From 4.23 "Operation Mongoose: Part 2", in the street, Freya's real name Priscilla was etched onto the dagger.

Freya/Priscilla: (voice over) "Previously on Worlds Colliding (Once Upon a Time)."

From 5.02 "The Price", in flashback to the garden, Merlin was trapped in a tree. Cyrus was trapped in stone.

"So the most powerful sorcerers in all the realms are stuck inside a bloody tree and stone?" Killian asked.

"And you think we can get him out?" Tori asked.

"Cyrus and Merlin's prophecies are never wrong," Arthur told them.

From 5.01 "The Dark Witch", in the pawnshop, Mother Superior used her wand to conjure a rose under a glass jar. "This rose is now linked to your best, Belle. As long as it still has petals, he lives."

From 5.02 "The Price", in Freya's House, Freya and Jefferson were talking.

"Has the madness and darkness really gotten their claws that deep into you?" Jefferson asked.

"Shouldn't you already know the answer to that?" Freya replied. "You still have the same madness as I do, and now it's tinged in darkness as well, Jefferson."

Jefferson raised his voice a little. "Then answer me!"

Jefferson gripped the wine glass in his hand too hard, making it shatter and the contents spill.

Freya looked at him, snapping her fingers, pointing at his hand. "There it is. The madness and darkness affecting you just as much as it's affecting me. You couldn't control it, could you?" Jefferson looked at his shaking hand in surprise. "I'm trying to help you, but I can't tell you how."

From 5.02 "The Price", at the round table, Arthur looked at Guinevere. "They're here to destroy the Dark One. Helping them may be the only way I'll ever get my hands on that monster's dagger."

From 5.01 "The Dark Witch", in Enchanted Forest, Freya shook her head slowly. "I'm not gonna hurt my father, no matter what he did."

Rumplestiltskin smirked. "We shall see."

From 5.02 "The Price", in the basement of Freya's House, Rumplestiltskin was preying on Freya's madness. "That's why you brought that sword here. You can make that weapon whole again and use it to snuff out the light... forever."

ღღ

Day One

Storybrooke

Day - Mines

Dwarfs were whistling "Heigh-Ho" as they were working.

Grumpy looked at the others. "Our yield's way down, boys. I know Dopey's a tree, but we got to be more productive since he can't."

"He's producing oxygen," Happy told them.

There was laughter.

"Hey, let's stay focused," Grumpy told them.

Freya appeared, sitting behind them on the rocks, having her arm around another rock, smirking. "Yes. No one wants a nasty surprise."

The dwarfs looked at her nervously, pained because of how long she had been their friend and how much they had gone through together, but knowing it wasn't their friend right in front of them.

"You're not getting any dust, sister," Grumpy told her.

Freya smiled, standing, walking closer. "Actually, I'm shopping for something else. Something with..." She picked up an ax, twirling it around in her hand, admiring the blade, smirking coldly with a tinge of insanity. "Edge."

"My ax?" Happy asked.

Freya put the ax's edge to Happy's neck. "Oh, Happy, there's something I learned as the Dark One. If your name is on something..." She whispered mockingly in his ear, running the edge of the ax along his jawline. "Hold onto it."

Freya disappeared in cloud of black smoke.

ღ Worlds Colliding (Once Upon a Time) ღ

Flashback 1 - Six Weeks Ago

Camelot

Day - Tower

The heroes were in the tower, looking for the answers.

Blake was annoyed and frustrated. "This is pointless. We've been looking for days and still haven't found a single thing that can help free Stone Boy and Mister Sunlight, and these clothes are so uncomfortable, I hate them."

Faye smirked. "Wow, and here I thought that the all high and mighty Dark Being looked good in everything and knew everything."

"Okay, first of all, I do look good in everything," Blake told her. "Second, I may not know how to free Cyrus and Merlin, but I'm still better than you in every way possible, so watch it, science project."

Faye smiled sarcastically, tilting her head. "You keep saying that, Blaky boy. I can still turn into a Dragon and end lives with a note of my voice, and here I haven't seen you use that all powerful darkness and divine power to do anything."

Blake gave her a look. "Careful there, Faye, because I have a hell of a lot more than enough darkness to know how to turn you into a Dragon/fish barbecue, though I doubt anyone would eat you, since you look as salty and sour as you would taste."

Everyone else was looking back and forth between Blake and Faye like a tennis match, some annoyed, others amused.

Faye stepped closer to Blake. "You think you're so good, don't you, Blake?"

Blake smirked, stepping closer. "Sweetie, I know I'm so good. I'm a divine/celestial being, after all, sharing the Divine Pair with Lisa. The Light Bringer that possesses the most powerful light magic of all, and the Dark Being, me, the ultimate possessor of darkness with powers beyond your imaging. But also Princess and Prince of Arendelle." Lisa rolled her eyes at that. "What do you have that can top that, greenie?"

Faye looked like she was about to sing from Siren powers and form fire from Dragon. "You know what--"

Saphira, Mathias and Tori pulled Faye away.

"Faye, enough," Tori told her.

Jefferson gave Blake a look. "Both of you. You know Faye's issues, so don't provoke her, or she could do something that you'll regret."

Blake knew he was right, sighing. "Sorry, Jefferson."

"All right," Alcina told them. "Back to work."

"If we're going to free Cyrus and Merlin, we need witchbane," Regina told them.

"Yeah, but the labels are all faded," Emma told them.

"Forget the decloaking potion," Grace told them. "It's not a glamour anyway."

"You sure?" Ella asked.

"If I'm getting this right, the tree and stone could actually be Merlin and Cyrus transfigured, right?" Snow asked.

Lisa pointed at them. "We could find out with a sample."

"Yeah?" Rose asked. "And when we snap off a twig or piece of stone and they turn into fingers, who are crying then?"

Freya sighed. "You guys sure you don't want me to just wiggle my nose and get Cyrus and Merlin free?"

Saphira gave Freya a look. "No."

"You've used dark magic all your life, but your magic is literally darkness now," Tori told her. "And with the madness, it could drive you completely insane."

"It's not worth it," Saphira told her.

"Emma, Ella, Lisa, Rose, Grace and Blake are destined to free Merlin and Cyrus, Freya," Alcina told her. "And yes, we know you want to help. But we can do this together."

"Tori, Saphira and Alcina are right, Freya," Jefferson told her.

Killian smirked. "I heard someone say women are right. That's always a safe assumption, isn't it, Jefferson?"

Arthur walked in. "Are you girls progressing?"

"Um..." Regina trailed off. "Progress."

Ella nodded. "Slow but sure."

Belle was looking around at all of the books. "It's, uh, marvelous having Merlin and Cyrus's own books to work with. It's like talking with the masters."

Snow got an idea. "Oh. What if we could talk to them?"

"What?" Emma asked.

Saphira pointed at Snow. "Yes. You are very occasionally a genius."

Tori chuckled. "Yes. If we talked to them, they can tell us how to get them out."

Lisa showed them a drawing.

"A mushroom?" Jefferson asked.

"Toadstool, actually," Lisa answered. "Deadly poison. Extremely useful in communicating across barriers. Even through spells."

Rose read from the book. "Says here it's called the Crimson Crown."

"Yes, I know this name," Arthur told them. "It's rumored to grow in Broceliande, the Forest of Eternal Night. Its existence is the stuff of legend, though. Almost certainly fiction."

"People say the same thing about us," Grace pointed out. "How far?"

"A half day's ride," Arthur answered. "But if it is there, it'll be protected by magical forces."

"Well, no need for fear," Mathias told them. "A Dragon's ride will take you there in a few hours, and that certain Dragon also has magic that can get past it. I'll go."

David nodded in agreement. "Yeah, me too."

"Really?" Derek asked. "David, Mathias, you know what? Why not wait until we know more?"

David shook his head. "It's not like we're needed here. It's a chance. We're taking it."

ღ

Outside

Arthur, David and Mathias made their way outside.

Derek followed them. "David. Mathias."

"Derek, don't try to talk us out of this," David told him.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Derek replied. "I just wanted to ask, if it's quite all right with you, that I come along and lend a hand?"

"Sure," Mathias answered. "Why not? Gives me and you the time to talk about what's going on with Saphira, Faye, and your and Faye's baby."

David chuckled. "Yeah."

Arthur nodded for them to go. "Come with me and we can get ourselves outfitted, and then we can quest together as brothers."

ღ

Now

Storybrooke

Day - Sheriff's Station

The Charmings, Jefferson, Grace, Lisa, Blake, Regina and Alcina were talking.

Ella showed them the same book and note that was in the flashback. "This question mark? That's my handwriting. I must've marked this page in Camelot."

Emma sighed. "I don't know if this is the right answer. But these books came from there. We think we were looking at this for answers."

The dwarfs came in.

"We've been violated!" Grumpy snapped.

"What's the problem?" Alcina asked.

"What do you think it is?" Grumpy replied. "Your sister. Sorry, Alcina, I forgot you have three. Freya."

"She took my ax," Happy explained.

Regina looked at the Charmings, Jefferson, Grace and Lisa. "Uh, dwarfs are your department. I'll stay on this."

Regina left, while the others stayed to listen about Freya.

"What do you want us to do about it, Grumpy?" Grace asked.

"Help us," Grumpy answered. "We know she's your family, but you got to do something, 'cause if you won't, we will."

Jefferson, angry and protective, tried not to lash out. "Do not hurt her."

"It's okay," Snow told him. "They can't."

"Like that's all that matters?" Grumpy asked. "Stop being a scared family. Alcina's been one to help Regina hunt us all down, but that was before. And guess what, Blake? Back in our land, Jefferson, Freya, Grace and Lisa were ones to always help us and Snow and David, protecting us. We need that Jefferson, Grace and Lisa again." He looked at David, Emma and Ella. "We need the Sheriffs. We need all of you."

"We'll see about getting the ax back," David told them. "Thanks for letting us know."

"Looks like just another insult for us to swallow down, for now," Grumpy told them, leaving with the dwarfs.

Becoming more overwhelmed and angry, Jefferson pulled off his jacket, trying to cool down.

"Why does she need an ax?" Grace asked. "That's alarming, right?"

David sighed. "I don't know. I mean, what could she do with an ax that she couldn't just do with her powers?"

Jefferson angrily kicked a chair, making it fall and the wooden chair shatter.

Snow gave him a surprised, stern look. "Jefferson!"

Lisa was only a little surprised, but knowing why, she was more worried and concerned. "Jefferson..."

"Just wish she'd talk to us and tell us the truth and come home," Jefferson told them.

"I know," Alcina told him. "Me too."

Blake was overwhelmed, shaking his head. "Worst part is, we can't save her from both the darkness and madness, and especially not if it's getting to Jefferson like this, too."

"We will save both you and Freya, Jefferson," Lisa told him. "We're trying."

"How?" Ella asked. "What are we doing?"

"You're leading," Snow answered.

"No one seems to be following," Emma replied.

"Oh, don't worry about the dwarfs," Snow told them.

"I'm not," Grace told them. "I'm worried about Mama too. And how this is my fault."

"Not just you, Grace," Lisa told her. "Freya saved me and Blake along with you."

"She made the choice to save you because you are her kids," Alcina told them. "Cilla did what any mother would have done."

"And now..." Blake trailed off. "Now Jefferson is going mad because of whatever is going on in Freya's head, and us? We're paralyzed. There's nothing I can do, for her, for you, for anyone."

"You are doing something," Emma told them. "You are helping us help our people the best you can."

Ella sighed. "I know you think that you can't. Sometimes I don't think I can either. I mean, Freya's the whole reason we're all here right now."

"But we have to keep trying," Snow told them. "I miss my best friend, too."

They all sighed. Killian, Rose and the Matthews led Cyrus and Arthur inside.

Rose waved. "Hey. Guys? Good morning. I brought in a couple people who might need some help."

"Cyrus?" Tori asked. "Arthur? You wanna tell them?"

"Tell us what?" Killian asked. "Any luck finding your blade? Or Cyrus's father?"

"No lucking finding Excalibur, or Cyrus's father, I'm afraid," Arthur answered. "But I'm coming to you with something far more urgent. Our reliquary's been robbed."

"I'm sorry," Rose told him. "Your what?"

"Magical relics collected by the Knights of the Round Table," Cyrus explained. "They're all very precious. We had no idea it was here until it turned up in this land nearly empty."

"When you say precious..." Saphira trailed off.

"There has a magic bean inside," Arthur told them. "This bean can take my people home in an instant. I have to tell you I will find it if I have to search every residence in your city."

"Well, you don't have to do anything alone," Mathias told him.

"You can help?" Arthur asked.

"We'll get you back to Camelot and find Cyrus's father," Emma told them. "Promise."

Cyrus nodded. "Thank you."

ღ

Freya's House - Basement

Freya went to swing the dwarf ax at the stone which was holding Excalibur.

Rumplestiltskin was mocking her. "A dwarf ax. Now that's a creative path to failure."

Freya tossed the broken wooden handle of the ax aside. "Dwarf axes cut through everything."

"Nothing cuts through magic," Rumplestiltskin replied. "Except maybe a kiss. Have you thought about kissing it out?" Infuriated and controlled by madness/darkness, Freya slashed the ax head at the illusion of her father. Rumplestiltskin laughed. "You're running out of options, dearie. You see, we want you to, uh, snuff out the light. So, we need a hero to pull Excalibur from the stone. Now... and let's face facts, that's not gonna be you. So, why don't you stop messing around and go get the hero we need? Oh, and, uh, you and I both know who that is."

"I said no before," Freya told him.

"But you're saying yes now because you're finally embracing that you do want to make him suffer for what he did to you and your family," Rumplestiltskin replied. "And we both know it."

Freya didn't deny it, looking like she was trying to convince herself to not enjoy the thought of punishing that person, but was losing that fight because of everything that happened, and everything she was going through.

ღღ

Six Weeks Ago

Camelot

Day - Tower

Alcina was overwhelmed, feeling defeated.

Robin walked closer. "It's all right. You'll get it. Don't stress over it. You know it's not good for the babies." Alcina chuckled. "Perhaps it's time for a spot of tea. Calm nerves lead to clear thoughts."

Alcina nodded. Robin kissed her sweetly, leaving. Regina, Tori, Saphira, Faye and Zelena were nearby. Zelena rolled her eyes.

"You're here so we can keep an eye on you, mute handmaiden," Regina told her. "We don't need you rolling your eyes at us."

"We need to clear the air," Saphira told her. "Fine."

Alcina waved her hand to give Zelena her voice back.

Zelena laughed. "Oh, there you are my lovely voice. It's so... light and feminine."

"Enough," Tori told her. "Now, let's have a little chat about what you did to Derek and Faye."

Zelena shrugged. "What is there to talk about, Tori? It was a way to punish Faye for wanting to have a family with the very people I've spent so long trying to destroy, the people I raised Faye to want to destroy. And it was a way to finally give Faye the chance to beat Saphira and Derek for all time."

"I never asked for it," Faye replied. "And you know this child could kill me when it's born."

"I have all the faith in the world that you will survive," Zelena told her. "I also wanted to give you a gift, Faye, a gift of having a child that will love you no matter what or who you are, so that maybe I wouldn't have to lose you. All of you got a second chance. Why can't I?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," Saphira told her sarcastically. "But you've had a second chance and a second second chance. You can't keep painting yourself as a victim. It's absurd."

Zelena shook her head. "You can tell me that life is fair all you want. All I can tell you is that from in here, I'm still seeing all of you with all the toys..."

Alcina used magic to take Zelena's voice away again, pointing at her in annoyance. "Be quiet and listen for once in your life."

Zelena stomped her foot.

"You forgot who we are," Regina told her. "The Evil Queen, Dark Sorceress, a Siren, and a Siren/Dragon, both pirates, and your own daughter, Siren/Dragon Fatale. All of us pissed at you for what you did to all of us. We can be a far greater nightmare than you can possibly imagine."

"But now our gift to you is a promise," Tori told her. "We will make sure Faye, and Derek and Faye's baby, are fine and loved and safe. Just as I promise, the same will certainly not hold for you."

ღ

Round Table

David, Mathias and Derek were dressed for the journey, impressed by the weapons Arthur showed them.

"Wow," Derek told them.

"I like to be prepared," Arthur told them, handing out weapons.

David looked at a chair at the table. "Is that... Percival's chair?"

"Yes," Arthur answered. "But no need for more apologies. A leader does what needs to be done. I'll find a man worthy to fill that seat." He gestured to the tallest chair at the table. "This is the one that will stand empty forever."

Mathias frowned. "I assumed that was your chair, suitable for a king."

"No," Arthur answered. "Mine is no different from the others in the same way that the table is round. Many of our order are kings and princes in their own realms. Nonetheless, happy to sit shoulder to shoulder with the rest of their knights. No one of us above the other. Except for this one. This is the Siege Perilous. Reserved for the knight with the purest heart, the one destined to carry out the most sacred quests. Belonged to a man I trusted more than a brother. But he betrayed me. It's been vacant since."

"Lancelot," Mathias told them.

"You've heard of him?" Arthur asked.

Mathias nodded. "Well, all of you are kind of legends."

"Really?" Arthur asked. "I shudder to think what our tale must be."

"Oh, only one of the greatest romances of all time," David answered. "Your love for Guinevere was ripped away by your best friend, Lancelot."

Derek shrugged. "It's a tragic story that clearly had a happy ending. The two of you seem like all that's in the past now."

"Yes," Arthur answered. "Lancelot was a good man. The situation was difficult."

"I understand," Mathias told him.

"Actually, Snow--Mary Margaret, Freya, Lisa, Regina and I, we met him," David told them.

"You did?" Arthur asked. "How is he?"

David sighed. "I'm very sorry to tell you this, but we learned that he died. I'm sorry."

Arthur shook his head. "Lancelot failed to resist temptation, but he was a good knight. He tortured himself for his sins far more than I would've done. I wished him happy. Just not with my wife."

Mathias looked at Derek. "You wanting to come with us to help us get what we need to free Cyrus and Merlin is honorable, Derek, but why are you really here?"

"Freeing Cyrus and Merlin is why I'm really here," Derek told him. Mathias raised his eyebrows knowingly. Derek sighed, tilting his head in acknowledgement. "And so is this."

Mathias smirked. "I'm guessing you want to speak about Faye and Saphira, your and Faye's child."

"Yeah," Derek answered. "Mathias, how did you deal with this when it happened to you when you were told Faye was the daughter to Zelena, but she had used you and Tori to create Faye so that would make her daughter to you and Tori, sister to Saphira, and niece to Regina, Alcina, Belle and Lily? How do you deal with it now that you know she is your daughter and now that you're taking care of Faye as her father?"

"Tough question with an even more difficult answer, Derek," Mathias told him. "Tori and I got through it together because we had always wanted another child but never got the chance to. Learning about Faye was a nightmare at first because she was brainwashed by Zelena to want to hurt us all, but it turned into a blessing when we realized that everything Faye was doing, she was trying to get a second chance with us as her family, so that made it easier for all of us to become a family, especially after finding out about Maleficent and Lily being my mother and sister. Your child with Faye, it needs you, Derek, but Saphira and Faye don't need me anymore, since they're all grown up. Saphira has been around for a long, long time, but never had the chance to grow up while we were in Neverland for most of that time. She's not a child anymore, and I don't need to protect her, not when Saphira has the tendency to protect everyone herself. And with Faye, I never got to do anything with her. I lost my chance, Derek. She doesn't need me to protect her either. She does that very well herself. Tori, she has been able to take care of herself without me for so long. And now since Tori, Saphira and Faye don't need me here to help them, I might as well go out there and do something that can help in any way I can. But Saphira, Faye, the child of you and Faye, they do need you, Derek, trust me."

Derek considered all of this for a long moment, nodding in understanding.

ღ

Now

Storybrooke

Day - Woods

Cyrus, Rose, Emma, Ella, David and Mathias had gone looking for what they needed, with Arthur.

The squire showed them the trunk. "The reliquary, your majesty."

"So, you're the one who found this broken into?" Emma asked. "Any theories?"

"Me?" the squire asked. "Oh, well, um, everyone speaks of the Dark One in this place. Perhaps--"

"Don't be stupid, man," Mathias told him.

"Mathias, to be honest, she did take a dwarf ax," David told him.

"And, as you're about to say, the Dark One doesn't need tools," Ella told them. "This lock was pried open. You can see the scratches."

Emma nodded. "You're right."

"This is your land," Cyrus told them. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking I may not know who did this," Rose answered. "But I think I have a good idea of what their next move will be."

ღ

Granny's Diner

Derek and Robin were sitting at the counter, looking at their phones.

Killian walked in. "Ah, I know that look. Button on the top turns them on."

"We know how to use phones," Derek told him.

"What's that, then?" Killian asked.

"They're pictures from up inside Faye and Alcina," Robin answered.

Killian was grossed out. "Whoa, mates."

Robin shook his head. "No, n-no, it's of the babies. They--they call them sonograms."

Killian nodded. "Oh. I'm sure you're thrilled to have children with Alcina, Robin, but what about you, Derek, everything going on with Faye? Mixed emotions, I bet."

Derek sighed. "I mean, I know it's painful for Saphira. Her insane sister being forced into a pregnancy by Faye's even more psychotic mother. It's painful for me. And yet there's some part of me that can't help but feel happy, like when Tori and Mathias did when they found out about Faye. It's my child."

Jefferson walked by to get drinks from Granny. "You got yourself a complex situation there, that's for sure, Derek."

"Hmm, unlike your simple love life?" Robin asked.

Jefferson scoffed. "About that. Freya and I've always had mentality issues because of the madness, but it was easier when we were together, and now she's not the same. Her new house, there's a door in there that she doesn't want me anywhere near."

"What do you suppose she's hiding?" Killian asked. "Maybe we could check it out."

Granny set out a bag in front of Jefferson, walking away. "Order up."

"I didn't order this," Jefferson told her.

"What does it say?" Derek asked.

Jefferson read the note on the bag. "'Meet me in the street - Freya'."

Derek looked at Jefferson. "You're right. Things are complicated all over."

ღ

Street

Jefferson walked down the street with the bag, looking around, hearing someone behind him, jumping, turning to see Freya. "It's not funny appearing like that when we're both already on the edge of losing it."

"Sorry," Freya told him, using magic to teleport them both up to a romantic rooftop in a wave of black smoke.

Jefferson looked around. "What's going on?"

"I know this has all been really confusing and I have not made it any easier," Freya told him. "I wanted to apologize for what happened last time. I know you're just trying to help, but now you know I'm trying to help you keep the madness away. So, I thought we could just talk and have lunch." She used magic to make twinkling lights appear around the rooftop. "Remind you of anything?"

"Our first date," Jefferson answered.

Freya smiled. "Just like old times."

"I'd like nothing more," Jefferson told her. "But this is hardly like old times."

Jefferson put the bag down on the table, which was transformed into a banquet.

Freya snapped her fingers, also using magic to dress them both in finery outfits from the Enchanted Forest, when they had been rich and not poor. "Better?" Jefferson looked around in surprise, looking at Freya, raising an eyebrow. Freya smiled, reaching toward him. "Come on." Jefferson took the hand she offered him. "You know you can trust me."

Though hesitant, Jefferson clearly still wanted to be with Freya, and more than anything wanted to do whatever he could to get her back to herself.

ღღ

Six Weeks Ago

Camelot

Broceliande (The Forest of Eternal Night)

David, Mathias, Derek and Arthur were walking through the dark, while Mathias used his Dragon fire to light the way.

"What is it, noon?" David asked. "You weren't kidding about eternal night. I'm glad Mathias has fire power."

"I'm glad Mathias could fly us here in a short few hours instead taking half the day to get us here," Derek added.

Mathias smirked. "You're welcome, mates."

"You know, I was born a common man and I've been in service myself," Arthur told them.

"You weren't born noble?" David asked.

Arthur chuckled. "I'm as peasant as they come."

"Shepherd?" David asked.

"Ah," Arthur answered.

They chuckled, shaking hands.

"The irony," Mathias told them.

"I can feel my backbone relaxing already," Arthur told them. "Let's stop with the 'your majesties', shall we?"

"Of course," Derek answered.

"As for my people, I assure you Guin more than makes up the difference," Arthur told them. "Showering them with gifts. She really is the kindest woman I've ever met."

"Sounds like my wife," David told them. "When she decides you're family, she'd die for you."

"That's not to say Guin doesn't have her fierce side," Arthur told them. "With a bow and arrow, I've seen her take out the eye of a dove in flight."

"Mary Margaret could do that," David told them. "She wouldn't, but she could."

"We should have a tourney," Arthur told them. "Get them to compete."

Derek chuckled sarcastically. "Right, 'cause I'm sure they'd love to be pitted against each other to let you boys feel good about yourselves."

Arthur offered them each a drink. "Here. Perhaps there are better ways for me to show off."

"You're a competitive man for someone with a round table," Mathias pointed out. "I thought the idea was you didn't want to sit above anyone else."

"Someone who isn't competitive doesn't need a two-ton table to remind him to be humble," Arthur replied. They chuckled. "I know my weaknesses. Lancelot and Guinevere weren't the only ones to blame for what happened to them. I was a difficult man to live with. But I made a conscious decision to fix things."

Derek nodded. "I understand that.'

Mathias led them along. "This way."

At a lake, Arthur showed them a bridge. "Look upon that, brothers."

"So it is real," David told them. "Crimson Crown."

"The bridge would never take all of us," Mathias pointed out. "There's a spell protecting the barrier, all right, but given time, I'll break through the spell and fly over."

Derek nodded in agreement. "We'll wait here. Be careful."

Mathias smirked. "Always."

Mathias started to fly across the lake, hitting the barrier that kept him from getting too close to the Crimson Crown, making him land on the bridge on the water, nearly taking him under, but he flew up to stay above water, starting to work on breaking the barrier spell. Armor shined in the water.

ღ

Gold's Pawnshop

Tori, Saphira, Blake, Lisa, Grace and Alcina were talking with Faye and Belle.

"How's he doing?" Grace asked.

"Not well," Saphira answered.

"I'm sorry," Lisa told them. "Even with everything he did to us, I'm sorry."

"Of course you are, Light Bringer," Blake told her. "Not everyone has to feel sorry for the guy that caused all of this."

Belle sighed. "I know everything he did to all of you, and I'm sorry, but I can't let him rot like that."

Faye sighed. "Even if he tried to kill me, I've been helping Aunt Belle because, well, she's my aunt, and I'm trying to be better. Maybe it'll help Derek's and my child grow up better than I did."

"Wow, Faye," Blake told her. "That was surprisingly deep and revolutionary."

"Not everyone can be self-involved and centered all the time like you, Blake," Faye replied. "Even though both of us pull that off pretty well." Blake shrugged in agreement. "I found a healing spell, and we've got everything put together except for one last ingredient. We, uh, we need an object that touched him when he was still a man, before he became the Dark One."

"You must have something," Alcina told them.

Belle shook her head. "Well, nothing I can find. Still more to look through, though."

"Grace?" Saphira asked. "You wouldn't happen to have anything like that, would you?"

Grace sighed. "I wouldn't, but Mama and Papa might. One of the rings Papa has, Grandpa had once given it to my grandmother. Mama had given it to Papa so long ago."

"So maybe Jefferson still has it," Tori told them. "We'll have to ask him about it whenever he gets back."

"Back?" Alcina repeated. "Back from where?"

"Freya," Tori answered. "He's with Freya, Alcina."

Cyrus, Rose, Ella, Emma, David and Mathias walked in with Arthur.

"Guys, now's not a good time," Lisa told them.

"Well, then we'll make this quick," Rose told them. "Has anyone come in to pawn anything today?"

Ella illustrated a bean with her fingers. "Especially a bean."

"A bean?" Belle repeated. "Uh, no, no one's come in. Sorry."

"Ah, it was worth a shot," Emma told them. "That's all right."

Cyrus found something nearby. "You have something else we need. May I borrow this?"

"Uh, yeah," Blake answered.

Cyrus picked up a silver chalice. "Good. This is gonna point us right at our culprit."

"What is it?" Grace asked.

"It's not magic, though, Cyrus," Lisa told him. "It's just a souvenir from Doc's birthday party. It says 'Doctoberfest' on it."

Cyrus chuckled. "I've very well aware. Don't worry. I've got this."

Cyrus walked toward the door. Everyone exchanged a look.

ღ

Camelot Camp

Cyrus showed the people from Camelot the chalice, raising it over his head. "Attention, subjects of Camelot! In my hand, you see the chalice of vengeance. There's been a theft in your encampment. The chalice will tell me which among you is the thief. So, line up for your chance to drink from the sacred cup."

The others were impressed with Cyrus's lie.

Rose smirked in amusement, whispering to him. "Nice bluff, Cyrus."

Cyrus chuckled. "Thank you, Rose."

The squire pulled his hood over his head, making a run for it, riding away on a horse.

ღღ

Saphira and Mathias turned to Dragon form so that they could fly the others after the squire, looking for him through the woods.

"Hold on," Grace told them.

They found the squire in a field. Tori jumped off of Dragon!Mathias to tackle the squire off of his horse, making him fall, landing in a crouch next to him. Dragon!Saphira and Mathias stopped flying, landing, letting the others off, turning human.

"Nice one, Tori," Ella told her.

Tori smirked, shrugging. "I've been a prisoner to the Evil Queen, Dark Sorceress, Dark One, Fatale and Wicked Witch, a pirate, and jumped from a tower without a scratch? This was nothing."

ღ

Six Weeks Ago

Camelot

Broceliande

Mathias had gotten the magical barrier down, reaching out to cut the Crimson Crown from the island. The armor underwater started to move, rising out of the water to attack Mathias with a sword. Mathias used his own sword to block all the moves, pushing him back, viciously using his sword to behead the armor, and though the head fell off, the rest of the armor continued to come for Mathias. Another suit of armor attacked Mathias from behind. Mathias used his sword to block the move, cutting off his arm with the sword. The first suit of armor put its head back on. Mathias used magic against them both, and though they were severely damaged by the fire, they wouldn't die, so he used Dragon fire against them both to melt them down, making them fall into the water, flying over the bridge toward the other side where Derek, David and Arthur were waiting. Derek and David were also attacked by the suits of armor when they hadn't been prepared, pulling them underwater, but they fought against the suits with their swords, kicking them off and getting them to let go. Arthur and Mathias helped them out of the water.

Derek was breathing heavily. "Thank you."

"Think nothing of it," Mathias told them.

David looked at Mathias, stunned. "It would appear you did it. Well done."

ღ

Now

Storybrooke

Day - Rooftop

Freya and Jefferson were still together on the rooftop in their old, finery clothes, with twinkling lights all around, having just finished eating the banquet.

Freya stood. "Now, like old times..." She offered Jefferson a hand. "Would you like to dance like we used to all the time? We haven't danced like this, just out in the open, without anyone else around, just you and me, in quite a long time."

Jefferson looked at her for a moment, taking her hand, standing. "Fine. If you answer a few questions."

Freya chuckled, starting to dance with him, turning her back to him as he spun her around, ending the spin with her back to Jefferson's chest. "You want to know if I'm still the same Freya? Or Priscilla?"

Jefferson leaned his chin on her shoulder. "I imagine that's not a simple answer, so let's start easy." He spun her around, turning her to face him. "Your new house, what's behind that locked door?" Freya didn't answer, leaning her head on his shoulder. "You know I want to trust you, Cilla, so why don't you help me?"

Freya raised her head to look at him. "So trust me. With my powers, I could hide anything from your prying eyes, anyway."

Jefferson sighed. "Well, you've answered my first question, too. You're not the same Freya. She didn't play games, but whatever madness and darkness you're feeling, now you're the one playing them."

"Of course I'm different," Freya told him. "And you're starting to change too, aren't you? You're changing because of the darkness eating away at my... at our madness."

"Yes," Jefferson answered. "I've been lashing out without meaning to, and I don't know if I can control it around Grace, Lisa, Blake, or anyone else."

"That's why I'm trying to help you," Freya told him.

"You're the one that needs help, Cilla," Jefferson told her.

"Why do you think I'm living all alone?" Freya asked. "You're the one around our family, Jefferson. Don't you want to make sure that you won't hurt them? And you know that the madness for us gets worse the longer we're apart, which is why you came to meet me today. Was it to make it easier on you or me?"

"You know the answer is because I'm trying to make it easier on you," Jefferson answered. "Just like I know the reason why you asked me to meet is because you wanted to make it easier on me."

Freya smiled slightly, tilting her head, nodding. "Yeah."

"So there's still a piece of the old Cilla in there," Jefferson told her. "I want to have a real relationship with you still, Freya, and I want my wife, but I have to know--"

"We can," Freya told him. "I'm still your wife, Jefferson. Papa and Belle loved each other."

Jefferson gave her a look. "I don't think you should use your father as your example after everything he did to us."

"I'm not," Freya told him. "I'm using Belle as my example. She loved him through everything he did, and I don't want to do things he did, so it won't be so hard. Think about it, Jefferson. Papa was born a coward. He didn't find true love until he was the Dark One. He became an evil, manipulative killer. I'm not using him as an example, I'm using Belle, because even after everything he did, she still brought out the good in him."

"So you're saying that I bring out the good in you?" Jefferson asked.

"Well, you certainly help with that, and you help chase away the madness even for a little bit," Freya answered. "And now I can help you with that, too. No matter what I have to do to do it."

"So you're saying that there is a way but I just won't like what you have to do?" Jefferson asked. "Because you now I will try to stop you and everyone else too."

Freya looked away, changing the subject. "Remember when we were younger, and you, Bae and I would swordplay?"

Jefferson, becoming more overwhelmed, tried to get her back to the point. "More games. Enough, Cilla!" Freya raised her eyebrows, knowing that he was losing more control, but he fought to stay sane, feeling guilty for snapping like that, sighing, lowering his voice. "All I wanted was your honesty. You gave me only half of it, so give me the rest, please, and start by telling me what you're going to do and how you're going to do it. You need something, Dark One. Tell me what it is."

Freya turned to face him. "All I need is your trust. I promise."

"I know when you're lying or giving half truths, Freya," Jefferson told her. "Whatever you're going to do, don't do it."

"I have to," Freya told him. "And believe me, this has been a long time coming. Remember when you said that you were grateful but ashamed that I had taken some of your madness away, because you didn't want to see me suffer because I had saved you from an even worse fate? How when one of us lost control of the madness, we would be there to help each other through it, breaking through the magical madness to find one another each time? And then we were torn apart, and it all became unbearable. You have to admit, this feeling is even worse than that, Jefferson."

Jefferson sighed, trying to be patient, taking her hand to get her to look at him and to calm them both down. "This isn't you, Cilla. Tell me what you know and I'll help you find a better way."

Freya just looked at him for a moment, placing a hand on his chest to feel his heartbeat. "I have a question for you for once. Do you still love me?"

"I will always love you," Jefferson answered. "But I need to be able to trust you. Why can't you tell me the truth?"

Freya didn't answer, taking her hand away, turning her back to him, looking at the ring in her hand that Grace had mentioned earlier which she had clearly just gotten from Jefferson without him noticing. "I'll leave now."

Freya disappeared in a whirl of black smoke. Jefferson, completely overwhelmed and stunned, had tears in his eyes, sighing heavily.

ღღ

Six Weeks Ago

Camelot

Broceliande

At the lake, the four men were breathing heavily from the attack. Mathias checked his pockets, looking around worriedly.

"Mathias, what is it?" Derek asked.

"The toadstool," Mathias answered. "It's gone. Either the phantom knights took it, or it was lost in the fight."

"We could search for it," Derek told them.

David sighed worriedly. "No, it's gone, Derek."

"The word 'quest' means to seek, not to find," Arthur told them. "It's the seeking that matters."

"You believe that?" Derek asked.

Arthur chuckled. "Not truly, no. If the finding is what makes a difference in this world, then that's what I want. I'm sorry."

David sighed. "My father, he drank his life away. My brother accomplished nothing but evil. There was a time I thought I'd be different. Change the world. But I just... I don't want to only be remembered as the man who kissed a sleeping princess awake 30 years ago."

"I understand," Arthur told them.

"You do?" Derek asked. "You're the king of Camelot."

Arthur sighed. "Yes, some large rock decided I was a hero. Prophecy fulfilled." They chuckled. "But since then, I've had victories and I've had losses. And I've learned that it's the losses that require us to be brave. So, if anything will make us heroes..."

"It's the never giving up," Derek finished. "Even after a loss."

"Indeed," Mathias agreed. "At least David and Arthur are known for as heroes, Derek. You and I? Dragon pirate and a thief."

"Well, no matter what your past, you both came through as heroes," David told them. "Mathias, I am--"

"If you're gonna apologize again, don't," Mathias told him. "I'm not angry anymore."

David smiled slightly in relief.

"Well, we might as well get out of here," Derek told them. "There's work to be done, and it's not here."

"Good men," Arthur told them. "Derek, I'm sure you will have no interest in what I'm about to offer, but I think David and Mathias will. If you want to be part of something, do something that matters, I have a place for men like you."

ღ

Now

Storybrooke

Day - Field

Emma, Ella, David, Blake, Lisa, Rose, Cyrus, Grace and the Matthews were talking to the squire about the bean.

"I never saw a bean," the squire told them.

"Just forget the bean for now," Rose told him. "Just tell us why you took these things."

The squire looked at Arthur. "I was tired of how I was being treated. How we were all being treated. Breaking our backs for him, for love of Camelot. I wanted to hurt the king."

Arthur sighed. "I had no idea."

"But, you see, you've hurt everyone," Cyrus told him. "We need that bean to get home."

"I didn't see a bean, Cyrus," the squire told him.

Arthur turned to the others. "I'm always betrayed by those closest to me."

"Emma?" Grace asked. "Ella? Is he lying?"

"It's hard to tell with this one," Emma admitted.

Ella sighed. "Either way, I don't think he has the bean."

"Of course, it is possible there was no bean if it was removed during the six weeks we can't recall," Cyrus told them.

"Okay, well, we'll find another way to get you home," Saphira told them.

"Working together?" Cyrus asked.

Rose nodded. "Absolutely."

"Let's go tell this guy he's gonna make his home in our cell for a little while," David told them.

Lisa found the Crimson Crown under a tent. "What's this?"

"Must've fallen out when we emptied his bag," Tori told them.

"If that was in the trunk, it was added after the time we lost," Arthur told them.

Emma remembered the research from earlier. "I recognize this."

ღ

Regina's Vault

They and Snow went to talk to Regina and Regina.

"That's the one Emma, Ella and I found in the book from Camelot," Regina told them. "The one we found this morning. That's what we were looking for back there."

"But why?" Snow asked.

"It's used to communicate through magical barriers," Cyrus explained.

"We must've been trying to communicate with Cyrus and Merlin," Blake told them.

"I wonder if we did," Snow told them.

"Let's use it," Alcina told them. "Let's find out. If we can talk to Merlin now, we could find out what happened with him and Cyrus. And together, all of us could..."

"He can help us save Freya from being the Dark One," Snow finished. "Guys, you did it."

ღ

Six Weeks Ago

Camelot

Night - Round Table

Everyone was gathered, applauding as David and Mathias walked in in gold armor.

Arthur used his sword to crown them as knights. "I dub thee Sir David and Sir Mathias of the Enchanted Forest. Now of the Round Table. I know 'Knights of the round Table is pale fire, indeed, next to Dragon pirate and prince."

"Pale fire, huh?" Mathias asked. "Had to go with pun intended."

Everyone smiled, chuckling.

"We are beyond honored," David told them.

"Then rise, Sir Knights," Arthur told them. "Take your places. Mathias will take Percival's former seat."

Mathias made his way to the seat. Arthur cleared his throat to get David's attention, pointing at Siege Perilous.

"Really?" David asked.

Arthur nodded. "I never thought I'd find anyone I trust enough to fill that seat. But it's yours. It will bear your coat of arms. Not bad for a shepherd, eh?"

David chuckled. "Thank you."

David and Mathias took their seats. Everyone cheered and applauded. Emma, Ella, Snow, Rose, Henry, Tori, Saphira and Faye smiled proudly.

ღ

Later

The four Matthews were talking alone.

"So you became a knight in gold armor, Papa Mathias," Faye told him. "No better dream for a pirate, right?"

They chuckled.

"Why would you think you needed to do this?" Saphira asked. "I mean, you were good as you were, Papa."

"Well, it's not like I was needed to help free Cyrus and Merlin, and I'm still not needed for that," Mathias answered. "And look at the three of you. Tori, you've always been able to take care of yourself. Saphira, Faye, you're all grown up with lives of your own. Faye, I've missed it all, and you're about to become a mother of your own, even if it is with Derek by surprise. You don't need me anymore."

The three girls looked at him in surprise.

"I do need you," Faye told him. "I mean, sometimes, I act like I don't need anyone, but I do, and my and Derek's child does, too. You know, who is gonna teach it how to be a badass Dragon hero, besides me, or Saphira? And you didn't miss everything. You got to teach me how to dance, and you're here with me as I'm about to have Derek's child, which I wish was way different, but it's still happening like this. And I'm still single, so you can be the overprotective father with any boy I might end up with."

They chuckled.

"I know you think I'm grown up and all that, but I do need you," Saphira told him. "I mean, I could be an old grandmother, and I would still need you. You were there for me every day of my life, and I will need you for the rest of it."

They smiled.

Tori walked up to Mathias. "The day you met, you saved my life."

"You saved my life twice that day, and helped me realize I was a Dragon, Tori," Mathias replied.

Tori chuckled. "That part doesn't matter, Mathias. When everything was going wrong, you made it right, and when Belle, Saphira and I were locked away, you fought through hell to try and save us, to reunite with us. There is not going to be a day where I don't miss you or need you. Same with Saphira and Faye. I love you."

Mathias chuckled. "I love you, too."

Tori and Mathias embraced with a passionate, fiery kiss.

Tori pulled away to speak against his lips, smiling. "By the way, you look really hot in gold armor."

Mathias smiled, laughing. They continued to kiss.

ღ

Hallway

Snow was with Baby Neal, trying to calm him down, seeing a shadow move. "Someone there? Can't be."

Lancelot approached. "It is."

"Lancelot?" Snow asked. "We thought you were dead."

"That is a long story," Lancelot told her. "But trust your eyes, it is me, and right now, my struggles don't matter. What does is that there is a terrible villain in Camelot."

"The Dark One?" Snow asked. "We know. It's Freya, but you know her as Priscilla. We're going to fix it."

Lancelot shook his head. "No, there's another villain. Arthur."

"What?" Snow asked.

"Trust me," Lancelot told her. "Camelot is not what it seems."

Snow didn't know what to believe.

ღღ

Round Table

Arthur was sitting at the trunk, speaking to Guinevere. "Today was a difficult day."

"You lied to them," Guinevere told him. "To David, Mathias and Derek."

"And it brought me no pleasure," Arthur told her. "They're good men, noble men, but I must think of my kingdom first."

Guinevere nodded. "Of course you must."

Arthur sighed. "That is always the burden of a king."

Arthur put the Crimson Crown into the trunk.

ღ

Now

Storybrooke

Day - Sheriff's Station

The squire was in his cell, relieved when Arthur walked in. "Your Majesty, thank goodness you're here. I--I don't understand what's going on. I did only what you asked. I took the items, and I kept them safe. I said maybe there was a bean, even though you and I know full well there was never a bean, and I did it exactly as you said. Can you please let me out now?"

Arthur shook his head. "Not just yet. There may not have been a bean, but we can't have them learning that, now can we?"

"No," the squire answered. "No, of course not, your majesty."

"They trust me now," Arthur told him. "So I must use that trust to protect my kingdom. These people may seem friendly, but they threaten everything we hold dear. They liked to imagine their quest a noble one, but their friend Freya is the Dark One. They lied to us in Camelot. They brought her into our castle. They are responsible for tearing us away from our home, a home we must now reclaim."

"But how will we ever get back without a bean?" the squire asked.

Arthur sighed. "I'm afraid we cannot get back. That's why we must build a new Camelot here in Storybrooke."

"Then you can trust me to help," the squire told him. "I would do anything for my kingdom."

"I know you would, as would I," Arthur told him, handing him a vial. "Which is why I need you to drink this."

"Poison from the Agrabah vipers?" the squire asked. "But why? I won't tell these people a thing."

"Not of your own free will, but they have magic on their side," Arthur told him. "In time, they will make you talk."

"There must be some other way," the squire told him.

Arthur shook his head. "I wish there was. Truly, I do. You told me you always dreamed of sitting at the round table one day. Well, now I'm offering you something greater. A chance to die in service of Camelot. Your death will be the cornerstone of a great new kingdom. If you take this."

The squire hesitated but finally took the vial. "For Camelot."

Arthur nodded. "For Camelot."

The squire drank the poison, gagging as it killed him from the inside, and in a wave of green smoke, he disappeared.

ღ

Granny's Diner

Jefferson walked in, looking around, seeing Killian, Derek and Robin. "Good, you're still here. Remember how I told you about that door in Freya's place? I want to know what's behind it."

"I take it asking her didn't work?" Killian asked sarcastically.

Jefferson shook his head. "She's beyond that. I need thieves, pirates, which is where you come in, Hook, with Saphira, Tori and Mathias, and then Derek and Robin."

"Saphira, Tori and Mathias are former pirates," Derek told him.

"And Derek and I are former thieves," Robin told them. "Those days are behind us."

"Take it from another former pirate, those days are never behind you," Killian told them.

"Will you help me?" Jefferson asked.

Belle walked in. "Granny, have you got my lunch ready?"

"Yeah, but girl, you're gonna need more than that," Granny answered. "Sit down for some real food."

Belle shook her head. "I can't." She saw that there was one last petal was on the rose. "Oh, my God, look. Yeah, I have to get back to him. Just forget the soup. I'm sorry."

"Hang on, is it supposed to do that?" Granny asked.

The rose petals started floating back into place.

"What?" Belle asked. "He's waking up."

Belle dropped the plate in her hand, which shattered.

ღ

Gold's Pawnshop

Belle ran in, only to find that Gold's bed was empty.

ღ

Freya's House - Basement

Freya had kidnapped comatose Gold, who laid on a rocky bed.

Rumplestiltskin looked at Gold. "You know, he doesn't look too good, if I do say so myself." Freya took out the ring. "Quite a stroke of luck, you finding something that touched him when he was a man."

Freya rolled her eyes. "It wasn't luck. I worked hard for this."

Rumplestiltskin nodded in agreement. "That's true. You crushed Jefferson's heart even more firmly under your, uh, impractical boot heel." Freya gazed off. "Just as I am enjoying crushing the sanity both of you have till there's nothing left."

Freya looked at him in annoyance. "Here's one thing that you have in common with my father. You never know when to shut the hell up and leave me alone."

Rumplestiltskin giggled in amusement. Freya looked the ring in her hand, only hesitating a moment, crushing it into dust, letting it fall onto Gold.

ღ

Gold's Pawnshop

Belle watched as the rose became whole.

ღ

Freya's House - Basement

Freya watched as Gold started to wake up, glaring at him coldly.

Gold realized what was happening, sitting up worriedly. "Cilla."

"Hello, Papa," Freya told him.

"What do you want from me?" Gold asked. "You are the Dark One now, not me."

Freya just continued to glare, tilting her head. "That's right. You are not dark, you are also not light. You are nothing. Your heart is a blank slate, and that, Papa, makes you useful, because now I can make you into the last thing you ever thought you would be. A hero. And not just any hero. One of the purest who's ever lived, coming after Lisa, of course. But I am going to have fun in doing whatever I have to do to make you stop being the coward you are and turn you into one after everything you did to me, Jefferson, Grace, Lisa, Blake and Alcina, and then?" She looked at Rumplestiltskin, who nodded eagerly. Gold looked at the empty space, confused as to what his daughter was looking at. Freya looked from Gold to the sword. "And then I have a job for you."