Destiny's POV:
I watch numbly as dawn rises from its slumber. My phone rings away, but my ears don't register the sound. My eyes feel sore from crying. For every thought of Killian, my heart breaks more and more. I touch my cheeks slowly, feeling my dried tears.
Once my phone silenced, I force myself to check it. 13 missed calls from Nova. I didn't go back to the shop yesterday. I couldn't. Not when I felt like my entire world had just crumbled before me. Guilt adds to my depression.
Sluggishly, I throw my phone back down on the bench. I lean back, unable to shake off the depressing feeling in the pit of my stomach. My whole body refuses to move.
The phone rings again. I ignore the sound. Instead, I stare up at the sky lifelessly, emptying my mind of Zelena and everyone else.
Nova's POV:
"Err." I slam my phone down onto the counter, catching the attention of some of the customers. I pull an apologetic smile at them.
Grinning, Jefferson leans against the counter.
"Still no answer?" I let out a strangled sigh.
"Nope. Seems like her finding Zelena is more important than answering my calls," I reply with irritation.
Recently, Destiny's been acting almost like a stranger. I understand the reason behind her absence but it would be nice to see her around. I worry about her as much as she's worried about me and Killian.
Jefferson's hand sneaks onto mine, shaking me out of my thoughts.
"Don't worry about Destiny. She can handle herself," he reassures. Smiling, I put my other hand onto his.
"I know that. It's just… I miss having her here. Helping me with the shop." Jefferson removes his hand and folds his arms with defiance.
"So I'm not enough then?" he asks, suppressing his mischievous grin. I gawk at him.
"Don't be silly…" I reach forward and grab his hand.
"You are the best company I could wish for. You're just a bit too… mad for my liking," I tease. He leans against the counter, his face an inch away from mine.
"Really? I thought you liked 'mad'." Before our lips could meet, my phone rings. We move apart. Whispering an apology to him, I check my phone. It's Belle.
"Hello?" I practically grumble.
"Well good morning to you too, Nova!" Belle laughs.
"Sorry Belle. I was expecting it to be Destiny."
"That's what I was calling about. We were wondering if you've seen her?"
"We?" I ask, hoping the 'we' didn't include Regina.
"Emma, Regina, and I." Belle responds.
I groan, "I thought she was with Regina!" Jefferson mouths, "What?" but I ignore him, focusing on Belle.
"She's not with you?" Belle asks, worry evident in her voice.
"No! I've been calling her all morning!"
"I'll tell Emma and Regina. We'll find her, Nova."
Destiny's POV
Everything aches and my face is on fire. I lay my head on the cold bench, my sore eyes growing heavy with fatigue. Stop being so helpless, Destiny. You're better than this, my mind scowls. But my broken heart overpowers my thoughts.
Just as I am about to close my eyes, a familiar voice interrupts me.
"Not what I was expecting as a 'welcome back'." I open one eye, finding Rumple standing before me. I sit upright.
"Rumple?" My eyes narrow.
"Is your master here with you?" I say sarcastically. Rumple frowns.
"Zelena is not my 'master'. Not anymore." He waves his dagger in front of me. I frown.
"How did you…?"
"I'm the Dark One. I always get what's mine in the end," he replies casually. He takes a proper look at me. Consciously, I pat down my hair.
"You look like your heart's been broken. If you ask me, I knew he was going to break your heart. He is a pirate," Rumple adds. I glare at him.
"I think I preferred you as Zelena's puppet," I sneer.
He takes a deep breath, holding himself back. "I know you're in a weak state so I'm not going to take heart anything you say."
I roll my eyes. "Why are you here, Rumple?" Rumple scoffs.
"Here I am, having successfully escaped Zelena's grasp, expecting to be welcomed with open arms but instead, I'm reunited with a lovesick girl, realising her mistake in falling in love with a pirate and not realising how lucky she is that I have since I am not one of your girlfriends, I don't want to hear the story."
"I'm so lucky." I agree sarcastically.
"All this aside, I know what Zelena's plan is."
Hearing her name sparks something in me but I don't move. When I don't reply, Rumple continues.
"She claims that she has found a way to go back in time and change her past."
"Is that even possible?" I ask.
"I have never heard of it before."
"But?" I ask, noticing his questionable tone.
"Zelena has always been hell bent on destroying Regina and getting the life she thinks she deserves. So if she says she finally found a way…"
"She really did find a way to go back." I mutter. I slowly sit up and run my hands over my face. "I just want a break!" I groan.
"Dearie, I've wanted a break since before you were born. Those with powers never get breaks."
"That must've been in the fine print." I grumble.
He chuckles. "Do we know what she needs to make it work?" I ask.
Rumple shakes his head, "Sadly no. Zelena can attack at anytime to get what she wants."
I stand up and stretch, multiple joints popping. I let out a sigh, "Let's go stop her then."
"Just like that?" Rumple asks.
"Not yet. I have to see Nova." He nods in agreement.
"Meet me in the shop when you're done."
Nova's POV
Sitting awkwardly on the cold kitchen table, I take a miserable bite out of my cupcake. I lick the excess icing from my lips.
Jefferson couldn't bear the depressing look on my face so he dismissed me to the kitchen to treat myself with my favourite cupcake while he handled the customers. I don't know what I did to deserve a man like him.
As I encourage myself to take another bite, I hear the ringing bell of the door. I take a bite of my cupcake and almost spit it out as I see Destiny standing before me in an awful state. Her hair sticks out at different places and her mascara is smudged down her cheeks. What strikes me more is her red, puffy eyes. She had been crying.
I discard my cupcake and jump off the kitchen table.
"Destiny, you nearly gave me a heart attack! I've been trying to call you! Where have you been? I got so worried when you didn't come home. I thought Zelena had done something to you. And have you been crying?" I blurt out, my words coming out slurred.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I need to sort myself out," she states shortly before heading into the bathroom. I stare blankly at the spot where she was. After all I said, she just replies with that? Unconvinced, I follow her.
"That's it? That's all you have to say? You're not going to explain why?" I call out as I stand outside the bathroom. Destiny splashes water on her face. She reaches for the towel and dabs at her face. Her eye catches me in the mirror. She sighs.
"I don't want to talk about it," she says quietly. Her pained voice adds to my worry. Before I could press, she rushes out of the bathroom and into her room. I follow her again.
"Destiny. Please, just tell me what happened. You're starting to worry me." Destiny stops shuffling through her clothes and stares at me.
"Nova. Now's not the time. Rumple has somehow come back and he's told me what Zelena is up to. We need to get to Regina right now so please, just stop asking..." she argues, her voice slightly wavering.
I take in her words slowly, unsure how to answer. No matter how much she tried to cover it, I could hear the pain in her voice. I wasn't sure I wanted to know what had hurt her so badly. Swallowing down my curiosity, I reply, "Ok. I'll wait for you outside." I pull a small smile before disappearing out of her room.
I walk to Jefferson who raises his eyebrow. "So?" He asks.
I shake my head. "She won't tell me what happened. I can tell something really hurt her." I sigh and lean on his shoulder, "I just wish she'd tell me."
Jefferson takes my hand, "She will but whatever happened is still hurting her. When the shock of whatever dies down, she'll tell you." He assures me.
"You're right." I kiss him on the cheek. "Oh, one more thing. Destiny said that Rumple somehow got free and he knows Zelena's plan."
"What?!" He exclaims. "Is that a good thing?"
"That Rumple's out? I'm not sure. How do we know it's even him?"
"We don't." I spin around to find Destiny in a much better state. She cleaned up her makeup and tamed her hair but her eyes still shined with pain.
"So how can we trust him?" Jefferson asks.
"We'll have to test him. Something only the real Rumpelstiltskin would know." She states, grabbing her coat from the hook on the wall. "Can you handle the shop Jefferson?" She asks.
Nodding he answers, "Of course. You guys be safe."
She starts to leave and I turn to Jefferson. "Don't give away too many free cupcakes." I wink and give him a quick kiss on the lips before following Destiny outside.
"Have you talked to Regina or anyone?" I ask Destiny.
"No. I assumed Rumple would have told Belle who would've relayed the message. If not, it'll be a fun surprise." She says with a straight face.
Now that we are alone, I'm itching for answers. "So..." I draw out. Our eyes meet and I can automatically tell that now is not the time. Her eyes, not glazed over like before still burned with pain. "Nevermind." I mutter, stuffing my hands in my coat pockets.
We walk the rest of the way in awkward silence. Well, it was awkward on my end. Torn between wanting to know what happened and respecting her plea for space ended with my questions stuck inside my head. Destiny must have noticed my inner battle because before she opened Regina's door, she turns to me. "I'll tell you what happened, Nova. Just not right now."
I blush, not meaning to get caught. "Okay."
She opens the door to find Regina standing in the doorway, hand reaching for the handle.
"Hey. Everything ok?" Destiny asks. Regina sighs.
"Yes. I was just coming to find you… and get away from the lovey dovey couple back there." She inclines her head behind her, where Belle and Rumple are staring into each other's tearful eyes. I smile with warmth. I turn to Destiny who turns her head away from the couple, as if it's unbearable to watch. I raise an eyebrow.
Feeling my gaze on her, Destiny turns her head back as though nothing had happened.
"Hey, Rumple! Belle!" They both turn at the sound of Destiny's voice.
"You can catch up later. Right now, we have a matter to resolve," she calls. Without waiting for them, Regina and her walk off. I follow quickly behind. The moment with Destiny replays in my head. My mind turns to Killian, registering his absence. Where is he anyway?
Killian's POV
When the last drop hits my tongue, I throw the empty bottle at the wall. The bottle shatters, it's tinted glass mingling with the other smashed bottles. Resting my elbows on my knees, I rest my face in my hands. I can't believe that witch got me to break Destiny's heart. A ghostly memory of her tearful eyes haunt me every second. "Damn it!" I yell, punching the wooden table.
"Cheer up, Buttercup."
My head whips up to find Zelena sitting across from me. "How did you find my ship?"
She waves her hands in the air, "Magic, dearie."
I roll my eyes and lean back in my chair. "Haven't you done enough damage for a day, Zelena?"
She laughs, "There's always an opportunity for disaster. You just happened to be in most of them."
"What more do you want from me, witch?" I yell, throwing my chair back. "You made me break Destiny's heart! There is nothing else I will do for you."
She stands up, pointing her finger accusingly, "First of all, I did not make you break her heart. I simply cursed your lips. You took it into your own hands to break things off with her which makes my next request that much harder."
"Next request?"
"Yes. I want you to kiss Destiny." She deadpans.
"Like hell I will! Nothing will make me kiss Destiny."
Zelena taps her chin thoughtfully. "Oh really? Hmm." She walks around the table and stops in front of me. She snaps her fingers and Nova appears. She looks around for a second before focusing on me. "Killian?"
Zelena tuts and snaps her fingers again, binding and gagging Nova. "What do you want with her!" I yell.
"Leverage, my dear. If you don't kiss Destiny in the next 24 hours, our little Nova will have a horrible accident. Oh and you will be the one causing the accident."
"I'd never hurt Nova." I glare.
"Of course not, but I can make you." She grins.
I look over to Nova who struggles against her restraints, fear obvious in her eyes. I curse myself. I turn back to Zelena.
"Destiny will be wondering where Nova is. They'll know you're involved," I reply. Zelena smirks at my pathetic attempt at changing her mind.
"I doubt Destiny would notice Nova's disappearance. And besides, being a pirate such as yourself, you should be fairly comfortable telling lies," she sneers. She leans against the table.
"Now stop wasting my time and do what you're supposed to do. Nova hasn't got long." Rising from my chair, I stare at Nova, my eyes apologetic. But Nova flashes an annoyed look at me. My mind flashes with realisation. Nova knows. She knows about me breaking up with Destiny.
"I'm sorry Nova," I whisper to her before walking away.
Destiny's POV:
As everyone floods into Regina's office, they all cast a lingering look at me. Despite cleaning myself up, I must still look in a state. Regina ignores the looks and avoids asking me questions about my current mood. That's what I like about Regina. She keeps to herself.
My mind reverts back to Nova. Even though she annoyed me with her prying questions, that didn't mean I didn't want her at the meeting. Before we reached Regina's office, she suddenly said she had to go. She had this feeling and wanted to find where Killian was. As much as I hate to admit it, his name still sparks a rage inside me.
"So why did you call us here?" David speaks out, stealing me from my thoughts. The meeting had already begun. Moving away from Regina's desk, I clear my dry throat.
"We've received an unexpected reunion." At that point, Rumple walks to where I'm standing, coming into the crowds' sight. Everyone gasps.
"How…" David trails off.
"Apparently, he escaped Zelena and retrieved his dagger," I answer. Rumple catches onto my skeptical tone.
"It is true, Destiny. This isn't part of Zelena's trickery if that's what you're thinking."
"Why don't you prove you are Rumplestiltskin? Just to be safe," Regina adds. Whilst everyone chips into how he can prove his identity, a memory comes to mind. When Zelena changed from Belle back to herself, she had touched something around her neck.
I walk up to Rumple and open up his collars. I ignore everyone's confused stares. There is no sign of any necklace. Convinced, I step away.
"He is Rumpelstiltskin. Zelena wore something, maybe a pendant that helped her shape shift. He's not wearing one." At that point, I hear some signs of relief.
"He may not be Zelena but we got bigger problems. Zelena has supposedly found a way to go back into the past. She thinks she can prevent Regina from being born." Regina glances at me briefly before snorting. Standing beside her parents, Emma widens her eyes.
"You mean time travel?" She gawks. I nod.
"That's impossible. Zelena is deluded if she believes that," Regina scoffs. She glances at Rumple for agreement but frowns at his serious face.
"Is it possible?" Regina asks him, her confidence slightly faltering. Rumple stares at her for a moment before shrugging.
"I've heard rumours but I never dwindled on them. You can only use magic to some extent," he explains.
"But if Zelena has found a way, then it must be possible. Which means we need to find out what she needs to cast that spell," I add.
"Well, for starters, as I'm the star of this show, my heart will be the main ingredient," Regina adds in an overly enthusiastic tone. I nod with agreement. My eyes rest on Robin Hood, sparking an idea.
"You're right. We need to guard your heart. Robin Hood can help you." Regina glares at me.
"What?" I shrug innocently.
Oblivious to Regina's reaction, Robin steps up. "Of course." He nods.
"There! It's settled!" I grin cheekily.
"That's only one ingredient. How do we find out how many more she needs and what they are?" Mary Margaret asks, hand resting on her pregnant stomach.
I look at Rumple, unable to answer the question.
"I'm not sure. Since we just learned time travel is possible, I highly doubt there's a spell written down somewhere." Regina huffs but Rumple ignores her. "We'll just have to be on guard and look for anything missing."
"I'm thinking, since it sounds like a pretty big spell, the ingredients will be more complex than just a certain flower," Regina adds in. My mind thinks back to Zelena's hideout.
"Rumple, do you remember where Zelena kept you?" Rumple creases his forehead with thought.
"I might be able to," he replies. I nod with satisfaction.
"Good. Regina, check your books for anything about a spell that allows you to go into the past. Emma and I will go with Rumple and find this hideout of Zelena' rest of you…" I freeze as my eyes wander behind the crowd. To a face I don't want to see.
Killian sneaks into the office, his eyes instantly meeting mine. He downcasts his eyes as an apology, but right now, I'm not in the mood for one. I turn back to the crowd.
"Keep an eye out for Zelena. At any time, she could be getting her ingredients and we need to be alert," I finish. Slowly, everyone files out of the office. I turn to Regina.
"Be careful," I warn. Regina smiles.
"I'll be fine. If you do find Zelena, give her a scar from me." Grinning, I turn away and walk out with Rumple and Emma. Outside Regina's office, I find Killian leaning against the wall. As soon as he sees me, he rushes toward me.
"Destiny…" I ignore him and continue walking. I feel a hand grip onto my arm. Instinctively, I push his hand away from my arm.
"Leave me alone. Killian!" I hiss. Emma and Rumple stop, their eyes on us. I sigh with frustration.
"Wait for me at the Diner." Nodding, they both head in the Diner's direction. I turn back to Killian, feeling my rage boil inside me.
"What do you want?"
"I just wanted to see if you're ok. Especially after yesterday," he asks. I snort.
"I'm feeling great, Killian. It's nice to have your heart broken every now and again," I reply sarcastically. Killian shakes his head.
"I'm sorry, Destiny. I wasn't thinking straight yesterday and I acted like an idiot. Can we please get past yesterday?" He stands a breath away from me and rubs my arms. I stare up at him, feeling his warmth comfort me like always.
He leans in. Before his lips touch mine, I shove him away. He backs away with surprise.
"You are unbelievable, Killian. You think it's ok to say whatever the crap you want, to hurt me and then whenever you want, you can just creep back into my life. Do you really think I'm that easy?" Killian shakes his head and tries to reach for me but I move further away.
"You know what, Killian. I thought you were the same boy I met in Neverland. But it turns out I was wrong." I quickly walk away, feeling my voice breaking.
"Destiny, wait! Destiny!" He calls behind me. But I ignore him like he did to me.
Regina's POV:
Throwing the last book on the table, I sigh heavily and lean back into my chair. From all the books I have in my office, nothing mentioned anything about Zelena's spell. The last resort to finding this spell is the tomb. I look towards Robin Hood who paces forward and backward by the door as if on duty. The sight makes me grin at the corner of my mouth. A warm feeling fills the pit of my stomach.
Since I can remember, I've always had to fend for myself. It's the first time someone is willing to protect me. And I have to admit, it was nice.
As if sensing my gaze, he turns his attention to me and slows his pacing.
"Do not worry. I have my men outside your office. No one will get in easily," he reassures me.
"I'm not worried. She won't be able to get past my protection spell. I'd like to see her try though. The only thing she'll be getting is her crushed heart," I mutter under my breath. Robin Hood frowns at me, clearly hearing my remark. Embarrassed, I clear my throat.
"Sorry. It just really annoys me how she thinks I got everything and she didn't. She should be glad that she didn't have to live with Cora. At least she didn't have someone dictating her life." I pause. Why was I telling him this? Something about Robin made me want to tell him my troubles.
"Some people are blinded by their pain. It's all they see," he replies, his gaze wandering over to a photo frame beside him.
"You speak from experience?"
He shrugs.
"There was a time when I lost someone I loved and all I could think about was revenge. It was my son who got me out of my pain. He made me realise I still had him, a reminder of her." His words pull at my heart strings.
"I'm sorry for your loss. How old is your son?" I ask softly. Robin Hood turns his look to me.
"He's four." He pauses, "I think."
"You think?"
He sighs, "With all these curses and moving from worlds to worlds, we haven't exactly aged."
I nod in understanding.
"Don't you have a son?" He inquires.
I smile at the thought of him. "Yes. His name is Henry, he's 13." Robin must have noticed the slight change in my features.
"What's wrong?"
"It's kind of complicated. He's technically my son but by birth he's Emma's son."
Robin looks at a wall confused, trying to figure something out. "I do not understand. How is it possible to have two mothers?" He asks.
"When Emma was younger she got into trouble. Long story short, she was left pregnant in a prison where she later gave birth to Henry. Wanting him to have a better chance at life, she put him up for adoption." Noticing his confused look, I elaborate, "Adoption is where you give your baby to someone else to raise as their own." He nods in understanding and gestures for me to continue. "At that time I was really wanting a child and I just so happened to find Henry."
I get off my seat and walk over to him. I take the photo frame beside him and show him the picture of Henry and me. Robin smiles.
"He's a handsome fella." I grin at his comment. My eyes linger on the photo, my mind thinking of Henry. Ever since that curse, he still couldn't remember me. Even with the memory potion I had given him, it had no effect.
"What are you thinking about?" I stare up at Robin Hood, registering how close we are to each other. I keep my eyes on the picture.
"Because of the curse, he doesn't remember me. At all. He's living with Emma at the moment. It feels so weird without him and… lonely." I pause, feeling my tears swell up. I place the frame back on the cabinet.
"I didn't realise how hard it would be to see him everyday in the diner and him not even acknowledge me." Unable to contain it, I let myself sob. Instantly, Robin takes me into his arms and comforts me. I wrap my arms around him and cry all my frustration and pain against his chest.
After a few minutes, I quickly recover. I move out of his embrace and wipe away at my face.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-" I stop as Robin's arms tighten around me. I stare up at him, my heart fluttering at his look. We both lean in for a kiss. Before our lips could meet, a vibration spreads through the room. Someone or something had got a taste of my spell.
We both run to the door. Robin, reaching it first, throws it open to find Nova crumpled on the floor.
"Nova?" My fingers dance over her body, checking for any extreme damage. I check her pulse in her wrist, feeling a faint beat. I look up at Robin, "She's alive. Let's bring her inside."
Nodding, Robin picks her up and carries her in. I look cautiously down the hallway. Seeing nothing, I lock the door, then rush ahead of Robin to the couch. I reposition a couple of the pillows, then motion him to lay her down.
"Will she be okay?" Robin asks, placing a pillow under her head.
"The spell only shocks the person into a painful coma of sorts. They don't really feel anything but when they wake up, they feel all sorts of pain."
Robin looks at Nova worryingly. "That's a little extreme, isn't it?"
I shake my head. "I thought I had it so it'd only effect Zelena."
"Then how did it get Nova?" Robin asks.
"I don't know. Unless…" I pull down the collar of her shirt, searching her neck for the emerald. "Nope. I thought maybe it was Zelena transformed into Nova but she can only transform with her emerald on."
"Regina, dear. Is this a way to greet your sister? I just want to talk," a sickly sweet voice calls behind the door. My blood starts to boil. I march to the door, unlock it and open it wide. I'm met by Zelena's fake smile. She stands a distance away, blocked by my spell. I cross my arms.
"I'm guessing you have something to do with the condition Nova is in," I say dryly.
"Well, with all the screaming and pleading, I had to silence her somehow. And what better way to get your attention than to use a pathetic girl as a distraction," she replies, keeping her smile on.
Before I could counter, I feel Robin stand behind me like a bodyguard. His presence comforts me.
"Why, who do we have here? Robin Hood. I never expected you to be with the likes of a forest boy," Zelena remarks. I narrow my eyes at her.
"You don't know anything about me," I say through gritted teeth. Zelena smirks.
"Oh, I know what I need to know about you, dear sister. I know your weakness. You should know he prefers Emma over you." My heart skips a beat. Henry. Zelena laughs at my expression.
"Don't you dare touch him!"
"I won't. Not if you give me your heart."
"She will do no such thing!" Robin interrupts. Zelena's eyes wander to him with amusement.
"How old did you said Roland was? 4? It'd be a shame to crush a small heart," Zelena threatens, her tone smooth despite the venom in her words. Robin tenses behind me. I look over my shoulder, seeing his eyes downcast. Zelena claps her hands together with glee.
"I love being wicked. It's just amusing. Despite your loyalty to your brats, I already have someone meeting my needs." Her eyes shift to something behind me, her lips curving up. Widening my eyes, Robin and I glance behind us.
Before we could react, Nova throws a potion shakingly at us. Instantly, we stand paralyzed. I urge my muscles to move but it doesn't work. I glare at Nova with ferocity.
She stares back with terrified, sore eyes. The small chest with my heart is in one hand and the empty glass bottle in the other. She throws the bottle away as though it was poison. She stares back at me.
"I-i'm sorry," Nova says with a trembling voice. I imagine myself shudder at the fear in her voice. Behind us, Zelena laughs with glee. Nova drags herself to Zelena.
"Thank you, Nova. You're actually more useful than I had anticipated." Her tone grows dark.
"Start saying your goodbyes, sister. For soon you will not exist…" My blood boils with rage. I hear Nova's and Zelena's footsteps grow fainter as they draw away.
For the first time, I feel fear greet me.