan nor her pirate are here in Storybrooke at the moment. Nor is Maleficent. God only knows when they'll return."

"I don't understand," Cruella replied while she stared at him again in confusion. "What do you mean they're not in town? The Princess and her charming husband mentioned Regina was missing, but they said nothing about their daughter or Hook having gone missing too. Where did they go?"

He grinned as he responded, "Let's just say… they're a little busy at the moment. I needed them distracted so I could find the Author and now that I have, it won't be long before we all get what we deserve. But like I said… they'll be back soon. Now go and leave me be. I have somewhere to be and I have much to do. Goodbye, dearie."

She sneered and then answered, "I have to say… it hasn't always been a pleasure working with you, Dark One. But it certainly did have its advantages. Ta ta, darling."

Meanwhile…

Henry was sitting at the kitchen table while he watched his uncle sleeping in his crib until the teenager finally stood up to make himself something to eat for dinner. He pulled out some meats and vegetables from the fridge in order to make himself a sandwich. However, he was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door and when he opened it to see who was coming by so late, he was surprised to see Archie and Marco both standing on the other side.

"Archie?" the boy questioned worryingly and quickly motioned for the men to come inside. "Marco? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"

"Hi, Henry," the doctor said quietly, yet nervously once they entered and then took a seat on the couch in the living room beside his oldest friend. "I know it's late and I'm so sorry for coming by at this hour. However, I was really hoping to talk with your grandparents and your mother. Only… I see none of them are here right now."

Henry nodded as he looked between them and replied, "I'm afraid not. My mom's missing right now. Both of them. And Hook too. Grandma and Grandpa are out right now trying to find Regina, so they can work to find out what's happened to Emma and Hook. I'm only here because I'm taking care of Neal. Otherwise, I'd be out there too. I wish I could be. But… is everything okay with you?"

Marco spoke up for Archie saying, "Unfortunately not. We were on our way to visit with my son at the mansion while he continues to recover. But as we were walking, that woman… the cruel one with black and white hair… she appeared from nowhere and took Pongo from Archie."

"She put him under her thrall," Archie finally continued. "However it is she does it. I'm worried about him. I don't want to lose him to Cruella."

"Don't worry, Archie," his young patient responded assuredly. "Pongo's going to be alright. Cruella likes to put animals under her spell so she can use them for whatever she plans to use them for. She won't hurt him. I have to be here to take care of Neal tonight, but in the morning, I'll come by your office and we can discuss plans to go out looking for him."

The psychiatrist smiled at him and stated again, "Thank you, Henry. I'd appreciate that. I hope your mothers and Hook will be okay. I'm sure they will be."

The teenager nodded and smiled at him in gratitude, then he said, "I know."