Hi guys! Another update here! Hope you all enjoy and for those just starting college, best of luck in the new school year!
"You're beautiful.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful. It's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place.
But I don't know what to do.
Because I'll never be with you."
Robin sighs, switching off the radio. There's no point in listening to music when what is being played does exactly the opposite of what he wants done. That is, cheer him up.
With a groan, the man swipes a hand through his hair and readjusts himself against his bed's headboard. Turning back to the large storybook that rests on his lap, Robin sets his attention instead towards reading Chapter Two.
The man has to admit that it's quite an interesting read. The book contains all of the aspects that make up a traditional fairytale; it is mystical, whimsical, almost poetic in language and vivid imagery. With each page, he finds himself more and more intrigued. And with each page he turns, he finds the content to be more and more real. The passion, the emotion, the struggles, and the triumphs all fill him with a sense of wonder. They all make perfect sense to him. Aside from the obvious hyperbolic situations written out on the page, they all feel relatable in some way.
Robin shakes his head. It's getting far too late; already past one. He blames the lateness for these thoughts. With a sigh, Robin shuts the book and places it on his nightstand. Reaching over, he switches off his lamp and snuggles down into his covers, burying his face in his pillow. He closes his eyes, allowing dreamworld to take him away; the destination, The Enchanted Forest.
He can't stop taking his eyes off her. He can't stop admiring her. He can't stop loving her. Each time she turns and smiles at him, he melts all over inside as if it's the first time.
Regina looks absolutely breathtaking in her wedding gown, the black truly a color that suites her best even on this happy occasion. It is just right. Everything is just right. The ceremony went as smooth as it could possibly have gone. It was almost too good to be true. It's hard for Robin to imagine the moment had already passed, as perfect as it was.
She had returned to her position at the back of the grand hall, behind the large ornate doors. She, once again, felt confident. She felt secure. The music played again and the doors swung open. And it was as if what had happened before had disappeared, leaving no trace behind. Robin's future wife floated down the center aisle with grace and composure; a small, shy, but reassured smile donning her features. When Regina reached the alter, he took her hand into his, pressing it to his lips softly before they both turned to face the bishop. Words were spoken and vows were exchanged. And in that brief moment, there was no one else in that great hall except the two of them. He looked into her eyes, his gaze full of promise and sincerity, and adoration and love. Before he knew it, the bishop gave the word, and his lips met hers in a soft kiss.
"Robin!"
Robin shook himself from his reverie and set his eyes on his beautiful bride as she waltzes towards him.
"You're not going to leave me to dance all by myself, are you?" Regina asks with a wide and endearing grin. Surely the hype and euphoria has this queen feeling giddy and as light as a feather. Why shouldn't she anyway? It is her wedding after all. This is how it's supposed to be.
Robin laughs softly, shaking his head. "No, milady," he replies before offering his hand and bowing, "Care to join me for a dance?"
"I'd love to," Regina replies, curtsying with the utmost grace and taking his hand.
Robin walks her to the center of the hall where he takes her into his arms. The two begin swaying back and forth in time to the upbeat melody of the royal orchestra. The smile on Regina's face cannot be erased. She can't even if she tried. The newly wedded queen marvels at the fact that Robin had taken learning to dance so seriously for this special occasion. The man is almost perfect.
"You look so beautiful," Robin breathes, smiling down at her as they continue to float across the floor.
Regina smiles softly, peeking up at him from under her lashes. "You don't look so bad yourself," she quips with a small smirk. Robin laughs, spinning his queen around before gathering her up in his arms once again. "And I didn't think dancing would come so easily to you."
"Well, not that easily," Robin answers with a shake of his head, "I've had a few mishaps with the dance instructor."
"Do I even want to know?"
"No," Robin laughs, "Best keep certain things to the imagination."
"But oh how delightful that would've been if I could've witnessed it."
"Trust me, my love. Witnessing me learning how to dance is no pleasure."
"I doubt that very much."
And so Regina holds on as she is whisked away by the love of her life.
Ever since her massive meltdown, Regina has felt nothing but regret. Quite honestly, she doesn't even know what came over her to make her act in such a way. It was appalling even to herself. It's not in her character to lose control, to lash out like that. It was as if a switch in her mind had suddenly flipped and she became something of which she never knew she was even capable. To be completely truthful, it terrified her.
She was not the person she knew—or thought she knew. And that's what really got Regina thinking. In her mind, she lines up the evidence: Reya's stories, the book, the lion tattoo, Robin, her lashing out in anger like the sort of Evil Queen that Reya so adamantly believes is her. Oh how she deeply wishes it were a coincidence. But the more she thinks about it, the more she can't help but deny that something is off. Something is wrong, terribly wrong.
She doesn't know what it is. She's not certain of anything anymore, all except one. Regina has to apologize.
It's not a terribly difficult thing for the brunette to do, however, but swallowing her pride always has taken a bit more willpower on her part. She hates feeling guilty. She hates that she made a ten year old cry. Regina doesn't think herself to be evil. She only hopes and prays to God that her outburst was simply due to all of the stress she's been dealing with these past few days.
So it is the fifth day of this madness that Regina wakes determined to set things right again. She stretches languidly and pushes herself from bed, ready to face the day, which consisted mostly of her on her knees begging for forgiveness. Regina rolls her eyes slightly. She may not be an Evil Queen, but she has been told she's a drama queen. With a sigh, said queen glances out the window and groans melodramatically. Of course, the weather today is of no help whatsoever. She can see nothing but endless overcast. Another sigh, and Regina is trudging to her bathroom to run herself a searing hot shower.
It takes her about a half an hour to get ready before she's in the driveway, revving the engine of her beloved motorcycle. Hoping that her spacial awareness and photographic memory is still intact despite all of this craziness, Regina kicks up the kickstand and heads out onto the road in the direction in which she hopes is correct. After all, she's only been to Robin's place once, having been guided there by Reya's mysterious, magical pendant.
Thankfully, she arrives at what she presumes is the correct house only to have her lucky guess validated when Robin comes bolting through the front door. Regina frowns, watching the man obliviously rush to his truck. He fumbles to get his key from his pocket and in his haste, drops the darn thing onto the ground before him.
"Robin!" Regina calls out, edging her motorcycle closer to the driveway. One would think the noise would be loud enough. "Robin! Hey!"
The man finally looks up and meets her confused gaze with a perplexed one of his own. "Regina," Robin breathes, snatching up the key and rushing towards her, "I was just about to find you."
Regina's brows furrow. "What? Why? Is everything okay?" Her heart suddenly begins to beat a little quicker as she catches on to what could be possible, given that a certain someone isn't anywhere to be seen. In one swift movement, she cuts the engine, takes off her helmet, and jumps off her bike. "Where's Reya?"
"Gone," Robin pants.
"Gone?" Regina echoes, "What do you mean gone?"
"I mean 'gone'!" Robin bursts exasperatedly, "I mean I woke up and she was gone. She left."
Regina shakes her head. "I don't understand. Why would she leave?"
"Well, why do you think she would leave?" Robin accuses, shoots the brunette a deadly glare, one that almost brings her to cower—almost.
"Robin, I—"
"You what?" Robin spits, "This is all your fault. Because of you, Reya is gone."
His words sting Regina more than she's willing to let on. She shakes her head.
"I thought she was strong enough to see past your poison," Robin continues, "She gave me the book to read when I told her I'd try to help. She looked hopeful. But it sure as hell wasn't enough." Robin shakes his head. "There's nothing I can do to help her, Regina, and you haven't made this any easier."
"Robin, you're the one who decided to take her in and burden yourself with her problems."
"Because you wouldn't. You wanted nothing to do with her."
"And can you blame me, Robin?" Regina snaps, "If you really care to know, I was trying to protect myself. I didn't need all of that crap in my life."
"Really?" Robin asks, "And how exactly did that work out for you? It seems like your decision backfired because you're in this now whether you like it or not, Regina. You can't keep running away. You can't keep hiding."
Regina glares at the man. "Believe me, I know that, Robin," she hisses, "That's why I'm bloody here. I came here to apologize."
It's silent as an expression of surprise crosses the fisherman's features. "Really? I didn't think you were capable," Robin mutters.
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing," Robin sighs.
"So, do you have any clue where she might have gone?" Regina asks exasperatedly, "I can't exactly do what I came here to do if she's missing, can I?"
Robin scowls at the brunette. "Don't patronize me," he states defensively, "How would I know?"
Regina rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, there's gotta be a clue somewhere? Maybe a note?"
"Well, I found this," Robin sighs, reaching into his pocket to produce Reya's sparkling feather pendant.
Regina's eyes widen. "Her pendant," she breathes, snatching the thing from his hands. She holds the pendant in her palm.
"It's just a necklace," Robin says, "I didn't think it would be that significant."
"But it is," Regina replies, "I remember. It was one of Reya's only prized possessions." The brunette sighs, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "She said it was enchanted—magical. She told me it was how she found me, and then how she directed me to find you." Regina shakes her head, looking back up at him. "I've never seen it work before."
Robin frowns, staring intently at the piece of metal that reflects the minimal light of this cloudy day. "If it was so precious to her, why do you think she left it?"
"You figure it out, genius," Regina snaps, "You know her better than I do."
"Regina," Robin sighs, "Please, give it a rest." He shakes his head, clearing his throat. "I honestly don't know what came over her. I calmed her down after you—after what had happened. I, again, tried to get her to understand it from your point of view." He glances at Regina, who swallows thickly. "She kept insisting that there's a hole in both of our hearts, something that the curse has done. She's still adamant that we belong together, that what we had was true love." Regina shakes her head. "I told her I wanted to help her. She told me to help you, that you needed me, and then gave me the book to read."
Regina squeezes her eyes shut. "I am not a damsel in distress," she states through gritted teeth as she opens her eyes and glares at Robin.
The man can't help but let out a soft chuckle, throwing the brunette off her track in surprise. "I know, Regina," he says gently, "I can't save you. Only you can."
"What makes you think I even need saving?"
"Because despite how much you want to bury it, I know that deep down, you're not happy." Robin sighs, stepping closer. "You may have a house, a job that pays, a man who loves you," he quotes her from that heated argument, "But I know that deep down, there's something missing. I know because I've felt that same way too. Why else do you keep running into us like down at the docks, and inviting us into your house when you thought you wanted nothing to do with us. Believe me, I wanted to believe that my life was perfect. It really was, superficially. I loved my life. I loved getting up in the morning with no burden of anyone else on my back. I love fishing on my own with nothing but the waves and the blue sky above to accompany me. I didn't realize how much I was missing until I met Reya, and quite honestly, Regina, until I met you. There has to be more. There has to be so much more this, than what we are. I can feel it. Can't you feel it too?"
Regina bites her lip, shaking her head as she works to steel herself. For once, she's at a loss for words, unable to come up with a come back like she would normally do. And Robin realizes this. He realizes just how true his words are just by her reaction: the way she refuses to gaze into his eyes, the way she suddenly looks so vulnerable and small. Without any thought to it, Robin finds himself stepping even closer to Regina, his heartbeat pounding at how close the two are. Regina looks up at him, her eyes shining as she takes in the spectacular blueness of his eyes, the sincerity they hold. And for the first time, she sees comfort as well, comfort and security in the man who's believed to be her soulmate, the man whom she hardly knew just five days ago.
His breath is upon her lips as his eyes search hers. Regina's pulse rises. She finds her body inclined towards his. And before she knows it, their lips are touching in a soft and gentle kiss.
But nothing happens.
Regina pulls back, her heart thumping loudly in her ears. She knows that Robin is thinking the same thing. She can tell by the disheartened look in his eyes that the kiss didn't work.
With a thick swallow, he's is the first to speak. "We have to find her," Robin says, his voice unsteady. He clears his throat, taking a step back.
Regina shakes her head, her eyes closing as a small tear slips past her lids and skates down her cheek. Suddenly, she feels a soft finger brush away the tear and opens her eyes to find Robin standing close once again. He looks down at her, a look of sadness and sympathy in his eyes. Neither know what to feel, how to react.
The brunette clears her throat, exhaling audibly as she wipes at her damp cheek with the back of her hand. She shakes her head again and forces herself to stand a little taller. She squares her shoulders and lifts her chin.
"Any ideas as to where you think she might have gone?" Regina asks, her voice assuming an authoritative lilt.
Robin shrugs. "I don't know," he replies helplessly.
"Well, she couldn't have gotten far. She doesn't know this island well."
"I wish we had a way to contact her—a cell phone—something."
Regina shakes her head. However, in doing so, suddenly catches a shining light in the corner of her eye. A small gasp escapes her lips as the pendant, still clasped tightly in the palm of her hand begins to glow dimly, but enough to be recognized. "Robin," she whispers, lifting the pendant up. Her eyes are wide, heart accelerating once again. "Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" She closes her eyes, shaking her head fervently. But the glow is still there.
"Do you think this could be magic?" Robin breathes with a tilt of his head, his eyes wide.
"I don't fucking know, but I know it's going to lead us straight to her. God, I never thought it would actually work. This is bizarre."
"How will it lead us?"
"It's what she said when she first told me about it. The brighter it shines, the closer you are."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Robin breathes, "Let's go!"
"Fine," Regina says before stepping towards her motorcycle. She swings her leg over the seat and mounts it in one smooth movement before looking back to a perplexed Robin. "Get on."
"Wait, what?"
"I said, get on," Regina says, giving the man a pointed look.
"You really want me to—"
"Robin!"
With a grunt of slight annoyance, the man is stepping towards the bike. Swinging his leg over, he mounts himself behind Regina. As he places both his hands on either side of Regina's waist, Robin doesn't miss the way Regina's breath hitches in response.
"Are you sure this is safe?" Robin asks, only to be silenced with a melodious, "Shut up."
The engine is revved and it is then that they are disappearing in a cloud of dust. But what they don't realize is the figure hiding behind the bushes, its black hood still working its job in covering its features. The figure turns its head, watching like a silent apparition as the two part on the motorcycle; dark eyes seeing all.
She laughs freely in his arms; the wind at her back as he whirls her around, the soft swishing of her ebony gown. She's never felt so happy in her entire life. Her heart, for once, feels as light as a feather. Throwing her head back, Regina closes her eyes, enjoying the feeling of being whisked away by her beloved newly wedded husband. He is right there with her, soft laughter rumbling in his chest as he spins her over and over again. Regina's stomach flips as her Robin dips her before swooping back up to meet her lips in a fervent and passionate kiss.
The music ends and everyone is giving a polite round of applause. Regina looks around as the grand hall and everyone in it comes back into focus. The next song starts up and this time, it is a group dance; something traditional that which Robin insists that he and Regina partake. And so they do; the gentlemen taking turns dancing with each lady in an intricate fashion, as is the custom. Regina smiles graciously at each man who dances with her as they all offer their congratulations. However, it's just when she thought that the circle of men has ended, and she's back to the one who started, that a scaly golden hand grabs hers and pulls her close. Regina blinks in surprise, her heart skipping a beat as she gazes into the grinning, fiendish face of none other but the Dark One.
"You," Regina growls lowly as the imp twirls her around. Her eyes darken as they meet his.
"Yes, dearie," the man giggles, "Me."
"What—I don't understand." Regina looks around wildly to see if anyone notices. But to her horror, the room is still, frozen so that the Dark One can share this short period of time with no one but her.
"No need to, dearie. I know quite well that you are confused. You shall know soon enough."
"But how? I thought—I thought you lived happily ever after…with Belle?"
Suddenly, the little man lets out a cackle that throws his head back. "Belle," he laughs, "With Belle?" Then, he gives Regina a deadly look. "Never," he hisses through clenched teeth, "Never with Belle."
Regina's brows pull together in a frown. "What?" she breathes, "I thought—"
"You must be mixing me up with someone else, dearie. Belle is dead."
At this, the brunette queen's breath catches in her throat. That can't be possible. She had sacrificed herself in the Final Battle to save everyone. They were supposed to be living happily after after. She saw it all in her mirror. Unless…
"The Wish Realm…" Regina breathes.
"Pardon?"
"The Wish Realm," Regina repeats, speaking louder, "You're not the real Dark One. You're his copy. I remember. Regina, my other half, told me all about it. How did you manage to cross realms?"
"That is of no matter, dear Regina. But, oh trust me, dearie. I am very, very real," the Dark One purrs, "And when I'm done with you, you'll realize just how real I am. You will never cross me again."
Regina shakes her head fervently. "I didn't kill Belle. That wasn't me. That was the Evil Queen of the Wish Realm. She was defeated by the king and queen. Wasn't she?"
"Oh, she was, but then you killed them too."
Regina shakes her head again. "It's not real!" she insists.
"Oh, but it is. Just because it is a realm made from a wish doesn't mean that it isn't real, dearie. Everything is the reality. Fantasy, dreams, wishes, are the reality. You may not have taken Belle from me, but a form of you did. So now, you're going to pay."
Regina's eyes widen slightly, yet she continues to glare at the man in front of her. She refuses to show weakness. "I don't deserve this," she says lowly.
"You may, you may not. That doesn't matter anymore."
His words make Regina's head spin, the nauseating feeling that everything she worked so hard to have once again will be taken…once again. Again, she stands just on the brink of happiness, only to be pulled back into the depths of her past. At once, Regina pushes herself away from the horrible man.
"Don't do this," Regina pleads, "You can't do this."
"You took everything from me."
"I didn't do it!"
"Ah, but you did, dearie. You did. And now, you'll pay."
Regina shakes her pounding head. She struggles to remain strong, calling upon years of practice of building her walls as high as they can be to shield herself from certain pain: pain that threatens to tear her heart apart once more.
"What do you plan to do?"
"All in good time, dearie," the Dark One sings, "All in good time. But know that the worst is coming. A curse beyond your imagination will occur. And soon, you will know what it's like to have everything you love taken from you."
"I've paid that price over and over again," Regina hisses, "What's to say you can't hurt me more than I've already been hurt?"
"This time, it will be different," the man says, "This time, your consequence, your curse, will be because of you and your beloved Robin, not anyone else. I shall enjoy watching the two of you rip each other apart."
"It won't work!"
"Really, dearie? I wouldn't count on it."
"Get out of here," Regina growls, "Get the fuck out of this place."
The Dark One cackles loudly, his voice echoing off the walls of the stilled grand hall. He shakes his head, smiling to himself that wicked smile as a cloud of red smoke begins to circle him around and around until he disappears.
The spell lifts. And everything is as it was before.
I like a bit of drama hehe! Interested to hear what you all think!
Thank you again, so much for all of your support and staying with me on this journey! More exciting chapters to come, stay tuned, and don't forget to review!
