Board Thread:Spoilers!/@comment-26198810-20150907034213/@comment-24674051-20150910211923

Interesting theory, However, I have doubts about it.

In Desperate Souls, we see Rumple killing Zoso and assuming the Dark One mantle. I would say that qualifies as a Major Transaction. yet it appeared in the episode that Rumple showed up the very next day in his home village. WITH the dagger.

Admittedly, the Vault is in the EF, and so is Rumple, but I doubt anyone would, within a day, travel to wherever the vault is (and if I recall "Quiet Minds" correctly, it is not exactly out in the open). Also, wouldn't summoning the DO at the vault require someone sacrificing themselves, or is that a special case because of what Rumple did to his Dad and himself?

I do agree, however, that Emma is likely somewhere in the EF.