Hey guys, sorry it took forever...but here it Chapter 9. I hope you guys like it...and please feedback with ideas and whatever you want to see makes it's way into the story. Stayed up all night again to get this one finished and I might do that same again to night if I get some inspiration...we'll see. Anyway, enjoy :)
Mary Margret decided that her husband could use with a bit of a breather after their second venture on Space Mountain. She thought that perhaps shoveling some salty butter soaked carbs on top of the bagel he'd consumed prior to the jostle from the coaster, may help to stifle the vomit that was threatening a second coming of said bagel.
Rumple, chose to tag alone. He found it the perfect opportunity to acquire his long awaited coffee. Being a solo member on this leg of the trip, lead him to being the third wheel in everyone else's party. Not exactly something he was looking forward to. He knew coffee was always something that drew him out of his darkness and into the lighter parts of his mind. It's hot form would burn its way down his throat and make him feel something other than his own feelings of worthlessness. Ever since the return home from Neverland, Belle had been different. Different how, he couldn't quite put his finger on. So a nice hot cup of smoldering bitter drink was just what the crocodile needed to hush his inner turmoil.
The others used this time to enter the queue for Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. They made idle chatter while moving slowly, one family at a time. Midway through their wait Buzz himself made an appearance. Henry wanted to spring from the roped cage he was in, and rush to one of his childhood heroes.
"Hey kid look." Emma pointed to the people ahead of them.
"He's making his way to everyone in line; you'll get your shot. No need to bust outta here and miss our turn." She said running a motherly hand through her sons hair.
"Plus, take a look at Hook. All that leather he's liable to keel over from heat stroke if we leave him waiting in this sun any longer. I mean check out the way his mascara is already running!" Henry snorted, and Hook gave Emma a very un-amused glare. Ruby ran a finger under one of the pirates' eyes and held it up to show the black stains left behind.
"Hah! Finally physical evidence! Where in the world did you manage to find yourself Rimmel London in the Enchanted Forest?" Hook scoffed at Ruby.
"Its layers of manly dirt, packed on over time. Not make up you tart." He tried to stand a little taller.
"So, what you're saying then, is that you would prefer to admit you haven't washed your face in at least several decades…instead of owning up to your man-scara addiction?" Regina was fully enjoying taunting the metro man. He certainly did not feel the same and sent her an equally spiteful snarl.
"Whatever…can we just wait in peace?" Regina just cocked a coy brow and shrugged her shoulders. Henry stayed planted eagerly awaiting his chance at an encounter, not being even slightly amused with the adults bickering and snarking. He could barely keep himself contained, each step closer, he rattled more with happy anxiety. His father however, shifted uncomfortably on his terrified feet, trying to duck behind Ruby and Hook.
Buzz made his way over to the boy, striking a heroic pose to which Henry mimicked perfectly. He stuck his tiny chin up high into the air clenching his teeth to create the illusion of a Jay Leno jaw line. Regina laughed at her sons' adorable behavior, snapping as many pictures as her iPhone would allow. She kicked herself for not getting her camera ready while they had been waiting, instead having regrettably used the time to poke fun at the captain. Henry and the spaceman posed for several shots before he moved down the line. Emma and Ruby were next to being approached. Buzz flexed his plastic muscles and the women each grabbed hold to either arm pretending to swoon for Regina's lens. She snapped photos of the comedic duo and their champion of both Space, and the Toy Box. Hook wanted his picture taken, but couldn't get himself close enough due to Neal pulling him against his front, using the taller man as a human shield. Buzz finally passed on to the next group, releasing Neal from his fear coma. The line began to pick up, and soon they found themselves next. Henry grabbed his fathers' arm and dragged him onto the moving sidewalk. Hook motioned for Emma to join him on the next car, but Ruby intercepted noticing Emma's obvious disinterest, wrangling Hook into the seat beside her. Emma gave her a wink as a thank you for taking one for the team. However, Emma's relief was short lived as she quickly realized who would be occupying the seat to her left.
This seems to keep happening.
Regina scooted her body in next to the blonde, a vindictive grin covering her face. The buggy began to move and the women grabbed hold of their weapons, preparing for the vicious battle about to take place.
"You Savior are going down!" Emma gulped comically and tightened her grip around the plastic laser gun.
"I think it will be you who is the one to go down, My Queen." Regina's heart beat quickened and her skin turned to lava.
Her internal dialogue completely shut off and left her in limbo, circling around Emma's words.
Emma smirked, a dubious little smirk and held her gun up as if readying herself to hunt down a perp. She was completely aware of the rapid pulsing of that sexy vein in Regina's neck. Something about making her poised Queen nervously squirm sent Emma into a very happy place.
The first flashing target appeared and Emma turned the wheel of the cart to face it. Regina was still slightly bewildered by the comment aimed at her, and didn't notice the game begin. Emma fired off a round of lasers, causing her gun to light up as well as the target. The sounds of Disney gunfire jolted Regina from her stupor; she too took up her gun and fired off several rounds of laser beams. Emma spun the car in every which way, taking aim at every target she could see. Regina had a look of determination, occasionally flinging her arms over Emma to hit targets over and over, racking up points while simultaneously blocking Emma's aim. The action continued as the ride followed along the tracks, Emma trying her hardest to spin their spaceship in a way that would only allow her to take the high value targets, leaving Regina with little to no action on her side. Regina threw her hands up and physically said "fuck it". She tossed her entire body as far as the lap bar would allow, and smashed Emma's personal bubble to smithereens. The royals' gun extended the full length of its cable as she sent a barrage of laser bullets at every bulls-eye in reach. A full assault of trigger rage was taking place right before Emma's face. Suddenly the idea of losing to Regina became a side notion, when she realized that the regal sweater puppies were resting entirely on her upper thighs. Her shooting finger stifled, her brain went into complete overload, and all her blood rushed in tsunami waves towards The Nether Realm. This was a pivotal moment in the life of one Miss Emma Swan, to win…and take this Beezy out? Or to succumb to the onslaught of insults and gloating that were without question going to occur if she let her win. But to give into that torment in order to remain in this heavenly position seemed like a pretty fair trade, that decision could have been made easier due to the lack of blood flowing into her brain. As Emma continued to fight an internal battle, Regina had no idea what she was doing to the blonde. She was too caught up in the task at hand, that she got lost in it, and had no grasp of the labored breathing and sweaty palms of her cohort, let alone all the images flooding Emma's brain, which were all together new and unexpected. Regina only set Emma free when the location of flashing targets changed sides. She tore away from the sheriff and began to double tap the entirety of the left wall. Emma still feeling shell shocked tried to catch her breath, and maybe pull out a few tags so as to look like she tried to at least attempt and hit the damn marks. The final hall appeared and it was up to Emma to direct the car, she used this to benefit herself by turning just enough to completely blind Regina from the final destination. She imparted focused, calculated aim and blasted as many times as she could before the gun went dead and the ride came to a close. They placed their weapons back in the holsters and awaited the results. Emma received a 314,846 and proceeded to throw her arms in the air.
"Hah, Yes!"
She continued to victory dance in her seat, as she turned to gloat she saw Regina's face with an unexpected expression, a huge egregious grin. A powerful unapologetic smile and aimed directly at Emma. A long slender finger beckoned Emma's attention to shift from Regina's face to the screen before them. Regina had managed to distract her nemesis long enough for her skid far passed Emma's, what now seemed like a miniscule number. Turning out a whopping 670,050 points Regina simply let her smirk grown wider, never breaking the eye contact, and threw a very Judd Nelson-esque fist up in the air. Upon full extension she closed her eyes and dipped her head, just before letting loose a little secret cackle at Emma's shocked look.
"Have a nice day ladies!" The ride attendant stated, ushering the women to the exit.
They scooted out of their seats and to the way of the gift shop. Not before Henry snuck around and latched his arms to either of his mothers.
"Look! The ride takes a picture of you while you're shooting! Check out me and dad!" He pointed at a loaded screen with an image of Neal and himself both wielding their weapons high, aiming them in opposite directions, both wearing pensive focused faces.
"I look pretty badass, don't I kiddo?" Neal asked his son. Henry just laughed at his dad as Regina sent him a bored look.
"Badass isn't quite the word I would have used there." Hook placed an arm around Neal and squeezed. "Now go on and show us ours. I want to see if I look as dashing as Miss Ruby over here."
"That I think, is quite impossible my friend." Charming and the others had come up behind them and overheard the men's exchange. "You're makeup isn't as up to par as Ms. Lucas'." Charming beared his paper white bicuspids and made a dashing effort to live up to his given title. Hook feigned a hurt expression, and then watched as Henry searched the screen for his shot.
The image that appeared looked very similar to the boys, aside from the obvious gain in estrogen…or perhaps a gain in testosterone given the significant lack there was amongst the men in this downtrodden little group. Ruby shot up her guns and struck a Rosy the Riveter pose. In the photo she was shoving Hook's gun out of the way in one direction, and hers was aimed steadily in the other, one eye closed the other pin pointing her mark.
"And that right there ladies and gentlemen is how it's done. Won and Done!" Ruby cheered.
"Not sure that's how that phrase works…but it's cool." Emma hugged her friend. "How was breakfast Ma?"
Snow started to open her mouth but was cut off by a very excited little boy.
"Moms, I found your picture!" He clicked on the thumbnail, waiting for it to enlarge. The rest of the group stood around wanting to see what sort of silly faces the camera could have captured from their hero and their villain. To simply see any image of Regina looking less than stellar was something that was on every last one of their bucket lists. They were not however expecting what they got. The snap shot opened, and before them splayed out, was Regina no holds barred. Gun cocked, trigger finger in position, eyes squinted, her tongue darting out from between two pursed lips. Her entire body was draped across Emma's, looking like she could give two fucks where or what she was touching…as long the win was hers to be taken. Emma on the other hand, was not aiming her gun, unless the ceiling counted. Her arms were slightly elevated and her blue eyes were bulging out of her skull, yet completely transfixed on Regina's lithe figure suctioning itself to hers. Her face consumed by a look of unmitigated shock. Her cheeks a gentle hue of rose, and her convex eyes were dilated in a way that only Ruby caught on to. Being that it was sorta one of her lycan abilities.
Charming and the men laughed at their fallen queen and her childlike aggression. Henry, also not catching on to any of the not-so-subtleness of either mothers positioning, began to laugh along hysterically. Snow, was not so naïve and sensed something amiss. She again, didn't make a move to say anything, as she was more the sort to let things linger and then pounce.
Rumple…was not.
"Seems you may have found a weakness in our savior, dearie." He sneered and it made both Regina and Emma's blood run cold. To any on looker, including the family it was just a playful anecdote, but something in how he said it, didn't lead it to be taken as such by the persons he aimed it at.
"OH MY GOD! Hahahahahahahaha Mom! You look crazy! Were you trying to actually kill aliens? I think when we get home I'm gonna have to show you Halo, and introduce you to Gravemind!"
Regina just looked at him slightly confused, but was far too mortified by everyone witnessing her little stunt, that she couldn't quiet humor her son. She ducked her head in embarrassment, it was true, she had gotten a little carried away while playing, that she hadn't realized her actions. And now she'd clearly made Emma feel very uncomfortable. It was practically spelled out on her gawking forehead.
Good job Regina, get her to finally be civil with you and then you have to go and throw a wrench in it…or just yourself.
Regina began to exist through the gift shop, shepherding the group with her. No one noticed as Henry finished the email form and sent the photo of his mothers to himself. Too good to pass up, and he figured if all went according to plan, his moms may one day want this memory.
"So, should we do Star Tours?" Emma asked everyone. Without any verbal response they all began to walk to the rides entrance.
They made their way down into their seats. Henry was wedged between Emma and Neal, and he shook both of them with excitement. C3PO popped up in front of them, and shortly after, the riders were made aware that there was a rebel spy aboard the ship. Much to Charming's surprise he was pointed out as being the aforementioned spy. It was now the mission of the fleet to get him back to safety. As the ship took off with C3PO as its captain, they were herked and jerked all over the map.
They flew through space at beyond light speeds, they watched as ships attacked the alliance fleet, and battled between planets. They landed on new worlds, and they saw creatures the likes of which none of them could have ever imagined. The things on the screen coming to life, with the aid of the 3D glasses of course, even left Regina feeling amazed at the way things from this world worked. She's had time to adjust to some of this world's magic, but still hadn't been witness to some of the advancements that hadn't yet broken the barriers of her town. Hook on the opposite side of the spectrum was just losing his shit, plain and simple. Before long the ship took them plummeting into a waterlogged planet where they saw illuminated habitats, and an amphibious species. Crashing out of their "city" and into the murky deep, they were attacked by some sort of fish thing that took hold of their craft and shook them violently from side to side. Henry was fully amerced now, and gripped his moms hand and said "Think we'll make it out? Or do ya think we're gonna be fish food?"
Emma couldn't get over this kid. She leaned over and said, "Well, I hope we make it out alive, I don't really want to know what it's like to be fish food. And I definitely don't want to know what it's like to get crapped out by one either!"
Henry laughed at his goofier mother and shortly after they were saved, by a bigger fish…and then thrown back into the stars again. Once they were safely landed in the carrier they were thanked for bringing David to safety and C3PO gave his parting speech. The family exited the ride and all of the men aside from of course Rumple, ran to the gift shop, taken over by the need, and urge to grab as much Star Wars swag as possible to deck themselves out from head to toe in their favorite rebel gear. Rumple linked arms with Emma, a quandary for the female members left behind them.
"My dear that was certainly something to write home about, wasn't it?" Emma smiled at him nervously. "Are you enjoying our vacation so far?" Again, Emma smiled and this time added a nod. "You know, sometimes I do talk to people, just to talk to them, without ulterior motives."
"Sure Gold, sometimes ya do... but for as long as I've known you, it's always been something with you, one thing or another. Always some sorta trade. So, what is it you're going to offer me…and what do I have to do to get it?"
"That's something I've always liked about you Miss Swan. You never dally with the details. Always one to jump right in, feet first."
Snow and Regina watched from behind both anxious for the younger woman, but for different reasons. Snow of course didn't like the idea of Rumple propositioning Emma for anything ever. And Regina knew that the little imp could be very crafty and persuasive, and didn't want Emma to fall victim to his games. Strictly for selfish reasons she reminded herself. Somehow every time Gold conned anyone into doing anything it was to damage her in some way, shape or form. Snow tried to distract herself by talking to Ruby and Regina. Regina couldn't focus and instead kept full eye contact with the back of Gold's head trying to read his thoughts and intermittently nodding and "mmhmm-ing" at whatever it was the others were talking about.
"So, will you help me Miss Swan?" Rumples eyes were hard to read. Emma had a super power to know if he was lying…but there was no lie, or truth really to be deciphered here. What could it hurt? She shook his hand and agreed. That gesture…made Regina's knees nearly give out.
Once in the gift shop the pair parted ways. Emma standing stagnant in front of a large end-cap of Storm Trooper helmet piggy banks. Snow found her husband near a rack filled with t-shirts all painted with some variation of the same phrase, "I was a rebel spy." Hook, Neal and Henry stood building their own lightsabers. Hook was having a hell of a time, what with being one handed and all; he did however manage to grab the attention of a few younger women dressed in pirate garb themselves.
"I love your outfit." The bustier of the two girls said.
"Oh, well thank you pet. I quite admire yours as well. Do you too know the life of the sea?" She blushed and batted her lashes. Emma scoffed at the incorrigible man.
"I do actually, so what's your name sailor?" Hook grimaced.
"No love, it's Captain. And the names Hook." Her friend laughed and they looked at each other and giggled harder. Normally Emma would have stepped in to help one of her own out of any embarrassment…but this one she thought would be better left untouched. She left the greasy swashbuckler to his wenches and went off to find her own souvenir. Ruby was on the other side of the store at a second lightsaber building station, so she decided to join in the fun and craft one as well. Red to match Ruby's and also because she still had a little bit of bad left in her, nothing wrong with choosing the dark side every once and a while. Midway through completion Regina stepped up between the two.
"So, what did Rumple have to say to the savior?"
Never one for subtleties are ya queenie?
Regina really didn't care if she was being pushy or intrusive, especially not with Emma and definitely didn't care if the wait staff was there to hear it either.
"Well, if you absolutely must know…" She drawled waiting to see if Regina would grasp the hint that 'no…you really don't NEED to know'…and of course she just stood there with those incredulous eyes. Waiting…heels tapping in cadence with her fingers. Talking to Regina sometimes seemed like getting called into the principal's office…but with more potential punishment on the line.
"Aaaaaalrighty. Well, he just asked if I could talk to Belle." At the mention of Belles name Ruby's ears perked up. "He asked if I could just get some intel, see what's going on. Maybe find out why she's been so distant and maybe even help him to get her to open up to him, or at least help pave the way for him to ask her himself."
Ruby wanted to throw up. Her insides crunched together and felt like they were being demolished by wrecking balls. Her silent hopes were going to be steamrolled by one of her best friends. She knew that wishing for Rumples demise was something that only a horrible person could do. She knew that wanting for the end of someone's relationship, for her own personal gain was less than moral, but she couldn't help it. Ruby wanted her friend to be happy, but more importantly so, she wanted to be part of what made her happy. Rumple's intentions were pure, Ruby knew he loved Belle. She knew that he would do anything to keep her, and it made her heart clench in sadness and worst of all admiration. He was a good guy, at least to Belle, and really that's all that mattered. But any attempt that he made to bring Belle closer to him was an effort directly in opposition of her getting closer to Belle. She was torn. How do you remain friends with someone, which you are avidly trying to destroy something good in their life, to better something in yours? She shook her head to rid herself of the conundrum, and continued to work steadily on her saber.
"Oh, well. That's not what I had expected." Regina said with true amazement.
"Of course not…" Emma could sense the vibe coming off of Ruby, and deemed this topic of conversation over. If she was to keep the peace she'd have to figure out a way to help Rumple, and keep Ruby's obvious feeling for the target of this mission in a safe place as well. She didn't want to hurt this girl in the course of trying to save a relationship. Topic dropped…at least until Ruby was no longer in earshot. "Hey so, uhhh…do you wanna build a lightsaber?"
"A what now?" Regina looked down at the plastic bits that everyone she knew seemed to be futzing around with.
"A lightsaber. It's like a sword, but from space and hot…like a laser. Kinda like a giant laser beam that slices into meat and metals, and well everything really." Regina's eyes grew large with wonder, and excitement at the idea of a new and dangerous weapon to wield. Especially one with FIRE POWER. Regina had a definite thing for fire.
"Well, in that case…why not!" She picked up a purple business-end of the lightsaber, and attached it to its correlating pieces. The three women finished their weapons in silent concentration. Once done Emma flung hers rapidly in a cutting motion, allowing the "blade" to click into action. She pushed the red button on the side enabling the lights and sound effects.
"I challenge you two ladies to a duel!" Regina and Ruby traded glances at each other, before nodding and settling into take down stance. Before any of them could begin swapping blows, the others had made their way over, all of them having some customized version of an original saber. Rumple chose of course not to partake in any such frivolity. They paid and exited…perhaps the store wasn't the most responsible place to wage an all out war.
"We should totally have a lightsaber battle back at the hotel!"
"Sure kid." Emma led him with her hand on his head. "So now that we're all decked out in our Star Wars best…what's next on the agenda?"
"I heard from a few lovely ladies back there in the shop, that there is a wonderful ride, where we get to board a ship! Maybe we could venture that way?" The group agreed and made their way across Main Street and through Frontierland towards The Pirates of the Caribbean.
Emma became more and more relaxed every time they managed to travel somewhere in the park without running into an all too familiar character. The line for Pirates was short; they made their way up the ramps and into the boat house relatively quick. They enjoyed the scene inside and the cool breeze that was blowing in the musky room. On the wall they admired the portraits of some true life pirates, and Hook became a little overwhelmed, and got a tad chocked up looking at the faces of his comrades. None of which he knew personally of course, but to see the brothers of ship and sea, being held high and glorified through such lovely artwork made him feel part of something greater. Then of course he saw the painting of the two women pirates, and he had a few other less savory feelings to dwell on.
"Aaawwww yes, the ever elusive Lady Pirate. Quiet the curious creature my dear boy." He said placing a hooked hand atop Henry's head.
"You watch yourself around them women folk now. They'll steal your heart and rip it right out yer chest too." He took a careful glance at Regina. "And not like your lovely mother of course. They don't intend to ever return it boy." Neal smiled and remembered hearing the same speech from Killian many years ago when he was about Henry's age. His eyes lightly glistened remembering how he once looked up to Hook, and how now they were nearly the same age and it was his sons turn to look up to this man. He'd only hope he could become the same sort of influence that Hook had been for him, to his son. Their ship docked and they all stepped aboard. Hook tipped his head towards the woman ahead of them, aka the lady who pushes the "go" button.
"Here we go me hearties." Emma said in her best pirate voice. "Oh and by the way guys, you might get wet."
Suddenly Snow and Regina looked a lot less comfortable to be sitting on the outer sides of the boat. They took a slow start out onto the water, traveling at a nice pace through what seemed like a quaint dinning terrace on a dimly lit southern bayou. They passed a small shack like cabin, with an old man sitting on the porch, old quiet banjo music plucked away in the background. The moisture filled air and the light chirping of crickets took the boat load to a place that none of its passengers had ever been, members of the current realm included. The tiny watercraft made its way slowly under a footbridge and turned into a small corridor with a skull wearing a captain's hat, and two swords beneath it, above what looked like a dark tunnel entrance.
"Psst! Avast there!" The skull spoke, grabbing everyone's undivided attention, especially Hook's. The boat halted.
"It be too late to alter course, mateys...and there be plundering pirates lurking in every cove, waitin' to board." Hook's eye lit up in the darkness. It had been ages since he'd felt such a sense of adventure and excitement. Neal admitted to himself to being rather elated to take this ride next to his father, his 'pseudo' pirate father, and his son.
"Sit closer together, and keep your ruddy hands inboard. That be the best way to repel boarders." Regina instinctually scooted closer to Emma, Ruby doing the same on her other side. Emma, once again becoming the meat inside a sexy lady sandwich.
"And mark well me words, mateys…dead men tell no tales!"
Regina's heart minutely flinched at the skulls warning words. But before she could comment their boat went flying over some invisible mountain in the pitch blackness of the cavern. They landed sharply in a pool of water, sending the cold stagnant liquid over and inside the boat. Regina was rather wet on her left side now, Ruby and Snow had shrieked the moment water had touched them. Regina tried to obtain her cool exterior…that is until they took a second dive, this time a little faster sending more of the ride contents into her lap. She couldn't hold back the yelp when it soaked through her jeans. Emma laughed at her shipmates, retaining her dry seat. As the boat steadied and they smoothly propelled further into the caves, different themes played out.
A ship captained by a skeleton helmsman, with a backdrop of thunder and lightning was first. A cave covered in gold and riches of all sorts and sizes. To Regina's left, a large luxurious bed draped in expensive yet tattered looking linens, surrounded in more loot, another skeleton lying lifeless on its cushions. As they made their way out of the cave a mist met them, and a face appeared before them.
"No fear have ye of evil curses, says you? Arrgh…Properly warned ye be…says I. Who knows when that evil curse will strike the greedy beholders of this bewitched treasure?" The face dispersed and Henry lifted his hand to feel the mist. Several of the other members of the boat did the same. They were then pushed into a battle scene, two ships, one on either side of their little boat, shooting canons overhead.
"Stike yer colors, ya bloomin' cockroaches!" Hook looked up at the powerful looking captain and listened as he commanded and demanded his troops, and his foes.
"Surrender Captain Jack Sparrow or by thunder we'll burn this city to the ground!" With that another larger bomb went whirring by. A puff hit Mary Margret in the side of her head causing shock and fear, until she realized it was just that, a puff of wind trying to symbolize real canon fire.
The scene changed again and they were met with a little town, which looked to be on the verge of a fully fledged riot. A familiar looking pirate with a hooked hand stood near a well, another man being dunked over and again into the well.
"Where be Captain Jack Sparrow? Speak up! Or do you fancy a swim with Davy Jones?" The hooked man barked to the incapacitated well dweller, above a woman cried from a window.
"Don't tell him, Carlos! Don't be chicken …" Another man sent shots from the barrel of his gun in her direction. They dunked the man again before the woman reappeared.
Emma laughed at the scene finding the plump faced couple to be amusing, especially the wife berating her husband, even whilst he is being tortured.
Can't catch a break can ya bro. Yeah…me either.
The boat shoved on. Floating further into the atmosphere they were met with a gaggle of drunken pirates at what looked to be some sort of auction.
"Weigh anchor now, ya swabbies. What be I offered for this winsome wench? Stout 'arted and corn fed she be…" Hook laughed heartily at the statement. Everyone saw the humor, but perhaps not as first handed as the pirate himself.
Regina laughed as well, but more so at the humor behind the art design. The 'wench' currently being bid on was the best looking of the bunch. Fully endowed with bountiful chest, and plentiful behind…the others not so much. Where they lacked in beauty they fully made up for in gracious amounts of ugly, and Regina just couldn't get enough of it. She chortled and Emma took note of the delight Regina got out of the evident misfortune of others. Be it paint and plaster molding…some things within the queens character would just never change.
"Hey, are you selling her by the pound?" An on looker and potential bidder shouted from across the canal.
"Shift yer cargo, dearie, show 'em your larboard side!" Again Hook hooted and hollered at the display.
As the boat pushed on, a spirited tune began to play, and a scene of a burning sea side town, and drunken pirates passed by. They found themselves floating through a prison where whistling jailbirds tried to gain the attention of a dog left in charge of the cell keys. Passed the cells two pirates shot without aim at each other as the small boat begins its descent up a steep hill. To Regina's left a handsome animatronic pirate that she recognizes as Johnny Depp begins to recite some sort of poem.
"Rascals and scoundrels, villains and knaves. Drink up me hearties, yo ho! We're devils and black sheep, really bad eggs. Drink up me hearties, yo ho! Drink up lads! There's treasure enough for all! I shall take this paltry sum as a stipend to cover my expenses, and a chest of jewels. Drink up me hearties, yo ho!"
The ride skidded back to where it started, and the troop exited to New Orleans Square.
They gathered out in the sun to plan their next move, when something bright and Red caught Emma's eyes. The Captain himself was swiftly approaching them. Emma figured if any of her fellow Storybrooke squad would take kindly to their look-alike it would be Hook. She took his hand and pointed in the direction of the costumed character.
"Look, it's you!" Trailing behind him was Peter and Wendy, as well as Mr. Smee. "Wanna go say hi?" Hook oddly enough was completely game!
"Lead the way darlin." And so she did.
Regina and Snow were amused at this, mainly because it wasn't them in the hot seat just yet and also because Hooks Disney imagined version was almost as flamboyant and pompous as the original. Hook parted the crowds of people until he stood nose to nose, and hook to hook with his equal. Mr. Smee danced around him as if sizing him up for his captain. He tousled the pirated jacket, and lifted his hooked hand for the cartooned captain to see.
Hook, the costumed Hook that is, stood taller and took a long over the top walk about the fleshy Hook. Henry watched in bewilderment and joy. He motioned for his mom to take pictures, and she obliged, because this was another one of those Kodak moments she'd heard of.
The re-imagined captain took a last look at Killian and continued to march on down the way, not sparing him any further mind. Peter Pan on the other hand had a completely different take on things. He approached with caution, and wonder.
"Well, looky here? Another Hook eh? Hah…think you can take me on codfish?" The young sprightly looking lad bounced around the leather clad man poking him and playing with his senses. Wendy lifted her hands to her mouth to stifle her laughter.
"Hey, see here you!" Hook went to admonish the boy but he popped out of the way. If only this spring filled boy playing the role of Pan had known what the true Pan had been like…
Rumple watched the display of the boy, and imaged his younger father. This chap was nothing like the Peter Pan he remembered. A knife dug into the older man's chest at the sight, but he buried that pain deep deep down where it belonged.
"Codfish, codfish, Hook is a codfish!" The costumed boy sang as he ran off chasing the other captain, Wendy in tow.
"Well…that wasn't exactly what I had imagined. That scurvy little runt called me a codfish!" Killian said after they were no longer the center of everyone attention. Henry, Emma and Neal snickered at Hooks comment, and his obvious naivety to why it was funny to them at all. "I suppose if we're all done having a laugh at me, we could make our way on to the next amusement."
"Awww come on Pal, we ain't making fun of you. Everyone's gonna get it at some point this week from their fairytale likeness. You just happened to the first target." Neal patted his friend on the back. "Let's go."
"SPLASH MOUNTAIN!" Henry yelped! Emma had heard about this one, and pretty much everyone could assume by the title what it would entail.
"Well that was miserable." Snow announced as they walked back into the sun. They had full sized copies of the Splash Mountain photos, taken just before you plummet to your doom.
Emma, Henry, Snow and Charming sat in one log all with their arms up and giant wide smiles on their faces. Charming was really starting to get the hang of these rides, and actually enjoying the churning in his gut.
Another photo had printed out of the final remaining seconds before everyone had been completely drenched head to toe. This one contained Rumple in the back of the log, looking very un-amused. Neal and Hook had their arms almost completely extended, but left at half mast as it looked like they chickened out mid lift. Regina in front of Hook and Ruby in front of her…their faces were marked with a look of oh shittedness, two family photos that would certainly be cherished and talked about for years to come.
They all walked out feeling like drowned rats…Ruby, Regina, Snow and Charming bearing the brunt of the blow of water, none of them significantly fond of their damp situation…with maybe David as an exemption, he finally felt cooler in the sun.
Regina however was not having it one bit. She didn't care that they said she would dry out soon, her hair looked dull and her makeup was smudged and she refused, absolutely REFUSED to go through the rest of her day, and possible encounter with her other self, looking like the victim of a Kraken attack!
"I'm going to go back to the resort to change and freshen up. If the rest of you would like to continue on, that's fine. I'll also check on Belle. Make sure she's still alive and well."
"I'll go with you!" Ruby jumped to chaperone the regal back to the rooms. "I'll make sure Belle's ok, and I can change into something less see through." She said looking down at her white shirt.
"Ok, then we will go get some lunch and maybe ride this again. We can meet back up for Haunted Mansion yeah?" Emma suggested.
"Whatever you'd like Swan. I don't intend to be very long." With that the soaked women took their leave. Emma watching the sway of Regina's hips, and the way her jeans clung mercilessly at her backside when wet. She got lost momentarily imagining how hard it would be for just one person to try and pull those things off when tightened with water. Snows hand resting on the small of her back jarred her from the pictures streaming through her subconscious.
"Where to love? Want to get a bite at this Hungry Bear place?" Emma got chills, due to the awkwardness her mother always managed to ensure with her affection. Every time Emma's mind would wander to a few not so savory thoughts of her queen, her mom somehow knew, and prodded her way into it, causing Emma to want to vom…everywhere.
"Sure, whatever. Yeah…" Snow knit her brows. What had she down now? She couldn't win.
"Yay! I'm so starved; I'm gonna get a burger and a double order of fries. Think they got shakes here?" Ok…maybe she could win, if it had to do with her dope of a husband and his unquenchable appetite.
Emma turned, once the attention was off her and sought out the view of Regina walking away; alas she had managed to evade Emma's line of vision. Emma didn't want to admit these feelings to anyone, much less herself…but with every second of this trip, it was looking less and less likely that she'd be able to keep it in for much longer. Eventually she was going to have to admit, at least come to terms with the fact that she was 100 percent without a doubt, falling in 'something' with her sons adoptive, evil queen of a mother…and even more so, she wasn't really all that scared of it.