Hello guys! I know, it has been a while, but I had my exams session and then I waited some time before my friend wrote his part. A small return to canon in this chapter! Enjoy.
Disclamer: I own none of the two universes. "OUAT" goes to Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, "SM" goes to Naoko Takeuchi/Toei.
A mistaken threat. A new light awakens.
Storybrooke
Emma, Rosalie and Danielle were sitting in Regina's office, their mood very dark. Only a day ago another of their friends got taken away by the Dark Star clan.
"I was never that frustrated in my life!" – Danielle suddenly exclaimed, while she was pacing in the room – "We're still clueless to who they are and how to save our friends!"
"I know… the only person who knows the enemies is Little Em." – Rosalie replied, pressing her forehead to her joined knuckles, trying to contain her emotions within her.
"So what the hell are we still doing there?! Let's ask that kid a few questions!" – Regina said with determination.
"You're forgetting something. My parents won't allow you talk to her." – Emma said.
"Like this would stop me." – Regina replied sternly, standing up from her chair – "So? What are we waiting for?"
Seeing that there will be no choice, the girls followed the mayor to Emma and her family's loft. Danielle and Rosalie exchanged a glance. They knew it was more than time to go straight to the point with Little Em, but they also felt that with Regina involved, it could end not so well. Emma was thinking the same and her mind kept wondering about Little Em's intentions. She remembered how they both played with Lux T and how nice the kid was towards her parents. Little Em could not be an enemy, could she? Emma looked at the Mayor and she could somehow tell that she was thinking the same. They entered the apartment and they saw Little Em sitting at the table. The little girl turned around, and got a bit surprised to see them all. Rosalie approached and began:
"Little Em… Something bad happened… Emily was taken away."
The child lowered her head. Danielle was the next to speak:
"You see… we don't really like that the… Dark Star clan abducted our friends and we quite want to save them… quickly."
"It's… it's very urgent." – Emma added, as Little Em clutched at her cat-like ball harder, seeing what the conversation was leading to.
"We don't really want to pressure you, but…" – Rosalie tried to sound reassuring.
"I am not that sure of that." – Regina commented, rolling her eyes – "Maybe you didn't notice this, kid, but it's quite a crisis time. So, tell us everything now. What is this "Dark Star Clan"? How does it happen that you know them?"
"I… I…" – Little Em began to panic – "I know nothing…!"
"Liar." – Regina said very sternly – "What do they have to do with your mother?"
"Please, don't…!" – Little Em cried, feeling much more pressure, especially when her mum was mentioned – "I don't know much about them!"
It was at that moment that David entered the loft and as soon as he saw Little Em crying, quickly went to her and took her in his arms. As she began to cry, David asked:
"Regina! What do you think you're doing?!"
"I just think it's time to get some answers!" – the former Evil Queen replied, her voice as determinate as during the questioning.
"That's enough!" – David said angrily – "Get out! You only scared her more!"
"Don't you see that the situation is about to be dramatic?! Three guardians got abducted now!" – Regina exclaimed, not believing how David could keep calm about that.
"We'll save them, but not with your methods." – David stated glaring at her.
"But… there's still one thing we have the right to know." – Emma said sternly as she made a step ahead – "Little Em… are you an enemy or not?"
"No I'm not!" – Little Em exclaimed, turning her head to Emma – "I swear to God, that I am not one…!"
And the little girl pursued her sobbing, while David looked at Emma like reproaching her asking this useless question (because to him, Little Em could be only an ally and because the questions only made her cry more). Emma then said, looking a bid aside:
"You know… I believe that you're not an enemy. Yet, you don't cooperate; you don't assist my friends in danger. And it's the fact you're an ally that makes it much worse."
With those words, making Little Em forget to breathe for a moment, Emma ran upstairs. Danielle and Rosalie cried after her:
"Emma…!"
But the teen just ignored them. Regina had a look on her face, which meant something like "this girl has some nerves".
"I knew this wasn't a good idea…" – Rosalie mumbled.
"You said it, Rosalie." – Danielle agreed with her friend.
Unknown location
Prince Ernest was face to face with Wiseman. The latter said:
"You know, my Prince, the next two guardians are the leaders. They're stronger and it won't be that easy to abduct them as it was with the others three."
"I know." – Prince Ernest replied – "We must change the tactics. But abducting them is pointless anyway. They never give any information. I wonder if this time, it wouldn't be better to… eliminate Sailor Fire and Sailor Rose?"
"They're not easy to deal with, I prefer warn you." – Wiseman replied – "But the Prince is you. You can do whatever you please with the two. However, don't forget our priority: the Duckling and the Eternal Crystal."
At those words, Wiseman disappeared. Then, Prince Ernest shouted:
"Doc Brunh!"
Brunh appeared within seconds, with another woman on his side.
"Did you call, my Prince?" – he asked.
"Yes. We need a good plan, concerning the leaders of the Chosen Six team." – the prince said – "I heard they're not the kind to surrender easily. And we must hurry to put a hand on the kid and the crystal."
"My Prince… I think we can do what you have in mind. Elle Aren, the eldest of the Twili sisters, will be perfect to take care of them."
Elle made a step ahead and said:
"Let me investigate around in Storybrooke. I can find an opportunity and weaknesses of our heroes. That might be a better approach to get everything we want."
Ernest nodded and after a moment of silence said:
"I guess it's a good plan. Now, go! And get me the Eternal Crystal! Don't hesitate to get rid of everything in our way!"
Elle only giggled and teleported herself away, ready for her mission.
Storybrooke
Mary Margaret, David and Little Em were walking in the streets of the town. The adults thought that the girl needed some fresh air after the "argue". The three kept silent for a moment, and then David spoke:
"I'm sorry about Regina. I promise that won't happen again."
"And don't be upset about Emma." – Mary Margaret added – "I think she's just scared for her friends, that's all."
Little Em stayed silent a moment, until she finally said:
"It's not that I don't want to help… I just don't know much about them."
"You don't?" – Mary Margaret asked gently.
"No." – Little Em shook her head – "They just arrived from nowhere. And then I ran away, to get help in Storybrooke."
David and Mary Margaret nodded in understanding. After all, how could a little girl know about those creatures? To her, they were just scary people who attacked her home and did something to her mum. What did they do to her by the way? The three pursued their walk, and while they were passing next to the port, Little Em's attention got caught by a ship. She stopped to walk and she murmured:
"The ship… it's…"
"Oh, that ship… It's different from others around, I know." – David said – "This one belongs to a pirate. You better not approach…"
But Little Em did only half-listened to David. Without thinking, she ran in the pirate ship direction, despite David and Mary Margaret's protests.
"Little Em, wait!" – Mary Margaret exclaimed.
"It's dangerous, come back!" – David shouted.
But the little girl was already standing near the ship, observing it from all its sides. "I can't believe… never thought I would see it there…" Then, she went up the few stairs and within seconds she was on the board of the "Jolly Roger". While she was musing about the ship, she didn't notice its owner approach her.
"Hey! Why are you sneaking on the board of my ship, kid…?!"
Little Em turned to the pirate, no other than Captain Hook, and froze as she saw him. She was unable to make a movement, as he was already standing close to her.
"Kid, did you swallow your tongue? What are you doing here?" – Hook asked a bit roughly.
It was then as Mary Margaret quickly ran to the girl and quickly took her in her arms. "She was being curious, that's all. This won't happen again." – Mary Margaret said, glancing at the pirate, after what she looked at the little girl and asked - "Little Em, are you alright?"
"Yes… don't worry." – the kid replied quietly.
David suddenly grabbed Hook's arm and he pushed the pirate against his ship, saying in a threatening manner:
"Don't harm her! She suffered enough lately."
"Calm down, I didn't intend to harm her!" – Killian replied, with a grin – "I'm a pirate, but not a child killer! But a pirate is always overprotective about his property."
David let him go, but gave him a warning glance. Then, Mary Margaret said:
"David… there's something…"
David saw his wife pointing at a covered cage, and he could see a movement inside of it. Asking Little Em to leave the ship, Mary Margaret approached the cage and put the cloth aside, revealing that there was a person in the cage. None of them knew that it was no other than Anton, the giant.
Enchanted Forest
Anton and his brothers were sitting at their table, while they didn't miss an occasion to call Anton "Tiny" again. That happened quite often, because his brothers were all taller than him. The eldest of them, named Arlo, then made a speech, about how they finally got their harvest of magic beans, after a century of hard work. He also reminded that both the harvest and the labor equally mattered. Everyone got festive about that, while Anton was very little enthusiast about this. They all were about to toast, as suddenly an object fell from Anton's sleeve. It was a human harp.
"Someone was having fun in the treasures?" – Arlo asked.
"No… Well, maybe." – Anton replied in embarrassment – "Well, even if I was, so what?"
"You're charmed by the human handworks… You shouldn't, it has no value."
"How can you judge about something you have never seen? You never went down to people, and you don't let us too!"
"After all what people did?! Must I remind you of how they used the beans? Travelling between worlds was not enough for them. They began to rob, to make wars!"
"The fact there were a few evil people doesn't mean they're all evil!"
"They live by their rules, not ours. Giants create, while they destroy. That's why they can't know that we're still alive, and that we produce beans." – Arlo explained.
"Why do we do this, if no one uses it anyway?" – Anton asked in a challenging manner.
Everyone at the table stare at Anton, everything going silent all of sudden. After a moment, Arlo replied:
"That's our duty."
"A duty to work for nothing?!" – Anton exclaimed frustrated.
"It's the labor which makes us the Giants." – Arlo pointed out – "Not the product of our labor!"
Then, another of Anton's brothers, Abraham, took the harp in his hand and he broke it. Both this act and the conversation upset Anton and so, he went out the dining room, despite the calls of his brothers. He went to the tip of the beanstalk and he made the decision to join the human world.
Storybrooke
"So… this is a giant?" – Mary Margaret asked in surprise, after Hook told her who the man in the cage was.
"Yep, Cora reduced him to transport him easier." – Hook replied – "She had planned to use him at some point, but… seems like she won't ever have this occasion."
"Sure thing…" – David commented.
Mary Margaret then decided that there was no point to keep him in there and she opened the cage. She awoke him and after Anton looked around confused, Mary Margaret reassured him:
"Don't be afraid, you're safe here…"
After the giant went out the cage (which was a relief to him, after days spent there), Mary Margaret asked:
"What's your name?"
"Anton." – he replied – "The witch… she's not coming…?"
"No, she… she won't be a bother for anyone now." – the woman reassured him.
But then, as the giant saw David, he got very angry and he violently pushed him on the face. Before David could use his gun, Anton kicked his hand. But then, before he could harm him in any way, an arrow flew next to him.
"Don't harm my husband." – Mary Margaret said.
"This conversation is not over!" – Anton exclaimed, before he looked down at the lying David – "You thought I forgot everything?! You'll pay for everything! I swear!"
Then, the giant ran off. At first, the couple looked at each other confused, but then, they hurried to exit the boat and looked at Little Em, who was standing a bit aside.
"Are you okay?" – Mary Margaret asked, grabbing the girl's shoulders and staring straight to her eyes.
"She reminds me a bit my mum when she gets this worried…" – Little Em mused for herself. Then, she replied:
"Don't worry… He did not see me."
"Good." – Mary Margaret said, as she hugged the little girl once more.
As they began to walk away, Elle was observing the scene from afar. She saw the whole scene from the beginning and she grinned in anticipation. Here was the occasion she waited for! "The couple never leaves the Duckling… constantly protecting her… But now, there's something to distract them with. The giant seems to hate the man… I'll use this, to put my hand over the Duckling, and eventually the Eternal Crystal." Elle then teleported herself away, to search for the giant.
Later, after leaving Little Em at the loft and instructing her to not leave, David and Mary Margaret went to the diner, trying to understand what just happened. Rosalie and Danielle, who were sitting there joined their table, after what the couple explained the incident with Anton.
"That must be the giant Emma faced on the top of the beanstalk!" – Rosalie exclaimed.
"Most likely, yes." – Danielle nodded – "But what did he mean by "you'll pay for everything"?"
"I have no idea, I don't even know him." – David replied, still in confusion.
"Well, he seems to know you." – Danielle commented.
After a short moment, realization hit David. He then said:
"I see… he recognized in me… someone else…"
Enchanted Forest
Prince James and his new lover were kissing on the bed, until they got interrupted by King George's entrance.
"I didn't know you weren't alone, James." – the king commented.
"Father… So, this is my father, the king. Father, this is…" – James began with a grin.
"That doesn't matter." – George replied dryly – "When the kingdom is almost bankrupt, why I would care about your love affairs?"
Then, as James proposed a drink to his father, King George refused, informing his (adoptive) son that a giant was seen around. James commented that he thought the giants were all dead. The prince's lover added that she would like to fight against him.
"There will be no battle." – the king protested – "Not yet. We need the giant alive."
"So, tell what we must do." – James asked.
Storybrooke
"He mistook you with your brother…" – Mary Margaret said, understanding too now.
"There's no other explanation." – David commented – "Let's go. Let's try to find out what my brother did."
They stood up, followed by the two guardians. Rosalie commented:
"I had no idea you had a twin brother."
"Long story… I never knew him anyway." – David replied.
"That's a long story indeed. And there's no time to listen to it." – Danielle said with a hint of irony in her voice.
Meanwhile, Belle was watching TV in a hall for the patients, while Ruby slowly approached her.
"Hello… You don't remember me at all…?" – Ruby asked.
"No… I don't." – Belle said shaking her head.
Sitting down next to her friend (who was getting a bit nervous), Ruby re-introduced herself and explained that Belle often used to have lunch at Granny's diner. Ruby then gave Belle a book by Jules Verne, reminding her that she used to like his books. After a moment, Belle asked:
"Thank you. We… really were… friends?"
"Yes… yes, we were." – Ruby replied with a sad smile.
"So, tell me. Before I was brought here, I was injured and I was bleeding. And one man, he… healed me. I saw how he was holding a… fireball in his hand. How…? How is that possible…?!" – Belle asked, her tone becoming more and more erratic.
"Doctors say that tranquilizers can give nightmares…" – Ruby started.
She hated to lie to her friend, but she also knew that Belle couldn't accept or understand the truth in her state. But Belle became much more agitated and she yelled:
"No, I did not dream this…! Please, stop talking about tranquilizers…!"
"Belle…" – Ruby tried to calm her down.
"Don't call me that! Why everyone calls me that?!"
The main nurse approached the agitated woman and made her an injection. Ruby asked, worried:
"Is she always like that?"
"Almost… so we must keep her under sedatives." – the nurse replied, as she made the half-conscious patient stand up in order to take her to bed – "The only times she doesn't have nervous breakdowns is when Emily visits her."
Ruby's heart ached at this. She felt really sad and sorry for Belle. Not only because of her situation, but also because her daughter was taken away, just like Cecilia. "Will we ever see you again, girls…? Where are you now?" – Ruby was thinking for herself – "Every day I think about you, Cecilia… and every night, I dream that you came back." She didn't immediately notice Greg Mendel approach.
"Is she okay?" – the man asked, referring to Belle.
"Yes, of course, Mister Mendel." – Ruby faked a smile – "Everything's okay. And… how are you?"
"Much better." – Greg replied.
"Well, so… hope you'll heal soon. Sooner you do, sooner you can go home." – the woman said with a smile, before going out.
Enchanted Forest
Anton was watching how people were having fun in the tavern. After a moment he began to walk away, until James and his mistress arrived, commenting that the drinks can be served to anyone who pays.
"I'm James, the prince of the kingdom!" – James introduced himself, and added friendly – "I must say we're always glad to see visitors!"
"I'm Anton… a giant."
"Yeah, I can see that." – the prince said with a grin – "So, what brings you here?"
"It always wanted to see people… to learn about you, about your culture…" – Anton explained.
"In that case, we'll show you everything with pleasure!" – James replied – "But the only problem is your size."
"At home I'm too small, and here too big…" – Anton commented to himself.
"Don't worry, Anton! I know what could help you!" – the woman said.
Then, she showed a piece of mushroom, which she got in another land after she defeated a Jabberwocky. She explained that the mushroom had the properties to temporary reduce his size.
"But I have nothing to pay you for your kindness…" – Anton said after a hesitation.
"There's no need for that. Help others is the best of all rewards."
"At least, tell me your name." – the giant asked.
"Jacqueline. But for my friends, I'm "Jack"." – she introduced herself.
"It's nice to meet you, Jack." – Anton said, before eating the piece of mushroom.
Storybrooke
Emma was sitting at the kitchen table, as she suddenly saw Little Em open the front door and go out of the apartment. Alarmed, Emma followed her and called:
"Hey, wait…! My parents told you to stay in!"
"Why would you care?" – Little Em asked, without facing Emma.
Emma didn't reply. She didn't exactly see what the kid meant by this question. But she kept following her and after a moment, she asked:
"What do you mean by that…?"
Little Em stopped walking and she turned around to look at Emma this time. In the kid's eyes, Emma could see lots of different emotions.
"You said what you thought of me earlier!" – Little Em exclaimed.
"Okay, listen, I maybe overreacted…" – Emma started.
"Oh, don't bother…!" – the kid shouted as she turned around again, to pursue her walk.
Emma was almost sure she heard tears in the child's voice. As they were both walking, one behind the other, Little Em spoke again:
"You don't want to help me, while I expected you would…!"
"Wow-wow…! First of all, I never said I didn't want to help you!" – Emma said, raising her hands – "And second, you don't help us either!"
Little Em just stared at Emma and turned around once more, quickening her step. Emma did the same, and pursued:
"That's true, you know! You say your mother has to be saved, but never mention from what or from whom! And where are you from anyway? Oh, and my friends! They were taken by someone, and I don't even know who and where the enemies are!"
The little girl kept walking, feeling herself on the edge of tears. Both Emma and Little Em barely noticed that they just entered the woods. After a moment of silence, Emma spoke once more:
"Where are we going…?"
"You don't have to follow." – Little Em pointed out.
"Ok, where are you going, then?" – Emma said, rolling her eyes.
"Don't know and don't care." – the kid replied.
"Just great…" – the teen mumbled behind her – "Hope you plan going back, because my parents could have a heart attack if you don't."
"Calm down, I will…!" – Little Em shouted a bit harshly.
"You know, you could ease the task for everyone, if you just… talk!" – Emma sighed loudly – "But no, you're as mute as a carp!"
Suddenly, Little Em froze on place. Emma walked a little close to her, before stopping on her turn.
"You don't understand… You don't! You don't know!" – Little Em said as she faced Emma and as tears streamed down her cheeks – "You understand nothing, Emma…! Nothing…!"
Emma could see that the kid was turning quite hysteric. Her heart suddenly aching for bringing her to this state, she knelt down and took the kid in her arms. For a moment, Little Em was wriggling and shouting "you don't understand" or "let me go". But then, only her cry remained, words fading away. Emma felt her own tear rolling out. It was like she suddenly understood; she felt the distress Little Em was in. Hugging her a bit tighter, she murmured:
"I'm sorry…"
She didn't need to say more, Little Em wrapped her own arms around Emma's waist. Both girls stayed in this position for awhile.
Enchanted Forest
James, Jacqueline and Anton entered the tavern, and James then offered to the giant a place to sit, saying that he was an important guest. Anton commented that he didn't even have to fight for a sit, like he had to at home.
"You have a strange family… it's like your brothers don't value you." – Jack commented.
Anton replied that they're not bad, but then admitted that his brothers constantly have fun of him.
"Sometimes, you need to leave your home to meet people… you belong with." – James said, as he slightly rubbed Jack's hand.
"Maybe you're meant to live with us, Anton?" – Jack then suggested.
Anton only smiled at that. Then, James quitted the table and asked Jack to make sure Anton wouldn't miss anything. Anton then noticed a group of musicians, and one woman was playing harp.
"I had this thing!" – Anton said joyfully – "If only I knew it produced music… My brothers are wrong about humans."
Then, the reduced giant looked in the opposite direction and saw James arguing with someone who, according to the outfit, seemed to be a royal soldier. Anton asked if something had happened, and Jack explained that James and his father have debts towards another kingdom. If James didn't pay the debt, the kingdom would be robbed and burned. Wanting to help, Anton asked:
"The other kingdom… they accept only gold?"
"No. A magic bean, for instance, would cost one thousand golden coins." – Jacqueline replied – "But I guess you have no beans, do you…?"
"No… there's no beans." – Anton lied – "But we have treasures. This can cover your debts."
Jack asked if he really would do this for them, to which Anton replied that if he planned to live with people, he preferred it to be a good kingdom. To this, Jacqueline kissed him on the cheek, as a grateful sign and she said that he was their hero.
Storybrooke
Anton was sitting in the woods of Storybrooke and staring at the lake. Suddenly, a pretty woman appeared, levitating above the water. Surprised, Anton jumped on his feet and made a step behind him.
"Go away!" – he shouted.
"I'm here to give you a helping hand." – Elle said with a grin.
"Humans are evil." – Anton protested, glaring at her – "Don't approach me!"
"Would that help if I said I'm not fully human?" – the supernatural woman asked as she flew to the giant and stood on the firm ground.
Anton made another step behind.
"I heard you're seeking revenge? That… prince is a bother to me too. If you're ready to destroy the whole town to kill him, I'll be only happy."
She magically made something appear in her hand. Anton immediately recognized it. Elle pursued:
"This will give you back your strength and your proper size. But remember the properties of the mushroom don't last forever."
At first, Anton hesitated, but a moment after he ate the piece of mushroom. After all, this would help him kill James! Within seconds, he grew to his giant size again. Elle was grinning while she was watching him go in the direction of the town.
Enchanted Forest
Anton was filling a bag with treasures, as he got interrupted by Arlo, who approached him. He asked:
"Anton, where have you been? We were worried about you!"
"I… I went down, to see humans." – Anton answered.
"You went down to people? Don't you know how dangerous it is?" – Arlo reproached his brother.
"I met friends!" – Anton protested – "They understand me! They're nice to me! I want to live with them."
"Anton… I know, you're upset, but we love you. We love you as a brother, and you know that. Do you think humans will accept you? You'll crush them!"
"Their magic reduces my size! A little bit of gold, and we'll all be happy!"
Then, they saw from the window the guarding birds fly by their house, as a signal that someone entered their domain.
"Humans learned that you're coming back, didn't they? You showed them the beanstalk?!" – Arlo asked, while Anton looked at the birds worriedly.
Storybrooke
Emma and Little Em, holding hands, began to head back to the town, as they suddenly felt a violent earth shake. They looked at each other and the child asked:
"What was it…?"
"Don't know… it was as if a giant ran nearby." – Emma replied.
To their surprise, a voice behind them said:
"Maybe because it was…?"
They both turned around and they saw another of their enemies. They could easily tell it, by the reversed black star on her forehead, like every member of the Dark Star clan.
"You're one of them, aren't you? Give my friends back!" - Emma demanded, while Little Em hid behind Emma.
"Why should I? You still have what I want." - Elle said looking at Little Em.
In town Anton, who was now his original size, was taking out his rage on humans. He threw a car, which narrowly missed Mary Margaret, David, Danielle and Rosalie. David instructed the residents of the town to flee to the town hall and to find Leroy.
"Seems like we found our giant…" – Rosalie said.
"Who knew he would be this…" – Mary Margaret started.
"…giant?" – David finished for her.
"Well, they're named 'giants' for a reason aren't they?" – Danielle commented.
"Never dealt with one?" – David asked to his wife.
"No." – Mary Margaret shook her head.
"We neither." – Rosalie said – "I wish Emma was there."
At this, Danielle decided to call Emma, while David ran towards the giant.
"Stop! You don't want to kill everyone, do you?!" – he shouted.
"Yes! I do!" – Anton yelled as he turned around to face David – "You destroyed everything I had! Now, you'll know how it's like!"
"The one you have a grudge against isn't me!" – David began to explain (it was at this moment that Leroy ran to Mary Margaret's side) – "It was my twin brother James! We grew up in different families, he was raised by a cruel king!"
After a short moment of silence, Anton asked:
"You're not James?"
"No!"
"So, where is he?" – the giant asked.
"He's dead! There's no way to get revenge against him!" – David replied.
Mary Margaret ran at David's side and she pursued:
"We are your friends, Anton! We're Emma's parents! And we are grateful to you! You gave her the enchanted compass!"
Anton immediately remembered the blonde girl. She was the one to not kill him even though she had the occasion to do so, and she had mentioned that she fought for peace in realms. If there's one person he could wish talk to, it was her.
"Emma? Call for her!" – Anton demanded.
Mary Margaret and David turned to Danielle, hoping she managed to join Emma. But the brunette said to them:
"Sorry, guys… She doesn't answer to my calls. Something must have happened…"
The parents understood that the only thing which could prevent Emma to answer to the calls was an enemy. They got worried, but not because they thought she couldn't face someone alone, they knew she was a capable fighter. But it was rather because they couldn't explain that to the giant.
"She… she can't speak to you now…!" – Mary Margaret said nervously – "But she'll be willing to talk, as soon as she can!"
"What a coincidence! All the people I need are who knows where!" – Anton shouted angrily – "That's your human nature! To lie! To kill! I have enough!"
At those words, the angry giant proceeded to chase them.
Enchanted Forest
James and Jack reached the giants' lair, which frightened Arlo. He considered to kill them, but Anton interfered.
"No, no! They are my friends, James and Jack." - then, addressing the two humans, he asked – "Why did you climb? I would have brought gold anyway."
"We're not here for gold!" – Prince James stated – "We need the beans!"
"But… we are friends…" – Anton said, confused.
"You are wrong!" – Jack denied, unsheathing her sword – "If you don't want to die together at once, surrender the beans!"
"We are peaceful people. But for our goods, we'll fight." – Arlo stated.
Taking that as a challenge, Jack and James ran further into the lair, ready to fight as well.
Storybrooke
"Light Crystal Power!" - Emma yelled, after what she turned into Sailor Light.
The Guardian positioned herself in front of the child, as defending Little Em. Elle laughed a bit, before saying:
"Oh, so you wanna play rough. How about that: you either deal with the giant who is going to destroy your puny town and kill your friends and family, or you give the Duckling to me."
Emma hated how dirty that woman was playing. But in any case, she wouldn't surrender the kid to her. Little Em, on the other hand, decided that it was time to take some action and give to Sailor Light a helping hand.
"Lux T shapeshift!" - Little Em yelled as she threw Lux T, that turned into a smoke bomb within seconds.
Elle got covered with smoke and so, Emma and Little Em with Lux T (which became a ball again) ran to the town.
While Anton was chasing the heroes through Storybrooke, Leroy couldn't help himself but ask questions about David's twin, due to confusion that gained his mind.
"So, let me make it straight, you have a twin brother?"
"Yeah." – David replied.
"His name is James?" – Leroy asked.
"Right."
"Well, your name is James!" – Leroy stated, since as long as he remembered, the prince was always referred by this name.
"No, actually it's not…" – David corrected him as they kept running from the giant.
"Your name's Charming then?" – Leroy asked again, wanting to definitely figure out his prince's name.
"No, that's a nickname I gave to Endym… to David!" – Mary Margaret quickly corrected herself.
Even though her husband and she were reincarnated and had different lives, there were few moments when Mary Margaret would accidently say "Endymion". She was glad that she didn't let "Endymion" slip off her tongue entirely; otherwise Leroy would have been much more confused. And it wasn't something Mary Margaret was ready to explain him, especially not at the current situation.
"Hold on, what the hell is your name?!" – Leroy exclaimed, definitely confused.
"David." – the man replied.
"Your curse name!" – Leroy pointed out, since to his memory, the man was mentioned as David only during and after the Dark Curse.
"No, my real name!"
"So, David's like a middle name?"
"No, it's my only name!"
"You know what? I gonna call you whatever I damn please! Is that okay?!" – Leroy said irritated, still unsure to follow.
"Sure, Leroy!" – David said, closing the topic.
Danielle rolled her eyes, glad that this stupid conversation was over. "Seriously, we're running from a giant and all Leroy finds to think about is David's true name?!" – the girl thought. Rosalie seemed to mentally agree, since she exchanged a look with her friend.
The heroes then realized that if they ran any further, they would reach the town line. So, David made a decision as they all stopped. Anton approached them and he said:
"Anton! I propose a deal! I'll surrender without a fight, if you spare everyone's lives in Storybrooke!"
"David, don't think about it!" – Mary Margaret exclaimed, not wanting his husband to die.
"Otherwise, the whole town will perish. We don't want this." – David stated, then looking at the giant, he asked – "So, what do you say?!"
"Agreed!" – Anton replied, after what he tried to stomp David.
But Mary Margaret interfered and pushed him aside. They both along with Leroy, Danielle and Rosalie got blown back by the debris, as the giant stomped his foot in the ground. It was right at this moment that the effects of the mushroom wore off. When the group approached the hole, they saw a human-sized Anton holding into an underground pipe, to keep himself from falling through to the bottom.
Enchanted Forest
The human armies overtook the giants. Arlo ran towards Anton to inform him about the current situation:
"Anton! Argyle and Abraham have been killed, by the use of swords coated with poison."
"This is all my fault…" – Anton said, his dismay evident.
"But you still can repair something." – Arlo stated.
The oldest giant explained that Anton had to destroy the beans, by throwing salt on their fields. He said that if humans put their hands on the beans, blood would be versed in all worlds.
Storybrooke
Anton struggled to maintain his grip of the pipe. Granny tied a rope to the back of David's car, so David could go underground to rescue him. The dwarves stabilized the rope as David scaled down the concrete edges of the hole. When he reached Anton, David said:
"Give me your hand."
"No!" – Anton refused – "I don't want go to humans again! I better let go."
"You'll kill yourself!" – David protested.
"Who wants this life?"
"If you have enough to live, why are you still gripping the pipe?" – David pointed out.
At those words, Anton finally grabbed David's hand. They were both pulled back to safety with the help of the Storybrooke citizens. After a moment, Anton said:
"You saved me… thank you."
"You're welcome." – Leroy replied.
"We're all different, Anton. I don't know what happened between you and my brother… but we're not like him." – David said.
"You have no idea…" – Anton said.
A moment after, Sailor Light arrived in company of Little Em and asked:
"Is everyone alright?"
"Emma! Where have you been?" – Mary Margaret asked – "Yes, we're all alright, don't worry about us."
"Good… I would have come earlier but…" – Emma said as she rubbed Little Em's head slightly – "… I had to protect Little Em."
"That's what we guessed… Another enemy is in Storybrooke?" – Rosalie asked.
"Yes. And she sent Anton to the town, in order distract you and have a better access to Little Em." – Emma explained, after what she walked to Anton – "How are you? What are you doing in Storybrooke?"
"Hello, Emma." – Anton said – "I was actually brought here on a pirate boat and reduced to a human size by Cora."
"I see…" – Emma nodded – "Well, I suggest everybody goes to his home now. There's a creature to defeat yet."
As everyone began to walk away (most of them in the direction of the Diner), Elle appeared in front of the guardians. And she seemed very angry, ready to kill.
"That Little brat!" – she shouted, glaring at the kid.
Little Em hugged her ball tight, as Emma made a step ahead and she said at the edge of anger:
"How dare you use an innocent person to attack so many lives, and destroy the things they care for?! I am Sailor Light, and in the name of the Light I'll punish you!"
As she said those words, she began to glow in a golden light. The jewel of the tiara broke, and in its place appeared a star in the middle of the tiara. Sailor Light had awakened a new power. Danielle and Rosalie nodded, and held her pens in the air.
"Fire Star Power!"
"Rose Star Power!"
Both girls transformed into Sailor Fire and Sailor Rose, and prepared their attacks.
"Love Roses Chain!" - Rosalie yelled, tying Elle up with her magical chain.
"Flaming Arrow!" - Danielle yelled shooting the arrow-like flame at Elle.
Emma then brought her hand to her tiara and quickly stroke the star-like jewel on it. It began to glow, and Emma yelled:
"Stellar Light Flash!"
A beam of light went out of the jewel injuring Elle badly. She got knocked into the ground, breathing heavily.
"This..Isn't...Over." - Elle mumbled angrily, after what she disappeared, returning to the Dark Star hideout.
Enchanted Forest
Screams filled the giants' lair as Jack stabbed Arlo with her sword. She then attempts to run, but she got grabbed by Arlo and stabbed with her own sword. Jack fell to the floor in pain, and cries for James' help, while he was gathering the treasures.
"James…! Please…"
"I'm sorry, Jack. But I have a kingdom to rule." – James said, after what he promptly made his way down the beanstalk leaving her to die.
Meanwhile, Arlo who collapsed to the floor next to Jack, asked to Anton if whether the beans have been destroyed. Anton confirmed that he has successfully destroyed all the beans. Arlo then gave him a seed which can grow a beanstalk.
"But the fields are full of salt… nothing can grow here…" – Anton said.
"One day… you'll find a new place…"
Those words were the last ones spoken by Arlo. As soon as he said that, the giant died.
Storybrooke
Emma, Danielle, Rosalie, Mary Margaret, David and Little Em brought Anton to Granny's Diner. Leroy explained that Granny also owned a hotel, so Anton could live there for the moment. Anton replied that he would probably live in the woods.
"I'm used to live alone." – the giant explained.
"There's creatures of all kinds in Storybrooke. Dwarves, fairies, werewolves…" – Leroy protested, pointing out that Anton would fit in.
Mary Margaret then sat next to Anton and said:
"We all miss our home, Anton. But meanwhile, this land is our home."
"Do you think about going back?" – Anton asked.
"Yes, we do." – Mary Margaret said, exchanging a look with David – "But for now, it's impossible."
"The ways to our old land are closed." – David added.
"Are the lands fertile here?" – Anton then asked.
As David replied that it was, Anton showed them his stem of a beanstalk. He explained that it could grow magic beans. Everyone looked at it with surprise and shock. Emma and her friends looked at each other. Would they return to the Enchanted Forest? They knew that it was what their families wanted, but would they fit in that life? It was their homeland too, but they left it when they were babies. It would be difficult for them to adapt themselves to an "enchanted" life, to learn everything required for it. And yet, hadn't they already lived a similar life, eons ago? Wouldn't it be a chance to rebuild it? Mary Margaret was the only one to notice their almost panicked look and she got worried as well. "What if Emma doesn't follow us? I really don't wish to lose her again." – she thought.
Later in the afternoon, Anton, the dwarves and After inspecting the soil, Anton realized that it was capable of harvesting beans. But he got hesitant, for one reason.
"Cora brought me here, because she knew I would plant it." – Anton shared his worry – "Whatever she wanted it for, it's not for good reasons."
"Don't worry about her." – Mary Margaret replied - "Cora is no longer a threat."
Leroy then approached Anton and asked if he wanted their help to dig. As the giant agreed, the dwarves handed him a pickax. When Anton held the pickax, it revealed a name (as it always does to new dwarves) "Tiny".
"Tiny… My brothers nicknamed me that." – Anton commented.
"A pickax never lies." – Leroy stated.
Then, Anton and the dwarves began their work by breaking down the earth with their pickaxes.
Unknown location
Brunh walked to Wiseman in order to have a couple of words with him. The man was actually getting more suspicious about Wiseman's intentions.
"You wanted to see me, Doc Brunh?"
"Yes… I wanted to ask you about your true intentions." – Brunh replied calmly.
"What…?!" – Wiseman exclaimed.
"Don't pretend. I can see that there's much more to you. Your goals go beyond the Eternal Crystal, am I right?" – Brunh asked, as Wiseman seemed to find discomfort in that conversation – "That would be why you pointlessly keep the three prisoners alive, while their death wouldn't bother the Prince."
"How dare you doubting me?! Me, who gave the power to all of you!" – Wiseman shouted angrily.
"So why those pointless missions, while we could just get the Eternal Crystal, by using our full power? Today's operation for instance was only a waste of time." – Brunh commented, convinced by his suspicions even more – "The only explanation that it's not what you truly want."
It was at that moment that Wiseman understood it was better to get rid of Brunh. The man knew too much now, he was beginning to think on his own. So, releasing his powerful dark magic, Wiseman directed the dark energy into Brunh's body. Brunh began to feel weird. It was not like a power making one with the person. It was like a darkness was drowning the body and soul from inside!
"Wi… se… man…!" – Brunh managed to say as he felt himself suffocated and ripped apart in the same time.
Seconds after, the darkness killed Brunh, and the body dissolved itself in the air. After that, Wiseman went to talk with Prince Ernest, informing of Brunh's "treason".
A/N: The chapter was written by me until the moment Emma and Little Em got attacked in the woods by Elle. The rest got added by my friend, after what I edited it.
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