CHAPTER ONE.

The view from the boat as they sailed steadily towards the land filled with vegetation before them was remarkable, Emma's eyes cast over the sands they were approaching, it was like seeing Hawaii come to life before her. The plants shone greener than any greenery she had seen before, the moon cast so perfectly down on the island as though it was meant to be.

The waves crashed onto the sand, almost washing up on the tree line, the sound reminding her of a girl she'd met once in one of many foster homes that wouldn't sleep unless ocean noises were played. She definitely hadn't missed sharing a room.

If it wasn't for their circumstances maybe she'd give herself a chance to remain in awe of the sight before her eyes - but she couldn't enjoy this - she couldn't bast in the idea of this beautiful holiday island waiting to be discovered. Not when her son was somewhere out there, his life on the line once again. Rescuing Henry was what they had came here to do, and there was no way they'd return without him.

The sea breeze hit her face causing her to close her eyes for a second, they'd just barely survived the clash with the mermaids and it was safe to say she was still itching with fear that they might return for revenge. She just wanted to bask in the peace for a little while.

Emma felt a warm hand land itself on her forearm, it was somewhat reassuring, the fact that she wasn't alone and yet she still disliked the idea of bringing anyone along. Family or not family, this was dangerous and for all she knew someone could die on this trip, she couldn't bear the thought of it but she knew now - that anything can happen when magic was involved.

The blonde pondered on how the brunette beside managed to keep her hands warm when all she could feel was the icy breeze brushing past her, causing goosebumps to prickle upon her skin, it felt as though winter had hit them all over again. The joys of riding the sea, the blonde supposed.

Emma's sea green eyes fell upon Regina, the woman stood closely beside her, she looked worried sick for a queen whom people claimed had no heart of her own.

"If he's here, we'll find him." Regina told her, she could see the concern radiating off of Emma just by looking at her from a distance.

It was the reason she'd came over to check on her, alongside the fact that her heart almost fell from her chest when the woman had dove overboard. But she'd rather keep Emma company than have to deal Snow and Charming. The pair still gave her the urge to punch them in the throat whenever they spoke, but she did her best to keep her temper on a low these past few days. It was what Henry wished, she owed him seem as she felt she was lacking in the parenting department lately. Emma smiled appreciately at Regina's words, her eyes falling back to the remote island that was getting closer by the second.

"I just hate imagining him out there, alone. With Peter Pan of all people." Emma released a sigh, all she'd been trying to do since Henry had stumbled into her life was to keep him safe and happy, she had no idea how he managed to slip through her fingers so easily. It was as though she'd lost focus of what she loved most.

Regina knew how Emma was feeling, this was the first time she'd been apart from her son over a long period of time. Eleven years of his life and not once did she allow him out of her sight for more than a day. The day he'd ran away and found Emma was the day she thought she was about to lose yet another person she loved, losing the love of your life is one thing but losing a child. It was something no-one should experience and she wasn't about to let some bitch come along and rip her son away from her - not again.

Regina hadn't realised that her hand was still lingering on Emma's arm, the woman quickly clearing her throat as she removed it. Brushing herself down, acting as though her hand was never there. Affection was no longer something she was good at - maybe when she was young, when she had no magic and thought of the world just as Snow White had once. But things had changed after the incident with her former lover. Emma had noted the awkwardness that had suddenly set between them, allowing her focus on the island to drop and giving heed to the guarded brunette.

There part of her that wanted to forgive Regina despite all of the heartache and pain she'd caused, but somewhere deep within her told her she couldn't...not yet. Not when the Evil Queen had done so much to hurt her family and yet looking at the helpless brunette now, Emma couldn't help but long to make her smile, long to give her all the forgiveness in the world...long to show her that she was indeed loved.

"Listen...maybe when we get back to Storybrooke, Henry will forgive you."

Regina could only scoff at the suggestion. Henry only saw her as the Evil Queen now all because of some stupid book he'd read. She highly doubted that he'd simply change his view of her just because she'd come to save him. No doubt he'd give Emma all of the praise - whether he was still enraged at the woman for lying to her about his father or not. In Henry's eyes, Emma was always the hero and she would always be the villain. Emma opened her mouth to object but was interrupted when Hook had cried out,

"We're here!"

Emma subconciously rolled her eyes at the sound of the man's voice, although she had to admit, he was annoyingly likeable...for a pirate. Emma looked back to Regina, a microscopic smile tugging at the corner of her lips as the brunette peered nervously at the trees awaiting to swallow them like flies, completely unaware of the green eyes on her.

It had always bothered Emma how Regina could make her smile without trying, it was as though her beauty was so effortless - that it caused Emma to stand by in awe. All of the pain Regina had been through was so evident through her face, the crease in her brow, the down-curve of her lips. But her beauty still remained, the slight glow in her honey brown eyes was something Emma would never forget, she'd seem them when they were filled with love, just as she'd seen them when they darkened. Regina still had light within her somewhere, and Emma was ready to help it resurface.

Emma felt a light tap on her shoulder, ripping her from her thoughts of the brunette. The saviours eyes fell upon her mother smiling warmly at her as she turned towards her. Snow had insisted on coming with her to protect both her and Henry. Charming had felt the same, not wanting to be separated from their daughter again after already having missed twenty-eight years of her life.

[X]

The wind seemed to have slowed as they each stepped off the boat and onto land. It felt unusual being on a boat for so long, used to the slight swaying motion then returning to land where all was still.

Something felt off as they approached the jungle. Emma felt as though it was attempting to lure her in like a rattlesnake would lure it's prey, the vibe sending a shiver down her spine. Emma tried to brush off the feeling, shooting a glimpse over at the mayor seeing if she'd felt anything. But if Regina, then she was showing no sign of it. All that Emma knew was that she was getting Henry, then they were leaving.

"I suggest you all follow me." Hook declared out to them all as he ensured that The Jolly Rodger wasn't going anywhere. "I know this nightmare land more than any of you - god forbid my return here. But Pan is crafty git, for all we know he already knows we're here."

"No." Charming frowned in dislike for the man, "I don't trust you, so I lead."

Killian shook his head in irritation, not caring for an argument and extended his hook towards the jungle, gesturing the man to go ahead. Emma watched as her father stepped forward hesitantly, she could feel his uncertainty. But still he lead the way, Hook closely following behind seem as he knew the way as well as the dangers the jungle carried within itself. Regina had went after, Emma following as Snow remained at the back.

Emma thought it was obvious that all Snow wanted was a connection with her - especially when she'd pulled her aside asking her if she should maybe call her mum instead. The conversation had hit Emma hard, her whole life she hadn't actually had anyone to call her mother or father. Just some people who had given birth to her and left her on the side of a road, so it was heavy on her after all these years finding a family.

That was all she knew and now suddenly knowing the real story - having family - it was hard to shift from nothing to something. It was clear to her that Mary-Margret was disappointed when she turned down the suggestion, it was still too soon. It still felt new to her. Regina had felt the lack of Emma's presence behind her, frowning slightly as she came to a stop, glancing back for a sign of the woman. A flicker of blonde hair to be seen not far down the torn path they'd ventured through.

"Emma! Would you please keep up?!"

The pair's attention snapped towards the direction of Regina's voice, Emma giving Mary-Margaret an apologetic look before continuing the hike to Pan's camp. It only took less than a minute before she'd caught up to the brunette that had been waiting impatiently for her, Regina had let out an exasperated sigh acting as if she was done with the woman. Despite the fact she was actually quite attached to the courageous blonde.

Emma had glanced over her shoulder, making sure that Mary-Margaret was still following behind before walking ahead so that she was matching Regina's pace, for some reason feeling more at ease walking beside the cold hearted queen. Emma fought the smile on her face when she realised Regina had waited up for her, clearly not liking that Emma had lingered back. Emma wasn't oblivious, she could tell the woman secretly cared - maybe it was simply because she knew Henry would be heartbroken if anything happened to her - but something told her Regina didn't hate her as much as she thought.