A Swan Song

Emma Swan struggled to regain air as a large shadow tentacle wrapped around her neck. She wheezed and coughed, knowing she was on her deathbed. The six bravest woman stood around her, watching in horror. They wanted to help Emma, but the shadow didn't seem to be affected by any of their attacks. It wasn't like Pan's shadows, these had a mind of their own. Though there was a man, a very frightening man. He wasn't completely controlling the shadows, but that didn't seem to stop him, "Looks like I caught myself a Swan." He said, and cackled evilly. He snapped his fingers and pointed at Emma, "Now, kill her."

The shadow squeezed her tighter, and Emma wanted to scream but didn't have enough air.

"EMMA!"

Emma looked around and mustered a weak smile. This was the end.

2 Years Earlier, The Enchanted Forest.

Emma Swan looked herself over in her full length mirror. It was her first week living in the Enchanted Forest, and she was handling it better than her parents expected. Emma wiggled her knees, and the metal armor rattled. She pulled her long, wavy blonde hair into a ponytail and set her tiara on top of her head. It was the only accessory she ever wore out in public. In her right hand was a magnificent sword, a present from her father. He had given it to her on their first day back.

"You look amazing."

Emma turned around, and smiled when she saw her father; King "Charming" David.

"Mom was practically begging for me to wear something more...formal." Emma said, "But I am not going down that road again." Emma shuddered as fake memories as Princess Emma came to her mind, "Armor seems much more suitable for me anyway."

Charming clasped Emma's shoulder, "I agree." He pulled her close and they hugged. Emma rested her head against her father's cold breastplate.

"Oh, great. Did I interrupt another Charmin- "

Emma smiled at Regina, formerly known as the Evil Queen. She smiled when she saw Emma. She lifted up the skirt of her dress and walked over to her, "You look wonderful." Regina said, smiling at how gallant Emma looked. She beamed at her friend, "Thanks Regina." Emma looked over her shoulder, "I'm going out for a bit." She said to her father.

"But Emma you know what day it i-"

"Yes, I know. And I'll be back in time, no worries."

Charming looked anxious, but nodded. He knew whether or not he approved, Emma would go out and do it anyway.

She threw open the humongous double doors and exited her bedroom; Regina and Charming watching her.

Emma sat alone in the woods, feeling nervous for what was about to come. The event she had to attend tonight was for her birthday. Emma didn't want them to go all out for her party, but doubted she had a choice.

"Emma?" A female voice said from behind her. She didn't have to look up, she knew whose voice it belonged to.

Regina Mills sat down next to Emma, looking concerned. Emma looked up at Regina, her chin resting on her fist.

"Hey Regina."

"What's wrong with you?"

Emma looked away, "Today's my birthday." She admitted.

"It is? Why is that a problem?"

"Because my parents are throwing this huge birthday ball for me. I don't need all that attention, I'd be happy enough with just a cupcake. That's how I spent my 28th birthday. "

"Which you also spent alone." Regina pointed out. Emma rolled her eyes.

"You know Emma, you might be the first princess I've met that doesn't want attention."

Emma scoffed, "And I'm guessing that's a bad thing, right?"

"Absolutely not."

Emma turned her head and observed Regina, "Is that so?"

Regina chuckled, "Yes."

Emma smiled, only for a second.

"Well, you're the only one that agrees with me." She stared at the ground.

Regina smiled, "Where do I say you are?"

"On a journey deep in the forest, but I'll be back by morning."

"And where will you really be?" Regina inquired.

"Down by the lake."

Regina nodded and pulled herself up, holding onto the skirt of her dress. She turned around, "Just be careful, alright?"

"Always."

Regina nodded and walked away, heading toward the castle. As soon as she had disappeared behind a grove of trees, Emma stood up. She walked in the opposite direction until she finally reached the lake.

Emma had only been standing there for five seconds, but then felt a sudden cold gust of wind. She knew something was wrong, and turned around.

"Princess Emma, we meet at last."

Emma raised her eyebrow, her eyes locked on the tall man standing in front of her. He had dark chocolate skin and a gap in his front teeth.

"Who the hell are you?" Emma asked.

"Oh, where are my manners?" He tipped his tall top hat, "Forgive me princess, I am Dr. Facilier."

"What do you want with me?" Emma asked, unsheathing her sword and pointing it to his throat.

He clicked his tongue three times, "You really are as tough as they say Princess. Unfortunately, a object as pathetic as that won't make a single scratch. "

"Answer my question." Emma demanded.

"Oh my, if I weren't here to destroy you I might be tempted to kiss you."

"Destroy me?"

"Yes, Princess. You see, I have a plan. A plan to take over your precious kingdom, and burn it to the ground."

Emma growled and held up her right palm, which was glowing with light magic.

Dr. Facilier smirked, "I will only succeed when you are out of the picture."

He suddenly snapped his fingers, and a large shadow wrapped around Emma. She felt herself shrinking, and her mouth growing (was it turning orange?) And then she found herself on the ground, looking up at , no longer at eye-level.

"What did you do to me?" Emma asked, but all that came out was "Whoop, whoop,whoop!"

Facilier smirked, "Sorry, I don't speak swan."

"What?" Emma whooped.

smiled evilly and twirled his cane, then poofed away into a cloud of grey magic.

Emma waddled over to the lake, her heart beating overtime. Nervous, she stretched her long neck downward and jumped at her reflection. There she was, in all her glory, a swan.

She cocked her head to the side and raised her wings, which were very large and surprisingly light. Emma wanted to cry, but it appeared she had the inability. Then she noticed the design along the top of her head; it was a light grey, and looked awfully like her tiara. If only she could get to the Kingdom and get Snow White to talk to her, then Regina could change her back.

But I'm so tired…, Emma thought.

She looked up at the sky, realizing it was now evening. Turns out, having the magic drained out of you and being transformed into a swan could really make time fly. Emma lazily flew into the water and tucked her head under her wing, and quickly falling asleep.