The Crocodile

"The Crocodile" is the 26th episode of Once Upon a Time.

Summary
The dwarfs pick up their axes and try to find fairy dust in the Storybrooke mine, and Belle's disgust over Mr. Gold's continuing thirst for power comes to a head, and she threatens to leave him if he can't change his evil ways, but a reunion with an old acquaintance could prove to be Belle's undoing. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale land that was, Rumplestiltskin attempts to save his wife, Milah, from being kidnapped by a band of cutthroat pirates.

Teaser
In his pawn shop, Mr. Gold picks up a jewel case from a shelf in his glass counter, and puts it on the top of it. He then opens it to reveal a beautiful necklace to his lover, the fair Belle, who is standing before the counter. Belle smiles, in all her earnest and awkward happiness, and comments that it's very beautiful. Gold picks up the necklace and moves toward her, signaling at her to turn around. Belle does just this and asks what the occasion is; he wraps the necklace around her neck as she smiles, and tells her that the occasion is "us", and adds that they haven't gotten out much since Storybrooke awakened, so he thought they should see it together. Belle turns back to him, with a loving smile, and he admires the way the necklace compliments her neck. She kisses him, filled with joy, and says "Thank you." as she then hugs him. He tells her not to get her hopes up, because the nightlife is extremely limited. She chuckles and tells him that's not what she meant; she thanks him for what he's doing, and how he's changing.

Their emotional moment is ruined by the sudden entrance in the store of Leroy, the grumpy dwarf, who tells Rumplestiltskin that he wants his axe. The stern Gold/Rumple tells the dwarf that they're closed, but Grumpy moves toward him, and says that the axe is his, so he demands again that he give it back. "And yet, still closed." Grumpy says that just because Rumple has something, doesn't mean it's his. "Nothing in this shop belongs to you.", he says, before turning to Belle and asking her how she can be with such a monster. "Or maybe you're just another possession too." This last part awakens every bit of rage in Rumple's body, as the middle-aged-looking man grabs Grumpy by the collar. Gold throws him against the shutters of the window, and Belle is alarmed. Rumple tells the dwarf that if he wants his axe back, he can have it buried in his chest. Rumple starts choking Grumpy's neck, as a horrified Belle begs him to stop. "This isn't you anymore.", she says. Rumplestiltskin then turns back to her... but not in his human form anymore. Suddenly, he has turned back into the Dark One, with his leathery, gold skin and curly hair. As he continues to choke the dwarf, Rumplestiltskin tells her "Oh, it's me, dearie. Always has been, always will be."

Suddenly, Belle awakens. It had all been a dream, that started out wonderfully, and ended up a nightmare. She pants for a short while as she recuperates, and then looks to the side to find that Rumplestiltskin isn't sleeping next to her. She gets up from the bed and walks inside the house, barefoot, looking for him, until she finds that the back door is open. She exits into the back yard and kneels down on the grass before a window of the basement. Inside, she can see Mr. Gold sitting by the spinning wheel, spinning straw into gold. A long thread of gold curls up inside a basket on the floor as it is produced, and then Gold picks up a pair of shears and cuts himself a tiny thread, which he then plants inside a tube with a blue liquid. When the gold touches the liquid, it becomes purple and bubbles up, emanating a smoke from it. Belle watches with surprise as he does this, and Gold looks through a magnifying glass at the potion in front of him... the new magic he's created.

ONCE UPON A TIME

Act I
Our flashback story begins with Rumplestiltskin, back in his days as a normal human being, entering his house in the woods, and calling for his family - wife Milah and son Bae. He brings with him a basket, and closes the door. He walks inside the house with his wooden crutch, and finds his young son, Baelfire, sitting alone at the table, in front of the lit fireplace. Rumple asks the young child where his mother is, and Bae doesn't respond, seemingly unaware of her whereabouts. Rumple tells his son that she probably lost track of time, and tells him to grab his cloak. Bae gets up from his seat and obliges, and the two leave the house. "We'll find her.", Rumple says.

Inside a local tavern, there is a commotion, on the count of the sailors that have arrived into the land recently. Lots of drinking and lots of fun all around, and Milah, the cherished wife of Rumplestiltskin, plays dice with the men, and is excited when it is her turn to drink again. Rumple appears and calls for her, and her excitement wears off immediately. She looks annoyed to see him, and Rumple tells her that it's time to go. "Good. So go.", she says, as she pours herself some more wine. The man sitting in front of her - Killian Jones - asks her who this is, and Milah tells him it's no one... just her husband. Rumple appears to be hurt by her condescending introduction of him, and Killian jokes that Rumple is a tad taller than Milah had described. This said, everyone around them, including Milah, laughs. Rumple begs his wife to come, for she has responsibilities, to which Milah replies, "You mean like being a man? And fighting in the ogre wars? Other wives became honored widows while I became lashed to the village coward." Rumple is futher hurt, and embarrassed, by her harsh words, and she tells him she needs a break and urges him to go back home, because it's what he's good at. She drinks some more and then the word "Mama", uttered by a sweet, innocent young voice, gets through to her. Young Baelfire makes himself appear, and his father reminds him that he was supposed to wait outside. The young Bae can't make out what is happening, and Milah, suddenly overcome with shame and the need to protect her son, gets up from the table and leaves the tavern with her family.

Back in the family's house, Rumplestiltskin pours some freshly-prepared tea into a cup, and asks his wife, who is lying down on a bed in the room, looking pensative, if she actually wishes he'd died during the ogre wars. Milah tells him she wishes he'd fought, and asks if he doesn't. He gets up, holding on to his crutch and carrying the cup, and says that he is alive, and present - she looks bothered by his reply - with her and Bae. He sits down on her bed and she tells him, looking blue, that theirs isn't a life, not for her. Milah asks why they can't just leave. He says they've talked about that, and she tells him that he doesn't have to be the village coward. "We could start again.", she says, "Go somewhere no one knows us, see... the whole world... beyond this village." He gets up and says that he knows this wasn't the life she wanted, but it can be good where they are. She is further depressed. "At least try.", he tells her, "If not for me, then... for Bae." She tells him "Okay.", with little to no enthusiasm. "I'll try." He smiles.

Come the morning, back in Storybrooke, Mr. Gold re-enters his house through the back door, and finds Belle sitting on the couch in the living room. They great each other casually, and she gets up and asks him what he's doing. He says he was going to make her breakfast, and she she points out that she meant what he was doing in the basement. He opens the fridge as she says that she saw him practicing magic. He hints that they should talk about it later, but she points out that they have to talk about it now. He tries to downplay the situation by saying it was just a couple of spells, nothing to be concerned about. She tells him to be honest with her then, and asks why he brought magic there. "I've told you.", he says, "Magic is power." She asks why he needs it, and Rumple is reluctant to answer. She insists, and he is still silent. Belle then tells him he doesn't need power, he needs courage to let her in. This said, she leaves, and he is left there, standing in the kitchen, thinking. A knock is heard. Back in fairytale land, Rumplestiltskin opens the front door of his house to a preoccupied village woman, who urges him to get to the docks now. He asks why, and she tells him that the men who came into port the week before have taken Milah. "They're setting sail, you must hurry." Rumple looks worried.

A short while later, Rumplestiltskin, walking with his crutch, reaches the end of a local dock and makes it to the ship of the crew that have taken his wife. He enters the boat, and as he comes down the couple of steps that lead to the deck, he misses one by accident, which leads him to lose balance and fall on the floor. He tries to recompose himself and finds that his face is now on the same level as the boots of the captain. A sailor tells him, "On your feet for the captain.", and two other sailors help Rumple get up, not that he wanted this. The captain looks at the middle-aged man with mockery in his eyes and smile. Rumple points at the man and claims to remember him, from the bar. The captain says that it's always nice to make an impression, and all the members of his crew chuckle, almost mechanically. The captain acknowledges that they haven't been formally introduced, and states his name: Killian Jones. He then asks the man what he's doing aboard his ship, and an intimidated Rumple tells the captain that he has his wife. Jones says that he's had many a man's wife, and the shaken old man tells the captain that they have a son, who needs his mother. The captain steps down to be on the same level as Rumple and tells him that he has a ship full of men who need companionship. Rumple begs him to let her go, and the captain says that he isn't much for bargery. However, he does consider himself an honorable man, one with a code, so, if Rumple truly wants his wife back... and before he finishes this sentence, a rusty old sword is dropped by Rumplestiltskin's feet. The middle-aged man is shaken, and the captain unsheathes his own sword, and finishes his sentence, by saying that all Rumple has to do is take her. As he says this, he points his sword at Rumplestiltskin, and explains to him, sarcastically, that the purpose is to get the pointy end of the sword inside the other guy. His crew mates chuckle again, as they observe, and Killian tells the scared old man to pick up the sword. Rumple is nearly brought to tears of fright, as the captain brings the sword up to his face and strokes it. "A man unwilling to fight for what he wants deserves what he gets.", Killian says, and he then moves the sword away from Rumple and turns his back to him. The weakened old man begs him once more, and asks what he's going to tell his boy, to which the captain replies, "Try the truth. His father's a coward." Jones walks into the ship's bow, and the shaken Rumplestiltskin is left disheartened.

Act II
An axe is seen hitting a rock in the old mines. It is revealed to us that Dopey is the one handling the axe, and soon we find out that the dwarves have all gathered at the old mines where they once worked, trying to find if there is any fairy dust left. Leroy, working as a foreman, tells them to keep swinging their axes. David Nolan is also seen at the mine, performing the same chore, until he stops and looks at his grandson, Henry, who's watching them work. Henry smiles, and David winks at him. He keeps swinging his axe and then Ruby comes in, bringing with her the typical basket of baked goods, and hands Henry a muffin, asking him if they've found any fairy dust yet. Henry says they haven't yet, but adds that they will, and when they do they'll be able to bring back Emma and Mary Margaret. He bites away at the muffin, and Ruby tells him she'll be back later at lunch. David then stops what he's doing, and as he goes to retrieve his shirt from the hanger, he notices mine dust on his hands and wrists and shakes it off, claiming to hate mine dust. He then calls for Leroy, as he puts on his shirt, and tells him that if they find anything, he'll be at the station. The foreman asks if he's taking over as sheriff, and David confirms that he's stepping in, until Emma gets back. They shake hands and David leaves with his grandson. Mr. Gold comes up the stairs in his house, and knocks on the bedroom's door. He calls for Belle, but gets no response. He then opens the door, telling her to at least come and eat something, not knowing she isn't actually in the room. He finds the unmade bed and the open windows, and no beauty in sight. He then leaves, slightly preoccupied.

Not long afterwards, Gold enters the local flower shop, Game of Thorns, which is owned by Moe French - none other than Belle's father. Gold is then seen holding up the 'missing' poster with Belle's picture on it that Moe had put up in Storybrooke, when searching for his daughter. Gold asks if he's seen his daughter, and the old man takes the poster from Gold's hand and asks if this is some kind of cruel joke. "Would I have made this flyer if I knew where she was?", he says. He then says that the only reason she's missing is because of the deal he made with Rumplestiltskin. Moe then says he held out hope that she might have survived such a wicked trade, and the man before him says that she has. A surprised Moe asks why she hasn't come looking for him, and Rumple says that she did, and she even made a flyer like his. Moe guesses that Gold took care of it by throwing it into the trash, and Gold, retrieving the flyer from his hands, says that he doesn't expect Moe to help him, he just wants to know if she's safe. "And now, thanks to you...", Moe says, "Neither one of us knows where she is. You're a monster, Rumplestiltskin."

Back in fairytale land, several years after both Milah's and Baelfire's departures, Rumplestiltskin, now the Dark One, is seen sitting alone at the same tavern where Milah was first seen. A man - William - approaches him and sits down in front of the Dark One, acknowledging that he's the famed dark creature. Rumple points out that the man has gone to a lot of trouble to meet him, so he better hope Rumple agrees it's worth his time. William says that he heard Rumple was looking for something, and as luck would have it, William is a man who trades in hard to find objects. A waitress approaches them and puts a beer mug down on the table, and William covers the side of his mouth with his gloved hand and says, lowly, "Like a bean. A magic bean. That can transport you between worlds." This catches Rumple's attention. He comments that he's been told they no longer exist in their land, and William tells him that they don't in their land, but the ships that dock there often bring with them objects from far off lands, treasures they don't always understand. "And yet you do?", Rumple asks, rather mockingly, and William tells him it's his job to understand, as is knowing the rumors of who can pay the highest price for such treasures. Rumple asks what rumors they could be, and William recounts that Rumple was once a great coward, but he became the Dark One to overcome that and protect a son that he lost... his talk is interrupted by a single gesture of Rumple's, which leads the man to be chocked via magic. As William is impeded to breathe, Rumple tells him it's not nice to spread rumors. He then asks where the bean is, and William, struggling to talk while still being choked, tells him he doesn't have it, but he swears he can get it. Rumple stops choking him, and William coughs, as he recomposes himself. William then tells him Rumple hasn't heard his price, to which the creature responds that, since he spins straw into gold, price shouldn't be a problem. William says that he doesn't want money, he wants eternal life. Rumple laughs, in his trademark way, and tells him that only the Dark One has life eternal. Rumple then suggests giving him youth, spin the clock back, till he's a little boy again. William says "Close enough. Deal." Rumple then tells him to remember that if he fails to deliver, he'll spin the clock forward, and turn him into dust. A slightly intimidated William thanks him, and gets up to leave. Rumple then notices something. The waitress approaches him and asks if he's sure he doesn't want anything, and Rumple looks as Killian Jones, the pirate captain who once took his wife and humiliated him, appears in the tavern and is greeted by his mates. Rumple tells the waitress that he suddenly finds himself quite thirsty. Killian starts drinking with his crew mates, and the waitress puts a drink down on Rumplestiltskin's table.

Present time, Storybrooke. Ruby the waitress puts a glass of iced tea before Belle, who is sitting in one of the booths at Granny's Diner. The brunette beauty thanks the waitress, who asks her if she's okay, since it's her third iced tea this morning, and Ruby might have to call her a cab. Belle says she'd never had an iced tea before, and it's delicious. Ruby smiles at her awkward disposition, and comments that she hasn't seen her there before. Belle says that she's been a kept woman, until recently. Ruby sits down in front of her and guesses that she's been through a bad break-up. Belle says that she thinks she may be headed there. Ruby asks if she has a place to stay, any family, and Belle answers that she's not sure, she's still looking, but she's on her own for the time being. Ruby says that she could ask Granny about getting her a room at the B&B, and Belle is grateful. They then exchange their names, and Belle says that what she really needs is a life, a job, and Ruby asks her what she likes to do. Belle says that she loves books. Ruby almost immediately thinks of the library - it's been closed forever, but things are changing. "Maybe they need a librarian.", Ruby says. Belle smiles as she ponders about this.

The camera shows us the clock tower, atop the public library, which is barred. It pans down to show us the fair Belle walking toward it. She checks to see if she can open the front door, whose windows are covered with newspaper pages, but can't. She then walks along the side of the library, its windows all covered with large wooden planks, and she finds one that has several shorter plans nailed across it. She takes a peek inside, filled with an innocent enthusiasm, and marvels at the sight of all the books displayed on the shelves. "Excuse me, miss?", someone says. Belle jumps with fright. Beside her is William, the man who'd once spoken to Rumplestiltskin about getting him a magic bean. Belle recovers and says that the man startled her. William says he was wondering if she had any spare change, to which Belle replies that she doesn't have any money. He then looks around, and asks "What - what about a friend, are you meeting anyone here?". Belle answers negatively and asks "Why?", to which the man says that he wanted to make sure, as he turns her around, covers her mouth with his hand and grabs her, to kidnap her.

Act III
Killian Jones, the pirate captain, and his crew mates are seen leaving the tavern, and as they frolick around the streets, some of them visibly inebriated, Rumplestiltskin, passing for a poor old man walking around under a cape and carrying a cup for alms, he bumps into Killian as he passes, and yet continues his walk unashamedly. Killian calls out for the man, demanding that he stop, and says that even gutter rats have more manners than the man just displayed. Rumple turns around and says, with sarcasm, that he's sorry. Killian notices the man's leathery skin and corrects himself, saying that it's not a rat, more a crocodile. His crew mates chuckle, as he does, and he then walks toward the old man and purposefully knocks the change cup out of his hand. The man kneels down to pick up the cup and coins and Killian says "What's your name, 'crocodile'?", then pushing Rumple to the floor with his boot. The remaining pirates laugh as the old man is humilated by their captain, and the old beggar gets up and removes the cape to reveal himself. Killian, unmoved, points out that he remembers him, and Rumple says "Always nice to make an impression.", as he tosses a coin at the captain's feet. One of the pirates behind the captain gets all set to unsheathe his sword, and Rumple tells the captain that they haven't been properly introduced - thus still referring to the conversation they had years ago on the ship - and claims to be Rumplestiltskin, the Dark One... Killian stares at the man with some quiet surprise and Rumple proceeds to frighten his mates away. As he walks around the still captain, he comments that he can see his reputation precedes him, a fact Killian backs up, which leads Rumple to say that's gonna save them time during the "question and answer" portion of their game. Killian asks what he wants to know, and Rumple asks, "How's Milah?..." Killian asks "Who?", with a forced smile, and Rumple lets out one of his trademark subtle laughs. He then says that he's only too happy to help dig out the memory, but it gets really messy. Killian then tells Rumple that Milah is dead, and the Dark One is surprised. The captain goes on to say that she died a long time ago, and then asks what he wants. Rumple reminds him that they didn't get a chance to finish their duel, and this said, Killian and his mates prepare to take out their swords, but the Dark One stops them, saying that they don't have to do that now, but the following day at dawn, for he is not a cruel man, and will thus give Killian time to get his affairs in order. "Also...", he says, "You can spend tonight knowing... it'll be your last." Another subtle maniacal laugh ensues, and he then adds that maybe he is cruel. He then intimidates the captain further by saying that there's no point in him trying to escape, for Rumple will find him, and gut his entire crew. In present day Storybrooke, acting sheriff Charming opens the door of Mary Margaret's apartment to Mr. Gold, who asks if he may have a word. He then refers to Charming as sheriff, when seeing the badge on his belt, and Charming corrects him, saying that he's the acting sheriff. He then tries to excuse himself, saying that he's already late to a busy day of cleaning up the mess Rumple made. Gold gives his apologies, claiming it to be a moment of poor judgment on his part, and he then enters the apartment, walking past David, who has no choice but to give him a moment. Gold then says that it's not lost in him that he's there to ask for the Prince's help. David replies that it shouldn't be lost on Gold when he says 'no', and Gold begs to be heard first, for he is there to report a missing person. As he says this, he hands the acting sheriff the poster Moe made of his daughter Belle. Charming sighs and takes it, and Rumple recounts that Belle left his house earlier that morning. David remembers that, back in their land, Rumple mentioned he loved someone once... Rumple, knowing where he's headed, confirms that Belle is that someone. David closes the door and reminds him that he also said she died, and the middle-aged man explains that he thought she had. David suggests that he use the same tracking spell that he'd given him to find Jefferson, and Gold responds that it only works when one has something that belongs to the person they want found, and he doesn't. The acting sheriff asks how he can be sure she's gone missing and not run away, and he says that he can't. Rumple then tells Charming that the townsfolk are less than sympathetic to his plight, but David is in a rather unique position to understand exactly what he's going through. David looks at a picture of Emma and Mary Margaret. Gold asks if he'll help him, and David looks at him. Back in fairytale land, the night after Rumplestiltskin challenged Killian Jones to a duel, the captain is seen returning to the place where they are to engage in battle. A rusty old sword is suddenly dropped by the captain's feet, and he is therefore made aware of the presence of the Dark One. Rumple, sitting on top of a tall pathway arch, tells the man to pick up the sword so they can begin, to which the captain replies that there is no need, and he moves to get his own sword from his sheathe... only to find that it is gone. Rumplestiltskin suddenly appears behind him, clearly having gotten a hold of his sword. The Dark One tells Killian that killing a man with his own sword was too delicious to pass up. Killian bends over and picks up the old sword laid before him, and Rumple squeaks with delight and holds up the sword, pointing it at the captain. Suddenly, Killian advances at it, and they start dueling ably, bringing the swords up and down and against one another in various rapid moves. Killian finally catches a break and lunges his sword directly at the Dark One, but he suddenly vanishes and the captain is left confused. Rumple appears behind him and taunts him, and they then resume their fight. The determined pirate does his best to defeat the beast, but the Dark One is more than capable to match his advances. Eventually, Killian lunges at the monster, but he swerves away and the captain falls against some merchandise laid out on the street. He recomposes quickly and the match goes on. They find themselves sword to sword, face to face, and Killian then breaks it off and tries to hit him, to no avail, and he himself is punched lightly in the face. Another swing, another miss. Eventually, during one of his lunges, Rumplestiltskin is able to disarm him, and plant his boot over the rusty old sword. Killian, defeated, looks at the beast and tells him he's ready for the sword. This said, Rumple touches the man's chin with his own sword, as Killian prepares to welcome death. Rumplestiltskin, not yet satisfied, says "No... Do you know what it's like to have your wife stolen from you? To feel powerless to stop it? It feels like having your heart ripped from your chest. Actually, let me show you." Rumple, through the force of magic, then sticks his hand inside Killian's chest, preparing to take out his heart, until he hears a womanly voice begging him to stop. Rumple looks to the side to find Milah standing there, with a look of desperation on her face, dressed in a pirate's attire. Rumplestiltskin, surprised and confused to see her, says "Milah..."

Act IV
Back in Storybrooke, inside a tool shack, Belle is sat on a chair by the man who kidnapped her, William. She asks him who he is and what he is doing, to which the captor replies that he is just a man who procures hard to find objects, and in this case the object was her. She asks who put him up to this, and then the door to the shack is opened and in comes Moe French... formerly Sir Maurice. Belle, surprised to see her father, gets up from her seat and they embrace, overcome with emotion. The old man apologizes to her, over the way they were finally reunited, but claims that he had no choice and begs her to understand. Belle is still a little sad that she was kidnapped, which was rather traumatizing, but Moe explains to her that after the curse broke, he searched all over for her, and discovered the Dark One still had her captive. Belle tells her father that he wasn't holding her captive, she chose to be with him. Moe, none too satisfied, asks if she means that she's in love with him, and Belle nods affirmatively, but adds that she fears it may be over now. Moe tells her it must be, and begs her to promise him that she no longer loves Rumplestiltskin, and that she'll never see him again. Belle breaks away from his grasp and tells her father, rather angrily, that she's not a child, and he says she doesn't understand what that man would do to her, what he's already done. Belle responds that he himself doesn't understand: "It's my life!". Moe claims not to have a choice then, and says "I'm sorry." Belle looks at him with confusion, and Moe then says, to William, "Do it." William moves to grab Belle and she tries to reach out to her father, trying to understand what is going on, and he just tells her, "Goodbye, Belle. I love you!", as the captor and his victim leave the shack. Mr. Gold looks on as David Nolan, acting as sheriff, questions a local young man about Belle. However, they seem to be talking about Gold instead, and when David finally makes his way back to hs creepy middle-aged companion, he asks Gold if he remembers turning a butcher into a pig. Gold seems surprised to hear this and claims not to remember it, then asking why. David tells him that the young man he just interrogated does, and the butcher was apparently his father. This said, David gives Gold the drawing of Belle back and tells him, as he walks away, that he's beginning to understand why nobody wants to help him. Gold walks after him and asks if the young man has seen Belle, to which the acting sheriff replies negatively. Gold asks what is next, and David tells him that they're going to Granny's, and quips that they can see who else he terrorized there. Gold then asks David, very awkwardly so, how his relationship with Mary Margaret works. David asks if he's looking for dating advice, and Gold brushes this off in a way. David sighs and tells him, "Honesty. It's how we did it. Hard work and being honest with one another." They resume their walk and Gold tries to justify himself by saying he doesn't lie, and David responds that there is a difference between literal truth and honesty of the heart, and nothing taught him that more than this curse. The story of Rumplestiltskin attempting to rip out Killian's heart resumes, and the Dark One is surprised to find Milah, his missing wife, in his presence. He removes his hand from inside the captain's chest and the latter falls to the floor behind him, much to Milah's worry. Rumplestiltskin, looking at his long gone wife, asks "How?", and Killian tells her that she has to run. Milah tells Killian that she is not leaving without him, and Rumple, irritated, says "Oh, how sweet.", sarcastically. He then says that it appears there's more to this tale than he knows, and tells her to explain it to him. Milah begs him not to hurt the pirate and she will explain, to which he replies, with blatant anger and hurry, "Tick tock, dearie, tick tock!". Milah recounts that the night when Killian and his crew came to the tavern, he told stories about the places he'd been and she fell in love with him. This prompts Rumple to stick Killian with the sword, causing him to moan with pain, and Milah resumes her tale, explaining to Rumplestiltskin that she didn't mean for things to turn out this way. "I didn't know how to tell you the truth.", she says, "I'm sorry." Rumple, not amused, understands what is happening now, she's come to save the life of her true love, the pirate. He says that he didn't realize the power of true love, and it's impressive. He says he'd hate to break it... but then immediately takes it back, in a sarcastic quip, telling her that he would actually love to. He sticks Killian further with the sword, and Milah catches his attention by saying that she has something he wants. Rumple stops what he's doing and tells her that he finds that very difficult to believe. This said, she takes out a red hat - the one that belonged to William. Rumple, instantly recognizing it, asks her where she got that, to which she replies that he knows whom she took it from. She then claims that she may not know what the Dark One wants with a magic bean, but she has it. Rumple senses a proposal coming on, and Milah says, "The magic bean in exchange for our lives. Deal?". He walks up to her, menacingly, and says he wants to see it first. In Storybrooke, Ruby is seen holding the poster with the drawing of Belle's face on it. She has just been questioned whether she's seen the young beauty, and tells Charming and Rumple that the name "Belle" doesn't ring a bell. David can tell she's not being honest because of the presence of Mr. Gold, and tells her that if she's come across Belle she needs to tell him, and he'll make sure nothing bad happens to her. Ruby says "Yeah, but what about him?", and David reassures her he's got him, and begs her to trust him. Ruby caves and says that Belle was in earlier, which catches Gold's attention, and adds that the beauty was looking for a job, and Ruby pointed her in the direction of the library. Gold asks if she thinks Belle went there, to which the waitress replies that she doesn't know. Ruby goes behind the counter and tells them that when they find her, they can give her the coat she left in her booth. Gold instantly says the coat is his, which confuses Ruby, and the old man says that Belle didn't have anything for the cold. Ruby, somewhat moved, turns to David and asks for reassurance that he'll watch out for Belle, which he gives her, and Ruby then says she thinks she can find her. She goes on to say that lately, since things changed, she's been a little more sensitive to odors. A confused Gold asks if she can smell Belle, and Ruby takes the coat from him and says "I guess it's 'cause of the wolf thing." She then proceeds to sniff the coat. Shortly afterwards, Ruby is walking around the streets of Storybrooke, following the scent of her newfound friend Belle, as Charming and Rumplestiltskin follow her. When she reaches a certain point, she gets turned around, confused, and David asks her what is wrong. They are standing outside a flower shop, and Ruby tells them that she had her, but she lost her trail. She then sneezes, and guesses that it's because of the flowers. She then apologizes to Gold, saying that she can't track her anymore. He tells her not to be, because this is Belle's father's shop. He then enters the florist, followed by his two companions, and Moe is irritated to see him and demands that he get out, for it is a private establishment and he isn't welcome. Gold simply asks where Belle is, rather menacingly, and David, the acting sheriff, tells Moe that he won't let anything happen to his daughter. Ruby says they're just worried, and Moe tells them not to be, for she's safe, and they can stop looking. Gold asks to be given a chance to talk to her, and Moe tells him he'd destroy Belle like he destroys everything else, and he won't let that happen. A preoccupied and angry Gold asks the florist what he's done with her, and Moe starts babbling about how there was only one way to fix things, and Gold taps him in the chest with his finger, forcefully, and asks again what he's done, to which Moe replies that he had to get her to forget Rumple no matter the cost, even if it meant she'd forget her own father as well. Gold has a sudden realization: Moe is sending Belle across the town line.

Act V
Charming opens the front door of Game of Thorns and escorts Moe outside, asking him where he's sending Belle across the town line. He reminds Moe that they have patrols near the line to make sure no one crosses accidentally. He asks how he's planning to pull it off, and they make it to the florist's van and David slides the door open. Mr. Gold lunges at Moe, forcefully, choking the elderly man with his walking cane, demanding that he tell him. David breaks them off, telling Gold he's going to kill the man if he keeps this up, and when Moe tries to recompose himself, David notices the dark dust on his hand and realizes he's been down to the mines. He is then reminded that the tunnels lead out of town, and he pushes Moe inside the van. He and Gold enter after him, and we see that Ruby is already in the driver's seat. She starts the engine as Gold slides the door shut.

Trivia

 * Although credited, Ginnifer Goodwin (Mary Margaret Blanchard/Snow White), Jennifer Morrison (Emma Swan) and Lana Parrilla (Regina Mills/Queen Regina) are absent from this episode.
 * This is the first episode of the series not to feature any one of these main actresses.

Gallery
Gallery of photographic stills released to promote the episode.