Take me further down the forbidden path 22

yay new year is here the holidays are over i can get back to work and focus just where i need too. thanks for your patience i kept finding things to adjust in this but i really hope you enjoy it.

As always please read and review if you have any thoughts that can help the next chapter. i really dont mind critic but lets keep it as nice as possible. any ways i wanted to really change the time line seeing as with Emma breaking he curse sooner and things Progressed earlier than the original which mean yes more things are just a little different. personally i believe its the smallest things tat change the most.

Recognition crosses Mulan face an even though she is willing to easy up Emma, in an unknown world freshly reminded not give and details of their life away, has no ease in allowing some stranger in. She listens to Mulan from behind her tree hoping Regina who is behind a bush with Aurora is seeing everything too. From her point of view a dark man walks closer to Mulan and she lowers her sword after registering the familiar face. They embrace quickly and she pulls back to ask.

"Lancelot! It's you hi what are you doing out here?" Emma can hear how safe reassuring Mulan says this but she is only certain they can come out when Aurora does so as well speaking to another fairytale character whom Emma has always assumed was fake until now.

"Oh Lancelot please don't worry about them they helped us." This did nothing to take his gaze from Regina. Had he known her at some point or just hear of her because that face was not really one of someone seeing you for the first time. Stories or not no one should be able to say she is who she used to be.

"Where is your prince? Obviously he succeeded in his journey to find you but he left you here alone." Finally breaking eye contact he looks to Emma and gazes around to spot Philip.

"Prince Philip is dead. He was attacked by a wraith." Despite her huge want to place the blame on Regina Mulan said nothing "these two were also caught in its path."

"This is who I think it is is it not? How do we know it is not her fault?" He says making the slightest movement toward them. Emma wanted to guard her but up until now she had reacted believing her strength or courage wouldn't be challenged. now with to many people around them and this man gave her uncomfortable chills she waits. His eyes casted to Regina as if he was familiar with her. This unsettled not just herself but Regina who even showed her emotions shifted strangely.

"They we knocked out, Philip accidentally picked a medallion that cursed him with a mark, but these two was escaping it too it was all just unfortunate" the reasonable explanation was disregarded by the leader of this bunch.

"You look to much like your mother for me to believe that the 'evil queen' is free of guilt. Once like mother always like mother am I right queen Regina?" He said urging her the respond when his words stirred nothing.

"I'm nothing like you mother. Time has made me much more than you could imagine." Emma watches shocked as another stiff adjustment comes from Regina once she finishes her remark. "Magic works different here than where I'm use to but I remember yours remarkably well."

As if a bitter taste Regina has tried shaking of the familiar discomfort. That was what Emma finally registers forcing her mind to piece the information together and focus just in case they need to make a quick escape. This woman was the last person they needed to run into here. In the moment that Emma was panicked inside Regina seemed oddly calm even if venom and evil regality flowed off of her.

"Mm so it seems" an older feminine voice spoke completely misplaced from the form she still held. Gradually the dark skin shifted and rippled to a smaller paler one. Speechlessly Emma curses in her head. A much older version of Regina has appeared and all Emma can think is 'no fuckin way.' the scouts that arrived with her all stood shocked before clamoring with swords drawn closer to her. With a wicked laugh she taunts them "surely you wouldn't mess with someone strong enough to disguise themselves for years." No one moved.

"Last I saw you was suppose to be dead clearly my guy lied. Why are you here an how did you or anyone else survive the destruction left behind or being trapped in my curse."

'Just a bit of magic granted I was caught and have been pretending to be powerless since the first night I was. That was a mere inconvenience but entirely worth it to see you and your pet here returned to your rightful place."

'Yes mother but as pleasant as this is I must get back as rumplestiltskin is acting out and at risk of ruining all my hard work." Emma knew better than to feel hurt by the non-denial of her being a pet. Regina had been steeling her emotions the moment she sensed her mother. All the different tension now made sense. Everything said was crucial even what Aurora or Mulan might say.

Mulan though shocked was doing her best to not put their lives in danger. Emma met her eyes trying to plead for their silence. As Regina and her mother lead the way no one resisted and simply followed them. Base or camp was not that far but as they entered in Cora froze those that reacted to her presence. As she gave a speech of her power and her daughter Emma took her chance to whisper to Aurora and Mulan.

"Regina doesn't trust her with the truth trust me we are gonna fix this." Looking ahead she sees Regina glance back at her. Soft eyes find hers the magic of them steeling over is like none she has ever witnessed. "Regina hates her mother and would do anything to keep her from finding out anything important about our lives. That includes me being the savior or us being close."

"Your secrets are safe with us Emma." They promise

"Oh and just call me Em or short please" with this Emma steps away and comes as close to Regina as she dares to without causing suspicion. Cora looks at her and she looks down submissively as that would be the best guess of what was expected of a pet.

"Once you are settled we can talk more. We'll find something for your pet later after she has helped you."

"No need she doesn't need much mother just a mat on the floor in my space she'll make due and that why she can assist me much more efficiently." When no objection came Emma knew this was the best that could be done and for that she was thankful. For not having Regina in her sight at night and feeling cut off from her might just make her incapable of dealing with what might come next,

Once in the tent they were given they found a queen size bed possibly because Cora couldn't deal if anyone had one better than her. They pair silently moved closer nuzzled into a tight hug and held it for a long time. Regina whispered her love into the grove of her neck. No one could know now and if this was the only time they could until they made it home they certainly made it special. Emma did help Regina clean up, change, and made sure she was comfortable before getting herself taken care of. Regina had to meet her mother and while they were focused Emma made sure she found Aurora and Mulan.

"So how come you two need to keep secrets about your relationship?"

"We aren't embarrassed, where we come from it totally okay. Here though her mother has power. Her mother has killed her lovers in the past we don't need a repeat unless you really do want the evil queen to return. Besides if it was you. Would you want everyone just blabbing on and on about if your relationship was straight or not." Emma explains even though some of her explanation causes Aurora to wear a perplexed expression. Whenever its brought up she as to be thinking about Mal she looks so guilty

The more time Emma watches the princess she begins to be witness her change. At first she wouldn't sit to close to Mulan who would stay near by her as she didn't look well. Not only did Emma suspect Aurora was pregnant but so did Mulan. Obviously the subject was sensitive but until Aurora noticed that her morning sickness was just that Emma was sure Mulan was just going to keep fretting. As she watched she wondered if they would grow closer when the truth came or if Aurora would fight this chance too.

More to her change was her softness toward Mulan. Unlike her leader voice she was friendly much like Regina dropped the mayoral tone she use to speak with once she had gotten to know Emma. Beyond this Aurora was nowhere near Mulan's obvious feelings. The protectiveness towards Aurora that once was from respect for Philip had morphed into a deeper reason. In a matter of days proved when Aurora knew they needed to head out soon. Mulan was more than willing to join her even if she was torn about it being for her or the prince.

Regina wanted to get the two on there way to finding clues to save the prince's soul but couldn't imagine her mother would believe her cover if she took that stance right now. Their first night in the camp under her mothers watchful eyes they discreetly met. After which Aurora and Mulan managed to convince Cora they needed to leave alone for other reasons. With barely an excuse they got permission to make another trip out leaving the other two with the eldest witch.

"Let's hope they find the note I left them." Regina said with a sigh the night they left.

"What note?"

"I slipped it in when I hugged them goodbye." She shifted over in the bd as she had the last few nights to let Emma lay beside her. "Aurora and Mulan will need to find a way to Storybrooke one day if they heed my advice."

"Is this about Aurora being pregnant."

"You noticed that too good. I am glad it wasn't just me." Blonde curls sweep over her chest as Emma folds up beside her resting her head on her stomach.

"You suggested it because of the technology. I don't know that they will understand the difference."

"No."

"No then why?"

"Timeline wise I wonder if its truly difficult to explain. Essentially Mal cursed Aurora to sleep not long before I took the dark curse roughly this world and ours spent 28 years frozen in time otherwise the people we have meet would have looked much older."

"So they didn't travel to Storybrooke somehow but got stuck living the same day over and over. That was that what your mother did."

"Yes she said she saved herself in a small distant kingdom in hopes she might find a way to where I had gone after giving me time to stew n my victory. None the less this means Philip woke Aurora up and has not even had much time to be with her physically. Even if he has the facts say its as much chance his as it is hers."

"What!?" She sat up startled "that's possible?"

"Well magic is capable of so much. When you feel something strong enough. Granted Mal had to have been pregnant for awhile before they parted an Aurora would have just gotten pregnant before so it's all a guess. But they have a right to know for sure."

"what about us then." Emma looks at Regina with amazement sparkling in her eyes. Sadly Regina looks down an Emma realizes all along why Regina chose to adopt.

"Its not in the cards for me unfortunately dear." She reminisces over old memories with her telling her of the tales she had never repeated before. Though Emma was pissed at the man and woman that forced the love of her life to suffer so much she remained calm. Between miscarriage after miscarriage and then spoiling her second chance at love by forcing Regina to take a potion making her bare.

"I hope one day we can have another child one way or another. Grow our family you know." a soft smile swept over Regina's face as she promised eventually.

"Now that its just us under my mothers nose this should be easier. First we need to find the best way home. If you are able to feed magic into me then I assume you should be able to recharge the portal you left in the first time, but no one but us can know about that until mother is dealt with."

"So what is the fake way home then?" Regina thought about this as they laid there and found little else to attempt. Falling asleep they faced the next day still planless. The camp grew loader as the morning started this gave Emma time to take her servant status seriously she cleaned up her mat and prepped Regina's breakfast. There was no doubt in Cora's mind as she watched Emma place the plate and mug on a tray in one hand and in the other Regina's newly cleaned clothes.

This woman served her devotedly and Regina was much stronger than she was when she left. She was formidable as she was no longer moldable but that was all she ever wanted for her daughter for her to have everyones respect her and no one with power to take away her own power. Little did Cora fully know though was that Emma was doing her best affectionately not because she had to.

Entering the tent she finds Regina happily waiting for her naked from her nightwear setting up a morning bath for herself and Emma. If Cora had walked in she would witness her daughter's returned affections to the blonde. She magics the water warm for less work and they climb in together. This love would have have disgusted her but she sat trustfully awaiting her company in her own tent.

Not one person was comfortable with their leaders exposed death and the camp now being ran by the two darkest witch's they knew of. She watched her camp scamper around her mildly amused at it. Fortunately if she could supply her daughter with her way home she would never have to deal with these people again.

"Mother what did you need?" Regina enters pilling her mother from her thoughts.

"You said you needed a way home I believe I can assist with that, I've called in my best guy to help you and you pet."

"Aye my lady." Come a voice from behind Emma causing her to move aside from the entrance

"No mother guyliner here is not helping me return home." Emma snickers unable to hold it in.

"What's the matter love are you still bitter?" He looks at her with a smirk knowing his tease strikes a cord with Regina. "Hello love name's Captain Hook."

"Oh… um great." Although surprised the fact this was the same man from Peter Pan she wasn't in the least impressed with his liquor basked breath making its way to her nose.

"Still chasing any tail you can I see." He glares at her but leaves Emma alone an joins Cora at her table. "So what's the job?"

"Nothing you can help with."

"Now Regina don't be foolish. You haven't been here in ages what is available now may not have been available before. So be quiet and listen." She explains a perfectly good idea except Emma is certain she nor Regina is ready to face a giant. Eventually Regina excepts the plan making the tension higher than Emma is thinking she can bare but as the night closes and they have packed everything necessary they ready for bed and an early day the next morning.

"Why a giant?" Emma groans.

"Because I cant think of anything else that would get us away from her. We cant trust him but at least once we leave we don't have to do anything he says." They would have to listen to him every draining second that he flirted or irritated Regina but once they arrived to this giants place she wasn't going to separate from Emma no matter what her mother thought she might need to do.

For the most part she knew she was safe from her mother when it came to Hook he was a sneaky drunk who obviously chooses his own path. Besides her mother would never after all the grooming stoop so low to offer her hand to him. If there was a mere chance that mentioning she had a son, a prince No less, and was a leader would do any good she would just to find peace right now.

Between Hook flirting and Emma bickering at him she was getting a headache and they were only just getting into this ridiculous adventure. Clearly they had no connection but watching hm gaze at her as if she was meat mad her furious. What made her more upset was Emma lack of understanding of how serious he was about his advances toward her. She would tell him to watch his eyes but only because she thought he was merely doing it to irritate her.

"ah we are almost there." Off in to the distance Regina sees a great cloud and a long pole. As they get closer the pole from the ground up to the cloud was definitely a beanstalk.

"how are we getting up to the top." Emma asks Regina but Hook butts in.

"With this. These are cuffs that make you able to climb it. This isn't just any beanstalk its protected." Neither woman believed him.

"So this isn't gonna be like the Jack and the beanstalk story I know is it?'

"No I highly doubt there is going to be a golden goose or anything. We are essentially here for the compass and or a bean if we can find one." Regina calmly replied assuring her everything was going to be okay.

"Right im sure when we get up there you will see I can keep you safe." Both women glared at him to say 'as if'. Waving them back he raised his hands in defeat.

"Well I have to go up with one of you as I've got the other cuff." He gulps instantly as they both stop walking instantly. They stood under the beanstalk now in a deep discussion when he mentions this. Regina growls out her frustration.

"Give me the cuff!" He gives her the one not on his arm. "both cuffs!"

"I cant she told me to go up with you. He shows his arm with the cuff around it. Seething she releases the magic on it. So her mother still didn't trust her.

"Off before you lose that hand as well." Threatening his sole hand remaining as always gets him to do as he is told. Much like when she knew him before. He shakes it off as she pulls once lose he holds it up on his hook to her. "I wouldn't climb this with you and I seriously wouldn't just sit here while you go with her.

Tossing the cuff to Emma says to test it as she does she can tell there is still and active spell on the cuff. All Regina did was release it from him. The spell blocked every ounce of her magic. It was a miserable feeling. Regina follows suit as she sees Emma's reaction. Without words she knew. She ushered her to the beanstalk and told her to ground herself for the climb. As unsuitable Regina appeared she was sure she could make the climb.

"And you handless wonder. If you think you are wondering off you are mistaken."she ushered him over to the beanstalk and tied him up as wide as it was she had to use the vines she could and the thinker bunches to tie him to. She was really unhappy about the cuff on her leaving her feeling powerless not that she would ever let him or her mother see that.

"Are you alright Gina?" Emma asked as they climbed. They both knew it wasn't a question on her stamina or strength it was about her magic being gone. "I hate the feeling but im sure it bugs you more."

"I most certainly don't appreciate the feeling but mother was one step ahead and I don't doubt there is a form of protection on this place to keep magic users off so it was inevitable. What matters is you and I making it out of this together. I mean it I cant get to to top and have you get trampled." Not meaning to she talked down to her as if she couldn't do this.

"Hey you know me I'm to stubborn to go down so easily. Plus I've got you an Henry to focus on. Nothing is keeping me from getting home." They paused a few time to talk but mostly kept on and whenever Emma felt stuck they waited together. Finally they reached the top sweaty and out of breath. How they were getting down again was to exhausting to think about.

The huge surface around them was cover in larger than life objects. Ranging from day to day things to the most peculiar random things. Quietly they made there way inside the huge castle like home. For a single giant it was possibly a nice size but depending on how big 'it' was maybe it wasn't as big as they could believe it was.

"It can't be expecting us, still keep an eye out." Regina whispers between them. Nodding in agreement Emma follows the wall as they enter the home. The further they got inside the more suspicious noises they heard. They crept closer to the noise. If they knew where the giant was then they could work around him without getting caught. Regina was sure she knew where the vault would be. 'Seen one castle seen them all' apparently.

"We need to hurry im sure the compass is going to be tricky to find if its even in the vaults." Slim hands guided Emma to the furthest door way. She was sure the man elbow would have caused trouble ten been helpful. As they searched the room and found no evidence of the compass they decided to back track and try a different method. Back near the front door that stood ajar from their entrance began second attempt plans. Just down the hall they heard and felt the giant coming upon them. Instead of hiding they stood there waiting. Neither tried to show fear.

"Who dares enter my home." He stomps angered at the intrusion.

"Uh we did but it's not what you think." Emma said. "We need to find something to go home. Truth is we don't know if its even here. Someone said a compass was here and that it would find our way home." She had to yell a little but the giant seemed to halt any attempts towards them.

"You climbed the beanstalk of my people for a compass that may or may not be here. I don't believe you! You came for beans!"

"What? We were told those were all destroyed. That is why we seek the compass."

"Look at his belt dear." Both eyes gaze at the pocket watch like chain that drapes low from his waist. "Forget the beans if we can just ask to borrow-"

"What are you two whispering about!" He bellows not liking it at all.

"Your pocket watch is it the compass can we borrow it. We don't have to bring it with us we just need it. If there are no more beans this is our only hope to return to our son please." Not expecting tears to well up Emma quickly wipe them away. Feeling Regina on her low back she turned into her hold overwhelmed with homesickness Emma needed to feel comfort. Witnessing this the giant leaned over to give the brunette a handkerchief for her. Upon excepting it though she grimaced at its appearance with smudges and grime. He stood tall an looked at the compass in heavy thought.

"Ill give you the compass it has no use for me but it wont work without a portal so unless you have another means.."

"We don't but it's a start we will find the right tools eventually."

"I'm the last of my kind there is no one else to care for these." In his coat pulled out a container of barely alive beans. She could see the magic as faintly as it was that surrounded them. Emma looked round as he spoke to find the vial that held three beans. "there all but dead and being the youngest of my clan I haven't learned how to care for them to make more."

"Why are you showing us this."

"Because you don't seem anything like the humans that attacked us before."

"I'm not from here she is but she never had anything to do with that." Emma said pointing to Regina who had laid down the large handkerchief.

"What's your name?" Regina asked

"Anton."

"Okay Anton this is Emma and I am Regina we need to be fully honest right now. The man that lead us here is working for my mother who wants to ruin my life. She had no way of finding me until we accidentally fell into a portal here. Now she wants to go back to our home. She will find out I have changed, I share a son with my swore enemy, and that will make her want to ruin everything. She will follow us eventually. Hook even cut off our magic because my mother told him too. I can revive your beans I can take you with us. In our world I saved many magical things I can help you make more once we are there and make you a smaller size so you can live a normal life. I swear but we need help a lot of your help to be honest. If you say no if you don't want a fresh life we at least require one bean in secret and the compass to trick my mother."

Catching her breath she looks around feeling tension growing from suspecting Hook could be here now. The door behind them is still cracked giving her enough relief that he wasn't there yet. Making sure he is not around the outside still becomes impossible as Anton closes the door. He has and expression she cant guess but as he isn't lunging at them it isn't a bad one..yet.

"Let me see what binds your magic." They hold up their cuffs.

"They said it took off the enchantment on your beanstalk for us to climb it." At this he laughs shaking the room. "should have know."

"Your mother must have not trusted you to follow her rules until she unbound you…there!" With a big grunt he pulled both cuffs off. "I'm a giant. They can only be taken off by magic. I might not have a lot but I have enough."

Emma rubs her hand with relief and glee. Both women share a familiar uncomfortable dislike of being held captive. Through which they check on each other that they are okay not just physically but mentally. Giving him a huge thanks they stash the cuffs for later perhaps the next time they saw Cora.

"Next here is the compass and if I join you… I need to get somethings. Ill be just a minute." They stood there waiting when they hear a banging from outside. Quirked brows meet and a chuckle escapes Emma.

"Knew he would do something foolish if he joined us." The giant came stomping back shooing the girls back behind the door.

"Ill take care of him."

Wait don't. Mother wouldn't send him up here with just a cuff he has something planned for you if you go out there." Obviously he wanted to hurt the human man but he hung his head in agreement.

"I never got to fight in the war I was to young or too kind they said.. My brothers.'

"And that is okay where we are going you don't need to fight Anton. You can be kind with no issues.'

"okay here is a bean, do what you need to." As Regina joined hands with Emma the two gave the beans their magic. Just enough like Malifecent's and Lilly's to get they them working. Regina saw worry in Emma's eyes. Did she not trust the giant?

"What is it dear?"

"How are we possibly going to make him normal sized let alone make sure we don't land somewhere he might crush in the landing."

"You know of wonderland. There is a bit of magic they have where you can shrink or grow in size. I have both if he should need them. And unlike mothers plan of using a magical item to open the portal and using The compass to guide us this is the portal an we just think of home just like Malifecent did "

"Oh okay so an open field. Easy enough."

"Exactly darling now stop worrying I trust Anton can make it and will not seek to hurt anyone from home" he nods rapidly and they without any more delays he holds them in his hand and tosses a single bean. The portal opens and they jump not seeing any chance of Hook opening the door alone or making it before the portal closes Anton as big as he is has to hold the woman so that the landing doesn't end up a disaster but once in the open field two beans in the container left and no unexpected company a huge feeling of relief fills them even in the giants hand still they jump with glee and hug each other. From his height they could see the whole town and they were sure the town could see him.

Quickly they parted and once on the ground looking up at him. Regina told them to wait and left in a cloud of smoke. Minutes later as some people from the town started to arrive Regina appears again handing him a cube to eat he does without hesitation not wanting to cause to much panic on his first day there. Everyone there is looking for answers which they give that Anton helped them get home safely and in return Regina offered him a fresh start and a new home.

"There is no guarantee but in return for this chance he will be working on something to possibly help many people." Regina says in her mayoral tone making sure thee was no misunderstanding.

"What will he be doing.' Davids voice comes from the back making his way them. Snow isn't with him but he looks better than the last time they saw him. Clearly he had been finding a way to adjust.

"Workin on a way to make ways for anyone who wants to return to the forest. Some people do not wish to remain here and though I can't say its safer there we can at least give them a way to try." Whispers churned and the crowd dissipated. Behind them Anton was shaking causing Regina turn and find him red in the face.

"Anton what is wrong?"

"That man killed my brothers." He yelled though now it had nowhere near the same affect.

"David?"

"Prince James! I will kill you."

"Woahh woah. ANTON! Wait. That that's not James. His name is David." Emma hold back the large man though no longer a giant his rage did still give him the upper hand. "Dad why does he think you killed his family. Or that your name is James."

"My twin brother." Emma slips but catches herself dropping her hands from Anton.

"What?"

"Prince James died, he was clumsy and fell on his own sword while boasting his own ego. His father tracked me down from my mothers farm and made me pretend to be his son. Thankfully that was well after the war I had nothing to do with that."

"So conveniently your twin is dead and you are not a bad Pearson.. HA! Not falling for it."

"Its true. I swear it." Emma says "I have gift I know when people are lying."

"Besides I was witness to this part of his life it was when snow finally came out of hiding, when she met him. Gave him that stupid scar on his chin."

"If you are both sure but only because I trust you two don't make me regret it." After David leaves the girls talk with Anton about where he should stay. He had brought bags of gold hoping he could use it and so they introduced him to Geppetto and August who was now helping his father at the shop. They agreed on helping him build his own little cottage home by the fields so he could get to work soon possible. Then the pair hurried to find Henry.

"It wasn't so bad. My first time back home. We avoided letting your mother find our home, we found another connection to Mal, and we made it back in one piece.' Emma said satisfied with the facts.

"Hopefully without the compass she will never find us. I might not want my mother dead but I have you and Henry I would do anything to keep you both safe." They make it to Ingrid's shop Henry is there his school bag on the floor by the register. He looks up from behind the counter.

"Moms! You're back!" He beams and Ingrid come from the back room startled but follows suit tossing off her apron and hugging them thankful to see them alive and well. They retell their tale not forgetting to mention the cool stuff just for Henry. Mother and son stare at the brave duo fondly despite the emotional roller coaster they followed.

"I cant leave you two alone to take care of the town for anything can I?" Malificent's cool voice surprises them from behind. They stare in shock but grin at the site of her. The only thing the pair can do is process the sight of their friends and the stranger beside them. Lily had found her happy ending. The whole family was together again. Calling for an early lock up as they all went to Malifecent's new home that she was eager to show off. "Came back you were gone everyone was in a stir but I settled them down said if you weren't back soon I would use the last portal bean to find you. In the mean time I build this to get out of Granny's hair and let Lilly have space away from there."

"I cant believe the chances you faced and the timing wow what a story you two must have."

"Should have heard moms they faced a giant and a pirate." Obviously this was the cool stuff he had retained but they laughed and swore to all swap stories over dinner and drinks.

review please

Next chapter is a bit side track but you will find out all about who Lilly met and how they fell in love so quickly. I know this chapter definitely went a bit different than the show but again i stress the fact that things are happening a bit earlier.

to be clear Regina didn't say Mal had Aurora's baby to her but implied gently that once she finds what they are looking for and realize she is pregnant that if there is any reason to need know who's the baby was that she could learn in storybrooke. the land without magic. this is if Mulan did read it and find it upsetting.