I stared out the window of my bedroom, ignoring the banging against the front door down stairs, It's only Snow and Charming most probably coming to try and take Henry from me. I glance over to my bed where said teen is curled up, hugging my shirt which he had lent to Emma not long after she had arrived in Storybrooke. It supprised me that he had refused to leave my side after everything that's happened. I guess without Emma, I'm the next best thing. It would have bothered me, being second best before... But now I just wish the first best was here with us. It all happened so fast, she said that she was protecting me because she had promised Henry I would be ok, but after the mob had flooded to my house and Rumplestiltskin had marked me with the Raith I thought she would just let me be, but again she protected me against her own father who said to leave me to die. I had resigned myself to death once again when my magic wouldn't activate Jefferson's Hat to send the Raith back to the Enchanted Forest, but some how... Just from her touch on my arm, the hat sprung to life and opened the portal, and thats when it happened.
Charming's warning of the Raith approaching came too late and I braced for impact when the Raith was about to collide with me, but my heart stopped when Emma pushed me out of the way and got dragged down into the portal with the Raith, before any of us could move the portal closed over and the hat stopped spinning. I could hear Snow crying and could imagine Charming comforting her but I couldn't care less, I was already on my knee's before the hat again, trying to re-open the portal, but the hat was damaged badly after the Raith passed through it and I couldn't get it to work. I'm not sure how long I had been gripping the hat's brim or how long the tears had been running down my cheeks but I jolted when I heard Red's voice.
"Henry wait, we don't know if it's safe yet!" And straight after that the doors to the city hall slammed open and Henry ran in, Red close behind. He took in the scene, the flames flickering along the banister were slowly dying away and the three brooms scattered around the hall were singed but no longer alight. Red ran over to Charming and Snow and the three of them began talking about what had just happened. Henry tentativly made his way over to me and I jolted at the small hand that rested on my shoulder.
"Mom?" He asked softly and I looked up into his young face and heard him gasp at the tears still leaving my eyes. He knelt down and pulled me into a hug and I sobbed softly, wrapping my arms around him with my eyes closed. He held me for a moment before pulling away. "Come on mom, let's go home." He whispered before standing and helping me to my feet as best he could. He then took my hand and lead me from the hall, I could hear Charming protest about me taking Henry with me but he didn't leave a still sobbing Snow's side. The walk back to the mansion was quiet and Henry didn't let go of my hand untill he had to dig around in his pocket to grab his keys and unlock the front door. He then retook my hand and pulled me inside, I would have protested when he kicked the door shut, but I was too upset to care. I heard the lock click into place and he pulled me up stairs and into my bedroom where he sat me on my bed and ran out of the room. I stared down at my hands watching as my slowing tears drip down onto my skin. It isn't long before Henry returns with a glass of water and a tissue, He passes me the tissue and I use it to wipe my eyes before accepting the glass of water as he sat down beside me, looking down at his own hands.
"What happened?" He asked softly, looking up at me from beneath dark lashes, his big green eyes so much like his mothers, filled with concirn.
"Charming and Snow had set up the fire to keep the Raith at bay and I was trying to get the hat to work, but magic here is different from our land back home and it wasn't working. Emma... She grabbed my arm and somehow the hat sprang to life and opened the portal. After that all I heard was Charming shout out about the Raith coming and I felt her push me out of the way. It happened so fast before any of us could move to help, the Raith went through the portal and dragged Emma with it, the portal closing behind her. I... I tried to make it work again, tried to get her back or at least... I don't know!" I started sobbing again and Henry's arm found its way around my waist, his head resting against my chest. After a long silence Henry looked up at me and our eyes met.
"You love her don't you?" He asked and I looked at him with shock before it slowly faded from my eyes and I nodded softly.
"When did you figure it out?" He asked as he took my hand in his and squeezed it.
"I was so hostile towards her since we met... Not because I thought she was trying to take you away from me, that was ust a cover up, but because she made me feel something that I haven't felt in here since before Daniel was killed." I answered, resting my hand against my chest. He nodded and we stayed silent for a few moments before I forced my fingers through the skin of my breast and lightly grasped my heart before pulling it from my chest. Henry looked down at my blackened heart with something akin to facination and I watched it for a moment before holding it out to him. He looked up at me startled before gentally taking my heart and cradling it in his hands." I know things between us have been rocky for a while now, but you know I love you right?" I asked softly and he nodded before jolting when my heart skipped a beat. He looked down at it before looking back up at me. "I want my heart to be with someone who it belongs too and there are only two people that hold that privledge. One of them is not here and probably never will accept such a corrupt heart so that leaves my safe keeping to you." I explained before waving my hand slowly across his chest, he winced slightly in pain before I pulled my hand away. "Hold my heart against your chest and will it to saftey." I whispered and he nodded before cradling my heart to his chest and applying slightly pressure to it, it's beating sped up slightly as it entered his chest and nestled in beside his own heart. "I trust you with everything I am son and I just hope that when Emma comes back... That the two of you have a good life together." I whispered cupping his cheek lightly, he looked at me confused but I just kissed his forehead before getting up and moving to my desk. I sat down and began staring out the window. It was silent for a moment before I heard Henry get up. He pulled something from my closet before laying back down and curling up on my bed.
When the banging from down stairs sturred Henry from his sleep and he sat up I decided to go and see what the Charming's wanted. I could hear Henry's light footsteps following behind me and he stopped at the bottom of the stairs as I moved to open the door.
"If you've had enough of trying to break down my door, you can tell me what you want and leave." I said coldly and Charming glared at me. Snow looked over my shoulder before looking me in the eyes.
"We have spoken about what happened and you need to bring Emma back right now." She said sternly and I couldn't hold back the growl that fell from my throat.
"Don't you think If i could that I would have already!" I shouted and Charming shifted slightly infront of Snow in a protective gesture.
"Of cause you wouldn't, you've finally got what you wanted. Emma's gone, we're daughterless again and you've got your son." Charming accused and I winced, I felt Henry's hand slip into mine and I knew he could feel my pain and regret radiating from my heart within his chest. I sighed and squeezed his hand before looking Snow in the eyes.
"I never said I wouldn't help, just that I can not get her back right this second." I said before pushing past them and starting in the direction of Gold's shop, Henry right beside me, hand still in mine. After a few stunned seconds I heard Snow and Charming following.
The little bell above Gold's shop went off as we entered and he looked at me with a smile.
"What can I do for you deary?" He asked with a smirk and I glared at him.
"You know why I am here, do you have what I need or not?" I asked him and he nodded.
"Of cause." He then turned and headed into the back room of the shop.
"What do you need from him?" Charming asked cautiously but I ignored him, instead I knelt down beside Henry and placed my hands on his shoulder, getting him to look me in the eyes.
"Henry, to get Emma back... To get your mother back I will have to do something you may disapprove of." I started to explain as I pull him into a tight hug and I saw Snow step forward out of Charming's arms.
"What ever dark magic you must cast to bring Emma back to us, we will forgive you for." She said strongly and I glared over at her.
"I never said you would dissaprove of the magic." I all but growled at her and I felt Henry flinch within my arms, he pulled back, forcing me to meet his eyes.
"What is it you need to do?" He questioned and I frowned. That was when Rumple came back into the shop, he moved behind his counter and placed the small vial of inky black liquid down for us to see, a long pin beside it.
"What's that?" Snow asked uncertainly and Rumple smiled.
"This is a potion, however it is also a curse. The potion will bind the user to a single person, the bound will feel no different, but the user will be drawn into the bounds mind during their state of unconciousness, this method is a curse that you Snow, know quite well." He explained and Snow looked shocked.
"You can't mean..." She started and Rumple just nodded.
"You can't!" Henry suddenly cried out backing out of my arms and I just looked at him sadly. "I believe Emma is fine, but there's still a chance that she is... That she won't come back, I won't loose you just to find out that your both gone!" He shouted, sobbing softly and I glanced to Snow, who was looking at me with sad eyes, but she had a determined set to her jaw as she turned her eyes from me to Rumple.
"How do we inact it?" Snow asked and I looked down, not wanting to see the horrified look on Henry's face at his grandmother's words.
"You can't do this, your supose to be good, this is evil!" He shouted at Snow and his rant stopped when Charming scoulded him.
"You will not speak to your grandmother in such a tone young man, this is between the adults." I glared at him before getting to my feet and pulling Henry to me and waving my hand which leaked out a purple mist around all of us.
When we appeared, I was sitting on Henry's bed, him next to me, Rumple was standing by Henry's dresser, cursed potion and needle in one hand, cane in the other and, Snow, Charming and Ruby stood by the door to his room.
"What on earth?" Red asked and Snow everyone glanced at me, I looked over the shocked brunette and Emma parents with an annoyed look.
"There are afew things needed in order for this to work, I need to be somewhere I feel most comfortable and the person I am closest too needs to be near my body." I said gesturning to Henry. Still confused about what was going on Red spoke.
"What's going on and why am I here?" She asked confused and this time Rumple explained drawing everyones attention but mine.
"In order for this to work, the person Emma is closest too also needs to be near, thats where you come in deary." He said pointing to Red and an offended look crossed Snow's face.
"I'm her mother, i should be the one to fill this position." She said in a self-ritious attitude and I glared over at her.
"With all do respect, Emma barely knows you, she is close to Mary-Margret but she was always closest to Ruby." I said and Snow looked angry, I could tell she was blaming me in her head but wouldn't voice it due to Henry by my side.
"So what do I need to do, how can I help get Emma back?" Red asked and I stood up, before crossing the room and stopping in the doorway.
"Please follow me, we must speak in privite." I said and she nodded, before following me, I smiled when she ignored Snow's protests about leaving me alone with her. I never disliked Red, I was actually quite fond of her. I lead her down the hallway and to my bedroom where I sat on the edge of my bed, her following suit. She watched me for a moment before frowning.
"Where's your heart?" She asked and I sighed.
"Within my son." I said softly and she nodded before gesturing for me to speak. I explaind about the cursed spell I needed to cast and she listened quitely. "I will be unconcious for... a long time, I will do my best to lead Emma home, I just need you to keep Henry safe until Emma is back in Storybrooke." I explained and a sad look clouded her eyes but she nodded. "I know you can control the wolf, I wouldn't ask this of you if i didn't need to... Untill Emma returns, I will need you to stay here, look after Henry and my body." I said straight forward and Red nodded. "I mention your wolf as many citizens of this town will take advantage of my unconcious body and use the easy out to kill me. I know you probably care less about protecting me, but If my body dies, I will lose contact with Emma and I will not be able to help her return." Red nodded again and I looked at her softly before speaking again. "I just have one request once this is all over..." I say softly and Red nodded again for me to continue. "Once she is back... I need you to move my body down to my crypt, and watch over my son, make she both he and Emma stay safe." I mumble towards the end, looking down at my hands and I am shocked when her soft hand lifted my face, brushing the tears from my eyes.
"Henry wont be enough will he?" She asked softly and I shook my head. "So this is the end? Isn't there anyone else you love enough to break it?" She asked with genuin sadness and worry.
"Yes there is..." I murmer and I looked at her with sad eyes and a look of understanding crossed her face, why I was doing all this, why I was willing to risk my life to bring her back. She knew it wasnt for Henry, she knew it was because of Emma.
"Ohh Regina..." She mumbled and I waved her words off standing up.
"I am resigned to my death, I just need you to keep Henry and Emma safe for me." I said, in an almost commanding tone and Red nodded before standing, I pulled my blanket from my bed and we both left the room, before heading into the room where the others still waited, in their exact same positions. I went and lay my blanket on the floor on an unoccupied patch of carpet before sitting down, Red crouched down beside me before looking to Rumple and nodding. The man moved towards us but Henry beat him to my side, he dropped to his knees beside us and pulled me into a hug.
"You need to be strong Henry, I'll bring her back and Ruby will look after the two of you." I said hugging him tightly before letting him go and laying down atop my blanket, I held out my arm and Rumple dipped the pin into the potion before pricking my finger. I felt Henry lay down beside my body, hugging me too him before my body went limp and my mind blank.
Rumple waved his hand infront of the Henry's desk mirror and his reflection rippled before dissapearing, as if the mirror didn't register him standing in the room before it.
"Regina." He called out and an image of me rippled into the mirror, then I could see them all still in Henry's room. I had already taken a quick moment to check on Emma and was relieved to see she was ok.
"Emma is alive." Was the first thing to leave my mouth and I hear alot of relief from the room. "She is traveling with a female warrior and said warrior's princess. They are crossing the Enchanted Forest back to the castle. Emma believes that the wardrobe may help transport her back here." At the smile that crossed Snow's face I frowned. "However, I am unsure how the curse has effected the wardrobe, I may be nothing more then dust now." I said and I glanced to Henry. "If you need to contact me for any reason, just call my name before a mirror, for now, I will watch over Emma and see if the wardrobe really can bring her home." With that I willed myself away and my image rippled before returning to Rumple.
"Well, at least we know she is alive." Charming stated before stepping towards Henry. "Come on, now that this has been cast. Let's take you home, we can return to check on Regina tomorrow." Charming said to Henry and before he could get any closer, Red had allowed her wolf to take over, she stood protectivly over Henry and my body, snarling at Charming.
"Red!" Snow scolded but the wolf didn't move, she even snapped at Charming when he tried to inch closer.
"I believe that is our cue to leave. I assume you will update it when needed?" Rumple asked looking Red in the eye and the wolf nodded, still snarling at Charming. Rumple returned the nod and dissapeared. Red watched the Charming's for a moment before she stopped growling.
"Leave now." Her voice reverberated around the room and Charming stepped back, Snow looked at the black wolf with a wounded expression. "This is still Regina's house, she would not want you lingering." Red made her statement clear, before nuzzling under a sleeping Henry's arm, and shifting him onto her back, she then crossed the room. Keeping Charming in her line of site, she jumped up on the bed and softly let Henry down, she then jumped down and pulled the blanket over him with her teeth. She licked him on the cheek before returning to my body, when she curled up where Henry was laying. "Do not make me repeat myself." She snarled and Snow reluctantly nodded, her eyes flickered to Henry before she pulled Charming from the room. When Red heard the front door open and close followed by their retreating footprints she sighed. 'Good luck...' She thought as she licked my hand before nuzzling beneath it so my arm rested over her neck.
I could not make contact with Emma untill she fell asleep but I could watch over what she was doing. Her and her two companions were walking in silence. I decided to take the moment of silence to see what had happened once she was through the portal. I sifted through her memories from the point where she pushed me out of the way with a burst of fear and adreneline.
She had blacked out during the transport and when she had awoken she was in a large bed, the princess was beside her on a chair and the warrior stood by the door. The princess gave her some water and food before the warrior spoke.
"You are not from this world." She said simply and Emma nodded.
"No, I am not, but I need to get back to my world." Emma explained and the warrior nodded.
"Where is this world of yours?" The princess asked and Emma looked down at her hands before looking up again.
"A land without magic.." She explained and the princess nodded. The warrior spoke up again.
"Do you have any idea how to return to this land?"
"Well..." Emma started and stopped to think about her words. "I was born, here... Back when the Evil Queen wared with Snow White, my mother. I was placed within a magical wardrobe and transported to the land without magic. Perhaps that wardrobe is still there?" She asked hopeful and the warrior nodded.
"There is only one way to find out. We leave as soon as you are travelworthy." She said before leaving the room.
"What is your name?" The princess asked and Emma smiled.
"Emma, and yours?" She asked back politely.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Emma, Daughter of Princess Snow White. My name is Princess Aurora and the grumpy grouch who just left is my wife, Warrior Mulan. Now get some rest, we leave as soon as you are well." Aurora said, brushing some hair out of Emma's eyes. She then left the room and Emma's last fleeting thought before sleep took over her was she hoped to get back to Storybrooke soon.
After Emma had awoken, Mulan had gotten their destination and the three had left, Emma and Mulan on foot while Aurora rode on a horse, pulled along by the reins in Mulan's hand. They had been walking in silence ever since. Suddenly Mulan stopped and Aurora pulled up beside her.
"We will camp here for the night, continue on at daybreak." She said before turning to Emma. "You wait here with Aurora, I will find some firewood."
"Alright." Emma agreed and turned to Aurora once Mulan had run off. The princess was already off the horse and stacking rocks in a circle for the firewood Mulan was gathering. Once set she sat down and gestured for Emma to on the other side of the circle. Emma sat down and watched in facination as Aurora's horse lowered itself to the ground behind Aurora, its side touching her back and its head beside her. The princess patted him affectionatly.
"His name is Khan, Mulan's trusted steed and all that is left of her family and she is all I have left..." She whispered giving the horse alittle attention before looking back at her. "What about your family? The curse didn't reach here but if your the daughter of Snow White, where is she now? And the Prince, what about the Evil Queen?" She question and I flinched at the title she gave me, Emma looked down at her hands.
"The three of them along with majourity of the people who used to live here, ended up in the land without Magic. They were all stuck in a town which didn't age and they couldn't leave. When I was eighteen, my love had betrayed me and I ended up... emprisoned where I birthed a son who I... gave up so he could have a better life. Ten years later he came back into my life spouting nonsence about a curse and an Evil Queen and how I had to save them all. So I took him home and met his adoptive mother, Regina." Aurora gasped at my words and looked worried.
"Was the boy ok? Being raised by the Evil Queen and all?" She seemed genuenly concirned but her words wounded alot.
"Please stop calling her that." Emma mumbled and I was shocked, why would she care what others called me.
"But thats who she is..." Aurora said not understanding.
"Aurora, she is clearly no longer the Evil Queen." Mulan said as she came back over, she positioned the firewood and use two rocks to spark a fire. She then sat down beside Aurora accepting the affectionate nuzzle from Khan. "I can see in your eyes young Princess, this woman. This Regina which you know, is no longer the Evil Queen, she is not the woman we know and had heard of. I see a war, a conflict within your eyes. Your mother does not accept this new Regina does she?" Mulan asked and I was suprised by her insite and Emma just nodded.
"As far as I'm concirned, the Evil Queen died ten years ago, when a small child entered her life. She changed herself, to look after Henry and I couldn't be happier with where he ended up. Granted when I first entered their lives, I'm sure Regina hated me with a passion I matched, but I believe we are somewhat friends now." She said before quickly adding. "For Henry's sake." I couldn't hear her thoughts I could only view as an outsider but I could almost sware the last part was an afterthought, and from the knowing look in Mulan's eyes across the fire, i could tell she had the same thoughts.
"So you co-parent Henry?" Aurora asked and Emma was taken aback, unsure what to say. It was silent for a moment before she finally spoke.
"I think Regina has finally accepted that I'm not going anywhere. Except shes probably jumping for joy right now. I'm sure she knows deep down that I'll be back, but i'll bet shes celebrating having Henry to herself for however long I'm stuck here." Emma snorted trying to project some humor and I coudln't help but chuckle. 'How wrong she is...' I thought and the other two chuckled at her words. I could feel a sadness huming through Emma and knew the smile she put forth was fake.
"We should get some rest, the sooner we get you home to the land without magic. The sooner you get back to your family, I'm sure your boy wants his fun mother around to balence out Regina's strict parenting." Mulan chuckled and Emma nodded.
She lay down and watched as Mulan shifted to lay around Aurora, her hand resting on Aurora's stomach in a protective gesture. Emma silently wondered if the other princess was pregnant. "Goodnight Henry, Regina..." She whispered as her eyes closed and I wasn't sure I heard right, but before I could think more on it I heard Henry's voice.
"Mom?" I jolted at the sound and willed myself to the mirror in his bedroom. I smiled at the site of him standing before his dresser, Red, still in her wolf form was lying beside my body watching us.
"Henry, Is everything alright?" I asked worried and he nodded, giving me a faint smile.
"I just wanted to say good night." He responded and I smiled, I reached out, feeling the barrier of the mirror and smiled at him.
"Good night and Emma said goodnight aswell." I said and his face brightened.
"Have you spoken to her?" He asked excited and I shook my head, saddened by his fallen features.
"She has yet to fall asleep, but they are camping now so it wont be long till I get to talk to her." I said and he nodded before laying his hand against the glass where mine was before he moved towards his bed, patting Red as he passed her. He got underneath his blanket and I turned to look at Red.
"Thankyou for this Red." I whispered and the wolf lowered her head in acceptance of my words. I then willed myself back to Emma, when I felt her slip into her dreamstate. I made the silent decision that I would just observe her dreams, I would try contacting her after I have had alittle time to adjust to the connection. From the positioning of their campsite, I could tell it was still a couple days travel to Snow's Castle. I allowed myself to be pulled into her dreams.
I found myself in a dingy alleyway and when I peaked around the corner of the dumpster I was crouched beside I saw a younger Emma, wearing glasses, a checkered dress with tights and a jacket walking towards a yellow bug, that poor excuse for a car she drove into Storybrooke. She stopped before the door and glanced behind her, I was shocked when instead of using the keys in her hand, she slipped a metal bar from her sleve and began jimmying the cars lock. Knowing this was a dream and anything could happen I willed myself invisible and looked down at my hands, please to see I couldn't see them. I then willed myself into the passenger seat just as she got the door open. I managed to spread my legs in time just as she threw her bag onto the chair I occupied. She pulled a flathead screwdriver from the bag and a rock and jammed the screwdriver into the keyhole before hitting it with the rock till it was wedged in. She started up the car before glancing around and driving out of the alleyway. I watched her with fascination. She looked so young, her 28 year old self didn't look much older, but the glasses take away a few years. Just as she got onto the main road we both jumped at a male voice from the back seat.
"Impressive." The stranger said and Emma glanced back at him before her eyes returned to the road. "But really, you could have just asked me for the keys." The man said, jingling them between us in the front seat. He had the biggest grin on his face and Emma looked like she was at a loss for words, glancing back at him multiple times before looking back to the road. Silence took over the car and by the time we were on the main street he spoke again. "Just drive, its fine." He assured.
"I just stole your car and your life could be in danger." Emma pointed out and the man chuckled.
"Neal Cassidy." He said with a flick of his hand.
"Yeah, I'm not telling you my name." Emma said with a slight shake of her head and I had to smile.
"Nah, I don't need it to have you arrested when the robbery is in progress." He said, still with that annoying grin on his face and Emma rolled her eyes.
"Emma." She said and after a pause. "Swan."
"Good name." He responded and I assumed it was just to keep the conversation going, Emma rolled her eyes again.
"So do you just live in here or are you just waiting for the car to be stolen?" She asked and I was beginning to wonder what role this man played in Emma's life.
"Why don't I tell you over drinks?" He asked with a cocky smile and Emma glared back at him.
"Excuse me?" She asked and he pointed ahead of her.
"Hey, eyes on the road." I looked forward to see her run through a stop sign, but she didn't seem to register it.
"I'm not having drinks with you, you might be a pervert." She said almost adamantly, and he took her words in stride.
"I might be a pervert but your defiantly a car thief." He responded and Emma's eyes shot to the rear-view mirror.
"I said I was sorry." She enforced and he looked at her.
"You didn't actually." He pointed out and before Emma could respond the sound of a police siren went off behind us. I wondered if this is how she ended up in prison.
"Ehh..."
"Damnit..."
"That's why I said eyes on the road." Neal said covering his face with his sleeve. Emma pulled off to the side and Neal leaned forward. "Screwdriver." He demanded and he quickly swapped it for the keys just before the cop got to Emma's window.
"Licence and Registration?" The cop demanded and Emma started to speak.
"Hi..." She went to try to talk him down when Neal leant into the front of the car, blocking my view.
"Terribly sorry officer but this is actually my car, I'm trying to teach my girlfriend how to drive stick." He explained confidently and the cop glanced behind him before looking back in the window.
"She's got a lot to learn." He said and Neal nodded.
"I know, but you know." He said and scrunched his face up. "Women..." Emma glared down at him but he just kept smiling up at the officer.
"Alright I hear you, but it's a warning... This time." He said and Neal nodded.
"Yep, Thank you so much." He said and the cop walked away.
I managed to will myself into the back seat just as he pushed the passenger seat down, he got out of the car and hopped into the passenger seat as Emma spoke.
"What are you some kind of misogynist?" She asked and I was surprised she even knew the word.
"Just go, we got lucky." Neal muttered and Emma looked at him confused.
"We?" She asked before it dawned on her. "This isn't your car either is it?" Neal made an 'eh' sound and Emma's eyebrows rose. "I stole a stolen car?" Neal just grinned at her before gesturing her forward with his head.
"Now how about that drink?" Emma shook her head at him in disbelief before smiling as she started the car and pulled back onto the road.
---
Everything went dark and I felt the dream shift. When the shift was over, the three of us were in a corner store, I was glad my invisibility held. I glanced over at them and almost yelped when I saw the size of Emma's stomach. That can't be right, she found out she was pregnant with Henry in jail, did she have another kid no one knew about? I asked myself and I glared at Neal who was rubbing her stomach.
"I think this little guy is hungry, go ahead and get whatever you want Sweetie, I'm gonna go get directions." He said before rubbing Emma's stomach one more time and heading off to the counter.
"I will." Emma nodded and moved over to a small fridge containing sandwiches. She watched to make sure that Neal had the clerk busy with the large map he had just splayed across the cashiers desk before she snagged a couple wraps and moved again, checking that he was still distracted. I glanced back as someone else entered and he called out to the clerk when he saw Neal sneak two candy bars into his pocket. Before he could alert the cashier Emma held her stomach and stumbled towards the door.
"Ohh god!" She called out and I watched her worried as she doubled over panting. "I think its time!" She called to Neal and he smiled at the cashier.
"He's ready?" He asked and I wanted to shout at him to get Emma to a hospital but before I loosed my tongue the other man tried to tell the clerk they were stealing when Emma grabbed his wrist and cried out.
"Ohh it hurts really bad!" That's when Neal rushed over to her, he grabbed onto her and the clerk called out about calling an ambulance, I nodded but Neal just pulled Emma out the door.
"I know, just breathe baby breathe." He encouraged and I glared at him as I followed them from the store. "Let's go!" He said and I could hear the other customer tell the clerk that they were stealing. They started running and I followed, frowning when Emma started laughing as they rounded a corner.
"The little guy saved us." Neal chuckled as we crossed the street and Emma chuckled.
"He sure did, the miracle of birth." She unclipped a strap from around her neck and a bag slipped from beneath her dress, her stomach flat again. I sighed with relief as I willed myself into the back seat and watched as Emma got in the passenger seat. She threw the bag to Neal who inspected it's contents.
"Wow, good haul." He commented as she put her seatbelt on.
"Thanks." She smiled and he held something out to her as she turned to him.
"I got you a key-chain." He said with a smiled and I looked at the small circle of blue surrounding a swan and frowned. Emma still wore that now. "You like it?" He asked at her huge smile and she touched it lightly before breathing a yes and pulling him in for a kiss. He pulled away to put his own belt on. "Come on we've gotta go." He then pulled form the curb and drove off.
The dream shifted for a third time and whilst I was still in the back seat, Neal and Emma were leaning against the outside of the bug which was parked outside a hotel. A family had just left their hotel room and Neal turned to Emma who was smiling at him.
"20 minutes until housekeeping." He said and Emma raised her eyebrows before they started towards the room, they made a run for it and I just got through before Neal closed the door, Emma emptied her bag onto the neatly made bed and Neal stripped off his jacket. "Wanna shower first?" He asked but Emma wasn't paying attention.
"Ohh look the Granola family left this." She said picking up a dream-catcher from a lamp on the bedside table.
"What is that?" Neal asked and Emma responded like it was common knowledge.
"It's a native American Dream-catcher. It's suppose to keep all the nightmares out and only let the good dreams in to protect your home." She explained looking at it longingly and Neal watches it for a moment before asking.
"It's flypaper for nightmares?" Emma hummed in agreement, he is silent for a moment before saying. "Let's keep it." Emma lookes back at him as if he's joking.
"Yeah? Hang it where, the car?" She asks as she returns it to hang back over the lamp. She then starts shifting the contents of her bag on the bed.
"It's not much of a home." Neal agrees before suggesting. "Maybe it's time we get a real place." He said and Emma looked up at him stunned.
"Are you saying..." She started to ask but he cut her off.
"Why not?" Emma smile before looking away, not believing him. It hurt to see her so dejected. "We've been on the road long enough. Maybe it's time we retire the 'Bonnie and Clyde' act. So I think... I think it's time." Emma looked back up at him realising he was being serious.
"Together?" She asked and he nodded slightly.
"Do you wanna?" He asked and I had to hold back my chuckle at Emma's response.
"Like where, Neverland?" She asked throwing out her arms.
"I'm serious. We could do this." Neal said and Emma just continued to look up at him.
"Where?" She asked again and Neal looks behind her before smiling, he moved over to the dresser and picked up the map that was framed. He then showed it to her with a smile.
"Where? I'll tell you where." He said and Emma chuckled. "Close your eyes and point." He said gesturing to the map. "Whatever spot you pick... That's our home." He whispered the last part and Emma closed her eyes. With a smile she points to a spot before opening her eyes.
"Tallahassee." She says looking at Neal with a smile.
"We got a winner." He said with a smile
"Is it near a beach?" Emma asked and Neal grinned, glancing down at the map before looking back to Emma
"Yeah, it's Florida. Everything's near a beach." He said and Emma threw her arms around his neck.
"Okay, then Tallahassee it is." She said
"Tallahassee it is." Neal agreed with a huge grin.
"Are you sure? Is this... What you really want?" Emma asked self-consciously and Neal looked her in the eyes.
"What I really want is you." He mummers and Emma watched him for a moment before softly kissing him. I blacked out again and heard Emma gasp. She had woken up.
"Nightmare?" Mulan asked from across the fire and Emma rubbed her forehead.
"More like memory." She murmured and Mulan tilted her head.
"About what?" She asked curiously.
"Tallahassee." Emma responded with a smile and I frowned. It's obviously a good memory for her.
"Should I know what that is?" Mulan asked confused and Emma shook her head.
"It's hard for me to explain...." Emma said reluctantly and Mulan smiled.
"I've got time, the sun wont be up for hours yet." She said softly and Emma returned the smile.
"When I was young, not long escaped the foster system?" Emma said and Mulan nodded to show she understood the term, "I stole a... Carriage? and I discovered a man had already stolen it. We got along well and became a couple. A couple of... Bandits just living our lives together, with nothing but our stolen carriage and the open roads. He mentioned settling down and we stupidly decided on Tallahassee... For me its no longer a place on a map but a symbol of home." She explained and I frowned she sounded and looked so sad.
"Is this man still in your life, does he know of Henry, your family, heritage?" Mulan asked and Emma shook her head.
"I hope I never see that Bastard again, trust me, I'm better off without him and he'd just be a burden on Henry. He left me to rot in... Chains, to take the fall for something he did. It was during my incapacitated time ha I discovered I was pregnant with Henry As far as I'm concerned Henry's father is dead." Emma finished and Mulan nodded.
"So, have you found Tallahassee, have you found home yet?" Mulan asked softly and Emma nodded.
"I think I have, back in the world without magic, with my Son and his Mother." Emma responded and I gasped, she considered me part of her home.
"With... Regina?" Mulan confirmed and Emma nodded.
"She may hate me all she likes, but she IS Henry's mother and I will respect that, they are both my family. That's just how it is now." She said with a soft smile and Mulan nodded.
"Try to get some more sleep, the sun will rise in a couple hours." She responded and Emma lay back down, she shifted onto her back so she was watching the stars and slowly drifted back into her dreamstate.
I was expecting to see another memory with her and Neal but I found myself in my own kitchen. I had a glass of wine in my hand and I could smell the lasagne cooking in the oven. I was confused, why would Emma be dreaming about me cooking lasagne at the mansion. That's when I heard them.
"Jeez Kid, take it easy you know I'm only lvl 6." Emma complained and I heard Henry chuckle.
"I warned you they would be at my level." He said and I heard Emma 'humph', I listened to them play in silence and before I knew it the soft dinging of the oven went off behind me. I pulled the lasagne from the oven, and sliced it placing a piece on the three plates already on the bench, making sure to make Emma's slightly bigger. I looked at my hand like there was something wrong with it, as the act was instinctual. I then moved over to the fridge and found a salad neatly thrown together in a bowl and I dished it onto the plates before moving the three to the dining room table, with a jug of orange juice and three glasses. I took a deep breathe before moving to the entrance of the lounge room and the shock of blonde hair jolted my heart.
"Henry, what have I told you about going easy on her." My voice sounded on its own and I noticed that I may have been in control of my body but it was functioning the way Emma's dream wanted it to.
Henry pouted at my words but I noticed Emma's furious clicking slow slightly to show her load was lighter. Then it stopped and she got up, she ruffled Henry's hair and crossed the room to me. My heartbeat sped up as she moved before me and rested her hands lightly on my hips. The feeling sent shivers down my sides and I felt my body heat up. I was slightly embarrassed to notice that it was my reaction and not the dream's.
"Is dinner ready?" She asked softly, looking at me with soft green eyes and I could only nod. A smile crossed her lips and she lent forward placing a soft kiss on my cheek before she looked over her shoulder.
"Mom says dinner is ready!" She called with a gleeful childishness before running past me to the dinner table. Henry right behind her. I hadn't even seen him get up or pause his game, my hand lightly brushed my lips in shock before the dream forced my body towards the dinner table where I sat down, Emma to my left and Henry on the other side of the table.
"So Ma." Henry started and I noticed he was addressing Emma by this title. "What if the wardrobe is busted... What if it doesn't work, can't get you back to us?" I was shocked by his question but Emma seemed to expect this and sighed.
"I don't know kid." She responded before looking at me then back to Henry. "I just hope your with your mom right now, I know by now no doubt that Snow and David would have tried to take you from her, if god forbid you went with them willingly..." Emma said and she sounded hurt by the concept, it hurt me to hear both her words and her sadness.
"I would never!" Henry shouted slamming his fist against the table and I felt the urge to scold him but Emma just looked at him startled. "I don't care if they are my grandparents. Sure mom has done some things and I know she doesn't regret doing them either because they brought us together, but they are wrong! She can change and I will help her whenever I can, I wouldn't leave her to deal with their anger at your disappearance on her own." He said with conviction and I felt a smile cross my face. He may not be the real Henry but this is the exact resolve that kept him with me.
"I know, I just... And you know, even if she is Snow's friend, Ruby will protect you both. She knows what you mean to me and she wouldn't let anything happen while I'm away." Emma assured, grabbing Henry's hand tightly and he nodded. "Now it's time for bed with you." He pouted but picked up his dishes and placed them in the sink before heading to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Emma then turned to me with a lopsided smile. She reached across the table and grasped my hand, the coolness encasing my warm palm made me shiver slightly and I looked up to her deep emerald eyes. She tilted her head slightly.
"There's something different about you." She murmured and internally I froze, surely she couldn't tell. "You seem more like her tonight." She murmured as her hand left mine to brush against my cheek and I leaned into the touch. "Your not part of this dream. It's really you." She said softly and my eyes widened involuntarily before I sighed.
"I was only going to observe tonight and contact you tomorrow." I murmured and she smiled.
"I knew something felt off, Neil wasn't the only one in my last dream, I felt another presence but couldn't see anyone." She said, retracting her hand and I smiled.
"Niel, is he... Henry's father?" I asked and Emma nodded with a frown.
"But you don't have to worry about him. If I get my way for once, I won't ever see that bastard again." Emma all but growled and I nodded.
"What Is this place?" I asked gesturing around me and Emma smirked.
"Don't you recognize your own house?" She asked and I glared lightly.
"No I mean't this dream, it isn't really a dream is it?"
"No, it isn't. When I was younger... I created this place, it wasn't always your mansion, it was once a Tree-House and the Callington's home and even the Bug for a little while... It would alter as my own definition of love and saftey altered. My mind would manifest a real situation with the people I feel... Happiest around and I can interact with them. It was an escape for a younger me when the Abuse and Neglect got to be too much, I was able to will myself into my Dreamstate even when awake. As an adult, it's kinda just stayed but only whilst I am asleep. My subconscious will call it when I feel unsafe or alone. I have come to refer to it as Tallahassee, so even If I don't have my own home, I can still feel even a little bit like I belong." She explained and I nodded.
"And, Henry and I are your current Tallahassee?" I asked and smiled softly when the blonde blushed a rosy pink, she looked up at me through her lashes.
"Henry brings me great joy, that of which I haven't had the pleasure of feeling before and despite the fact that I know how much you hate me, It wouldn't be the same without you on Henry's other side.
Charming's warning of the Raith approaching came too late and I braced for impact when the Raith was about to collide with me, but my heart stopped when Emma pushed me out of the way and got dragged down into the portal with the Raith, before any of us could move the portal closed over and the hat stopped spinning. I could hear Snow crying and could imagine Charming comforting her but I couldn't care less, I was already on my knee's before the hat again, trying to re-open the portal, but the hat was damaged badly after the Raith passed through it and I couldn't get it to work. I'm not sure how long I had been gripping the hat's brim or how long the tears had been running down my cheeks but I jolted when I heard Red's voice.
"Henry wait, we don't know if it's safe yet!" And straight after that the doors to the city hall slammed open and Henry ran in, Red close behind. He took in the scene, the flames flickering along the banister were slowly dying away and the three brooms scattered around the hall were singed but no longer alight. Red ran over to Charming and Snow and the three of them began talking about what had just happened. Henry tentativly made his way over to me and I jolted at the small hand that rested on my shoulder.
"Mom?" He asked softly and I looked up into his young face and heard him gasp at the tears still leaving my eyes. He knelt down and pulled me into a hug and I sobbed softly, wrapping my arms around him with my eyes closed. He held me for a moment before pulling away. "Come on mom, let's go home." He whispered before standing and helping me to my feet as best he could. He then took my hand and lead me from the hall, I could hear Charming protest about me taking Henry with me but he didn't leave a still sobbing Snow's side. The walk back to the mansion was quiet and Henry didn't let go of my hand untill he had to dig around in his pocket to grab his keys and unlock the front door. He then retook my hand and pulled me inside, I would have protested when he kicked the door shut, but I was too upset to care. I heard the lock click into place and he pulled me up stairs and into my bedroom where he sat me on my bed and ran out of the room. I stared down at my hands watching as my slowing tears drip down onto my skin. It isn't long before Henry returns with a glass of water and a tissue, He passes me the tissue and I use it to wipe my eyes before accepting the glass of water as he sat down beside me, looking down at his own hands.
"What happened?" He asked softly, looking up at me from beneath dark lashes, his big green eyes so much like his mothers, filled with concirn.
"Charming and Snow had set up the fire to keep the Raith at bay and I was trying to get the hat to work, but magic here is different from our land back home and it wasn't working. Emma... She grabbed my arm and somehow the hat sprang to life and opened the portal. After that all I heard was Charming shout out about the Raith coming and I felt her push me out of the way. It happened so fast before any of us could move to help, the Raith went through the portal and dragged Emma with it, the portal closing behind her. I... I tried to make it work again, tried to get her back or at least... I don't know!" I started sobbing again and Henry's arm found its way around my waist, his head resting against my chest. After a long silence Henry looked up at me and our eyes met.
"You love her don't you?" He asked and I looked at him with shock before it slowly faded from my eyes and I nodded softly.
"When did you figure it out?" He asked as he took my hand in his and squeezed it.
"I was so hostile towards her since we met... Not because I thought she was trying to take you away from me, that was ust a cover up, but because she made me feel something that I haven't felt in here since before Daniel was killed." I answered, resting my hand against my chest. He nodded and we stayed silent for a few moments before I forced my fingers through the skin of my breast and lightly grasped my heart before pulling it from my chest. Henry looked down at my blackened heart with something akin to facination and I watched it for a moment before holding it out to him. He looked up at me startled before gentally taking my heart and cradling it in his hands." I know things between us have been rocky for a while now, but you know I love you right?" I asked softly and he nodded before jolting when my heart skipped a beat. He looked down at it before looking back up at me. "I want my heart to be with someone who it belongs too and there are only two people that hold that privledge. One of them is not here and probably never will accept such a corrupt heart so that leaves my safe keeping to you." I explained before waving my hand slowly across his chest, he winced slightly in pain before I pulled my hand away. "Hold my heart against your chest and will it to saftey." I whispered and he nodded before cradling my heart to his chest and applying slightly pressure to it, it's beating sped up slightly as it entered his chest and nestled in beside his own heart. "I trust you with everything I am son and I just hope that when Emma comes back... That the two of you have a good life together." I whispered cupping his cheek lightly, he looked at me confused but I just kissed his forehead before getting up and moving to my desk. I sat down and began staring out the window. It was silent for a moment before I heard Henry get up. He pulled something from my closet before laying back down and curling up on my bed.
When the banging from down stairs sturred Henry from his sleep and he sat up I decided to go and see what the Charming's wanted. I could hear Henry's light footsteps following behind me and he stopped at the bottom of the stairs as I moved to open the door.
"If you've had enough of trying to break down my door, you can tell me what you want and leave." I said coldly and Charming glared at me. Snow looked over my shoulder before looking me in the eyes.
"We have spoken about what happened and you need to bring Emma back right now." She said sternly and I couldn't hold back the growl that fell from my throat.
"Don't you think If i could that I would have already!" I shouted and Charming shifted slightly infront of Snow in a protective gesture.
"Of cause you wouldn't, you've finally got what you wanted. Emma's gone, we're daughterless again and you've got your son." Charming accused and I winced, I felt Henry's hand slip into mine and I knew he could feel my pain and regret radiating from my heart within his chest. I sighed and squeezed his hand before looking Snow in the eyes.
"I never said I wouldn't help, just that I can not get her back right this second." I said before pushing past them and starting in the direction of Gold's shop, Henry right beside me, hand still in mine. After a few stunned seconds I heard Snow and Charming following.
The little bell above Gold's shop went off as we entered and he looked at me with a smile.
"What can I do for you deary?" He asked with a smirk and I glared at him.
"You know why I am here, do you have what I need or not?" I asked him and he nodded.
"Of cause." He then turned and headed into the back room of the shop.
"What do you need from him?" Charming asked cautiously but I ignored him, instead I knelt down beside Henry and placed my hands on his shoulder, getting him to look me in the eyes.
"Henry, to get Emma back... To get your mother back I will have to do something you may disapprove of." I started to explain as I pull him into a tight hug and I saw Snow step forward out of Charming's arms.
"What ever dark magic you must cast to bring Emma back to us, we will forgive you for." She said strongly and I glared over at her.
"I never said you would dissaprove of the magic." I all but growled at her and I felt Henry flinch within my arms, he pulled back, forcing me to meet his eyes.
"What is it you need to do?" He questioned and I frowned. That was when Rumple came back into the shop, he moved behind his counter and placed the small vial of inky black liquid down for us to see, a long pin beside it.
"What's that?" Snow asked uncertainly and Rumple smiled.
"This is a potion, however it is also a curse. The potion will bind the user to a single person, the bound will feel no different, but the user will be drawn into the bounds mind during their state of unconciousness, this method is a curse that you Snow, know quite well." He explained and Snow looked shocked.
"You can't mean..." She started and Rumple just nodded.
"You can't!" Henry suddenly cried out backing out of my arms and I just looked at him sadly. "I believe Emma is fine, but there's still a chance that she is... That she won't come back, I won't loose you just to find out that your both gone!" He shouted, sobbing softly and I glanced to Snow, who was looking at me with sad eyes, but she had a determined set to her jaw as she turned her eyes from me to Rumple.
"How do we inact it?" Snow asked and I looked down, not wanting to see the horrified look on Henry's face at his grandmother's words.
"You can't do this, your supose to be good, this is evil!" He shouted at Snow and his rant stopped when Charming scoulded him.
"You will not speak to your grandmother in such a tone young man, this is between the adults." I glared at him before getting to my feet and pulling Henry to me and waving my hand which leaked out a purple mist around all of us.
When we appeared, I was sitting on Henry's bed, him next to me, Rumple was standing by Henry's dresser, cursed potion and needle in one hand, cane in the other and, Snow, Charming and Ruby stood by the door to his room.
"What on earth?" Red asked and Snow everyone glanced at me, I looked over the shocked brunette and Emma parents with an annoyed look.
"There are afew things needed in order for this to work, I need to be somewhere I feel most comfortable and the person I am closest too needs to be near my body." I said gesturning to Henry. Still confused about what was going on Red spoke.
"What's going on and why am I here?" She asked confused and this time Rumple explained drawing everyones attention but mine.
"In order for this to work, the person Emma is closest too also needs to be near, thats where you come in deary." He said pointing to Red and an offended look crossed Snow's face.
"I'm her mother, i should be the one to fill this position." She said in a self-ritious attitude and I glared over at her.
"With all do respect, Emma barely knows you, she is close to Mary-Margret but she was always closest to Ruby." I said and Snow looked angry, I could tell she was blaming me in her head but wouldn't voice it due to Henry by my side.
"So what do I need to do, how can I help get Emma back?" Red asked and I stood up, before crossing the room and stopping in the doorway.
"Please follow me, we must speak in privite." I said and she nodded, before following me, I smiled when she ignored Snow's protests about leaving me alone with her. I never disliked Red, I was actually quite fond of her. I lead her down the hallway and to my bedroom where I sat on the edge of my bed, her following suit. She watched me for a moment before frowning.
"Where's your heart?" She asked and I sighed.
"Within my son." I said softly and she nodded before gesturing for me to speak. I explaind about the cursed spell I needed to cast and she listened quitely. "I will be unconcious for... a long time, I will do my best to lead Emma home, I just need you to keep Henry safe until Emma is back in Storybrooke." I explained and a sad look clouded her eyes but she nodded. "I know you can control the wolf, I wouldn't ask this of you if i didn't need to... Untill Emma returns, I will need you to stay here, look after Henry and my body." I said straight forward and Red nodded. "I mention your wolf as many citizens of this town will take advantage of my unconcious body and use the easy out to kill me. I know you probably care less about protecting me, but If my body dies, I will lose contact with Emma and I will not be able to help her return." Red nodded again and I looked at her softly before speaking again. "I just have one request once this is all over..." I say softly and Red nodded again for me to continue. "Once she is back... I need you to move my body down to my crypt, and watch over my son, make she both he and Emma stay safe." I mumble towards the end, looking down at my hands and I am shocked when her soft hand lifted my face, brushing the tears from my eyes.
"Henry wont be enough will he?" She asked softly and I shook my head. "So this is the end? Isn't there anyone else you love enough to break it?" She asked with genuin sadness and worry.
"Yes there is..." I murmer and I looked at her with sad eyes and a look of understanding crossed her face, why I was doing all this, why I was willing to risk my life to bring her back. She knew it wasnt for Henry, she knew it was because of Emma.
"Ohh Regina..." She mumbled and I waved her words off standing up.
"I am resigned to my death, I just need you to keep Henry and Emma safe for me." I said, in an almost commanding tone and Red nodded before standing, I pulled my blanket from my bed and we both left the room, before heading into the room where the others still waited, in their exact same positions. I went and lay my blanket on the floor on an unoccupied patch of carpet before sitting down, Red crouched down beside me before looking to Rumple and nodding. The man moved towards us but Henry beat him to my side, he dropped to his knees beside us and pulled me into a hug.
"You need to be strong Henry, I'll bring her back and Ruby will look after the two of you." I said hugging him tightly before letting him go and laying down atop my blanket, I held out my arm and Rumple dipped the pin into the potion before pricking my finger. I felt Henry lay down beside my body, hugging me too him before my body went limp and my mind blank.
Rumple waved his hand infront of the Henry's desk mirror and his reflection rippled before dissapearing, as if the mirror didn't register him standing in the room before it.
"Regina." He called out and an image of me rippled into the mirror, then I could see them all still in Henry's room. I had already taken a quick moment to check on Emma and was relieved to see she was ok.
"Emma is alive." Was the first thing to leave my mouth and I hear alot of relief from the room. "She is traveling with a female warrior and said warrior's princess. They are crossing the Enchanted Forest back to the castle. Emma believes that the wardrobe may help transport her back here." At the smile that crossed Snow's face I frowned. "However, I am unsure how the curse has effected the wardrobe, I may be nothing more then dust now." I said and I glanced to Henry. "If you need to contact me for any reason, just call my name before a mirror, for now, I will watch over Emma and see if the wardrobe really can bring her home." With that I willed myself away and my image rippled before returning to Rumple.
"Well, at least we know she is alive." Charming stated before stepping towards Henry. "Come on, now that this has been cast. Let's take you home, we can return to check on Regina tomorrow." Charming said to Henry and before he could get any closer, Red had allowed her wolf to take over, she stood protectivly over Henry and my body, snarling at Charming.
"Red!" Snow scolded but the wolf didn't move, she even snapped at Charming when he tried to inch closer.
"I believe that is our cue to leave. I assume you will update it when needed?" Rumple asked looking Red in the eye and the wolf nodded, still snarling at Charming. Rumple returned the nod and dissapeared. Red watched the Charming's for a moment before she stopped growling.
"Leave now." Her voice reverberated around the room and Charming stepped back, Snow looked at the black wolf with a wounded expression. "This is still Regina's house, she would not want you lingering." Red made her statement clear, before nuzzling under a sleeping Henry's arm, and shifting him onto her back, she then crossed the room. Keeping Charming in her line of site, she jumped up on the bed and softly let Henry down, she then jumped down and pulled the blanket over him with her teeth. She licked him on the cheek before returning to my body, when she curled up where Henry was laying. "Do not make me repeat myself." She snarled and Snow reluctantly nodded, her eyes flickered to Henry before she pulled Charming from the room. When Red heard the front door open and close followed by their retreating footprints she sighed. 'Good luck...' She thought as she licked my hand before nuzzling beneath it so my arm rested over her neck.
I could not make contact with Emma untill she fell asleep but I could watch over what she was doing. Her and her two companions were walking in silence. I decided to take the moment of silence to see what had happened once she was through the portal. I sifted through her memories from the point where she pushed me out of the way with a burst of fear and adreneline.
She had blacked out during the transport and when she had awoken she was in a large bed, the princess was beside her on a chair and the warrior stood by the door. The princess gave her some water and food before the warrior spoke.
"You are not from this world." She said simply and Emma nodded.
"No, I am not, but I need to get back to my world." Emma explained and the warrior nodded.
"Where is this world of yours?" The princess asked and Emma looked down at her hands before looking up again.
"A land without magic.." She explained and the princess nodded. The warrior spoke up again.
"Do you have any idea how to return to this land?"
"Well..." Emma started and stopped to think about her words. "I was born, here... Back when the Evil Queen wared with Snow White, my mother. I was placed within a magical wardrobe and transported to the land without magic. Perhaps that wardrobe is still there?" She asked hopeful and the warrior nodded.
"There is only one way to find out. We leave as soon as you are travelworthy." She said before leaving the room.
"What is your name?" The princess asked and Emma smiled.
"Emma, and yours?" She asked back politely.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Emma, Daughter of Princess Snow White. My name is Princess Aurora and the grumpy grouch who just left is my wife, Warrior Mulan. Now get some rest, we leave as soon as you are well." Aurora said, brushing some hair out of Emma's eyes. She then left the room and Emma's last fleeting thought before sleep took over her was she hoped to get back to Storybrooke soon.
After Emma had awoken, Mulan had gotten their destination and the three had left, Emma and Mulan on foot while Aurora rode on a horse, pulled along by the reins in Mulan's hand. They had been walking in silence ever since. Suddenly Mulan stopped and Aurora pulled up beside her.
"We will camp here for the night, continue on at daybreak." She said before turning to Emma. "You wait here with Aurora, I will find some firewood."
"Alright." Emma agreed and turned to Aurora once Mulan had run off. The princess was already off the horse and stacking rocks in a circle for the firewood Mulan was gathering. Once set she sat down and gestured for Emma to on the other side of the circle. Emma sat down and watched in facination as Aurora's horse lowered itself to the ground behind Aurora, its side touching her back and its head beside her. The princess patted him affectionatly.
"His name is Khan, Mulan's trusted steed and all that is left of her family and she is all I have left..." She whispered giving the horse alittle attention before looking back at her. "What about your family? The curse didn't reach here but if your the daughter of Snow White, where is she now? And the Prince, what about the Evil Queen?" She question and I flinched at the title she gave me, Emma looked down at her hands.
"The three of them along with majourity of the people who used to live here, ended up in the land without Magic. They were all stuck in a town which didn't age and they couldn't leave. When I was eighteen, my love had betrayed me and I ended up... emprisoned where I birthed a son who I... gave up so he could have a better life. Ten years later he came back into my life spouting nonsence about a curse and an Evil Queen and how I had to save them all. So I took him home and met his adoptive mother, Regina." Aurora gasped at my words and looked worried.
"Was the boy ok? Being raised by the Evil Queen and all?" She seemed genuenly concirned but her words wounded alot.
"Please stop calling her that." Emma mumbled and I was shocked, why would she care what others called me.
"But thats who she is..." Aurora said not understanding.
"Aurora, she is clearly no longer the Evil Queen." Mulan said as she came back over, she positioned the firewood and use two rocks to spark a fire. She then sat down beside Aurora accepting the affectionate nuzzle from Khan. "I can see in your eyes young Princess, this woman. This Regina which you know, is no longer the Evil Queen, she is not the woman we know and had heard of. I see a war, a conflict within your eyes. Your mother does not accept this new Regina does she?" Mulan asked and I was suprised by her insite and Emma just nodded.
"As far as I'm concirned, the Evil Queen died ten years ago, when a small child entered her life. She changed herself, to look after Henry and I couldn't be happier with where he ended up. Granted when I first entered their lives, I'm sure Regina hated me with a passion I matched, but I believe we are somewhat friends now." She said before quickly adding. "For Henry's sake." I couldn't hear her thoughts I could only view as an outsider but I could almost sware the last part was an afterthought, and from the knowing look in Mulan's eyes across the fire, i could tell she had the same thoughts.
"So you co-parent Henry?" Aurora asked and Emma was taken aback, unsure what to say. It was silent for a moment before she finally spoke.
"I think Regina has finally accepted that I'm not going anywhere. Except shes probably jumping for joy right now. I'm sure she knows deep down that I'll be back, but i'll bet shes celebrating having Henry to herself for however long I'm stuck here." Emma snorted trying to project some humor and I coudln't help but chuckle. 'How wrong she is...' I thought and the other two chuckled at her words. I could feel a sadness huming through Emma and knew the smile she put forth was fake.
"We should get some rest, the sooner we get you home to the land without magic. The sooner you get back to your family, I'm sure your boy wants his fun mother around to balence out Regina's strict parenting." Mulan chuckled and Emma nodded.
She lay down and watched as Mulan shifted to lay around Aurora, her hand resting on Aurora's stomach in a protective gesture. Emma silently wondered if the other princess was pregnant. "Goodnight Henry, Regina..." She whispered as her eyes closed and I wasn't sure I heard right, but before I could think more on it I heard Henry's voice.
"Mom?" I jolted at the sound and willed myself to the mirror in his bedroom. I smiled at the site of him standing before his dresser, Red, still in her wolf form was lying beside my body watching us.
"Henry, Is everything alright?" I asked worried and he nodded, giving me a faint smile.
"I just wanted to say good night." He responded and I smiled, I reached out, feeling the barrier of the mirror and smiled at him.
"Good night and Emma said goodnight aswell." I said and his face brightened.
"Have you spoken to her?" He asked excited and I shook my head, saddened by his fallen features.
"She has yet to fall asleep, but they are camping now so it wont be long till I get to talk to her." I said and he nodded before laying his hand against the glass where mine was before he moved towards his bed, patting Red as he passed her. He got underneath his blanket and I turned to look at Red.
"Thankyou for this Red." I whispered and the wolf lowered her head in acceptance of my words. I then willed myself back to Emma, when I felt her slip into her dreamstate. I made the silent decision that I would just observe her dreams, I would try contacting her after I have had alittle time to adjust to the connection. From the positioning of their campsite, I could tell it was still a couple days travel to Snow's Castle. I allowed myself to be pulled into her dreams.
I found myself in a dingy alleyway and when I peaked around the corner of the dumpster I was crouched beside I saw a younger Emma, wearing glasses, a checkered dress with tights and a jacket walking towards a yellow bug, that poor excuse for a car she drove into Storybrooke. She stopped before the door and glanced behind her, I was shocked when instead of using the keys in her hand, she slipped a metal bar from her sleve and began jimmying the cars lock. Knowing this was a dream and anything could happen I willed myself invisible and looked down at my hands, please to see I couldn't see them. I then willed myself into the passenger seat just as she got the door open. I managed to spread my legs in time just as she threw her bag onto the chair I occupied. She pulled a flathead screwdriver from the bag and a rock and jammed the screwdriver into the keyhole before hitting it with the rock till it was wedged in. She started up the car before glancing around and driving out of the alleyway. I watched her with fascination. She looked so young, her 28 year old self didn't look much older, but the glasses take away a few years. Just as she got onto the main road we both jumped at a male voice from the back seat.
"Impressive." The stranger said and Emma glanced back at him before her eyes returned to the road. "But really, you could have just asked me for the keys." The man said, jingling them between us in the front seat. He had the biggest grin on his face and Emma looked like she was at a loss for words, glancing back at him multiple times before looking back to the road. Silence took over the car and by the time we were on the main street he spoke again. "Just drive, its fine." He assured.
"I just stole your car and your life could be in danger." Emma pointed out and the man chuckled.
"Neal Cassidy." He said with a flick of his hand.
"Yeah, I'm not telling you my name." Emma said with a slight shake of her head and I had to smile.
"Nah, I don't need it to have you arrested when the robbery is in progress." He said, still with that annoying grin on his face and Emma rolled her eyes.
"Emma." She said and after a pause. "Swan."
"Good name." He responded and I assumed it was just to keep the conversation going, Emma rolled her eyes again.
"So do you just live in here or are you just waiting for the car to be stolen?" She asked and I was beginning to wonder what role this man played in Emma's life.
"Why don't I tell you over drinks?" He asked with a cocky smile and Emma glared back at him.
"Excuse me?" She asked and he pointed ahead of her.
"Hey, eyes on the road." I looked forward to see her run through a stop sign, but she didn't seem to register it.
"I'm not having drinks with you, you might be a pervert." She said almost adamantly, and he took her words in stride.
"I might be a pervert but your defiantly a car thief." He responded and Emma's eyes shot to the rear-view mirror.
"I said I was sorry." She enforced and he looked at her.
"You didn't actually." He pointed out and before Emma could respond the sound of a police siren went off behind us. I wondered if this is how she ended up in prison.
"Ehh..."
"Damnit..."
"That's why I said eyes on the road." Neal said covering his face with his sleeve. Emma pulled off to the side and Neal leaned forward. "Screwdriver." He demanded and he quickly swapped it for the keys just before the cop got to Emma's window.
"Licence and Registration?" The cop demanded and Emma started to speak.
"Hi..." She went to try to talk him down when Neal leant into the front of the car, blocking my view.
"Terribly sorry officer but this is actually my car, I'm trying to teach my girlfriend how to drive stick." He explained confidently and the cop glanced behind him before looking back in the window.
"She's got a lot to learn." He said and Neal nodded.
"I know, but you know." He said and scrunched his face up. "Women..." Emma glared down at him but he just kept smiling up at the officer.
"Alright I hear you, but it's a warning... This time." He said and Neal nodded.
"Yep, Thank you so much." He said and the cop walked away.
I managed to will myself into the back seat just as he pushed the passenger seat down, he got out of the car and hopped into the passenger seat as Emma spoke.
"What are you some kind of misogynist?" She asked and I was surprised she even knew the word.
"Just go, we got lucky." Neal muttered and Emma looked at him confused.
"We?" She asked before it dawned on her. "This isn't your car either is it?" Neal made an 'eh' sound and Emma's eyebrows rose. "I stole a stolen car?" Neal just grinned at her before gesturing her forward with his head.
"Now how about that drink?" Emma shook her head at him in disbelief before smiling as she started the car and pulled back onto the road.
---
Everything went dark and I felt the dream shift. When the shift was over, the three of us were in a corner store, I was glad my invisibility held. I glanced over at them and almost yelped when I saw the size of Emma's stomach. That can't be right, she found out she was pregnant with Henry in jail, did she have another kid no one knew about? I asked myself and I glared at Neal who was rubbing her stomach.
"I think this little guy is hungry, go ahead and get whatever you want Sweetie, I'm gonna go get directions." He said before rubbing Emma's stomach one more time and heading off to the counter.
"I will." Emma nodded and moved over to a small fridge containing sandwiches. She watched to make sure that Neal had the clerk busy with the large map he had just splayed across the cashiers desk before she snagged a couple wraps and moved again, checking that he was still distracted. I glanced back as someone else entered and he called out to the clerk when he saw Neal sneak two candy bars into his pocket. Before he could alert the cashier Emma held her stomach and stumbled towards the door.
"Ohh god!" She called out and I watched her worried as she doubled over panting. "I think its time!" She called to Neal and he smiled at the cashier.
"He's ready?" He asked and I wanted to shout at him to get Emma to a hospital but before I loosed my tongue the other man tried to tell the clerk they were stealing when Emma grabbed his wrist and cried out.
"Ohh it hurts really bad!" That's when Neal rushed over to her, he grabbed onto her and the clerk called out about calling an ambulance, I nodded but Neal just pulled Emma out the door.
"I know, just breathe baby breathe." He encouraged and I glared at him as I followed them from the store. "Let's go!" He said and I could hear the other customer tell the clerk that they were stealing. They started running and I followed, frowning when Emma started laughing as they rounded a corner.
"The little guy saved us." Neal chuckled as we crossed the street and Emma chuckled.
"He sure did, the miracle of birth." She unclipped a strap from around her neck and a bag slipped from beneath her dress, her stomach flat again. I sighed with relief as I willed myself into the back seat and watched as Emma got in the passenger seat. She threw the bag to Neal who inspected it's contents.
"Wow, good haul." He commented as she put her seatbelt on.
"Thanks." She smiled and he held something out to her as she turned to him.
"I got you a key-chain." He said with a smiled and I looked at the small circle of blue surrounding a swan and frowned. Emma still wore that now. "You like it?" He asked at her huge smile and she touched it lightly before breathing a yes and pulling him in for a kiss. He pulled away to put his own belt on. "Come on we've gotta go." He then pulled form the curb and drove off.
The dream shifted for a third time and whilst I was still in the back seat, Neal and Emma were leaning against the outside of the bug which was parked outside a hotel. A family had just left their hotel room and Neal turned to Emma who was smiling at him.
"20 minutes until housekeeping." He said and Emma raised her eyebrows before they started towards the room, they made a run for it and I just got through before Neal closed the door, Emma emptied her bag onto the neatly made bed and Neal stripped off his jacket. "Wanna shower first?" He asked but Emma wasn't paying attention.
"Ohh look the Granola family left this." She said picking up a dream-catcher from a lamp on the bedside table.
"What is that?" Neal asked and Emma responded like it was common knowledge.
"It's a native American Dream-catcher. It's suppose to keep all the nightmares out and only let the good dreams in to protect your home." She explained looking at it longingly and Neal watches it for a moment before asking.
"It's flypaper for nightmares?" Emma hummed in agreement, he is silent for a moment before saying. "Let's keep it." Emma lookes back at him as if he's joking.
"Yeah? Hang it where, the car?" She asks as she returns it to hang back over the lamp. She then starts shifting the contents of her bag on the bed.
"It's not much of a home." Neal agrees before suggesting. "Maybe it's time we get a real place." He said and Emma looked up at him stunned.
"Are you saying..." She started to ask but he cut her off.
"Why not?" Emma smile before looking away, not believing him. It hurt to see her so dejected. "We've been on the road long enough. Maybe it's time we retire the 'Bonnie and Clyde' act. So I think... I think it's time." Emma looked back up at him realising he was being serious.
"Together?" She asked and he nodded slightly.
"Do you wanna?" He asked and I had to hold back my chuckle at Emma's response.
"Like where, Neverland?" She asked throwing out her arms.
"I'm serious. We could do this." Neal said and Emma just continued to look up at him.
"Where?" She asked again and Neal looks behind her before smiling, he moved over to the dresser and picked up the map that was framed. He then showed it to her with a smile.
"Where? I'll tell you where." He said and Emma chuckled. "Close your eyes and point." He said gesturing to the map. "Whatever spot you pick... That's our home." He whispered the last part and Emma closed her eyes. With a smile she points to a spot before opening her eyes.
"Tallahassee." She says looking at Neal with a smile.
"We got a winner." He said with a smile
"Is it near a beach?" Emma asked and Neal grinned, glancing down at the map before looking back to Emma
"Yeah, it's Florida. Everything's near a beach." He said and Emma threw her arms around his neck.
"Okay, then Tallahassee it is." She said
"Tallahassee it is." Neal agreed with a huge grin.
"Are you sure? Is this... What you really want?" Emma asked self-consciously and Neal looked her in the eyes.
"What I really want is you." He mummers and Emma watched him for a moment before softly kissing him. I blacked out again and heard Emma gasp. She had woken up.
"Nightmare?" Mulan asked from across the fire and Emma rubbed her forehead.
"More like memory." She murmured and Mulan tilted her head.
"About what?" She asked curiously.
"Tallahassee." Emma responded with a smile and I frowned. It's obviously a good memory for her.
"Should I know what that is?" Mulan asked confused and Emma shook her head.
"It's hard for me to explain...." Emma said reluctantly and Mulan smiled.
"I've got time, the sun wont be up for hours yet." She said softly and Emma returned the smile.
"When I was young, not long escaped the foster system?" Emma said and Mulan nodded to show she understood the term, "I stole a... Carriage? and I discovered a man had already stolen it. We got along well and became a couple. A couple of... Bandits just living our lives together, with nothing but our stolen carriage and the open roads. He mentioned settling down and we stupidly decided on Tallahassee... For me its no longer a place on a map but a symbol of home." She explained and I frowned she sounded and looked so sad.
"Is this man still in your life, does he know of Henry, your family, heritage?" Mulan asked and Emma shook her head.
"I hope I never see that Bastard again, trust me, I'm better off without him and he'd just be a burden on Henry. He left me to rot in... Chains, to take the fall for something he did. It was during my incapacitated time ha I discovered I was pregnant with Henry As far as I'm concerned Henry's father is dead." Emma finished and Mulan nodded.
"So, have you found Tallahassee, have you found home yet?" Mulan asked softly and Emma nodded.
"I think I have, back in the world without magic, with my Son and his Mother." Emma responded and I gasped, she considered me part of her home.
"With... Regina?" Mulan confirmed and Emma nodded.
"She may hate me all she likes, but she IS Henry's mother and I will respect that, they are both my family. That's just how it is now." She said with a soft smile and Mulan nodded.
"Try to get some more sleep, the sun will rise in a couple hours." She responded and Emma lay back down, she shifted onto her back so she was watching the stars and slowly drifted back into her dreamstate.
I was expecting to see another memory with her and Neal but I found myself in my own kitchen. I had a glass of wine in my hand and I could smell the lasagne cooking in the oven. I was confused, why would Emma be dreaming about me cooking lasagne at the mansion. That's when I heard them.
"Jeez Kid, take it easy you know I'm only lvl 6." Emma complained and I heard Henry chuckle.
"I warned you they would be at my level." He said and I heard Emma 'humph', I listened to them play in silence and before I knew it the soft dinging of the oven went off behind me. I pulled the lasagne from the oven, and sliced it placing a piece on the three plates already on the bench, making sure to make Emma's slightly bigger. I looked at my hand like there was something wrong with it, as the act was instinctual. I then moved over to the fridge and found a salad neatly thrown together in a bowl and I dished it onto the plates before moving the three to the dining room table, with a jug of orange juice and three glasses. I took a deep breathe before moving to the entrance of the lounge room and the shock of blonde hair jolted my heart.
"Henry, what have I told you about going easy on her." My voice sounded on its own and I noticed that I may have been in control of my body but it was functioning the way Emma's dream wanted it to.
Henry pouted at my words but I noticed Emma's furious clicking slow slightly to show her load was lighter. Then it stopped and she got up, she ruffled Henry's hair and crossed the room to me. My heartbeat sped up as she moved before me and rested her hands lightly on my hips. The feeling sent shivers down my sides and I felt my body heat up. I was slightly embarrassed to notice that it was my reaction and not the dream's.
"Is dinner ready?" She asked softly, looking at me with soft green eyes and I could only nod. A smile crossed her lips and she lent forward placing a soft kiss on my cheek before she looked over her shoulder.
"Mom says dinner is ready!" She called with a gleeful childishness before running past me to the dinner table. Henry right behind her. I hadn't even seen him get up or pause his game, my hand lightly brushed my lips in shock before the dream forced my body towards the dinner table where I sat down, Emma to my left and Henry on the other side of the table.
"So Ma." Henry started and I noticed he was addressing Emma by this title. "What if the wardrobe is busted... What if it doesn't work, can't get you back to us?" I was shocked by his question but Emma seemed to expect this and sighed.
"I don't know kid." She responded before looking at me then back to Henry. "I just hope your with your mom right now, I know by now no doubt that Snow and David would have tried to take you from her, if god forbid you went with them willingly..." Emma said and she sounded hurt by the concept, it hurt me to hear both her words and her sadness.
"I would never!" Henry shouted slamming his fist against the table and I felt the urge to scold him but Emma just looked at him startled. "I don't care if they are my grandparents. Sure mom has done some things and I know she doesn't regret doing them either because they brought us together, but they are wrong! She can change and I will help her whenever I can, I wouldn't leave her to deal with their anger at your disappearance on her own." He said with conviction and I felt a smile cross my face. He may not be the real Henry but this is the exact resolve that kept him with me.
"I know, I just... And you know, even if she is Snow's friend, Ruby will protect you both. She knows what you mean to me and she wouldn't let anything happen while I'm away." Emma assured, grabbing Henry's hand tightly and he nodded. "Now it's time for bed with you." He pouted but picked up his dishes and placed them in the sink before heading to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Emma then turned to me with a lopsided smile. She reached across the table and grasped my hand, the coolness encasing my warm palm made me shiver slightly and I looked up to her deep emerald eyes. She tilted her head slightly.
"There's something different about you." She murmured and internally I froze, surely she couldn't tell. "You seem more like her tonight." She murmured as her hand left mine to brush against my cheek and I leaned into the touch. "Your not part of this dream. It's really you." She said softly and my eyes widened involuntarily before I sighed.
"I was only going to observe tonight and contact you tomorrow." I murmured and she smiled.
"I knew something felt off, Neil wasn't the only one in my last dream, I felt another presence but couldn't see anyone." She said, retracting her hand and I smiled.
"Niel, is he... Henry's father?" I asked and Emma nodded with a frown.
"But you don't have to worry about him. If I get my way for once, I won't ever see that bastard again." Emma all but growled and I nodded.
"What Is this place?" I asked gesturing around me and Emma smirked.
"Don't you recognize your own house?" She asked and I glared lightly.
"No I mean't this dream, it isn't really a dream is it?"
"No, it isn't. When I was younger... I created this place, it wasn't always your mansion, it was once a Tree-House and the Callington's home and even the Bug for a little while... It would alter as my own definition of love and saftey altered. My mind would manifest a real situation with the people I feel... Happiest around and I can interact with them. It was an escape for a younger me when the Abuse and Neglect got to be too much, I was able to will myself into my Dreamstate even when awake. As an adult, it's kinda just stayed but only whilst I am asleep. My subconscious will call it when I feel unsafe or alone. I have come to refer to it as Tallahassee, so even If I don't have my own home, I can still feel even a little bit like I belong." She explained and I nodded.
"And, Henry and I are your current Tallahassee?" I asked and smiled softly when the blonde blushed a rosy pink, she looked up at me through her lashes.
"Henry brings me great joy, that of which I haven't had the pleasure of feeling before and despite the fact that I know how much you hate me, It wouldn't be the same without you on Henry's other side.