AN: Hey guys Morrigan and Regina are back! This story is a follow on from 'Power is Prestige' and takes place during the events of season 3. As before, thoughts are highlighted through italics and the story mainly follows our couples experiences through thick and thin.
Trigger Warnings will be outlined at the beginning of relevant chapters as before and please review, Id love to hear your thoughts!..
Enchanted Forest, One Year Ago:
A tidal wave of purple smoke cascades over the Enchanted Forest. A fierce wind rips through the tree tops as lightening crackles and roars over the secluded clearing in the meadow. A young couple stare unnerved, holding each other close and dashing under their white canopy hoping to avoid the sudden storm. They cower at the powerful magic rocking their wooden shelter until after a terrifying moment, the smoke fades and the storm slowly dies down. A young princess stands from her princes arms, her white cloak and brown hair swept up by the remnants of purple smog.."What was that?!"
"I dont know." Her prince warily stands, his metal armor shielding them from danger before the couples attention settles on the mass of people standing aimlessly in the clearing.
Princess Aurora steps forward, eyes narrowing with recognition.."Snow?! What happened?"
Snow White's solemn green eyes slide to the puzzled princess.."We're back.."
Regina stares ahead blankly, her heart aching at her sudden sacrifice, not only has Henry been ripped away from me but now I have to live in this wretched land with a bunch of heroic hypocrites..
Charming sighs, blue eyes sweeping his fellow companions before settling on a curious Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip.."Can we talk?"
Phillip nods, guiding the small party of Snow White, Prince Charming, Regina and the infamous Captain Hook back under their white wooden canopy. The White princess pulls herself together, clearing her throat and tugging her cloak together.."How have things been since we left? The ogres?"
"Defeated, we're restoring our kingdom and our lives."
Snow smiles, glancing down at Aurora's stomach.."And congratulations."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Your glowing."
"Why is she pregnant and I'm the one who's sick." Regina turns away bitterly, the joyous couple grating on her already ground nerves, everywhere I turn other people are happy..
Ignoring the steely Queen, Phillip smiles at his long lost friends.."We have much to celebrate. Just know that you and your friends are welcome in our kingdom. If you need anything, we're at your service."
Charming slaps their hands together in a firm handshake.."Thank you but all we need is horses, we have our own kingdom, our own castle."
"Our castle was destroyed in the curse remember." Snow adds miserably.
Hook glances perturbed at the placid Evil Queen.."Well played your majesty you laid waste to everything."
"Not everything, her castle still stands."
Regina sneers.."Of course it does, I protected it."
"Well technically the castle doesn't belong to her it was Snows before she took it."
Regina takes a pointed step toward a bitter prince Charming.."Well to be fair, I married into it."
"That you did.." Snow stares, a smile curing onto pink lips and Regina raises a questionable eyebrow, I dont like this. Since when does Snow White agree with me..
"And now we're taking it back, and you're coming with us." Snow steps up to the ruffled and scoffing Queen.
"You cant be serious?!"
"Regina everyone out there is scared and confused, they need hope, what better way to do that than to return united.."
Regina looks around a little flustered, her mind bombarded with questions, why the hell would anyone want the Evil Queen by there side after everything?..
"Your coming with us, I know you don't like it, you'll learn to, for our good, for yours."
Charming frowns at his hopeful wife but quickly shakes Phillips hand gratefully.."Thank You for your hospitality, we should begin preparations."
"Good luck to all of you."
Regina stares critically at their smiling hosts before being ushered back into the clearing, why is Snow doing this? Why cant they just leave me alone..She slips towards the group of dwarfs, staring into the surrounding forest and grasping the fact that shes really back. Shes not sure whether she can face the dismal halls of the dark palace again, there's a lot of painful memories seeping into every crevice of that marble. Her mind lapses back into her Evil Queen days and whiskey eyes water. Its been two years since it happened and shes spent the majority of that time grieving. The funeral was too much to bare but it was thought best Morrigan's tombstone was placed in the clearing looking over the bay. Henry had eventually forgiven her for what she'd done but then the whole thing with Greg and Tamara happened and once again her past actions resulted in everyone's suffering. David's skeptical voice jostles Regina from her dark thoughts.
"That's a lot of supplies you have there Hook."
"Well you know what they say about preparation and all that."
"There's no need to overload your horse, the Queens castle is closer than a days ride from here. We'll have everything we need once we get there."
"Aye, well that'll be lovely if I were going to the Queens castle."
Regina frowns, well so much for the pirate sticking with them. Her guess is because Swan isn't around anymore for him to drool over, he's running, Probably back to the nearest tavern..
"Your not coming with us?"
"You are a perceptive Prince aren't you."
"Where are you going?"
"Listen mate, the Enchanted Forest is your home, mine is the Jolly Roger."
Regina scoffs, drawing attention from one of the dwarfs near by. She gives the little man a stern glare and he quickly scampers back to his packed mule, still got it..
"Hook, you don't even know if its still out there."
"Regina told me how this bloody thing works. It will return all our belongings to this land as well as us, that means that somewhere out there is my ship, all I have to do is find it."
True, but it may take you a hundred years pirate and we're not in Neverland anymore..
"What if you cant?"
"Well I'll just have to take another one wont I, Its what pirates do."
Regina rolls her eyes, once a pirate always a pirate..I cant believe I let that filthy water hog near my son..Her thoughts grow dim as Henry's smiling face flashes in her mind.
"And here I thought you'd gone and changed."
"I tried the hero thing, didn't take."
Snow approaches the pirate and prince frowning.."So that's it? Emma's gone and your going to go back to being a pirate."
"Back my lady? I've always been a pirate."
Regina hears the thud of hooves and watches as Hook canters away from the group, disappearing into the forests brush, Well that's one down, I wonder who's next to run. Maybe its me..Brown eyes glance at her once enemies as a peppy Neal bounds over to the prince and princess. She cant hear their conversation but notes the mans discouragement as hushed words are exchanged, Hero talk. Probably trying to figure out a way to get back to Emma..She watches as Neal glumly walks from the older pair and a sly grin crawls onto red lips.
"Right everyone! Lets make haste for the Queens castle while we still have daylight!"
Everyone in the clearing scrambles together, marching towards the tree line with Prince Charming leading the crowd. Regina sighs weakly before slowly joining the back of the group and walking alone..
Meanwhile Elsewhere:
She runs faster and faster, her fellow companions not far behind and their leader driving the charge. Another screech and the men cry out, waving their swords at its razor sharp claws. She quickly turns, pulling her sword and sprinting for the creature, but before she can reach it, an arrow soars past, startling the beast and with a screech, it launches into the air and out of sight. She pants through her bandanna, narrow eyes scanning the tree tops when orders are bellowed. Quickly the bandit group charge forward, through the dense trees and continue their chase..
It had been easy slipping away from the group, who really cares that the Evil Queens missing anyway. Regina chips fiercely at the hard soil with a blunt stick, her eyes narrow and focused on the hole shes digging, I cant have it in me anymore! I wont!..Her plans are broken by lonely footsteps edging towards her from the brush, she sighs heavily as Snow White paces toward her skeptically, guess it was just too much to be left alone..
"What are you doing?"
"So now your following me?"
"We were worried, and it looks like we were right to be. What are you burying?"
Regina grits her teeth.."Nothing that concerns you!"
"Why does that make me think it does. What have you done?" Snow edges forward, green eyes darting to the pulsing red organ in the dirt.."Is that a heart?!" Quickly dirt is pushed over the beating dark heart.
"Go away!"
"Its your heart isn't it?"
"I'm not having this conversation with you.."
Snow stares grimly.."I know you miss Henry."
"Not as much as I did when that was still beating in my chest."
"But Regina this isn't the answer. No matter how much pain you may feel you cant just bury it in the woods."
"Watch me." Regina quickly begins covering the organ with more dirt.
"You wont feel better, you wont feel anything.."
Regina launches to her feel, throwing her stick into the brush.."That's the point! I cant keep walking around knowing that I'll never see Henry, that he doesn't even remember who I am!"
"I know exactly how your feeling, I just said goodbye to my daughter for the second time, Henry too, but I promise you, it will get better, with that."
"That's not what happened last time."
Snow witnesses bludgeoning pain flash through her stepmothers eyes and takes a small step forward.."Just like before it might be causing you pain, but I promise you, it will let you feel something else soon enough."
"And what's that?"
"The one thing Henry always wanted you to have..Happiness."
Regina frowns.."I had that, and now they're gone." Snow grasps her arms lightly.
"You will have it again Regina, find a way. For Henry, for Morrigan."
Brown eyes glass over as Regina pulls from the woman's grasp and stares blankly at the beating heart in the dirt. She just knows she'll regret it but perhaps she can find a way for the ones she loves most. Slowly the organ is scooped up, and with a gentle push, its returned inside its owners chest. A gasp filled with emotion echos around them, the flurry of anger, fear, sorrow rushing back, all the pain of losing her son and loved ones releases a stray tear which shes quick to wipe away. Composing herself as much as possible, Regina tugs her feathered cloak together and paces back towards the convoy.."Now, lets get back to our castle."
Snow follows, empathy shining in green eyes but a fierce breeze to one side stops her abruptly.."Did you hear that? There was something there..In that bush."
Regina marches over unfazed, pushing the leaves away and scanning the area curiously.."There's nothing here. Unless it flew away?"
"It did!"
Brown eyes dart up high, refocusing on a screeching beast diving toward them from the tree tops. They both duck, avoiding its razor sharp claws before it pulls back, soaring over head and out of sight.
"We need to find cover!" Snow quickly grabs the regal woman's arm, ducking and diving out of the way of razor talons.
I think that's enough..Regina pulls from Snows grasp, whipping her feather cloak from her body and glares at the circling creature.."I don't run from monsters.." She ignites a bright orange fireball in her palm.."They run from me!" The flaming ball is launched at the beast but the women startle when it dodges with ease and lunges forward, grabbing Regina's arm with a screech.
"REGINA!" Snow dives for her stepmother and grabs the woman's middle as they're both lifted into the air, but before they can get high enough, razor sharp claws slice down Regina's arm and the two women drop to the forest floor with a heavy thump.."Its too fast!"
They scramble back to their feet, Regina cradling her wounded arm and snarling at the lightening fast creature, This is why I hate this place, Something always tries to kill you.."Well I'm open to suggestions!"
The beast circles overhead before making another run at them.
"GET DOWN!"
Just as Regina and Snow drop to the floor, an arrow soars through the air and sticks in the creatures neck. It shrieks in agony, pulling back but is unrelenting in its attack.
"EBONY!"
A woman in a forest green cloak and bandanna sprints forward and rushes passed the two startled royals. A small steel blade slides forward as frantic feet push off a fallen tree and launch their owner through the air. Ebony grabs the beasts leg and it shrieks, shaking its limbs and attempting to throw her off. Metal slices through its upper leg and it screeches painfully before Ebony's tossed off and hits the forest floor with a heavy thud. Her blade clatters at her side, narrow green eyes watching as the winged creature fly's hastily back above the tree tops and disappears. Ebony grunts, rolling onto her stomach as her fellow companions quickly rush to her aid.
Regina stares placidly and a little irritated, how very noble. Just like heroes to throw themselves at danger aimlessly..A cracking twig behind draws her attention and both her and Snow stare at the strong hand offered to them.
"Mi lady.." The mans strong chin and concerned blue eyes smile down at them until noticing Regina's damaged arm.."Your injured."
"Its your majesty, and I'm fine." Regina mumbles bitterly, whiskey eyes inspecting the claw marks on her arm.
"A simple thank you would suffice."
Ebony is helped up from the dirt and frowns at the Queen's clipped tone, Your majesty? Great a royal, just what we need..She quickly snatches up her sword and slides it into its sheath but cant help eyeing up the dark haired woman with fair skin and even darker eyes.
"We didn't ask for your help."
Snow gratefully slaps her hand into their saviors palm and is pulled to her unsteady feet whilst Regina stands unaided.."Well I'm grateful for the assistance." Snow beams, brushing the dirt from her cloak.
"Robin, Robin of Locksley."
Ebony slides in behind Robin, watching the Queen warily and her spine tingles, strange..Green eyes slide down to the bloodied cuts on olive skin and she frowns, that looks nasty, she needs that seen too..
"And this is Ebony and a few of my Merry men." Robin finishes with a dazzling smile and gestures to his companions behind.
"Snow White." The white princess speaks up, shaking Robins hand firmly.
"At last we meet. You know there was a time where our faces graced wanted posters side by side."
A burly man, overweight but built to withstand the harsh weather of the outdoors steps up behind Robin, narrow eyes burning into the former Evil Queen.."If your really Snow White, why are you with her?!"
Regina bristles.."Her?! Show some respect! Or at least some restrain at the buffet!"
Robin's eyes narrow.."You'll have to excuse Little John but before you cursed this land, we spent many a day running from your black knights."
Ebony frowns, black knights?..She makes a note to ask Robin later.
"Well I'm sure you deserved it." Regina waves passively before scrutinizing the tree tops.." What the hell was that thing?"
Robin glances at the clear sky above.."I have no idea. We've been tracking it all morning, I've never encountered the likes of it before." There's a loud screech in the distance and Ebony quickly steps forward, a hand on her sword but Robin rests a firm palm against her chest.."Not here, we're too exposed."
"Thank You for saving us."
Curious green eyes dart to Snow, the princesses weak smile making Ebony's mind a little fuzzy and the back of her neck tingle, Okay this is getting weird..She nods, bowing her head slightly.
"You don't talk much do you?"
Ebony refocuses on the questionable Queen, something familiar tugging at the darkness of her trapped memories. But before she can think about it further, there's another shriek in the distance alerting the small party and Snow steps forward.
"Come on this way, we need to warn the others."
Regina stares at Ebony, whiskey eyes narrow as they file out behind Snow, what was she staring at?..With a frown, she begrudgingly follows the bandits at a quickened pace...
Boston, Present Day:
Yellow cabs and passive citizens dash by leaving the pair stood aimlessly on the sidewalk outside Boston PD. A blue tangy liquid trickles down Emma's throat and she swallows harshly. There's a pause before vivid images and memories come crashing back, The first curse, Storybrooke, The Evil Queen, Morrigan, Henry and his Storybook, Cora, The trip to Neverland, Pans curse..Emma stares alarmed at a concerned Hook and releases a shaky breath.."Hook.."
A victorious smile slides onto the man's lips.."Did you miss me?"
She stares wearily and releases a tired sigh, this can only be bad...
