Ship Wreck
A/N: Hello lovely people! To those who didn't know, the language Emma and Rama spoke in the previous chapter was Trigedasleng. I fancied throwing it in there since I have very little use for my knowledge of the language XD
Chapter 7- Crossing The Sea
Regina was dreaming. It was dark at first, yelling surrounded her though she could not see the source. Then pain, something had hit her, hard. She feared that was the end, her body was to be trapped in this darkness forever. But then, light. Something strong and pure seemed to lift her. Raise her. Regina felt weightless, like she was flying. A warm glow seeped through her body as strong arms seemed to envelop her, protect her. They carried her, to where? Regina didn't care, she just wanted this feeling to last. This angel radiated a feeling of safety and security, as if they would protect her from any and all harm.
Then it all melted, the darkness faded and so did Regina's guardian.
Chocolate eyes blinked open slowly, pupils rapidly dilating as light seeped into her vision. The gentle rocking beneath her alerted Regina to the fact she was back on the boat. When had she returned? Honestly, Regina didn't remember much after leaving the tavern. She had stayed closed to Rama, her heart aching at the sight of the heartbroken little boy.
Regina turned her head to the side slowly, eyes sweeping across the captain's cabin. Wait, the captain's cabin? The brunette frowned as she tilted her head up. Why was she in here? Her hands drifted across surprisingly soft bedsheets as she tried in vain to recall what had happened.
She almost screamed when she noticed the body sat next to the bed. They weren't look at her, startling emerald eyes were fixed on a large leather bound book. Regina stared at the captain, eyes bulging at the unfamiliar woman in front of her. Usually the captain was so pirate looking, layered in leathers and weapons, topped off with a confidently cocky aura.
However, as Regina stared she realised she wasn't looking at the captain, she was looking at just Emma. The blonde wore simple leather trousers which hugged at her thighs and calves. Knee high boots were tightly laced up, the toes scuffed and worn out. A simple large white shirt hung off Emma's upper body, the bottom of which was tucked into her usual leather belt. But what captured Regina's attention the most was the endless mass of blonde haired which had been tied up into a messy bun. Chocolate eyes had no qualms over staring at the long, slender neck of the captain, with endless sun kissed skin, smooth and unmarked.
Regina looked back over at Emma's face. Her forehead was creased with thought as she studied the book in her lap. The brunette couldn't help the smile that crept onto her face as she realised the captain seemed to have cared for her. It was truly bewildering, the idea of the fearsome captain Swan tenderly caring for Regina in her injured state. The same warm feeling the brunette had felt in her dream instantly returned as she continued to smile.
Regina was so caught up in her thoughts she didn't register Emma eventually turning to look at her.
"Regina?" Emma called softly, slipping from her chair to kneel next to the bed. Regina blinked a few times as she registered the movement. Her eyes darted up to the worried look on Emma's face as she peered down at the dazed brunette.
"Hey." She croaked back, her voice hoarse. Regina smiled at the look of relief that spread across Emma's face briefly before the captain schooled her features. A callused hand stretched out to lightly touch Regina's head, the palm placed flat against her forehead before moving back to run through Regina's hair. The brunette smiled at the action before wincing in pain as Emma pressed against a lump on her hair line.
"It's just a bump, nothing serious." Emma commented as her eyes flickered down to Regina's pained face. "However, that will scar." Regina frowned again as she reached fingers up to touch her. Fingers instantly came into contact with warm broken skin and she shrieked, swiftly trying to sit up. As soon as Regina was up, she was back down again as her head throbbed painfully. "Take it easy."
"What happened?" Regina whined, fingers covering her mouth as she felt over the large cut.
"We were ambushed on the docks, you got hit saving Rama." Emma informed as she removed her hand from Regina's face. The brunette almost pouted at the loss of contact.
"And you took care…of me?" Regina asked hesitantly, hoping for a yes.
"I guess," Emma shrugged making Regina roll her eyes. "I'm the only one of board whose any good at healing. Ironically, Red can't stand the sight of blood." The captain chuckled.
Regina slowly began to sit up again, bracing her hands behind as she gingerly rose up. Emma's own hands shot out to hover cautiously around the brunette as she sat up. Once up, Regina noticed the captain awkwardly drop her hands to rest of the bed beside Regina, her fingers twitching slightly as if she wished to touch Regina again.
"Did you get what you needed?" Emma nodded, standing from her chair and distancing herself from Regina quickly.
"Yeah, I was waiting for you to wake up before I announce the plan to the crew." The blonde murmured softly, stopping at the end of the bed and casually leaning against the wooden frame.
"Best not keep them waiting then."
After wobbling on her feet for a moment or two, Regina was finally up and alert. She followed Emma out of the cabin, fingers tracing over the cut on her lip as they walked. It was warm and bright outside, only a few clouds dotted in the sky. A fair wind pushed the ship smoothly through the water.
Regina stood at Emma's side as the captain signalled for the crew to fall in. In seconds the small crew stood in a loose circle around Emma, their faces eager to learn the plan.
"After my chat with our latest friend, we finally managed to get a clue at Hook's plan. With the assistance of our other new friend and temporary crew member, Belle, we have pieced together a plan." Emma announced loudly. Regina looked over at the newly introduced woman, Belle, with curious eyes. She was petite and very pretty with large brown eyes seemingly filled with knowledge. Belle stood proudly besides Ruby, who's eyes were glued to the little brunette.
"We believe Hook wishes to sacrifice Robin at the Altar of Death with the intention to resurrect his recently deceased wife," Regina gasped loudly, drawing the attention of everyone around her. Emma turned slightly, giving Regina an almost reassuring look. "From what Belle has told me, the Altar of Death is located on the mythical island Atlantis."
Everyone exchanged questioning looks at the mention of the island but Emma ignored them as she turned to address Ruby. Regina stood gaping at them. Atlantis? Alter of DEATH?! No one seemed even the slightest bit affected by the ridiculous plan they were hearing.
"Red and Baelfire if you would join me in my cabin. Belle and Regina also. The rest of you back to your duties. Dismissed." Emma said bluntly before spinning around on her heel and marching back into her cabin. A few more looks were shared before everyone shuffled off again.
Regina quickly followed after Emma, Red, Bae and Belle close behind her as they entered the cabin once more. The captain was slumped in her chair, emerald eyes fixed on the map in front of her. The others all silently took their seats around the captain. A deathly silence hung in the air as everyone waited with baited breath for Emma to speak again.
"Go ahead." The blonde said eventually, slipping her eyes shut.
"I'll go first then," Baelfire piped up. "Atlantis? Like the Atlantis that you know… Sunk?"
"Yep," Emma muttered. "That one."
"And Hook is going to kill Robin?" Regina whispered fearfully. She looked at Emma intently, frustrated that the blonde was avoiding her gaze.
"Belle explain." The captain replied dismissively, still not looking at Regina.
"Okay…," Belle mumbled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before addressing the others. "Atlantis is fabled to appear when the sun and moon align in the sky and the blood of a traitor and the broken hearted is spilled. If the ritual is done correctly, a pathway to Atlantis will be opened. It's said that the sea will part!" Belle explained excitedly. "The Altar of Death is said to be located at the heart of Atlantis. If my books are correct, at the altar is where a life must be sacrificed for another to return to this world."
"A life for a life." Red mumbled lowly from her seat which she had sunk down into.
"Yes." Belle nodded. "The altar opens the gateway to hell itself."
"This plan is literally going to hell." Emma announced, spreading her arms in an exasperated motion.
"Sort of," Belle interjected. "You don't actually enter hell. Who in their right mind would do that?!"
"Hook." Baelfire concluded. The others all nodded in agreement.
"I'll plot a course tonight, but for now we travel north. I will have to work out the fastest route there."
"And safest." Regina snapped.
"I make no promises." Emma shrugged.
"Jolly good." Red grumbled and rose from her seat. "Is that all Captain?"
"Yeah, you're all dismissed."
The pirates all stood from their chairs except for Regina who remained firmly in place. The others all swiftly left, leaving the captain and Regina alone. Emma awkwardly stood from her chair, looking at Regina expectantly.
"You wish to talk about something? Or do you just like my presence?" Emma asked with a smirk. Regina scowled at her as she to stood and walked over to the captain.
"Are you sure we'll reach Robin in time?" Regina shot out, her posture defensive though her voice vulnerable.
"Yes." Emma replied calmly as she moved away Regina. The brunette instantly followed, irritated that Emma kept walking away from her. She caught Emma's frustrated look as the blonde noticed Regina's insistency to follow her.
"How can you be sure?! What if Hook is already there?!" Regina worried her bottom lip as her arms covered her chest, hugging herself.
"Then he's going to have wait around for a while." Emma shrugged, once again drifting away. "The ritual can only be performed when the sun and moon are in line. If Belle is right, that's not for another seven days." Regina still wasn't convinced as she stomped after the captain for a third time.
"But what if-"
"Stop!" Emma snapped, stopping herself abruptly and spinning around to face Regina, who stepped back in alarm. "The Saviour is the fastest ship this side of the cold sea. If I say we can catch up to Hook, then we can. The sooner the better." The few words were said with a lot of venom causing Regina's eyebrows to scrunch up in offense. Emma seemed to catch up with herself and briefly looked guilty before her became stoic again.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Regina growled scrunching her fists up. Emma didn't reply for a moment as she stared out of the window, her face blank.
"It means that this ship is no place for a Lady like you." Emma eventually said, still not looking at Regina. "The sooner we get back to shore I can dump your arse back in the city and go back to the life I like, not this," She seemed to struggle words and instead waved her hand around until words finally came. "I don't know what this is but I don't like it!"
"I didn't realise I was such a burden upon you!" Regina replied, her voice losing its strength at Emma's hurtful words.
"You're a liability. Nothing more than a loved up girl bored of her perfect life." Emma hissed, finally turning to look at Regina's face. The angered look on the blonde's own face melted almost instantly at the pain Regina displayed. The brunette turned away, angry with herself.
"You don't know a thing, Emma Swan. Just because I grew up in nobility and you in some gutter doesn't mean you get to assume anything about me or my life!" Regina yelled before racing out of the cabin, not daring to look back at the cabin.
She felt foolish and unbelievably angry. How could she think Emma cared even the slightest bit about her. She was nothing more than what she was. A pirate. Cold and mischievous, but worse of all uncaring.
Regina stormed across the deck, ignoring Red, who had been hovering outside the cabin. The lieutenant looked torn between following Regina or speaking to Emma. Regina didn't want to talk to her, she didn't want to talk to anyone. She had had enough of pirates for the day.
She rushed below deck, unsure where she was going as she stomped through the wooden halls. After discovering she had nowhere to go, Regina came to a shaky stop, her arms returning to the previous position, hugging herself as she fought the tears that wanted to fall. She wouldn't cry, Emma didn't deserve her tears.
"Are you okay?" A small asked from near Regina's knee. She looked down, her eyes meeting the same eyes which has caused so many confusing emotions.
"Rama," She mumbled, forcing a smile at the curious boy. His curly hair partly covered one of his eyes has he stared up at her. "Yes, I'm fine. How are you?" He shrugged, almost making Regina roll her eyes. She had enough shrugging for one day.
"Ai laik ku." He replied with a smile. Regina frowned at the language, unsure of where it came from.
"Pardon?" Rama chuckled, clearly amused that Regina didn't understand him.
"I'm okay." He said again with a sweet smile. "Wanna talk?"
Regina hesitated for a moment. It seemed foolish to pour her heart out to someone so young. But as she stared into the identical emerald eyes she felt her heart soften and she smiled.
"Okay."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Emma stood frozen in place as the cabin door slammed shut, her heart throwing itself against her ribcage painfully. She hadn't meant to hurt Regina; in fact, she hadn't meant to speak to her at all.
Emma stamped her foot upon the floor, swinging an arm around to knock over anything close by. Everything had been fine before the brunette had turned up. She had been captain Emma Swan, a devious rogue, uncaring and focused. All Regina had done was simply exist near her and it was enough to resort Emma to a pile of caring goo. She was someone who cared now. Oh joy.
The blonde began pacing back and forth with her arms crossed, guilt overcoming her senses as she moved. She didn't want to care about Regina, she had no time for it. Her emotions were stretched far enough. August was her priority and even then she didn't even like him most of the time. He was closed off and private, spending most of his time in the crow's nest and picking fights with people far bigger than him. Emma loved him deep down, but their relationship was strained. Then there was Rama, innocent and smart for his age. Emma knew Rama understood the goings on around far better than Neal probably realised. Emma had no doubt that Rama knew his father was in danger. But despite how little involvement she had ever had in Rama's life, she cared about him still. He was her nephew; it should be a given. Yet even as she thought it, Emma knew just because they shared blood did not mean she would forever care about him. Blood meant very little to her.
The door suddenly open and Emma jumped, instantly hoping Regina had come back. She scowled when emerald eyes fell upon a disappointed looking Ruby.
"Not now, Red." Emma muttered, turning away from the other woman.
"What did you say to her." Red demanded as she closed the door with a snap.
"The truth." The blonde replied stoically.
"Liar." Red snapped.
"She was getting to close, I had to do something." Emma replied, glaring at Red who rolled her eyes.
"You 'had to'? No what you had to do throw her off the ship the second she got on. But no. You let her on and in doing so you let her in. You can't now start to threaten to throw her off, the damage is already done." Ruby pointed out, with her arms crossed.
"Did I ask you opinion, Ruby?" Emma snapped, frustrated that everyone seemed to be speaking their minds today.
"No, but you're getting it." Red shrugged, putting an end to the growing argument. "So what if you've got a thing for her?"
"I don't!"
"You do." Emma glared at the brunette who looked back at her unfazed. "And it's about time you cared about someone other than yourself."
"She loves another." The blonde grumbled.
"Need I point out the obvious to you?" Red asked sarcastically. "I don't care what she says, it isn't love that pulled Regina out here."
"Red-"
"Just think about it, okay? You don't have to be 'the Captain' to everyone. Make her the first one." Ruby gave a small smile before quickly leaving the cabin. Emma watched her go, her face crumpling in defeat as she mulled over Ruby's words.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The day wore on smoothly as the ship sailed through the sea. The environment slowly began to change as they grew ever closer to Atlantis. Emma had spent most of the day in her cabin, not wishing to show her face in fear she would see Regina again.
Eventually Emma forced herself from the cabin and back up the helm. She'd been safe for some time before Regina also eventually resurfaced. The captain had been curious as to where the noble been hiding herself away.
She watched the brunette like an eagle as she wondered around the ship, her eyebrow slightly raised at the small shadow which seemed to have glued itself to Regina. Rama was enamoured by Regina, chattering away to her about everything and anything. Emma was pleased he had found a friend in her that he wouldn't find in Emma. She wanted be closer to him, but had no idea how. She had never been very good with children. She had greatly cared for August when he was a baby, putting her off children by quite a lot.
Regina was obviously ignoring Emma's entire existence as she chattered with the crew. Geb was also very taken with Regina and had taken to showing off whenever she came close by. Nut seemed very bemused by her brother's behaviour, sharing a smile with Regina every time she noticed him trying to impress her. Red had been observing both Emma and Regina from a far, despite the captain's warning looks.
Emma had thought over the lieutenants words endlessly since they had been said. Emma had never been alone; people had surrounded her no matter where she was. But no matter how many people she had with her, she was not exempt from the harrowing feeling that was loneliness.
Emma had been used to the feeling, liked it even. Regina changed that, made her feel warm inside. She hated how fearful she had been for the brunette, how she had sat at her side nearly all night, relished in the feel of her hair every time she had checked on the growing bruise, how soft her lips had been as she washed away the blood. After everything she had done to build walls and make herself the fearsome captain she was, it had all so easily been changed by one simple yet incredible woman.
Night fell and each of the pirates slowly trickled off to their separate areas of the ship, the one remaining was Emma who stood rigid at the helm. The sky was clear as the ship gently sailed along, little wind pushed the sails. The moon was high in the sky, illuminating every surface of the ship, almost making it glow. The air was completely silent besides the lapping of the waves below.
Emma sighed to herself as she finally let her body relax, propping her elbows upon the helm and dropping her head to rest on them heavily. She had a vague plan for the route to reach Atlantis, the aid of her maps easing the process. Emma felt apprehensive of the whole plan, for the first time she could not predict every aspect.
Movement caught her attention as someone emerged from below deck. Emma couldn't help the smile as she recognised long brunette hair gleaming in the moonlight. Regina didn't look at the captain at first, her gaze locked on the huge moon above them. Emma didn't disturb her, content with admiring the awe filled look on the young woman's face. This was all so fast, so many feelings in such a small amount of time. But yet as Emma looked at Regina, there was no denying the sudden feelings she felt.
Regina finally turned to look at the captain, her face shadowed as she looked up at Emma. The blonde felt bare before her, vulnerable. Silence still remained as Regina continued to up at Emma.
"No matter how old I am, night time as always been my favourite time." Emma said, loud enough for Regina to hear but still keeping her voice soft.
"Dawn will always be mine. Something about the way the sun rises is unlike anything else in this world." Regina replied, though she still did not approach Emma.
"Perhaps you've never seen the night like I have." Emma mused and gestured with her head to Regina. She waited with baited breath to see if the brunette would accept her invitation. After a tense wait, Regina finally began to climb up the deck towards the helm, bringing her face back into light.
"What do you see that I don't?" Regina asked tensely. Emma smiled softly and stepped to one side.
"This," She gestured to Regina to stand at the helm. The brunette was hesitant at first before slowly following the directions. "Put your hands here," Emma guided Regina's hands, her breath held as they touched. Her free hand moved to the brunette's lower back, straightening her back. "Look straight ahead."
"You everything so differently to me," Regina whispered suddenly, her eyes gleaming in the light. "I'm trying to see what you see…but I can't.," She turned to look at Emma. "You won't let me."
"Everyone is afraid of me." Emma replied. "I relish in that. Their fear…it keeps them away. My enemies don't move against me; my crew stay loyal to me. That fear stops them all from looking at me."
Emma stared at the endless ocean before her, hyper aware of the way Regina looked at her, the way no one else did.
"But you, you are looking at me. I don't know how to understand that, it's different." Regina smiled at her, causing Emma's heart to beat faster. "You're trying to understand me, but not in a malicious way, you just…are."
"My whole life everyone has been the same. Snooty nobles and royals who smile at one another but all hold knives behind their backs." Regina said quietly, her voice small but also strong. "You are unlike anyone I have ever known. You hold the knife in front of you, you're open and strong. I'm not scared of you, a part of me even wants to be you."
"I'm not what you think." Emma sighed. "I'm not one of the good guys-"
"-But you're not one of the bad ones either." Regina cut across, her tone irritated.
"Why are you so sure of this?" The captain mumbled, her brow pulled together.
"It's like you said, I'm looking at you. But also, I've had the chance to see you through the eyes of one who sees everything, who is still purely innocent."
"Rama." Emma grumbled. "He's been stuck to you like glue."
"He is a surprisingly good listener." Regina chuckled. "He seemed so concerned that I was upset…" Emma's heart lurched painfully once more as she remembered what she has said earlier that day.
"I didn't mean the things I said this morning. I was vulnerable and lashed out at you," Emma struggled with the next words. "I'm sorry."
"I wasn't going to accept so easily, but the amount of force it took you get those words out I fear the next time may kill you." Emma glanced over at the brunette, relived at the smile on her lips.
"I like your presence on my ship." She mumbled stepping forward to lean against the railings, leaving Regina to actually steer the ship.
"Rama spoke a lot of his father," Regina revealed softly and Emma turned slightly to look at her. "You never said anything about another brother."
"I haven't seen Neal in over three years. It was truly shocking the Rama even remembered who I was." Emma replied stoically.
"It didn't seem like a happy reunion." The brunette probed subtly and Emma smiled at her attempts to pry.
"Neal and I have a…difficult relationship. He doesn't sit well with my line of work, never has really."
"He looks just like you, they both do." Regina cooed softly. "I guess I assumed he was a pirate also, given that August is too. How did you become a pirate?"
"I was always supposed to be a pirate. It was what was need of me." Emma replied vaguely. "Guess it was a happy coincidence I was good at it."
"Were you always supposed to be a hero?" Regina coaxed eagerly. Emma was taken aback by the question and fully turned to study Regina. She seemed so desperate to learn more about Emma, as if she truly needed to know.
"We're all capable of good and bad things," the blonde mumbled. "Only fate can decide how we play it out."
"Oh."
"Guess it's handy I control my own fate, isn't it?"
"It really is." Regina replied with a beaming smile.
"Is it worth it? All of this…for love?" Emma asked, taking a turn at prying. Regina opened her mouth to instantly reply but nothing came out at first. She stood in silence for a moment before replying.
"I don't love him."
"Then why are you here?" Regina looked sad for a moment or two, her expression far away.
"I owe Robin a great deal. He is an exceptionally kind man, useless in most things, but kinds none the less." The brunette said softly, her voice barely audible. "If he dies, I will become Queen. My family are next in line, there are no others with royal blood with a claim to the throne. If I become Queen my mother will have everything, I will become a puppet to her will. I need to save Robin; I have to protect the kingdom."
"You'd give up everything? Risk your life and save a stranger so that you could be in a loveless marriage?" Emma was bewildered and greatly saddened by Regina's revelation.
"My mother is a terrible woman and would inflict hell upon this world if given the right power. I will not give her that power."
"Then I am not the hero here." Emma declared, smiling at Regina.
"It's worth it. If am successful and bring Robin back, I would have had a chance at freedom, lived a little. Maybe even loved… If I get a chance to feel any of that, I will happily take a loveless marriage."
"I hope I can give you all of that."
A/N: SWAN QUEEN, SWAN QUEEN, SWAN QUEEN, ONE MORE TIME, SWAN QUEEEEEEEEEN! Please review and tell me all your thoughts and feelings and follow for more! Till next time Kids!
