Chapter 13 Imprisonment

Emma couldn't believe her eyes. "Graham?" she whispered, barely heard above the clang and clatter.

He crossed the last few yards between them. He touched her cheek sent a thrill of joy through her. "How..." her voice trailed off.

His deep soulful eyes met hers. "Later." he said softly. "I'll explain, later."

His attention was drawn away from Emma and focused on something behind her. Turning to look, she saw Regina coming quickly towards them. Emma shivered despite herself, though she didn't feel afraid. In fact, she felt a new strength in her, strength she didn't know she had.

Graham looked at Emma. Holding up his sword, he grinned at her. "You can do this!"

Before Emma could protest, that no, she couldn't do this, Regina stepped between her and Graham.

Emma could sense Regina had changed somehow. She assumed it must be some sort of magic, since that's what most power was in this crazy land she had been thrust into. That too, didn't frighten her.

"Well, well. Having fun, Miss Swan?" Regina laughed mockingly as she circled Emma.

Emma held her sword up to Regina's chest, following her every move. "I don't appreciate innocent people dying."

Regina's lips pouted "Yes, well, that was unavoidable, dear."

Emma couldn't remember later on who had swung their sword first, her or Regina. She also couldn't remember how long they went on fighting. But somehow she was able to hold her own against Regina.

I wish Regina would just stand still so I could win! Emma thought to herself.

Then, suddenly, Regina's sword flew out of her hand. Emma was surprised, but quickly collected herself, once again pointing her sword at Regina's chest.

Emma noticed Graham standing to the side with Regina's sword in hand. His eyes were wide with wonder. What had happened? Why was Regina not moving?

They must have all been right. She did have magic. Emma shook her head in amazement.

Regina sneered. "It seems you have won, Miss Swan. So go ahead. Finish me."

It was a tempting thought. Emma raised her sword. But she knew she couldn't do it. Emma threw her sword to the ground. "No." she said defiantly. "I can't do that. It would be too easy." She pointed her finger at Regina's face, making Regina look at her cross-eyed. "You must pay for all the pain you've caused us. So you will live. And remember." Emma looked over at Graham. "Do we have anywhere we can keep this witch?"

Graham nodded. "If everything is as it was, the enchanted prison in the dwarf mines where they used to keep Rumpelstiltskin should still be there."

Emma stepped closer to Regina, her sword still leveled at her chest. "Walk." she commanded.

Graham lead the way to the dwarf mine. As they walked through the battlefield, the fighting stopped. All Regina's army fled in terror, or was finished off quickly. Emma's army parted so she and her prisoner could walk through. Jeers and taunts echoed through the crowd.

Fortunately, there was an entrance to the dwarf mine nearby. Graham grabbed one of the lit torches in the tunnel opening. He turned to look at Emma. "Stay close." he said, and continued to lead the way.

Emma crept cautiously behind him as they descended further and further into the mine. "Do you even know where this prison is?"

Graham stopped in his tracks. "Well...no." he confessed.

"Well, lucky think you've got us here then." a voice said behind them.

The trio turned and looked behind them. James, leaning on Snow's shoulder, grinned. "Hey, I couldn't help fight much, but I can at least help put this devil behind bars."

Graham stepped to the side. "Lead the way!"

James and Snow made their way slowly through the tunnels, with Graham, Emma, and Regina trailing behind. Emma was suddenly reminded that they were her parents. It was strange to think they were practically the same age.

Two more turns, and they were there, in the most remote corner of the mine. James explained to Graham how to open the enchanted prison, and Graham and Emma dragged Regina roughly in and shut the door.

Regina stood regally in the back of her mew living space and sneered. "You can't keep me here forever, you know."

Emma, at long last, felt safe enough to put her sword away. Narrowing her eyes, she stared Regina down. "Don't count on it."

She turned around and saw Henry, who had apparently followed James and Snow in, peeking around the corner. He ran into her open arms. Emma hugged him tightly, not ever wanting to let go. "It's okay, Henry. It's okay. We're safe now. All our happy endings can come true."