From 1.01 "Pilot", in Storybrooke Mr. Gold was crossing Main street.

Kate/Rapunzel: (voice over) "There's a town in Maine"

From 1.04 "The Price of Gold", outside of Cinderella's cottage, Keira and Rumpelstilskin used their magic/magic wand to transform Cinderella's rags into a beautiful ball gown with glass slippers

Kate: (Voice over) "Where every storybook character you've ever known is trapped between two worlds"

From 1.05 "That Still Small Voice", in the lakeside, David and Mary Margaret were talking "You're the only thing in this whole place that feels right"

From 1.01 "Pilot", in the underground cells, Keira was smirking at Rumpelstilskin. In Our World, Rachel was looking at a coma sleeping David with worry in her eyes

From 1.01, "Pilot", in the castle, Rapunzel used her hair as a whip to throw one of the Queen's guards against the wall, knocking him unconscious.

From 1.05 "That Still Small Voice", in the mines, Kate hugged Henry and Daniella in relief

From 1.04 "Price of Gold", in the palace, at Cinderella's and Prince Thomas' wedding, Victoria stood alone, holding her wrist and bracelet anxiously.

From 1.05 "That Still Small Voice", in the Hospital, Valerie was receiving her volunteering tag, smiling

Kate: (voice over) "Victims of a powerful curse"

From 1.01 "Pilot", The Evil Queen had just created the Dark Curse.

From 1.01 "Pilot", in the Enchanted Forest, the curse was making its way to the castle.

Henry (Voice Over from 1.01) "The Evil Queen send everyone from the Enchanted Forest here. They don't remember who they are"

From 1.07 "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter", in the Enchanted Forest Woods, Keira and the Huntsman were walking, smiling at each other.

There were flashes of Graham remembering before he woke up, soaked in sweat

Graham: (Voice Over from 1.07 The Heart is a Lonely Hunter) "I think I've met you before. Not from here. Not from Storybrooke"

From 1.05 "That Still Small Voice", in the Mines, Kate was talking with the Twins Mills, "I may or not may have dreams about Rapunzel"

Kate: (Voice Over from 1.07 The Heart is a Lonely Hunter)"I'm going through something similar"

From 1.02 "The Thing You Love Most", in Emma's room at Granny's Bed and Breakfast, Emma and Regina were talking "Sorry, I just want to make sure the twins are okay"

"They're fine, dear" Regina told her.

From 1.02 "The Thing You Love Most", outside of the elementary school, Regina was in front of the twins "She's a con woman. All I'm doing is trying to protect the two of you"

From 1.03 "Snow Falls", in the hospital, Kathryn and David were embracing after he was found. Mary Margaret was watching them with sad smile

Daniella looked at Mary Margaret, whispering "You belong together"

From 1.02 "The Thing You Love Most", in Regina's office at the Town Hall, Emma glared at Regina "Oh, now how did you get like this?"

Kate: (Voice Over) "Who knows the truth?"

From 1.01 "Pilot", at Granny's Bed and Breakfast, Mr. Gold smiled at Emma, Ruby and Granny

From 1.01 "Pilot", in the Mills House, Regina was standing at the mirror, looking at her reflection with Henry's book in her hands.

From 1.07 "The Heart is a lonely Hunter", in the police station, Graham and Rachel were staring at each other in shock.

From 1.02 "The Thing You Love Most", in Rumpelstilskin's cell, Rumpelstilsking was talking to Evil Queen and Keira. "How far are you willing to go?"

"As far as it takes" Regina answered

Keira looked at Rumpelstilskin "Why you never tried to cast that curse yourself"

"I made a deal" Rumpelstilskin answered "I'm not breaking it. Not again"

From 1.02 "The Thing you Love most", in the Enchanted Forest, Evil Queen was walking through the hallways of her Castle, smirking

Kate: (Voice Over) "And she'll stop at nothing"

From 1.07 "The Heart is a lonely Hunter", in Regina's Vault, Regina squeezed Graham/The Hunstman's heart

From 1.07 "The Heart is a lonely Hunter", at the police station, Graham and Rachel were embracing, until Graham doubled in pain, collapsing in the floor, unconscious

Rachel: (Voice Over from 1.07 The Heart is a lonely Hunter) "Graham!"

From 1.07 "The Heart is a lonely Hunter", in Regina's Vault, Regina threw away the rest of the dust of Graham/The Hunstman's heart

Kate: (Voice Over) "Till someone breaks the spell"

From 1.07 "The Heart is a lonely Hunter", at the police station, Emma and Rachel were trying to shake awake an unconscious Graham

Emma & Rachel: (Voice Over from 1.07 The Heart is a lonely Hunter) "Graham! Graham!"

From 1.02 "The Thing You Love Most", Regina looked at Emma "Don't underestimate me. You have no idea what I'm capable of"

~8~

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

Flashback

Enchanted Forest.

Day - Cottage

Rumplestiltskin before he became the Dark One, was spinning thread. A young boy and a young girl with dark brown hair ran inside worriedly and horrified

"Papa, Papa!" The Girl told him "They've come for Morraine"

Hearing horses and soldiers outside, Rumplestiltskin hurriedly grabbed his crane, leading the way outside, followed by the children

~8~

Outside

Rumplestiltskin and the children walked outside to see soldiers trying to take a young girl, Morraine away

Morraine's Father desperately tried to stop them "No! No! Please!"

Morraine's Mother was crying "No! No! No! No. No. Please! Please! Don't take her! No. You can't take her. She's my baby. Don't take my baby"

The leader of the soldiers, Hordor was sitting on his horse "Nonsense. She is a fine, strong girl. She'll make a fine soldier"

"It's a mistake!" Morraine's father told him "She's turning 14. Only 14!"

Hordor raised his voice "At the orders of the Duke! The Ogre Wars have taken their toll this season. More troops will turn the tie"

The Boy was horrified, "They lowered the age again, Keira"

Young Keira was horrified holding onto the the Boy's arm "No way"

Rumplestiltskin held either of the kids' hands to comfort them, holding them protectively "I know"

Hordor ordered his men to grab Morraine "Take her. She'll ride with me"

"No"" Morraine's Mother told him

Morraine's Father nearly broke "No, you can't have her"

Morraine's Mother tried to attack Hordor, who was wielding the knife of the current Dark One, who's face was covered with a cloak, his skin being the same as of Rumpelstilskin after he turned to the Dark One, scaly. The Dark One magically strangled Morraine's parents, forcing her to stop fighting

Rumpelstilskin, Young Keira and the Boy were watching in horror

"The Dark One seems to think I can" Hordor told them tauntingly, putting Morraine on the back of his horse, riding away

Young Keira looked up, "Our birthday is in three days, Papa"

"They'll come for us in three days" The boy told them, scared

"We'll find a way, Kei, Bae" Rumplestilskin told them "We'll find a way"

Rumpelstilskin held his children protectively

~8~

Our World

Storybrooke

Mr. Gold's shop

Rachel walked in, looking at some antiques.

Mr. Gold was getting ready to get into the back when he saw her, slightly surprised "Morning, Doctor. What can I do for you?"

Rachel glanced at him, pointing at Donna's and Stephen's puppets from 1.05 "That Still Small Voice", chuckling slightly "Those were always creepy"

Mr. Gold walked closer, "You haven't come too often to see those were there"

"Because I didn't know they were there" Rachel replied, slowly looking at Mr. Gold "Like my ring. I know you have it. You wouldn't let her by any chance to be near it. "

Mr. Gold realized, "Seems like someone's desperate"

"Don't play with me" Rachel told him, turning to face him "I know you had a loophole. You always do. And I'm sure it came from Ms. Swan"

Mr. Gold had a ghost of a smirk in his face, pulling out from his suit pocket a ring "Always for sentimental value, weren't you Keira?"

Rachel closed her eyes in relief, "I knew it, Papa"

Rachel opened her eyes, embracing Mr. Gold

Mr. Gold returned the embrace, closing his eyes emotional

~8~

Later

Mr. Gold and Rachel were in the back, talking

"I knew she was going to separate us" Rachel murmured angrily "I really hate her"

Mr. Gold sighed, "You know what you have to do now, don't you?"

"I know" Rachel answered "Until Emma isn't ready, we can not let Regina know we remember"

"I'm not gonna ask how you remembered" Mr. Gold told her calmly

Rachel looked down in sadness, sighing "It was Graham. And Graham remembered through his strong friendship with Ms. Swan. She's indeed the Savior we were expecting, after all"

Mr. Gold nodded in agreement

"I have his stuff" Mr. Gold told her after a moment of silence. Rachel looked up unsurprised. "Would you like to take something, dearie?"

Rachel pressed her lips together, looking away in sadness, grief and anger "Those aren't his real things. I don't want them. I want you to give them to Emma. She'll need his badge"

Mr. Gold nodded slowly "As you wish"

Rachel stood, "I think I have to go. Don't want to raise suspicion" Mr. Gold stood. They embraced again "I missed you"

They heard Emma walking inside "Gold? In here?"

Mr. Gold and Rachel pulled away, looking at the door

Mr. Gold murmured to himself sarcastically "Well, it is my shop"

Rachel chuckled "Really? I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for clarifying it"

Emma walked to the back of his shop, smelling something unpleasant. "Whoa! What is that?"

Rachel looked at Mr. Gold, "Thank you for your help Mr. Gold, I'll bring what you need soon" she turned to Emma, "That smell is lanolin used for waterproofing. Interesting, don't you think?"

Emma looked at her, biting her lip, "Rachel"

Rachel shrugged, "I know. It smells like livestock" Rachel walked away, stopping on the doorway, turning to face Emma, softening her eyes "You don't need to say anything, Emma. I understand"

Rachel walked away, out of the room

Emma sighed sympathetically, looking at Mr. Gold. "If there was a reason why you called the Sheriff's department. If you wanna talk about that quickly or outside?"

"Yes" Mr. Gold answered, standing up, coming around his table "I just wanted to express my condolences, really. The sheriff was a good man. You're still wearing the deputy's badge?" Emma looked down surprised "Well, he's been gone for two weeks now. And I believe after two weeks of acting as sheriff the job becomes yours. You'll have to wear the real badge"

"Yeah, I guess" Emma shook her head "I'm just not in a hurry. So, uhm... thank you for the kind words"

Emma walked away, about to leave the shop.

Mr. Gold followed "I have his things"

Emma turned around startled "What?"

"The sheriff" Mr. Gold repeated "He rented an apartment that I own. Another reason for my call really, I wanted to offer you a keepsake"

"I don't need anything" Emma shook her head "You should give them to Rachel, they were close"

"As you wish" Mr. Gold pursed his lips, "Doctor Kentworth has already expressed she doesn't want anything of his name so she'd be able to move on. But she also mentioned she didn't want Mayor Mills close to his belongings"

"She did right" Emma nodded "She was just using him"

"No love lost there, I see" Mr. Gold remarked, "Look, I feel that all of this stuff is heading directly for the trash bin if neither of you'd take something. Doctor Kentworth was clear in this that she wanted you to really take something. Look!" He picked up the Sheriff's jacket "His jacket?"

Emma shook her head "No"

"Look" Mr. Gold shuffled through the stuff bringing a radio set to light "Your children might like these, don't you think? You could play together"

Emma shook her head again "I don't..."

"No, please" Mr. Gold told her. "They grow up so fast"

Emma took the radio set "Thanks"

"You enjoy these with your children" Mr. Gold told her "The time together is precious, you know" Emma looked at him questionably "That's the thing about children: Before you know it, you lose them"

~8~

Beach

Playground Castle

At the playground castle, Emma approached Henry and Daniella

"Brought you something" Emma told them. "Thought we could use them together for Operation Cobra"

Emma sat down between them

Henry and Daniella seemed upset, murmuring "Thanks"

Emma nudged them with her shoulder, "Oh, come on. What's up? You two have been ducking me for weeks"

"I think we should stop Cobra stuff for a while" Henry told her "You don't play with the curse. Look what happened to Graham"

"Henry, I told you they did an autopsy" Emma told him "It was totally natural causes"

"Okay, whatever!" Henry huffed "You don't believe? Good. That should keep you from messing with it. And getting killed"

Emma looked between them "You're worried about me?"

"She killed Graham because he was good" Daniella drawled, giving her a look "And you're good"

Emma sighed, "Dana. Henry"

"Good loses" Henry told her "Good always loses. Because good has to play fair"

"Evil doesn't" Daniella replied. "She's evil. This is probably best. We don't wanna upset her any more"

Daniella and Henry handed back the radio set to Emma, leaving the playground castle.

~8~

Sheriff Station

Emma was about to attach the sheriff's badge to her jacket.

Regina walked in, stopping at the door "Oh, I'm sorry. That's not for you"

"It's been two weeks" Emma told her "Promotion is automatic"

"Unless the mayor appoints someone else within the time period" Regina replied "Which I'm doing today"

"So who's it gonna be?" Emma asked

"After due reflection" Regina told her "Sidney Glass"

Emma raised her eyebrows skeptically "Sidney from the newspaper? How does that even make sense?"

"Well, he's covered the Sheriff's office for as long as anyone can remember" Regina answered

"And he'll do whatever you want him to" Emma replied knowingly, "You just cannot stand the fact that things have been getting better around here, can you?"

"Better?" Regina repeated "Are you referring to Graham's death as "better"?"

"No" Emma answered in a low voice

"He was a good man, Miss Swan" Regina raised her her voice "He made this town safe. And, forgive me for saying this, you have not earned the right of wearing his badge"

"Graham picked me to be deputy" Emma told her

"He was wrong" Regina told her

"No, he knew what he was doing" Emma countered, shaking her head "He freed this office from your leash. You're not getting it back"

"Actually I just did" Regina replied "Miss Swan, you're fired"

Regina took the Sheriff's badge, walking away from the office leaving an incredulous and angry Emma alone

~8~

Night - Kate's Apartment

Bedroom

Kate sat up with a loud gasp, desperately grabbing a small book, starting to write in it, her hands shaking

"Please" Kate murmured shakily "Let me sleep"

Kate looked up at a loud sound, squinting her eyes in annoyance, closing the book and hiddin under her pillow.

~8~

Upstairs

Mary Margaret's Loft

There was loud music playing, a bottle of scotch on the kitchen table. Emma was trying to repair the broken toaster.

Mary Margaret walked in, looking at Emma, turning off the music.

"Toaster broken?" Mary Margaret asked

"It wasn't when I started with it" Emma answered "Pretty sure it is now. I just needed to hit something"

"What's going on?" Mary Margaret asked

Emma sighed "Regina fired me so she can put one of her own puppets in as Sheriff" She shook her head "That's my job!"

"Never heard you so passionate about it before" Mary Margaret remarked "What happened?"

Emma sighed "Oh, I just know I want it back"

Mary Margaret looked at her knowingly "There must be a reason"

"Maybe I just want to beat her" Emma replied, shrugging.

There was a knocking on the door.

Emma walked over to the door, opening it, revealing Rachel outside, surprised

Rachel gave her a small smile, "Good evening, Emma" Emma returned the smile, confused "Sorry for the intrusion, there's something we'd like to discuss with you"

"We?" Emma repeated

Mr. Gold walked in from behind Rachel, smirking "Evening, Ms Swan. Lovely to see you again"

Emma and Mary Margaret looked at them surprised and shocked.

Mary Margaret cleared her throat, "I'll let you guys talk"

Mary Margaret walked upstairs to let them talk alone

Rachel looked at Emma, apologetically "I know this looks weird, but you should to listen to what he has to say"

Emma hesitated, looking at Mr Gold, taking a step back "Come on in"

Mr. Gold and Rachel walked in

"Thank you" Mr. Gold told her, "I heard about what happened. Such an injustice"

Emma sighed "Yeah. Well, what's done is done"

"Spoken like a true fighter" Rachel told her sarcastically

"I know what chance I'll have" Emma replied "She's the mayor and I am, well, me"

"Emma, two people with a common goal can accomplish many things" Rachel told her "Two people with a common enemy can accomplish even more. How would you like a benefactor?"

"A benefactor?" Emma asked, looking between them

Rachel nodded

"Do you mind?" Mr. Gold asked, sitting down at the kitchen table "You know, it really is quite shocking how few people study the town charter"

"The town charter?" Emma repeated

Rachel snickered "I do. Which is why I came to him" she pointed at Mr. Gold, "It's quite comprehensive on the mayor's authority"

Mr. Gold smiled slightly, "Or maybe she is not quite as powerful as she seems"

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest

Night - Rumplestiltskin's cottage.

Rumplestiltskin approached his sleeping children, trying to wake them up "Bae. Kei. Wake up, son. Come on, sweetheart. Wake up, you two. We're going now. We're going now. Come on. Come on"

Baelfire and Keira woke up, rubbing the sleep from their eyes, Rumpelstilskin leading them out of the cottage

~8~

Woods

The Stilskins were walking through the woods.

Young Keira had her arms hugging her middle as Baelfire had an arm around her protectively.

"It feels wrong to run away" Baelfire told them

"It's worse to die" Rumpelstilskin replied. "I'm not having either of you taken away to the Ogre wars"

Young Keira and Baelfire exchanged a look, hesitantly

They continued walking, encountering a beggar along the path

"Alms for the poor?" The Beggar asked "Alms for the poor?"

"Yes" Rumpelstilskin answered, giving him a few coins, moving along with his children.

"Are you sure there's no other way?" Young Keira asked

"Oh, Kei. Bei, I can't lose either of you" Rumpelstilskin told them. "You're all I've got left. You don't understand what war is like. What they do to you" They heard the sound of approaching horses. "Quick, hide! In the ditch. Hide. Go, go! Go!"

Before Baelfire or Young Keira could move, Hordor and several riders on horseback surrounded the family of three.

"Stop right there!" Hordor told them "What are you doing on the king's realm?"

"We have some wool to sell at the fair at Longbourne" Rumplestilskin answered

"I know you, don't I?" Hordor asked, getting off his horse, walking up to Rumplestiltskin "What was your name? Hm? Spindlehanks? Threadwhistle? Hobblefoot?"

"His name's Rumplestiltskin" Baelfire answered

"Hush, boy!" Rumpelstilskin told him

Hordor thought for a moment, "Rumple-" He looked at Rumpelstilskin in recognition, "Ah, the man who ran. Are this your children? How old are they? What're your names?"

"I'm Baelfire" Baelfire answered, "This is Keira, we're thirteen"

"Twins" Hordor remarked impressed, "When's your birthday, kids?"

"In two days time" Young Keira answered

"Hush, girl!" Rumpelstilskin told her

"Did you teach them how to run as well, Rumplestiltskin?" Hordor asked. He looked at Baelfire and Young Keira "Did he tell you? Did he tell you how he ran and the ogres turned the tide of the battle, and all the others were killed, and he returned home to a wife who could not bear the sight of him?"

Rumplestiltskin looked desperate, not wanting his children to know of his past "Please"

"You see, women do not like to be married to cowards" Hordor told them "And men, are used to women who can tend to a home, not run away"

"Please don't speak to my children like that" Rumpelstilskin begged.

"It's treason to avoid service" Hordor told them "Take the children now"

The Knights walked toward the Stilkins' twins

Young Keira clutched Baelfire's sleeve in fear, "Bae"

Baelfire backed them away slightly, trying to look fearless "It's alright, Kei"

"No, no, no, no!" Rumplestiltskin cried out, trying desperately to stop them "What do you want?"

"What do I want?" Hordor repeated "You have no money, no influence, no land, no title, no power. The truth is, all you really have is fealty. Kiss my boot"

"I don't understand" Rumpelstilskin told him

"You asked my price" Hordor told him "Kiss my boot"

Rumplestiltskin shook his head, desperately "Not in front of my kids"

Hordor gave him a deadly, intimidating glare "Kiss my boot!"

Rumplestiltskin knelt down on the ground to kiss Hordor's boot. Hordor, along with the other knights laughed as he did so. Hordor kicked Rumplestiltskin in the stomach, making him fall to the ground.

Baelfire and Young Keira ran closer worriedly, "Papa!"

The twins knelt next to Rumpelstikin. Hordor returned to his horse, and he and the rest of the Knights left on horseback.

The beggar walked closer "No, no, no! No! It's okay. Let me help you. Let me help you home"

"Thank you, old man" Baelfire told him

The beggar helped Rumpelstilskin up.

"I don't have any money to pay you" Rumpelstilskin told him

"I can think of another way" The beggar told him "You just leave me whatever you can spare, and I'll find a way to be your benefactor. Come"

~8~

Our World

Day - Storybrooke Town Hall - Mayor's Office

Regina, Sidney Glass and several news reporters were present, including Mark Dove.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own homes" Regina told them, smiling. "That's why Sidney Glass is my choice for post of Sheriff. This man has put the needs of Storybrooke above his own for as long as any of us can remember as chief editor of the Storybrooke Daily Mirror. And I thank you, Mr. Dove for understanding and lend me your most good worker" Regina looked at Mark. Mark forced a smile, nodding in acknowledgment. Regina turned to the others "Please welcome your new Sheriff!"

Regina was about to pin the Sheriff's badge on Sidney's shirt when Emma walked in

"Hang on a second" Emma told them

Mark smirked slightly

"Miss Swan, this is not appropriate" Regina scolded

"The only thing not appropriate is this ceremony" Emma told her, looking at the rest of the people, shaking her head "She does not have the power to appoint him"

"The town charter clearly states the Mayor shall appoint-" Regina began

"A candidate" Mark finished, taking a step forward, adjusting his coat. "You could appoint a candidate, madam Mayor. It calls for an election"

Emma crossed her arms, smugly

Regina chuckled nervously,"The term 'candidate' is applied loosely"

"No, it's not" Mark replied, shaking his head. "It requires a vote"

Emma looked at Regina, "And guess what, Madam Mayor? I'm running"

Refina looked between Emma and Mark, pursing her lips "Fine" She spat, looking at Sydney. "So is Sidney"

Sydney looked at her in confusion, "I am?" Regina gave him a look. Sydney cringed slightly, looking at Emma and Mark "I am"

"With my full support" Regina told them. "I guess we'll learn a little something about the will of the people"

"I guess we will." Emma told her.

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest

Night - Cottage

Rumplestiltskin and the beggar were sitting by the fire, sharing some stew. Baelfire and Young Keira were asleep.

"Another day gone" Rumpelstilskin told him, sighing. "There'll be no fleeing, now"

"No. You need to find another way" the beggar told him "You need to choose a different path"

"Choose?" Rumpelstilskin repeated "What choice do I have?"

"Everyone has a choice" the beggar told him

"I'm the town coward" Rumpelstilskin told him "The only choice I have is which corner to hide in. I'm lame, friendless. The only thing I've got is my children. And they're going to take them away from me. If they take them away, I would truly, truly become dust"

"Not if you have power" The beggar suggested

"You may as well say diamonds" Rumplestilskin replied

"Get a hold of yourself" the beggar scolded "Think. Why do you think that someone as powerful as the Dark One would work for a useless fool like the Duke of the Frontlands?"

Rumplestiltskin shook his head in confusion. "Tell me"

"The Duke has the Dark One in thrall" the beggar explained "He's enslaved him with the power of a mystical dagger and on the blade is written a name. The true name of the Dark One. If you steal the dagger, then you would control the Dark One yourself. And then no one would be able to take your children away from you"

"To keep a man like the Dark One as a slave?" Rumpelstilskin asked "No, I-I... I can't. I'd be terrified"

The Beggar nodded knowingly, "Then, perhaps, instead of controlling the power, you need to take it"

~8~

Our World

Storybroke

Day - Dove Household

Living Room

Mark was pacing, grumbling under his breath as he stared at his phone with a scowl

Valerie walked in, raising her eyebrows "What's up, dad?"

"Sidney" Mark answered, looking up, shutting close his phone with an angry sigh, "The Mayor wants that good for nothing ass for Sheriff"'

"'That good for nothing ass'?" Valerie repeated in amusement, "Is that how you express about your employees?"

Mark closed his eyes with a sigh, "Sorry Valeria. I just can't help but feel so angry. Anyone could be good with the job except him. That man is so..."

"Sick with love with the Mayor?" Valerie finished knowingly.

Mark tilted his head aside, "What do you mean?"

Valerie shrugged, "I've seen the way he looks at the Mayor when she's not looking at press conferences and when he's around her. If it weren't for you being good at your job, I'm sure she'd have Sidney as chief of the newspaper office so she could control the place as well"

Mark looked at her impressed, "You get all that by just watching him?"

Valerie smirked "I have my resources too"

~8~

Mr. Gold's shop

Mr. Gold was sitting at his desk, watching the flame of a lighter. Regina walked in.

Mr. Gold put the flame out, smiling "Regina" He greeted. Regina flipped the sign on the door to the 'Closed' side. Mr. Gold stood "Shall I remove some things? Make a bit of space for your rage?"

Regina walked towards him "You found that loophole in the town charter"

Mr. Gold walked over to a cabinet which contained the dagger "Legal documents, contracts if you lie and, Dr Kentworth did actually. Surprised myself, if she weren't a doctor she'd be a good lawyer. She came to me, and as you can tell, those has always been a fascination of mine"

Regina pursed her lips in annoyance, nodding "Yes, you love to trifle with technicalities"

Mr. Gold closed the cabinet's door. "I like small weapons, you see. The needle, the pen, the fine point of a deal. Subtlety, not your style, I know"

Regina glared at him "You're a bastard"

Mr. Gold chuckled "I think your grief's getting the better of you, Regina. Shame what happened to Graham"

Regina gave him a cold look "Don't you talk about him. You know nothing"

"What is there to know?" Mr. Gold replied, coldly "He died"

Regina faced Mr. Gold, standing at one side of a cabinet, across him "Are you really going up against me?"

"Not directly" Mr. Gold answered "We are, after all, both invested in the common good. We're just picking different sides"

"Well, I think you picked a really slow horse this time" Regina told him "It's not like you to back a loser"

"She hasn't lost yet" Mr. Gold replied

"She will" Regina told him

"Never underestimate someone who's acting for their children" Mr. Gold told her

"Dani and Henry are not her children" Regina told him "Not legally"

Mr. Gold smirked "Oh, now who's trifling with technicalities?"

~8~

Granny's Diner

Henry and Daniella were sitting in a booth, reading a Storybrooke Daily Mirror. Emma walked closer.

"How was school?" Emma asked

Henry was focusing on the newspaper's article. "Okay"

Daniella didn't seem to care, drinking hot chocolate

"You're reading that paper pretty hard" Emma told him

Daniella grabbed the newspaper from Henry's hands, poking her tongue at him playfully when he glared at her

Daniella showed it to Emma, "Sydney wrote it" On the front page, there was an article titled Ex-Jailbird – Emma Swan birthed babes behind bars. "Is it a lie?"

Emma was upset and shocked they had to find about that like that.

"No" Emma answered

"Dani and I were born in jail?" Henry asked

"Yes" Emma answered sighing "These records were supposed to be sealed. Tell me you're not scarred for life"

"We're not" Daniella told her "Well, not by this"

Emma sighed in relief "Good. Then, let's throw this out and we will get our news from something more reliable"

Like what?" Daniella asked sarcastically "The internet?"

Emma gave her a look

"This is what we've been trying to tell you" Henry told her "Good can't be evil, because good doesn't do this kind of thing. Our mom plays dirty. That's why you can't beat her. Ever"

"I have a new ally" Emma told them "Mr. Gold said he's going to help"

"Mr. Gold?" Daniella repeated "He's even worse than she is. You already owe him one favor. You don't want to owe him any more"

"Rachel trusts him" Emma told them, "And I trust Rachel"

Henry and Daniella exchanged a look

"Rachel's just as bad as Mr. Gold" Henry told her, "You can't trust them"

"Don't do this" Daniella told her.

At the other side of the dinner, Kate and Ruby were talking

"Are you okay, Kate?" Ruby asked in concern, noticing her sleepy and distracted expression. Kate shrugged, reading the newspaper. Ruby clicked her tongue "Playing dirty. Who would've thought?"

"Hmm" Kate told her

Ruby frowned "You're worrying me. You normally pretend you're okay when you're not and you're not today. You look like crap. Talk to me"

Kate looked up with a sigh "Okay. Two things. I haven't been able to sleep the last few weeks and it's getting annoying"

"Have you tried therapy to help you sleep?" Ruby asked "Music? Meditation? Or sleeping pills?'

Kate shook her head "The problem isn't falling asleep. The problem are my dreams"

Ruby nodded in understanding "Not so sweet, I imagine"

Kate sighed "Not at all"

"What about the second?" Ruby asked

"Neither Henry or Dani are being themselves" Kate answered "After what happened to Graham. They've been pushing me and Emma away. Neither Emma has taken her best friend's death very well"

Ruby leaned forward in the counter "Give 'em time, hun. It's the first Dean in Storybrooke in like forever and both their mom's were close with him. That's probably what's affecting them. Their grieving"

"Maybe" Kate agreed "But that's not all. They think Regina killed him"

Ruby widened her eyes in disbelief "What?"

Kate nodded "Because of the whole Fairytale thing. They think because he was a good guy and was starting to remember, Regina had to kill him"

"That's..." Ruby trailed off

"Disturbing?" Kate finished "Yeah"

"Because she's the Evil Queen?" Ruby asked sarcastically. Kate nodded. Ruby paused awkwardly "Okay. I don't see too much of a difference there"

They laughed, Kate seeming to look better.

~8~

Dove Household

Kitchen

Mark and Valerie were having breakfast. Mark was reading the newspaper, shaking his head in disappointment 

"I just turn my back one second and this happens" Mark told her, throwing the newspaper on the table.

Valerie stopped mid-chew, sliding the newspaper to her, reading with curiosity.

"It's the Mayor, I'm sure" Valerie remarked. "She's using any method available to cheat and win the whole thing. This is a play for power. And clearly, she's winning"

Mark sighed, giving Valerie a proud smile for how she seemed to deduce other's motives.

~8~

Storybrooke Town Hall

Mayor's Office

Emma walked in, holding the newspaper in her hand.

"This was a juvie record" Emma told her "This was sealed by court order. I don't know how you got it, but that's abuse of power and illegal"

Regina was preparing to leave her office "Oh, I'm sorry. You didn't want people to know you cut his cord with a shiv?"

"I don't care what people know, but this hurts Henry and Daniella" Emma told her

"They would've learned eventually" Regina replied "We all lose our heroes at some point"

- Hallway

They exit the office, walking along through the building.

"They don't need to lose anything more" Emma told her "Henry's depressed and Daniella doesn't seem to care about anything anymore, Madam Mayor. They don't have any hope. Don't you see that?"

"They're fine" Regina told her, switching off the lights.

"They're not fine" Emma countered "I mean, think about it. Watching their adoptive mother throw an illegal smear campaign against their birth mother? You don't think that would be upsetting?"

"All I did was expose them to the truth" Regina told her "And as for the legality I did nothing wrong. But you and Sidney will have a chance to get into all that at the debate"

"Debate?" Emma repeated in surprise

They walked down a staircase leading to the building's front door

"Yes, Miss Swan, there's a debate" Regina answered "You two can talk about jail time and juvie records and maybe even your new association with Mr. Gold. He's a snake, Miss Swan. You need to be careful who you get into bed with"

"I'm not getting into bed with anyone" Emma replied. "I'm just fighting fire with-" Regina opened the door and an explosion was set off, setting the next room on fire. Emma and Regina were thrown back from the blast. Regina's ankle got crushed by a piece of debris and was immobilized. Emma freed Regina "Alright, come on. Let's go! We got to get out of here"

"I can't move!" Regina told her "You have to get me out. Help me!"

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest.

Day - Cottage - Outside

Baelfire, Young Keira and Rumplestiltskin were outside of their house, winding wool up on short sticks made of woods, soaking wool in hot sheep's fat.

"Keep that fire good and stoked, Bae" Rumpelstilskin told him "The sheep's fat needs to be liquid and get that wool good and soaked"

"Why are we doing this, Papa?" Baelfire asked "This is good wool. We can spin and sell-"

"These are our keys to the castle, kids" Rumpelstilskin told them "And once I'm inside there's something I have to take"

"What do you need to take?" Young Keira asked

"That old beggar? He told me a fine tale about the Duke and his magical dagger" Rumplestilskin explained

"What does it do?" Baelfire asked

"If I own that dagger, I control the Dark One" Rumpelstilskin answered, pantomiming stabbing someone with a dagger "If I kill the Dark One with the dagger, I take his powers"

Young Keira stared at him in shock, exchanging a horrified look with Baelfire

"By god's name" Baelfire told him

Rumplestiltskin smiled with excitement "Imagine me with those powers. Can you imagine me with those powers, Bae? Kei? I could get to redeem myself. I could turn it towards good. I'll save all the children of the Frontlands – not just you, my children"

Young Keira looked at Baelfire nervously

Baelfire gave her a reassuring look, turning to Rumpelstilskin "We'd love to see that, but if the law says we have to fight, we... we can fight"

Young Keira nodded in agreement

Rumplestiltskin shook his head worriedly "No, no, no! The law doesn't want you to fight. The law wants you to die. That's not battle, that's sacrifice. You look at that red in the sky. That's not the-the fires of the battlefields, that's the blood of our people. It's the blood of children. The blood of children like you. I mean, what sane person would want to get involved with that?"

"So, it's true" Baelfire told him

"What?"'Rumplestiltskin asked

"It's true" Baelfire repeated "It's true you ran"

"I had no choice" Rumplestilskin told them

"And Mother?" Young Keira asked "Did she leave you like the knight said? You told us she was dead"

Rumplestiltskin lowered his head in shame, speaking in a low voice "She is dead"

"So, what do we need to do?" Baelfire asked

Rumplestiltskin knelt down beside them "The Duke's castle is made of stone, but the floors and the rafters are made of wood"

"Why does that matter?" Young Keira asked

Rumplestiltskin smiled slightly "Because wood burns"

~8~

Our World

Day - Park

Kate was walking through the park, humming to herself.

Zac walked closer, "I knew I'd find you around here" Kate sighed in annoyance, not stopping "Don't be like that, love. We both know you like me but won't admit it"

"I'm sure you tell that to all girls" Kate told him, fanning her face sarcastically, "I'm not that kind of girl"

"Of course you're not" Zac agreed, shrugging "Which is why I'm interested in you, Kate. You're different"

"You're a romantic cliche" Kate told him "Not creative at all"

"I wasn't trying to be creative" Zac told her "It's the truth"

"Don't you have other girls to bother?" Kate asked "Valerie by example?"

"Nope" Zac answered, smiling "Val's probably at home, either arguing with her dad about how strict he is or just being her moody self"

Kate grimaced, "I hate how Mr. Dove can be super strict. Did you know she had to almost beg him for joining the volunteering program?"

Zac sighed, "Yes. One of these days she will rebel against him"

"According to Henry and Dani, she will" Kate told him. "And they say it won't be pretty"

Zac stayed silent, contemplating her words. But before he could say anything else, something caught his attention. "What's that?"

Rachel walked closer, frowning in confusion "Is that a Fire?"

They exchanged a look, starting to walk toward the Town Hall.

~8~

Storybrooke Town Hall - Staircase

Regina was still trapped, grabbing Emma by her hand while she tried to leave. "You're going to leave me, aren't you?"

Emma didn't answer, breaking free from her grasp, leaving into the next room, worried and confused on what to do to leave the burning building. Regina stared after Emma incredulously, trying to get up on her own until she returned with a fire extinguisher, using it to get the fire under control, clearing the way to the exit. Emma supported Regina into walking out of the building.

- Outside

Once Outside, a reporter took a picture of them, and sirens could be heard.

Regina was in a lot of pain "Oh, ow, ow! My ankle! Set me down gently"

"Seriously?" Emma asked "You're complaining about how I saved your life?"

Regina watched the fire engines approach the scene "The firemen are here. It's not like we were really in danger"

"Fine" Emma told her, starting to walking away "Next time I'll just... I'll just. Ah, you know what?" She turned to face Regina "Next time, I'll do the same thing. And the time after that because that is what decent human beings do. That's what good people do"

Henry and Daniella were here talking to a firefighter distance away.

"Did Emma really rescue our mom?" Henry asked

Regina was on a stretcher with an oxygen mask, overhearing Henry, throwing off the mask in anger. "Enough!"

The Paramedic looked unfazed by her reaction "Regina"

"I'm fine" Regina snapped

Sidney ran up to Regina with a camera to take a picture "Nice shot of the victim?"

"Sidney, what the hell are you doing?" Regina asked "Are you trying to hand this election to her?"

"But it's news" Sydney told her

"She's the competition, you fool" Regina told him

Zac and Kate walked closer

"A savior after all" Zac told her

Kate smiled slightly "Indeed she is"

They walked closer toward Emma, the twins, and several townspeople who were surrounding Emma

"Did you really rescue Regina?" Mary Margaret asked

"She did!" Daniella exclaimed happily "The fireman said it. They saw it"

Zac smiled, "You are a hero"

"We should see if they have a picture of the rescue" Mary Margaret told them, smiling

Granny nodded in agreement "We could make campaign posters"

Archie walked closer, excited "Oh, people would love that! That's a great idea. Wait, so..."

The group walked away, leaving Emma alone with the twins, Kate and Zac.

Emma knelt down between Henry and Daniella "This is how good wins. You do something good and people see it, and then they want to help you"

Daniella smiled slightly "Maybe you're right"

"She is" Zac agreed, "Good people always win at the end"

Emma looked at Zac, gratefully turning to Henry and Daniella "See? We don't have to fight dirty"

Kate hugged the twins, looking at Zac "Thank you"

Zac shrugged, smiling "Don't worry, love. Storybroke with the Mills Twins sad is not Storybrooke at all" Henry and Daniella looked between grinning slyly "And of course, I did it for you. You seem down when they're sad. It's not a good look for you"

Kate gave him an amused look, "Thank you"'

Zac smiled.

Emma smiled, looking away while they were talking, seeing a piece of fabric nearby, recognizing it from early at Mr. Gold's shop, stunned and angry.

~8~

Mr. Gold's Shop

Mr. Gold was standing in his shop. His hands were blackened with soot, using a rag to wipe them clean, hearing Emma walk in from behind him, "Loads of visitors today" Emma slammed the door behind her. "Do hope you're not going to break my little bell"

Emma walked closer, angrily "You set the fire"

"I've been right here, Miss Swan" Mr. Gold told her

Emma approached him, holding the fabric in her hands "Take a whiff. It smells like your sheep crap oil. Turns out it's flammable"

"Are you sure?" Mr Gold asked "There's some construction working on at City Hall at the moment. There's loads of flammable solvents used in construction"

"Why did you do it?" Emma asked

Mr. Gold stopped cleaning his hands, walking around his desk. "If I did it- If I did it that would be because you cannot win without something big. Something like, uh I don't know. Being the hero in a fire?"

"How could you even know I'd be there at the right time?" Emma asked

"Regina's not the only one with eyes and ears in this town" Mr. Gold told her "Or maybe... I'm just intuitive where I involved"

"I could've run and left her there" Emma pointed out

Mr. Gold shrugged "Not the type"

Emma shook her head "I can't go along with this"

Mr. Gold gave Emma half of a smile "You just did. This is just the price of election, Miss Swan"

Emma glared at him, "A price I'm not willing to pay" She threw the fabric down at his desk "Find another sucker!"

"Okay. Go ahead, expose me. But if you do" Mr Gold told her "Just think about what you'll be exposing and what you'll be walking away from" Emma glared at him for a moment, turning around to leave, walking to the door "Oh, yes. And um, who you might be disappointing"

Emma turned around, glaring at him, walking out, slamming the shop's door. Mr. Gold smiled

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest.

Night - Duke's Castle - Outside

Rumplestiltskin arrived with Young Keira and Baelfire, lighting one of the torches they've made earlier, setting a pile of straw on fire, making the fire spread along the castle's walls burning wooden joints and cracks, the fire spreading inside the castle, burning ceilings and rafters, some burning rafters falling to the ground.

- Inside

Rumplestiltskin walked into a hall with flags standing along the walls, putting one silver-green banner aside, revealing the hidden dagger behind it, taking the dagger, seeing the name Zoso written on it, the Dark One's name. Rumplestiltskin left the castle.

~8~

Our World

Storybrooke

Town Hall - Outside

Above the entrance was a banner hanging, reading 'Debate Today - Sheriff's election'

Mary Margaret and Kate were stapling promotion posters saying 'Swan for Sheriff' on the bulletin board, going on with their task. Kate gave her another poster.

"There" Mary Margaret smiled, putting it up when they came across David. Mary Margaret looked surprised, glancing between him and Kate awkwardly "David. Hi"

"Mr. Nolan" Kate told him smiling politely, waving a hand in greeting "Hi"

"Mary Margaret, hi" David told her, looking at her nervously. He looked at Kate, smiling "Kate, right?" Kate nodded, smiling "Hi, there"

"I was just, uh, we were just..." Mary Margaret trailed off, gesturing at the posters in Kate's hands

Kate looked up, looking between them warily.

"Yeah" David cleared his throat, gesturing at his own posters "Yeah. Me too"

Kate grimaced at their awkwardness, looking at Mary Margaret, "I'll go look for the twins or Valerie, now that I'm allowed to see Emma and Mr. Glass embarrass themselves up there, I'll find someone to laugh with"

"O-okay" Mary Margaret stuttered, pleading with her eyes for her not to leave. Kate looked at her teasingly, starting to walk away "Say hi to them for me, will you?"

"Sure!" Kate told her, smiling, walking away, murmuring to herself "Awkward"

Mary Margaret sighed, turning to David "How are things?"

"Okay. I got a job" David answered "Yeah, I'm working at the animal shelter"

Mary Margaret looked pleased to hear that "Really?"

"Yeah" David answered

Mary Margaret noticed the poster David fixed to the wall. "So, Sidney?"

David nodded, tilting his head "My wife is friends with Regina. So..."

Mary Margaret nodded in remembrance "Oh, right. How is Kathryn?"

"Good" David answered "She's meeting me here, later"

"That's wonderful" Mary Margaret told him, stapling the posters with more force than necessary to the wall "Well, I'm all out of posters. I'm going to go. Get some more"

Mary Margaret quickly left.

~8~

Inside

Sidney was getting ready for the debate.

Archie was practicing his opening speech. "Citizens of Storybrooke. Uh- We welcome you to, uh... Welcome citizens of Storybrooke. Uh. Uh, we welcome you citizens of Storybrooke. Welcome-"

Emma was sitting at the podium, drawing back the curtain, looking around at the audience nervously. Mary Margaret approached her, handing Emma some papers. As she toook them, Mary Margaret handed her a bottle of water.

"I'm not going to win" Emma told her

"What are you talking about?" Mary Margaret asked "Everyone's talking about what you did in the fire"

"No, Dana and Henry are right" Emma told her. "I can't beat Regina at this. Not the way she fights. Watch and see"

"Is this really about beating Regina" Mary Margaret asked

Emma drew back the curtains again to get another look at the crowd. "It's just..."

"Henry" Mary Margaret finished "Dani"

"I wanna show them that good can actually win" Emma told her

Mary Margaret realized "That's why you want to win it for them. But why do you want to win the election for yourself?"

"That is why" Emma told her. "I wanna show them that a hero can win. And if I'm not- If I'm not a hero and I'm not a savior - then what part do I have in their life? Okay, there it is"

Mary Margaret smiled "There it is"

Emma drew back the curtains a third time, noticing Mr. Gold entering the Town Hall, knowing she had to tell the truth. Mr. Gold noticed Emma behind the curtain, giving her a small smile

- Outside

Valerie, Henry and Daniella were sitting near a fountain, close to the town hall.

Henry and Daniella were telling her how Emma saved Regina

"Really?" Valerie asked

"Yes" Daniella nodded "You should've been there"

"Emma looked like a hero" Henry told her.

"I imagine" Valerie told them, looking away, noticing her father, huffing silently

"What's wrong?" Daniella asked

"My father" Valerie answered, narrowing her eyes.

Henry and Daniella followed her gaze to see Mark talking with some reporters as they made their way inside the town hall

"I thought you were on good terms with him?" Henry asked curiously

"Yeah. Didn't you two talk about how he was being hard on you and to give you more space?" Daniella asked

"Yes, we did" Valerie answered, crossing her arms "And we were. His strictness lowered but this morning returned. He got back to his ignoring me phase again, putting his work first and demanding me to stay at home when he clearly stated I was free to make my own decisions"

Daniella chuckled

Henry smiled

"He'll come around, Val" Daniella told her

Valerie raised her eyebrows "Really?" She asked sarcastically "Because as far as I'm aware, in your book, King Alexander never came around and didn't even know Victoria's play around magic"

Henry smiled innocently, "This is another world, Victoria. Maybe here he will. With Emma's help. She's here to bring back the happy endings"

"And yours is finally end up well and happy with your dad" Daniella told her

Valerie looked down thoughtfully

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest.

Woods

Baelfire and Young Keira were waiting in the woods for Rumplestiltskin return.

Baelfire knew that his sister was scared and nervous, squeezing her hand reassuringly "Everything's going to be okay, Kei. Papa will make it"

"I'm not worried about that" Young Keira told him "I'm worried after what will happen after he does this" She looked down at her hands, fidgeting with a small flower ring "Magic is dangerous, Bae"

Baelfire had an exact match of the same flower ring Young Keira had, showing it to her "Not yours. See what you made here? This is nice magic, Kei. Not dangerous"

Young Keira looked at him nervously "It can be"

Baelfire closed his fist around the ring, shoving it to his pocket, putting his hands on Young Keira's shoulders, "Not yours. Want to know why?" Young Keira nodded "Because you're good. You're a nice person and wouldn't hurt anyone. I'll protect you always, Kei. Even if we are sent to the war"

Young Keira managed a small smile, "As long as I have this magic, I'll always protect you too, Bae" The twins embraced tightly, closing their eyes. Rumplestilskin ran toward them. They looked at him in relief "Papa!"

Rumplestiltskin smiled "Oh, Kei. Bae"

"We were so worried for you" Baelfire told him. "Are-Are you burned? The castle-"

"I'm fine. I'm fine" Rumplestilskin answered "I need you to go home and wait for me there"

"Come with us, please" Young Keira told him. "I have a bad feeling"

Baelfire looked at her worriedly

"Bae, Kei, this is something I have to do on my own. Go home" Rumpelstilskin told them. They hesitated "Go home and wait for me. I'll be back. You go" The twins grabbed their hands, turning around, walking away, looking back at their father for a moment as they did so, walking toward their home. Rumplestiltskin took out the Dark One's Dagger, holding it up in the air, so he could read the name written on the blade by the light of the torch. "Zoso! Zoso! I summon thee"

At first sight nothing happened. Rumplestiltskin lowered the dagger, turning around seeing the Dark One/Zoso standing behind him, frightened, quickly backing away, dropping his torch.

"You were asking for me?" Zoos asked, wearing a hood so Rumplestilskin wouldn't see his face

In order to keep Zoso at a distance, Rumplestiltskin advanced the dagger "Submit, oh Dark One! I control you"

"Yes, you do" Zoso agreed "Wield the power wisely. You can wield it anytime now. It's almost dawn. That means it's your children's birthday. I bet Hordor and his men are already on their way to your house"

Rumplestiltskin shook his head in fear "No, they can't take them"

"You don't control them" Zoso told him "You control me. Have you ever wondered were Baelfire and Keira really your children at all. Unlike you, they're not cowards and yearns to fight and die in glory"

"No" Rumplestiltskin told him

"What a poor bargain that would be to lay down your soul to have your bastard children" Zoso taunted. "So, I ask you, what would you have me to do?"

"Die!" Rumplestiltskin answered, stabbing Zoso in the cheat, tackling him to the ground. In the torch's light the Zoso's face changed revealing that he was the beggar, laughing. Rumplestiltskin recognized him, in shock "It's you. You are the beggar"

Zoso gasped for breath while he was dying "Looks like you made a deal you didn't understand. I don't think you gonna do that again"

Rumplestiltskin was just completely confused "You told me to kill you"

Zoso chuckled weakly "My life was such a burden. You'll see. Magic always comes with a price. And now, it's yours to pay"

"Why me?" Rumplestiltskin asked "Why me?"

Zoso gasped for breath, starting to fade I know how to recognize a desperate soul"

Rumplestiltskin tried to keep him alive "No! No! Stay! You have to tell me what to do! Tell me what to do"

Rumplestiltskin's hand which held the dagger, changed to a grey color. Removing the dagger from Zoso's body, he noticed that his name was now written on the dagger's blade.

~8~

Our World

Storybrooke

Town Hall.

Archie was welcoming the audience, looking at Emma and Sidney, where they have taken seat on either side of him. "Tragedy has brought us here, but we are faced with this decision. And now, we ask only that you listen with an open mind and please vote your conscience. So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to the candidates. Sidney Glass and Emma Swan. Glass. Swan. Sounds like something that a decorator would make you buy. Wow, crickets. Okay, uh..., Mr. Glass. Your opening statement"

Sidney walked up to the podium "I just wanna say that if elected I wanna serve as a reflection of the best qualities of Storybrooke: Honesty" Regina was inaudible mouthing Sidney's words, revealing she had written his speech. "Neighborliness. And strength. Thank you"

Regina cheered him proudly

"And Emma Swan" Archie told them

Emma walked up to the podium "You guys all know I have what they call an uh, troubled past. But, you've been able to overlook it because of the um, hero thing. But here's the thing: The fire was a setup" The audience began to murmur, becoming noisy "Mr. Gold agreed to support me in this race, but I didn't know that that meant he was going to set a fire. I don't have definitive evidence but I'm sure. And the worst part of all this was- The worst part of all this is I let you all think it was real. I can't win that way. I'm sorry"

Mr. Gold stood, looking at Emma knowingly, walking away, leaving the Town Hall

~8~

Outside

Mark walked out of the town Hall, finding Valerie, Kate and the Mills Twins, sitting together in a bench, smiling at the view

"You're not gonna guess what" Mark told them

They looked up at him, silently. Valerie huffed, looking away. Kate nudged her arm, teasingly. Henry looked at them in amusement

"What is it, Mr. Dove?" Daniella asked sweetly, chuckling to herself at the irony of his and Valerie's surname

Mark looked at Daniella and Henry, smiling "Your mother truly is a model to follow, kids. First standing up to the Mayor and now Mr. Gold?" The twins exchanged a stunned look, starring to grin "You two should be proud to have a mother like her"

Valerie smiled, "Well, that settles it. We have a new sheriff in town"

Kate looked at her curiously, starting to grin "Explain, Sherlock"

"Of course, dear Watson" Valerie told her smirking. "No one dares to stand up against Mr. Gold without fearing him. The town will want someon who does. And this hasn't been the first time this happens right? With Ashley, the pregnant woman? Words spreads fast here in Storybrooke. With Emma as Sheriff, this town will not succumb in darkness" She smiled widely, "Things got a little more interesting in this boring little town"

~8~

Granny's dinner

Henry, Daniella, Valerie and Kate were sitting in a booth, talking

"So, that's all?" Daniella asked

"Yup" Kate answered, sipping her milkshake, glancing at Henry who was reading his 'Once Upon a Time' book. "Besides all of that, the dreams are the same"

"Memories" Henry corrected without looking up

Valerie chuckled "Yes, Kate. Memories"

Kate gave her a look, rolling her eyes "Whatever. I think I'm starting to get used to them. But that doesn't make me feel better enough to get some decent sleep"

Henry and Daniella looked at her sympathetically

"We're gonna break the curse soon, Katie" Daniella told her "And you'll be able to sleep better"

Kate sighed tiredly "I really hope so, guys. I want to be able to relax"

"Will do. Trust us, Katie" Henry told her "For now, we just have to make Emma change more things"

"Standing up to Mr. Gold was a big process" Valerie told them, smiling

The twins nodded, grinning.

Emma walked in, heading to the counter with a sigh.

Henry closed the book, sliding it toward Kate, standing up, walking toward Emma.

Daniella stood, a set of walking talkies in her hands as she followed Henry.

Kate shoved the book in her School bag, following after them. Valerie hot in her heels

Emma noticed them "Hey kids" Kate and Valerie waved. Daniella handed her a walkie talkie "What's this for?"

Henry sat next to her

Daniella sat on the other side of Emma "You stood up to Mr. Gold"

"It's pretty amazing" Valerie told her

Emma sighed "Well, he did something illegal"

"That's what heroes do" Kate told her "Expose stuff like that"

Henry and Daniella nodded in agreement

"Yeah" Henry told her "We shouldn't have given up on Operation Cobra"

Kate looked at them in relief.

Valerie smiled

Regina and Sidney walked in, walking closer to them

"I thought I might find you here" Regina told them "With a drink. And my children"

Emma didn't answer, looking at Sydney "Here to card me, officer?"

"Well, not at all" Sidney answered, chuckling "In fact, I think I will join you"

"Here?" Emma frowned "I don't know. I think they're setting up a back room for the victory party"

Sidney smiled "Oh, well, you'll have to tell me what that's like"

Kate and the twins exchanged confused looks

Valerie smiled in realization

Regina took the Sheriff's badge out of her pocket "Congratulations" She placed the badge in front of Emma on the table "Sheriff Swan"

"Wait" Daniella told them, shocked "What?"

Slowly, town people started to walk in

"There was a very close vote" Regina explained "But people really seem to like the idea of a sheriff brave enough to stand up to Mr. Gold"

"Are you joking?" Emma asked in disbelief

"She isn't joking" Sydney told her

"You didn't pick a great friend in Mr. Gold, Miss Swan, but he does make a superlative enemy" Regina told her "Enjoy that"

Regina walked away

Kate looked at Emma "Sheriff isn't a bad title"

Emma looked down at her badge, a smile playing on her lips "No, it doesn't"

Henry, Daniella, Kate and Valerie exchanged a grin

~8~

Flashback

Enchanted Forest.

Day - Cottage - Outside

Hordor and a group of his knights were at Rumplestiltskin's cottage, and they were taking Baelfire and Young Keira with them

"Everyone's watching from behind their curtains today" Hordor stated. A soldier holding the reins of Hordor's horse suddenly fell to the ground. Rumplestiltskin stabbed him with the dagger, completely changed. Hordor knelt "Dark One" Rumplestiltskin walked towards him "No. Who are you?"

"Have you forgotten me already?" Rumplestilskin asked "What was it you used to call me again? Spindleshanks?" He snapped his fingers "Hobblefoot"

Baelfire and Young Keira were in shock "Papa?"

Hordor was in even more shock "Rumplestiltskin"

Rumplestiltskin smiled "Wonderful. And now, you shall know me as the new Dark One. How about a little fealty? Kiss my boot"

When Hordor bent over, Rumplestiltskin grabbed him, snapping his neck.

Young Keira was horrified "No, Papa!" Baelfire held her back, concerned as they watched Rumpelstilskin killing the rest of the Knights by stabbing them with the dagger in which a brutal and violent way "I told you! This is what I feared, Bae. Magic is dangerous"

Young Keira hid her face in Baelfire's chest.

Baelfire hugged Young Keira, backing away from their father in slight fear, protecting himself and his sister as Rumplestilskin finished killing the Knights "Papa? What has happened to you?"

"You're safe, Bae" Rumpelstilskin answered, "Do you feel safe, Keira?"

Rumplestilskin approached his children. The dagger in his hand was covered in blood

"No" Young Keira looked up, "I'm frightened"

"I'm not" Rumplestilskin told them "I protected what belongs to me and I'm not scared of anything"

Even thought his children were clearly scared, Rumplestilskin gave a little laugh.

~8~

Our World

Storybrooke

Sheriff Station.

Emma walked in, placing a folder on her desk, noticing Sheriff Graham's jacket hanging on the coat rack.

Mr. Gold was standing in the door "The Sheriff's jacket. I thought you might want it after all"

Emma jumped startled "You do know I'm armed, right?"

Mr. Gold smiled, entering the room "So part of the act, my dear. Political theater in an actual theater. I knew no one was going to vote for you unless we gave you some kind of extraordinary quality. And I'm afraid saving old Regina's ass from the fire just wasn't gonna do now. We had to give you a higher form of bravery. They had to see you defy me. And they did"

"No way" Emma told him "There's no way you planned that"

"Everyone's afraid of Regina. But they are more afraid of me. By standing up to me, you won them over. It was the only way" Mr. Gold explained

Emma realized "You knew I'd agree"

"Oh, yeah" Mr. Gold nodded "I know how to recognize a desperate soul"

"Why did you do it?" Emma asked

"We made a deal sometime back, Miss Swan" Mr. Gold reminded "We established that you owed me a favor. I know that can be a bad feeling, owing someone. Now that you're sheriff, I'm sure we'll find some way for you to pay back what you owe me. Congratulations"

Mr. Gold walked away, leaving the Sheriff's office. Emma watched him, glaring.