AN: This chapter is a bit of a bumpy ride but just to clarify, anything in bold italics is the Knight speaking in Morrigans head...
Trigger Warning: Torture...
While Rumpelstiltskin comes up with a way of sending us all home, we've decided to break off to get things done quicker before Midas's ball. Hook and Emma are attempting to get Snow to the golden palace to steal the prince's ring while I've been given that task of obtaining the invites..
Morrigan weaves through masses of people who shop from busy carts and stalls within the large village, thankfully Rumple put a glamour spell on me so I cant be recognized, but I still have to be wary. I cant go to Midas's ball as I don't have anyone to escort me, its for the best though, if there are any fairies or magical creatures, they'll sense my magic and my cover will be blown. I shouldn't have used magic against Rumple, I bet the Queen sensed the shift..She pulls her hood further over her face as a pair of black knights walk by, thankfully they don't give a shit about a hooded peasant woman..She approaches a shifty looking man on the corner of an ally. He quickly slips her two silver plaques in which she tosses a bag of gold his way. Without another word, the two head their separate ways and green eyes glance down at the metal invitations, easy peasy, now I just have to get these to Emma and Hook and..
The sound of horses and cries of the people have green eyes darting to the commotion further up the road. In the distance Midas's golden castle stands proud as a contingent of black knights soon cloud her view, shit, There's only one reason for all those knights..Morrigan quickly slips from the crowd of people and hurries down the road. Several black knights station themselves the end and she weaves back into the crowd. With the clatter of hooves fast approaching her panic rises and she rushes towards the ally only merely avoiding a guard in her haste.
"I apologize." Morrigan ducks her head and scampers back into the crowd, there's no way out without causing a scene..She stares downcast, pressing into the wall furthest away from the road and prays.
"Make way for the Queen! Make way!"
Morrigans heart races, green eyes glued to the floor, don't even look at her..The sound of hooves clatter past without incident and she releases a shaky breath, silently sliding around peasants in the opposite direction.
"My Queen?!"
Morrigan pauses, the silent space sending her heart into her mouth, she peers up, green eyes glancing at the slightly parting crowd heading towards her, Fuck! I'm so fucking busted!..She quickly slides around other bodies picking up her pace.
"GUARDS! CEASE HER!"
SHIT! RUN!..Morrigan quickly bolts through the startled crowd, pushing people from her way and knocking them off their feet. A knight darts from the back ally and she rams her shoulder into his chest sending him sprawled on the floor. The clang of the metal plates in her satchel has her tossing it amongst some boxes and dashing towards the trees. The bellowing of the guard echos around her and she unclips her cloak, tossing it at an advancing Knight. Two more men step in front of her and she stops abruptly, changing direction. Several more appear from no where and soon she finds herself being herded back towards the Queen, that's my fucking tactic!..Her focus darts to a stack of boxes and she sprints for them, avoiding the knights steel and jumping for the houses roof. She clings to the slate, hoisting herself up but shes abruptly wrenched down by her ankle and crashes into the boxes below, fuck..
Hands roughly grab her arms and pull her to her feet, she struggles, trying to rip her arms from their grasp but gets a harsh punch to the jaw for her effort, this isn't good, I'm going to have to use magic..In an instant, her eyes flicker red and she launches the guards off her arms. There's a series of cries from startled citizens as black knights shuffle apprehensively, right time to go..Her hand is in mid swing when shes thrown into a hut, her head bounces off stone and she collapses in a heap. Her vision blurs as she pushes herself to her hands and knees, pulling a shaky hand back to cover her bloodied scalp, I need to..Another blast of magic tosses her against the wall and finally, her world cuts to black, damn...
The incessant sound of clicking heels floods her mind, her skull throbs and she groans at the pain. The clicking stops and Morrigan shifts on her aching backside, where..Her wrists flex and she inwardly sighs at the metal clasped around them.
"I'm glad you could finally join us.."
Green eyes slide open to inspect her surroundings. The familiar grotty decor of the palace dungeons welcomes her before her focus slides to the guards stood vigilant outside the bars. Her eyes soon glide to the placid Queen stood within her cell and she avoids staring at the woman's ample cleavage out for show, gods sake, cant she put on a pantsuit or something..
"It seems you've been following me.."
Morrigan remains silent, eyes looking passed the woman.
"It also seems you have magic. Tell me, who sent you?"
Silence...
I cant tell her anything or I risk altering the future. I need to escape as soon as possible, the more time I'm here the more I'm changing things..
"Your silence will only prolong the inevitable assassin.." Afflicted green eyes dart to the Queens dark sneer but quickly flicker away as red lips curl.."Not an assassin then. But magic users are rare around these parts, you must have learnt from somewhere..Rumpelstiltskin?"
Silence...
The Queen saunters over, bending to Morrigans eye level but green eyes refuse to meet the woman head on, keep your cool, you know all her tricks..A hand caresses her cheek but she gasps at the searing pain flooding from the touch. She pulls at her restraints, gasping for air as black tendrils snake from under slender fingers, setting her veins alight.
"Did the dark one send you to spy on me?!"
Morrigan gasps trying to move away from the cursed touch.."N..No.."
"Then who?!"
Morrigan grinds her teeth, the pain increasing with every second, I..I cant hold on..Just say something.."M-Midas.." The royals hand pulls back and Morrigan inhales deeply, air rapidly entering her burning lungs and black veins fading from white skin.
"Midas? Why?"
"He..He knew you we're coming to his kingdom so..he asked I watch over you until you leave."
The Queen laughs, grabbing Morrigans face harshly.."You think I'm a fool?!"
"I'm not ly.." The pressure on Morrigans jaw increases as dark brown eyes flare, shit shes not buying it..Her focus quickly darts away from the royal and stares at the back wall.
"Fine, you need a little persuasion, I'm only happy to offer my assistance.." The Queen clicks her fingers and immediately black knights quickly enter the cell, pulling their prisoner from the wall. Morrigan glances down at the black shackles around her wrists and frowns, damn it, I need to get these things off so I can transport myself out of here..
"To the tower, I believe Teach is ready for her."
Green eyes widen as shes hauled out of the cell, no not again! I cant let this happen again!..Morrigan struggles fiercely, ramming one of the knights into the bars but is quickly restrained and punched.."Bastards!" Shes scooped up and dragged from the dungeons, the Queens dark laughter following closely behind.
Through the halls and up to the tower Morrigan shrieks, kicking out as several guards guide her into the circular torture chamber.
"Easy now, we dont want her spoiled before the fun really begins.." Teach grins.
Little fuck!..Morrigan screams, kicking a guard from her body but her shackles are soon attached to the chains above her head. Smiling wickedly the Queen stalks in behind them and Teach quickly bows.."Your majesty I wasn't expecting you."
"Well this one has information I need. Shes a convincing liar so I dont trust your tiny mind to comprehend her deceit." The Queen strolls around her panting prisoner and runs her hand over various tools on the metal table.
"Of course my Queen."
Green eyes watch the prowling royal and Morrigan stiffens when clicking heels stop behind her, take the pain Morrigan, we've been through this before..You shouldn't fucking have too! Kill the bitch!..Gods not you, not now..She gasps when the back of her shirt is ripped open and a slender finger traces the whipping scars on her skin.
"Looks like someones beaten me to the punch, and they were quite skilled I see. You must have been in a lot of pain.."
Here comes the empathy deal..
"I can stop all of this before it even starts. All I want is your cooperation, tell me who you are and who sent you and you can return to the dungeons."
Silence...
There's a crack and Morrigan flinches at the sharp pain on her back, fight back coward!..No! This isn't our Regina! We could alter the future permanently if we harm her!..Another crack has her groaning and gritting her teeth.
"What is your name?!"
Silence...
Another four lashes have Morrigan crying out in pain, I cant alter the future..Another slice of flesh makes her legs weak and her arms pull painfully at the metal around her wrists. Her head is suddenly wrenched backwards and she startles at the sound of a blade. Her hair is pulled tight and in one swift move, a mass of ebony hair is severed. She gasps, green eyes wide at the jagged split ends hovering in her face. Her mind wanders, focusing on her Regina, her family, her friends but the images are torn away by another brutal crack.
"S-Stop.."
"Your name?!"
Another series of agonizing screams tare from her throat before a firm hand wrenches her head up to look into narrow brown eyes.
Silence...
Green eyes silently plead, the pain in Morrigans back sending a subtle trembling throughout her body and her burning skin makes her eyes water, please beloved..You were always in there somewhere..The Queen frowns, shifting Morrigans head side to side and staring intently.
"Is it you?"
Morrigans breathing picks up and green eyes frantically avoid the Queen, crap..I..I don't know what to do..shes going to find out..The Queen stands back, studying Morrigans shaking body before a vial suddenly appears in her hand.."Hold her mouth open."
Morrigan startles as black knights close in, grabbing her head and pushing her cheeks. She struggles, sealing her lips and kicking out as the Queen approaches. Someone punches her in the back and she cries out before the contents of the vial are quickly emptied into her mouth. A firm hand presses over her lips and she struggles, attempting to spit the burning liquid out. Fingers pinch her nose and air slowly leaves her lungs, no..NO!..Her face turns crimson before finally she swallows the potion and opens her mouth for a desperate breath. The hand at her mouth pulls back as she coughs, screaming at the fire slithering down her throat and the stabbing pain in her skull.
After several agonizing seconds, her cries simmer and Morrigans facial features shift, the glamour spell shimmering and fading. Her head lolls onto her chest, a tear slipping from tightly sealed eyes, I've failed..I never should have left the diner. I'm sorry Regina, you warned me but I didn't listen..A finger crooks under her chin and with slight resistance, her head is finally raised.
Silence...
Glassy green eyes cautiously slide open to the joyous Evil Queen and Morrigan shivers, I'm fucking screwed..
"Well hello again my dear, its been a while.."
Morrigan pulls back from the royals touch aggrieved and avoids the woman. The Queen frowns, shifting back into her eye line.
"What? No hello, no vulgar remarks, no how are you?" Green eyes flicker between the vigilant guards and the Queens hand quickly snaps up.."Leave us!"
The men bow and scamper from the room, leaving the two women alone.
"I've been looking for you."
"I'm aware."
"Oh? And who told you?"
"The burnt bodies of my friends and my dead brother told me!" Morrigan glares at the placid Queen, what the fuck are you doing?! What about the future and shit?!..The future is already fucked now shes seen my face! The only way I can save it is to get her to forget somehow!..What? you want to spike her fucking tea?!..Yeah genius but I have to get her trust first, maybe she'll forget willingly..What are you saying Morrigan?!..What do you think?..Fingers click in front of Morrigans face and she snaps from her thoughts.
"It seems you receded and ignored me dear, don't let it happen again or next time I'll make it a painful experience."
"I wont kill Snow White for you Regina."
The Queen scowls, her hand whipping to the side and a harsh slap across Morrigans face has her growling.."Don't, do that, again!"
"Oh?"
The woman's wrist flicks again and another sting on Morrigans other cheek has her hissing and eyes flickering red to green.."Regina!"
"Its your majesty!"
A crack across her burning back has Morrigan crying out in pain and anger, fuck the subtle way!..She summons her magic, her rage, her darkness and feels the shackles at her wrists tremble.
"You will submit to me Morrigan and then our real work can begin."
"You know what?! I'm sick of your vengeful bullshit your majesty! I'm not killing anyone for you because I've already been on that ride and I can tell you, it doesn't pan out well for both of us!"
The royal frowns perplexed but Morrigan continues her rant.."You want to know who I really am? Get me down, get me a damn physician and lets talk with several bottles of wine because this torture shit is getting real fucking old!"
The Queen sneers, taking a threatening step forward.."You will watch what you say to me or I'll have Teach pull every one of your teeth!"
Morrigan's anger blazes, the screaming voice in the back of her mind pushing to get out and she leans into the woman's personal space glaring.."Your threats stopped meaning anything a long time ago! Now let, me, down!" A hand wraps harshly around her throat and green eyes flicker red, THAT'S IT!..
Quickly Morrigan snaps the black shackles on her wrists and launches the Queen against the wall. Chains quickly wrap around the royals body, pining slender hands and arms as a table fly's through the air, blocking the exit. Morrigan advances on the startled Queen, eyes blazing, red sparks licking at the walls around her as banging from the door echo's over the sudden rattle of metal. Swords and chains clatter from the walls, the room shaking and the fireplace blazing as she looms over the struggling royal.
"You want power! Well that's exactly what you fucking got!" Morrigan pounces on the Queen, tugging the woman from the floor and wrapping a hand around her neck, Time to suffer as I have!..No stop! We cant hurt her, shes still Regina!..NO!..Her mind battles with itself, the gasping Queen struggling within her grasp and brown eyes shimmering with fear and anger.
"I...STOP!" Morrigan pushes the woman back against the wall, hands clamping onto her own skull as she staggers away from the frazzled royal, Stop!..Why?!..Because we'll never get home without her trust!..Morrigans anger flares and she screams, red bolts aimed at the blazing fire on the back wall.
Wide brown eyes watch the display as the chains binding the Queen clatter to the floor and she rubs her aching arms and neck.
Another shriek echo's around the tower and the flames grow, spreading and reaching for Morrigan. The fire blazes, slowly rising to blanket the roof before it suddenly disappears and the ceiling is left a charred black.
Silence...
I think its gone..Morrigans anger rescinds, her breathing heavy as her injuries have her stumbling to lean against the metal table, fuck, that was hard, god damn it knight! Why do you have to make things so bloody difficult!..There's a splinter of wood as black knights storm the floor but the commotion behind suddenly stops. She frowns, ever waiting, well? Where's the rough hands and beating?..The clicking of heels approaches her back and she releases a shaky breath.."If your going to kill me just do it quickly, you owe me that much."
There's a long unsettling pause before the Queen finally speaks.."Come!"
Morrigan startles, glancing back at the retreating Queen as guards promptly approach to grab her arms and drag her after the woman, maybe this will work..Shes tugged down a long staircase, through the palace halls and into a large room. An open balcony immediately catches her eye before her focus slides to the flames within a marble fireplace. She notes the two large chairs in front of the flames and grimaces, this is where Henry died..where he's going to die..
The Queen grabs a decanter from her vanity and pours amber liquid into two crystal glasses.."I've given you the privilege of an audience but do not mistake my tolerance for kindness. I should kill you but you have information I need. Don't think for one second you bested me, if you try that stunt again, I'll cut you down before you can even raise a finger, do you understand?!"
Brown eyes glare at Morrigan through the vanity mirror and she cant help a small shiver racing up her spine, now we're getting somewhere.."Understood your majesty."
"Good, guards wait outside and retrieve my physician.." The guards bow and quickly vacate the room without a word. The royal slowly approaches and extends a glass to a curious Morrigan.."Its not a bottle of wine but its all your getting." Before the Queen saunters over to the fireplace and slides into one of the high back chairs.
Morrigan pauses, green eyes flickering from the glaring royal to the balcony doors, I could probably make it, but what do I do about her memories? She cant meet me yet so the timeline is still fucked up..With a sigh, she slides into the seat opposite and watches the regal woman cross one leg over the other.."So.."
"So..Who are you?"
"You tell me and we'll go from there."
The royal raises a sculpted eyebrow.."You first dear."
Green eyes roll, classic Evil Queen.."Well I'm Morrigan."
"I can see that!"
"And I'm from the future." Intense brown eyes scrutinize her, picking at her mind and body as the flickering flames crackle around the large chamber.
"Impossible."
"That's what Rumpelstiltskin said, but here we are."
"We?"
Morrigan shifts, shit, shouldn't have said that.."I came with two others."
"Why?"
"It wasn't by choice, I shouldn't have even been there. Someone managed to create a portal to the past and we fell through. Now we're trying to find a way back and getting captured wasn't part of the plan." Morrigan huffs, lying back in her chair but hisses, leaning forward again at the sharp pain racing up her spine. The royal studies her, taking a sip of her drink and raising her chin.."Why should I believe you?"
"Because its the truth."
Brown eyes narrow.."And what of me in this future?"
"Listen, before I go telling you about your future self, I need you to promise me something."
The royal scoffs.."I don't have to do anything for you!"
"You do if you want your happiness!"
"And what would you know about my happiness?!"
"A hell of a lot so stop being so stubborn and listen!"
They glare at each other a moment before there's a soft knock on the door. Morrigan quickly shy's her face from the entering physician as he steps forward and bows.."You called me your majesty?"
"Yes, patch her injuries quickly."
The man bows, rushing to Morrigans side and takes out a few of his utensils. Brown eyes observe the reserved woman as the bleeding lacerations on Morrigans back are coated in green paste and bandaged. Morrigan grunts, shifting at the mans hands grazing her skin. He pulls her shirt up slightly, revealing bruised ribs and scarred skin in which she pulls the material down and launches from the chair.."Your done!"
The Queen nods at the frazzled man and he quickly picks up his kit and scampers from the chamber with a bow.
"If you are telling the truth, I'm right to assume your scars are from your time with Teach?"
Morrigan shivers, sliding gently into the plush chair and staring at the flames.."Not all of them."
"Then who?"
"That's irrelevant."
"I don't think it is."
Flickering red eyes dart to the royal.."Well I don't care what you think! Its irrelevant to you so drop it!"
"I think you forget who your speaking to!"
"Oh I know exactly who, the scars are proof enough!"
The Queen launches to her feet.."We're done here!" She moves to wave a hand.
"Wait!"
The Queen pauses mid swing and Morrigan sighs heavily, leaning back in the chair with a wince.."Just..I got the others from protecting you."
The curious royal slides back into her chair.."How so?"
"I dunno, lots of different ways. Some here, some in Storybrooke."
"Storybrooke?"
"Please don't make me explain Storybrooke. All you need to know is its where I'm from now."
Red lips purse but the woman concedes.."So you protected me? And I take it I helped you harness your magic."
"Don't be coy your majesty, you know exactly what the plan is for me."
"So I was successful?"
"You were."
"I see. Then why don't you wear the collar now?"
Morrigan shifts slightly, taking a sip of her whiskey.."Things became complicated."
"How so?" The Queen crosses her legs again and green eyes roll.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, sometimes I don't even believe it myself which brings us back to the promise I need you to keep.." The Queen raises a threatening eyebrow.."Just hear me out, I need you to create a forgetting potion and drink it."
The Queen chuckles.."And why would I do that?"
"Because if you don't, the future I came from will no longer exist. Even the dark one knows not to mess with such power. I need you to do this or..or we wont.."
"Wont what?"
Morrigan takes a large gulp of her whiskey.."Or we wont be together."
Brown eyes widen slightly as a small nervous chuckle echos around them.."What?"
"We're together in the future Regina, it took over thirty years but well..we realized our connection."
"There is no connection stupid girl! Lies all of it!"
"Your the one that wanted to know! Don't get all pissy because your embarrassed!"
"This is nonsense all of it! Your just lying to save your own skin!"
Morrigan groans irritably, gods!.."And here come the walls. We are together Regina and I can prove it."
"Then enlighten me!"
Green eyes flicker to the doors as Morrigan leans closer.."You like to be on top, and have a certain fetish for restraints.." The Queens cheeks flush a bright red and Morrigan grins, leaning back in her chair victorious.."Anything else you'd like to know..my Queen." She purrs the woman's title and watches the royal shift anxiously. A dark chuckle echo's from her throat and the Queens eyes narrow.."So your my whore."
Green eyes widen.."Cheeky bitch!"
A grin slides onto the Queens red lips.
"We're together and happily so but if you carry on, when I get home you can just fuck yourself from now on!"
"How vulgar."
"Yeah well you don't necessary have a clean mouth in the bedroom yourself."
"Can we please talk about something other than my future sex life!"
"Well how about making a forgetting potion for you and your guards then."
Brown eyes narrow.."I may consider it if you answer my next question honestly."
Morrigan slides forward, listening intently.."Go ahead."
"Am I happy in your future?"
"Yes.." Morrigan speaks with such sincerity, a weak smile crawls onto the royals stony features.."Remarkably after everything we've been through Regina.." She gently grabs the woman's hand making the Queens breath hitch.."We're happy. We have a beautiful family, friends and most importantly, each other. I know it seems like its impossible from where your sitting but..we're soulmates Regina." The hand rips from her grasp and the Queen launches to her feet.
Green eyes follow the woman and stare at the royals back, its hard to grasp, especially with her being the Evil Queen and not Regina..Morrigan slips her glass on the small table and quietly approaches. Carefully her hand lands on the Queens shoulder and she slowly pulls the woman to face her. She smiles weakly at glassy brown eyes and gently pulls her future lover into her arms.
Silence...
Morrigan feels the Queen relax as timid hands wrap around her lower back and she contains her discomfort at the pain shooting up her spine, there's no way I'm breaking this moment. I never had the courage to do this all those years ago, maybe if I did, the curse never would have happened..She feels the woman's head shift on her shoulder, sliding across the side of her face and she pulls back slightly. Fear and uncertainty shine in whiskey eyes and Morrigan smiles warmly, there's my Regina..Slowly red lips close in and press tentatively against hers. There's a small whimper before red lips press more firmly and deepen their kiss, shit is this cheating? But its Regina..but its not Regina..A knock at the door has the pair flying apart and Morrigan clears her throat at furious brown eyes.
"WHAT?!"
A guard shuffles through and bows deeply.."I apologize for intruding my Queen, but your carriage is almost ready for king Midas's ball."
Green eyes bulge, shit! I was suppose to give Emma and Hook the invites! How are they supposed to get in?! I need to go!..
"I wont be attending tonight, I have other plans.."
"NO!" All eyes dart to Morrigan and she shifts anxiously at the rage rolling into her from the seething Queen, remember there's etiquette here..Green eyes glance at the guards staring at her from the door and she quickly bows to the royal.."I apologize for the outburst my Queen, but perhaps you should attend and show the people you still have strong allies in king Midas's court?" She peers up at the stoic woman, you have to go Regina..
The Queen turns to her guard sternly.."Finish preparations and summon the Captain to head the convoy. I'll be down shortly."
"Yes my Queen." The guard bows, sliding the doors shut behind him.
Morrigan straightens herself and winces at the sharp pain in her lower back.."Phew..Nearly screwed up th.." Shes cut off by a harsh slap to the face. A hand quickly darts up to cover the stinging skin and she gawks at the angry royal.."What was that for?!"
"Never contradict me in front of my guard again!"
"I said I was sorry!"
"But I still had the need to slap you!"
"But I..You..Fuck!" Morrigan pouts, storming over to the vanity and grabs the decanter of whiskey.."You know that's twice you've slapped me for no reason! Fucking joke!" She generously refills her crystal glass and plonks down in her chair with a wince.
"You will accompany me to Midas's ball so I can keep an eye on you."
"No I wont, you cant just parade me in front of the whole kingdom, I'm from the future remember. If someone sees me that's not supposed too, that's it, game over."
Brown eyes narrow as the Queen stalks forward.."Then I wont go."
"You have too, you have to carry on as if I never came here. You would have gone to Midas's ball so that's what you've got to do or the future will change."
"Then there's only one other option."
Morrigan frowns.."What?" She stares questionably as the grinning royal takes her glass and waves a hand over her face.
Darkness...