Darkness.

It's something that's inside of us all.

But we never truly know,

until it reveals itself.

3rd Person's POV

*storybrooke*

"How could she be so stupid?!", Regina exclaims.

" Regina!", Robin yells.

" Well, there had to be another way", Regina says.

" There wasn't. That thing was going to kill you. She saved your life", Snow says.

" Don't you think I know that?", Regina asks.

" Am I the only one who is concerned that we just lost Scarlett to a black abyss?!", Killian yells.

" Of course I am!", She exclaims.

"... now they're the... dark ones?", Henry asks.

" Now they're a problem-- for all of us", Regina says.

" She's still good", Grant (played by Ian Somerhalder) says.

"Emma, maybe. But Scarlett... not by a long shot. It's not like they rode off on a unicorn, they got sucked up by a vortex of evil", She says.

" Where are they? Where did they go?", Robin asks.

" It doesn't bloody matter", Killian says as he starts to walk towards the dagger, one side of it bearing Emma's name, and the other Scarlett's.

" Mate, don't--", Robin starts as he puts a hand on Killian.

" Get out of my way!", Killian says, then picks up the dagger, " If we can't find them, I can damn well bring them to me. Dark Ones, with this dagger, I command thee... return! Dark Ones, appear!".

" Put that thing down before you hurt yourself, guyliner. I thought you knew the dagger's rules", Regina says.

" With it, I can summon the Dark One from any corner of the world", He says.

" Well, there's your answer. They're not in this world", Grant says.

*the enchanted forest

The two are surrounded by darkness, until finally, the vault opens. Both Emma and Scarlett rise from the vault, darkness black as night dripping off of them once they're up.

" What... did you do, Swan?", Scarlett asks as she pulls back her hood, venom lacing her voice.

" I saved your mother's life", Emma responds.

But then, they hear a man whistling.

" Who's there?", Emma asks, and when they turn around, they see the previous Dark One--

Rumpelstiltskin.

" Father?", Scarlett asks.

" You're supposed to be in Storybrooke. You were in a coma", Emma says.

" Ah, yes I am. Or, uh, rather, he is", Rumple says.

" Don't tell me you're going to be stuck inside of our heads from now on", Scarlett groans, making him giggle.

" You've always been a smart one, dearie. I am the voice inside your heads, inside all Dark Ones. Now, are you ready to begin?", Rumple asks.

" Begin what?", Emma asks.

" Well, learning to be the Dark One, of course. Think of me, as your guide, but only till you've learned to embrace your powers", He says.

" I will never embrace the darkness", She says, making Scarlett scoff.

" Speak for yourself".

" Everyone who sips from this well enjoys the taste too much. The only way to stop, is to be stopped. This is the fate of all Dark Ones", Rumple says, making Emma start to walk.

" You can't just walk away from it, Swan", Scarlett says, using her powers to make Emma stop walking as Rumple appears in front of her.

" I'm in the Enchanted Forest now, which means Merlin can't be far from here, and the apprentice told me he can destroy the darkness, so I'm going to find him", Emma says.

" Merlin? Oh, you're better off with me", Rumple says.

" No! I'll never be like all of you!", Emma yells, " I'll never hurt the people I love-- the people who love me".

" Now will you stop walking so much? I did not sign up for cardio", Scarlett says as she catches up to Emma.

" You don't have to come with me", Emma says.

" {laughs} You truly don't know anything, do you? We're connected, Emma. Everything you do has an effect on me, and vice versa. In fact, I can hear your thoughts right now. Oh, missing Grant, aren't you?", Scarlett asks.

" Why are you like this?", Emma asks.

" Darling, we're the Dark Ones, now. This is who we are. Stop fighting it", Scarlett says with a smirk.

But, Emma just walks away.

" How much longer are you going to be making me act like this?", Scarlett asks.

" Until she breaks, and gives in to her Dark One powers", Rumple says.

" What makes you think I've already given in?", She asks.

" Your heart, dearie. It's getting darker by the second. You may not think you've given in... but your heart already knows it", He says, and then disappears, making Scarlett sigh.

*storybrooke*

" Apprentice, that monstrosity took Scarlett", Killian says as he walks into Gold's shop.

" And Emma", Grant adds.

" Where did they go?", Killian asks.

" They are now where all darkness is born-- in your realm", The apprentice says.

" Well take us there", Killian says.

" I am too weak now. But this... will help", The apprentice says as he makes a wand appear, " It is a gift from the sorcerer, from Merlin. On the day I became his apprentice. In it, is all the light magic".

" It can take us to our daughter?", Snow asks.

" Not on its own. In order to cross realms, it must be wielding as it was forged-- with both sides of the coin-- the light... and the dark", The apprentice says, but then closes his eyes and drops the wand.

" It would be perfect if we had Scarlett right about now", Henry says.

" Looks like I'll have to do", Regina says as she picks up the wand.

And she tries to wield it... but it does not work.

" Enough, you're gonna embarrass yourself and waste our time", Killian says.

" Watch it, I know what I'm doing", Regina says.

"Well that's not enough, you heard the man. It needs darkness. You've gone soft", He says.

" You wanna see soft? Why don't I use that hook to show you your intestines?", She asks.

" Well, you've got the fire, love, but not the blackness anymore. How's this for irony, you've done too much good. No, we need someone wicked", Killian says.

" No. No, no, not my sister. That witch is more than wicked. She's deranged", Regina says.

" For Emma... it's worth the risk", Grant says.

" Don't forget about my wife, mate", Killian growls, " And your daughter, Regina. You said it yourself: you'd do anything to protect your children".

*the enchanted forest*

As Emma walks through the forest, Scarlett reluctantly follows behind her.

" Hey!", Emma yells to the man pushing a cart.

" Oh, sure. Bother the elderly. That'll work", Scarlett comments as she takes her time to catch up.

" Excuse me! I need help!", Emma yells, " I need directions to Camelot. Do you know the way?".

" Of course. It'll only cost you two pieces of silver", The man says.

" I, uh, don't have any silver", Emma says.

" Three pieces, now", He says, earning an eye roll from Scarlett.

" I'm in a hurry", Emma says.

" Four".

" Just tell me!", Emma exclaims, accidentally using her powers to choke the man.

" What are you doing?", The man asks.

" I'm not doing anything", She says.

" But of course you are", Rumple says as he appears next to her.

" Stop", Emma says, thinking he's the one who's doing it.

" It's not me doing this, dearie. It's you", He says, causing Emma to stare down at her hand.

Scarlett sighs in annoyance, then waves her hand to free the man of Emma's restraints. And of course, he runs away.

" So, did you enjoy it-- your first taste of the darkness?", Rumple asks.

Emma ignores him, and walks on. Scarlett follows behind her, making sure that Emma can't hear her thoughts.

" Leave me alone, I don't need you", Emma says as Rumple appears once more.

" See that maple tree ahead? We've walked past it three times, dearie", Rumple says.

" You're going around in circles", Scarlett says.

" Well why don't you help?", Emma asks.

" You're the one who wants to find Merlin, you find him yourself", Scarlett responds.

" I can help you, if you let me", Rumple says.

" I'm not using dark magic", Emma says.

" I didn't say I was gonna use magic. If you want to find Merlin, just ask", He says.

" Fine. How do I find Merlin?", She asks.

" I'm glad you asked. There's a magical force that can lead you wherever you need to be. Now, if you'll allow me, I can show you where to find it", Rumple says.

" I'm listening", Emma says.

" Excellent. Imagine a mirrored lake, a tall tree with low-hanging branches that loom over it. Above it, a beautiful blue sky. Now, picture it in your mind's eye. Picture it clearly".

" Okay, I'm picturing--", Emma says, but then transports herself to the lake, " I said don't use magic!".

" I didn't, dearie", Rumple says.

" You did", Scarlett says as she appears behind her.

"Congratulations on your first magical transportation", Rumple says.

" You tricked me", Emma says.

"{chuckles} Of course he did. He's a Dark One", Scarlett says as she walks beside her, " As are we".

" Go away", Emma groans.

" Ah, I don't think you want that. Look", Rumple says as he points to the wisp, " The will-o'-the-wisp. Now, if you want to find Merlin, I would catch it".

Which, in turn, causes Emma to run after the wisp. And, of course, Scarlett follows at a steady pace.

*storybrooke*

" Henry, you can fix this. You're the author now. Use that pen. Write the darkness out of Scarlett. Bring her back", Killian says as he walks up to Henry in Granny's.

" I broke it", Henry says.

" You what?", Killian asks.

" It's too much power. That's how the last author got in trouble. He stopped recording history and started using magic to change it", Henry says, " And you're forgetting about Emma. She'd want me to be good".

" Ah, honor. So, you won't break any rules then?", Killian asks, " What if there was a way-- a dangerous way-- to help your mother and sister? Something your other mother wouldn't like?".

" I don't need her permission. I'm not a kid anymore".

" Good. Because our best bet is the person Regina hates the most".

" Zelena".

" That's right. We're going to break out the Wicked Witch".

" Killian...", Grant says as he walks into the diner, " I'm in".

" What'd you mean?", Killian asks.

" Whatever you're planning to get them back... I'm in", Grant says.

" Mate, you're--", Killian starts.

" I want to get Emma back just as much as you want to get Scarlett back... I love her", Grant says, making him sigh.

" Alright", Killian sighs, " How good is your shape-shifting magic?".

*enchanted forest*

Along the way, Emma decided to pick up a friend-- Merida. Scarlett didn't want to, but of course the Savior wanted to save someone. And now, Scarlett and Emma are learning something about Dark Ones-- they never sleep.

" Will you stop thinking so much?", Scarlet grumbles.

" I can't help it", Emma says as she turns over on her side.

" Can't sleep?", Rumple asks, " Worry not. Dark Ones don't need sleep. That's why I spun straw. Passes the time. You need a hobby-- something to take your mind off all the terrible things you're gonna do. Do you like knitting?".

" How about ripping people's throats out? Does that count as a hobby?", Scarlett asks, making him giggle.

" In case you haven't noticed, I'm doing good here. I'm helping Merida, and then when she's done with the wisp, it'll be my turn", Emma whispers.

" The wisp isn't a toy you can share. She can't just give it to you. The person who whispers to it becomes its owner forever", Rumple says.

" So if I let her use it, I can never use it?", Emma asks.

" Not while her heart beats", Scarlett says.

" You want me to take it for myself", Emma says.

" I want you to start behaving like a Dark One! Like you counterpart", Rumple says.

" Scarlett hasn't done a damn thing this whole time", She says.

" Her heart, dearie. Her heart is getting filled with darkness. Yours... is still too pure", He says.

" You knew this would happen. That's why you led me to her. You wanted me to betray Merida", Emma says.

" You know what? I'm going for a walk. At least then I'll get some peace and quite", Scarlett says, and then trudges off.

*storybrooke*

As the tornado blows through the town, everyone gathers inside of Granny's.

" Floyd, shut down the fryers, secure the condiments!", Granny shouts, " I'm not sure my insurance covers this place going airborne".

" We'll be fine", Regina says.

" Well, your majesty, it's coming", Killian says, " How do you suggest we get this cyclone to take us to Scarlett and not to Oz?".

" And Emma", Grant adds.

" By using these", Regina says as she pulls two items out of her purse.

" Emma's baby blanket", " Scarlett's wedding ring", Snow and Killian say at the same time.

" It fell when she disappeared", Regina says, " Ready?".

She then waves the wand over the two items, causing them to glow golden as the spell works it's magic.

" Twister!", Leroy yells as he and a few dwarfs run in.

" It's okay. We summoned it", Snow says.

" You did?", He asks.

" It's taking us to Emma", She says.

" Out, dwarfs. Adults only", Regina says.

" No", Leroy says.

" No?", Happy asks,

"We're staying. We've been on the side-lines too long, sister, missed too many adventures. Now it's embarassing. How do you think it feels when everyone asks how the adventure was, and you have to say that no one asked you to go along? That you weren't needed? We're not turning our backs on you again, not even in the face of certain death".

" Thank you", Snow says.

" Certain?", Happy asks.

But then the diner rumbles.

" Everybody hold on!", Granny yells as everyone prepares for the worst, the whole diner being lifted off it's foundation.

*enchanted forest*

" No. Do you have any idea what you've done?!", Emma shouts as she and Scarlett walk up to Merida.

" Aye. That I do. Stop. I don't know what kind of witches you are or what strange voices are in you wee heads, but I heard everything", Merida says.

" Do you really think you can take on the two of us?", Scarlett smirks.

" What's she saying? Accent's a bit much, no?", Rumple asks.

" You don't know what you heard. I can explain", Emma says.

" I don't need your lies. I need this wisp and I need my brothers, so turn around and go", Merida says.

" She's daring you", Rumple says.

" Now get out of here", Merida says.

" Kill her", Rumple says.

" Don't test me, witch!", She shouts.

" What are you waiting for, Dark One? You know what you have to do. Now go ahead... and rip her heart out", He says, " Now's the time.You want the wisp? There's only one way. Now do it".

" Enough of this", Scarlett says, using her magic to throw the bow out of Merida's hands, then using it to choke her and lift her up in the air, " You're going to give her what she wants".

" Stop!", Emma says as she blasts Scarlett away with her magic.

Merida scrambles for her bow, locking an arrow in it and firing at Scarlett, but she catches it with ease. Then she fires and Emma, and the same thing happens.

But then, Emma decides that enough is enough. She uses her magic to choke Merida once more, bring her close, and then rips her heart out. She's just about to crush it when...

" Emma, stop!", Grant shouts as he, along with everyone else, appears.

" What? How?", Emma asks.

" It doesn't matter how. Has anything ever stopped me before?", He asks.

" You don't know what's happening. This is the only way to find Merlin. He's the only one who can stop the darkness", Emma says.

" Quite right, crush it", Rumple says.

" The only way to protect all of you", She says.

" But to stop the darkness, you're going to let it consume you", Snow says.

" You don't know that", Emma says.

" We're not going to take the chance", Snow says as she holds up the dagger.

" No, wait. You can't do that. This has to be her choice", Grant says.

" Don't listen to them. They don't understand what's at stake", Rumple says.

" You don't understand what's at stake. If I don't find Merlin, the darkness will destroy all of you", Emma says.

" Emma, please. No", Grant says.

" The Dark One destroys everyone near it. Look at Gold. I can't do that to my family. And to you", Emma says.

" She has to die", Rumple says.

" She has to die", Emma says.

" Listen to your words. It's not you speaking, Em. We can find another way together. Look at everyone here-- heroes and villains together for you, because of you. And if we can overcome it-- if we can overcome our demons... then so can you", Grant says.

And then, Emma shoves Merida's heart back into her chest, and collapses into Grant's arms.

" Scarlett? Ar-Are you here?", Killian asks, slightly worried that she may not be.

" I am", She says as she comes out from behind a stone.

" Oh thank god!", He says as he runs up to her and embraces her, " I thought I lost you".

" You'll never lose me, Jones", Scarlett says with a smile.

" There's something you're forgetting", Killian says as he pulls her ring out from his back pocket, " It fell when you disappeared".

" I love you", She says as he slips the ring onto her finger.

" I love you more", He says.

" Not possible", Scarlett says as she wraps her arms around her husband's neck and brings him in for a kiss.

Back at Granny's diner, a special guest arrives--

King Arthur of Camelot.

He invites them all back to his kingdom.

And they accept.

six weeks later...

Granny's diner suddenly crashes back into Storybrooke. Everyone is dressed it royal-ish clothes. But... no one remembers.

" What are you guys doing here?", Sneezy asks as he walks in.

" What happened?", Snow asks.

" We're back", David says.

" Bloody hell", Killian says.

" This doesn't make any sense. We were just walking into Camelot", Regina says.

" What the hell are we wearing?", Leroy asks, " Sneezy, what happened? How long were we gone?".

" Six weeks", Sneezy says.

" Our memories-- they're gone" Grant says.

" Again?", Snow asks.

" Where's Emma", Henry asks.

" And where's my wife?", Killian asks.

" Would you relax", Scarlett says as she and Emma transport to the front of the diner.

" We're right here", Emma says.

" What happened to you guys?", Henry asks.

" Isn't it obvious? You went to Camelot to get the darkness out of us... and you failed", Scarlett says as sneezy sneezes.

" Who the hell are you supposed to be?", Emma asks, and then turns him to stone, " There's no savior in this town anymore".

" Stop, that's enough", Regina says as she steps up.

" Or what?", Emma asks.

" Or I'll do exactly what you asked me to do", Regina says as she feels for the dagger.

" Looking for this?", Scarlett asks as she holds up the side of the dagger that bares her name, " Nobody's going to touch this dagger but us".

" When did the two of you get so chummy?", Regina asks.

" A lot can happen in six weeks, mother", Scarlett responds.

" Now, for what you all did to me... you're about to be punished", Emma says.

"Scarlett... why are you doing this?", Killian asks.

" Because...", Scarlett starts.

" We're the Dark Ones", She and Emma say at the same time.

" Alas... there is one more surprise", Scarlett says as she grabs Killian's hand and places it on her stomach, causing his eyes to widen.

" No", He whispers.

" Oh yes", She says with an evil smirk, then disappears with Emma in a plume of black smoke.