3rd POV

Zelena unlocks the cage, her eyes on Rumpelstiltskin. Rumpelstiltskin stands up abruptly, ready to pounce on her.

"So how are we today, Rumple? I hope you've had as much of an eventful day as I have." As she opens the cage door wider, Rumpelstiltskin steps forward. Zelena wags her finger side to side at him.

"Uh uh, I wouldn't do that if I were you," she warns as she produces a familiar jagged edged dagger from her cape, Rumpelstiltskin's name is engraved on it. He flinches back, his eyes fearful at the sight. Zelena smiles with satisfaction. Then her face grows stern.

"Sit," she orders.

Glaring, Rumpelstiltskin does as he's told. Regaining her chirpy smile, Zelena takes a seat in front of him. She holds him by his chin, forcing him to stare at her. She strokes his roughly grown beard tenderly.

"It's funny how your absence has such an effect on the others. Would you believe it? They're actually looking for you. Especially that woman of yours, Belle," she adds darkly. Rumpelstiltskin's eyes light up.

"Belle..." He whispers to himself.

Zelena grips his chin hard and brings his dagger to his face.

"That's right. She was wasting her tears on you." She sighs, lightly brushing the dagger across his cheek, "I'm surprised you fell in love with a weakling." Rumpelstiltskin snarls at her. It only brings a smug smile to her face. Tightening her grip, she starts to delicately shave his beard off.

"Amongst other things, looks like casting that curse has come with a heavy price." She leans in as though telling him a secret.

"There is no magic in Storybrooke." Rumpelstiltskin's eyes widen.

"That's impossible!" he cackles. Zelena sits back, her face wearing a grin.

"It shocked me too. To hear that a price can be as painful as that. But I won't lie that the very thought of it was music to my ears. Without magic, Destiny and Regina are simply useless. If I hadn't taken Destiny's curse from her and kidnapped you, I would have been as useless as them. I knew you would be worthwhile." Her dagger cuts his cheek. Rumpelstiltskin winces slightly.

"Oops. I'm sorry. Did that hurt?" Her eyes darken.

"This will be nothing compared to the pain I will give you if you disobey me. I'm not the Zelena I was before," she warns. Satisfied, she brings the dagger away from his face.

"There. All done. Don't you look handsome," she exclaims as she wipes the dagger with a cloth.

Rumpelstiltskin glares at her, eyes blazing. "Why did you come here? I know it wasn't to give me a trim."

Zelena carelessly throws the cloth. "Aren't we observant?" She giggles, but noticing his face, she stops and rolls her eyes. "Okay fine. As I said before, no one in Storybrooke has magic besides me. Naturally, Regina and Destiny are at wit's end and I've heard that they have found something interesting. This is where you come in. If at any point they are both in Regina's little underground dungeon, I want you to trap them there for." She pauses, tapping her finger against her chin, "I don't know, forever?"

"How am I supposed to do that if you are the only person with magic?" Rumple asks, raising an eyebrow, thinking he found a glitch in her plan.

"Oh I'm glad you asked, dearie!" Zelena stands up and walks over to the door of the cell. Bending over, she retrieves a bag from the floor. Facing Rumpelstiltskin, she pulls out a small object and encloses her hand around it, obscuring it from his view. Resting the purse back on the ground, she resumes her seat by Rumpelstiltskin. She then rolls her wrist, holding her hand palm out towards Rumple. Looking down, he's greeted by a dull band of metal.

"An old ring?" He asks, unsure where Zelena was heading.

"It might not look like much but it gives the wearer his/her full range of power back."

His lips twitch and he reaches for the ring. Zelena yanks her hand back and tuts, "You think I trust you with magic?" She laughs. "When I know for sure that they are both in that tomb, the ring will appear and you'll use it for that one spell. Once it's done, it'll return to me."

She rises from her seat and walks over to the door. She turns back to him.

"For now, you can wait here and grobble in your madness. I will come when I need you," she declares. She walks away, a pleased grin on her face. Rumpelstiltskin turns to his spindle and spins it. The muddled voices return to him, blocking out the conversation that had just happened.

Destiny's POV

It's been a week since we discovered that Rumple was missing. And there's been no sign of him since. Belle was nowhere to be seen either. Nova had mentioned that she kept herself locked away in her library, taking in the temporary comfort of her books. Even Nova's cupcakes couldn't bring a smile to her face. But who am I kidding? How can cupcakes fix someone's broken heart?

A bell rings, interrupting me from my thoughts. Putting on a fake smile, I look ahead to find Killian walking up to the counter. My smile fades. I quickly look away and busy myself with cleaning the counter. I hear him sigh as he approaches.

"What's wrong, Destiny?"

"Well, hi to you too. And I'm fine. There's nothing wrong," I reply, keeping my eyes on the counter. Killian's hand shoots out and stops mine. Sighing inside, I look up at him. Killian's eyes are full of worry.

"Why are you avoiding me?" He asks, not letting go of my hand.

Shaking my head, I look around the store. I sigh in relief. No one is paying attention. I glance back at Killian.

"Not here," I whisper. I grab my jacket from behind me.

"Nova! Can you handle the front please? I'll be right back." Ignoring Nova's protests, I rush out of the shop with Killian.

"Now can you tell me what's going on?" Killian urges as I finish adjusting my jacket. I cross my arms over my chest. Killian strokes my arms tenderly.

"Did I do something wrong?" He asks, his eyes searching my face.

I shake my head. "No. Of course not. It's just..." I take a deep breath.

"When I tried to use my magic that night and it didn't work, I felt so empty and vulnerable. I had never felt that before. I know this might sound silly, but I didn't feel safe and it just overwhelmed me to the point that I had to get out of the shop." I take hold of his hands and stroke his knuckles with my thumbs. I look back at him.

"I'm sorry I've been distant with you. I just wasn't sure how to handle this... feeling..." A relieved smile finds its way to his face.

"I know I shouldn't be happy, but I'm relieved it's nothing major."

"Nothing major? I-" I sigh and let it slide, shaking my head. "Without magic, I'm not sure how we're going to find Rumple. Regina is looking hard to find something to help." I massage my temples, starting to get stressed out.

Killian lowers my hands from my face and wraps me in a hug. "I have complete faith that the most brilliant woman in this town can find something to save the day." He winks, "and even if Regina can't find something, I know you won't stop until you do. That's one thing I love about you."

My cheeks burn and I smirk, "You love me?"

He steps back and kisses my nose, "Of course I do."

I lean forward on my toes, our lips meet and for a moment, everything is perfect.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

I groan, stepping away from Killian and fish my phone out of my jacket pocket. Hitting the answer button, I raise the phone to my ear, "Yeah?"

"Hey! I found something you might want to see," Regina says.

I pull the phone away and look at Killian, "It's Regina, she found something." Nodding, Killian cups my face in his hands and plants a kiss on my forehead. He pulls back.

"I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, just call me on that device thingy you got me," he whispers. I smile at his choice of words.

"It's a phone, Killian." I giggle. Killian smirks.

"You know what I mean. Dinner when you're done?" he asks.

I nod, "I'd love that." He winks at me before walking away. I smile affectionately at him before returning back to my call.

"Hey, Regina, you still there? Where are you? Ok, I'm on my way."

Rubbing my arms for warmth, I hurry through the cemetery. The silence around me starts to play mind tricks on me, making me look over my shoulder constantly. I sigh with relief at the sight of Regina's tomb. Looking over my shoulder once more, I pull open the door and enter the tomb. Shutting the door, I notice the exposed staircase.

"Regina?" I call out, descending the stairs.

"Over here!" I hear her shout. Following her voice, I turn the corner and find her bent over an open trunk.

"Hey."

She jerks her head, hitting it on the lid, "Ugh, sorry, hey." She rubs her head before picking up a dusty scroll. "Look what I found." She hands it to me.

I unroll it and dust the first line of ink off. "I can't read it." I frown, "What language is it in?"

"I'm not sure." Regina moves around the tables and grabs another book. She flips through the pages. "I've tried to decipher it using this book but it doesn't have any trace of this kind of language. Which means this language is pretty ancient." She shuts the book with frustration.

"This language is completely beyond me and I was hoping maybe you might be able to read it."

"Hmm." I look down the length of the scroll. "It does look familiar." I ponder, peering at the markings. I lay the scroll out on an empty table. Using my hand, I start brushing off some more dust, to get a closer view. Once I finish brushing, the paper starts to glow white. Blinking a couple times, I call for Regina, "Uhh, Regina?"

"What?" She looks over, "Oh." She walks over and stands beside me, both of us watching the paper.

With a burst of light, the characters start moving around and changing. My eyes zip back and forth, trying to take it all in. The light gets continuously brighter until we have to look away. After the paper dimmed, we look back and I gasp. The characters become clear to me and I start to read,

"Destiny, by the time you are reading this, I would already be gone against my will. I am sorry that I have not been entirely honest with you. It was for your own sake that I withheld this from you. And I am sorry, for it is my own fault that I will be away from you.

It is unfortunate to say that Cora has betrayed my trust and my friendship. Everything was a lie. Our tribe was never trying to hurt us. How could I even have doubted them? Despite my best efforts to protect your identity, Cora had found out and was plotting to use your powers to her will. She had also plotted my death.

I know you may disagree with my decision but I choose to face my fate. If I am to die, then so be it. But I won't let her lay a finger on you.

There was something I never told you about our tribe and why you could not see Killian all the time. The reason there is magic in this world is because of us. We are the ones who created magic. And thus, we are the sources of magic. Which makes you special since you are the youngest member of our tribe, therefore the strongest. I couldn't trust anyone, that's why I was so protective of you with Killian.

But that power cannot be harvested until you discover your true self and are worthy of taking responsibility. I never told you this because I was worried I would scare you with this big responsibility.

My sweet, sweet child. Know that all I have tried to do is protect you and give you all the love a mother could give. But I have failed you. I wish I could have shown you the ends of the world. But alas, this was not in our fate.

I'm sorry I can't be there to help you through this. Please forgive me and be the strong daughter I know you can be. And remember what I have taught you. Anything is possible if you always believe in yourself.

Your dearest mother, Serena.

I stagger back, fragments of the scroll replaying in my head. Regina shakes me.

"Destiny! What's wrong? What did it say?" I turn to Regina.

"You couldn't read it?" Regina shakes her head. I seat myself down, feeling my eyes swell up with tears.

"It was a letter from my mother. She knew she was going to die. Cora was responsible for her death." I stop, feeling my tears choke up in my throat.

"She," Regina places a hand over her heart, "She knew my mother was evil?" I furrow my eyebrows.

"But how did her letter get here?"

"My mother must have found it and hidden it." She shakes her head, "What else did she say?"

Tears slip down my cheeks and I look at my palms, "She said that we," I shake my head, trying to process the information, "She said that our tribe created magic."

"Created magic? How is that possible?" Regina asks. I look up at her.

"Magic is in this world because of reason Cora was so interested in me is because I am the source of magic." I jump out of my chair and lean against one of the shelves. I clench my fists.

"I had such a powerful role and I didn't even know about it. And she didn't even think to tell me!" I slam my hand on the shelf, my rage coursing through my veins. Regina comes up to me.

"I'm sure your mother had a valid reason why she didn't tell you." I snort. I turn to her.

"Yeah. She felt I would be scared by this 'responsibility'. She didn't even believe I could handle it. If only she had told me about my power, I would have been more careful! I would have understood why I couldn't visit Killian. I wouldn't have trusted people so easily like Cora and-" I freeze. Hurt written all over her face.

"Me? Do you really think I'm not trustworthy like my mother?" She asks with disbelief. I shake my head, regretting my words.

"No, of course not. I'm sorry. I-"

"Why would you say that, Destiny? I thought we cleared this."

"And we have. I said I'm sorry. There's no need to get so offended." Regina lets out a sarcastic laugh.

"No need? I have every right to be upset. You practically suggested that you wouldn't have trusted me as well!" I grit my teeth with frustration, my head on the verge of exploding.

"Fine. Whatever. I need to get some air." I walk off and stomp up the stairs. I head towards the door. As my hand touches the handle, a spark erupts, throwing me back. I land hard on the ground, a sharp pain rushing through my spine. "Ah!" I scream.

I hear Regina running up the steps, "Destiny?" Her hands flit over me, looking for broken bones. She sighs in relief. "I think you're good." She grabs my hand to help me up. Pain shoots through my hand and I yell again, yanking it out of her grasp.

"What the-?" I turn my hands over and gasp. The palm of the hand that touched the handle is severely burnt and bleeding.

"What happened?" Regina asks, checking my other hand before helping me up again.

"I went to open the door and the moment I touched the handle, I got thrown back. I think someone locked us in."

"With magic? That's not possible!"

I snort, "Okay, tell that to my bleeding hand."

Regina rolls her eyes, "Then how do we get out?" She asks.

"I don't know. But if we don't find a way to bring magic back, then we might never get out of here."

3rd POV

A little earlier

Rumpelstiltskin sat in his cell, spinning his thoughts away. He paused, mumbled something, then shook his head and continued to spin.

Suddenly, there was a burst of light outside his cell. He groaned internally, thinking it was Zelena. When he looked over, he was greeted by a floating object right outside his cage. Curiosity got the best of him and he left his wheel. Walking up to the bars, he pondered at the object.

Rumple stuck his hand through the cell bars, hesitating a couple centimeters away from the ring. As if the ring couldn't wait for him to move, the burst of light returned. Rumple stared down at his hand to find the ring snug on his index finger.

A fire started to burn in his gut and he grinned as it rose to his heart. He knew this feeling. He looked back down at the ring, inspecting it from side to side. Maybe Zelena was right about the magic. Anxious to use it, he stepped away from the bars and aimed his finger at the lock. With a loud pop, the cell door swung open.

A smug smile formed on his lips. He walked out of the cage and breathed in deeply. He searched around but he saw no sign of Zelena. His grin widened. Foolish Zelena. Trusting me with magic.

Just before Rumpelstiltskin could make his next move, he froze, his hand in mid air. Zelena appeared from behind one of the crates, tutting.

"Oh, Rumple. Did you really think I would let you use that freely? And you' what I have in my control." She waved the dagger in his face. She stood at arm's length from him, her pale eyes piercing into his. She cut the air with the dagger, allowing him to move. Rumpelstiltskin gasped, stretching out his fingers. He stared at her.

"Now. Let's not waste any time, shall we?" Zelena wrapped her arm around his.

"Teleport us to Regina's tomb." Helplessly, Rumpelstiltskin did as he was told. They arrived, finding a red wooden door in their faces. Zelena placed her hand on the door and closed her eyes. She re-opened them and darted them at Rumpelstiltskin.

"They're definitely in there."

"Who?" Rumpelstiltskin asked. Zelena let out a laugh.

"Why, Destiny and Regina of course. Now, seal the door," she commanded with a cold tone. He stood there, reluctant for a moment. But the urge to complete the command was stronger. Cursing himself inside, he pressed his hand against the door and chanted a spell. A magical symbol engraved itself on the door.

Zelena clapped her hands together, a delighted smile spread across her face.

"Perfect. Try to come out now," she sneered to herself before getting Rumpelstiltskin to teleport them back.

Once they arrived in the cellar, Zelena turns to him. "There's one more thing I need you to do." She says, an evil grin spreading across her face, her green eyes glinting.

Belle busied herself with books, the same process she's been doing for weeks now. Wake up in the Library, stock up books, look for a way to find Rumpelstiltskin through books and order food to the Library. Nova, Destiny, and some others have tried to reach her, whether it be by phone call or talking through the locked front door.

Belle knew her friends were only trying to help, but she couldn't allow herself to be distracted from finding Rumpelstiltskin. She might not have magic like Destiny, Regina and Emma but she had books and that knowledge gave her confidence and hope.

Belle had just finished putting up the last book when she hears a bang from the back room where she had made a bed. Frowning, she discards the book onto the table and carefully makes her way to the back room. She peers into the room only to find it empty. Her eyebrows furrow. Shrugging, she takes a few steps out of the room before stopping abruptly.

She turns back and finds a dagger on her bed. Recognising its jagged edge, she rushes to it and grabs it by its hilt. Tears of joy fill her eyes as she traces Rumpelstiltskin's etched name. She notices a folded paper on the bed. Keeping the dagger in hand, she takes the paper and unfolds it.

Come outside, it reads. Wearing an excited smile, she runs out of the library. She bursts out of the door and lets out an ear piercing scream. She clamps her hands over her mouth.

Lying lifelessly on the ground, is Rumpelstiltskin, his blood splattered all over his clothes and pooling around him. The dagger drops from her hand and clangs as it collides with the ground. She collapses to her knees beside him and cradles his head in her arms. Her heart wrenching sobs echo in the silent street. "Rumple!" She cries out.

Doors of closeby houses open all down the street and people run towards her but she doesn't look up from his face. Two hands touch her shoulders, causing her to scream. Looking up, she relaxes a bit when she recognizes Nova's teary eyes.

"Rumple... He's..." Belle's lips tremble uncontrollably, unable to finish her sentence. Nova circles around him and hastily checks his pulse. Nova glances at Belle, the truth as clear as day on her face. Belle breaks down further. Nova pulls Belle into a comforting hug, stroking her hair tenderly. Nova stares up at the gathered crowd.

Who could have done this? She thinks to herself. Little did she know that the one responsible stands hidden within the crowd, a sly smile on her face. The real Rumplestiltskin beside her, watching helplessly in despair.