Chapter 1 : Lights
I had a way then losing it all on my own
I had a heart then but the queen has been overthrown
And I'm not sleeping now, the dark is too hard to beat
And I'm not keeping now the strength I need to push me
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
- Ellie goulding
It was done.
The curse was broken and Regina's world had once again ended. Running from the hospital she didn't pay attention to the people walking around lost with their new memories meshing with the old, she just kept running. She needed to get back home if she could even call her mansion that anymore. Cutting through the park she gasped for air but didn't stop she couldn't, someone might catch her if she did.
"Regina!"
She didn't have time to look before she was tackled from the side she had almost made it. The embrace wasn't one of attack but more like a hug. Looking down she found Elijah when the girl looked up she finally saw it, those eyes piercing blue cat eyes. a sharp pain went through her head if only for a moment before it all came back. Luci. Her dearest friend and sister she had known something was missing and now she finally knew what or in this case who.
"luci.." Regina whispered tears filled her eyes Luci nodded hugging her tighter. They sat for a moment before Regina remembered where they were patting Luci's arm she caught her attention.
"we have to get back to the mansion if you and I remember then so does everyone else "
"I wouldn't worry about them my queen " Luci's eyes became hard as they had in the days of war. Helping Regina to her feet they took off Luci pulled her along not stopping till they reached the front yard. Letting go of Regina's hand she nodded to the door.
"go inside I want to check the perimeter I'll join you shortly"
"be careful and don't kill anybody, they may have their anger but you have the killer instinct " warned Regina knowing full well the deadly precision of her commander.
"of course my queen I wouldn't dream of it " Luci gave her a mischievous smile waving her into the house.
Closing the door Regina leaned against it taking deep breaths hoping and praying that no one would try and confront her today. She had lost it all. again. her family had been ruined and by snow white even if it was indirectly the blasted princess just couldn't leave her alone even in this world. A light knock came from the other side of the door praying it was luci she slowly opened it giving a sigh of relief at the sight of her young friend.
Slipping inside Luci closed the door locking it up tight. Looking up she met Regina's gaze they stood for a moment this was the first time in twenty eight years they had seen each other. Luci grabbed Regina pulling her into a back breaking hug both of them holding on for dear life.
"Regina I was so scared for you, when I felt the curse break I ran as fast as I could to the hospital but when I saw you going through the park I knew you had gotten away" Luci whispered tears falling freely from her closed eyes.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to remember you I don't know what went wrong" Regina rested her head on Luci's the feeling of loss dwindled a little now that she knew she wouldn't be alone. Luci had returned to her just as she promised she would. Regina's eyes shot open.
"Luci what happened before the curse? Where were you?"
Taking a deep breath Luci looked up her eyes filled with sorrow and pain she swallowed trying to think of a way to explain it.
"I went to see him one last time but when I misted I got stuck between worlds something went wrong I-I don't know what happened, the next thing I knew I was in a child's body but I couldn't control it, It was like I was watching someone else grow up but when they were lost or scared so I would tell them what to do and surprisingly they would do it "
Regina nodded it must have been hard to be trapped like that. Leading them into the living room she sat them down. Luci closed her eyes feeling almost at home with her dearest friend once again. Regina watched her feeling horrible for causing her friend such troubles if only she had tried to remember more then she could have saved Luci from the asylum.
"wait Luci how did you get here?" asked Regina
"a little time, some help, and a great deal of convincing " sighed Luci her eyes still closed as she sunk into the couch.
"any explanation for any of that?" asked Regina smiling softly at the face Luci made huffing she nodded.
"I spoke to Jefferson a few days before the whole beating of Rumple incident, he talked and I ignored him then I talked and he ignored me and we became good friends again I told him the best of news and he told me the worst but what else can be said for a broken hatter" Luci brought her knees to her chest not caring that her muddy boots were on Regina's couch.
"and he helped you escape?"
"yes but I couldn't leave without taking my fellow inmate, she was fond of books and rather sane for a girl in an asylum"
Regina's eyes widened at this "Luci you didn't "
"Regina I had to, she kept Elijah from have at least three panic attacks she told us the storied we loved and when it came down to it I wasn't going to leave her, besides I had to clear the air with the only other person who could hurt you and you know I hate that basterd" Luci left no room for argument when she had taken belle to Rumple she knew it would be a hard one but to see the look on his face when he saw her was worth it.
Regina turned to face her, her hands gripped the couch so tight her fingers were aching and her knuckles were white.
"what kind of deal?" demanded Regina.
"I was very straight forward, in exchange for one of the things he loved most in his life he would not assist in or take part or make any plans that might cause you or your family harm and he himself couldn't hurt you " Luci explained looking Regina in the eye her voice never wavering.
"and he agreed to this… deal?"
"Regina we all know I wouldn't dare think of making a deal with him unless I was desperate and if he breaks it I get belle and besides Baelfire, belle is the only person he has ever loved without a doubt " Luci leaned back into the couch once more rubbing her eyes while Regina processed the information.
"you really did it didn't you?" Regina said still in shock.
"Regina you are the only thing close to family I have ever had till I met my lost boy but even then fate decided to take me from him, when I swore to serve you as a solider I swore to do all I could to keep my queen safe and as you bestfriend I will always do more than necessary to keep you safe"
"Luci I'm gonna need you more now than ever" whispered Regina.
Looking to her Queen seeing her in such despair and confusion she had to do something. Luci slid off the couch kneeling before her friend placing one hand over her heart she held her head high meeting Regina's gaze.
"I Luciana of the mist walkers have sworn over my life and magic that I would forever aid , protect and serve you, Regina queen of the dark kingdom with every ounce of my being and stay by your side always, this I promised you my friend, my family , my queen tell me have I ever broken a promise?"
Regina felt tears spill from her eyes at the sincerity of her dearest, oldest friend. It was things like this that made her feel so lucky to have Luci as a friend and family. The girl had seen Regina at her worst yet she stayed, she had seen blood and carnage yet she stayed. Lifting her head Regina smiled .
"no Luci you haven't "
"and I don't intend to Regina "
Suddenly the whole house started shaking grabbing Regina's hand Luci rushed them to the dining room. kicking away the chairs she pulled Regina under it till the shaking stopped. Taking a deep breath Regina could literally taste the magic in the air she noticed Luci like her lips chuckling insanely shaking her head they shared a devious look. They both knew what was possible now that magic was back. Crawling out from under the table Luci looked around before offering Regina a hand. Pulling the queen to her feet she dusted herself off looking around her house she saw henrys back pack then it hit her like a slap in the face.
Henry.
Henry probably though she was evil now. It might have been true but she did what she thought was right it might not have been right in others eyes but she couldn't lose him he was all she had till now that is. Looking to luci she saw the girl at the window with a look she hadn't seen since the years of war and rebellion. It was a look that made her blue eyes hard as ice and the fact that she had cat eyes would unnerve any opponent. She was watching for any signs of danger it was understandable in this situation but she was sad to see her young friend change so fast.
"Luci…."
Turning away from the window Luci saw the sadness in her eyes giving a small smile she joined her friend. Taking her hand Luci gave her a soft squeeze.
" I know times are gonna be tough Gina but… I'll do what I can"
"they're probably going to storm this place" Regina looked around the house in despair.
"and if they try then they won't make it past the front yard " growled Luci
"come on lets prepare for the oncoming parade of stupidity"
"oh joy"
...…
Snow couldn't have been more happy she had charming, Emma, and henry all in one place and they were all alive. Hugging Emma so tightly she didn't want to let go. She had missed so much and now she had to make up for the lost time which brought her back to one person. Regina. The evil queen was the only person to blame for this whole mess.
"snow!"
Looking over her shoulder she saw Red pulling her friend into a hug they laughed happily as they were reunited. Emma and henry laughed at her but she didn't care she hadn't seen red in what felt like forever.
"oh Snow I missed you " whispered Red
"I know Red it feels like it's been so long but now were all together again" said snow pulling away to join charming loving the feeling of his arms around her. Red smiled brightly till she remembered what had happened the night before her smile fell and her eyes widened in fear.
"Red what is it?"
"I know this is probably the worst time possible but snow… I have some news "Red bit her lip
"what now?" sighed Emma
"last night some people came to me for help this was when I was still ruby but … it was L" whispered red
Snow's jaw dropped seemingly speechless for once, charming grew pale pulling snow closer. Emma and henry were left confused whoever this L person was couldn't be good if they were all acting like this.
"what do you mean it was L?" Snow asked slowly
"just that, when she came she had this girl with her they had broken out of the asylum saying that the place was nothing but a prison and that the girl she brought with her had been imprisoned there or something anyway she took the girl but never came back "Red looked around as if this L girl was going to pop up out of nowhere.
"Wait who is L ?" asked Emma
Snow and charming shared a silent conversation before snow nodded.
"Why don't we go back to the dinner we need to sit down for this?"
Not knowing what else to do they walked back to the dinner sitting in the closest booth Emma and henry sat across from snow and charming waiting for some kind of explanation.
"so whose L?"
Snow sighed running a hand through her short hair.
"when I was still on the run Regina had taken power and was using all her connections to find me but her generals and spies always failed it wasn't till some mysterious allie came into play that Regina started wining, I remember the first time I met her most loyal servant and the girl who would be her future commander"
...…
It was freezing but she didn't stop running her boots crushed the leaves and snow beneath her boots. It had been a close call and snow didn't want to risk any chance of being captured but she needed the supplies she should have listened to Red. Her lungs were burning but she kept running there was a small hideout nearby if she could reach it she could find red. The bushes rustled and twigs snapped looking over her shoulder she didn't see anything but she knew something was there.
A flash of red caught her eye Red was suddenly running beside her the wolf's red cloak flurried behind her as she ran her bow and quiver on her back.
"You should have told me you were leaving, you could have been seen"
"I know but we needed the supplies "
"I could have gotten them"
"and have someone recognize your cloak? I wasn't going to be there long but when I saw the wanted posters I left"
"great now someone will see" muttered Red
The two fell silent running deeper into the forest Red's wolf senses leading them till they reached a clearing. Snow leaned against a tree her lungs were burning and she was gasping for breath, Red was calming her own breathing still keeping her senses alert just in case. Turning back to Snow, Red figured she might as well tell snow the bad news.
"Snow something has happened" Red pulled her cloak a little tighter around her.
"what now?" Snow rested her head against the tree she was leaning on begging to know why fate wanted her dead.
"the queen has gained a rather… dangerous allie "
"who? Maleficent?"
"no someone else, I haven't got much but rumors and whispers, apparently its someone you've met before"
Snow lifted her head from the tree trying to think of who it might be shaking her head she couldn't recall anyone.
"I don't know, who?"
"hello ladies"
Both women jumped Snow drew her own bow as Red was quick to notch an arrow their eyes darted from tree to tree finding nothing. They looked at each other in confusion Red sniffed the air her eyes going wide.
"up here "
Jumping again they looked up finding a girl lounging on a tree branch like a cat would on a shelf. Resting her chin on her hand she eyed them. The girl had her black hair in a loose braid she wore a form fitting coat made of burgundy, hunter green, and tan stripes of leather all bound with thick black thread making quite a unique piece. Underneath the striking leather coat was a black tunic, trousers, and worn leather boots. On her hip was a set of daggers much like snows but the sword strapped to her back looked a bit more dangerous. Seeing their surprise turned to caution she chuckled making them both uneasy.
"who are you?" demanded snow tightening the grip on her dagger.
"oh I'm no one of importance, I'm just looking for someone perhaps you have seen them no?"
"who?" Red asked cautiously she already knew this girl was playing with them.
"oh I do believe they were described let me think for a moment " the girl tapped her chin in thought before a mischievous smile spread across her lips her piercing blue eyes rolled back to snow.
"yes now I remember"
Standing up the girl walked along the branch it didn't even bounce under her weight. She went behind the trunk of the tree but didn't appear other the other side.
"I believe it was skin as white as snow"
The girls playful voice came from behind them spinning around they found her a few trees away. Red lifted her bow ready to let it fly. The girl had one hand behind her back a rolled up paper in it while her other hand was under her chin.
"hair as black as night and lips as red as blood "
The girl eyed snow her smile grew before shaking her head.
"Tell me have seen such a beauty?"
"Why play these games?" growled Red
"games? " the girl tilted her head in confusion.
"oh no I don't play games, the only games I play are with my queens enemy's and they are all dead, in prison or soon will be dead"
Red and Snow gripped their weapons tighter they had heard of recent massacres in the cities that had tried to rebel against the evil queen. No survivors only mangled bodies lay in the wake of the of the queens new mystery allies. It seemed this girl, who couldn't be more than sixteen, was the mysterious killer.
"No this is just a visit to all those in the forest to see if you happen to have seen the beautiful princess, apparently she has been here but seeing as you haven't given me any indication I guess she hasn't "
The girl shrugged.
Snow was even more on edge no one would help them so why would the queens pet? unless she wanted something?
"why help us? Why help me?" Snow demanded
"help you? I haven't helped you in any way, shape, or form "
The girl chuckled again this time turning her attention to Red watching the wolf. Her cat like eyes became more pronounced as they narrowed before clenching her hands.
"but you , your something else, wolves don't usually stray this far from their packs why so far hmm?
"I don't have a pack " spat Red drawing back her arrow.
The girl actually looked at Red seeming to recognize her before her smile dropped and a sad look filled her blue cat eyes.
"how sad to see a fellow lone wolf "
"your no wolf " growled Red
"your righ,t but Snow and her accomplices would have been better off If I was"
"Stop talking like that!" Snow had had enough she was tired of these riddles, If the queens pet was going to kill her than so be it but she hated the taunting.
The girl blinked looking bored shaking her head she sighed.
"I would hope that peasants would be a little more polite but seeing as your acting rather like a royal maybe you are Snow"
That mischievous smile came back the girl chuckled eyeing snow one last time.
"Just keep a look out for princess Snow white if you see her know that there is a hefty price on her heart"
Tossing them a wanted poster she gave a mock bow nodding at Red before disappearing in a white mist. waiting a moment Snow picked up the wanted poster it had her name on it and Red's with a description and drawing of Red's cloak. It was the words at the bottom that made her eyes go wide written in red ink was the ominous message:
She saved two little girls in her life time, one tried to make her dream come true the other caused her destruction, can you guess which one you are?
…...
( L's memory)
Years or decades of misting across peter's island had greatly expanded her ability to materialize fewer times while misting from place to place around the enchanted forest. Misting to Regina's castle Luci flew over the guards to the war room. She might be Regina's eyes and ears where her mirrors couldn't reach but she didn't like the "evil "queens guards, they flinched or glared at her for being so close to their queen. If only they knew their friendship it might be different but Regina had been adamant about keeping her a secret as long as possible. She didn't mind but it was so foreign to see her once passionate and loving friend act so cold and heartless.
Floating to the war room she landed softly on her feet, knocking lightly upon the cold "enter" she silently opened the door closing it not making a sound. The war room at the moment was being used to thwart snow white's loyal followers as well as find the girl herself. Regina stood at the head of the map her hard eyes scanning it her generals all silently eyeing her. The queen's new addition hadn't been well received, since then she had so many things against her the fact that she was a girl was definitely one of them but her time on Peter's Island had prepared her for war even if it had been unintentional. The fact she was only sixteen also raised questions but one look from Regina had silenced them.
Speaking of her old friend Regina finally looked away from the map meeting her gaze nodding Luci leaned against the wall beside the door waiting. Knocking on the table all her generals looked up.
"we will continue this later now get out and look for more of those annoying pigmy's they couldn't have gotten far on such tiny legs, now find them or none of you will have any and I mean all three of them" warned Regina all the generals swallowed.
Luci's mischievous smile found its way to her lips chuckling in a mad way. The morbid humor had only grown on her since she lived on an island of boys for the last two hundred years never land time and almost twenty fairy tale land time.
The moment the door closed Regina huffed resting her palms against the map table she muttered under her breath. Rolling her eyes Luci pushed off the wall resting an elbow against the map table raising a brow to regna's muttering.
"I believe they are called dwarves but pygmies' works just as good, I mean all it takes is a swift kick and they go flying just the same"
"those generals are dumber than the troll you killed when we first met at least the troll realized he was going to die for his stupidity " huffed Regina rolling her eyes at the thought of her worthless generals.
"yes but they don't realize what's at stake, they figure as long as snow is around if by some strange reason she were to get back on the throne then they could grovel for forgiveness and the annoying ray of sunshine would do it too" Luci muttered the last part she knew of snow's part in Daniel's death and the girl should have realized that a promise is a promise no matter what. Even Luci had known that when she was a child and hasn't broken a promise yet.
"L, please tell me you have something " asked Regina exhaustion in her voice.
After her … return to the Enchanted forest she started to age again, though nowhere near as fast as others she was still on Neverland time, but she couldn't go by Luci any more since Regina was no longer Gina she couldn't be Luci anymore either. Luciana was still a name she felt she hadn't grown into yet so the simple yet enigmatic L was chosen. None knew her real name or who she was but it just added to the mystery that was the queens new allie.
"I do in fact but it by the time you send your men they will have a new place to hide but I can confirm that the snow flake and her hound are in the northern end of the forest"
Picking up the snowflake shaped table piece she placed it near the mountains .
"it will take them at least two days to get what supplies they have, a horse or wagon and move south "
"And if they go further north?" asked Regina wanting to know all the possibilities.
"they can't the wolf probably could but the princess wouldn't last more than a few hours in those intense conditions" Luci looked at the other pieces all of them had a figure , snow had a snow flake , Regina had knights in black armor opposing forces had white knights and of course there were others but Luci didn't have one.
"then pray tell how could you in just a tunic and trousers?" Regina's voice held curiosity but a playfulness lay right below the surface.
"I'm just amazing like that " Luci grinned Regina lightly pushed her shoulder in a rare show of play and affection.
"ok you twisted my arm I use a little magic to keep my blood warm which keeps me warm it doesn't take much and there isn't a price "
"all magic has a price" retina said as she had said a hundred times before.
"not all magic"
"don't you dare say that " whispered Regina
They both knew of true love and such things were not to be mentioned and Luci would never do such a thing to her friend.
"I was going to say that not all magic is his, every person has their own no matter how miniscule and you my friend have dream magic to fall back on "
"L, don't start that again" sighed Regina.
"I know , I know but you have to remember my queen that's what my people got their magic from and I still do so you're probably going to have to hear about it from time to time " Luci sighed floating above the map table till she was right in front of Regina, resting her chin on the palm of her hand the same way she had while on that tree branch teasing snow.
"It does sound like a possible secondary source I'll keep it in mind " Regina raised a brow at her friends lounging in the air.
"the question is where do we go from here?"
"do you know where you want to go?" asked Luci
"no"
"then your fine where you are "
"but we have to go somewhere" said Regina looking down at the map again.
"but you're here and that is somewhere problem solved"
Regina shook her head.
"you remind me of Jefferson sometimes L"
"don't compare me to the broken hatter Regina I can , could and am fixable he is not and that was his own doing" Luci crossed her arms rolling on to her back in the air .
It's not that she didn't like Jefferson she loved him he was her pal and playmate when she was jumping worlds with the occasional prank every now and then. but it's just a simple thing of keep it in your pants. One moment of lust and love had cost him his true love and now his child was motherless as far as he knew. After her return she learned of Cora's "demise" having traveled through worlds herself Luci knew that such a powerful witch couldn't be killed so easily but she came up empty handed. still her ability to mist had gone a little screwy sending her to other worlds every now and then. It took a lot of magic and energy but she could do it. Jefferson and she would play the same game she had with peter except through worlds and just like with peter she found him but he wasn't the same man now.
Alice had to be left behind and he couldn't go back to see if she was alive, he had to look after a baby girl unbeknownst to him Luci had checked up on Alice. The poor woman was all alone at the time and in some queens dungeon which queen? Luci had no clue and didn't want to find out but she made sure to keep an eye on Alice. But her mischievous smile and odd stripped coat had earned her the name chesh like Cheshire cat. Alice argued that she had the eyes and the smile so why not? Finally relenting Luci gave in which brought her to now.
Reaching in to the pouch on her belt she took out a small wooden chess piece it was like all the other pieces but instead of a knights helmet it was a cats. Rolling over to face the map table once more she placed it on the northern part of the map. Regina watched her raising a brow at the tiny piece a playful smirk made its way on to her lips.
"and what might that be?"
"that is me " Luci smiled rolling again in the air till she was beside Regina looking down proudly at her little piece.
"and who gave that to you ?"
"no one, I made that thank you "
Regina summoned the piece to her open palm turning it this way and that nodding slowly as she appraised the piece.
"really L, a cat ?"
"Well I couldn't be dog or a squirrel neither of those are as clever or charming as me, besides the little princess has a wolf it's only fitting for you to have an allie of the feline variety"
"that it does now what of those villages I had you "visit"?" Regina put the piece down going back to business her queen persona taking over once more.
"all were captured or killed if they resisted I managed to find a few little hideouts all overstocked with artillery and weapons that little peasants shouldn't have. I confiscated all of it bringing it to one of your nearby forts I made sure they were loyal without question before even considering bringing them there" Luci reported the solider coming to the forefront.
"good have you checked the surrounding area?"
"yes I found three other smaller armories all of them confiscated and the rebels captured or killed "
Regina nodded her mind going through all the information trying to think ahead, her shoulders tense and her back straight, her eyes burned into the map. Eyeing her friend and Queen, Luci planted her feet firmly on the ground it wasn't often that she did but Regina knew the significance glancing to Luci she eyed her returning to her map board. Walking behind Regina she slowly started massaging her shoulders Regina fought it as always but gave in as the knots came out in her shoulders sighing as the pain faded under the soothing touch.
"I would say you're working too hard but I know there is no way to stop you when you're on a roll" Luci teased working on a particularly tight knot in Regina's shoulder.
"you're right but I still want at the very least those pigmies found "
"with your generals at the lead you won't find them and I have other kingdoms to investigate "
"hmm looks like my generals are all going to be crippled and neutered " muttered Regina
A loud banging came from the door dropping her hands Luci stepped to the side taking a deep breath she let a dead look fill her eyes. Regina once again let her own eyes become hard and cold pursing her lips she glared at the door.
"enter" growled Regina
The door was pushed open and the huntsman walked in anger filled his brown eyes as he glared at Regina. Not even raising a brow Regina used her magic to close the door.
"report"
"nothing, we found nothing in the surrounding areas and the dwarves are probably long gone by now"
Regina tilted her head.
"do you honestly think me as stupid as the rest of them? I know when your lying huntsman"
The huntsman glared harder his hands trembled in rage everyone knew that the huntsman was under Regina's control he couldn't hurt her if he wanted to. Like now. Luci turned her attention to the huntsman he froze she knew why it was the dead look she had practiced for ages with peter and days with Regina. it was similar to when one got their heart ripped out but had a cold fire in them her cat eyes made it even more disturbing, she looked like a predator on the prowl.
"tell me the truth now!" growled Regina.
"we found tracks at the border of the forest but I told the generals to go the wrong way" ground the huntsman through clenched teeth.
Luci glanced from the huntsman to Regina if this idiot kept fighting her he wouldn't have a heart to put back in his chest. Regina pursed her lips once more turning to Luci who kept her eyes on the map.
"Captain "
Oh yeah that was her rank as she worked her way higher and higher through Regina's forces. She had wanted to start at the bottom just like everyone else and now she had a feeling she wouldn't be a captain for much longer.
"yes my Queen?"
Luci stood up to her full height meeting Regina's eyes the hard look told her exactly what was need of her. Nodding she bowed lowly they might be the best of friends but Regina was still queen and Luci had sworn an oath to serve her as a solider and a friend.
"make sure he remembers who his queen is "
"of course my queen"
The huntsman stared at her wide eyed he looked stuck between fear and confusion. He like many others had never seen her in action. She did mostly solo missions and the few battalions she had lead never failed but that was because she left no survivors or so most of them thought. Backing away the huntsman ran out the door as fast as he could. Regina shook her head running would do him no good.
"I always did love a good chase" Luci chuckled her cat eyes glowed before she misted.
...…..
"wait, what did the note mean?" asked Emma she could see how L was dangerous but the note didn't make sense to her and she needed all the facts before she made a final judgment on L.
Snow closed her eyes, charming gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze she gave him a grateful smile clearing her throat she sat up a little straighter.
"when I was little I went ridding and for some reason the horse went crazy I couldn't stop it, but Regina saved me that day that's how she met my father. He took a liking to her and wanted to marry her so he had me stay with her so we could become better acquainted" taking a deep breath she continued " as we grew closer I saw her talking to this girl from time to time she was a year or two older than me but whenever I got close she would disappear into thin air I kept thinking she was something from my imagination but Regina told me otherwise making me promise to never tell anyone about the girl"
"so that little girl was L?" asked Emma
"yes but you see after Daniel died the girl disappeared I would ask Regina about her and she would get so angry with me, I assumed that Regina's mother had sent the girl away as well but after that meeting I knew that the girl was still alive but she was just as dark as Regina something had changed she didn't look a day older than sixteen and by the end of it all she was maybe nineteen "Snow explained a far off look in her eyes.
"whoa, whoa, whoa you mean to tell me that Elijah is L?" Emma couldn't believe it yet it made so much sense. Why else would Regina be so kind to a complete stranger unless they were friends in another life?
"yes but don't be deceived Emma, L was the most ruthless commander in Regina's army she killed without remorse and the only person she took orders from was and is Regina, she's probably there now helping her" muttered snow
"wouldn't you if your best friend or whatever couldn't remember you? Cause from what I could see Regina was going crazy not knowing who Elijah was" Emma pointed out
"yeah I looked in my book and she wasn't there I checked every story but o couldn't find anything" henry spoke up " when is showed it too her she got this angry look when she saw that my mom had evil queen instead of her name"
" as I said she is loyal and she was till the end, she took Regina and ran, they weren't heard from again till years later when the whole blasted curse was cast" snow huffed
Emma shook her head she couldn't believe it, elijah was a good kid even when she kicked Gold's ass she had a good reason. Now that emma thought about it she had been defending Regina from Gold the look in her eyes when she was wailing on the man was something she had never seen before. It had only been Regina's pleading that brought her out of her rage filled haze. It seemed Mary Margret .. snow.. she was right maybe Elijah was this deadly L.
Shaking her head Emma stood leaving them all at the booth she knew Snow and Charming would look after henry but she had to know. Ignoring their calls she ran through the streets dodging people till she reached Mifflin street. Stopping at the corner she saw the mayoral mansion all the lights were off but that didn't stop her she ran to the front yard only to be grabbed from behind with a blade at her throat. She didn't dare move knowing if she did the blade would cut right through her jugular.
"you know when you come to visit it isn't polite to just run on in you have to ask permission " hissed the voice it was like elijahs but much darker it was almost a growl.
"look I came to talk ok I need to know what's fact and what's fiction"
A dark chuckle came from her captor.
"your living a fairy tale Emma, how can you want to know whats real and whats fiction when you yourself are a child's story " dark elijah chuckled sighing once her laughter had finally tapered off.
"now then tell me emma what would you like to know?" elijah asked almost casually
"first of all where the hell you came from? Cause there aren't even any bushes to hide behind out here"
"easy I'm a predator and with that comes killer skills stealth being one of them next?"
"can you I don't know remove the knife from my neck?"
"sure " elijah moved the knife from emma's throat to her heart ready to plunge it in if necessary.
"look can was just not have weapons ?"
"sorry but you're a threat till disarmed or dead and I'm not taking any chances " said Elijah the front door opened and a confused looking Regina stepped out upon seeing Emma her confusion turned to a neutral mask.
"tell me miss swan what are you doing here ?" asked Regina crossing her arms.
"I wanted to know if elijah was L , it seems the rumors were true"
Regina frowned " you mean what snow told you "
"I didn't have any other opinion at the time so I decided to come ask for myself evidently some of it is true" Emma swallowed when she felt the knife start to press in to her chest a little.
"you were the one who said there are two sides to every story right? I think it's best to follow through with that and maybe when things aren't so tense I might tell you but for now get out" hissed Elijah lifting the knife she felt the girl back off touching her throat she met Regina's eyes they were sad yet hard.
"are you deaf or did you not hear her get off my property " ordered Regina.
Looking over her shoulder she saw Elijah or L standing there ready to attack if needed but it was the hard look she wore that surprised her. It was different from the one she had seen no that one was out of rage this was one that made a chill run up her spine this look told her L would kill her if need be. Turning back to Regina she nodded slowly walking down the side walk her eyes never leaving Elijah, the girl had a kitchen knife in her hand eyeing Emma she slipped it into her belt.
Once a good distance she turned walking away it was then she noticed the crowd that was forming at grannies. All the people were probably there to see Mary Margret and David with their memories back they probably wanted to see a familiar face. Pushing through the crowd she found Mary Margret hugging everyone David shook hands while henry sat in the booth smiling as all the fairytale characters greeted the couple. Taking a deep breath she made her way to them upon seeing her they both lit up again.
"Emma!" Mary Margret pulled her into a hug David soon joined in it was making emma feel claustrophobic henry joined them hugging her side looking down she returned his hug trying to keep herself calm.
"where did you go?" asked henry
"I just needed some air" Emma lied. She didn't want to tell them she had gone to see Regina it might cause more harm if they learned that the "evil queen " and her commander were in storybrooke though if they remembered Elijah than they would remember L.
"emma your lying " said henry confusion filled his features.
Emma shook her head she didn't want to bring it up here but Mary margret heard this and frowned. resting a hand on her shoulder she turned emma to face her reaching out she touched emma's throat making her wince.
"emma who did this?" asked Mary Margret it was so weird to see the dark expression on the once timid school teachers face.
"how would you know if someone else did it?" sure it was a terrible lie but lying wasn't her forte that was regina's not hers.
"because you wouldn't do this now tell me who?" demanded Mary margret
"look I'll tell you later" said emma leaving no room for argument.
They noticed the crowds were leaving the four of them looked around in confusion seeing that they were all headed in the direction that emma had just come from. Emma's eyes widened. Regina.
"where are they going?" asked henry
Archie came running towards them umbrella in hand
"Whale got them all stuired up now their headed to Regina's! there gonna kill her!
emma ran out of the dinner followed by M&M and David. The crowd had a good lead on them but emma wasn't about to let them kill henrys other mother no matter the crime henry would never forgive her and it was wrong. The crowed stopped a few feet from the house giving her time to catch up running to the front of the crowd she saw Dr. Whale glaring at Elijah who was leaning against regina's front door.
"you better let us through L, you can't fight us all!" shouted whale getting in the girls face.
Elijah raised a brow upon seeing Emma she pushed off the door knocking on it the crowed hushed a bit as the door opened and Regina stepped out regal as always. The crowd booed and shouted they wanted blood, Regina's to be exact. Whale tried to step forward only to be met by a knife at his throat. Elijah stood beside him her arm raised the blade ready to slice through his throat.
"are you so sure you want to do that Doctor? it may have been twenty eight years but I will gladly play a game with you if you want?"
The words were so threatening it made the crowd back away from Whale. He swallowed glancing to the girl who wasn't even looking at him, her cat eyes were going over the crowd any who met her eyes instantly looked away. Emma stepped forward in front of the crowd Mary Margret and David followed.
"listen no one is going to do anything!" shouted Emma
"listen all of you, go back to the dinner we will deal with them "ordered M&M
The crowed protested for a moment before Elijah tilted her head looking back to Regina as the queen stood watching them.
"I would suggest you listen to snow you'll live longer right doctor?" called Regina
Whale tried to swallow without letting the knife touch his throat he nodded as best he could Elijah smiled loving the taste of his fear. The crowd started to dissipate but whale stayed where he was Elijah didn't remove the knife from his throat. Emma slowly stepped closer not wanting to make the girl do something they would all regret.
"Elijah let him go" said Emma raising her hands in a sign of surrender.
" I don't know he called my queen some rather colorful names that I believe were a little more than insulting " Elijah smiled a dark mischievous smile that made the hairs on the back of Emma's neck shoot straight up.
"Regina call of your pet already" demanded M&M glaring at Regina. "besides she isn't a queen anymore"
"neither are you " spat Elijah
"Regina" Emma pleaded this was going to get out of hand if Elijah kept patronizing the crowd.
"Fine, at ease commander" Regina crossed her arms
Sighing Elijah dropped the knife glancing at whale as he rubbed his throat she blinked pouting like a child before punching him hard in the gut. Doubling over Elijah kicked Whale towards M&M and David.
"that was for the asylum " hissed elijah
"what did he do?" asked emma as she helped the doctor up.
"when they tried putting me in a cell they just pushed me in instead of taking a second to figure out I was claustrophobic they put us in a smaller cell " hissed Elijah gripping her knife tighter her blue cat eyes burned as she glared at the doctor.
"L, forget the doctor we still have company it seems" Regina stepped closer standing tall as M&M glared at the queen.
"true…" Elijah stepped back till she was beside Regina leaning over she whispered something Regina glanced at her side ways their eyes meeting for a split second Elijah shrugged.
"if you think you can just walk away your wrong your majesty" coughed whale
"its true everyone's gonna try to kill her now that they know she's here" said David
"we cant just let her go " said M&M
"And what do you suggest snow burning me to the stake like your little villagers wanted to?" Regina said dryly
"No one's killing anyone" said emma
"I'm not so sure about that "muttered Elijah
"hey we just got rid of an angry mob so calm the f%$k down!" ordered emma
"again what do you suggest?" asked Regina
"why not put her in the jail?" said David glaring alongside M&M
"NO" growled Elijah Regina nodded agreeing with her commander.
Emma had to find a way to fix this but either way someone was gonna be pissed at her. Groaning she rubbed her eyes this was only going to get worse the longer they stood out there.
"alright enough!"
They all turned their attention to Emma her "parents" looked at her expectantly, Regina looked half pissed half hopeful. Elijah never took her eyes off of her parents waiting for them to do something.
"I know no one is gonna like this but it's a happy medium Regina will go to the jail"
"thank you " M&M nodded David crossed his arms the pair looked triumphant.
"but she's just staying there till we can think of better plans on how to deal with the angry citizens"
"why not just have me on house arrest?" Regina spat not liking the looks of triumph on M&M and David's faces.
"because Elijah would kill anyone who came near the house and I really don't want to have a bodies lying around" Emma muttered the last part.
"ok lets say we do this then what? Your just gonna keep her there because you keep coming up with excuses as to why you can't let her out" argued Elijah still eyeing M&M and David.
"hey this is just a rough plan I never said it would actually work besides if we don't do something then were gonna have a riot on our hands and they will only listen to Mary Margret for so long I mean it took them five minutes to decide to come here and try to kill Regina" Emma pointed out.
Elijah rolled her eyes. "yes and it took you three seconds after they left to decide arresting Regina was the only solution"
"I agree with L this was pre-planned " Regina glared at M&M who met her with one of her own neither woman let up.
"what are you saying Regina?"
"what do you think you simpleton?"
"ok enough! just think of this as a protection detail I know no one is going to like it but this will keep the people away and Regina will be "contained" Emma stepped between the two women ready to act if either one tried something.
Elijah looked from one Emma to snow taking a deep breath she leaned in close to Regina whispering something. Regina pursed her lips glaring at snow.
"fine miss swan but the moment we "figure " out what to do next I'm out got it?"
"sounds good " Emma offered a hand Regina glanced from Emma to snow holding her head high she started towards the station Elijah a few steps behind her. Emma sighed rubbing her eyes she followed hoping she was doing the right thing.
"hey wait up"
"from here on out sheriff I would advise you keep your distance I'm not in the greatest of moods and L has a tendency to get rid of anyone who irks me for the sake of my comfort " warned Regina keeping her eyes forward L smiled playfully shrugging.
"you know this is a serious turn from Elijah" muttered Emma
"I know but that's the point if you haven't noticed, the curse made you the opposite of how you really are Mary Margret was weak, stupid, and spineless, now she's strong willed, stupid, and annoying oh wait there isn't all much a difference" L laughed to herself Regina smirked rolling her eyes she lifted her hand meeting L for a high five she knew was coming.
"hey they are my parents so hold off on the jokes till were at the station " Emma muttered the last part noticing the glares the towns people were giving Regina and L.
"don't mind them Emma it was actually worse when we were in the enchanted forest " said L keeping one hand in her back pocket by the knife.
"speaking of which why haven't you returned to fairytale land or whatever?" Emma held the door open watching the towns people as they turned away going back to finding each other. Emma watched Regina stand by the wall her arms crossed L or Elijah was leaning against it only and arm's length from Regina.
"so what now miss swan?"
"you go in a cell"
"No I'm technically here in the jail and I don't want henry to see me behind bars" Regina glared at the cells at the end of the hall.
"well he already see's you as the evil queen and that was before the curse was broken " Emma stood across from the "evil " queen matching her stance and crossed arms.
"you really want to start that again?" snapped Regina
"sure why not?"
"please like he really needs a convict for a mother!"
"ok that was a low blow even for you Regina, really and who was the one who tried to kill him?"
"you were the one who was supposed to die not him but you were just too stubborn to believe him!"
"can it and move on!" hissed L silencing both women. "whatever shit went down while I was in the asylum ends here and now in this building because now we need to move on that's all in the past and its best not to wreak what allies you have before you start a war "
Both women glared at each other trying not to snap and go at it again. Regina closed her eyes pursing her lips she turned away from Emma hands on her hips she counted to ten like jiminy had taught her. Emma clenched her jaw counting down from ten huffing she glanced at L.
" for someone who is supposedly a killer you know how to avoid the whole killing part "
"I only killed when it was needed otherwise I'm like those cute little tiger cubs you see in the circus before they maul someone" L shrugged
Regina actually chuckled at that Emma stood there staring incredulously at the girl.
"seriously? I had the cute image of tiger cubs in my mind and everything "
"I know that's why I said it "
The tension that had filled the room faded leaving a far less hostile air about it. Running a hand through her hair Regina cleared her throat gaining their attention.
"so what happens now?"
"well they won't just let you guys go around town doing as you please and my… parents? Won't let up till your behind bars" Emma didn't really know what to call them even if they were her parents it was still too weird.
"so I am going in a cell then" muttered Regina
"hey I know it sucks but you kind a got yourself in to this " Emma pointed out.
"seriously Emma I just cleared the air for you two don't go digging yourself a hole already" L shook her head.
"I agree with L miss swan now let's get this over with " Regina turned to the end of the hall keeping her head held high she started towards the cells the familiar feeling of when she was on her way to the dungeon the first time came back. She swallowed waiting for Emma to open the cell door watching the door slid open she walked inside sitting on the bed with her arms crossed staring out of the bars.
"don't worry things will blow over or blow up well just have to wait and see" said L
"you know that's not very comforting " said Emma giving L a what the f%$k look.
"It's a hard language to understand miss swan but that's her way of saying she will be by my side through all of it" Regina's eyes shined in gratitude before her mask was back in place.
"wow"
"yes now please go tell your awkwardly mentioned parents that the queen is in her "cage" and warn everyone to stay away from the station or I will hurt them" warned L
"got it "commander" Emma gave a small salute, rolling her eyes she left them giving L a last glance before leaving the station.
Regina sighed leaning back on the bed closing her eyes this was bad. With snow and that idiot trophy husband of hers in power things would run themselves into the ground. All the hard work she had put in trying to get her happy ending wasted all because snow had again found a way to beat her.
"Gina"
Opening her eyes she saw Luci kneeling in front of the bars sympathetic eyes met her own. Offering a small smile she folded her hands there wasn't anything they could do with everyone against them they had no way of defense. Luci returned the smile reaching in to her back pocket she pulled out something white slipping her hand through the bars she let it roll till it hit the tip of Regina's heels. Raising a brow she sat up taking the small gift she realized it was a candle.
"best get to practicing we have no clue when Emma's getting back and we can't have your skills rusty " Regina smirked matching L's more playful one.
"no we can't"
Ok so first chapter and I'm feeling evil so I let it be a cliffhanger whahahahahahaha! anyway thanks to those following or favoriting the last story I expect comments and stuffs or hope for some. know that it helps with the whole motivation thing. let th the story continue I plan or hope to anyway update once a week sorry for the whole waiting thing but know that I'm working on the story so be happy.
-echoxknox out