Walking through the back alcove into the mansion Emma found herself in a grand ballroom. One of the largest rooms Emma had ever seen. It was filled with people and a joyous atmosphere as everyone stood around the room in a semi-circle. Friends, family people that she had saved, all here to spend this day celebrating Emma's birthday. There was a brief pause of silence as the party guests looked around realising that everything hadn't gone as planned for the day. Both Mary Margaret and David were wet from their shoes to their waists. Bits of Regina's gown were charred from the battle. Killian had a small cut on his check and dirt all over his face. Emma stood in front mostly unscathed tears rolling down her checks, tears of joy.
While the moment set in Emma eyes began frantically searching for one person amongst the crowd. As soon as Elsa was spotted, Emma ran towards her almost bowling her best friend over. The rest of the room now even more confused at this response to their cheerful welcome started to become concerned. They came closer shepherding around the guests of honour asking question about what had just happened.
"Emma, what's going on?" Elsa asked alarmed.
"It's a long story, I'm just glad you're here" Emma replied, squeezing her arms around Elsa tight.
Emma smiled wide happiness overflowing knowing that whatever lied ahead she would be ok. They would be there, or they would find her. Judging by the body count in the room there would be a lot of people looking. They began to mingle and assist those who needed bandaging or a glass of wine. Regina made b line for the bar while the rest of the group mostly surrounded by the dwarfs, sat by the chairs in the corner and told of the events leading up to the big surprise with tears and laughs.
"You're not going to at least give me the story highlights" Elsa said nudging Emma.
"Got stuck in a time loop, Killian died, then you "Emma paused "Then my parents"
"What" Elsa gasped her mind racing as the information sunk in.
"There's more, we found Lily" Emma said smiling turning around gesturing towards the pair who had awkwardly snuck into the room behind them.
"Who is she with?" Elsa asked confused noticing by the way their pair stood with a noticeable distance they weren't close.
"Maleficent, her mother" Emma explained.
"Well, it has been quite the day already, I hope this party will stand up in comparison" Elsa replied.
"Are you kidding, this is amazing" Emma said in awe looking around at the decorations and food.
There was even a large photo board filled with pictures of Emma and her loved ones in the centre of the room. A reminder of all that had accomplished in the last year how much happiness was in all there lives.
"Well, I didn't do it alone" Elsa said with shrug.
"Yeah, someone had to hang all these streamers" Ruby said interjecting.
Emma hugged Ruby happy to see her here but paused as she let go of her friend, noticing someone was notably missing from there group. Before she could ask Emma was pulled away to greet others, first Granny then the dwarfs and more classmates all with gifts. It was overwhelming to receive so much positive attention and love. Highlighting how many lives Emma hand changed for the better in the last year. Everyone had heartfelt gifts and kind words to share with her. All the moments she shared with people over the last year discussed as the reminisced and laughed together. Quickly finding a moment alone Emma grabbed a handful of chips stuffing them into her mouth. There was still a sinking feeling in her gut that she could not shake everything although seemingly the same was slightly off. As Emma continued to mingle. Looking up she noticed the dark one still around skulking in the corner alone. Emma felt a rise in herself and rushed over to the other side of the ballroom standing in front of him.
"Ms Swan, I assume you want to know what's changed" Mr Gold said smug.
"I can feel it, somethings different" Emma said slightly concerned.
"It's impossible to tell only you and I even remember the other timeline and you would know more than me if there have been, changes" Mr Gold explained.
"Everyone's ok, everything's fine" Emma said but her voice quivered.
"You know there must be a price" Mr Gold replied.
"I don't know, how I even knew to go to the pawn shop and turn the hourglass in the first place" Emma said.
"The wood used to carve the hourglass wasn't from any tree but one of magic, I think it's no coincidence that same tree was used to carve the wardrobe" Mr Gold explained.
"It was calling to me" Emma said.
"You should have listened to my warning" Mr Gold replied.
"I couldn't just let them die" Emma shot back.
"Enjoy the party" Mr Gold said walking away his face slightly confused as he disappeared into the dark.
Emma felt a hand on her shoulder, and she turned to see a concerned Killian giving her a disappointed look. Emma took his hand walking back towards the crowded hall with a smile.
"Don't worry, we were just tying up loose ends" Emma reassured Killian.
"I'm always worried" Killian said.
Killian took Emma's hands in his and they moved closer to the dance floor swaying with the music slow dancing amongst the crowd. Quiet for a minute just holding each other and enjoying this peaceful moment. Emma still felt so much shame for everything that happened repeating her mistakes over and over.
"I'm sorry" Emma said. "I just couldn't lose you, I wasn't thinking"
"I know love" Killian said with a warm smile.
Killian pulled close holding Emma tight his disapproval fading now only concerned that Emma was wrapped up in dark magic. Even as they shared this tender moment Killian was tense as they swayed with the music.
"Swan, I'm not mad, you just need to be more careful with who you rely on" Killian reiterated.
"You don't have to worry; I know exactly who my people are and that they always find me" Emma said smiling.
Killian chuckled and Emma felt him relax as his chest was pressed against her own and she leaned in listening to his heartbeat. Such a beautiful peaceful sound it almost washed away the memory of losing him. Swaying together until the song ended and the dance floor became less crowded. They held hands walking over to the bar hopeful. Only to be given a shake of the head by Regina who was leaning up against it.
"Your majesty" Killian said with a smirk.
"Be as polite as you want, still only soda for you two" Regina replied.
"I just wanted to say thanks" Emma said gleeful "If it weren't for you, well we all wouldn't be here" Emma said earnest looking up at Regina.
"Off course" Regina replied getting choaked up it came out like a croaking sound.
Regina looked away awkwardly not used to hearing any praise from those who she's helped in recent times. Turning over a new leaf made more difficult when those you trying to save were the people you used to terrorise. Emma walked forward letting go of Killians hand hugging Regina, which caught her off guard for a moment. Only for a moment then she squeezed back tears welling up in her eyes. It was clear this was her home now her future, Regina's only path ahead.
"You were there every time" Emma said before letting go.
Regina was visibly affected by these words thinking it over and then she smiled at Emma. Clenching her hand to her chest, Regina felt lighter than she had in years. Not because her heart had become less dark, but now Regina could feel the light inside that was there all along.
"It was amazing to have your help out there today" Mary Margaret said.
"But if you don't mind, we'd like a moment with the guest of honour" David said.
Emma smiled waving goodbye to Killian and Regina for the moment. Pulled away by the loving arms of her parents into the corner of the room for a quiet family moment. Unable to stop herself Mary Margaret instinctively brushed the hair off Emma's face. Still looking her over for any injury from the fight earlier.
"We are so proud of you, today you knew exactly what to do" Mary Margaret exclaimed. "You saved everyone"
"I don't know about that, took a few tries" Emma replied sheepish.
"Well, that's the true mark of a hero, to persevere even when it's hard, when the only option is violence and death, you can find another way" David said smiling.
Emma responded with a smile looking up at her parents happily enjoying ever millisecond of this day. This party was more than Emma had ever hoped for and every day after could be just like this.
"Here, I have one last surprise" Mary Margaret said pulling a small box from her pocket.
Opening it up to reveal a beautiful necklace with a silver chain and pink diamond at the centre of the pendant. It was fantastical in the way in shimmered in the light clearly something from another world, one of magic.
"It was my mother's; I couldn't believe it made its way over in the curse" Mary Margaret explained.
Pushing back some of Emma's long curls so she could wrap the jewellery around her neck and closed the clasp. It gently fell into place sitting just below the collarbone matching her outfit perfectly.
"It's amazing" Emma said placing her hand on it gently.
"It's yours now" Mary Margret said tears now pouring down her checks.
"What wrong" Emma asked.
"Nothing just sometimes, it hits me in waves how much we missed, we should be celebrating your first birthday not your sixteenth" Mary Margaret replied now drying her tears embarrassed.
"I know, but we have all the years after together" Emma replied grabbing her mothers arm trying to comfort her.
"And we can continue the celebrations with a little birthday tradition as well, although it was mainly just my mother and I, we would usually dance" David said with a wide smile.
"Dance" Emma replied slightly confused.
"Yeah, come on it will be fun, I promise" David said gesturing for his family to follow him.
"Maybe one day we can even go to a real ball" Mary Margaret added as Emma was pulled along onto the dancefloor.
Right on cue as soon as the three of them hit the centre of the room a familiar tune started to play, and more friends swarmed the dancefloor. Letting their hair down in the symbolic sense waving arms about dancing freely together to the rhythm. Emma looked up to her father holding her hands in his as they jumped around with laughter roaring out. For a moment David was back home in the Enchanted Forest, it was so vivid he thought he could see his mother's eyes on him smiling proudly as he danced with his family. As song after song played, they continued even when their legs were sore the immediate excitement overwhelmed any other feeling. Until a large cake was brought into the room by followed a chorus of Happy Birthday. The group closed in around Emma who welcomed it coming in closer to a beautifully garnished cake. After the dessert was cut and speeches where made the party guests started to diminish with only those closest remaining. Exhausted and in need of a break from the dancefloor Emma sat in the corner wanting to enjoy a slice herself. It truly was delicious, and Emma was quiet for a moment, looking over at her family as they farewelled guest and tried to figure out how all the gifts would fit in the car. It was such a normal moment, but it was perfect. Emma could wait for the years ahead filled with more moments like this.
Just when Emma was enjoying her solitude Ruby and Killian made their way over. Ruby speed up her approach and smashed a slice into Emma's nose. Making sure to mash it into Emma's face and they both let out a loud laugh. Emma struck back flinging her slice at Ruby, but it missed only grazing her check as she ducked out of the way, the wolf senses always giving her a step up. The sugary baked treat hit Killian right in the forehead and he laughed before surging forward with his own slice of destruction. Using his hook making sure to hit his target. Emma was struck in the chest right as the cake feel away the frosting remained in the shape of a heart. The three of them laughed grabbing more ammunition ready to fight. Notably missing from the cake fight, Elsa stood alone leaning against the wall using her fork to stab her slice of cake rather than eat it. Emma let out a deep breath as the realisation overwhelmed her and her heart began to race, watching Elsa standalone the truth became clear. Quickly Emma walked over to her best friend and leaned against the wall by her side.
"Not into sponge and cream?" Emma asked.
"What" Elsa said with a frown as she saw her caked covered best friend beside her, and a smile escaped her lips.
"Oh no, but at least I'm not wearing my dessert?" Elsa replied.
Their eyes went over to the corner where Killian and Ruby were by the bar bringing the dwarfs into the food fight. The clear winner seeming to be happy without a touch of frosting on him and grumpy looked over annoyed that the clean-up had not only stopped, but was getting messier. Elsa and Emma laughed at the scene enjoying the moment before falling back into silence and the unavoidable knot in Emma's stomach rose again.
"Hey where's is Mulan tonight" Emma asked concerned.
"Who?" Elsa said her brown in a frown as she tried to recall who Emma was referring to.
"Your girlfriend?" Emma said bemused.
"What, are you talking about Mulan from school" Elsa her checks turning red "She's never even spoken to me" Elsa said ending with a sigh.
Emma mouth gapped open, and her mind raced trying to deduce how this could have happened. Was one hour really that critical to get in the way of true love, something strong enough than that could break any curse. The truth was clear though Emma's decision to turn back the hourglass had erased hours of her life and therefore others. One of them had been key in Elsa and Mulan getting together.
"Emma what's wrong, you look pale" Elsa asked concerned.
"I, I think I had to much cake" Emma replied mumbling.
"Well, you can walk it off, come on" Elsa said pulling Emma away from the crowd.
They made their way out into the hall, and it began to sink in. The price for turning back time over and over. The loss of three hours of their lives was more than Emma could bare. The guilt sweeping over her as they made their way out to the empty hallway. Away from the noise and laughs of the party that where now only an echo. Fading further and further just like the memories of Elsa and Mulan's love. The pair where alone, Elsa was walking fast down the hall pulling Emma along with an excited smile on her face, having no idea what Emma had done to her. There was no way that type of love could just be gone. An ache more than anyone could bare must be weighing on Elsa's soul and if it wasn't, it was certainly weighing on Emma's.
"Elsa" Emma said practically mumbling the words until they were unintelligible.
"I have a surprise for you" Elsa said having seemingly to have not heard what Emma said, to enthralled in whatever she was about to reveal.
Elsa took Emma's hand leading her down the hall away from the noise of laughter and glasses clattering in the main ballroom. Walking through a long dark hall where there where many closed doors. Emma felt an odd sense of DeJa'Vu while Elsa led the way to an unknown surprise. Reminiscent of her first day in Storybroke when Elsa led Emma to her locker and pointed her towards Mary Margaret's classroom. Emma quickly gave Elsa a hug and held her tight for a moment hoping their friendship could last this blow.
"What was that for?" Elsa asked.
"Just for being you" Emma replied before letting go "Alright what did you want to show me"
Elsa smiled stopping at the end of the hall she opened the door into a large room, filed with many large furniture pieces and ornaments. Yet the room still felt so empty almost hollow not a speck of dust, the air was so fresh and cold it brought a shiver up Emma's spine. Realising that the eerie feeling the mansion had every time she approached it, was this door. Exactly like Elsa described decorated with the colours and signs of her homeland, Arendelle.
"Is that it?" Emma asked.
"Yeah" Elsa replied with a shrug.
"So, you're really going back to the enchanted forest" Emma said realising what Elsa was doing.
"It's the right thing, I miss my home and Anna, she needs this" Elsa replied not to convinced.
"There isn't anyone that would make you stay" Emma almost mumbled thinking of Mulan.
Emma was quiet walking over closer trying best not to cry looking up at the large door. Hating it wondering who put there, as if they had done it just to bring her misery. Even though Emma had so many people in her life she couldn't stand to lose a single one of them. Knowing that now more than ever, after the events of the day that never ended. There was a sinking feeling of guilt because Emma knew Elsa should have another reason to stay, another person in her life. Trying to stay positive imagining this other world, one Emma had only seen in pictures and stories so rich with colour and happiness.
"It would be awesome though, to see where I came from" Emma admitted.
"Well doors aren't just exits" Elsa said noticing Emma's saddened expression.
"I know but this one it's magical, we have no idea how it works" Emma replied.
"That's why we haven't gone through yet, we need to find a way to keep the door open" Elsa reiterated.
"We'll figure it out together" Emma replied hopeful.
The sound of feet running through the hall along with echoes of laughter from Killian and Ruby where all they could here. They burst into the room smirks on their faces and a bottle of rum held tightly in Killians hand. The pair looked like they were already drunk stumbling into the room loudly almost falling to the floor clenching their stomachs as they laughed.
"Be careful" Emma said surprised "Where did you get that"
"Convinced dopey to pass it over the bar" Ruby said with a bit of a slur in her voice.
"Alright well at least share it" Emma said holding out her hand.
Emma smiled wide finally feeling deep in her soul knowing that happy endings were not what she ever thought they would be. That this was better than anything she could have imagined celebrating with family and friends. Discussing a future one with hopes and dreams involved. Just as Killian and Emma closed the distance between each other a bright light creaked from under the door.
The frame began to rattle, and all four teenagers turned towards the sudden loud racket with bemused expressions. The dim lite room suddenly filled with bright yellow light as the door swung open quicky and like a vacuum the four were pulled towards the open frame. Elsa was closest and first to disappear into the swirling green vortex. Then Ruby unable to take advantage of her wolf strength and senses. Being so inebriated fell on her back and slid across the floor into the doorway in a second. Killian looked over to Emma and they reach for each other. Emma's hands burning once more as the fierce light within her surfaced and she tried to shield them both. Just out of reach Killian slipped falling to the ground headfirst his hand just grazing Emma's as he fell. Killian slid across the floor further away until he managed to slam his hook into the hardwood trying to hold onto this world. Straining herself Emma tried to reach for Killian while keeping her stance strong. Failing to notice the bookshelf flying towards them both. Breaking free from the wall the shelf flew forwards into the portal sweeping Killian up with it and he was gone. Emma's heart raced and she tried to catch her breath and focus on staying in place as the pull got stronger.
Emma grunted using all her strength to step closer to safety inch by inch. Another loud crash as the door to the room burst open once more. Emma looked up strained seeing both her parents looking to her in horror. Recognising the green swirl knowing it was pulling Emma into another world. Emma smiled looking up at them happiness overflowing knowing they loved her, knowing they'd stop at nothing to find her. Believing that with all her heart and soul, Emma relaxed her stance and smiled at them.
"Find us" Emma said.
"Wait no" David gasped stepping forward.
It was too late Emma purposely let go of her hold and flew backwards into the spiralling portal. Disappearing into the void her hand the last thing Mary Margaret and David saw as she vanished. The door slamming shut behind her with a crash all the flying debris fell to the ground as the wind came to an abrupt stop. The room fell silent her parents gasped for air as they reached for each other's hands and held them tight, staring in horror at the now firmly closed door.
Notes: Thanks to all those who has been reading along with this story I hope it brought you some joy. It certainly has for me. In the last year I have gone from unemployed to my dream job,(Not to mention recently engaged) I'm not trying to gloat just making it clear a lot can happen in a year just keep your head up and do what makes you happy.
Taking another break but, Part 2 Welcome to the Enchanted forest is coming someday