A full moon sat hunched on the horizon, a silvery old man slowly shambling across the sky. Somewhere nearby, an owl hooted. Tendrils of mist snaked their way through the forest. Suddenly everything her mother said seemed true. Agatha drew her cloak around her, as if it could protect her from night terrors.
Her thoughts went back to Gwaine, Rumplestiltskin, and the odd cast of characters that had visited her the past year. The night suddenly seemed alive with possibilities. One time, Agatha thought she could speak to animals. She could hear the trees whisper to the wind, and she would see sprites and forest people like her mother had told her about. If she truly had magic, what was to stop the Dark One from seeing it?
He said he'd meet me, but where?
"Are you lost, dearie?"
She flinched, and turned slowly around. "Not at all. I was just confused as to where I was supposed to meet you."
He smiled and crept closer. "Then you have made your choice." He lunged forward suddenly and grabbed her wrist, then pulled her close, until their faces were mere inches apart. "Just remember, dearie, I intend to have my prize, whether it is your life, or your services." Releasing her, he let out a cackle.
Agatha was shaken, then took a hasty breath and tried to compose herself. "Again, how could I be of any use to you? I'm not even sure I have magic."
Rumplestiltskin leaned against a tree like he had all the time in the world. "If you're not sure, then show me."
Agatha tried to concentrate on anything but his predatory gaze. She closed her eyes and called on the power within her, channeling it where it wanted to go. She thrust her hand out, palm up. She opened her eyes, which glowed golden. A ball of fire appeared in her hand. Levitating a rock with her other hand, she brought the two together, sealing the fire inside. Then she drew it out and extinguished it.
"Interesting work, dearie," Rumplestiltskin stood and walked around her once, then stopped. "An even rarer form of magic. However did you get it?"
Agatha straightened up and announced, "I was born with it."
"And who was responsible for that inheritance? Your mother?"
"No," she answered quietly. "My father."
"How unfortunate," he said. Then he waved a hand. "We shall continue your training tomorrow, when the sun's setting." He started along a trail, then looked back. "Well?"
Agatha was confused. "Where are we going?"
"Why, to your new home, dearie," Rumplestiltskin cackled at the shock on her face. "Did I not mention it was forever?"