Chapter 5

Death at our door

Emma had trouble sleeping, she kept thinking about what happened a few days ago. She kept turning and turning in bed without finding a comfortable position to fall asleep, she casts a glance at her side to see the person lying beside her. Killian was sleeping peacefully she can stop envying him for that. She would give anything just to be able to sleep in peace. She glanced at the clock which was on Killian's bedside table to see it is affiching 1 h 23 in the morning. She had been lying in bed since 9 pm and all along she kept dreaming while awake. The truth was that she was afraid to sleep because it would mean that she was vulnerable and defenseless against her currents enemies.

Knowing she certainly will not go to sleep if it did not happen yet she got up as gently as possible to avoid waking Killian, then remember that not even an earthquake could woke him when he is asleep she did not have a problem she could make a little noise. Another reason she envied him. She finally gets out of bed and headed to what was use as a kitchen of her ... what exactly were they, she asked herself, were they a couple or just a one-night stand that would not stop to repeat itself. She shook her head to light up her ideas it certainly was not the time to think about this, she had more important things to deal with.

She decided to take advantage of her insomnia to continue with her research on everything that happened in the city, including the arrival of three new people besides Marianne. Marianne that she brought back from the past and the one Death otherwise known as Mitclantecuhtli wants back. Just think about all of that gave her a terrible headache. She turn the coffee machine on and went to the bathroom to look for aspirin and realized that she is not at home and that Killian has no antibiotics and that if she wanted some she would have to either go home or to the drugstore. Since the drugstore was closed due to how late it was and had no desire to go to home, she knows she will have to wait to get some.

So she returned,to the kitchen to make herself a cup of black coffee, she grimaced at the taste, but forces herself to drink it anyway because she had nothing better at the moment. She took her bag and sat on the couch to read her notes. She searched but she could not find her computer in her bag . The only reason why her computer would not be in his place was because someone had move it, the only people who have access to her bag are her father, mother, Neal who could not even hold it with those little hands since he was little, Killian and … Henry. There is only one person on that list who would take her computer without her permission and it was her son.

She knew that Henry was angry, no angry was not enough to describe what he was feeling toward her. It hurts her that he sees her as his enemy, not an ally she now knew what Regina was feeling when her son... when Henry behaved that way with her. All this made her want to drink something much stronger than the coffee cup she had in her hands and she knew that Killian possessed some in the slum he was currently living in. She know that she should not drink especially in a situation like this, she had to keep her thoughts enlightened in case something happens. Despite all this if she did not have her computer with her she could not continue her research on Mictlantecuhtli. All she knew about him until now is that he is an Aztec god. Deepening her research she learned that he had been locked by other gods who considered him too dangerous to be free.

She wondered if Killian and her had not released him by mistake, but then she realized that it was not possible she felt so relieved. He had been locked in a temple in Mexico. She wonders still how he did it to get freed from his prison. Just think about that thing gave her cold sweats and nausea. She gently shook her head to clear up her ideas and try to focus, but could not do so. She could not stop thinking about their encounter with this thing.

Flashback:

- I want what you took from me answers Mictantecuhtli without confirming or correcting what Snow had said

- You can't have her retorted David

The veiled creature let out a cruel and cold laugh then announced that who was going to stand against him to take what was rightfully his. She was starting to get angry and therefore she lost her grip on Emma who was beginning to be able to move to regain full use of her body and cast a spell on the thing that was in front of them and scream at the group to get closer to her so she could carry them elsewhere from here. Seeing that, death was not going to stay long freeze everyone did what she said and they made a circle and held hands out so Emma could get them out of this mess. Emma tries once, but it did not work and the creature continued to struggle against his fate she knew it was only a matter of seconds before she managed to break free. So she took a deep breath and concentrated on what Regina had taught her and when Death freed they all disappeared leaving only Mictlantecuhtli near the former residence of Regina.

They reappeared in Granny's dinner one over the other customers on the spot threw them a funny look, but they had no cure, because they were all unharmed.

- Get out of my restaurant Granny told the customers in a firm voice

- But we pay for our food we are going nowhere said a customer who was more curious than hungry

- Take your plates and leave Granny replied

Seeing that, she was not in the mood to joke or talk clients did what she asked for, to evacuate. After all the party concerned are gone Granny shut the door and turned the sign that said open to close.

- Well now that the gossipers are gone we will be able to speak and one of you will have to explain what just happened in front of the mayo, so that I can understand it let Granny in one breath

- What happen was that Emma brought us Death as if we did not enough problem that what just happen said Leroy sarcastically

- I have not done that scream Emma

- So could you explain why death is upon us to pick Marianne responds sarcastically Leroy

- I agree with him on this one, you put us all in danger Ruby adds dryly

- You'd prefer I let Marianne die, oh I forgot that killing someone would not be something new for you reapplies Emma defensive

A heavy silence was installed after this replica everybody knew it was a sensitive issue for Ruby to talk about the death of her former lover, Emma knew she had gone too far, but she did not care she was fed up with everyone assuming that it was her who had a done something as soon as something went wrong. She rose from her chair without looking at anyone and she left the bistro.

End of flashback

She let out a sigh of discouragement after what happened that evening she had no talk to any of them even though she knew that her behaviour was childish she could not help herself. She knew what she had said to Ruby was a low blow, but she was sick to being treat like that. It felt like whatever she do it will not please them. She was going to apologize at some point or another, but she did not want to do so now anyway. She had been hurt by Leroy and Ruby's comments, but what hurt her the most, no what hurt herb most was the inaction of her parents in all this. They did not say anything in her defense and that's what hurt the most in all this. She had thought that after all they had lived through the past two years would have made them closer, but it looks like they were just a family when there is a public or that things go wrong and ironically they were in public and things went wrong so why did they not react.

There, was the reason why she had been at Killian's for three days. She did not have the courage to face her parents after what happened and confront them. In addition, Henry did not want to talk to her or see her, she did not know what to do in a situation like this since she did not raise him she did not know how she should act. Henry is who he is today because he was raise by Regina.

When she left the dinner she was heading toward the dorms where the fairies lived in order to speak with Bell since Regina had left town, since Regina and Bell were friends. She then discovered that Bell also had disappeared and that the other fairies had not seen her for quite some time about five days. Now the question was whether Bell was among those who had disappeared or had did she leave alongside Regina.

The only way to learn more is to have Ruby uses her sense of smell to find out if the smell of Bell disappeared like the others or if the odor is still present in her remaining stuff. For that to happen she would have to apologize to her but she did not feel ready to do so. She decided to think about it more deeply later in the day, because right now she must find a way to try to sleep again she had to find a way to fight this insomnia. She could have advance in her research whether a certain person did not he took her laptop without permission. She lets out a sigh.

- Why are you out of bed ask Killian in a sleepy voice

- I could not sleep why are you out of bed Emma asked surprised to not have heard him arrive

- I had to go to the toilet we will speak after simply replied Killian who headed to the toilet lock himself in it and pursue his business

- Ok said Emma

After five minutes Killian left the toilet and walk toward the couch where Emma was. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him and spoke softly in her ears

- You were quite distant the last day something happened?

- ... Was Emma's answer

- If you don't say anything to me I can't help you Killian said to her silence

- I'm afraid Emma replied in a small voice

- Afraid of what? asked Killian

- Not to be a good mother, not being strong enough, afraid of what will happen with all that is happening in town reveals Emma

- You're a good mother look at the evidence look at Henry replied Killian

- Exactly, Henry is not my work, but Regina's I'm just one that is there for the good times Emma said in a sad voice

- There are so many things that I did not know about Henry before Regina gave me her memories when she sent Henry and I will to New York continue Emma

- The night we came back from the past I just told my parents that I was not leaving and I was remaining in Storybrooke and now everything went wrong I thought we would finally have some peace, but it is totally the opposite to add more I am the cause ends Emma

- It's true that you did not raised him as such, but with Regina's memory you've experienced the process which meant you lived those moments. Nobody is perfect everyone makes mistakes yours was having a big heart and then, you reunited a family, you saved someone's life a person less the old evil queen did not kill Killian said

- Well, now we will stop to be stuck in the past or we will never move forward in life and now we go back to bed to enjoy the rest of the time we have finished Killian, taking her hand and guiding her towards the bedroom

Later in the morning, in another part of the city Snow was busy feeding Neal while David was preparing to go to work and Henry finished taking his shower to go to school, or at least that's what believes Snow. Henry had other plans then to spend his day at school he had more important things to do like go to his mo... at Regina to be in peace to continue his research on Emma's computer .

After Neal is place n his crib Snow went preparing breakfast for everyone and make lunch for her husband and her grandson. When this was done she put everything on the table and went to the bathroom to take a shower since Henry had finished. When finished, she heard David say goodbye and he left for the office and when she entered again into the kitchen she did not see anyone she deduces that Henry's gone to school. She did not take offence because she had too many things to do and she could not take him to school.

She had to talk to Emma, she had been so concerned by what was happening that she had not noticed that three days had pass and Emma did not come home. She blamed herself for not having taking her side last time, because although she was a leader for the people of the city she was as a mother and not just Neal's mother, but also Emma's. It was just hard for her to see Emma as a child, because she was grown adult.

They all had to go get pass through their personal feeling because what is currently happening was more serious than their family problems. Since the evening at the bistro things went from bad to worse they now know what caused changing the temperature was due to the arrival of another newcomer of the past who had the power to manipulate ice. Leroy and another dwarf were attack two days ago by that woman when they were going in the barn direction.

She had appeared from nowhere as they say and just before their truck crash into her, she raised her hands and through ice towards them freezing the car on the spot, they did not think twice they got out of the car and ran. They had not yet seen or talk to the woman, but at least now they knew where to start the search and find a solution. Later, after looking for the woman and not finding her, David and some dwarves went to get the car back in bring it back to the city to have it examine. That's how they discovered an ice castle at the foot of a mountain several kilometers from the barns.

They did not get too close to it and they took the truck back to the city for Gold to examine it and tell them if he had seen something like this before somewhere. They could not find gold, but Belle promised to ask him and researching on her side then when it was finish she would call Snow to tell her Snow so she could come to the shop and get it.

She must now inform Emma of their progress, but she did not know how to tell her without her daughter feel guilty and think that it was all her fault. It was not her fault you can't choose other's actions they have to make their own. We have the power to influence other but we are not them you can't know how each person will react to a situation. She have to stop think that everything that goes wrong in the city is her fault.

Once she finished eating her breakfast she put her son in the stroller and tied him right after he was dressed appropriately for the weather. She had an appointment with Belle that began shortly so she set off to go to Gold's shop.

Belle had find new information on the person who lived in the ice castle, once she was aware of everything and she was not particularly pleased with what she had learned. Yet another secret of her husband she knew what she was in by marrying Gold, but she love him and she especially did not think he even hid things and apparently she had been wrong to think the opposite. She was waiting for Snow to arrives to give her the books and share the info she had.

She had tried to find the most information possible with the little time she had, she had spent all yesterday so she could finish her luggage today since she was going on her honeymoon with husband later in the day. She still did not know where they were going Rumple had said nothing to her, he said that it would be a surprise. She was looking forward to spending some time with him even if what she had discovered did troubled her trust in him and she expect that he speaks to her on his own. She was so in love with him. She lets out a contented sigh. She was shake of her thoughts by the noise made by the door when someone entered the shop. She looked up and to see Snow and Neal entered.

- Ah, finally you're here I almost think you were going to be late Belle said with a bright smile

- Yes, me too it is quite difficult to manoeuvre a stroller in the snow, usually it is David that push so I am not use to it Snow said with a slight smile

- Oh, how's your little one and how are you asked Belle from behind the counter

- He is well, he seems fascinated by all the snow that lies outside and I'm fine as I am happy Snow replied with a smile

- I can see that you radiates, it's true what they say about new mothers told Belle frankly

- Well, it's not that I don't want to stay and chat but I have to go and get to Cinderella's maternity course, so if you could tell me what you learned would help me a lot Snow said

- Oh, yes it is true that Cinderella has created a group for new mothers, how is it going this time and yes I will tell you and give you the information that I could find said Belle

- At the moment it is going very well, although Neal is my second child is the first I will raise and there are so many new things to learn about babies thanks to the growth of science that is very welcome. Moreover, Neal can socialize with other children during that time Snow said in a cheerful voice

- It's good I'm glad you're happy and you deserve it. Here this is all I could find in a day on the woman Leroy have described me, hey it's not a lot but I have not finished my bags after it is finish then I'll do it said Belle

- It is true that today you leave for your honeymoon with Gold, are you excited? Snow asks

- Excited, nervous, happy, and yes it is today that we leave for our honeymoon said Belle in a voice you could perceive the excitement

- Where are you going like this, are you going outside of the city or stay here curiously asked Snow

- I have no idea, Rumple wants me surprise said Belle

- Okay, I'll let you finish your bags, I'll go to my course I'll see you when you come back and do not forget to have fun said Snow who took the documents that Belle had put on the counter

- Thank you, have a nice day you will greet David and Emma for me replied Belle who came out from behind the counter to close after the departure of Snow

- Will do Snow simply replied out of the shop

Leroy and Sleepy were both seated at a table in Granny's bistro waiting for their order to be brought to them. Both were still in shock at what had happened yesterday. They still had trouble getting used to the idea that one person had so much power, to be able to completely change the temperature of an entire city.

Once Ruby brought them their breakfast they dig into it to savor it. The bell rang signing that someone had entered the small restaurant. They looked up to see who it was and they could see Emma emerged from the entrance. She was disoriented and had a lost look on her face. She looked like she was looking for someone without really knowing who.

Leroy waved his hand to indicate her to join them at their table. Sleepy shot him a questioning look kind of asking why was he asking her to come to our table. Before Leroy could answer Emma sat on the bench next to Sleepy and in front of Leroy. She asked them had happened after she left the meeting.

- Hey well, we have not heard of Mitclantecuhtli since his arrival, Sleepy and I we got attacked by a woman who can controls ice, there was no news about Regina ... began to say Leroy

- What did you just say? Emma interrupted surprised by what Leroy just told her

-Well, we have not hea... Leroy try saying again

- No, about you being attacked by this woman said Emma

- Well, it happen fast Sleepy said in a sleepy voice

- You're hurt? You do not look injured wondered Emma

- No, no we were not injured, but we could have been it would have take a second for us to be transformed into ice statue said dryly Leroy

- What? What do you mean? Tell me what happened and do not forget any detail Emma said in an authoritative voice

Leroy and Sleep both shared a look that said it all, but Emma did not notice their exchange and merely turn her head when Ruby passed close to their table. She did not want to cause any scene she had have enough she want to be able to have a normal day without hassle or problem.

- Well then, there is no news about Mitclantecuhtli from the last time we saw him and you know what they say no news is good news, we were attacked by a woman who can controls ice Sleepy and I. We found nothing on the situation about Regina began Leroy ...

- What? Why did nobody warned me cut Emma

- Well that is what I'm doing now says Leroy

- Yeah, and I told you to tell me the events in detail said Emma

- Ah, well for me it was detailed, but as which said Sleep

- Well, where was I mumbled Leroy

Flashback:

Following the departure of Emma there was a heavy silence that reigned over the room. Nobody knew what to say after what the daughter of Charming said, the parents of the girl more than anyone else were those who felt the worse for not having said anything to defend her.

- I feel like I just made a really big mistake David whispered more to himself than to anyone else

- Do you think Mitclantecuhtli did something to us that make us more mean with each other so that we are divided said the Blue Fairy who hoped it was the case and it was not voluntary on their part to act that way

- I do not think that he is the cause of these feud and these baffles were present well before his arrival in the city, so I do not think there's anything he did to us said Granny in a monotone

- We do not know that he could be the cause to all this, he was probably present in the city for far longer then we know and he could have manifested today just because it was going according to his plan, plus it is probably also him the cause of our meteorological problem David said

- Putting the blame on someone else instead of admitting these mistakes that is so surprising of you mumbling Ruby

- What did you say Ruby Snow asked curious to know what the wolf was mumbling

- Oh, I was just wondering if Regina was aware of him before she leaved and how Henry would take the new Ruby said with mock sympathy

- Obviously she knew about him that is why she left coward that she is in my opinion says David angrily and at the same time added Snow

- Yes, it will be a shock for him, but he'll get over it, he have Emma and us

Before anyone especially Ruby can add something Granny told them to go home to go see their families and she have to re-open soon her restaurant to not lose too much money.

End of flashback

- Wait, you did not tell me how you meet the woman who manipulates ice says Emma perplexed after what had just said Leroy

- ... Before Leroy could answer Emma got up from the table and headed for the door to look out, the snow had became more violent at the moment and Emma could see a woman walking in the same direction as the gust of wind that blew the snow toward them

- But what's up with this temperature said one of the customers who was seated at the stool and cold see all of it from his seat near the counter

- That's what I'm going to find out Emma said in a determined voice

- No, stay here advised Granny who had come out of her kitchen because of the silence in front of her restaurant

Emma did not listen to her, pushed the door and went outside. It was freezing cold, but she did not care she ran toward the woman and cast a spell toward her that hit her full force believing the pain that was showing on her face. Unfortunately, she was wrong she had not hurt the woman, she had made her angrier and she raised her arms and right away the snow stopped, the sun was predominated for the first time in weeks in this city.

All the snow started to be directed toward the woman forming a mountain shape figure. Emma turned her head to protect her face from the cold wind when she turned it again it was to see a giant figure of ice standing a few feet away from her. Emma did not think twice before running away on the opposite direction it must have been the wrong thing because he start chasing after her.

Here is a whole new chapter I hope you like it, leave me a comment because it is always good to read both good and bad ones for improvement. Thank you, for reading my story and sorry for the mistakes I'm doing my best. I am still looking for a beta.