"Sheriff, your phone is ringing."
Emma sat up abruptly, slamming her forehead against the sink's pipe. One of the first calls on her list to dispatch to was to Granny's, where a pipe had sprung an impressive leak from damage due to an unknown cause. Normally, Eugenia would have a plumber, but the damage to the pipe looked suspicious, and knew reporting it to the Sheriff was the only way to proceed. Rubbing her forehead gingerly, Emma emerged from under the sink and accepted her phone from Eugenia. She smiled when she saw Regina's contact on the screen. Note to self: ask her for a picture instead of this shitty blank one.
"We really have to stop meeting like this," Emma joked, answering the call.
"Emma, you need to come down to Geppetto's shop. It's an emergency" Regina interrupted, frantically attempting to articulate herself.
"Babe, slow down. What's going on?" Emma questioned, becoming concerned.
"Geppetto's shop. I'll explain when you get here."
"On my way. I love you."
Emma didn't wait for a response. She looked over at Granny, who picked up on the tone of urgency.
"Go. I'll figure something out." Eugenia shooed her away.
"I'll come back if I can," Emma called over her shoulder, rushing out of the diner.
Emma opted to drive the Sheriff's car to the scene, the necessity of speed overpowered her love for the bug. Lights and sirens blared as she skid to a halt in the driveway, several yards away from the ambulance where she saw Vincenzo being lifted into on a stretcher. The fire department was sectioning off the shop behind them. She threw her door open, almost hard enough to swing back and sprinted toward Regina, who looked as pale as milk.
"What happened?" Emma checked Regina over for any signs of injury.
"I'm fine. Vincenzo is the one who is hurt." Regina brushed Emma's hands off.
"Ruby, what happened?" Emma turned to her best friend.
"We aren't really sure. He couldn't really speak much, and Regina had to use magic to pull him out of the shop."
Emma looked back at Regina. "You did?"
Regina nodded sadly, silently watching the doors of the ambulance closed.
"Was he attacked? Why is the fire department here?"
Ruby shrugged. "Not sure if attacked. Something must have burst inside the shop because there was water everywhere and electricity in it."
"Fuck," Emma ran a frustrated hand through her hair.
Ruby gestured Emma closer to her, out of Regina's hearing range.
"Regina saved his life. She got him out of there and healed him." Ruby added, quietly.
"Is she okay? She's pretty distant and her fingers are bloody."
"Physically, I think she's okay. But, emotionally… Emma, he's her brother. I think she's all kinds of fucked up, but won't admit it because, well, she's Regina."
Emma nodded. "I know. Jesus, this is a mess, Rubes. How are you doing with all this?"
"I'm engaged," Ruby responded, emotionless.
"Fucking, what?" Emma looked at her, dumbstruck.
"He- The first sentence out of his mouth was 'marry me,' and I said yes."
Emma laughed in disbelief. "No shit?"
Ruby shook her head, a small smile spreading. "No shit."
"Do you want to meet Regina and I at the hospital? I know she's not going to want to leave his side, at least not for a while."
"I have to go let Granny know first."
"I was over there looking at a pipe that was fucked when Regina called. I'm pretty sure Granny already knows."
"Probably, but I still should check in, just in case. Do you think Regina would mind if I drove her car? She brought us here."
Emma shrugged. "I don't think she'll mind, but I'll double check. Gimme a sec?"
"Yeah."
Emma headed in Regina's direction, steps slow and cautious. Her heart broke as she looked at Regina more carefully. Warm brown eyes were bloodshot from crying and her cheeks were rosy from the cold. She waited until she was in front of Regina to extend an arm, not wishing to upset her further. Regina observed the hand blankly for a moment, then threw herself against Emma's sturdy frame. Emma gratefully caught her in a firm hug.
"I'm so sorry, Babe. I'm here."
Regina's body shook as a sob took over. "He almost died. Vincenzo almost died."
"Ruby said you saved him. You healed him." Emma whispered, rubbing Regina's neck.
"No," Regina curtly shook her head and looked up at Emma. "She did. I repaired his lungs as much as I could and cleared the water, but it wasn't enough. She kissed him and…"
"It was true love's kiss," Emma finished.
"I thought he was dead. Then, suddenly, he wasn't." Regina sniffled, burying her face in Emma's neck.
Emma sighed into the embrace. "You did so good, Babe. I'm so proud of you."
Regina murmured something muffled against Emma's neck.
"What, Babe?"
Regina raised her voice. "Something went wrong when I attempted to pull him from the water."
Emma smoothed Regina's hair back. "Like what?"
Regina tightened her arms around Emma, anchoring herself before responding.
"Something didn't want me to rescue him."
"What do you mean?"
"It felt as though there was a resistance to my magic. At first, I couldn't find him and then, when I tried to lift him from the water, something was trying to stop me."
Emma craned her head down and kissed Regina's temple. "Magic?"
"I'm not sure. It certainly was not human."
"Maybe it's time to have that talk with Mr. Gold."
Regina's posture deflated. "I was hoping to avoid that man at all costs."
"I know. Let me go talk to the firemen and we'll see what caused all of this. We'll look at our options after that, okay?" Regina nodded. "Would it be okay if Rubes borrowed your car to update Granny? I told her I would take you to the hospital."
"That would be alright."
"Okay, I'll be right back, Babe."
Emma gave Regina a brief kiss on the lips, then gave Ruby a thumbs-up as she made her way up the path to the firefighters. The fire chief met halfway, a grave expression etched into his face.
"What's the situation, Chief?"
He removed his helmet and ran a hand across his bald head. "This is the third call we've had this morning, Sheriff. Things aren't lookin' too good."
"Does that include the call from Eugenia Lucas?" The chief shook his head. "Then, that makes four so far."
"What happened at the diner?"
"At first, Granny thought it was just a pipe that had burst because of the weather. Except, the pipe was burnt to shit somehow and that's when she called me."
"From what we saw in there, Sheriff, this was not an accident. It looks like someone tore the living shit out of Geppetto's fuse box, then broke every pipe in sight. How they managed to flood the shop without electrocuting themselves is beyond me."
"This obviously isn't the work of someone by themselves. There are too many crime scenes."
"I agree," The chief agreed, looking around to make sure they were alone then continued in a hushed tone. "I don't know if you heard this over the radio earlier, but, one of the places hit was your parents'."
Emma's blood pressure spiked. "What?"
"Everyone is okay. No one was in the loft when the electrical fire happened."
"Electrical fire?" Emma cried out, then quieted herself before Regina could hear her.
"Yes, electrical fire. While no one was injured, the main floor bedroom seemed to sustain the most damage. The loft is not inhabitable until it can be repaired and re-inspected."
Emma frowned. "Where was the other damage?"
"It appears that the fire started inside the light switch near the front entrance, traveled down to a nearby plug then proceeded to burn outward. The rug that was close to the plug caught fire and it spread to the main floor bedroom."
"Is that something that can happen naturally, or do you think someone agitated the wiring?"
The chief shrugged. "It's entirely possible that this happened because of old or faulty wiring. But, considering the day we're having, I think it's best to assume the worst and hope for the best."
"I agree. What's the sit-rep for the other locations?"
"Pipe burst under the convent and some wiring came loose. Nova, also known as Sister Astrid, found Blue in some shallow water. I'm guessing she tried to investigate on her own when she heard the pipe burst. The fairies are watching over her at the hospital. Second place was Mr. Gold's shop. Not much to explain there because he wouldn't let us come inside to do our jobs. Something about he would handle it on his own and couldn't be bothered with us fumbling around. Then the last one, right before this, was over at Mr. French's flower shop. Poor guy, none of the flowers made it."
"Goddamn. This is a shit show."
"That's a polite way to put it. How is the Her Majesty doing? She looked pretty shell-shocked when we arrived."
Emma looked over at Regina, who had taken a seat on a rock. Her shoulders were slumped, and her head was in her hands.
"Not great. I think she's a mixture of still in shock and pissed."
The chief nodded solemnly. "I understand. We all know and love Vincenzo. This is all very sad."
"I gotta take her to the hospital to see him. Keep me in the loop with all of this, okay?"
"Will do, Sheriff. Please assure the queen that we won't leave any stone unturned."
Emma shook his hand and returned to Regina, who was still sitting on the rock. She held a hand out to Regina and eased her up. They walked to the cruiser, Emma's arm wrapped around Regina's back and gave her a squeeze.
"I'm going to find out who did this, Regina. I promise."
"Who would have done this, Emma? Vincenzo, even as one of my knights, was always an exceptionally kind soul. He didn't deserve this."
Emma opened the passenger door for Regina. "No, he didn't. Not one bit."
Emma closed the door once Regina was inside and rounded the car to her side, pausing briefly to take in the scene one last time before opening her door and climbing inside. Regina's hand reached for Emma and found purchase on her thigh. Emma laced her fingers through Regina's and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
"I have some more bad news."
Regina's head sank back on the headrest. "What now?"
"I talked to the chief and this was just one of several calls he's gotten this morning like this."
"Dare I ask?" Regina whispered, voice thick and gravelly.
"My parents', the convent, and Mr. French's shop." Regina's grip tightened. "No, Regina. Don't go there. Henry is safe, he was at school before anything happened."
Regina exhaled deeply, relieved. "Small miracles, I suppose."
"Yeah, no shit. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to kid or you."
Regina relinquished Emma's hand so she could start the car and put it into drive, but resumed her hold when the car began to move forward.
"What is happening to our town, Emma?"
"I don't know, but I don't like it. I'm going to find out though. The chief said to let you know he and his men will make this a priority."
Regina choked out a small laugh. "That's surprising to hear."
"Why is that?"
"I threatened his family while we were still in the Enchanted Forest. His wife aided your mother during one of my more rage-filled stages. Vincenzo convinced me not to kill them."
"Well, looks like he forgave you."
"Doubtful. He is likely repaying his debt to Vincenzo. Either way, I am thankful for his assistance."
The pair pulled up to the visitor parking lot of Storybrooke's only hospital and exited the vehicle. Regina waited for Emma to walk around to her side before threading their hands together and proceeded into the building. Regina halted at the sliding glass doors to the emergency department.
"I'm right here. We're going to do this together."
"Together?"
"Together, until you say different."
They got a few feet inside the waiting area before the assaulting scream of Mrs. Potts' voice rang through the air.
"Where the hell is my son? Take me to him!" Mrs. Potts slammed a withered hand against the receptionist's counter. "So help me, I will skin you alive."
"Momma?" Regina gasped, running over to Mrs. Potts at full-throttle.
"Oh, Honey."
Mrs. Potts caught her daughter in a tight hug, fixing Emma with a thankful look over Regina's shoulder. Emma returned the look with a nod and walked toward the desk, flashing her badge at the secretary.
"Let them pass, they're family."
"I'm sorry, Sheriff Swan. They aren't listed under his emergency contacts." The young secretary apologized.
Emma leaned menacingly over the counter, invading the girl's space. "If you don't let them pass, I can guarantee you're going to have an emergency on your hands and I'm going to let it happen. Are we clear?"
The girl gulped audibly and pressed the button under her desk to open the visitor entrance doors.
"Room 16, third door on the right."
"The Sheriff's station appreciates your cooperation-" Emma looked at her nametag, "Alyssa."
The trio walked through the open door and Regina was the first to enter Vincenzo's room. Mrs. Potts held Emma back, closing the door after Regina.
"Thank you for that."
Emma shrugged nonchalantly. "It's no problem."
"I want to talk to you before we go in there."
Emma rubbed her neck in a nervous gesture. "Why does this feel like the part where you're gonna kick my ass?"
Mrs. Potts smiled, amused. "You're a lot smarter than you let on, Emma. But no, that isn't what is going to happen. I wanted to clarify a few things."
Emma took a deep breath. "Go for it."
"I know we don't know each other very well, but I am sure that we can both agree that we want what is best for Regina. Am I correct in assuming that?"
Emma nodded vigorously. "Yes, absolutely."
"Then, I should also be correct in assuming that you will do everything in your power to see that Regina is protected. Yes?"
"Yes."
"Even if that means from herself and you."
Emma shook her head in confusion. "Wait, what?"
"Perhaps not as fast on the uptake as I'd hoped. Let me put this plainly for you, Dear." She crossed her arms and looked sternly at Emma, who shrank back from her gaze. "I have two children in that emergency room behind you," She pointed to the closed door. "One that is badly injured physically and another that has gone through enough metaphorical hell for a hundred of the strongest souls. Now, I have high hopes that you are the Savior that everyone says you are and that your intentions are pure. Because, otherwise, you and I will clash as deadly as Titans and I can assure you that I will come through victorious. Following me so far, Sheriff?"
Emma could only nod, any and all words were trapped, frozen in her throat.
"Excellent. Now, where was I?" She squinted in contemplation. "Oh, yes. Protection. We both know she's stubborn as all hell. She would rather lay down her life than ever back away from something that threatens her or those she holds close to her heart. Had she not been a queen in her former life, she would have made an excellent Valkyrie. But, that's not the point. My point is, she surpasses her limits. If you love her as you say you do, you will need to pay close attention and learn those limits. I will tell you right now that she is reaching a limit. Vincenzo is, for lack of a better term, the other half of her soul. You may hold her heart, but he holds her soul, the same way Henry does. One day, you may as well. Now, I don't know what attacked my son or why, though I'm quite sure you'll be conducting an investigation. Keep Regina close during that, don't sequester her or try to hide anything. She doesn't suffer fools and certainly won't endure that from you. I am trusting you with my daughter, Emma Swan. Do not take that lightly. The consequences of hurting her will not be pleasant for you, or any of us."
They stared at each other for a long, pregnant moment. Mrs. Potts could tell the girl wouldn't speak unless spoken to at this point, so she extended the invitation.
"You may speak, Emma."
Emma let go of the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding and composed herself to speak.
"You're fucking intense, you know that?" Could've worded that one better, Swan.
Mrs. Potts smirked. "I am aware."
"Am I allowed to actually respond to that, or just implode with my response internally."
"You have an interesting sense of humor, Emma. I can see why Regina likes you. And yes, you may respond."
Emma blew out a breath. "Alright, well… Yes, I love Regina, and yes, I would do anything to protect her. I wasn't planning on excluding her from anything or keeping her in the dark, I respect her too much to treat her like that. I'm trying to earn her trust back, not throw it out the window. Second off, I am never getting on your fucking bad side. No thanks, I don't have a death wish." Emma stopped to take a breath and gauge Mrs. Potts' reaction.
"You're doing well, Dear. Please, continue."
Emma nodded. "I know I'm not the ideal choice for her. Hell, I'm probably the last one that you want her to be with, considering my lineage. I want you to know that she's important to me. All of the things she did in the past are exactly that, in the past. I want a future with her. With her, our kid, our friends and family, and that includes you. She's my Halley's Comet, a once in a lifetime experience. I'm not giving that up."
"Spoken like a true Charming. All I ask is that your actions reflect your words and we will never have an issue. Now, let's go check on our girl."
Mrs. Potts opened the door and they stepped inside. The room was dim and had the telltale sterile smell of every hospital room Emma had ever stepped foot into. Various wires and tubes branched out from under old hospital blankets and attached to IV drips, monitors, and humming machinery. Regina was sat at Vincenzo's side, lovingly caressing his sleeping face and holding the hand without an IV. Shortly after Emma took a seat next to Regina and Mrs. Potts on the opposing side, Dr. Whale entered the room.
"Morning, everyone. I know this is all very distressing, but I'd like to talk to you about Vincenzo's condition."
All three women nodded silently. Regina grasped Emma's thigh tightly, preparing herself for the worst.
"I was informed by EMS that it was you that found and healed him, Your Majesty. Is that correct?"
"Yes," Regina squeaked out, then cleared her throat and repeated herself. "Yes, I did."
"Well, I'd like to be the first to say thank you for that assistance because it likely saved his life. He still has some damage to his lungs and throat, but you healed the worst of it. The sedation and nasal cannula we have him on are merely precautions to ease his recovery and provide comfort. Miss Lucas mentioned that he was able to speak, if only briefly after you healed him and that is indicative that he will recover fully with very few complications if any. I'd like to keep him here overnight and monitor his vitals, as well as run a few more tests to make sure there aren't any injuries we are overlooking or missing."
"Do what you have to, to take care of my boy, Doctor." Mrs. Potts answered for all of them.
Dr. Whale looked to Regina, who nodded in agreement, and then he gestured for Emma to follow him out the door.
"I'll be right back, Babe. I'll just be right outside the door."
Emma kissed Regina's hand and got out of her seat. She exchanged a knowing look with Mrs. Potts and exited the room.
"What's up, Whale?"
"I wanted to talk to you about the similarities between Vincenzo and Mother Superior, well, Blue."
"Lay it on me."
"They sustained similar injuries, were found in similar situations, and they're both important figures to the town in varying ways. It seems pretty suspicious that they were both attacked so close together."
"I completely agree. Is Blue awake?"
Dr. Whale shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. She coded shortly after arriving and we had to sedate her as well. Until we can normalize her vitals, she won't be waking up for some time."
Emma pinched the bridge of her nose, frustrated. "That's just fucking great."
"I'm sorry, Sheriff. If her condition changes, I'll make sure to notify you."
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
Emma turned to re-enter Vincenzo's room but was stopped by Dr. Whale's hand on her shoulder.
"There was one more thing I wanted to tell you."
Emma leaned her back against the wall and let her head fall against the hard surface.
"There's more?"
"Sister Astrid said there was a dark figure lurking in the shadows when she discovered Blue."