£ Once Upon A Time ¥

There was an enchanted forest filled with all the classic characters we know. Or think we know. One day they found themselves trapped in a place where all their happy endings were stolen. Our World.

This is how it happened...

Flashback 1

Enchanted Forest

Day - Woods

Prince Charming rode on his horse through a long stretch of land towards the forest, copes of snow filled the green scenario. He came across a clearing where he found a glass coffin surrounded by Seven Dwarves.

The Dwarves' eyes were locked in the coffin where there was a sleeping woman inside, Snow White.

A teenage girl with long brown hair stepped closer to him, sadness written in her face, "You're too late" she told him softly

"No" Charming looked at her in denial, gently pushing her aside as she looked down. He ran closer to look inside the coffin, breaking down "No! Open it"

The dwarves and the girl looked at him in sympathy

A dwarf, Grumpy sighed softly, "I'm sorry, she's gone"

Charming gulped, looking down sadly. "At least let me say goodbye"

The dwarves looked at the teenage girl making her look shocked. She licked her lips, giving them a slow nod.

The dwarves removed the lid of the coffin, giving him a moment.

Charming knelt next to Snow White and captured her lips in a soft and sweet kiss full of True Love causing a wave of magic spread through their joined lips and upwards through the entire land, blowing the dwarves and the teenage girl's long hair back.

Snow awakened with a gasp, seeing Charming starting to smile, "You... You found me"

The teenager grinned in relief

Charming chuckled, "Did you ever doubt I would?"

"Truthfully?" Snow smiled teasingly, "The glass coffin gave me pause"

The dwarves smiled in relief, walking away, leaving them alone.

The teenage girl smiled, walking away to another direction.

"Well, you never have to worry, I will always find you" Charming told her

"Do you promise?" Snow asked

~8~

Castle - Wedding Ceremony

The scene changed into the wedding of Snow White and Prince Charming

"I do" Charming answered smiling

The Bishop smiled, turning to Snow White, "And do you, Snow White, promise to take this man to be your husband, and love him for all eternity?"

"I do" Snow answered smiling

People from all kingdoms and close friends were inside the castle. Among them were the teenage girl from the beginning wearing a long blue dress and her hair braided to the side. At the other side of the castle, a blonde teenage girl with green eyes wearing a pink coral dress was smiling in delight, next to her was an older man with green eyes.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife" Everyone clapped when the couple kissed. The blonde girl caught the eye of a chirping dove on a window and grinned at it making the small creature flap its wings at her, happily.

Suddenly the doors got blown open with a strong air, interrupting the celebration

A woman, the Evil Queen smirked at the sudden silence with her arrival, "Sorry I'm late"

Evil Queen walked closer. Several guards tried to stop her but with a flicker of her wrist she sent them flying against a wall magically.

A dwarf widened his eyes, running away "It's the Queen! Run"

Snow drew Charming's Sword and pointed it at the Queen "She's not a queen anymore! She's nothing more than an evil witch!"

The Evil Queen looked amused

Charming stepped closer to his wife, lowering the sword "No no no, don't stoop to her level, there's no need" He turned to the Queen "You're wasting your time, you've already lost. And I will not let you ruin this wedding"

"Oh, I haven't come here to ruin anything" The Evil Queen smiled innocently "On the contrary, dear, I've come to give you a gift"

"We want nothing from you" Snow snapped.

"But you shall have it" The Evil Queen told her. "My gift to you is this happy, happy day. For tomorrow, my real work begins. You've made your vows, now I make mine. Soon, everything you love, everything all of you love, will be taken from you. Forever. And out of your suffering will rise my victory. I shall destroy your happiness, if it is the last thing I do" She turned around, walking towards the door

Everyone looked horrified by her threat.

Charming looked angry, "Hey!" He exclaimed making her turn to him. He threw his sword straight at her. The Evil Queen smirked before disappearing in a cloud of smoke as well the sword.

The blonde girl and the brunette girl managed to meet their eyes across the room, exchanging worried looks, turning to face the couple. The blonde girl clasped a hand around a golden bracelet with a red ruby around her wrist in worry.

Snow White and Prince Charming held into each other, worried about the threat but knowing they had to be brave to reassure their people.

~8~

Our World

Night - On the Road - Bus

A boy with brown hair was holding a fairytale book, watching a picture of Snow White and Prince Charming holding into each other

Next to him, a girl with brown hair had her head in his shoulder, pretending she wasn't reading the book.

There was a woman sitting close to them, looking at the kids' book with a soft smile, "That a good book?"

The boy named Henry looked up, closing the book "This... it's more than just a book"

The girl named Daniella looked unconvinced, shrugging and smiling innocently at the woman.

The woman chuckled, "Oh"

Man (on PA): Boston sub-station. Thank you for riding Greyhound"

Henry and Daniella leave the bus

~8~

Outside

Daniella and Henry were walking out of the bus

Daniella looked at Henry, "Mom's gonna get angry with us for leaving"

Henry shrugged, "She's not our real mom, Dani" Daniella sighed, following after Henry as he knocked into a taxi window. The driver rolled down the window, "Uh, do you take credit cards?"

Daniella held up a credit card with a smile.

The driver looked between them, "Where to, kids?"

Daniella and Henry exchanged a look

~8~

Boston, Massachusetts

Upscale Restaurant

Emma Swan arrived at the restaurant wearing a pink dress, walking through the restaurant, walking closer to a man's table

The man stood, extending his hand "Emma?"

Emma accepted his hand, shaking it "Ryan? You look relieved"

They sat down.

"Well, it is the Internet" Ryan told her "Pictures can be..."

"Fake" Emma finished with a chuckle, "Out-dated. Stolen from the Victoria's Secret catalogue. So..."

"So... tell me something about yourself, Emma" Ryan told her

"Oh, Uh, well, today's my birthday" Emma answered shrugging and forcing a smile

"And you're spending it with me?" Ryan raised his eyebrows in disbelief "What about your friends?"

Emma tilted her head "Kind of a loner"

"And you don't like your family?" Ryan asked

"No family to like" Emma told him

"Aw. Come on, everyone has family" Ryan told her

"Technically, yeah, but not everyone knows who they are" Emma shrugged "Ready to run yet?"

"Oh, not a chance" Ryan told her, smiling "You, Emma, are, by far, the sexiest friendless orphan that I have ever met"

"Okay! Your turn" Emma told him, chuckling "No, wait, let me guess. Um... you are handsome, charming..."

Ryan smirked "Go on"

"The kind of guy who... and now, stop me if I get this wrong, embezzled from your employer, got arrested, and skipped town before they were able to throw your ass in jail" Emma told him, seriously

Ryan's smirk faltered "What?"

"And the worst part of all this is your wife" Emma continued "Your wife loves you so much that she bailed you out, and how do you repay that loyalty? You're on a date"

"Who are you?" Ryan asked

"The chick who put up the rest of the money" Emma answered

Ryan realized who she was, "The bails bondsman"

"Bail bondsperson" Emma corrected. Ryan flipped the table, running out of the restaurant, out into the street and toward his car. Emma sighed in annoyance that the wine and the food fell over her, "Really?"

Emma walked calmly after him as Ryan got into his car trying to drive away only to discover that his car had been booted.

Emma walked up to him with a smug smile.

"You don't have to do this, okay?" Ryan told her "I can pay you, I've got money"

"No, you don't" Emma told him "And if you did you should give it to your wife and take care of your family"

"The hell do you know about family, huh?" Ryan asked

Emma narrowed her eyes, grabbing Ryan by his head, slamming it against the steering wheel to knock him out, "Nothing"

~8~

Emma's apartment - Living room

Emma walked into her apartment with a grocery bag, taking off her heels and placing the bag on the counter, taking out a gourmet cupcake out of it, putting a candle on it, lighting it

"Another banner year..." Emma told herself, closing her eyes and blowing her candle.

The doorbell rang.

Emma opened her eyes frowning, walking over the door, opening it to reveal Henry and Daniella outside in the hallway, "Uh, can I help you?"

"Are you Emma Swan?" Daniella asked.

"Yeah" Emma answered, "Who are you?"

Henry smiled, "My name's Henry. This is my twin Daniella" he pointed at Daniella who gave Emma a shy wave, "We're your kids"

Henry slipped under Emma's arm, pulling Daniella close, walking inside Emma's apartment

Emma looked shocked, trying to stop them "Whoa, hey, kids! Kids! I don't have a son and much less a daughter! Where are your parents?"

Neither Henry and Daniella answered, already expecting her to deny their existence.

"Ten years ago, did you give up two babies for adoption?" Daniella asked, not waiting for an answer, pointing between herself and Henry "That was us"

Emma looked stunned and overwhelmed seeing the twins raiding her kitchen as if they owned the place, "Give me a minute" She said going into the bathroom

Daniella watched Emma entering the bathroom with a tilt of her head

Henry was looking through the fridge "Hey, do you have any juice?" He paused, taking out the juice of the fridge, chuckling "Never mind, found some"

"I think we broke her" Daniella told Henry making him laugh slightly.

Emma walked out of the bathroom, seeming to be composed

"You know, we should probably get going" Henry told Emma once he saw her

Emma paused, "Going where?"

"We want you to come home with us" Henry told her

"Okay, kids, I'm calling the cops" Emma told them, walking toward the phone

Daniella looked hurt, not wanting to go. "Then I'll them you kidnapped us" she blurted out making Henry's grin grow, proud of his shy sister

Emma sighed, turning to face them, putting down the phone "And they'll believe you because I'm your birth mother"

"Yep" Henry agreed

Emma looked between them, skeptically "You're not gonna do that"

Henry smiled "Try us"

Emma narrowed her eyes "You're pretty good, but here's the thing. There's not a lot I'm great at in life, but I have one skill. It's called a "superpower." I can tell when anyone is lying, and you, are"

"Wait. Please don't call the cops" Daniela looked at her pleadingly "Please come home with us"

Emma sighed "Where's home?"

"Storybrooke, Maine" Henry answered

"Storybrooke?" Emma repeated "Seriously?"

Daniella nodded "Mm-hmm"

Emma looked between them, "Alrighty, then. Let's get you back to Storybrooke"

Daniella and Henry exchanged a triumphant look, smiling

~8~

Flashback 2

Enchanted Forest

Royal Castle - Nursery

A pregnant Snow White stood in a balcony doorway in her child's nursery, releasing a blue bird into the air, outside the castle. Charming was with her

"What's wrong?" Charming asked

"Nothing" Snow answered

"You're thinking about what the Queen said again, aren't you?" Snow didn't answer. "Snow, please... I can't keep having this conversation, you have to let it go. We're about to have a baby!"

"I haven't had a restful night since our wedding" Snow admitted fretfully

"That's what she wants, to get in your head" Charming pointed out "But they're only words. She can't hurt us"

"She poisoned an apple because she thought I was prettier than her" Snow reminded him "You have no idea of what she's capable"

"What can I do to ease your mind?" Charming asked

"Let me talk... to him" Snow told him

"Him" Charming repeated "You don't mean--"

"I do" Snow confirmed

The teenager with long hair walked in, having heard the last part "No. That's too dangerous, Snow"

Snow and Charming turned to face her, surprised to see her there.

Charming seemed to agree with her, looking at Snow, "She's right"

"He sees the future" Snow reminded them

"There's a reason he's locked up" Charming told her

"Can you promise me that our child will be safe?" Snow asked them. Neither of them answered, hesitating. "Can you guarantee it? Because he can"

"He's also a liar and a trickster" The girl pointed out.

Snow sighed, "I know, Rapunzel. But, he can help"

Rapunzel looked between them, seeing that Charming looked now convinced "Fine. Do it. I just wanted to say hello before I leave with Grace and before I can hurt someone"

"You would never hurt someone" Snow told her softly

"You say that" Rapunzel shrugged "But it's still unpredictable even after my curse was broken. See you later" she didn't wait for their reply before she walked away from the nursery, leaving

~8~

Royal Castle - Cells

"It was really cute"

Rumpelstilskin behind the bar clicked his tongue, "Oh, and you're here to mock their happiness, aren't you dearie?" His giggle made a dark haired woman standing outside of his cell, walk out of the shadows with a sarcastic smirk

"No, I'm here to inform you that your beloved student" she said in disgust, "Hasn't given up"

The man-like-beast behind the bars gripped them tightly, nearing his snake-like face through the tiny space between bar with a sadistic grin, "Oh, I know. That's why she was perfect"

The woman seemed still hesitant, lowering her eyes. "For you"

"For us, dearie" Rumpelstilskin corrected, reaching an arm outside the cell, managing to touch the woman's arm, reassuringly. She didn't say anything making him realize something, giggling in irony, "Oh, I know what is happening. You're getting cold feet"

"No, I am not" The woman countered, looking at him with a glare

"Then what is this silence, Keira?" Rumpelstilskin defied, staring at her with cold calculating eyes, "All it takes, remember?"

It was all Keira needed to avert her eyes, nodding slowly "I know" she murmured.

~8~

Our World.

Night - On the Road

Emma was driving her yellow bug. Daniella and Henry were in the backseat as she didn't want any of them fighting for the passenger seat.

Daniella was watching the scenario through the window.

Henry leaned forward between the front seats, putting down his book "I'm hungry. Can we stop somewhere?"

Emma didn't look away from the road "This is not a road trip; we're not stopping for snacks"

Daniella looked away from the window, "Why not?"

"Quit complaining, kids" Emma told them "Remember, I could've put your butt on a bus; I still could"

"You know, we have names" Henry told her, "I'm Henry. That's Dani"

Emma glanced down at Henry's book "What's that?"

"I'm not sure you're ready" Henry told her

Daniella rolled her eyes, looking away

"Ready for some fairy tales?" Emma looked skeptical

"They're not fairy tales" Henry told her. Daniella sighed, giving her brother a look "They're true. Every story in this book actually happened"

"Or so he says" Daniella murmured under her breath, earning an elbow in her side from Henry making her hiss in pain, glaring at him

Emma oblivious to their exchange, chuckled "Of course they did"

"Use your superpower" Henry countered turning to her, "See if I'm lying"

Emma looked at him through the rearview mirror for a moment "Just because you believe something doesn't make it true"

"That's exactly what makes it true" Henry told her. "You should know more than anyone"

Emma raised her eyebrows "Why's that?"

"And again with this" Daniella murmured under her breath

"Because you're in this book" Henry answered

"Oh, kid. You've got problems" Emma shook her head

Henry chuckled, "Yup. And you're going to fix them"

Daniella shot her brother a look, shaking her head, looking toward the window again

~8~

Flashback 3

Enchanted Forest

Night - Royal Castle - Cells

A nameless guard escorted Charming and Snow to a cell, looking at Charming and Snow "When we reach the cell, stay out of the light, and whatever you do, do not let him know your name. If he knows your name, he will have power over you" He turned to the cell, "Rumplestiltskin. Rumplestiltskin! I have a question for you"

Rumplestiltskin climbed down from cell bars like a monkey "No, you don't. They do. Snow White and Prince "Charming"!" He cackled insanely, giggling hysterically "You insult me. Step into the light, and take off those ridiculous robes" Snow and Charming did as told "Ah, ha-ha ha... that's much better"

"We've come to ask you about the--" charming started

"Yes, yes, I know why you're here!" Rumpelstilskin interrupted him, "You want to know about the Queen's threat."

"Tell us what you know" Snow told him

"Ohh! Tense, aren't we?" Rumplestilskin asked. "Fear not: for I can ease your mind! But. It's gonna cost you something in return"

Charming shook his head "No. This is a waste of time"

"What do you want?" Snow asked

"Oh... the name of your unborn child?" Rumpelstilskin answered

"Absolutely not!" Charming snapped.

Snow knew that she needed answers, the reason why she had come to him. She knew she had a price to pay to know of her child's safety so she agreed "Deal. What do you know?"

Charming looked at her frowning

"Ah. The Queen has created a powerful curse. And it's coming" Rumpelstilskin answered "Soon you'll all be in a prison, just like me, only worse! Your prison--all of our prisons—will be time. And time will stop. And we will be trapped, someplace horrible, where everything we hold dear, everything we love will be ripped from us while we suffer for all eternity, while the Queen celebrates, victorious at last! No more happy endings"

"What can we do?" Snow asked

"We can't do anything!" Rumpelstilskin answered

"Who can?" Snow asked

Rumplestiltskin reached a hand beyond the bars toward Snow "That little thing. Growing inside your belly"

Charming drew a sword, slapping Rumplestiltskin's hand with it away from Snow "Next time, I cut it off"

Rumplestiltskin clicked his tongue at Charming "The infant is our only hope. Get the child to safety. Get the child to safety and on its--" He Closed eyes in concentration "twenty-eighth birthday, the child will return. The child will find you—and the final battle will begin!"

Rumpelstilskin cackled insanely, giggling hysterically

"Heard enough" Charming told them, "We're leaving"

Snow and Charming walked away.

Rumplestiltskin whooped and cackled with a deranged scream "Hey! No! We made a deal! I want her name! We had a deal. I. Need. Her. Name! I want her name!"

Charming turned to face him, "Her?" He repeated, "Its a boy"

Rumplestiltskin looked at Snow, "Missy, missy—you know I'm right. Tell me. What's her name?"

Snow White turned to face him slowly "Emma. Her name is Emma"

Charming looked at Snow in awe

Rumplestiltskin smiled in awe "Emma"

~8~

Our World

Night - On the Road

On the rainy night, Emma's car drove past the limits of a town called Storybrooke with Emma, Daniella and Henry inside the car

~8~

Street - Emma's car

Emma was driving now through downtown Storybrooke

"Okay, kids, how about an address?" Emma asked

"Forty-four, not-telling-you street" Henry answered smiling

Emma slammed the breaks of the car, sighing.

~8~

Outside

The three of them walked out of the car, looking at each other

"Look, it's been a long night, and it's almost..." Emma looked at the clocktower, confused by the time "8:15?"

"Don't bother" Daniella told her, "That clock hasn't moved our whole life"

"Time's frozen here" Henry added

"Henry..." Daniella sighed in frustration.

Emma frowned, "Excuse me?"

"The Evil Queen did it with her curse" Henry explained "She sent everyone from the Enchanted Forest here"

"Hang on" Emma told him "The Evil Queen sent a bunch of fairytale characters here"

"I know. I didn't believe it either" Daniella told her.

Henry ignored his sister "Yeah. And now they're trapped"

"Frozen in time, stuck in Storybrooke, Maine" Emma asked skeptically "That's what you're going with?"

"It's true!" Henry told her

"Then why doesn't everybody just leave?" Emma asked

Daniella threw a hand at Emma, looking at Henry sarcastically "Yeah. Why not?"

"You know this, Dani" Henry seemed frustrated with his sister, "They can't. If they try, bad things happen"

Dr. Archie Hopper walked up to them with his Dalmatian dog named Pongo, "Henry, Daniella. What are you doing here? Is everything all right?"

Daniella knelt down to pet Pongo, smiling

"We're fine, Archie" Henry answered for the both of them, smiling down at Pongo

Archie nodded at Emma, "Who's this?"

"Just someone trying to give them a ride home" Emma answered

Daniella looked up, smiling "She's our mom, Archie"

Archie looked slightly surprised, "Oh.. I see"

"You know where they live?" Emma asked

"Oh. Yeah, sure" Archie answered "Just uh, right up on Mifflin Street; the Mayor's house is the biggest one on the block"

Emma looked down at them. "You're the mayor's kids?"

Daniella and Henry looked sheepish, "Uh, maybe?"

Archie looked down at Henry "Hey. Where were you today, Henry?" He asked "Because you missed our session"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you" Henry told him "I went on a field trip with Dani"

Daniella smiled, rocking on her heels innocently when Archie turned to her

Archie crouched to look at Henry in the eyes "Henry, what'd I tell you about lying? Giving in to one's dark side never accomplishes anything"

"Okay. Well, I really should be getting them home" Emma told him

"Yeah. Sure." Archie agreed, standing up "Well, listen—have a good night, and uh, you be good, Henry. You too Daniella"

"I'm always good" Daniella told him

Archie chuckled walking away with Pongo.

Henry looked at his sister, "Yeah, I wouldn't believe that either"

Daniella shrugged "I'm an angel, Hen"

Henry chuckled

Emma looked at Henry, "So that's your shrink"

"I'm not crazy" Henry told her

"Didn't say that" Emma told him "Just, he doesn't seem cursed to me. Maybe he's just trying to help you"

"He's the one who needs help" Henry told her "Because he doesn't know"

"That he's a fairytale character" Emma raised her brows skeptically

"None of them do" Henry explained "They don't remember who they are"

Emma chuckled a bit, thinking he was just playing her "Convenient. All right. I'll play" They got back in the car "Who's he supposed to be?"

"Jiminy Cricket" Daniella was the one who answered this time

Henry grinned, nudging his sister slightly "And you say you don't listen to me when I talk about this"

"Blame Kate for that" Daniella told him

Henry smiled

"Right. The lying thing" Emma told them "Thought your nose grew a little bit, Henry"

"I'm not Pinocchio!" "He's not Pinocchio" The twins answered at the same time creeping out Emma slightly

Emma nodded, starting to drive "'Course you're not. 'Cause that would be ridiculous"

~8~

Flashback 4

Enchanted Forest

Night - Royal Castle - Meeting Room

Charming, Snow, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Granny, Grumpy, Doc, Geppetto, Pinocchio, several guards and Jiminy Cricket were discussing what to do about the Curse.

Charming slammed a fist on the table "I say we fight!"

"Fighting is a bad idea" Jiminy shook his head "Giving in to one's dark side never accomplishes anything"

"And how many wars has a clear conscience won?" Charming replied "We need to take the Queen out before she can inflict her curse"

"Can we even trust Rumplestiltskin?" Doc asked

Rapunzel gave him a look as if to ask 'Are you serious about that?' but stayed quiet otherwise

"I've sent my men into the forest. The animals are abuzz with the Queen's plan" Charming told them. "This is going to happen unless we do something"

"There's no point" Snow spoke, "The future is written"

"No. I refuse to believe that" Charming shook his head "Good can't just lose!"

"Maybe it can" Snow told them

"No. Not as long as we have each other" Charming told her "If you believe him about the curse then you must believe him about our child. She will be the savior" The Blue Fairy and some soldiers entered the room, carrying a tree trunk "What the hell is this?"

"Our only hope of saving that child" The Blue Fairy answered

"A tree? Our fate rests on a tree?" Grumpy asked skeptically, turning to Charming "Let's get back to the fighting thing"

"The tree is enchanted. If fashioned into a vessel it can ward off any curse" The Blue Fairy explained "Geppetto, can you build such a thing?"

"Me and my boy. We can do it" Geppetto answered, ruffling a young boy, Pinocchio's hair

"This will work. We all must have faith" The Blue Fairy told us making everyone smile. "There is, however, a catch. The enchantment is indeed powerful, but all power has its limits. And this tree can protect only one"

Snow White and Prince Charming shared a concerned look.

Rapunzel looked down sadly for the news, murmuring "All Magic comes with a price"

~8~

Our World

Night - Mills House - Outside

Emma was taking Henry and Daniella home, walking up the garden path to the house.

A teenage girl was at the front door, biting her lip worriedly as she heard Henry's voice coming closer, looking to the entrance "Please don't take us back there"

"I have to" Emma told him "I'm sure your parents are worried sick about you"

"We have a mom actually" The girl heard Daniella's voice, closing her eyes in relief

"And she's evil" Henry told Emma.

"Evil?" Emma repeated. The girl walked closer "That's a bit extreme, isn't it?"

"Yes" Daniella drawled, giving her brother a look

"She doesn't love us" Henry told Emma, ignoring Daniella "She only pretends to"

"Henry! Dani!" The girl ran to the twins and engulfed them in a big hug making Daniella groan, "You two had me worried sick. When I couldn't find you this morning at the school and Mary-Margaret said you called yourself sick, I knew it was a lie"

Daniella grinned, "Aw, Katie"

Kate pulled away, looking down at the twins seriously, "I was about to tell Regina where I thought you were, if something had happened to you I would've never forgiven myself, I lied to your mom guys, every time she called I covered your back"

Emma cleared her throat, seeming slightly amused at the teen's ramble.

Kate looked up at Emma, startled and confused by her presence "Not to be rude or anything, but who are you?"

"My name's Emma" Emma told her

Kate tilted her head curiously, looking down at the twins

Daniella nodded with a smile.

The front door opened, revealing Regina Mills and Sheriff Graham walking toward them

"Henry? Dani?" Regina ran closer, "Oh, sweethearts!" She pulled Daniella and Henry into a hug, "Are you okay? Where have you been? What happened?"

Henry didn't hug back like Daniella did, "We found our real mom!" He exclaimed, slipping past Regina's arms and inside the house.

Daniella gave Regina a small sheepish smile before running after Henry

Kate and Regina looked up at Emma in realization.

Kate didn't look as surprised as Regina, though. She gave both women a last look before going after the kids.

"You're Henry and Daniella's birth mother?" Regina asked Emma

Emma waved "Hi"

Graham could feel the increasing tension between them, pointing at the house with his thumb, slowly walking away toward the house "I'll.. just.. go check the kids, make sure they're okay"

Regina looked at Emma, "How'd you like a glass of the best apple cider you ever tasted?"

Emma sighed, shrugging "Got anything stronger?

~8~

Upstairs - Henry's room

Henry and Daniella were sitting down on Henry's bed when Kate entered the room, crossing her arms

"You two had quite the adventure, didn't you?" Kate looked between them

Daniella shrugged

Henry looked up, "You're not mad?"

"Only cause you left me alone without a goodbye note or a 'don't expect me all day, I'm finding my mom' card in my kitchen table as you so well do all the time, Dani" Kate replied

The twins smiled sheepishly "Sorry, Katie"

~8~

Downstairs - Foyer

Emma stood in the foyer. Regina walked in with a set of glasses

"How did they find me?" Emma asked

"No idea" Regina admitted "When I adopted them, they were only three weeks old. Records were sealed, I was told the birth mother didn't want to have any contact"

Emma nodded, "You were told right"

"And the father?" Regina asked

"There was one" Emma answered

"Do I need to be worried about him?" Regina asked

"Nope" Emma answered "Doesn't even know"

"Do I need to be worried about you, Miss Swan?" Regina asked

Emma shook her head "Absolutely not"

Kate walked in, walking down the stairs "Hey, I just checked on Dani and Henry. They're just fine, just a little tired"

Regina looked up at her with a smile that didn't reach her eyes completely, "Thank you, Kate"

Kate looked awkward for a moment, nodding "I'm going home" Regina nodded. Kate looked at Emma, curiously "Nice to meet you Emma" Kate walked out, leaving the house

Regina lead Emma to a sitting room, "I'm sorry they dragged you out of your life. I really don't know what's gotten into Henry that made him drag Dani into it as well"

"Kids are having a rough time" Emma told her, "Happens"

"You have to understand, ever since I became mayor, balancing things has been tricky" Regina told her "You have a job, I assume?"

"Uh, I keep busy. Yeah" Emma answered

"Imagine having another one on top of it." Regina told her "That's being a single mom. So I push forward. Am I strict? I suppose. But I do it for their own good. I want Henry and Daniella to excel in life. I don't think that makes me evil, do you?"

"I'm... sure Henry's just saying that because of the fairytale thing" Emma told her

"What fairytale thing?" Regina asked

"Oh, you know, his book" Emma told her. "How he thinks everyone's a cartoon character from it. Like his shrink is Jiminy Cricket"

"I'm sorry, I..." Regina shook her head, confused "really have no idea what you're talking about"

"You know what, it's none of my business" Emma stood up, "He's your kid. Like Daniella as well. And I really should be heading back"

Regina nodded, "Of course"

Emma walked away

~8~

Outside

Emma walked outside the house, turning around briefly to find Henry and Daniella watching her from one of the second floor windows.

~*~

Upstairs - Henry's room

Daniella looked upset

Henry smiled at his sister reassuringly, "Don't worry, Dani. She's not leaving yet"

Daniella looked at her brother curiously, starting to smile

~8~

On the Road - Emma's car

Emma was driving her car, being close to the town sign. She noticed Henry's book in the backseat

Emma shook her head, grabbing the book "Sneaky bastard" she looked up, gasping as she saw a wolf in the road, swearing as she tried to avoid hitting the wolf, losing control of the car, crashing the car into the town sign, hitting her head in the steering wheel falling unconscious.

In the middle of the road, the wolf howled

Henry's book had fallen to the floor, flipping the pages with a breeze, coming to rest upon a picture of Geppetto carving the enchanted tree trunk

~8~

Flashback 5

Enchanted Forest.

Night - Royal Castle - Nursery

Geppetto and Pinocchio were working on the trunk.

Snow was looking out of a window, turning around, approaching Charming. "I don't wanna do this"

"It has to be you" Charming told her

"I'm not leaving you" Snow told him

"It's the only way" Charming told her "You'll go in there, and you'll be safe from the curse"

"He said it would be on her twenty-eighth birthday" Snow told him

"What's twenty-eight years when you have eternal love?" Charming smiled "I have faith. You will save me, as I did you" They kissed. Snow White pulled away with a look of pain "What is it?"

"The baby" Snow breathed out in realization "She's coming!"

~8~

Castle - Parapet

Grumpy, Sleepy and two other dwarves were standing guard.

Grumpy took a drink from a canteen when he noticed something from afar, kicking Sleepy awake "Wake up. Wake up! Look!" They watched a creature flying closer to the castle at breakneck speed, trying to outrace a cloud of purple and green smoke. The dragon flew pass them as Grumpy rang a nearby bell. "The curse! It's Here!"

~8~

Our World

Morning - Storybroke's Sheriff Department - Cells

Emma was lying on a cot.

A woman with dark hair was checking on her.

Graham was looking at the woman working, arms crossed over his chest.

"Well, she seems fine" The woman chuckled slightly sarcastic as she took her latex gloves away from her hands, "Other than a little bit drunk, I guess. That's what probably caused her to crash our town sign"

Graham sighed a bit, looking grateful "Thank you for coming here, Rachel. I know you're busy and-"

"Everything for my favorite Sheriff" Rachel interrupted with a chuckle.

"I'm the only Sheriff" Graham pointed out, his smile growing slightly "That makes no sense"

"If I were you I'd take my comment as a compliment" Rachel teased. "I don't give them lightly, Graham"

Graham raised his hands in surrender, "Alright. I'll take it" They smiled. "Again, thank you so much for this"

"Don't worry" Rachel waved a hand before handing him a pill bottle, "When Ms. Swan wakes up, give her this. Just in case she has a headache. I have to go"

"I'll walk you out" Graham told her.

A short man sitting next to Emma's cell, named Leroy waved them away "Go away now"

Graham and Rachel walked away as a man entered

"Evening, Marco" Graham greeted.

Marco dipped his hat in greeting.

Emma slowly opened her eyes hearing Leroy softly whistling "Whistle While You Work". Marco had started working on a cabinet, repairing it.

Emma looked around

"What are you looking at, sister?" Leroy snapped.

Marco looked up, "Hey, Leroy. Manners. We have a guest" He turned to Emma "So you are eh, Henry and Daniella's mother. How lovely for them to have you back in their lives"

"Actually, I was just dropping them off" Emma told him

Leroy clicked his tongue. "Don't blame ya. They're all brats; who needs 'em"

"Well, I'd give anything for one" Marco began sadly. "My wife and I, we tried for many years, but, uh... it was not meant to be"

"Well cry me a river" Leroy told him

Graham walked in, walking closer to Leroy's cell and unlocking it "Leroy! I'm going to let you out; you need to behave. Put on a smile, and stay out of trouble"

Leroy smiled falsely, walking out, leaving the station

"Seriously?" Emma asked

Graham shrugged "Regina's drinks; a little stronger than we thought"

"I wasn't drunk" Emma told him "There was a wolf, standing in the middle of the road"

"A wolf. Right" Graham hummed skeptically, giving her the pill bottle Rachel instructed him to "Here. Figured you may need it"

Emma looked down at the pills, sighing.

They heard Regina's voice "Graham? Henry's run away again, we have to--" She walked into the room, seeing Emma "What is she doing here? Do you know where he is? Dani is looking for him and now I can't find her either"

"Lady, I haven't seen either of them since I dropped them at your house, and--" Emma told her. She gestured at the prison bars "Pretty good alibi"

"Yeah, well, he wasn't in his room this morning" Regina told her

"Did you try his friends?" Emma asked, "That girl Kate?"

Regina sighed, "He doesn't really have any besides Dani and Kate who I count they see more as a sister. They both are kind of a loner. And it's been a while since Kate started lying to me about either of their whereabouts so I won't trust what she'll say to me"

Emma frowned a bit, "Every kid has friends and if she says nothing to you it means they've had contact with her and told her not to" She said thoughtfully "Did you check his computer? If he was close to someone besides Kate he'd be emailing them"

"And you know this how?" Regina asked

"Finding people's what I do" Emma answered simply "Here's an idea; how 'bout you guys let me out, and I'll help you find them?"

Regina and Graham exchanged a look.

~8~

Mayor's House - Henry's bedroom

Emma and Graham were checking Henry's computer while Regina watched

"Smart kid" Emma told them "Cleared his inbox. I'm smart too" She plugged a disk into the computer "A little hard disk recovery utility I like to use"

"I'm a bit more old-fashioned, in my techniques" Graham admitted. "Pounding the pavement, knocking on doors, that sort of thing"

"You're on salary" Emma told him "I get paid for delivery. Pounding pavement is not a luxury that I get. Ah, there's a receipt for a website, whosyourmomma.org. It's expensive. He has a credit card?"

"He's ten" Regina deadpanned

"Well, he used one" Emma told her. She put up the transaction record "Let's pull up a transaction record. Mary Margaret Blanchard, who's Mary Margaret Blanchard?"

Regina pursed her lips, "Daniella and Henry's teacher"

~8~

Storybrooke Elementary School.

Mary Margaret Blanchard was in the middle of a teaching class, carrying a blue bird

"As we build our birdhouses, remember: what you're making is a home. Not a cage" Mary Margaret told her students "A bird is free, and will do what it will. This is for them, not us. They're loyal creatures..." She released the bird out the window; it flew up to a birdhouse. "If you love them and they love you, they will always find you" Kate was watching from the door, smiling. The bell rang, releasing the class "We'll pick this up after recess. No running!" She accepted a pear from a student" Why thank you!"

Kate walked closer with a teasing smile, "Oh, Ms. Blanchard. That was a deep speech indeed. Who has you talking with such passion?"

Mary Margaret chuckled at the girl, grabbing her purse. "Come on"

They both turned around to leave when they saw Regina and Emma entering the classroom.

"Miss Mills" Mary Margaret looked surprised, smiling politely "What are you doing here?"

Kate looked between them, chewing on her lip

"Where are my kids?" Regina asked.

"Henry? Dani? I was told they were home with you" Mary Margaret told her

"You think I'd be here if they were?" Regina asked

"Well, that's what Kate told me" Mary Margaret said, turning to look at the teenager. Kate was avoiding their eyes, hands behind her back, trying to look innocent

Regina narrowed her eyes at Kate

Mary Margaret sighed in slight disappointment at Kate's actions

"Did you give him your credit card so he can find her?" Regina asked, gesturing toward Emma

"I'm sorry" Mary Margaret looked at Emma "Who are you?"

"I'm—I'm their--" Emma stuttered

"The woman who gave them up for adoption" Regina answered

Kate flinched at the harshness and took that moment of tense silence trying to slip away but Emma stopped her, giving her a look

Kate sighed silently, crossing her arms watching Mary Margaret look through her purse with confused eyes

Emma noticed, "You don't know anything about this, do you?"

"No, unfortunately not" Mary Margaret sighed, "Clever boy. I should never have given him that book"

"What in the hell is this book I keep hearing about?" Regina asked

"Just some old stories I gave him" Mary Margaret told her "As you well know, Henry is a special boy: so smart, so creative, and as you might be aware, lonely. He needed it"

"What he needs is dose of reality" Regina told her "He has infected Daniella into this fantasy and making her do reckless things as well. This is a waste of time" She looked at Emma "Have a nice trip back to Boston"

Regina walked away with a huff, knocking over a stack of books on the way and glaring down at Kate. Emma helped Mary Margaret pick the books up

Kate walked away, leaving the classroom without saying a word

"Sorry to bother you" Emma told Mary Margaret

"No, it's--it's okay" Mary Margaret told her "I fear this is partially my fault"

"How's a book supposed to help?" Emma asked

"What do you think stories are for?" Mary Margaret asked "These stories? The classics? There's a reason we all know them. They're a way for us to deal with our world. A world that doesn't always make sense. See, Henry hasn't had the easiest life. Neither Dani"

They walked out the classroom, walking down the hall

"Yeah, she's kind of a hard-ass" Emma told her

"No, it's more than her" Mary Margaret shook her head "They're like any adopted child. They wrestle with that most basic question they all inevitably face: why would anyone give me away?" She realized what she said "I am so sorry. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean in any way to judge you..."

"It's okay" Emma told her

"Look, I gave the book to him because I wanted Henry and Dani too because I know deep down she feels like Henry does even if she tries to hide it and says she doesn't care about these stories to have the most important thing anyone can have; hope" Mary Margaret told her "Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a very powerful thing"

"You know where he is, don't you?" Emma asked knowingly, "Daniella knew where he was this entire time and she's with him now, isn't she?"

Mary Margaret nodded "You might want to check their castle"

~8~

Flashback 6

Enchanted Forest

Night - Royal Castle - Bedroom

Snow was in the final stages of labor. Charming was holding her while Doc waited by the bedside. Concurrently, the Queen's forces were riding through a forest to the castle.

Snow groaned in agony "Help! I can't have this baby now!"

"Doc. Do something" Charming told him. He turned to Snow "It's gonna be okay. The wardrobe's almost finished, just—just hold on"

Snow screamed in agony, worried about what could happen

Geppetto walked in "It's ready"

"It's ready" Charming repeated softly, starting to pick up Snow

Rapunzel walked in, excited to hear the news of the wardrobe being ready but saw Doc's face, "What is it?"

"It's too late" Doc told her. He looked at Charming "We can't move her"

Charming looked worriedly at Snow "Push. Push"

~8~

Forest

The Queen's riders were followed closely by the Dark Curse.

~8~

Royal Castle - Bedroom Chambers

Snow White had successfully given birth to Baby Emma, wrapping her in a blanket with her name embroidered on it. Charming kissed Snow's forehead

Rapunzel watched from the doorway, a small smile in her face before walking away with a worried look

Snow looked up groggily, "The wardrobe. It only takes one"

They looked at each other in worry until a blast and a whinny outside the door caused them to look that way

"Then our plan has failed" Charming told her "At least we're together"

"No. You have to take her" Snow told him "Take the baby to the wardrobe"

"Are you out of your mind?" Charming asked

"No" Snow answered "It's the only way, you have to send her through"

"No no no" Charming shook his head "You don't know what you're saying"

"No, I do" Snow insisted "We have to believe that she'll come back for us. We have to giver her her best chance" They both kissed Baby Emma on the forehead. "Goodbye, Emma"

Charming grabbed Baby Emma and his sword. Snow started to cry and as soon as they left.

~8~

Corridor

Five of the Queen's soldiers were trying to kill palace guards.

A long strand of hair suddenly attacked one of the Queen's men, knocking his head against the wall. The hair fell back to its owner, revealing it to be Rapunzel, glaring down at the men around her. Her hair turned back to life, as if they were whips.

Rapunzel noticed Charming running out of the chambers with Baby Emma in his arms, his sword ready.

He locked eyes with the girl. Rapunzel nodded at him, "Go" she said, using her hair to pick up one of the Queens men going after him, and throwing him against the wall "Keep her safe"

Charming looked grateful, running away where they had the wardrobe.

Rapunzel looked back at the others guards, using her hair to knock them unconscious, her hair turning lifeless again once they were all down before she walked away

~8~

Cells

Rumpelstilskin cackled insanely to himself, staring up the ceiling of his underground cell. He knew it. He knew the curse was there. It was coming, he could feel it.

He was closer than ever. He just needed time. He closed his eyes smiling, waiting....

"This is depressing" Rumpelstilskin opened his eyes abruptly, snapping his head to his cell doors, finding a smirking Keira. His eyes narrowed, "But I'm here to make it less depressing"

"You shouldn't be here, dearie" Rumpelstilskin warned, crawling to the bars and gripping them tightly, hissing at her "You should be escaping the curse"

"And leave you here?" Keira scoffed, "I'm not breaking the deal I made. I'm not leaving you. Besides we both know no one can escape that curse"

Rumpelstilskin reached his hand beyond the bars, grabbing her arm, "You wouldn't be breaking our deal, Keira. You've respected it, like I have"

Keira's dark brown eyes watered, licking her lips "I didn't want you to be alone. I know we're going to forget this. Knowing her, Regina will separate us. I wanted to spend our last moments of ourselves with my family"

Rumpelstilskin sighed softly, squeezing her hand "Don't cry, dearie. It doesn't look good on you"

Keira let out a small watery chuckle, "Always so flattering Pappa" she murmured with a smile, "I love you"

Rumpelstilskin stared at his daughter, for the last time in what he knew would be a long time "I love you too, sweetheart"

That was it. The family of two waited holding hands for the Dark Curse to reach them. It didn't take long, seeing the purple cloud starting to surround them. Keira flashed her father a last reassuring smile before getting sucked by the smoke, followed by Rumpelstilskin.

~8~

Nursery

Charming ran into the nursery toward the wardrobe, placing Baby Emma inside, giving her a kiss on her forehead for the last time.

"Find us" Charming whispered softly, closing the wardrobe so she could be taken away before the dark curse could take her too.

Two guards entered the nursery, taking Charming by surprise while saving his daughter, engaging in a sword fight. Charming tried hard to keep them away from the wardrobe, becoming slightly sloppy with his movements, coming to the point of a guard managing to stab him in the stomach with his sword, making him fall. Charming watched from the floor as the guards opened the wardrobe, only to see that Baby Emma was no longer inside. Charming managed a weak smile of relief, knowing his daughter was finally safe from the curse, drifting into unconsciousness.

~8~

Our World

Day - Park

Henry and Daniella were sitting in a wooden playground castle, playing a hand game. Henry losing a few times making Daniella's smile grow

"You have to be more agile and fast" Daniella told him clapping her hands and they both began again, clapping their hands three times before they clapped their own before starting again. Each time they began, they did it faster.

Emma walked closer with Henry's book.

Daniella noticed her first, stopping the game.

Henry grinned, "Ha! I won this time"

Daniella didn't answer, looking  away from Emma and toward the clock tower

Henry followed Daniella's sight, seeing Emma stepping next to them before looking away to the clock tower as well.

Emma looked amused by their reactions, holding Henry's book toward him "You left this in my car" She followed their gaze "Still hasn't moved, huh?"

"I was hoping that when we brought you back, things would change here" Henry told her "That the final battle will begin"

"I'm not fighting any battles, kid" Emma told him

"Yes, you are" Henry insisted "You're here because it's your destiny. You're going to bring back the happy endings"

"Can you cut it with the book crap?" Emma told him

Daniella turned to her, "You don't have to be hostile. I know you like us, I can tell. You're just pushing us away because we make you feel guilty. It's okay; I know why you gave us away. You wanted to give us our best chance"

Emma paused "How do you know that?"

Daniella hesitated, seeing Henry's grin grow in realization, proudly "The same reason Snow White gave you away"

Emma looked at Daniella in frustration that now she seemed to be caught up in Henry's fantasy "Listen to me, kids. I am not in any book. I'm a real person. And I'm no savior. You were right about one thing, though. I wanted you to have your best chance. But it's not with me. C'mon, let's go"

They stood.

"Please don't take me back there!" Henry told her "Just stay with us for one week, that's all I ask! One week, and you'll see I'm not crazy"

Emma sighed "I have to get you back to your mom"

Daniella silently walked closer, standing next to Emma

"You don't know what it's like with her" Henry exclaimed "Our life sucks!"

"Drama Queen" Daniella murmured under her breath, already used to Henry's whining

"Oh, you wanna know what sucking is?" Emma asked. "Being left abandoned on the side of a freeway; my parents didn't even bother to drop me off at a hospital." She started to get emotional. "I ended up in a foster system and I had a family until I was three but then they had their own kid so they sent me back" She stopped talking, collecting herself sighing heavily "Look. Your mom is trying her best. I know it's hard. And I know sometimes you think she doesn't love you. But at least she wants you"

"Your parents didn't leave you on the side of the freeway" Henry told her "That's just where you came through!"

"What?" Emma asked

Daniella looked up "The wardrobe"

"When you went through the wardrobe you appeared on the side of the street" Henry nodded in agreement, giving his twin a proud smile "Your parents were trying to save you from the curse"

"Sure they were" Emma told them, holding her hand to him "C'mon, Henry"

Henry grabbed his hand

Emma looked down at Daniella, only to notice she was looking at something "Look, Henry. Valerie is alone again"

Emma and Henry followed Daniella's gaze, finding a teenage blonde girl sitting in a swing, staring at the ground.

Daniella started walking toward her.

"Daniella..." Emma called out, sighing.

Henry let go of her hand, following after his twin "Oh, I need to know who she is"

Emma sighed, crossing her arms but didn't go after them, watching in curiosity.

Daniella sat at the swing next to Valerie "That's a good view, isn't it?"

The blonde girl, Valerie looked up seeing Daniella and Henry next to her. "Daniella and Henry Mills. Kate and your mom were looking for you all yesterday"

Henry made a face at the mention of his mom, shrugging

Daniella smiled sheepishly.

Valerie laughed slightly at their expressions "Yeah. The Mayor can be a little..." she trailed off, making a face with a chuckle.

Henry chuckled.

"Apparently mom has the same reaction for many people" Daniella chuckled, nodding her head behind them, gesturing at Emma

Valerie looked at Emma curiously

Henry looked down when a glint of light caught his attention, seeing a golden bracelet around Valerie's wrist. His eyes lit up in recognition, opening his book "Yay! I finally found who you are, Valerie"

Valerie looked startled while Daniella seemed slightly annoyed, but mostly amused at Valerie's reaction

"Ah, I didn't know I was part of that" Valerie told them, gesturing at Henry's book, seeming curious

"If you live in Storybrooke, you are" Daniella told her simply. She looked at her brother who finally stopped in a page, looking up

"Here!" Henry showed them the book, "I found you. The Dove Princess, Victoria"

Daniella for a moment seemed excited

Valerie just confused.

Henry smiled. "We should go, Dani. Let's let her process her true self"

Daniella chuckled "Bye Valerie"

Valerie blinked, shaking her head, "Bye guys. Tell Kate I said hi"

Daniella and Henry waved walking toward Emma

"Finished socializing?" Emma asked, raising a brow

The twins nodded and the three of them walked off

~8~

Flashback 7

Enchanted Forest

Night - Royal Castle - Nursery

Snow made her way up to the nursery, seeing that charming was laying on the floor, looking horrified, running closer to cradle his head in her lap, murmuring several 'no's' in denial. "Please. Please come back to me.

Snow kissed him, thinking that True love's kiss was going to wake him up but nothing happened, trying again. 

The Evil Queen appeared, "Oh, don't worry, dear. In a few moments you won't remember you knew him, let alone loved him"

Snow looked up, tears running down her cheeks "Why did you do this?"

"Because this is my happy ending" Evil Queen answered. Two soldiers entered the room "The child?"

"Gone" One soldier answered. Snow looked worried "It was in the wardrobe; and then it was gone. It's nowhere to be found"

Snow closed her eyes in relief

Evil Queen turned to Snow angrily "Where is she?"

"She got away" Snow breathed, managing a weak smile "You're going to lose. I know that now. Good will always win"

"We'll see about that" Evil Queen told her, beginning an evil laugh.

The ceiling began to crack, and the air began to darken and swirl. Soon Snow and Evil Queen found themselves in the middle of a vortex of dark magic

Snow looked around, horrified holding Charming close to her "Where are we going?"

"Somewhere horrible" Evil Queen answered. A window shattered inward, and the Curse flooded inside the room. "Absolutely horrible. A place where the only happy ending will be mine"

The shards of glass from the window were suspended in midair, and then the Curse smoke covered everything and everyone in the room

~8~

Our World

Day - Mills House - Outside

Regina opened the front door to find Emma escorting Henry and Daniella home.

Henry ran inside without a word

Daniella looked up briefly at Regina "Hi, mom" she whispered before running after Henry

Emma raised a brow at the action.

Regina walked toward Emma, "Thank you"

"No problem" Emma told her

"They seem to have taken quite a shine to you" Regina told her

"You know it seems kind of crazy. Yesterday was my birthday" Emma laughed slightly "And when I blew out the candle on this cupcake I bought myself, I actually made a wish. That I didn't have to be alone on my birthday. And then Henry and Daniella showed up..."

"I hope there's no misunderstanding here" Regina interrupted

"I'm sorry?" Emma looked taken back

"Don't mistake all of this as invitation back into their life" Regina told her. Emma looked stunned, "Miss Swan, you made a decision ten years ago. And in the last decade, while you've been—well, who knows that you've been doing—I've changed every diaper, soothed every fever, endured every tantrum. You may have given birth to them, but they are my children"

"I was not--" Emma started

"No. You don't get to speak—you don't get to do anything" Regina told her "You gave up that right when you tossed them away. Do you know what a closed adoption is? It's what you asked for. You have no legal right to Henry nor Daniella, and you're gonna be held to that. So I suggest you get in your car, and you leave this town. Because if you don't, I will destroy you if it is the last thing I do. Goodbye, Miss Swan"

Refina turned around to walk inside

"Do you love them?" Emma asked

Regina turned back, "Excuse me?"

"Henry. Daniella" Emma told her "Do you love them?"

Regina gave her a cold look "Of course I love them"

Emma looked troubled and conflicted, seeming as if she really wanted to get to know them. She nodded, walking away

~8~

Inside - Upstairs - Hallway

Henry was in his bedroom. Regina walked out of his bedroom with a confused look, walking down the hallway toward Daniella's room, hearing the shower on.

~8~

Daniella's room

Regina walked inside, walking closer to the bed and leaning down finding Henry's book under her bed, looking surprised to find the book there, glancing at the bathroom before leaving Daniella's room.

~8~

Hallway

Regina walked over a mirror, looking at her reflection with the book in her hands.

~8~

Storybrooke General Hospital - John Doe's Hospital Room

Rachel stood next to a coma patient, watching intently his progress, which unfortunately was none.

"Come on, man" Rachel murmured breaking the silence, staring at his face and glancing at the monitor "You have to fight your way out. You're making me look ridiculous for having so much faith you're gonna wake up"

"You have hope" A voice startled her, turning her head to the door finding a sheepish Mary Margaret with a vase of flowers, standing awkwardly on the doorway "And that's a good thing. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, Dr. Kentworth" she apologized in embarrassment

Rachel scratched the back of her neck, "No, it's alright, Mary Margaret" she shrugged a bit, watching her place the flowers on the nightstand next to his bed "Those are lovely. Got them from Game of Thorns?"

Mary Margaret smiled glancing from the flowers to the young doctor, "Yes, I did. Mr. French was very kind enough to point me out some that brings peace to the ambient"

Rachel chuckled a bit, nodding "Not for nothing he's the best florist in town" she said before returning her eyes to John Doe, not able to hold back her sigh.

"It's okay, you know?" Mary Margaret spoke kindly, making Rachel avert her eyes from him and to her. "Hold into the hope he's going to wake up. It's what makes you a good doctor. Your kind and determined passion for your patients to get better"

Rachel wore a timid smile, ducking her head "I wouldn't praise myself being like that. After all, who says I want him awake because of his own benefit but mine?"

"Whatever the real reason is, you want the best for him and everyone you treat" Mary Margaret told her, "That's what matters"

Rachel looked pensive, staring down at John Doe.

~8~

Night - Mills House - Henry's bedroom

Henry and Daniella were sitting together in Henry's bed.

Daniella's brown hair was still damp from her shower.

"I knew you'd believe me, Dani" Henry told her, hanging upside down in his bed.

Daniella played with her fingers, "I always did, Hen"

Henry snapped his head to his sister, eyes widening "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I don't know" Daniella shrugged

Henry stood up, crawling closer to his sister and wrapping his arms around her "So we're in this together, Dani?"

"Always, Hen" Daniella grinned, hugging him back.

They looked at each other with a smile, turning to face the window, looking at the clocktower. The time read 8:15

~8~

Granny's Bed and Breakfast

Emma walked into to the bed and breakfast, seeing a woman and older woman, arguing.

"You're out all night, and now you're going out again" The older woman, Granny told her granddaughter, Ruby.

"I should've moved to Boston!" Ruby told her

"I'm sorry that my heart attack interfered with your plans to sleep your way down the Eastern Seaboard" Granny told her sarcastically

"'Scuse me?" Emma asked "I'd--like a room?"

Granny and Ruby stopped arguing, looking at Emma

"Really?" Granny asked. Emma nodded. Granny took out a ledger "Would you like a forest view or a square view? Normally there's an upgrade fee for the square, but as the rent is due, I'll wave it"

"Square is fine" Emma told her

"Now. What's the name?" Granny asked

"Swan" Emma answered. "Emma Swan"

A man walked closer from behind Emma, "Emma.. What a lovely name"

"Thanks" Emma told him

Granny removed a roll of cash from a drawer, handing it to the man. "It's all here"

The man accepted the money without counting. "Yes, yes, of course it is, dear. Thank yo" He looked at Emma "Enjoy your stay, Emma"

The man walked out of the inn

"Who's that?" Emma asked

Ruby watched the man through the curtains "Mr. Gold. He owns this place"

Emma raised her eyebrows "The inn?

"No" Ruby answered "The town"

"So!" Granny interrupted, "How long will you be with us?"

"A week" Emma answered, seeming to be convincing herself for only that time "Just a week"

"Great" Granny told her, handing Emma an old-fashioned key for her room "Welcome to Storybrooke"

~8~

Mills House - Henry's bedroom.

Henry and Daniella stared out his window at the clock tower.

The clock turned to 8:16, signaling that time finally got unfrozen when Emma decided to stay in town.

Henry smiled excitedly

Daniella looked stunned and surprised that it actually moved, smiling at Henry