The Historian (No 16)

by DeadGirlEtarnal

As a Historian, it is their job to watch over the land and record everything that happens, but unlike the Author, they write facts, not fiction, or manipulate the story. Landon Mills loves to write and begins writing stories, much to his Mother's love and when Storybrooke appears, that doesn't stop even when the Saviour rolls into town in her yellow bug. OCs only.

15. I knew I recognised you

XIV. "I knew I recognised you."

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Emma, Landon, Mary Margaret, Mulan, and Aurora return to the Haven after their failed mission and learn about Lancelot's demise. "I don't know if I can do this. I'm not a very good liar," Aurora argues.

"Oh, it's not really a lie, Aurora. Lancelot did die an honourable death, and Cora did escape. All true. Just leave the particulars to us. There's no reason to cause unnecessary panic amongst your people," Mary Margaret assures the Princess.

"I'm not so sure it's unnecessary," she replies, and Mulan notices that the guard tower is empty.

"Wait," Mulan tells the others, making them stop. "The tower – we always have sentries guarding the entrance. Stay close." The four women and Landon enter the Haven below the guard tower, where they find piles of corpses strewn across the field.

"Oh my God…" Emma gasps.

"Don't look," Landon snaps, pulling his girlfriend into his arms and letting her hide her face in his chest.

"This can't be… Our land… We were protected here – hidden. How did the ogres find us?" Mulan wonders, looking around at the dead bodies, and Mary Margaret notices that the bodies have bloody chests.

"Ogres didn't do this," Mary Margaret argues, recognising the work.

"What?" She asks, looking at the rogue Princess.

"Cora did. Their hearts… They were ripped out. This is her Magic, twisted and evil. We have to stop her," Snow warns the others.

"Too late. She killed them. She killed them all," the warrior mutters mournfully.

"Not necessarily," Landon whispers, making Emma look at him. "With the right spell, they'll be moving around."

"Well, we have to stop her before she hurts anyone else!" Mary Margaret argues, looking at the others.

"Hey! Hey! Look!" Emma shouts, looking away from Landon and notices something moving. She rushes towards a stack of bodies and debris, where she sees someone waving their hand.

"There's someone under there," Aurora realises and goes over with Emma, helping the blond woman to free the person under the dead bodies, who turns out to be Hook. "He's alive."

"Somehow," Landon mutters, glaring at the man.

"Please," Hook gasps.

"It's okay," Mary Margaret assures him, walking over to her daughter and Aurora.

"Please, help me," he mutters, playing innocent.

"It's okay. You're safe now. We won't hurt you," she promises him, helping pull him out from under the dead bodies.

"Don't be so sure," Landon mutters, rolling his eyes as he walks over with Mulan, both seeming wary of the new face that appears to have survived Cora Mills and her heart-ripping mania.

"Thank you. Thank you…" Killian gasps, looking at the four beautiful women and then at Landon.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World:Present]–

Outside of Granny's Diner, Dr Whale approaches David, needing to talk to him. "You - we need to talk," Dr Whale tells him, and David spins around, punching him in the face. "Ow! What the hell was that for?"

"Sleeping with my wife," David replies, smirking.

"Kathryn?" He asks, wiping his mouth.

"Snow," Charming snaps.

"Look, I didn't know, alright? I was cursed," the Doctor argues.

"Yeah, I got it. What do you want?" The Prince asks, looking at him as Dr Whale gets to his feet.

"So… Is it true? People are saying that you're trying to find a way to build a portal back to your land, because that's where you think Emma and Mary Margaret are – that they're alive." Dr Whale wonders.

"Well, the whispers can stop. I have no secrets from this town. That's exactly what I'm doing," David tells him.

"But the land, it's… It's gone. Destroyed by the curse," he argues, having heard the rumours.

"Apparently not," Charming replies.

"Well, you having any luck?" The Doctor asks, hoping for some good news.

"Not yet. We're working on it," the Prince tells him, needing to get back to finding a way to get his family and Landon back.

"Does that mean that all the lands still exist?" Dr Whale wonders, hoping to get back to his family.

"Possibly," David replies.

"So, the Queen lied to us. Again. Are you sure?" He questions.

"Remember who we're talking about," the Prince sighs before heading off and leaving Dr Whale to seethe.

(SPELLBINDING)

Archie answers his office door to find Regina standing there, needing help. "Regina. Are you here to see me?" Archie asks.

"I've been trying to keep my promise to Henry, but it's been difficult…" Regina replies, standing in the office doorway.

"To not use Magic," he clarifies, having heard about it in passing.

"It's been two days," she tells him.

"That's an excellent start. Come on in," Dr Hopper replies, letting Regina inside, and she sits on the couch across from Archie, who sits in his armchair.

"It's just that, Magic is the way I've always gotten everything," the Mayor argues, feeling down.

"It sounds like it's also the way you've lost everything. Regina, this is your chance to start over – to earn Henry," Archie assures her when Dr Whale barges into the room. "Dr Whale, this is highly inappropriate."

"Send me back," Dr Whale demands, glaring at Regina.

"Excuse me?" Regina questions, looking at him annoyed.

"To my land. Send me back to my brother," he snaps.

"Why don't you check the 'missing' board like everyone else?" She retorts.

"Your curse only brought the living," the Doctor muses, looking at her, and she smiles.

"Well then, I'm sorry for your loss. But I'm afraid I can't send anyone anywhere," the Evil Queen retorts, shrugging.

"Can't or won't?" Dr Whale asks angrily.

"Dr Whale, I have to insist, please. Go!" Archie orders and Dr Whale exits the office with Dr Hopper shutting the door behind him. "Sorry. What you said isn't entirely true, is it?"

"I'm sorry?" Regina questions, looking at him.

"About the curse only taking the living. The grave of your father's here, right?" He questions.

"I don't care about Whale or his brother. I brought who I wanted," she argues.

"Anyone else?" Dr Hopper asks, making her look at him. "If you want help, you have to try and trust me. Stopping Magic is a lot harder than starting."

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–

The Evil Queen and Rumpelstiltskin are having Magic lessons in the forest by the castle, using a black unicorn to practise on. "Now, show me what you've learned. Immobilise it," Rumpelstiltskin tells her, and Regina magically freezes the unicorn.

"There. I did it," Regina announces, feeling proud of herself.

"Excellent work, my apprentice. Now there's just one last tiny, tiny, teeny little detail. Take its heart," he orders her.

"Like what my mother did to-," she replies, looking a little nervous.

"Oh, your true love. Indeed. Then, you already know how it's done," the Dark One argues, and Regina slowly inches her hand towards the unicorn's chest. "Gentle. If you do it right, no harm will befall it. Unless, of course, you will it." The Queen withdraws her hand/

"I can't. It's innocent," the Queen refuses, looking at Rumpelstiltskin.

"Nothing is innocent," Rumpelstiltskin replies, magically removing the unicorn's heart, eliminating the immobilisation spell. "Now, it belongs to me. You see when you take a heart, it becomes enchanted. Stronger than a normal heart. You're not hurting the beast – you're controlling it. Now, show me you know what to do with that power." He tosses the heart to Regina. "Kill it."

"What?" Regina asks in shock.

"You've seen it done, now do it yourself. Show me, you can take the next step in your training. Crush it," he replies, and she slowly begins squeezing the heart but stops when she sees the unicorn wither on the ground in pain, having flashbacks to Daniel's death. "Dearie, dearie, dearie. And I had such high hopes."

"And I didn't sign up to kill unicorns," she snaps, stopping.

"Magic is power. Until you can take power, you're not learning anything. Do you want me to teach you or not?" The Dark One asks.

"Yes," the Queen replies, looking conflicted.

"Then there's one simple question for you to ponder," Rumpelstiltskin argues.

"I'll tell you anything," Regina promises him.

"I don't need the answer – you do. What's holding you back?" He asks her, needing her to realise that for herself.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

Regina and Archie sit in his office together. Regina has a flashback to when she put the enchantment spell on Daniel's body in the Fairy Tale World. "His name was Daniel," she reveals. "I preserved his body with an enchantment spell. He's dead, but frozen. And I've kept him in my family mausoleum."

"Because you couldn't let go of him. If you can't let go of the past, Regina, it's doomed to haunt you," Archie concludes.

"You know what? I think this has been quite enough," she states and gets up, heading for the door, but Archie tries to stop her.

"Regina, wait. I… I can help you," he assures her.

"I doubt it," the Mayor replies before leaving.

(SPELLBINDING)

That evening, Regina drives home during a thunderstorm. As she's driving, a car cuts her off, making her abruptly stop. Looking up, she sees Daniel staring at her from across the street. "Daniel?" Regina gasps, briefly looking away as if hoping it's her imagination, but when she looks back, Daniel is gone.

(SPELLBINDING)

David and Henry arrive in David's truck at the stables, and Charming gets out. "Alright!" He exclaims, and Henry also gets out of the car. David notices the boy yawning as they enter the stables. "Come on. What's with the yawn? This isn't school. It should be fun."

"I couldn't sleep," Henry replies.

"Hey. I know. I miss 'em, too," David says. "Now, just think how happy Emma and Snow will be when they come home to find that you've become a proper knight. Say hello to your steed." They come to a row of stalls housing the horses.

"Is he mine?" He asks delightedly.

"This one's yours," Charming informs him.

"Really? So… How do I get on him?" The Mills boy wonders, looking at the horse.

"Oh, you're not riding today," the Prince tells him.

"I'm not?" Henry asks, looking at his grandfather.

"No. There's much to learn before you hop in the saddle," David replies, smiling.

"Like what?" He wonders.

"Well, every morning, you'll have to muck out his stall. Then, you'll brush him and feed him. After school, you'll do it again. Every day, twice a day," Charming informs him.

"That's not riding, that's babysitting," the Mayor's son argues, feeling disappointed.

"Ah. Horsesitting. It builds an essential bond. The trust between knight and steed," the Prince tells him.

"Okay. But, when will I ride him?" Henry asks, hoping it will be soon.

"When the horse tells you. I'm going to go check in on the Dwarves – see how the mining's coming. I'll pick you up later," David replies, heading out of the stables and leaving Henry with the horse.

"So… Anything you want to tell me?" He wonders, looking at the horse with a smile as he grabs a brush.

(SPELLBINDING)

Regina enters her father's mausoleum at the graveyard and goes underground, entering a room with a glass coffin similar to Snow White's. However, the coffin is empty, and Daniel's body is gone.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–

At the Dark One's castle, Rumpelstiltskin spins straw at his wheel while the Evil Queen prepares potions at the Dark One's desk. "Are you ready to begin?" She asks, looking at her tutor.

"Oh, I've been ready. The question is, are you?" Rumpelstiltskin wonders, looking at his apprentice.

"Yes, I am," Regina replies confidently.

"Tell me why you're really here," he asks.

"For power-," she tells him.

"Stop wasting my time! What is it you want? Come on. You've done all your soul-searching. Now tell me," the Dark One snaps, wanting her to realise she has more potential.

"Can you teach me how to use Magic to bring back the dead?" The Queen wonders, wanting to bring Daniel back.

"That's what this is about? The stable boy?" Rumpelstiltskin asks, disappointed.

"I want true happiness," Regina argues.

"Then find it elsewhere, dearie. Magic can do much, but not that. Dead is dead," he warns her.

"Then I am lost," she sighs.

"And I've had my time wasted. I'm sorry but, uh, transcending death is beyond even my reach," the Dark One replies, and Jefferson enters as planned.

"I thought nothing was beyond your reach? …Busy. Should I…" Jefferson asks, pointing back to the door.

"No, no. Nothing important going on here," Rumpelstiltskin assures him, waving off Regina.

"Rumpelstiltskin…" Regina snaps.

"Ignore her," he tells him as Jefferson walks to the Dark One.

"I got what you wanted," Jefferson announces, handing Rumpelstiltskin a crystal ball.

"What about the slippers?" The Dark One asks, taking the item and inspecting it.

"Oh. Couldn't find 'em. Heard talk they've already been moved to another land," he replies, shrugging.

"That's what I needed to get to that other land," Rumpelstiltskin snaps angrily.

"Well, come with me in my hat. I'm sure we can work something out," the portal jumper argues.

"No, no. Your hat only transports between magical realms. I need to get to a land without Magic," he tells Jefferson, disappointedly sighing.

"Why would anyone want that?" Jefferson muses, looking at Rumpelstiltskin.

"My business," the Dark One snaps.

"You want the ball or not?" He asks, and Rumpelstiltskin takes the crystal ball.

"Mm… Yes. Help yourself to as much gold as you deem appropriate," Rumpelstiltskin replies. "Oh, and you. You can let yourself out. Our work is done."

"Wait, so that's it? You're not going to teach me anymore?" Regina asks.

"So long as you harbour foolish notions of bringing back the dead, so long as you live in the past, you'll never find your future. Teaching you is a waste of time," he argues, having other plans as he walks out of the room and takes the crystal ball.

"Pardon me…for eavesdropping, but I think you need to look elsewhere for assistance," Jefferson offers, leading Regina out of the room.

"What do you know about it?" Regina asks, suspicious.

"I hear things. Jefferson's the name, and I'm a man who travels and sees much," he replies, offering his hand, and she takes it, shaking. "And I know the man who can do what you want – bring back the dead. He's, um, you might say, a wizard. I can bring him to you."

"At what price?" She wonders.

"Always a price, indeed. So, here's mine. Like I said, I'm a man of travels, and I've made many enemies along the way and I'd like a royal passport so I can have free reign to traverse your kingdom," the portal jumper requests, needing something from her as well.

"How would I do that?" The Queen asks.

"Well, you're the Queen, aren't you?" Jefferson argues, smiling.

"That's right, I am. And this wizard… Can he really bring someone back from the dead?" Regina questions, wanting to bring Daniel back.

"Well, if he can't, no one can," he replies.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Mulan and Emma are watching Hook from a distance as Landon casts spells to ward his mother off from the Haven while they bury the deceased and come up with a game plan. "Have you seen him before?" Emma asks, looking at the woman, who is familiar with everyone at the campsite.

"Yes, I've seen him around. He's a blacksmith," Mulan replies, watching the charming pirate. "Came to our camp a couple months ago. Said he lost his hand in an ogre attack. Why would Cora leave a survivor?"

"It's messy. Doesn't make sense," she mutters.

"You think he's lying?" The warrior asks, looking at the blond woman.

"I think Cora's tricked us before. I don't want that to happen again," the Saviour argues, and they head over to Killian with a cup. "Here you go." She hands it over. Mary Margaret and Aurora also join them.

"I can't thank you enough for your kindness. Fortune, it seems, has seen fit to show me favour," Hook muses, smiling at the four women.

"An island full of corpses. You're the only one to escape. How exactly did that happen?" Emma wonders, going into Sheriff mode.

"She attacked at night – slaughtered everyone in one fell swoop," he informs them. "When she started ripping out people's hearts, I hid under the bodies of those who had already been killed. Pretended to be dead myself. Mercifully, the ruse worked."

"So much for fortune favouring the brave," she muses, glaring at him.

"It was all I could do to survive," Killian argues.

"I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I'm pretty good at knowing when someone is lying to me," the blond woman tells him, leaning close.

"I'm telling you the truth," he replies, smirking.

"We should leave here in case Cora decides to come back," Mulan suggests, looking at the others.

"We should start searching for a new portal back to Storybrooke. I only got about five minutes with my husband, not to mention my grandson," Mary Margaret argues.

"You have a grandson?" Hook asks, looking at the raven-haired woman.

"Long story," she replies, smiling.

"Well, I know this land well. I can guide you," he suggests, and Landon walks over, joining the four women. Emma draws a dagger and holds it to Hook's throat.

"You're not going to guide us anywhere, until you tell us who you really are." Emma snaps, and Landon looks at her.

"I think I love you even more, Love," Landon comments, making Emma glance at him over her shoulder.

"Quiet you," she laughs and turns to Killian, who looks between them.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

Regina enters the psych ward in the hospital basement and realises it is completely deserted. "Dr Whale? Where are you?" Regina shouts, looking around.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–

At the Evil Queen's castle, Jefferson and Regina walk through the halls, the woman needing something from him. "Where is he, this wizard? You promised to bring him to me," she snaps, wanting to bring Daniel back to life.

"Indeed. And off we shall go to see him. But I warn you – be cautious," Jefferson warns her.

"Why? Is he dangerous?" Regina asks, looking at him.

"Not to us. But, bear in mind, he's never been to a world like this before. He's unfamiliar with our ways – with our Magic," he tells her.

"All I care about are his ways and if they will do what I require," she argues.

"Well, there's only one way to find out. May I present to you… Your salvation," the portal jumper says, leading her outside, where a man is waiting.

"You're the wizard?" The Queen questions.

"I prefer Doctor. But you're welcome to call me whatever makes you comfortable," Frankenstein replies coldly.

"Very well…Doctor. You understand why you've been brought here?" Regina asks him.

"Of course. Now… Show me the patient," he says, and Regina leads him towards the castle.

(SPELLBINDING)

The Evil Queen and Jefferson bring Frankenstein to the room where Daniel's body is magically preserved. "It's remarkable," he muses, inspecting the body. "It's as if his last breath was drawn just moments ago."

"A preservation spell. Can you bring him back?" Regina asks, hoping for a miracle.

"Perhaps. Let's take a look," Frankenstein replies, making an incision along Daniel's hand and squeezing some blood. He rubs the sample between his fingers. "It's wonderful. His condition is ideal. Apart from being dead, that is."

"Just how many times have you done this, Doctor?" She wonders, watching him closely.

"You didn't tell her?" He questions, looking at Jefferson.

"Tell… Tell me? Tell me what?" The Queen asks, looking between the two men.

" The procedure is experimental. Success is yet to occur. But if certain conditions are met, I'm optimistic," the Doctor replies, and Regina looks at him disappointed.

"Optimistic?" Regina snaps, glaring at the men.

"Just hear him out," Jefferson suggests, trying to calm her down before she explodes at them and draws Landon's attention.

"What kind of charlatan are you?" She growls.

"I am no such thing. I was told the last crucial piece of the puzzle exists in this land," Frankenstein argues.

"What else do you need?" The Queen asks, cooling down a little.

"A heart. It's a fragile organ, and I need a strong one. I've searched the far reaches of my realm for one with the fortitude to stand the shock of my procedure," the Doctor explains. "None have survived. But they say in your land, there are hearts transformed by Magic. Hearts made so powerful, they glow."

"That's why you've come here?" Regina questions.

"I need this for my work. So, tell me – how do you change these hearts? How do you enchant them?" Frankenstein wonders, wanting as much information as possible.

"Those who practise the dark arts do it by ripping the organ out of the living while it still beats," Jefferson explains, thinking of Rumpelstiltskin and now Landon, who has a little collecting like his mother.

"Mmhmm. And you can do this?" He asks, glancing at Regina.

"No," Regina replies sadly.

"You assured me that this Queen was some powerful sorceress," the Doctor snaps, looking at Jefferson.

"I will not use Magic for evil," she argues, not wanting to become her mother, even if Landon is becoming exactly like her, maybe even worse.

"Well, if you want your fiance back, then you're going to have to find someone who will." Jefferson tells her.

"Have I wasted my time here?" Frankenstein asks, looking at Jefferson and Regina.

"No. I know exactly who can help us. I know where to get a heart," Regina assures them.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

Regina keeps investigating the abandoned psych ward. "Dr Whale?" She calls out and comes to an autopsy room that appears to have been trashed. The lights flicker on and off, and there's a trolley with a bloody sheet over it. She lifts the bloody sheet to discover a severed arm. Regina steps back in shock but quickly recovers, pushing the trolley aside to find Dr Whale sprawled on the ground and missing his arm. "Whale? What? I know you took Daniel's body and you took one of my hearts." She snaps. "Why? Why?! Did you bring him back?"

"I did it," Dr Whale mutters, looking at her.

"He's alive?" Regina asks, looking at him in shock.

"Yes. I brought him back but… He's not Daniel," he replies.

"What?" She gasps.

"He's… He's a monster," the Doctor mutters.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–

At the castle, the Evil Queen, Jefferson, and Frankenstein stand before a large fireplace. "This… Was my mother's," she tells him, gesturing to the fireplace, and the men look at it, not impressed.

"How sweet. But I'm not interested in heirlooms," Frankenstein snaps.

"Oh, I believe you will be. Listen," Regina replies, smiling.

"To a fireplace?" He questions.

"Just listen," she snaps, and they can gradually hear the faint sound of beating hearts.

"Where is that coming from?" Jefferson asks, looking at her.

"Her vault," the Queen replies, magically transforming the fireplace into an entrance, and they enter the vault. Inside, she leads them to a room where the walls are lined with boxes containing hearts. "Take your pick."

"These are all hearts?" Frankenstein wonders, looking around.

"My mother was a collector," Regina informs them. "And my brother seems to be adding to it."

"Whose hearts are these?" Jefferson asks.

"I have no idea. She took so many, caused so much pain. It was impossible to keep track. She was a monster," she replies, sighing. "And my dear brother is following in her footprints during his mourning." Frankenstein pulls out one of the boxes from the wall. He opens the lid and peers down at the heart inside.

"Finally. After all this time. It's perfect," Frankenstein muses, smiling.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

When David arrives, Regina stands outside Dr Whale's hospital room after taking him upstairs. "What's going on?" David asks. "I just got a call that Dr Whale was attacked."

"You'll have to ask his doctors," Regina replies.

"No. I am asking you," he argues.

"I came here to speak with him and discovered he was hurt. It's the truth!" She snaps, knowing how the Charmings are.

"What else? What did you come here to speak with him about?" Charming asks, looking at her.

"Someone from my past. I believe he's come back. Daniel – his name is Daniel," the Mayor replies.

"The man you were supposed to marry. Snow told me what happened and… How it was her fault that he died," David says, making Regina look at him.

"Yes, he did," Regina mutters, thinking about that moment again.

"Well, then how could he be back?" He wonders.

"Whale. He believed he could bring him back from the grave and… I don't know how… But he has," She tells him.

"You don't know how? Guess," the Prince snaps.

"He practises something more powerful than Magic," the Evil Queen replies. "Or, so I was told. All he needed was a heart, and he took one of mine."

"You have hearts here?" David asks, looking at her in shock.

"In my vault. From our land," Regina tells him.

"Whose heart did he take?" He wonders.

"I have no idea. I took so many, it was impossible to keep track. I need to go. I have to help him," she snaps.

"No. Where is he? Look what he did – he's dangerous," Charming argues.

"Not to me. He won't hurt anyone else, David, I promise," the Mayor assures him.

"You know I can't take that chance. You have two choices Regina – tell me where he is, or jail," David warns her.

"I think it's like when you awoke from your coma. He's following his final thoughts to where he last met me – the stables," Regina replies.

"No. Henry. Henry's at the stables," he gasps, and Regina looks at him before running outside.

(SPELLBINDING)

Meanwhile, at the stable, Henry is brushing his horse in one of the stalls, keeping to his word and looking after his horse. "Gramps says that you'll tell me when I'm ready to ride you," Henry comments. "So… Anytime. Like, soon?" Suddenly, the horses become spooked. Henry's horse bushes the boy to the ground and runs off. Daniel then enters the stall in a zombie-like state.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Mulan ties Hook to a tree in the woods while Emma, Mary Margaret, Landon, and Aurora stand by. The Historian stands before the three women as he glares at the flirting pirate. "I already told you. I'm just a blacksmith," Hook assures them.

"Sure you are," Emma snaps and whistles. "You don't want to talk to us? Maybe, you'll talk to the ogres while they rip you limb from limb." The Ogres can be heard approaching. "Come on." The three women and Landon go to leave, but Hook calls out to them.

"You… You can't just leave me here like this!" He shouts.

"What if he's telling the truth?" Aurora asks, looking at the others.

"He's not," Emma argues.

"Good for you! You bested me. I can count the amount of people who've done that on one hand." Hook replies, smirking.

"That supposed to be funny? Who are you?" She asks, glaring at him.

"Killian Jones, but most people have taken to call me by my more colourful moniker – Hook." He tells them.

"Hook…" Mary Margaret mutters.

"Check my satchel," Killian replies.

"As in, Captain Hook?" Emma asks, and Landon laughs.

"Ah, so you've heard of me," he muses, and Landon stops laughing before stepping towards him, but Emma stops him.

"You better hurry up. They're getting closer. So, unless you want to be dinner, you better start talking," Landon snaps, glaring at the flirtatious pirate.

"Cora wanted me to gain your trust, so I could learn everything there is to know about your Storybrooke. She didn't want any surprises when she finally got over there," Hook informs them.

"She can't get there. We destroyed the wardrobe," Emma argues.

"Ah, but the enchantment remains. Cora gathered the ashes," he replies.

"She's going to use them to open up a portal," Landon realises.

"Now, if you'll kindly cut me loose," Killian asks, gesturing to the ropes.

"No. We should leave him here to die. To pay for all the lives that he took," Mulan suggests, looking at the others.

"That was Cora, not me," he argues.

"Let's go," Emma says, and they try to leave again, but Hooks stops them.

"Wait. Wait! You need me alive," Hook shouts.

"Why?" She asks, looking at him.

"Because we both want the same thing – to get back to your land," he argues, looking at them.

"You would say anything to save yourself. Why are we supposed to believe you now?" The Saviour wonders.

"I arranged for transport with Cora. But, seeing how resourceful you are, I'll offer you the same deal. I'll help you, if you promise to take me along," Hook replies, smirking.

"How are you going to help us get home?" Landon asks, not trying him.

"The ashes will open a portal, but, to find your land, she needs more. There's an enchanted compass. Cora seeks it. I'll help you obtain it before she does," he informs them.

"So, Cora won't make it to Storybrooke, and we'll be one step closer to getting home." Emma agrees, looking at the others.

"Sounds too good to be true," Mary Margaret argues, not trusting the pirate.

"There's only one way to find out," Killian suggests.

"You tell me one thing, and whatever you say, I better believe it – why does Captain Hook want to go to Storybrooke?" Emma asks, and Killian looks at them.

"To exact revenge on the man who took my hand… Rumpelstiltskin," he replies, and Landon laughs.

"I knew I recognised you," Landon muses, smirking. "You're the fool that went up against the Dark One."

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

Henry and Daniel stand in the stables, and the boy looks at the man warily. "You… You got to stop. You're… You're scaring the horses. A-Are… Are you hurt? Can I help you?" Henry extends his hand towards Daniel, which causes him to have a flashback to when Cora ripped out his heart. "Let me help you." Daniel grabs Henry by the neck and lifts him off the ground as Regina and David arrive.

"Daniel! Let him go!" Regina shouts, and Daniel drops Henry to the ground. David quickly pulls him out of the stall.

"Are you okay?" David asks, looking at his grandson.

"Yeah," Henry replies breathlessly.

"Go. Go!" He shouts, pushing Henry towards the exit, and Regina stands staring at Daniel.

"It's true. You're really here," Regina gasps, and Daniel lunges for Regina, but David pushes her out of the way. David then shuts the stall door and locks it as Daniel furiously beats on the door.

"It won't hold for long. Can you cast a spell to subdue him?" Charming asks, looking at Regina.

"No, I won't use Magic on him," the dark-haired woman argues, shaking her head, and David draws his gun. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"He's a monster, Regina! If you won't put him down, I will!" David snaps, and Regina looks at him.

"David, please! Just let me talk to him," Regina shouts and tries to physically restrain David.

"It's too big of a risk. There's no telling what he'll do," he warns her.

"You have to at least give me a chance!" She argues.

"Out of the way, Regina! Now!" Charming snaps, pushing Regina aside, but she is relentless and tries to physically stop David again, not wanting to lose Daniel again.

"No! I won't let you hurt him! He'll listen to me! Please! Let me talk to my fiance," the Evil Queen shouts, pulling David away from the stall door.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–

During a thunderstorm, Frankenstein sets up a tent in the middle of a field in order to do his experiment. Daniel's body lies inside as Jefferson and Regina wait outside until Frankenstein comes to fetch the heart for the final part of his scheme. "The heart, Your Majesty," Frankenstein requests, and she hands him the box containing the heart. "Thank you. Now please - wait here. The procedure is one I must perform alone." Frankenstein goes back into the tent to begin the procedure. The Evil Queen and Jefferson watch the shadows through the tent.

"What's he doing back there? Magic?" Regina questions, looking at Jefferson.

"He says he wields power greater than Magic," Jefferson replies, shrugging.

"Really? Why won't he let us see?" She wonders.

"In his land, there's much we don't understand. Or can't. If he can't achieve what you seek, Rumpelstiltskin was right. It can't be done," he argues. Lightning clashes, and Frankenstein appears to plunge his heart into Daniel's body before exiting the tent.

"Well?" The Queen asks nervously.

"I'm sorry. I failed. The heart wasn't strong enough. It couldn't withstand the procedure," Frankenstein informs her, breaking the woman's heart.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

Regina unlocks the door to the stall with Daniel inside, seemingly calmed down. He slowly approaches Regina and brings his hand up to cup her face, but instead, he grabs her by the neck. He slams her against the wall just outside the stall. "Daniel… Stop. It's me. I love you…" Regina says, and something inside Daniel changes, and he lets go of her neck.

"Regina…" Daniel mutters.

"Daniel…" She gasps, pulling him into a hug. "I can't believe it's really you." Suddenly, Daniel grimaces in pain. "Daniel?"

"Stop. Just stop the pain," he begs painfully.

"How?" The Evil Queen asks.

"Let me go," the stable boy gasps, wanting to find peace.

"No. No, I won't lose you again. Without you, I'm lost," Regina argues, close to tears, and Daniel, again, grimaces in pain. "Daniel. Daniel, come back to me."

"Can't…" Daniel mutters.

"But I love you," she says.

"Then love again," he replies, and something inside changes again, and he turns back to his 'monster' state. He starts to go for Regina, but she stops him with her Magic. Though hesitating, she magically turns him to dust.

"Goodbye, Daniel," the dark-haired woman whispers, looking at the pile of dust.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Emma, Mulan, Mary Margaret, Landon, and Aurora travel through the forest with Hook in tow, Landon taking some joy in this. "Up ahead. We'll find the compass just over the ridge," Hook informs them.

"Do you get the feeling he's leading us exactly where Cora wants us? That this whole thing's a trap?" Mary Margaret questions, looking at the others.

"It's definitely a trap. As long as we know they're trying to play us, we can-," Emma agrees, though they need to find a way home.

"Stay one step ahead of them," she replies.

"Exactly," the blond woman says, and they come to the edge of the forest, where they see a beanstalk in the distance.

"Let me guess – the compass is up there?" Landon groans.

"Oh, yeah," Killian replies, smiling.

"So, how do we get to it?" Emma asks, looking at the pirate.

"It's not the climb you need to worry about. It's the Giant at the top," he warns them, and Landon scoffs.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

Still upset, Regina parks her car outside Archie's office, needing his help.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–

The Evil Queen comes across Rumpelstiltskin and his new apprentice practising in the forest. "Who's this?" Regina asks, glaring at the new apprentice.

"Ah, your replacement, of course. I needed someone more dedicated," Rumpelstiltskin replies, smirking.

"Dedicated?" She questions and magically rips out the heart of the new apprentice and angrily crushes it to dust in her hand.

"Now… Where were we?" He muses, looking at her.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

Regina knocks on the door to Archie's office, and he answers. "You're back," Archie states, looking at her.

"I used Magic," Regina confesses, looking at Archie.

"Why don't you come in and tell me what happened?" He suggests, letting her inside.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Past]–

Jefferson leads Frankenstein through the woods until they reach their destination. "Enough. I need to be taken home," Frankenstein demands. "Now, I have work to do, and I believe our deal is done."

"The deal isn't done until he says it's done," Jefferson argues, and Rumpelstiltskin happily arrives, his plan having worked.

"Now, now. Patience, please. Our transaction is, uh, nearly complete," Rumpelstiltskin replies, looking at the Doctor.

"And are you satisfied with the results?" Frankenstein asks.

"She did seem rather… Heartbroken," he muses.

"She is. She bought my failure," the Doctor informs him stiffly.

"You should've seen her tears," the portal jumper adds.

"I've seen the aftermath. Impressive," Rumpelstiltskin replies, looking at Jefferson and Frankenstein.

"Now… My property," Frankenstein asks, holding out his hand.

"Yeah, here it is," Jefferson says, handing him a box containing a heart.

"You'll excuse me if I check," he snaps, opening the lid to find the heart beating inside. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you."

"Oh, the pleasure was mine. Thanks to your efforts, I've made my monster. Now, I do hope you'll be able to make yours," Rumpelstiltskin replies, looking at Frankenstein.

"I'm not making a monster," the Doctor argues, glaring at him.

"Sure you're not. Good luck," the Dark One muses, knowing something the others don't.

"If these hearts are as strong as you say, I won't need luck," Frankenstein replies.

"Oh, just Magic," Rumpelstiltskin says, making the Doctor look at him with a scoff.

"No. What I'm going to accomplish goes far beyond Magic," He scoffs, full of himself.

"And yet, you need a magical heart to do it," the Dark One argues.

"So small minded. I need my powers to transcend the limitations of your Magic," the Doctor replies, thinking of his brother.

"This must be quite a land you hail from if you think your abilities are more powerful," Rumpelstiltskin muses, looking at him.

"They are," Frankenstein agrees, making the Dark One glare at him.

"Care to wager? I suspect, someday, you'll see it my way," he questions.

"I doubt it. Now, may we go?" The Doctor asks, wanting to get back to his world.

"Careful, dearie. Just remember – whatever it is you traffic in, it comes with a price," the Dark One warns him, and Jefferson throws his hat on the ground, forming a purple vortex.

"We'll see," Frankenstein replies before jumping into the portal with Jefferson.

"Rumpelstiltskin!" Landon snaps, storming towards the Dark One, who turns around to see the much more muscular than before.

"Ah, Landon, it's good to see you," Rumpelstiltskin exclaims, looking at him and taking a step back.

"I just finished consoling my sister about losing any hope of bringing Daniel back to life. What did you do to my sister?" He demands, holding the Dark One's clothes in his clenched fists.

"I had to make her who she really is," the Dark One replies, trying to pry himself from Landon's iron-tight hold.

"You ever do something like this again, I will kill you. No matter about that damned Dagger, I will kill you. Even if I have to become the next Dark One. I will do it for my sister," Landon threatens him. "I will do anything for my sister."

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

Dr Whale arrives at Mr Gold's Pawn Shop with a cooler containing his severed arm. "When they say I charge an arm and a leg, that's meant as a figure of speech," Mr Gold muses, looking at the Doctor.

"Put it back," Dr Whale demands, gesturing to the cooler.

"You want me to reattach your arm?" He asks.

"Can you do it?" The Doctor wonders, hoping for his arm back.

"Of course. But first, tell me why," the Dark One replies, smirking.

"Because I want to use it again," Frankenstein snaps, already getting annoyed with Mr Gold.

"Obviously. I meant, why bring that stable boy back from the dead? Why now?" Rumpelstiltskin wonders.

"I thought… I thought that if I helped her, she would return me to my world. I want to see my brother – to try to bring him back again," Dr Whale argues.

"Again?" Mr Gold asks, looking at him.

"The first time ended badly. I need to return and try it once more," he tells him.

"Well, it seems that's rather beyond her abilities. My condolences," the Dark One replies, shrugging.

"Now, my arm. You said you can do it," the Doctor snaps, wanting his arm back.

"Oh, yes. But there's a difference between can, and will," Rumpelstiltskin argues.

"Name your price," Frankenstein growls, glaring at the Dark One.

"Say it," Mr Gold smirks.

"Say what?" Dr Whale asks, growing annoyed.

"You know what. You came here, not the hospital. So say it," he muses, wanting to hear the words.

"I need Magic," the Doctor snaps.

"That's all I needed to hear," the Dark One replies, waving his hand, and Dr Whale's arm magically reattaches. "Always a pleasure doing business with you, uh, Victor."

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Emma, Mary Margaret, Landon, Aurora, Mulan, and Hook approach the base of the beanstalk and look up, seeing that it extends through the clouds. "It's a little freakier than I remember from the story," Emma remarks.

"Reminds me of death," Mulan comments.

"Agreed," Landon mutters.

"Encouraging," Mary Margaret grumbles, looking at Mulan and Landon.

"Well, your compass awaits. Shall we?" Hook asks, looking at the others.

"Wait. If these beans create…portals, why not just pick one and go home? Why the compass?" Emma wonders, looking at Killian.

"Because there aren't any more beans. Whatever story you think you know, my dear, is most certainly wrong," he replies.

"There was a guy named Jack, and a cow, and something about an evil giant with a treasure and a golden goose. …Or harp," she tells them, shrugging.

"Sounds like a lovely tale," Landon laughs. "Something a stupid author would write."

"But the truth's a little bit more gruesome," Killian agrees. "The giants grew the beans, but, rather than use them for good, they used them to plunder all the lands. Jack, was a man who fought a terrible w*r, defeating all but one of the evil giants. The beans were destroyed by the giants as they died. If they couldn't have their Magic, then nobody could. It's really very bad form."

"Evil giants, who made magic portal beans? Why doesn't anyone just go up and grow some more?" Emma wonders.

"Because one giant survived," he reveals, making the four women look at him. "The strongest and most terrible of them all. And we'll have to get past him to-."

"The magic compass," Mary Margaret realises.

"Indeed. The treasure remains, and amongst it is the compass," Hook replies, smirking. "Now it will guide us to your land. Cora has the means to open a portal with the wardrobe ashes, but she can't find your land without the compass. Once we get it, steal the ashes from her and we're on our way."

"How do we know you're not just using us to get the compass for Cora?" Mulan asks, glaring at him.

"Because you five are far safer company. All I need is a ride back. I'll swear allegiance to whomever gets me there first," he argues, telling them the truth.

"Then we'd better start climbing," Emma agrees, stepping towards the beanstalk, and Landon pulls her back, feeling a barrier spell around it.

"Right, so… I failed to mention that the giant enchanted the beanstalk to repel intruders." Killian tells them.

"Alright, so how do we get up there?" She asks, looking at the pirate.

"I've got a counter spell from Cora. If you'd be so kind," he replies, holding up his wrists, which are still tied together. Mary Margaret begrudgingly unties him, and he holds up one of his arms, showing a glowing cuff around his wrist. "Thank you, milady. I've got one more of these. Cora was to accompany me. So… Which one of you four lovelies shall take her place? Hm? Go on, fight it out. Don't be afraid to, you know, really get into it."

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Past]–

Eleven years ago in Portland, Oregon, a younger Emma approaches a parked yellow beetle and pulls out a metal rod, which she uses to open the lock. She gets inside and uses a screwdriver to start the transmission. Emma happily drives off, but it soon turns strange as a man pops up from the back seat and leans forward, holding a pair of keys. "Impressive. But really, you could've just asked me for the keys. Just drive. It's fine," he says, spooking the young blond woman.

"I just stole your car. Your life could be in danger," Emma argues, looking at the strange man.

"Neal Cassidy," he tells her.

"Yeah, I'm not telling you my name," she snaps.

"No, I don't need it to have you arrested when the robbery's in progress," Neal argues, not bothered, though rather impressed.

"Emma. Swan," the blond woman tells him.

"Good name," he remarks, smiling.

"So, do you just live in here, or are you just waiting for the car to be stolen?" Emma wonders, smiling back at him.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

The four women and two men stand at the bottom of the beanstalk, and the five argue while Hook watches, amused. "All due respect, I'm the best equipped to go. How many wars have you been through?" Mulan snaps.

"My share," Mary Margaret argues, wanting to help.

"It should be me," Aurora tells them, making the others look at her.

"You? You haven't fought in a battle," Mulan snaps, wanting to protect the Princess.

"This is about us getting home to our loved ones. Why would you-," Mary Margaret argues, looking at her.

"Because I have no loved ones. If I fail, you can still go on," Aurora replies, shrugging.

"It's me. I'm going, and I'm not going to fail," Emma assures them, looking at Landon, who doesn't look pleased.

"You're new here," Mary Margaret argues, looking at her daughter.

"It's about getting back to Henry. I don't care what I have to face. You're not going to argue with me?" She questions.

"Would it do any good?" Landon asks, looking at his girlfriend.

"No. Anything in that bag that's going to help me with a giant?" The Saviour wonders, looking at Mulan.

"A hook?" Mulan replies.

"Hey!" Hook shouts, having overheard them.

"Come with me," she says, taking Emma aside, pulling out a cloth satchel, and handing it to Emma. "This – powder made from poppies. He has to inhale it."

"And your sword – how strong is it?" Emma wonders, looking at it.

"The most powerful blade in all the realms," the warrior replies.

"Is it strong enough to cut through that beanstalk?" She asks, thinking of the worst.

"Indeed," Mulan says, catching on a little.

"Give me ten hours. If I'm not back, you cut it down and keep going," the blond woman requests.

"Snow and Landon won't like that," she warns her.

"That's why I'm asking you. If I don't get back, you get them home," Emma pleads, not wanting Henry to be alone.

"Ladies. In this world, we are slaves to time. And ours is running out. In other words, tick tock," Hook says, making them look at him, and Landon glares at him. Emma walks over, joining Killian. "I was hoping it'd be you."

"Just get on with it," she snaps, growing annoyed at him already.

"Put your hand right here," he tells her. Emma puts her hand on Killian's shoulder, and he snaps the second magical cuff to her wrist. "That's a good girl. This will allow you to climb. There are other dangers. Thankfully, you've got me to protect you. I can't climb one-handed, can I?" Emma hands him his hook from the bag.

"Don't think I'm taking my eyes off you for a second," the blond woman warns him.

"I would despair if you did," Killian muses, flirting with her.

"Hold on a second," Landon snaps, stepping towards Killian, who looks at him a little fearfully. "Anything happens to Emma, I'll kill you. And my mother won't mind a bit. My dear, lovely, evil mother, Cora." Hook looks at him in shock.

"Let's go," Emma announces, pulling Killian towards the beanstalk, and they begin climbing up.

(SPELLBINDING)

Emma and Hook climb the beanstalk, managing to reach the upper part. "First beanstalk? Well, you never forget your first," Hook muses, looking at her. "You know, most men would take your silence as off-putting, but I love a challenge."

"I'm concentrating," Emma argues.

"No, you're afraid. Afraid to talk – to reveal yourself. Trust me – things'll be a lot smoother if you do," he replies, smirking.

"You should be used to people not trusting you." she snaps, just wanting to get back down to Landon and Mary Margaret.

"Ah, the pirate thing. Well, I don't need you to share. You're something of an open book," Killian argues, smiling.

"Am I?" The blond woman questions.

"Quite. Let's see – you volunteered to come up here because you were the most motivated. You need to get back to a child," Hook says, making Emma look at him.

"That's not perception. That's eavesdropping," Emma argues, rolling her eyes.

"Ah, but you don't want to abandon him the way you were abandoned," he adds.

"Was I?" She muses.

"Like I said, an open book," Killian repeats.

"How would you know that?" The Saviour questions, climbing further up.

"I spent many years in Neverland – home of the Lost Boys. They all share the same look in their eyes… The look you get when you've been left alone," Hook replies, looking at her.

"Yeah, well, my world ain't Neverland," Emma argues.

"But an orphan's an orphan. Love has been all too rare in your life, hasn't it? You ever even been in love?" He wonders, and Landon comes to Emma's mind.

"Yeah. I have," she replies.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Past]–

Emma and Neal walk into a convenience store where the young blond woman is faking a pregnancy. "I think this little guy is hungry. Go ahead and get whatever you want, sweetie. I'm going to get directions," Neal says, playing along with the gag.

"I will," Emma replies, and Neal walks up to the clerk.

"Hey, man," he says, making the clerk look up at him.

"How are you?" The clerk asks. Neal pulls a map off the shelf, opens it and attempts to lock the clerk's view. Meanwhile, Emma swipes food and stuffs it under her dress.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Mulan draws a sundial in the sand with a stick, keeping her word for Emma. "What is that?" Aurora asks, watching her.

"It keeps the time," Mulan replies, but Landon has a bad feeling as he looks up at the beanstalk.

"You have somewhere to be?" Mary Margaret wonders, looking at the female warrior.

"We can mark watches – take turns sleeping," she says, avoiding the question. "We'll most likely have to walk through the night again, so we should rest while we can."

"I'll take the first shift," Snow offers.

"I'll stay up with you," Aurora adds, making Snow look at her.

"Okay," Mulan replies, leaving.

"When's the last time you slept?" Mary Margaret asks the Princess.

"I don't really sleep now. Not after what I've been through," Aurora argues, looking at the ground.

"Sleeping curse," she muses, thinking about it.

"The one time I did sleep, I had horrible nightmares," the Princess replies, sighing.

"It's a side effect. Same thing happened to me," Snow tells her.

"It did?" Aurora asks.

"I had them for months. Charming – my husband – he used to wake me," Mary Margaret explains. "When I cried out, he'd light a candle. He said it would capture the nightmares. He'd watch over me as I fell back to sleep."

"Sounds like he lives up to his name," she muses, laughing lightly.

"Yeah. Um… Why don't you try… To sleep? I'll watch over you. You'll be safe," Snow promises her.

"Thank you," Sleeping Beauty says before closing her eyes, and Landon waits until she's asleep and sits beside Snow.

"You know, this used to help, didn't it?" Landon asks, conjuring a candle, and Mary Margaret smiles as he lights it and places it before Aurora on the ground.

"You're very sweet, Landon," Mary Margaret says, smiling.

"Don't tell anyone," he jokes.

(SPELLBINDING)

Hook and Emma reach the top of the beanstalk to find a giant, destitute-looking castle. "What happened here?" Emma asks, looking around.

"It's where the final battle was. Give me your hand," Killian tells her as they look around.

"What?" She asks, looking at him.

"Your hand – it's cut. Let me help you," he tells her.

"No, no. It's fine," the blond woman argues, keeping her hands by her side.

"No, it's not," Hook argues.

"So, now you're going to be a gentleman?" Emma questions, looking at him.

"Giants can smell blood. And I'm always a gentleman," Killian retorts, uncorking a bottle and pouring the contents over Emma's hand, making her cringe in pain.

"Ah! Ow! What the hell is that?" She snaps, pulling her hand away.

"It's rum. A bloody waste of it," he jokes, tying a piece of fabric around Emma's injury. "Now here's the plan – we wait for the Giant to fall asleep. And when he does, we'll sneak past him into his cave. It's where the treasures are – where the compass lies."

"And then?" The Saviour asks.

"And then we run like hell," the pirate replies.

"I don't have time to wait for a giant to fall asleep," Emma argues. "The powder Mulan gave us – we need to use it. We got to knock him out."

"Well, that's riskier," Killian argues.

"Than waiting for a giant to fall asleep when we need him to?" She questions.

"Point taken. Oo, you're a tough lass. You'd make a hell of a pirate," he muses, smiling.

"Who's Milah on the tattoo?" The blond woman asks, having seen it earlier.

"Someone from long ago," Hook replies.

"Where is she?" Emma wonders.

"She's gone," he tells her.

"Gold. Rumpelstiltskin. He took more than your hand from you, didn't he? That's why you want to kill him," she realises, looking at him.

"For someone who's only ever been in love once, you're quite perceptive, aren't you?" Hook muses, smiling.

"Maybe I was, once before," the Saviour says, sighing and thinking about her distant past.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Past]–

Emma waits for Neal by a tree, and when he arrives, she holds up a paper bag for him. "I got doughnuts. I got jelly," Emma tells him and sees the look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Neal assures her.

"No, no. Hey. What's wrong?" She asks him again.

"This was on the wall at the post office," he tells her, handing her a 'wanted' poster searching for Neal Cassidy. "I didn't even know they did that still."

"When did this happen?" The blond woman wonders, taking the poster.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Armed with the poppy powder, Emma was perching herself on a statue near the castle entrance. Hook, still on the ground, finds a bone. "You ready?" Hook asks her, looking up at him.

"Yeah," Emma replies, and Hook bangs a metal shield with the bone, the noise causing the Giant to awaken inside the castle. Moments later, the Giant exits, and Emma realises that the Giant is far taller than the statue she's currently sitting on. "Oh, damn it." Killian begins provoking the Giant with taunts as he slowly leads the Giant toward Emma.

"Hey! You big git!" He shouts. "Yeah, you. Huh? You want to kill a human? Huh? You want to kill a human? Well, I'm the worst human around. Come on. Come on, then! Come on, then!" When the Giant leans over to grab Killian, Emma throws the poppy powder in his face, causing the Giant to be knocked unconscious and fall to the ground. However, Hook is nowhere in sight.

"Hook? Hook!" She yells, and Hook appears from behind the Giant.

"He's out cold. I don't mean to upset you, Emma, but I think we make quite the team." Killian says, making her sigh.

"Let's go steal a compass," the blond woman replies, climbing down the statue.

(SPELLBINDING)

Mulan checks the sundial and sees that it has almost been ten hours since Hook and Emma left. Aurora thrashes in her sleep, seemingly in the throes of a nightmare, and Mary Margaret wakes her up. "Hey. Aurora?" Mary Margaret asks, soothing the woman. "It was just a dream. It was just a dream."

"It was horrible," Aurora gasps, clinging to the raven-haired woman.

"Why don't you tell me about it? Do you want to tell me about it?" She asks. "Come on – let's stand. Tell me."

"It was the same as last time. I was in this room," the Princess explains, and Snow remembers her own dream, which sounds eerily similar. "This… This red room. It was bright. Blood-red curtains. There was no windows or doors, so it didn't make sense, and I couldn't get in or out. I was trapped. The curtains – they were on fire. It was horrible."

"It's okay," Snow assures her.

"I was hunched in a corner, and I looked over into the other corner. And in the shadows, there was someone else there. I just see his eyes. He was looking right at me," Aurora replies.

"It's okay. It's over now. These nightmares… They will fade away. I promise," Mary Margaret tells her.

"Did they for you?" She asks.

"Yeah. Come on. Come on. I'll sit with you until you fall back asleep. Who else do I have to take care of?" The raven-haired woman argues, smiling.

(SPELLBINDING)

Emma and Hook enter a room filled with treasure in the Giant's castle. "They hoarded all of their greatest stolen treasures in here," Hook muses, looking around. "Piles of jewels, and every room filled with coins."

"Let's get to it. The compass," Emma reminds him, walking through the piles of treasure.

"What's your rush?" He asks, wanting to look around more.

"How long do you think magic knockout powder lasts?" She questions, and he considers it.

"I have no clue," Killian replies.

"That's my rush," the blond woman argues.

"Too right, lass. Come. Everything we need is right in front of us," Hook replies, smirking.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Past]–

Emma nervously stands in front of the lockers at the train station. Nearby, she sees two cops talking and holding the key; she scans the lockers for the right one. She hesitantly unlocks it and pulls out the bag of watches. Successfully, she then exits the station.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Emma and Hook continue exploring the treasure room, trying to find the compass. "They kill all the giant housekeepers, too? How we going to find a compass in this mess?" Emma asks, moving everything around.

"By looking. Start searching. I wonder how much treasure we could carry down the beanstalk. …In addition to the compass, of course," Hook muses, and they come across a skeleton holding a sword with the word 'Jack' etched into the blade.

"What the hell?" She questions, looking at the skeleton.

"That… Would be Jack," he replies, looking at it.

"As in Jack…?" The Saviour asks, glancing at him.

"The Giant killer," Killian confirms.

"With that toothpick?" Emma wonders, frowning.

"Well, it packs quite a wallop. You'd be surprised," Hook replies, going to keep walking, but Emma stops him by pulling him into her arms.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" She shouts.

"It's about bloody time," Hook muses, flirting with her.

"It's a tripwire. Quite a security system," the Saviour argues, pushing him away, and they look up to see a cage attached to the tripwire.

"Well, that's a plausible excuse for grabbing me, but next time don't stand on ceremony," Killian replies, smirking.

"Let's find the compass and go home. After you," Emma snaps, walking further into the treasure room.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Past]–

Emma rushes into the car, where Neal is waiting for her. "Oh, thank God," Neal sighs, and she hands him the bag, and they kiss.

"Let's see 'em," Emma asks, and he takes out the case of watches, opening the lid. "That's not as many as I thought."

"Yeah, but they're super pricey. This is twenty thousand dollars, easy," he tells her.

"Twenty thousand?! Tallahassee…" She beams, hoping for their dream to come true.

"Listen, I'm going to go meet the fence. I'll meet you with the money. Remember where? The parking structure by the tracks," Cassidy informs her.

"Yes," the blond woman assures him.

"Nine o'clock, sharp. This is so there's no mix-ups…" Neal reminds her, taking out one of the watches and fastening it around Emma's wrist.

(SPELLBINDING)

Neal walks down a dark street with the watches when a man appears, beginning to follow him. Neal attempts to appear composed but then decides to make a run for it, thinking the man is a cop. The man chases Neal into an alley, where he tries jumping a fence, but the man grabs him and pulls him to the ground before Neal can scale it. The man turns out to be August. "You got the wrong guy, officer! I wasn't even jaywalking!" Neal shouts.

"It's not like that. You want to protect Emma? Come with me," August argues.

"What?" He asks, looking at the strange man.

"Get up," Pinocchio snaps.

"How do you know Emma?" Cassidy wonders, glaring.

"Name's August. And it's a long story, but trust me – you want to hear it," August replies, trying to help Emma.

"Alright, August. If you're not a cop, who are you? You got two minutes," Neal snaps.

"Think of me as Emma's guardian angel," he tells him.

(SPELLBINDING)

At the parking structure, Emma waits for Neal and attempts to call him but gets an 'out of service' error, making her worry. "Damn right, it's an error," she snaps when a cop appears, armed with a gun.

"Unless he set you up. Hands above your head please, miss," the cop orders her.

"Wait. Why?" Emma asks, shocked.

"Possession of stolen goods. Left you holding," he muses.

"I have nothing," she argues.

"Sorry to tell you, but your boy took off," the cop informs her, surprising Emma and leaving her heartbroken. "Probably in Canada by now. He called in a tip – told us to take a look at the surveillance footage at the train station. Give me the watch. Now!" Emma begins unfastening the watch. "You know your rights?"

"Yeah," the blond woman mutters, holding the watch to the cop, and he goes to handcuff her.

"Good girl. Turn around. Where's the rest of the watches?" He asks her.

"They're gone. They're not coming back," Emma replies, her heart dropping to the floor.

"Let's go," he snaps, pulling her to his squad car.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Hook and Emma continue searching. "So it's just…in here somewhere?" Emma asks, still not being able to find the compass.

"Allegedly. Give me a boost would you, love?" Hook asks, getting to a step that's too big for either of them.

"So I can't see what you're pocketing? No way. You give me a boost," she argues.

"Try something new, darling. It's called trust," he retorts.

"We do it side by side and fast. Who knows how long before the-," the Saviour warns him when they hear the Giant's footsteps in the distance.

"Someone's up. Quickly. Get under something," Killian warns her, and the Giant charges into the treasure room, the Giant's stomping causing parts of the ceiling to cave in. Debris falls onto where Hook is standing.

"Hook?" Emma gasps as the Giant charges at her and reaches down to grab her.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Past]–

Two months later, Neal meets with August in Vancouver. "Been a while. Where'd you go?" August asks him.

"Tried to lose myself. It didn't work. I want to talk to you about Emma," Neal snaps, glaring at August.

"I hope you're not trying to reach out," he questions, not wanting Neal to ruin Emma's chances of doing better.

"I just… I feel like… If… If I knew that she was okay, then I could move on. Is she?" Cassidy asks him.

"She will be. She got eleven months," Pinocchio assures the con man.

"That should be me! I should be doing that time," Neal argues.

"No. We went over this. It's good," August tells him.

"How's it good?" He asks.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Fairy Tale World: Present]–

Emma struggles with the Giant's fist. "I'm not what you think!" Emma shouts.

"You're a thief, and you poisoned me," the Giant snaps. "So yeah, I'm pretty sure you're exactly what I think."

"No. Look, you have a compass. I need it," she explains.

"I don't care what you need," he growls, tightening his grip as Emma struggles to breathe.

"No, for my son! To save my son! Don't you have a family?" The blond woman asks, making the Giant angrier.

"No. Because humans killed them all," the Giant snaps, and Emma's vision begins to fade when she bites the Giant's hand. He drops her in pain, and she runs toward Jack's skeleton. She jumps over the tripwire and grabs Jack's sword, which Emma then uses to set off the trap. The cage falls onto the Giant, trapping him.

"Nice security system. Efficient," Emma muses, pointing the sword towards the Giant's face.

"No. No! No! No! No!" He shouts.

"I can tell by your face you know what this is. Let me guess – it's dipped in some sort of poison. You have a compass. I need it," she demands.

"You're going to kill me either way. Go ahead. Kill me," the Giant snaps.

"You don't know me," the blond woman argues.

"I know your kind. They massacred us, and destroyed our beans," he growls.

"I heard it the other way," Emma replies.

"That's because the victors get to tell the story," the Giant yells, and Emma pokes the sword closer." Okay! Stop. Here." He slides the compass across the floor towards her, and she retrieves it. "See? I'm not the bad guy."

"Maybe you are telling the truth. Doesn't really matter. I have to go. Are there any more of you?" She asks, looking around.

"No. I'm alone," he tells her, and Emma spots a shrivelled-looking bean attached to the Giant's necklace.

"What's this? Is this a bean? Can this make a portal?" The Saviour wonders, gesturing to the bean.

"Not anymore. It was destroyed like the rest of them. I wear it as a reminder… A reminder that you're all Killers," the Giant replies, and Emma points the sword towards him again.

"You're wrong," Emma snaps, lowering her sword and starting to walk away. When she is turned, the Giant breaks free from the cage. The Giant grabs a boulder covering a tunnel that leads outside and throws it across the room.

"Go," he orders, wanting her out of his castle.

"Why?" She asks, surprised.

"Because you could've killed me, and you didn't. You get one favour. Now go, before I change my mind," the Giant argues, and Emma turns to leave but stops.

"Actually… I get two favours," the blond woman reasons.

"What?" He asks.

"Well, the way I see it, I could've killed you twice – the poison and when you were knocked out. I didn't," Emma reminds him.

"What do you want?" The Giant asks her.

Later, Emma pulls Hook from under the debris after talking with Tiny. "Hook," she calls him, trying to wake him up, and he finally wakes, looking at the blond woman.

"You are bloody brilliant. Amazing. May I see it? The compass," Killian asks, and Emma holds out the compass for Hook to see. "It's more beautiful than legend." Suspicious of him, Emma withdraws her hand and pockets the compass. "Come. Let's go." Hook extends his hand to Emma, but instead of taking it, Emma grabs a nearby shackle and chains Killian to the wall. "What are you doing? What are you doing?"

"Hook, I… I… I can't…" Emma argues, not trusting him.

"Emma, look at me. Have I told you a lie? I brought you here. I risked my own safety to help you. The compass is in your hand. Why do this to me now?" He asks her.

"I can't take a chance that I'm wrong about you. I'm sorry," she replies, feeling a little sorry, but she'll do anything to get back to Henry.

"You're sorry? You're sorry?! I got you here! I got you the compass!" Hook snaps.

"I got the compass," the blond woman argues.

"Well, you're just going to leave me here to die? Have that beast to eat me, to crush my bones?" Killian shouts.

"He's not a beast. And you're not going to die. I just need a head start – that's all," Emma assures him before walking off.

"Swan. Swan! Swan!" Hook yells after her.

(SPELLBINDING)

Mulan checks the sundial and sees that the ten hours have gone. Mary Margaret still watches Aurora as she sleeps while Landon paces around the base of the beanstalk. Mulan draws her sword and heads towards the beanstalk. "Whoa, wait!" Mary Margaret shouts, rushing towards her. "What are you doing?"

"Just stay back. Emma gave me ten hours," Mulan retorts, swinging her sword.

"No, no, no!" Landon shouts.

"What, you're just going to leave her to die?" Aurora asks, standing by Mary Margaret.

"Ten hours. She may already be dead," Mulan replies.

"No, st-!" She yells as Mulan strikes the beanstalk with her sword, and a surge of Magic travels up it.

"No!" Mary Margaret and Landon shout.

"No, stop!" Sleeping Beauty exclaims, and Landon waves his hand, pushing Mulan to the ground, and she fights against it. "Stop! Stop!"

"This was your daughter's wish!" Mulan argues.

"I don't care what you say! You do not put my daughter in danger!" Mary Margaret snaps.

"Stop!" Emma shouts, jumping down from the beanstalk, making Landon stop the step and rush towards her, bringing her into a hug.

"Emma! You okay?" She asks, pulling her out of Landon's arms and checking her out.

"Two earthquakes and a jump from a beanstalk. I think my brain's still rattling around a little," the blond woman replies, smiling.

"I did what she ordered, nothing more than that. Did you get it?" Mulan asks, looking at Emma.

"Yep," Emma says, showing them the compass.

"W-Where's Hook?" Aurora wonders, waiting for Killian to appear from the beanstalk.

"He's detained. Let's go," she replies. "Get your stuff. We got ten hours before he follows us."

"What? How?" Mary Margaret asks,

"I got a friend looking after him till then," the Saviour tells them.

"You told her to cut it down?" Landon asks her, and she avoids his gaze.

"Yes. I couldn't risk-," Emma replies.

"We go back together. That is the only way. Do you understand?" Mary Margaret warns her daughter, and they hug.

"Yeah…" She mutters, enjoying the hug more than she'd like to admit.

"Good. Now, let's go get that dust from Cora," Snow replies, smiling.

"Yeah, and go home," the blond woman agrees, taking Landon's hand, and they walk off.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Past]–

Still, eleven years ago, Emma sits in a jail cell in Phoenix, Arizona, and a guard enters with a brown envelope. "Swan, you got mail," the guard announces. "Know anyone in Phuket? I've got to open this in front of you. Those are the rules. Okay." The guard holds a set of car keys attached to the stolen swan keychain. "Look – car keys. Hope you got the car it goes with," Emma looks up. "Nothing else. No letter. Sorry. But, good news – you get a car when you get out. And a baby. Congratulations." Emma looks down at the positive pregnancy test in her hands.

(SPELLBINDING)

–[Real World: Present]–

Henry suddenly bolts up in bed at Mary Margaret's apartment and screams, making David rush down the stairs to check on his grandson. "Henry? Henry? Hey, hey, hey, hey. You're okay, you're okay. You're okay, you're okay," David soothes him.

"I… I just had the worst nightmare," Henry tells him.

"It's over now," he assures her.

"Okay," the Mills boy mutters.

"Okay? Here. This will help," Charming says, lighting a candle next to Henry's bed.

"A candle?" Henry asks, looking at it.

"Yeah. They keep the nightmares away. Now, talk to me. What was so bad?" David wonders.

"I… I was in this room, and… And it was red. And there was no doors, no windows. And these curtains… And they were on fire. And… I was in this corner," he explains.

"Right," the Prince mutters, thinking about Snow.

"And… And… And… And I was looking out, and there was someone else there. She was staring at me through the flames. Th-Then I woke up and…" the Mayor's son says.

"Hey, don't worry, alright? It was just a bad dream," David assures him, though he thinks it is something else.