Chapter 3 The Enchanted Forest- Past After going to see Rumpelstiltskin about Regina's curse, they had convened with their allies to come up with a plan to stop Regina. Blue had come to them with news of an enchanted tree that would be able to send Snow and Charmings' baby to the new world where she wouldn’t be affected by the curse. Geppetto and his son were recruited to help form the tree into a wardrobe so send her through with her mother as it only had enough power for one. Merlin was hoping it would get done before Snow gave birth. Otherwise, Emma would be alone in the new world without any guidance. And that’s not what anyone wants for the child. Currently, Merlin double checking the boundaries, making sure they would be able to hold off the curse long enough to send Snow through. She didn’t show it, but Merlin was scared about what was gonna happen when the curse would hit, She was scared for her friends who had become her family, she was scared for the people of MIshaven, but she was also scared because she wouldn't be able to see Arthur one last time before she was sent away. She hadn't thought of Arthur in a long time, as it was too painful. Her heart broke just thinking about how she'll never say how sorry she was for lying to him and that she did it to protect him, and because she loved him so much to put him the position to choose between his duty and her. Tears glistened in her eyes and she quickly wiped them away, Now was not the time to be crying, She had her friends here to protect and Arthur was too far away for the curse to hit. Merlin was felt safe in the knowledge that Arthur and Camelot would be all right, Suddenly, Blue appeared beside her. "Merlin, you must come quickly, It seems Snow has gone into labor and its progressing fast. She's going to have this baby now." Merlin quickly took off in the direction of the couples chambers. "And the wardrobe? Is it ready?" "It won't be ready soon enough, Not before Snow gives birth." Merlin cursed under her breath as she burst into the bedroom where Snow was crying out in pain from the contractions while Charming stood by her side. Doc was there as well, giving them the news about the wardrobe that Blue had given her. Seeing Merlin gave them all such a relief. She shooed Doc out and took her place at the end of the bed as she was Snow's Midwife as well. Pulling up her gown, she saw a head just peeking out from the canal. "Ok, Snow. When the next contraction hits, you need to bear down until it passes, all right?" Merlin said. Snow nodded and gripped Charmings hand tightly. When the next contraction hit, Snow beared down with all her might, pushing the head out a little bit more. She sagged back on the bed when it was done. "All right, so far so good. Just do what you're doing now, Snow." Snow nodded, swear dripping down her face. She once again beared down with all her might and pushed with next contraction. This continued for the next 10 minutes while outside Grumpy had spotted the black smoke and started shouting, "The dark curse is here! It's here!" Finally after what seemed like an eternity, the three heard and baby cry and Merlin held up little Emma for her parents to see. "Congratulations you guys. She's perfectly healthy." Merlin wrapped Emma up in a embroiled blanket she had made for Emma and handed her over Snow. "She's perfect. And here." Charming said. Snow looked down at Emma, and came to a decision. "You have to take her. Take the baby to you the wardrobe." "What?" "You don't know what you're saying!" Merlin and Charming said at the same time. "No, I do. We have to believe she'll come back for us. We have to give her her best chance. Please, take her to the wardrobe." Though conflicted with doubt and sadness, Charming agreed. Snow gave Emma to him as she kissed her forehead. Charming nodded to Merlin, said goodbye to her Goddaughter, and quickly ran down to Emma's nursery. Merlin held Snow, who clutched her arm, as she cried out in agony at no longer being able to hold her daughter. Charming ran down the hall but was intercepted by the Evil Queen's soldiers. He dispatched one on his left and grabbed his sword. He was injured by one of the soldiers as he moved to avoid another blow. He quickly dispatched them and continued on his way. Arriving in the nursery, he pulled open the wardrobe doors and placed Emma inside. His lip trembled as he brushed a kiss over her forehead and caressed her soft baby hair, Hearing more soldiers coming his way, he quickly closed the door and with the last of his strength, he latched it. After making sure Snow was OK to move, Merlin and Snow raced down the hall to the nursery to find The Evil Queen standing over Charming, who was in and out of consciousness. "No!" Snow cried out in despair, running over to him and cradling him in her arms. Merlin, though wary of The Evil Queen, bent down and checked his pulse. It was there, just slow. "How the might have fallen. Look at you. The most powerful Sorceress, and you can't even stop one dark curse. Where's that power now, Emrys?" The Evil Queen left out a evil laugh, causing Merlin and Snow to glare her. "It matters not how powerful you are. Soon, you'll be without your magic and I will have my revenge for what Snow White," She spat her name with venom, "had done. Say goodbye now, you three, for when you awake you will no longer remember or know each other." Snow wrapped herself around Charming, resting her head on his forehead, while Merlin placed hers on Snow's shoulder, protecting each other even in their final moments. Soon, the dark curse was upon them, destroying everything in its path. The last things they remember was purple smoke and The Evil Queen laughing. It was done. ------- The Enchanted Forest-Present So, after meeting Killian, the gang had a bit of an adventure to get the compass back. Though he forgot to mention the fact that it was on top of the only inhabited giant bean stalk. And they all couldn't go. Eventually Merlin was the one to go up with Hook so if he tried anything, she'd be able to easily subdue him with her recently reacquired magic. Emma wasn't happy about it, but she saw the logic in it. Hook wrapped the other band, the one that would help them up the beanstalk, around Merlin's wrist, securing it so it wouldn't fall off. "Well, then Love, we best be off. Soon we get going the sooner we get you all back to Storybrooke," said Hook walking over to the stalk. Merlin walked over to Mulan, "How sharp is your sword?" "It can cut through anything," said Mulan, a questioning look on her face. "Sharp enough to cut through a beanstalk?" Mulan's face showed a look of understanding, "If I'm not back down in 18 hours, I need you to cut it down, You're the only I can trust to do what needs to be done so Cora can't get her hands on the compass. Can you do this?" Mulan squared her shoulders and nodded, "You can count on me, Merlin. I will do what needs to be done. Just...don't let it come to that, OK? You have people depending on you. " Merlin nodded and with one last look to the others, she walked over to where Hook where standing. "OK, let's get going," Merlin gestured for him to go first. Hook raised an eyebrow before grabbing hold of the nearest branch and started climbing, with Merlin right behind him. ------ It seemed like the beanstalk when on forever and ever; like it had no end. Merlin didn't think she's climbed this much before, but oddly enough she didn't feel tired. Must be the band Hook put on her wrist. After what seemed forever, they finally reached the top of the beanstalk. "So, this is where the last giant lives, huh? Looks homey," said Merlin as she looked around. 'How empty it must seem though,' she thought. "So, if we encounter the giant, how do you plan on getting past him? Because I don't think he'll willing let us take the compass and let us be on our merry way." "And you are correct in that assumption, my dear. That is why Cora gave me this," Hook pulled out a small black bag, presenting it to her, "nifty little thing. It's a sleeping powder strong enough to knock out a dragon, so it's not gonna be problem to knock out a giant." "That is if we can get close enough to him to actually put it in his face. Give me the bag. With my magic, I'll have an easier chance at getting it close enough to pour some on his face." Merlin held out her hand. Hook gave her an incredulous look which made Merlin sigh, "Look, you want us to trust you? Than you need to trust us as well. Its a two way street. So, please, trust me to use this on the giant so we can get home. Please." Merlin practically begged, hoping for Hook to see the sincerity in her eyes. Hook looked her into the eyes, practically into her soul. Logically, Hook knew she was right. For them to trust him, he had to trust them first. He had to put faith it Merlin-Emrys'- ability to be truthful and just. Coming to a decision, Hook nodded once and placed the bag of dust in the Sorceress's hand. Flashing a small smile, Merlin tucked the bag into her inner pocket and gestured for Hook to go first. "Shall we, Captain Hook?" said Merlin in a teasing tone. Hook snorted and led the way into the giant's home. ------- Emma watched the beanstalk, her worry for Merlin and her trepidation for Hook written in the way she walked back and forth, with Mary Margaret watching as well. Aurora was resting in the shade, while Mulan drew a sun dial in the dirt to "keep track of time" as she told Mary Margaret. But it was also so she would know when the time would come to bring the beanstalk down if Merlin didn't return. 'Hopefully,' She thought as she drew, 'it won't come to that.' "Do you think we made a mistake of taking him along? I mean, he's a pirate. Who knows what tricks he has up his sleeve. What if he's able to subdue Merlin, even with all her power back?" "Emma, I know you're worried about Merlin and what Hook could do. But sometimes you have to give people the benefit of the doubt. I know Merlin, and nothing could stand in her way to helping her friends. We just have to give them time. All right?" assured Mary Margaret. Emma sighed, pinching her nose. She sighed and nodded, "You're right. I just have to be patient and put my faith in Merlin." The two stayed standing in front of the beanstalk, acting as guards. ----- Merlin and Hook crept around the castle, trying to stay as quiet as possible. Hook had almost tripped an alarm the giant had set, but luckily Merlin saw it first and was able to keep him from giving them away. "Thanks, love. I admit, I hadn't expected you to be the one coming with me. I thought at least it would the pretty blonde. She's awfully suspicious of me." "With good reason, I imagine," Merlin turned and looked him in the eyes, "She wanted to come, but I was the most obvious choice. She has too close to this and won't be able to make rational decisions," She leaned in closer, beckoning him closer, continuing when he did, "But I'm the only one here with the power to knock you on your arse before you could try anything, Remember, I'm Emrys, and I could easily take you out." With that, Merlin walked away, leaving stunned pirate Captain in her wake. After a moment, he shook himself out of his stupor and ran to catch up to her. "So, how-" He was interrupted by a loud crash behind them. They both stood very still. "Is that what I think it was?" Whispered Merlin, glancing at Hook out of the corner of her eye. Hook nodded and they slowly turned their heads to see behind them. The giant seemed to be stumbling around, drunk off his arse. "Hide. He's drunk as hell, so it should easier to get around him and get him to inhale the dust." Hook nodded and they each went in the opposite directions, diving behind the pillars. Once they were hidden behind the pillars, they let the giant stumble past while Merlin got the dust out ready to use. They both peaked their heads out and looked over at each other. Once the giant was far enough away from them, they nodded to each other. Merlin stepped out from behind the pillar, putting some of the dust in her hand. Concentrating on her magic and what she wanted to do, she willed herself to float up to eye level with the giant. Opening her eyes, she nearly gave away her position when she saw it had worked. Once she had control over her movements, she gave a whistle to get his attention. He grunted at the sound and turned to see what it was. Once his face was towards her, she blew the dust from her hand into his face, causing him to inhale it. His eyes widened at the sight of her before he snorted and started sway back and forth, his eyes drooping periodically. With one last sway, Merlin quickly floated out of his way before he face-planted on the floor causing a huge crash on the floor. Merlin floated down to the floor while Hook walked over to where the giant was to make sure he was really knocked out. "Well, that certainly went in our favor. It probably was the best decision to bring you along instead. All right, let's search for the compass and get the hell out of here." Merlin quickly nodded in agreement and they started their search in the huge treasury for a small compass. ------ Sorting through the treasury took some time and a couple times Merlin had to give the giant more of the powder so he wouldn't wake up. Hook had taken on the other side of the room while Merlin continued on the other side. As she was rummaging through a pile of jewels, she came upon a chest. Setting aside what she was looking through, she pulled out and set it behind her. There was a lock, but it was quickly unlocked using her magic. Lifting up the lid, she started rummaging through the horde of gold. So entranced with going through the chest she almost missed the compass. Gasping, she picked it up and held it in her hand. Merlin laughed to herself as she closed the chest and stood up, “Killian, I found it. Let’s get the hell out of here!” “And what exactly did you find in my treasure chest, witch?” Merlin froze at the loud voice behind her. Turning slowly, she saw the giant there, looking agitated and all sobered up . Merlin gulped and laughed nervously, as she hid the compass in her pocket. “Oh, nothing. I was just saying that to prank my friend.” “Merlin, what did yo-oh my.” said Hook as he hurried to where Merlin was at, "Well, I'd say this is our Que, don't you think?" Merlin nodded and together they ran towards the main hall, the giant stomping loudly behind me them, yelling about trespassing into his home. They split up as to try to get rid of him, and the giant seemed to have his sights set on Merlin since she was the once carrying the compass. Looking behind her, she squeaked out in alarm when he made to grab her and quickly dodged to the right before he could. Using magic, she threw various items in his way, trying to slow him down, but it seemed to just enrage him more. Finally, the giant was able to get a hold of her and she yelled out in alarm when she was wrapped in his big hand and brought to eye level with him. "Finally caught you, witch! Now, give me back what belongs to me and I may consider not putting you into my oven to cook for my dinner later." demanded the giant. Knowing the gig was up, Merlin knew she needed to tell the truth and see if she could appeal to his good side; if he had a good side, that is. "Look, Sir, uh, Mr.?" "Anton, if you must know," answered Anton. "Anton, my name is Merlin. I am sorry we trespassed into your home, but you see my friends and I are trying to find our way home and I need that compass to help us find the right way." "And why would I help you Witch, let alone your human friends? Humans don't deserve my help after everything they've done to my people. It's because of humans that I am the only giant left." "I can't imagine being the only one of my kind, but Anton, not all of us are the same. Not all of us are bad or evil. I don't want to hurt you, at all, that's why I used the black powder, to just knock you out instead. Please, I just want to get back home to see the rest of my friends again. My one friend is missing her son and my other just got reunited with her husband when we got transported here. Surely you can understand why we need this compass so badly?" Merlin said, conveying all her sincerity into her eyes. Anton was silent for a moment, taking in the witch before him. He could believe what she was telling him as he could see that the sincerity in her eyes was real and that she was desperate to get back home. "Yes, I suppose I can see why you need it. But if you had only come and asked, I would've given it to you. I guess no one told you that giants are only a danger if you get on its bad side." Anton set Merlin down, smoothing down her ruffled clothes. "Go and find your partner. You are free to go." Merlin looked skeptical. "Really? After we just knocked you out and stole from you?" "Yes, because I can now see that not all humans are greedy. I just merely have to give them a chance. " Gesturing towards the exit, he motioned for her to go, "You and your companion are free to go. Now go before I change my mind!" Merlin nodded as she quickly booked it out the door, grabbing Killian from where he'd been hiding. "Come on, let's go!" "I really think you and I are going to get along great, Merlin! The best of friends!" Killian shouted with glee as they fled the castle. "Yeah, OK, let's just keep running." Reaching the end the hall way, they made a stop to catch their breath. Killian sat on the floor and took out his flask, taking a swig from it. "What is that? I can smell it all the way from here," coughed Merlin, fanning her hand in front of her face. "That, my dear, is good old rum." Killian offered her the flask, which she did. As she took it from him, though, she magically bonded his wrist to the cement. "Merlin, what the hell are you doing? Release me right now!" Killian said as he tugged his wrist. Merlin took a swig from the flask before replacing the flap and giving it back to him. "I'm sorry, Hook. But I can't take the chance of being wrong about you." "Have I told you a lie? You think I want to be Cora's lapdog?" Merlin sighed and turned away from Killian, walking towards the entrance. "Emrys!" That made her stop before continuing on her way, ignoring Killian struggling to get free. "Don't worry Killian. Once my friends and I are far enough away, the bindings will break and you'll be free to go. Have a nice day." With that, Merlin climbed over the edge and started her way back down the beanstalk. ------- 'Time's up,' Mulan thought as she looked at her sun dial. Ignoring Emma and Mary Margaret, she walked over to the beanstalk and unsheathed her sword. Emma quickly understood what she was going to do and stood in front of her. "What are you doing? Merlin and Hook are still up there!" "Merlin asked me to do this because she knew I was the only one who would. She gave me 18 hours. Those hours are up. I can't allow Cora or anyone else to get their hands on that compass if we can't get it." Pushing Emma aside, she hefted it up and took a swing, slicing through the beanstalk. True to her word, it sliced through it like butter and it started to come down. At the last minute, a figure fell to the grand and they saw it to be Merlin. "Guess I was really cutting it close, huh?" Mary Margaret quickly grabbed her arm to heave her up and they all got to cover and watched as the beanstalk came down. Once the earth stopped shaking, they took in stock out they were short one person. "Merlin, what happened with Hook? Did something happen?" Emma asked. "Nothing happened. I might have...left him bound up there." "Merlin!" Mary Margaret shouted. "What? I said it would break once we were far enough away. I didn't trust him enough to bring him along with us. Even if it is true about his revenge plot against Rumpelstiltskin, he was still working with Cora before hand, and you know I have issues with people who work with that witch." Taking a deep breath, Merlin finished her rant. "That was probably a good call then. After all, once a pirate, always a pirate." "Oh, I did forget to mention this," Merlin said with a flourish as she pulled the compass from her inside pocket. The girls yelled out in cheer and came together in a group hug. "Now, we are a step closer to getting home." "Now, we just need to get those ashes from Cora and be on our way." "Uh, question? How exactly are we going to do that?" Aurora asked. "Aurora's right. She'll have powerful magic protecting her and we won't be able to get close to her to get the ashes." Mulan said. Merlin smirked, and Emma and Mary Margaret knew they were gonna regret this. "Don't worry one bit about Cora. I have that under control. Leave her to me." ------ So, after finding out that people who had been under the sleeping curse could speak together in the burning room, they found out, through David and Mary Margaret (who had to get home even more so because they couldn't wake him in the red room), that their was some squid ink in Rumpelstiltskin's cell, they quickly headed to where he had been imprisoned to find it. Aurora had been captured by Cora and Mulan was hard pressed to find as she had promised Prince Phillip that she'd look out for her. They didn't know that anything had happened to her until they arrived at the cell and Aurora had locked them in on purpose.Cora and Hook (of fucking course) had followed them by using Aurora's heart to listen to their plans. Merlin's magic was useless and Cora had gotten the compass. Emma tried to appeal to Hook, but because of the stunt Merlin pulled, he wasn't really in a forgiving mood and walked out with Cora. They tried to look for the bottle of squid ink, but they hadn't had any luck at all in finding it. Then Aurora found a piece of paper in a crack in the wall and it had 'Emma' written all over it. A symbol of Rumpelstiltskin's madness before the curse happened. Mary Margaret realized that it had to be the squid ink they were looking for, and remembering from looking through Cora's spell books as a child, she was able to deteriorate the gate and set them free. Aurora told them to go on without her as she was a liability with her heart in Cora's hands. So, after a lot of protest from Mulan, she tied her up and went with the girls to stop Cora. They hadn't almost caught up to them in time. Cora had just threw the ashes into the lake when they arrived. Emma and Mary Margaret took on Hook while Merlin went up against Cora, magic against magic. Trying to throw them off, Cora had thrown the bag holding Aurora's heart into the vortex, but Hook, ever the gentleman, caught it with his hook and threw it to Mulan, saying "A woman shouldn't loose her heart unless its to me." Emma told Mulan to hurry to Aurora while they handled them. After a moments hesitation, Mulan nodded and withdrew her sword, handing it to Emma. "You'll need this. Not only is it sharp, it also wards off magic." Mulan turned and headed back to Aurora, praying for her new friends to be OK. Emma and Mary Margaret finally got the best of Hook and getting the compass back. Once he was knocked out cold, they turned to their other problem. Merlin and Cora seemed to be matched for strength. They gasped when Cora got the upper hand and froze Merlin where she stood. Cora laughed as she stepped closer to Merlin, "You've been thorn in my side for the last time, Emrys. I will enjoy crushing your heart." Just as she was gonna reach her hand into Merlin's chest, Emma pushed her out of the way and her hand went into Emma's instead. Cora smirked and went to pull her heart out. Only to find that she couldn't. She pulled and pulled, but she couldn't take the heart. Emma started glowing with a white aura and pushed out, successfully knocking back Cora, knocking her out cold. Mary Margaret had helped Merlin up and they looked over at Emma in awe. "How did you-?" "I don't know. I don't know how I did that. But at least we got this. Now let's go home." Together, three of them walked to the vortex. Holding onto each other, they all jumped into the vortex, thinking of Storybrooke. Unaware of the blue eyes that watched the entire time. He shook his shaggy blonde hair out of his face, a look of reverence on his face. "Merlin...." He whispered before he left his spot, ------ Coming back through a water-well seemed like fun, but it really wasn't. Especially when you find out that Regina and Mr. Gold were planning on destroying the way into Storybrooke, while Henry managed to persuade his mom to trust that they would come through, not Cora. Once she hugged Henry, she ran off to Mr. Gold's shop to wake up David. Emma walked over to Regina, while holding onto Henry. "I gotta say, you're mother is a piece of work. I guess you lucked out there." "Thanks, I guess." Emma smiled and her and Henry walked back towards town. "I must say, Dr. Emerson, you never cease to amaze me. I had honestly thought you of all people would stay behind to see your beloved King. And yet, you choose to return here." "Well, unlike you Gold, I am not selfish. My friends needed me. But Arthur knows that I'm still alive and I will return when I am able to. Now, if you'll excuse me," Merlin nodded to him and left the clearing heading back into town. Gold looked at the well for a moment before turning and also leaving. Though she missed when Mary Margaret kissed David awake, she was still able to celebrate that all went well, considering. Henry hugged her tightly. "I'm glad you guys got back safely. Did you get your magic back, Merlin?" "Yes, I did. Its what aided us in getting back here. And even though I've been without it for 28 years, it feels like I used to just yesterday. Like riding a bike. You never forget," Merlin quoted Mary Margaret. While they celebrated their return, they had no idea what was headed towards them on the Jolly Roger heading to Storybrooke.
