Storybrooke, Castle Playground.

Henry rides up on his bike and Emma exits her squad car.

" Hey, kid." He rides right by her as Emma greets him," Good to see you, too!"

" The storm!" Henry hops off his bike and runs up, towards the severely damaged castle.

Emma stares at the wreckage caused by the storm and she assures Henry," It's okay, we can fix it! I'll talk to Marco."

However, that was not what Henry is concerned about." I think it's still here!" He exclaims as he digs around the structure.

Emma looks and she asks," What are you looking for?"

" My book!" Henry answers.

" Why'd you bury it here?" Emma asks as Henry answers," So my mom doesn't find it."

Emma asks," Hiding it under your mattress wasn't good enough?"

Henry shakes his head,
" That's the first place the Evil Queen would look." As he unearths a box, Emma offers," How 'bout leaving it with me?"

" That's the second place." Henry says as opens the box, revealing the storybook inside.

" Good." Henry sighs out in relief as Emma says," Guess Zatanna would have been the third place she would look. So your mom doesn't know about the castle?"

Henry shakes his head," No, this is our secret."

As he closes the box and begins reburying it right at that moment, Regina appears, approaching from her parked car as she calls out to him," Henry? Henry! I've been looking everywhere for you! You know you have a session with Archie this morning."

She turns to Emma, blaming her with an accusing tone," Should have known he was with you. Henry, car! Now."

As Henry heads for the car, she reprimands her," You let him play here?"

Emma explains," The storm hit it pretty hard, but we can fix it."

" Well, can you fix a cracked cranium?" Regina challenged," Cause that's what you'll have on your hands if one of these boards collapses under his weight. You're not thinking about Henry or his safety, just ways around me. Miss Swan, don't let your feelings cloud your judgement, people can get hurt."

Offended, Emma questions the Mayor," What's that supposed to mean?"

Regina then snarls," You're the sheriff now, it's time to be responsible."

Granny's Diner

Meanwhile in Granny's Diner, Zatanna and Mary Margaret are seated at a table.

Zatanna then asks," So what is up with Regina anyway? I heard from Emma this morning that she wouldn't let her fix his castle."

Mary Margaret explains," She's just upset because she and Henry have a special place and she... she doesn't."

" Well isn't that salty? How does she know about that place?" Zatanna asks and

Mary Margaret answers," She knows everything about this town, she's the Mayor."

Just then, her phone vibrates. She picks it up and looks at it.

Her phones shows a text from David that reads, "We need to talk. Meet at our spot."

Zatanna notices something is amiss and she asks Mary Margaret," Everything okay?"

Mary Margaret nods," Yeah, I just need to go." As she gets up quickly and readies to leave.

Zatanna shrugs as she continues drinking her coffee when right at that moment, Sidney Glass, clearly very drunk and with a drink in his hand, sat across her

Sidney," I can grant your wish."

Zatanna looks at him and she rolls her eyes," Oh, Sidney, you're already starting this early in the morning? What? Want me to fix your hangover with my magic?"

Sidney then offers," You know, I heard that your sister wanna show this town who the Mayor really is? The thing is that I can help."

" Really?" Zatanna raises an eyebrow," Cause aren't you and the Mayor close?"

" The Mayor and I are done." Sidney spat causing Zatanna chuckle in disbelief," Sure you are."

Sidney explains," She got me fired from the paper. She made a fool of me in the election. So I started working on an expose' on the Mayor's Office, and I found something she didn't want found."

Zatanna says to him," Look Sidney, you're drunk. Go home, sleep it off. At least you don't have to answer to her anymore."

Sidney offers her his card and he says," My offer still stands. Call me. Storybrooke deserves to know the truth about her."

Zatanna takes the card and looks at it while Sidney sits there before Zatanna gives him a newspaper, saying," You know, you can always leave Storybrooke to find a new job. Heard LexCorp is looking for a office clerk."

" Thanks but I'll pass." Sidney says as he drinks, sitting there as the scene transitions to his time back in the Enchanted Forest.

Past. The Enchanted Forest, the Genie's Lamp, interior.

Inside the magic lamp, The Genie of Agrabah is seated with a mirror.

Suddenly, the sound of rumbling could be heard from a distance outside, growing louder by the minute.

Knowing it's his cue, the Genie readies himself," Here we go."

Outside. Lake's beach.

King Leopold picks up the Lamp and rubs it to clean off some plant matter.

Right at that moment, black smoke emerges from the lamp and the Genie appears, making his introduction.

" You awakened the Genie of Agrabah. You're entitled to three wishes-no more, no less. But, you must know that magic has its limits. You cannot wish for life, nor death. You cannot wish for love. You cannot wish for more wishes. And, once spoke, a wish cannot be undone, no matter what the consequences. So... tell me your first wish."

" Hmm. Uh..." King Leopoldo laughs as he thinks," Hmm. I cannot think of a single thing I desire. I have everything I need. I seek nothing more than the happiness of all who set food in my kingdom."

" Ugh." The Genie groans out in exasperation turning around before sitting m on some nearby driftwood.

King Leopold chuckles but upon noticing the Genie sighing, he points out," You are in my kingdom, and yet you seem unhappy."

Genie the explains," I have served as Genie of the Lamp for longer than you've been alive. Life as a genie is not as magical as it may appear."

" So you wish to be free?" King Leopold asks prompting the Genie to answer," More than anything."

King Leopold then knows what to do," Then I know my first wish. I wish you to be free."

Upon making his wish, the shackles about the Genie's wrist begins glow and fall off with a magical sound, shocked, the Genie asks," Can it be? Am I truly free?"

King Leopold smiles," You're the genie. You tell me."

The Genie then questions," There are two more wishes left in the Lamp, what will you do with them?"

" For my second wish... I wish to give my third and final wish to you." King Leopold offers the Genie the Lamp

The Genie takes the Lamp and he shakes his head, memories flashing through his mind," In my time, I have granted 1001 wishes, and I have seen them end poorly 1001 times. Making a wish comes with a price, and that is why I will never... use... this wish."

With that, he puts the Lamp in a purse at his belt King Leopold nods," You are a man of wisdom, Genie. Now tell, what will you do with your freedom?"

The Genie answers," Find the one thing I've always desired, that my prison has kept from me... true love."

King Leopold offers," Then you must come join me at my palace. I am certain you will find it there. Come. Meet my family."

King Leopold's Palace

King Leopold and the Genie walk along a garden path. The Genie remarks  as he looks around,

" Your palace is as lovely as you are kind."

" Oh, it's more than kindness, my friend." The King chuckles, the two approach Snow White, who is picking flowers as he introduces her to him,"  This is my beautiful daughter, Snow."

Snow White greets him," How do you do?"

She curtsies and the Genie bows.

King Leopold then introduces Regina to him," And Regina, my wife, the Queen."

The Evil Queen looks as she was picking an apple from her tree. She turns to the Genie and smiles as she greets him," Hello."

The Genie stares at her, visibly moved by her beauty.

Present. Storybrooke, Ice-Cream Palor

Outside of an ice-cream palor, Emma takes a bite out of a rocky road ice-cream and she says to Zatanna," Mm, you seriously got to try this Rocky Road."

Zatanna bites out of it and she nods," Okay, that was delicious."

" I know right, the lady in there gave me a good deal for that ice-cream." Emma adds as she took another bite.

Zatanna then says," Sidney came to me while me and Mary Margaret were having breakfast this morning."

" Oh really? What did he say?" Emma asks as Zatanna munches on her mint ice-cream, explaining to while chewing," He told me that Regina fired him from the papers ever since you beaten him for position as sheriff. Even offering to help us take him down." Zatanna gives his card to Emma as she takes a look at it.

Zatanna then adds," He may be offering to help but something tells me he is not to be trusted."

" Well that's a first." Emma says. Just then, her phone rings and she picks it up.

" Hello? Hey Henry. Wait what?" Zatanna looks at Emma as she says to her son," Okay okay. I'm on my way."

Emma then says to Zatanna," Get in the car. Something's happened."

" What happened?" Zatanna asks as Emma answers," It's the castle."

Henry's castle.

At Henry's castle, a demolition crew is busy demolishing the structure as Henry watches while Regina is standing next to her car nearby.

Right at that moment, Emma and Zatanna approaches the scene as Emma asks Henry," Hey. What happened? I came as soon as I could."

Henry looks at the two women and he says to her in anguish," The castle...she's tearing the whole thing down!"

He approaches the spot where the storybook was buried, before crying out," My book! I-It's gone!"

" Gone?!" Zatanna exclaims out in horror. She then bends down and hugs Henry, comforting him.

Outraged, Emma approaches Regina and she growls," Congratulations, Madame Mayor, you destroyed the thing he loves."

Regina says to her dismissively," A dangerous thing that can only hurt Henry and others. You see me as a villain, Miss Swan. But that's just your perception, and you're wrong. Learn your place in this town, or soon enough, you won't be in it."

Regina turns away, walking as Emma takes out the card Zatanna gave to her and her cell phone as she began dialing the number.

Zatanna looks up while she is comforting Henry and she asks," What are you doing Emma?"

" You know Sidney? Yeah, I'm calling him." Emma answers.

" Are you sure this is the right path sis?" Zatanna asks as Emma's eyes narrows, answering," I do."

Sidney picks up from across the line as Emma says to him," Sidney, hi. I'm in. I want everyone to know who she really is." Both Zatanna and Henry could only look at each other.

Toll Bridge.

Meanwhile at the toll bridge, Mary Margaret approaches a waiting David, asking him," I got your text. What's going on?"

" Follow me." David says as takes her arm and leads her off, causing Mary Margaret to ask," David, you're scaring me. What's wrong?"

" What's wrong is you're late." David brings Mary Margaret to picnic in a clearing," And the wine is getting warm."

Delighted, Mary Margaret kisses David, laughing," We have to stop doing this."

David laughs as well," We just started doing it."

Mary Margaret looks away, worried as she says," We have to figure out what we're doing."

David smiles and he assures her," We will. Tomorrow."" Okay, tomorrow." Mary Margaret nods and the two pulls together into a kiss.

As the two kiss, unknown to them, below the bridge, the squad car pulls up as Emma steps out of the car, greeted by Sidney who appears before her on foot, saying," I see you got my card."

Sidney realizes that Emma is alone and he expresses out," Where's your sister?"

Emma explains," She got a call from our new guest so it's just me. She doesn't trust you anyway."

" I can't blame her."Sidney shrugs.

Emma then says," Alright, I'm listening. So, what do you know about her."

" $50,000." That was all Sidney says and Emma raises an eyebrow in confusion," I'm sorry?"

" Fifty grand out of the budget is missing, and Regina is responsible." Sidney answers only for
Emma to question out," That's it? That's what you have on her?"

Sidney then explains," The money is just the tip of the iceberg. We figure out what she's doing, and it all falls apart. It all crumbles, and we'll finally learn her secrets. You see what she is. I see it. All we need is a crack in the mirror to show everyone. I'm telling you, this is it."

" All right, what's your plan?" Emma asks and Sidney answers," Tap her phone. GPS her car. Hack into her email, dip into your bail bondsperson bag of tricks."

Emma however, shakes her head," No. I'm Sheriff now, I have to be responsible. I wanna do this by the book."

Sidney however, insists," She's gonna know that you're on to her sooner than later. Are you prepared for her wrath?"

" Oh yeah." Emma realizes and Sidney says," Good. Because I wasn't."

" If you thought she was so terrifying... how did you allow yourself to end up in her pocket?" Emma question only Sidney to look away, whispering his answer to her," I used to think she was a different person."

Past. The Enchanted Forest, Leopold's castle.

At King Leopold's castle, the royal family, the Genie, and many guests are gathered to celebrate Leopold's birthday.

Zatara and Zatanna walks up to King Leopold and Zatara conjures a bouquet of flowers, smiling at the king," Happy birthday, your Majesty!"

King Leopold smiles and he refuses," No gifts are required to mark this special day, for they all pale in comparison to the greatest gift of all-my daughter, Snow."

Snow White sighs," Father."

She joins him on the dais, flattered," Father. You make me blush."

King Leopold looks at her, longingly as he says," Every day I look upon your face, and I am reminded of your dearly departed mother... who, like you... truly was... the fairest in all the land."

Upon hearing that, the Evil Queen's face fell and she turns away dejectedly, leaving the party.

The Genie notices and he follows after her.

Exterior garden

At the exterior garden near the Evil Queen's apple tree, the Genie runs up to the Evil Queen, asking,
" Not in a festive mood?"

" No one seems to notice my absence." The Evil Queen says only for the Genie to say," I noticed."

The Genie gazes at the apple tree and he compliments it," Such a lovely tree."

The Evil Queen nods," Yes, it's from my childhood garden. The tree and I share something in common. Neither of us can leave the palace and neither of us truly belongs. No matter how hard I try to please the King, he will never love me the way he loved his first wife. I'm trapped by the memory of the life they used to share."

Genie says to her, expressing out her problem with empathy," I know about being trapped, more than anyone. Maybe this will lift your spirits."

He gives her a mirror, finishing his sentence," So you... can see yourself the way I see you."

The Evil Queen look at him, asking," And how do you see me?"

The Genie smiles," As the fairest in all the land."

Present. Storybrooke, Blanchard loft.

Back at the apartment, Emma and Sidney are pouring over boxes of documents.

Emma looks through and she asks," When did that transfer go through? Does three weeks ago sound right?"

" Yeah. Why?" Sidney asks and Emma answers," Because those records are missing."

Right at that moment, Mary Margaret enters her apartment," Emma, there's something I'd like to talk to you..."

However, upon noticing Sidney, she greets him," Hi, Sidney."

Emma greets her," Hey. We're just doing some work. I think we may have found something on Regina."

Mary Margaret nods," Interesting work. Oh, I approve."

Emma then ask," By the way, where's Zatanna? I thought she's home."

" Zatanna? Oh the last time I saw her, she was going into the woods, but I have no idea why she is going there."

" Strange." Emma comments," It's not like her to miss out on a chance like this."

Sidney the interrupts her," Uh Emma, can we get back to this?"

" Oh right. What you got?" Emma asks as Sidney says," You wanna go by the book? Let's get a warrant."

Emma shakes her head," What judge are we gonna find that she doesn't own. We're screwed."

" Or... there's my way." Sidney says that causes Emma to sigh out," I wanna do this right, Sidney."

" And what's right is exposing her. Sometimes, doing a bad thing for a good reason is okay, right?" Sidney insists.

Mary Margaret steps in," Yeah. I mean, maybe you're doing something wrong, but if it's what's meant to be, if it's what's right, does that really make you a bad person?"

Sidney nods, agreeing to her statement," Exactly."

Emma looks at the two and she remarks," Wow, you two are doing a whole lot of rationalizing."

Sidney then says," But look what she's done to you, to me, to your son, and it's not gonna stop so whatever you do, you gotta do something."

Emma nods, convinced by his words," Okay. Let's start by talking to her."

Mayor's Office.

Soon at the Mayor's Office Emma and Sidney stood in Regina's office, causing her to question out in shock and outrage," ...And just what are you and the... disgraced ex-reporter accusing me of?"

" Fifty-thousand dollars was transferred out of the city account by you." Emma states, prompting
Regina to explain," Well, as Mayor, I'm involved in many transactions. Check the public records if you have questions."

" That's the thing." Emma adds," They're missing from three weeks ago. You have any idea what happened to them?"

Regina states," Well, if they're missing, I probably checked them out, as my job often requires me to do. And if they were checked out three weeks ago, well, that means they burned... in a fire. In a fire that, if I recall, got you elected Sheriff. I have nothing to hide."

Emma steps forward and leans over Regina's desk in a dramatic fashion, saying," Okay. There's nothing for us to do, let's go, Sidney."

" Emma." Sidney says only for Emma to cut him off," No, she's right. We have nothing."

Outside

As the pair walks out, Sidney questions Emma in outrage," That was your plan? I thought you were gonna do something."

" I did." Emma then explains to Sidney," I planted a bug. You win, Sidney. Let's do whatever it takes."

Past. The Enchanted Forest, King Leopold's Castle.

The Genie enters the King's bedchamber and approaches a seated Leopold, questioning the King,
" You called for me, your Majesty?"

King Leopold sighs out and he says," I have reason to believe... my wife's heart belongs to another man."

The Genie shrugs," Well, certainly, the Queen would never stray, your Majesty."

" And yet her diary suggest otherwise." King Leopold laments. He hands the diary to the Genie, opened to a page and gave it to him.

The genie reads out everything The Evil Queen wrote.

" Last night, a man gave me a gift, and though it was but a simple mirror, it awakened feelings in me that I abandoned long ago. Hope for love and companionship, even though I am trapped in my husband's court."

The Genie stares at it, visibly confused.

King Leopold sighs out," Sadly, the diary does not name the man who gave her this mirror. I am not a fool. I realize that the Queen is unhappy and yearns for someone to love her in a way that I never can. And yet I never imagined that she would betray me like this."

The Genie tries to assure the King," Well, certainly, the Queen would never act on these feelings."

" Love makes people do foolish things." King Leopold quotes.

The Genie then asks," And why have you called upon me, your Majesty?

King Leopold answers his question," I need someone with your wits to learn the identity of the man who has stolen my wife's heart."

The Genie then asks," Couldn't you have asked Zatara to do it for you?"

" He wouldn't do this kind of favours for me." King Leopold explains," And besides, he is off to the North, seeking allies to battle against a demon."

The Genie nods before he asks," And what will you do to him once I have found him?"

" That is my concern, not yours." King Leopold then requests," Now... tell me, Genie, can you find the man who gave the Queen this mirror, or not?"

King Leopold then gives him the mirror and walks away.

Present Storybrooke, Sheriff's Office.

In the Sheriff's office, Sidney is listening in on Mayor Regina using a radio as Emma walks in, with Regina's voice speaking through it.

" Miss Ginger, I really don't have time for more complaints about working conditions. The air temperature is not one of my areas."

" Scintillating. Find anything good yet?" Emma asks.

" Yeah, better than good." Sidney takes out a tape and he explains," She made this call a little over an hour ago."

The pair listens as Regina's voice booms over the tape," I'll meet you tonight at Access Road 23 with the rest of your payment. Yes, it will all be in cash. A-And I don't need to remind that no one can know about this. Yes, I know it has to be tonight."

Sidney stops the tape and Emma questions," Who's on the other end?"

However, Sidney has no answer," You bugged the office, not the phone."

Emma then states," Well, we're just gonna have to find out.

" Yeah." Emma then says to Sidney," A payoff in the woods. That's promising."

Sidney adds," A payoff using stolen city funds."

" Let's go find out who's she's meeting." Emma beckons to Sidney.

Storybrooke, exterior, the road in the woods.

At the road in the woods,Emma and Sidney follow Regina in the squad car as she turns onto Access Road 23.

As she approaches the turn, Emma applies her foot to the brake. Nothing happens.

" Emma?" Sidney questions out in fear as Emma keeps pressing onto the brakes frantically," It won't stop."

The squad car crashes into the road sign, sending it flying.

Inside, Sidney and Emma shakes their heads, dazed by the crash. As Sidney groans, Emma asks him in concern," You okay?"

Sidney nods," Yeah. You?"

" Yeah." Emma says.

The two exit the vehicle and inspect the damage, with Emma remarking out," We're gonna miss that handoff."

A feeling of deja vu struck Sidney and he says," Emma."

" What?" Emma looks as Sidney explains," You know that bug you planted? I think Regina found it. Someone's been tampering with the brakes. She's on to us."

Soon in the woods, Emma storms ahead as Sidney runs up behind her, shouting," Wait!"

Angered, Emma shouts," The bitch tried to have me killed, I'm finding her!"

Sidney tries to calm her down," Let's be cautious. We need to think clearly."

However, Emma is in no mood to listen," To hell with caution. I'm gonna find out what she's doing and why she's out here."

" She was meeting me."

Both Emma and Sidney looks, seeing Mr. Gold coming up an embankment, carrying a briefcase.)

" What are you doing out here with her?" Emma asks as Mr. Gold simply answers," Just a little business transaction."

" What's in the briefcase?" Sidney interrogates and Mr. Gold answers his question," Everything comes at a price. Land is no different."

" That's why you're meeting her out here? Regina bought your land?" Emma asks and Mr. Gold directs his hand to the floor," The very ground you're standing on."

" What does she want it for?" Emma probes.

Mr. Gold however, doesn't answer her question," You know, in business, I find it's best not to ask too many questions. Hurts the bottom line. Question is, Emma, why are you standing out here, in the middle of the night, with Mr. Glass?"

Sidney lashes at Mr. Gold," You don't know what Regina did to me. You don't know what she did to her son. We can't just sit idly by."

" Of course you can. Be careful."

Mr. Gold turns around, walking away as he warns the duo," Emotional entanglements can lead us down very dangerous paths."

Past. The Enchanted Forest. Gardens.

The Genie cuts an apple from the apple tree in the gardens.

As he slices the apple he hears foot steps behind him, causing him to say," I was beginning to worry you wouldn't come."

However, he heard an unfamiliar masculine voice saying to him," You were expecting the queen?"

The Genie turns around, noticing Henry and he questions him," Who are you? What have you done with her?"

Henry answers," The king has locked her away in her chambers. My daughter is a prisoner in her own kingdom."

The Genie stood up," You are the queen's father?"

Henry presents the box to the Genie, begging," Please, take this to her. The palace guards won't allow me into her chambers. They know I'd die for her. But you..."

As the Genie takes the box, Henry continues," The King trusts you. He doesn't know that you have my daughter's heart. The guards will allow you in. Give her this box."

The Genie stares at the box," Wait. I don't understand. What is in it?"

" This is the only thing that can free her from that wretched life. If you truly care for my daughter, I know you'll do whatever it takes to set her free." Henry says and he turns around, leaving.

As Henry left the scene, the Genie notices a key placed on top of the box. The Genie picks it up and takes a closer look at it.

Present. Storybrooke. The Town Hall.

Outside of the town hall, Emma parks her car outside before stepping out with Sidney following her from behind.

As the walks towards the entrance, Sidney asks her," What are we doing here?"

" We know she bought land from Gold. We don't know why. I'm willing to bet it's for personal reasons but we have to know for sure. We need documents that officially link her to that land." Emma explains to which Sidney realises what she is intending to do,
" So, you wanna break into her office. It's locked. And she's got a state of the art security system and alarm."

Emma insists," If we don't show this town who Regina really is who will?"

" Do you think you can crack her code?" Sidney asks and Emma answers with a voice full of determination," Yep."

Picking up a brick stone, she throws it, smashing the window, shocking Sidney as he shouts," Emma!"

Emma then states," Who does the alarm system alert? The police. I'm the police. Two minutes for her to get a call from the alarm company, one minute to get her coat and keys, three minutes to drive here. We got maybe six minutes."

Entering the office, she approaches Regina's computer and after typing into it, she successfully hacks into its system.

Emma surveys Regina's documents and she explains to Sidney," I just uncovered every file that references the tract of land she bought from Gold."

She then clinks on the print button as the printer began printing out the files are printed.

" Nice."

With the documents printed, Emma starts to look around the room and discovers a key ring with several keys, she takes it, asking Sidney," What the hell do these open?"

Sidney shakes his head," I don't know. What are you doing?"

" Looking for Henry's book." Emma answers and
Sidney stops her," We didn't come here for Henry. We came here for files and..."

Emma however, interrupts him," No,you didn't come here for Henry. Me? That's the only reason I'm here."

The light suddenly switches on and Regina enters.

She switches off the alarm and upon seeing Emma and Sidney, she questions the two," What are you doing?"

" Some kids broke in. I heard the alarm so I'm checking it out cause I'm Sheriff." Emma lies and
Regina remarks out unconvincingly," Well, that was an awfully quick response time."

" You told me to do my job and I'm doing him." Emma states.

Regina stares at Sidney," And you brought him?"

Emma quickly lies," Oh, well he saw it while he was on a walk. He's a witness."

" Hm. And what did you see, Sidney?" Regina questions.

" Some kids with a..." Sidney stammers as Emma finishes his sentence for him," Rock."

Sidney says," A rock."

Regina probes further," Did they take anything?"

" I don't know. I'd have to do a thorough sweep to, uh, find out." Emma lies. Surprisingly, Regina seems to buy her lie and she states," It appears to me it was all just a prank."

Emma asks," You're sure you don't want me to take the place apart?" Only for Regina to refuse," Sheriff, your services are not wanted nor needed."

" Okay. Well, you know where to find me." Emma nods and she and Sidney leaves.

Past. The Enchanted Forest. Dark Palace.

In the Dark Palace, The Genie enters The Evil Queen's chambers carrying the box with him.

The Evil Queen notices The Genie and she smiles,
" It's you."

The two embraces each other and The Evil Queen says to him sadly," My love for you grows stronger with every beat of my heart. But the king has read my diary. Found my mirror."

She began sobbing as she continues," Soon he will discover the truth about us. There's no escape."

The Genie assures her," There's always an escape. Your father said what's in this box would give you your freedom."

He hands her the key and The Evil Queen nods," Yes, I believe it will."

Turning the key, she unlocks the box, revealing inside, to be a two-headed snake.

" The Agrabahn Viper. A snake so deadly it can kill anything." The Evil Queen says and The Genie adds," With a single bite. This serpent is from my homeland. I know all to well of its poison. But why would you have it brought here?"

The Evil Queen sadly sighs," There's no happiness left in this life. One small bite and I shall be free from this prison forever. I'm sorry we couldn't be together, my love. Perhaps in another life we will find each other again."

The Evil Queen slowly reaches for the box. As her hand comes into the snake's reach, the Genie grabs her hand and prevents her from proceeding.

" There is another way. What if..." The Genie pauses before he continues,"...the King didn't live?"

The Evil Queen looks at him," You would do that for me?"

The Genie nods," For you I would do anything."

Relieved, she hugs him again, saying to him happily,
" I don't know what I'd do without you."

The Genie places his hand over her shoulder and he whispers," You'll never have to find out."

Present. Storybrooke. Granny's Diner.

At Granny's Diner, Henry is busily writing down characters who appear in his book.

Across from him, the Stranger stood next to Zatanna and he asks," What's he doing?"

" Writing. He's been at it since his book went missing." Zatanna answers. The Stranger walks up to Henry and he asks," What cha working on?"

However, Henry is in no mood for a conversation,
" No time to talk. I got to write it all down before I forget."

The Stranger nods," Yeah, I hate it when great ideas slip away from me."

Henry however, says," They're not my ideas. They're stories from a book that I lost."

The Stranger sits down beside Henry, trying to look at the paper as he asks the boy," Must be a hell of a book. What's it about?"

" Stuff." That was all Henry as the

The Stranger nods," Stuff. Yup. Sounds exciting."

The Stranger leaves Henry alone as Zatanna stops him," You seem awfully interested in him and his book."

The Stranger shakes his head," No, I'm just being neighborly."

" You didn't answer my earlier question. What are you doing in Storybrooke?" Zatanna asks and The Stranger replies with the same answer he gave her," I told you, I'm a writer."

" You can write anywhere. What are you really doing here?" Zatanna asks and The Stranger simply answers by quoting what Henry said to him," Stuff."

Zatanna looks at him with an eyebrow raised and he says," Hey. Not all of us goes to places looking for superheroes."

" Uh huh." Zatanna nods as the two continue to watch Henry busy at work.

Daily Mirror's office.

At Sidney's office Sidney and Emma look through some files as Sidney lists them out," Blue prints. Bank statements."

Emma takes a closer look at a construction plan, wondering out," What is she building out there? A mansion?"

Sidney reads a file, answering," Well, whatever it is, it doesn't matter, because these escrow statements have her name all over it. You were right...personal use. She's done...we got her. "

Emma leans back in her chair, as Sidney asks," What's wrong? Didn't you hear me?"

Emma sighs out, disappointed in herself," We stooped to her level. That's exactly what I promised Henry I wouldn't do."

" Emma, we got her." Sidney points out only for
Emma to shake her head," It's fruits of the poisonous tree. Illegally obtained evidence. It'll get thrown out in court in a heartbeat."

Sidney shakes his head," No, we don't need her to go to jail."

" Then what are we doing here?" Emma questions .

Sidney replies," What you wished for: Get everyone to see who she is. What she did to Henry she does to everyone. She destroys what people love. Let me show you something."

Sidney places a box on the table between them. He opens the box revealing photographs. Emma starts looking through them.

The first photograph shows Emma and Henry sitting together at a diner. Another one of Henry seated with Zatanna at his castle. Even got one of the trio at the ice-cream pallor.

Sidney sighs and he confesses," She made me follow you. She made me tell her everything. She knew about your secret place weeks ago. She just waited to destroy it until it would hurt you and Henry the most. It's all my fault. If you don't do this I have to."

" Okay." That was all Emma answers, now knowing what to do.

Town Hall.

At the town hall, Regina sits in front of six members of the town's castle, a public meeting taking place as behind them, an audience is assembled.

Regina bangs a gavel to start the meeting, announcing out," This session of the Storybrooke City Council will come to order. We will begin by reading the minutes from our last meeting."

Sidney stood up, interrupting her," Uh, excuse me, um, Madam Mayor. I have something I'd like to bring to the council's attention."

Regina brushes him off," This is not an open forum, Sidney. And no one on this council's interested in hearing the boozy complaints of a disgraced reporter. Now sit down."

" He's not the only one who has something to say." Regina looks, an irritated look plastered on her face as Emma stood up as well.

" Miss Swan, this meeting is to discuss issues facing Storybrooke." Regina reprimands.

" Like the Mayor stealing thousands of dollars from the city to build herself a second home?" Emma interjects.

Gasps come from the audience prompting Regina to bang the gavel to silence them.

Regina then hisses," Miss Swan, you will sit down immediately or so help me..."

Emma however, challenges her," What? You'll punish me? You'll bully me like everyone else in this town? No. Not today."

She turns around to face the audience to show the a paper with a construction plan, announcing out,
" In my hand, I am holding documents proving that this woman, your mayor, stole funds from the city to build herself a lavish home in the woods. And this disgraced reporter - you want to know why he was really fired? Because he stood up to her. Because he questioned her. We all know what happens to people who question the Mayor. You claim that you act in the best interest of all of us, but that isn't the truth, is it? The truth is, you are a thug that doesn't care about anyone, or anything, but yourself. That is who you really are. And it is time for the people of Storybrooke to know that."

Regina however, is reacting to this more calmly than Emma is expecting," You're right, Miss Swan. I am building a house."

Standing up, she reveals her plan," A play house."

The projector behind her shows an image of a playground and she spoke," The accusations are true. I did take city funds. I wanted to build a playground so my son Henry and all the children of Storybrooke could have a special place to play. Safely. As for the sketch in your hands-it was inspired by a drawing in one of son's books. So, there you have it. Miss Swan, you've exposed me for who I really am."

Past. The Enchanted Forest. Dark Palace.

At the dark palace, King Leopold is fast asleep.

The Genie is stands at the foot of the bed holding the box, whispering to the sleeping King," Forgive me."

Using the key, he unlocks the box. The snake rises and briefly faces the Genie. He raises its attention to the king.

The snake slowly sneaks under the sheets. Now, the Genie approaches the king who awakens.

As it reaches the pillow both snake heads bite the king.

Almost immediately King Leopold's skin turns bruised and purple as the king began gasping for air.

The Genie decides to take the king's hand, comforting the dying king," The pain will soon pass. You asked me to find the man who gave the mirror to your queen. I did...I am that man. You gave me my freedom. You gave me a chance to find love and, for that, I'm forever in your debt. But just as you freed me, so must I now free your queen. Forgive me."

Using the last of his strength, King Leopold grabs the Genie by his hand, preventing him from leaving the room and he gasps with his last dying breath,
" You were right. I should never have made that wish."

Present. Storybrooke. Outside

With the Council Meeting over, Emma and Sidney walks out together.

In the distance Regina talks to a small group of people.

Just then, Mr. Gold joins Emma and Sidney Glass remarking out," Look at her. Queen of the castle. You know, what you did in there was commendable, Miss Swan. But if you really want to bring her down you're going to need a strong ally."

Emma stares at him," Like yourself?"

Mr. Gold inclines his head only for Emma to refuse his offer," Thanks. I'm still not interested."

" Oh, one can wish." Mr. Gold simply smiles and takes his leave just as Regina approaches Emma, saying, " Miss Swan? A word? Alone?"

Sidney walks away, leaving Regina to reprimand Emma alone," I don't know what you were hoping to accomplish in there. But now, I hope you'll go back to your job. Which is upholding the law...not breaking it. You don't think I know you broke into my office?"

Emma glowers at Regina," Don't pretend you're so innocent. I know, you messed with the brakes on my car."

Regina gasps at her accusation," Your brakes? Are you delusional? Why would I kill you when you just saw I had nothing to hide?"

" Nothing I can prove." Emma boldly stated only for
Regina to growl," Well, until you have something more substantial than disdain to throw my way you're going to stay away from me. And...more importantly ...from Henry."

" But that's..." Without giving Emma a chance to finish, Regina shuts her up," Not open to discussion. You've lost the high ground, Sheriff. If I wanted to there's not a judge in the world that would deny me a restraining order after what you've done. You don't get to see my son unless I say so. And right now, I don't say so."

Regina turns around, leaving as Emma and Sidney watches her.

The new playground.

At the newly constructed playground, Henry notices Emma in the distance who's sitting in her car. He waves and then takes out his Walkie Talkie in order to talk to her." Why are you so far away? Come over here."

Emma looks at him apologetically as she apologises to him through the walkie talkie," Sorry, kid, I can't today."

Henry asks, unaware of the situation," You're undercover, aren't you? For Operation Cobra?"

Emma shakes her head," No, Henry. I'm not undercover. Your mom...she doesn't want us seeing each other for a while."

" You don't have to listen to her." Henry says only for

Emma to bring down the news to him," Actually, this time, I do. I screwed up, Henry. I got mad at your mom about you and the book and everything and... Well, we're just going to have to be apart for a little while."

Henry sits down, shaking his head sadly," I don't want to be apart."

" Neither do I. But, right now, we have to. Don't worry...I'll find a way back in. And hey. If it's out there, Henry...I will find your book." Emma assured him and Henry says to her pessimistically," Good luck. It's probably gone and it's probably never coming back."

Present. Storybrooke. Granny's Bed and Breakfast.

Inside the room of Granny's Bed and Breakfast, tongs are used to break a lock.

Opening the box August takes out out reveals to be Henry's book.

He takes a closer look at it

Present. Storybrooke. Granny's Diner.

At Granny's Diner, Sidney sips his drink seated alone.

At that moment, Emma enters the diner and joins him, remarking out," Looks like we had the same idea."

Sidney holds up his cup," Well, if you can't beat her... Drink."

He takes a sip of his beer and sighs out in frustration," How did we not see this?"

" We did. We saw it all, right from the start. Just didn't want to look. Blinded by our anger." Emma pauses, remembering the words Mr. Gold said to her and Zatanna's warning and she finishes her sentence," By everything."

Sidney however is still pretty optimistic," This time. But there are a lot more skeletons in Regina's closet. And the good news? You've got yourself an ally."

Emma nods," We won't get fooled again."

The two clink glasses, affirming their partnership and common enemy.

Later

Back home, Emma walks in as Zatanna looks up, asking her," Well? How did it go?"

" Well as well as I wanted it to be." Emma answers sarcastically as Zatanna looks at her," Huh. That bad huh."

" Yup. I may not get to spend time with Henry for a while." Emma sighs as she plops down on the sofa.

As Zatanna gives her a cup of coffee, Emma then asks," By the way, where were you this entire time? Mary Margaret told me she saw you heading into the forest. What were you doing there?"

" Well you remember that stranger we met? Well he invited me to that drink he promised the both of us and you won't guess where he took me..."

Storybrooke Wishing Well. Few Hours Ago.

At the Storybrooke wishing well, Zatanna looks as she notices the stranger appearing before her with his motorbike.

He dismounts from his vehicle as Zatanna asks," A watering hole? Really? That's where you want to get me a drink?"

" Well, say what you want about me. I always tell the truth." The Stranger answers as Zatanna questions," I always thought a drink was, like, wine or whiskey."

" What, do you want me to get you drunk?" The Stranger asks and Zatanna smiles," No."

The Stranger smiles back, " Maybe next time, if you bring Emma with you."

" You are optimistic." Zatanna remarks as the Stranger grabs two cups from the motorcycle. saying," They say there's something special about this well. There's even a legend. They say that the water from the well is fed by and underground lake, and that lake had magical properties."

He draws out water from the well, gives one of them to Zatanna and she says," Magic? You sound like Henry."

" Smart kid. So this legend, it says that if you drink water from the well, something lost will be returned to you." The stranger says as Zatanna spoke,

" Well, I can't have my father back. Or my actual magic powers but I got to say, you know an awful lot about this town for being a stranger."

" And you know very little for being a magician." The Stranger retorts.

Zatanna stares at him," How do you know all of this? You've been here before? Have we even met?"

The Stranger answers," To answer your first two questions, I read the plaque. Secondly, we have met before but you may not know it yet. Which brings forth one question. Why are you here?"

" Well I'm just helping Emma deal with her kid." Zatanna answers only for the Stranger to shake his head,

" No. No. I mean why are you and your father really here? There has got to be more than just this is there?" The Stranger probes.

Zatanna stares at him and she confesses," Okay, I don't know how you know where I really come from but there's no point hiding it. My father actually came to this world to find a hero that can stop the Evil Queen."

" Hero?" The Stranger questions," What kind of hero is he? The one that talks to fish? Or that chick that could scream really loudly."

" No. Years ago that hero saved my father from a demon. We heard he came from this world so we came to find him, the one he calls...Superman." Zatanna answers.

" Superman huh? So did you find him?" The Stranger continues and Zatanna shakes her head," No. Sadly, he was nowhere to be seen and my father never account for the fact this is a realm without magic so we not only lost our powers here but we had no way of getting home. Before we knew it, we perform magic tricks to survive in this world and we adopted Emma when she was sixteen years old. She became my sister since then."

The Stranger nods quietly and Zatanna remarks," I'm surprised. Usually most people would have just laugh it off. Especially since this Superman is a comic character."

The Stranger shrugs," I'm a writer. I have to have an open mind."

Zatanna drinks her water and she asks him," So why water though?"

The Stranger answers," Water is a very powerful thing. Cultures as old as time have worshiped it. It flows though all lands, connecting the entire world. If anything had mystical properties, if anything had magic, well I'd say it'd be water."

As he fills a cup with water, Zatanna then asks," So what's the interest with my sister?"

The Stranger then says," Let's just say I know she is going to change this town for the better."

The Stranger then hands her a cup of the water, saying,

" I know there's one thing I can tell you for sure that requires no leap of faith and I know you'll agree with me."

" What's that?" Zatanna asks and the Stranger simply answer," It's good water."

They clink cups together and drink.

Blanchard Loft, Now

Emma stares at Zatanna and she comments out," Wow. Okay. He better give me whiskey or something when he buys me that drink."

" Yeah." Zatanna nods.

Emma then asks," Then what happens next?"

" Oh then I insisted to buy him a drink so I took him to Granny's and bought him his drink. We did met Henry who is writing things which was information from his Storybook." Zatanna answers.

" Uh huh." Emma nods and Zatanna continues,
" He seems awfully interested in Henry. I know Regina may not want you near him for now but we should keep an eye on him just to be safe."

" Don't worry. I will." Emma assures Zatanna.

Zatanna then stands up and she heads to her room, thinking to herself," Just who is that man? There's something about him that feels...familiar and...not of this world."

Past. The Enchanted Forest. Dark Palace.

At the Dark Palace, The Evil queen sits at her dressing table.

The Genie enters, bringing forth the news,
" It's done. You're free, my love. We are free to be together."

The Evil Queen still stares at her mirror, not paying any attention to the Genie," D...Did you not hear me? Our days of imprisonment are over."

The Evil Queen says to him," You haven't heard the news? The palace guards found the snake. They know it's from your country. They know it is you who killed the king. It's only a matter of time before they catch you. You will be executed. I'm sorry but we will never be together."

Standing up, The Evil Queen tells the Genie," Come, I've arranged for a boat to provide you save passage out of the kingdom. You must leave at once."

Realisation dawns on The Genie and he gasps out in shock?" The Agrabahn viper. Of all the snakes in all the world that is what you chose. You wanted the murder to be traced back to me. You fooled me. You never loved me."

The Evil Queen laughs,"  Loved you? I wanted the king killed and you killed him. You are no longer of any use to me. Be grateful I'm offering you an escape. Now flee the kingdom and never turn back."

The Genie shakes his head, refusing to believe what she said," I can't live without you. I won't live without you."

The Evil Queen stares at him in disgust," Did you not understand me? I don't love you. There's no way we will ever be together."

" There is one way." The Genie reaches for his lamp in his pocket, saying to her," There is still one wish remaining. I wish to be with you forever. To look upon your face always. To never leave your side."

Blue smoke envelops around him and the lamp falls to the ground.

The Evil Queen hears a tapping sound, causing her to turn around, searching for the Genie.

Finally she looks into her mirror again but instead of her own reflection, The Evil Queen notices the Genie face, facing her from within.

The Evil Queen smiles wickedly, saying to him, " Looks like you've got your wish. You will be with me. Forever."

Present. Storybrooke. The Mayor's Office.

Lost in thought Sidney Glass looks at one of the mirrors of the office. Regina approaches him from behind, saying to him," Have a seat, Sidney."

They both sit down across each other.

Regina takes an apple from the fruit bowl standing on the table and she asks," Well?"

Sidney pulls a tape recorder out of his pocket and plays the tape back, listening as Sidney's voice plays from the speaker," You've got yourself an ally."

" We won't get fooled again." After Emma's audio ends Sidney switches off the recorder. Regina smiles, pleased by the results," Mhm. She bought it."

" All of it." Sidney nods.

Regina smiles, complimenting him," Masterful job, Sidney. Top to bottom."

She offers him the apple, adding, " And cutting the breaks of her car? Inspired."

Sidney nods, proud of his handiwork," I'm glad you approve."

Regina smirks," Now, she trusts you. Now, we can have some fun."

Sidney assures," Everything she does. Everywhere she goes. You'll know about it."

Regina smiles as she says what she said to him back in the Enchanted Forest," I don't know what I'd do without you, Sidney."

Sidney however warns Regina," But there's still Zatanna Zatara to deal with. She doesn't trust me and she never went on with the plan."

Regina nods," Yes. I must admit Miss Zatara far smarter than I give her credit for."

" It won't be easy to get rid of her. What do you suggest we do?" Sidney asks.

Regina looks at her apple, a sneer spreads across her face as she answers," We will just bid our time. Eventually she will reveal her weakness and we will exploit it to bring her down for good."