Decisions
Disclaimer: I do not own anything mentioned in this story.
A/n: This was just a random piece that wrote itself.
Chapter 1/?
"So you're the Evil Queen?" A man with shaggy black hair, highlighted in different colors, stands before Regina. "Pictured you taller." He shrugs nonchalantly.
"What do you want with me" Her voice is clipped and wary as her fingers stay ready by her side. She stands in her backyard, the quiet eery. The last six weeks have been spent avoiding both Robin and Emma. Henry had been at her house most of the days. He had looked conflicted as he tried to do what he could to help her. He told stories of Neal, both the baby and the deceased man. They avoided the topic of both Robin and Emma. The blonde for her part was lost and tried to reconcile the queen. She apologized multiple times, her eyes sincere as she told Regina she would do it again if it meant saving Marian but she never meant to hurt Regina. And Regina believed her, that's what made it hurt so much. Emma was the one person she thought would never hurt her but Snow White's stupidness seems to have passed down just like Charming's. They never thought of consequences. Their goodness forced them to save everyone damn the consequences.
"I want your decision. Can you do that for me?" His hair shifts color again as he grins. His lean frame slouched slightly into her apple tree. He was tall, six foot and all lean muscle of a runner or boxer.
"If the decision is what spell to use on you, I've already made it." She throws her hand wide. Purple and white magic fly towards him and he deflects it with ease.
"Now now, calm down your majesty." His grin is playful and excited. Amusement dances in his multicolored eyes.
"Who the hell are you and what do you want with me?" Regina's magic trembles in her fingertips as she stands in front of the man.
He smirks. "Who I am is not important right now, what I want is for you to make a decision. I want to see how the Evil Queen reacts when face with a difficult decision." He steps forward. "What will she choose? Who will she hurt and who will she save. Decisions. Decisions."
He waves his hands and suddenly there are people in her backyard. Charming is pinned to the apple tree. Emma and Snow on their knees, heads reeling. Neal screams pitifully in Snow's arms. They are on the left of the Queen. On her right kneels three other people. Robin clutches Roland to his chest as Marian runs her hands soothing across both of their backs. "One witness, the man who is both father and husband to one side and friend and ally to the other. And three victims. Choose Your Majesty. Who will you save? What three will you protect? Decisions decisions." Regina stands glaring at the man. "Decide or I will."
Her hands shake and she throws magic at the man. He deflects it with ease. He smiles as if Christmas is coming and steps into her space, unknown to him the blonde uses her own magic to free herself from her binds. "Decide. I want to see you choose. A or B"
"How about options C!" He turns in surprise right as the blonde tackles him. They scramble around on the ground. Emma pulls the man into a choke hold as she kicks the back of his knee, his legs fall out from under him. As the careen closer to the ground the man suddenly moves and like a snake strikes. HE throws his full weight into punching her in the chest. Emma stumbles back but jumps forward again as she catches her footing. Her shoulders ram into his body and he holds his ground. His feet digging into the earth as he shoves her back with unknown strength. "You are annoying me!" His hand slams into her chest. Hard. There is a flash of light and she flies back, eyes flashing with color as she sails through the air. Emma's name is cried out in fear and worry by the former Evil Queen.
The blonde's body slams into the ground, sending dust around her. Her body rolls until she is once again on her back. A low groan is heard as her eyes flutter. Body twitching. The former Queen runs over to the Savior. "Miss Swan! You stupid idiot." Tears collect in dark brown eyes as her hand turns purple and she runs it over the blonde's body.
"Aren't. Aren't those synonyms?" A bloodied grin flashes as the blonde jokes.
Regina chuckles softly as her hand continues to float over Emma's body. "I'm surprised you know what a synonym is dear."
Emma grins and then coughs harshly before speaking. "Hey I, I went to high school. English class was a bitch."
"Language dear." Regina chides softly as she continues to try and find the injury. Frustration graces her face as the magic seems to be deflected back into her.
Emma's body twitches as the magic brushes her skin. "How's, how's Snow a-and David? Neal? What about Roland and Marian? Robin?" She coughs deeply. Regina settles a hand on Emma's head as her own brown eyes narrow in frustration and focus. "Ow." Emma's voice is pained.
No one seems to realize that the man is still there, he tilts his head and mutters quietly. "What a curiosity." Before disappearing. The bonds holding the others in place vanish.
Regina sighs and continues to move her hand over Emma's chest, trying to magically check out her lungs. "They are fine, let's worry about you. Why would you do something so idiotic?" Hands roam over Emma's prone from.
"Whale's on his way." Charming's voice is tight as he slips down beside Emma. Snow clutches Neal to her chest as she falls to her knees. One hand coming to clutch Emma's knee.
"Can't. Can't help it. Charming blood in me." Charming chuckles tearfully at his daughter's words. "And. And i'm the savior. Saving without thought of consequences." Regina's eyes water at her own words in Emma's mouth. "Owww. Fuck. What did he do to me?"
Marian steps forward. "Oh Emma." Her voice is soft and sad, tinted in worry.
Regina doesn't take her eyes off of Emma. "I do not know dear. It was something magical. I can't heal it. It's fighting me." Her own magic thrusts back into her hand as if retaliating.
The blonde lets out a chuckle before falling into a coughing fit. Her body convulses and Regina rolls her on her side. Emma's fingers scramble for something to hold onto. Something to ground her. Charming slides his hand into hers and she squeezes. "Jesus. Ouch. Fuck that hurts." Her breathing is ragged. "Everything burns. Fuck. Regina. Uggh. Promise me something." Regina swallows as Robin stands in the background, holding Roland. Regina swallows again but nods. "Don't, don't let them give me the soup in the hospital." Her voice is a low conspiratorial whisper.
The comment draws a choked laugh out of Charming and Regina. Snow looks to Regina. "Regina, is there anything you can do?"
"No. I-I'm trying but it's fighting me. My magic isn't working. Whale, Whale can help. He'll be here any second." Regina's voice is pained and her head turns as she hear someone coming.
Ruby slides down beside Emma. "Hey blondie, came as soon as I heard. Whale's at the hospital prepping. Let me carry her in." Her gaze turns to Regina. "Why didn't you poof her to the hospital?"
"My magic, it won't touch her. I've tried everything I know of." Ruby slips her arms under Emma's limp form. "Jeez Em, how much do you weigh?" Her voice is joking and Regina's face is confused and pained as her fingers slip from Emma's hand and head. "Don't hurl." With those words Ruby takes off to the hospital. Her body a blur of movement.
Purple smoke floods around all of them and suddenly they are at the hospital. Snow clutches her stomach as Neal squeals happily. Rudy is setting Emma on a gurney, blood coats her white top. Emma's body is convulsing in coughs as blood splatters the doctors coats. Whale looks to them. "Stay back! Someone get them in the waiting room!" His attention turns back to Emma. "Emma! I need you to listen to me, we're going to try to help you. Can you take a deep breath for me?" Emma's lung expand before she start coughing harshly into a bucket. Blood splatters against her face. "There is damage to your lungs. We're going to put you in machine." The blonde nods deliriously. "Take her. I'll be there in thirty seconds.
"Whale what's happening?" Snow's voice is full of fear.
Whale pulls off his bloodied gloves. "There is damage to her lungs, I can't tell what yet but I will help her. Tell me what happened."
"This guy kidnapped us an-and Emma got free she attacked him and then he hit her with magic. She. I don't. Regina's magic wouldn't work on her and she. I can't lose her Whale!" Snow's voice is hysterical and Neal begins to cry. Charming pulls them into him as Marian stands near Regina. Robin is speaking softly to Roland.
"Alright. I'll do everything to help her. Get checked out just in case." He nods to them and disappears down the hall. Red stands with shaking hands and she begins to scrub the blood off of her. One of the nurses offer her a uniform and relief tinges her feature.
Regina sits in a chair. "What are we going to tell Henry?" Regina's voice is pained and soft.
Ruby come back, semi clean. "He's with Hook right now. They're trying to coax the creatures of the forest to come out. I don't. Hook doesn't have a phone."
"I'll find something." Regina closes her eyes and her mind wanders. The other watch her. Across town in the forest Hook freezes as the Queen's voice enters his head. "Emma was injured, Henry needs to be here with her."
Hook looks to the boy as he grins triumphantly as a sprite sits on his hand. "Lad, let's go in. Your mom wants ya."
"Awesome. What do you think she'll say when we tell her we found sprites?" His voice is happy and Hook shivers in fear. Emma was injured and the boy would soon be fearful.
"The Queen will most likely smile at you. Emma'll ask you why your chasing pop in the forest." Hook's smile is somewhat real yet forced. Henry laughs loudly as they get on Hooks bike and drive into town.
Henry's hands tighten on his waist as they pull into the hospital. "Hook, what?"
"Your ma was hurt lad. I brought you here of your mom's wishes. Come." Henry's hands grab onto Hooks forearm and the man trembles at the fear there. Slowly this boy was feeling like his own brother, he felt like a father figure or an uncle. He could do something right for once. They move into the waiting room and Henry runs straight to Regina's arms.
Ruby nods at him and he returns it. Snow is clutching Neal like she'd fall apart if she wasn't. Charming glares at the clock. "Mom, what happened?"
"Someone showed up, I don't know who he was but he was trying to make me choose who to save. Emma, she intervened. He hit her with magic Henry." Her fingers move his hair from his forehead as she speaks.
"Can't, can't you magic her better?" His voice is so hopeful.
"No, I tried. His magic won't let mine touch hers. Whale is helping her. Everything will be fine." The boy buries his face into his mothers shoulder. They all sit in silence. Robin looks around nervously but waits with Marian. Emma had given him his wife back.
Henry dozes in the chair, his face buried in his mothers stomach. Her fingers comb through his hair as Whale walks in. "What's going on." Charming's voice is the first to speak up.
Whale looks to Henry. Sighing thankfully when he finds the boy asleep. "Emma's organs are failing. I can't find the source. Her lungs are bleeding massively which lead to her coughing up blood. She's not getting enough oxygen. Her heart is in tachycardia. Her kidneys are slowly failing and body is slowly turning septic. We're flushing it out but we can't find the source. Whatever he did to her is killing her. I suggest you let Henry say his goodbyes. I'm terribly sorry. We're trying everything but it doesn't look good. And if magic isn't working then we're in trouble."
Snow's face breaks apart. "True love's kiss?"
"Her true love is dead. Henry's won't break it." Hook's voice is remorseful.
"What about you? Kiss her!" Snow's voice is panicked and pained.
"I'm not her true love, I'm not going to kiss her when she's unconscious." He runs his hand through his hair as he looks regretfully to Henry.
Ruby steps forward. "There's no other way to save her?" Whale shakes his head regretfully. "If I bite her, if I turn her, will it save her? Werewolves have great healing, we don't get sick that much, especially this close to the full moon." Ruby's fingers pull at her borrowed clothing. "The full moon is tomorrow. If you can keep her alive. Let her shift tomorrow then she can heal. I have to bite her right now. Let it change her."
"Red, You would do that?" Snow's voice is different, hopeful.
Ruby nods. "I need. I need to ask Emma first. I don't. I don't want to change her without permission. She's my best friend but I wouldn't wish this on anyone." Around the room hope slowly blooms.
"We still need to find out what he did, even if it does save her. We need to find him, no one knows where he came from or why he was here." Regina's voice is quiet and angry.
Ruby nods. "I'm going in to talk to her. Just wait out here." They all nod and Whale leads her through the halls.
"Do you think it will save her?" Whale's voice is quiet.
"It might. It's our only hope." Ruby's face is pained. They walk into Emma's room and Ruby freezes at the paleness of her. "God."
"Emma will do." Emma's voice is croaky and her green eyes flutter open, her smile visible through the oxygen mask. "What're you doing here? Role playing as a sexy nurse Rubes?"
"Checking out your bod obviously. I mean you do pull off the hospital gown well. Nurse and patient privilege." Ruby throws a wink and Emma laughs before coughing.
"Ow, fuck. Don't make me laugh." Emma's voice is pained yet full of mirth.
Ruby's face pulls into a frown. "You're dying Emma."
Emma sighs. "I know."
"I can save you." Emma looks at the brunette weirdly. "I can bite you. Turn you."
"Wait you want to change me into a werewolf?" Emma looks confused.
"If I bite you, it'll heal you. You'll be alive. I wouldn't offer this if there was no other choice." Ruby's voice grow higher in pitch as she continues to speak, her hand flailing helplessly with her words. "You're dying and and I don't want you to die. I know it's a curse and you hate the idea but-"
"I don't hate the i-idea." She coughs harshly. "I was just surprised. Isn't." She coughs harshly and Whale moves forward with a cloth. She wipes her mouth and puts the mask back on. "Isn't it a big thing to be offering? You'll bite me."
"You're my best friend. My other best friends daughter. I love you. I just want to save you. And it'll be weird at first and painful but you will live. You'll get to see Henry grow up. He won't have lost two parents. He needs you Emma." Ruby's voice is pained and sad.
"Bite me. I give you full permission or whatever. I'm glad it's you Rubes. I trust you. Just don't expect me to stick my ass in the air or sniff yours. Or pee on hydrants." Ruby laughs and steps forward.
Her face changes from mirthful to serious. "This'll be painful."
Emma smirks. "I'm already dying Rubes. Not much more you can do to me."
"I need to bite you by your heart, it's the safest bet to get it done quickly." Ruby's voice is soft as she looks into Emma's eyes, her own flashing yellow.
"Do your worst Rubes. I trust you." Emma smirks and Ruby nods as her teeth elongate and her eyes glow brightly. She bites into Emma's left shoulder. Emma's body jerks and her chest leaves the bed as she groans in pain.
Her septic blood pumps against Ruby's teeth and they dig in deeper, bringing a strangled moan out of Emma's mouth. The wolf growls lowly as the copper and poisoned blood floods her mouth. Whale sets his hand on Ruby's shoulder. The wolf growls lowly before ripping her mouth away with a gasp. Blood drips down her chin and onto her throat. Yellow eyes glow as they lay claim onto Emma. Emma was her family now. Her pack. Her first change would cement that.
Whale patches up Emma's bite mark. The blonde falling asleep with a delirious smile. "Hopefully this works, let's go Ruby." His fingers wrap around Ruby's shoulders and she blinks, her yellow eyes fading as they walk to the others.
Snow's the first to spot them. "RED?! What happened?"
"I. I bit her." Ruby's voice is soft and shocked.
"What?" Henry's voice is the first one heard. Regina pulls him into her.
"Miss Lucas do you even know what you bite combined with magic can do? You should have asked Gold first. We don't know the consequences." Regina's voice is hard and tinted in fear.
"I am not asking him for anything! Emma said it was fine so I did it. I saved her. She will live." Ruby sighs and slumps against the wall as Whale offers her a towel. She wipes the blood away. "She's gonna live."
As everyone is arguing the man of question sneaks into the room. The girl was bitten, but her body was writhing in pain. His curse fighting the werewolf curse. "I think I shall spare you child, you've done something no other mortal has ever done. The Queen was meant to choose between your family and her most recent one. Both had hurt her. It would have been a difficult decision but you interfered. Granted I cursed you out of spite but now I see just how curious you are. I've never met anyone quite like you." His fingers twitch as if they want to touch her hair. "One question is big though, will you turning into a wolf change your perspective? Will it make you not the curious person you are." He spoke the word as if affectionate. Curious, like a pet name. He closes his eyes. "The oracle says 'You will be you through and through. Changes to the body but not to the mind. Instinct stronger but mind same.' I think i'll let you change. It will be fun to watch you curious little beast."
"Wh're you." The voice is muddled and pained.
"I, my dear, am the God of Decisions. Choices. I force people to choose. Decide. Your queen was just one of a few I put into a difficult position."
"Why?" Hazel tinted green eyes flutter to focus on him as her whole body throbs.
"Mortals are so predictable but sometimes they surprise you. I wanted to see how one with magic like hers would react to a difficult decision. There was a reason your son wasn't there. The decision would have been easy. But with the baby and the young child on separate sides it made it harder. The man she loves with the woman you saved. The woman who stole her love. And then you, the one who betrayed her on the worst levels with a woman she reconnected with. It was a great trial. I honestly had no idea what she would do. Then you interfered, you my dear are very curious." His smile is soft as his hair churns colors.
"They did say curiosity killed the cat." Emma's voice is hoarse and joking.
He laughs. "I didn't mean it in that sense I meant it in that I don't quite understand you. You are a curious mortal. Different." He looks to her with eyes seeking answers.
" 'M I gonna die?" The blonde's body convulses again as the two side war within her.
"No. I'll take my curse away, let you change into the wolf. I want to see how it affects you. I've never met a mortal quite like you. I've been bored for so long." He leans against the foot of her bed as wary eyes watch him.
"Am I your new hobby?" Her voice is annoyed and hoarse.
He flashes white teeth in a grin. "You're my new interest."
"Please don't tell me you want to have sex with me. I've already had too many men, more than I needed this year. Walsh was a nightmare. Hook was enough for three years." The blonde still trembles as both curses course through her.
"Yes the pirate did leave a mark on you, how'd you take his absence." He taps his fingers on the blanket, inches from her leg.
She coughs harshly, blood coating the oxygen mask. "Are you kidding me, I dumped him. We didn't work out, though he swears he wants to be my wingman." The words flow out of the blondes mouth and she winces. "Why the hell am I telling you all this?"
He wiggles his fingers. "Magic touch Curiosity. And don't worry I prefer men like Hook. Roguishly handsome. Though if you were male you'd be exceptional. Remarkable really." He smirks and he fingers twitch as if they wish to change her.
Emma snort then clutches her body in pain. "Oww fuck. Can you take this loose lips spell off of me along with your curse. I kinda don't wanna die."
"I suppose." He waves his fingers. "I will see you again Curiosity. And don't worry, this will all seem like a dream, you will remember but you won't be able to voice it." He winks with multicolored eye. "I'll be around."
The man vanishes and slowly Emma's body relaxes as the curse killing her is removed. A new curse, one involving the moon, courses through her body as oblivion takes her.
As the blonde passes out Henry pulls at his mothers hand. "Mom, lets go. Let's go see Emma."
"I don't think she'll wish to see me sweetheart." The former Queens voice is pained.
"It's Emma, she'd be happy if Pongo carrying a bear claw came to see her." His eyes bore into hers, fear replaces mirth. "Please. I, I don't want to not see you." His face is worried and she relents, her hand moving to his hair as she places a soft kiss there. They move to Emma's room, Snow following behind, face fearful. Charming's hand clutches at the baby blanket as the move as one to her room. Ruby sits in silence as she listens to them. Robin watches them leave with expressive eyes. Marian continues to wait for news.
Whale looks to Ruby. "Ruby I will need your help to figure out what is normal for a bitten werewolf." His eyes stare into hers coolly and gently, calming her mayhem.
She nods. "I'll call Granny, she'll know what to do."
Whale nods and they speed up and follow the others. Henry opens the door first and Whale steps in front of him as he sees the blood. He pulls her mask back. "It's minutes old." He listens to her breathing quietly and both he and Ruby grin. "Her breathing's back to normal. Heart rate is a little spiked but nowhere near as high as it was. The bite seems to be working." His eyes turn to her.
Regina?"
Regina nods and sets her hand above Emma's, there a small cut lays. Slowly it is healed by purplish white magic. "It worked." Her voice is shocked.
"Of course it worked, you're the magic guru." Emma's voice is low and pained. "Fuck Rubes it burns." She grins roguishly. "Why the long faces? I'm gonna be a wolf."
Snow let's out a relieved half laugh half sob before slumping her body into Emma's. "Oh god. Thank god."
"As I told Ruby earlier, Emma will do just fine. Keep calling me god and my head may get bigger." Her eyes spark with mirth under the pain. Henry runs forward and slams his own body into Emma's. Her eyes widen in pain but she holds the sound in as she wraps herself around Henry. "Hey kid." Regina was pulled closer to Emma by the vice grip her son had on her hand.
"You're okay! Hook said you were in trouble and I was worried but you always pull through." His happy eyes turn to Ruby. "Thank you. Thank you." He tears himself away from Emma quick enough to squeeze the life out of Ruby then move back to his mom's bedside. Regina was jerked along the whole way and her son sent her an apologetic look but kept his hand wrapped around hers.
Ruby steps forward. "Granny's on her way to explain things, Emma will have to come with me when the change starts. Granny and I will watch over her." Henry opens his mouth. "There's no debate, the first change is one of the worsts. She won't know who any of us are."
"Thanks Rubes." Emma's voice is sarcastic yet fearful. "Tell the kid i'm gonna eat him and he won't want to come to my house anymore." She looks to Regina then Ruby. "Hey, I need to talk to Ruby for a second." The all clear out. "Regina, stay. Please" Regina falters but kisses her son's head as he hugs Emma and sends Emma an affronted look. They clear out and the three women look at one another. "How bad will it be Ruby?"
Ruby sighs. "The pain will be unima-"
"No, not the pain. Control. Could I hurt people?" Emma struggles to sit up and Ruby bends over to help her. "Could I hurt Henry."
"There is the possibility. Most of the time you don't have control until you learn to accept and embrace the wolf." Blue eyes bore into green. "Your first time will be confusing. You won't remember most of it. There is the possibility that you will hurt him but since he is your son the bond may keep the wolf from hurting him." Ruby stares into Emma, trying to convey everything. Regina stands awkwardly.
Emma turns her gaze to Regina. "If I go after him kill me. Protect him. Do whatever you have to. I don't want to hurt him."
Regina balks but covers her shock with anger. "How do you think he'd take to you being dead Miss Swan?!"
"Better me dead than him! Promise me, I don't care if you hate me, promise to do whatever it takes, even if it is putting me down." Emma's green eyes are hard and begging.
"I would protect him from anything Miss Swan, you don't need to try and convince me. He is my son too, I will protect him." Regina's voice is hard, confused and wary.
"Okay. Okay. Sorry, Just habit. Ruby, bust me out of this joint?" Emma's face looks worn out. Tired. Sick.
Ruby's hand settles on Emma's wrist. "Whale's going to look after you tonight. Tomorrow around four is when we'll go to set you up." Ruby turns to Regina. "Do you want to set up wards around Emma in case she breaks free?"
"You think she's going to break out? How safe is your spot?" Ruby rolls her eyes but stares at the former Queen. "Yes i'll ward it."
Ruby sighs and tugs on Emma's finger, taking comfort in the warmth that is slowly returning. She can feel the bond forming. Something tying her to Emma that hadn't before. "Thank you." Ruby's voice is soft.
Regina nods stiffly before she turns. "I'm glad you didn't die Miss Swan, Henry would have been devastated." With those final words she leaves.
Emma laughs then groans in pain. "God I hurt all over." She chuckles again. "She still hates me."
"She thinks you ruined her happy ending, she has to cope. She's glad you're not dead though. Isn't that enough?" Ruby's voice is soft as she tucks Emma's hand into her own.
"We were friends Rubes. We were parenting Henry together. Hell we were actually getting along and then I did something horrible. I hurt her. You should've seen her face Ruby. She looked so betrayed, broken. I did the one thing she thought I wouldn't do. All because I don't listen to rules. Or think of consequences." Emma sighs softly.
Ruby smiles. "That's what makes you you. You'd save anyone. It doesn't matter if you were the savior or not, you sacrifice so much to save people. You hurt Regina emotionally, she'll learn to cope. She may never forget but maybe she can forgive. You have a son together. You'll have to see and deal with the other." Her fingers pet at Emma's knuckles.
"Yeah but she spent six weeks avoiding me quite well." Emma sighs softly, sleepily. "That feels good. Makes me sleepy." Ruby smiles softly at her almost pack mate. They would be pack tomorrow, after the first change. Ruby would have someone to run with. Her best friend. Her fingers continue to play with Emma's hand absentmindedly. The blonde falls asleep quickly.
Henry comes back in and falls asleep on the bed, his body next to Emma's. Regina sits in the chair, her son has her hand stuck between his. Ruby sleeps in another chair, her feet propped up on Emma's bed, legs draping over the blonde's. Regina stares at the appendages before shaking her head. She casts a protection ward over the room as Snow texts her again. Regina was keeping the mother updated. No matter how much she wanted to be with Emma, the new mother needed to take care of her son. Regina texts Snow the update on her daughter and winces internally. How did she become friends with her enemy and then enemy with her somewhat friend? Henry begins to snore and an affectionate smile adorns Regina's face. She slowly watches as Emma raises one hand to cover the boy's mouth. The boy shakes his head and buries it in the woman's side under her right arm. The blonde grumbles and rolls over. The heart monitor spikes and Emma jerks upright, hand curling around the left shoulder she'd rolled onto. Regina watches as she pulls in deep harsh breaths as Ruby wakes up and her fingers lay on Emma's. "Ow. Fuck. Shit. Ouch."
"Language Miss Swan." Regina's voice is tired and she catch two sets of eyes looking at her as her son continues to snore.
"Yeah, i'll try to watch it next time i'm in the hospital." Emma rolls her eyes before looking down at the bite mark. "Damn Rubes, what's it look like." The brunette peels off the bandage.
"Do you two really think now is the right time to look at it?" Regina's voice is full of sarcasm.
Blood dots the bite mark, the weight of her body reopening the wound. It is bright red and the veins around it are bulged as they lead to her heart. "Fuck, that looks horrible."
Ruby nods. "Yeah, you're lucky, Granny was scratched, the transformation was more painful that way." Ruby's fingers touch it and Emma hisses.
"Fuck, that felt weird Ruby. Ouch. I change tomorrow?" Emma sits back in her bed and her fingers run through her son's hair. "God i'm so tired." Slowly the blonde's eyes drift close.
"What is the problem Miss Lucas?" Regina watches the wolf watch Emma.
"Nothing. She'll be changing tomorrow. She'll be fine." She covers the bite back up. "Good night." Regina nods and watches as the wolf falls asleep.
The next morning comes and slowly the four occupants of the room wake up. Emma stretches, her cheeks healthily flushed. Ruby stands and stretches as Whale walks in. "Morning. Emma i'm releasing you to Ruby's custody after I check you over." He looks at them. "The three of you will want to leave." Henry kisses his ma's head and pulls Regina out of the room.
Emma sits in the dinner as Ruby packs things. "The first change is like the movies. After that it gets easier, until it's like magic. I know it seems stupid to say but that's what it is. Thankfully your clothes sometimes stay on. It depends on if you have them on when you shift." She smirks at Emma's confused look. "Like I said, magic." Emma nods slowly, her body still stiff from her fight with what's his face. "Regina will be here soon, we're going to the forest. I have a cave that we'll be in."
Emma makes a face. "I'm gonna be in a cave?"
Ruby shakes her head. "It's decent sized, both of us will fit. I'll be there to help you."
"I hate enclosed spaces." Emma makes a face and Ruby steps forward, her hand dropping onto Emma's shoulder. "I know. But everything will be fine." Her fingers soothe across Emma's shoulder.
Regina walks in and Granny stares at her. "Finally, let's go, the moon is coming. Emma needs to be chained up now."
Emma backs up. "Woah." She holds her hands up. "You didn't say anything about chains."
Ruby stares at her in confusion. "How else do you think we keep you away from people?"
Emma's face grows pale. "I don't know! Lock me in a room, i'm more okay with that than chains!"
Regina steps forward. "You won't even remember it Miss Swan, what seems to be the problem?" Regina stares at the pure panic in Emma's face. Something twinges in her heart.
Emma sighs. "Nothing. Nothing. Let's just go." The blonde follows the other three women slowly. Ruby bounces between them. "Are you always like this Rubes?"
"Duh. Always on full moon. The rush. You'll love it Em." Her grin calms Emma some what and is infectious. They make it to the cave after having Regina poof them near it. "Okay, this is about five miles out of town, hopefully enough distance to keep you from wanting to investigate things."
Granny looks to Emma. "Your change will be worse because of the bite. If you were born it'd be different. Be ready. Prepare yourself."
Emma stares at them. "I've had worse before. I'll be fine."
Granny snorts and shakes her head. "Cocky girl." Emma impishly smiles at the older woman until she pulls out the chains. "Come." Emma slinks forward. Regina and Ruby watch as the panic settle into Emma's eyes. The shackles snap around her wrist and she fidgets with them. "Regina, lock the shackles magically."
The woman does as she's told with a flick of her wrist. Emma's breathing quickens and Ruby steps forward, fingers curling on Emma's shoulders. "Breath Emma, it'll be fine. I'm here." Emma gives her a weak grin.
Granny pulls Regina to the entrance of the cave as she drops the two girls packs on the floor. "Now we wait. When she begins to change throw up the ward to keep her in. We can't risk it if she breaks out of the shackles."
They wait and suddenly Emma's body begins to shake. "Uugghh. Ow." Her voice is rough and she falls to her knees. Ruby stands by, encouraging Emma with soft murmurs. Calming her. Emma's hands pull at the shackles. A low growl leaves her throat as she looks up to the two women at the entrance, she stands up. Bright yellow eyes bore into Regina. Bones crack and Regina stands in shock as Emma's claws lengthen and pull at her clothing. "Hot!" Her voice is gruff and guttural. "Fuuuuuuck!" The word turns into a growl as she slams onto her knees harder than before. Teeth elongate and Emma groans as she feels bones cracking. "Arrrrrggghhhhhh!" Regina watches with wide eyes as Emma scrapes at her clothing. Her bare back faces Regina, mark on it barely visible in the moonlight. Under those marks the bones move and pop under her skin. Clawed hands slam into the ground. "ARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHH. OWWWWWW." Pants and gasps were shaking Emma's body as Ruby continues to murmur quietly with golden eyes. Pale hands yank at the shackles and frustrated screams leave Emma's mouth.
Granny pulls Regina out of the cave. "Throw the wards up now." Regina does as she's told and watches as Emma rips her left arm forward. The shackle hangs from her wrist as the chain winds around her feet. Bent broken metal chains trail off of it. Regina watches as her body continues to move and shake with the change. "Take us back to the diner." Yellow eyes stare into Regina's soul. "NOW!"
Regina grabs the former werewolf and poofs them to the diner as Emma howls loudly. The ward keeps the townspeople from hearing it. "What?"
"She'll be fine. Just stronger than we thought or panicked enough. She didn't like the shackle idea so her wolf hated it. She'll be fine though. Go home to your boy." Regina nods slowly as she walks home. The image of bright eyes boring into her own stuck in the back of her mind. She'd never seen Emma look so so wild. Out of control. Was it really the best idea to turn her?
The night passes quickly, Henry dozed off in the middle of the movie marathon. She knew he wouldn't go to bed, the best way to get him to sleep was to let him fall asleep on his own. His worry about Emma wouldn't let him rest by himself. Regina sighs lowly and moves to the kitchen, the movie still playing. She hears a crash. Shakes it off as the movie until another, louder one, sounds. Fear etches at her body as she throws a ward around the living room.
Regina moves quietly outside after hearing the noise. By her apple tree there is a shadowy figure. "Come out before I fry you." Her hand sparks into a flame and out of the shadow comes a wolf. She can tell it is Emma from the color. Dirty blonde and white blonde mix throughout the wolf's body. "Miss Swan, stay away." The wolf steps closer. "I'm warning you, I am not afraid to hurt you. Henry is inside. Don't do anything stupid." The wolf's ears perk up as she speaks and the door open, her fireball grows as the wolf watches the doorway. "Henry get back in the house!"
The boy doesn't listen, he comes running to his mother's side. "Mom, what's wrong?!" His eyes catch the wolf. "Woah. Ma?"
The wolf steps forward. She throws a fireball at it's feet. "Miss Swan, i'm warning you!" The wolf growls lowly.
Henry pulls at his arm. "MOM! What are you doing? That's Emma!" His eyes are hurt and confused.
"Henry that right there is not Emma. That is the wolf and it is a full moon." Regina's eyes bore into the wolf, daring it to come forward. Another wolf comes barreling into the yard, its fur so dark it almost blends into the shadows. Ruby skids in front of Regina and Emma. Panting. A low whine/growl leaves Ruby's throat. Emma wolf tilts its pale head in confusion before licking Ruby's face. Regina calms slightly as she sees that Ruby has Emma under control. Her fireball stays in her hand as precaution.
Suddenly there are more people in the back yard, Regina's neighbor, a peasant in Fairy-tale Land, yells in shock and fear. "I saw the fire. I came to see if you were fi-" His words cut off as he widens his eyes. "Two beasts! Henry get in the house, call help!" He steps forward with a hoe in his hands. Both wolves growl lowly. Ruby shoves her head into Emma's and pushes her back.
Emma's eyes glare at the man until she looks to Henry. "Henry is fine." Regina's voice is soft as she stares at both the wolves. The blonde wolf stares at her before ripping into the forest. Howls fill the silence as two wolves run side by side.