Once Upon A Time: The Circle Of Life

Chapter VI: The Injured Queen

Storybrooke Harbor

Gepetto sat serenely on the weathered docks, his fishing line cast into the rippling waters. Suddenly, his rod jerked violently, and he pulled with all his might, grunting with effort. As he finally landed his catch, he gazed out to see the infamous Jolly Roger sailing into the dock, its black sails billowing ominously. Gepetto swiftly stowed the hefty fish in a sack and sprinted towards town, urgency etched on his face.

Bursting into Granny's bustling diner, he shouted, "Granny, Good News!" Granny's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" she asked, her eyes sparkling. Gepetto's words tumbled out in a frantic whisper: "The pirates are back! Get everyone home, now!" Granny's expression turned grave, and together they set off to spread the warning.

Meanwhile, Henry lounged on the couch at his stepmother's house, absorbed in the TV show. The knock at the door broke the spell. He opened it to find Grumpy standing on the porch, his face stern. "They're back, Henry," Grumpy growled, his voice low and urgent. Henry's eyes widened as he grasped the gravity of the situation.

Everyone at the harbor was abuzz with excitement as the townspeople gathered to greet their beloved heroes. Emma, Hook, Mr. Gold, Ruby, Snow, David, and Zelena stepped off the dock, their faces somber despite the warm smiles of the crowd. Henry's eyes scanned the group, his face lighting up with relief as he spotted Timon and Pumbaa, the lovable duo's "Hakuna Matata" grins a welcome respite from the tension. Yet, an air of unease hung over the reunion, as if a dark cloud loomed just beyond the horizon. The crowd's joyous chatter faltered as they took in the somber expressions of their heroes. Just then, Nala emerged from the shadows, her majestic presence commanding attention, as she gently bore Regina's wounded form in her arms, the usually stoic queen's face twisted in pain. The crowd's murmurs turned to worried whispers, and Emma's usually steadfast gaze faltered, her eyes clouding with a deep concern that sent a shiver through the assembly.

Henry's eyes widened in horror as he took in the battered form of his stepmother, Regina, her face a canvas of bruises and blood. "Regina!" the Blue Fairy cried out, her voice piercing the air. "Gepetto, get help, now!" she commanded, her wings fluttering with urgency. Gepetto sprinted off, his wooden legs moving with surprising speed. Grumpy rushed to Regina's side, his gruff demeanor softening as he gently cradled her head. "Regina, talk to me, what happened?" he pleaded, his voice low and desperate. Regina's lips parted, and a crimson bubble formed, bursting as she spat out blood. "Sh...Shere Khan...did this," she gasped, her voice barely audible. The words were her last, as she collapsed, her body crumpling to the ground, her nose and lips streaming blood. In a flash, Timon and Pumbaa were by her side, gently lifting her arms over their shoulders. "It's alright, kid, we've got this," Timon said, his usual carefree tone tempered with concern. The Blue Fairy led the unlikely trio towards the hospital, her luminescent glow illuminating their path as they rushed to save Regina's life.

Flashback: Simba, Kovu Chat and Ambush

The golden sun cast long shadows across the Savannah's grasslands as Simba and Kovu stood together, their conversation hushed against the rustling wind. "Scar's obsession consumed him, and in the end, it was his downfall," Simba said, his voice laced with a mix of sorrow and wisdom. Kovu's ears perked up, intrigued. "I've never heard Scar's story told that way. He truly was a monster," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Simba's gaze drifted towards the charred expanse of the Savannah, his eyes clouding over. "Evil is a monster, but people aren't born evil – it's their choices that lead them down a dark path." His words hung in the air like a challenge.