So this is the longest chapter i've posted yet, things will start to speed up from here and the ending is approaching soon. Thank you all for your reviews, follows and favorites! You keep me encouraged to finish this story. I hope you enjoy!
"Oh come on! You cannot blame me for trying Rubes, our daughter was already taken once! Right out from underneath our noses! What if they try to come after both kids this time huh? I can't handle one of the kids getting taken again, they don't deserve that." Emma said in raised voice, trying to keep their voices down so as not to be overheard went out the window a while ago.
"Look I get it, I do but it's obvious you didn't think this through! Remember what the prophecy said? If everything goes down according to that, you won't be in this realm anymore Ems! You will be in the Enchanted Forest without the kids! I bet you anything even Regina would agree with me!" Ruby yelled back in frustration.
Emma groaned, Regina, she hadn't had the chance to talk to her about this. She ran a hand through her and slowly stood, her back stiff with pain, and walked over to where the former waitress stood with her arms crossed over her chest fuming at her. Emma was still amazed how much Ruby has changed over the past few years. Emma had forgotten about the prophecy and what it meant, Ruby was right but that still didn't change the fact she didn't want her children in any more danger than they already were.
Emma laid her hand on Ruby's arm, squeezing softly. "Your right, I didn't even consider the prophecy but it still doesn't change the fact that I don't anymore danger to come to the kids any more than it already has."
"You need to talk to Regina, Ems. As much as I hate to admit it, you need her. The two of you with your combined magic will be able to ensure their safety, you know it. It's why your planning on having her at your side when you face off with Blue and Snow, not me." Ruby said softly, slumping into Emma in defeat.
"Rubes.." Emma started but was cutoff.
"It's okay, I knew from the beginning that this was going to happen. We both did but I got caught up in the life we had built and then this all happened. Reality brought a rude wake up call." Ruby said in a teary voice that make Emma's heart clench.
"Rubes…I." Emma started and stopped, clenching her eyes shut tightly. She was not prepared for this conversation, and a big part of her didn't even want to admit that Ruby was right. They went into this knowing it wouldn't last but like Ruby, Emma had gotten caught in the life they had built. "Ruby, I want you to know that I truly do love you and if things weren't what they are, I would have been happy to live out the rest of my life with you and Amelia. It would be easier and as much as I want to run the opposite direction from Regina, I can't do that anymore." Emma smiled sadly at the woman, brushing a tear that rolled down Ruby's check.
"I love you too Emma, I know this isn't the best time for this conversation but I want to thank you for everything. You gave me a family, a daughter and while I wish things between us would work out differently, I know that we will always be a part of each other's lives. I also know that we both deserve true happiness and while would have been content with each other, we aren't true mates and we deserve to have that." Ruby said softly, kissing Emma's cheek before stepping back with a smile.
Emma watched as Ruby slid a black band off her finger, grabbed her hand squeezing it softly before letting go. Emma blinked rapidly, she thought they would have time before all this but apparently that was asking too much. Before anything else could be said, Regina and Dorothy walked in. Emma quickly closed her hand.
"Sorry to interrupt your lover's quarrel," Regina started, "but the bookworm and your dragon friend have found what we need to get Miss Swan's darkness back into her, thankfully I have most the ingredients here and the bookworm found the rest in Rumple's shop. We need to get started, so two will have to deal with your issues later."
"You know Regina, sometimes I can really understand why people think your nothing but a bitch." Ruby stated while walking away, "I'm going to check on Amelia."
Both of Regina's eyebrows shot up in surprise, the wolf had bite. She glanced to Dorothy who shrugged, she then glanced to the blonde to see her hand clenched tightly and head bowed so her hair covered her face from sight. What happened? Regina thought to herself, not that she should care but she did wonder what they had fought about, she heard the raised voices but words were muffled.
"You always did have impeccable timing your majesty" Emma said sarcastically after a few moments of silence.
"Yes, well maybe you shouldn't have arguments in my study dear, might be a less chance of interruption." Regina bit back, smirking slightly as Dorothy shifted uncomfortably and Emma snorted in response before carefully moving back to the couch. Regina watched her stiff movements in concern, the blonde-haired woman was clearly still in pain.
"So, how are we going to get my darkness back?" Emma questioned.
Regina noticed the woman still hadn't unclenched her hand, choosing to ignore it for the moment, she instead focused on the blonde's question.
"Dorothy, the dragon and bookworm should be here shortly, do you mind bringing everything we found and meeting them in the living room? We will join you shortly and if you need help, I'm sure one of the roaming mutts around here will lend a hand." Regina couldn't resist the barb and smiled when she heard growling in response.
"Sure, no problem." Dorothy replied before walking out.
"Ya know," Emma drawled. "most people would not insult wolves when a whole pack of them are currently in their house."
"Good thing I'm not most people then." Regina replied as she walked towards the blonde. Sitting down she contemplated the blonde's question. "The most difficult part will be making the necessary potion for the spell, but lucky for you I am skilled at potions. We will need your blood as well as the dragons for the potion, which you will both have to drink." She explained.
"Sounds yummy" Emma said sarcastically.
"You're a wolf dear, a little blood drinking shouldn't be that difficult for you. The then it's a matter of drawing the darkness out, which the potion well do and is successful will be absorbed by you." Regina said as she studied the blonde, she was sitting stiffly but that was understandable. She also noticed the woman was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, has she even slept? Regina asked herself.
"Uh-huh, what's the catch?" Emma asked suspiciously.
"Well dear, the catch as you so call it is that your reaction to receiving your darkness will be unpredictable, especially considering you're a wolf." Regina explained.
"Right so no kids around got it, what else?" Emma asked, shifting uncomfortably.
"After the transition is done you will need to rest, you won't have a choice and someone will need to stay with you to ensure there is no complications. Preferably someone who can handle your magic and wolf." Regina answered, narrowing her eyes as the woman continued to shift uncomfortably. "Are you okay?"
"Well that could be a problem, we are on a bit of a time line and seeing as how none of pack can handle my wolf and magic, that will also be a problem. Yea I'm okay, just my back is killing me." Emma answered.
"Turn around, you're back facing me and remove your shirt." Regina ordered.
"Uh, thanks but it's okay I'm handling it. There is nothing anyone can do anyway, that fucking blue gnat did something to it" Emma snarled in anger, eyes flashing blue.
"Miss Swan, do you really think that fairy is smarter than me? She may have prevented it from healing right but dear, I'm the Evil Queen. If you let me look at your back I can get a better idea of what to do to help you. Now I won't ask again, turn around and take off your shirt." Regina demanded, pulling on her Evil Queen persona.
"You're not evil and fine, you just wanna see me half-naked." Emma teased the older woman, as she turned and flicked her wrist to remove her shirt.
Regina ignored the teasing remark and held back a gasp as she took in the sight of the now half-naked sheriff. The marks lining the blondes back were better than they were anything but healed. Half of them were still slightly bleeding, angry looking and looked like some might even be infected. Regina still couldn't believe the lengths the blue gnat was willing to go. She lifted both hands, moving them to hover just above the blondes back letting her magic slowly flow from her hands to the blondes damaged back. She heard Emma take a deep breathe in and her body tense, no doubt feeling Regina's magic probing her.
"Given time, I could probably break this enchantment preventing magic or your healing abilities to fully heal your wounds." Regina explained, while flicking her wrist to summon a cream that would help soothe the blondes pain for now and fight infection. "However, we don't have time for that so I'm going to put a cream on your back. It will help fight infection and help with the pain."
"Uh, thanks" Emma said, shock clear in her voice.
"Look Miss..Emma, I know we have our problems and my actions in the past have shown otherwise, but I do care." Regina explained hearing the shock in the other woman's voice.
"Right, for Henry and Amelia's sake, right?" Emma replied wincing slightly when Regina pressed a little harder than necessary on her wounds.
Regina glared at the blonde, she was trying to be more open with the woman but she was not making that easy. Ignoring the question for the moment, she cleaned the blood from the blondes back, and yes, she might have intentionally pressed harder than necessary. She grabbed the cream and began to gently spread it on the blondes back. When she thought of her hands on the blonde's skin, she certainty imagined it under different circumstances but now was not the time for such thoughts. Shaking her head slightly to clear away her thoughts, she finally focused on the blonde's question. Was it just for the children? She asked herself. No it wasn't, as much as Regina would love to hide behind the children she wouldn't allow herself to anymore.
"No, it's not just for the children's sakes. Although, I can't blame you for thinking that but you have to understand, I don't handle emotions well." Regina explained, ignoring the snort that came from the woman in front of her, she continued, "However, it is important for you to know that I do care and not just because of the children." Regina watched as the woman before he absorbed her words. That was not an easy admission for her to make but the blonde deserved to know. "All done, dear. You will need to have that done again in about 6 to 8 hours" Regina said breaking the silence.
"Thank you." Emma responded while shift to face Regina. "You know, it would be so much easier for me to say I didn't care, that it's just for the children's sake" Emma started.
Regina stiffened slightly, not prepared for this conversation but wanting it at the same time.
"But that wouldn't be the truth and to be honest I don't have it in me to fight it. I share two children with you but besides that you were my friend, a close friend." Emma paused, emotions swirling in her eyes and Regina's breathe caught at the emotion swirling in them. "I about you too Regina, more than you know." Emma smiled slightly at her and Regina smiled back. There was a brief silence, although not uncomfortable, at least until Regina's eyes flickered down and remembered that Emma was half naked, her ample chest on display in all its glory.
Regina flicked her eyes back up and smirked, "Well dear, I'm glad to hear that and with a show too." Regina teased the blonde whose eye's widened in realization. Regina watched has Emma flicked her wrist, her shirt once again reappearing, much to Regina's disappointment.
"Yea, well it's nothing you haven't seen before" Emma muttered in reply, embracement clear in her voice. "Anyways, there something I need to ask you." Emma stated, quickly changing the topic.
"That doesn't sound promising" Regina responded, clearing her throat after sensing the sudden tension in the room. While the moment they had was needed, they still needed to have a long talk.
"Well, it is part of the reason me and Ruby were arguing. I originally planned for her to take the kids and go back to New York, to get them away from the danger." Emma rushed out, Regina's whole body tensed and her back straightened.
"And were you planning on discussing these plans with me? They are not only your children Miss Swan! Not to mention, if they were to leave and you fulfill your prophecy, you know the one where you become ruler in another world? They would be left here!" Regina shouted angrily. She watched in slight satisfaction as Emma flinched at her anger.
"I Know! I wasn't thinking about the stupid ass prophecy, okay! Amelia has already been taken right under our noses and I don't want that to happen again! For all we know they will try taking both kids now!" Emma shouted back in anger, eyes flashing blue.
Regina sighed, anger leaving her as quickly as it came. "I understand, believe me but we can protect them better now." She replied, she understood the desire to protect the children, even if she wasn't included in the decision.
"That what I was going to ask, if there was something we could do to ensure they will be safe. May combine our magic? I don't know but I'm going to need your help." Emma spoke quietly, her knuckles turning white from clenching. Regina noticed it was the same hand she had seen clenched earlier.
"Okay, what is it you are holding in a death grip? Your knuckles are white with the effort." Regina questioned the blonde, she could no longer stand it, she had to know.
"Um, well. Its.."Emma glanced at her then back to her hand and sighed in defeat. "Ruby gave it back to me." Emma finally answered, opening her hand to reveal what she had been holding.
Regina's mouth dropped opened, she couldn't believe it. "Is that what I think it is" Regina asked in shock. She glanced to the blondes left hand and saw the same band. How had she not seen this before?
"If you're asking if it's a wedding band then yes, it is." Emma replied, face clear of emotion as she observed Regina's reaction. What left Emma dumbfounded is the look of hurt she could see in Regina's eyes. It made no sense, Regina didn't like her like that, she had made that painfully clear after their previous time together.
"You got married." Regina stated, regal mask falling in place. Ever the Queen, Emma thought to herself.
"Yes, for legal reasons." Emma explained. It was the truth, it was for legal reasons.
"What's her last name?" Regina questioned, Emma could hear the fear in her voice.
"It's Swan, we didn't change our names. Look Regina I understand how you are feeling but you have to remember, I changed when I left here. Ruby.." Emma trailed off, she really didn't want to explain all this to the woman, but she sighed and gave in a little. "Ruby was there for me, we found comfort in one another, she stepped up and became a parent when she didn't have too. We knew when we agreed to marry it wouldn't last, but it was necessary and Amelia was better for it." Emma finished. Regina might not like what she said but it's the truth.
Regina nodded, she pulled out her phone. "The bookworm and company is back, we need to go." She stated regally.
Emma sighed deeply, recognizing the former Queen putting up walls. "Regina.." She started but was cut off.
"Not now Miss. Swan, we have other matters to take care of. I give my condolences for your marriage ending." Regina interrupted before turning away sharply and walking away.
Emma growled in frustration, it was always two steps forward and one step back with that woman. She was worried about how they were going to handle their situation with Amelia but Regina was right, not was not the time. Sometimes, Emma mused to herself while walking out of the study, I hate my life.
"Ugh that is just nasty" Lily voiced after taking the potion. Emma rolled her eyes at her friend and took hers. She shuddered at the taste.
"What the hell is in that thing?" Emma questioned.
"It's a potion, dear. Not a cocktail, it's not supposed to taste good." Regina said sarcastically.
"True but still. Now what?" Emma asked, the potion was not agreeing with her stomach. In fact, her wolf was not happy right now. Glancing over to Lily, she guessed the woman was feeling much the same thing.
"Well, we need to slice both your palms and you will both need to grasp each other's hand, the one sliced, and hold till the transition is complete." Belle spoke up, from behind the book that contained the potion information.
"Uh, not that I have a problem performing some blood ritual, sisterhood act but what about the fact that we heal pretty much instantly?" Emma questioned, while trying to breathe deeply through her nose to control her rolling stomach and her unhappy wolf counterpart.
"Yea and can we maybe speed this up? Cause that potion shit and my dragon are not agreeing with each other." Lily said through gritted teeth.
"Honestly, you two are worse than children. Don't worry about that, I've enchanted a knife that will counteract that particular problem." Regina answered, rolling her eyes at the two. "Before we begin you must not break the connection between the two of you and do not let your animal counterparts take over until after the transition is done." Regina cautioned the two women.
Oh sure, that was going to so easy Emma thought to herself. They were outside, most the pack minus Ruby, Jake, and Elena, were outside. The kids were tucked away and safe, Amelia had woken briefly a hour ago wanting her but thankfully Emma was able to get her back to sleep after singing to her.
"Alright, let's do this." Emma said. Both her and Lily held out their hands, Regina quickly sliced each one with the enchanted knife and stepped away.
"Alright remember, don't break the connection and don't let your animal counterparts gain control." Regina warned.
Emma clasped Lily's bleeding hand with her own, the moment their hands clasped together, Emma felt her knees give out. It was like a fire was in her very blood, burning her from the inside and she felt a pained howl rip from her throat. This was almost as bad as being whipped, but if she survived that she could survive this. She heard shouting in the back ground but it didn't penetrate the sensations following threw her, until one voice broke through. Don't break the connection Emma, not much longer, the voice spoke, she's sure she knows that voice but her brain was having problems putting a name to the voice. Suddenly, the burning fire turned to ice. She heard herself howl, an inhuman roar followed, and then after what felt like hours it all stopped. She briefly opened her eyes to see Lily looking at her, pale as a ghost before her eyes rolled into the back of her head, feeling arms catch her before darkness took over.
Please let me know what you think.