*note: Pronounced tim-oy-us
Chapter 10: Timeaus
He screamed once, loud and piercing. His flames ignited within the cave walls, charging at the tiny creature on the ground.
It raised its hands high and water erupted. Steam cloud rose as his fire collided with the jet.
He was running out of breath. The force was too strong. He was losing.
The water crashed on his face, throwing his body against the wall as he closed his mouth. He panted, soaked and choking. Then suddenly a beam blasted off towards him. He stared in panic as the force hit him.
He tried to groan but his mouth wouldn't open. He tried to flap his wings. Nothing.
He couldn't move.
His entire body screamed as though he had just crashed into a giant tree. He watched as the two little monsters approached his body.
This is the end. They will kill him.
He was scared and confused. These monsters were powerful than he thought.
He waited for his death.
…
"How much time do we have?" Emma asked her.
"I'm…n-not sure…"
Regina was struggling to maintain the spell on the dragon. His giant form was absorbing great amount of magic out of her. Her arm was outstretched, her fingers spread apart, straining to control the energy shooting out of her body.
The dragon was trapped by invisible forces, held steady on the ground. Regina could see fear in his blue eyes.
I'd be scared witless if someone came along, trapped and froze me in place …
She hated herself for making a poor creature suffer this way.
But this was the only way they could save his life. Take his heart to the king before another army came to the mountain to kill this dragon.
"Before I reach for the heart," she spoke to the knight, "I have to heal his mind. He's grieving and vengeful. He needs to remember his happy memories."
"How are we going to do that?"
"I-I was hoping to cast a spell, channel my energy into his soul and find the good memories but…" Regina struggled to keep her hold on the magic, "keeping the dragon in place is becoming too difficult. If I do another magic, this freezing spell might become weak. He might attack again." She paused for a breath before speaking, "I need a medium."
"A medium?"
"Yes, so I can channel my energy through and into the dragon. That way my magic will pick up additional forces from the medium without disrupting the freezing spell. Emma, place your hand on his forehead."
"You want me to what?!" Emma looked at her horrified.
"Trust me," Regina pleaded with her, "I have a hold on him for now, he won't do anything. Just place your hand on his forehead."
The knight timidly took a few steps closer to the dragon and did as she was told.
Regina walked up to them and placed her free arm on Emma's shoulder. She began her spell.
…
Days flashed by his eyes.
His little boy learning to fly. His little girl hatching, looking upon the world for the very first time.
The one he loves. Her. The smell of her after a swim. The nudge of her head on his chest.
He saw her feeding the little ones. He saw her spread her bright wings.
Was he dying? Is that why he was seeing them again?
The monster's paws were on his head. He felt the soft flesh. Heat radiating into his skull.
Then suddenly the memories of the worst day resurfaced, clearer than ever. The pain flooded his conscience. His heart ran cold.
He was living that day again.
The screams. The cries. Broken wings. Arrows. His wailing children. Blood splatter. Her fall.
He couldn't speak. He couldn't move.
Tears stained his eyes.
He wanted to die.
…
"AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGHHH!"
"Emma….oh Emma please hold on….I'm so sorry!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRHHHH!"
Regina couldn't bear it anymore. But she had to keep going.
The knight was seeing everything through the dragon's eyes. Feeling everything the dragon felt.
Emma panted. Then another memory resurfaced. She cried out.
Soon…soon…just a little bit….
Tears streamed down the blonde's cheeks. Her eyes were unfocused, staring somewhere in the distance. She gasped for breath as Regina channelled her magic through her, healing the dragon.
"Kill me!" Emma screamed. Regina stared at her in horror.
"Kill me! Just kill me. You killed my children. You killed my love. I don't want to live anymore. Stop this pain. Please. Please. Please. AAAAAAAAAAH!"
The dragon was speaking through Emma. Her voice had become deep and raspy. Words came out as growls. Regina watched, shocked as Emma's eyes had turned electric blue, almost resembling the dragon's.
The queen swallowed heavily and closed her eyes, focusing on her magic. She had to be strong. This was the only way she could help her knight and the dragon.
Emma screamed and screamed. Begging for death.
But soon the screams turned into whimpers, then only panting. The magic was working.
…
He didn't understand any of it.
They weren't killing him. They were doing something to him, but it wasn't killing him.
The one with its hand on his head was growling. As though speaking for him. He felt the monster's presence inside his mind. He cowered, scared and confused.
Then he saw through the monster's eyes. He saw himself. He sensed fear. The monster was scared of him just as he was scared of it.
The monster was a girl. He saw war. Blood and swords. He saw another animal. A horse. Eating fruits from this she-monster's hand. The horse trusted the creature.
He saw the face of the other monster, that had threw him against the wall moments before. This one loves her. He felt it. The warmth, the need to protect, serve, love.
He was familiar with all of it.
He felt a weight lift from within him. Suddenly he wasn't carrying stones inside him anymore. It didn't hurt anymore.
The tiny monsters were making him feel better.
He looked up at the two little creatures, wondering why. Why were they being kind? Why were they making everything better?
Were there such things as good monsters?
…
Emma stirred.
She was lying on the cold cave ground. He head felt heavy, her heart pounding inside her chest.
She opened her eyes. And gasped.
Bright blue orbs were staring down at her. The dragon's mouth only inches from her. Emma's mouth dried.
Oh god. This is it. I'm about to get roasted into dragon food…
She closed her eyes and waited for the flames to hit her. Instead, she felt something big and wet trail up her face. Emma opened her eyes in horror.
The dragon's tongue was hanging out. He licked her again.
Regina chuckled somewhere behind.
"He really likes you," she spoke, walking up to them. Emma sat up, unable to speak.
The queen sat down on the ground beside her, right by the dragon.
"You passed out, Emma," she brushed her loose blonde curls away from her face, "the magic was too strong. But because of you, this big guy over here is feeling a whole lot better." Regina rubbed the dragon's snout, the creature made a little noise that could be passed off as a purr.
"D-did you take his heart?" Emma managed to find her voice, staring at the two in wonder.
"Not yet." Regina shrugged and stood, "I want you to do it."
"Me?!" she looked up in surprise, "I don't know how it's done."
"I'll show you," the queen nodded, "and it has to be you because the dragon trusts you. It trusts both of us now but you more because he felt you in his soul. He knows you are good and he is safe around you. So it has to be you."
"I could hear him" Emma gingerly reached for the creature. The dragon nudged her palm and rubbed against it. She smiled as her fingers felt his scales.
"You are good…"
She gasped as the voice boomed through her skull. She quickly retrieved her hand.
"Emma what is it?" Regina asked, worried.
"I-it-oh god!" she gasped, "Regina I think I'm going crazy. I swear the dragon just talked to me!"
Emma slowly touched his forehead again, testing.
"You are not insane. I'm talking to you, see. What are you called?"
"Umm…Em…Emma"
"Emma, I am grateful for what you have done."
"It was the queen, I didn't do anything."
"I felt you inside my head. I don't understand it, whatever it is you creatures were doing, but I felt your heart. You have a good heart Emma."
"Thank you."
"It seems during my spell, you formed some kind of… connection with him…" Regina whispered beside her, watching her and the dragon.
"I am… actually having a conversation with a dragon…" Emma breathed. The dragon blinked, bearing his teeth out in a wide grin.
"It's not completely unheard of," Regina nodded, "there are legends of dragon riders from ancient times. They shared souls with their dragons, each aware of the other's thoughts. Of course, dragon riders had magical blood, so that is not your situation. I would say the magic, while coursing through you, opened some sort of…channel, forming a direct connection with your mind and the dragon's. Every time you touch his forehead, you will be able to share thoughts."
"How am I understanding his…erm…language?"
"You're not. You will not be able to make out words if the dragon called out right now. Only when you are touching his head, it is possible. Your brain is reading the dragon's thoughts and translating it so you'd understand. Same is happening inside the dragon's mind as well."
"This is so bizarre," Emma trailed her hand over the roughness of the dragon's neck.
"You were very brave today, Emma," Regina smiled at her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "I only managed to heal him because of you, your strength guided my magic."
The queen leaned in and kissed her softly on her lips. Emma smiled.
"Time to take his heart."
She nodded and placed her hand on the dragon's forehead. But removed it again.
"I need a name for him."
"A name?"
"Yeah, so I don't just say "listen, dragon, I'm going to take your heart now." That's not nice."
"Maybe ask him if he has a name?"
"Alright."
She placed her hand on his forehead.
"What should I call you?"
"I do not know."
"Don't you have a name?"
"What is a name?"
"You know how I am Emma, you are…"
"Dragon."
"So you are Dragon the dragon?
"Huh?"
"Oh for god's sakes! I'll just call you…Tim."
"Tim? What is Tim?"
"You. You are Tim!"
"Tim?"
"Tim."
"I am Tim."
"Now, Tim, listen up. I have to take your heart."
"Why?"
"The king will kill you if I don't."
"Will I not die if you take my heart anyway?"
"No, see the woman beside me. She is Regina-
"I know. She is your love."
"What? How do you know that?!"
"I felt you in my head earlier. I know everything about you."
"Oh…well…alright then. Just don't tell her that."
"Why?"
"Reasons. Now, here's what is happening. She knows how to take a heart without killing. Do you trust me, Tim?"
"Yes, Emma, I do."
"I promise we will bring it back to you."
"I believe you."
Emma nodded at Regina, "Tim's ready."
"Who's Tim?" the queen asked, confused.
Emma patted the dragon's nose, "this big guy. I named him Tim!"
"Of all the elegant dragon names out there, you go for Tim?" Regina shook her head.
"Well if you want elegant…it could be short for Tim…eaus…alright Timeaus! That is elegant. Timeaus the fire breather!"
"Dragons are fire breathers Emma, that's redundant."
"Would you just show me how to take the goddamn heart woman?!" she hissed.
"Alright…alright," Regina chuckled and stepped closer.
Hours later…
The heart was safely contained in a leather pouch. Emma was carrying it inside her cloak's pocket. Anthony was galloping softly towards the edge of the woods now.
The moon was high above in the night sky. The castle lights sparkled over the lake water.
Regina was riding Rocinante beside her. She was carrying a sac full of crystals, wrapped in her clothes. She checked a number of times to make sure they won't break during travel. She told Emma those could be useful in the future. She wanted to experiment with them, understand the properties.
Mulan and Aurrora were riding behind them. Heidi had given blessings to her niece and her lover, wishing them good luck.
The castle was approaching.
"I should go in first," Regina whispered to Emma, "I need to take my spell off Stella and erase her memory."
Emma nodded. The queen turned and tugged Rocinante's reign. The horse jumped to life and galloped ahead.
She watched the woman ride away towards the castle.
I wish I had kissed her once…before letting her go…
The thought consumed her. Emma yanked Anthony's reign and he ran towards Rocinante.
"Regina, wait!"
The queen stopped her horse and turned.
"What is it, Emma?"
Anthony stopped just beside Rocinante and Emma leaned over. She took Regina's face in her hands and kissed her.
Waves splashed onto bedrocks by the lake shore. Soft wind blew past them.
Regina sighed as their lips broke apart. Emma traced her cheek lovingly, wondering when she'd be able to kiss her again.
"I will miss you, my queen." she smiled at the woman, giving her a soft kiss on her cheek.
"As will I, Ser Swan." Regina nodded, "these few days I spent with you, were the most amazing days ever, in all of my life."
"Regina I-
Emma caught herself just in time. She couldn't say those words just yet. Not now.
"-I can't wait until I see you again."
"Soon, I hope," Regina eyed her curiously, "once I have the heart in my possession again I will bring it to you."
"D'you think Leopold will allow it out of his sight?"
"Knowing the king," Regina chuckled, "he will show off for a few days, maybe even throw a celebration, after that he will forget all about the heart. He's like that for all his possessions."
Emma tilted her head, watching the queen closely.
"The king is a fool." she told her, "he doesn't understand the great value of what he possesses."
"Maybe it is good that he is this way," Regina smirked and raised her eyebrow, "others can benefit from his careless nature."
"Hmm… someone might come and steal away his most precious possession," Emma winked.
"Maybe it wants to be stolen." the queen looked her in the eye. Emma met her stare. They held each others gaze. Green and brown locked in a moment.
"Good night, Ser Swan." Regina spoke softly, turning away.
"Good night, your highness."
After Regina left, Emma rode towards the guest tower with Mulan and Aurrora. Soon word spread around the castle of the knight's return. The huge bell rang, announcing to the entire city.
Leaving Anthony in the stables, Emma made her way into the king's court.
Loud applauses greeted her. Some patted her back as she made her way towards the dais.
Leopold was seated on his throne with a wine filled goblet in his hand. His beard looked darker.
Not happy to see me is he now? Oh well.
Emma smiled to herself as she stepped to the front and bowed. As she stood back up she saw Prince Graham wink at her, from his seat behind the king. People cheered all around her.
"Ser Swan! Ser Swan!"
"Great dragon slayer!"
"Brave knight!"
"God bless you, Ser Swan!"
Leopold held up his hand and the court fell silent.
"Show me!" he spoke to Emma.
Emma reached inside her cloak and retrieved the pouch. Inside was the dragon's heart.
She handed it carefully to one of the guards who took it to the king. Leopold held it up in his hand. One of his advisors stepped up, taking a closer look.
"It is genuine, my king." the old man stated.
"Ser Swan has slain the dragon indeed!" Leopold announced to the court. Another round of applause rang out.
A guard walked up with a glass box in his hand. Leopold dropped the heart inside and closed the lid. He placed it on a high podium for all to see.
"We shall feast tomorrow night!" he announced, "Send words to all of our friends. The last dragon in the Enchanted Kingdom has been slain! Our lands are once again safe from the dangerous beast. The feast will be in honour of Ser Swan and the Prince, for serving us so well. We will be forever grateful to the great nation of Sa'ar for bringing us peace. Let the preparations begin!"
Cheers and applauds erupted in the hall once again. People surrounded Emma, congratulating and giving her blessings. She smiled politely and shook hands with everyone.
Emma watched as the queen walked into the court and slowly took her place beside the king. The servant girl, Stella, was with the other maids, serving wine to all the guests.
The king took Regina's hand and kissed it. Emma felt a monster growl deep inside her, wanting to snatch that beautiful hand from that man and run away.
Regina's eyes never left hers. The queen smiled a little, her sweet and honest smile, just for her. Emma felt her spirits lift.
You will be mine, my dear queen. One day, you will be all mine. I will steal you away from him if I have to. But you will be mine.
Emma smiled and nodded at Regina. Then she turned and walked out of the court through the cheering crowd.
…
*note: Not to worry, dearies, Tim will have his heart back soon. I want to have a little fun with our knight and queen in the next chapter. We'll see how it goes.