£ Dark Curse - Worlds Colliding (Once Upon a Time) £

Flashback

Enchanted Forest

Day - sky

A pink fairy named Nova was flying with a bag of Fairy Dust as the Blue Fairy watched. Nova came crashing down into the clouds.

"Easy" Blue Fairy chided

"Sorry" Nova apologized

"Careful, careful" Blue Fairy told her "Fairy dust is the most precious substance in all the land" Nova went to put the fairy dust down and the Blue Fairy reached forward nervously "Its magic is what powers the world. This is the year's supply. We must be cautious"

Nova nodded in understanding "I know"

"Because next year, you'll be doing this alone" Blue Fairy explained

"I'll still be picking up dust?" Nova asked "I thought I'd be a fairy godmother by then"

Blue Fairy laughed "Oh, Nova. You really are a dreamer. Your journey is just beginning. Can you make it home from the mines with all the dust safe?" Nova nodded "Okay"

Blue Fairy flew away. Nova grabbed the fairy dust, flying after the Blue Fairy. As she did, some of the fairy dust spilled out of the bag, spiraling down into a hole in the ground.

~8~

Mine nursery

The mine was full of eggs. The fairy dust fell onto a dwarf egg. The egg started moving.

A dwarf named Watchy noticed the egg moving. "This one's ready"

"No, it's too early, Watchy" Bossy told him. Watchy used a stethoscope on the egg "This unit isn't scheduled to hatch till sundown"

"Well, someone's eager to get out before the rest of his brothers" Watchy told him

The egg started making a cracking noise. Bossy and Watchy backed away. The dwarf that cracked the eggshell and peered out with a happy grin on his face was named Dreamy. But today we knew him as Grumpy.

Bossy smiled "Welcome to the world, dwarf"

Dreamy was still grinning

~8~

Our World

Storybrooke

Granny's Diner

Leroy was having breakfast, cracking open an egg to eat. Walter and Mr. Clark walked in.

Clark sneezed "Excuse me, Leroy. Uh, do you mind scooting over a seat so Walter and I can sit together?"

"If I wanted to sit there I would've sat there" Leroy replied "If you want a seat try dragging your sorry asses out of bed a little earlier"

"You're a real ray of sunshine as--" Clark began before he sneezed on Leroy's food

Leroy was even more annoyed "Congrats. Just lost my appetite. Seat's all yours"

Leroy stood to leave

Mary Margaret walked in, clearing her throat "Excuse me" Kate was working, looking up and glaring at people who whispered, pointing at Mary Margaret. Mary Margaret cleared her throat again, speaking louder "Can I have everyone's attention, please?" Emma was sitting at a table, reading a newspaper "I'm sorry to interrupt your morning but I just wanted to remind everyone that a very special occasion is upon us. Miner's Day" Everyone was now listening. Paige, who was sitting in front of Kate, looked up "As always the nuns of storybrooke are hoping that everyone will get involved and will help sell their exquisite candles" Clark and Leroy were listening too "All we need are a few energetic volunteers. So who wants to join me?" Nobody was interested going back to eating and talking again. Emma looked at her sympathetically. Leroy walked up to Mary Margaret "Leroy, you wanna volunteer?"

"I wanna leave, sister" Leroy answered "You're blocking the door"

Mary Margaret stepped aside, "Of course. Uh, you know, if you wanted to help it could really be a--"

"Oh yeah, right, quite a team we'd make" Leroy told her sarcastically. "Town harlot, town drunk. The only person in this town people like less than me is you. If You're coming to me, you're screwed"

Leroy left the dinner.

Mary Margaret was disappointed and upset, leaving as well. Emma stood to follow after her.

Kate and Paige watched them go, sympathetically.

Kate sighed "That wasn't awkward at all"

Paige nodded sadly "People are being mean to Ms Blanchard lately"

"Yeah, they are" Kate agreed sadly. Paige sighed, taking a last drink from her hot chocolate. "Do you want anything else?"

"No thanks, Kate" Paige answered, smiling "I gotta get back home. Mom's making muffins for today"

Kate smiled, tapping the table "Ah, fun"

Paige stood to leave, turning to Kate, "So, would you like to sell muffins with me?" She asked shyly "To support the nuns on this day, of course"

Kate was surprised, nodding, smiling slightly "Of course. I'll see you there"

Paige smiled "Yes!"

Paige walked away

Kate chuckled, looking after her, smiling

~8~

Outside - Street

Mary Margaret was walking. Emma rushed up beside her.

"Hey" Emma told her "Mind if I join you? So, what the hell is Miner's Day and why are you beating yourself up over it?"

"It's an annual holiday celebrating an old tradition" Mary Margaret answered sadly "The nuns used to make candles and trade them with the miners for coal"

"Coal?" Emma repeated "In Maine? If they were mining lobster I'd understand"

Mary Margaret sighed "Look, I don't know. Now they use it as a fundraiser. It's an amazing party. Everyone loves it"

"It doesn't seem like everyone loves it" Emma pointed out

"It's not miners day, it's me" Mary Margaret explained sadly "Last week I had 10 volunteers. This week they all dropped out, except for Valerie"

Emma gave her a look "You think this is about what happened with David?"

Mary Margaret nodded "Oh, I know it is. A few of them told me as much. I've never been a homewrecker before"

"It's gonna roll over" Emma reassured "You made a mistake with David. It happens. You don't have to do charity to win people's hearts back"

Mary Margaret sighed I have to do something. And this is the best I can do. I've ruined my life"

Emma's phone rang, pulling it out "Oh" She answered "Sheriff Swan. Yeah, I'll be right down" She hung up, turning to Mary Margaret "Well, apparently duty calls. Hang in there. And if there's anything I can do to help, I will"

Mary Margaret nodded "Oh. Thank you"

Emma walked away

Mary Margaret watched her go

~8~

Town Square

There was a banner reading 'Miner's Day Is Here!'. Leroy was walking by where a nun was using glitter, accidentally spilling some on him

The nun named Astrid looked down from the ladder she was on "Oh. I'm so sorry. It just slipped out of my hand. I..."

Leroy smiled "No problem at all"

"I really am so sorry" Astrid told him, getting down the ladder, brushing the glitter off of Leroy "I-I was so busy trying to get the lights to work that I didn't realize I was about to knock it off the ladder"

"Let me take a look at those lights for ya" Leroy told her, climbing up the ladder "Here's your problem. You're overloading the transformer. You can't mess around with these lights. The whole thing could've blown up on ya"

"Oh, then I guess that makes you my hero" Astrid told him

"I'm nobody's hero, sister" Leroy told her

Astrid chuckled "You can just call me Astrid"

"I call everybody sister" Leroy told her "I'm Leroy"

Leroy switched the lights on

Astrid gasped "How did you do that?" Leroy chuckled "Are you an electrician?"

Leroy climbed down of the ladder "I'm in the custodial services game"

Astrid didn't know what to say "That's...wonderful"

"No, it's not" Leroy disagreed "What I really wanted to do was sail. I even bought a boat. It's a real clunker. I was gonna fix it up, sail around the world, say good-bye to this hellhole. Oh, I'm sorry sister"

"It's okay" Astrid told him "You know, someone once told me 'You can do anything as long as you can dream it'."

"You really think so?" Leroy asked

"Sure!" Astrid answered "Look how easily you fixed those lights. I bet you could do anything" She brushed off glitter from his mustache "I should, uh, get back to the volunteer center. Nice to meet you, Leroy"

Astrid walked away, looking back at Leroy multiple times, almost bumping into people. Leroy was smiling.

~8~

Dove Household

Valerie was in the kitchen, eating breakfast

Mark was getting ready for work, adjusting his coat "Tell me you dropped out on Ms. Blanchard, Valeria"

"I didn't" Valerie answered, placing her cheek in her hand.

Mark stopped, turning to face her "Well, do it" Valerie frowned "She's a bad influence"

Valerie gave him a look "I can't, it's Miner's Day. I promised I would help her and Kate. But because of what happened, I can't help?" Her voice turned sarcastic and bitter "Wow, I'm feeling the spirit today"

Mark sighed. "She's a home wrecker. She destroyed the Nolan's marriage"

Valerie shrugged "She made a mistake dad and she's paying for it. Besides, Kate's my best friend and she'll be there"

"That girl's also a bad influence" Mark replied "No one to teach her manners or keep her in line"

Valerie scoffed "Are you listening to yourself? You're insulting my best friend. And no matter what you tell me, I'm not gonna drop out something I'd like to do or stop seeing my friend just because you want to or it'll damage our name"

Mark frowned "I mean it. Go to Ms Blanchard and tell her you quit being volunteer"

Valerie crossed her arms, defiantly "I won't"

"If you don't I will" Mark warned "And trust me it won't be pretty"

Valerie gaped incredulously "I thought I was free on my making my own decisions. I decided I wanted to help Ms Blanchard on this now that no one wants and to spend time with my best friend"

"Not in this, okay?" Mark told her "That woman and girl are gonna ruin your reputation"

"You mean your reputation" Valerie countered, angrily "No one wants to see the daughter of the chief of The Daily Mirror, Storybrooke's Newspaper office siding with the town's harlot and her surrogate daughter, right?" She scoffed "Yeah, what image you're gonna represent when they realize you can't control your own daughter"

Mark glared at her "Watch your tone or you're gone going out today"

Valerie glared back "Make me"

Mark pursed his lips "That's it. You're grounded and you're forbidden to assist at the celebration"

"You can't ground me" Valerie pointed out "I'm not a child"

"But you act like one" Mark replied, grabbing her arm, dragging her upstairs

"Hey!" Valerie told him, struggling "Stop, dad! Let me go"

~8~

Upstairs - Valerie's room

Mark led a struggling Valerie inside her room, "I'm doing this for your own good, I'm trying to protect you"

Valerie ripped her arm away from him, glaring at him "What a way of showing it" Mark backed way, toward the door, "You can't keep me in here, dad"

Mark chuckled "Of course I can. Like I said you're grounded" He closed her door. Valerie ran to her door trying to open it, but to no avail. A click was heard and Valerie stopped, turning the knob slowly, realizing it was locked "Dad? Are you locking me up?" She was in the verge of tears, knocking the door sadly, putting her ear to the door to listen outside, a sob caught in her throat "Please, open up. Please"

Mark stood outside her room, his eyes sad listening to his daughter pleading to let her go. "I'm sorry, Valerie"

"Dad, please, let me out, please" Mark heard Valerie's pleading voice, closing his eyes guiltily, silently walking away, downstairs and out of the house.

~8~

Storybrooke town line

The sheriff's car was parked in front of a car crash. Emma was investigating, taking pictures of the interior of Kathryn's crashed car, searching it over

Mark and Sidney drove up in their respective cars, walking closer to her

"Mind if I take a look?" Mark asked. Sidney gave him an innocent look. Mark sighed. "You're gonna get me fired. You're not supposed to be here"

"Just because you were forced to fire me from 'The Mirror' doesn't mean I can't do a little freelance reporting, Mark" Sidney replied

Emma shook her head, closing the passenger back door of the car "You shouldn't be here, either of you"

"I'm a journalist, Sheriff Swan" Mark told her "If I don't do this, then what's the point of my job?" He pulled out his camera, taking a picture of the car, though he couldn't help but feel guilty at that for the way Valerie reacted. Sidney looked at Mark, sighing. Mark rolled his eyes, gesturing at him "Just this once, friend"

Sidney smiled, wincing, rubbing his chest "Thank you"

Emma looked between them, curiously "This looks more than just a boss-employer relationship, you know?"

"We used to be friends before Mark became my boss" Sidney explained "I know it looks weird. But, this change didn't affect our friendship"

Mark nodded in agreement, "We discuss sometimes and have our differences but we're still somewhat friends" Emma nodded in understanding. Mark looked at the car, "So, what do we got here?"

They walked around the car, taking pictures of it

"Gym teacher found this thing on the side of the road, abandoned, engine running, nobody around" Emma answered "Registered to Kathryn Nolan. She's MIA"

"Kathryn Nolan?" Mark repeated "Whose husband very publicly left her?"

Emma opened the left back seat of the car

"If I write something like that, you'd have no choice but to hire me again, Mark" Sidney told him.

"Calm down, tiger" Mark told him "Get the details first. This isn't something really epic for me to hire you back without Ms Mills suspecting something of our friendship. Mrs Nolan got accepted to a law school at Boston. Maybe after David dumped her, she decided to leave town. Car broke down, she hitched the rest of the way"

Emma nodded in agreement, "That's what I would do if I was running away from my problems too"

Emma opened the trunk of the car, finding inside a suitcase.

Sidney looked up skeptically "And, uh, would you leave your clothes in the car?"

Emma and Mark exchanged a look

Emma sighed "Time to pull Kathryn's phone records and find out who she spoke to last"

"Yeah, you know, if you go through the Sheriff's Department, it'll take you days to get those" Sidney told her "I've got a contact over at the phone company who used to help me out when I was at the newspaper. I can get those in a couple hours"

"Great" Emma told him "Call me the minute you get your hands on those phone records"

David pulled up along the side of the road.

"There he is." Sidney told them

Emma sighed "Time to break the news"

David got out of his truck, confused

"You really think he doesn't know?" Mark asked curiously

"I'm about to find out" Emma answered

Emma hesitantly walked closer to David

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest

Mines

The newly hatched dwarves were being cleaned up and fitted for clothing.

Bossy was assigned to deal with Dreamy/Grumpy's measurements "Arms up"

Dreamy did as told "What am I?"

"You're a dwarf." Bossy answered

"What am I doing?" Dreamy asked

"Being cleaned" Bossy answered

Dreamy closed his eyes, confused "Who is the woman I saw?"

"What woman?" Bossy asked

Dreamy lowered his hands "The one I saw right before I hatched. She was beautiful. I want to see her again"

Bossy laughed "You must be dreaming. There are no female dwarves. Dwarves don't fall in love, dwarves don't get married, and dwarves don't have children. Why do you think you were hatched from an egg?"

"Then, what do we do?" Dreamy asked

"We work" Bossy answered

"And we like it?" Dreamy asked

"We love it" Bossy answered "We even whistle while we do it. We mine the diamonds that get crushed into dust, that give light to the world. You and your seven brethren will bring joy to yourselves and to everyone. Come on" He led Dreamy to seven other dwarves. "This is your team. These are your brothers. Everyone, grab an axe. It'll give you your dwarf name" Stealthy, Happy, Doc, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Dopey and Dreamy each got their axe, in turn reading their names "The axe never lies, Dreamy. Okay, folks. Grab a lantern and move out. Today is the first day of the rest of your lives. Welcome to the mines!"

The dwarves walked off to work, whistling Heigh Ho.

~8~

Now

Storybrooke

Day - Convent of Sisters of Saint Meissa

Mary Margaret was filling out forms at a table at the Volunteer Center.

Leroy walked in, whistling walking closer to her "Where can I sign up?" Mary Margaret looked him at him skeptically "What? I want to volunteer to sell candles"

Mary Margaret gave him a look "No, you don't. You made that very clear this morning at Granny's"

Leroy glanced toward Astrid "Well, maybe, I saw the light. I mean, maybe somebody showed it to me. What difference does it make, sister? It looks like you can use all the help you can get"

Mary Margaret nodded "Okay, I need help manning the candle booth. No swearing, no drinking, and I get to call all the shots"

Leroy held up his hand in a promise as she handed him a clipboard

On the other side of the room, Astrid and Mother Superior were talking.

"You ordered how many tanks of helium?" Mother Superior asked

"I meant to order twelve" Astrid told her nervously

Mother Superior looked over paperwork "You ordered twelve dozen. Return them"

Astrid was even more nervous "There are no refunds"

"We needed that money" Mother Superior told her "You knew that. You know how he feels about us" She stood "You fix this, Sister Astrid. You fix it now"

Mother Superior walked away. Astrid sighed deeply, sitting down

Leroy walked closer, glancing at Mother Superior "Hey. What's the problem?"

"The problem is, I'm an idiot" Astrid answered, sighing "We get a stipend each year for expenses, and it's all carefully budgeted except for the part where I spent it all. On helium. And now we can't pay our rent"

Leroy shrugged "So, you'll make it up when you get your next stipend"

"Which isn't till next month" Astrid replied "The rent is due next week. And the only income we have are these candles"

"Well, so how many do you need to sell?" Leroy asked

Astrid winced "Like, a thousand"

Leroy raised his eyebrows "How many did you sell last year?"

"Forty-two" Astrid answered

"Ask your landlord to cut you a break" Leroy told her

Astrid shook her head "Mr. Gold doesn't offer much leeway"

Leroy wasn't surprised, though he seemed worried "Mr. Gold's your landlord?"

Astrid nodded "If we miss a payment, we're out. And then they'll reassign us, and we'll have to leave Storybrooke"

Leroy shook his head "No, you won't. You know why you only sold forty-two last year? Because you didn't have me. This year, we're going to sell all of them"

Astrid smiled in surprise "Wow! Leroy, I guess you really are my hero"

~8~

Storybrooke Town Line

Emma was showing David Kathryn's crashed car

"She's just gone?" David asked, stunned

"You really don't know anything, do you?" Emma asked

David shook his head "I-I don't... I don't understand. What happened?"

"I don't know" Emma told him "I'm trying to find out. What can you tell me? When was the last time you spoke to Kathryn?"

David sighed "Yesterday afternoon"

"Okay, look. I know there has been lies and deceit, and I'm really not judging you" Emma told him, "But is that the truth?"

"Yes" David answered "I haven't spoken to her since we... I ended things. And I came home yesterday, and all her things were gone. I assumed she was going to Boston. That's what she told me. Am I a suspect or something?"

"No" Emma answered "I know when people are telling the truth, David, and you are. She hasn't even been gone twenty-four hours. She's not even technically missing. But, if she is, trust me. I will find her"

~8~

Town Hall - Mayor's Office

Regina was sitting in her office, printing Kathryn's phone records, smirking, making a call "Hello, Sidney? Those phone records you wanted – I have them. And I think you'll find them quite helpful"

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest

Day - Mines

Dreamy was shoveling rocks and diamonds onto a conveyor belt that worked its way through a machine to make the diamonds into fairy dust. At the end, the dust was funneled into a bag.

Nova was there, watching the fairy dust, and once she was sure she gotten enough, she tried to turn off the machine, but the lever was stuck "Come on. Help! Someone!" Dreamy ran closer to turn it off "Oh, thank you"

Dreamy looked at her in recognition "It's you"

Nova looked up in confusion "Do we know each other?"

They walked along

"You're the woman I saw in my dreams right before I hatched last year" Dreamy explained

Nova turned to look at him in surprise, smiling "You're one?"

Nova placed the bag of fairy dust on a platform.

Dreamy smiled "I know. I look young for my age"

Nova smiled until she realized the platform she had placed the dust was raising and getting away "Oh, no! The fairy dust!" She was horrified and shocked as she watched the bag of fairy dust moving across another conveyor belt toward a fire. Dreamy climbed up the machine, up to the conveyor, managing to catch the bag with his pick axe at the last second, saving it. Nova smiled in relief, closing her eyes, cheering. Dreamy climbed down the machine, walking closer to her, handing her the bag of dust. Nova sighed in relief, taking it "I'm an idiot. All I ever wanted was to be a fairy godmother. That was my dream, but I can't even pick up fairy dust alone. I'm so clumsy"

"No, you're not" Dreamy told her "I think you'd make a great fairy godmother"

Nova looked at him thoughtfully, touched "You really think so?"

Grumpy nodded "I believe you can do anything you want, as long as you can dream it"

Nova smiled, offering her hand "I'm Nova"

Dreamy shook her hand "I'm Dreamy"

Nova looked down, nervously "You know, Dreamy. As fairies, we get to spend very little time in your world, and I was thinking about making a stop on my way back. Have you ever been to see the fireflies?"

"I barely ever get out of the mines" Dreamy answered

Nova looked up, excited "Oh, I-I heard it's beautiful, that they come out just after sunset on Firefly Hill. I was going to see them tonight on my way back"

Dreamy smiled "Oh, sounds fun. Have a good time"

Dreamy started to walk away

Nova followed nervously, slightly amused, tilting her head "Dreamy? Thanks. You're my hero"

Nova turned to leave, looking back at Dreamy, laughing softly, leaving. Dreamy was smiling

~8~

Our World

Storybrooke

Day - Town Square - Miner's Day festival

Mary Margaret and Leroy were trying to sell candles at their booth.

"Buy your Miner's Day candles here!" Mary Margaret called "Handmade by Storybrooke's very own nuns! Light your way to a good cause! By buying a candle" Everyone who was passing was ignoring her or glaring at her, walking away. Leroy sighed. Mary Margaret was disappointed "This isn't working"

"You're right" Leroy told her "We should pack it up"

Mary Margaret looked at him in bitter amusement "Now you're quitting?"

Leroy gave her a look "If the customers won't come to us, we got to go to them, door to door"

Mary Margaret tilted her head "If they hate us here, what makes you think they'll like us in their homes?"

Leroy smirked "Exactly. They'll pay us just to leave"

Elsewhere at the festival, Kate and Paige were walking together, selling muffins, each one carrying a basket.

Paige looked up, smiling "We're an awesome team!"

They waved at Marco, who dipped his hat at them, bitting on a muffin, walking away

Kate smiled, "We are"

Zac walked closer, "How much for a muffin, ladies?"

Kate and Paige turned around to face him.

Zac smiled.

Paige smiled brightly "Hi"

"For you the double" Kate told him innocently

Zac feigned offense, smiling "Why you must hate me so much, Ms. Marshall? What have I done to you?"

Paige looked between them, curiously "Do you know each other?"

"He's a friend" Kate answered. Zac's smile grew. "His name's Zac"

"She said without hesitating" Zac told them

Kate rolled her eyes, "I used to not tolerate him" Paige nodded in understanding. Kate looked at him, "Clearly that changed"

They exchanged small smiles

Zac looked at Paige, "You wouldn't mind another helping hand, would you?"

Zac slyly took Kate's muffin basket from her hands

Paige shook her head, smiling "Of course not! We need all the help we can get, don't we, Kate?"

Kate sighed, smiling "Sure we do"

Paige grabbed Zac's hand, pulling him toward her, forcing him to walk along.

Kate smiled, following after them.

The three of them walked pass Sidney playing in a ring toss. Emma walked up to him.

"What the hell are you doing?" Emma asked

"What's happening?" Sidney asked

"I just got off the phone with Kathryn's school in Boston" Emma answered "Registration was this morning, and she never showed up"

Sidney raised his eyebrows "Something did happen"

"It looks that way" Emma agreed

Mary Margaret walked up to them, side by side with Leroy "Oh, Emma! Help me out! What's more sympathetic. Um, scarf or no scarf?"

"Sc-Scarf" Emma answered, confused

Mary Margaret smiled "Okay" She stopped for a moment, turning to Emma "Have you seen Valerie? She was one of the volunteers who didn't quit"

Emma shook her head "No. She's probably with Kate though, aren't they friends or something?"

Mary Margaret frowned, nodding "Yeah. I'm sure they're together"

Leroy looked at Mary Margaret "Come on, we're on a schedule"

"Oh, uh, thank you" Mary Margaret nodded at Emma, "Got to go"

Mary Margaret and Leroy walked away hurriedly

Sidney looked at Emma "Why didn't you say anything? You're looking for a suspect. Someone with a motive. Pixie cut over there has got one a mile high"

"She had nothing to do with anything" Emma told him "Trust me"

"But she's the one...." Sidney started

Emma gave him a look "Trust me. I know her. Just get me those phone records"

Emma walked away.

~8~

Houses

Mary Margaret was going door to door with Leroy, speaking to a couple "Hi, we're selling candles for Miner's Day"

The woman scoffed "We're not interested"

The woman closed the door in their faces. Over and over again, they got the same result, each time getting discouraged more.

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest

Night - Tavern

The dwarves were sitting at their table, drinking, eating, laughing and having a good time, except for Dreamy who was withdrawn

Bossy noticed, walking closer to sit in front of Dreamy "What's the matter? You barely touched your food"

Dreamy shrugged "I don't know. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I don't feel at all like myself. Maybe I should have Doc take a look at me"

"You're going to trust a dwarf that got his medical degree from a pick axe?" Bossy asked "I wouldn't worry about it. Dwarves don't get sick. It must be in your head"

Belle was sitting at a nearby table, overhearing them (This flashback was right after Rumplestiltskin and Young Keira had let her leave their house, before Belle was taken and Evil Queen told the Stilkins she was dead)

"It's not in his head" Belle told them "It's in his heart. You're in love"

"Well, that's impossible" Bossy told them "Dwarves can't fall in love"

Belle looked at Dreamy "Trust me. I know love, and you're in it"

Bossy dismissively waved his hand, standing, walking away to join the others.

"What's it like?" Dreamy asked

Belle smiled "It's the most wonderful and amazing thing in the world. Love is hope. It fuels our dreams. And if you're in it, you need to enjoy it. Because love doesn't always last forever"

"But, if love's so great, then why do I feel so bad right now?" Dreamy asked

"You need to be with the person you love" Belle answered, "I was happy with him and his daughter, but uh, things didn't go as I wished"

Dreamy looked at her sympathetically, looking down "But how do I know she feels the same way? All she talked about was going to see some fireflies, not loving me"

"What... what did she tell you about these fireflies?" Belle asked

Dreamy sighed "Uh, that she was going to go see them on the hilltop tonight. That she heard they were the most beautiful sight in all the land" Belle smiled knowingly, chuckling "What?"

"She wasn't telling you about the fireflies" Belle explained "She was inviting you to go be with her"

"You think so?" Dreamy asked, hopefully

Belle nodded, looking down "I've had my heart broken enough to know when somebody's reaching out. Now go. Find your love, find your hope, find your dreams"

~8~

Our World

Storybrooke

Day - Convent of the Sisters of Saint Meissa

Astrid was picking up some things she accidentally dropped. Leroy slowly approached her, looking at Mary Margaret, who nodded for him to tell her about their lack of success, watching from the other side of the room.

"Sister Astrid?" Leroy asked

Astrid looked up, smiling "Hi"

"I have to talk to you" Leroy told her, nervously "See, I have some bad news"

Astrid frowned, worried "Oh, no. What is it?"

Leroy was hesitant to tell her "The bad news is, that... That..." He couldn't tell her "You nuns are going to be real busy making candles, cause me and Mary Margaret just sold them all" Mary Margaret looked at him in disbelief "You're not losing the convent. You're not going anywhere"

Astrid smiled excitedly, laughing happily, hugging Leroy suddenly, surprising him but he returned the embrace.

~8~

Mary Margaret pulled Leroy aside, whispering "How could you tell Astrid that we sold all those candles? That is five thousand dollars, Leroy. Five thousand dollars that we don't have"

Leroy whispered "Don't worry about it, alright? I got a plan"

"What plan?" Mary Margaret asked "A plan like going door to door and having everyone in town laugh in our faces?"

"Just give me till the end of the day" Leroy told her "I'll figure something out"

"And why is this so important to you?" Mary Margaret asked

Leroy looked toward Astrid "The nuns. They're going to have to leave"

Mary Margaret gasped in realization "Oh, my God. You like her! She is a nun, Leroy. Could you possibly pick anyone any less available?"

"Says the girl who went after a married guy?" Leroy countered "At the end of the day, you're no better than I am. You got your reasons for being here, I got mine. And when I say I'm going to get that five thousand dollars, I'm going to get that five thousand dollars"

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest

Night - Firefly Hill

Dreamy ran through the forest up a hill, until he reached the top

Nova walked closer, smiling "I didn't think you were going to show up"

Dreamy smiled "I was afraid I was too late"

Nova gave him a teasing look "Well, you did cut it pretty close. Come on"

Nova led the two of them to a clearing at the edge of the hill, where they could see the town

Dreamy watched in awe "Wow! Look at all those lights. Are those the fireflies?"

"No, that's the village" Nova answered in amusement. Dreamy nodded slowly, "And, beyond that, all the lights of the kingdom"

Dreamy sighed "You've seen a lot of this world, haven't you?"

Nova pouted "From a distance, yes"

"What's wrong with that?" Dreamy asked

"Flying over the world and being a part of it aren't exactly the same thing" Nova answered

"Well, at least you've seen the world" Dreamy pointed out "Me? I live in the mines, underground. All I ever see is diamonds and dirt and dwarves. You know we could see it together. Get a boat, sail all over, explore everything the world has to offer"

They both smiled, when suddenly, hundreds of fireflies appeared, starting to glow

"Oh, look!" Nova told him. They both watched in awe. Nova reached over to kiss Dreamy "Okay, let's do it. Tomorrow night, after I drop off the dust, let's meet back here. We'll run off together. We'll see the world"

Dreamy reached out to hold her hand "Sounds like a dream come true"

~8~

Our World

Storybroke

Day - Docks

Mr. Gold was standing along the ducks with Rachel. Leroy was trying to sell his boat. Rachel was looking at him in boredom

"Now, I know it's a bit of a fixer-upper, could probably use a new coat of paint, a few spritzes of Febreze here and there" Leroy told them "But you can't tell me that five thousand's not a reasonable price for this beauty"

"I'm not a businesswoman but I don't see that as five thousand" Rachel told them

Mr. Gold nodded in agreement "That's more like three thousand"

Leroy gave them an annoyed and pleading look "I need five"

"You need five?" Mr. Gold repeated "To what do we owe the specificity?"

"Trying to help out a friend" Leroy answered

Rachel squinted her eyes suspiciously

Mr. Gold nodded "Oh, I see"

Leroy sighed "Look, you don't even have to pay me anything. Just forgive one month's rent for the nuns"

Mr. Gold and Rachel exchanged a look "The nuns?"

Leroy looked at Mr. Gold "You can have the boat. They'll pay you back eventually. It's a good deal. You get everything"

Mr. Gold nodded in realization "So, that's what this is about"

Leroy huffed "Come on, you're a rich guy. She's a doctor with a nice payment. Either of you can afford to give them time to make up one month's or pay me for this boat, right?"

"You're right" Mr. Gold agreed "We could"

"But we won't" Rachel told him, "I'm not even interested in being here. I was discussing business with Mr Gold when you showed up"

Leroy looked at her incredulously

Mr. Gold chuckled, "I have a fairly specific rental agreement. If they miss a payment, I'm within my rights to evict"

"Oh, come on" Leroy looked between them "Why don't you-"

"And, quite honestly, it's going to be a great relief to be rid of such distasteful tenants" Mr. Gold them

Rachel looked at him knowingly

"You don't like nuns?" Leroy asked skeptically "Who doesn't like nuns?"

"Lets say they're not as Saint as they claim to be" Rachel told him.

Mr. Gold nodded, "I have long and complicated history with them, as Dr. Kentworth seems to have too. Let's leave it at that, shall we?"

Mr. Gold and Rachel gave Leroy one last look, walking away, leaving.

Leroy looked down, getting inside the boat, hearing Astrid's voice "Hello?"

Leroy walked outside to see her with a pie. "Astrid!"

Astrid shrugged nervously "Mary Margaret said I might find you down here. I-I made you a pie. It's the least I could do after all your help. Oh, this boat is great" Leroy saw the boxes of candles visible from next to a tarp "It's going to be amazing when you get it out on the water" Leroy tried to cover the candles but couldn't. Astrid walked closer. "I can't even remember the last time I was on it" She saw the candles "What-What's this?" She walked closer to take a good look, pulling back the tarp "If you sold all the candles, why are they still here, Leroy?"

Leroy was very regretful, guilty for lying "I didn't sell them all. I tried to, but nobody wanted to buy them from me. I was going to tell you the truth, but I was afraid of letting you down"

"So, you lied" Astrid told him

Leroy looked down sadly "I'm sorry, Astrid. I guess you believed in the wrong guy"

Astrid sighed in disappointment, turning to walk away

~8~

Sheriff Station

Emma was looking at pictures from the crash site on a bulletin board. Sidney walked in with a folder.

"You find something?" Emma asked

Sidney handed Emma the folder.

"Kathryn's phone records" Sidney explained "Every call she made the day she crashed her car. Including an eight minute call between her and David within an hour of the accident"

"That's not possible" Emma told him "He said he didn't speak to her that day"

Sidney shrugged "Then, he's lying"

Emma shook her head "No. I know when someone is lying, and David-"

"It's right here on paper, Emma" Sidney interrupted "Phone records don't lie. People do. And our friend David does it better than most. Don't beat yourself up over this. You're not the only person David fooled"

Emma just looked at him

~8~

Granny's dinner

Mary Margaret was having a drink.

Leroy walked in, sitting next to her. "I'll have what she's having"

"Well?" Mary Margaret asked "Did you get it?"

Leroy took his hat off, giving her a look "What do you think?"

Mary Margaret sighed in disappointment "I think you're right. I was dreaming if I thought the town harlot and the town drunk could accomplish anything"

Ruby walked closer with Leroy's drink

Leroy took a drink "Yeah. Just dreaming"

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest

Night - Mines

While the dwarves were sleeping, Dreamy was trying to sneak out. However, Stealthy was awake, catching him by the door, clearing his throat.

Dreamy sighed "Stealthy"

The noise woke the other dwarves, walking closer.

"You know, if you wanted to sneak out, you should've come to me" Stealthy told him

"You're leaving us?" Sneezy asked

"Without even saying good bye?" Doc asked

"B-but where you going?" Sneezy asked

"To be with Nova" Dreamy answered "We're in love. We're going to see the world together"

"I don't understand" Stealthy admitted "I thought we were meant to live our lives here, in the mines"

Dreamy shrugged "I thought so, too. But things change when you fall in love. Suddenly, anything seems possible"

Sneezy grabbed Dreamy's pick axe, handing it over. "Well, take this with you. It might come in handy"

Dreamy smiled, shaking his head "I don't need it anymore"

Sneezy put down the pick axe down, giving Dreamy a hug. The other dwarves followed suit, hugging Dreamy in a big group hug, all laughing.

~8~

Woods

Dreamy was walking through the forest towards Firefly Hill.

Bossy followed "You can't do this, Dreamy. You can't go to her"

Dreamy turned to look at him "Why not?"

Bossy walked closer "You have a responsibility. To mine the diamonds we make into fairy dust"

"But, I love her" Dreamy told him

"You're a dwarf, Dreamy" Bossy told him "We're not capable of love. It's not how we're made"

"But, what if I'm different?" Dreamy asked "What if you're wrong?"

Blue Fairy appeared, flying above, so much smaller than them "Bossy's not wrong, young one. What you feel, it's just a dream"

"Who are you?" Dreamy asked

Blue Fairy smiled "I'm Nova's teacher. And if the two of you run away together, it will not end well. Nova will lose her wings. But, if you return to the mines, and if you allow Nova to become the fairy that she was meant to be, the two of you will bring untold joy to the world. Nova can be a great fairy if you let her. The choice is yours"

Dreamy was conflicted and upset

~8~

Our World

Storybrooke

Town Square

Zac and Kate had finished selling their basket, watching Paige chatting with her friends, laughing and smiling with them.

"Where are you friends?" Kate asked

Zac made a face, sighing "With their girlfriends. I didn't like the way things were going with them so I left" Kate looked curious. Zac glared at the ground "I mean. All they did was speak disrespectful things even with their significant other right in front of them. I wasn't up to that so I walked away"

"Wow, must be awful" Kate murmured awkwardly "You okay?"

Zac seemed to relax, looking up, smiling "Of course, love. Your company is much better than theirs"

Kate looked down and up toward Paige. "Not only mine. You have more company than just me"

Zac followed her gaze, "Yeah, she is a nice kid" he agreed, smiling "Who is she to you by the way? Besides Val, Henry and Daniella, she's the only you spend time with"

"What a way to call me antisocial" Kate told him, teasingly. Zac chuckled "She's just very nice and has something about her that..." Kate tilted her head aside, frowning slightly "I don't know yet. And the twins like we're both getting closer. It feels like she's family and I'm embracing that because I don't have a lot of family and I am slowly creating my own. I once heard that family doesn't end in blood"

Zac nodded, smiling "That's good. You creating your family. Henry, Daniella, Valerie, Ms Blanchard, Paige. And Sheriff Swan too. Your family is growing. And if you allow me to, I want to be part of it"

Kate smiled to herself, looking down "You do know your way around words"

Zac chuckled "I try. And I mean it. I'd like being part of your family, or any place on your life"

"I know" Kate told him "And thank you for being here"

Zac smiled, placing his hand on top of Kate's squeezing it.

"Zac, Kate!" Paige walked closer. They pulled their hands away, looking away from each other, toward Paige "Come on, we're not over yet!"

"We better go now, before Ms Paige has our heads for not selling the rest of the muffins" Zac told her

Kate stood, chuckling "Oh, yeah. She can be quit scary when she wants to be"

Zac stood "I don't want to see that"

Kate laughed as they walked toward Paige

~8~

Granny's dinner

Mary Margaret and Leroy were still drinking at the counter

"Leroy, you understand that a relationship between you and Sister Astrid can never happen?" Mary Margaret asked

"Yeah, yeah" Leroy answered "My whole life people made it their business to tell me what I can't do. She was the first person that said I could do anything. Who believed in me. I didn't want to disappoint her"

Mary Margaret sighed "But there are consequences to following through when the world tells you not to. I mean, look at me. I am a pariah in this town"

"What about your good memories?" Leroy asked

"What do you mean?" Mary Margaret asked

"Didn't you have moments with him that you love?" Leroy asked. Mary Margaret smiled sadly "Do you regret them?"

Mary Margaret whispered "No, of course not"

"Isn't that what life's about?" Leroy asked "Holding on to your good memories? All I wanted was a moment with Astrid. One moment to give me hope that any dream's possible. You've had all that, Mary Margaret. So, stop feeling sorry for yourself and enjoy it. Because I haven't"

Mary Margaret considered this seriously "Well, if I had the dream, I'm sorry to say, it wasn't worth it"

Leroy sighed "And sitting here drinking won't end this pain."

"What will?" Mary Margaret asked

Leroy hummed thoughtfully "I can only think of one thing"

~8~

Town Square

Everyone was in town Square filled with lights for Miner's Day.

Leroy was standing on a building's edge holding a pick axe, near a transformer, "Perfect"

Mary Margaret ran closer "Leroy! What are you doing? Please, don't do it!"

Leroy gave her an amused look "I'm not going to jump"

"You're not?" Mary Margaret asked

"No" Leroy answered, scoffing "Are you crazy? I could hit someone. You know how much damage I could do? I'm solidly built"

Mary Margaret gave him a look for trying to joke when she herself was confused and worried "Leroy, what are you doing up here?"

"I'm going to get my moment" Leroy answered, picking up the axe

"Wait! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!" Mary Margaret told him "What?"

Leroy held up the axe, smirking "You might want to duck"

Mary Margaret ducked. Leroy hit the transformer with the axe causing all the power and lights in town Square, going out causing an explosion of sparks that rained around him and everyone complain about the dark and how they couldn't see

"What are you doing?" Mary Margaret asked

"I'm selling candles, sister" Leroy answered

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest

Night - Firefly Hill

Nova was waiting at the clearing at the edge of the hill. Dreamy approached.

Nova smiled "Dreamy, come on! I have to show you something"

"Nova, we need to talk" Dreamy told her

Nova placed a hand over his lips "No, you have to see this" She magically conjured a telescope, handing it to Dreamy. "Take a look"

Dreamy did as told, seeing a boat in the distance, but knowing he couldn't have it with Nova if he wanted her to success on her dreams, becoming depressed and grumpy "It's amazing"

Nova smiled excitedly "It has everything we need to explore the world. Supplies, maps of all the kingdoms, a sturdy sail"

Dreamy turned to face her "Nova. I can't go with you"

Nova was confused, her smile slipping away, hurt "What about our life together? Our dream?"

"I'm a dwarf, Nova" Dreamy told her. "I belong in the mines. You belong with the other fairies, and that's never going to change"

Nova had tears in her eyes "Dreamy, you control what changes in your life. Never let yourself forget, you're special"

"Why?" Dreamy asked "What makes us different from any other dwarf and fairy out there?"

"Our love" Nova answered

Dreamy was heartbroken to say this "I don't think it's love. It's a dream. We need to put it away"

Nova was even more heartbroken to hear it, shaking her head "I don't want to put it away"

"I'm not your dream, Nova" Dreamy told her sadly "Your dream's to be a fairy godmother, and you can still be that"

Nova realized, upset "You talked to the Blue Fairy"

"It doesn't matter" Dreamy told her

"What did she say?" Nova asked

"It doesn't matter" Dreamy repeated

Nova raised her voice "What did she say?"

"Nova!" Dreamy told her. Nova calmed down, near tears "What matters is... I can't stand in the way of your happiness"

Nova started to cry "You're my happiness! I love you. Don't you love me?"

Dreamy was also crying "I'm a dwarf. I can't love"

Dreamy walked away, both of them crying, heartbroken for their situation

~8~

Mines

The dwarves were mining in the mines.

Bossy was leading the others, "Let's pick up the pace, boys! We're making magic here!"

Dreamy walked in, but he was no longer acting like Dreamy, acting more like his present day, grumpy self "Where's my axe?" Everyone stopped, looking at him. "Where's my axe?"

Sneezy smiled in pleasant surprise "Dreamy! You're..." He sneezed "Back!"

Bossy walked closer, handing Dreamy a pick axe. "Well, heigh-ho, boys! Good to have you back, Dreamy"

Dreamy picked up his axe, starting to get to work "No place I'd rather be. Heigh-ho." He started furiously pounding a rock with his axe, trying to break it but couldn't, still trying furiously, until the axe broke in half, causing everyone to stare at him "Bossy, hand me another axe"

Bossy handed another axe toward Dreamy "Here you are, Dreamy"

Dreamy took the axe, seeing that a new name appeared in the handle. Grumpy. Being this the time where he was officially changed from Dreamy to Grumpy. Everyone was shocked to see his name change, even Bossy "It's Grumpy now"

~8~

Our World

Storybrooke

Night - Town Square

Kate, Zac and Paige stood near an ice cream stand.

"Want some?" Kate asked

Paige smiled "Yes!"

Zac placed a hand on Kate's arm, pulling out his wallet "I have this"

"Oh, don't..." Kate shook her head, "You've done enough for us, Zac. There's no need for this"

Zac ignored Kate, "Three please"

Kate looked at him blankly as Zac was handed three ice cream cones, offering one to Paige, who took with a smile

"Thank you" Paige told him

"You're welcome" Zac replied, dipping his head slightly, looking at Kate, offering her a cone, innocently. "Here"

Kate accepted it reluctantly, "Thanks. But you didn't have to do that"

"Do what?" Zac asked "Pay for the ice creams? It wouldn't be very gentlemanly from me if I let you pay, would it?"

Kate chuckled, "Alright. You win"

Suddenly, the lights went off for what Leroy did, leaving town Square in the dark, hearing screaming and protests

Kate looked around worriedly "Paige?"

"I'm here" Paige told her, grabbing her hand.

"Over here" Zac told them, placing a hand around their shoulders.

Kate grew nervous as to how close he was, biting her lip as they walked around the murmuring crowd. Little pecks of light appeared on people's hands, Kate noticing the candles in the townspeople's hands, started to smile

"Candles" Kate grinned in realization

"What are you babbling about?" Zac asked

Kate smiled, pointing at a woman "See? Candles"

Zac frowned in confusion. "What?"

"Ms Blanchard found a way to sell candles" Paige explained, smiling "Isn't that amazing?"

Kate nodded "Yup"

They walked closer toward Mary Margaret and Leroy were selling candles, both looking triumphant. They bought them a candle. Zac lighting up the girls' candles.

"You did it" Kate told her with a smile. Mary Margaret smiled brightly, nodding. Kate looked at Zac and Paige, "These are Zac Gilbert and I think you know Paige as she's in your class"

"Hi, Ms Blanchard!" Paige told her "It's nice to see you smiling again"

Mary Margaret chuckled, "Why, thank you"

Mary Margaret looked at Zac, glancing at Kate teasingly

"This my friend" Kate told her, pointedly.

"Nice to meet you, Zac" Mary Margaret told him, smiling politely

"Ms. Blanchard" Zac nodded with a grin, "Nice to meet you as well"

"Please, call me Mary Margaret" Mary Margaret told him, winking at Kate slyly

"Oh, God..." Kate threw her head backwards, amused

"Of course" Zac told her

They smiled

~8~

All of the candles were sold out, Mary Margaret, Leroy and Kate, exchanging triumphant grins.

Leroy smiled, looking toward the nuns, specially Astrid "We sold out"

"Well, go on" Mary Margaret told him, "Give her the news. Have your moment"

Leroy walked away, holding a box.

Mary Margaret and Kate began to pack up the stand, chuckling as they watched Leroy go.

"Zac's a good guy" Mary Margaret told her casually, "I don't know why you didn't want to get to know him"

Kate pouted slightly, "Can we not talk about that?"

Mary Margaret laughed, passing an arm around Kate's shoulders, "I like this"

"Me too" Kate agreed, smiling

Leroy walked closer to Astrid with the box of money "Five thousand bucks. Piece of cake"

Astrid smiled in shock "You sold them all?"

"I had a little help" Leroy told her

Astrid smiled "You made it happen"

Leroy smiled "You have no idea"

Astrid stammered, taking the box "I don't know what to say"

Leroy nodded, "You're welcome. Listen, that boat of mine? I'm going to fix it up. And, well, maybe you could be my first passenger"

Astrid chuckled, nodding "I'd like that"

Leroy smiled "Well, then, that's what we'll do, sister"

They looked at each other, smiling

Astrid looked over everyone and everything in the town Square "Oh. It's beautiful, isn't it?"

They looked around the festival, seeing everyone holding the lit candles.

~8~

Dove Household

Valerie's Room

Valerie was laying on her bed, staring at the ceiling, sniffling, looking toward the window, walking closer to see the lights from the festival, sighing, lowering her head but smiling slightly at the lights that seemed little fireflies among the darkness. After a moment, Valerie looked up determined, knowing she didn't deserve to be locked up after wanting to help others, leaning against the window, looking down at the ground with a grimace, noticing the height. "Let's not be a coward, okay?" She murmured, turning around, finding a backpack, shoving clothes and some candy bars from her nightstand and her flashlight, putting on a black hoodie and black sneakers, cringing at the color "No picky, Val" She pulled up the hoodie, hiding her hair under it, grabbing the backpack and the flashlight, opening the window, looking toward the tree branches near her room, grinning slightly as she closed her window, carefully climbing over the branch tree, swiftly jumping to the ground, landing in a crouch, groaning softly as she stumbled, straightening up "Thank you Henry and Kate for recommending those spy movies. They really help on this"

Valerie clicked on the flashlight, glancing at her closed window, taking a deep breath, walking toward the darkness of the woods.

~8~

Sheriff's Station

Emma was working, looking over Kathryn's phone records.

Regina walked in

Emma looked up "If this is about the blackout, I've got the guys from the power company down there working on it"

Regina shook her head "That's not why I'm here. It's been 24 hours since my friend, Kathryn, went missing. Have you found anything?"

"I found something" Emma answered "I just don't know what it means"

"Well, what is it?" Regina asked

Emma gave her a look "At this point in the investigation, it's best I don't divulge that information"

Regina walked closer, "If you're covering for someone, if you're not doing your job, Sheriff Swan, I'll find someone who will"

Regina walked away. Emma sighed, looking back at the records

~8~

Town Square

Kate and Mary Margaret walked toward Mary Margaret's car with the empty boxes, exchanging small smiles, pausing when they noticed the word 'tramp' still spray painted on the doors. Mary Margaret sighed sadly, looking down

"People are stupid" Kate told her, crossing her arms "Ignore it and they'll stop"

Mary Margaret smiled sadly "I hope so"

They walked back toward the Festival where Granny lit up again Mary Margaret's candle, smiling at her. Mary Margaret looked shocked and touched, looking at Kate who smiled at her. Mary Margaret lit up Kate's candle as well.

David was watching them as they walked pass them. Emma approached him

David was surprised to see her "Emma"

Emma sighed "David, we need to talk"

"Did you get a hold of Kathryn?" David asked, hopefully

Emma shook her head "No, I'm afraid not"

"Then, what is it?" David asked in confusion

"I need you to come to the sheriff's station with me and tell me everything" Emma answered

Kate was watching them curiously, nudging Mary Margaret to follow her gaze.

David frowned in confusion "I'm sorry. I thought I already did"

"So did I" Emma replied

Everyone watched as Emma led David to the back seat of her squad car. Mary Margaret looked at them worriedly, locking eyes with David, both of them stunned and worried

Kate sighed "Now what?"