XVI. "It's not my sister."
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
Using a cloak to disguise himself, Killian walks up the stairs leading to a tower in the Evil Queen's castle. Along the way, he encounters a guard on the stairs. "Halt," the guard orders, raising his hand, making Hook stop, looking at him.
"Food for the prisoner," Hook replies, hiding his face.
"It's not mealtime. Who are you? Identify yourself, slave!" He snaps, and Killian knocks the guard to the ground, struggling, but easily defeats him.
"Slave? I prefer Captain," Killian chuckles, taking the keys from the dead guard and continuing his way upwards. At the top of the tower, Hook enters a room where Belle is being held captive. "Hi… You must be Belle."
"The Queen sent you, didn't she? She wants you to kill me," Belle gasps, looking at the pirate.
"I'm not here to kill you, love. I'm here to rescue you," Hook replies, smirking and beginning to unlock her shackles.
"Rescue me? Who are you?" She asks.
"A friend. We haven't much time. Your father's life is in danger. He's being attacked by the very same monster who stole you away from your family in the first place," he lies, panicking the sweet woman.
"What, Rumpelstiltskin?" The Beauty gasps.
"The Dark One – he must be stopped. You spent more time with him than anyone. There are rumours of a magical weapon that has the power to kill him," Killian reasons, wanting to kill the Dark One.
"No, no, no, no. Let… Let me talk to him. He's not a monster," Belle argues.
"Belle, your father's life hangs in the balance. I need to know what that weapon is, and where to find it," Hook snaps.
"I don't know what you're talking about, and I have no idea how to… How to kill Rumpelstiltskin," she tells him, making him stop and look at her.
"You don't?" He asks, frowning.
"No. And… And nor would I," the bookworm snaps firmly.
"Hm. Then, I'm afraid I'm not here to rescue you," Killian groans, backhanding Belle, rendering her unconscious. "So pretty… Yet, so useless." He raises his arm, preparing to kill her with his hook, but is stopped by the Evil Queen. She enters the room and magically removes his hook.
"No. Not useless. She's a valuable chess piece," Regina argues, glaring at him.
"Do I look like I'm playing a game of chess? My hook, if you please," Hook retorts.
"No," she replies, shaking her head.
"The asking was me being a gentleman," he argues.
"Is that any way to address a Queen? Even a pirate should have better manners than that," the Evil Queen muses. "Yes… I know who you are… Captain. I know why you came here from Neverland. And I know all about the crocodile you wish to skin."
"Then you also know that I'll stop at nothing," Killian snaps.
"So dedicated and resourceful. No one has been able to fight their way past my defences before. She can't help you kill Rumpelstiltskin, Hook. But I can, if you do something for me. Care to join me for a drink?" Regina asks him, hoping to make an alliance with him.
{SPELLBINDING}
The Evil Queen pours out two drinks, handing one to Hook. "Things are about to change in this world. Radically. I have plans to enact a curse that will take everyone to a far-off land," Regina explains.
"How will that help me?" Killian asks, looking at her.
"This new realm? It's a land without Magic. Where the Dark One will be stripped of his powers. There, you won't need any magical weapon to kill him. You can do it with a mere flick of your wrist," she informs him.
"Tell me what I have to do," he demands.
"There's one person I don't want following me to this new land. You're to see to it that doesn't happen," the Evil Queen replies, smiling.
"An assassination. Who is it you want me to dispose of?" Hook wonders.
"My mother," Regina says, glaring.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Storybrooke - Present]–
Regina checks on David at Mr Gold's shop, still under the sleeping curse. "Any change?" Mr Gold asks.
"No. He's not improving. He needs true love's kiss. He won't wake up until Mary Margaret comes back," Regina replies, sighing.
"Until? Well, that's rather optimistic, isn't it?" He muses.
"What are you talking about?" She asks, looking at him.
"They're up against your mother. The only chance Snow, Landon, and Emma have of defeating her, is with the squid ink." The Dark One argues, and Regina groans.
"Which is why you sent the message through David," the Mayor realises.
"Which would be beneficial, if we knew that message were delivered. But alas, given the Prince's condition, we don't know. As such, it's important we take precautions. We have to consider the possibility that, when that portal opens, it won't be his family and Landon that come through. It'll be Cora," Rumpelstiltskin warns her, and Regina isn't too sure she cares if it's the Charmings as long as Landon makes it out.
"And neither one of us wants that," Regina agrees, playing him as she thinks about it further.
"We have to find where they're coming through, and destroy that portal." He tells her, coming up with a plan.
"But whoever came through would die," she argues, thinking of her brother.
"Exactly. But, I'm confident between the two of us, we can summon up enough Magic to complete the task." Mr Gold assures her.
"Well, what if we're wrong? What if that portal opens up, and it's not my mother? What if Mary Margaret, Emma, and Landon do defeat Cora, and go through it?" The Evil Queen snaps.
"Well, I believe in this world, they call that a win-win," the Dark One reasons. "I'm sure Landon will be smart enough."
"How exactly is that?" Regina questions angrily.
"If we stop Cora, you are protected from your mother's wrath. If, on the other hand, we stop Snow, Emma, and Landon, well…" He argues. "You become the only mother in your son's life, now don't you? Look, Magic is unpredictable in this world. If something unfortunate were to happen while you were attempting to help… Henry could hardly blame you for that, could he?"
"What about Landon?" She questions and shakes her head. "No. I can't lie to him. I am trying to be a better mother."
"You won't be able to be a better anything if Cora comes through," the Dark One warns her. "And if she does, she will be a threat to everyone – including your son and Landon. Landon will be under your mother's thumb and we'll all pay for it. So, if you truly want to be a good mother to Henry – to protect him – if you want to be better, prove it."
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Fairy Tale Land - Present]–
Mary Margaret, Emma, Landon, Mulan, and Aurora arrive at Rumpelstiltskin's cell. "Ah, fond memories," Landon muses, making the women stare at him. "What? Seeing him in this cell brought a tear to my eye." He jokes and laughs, and Emma nudges him, stopping him from laughing.
"Rumpelstiltskin's cell. I haven't been here since before Regina's curse. This is where he told us you were going to be the Saviour," Mary Margaret says, looking at Emma.
"He knew?" Emma questions, frowning.
"It was prophesied. Come on," she replies, and inside, they find the cell completely empty.
"The squid ink – it's not here," Aurora announces, searching.
"Gold said we would find it," Snow argues, and they begin checking the crevices of the walls.
"Well, was there anyone else in here with him? Could they have taken the ink?" Mulan asks.
"No, he was kept alone. Visitors were forbidden. He was too dangerous to allow any human contact," Mary Margaret tells them.
"How'd he keep from going crazy?" Emma wonders, and Aurora finds a piece of paper tucked into the wall.
"He didn't," Aurora announces, making everyone look at her.
"What is it?" Landon asks.
"Is that a message?" She wonders.
"Yes. And I think it's for you," Aurora replies, handing her the paper.
"Why would you think… That," the blond woman mutters as on the paper, 'Emma' is written repeatedly, and nothing else.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Storybrooke - Present]–
Henry is reading the 'Snow White' chapter from his book to David when Regina enters the back room. "I think this time, it'll happen the other way around," Regina muses.
"You think so?" Henry asks.
"I do. Which is why I need you to stay here and watch David for a little while," she tells him.
"Where are you going?" He wonders.
"Mr Gold and I need to prepare for Landon, Emma, and Mary Margaret's return. Coming through the portal won't be easy. We need to make sure everything's in place," the Mayor replies smoothly.
"Really? You're really going to help them?" The Mills boy asks, smiling.
"I promised you I was going to do better – to be better. So, yes, I'm going to do everything in my power to see to it they come home safely," Regina assures him.
"Wow. You really have changed," Henry says, smiling.
"Be back as soon as I can," she replies, smiling back at him.
{SPELLBINDING}
Regina and Mr Gold secretly enter the mines while everyone has already left. "I'm really glad you, uh, came to your senses," Mr Gold comments, looking at his former student.
"Let's just get this over with," Regina grumbles, not wanting to do this.
"It's right through here," he tells her, and they arrive where the Dwarves found the diamonds. "Ah, yes. Should suit our purposes, no?"
"How much do we need?" She asks, looking at the sparkling diamonds on the ceiling.
"All of it," the Dark One replies, smirking.
"How are we going to do that?" The Mayor wonders.
"With a little help from a Fairy," Mr Gold chuckles, taking out a wand. "Dead one. Believe me, no one mourns her." He waves the wand and magically absorbs the power from the diamonds. They disappear, and the wand glows with Magic.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
The Evil Queen waves her hand over Killian's hook, causing it to glow, before handing it back to him. "It's now…" Regina confirms, smirking. "Enchanted. It will enable you to rip out her heart. I believe you've seen it done before."
"Yes," Killian grumbles, thinking of when Rumpelstiltskin killed Milah.
"The enchantment will only allow you to rip out one heart, so make sure you do it right." She warns him.
"What could she have possibly done to warrant such brutality?" He wonders, looking at the Queen.
"That's my business. Yours is to kill her, and bring her body back to me," the Evil Queen snaps.
"Easy enough. When will I set forth on this murderous journey?" Hook asks, smirking.
"Immediately. But you won't be going alone," Regina tells him, walking over to the sitting area, where a blanket covers something significant on the chair. She pulls it back, revealing a corpse. "You remember Claude?"
"Can't say that I do," Killian muses, looking at the corpse.
"You killed him in the cell block," she reminds him.
"Ah, yes. I didn't recognise him without my hook in his neck. Forgive me, but isn't he a bit of dead weight?" He wonders, confused.
"I banished my mother to a far-off land some time ago. You're going to need a portal to get to her," the Evil Queen explains, pulling out the hat box containing Jefferson's hat. "The rules are simple – one goes in, one comes back. Or, in this case, two in, two back. You'll arrive with Claude, and you'll return with my mother."
"Now tell me… Which far-off land do I have the pleasure of visiting today?" Hook wonders.
"Wonderland," Regina replies, smirking.
"Happily named, I'm sure. How will I find her?" Killian asks.
"Oh, don't worry. She'll find you," she tells him, spinning the hat on the floor and creating a purple vortex.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Wonderland - Past]–
In Wonderland, Killian allows himself to be captured and escorted by several guards to the Queen of Hearts and various other citizens of Wonderland. Her face is still obscured by a mask to hide her identity. "Knee, before the Queen of Hearts," Knave of Hearts orders.
"Appreciate the warm welcome," Killian muses, and the Queen of Hearts uses the tube to speak through, and the Knave of Hearts relays her message.
"The Queen wants to know why you've come to Wonderland," he demands.
"I'm in search of someone. In her native land, she goes by Cora," Hook replies and the crowd begins whispering about the name 'Cora'. The Queen of Hearts removes her mask and reveals herself to be Cora.
"In this land, she goes by Your Majesty. Leave us," Cora snaps, and everyone exits, leaving Cora and Hook alone. "Your name, pirate?"
"Hook," Killian answers.
"What a clever nickname," she muses, and Killian pulls a pearl necklace out of his pocket and approaches Cora.
"I come bearing gifts, if you allow me," he replies.
"This hat – your portal… If I understand correctly, the same number who travels through, must also return. You arrived with him, but who shall you return with?" The Queen of Hearts wonders.
"You," Hook snaps, throwing the necklace over his shoulder and plunging his hand inside her chest. However, nothing happens. "What?"
"I'm the 'Queen' of Hearts. Do you really think I'd be so careless, as to keep my heart where everyone else does? This…" Cora explains, sticking her hand into Killian's chest, causing him to grimace in pain. "...is how it's done. Tell me – who did this? Who sent you here to k*ll me? Who?"
"Your daughter," Killian groans.
"Regina? She… Wants me dead? You're now going to tell me everything, and do exactly what I want. Because when you hold a heart, you control it. You have the power," she replies, smirking. "What about my son?"
"Who?" He asks, and Cora smiles.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Fairy Tale Land - Present]–
The four women and Landon scour the cell, searching for the ink, but they come up empty. Emma is still looking at the paper in shock. "What does this even mean?" Emma wonders, her eyes never moving off the parchment.
"He was obsessed with you, Emma. You were the key to breaking the curse," Mary Margaret assures her daughter.
"We've looked everywhere. There's no ink in this cell," Aurora announces.
"Well, it has to be. He told David," she argues.
"You were in a Netherworld. Maybe something got lost in translation," Emma reasons.
"No. She heard right," Mulan tells her.
"You found it?" Landon asks, and Mulan holds up an empty bottle.
"In a manner of speaking. There was ink in the cell," she replies.
"Son of a bitch…" Emma curses and Aurora suddenly grabs a rock and throws it against a lever just outside the cell. The door to the cell falls down, trapping the five of them inside. "Aurora, what are you doing?!" Cora and Killian arrive.
"Helping me," Cora answers, magically summoning the compass to her.
"No!" They shout.
"No. Don't waste your energy, dear," she warns Emma. "Rumpelstiltskin himself couldn't escape from this cell. Thank you, Aurora. We couldn't have done it without you."
"Why would you do this?" Mulan asks, glaring at her.
"How could you?" Mary Margaret snaps, glaring at Aurora.
"Don't blame her. She was only doing what she was told," Landon argues, making the women look at her. "Isn't that right, mother?" Cora smiles, pulling out Aurora's heart.
"You took her heart?" Emma asks, glaring at Cora.
"Actually, I did. It was a gift," Killian explains, and Cora squeezes the heart, causing Aurora to yell out in pain.
"Forgive us. We'd love to stay, but Storybrooke awaits," Cora replies, and they turn to leave, but Emma has an idea.
"Hook. Wait. Please don't do this. My son is in Storybrooke. He needs me," Emma begs, giving his sad eyes.
"Perhaps you should've considered that, before you abandoned me on that beanstalk." Killian argues, glaring at her.
"You would've done the same," she reasons.
"Actually, no. Do you know what this is, Emma?" He asks, taking out the mummified bean that the giant had on his necklace.
"The bean that the Giant kept," the Saviour gasps.
"Yes, indeed. A pirate always keeps a souvenir of his conquest, but this… Well, this is much more than a mere trinket," Hook explains. "This is a symbol. Something that was once magical, full of hope, possibility… Now look at it. Dried up, dead, useless. Much like you. The time for making deals is done, just as I'm done… With you."
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Storybrooke - Present]–
Ruby frantically runs into the mine, where she finds Leroy staring vacantly up at the ceiling where the diamonds once were. "Leroy! What is it? What's the emergency? Leroy," Ruby snaps, looking at him.
"They're gone. They're all gone," Leroy replies, pointing up at the empty ceiling, and Ruby looks up in shock.
{SPELLBINDING}
Henry is still reading by David's bedside when Ruby, Leroy, and the rest of the Dwarves enter. "Where are they? Regina and Gold?" Ruby demands, looking at the confused Mills boy.
"What's going on?" Henry asks, looking at her.
"All the Magic has been drained from the mines," she explains.
"They stole it?" He questions, shocked.
"They snuck in after our shift and took everything. Nobody steals from a Dwarf!" Leroy snaps.
"Except the Queen," Doc argues.
"…And Rumpelstiltskin," Happy adds.
"If they're not helping Landon, Emma, and Mary Margaret that… That means my mum lied to me," Henry gasps, looking at them heartbroken.
"I'm sorry, Henry," Ruby mutters, squeezing his shoulder.
"We need to find her. We need to stop them. We need to help uncle Landon, Emma, and Mary Margaret," he declares, and they rush out of the shop.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Fairy Tale Land - Present]–
Emma futilely bangs the cell door with her sword while the others watch hopelessly. "We aren't going to break it down, Emma," Mary Margaret argues. "It was enchanted to hold Rumpelstiltskin. We don't have a chance."
"This is my fault," Aurora sulks.
"No, it's mine. Cora stole your heart because I failed to protect you," Mulan argues.
"That's very sweet, but I believe it's my fault. I'm the Saviour, and I'm not doing much saving, am I?" Emma reasons.
"We're going to win this fight, you know. Good always defeats evil," Mary Margaret assures them.
"You sound like Henry," she muses, smiling at her mother.
"Guess optimism runs in the family," Snow replies, smiling back at her.
"I think it skipped a generation," Landon jokes, earning a slap on the arm from Emma.
"You should know better than anybody. You broke the curse," Mary Margaret argues, smiling at her daughter.
"What have I done since then? I got us stranded over here, burned down the wardrobe, let Cora get the ash, and now, the compass. The only reason I ever broke the curse was because it was exactly what Gold wanted me to do. I had nothing to do with it," Emma tells her.
"What are you talking about?" She asks.
"He told you I was the Saviour. It was his plan. Once I fulfilled that role, maybe that's all I was ever meant to do," the blond woman replies. "Everything I've ever done… He had it all mapped out before I was even born. I'm not powerful. I'm… I'm not… A saviour. I'm a name on a piece of paper. I'm a pawn, and that's exactly why we are in here. And Cora's on her way to Storybrooke."
{SPELLBINDING}
Meanwhile, Cora and Killian travel through a field to their next destination. "Where are we going?" Hook asks her, looking around for some clues.
"Lake Nostos. The legend says its waters hold the power to restore what was once lost. It'll return Magic to what remains of this wardrobe. And then, we'll be able to cross worlds," Cora assures him, and they arrive at the dried-up Lake Nostos.
"I may be a simple pirate, but… I know one thing – lakes have water," he argues. Cora waves her hand, and a small vortex magically forms in the middle of the former lake. Suddenly, a geyser of water shoots up from the ground.
"After everything we've been through, why do you still doubt me?" She questions, smirking.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Wonderland - Past]–
Cora has her hand in Killian's chest angrily. "I've told you all I know," Killian groans. "Now have some honour, and kill me."
"Honour? For the pirate who snuck into my palace to assassinate me?" Cora muses, glaring at him.
"At your daughter's behest," he informs her.
"She should've come. She should've killed me herself," she snaps, removing her hand from his chest but leaving his heart intact.
"Mercy seems a bit out of character," Hook questions.
"Oh, not mercy, Hook. You're going to help me. Regina knows my methods better than anyone. If I was controlling you, she'd know. This has to be your choice," Mrs Mills explains.
"Why should I?" Killian asks.
"Because, my dear, I'm the only one who can give you what you want," Cora argues.
"Is that so?" He questions, looking at her.
"This curse my daughter plans to enact? This new land she's taking everyone to? You won't remember who you are," she warns him. "So tell me, Captain – how do you expect to kill someone, when you can't even remember him? But, if you do what I say, I'll make sure you not only kill him, but that you remember every single moment."
"Well, what shall you have me do?" Hook wonders.
"Get me close to my daughter. And then, I'll rip her heart out," the Queen of Hearts replies, smirking.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
Cora and Hook return to the Evil Queen's castle. Cora lies in a casket and pretends to be dead. Hook brings Regina in to show her the results of his work. "Satisfied?" Killian asks her.
"Did she put up a fight?" Regina wonders, looking at her mother's supposed dead body.
"Nothing I couldn't handle," he assures her.
"Thank you. Now leave us. I'd like a moment alone to say goodbye," she tells him, and he exits, hiding himself. "I'm sorry, mother. Without you, I never would've become the person I am now. But I had no choice. I had to do this. After you killed Daniel, you told me something I've never forgotten. Love is weakness. Well, mother, you are my weakness because I love you. That's why I couldn't risk taking you to the new land with me. Your grip on my heart is just too strong. And for what I need to do… I can't have any weaknesses." She places a rose on top of Cora's body. "Goodbye, Mother." When the Evil Queen leaves the room, Hook emerges from the shadows and goes to Cora, but the door bursts open, so he quickly hides again.
"Mother!" Landon exclaims, rushing to Cora, who almost jumps up to hug her son. "Oh, mama. When Regina told me someone brought your dead body, I couldn't believe it." He cups her face. "I don't know what to do mother. I feel on my own. Regina's lost herself to Magic, and father's useless as ever. I promise. I'll try and look after Regina, but with this curse looming, I have a plan to make sure Regina gets her happy ending. Like you always wanted for her." Landon kisses her forehead before leaving, and Hook emerges again from the shadows.
"What happened? You didn't kill her," Killian asks, looking at Cora as she sits up on the slab.
"There's been a change in plans," Cora replies, smiling as she touches her forehead where Landon kissed her.
"What would that be?" He wonders.
"My daughter's curse is coming. We have to protect ourselves," she tells him, and he helps her off the slab, and they head out of the room.
{SPELLBINDING}
The Evil Queen's curse rips through the Enchanted Forest, and the smoke quickly progresses across the land. Cora and Killian watch from a distance as it approaches. Cora strikes the ground with her sceptre, creating a beam of light that shoots up towards the sky. Eventually, the beam scatters, creating a domed shield around a small section of the land. "Wouldn't it have been easier to reconcile with her before her curse destroys the land?" Killian questions, unsure of their plan.
"Regina doesn't need me – not now. And Landon will look after her for now. Not when she thinks she's about to win. But I still have a place in her heart. And the curse won't last forever. It will end. In twenty-eight years, there'll be a Saviour. And she'll break it," Cora assures him.
"Twenty-eight years?" He asks, shocked.
"You won't even notice. You'll be frozen, like all those in this corner of the land. But, when the curse ends, our quest will resume," she tells him. "And, when it does, Regina will truly have lost everything, and then she'll need me, and Landon will stand by my side like always. That's when we'll go to this new land. You'll get your revenge. And me, I'll… Help her pick up the pieces, and Landon will be my darling boy, who will help me pick her up."
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Storybrooke - Present]–
Regina and Mr Gold walk through the woods towards the 'wishing well'. "You're certain the portal's going to open up all the way out here?" Regina asks, looking at him.
"There. This is where things once lost are returned to us. This is where Cora's going to come through," Mr Gold explains, and they look inside to see the water below bubbling.
"Unless, it's my brother, Mary Margaret, and Emma," she argues.
"I highly doubt it," he replies, having little faith that Landon won't side with his mother, even against Emma.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Fairy Tale Land - Present]–
Emma, Mary Margaret, Landon, Mulan, and Aurora are still stuck inside the cell, and Snow is analysing the paper. "We are going to get out of here," Landon declares, taking the parchment.
"How? By staring at that scroll? It's not like it's going to magically open the door for us," Emma argues.
"Yes, it is," he tells her.
"What?" She asks.
"When I was a little girl, I used to sneak into Cora's chamber and watch her practise Magic. She had a spell book and Emma… The spells were in the book," Mary Margaret tells her, realising where Landon is going with this.
"Yeah, isn't that what a spell book is? A book that has spells in it?" The blond woman questions.
"Watch," Landon tells her and gently blows on the paper, causing the words to lift off the page.
"Whoa. Squid ink. Gold wrote the scroll in squid ink!" Emma realises, and Landon blows the words towards the cell door, and the inked words magically create an exit.
"Told you. Good always wins," Mary Margaret smiles.
"Wait. I can't go. You have to tie me up," Aurora tells them as the others jump out of the cell.
"No. I'm not leaving without you," Mulan argues.
"I can't be trusted. Not as long as Cora has my heart," she replies sadly.
"Then I will get it back for you," the Warrior promises.
"Mulan…" The Princess mutters, looking at her friend.
"I will," Mulan vows.
"Mulan. We got to go," Emma tells her.
"Do it," Aurora says, and Mulan takes a piece of rope and ties Aurora to what remains of the cell's bars. "Good luck."
"Thank you. Good luck to you," Mary Margaret replies, looking at Sleeping Beauty before running off.
{SPELLBINDING}
Meanwhile, the geyser at Lake Nostos gradually subsides, leaving behind a small lake. Cora takes out the vial of ashes. "And now, the ashes," Cora announces. "Would you care to do the honours?" Hook takes the ashes and sprinkles them into the small pond. A whirlpool magically forms in the centre of the water. "Here we go. We'll be in Storybrooke soon enough. I really look forward to seeing my daughter with my darling son."
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Storybrooke - Present]–
Mr Gold and Regina stare down the well until they see a change in the water below. "It's time," Mr Gold announces, looking at the Evil Queen.
"So, what are we waiting for?" Regina asks. They step away from the wishing well, and Mr Gold takes out the Fairy wand. He holds it up towards the sky and summons a thunderstorm. A clash of green lightning strikes the wishing well, which creates an electric barrier.
"Doesn't matter who comes through now. No one can survive this," he tells her, smirking.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Fairy Tale Land - Present]–
Cora and Hook stand near the whirlpool, and she takes out the compass, holding it out for him to grab. "I told you I'd deliver you to Rumpelstiltskin. Now don't let go. Unless, you want to end up someplace that isn't Storybrooke," Cora warns him. Hook takes the other side of the compass, and they prepare to jump. However, Emma, Mary Margaret, Mulan, and Landon arrive at Lake Nostos in time to stop them. Mary Margaret shoots the compass out of their hands.
"You're not going anywhere. This portal's taking us home. The compass – get it," Mary Margaret snaps, getting into action.
"Find it first. I'll take care of them," she says, shooting a fireball towards the group, but Mulan deflects it with her sword. Emma draws her sword and starts fighting with Killian over the compass. Cora continues to shoot fireballs at Mulan, but Landon jumps in, deflecting the attacks.
"I don't think so, mama," Landon mutters, firing back as he makes a green barrier protecting him and Mulan. While Mary Margaret attempts to assist by shooting arrows from a distance. Cora dodges Mulan by magically disappearing, but the bag containing Aurora's heart is left behind. It gets flung towards the whirlpool but is caught just in time by Killian before falling in. He tosses the bag to Mulan.
"I may be a pirate, but I bristle at the thought of a woman losing her heart – unless it's over me." Killian teases and Mulan looks conflicted over what to do, but Landon looks at her.
"Go!" He shouts. "We've got it handled."
"No, but you need the compass!" Mulan argues.
"And Aurora needs her heart," Mary Margaret tells her, and Mulan gives Mary Margaret her sword.
"Take it. It deflects her Magic," she replies, running from the battle. Emma and Killian resume fighting.
"I had no idea you had such a soft side," Emma muses, looking at him.
"I don't. Just like a fair fight," Killian argues, continuing their duel. "Good form. But not good enough." Hook grabs Emma's leg and manages to flip her onto her back. Meanwhile, Mary Margaret and Cora square off. Landon edges towards Killian and Emma as they duel and tackles Killian to the ground.
"Come now, you've still got some time before I kill you to learn good form," Landon growls, punching Killian across the face.
"Ah!" He shouts, holding his eye and slashing his sword upwards, slicing into Landon's side and arm.
"Damn!" The Historian cries, falling to the ground, holding his side as it bleeds.
"Landon!" Emma yells.
"Get the compass!" Landon tells her, and Killian gets to his feet as Emma steps towards him, briefly duelling again when he slowly slides his hook down Emma's sword and pins her to the ground.
"Normally, I prefer to do other more enjoyable activities with a woman on her back," Killian jokes. Landon glares at him, and Emma sneers at the pirate. "With my life on the line, you've left me no choice. A bit of advice? When I jab you with my sword, you'll feel it. You might want to quit." Emma feels for the compass buried in the sand under her back.
"Why would I do that when I'm winning?" Emma argues, grabbing the compass and holding it up. Hook is momentarily distracted long enough for Emma to push him off of her. They briefly duel until Emma gets the upper hand. "Thanks, and that's for my boyfriend." With the compass in her fist, Emma pulls her arm and punches Killian in her face. He collapses to the ground, unconscious. "Now, let's go home!" She shouts to Mary Margaret and helps Landon to his feet, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Storybrooke - Present]–
When Henry and Ruby arrive, Mr Gold and Regina watch the storm brewing inside the well. "Mum? You're not helping Emma, Uncle Landon, and Mary Margaret, are you?" Henry asks, and Regina looks at him then at the well, thinking about her brother.
"I'm helping you, Henry," Regina argues, looking at her son.
"What are you talking about?" He snaps.
"You're going to kill them," Ruby yells, and Mr Gold magically shoots Ruby back with the wand, knocking her out.
"Sorry, dearie," Mr Gold mutters, not meaning it.
"Mum, what are you doing?" Henry shouts.
"We can't let Cora come through the portal. You have no idea what she would do to us," Regina argues.
"Landon, Emma, and Mary Margaret are going to defeat her. They're the ones that are going to come through," he tells her, believing in his family.
"Henry, your mother's right. It's going to be Cora," Mr Gold tells him.
"No. It won't. Good always defeats evil. You should know that more than anyone," Henry argues, looking at Regina, who looks back.
"What I know is my mother will destroy everything I love – and that means you. And I can't let that happen," Regina warns him, though she believes in her brother.
"What about uncle Landon?" He asks, and she looks at him.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Fairy Tale Land - Present]–
Mary Margaret and Cora keep fighting when Emma drops Landon by the whirlpool and charges at Cora with her sword, but she dodges the blond woman by magically disappearing. "Emma, run!" Mary Margaret shouts. They break for the whirlpool, but Cora reappears, blocking their path. She magically throws the two women backwards onto the ground. Cora then stalks towards Mary Margaret, and Emma attempts to get up but is thrown backwards to the ground by Cora. "Why do you want to go to Storybrooke?"
"Because my son and daughter need me," Cora replies. "And now, I'm going to give her the one thing she's always wanted – your heart. Goodbye, Snow."
"No!" Emma shouts, and Cora draws back her hand, but Emma pushes Mary Margaret out of the way before she reaches into Snow's chest. Instead, Cora ends up with her hand inside Emma's chest.
"Emma!" Mary Margaret and Landon scream.
"Oh, you foolish girl. Don't you know? Love is weakness," Cora growls, trying to rip out Emma's heart, but finds she's unable to draw back her hand.
"No. It's strength," Emma replies, and suddenly, a burst of white light spreads out from Emma's body in all directions, causing Cora to disappear. "What was that?"
"That… Is a great subject for discussion. When we get home," Mary Margaret tells her, grabbing Emma's arm and dashing towards the whirlpool and Landon. "Ready?" Emma grabs him, smiling.
"Yeah. Let's go," she agrees, and the three jump into the whirlpool portal.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Storybrooke - Present]–
Henry tries running towards the well in the forest, but Regina restrains him, not wanting him to get hurt. "You can't! Stop it!" Henry shouts, struggling in his mum's hold. "You can't! You're going to kill them! Please! No! They're going to make it through! We have to turn it off! You're going to kill them!" Henry manages to break free from Regina's grasp, but she quickly pulls him back.
"Henry! What are you doing?" Regina yells.
"Uncle Landon, Emma, and Mary Margaret are going to come through. I know it. You said you wanted to change – to be better. This is how. You want me to have faith in you? Have faith in me," he pleads with her.
"Regina," Mr Gold warns her, and she approaches the wishing well and extends her arms over the electrical barrier. She uses her Magic to absorb the storm in her body, effectively removing the barrier to the portal. The power of the Magic throws her back. Despite removing the threat, no one appears to be coming through the portal.
"No!" Henry shouts in despair.
"I'm sorry, Henry. I'm sorry," Regina mutters, looking at him, and suddenly, a hand comes out of the wishing well and grabs the edge. Emma pulls herself out, followed by Mary Margaret, who pulls Landon out.
"Mum?" He asks, looking at her. "Uncle?"
"Henry!" Emma beams, looking at her son.
"Mum!" The Mills boy shouts, rushing to Emma, who helps Landon lie on the ground before hugging her son. Mary Margaret joins them.
"I missed you!" She mutters.
"I missed you, too," Henry replies.
"I missed you so much," the blond woman whispers, and when they draw back from the group hug, they see Mr Gold silently slinking away. Regina looks at them before rushing over to her brother and checking on him. Ruby finally comes around.
"What's going on? What happened?" Mary Margaret asks, looking at them.
"She saved you. She saved both of you," Henry tells them, smiling.
"Thank you," Emma says, looking at Regina.
"You're welcome," Regina replies. "Oh, Landon."
"I'm fine," Landon groans.
"Are you okay?" Ruby asks, running towards Mary Margaret, and they also share a hug.
"Where's my husband? I need to find him," Mary Margaret says, pulling away from the hug, and Ruby drags her away.
"Um, your mum… She's, uh… She's… A piece of work, you know?" Emma comments, looking at Regina and kneeling beside Landon.
"Indeed, I do. Welcome back," Regina replies.
"Thanks," she says. "Come on, let's get Landon to the hospital."
"Don't mind me," Landon groans.
"Shut up," Regina snaps.
"Is he going to be okay?" Henry asks, looking a little pale at the sight of blood.
"He'll be fine," Emma assures him, pulling him into a hug as Regina disappears with Landon. "Your mum will make sure of it. Come on." She leads him out of the forest, heading for Mr Gold's shop.
{SPELLBINDING}
Mary Margaret and Ruby enter Mr Gold's shop, with Emma and Henry trailing behind. David is still lying unconscious, and the Dwarves gather around the bed. "David?" Mary Margaret mutters before kissing him, which breaks the sleeping curse. A pulse of Pure Magic spreads throughout the room, waking him up with a gasp.
"You… You did it," David mutters, smiling at his wife.
"Did you ever doubt I would?" She questions, repeating his words from years ago, and they kiss again.
"No. Though, the burning red room did give me pause," he jokes, hugging his wife as the others watch.
{SPELLBINDING}
Emma confronts Mr Gold alone in the front part of the Pawn Shop, wanting some privacy. "We need to talk," Emma tells him.
"Yes. I believe apologies are in order," Mr Gold replies.
"No. No apologies necessary. I understand why you wanted to keep Cora out of here," she argues.
"Just remind me never to bet against you in the future, Miss Swan," he muses, smirking.
"It's not really a bet when the game is rigged, is it?" The Saviour questions.
"To what exactly are you referring?" The Dark One asks.
"Your scroll. I saw it in your cell. You wrote my name again, and again, and again," Emma tells him.
"Just wanted to make sure it would stick," Mr Gold argues, smirking.
"The ink – it was there all the time. You could've gotten out," she reasons.
"I was exactly where I wanted to be. You needed to find that, so all this could occur," he assures her.
"You created the curse, Gold. You made me the Saviour. So everything I've ever done… It's exactly what you wanted me to do," the blond woman snaps, feeling used by him again.
"I created the curse, dearie, but I didn't make you," Rumpelstiltskin argues. "I merely took advantage of what you are – the product of true love. That's why you're powerful. And everything you've done, you've done yourself."
"So you don't know," Emma muses, looking at him.
"Know what?" Mr Gold asks her.
"Cora… Tried to rip my heart out, but she couldn't. She was blasted back by something inside me. By… By-," she tells him, struggling to explain it.
"By Magic. Whatever that was, I didn't do that. You did," he promises her.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Fairy Tale Land - Present]–
Mulan brings the bag containing Aurora's heart back to Rumpelstiltskin's cell and carefully takes the heart out of it, showing it glowing and beating in her hand. "Have you done this before?" Aurora asks.
"No," Mulan replies, lifting the glowing heart to Aurora's chest and pushing it inside her. She briefly stops breathing but suddenly gasps at the feeling.
"Thank you…" She mutters.
"What now?" The Warrior asks.
"Cora told me something. When a wraith consumes a soul, it's not trapped there forever. It can be reunited with its body," the Princess explains, smiling.
"You think we can save Phillip?" Mulan wonders, smiling back at her.
"We can try," Aurora argues lightly.
"Then let's try," she agrees, extending her hand to Aurora, and they exit the cell on their next adventure.
{SPELLBINDING}
Meanwhile, when Hook regains consciousness, Cora stares vacantly at the now-defunct whirlpool portal with a broken and raging heart. "We failed," Cora states.
"Really, Cora. After all this time, why do you still doubt me?" Killian asks, looking at her as he gets to his feet and holds up the mummified bean.
"Well, that bean's petrified. It's useless," she argues, glaring at him for hurting her son.
"But these waters have regenerative properties. Perhaps, it's time to do some gardening," he reasons.
{SPELLBINDING}
–[Storybrooke]–
Everyone is still gathered at Mr Gold's shop, and Regina comes back from dropping Landon off at the hospital; Henry notices before approaching Regina, who is standing off to the side on the phone with the hospital about Landon, even though she only just saw him getting taken care of by Dr Whale, who she threatened loudly. "I was right," Henry states, making her move the phone from her ear. "You really have changed." Henry wraps his arms around his mother, who cautiously returns the hug. "Thank you." Emma comes into the room, smiling at them.
"Emma…" Mary Margaret mutters, looking at her daughter.
"Looks like we have some catching up to do," David muses.
"You have no idea," Emma replies.
"How about dinner at Granny's? On me," Ruby tells them.
"As long as it's not Chimera, I'm in," she laughs and looks at Henry. "Hey, kid. You hungry?"
"Yeah," Henry beams, breaking away from Regina and joining Emma before they begin filing out.
"I'll see you later," Henry says, waving to Regina. As everyone leaves, Regina begins to tear up. Eventually, Regina and Mr Gold are the only two remaining.
"Congratulations. You just reunited mother and son. Maybe one day, they'll even invite you for dinner," Mr Gold comments, but stops short when Emma comes into the shop again.
"Regina, you coming?" Emma asks, shocking them.
"Uh… yeah," Regina replies, walking over to her.
{SPELLBINDING}
The reunited group happily walk down the main street of Storybrooke to Granny's Diner, while on the horizon, a large ship is drawing near the town. On board are Killian and Cora. She holds a black wilted rose while he inspects the town through his telescope. "There it is," Killian announces.
"Storybrooke," Cora muses, smiling, though she plans to let Hook have his revenge. She likes the new black eye he's sporting courtesy of her beloved son.
{SPELLBINDING}
Killian's ship anchors at Storybrooke docks, and seeing that the coast is clear, Hook jumps off the boat. He then proceeds to assist Cora off the ship. "Well, my dear Cora, this is where we shall part ways. Thank you for everything. It's time for me to skin my crocodile," Killian declares, turning to leave, but Cora magically disappears, reappearing before him.
"You might want to rethink this," Cora argues.
"We had a deal. Get out of my way," he snaps, glaring at her.
"Believe it or not, I'm doing you a favour," she warns him.
"By preventing my vengeance?" Hook questions angrily.
"Ask yourself how I'm doing that," Mrs Mills replies, smirking.
"By using your Dark Magic," Killian realises.
"Exactly. Magic is here. And that makes matters a bit more complicated," Cora argues. "If you go off half-cocked after an empowered Rumpelstiltskin, do you know what'll happen? So, you do. Good." A fisherman spots the two on the pier and approaches them.
"Hey. You folks need anything?" The fisherman asks. "Tackle shop don't open until morning. But, if you want to go out and try and snare some of New England's finest pescatarian creatures, I'd be happy to open early for ya."
"No, thank you. We're fine," Killian assures him, trying to get him to go away before they get themselves killed.
"It's a fine vessel you got there. When'd you get in?" He wonders, looking at Killian's ship.
"What vessel?" Cora questions.
"W-Why that one right…" The fisherman says, and she waves her hand, making the ship invisible. "Hey, that's a neat trick. You some kind of magician back in our land?" Annoyed, Cora magically transforms the man into a fish. As it flops on the deck, Killian kicks it into the water.
"What did you do with my ship?" Killian snaps, glaring at the empty space.
"I hid it from prying eyes. For what we both want to do, we need the element of surprise. Now you ready to listen to me?" Cora asks calmly.
"Go on, Your Majesty. What now?" He questions, looking at her.
"Let's go have a little look at this Storybrooke, shall we?" She muses, joining arms as they head for the quiet town.
{SPELLBINDING}
The following morning, after celebrating Mary Margaret and Emma's return, Landon's quick recovery was announced. Mary Margaret and David are in bed at Mary Margaret's apartment, catching up for lost time. "What are you thinking?" David asks his wife.
"That it's good to be back," Mary Margaret replies, smiling.
"Yeah? And what are you really thinking?" He asks again.
"Twenty-eight years is too long to wait between," she says when Emma and Henry suddenly return to the apartment from shopping, letting the married couple spend some time together.
"Hey! Guess what? Taco shells were on sale," Henry announces gleefully.
"Apparently, tacos? Not a big item in the Enchanted-," Emma comments, and they both pause when they see the couple in the bed.
"What are you guys still doing in bed? It's the middle of the afternoon," he wonders, looking at them.
"The trip back was tiring, and I needed to rest," Mary Margaret lies.
"And I needed to… Help her rest," David adds, hiding themselves under the covers.
"Uh, let's… Let's go make the tacos. We have to make a lot because there's going to be a ton of people at Granny's welcome back party tonight." Emma suggests, steering Henry towards the kitchen, and goes while the three of them whisper so he doesn't hear them.
"We thought you were going to be back later," Mary Margaret argues quietly.
"Yeah, well, we weren't. So maybe next time, you could put a tie on the door, or send a text, or… You know what? I'm… I'm… Going to go make some tacos," she groans, leaving to join Henry.
"It's impressive that we can still provide her with a few traumatic childhood memories at this stage of the game." David comments, smiling at Snow, who groans.
"Is Uncle Landon coming to the party tonight?" Henry asks, looking at Emma, who smiles.
"Yeah, Dr Whale said he's just got to be careful not to pop his stitches," Emma tells him, smiling.
{SPELLBINDING}
The citizens of Storybrooke gather at Granny's Diner for a welcome home celebration. The Charming family enters, and everyone cheers. Ruby rushes towards Mary Margaret for a hug. "I wasn't worried a bit," Ruby mutters.
"I can tell," Mary Margaret smiles.
"Oh, we all missed you," Archie says, and they hug. Elsewhere, Emma presents Granny with a tray of tacos.
"Tacos. I cannot tell you the relief of cooking something that I didn't have to kill first." Emma jokes.
"Don't I know it. Meat loaf back home? What a bitch," Granny remarks, making Emma laugh.
"I just wanted to, uh, thank you all for joining us tonight," David announces, getting everyone's attention. "Mary Margaret and I – we have a saying… That we will always find each other. And, while I believe that with all my heart, I'd like you all to raise your glasses and join me when I say… Here's to not having to look for a while. To Mary Margaret, Emma and Landon!" Regina and Landon enter as everyone clinks glasses, the Mayor carrying a casserole dish.
"Sorry we're late," Regina says, and Leroy grabs a knife.
"What is she doing here?" Leroy snaps.
"I invited her," Emma tells him, and Mary Margaret takes Emma to the side along with David. "We're celebrating today because of Regina. She helped us get home. No matter what she did in the past, we owe her our thanks now."
"Didn't you think to tell us about it?" Mary Margaret asks angrily.
"I did, but you two were a little busy this afternoon," she reminds her.
"Emma, she tried to kill us – yesterday!" Snow snaps.
"No, she didn't. She's trying to change for Henry," the blond woman argues. "He believes in her. And, right now, that's enough for me. I couldn't have changed if I wasn't given a chance, so… She gets one, too." Henry sits with Regina and Landon as she slices the lasagna she brought.
"I'm glad you came," Henry says, hugging Landon, who winces but hugs his nephew back.
"Me, too," Regina replies.
"Me, three," Landon adds, making them laugh. She sees Leroy and offers him a piece of lasagna.
"Oh, I made a lasagna," she announces.
"What's the secret ingredient? Poison?" Leroy asks, glaring at the plate.
"Red pepper flakes. Gives it some kick," the Evil Queen replies, and Leroy suspiciously sniffs the lasagna but takes it anyway.
Later in the evening, the part is winding down. People split into groups to talk while Regina sits with Landon in a booth. "I'm going to head home," Regina tells him, grabbing her coat. Emma notices her leaving and follows her outside.
{SPELLBINDING}
"Archie made a cake," Emma announces, making Regina stop and look at her. "You don't want to stay for a piece?"
"I'm fine, thank you," Regina replies.
"Okay," she mutters, turning to go back inside.
"Thank you," the Mayor says, making Emma turn back to her.
"You just said that," the blond woman replies.
"F-For inviting me," Regina clarifies.
"Henry and Landon wanted it. I'm glad you guys got to spend some time together," Emma comments.
"Me, too. I'd like to see him more. Maybe you'd consider letting him stay over some time. I… I have his room just… Just waiting for him," she asks.
"I… I'm not sure. It's up to Henry, really," the Saviour tells her.
"Because you know so much about parenting in the five minutes you've been with him. Talk to David. At least he took care of him while you were away. Like I did, during the ten years you were away the first time," the Evil Queen snaps, getting angry.
"Okay. Thanks for coming," Emma says before Regina says anything else and turns to leave, but Regina stops her.
"No, wait. I'm sorry. I… I'm… I'm sorry. Snapping at you – I shouldn't have done that. Will you accept my apology?" Regina says, calming down.
"Okay. You're right. Archie said you were trying to change. And, well, you are," she tells her.
"Dr Hopper said I was trying?" The dark-haired woman questions, feeling betrayed by Archie.
"He said you came to see him. That you're trying not to use Magic, that you're trying to be a better person. You understand, I was a little hesitant to invite you. I asked him, and he thought it was a good idea," the Sheriff explains.
"Thank you. It was. I should be going," Regina replies, leaving the Diner and starts walking home. Killian and Cora spy on her through a telescope from a nearby rooftop.
"Well, is she broken?" Killian asks.
"Not yet," Cora replies, smirking.
{SPELLBINDING}
Emma goes back inside and heads to Landon, seeing him alone in the booth. "How are you feeling?" She asks him, wrapping her arm around his shoulder.
"Okay. A little sore," Landon replies, smiling. "If I ever see that pirate again. I'll kill him."
"Landon…" Emma mutters, shaking her head at him. "I talked to Regina. She seems to be doing better now."
"Yeah, she seems almost like her old self, but there's still a long way to go. She just needs time and encouragement," he muses, smiling.
{SPELLBINDING}
The next morning, Archie walks Pongo around the docks, spots Regina, and decides to approach her. "Beautiful day, isn't it, Regina?" Archie asks, trying to be friendly.
"Why should I answer you, bug?" Regina snaps, still angry about him betraying her confidence.
"Because I'm making friendly conversation," he replies nervously.
"That you'll just repeat to anyone with an ear. You told Miss Swan about our sessions," she argues, glaring at him.
"I was simply trying to help you," Dr Hopper assures her.
"By betraying my trust?" The Mayor snaps.
"I… I mentioned only that you had come to see me, as an example of your commitment to change." Archie explains.
"I came to you in confidence. How am I supposed to prove to people I've changed, when you're there to chirp in their ears and remind them of my past?" Regina sneers.
"I said nothing specific. I would never betray the doctor-patient confidentiality," he assures her.
"Doctor? Doctor?! Need I remind you got your PhD from a curse?" She argues, and Ruby sees them arguing and runs up to them.
"Hey! Is everything okay here?" Ruby asks, looking at them.
"Private conversation. Go take yourself for a walk," the Evil Queen snaps, waving her off, and Ruby continues on her job.
"I can be trusted. I assure you," Archie promises her.
"You're lucky I've changed," Regina growls, storming off.
{SPELLBINDING}
As Ruby closes up the Diner for the evening, she sees Regina enter Archie's office across the street. While inside, Regina knocks on the door, and Archie answers. "I know it's late, but I was hoping we can talk," Regina tells him.
"Sure. Come on in," Archie agrees, letting her in, and Pongo barks and growls at her. "Hush, Pongo. You know Regina." He goes to his filing cabinet to retrieve Regina's fine. "I know how hard it is. Real change can often be a… A struggle." Regina appears behind him.
"I couldn't agree more," she muses.
"Regina, is there something-?" He asks, but Regina grabs Archie by the neck and lifts him. Pongo gets up and begins barking louder. Regina magically silences the dog and freezes him. Archie struggles as a cloud of purple smoke flows from Regina's hand. Then, seconds later, Regina exits the building. When she is around the side of the building and out of sight, 'Regina' transforms back into Cora.
{SPELLBINDING}
Emma and Henry have breakfast at Granny's Diner, waiting for Landon. "So, what was it like? Over there?" Henry asks, wanting to know everything.
"Well, let's see. There were Ogres, the dead rising, people trying to kill me. And…more Ogres," Emma replies, smiling.
"Awesome," he beams, and Landon arrives, settling in beside Emma, kissing her check-in greeting.
"Kid, we got to work on your sense of awesome," she laughs.
"What are we talking about?" Landon asks, grabbing a coffee and eating the food Emma ordered before he arrived.
"Our time over there," the blond woman tells him.
"Ah, Ogres, pirates, Mama Evil, lovely time," he muses, making Emma laugh and Henry smile.
"How are you feeling, Uncle Landon?" Henry asks, finishing his food.
"Good. Better. The stitches come out in a couple of days," the Historian tells them.
"Come on. It's time for school. I'll walk you to the school bus," Emma announces as the three of them finish breakfast.
"It's okay. I can go on my own," Henry argues, not wanting to be babied.
"I know that you can. That doesn't mean that you should," she retorts, smiling.
"David let me," he tells them as Landon pays for the food.
"Well, we're not David," Landon argues, grabbing Henry's school bag.
"You used to let me," the Mills boy replies, sulking.
"Well, I am not me. I'm walking you, because that's what mothers do. And I'm doing it," Emma says, smiling and grabbing Landon's hand before exiting the Diner.
{SPELLBINDING}
When Henry, Landon, and Emma exit the Diner, they're greeted by a distressed Pongo. "Hey, Pongo. It's okay. It's okay," Henry yells, trying to calm the dog down.
"Where's Archie?" Emma wonders, looking around, and Ruby bolts out of the Diner behind them.
"Emma, something's wrong," Ruby announces.
"How do you know?" She asks but stops, remembering what she's heard. "Never mind. The wolf thing. You know what? Eleven is old enough to walk to the bus stop. I'll pick you up later."
"Okay," Henry replies before leaving.
{SPELLBINDING}
Pongo runs off and leads Emma, Landon, and Ruby to Archie's office door, which is slightly ajar. "Archie?" Emma calls carefully before entering the office and spotting Archie on the floor where Cora left him. "Ariche? Oh, hell."
"What? What is it?" Ruby asks, stepping in.
"Archie…" She mutters and leans down, checking for a pulse, but finds nothing.
"No… No…" Red gasps.
"Who would do this?" The Sheriff wonders, looking at Ruby and Landon.
"I think I know," Ruby replies, glancing at Landon.
"It's not my sister," Landon snaps.
{SPELLBINDING}
Regina sits in the interrogation room at the Sheriff's station as Emma and David enter, while Mary Margaret and Landon watch through the glass. "Glad to see the Sheriff's station's now a family business. Why am I here?" Regina asks, looking at the father and daughter.
"You know why you're here. Because of Archie," Emma replies, sitting on the other side of the table.
"Oh, it's now against the law to get into an argument with someone?" She argues angrily.
"It is if you go to their office later that night and kill them," David adds, making Regina look at him in shock.
"Archie's dead?" The Evil Queen asks, looking between them.
"Stop it, Regina. Ruby saw you going into his office last night," he snaps.
"Then she's lying. I was home all evening with Landon. At his apartment," Regina tells them, and Mary Margaret looks at Landon, who nods, confirming her story. "After everything I've done to change, to win Henry back, why would I toss it all away now? And, if I did and I was going to kill Archie, you would never know it. The fact that he's dead and you caught me shows sloppiness."
"You've been caught before," Charming argues, looking at his daughter. "Come on, Emma. Who do you think's lying – Ruby or her? I mean, Landon would lie for her; he's her brother. She's incapable of change, no matter how many times we've given her the chance. Why should this time be any different?" Emma and David join Mary Margaret and Landon outside of the interrogation room.
"So what do we do with her now?" Mary Margaret asks, looking at her husband and daughter.
"Lock her up," David snaps, making the two women and Landon look at him.
"We can't lock her up, because she didn't do it," Emma argues, making Landon look at her.
"You really believe her?" He asks, confused and shocked.
"I watched her when we told her Archie was dead. She didn't know," she explains. "And why would she bring Landon into this, if she was lying?"
"Emma, I know that you want to believe that Regina can change for Henry, but-," Mary Margaret argues.
"I know what I saw. Look at her in there," the Sheriff tells her. "The old Regina would've reduced this building to ashes. That's a woman who wants to change. She just wants everyone else to see it. I know that look. I know her. I believe her."
"With all due respect, you don't know her like we do," David replies, shaking his head.
"Maybe that's the problem. I know in your kingdom, she was the Evil Queen. But here, she's Regina. And I'm still the Sheriff, and I say she's innocent until proven guilty," Emma snaps and looks at Landon.
"So… Uh, what do you suggest we do?" Mary Margaret asks, looking at Emma.
"Let her go," she replies, shrugging.
"Emma, sh-," David argues.
"We let her go, and then we find the truth," the blond woman tells them.
"Done deciding my sister's fate for something she didn't do?" Landon asks, making Mary Margaret and David look at him. "I'm her alibi for the night. She was at my apartment, helping me, seeing as I was slashed by Captain Hook."
"Was there any point she was alone?" David asks him, and Landon glares at Prince Charming.
"No. I barely slept from the pain, seeing as I'd only just gotten out of hospital." He snaps. "Stop trying to prove her guilty. In this world, it's innocent until proven guilty. We did it for Mary Margaret. Do it for my sister."
"Landon!" Emma shouts as he storms off out of the Sheriff's station. "Great!" She sighs, looking at her parents.
{SPELLBINDING}
The Charmings search for evidence in Archie's office later that day. David looks through the filing cabinet for Regina's file. "Huh. Regina's file - it's empty," David announces, making Mary Margaret and Emma look at him.
"So she did it. She killed the kindest soul in this town. A man who only cared about helping," Mary Margaret sighs, looking around.
"I promise we'll find whoever really did this," Emma promises them, believing Regina's alibi.
"Isn't it time you admit we already have? Regina had a fight with Archie, Ruby saw her outside last night, and now, her file is empty. That's… That's a lot of evidence," David argues.
"Maybe that's the point," she states, looking at her parents.
"What do you mean?" He asks her.
"Well, I don't know how it is in Fairy Tale Land, but in the real world, it's usually hard to find evidence. But this has been way too easy. Unless, someone wants us to find evidence," the Sheriff explains. "And I mean, even with the alibi, it all points to Regina."
"What? So you think she was framed?" Mary Margaret wonders, frowning.
"Well, it wouldn't be the first time that happened in this town," Emma replies, glancing back at her.
"Who would want to frame her?" David questions.
"That's a long list, present company included," Mary Margaret argues, pointing at herself and her husband.
"Yeah. But there's only one name on that list that would resort to killing to get what they want." Emma tells them, thinking of Mr Gold.
{SPELLBINDING}
Meanwhile, in Mr Gold's Pawn Shop, Belle finishes preparing lunch for them. "Oh, well, that looks delicious, Thank you very much, Belle," Mr Gold comments, smiling, but it turns sour when Emma, David, and Mary Margaret enter. "Ah… Nothing warms the heart more than a family reunited. You have your mother's chin, Miss Swan."
"We know that you killed him," Emma declares angrily.
"And your father's tact," he muses.
"Someone's dead?" Belle asks, looking at the Charming family.
"Dr Hopper," Emma informs her.
"Why on earth would you think I had anything to do with that?" Mr Gold wonders, looking at the Sheriff.
"Because all the evidence points to Regina," she replies.
"And she's not possibly capable of doing something so vile?" Belle questions, frowning.
"It's a frame job," the Sheriff explains.
"It wouldn't be the first time you used someone to try to hurt her," Mary Margaret argues.
"Nice to see your memories still intact, dearie. But this time, I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint you. It wasn't me," Mr Gold tells them.
"Why should we believe you?" David snaps.
"Because I can prove it. Ask the witness," he replies calmly.
"No one was there," Emma tells him.
"Well, that's not strictly true now, is it?" The Dark One argues, and later, David finds Pongo and leads him into the Pawn Shop. Mr Gold goes to pet him. "Hey, boy. Good boy. Good boy, good boy."
"I, uh… I didn't know you were such a dog person," Belle muses, smiling.
"Well… A long time ago, in another life, I got to know a sheepdog or two," Mr Gold replies.
"That's fascinating. But unless you speak dog, how is Pongo going to tell us anything?" Emma snaps.
"Through Magic, of course. It won't allow us to communicate, but it will allow us to… Extract his memories," he explains.
"Extract?" David asks, frowning, as any talk of Magic goes over his head.
"You don't have to worry. He won't feel a thing," Mr Gold assures them.
"Why should we trust you? Couldn't you just as easily use Magic to fool us?" Emma argues.
"Because I'm not going to be the one using Magic – you are," he replies, smirking as he looks at Emma.
"Me? How?" She asks, frowning.
"You have it within you. Told me so yourself. You witnessed it, didn't you?" The Dark One questions, glancing at Mary Margaret.
"Emma, you don't have to do this," Mary Margaret argues, looking at her daughter.
"If it tells us something about Archie's death, then so be it," Emma tells them, and Mr Gold takes a dreamcatcher out of one of the cupboards and holds it up.
"Do you know what this is?" Mr Gold asks, looking at the blond woman.
"A dreamcatcher," she replies, shrugging, not seeing the relevance.
"Well… It's capable of catching so much more," he explains and slowly runs the dreamcatcher along Pongo's back, which causes it to start glowing a bright yellow.
"What is that?" Belle asks, watching.
"Memories. Now, Miss Swan. You show us how," Rumpelstiltskin tells them and looks at Emma.
"How? It's just a jumble," Emma wonders.
"Will it. Will it, and we shall all see," Mr Gold replies, and Emma takes the dreamcatcher, holding it before her. She concentrates on the jumbled swirl in the middle of the dreamcatcher, but nothing happens.
"I can't," she sighs, feeling useless.
"Yes, you can," he assures her, and Emma briefly closes her eyes, which causes the jumble to transform into an actual image. In the centre of the Dreamcatcher, Pongo's memories of 'Regina' entering Archie's office play out.
"Emma… You're doing it," David mutters.
"Regina," Emma gasps, watching the memory as it gets to the part where 'Regina' grabs Archie's neck. Mary Margaret, horrified, turns away. Having seen enough, Emma drops the dreamcatcher and lets it fall to the floor before it reveals vital information. "You were right all along."
"I'm sorry, Emma," he says, knowing that Landon will also get into trouble for supposedly lying about being with Regina last night.
{SPELLBINDING}
Emma rushes out of the Pawn Shop with David and Mary Margaret trailing behind her. "Emma! Wait. Where are you going?" David asks urgently.
"To get Regina," Emma tells him angrily, though she isn't sure what's going through her head about Landon and Regina.
"Well, can we talk about this?" Mary Margaret questions.
"What's there to talk about? She killed Archie, now she's got to pay," she snaps.
"Emma, how do you plan on doing that? She has her powers back here," Snow reminds her.
"Yeah, well, you just saw what happened. So do I," the Saviour argues.
"Yeah. You have something, but you didn't even know what the hell to do with it. And now, you're going to go take on the most powerful woman in town?" David snaps.
"Excuse me. Weren't you both the ones who've been pushing on the 'it's Regina' kick the whole time? You should be happy you were right," Emma retorts angrily.
"We may be right, but I also know that going after her without a plan is a mistake." Mary Margaret warns her.
"So what do we do?" She asks them.
"Even if the Dwarves construct a cell to hold her, we need a way to contain her Magic until then." David suggests.
"Fairy Dust. Leroy said they were processing a new batch of it," Mary Margaret tells them.
"Will that stop her power?" Emma asks.
"It has before. The problem is, she'll see us coming," David argues. "And Landon will fight tooth and nail again to stop us."
"Leave that to me. Trust me – we're locking her up," she tells them. "And I'll deal with Landon."
{SPELLBINDING}
Emma knocks on Regina's house door, while David and Mary Margaret stand behind her when Regina answers. "Miss Swan. I assume you're here to apologise," Regina snaps, glaring at them even though she thought they were getting along after they returned from the Enchanted Forest.
"I saw you do it," Emma snaps.
"What?" She questions, frowning.
"I saw it. You choked the life out of Archie," the Sheriff replies.
"What are you talking about? How is that even possible?" The Evil Queen wonders, looking at the Charming family.
"Magic," David tells her.
"You-?" Regina asks, looking at Emma.
"I saw what happened, and it was you," Emma informs her.
"Gold. He helped you. You're going to trust him, of all people, when he's probably the one behind this?" She warns her.
"We didn't trust him. That's why Emma used Magic instead," Mary Margaret replies.
"You can use Magic… The Saviour. Of course. Well, I can only assume he warned you, then," Regina tells Emma.
"About what?" Emma asks, looking at Regina.
"That Magic always comes with a price," she repeats the famous words.
"Yeah? Well, that's a price we're both going to pay," the blond woman tells her.
"How's that?" The Mayor asks.
"Henry. He believed in you. His heart's going to break. That's both our prices," Emma replies sadly.
"No. I will not let you poison Henry against me," Regina snaps angrily at the thought of losing her son even more.
"It's an interesting word choice since you already did," she argues. The Charming family starts to leave, and Regina follows them down the walkway.
"I want to see him. He deserves to hear my side of the story! He's my son!" The Evil Queen shouts.
"He's not! He's mine! And, after this, you're not getting anywhere near him! Do it!" The Saviour exclaims, and Mother Superior appears behind a tree and fires a blast of blue Magic at Regina. However, she sees it coming in time and stops it.
"Did you really think that would work again?" Regina growls, casually tossing the Magic orb on the ground near David and Mary Margaret. "You… You will not keep my son from me." She magically throws Emma backwards down the walkway, and Mary Margaret runs to help her up. "So much for Fairy Dust. Maybe some of your newfound Magic can save you now."
"I don't need it. I already won. There is no way Henry will swallow your lies about Archie now. You can pretend all you want, but we know how you are, and who you will always be." Emma snaps and feeling defeated, Regina magically disappears in a puff of purple smoke.
{SPELLBINDING}
The Charmings are waiting near the bus stop on the main street of Storybrooke when Landon walks over, having heard the news. "Henry's bus is going to be here any minute," Emma announces gravely.
"You can do this," Mary Margaret encourages her.
"Tell my son that someone he loved was killed by someone else he cares about? I don't know if I can. Yeah, I don't think I can do any of this. This is like real parent stuff. How can I be a parent if I never was one?" She argues, looking at her parents and Landon.
"I know. I've been asking myself the same question," David replies, looking at his grownup daughter.
"Oh, no. You guys don't have to… It-It's different," the blond woman tells them.
"No, it isn't. And yes, we have to. We can figure it out. So can you," Mary Margaret replies, smiling softly at her.
"You don't know me. You don't know what I was before Storybrooke. And trust me, I was not parent material," Emma argues.
"Yeah, but we know who you are since you've been here," David assures her.
"He's right. For once," Landon says, smiling and wrapping his arm around Emma's shoulder, kissing her forehead, though he gets a glare from David.
"What if I revert? Regina seemed to," Emma wonders, looking at the others.
"You're not going to. And the Emma I know was great with Henry," David argues, smiling.
"I was his parent for five minutes," she replies.
"And I was yours for five minutes, too, but things are different now – for all of us. We don't have to go through any of it alone. We're family," he tells her, and they see Henry get off the bus. Emma pulls away from Landon and walks over to meet him.
"Emma. I told you I could walk myself," Henry sighs, smiling, glad to see her.
"I know. Something happened, and… I want you to hear it from me first," Emma replies, smiling softly at him.
"What is it?" He asks, growing nervous.
"Come here," she says, leading Henry to a bench where they sit to talk. Regina sits in her car from a distance and watches the scene unfold in the rearview mirror. She cries as she watches Emma break the news to Henry, seeing how upset her son gets and Emma hugging him. Regina can't help but feel lost and hopeless.
{SPELLBINDING}
At the docks, Killian is sharpening his hook when Cora arrives. "You're back. So, did you get what you wanted?" Killian asks her.
"Yes. My daughter's lost everything now," Cora announces.
"Ah. Well, aren't you mum of the year?" He jokes, earning a glare from the woman.
"I did what was needed," she argues.
"What about what I need? You promised you'd help me get my revenge on Rumpelstiltskin," Hook snaps, wanting to get off the ship and get his revenge on the Dark One.
"And I've already started. Or didn't you notice the little gift I left you in the hold of your ship?" The Queen of Hearts asks, looking at him.
"A gift? What is it?" Killian wonders, perking up.
"Not what. Who?" Cora corrects him, smirking, and they enter the invisible ship, where she leads Killian to the lower level of the vessel. She opens up a grate, allowing Killian to look inside.
"Who's that?" He asks, looking at the man tied and gagged before them.
"Someone privy to Storybrooke's deepest secrets, including Rumpelstiltskin's. Someone who can help us determine his weaknesses here," she informs him, smirking at Archie, who looks up at them, struggling in the ropes, holding him bound in the hold. "Can't you, Dr Hopper?"
"If that's him, then who did you kill?" Hook wonders, frowning.
"How do I know? It's my first day in town," the red-haired woman argues, shrugging.
"You disguised the body to look like him. If death wasn't punishment enough… Marvellous work," Killian compliments her genius work.
"Thank you. Now you'll have all the knowledge you'll need. It may take some work, but this cricket will chirp," Cora assures him.
"Aye. That he will," he agrees, smirking at Archie, who tries screaming through the gag.