Final Chapter! Thank you all for reading! I do NOT own any of the characters, except for Emily and Cara. Cheers!
Chapter 13: Emily's Arc—And They All Lived..
Having grabbed another torch from off the wall, Emily and Cara had been following the tunnel for what seemed like hours. The tunnel never once diverging, Cara started to notice how the path began to dip downwards. The air growing more and more frigid, Cara pulled the cape tighter around herself.
"This is hopeless, Mother," Cara said, through chattering teeth. "We've been walking and walking and walking with no sign of a door or any kind of change in direction. I mean we are obviously going down, but, ugh!"
"There is no point in getting yourself agitated, Cara," Emily said, even though she was also starting to feel annoyed. Could she have been wrong? Was Hades playing a trick on them?
"Perhaps this is our eternal punishment. To wander these tunnels until we can walk no more…"
Cara's temper finally boiling over, she kicked the wall with all her might. To her surprise the rocks fell away to reveal a red door. A random giggle escaping from Cara, she moved closer to it only to feel her mother's hand rest firmly on her shoulder.
"Mother, this could be it! Come on what are we waiting for?"
Emily; however, did not move. She was staring at the door nervously.
Rolling her eyes at her mother's look, Cara slowly reached for the doorknob.
"Cara, wait a minute."
"No, Mother," she said, sharply. "This was your idea to find this place. You wanted to find it in hopes to get us out of here. You cannot simply back out now, we have come too far." Grabbing her mother's hand from off her shoulder, she gave it a gentle squeeze. "I know it's a lot to ask, but will you trust me? Will you take a leap of faith with me?"
Emily could not believe the words that were coming out of her daughter's mouth. She really had grown. Giving her daughter's hand a gentle squeeze back, the two then entered through the door.
{…}
It was a shock by how warm the room was. Cara and Emily staring around in disbelief, both could not believe their eyes. Just as the two lackeys had described, the room indeed was like being in the belly of a volcano. Cara releasing her mother's hand, she cautiously glanced down at the flames.
"This is it, Mother," Cara whispered, continuing to stare around.
Emily stepping up next to her daughter, her eyes were fixed upon the ledge, which was jutting out over the pit of fire below.
"We need to walk on the ledge," Emily said, unsure how she knew that. "The ledge is where our fate will be decided."
Cara looking back over at her mother, she gave her a firm nod.
"You should go first, Mother. I mean, there is only one way I'm going and I don't want you to bare witness to it," Cara said, motioning downwards with her hands.
Emily rolling her eyes at her daughter, she stepped up to Cara extending her hand out towards her.
"Together."
It was Cara's turn to roll her eyes. Taking her mother's hand, both started towards the ledge, when a tremendous force sent them flying in different directions. Cara flying away from the ledge landing hard on the rocky ground, Emily had not been so lucky.
"Mother!" Cara yelled, seeing she was hanging off the ledge. "Mother, I'm coming!"
Jumping to her feet, Cara sprinted straight for the ledge, only to be stopped by a giant blue wall of fire. Letting out a frustrated yell, a chilling laugh filled the large room. Whipping her head back around, there standing in a fine tuxedo was Hades clapping his hands.
"Well done! I must confess I didn't think you two would actually make it all the way here."
"You bastard," Cara spat. "You'll pay for this!"
"Now Cara, I wouldn't be throwing around words like that. After all, your mother is the one who is hanging off the precipice right now. With a simple flick of my wrist, I could send her into the flames below and seal her fate forever."
Gritting her teeth at him, Hades placed his hands behind his back strolling over to her.
"It would seem without my knowledge I had unintentionally changed you, Cara. You use to have such delicious darkness in your heart. Oh, if only your half-sister hadn't gotten the better of you, you'd still be up there having your fun; turning Wonderland into a dark and hopeless place."
"What? Who are you talking about?" Cara snarled, keeping one eye on Hades and the other on the flames.
"Why Cora, of course. Oh! Don't tell me your mother never told you that?" He gasped as a smirk played across his face. "You mean to say your Mummy never told you about her past life? The life she had before she became the Queen."
"HADES!"
Cara whipping her back towards the ledge, she could just barely see through the flames her mother's head appearing. With whatever strength she had left, Emily was managing to pull herself up.
"Don't you dare speak another word!"
Hades let out a rumbling laugh, which caused the room to shake violently, he finally said:
"I think you're right, Emily. It will be far more entertaining if you were to tell the tale yourself."
With a flick of his wrist, Emily was now in the air and the blue flames were wrapped tightly around her.
"The stage is yours, Queen Emily," he said in a scathing voice.
Emily ignored Hades as she kept her eyes fixed on Cara.
"What Hades said is true. I was not always a queen, but the wife of a miller."
It was then did Emily tell Cara everything. About how Wonderland was actually called the Land of Nothing. About the magical apple tree that gave her her powers. About Cora. Everything. After thirty minutes, Emily then fell silent unsure how Cara would react.
"And there you have it," Hades spoke up. "Quite a tragic and heart wrenching story, don't you think?"
Cara had not moved or spoken since her mother finished her tale. So Cora was her half-sister after all. It all made perfect sense. The reason why Cora looked so much like her mother. Turning away from Emily, Cara focused her attention on Hades.
"Release my mother at once. Let her go and you can do whatever you wish with me," she said in a low voice.
"No! Cara what are you doing?" Emily said.
"Are you proposing to make a deal with me?" Hades purred, his eyes glinting with malice.
She nodded silently.
"How very amusing," he said, as his hair abruptly changed to blue flames. "I'm all ears."
"Allow my mother to move on. Free her soul from this wretched place. As for me, well, I will stay here and endure whatever punishment you deem fit for me."
"Ahh, a daughter's brave and noble sacrifice. That really is touching. You know that is why I started to like you, Cara. You always have that defiant look in your eyes, just as you are holding right now. It would seem I may have broken your body, but your spirit remained intact. Very well, I will respect your wishes and agree to your deal."
Really? Cara could not believe her ears. Something was not right. Hades agreeing so quickly? Something was wrong. The Lord of the Underworld would not just make a deal so easily. What was his game?
"Release my mother from your shackles. Go on. Get rid of those flames that bind her."
Hades clicking his fingers, the flames instantly vanished; however Emily remained airborne. Cara looking back and forth from Hades and her mother, Emily had a look of both anger and sadness in her eyes. This was not want she wanted. Cara did not deserve this, for it was she, Emily, who had created this entire mess; starting all the way back to when she had become obsessed with the magic wishing apples.
"I said release her Hades!" Cara snarled, taking a step towards him. "Do not go back on our deal!"
"Temper, temper," he said, clicking his tongue. "You know that is what got you sent down here. You allowed your arrogance and rage to blind you from seeing the truth, and now your dear half-sister is in the Overworld ruling Wonderland."
Feeling a prickle forming in the back of her head, Cara was on the verge of erupting.
"Stop trying to change the subject! If you do not release my mot-"
Before Cara could finish her sentence, Hades then swiftly waved his hand. Hearing her mother cry out, Cara had only a second to turn around and see what was happening. To her horror, Emily was careening over the ledge and down into the flames below.
"NO!"
Cara sprinting as fast as her legs could carry her, the wall of blue flames appeared: blocking her path once again. Tears stinging in her eyes, Hades laughter had once again begun to fill the room.
"You bastard! You lying git! You said you would release her!"
"Indeed I did," he said, snorting. "You see you wanted me to release your mother from this wretched place and I have done so. She is no longer here, but somewhere far worse."
Her breathing heavy, Cara charged straight for Hades. Swinging her fists at his face; all she got was air.
"I'm afraid it's going to take much more than that, Rose Queen."
Cara letting out an enraged shriek, she once again charged for Hades only to have blue flames wrap around her arms. Feeling the flames burning into her flesh, she gritted her teeth in an attempt to hold back a pain-stricken cry.
"And now," he said, taking in a sharp breath. "You belong to me, forever."
Feeling his rough hands grab her face, Cara never once took her dark, blue eyes off of him. She refused to submit. She would NOT submit.
"Release my daughter, Hades."
Feeling Hades hand flinch, a sudden blindingly bright light illuminated the room. Hades spinning around, shielding his eyes from the lights overpowering glow; Cara's jaw dropped to see her mother stepping from out of it. No longer did she look lethargic and frayed, but rejuvenated and sprightly. Her brown hair tied up in a high bun, she was also wearing a brilliant red and white dress. The same Emily had always worn during her time as Queen of Wonderland.
"How!?" Hades said, his voice trembling slightly. "I sent you over the ledge!"
"You may be the overseer of the Underworld Hades, but you are not in control of all who reside down here," she smirked, taking a step forward; causing Hades to step back. "I wonder what would happen if everyone in the Underworld came to realize this? I do believe you would lose all your power, and quite frankly be out of a job."
Cara unable to hold back a snicker at her mother's last comment; Emily remained stoned face. It was amazing to Cara how her mother was glowing. As if a new power had developed within her.
"You have no power over me Hades. I am now stronger than you. If you wish for me to keep your business here going then you will allow my daughter and I to move on. If you do your secret will forever be safe."
Hades's flaming blue hair burning stronger and brighter than before, he abruptly sent a massive ball of fire in her direction.
"Mother!" Cara shouted.
Emily not budging, she then raised her hand into the air. The ball of fire vanishing before it even reached her, a bright white glow appeared in her hands. Emily extending both her arms out, a massive stream of white light shot directly at Hades. The Lord of the Underworld yelling out as the light hit him directly in the chest; he was sent flying back against the rock wall. The flames on his head instantly dying away, he slowly rose to his feet gasping.
"You will regret this!" he said, vanishing out of the room.
"Mother! Mother are you all right? Are you…"
Emily holding up her hand to silence her daughter, she then extended her hand out for her to take.
"Come along, my love, it's time for us to go."
"Me? You mean I…"
"Your judgment will be decided now, darling," Emily said, continuing to hold her hand out towards her.
Cara looking down to her mother's hand then back up to meet her eyes, she very slowly placed her hand into Emily's. Giving her daughter's hand a comforting squeeze, having felt her hand tremble slightly; Emily led her right up to where the bright light had appeared. Taking a step backwards, Cara glanced back at her mother over her shoulder.
"Mother, whatever happens to me I just want to say I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry for everything," Cara said.
Taking in a shaky breath tears once again stinging in her eyes, Cara stood with her head raised high waiting for the moment of truth. It happened in a matter of seconds. As a stream of flames came flying up from the bottom of the pit: it wrapped itself around her. Covering her face as the flames continued to wrap tightly around her body, they then vanished and in its place the bright light then appeared. Cara slowly lowering her hands, staring with wide eyes in disbelief, the feel of her mother's hand upon her shoulder made her turn.
"Judgment has passed. It would appear you are forgiven."
A single tear falling down her cheek, Emily placed her hand back into Cara's. Allowing her mother to lead her into the light, Cara was instantly hit with a feeling of tranquility. It was like taking in a breath of fresh air. This air, however, was much different. It felt alive and was filling Cara up with joy the more and more she inhaled. Letting out a girlish giggle, Cara's entire outfit had changed. She was now wearing an all white dress, while her black hair flowed freely down past her shoulders. Unable to see the changes to her physically, Emily instantly noticed her daughter's eyes were no longer a dark blue, but there original bright sapphire. Her daughter was finally back.
"Where are we?" Cara asked.
"We are in an empty space for now," Emily replied, coming to a halt.
The space was all white and went on for miles and miles. It was just a flat barren place with nothing in sight. Above their heads were white clouds slowly drifting by, along with what appeared to be blue stars dotting the white nothing above.
"Why are we not moving on?" Cara continued to ask, growing slightly anxious.
"We will don't you worry, but there is one last person we must wait for."
Cara narrowing her eyes at her mother unsure whom she was talking about. She then let out a huffy sigh; crossing her arms.
"Am I suppose to guess?"
Emily starting to chuckle at her, Cara couldn't help but start to grin slightly.
"Seriously, Mother. To whom are you referring to?"
Clasping her hands in front of her, Emily let out a heavy sigh, before saying:
"Cora."
Epilogue:
Awaiting her fate was the most terrifying thing Cora had to face, but she was prepared to face it. She had brought her daughter's, Regina and Zelena, together; and that was all the peace she needed.
As the flames shot up from out of the fire pit, Cora covered her face, for the heat was overwhelming. Was this it? In a blink of an eye the flames had disappeared and a bright light had bloomed from out of nowhere. She was stunned. Could this be true? A bright smile appearing across her face, she whipped her head back to look at her beautiful daughter's one last time before once again facing the light. With steady steps she entered through.
Not expecting to find herself in an empty white space with blue stars twinkling over her head, Cora continued to walk forward. She wasn't afraid and something in her was telling her she needn't be afraid. Happening to look down at herself, she was shocked to find she was wearing a red and white dress similar to the one she had worn during her reign in Wonderland. Her hands immediately reaching up to her head, she was again shocked to find her hair was up in a high bun.
What was going on? It was almost like someone was preparing her for a party or even a ball. Of course she knew that was not so, but it still puzzled her to find herself wearing her finest dress.
"I see you finally made it. Hmph. About time."
Cora knew that voice. That haughty, arrogant voice that could only belong to one person. Turning around her jaw dropped to see Cara standing before her, wearing a beautiful frilly white dress. It was her eyes, though, that caught Cora's attention. They were dazzling. They were glowing like two sapphire gemstones. There was also a bright light in them she had never seen before. Was it joy? Serenity?
"Cara? What are you doing here?"
Cara snorted, coming to a halt a few feet from her.
"What? Were you expecting me to go somewhere worse? Well, to be honest I was expecting the same for you."
Crossing her arms, Cara held a sour look on her face. Cora unsure what to make of this, she noticed for a brief moment Cara's eyes shift to the left then back at her.
Her fingers twitching, Cora swiftly spun around on her feet: preparing to attack. Her left hand extended out, she had not been able to do a thing, for a hand had caught her wrist. Finding she was unable to use her magic, Cora forcefully ripped her hand away. Stumbling backwards, Cora looked from Cara to this newcomer.
She looked to be the same age as Cara, and like Cara and herself she too was wearing a fine dress. Who was she?
Frowning deeply, Cora examined her hands frustrated her magic was not working.
"There is no need to be on the defensive, Cora. We are not here to harm you, but to escort you home."
"Is that so? And where exactly would that be?"
Hearing Cara chuckling, Cora placed her attention back onto her.
"Well, actually it's the place our mother had created for you, sort of. I guess you can call it a paradise."
" 'Our Mother'? Dear, I think you may have been in this white emptiness a bit too long. My mother died due to complications during childbirth," Cora said, her impatience audible in her voice.
"I'm afraid you are wrong, Cora. Your father had placed a curse on you. He used a magic apple to make you forget all about your past," Cara explained, giving Emily another glance. "Why don't you take a good look at the woman, Emily, for a minute. Perhaps that will jog your memory in that pixie sized brain of yours."
Hating to be told what to do, Cora slowly turned her head back to look at this, Emily. Staring at the shape of her face; eyes; nose; the waves and curls in her brown hair; and the shape of her lips, Cora was unable to figure out what Cara was trying to get her to see.
"My Cora," Emily said, taking cautious steps up to her eldest. "You've grown into a fine woman. You became more than I could have ever wished or hoped for you. I can't describe in words how proud I am. And now after all these years we have finally reunited."
"You speak to me as if we have met before," Cora said, standing her ground.
Emily smiling, she came to a halt directly in front of her. Leaning her head directly towards Cora, she whispered into her ear:
"I'm your mother, Cora. I know it seems outrageous and impossible, but I assure you it is not. What Cara said is true, Tucker placed a curse upon you, and like any curse it can only be broken—"
"By true loves kiss," Cora finished in a whisper.
Emily nodding her head in silence, she slowly reached her hand up to caress Cora's cheek. In that moment, Cora felt something she had not expected: recognition. She did not know how, but her touch was familiar. There had been only one person who would caress her face in such an affectionate way; however, she could not place a name or picture to the face.
Could they be telling the truth? Was it possible her father had placed a curse upon her?
"A-alright," Cora struggled to say. "Do what you must."
Emily placing her hand underneath her chin lowering her head down, she then placed a gentle kiss upon Cora's forehead. In that instant, the white space had vanished and in its place a beautiful green field with multicolored roses appeared. Letting out a sharp gasp, Cora was no longer an older woman, but now eighteen. Stunned by the sudden change of scenery, her eyes instantly filled with tears as she looked upon Emily with recognition.
"M-Mother… Mother!"
Nearly knocking Emily over as she leapt into her arms, Emily held her daughter close to her. Placing her face into her daughter's curly brown hair, a single tear trailed down the side of her face. It had taken many, many years, but Emily finally had her first-born back in her arms. She had almost forgotten her touch.
The two slowly releasing one another, Cora wiped away a few stray tears before starting to examine the change of scenery.
"Where are we, Mother?" Cora asked, kneeling down to examine the roses.
"We are in my world, Cora. This is the paradise I created for us."
Cora getting back to her feet, holding a blue rose in her hand, she continued to gaze around at this paradise. The sky was perfectly clear with no cloud in the sky. Beyond the fields were green mountains and valleys that stretched for miles and miles. There was also a giant lake a few yards from where they stood. Feeling a warm and soothing breeze hit her face; Cora then closed her eyes, knowing she was home.
"Wait."
Reopening her eyes in a flash, she began to look in every which direction. Cara was missing. Where had she gone? Was she still back in the white space?
"Mother? What happened to Cara?"
"You don't need to worry, my love. Cara has gone to her own paradise. One, in which, her father is there. Like the love and bond we have for one another it is the same between Cara and her father. She wanted to be with him and as soon as I broke the curse placed upon you, she was instantly taken to her paradise," Emily explained, allowing a warm smile to appear across her lips.
"So, it's just us here?" Cora asked, twirling the rose between her fingers.
"Yes, sweetheart. It is just us," she said, leaning her head to the side. "Does that upset you?"
"No," Cora said, a bright smile stretching across her ruby red lips. "This is what I wanted. I want to be with you and make up all the time we have lost together."
Emily wrapping an arm around her daughter's shoulders, she then began to lead her away.
"We will have all the time in the world for that, but I feel I owe you an explanation of what happened to me after you disappeared. It's a long story, but then again, we have all the time in the world…"