–[Storybrooke]–
Regina joins The Queens of Darkness at Granny’s Diner.
Regina: So, the rumours are true. You're back from the ashes.
Maleficent: What are you doing here, Regina?
Regina: Making it easier for you. If you want to try to kill me, I'm right here.
Maleficent: So that's why you think I'm back... To kill you.
Regina: I trapped you underground for 30 years, and you're not big on forgiveness.
Maleficent: That's true. But what you did is nothing in the grand scheme. There are far worse crimes that must be answered for.
Cruella: Careful, darling. She's thick as thieves with those heroes.
Regina: Not by choice. You know how much I wanted my revenge. But in this town, I had to play nice to survive. Alone... Watching them enjoy, the happiness I was denied. If you're planning on destroying some of that happiness, I want in.
Ursula: You can't expect us to believe that.
Maleficent: Of course she doesn't. That's why she's here. She wants us to see she's still one of us.
Regina: I am.
Maleficent: Then let's find out. Are you still a bad girl, Regina?
Regina: The worst.
–[Enchanted Forest - Past]–
Snow White is ridding. Regina watches her. She is angry.
Snow White: Hyah! Come on, Roman.
Regina: Well, hurrah for Snow White.
Regina rips Snow White trophies from the walls.
Rumpelstiltskin: Ooh! I love a touch of irony! The day you met Snow White, she nearly died on a horse. And yet today, she's the best rider in all the land.
Regina: It's her precious horse that's won those medals, not her.
Rumpelstiltskin: Still, good fortune does tend to, uh, fall in her lap, does it not?
Regina: And you promised to teach me magic so I can end her charmed life!
Rumpelstiltskin: Well, I'm teaching you, dearie. Though you sound a bit impatient. Sneaking out here to read... What is it? Maleficent's spell book?
Regina: I found it in my mother's things. She can turn into...
Rumpelstiltskin: A fire-breathing dragon. Yes, yes, yes. A bit showy if you ask me.
Regina: I'm just tired of watching snow grow up. I am tired of her getting everything, and I... I want to finally have my revenge.
Rumpelstiltskin: You don't even know what revenge looks like, dearie.
Regina: You're right. All I know what your lessons look like, and they're taking me nowhere.
Rumpelstiltskin: Before you start throwing stones, you might want to look in the mirror. And I'm not speaking metaphorically.
A landscape appears on the mirror.
Regina: What is this place?
Rumpelstiltskin: It's a wasteland. But years ago, it was a lush forest till Maleficent burned it down. Her dragon flame burned so hot that there's one tree still on fire half a lifetime later.
Regina: Do you know how she did it?
Rumpelstiltskin: With a powerful magic that she cultivated with that most precious commodity... Time. If you ignore the gift of time and rush into things, you... Will never be ready.
Regina: Or maybe this is all just excuses, and you're just not a skilled enough teacher to show me.
Rumpelstiltskin: You think she's gonna help you?
Regina: I think I'm tired of waiting.
Rumpelstiltskin: And that is exactly your problem. Good luck with Maleficent.
Rumpelstiltskin teleport Regina to the Forbidden Fortress.
Regina: Rumple.
–[Storybrooke]–
David, Mary Margaret and Emma are back to their apartment.
Emma: I'm sorry. Regina's doing what?
David: She's going undercover.
Emma: With someone who could turn into a dragon? Are you out of your minds? Why didn't you call me?
David: There wasn't time. She told us the plan. That was it.
Emma: You should've told me.
Mary Margaret: Why? You really think you could've stopped her?
Emma: I could've helped. I was a bail-bonds person. Pretending to be someone else was part of my job.
Mary Margaret: I know that, but I really think Regina can take care of herself.
Emma: I hope you're right. When is she supposed to check in? Mom? Dad? When is she supposed to check in?
David: About an hour ago.
––––––––––––
Cruella drives in the forest with her friends.
Regina: Now, will someone please tell me where the hell we're going?
Cruella: Want me to spoil all the fun? You'll find out soon enough.
Regina: Fine. But out of... Professional curiosity, I have to know, just... How did you two resurrect her?
Maleficent: First things first. You see, some of us don't exactly trust you.
Cruella stops the car on railways. A train is coming.
Regina: What are you doing?
Cruella: Playing my favourite game. It's called "don't be a hero." First one that saves us loses.
Regina: You got to be kidding me.
Ursula: You don't like it, then just poof us out of here.
Regina teleport the car.
Regina: Come on. Don't look at me like that.
Cruella: I told you she'd gone soft, Mal. Pay up.
Maleficent: She's just Rusty. It doesn't mean anything. What do you think? Are we playing too rough for you?
Regina: I think we should get out of here... And go find some real trouble.
––––––––––––
Henry is looking for clues on the door page.
Belle: Hey. So, um, is... Is that the page that August took out of the storybook? Did you find anything?
Henry: I think this door somehow has something to do with the author. I just have to figure out where it is.
Belle: You will. Here.
Belle leaves.
Henry: Come on, August. What are you trying to tell me?
––––––––––––
Emma drives to Granny’s Diner. She meets Hook.
Emma: Find anything in there?
Hook: Well, a burned table, broken bottles, uh, and a very irate Granny. Apparently, Regina and the witches drank the place dry. I'd say she won them over.
Emma: Unless that's exactly what they wanted her to think.
Hook: Look, I know you're worried, but we don't even know what happened yet.
Emma: That's what's worrying me. She's not at home. She's not in her office. My parents are gonna check her vault, but...
Hook: And you fear the worst.
Emma: I can't help but think, if the undercover thing worked, if she's got the situation under control, then why the hell isn't she back yet?
––––––––––––
David and Mary Margaret are looking for Regina into the wood.
Mary Margaret: Maybe this was a bad idea. If something happened to Regina...
David: No, like you said, she'll be fine. She can take care of herself.
Mary Margaret: Look!
David stops the car.
David: That's one of my sheriff's cars. What the hell happened?
Regina: Maleficent happened. And that is her idea of a good time.
Mary Margaret: Regina... Are you okay? What happened last night?
Regina: I had to prove myself. Which meant some drinking, some burning, and lots of destruction. Sorry about the car. And you really shouldn't be here. Next time, we have to meet covertly.
David: Next time? You didn't find out what they're planning?
Regina: It was one night. But I did find out they're hiding something, something incredibly powerful.
Mary Margaret: Well, what is it?
Regina: I don't know.
Mary Margaret: So, the only thing you accomplished was property destruction?
Regina: I accomplished trust. Last time, I had to come to Maleficent. This time, she'll come to me.
–[Forbidden Fortress - Past]–
Regina enters in the Forbidden Fortress/ She looking for Maleficent.
Regina: Hello? Maleficent? I've... Been studying magic. Beginner stuff. But I thought... Maybe... Perhaps you can teach me?
Maleficent: Why don't you show me what you've learned and light that fireplace.
Regina: Come on. Come on!
Regina successes.
Maleficent: That's pathetic. But it'll do. Ugh, that feels nice. I haven't had a proper fire in... Years.
Regina: What's that?
Maleficent: You won't read about this in any spell book. A single drop of sleeping curse mixed with seawater, toadstool... Takes the edge off. What's the matter, dear? I'm not everything you expected?
Regina: What happened to you?
Maleficent: A Rose. A Briar Rose.
Regina: The one you put under a sleeping curse.
Maleficent: Until king Stefan the square jawed undid all my work with true love's kiss. Do you know what? I don't even care anymore.
Regina: The Maleficent I read about, she would never just give up. Y-you need to remember who you really are.
Maleficent: That Maleficent had a foul temper, and if you insulted her, she'd turn into a dragon and eat your flesh. It's a good thing for you I already had breakfast. Take your dusty book and get out of my castle.
–[Storybrooke]–
The Queen of Darkness enter in Mr Gold’s cabin.
Mr Gold: Well, where the hell have you been all night?
Maleficent: Don't be nasty. Regina came to find us. We had some catching up to do.
Mr Gold: Regina? What was she after?
Ursula: She was sniffing around for information.
Mr Gold: I assume you didn't tell her I'm what you're hiding.
Cruella: Oh, we were careful, darling. She doesn't know a thing.
Maleficent: Very interesting plan, bringing us all together.
Mr Gold: My plan's just beginning. But Regina does present an intriguing possibility.
Maleficent: Do you really think she'll help us?
Mr Gold: My Heartbreak turned her into a monster once. And now her heart's been broken a new. She's lost another love and is in great pain.
Maleficent: As you and I both know, pain always makes you stronger.
Mr Gold: Indeed it does. When war hits Storybrooke, everyone's gonna have to pick a side, including Regina.
Maleficent: And what war is that?
Mr Gold: Oh, the one we're about to start. And tonight... We're gonna throw the first punch.
–[Enchanted Forest - Past]–
Regina is walking on a road. A carriage stops
A man: Driver, stop! My dear, what are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere?
Regina: Walking home... To Leopold's castle.
A man: Oh. That's a long walk. If you'd like, I can take you as far as the next kingdom. I'm headed that way for the royal wedding.
Regina: What wedding?
A man: I assume you've heard of the queen? Briar Rose? Her daughter Aurora is to be wed.
–[Forbidden Fortress - Past]–
Regina brings an Aurora’s wed invitation to Maleficent.
Regina: Briar Rose's daughter is getting married! A whole new generation is getting their happy endings while you sit up here and rot!
Maleficent: And why in the hell do you care so much?
Regina: Because if... Someone as powerful as you can't get their revenge... That means I never will.
Maleficent: So, you've had someone taken from you, too?
Regina: Yes. And the girl who's responsible lives and breathes. And I still don't have my revenge.
Maleficent: Do you want some advice from me? Give up. Find another hobby.
Regina: No. Isn't this a reason to get up? To turn back into a dragon? To fight?
Maleficent: I can't.
Regina: Doesn't this make your blood boil?
Maleficent: Did you hear me, stupid girl? I can't! I can't... Turn into a dragon anymore. I lost the fire a long time ago.
Regina: Then let's get that fire back.
–[Storybrooke]–
In Regina’s vault.
Maleficent: Sorry we couldn't stay to clean.
Regina: Oh, that's okay. You need the beauty sleep more than I do.
Maleficent: It's good to see you again, Regina. Hope you had fun last night.
Regina: Last night? Yes. This morning? No.
Maleficent: Hmm. Maybe I can help... With this world's version of magic. Don't worry. They're not poison. They're aspirin. They help with the pain.
Regina: I know what they are. It's just you're not usually nice.
Maleficent: Nice has nothing to do with it. I need you sharp tonight.
Regina: For what? More games?
Maleficent: No. No more games. You want to know why we're in this town? The fact is, we are after the same thing as you... The author.
Regina: How do you know about the author?
Maleficent: Rumplestiltskin. He spilled the whole story to Cruella back in New York.
Regina: Well, good luck finding him. I've been looking for months.
Maleficent: But you've been going about it all wrong. What you need are some new allies with new leads on this author.
Regina: And these new leads, do they have anything to do with this powerful magic you're hiding?
Maleficent: Before I let you in on that secret, I've got a little job for you.
––––––––––––
Emma, David, Mary Margaret and Hook enter in the library to meet Regina.
David: Hey, we're here.
Regina: I said we needed to meet covertly. Now I see you brought the entire Charming softball team and their pirate mascot?
Mary Margaret: We were worried about you.
Regina: Well, then worry quickly. I can't be seen with all of you.
Emma: Regina, listen to me. This is a bad idea. This woman, this dragon, she's dangerous, and you don't know the first thing about going undercover.
Regina: I'm a quick study, and Maleficent already told me why they're here. Apparently, they're after the author, too. I simply want him to change my fate.
Emma: What do they want?
Regina: They want to shift the entire balance so that villains win and heroes lose. They feel the only way to get their happy ending is to destroy yours.
Emma: Do you think they can find the author?
Regina: They have a lead, we don't. And tonight, they want me to help them steal it... Whatever it is.
Emma: I'm telling you, these things never end well.
Regina: I understand your concern, but I'm in.
Emma: Okay, well, then I'm in too.
Regina: What?
Emma: I'm gonna stick by you. I'm gonna get your back while you do this.
Regina: No. It's too dangerous.
Emma: I said I was a part of operation mongoose. I am a part of it. You wanted my help... Now you're gonna get it No matter what it means for both of us. Whatever she has planned tonight, I'll be there.
––––––––––––
Regina is waiting for the Queen of Darkness. Emma is ready to follow them. Cruella’s car arrives, empty.
Maleficent: Ready to take a drive?
Regina: You want me to get in that?
Maleficent: Cruella enchanted it to drive itself, or you could take the wheel if you prefer.
Regina: Yes, I'd very much prefer. Where are the other two?
Maleficent: Don't worry about them. It's just you and me tonight, like old times.
Regina gets in the car.
––––––––––––
At Granny’s Diner.
Belle: You have to try some of this cake. It's delicious.
Hook: Well, look at which two survivors found a dinghy together. I do hope I'm not interrupting.
Belle: Uh, Killian, this is... This is Will. Have the two of you met?
Will: That we have, yeah.
Belle: Ah.
Will: Now, before you give in to your pugilistic urges, let's take this outside away from the lady, shall we?
Belle: And you clearly don't get along.
Hook: As much as I'd enjoy blooding you again, I'm here for Belle. We need to talk in private.
––––––––––––
In the kitchen of Granny’s Diner.
Belle: And no one knows what these three witches want Regina to help them steal?
Hook: Not for sure. But they're powerful witches seeking more power, and who's more powerful than the Dark One? His dagger... It's still in town, isn't it?
Belle: Why do you think they're after it?
Hook: What better way to find the author than by getting the Dark One to do it for you?
Belle: But how? Isn't it useless as long as he's outside of Storybrooke?
Hook: Unless they found a way to lure him back.
Belle: Any one of them could control him. Or even worse... Use the dagger to kill him and become the Dark One herself.
Hook: No. We won't let that happen. I assume you hid the dagger somewhere safe.
Belle: Yeah, of course.
Hook: Then let's move it.
Belle: What?
Hook: They knew him on the outside. They may have gleaned much about you. And where you might hide something. We have to put it somewhere they would never think to look.
Belle: But where?
Hook: Don't worry about that. If you want to bury treasure where no one could find it, leave it to a pirate.
––––––––––––
Emma follows Cruella’s car.
––––––––––––
Cruella’s car stops before Marco’s house.
Maleficent: We're here.
Regina: This can't be right. This is Marco's house, the town handyman. The only magical object you'll find here is duct tape.
Maleficent: I assure you, there's something far more valuable. Actually, someone... That naughty little piece of pine he calls a son.
Regina: The magical object you're after is Pinocchio?
Maleficent: He has information about the author, and we intend to make him tell us.
Regina: Which would be a good plan if I hadn't tried already. He doesn't remember anything.
Maleficent: Maybe the trouble was you not asking your questions more forcefully.
Regina: What's that supposed to mean?
Maleficent: I'm beginning to worry Cruella and ursula were right. You've spent so much time around heroes, you've forgotten who you really are.
Regina: I'd be careful questioning my commitment.
Maleficent: You want to prove to me you're the Evil Queen I remember, go inside there now and steal that little boy.
–[Forbidden Fortress - Past]–
In Maleficent’s castle.
Maleficent: So, there's a tree I burned that's still on fire. Who cares? What does it matter?
Regina: That's your spark. That's what's going to reignite The Dragon inside you. Now, get dressed.
––––––––––––
Before the fire tree, Maleficent try to suck the fire.
Regina: Did it work?
Maleficent: I'm not sure.
Regina: We're about to find out. Look.
King Stefan and his knight arrive.
Maleficent: Hello, Stefan.
Stefan: Maleficent... I promise, if you intend to take away Aurora's happiness, you will fail... Just as you failed with Briar Rose.
Maleficent: You made sure of that, didn't you?
Stefan: Men, seize them!
Maleficent tries to turn into a dragon but failed.
Stefan: It would appear that you've made a fool of yourself once again... Maleficent.
–[Storybrooke]–
In Marco’s house.
Marco: Wonderful work, Pinocchio. She's ready, huh? All that is left is to see how she gallops.
Pinocchio: How's that, papa?
Marco: She is a steed fit for a prince.
Regina enters.
Regina: Hello, Marco, Pinocchio. May I come in?
Marco: Of course. Is, uh... Is everything all right?
Regina makes Marco and Pinocchio sleep. Emma enters.
Emma: Regina.
Regina: Emma! What are you doing here?
Emma: I've been watching you. I saw you casting a sleeping spell, and my gut said something was wrong.
Regina: Well, it will be if you don't get out of here.
Emma: Not until you tell me what Maleficent has you in here doing.
Regina: They're after Pinocchio.
Emma: I told you these things never end well. We'll have to do this quickly. Let's take him out the back and then find a safe place.
Regina: One little snafu and you're ready to pack up? What happens when Mal realizes and lets loose her inner dragon?
Emma: This is a child we are talking about, Regina. It's too big a risk.
Regina: Not if I'm there to keep him safe. If they try to harm him, I'll stop them and fight my way out.
Emma: Three of them! One of you.
Regina: I know you think I'm in over my head, but I got this. You don't know them like I do.
Emma: Then enlighten me, because ever since they came to town, my superpower's been going haywire, like everyone, including my own parents, is keeping something from me.
Regina: Emma, the only ones keeping secrets are Maleficent and her friends. They've taken a page out of the heroes' playbook. They're working together, which means we have to take a page out of theirs and break some rules.
Emma: I'll be right on your tail. I see anything I don't like, and I will come in blazing.
––––––––––––
Regina brings Pinocchio to Cruella’s car.
Maleficent: It's good to have you back.
–[Forbidden Fortress - Past]–
Stefan and his knights catch Regina and Maleficent. Regina tries to free herself by burning her tie.
Maleficent: What are you doing?
Regina: I'm not going out like this.
Maleficent: You're gonna fight? There's too many of them.
Regina: Guess we'll have to hope my fireballs have improved.
Maleficent: You can't defeat them.
Regina: You're right. Not without a dragon's help.
Regina is freed. She attacks a knight.
Knight: Aah! Ahh!
Stefan: Kill her!
Maleficent turns into a dragon.
Stefan: Retreat!
Regina: Look who's back.
The dragon attacks Stefan.
Stefan: Aah!
–[Storybrooke]–
Emma is still in Marco’s house. She waits for Regina and Maleficent leave.
Emma: Come on. What's the hold up? Why aren't you... No!
Emma finds Regina’s phone on the street.
Emma: No. Regina, what are you doing?
Cruella’s car drives into the woods.
–[Enchanted Forest - Past]–
Aurora is brushing her hair in her bedroom.
Maleficent: You must be Aurora... Briar rose's sweet-smelling bud of a daughter.
Aurora: Maleficent. But my father...
Maleficent: Said he was going to protect you. He failed. I was going to kill him, you know. I was going to kill your mother, too, until I realized... They would suffer far worse if they were alive to see what I'm going to do to you.
Aurora tries to escape.
Aurora: My mother defeated you, as shall I. All it will take is what I have and you never will.
Maleficent: True love? Don't count on it. I have my own quite special curse in mind for your prince Phillip.
Maleficent jab Aurora’s finger.
Aurora: No!
Aurora falls asleep.
Regina: That was inspired.
Maleficent: Well, it never would've happened if it wasn't for you. You reminded me of who I am. Thank you.
–[Storybrooke]–
Belle brought Hook where she hides the dagger.
Belle: Thank goodness it's safe. Do, uh... Do you know where you're going to hide it?
Hook: The less you know about it, the better. Take Gold's car. You won't seem me again until it's in a place where no one will ever find it.
Belle: Thank you, Killian. The idea of Rumple returning after... After everything that happened, I...I don't know what I'd do.
Hook: At least you don't have to worry about that now.
Belle hesitates to give Hook the dagger.
Hook: What is it, love? Is something wrong?
Belle: Yeah, I just had the most awful thought. What if... What if Rumple's already here?
Hook: You mean inside the town lines? Isn't that...
Belle: Impossible, yes, but... I don't know. I just have this... This terrible feeling. This is my only protection.
Hook: Well, if you're concerned he's here, there's one way to know for sure. Use the dagger. Command him to come face you. If he's here, he has no choice.
Belle: Dark One, if you're here, come and face me... Now. Well, guess I was wrong. Here.
She gives Hook the dagger and leaves then Hook turns into Mr Gold.
––––––––––––
Mr Gold enters in his shop with Hook’s looks.
Belle: Ah, Killian. So, is the dagger safe?
Hook: Yes. And now that it's hidden, we have one last piece of business. We must swear a pirate's oath. We must promise to never talk about what happened today again... To one another or anyone else. It's the only way to assure the dagger stays safe. You have my word.
Belle: And you have mine.
Hook: I'm guessing that's a gift from your admirer, Will.
Belle: Yeah. It was outside when I got here.
Hook: If you don't mind, are... Things serious?
Belle: What it is, is... It's new. And beyond that, I-i don't know.
Hook: You're so... Different.
Belle: I know, and, after Rumple, it's so nice to... Spend time with someone who's nothing more than who he says he is.
Hook: So you're over him, then, Rumplestiltskin?
Belle: I don't know if I can ever be over him. But for now, will makes me smile.
Hook: I'm glad to hear that. Goodnight, then.
Belle: Oh, Killian, uh... About Will. I was wondering, what h... What happened between you two?
Hook: Let's just say he took something I care for.
––––––––––––
Mr Gold comes out his shop. He watches Belle phones Will.
–[Enchanted Forest - Past]–
In the stables.
Rumpelstiltskin: How did you get here so soon?
Regina: On the back of a dragon. How else?
Rumpelstiltskin: You mean Maleficent? I was certain she'd lost that power.
Regina: Well, it's more like forgotten... Until I helped her remember who she was.
Rumpelstiltskin: I thought it was you that was seeking a teacher, not the other way around.
Regina: I was. But then I realized... I already had a teacher, one who was doing quite well with me.
Rumpelstiltskin: Glad to hear it. I can see you're doing quite well, too. And why do I get the feeling that that pony's not just taking a nap?
Regina: Well, of course he is... For another 100 years or so. Maleficent helped me see death is too good for Snow White. I need to take away what she loves.
Rumpelstiltskin: A lesson I've been trying to teach.
Regina: Well... I'm finally ready to learn. No matter how long it takes, I can do it. I can get my revenge.
–[Storybrooke]–
Maleficent leads Regina to Gold's cabin
Regina: Gold's cabin? What are we doing here?
Maleficent: We needed someplace out of the way to hang our headdresses and hide our kidnapped puppets, and this little hovel became available to us.
Regina: No. Your dark magic... It's not a spell or an object. It's...
Mr Gold: That's right, dearie. It's me.
Mr Gold comes out from the darkness.
Mr Gold: You didn't really think I'd stay banished for long, now, did you?
Regina: No. I didn't.
Mr Gold: I learned quite a bit about myself on my little journey outside Storybrooke. You were right, Regina. Sometimes the teacher needs to learn from the student. And sometimes... You need to fall very far... To finally see the light.
Regina: Well, then you've finally accepted the same truth I have. You can't get your happy ending without finding the author. I suppose that puts us on the same side.
Mr Gold: I suppose it does.
Cruella and Ursula enters with Pinocchio.
Mr Gold: And now, with the help of the real boy you've acquired, we can take our first steps.
Regina: What are you going to do?
Mr Gold: Step aside, and I'll show you. Or have you gone soft?
Regina: Never.
Mr Gold: What a relief. You see, we're not gonna ask young Pinocchio here to remember anything... Because he can't. No amount of torture will work on him. But it will succeed on the man he used to be.
Mr Gold turns Pinocchio into August.
Mr Gold: Welcome back, August. Now... Shall we begin?
