XIII. "I won't let you hurt her."
–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–
Red quickly runs through the woods and arrives at a tent where Prince Charming, Snow White, and several others gather around a map, discussing battle strategy when she enters. "King George's men are here on this ridge…" Charming says and looks up
"We have to move camp. They're coming for us," Red warns them, breathing heavily from the running.
"No! We will not run," he argues. "We said we were going to take the kingdom back and we can't do that with our tails between our legs. …No offence."
"But matters have worsened. The King has a new general," she replies urgently.
"Who is he?" Snow asks, looking at her best friend.
"They call him the Leviathan. They say he attacks like a monster striking from the depths of the sea. You never see him coming, you never survive," the Werewolf explains.
"We'll see about that," Charming snaps, not scared of some rumours.
"How close is his army?" Snow asks, and an arrow tears through the tent, striking the table.
"I'd say pretty close," he says, and everyone exits the tent to find several of King George's men gathered outside.
"We should split up – divide them," she suggests, looking at the others.
"Exactly. Go. Go! Go," the Prince shouts, letting everyone scatter, except for Prince Charming, who lingers back.
"Aren't you coming?" The Princess asks, looking at Charming.
"He's going after me. You'll have a better chance of escaping on your own," Charming argues. "Don't worry. Meet me in two days time at the cabin."
"The cabin? Where she is? Are you sure?" Snow asks.
"We're engaged. I think it's about time you met my mother," he suggests, and they notice a masked knight on a horse watching them from a distance. "Go. Go." Snow White takes off into the woods but is followed by the masked Knight. The Knight manages to get ahead and quickly knocks her down to the forest floor.
"What kind of general hides behind a mask? Who are you really, Leviathan?" She snaps, trying to bait him.
"Leviathan? That's what they're calling me?" Lancelot asks, removing his helmet. "Name's Lancelot."
"Lancelot? Of the Round Table?" The rogue Princess questions, looking at him.
"Not anymore," he replies, sighing.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
In the pit, Mary Margaret and Landon are still unconscious, and Cora tends to her and her son while Emma watches, unaware of who she is. "You sure they're going to be okay?" Emma asks worriedly.
"Don't worry. They'll be fine," Cora assures the blond woman.
"What is this place? Where are we?" She wonders, looking around.
"It's a little island our captors like to think of as their Haven," Mrs Mills explains simply.
"Haven? From what?" The blond woman wonders, looking at the other prisoner.
"The world's dangerous. What's left of it, anyway," Cora replies, not telling the blond woman more.
"Well, they can't keep us down here. We didn't do anything wrong," Emma argues, though she looks at Landon, knowing some of his history in the Enchanted Forest.
"Neither did I," she replies, lying to gain Emma's trust.
"Then why are you here?" The Saviour asks, gesturing to the pit.
"I'm here because of something my children did. The curse that ravaged this land? She cast it," the red-haired woman explains, and Emma looks at her in shock.
"Regina. You're Regina and Landon's mother?" Emma gasps.
"Yes. But you have nothing to fear from me. The apple fell very far from the tree. You're from over there, aren't you? How'd you get back?" Cora assures her when Mary Margaret awakens and sees Cora and Emma talking.
"Emma. No…" Mary Margaret groans, regaining consciousness.
"Oh, Snow, you're awake. I'm so relieved," she sighs, and Mary Margaret jumps up, taking Emma aside.
"As bad as you think Regina is, this woman is worse," Snow warns her. "And Landon takes after her."
"Oh, Snow. Sweet Snow. Please… Believe me. Whatever she told you isn't true. I just want to help you," Mrs Mills tells the Princess.
"Let's hear her out," Emma suggests, and Mary Margaret looks at her daughter in shock.
"Emma," Mary Margaret mutters.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Landon groans, gaining the three women's attention.
"Landon!" Emma gasps, kneeling beside him and helping him up. Cora watches curiously as Landon gets up, and Emma hugs him, glad to see he's okay.
"I'm okay, I promise," he assures her, wrapping his arm around her. "I hate getting blood on my clothes." He looks at his suit, which has a slash mark on the side with blood-soaked.
"Least you're okay, thanks to your mother," she mutters, and Landon looks at Emma and then at Cora.
"Oh, my little boy," Cora beams, moving towards him and cupping his face. Mary Margaret glances at Emma, who is watching them. "I'm so glad you're awake. And you've done so well for yourself."
"Thank you, Mama," Landon replies, smiling, and Emma looks at Mary Margaret, who nods.
"Okay. Right now, we are at the bottom of a hole with no other options. And Henry is back in Storybrooke with Regina," Emma reminds the others, and Landon looks at his girlfriend.
"Who's Henry?" Cora asks, and Emma looks at Landon, who nods.
"My son. I kind of share him with Regina. It's complicated," she replies.
"Don't talk to her," Mary Margaret snaps, glaring at Cora.
"Enough!" The guard shouts, gaining their attention as one of the guards throws a rope down into the pit. "Our leader requests an audience."
(Spellbinding)
–[Real World: Present]–
The following day, Henry and David walk down the main street of Storybrooke. "So, what's on the agenda for Operation Scorpion?" Henry asks, wanting to help.
"What's Operation Scorpion?" David wonders, looking at his grandson.
"The code name for our mission to find Emma, uncle Landon and Snow? Do you prefer viper? That was my second choice," he replies, smiling.
"Henry, we need to talk," Charming says, making Henry look at him.
"Yeah, scorpion's better," the Mills boy retorts.
"No, it's not that. It's…" The Prince argues, wanting to keep Henry safe no matter what.
"I'm not coming with you. But I… I thought we were going to find Jefferson?" Henry realises.
"I already did," David informs him.
"What? Is he going to help us?" He asks, filled with hope.
"No. No, Henry, he's not," Charming sighs, wishing Jefferson had answers.
"But why didn't you tell me you talked to him?" The Mayor's son wonders.
"Because I didn't want to disappoint you. I know you want to find your mum and uncle, but Jefferson can't help us. I need to find a way to restore the hat," David argues.
"So, why can't I help you look?" Henry asks, wanting to help.
"It'll require Magic, Henry. And Magic-," he warns him.
"Always comes with a price. I've read the book, you know," the Mills boy reminds him.
"I'm sorry, but I just can't let you anywhere near this stuff. If you really want to help me, you'll go to school where I know you'll be safe, okay?" The Prince argues, wanting to keep him safe.
"Okay," Henry sighs, heading towards the school bus. Once David leaves, however, Henry heads elsewhere, sneaking off with a plan to help.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
Emma, Landon, and Mary Margaret are led by one of the guards through the Haven towards their leader. "Why can't you just listen to me?" Mary Margaret snaps, looking at the guard.
"Why couldn't you have trusted me? I was just trying to find a way to get us home. I could've handled her," Emma argues, and Landon scoffs. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Cora? My mother. Don't be so sure. We've lived here, Emma. We know this world. And its dangers," Landon warns his girlfriend.
"Wait here," the guard orders them.
"Is that why you came through the portal? Because you thought I was helpless here?" Emma questions, looking at Snow.
"No… I came through to be with you," Mary Margaret argues, and Lancelot appears from one of the huts. "Lancelot?"
"Snow?" Lancelot beams, and the two old friends embrace. "If I had known that you were the prisoners Mulan had brought back, I never would have locked you away. Please – forgive me."
"Of course," she assures him.
"Lancelot? Really?" Emma questions, looking at them, and Lancelot looks at Emma and Landon.
"He's an old friend. We can trust him," Snow tells the others while Aurora and Mulan watch the reunion across the camp.
"Why is he embracing them? They were responsible for Phillip's death," Aurora hisses angrily.
"You're new here, Aurora. Phillip trusted Lancelot. So must we," Mulan argues, though she's not happy about it either.
"I want justice," she snaps.
"Tread carefully. It's dangerous to confuse vengeance with justice. Do you understand me?" The warrior warns her, but Sleeping Beauty says nothing. "Do you understand me?"
"Yes," the Princess replies, though lying as she pulls out a dagger concealed in her waistband.
(Spellbinding)
Emma, Mary Margaret, and Landon sit to eat with Lancelot as he drops a plate of strange-looking meat on the table. "What the hell is that?" Emma asks, looking at it.
"That is Chimera. An acquired taste, but all our hunting party could bring back. One part lion, one part serpent, one part goat," Lancelot informs her, and she looks at it curiously.
"Like turducken?" She questions, and Landon laughs.
"Something like that," Landon mutters, digging into the food. He is hungry as he's missed dinner and is falling back into the Enchanted Forest.
"I don't understand. We were told this land didn't even exist anymore. How did you all escape the curse?" Mary Margaret wonders, looking at him.
"It is a mystery. The curse struck and when the smoke cleared, most of us had been torn from this land. But some of us here, in this particular region, were left behind. We don't know how, and we don't know why. Finding this safe Haven wasn't easy. Took some spilled blood. But worry not. You're safe here," Lancelot explains.
"We can't stay. My husband's back there, Emma's son – my grandson. We have to get back to them. Can you help us find a portal?" She argues, wanting to get back to David and Henry.
"No, leaving is unwise. The Enchanted Forest is not as you remember it. The ogres have returned," the Knight informs them.
"Ogres? Like, as in fee-fi-fo-fum?" Emma questions, looking at them funnily.
"Those would be giants," Landon tells her. "Oh, you have much to learn."
"Not funny," she mutters.
"Ogres are far worse. And that's why we live here. On this island, where it's safe. Please, Snow. Stay here. There are no more portals left," Lancelot replies.
"I might know of one," Mary Margaret suggests, looking at Emma and Landon.
"You do?" Emma asks, looking at her mother.
"Where?" Lancelot wonders.
"Cora's near. I don't feel comfortable voicing my plans. She's powerful," Mary Margaret argues, looking around.
"Not anymore. The curse stripped her of her powers. But, given her reputation, we kept her locked up as a precaution," he assures her, but Landon sofa.
"Unlikely. My mother doesn't do powerless," Landon argues.
"Nevertheless, I'm not taking chances. Just trust me. I may have a way. Let us go?" Mary Margaret requests, glancing at Lancelot.
"I'll allow it. But on one condition – take my bravest warrior with you. Allow Mulan to defend you," Lancelot replies, calling Mulan over.
"We can defend ourselves," Emma argues, not wanting anyone else to get in the way.
"Deal. Thank you, Lancelot. For always looking out for me," Mary Margaret replies, ignoring Emma.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–
Lancelot brings Snow White to King George's castle, where the King confronts her. "I don't care what you do to me," Snow snaps. "I will never tell you where he is."
"I know. That's not why you're here. Would you bring our guest some water?" King George asks, gesturing to Lancelot, who already grabs a goblet filled with liquid. "Time's have been good for you, haven't they? I can see a light in your eyes. Cherish that. Because that light can die and be replaced by something else – pain."
"The only thing you know of pain is how to inflict it," she snaps, and Lancelot hands Snow a goblet.
"That's where you're so very, very wrong. I've had my share of pain. I had a son that I loved, died before his time. I tried to replace him with your 'Charming', offered him the world. But he rejected me. Humiliated me in front of my kingdom. All for the sake of true love," he muses, looking at the rogue Princess.
"Something about which you know nothing," the Princess argues, taking a sip.
"I know more than you think," the King retorts smugly.
"You? Were in love?" Snow White wonders.
"Yes. And she loved me. We were happy – blissful. But then, she became cursed. She drank a vial potion that made it impossible for us to conceive a child. Family is everything, my dear. Losing all hope of having one… There is no greater misery. Charming could have been that hope for me. But, instead, he made my suffering worse. For that, death is too good for him. First, he must know pain. My pain," King George explains, and realisation overcomes Snow White as she looks at her drink.
"No…" She gasps.
"You poisoned her?" Lancelot asks, looking between the King and Princess.
"I cursed her. She will never bear a child," he reveals, smirking.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
Mulan presents Emma and Mary Margaret with an arsenal of different weapons as Landon watches, uninterested. "Choose wisely. We must be vigilant if we hope to survive the journey," Mulan warns them. Mary Margaret picks up a sword and straps it to her waist.
"Where's my gun? I want it back," Emma asks, and Mulan takes the firearm out of her pocket and inspects it before handing it to Emma.
"Is it Magic?" She wonders.
"Depends on who's pulling the trigger," the Saviour retorts, and Mary Margaret takes a bow and quiver of arrows as a second weapon.
"Follow my lead. Step where I step. Do exactly as I say, and you might survive," the warrior warns the others.
"Thanks for the pep talk, but I think we're okay. I just killed a Dragon last week," Emma argues, smirking.
"Yeah, poor Mal," Landon mutters, earning a look from Emma. "She was my friend, remember?"
"Have you ever seen an ogre?" Mary Margaret questions, looking at her daughter.
"Pretty sure I've dated a few," she jokes.
"Legend has it that when they kill you, the last thing you see is yourself dying in the reflection in their eyes. Let's walk. It'll be dark soon," Mulan warns them, stalking ahead with Mary Margaret, Emma and Landon.
"Don't let her rattle you. I won't let anything happen to us. Stick to the plan," Mary Margaret assures her.
"What is the plan? You haven't told me anything. What's going on?" Emma wonders, looking at her.
"The wardrobe," Landon tells her, making Emma look between Mary Margaret and Landon.
"The wardrobe? 'The' wardrobe? Like, the wardrobe that sent little baby me to Maine? You think that can get us back to Storybrooke?" She questions, smiling.
"I don't know. First, we have to see if it survived the curse, then we'll worry about making it work," Mary Margaret argues.
"Where is it?" The blond woman asks.
"My place. Want to see where you're from, Emma? That's right. We're going home," she replies, smiling.
(Spellbinding)
–[Real World: Present]–
Deep in thought, Jefferson sits on a bench by the docks, staring at a piece of paper with 'Have you seen my Papa?' and a crude, childish drawing of a man written on it when Henry approaches him. "Jefferson… Right?" Henry asks, looking at him, and the man notices the boy. "The Mad Hatter? I need your help."
"Look, I already told your grandfather. I can't do anything," Jefferson replies.
"I know. But, there must be something we can do," he argues.
"I'm the wrong person to talk to, kid. Magic's not my thing. Try your mother. Maybe she's got something in that vault of hers she can help you with," the Mad Hatter suggests, shrugging.
"Vault? Her vault is here? In Storybrooke?" The Mills boy asks, thinking of an idea.
"It's none of my business. Talk to her," Jefferson tells him.
"What's that?" Henry asks, but Jefferson folds the paper and tucks it in his coat pocket. "Your daughter's looking for you, isn't she?"
"What do you know about it?" He asks, looking at the boy.
"I read your story. I know how the two of you were separated. Why are you here? She's at school," the Mayor's son argues, wanting to see more people together after the curse is broken.
"I've got to go home, kid," the Mad Hatter replies, getting up and starting to walk away, but Henry follows.
"She probably wants to see you," Henry tells him.
"Get out of my way," Jefferson snaps as Henry blocks his path. "Get out of my way."
"Why aren't you trying to find her?" He asks him, and the Mad Hatter grabs him by the shoulders.
"Because I left her! And she'll hate me," the Mad Hatter argues.
"How do you know that?" The Mills boy wonders, looking at him.
"I was on my way… Fate reminded me I shouldn't," Jefferson replies.
"You should. I've been left, too. Anything's better than nothing. She'll spend her whole life wondering why you left her. Not knowing is the worst," Henry tells him before walking away and leaving Jefferson to his thoughts.
(Spellbinding)
Regina packs up her office into boxes, and when her phone rings, she sees that it's Henry, so she quickly answers. "Henry! I'm just packing up the office. I've been asked to leave," she tells him.." No, of course, it can wait. I'd love to have lunch with you. Granny's – ten minutes." She hangs up and grabs her purse, not bothering to take the box of things and leaves. Henry appears behind one of the side doors once the coast is clear. He looks in one of the filing cabinet drawers, locating the ring of Regina's skeleton keys.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
Mary Margaret, Emma, Landon, and Mulan arrive at a clearing in the forest once they leave the Haven. "This will do," Mulan suggests. "We'll make camp here for the night. We just need to find water, collect some firewood."
"Uh, if we're hiding from ogres, shouldn't we maybe, I don't know, not start a fire?" Emma wonders, looking around.
"Ogres are blind. They hunt by sound alone," Mary Margaret explains.
"Right. Because that's something everyone would know about Ogres," she mutters.
"Look, I know you're out of your element…" Snow replies.
"I'm fine," the blond woman argues.
"I know. But, maybe you should just stay here while we get wood and water. Guard the campsite?" Mary Margaret suggests, smiling.
"You mean the big, empty clearing?" Emma questions, annoyed.
"It's the safest place. We'll be right back," she promises, heading into the woods.
"So," Landon says, lying back on the grass. "Notice that we've been followed since leaving camp?"
"What?" Emma asks, looking at her boyfriend and rushing toward the woods with Landon not far behind.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–
In the middle of the forest, King George's men toss Snow White onto the ground and leave her there. She spots Lancelot approaching on horseback, seemingly searching for the Princess. After arming herself with a large branch, Snow hides behind a tree. When Lancelot rides past, she smashes him off his horse, then threatening looms over him. "Wait! I've come to help!" Lancelot shouts.
"After what you did to me?" Snow snaps angrily.
"After what the King did to you. I still do have a small shred of honour left," he argues.
"You really think I'm that naive? You're going to earn my trust so I can lead you straight-," she growls, hating King George more than ever.
"To the cabin. Where your Prince is hiding his mother?" The Knight replies, making her look at him surprised.
"How did you know?" The Princess asks.
"Cause George knows where it is. He's sent them there to kill your man's mother," Lancelot explains.
"Charming's at the cabin, too," Snow gasps, rushing off with Lancelot behind.
(Spellbinding)
Prince Charming's mother, Ruth, is sprucing up an area outside when he comes to fetch her. "Mother, the place looks beautiful. Will you come inside?" Charming asks her, smiling.
"I'm sorry if I want things to be perfect when I meet the girl my son is going to marry." Ruth argues happily when they hear a noise in the woods.
"Wait. Did you hear that?" The Prince asks as they hear the thud of hooves. "Go in. Bolt the door. Whatever happens, stay inside. Go." Ruth rushes into the cabin as Charming is surrounded by several Knights on horseback. "What? That's it?" He easily disposes of King George's men.
"Son?" Ruth shouts and comes out of the cabin, thinking the coast is clear when she is struck in the chest by a stray arrow.
"Mother! Mother!" Charming shouts, running towards her and managing to catch her before she collapses. He gently lowers her to the ground. "I told you to stay inside."
"I know. But I heard you… I thought you were hurt. I'm sorry," Ruth groans from the pain.
"No. You're going to be okay. Everything's going to be okay," he promises her when Snow White and Lancelot finally arrive.
"I'm so sorry. We came as quickly as we could," Snow gasps, rushing to her Prince's side.
"Is this…? Snow…" Ruth asks, smiling.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
Mary Margaret collects some wood for a fire in the woods when suddenly, Aurora ambushes her with a dagger, holding it against her throat. "Don't move. Phillip's gone because of you," Aurora snaps, and Mary Margaret grabs Aurora's shoulders, throws her over her head, and then pins the Princess to the ground.
"Listen to me, Princess. You think I don't know what it's like to be separated from the people that I love? What happened to Phillip was not our fault. So I suggest you find another way to channel your anger," Mary Margaret snaps, and Mulan arrives, pulling Mary Margaret off of Aurora.
"Don't talk to her like that!" Mulan growls at the raven-haired Princess.
"She tried to kill me," she argues.
"I will deal with her," the warrior assures her, and they hear a warning shot. The three women turn to see Emma pointing her gun in their direction with Landon behind her.
"I told you not to do that," Landon groans.
"Emma, what are you doing?" Mary Margaret gasps, looking at her daughter.
"Protecting you. Drop the weapon," Emma orders, turning to Mulan.
"Do you have any idea what you've just done?" She snaps, and they hear a growling sound approaching them.
"Ogres?" The Saviour questions, looking at the others as an Ogre appears.
"Run!" Snow shouts, and they take off running into the forest while the Ogre trails them. "Split up!"
"Come on!" Mulan yells, pulling Aurora another way, while Mary Margaret drags Emma another way with Landon behind them.
"Over there," Landon says, and Emma trips over a branch, but Mary Margaret fails to notice, leaving Landon to pick her up. The Ogre catches up to Emma and Landon, and she tries shooting it. However, the Ogre grabs Emma's gun and crushes it in its hand.
"Seriously?" Emma groans, and Landon raises his hand, freezing the beast.
"I can't hold it for much longer!" He warns them, and Mary Margaret aims her arrow and fires at its eye, instantly killing it. Emma watches incredulously as Mary Margaret pulls the arrow from the Ogre's eye.
"You have to shoot them in the eye," Mary Margaret tells Emma.
"When was the last time you shot an arrow?" Emma asks.
"Twenty-eight years ago. Guess it's like riding a bike," she muses.
"Yeah, but how did you know you could hit that?" The Saviour wonders, looking at her.
"I didn't. And next time, listen to me? That kind of thing isn't going to work here," Snow warns her, pointing to the mangled gun.
"Yeah…" Emma mutters.
"We should get going," Landon tells them.
"You okay?" She asks, looking at her boyfriend.
"Yeah, I just need a change of clothes," he replies, waving his hands over his body and changing his clothes to something more suited for the Enchanted Forest. "How do I look?"
"Nice, it suits you," the blond woman muses, smiling, and Landon wraps his arms around her.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–
Snow White, Prince Charming, and Lancelot gather around the injured Ruth. "It's poisoned," Lancelot realises, looking at the others.
"Then we find an antidote," Charming suggests, looking at the others for help.
"With the Fairies. They can help us," Snow tells them.
"No. I'm afraid this is going to take something stronger than Fairy dust," Lancelot argues, thinking of another way.
"Lake Nostos. I've been there before. Its waters have powerful Magical properties. I've seen them turn a man from solid gold back into flesh. It isn't far – a day's journey at most." Charming suggests, and Lancelot nods, agreeing with him.
"I'll prepare a wagon," he replies, rushing off.
(Spellbinding)
Snow White and Company travel on a path through the forest, with Ruth lying out on a wagon and Prince Charming and Lancelot on horseback. "Must be a curious tale," Charming comments, looking at Lancelot.
"What?" Lancelot asks, looking back at the Prince.
"Well, how a knight of the Round Table ended up a sword for hire," he replies.
"You mean, how did I fall from grace? The same way you ended up running from King George – a woman," the Knight says, and they stop in the middle of the road.
"We're going to scout ahead. We won't be long," the Prince tells Snow and Ruth, leaving the two women alone. Snow White sees Ruth in pain and wipes the sweat off her forehead with a cloth.
"Thank you," Ruth groans.
"Oh, it's the least I can do, make you comfortable," Snow argues sweetly.
"No. For giving my son something to believe in," she replies. "All he's ever dreamt of was having a wife… And a son. Fret not, it could be a daughter. But trust me – all that matters is that it's healthy."
"Let me show you something," Charming's mother says, removing the pendant from around her neck. "My mother gave this to me when I was pregnant. She said it was spelled by a gypsy to predict the sex of your first-born, even before you're with child."
"And it works?" The Princess wonders, looking at the necklace.
"It did with my boys. If it swings north to south, it's a boy. East to west, it's a girl. Shall we? Just between us," Ruth replies, smiling.
"Oh, I don't think that's a good idea," Snow argues, knowing it's not possible anymore.
"Indulge an old woman. It will help take my mind off the… Well, you know," she says, and Snow nods. "Here." She holds the pendant above Snow's extended hand, but it doesn't move. "Don't worry. It's just silly superstition. What's wrong, child? You can tell me anything, Snow."
"It's the King. When he captured me, he cursed me. So… So that I can never have children," The rogue Princess reveals, making Ruth look at her in surprise and shock.
"Worry not. If the water from Lake Nostos can heal me, it should be able to do the same for you," Charming's mother assures her.
"Do you really think so?" Snow asks, filled with hope.
"You are going to be a wonderful mother," Ruth muses, smiling.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
The four women and Landon continue to trek through the forest. "We;re getting close," Mary Margaret announces, looking back at the others.
"Aurora, you've got to keep up," Mulan reminds the Princess.
"Sorry, but I'm not exactly dressed for the woods. It's cold out here," Aurora argues, pulling at her dress as it gets caught in the bushes.
"Then maybe, you should have listened to me and stayed back," she snaps, and Emma gives Aurora her jacket.
"Here," Emma says.
"But I tried to kill your friend," Aurora argues, looking at her.
"Actually, she's my mum. I have a feeling she can take care of herself. And I get it. You're not the only one who's been screwing up lately," she replies, shrugging.
"What kind of corset is this?" The Princess wonders, looking at the jacket.
"Up here," Mulan tells them.
"Is that it?" Emma asks, looking at the castle.
"Yeah. That's our home," Mary Margaret replies, looking out over the cliff to see Snow White's decrepit former castle in the distance.
"It's nicer than I remember," Landon comments, making Snow glare at her. "It's not like I did it."
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–
Snow White and Company arrive at a small, desert-like basin devoid of any sign of life. "Where's the lake?" Snow asks, looking at the others.
"You're looking at it," Charming replies, heartbroken at the thought of losing his mother. "It;s gone."
(Spellbinding)
–[Real World: Present]–
Using his book as a guide, Henry finds Regina's father's crypt and uses the skeleton keys to get inside; he spies scrape marks along the floor, figuring out that the sarcophagus can be moved. He pushes it aside and heads down to Regina's vault. Henry pauses at the wall of hearts, which he can hear beating inside their boxes. He goes farther into the vault to where several vases and chests are held. He opens one of the charts slowly with one of the keys. Two snakes spring out of the box, but David arrives just in time to shut the lid. "Maybe we should've gone with Operation Viper. You alright?" David asks his grandson.
"Yeah. How'd you know I was down here?" Henry asks him.
"Your mum said you asked her to lunch and, when you stood her up, she checked her office, saw her keys missing, figured out the rest. She would've come herself, but she didn't think you'd go with her. Henry, what were you thinking?" He wonders, looking at the boy.
"I just want them back. It wasn't supposed to be this way," the Mills boy argues. "I should be over there with them. Riding horses, learning how to sword fight."
"I know. I know. It's okay. Because we're going to do this together. Come on, now. You got to get to school, and I got to make sure no one else finds this place," Charming tells his grandson.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–
Lancelot and Prince Charming are investigating the floor of the former lake while Snow White waits with Ruth by the wagon. "This is my fault," Charming groans. "The Siren who lived here? I killed her. That's why the lake is dry."
"You needn't worry. My mother raised me by a lake. There may yet be water. You just need to know where to look," Lancelot suggests, and the men split up to search the ground. Lancelot comes across a shell containing a small amount of water. "God in His mercy, and her grace."
"You found it?" He asks, looking over at the Knight.
"It's all that's left. Just enough for one sip," the Knight reveals, and they pour the contents of the shell into a canteen.
"Enough to heal my mother?" Charming wonders.
"We shall find out," Lancelot replies, and Snow and Ruth overhear their conversation.
"I want you to have it. That last sip of water – I want you to drink it," Ruth mutters, looking at Snow.
"No. No, I couldn't," Snow argues, not wanting Charming to lose his mother like she did.
"That water can lift your curse. Allow you and my son to have a child," she replies, wanting her son to be happy with his future bride.
"But you'll die. I won't let you give your life for this," the Princess snaps.
"That's what parents do. They put their children first. Someday, you'll understand," Charming's mother tells her.
"No. Maybe it's for the best. I was raised without a mother. I wouldn't even know how to be one. This water was meant for you," Snow argues, and Prince Charming and Lancelot approach the two women.
"Mother! Mother. Our prayers are answered. There's Magic in this lake yet. Here, drink," Charming says, and Ruth pretends to take a sip from the canteen.
"Have faith, Snow. We'll find another way," Ruth mumbles, looking at Snow, who realises she hasn't drunk the water.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
The four women and Landon arrive at Snow's castle and enter one of the rooms. It appears to be a nursery, with a crib and several old toys lying around. Emma recognises the wardrobe in the corner. "Oh my god… I recognise this from Henry's book," Emma says, glancing at the wardrobe.
"Come – we'll stand watch at the gate," Mulan says, taking Aurora outside to leave them alone with the wardrobe.
"I never thought I'd see this place again. This room… It was your nursery," Mary Margaret tells Emma, who looks around.
"I lived here?" Emma asks, touching the crispy cot.
"You never even got to spend a night. This is the life I wanted you to have," she argues sadly. "I was going to teach you how to walk in here. How to talk, how to dress for your first ball… You never got to do any of it. We never got to be a family."
"We have a family – in Storybrooke. And, right now, they need us to get back there. So, how do we get this to work?" The blond woman replies, gesturing to the wardrobe.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–
Snow White and the others are still gathered around Ruth. "Why isn't it working?" Charming snaps, feeling guilty about the lack of water as he watches his mother's wounds as she bleeds out.
"Wounds take time to heal," Lancelot argues, trying to calm the Prince.
"No, no. I've used this Magic before. It… It worked instantly. It wasn't enough water. We need more," he retorts, running back to the lake, but Ruth calls out to stop him.
"Son… Stop," Ruth groans, and Charming stops, returning to his mother's side. "There's no…more Magic here. And I don't want to spend my last moments this way."
"This is all my fault. I am so… Sorry," the Prince mutters, looking at his mother sadly.
"For what? For being happy? For finding your true love? For your happiness, I would gladly give my life. My only regret is that I won't live to see you marry Snow," she replies, looking at her son and Snow.
"Shh…" Charming shushes her, wanting her to keep her strength.
"Yes, you will. Lancelot. Does a disgraced member of the Round Table still have the power to perform a wedding?" Snow asks, looking at Lancelot.
"It would be my honour," Lancelot replies, smiling. Snow White and Prince Charming stand before Lancelot, who pours the remaining water from the canteen into a chalice for the wedding ceremony. Ruth happily watches the ceremony between Prince Charming and Snow White from the wagon. "In my kingdom, there is legend of a cup. It has the power to grant eternal life. And so, may the love between you always be strong, true, and eternal," he says, and they take a sip of water from the chalice before kissing. When they break apart, they look over to see that Ruth has peacefully passed.
"Goodbye, Mother," Charming mutters, kissing her forehead.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
Emma and Mary Margaret look over the wardrobe at the castle as Lancelot stands behind them. "Where's the 'on' switch?" Emma asks, looking for a clue on how to get it to work.
"It's more complicated than that," Landon argues. "We'll have to get it back to the island. Hopefully, I can find a way to get enough Magic to make it work again."
"How are we going to carry this thing?" She wonders, seeing how big it is.
"With the help of an old friend," Lancelot announces as he enters the room.
"Lancelot. What are you doing here?" Mary Margaret asks, looking at her old friend.
"We heard about the Ogre attack, and I had to make sure you were alright," he replies.
"Where are Mulan and Aurora?" She wonders, looking for the warrior and Princess.
"I sent them to find food. Tonight we'll make camp and then, in the morning, we'll head back. So, this is it – the portal you were after," the Knight suggests.
"The same one Emma went through. That's how she skipped the curse," Snow explains, smiling.
"Remarkable…" Lancelot mutters, admiring the wardrobe.
"Geppetto carved it from an Enchanted Tree, but there's no Magic left," Landon replies, shrugging. "Nothing I can do about that."
"Well, a portal this powerful… There must be another way to recharge it," he suggests, looking at him. "You could help with your Magic."
"Why are you so interested in the wardrobe?" Mary Margaret wonders, looking at her old friend as she has suspicions.
"Well, I just want you to get home to your husband… And son. Henry. They must miss you," the Knight argues, and Mary Margaret draws her sword, pointing it at Lancelot.
"Stay away from him, Emma. He is not who he says he is," she snaps, pushing Emma behind her and Landon.
"What are you talking about? Who the hell is he?" Emma asks, looking confused.
"There's only one person you told Henry's name," Landon reminds her.
"Cora," she mutters, and Lancelot transforms into Cora in a puff of purple smoke.
"Clever girl," Cora muses, smirking.
"Where's Lancelot?" Mary Margaret snaps, glaring at the red-haired woman.
"He's dead. I killed him a long time ago," she replies, shrugging.
"And you've been posing as him ever since?" Landon questions, looking at his mother. "That must have been confusing."
"Well, they'd never listen to me. And besides… Every kingdom needs a Hero, don't you think?" The red-haired woman muses and Mary Margaret lunges towards Cora but is Magically thrown and pinned against the wall. Emma attempts to help but is also thrown by Cora's Magic. "Thank you, Snow. I've been looking for a way over for so long." Mary Margaret struggles to breathe. Emma gets up and tries to help again, but Cora summons a rug and wraps it around Emma's legs.
"I don't think so, Mother," Landon mutters, waving his hand and pushing her towards the door.
"Landon!" Cora shouts.
"I won't let you hurt her," he argues, standing before Emma.
"Then you leave me no choice," she sighs, raising her hands and unleashing a blast of Magic, but Landon blocks it.
"Why? Why are you doing this?" Mary Margaret asks, struggling to get to her feet with the blasts of Magic between Cora and Landon.
"I want to see my daughter and take my son back. It's been too long. And you know, I would love to meet my grandson, Henry," Mrs Mills replies angrily.
"No, you won't," Emma snaps and uses a bullet and a piece of wood, creating a spark and starting a fire. The wardrobe bursts into flames, which means they no longer have a way to get home.
"No!" Cora shouts, Magically pulling the fire from the wardrobe and turning it into a fireball before flinging it towards Emma, but the shot is blocked by Mulan's sword with Aurora behind the female warrior.
"Mulan!" Mary Margaret shouts.
"We're not done," she warns them before disappearing.
"Bye mother!" Landon yells after her, and in the corner, the wardrobe is consumed by flames.
"Are you okay?" Emma asks, looking at her mother.
"You saved me," Mary Margaret mutters, getting to her feet.
"Yeah, well… Where is she?" She wonders, looking around.
"Gone," Landon replies, and Emma wraps her arms around him, and he returns the gesture.
"So's our ride home," the Saviour mutters, looking at the burnt wardrobe.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–
Prince Charming lights a candle for his mother and places it on a rock above Ruth's grave, and Snow tries comforting her new husband. "I'm so sorry. She was all the family you had left," Snow mutters, hating that she took the last bit of water left in the lake instead of Ruth.
"No. I still have you. I love you, Snow. And together, we can start a new family. Here – this belonged to her." Charming tells her, pulling out the pendant that Ruth showed Snow earlier. "She would've wanted you to have it. She said that it could tell you what your child will be." He tries putting it above her hand, but she pulls back.
"Please, don't," she mutters.
"It's just a superstition," he assures her.
"There's something I need to tell you," the rogue Princess replies, not wanting to crush his dreams.
"What is it? What's wrong?" The Prince asks, and they look down, noticing the pendant is swinging east to west.
"We're going to have a child…" Snow mutters, and Charming looks at her in shock.
"What?" Charming gasps.
"We're going to have a child," she repeats confidently.
"Is there…something I need to know?" He asks her.
"I mean someday," the Princess replies, smiling happily.
"Well, of course we are. What's it say it's going to be, huh? It's going to be a boy, right? I can never remember which direction means what," the Prince assures her and looks at the pendant happily.
"It's a surprise," Snow tells him.
"I'll send a signal for the army to regroup. We are going to take back the kingdom, Snow. And we are going to do it as a family," Charming promises his new bride, kissing her. Prince Charming leaves to tell the others. Snow spots Lancelot standing off to the side and approaches him, wanting to have a word.
"This is because of you, isn't it?" She asks. "Ruth only pretended to drink the water. She had you put it in the wedding chalice so I would drink it. That's how King George's curse was broken, wasn't it?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about. So, what's your child going to be?" Lancelot asks her, smiling.
"A girl," the Princess reveals.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
Mary Margaret, Emma, Landon, Mulan, and Aurora stand in the nursery after Cora's disappearance and the destruction of the castle wardrobe. "Lancelot was one of the most noble knights I ever knew," Mary Margaret sighs, missing her old friend.
"How could I be so blind? How could I not see that it was Cora?" Mulan groans, feeling disappointed in herself.
"Let's be fair – the whole shape shifting thing threw me, too," Emma argues, looking at Landon.
"What? I haven't seen my mother in over twenty years, I thought some moronic pirate killed her. That's what Gina told me anyway," Landon replies, shrugging.
"What are we going to tell the people on the island?" Mulan asks, looking at Snow and Landon for help.
"The truth. That Lancelot was cut down by a terrible villain. He died an honourable death," Mary Margaret tells her.
"Cora's still out there. We need to find her. We need to defend what's left of the kingdom," she suggests.
"Who's going to lead us? You?" Aurora asks, gesturing to Mulan.
"No. Her," the warrior replies, looking pointedly at Mary Margaret.
"I'm honoured. But Emma, Landon and I still have to find a way back to Storybrooke," Mary Margaret argues, not wanting that responsibility but not while they wish to return home.
"We'll help you. We'll find a way, won't we?" Mulan asks, needing some help.
"Yes. Perhaps, it will help me channel my anger," Aurora agrees.
"Come," she says, leading Aurora out of the room.
"I'm, uh, sorry I torched our ride home. I couldn't let her get to Henry. I just-," Emma apologises, looking at Mary Margaret and Landon.
"You had to put Henry first," Mary Margaret agrees, knowing how it feels.
"I was angry at you for so long…" She snaps, looking at her mother. "Wondering how you could choose to let me grow up without you. But then I just… Seeing all this… You gave up everything for me. And you're still doing that. I'm sorry, I'm not good at this. I… I guess I just… I'm not… I'm not used to someone putting me first." Mary Margaret takes Emma out of Landon's arms and into hers.
"Well, get used to it," Snow tells her, and they leave. Before leaving, Mary Margaret looks back, seeing what could have happened with her family. When they exit, Cora reappears and approaches the burned wardrobe. She takes out a vial and places the ashes inside.
(Spellbinding)
–[Real World: Present]–
Jefferson watches Paige and her classmates as they get off the school bus, and he hesitates for a second before calling out for her. "Grace." Paige turns around and sees him before running towards and hugging him, so happy to see him again.
"Papa! You found me! I knew you would," Grace beams, loving being with her father again.
(Spellbinding)
Henry waits in Emma's yellow bug on the main street when David knocks on the window with a bag. "I've been thinking… If you're going to start helping me, we've got to make sure we do this right. So, I picked these up on my way home," David tells his grandson, motioning to the bag containing two wooden swords he picked up before going to find Henry.
"Seriously?" Henry asks, beaming.
"Yeah, you're the grandson of a Prince. I think it's about time you learned how to use a sword. Henry, I can't get 'em back without you. So, what do you say? You with me?" He asks.
"Can you teach me how to fight a Dragon?" The Mills boy wonders, hopefully.
"We'll work our way up to it," Charming replies, and they get out of the car, preparing to duel. "My liege. En garde!" David and Henry play fighting on the sidewalk. Meanwhile, Albert Spencer watches them from his car from a distance, planning revenge on his so-called son.
(Spellbinding)
–[Real World: Present]–
Mr Gold and Belle are in the Pawn Shop. He takes out a small box, opening it to reveal a necklace. "It's, uh… It's very beautiful. So, what's the occasion?" Belle asks, and he takes the necklace out of the box, going to put it around her neck.
"The occasion is us," Mr Gold replies happily. "We haven't really gotten out much since Storybrooke awakened. So, I thought we should see it together." He finishes clasping the necklace and takes a step back, admiring her. "Wow…"
"Thank you," she smiles, and they hug.
"Don't get your hopes up. The nightlife is extremely limited," he warns her.
"No. That's not what I meant. Thank you for… For what you're doing. For how you're changing," the bookworm explains. Their moment is interrupted by the front bell of the shop ringing as Leroy enters.
"Okay, Stiltskin, I want my axe," Leroy demands.
"I'm sorry, but we're closed," Mr Gold snaps at him.
"It's mine. Give it to me," he argues.
"And yet, still closed," the Dark One retorts.
"Just cause you possess something, don't mean it's yours," Grumpy growls. "Nothing in this shop belongs to you. And you?" He glances at Belle. "How can you be with such a monster? Or maybe, you're just another possession, too."
"How dare you?" Mr Gold sneers, grabbing Leroy by the neck and pinning him against the wall. "You want your axe? Fine!" He starts strangling Grumpy.
"Rumpelstiltskin!" Belle shouts.
"You can have it… Buried in your chest!" The Dark One exclaim with rage.
"Stop! Stop! This isn't you anymore!" She yells, and Mr Gold turns into Rumpelstiltskin from the Enchanted Forest.
"Oh, it's me, dearie. Always has been, always will be," Rumpelstiltskin argues, looking back at Belle.
(Spellbinding)
Belle wakes from her nightmare and finds herself in one of Mr Gold's rooms at his house. She gets out of bed and goes downstairs, discovering that it's still nighttime. She goes outside and lurks around one of the basement windows. Inside, Belle finds Mr Gold spinning straw into gold at the wheel, a familiar scene. However, he cuts off a segment of the gold and puts it into a vial, causing a magical reaction.
(Spellbinding)
Mr Gold enters the house, where Belle is already waiting for him in the kitchen. "Hey," he greets her.
"Hey. What are you doing?" Belle asks, looking at him.
"I was, uh… Going to make you breakfast," Mr Gold replies.
"No, in… In the basement. I saw you practising Magic," she argues, and he looks at her, realising he's been caught.
"Let's have breakfast," he suggests.
"No, we need to talk about this," the beauty snaps.
"It was just a couple of spells. Nothing to be concerned about," the Dark One assures her, trying to play it down a little.
"Okay, then be honest with me. Why did you bring Magic here?" Belle asks him.
"I've told you – Magic is power," Rumpelstiltskin repeats, smiling.
"Why do you need it? Tell me," she orders, and he says nothing. "You don't need power, Rumpel. You need courage to let me in." Belle leaves out the door without another word from either of them.
(Spellbinding)
In the mines of Storybrooke, David and the Dwarves mine for Fairy Dust. Henry is there with them, watching. "Keep swinging, Dwarves," Leroy encourages his friends when Ruby enters with a food basket.
"They find any fairy dust yet?" Ruby asks, looking at the men working.
"No, not yet. But they will," Henry assures her. "When… When they do, we'll figure out a way to get Mary Margaret, my mum, and uncle back."
She tells him, "I'll be back later with lunch," before leaving. David stops and goes to put on his shirt.
"I hate mine dust. Leroy! If you find anything, I'll be at the Sheriff's station," David tells them.
"You're taking over as Sheriff?" Leroy asks.
"Stepping in. Until Emma gets back," he replies, leaving with Henry.
(Spellbinding)
Mr Gold knocks on the door to Belle's room at their home. "Belle? Come on. At least come and eat something," the Dark One tells her, but she doesn't answer, so he lets himself in. Inside, the room is empty, and the window is open. "Belle?"
(Spellbinding)
Mr Gold arrives at Moe's Flower Shop with a paper in hand, which turns out to be a handmade missing person poster looking for Belle. "I was wondering if you'd heard from your daughter?" Mr Gold asks the man.
"Is this some kind of cruel joke?" Mr French snaps. "I wouldn't have made this flyer if I knew where she was. The only reason she's missing is because of the deal I made with you. I'd held out. I hoped she might have survived such a wicked trade."
"And she has," he replies calmly.
"Why hasn't she come looking for me?" Moe asks, looking at him.
"Oh, she did. She even made a flyer like this one," the Dark One tells him.
"Well, let me guess – you took care of it by throwing it in the trash," he snaps.
"I don't expect you to help me. I just want to know she's safe," Mr Gold replies, wanting to find Belle.
"And now, thanks to you, neither one of us knows where she is. You're a monster, Rumpelstiltskin," Mr French spits, walking away.
(Spellbinding)
At Granny's Diner, Ruby serves Belle another iced tea as she sits in a booth alone. "Thank you," Belle says, thinking about Rumpelstiltskin.
"Are you okay? That's your third iced tea this morning. Won't want to call you a cab," Ruby remarks, looking at the sweet-looking woman.
"No, I… I've never had it iced before. It… It's delicious," she replies, smiling.
"I haven't seen you in here before," Red comments.
"Well, I, uh… I've been a kept woman until recently," the bookworm says, thinking of her time in the asylum below the hospital.
"Let me guess – bad breakup?" Ruby asks.
"I think I may be headed there," Belle replies sadly.
"Do you have a place to stay? Any family here?" She wonders, trying to help her.
"I… I'm not sure. I'm still looking. But I… I'm on my own for now," the beauty tells her, sighing.
"I can ask Granny about a room here," Red suggests, making Belle smile.
"Really?" Belle asks happily, and Ruby nods. "Thanks. Uh…"
"Ruby," she tells her.
"Belle. What I really need, though, is… Is a life. A job," the bookworm argues, wanting something to do instead of staying home.
"Well, uh, what do you like to do?" Ruby asks, trying to help her.
"I… I do love books," Belle replies, smiling.
"The library. It's been closed forever, but, uh, things are changing now. Maybe they need a librarian?" She suggests, and Belle nods, thinking about it.
(Spellbinding)
Belle heads over to the library to check it out and tries the front door, but it's locked. The windows are all covered with newspapers or boarded up. Belle walks to the back of the library, where a homeless-looking Smee approaches her. "Excuse me, Miss?" Smee calls out, spooking Belle.
"Oh, you startled me," Belle gasps, looking at the man.
"I… I was just wondering if you had any spare change?" He asks her.
"Oh, no. Sorry, I… I don't have any money," she replies sadly.
"What… What about a friend? Are you meeting anyone here?" Smee wonders.
"Uh, no. Why?" The beauty asks, looking at him confused.
"I just wanted to make sure," he replies, grabbing Belle, covering her mouth with his hand, and then dragging her off.
(Spellbinding)
Mr Gold arrives at Mary Margaret's apartment carrying a piece of paper, needing Heroic help. David, the only one home at the moment, answers the door. "May I have a word, Sheriff?" Mr Gold asks.
"Uh, acting Sheriff. And I'm already late on another busy day, cleaning up the mess you made," David retorts, annoyed already.
"My apologies. That was a moment of poor judgement on my part. And it's not lost on me that I'm now here to ask for your help," he argues, needing the Prince's help.
"Well then, it shouldn't be lost on you when I say no," Charming snaps.
"Hear me out first. I'm here to report a missing person," Rumpelstiltskin replies, handing the paper, which turns out to be the missing person poster. "She left my home early this morning, her name is Belle."
"Back in our land, you mentioned you loved someone once. Is-?" David wonders, looking at the picture.
"Yes," Mr Gold answers.
"You also said she died," he argues.
"I'd thought she had," the Dark One tells him.
"Well, why don't you just use the tracking spell you gave me to find Jefferson?" The Prince wonders.
"It only works if you have something the person owned. I don't," Mr Gold informs the acting Sheriff.
"How can you be sure she's gone missing and not… Run away?" David asks him.
"I can't. Look, the townsfolk are less than sympathetic to my plight. But you… You're in the rather unique position to understand exactly what I'm going through. Will you help me?" Rumpelstiltskin requests and David looks at him, conflicted.
(Spellbinding)
Smee drops off Belle in a room at an unknown location. "Who are you?" Belle asks, looking around. "What… What do you want from me?"
"I'm just a man who procures hard to find objects. In this case, the object was you," Smee replies.
"So then who put you up to this?" She snaps, and Moe enters, looking at his daughter, so happy to see her again.
"Belle…" Mr French gasps, and they hug. "Oh, I've missed you, Belle."
"Father…" The bookworm sighs, happy to see him again.
"I'm so sorry this is how we had to be reunited. Please understand. I had no choice," he tells her.
"But to kidnap me?" Belle argues.
"After the curse broke, I searched all over for you and discovered the Dark One still had you captive." Moe explains.
"He wasn't holding me captive. I chose to be with him," she argues, confusing her father.
"Are you saying you fell in love with him?" He asks her, and she nods, smiling.
"But I fear it may be over now," the beauty mutters sadly, thinking of Rumpelstiltskin.
"It must be. Promise me you no longer love him. That you will never see him again," Maurice requests.
"No, no. I'm not a child!" Belle snaps.
"You don't understand what that man will do to you. What he's already done," Mr French argues.
"No, you don't understand. It's my life!" She exclaims, wanting to choose for herself for a change.
"Then I don't have a choice. I'm sorry. Do it," Moe replies, and Smee grabs Belle again as she struggles in his hold.
"What? Father. Father, what… What are you doing?! Stop!" The sweet bookworm shouts as Smee drags her out of the room as her father calls after her.
"Goodbye, Belle. I love you!"
"Father!" Belle shouts back.
(Spellbinding)
David questions one of the townspeople while Mr Gold watches from a distance. David finishes and rejoins him. "Do you remember turning a butcher into a pig?" David asks, looking at the Dark One.
"Can't say that I do. Why?" Mr Gold replies calmly.
"Well, he does. Apparently, it was his father. I'm beginning to understand why nobody wants to help you." He muses.
"W-Well has he seen Belle?" The Dark One asks nervously, wanting to find her.
"Afraid not," Charming replies, shrugging.
"Okay, so what's next?" He questions.
"Granny's. We can see who else you terrorised there," the Prince tells him, heading for the door.
"Look, uh… Can I ask you a question? A-About you and Mary Margaret? H-How… How does that work?" Mr Gold wonders, stuttering a little.
"Are you asking for dating advice?" David asks, looking at him strangely for a second.
"Course not, no," the Dark One snaps.
"Honesty. That's how we did it. Hard work, and being honest with one another," he replies, looking at him.
"Well, I don't lie," Rumpelstiltskin argues.
"There's a difference between literal truth and honesty of the heart. Nothing taught me that more than this curse," Charming tells him before heading out with Mr Gold, standing in the room alone for a second in thought.
(Spellbinding)
David and Mr Gold question Ruby at Granny's Diner about Belle's whereabouts. "Belle, huh? Sorry, doesn't ring a bell," Ruby replies, shrugging.
"Ruby, listen to me. If you've come across her, you've got to tell me. I'll make sure nothing bad happens," David argues, looking at his friend.
"Yeah, but what about him?" She retorts, glancing at Mr Gold.
"I've got him. Trust me," he assures her.
"She was in earlier. She was looking for a job. I pointed her in the direction of the library," Red tells them.
"Well, you think she went there?" Mr Gold asks her, stepping towards the counter.
"Don't know. But, when you find her, give her this. She left it in her booth," Ruby replies, pulling out a sweater from under the counter.
"Well, that's mine. She didn't have anything for the cold," he tells her, taking the sweater.
"You sure you'll watch out for her?" She asks, looking at David.
"Yes. Why?" David replies.
"I think… I think I can find her. Lately, since things changed, I've been, uh, a little more sensitive to odours." Red informs them.
"What, you can smell her?" Mr Gold questions, looking at her funnily for a second.
"I guess it's cause of the wolf thing," Ruby replies, almost glaring at him.
(Spellbinding)
Using the scent of the sweater, Ruby leads Mr Gold and David to Moe's Flower Shop. "What's wrong?" David asks, looking at his friend.
"I had her, but, uh… I lost her trail. It must be the flowers. I… I can't track her anymore. I'm sorry," Ruby tells them, looking at the flowers.
"Don't be. This is her father's shop," Mr Gold replies, and they enter to see Moe, who confronts them.
"You again. Out! This is a private establishment – you're not welcome," Mr French snaps, glaring at Mr Gold.
"Where's Belle?" He asks.
"I won't let anything happen to her, Moe," David assures him.
"We're just worried," Ruby adds.
"Don't be. She's safe. So you can stop looking," Mr French snaps.
"Look, if I could just have the chance to talk to her," Mr Gold requests, just wanting to know Belle is safe.
"You will destroy Belle like you destroy everything else. Well, I won't let that happen," he argues.
"What have you done with her?" The Dark One asks.
"There's only one way to get her-," Moe replies, and Rumpelstiltskin jabs him in the chest, winding him.
"What have you done with her?" He repeats.
"I have to make her forget about you. No matter the cost. Even if it means she forgets me, too," Mr French snaps, glaring at the Dark One.
"He's sending her across the town line," Rumpelstiltskin realises, looking at the others, and they exit the shop with Moe in tow.
"Where are you sending Belle across?" David asks. "You know we have patrols on the town line to make sure no one crosses accidentally. So, how are you planning to pull it off?" Mr Gold lunges at Mr French and pins him against the truck with his cane.
"Where? Where are you sending them across? Tell me!" Mr Gold demands angrily.
"Stop it! You're going to kill him," he shouts, prying the Dark One off of Moe. David looks down at Moe's hand and notices they're covered in mine dust. "You've been down in the mines. The tunnels – they lead out of town."
(Spellbinding)
Smee handcuffed Belle to one of the mine carts in the mines, planning to wipe her memories by crossing the town border. "Please! Please, please stop. What are you doing?" Belle shouts, trying to free herself.
"Sending you on a little ride under the town line," Smee replies. "Once you cross, you'll forget who you were in the other realm and who you loved." He hands her a flashlight. "This should help you find the key. I left it at the bottom of the cart. Good luck." Smee releases the mine cart, and it begins speeding down the track.
"No, wait! I'm begging you! Please don't! Don't do this! Please!" She yells, trying to loosen the handcuffs. Belle searches for the key at the bottom of the cart as it picks up speed. She finally finds it but accidentally drops it on the ground when the mine cart jostles. The mine cart continues down the track until suddenly it stops. A stream of Magic produced by Mr Gold pulls the cart back up the track until it reaches the starting point, where Mr Gold, David, Moe, and Ruby are waiting for Belle. The handcuffs Magically break off, thanks to Rumpelstiltskin.
"That is seriously… Wow," Ruby comments, looking at Mr Gold.
"Belle, are you alright?" Mr Gold asks, moving towards her.
"Yeah. I, uh… I think so," Belle replies.
"You remember who I am?" He wonders nervously.
"I do, Rumpelstiltskin. I… I remember," she tells him, and Rumpelstiltskin hugs Belle, but she doesn't return it.
"Belle, what's wrong?" The Dark One asks her.
"Thank you for what you just did, but that doesn't change that you're too cowardly to be honest with me." The bookworm argues.
"Well, Belle, that's just-," Mr Gold says.
"I tried to tell them that, Belle. Come with me, darling," Mr French snaps, glaring at the Dark One.
"After what you just tried to do to me? You're no better, Father," Belle argues. "You don't get to decide what I do or how I feel. I do. If either of you cared about me, you would've listened. I don't want to see either of you again. Ever." She storms out of the mines, leaving the others, but Ruby chases after her, wanting to help her.
(Spellbinding)
Ruby serves Belle a plate of food at Granny's Diner after her ordeal with the mines and her father. "This one is a classic," Ruby tells her. "The syrup goes on the pancakes. It's, um, round things… But I kind of like it when it gets on everything."
"You know, um… Thank you. I-I mean not just for this, but… For everything," Belle tells her.
"No worries," she assures her. "And stay here until you're on your feet. Granny will be fine with it. Oh! I almost forgot. Someone dropped this off for you at the front desk." Ruby gives Belle a small box before leaving to deal with another customer. Belle looks at the box momentarily before opening it, revealing a key labelled 'library'.
(Spellbinding)
Belle tries using the key to open the library's front door, and when it opens, she walks inside to briefly look around until Mr Gold reveals himself. "We may sit in our library, and yet, be in all corners of the earth," Mr Gold muses, smiling.
"You gave me the key," Belle realises, looking at him.
"I heard of your interest, and I, uh… I made some inquiries. There's an apartment for the caretaker if you want it," he tells her.
"If… If this is some way to win me back after everything you-," she argues.
"No, that's… That's… That's not why I'm here. I came because you're right…" Rumpelstiltskin assures her. "About me. I am a coward. I have been my entire life. I tried to make up for it by collecting power, and the power became so important that I couldn't let go. Not even… And that meant losing the most important person in my life."
"Your son," the beauty realises.
"Baelfire, is his name. After he left, I dedicated myself to finding him," the Dark One explains. "I went down many, many paths. Until I found a curse that could take me to the land where he'd escaped."
"Here," Belle mutters.
"And I found myself in this little town with only one thing left to do – wait for the curse to be broken, so that I could leave and find him." Mr Gold tells her.
"But instead of looking for him, you… You brought Magic," she argues.
"Because I'm still a coward. Magic has become a crutch that I can't walk without. And, even if I could, I now know I can never leave this place." He replies.
"Because, anyone who leaves, forgets the people they love," the bookworm sighs. "So, when you go to look for Baelfire, you won't know him."
"Magic comes with a price. Belle, I have to break this new curse. That's why I was using Magic. That night you saw me down in the basement…" Mr Gold explains. "I have lost so much that I loved. I didn't want to lose you again…without you knowing everything. Goodbye, Belle." He goes to leave, but Belle stops him, wanting to work things out with him.
"Do you, uh… Have you ever had a hamburger?" Belle asks him, making him turn around to look at her.
"Yes, of course," Rumpelstiltskin replies, looking at her curiously.
"Well, uh, I haven't. But I hear that Granny's makes a great one. Maybe… Maybe we could try it sometime?" She suggests, making him smile.
"I would like that," he replies.
(Spellbinding)
Mr Gold decides to get information about the drunken pirate. He finds Smee, the snivelling little rat, and interrogates him in the basement. "You're probably wondering why I brought you here. I found this in the mines, Mr Smee," Mr Gold informs him, holding up the red hat the other man is known for wearing.
"I am so sorry, I didn't-," Smee cries.
"I'm not interested in apologies. I'm interested in information. About the man you work for," he snaps, glaring at the quivering man.
"I'll tell you anything you want to know about Moe," Smee assures him.
"No, no. Not about Moe – your captain. Where is he?" The Dark One growls.
"I've never seen him in Storybrooke, I swear. For some reason, when the curse hit, it… It didn't take him," he tells Mr Gold.
"Then, where is he?" Rumpelstiltskin wonders, looking lost in thought of the pirate that stole his wife and Magic Bean.
(Spellbinding)
–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–
Hook peers at the Haven from a distance through his telescope when Cora joins him. "Hello, Hook," Cora greets him stiffly.
"Hello, Cora. You told me you had something important you needed to show me," Hook asks, and she holds up a vial of wardrobe ashes. "Sparkly dirt. Wonderful."
"Just the remains of a magical wardrobe that can travel between worlds," she informs him, smirking.
"Is there enough to get us to where we need to go?" He wonders, inspecting the ashes.
"Not quite. But it's a start," the red-haired woman replies, having bigger plans than just the dust.
"We're almost ready to set sail. What's our port of destination?" Killian asks her.
"Storybrooke," Cora tells him.
"Hm, curious name. Is that where…?" He muses.
"She is. My boy may be here, but that will change. And so is he," she replies, making the pirate smirk.
"Excellent. You'll be able to see your daughter and son, and I can skin myself a crocodile," Hook chuckles, thinking of his revenge on Rumpelstiltskin for killing his beloved Milah.