The Girl and the Nutcracker ~ A Once Upon a Time Story

In the morning, Clara had some time on her own, since it's Saturday she didn't have to bring Henry to school. She was reading a book when she heard a heavy thud on the other side of the wall. She walked over to August's door and knocked, "August? You okay?"

"Yeah..." August mumbled and Clara opened the door to find him leaning on the dresser, "It's getting worse."

"Your leg?" Clara asked and August nodded, "It's not just my leg anymore... I need to call Henry." Clara was confused as August slowly made his way over to the desk, "Henry? Why?"

"We have a plan." August answered and Clara scoffed, "And why didn't I know about this?"

"We got a code." August replied sarcastically before dialing Henry, "Hey, you there? ...Good. This is taking too long, we need to accelerate the plan. Meet me behind the Pawn Shop."

August hung up the phone and Clara stared at him, "Care to tell me what this plan is about?"

"For Henry, it's to get Emma to believe." August answered, "For me, I need the dagger."

"The dagger?" Clara asked with shock, "Like... The Dark One's dagger? I've been here for over 10 years and even I don't know where the hell that thing is, August! You won't be able to find it."

"Not as me." August said as he stood up and grabbed his jacket. Clara looked confused, "What do you mean? You want to find it as Pinocchio?"

August shook his head, "As Baelfire." Clara immediately shook her head, "No, no no no. There's no way Gold is going to believe you're Bae. And to be frank with you, I don't think you know him well enough to impersonate him."

"I have to try." August said as he opened the door and walked out. Clara and August made their way towards the Pawn Shop, and stood next to the door at the back of the shop. Henry then walked towards them, "Clara? Did August tell you about the plan?"

"Sure he did. Thanks for telling me, by the way." Clara said and Henry gave a guilty smile, "Sorry..."

"Don't be." Clara replied with a smile. August looked at his watch, "It's almost nine. You all set? You know what to do?"

Henry shrugged, "Operation Cobra is always ready. I just... I don't understand what this has to do with getting Emma to believe."

"Sometimes other priorities assert themselves." August answered, "Can you handle a little improvisation?"

Henry smiled, "Yeah. Can you?" August smiled back, "We're a go."

Clara and Henry headed inside the Shop together, and saw Mr. Gold standing behind the counter. Henry greeted him, "Hey, Mr. Gold!"

"Too enthusiastic, kid." Clara whispered so only Henry would hear. Gold looked at Henry, "Good morning, Henry. What can I do for you two?"

"I want to get a gift for Miss Blanchard." Henry explained, "Since... she didn't kill that woman."

Gold chuckled, "Good thinking." Together, they looked at some items in the shop, with Clara trailing behind them. Gold handed over a bell, "What about this?"

"Cool!" Henry answered and he handed over some dollars, "Thanks, Mr. Gold."

"Anytime, Henry." Gold said and he quickly glanced over towards Clara before looking back at Henry, "Now, I need to get back to some work."

He headed to the back room, and Henry and Clara heard he encountered August in there. Clara guided Henry towards the exit, and they made their way outside.

"Do you want to head over to Miss Blanchard's welcome home party already? I'm sure August will come there too, once he's done with Gold." Clara asked Henry, who nodded, "Emma said I could help with making cupcakes!"