Ruby took a step back as the Stranger stepped closer. "So… how much do you remember?" That creepy smile appeared once again.

"I remember enough I remember you holding me against my will for months." She angrily as she stepped back. "I remember your true form that… beast."

"I see…" His eyes narrowed as though he was sad to hear that was all she could remember about him. "and that's all nothing else?"

"What else is there to remember? More to the point why can I remember?" She asked completely shaken by the latest events.

"As you know all curses can be broken with loves kiss however loves not the only emotion capable of breaking a curse. In fact any emotion can break a curse if it's strong enough like hate, despair, misery, or for example…" He paused for a moment "fear."

"Alright then why aren't you killing me? After all I broke one of your rules and I stole from you."

"Yes that's true but rules were meant to be broken so I guess all can be forgiven so long as you tell me where it is. My dear sweet Red." He began whisper seductively into her ear. She stepped back.

"Maybe you should have asked Regina I'm sure she could tell you she placed the curse on us all after all. Oh wait you killed her." Her tone was bitter.

"It's not here in this sham of a town I checked and it's not in the outside world I checked into that as which means you found a way to completely protect it from the curse. Which means" He pondered the possibilities for a second until the light bulb clicked and smirked at the revelation.

Ruby was getting nervous. "Your wrong Regina took it from me to punish me to take away my happiness."

"Oh I don't think so very few people know the truth about what really happened between us you can only remember bits and pieces yourself. I bet you didn't even tell Snow about it or your dear sweet Granny. Which means it's back home well that works out well for me. We'll be in touch dear Red." He started to walk out the door before stopping and turning his head back. "Oh your shift starts at three. Don't you just love mornings in this world? The rising sun is so beautiful." He then walked out the door.

Ruby ran to the door locking it up again. She was scared out of her mind.

Once Upon a Time…

Red Riding Hood was running through the tall grassy field looking behind herself the Tall Wolf Like creature following her though not running he was slowly walking as though she couldn't escape him. She found herself in front of a brick house she beat on the door

"Please me in I need help!" The steel door opened a short cubby pig like creature immerged he saw the massive wolf like creature slowly approaching.

"Hurry get in quickly!" Red Riding Hood quickly went inside.

"What is that thing?" The pig asked as terrified.

"He's a monster! You have to protect me." The girl pleaded she was afraid for her life.

"Let me in you big fat stupid pig!" The violent demonic voice screamed.

The pig went rifling through his things and found a blade. "Get behind me girl that beast wont…" He then looked up to see her holding a large flower pot over his head "oh slop." She dropped the pot onto his head knocking him out.

He then walked over to the steel door opening it. The Stranger stood there in his human form smiling. "That was a bit of a surprise for him at least. Your plan worked Red I'm impressed."

"Of course it did no one can resist a damsel in distress." She turned her head and looked down again at him. "Why are we here in the first place? You said this would help out Snow I don't see how."

"Patience my dear Red." He walked into the house and into the closet he pulled out a safe. He ripped the door open pulling out a dagger with a name on the blade Rumplestiltskin. "The Queen planned to use this a on a acquaintance of mine now we have it and her leverage is gone." He started to laugh. "There's nothing protecting her now."

"How does this help Snow?" Red Riding Hood asked puzzled.

He got and stepped closer. "If the Queen dies her decree on Snow's life will be irrelevant the kingdom will be forced to grant your friend a pardon and place her on the throne because she will be the only remaining heir."

Red Riding Hood was speechless she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "My god that's… brilliant we don't even have to do anything this person will kill her for us. But why?"

"Well she caused him a great deal of grief over the years I imagine he's been longing to take her life. Besides this is the only thing that can kill him. Speaking of killing…" He walked over to the unconscious pig and snapped his neck. Red Riding Hood jumped back gasping in shock.

"Why did you do that?" She asked terrified.

"No witnesses you don't want the Queen looking for you even harder now do you?" Besides no mirrors or windows here means she can't see it our friend obviously was using the blade as leverage to keep himself safe from her. I imagine I just did him a kindness you can't imagine what she would do to him if he lost her only life line let alone what Rumpelstiltskin would do to him if he found out someone had it and kept it from him."

"Alright fine what do we do with it then give it back?" She asked assuming it was the right answer.

He just chuckled as if she had told a joke. "No we destroy it." He then snapped the blade in two and the entire weapon dissolved to dust. "Now nothing can kill him I'll go get the horses wait here." He started to walk out when she lost her balance. "Out you alright?"

"Yeah I've just been feeling sick lately I don't know what could be wrong with me." She said a little surprised they both began to look into each other's eyes and kissed.

Real World…

Mr. Gold sat out in front of the coffee shop having a cup of tea. He overheard to teenagers talking about Regina's death and smiled. Suddenly The Stranger sat in front of him " what can I do for you this lovely morning?" He asked trying to not show his irritation.

"Tell me have you ever at any time and point made an exchange or deal with that waitress and if so was it similar to your arrangement with Ashley? And don't lie to me because I know when you lie or try dancing around the truth." He gave a serious stare at Mr. Gold.

Mr. Gold sat his tea down. "I have had dealings with Miss Ruby in the past but never like my dealings with Ms. Boyd."

The Stranger smiled and left. Leaving Mr. Gold even more confused.