Once Upon A Time: The Devil's New Road, Part Twenty-One
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
(Shortish chapter. Adding some time so the beginning of the next chapter takes place during daylight.)
Mary-Margret's hands shook so bad as she unlocked the apartment door, she had to use both hands to turn the key. She glanced over her shoulder to see David coming up the stairs. He carried Regina's limp body, the way she lay in his arms scaring her. She hadn't moved at all since they had released her from her bonds at the cannery and Mary-Margret was certain she was either dead or close to it.
Mary pushed the door open and stepped aside as David carried Regina into the apartment. " Put her in the bedroom, " She called after him as she closed the door.
" On it, " David panted as he strode through the living room. He was breathing a bit heavy because of the effort it took to carry Regina upstairs. She didn't weigh that much but the fact she was dead weight made it take more effort on David's part.
Mary-Margret followed him, getting to the bedroom in time to see him put Regina down on the bed. He made sure her head was propped up and her limbs were straight before turning to Mary-Margret. He took a few deep breaths then said, " Stay here. I'll go get Mother Superior. "
" Right, " Mary-Margret nodded as she unbuttoned her coat. It was a task with the way her hands still shook but she managed to do it. She slipped out of it, holding it out to David. He nodded and took it without a word before heading back to the door.
She went to the bed and looked down at Regina, not sure where to start. She looked uncomfortable with her arms at her sides so Mary-Margret put them on her waist. She knew it was a mistake the moment the finished, the change in position making Regina look dead. For a brief moment, she wondered if they would all be better off if she was indeed dead.
Regina had caused her so many problems since coming into her life. She had tried to kill her on several occasions and still held a grudge against her. It would have been so easy to just leave her and let nature take its course but she knew she couldn't do that.
If she let her die, it would darken her heart more. It would leave Henry devastated and there was a good chance he would never forgive her for not doing everything she could. No, she had to save Regina in spite of everything she had done. She owed it to her after taking her mother's life... She owed it to Regina.
Mary-Margret placed two fingers on her throat, finding she had a weak heartbeat. She was shocked at how cold Regina's skin was, knowing she had been quite exposed in the damp and freezing basement. All she wore was a red silk blouse and black knee-length skirt. She looked around the room, looking for a warm blanket to put over her.
She spotted one, going to it and picking it up. She walked back to the bed and spread it over Regina, tucking it around her to conserve as much of her heat as she could. She then recalled there was a hot water bottle in the bathroom and decided to go get it. She hurried up the stairs, going to the towel cabinet once she reached the bathroom.
After a moment, she found what she was looking for. She turned to the sink, turning on the hot tap and waiting for the water to warm up. As she waited, she looked up into the mirror. She could see the worry on her own face, shocked by the fear in her own eyes.
She looked away, ~Focus... Focus... Focus... ~ She told herself. She could feel the steam from the sink on her skin so she put the water bottle under the tap, filling it.
Once it was full, she turned off the water and plugged the bottle. She took it back downstairs and to the bedroom. She slipped it under the blanket and under her folded hands. If she could get her core temperature up, it would help the rest of her body get warm as well.
She exhaled heavily once she had the blanket back in place, unable to think of anything else to do but wait. She looked at the clock on the wall, seeing it had been thirty minutes since they had saved Regina... And thirty minutes since they had last heard from Emma. The last thing she knew, Emma had been somewhere in the building with Baelfire and Neal but not quite sure where. She looked at the phone next to the bed, deciding to call her.
She picked up the receiver and dialed Emma's number. She listened as it rang and rang before going to voice mail. She hung up and tried again, getting the same result. She hung up, wondering if Emma had to chase Greg.
She closed her eyes and picked up the phone again, hitting the redial button. When the call went to voice mail again, she took a deep breath. After the line beeped, she tried to keep her voice steady as she said, " Emma... Please call me when you get this. Regina's safe but she's not out of the woods yet. I need to know you and the babies are okay. Please call me. "
She then slowly hung up the phone, tears slipping down her cheeks as she closed her eyes...
Emma lay on the cold, wet ground, realizing she was in the woods from her dream world. It was damp and cold, her body still wracked with pain. ~Please... Please... Please... ~ it was like a broken record in her mind as she begged her power to help her. ~Work... Damn you... WORK! ~
There was a faint crunching of leaves that slowly got louder. A few moments later, it came very close to her then stopped. She could feel a presence but was unable to open her eyes. " Oh dearie, dearie, dear... " The high pitched childlike voice made her catch her breath. " What do we have here? "
" Rumplestiltskin... " Emma whispered.
" Indeed, " He replied.
" I need your help, " Emma whispered. Her throat felt tight and talking made it hurt, adding to the pain she already felt.
" MY help? " He asked like it was a preposterous request. " Whatever could I help YOU with? "
Emma forced her eyes open, " I'm hurt and I don't think my power is strong enough to heal me. "
" But dearie... It is, " Rumplestiltskin said.
Emma glared, " Then why won't it work?! "
" Because you're thinking again! " He replied sharply. " What is it you were told? "
Emma closed her eyes. She thought back to when she cast the protection spell over the shop and how he told her how to cast the spell. He said it had nothing to do with thinking and everything to do with what she wanted to protect. At that time, it had been keeping Cora from killing everyone she loved... Including him.
Now, she wanted to heal herself so she did not lose their babies. She wanted to survive and save Storybrooke from whatever Greg and Tamara had come to do and she wanted to protect her family, just like she had before. " Well, dearie? What's the answer? " Rumplestiltskin's tone prodded her.
She sighed, " That I need to feel it... It's about emotion. I need to think about what I want to protect... To save. "
He laughed, " Precisely! Now, FEEL your emotions. Shut your mind out and let that heart of yours... That heart made from True Love... Let it take over... "
Emma tried to do what he said but all she could think about was losing the babies and possibly her own life. Rumplestiltskin tutted her, " You're not doing it right! You're still thinking! YOU NEED TO FEEL! "
Emma growled, " I'm trying! "
" Not hard enough! " Rumplestiltskin growled back. There was a dull thud next to her, like he had dropped to his knees. She startled when he touched her stomach, pressing his hand firmly down on it. " How badly do you want to save your children? "
" Worse than you can imagine! " Emma ground out. " I don't know if I can go on if I lose them. "
" Then FEEL it! " He said. " Feel it like you did when you healed yourself before... When that doctor tried to take them. "
Emma closed her eyes as tight as she could, remembering how panicked she was when Doctor Hargreaves came at her with the syringe. As she did, she could feel a dull warmth in her belly. Rumplestiltskin rubbed her stomach, " That's right... Keep going... Now you're FEELING it. "
The heat grew until Emma felt like her body was going to catch fire, the energy obliterating the cold that surrounded her. Her shoulders no longer hurt and the pain in her stomach slowly vanished. After a long time, the heat faded and she could feel the surrounding dampness again. She exhaled, her muscles relaxing.
As she sank into the ground, she realized something was missing. She could no longer feel Rumplestiltskin's presence. She opened her eyes, finding he was gone. She pushed herself up on her arms, " Rumplestiltskin? " She called quietly. She felt panicked, shouting for him but he still did not answer.
She brought her right hand up, placing it on her belly. Her heart stopped when she felt it was flat, the slight bump that was there gone. ~My babies... ~ She thought. She looked around again, still not able to see Rumplestiltskin.
In the distance, she heard squeaking... Like rusty hinges. She gingerly got to her feet, taking a few tentative steps as she got her balance. She followed the sound through the trees until she reached a sprawling estate. Her breath caught in her throat, knowing who the estate belonged to.
She felt a surge of energy as she neared the gates, walking as fast as her bare feet could carry her. She looked down, the familiar white gown greeting her sight. She then looked forward as she passed through the neglected gardens that surrounded the huge castle. She reached the front doors, pushing them open.
She froze in the foyer, the squeaking joined by the sound of babies gurgling and cooing. Something else reached her ears, a melodic humming. As she listened, she could tell it was a lullaby. She followed the gentle tune to the large room she had found Rumplestiltskin in.
She shoved the doors open, finding him next to the spinning wheel with his back to the room. Since he wasn't in front of the wheel, she knew the squeaking was coming from something else. Emma's curiosity pushed her forward until she could see the source of the noise. In front of Rumplestiltskin sat a cradle and he was gently rocking it as he hummed to what was inside.
Emma tiptoed closer, gasping when she saw two tiny forms tucked inside. They babbled at Rumplestiltskin, their tiny hands reaching for him. She couldn't see their faces though, Rumplestiltskin head blocking them from her sight. He stopped humming and said, " Oh look, girls. Mommy is here. "
There were some very enthusiastic babbling and happy sounds from the crib. " Oh my, my. Is that so? " He asked. He then turned his head and smiled at her, " Come closer. They want to see you. "
Emma blinked, " I can see them? My last dream... "
" Come, come. You'll be waking up soon. Don't you want to see them before you go? " Rumplestiltskin cut her off. His smile became tender, " Don't you want to see what you've saved? "
Emma nodded, stepping closer. She covered her mouth with her hand when she saw them. They were a perfect balance of her and Mr. Gold with clear bright blue-green eyes that sparkled with happiness. Their hair was fine and dark blonde, almost the same shade as their father's.
They both squealed with delight when they saw her, reaching for her. They wiggled and squirmed, kicking their feet under the blanket that covered them. Rumplestiltskin reached up, placing his hand on the small of Emma's back and urged her closer to the cradle. " Don't be afraid, " He said tenderly.
She moved closer, reaching down to touch them with her trembling hand. She brushed her hand across one's cheek then reached for the other as they grasped at her fingers. Her heart swelled with joy at the feel of their soft skin and she choked on a happy sob. She looked at Rumplestiltskin, finding he had his lips quirked up in a tender smile.
" They're beautiful... " She whispered.
" Like their mother, " He said quietly.
Emma looked at the babies again, " What are we going to name them? "
Before Rumplestiltskin could answer, the dream world fell away. She could do nothing but watch helplessly as the castle and everything in it vanished like a sandcastle at high tide...
Emma sat up with a start, looking around to find she was still in the abandoned cannery building. As she looked around, everything that had happened came rushing back to her. Neal and Baelfire were gone, possibly dead and Tamara had run away. There was no doubt Greg Mendel had escaped too.
She summoned up her strength and got to her feet, feeling like she had run a marathon. Though she was healed, it had drained her energy and all she wanted to do was sleep. She knew she would eventually have to learn how to use her power without wiping herself out but that would have wait. She had to get back home and tell Mary-Margret and David what happened. She also needed to find out if Regina was okay...
" She's upstairs, " David said as he got out of the truck. Mother Superior was getting on the passenger side. He walked over to her, " Hopefully, we're not too late. "
" I don't understand, " Mother Superior said as she followed David up the path. " Why did Regina use her power to save herself? "
" I don't know, " David said. " Mary-Margret said she was powerless. I think Greg did something to disable her power. "
" Oh my, " Mother Superior gasped as David got the door and ushered her inside the apartment building. " I wonder what? "
" Me too, " David said as he followed her. They quickly climbed the stairs to the apartment, David knocking on the door when they reached it. He could hear Mary-Margret rushing to the door and waited as she opened it. " Any change? "
Mary-Margret shook her head, " No. She still unconscious. I've tried to get her warmed up but she's still pretty bad. "
" Let me have a look, " Mother Superior said as she stepped forward. " I don't know if I can help but I will try. "
Mary-Margret nodded and walked to the bed, pulling the blanket that covered Regina back. She then took the hot water bottle she had placed on Regina. She stepped back, Mother Superior stepping forward. She looked at her closely, stopping at a leather cuff on Regina's left wrist.
David watched as she lifted her hand and held it over the cuff. Mother Superior frowned and he stepped forward, " What is it? "
" I believe this cuff is what is hindering Regina's powers, " Mother Superior drew her hand back. " I feel a strange energy coming from it. "
" Like magic? " David furrowed his brow.
Mother Superior clasped her right hand to her chest, " Not magic... Something else I've never felt before. "
" Can you get it off? " Mary-Margret asked.
Mother Superior nodded, " I can try. "
" Please? " Mary-Margret pleaded.
Mother Superior reached for Mary-Margret's hands, " I will do everything I am capable of doing. Can I just have a minute to think of what spell I want to try? "
" Sure, " David stepped in, putting his right hand on Mary-Margret's shoulder. He nodded towards the kitchen, " Come on. "
Mary-Margret blinked then nodded, letting him lead her out to the kitchen. When they got there, she crossed her arms over her chest and looked at the floor. David reached over and tipped her chin up, " You're really worried, aren't you? "
She closed her eyes, " Yes. What if she dies? "
David was silent. He had pondered the question the entire time to the convent and back. He knew their lives would be easier if she did but letting her just die was the wrong thing to do. They had to do whatever they could to save her because he knew Mary-Margret would be guilt-ridden if they didn't.
" David? " Mary-Margret whispered. " What if she dies? What do we tell Henry? What if he thinks we just... "
" Shh, " David shushed her. " Henry won't think that we just let her die. He knows us better than that. If she really does not survive, we'll tell him the truth... That we did everything we could. "
" But he will be devastated, " Mary-Margret replied. She choked on a sob then took a deep breath, " I don't know if I can stand to see him like that. "
David took his hand from her chin and put it on her shoulder, " Mary-Margret... We're a family. We'll help him get through it. "
" I hope we can, " Mary-Margret whispered.
" I'm ready, " Mother Superior called from the bedroom.
Mary-Margret gasped then pulled away from David, rushing back to the bedroom. " Can you save her? "
Mother Superior nodded, " I can make the cuff disappear. After that, Regina's power will return. "
Mary-Margret grabbed Mother Superior's hands, " Then let's do it. Save her. "
Mother Superior nodded, gently pulling her hands out of Mary-Margret's. She reached into her cape and pulled out her wand. She closed her eyes, gathering her concentration before waving the wand over her slowly as a gentle tinkling filled the room. The cuff vanished and Mother Superior let her hands fall to her sides, " Now the cuff is off, she's gonna be okay... Given time and rest, her magic will return. "
The front door of the apartment opened, drawing everyone's attention to it. David gasped, the state Emma was in shocking him. She walked into the apartment like it was all she could do to move. She was pale, her hair messy and sticking to her forehead like she had been sweating.
She looked like she had done something extremely strenuous and would drop at any second. David rushed to her, " What happened? " He asked. He then noticed she looked like she had been crying.
He reached for her, " What is it? "
" Where's Neal? " Mary-Margret asked. " And Baelfire? "
Emma turned her eyes up to him then looked at Mary-Margret. She took a shaky breath, " They're gone. Both of them. She killed them. "
David let his hand fall to his side, " What? Who? "
" Tamara, " Emma whispered. " She shot them... We tried to stop her... We couldn't... "
David rushed forward when Emma faltered, swaying like she was going to fall to the floor. He put his arm around her and urged her to the stairs.
Mother Superior came out of the bedroom, " I had better leave. I know how I affect her. "
" Thanks, Blue, " David said as she rushed past. " We'll call you if we need anything else. "
Mother Superior nodded and left the apartment. David finished walking Emma to the stairs, supporting most of her weight as he did. They sat down and he put his arm around her to help her stay sitting up. " She had a bean... She opened a portal, " Emma continued.
" A portal? " David blinked.
Emma didn't look at him, " They fell in. They were both badly hurt. There's no way they'll survive. "
There was a weak groan from the bedroom, Mary-Margret looking to see why. She turned back to him, " Regina's waking up. "
" Go to her, " David said. " I'll take care of Emma. "
Mary-Margret nodded then walked away, going to the kitchen. She got a bowl and filled it with warm water. David turned his attention back to Emma, " What else happened? "
" Tamara and I fought... I almost lost the babies... " Emma whispered.
" Oh my God, Emma... " David whispered. " Are you okay now? "
Emma still stared straight ahead, " I'm okay. I... I healed myself and them. I... Just couldn't help Neal or Baelfire. "
David rubbed her arm and pulled her closer, " Emma... I'm so sorry. "
" How... " Emma started. " How am I going to tell Henry? Tell Gold? "
David tried to think of something to say but couldn't. He sighed before pressing his lips to the side of her head, kissing her for a long moment. When he stopped, he pulled her closer and she put her head on his shoulder. She sighed, " I need to go lay down... Just for a few minutes. "
" I'll help you to bed, " David said quietly. Emma moved to stand up, David holding on to her as she did. They then turned and headed upstairs...
Mary-Margret dabbed at the sweat on Regina's brow, cleaning it away as she stirred. It looked like she was going to wake up and Mary-Margret didn't want her to do so alone. She was worried about Emma but David was handling it. She knew she wasn't strong enough to, not after finding out about what Tamara had done.
She could only imagine what Emma was going through, losing the father of her first-born son. She could tell Emma still had feelings for the man and knew she was absolutely gutted. What made it worse was the fact she would have to tell Henry. He had been so happy to have his dad around and now he had lost him.
Mary-Margret sighed, hearing footsteps behind her. She knew it was David because she had heard Emma say she needed to lay down. He had taken her upstairs a good half-hour before, probably sitting with her until she fell asleep. Emma needed rest... That much was obvious.
Before she could turn to him and ask about Emma, Regina groaned and her eyes fluttered open. She immediately furrowed her brow when she saw her, " You saved me? " Regina's voice was raspy, probably from all the screaming she had done while being tortured.
" Yes, " Mary-Margret said.
" You really think we would let you die? " David added. " Despite our differences, we're family. "
" Where are they? " Regina whispered without looking at them. " Where are Greg and Tamara? "
Mary-Margret looked up at David. He had talked to Emma more than she had. He inhaled deeply, " They got away. "
Regina exhaled heavily, " So they still have it. "
Mary-Margret blinked. Whatever it was, she could tell it was important by Regina's tone. " Still have what? "
Regina closed her eyes, " A trigger... "
" A trigger? " David repeated as Mary-Margret got to her feet.
Regina narrowed her eyes like she did not like to be interrupted. She pushed her hair out of her face, " That will destroy Storybrooke. "
" No, " Mary-Margret gasped.
" I had a fail-safe built into the curse, " Regina said.
" Then why exactly were you carrying it around? " Mary-Margret asked but she had a good idea of why Regina had it.
" She was going to destroy us, Mary-Margret, " David said.
Regina glared at him, " I was going to use the beans to take Henry back to The Enchanted Forest. "
Mary-Margret felt her anger surge, " And in the process, kill us all. "
" You want to discuss justification? " Regina hissed. " You were going to abandon me. "
Mary-Margret was shocked. She recalled discussing it with David on the pier but she thought they had been alone. Apparently, they weren't. Regina continued as she lifted her head up from the pillow, " Or shall we discuss the more pressing issue which is that I no longer control the trigger. "
" And Greg and Tamara do, " David said quietly.
" Yes, " Regina said. " They STOLE it, just like they stole the beans. "
" So they could literally trigger the fail-safe and then get out of here before Storybrooke is destroyed? " David said.
" Precisely, " Regina said.
Mary-Margret looked at David then at her, " What will it take to set it off? "
Regina closed her eyes, " A hit from a dwarf's axe "
" Do they know this? " David asked.
Regina opened her eyes, " We better hope they don't. "
David got out his cell phone and Mary-Margret looked at him, " What are you doing? "
" Calling the dwarves. I'm going to have them keep guard over the mines tonight. It's dark out there and I have no clue where to look for Greg and Tamara. If we can keep the mine safe tonight, we can look for them in the morning, " David said as he dialed.
Regina frowned, " Whoever they work for knows more than we realize. "
David looked at her as he put the phone to his ear, " But they don't know us. "