Chapter 22

Past

After what happened at the ball, Grim still couldn't believe it. Odette was gone, and it was all his fault. It had been two days since Grim had been in grief. He ignored his duties as Commander by wallowing away in misery at his hollow tree home. He built this to live in with Odette after they get married, but now, he didn't know what to do with it. Even Akela never left his side to comfort him in his grief, but Grim also knew that Akela was just as depressed as him as he hardly lifted his head for anything anymore.

"I thought you might be here." Grim looked to see his friend, Derek, approaching him. "Everyone's worried about you."

"So they sent you?" Grim asked coldly.

"They didn't send me. I was concerned like everybody else. Rothbart won't get away with this. Odette will be avenged."

The more Grim thought about Rothbart, the more he thought about the diamond that Rothbart held at the ball. It was the exact same one that Odette wore when they were in the Queen's castle. He remembered how she told him that she made a deal with Rothbart to leave the lake and wear the diadem with the diamond but she needed to go with him. He then realized how his kiss could have killed Odette unless there was more to it. Rothbart must have planned this from the beginning, but he didn't know how exactly she died. On top of that, if she was killed by magic, then maybe there was a way to bring her back, but that meant that he needed to go to the one person he couldn't stand who was locked away in the dungeon.

"What if there's a way she's brought back?" Derek was confused until Grim brought up, "There's only one man who knows everything about everyone."

"You want to go tohim?" Derek gawked in disbelief. "He plays wicked games, Grim, and he won't help you unless there's a price."

Grim shook his head, knowing that wasn't true. "No. I know he'll tell me everything."

"How do you know that?"

"Because despite everything he's done to his daughter, he loved her. If he didn't, then he wouldn't want Rothbart dead when he gave me those arrows. He wants Odette back just as much as I do."

Derek looked almost guilty as he was hesitant to ask, "Do...you think he knows...about Odette I mean?"

Grim thought about it for a moment. There was no doubt that Rumplestiltskin would be devastated to learn that his daughter was killed. However, Rumplestiltskin could see the future, and Grim remembered when they imprisoned The Dark One as Grim confronted him and Rumplestiltskin admitted that he wanted Grim to break Odette's curse. That meant that he planned everything. From Odette's curse to her meeting Grim. He planned it all because he saw it, and it still sickened him that Rumplestiltskin used his own daughter as a pawn. As to why, Grim had no clue, but The Dark One had a purpose, and if he saw her curse break, then maybe he saw his own daughter's death. Grim needed to find out though if there was a way to save her.

"He might. That's why I need to find out. If he can see the future, then he must know how to save her. I have to try."

Derek didn't seem to like the idea, but eventually, he gave in. "Alright, but be careful."

Present

Sometime after Nora was checked out, Dr. Whale advised her to take it easy since her wound could reopen. Graham didn't even want to miss her release as he rushed to the hospital and left Amir in his cell since he knew there was no way he could get out. Right now, Nora was important to him, and he wanted to be there for her as he allowed Ruby to go home even though Ruby was insistent since she argued that Graham needed to look after the station. He knew Nora felt a little guilty when she heard him say that, but he didn't care. As long as he knew she was safe, then he was going to be there for her regardless of what anyone thought including her.

As soon as he led her into the hallway, an ambush of nurses and doctors rushed past them, and one of them stopped to talk to Dr. Whale. "Doctor, you're needed."

He followed after her, leaving Graham, Nora, and Ruby alone. "What is it?" he asked his nurse.

"The mayor's son collapsed, and he won't wake up."

Graham, Nora, and Ruby were shocked by this announcement as Dr. Whale followed after the nurse to treat his patient. "You think Emma knows?" Ruby asked.

"She needs to know. She was going to leave after making me sheriff."

Ruby and Nora turned to Graham in shock as Nora questioned, "She what? Why would she do that?"

"I'll explain everything. Let's just get you home first."

Instead of following them to Graham's patrol car, Ruby told Nora that she'll check on her later. She wanted to head back to the diner to clock out and let her grandmother know that Nora was okay. They let her leave, allowing Graham to drive Nora back to her apartment. He told her everything that Emma said to him back at the station after Nora questioned him again what happened with Emma.

Nora expressed how she couldn't believe that Emma felt like leaving because she didn't want to fight with Regina anymore. Emma wasn't the type to back down, but then again, she knew that Henry loved Regina too since she was also his mother. It made sense, but it was also a bit sad, especially since both women don't like each other. No doubt Henry could see it, and he must feel horrible about it. At least, that was what Nora believed.

Graham led Nora back into her apartment, and he treated her delicately. Nora didn't want to be treated like she was helpless though, and she certainly didn't want Graham to pity her or feel guilty about what happened to her. He took her to her bed as she slowly laid down so that it wouldn't be so painful getting in.

"Do you need to me get you anything?"

She smiled warmly at him and shook her head. "No, Graham. I'm fine, and shouldn't you be back at the station?"

"You're more important." He stared at her with genuine sincerity. "You should get some more rest. I'll watch over you."

He brushed a few locks away from her face as he watched her doze off. Her delicate face soon drifted into a peaceful slumber with her sweet eyes closing. Graham swore he would never let anyone hurt her again. Now that Amir was behind bars, all that was left was to look after Nora and to seek justice.

Meanwhile, Amir was in his prison cell. He laid on his lousy bed with his arms cradling his head. Amir couldn't forget about Gold's threat as it sunk into his mind. He was hardly afraid of anyone, but Gold was definitely the exception. No one messed with The Dark One unless they had a death wish. Just the fact that Amir blackmailed his only daughter would give Gold motivation to make Amir suffer much worse than what Nora faced. Amir knew that Gold would make sure that he loses everything, even put him on the brink of death if Gold gets his hands on him.

His mind soon became lost when he heard the door open, so he looked to see Jefferson lingering in the doorway with his eyes full of intensity. Amir watched him shut the door and slowly stride his way inside until he reached Amir's cell. They just stared at each other as Amir was wondering what happened. Something must have happened for Jefferson to act this way.

"I need your help," he told him in all seriousness.

Amir couldn't help but smirk as he joked, "Well, that might be a little difficult considering where I am."

"Regina's not going to help us," Jefferson getting straight to the point, causing Amir's whole demeanor to change. "She opted out of the deal."

Amir got off the bed and made his way over to him before grabbing the bars since it was what separated them, and soon, his voice dripped with venom, "Shecan'tdo that."

"She just did. Even though I did what she asked by getting the poisoned apple from my hat, Emma didn't eat the apple. Her son did." Amir froze for a moment. No wonder why Regina wouldn't do it, because her son got involved by being put under the sleeping curse. It was delicious irony that Amir couldn't help but laugh, which caused Jefferson to narrow his eyes at him. "You think this is funny? We won't get what we want now."

Amir knew his friend though. Jefferson wouldn't come here unless he wanted something just like whenever Amir approached him. They always respected one another to do business, and Amir had a very good idea why Jefferson would come here, but he just had to ask. "So, why come to me then? What do you want, Jefferson?"

With an intense gaze he told him, "I want you to help me take Regina down."

Amir smirked as he moved away from the bars and took a few paces back. "And, how I could do that? She already lost her son."

"Come on, Amir. You know everyone's secrets. She must have something that she doesn't want anyone to know."

Amir looked away for a moment, thinking for a second. He knew there was one after having one of men follow Regina to the hospital a few times and wondered why she went there. That was why Amir blackmailed one of the nurses by using her for sex before saying that he would expose her with the tape he recorded. He learned of a valuable prisoner in there, and if he released the prisoner, all Hell may break loose. Perhaps, though, it would be most opportune for Amir. He would get his revenge on Regina, and Gold may show leniency towards him. It was worth a shot, but he needed to get out of here first.

"I may know something, but I won't help you unless you get me out of here." Jefferson stared at him for a good long moment before he finally went over to the door to unpick the lock. It took a little while, but eventually, Jefferson got him out, to which Amir thanked him. "You always could get in and out so easily."

Jefferson just stared hard at him rather than finding Amir's jests amusing. "Just hurry up and tell me what her weakness is."

Amir smirked and turned to him. "I think it would be easier if I just show you, but first, we're going to need one of your teas."

Past

Grim headed to the dungeons in Snow White and Prince Charming's castle. He explained the whole situation to them, and they agreed to let him talk to Rumplestiltskin, but they advised him to take someone with him in case The Dark One tried anything, so he took Derek since he trusted him the most. Derek was much more apprehensive when they ventured deeper into his prison, but Grim was anything but afraid. As long as he could get Odette back, then he didn't care what or who he had to face.

When they nearly reached Rumple's cell, Derek stopped with the torch in his hand. "Be careful, Grim."

He nodded his head in acknowledgement and made his way inside. Even though it was dark in his cell, Grim could see a visual of his shadow. His back faced Grim, and he was sitting on the ground with his head hung low.

"Rumplestiltskin," he called out, but there was no answer, so he tried again, "Rumplestiltskin." Finally, The Dark One slowly turned his head, and Grim saw how much hatred was filled in his eyes. He stood from the ground and clutched against the metal bars with his face barely squeezing through. "I need you to help me-"

"Yes!" he barked out before calmly telling with so much disdain in his voice, "I know why you're here. You're here because you were foolish enough to kiss someone else, and now, Odette's no longer with you."

Grim stared at him long and hard before nodding. "Rothbart tricked me by using the diamond to kill her. I need to know how to bring her back."

He was shocked to hear an imp-like chuckle coming from Rumplestiltskin. "Oh, the ROC diamond didn't kill Odette. When someone touches the ROC diamond, their soul becomes linked to it. And, when the person they love the most kisses someone else, their soul gets sucked into the diamond, and their body becomes an empty shell."

Grim was shocked when he heard. It was a fate worse than death. It just proved even more how evil Rothbart was. That was why Rothbart needed to be stopped. There was no way Grim was going to allow him to win.

"But, there has to be some way to return her soul."

"Oh, there is," Rumplestiltskin said with a vile smirk. "You have to destroy the diamond. It will allow her soul to be rushed back to her body, and she will awaken."

There was a problem though as Grim brought up, "How am I supposed to get the diamond back? Rothbart has it in his possession."

"Why do you think I gave you the Dreamshade arrows?" Grim realized then that he could kill Rothbart with the arrows as Rumplestiltskin told him, "Rothbart can't be killed with any weapon after putting a spell on himself, but the Dreamshade poison will spread through his body, and when it reaches his heart, he won't escape from death."

Grim knew what he needed to do. He needed to kill Rothbart so that he could get the diamond from him. He was certain that Rothbart would keep it close to him since he wouldn't want to take any chances for the diamond to break. Now, he was more determined than ever to set Odette free after finding out a solution to bring Odette back.

Present

Nora was asleep for a while, but she eventually woke up to find Graham sitting on a chair beside her and sleeping. She smiled to herself and slowly sat up, careful not to risk to reopen her wound. She watched him for a moment before carefully getting out of bed to go into her closet and take out a blanket. Nora then unwrapped the blanket and put it over Graham carefully so that he wouldn't wake up, but his eyes quickly opened when her face was close to him.

She gasped at the surprise, and they stared at each other for a brief moment with Graham's widened eyes before looking down at himself to see what she did as Nora looked away in somewhat embarrassment. "I just thought you'd want to be more comfortable," she told him softly.

He couldn't help but smile warmly at her kind act. Even with her being injured, she still looked out for others rather than herself. That was what made her so special to him. Nora had a kind heart, and it made her better than anyone in his mind. He even surprised her by giving her a kiss, to which she accepted right away by sitting on his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck as he deepened the kiss.

Graham thought it was a bit amusing when he pulled away to see her disappointment. "I want to keep going, but I don't want to risk anything," he told her.

She smiled at him and gave him another chaste kiss. "It's okay."

He kissed her again and was delicate where he touched her. She was so fragile that he didn't want to risk taking her to the hospital again to get treated. Nora already suffered enough, and Graham was determined to not let her go again.

When they heard the door knock, they stopped and turned to it. Nora got off of him, and Graham made his way over to the door to look through the peek hole where he saw Ashley and Ruby. He looked at Nora to see if she wanted them inside, and when she told him that it was okay, he opened the door and revealed them to Nora. Ashley immediately went over to Nora with Alexandra in her arms as Nora greeted her friend before coddling Alexandra.

Ruby, on the other hand, looked between Nora and Graham and smirked as she turned to Graham, "Did we just interrupt something?" Instead of saying anything, Graham narrowed his eyes at her, warning her not to speculate anything. "Fine. I already have an idea anyway."

"Ruby, you came too," Nora said.

"You really didn't think I'd stay in the diner did you?" Nora's smile faded when she noticed a couple of bandages on her face. "Don't worry about it. I wish I could say I've been through worse, but at least, I'll live."

Nora then turned her attention to Ashley when she heard her say, "I still can't believe what happened to you, Nora. Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah, Graham's been looking after me."

"Oh, I don't think any of us doubt that," Ruby said with a playful smirk, and it only grew when she saw Graham's scowl. "Alright. Well, I better get going. I told Granny that I'd check in on you to see how you were doing. If I don't get back, she'll kill me before lunch rush starts."

Nora thanked her again for visiting before giving her a hug. As Ruby left, Nora and Graham were left with Ashley and her baby. Nora was even about to make tea for her, but Graham stopped her to make it himself. He didn't want Nora to worry about that and get into another injury. He would rather do it himself while she spoke freely to Ashley.

Past

As soon as Grim left the dungeons with Derek. He met Snow outside. Derek immediately greeted her, but Grim didn't say anything to her. She already voiced her concerns when she saw the pitiful look on his face after Odette had been taken.

"You went to visit him?" When Grim didn't acknowledge her, she sighed and approached him when he got on his horse with Derek getting on his own. "Grim, let me help you. I'll tell David to send his men with you if you're going after Rothbart."

"No," Grim told her firmly. "I need to do this...for Odette. I need to fix the mistake I made, and I know just how to do it."

"How?"

"I'm going to kill Rothbart."

Snow was shocked as she turned over to Derek who just shook his shoulders before looking back at Grim. "Grim, Odette wouldn't want you to do this."

"Except she's not here now because of him. I've killed many before, and Rothbart's no different."

He took the reins and snapped them, letting his horse take off while Grim followed behind him. Even though Snow didn't want him to kill the sorcerer because it would turn him into something, Grim didn't care. He killed plenty of people before, and one more death may continue to darken his heart. However, Grim knew that even if he destroyed the diamond, Rothbart would continue to keep coming until they were both dead.

Grim got what he wanted by taking the Dreamshade arrows he stored away in his hollow tree home before he ventured through the woods with Derek to go to Rothbart's castle. He made sure to leave Akela behind. Grim couldn't risk for his friend to get hurt.

He didn't even want Derek to travel with him as he brought up, "Go home, Derek. This is my fight."

"I want to help, Grim."

Grim pulled the reins on his horse, forcing it to stop, and Derek did the same when Grim told him off. "Listen to me. Odette's soul is with Rothbart because of me.Her bodyis with him because he wanted to treat it like a sick trophy. And, I amnotgoing to have one of my best friends killed because of me."

As much as Grim hated showing his feelings, he truly cared about Derek. They had been through so much together. They looked out for another even if it was Grim mostly looking out for him from getting brutally beaten down by other soldiers and from Sinbad.

"You don't get it, Grim," Derek said, taking him by surprise. "I want to help just as much as you do. I know how much Odette meant to you, and I want to help, not just because you're my friend, but she is too."

Even though Grim didn't like it, he felt like he didn't have much of a choice. Derek was just as stubborn as him. He even believed that if Grim went off on his own, then Derek would follow him. That was why Grim just shook his head and smirked at him before allowing Derek to follow him.

They headed down the dark forest that led to Rothbart's castle and pulled the reins on their horses again when they first laid eyes on it. Grim and Derek heard many stories about the vile sorcerer's home back at the Queen's castle. No one dared to imagine what it was like as the soldiers were too afraid to describe it. However, they stated that those who entered Rothbart's castle, whether it was uninvited or a prisoner, they never came out.

The first thing Grim and Derek noticed right away was the smell. It was putrid, and it lingered in their noses. Derek had to cover his mouth while Grim made a disgusted face. It wasn't until when they continued forward that they were eventually taken aback by stopping their horses to mounted heads on pikes. Grim narrowed his eyes at the display while Derek's eyes widened. It shouldn't surprise them to see it, but his act of cruelty could take anyone back.

On top of that, the castle looked anything but a castle. It reminded him more of a fortress, but it was much smaller in comparison to others. However, it did have a giant watchtower that overlooked the land.

Grim wasn't going to be afraid though. He swore he would set Odette free from him, and he was going to do that. There was no way he was going to allow severed heads scare him off. That was why he jumped off his horse with Derek following after him as they headed inside.

There were no servants inside which was strange, but then again there was nothing but rotted bones and splattered blood on the walls. There was hardly any furniture inside, and the tapestries were all tattered with withering and decaying flowers. Even the grass was a horrible gray that reminded Grim of ash.

The duo froze though when the torches blazed and led them down to a path down the hallway. At that moment, they knew that Rothbart was aware that they were here. Grim then drew one of the Dreamshade arrows out and put it against his bow so that he prepared himself when he faced Rothbart. Derek did the same but by unsheathing his sword before following Grim to cover him from behind in case Rothbart tried anything.

They went up the steps and climbed all the way up to the top of the tower where the torches led them. Grim then kicked the door off its hinges as he made his way inside. The room was rather large, and Grim knew it was where Rothbart dwelled. There was a large bed against the wall with its canopy torn, a table full of potions next to a boiling cauldron, and a small round table with scraps of food and a chair cast aside. His eyes widened though when he saw Odette's body hovering over the ground.

He wanted to go over to her, but he didn't because Rothbart wasn't around. This whole situation wasn't right. Even Derek seemed skeptical about this situation as he asked Grim where Rothbart was. Grim, however, didn't answer. He just looked around, preparing himself to attack.

Sure enough, Rothbart did make himself known by slamming the door shut behind them before appearing next to Odette's body in a cloud of burnt orange smoke. "You know, if you would have continued on with your life instead of coming after me, you would have lived," Rothbart said with a wicked smirk.

Grim stared his enemy down and saw the same diamond that Odette wore on her head was now around his neck. It glowed brightly, and Grim knew that Rumplestiltskin was right. Her soul was trapped inside there, and Grim was determined to get it out to set her free.

"We'll see about that," Grim said with narrowed eyes before pulling back his bowstring and fired at the sorcerer.

Rothbart quickly caught the arrow before it had a chance to hit his chest, and he laughed, catching the pair off guard. "Have you not learned your lesson last time?" Rothbart then froze when he noticed that the tip was coated in some type of black ink, and an unpleasant grin grew on his face when he turned back to Grim. "Dreamshade?"

Before Grim had a chance to draw another arrow out, Rothbart waved his hand, jerking Grim's body to crash into the table. Derek quickly took the opportunity to swiftly charge at Rothbart and stabbed him in his belly, causing Rothbart to grunt. Derek smiled victoriously until he realized that there was no blood when he took his sword out. He then looked at Rothbart's wound only to see the hole closing up. He froze in fear to see Rothbart awful smirk before Rothbart plunged his hand deep inside Derek's chest.

After seeing his friend in trouble, Grim looked at the arrows to see that most of them were broken except for a few of them. He quickly grabbed one of the arrows and fired at Rothbart only for him to quickly vanish in a puff of smoke. Derek clutched onto his chest and huffed out breaths while Grim stood and made his way over to him to ask if he was okay, and Derek quickly nodded before telling him that he was fine.

Before the two knew it, a great force pulled them out of the window, and they found themselves falling. They ended up hitting a tree before plummeting to the ground. Every time Grim moved, his body ached, and his eyes slowly opened to find Derek unconscious with a couple of Grim's arrows laid around him. Went blood dripped down Grim's nose, and he had a few scraps and bruises as did Derek, but Derek really took a hit as the back of his head had blood coming out. With quick thinking, Grim ripped off his sleeve to wrap it tightly around Derek's head to stop the bleeding. He even told Derek to wake up, but he wouldn't. He was completely knocked out. Finally, Grim looked up to see Rothbart staring at him from a few feet away with a wicked smirk.

"Quite commendable I have to say," Rothbart began as Grim slowly stood with his legs wobbling before gathering his arrows and putting them back in his quiver. "You came all this way to save the woman you love, but do you honestly think you'll succeed?"

Grim huffed out a breath before telling him, "I'll face anyone if it means saving her."

"You're either very brave or very foolish." Grim was about to fire one of his arrows again but stopped when Rothbart's hands glowed brightly into an orange glow. "Now, let's end this, shall we?"

He brought his hands down and zapped the ground beneath him before bursting himself into flames. Grim shielded his eyes since the light was too bright before turning back when the light died down and saw huge black wings pushing the fire away from him to reveal that Rothbart transformed into a great animal. It was nothing like Grim had ever seen before.

It reminded Grim of some kind of hybrid animal. His black wings reminded Grim of a hurricane. They were enormous and every flap summoned spiraled wind to carry its enemies away. Its talons were like spears that could strike with swiftness, and its long reptilian-like tail had the power to whip down a home. As for its head, it looked more like a wolf: amber eyes, canine teeth, a hairy snout, and upright and triangular ears.

There on its chest was Odette's diamond wrapped around its neck. Even though Grim was taken aback by Rothbart's animal form, seeing Odette's diamond motivated Grim even more to kill Rothbart. He was going to do whatever it took to destroy the diamond and kill Rothbart for good.

Present

As the nurses and doctors rushed through the hallway to treat the mayor's son, Jefferson and Amir went downstairs after Amir swiped the key card from one of the doctors to enter the psychiatric ward. Amir made sure that he stayed behind Jefferson since no one knew him. If they see Amir, they would definitely alert Regina, and he couldn't have that.

When they reached the reception desk lady, Jefferson handed her a to-go cup of tea. "Your tea."

"Thank you," she said taking a sip of the tea. "What's the commotion upstairs?"

"How tragic? Is there any hope for a—"

Amir smirked when the nurse paused before slumping over her desk and fell asleep. She was completely knocked out because of the drug that Jefferson mixed inside the tea. Everything was going according to plan as Amir came out from behind Jefferson to go over to the nurse's desk and got the keys.

"Nicely done, Jefferson," Amir said, turning to him.

"Let's just hurry up and get what we need."

His smirk grew as he turned to his old friend before grabbing a coat on the rack. "It's not what. It's who."

Jefferson wanted to question him, but he decided against it by following Amir's lead as Amir went down the hallway. There was one of the patients sweeping the hall already who looked at the pair, so Amir put a finger to his lips to tell him to be quiet while he headed for the door that held a very valuable chess piece. Amir used the keys to unlock the door to reveal a young, pretty woman with mahogany hair, clear, blue eyes, and a raggedy hospital gown.

Amir slowly made his way over to her since he saw how afraid she was when she stared at him quizzically and pressed herself against the wall. Jefferson watched the display when Amir extended his hand out to her and gently told her to come with him. He acted more like a friend to her with the way how he spoke, but then again, he needed her to trust him, so it was expected for Amir to act this way.

"Who are you? Why are you doing this?" she asked.

When she made her way over to him after taking his hand, he took her shoulders and gave it a gentle squeeze before saying, "My name is Amir Khan, and this is Jefferson. We need your help to do something for us. There's a man named Mr. Gold. Fine him. He'll help you and keep you safe. All you have to do is tell him where you've been, Regina locked you up, and thatI, Amir Khan, got you out."

She was confused as she tried to question, "Wait a minute. What?"

"It's very important," Amir cut her off so that she wouldn't question him anymore. "You just need to find Gold and tell him everything. Where you've been, who locked you up, and who got you out. Do you understand?" It took her a moment to finally nod her head, which made Amir give her a deceptive smile. "Gold will know what to do. Now, go."

She nodded her head in acknowledgement and proceeded to go out the door but she stopped to turn back to Amir. "Thank you, Amir."

He didn't bother to say anything to her. All he did was stare at her before she gave him a soft smile and left. It was a risky gamble, because he knew that Gold would still want to see Amir punished for what he had done to Gold's daughter. However, he thought that maybe Gold would offer some leniency based on the fact that Amir released the woman The Dark One himself loved the most. The only reason why Amir knew about her was because he bribed one of the guards back at the Queen's castle after seeing how heavily guarded the cell block was when the Queen recruited him back.

"You sure this'll work?"

Amir turned to his friend with a playful smirk as he made his way over to him and patted his shoulder. "When have you ever doubted me, old friend?"

Past

Rothbart in his animal form released a powerful screech that strained Grim's ears before it flew over to him and knocked him down. Rothbart got on top of him to bite his head off, but Grim grabbed his hairy chest and pushed him away to grab some ash on the ground and threw it in his face. He was blinded for a split second so that Grim could pull his dagger out of his boot and stabbed him, causing him to jerk back and fly away from him as he looked at the dagger embedded in his chest before it clattered to the ground. Rothbart grinned from ear to ear when his wound closed again.

Grim rushed to reach out for the arrows only for Rothbart to quickly fly over to him as his talons grabbed Grim's shoulders and lifted him in the air. Grim tried to pull his talons off of him, but Rothbart had a good hold on him. Rothbart then released Grim when he was high enough to plunge to the ground as Grim yelled before Rothbart swooped down in time to grab him again and swirled him around. He then tossed him against one of the trees as Grim grunted in pain.

When Rothbart flew over to him, Grim stood on the strong branch before pulling off another branch that was over his head so that he could hit Rothbart. Rothbart, however, moved away from him just in time and released another powerful screech. He then charged at Grim by extracting his claws out to strike Grim down, but Grim managed to dodge it just in time. However, Grim lost his footing and fell with the tree branches hitting his fall as they snapped with the gravity taking him down.

Grim slowly lifted his head to see Rothbart flying in circles around Grim in the sky like he was playing with his food. He got up as quickly as he could despite being sore all over. For once, Grim panicked a bit when Rothbart finally flew down. Grim tried to reach into his quiver only to realize that his arrow fell out. He wouldn't make it in time to fetch the arrows and kill Rothbart, but it didn't mean that he wouldn't stop fighting.

Everything soon shifted when he heard someone grunting, so he turned his head to see Derek pointing a Dreamshade arrow straight at Grim, but his hand wobbled a bit. Grim then turned back and waited as Derek finally released the arrow. The arrow zoomed through the air, and Grim waited at the right moment to grab the arrow by its shaft before aiming it directly at Rothbart and fired.

Rothbart was taken aback when the arrow pierced through the diamond and hit him square through the heart. His amber eyes widened, and he released a painful shriek. Grim saw the poison setting into the animal's body as black veins spread throughout his body while Rothbart plunged to the ground and evaporated into a fiery blaze. The fire slowly dissipated, and when the diamond shattered, a bright ball of light flew back into the tower. Grim knew it was Odette's soul returning back to her body.

When Grim turned back to Derek to see if he was okay, Derek just clutched onto his gut since he was just as sore as him. "Go see her," Derek said.

Grim nodded his head in thanks and rushed as much as he could to see Odette awake. Everything was still hurting, and it slowed him down a bit, but his adrenaline pushed him to climb up the stairs. All he wanted was to see her, and he was determined to hold her again in his arms.

By the time he reached to the top of the tower again, he saw the ball of light slowly entering through the window and went over to hover over Odette's body. Grim just watched her soul staying over her body for a split second before it slowly sunk itself into her body. Odette glowed, and Grim could have sworn he heard her heart beating at a steady pace as her body shined. Her eyes soon opened into an array of blue light before it dimmed and turned back into her sweet, doe eyes that Grim loved so much.

Grim watched her slowly sit up and looked down at herself before looking at her hands. He could see her trembling with shaking fear, and Grim wasn't surprised. After what she went through, who wouldn't be traumatized over what happened to her? That was why Grim waited until she collected herself by observing the room, probably to see if Rothbart was around. Her eyes immediately widened when she saw Grim lingering in the doorway, clutching onto his side with scraps and bruises on his body.

"He's gone," Grim told her. "Rothbart's gone for good."

She sat there in stunned silence, and her eyes soon turned glassy from the tears spilling down her cheeks when Grim told her the most amazing news. Odette immediately hopped down the pedestal and rushed over to Grim by wrapping her arms around him and pressed herself against him to feel him again. He grunted in pain, which took Odette by surprise as she backed away.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

He saw more tears spilling down her face, so he cupped her face and gave her a desperate kiss before pulling away. "I've never been more happy to have you again."

She practically chocked on her own sob when she heard his heartfelt confession and smiled in joy before kissing him again and invited him into her embrace, but they quickly turned to the door when they heard someone climbing up the steps, and it was revealed to be Derek. "Odette, you're back," he said with a small smile.

She couldn't help but laugh as she made her way over to him and gently hugged him when she saw how hurt he was. "It's great to see you too, Derek."

Now that Grim and Odette were together again without the threat of Rothbart interfering with their lives, they went back to Snow and Charming's castle where everyone greeted Odette back. They welcomed her with open arms and went to go treat Derek and Grim for their wounds. Grim could finally be with Odette, and he wasn't going to let anyone tear them apart again.

Months later after they exchanged their vows, they came out of the church with their friends applauding and cheering for the newlywed couple. During the banquet, everyone enjoyed themselves. Snow and Charming danced along with Ella and Thomas. Red stood idly by with her grandmother. The dwarves stuffed themselves to the buffet table. Derek was even having a great time with the other soldiers by enjoying a drinking game.

Grim and Odette, on the other hand, were away from everyone else, enjoying each other's company in the gardens. They were happy that their dear friends were having a great time, but they were even more happy that they were able to spend time away from everyone else and share an intimate moment by walking under the moonlight. The couple sat by the fountain and stared at the stars while their hands interlocked.

When Odette looked at him with a small smile on her face, he stared at him with longing in his eyes as she asked him, "Will you love me, Grim? 'Til the day I die?"

He couldn't help but smile back at her and shake his head as he responded with genuine sincerity, "No. I'll love you much longer than that. So much longer."

The couple then leaned in to savor each other's embrace. Their lips connected, and they found themselves in a sweet bliss. They were both finally free to be with each other. After everything they endured, they finally found their happiness with each other, and they were never going to let anyone tear them apart again.

Present

Sometime after Ashley left with her baby, Nora and Graham were left in Nora's apartment. Nora changed into another set of clothes after taking a shower, but she froze when she looked at herself in the mirror to see the scar on her back where Amir shot her. There was gauze wrapped around it, which was why made sure she was careful not to touch it. She certainly wouldn't want to reopen her wound again, but the pain still throbbed her back from time to time.

She couldn't wait to get the wretched thing off. It was going to leave one hell of a scar though just like the ones on her feet when she remembered her father whipping her with his belt. Nora was just glad that it was all over as she put her top on before stepping out of her bathroom. Graham immediately noticed her and saw the look on her face. Even when she had a small smile on her face, he just knew that something was troubling her.

"What is it?" Nora was a little caught off guard by his question, but she quickly assured him by telling him it was nothing. However, Graham wasn't an idiot. "Nora, what's wrong?"

She sighed to herself and shook her head as she admitted, "It's nothing. I'm just relieved that it's all over."

"Me too." They smiled at each other before giving each other a quick kiss, and Graham then took her shoulders as he told her, "I'm going to head back to the station. Are you going to be okay on your own?"

A part of Nora wanted him to stay, but she didn't want him to ignore his job, so she nodded her head. "Yeah, I'll be fine. If I need anything, I can just call Ruby or Ashley."

"Or me."

Nora laughed at his jest, causing him to chuckle a bit. "You have a job to do."

"You're more important though."

They gave each other one last kiss before Graham headed out the door and made it outside. Nora looked out the window to see him walking away and smiled to herself before heading into the kitchen where she made herself some tea. As the water boiled, she looked out the window when she heard a whirring kind of noise. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion when she saw an ethereal blast radiating through town.

Her heart pounded against her chest as she wondered what it was, and it wasn't until when it entered her apartment that it vibrated her core for a brief moment before it vanished. Nora looked around and was still confused, but what was unusual to her was her questioning to herself what she was wearing and where she was. Everything then clicked. Nora remembered who she really was. She wasn't even Nora. She was Odette.

She reminisced everything about her past like how her father, Rumplestiltskin cursed her for three hundred years before being taken in by Rothbart where he tortured and humiliated her before he tricked Grim to kill her. Now, he was dead and Odette carried on to marry the man she loved, Grim. Her eyes widened when she thought of her husband. She not only remembered her past life but also her life here when she was living as Nora Moon for twenty-eight years and what her and Graham went through in their time here in Storybrooke. Nora needed to see him again, and she knew that he would want to see her too.

Nora rushed out of her apartment and headed outside where she looked around for her husband, but it wasn't until when she heard a familiar voice call out to her, "Odette!"

She froze and turned around to see Graham staring at her, breathing heavily like he was rushing back to get to her. They smiled at each other as Graham made his way over to her and held her tightly in his arms. They couldn't believe that the prophecy was right as her father said that Snow and Charming's daughter was going to be the Savior to restore their memories. Now, they finally remembered everything, and Odette couldn't help but cry happily that she had her husband back.

"We're back," Nora told him through muffled sobs.

"We are," he told her before kissing her quick so that he could hold her in his arms again.

When Nora opened her eyes and looked out, she froze and saw a haze of purple smoke spreading throughout town and heading straight towards them. "Graham?"

He looked at her for a moment and turned to the purple smoke when he saw her staring out in the open, and his eyes narrowed when the haze continued on forward. The winds whirled around them, taking them by surprise as they wondered what it was. They knew there was no escape from whatever it was since they were well aware that it was some kind of magic, so they held each other close, hoping they would never part with each other again.

S1 Credit Song: How Does A Moment Last Forever by Celine Dion

That concludes S1! I hope you enjoyed it! The curse is finally broken in Storybrooke, and Amir and Jefferson got their revenge on Regina by setting Belle free. Also, just because a villain like Rothbart is gone/dead, doesn't mean that they won't show up again, but as of right now, we are going to have very important villains in S2 like Hook, which I am very excited to finally get to his storyline, and I hope you all will be for what I have in store for him. You'll just have to be patient and wait to see what I come up with. Please let me know what you all think so far and what your expectations are. Stay tuned for more exciting chapters heading your way!