Disclaimer: I don't own 'Once Upon A Time' or any of it's characters, nor am I making any money off this project. However, I do enjoy vacations to Storybrooke, Maine and the Enchanted Forest on occasion. The landscapes are magnificent and it's a joy to play with the natives.
A/N: I still don't own 'Harry Potter'
The Heart of Redemption
May 16
After Midnight
"She's gone, Emma… Regina's dead."
Emma stood motionless, a sick feeling churning in the pit of her stomach as she attempted to assimilate what was transpiring in front of her.
By no means was she friends with Regina. The woman known as the Evil Queen was responsible for casting the dark curse which left baby Emma alone, bereft of family. Emma knew of terrible things the Evil Queen was responsible for inflicting on the denizens of the Enchanted Forest.
But this woman wasn't that woman.
The woman lying still on this cold stone slab had been trying for redemption, being selfless instead of selfish, fighting against her evil nature. This woman was someone she hoped to get to know better, someone she hoped she could one day call 'friend'. She had begun to see a side of Regina that had been suppressed for so long. The one her mother knew as a child. The Regina who had not hesitated to rescue a young girl from a runaway horse. An innocent before her true love was viciously ripped from her.
Emma never intended to hurt this Regina through her actions, but she had. Now, the opportunity to make it up to her was lost. She wouldn't have the chance to learn magic from the one person she actually trusted to teach her. The one person who understood her better than her parents, her close friends, Hook, anyone. The irony of that truth wasn't lost on her.
She sensed rather than saw the others behind her, but not until she heard a cry of despair and Robin pushed her out of the way was she able to move. Mulan walked up to him with Roland as the man broke down, sinking down beside Ruby with his head in his hands. Mulan set Roland down and the boy wrapped his small arms around his father, patting his shoulder.
As everyone filtered in, Emma noticed Mr. Gold coming to a halt at the foot of the stairs. "I didn't think you could enter." She didn't bother to hide her suspicions of him.
"Well, it would seem the magic preventing my entry died with Regina. I wish to pay my respects and… do something for her." It was unlike him to offer his services free of charge.
"What's the price and who has to pay it?" Emma asked, doubt evident in her question.
"I owe her, Ms. Swan, I have no hidden agenda." He looked over to Ruby who had remained in her place at Regina's side. "Ms. Lucas, as her friend and confidante if you would allow me, I would ask permission to place a preservation spell on her. Her body would be safe from all forms of decay and… I can think of no better way to honor her for what she did for my son."
Emma wasn't sure Ruby was aware of her surroundings in spite of her wolf-enhanced senses. She seemed to have withdrawn into herself and remained unresponsive.
As she debated whether to approach the woman, Roland stood and placed his hand on Ruby's arm. Slowly, the wolf moved her head until she was looking at boy, but the blank stare was still present. Emma watched as Ruby's eyes began to focus on the cherub face with big brown eyes. The wolf rotated slightly as she pulled him to her in a one-arm hug. She nodded to Mr. Gold then released Roland.
Emma teared up when the young wolf leaned forward to kiss Regina's forehead then stepped back to resume her motionless vigil.
She saw Henry bring Regina's hand to his lips before laying it down gently beside her. His tears erupted anew as he pivoted, slamming into Tink as she gathered him up in her arms.
Emma walked to the foot of the bier while the others circled around, paying their respects to the fallen sorceress. Regina looked peaceful, her face unlined, her body showing minimal damage from that final attack. Studying her body, she noticed one thing she could do for Regina. Emma drew on her magic and slowly released it, healing various cuts and burns, just as she had been taught by the one to whom she was paying homage. When her magic faded, the former queen's body was unblemished.
Mr. Gold moved opposite Emma and raised his hands. A milky white glow suffused Regina's body and quickly began to grow outward, creating an oblong shape that resolved into a crystal clear shroud. "This will protect her until we have time to create a more appropriate memorial."
The only sounds in the room were mournful. Emma slowly walked to stand beside Ruby. She put her hand gently on Ruby's back, hoping she wouldn't startle the woman, wanting to pull her out of her stupor. Emma felt inadequate in the face of Ruby's almost complete shutdown, but she needed to get through to the woman. This battle wasn't over yet. She needed Ruby aware and functioning so they could end this, so Regina's death wouldn't be in vain.
"I am so sorry... I failed you. I failed Regina. This shouldn't have happened, I should have been stronger… I can't…" Emma stopped, startled when the wolf's head snapped around.
Ruby's eyes burned, their color a deep gold with a slight hint of purple swallowing her normal blue. The fierce look on Ruby's face caused Emma to back away from her as the wolf threw off her paralysis and drew herself up, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
Emma was speechless as she stared at the woman unable to look away. She could scarcely breathe in the transformed wolf's powerful presence. This was not the broken woman of moments before, but a new creature entirely.
Ruby's voice carried unquestioned authority as she spoke with a low hiss. "This isn't over. You haven't failed, savior. Regina believes in you, I believe in you too... now we finish this!"
Ruby could see anger and outrage mixed with sorrow and anguish in the expressions on the faces surrounding her as she glanced quickly around the room. She knew nothing of what had transpired while she was consumed within her own consciousness. It had taken her some time to assimilate all the emotions and the pressures on the soulbond for the shift that occurred when Regina sacrificed herself. The subsequent trek through the woods was a blur and only by maintaining physical contact with her sorceress was she able to settle herself, remembering the instructions Regina had given her.
She focused her attention on Emma who stood, mouth gaping, staring at her like she had grown an extra head... maybe she had. The plan had changed and time was short as Ruby took a quick temperature of the mood in the room. She decided to play on Emma's status as 'savior of happy endings' to preempt any questions as she unapologetically took the reins of leadership in Regina's absence.
"Emma, I realize I sound a little nuts, but I need you to trust me. Maleficent's going to be overconfident thinking no one can stop her now… let's prove her wrong. We still have the light-infused arrows and… we have you. I need you with me or we'll fail, so let's do this… for Regina." She didn't elaborate on exactly what they would be doing for Regina, but it was just as well, they didn't need to know.
"You know something we don't, Ms. Lucas." Mr. Gold wasn't asking a question and she had nothing to lose acknowledging some information.
Pausing, she took a deep breath and slowly released it while thinking through how best to answer him. "We were able to determine what Maleficent was using as her phylactery. She bound herself, her very existence to the darkness in Regina's heart. We learned this just a few hours ago and... knew what it probably meant."
Robin's voice was almost strangled as he struggled to voice understandable words. "So you are saying… she… she went into this battle... knowing she would have to die? She willingly did this?"
Ruby shook her head, her voice calm. "No... we didn't know… not for sure, but we knew it was likely. Robin, she went into this fight to act as a diversion so you could get Roland to safety. It was no giant leap of logic to guess the lich would come after us so we lured her away to give you the opportunity."
Although the man's pain was apparent, she intended to unapologetically use Regina's death to strengthen the embattled defenders resolve. She moved slowly towards Robin, studying his expressions, attempting to discern his state of mind. What she observed was anguish which was understandable… but she needed him focused and right now he obviously wasn't.
It was time to change the game.
While Regina's outstanding grasp of strategy contributed to her chess mastery, Ruby's carefree attitude equipped her to excel in the subtleties surrounding the game of poker. Similarly, she knew which card to play of the ones she metaphorically held and she was going all in. The next move was an easy one.
Dropping all pretense, she unleashed the innate magic of the alpha wolf, an inherent ability possessed by only a few of her kind. An ability Regina discovered in her and helped her unlock so many years ago. One that allowed her to command with an alpha's power and might. "Robin ... Regina died... protecting me. No matter how much I want to 'wolf out' and shred that bitch, I can't, not by myself. But Regina had a plan. We can still carry it out, but we need you… and your bow. The bow you claim never misses… so pull yourself together and prove it!"
She could see awe and fear at her change in demeanor reflected in his slack-jawed expression. Eyes wide, obviously unable to look away, he nodded. She wanted him scared, she wanted all of them scared. Mostly, she wanted their obedience. The unbridled power of the alpha wolf raised her status to undisputed "leader of the pack." Breaking her focus on the outlaw, she looked to each person in the room, to ensure she had their attention.
"Now, here's what we're going to do..."
Emma stood with Ruby outside Regina's vault. After her impassioned speech, the group rallied around the wolf as she laid out the rest of Regina's plan. It was simple in its design if not tricky in execution, but everyone understood their particular role. After some discussion, Mr. Gold retreated to Storybrooke, the concern being the lich could draw from the dark magic that embodied him thus gaining strength.
In the short period of time since their flight through the woods, Emma had seen a side to the normally flighty werewolf she could scarcely fathom. That Ruby was capable of absolute leadership and control of their situation was extraordinary, especially in light of losing her best friend.
She observed Ruby as the wolf surveyed their surroundings, waiting as each of their small army settled into position. The wolf's body was humming with energy, burnished gold and light purple hues emanating from her. The moonlight's silvery sheen surrounded her, sliding smoothly over her form, reflecting her wolf nature in the golden swirl of her eyes though Ruby was no longer captive to the moon's dominion.
Emma didn't know what possessed the young wolf, but her entire being seemed imbued with a power that was beyond normal magic. Obviously revealing this side of herself hadn't been necessary until now. Given the pendulum swings of behavior and emotion Ruby displayed in a brief period, Emma began to seriously speculate on the truth concerning her relationship with Regina.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Ruby cleared her throat, as she moved to a position behind her. "Ready, Emma? Just relax and do just whatever you and Regina did to the clouds in Neverland."
Emma settled, concentrated and slowly began to build her magic. She jumped as Ruby placed both hands on her shoulders and she felt a surge of power, magic bursting from her hands.
The ease and control surprised her. Was this why Regina kept Ruby close? Did the wolf have an ability to affect magic? She ceased her silent questions as the cloudbank grew rapidly to cover the moon and hide the shadows, much like Emma and Regina had accomplished together on Skull Island.
"Good job, Maleficent can now come out to play." Ruby pushed forward as the two ran past the protective wards toward the dark crypt to begin their hunt. "Emma, I know you have questions about what I just did. Just know, by using a rare form of innate magic, I can boost your ability to channel magic among other things. Regina sarcastically calls it 'getting my alpha wolf on.' "
Emma nodded and Ruby was quiet for a bit, before coming to a halt not far from their target destination. "You don't say it, but you are far too discerning not to have figured out the relationship I have with her isn't a normal one. I... we appreciate your discretion."
Emma was surprised at the frank words, seeing yet another side of Ruby, one that revealed the werewolf's depth of perception and hidden intelligence. She reached out to grasp Ruby's arm hoping to convey her sincerity. "Whatever was between you and Regina was your business and only your business. I think my mother picked up your friendship was more than you two let on and I think she's upset by it, but I can't speak for her. What I personally saw over these past couple of days was a closeness and easiness I envy. You have nothing to explain… and I am so sorry for your loss."
A soft smile appeared even as the glow in Ruby's eyes intensified. "Thank you."
"Well, isn't this touching… the savior and the big bad wolf." Maleficent stood before them, rags hanging from her desiccated body, blond hair drooping, eyes burning blood red.
Emma jumped backward at the lich's arrival, but Ruby never moved, simply stood with the same grin on her face. "Hello, Maleficent. Regina sends her apologies for not joining us, but she's here in spirit."
It was in that moment Emma realized she didn't have a clear understanding of what Ruby intended to do to lure the lich back toward the waiting defenders. She only hoped the wolf hadn't lost her mind when she lost her best friend because she was showing signs of what could only be described as madness by taunting the creature.
"Regina is dead, I felt it wolf. Seriously, she could have chosen someone more worthy than you to champion her… you failed your queen yet again. And providing me with such fresh meat too... first Regina and now the savior? Seems I'm the wolf and you're the sheep." Maleficent was obviously trying to rile Ruby, even anger or hurt her.
What she didn't expect was Ruby's low chuckle. The wolf was amused, not succumbing to the lich's goading, even as she shifted her feet to a ready stance. "Hmmmm. So it would seem. But one thing my history with Regina has shown me time and again… things are never what they seem."
Emma watched as Ruby began a slow walk drawing the lich's attention. Her movement and voice lulled the lich into discounting Emma's presence as she fell under the spell the werewolf was weaving. "We discovered your phylactery, Mal… pretty ingenious actually… using Regina's darkness against her. You understand the link is now broken? And what that means, yes?"
"Of course… and I'm guessing you do too. You may kill me wolf, but I will take you, the savior… and whoever else crosses my path with me."
Ruby sighed, running her hands through her dark mane of hair. "Mal, I normally hate to disappoint, but I'll make an exception for you. Truth is… you can't kill me. Some kind of weird 'Harry Potter' type spell where if someone dies protecting someone they love, the loved one is protected… blah, blah... I don't know, Regina explained it, enacted it on me as a failsafe… just so I could kill you if she wasn't around to do the honors herself."
Ruby looked to Emma, an unspoken plea in her golden eyes. Emma nodded in silent acceptance somehow knowing the wolf wanted her continued discretion for whatever was about to happen.
Ruby smiled her thanks before addressing Maleficent once more. "You think you've won, but in actuality, you've won nothing… not even Regina's death. If she were truly dead, I would be as well. Such is the nature of our relationship. Her heart? It's still beating… and now free of your taint."
Maleficent had grown still as she reflected on Ruby's statements. "Regina's not just your friend is she, wolf? In the Enchanted Forest… the things she did ... still does. So what... she's your true love, wolf? If that's the case you should know true love isn't capable of holding her here… "
"No, she's not my true love... But, you're right, true love can't hold her... but I can." Ruby's words continued to work their own form of magic as Emma was mesmerized by the interplay between the two. "Her body is protected inside the confines of her vault. Her heart is hidden safely beyond your reach."
Emma readied herself as Maleficent began moving. The lich was clearly agitated. The two began circling each other, putting Maleficent between Emma and Ruby. She slowly walked to stay behind the lich even as Ruby spoke up, her voice vibrating with heavy emotion. "Instead of death breaking your hold, her willing sacrifice... a sacrifice born of the love she has for me, severed it. Her soul is held securely, entwined within my own… just as it has been for decades."
The lich stopped moving, the darkness around her growing. Emma drew on her magic, surrounding herself in a protective shield. She couldn't place one on Ruby as the lich was between them, but the wolf's next words proved she probably needn't worry.
"What Regina and I have, we can never have with anyone else. You can have many 'true loves' over a lifetime... there are many forms of 'true love'. But you can only ever have one soulmate... and Regina is mine."
Emma froze in astonishment at the wolf's revelation, even as she berated herself for not having suspected it. She fully understood what Ruby wanted from her now... to maintain their secret, knowing she was going to use it to provoke the lich.
These thoughts blew swiftly through her mind as the scene in front of her exploded. The lich released a dark blast but Ruby dodged it, her movements quick and alert. She shifted into her four legged form and took off at an angle just as Emma released her own energy bolt at the creature. Her magic threw the lich past the wolf as they took off toward the vault and the waiting defenders.
Ruby's coat glistened in the dim light, golden and purple hues sparking along her back and sides as she ran, her golden eyes ablaze. She seemed larger than usual and if the circumstances were different, Emma would take time to admire Ruby in her wolf form for she was a beautiful creature.
The lich was closing fast as Emma released two more energy blasts to slow her. They could see the vault as they broke through the trees. Emma kept running as Ruby broke stride giving the lich time to catch up. When Maleficent passed the tree line into the open, flaming arrows were launched in succession cutting off her escape route back into the trees as the area was lit in a half circle of fire. This served to enrage the creature and she lunged at the wolf who nimbly stepped aside drawing her further toward the vault. Silver-tipped arrows flew hitting the lich, magically skirting the werewolf. The scream that erupted from the creature shook the defenders, knocking most down.
As Emma approached the vault, she saw Granny Lucas raise her crossbow, the light-infused bolt ready for launch. Emma turned, ready to let loose with her magic when she saw Ruby rolling over, attempting to regain her feet. Seeing her granddaughter in perceived danger apparently angered the older wolf. She planted both feet, took aim and fired.
The bolt hit the lich in the abdomen, stopping her instantly as she let loose another shriek so shrill in its intensity it dropped the two werewolves and caused Emma a sharp, lancing pain in her head.
The lich put both hands on the bolt and pulled it out before staggering towards Ruby as the beleaguered wolf struggled to regain her feet. Light poured from the wound, even oozing out from the areas where flesh was absent.
To her right, Emma could see Charming, Hook and Mulan closing in on the lich from behind, swords drawn. Graham ran to Ruby as she shifted back to her human form. He picked her up, ran toward the vault and set her down behind the protective wards. Giving her a brief kiss, he laid his bow and quiver beside her, drew his sword and joined the others forming a loose circle around the lich.
Emma saw Snow, standing proud, bow drawn taut, body relaxed as the light-infused arrow flew, a streak of white brilliance ending its journey in a magnificent eruption of energy as it embedded itself deep in the lich's skull.
As Maleficent screamed in obvious pain, the light grew and pulsed gradually breaking down the darkness. Her form began to disintegrate. Lurching forward, she encountered the final movement of Regina's carefully orchestrated symphony.
Robin Hood appeared, his light magic arrow already in flight as it struck the creature in the chest, piercing her black heart. The arrow exploded, driving away all darkness as the lich's form shuddered, fissures formed in the skin as light poured out. Her body decaying around her, the lich crumpled in a heap, her screams slowly diminishing until there was nothing left but a pile of ash.
The defenders remained vigilant as Emma drew on her magic once more, channeling it to create a strong breeze, scattering the remains over as large an area as possible in an effort to prevent Maleficent's return.
Emma took a deep breath to steady her trembling body when she felt strong arms embrace her from behind. She turned and kissed Hook before throwing her arms around his neck, holding him tightly.
"It's ok, love, it's over…" Hook said as she relaxed her grip.
Looking deep in his eyes, Emma shook her head. "No, there's one more thing we have to do..."
Ruby stood over the bier gazing at Regina's still form, knowing she had one shot to pull off the biggest gamble of both their lives. She was so absorbed in what she was about to attempt, she didn't sense Tink until the woman was standing beside her. The former fairy put her hand lightly on Ruby's back. Ruby didn't react to her presence as Tink leaned in, speaking quietly in her ear. "I have no idea what you're feeling, Ruby, but I am here for you."
Ruby didn't move, but simply replied to the expression of sympathy, allowing her words to further center her, settle her. "During the initial chase from Maleficent's lair, we submerged ourselves in the bond. I knew when she decided to sacrifice herself, I saw it in her eyes, even as I felt it in my soul. I... couldn't stop her. She magically threw me clear when Maleficent summoned that dark blast. It slammed into her… and I experienced every ounce of pain she suffered, I felt her slipping from me, my senses were completely fractured. And… Emma knows now. I admitted to the truth of our relationship to … piss Maleficent off. I knew she would lose control making it easier to get her to follow us into the trap."
Tink remained quiet as Ruby spoke, her voice soft so not to be overheard. "Tink, I have her, she's still with me but she's beginning to slip away. If I lose her, I won't be long following her in death. Our souls are too intertwined now for there to be any other outcome."
Ruby saw a look of sorrow flash across Tink's face before a new one appeared. Determination. Regina had chosen well when trusting the fairy with their secret.
"Ruby… Regina sent me and Henry away from the mansion this morning… leaving only the two of you… she knew this was a possibility and she wanted to prepare you both. I'm right, aren't I? If your bond is so tight now, she would never allow you to be at risk so she made sure she would survive this. She planned for everything… even this." Tink waved her hand over the figure lying in front of them.
Ruby nodded as she noticed the glances the others were shooting in their direction. "When I'm ready, can you break the preservation spell?" Tink nodded and she breathed a sigh of relief.
Squeezing Tink's arm in thanks, she took a deep breath and addressed the somber group. "Before I say anything, I'll have you know I haven't lost my mind and we are about to finish what Maleficent started. While Regina's counterplan didn't work exactly as we hoped, it worked well enough the endgame has arrived with a really good chance to succeed. We're going to resurrect her."
Ruby registered their stunned silence. She continued before they could question her. "Regina's heart, free of the lich's taint, beats strongly within my own. It's why I've been… different. She's been influencing my actions while not directly controlling them. She's enabled me… and only me... to remove it and put it back where it belongs."
Hook grunted at this information. "Like mother, like daughter. Cora cast the same spell allowing me to remove Aurora's heart." He looked at Mulan then amended his statement. "...and I am … extremely remorseful for what I did." The warrior nodded with a slight smile. Roland, ensconced in her arms, nodded along with her.
Ruby's attention was drawn to Roland who watched with an intenseness not usually found in a child his age. Shifting her gaze to Hook, she shook her head. "It's similar, but Regina protected our joined hearts so no one can remove them but me."
She looked at Robin and Henry who stood together on the right side of the bier opposite her. "When I replace her heart, you two will bestow 'True Love's Kiss' upon her. I know she's not cursed, but the key to bringing her back is love." She smiled softly. "Only one of you is probably necessary, but since she has two true loves, let's stack the deck."
Waving Emma over to her side, Ruby addressed her. "I need you to magically boost me, just a slow, steady flow. I'm a little … tired." Emma nodded and put her hand on Ruby's back standing just slightly behind and to her left.
When she saw everyone was ready, she signaled Tink to break the preservation spell as she closed her eyes and concentrated on the soulbond. Diving deeper than she had ever gone into the link, she drew Regina to her, effectively pulling her back towards life. Plunging her right hand into her chest, she gently wrapped it around Regina's heart, extracting it from her own.
The organ pulsed a true red, the silver strands brilliantly dominating, the golden strands glowing softly, wound around and through the darkness.
Henry sucked in his next breath as he must have realized what he wasn't seeing. "It's gone! The bright purple streak! That was how you figured it out!"
Ruby could feel the sweat break out across her brow as she chuckled. "Very good, Henry… you're definitely your mother's son… and I mean both of them."
She took a moment to prepare then caught the gazes of Robin and Henry. "Ready?"
When they both nodded, she turned her head slightly to Emma. "Slow and steady."
Feeling the warm surge, Ruby switched Regina's heart to her left hand before plunging the organ into her sorceress's chest. Placing her right hand on Regina's forehead, she once again pulled hard on the soulbond.
"Now you two…" The strain was growing as Robin kissed Regina's lips and Henry her right temple. She felt the barrier greatly weaken as "true love's kiss" worked its magic. She intensified the pull on the bond but still the barrier persisted.
She was about to ask Emma for more energy when the unexpected happened. Roland reached down from his perch on Mulan's hip and placed his hand on Regina's chest where Ruby was holding her heart. "Come on, Wa'gina! Wake up!"
The touch of innocence shattered the final barrier as her sorceress shuddered, drawing in a deep breath before letting out a small moan.
Ruby let out a small gasp of relief as she removed her hand and let the power of her alpha wolf wane. She promptly collapsed on her sorceress, tears falling unashamedly as she finally broke down, huge sobs muffled in Regina's shoulder. Welcoming arms surrounded her, one hand on the back of her head, soothing her. Resting safe within the protective embrace of her soulmate, she succumbed to the disparate emotions she'd buried, uncaring of her audience.
Finally exhausting herself, her body eased when her mind, soul and heart were flooded once again with Regina's presence.
Raising up, Ruby smiled broadly as tears of joy continued falling. Regina reached up, wiping the moisture from Ruby's face as she smiled that beautiful, mischievous smile Ruby knew was for her alone. "Well done, my Little Wolf... well done."
{End of Chapter}
A/N: Epilogue to follow
