This is an AU fan fiction of Once Upon a Time (I obviously don't own OUAT, wish I did). It is somewhat influenced by the kindness/warmness of twilight vampires, but not entirely. Currently it is eventual SwanQueen.
Heres a small breakdown before we begin:
Emma: 17 years old, pregnant.
Mills Clan (Vampires)
Henry: Husband of Cora (father of the clan), visions
Cora (kind, motherly, unlike OUAT Cora): Wife of Henry (mother of clan), mind reading powers
Regina: youngest in the clan, mind control
Zelena: oldest in the clan, psychokinesis
Robin: Zelena's husband, teleportation
Maleficent: Middle 'child,' shape shifting powers
Aurora: Maleficent's wife, mood altering powers
The Nolan's (witch/warlock)
Kathrine and David are married, both possess powers. Kathrine has especially advanced healing powers.
There are other characters that will be introduced, however this is the main group.
As always, I am super green to writing anything, please go easy on me.
xoxo
Darkness. Thats what Emma saw when she awoke. She was unsure where she was and how she got there, but it was very dark and very cold. It was march in Maine which means that the snow was still ever-present and her little read leather jacket was not cutting it against the icy air. As her swollen eyes began adjusting to her surroundings, she began to move. Perhaps she was in an ally or an alcove or something? Pain and soreness radiated throughout her body, and she hisses as she attempts to stand. What happened to me? She thought, and then she remembered.
17 year old Emma was a ward of the state, an orphan. Or as they call them now a 'foster child.' She was here because she ran, she took the bus as far as it went and then walked the rest of the way. She stopped here because she couldn't physically walk any further. She just had to get away from her 'parents' who had essentially kicked her out after they discovered she was with child. According to them, it was the last straw, but Emma didn't really care. She would age out of the system in October and after that she knew she would be on her own anyway. After nearly 16 homes it wasn't surprising that no one wanted her permanently. They only wanted the government cheque and even that wasn't appealing enough at the first sign of trouble. Some families called her a 'liability' when she got into fights at school, some didn't want an emotionally damaged child. Others were a little more polite, simply saying she wasn't the 'right fit' for their family. Regardless of the reasoning, the end result was always the same.
Until Neal that is. Emma truly thought he was different. They got along well, he was a year older than her but they were in the same grade because he was held back. He too knew the struggles she faced in the foster system. But at the end of the day, like all the others, got what they wanted from her and threw her away, leaving her 17, pregnant, and all alone. She tried to seek comfort in her Foster family, she should have known that was a poor idea though. In the year she had been with them they had hurt her time and time again. When she told them the news, her Forster father was so angry and in the end they left her alone and broken. Emma knew she had to leave, there was nothing left for her in Boston. She shuddered at the memories, and sulked back down into the corner of the alcove. She wasn't sure what day it was, but she knew she had been gone for days. Emma didn't know what her next moves were, but she was tired, hungry, and needed time to figure it all out.
"Hello," a voice called from the darkness. Emma tried to remain extremely silent, but the pain throughout her body caused her to suck in her breaths pretty audibly and they definitely heard her. The voice repeated itself, "hello, I know you're in there so you might as well come out there and face me this instant!" This time the tone was a little harsher.
"Regina! You're scaring the poor child." A motherly voice scolded.
"She's trespassing mother, I shouldn't have to worry about my tone."
"Oh hush yourself, go back inside and let me deal with her. She needs help darling."
"No mother, its fine. I've got this."
"Alright, but please bring her inside. She is frostbitten, I'm sure of it."
"Inside?! We don't know who this child is, where she came from, who she knows, why she's here! Why on earth would we bring her inside? I say we send her on her way and be done with it!"
"Oh Regina, where is your heart? Has it stopped beating?" She chuckled.
"That joke got old a century ago mother. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Emma was ignoring the conversations. Her fear consumed her as she brought her knees to her chest and closed her eyes wishing more than anything that she was invisible, or elsewhere, or even dead. The brunette woman approached her, and stood over her small, frail body.
"and who might you be?" She stared down at the girl, her tone began hostile but softened as she saw how hurt and afraid the blond appeared.
Emma remained silent, not even opening her eyes. She was focused on trying to disappear, and despite her best efforts she remained on the snowy ground and was not transported elsewhere. Regina, sensing that Emma did not plan on moving, bent down and scooped her up. Emma protested, but Regina however was too strong and her efforts against the grip were in vain.
"I'm Regina Mills, and welcome to Mills Manor" Regina stated as she brought the girl inside.
Laying Emma on the couch in the living room she grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around the blond as Cora, Regina's mother, appeared with some tea. Emma reluctantly took the mug and sat up, still shivering against her wet, freezing clothes. As she did, Regina placed herself on the couch beside her, even on a sofa Regina executed perfect posture. She was dressed in leggings and a form fitting Lululemon jacket. That was not her outfit of choice, however she had just returned from a weekend of hunting, with her family when they had noticed the girl in the alcove of their estate.
On a usual day Regina was dressed for success, in heels and classy dresses. While she spent most of her days within the confines of the estate (not that it was any small area) Regina enjoyed dressing smart. The secluded life suited them. Regina lived with her 'parents' Cora and Henry, her sisters Zelena and Maleficent and their partners. They occupied the main house, 'Mills Manor,' and within the estate lived Kathryn and David Nolan. In addition, they had several unoccupied guest houses which housed their numerous family friends who would frequently visit. The neighbouring town of Story Brook was the closest area of civilization, but even that was miles and miles away. How Emma even got all the way out here was surprising. The Mills enjoyed heir privacy, and to be quite honest they needed their privacy. Everyone respected that, Emma was the first visitor unexpected/uninvited visitor in well over a century. Clearly she had not gotten the memo to steer clear of this place.
When it appeared that Emma had warmed up a little bit, Regina began, "so dear, would you like to tell me your name now?"
Emma shook her head, she did not trust these people (not for the reason most people didn't trust them, but because she didn't trust anyone).
"Alright, well would you like to tell me what brings you to our estate"
"It wasn't intentional" Emma's words choked out, she swallowed and cleared her throat before speaking again, "the trespassing I mean."
"Okay, so what brings you this far from town at night?" Regina asked, still trying to be hesitant about the young girl.
"Nothing," Emma mumbled. She stood up abruptly to make a beeline for the door but she doubled over in pain. "Fuck" she cried out.
"Dear, please sit back down before you hurt yourself any further" She helped Emma back down onto the sofa. "Now, please at least tell me where you are hurt so that we can help you" Regina said in a stern but reassuring voice.
"I'm fine" Emma muttered.
"Dear, you are far from fine. Stop trying to be tough and let us help you" She glanced over at her mother who was already calling Kathryn to come over.
"Emma…My name is Emma Swan" Emma whispered, still uneasy about whether or not she should trust them, but at this point she could not physically leave, and whether or not she wanted to admit it, she needed help.
"Miss Swan, how old are you"
"17" She said with her head still down.
"Where are your parents dear?"
"I don't have parents" Emma stated causing Regina's eyes to soften. She felt concerned for the girl.
"Where is your home"
"Well, I was living in Boston, but my foster parents were kicking me out so I had to run." Emma admitted, her voice still barely above a mere whisper.
"I see." Regina kept a hard face, not wanting to alarm the girl, "and they did this to you?"
Emma froze, slightly panicked. What if they found her again. She shouldn't tell Regina. "I upset them" Emma finally said, but Regina was unconvinced.
"I highly doubt that Emma, and even if it is, that is not an excuse. You can trust me dear, no-one will hurt you here. And I wont let anyone hurt you again" Regina said very matter of factly. She was furious that someone could hurt a teenager they were supposed to be caring for.
"You cannot keep that promise" Emma stated.
"Miss Swan, I know you do not know me, but here in my family we protect the people we like. And while you may be new here I already know that I like you. You are safe here, I promise."
"I am not safe anywhere" Emma's voice was so small it was barely audible, but Regina heard and her heart sank. Before she could respond, she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Regina, I never knew you to in strays" Kathryn chuckled as she approached, "and who might this be"
"Kathryn, this is our guest Emma Swan" she turned to Emma, "Miss Swan, I would like you to meet my best friend and biggest pain in my ass, Kathryn Nolan."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Emma" Kathryn stated. "Cora tells me that you're hurt, I would like to help heal you if you'd let me."
"Heal me?" Emma asked, unsure as to what Kathryn meant. They should have explained it to her, and they would, but for now Regina was just concerned with getting Emma safe and unharmed.
"Yes dear, Kathryn is an incredibly talented doctor, and she has healing powers" Regina said while rubbing soothing circles on Emma's arm. "You can trust her."
Emma was reluctant, but if it saved her from having to go to the hospital and be sent back to her foster family she was willing to try it. Regina lifted her again and brought her to one of the guest bedrooms.
"Now Emma, I know this is uncomfortable but I will need you to tell me where you are hurt and I will need you to take off your pants and shirt. I promise no-one will harm you in any way. We will take it slow and we can stop at any time. Okay?" Kathryn said, her voice was naturally much nicer than Regina's, but Emma still preferred the Brunette. Emma kept her hand tightly around Regina's, not wanting to let go.
Emma pulled Regina down, and whispered into her ear "I'm pregnant Regina. Can Kathryn see if the baby is okay" Emma spoke through silent tears that were escaping down her pale cheeks.
"It will be okay sweetheart. Kathryn will take care of you"
"Don't leave," Emma was panicking.
"Shh dear, I'm right here" she soothed, "I'm not going anywhere."
Regina helped Emma take off her shirt and pants. She had debated having Emma change out of her wet clothes when she arrived, but she wanted Emma to move at a comfortable pace and to trust them. Regina had no idea the demons that the young blond had faced and she did not wish to traumatize her in any way. Despite Regina's hardened outer appearance, she was truly a kind person. The young girl reminded her all to well of her own self, in her former life.
Regina held back a gasp as she saw the many scars on the teenagers body. Numerous were clearly not from this one incident. They were like a map, casting a shadow on the troubled tale of Miss Swan's life. Even more saddening were the trails of razor marks lining Emma's thighs and wrists. Regina knew in this moment that Emma belonged here with them, and not back in the world that was hurting her over and over again. Regina wanted to give Emma a new story, like she had been given when Henry and Cora took her in. She hoped that when it came time for Emma to learn the truth about Regina, that she wouldn't run.
Uncovered and Vulnerable, Emma sat with her legs pulled tight to her chest and her head down on her knee caps.
"It's alright dear" Regina soothed as she gently lay the girl down flat. "Please tell us what hurts Emma darling."
"um…my eye, my head, my ribs, and my back and I feel sore all over." She winced while gesturing to each part.
Kathryn placed her hand over each area the girl mentioned, it was surprising that Emma didn't have pneumonia. She was doing her best to remove the pain Emma was enduring. Emma watched in awe as the woman healed each ache and pain.
"Now Emma," Kathryn spoke, "I can heal broken bones and wounds, but unfortunately infections and illnesses are too diverse and tricky for even my talents. The wound on your rib was badly infected, and you had frost bite across much of your body. I should have a remedy that will clear it up, but you will still have to rest for some days. Is that clear?"
Emma nodded, "what about…" her voice cracked, she couldn't find the words.
"As far as I can tell, the fetus is still stable. You're about 10 weeks along right?" Kathryn smiled warmly at Emma as she spoke, it was very reassuring.
Emma nodded again.
"Yes, well as long as there is no spotting or cramping everything should be okay." Kathryn paused, "I am not well versed in pregnancies, perhaps we could make you an appointment in Storybrooke to see a gynaecologist."
"NO!" Emma exclaimed, "I mean, that wont be necessary, I trust your judgement." Her voice was more calm this time.
"Alright, well I'll go get your medication and I'll see what literature I can find to help with your pregnancy. If you change your mind I would be more than happy to help you find a suitable doctor. Right now you just focus on getting some rest." Kathryn bent down and kissed Emma on the forehead, and Emma whispered a very sincere thank you as Kathryn left the room.
Alone now, Emma looked up at Regina, "how did she do that" Emma asked, very intrigued.
"Don't worry about it right now darling, I will explain it all to you soon"
Emma was going to protest, but instead she just nodded. "Do you have powers too?" She asked, a little shocked at how normal the question came out, but after what she just witnessed she was uncertain if anything would sprite her anymore.
"No love, not like Kathryn's powers" Regina said, her hands running through Emma's golden locks.
"But you are special?" Emma pressed.
"Something like that" Regina stated, unsure as to whether special is the word Emma would still use to describe her after she knew the truth.
Emma had many more questions, but she was too tired for them now. When Kathryn returned with the medication, Emma took it and promptly cuddled into the sheets and drifted to sleep. Once Regina was satisfied that Emma was out, she crept out of the room and proceeded downstairs to where a gathering of her entire family sat. Kathryn, David, her sisters, and her parents were enthralled in an intense conversation which immediately hushed when they heard Regina approaching.
"Don't stop on my account," Regina huffed, she clearly knew the conversation had to be about Emma.
"Its nothing my dear girl, your sisters and David seemed just have some reserves about Emma's arrival. I have assured them that she is not a threat to our family," Cora smiled at her daughter in an attempt to ease her mind.
"Mother!" Zelena but in, "I think it is highly unlikely that after a century of solitude, some teenager just strolls onto the estate without some ulterior motive. It seems suspicious to me."
Mal and David nodded in agreement, however before they had a chance to speak Regina held up her hand to halt them.
"Emma is not a threat to us in any form. She is simply a lost and hurt girl in need of help. While she did end up here accidentally, I am glad that she found us. I know you all have your reservations, and I cannot blame you for that. I too was uncertain, but sisters, I see the pain and the helplessness in her eyes. I feel her pain in my own soul. This is something I must do, and I would like your support. For years I have watched you all thrive in your lives, you all found love and happiness, while I was left unfulfilled. I have never stood in the way of any of you. I have moved all around the world, and did everything you all thought was necessary. I have never asked anything of you guys. Well, right now I am still not asking, I am telling. I feel I must help Miss Swan, and while I would like the support of my family, I will do it regardless." She stood in silence as everyone digested Regina's rant.
"Wow Reggie, you know you didn't have to get so intense" she chuckled. "We will obviously support you in anything and everything. Z was just surprised by the girl and ensuring we were safe. If you believe we are than of course I support this" Mal was always the soft sister, Zelena was kind too, but a little more anal. She was always analyzing things, and over sensitive when it came to protecting her family. Regina respected that.
Zelena looked at Regina with apologetic eyes, she hadn't realized what this girl meant to her. If she had she never would have stood in the way. Regina shot her a knowing look.
Regain was unconcerned with David. He was an idiot, and Regina was certain Kathryn could handle him.
"Regina darling, do you plan on telling her what we are?" Henry asked, breaking the silence.
"I suppose I'll have to" Regina responded, her voice filled with sadness. She did not regret who she was or the life that she had. It was heaven compared to her former life, but she feared the knowledge would make Emma run. She wanted to make this a safe space for Emma, and not add to the trauma.
"Don't worry darling, Emma will have nothing to fear. She will see in time that she is safe and welcome here. She is already beginning to."
Regina grumbled, she hated when Cora read her thoughts. Ot was such an intrusion of privacy.
"And one more thing" Cora added, this time addressing the entire clan, "Miss Swan is pregnant. She is only about two months in, but I would like each of you to watch over her and the child. I think new life is just what this house needs."
The announcement of a baby, and the potential of a child running around Mills Manor, was surprisingly the news everyone needed to uplift their spirits. Perhaps I should have started with that Regina thought, looking at all the beaming faces surrounding her.
"We can't all be me" her mother shot Regina a knowing look.
Stop reading my thoughts, Regina glared, walking away.
Kathryn stopped her at the foot of the stairs. "You should stay near Emma tonight, the medication will heal her, however it is very intense. It will cause her to have vivd dreams. I am sure she will need someone to keep her calm."
Regina nodded and headed swiftly towards the blond teenager's room.
