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MCPO M-061
Chapter 3
The next day Emma and Elsa out to the wall. They had bonded the previous night over their shared ability to use magic and in a short amount of time became good friends.
However, they arrived at Granny's to meet Fox and Stormer an hour later with unhappy expressions.
"What happened?" Fox asked with concern as they sat down.
"My powers didn't work on the wall," Elsa said miserably.
"That's never happened before," Fox said with a frown, a small niggle in the back of his mind telling him otherwise.
"I can't figure it out," she said and sighed.
Stormer climbed off her seat and climbed half into Elsa's lap to nuzzle her cheek.
"Thanks, Stormer," Elsa smiled and dropped a kiss on the husky's soft, furry head, "You're the best."
Fox smiled at his two girls and Granny arrived to take their orders.
"I've never had a burger or a milkshake before," Elsa said timidly, and Granny gave her a grin.
"Well, then dear," she said, "You've come to the right place. Sit tight and I'll bring you the best burger in town!"
Elsa smiled as Granny left them. The food arrived a few minutes later and Elsa turned to Fox.
"How does one eat a burger?" she asked.
"With your hands," Fox said, "Like this."
He picked it up and Elsa copied him. They took a bite simultaneously and Emma watched them.
"It's good, right?" she asked Elsa.
Elsa put down the burger as she chewed and nodded, hiding her mouth behind her hand. Emma took a draw of her milkshake as Elsa swallowed.
It's amazing," she smiled and tried her chocolate milkshake, "So is this! Fox, we have to start these in Arendelle!"
Fox laughed and smiled at her, his eyes twinkling.
"It's a good thing I taught myself how to cook them then," Fox grinned, "Milkshakes might be trickier but not impossible."
The meal continued with Elsa asking questions about things she'd seen. Fox smiled at her eagerness and stroked Stormer as he listened. Hook arrived an hour or two later with Henry.
"I had an idea about how we can find out what happened in Arendelle," he said as Henry sat on the other side of Stormer and started petting her.
Elsa looked over to Fox and he shrugged.
"Might be worth a shot," he said.
She nodded, and they left, leaving Henry with Stormer.
They crossed the street, Elsa nearly tripping over her dress in the process.
"This dress is very impractical," she muttered once they were on the other side safely.
"Maybe Emma can take you shopping?" Fox suggested, and Emma nodded.
"Are you sure?" Elsa said, "I don't want to be a burden."
"It's fine," Emma said, "Besides, Fox can pay for them."
He nodded, and Hook opened the door to Mr Gold's Pawn shop. They entered with a ding of the doorbell, prompting the pawnbroker to turn to look at them. The second his eyes hit Fox, his magical sixth sense lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Bloody hell," he gasped and bent over with his hands on his knees, "That's a lot of dark magic."
"Well I am known as the Dark One," the man sneered.
"Fox?" Elsa asked with concern.
"I'm ok," he said and tentatively straightened, "Just the initial introduction is unpleasant."
She rubbed his back as he straightened fully, and he smiled at her gratefully.
"Have you ever seen or heard about Elsa before?" Emma asked.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I've never seen her before in my life," Mr Gold said breezily.
"So, how did she end up inside an urn in your secret vault of terror?" Emma asked, not believing him.
"Look, if you really want to know how she wound up there, she's standing right beside you, Miss Swan," Gold sneered, "Why don't you simply ask her?"
"She did," Elsa said timidly, Gold's strange demeanour keeping her on her toes, "But I can't remember."
A woman came out the back to join them. She stood next to Gold and sent him a smile.
"Well, an all-too-common affliction 'round these parts," Gold said unapologetically, "Pity. But as you can see, many objects fall into my possession. Urns and all manner of things. I can't know the history behind all of them."
"Only if there's something in it for you," Hook deadpanned, not buying the story, "Right, mate?"
"That may have been true once," Gold said, "But I've changed. I've lost my boy and married Belle. I'm a different man."
"Don't forget about my super power," Emma said with narrow eyes, "I'll be able to tell if you're lying."
Fox blinked and raised an eyebrow at her claim. He didn't say anything, but clearly didn't believe her.
"How about I do you one better?" Gold said evenly, "Let's simply have Belle use the dagger on me."
Belle, the woman who had come out from the back room, looked shocked and stepped up to Gold's side taking his hand.
"No," she said, "No. Rumple, you don't have to do that."
"Miss Swan wants proof," Gold said easily, trying to set Belle at ease, "And I'm happy to cooperate."
"That's a first," Emma muttered under her breath.
"Fine," Belle said and grabbed her bag.
She reached in and took out the dagger. Fox frowned, his magical sixth sense not reacting to the dagger.
"How exactly does a piece of ornate metal with a name on it help force Mr Gold to tell the truth?" Fox asked Belle.
"It's a magical dagger that's bound to his power," she explained, "If you have the dagger, you can tell him to do anything you want him to."
"Yeah, that's not a magical dagger," Fox said.
"And pray tell how you would know this?" Gold sneered, getting a little angry.
"I can sense magic," Fox shrugged, "That dagger has zilch. I can tell you it was created by magic, magic like Mr Golds and that it's nowhere near as old as Gold's magic. I can also tell you the real, authentic dagger is currently in your wall safe Mr Gold."
Rumpelstiltskin looked about ready to kill Fox and Belle frowned.
"We should go," Elsa said, "Thank you for your time."
With that, they left the shop and left the newlyweds to their impending argument.
"Sorry about ruining a chance for information," Fox sighed, "Guess I should have gotten a different job than bodyguard."
"It's ok, Fox," Elsa smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder as she took his hand, "We know that Anna is alive and in Arendelle. That's good enough for me for now."
"Well, mom will be done with the meeting now," Emma said, "We should head over there and introduce you two to the town properly."
They nodded and walked to the town hall. When they arrived and entered the office, the townspeople had gone and only the core group remained, standing around the couch.
"What happened?" Emma asked and rushed over.
"Maybe you should ask your new friend," Regina snapped at her, "She's got the kind of magic that can freeze someone."
"She's also been with me and Emma for the entire day," Fox snapped back, "So take your misguided blame and shove it!"
Regina recoiled at the harsh backlash. Stormer made a sound of protest and hid behind Fox's legs.
"Stop it!" Elsa said firmly, "You're scaring Stormer and fighting won't help thaw…her out."
Fox reached down and petted Stormer's head. Regina huffed and went back to whatever she had been doing.
"How do we break the spell?" Henry asked to change the subject.
"Only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart," Elsa said.
Regina became saddened and Robin gritted his teeth.
"Well then," he said, "I guess there's no time to waste."
He got down to kiss her but before he could, Stormer set off howling. Fox and Elsa nearly jumped out of their skins at the sudden noise and when Robin looked over to see what was happening, Stormer stopped.
"What's wrong girl?" Fox asked her and Stormer trotted over to Marian and growled.
"Dogs can be sensitive to magic," Regina added, "Maybe she doesn't like the curse?"
Fox hummed and moved closer. His sixth sense started up and he cocked his head.
"That's not Marian," he said.
"What?" Robin and Regina asked.
"That acorn around her neck," Fox continued, "Is magically changing her appearance. Was created by a Selina?"
He frowned, and Regina growled.
"My even more evil step sister," she said through clenched teeth, "She can't let it go."
"Anyway," Emma said, "We should find out who did this before they do it to someone else less deserving of such a fate."
"I like that plan," Hook seconded and moved to go with Emma.
"No, take them to the Sherriff's station," she said, "Once people get word of this, they're going to be calling for her head."
"I'd rather save yours than hers," Hook replied softly, but not softly enough to get by Fox, "There's someone dangerous out there."
"How does this sound," Fox said coolly, "You keep Elsa and Stormer from whatever mob is after her and I will keep Emma alive for you. Deal?"
He was about to bite back but Stormer growled at him.
"Sure," he said tightly.
Fox nodded, and Elsa came over to him.
"Please be safe?" she said, and he kissed her.
"I will be fine," he said with a smile.
Stormer yipped and sat next to Elsa.
"Be good for your mum hey," Fox said as he petted her head, "Keep her safe."
Stormer yipped her agreement and Fox kissed Elsa's cheek.
"See you in a bit love," Fox smiled, and Elsa smiled back before he left with Emma.
# # #
Fox and Emma ended up back at the campsite, looking for the point where Marian got cursed.
"You know," Fox started, "Magic is a pretty good indicator of emotion."
Emma turned and eyed him funnily.
"You're upset about something," Fox continued, "It can be dangerous in the field then. Might distract you and end up getting you hurt or worse."
"I'm mad that I brought back Selina," Emma grumbled.
"I won't lie, messing with the timeline by trying to bring back Marian was dumb as hell," Fox said, "But own it. Apologize for screwing up and get past it."
Emma was about to respond but the sound of rummaging in a tent stopped her. They both drew, Fox shouldering his rifle and nodding to Emma. She nodded back, and he took control.
"Step out with your hands on the back of your head with your fingers interlaced," Fox barked.
A man came out with his hands in the appropriate position.
"Who are you?" Emma asked.
"It depends who's asking," the man replied with a heavy British accent.
"The Sheriff's asking," Emma bit back.
"I never did like Sheriffs very much," the man said off handed, "Though you do seem like the decent sort, so I'm guessing you're not going to shoot a man in the back."
Emma looked confused and the man bolted. Fox snapped off three shots and the rounds buzzed past the man's ear. He didn't stop, and Emma gave chase with Fox hot on her heels.
"Hey, stop!" she shouted.
Suddenly she tripped, and face planted. Fox reacted quickly and jumped, using his exo's booster to clear her before sprinting after the thief at full tilt. Fox used his booster to take a shortcut and land in front of the thief without said thief realising.
As the runner came past, Fox's arm snapped out and slammed into the thief's chest like a titanium bar and flipped him. He landed extremely hard and stayed down, struggling to get more air in his lungs and Fox stood over him with the rifle muzzle pointed at the man's face.
"Nice try, jackass," Fox said smugly.
Emma caught up a few seconds later.
"I almost had him, but," Emma panted, "I fell."
"That's why you have me," Fox smiled and turned back to the thief, "Name. Now."
"Why should I talk to you?" he wheezed back, "You cracked my ribs I think."
Fox shifted his aim and fired a round into the dirt by the thief's head. Said thief gave a girlish scream and gulped.
"Quit whining and talk or it'll be a lot worse than a few cracked ribs," Fox growled.
The man wheezed again before groaning and giving in.
"My name's Will Scarlet," he gasped out as he clutched his ribs, "I used to be a Merry Man until me and Robin Hood had a bit of a falling out."
"So, what are you doing in his tent?" Emma asked.
"Well, I heard what happened to Marian," Will started.
"It wasn't actually Marian," Fox interrupted, "But still; we need to find who did it, so we can clear my fiancée's name."
"It's a good thing that I kind of know something that might help then," Will replied, "If I tell you, will you let me go?"
"Depends on your information," Fox shrugged.
"Look, I'm a thief," Will said, still nervous about the rifle pointed at his head, "Always been a thief, always going to be a thief. And when there's a blackout like the other night, a thief goes to work. So, I'm working me way down Main Street when I break into the ice-cream parlour and see the strangest thing. There'd been no electricity for hours, but still all the ice cream was frozen solid."
Emma started getting into it with Will while Fox thought back to Arendelle.
"It's so hot today," Elsa complained to Fox.
"How does an ice-cold drink sound, babe?" Fox asked and put his arm around her.
"Amazing," Elsa replied and kissed his cheek.
They made their way to the shop. As they entered, the shop owner came out the back.
"Ah, your Majesty!" He cried with a bow, "I must apologize; all my ice has melted in this weather!"
Elsa giggled.
"It's alright," she said, "Where is your ice storage?"
The shopkeeper led them to the back where puddles of water graced the floor. Elsa looked around before thrusting her hands out. Ice immediately formed in the storage.
"Thank you, your Majesty!" The owner exclaimed, "Allow me to get you something, on the house."
A few minutes later, Fox and Elsa left, icy cold drinks in hand.
"You're amazing, love," Fox said to her and kissed her temple.
"Thank you, my dear," she replied and kissed his cheek, leaving a frosted lip mark.
"Hey!" Fox exclaimed, "No fair!"
"Fox?" Emma asked and snapped him back.
"Hmm?" he responded.
She looked down at the still terrified Will and Fox nodded.
"Right," he said and set the safety, "Ice cream parlour."
Will groaned as Emma helped him up.
"Oh, quit whining," Fox said, "You wanted to run. Just be grateful I didn't put one in your lower spine."
That quickly shut Will up.
They arrived at the ice cream parlour a while later and met David outside. Emma and David peered inside to try and gauge the situation.
"I don't know," Emma said, "Looks pretty normal to me."
"Jeez, Emma," Fox sighed, "The person who runs this place is likely to be a cryokinetic. They're not going to have giant icicles in the front of the shop."
"It was bleeding cold in there," Will added, "I'm telling you."
"Because they sell ice cream," Emma retorted.
"Seriously, Emma?" Fox responded, "Selling ice cream during a blackout? Elsa can make ice that can't melt even on Arendelle's hottest days. If she can do it, it's likely that this cryokinetic can."
"I'm no liar," Will said, "I can bloody well prove it."
He knelt by the door and started trying to pick the lock.
"Really? You think breaking in again is going to help your case?" David asked.
"He won't be doing the breaking," Fox said and dragged Will out the way.
While the thief protested, Fox turned on his heel and kicked the lock hard. His exo helped enhance the action and the lock was ripped from the door frame as he kicked it. Fox followed through with his rifle raised and swept the room.
"Front clear!" he called, and they followed him in.
"Emma, it doesn't look like..." David started,
"Wait," Emma interrupted him, "Listen."
"No compressor hum," Fox noted, "And a pretty decent amount of magical ice in the back."
Emma surged through and sure enough, the back room was frosted over.
"Well, look at that. Looks like we owe Will an apology," she said.
Fox suddenly stumbled and fell to his knee.
"Crap," he whispered.
"What?" David asked as Fox got up.
"Elsa's in trouble," Fox replied as he walked out, "West woods."
# # #
Stormer growled at the woman threatening Elsa. Hook was trapped underneath icy spires that threatened to fall and kill him while Ingrid looked on.
"Let go of him now," Elsa said frostily.
"Not when you and I have so much catching up to do, my sweet Elsa," Ingrid said with a kind smile.
"Catching up?" Hook asked, "You know her?"
"I've never seen her before in my life," Elsa hissed.
Stormer growled again and let loose a few warning barks. Ingrid eyed the dog carefully before choosing to ignore her.
"You've simply forgotten," Ingrid said, "The trolls did quite a number on you, I'm afraid."
"Grandpabbie?" Elsa asked, looking for confirmation, "Why would he do that to me?"
"For the same reason he did it to your sister, Anna," Ingrid replied easily, "Some memories are too painful to be kept."
Elsa bristled at the mention of her sister.
"What happened to Anna?" Elsa nearly growled.
Stormer echoed the sentiment and took a threatening step towards Ingrid, daring her to try something.
"She grew to fear our power," Ingrid explained, "She put you in that cursed urn."
Stormer barked her disagreement and Elsa breathed in sharply.
"You're lying," she snapped.
"Look at the people in this town," Ingrid scoffed, "They're ready to burn you at the stake."
"Fox and Stormer can protect me," Elsa fired back, "Unlike you, I have a few people in my life who love me for who I am and nothing you can do will change that."
"I am trying to teach you a lesson," Ingrid said firmly, "Eventually, everyone turns on people like us. Even friends. Even family. They're just waiting for a reason."
The icicles started shivering and Hook gulped as he started trying to chip the ice away.
"What are you…" she asked as she tried to use her magic, "What?"
"Don't bother," Ingrid said sweetly, "I've neutralized your magic. When your friend is found, you'll look responsible. Then, they'll turn on you and treat you as the monster that they truly see you as, and you'll know that I'm right."
Stormer launched herself at Ingrid with gnashing teeth. Ingrid merely waved her hand and a snowball thwacked the husky away. Stormer yelped and lay whimpering a few feet away.
"No!" Elsa screamed, worried about Stormer, "Stormer!"
At that moment, Fox, Emma and David topped the hill. Fox growled when he saw Stormer laying down with Elsa headed for the dog.
"Hey!" he shouted and aimed his weapon at Ingrid.
She started, and Fox opened fire. He didn't aim to hit, but he deliberately grazed her arm and made her shriek in pain.
"Hook!" Emma shouted and used her magic to move him to safety as the icicles started falling.
"Emma?" Ingrid asked in shock and recognition.
"Do we know each other?" Emma asked, confused at the familiarity of Ingrid's tone.
"No," Ingrid corrected too quickly for Fox's liking, "Your reputation precedes you."
Fox started down the hill towards Elsa and Stormer. Ingrid mistook his action as threatening and launched a blast of her magic at him. His kinetic shield absorbed the blow, but the impact launched him into the dirt. He groaned, winded, and shakily opened fire at Ingrid again. She jumped at the gunshots and fell on her backside; all his shots having missed.
The weapon tumbled from his grip as the blow caught up to him. She scampered away, fearful for her life as Fox's vision faded.
The last thing he could make out was Elsa shouting his name.
# # #
Fox groaned and opened his eyes to find a teary faced Elsa watching him.
"Hey…" he said softly.
"Hey," she whispered back with a small smile, "Stormer is ok, but she's limping a bit. Emma suggested we take her to a vet when we get back to town."
Elsa looked terrified and Fox winced as he cupped her cheek with his hand and wiped a tear away with his thumb.
"Elsa," he said, and she looked him in the eye, "I'm fine. Her magic didn't get me."
Elsa sniffed and collapsed on him, sobbing in relief.
"I was so worried," she whispered, "I thought she had frozen your heart."
Fox wrapped an arm round her and stroked circles over her back.
"I'm sorry," he whispered back, "I didn't mean to scare you."
"Just don't do it again," she replied as she got off him and sniffed, "Please?"
Fox pushed himself up with a groan.
"I'll try not to," he chuckled, earning a smack on the arm from Elsa.
They fell silent, watching as Emma approached after an argument with Hook.
"How are you two doing?" she asked.
"That woman was lying about my sister," Elsa said simply, "She would never trap me in that urn."
Something tugged at Fox's memory, but it slipped away before he could grasp it. A frustrated sigh escaped him, and Elsa frowned.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Memory loss sucks," Fox pouted.
Elsa gave him a sympathetic smile.
"I've learned the past has a way of revealing itself," Emma said as she crouched next to them, "Give it time. In the meantime, I think this is about something more."
"Eh?" Fox said, "What makes you say that?"
"I brought Elsa to this world, but it was an accident," Emma explained, "The…Snow Queen, she was already here. I'm starting to think maybe it wasn't just some curse that brought her to Storybrooke."
"Well, Arendelle to the best of our knowledge wasn't affected by whatever curse brought the town here," Elsa said, "Bo Peep's staff showed you Arendelle."
"Then how the hell did she get here and know you were going to show up here?" Fox asked with a frown, "Anyway, we should get Stormer to that vet and discuss this on the way.
Elsa nodded, and Fox got up with a groan. Stormer yipped from her spot, happy that one of her humans was ok. Fox gently picked her up and they left the woods.