Enchanted Forest. Past.

Inside his tent, Rumplestiltskin is busy spinning when his son, Baelfire bursts into the house, shouting out," Papa, Papa! They've come for Morraine."

Rumplestiltskin grabs his crane and he and Baelfire leave the tent, listening as Morraine's father screams out in protest," No! No! Please!"

Morraine's Mother sobs out," No. Don't take her! No. You can't take her. She's my baby. Don't take my baby."

Ignoring the girl's parents protests, Hordor, the leading knight spat," Nonsense. She is a fine, strong girl. She'll make a fine soldier."

Morraine's Father objects," It's a mistake. She's turning fourteen. ONLY FOURTEEN."

Hordor dismisses him by stating," AT THE ORDERS OF THE DUKE! The Ogre Wars have taken their toll this season. More troops will turn the tide."

Baelfire looks at his father, saying to him in distress,
" They lowered the age again, Papa."

Rumplestiltskin puts his hand on his son's shoulder, nodding," I know."

Hordor then orders his men, ignoring the protest from the girl's parents," Take her. She'll ride with me."

Having no other options, Morraine's Mother draws her knife, attempting to attack Hordor

However right at that moment, a dark cloaked figure raises up his hand, freezing them and strangling them with magic.

Horror smirks at them," The Dark One seems to think I can."

With the parents being put in their place, Hordor and Morraine turns his horse, leaving the village.

Baelfire looks at his father, saying to him in a worried tone," My birthday is in three days. They'll come for me in three days."

Rumplestiltskin puts his arm over his shoulder, assuring him," We'll find a way. We'll find a way."

Storybrooke. Present. Mr. Gold's shop. Two week after Graham's death

Two weeks has passed since the death of Graham and things in Storybrooke have been rather strange.

Outside in the streets, Emma walks alone before approaching Mr. Gold's pawnshop, grabbing the hilt before opening the door.

Inside the shop, the Door bell rings as the door slides open, with Emma Swan stepping into the shop.

Emma calls out," Gold? In here?"

" Well, it is my shop..."

Emma enters the back of Gold's shop, only to halt and gag at a rather unpleasant stench," Whoa! What is that?"

Mr. Gold holds up a bottle, answering,
" Now, this is lanolin used for waterproofing."

" Smells like livestock." Emma remarks out as Mr. Gold shrugs," Well, it is the reason why sheep's pelt repel water."

" It stinks! Uhm." Emma then changes the subject,
" If there was a reason why you called the Sheriff's department. If you wanna talk about that quickly or... outside."

" Yes." Mr. Gold stands up as he says to her," I just wanted to express my condolences, really. The sheriff was a good man. You're still wearing the deputy's badge?"

Emma looks down surprised at that fact as he continues," Well, he's been gone for two weeks now. And I believe after two weeks of acting as sheriff the job becomes yours. You'll have to wear the real badge."

Emma nods, finding merit in the shopkeeper's words," Yeah, I guess... I'm just not in a hurry. So, uhm... thank you for the kind words."

She turns around, heading towards the door only for Mr. Gold to say," I have his things."

Emma stops in her tracks, turning around startled," What?"

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

Emma refuses him," I don't need anything."

Mr. Gold nods in understanding," As you wish. I'll give them to Mayor Mills. Seems like she was the closest thing he had to family."

It was right there that Emma stops him," Not sure about that."

" No love lost there, I see." Mr. Gold points out,
" Look, I feel that all of this stuff is heading directly for the trash bin. You really should take something. Look! His jacket?"

He picks up the Sheriff's jacket, offering it to Emma
which she refuses with a shake of her head," No."

" LOOK." Mr. Gold shuffles through the set of items before bringing a radio set to light," Your boy might like these, don't you think? You could play together."

Emma shakes her head again only for Mr. Gold to interrupt in a begging tone," No, please. They grow up so fast."

Finally relenting, Emma takes them," Thanks."

Mr. Gold smiles," You enjoy these with your boy. The time together is precious, you know. That's the thing about children: Before you know it, you lose them."

Emma looking at him questionably, not sure why he was saying all of that to her in such a manner.

Henry's Castle.

At Henry's castle, Emma walks towards the playground, noticing Henry sitting alone.

Emma sat down next to him, holding up the radio sets as she says," Brought you something. Thought we could use them together for Operation Cobra."

Henry simply sat there, still upset.

Noticing that, Emma pulls Henry in with her shoulder, asking him," Oh, come on. What's up? You've been ducking me for weeks and you haven't been talking to my sister for a while."

Henry says to his mother in a pessimistic tone," I think we should stop Cobra stuff for a while. You don't play with the curse. Look what happened to Graham."

Emma sighs and she tells him," Henry, I told you they did an autopsy. It was totally natural causes."

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

" You're worried about me?" Emma asks blankly as
Henry explains," She killed Graham because he was good. And you're good."

" Henry." Emma listens as Henry states," Good loses. Good always loses. Because good has to play fair. Evil doesn't. She's evil. This is probably best. I don't wanna upset her any more."

With that, he hands back the radio set to Emma and leaves the playground castle.

Storybrooke Sheriff Department.

Inside the Sheriff Department, Zatanna puts her wand over Emma's shoulder as she hands the Sheriff Badge to Emma, declaring out," Congrats sis, you're officially the Sheriff now."

Emma is about to attach the sheriff's badge to her jacket when all of a sudden, Regina Mills enters the office, objecting," Oh, I'm sorry. That's not for you."

" Oh you got to be shitting me!" Zatanna curses to herself as she faces Regina, saying," Well, it's been two weeks. Isn't it the right time for Emma to get promoted."

Regina however stops her," It is unless the mayor appoints someone else within the time period. Which I'm doing today."

" So who's it gonna be?" Emma asks as Regina answers," After due reflection: Sidney Glass."

Upon hearing that, both Emma and Zatanna widens their eyes in disbelief.

Sidney from the newspaper? How does that even make sense?

Zatanna then questions her," Why Sidney though? He doesn't look fit to work as a police officer."

" Well, he's covered the Sheriff's office for as long as anyone can remember." Regina states only for Emma to argue," And he'll do whatever you want him to. You just cannot stand the fact that things have been getting better around here, can you?"

" Better?" Regina questions back, offended by Emma's words," Are you referring to Graham's death as "better"?"

Hurt by what she heard, Emma lowers her voice as she whispers," No."

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

Emma argued," Graham picked me to be deputy."
" He was wrong." Regina denies.

Zatanna retorts," Not so. Towns been better and Emma did a good job."

" You're not getting it back." Emma says to the Mayor defiantly only for Regina to sneer," Actually...I just did. Miss Swan, you're fired."

Regina then snatches the Sheriff's badge and turns around, leaving the office.

The Blanchard loft.

Inside the apartment, loud music blares from the radio as Zatanna sat on the table, gulping down a glass of whiskey while Emma is busy tending to the broken toaster.

Right at that moment, Mary Margaret enters, looking at Emma, then Zatanna before stepping towards the radio, turning the device off.

With the music gone, Mary Margaret asks Emma," Toaster broken?"

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

Feeling that something is wrong, Mary Margaret asks," What's going on?"

Emma sighs out in frustration as she answer,
" Regina fired me so she can put one of her own puppets in as Sheriff. That's my job!"

Mary Margaret raised an eyebrow at Emma's sudden determination and she points out," Never heard you so passionate about it before. What happened?"

Emma answers," Oh, I just know I want it back."

Mary Margaret shakes her head," There must be a reason."

Emma sighs as she answers," Maybe... I just want to beat her."

Just then, there was a knock on the door as Zatanna stands up, saying," I'll get it."

Zatanna opens the door, her eyes narrows in suspicion as she saw who was standing outside the door," Mr. Gold. What are you doing here?"

Ignoring her hostility, Mr. Gold simply greets her," Ah Good evening, Miss Zatara. Sorry for the intrusion, there's something I'd like to discuss with Miss Swan."

Mary Margaret notices Mr. Gold and she says to Emma," I'll let you talk."

Mary Margaret turns around, leaving the living room as Zatanna steps back, welcoming Mr. Gold into the apartment," Come on in."

" Thank you." Mr. Gold enters the apartment, stepping towards Emma as he spoke," I- I heard about what happened. Such an injustice."

Emma shrugs, sitting herself down," Yeah. Well, what's done is done."

" Spoken like a true fighter." Mr. Gold smirks only for Emma to state in a pessimistic tone," I know what chance I'll have. She's the mayor and I am - well - me."

Mr. Gold then gives the two an offer," Miss Swan, two people with a common goal can accomplish many things. Two people with a common enemy can accomplish even more. How would you like a benefactor?"

" A benefactor?"

" Do you mind?" Emma shakes her head, allowing Mr. Gold to sit himself down at the kitchen table as he continues," You know, it really is quite shocking how few people study the town charter."

" The town charter?"

Mr. Gold explains to both Emma and Zatanna," It's quite comprehensive on the mayor's authority. Or maybe she is not quite as powerful as she seems."

Enchanted Forest. Past. Rumplestiltskin's home.

In his house, Rumplestiltskin approaches his sleeping son, shaking him awake," Bae. Bae. Wake up, son. Come on. Wake up, son. We're going now. We're going now. Come on. Come on."

Baelfire stirs himself awake and he pushes himself up, father and son leaving the house and walking into the woods.

As the pair wanders deeper and deeper into the woods, Baelfire comments out," It feels wrong to run away."

Rumplestiltskin dismisses him," It's worse to die, son. I'm not having you taken away to the Ogre wars."

Just then a beggar walks along the path, begging,
" Alms for the poor? Alms for the poor?"

" Yes." Rumplestiltskin hands him a few coins before he and Baelfire move on.

Baelfire then asks," Are you sure there's no other way?"

Rumplestiltskin says," Oh, I can't lose you, Bae. You're all I've got left, son. You don't understand what war is like...what they do to you."

Baelfire then asks," What about that magician? Couldn't the great Zatara help us?"

" That magician won't help folks like us and besides, he can never be found." Rumplestiltskin spat.

Just then, the sound of approaching horses could be heard, prompting Rumplestiltskin to instruct his son," Quick, hide! In the ditch - hide. Go, go! Go!"

Unfortunately, both of them were seen as sounds of Hordor's shouts booms from the woods," Stop right there!"

Hordor and several riders on horseback surround Rumplestiltskin and his son, cornering then as the duke questioned," What are you doing on the king's realm?"

Rumplestiltskin quickly lies," We have some wool to sell at the fair at Longbourne."

However, Hordor saw through his lies, asking him as he squints his eyes," I know you, don't I?"

Hordor gets off his horse and walks up to Rumplestiltskin, probing him," What was your name? Hm? Spindlehanks? Threadwhistle? Hobblefoot?"

" His name's Rumplestiltskin." Rumplestiltskin turns to his son, commanding him," Hush, boy!"

" Rumple..." Hordor recognises the name and it suddenly dawns on him," Ah, the man who ran. Is this your boy? How old is he? What's your name?"

Baelfire introduces himself," I'm Baelfire and I'm thirteen."

" When's your birthday?"

" In two days time." Baelfire answers, ignoring his father's attempts to silence him.

Hordor smirks at Rumplestiltskin," Did you teach him how to run as well, Rumplestiltskin?"

He then asks Baelfire," Did he tell you? Did he tell you how he ran and the ogres turned the tide of the battle, and all the others were killed, and he returned home to a wife who could not bear the sight of him?"

Rumplestiltskin begs," Please..." his voice draining
as Hordor continues," You see, women do not like to be married to cowards."

" Please don't speak to my boy like that."
" It's treason to avoid service. Take the boy now." Hordor orders his soldiers, prompting Rumplestiltskin to beg," No, no, no, no! What do you want?"

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

Rumplestiltskin looks at him," I don't understand..."

" You asked my price. Kiss my boot." Hordor orders.

Rumplestiltskin looks at Baelfire, his face flushed with shame as he shakes his head," Not in front of my boy."

" Kiss my boot!" Hordor shouts.

Rumplestiltskin gets on the ground and is about to do so when he heard a soft voice saying," That's enough."

Hordor and his knights look up, seeing a suited figure approaching him. Hordor widens his eyes and he greets the newcomer," Ah Zatara. What brings you here?"

Rumplestiltskin looks up, seeing a little girl offering him a hand as her father says to the group,
" I was in the woods with my daughter, gathering intelligence of the orges so that we can initiate our evacuation of the refugees now..."

Zatara points at Rumplestiltskin and he questioned," What is all this about?"

Hordor explains," Well you see Zatara. These two are trying to escape enlistment."

" Is this what's all this about? Since when is the kingdom resorting to recruiting child soldiers?" Zatara questions out.

Hordor says," More soldiers can turn the tide of the war."

" At such an age?" Zatara questioned, almost shouting," My daughter, Zatanna here is nine this year, if she were normal like that boy, are you going to force her to join?"

Hordor simply shrugs, shocking Zatara with his answer," If we need to then yes."

Zatara stood in front of them, stating," I won't let you take them."

Hordor then challenges him," We don't answer to you magician."

As if on cue, Hordor's knights drew their swords while Zatanna opens her palms, emitting purple magical aura from her hands as she stood facing them, preparing to attack if any of the knights attacks her father.

Both Zatara and Hordor glares at each other before Zatara declares out," I shall speak to the King about this. You are to leave that village alone. If not, I shall go after you myself."

As if on cue, Zatanna waves her hand, conjuring up a puff of smoke, teleporting herself and Zatara away.

Hordor returns to his horse and the group leaves.

As Baelfire and Rumplestiltskin looks at each other, suddenly, they heard a sound from behind.

As they looked, it turns out to be the beggar from earlier.

Beggar raises up his hand, offering to them kindly,
" No, no, no! No! It's okay. Let me help you. Let me help you home."

Baelfire smiles at him gratefully," Thank you, old man."

Rumplestiltskin although grateful, says to the begger," I don't have any money to pay you."

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

Storybrooke. Present. Storybrooke Town Hall. The Mayor's Office.

In the Mayor's Office, Regina made her speech as Sidney Glass and several reporters are taking pictures, listening as she prepares to give Sidney the title.

" Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own homes. That's why Sidney Glass is my choice for post of Sheriff. This man has put the needs of Storybrooke above his own for as long as any of us can remember as chief editor of the Storybrooke Daily Mirror. Please welcome your new Sheriff!"

She is about to attach The Sheriff's badge on Sidney's shirt when right at that moment, both Emma and Zatanna bursts in with Emma calling out," Hang on a second."

Regina looks up, saying to both Zatanna and Emma with a hint of scorn in her voice," Oh, Miss Swan, Miss Zatara, this is not appropriate."

" The only thing not appropriate is this ceremony." Emma retorts," She does not have the power to appoint him."

Regina spoke out," The town charter clearly states the Mayor shall appoint..."

Only for Zatanna to hold up a book, interrupting Regina," A candidate. You could appoint a candidate. It calls for an election."

" The term "candidate" is applied loosely." Regina says dismissively as Zatanna challenges her,
" Really? Cause that's not what it says. It requires a vote. So Emma can and if she wants, will be running."

Emma nods in determination, accepting the opposing role.

Regina reluctantly approves of Zatanna's proposal," Fine. So is Sidney."

" I am?" Regina turns around and gives Sidney a look, prompting the reporter to correct himself,
" I am."

" With my full support." Regina looks at the two and she says," I guess we'll learn a little something about the will of the people."

" I guess we will." Emma agrees.

The Enchanted Forest. Past.

Back in the house, Baelfire is laid down fast asleep while Rumplestiltskin and the beggar sits by the fire sharing some stew.

Rumplestiltskin says to the begger," We were lucky that magician came to our aid but if they come back, there will be no fleeing, now."

The Beggar however, shakes his head," No. You need to find another way. You need to choose a different path."

Rumplestiltskin looks at him," Choose? What choice do I have?"

" Everyone has a choice." The begger says.

Rumplestiltskin looks down dejectingly as he spoke,
" I'm the town coward. The only choice I have is which corner to hide in. I'm lame, friendless... The only thing I've got is my boy. And they're going to take him away from me. If they take him away, I would truly, truly become dust."

The beggar disagrees," Not if you have power."

" You may as well say diamonds." Rumplestiltskin sighs as the beggar grabs onto him, shouting,
" Get a hold of yourself! Think. Why do you think that someone as powerful as the Dark One would work for a useless fool like the Duke of the Frontlands?"

Rumplestiltskin thought for a moment before saying,
" Tell me."

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

Rumplestiltskin widens his eyes in shock, his spine shivering at the thought of enslaving such a powerful entity," To keep a man like the Dark One as a slave? No, I... I-I can't. I'd be terrified."

" Then, perhaps, instead of controlling the power, you need to take it." The beggar spoke," Think. With that power, you won't need that magician's protection anymore."

Storybrooke. Present. Mr. Gold Pawnbroker and Antiquities Dealer.

Sitting behind a desk Mr. Gold watches the flame of a lighter before hearing the ringing of his bell.

Regina enters the shop and he puts the flame out, smiling as he greets the mayor," Regina."

Regina flips the sign on the door to the "Closed" side as Mr. Gold stands up, offering," Shall I remove some things? Make a bit of space for your rage?"

Regina storms towards him, pointing an accusing finger at the shopkeeper and she snarls," You found that loophole in the town charter."

Mr. Gold walks over to a cabinet, opening it as he stares at the Dark One dagger inside, remarking out," Legal documents – contracts, if you like. Always been a fascination of mine."

Regina nods," Yes, you love to trifle with technicalities."

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

" You're a bastard." Regina spat, with Mr. Gold simply chuckling at her insult in amusement," I think your grief's getting the better of you, Regina. Shame what happened to Graham."

Angered at his remark, Regina growls," Don't you talk about him. You know nothing.

" What is there to know? He died." Mr. Gold remarks.

Regina faces Mr. Gold, standing at the one side of a cabinet while he stands on the other, questioning," Are you really going up against me?"

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

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

Mr. Gold however, disagrees," She hasn't lost yet."

" She will."

Mr. Gold then emphasises to Regina," Never underestimate someone who's acting for their child."

Regina retorts," He's not her child. Not legally."

Mr. Gold smirks as he turns around, saying," Oh, now who's trifling with technicalities?"

Storybrooke. Present. Granny's Diner.

Inside Granny's Diner, Henry is sitting in a booth, reading a Storybrooke Daily Mirror article intently as both Zatanna and Emma enters, with Emma sitting next to him while Zatanna sits across him.

Emma enters and sits next to him, nudging him," How was school?"

" Okay." Henry answers, not looking up from the newspaper's article.

Emma notices it and she says," You're reading that paper pretty hard."

" Sidney wrote it." Henry says as she passes Emma the paper.

On the front page, there is an article titled Ex-Jailbird – Emma Swan birthed babe behind bars.

Emma reads the article as Henry asked," Is it a lie?"

Emma shakes her head as Henry asks another question," I was born in jail?"

Emma nods, outraged as she spoke," Yes. These records were supposed to be sealed. Tell me you're not scarred for life."

Henry shakes his head," I'm not. Well, not by this."

" Good. Then, let's throw this out and we will get our news from something more reliable. Like the internet." Emma suggests.

Zatanna takes the paper, reading it as she agrees," Emma's right. There hasn't been much news in there talking about current world affairs. Like where's the Obama interview or the release of Angry Birds or even the Avengers movie coming next year. Instead we have..."

Zatanna points at an article to the pair as she finishes her sentence," A dog walking a dog. Darth Jar Jar on the loose and a sloth bear singing with a boy? How does that make sense?"

Henry states," This is what I've been trying to tell you – good can't be evil, because good doesn't do this kind of thing. My mom plays dirty...that's why you can't beat her. Ever."

Zatanna shrugs at his remark," I don't know kid. Even my father have resorted in doing dirty tricks to defeat his enemies. Heck, I can't remember the last time we got our hands dirty."

Henry then sighs," That's different. You two are magicians. Tricking people is part of your job but Emma is the saviour. She can't cheat."

Emma optimistically says," We have a new ally. Mr. Gold said he's going to help."

Henry widens his eyes in shock and he objects," Mr. Gold? He's even worse than she is. You already owe him one favor. You don't want to owe him any more. Don't do this."

Storybrooke Town Hall. Mayor's Office.

Later in the day, Emma enters the office, holding the newspaper in her hand before accusing the mayor," This was a juvie record. This was sealed by court order. I don't know how you got it, but that's abuse of power and illegal."

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

" I don't care what people know, but this hurts Henry." Emma states as Regina spat," He would've learned eventually. We all lose our heroes at some point."

Regina exit the office and walk through the building, as Emma follows, saying," He doesn't need to lose anything more. He's depressed, Madam Mayor. He doesn't have any... Any hope. Don't you see that?"

" He's fine." Regina insists as switches off the lights.

Emma quickly objects," He's not fine. I mean, think about it. Watching his adoptive mother throw an illegal smear campaign against his birth mother? You don't think that would be upsetting?"

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

" Debate?" Emma widens her eyes in surprise as Regina nods," Yes, Miss Swan, there's a debate. You two can talk about jail time and juvie records and maybe even your new association with Mr. Gold. He's a snake, Miss Swan. You need to be careful who you get into bed with."

" I'm not getting into bed with anyone. I'm just fighting fire with..." Before Emma could finish her sentence, the door in front of Regina suddenly went off in a massive explosion, setting the next room on fire.

The impact of the explosion sends both Emma and Regina flying back from the blast.

A piece of debris fell on top of Regina's ankle, pinning her down, crushing it in the process.

Emma grabs onto the rubble pinning Regina's foot and she pulls, lifting it up before throwing it to the side, freeing her.

" Alright, come on – let's go! We got to get out of here." Emma urges as she listen to Regina cry out," I can't move! You have to get me out. Help me!"

The Enchanted Forest. Past. House

Baelfire and Rumplestiltskin are outside of their house with Rumplestiltskin winding wool up on short sticks made of wood.

As Baelfire soaks wool in hot sheep's fat as Rumplestiltskin instructs him," Keep that fire good and stoked, Bae. The sheep's fat needs to be liquid and get that wool good and soaked."

Baelfire looks up and he questioned," Why are we doing this, Papa? This is good wool. We can spin and sell..."

Rumplestiltskin explains," These are our keys to the castle, son. And once I'm inside there's something I have to take."

Baelfire looks at him," What do you need to take?"

Rumplestiltskin answers," That old beggar? He told me a fine tale – about the Duke and his magical dagger."

" What does it do?"

" If I own that dagger, I control the Dark One." He then pantomimes stabbing someone with a dagger as he finishes his sentence," If I kill the Dark One with the dagger, I take his powers."

" By god's name." Baelfire exclaims out, horrified at what he heard.

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

Baelfire nods," I'd love to see that, but if the law says I'm to fight, I... I can fight."

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

Baelfire looks at him, his eyes filled with betrayal as he comments out," So, it's true."

" What?"

" It's true. It's true you ran."

Rumplestiltskin looks down in shame as he says," I had no choice, son."

" And Mother?" Baelfire questioned," Did she leave you like the knight said? You told me she was dead."

Rumplestiltskin nods and answers in a low voice," She is dead."

Baelfire then asks," So, what do we need to do?"

Rumplestiltskin kneels down beside him, answering," The Duke's castle is made of stone, but the floors and the rafters are made of wood."

Baelfire raises an eyebrow," Why does that matter?"

Rumplestiltskin looks at him as he answers his son," Because wood burns."

Storybrooke. Present. Storybrooke Town Hall.

Back at the burning Mayor's Office, Emma turns around, about to leave only for Regina to grab her hand and stops Emma, questioning her with fear in her eyes," You're going to leave me, aren't you?"

Emma doesn't answer Regina, instead, she breaks free from her grasps and leaves into the next room, leaving a helpless mayor wincing as she struggles to remove the debris pinning her down.

As she thought Emma has left her, all of a sudden, a powerful spray instantly extinguishes the fire, surprising Regina as she looked, seeing Emma rushing back in with a fire extinguisher, dashing in towards the injured mayor.

Emma then lifts Regina up, slinging her arm over her shoulder as support as she helps the Mayor out of the house, stepping out as a reporter snaps a picture while sirens blares from outside.

Although saved by Emma, Regina didn't lightened her tone with her, even shouting at her ungratefully," Oh, ow, ow! My ankle! Set me down gently!"

" Seriously? You're complaining about how I saved your life?"" The firemen are here. It's not like we were really in danger." Regina sneers as the firemen approaches her, prompting Emma to throw up her hands as she walks away, spitting out," Fine. Next time I'll just... I'll just... Ah, you know what?"

She then faces Regina, stating," Next time, I'll do the same thing. And the time after that because that is what decent human beings do. That's what good people do."

While wearing an oxygen mask, Regina overheard Henry asking a firefighter," Did Emma really rescue my mom?"

Angered, Regina throws the mask aside, screaming out," Enough!"

A paramedic tries to stop Regina only Regina for her to shoo him off," I'm fine." However, just as the paramedic leaves, Sidney pops out in front of her, snapping a picture as he says," Nice shot of the victim?"

" Sidney?" Regina then asks him angrily," What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to hand this election to her?"

" But it's news." Sidney whines as Regina scolds," She's the competition, you fool."

While Regina and Sidney are talking, Emma was surrounded by various residents, including Mary Margaret, Ruby, Granny, Archie, Henry and various others as Mary Margaret questioned," Did you really rescue Regina?"

Henry nods excitedly as he says," She did! The fireman said it. They saw it."

Ruby praises Emma," You are a hero."

Mary Margaret then suggests," We should see if they have a picture of the rescue."

Granny agrees," We could make campaign posters." Prompting Archie Hopper to nod with excitement," Oh, people would love that! That's a great idea. Wait, so..."

The group walks away, continuing their discussion as they left Emma and Henry alone

Emma kneels down beside Henry, smiling at him," This is how good wins. You do something good and people see it, and then they want to help you."

Henry nods," Maybe you're right."

" You see, Henry? We don't have to fight dirty." Emma assures him.

Just then, Zatanna walks up to Emma and she says," Hey Emma, there's something I got to show you."

Emma then ushers Henry to check on his mother before she follows Zatanna asking," What is it Zee."

" Look here." Zatanna wore her glove as she picks up a fabric, showing it to Emma as she explains," I found this rag on the floor."

Emma then asks," So?"" That's the thing. It looks like a normal rag but it smells rather suspicious. Smelling like flammables found in kerosene." Zatanna explains

Emma studies the rug, her eyes narrows as she recognises the rag and the smell.

Storybrooke. Present. Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer.

Mr. Gold stands in his shop, cleaning his blackened hands with a cloth just as both Zatanna and Emma enters the shop.

" Loads of visitors today." Mr. Gold remarks without turning.

Emma slams the door behind her as Mr. Gold says," Do hope you're not going to break my little bell."

Emma accuses him," You set the fire."

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

Not believing Mr. Gold, Emma approaches him, holding the fabric in her hands as she shouts," Take a whiff. It smells like your sheep crap oil. Turns out it's flammable."

" Oh. Are you sure? There's some construction working on at City Hall at the moment. There's loads of flammable solvents used in construction." Mr. Gold states in denial, as Zatanna asks," Why did you do it?"

Mr. Gold stops cleaning his hands and he places the rag on a shelf.

Walking around his desk, he explains," If I did it...If I did it that would be because you cannot win without something big. Something like, uh I don't know. Being the hero in a fire?"

" How could you even know I'd be there at the right time?" Emma questioned, only for Mr. Gold to answer," Regina's not the only one with eyes and ears in this town. Or maybe... I'm just intuitive where I involved."

Emma then argued," I could've run and left her there."

Mr. Gold however, disagrees," Not the type."

Knowing the dishonesty behind this act of "heroism", Emma shakes her head," I can't go along with this."

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

Zatanna places a hand on Emma's shoulder and she says to Mr. Gold," I agree, playing dirty is part of politics. We've seen that with George Bush but Emma is no dirty politician. We won't resort to your dirty tricks."

Mr. Gold simply shrugs," Okay. Go ahead, expose me. But if you do...just think about what you'll be exposing and what you'll be walking away from."

Both Emma and Zatanna glares at him for a moment before Zatanna says to Emma," Come on Emma, let's go."

Right before Zatanna and Emma leaves, Mr. Gold adds, " Oh, yes. And um, who you might be disappointing."

Emma turns around, glaring at him before slamming the shop's door shut. As the two women leaves, Mr. Gold watches them, smiling to himself

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Duke's Castle

Baelfire and Rumplestiltskin are outside of the duke's castle as Rumplestiltskin lights one of the torches they've made earlier and sets a pile of straw on fire.

The fire spreads along the castle's walls, burning wooden joints and cracks as the fire spreads inside the castle and burns ceilings and rafters. Some burning rafters fall to the ground.

Rumplestiltskin enters a hall with flags standing along the walls, quietly creeping through before he puts one silver-green banner aside, revealing the hidden dagger behind it.

He takes the dagger and stares at it, briefly noticing the name Zoso written on the blade.

Rumplestiltskin turns as he prepares to leave the castle.

Storybrooke. Present. The Town Hall.

Above the entrance hangs a banner reading "Debate Today - Sheriff's election."

While people are crowding into the town hall, Mary Margaret is busy at work, stapling promotion posters "Swan for Sheriff" on the bulletin board.

Going on with her task on the other side of the board she runs right into David Nolan.

" David! Hi."" Mary Margaret. Hi." Both David and Mary Margaret awkwardly greets each other as Mary Margaret explains," I was just, uh..."

David nods, " Yeah. Yeah. Me too."

Mary Margaret then asks," How are things?"" Okay. I got a job." David answers," Yeah, I'm working at the animal shelter."

Pleased to hear the news, Mary Margaret asks," Really?"

" Yeah." David nods as he staples a poster, prompting Mary Margaret to notice.

Realizing that David is rooting for the opposition, Mary Margaret asks," So, Sidney?"

David explains," My wife is friends with Regina. So..."

Understanding the situation, Mary Margaret then changes the subject," Oh, right. How is Kathryn?"

" Good. She's meeting me here, later." David answers as Mary Margaret forces a smile," That's wonderful."

As she says, she staple the entire pile of posters forcefully onto the wall before looking down, expressing out," Well, I'm all out of posters. I'm going to go. Get some more."

David then watches as Mary Margaret quickly leaves.

Storybrooke. Present. Inside the Town Hall.

Inside the town hall, Sidney stood at his stand, preparing himself for the debate while Dr. Archie Hopper, reads a paper softly, practicing his opening speech," Citizens of Storybrooke. Uh- We welcome you to...Uh...Welcome citizens of Storybrooke. Uh- Uh, we welcome you citizens of Storybrooke. Welcome..."

Emma is sits at the podium.

Drawing back the curtains she notices Henry sitting in the audience who smiles at her.

As Emma watches, Zatanna hands a bottle of water and she asks," Nervous."

Emma says to Zatanna pessimistically," I'm not going to win."

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

" I get why you are feeling like this Emma but is beating Regina all you want?"

Emma draws back the curtains again to get another look at Henry, saying to Zatanna," It's just...I wanna show him that good can actually win."

" That's why you want to win it for him. But ask yourself this, why do you want to win?" Zatanna asked

Emma answer," That is why. I wanna show him that a hero can win. And if I'm not- If I'm not a hero and I'm not a savior...then what part do I have in his life?"

Zatanna then places a hand on Emma, assuring her," Look Emma, the next course of action is up to you. But rest assured, no matter the decision, I will support you all the way. Good luck."

Zatanna turns to leave as Emma draws back the curtains a third time, noticing Mr. Gold entering the Town Hall.

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Woods

Deep in the woods, Baelfire stood waiting in the woods for Rumplestiltskin to return.

After a while, Rumplestiltskin joins him in the woods as Baelfire exclaims out," Papa!"

Rumplestiltskin hugs Baelfire, smiling," Oh, Bae."

"I was so worried for you. Are... Are you burned? The castle..." Baelfire says worriedly as Rumplestiltskin assures his son," I'm fine, son. I'm fine. I need you to go home and wait for me there."

Baelfire then tugs at his father's sleeve, persuading him," Come with me...please. I have a bad feeling."

" Bae," Rumplestilskin shouts," this is something I have to do on my own. Go home, son!"

Baelfire stood there, hesitatant to leave as Rumplestiltskin instructs," Go home and wait for me, Bae. I'll be back. You go."

Baelfire turns around and leaves, looking back at his father for a moment. As soon as Baelfire has left the scene Rumplestiltskin takes out The Dark One's Dagger.

He holds it up in the air, so he can read the name written on the blade by the light of the torch, reciting out," Zoso! Zoso! I summon thee..."

At first sight nothing happened. Rumplestiltskin lowers the dagger and turns around.

Right at that moment, Standing behind him stood the Dark One, frightening Rumplestiltskin.

Rumplestiltskin quickly takes a few steps backwards, dropping the torch as he stares at the Dark One in fear as The Dark One asks," You were asking for me?"

Rumplestiltskin advances with the dagger, saying to The Dark One," Submit, oh Dark One! I control you."

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

Rumplestiltskin quickly objects desperately ," No, they can't take him."

The Dark One states," You don't control them. You control me. Have you ever wondered was he really your child at all. Unlike you, he's not a coward and yearns to fight and die in glory."

" No..."

" What a poor bargain that would be to lay down your soul to have your bastard son. So, I ask you, what would you have me to do?" The Dark One demands.

Angered, Rumplestiltskin screams out," Die!" He then plunges the blade into The Dark One's chest.

As the two fall to the ground, the fallen torch's flames light the Dark One's face.

Upon seeing the Dark One's true face, the relevation utters shocks Rumplestilskin.

As it turns out, Zoso was the beggar Rumplestiltskin met earlier.

Zoso laughs out as Rumplestilskin exclaims out in shock," It's you. You are the beggar."

Dying, Zoso rasply explains," Looks like you made a deal you didn't understand. I don't think you gonna do that again."

Gaspin out, Rumplestiltskin spoke," You told me to kill you."

Zoso nods as he explains to Rumplestiltskin," My life was such a burden. You'll see. Magic always comes with a price. And now, it's yours to pay."

" Why me? Why me?" Rumplestiltskin begs as the dying Zoso answers with his last dying breath," I know how to recognize a desperate soul."

Zoso then fell slump beneath Rumplestiltskin, dead.

Rumplestiltskin shakes the now dead Zoso, begging him," No! No! Stay! You have to tell me what to do! Tell me what to do."

Rumplestiltskin's hand which holds the dagger changes to a grey color.

Removing the dagger from Zoso's body Rumplestiltskin notices that his name is written on the dagger's blade.

There written on the blade is the name.

Rumplestilskin

Storybrooke. Present. Storybrooke Town Hall.

Dr. Archie Hopper welcomes the audience as both Emma and Sidney takes their seat on either side of him.

Dr. Hopper then began speaking up to the audience," Tragedy has brought us here, but we are faced with this decision. And now, we ask only that you listen with an open mind and please vote your conscience. So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to the candidates – Sidney Glass and Emma Swan. Glass. Swan. Sounds like something that a decorator would make you buy."

He chuckles out, as Zatanna quietly giggles at his joke, only to realize no one is laughing.

" Wow, crickets. Okay, uh... Uh, Mr. Glass...your opening statement."

Sidney Glass walks to the podium, speaking out," I just wanna say that if elected I wanna serve as a reflection of the best qualities of Storybrooke: Honesty..." Inaudible Regina repeats Sidney's words simultaneously as he finishes his speech," Neighborliness. And strength. Thank you."

Regina cheers him proudly while Zatanna quietly sticks a tongue out at him.

Dr. Hopper then introduces Emma," And Emma Swan."

Emma walks up to the podium, speaking out," You guys all know I have what they call an uh... troubled past. But, you've been able to overlook it because of the um, hero thing. But here's the thing: The fire was a setup."

The audience begins to murmur, becoming noisy as Emma continues," Mr. Gold agreed to support me in this race, but I didn't know that that meant he was going to set a fire. I don't have definitive evidence but I'm sure. And the worst part of all this was...The worst part of all this is I let you all think it was real. I can't win that way. I'm sorry."

Mr. Gold stands up and leaves the Town Hall as everyone sat in silence.

Granny's Dinner.

Emma finishes her drink as Ruby stands behind the counter, offering her another drink," Another?"

" Oh hell, yes." Emma held up her glass.

Just then, both Henry and Zatanna enters as Emma greets them," Hey Henry. Hey sis."

Henry hands Emma a walkie talkie, prompting her to ask," What's this for?"

Henry answers," You stood up to Mr. Gold."

He sits beside Emma, complimenting her," It's pretty amazing."

Zatanna agreed," You know, you're the second one aside from me who can stand up against Mr. Gold. I like that."

Emma shrugs," Well, he did something illegal."

" That's what heroes do. Expose stuff like that" Henry spoke as Ruby brings Emma another drink and places a glass of milk in front of Henry while giving a glass of apple cider to Zatanna.

Henry leans closer, whispering in Emma's ear," I shouldn't have given up on Operation Cobra."

Just then, Regina Mills and Sidney Glass enters the diner, causing the trio to look.

Regina then expresses out," I thought I might find you here. With a drink. And my son."

Emma turns to Sidney, addressing him sarcastically," Here to card me, officer?" However, Sidney shakes his head," Well, not at all. In fact, I think I will join you."

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

" Oh, well, you'll have to tell me what that's like." Sidney shrugs just as Regina approaches Emma.

Regina takes the Sheriff's badge out of her pocket, congratulating Emma as she places the badge in front of her," Congratulations, Sheriff Swan."

Henry widens his eyes," Wait. What?"

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

Slowly, the town people enter Granny's Dinner as Zatanna smiles at Emma, congratulating her," Alright. Good job sis!"

Emma stares at them before looking back at Regina and Sidney, inquiring out," Are you joking?"

Sidney assures her," She isn't joking."

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

The Enchanted Forest. Past.

Hordor and a group of his knights stood in front of Rumplestiltskin's house, taking Baelfire with them.

Hordor looks around, pointing out as he notices the empty town," Everyone's watching from behind their curtains today."

A soldier holding the reins of Hordor's horse suddenly falls to the ground, dead.

As it turns out, Rumplestiltskin has stabbed him with the dagger.

Hordor kneels down, not knowing who he is as acknowledges him," Dark One."

As Rumplestiltskin walks towards him, Hordor notices that something is wrong," No... Who are you?"

Rumplestiltskin stares at him, sneering," Have you forgotten me already? What was it you used to call me again? Spindleshanks? Hobblefoot."

Baelfire looks on, questioning out," Papa?"

Hordor narrows his eyes," Rumplestiltskin."

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

As Hordor bends over, Rumplestiltskin grabs him, and with a snap, he breaks Hordor's neck, killing him in the process.

" No, Papa!" Baelfire shouts.

Ignoring his son, Rumplestiltskin swings his dagger out, killing the rest of the knights in the process.

Staring at him in shock and terror, Baelfire asks," Papa? What has happened to you?"

Rumplestiltskin looks at his son, assuring him," You're safe, Bae. Do you feel safe, son?"

He approaches Baelfire. Traits of blood are visible on the dagger's blade as Baelfire shakes his head," No. I'm frightened."

" I'm not." Rumplestiltskin says.

Just then, Rumplestiltskin heard a familiar voice calling out to him," Stop right there Dark One!"

" Ah if it isn't the nosy magician." Rumplestilskin turns, facing Zatara and Zatanna whom the magician widens his eyes in recognition.

" It's you."" Surprised?" Rumplestiltskin smiles as Zatara asks him," What have you done?"

Rumplestilskin states strongly to Zatara," I protected what belongs to me and I'm not scared of anything anymore!"

Storybrooke. Present. Storybrooke Sheriff Department.

After winning the election, Emma enters the office and places a folder on her newly appointed desk.

Looking up,she notices Sheriff Graham's jacket hanging on the coat rack.

As Emma takes the jacket and inspects it, outside, Zatanna watches her adoptive sister as she heard a familiar raspy voice saying," The Sheriff's jacket. I thought she might want it."

Zatanna turns, noticing Mr. Gold walking towards her and she greets him," Hello there Mr. Gold."

Mr. Gold smiles as he says," So, are you proud of your sister's achievements?" Zatanna nods," Yeah but..."

The magician faces Mr. Gold and she says him," That's not why you are really here, to congratulate her."

" Well, you saw right through me." Mr. Gold states as Zatanna asks him suspiciously," In fact, is there a reason for me to believe that you orchestrated this entire thing?"

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

Zatanna then points out," Everyone may be afraid of Regina. But they are more afraid of you. So by making Emma stand up to you, she basically won everyone's favour."

" Indeed. I know how to recognize a desperate soul." Mr. Gold agrees as he quotes Zoso in an ironic tone.

Both Zatanna and Mr. Gold are silent before the magician broke the silence with a question," That's a good plan but I got to ask. Why did you do it?"

Mr. Gold explains," Miss Swan made a deal with me and she owed me a favour. I know that can be a bad feeling...owing someone. But now that she is sheriff, I'm sure we'll find some way for her to pay back what she owe me."

Zatanna then warns him," I don't know what is it you want from her but you better stay away from her."

Mr. Gold raises up his hand, trying to calm Zatanna down," Miss Zatara please. I'm not that cruel, I wouldn't lay a hand on her."

Zatanna then asks," Then is there anyway I can help carry her burden?"" Unfortunately no Miss Zatara," Mr. Gold shakes his head," It is Miss Swan who owes me so she has to bear full responsibility. And besides, I don't seem to want to owe you anything for some strange reason."

Both Mr. Gold and Zatanna faces each other as Emma walks towards the exit, saying," Hey Zee, I just found this jacket here and..."

Emma pauses upon noticing Mr. Gold," Oh, Mr. Gold."

Turning away from Zatanna, Mr. Gold smiles at her," Ah Miss Swan, like the jacket?"" Why are you here Mr. Gold?" Emma asks as Mr. Gold simply answers," Nothing. Just here to congratulate you. You really deserve this victory. Congratulations. "

Mr. Gold then turns around, leaving the Sheriff Office.