02x10 - The Cricket Game
Posted: 01/08/13 21:36
–[Storybrooke]–
(Hook’s ship is anchored at the docks of Storybrooke. Seeing that the coast is clear, Hook jumps off the boat. He then proceeds to assist Cora off the ship.)
Hook: Well, my dear Cora, this is where we shall part ways. Thank you for everything. It’s time for me to skin my crocodile.
(As Hook turns to leave, Cora magically disappears, and then reappears in front of him.)
Cora: You might want to rethink this.
Hook: We had a deal. Get out of my way.
Cora: Believe it or not, I’m doing you a favour.
Hook: By preventing my vengeance?
Cora: Ask yourself how I’m doing that.
Hook: By using your dark magic.
Cora: Exactly. Magic is here. And that makes matters a bit more complicated. If you go off half-cocked after an empowered Rumpelstiltskin, do you know what’ll happen? So, you do. Good.
(A fisherman spots the two on the pier and approaches them.)
Man: Hey. You folks need anything? Tackle shop don’t open until morning. But, if you want to go out and try and snare some of New England’s finest pescatarian creatures, I’d be happy to open early for ya.
Hook: No, thank you. We’re fine.
Man: It’s a fine vessel you got there. When’d you get in?
Cora: What vessel?
Man: W-Why that one right…
(Cora waves her hand and the ship turns invisible.)
Man: Hey, that’s a neat trick. You some kind of magician back in our land?
(Annoyed, Cora magically transforms the man into a fish. As it flops on the dock, Hook kicks it into the water.)
Hook: What did you do with my ship?
Cora: I hid it from prying eyes. For what we both want to do, we need the element of surprise. Now you ready to listen to me?
Hook: Go on, Your Majesty. What now?
Cora: Let’s go have a little look at this Storybrooke, shall we?
———–
(Mary Margaret and David are in bed at Mary Margaret’s apartment.)
David: What are you thinking?
MMB: That it’s good to be back.
David: Yeah? And what are you really thinking?
MMB: Twenty-eight years is too long to wait between-
(Suddenly, Emma and Henry return home from shopping.)
Henry: Hey! Guess what? Taco shells were on sale.
Emma: Apparently, tacos? Not a big item in the Enchanted-
(Henry and Emma both pause when they see them in bed.)
Henry: What are you guys still doing in bed? It’s the middle of the afternoon.
MMB: The trip back was tiring, and I needed to rest.
David: And I needed to… Help her rest.
Emma: Uh, let’s… Let’s go make the tacos. We have to make a lot, because there’s going to be a ton of people at Granny’s welcome back party tonight.
(Henry heads to the kitchen, while the three of them whisper.)
MMB: We thought you were going to be back later.
Emma: Yeah, well, we weren’t. So maybe next time, you could put a tie on the door, or send a text, or… You know what? I’m… I’m… Going to go make some tacos.
(Emma leaves to join Henry.)
David: It’s impressive that we can still provide her with a few traumatic childhood memories at this stage of the game.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(The Evil Queen, armored and on horseback, is on a hill overlooking King George’s kingdom. Below, she watches as it burns. Several of her men arrive on horseback.)
Guard: My Queen. We’ve received word. Snow White and the Prince have defeated King George. His army has fallen. The kingdom is theirs.
Evil Queen: And what of George?
Guard: His fate is unknown. But, without his forces, we are now alone. We cannot defeat them.
Evil Queen: Do not tell me what we can or can’t do. Where is Snow White now?
Guard: Alone, on her way back to meet the Prince.
Evil Queen: Excellent. I don’t care how many men you lose – keep them apart long enough for me to find her. I will not let them defeat me.
(Snow White runs through the woods, until she trips over a rock on the ground, causing the Evil Queen to catch up to her.)
Evil Queen: Leaving the battle so soon?
Snow White: The battle’s over, Regina. Our army is too great. You can’t win.
Evil Queen: Well, that all depends on your definition of victory.
Snow White: I offer you parley – to negotiate the terms of your surrender.
Evil Queen: My surrender? Fair enough. My terms are quite simple… Your death.
Snow White: Now!
(The Evil Queen prepares to att*ck, but stops as the Blue Fairy and Prince Charming arrive. The Blue Fairy sh**t a blast of blue magic at the Evil Queen, which causes her to become immobilized.)
Evil Queen: It was all a trap.
Snow White: You should’ve surrendered when I gave you the chance.
Prince Charming: We knew you couldn’t resist going after Snow. And now, because of your bloodlust, the kingdom is ours. Your reign of evil is over.
–[Storybrooke]–
(The citizens of Storybrooke have gathered at Granny’s Diner for a welcome home celebration. The Charming family enters. Everyone cheers, and Ruby rushes towards Mary Margaret for a hug.)
Ruby: I wasn’t worried a bit.
MMB: I can tell.
Archie: Oh, we all missed you.
(The two of them hug. Elsewhere, Emma presents Granny with a tray of tacos.)
Emma: Tacos. I cannot tell you the relief of cooking something that I didn’t have to k*ll first.
Granny: Don’t I know it. Meat loaf back home? What a bitch.
David: I just wanted to, uh, thank you all for joining us tonight. Mary Margaret and I – we have a saying… That we will always find each other. And, while I believe that with all my heart, I’d like you all to raise your glasses and join me when I say… Here’s to not having to look for a while. To Mary Margaret and Emma!
(As everyone clinks glasses, Regina enters with a casserole dish.)
Regina: Sorry I’m late.
(Leroy grabs a Kn*fe.)
Leroy: What is she doing here?
Emma: I invited her.
(Mary Margaret takes Emma to the side along with David.)
Emma: We’re celebrating today because of Regina. She helped us get home. No matter what she did in the past, we owe her our thanks now.
MMB: Didn’t you think to tell us about it?
Emma: I did, but you two were a little busy this afternoon.
MMB: Emma, she tried to k*ll us – yesterday!
Emma: No, she didn’t. She’s trying to change for Henry. He believes in her. And, right now, that’s enough for me. I couldn’t have changed if I wasn’t given a chance, so… She gets one, too.
(Henry sits with Regina as she slices the lasagna she brought.)
Henry: I’m glad you came.
Regina: Me, too.
(She sees Leroy and offers him a piece of lasagna.)
Regina: Oh, I made a lasagna.
Leroy: What’s the secret ingredient? Poison?
Regina: Red pepper flakes. Gives it some kick.
(Leroy suspiciously sniffs the lasagna, but takes it. Later in the evening, the party is winding down. People have split off into groups to talk, while Regina sits alone in one of the booths. She grabs her coat and decides to leave. Emma sees Regina exit, and follows her outside.)
Emma: Archie made a cake. You don’t want to stay for a piece?
Regina: I’m fine, thank you.
Emma: Okay.
(Emma turns to go back inside.)
Regina: Thank you.
Emma: You just said that.
Regina: F-For inviting me.
Emma: Henry wanted it. I’m glad you guys got to spend some time together.
Regina: Me, too. I’d like to see him more. Maybe you’d consider letting him stay over some time. I… I have his room just… Just waiting for him.
Emma: Oh… I’m… I’m not sure that’s best.
Regina: Because you know so much about parenting in the five minutes you’ve been with him. Talk to David. At least he took care of him while you were away. Like I did, during the ten years you were away the first time.
Emma: Okay. Thanks for coming.
(Emma turns to leave, but Regina stops her.)
Regina: No, wait. I’m sorry. I… I’m… I’m sorry. Snapping at you – I shouldn’t have done that. Will you accept my apology?
Emma: Okay. You’re right. Archie said you were trying to change. And, well, you are.
Regina: Dr. Hopper said I was trying?
Emma: He said you came to see him. That you’re trying not to use magic, that you’re trying to be a better person. You understand, I was hesitant to invite you. I asked him, and he thought it was a good idea.
Regina: Thank you. It was. I should be going.
(Regina leaves the diner and starts to walk home. From a nearby rooftop, Hook and Cora spy on her through a telescope.)
Hook: Well, is she broken?
Cora: Not yet.
———–
(Archie is walking his dog at the docks. He sees Regina and approaches her.)
Archie: Beautiful day, isn’t it, Regina?
Regina: Why should I answer you, bug?
Archie: Because I’m making friendly conversation.
Regina: That you’ll just repeat to anyone with an ear. You told Miss Swan about our sessions.
Archie: I was simply trying to help you.
Regina: By betraying my trust?
Archie: I… I mentioned only that you had come to see me, as an example of your commitment to change.
Regina: I came to you in confidence. How am I supposed to prove to people I’ve changed, when you’re there to chirp in their ears and remind them of my past?
Archie: I said nothing specific. I would never betray the doctor-patient confidentiality.
Regina: Doctor? Doctor?! Need I remind you got your PhD from a curse?
(Ruby sees the two of them arguing and runs up to them.)
Ruby: Hey! Is everything okay here?
Regina: Private conversation. Go take yourself for a walk.
(Ruby exits.)
Archie: I can be trusted. I assure you.
Regina: You’re lucky I’ve changed.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(Snow White and Prince Charming have gathered everyone for a meeting at their castle.)
Jiminy Cricket: I fear the Queen will never change. We must dispense justice.
Prince Charming: Agreed. What are our options?
Grumpy: How about giving me five minutes alone with her and my axe? …She’s still restrained, right?
Blue Fairy: Yes. But the magic that we used to capture her, will only keep her powerless for a short while.
Granny: How about banishing her to another realm?
Jiminy Cricket: We can’t. It would be unconscionable to condemn another realm to the suffering that we’ve endured.
Red: Jiminy’s right. She’s our problem, and we have to deal with her.
Prince Charming: Then only one thing is certain – as long as the Queen lives, the kingdom is in danger.
Snow White: Are you saying…
Prince Charming: Yes. We must k*ll the Queen. Thank you all.
(Everyone exits, except for Snow White and Prince Charming.)
Snow White: You sure this is what we must do?
Prince Charming: What choice do we have? As long as she draws breath, she will come after us – after you.
Snow White: There’s always a choice. You stopped me from k*lling her once, took an arrow to save her. Why is this different?
Prince Charming: I took that arrow to save your life, not hers. That was an assassination. This is an execution. If we don’t stop her now, there’s no telling what she’ll live to do.
–[Storybrooke]–
(As Ruby closes up the diner for the evening, she sees Regina enter Archie’s office across the street. Inside, Regina knocks on the door. Archie answers.)
Regina: I know it’s late, but I was hoping we can talk.
Archie: Sure. Come on in.
(When Archie lets Regina in, Pongo begins barking and growling.)
Archie: Hush, Pongo. You know Regina.
(He goes to his filing cabinet to retrieve Regina’s file.)
Archie: I know how hard it is. Real change can often be a… A struggle.
(Regina appears behind him.)
Regina: I couldn’t agree more.
Archie: Regina, is there something-
(Regina grabs Archie by the neck and lifts him into the air. Pongo gets up and begins barking, but Regina magically silences and freezes him. Archie struggles as a cloud of purple smoke begins to flow from Regina’s hand. The scene cuts off, and Regina exits the building. When she is around the side of the building and out of sight, ‘Regina’ transforms back into Cora.)
———–
(Emma and Henry are having breakfast at Granny’s.)
Henry: So, what was it like? Over there?
Emma: Well, let’s see. There were ogres, the dead rising, people trying to k*ll me. And…more ogres.
Henry: Awesome.
Emma: Kid, we got to work on your sense of awesome. Come on. It’s time for school. I’ll walk you to the school bus.
Henry: It’s okay. I can go on my own.
Emma: I know that you can. That doesn’t mean that you should.
Henry: David let me.
Emma: Well, I’m not David.
Henry: You used to let me.
Emma: Well, I am not me. I’m walking you, because that’s what mothers do. And I’m doing it.
(Henry and Emma exit the diner, where they are greeted by a distressed Pongo.)
Henry: Hey, Pongo. It’s okay. It’s okay.
Emma: Where’s Archie?
(Ruby bolts out of the diner.)
Ruby: Emma, something’s wrong.
Emma: How do you know? Never mind. The wolf thing. You know what? Eleven is old enough to walk to the bus stop. I’ll pick you up later.
Henry: Okay.
(Henry leaves. Pongo runs off and leads Emma and Ruby to the door of Archie’s office, which is slightly ajar.)
Emma: Archie?
(Emma enters the office and spots Archie lying on the floor where Cora left him.)
Emma: Archie? Oh, hell.
Ruby: What? What is it?
Emma: Archie…
(Emma checks for a pulse, but finds nothing.)
Ruby: No… No…
Emma: Who would do this?
Ruby: I think I know.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(In her cell in a tower, the Evil Queen watches the people below gather for the execution. A guard at the door breaks the silence.)
Guard: You have a visitor.
(The guard leaves, leaving behind the Evil Queen’s father.)
Evil Queen: Daddy.
Henry I: This is all my fault. I failed you as a father. I should have done more to protect you. Can you ever forgive me, child?
Evil Queen: There’s no need. How could I blame the one I love most? The only one to stand by me… To the end.
Henry I: It doesn’t have to be the end.
Evil Queen: Snow and her Prince seem rather determined to make it so.
Henry I: Show them regret for what you’ve done, the pain you’ve caused. Show them you can change. They will spare you. Just give them a reason. I beg of you.
–[Storybrooke]–
(Regina is sitting in the interrogation room at the Sheriff’s station. Emma and David enter, while Mary Margaret watches through the glass.)
Regina: Glad to see the Sheriff’s station’s now a family business. Why am I here?
Emma: You know why you’re here. Because of Archie.
Regina: Oh, it’s now against the law to get into an argument with someone?
David: It is if you go to their office later that night and k*ll them.
Regina: Archie’s dead?
David: Stop it, Regina. Ruby saw you going into his office last night.
Regina: Then she’s lying. I was home all evening. After everything I’ve done to change, to win Henry back, why would I toss it all away now? And, if I did and I was going to k*ll Archie, you would never know it. The fact that he’s dead and you caught me shows sloppiness.
David: You’ve been caught before. Come on, Emma. Who do you think’s lying – Ruby, or her? She’s incapable of change, no matter how many times we’ve given her the chance. Why should this time be any different?
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(Two guards escort Regina to the middle of the courtyard, where a crowd has gathered to watch. Along with Snow White and Prince Charming, Rumpelstiltskin is another notable person in the crowd. Regina is chained to a pole, and a line of guards armed with bows stand in front of her. Jiminy Cricket flies up to speak to her.)
Jiminy Cricket: Regina. This is your opportunity to meet your end with a clear conscience. Do you have any last words?
Evil Queen: Yes. Yes, I do. I know I’m being judged for my past. A past where I’ve caused pain, a past where I’ve inflicted misery, a past where I’ve… Even brought death. When I look back at everything I’ve done, I want you all to know what I feel. And that is… Regret. Regret, that I was not able to cause more pain. Inflict more misery. And bring about more death. And above all else, with every ounce of my being, I regret that I was not able to k*ll… Snow White!
Prince Charming: Arrows!
(Regina is blindfolded, and the guards draw their weapons.)
Prince Charming: Take your aim. Fire!
Snow White: Stop!
(The arrows fly towards Regina’s chest, but are stopped by the Blue Fairy’s magic. The arrows clatter to the ground.)
Prince Charming: Snow!
Snow White: This is not the way.
Prince Charming: Snow…
(Snow White storms out of the courtyard.)
Prince Charming: Take her back to her cell.
(Regina’s blindfold is removed. Now looking somewhat deranged, she is escorted back to her cell by the guards.)
–[Storybrooke]–
(Emma and David join Mary Margaret outside of the interrogation room.)
MMB: So what do we do with her now?
David: Lock her up.
Emma: We can’t lock her up, because she didn’t do it.
David: You really believe her?
Emma: I watched her when we told her Archie was dead. She didn’t know.
MMB: Emma, I know that you want to believe that Regina can change for Henry, but-
Emma: I know what I saw. Look at her in there. The old Regina would’ve reduced this building to ashes. That’s a woman who wants to change. She just wants everyone else to see it. I know that look. I know her. I believe her.
David: With all due respect, you don’t know her like we do.
Emma: Maybe that’s the problem. I know in your kingdom, she was the Evil Queen. But here, she’s Regina. And I’m still the Sheriff, and I say she’s innocent until proven guilty.
MMB: So… Uh, what do you suggest we do?
Emma: Let her go.
David: Emma, sh-
Emma: We let her go, and then we find the truth.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(Prince Charming follows Snow White into the castle.)
Prince Charming: Snow, I thought we agreed what had to be done. Instead, you show the Queen mercy? She doesn’t deserve it. You heard her. She’s completely unrepentant.
Snow White: What I heard, was a woman who didn’t want to appear weak in her final moments.
Prince Charming: I’ve seen her k*ll, I’ve seen her terrorize. Every moment I’ve seen of her, has been one of evil.
Snow White: Exactly. That you’ve seen. But I knew her before. I knew her when she was good. She saved my life when I was a little girl.
Prince Charming: That was years ago.
Snow White: She changed before. Why can’t she change back?
Prince Charming: You can’t be serious. You want to rehabilitate the Queen?
Snow White: Maybe showing her mercy is the first step.
Prince Charming: But, if you fail, the entire safety of the kingdom is at stake. We cannot take that risk.
Snow White: You’re so sure of her black soul? Sure enough to k*ll? Because there’s no going back from k*lling.
Prince Charming: If you think this is the right thing to do, then it’s what we shall do. But know that your path is one that we cannot come back from either.
———–
(That evening, Snow White goes for a walk in the courtyard. Rumpelstiltskin is waiting there.)
Rumpelstiltskin: My, my. Aren’t we troubled, dearie?
Snow White: Rumpelstiltskin. What brings you here?
Rumpelstiltskin: You have to ask? I came to witness the Queen’s execution. Even had my heart set on a wee souvenir. It’s all very disappointing.
Snow White: I won’t apologize for sparing her life. Not when there’s a chance she might change.
Rumpelstiltskin: Regina redeemed – what a novel thought. And, um… How do you plan to accomplish such an impressive feat?
Snow White: I don’t even know if it’s possible. I’m probably just fooling myself.
Rumpelstiltskin: Maybe you need someone to show you that it is possible.
Snow White: What do you mean?
Rumpelstiltskin: Simple. I provide you with a test to help determine whether the Queen can truly change.
Snow White: Why would I trust you, when I know you want the Queen dead? You never make a deal without a price.
Rumpelstiltskin: Maybe I just want her alive.
Snow White: That I doubt.
Rumpelstiltskin: Question my motives all you like, dearie, but they shall remain mine. What is yours now, is opportunity. I can help you. Do we have a deal?
–[Storybrooke]–
(The Charmings are searching for evidence in Archie’s office. David is looking through the filing cabinet for Regina’s file.)
David: Huh. Regina’s file – it’s empty.
MMB: So she did it. She k*lled the kindest soul in this town. A man who only cared about helping.
Emma: I promise we’ll find whoever really did this.
David: Isn’t it time you admit we already have? Regina had a fight with Archie, Ruby saw her outside last night, and now, her file is empty. That’s… That’s a lot of evidence.
Emma: Maybe that’s the point.
David: What do you mean?
Emma: Well, I don’t know how it is in fairy tale land, but in the real world, it’s usually hard to find evidence. But this has been way too easy. Unless, someone wants us to find evidence.
MMB: What? So you think she was framed?
Emma: Well, it wouldn’t be the first time that happened in this town.
David: Who would want to frame her?
MMB: That’s a long list, present company included.
Emma: Yeah. But there’s only one name on that list that would resort to k*lling to get what they want.
———–
(In Mr. Gold’s pawn shop, Belle has prepared a lunch for the two of them.)
Mr. Gold: Oh, well, that looks delicious. Thank you very much, belle.
(Emma, David, and Mary Margaret enter.)
Mr. Gold: Ah… Nothing warms the heart more than a family reunited. You have your mother’s chin, Miss Swan.
Emma: We know that you k*lled him.
Mr. Gold: And your father’s tact.
Belle: Someone’s dead?
Emma: Dr. Hopper.
Mr. Gold: Why on earth would you think I had anything to do with that?
Emma: Because all the evidence points to Regina.
Belle: And she’s not possibly capable of doing something so vile?
Emma: It’s a frame job.
MMB: It wouldn’t be the first time you used someone to try to hurt her.
Mr. Gold: Nice to see your memory’s still intact, dearie. But this time, I’m afraid I’m going to have to disappoint you. It wasn’t me.
David: Why should we believe you?
Mr. Gold: Because I can prove it. Ask the witness.
Emma: No one was there.
Mr. Gold: Well, that’s not strictly true now, is it?
(David finds Pongo and leads him into the shop. Mr. Gold goes to pet him.)
Mr. Gold: Hey, boy. Good boy. Good boy, good boy.
Belle: I, uh… I didn’t know you were such a dog person.
Mr. Gold: Well… A long time ago, in another life, I got to know a sheepdog or two.
Emma: That’s fascinating. But unless you speak dog, how is Pongo going to tell us anything?
Mr. Gold: Through magic, of course. It won’t allow us to communicate, but it will allow us to… Extract his memories.
David: Extract?
Mr. Gold: You don’t have to worry. He won’t feel a thing.
Emma: Why should we trust you? Couldn’t you just as easily use magic to fool us?
Mr. Gold: Because I’m not going to be the one using magic – you are.
Emma: Me? How?
Mr. Gold: You have it within you. Told me so yourself. You witnessed it, didn’t you?
MMB: Emma, you don’t have to do this.
Emma: If it tells us something about Archie’s death, then so be it.
(Mr. Gold takes a dream catcher out of one of the cupboards and holds it up.)
Mr. Gold: Do you know what this is?
Emma: A dream catcher.
Mr. Gold: Well… It’s capable of catching so much more.
(He slowly runs the dream catcher along Pongo’s back, which causes it to start glowing a bright yellow.)
Belle: What is that?
Mr. Gold: Memories. Now, Miss Swan. You show us how.
Emma: How? It’s just a jumble.
Mr. Gold: Will it. Will it, and we shall all see.
(Emma takes the dream catchers and holds it in front of her. She concentrates on the jumbled swirl in the middle of the dream catcher, but nothing happens.)
Emma: I can’t.
Mr. Gold: Yes, you can.
(Emma briefly closes her eyes, which causes the jumble to transform into an actual image. In the dream catcher, Pongo’s memories of ‘Regina’ entering Archie’s office play.)
David: Emma… You’re doing it.
Emma: Regina.
(The memory gets to the part where ‘Regina’ grabs Archie’s neck. Mary Margaret, horrified, turns away. Having seen enough, Emma drops the dream catcher and lets it fall to the floor.)
Emma: You were right all along.
David: I’m sorry, Emma.
———–
(Emma rushes out of the shop, with David and Mary Margaret trailing behind.)
David: Emma! Wait. Where are you going?
Emma: To get Regina.
MMB: Well, can we talk about this?
Emma: What’s there to talk about? She k*lled Archie, now she’s got to pay.
MMB: Emma, how do you plan on doing that? She has her powers back here.
Emma: Yeah, well, you just saw what happened. So do I.
David: Yeah. You have something, but you didn’t even know what the hell to do with it. And now, you’re going to go take on the most powerful woman in town?
Emma: Excuse me. Weren’t you both the ones who’ve been pushing on the ‘it’s Regina’ kick the whole time? You should be happy you were right.
MMB: We may be right, but I also know that going after her without a plan is a mistake.
Emma: So what do we do?
David: Even if the dwarves construct a cell to hold her, we need a way to contain her magic until then.
MMB: Fairy dust. Leroy said they were processing a new batch of it.
Emma: Will that stop her power?
David: It has before. The problem is, she’ll see us coming.
Emma: Leave that to me. Trust me – we’re locking her up.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(In the tower, a guard is outside of the Evil Queen’s cell. Snow White walks up the stairs, entering the area.)
Guard: Your Highness.
Snow White: Leave us, please.
Guard: But I have direct orders from the Prince-
Snow White: And now, you have direct orders from me.
(The guard exits, leaving Snow White and the Evil Queen alone. Snow White slips a dagger in her sleeve.)
Evil Queen: First, you stop my execution, and then, you defy your Prince to see me. Should I be worried there’s trouble in paradise?
Snow White: I’m not here to talk about my fiancé.
Evil Queen: Then why are you here?
Snow White: I know you weren’t always like this, Regina. The woman who saved my life all those years ago…had good in her.
Evil Queen: That woman lost much. And now she’s gone.
Snow White: Maybe. But as hard as you’ve tried to bury her, I think she’s still inside you.
Evil Queen: No, she’s not.
Snow White: All you need…
(Snow White unlocks the door of the cell.)
Snow White: Is someone to help you let her out.
Evil Queen: What are you doing?
Snow White: I’m letting the woman who saved my life go. This is a chance to start fresh, Regina. To leave the evil behind in this cell.
(The Evil Queen stands up and walks towards the door.)
Evil Queen: Just like that?
Snow White: Just like that.
(The two of them walk a short distance, when the Evil Queen turns and grabs Snow White by the throat, holding her against the wall.)
Evil Queen: You make change sound so easy.
(Snow White draws her dagger, but the Evil Queen quickly stops her and takes the w*apon for herself.)
Evil Queen: Did you really think this would protect you? Since I can’t use magic, I can think of no better way than to k*ll you with the blade you had meant for me. Goodbye, Snow White.
Snow White: No…
(The Evil Queen stabs Snow White with the dagger.)
Evil Queen: Yes…
Snow White: No.
(The Evil Queen looks down and sees that the dagger has not injured Snow White. She removes the dagger, unbloodied.)
Evil Queen: That’s impossible.
Snow White: No, that’s magic.
(Prince Charming and several guards enter.)
Prince Charming: And this time, it wasn’t thanks to fairies.
(He holds up the blindfold used during the Evil Queen’s execution.)
Prince Charming: Rumpelstiltskin. He took one of your hairs from this, and used it to fashion a protection spell.
Evil Queen: No…
Prince Charming: Now there’s nothing you can do in this land to hurt Snow or me. You’re powerless against us.
Evil Queen: You tricked me.
Snow White: It wasn’t a trick. It was a test – one that I had truly hoped you’d pass.
Prince Charming: We wanted to give you a chance to change, Regina.
Snow White: Regina, you are banished. Banished to live alone with your misery.
Prince Charming: As long as you’re alive in this world, you can’t hurt us.
Snow White: You saved my life once, and now I’ve saved yours. So we’re even. And if you ever try to hurt anyone in my kingdom again, I will k*ll you.
–[Storybrooke]–
(Emma knocks on Regina’s door, while David and Mary Margaret stand behind her. Regina answers.)
Regina: Miss Swan. I assume you’re here to apologize.
Emma: I saw you do it.
Regina: What?
Emma: I saw it. You choked the life out of Archie.
Regina: What are you talking about? How is that even possible?
David: Magic.
Regina: You-
Emma: I saw what happened, and it was you.
Regina: Gold. He helped you. You’re going to trust him, of all people, when he’s probably the one behind this?
MMB: We didn’t trust him. That’s why Emma used magic instead.
Regina: You can use magic… The saviour. Of course. Well, I can only assume he warned you, then.
Emma: About what?
Regina: That magic always comes with a price.
Emma: Yeah? Well, that’s a price we’re both going to pay.
Regina: How’s that?
Emma: Henry. He believed in you. His heart’s going to break. That’s both our prices.
Regina: No. I will not let you poison Henry against me.
Emma: It’s an interesting word choice, since you already did.
(The three of them start to leave and Regina follows them down the walkway.)
Regina: I want to see him. He deserves to hear my side of the story! He’s my son!
Emma: He’s not! He’s mine! And, after this, you’re not getting anywhere near him! Do it!
(Mother Superior appears from behind and tree and fires a blast of blue magic at Regina. However, she sees it coming in time and stops it.)
Regina: Did you really think that would work again?
(She casually tosses the magic orb on the ground near David and Mary Margaret.)
Regina: You… You will not keep my son from me.
(Regina magically throws Emma backwards down the walkway. Mary Margaret runs to help her up.)
Regina: So much for fairy dust. Maybe some of your newfound magic can save you now.
Emma: I don’t need it. I already won. There is no way Henry will swallow your lies about Archie now. You can pretend all you want, but we know how you are, and who you will always be.
(Defeated, Regina magically disappears in a puff of purple smoke.)
———–
(The Charmings are waiting near the bus stop on the main street of Storybrooke.)
Emma: Henry’s bus is going to be here any minute.
MMB: You can do this.
Emma: Tell my son that someone he loved was k*lled by someone else he cares about? I don’t know if I can. Yeah, I don’t think I can do any of this. This is like real parent stuff. How can I be a parent if I never was one?
David: I know. I’ve been asking myself the same question.
Emma: Oh, no. You guys don’t have to… It-It’s different.
MMB: No, it isn’t. And yes, we have to. We can figure it out. So can you.
Emma: You don’t know me. You don’t know what I was before Storybrooke. And trust me, I was not parent material.
David: Yeah, but we know who you are since you’ve been here.
Emma: What if I revert? Regina did.
David: You’re not going to. And the Emma I know was great with Henry.
Emma: I was his parent for five minutes.
David: And I was yours for five minutes, too, but things are different now – for all of us. We don’t have to go through any of it alone. We’re family.
(They see Henry get off the bus. Emma walks over by herself to meet him.)
Henry: Emma. I told you I could walk myself.
Emma: I know. Something happened, and… I want you to hear it from me first.
Henry: What is it?
Emma: Come here.
(Emma leads Henry to a bench where the two of them sit down to talk. From a distance, Regina sits in her car and watches the scene unfold in the mirror. She begins crying, as she sees Emma break the news to Henry. Henry, looking upset, hugs Emma.)
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(The Evil Queen is brooding in her chambers when her father enters.)
Henry I: You have a visitor.
Evil Queen: Who?
(Rumpelstiltskin appears on the chair behind her.)
Rumpelstiltskin: You need to ask? What other friends do you have, dearie?
Evil Queen: You’re no friend. Have you come to relish my suffering?
Rumpelstiltskin: I thought you’d want someone to help raise your spirits. Especially on a day like today.
Evil Queen: What’s so special about today?
Rumpelstiltskin: Snow White and Prince Charming’s wedding, of course. Didn’t you get an invitation? Me neither. Still, nice to be able to see them declare their twoo love in front of their entire kingdom. A happy ending after all.
Evil Queen: And, because of you, there’s nothing I can do to stop it. No way to harm them in this land ever again.
Rumpelstiltskin: Yes. Yes, I suppose that’s true… In this land.
Evil Queen: What?
Rumpelstiltskin: The deal I made was explicit. You can never harm them in ‘this’ land. Now, were you to bring them to another land… Well…
(She smiles at the realization.)
Rumpelstiltskin: Told you I was your friend.
(Rumpelstiltskin magically disappears in a puff of red smoke.)
Evil Queen: Father? Bring my carriage. I have a wedding to get to.
–[Storybrooke]–
(At the docks, Hook is sharpening his hook when Cora arrives.)
Hook: You’re back. So, did you get what you wanted?
Cora: Yes. My daughter’s lost everything now.
Hook: Ah. Well, aren’t you mum of the year?
Cora: I did what was needed.
Hook: What about what I need? You promised you’d help me get my revenge on Rumpelstiltskin.
Cora: And I’ve already started. Or didn’t you notice the little gift I left you in the hold of your ship?
Hook: A gift? What is it?
Cora: Not what. Who.
(The two of them enter the invisible ship, where Cora leads Hook to the bottom level of the boat. She opens up a grate, allowing Hook to look inside.)
Hook: Who’s that?
Cora: Someone privy to Storybrooke’s deepest secrets, including Rumpelstiltskin’s. Someone who can help us determine his weaknesses here.
(Archie is shown bound and gagged in the hold.)
Cora: Can’t you, Dr. Hopper?
Hook: If that’s him, then who did you k*ll?
Cora: How do I know? It’s my first day in town.
Hook: You disguised the body to look like him. If death wasn’t punishment enough… Marvelous work.
Cora: Thank you. Now you’ll have all the knowledge you’ll need. It may take some work, but this cricket will chirp.
Hook: Aye. That he will.
–[End]–
(Hook’s ship is anchored at the docks of Storybrooke. Seeing that the coast is clear, Hook jumps off the boat. He then proceeds to assist Cora off the ship.)
Hook: Well, my dear Cora, this is where we shall part ways. Thank you for everything. It’s time for me to skin my crocodile.
(As Hook turns to leave, Cora magically disappears, and then reappears in front of him.)
Cora: You might want to rethink this.
Hook: We had a deal. Get out of my way.
Cora: Believe it or not, I’m doing you a favour.
Hook: By preventing my vengeance?
Cora: Ask yourself how I’m doing that.
Hook: By using your dark magic.
Cora: Exactly. Magic is here. And that makes matters a bit more complicated. If you go off half-cocked after an empowered Rumpelstiltskin, do you know what’ll happen? So, you do. Good.
(A fisherman spots the two on the pier and approaches them.)
Man: Hey. You folks need anything? Tackle shop don’t open until morning. But, if you want to go out and try and snare some of New England’s finest pescatarian creatures, I’d be happy to open early for ya.
Hook: No, thank you. We’re fine.
Man: It’s a fine vessel you got there. When’d you get in?
Cora: What vessel?
Man: W-Why that one right…
(Cora waves her hand and the ship turns invisible.)
Man: Hey, that’s a neat trick. You some kind of magician back in our land?
(Annoyed, Cora magically transforms the man into a fish. As it flops on the dock, Hook kicks it into the water.)
Hook: What did you do with my ship?
Cora: I hid it from prying eyes. For what we both want to do, we need the element of surprise. Now you ready to listen to me?
Hook: Go on, Your Majesty. What now?
Cora: Let’s go have a little look at this Storybrooke, shall we?
———–
(Mary Margaret and David are in bed at Mary Margaret’s apartment.)
David: What are you thinking?
MMB: That it’s good to be back.
David: Yeah? And what are you really thinking?
MMB: Twenty-eight years is too long to wait between-
(Suddenly, Emma and Henry return home from shopping.)
Henry: Hey! Guess what? Taco shells were on sale.
Emma: Apparently, tacos? Not a big item in the Enchanted-
(Henry and Emma both pause when they see them in bed.)
Henry: What are you guys still doing in bed? It’s the middle of the afternoon.
MMB: The trip back was tiring, and I needed to rest.
David: And I needed to… Help her rest.
Emma: Uh, let’s… Let’s go make the tacos. We have to make a lot, because there’s going to be a ton of people at Granny’s welcome back party tonight.
(Henry heads to the kitchen, while the three of them whisper.)
MMB: We thought you were going to be back later.
Emma: Yeah, well, we weren’t. So maybe next time, you could put a tie on the door, or send a text, or… You know what? I’m… I’m… Going to go make some tacos.
(Emma leaves to join Henry.)
David: It’s impressive that we can still provide her with a few traumatic childhood memories at this stage of the game.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(The Evil Queen, armored and on horseback, is on a hill overlooking King George’s kingdom. Below, she watches as it burns. Several of her men arrive on horseback.)
Guard: My Queen. We’ve received word. Snow White and the Prince have defeated King George. His army has fallen. The kingdom is theirs.
Evil Queen: And what of George?
Guard: His fate is unknown. But, without his forces, we are now alone. We cannot defeat them.
Evil Queen: Do not tell me what we can or can’t do. Where is Snow White now?
Guard: Alone, on her way back to meet the Prince.
Evil Queen: Excellent. I don’t care how many men you lose – keep them apart long enough for me to find her. I will not let them defeat me.
(Snow White runs through the woods, until she trips over a rock on the ground, causing the Evil Queen to catch up to her.)
Evil Queen: Leaving the battle so soon?
Snow White: The battle’s over, Regina. Our army is too great. You can’t win.
Evil Queen: Well, that all depends on your definition of victory.
Snow White: I offer you parley – to negotiate the terms of your surrender.
Evil Queen: My surrender? Fair enough. My terms are quite simple… Your death.
Snow White: Now!
(The Evil Queen prepares to att*ck, but stops as the Blue Fairy and Prince Charming arrive. The Blue Fairy sh**t a blast of blue magic at the Evil Queen, which causes her to become immobilized.)
Evil Queen: It was all a trap.
Snow White: You should’ve surrendered when I gave you the chance.
Prince Charming: We knew you couldn’t resist going after Snow. And now, because of your bloodlust, the kingdom is ours. Your reign of evil is over.
–[Storybrooke]–
(The citizens of Storybrooke have gathered at Granny’s Diner for a welcome home celebration. The Charming family enters. Everyone cheers, and Ruby rushes towards Mary Margaret for a hug.)
Ruby: I wasn’t worried a bit.
MMB: I can tell.
Archie: Oh, we all missed you.
(The two of them hug. Elsewhere, Emma presents Granny with a tray of tacos.)
Emma: Tacos. I cannot tell you the relief of cooking something that I didn’t have to k*ll first.
Granny: Don’t I know it. Meat loaf back home? What a bitch.
David: I just wanted to, uh, thank you all for joining us tonight. Mary Margaret and I – we have a saying… That we will always find each other. And, while I believe that with all my heart, I’d like you all to raise your glasses and join me when I say… Here’s to not having to look for a while. To Mary Margaret and Emma!
(As everyone clinks glasses, Regina enters with a casserole dish.)
Regina: Sorry I’m late.
(Leroy grabs a Kn*fe.)
Leroy: What is she doing here?
Emma: I invited her.
(Mary Margaret takes Emma to the side along with David.)
Emma: We’re celebrating today because of Regina. She helped us get home. No matter what she did in the past, we owe her our thanks now.
MMB: Didn’t you think to tell us about it?
Emma: I did, but you two were a little busy this afternoon.
MMB: Emma, she tried to k*ll us – yesterday!
Emma: No, she didn’t. She’s trying to change for Henry. He believes in her. And, right now, that’s enough for me. I couldn’t have changed if I wasn’t given a chance, so… She gets one, too.
(Henry sits with Regina as she slices the lasagna she brought.)
Henry: I’m glad you came.
Regina: Me, too.
(She sees Leroy and offers him a piece of lasagna.)
Regina: Oh, I made a lasagna.
Leroy: What’s the secret ingredient? Poison?
Regina: Red pepper flakes. Gives it some kick.
(Leroy suspiciously sniffs the lasagna, but takes it. Later in the evening, the party is winding down. People have split off into groups to talk, while Regina sits alone in one of the booths. She grabs her coat and decides to leave. Emma sees Regina exit, and follows her outside.)
Emma: Archie made a cake. You don’t want to stay for a piece?
Regina: I’m fine, thank you.
Emma: Okay.
(Emma turns to go back inside.)
Regina: Thank you.
Emma: You just said that.
Regina: F-For inviting me.
Emma: Henry wanted it. I’m glad you guys got to spend some time together.
Regina: Me, too. I’d like to see him more. Maybe you’d consider letting him stay over some time. I… I have his room just… Just waiting for him.
Emma: Oh… I’m… I’m not sure that’s best.
Regina: Because you know so much about parenting in the five minutes you’ve been with him. Talk to David. At least he took care of him while you were away. Like I did, during the ten years you were away the first time.
Emma: Okay. Thanks for coming.
(Emma turns to leave, but Regina stops her.)
Regina: No, wait. I’m sorry. I… I’m… I’m sorry. Snapping at you – I shouldn’t have done that. Will you accept my apology?
Emma: Okay. You’re right. Archie said you were trying to change. And, well, you are.
Regina: Dr. Hopper said I was trying?
Emma: He said you came to see him. That you’re trying not to use magic, that you’re trying to be a better person. You understand, I was hesitant to invite you. I asked him, and he thought it was a good idea.
Regina: Thank you. It was. I should be going.
(Regina leaves the diner and starts to walk home. From a nearby rooftop, Hook and Cora spy on her through a telescope.)
Hook: Well, is she broken?
Cora: Not yet.
———–
(Archie is walking his dog at the docks. He sees Regina and approaches her.)
Archie: Beautiful day, isn’t it, Regina?
Regina: Why should I answer you, bug?
Archie: Because I’m making friendly conversation.
Regina: That you’ll just repeat to anyone with an ear. You told Miss Swan about our sessions.
Archie: I was simply trying to help you.
Regina: By betraying my trust?
Archie: I… I mentioned only that you had come to see me, as an example of your commitment to change.
Regina: I came to you in confidence. How am I supposed to prove to people I’ve changed, when you’re there to chirp in their ears and remind them of my past?
Archie: I said nothing specific. I would never betray the doctor-patient confidentiality.
Regina: Doctor? Doctor?! Need I remind you got your PhD from a curse?
(Ruby sees the two of them arguing and runs up to them.)
Ruby: Hey! Is everything okay here?
Regina: Private conversation. Go take yourself for a walk.
(Ruby exits.)
Archie: I can be trusted. I assure you.
Regina: You’re lucky I’ve changed.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(Snow White and Prince Charming have gathered everyone for a meeting at their castle.)
Jiminy Cricket: I fear the Queen will never change. We must dispense justice.
Prince Charming: Agreed. What are our options?
Grumpy: How about giving me five minutes alone with her and my axe? …She’s still restrained, right?
Blue Fairy: Yes. But the magic that we used to capture her, will only keep her powerless for a short while.
Granny: How about banishing her to another realm?
Jiminy Cricket: We can’t. It would be unconscionable to condemn another realm to the suffering that we’ve endured.
Red: Jiminy’s right. She’s our problem, and we have to deal with her.
Prince Charming: Then only one thing is certain – as long as the Queen lives, the kingdom is in danger.
Snow White: Are you saying…
Prince Charming: Yes. We must k*ll the Queen. Thank you all.
(Everyone exits, except for Snow White and Prince Charming.)
Snow White: You sure this is what we must do?
Prince Charming: What choice do we have? As long as she draws breath, she will come after us – after you.
Snow White: There’s always a choice. You stopped me from k*lling her once, took an arrow to save her. Why is this different?
Prince Charming: I took that arrow to save your life, not hers. That was an assassination. This is an execution. If we don’t stop her now, there’s no telling what she’ll live to do.
–[Storybrooke]–
(As Ruby closes up the diner for the evening, she sees Regina enter Archie’s office across the street. Inside, Regina knocks on the door. Archie answers.)
Regina: I know it’s late, but I was hoping we can talk.
Archie: Sure. Come on in.
(When Archie lets Regina in, Pongo begins barking and growling.)
Archie: Hush, Pongo. You know Regina.
(He goes to his filing cabinet to retrieve Regina’s file.)
Archie: I know how hard it is. Real change can often be a… A struggle.
(Regina appears behind him.)
Regina: I couldn’t agree more.
Archie: Regina, is there something-
(Regina grabs Archie by the neck and lifts him into the air. Pongo gets up and begins barking, but Regina magically silences and freezes him. Archie struggles as a cloud of purple smoke begins to flow from Regina’s hand. The scene cuts off, and Regina exits the building. When she is around the side of the building and out of sight, ‘Regina’ transforms back into Cora.)
———–
(Emma and Henry are having breakfast at Granny’s.)
Henry: So, what was it like? Over there?
Emma: Well, let’s see. There were ogres, the dead rising, people trying to k*ll me. And…more ogres.
Henry: Awesome.
Emma: Kid, we got to work on your sense of awesome. Come on. It’s time for school. I’ll walk you to the school bus.
Henry: It’s okay. I can go on my own.
Emma: I know that you can. That doesn’t mean that you should.
Henry: David let me.
Emma: Well, I’m not David.
Henry: You used to let me.
Emma: Well, I am not me. I’m walking you, because that’s what mothers do. And I’m doing it.
(Henry and Emma exit the diner, where they are greeted by a distressed Pongo.)
Henry: Hey, Pongo. It’s okay. It’s okay.
Emma: Where’s Archie?
(Ruby bolts out of the diner.)
Ruby: Emma, something’s wrong.
Emma: How do you know? Never mind. The wolf thing. You know what? Eleven is old enough to walk to the bus stop. I’ll pick you up later.
Henry: Okay.
(Henry leaves. Pongo runs off and leads Emma and Ruby to the door of Archie’s office, which is slightly ajar.)
Emma: Archie?
(Emma enters the office and spots Archie lying on the floor where Cora left him.)
Emma: Archie? Oh, hell.
Ruby: What? What is it?
Emma: Archie…
(Emma checks for a pulse, but finds nothing.)
Ruby: No… No…
Emma: Who would do this?
Ruby: I think I know.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(In her cell in a tower, the Evil Queen watches the people below gather for the execution. A guard at the door breaks the silence.)
Guard: You have a visitor.
(The guard leaves, leaving behind the Evil Queen’s father.)
Evil Queen: Daddy.
Henry I: This is all my fault. I failed you as a father. I should have done more to protect you. Can you ever forgive me, child?
Evil Queen: There’s no need. How could I blame the one I love most? The only one to stand by me… To the end.
Henry I: It doesn’t have to be the end.
Evil Queen: Snow and her Prince seem rather determined to make it so.
Henry I: Show them regret for what you’ve done, the pain you’ve caused. Show them you can change. They will spare you. Just give them a reason. I beg of you.
–[Storybrooke]–
(Regina is sitting in the interrogation room at the Sheriff’s station. Emma and David enter, while Mary Margaret watches through the glass.)
Regina: Glad to see the Sheriff’s station’s now a family business. Why am I here?
Emma: You know why you’re here. Because of Archie.
Regina: Oh, it’s now against the law to get into an argument with someone?
David: It is if you go to their office later that night and k*ll them.
Regina: Archie’s dead?
David: Stop it, Regina. Ruby saw you going into his office last night.
Regina: Then she’s lying. I was home all evening. After everything I’ve done to change, to win Henry back, why would I toss it all away now? And, if I did and I was going to k*ll Archie, you would never know it. The fact that he’s dead and you caught me shows sloppiness.
David: You’ve been caught before. Come on, Emma. Who do you think’s lying – Ruby, or her? She’s incapable of change, no matter how many times we’ve given her the chance. Why should this time be any different?
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(Two guards escort Regina to the middle of the courtyard, where a crowd has gathered to watch. Along with Snow White and Prince Charming, Rumpelstiltskin is another notable person in the crowd. Regina is chained to a pole, and a line of guards armed with bows stand in front of her. Jiminy Cricket flies up to speak to her.)
Jiminy Cricket: Regina. This is your opportunity to meet your end with a clear conscience. Do you have any last words?
Evil Queen: Yes. Yes, I do. I know I’m being judged for my past. A past where I’ve caused pain, a past where I’ve inflicted misery, a past where I’ve… Even brought death. When I look back at everything I’ve done, I want you all to know what I feel. And that is… Regret. Regret, that I was not able to cause more pain. Inflict more misery. And bring about more death. And above all else, with every ounce of my being, I regret that I was not able to k*ll… Snow White!
Prince Charming: Arrows!
(Regina is blindfolded, and the guards draw their weapons.)
Prince Charming: Take your aim. Fire!
Snow White: Stop!
(The arrows fly towards Regina’s chest, but are stopped by the Blue Fairy’s magic. The arrows clatter to the ground.)
Prince Charming: Snow!
Snow White: This is not the way.
Prince Charming: Snow…
(Snow White storms out of the courtyard.)
Prince Charming: Take her back to her cell.
(Regina’s blindfold is removed. Now looking somewhat deranged, she is escorted back to her cell by the guards.)
–[Storybrooke]–
(Emma and David join Mary Margaret outside of the interrogation room.)
MMB: So what do we do with her now?
David: Lock her up.
Emma: We can’t lock her up, because she didn’t do it.
David: You really believe her?
Emma: I watched her when we told her Archie was dead. She didn’t know.
MMB: Emma, I know that you want to believe that Regina can change for Henry, but-
Emma: I know what I saw. Look at her in there. The old Regina would’ve reduced this building to ashes. That’s a woman who wants to change. She just wants everyone else to see it. I know that look. I know her. I believe her.
David: With all due respect, you don’t know her like we do.
Emma: Maybe that’s the problem. I know in your kingdom, she was the Evil Queen. But here, she’s Regina. And I’m still the Sheriff, and I say she’s innocent until proven guilty.
MMB: So… Uh, what do you suggest we do?
Emma: Let her go.
David: Emma, sh-
Emma: We let her go, and then we find the truth.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(Prince Charming follows Snow White into the castle.)
Prince Charming: Snow, I thought we agreed what had to be done. Instead, you show the Queen mercy? She doesn’t deserve it. You heard her. She’s completely unrepentant.
Snow White: What I heard, was a woman who didn’t want to appear weak in her final moments.
Prince Charming: I’ve seen her k*ll, I’ve seen her terrorize. Every moment I’ve seen of her, has been one of evil.
Snow White: Exactly. That you’ve seen. But I knew her before. I knew her when she was good. She saved my life when I was a little girl.
Prince Charming: That was years ago.
Snow White: She changed before. Why can’t she change back?
Prince Charming: You can’t be serious. You want to rehabilitate the Queen?
Snow White: Maybe showing her mercy is the first step.
Prince Charming: But, if you fail, the entire safety of the kingdom is at stake. We cannot take that risk.
Snow White: You’re so sure of her black soul? Sure enough to k*ll? Because there’s no going back from k*lling.
Prince Charming: If you think this is the right thing to do, then it’s what we shall do. But know that your path is one that we cannot come back from either.
———–
(That evening, Snow White goes for a walk in the courtyard. Rumpelstiltskin is waiting there.)
Rumpelstiltskin: My, my. Aren’t we troubled, dearie?
Snow White: Rumpelstiltskin. What brings you here?
Rumpelstiltskin: You have to ask? I came to witness the Queen’s execution. Even had my heart set on a wee souvenir. It’s all very disappointing.
Snow White: I won’t apologize for sparing her life. Not when there’s a chance she might change.
Rumpelstiltskin: Regina redeemed – what a novel thought. And, um… How do you plan to accomplish such an impressive feat?
Snow White: I don’t even know if it’s possible. I’m probably just fooling myself.
Rumpelstiltskin: Maybe you need someone to show you that it is possible.
Snow White: What do you mean?
Rumpelstiltskin: Simple. I provide you with a test to help determine whether the Queen can truly change.
Snow White: Why would I trust you, when I know you want the Queen dead? You never make a deal without a price.
Rumpelstiltskin: Maybe I just want her alive.
Snow White: That I doubt.
Rumpelstiltskin: Question my motives all you like, dearie, but they shall remain mine. What is yours now, is opportunity. I can help you. Do we have a deal?
–[Storybrooke]–
(The Charmings are searching for evidence in Archie’s office. David is looking through the filing cabinet for Regina’s file.)
David: Huh. Regina’s file – it’s empty.
MMB: So she did it. She k*lled the kindest soul in this town. A man who only cared about helping.
Emma: I promise we’ll find whoever really did this.
David: Isn’t it time you admit we already have? Regina had a fight with Archie, Ruby saw her outside last night, and now, her file is empty. That’s… That’s a lot of evidence.
Emma: Maybe that’s the point.
David: What do you mean?
Emma: Well, I don’t know how it is in fairy tale land, but in the real world, it’s usually hard to find evidence. But this has been way too easy. Unless, someone wants us to find evidence.
MMB: What? So you think she was framed?
Emma: Well, it wouldn’t be the first time that happened in this town.
David: Who would want to frame her?
MMB: That’s a long list, present company included.
Emma: Yeah. But there’s only one name on that list that would resort to k*lling to get what they want.
———–
(In Mr. Gold’s pawn shop, Belle has prepared a lunch for the two of them.)
Mr. Gold: Oh, well, that looks delicious. Thank you very much, belle.
(Emma, David, and Mary Margaret enter.)
Mr. Gold: Ah… Nothing warms the heart more than a family reunited. You have your mother’s chin, Miss Swan.
Emma: We know that you k*lled him.
Mr. Gold: And your father’s tact.
Belle: Someone’s dead?
Emma: Dr. Hopper.
Mr. Gold: Why on earth would you think I had anything to do with that?
Emma: Because all the evidence points to Regina.
Belle: And she’s not possibly capable of doing something so vile?
Emma: It’s a frame job.
MMB: It wouldn’t be the first time you used someone to try to hurt her.
Mr. Gold: Nice to see your memory’s still intact, dearie. But this time, I’m afraid I’m going to have to disappoint you. It wasn’t me.
David: Why should we believe you?
Mr. Gold: Because I can prove it. Ask the witness.
Emma: No one was there.
Mr. Gold: Well, that’s not strictly true now, is it?
(David finds Pongo and leads him into the shop. Mr. Gold goes to pet him.)
Mr. Gold: Hey, boy. Good boy. Good boy, good boy.
Belle: I, uh… I didn’t know you were such a dog person.
Mr. Gold: Well… A long time ago, in another life, I got to know a sheepdog or two.
Emma: That’s fascinating. But unless you speak dog, how is Pongo going to tell us anything?
Mr. Gold: Through magic, of course. It won’t allow us to communicate, but it will allow us to… Extract his memories.
David: Extract?
Mr. Gold: You don’t have to worry. He won’t feel a thing.
Emma: Why should we trust you? Couldn’t you just as easily use magic to fool us?
Mr. Gold: Because I’m not going to be the one using magic – you are.
Emma: Me? How?
Mr. Gold: You have it within you. Told me so yourself. You witnessed it, didn’t you?
MMB: Emma, you don’t have to do this.
Emma: If it tells us something about Archie’s death, then so be it.
(Mr. Gold takes a dream catcher out of one of the cupboards and holds it up.)
Mr. Gold: Do you know what this is?
Emma: A dream catcher.
Mr. Gold: Well… It’s capable of catching so much more.
(He slowly runs the dream catcher along Pongo’s back, which causes it to start glowing a bright yellow.)
Belle: What is that?
Mr. Gold: Memories. Now, Miss Swan. You show us how.
Emma: How? It’s just a jumble.
Mr. Gold: Will it. Will it, and we shall all see.
(Emma takes the dream catchers and holds it in front of her. She concentrates on the jumbled swirl in the middle of the dream catcher, but nothing happens.)
Emma: I can’t.
Mr. Gold: Yes, you can.
(Emma briefly closes her eyes, which causes the jumble to transform into an actual image. In the dream catcher, Pongo’s memories of ‘Regina’ entering Archie’s office play.)
David: Emma… You’re doing it.
Emma: Regina.
(The memory gets to the part where ‘Regina’ grabs Archie’s neck. Mary Margaret, horrified, turns away. Having seen enough, Emma drops the dream catcher and lets it fall to the floor.)
Emma: You were right all along.
David: I’m sorry, Emma.
———–
(Emma rushes out of the shop, with David and Mary Margaret trailing behind.)
David: Emma! Wait. Where are you going?
Emma: To get Regina.
MMB: Well, can we talk about this?
Emma: What’s there to talk about? She k*lled Archie, now she’s got to pay.
MMB: Emma, how do you plan on doing that? She has her powers back here.
Emma: Yeah, well, you just saw what happened. So do I.
David: Yeah. You have something, but you didn’t even know what the hell to do with it. And now, you’re going to go take on the most powerful woman in town?
Emma: Excuse me. Weren’t you both the ones who’ve been pushing on the ‘it’s Regina’ kick the whole time? You should be happy you were right.
MMB: We may be right, but I also know that going after her without a plan is a mistake.
Emma: So what do we do?
David: Even if the dwarves construct a cell to hold her, we need a way to contain her magic until then.
MMB: Fairy dust. Leroy said they were processing a new batch of it.
Emma: Will that stop her power?
David: It has before. The problem is, she’ll see us coming.
Emma: Leave that to me. Trust me – we’re locking her up.
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(In the tower, a guard is outside of the Evil Queen’s cell. Snow White walks up the stairs, entering the area.)
Guard: Your Highness.
Snow White: Leave us, please.
Guard: But I have direct orders from the Prince-
Snow White: And now, you have direct orders from me.
(The guard exits, leaving Snow White and the Evil Queen alone. Snow White slips a dagger in her sleeve.)
Evil Queen: First, you stop my execution, and then, you defy your Prince to see me. Should I be worried there’s trouble in paradise?
Snow White: I’m not here to talk about my fiancé.
Evil Queen: Then why are you here?
Snow White: I know you weren’t always like this, Regina. The woman who saved my life all those years ago…had good in her.
Evil Queen: That woman lost much. And now she’s gone.
Snow White: Maybe. But as hard as you’ve tried to bury her, I think she’s still inside you.
Evil Queen: No, she’s not.
Snow White: All you need…
(Snow White unlocks the door of the cell.)
Snow White: Is someone to help you let her out.
Evil Queen: What are you doing?
Snow White: I’m letting the woman who saved my life go. This is a chance to start fresh, Regina. To leave the evil behind in this cell.
(The Evil Queen stands up and walks towards the door.)
Evil Queen: Just like that?
Snow White: Just like that.
(The two of them walk a short distance, when the Evil Queen turns and grabs Snow White by the throat, holding her against the wall.)
Evil Queen: You make change sound so easy.
(Snow White draws her dagger, but the Evil Queen quickly stops her and takes the w*apon for herself.)
Evil Queen: Did you really think this would protect you? Since I can’t use magic, I can think of no better way than to k*ll you with the blade you had meant for me. Goodbye, Snow White.
Snow White: No…
(The Evil Queen stabs Snow White with the dagger.)
Evil Queen: Yes…
Snow White: No.
(The Evil Queen looks down and sees that the dagger has not injured Snow White. She removes the dagger, unbloodied.)
Evil Queen: That’s impossible.
Snow White: No, that’s magic.
(Prince Charming and several guards enter.)
Prince Charming: And this time, it wasn’t thanks to fairies.
(He holds up the blindfold used during the Evil Queen’s execution.)
Prince Charming: Rumpelstiltskin. He took one of your hairs from this, and used it to fashion a protection spell.
Evil Queen: No…
Prince Charming: Now there’s nothing you can do in this land to hurt Snow or me. You’re powerless against us.
Evil Queen: You tricked me.
Snow White: It wasn’t a trick. It was a test – one that I had truly hoped you’d pass.
Prince Charming: We wanted to give you a chance to change, Regina.
Snow White: Regina, you are banished. Banished to live alone with your misery.
Prince Charming: As long as you’re alive in this world, you can’t hurt us.
Snow White: You saved my life once, and now I’ve saved yours. So we’re even. And if you ever try to hurt anyone in my kingdom again, I will k*ll you.
–[Storybrooke]–
(Emma knocks on Regina’s door, while David and Mary Margaret stand behind her. Regina answers.)
Regina: Miss Swan. I assume you’re here to apologize.
Emma: I saw you do it.
Regina: What?
Emma: I saw it. You choked the life out of Archie.
Regina: What are you talking about? How is that even possible?
David: Magic.
Regina: You-
Emma: I saw what happened, and it was you.
Regina: Gold. He helped you. You’re going to trust him, of all people, when he’s probably the one behind this?
MMB: We didn’t trust him. That’s why Emma used magic instead.
Regina: You can use magic… The saviour. Of course. Well, I can only assume he warned you, then.
Emma: About what?
Regina: That magic always comes with a price.
Emma: Yeah? Well, that’s a price we’re both going to pay.
Regina: How’s that?
Emma: Henry. He believed in you. His heart’s going to break. That’s both our prices.
Regina: No. I will not let you poison Henry against me.
Emma: It’s an interesting word choice, since you already did.
(The three of them start to leave and Regina follows them down the walkway.)
Regina: I want to see him. He deserves to hear my side of the story! He’s my son!
Emma: He’s not! He’s mine! And, after this, you’re not getting anywhere near him! Do it!
(Mother Superior appears from behind and tree and fires a blast of blue magic at Regina. However, she sees it coming in time and stops it.)
Regina: Did you really think that would work again?
(She casually tosses the magic orb on the ground near David and Mary Margaret.)
Regina: You… You will not keep my son from me.
(Regina magically throws Emma backwards down the walkway. Mary Margaret runs to help her up.)
Regina: So much for fairy dust. Maybe some of your newfound magic can save you now.
Emma: I don’t need it. I already won. There is no way Henry will swallow your lies about Archie now. You can pretend all you want, but we know how you are, and who you will always be.
(Defeated, Regina magically disappears in a puff of purple smoke.)
———–
(The Charmings are waiting near the bus stop on the main street of Storybrooke.)
Emma: Henry’s bus is going to be here any minute.
MMB: You can do this.
Emma: Tell my son that someone he loved was k*lled by someone else he cares about? I don’t know if I can. Yeah, I don’t think I can do any of this. This is like real parent stuff. How can I be a parent if I never was one?
David: I know. I’ve been asking myself the same question.
Emma: Oh, no. You guys don’t have to… It-It’s different.
MMB: No, it isn’t. And yes, we have to. We can figure it out. So can you.
Emma: You don’t know me. You don’t know what I was before Storybrooke. And trust me, I was not parent material.
David: Yeah, but we know who you are since you’ve been here.
Emma: What if I revert? Regina did.
David: You’re not going to. And the Emma I know was great with Henry.
Emma: I was his parent for five minutes.
David: And I was yours for five minutes, too, but things are different now – for all of us. We don’t have to go through any of it alone. We’re family.
(They see Henry get off the bus. Emma walks over by herself to meet him.)
Henry: Emma. I told you I could walk myself.
Emma: I know. Something happened, and… I want you to hear it from me first.
Henry: What is it?
Emma: Come here.
(Emma leads Henry to a bench where the two of them sit down to talk. From a distance, Regina sits in her car and watches the scene unfold in the mirror. She begins crying, as she sees Emma break the news to Henry. Henry, looking upset, hugs Emma.)
–[Fairy Tale Land - Past]–
(The Evil Queen is brooding in her chambers when her father enters.)
Henry I: You have a visitor.
Evil Queen: Who?
(Rumpelstiltskin appears on the chair behind her.)
Rumpelstiltskin: You need to ask? What other friends do you have, dearie?
Evil Queen: You’re no friend. Have you come to relish my suffering?
Rumpelstiltskin: I thought you’d want someone to help raise your spirits. Especially on a day like today.
Evil Queen: What’s so special about today?
Rumpelstiltskin: Snow White and Prince Charming’s wedding, of course. Didn’t you get an invitation? Me neither. Still, nice to be able to see them declare their twoo love in front of their entire kingdom. A happy ending after all.
Evil Queen: And, because of you, there’s nothing I can do to stop it. No way to harm them in this land ever again.
Rumpelstiltskin: Yes. Yes, I suppose that’s true… In this land.
Evil Queen: What?
Rumpelstiltskin: The deal I made was explicit. You can never harm them in ‘this’ land. Now, were you to bring them to another land… Well…
(She smiles at the realization.)
Rumpelstiltskin: Told you I was your friend.
(Rumpelstiltskin magically disappears in a puff of red smoke.)
Evil Queen: Father? Bring my carriage. I have a wedding to get to.
–[Storybrooke]–
(At the docks, Hook is sharpening his hook when Cora arrives.)
Hook: You’re back. So, did you get what you wanted?
Cora: Yes. My daughter’s lost everything now.
Hook: Ah. Well, aren’t you mum of the year?
Cora: I did what was needed.
Hook: What about what I need? You promised you’d help me get my revenge on Rumpelstiltskin.
Cora: And I’ve already started. Or didn’t you notice the little gift I left you in the hold of your ship?
Hook: A gift? What is it?
Cora: Not what. Who.
(The two of them enter the invisible ship, where Cora leads Hook to the bottom level of the boat. She opens up a grate, allowing Hook to look inside.)
Hook: Who’s that?
Cora: Someone privy to Storybrooke’s deepest secrets, including Rumpelstiltskin’s. Someone who can help us determine his weaknesses here.
(Archie is shown bound and gagged in the hold.)
Cora: Can’t you, Dr. Hopper?
Hook: If that’s him, then who did you k*ll?
Cora: How do I know? It’s my first day in town.
Hook: You disguised the body to look like him. If death wasn’t punishment enough… Marvelous work.
Cora: Thank you. Now you’ll have all the knowledge you’ll need. It may take some work, but this cricket will chirp.
Hook: Aye. That he will.
–[End]–