The Rose and the Dagger

Chapter 18: The Arsonist

-One step ahead? He said with confusion.

He was about to launch the Fire Ball at her as he saw her take out the dagger from her coat.

-Did you really think Rumple I would let my daughter give you back the real dagger? You really are naive!

He had a defeated look on his face as he looked down and threw the fake dagger to the ground.

-Don't look so sad Rumple you will be making yourself useful! She said motioning with the dagger for him to follow her.

At Granny's

-I tell you he is back! And he managed to get the dagger back too! Exclaimed Belle, happy to tell the news to the small group of people standing in the restaurant.

Everyone was delighted with the news, but something was nagging at Mary Margaret and David, who exchanged a worried look. Having dealt with the Evil Queen in the past, they knew all too well what she was capable of, and they would not be easily fooled. Their suspicions were quickly confirmed when they saw Regina at the entrance of the restaurant.

As soon as she pushed opened the door, David drew his gun and pointed it directly at Regina. With a waive of her hand, she took the weapon out of the Sheriffs hand as she sighed.

The small group stood back immediately.

-I am not here as your Enemy! She exclaimed.

-And do you really think we are supposed to believe you! Mary Margaret said.

-I know this may come as a surprise to you, but I found out something that has changed my mind on my revenge. I have come here to tell you of my mother's plans.

-This could very well be a plan to fool us all once again! Launched David

- I know I give you no reason to believe me after what I have done. But I did not have to come here. I just ask you to listen to me, this is not a trap.

After a long silence, Regina looked up at the ceiling realizing she was getting no where here trying to tell them. Regina then turned back towards the door to leave.

-Wait! Belle shot. I believe you!

Regina turned to face her.

-So, Rumple was not lying when he said you can see the goodness in people.

Belle smiled at these words, as she thought of Rumple speaking about her like that to Regina. But she quickly shook her head as she needed to know what was going on with Rumple and Cora.

-Where is he? She asked.

-My mother has him at an old abandoned farm. It was me who gave him back his Dagger last night. But what I didn't know was that my mother had exchanged it with a fake. Rumple is now under her control.

-So, this means you know the truth now? Belle was well aware of Regina's story after reading the book.

-I was wrong about Rumplestiltskin. She said simply.

- With those words, Belle knew she could trust her.

Forest Storybrooke

-Your Job will be to exact revenge on all those who hate my daughter. And since you have lived in this town, you know who they all are. I want their houses burnt to the ground, and all who survive transformed into insects! She ordered.

-And you think this is how you will succeed with reconciling with your daughter? the Dark One said defiantly.

-My relationship with my daughter is my business! Just do as you have been told Dark One, now!