The next morning

In the streets of Storybrooke, every resident in town are up, walking through the streets as they began to get started on their day.

In the Mayor's house, Regina flips through the pages of Henry's book, staring at the picture of a magician and his daughter and she whispers to herself," Zatanna...Zatara...no wonder why that name sounds so familiar."

Regina then continues flipping the pages, briefly staring at the page despicting Snow and Charming's wedding, with the two Zataras firing a blast midair at her.

As Regina turns the page, her eyes narrows in curiosity. The last several pages have been ripped from the book.

Henry's Room

Inside Henry's room, the boy is packing his items into his bag, getting ready for scholl just as Regina enters the room, questioning her adoptive son," The missing pages, where are they?"

Henry simply shrugs," It's an old book, stuff's missing. What do you care?"" I care because you think I'm some evil queen. And that hurts me, Henry. I'm your mother." Regina then touches his face with her hand to which he moves away from her.

" No, you're not." Henry insists.

" Well, then, who is?" Regina impatiently questions," Those women you brought here? I don't like what they or this book is doing to you. Thankfully both are no longer an issue."

Henry looks at the ground and shuffles his feet, confusing Regina.

" What?" Regina demands.

As if on cue, the clock tower let's out a loud chime, shocking Regina as she turns her head toward the sound. Leaving Henry to exit his room uninterrupted.

Clock Tower

Near the clock tower. Regina stands on the sidewalk, looking up at the clock.

As she watches, Archie, walking Pongo, walks up to her, staring at the clock as he happily piped," Hey, how 'bout that? Guess those rustly old innards finally straightened themselves out, huh?"

Regina looks across the street, staring at Emma's car as she agrees," Yes, how 'bout that, indeed."

Storybrooke. Present. Granny's Bed & Breakfast, Emma's room.

Zatanna stood at the front of a mirror, combing her hair just as there was a knock at the door.

" I'll get it." Emma steps towards the door, twisting it opens just to find Regina, standing in the hallway, holding a basket of apples.

Regina extends an apple out, smiling as she speaks," Did you know the honeycrisp tree is the most vigorous and hardy of all apple trees? It can survive temperatures as low as forty below and keep growing. It can weather any storm. I have one that I've tended to since I was a little girl. And to this day, I have yet to taste anything more delicious than the fruit it offers."

She extends another apple to Zatanna as Emma thanks her for the apple," Thanks."

Regina smiles," I'm sure you two will enjoy them on your drive home."

However, Zatanna protests," On the contrary, the two of us are gonna stay for a while."

Regina quickly objects," I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Henry has enough issues, he doesn't need you confusing him."

Zatanna shakes her head," Sorry Madame Mayor, after all the threats you've made to me and my sister, we decided to stay here longer."

Regina asks," Since when were apples a threat?"

Zatanna retorts," Since you tried poisoning someone with it."

" Poison?" Emma asks just as Regina shrugs her off," Oh ignore her Miss Swan, she has no idea what she's talking about."

Emma apologies to Regina," Sorry, we just wanna make sure Henry's okay."

Regina brushes her off," He's fine, dear. Any problems he has are being taken care of."

Confused, Zatanna asks," What does that mean?"

Regina answers," It means I have him in therapy. It's all under control. Take my advice, Miss Swan and Miss Zatara, only one of us knows what's best for Henry."

Emma nods," Yeah, I'm starting to think you're right about that."

Regina growls," It's time for you to go."
Zatanna retorts," Or what?"

Regina takes a step toward the two, looking at them and she growls threateningly," Don't underestimate me, you two. You have no idea what I'm capable of."

The Enchanted Forest. Past. The Castle.

Snow White and Prince Charming watches during their wedding as The Evil Queen declares out," I shall destroy your happiness if it is the last thing I do."

As she turn and walks away, she heard a loud voice calling out to her," Hey!"

The Queen turns back and both Zatara and a younger Zatanna thrusts their hands out, sending a blast of magic towards her.

As the projectile closes in, the Queen disappears in a puff of smoke, the projectile flying past it before disappearing in thin air.

Evil Queen's Palace

The Valet looks as The Evil Queen reappear in a puff of smoke, prompting him to offer," Would you like something to drink?"

Evil Queen asks him haughtily," Do I look like I need a drink?"

Valet shrugs," I was only trying to help."

He then offers her a drink, prompting the Evil Queen to take the glass," Thank you."

Magic Mirror speaks as The Queen approaches him," Now that was an awfully big threat. Destroy everyone's happiness? How do you plan on accomplishing that?"

The Evil Queen answers," The Dark Curse."

Horrified, both the Magic Mirror and Valet stares at her with the Valet asking," Are you sure, your Majesty?"

The Magic Mirror objects," But you said you'd never use it."

The Valet adds," You made a deal when you gave away that curse."

The Magic Mirror reminds," You traded it away."

With the Valet warning, knowing who she would go to," She won't be happy to see you."

The Evil Queen however, dismisses the two," Since when do I care about anyone else's happiness but mine?" She then orders," Prepare the carriage. I'm going to the Forbidden Fortress."

Later, the Queen's carriage drove across the dark and brooding Forbidden Forest, heading straight towards the castle.

Maleficent's castle

Maleficent and the Queen sit in front of a fireplace, deep in their conversation as Maleficent asks," How are you, dear?"

The Evil Queen replies," I'm doing fine." However, Maleficent is not convinced," Are you?"

She pours herself a drink, continuing," If it were me, I'd be simply tortured, watching that flake of snow so happy."

She sat herself down, reminding The Evil Queen about her predicament," Weren't you about the same age when you were to be married? Before she ruined it all?" She raises her glass, finishing her sentence with a," Yes, you were."

" It was about the same age you were when that sleeping beauty got the best of you, my dear Maleficent." The Evil Queen retaliates.

Maleficent shrugged," I soldiered on, as you will, too.. Hopefully."

The Evil Queen growls," Enough games. You know why I'm here. I need my curse back."

Maleficent reminds her," It's not yours anymore. A deal's a deal. I traded you my Sleeping Curse."

" Which failed. Undone by a simple kiss. Now please, return what's mine." Maleficent looks up at her, The Dark Curse, really? You must know that not even its unholy power can bring your loved one back from the dead."

As Maleficent strokes a nearby unicorn, she asks The Evil Queen," Have you considered a pet? They can be quite comforting."

The Evil Queen spat," The only comfort for me is Snow White's suffering."

Maleficent laughs," Well, it's her wedding night, I doubt she's suffering right now."

Evil Queen demands," I need that curse. I know you keep it hidden in the orb above your staff."

Maleficent says," Hidden for the good of all, old friend. Whoever created that monstrosity makes the two of us look positively... moral. Who did give it to you?"

The Evil Queen stood up, stepping towards Maleficent and she snarls," Where I got it's none of your concern. Hand it back."

" Must we do this?"" Alas, we must."

Queen Regina uses her magic to take fire from the fireplace and launch it at Maleficent, who easily deflects the projectile with a swing of her staff.

Using her magic, The Queen levitates various weapons in the room and points them toward Maleficent.

The unicorn let's out a loud whiny and the Queen points the weapons at it, causing Maleficent to widen her eyes in horror.

" NOO!!!!" Malaficent moves quickly to save her unicorn, only for The Queen to drop a chandelier on Maleficent, using the curved metal to ensnare her, causing Maleficent to drop her staff.

As the Evil Queenpicks up the staff, she says," Love is weakness, Maleficent. I thought you knew that."

Maleficent growls," If you're going to kill me, kill me!"

Evil Queen smirks," Why would I do that? You're my only friend."

Maleficent shakes her head, saying to The Evil Queen in a begging tone," Don't do this. This curse... there are lines even we should not cross."

As the Queen turns the staff upside down and slamming it onto the floor, Maleficent continues," All power comes with a price. Enacting it will take a terrible toll... It will leave an emptiness inside you... A void you will never be able to fill."

The Evil Queen takes a small scroll on the floor, stares down at Maleficent and she says," So be it."

The Enchanted Forest. A forest.

The Evil Queen, her valet, and several others are gathered around a fire. These other include an ogre, a gnome and, a blind witch.

The Evil Queen began her speech," Who among us is tired of losing? That's why I called you here. To put an end to our misery. Today, we claim victory. And move to a new, better realm. A place where we can finally win."

The Blind Witch asks," And we'll be happy?"

The Evil Queen nods," I guarantee it. But first, I need something from you. A lock of hair from those with the darkest souls. You must trust me. Because, if you don't... there are other ways."

Using her magic to move the trees surrounding them. The gnome, witch, and ogre obediently remove locks of their hair. Not intending to incur her wrath.

" A wise decision."

She nods as she collects their hair, adding up," All that remains is the final ingredient."

Her valet presents a box to her, which she opens. Reaching her hand in before pulling out a heart.

She explains," A prized heart, from my childhood steed. A glorious beast whose passing will fuel our victory. Let my wrath be unleashed."

She tosses the heart into the fire. The fire blooms into a cloud of dark smoke, then dissipates, leaving those assembled looking shocked and confused.

The gnome begins to burst out laughing," Yeah, you really unleashed something there! AH HA HA HA HA!!!"

He continues laughing at the Queen, who promptly turns him into stone.

Storybrooke. Present. The Mayor's house, garden

Regina picks an apple from her tree as Sidney Glass walks up, showing off a newspaper.

" The Mirror strikes again." He announces.

Regina growls," You're late."

Sidney apologises," Sorry, I wanted to bring you the latest edition. I assure you, it's one of my better hatchet jobs."

He presents her the newspaper, letting Regina take the paper from him.

As Regina reads it, she shakes her head in frustration," That's not what I asked for. What'd you find out about her?"

Sidney explains," Well, the truth be told, there wasn't much. She spent a lot of time in foster homes. She got into a little trouble when she was a kid, but the details are locked up pretty tight. Since then, she's clean. Bounced around all over after the Zataras took her in as a teen. The only thing I really learned was that she doesn't like to sit still."

Regina then questions further," Then what about Zatanna?"

To which Sidney replies," Aside from her and her father being famous magicians, performing in plays, hosting parties and even attending kid birthday parties, no criminal records for Zatanna. Except her dad passed away one year ago."

Upon hearing that, Regina sighs a breath of relief," Well, with that meddlesome Zatara gone, that's great news for a change."

" What is that?"

Realising what she just did, Regina quickly changes what she said," I mean, that appears to have changed."

Sidney then questions," I...I didn't know that, um, she had Henry while she was in Phoenix? How'd he wind up here in Maine?"

Without answering, Regina concludes," So if I'm understanding you correctly, you've found nothing of value. Which means you have no value, Sidney. Do you know what I do with things that hold no value to me? I throw them away."

Sidney stutters in fear as he turns to walk away," I...I'll keep looking."

Storybrooke. Present. Granny's Diner.

Emma and Zatanna are seated at the counter, reading a newspaper and flipping through a phone when Ruby steps towards them, setting two mugs of hot chocolate, with cinnamon, in front of them

" Here you go." Ruby happily pipes.

Emma and Zatanna stares at their beverages in confusion before Emma says," Thank you... but we did not order that."

Ruby nods," Yeah, I know. You have an admirer."

She points, directing both Zatanna and Emma towards Sheriff Graham seated in a booth.

She puts down her paper and the two walks over to him

Graham looks up at the two, smiling," Ah, so you decided to stay."

Emma compliments him," Observant. Important for a cop."

Graham jokes," That's good news for our tourist business, bad for our local signage."

Emma gives him a look while Zatanna raises an eyebrow.

Realising that they didn't get it, Graham explains," It's...it's a joke... because you ran over our sign..."

Emma said," Look, the cocoa was a nice gesture, and I am impressed that you guessed that I like cinnamon in my chocolate, 'cause most people don't, but I am not here to flirt, so, thank you, but no thank you."

She sets the mug on the table, looking just as Zatanna finishes the entire cup in one sip. Zatanna tips the cup down and she asks upon realising that Emma is looking at her," What? I wouldn't say no to a free drink."

She looks at Graham and she thanked him," Thanks for the cocoa."

However, Graham denies," I didn't send it."

" I did." Both Zatanna and Emma turns their heads, finding Henry seated at a table before getting up, saying to them," I like cinnamon, too."

" Don't you have school?" Emma asks.

Henry nods," Duh, I'm ten. Walk me."

Storybrooke. Present. Street.

Henry, Emma and Zatanna walk down the sidewalk as Emma inquires," So, what's the deal with you and your mom?"

Henry explains," It's not about us, it's about her curse. We have to break it. Luckily, I have a plan. Step one: identification. I call it, "Operation Cobra".

Both Emma and Zatanna stares at him, with Emma saying," Cobra? That has nothing to do with fairytales."

Henry nods," Exactly, it's a codename. It'll throw the Queen off the trail."

Zatanna looks around and she theorists," So, everyone here is fairytale character, they just don't know it."

Henry spoke," That's the cure. Time's been frozen.. Until you got here."

Zatanna widens her eyes, thinking to herself," Well, no wonder why everyone still looks the same after all these years."

Beside her, Emma begins to take a bite of the apple she's carrying, prompting Henry to inquire," Hey! Where'd you get that?"

" Your mom." Emma answers, causing Henry to shout," Don't eat that!"

He takes it from her and throws it away.

Emma stares at him," Okay... Um, uh, alright. What about their pasts?"

" They don't know. It's a haze to them. Ask anyone anything and you'll see." Henry answers.

Zatanna then concludes," So... for decades, people have been walking around, in a haze, not aging, with screwed up memories, stuck in a cursed town that kept them oblivious."

Everything suddenly dawns on Zatanna, now knowing why none of her friends in the Enchanted Forest recognises her.

Henry nods," Great! You get it! That's why we need her, because you two are the only one who can stop her Curse.

Zatanna then asks," So how are we gonna do that?"

Henry stops her," Hold on." He then unzips his backpack, takes out pages from the Once Upon a Time book and hands them to both Emma and Zatanna, explaining," I took out the last part of my book, the part with her in it."

Emma and Zatanna stares at a page containing an illustration of Prince Charming placing baby Emma in the wardrobe, the name "Emma" clearly visibly on the baby blanket.

Henry then exclaims to Emma," See? Your mom is Snow White!"

Emma mutters," Kid..."

Henry grasps her hand, saying to her," I know the hero never believes at first, if they did, it wouldn't be a very good story. If you need proof, take them, read them. But whatever you do, don't let her see these pages. They're dangerous. If she finds out who you are... then it would be bad."

School

Emma and Zatanna stops walking and Henry continues on," I gotta go, but I'll find you later and we can get started. I knew you'd believe me!"

Emma shouts," I never said I did!"

" Why else would you be here?" Henry shouts before running towards the building.

As he runs off toward the school, Zatanna says to Emma," Kid's got a point sis. That baby sure looks a lot like you."

" It's not me." Emma states.

As the two turns to leave, at that moment, Mary approaches the two, smiling," It's good to see his smile back."

Emma shakes her head," I didn't do anything."

Mary Margaret however, has a different opinion," You stayed. So.. does the Mayor know you're still here?"

Emma nods," Oh, she knows."" And she ain't happy." Zatanna adds.

Zatanna then asks," What is her deal? She's not a great people person, how did she get elected?"

Mary Margaret explains," She's been Mayor as long as I can remember. No one's ever been brave enough to run against her."

Zatanna shrugs," Well, people used to think that about Hitler until the Allied Forces defeated him."

Mary stares at her," Who?"

Grumbling, Zatanna says," Never mind. Anyway, what else about Regina?"

" Well she inspires quite a bit of.. well, fear. I'm afraid I only made that worse by giving Henry that book and now he thinks she's the Evil Queen." Mary explains.

Emma then adds," Well, she thought my sister was this character."

Mary looks as Emma points at an illustration of a much younger Zatanna before asking her," Who does he think you are?"

Mary Margaret scoffs our," It's silly..."

Emma chuckles," I just got five minutes of silly. Lay it on me."

Both Zatanna and Mary answers," Snow White."

Emma looks slightly stunned while Zatanna simply looks down quietly, not wanting to say a word.

Just then, the school bell rings in the distance, prompting Mary to make her way to school, not without asking," Who does he think you are?"

Emma denied," I'm not in the book.. Can I ask you a favor? Regina mentioned the kid's in therapy; do you know where I can find the doctor?"

Storybrooke. Present. Dr. Archie Hopper's office.

Inside his office, Archie sits on a chair, quietly reading when there was a knock on the door.

The door opens, with both Emma and Zatanna entering with Emma greeting the therapist," Hey."

" Emma Swan. Zatanna Zatara." Archie acknowledges them as he stood up, picking up a copy of the newspaper," I was just, uh, reading about you. Let me guess, you're here for help with a little post-traumatic stress?"

He lightly chuckles, setting the paper down as he adds," That diagnosis was free, by the way."

Zatanna politely rejects," Thanks but no thanks."

Emma adds," It's about Henry."

Archie says to her apologetically," I'm sorry, I...I I really shouldn't..."

Emma says," I know, I'm sorry, I just... just tell me something."

Zatanna lies," This fairytale obsession, what is causing it? I mean, he thinks everyone is a character in his book. What do you think it is?"

Archie sighs as he explains," These stories...they're his language. He has no idea how to express complex emotions so he's translating as best he can, this is how he communicates. He's using this book to help deal with his problems."

Realising something, Zatanna proves," But he got the book a month ago. Has he been seeing you longer than that?"

Archie nods," Um...Yes, he has."

Emma concludes," So it's Regina, isn't it?"

Archie explains," Uh...his mother is a... very complicated woman, and uh-- over the years, her attempts to try and bring Henry closer have only backfired."

He then moves to a file cabinet, opening it and removing a file before handing it to Emma, offering it to her," Why don't you take a look at the file. Um... see what I mean."

Emma stares at him," Why are you doing this?"

Archie shrugs," Well, he talks about you a lot. You're.. very important to him."

Emma smiles at him with appreciation," Thank you."

Archie says," Just uh... see that I get it back, okay?"

He then opens the door and Emma moves to exit, before requesting to her," Miss Swan. Just for the sake of the boy, be careful how you handle his... belief system. To destroy his imagination would be.. would be devastating."

Emma then leaves as Archie closes the door. He sits down at a desk and picks up the phone, before dialing it, placing it close to his ear as he speaks," You were right. She.. was just here."

" Did she take the file?" Archie could hear Regina's voice from across the speaker and he nods," Yes. H...how did you know she was gonna come here?"

Regina answers," Because I'm the one who gave her the idea."

Outside of the office, Emma then suggests to Zatanna," Okay. I need to study these files in private, is it okay if you can go check on Henry for a bit?"

" You got it," Zatanna tips her hat before walking out, heading straight for the school as Emma heads back to the inn.

Granny's diner, Emma's room

Emma, on her bed, is reading through Henry's file when there is a knock on the door.

" Huh? Is Zatanna back already?"

She walks towards it, opening only to reveal Sheriff Graham in the hallway.

Shocked, Emma greets him," Hey there... if you're concerned about the "Do Not Disturb" signs, don't worry; I've left them alone."

Graham however, doesn't seems to be in a pleasant mood as he says," Actually, I'm here about Dr. Archibald Hopper. He mentioned you got into a bit of a row with him earlier?"

Emma shakes her head," No."

Graham states," I'm shocked, too, given your shy, delicate sensibilities. He says you demanded to see Henry's files and when he refused you came back and stole them."

" He gave them to me." Emma insists. However, Graham isn't having it," Alas, he's telling a different tale. May I check your room? Or must I get a search warrant?"

Emma obediently opens the door fully, walking over to her bed and gesturing to the files spread on it," This what ya lookin' for?"

Graham steps into the room, picking up a file and glancing at it before saying," Well, you're very accommodating. But, I'm afraid, Miss Swan, you're under arrest. Again."

He begins to cuff her as Emma protests," You know I'm being set up, don't you?"

Graham asks," And whom, may I ask, is setting you up?"

" The Mayor. Please Graham, call Zatanna, she can vouch for me." Emma pleads.

" Yeah well, until then, you'll have to come with me." Sheriff Graham states as he drags Emma out of her room.

Storybrooke Elementary school.

Outside of the school, Mary Margaret is standing, giving a lesson outside," Water... synthesize."

Right at that moment, she heard a loud voice of someone clearing her throat, causing to stand up.

" Oh, Zatanna, what are you doing here?" Mary asks as Zatanna steps towards her, answering her question," Oh nothing much. Just wanna check on how you and Henry are doing."

" Oh, he's fine." Mary answers.

After staying silent for a while, Zatanna asks," Hey, you think can I hang around your class for a bit?"" Sure, you're more than welcome." Mary smiles as Zatanna stands behind, listening as Mary continues her lesson.

As Mary is busy teaching, just then, one little boy looks at Zatanna, asking her," Excuse me miss, but are you a Magician of some kind?"

Zatanna nods," I am."

A little girl then asks," Ooh, can you perform a trick for us?"

Upon hearing that, the boy turns to Mary, raising up his hand as he asks the teacher," Miss Blanchard. Can she perform a trick for us?"

Almost immediately, the entire class erupts in a mix of excited cheers as Mary smiles," Well, I don't see why not."

The class cheers out as Mary steps to the side, watching as Zatanna pulls out her hat, smiling as she asks," Okay boys and girls, ready to see a trick?"

With a pull, Zatanna pulls out a rabbit from her hat, causing the children to let out an excited cheer.

Among them, Henry sat back, smiling as he watches Zatanna swipes her wand back, summoning out a bouquet of flowers and a snake in the process.

As Zatanna is about to perform another trick, right at that moment, Regina steps towards the group, clearing her throat loudly to get Mary's attention.

Upon noticing Regina approaching, she walks up as Regina asks," May I speak with my son?"

Mary Margaret asks," We're in the middle of a something. Is it important?"

Regina replies rudely to her," Do you think I'd be here if it wasn't!?"

She walks away from Mary Margaret, roughly pudhing past Zatanna before pulling out her son to speaking to him, alone.

" Henry, sweetie, I have some bad news. The woman who you brought here... she's been arrested. She broke into Dr. Hopper's office and stole his files."

" What?!" Shocked, Zatanna storms towards Regina, objecting," You know it's not true, Hopper gave her those files!"

" That's not what he said to the Sheriff Miss Zatara," Regina said," You better stay away from my son unless you want to join that criminal of a sister in jail."

Stepping past her, Regina kneels down and she continues to tell Henry.

" She's a con woman. She's trying to learn about us in order to take advantage of us. That's why she's sticking around. I'm sorry."

Not convinced with her lies, Henry rebuted," No, you're not."

Regina tried to assure him," I know you think otherwise, but all I'm doing is trying to protect you. This is gonna be good for us, you'll see. Things will be better.

The school bell rings, prompting Henry to leave," I gotta get back to class."

As Henry leaves to join back the rest of his class, Regina smugly saunters past a seething Zatanna and she smirks," Your move."

Sheriff Station

" You know the Shrink is lying right?" Emma states as Graham snaps a picture of her, with him saying," To the right please."

As Emma turns, he asks," Why would he lie?"

" The Mayor, put him up to this. He's...terrified of her just like everyone in this...town." Emma explains.

Not convinced, Graham points to the left side, instructing her," To the left." As Emma turns, Graham explains," Regina may be a tox bit intimidating but...I don't think she would go as far as a frame job."

Emma looks at him and she asks," How far would she go? What does she have her hands in?"" Well, she's the mayor, she has her hands on everything." Graham answers.

" Including the police force?" Graham simply gave her a look before a loud voice could be heard," HEY!"

Graham turns, his eyes widens in surprise as he watches Henry, Zatanna and Mary enter the station," Henry! Henry, what are you doing here?"

Mary Margaret explains," His mother told him what happened."

" Of course she did!" Emma looks at Henry, saying," Henry, I don't know what she said..."

However, Henry unexpectedly compliments her," You're a genius!"

Emma widens her eyes in shock," What?"

" I know what you were up to." Emma gives him a confused look, not understanding what the boy means," You were gathering intel. For "Operation Cobra"."

" I'm sorry, I'm a bit lost..." Graham rubs the back of his head.

" It's need to know, Sheriff," Henry says ," And all you need to know is that Miss Zatara gonna bail her out."

Graham asks," Really?"

Zatanna nods," Yup. I was there with her, I can vouch for Emma."

Graham then looks at Mary," And you?"

Mary Margaret stammers," I...Uh...trust her."

Realising the reality of the situation, Graham expresses out," Alright. That changes everything."

" Good. Now if you could uncuff me..." Emma extends her cuffed wrists to Graham, finishing her sentence," I have something to do."

The Mayor's Office.

Regina sits at her desk, working when she heard a loud roar of a chainsaw outside.

She looks out the window at her apple tree, watching as Emma is cutting off a branch with a chainsaw while Zatanna chops down another branch with an axe.

Furious, Regina storms out of her office, rushing up to both Emma and Zatanna, screaming at them in fury," What the hell are you doing!?"

" Picking apples." Emma casually answers, She dropping the chainsaw while Zatanna tosses her axe to the side.

Regina glowered at them,"You're out of you mind!"

Emma retorts," No, you are if you think a shoddy frame job's enough to scare me off. You're gonna have to do better than that. "

Before Regina could do anything, Zatanna stands in front of Emma protectively, glaring at The Mayor.

" If you come after me and my sister one more time, it will be more than this tree you should worry about. Because, 'Your Majesty', you have no idea what we are capable of." Zatanna warns Regina, her voice dripping with cold venom as both sisters turns around, walking away as Zatanna says," Your move."

Regina could only stand there, watching in fury as the two sisters leaves her garden.

The Enchanted Forest. Past

The Queen stands brooding as her Valet says,"
Perhaps it's for the best. The forces you're summoning are darker than we can conceive."

The Evil Queen gives him a look," Oh, now you're trying to protect me?"

Valet states," It's what I do." The Evil Queen nods," I know. You're the only one who does."

" Helping you.. is my life."" Well, then, help me understand why this curse isn't working." The Evil Queen demands.

The Valet answers," If you want to know that, then you need to go back to the person who gave it to you in the first place."

As she looks away, the Valet expresses out to the queen," Revenge is a dark and lonely road. Once you go down it.. there is no heading back."

The Evil Queen quietly says," What is there for me to head back to?

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Rumplestiltskin's prison cell.

In the rat infested dungeon, rats scurry across the cell as Rumplestiltskin calls out," It's just us, dearie. You can show yourself!"

One of the rats, in a cloud of smoke, transforms into the Evil Queen. Rumplestiltskin makes a pleased sound.

The Evil Queen held up the scroll, saying to Rumplestiltskin," That Curse you gave me. It's not working."

Rumplestiltskin however, is finding her predicament rather hilarious," Oh, so worried! So, so worried. Like Snow, and her lovely new husband!"

The Evil Queen screams out in fury," What?"

Rumplestiltskin explains," They paid me a visit as well. They were very anxious. About you. And the Curse."

Evil Queen steps closer to the cell bars whispering in a menacing tone," What'd you tell them?"

" The truth!" Rumplestilskin admits," That nothing can stop the darkness. Except, of course, their unborn child. You see, no matter how powerful, all cursed can be broken. Well, still couldn't find one for mine though."

The Evil Queen nods," Yes. I have to admit that Magician Zatara kind of tricked you at that part."

" Anyway that's not the point." Rumplestilskin continues," The child is the key. Of course, the curse has to be enacted first."

The Evil Queen says," Tell me what I did wrong."

Rumplestiltskin raises up a finger, saying," For that, there's a price."" What do you want?"

" Simple." Rumplestilskin began listing out his requests," In this new land, I want comfort. I want a good life."

Evil Queen throws up her hands," Fine! You'll have an estate, be rich."

Rumplestiltskin adds," I wasn't finished! There's more!"" There always is with you." The Evil Queen swipes her hand in annoyance, but listens as Rumplestiltskin adds on with his request," Yeah, yeah... In this new land, should I ever come to you for any reason, you must heed my every request. You must do whatever I say. So long as I say "Please"."

The Evil Queen shifts her head close to him, asking," You do realize that should I succeed, you won't remember any of this?"

Rumplestiltskin the shrugs," Oh well, then what's the harm?"

As he steps back into the cell, the Evil Queen reluctantly asks," Deal. What must I do to enact this Curse?"

Rumplestiltskin answers," You need to sacrifice a heart."

The Evil Queen says," I sacrificed my priced steed."

Upon hearing that, Rumplestiltskin leaps at the cell bars, reaches through them and grabs The Evil Queen by her throat, scoffing out," A horse? This is the Curse to 'end all curses'??! You think a horse is gonna do? Great power requires great sacrifice. The heart you need must come from something far more precious."

" Tell me what will suffice." Rumplestiltskin answers," The heart of the thing you love most."

The Evil Queen removes Rumplestiltskin's hand from her throat, answering," What I loved most died because of Snow White!"

Rumplestiltskin strokes her cheek, asking her in a questioning manner," Is there no one else you truly love?"

The Evil Queen stares at Rumplestiltskin as the creature says," This Curse isn't gonna be easy. Vengeance never is, dearie. You have to ask yourself a simple question. How far are you willing to go."

The Evil Queen brings her face close to Rumplestiltskin's, answering his question," As far as it takes."

Rumplestiltskin then waves her off," Then please stop wasting everyone's time and just do it! You know what you love... now go kill it!"

The Evil Queen turns and walks away, leaving Rumplestilskin to wonder," Hm? I wonder what name should I give myself? Bronze? No. Silver? Nope. Ah, how about Gold!"

Storybrooke. Present. Granny's Bed & Breakfast, hallway.

As Emma uses a key to open the door to her room, right at that moment, Granny pops up from behind, calling them," Miss Swan? Miss Zatara."

Emma and Zatanna turns around just as Granny apologises," Oh my, this is terribly awkward. I need to ask you to leave."

Both Emma and Zatanna looks at her with a stunned look on their faces as Granny rubs the back of her head, not knowing how to explain," I'm afraid we have a "No felons"-rule. It.. it turns out it's a city ordinance."

Emma guesses," Let me guess: the Mayor's office just called to remind you."

Granny nods quietly and she kindly says," You can gather your things, but I need to have your room key back."

Emma hands her the key just as the two head back to pack their things.

Storybrooke. Present. The Mayor's house, garden.

Regina kneels on the grass next to the fallen branch of her apple tree, putting apples into a basket just as Sheriff Graham approaches.

Regina turns to him and she orders," She destroyed city property. I want her arrested.

Graham looks at her," Again?"

" Not just her. This time put that meddlesome Zatanna in there as well!" Regina growls.

As Sheriff Graham stood there motionless, Regina demands," Well? What are you waiting for?!"

Graham shakes his head, sceptical about her course of action," I'm just not convinced arresting her is the right plan."

Regina stands up, glowering at him as the Sheriff explains," And I'm not talking about your tree. We both know she didn't steel those files."

Regina scoffs in disbelief," Oh, do we?"

Graham explains," I mean, she looked pretty shocked when I leveled the charges against her."

Regina scornfully replies," That's because she doesn't like being caught."

She then kneels down again to pick at her apples as Graham theorises," Or because she was set up. Her sister was with her when she got there. And if she has a witness, that means Dr. Hopper was lying. If he's lying that means that someone asked him to."

Regina stood up, listening as Graham asks," Are we really confident that the man's conscience won't eventually get the best of him?"

Regina threatens the Sheriff," I think your schoolboy crush is clouding your judgment. Remember, I made you Sheriff. And I can take it away just as easily."

Graham puts up his hands," You want me to arrest her again? I will."

" Good." As she kneels down again, Graham warns her," But she is gonna keep comin' at you. And I know you, you are gonna keep comin' at her. And if her sister steps in, you're gonna come at her as well. You will do whatever it takes to get them out of here. And you may succeed."

Regina stood up, facing him as she yells out angrily," I will succeed! He's my son! It's what's best for him."

Graham tried to reason with her," I know that's what you believe. But if this escalates, it seems to me the only one who will get hurt is Henry."

Regina sighs in exasperation, knowing that he is correct on that part.

Storybrooke. Present. Outside Granny's Bed and Breakfast.

Emma is walking along the sidewalk, listening as Zatanna complains out," That stupid Regina. So unreasonable! It's just a tree. It will grow back. Now we can't even stay at a hotel anymore."

Emma says to her," Don't worry Zatanna. We may no longer have a place to stay but what's the worst that could..."

Emma looks over at her car and notices that there is a boot on it, prompting her to say," Oh."

Zatanna stares at her," You were saying?"

Right at that moment, Emma's phone rings, prompting her to pick it up," Yeah?"

" Ms. Swan," Upon hearing Regina's deep husky voice from across the line, Emma mouths out the words," It's Regina" silently, switching her phone to speaker to allow Zatanna to listen as Regina spoke," I'd be happy to continue demonstrating my power, but in my writing I'm guessing your resolve to stay is only growing?"

Emma stares at the boot, replying," You have no idea."

Regina then proposed," Well then. I think it's time we made peace. Why don't you drive over to my office."

Zatanna slams the car door shut, almost hearing Regina chuckling across the line," Or walk...whatever suits you."

Emma hangs up and she and Zatanna began making their way to the Mayor's office.

Storybrooke. Present. Regina's office.

Regina looks up as Emma and Zatanna enters her office, welcoming them in," Ah. Miss Swan, Miss Zatara. Please, take a seat."

As the pair sits themselves down, Regina began by apologising," I'd like to start by apologizing to the two of you."

" What?" Emma stares at her dumbfounded as Regina continues," I just have to accept the reality that you want to be here."

Zatanna nods," That's right. We do."

Regina adds," And that you're here to take my son from me."

Emma raises up her hands to stop her," Okay, let's be clear: I have no intention of taking him from anyone."" Well then, what are you doing here?"

Emma explains," I know I'm not a mother...I think that's pretty self-evident...but I did have him, and I can't help it...he got in my head and I want to make sure he's okay. The more you try to push me out, the more I want to be here, especially after seeing how.. troubled.. he is."

Regina asks," You think he's troubled?"

Zatanna states," Well, he's in therapy, and he wouldn't be if he wasn't."

" And I only got through a couple pages of his shrink's notes before you had me arrested." Emma adds," But putting all that aside...he thinks everyone in this town, including my sister, is a fairytale character."

Regina raises an eyebrow," And you don't?"

Emma answers frankly," How can I? The poor kid can't even tell the difference between fantasy and reality and it's only getting worse. It's crazy."

" You think I'm crazy?"

Emma turns around, shocked as she mutters out, Henry's name, watching as a distraught Henry runs out of the office. Emma stands as if to follow before looking at Zatanna.

Zatanna gives her an approving nod, allowing Emma to go after the boy as the Magician stays behind.

With Emma gone, she asks Regina," You planned this didn't you?"

Regina says," Did I planned a dinner every Thursday at precisely five P.M with Henry before I take him to his therapy session? Of course I did. I'm his mother."

" You may have the power Regina, but I swear you can't keep Emma away from her son." Zatanna says.

Regina states," I can and I will. Your father is powerful. No condolences to his passing. And I don't deny how strong you are but..."

Regina raises up her hands as she proudly boasts," We're in a land without magic, thanks to me. So sorry to say, Daughter of Zatara but there is nothing you can do about it."

Zatanna shakes her head at the Mayor," You have no soul. How in the hell did you get like this?"

Zatanna then storms out of the office, leaving as Regina sat back down, not saying a word.

Enchanted Forest. Past. The Dark Palace.

The Evil Queen stalks a promenade lined with mirrors, listening as the face of The Magic Mirror appears in various mirrors along her path, addressing the Queen," What happened? Did you get your answer?"

She makes no reply, ignoring the Magic Mirror's calls," What's going on? Your Majesty? Your Majesty!"

The Queen enters her great hall, where her Valet is lighting candles. He turns around, asking," Did Rumplestiltskin tell you what you needed to know?"

Evil Queen nods," Yes.""...And?"

The Evil Queen paces across the room, answering," I'm not sure I should say. I'm conflicted."

Concerned, the Valet offers," How bad is it? Maybe I can help."

The Evil Queen stops in her tracks before answering in an almost emotionless tone," I have to cut out the heart of the thing I love most."

The Valet widens his eyes, realisation dawns on his face as he mutters out," Me."

Conflicted, The Evil Queen addresses him in a begging tone," Daddy, I don't know what to do."" My dear... please... you don't have to do this." The Valet pleads.

The Evil Queen resumes her pacing as she says," I have to do something."

Her father follows her as he says to her in a reasoning tone," Then move past this. I know this may sound self-serving, but you don't need to enact the Curse."

The Evil Queen looks at him face-to-face," But I can't keep living like this! What Snow did to me, what she took from me... It's eating me alive, Daddy. Her very existence mocks me. She must be punished."

" What..." The Valet follows suit as she walks away, asking," If the price is a hole that will never be filled, why do it?"

She stops as the Valet proposes," Stop worrying about Snow White and start over. We can have a new life."

The Evil Queen asks, this time in a sorrowful tone," But what kind of life? All I've worked for, all I've built, will be gone. My power will disappear. They already think I'm nothing."

The Valet says," Power is seductive, but so is love, and you can have that again."

He holds open his arms. After a moment, the Queen steps into them, and her father enfolds her in an embrace, listening as The Evil Queen whispers," I just want to be happy."

" You can be. Of this, I'm sure." The Evil Queen could feel tears streaming down her cheeks as the Valet continues to speak," I believe, given the chance, we can find happiness together. But the choice is yours."

The Evil Queen nods," I think you're right."

She steps back to look at her father, continuing her sentence," I can be happy."

He breathes a sigh of relief, only for her to conclude," Just not here."

Abruptly, the Queen shoves her hand into her father's chest and with a tug, she rips his heart out of his chest.

He looks on in a mixture of shock and betrayal before dropping onto the floor, dead.

A tear stream down the Queen's cheek as she softly apologises to her father," I'm sorry."

Storybrooke. Present. Mary Margaret's apartment.

Mary Margaret Blanchard sits on her chair, working on needlecraft when there is a knock at the door.

Stepping towards the door, Mary swings it open only to find Zatanna in the hallway.

Zatanna greets her," Hey."

Mary Margaret opens the door fully, listening as Zatanna thanks her," Just wanted to say thank you and, um, for helping me bail my sister out there."

Mary Margaret notices how exasperated Zatanna looks and she says," You look like you need to talk."

Zatanna admits," That's because I do. I don't know why," she then lies, not willing to reveal her past history with Snow," I feel like you're someone I can trust."

" Oh. Well please, come on in." Mary welcomes Zatanna in as the Magician steps into her apartment.

Inside

Mary Margaret steps in, bringing a plate of cookies to the table as Zatanna thanks her," Thank you."

Mary Margaret offers her a cookie as Zatanna takes it, taking a bite as she spoke," When you helped me bail Emma out, you said.. that you trusted her."

Mary Margaret nods as Zatanna asks," Why?"

Mary explains," It's strange...ever since you two arrived here, I've had the oddest feeling, like we've met before. I mean, I know it's crazy."

Zatanna nods, not wanting to tell Mary as she says," For what it's worth, I think she's innocent."

Mary then adds," And thank you for performing for my class earlier. To be honest, the children haven't been this happy for quite some time. And your presence her is what they need."

Zatanna tips her hat," Just glad I could help."

Mary then says," By the way, I've read up about your father, Giovanni Zatara is it?"

Zatanna almost choked on her coffee as Mary continues," I heard about what happened to him and I'm terribly sorry for your loss."

The magician assures her," No worries."

Mary then proves further," So, you two are sisters?"" Adoptive but I treat her as she were my own." Zatanna says.

" So how did you two meet?"" Well, it's crazy. I met her when she tried to steal a muffin from my dad's gift basket. She was sixteen at that time. But knowing her potential, my dad adopted her and we have been living together since." Zatanna explains.

Mary smiles at her," Well, it is good at least Emma has someone she can turn to in need."

As Zatanna takes another cookie, Mary then asks," So is Emma leaving?"

Zatanna shrugs," I don't know. I personally would want to stay but I have to respect my sister's wishes."

Mary then grasps onto her hand, saying," Well when you see her, ask her this, If she leaves, who will protect Henry?"

Storybrooke. Present. Archie Hopper's office.

Inside Archie's office at the same time, a visibly distraught Henry is seated on the chair, not saying a word as Archie asks him in concern," Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

Henry says nothing, only fiddling with Archie's umbrella as Archie says," You know, that umbrella is kind of my good luck charm."

Henry remains silent as Archie asks," Is that why you think I'm Jiminy Cricket?"

" I don't think you're anyone." Henry answers as sets the umbrella down on the table.

Right at that moment, the door swings open and stepping inside is Emma, holding the storybook pages Henry gave her as she looks.

Archie then admits," Miss Swan. Look, I can explain. The Mayor forced me..."

Emma interrupts him," I know. Don't worry about it. I get it."

She then moves past him, apologising to Henry," Henry, I'm sorry."" I don't want to talk to you." Henry grouchily spat.

Archie stood up, trying to reason with Emma," Miss Swan, if she knew you were here..." Only for Emma to stop with a," To hell with her."

Sitting down, Emma addresses Henry," Henry, there is one simple reason I stayed here...you. I wanted to get to know you."

Henry shouts," You think I'm crazy!"

Emma shakes her head," No, I think the Curse is crazy. And it is."

She sighs out," But that doesn't mean that it isn't true. It is a lot to ask anyone to believe in, but there are a lot of crazy things in this world. So, what do I know? Maybe it is true."

Henry say," But you told my mom..."

" What she needed to hear." Emma interjects," What I do know... is that if the Curse is real, the only way to break it is by tricking the Evil Queen... into thinking that we are nonbelievers. 'Cause, that way, she's not on to us. Is that what Operation Cobra was all about? Throwing her off the trail?"

Upon hearing that, Henry's face brightens and he cheers out," Brilliant!"

Emma continues," I read the pages, and Henry, you're right...they are dangerous. There is only one way to make sure that she never sees them. "

She then takes the pages and places them into the fireplace, turning back to Henry as the flames began burning the pages into ashes," Now we have the advantage."

Henry stood up and he wraps his arms aroun her in a hug, smiling,"!I knew you were here to help me!"

Emma nods," That's right, kid. I am."

Breaking the embrace to look at him, she assures him," And nothing, not even a curse, is gonna stop that." Smiling, both Emma and Henry wraps each other in another hug again.

The Enchanted Forest. Past. The forest.

A fire blazes as the Evil Queen removes her father's heart from a small chest and drops it into the fire burning in the same pit from her failed attempt to cast the Curse.

Black and green smoke rises and surges forth, the Queen has successfully cast the Dark Curse.

As the curse continues to travel across the forest, The Evil Queen pops up at a different part of the forest.

The Evil Queen approaches a gravestone, stooping down as she lays a black rose before it.

The Evil Queen whispers as she looks at the gravestone," I love you, Daddy."

There lies on the front of the headstone are the words, "Henry, Beloved Father" engraved on it.

Storybrooke. Present.

Back in Storybrooke, Emma and Henry exits Dr. Hopper's office building together, and walking down the street right as they ran into Zatanna.

Both Henry and Emma laughs as the two wraps their arms around her in a tight embrace.

Town Hall

Outside the town hall, Regina stood in front of her tree, tending to it just as she heard a familiar soft raspy voice commenting out," What a mess."

Regina turns her head, watching as Mr. Gold approached her, saying," Not for long. What can I do for you, Mr. Gold?"

Mr. Gold spoke," I was just in the neighborhood, thought I'd pop by. Lovely to see you in such high spirits."

Regina chuckles out to herself," Well, it's been a good day. I just rid the town of an unwanted nuisance. Well two actually."

Mr. Gold looks up," Emma Swan? Really?

Regina nods," Yes. I imagine she's halfway to Boston by now. And she would probably be begging her sister to dress her up as a clown at a kid birthday party to earn some money."

Mr. Gold picks an apple from the tree, shaking his head," Oh, I wouldn't bet on that."

Regina scowls at him as he explains," I've just seen her strolling down the main street with your boy. Thick as thieves, they looked."

Regina exclaims out," What?"

Mr. Gold then asks," And that other one, Zatanna Zatara is it? Heard she's earn herself quite a reputation with the kids."

Regina then scoffs our," Bah! She's nothing with her cheap tricks."

Mr. Gold steps to the side, offering," Perhaps you should have come to me. If Miss Swan is a problem you can't fix, I'm only too happy to help, for a price, of course."

Regina chuckles out," I'm not in the business of making deals with you anymore."

She turns her back to him, returning to tend to her tree only for Mr. Gold to ask," To which deal are you referring?"

Regina turns and looks at him, answering," You know what deal."

Realisation dawns on Mr. Gold as he exclaims out," Oh, right, yeah. The boy I procured for you. Henry. Did I ever tell you what a lovely name that was? How ever did you pick it?"

Regina looks at him," Did you want her to come to town? You wanted all this to happen, didn't you? Your finding Henry wasn't an accident, was it?"

Mr. Gold stares at her, confused," Whatever do you mean?"

Regina questions," Where did you get him?"

Mr. Gold however, remains silent, prompting Regina to probe," Do you know something?"

Mr. Gold denies," I've no idea what you're implying."

Regina scrawls," I think you do." He says nothing, only smirks a bit as Regina asks," Who is this woman, his mother, this... Emma Swan? And that Zatanna Zatara?"

Mr. Gold's next answer shocked Regina right at her spot," I would say you think you know exactly who they are. Now, I really must be going."

Right as he turns to leave, she blocks his path, demanding," Tell me what you know about her."

Mr. Gold refuses," I'm not gonna answer you, dear, so I suggest you excuse me."

She says nothing and doesn't move, prompting Mr. Gold to ask again in annoyance," Please."

He then takes a bite of the apple and walks away.

A stunned Regina turns and watches him go as he throws the apple over his shoulder, heading out of her garden.

Does Mr. Gold knows it?