Flashback: Shores of Dunbroch - Six Weeks Ago...

Merida was training with her bow and arrows, Calista was sat on the ground watching her before looking and checking her pistols.

Belle walked out of the cabin and looked at Merida in awe as she fired another arrow, splitting the arrow already in the target then the second arrow was split in half after Calista fired her pistol at the arrow.

Merida looked at Calista, "Oops," Calista stood up, "Where'd ya learn to do that?" Calista asked.

"When I was but a wee devil. I refused to believe a bow was just something my mother tied to my curly locks... My father agreed. He said learning to fight was essential whether you wore a dress or a kilt. He was a wise man, that King Fergus," Merida said as she shot another arrow to the target.

"I wish my father had been as supportive of my adventures," Belle said.

"He wasn't just supportive. He taught me everything I know about shooting... Said to me, 'lass, if remember what you are fighting for, you will never miss your target'," Meridasaid as she hit another bullseye.

"Well, it looks like It was good advice," Belle said.

"Aye. Now, is my potion done?" Merida asked.

"Yeah. A-About that, do you know what this potion will do to you?" Belle asked.

"Think I would ask you to make it if I didn't?" Merida asked.

"But it'll turn you into a bear," Calista said.

"No, it changed fate is what it does. The spell of Mor'du, they call it. Legend says that witch used it to change the fate of a prince, gave him the strength of 10 men," Merida said.

"So, you think that turning yourself into a bear will make you strong enough to rescue your brothers?" Belle asked.

"I know it will. This isn't the first time I've seen this magic in action," Merida said.

"But, Merida, you don't need magic to change fate," Belle said.

"How would you know?" Merida asked.

"I just watched you split around without blinking an eye. You can make your own fate. All you need is your wit and your bow," Belle said.

"And isn't that a better way to prove to the clans that you're worthy of being their Queen? Without resorting to magic?"Calista said.

"Afraid that's where you're wrong, lassies," Merida said and fired another arrow at the target.

End of Flashback

Calista, Belle and Mr Gold entered the pawnshop and Naomi walked out from the back.

"Papa..." Naomi said.

"Okay, come on. See? I knew you could make it," Calista said.

"I should've known better than to argue with you by now," Mr Gold said.

"Yes, so stop arguing with me," Calista said.

"Here," Naomi walked up and handed him his cane, "You're okay," She said and hugged him.

"Now, what did we come here for?" Belle asked.

An arrow targetted them as Merida entered into the shop, "I told the Dark One you wouldn't be daft enough to seek shelter in your own shop, but she said you wouldn't be able to resist the pull of your magic," Merida said.

"Merid, you... You don't have to do this," Mr Gold said.

"No, I tried to fight it, but I couldn't. So, now her fate rests in your hands," Merida said as she pulled another around and as she was putting it on her bow. Mr Gold, Belle, Naomi and Calista took off into the backroom as Naomi and Calista shut the doors, Merid shot her arrow through the door next to Calista's face.

"Bloody hell..." Calista said and locked the door as she kept herself against it.

"Now what?" Belle asked.

"Uh, you know, keep the firey red-haired lady out of the backroom... That's all I got to since everyone abandoned Rumpel," Calista said.

Merida started banging on the back of the door but Naomi and Calista were holding it back. Calista looked at Naomi, "Go," Calista whispered.

"But..." Naomi said.

"Get Belle and go... I got your father," Calista whispered.

Naomi nodded and ran to Belle, grabbing her hand and disappearing in smoke.

Calista looked at Mr Gold, "You trust me?" Calista asked.

Mr Gold nodded, "Y-yes," Mr Gold said.

"Good," Calista ran to him, grabbed him and took cover as Merida burst into the backroom with her bow.

Merida saw them and shot her arrow at them, but it was just their reflection in a mirror. She turned a corner and saw them, "Stop me, you coward. Be the hero we all need," Merida said.

"I ca... I can't. I ca... I'm sorry, Cali," Mr Gold aid.

"No, I am... For what I'm about to do," Merida said.

Calista pulled the rug out from under Merida's feet, knocking her out as she hit her head, Calista got up and helped Mr Gold up.

Mr Gold grabbed a potion from his safe, "What's that?" Calista asked.

"We may not outrun her arrows, but there's somewhere where this can keep us safe," Mr Gold said.

"Then, let's go," Calista said.

Flashback: The Southern Moor - Six Weeks Ago...

Merida, Calista and Belle came to Merida's brother's execution.

"Hand over the potion," Merida said.

"Why do you need magic to save your brothers? Tell me, or this ends up on the rocks," Belle said as she held up the potion.

"Fine, if you must know. Not long ago, DunBroch was attacked. It was an enemy from another land. My father fought side by side with all the clans, and I with him... As he brought us toward victory, I saw a helmed knight heading straight for him, his sword raised. My father didn't see the knight. It was up to me... I had the enemy in my sighs. I notched an arrow, pulled back the bowstring, I took a breath, steadied my hand and let the arrow fly..." Calista looked at her, "But I missed... And the knight rand my father through. My father is dead because of me," Merida said.

"No, it's not your fault," Belle said.

"What do you know of it?"Merida asked.

"I lost my mother in the ogre wars. I blamed myself, too, until I finally realised the truth. It wasn't my fault. I forgave myself. You have to learn to do the same," Belle said.

"I can't. The clans, they lost faith in me that day. That's why they don't think I can lead... Now, can I have the potion, or not?" Merida said as her eyes watered.

Calista nodded to Belle and Belle handed over the potion, "Thank you. Now, let's kick some arse," Merida said.

End of Flashback

Mr Gold drove Calista and him to the town line, "Rumpel? What... Where are we going?" Calista asked.

"The only place we'll be safe from Emma and their quivered friend," Mr Gold said.

"Wait. You're taking us out of Storybrooke... Away from Naomi?!" Calista asked.

Mr Gold held up a small pouch, "This is anti-transformation powder. This will keep us safe from any ill effects from crossing the town line and Naomi will be better off without me as a father," Mr Gold said.

"No, no, we can't leave, not while there are still people we care about in this town... Meaning our daughter mainly!" Calista said.

"Calista, I used to be the Dark One. I know Emma better than she knows herself. She will keep coming till she gets what she wants," Mr Gold said.

"Well, we'll stop her together," Calista said.

"Didn't you see what happened back there?" Mr Gold asked.

"Yeah," Calista said.

"I couldn't even protect you from Merida," Mr Gold said.

"Rumpel, stop the car," Calista said.

"What?" Mr Gold said.

"Stop the bloody car, now!" Calista yelled and tried opening the door. 

Mr Gold stopped the car, "Cali! Cali!" Mr Gold called out as Calista got out of the car.

Mr Gold got out of the car, "Cali. Cali. What are you doing? Come back in the car," Mr Gold said.

"No," Calista said as she walked away from the car.

"Please," Mr Gold begged.

"No," Calista turned to him, "You know, running never made anyone a hero, okay?" Calista said.

"Well, don't... Don't you get it? I'm not a hero," Mr Gold said.

"Well, you've been brave before," Calista said.

"When? During the first ogres' war? Let me tell you the truth about that day... I didn't... Cripple myself to get back to my son... I did it because I was scared," Mr Gold said.

"Rumpel..." Calista said.

"I joined the army to prove I wasn't a coward. But when I saw the wounded coming back from the front lines... I don't want to die... I'm a coward, Cali... And that's never gonna change. Please come back in the car, eh? Th... This is the only way I know how to protect you. Come on, come on," Mr Gold said.

"Protect yourself, you mean," Calista said.

"No," Mr Gold said.

"Abandoning your children might be your thing, Rumpel but I won't abandon our daughter," Calista said and walked away.

"Calista... Calista!" Mr Gold called out as Calista continued to walk towards the town as Mr Gold got back in his car, he looked at the sign Leaving Storybrooke.

Calista continued to walk down the road when Merida was waiting for Calista.

"You should've followed your wee sweetheart over the town line," Merida said.

"He ain't my sweetheart and I don't scare easily love," Calista said.

"Ah, but you should be, because now the Dark One's not taking any chances. She's making me drinking this," Merida said as she held up a portion then drunk it and her bones began to crack as she turned into a bear.

Calista went to draw her sword but it wasn't on her hip, "Oh, bloody hell," Calista said and took off running into the woods.

Flashback: The Southern Moor - Six Weeks Ago...

At Merida's brothers' execution, "Men, today, we cement the rule of our three clans. With Merida's brothers out of the way and Merida in hiding, the DunBroch claim to the throne will be erased!" Lord Macintosh said.

"Not if I have any say in it," Merida said as she walked out with Belle and Calista.

"Merida?" Lord Macintosh said.

"Let my brothers go, unless you want to end up black as well as blue," Merida said.

"You and what army?" Lord Macintosh asked.

"This one," Merida drank the potion, "Just you wait. In a moment, you're gonna be very, very sorry..." Nothing happened and she looked over at Belle, "Did you mix it right?" Merida asked.

"Yes... But, I-I switched the potion with water," Belle said.

"What? What game are you playing? Where's the real potion?" Merida asked.

"You defeat the clans with magic, the people still won't follow you. You need to defeat them as a Queen," Calista said.

"If you wanted to teach me a lesson, you both should've done it before we were surrounded," Merida said.

"We knew you wouldn't face your fear unless you didn't have a choice... We know you can do this," Calista said.

"Enough, Merida! The only way you and your brothers live out this day is if you relinquish your crown," Lord Macintosh said.

"After everything my father did to create peace between the clans, never! Clan DunBroch is the rightful leader of the four clans and I am the sole and rightful Queen!" Merida said.

"Then you leave us no choice... Fire!" Lord Macintosh said as he, Lord MacGuffin and Lord Dingwall shot arrows at the three brothers.

"Noooo!" Merida yelled as she fired an arrow, cutting all of the arrows in half and everyone started in shock and awe to what she had just done.

The three lords looked at her and she drew her sword, "You saw what I can do with an arrow. Do you really want to see what I can do with a sword? Now, let them go!" Merida said.

All the clans surrendered and let Merida's brother's go and good MacGuffin and Dingwall surrendered too, "You too?" Lord Macintosh said before he surrendered as well.

"You're lucky someone once taught me the value of mercy," Merida said then her brothers ran up to her and they took part in a group hug.

"Hi, love. It's okay. It's okay. Everything's gonna's be okay. Mother's gonna be so happy to see you," Merida said.

End of Flashback

In the woods, Calista ran through the woods trying to escape Merida who was now a large bear. Calista jumped over a log and suddenly Merida whacked Calista into a tree with her paw.

"Ah!" Calista hit the tree and fell on the ground, "Ugh... Bloody hell..." Calista muttered and she turned onto her back to see Merida, "Merida! Listen to me! Don't do this! Calista said as she got up and backed away slowly.

Suddenly, Mr Gold threw a rock at Merida and Calista turned to see Mr Gold, "No, no! She'll kill you! Rumpel, run!" Calista said.

"No, Cali! I'm not running this time," Mr Gold said.

"No!" Calista said.

"Go!" Mr Gold yelled.

Merida hit Mr Gold and sent him flying a foot away to the ground, "No, no," Calista said as Merida walked over to Mr Gold and growled.

Mr Gold looked at her, "Do your worst," Mr Gold as she threw the potion into Merida's mouth and within seconds she turned back into a human.

Calista ran over to him, "How... How did you know that would transform her back?" Calista asked.

"I didn't," Mr Gold said as he stood up, resting on his cane.

"I knew you have it in you, you saved me," Calista said.

"Actually... I think you saved me," Mr Gold said and they hugged each other, Mr Gold tucked his head into the crook of her neck.

"Can you, uh, you know... Stop nearly abandoning Naomi?" Calista asked.

"Yeah... Yeah, I'll stop," Mr Gold whispered.

Flashback: Shores of Dunbroch - Six Weeks Ago...

Belle, Calista and Merida were saying goodbye.

"Sure I can't help you on your friends' quest? It's the least I can do," Merida said.

"No. Thank you for your offer, but your kingdom needs their Queen right now," Calista said.

"What will you do about the man you love... Or loved?" Merida asked.

"Still don't know. All I can do is hope that I get home and find a way to save him. But, succeed or fail, I do know one thing... I won't give up," Calista said.

"Neither of you strikes me as the giving up type," Merida said.

"Well, I, uh... I do hope our paths cross again," Belle said.

"Thank you, Belle, Calista... For everything... Come one," Merida said.

Calista and Belle got on the boat and Merida helped them by pushing the boat into the water, Belle and Calista rowed away they waved goodbye.

"So, what are you thinking?" Belle asked.

"I think... I think I know what my heart wants but my brain is fighting with my heart... I need to see the man I fell in love with again... Then I'll know for sure," Calista said.

"What does Rumpel need to do?" Belle asked.

"Save my life in any type of way," Calista said.

End of Flashback

In Emma's basement, she was standing in front of Excalibur.

"He bested me fair and square," Merida said as she got dragged in, tied up by the wrists, Mr Gold and Calista walked in after her.

"I was getting worried. For a moment, I thought I was going to have to drag you down here myself," Emma said.

"No. A hero never runs away from his problems... Now... As a former Dark One, I know you won't stop wreaking havoc till I pull that sword from that sword," Mr Gold said.

"Good. Well, now that we all understand each other," Emma said as she motioned to the sword.

"And I also know that you won't be able to resist making a deal... So, how about I pull Excalibur in exchange for Merida's heart?" Mr Gold said.

"And my brothers... I want to know what happened to them," Merida said.

Emma walked to Mr Gold, "You really think you're in a position to make deals?" Emma asked.

"That's exactly what I think," Mr Gold said.

Emma gave Merida back her heart, "I have finished with this anyway," Emma said as Calista untied Merida.

"And her brothers?" Mr Gold asked.

"They're fine. Safe and sound by her mother's side. Now get on with it!" Emma said.

"Wait. What happens if he can't pull it from the stone?" Calista asked.

"Then you will be free of him, free enough to go to Will and stay by him. As we all know, you'd be better off with him," Emma said.

Calista bit her tongue keeping her response inside and Mr Gold looked at her, "Cali... Just in case this doesn't work, I want you to know that I am sorry for everything," Calista looked at him, "If I had to do it all again, I would make sure I was the man you deserved right from the very starter... And I would change everything for you... But Emma's right... You'd better off with Will... I may be crippled but I'm not blind," Mr Gold said.

"It's never too late, Rumpel, you can still be that man and I've already told you, I don't love Will," Calista said and Mr Gold removed Excalibur from the stone.

"Well, well. A deal's a deal," Mr Gold dropped the sword to the floor, Emma picked up the sword and looked at him, "Now, you may have Excalibur, but you've made one mistake in all of this... One terrible mistake... You've turned me into a hero," Mr Gold said.

"There are heroes all over this town and none of them have been able to stop me yet," Emma said.

"Well, that's because none of them... Are me," Mr Gold said and he left with Calista.