Storybrooke. Present. The Mills House, exterior.

Thunder rumbles across the sky as the clouds began to set.

Despite the oncoming storm, the stranger works on his motorcycle just as Henry Mills walks up, asking him," What are you doing here?"

" Fixing my bike." The man answers to which Henry clarrifies his question," No, I mean in Storybrooke."

"Just visiting." The man simply answers.

Henry notices a large case on the back of the motorcycle before asking," What's that?"

" A box." The man answers as Henry inquires," What's inside it?"

" Just something I need to do what I came here for." The man replies.

Just then, Regina exits the house and  upon noticing Henry talking to the Stranger she pauses, watching as the man gets on his motorcycle, just as Henry states," I thought you were just visiting."

" Doesn't mean I don't have something to do." Thunder rumbles overhead and the Stranger starts his motorcycle, noticing Regina calling out to her son," Henry?"

"You better get to school." The man advices just as Regina starts down the path to the sidewalk before concluding," Looks like a storm's coming."

As he drove off, Regina asks her son," Henry, who was that?"

To which Henry shrugs.

Storybrooke. Present. The Blanchard loft.

At the Blanchard loft, Emma Swan and Zatanna sat together eating  their breakfast consisting of french toast as daily morning new report plays on the tv screen.

" Top of the morning, this is chief meteorologist Bill Gozen with your up-to-the-minute Storybrooke weather. Well, break out those galoshes, folks, it's gonna get soggy. We've got a major storm system moving down the coast. The latest Doppler shows the worst band of precipitation moving is into Storybrooke right about the time you're putting the kids to..."

Just then, Mary Margaret rushes in, toothbrush in her mouth, startling the two just as she spits toothpaste into the kitchen sink, exclaiming out," I can't believe I overslept."

She rushes about, getting ready to leave as Emma points out from her watch," It's only 7:10. You've got plenty of time to get to school."

Mary Margaret however, shakes her head and she explains urgently," No, I have to be there at 7:15! Science fair. I'm helping the kids with their project before school."

Emma assures her," I'm sure if you're five minutes late, they'll live."

Mary Margaret then spoke," We're making a volcano." Before she closes the door, leaving the flat and the two sisters alone in the kitchen.

" Okay then."

Zatanna turns to Emma and she says," Some volcano huh?" To which Emma smirks," Yup."

Storybrooke. Present. Granny's Diner.

However, instead of being in school to make a volcano, Mary Margaret, briskly enters  the diner and sits down.

She removes her hat and, using a spoon as a mirror, adjusts her hair. She gazes at the clock for a moment, and just as David Nolan enters, she quickly picks up her book, The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne, and pretends to read.

David walks up to the counter as Ruby puts the two coffees down on the counter, reciting his order," One cream and sugar. One black."

David hands Ruby the money and he thanks her," Thank you."

He glances at Mary Margaret and takes his coffees, heading toward the door before pausing at Mary Margaret's table. greeting her," Good morning."

Mary Margaret looks up and she happily greets him," Morning!"

David sheepishly rubs the back of his head as he say," Uh, I should go. I'm gonna be late for work"

" Oh, the animal shelter, right? How's that going?" Mary Margaret asks as David jokingly answer with a Planet of the Apes reference," Well, the apes haven't taken over."

" Yet." Mary Margaret adds, causing  David to laugh out," Not on my watch."

He then turns to leave the diner, walking up to his car and giving a coffee to Kathryn Nolan, before kissing her cheek

Just as Mary Margaret is contemplating this brief conversation, suddenly she heard a familiar voice saying," This is making a volcano?"

Jumping, Mary Margaret looks up as both Emma and Zatanna pops up, sittiing across her as she frantically tries to explain," I was..."

" Hey hey, I get it. It's cool." Zatanna says as Mary Margaret explains," He comes here every morning at 7:15 A.M. to get coffee." To which Emma enforces," For him and his wife."

" I know, I know, I know." Mary Margaret sighs as she admits," I just like to... come here to see him."

" So you are what the Japanese people call a Yandere?" Zatanna probes to which Mary Margaret ask," What's a yandere?"

" A stalker." Zatanna answers to which Mary Margaret quickly denies," No, no. I'm not a stalker."

Zatanna and Emma gives her a look which cause Mary Margaret to admit," Maybe a little bit. And it's not like I'm following him. I just know that he spends his mornings with Kathryn, gets coffee, then drives to the animal shelter to start work at 7:30, and then he's home around 5:00."

Zatanna," Wow? Anything else you wanna add?"

Mary Margaret lists," Thursdays they pick up Chinese for dinner."

Zatanna asks her," So then let me guess, Friday they had karaoke night where David's favourite song is "Hey Jude" while Kathryn's favourite song is "Dancing Queen" right?"

Mary Margaret quietly nods,  Emma gives a sympathetic look as Mary Margaret grasp her head, expressing out to the two in frustration," I can't get him out of my head."

Emma then states," I know. Maybe the first step is not showing up here tomorrow."

Mary Margaret sighs out," Love's the worst. I wish there was a magic cure."

Zatanna agrees," Oh yes, love is something not even my magic can fix," Emma looks and nods in agreement.

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Forest

In the forest, Snow White holds a spear at the ready, preparing to throw it a wild turkey.

However, right at that moment, the turkey flies off , frightened by the arrival of Red Riding Hood  who then shouts to Snow White," Hey! It's me."

" Red." Snow White exclaims out surprised only for Red Riding Hood to point at the weapon she is holding," The spear, Snow."

Snow White realises that she is still holding onto her weapon and she quickly apologises to the Red Cladded girl," Oh. Sorry. I wasn't expecting you for a month."

" It's been a month." Red Riding Hood points out, shocking Snow White.

" Has it?"" You're really taking well to the solitude, aren't ya?" Red says, understanding that the days of loneliness, lack of interactions and being unaware of the current world politics, Snow White has lost track of time in the midst of hiding from the Evil Queen.

" It's fine. It's exactly what I wanted, to be out here, away." Snow White shrugs as Red Riding Hood hands her a basket full of food,"  And that you are. Here you go."

" Thank you." As Snow White takes the basket, she asks," So.... How are things back in the world?"

" Quite shocking." Red answers," The Magician's daughter Zatanna has been reported escaping the Blind Witch's house after rescuing a couple of children while Granny told me the magician  Zatara had just saved a princess from some kind some powerful king hailing from a land called Khandaq I think."

" I see." Snow White nods listlessly.

Red Riding Hood realises that Snow White seems to be hiding something and she pester her," Come on. Ask what you really want."

Snow White quickly denies," I don't know what you mean."

Red Riding Hood simply looks at her and Snow White immediately admit," Okay, fine. Tell me."

Red Riding Hood then tells Snow White the news," The wedding's happening. Prince James is marrying Midas' daughter... in two days' time."

Noticing the shocked look on Snow White's face, Red Riding Hood asks her in concern," You okay?"

Snow White stutters a bit as she said," I just thought, the longer I was out here, the easier it would be to for get him, but..."

Sighing, Snow White expresses out her lovesickness to Red Riding Hood," Instead, all I do is think about him."

" I'm sorry." Red Riding Hood apologises empathetically to her friend as Snow White says," I wish there was a way to get him out of my head."

Noticing Red Riding Hood making a face, Snow White probes," What? Is there?"

Red Riding Hood quickly shakes her head," Of course not. I mean, that would..."

Snow White then probes further," Red, what do you know?"

As Red Riding Hood is conflicted about telling her friend the secret, Snow White began pestering her," Come on, I helped you when no one else would. What do you know?"

Lacking any other options, Red Riding Hood gave in to her friend's request," Well... There are whispers...Whispers of a man who can achieve even the most unholy of requests, a man who can do what you ask."

Snow White then asks," Who is this man?"

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Lake

At night on a misty lake, Snow White rows a boat towards a small dock.

As she docks the boat, she gets out of the boat just as she was beginning to moor it, all of a sudden, a familiar scaly imp is seen sitting in her boat, asking her," How much for this?"

" Excuse me?" Snow White asks, not understanding the imp only for him to clarify his question gingerly," Your boat. Exquisite craftsmanship."

Snow White shakes her head," It's not for sale." Only for the imp to sneer," Of course it is, dearie. No one comes to see me without a deal in mind."

Understanding that he is the man Red Riding Hood speaks of, Snow White says," So you're Rumplestiltskin."

Rumplestiltskin nods," Indeed, I am. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

He disembarks and approaches her, touching her face as he studies the beautiful girl," Ah. You really are the fairest of them all, aren't you? What can I do for you?"

Snow White states," I need a cure."" What ails you, doll?" Rumplestiltskin asks as Snow White replies," A broken heart."

" Ah, the most painful of afflictions." Rumplestiltskin nods in understanding before shaking his head," Well, I'm afraid if you want me to make him love you, no can do, and nothing can."

" No, that's not the problem. We can't be together." Upon hearing Snow White's complain, Rumplestiltskin finally understood," Well, that I can help you with."

He removes a vial from his pocket and fills it with water from the lake. In his hand, the water turns a cloudy white

Snow White stares at the vial and she ask," That'll do it?"

Rumplestiltskin shakes his head,"  Not yet. No two loves are... exactly alike. We must make this..."

Without warning, Rumplestiltskin grabs her hair, ripped out a few strands of hair as he concludes his sentence," Personal!"

" Aah!" Snow White cries out in pain, shocked by the imp's sudden plucking of her hair.

Rumplestiltskin fiddles with the hair and the bottle, listening as Snow White questions about the vial," So, if I drink that, I'll no longer love him?"

Rumplestiltskin answers by stating," The next time you see the object of your grief, you won't even remember who he is."

"I won't remember him?" Snow White repeats, shocked as Rumplestiltskin tells her," Love is the most powerful magic. So the cure must be... extreme."

" "Extreme" sounds like an understatement." Snow White spat while Rumplestiltskin spoke," Don't doubt yourself now, dearie. Love makes us sick, haunts our dreams, destroys our days. Love... has killed more than any disease. This cure is a gift."

As Snow White contemplates, Rumplestiltskin adds," You've been very wise to have come to me, that meddlesome magician wouldn't help you if you went to him. He would have all this, "Trust your heart" or "Fate pulls you together" nonsense."

Making up her mind, Snow White asks him," What's your price?"

Rumplestiltskin held up strands of her hair," These'll do."

Snow White stares at her strand of hair and she questions," What do you need of my hair?"

Rumplestiltskin ignores her question," What do you need of it now it's been plucked from your head? Do we have a deal?"

She takes the vial, prompting Rumplestiltskin to smirk," Ohh. I thought so. Drink it in good health... Snow White."

Snow White stares at him with a shocked look on her face as the imp disappears into the fog.

Storybrooke. Present. Dark Star Pharmacy.

Inside the pharmacy, Mary Margaret is carrying a basket as she shops for supplies for the upcoming storm.

However, right at that moment, Mary Margaret walks into Kathryn Nolan, who is shopping with Regina, bumping into her.

The impact causes both women to drop their baskets, as Mary Margaret apologises to Kathryn," Oh, I'm so sorry!"

Kathryn assures the woman," It's fine, don't worry about it."

As the two bend down to pick up the spilled items,

Mary Margaret apologises," I wasn't looking." Only for Regina to rudely chime," Clearly."

Kathryn picks up a candy bar and she asks Mary Margaret," Is this yours?"

Mary Margaret takes the candy bar and she nods," Yes, thank you."

As Mary Margaret picks up an item and looks at it, she exclaims," Oh, this must..." After realizing that it is a pregnancy test kit, she whispers to Kathryn," Good luck."

" Thank you." Kathryn thanks her before walking away. As Mary Margaret watches her, Regina goes up to her and said," I trust you'll be discreet."

Mary Margaret stares at her confusion as Regina reminds her," Their lives are their business, not yours." Mary Margaret nods prompting Regina to walk away.

The Enchanted Forest. Past. The Royal Castle.

After his encounter with Snow in the forest, Prince Charming stands at a balcony, staring out as he reminence of his meeting.

Just then, King George enters the balcony with a box, calling to him," James."

Prince Charming turns around and he asks the king," How goes the feast?" To which King George replied," Your absence is felt. It is, after all, in your honor. I thought this might rouse you from your chamber.

As he lifts the cover of the box to reveal a golden crown, Prince Charming told him," You could feed the kingdom for an entire winter with that crown."

" It's a gift from King Midas, for you to wear as you marry his daughter. Once that is done, our new prosperity will allow us to feed the kingdom for all eternity."

King George scoffs,"Show some enthusiasm."

Prince Charming shakes his head," Enthusiasm wasn't part of the deal. The wedding's in two days, I've honored your deal."

King George rebutted," But I want your heart. Not just your honor."

" My heart shall belong to Abigail." Prince Charming says though King George however, is not convinced.

"You think I'm a fool, don't you? Your heart can't belong to Abigail when it's held by another woman, and don't deny it. I know that look. Who is she?"

Prince Charming answers," I met her on a journey. We haven't seen each other since but... she's stayed with me."

" Forget her." King George orders as Prince Charming protests," You speak as if that's so easy."

King George states," Nobility was not meant to be easy. All this wealth, the power we hold over other men's lives—do you think that comes at no cost"

Prince Charming shakes his head," I asked for none of it."

" You were chosen to be my son. Plucked from poverty, wanting for nothing. Be thankful for that." King George says to Charming coldly only for Prince Charming to argue," It wasn't charity, Father; it was the only way to save your kingdom."

King George growls," Watch yourself, boy. This is a choice you made. A role you have taken. Honor it. There is too much at stake. Do whatever it takes to get that woman out of your head,"

He steps closer to Charming as he finishes his sentence," Because nothing is going to stop this wedding."

As King George leaves, Prince Charming moves quickly to a nearby desk and begins composing a note.

He wrote down, " Dearest Snow..."

Later, Prince Charming releases a dove with the note attached and he instructs the bird," Find her."

Storybrooke. Present. Woods

In the woods, Mary Margaret is walking along the road in the woods, seemingly lost in her thoughts when she heard the sound of cooing.

She walks down the embankment toward the sound, finding a dove caught in a net.

" Oh. Hey. How did you manage to get yourself..." Mary Margaret bends down, picking up the dove from the net and she reassures the injured bird," Come on. It's gonna be okay."

Storybrooke. Present. Storybrooke Pet Shelter.

In the pet shelter, an African American vet by the name Dr. Thatcher examines the dove before he tells Mary Margaret the news.

David Nolan stands back and he listens as Dr. Thatcher tells her," Well, the good news is, no broken bones. She was just a little dehydrated, but I got her some fluids, and she should be just fine."

Mary Margaret then asks further," And the bad news?"

Dr. Thatcher dispels the bad news," Well, this is a North Atlantic dove. It's a migratory species, very unique among American doves. Now, they tend to form strong monogamous bonds, meaning..."

Mary Margaret realises," If I don't get her back to her flock, she'll be alone forever."

Dr. Thatcher scratched the back of his head," Well, it's... It's a long shot, but the alternative..."

He places the dove into a cage as he says," She'll heal, but she won't be happy here."

" I'll take my chances. Thank you, doctor." Mary Margaret thanks him as Dr. Thatcher nods," You're welcome. Good luck."

He leaves. Mary Margaret picks up the cage,)

David: Mary Margaret, there's a storm coming. You really shouldn't be out there.

Mary Margaret: Well, the storm is coming tomorrow, and if I wait, she could be lost forever, completely alone. No one deserves that.

David: Then let me drive you.

Mary Margaret: I don't need your help David, I'll be fine. (She leaves)

Storybrooke. Present. The main street.

At the main street Emma Swan loads supplies into her cruiser as Zatanna helps her up.

The pair listens to the radio while they are hard at work.

Storybrooke is seeing wind gusts of up to six miles an hour. Your best bet is to stay in the house..."

However, right at that moment, The radio clicks off attracting the attention of both women as they look up, seeing Regina at the front of the vehicle who has
turned the radio off.

" If you're looking to blame us for the storm, I think you're taking things a bit far now." Emma says only for Regina to interject," I need you to look into something, Sheriff. Someone's in town...someone new."

Zatanna raises an eyebrow," You mean the new man in town? Yeah, we gave him directions to Granny's the other night."

Regina probes," You talked to him? Well, what'd he say?"

Emma shrugs," He asked for directions. What's the big deal? Who is he?"

" I don't know. I asked around but no one seems to know anything. There's something about him...something familiar." Regina says as Zatanna looks at her.

" You know, yeah, I also feel like I seen him before. But I know he wasn't my regular watchers of my shows." Zatanna agrees.

Emma then jokes," He must be one of the untold millions you cursed."

" What?"

" Oh, you know, the Curse." Emma says," Henry's whole thing."

Regina then instructs Emma," Sheriff, I need you to find out who he is, what he wants, and what he's doing here."

Zatanna looks to Emma and she protests to Regina's request," I know it's your town and all Madam Mayor but there is no law against visiting Storybrooke."

Regina shakes her head," This isn't about the law, Miss Zatara. You and your sister gonna do this because I asked you to and because you'll see it's the right thing to do."

Emma closes the trunk of the cruiser and she questions," And why is that?"

Regina explains," Because he was in front of my house, taking a particular interest in the one thing all three of us care about...Henry."

Both Emma and Zatanna looks at each other in concern before Emma assures," We'll look into him."

Emma walks toward the front of the vehicle and thunder rumbles as Zatanna asks Regina.

" So you sure you don't recognise him?"

" What are you implying Miss Zatara?" Regina asks as Zatanna shrugs," Oh nothing. Just curious to know if there was someone else other than me and father who came to this world."

Regina stares at her," I think you have had your fill of Fairy Tales Miss Zatara."

" Yeah I get that a lot. See ya." Zatanna says as she follows Emma.

The road in the woods.

Mary Margaret Blanchard drives along as thunder rumbles ominously while the dove is in its cage in the passenger seat.

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Forest.

Snow White holds up the potion and contemplates it.

Right at that moment, Prince Charming's dove lands on her hand

Snow White notices a small scroll attached to the dove's leg. She then takes it and the dove flies away. She opens the note and reads it.

" Dearest Snow, I've not heard from you since our meeting, and can only assume you've found the happiness you so desired. But I must let you know, not a day goes by that I have not thought of you. In two days' time, I'm to be married. Come to me before then. Come to me and show me you feel the same, and we can be together forever. And if you don't, I'll have my answer."

Snow White looks at the note, visibly moved by Charming's message.

Storybrooke. Present. The road in the woods.

Mary Margaret Blanchard arrives at a roadblock. She stops her vehicle.

CRACK!!! THOOM!!!

Thunder booms across the sky.

Mary Margaret assures the dove despite the rumbling thunder," Well, the flock can't be much farther. We just have to beat the storm. They're waiting for you."

She grabs the birdcage and exits the vehicle, pulling up the hood of her jacket to shelter herself from the storm.

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Exterior of the Royal Castle.

Snow White pulls up the hood of her cloak while carrying a large basket of yellow flowers.

A guard instructs a bunch of servants," Why aren't you at the stables yet? Must I have a guard drag you there? And you, go with him. King George's carriage must be spotless for tomorrow's journey."

As the two left, Snow White approaches the man, her eyes downcast as she holds up a basket of flowers, whispering," Flowers for Prince James from the kingdom of Midas."

" Top of the northeast spire. Take the service stairwell, or the guards will toss you over the walls."

The Guard instructs, prompting Snow White to hurry on.

Up in the room at the top of the northeast spire. Snow White enters, setting down the basket and removes her cloak.

Opening Prince Charming's note, she walks deeper into the room.

Upon hearing footsteps approaching, she hides behind a pillar, dropping the note.

She grabs the note quickly and returns to hiding as Prince Charming enters the room.

As he walks by the pillar, Snow White sidles around it, remaining hidden.

Prince Charming walks by without noticing her.

As Snow White is about to step out from her hiding place, suddenly a hand grabs her from behind.

Snow White struggles and grunts in protest as one of King George's men shoves her into a cell inside of the dungeon.

Snow White shouts to the man," Wait. I am a royal emissary."

The guard holds up Prince Charming's note, staring at it in disbelief," Sure you are. The King will decide your fate."

He locks the cell door and leaves. Leaving Snow White to rattle against the bars, and climbs to the top of the door.

She moves along the rocky perimeter of the cell, looking for a way out. She climbs up part of the rock wall, then crashes to the ground

Just then, Snow White heard someone whistling "Heigh-Ho", prompting her to question out," Who's there?"

She notices a dwarf stepping out from the shadows of an adjourning cell, grunting," What are you looking at, sister? Tried it all."

As she examines the lock on her cell, the dwarf explains," Steel gets stronger as we grow weaker."

"Well..."Snow White grabs a piece of straw from the ground, she attempts to pick the cell lock, " I am not... giving... up."

" Give it time. Grumpy."

Snow White scoffs at what she thought was an insult," I'm not grumpy. I'm focused."

The Dwarf corrects her, " No, my name. Grumpy. I'm telling you, there's no way out.

Snow White looks at Grumpy and she says," Well, I'm Snow, and I'll find one."

Her straw breaks and she gives up on the lock.

Grumpy shrugs and he waves his hand at her," If you say so."

Snow White bustles about the cell, searching the ground as she explains," There's someone out there for me, someone I love very much, and I will not lose him."

Grumpy looks at her," Love, huh? Good luck with that."

" Yeah? Well, what do you know about it?" Snow asks while testing the bars of the cell door as Grumpy explains," It's why I'm stuck in this hole."

" Ugh!" Snow screams out in frustration, giving up as Grumpy his story," I had it bad. She was beautiful as a fairy, but I lost her. I was desperate to get her back. So I came up with a plan. I worked at the diamond mines. Traded all my wages to the foreman for a diamond to propose. But I got swindled. It was a stolen rock, and I took the blame. I'm no thief, but they think I am. Should've known better, but I wasn't thinking clearly. All 'cause of love. And now here I am, trapped, with no way out."

" I know a way out."

The pair looks, seeing another dwarf, wearing a kerchief to cover his face, he approaches the cells. He lowers the kerchief to reveal his face with a grin

Grumpy's face widen in recognition, " Stealthy?"

Stealthy began working on opening the lock on Grumpy's cell door with a large ring of keys as he asks his brother," You ready to go home?"

" How'd you get in here?" Grumpy asks as Stealthy explains," The magician Zatara gave me a potion that puts the guards to sleep, The rest are waiting with transport."

Snow White asks him," There's more of you?"

Stealthy looks at Snow White, asking Grumpy, " Who's that? She's pretty."

" No one. Come on, let's go!" Grumpy shouts as Stealthy opens the cell door. The two dwarfs start heading out as Snow White calls out to Grumpy,

" Grumpy."

The dwarfs pauses, listening as Snow White wishes him well despite his intend to leave her trapped, " Good luck. I hope you get your love back."

The dwarfs look at each other, Stealthy shaking his head at Grumpy as he curses to himself, " Son of a..."

He snatches the key ring from Stealthy," Give me that." He heads back to Snow White's cell and put the key into the locking, working on opening it. He opens the cell door, instructing her," Come on."

Storybrooke. Present. The road in the woods.

Mary Margaret Blanchard, carrying the dove in its cage, running along the road as doves are heard cooing.

Mary Margaret looks at the dove, saying to it," Do you hear that!? Your flock."

She stops at the top of a crest, looking down in a ravine. She sets down the birdcage and thunder claps loudly.

Distracted by the sound, Mary Margaret slips and tumbles down the slope.

At the very edge she grabs onto a root and is left dangling, causing her to shout out and cries in despair.

Attempting to pull herself up, she struggles with to climb over.

Suddenly, a hand grabs her arm and she looks up, seeing a familiar face.

" David!"

" Grab my hand!"

David instructs, prompting her to so," Hold tight! Come on!"

He pulls her up onto solid ground and Mary Margaret falls against him, he looks up, asking her,
" You really think I'd let you come out here alone?

She pulls away from him a bit as he asks," You okay?"

Mary Margaret nods," I'm fine, thanks."

She heads back up the slope toward the road as David follows suit, asking her," Where are you going?"

" I came to find the flock!" Mary Margaret answers only for David to say," And I came here to get you before you got hurt!

The pair reach the road as thunder claps and heavy rain begins to fall, prompting David to urge,
" We have to go!"

Mary Margaret runs to get the bird cage as she objects," No!"

David protests her plan," Doing this on foot is not the best plan!"

" The gate was closed!" Mary Margaret says David nods," I know, I saw" Mary Margaret attempts to cover the birdcage with her jacket as David urges her once more," It's too late, we have to go."

Mary Margaret shakes her head," No, but the bird..."

David grabs her and he shouts," Mary Margaret, it's not safe! We need to get out of here. Come on."

Together, they head back up the road as thunder crashes above them.

The Enchanted Forest. Past. The Royal Castle dungeon.

Snow White, Grumpy and Stealthy make their way through the tunnels, sneaking through in hopes of avoiding any guards.

The group passes an opening which attracts Snow White's attention as she gesture towards Grumpy and Stealthy," Oh wait, wait. Stairs."

Stealthy shakes his head," No, we sneak out through the courtyard."

Snow White protests immediately,

" No, it's safer if we climb over the curtain wall."

Grumpy and Stealthy exchange a glance as Snow White assures them," Trust me, hiding from royals is my life."

Stealthy however, does not listen," But the courtyard is clear now, but it won't be for much longer."

Grumpy looks from Stealthy to Snow White before apologizing to her," Sorry, lady, Stealthy got me this far."

" Grumpy. Grumpy, wait!"

Snow White calls out as both Grumpy and Stealthy runs out, leaving her standing alone.

Outside

Stealthy and Grumpy emerge from the tunnels to an empty courtyard.

However, a group of soldiers appears from around a corner as one of them shouts out,

" Halt! Those two are prisoners."

" Grumpy, run! We can make it!" Stealthy urges his brother as he makes a break for it.

"Stealthy, no!" However, it was too late as a guard shoots an arrow from atop a wall.

The arrow struck Stealthy by the back and the dwarf falls to the ground, dead.

" NOOO!!!" Grumpy cries out as he bends down at Stealthy's side," Stealthy..."

While Grumpy is mourning the death of his brother, King George and his group of guards approaches, looking down scornfully at the dwarf and he questions out," Where is the girl?"

" What girl?" Grumpy says while Snow White watches from a far.

Not willing to waste time dealing with Grumpy, King George then orders one of his guard," Kill him."

The guard draws his sword. Grumpy straightens on his knees, bracing himself as guard makes ready to behead him

However, at that moment, King George heard a voice from behind.

" Looking for me?"

The King and his guards looks as Snow White held  a lit torch over a pile of straw ordering him,

" Let him go..."

She lowers the torch slightly as she finishes her threat,

" Or this place will burn."

She and King George hold gazes for a moment before

King George reluctantly tells Grumpy," Begone, dwarf."

Grumpy hesitates as he looks at Snow White, only for the girl to nod at him," Go, Grumpy."

"Uhh!" A guard kicks Grumpy over and the Dwarf quickly gets up, running away.

With Grumpy gone, King George turns to Snow White," Now... Snow White."

A guard takes the torch from her as another binds her hands behind her as King George says," We need to talk."

Storybrooke. Present. The road in the woods.

Mary Margaret Blanchard and David Nolan, still caught in a rainstorm, comes upon a cabin.

David notices it and he points at it,

"There! Come on!"

He and Mary Margaret approach the cabin.

Mary Margaret peers into the window, calling out," Hello?? Hello!? Is anyone in there!?"

David peers into another window before saying to her," It's empty!"

David tries the door handle, it's locked. He kicks the door open with a single kick before getting Mary Margaret and himself inside.

David stokes a fire in the fireplace

David sighs as he looks at Mary Margaret, saying to her," Okay. Let's get you dry."

He gets up and moves about the cabin as Mary Margaret inquires," Whose cabin is this? Are you sure it's okay for us to be in here?"

David says as he unfolds a blanket,

" Well, you're roommates with the Sheriff, so I doubt she'll arrest us for breaking and entering."

He then puts the blanket around Mary Margaret only for the woman to shake him off.

" Hey, I'm just... I'm just trying to help." David says. She nods, still looking distraught as David asks," What's going on with you today?"

Mary Margaret scoffs out," What's going on? What's going on is I still have feelings for you."

" What?" David questions as Mary Margaret shakes her head, spilling out," Why do you think I go to Granny's every morning at 7:15? It's to see you. I don't know why because it just makes me miserable, because every time I see you, it just reminds me that you chose Kathryn instead of me. And that's why I didn't want you to come to the woods with me. Cause being around you is too... it's too painful."

David laughs to himself, causing Mary Margaret to question," You think this is funny?"

" No. No." David shakes his head and he confesses," It's just the reason I go to Granny's every morning at 7:15 is to see you."

Mary Margaret looks up at him, surprised.

The two look at each other for a few moments before David leans in for a kiss, causing Mary Margaret to steps back.

Mary Margaret shakes her head, whispering out," How can you do this?"

" What are you talking about?" David asks as Mary Margaret exclaims," David, I know!"

" You know what?"

" About Kathryn." Mary Margaret answers as David asks her in confusion," What about Kathryn?"

Mary Margaret answers," That she thinks she's pregnant."

David widens his eyes in shock," What?"

Storybrooke. Present. Granny's Diner.

Emma and Zatanna sat together, drinking coffee and cocoa as the pair taking shelter from the rainstorm in the Diner.

She looks over and sees The Stranger sitting in a booth drinking coffee.

Zatanna looks to her, looking back at him before the two stood up, walking towards him.

The stranger looks up as the two women stood over him, with Emma saying," We need to talk."

" Why?" The stranger asks

Emma answers frankly," Because you're suspicious."

The stranger raises an eyebrow as he asks," Sitting here? Out in the open? Drinking coffee?" Emma narrows her eyes as he shrugs," I wonder what kind of hell I would have raised had I ordered a doughnut."

" You were talking to Henry." Zatanna adds.

" You mean the little kid who came up to me asking me questions?" The stranger inquires," Is that unusual for him, being curious and precocious?"

" What were you doing outside his house?" Emma interrogates only for the Stranger to answer," My bike broke down. It happens."

Zatanna looks at the box and she asks," Your mysterious box. What's in it?"

The Stranger simply says," It's awfully frustrating, not knowing, isn't it?"

Emma demands," Just tell me." Only for the Stranger to reply," Why? Is it illegal to carry around a box in these parts?"

Emma reluctantly answers," No, of course it's not."

Stranger then asks," You really want to know what's inside it, don't you?"

" No." Emma cocks her head before saying," Well, maybe."

Emma sits down in the booth opposite the Stranger while Zatanna stands behind her.

The stranger then says," I'm gonna make you wait. You're gonna have to wait a long time, and watch me carry it around, hauling it, to strange and mysterious places. And with each passing moment the mystery will become more tantalizing. Your imagination will inflame, but so will your frustration, never knowing, only guessing, "What could possibly be inside that box?". Or..."

He leans in, saying," You could let me buy you a drink sometime and I'll tell you right now."

" Interesting" Zatanna remarks as Emma asks," You want to buy me a drink?"

Stranger smiles," Yes."

Emma stares at him intently before she nods," Ok, a drink it is."

The Stranger picks up his box and sets it on the table in front of the pair. He pauses for effect, then opens it

What was inside is...a typewriter.

Emma and Zatanna looks at each other as Emma remarks," Really?"

" I'm a writer." The Stranger answers

" That's why you're here?" Zatanna asks as Stranger explains," I find this place provides inspiration. Don't you?"

Lightning flashes outside as he closes the box, prompting Emma to ask," Wait. Have you been here before?"

" I didn't say that." The Stranger shakes his head as leaves a tip on the table and gets up with his box in hand.

" What about that drink?" Emma asks, realising that the Stranger is leaving only for him to clarify," I said "sometime"."

Emma raises her eyebrows as Zatanna says," I'll see you out."

As Zatanna leads the Stranger outside, she questions him," Alright. Who are you? Have we met?"

" Don't worry Zatanna." The Stranger says as he assures her," You will know all in good time."

" Uh huh." Zatanna folds her arms as the Stranger leaves, leaving nothing but questions in the magician's mind.

Cabin

Back in the cabin, Mary Margaret Blanchard gasps as she says to him softly," You didn't know."

David shakes his head," No."

Mary Margaret asks," And you two aren't trying..."

" Not as far as I know! Mary Margaret you have to believe me I..." However, before David could continue, Mary Margaret stops him," Shhh. David, the rain's stopped. I need to get her out."

" No. Mary Margaret..."

Without listening to David, Mary Margaret grabs the birdcage and she charges out the door. Prompting him to follow.

They walk down the road a short distance as David calls out to her," Mary Margaret, please can we at least ta..."

" Shhh. Listen." Mary Margaret stops David as the two looks up, noticing a flock of doves flying overhead.

" The flock! It didn't leave!" Mary Margaret happily exclaims.

" Must have been waiting for the storm to clear." David says.

Mary Margaret opens the birdcage and takes the dove out, coaxing it," Ok. Ok, girl. Time to join your friends. You can do it."

She throws the dove into the air and watches as it takes flight with the rest. She laughs and David smiles.

He takes her hand and she pulls it away, shaking her head sadly," No, David. It's too painful."

David refuses to believe what she says," It doesn't have to be. We don't know Kathryn's pregnant."

Mary Margaret shakes her head," It doesn't matter. You chose her."

" I know, but I still have feelings for you." David says as Mary Margaret objects," You can't have both."

" But I do have both." David said," I know. I know it doesn't make sense. But it's like I have these two conflicting lives: memories of feeling for her, and real feelings for you."

Mary Margaret asks," Who's to say which is real?"

" I can't get you out of my head." David remarks out in frustration as

Mary Margaret agrees," I know. Me too. But, we're going to have to. We're just going to have to forget each other."

She walks back down the road, leaving David standing there dumbfounded

The Enchanted Forest. Past. The Royal Castle interior.

King George stood over Snow White, interrogating her," So you're the one."

" I don't know what you're..." Snow White tries to protest only for King George to interrupt her," Enough."

He holds up her note, saying to her," I know everything. You poisoned his heart. Now his marriage. And with that, the entire kingdom all because your feelings."

Snow White retorts," I wish feelings could be helped but they can't."

" Of course they can. Love is a disease. And like all diseases it can be vanquished in one of two ways: a cure or death. Do you know where your beloved is right now He's right down that hallway packing for his new life." King George says.

Snow White shakes her head," He'll never know I'm here."

King George walks up to her," Oh yes, he will. Because you are going to walk down that hallway, Snow White. You're going to sneak in and tell him you received his letter. You're going to tell him why you're here. Because you don't love him. It'll break his heart. And that will cure him."

" Or you'll kill me." Snow White says only for King George to shake his head," Oh no. I'll kill him. Killing you would just make him love you more, and the marriage and the kingdom would ultimately crumble. But if he were die at an assassin's hand he would die a martyr. Midas would forgive, even laud the dead. And the merger would be complete."

Snow White spat at the horrendous words from the king," You would do that to your own son." Only for King George to reply to her coldly," He is not my son."

Later

Snow White sneaks into Prince Charming's chambers where he is packing his bags. She closes the door behind her and he looks up.

Snow White walks towards him, calling out" James."

Prince Charming turns and he smiles," Snow."

" I got your letter." Those words cause

Prince Charming to run up to her, happy,
" You came. You came! You came! You came."

He embraces her, leaning in for a kiss only Snow White to pull away from him," Wait, James. Us, it can't happen."

Prince Charming stares at her," What's wrong? Of course it can. You're here! We can go, we can be together, we can leave all this! I know there are costs. But I planned for everything they can't hurt us! And now that I know that you love me too..."

" I don't." Snow White interjects, causing Prince Charming to ask," What?"

" Love you." Snow White sadly continues," I don't."

Prince Charming's face fills with  disappointment as Snow White apologises," I'm sorry. You said I would always be in your heart, and that is too cruel a fate. Go live your life. Live it without me because there is no place for us together. Fill your heart with love for someone else. Someone who can love you the way I never have. The way I never will."

She hands him his letter, which he takes and crumples it in his hand.

As Prince Charming breaks down crying, she walks past him, crying silently to herself.

Storybrooke. Present. David and Kathryn Nolan's house.

David is getting dressed for work when Kathryn walks in and sits at the foot of the bed.

David looks at her and he asks," Anything you want to tell me?"

" What do you mean?" Kathryn asks as 2David probes," Something's up isn't it? What?"

Kathryn explains," I feel like ever since you've come home you're here, but you're not HERE. I know you say you're trying, and I know you've been through a lot but..."

David shakes his head," No, no, Kathryn..."

Only for Kathryn to put up her hand," No, David please just let me finish."

He gestures for her to continue as Kathryn does,
" I know its been hard on you, but its also been hard on me. I want a family with you someday. I want children. I'll be honest, I thought I was pregnant. And when the test came back negative, at first I was upset. But then I was relieved. We're not ready! If I was pregnant now, it...it would be a disaster."

" Yeah." David agrees.
Kathryn says," But I want to fix this. I want to fix us."

" Me too."" Do you?" Kathryn questions and he nods, prompting her to say," Well then let's go see Doctor Hopper. Let's get some help. Will you do that? Will you give us our best shot?"

David sat down next to her, assuring her," Yeah. Look, you and I, I know we're su...I know we should be in love. And I want to make that work."

Kathryn smiles at him and she points at the clock,
" It's 7:10. You should get going if you want coffee before work."

" No."

David stands up and he proposes," Why don't we go downstairs and have some breakfast instead? Hmm?"

Kathryn nods," Ok."" Alright." David then kisses her on the cheek.

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Forest

In the forest outside of the Royal Castle, Snow White walks away from the castle, utterly dejected from what has happened.

She takes one last look before continuing on her way. As she walks the Grumpy and the other Dwarves join alongside her as Grumpy asks her in concern," You okay, sister?"

Snow White looks at him, visibly fighting back tears as she answers," Not even close."

" You didn't find him." Grumpy assumes only for Snow White to shake her head," Worse. I lost him."

Grumpy takes her hand," Come on."

" Where are you taking me?" Snow White asks as
Grumpy answers her sadly," Home. We all lost someone today."

" Now we're seven." Doc adds

Grumpy then assures her," I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. So you're coming home with us, Snow, and we're gonna protect you."

Snow White sadly says," The only thing that needed protecting is destroyed. My heart."

Grumpy assures her," It will get better."

"Yes." Snow White pulls out the vial from Rumplestiltskin and she declares out," Yes, it will. This will take all of my feelings, all of my pain, and destroy them."

"No." Grumpy objects and he takes the vial from Snow White, causing her to question out," Why? You of all people should understand, you've lost love. What if your pain could be erased?"

Grumpy shakes his head," I don't want my pain erased. As wretched as it is, I need my pain. It makes me who I am. It makes me Grumpy."

Snow White smiles as Grumpy continues," Look around, Snow. You're not alone anymore. I promise you that's all the cure you need. If the pain's too much, you can always drink it. But for now, put it away. I will get that magician Zatara to help you. Is that okay?"

" Ok." Snow White agrees and stows the bottle in her pocket, taking Grumpy's hand as she and the seven dwarfs leaves together.

Meanwhile, Prince Charming rides his horse into a clearing, in desperate search for Snow White.

" Come on." Prince Charming looks around before shouting out," Snow! Snow White!"

He dismounts off his horse and he continues to shout, " Snow! Are you there?"

Right at that moment, Red Riding Hood appears and she says to Prince Charming," She's gone. She never came back after she went to find you."

Prince Charming however, refuses to give up," Then I'll find her. I will always find her."

Storybrooke. Present. Blanchard loft

Back at the loft. Emma sits opposite a despondent Mary Margaret to eat breakfast.

Both and Zatanna shares a look just as Zatanna places cups of coffee on the table.

Mary Margaret's eyes stares at the clock on the wall which reads 7:15.

Emma takes Mary Margaret's hand and their eyes meet while Zatanna turns away, looking troubled at the events unfolding.

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Dwarves' Cottage.

At the Dwarf's Cottage Grumpy barges through the front door with Zatara and Zatanna behind him

Grumpy asks Doc with a sense of urgency in his voice,

" Where's Snow? Where is she?"

Doc points to a room as Grumpy rushes in, shouting,

" Snow! Snow! The royal wedding! The kingdom's abuzz! It's off, Snow, he left her! James left Abigail!"

Snow White stares at him, confused as Grumpy tells her," Did you hear me? Your Prince Charming isn't getting married."

Snow White vacantly asks the dwarf," Who?"

Shocked, Zatara asks," What's going on? Does she not remember who Prince Charming is?"

Grumpy looks down, his face drops as he says," That."

Zatara and Zatanna looks at where Grumpy is pointing, the Father Daughter pair notices an empty vial on her bedside table.

Zatara picks it up, looking at it as his face turns grim," Rumplestiltskin."

Storybrooke. Present. Granny's diner.

The clock reads 7:45, as Ruby hands Mary Margaret Blanchard her coffee.

The door opens and David Nolan walks in, and upon seeing Mary Margaret, he  promptly walks straight out again.

Mary Margaret follows after him, while Ruby give a sidelong glance.

Mary Margaret follows him down the street and she asks David," What are you doing?"

David turns around and he answers," It's 7:45."

Mary Margaret nods," I know."

David confesses," Well, I'm trying not to see you!"

" Well, I am trying not to see you." Mary Margaret confesses as well, causing David to question out," Well, how do we stop seeing each other?"

Mary Margaret sighs out," Apparently we can't."

David then says," This is a problem."" Yes." Mary Margaret agrees.

David closes in onto her, holding onto Mary Margaret as he says," She's not pregnant."

The two then breaks into a kiss, but as they are busy with their lips locked, Regina Mills sat in her car, watching the entire scene unfold.