Chapter 10: Magic Momentum
In which the search temporarily unites enemies
"What shall I do with you, Prince?" Radolph is displeased with the results of last night. He should have just killed them all and preserved his anonymity. He was about to, but then the mayor, the Queen, had shown up and he had lost his nerves. Going head to head with her wasn't something he was comfortable with, yet. So he had taken a hostage, and now he was stuck with him.
"We will search the woods. The whole town can help. We must find David, before… It's vital that we find him asap." Emma has gathered as much of their friends and family as was possible on such a short time's notice. "We should divide into groups and go in several directions." "Perhaps it's a good idea if those of us with magic are divided over the groups as well." Regina speaks up and Rumple agrees with her. Belle is looking very cross and Emma is at a loss of words. The Blue Fairy relates the story of the man who is the new Dark One and, suddenly, the group of volunteers starts to diminish. "Well done, Mother Superior," Emma says angrily, "we've just lost our muscle." "They have a right to know what they are up against." "Like we have a right to know what you are up to," Emma reacts furiously. "Me? I'm not up to anything. I wanted to be your teacher, guide you, like I've done with my fairies." "Like I did with Regina, not that she's grateful for it." Rumple scowls at her, taking out his frustration with Belle on everybody else.
They decide to go in three groups. Emma would have preferred four, for every wind direction, but she didn't want to go as the only representative of magical power since it had failed her horribly yesterday. Rumple and Regina were both leading a group, with Granny and Mary Margaret respectively, to keep them in check. Belle decided to stay close to the Blue Fairy in the hope to find a moment to continue their discussion. Blue teamed up with Emma, which she resented. But, it was David that mattered right now.
He has brought the lantern and the stake with him. The harp was too much nuisance. Rumple had fought the Dark One before. He had stabbed him to his death. He could easily do the same again, first use the stake, then grab the dagger. Or he could try to control the Dark One. Controlling such a power might prove even more satisfying than actually being the Dark One, and it could convince Belle that he did change into someone better. His wishful thinking gladdens his heart but when he begins to whistle cheerfully the angry stares of the others soon shut him up.
Radolph has found his solution. He will simply leave Storybrooke. Some say that is unwise, something about memory loss, but there is nothing left for him here. He could easily live in another town. Hunting skills are needed in many places. It will be a new adventure. But first he needs to deal with this Prince.
Regina enjoyed this outing. Although it would have been a lot better without a sobbing Mary Margaret behind her. The idea of going up against a powerful foe sparked her bloodlust. It was her town, so she should defend it; rid it of unwanted elements. This Radolph character should know his place. Her own short spell of being the Dark One caused her to fear him less than before. She might be a match for him; perhaps the power of the broken blade wasn't as strong.
Emma and Blue keep each other at a distance. Belle is trying to get her attention but the Blue Fairy pretends not to notice. She has other things on her mind. How to engage this new power? How to make Emma see her side of the story? Could she manage to destroy the blade by the same methods she tried all those ages ago? Was its power weakened by the mystical properties of the water? Only one way to know for sure. She quickens her step.
Granny and Rumple keep arguing over the direction they should take. Rumple thinks she is doing it for sport. Just to doubt his leadership. He would gladly pierce her with the stake, but he would not be thanked for it. Who would feed the community when she's gone? The grumpy old lady knows the forest almost as good as he does. She's an excellent tracker and picks up sounds and smells like a wild animal.
Ruby possesses similar skills and has joined Emma's crew. Whilst they are walking East, they hear a sound and see a small light in the distance. "Can you run ahead, and tell us what you see?" Emma asks Ruby, "but be careful!" Ruby does as she is told and sprints ahead of the group. When she approaches she sees antlers lying about a small cabin: a hunting shed covered with pelts. Ruby notices the tiniest window and takes a peek.