Told you guys there was a reason for Bella's behavior. Regardless, let's up the ante. I'm ready to start killing people!
(yes, I know I probably need a therapist, but that's what fanfiction is for, right?)
My bad for any mistakes.
Regina has an odd feeling settle in her chest. Many of the spells Isabella sends her way are too dangerous. They're almost lethal, and Regina gets the impression her child is trying to kill her, which is why she's been on the defensive the entire time. Most of her magic has been delegated to keeping her injuries from teetering into the life-threatening category. Regina hisses when the edge of a rock slices open her cheek. Had she not turned her head when she did, it would've sliced her neck, and Regina stops momentarily to touch the blood dripping down her jaw.
"Are you trying to kill me?" she exclaims.
"There isn't room for the both of us, Mother," Isabella mocks. "Think of it this way. I'm Cora, and I'm not here to play happy family anymore."
Regina's too shocked, too hurt, to avoid the shockwave that comes from Isabella. Regina crashes into a tree and falls to the ground. She knows at least three ribs are cracked, and one might've pierced her lung. Regina wheezes out a breath and wonders if this is payback for what she did in the Enchanted Forest. Her thoughts take a turn for the worse when she sees the flames heading straight for her head. Regina rises off the ground by a branch, and she leans heavily into the tree to keep from falling over. A circle forms around her, and Isabella steps through it. No longer are her eyes red, but solid black, and Regina can't help but be proud. Regardless of what's happening, this is her daughter, her child, and she hopes Isabella's common sense kicks in before Regina has to actively fight back.
"Don't make me come up there and get you!" Isabella shouts.
Guess the commonsense angle won't be happening anytime soon. Very well. Regina rolls her eyes and pushes aside the pain for a moment. She takes a deep breath and smiles at her daughter. That's when she sees it. That flicker of recognition, of fear, in Isabella's eyes, and Regina chuckles.
"My turn." Regina points at the fire, and Isabella pales when it stops mid-motion. Regina twirls her finger in a repetitive motion until the flames rise higher and higher. "Let's see how well you are on defense," she muses.
Regina lazily points her finger at Isabella, and her daughter makes an X with her arms as the flames descend on her. Regina keeps her ears and eyes open to ensure she doesn't actually do any lasting harm, and she adds a little more force. Isabella fights a losing battle as she's pushed back to the clearing. Regina's lowered to the ground, and she follows at a slow pace, flicking rocks and branches at Isabella's feet and legs with her free hand. Isabella hisses at the impact and tries to jump side to side. Regina clicks her tongue against her teeth and clenches her fist. The flames dissipate, and Isabella yelps as she falls forward. Regina presses a hand against her ribs, but she has enough state of mind to command the nearest tree to wrap its branches around Isabella.
"Why are you trying to kill me?" she asks.
"Because you deserve to die," Isabella grits out. "You abandoned me. You never came back for me, and if it weren't for you, Charlie would still be alive!"
Regina exhales through her nose, and says, "Do you truly believe that?"
There's a moment of hesitation before Isabella shakes her head and says, "With my whole heart."
Regina nods to herself. She turns away just enough to wave her hand over the clearing. Her magic cleans the area, returning it to the way it was, and Regina feels the spell as it flies through the air. She bats it back to Isabella without a second thought looking back, and she spins around in shock when Isabella screams. Regina freezes when she sees the deep gash going across Isabella's collarbone. That spell would have caused some damage had Regina not stopped it. Regina taps into their mental connection and immediately exits from the amount of rage and anger. She restrains Isabella in such a way that her hands are pointing upward against her face and neck. Isabella growls in frustration. Taking a risk, Regina steps closer to her daughter and places one hand on her cheek.
"Why are you so angry with me, Monkey?" she whispers.
Isabella's eyes go from black to red, and she whines.
"Mama, help me."
Regina jerks her hand away, and her confusion grows when Isabella's eyes go back to black, and she strains against her restraints.
"Let me go," Isabella hisses. "Only a coward would fight this way."
"Then I am a coward. I will not hurt you." She glances at the gash on Isabella's chest. "Again," she adds softly.
Regina flicks her wrist and sends Isabella to sleep. Darkness creeps along the edge of Regina's vision, and she drops to the ground. She places both hands on the Earth and coughs up blood. Channeling what little energy she has left, Regina closes her eyes.
Send this message to Ruby: Find me. Keep Isabella asleep. Need he-
Regina collapses to the dirt wrapped in a cocoon of her own magic.
Outside of the library, Ruby stands with Emmett, Alia, and Belle.
"I wonder when the power will be back on," Emmett says.
"Not sure. But do you-
Ruby's head snaps to the side. She frowns and steps off the stairs, her head cocked toward the woods.
"You okay?"
Ruby holds up her hand to Belle and focuses. The wind blows in their direction once more, and Ruby hears it. Well, bits and pieces of it.
Find…me…keep Isabella…asleep...need he-
"Shit! Belle, go find Emmerson. Tell him something's wrong with Gina and Bella."
Bella doesn't have a chance to ask any questions before Ruby takes off into the woods. Emmett and Alia exchange glances and Emmett runs after Ruby while Alia tugs on Belle's arm.
"Come on," she says. "Let's just do what she says. Emmett will tell me once he knows what's going on."
Belle sighs and hurries down the street with Alia.
"We were having such a good night," she murmurs.
Emmerson slams his knee into the cruiser when Alia suddenly appears at his side.
"Fuck, Alia! We talked about that!"
Rosalie gets out of the car and comes around to their side. Alia nods in greeting before she says, "Something's up with Regina and Isabella. Ruby had a weird moment at the library before she took into the woods. Em went with her. Belle went to find Hook and get him to the house just in case. We can't locate Jax or Vincent."
"They're probably in Miller Heights," Emmerson sighs, annoyed. "Fuck. I knew something was off at the house."
"What do you mean?" Alia asks.
"Bella snapped at Regina," Emmerson explains, fiddling with his keys.
"How is that weird?"
"Isabella and Regina don't do anger," Rosalie says. "They get annoyed with each other, yes. But anger? Never."
"So, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying-" Emmerson looks over Alia's shoulder and frowns. He sees Charming and Snow head into Gold's shop, and he scowls. "Rose, you wanna go check on Isabella?" he asks.
"You have that look on your face. What are you planning?"
"Lee, you remember that sneaky ATM robber from when I was a bounty hunter?"
"Absolutely." Alia glances at Rose. "Go find your mate. Emmett should be with her by now," she says.
Rosalie glances between them before she runs off. Alia turns to Emmerson and folds her arms.
"I'm listening."
Gold hears the backdoor open behind the not-so-silent argument happening in front of him. He glances to the side, and he spots the Savior and an unfamiliar blonde sneak into the room. They hide behind the shelves, and the Savior glares at him. Gold gets the hint and returns his attention to Charming and Snow. Charming, in exasperation, slams a vial on the counter with black liquid instead of clear. God pinches the bridge of his nose.
"How could you have messed up such simple instructions?" he sighed.
"You're the one that said if the spell worked, the antidote would turn clear. Well, it turned black, and we want to know what that means."
"First, you need to tell me who the spell was for and what you commanded this person to do."
"Just tell us what the color means, and we'll be on our way."
"I can't answer that unless you tell me what you did with the spell, dearie."
"Regina's daughter left a strand of hair on Neal's clothing when she attacked him," Snow says.
"How did you-
"That isn't for you to know," Snow grits out. "Now tell us what this color means."
Gold leans heavily on the counter and tries not to glance at the side. He can feel the rage building from the Savior, and he can only hope to not get caught in the crossfire.
"Tell me what possessed you to idiots to cast a spell on Regina's daughter?"
"We just wanted to get them both away from Emma," Snow says defensively.
"And what did you command her daughter to do?" he asks in a clipped tone.
"I don't see why you're so upset! She attacked your son!" Snow exclaims.
"Miss Lucas explained to me what happened. While I am angry he is in the hospital and that he was hurt, I am angrier at the fact he initiated the entire thing! He should not have been there in the first place! Now, I will ask again. What did you do?"
Snow and Charming refuse to answer immediately, and Gold slams his palms on the counter.
"What did you do!" he shouts.
"I- we commanded her to," Charming pauses, "kill Regina."
A disbelieving laugh escapes Gold before he catches it, and he tells them, "Oh, you complete and utter fools. Do you have any idea what you've done?"
"It was working," Snow huffs. "The vial was clear for the longest time. It just turned black not even a few minutes ago."
"You brought this on yourself."
The Savior steps out from behind the shelf, but the other blonde waits in the shadows.
"Emma? What are you doing here?"
"I thought I told you to stop calling me that."
"You can't expect us to call you anything but your name," Snow exasperates.
"My name is Emmerson, and this will be my last time telling you." The Savior – no, the Sheriff – removes his gun from his holster. He points it at Charming. "Put your hands on the counter," he orders.
"Are you arresting me?" Charming exclaims.
"Either that or I shoot you, and it will be your word against mine. Now, do it."
Charming swallows roughly and does as he was ordered. The Sheriff holsters the weapon and takes out handcuffs. Gold watches it all with a sick fascination. What happened to turn the Savior against…his parents. Gold isn't an idiot, and he isn't too disconnected from the rest of the world. The changes in the Savior are noticeable, and he wonders how he can use it to his advantage in the future. His thoughts are disrupted when the vial from the table is suddenly swiped out of the air. He blinks at the unfamiliar blonde, who leans over and whispers in his ear-
"If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I will rip out your spine with my bare hands."
Gold, despite his own powers, doesn't doubt the truthfulness of the woman's words.
"David, Charming, whatever name you're going by tonight, you are under arrest for attempted murder. Once I hear the full story, I'm sure those charges will add up. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney and have him present during the interrogation. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you free of charge." The Sheriff makes the handcuffs as tight as possible and lifts Charming off the table. "You can waive your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must be halted. You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until he is present, the interrogation must be halted. Do you understand?"
"Emma, please, I-
"Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Wonderful. Snow, you are free to meet us at the station." The Sheriff glances at the unfamiliar blonde and adds, "I'll be home in a few hours. Let's both get some answers to report back."
The Sheriff drags Charming out of the shop with Snow right behind them. Once they're alone, the blonde leans on the counter and holds the vial in the air expectantly.
"It's black because she's fighting the spell. Pour it down her throat and make sure she drinks a lot of water afterward." Alia heads toward the exit, but Gold clears his throat and adds, "Tell Regina I learned my lesson the first time. She will have no problems with me."
"If you come after her daughter again, I can assure you Regina will be the least of your worries."
The blonde leaves with that on Gold's mind, and he has no doubt the golden family of Storybrooke will never recover from this. He meant what he said to the Charming duo. While he's upset Regina's daughter hurt his son, Neal should've never been there. Most importantly, what would be the point in starting a war when he doesn't even know all the players?
Emmerson throws Charming into the cell and slams the door shut. He swings the handcuffs around and grabs Snow.
"What are you- what are you doing?"
"Snow White, you are under arrest for attempted murder. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney and have him present during the interrogation. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you free of charge." Emmerson leads Snow to the second cell and opens the door. "You can waive your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must be halted. You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until he is present, the interrogation must be halted. Do you understand?"
"You're arresting me?" Snow shrieks.
Emmerson pushes Snow into the cell and slams the door.
"Wait! Emma! You forgot to take off the cuffs!"
Emmerson concentrates, and he flicks his wrist at the cells. Snow's cries are cut off, and the station descends into blessed silence.
"Where is Henry?" Emmerson asks Charming.
"At the apartment."
"Child neglect will be added to your charges."
"What? Why!"
"You left him alone at the apartment while you went off to perform a risky spell that could have backfired."
"He wouldn't have been alone if you'd been at home!"
"No worries. Henry will be taken care of while you two await your trial. Honestly, what were you two thinking? You had no idea that hair belonged to Regina's daughter."
"But Whale said-
"Whale?" Charming clamps his mouth shut, and Emmerson narrows his eyes. "What did he say?" he asks.
Charming deflates and answers, "Whale dropped the hair off a few days ago. He said Blue did a DNA test for him because the machines at the hospital weren't giving him anything. They found Regina's DNA interwoven with the genes or whatever. He told us that Blue mentioned Gold having a spell that could make people do whatever we wanted. I wanted to arrest her. We had the evidence, but Snow and Blue said it would never stick with Regina being the mayor. So, after a few more arguments, I gave in, and I went with their plan."
"Which was? And why did you wait so long to do it?"
"In addition to work and visiting Neal at the hospital, Henry needed help with a project the couple of two days. We didn't get a chance to do it until a few minutes before the power went out. The vial turned clear, and we just had to wait it out. The rest you already know."
Emmerson grinds his teeth and says, "Say your plan worked, and she killed her mother. You were going to do what? Arrest her for it?"
"We were going to give her the antidote. Snow said once Regina was dead, the spell on her would wear off, and we could send her over the town line with some food and water. She would be able to live her life away from here."
"You were going to send a confused and lost girl over the town line with no memories and trust that she would be alright?"
Charming winces.
"When you say it like that-
"It sounds exactly like what you did to me," Emmerson deadpans. "And for the record, there is no spell on her. Had you given her that antidote, she would've had to live with the guilt of killing her mother for the rest of her life. Do you understand how damaging that is to a person's psyche?"
"What does a psychic have to do with this?"
Emmerson puts a silencing spell over Charming's cell as well and snatches his keys off the table. He leaves them in the station and heads to Regina's. But first, a pit stop.
Whale yawns and sits down behind his desk. The emergency generator gives him enough light to see the figure in the corner of his office slam a fist into the side of his head. He slumps forward, unconscious, and Emmerson grabs him by the scruff of his neck.
"Let's see you talk your way out of this one, Doc."
With the power still out, the only light in the room comes from the fireplace. Regina holds Isabella to her chest and rests her head on the back of the couch. Rosalie stretches out with her head in Isabella's lap, and the others take up random spots in the living room. Once she had the antidote, Isabella threw up when she remembered what she'd done. Rather, what she tried to do. It took fifteen minutes to reassure her that everything was okay between them. Even still, she refuses to let go of her, and Regina finds that she doesn't quite mind. The bite Rosalie gave her makes Rosalie territorial, so their position on the couch was a compromise.
Someone knocks politely on the door, and Emmett jumps up. He peeks through the curtains before he opens it, and Regina cocks an eyebrow at the beaten and bruised Dr. Whale being dragged into the house by Emmerson. Isabella shifts, which forces Rosalie to the do the same, and the entire room watches in confused silence as Emmerson tosses Whale on the floor in front of Isabella
"Never say I don't bring you gifts," Emmerson grunts.
"Why would I want this one?" she asks.
"He's the one who gave Snow and Charming your DNA."
"From where?"
"Apparently, some hair got on Neal after you talked to him."
"Oh. Why does he look like that? He hit a few walls on the way over?"
"He was like that when I found him."
"My mistake."
Isabella sits up straight and kisses Rosalie on the head before she nudges her out of the way. She stands and rolls her neck around. Emmerson drags Whale to his feet and steadies him in the center of the room.
"This present won't get you out of my birthday or Christmas," Isabella teases.
"Obviously."
"Is there another doctor in this town?" Alia asks.
"Yes, but unfortunately, Whale is the best at what he does," Regina replies.
Whale seems smug, even with the swollen eye and jaw, but Isabella frowns in thought. When she comes up with a plan, she giggles and claps her hands together. Adella turns to Hook, who shakes his head, silently telling her not to ask. Regina shrugs at Emmerson and Rosalie both. There's nothing she can do about her daughter. Never has been, and there never will be. Isabella steps forward and plunges her hand into Whale's chest. Regina feels a twisted sense of justice being enacted on her behalf. Isabella smiles and jerks her hand out. Emmett and Alia step closer in disgusted interest.
"I thought the heart thing was a joke," Alia murmurs.
"Why does it look like that?" Emmett asks.
"Later. Right now, we need to discuss our doctor here. See, the problem is, he lacks direction. When he's left alone, he can be too unpredictable, and we can't have that, can we?"
Isabella knees him between the legs, and Whale falls to the floor. Isabella pats him on the head.
"Don't worry, Doc." Isabella brings the heart to her lips. "Until I say otherwise, you will run every non-medical decision by Regina for approval You will ban the Blue Fairy from the hospital immediately, and-," she puts her finger on his forehead, "when you wake, all memories of your past life will be gone. You will retain your medical expertise and knowledge of this realm. From this day onward, your name is Dr. Victor Whale, and that is all you will ever be."
Whale falls backward to the floor, a red mist swirling around his head, and Isabella scratches at her nose.
"Holy shit. You just erased Dr. Frankenstein," Ruby whispers.
"This town has gone out of its way to harm my family, and quite frankly, tonight was the final straw. Now, if this is the game they want to play, then by all means. But let this be their first lesson. I play to win, and if I have to erase this fucking town one person at a time, I will."