*Author's Note: So I suggest listening to "Odysseus and the Siren's Song Part 2" by JJ's Tunes & Tales for this chapter. Enjoy. Review. Muah xoxo*

Truth Within The Sea

Chapter 4

Emma held onto Henry's shoulders as he pushed himself higher on the rails of the ship. "Look ma! You can almost see the shore!" the boy screamed with excitement. "I know!" Emma smiled squinting in hopes of seeing the pink sanded beaches. It didn't take long to dock on shore. The sun was still high when the ship dock to shore. Emma and Henry decided to pack a beach picnic quickly down below deck,

"Ready Henry?" the blonde excitedly asked.

"Yeah" the boy hugged.

"What wrong?"

"Well since you asked I was wondering if I could invite Mr. Killian with us?"

"ooh" the blonde looked taken aback " I mean if he's not busy-"

"Thanks mom! I'll meet you on the deck!" Henry smiled, he jumped up and quickly ran down the hallway of the ship before Emma had a chance to finish.

A small knock at the Captain's door caught Killian's attention before seeing Henry peking from the other side.

"Hey Henry," he greeted

"Hey Mr. Killian, mom and I are going down to the beach for a picnic and we were wondering if you weren't busy if you wanted to come with?" the young boy asked nervously.

"Well you know Henry, this beach has some of the best dolphin spots in the entire world. It'd be a shame if I missed them so I guess I'll meet you two on deck in about ten minutes." Henry gleamed with a smile only a child could carry. He nodded before hurriedly running back down to his mother who was packing up their picnic basket in their cabin.

"He said he'd meet us in ten minutes ma!" they young boy yelled passed the door.

"Whoa where are you going?"

"Mr. Killian said this is one of the best dolphin spotting beaches in the world! I'll meet you up there!"

Before Emma could object the kid was already halfway up the stairs.

The three walked down the beach a bit finding a cozy spot to set up their picnic. The sun was high and there wasn't a cloud insight. Honestly Emma couldn't think of ever going to such a beautiful place. She instantly knew why this was the brunettes favorite spot. Emma watched on as Killian and Henry built a sand castle and joined them once the decided to go for a swim. Hours had pasted before Killian excused himself to take care of some business on ship. Henry begged to stay out and watch the sunset however, it didn't take much convincing on Emma's behalf. The two walked along the coast picking up seashells and watching the beauty of mother nature in front of them.

"Look ma!" Henry pointed out at the school of dolphins passing by.

"I see Henry! Aren't they beautiful," she stated more so of asked.

"If I lived in the ocean I would be a dolphin," the young boy declared.

"A dolphin eh. Then I would be… hmm… a SHARK," Emma yelled before she began tickling her son. Henry took off down the beach yelling back at his shark mother. They ran around until Emma slumped back down into the warm pink sands in attempt to catch her breath. She allowed Henry to go a collect a few more shells before it was time to head back to the ship.

"Hey you two still alright out there?" The Irish drawl brought Emma's focus back to the ship.

"Yeah, we're heading back now" she yelled across the beach. Emma noticed the wind had pick up and storm clouds were fast approaching.

Something had made a small splash in the waters that caught Henry's eye. He turned squirting to see if it was another dolphin. He took a step closer to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him.

"Come on kid! We gotta go," Emma had stopped to see what had grabbed Henry's attention before walking over to him, "Henry"

"I thought I saw a mermaid!"

"What? Henry a mermaid, come on there's a storm coming" Emma turned and began walking again.

"I' serious mom! It was a mermaid!"

"Henry it's been a long day in the sun. It was probably just another dolphin or something. Plus mermaids don't exist and can we discuss this when we get on the boat!"

Knowing his mother he knew there was no point in trying to convince her without proper evidence. He knew exactly who he could go to to help with Operation Siren.

Rain quickly began to fall as the two raced back to the ship. Emma quickly told Henry to go and bathe before he caught a cold, he had just finish dressing for bed when his mother came to tuck him in. Emma had glanced over at the desk, every night Henry picked a story for them to read together and put it on the desk. She walked over grabbing the book before taking her place on the bed next to him. Tonight was The Green Ribbon. Emma had always found the story to be a bit unsettling especially for a child's bedtime book, but it was one of Henry's favorites so she basically knew it by heart. By the time she had finished Henry was fast asleep, she always wondered if Henry ever stayed up long enough to hear the ending if it would still be his favorite book. Emma gently got up and kissed Henry on the forehead before turning to place the book back on the desk. Emma gasped covering her mouth to ensure she wouldn't wake her sleeping son. She quickly stepped closer to the window glaring out into the dark abyss.

'It couldn't be' Emma thought to herself and as much as she tried to convey her thoughts she had looked over that photo enough times to know her eye, her mouth, her strong yet gentle jaw line. "Regina?" she whispered to herself.

Henry had snuck away right after breakfast to "help" a few seaman up on deck… at least that was the lie he told his mother. In actual retrospect he snuck into Killian's room in hopes of finding a book on mermaids. He found all kinds of maps and different books about the seas but nothing about mermaids anywhere. Soon he came upon the very photo Emma had questioned before. He starred at the photo of the brunette for a few moments before smoothly making his way out the Captains quarters. He had just closed the door when Killian came around the corridor.

"Looking for something lad?"

"Ooh well I was wondering if you were in there," he lied, "I think I saw a mermaid."

It was quiet almost too quiet, Quinn sat anxiously awaiting Poseidon in his office. He had sent for her that afternoon and she was escorted from work to his office. She had only been in his office a handful of time back when she had first transitioned and she was anxious to know the reasoning of why she was there. Soon the office door open and the blonde quickly rose to greet the older man.

"Please sit," he more so ordered than asked, "Quinn it's been brought to my attention that Regina and Astrid have… made acquaintance. Is that right?"

"I-I mean yeas sir umm.. that have gone out to dinner a few times." she stuttered.

"I'm making it your duty to make sure Regina doesn't-" he thought about his next word carefully, "that they don't get too friendly."

"Excuse me if 'm out of line, but why sir? I mean I have no rights to say who she can or cannot make friends with"

He sighed knowing he would be forced to explain the situation to the blonde.

"I chose Regina to become apart of this kingdom for a reason. I already know that Regina has been practicing magic," he raised his hand to silence Quinn, "I knew that she would learn about it eventually, however it's whom she is learning this magic from. You see Quinn Regina has the ability to become one of the most powerful sea witches any of the seven seas have seen. Whether she uses that magic for good is up to her."

"And you don't want her finding out about Ursula?"

"I'm sure she already knows all about my past with Ursula and her family. I'm worried that in her current state of mind revenge will take over and then we're all in trouble. If Regina gains the power that I assume she will have no one not even myself will be able to stop her."

Regina went through the motions of the day as usual however she could never clear her head of the events that took place the night before. She was about to leave for lunch when a familiar voice caught her attention.

"Hey Regina!"

"Good afternoon Quinn." the brunette greeted.

"Want to have lunch together? I don't have to be back for another half hour or so?"

"Sorry I can't I actually have lunch plans already."

"Ooh," the blonde sounded hurt almost, "well maybe dinner tonight?"

"Umm yeah. I'll let you know. Look I gotta jet, but I'll see you later okay?"

"Okay."

Although she already felt bad about the situation with Regina she was order to keep a close eye on the newcomer. The curly headed blonde followed Regina out of the castle and out into the open waters of the sea. Knowing she should have reported the violation immediately she kept reminding herself that she was following strict orders from the king. She quickly found a nice boulder to hide behind so she wouldn't be seen and nestled in. Fifteen minutes had passed and all she had learned was that Regina liked to hangout in open waters. 'She has to know how dangerous this is. I mean there was a whole class about it.' she theorized. In an instant a large maelstrom appeared bringing Astrid with it. As soon as it was there it was gone and the waters calmed themselves.

"It took you long enough." Regina announced.

"Well I ended up having to help Tess with something but don't worry we have plenty of time," she explained, "What should we work on today?"

"I need to learn how to transport in one of those cyclone thing you use."

"Well first they're called maelstroms, but I guess cyclone is correct too-"

"Anyways…" she interrupted

"Okay okay, so impatient today. I gave you the spell, did it not work?"

"No it work."

"And?"

"He already has another woman and her child living in our room!"

"What? Well I mean it has been a good fifty years-"

"Not the point!" she interrupted again.

"Okay calm your fin down. It's fairly easy just vision where you want us to go. Like really concentrate on where you want to go because one mistake and you could end up in some sticky situations… trust me. Okay close your eyes," Regina was hesitant, "come on trust me." Regina complied and closed her eyes. Forcing herself to concentrate as hard as she could.

"Okay think about your surroundings. What does the place look like, what does it smell like? Does it have a certain taste maybe something you've eaten there. Can you hear anything or feel anything? Really think about it. Now use your magic and take us there."

In an instant they were gone leaving Quinn baffled at what she just saw. 'So she IS learning magic from Astrid' Thinking she should probably be getting back to the kingdom while the coast was clear another shift in waters made her stay put. The two women had returned the same way they left.

"It'll take practice Regina, don't be discouraged. At least we weren't seen by those damn pirates. You know they hunt our kind right?"

"I know and I think it's time we start showing them who's really in charge of these seas." Regina smirked. After about another thirty minutes of practicing different magic and spells, the two went their separate ways in hopes of not being seen sneaking back into the kingdom.

That afternoon Regina found Quinn back at their place fixing dinner as promised. Although it indeed smelled amazing she found herself only wanting to do one thing.

"Hey" she announced her presents before scaring the young woman.

"Hey" she addressed the brunette without turning around.

"Are you still upset that I didn't go to lunch with you?"

"No! I'm upset because you didn't tell me you were practicing magic!"

"What? Wait… you followed me?"

"Yeah I did whoopi. Why didn't you tell me that you were learning magic? With Astrid to make matters worst!"

"Why does it matter? Why do you hate her so much Quinn? What has she ever done to you?"

"That's not the point Regina. You're putting yourself in great danger every time you're out in those waters. You're not strong enough to take on a shark or god knows what else."

"I'm very capable of taking care of myself thank you!"

"No you're not and that fit that you can't see that she's just using you is almost comical. Why do you need magic anyways?"

"That's none of your concern."

"Yes it is! I have to report you Regina do you not understand that?"

"You will have to report yourself too in that case."

"I'm fine with dealing with my own consequences. Are you?"

"ENOUGH!" she finally screamed, "I'm sorry I have to do this Quinn, but I just need some more time." And just like that Regina waved her hand and erased all Quinn's memories from the past twelve hours. She cleared the kitchen before transporting Quinn into her bed to rest. She never intended on using her magic on the poor girl, but she left no choice. Soon Regina gathered her thoughts and left.

After multiple attempts the brunette finally found herself back at the pink sanded beach. It was still early evening when she arrived and spotted the beautiful blonde walking down the shore. She climbed up a few rocks and sat over looking the sea. She couldn't explain it but she needed to know more about the blonde, so she swam closer to see her better. She was only about ten feet away from the blonde when she noticed that the blonde was sketching. She inched her way closer until she was floating just under the rock the blonde was resting on.

Emma had noticed something was swimming near her and scooted closer to the edge of the boulder to get a better look.

Instantaneously green orbs met brown and both women gasped. Not knowing what to do with this new exposure, Regina slowly started to back away from the rocks.

"Wait," Emma finally spoke up, "Are you-" she lost her words

"A mermaid" the raspy voice was more beautiful than Emma had expected

"No… well yeah, but he told us you died."

"He who?" she knew but she had to hear it for herself.

"Killian." There it was even hearing his name sent magic flaming through her body.

"well as you can see I'm very much alive Miss…"

"Emma. Emma Swan."

"Well Miss. Swan I should go."

"Wait! I have so many questions."

"As do I, but now is not the time nor place."

"You're hiding from him?"

"Quite the opposite. It's he who should be hiding from me."

And just like that she was gone.

Darkness had taken over finally and Regina watched as the seamen carried on with their evening routine like always… like nothing had happened. Images of that night flashed through her mind like lightning. She was angry, there was no denying that. Hours had passed and most the seamen had gone into town for a drink, Regina swan closer to the ship when he spotted a familiar face still cleaning. It was Oisin he clearly had aged but still kept himself very much in shape. an image of him pushing Alma off the very same ship that terrible night came back to Regina like it had happened yesterday. Before she knew it a song ripped through her as if telling a story only he and she would know.

"Oisin, Oisin, Oisin. Come live with me, my island has everything, every wish, every dream waits for you. They'll all come true. You hear my song, you feel me calling, you hear my voice rising and falling. It's so hypnotic as I sing for you. Just for yo only you. Oisin, you'll come to me. Oisin, no man can resist once his ears have been kissed by this siren's song. So sing along. The life you knew is slowly fading. You can't say no to our persuading. You can't resist our serenading for you, just for you, only you. Oisin, aaaaaahhhhhhaaaaa. Oisin, come live with us. Oisin, come live with us."

By the time the song was over the man was floating face down only a few inches away from Regina. 'What have I done' Regina stared at the body for a few moments before descending back into the depths of the sea.