CHAPTER 11
Magick
"How original"
Regina commented looking up at the crudely painted black and red sign with the word Magick scrawled across it in silver lettering.
"Why am getting the feeling that this will be a complete waste of time?"
Swan chuckled as she eyed the large statue of baphomet that stood menacingly in the window and seemed to glare at anyone that passed it by.
"When Zelena said this was a Magic store I didn't realise she meant all this satanic shit!. Just what kind of a psychic is this woman?"
The Mayor shook her head not having the tiniest bit of faith now that they were here.
"The fake kind no doubt darling"
She answered with a deep sigh. She felt exhausted and her feet hurt and to top it off she had started having dizzy spells so the last thing she needed right now was to deal with a charlatan that didn't have the first clue about real magic.
"Let's get this over and done with so we can go home to our son"
The inside of the store was as predicted just as bad as the outside, it was dark and dingy and lit with large black and red candles which looked like a fire hazard waiting to happen.
It was crammed full of everything one would need to start a satanic cult. Pentagram pendants, various handmade tapestries displaying the likes of Satan and beelzebub and the demon king to something that was called The Grand Luciferian Circle that particular one seemed popular.
There was even an array of t shirts with slogans like 'Do it for Satan and Demons watch over us' that one especially made Emma shudder and suddenly she couldn't wait to get the hell out of there.
"Can I help you?"
When Regina turned to face the owner of the voice she expected to find someone that had stepped right out of a Marilyn Manson music video but instead she found herself face to face with a woman with the biggest mop of blonde hair dressed casually in jeans and a faded tie dye t shirt that had 'follow the light" stitched into it and one of her wrists were strangled by various coloured bangles.
"We have a meeting with the owner"
Regina answered with a perfectly raised eyebrow and an air of boredom to her tone that didn't go unnoticed.
The woman smiled but it didn't reach her cool green eyes as she studied the out of place couple carefully.
"I didn't think you would show, you wouldn't believe the amount of crank calls I receive everyday. So what exactly is it you want to know?"
Swan stepped forward this time clutching Golds book in her hand, she felt suddenly nervous but didn't know why.
"We were hoping you could help us"
She said watching as the woman who claimed to be a psychic return behind the black marble counter.
"Is it a reading you want? Or a demonic clearing? The names Helena by the way"
Emma frowned as she made her way over to the blonde with her wife close on her heels.
"Neither! We are after information on this!"
She placed the book down on the counter and found herself holding her breath.
"Where on earth did you get it?"
Regina watched the psychic closely she appeared taken aback and hesitant to even touch the leather bound book.
"Do you have any idea what you have here? And more to the point is why do you have it?"
Helena eyed them both suspiciously before moving quickly around the counter and locking the door to her store and turning the open sign to closed.
"It was given to us by a collector of sorts"
Swan answered shrugging when her wife glanced at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Well your collector clearly had no idea what they were handing over"
The blonde ran a hand through her curly hair making the vast amount of bangles on her wrist jingle.
"Well can you tell us what you know? I can't stress how important it is to us"
Helena let out a deep sigh frowning as she looked up from the book, her gut instinct was screaming at her to kick these two strangers out of her store but the fear in their eyes was just too real.
"You better come through to the back. I need a drink and something tells me that you will too once you hear what I have to say!"
Emma and Regina exchanged a glance, they hadn't expected Helena to recognise the book and their surprise showed. Taking a deep breath the Saviour took her Queen's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze before following Helena through a black curtain.
The couple watched as a nervous Helena poured herself and Swan a drink then retrieved a bottle of water out of a cooler for Regina before taking a seat opposite them.
The book sat menacingly on the small table between them and the Mayor noted that the self proclaimed psychic couldn't help but stare at it as if waiting for the shadow demon to jump right out of the pages.
"My knowledge is basic but I will tell you what I know. The book was said to have been written over five hundred years ago by a group of Warlocks that had been shunned from their coven for getting caught practicing the dark arts. Each of the six were powerful and all had an input into the book"
The psychic paused to take a sip of her brandy and Emma could see that her hand trembled slightly.
"This book! Actually I doubt this is the original but it was the result of an ancient ritual that the six performed to conjure up a long since banished demon that they called Edax Animae which is Latin for Soul Eater"
Regina rubbed her aching forehead as the tension in the small room seemed to grow denser around them.
"I presume this ritual was a success?"
She asked tightly as her fear escalated.
Helena nodded slowly before continuing.
"You have to bare in mind that our beliefs were extremely different back then. The people believed in various gods and goddesses and magic weather it be light or dark and many possessed the ability because their minds were open"
She shook her blonde mane of hair and a sad expression fell upon her face.
"Over time we lost our ability to believe until magic was a mere story to tell the grandchildren. Now our past is a myth to most. We believe what the press or the tv tells us not what is really happening in the world. The human race has literally closed its mind"
She drained her glass then quickly refilled it before offering it to the Sheriff who declined with a small smile.
"What was the purpose? Why would anyone want to bring such evil into the world?"
Swan asked struggling to get her head around what she was being told.
"The six used the Soul Eater to steel a child's magical essence at the brink of its birth. The mother would perish during this despicable theft and so she became a blood sacrifice. It was a win win to them. They grew more powerful and at the same time appeased their master"
Helena watched the colour drain from both strangers face then sighed deeply.
"So other than power what was the end game for this monster? Surely there was more to it than gathering souls and what about this cult the six? What were they promised?"
Regina asked not really wanting to hear the answer even though she was already forming her own conclusions.
The psychic looked the Mayor straight in the eye and raised a surprised eyebrow. This woman was smart.
"An ancient seer told the leader of the six that an unborn child who was perfectly balanced with dark and light magic which was passed on from its parents would one day present itself to them. This child's soul once consumed would bring Edax Animae into the living world where it would spend eternity turning light to dark until only pure evil existed.
Helena didn't miss the look that passed between the two strangers. They were scared.
"You said that this was important to you both, how do you mean?"
Emma glanced at Regina and on seeing the fear behind her eyes decided to trust this woman, after all what other choice did they have?"
"I have been seeing this thing in nightmares and strange shit happens at night in our home that only I witness and now it's escalated and I see things, horrific things!"
She felt like a fool as she spoke she knew she sounded like a crazy person.
"I'm sorry but that is impossible Miss…"
"Please just call me Emma"
Helena smiled and took another sip of her drink.
"As I said that is impossible Emma perhaps your home is infested with spirits that only you can feel but you are certainly not being stalked by Edax Animae, you would have to have.."
"Magic?"
Regina interrupted now certain that the whole trip had been a waste of time.
"Do we really look like the kind of people that would waste our time coming here for our own amusement? Come on Swan this is pointless"
She snapped getting to her feet but not before throwing the psychic a glowering look.
"She doesn't believe us she is just a fraud with a bad haircut and way too many tacky bangles"
Emma wished for a portal to open up right there and then as her soulmate stormed out leaving her red faced and cringing.
"I am so sorry Helena she is under a lot of stress right now she didn't mean it. I keep telling her that she needs to take it easy for the baby's sake"
She rose to her feet deciding to leave before the psychic threw her out.
She was already halfway across the room
when her voice stopped her dead.
"You didn't say that your friend was pregnant? Now I see why she is so worked up about this"
Surprisingly Helena smiled when Swan turned back to face her.
The Mayor was wearing her black trench coat so it wasn't surprising that the psychic hadn't realise that she was pregnant.
"Regina is my wife and look I know she was wayyyy out of line just then but she's scared, we both are. I promise you we are not making this up so if you can help us in anyway…"
Helena closed the gap between them and urged Emma towards the curtain and back to the counter where she pulled out a pad and pen and handed it to her.
"Leave me your number and I will make some enquiries but I'm not making any promises ok?"
Swan scribbled down her number and let out a sigh of relief. It was a start not a great one but it was better than nothing. She thanked the psychic again and was about to leave when a hand on her elbow stopped her.
"You said you have seen things? Do you believe that you have seen Edax Animae?"
Helena looked for any form of dishonesty, she had become quite good at recognising when she was being played but all she could see was a woman who was scared and in desperate need of help.
"I don't know for sure if that is what I saw but whatever it was had no face and it scared the shit out of me. Does it take on different forms?"
The psychic frowned and shook her head slowly.
"I don't believe so but it is powerful enough to get others to do its bidding but also if it really is the Soul Eater then somewhere out there there is a coven at work. The question is why have they choose your wife and unborn child?"
Swan swallowed hard she wanted to tell Helena everything but didn't relish being carted away to the nut house just yet. Telling her that Regina was the Evil Queen and that they lived in a magical town full of fairytale characters was sure to see her committed.
"I was hoping you could tell us that"
Helena nodded as her thoughts ran wild. Like it or not she believed this stranger and so her decision was made.
"How long are you here for?"
For the first time Emma's smile was genuine and her heart raced a little faster.
"We leave the day after tomorrow but you can call me at any time"
Opening the door for the taller blonde the psychic returned her smile.
"I will be in touch before you leave. I promise"
Once left alone Helena locked the door behind her before making her way to the back room, she had some calls to make.
Regina was speaking to Henry on the phone when Swan came out of the store she looked upset, she looked stressed out and tired and that just damn well pissed her off. Her wife should be enjoying this stage in her pregnancy but instead they were dealing with an evil entity that wanted to destroy their happiness.
"Everything ok?"
Emma asked when her wife ended the call and came to join her.
"Henry's fine he misses us but seems to be enjoying himself with my sister. I just wanted to hear his voice"
Regina smiled weakly and sighed when her saviour wrapped her arms around her and kissed her temple.
"Let's get out of here look like you could do with a nice hot bath a back rub and some room service"
The Mayor chuckled and looked up into sad green orbs and felt tears sting her eyes suddenly.
"You know me so well. I love you Mrs Swan Mills"
Swan stroked the brunettes cheek then lent down to bring their lips together the whole time praying that Helena would come through for them.
Regina came out of the bathroom to find Swan sat at the end of the bed with her shoulders slumped and her head in her hands, she immediately felt a rush of guilt. None of this was her fault yet she had been taking all her fear and anger out on her. It was time to stop.
Switching of the light she padded barefoot over to the blonde and surprised her by slipping onto her lap and wrapping her arms around her neck.
Emma felt the tears sting her eyes and buried her face in the brunettes neck as she instantly wrapped herself around the Mayor tightly.
Neither of them said anything, they didn't know what to say. Just being in each other's arms was all the comfort they needed.
They had stayed that way for almost twenty minutes until Regina helped her love undress and then they both climbed into the bed drained from the days events and switched off the lights plunging the small room into darkness.
"What did you think of Helena? Do you think she was lying to us about her ability?"
Emma was laid behind the brunette with her arm protectively around her waist and her hand stroking her stomach lovingly.
"I didn't get the feeling that she was lying babe. She asked me a few more questions and promised she would call before we leave Boston. I think the book has peaked her interest but I'm not sure if she believes us"
Regina rolled over to face her wife and rested her head against her shoulder.
"I expected scented candles and crystals not all of that Satanic nonsense. Didn't you find that a little strange?"
Emma raised an eyebrow then chuckled.
"Are you kidding me it was fucking creepy! Trust Zelena to hook us up with the bride of Satan"
Regina laughed and they both fell silent as they got lost in their own thoughts. It had been a weird day and she had never missed their crazy little town as much as she did right then.
The next day the weather seemed to match their mood as dark clouds rolled in over Boston and the rain came and never stopped. Neither of them were in the mood for sightseeing so they relaxed in their room waiting for the call that had been promised.
"Emma staring at it won't make it ring!"
Regina plucked the phone from her wife's hand and threw it down the end of the large bed ignoring her protest.
"We might as well face it she's not going to help us. I knew she was a fraud anyone can wear a god awful shirt and claim to speak to the dead"
Swan ran her hands through her hair then sat up and swung her legs off of the bed and stood up. She didn't agree with her wife but didn't want to argue.
"Let's get out of here for a while. I need some air. You must be hungry you hardly touched your breakfast"
Regina didn't want to go anywhere, she felt completely lost without her magic and hated being out of her comfort zone but Emma was right some air would do them both some good.
"I am a little hungry darling and a walk sounds nice. Let me freshen up first"
She let her wife help her up and kissed her softly before heading into the bathroom.
They borrowed an umbrella from the hotel reception as although not so heavy the rain still fell steadily as they followed the red brick trail taking in the sights around them until Regina had to admit that it was a beautiful city and definitely worth a trip back with Henry.
For a few hours they let themselves just be tourists and enjoyed each other's company until Swans grumbling stomach forced them to find somewhere to eat.
Whilst looking for a nice restaurant they had passed The Old North Church and the Mayor had stopped to admire the architecture of the seventeenth century building the whole time caressing her swollen stomach and from then on she had grown quiet and her mood somber.
Emma had just held her hand letting her wife know she was there for her, it was pointless asking her what was wrong as it was more than obvious and a stupid question.
After ten minutes of watching Regina push her food around her plate Swan sighed deeply and put down her knife and fork.
"Do you want to go home? I don't mind driving. I can see how uncomfortable you are here sweetheart"
The Mayor looked up at her Saviour and smiled weakly. Tonight was supposed to just be about the two of them but the situation they was in weighed heavily and it showed.
"No it's ok darling we can leave as planned first thing in the morning but if you don't mind can we just go back to the hotel?"
Emma reached over the table and squeezed her soulmates hand. It was a long shot trying to get Regina to forget their worries just for one evening. Neither of them could stop thinking about their meeting with Helena and the call that hadn't come.
"Yeah of course babe I'll grab the cheque"
They walked silently hand in hand back to the hotel both still feeling vulnerable without their magic and Swan had started to get an overwhelming feeling that they were being watched and she was right!
The figure had followed them since they had left the hotel staying back just far enough and being careful not to raise any suspicion. A few times the blonde had glanced over her shoulder and scanned anyone that was in their vicinity suspiciously.
Now the stalker stood opposite the hotel watching as the couple entered and disappeared out of sight. A cell phone was pulled from an expensive Armani coat and pressed to an ear.
"They are back at the hotel. Should I wait?"
A few seconds passed before the call was disconnected and the cell put back in a pocket and then the figure disappeared back into the night awaiting the next instruction.
They used the bathroom separately the mood still somber as they went about getting ready for bed. The sooner they were back in Storybrooke the better.
Emma was in her pjs laid on the bed surfing through the channels on the silent tv when Regina finally came out of the bathroom clad in one of her old baggy t shirts and joined her.
Remaining silent Regina reached over and took the remote out of the blonde's hand and switched of the tv. She was tired of feeling numb she needed to feel, she needed Emma.
Her dark eyes never once left her Saviours face as she pulled the shirt over her head revealing freshly showered skin.
Immediately Swan reached out a hand to caress the Mayor's now prominent tummy whilst her eyes grew dark as they fell upon delicious breasts that had doubled in size.
"God's your beautiful Regina"
She breathed leaning over to steal a kiss.
Locking her arms around the Sheriffs neck the brunette returned the kiss passionately until they both struggled for air. Sometime during Regina had skillfully removed her lovers pj shirt and was enjoying the feel of her skin and then it suddenly occurred to her that if this monster had its way she was on borrowed time with her soulmate.
Emma broke away from the Mayor only
when she began to taste her salty tears and moved her hand to her cheek. They were both too choked to speak but words were of no use and the desperate fear in their eyes spoke volumes anyway.
What Regina couldn't at that moment put into words she used her lips and hands and body to convey to the woman that she adored just how much she loved her and it was reciprocated wholeheartedly.
Hours later Swan lay with her soulmate sleeping fitfully in her arms, her leg hooked over her hip and her swollen tummy pressed against her side. She knew Regina wasn't coping well, she was barely holding it together herself but she needed to be strong for the both of them.
It wasn't fair! They should be enjoying this magical time in their lives instead they were terrified of losing the precious gift that they had created together and each other in the process.
Regina was teetering on the brink of madness it seemed to Swan she was either going to have a complete meltdown or unleash the Evil Queen, either way it wasn't looking pretty.
Emma bit back a sob when her love whimpered in her sleep and clung to her desperately trying to sooth her restless nightmares as she stroked her back and whispered words of comfort. It was then her phone rung...
"Well fucking finally! Why the hell is my sister not answering her phone?"
She closed her eyes and groaned as Zelena barked at her down the phone.
"She's sleeping Zelena she's fucking exhausted I don't want to wake her she hasn't slept properly in days!"
"Well I'm sorry Swan but you might just have to we have visitors and let's just say they are not of the nice kind. I need you both back here pronto"
Swan knew that Zelena wasn't one to exaggerated so whoever these visitors were only spelled trouble.
"Ok ok we're leaving. I will get Regina to call you when we are on our way"
"Who was that?"
Regina mumbled sleepily into Emma's neck not quite ready yet to take on another day.
"Your sister babe we need to go home"
Swan frowned when the brunette sat up wiping the sleep from her worried eyes.
"Henry's fine before you ask all I know is that Zelena said we have visitors she sounded concerned. I told her you would call her when we was on our way"
Regina felt a sudden wave of frustrated anger as she threw back the covers and got up out of the bed.
"We are never going to have a minutes peace are we? There's always going to be someone or something to screw up our lives!"
Swan watched as the Mayor began to gather up their belongings and felt her own anger rise to the surface.
"Well whoever these visitors are they are going to wish to fuck they never met me!"
Regina sighed deeply as she sat down on the bed next to her Saviour and squeezed her hand.
"I don't need you playing the hero right now Sheriff we need you!"
She admitted in a whisper and placed her soulmates hand over her protruding stomach.
"She's more important than anything else"
Emma smiled and nodded her agreement. Regina was right their family most certainly was more important.
"I know sweetheart I know"
Regina was in the shower when Helena had finally called, she hadn't been able to tell Emma anymore than she already knew but she had informed her that she had a contact who she was meeting with the coming weekend and assured her that she would call as soon as she had any new information.
It wasn't the best news but at least the psychic seemed to be taking them seriously.
They checked out of the hotel with minimal fuss and neither of them had seen the dark figure that had been watching them slip into the elevator.
Making sure the coast was clear first the figure used a swipe card to enter their newly vacated room and closed the door quietly. The large bed was shifted to the side revealing a crudely drawn pentagram in blood red chalk. The smile on the dark figures face was cruel as a large hand wiped away the drawing. It wasn't needed now. The ritual had been a success for all six involved.