6 WEEKS LATER
Mr Gold walked off the bus on a New York City street and looked around at his surroundings. He didn't particularly want to be here, but it was necessary. Especially considering the amount of time he'd taken to locate her. He had to get back to Storybrooke. He had to get back to the Doctor and the Professor. To Belle, even. That is if they wanted to have anything to do with him still.
He had no magic. The ring that the Doctor had made him hadn't worked ever since he was banished from the town. He supposed it was due to having no more hope or belief. His heart was broken. Literally and figuratively. Though, he didn't even have his ring at the moment. He left it with his tie attached to a tree close to the town line. Where he would know where to get back in if he ever found out how.
Mr Gold looked up at the street sign to ensure he'd gotten off at the right stop. Then, satisfied that he was in the right place, he walked down the street toward the destination.
The aquarium was usually quiet during this time of the day, so it was the easiest time for her to feed the fish. She hated this job, but it was preferable given how things could have been for her. She glared at the fish as she spooned the food into the tank.
"It's all I got," she snapped at the fish. "If you're unhappy about it, try eating each other."
"I hear cannibalism is frowned upon in the aquatic world," Mr Gold commented as he approached where the woman stood. "Or maybe you could tell me differently."
"So," the woman said, turning around to face Mr Gold. "This is what a man who always wins looks like."
"I assure you, Ursula," he replied. "My situation is only temporary."
"Really?" Ursula snorted, fixing him with a glare. "How are you going to fix that? Play the lotto?"
"I'd like to tell you a story," Mr Gold said as he leaned on his cane. "It's about heroes and villains, where the villains always lose."
"Sounds like someone's changed his tune."
"I've learned those rules apply to me, too," Mr Gold replied. "But also, there's someone who can change those rules."
"Who?" Ursula asked, her curiosity piqued.
"For now, let's call him 'The Author'."
"Pretentious," Ursula commented. "I hate him already," she added, folding her arms.
"Then let's go see him, tell him what we think," Gold replied. "Unless you prefer life as a fish-food dispenser."
"But if you're coming to me for help," Ursula pointed out. "I can assume it won't be easy. So who's standing in our way?"
"The usual people," Mr Gold shrugged. "The heroes. Let's get your things," he added. "We've two more stops to make."