Chapter 1:
Scarlett was now 18 years old, already princess of the United Realms. One day she would become Queen, and a new chapter of her life would begin. However, it wasn't the throne that frightened her; rather, it was the prophecy. Scarlett was no ordinary girl, for she was the offspring of two legendary figures, Regina Mills and Robin Hood. Born out of the purest form of love, Scarlett possessed a unique gift—she could harness both the powers of The Light One and The Dark One.
From the moment of conception, a delicate balance between light and darkness accompanied her. Despite her relentless efforts to embrace the goodness within her, an ever-present shadow lingered, a reminder of the dual nature bestowed upon her by destiny.
Scarlett's mother, once known as the Evil Queen, had overcome her dark past and found redemption through love. Determined to spare her daughter from the same pitfalls, Regina devoted herself to teaching Scarlett how to wield her powers responsibly. The town that had witnessed countless tales of magic and mayhem now stood witness to a mother's unwavering commitment to guide her daughter toward the path of righteousness. She had to, they had seen what their daughter was capable of if she let darkness consume her.
It was late in the evening, and the moon hung high above Storybrooke, casting its gentle rays over the sleeping town. Scarlett sat in her room, tortured by her thoughts. The constant battle between her conscience and her demons had finally caught up with her. She was no longer able to hide the dark desires that lurked within her, the desires that her mother had tried to shield her from her whole life. She could hear whispers coming from far away, they kept calling her name. They were so loud, she had to cover her ears with her hands.
Getting up quietly to sneak out of her room, following the whispers. The journey had led her to her mother's vault. It was odd, she had been there time and time again. Yet, this was the first time she was hearing these eerie noises, calling her name. The door creaked open, as she pushed it, entering the vault. Nothing seemed to have moved, everything was just where it had been when she had come here to practice magic with her mother just yesterday.
The whispers only seemed to grow louder, the closer she got to a chest at the very bottom of the vault. Opening the chest, to reveal ''The Dark One's dagger'', the whispers stopped.
As she picked up the dagger, her hands began to tremble. This was it, the power she had longed for was hers. All she had to do was whisper the words, ''Rumpelstiltskin, I summon thee.''
Before she could even utter a single word, a voice from behind her said loudly ''Scarlett Hood, what are you doing here?''
Startled, Scarlett spun around to find her mother, staring at her with an incredulous look on her face.
''Mom...I, I wasn't doing anything. Just, I heard a noise, so I came to check,'' Scarlett said, quickly putting the dagger in her
''Scarlett, you know what I think of lying. Now, hand over the dagger,'' her mother said, reaching out her hand.
Scarlett handed out the dagger to her mother, much to her disappointment.
''It was calling my name...I just wanted answers.'' Scarlett
"This dagger is dangerous. The darkness that surrounds it is what you need to avoid, Scarlett." her mother
''I'm sorry Mom, it's just so hard. To ignore the voices, the shadows. It's like I can never be the person I want to be. The person you and Dad want me to be.'' Scarlett said the tears she had been holding back for the past few hours finally escaping.
Regina pulled her into a tight embrace, trying to reassure her daughter that things were going to be okay.
''Sweetheart, you're the person I've always wanted you to be. You're perfect, just the way you are. No one is purely good or bad, there is always light and darkness in every one of us. We all make mistakes, the important part is owning up to them and learning from them. That's how we grow. The thing is, the darkness, it doesn't just go away, you have to fight it.'' her mother
''What if I can't fight it anymore? What if one day, it wins?'' Scarlett said, her voice
"Scarlett, look at me," Regina said, placing her hand on her daughter's cheek, "If you ever feel the darkness taking over, just think of the people you love. Think of the person you want to be, think of the light inside of you. Hold onto that thought, don't let it go, don't let the darkness win."
Scarlett nodded, wiping away her tears.
''You're right. I'm sorry, Mom, for making you worry. It won't happen again, I promise.''
''It's okay, sweetheart. I love you.'' She placed a kiss on her daughter's
''Love you too...'' Scarlett replied like an embarrassed teenager would.
"Come on, let's go home. It's late." her mother said, taking her daughter's
As they walked back, Scarlett thought about her mother's words. The darkness inside her was still there, but she was going to fight it.
Arriving back home, Regina was filled with a sense of relief. She couldn't let Scarlett grow dark again...she had seen firsthand what kind of evil she was capable of. While Regina was pregnant, she had fought against the darkness for her daughter...but had failed. Resulting in a time jump, that allowed her to see into the future of their unborn child.
Scarlett was 18, she had succumbed to the darkness. She loved the feeling, loved the power and most of all loved the control she had over others. Robin and Regina tried to stop her, convince her that Light magic was just as powerful...but during their mission, Scarlett had killed her father. Leaving Regina to divide her heart, in hopes of saving her soulmate. Scarlett watched as the act of true love was powerful enough to bring back her father. However, only Regina remembered this version of the future. So, she decided to do whatever she could, to make sure that it never came to pass.
It had been three days since that fateful night. Scarlett had spent most of her time with her mother, working on harnessing her powers. She was determined to get stronger. But her mind kept taking her elsewhere. Why did the dagger whisper her name? Why now? She needed answers, and she knew exactly where to get them, Gold's shop.
Even though Rumplestiltskin had been dead for years, she knew Belle may be able to help her. The larger task at hand was, how was she going to get answers without her mother finding out.
Belle stood behind the counter of her husband's old shop. Reading some sort of romance novel, keeping herself busy as usual.
The bell rang, signalling the arrival of a customer. Belle looked up to see a familiar face standing in front of her.
"Oh hi, Scarlett!'' She said.
"Hi, Mrs Gold! I mean...I'm sorry...that's just what I'm used to calling you." Scarlett said, blushing a little as fumbled to find the correct way to address her.
"No, it's fine, really. You can call me Mrs Gold, I don't mind," Belle said,
"So, what can I do for you, Scarlett?" She continued.
"Well, I need your help...I want to know more about the dagger, why is it whispering my name? I thought the dagger could only be used to summon The Dark One. But he passed away years ago," Scarlett asked.
"Ah, well, you see...the dagger is not only a tool to summon The Dark One, but it's also a symbol of power. It is said that whoever possesses the dagger, holds the power of the Dark One within them.''
"But how does that work? I'm not a Dark One, I don't even have their powers."
"True, you are not a Dark One, but you have the potential to become one. You have the power of light and dark inside you. The dagger is calling to that power, drawing you in."
"I see...but why now? Why after all these years?"
"Maybe something triggered the awakening of the dark power within you, maybe it was time."
"Thank you, Mrs Gold. You have been a great help."
"Anytime, Scarlett. But I warn you, don't give in to that dagger. I've seen what it does to a person."
"Don't worry, I won't. I promise." Scarlett said, flashing a smile.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return to my novel, I was only getting to the good part," Belle said, returning to the book she had been reading
"Of course. See you later, Mrs Gold," Scarlett said, walking out of the door.
As the door closed, the shop was once again filled with silence. Belle had a strange feeling, that this was not the last time, she'd see Scarlett.
Chapter 2: Silent Stratagem
The next day, Scarlett's mind was occupied with the thoughts of the dagger. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted it.
"Scarlett!" She heard her mother calling from the kitchen, breaking her out of her
"Coming, Mom!" She said, heading towards the kitchen.
Her father was already seated at the table, his nose buried in the morning
"Morning, sweetheart." He said, looking up at her with a smile.
"Morning, Dad," Scarlett said, kissing the top of his head.
"What's for breakfast, Mom?" She asked, taking a seat next to her father.
"Just some pancakes, your favourite," Regina said, setting a plate full of pancakes in front of her.
"Yum! Thank you, Mom," Scarlett said, digging into the stack.
"You're welcome," Regina said, smiling
As the family enjoyed their breakfast, Scarlett's mind wandered back to the dagger. The thought of its power enticed her. She needed to find a way to get the dagger and keep it a secret from her mother.
After breakfast, Scarlett decided to do some investigative work of her own. She went back to her room and started doing some research on the Dark Ones. She knew the dagger was calling to her, but why? She had never done anything wrong, except the occasional mischief here and there. Nothing that warranted the need for such power. She couldn't quite understand why the darkness inside her was so attracted to it.
While she was searching for answers, a knock on the door interrupted her. "Hey, honey. What are you up to?" Robin asked, peeking his head through the door.
"Oh, hey, Dad. Just, uh, doing some research..'' Scarlett said, partially lying, hoping he would just leave her to return to her studies.
"Research, on what? Maybe I can help."
"It's okay, Dad. Magic stuff, you wouldn't understand.'' Scarlett said, trying to get her father off her case.
"Alright then, well, if you need any help, just let me know." He said, giving her a smile before walking out of the door.
Scarlett sighed, her father was always so concerned about her. She loved him, but sometimes, he was just a little clueless.
The door closed behind him and she continued her research, finding some interesting information; It was said that The Dark One's dagger would remain at rest, unless one of the previous Dark Ones, were to be resurrected.
She paused, her mind racing with more questions now than she started with.
Did that mean a Dark One had returned? Who would have resurrected such a powerful and evil being? Could Rumplestiltskin, really be alive?
Scarlett knew the only way to get her answer was to go straight to the source. She needed to return to the person who had once loved the most twisted and dark man in all the realms...Belle.
Scarlett headed to the library, knowing that she would find Belle there.
"Mrs Gold?" She called out.
"Scarlett, you're back so soon. What can I do for you?'' Belle asked, walking over towards the desk.
"I have some questions. Do you know, if a Dark One can be resurrected?'' Scarlett asked, hesitatingly.
"Well, yes, I suppose it's possible. But why do you ask?"
"Just, um, curious."
"I see, does this have to do with your previous questions in regards to a certain dagger whispering your name?''
"Maybe-'' She knew she couldn't lie her way out of this one so she continued with a sigh, ''Ugh yes, but you can't tell my mother.''
"Scarlett, if your mother is worried, then maybe you should listen to her. The power of a Dark One is not something to be taken lightly.''
"I know, but I have to find out if Rumplestiltskin is alive. And if he is, who brought him back...and why.''
''Slow down dear, so many questions...but all I heard is Rumple may be back?''
A glimmer of panic and what looked like hope shone in Belle's eyes.
"Yeah, I believe so. Which is why, I need your help. I have a feeling that whoever did this, has a connection to the dagger. They're after its power, just like I am.''
"Alright, I'll help. But only if you promise me, you will not use that dagger for your own personal gain. Deal?" Belle, felt odd making a deal with the girl. But it was only for her own good.
"Deal," Scarlett, agreed with a shake of hand.
"Now, the only way to know if Rumple is back is by summoning him with his dagger.''
"But how? He's not a Dark One, not anymore..."
"True, but his soul is bound to the dagger. Which means, he should come to us. But first, we must get to the dagger without your mother knowing. Then we will be able to summon him from the shop."
"How are we going to get the dagger, I've tried to get it before but my mother knows when someone enters...she has a protection spell on the vault." Scarlett looked at Belle, shoulder slumped thinking about the last time she had tried to enter her mother's vault without her knowing. It had not gone very well.
"Ah, I see. That's going to be a problem."
Scarlett's eyes searched the room, before setting upon the book Belle had been reading, Robin Hood, an idea flashed in Scarlett's mind. A plan unfolding rapidly inside her mind.
"Maybe not. Maybe I could trick my father into stealing the dagger for me."
"That might work, your father is quite the skilled thief. And a distraction should keep your mother busy."
"Let's get that dagger!''
With the plan in place, Scarlett left the library to return to her father in hopes that she could trick him into stealing the dagger from her mother's vault.
Scarlett opened the door to the Mills-Hood Manor. Robin should be home by now.
''Dad, are you home?'' She yelled out.
''In here sweetheart'' A voice called out from the living room.
She made her way to find him, sitting on the couch, feet up and a book in hand.
''Hey, I was thinking. It's been so long since you've taken me to shoot some arrows. What do you say we go out and do some target practice together? Just like old times.'' Scarlett asked, knowing it was an offer he would never refuse.
''Really? You want to go with your old man and shoot some arrows?'' Robin asked, a wide grin spread across his face.
''Of course! I've been spending lots of time with Mom practicing magic, I could use a break. And, you're the best archer I know, why wouldn't I want to go with you?''
Robin felt his heart swell with pride.
''I'd be honoured to Scarlett, get the bows and arrows. I'll meet you at our spot.''
They headed to the woods, near Regina's vault. It was always quiet, no one dared to come close unless they wanted something. Or if they were a father and daughter shooting arrows at their usual spot.
Regina came home to find the house empty. Henry was now moved out, living with his wife Ella and daughter Lucy, Roland was at a friend's house for the night and Robin had texted her earlier about taking Scarlett to shoot some arrows in the woods.
It had been a while since the house was this quiet, Regina quite disliked it. It reminded her of when she used to be alone in the castle or when Henry had gone to live with Emma after the curse broke. Her large manor had felt so cold, so dark, and lonely.
After her return to Storybrooke, Regina had gotten used to having people around, working together to defeat whatever beast or magical being that had decided to wreak havoc on their peaceful town. But, now, everything was peaceful, maybe a little too peaceful. It was unusual for it to be this quiet for this long.
Regina thought back to what her daughter had told her a few nights prior, the dagger. Scarlett had told her about the dagger calling out to her. She did as any overprotective, and over-caring parent would. She went up to Scarlett's room and snooped around. Books on the Dark One she pitifully tried to hide, notes and drawings about that wretched dagger. It wasn't very difficult for Regina to piece the puzzle together.
"Damn it," Regina muttered, realizing Scarlett's plan.
"No, she wouldn't...she promised me," Regina said, heading to her Mercedes.
Regina made her way furiously towards her vault, tires screeching as she arrived. She was shocked to find that it was still sealed off, no one had entered.
Robin came running towards the vault noticing her arrival, ''Regina, where in bloody hell are you going like that?''
"Oh, Robin...hi, have you seen Scarlett?"
"Yes, we just finished practicing our shooting. She said she had to meet up with a friend and left shortly before you arrived, love.''
Regina rolled her eyes ''Did either of you enter my vault?''
''Well, yes... She misfired an arrow and it went inside the vault, she said something about you needing a chest inside for your magic lesson later...and that she would bring it to you.''
''And did you do as she asked?'' Her arms shot up, in disbelief that he had been played by their
Robin was caught between a rock and a hard place. Regina would surely be mad that Scarlett had gotten the better of him, and his wife was already pretty mad at him, judging by the look she was giving him.
He continued, trying his best to appease Regina.
''Well, yes...you should have seen her eyes, they were the same as yours when you're determined. I couldn't say no.''
Regina groaned, "Damn it, Robin...she got you to steal the dagger. We need to find her and stop her from doing something stupid."
Robin realized the gravity of the situation, "Oh god, she played me. I wonder where she got that from...'' He said under his breath.
Regina glared at him, ''Real funny, Robin. Now, get in the car, we have to find our daughter and save her before she does something she will regret.''
Robin followed her like a puppy. "Do you know where she would go?"
"The only place that dagger would lead her, is Gold's Shop. Come on."
Chapter 3:
Scarlett placed the chest with the dagger inside on the counter, the whispers started as soon as her fingers touched the cold metal. She took a deep breath, picking up the wavy knife in her hands. She could feel the power pulsating through her veins, her hands vibrating as she held it up.
"What are you waiting for? Go on and summon him," Belle looked at her, waiting impatiently for Scarlett to continue with their plan.
''Are you sure it's safe?'' Scarlett asked, a sense of doubt clouding her.
"I'll be right here, he won't hurt you," Belle reassured her.
Scarlett nodded and raised the dagger, taking a deep breath, she called out, "Rumplestiltskin, I summon thee!'' her eyes closed, waiting for his arrival.
A cloud of smoke filled the shop. When it cleared, there stood a familiar figure.
"Rumple!" Belle said, the shock in her voice evident. Scarlett's eyes set upon the man, he didn't seem very powerful. He looked quite fragile, stubble growing on his face, hair long and disheveled. He had a cane, and as approached Belle, Scarlett noticed a slight limp in his step.
"Belle..." He said, his eyes glistened.
"Oh Rumple, is it really you?" Belle said, engulfing him in a warm embrace.
"I'm so sorry Belle, I didn't want things to end this way...I had to free myself from the darkness, for Bae. For us to be a happy family.''
Belle backed away from him, remembering the pain he caused her years ago. "You chose power Rumple, again. You chose that stupid dagger over me, over us!''
"Belle, please, I'm so sorry, I never wanted to hurt you."
"I know Rumple, but how is it possible that you're alive? I never thought I would see you again, it's been 18 years.''
"Oh Belle, I don't remember much of anything. I woke up next to the well, just a few days ago. I was on my way to find you here, but someone hit me from behind, and everything went black. The last I remember sitting in a cell, or dark basement of some sort.''
"Oh Rumple, I missed you." She finally caved in, seeing the man behind the beast and pulled him into an embrace, once again.
"It's okay Belle, it's okay. I'm here now. That's all I could ever ask for."
Scarlett watched them from the sidelines, the dagger still in her hands. She could feel the darkness, it was calling to her. The dagger was begging to be used, but for what?
As the couple were reuniting, the sound of the shop bell caught Scarlett's attention.
"Rumple?" The familiar voice said, breaking the couple's heartwarming moment.
"Hello, Regina..." Rumple said, turning to face his former student.
"Stay away from my daughter," Regina said, her voice low and cold. A fireball appeared in her hand at the sight of the imp, she disliked so very much. Robin stood by her side, ready to grab his arrow if necessary.
"Mom, I can explain," Scarlett said, the dagger still in her hand.
"Give me the dagger," Regina said, her gaze fixed on it.
"I'm sorry, Mom. I need this dagger."
"Why, Scarlett? Why are you doing this?"
"Because I can feel the power. It's calling out to me, and I need its power to protect everyone in this town."
"Sweetheart, that power is evil. Please, give me the dagger. It will do nothing but cause pain and harm.''
"But I am to become Queen, protect everyone. How will I do that without the dagger? My magic is nothing compared to this."
"Scarlett, you are powerful with your light magic. The power of darkness seduces, manipulates and breaks everything it touches. It has no power to heal, to love or protect."
"I'm sorry Mom, I have to do this. For the town, for you...for me."
With that, she disappeared into a cloud of purple smoke, leaving everyone stunned and in shock.
''Well Dearie, it seems she may give into the darkness. She will make a grand apprentice and leader, a better one than you have ever been.'' Rumple let out one of his giddy laughs.
''How will you control and manipulate her if she becomes the Dark One? You seem to be fresh out of your magic.'' Regina smirked, noticing the fragility of her former master.
"I may no longer have magic, but that won't stop me from getting what I need from her; A happy ending is what all villains want, but never get. Things will change, dearie.''
Belle frowned, seeing him return to his own ways. She replied ''We can be happy without magic Rumple, all we need is each other.''
''I only need her to cast a curse for me. A deal she will be willing to make to save the ones she loves.''
"She will not listen to you, imp. She has a good heart and won't succumb to your ways," Regina replied coldly.
"She has her mother's blood running through her veins and her father's love for heroic deeds. She may think she is a hero, but a hero is nothing more than a villain who got a happy ending."
"She is better than me and she will not listen to your manipulation and deceit. You will fail, and I will protect her from the likes of you."
"Oh, Dearie, you are quite mistaken. Scarlett will make a fine Dark One, and her magic, her power, will be much greater than yours. She has a chance to make the world a better place, with me as a teacher.''
Regina turned away, not wanting to hear his words, her anger building inside of her.
"I will kill you before you lay a hand on her, or get anywhere near her," Robin said.
"I wouldn't try, dear. I will control the most powerful wielder of dark magic any realm has ever seen...But once the curse is cast, that power shall soon again be mine.''
''You wouldn't.'' Regina realized that he meant killing her daughter, making him the Dark One, once again.
''Oh, yes, Dearie. I would. You see, I will be the Dark One, and this time will have everything I've always wanted. We can't have a Dark One as Queen, all hell would break loose.''
Regina let her anger rise and the fireball in her hand grew bigger.
Belle yelled out ''No, Regina please...''
Robin placed a hand on her shoulder, nodding to Belle. ''Let's go, Love. We will find a way to save her.''
Regina's anger slowly diminished and the fire in her hand extinguished.
"I won't let you win, I will save her, even if it's the last thing I do!''
As Regina and Robin left, the door closed with a slam.
Leaving Belle and Rumple alone, she turned to him and said, ''Rumple, your happy ending is right in front of you. Please, don't do this. You don't need power to be happy to have a family...''
"Belle, the power is what made me strong. It's what will bring us together and have the life we always wanted."
"I want nothing to do with that life, it was lonely and sad. It was nothing more than a gilded cage. I loved you, but your greed and thirst for power made me lose my own happy ending. If you go after Scarlett, then that will be the end of us."
"Belle, please, I'm not a good man, but I will try to be, for you."
"No, Rumple. I will not watch as you manipulate another person, another family, and use them for your own gain. I will not have a part in this, and I will fight to keep Scarlett and her family safe from you. You have a chance for a new beginning, to be a better man and live a happy life, away from magic. But if you continue to seek out power, you will lose me and our son. Don't make the same mistake twice, Rumple."
"Our son?'' He said surprised. ''Yes, Rumple...shortly after you left I found out I was pregnant, with your child. Giddeon, he is now a strong and kind, 18-year-old man.''
Rumple felt his heart drop, and the realization of all he had missed out on hit him. "I'm sorry Belle, but the power I once had, made me the man I am. It is part of me."
"It doesn't have to be, Rumple. We can be a happy family without power and dark magic. Please, don't do this."
Rumple thought about his choices. He could either have a happy life, with a loving wife and a son he didn't know, or the power he once had.
The power that gave him everything he could ever want and more.
"I'm sorry Belle, but the deal has been struck," he said as a tear fell ''You will return to me after Scarlett enacts the curse. Then we will be together, as a family.''
"You won't be the same, you will be consumed by the darkness."
"I know, but I can't have you until I become the Dark One."
"I won't be a part of this, I will help Regina stop you and keep her family safe."
"No, Belle. You will be mine, whether you like it or not."
Rumple limped out of the shop, leaving his wife standing alone in the shop. Belle had hope, however.
Scarlett was young, full of magic, and love. She was powerful, but she was also smart. Hopefully, she would make the right choice and keep herself safe from the darkness, but that was a big if.
Chapter 4: Safeguarded Secrets
Scarlett had poofed herself into the woods. Close to the well, where Rumple mentioned he had woken up a few days prior. Looking for clues, she noticed Giddeon sitting on a tree stump only a few feet away from her.
"Giddeon!" she exclaimed, rushing to him.
He jumped, "Scarlett? What are you doing here? You scared me half to death.''
''I need your help, I think I'm in trouble.'' She said a bit out of breath.
"What's wrong, are you okay?" He asked.
"I stole the dagger, the Dark One's dagger and summoned Rumplestiltskin, and he appeared...he's alive.''
"Wait, how is that possible? And, wait...you have the dagger?''
''Yes, it was calling to me, but the problem is, my mom doesn't want me to have it. So I need you to help me hide it for a while?''
''Of course, Scarlett. Where is it?''
''Here, in this chest. Keep it in a safe place, where no one, certainly not my mother could take it. She will surely come for it.''
''Why don't we hide it in the clock tower? No one will ever look there.''
''Doesn't matter where I trust you. I have to go now before my mom finds me. Can you promise me you will protect the dagger at all costs?''
''You have my word. I will keep the dagger safe, and hidden.''
"Thank you, Giddeon," she smiled. "You're a good friend. Now, I have to go before my parents freak out."
Regina was pacing about in her office manor, ''Where could she have gone, did she already do something she would regret, something she couldn't come back from?'' She talked to herself, as Robin watched Regina with worry in his eyes.
"She will be alright, love. She's a fighter, and has your blood running through her veins."
"That's exactly what I'm afraid of, Robin...if she succumbs to the darkness, we may lose her forever. I have seen firsthand how it consumes and changes a person, turns them into the worst version of themselves."
"I know, Love. But if anyone can help her, it's you." He placed a gentle kiss on the side of her head.
Regina was about to respond when Scarlett poofed in front of them, startling the two.
"Scarlett!" they said in perfect unison.
"Mom, Dad...I can explain."
"What were you thinking, sweetheart? How could you steal the dagger?"
"Mom, I was just trying to keep everyone safe, including myself. If Rumple gets that dagger, who knows what he will do? It would be better off with me, that way no one can hurt anyone else."
"You are a child, Scarlett. This isn't something you can control.''
''I am not a child, Mother. The dagger is somewhere safe.'' Scarlett spat, her knuckles turning white with her fists balled up on her sides.
''Sc-ar-let...what do you m-ean. Wh-ere is the da-gg-er...'' Regina said, seemingly choking on her words.
''I'm not telling you, it would only put you in danger! What is wrong with you? Why are you talking like that?'' Scarlett's eyes scanned the room, trying to find the reason for her mother's behavior. Her eyes stopped as they met her father's who pointed at her fists. She looked down at her hands, realizing she was the one causing her mother pain. She quickly unclenched her fists, letting go of the magic and releasing her hold on her mother.
''Oh god, I'm so sorry, mom...I didn't mean to.'' She apologized, tears stinging in her eyes.
''Sweetheart, you need to listen to us, please...we're not telling you what to do because we don't think you can handle it. We only want to keep you and everyone else safe.''
''You need to be kept safe from me. I can't control myself, and now, I almost hurt you...I'm a monster.''
"Scarlett, no, don't say that. You are not a monster, and you can control the darkness. But that dagger isn't the answer.''
''The dagger is the only way, Mom. With it, I can do anything and keep everyone safe. You won't have to worry about me anymore. I will have the power, and you will have the happy ending you always wanted.''
''I have everything I would ever want here, Scarlett. My family, my friends, my kingdom.''
''I could erase all hurt and pain, you've ever had to endure because of me. I can change my fate, no longer have to carry any darkness.''
"Sweetheart, listen to me. That is not the way to change things. Tell me where the dagger is.''
''You don't understand, you won't understand just yet. I promise that you will, soon enough mother.'' Scarlett left once again in a cloud of purple smoke.
Chapter 5: Something About Hope
Scarlett walked down the streets of Storybrooke, her head down. She had the hood of her cloak pulled over her head. Her mother was probably looking for her, and the last thing she needed was to be caught.
Scarlett didn't want to cause her family pain. All she wanted was to keep them safe, but they couldn't understand. The darkness was calling out to her, begging her to give in. She wanted to give in, she wanted the power. Scarlett was pulled out of her thoughts when a car honked and came barreling towards her.
"Look out!" A voice yelled loudly.
Scarlett froze on spot. The car was coming at her, fast, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Just when she thought the car was about to collide with her, someone grabbed her and pulled her out of the way.
Scarlett stumbled back into a firm chest, and a pair of arms wrapped around her waist, holding her upright. ''We have to stop meeting in such dramatic settings.'' He held her tightly in his arms.
As she turned to look at the man behind her, she first noticed his brown eyes. His light brown hair and a slight smirk.
''I agree. Thanks, Giddeon, you've just saved my life. I guess I owe you.''
''Well, if we're keeping score, that's two life debts now.''
"Two? Oh, yeah the whole dagger thing."
"I can't believe you got ahold of the Dark One's dagger. Who would've thought, the Evil Queen's daughter would be the one to hold its power."
"Oh come on, my mother is no longer the Evil Queen. And you're one to call people names, your father is Rumplestiltskin.''
''Hey, ok I understand, he may be my father...but I will never be his son. A man who chose power over family, love and happiness, will never see the day I call him Father."
"I sure hope not, he will definitely be coming for the dagger. He may try to trick you into thinking he has changed, but the truth is, he won't. So don't trust him if he does come sniffing around for it.''
"I can take care of myself. And if I'm not mistaken, it was you who trusted me with the dagger. I promised to protect it, and I shall.''
''Good, I trust you, Giddeon. And thank you, once again.''
''My pleasure, Scarlett.''
Scarlett was about to walk away, but Giddeon stopped her.
"Maybe you could give me your number, you know- in case something happens and I need to reach you.''
''Giddeon, are you flirting with me?'' Scarlett teased him.
"No, I was merely suggesting..." he stuttered, his cheeks reddened at her comment.
"I was just kidding. Yeah, here, let me see your phone."
He handed her his phone, and she put her number into his contacts.
''Thank you, Scarlett, I will text you later, and give you an update on the dagger.''
''Ok, bye Giddeon.''
''Bye.''
She watched as he walked away.
"You really shouldn't give your number out to random strangers. It can get you into a lot of trouble."
Scarlett wondered who could be telling her what she should and should not do. Her face scrunched up as she turned to face this person ''And who are you to know if he is a stranger?''
''Oh, so he's not a stranger? Well then, that's even worse. You should not get involved with people who are not worthy of your time and attention.''
"You're right, but maybe I should make up my own mind on who is worthy or not.''
Scarlett could feel her blood boil.
"Hope, what are you doing here? Eavesdropping on me again?''
Scarlett disliked Hope, the daughter of the Saviour and the dashing Captain Hook. Their relationship had never been the best. Yet they always seemed to gravitate to each other. Despite Scarlett being quite envious of the girl, she seemed to have it all. She had pretty blonde hair, and gorgeous blue eyes, everyone seemed to like her. Scarlett had been cursed with darkness, with a title to uphold and a family history people never seemed to fully forget about.
"I was passing by and couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I couldn't pass up the chance to talk to you. Especially, when I see a certain someone flirting with you."
"Jealous, are we? Don't worry, he's not really my type.''
"You can tell yourself whatever you need to, to sleep at night, Scarlett. But I saw how you looked at him. You're interested in him."
"It doesn't matter if I'm interested or not, you know I can't pursue anything with him, Hope. You know I have a title to uphold, one day I will be Queen, and I can't have distractions.''
"Oh, come on, Scarlett. Stop with the bullshit. We both know that you're not the Queen type, you hate responsibility. You're more of a rebel, someone who doesn't follow the rules. You and I, we're more alike than you think. You could allow yourself to love, and it wouldn't be a bad thing, you know?''
"I can't, I'm supposed to be this powerful person, who can't have feelings for a man. The darkness in me will destroy everything and everyone I hold dear, and I can't put him through that. Even if he doesn't seem bothered by the darkness, I don't want to take the chance. Plus, my mother wouldn't allow it. She wants me to focus on my training and become the next queen. And that's what I will do. Now, if you don't mind, I need to leave.''
Scarlett walked past the blonde, leaving her standing in the middle of the sidewalk.
She didn't get far before she felt a hand grab her wrist and spin her around.
''You are not like the darkness. Yes, you are strong and powerful, but that does not mean you are a villain. Your mother fell in love with a thief, a commoner, and she got her happy ending. If she can do it, so can you. Stop trying to push people away, Scarlett, because one day, they won't be there anymore."
Scarlett's eyes rolled at her comment like this girl had any idea of the constant torment of having to push down the darkness inside.
"Hope, you can't understand.''
''I do, Scarlett. You're not the only one who struggles with the expectations people have of you. Let yourself love and be loved for once, Scarlett.''
"I have to go."
"Of course... I guess I will see you around, Scarlett."
"Goodbye, Hope."
"Bye."
Hope watched Scarlett disappear down the street, her heart sinking. She had hoped she could help the girl, but she was still the stubborn girl she had known since they were children. Hope knew the darkness in Scarlett's veins ran deep, and if it wasn't controlled, she would be lost forever. But Hope cared too much for her to let her slip into darkness, and she was going to do everything in her power to prevent that from happening.