Emma and Audrey soon ran into each other coming down to the Storybrooke Heritage Park. They seemed to have sort of the same issues regarding the past of Fairy Tales and what was going on right now. Emma saw that David was trying to call her and she just ignored the call until Killian and Ben found the girls after also running into each other.
"You're making a mistake." Killian said to Emma.
"I don't want to talk to you about this." Emma replied coldly.
"Then don't listen to us, listen to your son," Ben advised as he approached Emma with Henry's storybook and handed it to her. "I was gonna show this to Audrey, but it seems like you need it more."
"Why would I even need it, Benny Boo?" Audrey asked her boyfriend.
"Not everyone is like their parents, Audrey," Ben reminded her. "I mean, look at my parents."
"Yes, well, your mother ended up marrying a Beast who turned out for the better with her in his life and my father saved my mother from a horrible fate plagued upon her by Maleficent just like my grandmother facing Carabosse and eventually I'll have to face Mal." Audrey defended, sounding so sure of herself.
"They're not bad, Audrey; they're just born that way," Ben reminded her. "I mean, you've seen Chad. He's nothing like his mother who, by the way, married into the life of luxury, or have you forgotten the story of Cinderella?" he then added.
Audrey winced a bit and turned away from that as Ben gave Emma the storybook.
"The lad has a point though, Swan," Killian agreed with Ben as he looked at the blonde woman. "Henry thought this might remind you of what you're leaving behind: your family."
"Henry is my family and I am taking him where he is safe." Emma argued.
"You can't take Henry away." Ben frowned.
"No, Swan. The safety-first nonsense is just that," Killian advised the blonde woman. "You defeated the bloody Wicked Witch. You defeated Pan. You broke the curse. And you keep running. What are you looking for?" he then added.
"Home." Emma admitted quietly.
"And that's in New York?" Ben asked before shaking his head. "That wasn't real."
"The last year was." Emma defended.
"Miss Swan, you know as well as I do that those were only false memories," Ben piped up. "It was based on magical nonsense."
"The adults have their memories back and now it can be real," Audrey replied. "Especially since my parents aren't Flying Monkeys anymore and now I have a baby brother to play with back home."
"Or big brother depending on when you were supposed to be born." Ben commented quietly to himself.
"Why can't you do that here with your entire family?" Killian asked Emma.
"Because of this," Emma explained as she took the storybook for herself. "I don't see my family here. I see... Fairy Tales. I see stories of princes and princesses. I-It's not me. I might be the descendant of Snow White and Prince Charming, but I was never a part of any of this. Ben is the son of Beauty and the Beast and Audrey is the daughter of Sleeping Beauty, what does that mean for me?" she then added.
"Then what are you a part of, Swan?" Killian asked her calmly.
"Besides being with Henry, I don't think I've ever been a part of anything." Emma replied.
"Oh, Emma..." Ben whispered and frowned in concern.
"You could be." Killian encouraged.
"Look, when I was a kid, I ran away. It's just what I did, but the first time I did it, I had the same exact thought," Emma explained. "I wondered, 'What if I'm making a mistake? What if I miss this place'?" she then added.
"Did you?" Audrey asked softly.
"Not the first time," Emma confessed as she shook her head. "Not any time."
"So you just kept running?" Ben guessed.
"I learned something a long time ago, guys," Emma told them. "Home is the place when you leave, you just miss it. so, yeah, I'm gonna keep running until I feel that."
"So you're just gonna leave your parents, then," Killian said, sounding disappointed. "Do you even care about them, or anyone in this town?"
"Of course I care. I just have to do what's right for me and Henry and-" Emma retorted until she suddenly stopped herself when she saw a certain stream of light across town. "What the hell is that?" she then wondered.
"I have no idea." Killian replied.
"I don't have a clue either." Audrey added.
"Come on," Ben suggested. "Let's go check it out."
"I couldn't agree more." Emma nodded at him as he walked along with her to go and do just that.
"Swan, wait!" Killian cried out as he grabbed the book and gave chase after Emma.
"Hey! Don't leave me here all alone!" Audrey complained as she went after the others ahead of her.
Soon, the four of them were in front of the warehouse to see where the spell was coming from.
"Whatever's going on in there, it can't be good." Killian cautioned.
"I agree, but what could it be exactly?" Audrey pondered.
"It's Zelena's time portal. David left a message," Emma explained. "Somehow she died and triggered it." she then added as she was about to open the door.
Killian then suddenly grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Wait! Let's get out of here." he then told her.
"Not until we find a way to close it." Emma suggested.
"You got your magic back?" Killian asked Emma.
"No." Emma replied.
"Ben and I don't have magic either." Audrey added.
"You might not have yours yet, but I have some magic after The Jewel-Bilee," Ben said to her. "Don't you remember when Zevon tried to conquer our school with his own magic and tried to use our birthright jewels against us?" he then reminded her.
Audrey bit her lip and looked a little unsure and nervous about that.
"Well then, we're not bloody well messing with any of this! Let's go!" Killian replied urgently.
"Come on, Ben, let's go," Audrey told her boyfriend. "And don't worry about the villain descendants, they're not like you or me."
"Audrey..." Ben sighed at that.
Just as David attempted to call Emma back, the doors swung open and forced Ben, Emma, Killian, and Audrey toward it.
Killian managed to anchor his hook in the ground to keep himself from falling through as he held on to Emma's hand while Ben and Audrey grabbed Emma's legs, unsure what else to do. "Hold on!" he then told the blonde woman.
"I can't!" Emma screamed as he grip slipped and she fell through the portal along with Ben and Audrey.
"Oh, man..." Audrey groaned. "So long, Storybrooke!"
"Hello, adventure!" Ben added.
"One of these days, I'm gonna stop chasing this woman." Killian sighed to himself before he soon let go to go into the portal after Emma, Audrey, and Ben.
Suddenly, a forest was shown as Emma, Killian, Ben, and Audrey landed on the other side of the time portal, causing them all to groan.
"Oh, my head..." Audrey groaned as she rubbed her head. "Everyone okay?" she then asked.
"Fine..." Emma replied warily in response until she looked around and realized where they were. "No. No." she then shook her head.
"Appears we're back in The Enchanted Forest." Killian noted.
"Ya don't say." Audrey rolled her eyes at that.
"Yeah, I got that." Emma replied.
"The only question is when?" Killian wondered.
Audrey then got up and noticed something that caught her attention.
"What is it, Audrey?" Ben asked his girlfriend.
"I think I know when exactly we are." Audrey pointed out to a tree in front of her.
Pinned to the tree was a poster reading "WANTED. Snow White. For crimes against the Queen. Murder. Treason. Treachery".
"Well, that's kind of a repetitive poster." Ben snarked once he saw the choice of words on the poster.
"I suppose we're lucky we wound up in this time." Killian noted.
"Yeah. We could've appeared in the middle of The Ogre Wars or smack dab in the belly of a whale," Audrey replied before looking over to see that Emma was suddenly reading the storybook. "Miss Swan, this is no time for stories. Why are you reading that now?" she then added and asked.
"'Cuz when we were falling through, I was thinking about Henry and the story we were all reading at Granny's.
"When your parents first met and your father was about to marry Diana's older sister?" Ben asked.
"Uh..." Emma paused.
"Diana is Princess Abigail AKA Mrs. Kathryn Nolan's older sister," Ben explained. "She went to school with me and they're both the daughters of King Midas."
"Oh... Well, okay then..." Emma nodded once she now understood. "I guess I am then." she then added.
"You think that time portals work like any other sort?" Killian asked her. "They take you back to where you're thinking of?"
"Not where. When." Ben clarified knowingly as Emma nodded at that.
"Excellent deduction," Killian replied. "Alas, it appears they share another quality; they don't stay open for the return trip."
"Nope. We're trapped in the past. I should have left Storybrooke the instant we defeated Zelena," Emma sighed in dismissial. "This is exactly the kind of thing that does not happen in New York."
"You can't leave Storybrooke." Ben frowned at Emma.
"Please, kid, not now." Emma told her.
"On the bright side real estate's much more reasonable here." Killian smirked.
"Don't." Emma said as she shot him a look for that.
"I understand your frustration, but we've been in dire straits before. There's no need to be antsy," Killian advised. "We have our wits. We just have to focus on being constructive."
"Right... so, how do we go back home?" Audrey wondered as she looked around.
"How would I know how to get back to the future?" Emma scoffed. "Who do I look like, Marty McFly?"
"Marty Mc-who?" Killian wondered.
"The kid with the lightning and the DeLorean and they went back in time and then he-" Emma began to try to explain since Killian didn't get her reference and neither did Audrey for that matter.
"Is that some kinda wizard?" Audrey wondered.
"This generation gap is annoying when we're both the same age." Ben muttered as he put his palm to his face.
"No, Marty McFly is not a wizard," Emma was about to explain. "He's-"
"Wait a sec..." Ben interrupted once he had a eureka moment. "That's it... THAT'S IT!"
"What is it, Benny?" Audrey asked.
"We need to find a wizard around here." Ben replied.
"A wizard?" Audrey asked. "I don't think Merlin really visits Misthaven."
"Maybe we don't need Merlin, maybe we need another wizard," Ben suggested. "My father."
"He's right," Emma agreed. "We could find Rumplestiltskin."
In the distance hoofbeats of approaching horses could be heard.
"Black Knights!" Killian and the teens gasped. He then pushed Emma and the teenagers out of sight and they all hid behind a tree.
"Hey!" Audrey complained about being pushed.
"Shh!" Ben and Killian shushed her.
They soon saw The Black Knights riding past them without being seen and they were heard pushing villagers around. Eventually, a royal carriage was shown and a certain regal woman was shown.
"Listen to me very carefully," The Evil Queen glared as she approached the villagers who stood around fearfully. "Whatever squalor and despair your pathetic little lives have been able to tolerate until this point is nothing compared to the pain and misery I can inflict if I leave here unhappy."
"Aunt Regina..." Ben murmured.
"Not Aunt Regina, Benny... The Evil Queen." Audrey reminded her boyfriend.
"You will help me!" The Evil Queen continued firmly.
"She's even worse without the sensible pantsuits." Emma murmured.
Audrey smirked and snickered at that.
"Please-a, Your Majesty," A certain older man was shown along with his son who appeared to be made out of wood. "We're a peaceful village. What-a do you want-a from us?"
"That's Marco." Emma realized.
"AKA Geppetto and there's Pinocchio." Ben added quietly.
"Justice. If I find out, anyone in this village has helped the bandit Snow White they will suffer dearly," The Evil Queen told the woodmaker. "Here's what helping Snow White looks like." she then gestured to her guards.
One guard then brought out a prisoner and removed a sackcloth from her head.
"Help me!" The prisoner shrieked. "She's gonna kill me!"
"Who wants to be next?" The Evil Queen taunted the villagers.
"Who's that?" Audrey wondered.
"I'm not sure, but she needs help." Ben replied.
"Please!" The prisoner yelped.
The Evil Queen laughed at her misfortune a Emma moved in order to interfere.
"Wait. What are you doing?" Killian said as he stopped Emma.
"I'm helping that woman," Emma tried to explain. "She's just an innocent-"
"No, Swan," Killian interrupted as this sounded serious. "When Ben's mother figured out Zelena wanted to change the past she warned us it was dangerous."
"He's right," Ben had to admit even though he wanted to help too. "Messing with events could do untold damage to all of us."
"I'm supposed to let her rot or die?" Emma asked out of horror.
"Whatever her fate we can't interfere," Killian advised as that was just the way it had to be. "Not, if we want a chance at getting back to the world we know."
"We need to find my dad," Ben said urgently. "The sooner we get out of here, the better."
"Aye." Killian nodded.
"Agreed." Audrey added.
Emma was about to leave when Killian stopped her once again.
"There's one thing we need to do first." Killian instructed Emma.
"What's that?" Audrey wondered until they all looked in the same direction.
They soon looked over to see some laundry hanging outside of a cottage on a string.
"We're gonna need some new clothes." Ben remarked.
"You mean old clothes?" Audrey smirked as she tried to make a joke.
"Audrey, please." Ben sighed and shook his head at her.
And so, Killian waited for Emma to get dressed as Audrey wore a plain and sleeveless white dress with black fingerless gloves, arm bands, a rope around her waist like a belt, and black boots. Ben wore a faded blue shirt with white sleeves, dark blue pants, and brown boots. Killian did not change his clothes as he was the only one who was properly dressed for The Enchanted Forest.
"I feel so plain in this outfit," Audrey pouted as she looked down at her gloves. "I feel like Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos in these gloves."
"Well, at least now you're starting to understand what they go through," Ben replied before he looked over. "How's it going over there, Miss Swan?" he then asked the adult blonde woman.
"I think I'm about ready!" Emma replied before grunting. "Ugh... how do you breathe in this thing, Audrey?" she then complained.
"You get used to it!" Audrey remarked. "It's only temporary! I had to get used to your tiny corsets in Storybrooke that the shop owners called a brassiere!"
"Come on, Swan. Let's get a look." Killian added.
Emma soon stepped out, wearing a very tight corset and a dress that exposed her cleveage quite a bit and even had a cloak with her, looking like she was having trouble breathing.
"Oh, well, that's much better." Killian noted once he saw how Emma looked in her new old outfit.
"Is this really necessary?" Emma complained.
"What would you have done if Regina had spotted you back there?" Killian retorted.
"My guess? Run." Emma shrugged.
"And even if we had, she'd seen you," Ben replied. "She might remember you when you first arrive in Storybrooke."
"She's gonna remember a glimpse of a face 30 years from now?" Emma asked out of bewilderment.
"The point is to minimize you making a lasting impression," Killian advised. "Sadly, red leather jackets don't come into vogue here. Ever."
"And neither would our new clothes." Ben added.
"And I was just getting used to the brassiere." Audrey commented.
"Audrey, stop saying brassiere," Emma complained as she shifted uncomfortably. "Fine. The only lasting impression I'm concerned about right now, is what this corset is making on my spleen." she then added.
"Your discomfort is a cross I'm willing to bear. Nothing compared to what might happen if we affect the timeline which means proceeding with all caution," Killian replied as he pulled up Emma's hood. "You're not from a world of magic. I am."
"And we're descended from it unlike you," Ben added. "Even the smallest of changes could have catastrophic consequences. Things must happen as they always did."
"And we should make sure that they do." Audrey added.
Meanwhile, a carriage was shown to be approaching with a certain couple inside of it, both blissfully unaware of someone attempting to chop down a tree.
"What do you think of the view, my dear?" Prince Charming asked kindly.
"I've seen better," Princess Abigail replied out of boredom. "This is taking forever. I told you the Troll Road would have been quicker."
The carriage then suddenly rumpled over a bumpy road.
"And far less bumpy," Princess Abigail then added until she noticed that he was taking up his satchel. "Are you even listening to me?" she then whined.
"Yes, of course, I am." Prince Charming reassured her.
Killian, Emma, Ben, and Audrey soon walked together until they heard the sounds of an approaching carriage again as a doe passed by.
"It could be the Queen again." Killian warned.
Soon, the four of them hid beside the road as a white carriage began to pass them.
"Those knights don't look as bad as the ones we saw before." Audrey noted.
"I guess it might be someone else." Ben assumed.
"Whoa. Whoa." The knight commanded the horses as the carriage began to go into a halt.
Inside the carriage, Princess Abigail turned to see what had happened. "Now what?" she then complained.
Prince Charming soon descended from the carriage, leaving his satchel behind.
"Mi'lord." A knight addressed the prince as he came to see what the problem was.
Prince Charming took a look and soon looked back into the carriage to his bride. "Worry not. It's but a fallen tree." he then told her.
"Is that...?" Emma muttered as they took a look.
"Your father," Killian interrupted and replied. "We should go." he then suggested.
Looking up Emma recognized Snow White huddled up against a tree. Looking back and forth between Snow White and Prince Charming, she began to smile. She then crouched down again and accidentally broke a twig. Startled by the noise Snow White lost her balance and fell down. Ben groaned and face-palmed at that while Audrey grew wide-eyed.
"Look at these markings," Prince Charming told the knights. "This tree didn't fall. It's been cut. It's an ambush." he then added as he drew out his sword.
"We need to get this log moved. Now." The knight suggested.
Briefly Snow White watched the knights and then decided to flee. Prince Charming soon returned to Abigail. He was then relieved to find his satchel right where he left it.
"You almost gave me a heart attack." Princess Abigail glared.
"The tree was cut. It was planned," Prince Charming replied. "Someone wanted to rob us."
"Who would dare attack a royal carriage?" Princess Abigail demanded.
"I have no idea," Prince Charming said as he looked around before he came into the carriage to sit down again. "But, now, you can relax. We scared off the bandit. We'll never have to see them again." he then added before closing the door.
"Hyah!" A knight called as he and the other knights rode their horses again to bring the carriage back home.
Killian, Emma, Ben, and Audrey stepped out onto the road again.
"You know that thing about small changes having consequences?" Emma asked the other three around her.
"Yes, of course," Ben replied. "It's Time Travel 101."
"It is?" Audrey asked. "Is that a class in our school? I hope it's not Mr. Cogsworth as the teacher, he's a bit of a pompous windbag." she then added.
"I need to start inviting you to Doug and Evie's movie nights when they see stuff like Back to the Future or Bill & Ted." Ben groaned to himself.
"What about big changes?" Emma then asked Killian.
"Why?" Killian demanded quizzically. "What did we do?"
"That bandit was Snow White," Emma explained as she realized what just happened. "This was the moment my parents first met."
"Oh, crud." Ben and Audrey muttered at that.
"And because of us, now they didn't." Killian remarked lowly.
The carriage soon continued over to King Midas's castle looming in the distance.
"Whoa." A knight commanded the horse as they were about to come to a stop.
"There it is," Princess Abigail told her groom. "Our new home."
"It's so gold." Prince Charming realized in amazement.
"After a time, you'll stop noticing." Princess Abigail told her groom.
"Now what do we do?" Audrey asked Ben in the meantime.
"We find my father." Ben replied.
And so, that was what the group did. They came deeper into the forest to see a hill looking over the valley. In the distance, they could see The Dark Castle ahead of them.
"Look ahead, Swan," Killian pointed out. "The Dark One's castle."
"Whoa..." Ben whispered in amazement as he never thought he would see his father's old castle in person.
"A little more imposing than the pawnshop," Emma stated. "So, what do we do now? Knock on the door and introduce ourselves? 'Hey. We're from the future'?" she then asked.
"Somehow I think it'll be a little more complicated than that." Audrey remarked.
"Might be best if I stay back," Killian told the three of them cautiously. "The Dark One and I have a rather complicated past. I'd wager he want to kill me on sight."
"Oh, I'll take that bet~" A familiar yet different voice sounded from behind them with a giggle.
The quartet soon turned around to face the man in question they were talking about.
"Dad..." Ben whispered as his eyes were even wider than when he saw The Dark Castle.
"I can't tell you how long I've been looking forward to this~" Rumple smirked, glancing a moment at Ben and Audrey. "Oops, I suppose I just did." he then smirked and raised his hand twisting it a little to start choking Killian.
"Swan!" Killian gasped in a strained voice.
"Dad, no." Ben whispered in horror.
"Stop it!" Audrey cried out as she tried to dart forward along with Emma.
Rumple used his magic to knock down Emma and the teenagers to the ground. "I don't know who you are, dearies, but why don't you run off and let me enjoy my killing in peace?" he then smirked.
"He's not gonna hurt you!" Ben urged. "You have to listen to us."
"And why would I listen to you?" Rumple asked.
"Because if you don't, you'll never see your son again." Emma said firmly as she stood up.
Rumple then released Killian. Killian groaned and then fell to the ground. Ben then began to check over Killian while Audrey looked a bit scared to see Rumplestiltskin in person especially when she thought Mr. Gold was scary looking before.
"What do you know of my son?" Rumple asked Emma.
"His name is Baelfire... You're planning to enact a curse in hopes of reuniting with him." Emma told him.
Rumple looked over at her again. "Who told you that? What are you? Some kind of witch?" he asked, giving a funny gesture.
"No, Emma isn't a witch, but she's the one who breaks the curse to help you find my broth-erm... your son." Ben explained urgently.
"Yes, and I'm the product of true love." Emma added.
Rumple looked over Emma. ""That's speculation. Part of my plans... but I haven't done it." he then said.
"You will and you will succeed." Audrey said as she looked at him, but looked nervous at the sight of his reptilian eyes.
"If that's true, then that means-" Rumple then started to say.
"We're from the future, mate." Killian added as he lightly grabbed his own throat.
"You have to believe us." Audrey said hopefully.
"But time travel hasn't been done, mate." Rumple retorted mockingly.
""Yeah, well, someone's cracked that code," Emma said. "We need your help." she then informed him.
"Help?" Rumple giggled. "You need my help? Then answer me one question: Do I find my son?" he asked, then as he saw Emma hesitate he got a little angry. "ANSWER ME!" he demanded.
"Yes!" Ben quickly answered for Emma.
"Bae... I find Bae," Rumple smiled. "How?" he asked only to quickly continue. "Don't tell me, if I succeeded, I don't want anything in my head that might throw it off." he then said.
"Uh..." Audrey blinked.
"I guess we really are Marty McFly now." Ben muttered to himself.
Emma looked a bit sheepish. "It might already kind of be thrown off." she said.
Rumple paused and then realized what she had done. "You've changed things," he realized. "What have you done?" he then asked.
Emma swallowed nervously. "We interrupted my parents meeting."
Rumple soon grew wide-eyed and frowned once he realized how serious this actually was and took them over to his home right away.
"We just know that you can help us." Ben urged his future father.
Rumple looked at him a long moment. "Do I know you? You almost remind me of someone..." he asked curiously, then shook his head. "No, better not tell me." he said. He then waved his hand and transported them to his castle, but had them follow him through the main doors so they could be awed, plus he could rub it in to the pirate's face.
"I'm just glad he listened to us." Audrey whispered to Ben.
"Yeah, let's try to make the most of it." Ben whispered back.
"Thank you, Mr. Gol-" Emma began to say before stopping herself mid-sentence. "Rumplestiltskin, for believing us. I know that time travel is hard to swallow." she then added.
"It's not as hard as the other mystery you've presented me," Rumple said, before pointing at Killian. "Why haven't I killed him?" he asked.
"If it makes you feel any better, it wasn't for lack of efforts," Killian replied to him. "Let's just say we buried the hatchet."
"Yes, but why not in your skull?" Rumple asked as he made a chopping motion.
Ben chuckled, unable to help it as that was a little funny.
"Benny, that's dark." Audrey whispered firmly.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it." Ben replied sheepishly. "I guess I've got my father's sense of humor."
"Hmm..." Audrey paused about that.
A certain woman soon came into the room, causing Ben to suddenly look a little soft. "Oh, Rumplestiltskin. You're back. Do you, uh, do you need anything?"
Emma and Audrey turned around. "Belle..." they both then said lightly in surprise.
Belle glanced at the blonde in confusion. "Sorry... Do we know each other?" she then asked.
Audrey stammered, wanting to help, but wasn't sure how to until she blurted out something random. "Rumplestiltskin told us about you!"
"...Did he?" Belle asked, even more confused.
"Wow." Ben whispered at Audrey's outburst.
"No," Rumple frowned before he made a dismissive gesture. "Go away and read a book or whatever it is you like to do. Come back and clean later." he said, as he then turned away and walked along the table side a little.
"You could ask nicely." Belle replied to him.
"I could also turn you into a toad." Rumple countered.
"I see not everyone has the best story about when their parents met." Ben said to Audrey.
"Heh, yeah, I guess so..." Audrey replied sheepishly as Rumple was really freaking her out right now.
Emma glanced away. "It's a miracle you two fall for each other." she muttered.
Belle then suddenly left the room after being told to do so.
"What? I mean, first you tell me I let the pirate live," Rumple laughed. "Now you're telling me I fall for the help?" he then asked.
"In more ways than none." Ben whispered to himself since he was their son.
"Yes. The young ones have a strange sense of humor," Killian interrupted suddenly. "But let's get back to the blonde's parents."
"Yes," Rumple then agreed. "Who are they?" he asked as he sat on his chair then asked.
"Snow White and Prince Charming." Emma told him.
"Prince Charming?" Rumple asked.
"His real name is Prince James." Emma said, remembering they thought David was James.
"King George's son, whose wedding I've just arranged?" Rumple then asked.
"See, that's what we're trying to tell you," Emma told him. "This marriage isn't supposed to happen because the ring he was going to give her gets stolen by Snow."
"It's quite a tale you're spinning." came the reply.
"If you won't believe us, then believe the book," Ben retorted as he took out the storybook and showed it to him, turning the pages that were suddenly blank after a certain point. "Wait. What?!" he then yelped.
"Oh, man... that can't be good." Audrey said nervously.
"It's all gone," Killian noted as he saw the blank pages. "Anything that was supposed to happen after they met has disappeared."
"Because we changed the past and now we changed the future." Emma realized in horror.
"The ripple effect. Once you change something in the past, anything from that point forward becomes uncertain," Rumple educated them. "The future, as you can see, is a blank page."
"Or a paradox." Ben remarked.
"We need to get Snow to steal that ring, so we can put their story back on track." Emma decided.
"You're in luck. There's a ball tonight at King Midas' castle," Rumple informed them. "Prince James will be there and so will his ring."
"Well, that should be easy," Ben shrugged. "We just get Snow White to go over there and we're good to go, right?" he then added, thinking that sounded pretty easy.
"How? We don't even know where she is." Killian replied.
Rumple suddenly smirked.
"Let me guess; you know where to find Snow White?" Ben asked his future father.
"Allow me." Rumple confirmed as he nodded and smirked, he then walked over to a crystal ball. He waved his hand and the crystal ball showed Snow White sitting opposite of a certain pirate.
Emma looked into the crystal ball. "There she is." she said softly.
"Who's that with her though?" Audrey wondered.
"She's with Blackbeard. She's trying to secure passage on his ship." Killian informed and explained.
"And it appears failing." Rumple said.
"She can't escape the Queen without the money she's supposed to get for the ring." Emma murmured.
"So, uh, Rumplestiltskin, can you help us?" Ben asked his future father.
Rumple smirked. "Help you? I can work on get your portal to the future open again," he informed before glancing at Emma suddenly. "But getting your friend's parents together? She made that mess, dearie. Only she knows what she did. Now go, undo it." he then instructed them.
"So how do we do such a thing?" Audrey wondered.
"If she's looking for passage out of town, I might know a ship's captain who might help us." Killian spoke up confidently then.
"Who?" Emma asked.
"Me." Killian smiled boastfully.
Ben and Audrey slightly rolled their eyes at that.
"Now are you going to go along with them then?" Rumple asked the two teenagers.
"Oh, uh, I don't know about that..." Ben shrugged sheepishly. "What could we do to help anyway?"
"Well, I suppose if you don't want to help, you could help Belle take care of me~" Rumple suggested before giggling in his creepy way which made Audrey feel very unsafe.
"...Emma?" Audrey asked weakly. "...Are we gonna have to stay here until you get back?"
"If you want to come with us you can, but if you think you can help, uh, Rumplestiltskin then you can stay." Emma told her.
Audrey bit her lip and looked around before shrugging. "...I guess you can do this," she then said with a small sigh. "I'm sorry."
"You okay, Audrey?" Ben asked his girlfriend quietly in concern. "You seem a little shaky."
"I guess I'm still trying to adjust around-" Audrey began to say, glancing at Rumple before glancing back at her boyfriend. "Here."
"That's not what you were thinking~" Rumple teased.
"You can read minds too?!" Audrey asked with a gasp.
"I don't need to," Rumple giggled. "Your body language speaks for you~"
"Oh..." Audrey pouted and looked down. "I think I better come with you guys." she then added to Ben, Emma, and Killian.
"Only if you're sure." Ben said to her.
"Sure I'm sure!" Audrey insisted as she stomped away after them. "Let's go stop this Blackbeard weirdo."
The four then set off to carry on to their next mission.
"Something about that girl reminds me of Queen Ingrith." Rumple mumbled to himself as he watched them leave for now.
LATER...
At a harbor tavern, Killian watched his past self play with a set of dice along with a couple of old friends known as Tulio and Miguel.
"There I am. Rather dashing, don't you think?" Killian remarked.
"Don't forget humble." Audrey rolled her eyes.
"Is this even a good idea? What about preserving the future?" Emma asked Killian as they looked over at Hook playing games and flirting with the ladies.
"It'll be fine," Killian reassured as he watched his past self. "Given what I'm drinking, if I remember anything, I'll simply blame the rum. Just make sure that I-he-remains occupied. Doesn't return to my ship. I'll take care of the rest." he then told the trio with him.
"Uh, I don't think I could flirt with him," Ben said bashfully. "I don't think I'm his type."
"I think I'm much too young for him." Audrey added.
"Okay, I'll handle this," Emma then said before facing Ben and Audrey as she pulled down her hood and unlaced her corset slightly. "Maybe you two could stand guard or something."
"Wait. What are you doing?" Killian then asked Emma, a bit surprised.
"Making sure he stays occupied," Emma said. "Shouldn't be difficult, you and I both know I'm his type." she then added, about to approach the past pirate captain only to be spoken to again.
"Swan, that man sitting there..." Killian began to warn Emma before pausing. "You don't know him. Just be careful."
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're be jealous." Emma smirked at him.
"I'll go with Captain Hook, you stay here with Emma," Ben told Audrey. "I think you'll feel safer here than a pirate ship."
Audrey bit her lip and whimpered with wide eyes, looking almost like a very scared puppy.
"It'll be okay," Ben said softly. "Besides, Emma will be here if you need her."
"Well, all right..." Audrey sighed. "Be careful, Benny."
"I will, my princess," Ben promised her as he took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Have I ever let you down before?" he then added before winking at her.
"Oh, Ben~" Audrey blushed at that as Ben went after Killian for the time being.
"What are you boys playing?~" Emma asked Hook and his friends in a sultry voice while Audrey looked around.
Soon enough they had managed to get Snow White to get to Midas' castle so she could steal the ring. Snow was heading towards the castle to get this ring the Captain wanted in exchange for passage.
"A predictable access of pomp and grandeur," Killian noted as he looked through his telescope to find Snow White climbing the walls of King Midas' castle. "Snow should have no trouble sneaking inside."
"What about us? We're supposed to just sit here and hope that she pulls it off? I don't like leaving things to chance." Emma asked and stated.
Rumple magically appeared right beside them on a stump. "You know, I feel exactly the same way, which is why I never do," he said and then summoned up a card with an invitation. "See? An invitation to the ball." he smirked.
"So, you'll be inside to watch out for her?" Emma asked.
Rumple smirked. "No. No. I'll be far too busy sorting out how to get you home." he told them.
"Uh, so then who is the invitation for, sir?" Audrey asked. "If you don't mind me asking."
"Well, isn't it obvious?" Rumplestiltskin asked them. "The four of you." he then told them.
"So, when we're done inside, you can open our portal?" Ben then asked hopefully.
"There's a powerful wand which, uh, I came to possess," Rumple said. "Anyway, legend says, it can recreate any magic that's ever been wielded. Now, with a little work, I can use it to recreate whatever portal brought you here." he then added as he handed Killian the invitation.
Emma nodded. "Please do it quickly. We'll be in and out before you know it. I want to get this back on track so we can get the hell out of here." she stated.
"Oh, confidence. I like it~" Rumple smirked.
The four then turned around, getting ready to leave to the ball that they were now invited to.
"Wait. Not like that~" Rumple said as he suddenly giggled and covered Emma, Killian, Ben, and Audrey in red smoke.
Emma wore a red ballgown, Audrey wore a blue ballgown, Killian wore a dark suit, and Ben appeared to be in a golden colored suit.
"The Savior can't come this far and play not princess for a day." Rumple then continued.
Emma looked doubtful a moment. "But, we're not supposed to stick out. What if someone remembers us in the future?" she asked.
"Because what you had before was such an intricate disguise?" Rumple scoffed at first. "Now, speaking of which I've returned those stole rags, luckily, before they were missed. I mean, it's a miracle the timeline hasn't imploded already," he told them. "Amateurs," he then told them. "Allow me," he then added magically producing a mirror so that they could take look at themselves, all not looking like themselves. "A glamor spell, this is how you shall appear to one and all," he informed. "Now, run along and do everything you can to make sure Snow White gets that ring... Once they're back on track, everything else will be, too." he then concluded with a smirk.
"I sure hope so." Ben remarked.
"WAIT!" Audrey cried out suddenly.
Everyone then faced her in concern and curiosity because of how sudden that was.
"Can you make this pink?" Audrey asked Rumple as she picked up her fluffy skirt. "I mean, this outfit is cute and all, but I think it would look better in pink than blue."
Rumple rolled his eyes and then waved his hand to change Audrey's ball gown from blue into pink.
"I kinda liked it better blue," Ben commented. "Can my suit be blue?" he then asked his future father.
Rumple gave the teen an unimpressed face before doing that next.
"I thought gold was a good look for the son of the man who spun straw into gold~" Audrey smirked at Ben.
"Shh." Ben shushed his girlfriend and reminded her.
Rumple raised an eyebrow at that.
"Maybe I should wear a green suit for the ball?" Killian smirked at Rumple.
"WILL YOU ALL GET OUT OF HERE?!" Rumple complained out of impatience and frustration. "You don't have a lot of time to spare and I have to make a deal with someone to help you." he then added.
The group then backed away and began to leave for the party before it would be too late. Rumple rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"I wonder how long until Mr. Perfect Timing pompous windbag shows up?" he then muttered to himself before a portal opened up to show a certain figure. "Ah, Father Time, long time no see." he then smirked and approached the figure.
"Let's just get this over with, Rumplestiltskin," Father Time replied. "I might control time and everything like that, but not even I have enough of that on my hands to lollygag."
"Yeah, yeah, so anyway, here's what I want from you..." Rumple rolled his eyes and soon approached the portly man who was in charge of time everywhere and anywhere.
Emma followed Killian, and linked arms with Killian as they headed inside Midas' castle. Audrey and Ben did the same as they also came in after Emma and Killian.
Once they made it, Killian handed the invitation to the valet before they entered the ballroom as Ben adjusted his pants a little and grunted.
"This thing's giving me a wedgie." Ben then complained.
"You look like a very handsome prince though." Audrey said with a smile.
"Oh, thank you." Ben smiled back.
"Just when I thought the clothes here couldn't get any worse." Emma muttered in agreement.
"You might not be able to move, Swan, but you cut quite the figure in that dress." Killian replied.
Ben and Audrey hid smirks to each other before looking over to see that the owner of the castle approached them.
"Greetings. I'm King Midas, father of the bride," The man greeted nobly. "Who do I have the honor to welcome into my home?" he then questioned.
"I'm..." Killian started to say, but paused. "Prince..." he then sighed as no name came to his mind which made him sigh as King Midas gave him a bit of a look for hesitating in his own name.
"Charles. Prince Charles," Emma for him. "And I'm Princess..." she then paused as she thought of a name. "Leia."
Killian and Ben soon bowed while Audrey and Emma curtsied.
"And what do they call you two?" King Midas then asked Ben and Audrey.
"Erm... Prince Adam and Princess Talia." Audrey quickly said.
"Nice quick thinking there." Ben whispered to Audrey.
"Thanks." Audrey whispered back.
"I'm honored to have you all," Kind Midas told them with a respective bow and then commanded a valet standing behind him. "Announce Princes Adam and Charles and Princesses Talia and Leia."
The valet bowed and soon went to do as told.
Soon the four were announced and walking in to the ball.
"Mary Margaret and David are always going on about this ball and that ball; what's the big deal about these things?" Emma murmured to Killian.
"My parents threw a grand party on the day I was born." Audrey smirked boastfully.
Ben rolled his eyes slightly, unable to help it until the dancers suddenly began to get ready for the next dance.
"You were saying?" Killian asked Emma as he leaned in closer to whisper to her.
"What am I supposed to do?" Emma asked nervously.
"Blend in." Killian smiled as he took her by the hand.
"Wait. Are you saying you know how to do whatever this is?" Emma suddenly asked as she allowed herself to be led by Killian.
"It's called a waltz," Killian replied and advised. "There's only one rule: Pick a partner who knows what he's doing."
Ben and Audrey smiled a little at that as they began to dance on their own.
"You know, Audrey, I know you're having a rough time, especially with adjusting to this hero and villain stuff going on back home, but I wanna try to make it up to you and everyone at least." Ben began to say to her softly.
"I'm sure you do, Ben, but the villain descendants, their parents are guilty of unspeakable crimes." Audrey reminded him.
"Audrey, their children are innocent," Ben defended. "Don't you think they deserve a shot at a normal life?"
"...Well, I suppose so..." Audrey said softly.
"My mother gave my father a second chance and I know the idea of children of your sworn enemies living among you can be scary, but every time I look out at them like Mal, Jay, and Carlos, I feel like they've been abandoned," Ben continued to explain to her. "That's why I wanted to help them out because if my mom could see the good in a Beast like my dad, then why can't I do the same for those kids? After all, I've known Evie my whole life and she's very sweet and thoughtful for someone who is the daughter of The Evil Queen."
"It'll be an adjustment, Ben. It really is for me." Audrey told him.
"I know, Audrey, but everyone deserves a first and second chance," Ben insisted bravely. "We should probably have a party or something to celebrate both of the heroes and villains once we get back home."
"Do you think it could be like a cotillion?" Audrey wondered.
"Maybe, we'd have to see," Ben smiled. "This dance is just making me think we should have a chance to be kids again and live our own lives no matter who our parents might be."
"I think I like the sound of that at least." Audrey replied before she blushed and gasped as she was suddenly dipped.
"I was hoping you would say that~" Ben grinned and winked at her.
Audrey blushed and giggled until she yelped and was suddenly yanked right back up on her feet as she and Ben continued to dance together. "Oh, Ben..." she then whispered and gasped.
"Sorry, did I pull on you too hard?" Ben asked since she sounded distressed suddenly.
"No, I see Prince Charming!" Audrey explained to him quietly, but a bit loud as he was closest to her.
Ben soon took a look as he and Audrey continued to dance along with Emma and Killian.
"Would you care to dance?" Prince Charming asked his bride.
"My feet are killing me," Princess Abigail complained. "If only I'd thought to wear my comfortable shoes."
"Would you like to fetch them for you, my dear?" Prince Charming asked, though he sounded like he really didn't want to.
"My hero." Princess Abigail smirked as Prince Charming soon went away.
Audrey cupped her mouth as she looked back at Ben in slight alarm. King Midas then came to talk privately with three of his pages. Prince Charming soon left the room as everybody continued about their own business. The doors then flung open as a new guest entered, prompting King Midas to go and greet her.
"What a pleasure, my Queen. I thank you for honoring my daughter with your presence." King Midas greeted as he bowed at the evil regal.
"And thank you for your generous hospitality," Regina smirked as she arrived with her Black Knights. "I hope you don't mind I brought some friends."
Emma frowned a bit. "Regina is here, damn it... That definitely was not in the plan." she muttered.
"Breathe, Swan. She's a guest," Killian advised her quietly as they continued to dance together. "The king's head would vanish to another realm, if he didn't invite her."
"Yeah, good point," Emma admitted. "Where's Charming?" she then wondered as she looked around the room.
"I think he went upstairs somewhere." Audrey replied to Emma.
"I hope he's alright." Emma said.
"I'm sure he's fine." Ben said as he and Killian continued to dance with their respective dance partners.
Killian nodded in agreement as he continued to dance with Emma while Ben danced with Audrey.
The dancing lasted for a while until a guard suddenly came into the ballroom as Abigail was getting patient for her groom to return to her.
One guard went ito the ballroom. "Mi'lord, Snow White was spotted in the castle." he told his King.
"The bandit Snow White?" King Midas glared. "Here? Get her!" he then commanded sharply.
The guard went off to do so.
"Time to go, Leia!" Ben urged nervously.
King Midas nodded before looking as Ben and Emma began to exit the ballroom.
Ben, Audrey, Killian, and Emma arrived just in time as Snow White began to vanish into the darkness, climbing over the castle's parapet.
Emma walked out with her just as Snow White was nearing the end of the rope. "She did it. She must have stolen the ring. she smiled.
Snow White then jumped off the rope and headed over to a horse.
"Then the timestream must be repaired." Ben said hopefully.
"You can't hide from me!" Prince Charming yelled out as Snow White escaped from him. "Wherever you are I will find you!"
"Mission accomplished," Emma smiled at Killian, Ben, and Audrey. "Now all we have to do-" she then started until...
A Black Knight armed with a bow stepped out on the parapet and pushed Ben and Emma roughly out of the way. The archer then took aim as Audrey and Killian caught Ben and Emma.
"You'll find her sooner than you think, mi'lord." A knight told Prince Charming.
Emma then launched on him as the archer lost the arrow. The knight then lost his balance as Snow White galloped off the arrow hit a tree trunk behind her. Getting back to her feet, Emma noticed Charming 's wedding ring lying on the ground, causing her to pick it up.
"The ring." Emma noted.
"You've got to get it to Snow," Killian replied until they heard someone coming. "Go! I've got this."
Ben and Emma ran off while Audrey got ready to move. Killian drew his saber and charged the Black Knights confronting him. One of them avoided Killian's blow and headed for the door. Hook fought two knights charging him from the front side. Booting him, Killian thrusted one knight into his comrade. Both knights lost their balance while Killian elbowed a third knight who charged him from behind. Audrey panicked as she felt lost without Ben and had no idea how to fight back as she held her hands up and squeezed her eyes shut, but unknown to her, as the Black Knights approached her, her hands suddenly began to glow along with her necklace where she kept her Birthright Jewel and some sort of magic shot out and struck the Black Knights, causing them to suddenly fall over and she opened one eye curiously until she put her hands down and opened both of her eyes to see that somehow, The Black Knights had fallen into a deep sleep.
Ben slipped and ended up in a different room as he rubbed his head. He then stood up and looked around, seeing that the room was completely dark and he suddenly heard crying and wailing. He then looked around and came over to a bassinet that appeared to be golden and he soon peeked inside and picked up the infant inside who appeared to be blonde and wearing an orange gown. "Oh, you must be Diana." he then realized.
Baby Diana looked at him and tilted her head curiously.
"Heh, you look kinda cute for one of the school snobs." Ben had to admit.
Baby Diana's face crumpled and she soon cried since she didn't know him.
"Oh, no! Shh! Shh! Shh!" Ben soon panicked and tried to soothe the crying baby girl.
A Black Knight soon followed the sounds of the cries and caught Ben in the spot, making the boy grow wide-eyed and nervous. "That boy is trying to kidnap the young princess!" he then yelled out as other Black Knights came to his sides.
"No! It's not what you think!" Ben yelped and panicked.
The Black Knights soon blocked Ben and Emma's way and they were soon met with a certain evil face.
"Going somewhere?" Regina smirked as she approached Emma.
"Regina. I-" Emma started to say.
"Is a bit informal, wouldn't you say? Show some respect," Regina interrupted and corrected coldly. "It's Your Majesty."
Emma was grabbed by two guards, struggling a little. One Knight soon took Emma and moved to the side with her while other guards surrounded Ben.
The Knight took a firm hold on Ben, though not in a way to hurt. "Come peacefully and you won't be harmed." he warned quietly.
Running, Killian soon entered the ballroom and too many standing people had blocked his view until he bent his head and he was able to get a glimpse of Ben and Emma before he quickly withdrew again.
"Benny..." Audrey whispered in concern.
"I..." Ben struggled and stammered.
"You're not going anywhere," Regina finished for her firmly. "Snow White may have left the party early with a special guest of mine, but, I suspect, your night has just begun. Take them away." she then told the guards.
"Come on." The guards then said and walked Emma and Ben along.
Emma glanced at the ring in her hand and then grasped it firmly before holding up her skirts so she wouldn't trip.
Killian then continued to bend his head so that he could watch Ben and Emma while The Black Knights began to leave with them.
"We gotta save them." Audrey told Killian as all they could do was watch.
"Aye, dear... but what can we do?" Killian replied as the situation began to become grave.
