Far Longer Than Forever

06

PRESENT FTW

Emma, Mary Margaret, Aurora, Mulan, Derek and Hook approached the base of the beanstalk and looked up, seeing that it extended through the clouds.

"It's a little freakier that I remember from the story," Emma commented.

"Reminds me of death," Mulan said.

"Encouraging," Mary Margaret muttered.

"Exciting," Derek mumbled.

Hook looked between the women and the one man. "Well, your compass awaits. Shall we?"

Emma frowned. "Wait. If these beans create... portals, why not just pick one and go home? Why the compass?"

"Because there aren't any more beans. Whatever story you think you know, my dear, is most certainly wrong."

"There was a guy named Jack, and a cow, and something about an evil giant with a treasure and a golden goose. ...Or harp."

"Sounds like a lovely tale. But the truth's a little more gruesome. The giants grew the beans, but, rather than use them for good, they used them to plunder all the lands. Jack, was a man who fought a terrible war, defeating all but one of the evil giants. The beans were destroyed by the giants as they died. If they couldn't have their magic, then nobody could. It's really very bad form."

"Evil giants, who made magic portal beans? Why doesn't anyone just go up and grow some more?"

"Because one giant survived. The strongest and most terrible of them all. And we'll have to get past him to-"

"The magic compass," Mary Margaret finished.

"Indeed. The treasure remains, and amongst it is the compass. Now it will guide us to your land. Cora has the means to open a portal with the wardrobe ashes, but she can't find your land without the compass. Once we get it, steal the ashes from her and we're on our way."

"How do we know you're not just using us to get the compass for Cora?" Mulan questioned.

"Because you four are far safer company. All I need is a ride back. I'll swear allegiance to whomever gets me there first."

"Then we'd better start climbing," Emma said.

"Right, so... I failed to mention that the giant enchanted the beanstalk to repel intruders."

"All right, so how do we get up there?"

"I've got a counter spell from Cora. If you'd be so kind."

Hook held up his wrists, which were still tied together. Mary Margaret untied him. He held up one of his arms, showing a glowing cuff.

"Thank you, milady," Hook said. "I've got one more of these. Cora was to accompany me. So... Which one of you four lovelies shall take her place? Hm? Go on, fight it out. Don't be afraid to, you know, really get into it."

PAST REAL WORLD

PORTLAND, OREGON - 11 YEARS PRIOR

A younger Emma approached a parked yellow beetle and pulled out a metal rod, which she used to open the lock. She got inside and used a screwdriver to start the transmission. She drove off, but was soon interrupted by a man in the backseat. He leans forward and held up a pair of keys.

"Impressive," Neal commented. "But really, you could've just asked me for the keys. Just drive. It's fine."

"I just stole your car," Emma said. "Your life could be in danger."

"Neal Cassidy."

"Yeah, I'm not telling you my name."

"No, I don't need i to have you arrested when the robbery's in progress."