Identity Crisis

I see the children in the rain like the parade before the pain.
I see the love; I see the hate; I see this world that we can make!
I see the life I see the sky. Give it all to see you fly...
Yes! We wave this flag of hatred, but you're the ones who made it!
Watch the beauty of all our lies passing right before my eyes.
I hear the hate in all your words all the wars to make us hurt
We get so sick, oh, so sick; we never wanted all this
Medication for the kids with no reason to live!
So we
March to the drums of the damned as we come
Watch it burn in the sun - we are numb!

We are young!
But we have heart
Born in this world as it all falls apart
We are strong
We don't belong
Born in this world as it all falls apart

-Hollywood Undead 'Young'

It has been two weeks since Emma had awoken on the ship. Two weeks since her life changed for the better. Two weeks since she learned the truth…and finally two weeks since she met the people that would help her receive justice after the twenty-eight years of hell she had to endure.

Cora had wanted to start her training in magic as soon as possible, which Emma took as a welcoming. The training was rigorous and more interesting than she could ever imagine. The more she delved into the magic, the more she felt invigorated. It was as if the art was calling to her, and she answered it most welcoming, "You see dear, everything thing has a magical aura surrounding it," Cora explained, "And once you find that aura, you can control it." Then Cora proceeded to show her how to tap into the auras, including humans and animals alike.

Also she looked forward to her training with the famous Captain Hook. He taught her that the weapon chooses the warrior. He showed her his weaponry area of the ship and one sword jumped out at her. He called it the Infinity Sword, it had a blue handle with a gold dragon etched into the hilt; coming out of its mouth was a blood red ruby.

Emma never knew an item could bring such power to her, and she was not talking about magical power either, "I told you lass, the weapon would only work if it finds the user worthy." He explained and then proceeded to teach her methods and the art of sword play, which she excelled greatly at…just like with magic.

Cora had been observing the blonde's progress and was impressed with the results. So far everything was progressing wonderfully, and the more she trained Emma in the dark ways, the more her soul became dark as well. When she watched her work with Hook, it was only then that she could see a slight snag in the plan…but that was fixable, "She does seem to be doing rather well." Speak of the devil, she thought as the pirate stood next to her.

Together they watched Emma stretch out from the morning's activities, "Well she is the product of the most powerful magic of all," Cora responded, "it would be a letdown if this was for nothing."

Hook nodded in agreement. Despite their issues in the past, Emma was different now. She trusts him explicitly and this scares him. The last woman that trusted him got killed and now that he has Emma trusting him…he is most certainly deceiving her in more ways than one, and she might get killed in this plan. He, of course, has no intentions on betraying the witch, but he does not want to see Emma hurt either, "When do we move on?" He asks trying to figure out how much time he has left.

"Soon Hook. There is still much she needs to know." Cora states turning away from the blonde, "And I suggest you brush up on your skills as well."

"Why do you say that?" He asks not knowing where Cora was headed with this. She would not betray him after all they have been through, although a deeper part is saying that yes she actually would.

Cora smirked rather ruefully walking back over to him, "Ever hear of the saying 'the student surpassed the teacher'?"

Leaving him to that thought she walked away as he continued to watch his student. Indeed Emma has gotten stronger in the short two weeks she has been with them. He could tell that she was starting to incorporate minor magic in their sparing matches, and when he would observe her with Cora, he could tell that she was studying her as well. Hook smirked a bit re-thinking of the witch's advice, "You better watch out too," he said to himself as he looked up at the cloudy sky.

Lifeless refers to lacking vigor, vitality, or excitement. In short terms dead or apparently being dead; that is the only word that describes this town, more specifically the Charming family. It had been two weeks since Emma disappeared. The first few days James and Snow took it as a sign that Emma had wanted to be alone. It was only when Red started questioning as to why she was not in her room at the Inn and Henry saying that he did not see her around, did they start to worry immensely. They had immediately called together their council to conduct a search party for the blonde.

The dwarves checked around the mines, Red and Snow searched the woods, and James along with Archie searched the rest of town. They were so sure that she would be around somewhere since her car was still with the woodcutter, but it was starting to become apparent that Emma had vanished. Henry was made to stay with Regina, much to his protests of saying that he could possibly help. But James did not want him to see Snow and himself as a wreck when the searches were done for the day. In the privacy of their home it was like a zombie fest.

With Emma gone Snow had become distant, no light shown in her eyes, and James was not much better. It was like something inside of them died at the loss of their daughter, "James," Snow sighed.

"I know." He responded holding her close. He knew what she was thinking and it pained him,"I know."

"What if Cora got to her?" She whispered softly. She tried to not to think the worse of the situation.

James sighed and tried to call forward some type of optimism, "We must think positive," He finally stated, "You heard what Regina had said. If Cora had Emma, she would have made it known."

Snow shivered at the prospect of that actually happening. She could feel something in her was wrong, "But what if-"

"We must remain in control. I know it seems hopeless right now, but we have to stay strong, if not for the town then for Henry. Emma would not want you to fall apart." James stated which was hard when he wanted to fall apart himself.

Snow remained quiet for a few moments. He was right and she knew it. She could read him as well as he could read her. Then she sighed once more, "What made her leave? In the first place if nothing happened to her?"

James did not answer her. After the fight at the diner, it seemed like she had her flight instinct on. Even throughout their interactions, it always seemed like Emma wanted to run from them. Henry even had said that Emma was either getting suspicious or there were certain times when she wanted to bolt.

"James?" Her questioning voice brought him out of his thoughts.

He looked at her, "I do not know honey."

Sighing she held him close as if he was about to disappear and fell asleep while hoping that Emma was somewhere safe.

Emotion is associated with mood, temperament, personality, and disposition. Henry was empty; empty of everything. The normal happy go lucky optimistic boy was nowhere to be found. He sighed as he got up and went to the window and stared out into the darkness. He was wondering where everything went wrong. Just when he thought he had his mother back after everything that happened when the curse first broke, she was gone once again. Many times he debated about asking what had happened the night that she ran away, but always thought better of it.

"Henry?" He turned to see Regina coming into the room, "What are you doing up so late?"

Henry did not answer, but looked at his clock. It was late…almost two in the morning, "I couldn't sleep," He admitted as Regina stepped closer and sat on his bed, "I am worried about Grams, Grandpa, and Emma." Not only that he couldn't sleep even if he wanted too; He still had nightmares of being in the burning room occasionally, but now the nightmares changed into something more.

Regina sighed and got up as she made him get back into bed, which he did reluctantly. In truth she had not been sleeping much either. Ever since he had ran away, she would always at some point poke her head into his room to see if he was still here, especially since they could not find Emma anywhere.

Snow had mentioned to her if her mother was involved in this, but Regina had said not likely since her mother did not approach them at all, yet she had a feeling that she kept to herself that she may indeed be behind this, "I know you are worried, but they will find her." Regina said tucking Henry back into bed, "If it is one thing that…" she swallowed and continued, "Snow and James were always good at; it was finding each other."

Henry sighed, "I know, I read the book. But what if Cora has her somewhere and she hurt Emma?"

Regina looked at the boy and saw fear in his eyes. Sitting on the bed she placed a comforting hand on his head, "She would not hurt Miss-I mean Emma. Besides her heart is protected and I am sure Emma is fine."

"But why can't we find her? Why is it so hard to find her?" Henry asked pleading to know.

Regina did not know how to answer that, so she tried the next best idea, "Look we are doing the best we can. This may look like a small town, but looks can be deceiving. Just like Gold and I no longer have access to magic, there is a strong possibility that my mother won't either. Now get some sleep."

Henry sighed knowing that is the best he was going to get out of Regina. But as he saw her leaving he asked, "What about Captain Hook?"

"Excuse me?" She asked turning back towards him.

"Has anyone found Captain Hook at all?" Henry asked sitting up.

Regina was silent and it was not a good silence either. She knew that Hook was working with her mother, everyone knew that. It was then that she realized something else too: no one had seen the pirate since the fight at the diner…

"He is involved isn't he?" Henry questioned since Regina was not responding. He now started to get out of bed, "He has Emma. We got to-"

"No." Regina said realizing what Henry was doing.

"But-" Henry started to protest.

"I said no. Let us deal with this." Regina stated firmly, "I will call Snow and James in the morning and we will talk about this. But I want you to stay in bed."

Henry looked at her defiantly, but under her gaze he knew she was not going to let him go anywhere, "Fine." He eventually sighed and got back to bed.

Regina looked at him sternly and closed the door. She sighed leaning against it thinking that Henry confirmed her fears…it was just too much of a coincidence…especially since they all knew of Cora and Hook's alliance…and with Emma having magic-she straightened up and proceeded down the stairs and picked up the phone. This revelation definitely could not wait…

The sun was just barely up over the horizon when three people entered the deck of the Jolly Roger, "What do you want me to do now?" Emma asked Cora.

"I want you to send us to the well via magic." Cora stated again trying to hold back her annoyance.

Emma opened and closed her mouth. She did not remember Cora teaching her about this, "I do not think you taught me that though. I am not too-"

"You can do it. I will guide you through the process of how to do it." Cora said as gently as she could.

Hook could tell that Emma was a bit uncomfortable with the situation. He gave Cora a look which she nodded and he grabbed Emma's arm and they walked away from Cora, "Hey what is it love?" He asked once they had some privacy away from prying eyes.

"I am afraid. What if something happens and I fail?" She admitted not looking at him.

He was stunned at her honest response. He would never dream that the word 'afraid' was in her vocabulary, "It will be fine love. I am here and Cora would never let something happen to us." He said trying to convince Emma. In fact he knew that Cora would not let something happen to Emma…now he on the other hand still remained to be seen.

Emma looked at him and saw the honesty in his eyes, "You really think I can do this?" She asked not taking her eyes off of him.

Hook smiled, "I am sure of it."

Emma sighed and nodded. Then she did something that really shocked him, she kissed his cheek, "Thank you for everything." She then turned and walked back to Cora and Killian slowly followed while placing a hand on his cheek where she kissed him. Cora eyed him as he let his hand slowly fall back to his side and started to explain the instructions to Emma.

He could not believe what just happened to him. Emma Swan: the woman who bested him, the woman who claimed to hate him, the woman that he lived to annoy the hell out of just kissed him, "Was it because of the spell she was under or was it because she truly meant it?" He wondered to himself as he watched the determination in her eyes.

"Ok you ready?" Cora asked as she continued to give Hook a strange look. She did not see what happened, nor did she hear what they said, but she was sure something happened when they walked away for those few minutes.

Emma nodded, "Let's do this."

Hook nodded his approval not trusting himself to speak. They all took hands and Emma closed her eyes, picturing their destination just as Cora described it. She felt a funny jolt in her stomach and a feeling of being squished into a vacuum tube overcame her and when she opened her eyes she saw the scenery swimming before her and then it was gone.

Then she felt her feet slam on to a hard rooted ground and when she opened her eyes they were in the woods and in front of them was a well, "I did it!" Emma stated feeling accomplished.

"Aye you did," Hook replied holding his head, "That was an experience."

"You get used to it." Cora said off handedly going over to the well holding a vile with dark liquid inside it, "Now it can all begin."

Emma and Hook glance at each other and go over to where she is standing, 'What is that?" Emma asked.

Cora smiled evilly, "This dear will bring magic back to Storybrooke, also it will make everyone remember who they are."

"I thought you said that they already know who they are since your daughter's curse broke." Emma said in a slow voice to show her confusion.

"And why would you want magic? Bring magic back and the Dark One and your daughter will have their powers." Hook said his voice hard.

"Easy Captain, I need magic so this will help me greatly. Also for you dear," She faced Emma now, "Your parents are still like their cursed selves physically, memory wise they are themselves. Which is more satisfying? Hurting them with their memories only while they looked like other people or hurting them with their appearance and memory?"

Cora held the bottle out to Emma, "All you have to do now is pour what is in here into that well."

Emma looks at the well, but does not take the vile, "What can this well do that will help?"

"This well is connected to Lake Nostos in our land, which can return what has been lost," Cora explained trying to keep her temper at bay, "So what will it be?"

Emma looked at the well and then at the vile. She felt something familiar and slightly wrong about this, but then memories of being abannonded and alone came to her. It was their fault, she reminded herself, and they deserve this. She grabbed the vile and drops it down the well. A few seconds later there is a sudden change in the atmosphere as the winds started to pick up and the bright sunny sky turns black. A thick dark smoke starts to emerge from the well and begins to spread, "Finally!" Cora yelled over the wind as Emma and Hook stand near each other, "It has begun!"

In the meantime James and Snow are by the Clock Tower, waiting for Regina and Henry. James placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and Snow shifted her arrows to her other shoulder. She insisted that they did not leave the apartment without them. James tried to reason with her that they did not need them, but she was instant. So to humor her he grabbed his sword as she took her arrows. Snow could not explain what made her take them, but she did not want to take any chances in case something happened while they were waiting, "So pray tell, what does her majesty want with me this early in the morning?" They turned to see Mr. Gold walking over to them.

"We do not know," Snow replies, "We got a phone call last night saying to meet here in the morning."

Gold nodded and soon they see Regina's car pulling up and Henry runs out over to them and he immediately states his theory about Captain Hook having Emma.

"We got to find him," Snow said turning to James realizing what this could possibly mean.

"I know, but we searched the docks. There is no sign of his ship." James said getting aggravated. Finally having a lead after two week, yet they were still at a standstill.

Gold thought for a moment and said, "Unless his ship is invisible."

"Leave it to my mother I suppose." Regina sighed.

"Do you have a way that we find it even if it is invisible?" Snow asked looking at her step-mother and Gold.

They looked at each other and sighed, "Unless there is magic then no we don't."

"But then how can his ship still be invisible?" James asked trying to keep his temper in check.

As they stood at the town square by the Clock Tower trying to think of a plan, Henry noticed the sudden change in the sky and he as a dark smoke in the distance, "What is that?" he asked.

The adults looked at him and then to the sky as the cloud rapidly started to cover the area made its way towards the town. The winds started to violently pick up as the cloud is coming closer, "Snow!" James yelled as he brings her close to him.

Regina brings Henry closer to her as well as he again asks, "What is happening?!"

"I do not know!" Regina yells over the roar of the wind.

Gold just stood there as he closes his eyes and a smile comes to his face, "It seems the final battle is beginning dearies!"

"What?!" They yelled but their voices were drowned out as the cloud finally descended on the town like a tidal wave.