Chapter 16
"Everyone, please calm down.", David had his hands raised to the crowd in the town hall. He had just informed them of the vampires in town and the murders that had occurred the night before. Regina sat on the stage next to Snow and behind David watching the chaos, but she could only think of a certain blonde who disappeared from her bathroom the night before.
Flashback
Regina sat on the bed listening to Emma talking in the bathroom. She couldn't quite make out what was being said, but it sounded like she was having a conversation. 'Is she on the phone?' Finally making a decision, Regina walked over to the bathroom door and knocked.
"Emma? Is everything alright? Please open the door."
Regina noticed that the talking immediately stopped, but there was some rustling. Finally, Emma opened the door, but seemed anxious. "I'm sorry, Regina. That should never have happened." Emma ran her hands through her hair while Regina just stared at her feeling like she had been punched in the gut.
"Emma, please. I thought we were making progress. We can go slow if you'd like. I just want to be with you." Regina then reached out to grab Emma's hand, but the blonde moved back and looked up at Regina with watery eyes.
"You've just lost your soul mate. I won't take advantage of you while you're mourning. Besides, what I said before still stands. We will never be together except when you visit Tristan." Emma moved to leave the bathroom and walk past Regina, but the sorceress stopped her progress.
"I love you, Emma, and I know you love me too. I won't stop until you see how important you are to me and that we belong together." She then gently squeezed Emma's arm and smiled softly. "I made a lot of mistakes in the past in regards to us, but I'm going to right those wrongs."
Emma stared at her True Love for a few more seconds before smiling apologetically, "Regina, even IF things changed, we could never be together because it wouldn't be safe for you. I'm dangerous and you wouldn't be safe around me. That is why I had to stop things tonight." Emma then turned around and looked in the bathroom as if she was staring at someone and giving them a glare. Confused, Regina followed Emma's line of sight, but saw nothing. As Regina turned back to Emma, all that was left was residual white magic from Emma teleporting away.
END OF FLASHBACK
'When I went downstairs to tell everyone that Emma left, Mal had said something about Emma getting visits from spirits. Who visited her? What set her off?' Regina then looked around for the woman on her mind, but couldn't find her. In fact, no one from Emma's group had arrived. 'This isn't good. The crowd is already upset.'
Regina stood up and walked up to stand next to David and try to calm the people. "Everyone, settle down!" When that didn't work, Regina summoned her magic to cause some thunder. That seemed to get everyone's attention and they all sat back down waiting for David to continue. "That's better.", Regina said smirking as she walked back to sit down.
David gave her a grateful smile and then turned back around to address the audience. "As I was saying, we know how you can keep safe while we continue our investigation and hunt these vampires down. They can't come out in sunlight so you're safe during the day. At night, they require an invitation in order to enter a home so as long as you don't answer your door and allow them inside, then you should be fine. We are instilling a curfew until we can catch them, therefore, everyone needs to be in their homes at sundown. Going outside puts you and your loved ones in danger of attack."
A door creaked open in the back of the auditorium and in walked Emma Swan. Everyone had turned around to see her entrance and standing with Maleficent no less. Granny was first to stand up and address David, "If you're trying to be honest with the citizens then you better warn them about your daughter and her 'friend'.", Granny snarled out. She then picked up her crossbow from her chair and held it by her side making sure everyone knew she was armed.
The people kept looking back and forth between Granny, David and Emma while Emma just swallowed hard and looked at Mal wondering what to do. She then turned back to look at Granny, "Um, what do you mean, Granny?" Emma scuffed the toe of her boot in place in a nervous pose.
Granny glared at Emma, "Tell everyone that you're one of those creatures, Girl. I smelled it the night you returned. You smell wrong and so does your friend. The fact that you're here proves that we aren't safe during the day like Charming said." Granny then lifted her crossbow and pointed it at Emma.
Ruby's eyes grew wide and stared at Mal and Emma who looked hurt. She then stood up and turned to her grandmother, "Granny, it's Emma. She would never hurt any of us."
"You can smell them, can't ya? They aren't right. Their kind drinks from our kind and can easily do us in."
The crowd grew more restless and looked to David for an explanation, but David was at a loss of what to say. Emma then walked through the crowd and the people stood back like the parting of the sea, allowing her to walk up to the podium on the stage and respond to Granny's accusations. Mal stayed in the back of the room near the exit just in case.
Emma tapped on the microphone to make sure it worked and then leaned in to speak, "Hey, everyone. Um….so Granny is right. I am a vampire." The volume rose in the room as people were unnerved. "Please, everyone, just hear me out." Emma had her hands held up in a placating manner.
David chimed in, "Please listen to her. She's still Emma!"
Snow stood up and walked up to David, holding his hand and swallowing hard. She hadn't taken the news well from David the night before, but was trying to remain calm in public. She chose to stay silent for fear of what she might say so she asked David to do the talking.
The people saw their monarchs united so they nodded and slowly sat back down to allow Emma to give an explanation. Regina stood beside Emma, one hand grabbed one of Emma's behind the podium and squeezed. Emma swallowed hard and squeezed Regina's hand back. While hidden to the public, Snow noticed it right away. Confusion marred her expression. Last she knew, Regina and Emma's friendship had been strained.
Rubbing the back of her head, Emma leaned into the mic again, "So, yeah, when I left Storybrooke, I was attacked a few months later by a rogue vampire. He nearly killed me, but Maleficent stopped him and ended up saving my life. My choices were to die or allow myself to be changed. I chose to be changed so that I could have my baby. I had been pregnant at the time and she was my main concern." Emma cleared her throat while gauging everyone's reaction as she continued to speak. "Mal saved my life and my daughter's. She had been turned a couple hundred years ago after being attacked so she understood. Anyway, apparently due to my magic, I'm able to do things normal vampires can't do like walk in the daylight. I'm also able to curb the bloodlust unlike most young vamps. I don't want to get into all the differences. I just want you to know that you're not in danger from me or from Mal. When she was injured, I allowed her to drink my blood which gave her my abilities. We aren't a threat to you. We're here to help you. Rumple knew of the threat to the town and has asked me to deal with it. He left it in one of his letters to me in his will."
The crowd mumbled as they spoke to each other, but Emma pressed on, "Vampires have a code. They're supposed to live symbiotically with humans. We have resources that allow us to feed without the need to attack. The problem is that there are gangs of vampires that disagree with this rule and think they're above all others. They believe humans to be no more than cattle; a food source. The government has known of this issue for decades and created a task force to deal with the rogues. They call themselves hunters. I'm currently working with them to help find the rogues in Storybrooke and remove them."
Ruby stared at Mal the entire time debating on what to do next. She walked up to the witch and grabbed her hands, giving them a gentle squeeze letting her know that they were going to be fine and could talk later. Mal just smiled gratefully and squeezed back.
Granny then asked, "How did they enter the town?"
Regina moved her hand to the small of Emma's back in comfort before speaking, "We believe Killian Jones let them in….", she looked at Emma who nodded and then turned back to the crowd, "and we have reason to believe Robin was working with Killian." That got everyone talking again and the volume rose in the room.
While the crowd talked to one another, Granny kept staring at Emma studying the blonde vampire. Emma didn't blink as she returned to the stare, daring Granny to attack. When she finally had enough of the stare down, Emma spoke into the mic, loud enough to get everyone's attention, "Make no mistake! Anyone who attacks my family and friends WILL be put down." She glared at Granny to let her know just who this announcement was for, "When this is all over, you can rest easy because my family and I will leave town tand go back to our home." Emma then turned around to storm off the stage, but Snow decided to quickly follow so she could speak to her daughter. Regina was left feeling empty and nauseous at the thought of Emma and Tristan leaving.
Meanwhile, off to the side, Blue silently took in the action. 'So, Emma will leave if the rogues are caught. That would get her away from Regina and cause the Evil Queen pain. It's not a permanent solution though.' Blue hated working with the vampires and was trying to figure out a way to kill two birds with one stone; in this case Regina and vampires. 'Snow wouldn't want her daughter with a woman, let alone the Evil Queen.' Blue watched Emma as she charged off the stage with Snow quickly behind and then looked at Regina and Mal. 'Mal will be a problem if she has Emma's abilities. The other issue is the hunters that Emma mentioned. Who are they?'
Blue was so busy studying the key players in the scene that she failed to notice she was being watched by a smart young man; Henry. He zeroed in on Blue's discomfort when David and Emma spoke and then noticed how she watched his mothers. 'She knows something.' Henry's eyes narrowed as he debated his next move. 'If she's here with the other fairies then the convent is empty.' With his mind made up, he made a quick exit, his focus on the convent a few blocks away.
"Emma, wait up!"
Emma rolled her eyes and she sighed heavily after hearing Snow's voice. She continued to walk so that when Snow caught up, they'd be further away for whatever was about to be said. When she was finally outside, Emma stopped walking and whipped around to deal with her mother. Snow was stunned at the sudden stop and almost walked into her daughter.
"Oh! I'm sorry. I was trying to catch up to you."
Trying to remain calm, Emma spoke in a monotone, "What is it, Snow?"
Snow had tears in her eyes, "Emma, please. I want to talk. I know things have been strained between us, but I'd like to try and repair out relationship."
Emma stared at her mother and she knew Snow was sincere in her words, but there was the nagging bitterness of the past that prevented her walls from cracking. Being a mother herself, she could understand how Snow felt. Emma couldn't imagine having a fractured relationship with Tristan. She knew she may regret it, but she also knew she had to make an effort.
Finally giving in, Emma sighed, "What did you have in mind, Snow?" She made sure to address her mother by her name to let her know she was hesitant.
"Can we get together today? I'd love to talk. Perhaps you could bring Tristan? I'd love to get to know my granddaughter better. We didn't exactly get off to a good start.", Snow winced at the memory at the diner.
Nodding, Emma agreed and made a decision. "How about we meet at the old playground that Henry used to play at when he was younger? I can bring a picnic and Tristan will love it."
A smile spread across Snow's face and almost hopped in excitement. "That sounds perfect. Oh, thank you, Emma.", she reached out and hugged her daughter who remained stiff, but wrapped her arms around her mother.
David and Regina had walked up to the pair to speak with Emma, "Hey, Em. I need to ask you some questions about what you saw last night. Can you come down to the station?" David appeared nervous and hesitant while Regina stared at him offended that he was treating his daughter like a suspect.
Emma looked at her father surprised, but shrugged, "Um, yeah. Sure. Let me just call Audrey and let her know I'll be delayed getting home." David nodded and walked over to Snow to speak with her which left Regina standing alone next to Emma.
Before Regina could speak to Emma, her phone vibrated causing her to dig through her pockets. Looking at the screen, she could see it was a text from Henry.
Henry: The guys want to meet for a snack at the diner. I'll see you at lunch.
Regina rolled her eyes and looked Emma who watched concerned. "Our son has decided to change our plans this morning so he can meet the guys.", she huffed. Emma just smiled at Regina while she called Audrey.
"Hey, Aud. Yeah, it was interesting. I'll fill you in when I get home. I'm gonna be a little late. Have to answer some questions about last night. No, I can take her when I get home. In fact, Snow would like to spend some time with her at lunch so I can handle the errands at that time. Ok. Thank you so much. Love ya. Bye." Emma hung up as Regina watched and the Charmings listened. It hurt Snow to see her daughter so close to Audrey and it hurt Regina to know Audrey was so close to Tristan.
Swallowing hard, Regina approached Emma, "Hey, would you and Tristan like to have dinner with Henry and I tonight?" Emma stared at Regina for a few seconds unsure of how to respond. She knew Regina just wanted time with her new found daughter.
"Um. Sure. That sounds nice." Emma turned back to look at her parents who were waiting, "I need to get going though. I'll call you later." She waved to Regina and walked away with her parents.
"Took you long enough, Kid.", Lily smarted off as Henry ran up the front steps of the convent.
Panting with his hands on his knees, Henry snapped, "I had to run while you just drove here. Cut me some slack."
"You texted me to meet you here so I expected you to be waiting for me, not the other way around.", Lily rolled her eyes. "So, what's this about?"
"I think Blue knows where the vampires are. I also think she knows something about my Mom and Robin like we talked about last night after Ma left."
Lily looked up at the building, "And what do you expect me to do here? I have no desire to piss off some nuns."
Henry rolled his eyes which Lily noted looked just like Emma, but kept silent. "All the nuns are at the town meeting. This is our chance to look around!"
Lily stared at the teenager debating, but finally relenting. "Alright, Kid. Let's go. If your Em's son then you probably have her smarts. We'll go with your gut."
They walked up and tried the door, but of course it was locked so Lily pulled out her trusty lock-picking tools. Grinning, she motioned for Henry to get closer, "Watch and learn."
Henry watched fascinated as Lily slowly manipulated her picks and listened for the proper sounds. At the final 'click', the door opened and Lily wore a cocky smirk on her face. "Wow. Where did you learn to do that?"
Lily chuckled, "Your mother taught me."
Henry's eyes widened and then he smiled proudly.
They both wandered around looking for any clues. Lily found stairs leading to a basement while Henry made his way to Blue's office. As Lily made her way down the steps, she could sense the presence of vampires. Taking out her trusty hunter-issues gun, she tiptoed further down with the gun pointed ahead. At the base of the stairs, she found a what looked like a laboratory full of glassware and various potions. Trailing from the room were several closed doors. Removing the safety on her gun, she decided to check each door.
Henry rifled through Blue's office, opening drawers and going through papers. He discovered an opened book written in a language he had never seen. He chose to take pictures of the pages with his phone to show his mother later.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Henry whirled around with a guilty expression after Blue had just caught him red-handed opening another drawer. "Oh! I was looking for a spell that would help my mom become human again." He tried to think quick on his feet.
Blue knew he was lying, but couldn't figure out his purpose for being here. 'He's as annoying as his mother.'
Henry tried to stand up and leave quickly, but as he moved towards the door, it slammed and locked in front of him.
"I'm afraid I can't let you leave, Henry."
Several hours later, Emma was sitting on a picnic blanket with her mother and daughter. Tristan had been very well behaved thus far and for that, Emma was grateful. "Hey, Tristan, would you like a chocolate chip cookie? I made them myself?" Snow was excited to be spending time with the little girl.
Tristan looked at her mother for permission and Emma winked and then gave her a nod. Turning to her new grandmother, she smiled wide, "Yes!" Snow handed her the fresh treat and Tristan immediately took a giant bite. That's when she let out a moan and spoke with her mouth full of chocolaty goodness, "Nummy…"
Emma scolded her, "Tristan….", she warned the little girl to which she closed her mouth and continued to chew quietly. They heard footsteps rushing towards them so Emma turned around to see Regina looking frantic and holding her cell phone, "Have you heard from Henry?"
Emma pulled her cell phone out of her back pocket and shook her head no.
"Gina!" Tristan flew up from her picnic blanket and dropped her cookie so that she could give her new mommy a hug. Snow was hurt because the girl hadn't shown any affection towards her during their lunch. "Are you going to have a cookie with me?" Regina picked up the bubbly child and kissed her cheek, "I'm so happy to see you, Sweetheart. I'm afraid I can't stay though. I'm looking for your brother." She then turned back to Emma while still holding her daughter.
"Something's wrong, Emma. He never came home and he isn't answering his phone. When I tried to track his phone, it didn't show up anywhere in Storybrooke.", Regina's voice cracked. "I called his friends, but haven't seen him today. They said they didn't have anything planned this morning."
Emma quickly looked at Snow who was still sitting with Tristan, but listening and growing concerned. When she turned back to Regina, she saw that Regina had put Tristan down and was now digging around in her purse looking for something. That's when she pulled out Robin's cell phone and held it up.
"When I couldn't reach Henry, I thought maybe I could find something on Robin's phone that would help us. I found these text messages.", she handed the phone to Emma.
Emma scrolled through them and read some, only to look back up in shock, "Blue? What the fuck?!" Emma's magic began crackling on the surface of her skin, "How many people are in on this shit show?" Her eyes began glowing a bright red as her magic grew in intensity.
Before Regina was done blinking, a blur of purple and blonde flashed in front of her. 'Mal'. Snow quickly stood up in front of Tristan, scowling at the new arrival.
Maleficent had used her vampire speed to come to Emma. She quickly put her hands on Emma's shoulders and looked into Emma's eyes.
"Hey. Look at me, Em. Calm down. I could smell your blood lust miles away. What's wrong?"
Regina spoke from behind Mal since Emma was too worked up, "Henry is missing and we think Blue has been working with Robin."
Maleficent's eyes grew red as she turned around to face Regina, "That blue gnat is in on this? The same blue bug that destroyed me and my family?" Regina slowly stepped back, fear rising in her chest and she simply nodded, not breaking her stare with Mal.
Mal wordlessly picked up her cell phone and called Lily, but it went straight to voice mail. She looked down at her phone and tried again, but it yielded the same result. Emma knew based on Mal's expression that she was worried about Lily as well.
"If Blue is in on this then nobody is safe during the day. We now have to worry about her during the day and the vampires at night. I need to get Tristan home and put up a protection spell. She could be the next target."
Regina stepped up, "Let Mal and I deal with Blue. You go take care of our daughter and make sure everything is alright over there. Give Audrey the heads up." Regina then stepped closer to Emma and whispered her next question, "Henry said you still hadn't read all of what Rumple left you. You may want to do that just in case there are more clues. Based on what you said, he knew quite a bit before his passing."
Emma nodded while Snow stood behind them absorbing what she had just heard. 'Our daughter?' "Emma, what did Regina mean when she said 'our daughter'?"
Regina stiffened as she realized her mistake and she stared at Emma whose eyes were wide in panic. Regina tried to retract her previous statement, "I'm sorry, Snow, I misspoke. I'm so worried about Henry and looking at Tristan here looking so adorable must have caused me to say it. I can only wish I had a daughter so beautiful."
Tristan was confused by what Regina had just said and tears began filling her beautiful green eyes. Emma noticed and quickly grabbed her daughter, "Hey, it's okay." Emma knew why the little girl was upset and had to do something quick. She turned to her mother, "I'm sorry, Snow, I need to get her home and figure out how to find Henry and Lily. We'll do this again if you'd like and I can make it up to you." The Emma used her magic to quickly teleport home, leaving a white cloud behind.
Snow's mouth stayed wide open and then she turned to Regina for further explanation. Regina simply shrugged and then took Mal's hand, "Let's go." Just as Snow was about to ask them a question, they disappeared in purple magic, but not before Mal stared at her with a large grin on her face.
"Audrey? Are you home?", Emma hollered after arriving in the country home. She then sat Tristan down on the couch and calm her down, "Hey, Honey, please don't cry. Gina was just telling Grandma a little white lie so Grandma wouldn't get upset. Gina loves you and she loves that she's also your Mommy." Tristan sniffed and choked as she tried to calm down, but was still upset so Emma tried a different tactic. "How about we get some ice cream? I think we still have cherries and whipped cream….", she left the statement in the air and then bumped Tristan's should to get her to smile.
She wiped her eyes and Tristan smiled back at Emma, "Nummies." Emma nodded and agreed, "Nummies." They hustled to the kitchen and Audrey walked in shortly after.
"What's up, Em?"
Emma updated her on what happened at the town meeting and then after. She then kneeled down next to Tristan as she ate her bowl of ice cream, "Honey, Mommy needs to go upstairs and look for something. Can you keep Audrey company for me?" Tristan nodded and kept spooning the dessert. Emma stood, nodded to Audrey and then left to take care of a protection spell.
In her bedroom, Emma held up her hands and began mumbling an incantation.
"That's not enough, Savior. It'll take a much stronger spell to keep that blue gnat out."
Emma closed her eyes and dropped her hands in annoyance, "Oh goodie. You're back." She then turned and glared at Cora.
Cora pursed her lips, "You need a stronger spell if you're going to protect my granddaughter."
Rolling her eyes, Emma raised her hands again, "Well I don't know another spell." She then began her spell again.
"I can teach it to you.", Cora added.
Dropping her hands again, realizing she wasn't going to get this done with Cora here, she turned to the feisty spirit, "I have no desire to learn dark magic."
"Stupid girl, it isn't dark magic unless you add ill intent to it. You're trying to protect someone so it won't be dark."
Emma stared at Cora debating. Her lie detector wasn't pinging, but she was still hesitant. Then she heard another voice, "Listen to her, my child. She means you no harm." Emma noticed Henry Sr. had made another appearance. "Her intentions are pure. She only wants your family safe."
"Listen to her, Em"
Emma whipped around in shock at the newest voice. "Graham?" She swallowed and a silent sob escaped her throat. "Oh my God. I'm so sorry, Graham."
Graham smiled softly, "It's alright, Em. This isn't your fault. It's their fault." Emma just kept sobbing and shaking her head so Graham continued, "Em, I mean it. It's okay. I don't know how long I have before I have to leave or until I can visit you again so please listen. When one of them was feeding on me, I heard Killian mention Blue and convent. Something about the Dark One's vault and controlling you for breeding and feeding."
Emma looked up stunned. "What the fuck?" Emma began pacing and running her hands through her hair.
Henry Sr. then spoke up, "Let Cora help you and then read the rest of the letters."
She looked at Henry and couldn't help smiling at his sweet and sincere face. He seemed to have such a good heart. 'No wonder Regina loves him so.' Emma simply nodded and then looked to Cora for the explanation. Following Cora's instructions, Emma raised her hands and repeated the incantation. She used her magic to make a cut into her skin to use her blood to strengthen the barrier. Cora had her add the names of people allowed to pass the barrier at the end of the spell. Anyone else would be burned and suffer horrific injuries that would be unable to heal. Emma knew this, but was determined to protect her loved ones.
When she finished, she turned to see Cora looking at her proud. She then tried to school her features and popped off, "Well, I suppose you won't be as useless to my daughter as I thought." She then disappeared leaving Henry Sr. and Graham.
Henry chuckled and then told Emma, "She likes you. That was her way of complimenting you which she never does." He then disappeared leaving only Graham.
"Read the letters, Emma." Emma nodded and then he continued, "Tell Zelena that I know what her surprise was going to be on our anniversary and tell her I love her I'm so happy. I'll always be with them." He then disappeared.
Emma gulped and then realized what he said at the end, 'them'. "Oh my God. Fuck!" She punched a hole in the dry wall in her bedroom before walking over the book and letters that Rumple had left. She took a deep, calming breath and picked up the pile, taking it to her bed and spreading everything out as she got comfortable.
"Here goes nothin."