The Shepherd

"The Shepherd" is the 6th episode of Once Upon a Time.

Summary
David must choose between staying with Kathryn or leaving her to be with Mary Margaret, with whom he's fallen deeply, and inexplicably, in love, and Emma catches Sheriff Graham in a lie. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world that was, Prince Charming is about to encounter a life-changing event that will forever alter his destiny.

Plot
"There is a town in Maine..."

We see an overview of the streets of Storybrooke, Maine. Emma makes her way to a B&B, inside, she tells Granny, the owner, that she'd like a room. Granny hands Emma a key - "Welcome to Storybrooke.". "Where every storybook character you've ever known..."

Henry looks at a picture of the scene of the wedding of Prince Charming and Snow White in his storybook. Prince Charming kisses a sleeping Snow White who lays upon a glass coffin, the kiss awakens her. "Is trapped between two worlds..."

Teacher, Mary Margaret Blanchard, releases a bluebird from her hand out of her classroom window. Princess, Snow White, releases a bluebird from her hand off of her balcony. "An Evil Queen sent a bunch of fairytale characters here?", Emma asks Henry. Queen Regina walks through the royal wedding of Charming and Snow. Regina Mills stares out at Emma Swan from her doorstep. "And now they don't remember who they are.", Henry tells Emma, his biological mother, answering her question. "Victims of a powerful curse..."

The Evil Queen's curse envelopes Prince Charming's Castle. Queen Regina is pacing up and down her stepdaughter's wedding, "Everything you love, everything all of you love... will be taken from you.", she promises the kingdom. "Only one knows the truth..."

Mayor Regina Mills looks from Henry's storybook to her own reflection in the mirror, worried about the safety of her curse. "And only one can break her spell..."

The shot moves around Emma's head as she stares back at Regina who's standing on her doorstep. "It's your destiny. You're gonna bring back the happy endings.", Henry assures Emma as the two of them sit on his "castle". Emma meets Mr. Gold when she checks in at Granny's Bed and Breakfast, "Enjoy your stay.", he tells her, Emma stares back as a reply. The Storybrooke clock ticks.

ONCE UPON A TIME

Act I
The shot moves out on Kathryn and David Nolan's house, made clear by the banner reading, "WELCOME HOME, DAVID". Kathryn and David are seen standing outside of it, David is hesitant to go in, seeming confused, Kathryn tells him that he had the same look on his face the night they bought it, too. She goes on to say that he couldn't see past the windmill on the lawn and said he'd never buy an "old lady house". Kathryn asks him if he remembers what made him change his mind, David doesn't answer, merely points out that the windmill's gone. Kathryn says they should go inside as everyone's waiting, as they walk of the porch, David asks, "Who's everyone?", they proceed intot he house as the shot moves over to the sign in front of their home which reads, "The Nolans".

Inside, the citezens of Storybrooke, David's supposed friends, all clap and cheer at his arrival home from the hospital after his prolonged coma. Kathryn begins to re-introduce David to all of his past friends and he politely greets each one with a handshake after Kathryn tells him their names just seconds before. Kathryn shakes the hand of Dr. Whale, as does David, Whale assures the latter that, although it may feel overwhelming, the experience of being around familiar faces is good for him as they could trigger memories. "Just try to have fun.", Whale tells him, David thanks him before trying to get back to his party.

Over by the stairs, Henry is sitting with Emma, telling her that his theory as to why David can't remember anything is because the curse isn't working on him. Emma assures her son that David has anmesia but Henry argues that that is preventing the curse from replacing his fairytale story with fake memories. "Right, because everyone here has fake stories that prevent them from remembering who they really are.", Emma states, humoring him, "Right, and now's our chance to help him. We just have to get him to remember that he's-", "That he's Prince Charming.", Emma says, "We just have to jog his memory by getting him and Miss Blanchardtogther.", Henry explains. Emma is confused, pointing out that they just tried that, Henry points out that things may be different now that David's woken up. The guest of honor approaches Emma and Henry, pointing out that they're the only ones he knows there, Emma offers to let him hide with them and David thanks her, stabbing an appitiser precisely with a cocktail stick. At this, Henry asks him if he's ever used a sword, David laughs, changing the subject. "Emma, you live with Mary Margaret, right?", David asks, interested, Emma nods and David asks her if she's coming tonight, Emma says that she couldn't make it and David nods, hiding his sadness on the matter.

Over in the kitchen, Regina is talking to Kathryn, telling her that she should get out there, in the party, saying there's plenty of food. "Be with your husband.", Regina instructs. "I lost him once, and now I've got him back. But, it's like I still don't have him back. You have no idea how that feels.", Kathryn tells her before Regina reveals that, actually, she does. Regina says that she lost someone once, too, Kathryn is surprised by this and Regina goes on to say that the love shelost, there's no bringing him back, she points out that Kathryn has a chance here and tells her to go to David. Kathryn tells Regina that she's right and obliges, leaving the kitchen to find her husband, however, before she leaves, she turns to Regina, "I wanna thank you. Thank you for being such a good friend. Lately, I've been so lonely, I'm not used to having one.",she tells her, Regina says that she isn't either. Kathryn tells her that she has one now and Regina smiles as her new friend walks away.

Kathryn walks into the living room and asks Emma, who's currently talking to Dr. Whale, if she's seen David. Emma realizes that he's gone and didn't notice that he left.

David looks beyond a picket fence as Mary Margaret is hanging a bird house from a branch, he asks her if she got the invite. Mary Margaret is surprised to see him and David hops over the fence to join her, he helps her down from the step-ladder she's standing on and takes the bird house from her hand, he climbs up the step-ladder and hangs the bird house flawlessly on the branch. He brings up the fact that Mary Margaret resigned from the hospital and asks her if it was because of him and what he told her about how he felt about her. "Don't tell me it's one-sided.", he asks oif her, "You're married. It should be no-sided.", she points out. David tells her that that doesn;t matter, saying that whoever married Kathryn, it's not him - "I didn't choose her, I'm choosing you.", he assures her. He says he knows she can feel it too but Mary Margaret shakes her head, saying that she knows he thinks they have a connection but suggests that maybe it's just because she saved his life. She says they should leave it at that before walking away, leaving David disappointed.

In the fairytale land that was, the brave Prince James is faced by a bloodthristy warrior, the prince and the warrior clash sword and spear as a battle rages on. James nearly falls from the cliff top on which the battle is taking place, however, he steadies himself and angrily spins, striking down on the warriors spear. There is more battle and James is flipped to the ground, he gets up just in time to block the tip of the warrior's spear with his shield, they continue to lay into each other and James goes for a stab, this makes the warrior flip the prince over his head, causing him to go flying and land on the floor once more, now having dropped his sword and shield. It seems all hopes are lost for James as the warrior approaches him, spear at the ready, about to stab the prince in cold blood, however, James suddenly rolls, causing the warrior to stab the ground, making his spear stuck. James leaps to his feet, sword in hand, and begins to attack the warrior ferociously and speedily, he soon manages to stab the brute in the chest with his sword, "Next time,", he says, "Make sure I'm really dead.", the prince kicks the soldier to the floor, retaining his sword and holstering it. The audience of knights applauds the prince, as do two kings which sit on a higher level, watching him. King Midas congratulates the prince as he and King George walk towards him, George tells Midas that a simple "well done" is an understatement considering how James handled the brute so well, stating that he "killed the unkillable" and giving his son a pat on the back. "A valliant feet, for sure. But still just a man. Can he do the same to a dragon?", Midas asks, "Do fairires sprinkle dust? Do trolls live under bridges?", George asks, sarcastically. James tells his father to relax, assuring Midas that he could kill any beast he could sent after him. Midas explains that his kingdom is plagued by a dragon like nothing he's ever faced before, saying that he's killed every warrior who has faced him so far, James tells Midas that the dragon has yet to face him, Midas smiles before telling James that his kingdom needs the threat vanquished, "And my kingdom needs gold. I'm sure we could work something out.", George tells Midas.

King Midas raises his gloved hand and one of his guards runs along to hastily remove the gauntlet. "Careful.", Midas tells the guard, slowing him down, "Remember what happened to Frederick.", he says. Midas' right hand is seen to glow gold with magic, James smiles at it before Midas requests the prince's sword. James obliges, handing his brandished steel over to the golden-handed king. Midas extends his magic hand to touch the blade of James' extended sword, slowly, the metal of the weapon begins to turn to pure gold before their very eyes. Midas tells James to consider it a down payment and says that he'll get the rest when the dragon's head is delivered to him. "Deal. Forgive me if I refuse to shake on it, King Midas.", James tells him jokingly. Midas laughs and requests that George follow him now to discuss the details, Midas, George and the former's knights then leave and one of James' followers appraoches him and raises a toast to their fearless prince. "No, there's no celebrating today. This was but a simple test. The task before us is too big, too important, to make light of. Just because I was easily able to kill this brute doesn't mean-", a splash of blood arisins from James' chest, as does the tip of the warrior's spear. It seems someone didn't die when the should have done. James falls to the floor thanks to the vengeful warrior and a group of James' knights draw their swords, James lies on the floor. Dead.

Act II
Inside the castle, a group a knights gather around the deathbed of Prince James, King George standing by it in silent mourning. "Goodbye, my son.", he says, tears in his eyes. James' body is removed by four knights acting as pall bearers, the carry the bed from the room. A knight approaches George, telling the king that they have no time to grieve as if King Midas learns of James' death, he will find another warrior to slay the dragon that plagues his kingdom and they will never see an ounce of his gold. George says he undertsands and that the kingdom must survive, the knight asks him what they're to do and George explains that he has asked for help and that it should be arriving soon. "Oh, it's here.", says Rumplestiltskin, having appeared within the castle. George tells his knight to leave the two of them alone and the knight obliges, taking his men with him, leaving George and Rumplestiltskin to talk. Rumple notices the funeral and tells George that he really should be more careful with his "gifts". "It was not a gift! He was my son.", George argues, Rumple points out that he was the son he gave him. George says that it was in a deal they made and mentions that Rumple did him no favours, Rumple argues that he did, saying that it was a shame George and the queen couldn't conceive a child of their own, Rumple says he price was abidance, he goes on to say that now that the queen's gone and the matter of conceiving another heir is out of the question anyway. George suggests that they make another deal, telling Rumple to bring him back as he needs his son to slay the dragon. George asks the Dark One what he wants, "There's a magic wand I desire. It belongs to a certain... Fairy Godmother, who's patron to your family. I wanna know her whereabouts.", George hesitates, "Done.", he eventually agrees. George then asks how he is to bring his son back to slay the dragon, Rumple seems confused, telling George that that's out of the question and James is dead. He says that magic can do much, but not that. George tries to argue but Rumple points out that he said nothing about resurrection, George paces, "Then my kingdom is lost,", he says, "I'm alone.". Rumple begins to babble and points out that he did tell him that his son can slay the dragon and he's a man of his word. George snaps that Rumple said he was gone forever, "Oh, that he is... but his brother...", Rumple says, George is confused, "His twin brother. Did I not mention there was another?", Rumple laughs madly.

Over in a green field of fairytale land, a charming young lad looks out from his farm. He turns. His face the same as James'.

In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret is speedily washing dishes over her sink, clearly using it as an anger outlet. Emma, who's watching, tells her that she might want to ease up or her cleaning tool is going to press charges. Mary Margaret explains it away by saying that thdishes were just piling up. Emma asks if it has anything to do with David stopping by, mentioning that she saw him sulking away as she walked up. "He just... uh... we just... um...", Mary Margaret tries, Emma says that she knows what they were "just", and that she did the right thing. Mary Margaret argues that he made a pretty compelling case but Emma reminds her that he's still married, saying she knows as she was just at the party. Mary Margaert asks what she should do, "You need to stop cleaning,", Emma tells her, "And have a drink.". The blonde grabs a bottle and some glasses and she pours, telling her roommate that she doesn't know alot about relationships (other than having many which have failed) but, generally speaking, if she thinks something she wants to do is wrong, it's probably wrong. "So, you need to stay strong and he's got to figure out his life.", Emma tells her, the two girls drink.

Over at the Nolan house, David is sitting on his couch after his party looking through some old photographs. Kathryn comes to sit with him, telling him that he looks different, he has longer hair and he used to always have a buzz-cut, complainging that long hair is ithcy. David continues to rifle through pictures of him and his wife, saying that he guesses it grew whilst he was in the coma. Kathryn says that she's going to go to bed and asks David if he wants to join her, stroking the back of his head, "You mean go to bed go to bed, or... go to bed?", he asks her, Kathryn tells him that it's whatever he wants and David suggests that they just sit and talk somewhere. Kathryn kisses her husband but he soon pulls out of it, she is surprised but he tells her that it isn't right.

In the fairytale land that was, Charming, poor and humble, is using a twig to chase a lamb through a field and back into its pen on his farm. Charming manages to usher the creature in and lock the gate, proud of himself. "Honey," his mother calls, walking up to him, he greets her and asks her how the market was, she tells him that it was interesting. Charming is surprised by this, telling her that usually she comes home cursing the prices, his mother assures him that that hasn't changed but that this time she had a very interesting talk with the grain merchant. Charming, still working, notes that they don't need any grain, but Ruth tells him that he has a daughter who's ready for marriage and she says she thinks the two of them would make a great couple. Charming stops her there and she admits to hating herself for even bringing it up, Charming mentions that the girl will be able to save the farm. Ruth reminds her son that they're running out of options, "As poor as we are, love is the one thing I can afford. I will find a way to save this farm, but I won't do it by marrying for riches. When I marry, I want it to be because I choose to spend the rest of my life with someone I love.", he explains, handing his mother a few crops. She asks him when he's going to learn that he can't have everything, "Or perhaps he can.", says Rumplestiltskin, appearing suddenly on the farm. Ruth is more than a little surprised and Rumple laughs his crazy little laugh.

"A twin brother?! And you gave him to that man?!", Charming asks his mother after the story has been explained to him, he gestures to Rumple who's out of earshot. Ruth explains that they were poor, barely surviving, and then Rumplestiltskin came along with an offer, one of her sons for the farm. She explains that the deal forbade her of ever speaking of it and that his father regretted making it as soon as it was set in stone. "He carried the guilt with him to his grave.", she tells him, taking his hand. "I hate to interrupt this tender moment... time is of the essence.", Rumple tells them. Charming tells his mother to wait inside their house and she obliges, walking indoors, leaving Charming alone with Rumple. The shepherd asks the Dark One what he wants from him, Rumple explains that it's not for him, but for the king, saying that he needs a prince to slay a dragon. "I'm not a dragon slayer.", Charming says, Rumple reminds him that there will be a reward and that his new found kinship will be his salvation. Rumple tells the boy that he simply has to play the part and the king's knights will take care of everything else, and then all he will have to do is deliver the dragon's head to Midas. Charming asks Rumple what's in it for him, "What's in it for me is my business, you should be thinking about what's in it for you.", Rumple says, telling Charming that if he does this then his mtoher will never have to want for anything ever again, his farm will be saved and he, should he survive, will return home, the conquering hero. Rumple leans in to him, "Now don't tell me you don't want that.", he says, Charming scontemplates this before uttering that he doesn't have a choice, "Oh, everyone has a choice, dearie,", Rumple says, crossing his legs, "Just make sure it's the right one.".

Act III
In Granny's Diner, Mary Margaret is sipping her coffee whilst reading her morning newspaper. Dr. Whale walks up behind her and startles her, saying that there's no way David wakes up as someone else's husband, referencing the front page. Mary Margaret greets him and Dr. Whale immediately goes on to ask why Mary Margaret resigned from the hospital, saying that he hopes it wasn't because of him. Mary Margaret asks why it would be because of him and Dr. Whale brings up how he never called her after their date. He apologizes before prompting that if she were ever to change her mind, she knows where to find him. "Have a good day.", he tells her before leaving the diner, at the same moment that Regina walks in. "Miss Blanchard, may I have a word?", Regina asks, sitting across from Mary Margaret who again sets down her newspaper. Regina states to the teacher that she would like to talk to her about Kathryn, Mary Margaret is confused, Regina goes on to say that, more specifically, she'd like to talk about Kathryn's husband, David. Regina leans in, "You don't belong together.", she clearly tells Mary Margaret, "He's not yours, he's taken. Find somebody else.". Mary Margaret argues that she hasn't done anything but Regina tells her that it seeunlikely that he up and left his wife "on a whim". Mary Margaret is shocked by this, "He did what?", she asks, Regina is surprised that Mary Margaret generally has no idea what she's talking about but tells her that she suspects she soon will. "So listen carefully, dear, because it's in your best interest. Stay away. He's in a fragile state, he doesn't know who he is or what he's doing and you're this close to ruining multiple lives!", Regina exclaims, placing her finger close to her thumb to explain just how close Mary Margaret is. On a final note, Regina tells Mary Margaret that before she does something that cannot be undone, allow David to remember who he is first, Regina gets up and leaves. Mary Margaret is saddened by her words.

In the fairytale land that was, Charming, now shaven, short-haired and armored up, stares at his new self in the reflection of his polished shield. King Midas appraoches him, pointing him out as his kingdom's savior ("The man who is going to tear the dragon limb from limb."). Charming draws James' golden sword, Midas takes hold of it, telling the new prince that if he does what is requested of him, he shall be legend. Midas and his men walk away and Charming attempts to fix his armor, one of his brother's former knights appraoches him and tells him to allow him, explaining to Charming that he's fastened it wrong, altering the shoulder of the armor himself. The knight takes the golden sword, Charming asks how he'll fight and protect himself, the knight tells him that he won't. He will stay outside the cave as the knights kill the dragon - "If you don't come out of this alive, Midas won't give our kingdom any gold. You might have the title of hero, but not the job.", he explains. They hear the almighty dragon roar from its mountain home and stare up at where the beast shall be.

Prince Charming follows the knights up the mountain trail in order to face the infamous dragon, Charming looks around and is spooked by the fires and burnt corpses on the ground as they continue to trek. He notices yet another skeleton before being told by the head knight where the dragon's lair is, pointing out a cave in the mountain. "You stay here,", Charming is told, "We'll be back.", all of the knights draw their swords simultaneously and walk together into the dragon's cave. "Did you know him well?", Charming asks the knight that's stayed behind, the knight asks who he's talking about, "My brother.", he says, the knight says that he did know him, characterizing him as the best man he's ever met. A jet of fire flees from the dragon's cave and Charming exclaims that they need his help, he attempts to run but is restrained by the two knights who are guarding him, he continues to try but they hold on to his arms. Another jet of fire springs and Charming exclaims that people are dying, before struggling alot more in the knights' arms. He manages to escape their grip and runs towards the cave, the head knight is crawling away, on fire and burnt, screaming at the dragon, his sword aimed, telling Charming to go. Charming pulls him back down the trail and the dragon emerges from its cave, spitting fire at the prince as it does so. The golden sword is dropped and the knight dragged securely to safety by Charming who places him behind a large boulder. "Where's your sword?", Charming asks, the dragon flies towards them from out of the clouds before the knight can answer, it's breath flaming down upon them, they are just barely shielded by the boulder which takes the flames. Screaming is heard and the two of them look over at the flaming, headless knight just ahead, they panic and Charming helps the knight to his feet. Charming tells the knight to stay where he is before making a dash for a sword, he retrieves a regular one from the burning corpse but it burns his hand and he drops it, clutching his wrist, the dragon flies towards Charming and so he huddles to a rock to keep out of the beast's fire. Charming notices a vessell in the mountain and runs towards it, being chased by the dragon, he narrowly avoids its fire as he dashes into the path, retrieving the golden sword as he does so. The dragon gets its head stuck in the walls and snaps its jaw at Charming, repeatedly, Charming sticks to the wall, safe, "You didn't see that coming, did you?", he says before wielding the sword and decapitating the dragon. Charming stares at the sword in his hand before looking outwards.

In Mary Margaret's classroom in Storybrooke, she is wielding a letter opener with an envelope in her other hand, David, who walks into the classroom, tells her that she should be careful. She drops the letter and its opener and tells David, rather bluntly, that he can't be there. "I needed to see you...", he explains, Mary Margaret does her best to ignore him, asking him to tell him that he didn't leave his wife because of her, explaining that she does not want to destroy a marriage. David assures her that she's not, telling her that it's him. He explains that he doesn't want to hurt Kathryn either but that the worst thing to do to her would be to pretend. "She needs someone to feel about her... the way I feel about you.", he explains, Mary Margaret tells him that she's trying very hard to stay away from him and do the right thing, she hastily places papers on her students' desks, distracting herself. She tells him that it's because he already has a life. The school bell goes and the students immediately enter her classroom, "Whoever married Kathryn is gone.", he explains, saying that he's someone else. Mary Margaret tells him that he has to go, pracitcally pushing him out of the room, he asks her if that's what she wants before telling her to meet him at 8 o'clock at the Toll Bridge, saying that if she doesn't show, he'll know, and that she has until then to decide. David tells her that he hopes she chooses them before smiling and saying that she'll know where he'll be. David leaves Mary Margaret contemplating his request.

Act IV
Over at the sheriff's station, Emma is sat at her desk reading the newspaper as Graham walks in behind her, he comes bearing donits and shows them to Emma, telling her that, sometimes, cliches are true. Emma asks him what he wants and he reminds her how he said "no night shifts" before proceeding to tell her that he needs her to work the night, just the once. Emma asks him why, seeming whiny, Graham explains that he works at an animal shelter and that the person who runs it is sick and that someone has to feed the dogs. Emma tells him that he's very lucky he bought a bear claw before taking the bake good from his box and eating it, he smiles and walks away just as Mary Margaret enters the sheriff's office, asking to talk to Emma, Graham vacates to his office and once he's gone, Mary Margaret begins to talk. "He left his wife. David. He left her. He left Kathryn!", she exclaims, Emma tells her to slow down before the teacher goes on to say that David did it for her and wants her to be with him and that he asked her to meet him that night. She says that she has been trying to keep strong but that David just keeps on coming. "I mean, how do I stop it? How do I let him down? What would you do?", Mary Margaret asks her friend, frantically. "I'd go.", Emma tells a pacing Mary Margaret who is know shocked at her friend's response, Emma explains that it's because David actually left Kathryn as it's one thing to say that he wants Mary Margaret but it's another thing to make a choice on the matter and do something about it. She says it's all she can ask for. Mary Margaret says that, given on her friendship with Kathryn, she doesn't think Regina would be happy, Emma states that that's all the more reason to do it. Mary Margaret pauses, "Good lord, is this really happening?", she wonders, "You tell me.", Emma says, smiling.

Over at Granny's Bed and Breakfast, David enters his room and places his set of keys on the dresser, he briefly looks at himself in the mirror and fixes his hair before moving on to look out of the window and on to Storybrooke's clock tower, he then averts his gaze downwards to the wedding ring on his finger, he twists it with his other hand.

Over in the fairytale land that was, King George, King Midas and a collection of knights are gathered around a table containing the, now golden, head of the decapitated dragon. George says that Charming did everything Midas asked him and more, going on to say that he battled the dragon and prevailed. A silent Charming turns to them. Midas instructs his knights to place the head in the palace next to some other heads that he possesses, the oblige and the golden item is taken away. George happily whispers to Charming that they pulled it off, Charming is less than happy at this, asking the king how much longer it will be before he can return home, "That's a discussion not for now.", George whispers. Midas turns to them, saying that, from that day forth, may the beast's head be a reminder to them of the valliant warrior who killed it - the bravest, most noble prince he has ever met - "You have earned my utmost respect.", Midas assures Charming, bowing his head, briefly. "We treasure that respect, King Midas. Just as we respect your treasure.", George jokingly says, Midas assures them that they were promised gold and gold they shall have, however, he states that he did not get to their end by thinking small and that he stands before them as he thought big, he begins to explain that he did not just want a dragon slayer, but the bravest warrior in all the land, a hero, someone who could nite the kingdoms, someone he would be proud to call family. "Bring her!", Midas exclaims. Two knights then accompany a blonde princess to the room, as she walks towards the men, Midas introduces her as his daughter, Abigail. He says that he would only give away her hand in marriage once he could find a companion worthy of her, and now he has. "He killed the dragon... I guess he'll do.", Abigail says to her father. "And so, Prince James, I offer you my daughter's hand in marriage.", Midas tells the prince, Charming begins to turn down the offer but George stops him, saying he's always so humble. George pretends to hug Charming but merely pulls him closer so that he may whisper into his ear, "If you say anything but 'yes', you will be responsible for the destruction of everyone and everything in our kingdom. You will marry this girl. Or I will kill you. I will kill your mother. I will turn that farm into ash. Do you understand me?", George pulls out of the "hug" and touches Charming's face, telling him that he'll take his silence as wisdom, he instructs him to follow it - "I know you'll make the right decision.". Charming is silent.

In Storybrooke, David is wandering the street, map in hand, clearly lost, trying to find a particular location. He looks around to find Regina who startles him, she explains that she was just heading home from work and saw him. She asks him if he's lost and he admits that he is and that he's looking for the Toll Bridge. Regina notes that that's where he was found and wonders if he's trying to jog his memory, David says that he isn't, telling the mayor that he's meeting someone. "So, you made your choice.", Regina deciphers, David pauses, "Yes.", he states. Regina asks if he's able to change his mind but David says that he can't change the way he feels. "No. Of course not. Walk down this street to Mr. Gold's pawn shop, you'll find a fork in the road, go left, it'll take you to a hiking trail that leads directly to the bridge.", Regina informs him. He thanks her for understanding and, before he leaves, Regina wishes him luck, saying that she hopes he finds what he's looking for. David jogs away and Regina stares, wickedly.

The scene fades into the next and we are shown Mary Margaret standing alone at the Toll Bridge, waiting eagerly for David to meet her there. He is late and so she checks her watch before looking up at the moon in the sky.

The moon is shown looking down on David who is following Regina's directions and comes up to Mr. Gold's pawn shop, he stops, checking for a fork in the road, but sees nothing of the sort. Instead, David decides to walk into the shop and looks out at what's for sale, wondering if anyone else is in there. As he looks around, he is most captivated by a unicorn on a set of wind chimes, as he inspects it, he hears, "Charming.", the voice belongs to Mr. Gold who's standing behind the counter. "The mobile. Isn't it charming?", he asks as David approaches him. David asks Mr. Gold if he knows the whereabouts of the Toll Bridge, telling him that the mayor told him to come by the shop but the directions seem to be wrong. "It seems Miss Mills has led you astray.", Gold says, David says it's odd that the mayor doesn't know her own town. "Open the door, turn right, two blocks, you'll find a trail.", Gold informs David who thanks the pawnbroker before trying to hastily leave his shop, however, something catches his attention: a windmill. Gold asks David if he sees something he likes, David asks him where he got the windmill, "That old thing, that's been gathering dust for... forever.", Gold states. David appears captivated by the thing and spins it around with his hand, watching it as it goes around. David says that he thinks it belonged to him, Gold asks him if he's sure, "Yes.", David states, staring at the windmill. Gold smiles eerily and David stares at the item in question, he says something, "I remember.".

Act V
In the fairytale land that was, Prince Charming rides a horse up to his mother's farm, he dismounts the horse and greets her, she is happy to see that he's returned. She hugs him before asking if he's hurt, saying that she's been very worried, however, Charming assures her that he's fine. Ruth takes a good look at Charming before commending him at looking like a prince. Ruth suggests that he come in for supper, saying that the house and the farm look better as the king has already started to take care of it, she begins to go inside but realizes she's not being followed, she turns to Charming. She asks him what's wrong, he sighs before explaining that Midas wants to unite the kingdoms by marrying him to his daughter. Ruth is shocked before Charming goes on to say that his new fiancee makes the grain merchant's daughter look like sheep dung. She approaches her son, "No,", she says, "You were right to turn down that offer, as you must this one, too.", she explains that when he was gone, she realized how shameful it was of her to try and push him otherwise. "Your freedom to choose is more important than anything.", she assures him. She offers to give up the farm but Charming refuses to allow this, telling her that, because of the rouse, Midas can never know who he truly is which means - "We can never see each other again.", Ruth states, finishing his sentence. Charming confirms this and Ruth tells him not to do it, to run away, he says he can't as they will kill her. Ruth points out that she'll lose him either way but that she wants him to be happy, "I already accepted Midas' offer. I didn't come here for advice, mother... I came here to say goodbye.", he tells her, tearing up. He explains that there's too much at stake and that he can't let them hurt her, he whispers that he can't have everything. Ruth takes her engagement ring from her finger and tells Charming to give it to his wife-to-be, Charming protests that he doesn't even love her or know her, Ruth points out that, just because he doesn't know her, doesn't mean he won't grow to love her. "True love follows this ring wherever it goes, my son. I had it with your father. I've had it as your mother. Now you will have it.", she explains to him. She holds his hand, forcing him to accept the ring, saying that she'll know, even if she never sees him again, that he'll find love and she'll know he'll be happy. Charming nods and hugs his mother, grasping the ring that is now his.

At the Toll Bridge in Storybrooke, Mary Margaret fiddles with the ring on her finger, still waiting patiently for David to arrive. She hears footsteps nearing her and turns to discover the source, sure enough, David has arrived. "You came...", he says, surprise in his voice. Mary Margaret smiles and wonders why he's surprised, pointing out that he sounds a little disappointed. "I remember.", he states, "Kathryn?", Mary Margaret asks, David nods, appraoching her, telling her that he remembers everything from his life pre-coma. Mary Margaret's smile slips away, she asks David if he loves Kathryn, he says that he doesn't know, but that he knows he did. He explains that he remembers how he's felt and thinks he has to honor that. "And everything that you said to me-", "Is true.", he assures her, telling her that he does have feelings for her, feelings he doesn't understand. Mary Margaret then questions why he's going back to Kathryn and David tells her that it's the right thing to do. "The right thing to do...", she says, "Was not to lead me on.". He says he knows and Mary Margaret states that he's made his choice, he tries to apologize but she tells him that it's okay, saying that she guesses it just wasn't meant to be. The teacher, now extremely saddened, walks away from David and leaves.

Act VI
A car is driving speedily through the streets of Storybrooke, at night, it is seen to be Emma driving, she stops outside Regina's house after seeing someone leap from her balcony. Emma steps out of the car and quietly closes the door, she runs into Regina's garden and sees that the guy is walking out into the street, she hides behind the corner provided by a hedge and strikes, winding the guy who turns out to be Sheriff Graham, Emma is shocked. "This is volunteering?", she asks, he tells her that plans changed, and that Regina needed him, Emma states that she needed him to sleep with her but Graham, standing up, protests to this. She asks him why he was sneaking out of the window and he says it's because Regina doesn't want Henry to know. Emma is disgusted that Graham did what he did with Henry in the house, Graham argues that Henry's sleeping and is kept oblivious. Emma voices that she wishes she were Henry at that moment before telling Graham that it's disgusting. Graham says that he really does work at an animal shelter, but Emma ignores this, telling him that he can finish her shift and that she's done working nights. The blonde throws the sheriff the car keys and walks away.

David rings the doorbell of his house, Kathryn soon answers but says nothing, he tells her that she's right, he did hate that windmill out front. Kathryn realizes that he remembers and smiles, she asks him how much he remembers. He says that he remembers enough, and that he knows they weren't in a good place when he went into his coma, saying that he knows she thought he was leaving her, but he wasn't. He wanted to work things out, he just needed some time. He then had his accident and has much more time than he expected. He apologizes, as does Kathryn, "I know we have work to do, but let's see what happens.", he suggests, Kathryn smiles and nods, telling David that she'd like that. David extends his hand for her to hold.

Prince Charming takes hold of Princess Abigail's hand in the fairytale land that was, the two of them walk before King George and King Midas. "Let this mark the beginning of a new era. Of a new kingdom. United and strong.", Midas states, "An era of mutual prosperity.", George adds, Charming looks evily at his new father. King Midas tells the betrothed pair to go to their new home at his palace where celebration shall ebgin. Abigail thanks her father, saying that she trusts that he knows best. As Abigail and her father converse, George takes Charming aside, telling him that he's glad he made the right decision. He extends a hand, Charming shakes it, "Thank you... father.", he says. Abigail interrupts this, saying that she grows tired of waiting. Charming agrees and suggests that they take the scenic route, she scoffs at this and continues. George tells Charming to smile, saying that he's on the road to true love. Charming looks down at his pouch of jewels which contains his mother's ring, he then goes to join Abigail.

Charming and Abigail's carriage is travelling down the scenic route and a hooded figure is seen watching them from a nearby tree. In the carriage, Abigail is moaning that the troll road would have been quicker, Charming smiles out of the window and Abigail asks him if he's even listening to her. Snow White, the hooded figure, smiles from the tree she's perched in, happy that the carriage has been halted due to something on the road. (see "Snow Falls")

Over at Granny's Diner, Mary Margaret is sitting depressed at the bar, alone, fiddling with her ring. Dr. Whale walks into the diner and sits next to her, asking her if she's had a rough day, she responds by telling him that she doesn't feel like talking. "Come on, sometimes it's easier to talk to someone when you don't give a crap what they think.", Whale points out. Mary Margaret looks at him, smiles, then looks away, "Ever walk into a situation where you know exactly what's going to happen... and then you go into it anyway, and then when what you're afraid of happens, you kick yourself because you should've known better... because that's just who you are, so you keep punishing yourself?", she wonders, "...no.", Whale says, after a pause. Mary Margaret asks him how he does that and he tells her that he does it by never doing what's expected of him and it keeps life interesting. He offers to buy her a drink, Mary Margaret pauses before turning back to him, telling the doctor that he can buy her two. Whale smiles, as does Mary Margaret.

Trivia

 * The title card of this episode features the dragon that Charming slayed.
 * Although credited, Raphael Sbarge (Archie Hopper/Jiminy Cricket) is absent from this episode.

Gallery
Gallery of photographic stills released to promote the episode.