"Bitch."

Elena panted heavily, sweat dripping down the side of her face. Instead of physical torture, Riley decided to use mental manipulation by plaguing her mind with hallucinations. One moment, she was reliving a day at the beach and the next, she was reminded that she was currently tied up in a small room, not playing around in the ocean. She glanced up at Riley, pure hatred in her eyes.

"Send me back to that beach. Going from seeing Seth to your ugly face is like a nightmare."

"The nightmare hasn't even begun yet, sweetie. I know you're expecting Seth to come to your rescue but he has no idea that you're gone. When I had a friend snatch you, I sent a double in your place and I've been watching him. He has no idea. Do you know what he did last night while you were reliving that memory of your fourth birthday? He was tossing your lifeless corpse in a lake."

"He wouldn't do that," hissed Elena.

"I know him better than anyone. You should consider it a blessing. If it didn't give a damn about you, he would've thrown you in that lake with weights tied to your ankles and let you feel every bit of the pain of drowning. For some strange reason, he actually cared. I won't be that considerate."

"You can keep me tied up for the rest of my life. I won't tell you anything."

"We'll see."

Elena cried out in pain as a fire iron pierced her stomach. Riley lifted up the bottom of her lace tank top, exposing a deep stab wound. The wound healed within seconds leaving no traces, not even a burn mark.

"I see that your talentless, brainless self somehow managed to get into his inner circle. Won't your parents be happy to hear that? This is a win-win for the both of us. You heal quickly and I get to keep applying pain."

"You could threaten to shoot me in the head and I still won't talk."

Hearing a knock at the door, she dragged Elena into the secret closet. She left her with a parting gift: a frightening memory from her past. After casting a cloaking spell over the closet, to ensure that no one heard Elena's muffled cries for help, she walked over to the door. She cast another spell on the door to see who was visiting her. The sight of the sickeningly optimistic Charmings made her want to turn invisible. She had been dreading their eventual visit to her room, remembering that Emma had left Storybrooke earlier in the day. While she was busy mentally torturing Elena, she received a call from Emma about going on a trip with her, Henry, and Mr. Gold.

Owing him a favor, Emma was tasked with helping him find his son. She wanted to bring Riley along with her, claiming that it was her duty as Riley's protector though there were clearly other reasons. Riley refused to leave the town, not willing to risk being recognized while traveling the country. She had to endure a long lecture from Emma about not using her magic and maintaining her cover as the naive girl who was rescued the Enchanted Forest.

The Charmings were not alone, accompanied by Leroy and an injured Hook. Though she could not hear what David was saying, the angry glare and wagging finger were enough to guess that he was threatening Hook to cooperate with them. Mary Margaret, a quiver strapped to her back, knocked on the door once more, calling out her name. Riley unbuttoned her oversized dress shirt and opened the door. All four were caught off guard by her revealing attire of a black lacy bra and matching panties. Hook, having not spent much time in this land, was the least subtle about his stares. His eyes were traveling lower and lower until he snapped himself out of his daze and forced his eyes to stay on her face. She looked at her body and quickly covered herself, pretending that she was unaware of her shirt being unbuttoned.

"S—sorry. I didn't realize…I'm still getting used to these clothes."

Mary Marget was the first to speak. "It's fine. Not your fault," she said kindly, though her flared nostrils suggested that she knew that it was not an accident.

"What's wrong? Is Emma okay?"

"Yes. We're uh going to look for clues to find Cora. The sooner we find her, the sooner we can figure out how to get her out of Storybrooke. With Emma gone, she wanted us to watch over you."

"W—with a pirate? That doesn't sound safe."

"Leroy, could you call Doc? Ask him how it's going at the hospital," said David.

Taking out his phone, Leroy disappeared down the hallway. David stepped into the room.

"Get dressed. You're going," he insisted.

"No."

Riley, you are coming with us, whether you like it or not. There is no way that I am leaving you alone. Who knows what goes on in here when we're not around to keep an eye on you?"

"You got me. I'm secretly screwing all of your knights to bring them over to my side so I can stage a coup, overthrow you two, and become the new ruler of this stupid town."

David glared at Hook when he let out a soft chuckle. "We don't have time for your games."

"You couldn't handle the games I play. You strike me as too…vanilla."

"Get dressed."

Grabbing clothes from her closet, she changed her outfit in the bathroom, wearing a short-sleeved crop top, dark skinny jeans, knee-high boots, and a leather jacket. She overheard Mary Marget quietly begging David to not snoop through her belongings. David remarked that they knew nothing about Riley, which was unsettling when she had far too much knowledge about their own lives. He was peeking through the closet.

"I'm guessing you were a failure at panty raids when you were a kid. I keep them in my dresser."

"I wasn't looking for that."

"This is such a nice town. People searching rooms without a warrant. Does that mean I get to look through your apartment while you're out?"

"No but I do have the right when the person in question seems to have a lot of secrets. Your background check came up with nothing. That's suspicious to me."

"It's called covering your tracks. When you're in hiding—"

"You still haven't said who you're hiding from either."

"That's between me and Emma…when I think she's ready. Personally, I think she'll be dead before I feel that comfortable. That note told her a lot but it failed to mention that I've had plenty of guardians over the years and the average amount of time that they've lasted is a month. Your precious little savior can't even use magic. I'm curious how you think she can protect anyone when all she has are her street smarts and a gun."

"Emma will be fine. She'll come back and then you're not leaving this room until you tell us everything we want to know."

"I'm quaking with fear," she replied, sarcastically.

Leroy returned to the room. "Doc and the others are standing guard at the hospital. No one will get near Belle."

"Yes, because anyone who intends to harm her will be frightened into fleeing at the sight of six tiny men," said Hook.

Riley giggled quietly at his remark. She followed them down to the docks, rejecting any of Mary Margaret's friendly attempts to get to know her. Due to his injuries, Hook struggled to keep up, limping while clutching his side. Every so often, she noticed him glancing at her from the corner of her eye. Only Riley was aware that the ship was hidden by a cloaking spell.

"Can you undo the spell she cast on the ship?" David asked her, sounding more like an order than a request.

"She can use magic?" said Leroy, surprised.

"Barely. Apparently, she was learning from someone before the curse hit. She's our best shot at finding the ship. I know it might be a difficult spell but I think you can do it."

"Emma told me not to use my magic."

"She meant to not use it to hurt people," said Mary Margaret.

"But if I am able to uncloak the ship, what if my magic goes out of control and the cannons start firing? That could hurt people."

"Riley, I don't think—"

"I'm unwilling to take that risk."

David shoved Hook forward, telling him to bring them to the ship. After some rude banter, Hook stepped through the invisible barrier. They marveled at the sight of an actual ship at the docks, not expecting it to be this grand.

"Say it already," she whispered.

She turned around, facing Hook. He was leaning against the side of the ship, wincing from the pain in his ribs.

"Don't know what you mean, love."

"You've been staring at me since we left the inn. It's about 10% eyefucking…I'll go as high as 20% since you couldn't keep your eyes off my chest without trying really hard. The other 80-90%? You want to say something to me. Have you reconsidered my offer?"

"Now that you mention it, perhaps I'll use this distraction of my ship to—"

Their conversation was interrupted by Leroy. He was curious if the ship was able to travel back to the Enchanted Forest. Though it was made of enchanted wood, Hook explained that a portal was required for a journey between lands. David, lacking any tact, questioned him about Cora's plans for the town. Hook appeared to be completely clueless, only knowing that her plan involved cargo aboard the ship. He tapped on a wooden box covered by an enormous white cloth. Together, David and Leroy removed the cloth, revealing a bearded man sleeping inside a cage.

"Who's that?" asked Mary Margaret.

"A giant," replied Riley.

"Giants are…big."

"It's called magic."

"Aye, he was atop a beanstalk that Swan and I climbed together in the Enchanted Forest to retrieve a compass," said Hook.

Leroy peered into the cage. "So Cora used magic to make him travel-sized."

"Whatever she intends to do with him, it's important."

David accused Hook of hiding information. As they bickered back and forth, leading to David grabbing him by the throat, Riley tapped the giant's shoulder and sneaked off the ship. Sitting on a bench near the docks, she cast a cloaking spell over herself. Hook was the next person to leave the ship, limping away with pained groans. Despite the ship being invisible, it did not muffle the sounds of a struggle aboard the ship. The giant, now awake and full of rage, hurried off the ship, spooked by his strange surroundings. Riley uncloaked herself and flicked her wrist. The asphalt crept up his leg, keeping him rooted to the ground by the cannery.

"Having a bad day?" she asked, appearing in front of him.

Fear flickered in his dark eyes. "You. I know you. You're that witch…the one who robbed our home with that beast."

"Robbed is such a harsh word. I'd call it borrowing a few things. What did your brothers call you? Tiny, right? Certainly fits now."

"Stay back or I'll—"

"You'll what? Swing your fists at me while you're stuck to the road? You didn't scare me as a giant and you don't scare me now. This is my lucky day. I was thinking that I needed to search far for what I want but it's right here. One little spell and I can make you the size of a bug."

"What do you want?" he asked, anxiously.

"I can see that you've got a lot of pent-up rage. I take what I want and we can go our separate ways. All I want is that little ring on your pinky."

"For what purpose?"

"It's not for dark magic, if that's what you think. I just think it's cute. Do you want to be freed from the spell or not?"

Removing the ring, he handed it to her. The ring was silver with a dark red gemstone and runic markings etched along the edges. She reversed the spell on his legs.

"Now go on and destroy the town, if you like. I wouldn't mind a distraction from those idiots you met on the ship."

"I won't be small forever. When the magic wears off, I'll find you and—"

She gripped his chin. "Sweetie, don't throw idle threats. I showed you a kindness that day that I don't show many and it's very rare that I show such kindness twice to the same person. Be thankful that you survived. If that so-called beast had his way, you would've fallen like your other brothers."

Hiding the ring in her jeans pocket, she headed back towards the inn. Her phone vibrated in her hand, showing calls from Mary Margaret then David. She stifled a laugh, listening to their panicked voicemails. They warned her about a shrunken giant loose in the town and wanted her to meet them at Granny's. Passing by the closed library, she felt a sharp tug on her arm. Her attacker pushed her against the wall of the library. She caught a whiff of rum from their breath.

"Most would buy me dinner before going this far…though I did make an exception for one. She had the prettiest blue eyes and an accent that made me melt."

Hook kept her hands behind her back, his hook digging into her shoulder. "I saw you dealing with that giant. What was your business with him?"

"I was stopping him from going into town."

"And yet you freed him."

"I can't help it if I like chaos. You don't have me pinned against this wall to discuss my conversations with little giants. Did the sight of me this morning drive you crazy with lust? You're not the first. I tend to have that effect on people."

"Your visit to the hospital last night. What did you do to me?"

"I never went to the hospital. I was babysitting Henry while they were freaking out over that stranger. You can ask him or Granny. I was there all night."

"Lies. You don't have your magic to protect you. If you refuse to answer me, I will take my hook and—"

Seconds later, she heard a loud caw. His grip loosened on her arms as he swatted away a raven. Riley pushed him against the opposite wall, casting a spell to restrain him with a ring of stone around his wrists. The raven landed on a trash can beside her and nipped her finger.

"Good girl. You're not going to let the nasty pirate make mean accusations towards me."

"I know you were there."

"You're wrong but I'm curious. What are you accusing me of, Hook?"

"You sneaked into my room, dressed like one of those healers...or whatever they're bloody well called in this land."

She giggled. "By that look on your face, I'm guessing I looked like a sexy nurse. In this land, they call that a sex dream."

"And when you touched my head, I felt a shooting pain."

"A sex dream gone wrong. There's no magic involved in that. I didn't peg you as the type to like foreplay."

Hook did not look the least bit amused. "It was not a dream. I want to know why you were in that room. What did you take from my head?"

"Nothing. How could I when it's just full of hot air? This conversation is boring me. I'll expect to see you again when you've decided to take my offer. Be careful. That giant is not happy."

Riley transported herself back to the inn. Conjuring an empty jar, she dropped the giant's ring inside and covered it with glittery black powder. Her grin faltered as the ring burst into flames, reduced to nothing but ash. She threw the jar against the wall in anger, smashing it to pieces.

"You're upset."

Vivienne was standing by the window, looking concerned. "This isn't the time."

"I'd say it's the perfect time for me to be here. Was it not supposed to burst into flames? All these years and I still don't understand much about magic."

"No, it wasn't. It was a fake. I should've known as soon as I had it in my hand…and I'm not upset. I'm angry."

"Does this has to do with anything else? Like someone with a hook?"

"Why would I care about that stupid pirate?"

"Of course you wouldn't. I just thought maybe—forget it. Talk to me. You always did when you were in one of your moods. We've been apart all this time. I never thought I'd see you again. I don't like seeing you unhappy."

Grabbing Riley's hand, she led her over to the bed. "It's going to be okay. He's not going to win. He didn't the last time and I know it's been tough over the years, all this back and forth, but in the end, you'll win because you're stronger. He stands no chance."

"Then why does it feel like he's won? All those stories written about him…the movies…"

"Stories here mean nothing. I've read these fairytales. They're a load of hogwash, if you ask me. Did you know that in one of them, I'm written as just some malicious vixen who seduced him to get at his power?"

"Well…"

Vivienne playfully smacked her shoulder. A tiny giggle escaped her lips, making her forget about her anger.

"It's a half truth at best. I may have…flirted but it was for you. You know that I'd do anything for you," she said, lacing her fingers through hers.

"You should go. I'm sure the savior's parents will be here any minute to check on me. No one can know about our past. We have to act as though we're strangers."

"For how long? Soon enough, he'll send someone here and if Emma can't—then you'll leave again and I can't come with you. If I cross that town line—"

"Don't fret over nothing. Judging by her lack of talent, that day may come soon and if it does, I'll help you cross without losing your memories. I'm not leaving you behind again. Now go before someone spots you."

"I'll see you later. Once that giant is taken care of, I'm sure the others will want to meet at Granny's or something."

Vivienne transfigured into a raven and flew out the open window…

~Killian~

It was not a dream. Killian would repeat that same sentence in his head until it drove him mad. He refused to be fooled by that infuriating girl. No matter how many times she denied it, he knew that she had visited him in that hospital and performed some kind of spell. He was not well-versed in magic but judging by the pain it caused him, he doubted that it had pure intentions. While most of the town was fooled by her innocent act, some were not falling for her pretty face or the lies spewing from her mouth. The prince and princess may be naïve but not about her, particularly Snow who knew what the girl was capable of in terms of power. They seemed to be just as wary of her, unsure how she had such knowledge of the Enchanted Forest and its inhabits.

Killian was sitting in Regina's office, gazing at the giant's path of destruction through the town. Being the one to cast the curse, she retained her power as a queen, though in this land a ruler was called a mayor. She had given the giant a piece of enchanted mushroom to return him to his usual size, allowing him to gain his vengeance against the prince. Cora was spying on him through a mirror in the office. The prince and princess had rescued the giant, shrunken once more, from falling to his death.

Regina scoffed. "Of course they saved him. So much for that distraction."

"We'll have plenty more, dear. Is something troubling you, Hook? You seem quite pensive," said Cora.

"I'll admit that I've learned much about magic through the centuries but seeing as you practice it, you're a bit more of an expert. What kind of spell requires one to touch another's head? A spell that causes quite a lot of pain?"

"My first guess would be memory extraction. Digging through the mind, especially one as cluttered as yours, can be painful."

"Or it's from being hit by a car. I'm surprised you didn't get revenge on that man yet," said Regina.

"As much as I wish that it was from that metal carriage, I know it was the doing of the town's other new visitor."

"Other new visitor?" she asked, puzzled.

After Cora framed her for the murder of the cricket, Regina had holed herself up in her underground vault. She cut herself off from the rest of the town, not wanting to be punished for her alleged crime. Killian realized that she was unaware of the newest inhabitant of Storybrooke. Thinking that Regina could do his dirty work for him to scare the arrogant girl into confessing her secrets, he told both women what he knew about her. Regina looked more infuriated with each new detail.

"What do you mean, she crossed the town line? That's—well, it's not impossible since the curse broke but she knowingly came here?"

"Aye. Knows very much about this town and the curse that brought it here."

"And she came here for the savior?" asked Cora, intrigued.

"As I was traveling with those women to retrieve the compass, Swan received a piece of parchment. It seems that she's been tasked with protecting this girl. I haven't the slightest idea why and neither does Swan."

"Well, she won't find out because that girl is leaving now. I don't need a wild card to ruin everything," said Regina, casting a spell to summon one of her knights.

A tall, burly man arrived at the office. Killian recognized him as Alaric, one of her most prized knights and a man who was completely loyal to her. He was renowned for his brutality on and off the battlefield. When she tasked him with killing Cora, he threatened Killian that if he did not finish the job, he would rip off his head with his own hands. Regina questioned him about Riley, wondering why the rest of the town was not suspicious of her. He told her the cover story given by Swan and her parents, that Riley had arrived through the same portal.

"There was no one else with them that day."

Alaric nodded. "I knew it was a lie. The girl's hiding something. I told Ethan to tell me of any suspicious behavior but you know boys at that age. They get infatuated with anything on two legs. I overheard David speaking with his daughter over the phone. Her name is Riley Renato. They tried to find information on her but there was nothing, not even a previous address."

"Where is she now? I assume she's staying at the inn."

"Yes. I've been using Ethan to keep track of her. Wherever he is, it's likely that she's there as well. He left for The Rabbit Hole not that long ago. Should I accompany you?"

"Yes. If I need to scare this girl into cooperation, you'd be helpful with that."

Cora cast a shapeshifting spell on herself to alter her appearance. Keeping his distance from the burly knight, he followed Regina to a local pub. It was quite different from taverns in the Enchanted Forest, much more garish and with a wider variety of beverages. He was distracted by the strange music, which was very suggestive or irritatingly loud. In this land, there did not seem to be much concern for manners in dancing as he noted the nearly nonexistent amount of space between dance partners. It was more prevalent among the younger patrons. He spotted Riley among a group of children, including the boy that she had been speaking with outside the bakery the previous day.

Reaching into the pocket of her leather coat, she pulled out a strange square device. Regina referred to it as a cellphone, a means of communication between people no matter the distance between them.

"It's Emma. I'll be back," she said to one of the girls.

Riley left the table, standing in an empty corner of the bar. It was easy to blend into the crowd, allowing them to move closer to her location. Cora cast a spell to overhear the conversation with Swan despite the loud music.

A boy's voice emitted from the phone. "Why haven't you been answering your messages? You missed two meetings in the last week, Elena. I want to know your progress on what that idiot was doing at that manor. Did you take care of it?"

For a moment, Killian thought the voice sounded familiar. Judging by Riley's smug expression, the boy was not referring to her.

"Hello lover," she said in a honeyed voice.

He heard a low chuckle. "I should've known it was your doing. What gutter are you hiding in these days?"

"That's where I find your pathetic lackeys. I happen to be sitting outside your window, pining for you."

"If you were, I would've sensed it and snapped your head clean off by now."

"So hostile. Are you still sore about what I did to those three idiots?"

"Still weeping for that poor excuse of a protector?"

"No. I'm used to your obsessive stalker ways. If another guy so much as looks at me, you get all jealous. It's been the same all these years."

"I assume Elena's with you."

"You assume correctly but here's a plot twist. She's not dead yet."

"That's a surprise. I thought you would've disposed of her by now after you learned she foiled your little plan."

Though he seemed to have ruined some sort of scheme orchestrated by her, Riley did not look upset. She was smiling into the phone.

"Yes, she did. Now how will I ever win against you? There is no possible way for me to do what I wanted without what was in that manor. Two points for you," she said, twirling her wavy dark hair around her finger.

Ethan was walking towards her, two beers in his hand. "Feel free to call anytime. Oh and when you do send one of your idiots after me, at least pick someone who can give me a good fight. Those last three were so boring."

Ending the call, she lied to Ethan that she had been speaking with Swan. Regina interrupted their little conversation, calling out to him. He tensed up at the sight of his father, hiding the beer behind his back.

"R—Regina, you're—I'm glad you're not hiding anymore. I knew you didn't kill Archie."

"Always so sweet. Who's your friend?"

"Uh this is um Riley. She…she's kind of new to Storybrooke."

"Did you invite your grandmother out to the pub?" asked Riley.

Regina glared harshly. "I happen to be his queen and the mayor of this town. Surely if you know about the curse that made this town exist, you know—is something funny, dear?"

Riley was holding back a laugh. "It's just funny. I mean, it's not like you got the job out of any merit. You made the curse so of course, you made yourself the mayor. Honestly, walking around this town, it's not something to brag about but for an old hag like yourself, you did the best you could."

Ethan chuckled awkwardly. "Regina, she didn't mean—heh, I think it's the liquor talking. This is probably why you shouldn't drink before you're twenty one because you can't handle the…Riley was kidding."

"You will show respect to the queen, you insolent child," said Alaric, towering over her.

Riley shivered. "The big tree speaks. I'm so scared."

"What is your business in this town?" asked Regina, boiling over with anger.

"That's between me, myself, and I."

"You will answer me or I will char off all that pretty hair. I'm sure Ethan can attest to what happens when I am disrespected."

Ethan was silent, not moving a single muscle. He appeared to be frozen in place though he was not the only one. Every person in the pub, except for Riley, Killian, Regina, Cora, and Alaric, were in the same state.

"Impressive spell," said Cora, glancing over a frozen girl with a glass to her lips.

"If only I could say the same to you but that's a terrible shapeshifting spell. You must be Cora. I've heard of you. Pity you don't live up to the rumors."

"Enough of this. What are you doing in Storybrooke?" asked Regina.

"You don't have to worry, Regina. I'm not going to usurp your power. If I wanted that, I would've done it as soon as I crossed that town line. I'm just here until Emma kicks the bucket, so to speak. You should be happy about that."

"As much as it would please me to see the savior and the two idiots gone, that isn't enough for me to accept your presence here. You will tell me everything you know or—"

"That's starting to sound like a threat."

"And here I thought that you were just a pretty face. You have some brains after all."

"Take them."

Suddenly, Killian's arms were pinned behind his back. His assailant was one of the knights, a blonde boy who reminded him of the prince. The other boys had Regina, Cora, and Alaric cornered, holding guns, knives, and other makeshift weapons. Ethan was pointing a gun at Regina's head.

"Go ahead and shoot her in the face. Her voice irritates me."

As he pulled the trigger, she raised her hand. "Wait, stop. Forget that. Take ten steps back, turn around, and close your eyes."

Every person in the pub followed her instructions. Killian was aware that Riley possessed magic but he had no idea that she possesed enough power to control an entire crowd without a flick of her wrist. She stepped towards Regina.

"I don't respond well to threats. If you threaten me again, you'll wake up one night to see little Henry by your bed. I'll have Ethan drive a sword right through his belly and as you're watching him die, he'll do the same to you and the last thing you'll see is blood dribbling down his chin."

Regina snarled, conjuring a fireball in her hand. In a split second, Riley slammed her against the wall, lifting her up by her throat with ease.

"Mother," choked out Regina.

Cora waved her hand but nothing happened, not even a puff of smoke. "Mommy can't help you now. I've cut off her magic. It's a little talent of mine...the ability to absorb magic from anyone and anything. It's very useful. My dad loved it."

As she grabbed Regina's wrist, the fireball was extinguished. "Amateur little witches…such arrogance."

"Ironic coming from a girl who looks like she was drinking from sippy cups not that long ago."

"Appearances are deceiving. Do you honestly think that you stand a chance against me? I could kill everyone in this bar before you finished blinking. I don't even need to see Henry to hurt him. All it takes is a little spell and he'll start puking up blood…maybe going blind…so many choices."

"If you hurt him—"

"Oh, I can and I will, Regina. See, you may have been a queen back in the Enchanted Forest but here, you're nothing. You're an insignificant little speck. Go on with whatever you're doing with mommy dearest, hobbles, and the big tree. As long as you stay out of my way, I'll stay out of yours."

Letting go of Regina, she vanished from the bar in a cloud of silver smoke. The spell over the pub was reversed, lifting them from their stupor. Ethan began to speak as though he had never been frozen. Seeing that Riley was gone, he was worried that Regina had somehow harmed her with magic. Regina attempted to explain the truth about Riley but he refused to believe her, insisting that Riley was an innocent girl from their land. Ignoring both his father and Regina, he left the pub…

~Riley~

Riley had spent all night and the next morning in her room at the inn, tormenting Elena. Despite the hours of long, painful torture, Elena refused to divulge any secrets. She was adamant that her dear 'master' would rescue her then murder Riley for giving her the tiniest scratch. In the middle of making her blood boil, she received a visit from a concerned Ethan. Thinking that Regina harmed her, he apologized and promised that Regina was being more paranoid than usual, causing to her find someone as sweet as Riley as a threat. He was oblivious to Elena's screams, due to a powerful cloaking spell. All he could see was her mostly empty room. Not wanting her to think that Storybrooke was unsafe, he promised to protect her in case she had another encounter with Regina or her mother.

Riley was walking around the second floor of the hospital. She opened the door to a room at the end of the hallway. Belle, dazed and dressed in a yellow hospital gown, was laying on a bed. She took a small bite of a bread roll.

"Can I help you?" she asked, speaking with a thick accent.

"They were right. You really don't remember anything. That must be awful."

"I'm sorry if I don't remember you. I don't even know my own name. People keep calling me Belle."

Walking over to the bed, she placed her hand on Belle's shoulder. Her eyes glazed over as she looked up at Riley.

"That's it. I'm Riley. Does that sound familiar?"

Belle smiled. "I—I think so. We're friends."

Riley sighed with relief and hugged her. "Yes. We're very good friends. I'm sorry I haven't visited you sooner. I guess I was worried to see you around Mr. Gold but now that he's gone, I decided to take my chances."

"Mr. Gold? Who's that?"

"Another friend. I stopped by to get your key for the library. I know you wanted it to be open soon and now that you're in the hospital, you can't really do that."

"I was going to open a library?"

"Of course. You love books, Belle. Until you're feeling better, I'll take care of the library for you. It's what friends do, after all."

"Maybe you can help jog my memory. You must know a lot about me if we're friends."

"Nothing would make me happier. Let me get started on the library and then I'll be back. We have so much to catch up on, Belle."

Reaching into a purse on the bedside table, she pulled out a set of keys. She hugged Belle once more then left the hospital. Walking down the street, she received a call from Emma.

"I think you're even more annoying when you're away."

"I said I'd call you every day that I was gone to check on you. Have you set fire to any buildings yet?" asked Emma.

Riley heard a slight tremble in her voice. "Aw, what's wrong? Bad run-in with the baby daddy?"

"W—what?"

"The Dark One's son. What happened? Was there angry yelling over his betrayal? Any crying? Please tell me someone got video of that. It would make my day."

"How could you—there's no way you could know that."

"You'd be surprised by what I know, Emma. Are you upset because Henry is mad at you?"

"He doesn't know. Why would he be mad at me?"

"Because you lied about his family. A child sees that as unforgivable. You could say I know that from personal experience. I doubt he'll ever look at you the same. Now I'm excited to see him again. An angsty eleven year old boy? I prefer that over one who weeps for a dead cricket."

"Shut up! Henry won't—I don't even know why I bother. I'm going to convince Gold that his son is a lost cause and then we'll be on our way back to Storybrooke. Don't start any trouble."

"That's like telling a fish not to swim."

Hanging up the phone, she stopped in front of a shop with a sign that read Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer. She flipped through the set of keys from Belle's purse and used a rusty gold one to open the door. The shop was filled with all sorts of trinkets. She walked into the back room and searched the many bookshelves. There were books about every subject, from dark magic to potions capable of curing illnesses. She picked up a dusty, leather-bound book from the top shelf. At the bottom of the spine was an etching of a dove.

"Hello, old friend. We have much to do."

Riley heard soft whispers in her head. Within seconds, the whispers became more clear.

"Riley. Riley. Riley."

"Look who's calling."

She transported herself to the source of the whispers. Her surroundings changed to the inside of the library where Hook was laying unconscious on the floor. She touched his forehead, casting a spell to see his memories from before he fell unconscious. He had been working with Regina and Cora to locate the Dark One's dagger, using a note hidden in Belle's purse as a clue. When he was able to decipher a map, both women turned on him and Cora sent him flying into the bookshelf. Riley nudged the side of his head with her boot. His eyes fluttered open and he groaned, holding his head.

"I'm beginning to think you have an obsession with me, love."

"You were the one calling out for me."

"I never said your name."

"You did while you were knocked out. Perhaps it was another sex dream and it sounded more like this."

She panted heavily. "Riley. Riley. Riley. Yes, Riley," she moaned, imitating his accent.

"You're vulgar," he hissed.

"A prudish pirate. That's a rare sight. Your subconscious was saying what you won't admit. For some stupid reason, you put your trust in a queen that acts more like a child and her equally messed up mother and now they've turned on you. Ask me."

"I do not need help from a ch—"

The heel of her boot rested between his legs. "I'd be very careful about the next word out of your mouth. It could decide if you leave here with your mast intact or the Charmings finding your bloody corpse with a missing appendage. Stop being a stubborn ass and beg me for my help. You know that without me, you've got no chance of killing the Dark One."

"And what's in it for you, Renato? You seem to only offer your assistance in a matter if you get something in return or have you already gotten what you seek by stealing my memories?"

"Here we go with your baseless accusations. I did nothing to you. As for why I would help, let's just say that I know people with a vested interest in seeing the Dark One gone. Never met him myself but from what I hear, it would be doing everyone a favor."

"I would welcome your assistance," he said, looking pained by just asking for help.

"That didn't sound like begging to me. You have to mean it."

He gritted his teeth. "Please help me. I cannot possibly defeat the crocodile without your help. I am begging you to assist me in this endeavor."

"Was that so hard?"

Flicking her wrist, she transported them into her room. He raised an eyebrow at the sight of Elena by the television, strapped to the chair and plunging a jagged knife into her leg. Both of her legs were soaked with blood though each time the knife pierced her skin, her wounds healed instantly.

"How has your day been today, Ellie?"

"I've been stabbing myself repeatedly."

Riley pouted. "Oh no. Why?"

"Because you told me that I had to and I can't stop myself. Is he here because you finally realized that I won't tell you anything so you'll just toss me in some ditch?"

"No. This is Captain Hobbles. Hobbles, this is Elena. I brought her with me to Storybrooke and she tends to be wrong all the time. See, she thinks she's so brave for keeping quiet but what she doesn't know is that her silence is exactly what I wanted…because now I know everything."

Elena looked at her, strangely. "What?"

"While you were so busy trying to stay strong through all those horrible hallucinations, I snuck in through the back door of your empty mind. Did you think that I couldn't because he's had you ingesting wolfsbane since the day he gave you your little gift?"

She shook her head. "I don't—if I was, you couldn't make me do anything."

"Maybe you're right, Ellie. If you haven't been on wolfsbane, then you'll walk right over to the window," said Riley, making direct eye contact.

Shaking from head to toe, Elena dropped the knife and stumbled over to the window. Riley glanced over at Hook, who had not taken his eyes off of her during the conversation. Slipping him a subtle wink, she turned back towards Elena, who screamed in agony as the sun struck her. Her skin bubbled, leaving horrible burns all over the right side of her body. Unlike her previous injuries, the burns remained and worsened over time.

"You can get away from the window. Guess even I have to be wrong sometimes."

Elena zoomed away in a quick blur, hiding in the shadow of the closet door. "Why did she burn? If she ingests wolfsbane, she's a werewolf. They don't burn in the sunlight," said Hook, eyeing the frightened Elena.

"That's true of most werewolves but Elena comes from a cursed line. Centuries ago, they were cursed to only be in their wolf forms and to never walk in the sunlight. It was done by a very powerful sorcerer when her ancestors followed him to this land but another one helped them and she's been in his debt ever since. He was so generous, giving them special rings to keep them from burning in the sun. It's a pity that Elena lost hers. It's almost like someone purposely ripped off the ring and tossed it into a lake. Who would do such a thing?"

"Centuries? This town wasn't here until twenty eight years ago."

"Do you honestly think Regina was the first to cross over to this land? Hardly. What was that, you little mutt?"

Elena was muttering to herself quietly. "J—just kill me. You're going to do it anyway. Stop biding your time and just do it."

As Riley walked towards her, she closed her eyes tightly, waiting for the fatal blow. She was sure that her life would be over in a few minutes. Riley cupped her cheek.

"That's what you want. You'd rather I finish the job than have him do it. As frightening as I am, he's far worse, especially about disloyalty. I have a better idea. Since you're obviously on wolfsbane…seriously, you're a terrible actress. You could've made it much more believable. Let me take care of that."

The knife rose from the floor and flew into her hand. She stabbed Elena in the stomach and waved her hand over the wound. A yellowish mist seeped from the wound, absorbing into the palm of her hand. She locked eyes with Elena.

"I want you to go back to him."

"N—no."

"You're going to tell him everything that happened. I want him to know that how badly you messed up. No matter how much you want to keep quiet, you can't. You're going to cross that town line, forget about Storybrooke, and think about how all you are is a worthless little puppy."

Elena disappeared from the room. "Either way, she'll die. She clearly wronged you. Why not do it yourself?" asked Hook, curiously.

"It'll be worth it. Now do you want to find your crocodile or not?"

"And how do you propose that we find him? He's left town and from what Regina told me, he could be thousands of miles away."

"It's called phone tracking. Emma's in Manhattan. It's about a seven hour drive."

"The Jolly Roger is faster than those metal carriages. We'll leave now."

"Calm down. With his long list of issues with his son, they won't be gone anytime soon. Besides, I need time to find a loophole around leaving and keeping anyone from knowing that I'm gone."

"You weren't part of the curse. You can leave without losing your memories."

"Memory loss isn't my problem. It's—"

A snowy owl flew in through the window, landing on the dresser. It had a letter tied to its leg. Untying the note, she fed the owl a small treat. She waited the owl to leave but it did not move, its yellow eyes on her. With a heavy sigh, she opened the letter. The letter floated in mid-air, taking the form of a man's face.

"If you take one step over that line, I shall know and you will face the consequences. Stay put. Remember the last time you disobeyed and I had to pay a visit. Stop this foolishness and do as you are told," said the letter in a booming voice.

She waved the letter over to the open window, where it exploded into silver dust. "What the bloody hell was that?"

"The one who gave Emma the job of protecting me. It's not the first letter I've gotten. I don't do well with orders. By the morning, I'll find a way to leave without a problem."

"If you break this deal or betray me in any way…"

"I always keep my word. By tomorrow, we'll be in Manhattan and you'll get to skin your little crocodile. You should be focused on finding your hook. You can't just kick him to death."

As Hook left her room, she conjured the leather-bound book from Gold's shop and sat on her bed, flipping through the pages…