Trigger Warning's: Aftermath of abuse, Torture..
Storybrooke, Present:
Michael Tillman is a father of two, Gretel and Hansel his children are colorfully called back in the Enchanted Forest. She cant understand how a father could do it, how he could jeopardize a chance to be with his children for petty revenge.
Morrigan stands opposite the Rabbit Hole, narrow green eyes watching a stumbling Michael Tillman turn into the overshadowed back ally. With a sly grin, she slowly crosses the street toward the comforting darkness.
Tillman's had a long night drinking his troubles away again. Having his kids back is exhausting. Making them breakfast every morning, taking them to school, picking them up again during his break at work, dropping them off at a carers only to go back to work every single day.
He leans a heavy hand on the wall, unzipping his pants to relieve himself. What to do with the rest of the night..He thinks about the mayor, about their little sessions and smiles to himself, putting away his manhood and zipping up his pants. Suddenly a hand roughly grabs him by the scruff and slams his face into the brick. He reels back, crying out and holding his now bloody nose before being spun forcibly, a strong arm pressing against his windpipe and pinning him to the wall.
Morrigan glares, green eyes taking in his surprised gawk but it sooner twists into an angry scowl as he grabs her arm and attempts to pry himself free. Quickly her fist connects with his jaw and another with his ribs making Tillman splutter speckles of blood with a groan.
"Hello Tillman!"
Fire and defiance burns within Tillman's eyes which only makes her dangerous smirk grow, good, I like to have a little fun first..
"Now your going to do me two favors tonight."
He snorts but is quickly cut off by a hefty shove on his windpipe.
"You are going to help me! But first I need that key card you use to get into the special ward at the hospital."
His eyes shine curiously, mouth flapping wordlessly so green eyes roll and the arm across his neck is released.
"I assume you want to pay a visit to our friend in the basement?" A shaky hand rubs Tillman's bruising throat, bushy eyebrows wiggling in a way that makes Morrigan sick to her stomach.."If revenge is what you want, take it.." He reaches into his back pocket and retrieves a white plastic card before throwing it at her feet.."But don't get your hopes up, for all I know she could be dead by now. I haven't been up since.." He's cut off abruptly as his back slams into the wall, brick and cement wrapping around his arms and neck. He tries to call out but with a flick of Morrigan's wrist, his mouth clamps shut.
The woman beating shit!..She knows all about Tillman's activities with the Queen, the next few minutes will sate some of her roaring anger but she has to be careful, If he dies then her plan could hit a few snags, But it doesn't mean I have to be gentle..A cruel smile slides onto pink lips.
"The second thing I need is a bit tricky, but being the disgusting piece of shit you are, it shouldn't be too difficult.."
Tillman frowns questionably making Morrigan grin.."Oh don't worry, you don't have to do much, just stay right there and try to relax.."
Morrigan chuckles darkly, her eyes taking on a shimmering red as Tillman begins to struggle with his firm bonds. Fear seeps into the man's wide eyes before a sudden crack has him silently screaming into the night. The front of his shirt is ripped wide open, the skin underneath lacerated and heavily bleeding as another series of cracks has him writhing against the wall. Morrigan launches forward, his face squeezed firmly in her hand and nails biting into his jawline.
"You have children you sick fuck and you choose petty revenge over them!" She tightens her grip painfully, "By the time I'm finished with you, they'll be identifying you using dental records!"
Morrigan pushes his weary head away, red eyes burning a hole through the man and into the concrete while glowing red hands rise slowly. Red electricity dances across her fingertips, a flash of white teeth making him struggle desperately and plead silently before the darkened ally behind the Rabbit Hole suddenly fills with a brilliant flash of red light..
Its been two weeks since Emma broke the curse and her minds been nothing but a jumble, a mess, and its constantly on overdrive. Not only is she a fairy tale princess but her parents are Snow freaking White and Prince Charming. At first it took a good two bottles of wine at night to come to terms with her heritage, now shes down to a steady two glasses.
Henry seems happier than ever to finally have everyone remember their alternate persona's, he keeps trying to press David to teach him sword fighting but Mary Margret feels its not the best time. With everything that's just happened and the riots only just settling down, its not exactly a safe time. I can guarantee Regina wouldn't be very pleased if they let Henry wield a sharp piece of steal half ass'd. Surprisingly the kid hasn't spoken two words about his adopted mother yet, content on now calling me Ma' makes me feel a little weird. Its as if hes trying to replace Regina but that's not going to happen. Myself and madam mayor may have had our differences, but the woman doesn't deserve to be shut out by him, no matter what shes done..
The last week had been quiet, too quiet for Storybrooke and she hasn't heard one word from Regina in the last two weeks, not a single call, email or text, not even anything to Henry, It seems a little off, its not like Regina to just give up nor is it like her to let the Charmings win, that's what I technically am now, a Charming..They tried calling the woman's office a few times but Regina's secretary says the mayors off Ill and is working from home. So after ringing the mayoral mansion and not getting a response, Emma just supposes Madam Mayor is avoiding her.
The phone in Emma's pocket beeps pulling her from her thoughts. Placing her almost full glass of wine on the kitchen counter, a hand plunges into her back pocket and retrieves her Iphone.
"Sheriff Swan...Okay Ruby I'll be there in five."
Emma stuffs the phone back into her jeans and grabs her jacket and car keys as Mary Margret chooses that moment to enter the open kitchen with a tray and some empty cups for the sink.
"Where you off too?"
"A call out. Apparently someones been attacked near the Rabbit Hole."
"Did they say who?"
"No, its probably just another drunken fight gotten out of hand. My moneys on Leroy having something to do with it."
"Okay, stay safe."
Mary Margret gives Emma a warm smile, a very parental smile and the blond represses a groan thinking she'll never get used to it.
"Will do."
With a small smile, Emma quickly exits the apartment leaving Mary Margret with her own flowery thoughts and the dishes to clean..
The yellow bug rolls to a stop across from The Rabbit Hole. Immediately Emma can sense the tense and wary atmosphere as she quickly slides her keys from the ignition. She spots curious citizens being ushered back by a frustrated Ruby while two EMT's rush from their ambulance into the back ally, Damn, so much for things being simple..Locking her bug, Emma pushes through the massing crowd and heads over to her frantic friend.
"I said get back!" Ruby screams at the pushy crowd.
"Ruby?"
"Oh thank god! You said five minutes!"
"Well I would have drove a bit faster if you gave me a little more information on the phone. What the hell happened?"
Ruby hesitates, a slight fidgeting taking over her hands.."Emma its bad."
"Show me."
Ruby nods weakly and guides Emma into the back ally. The first thing that hits Emma is the strong smell of iron, but there's something else knocking her senses, burning perhaps?..They move further into the ally and Emma's eyes lock onto the thick blood trail leading towards the crouched EMT's. Just above, a street light flickers on and off illuminating scorch marks and blood smeared across the wall, Jesus Christ, has Freddy Kruger payed StoryBrooke a visit?..Ruby pauses abruptly and Emma nearly stumbles into her back.
"Rubes?"
"I'm sorry, I cant see that again."
Is it that bad?..Emma lays a hand on the woman's shoulder and pulls her back toward the entrance of the ally.
"Its okay, why don't you go back to crowd control, I got this. Oh and ring David for me, tell him the situation, all of it this time."
Ruby smiles weakly, fishing for her cell phone and rushing back the way she came. Taking a deep breath, Emma slowly walks around the EMT's to get a better look and almost gags, Christ..That glass of wine she had earlier is steadily making its way back up with the added bonus of a grilled cheese. The bloodied mans face is mutilated beyond repair, his chest ripped wide open with five deep gashes sliced into flesh and his skin melted badly in several places.
"Jesus he's still breathing! We need to get him to the ER now!"
Breathing?! Someone really wanted this guy to suffer..Emma quickly steps back as EMT's load the wheezing body onto a stretcher and quickly dash back to the ambulance. She breaks out onto the street, watching the crowds push forward for a sneak peek at the bloody remains only for Davids truck to come to a sliding stop across the road, how the hell did he get here so fast?..
The defensive prince rushes over with Mary Margret hot on his heels, clear panic and questions ready to complicate Emma's peaceful night of wine and TV.
"What happened?!"
"Are you alright?!"
"Yeah I'm fine but I think we have a problem."
"Ruby mentioned a body?" Davids alert focus darts around the frantic scene while his daughter can only nod through the disturbing images now seared into her mind.
"The person that was attacked, lets just say we'll be identifying him through dental records." Her parents stare unnerved, attention drifting to the ambulance slowly pulling away from their new crime scene with blaring sirens..
Time doesn't pass normally in here. How long has it been? A few weeks? A few months? Regina's not certain, she only knows her resolve is breaking, I'm never getting out of here alive. Not when everyone continues to claim their revenge, to punish me for the terrible things I've done. Maybe I deserve it..Maybe this is justice for all those I've wronged, for the loved ones I've tortured and manipulated..Daddy..Henry...A muffled sob escapes into the darkness.
A sudden click of tumblers has Regina shifting further into the stone wall, shes knows what's coming next but wonders whose back for another round of punish the Evil Queen.
The metal door to the dank cell is thrown open and Morrigan cautiously steps inside. The air is tinged with sweat and blood making her nose crinkle as light from the hallway illuminates a broken body leaning against the back wall. Green eyes stare transfixed at the figure almost cowering from her and her rage gradually pushes its way forward, they've reduced her to nothing but a broken mess!..
Approaching slowly, quietly, light feet slip into the darkness for Morrigan to get a better look. Regina's black pencil skirt is in taters and barely covering anything, crusted blood dried on once olive thighs, a white blouse shredded revealing swollen and bloodied breasts. Gashes, scratches, bruises, old and new litter once smooth skin with several burn marks outlined on Regina's stomach. A blindfold and cloth cover most of the Queens face but Morrigan can see the discoloration around pale cheeks.
Regina waits patiently in silence, her own labored breaths masking any movements, This is new, waiting until I'm not expecting it and then what? They strike? Bastards..Regina waits a few more minutes until the suspense is too much and she lowers her head feeling familiar tears resurfacing.
At Regina's further distress, instantly Morrigan's kneeling by the woman's side and gently grabbing her chin. Regina flinches at the contact but allows her head to be gently lifted. With her free hand, Morrigan slips the damp blindfold off and watches brown eyes carefully.
Regina blinks rapidly trying to adjust to the light. When things finally begin to clear, the former Queen finds herself looking into somewhat familiar dark green eyes, No..It couldn't be..Her panic only increases, the hauntingly familiar face hovering in front of her has her shakily pulling from the gentle touch grasping her chin, I'm going to die..And I never got to tell Henry I'm sorry..Unnerved brown eyes shine with tears as a rebel escapes and gently rolls down discolored cheeks.
"I'm not here for revenge.."
Regina whimpers at the familiar voice from her nightmares, her dry throat swallowing anxiously as a cautious finger wipes the tear from her cheek.
"I know its hard to believe after everything but I promise, I'm here to take you home."
A weak sob breaks free, raven hair shaking wearily in disbelief as Morrigan stares grimly. She can only imagine the difficult night ahead, it unnerves her seeing such a powerful woman reduced to such broken sobs, but ultimately Morrigan snaps from her pity party and refocuses on her rescue mission.
Carefully, gentle fingers untie the foul gag, slipping it from Regina's bloodied mouth and tossing it to the floor. A pen knife is retrieved from Morrigan's boot and the blade flicks out with a snap, accidentally causing another flinch from the former Queen, The sooner I get her out of here the better..Cautiously leaning around Regina's ailing body, Morrigan grabs the woman's wrists and cuts the old and bloodied zip ties. Green eyes stare aggrieved at angry red skin torn around limp wrists but she freezes when a cautious head slowly settles against her shoulder, well its good shes finally relaxing I guess..
Not wanting to disturb the peace, Morrigan's outdated phone is quickly retrieved from her coat pocket and muffled ringing resounds throughout the cell.
"Sheriff Swan."
"Swan I need you to come to the hospital now."
"Erm..Who is this?"
"None of your business, you need to head to the east wing of the hospital and bring your police cruiser."
"I'm not doing anything until you tell me who you are."
Morrigan grits her teeth but pushes back her rising anger, Stay calm, deep breaths.."I'm a...friend of..Regina's, and I need your help so hurry up and get down here. If anyone asks, you've come to check on Tillman."
"Tillman? Why would I.."
"Just hurry up sheriff! Or next time I see you in the hospital, it'll be by my own hand!"
And with that, Morrigan hangs up on the infuriating blond..
Emma stares at the glowing screen, her face reflecting some form of questionable anger, Did she just threaten me?!..
"Who was that?" David steps alongside Emma curiously.
"I have no idea...Hey can I borrow your spare key for the cruiser? I think Ruby's a bit busy taking statements."
"Yeah sure, where you heading?"
David tosses her his keys as she quickly heads over to the police car.
"The hospital, got a really weird call from some woman. She said shes a friend of Regina's."
"Whoa hold up, your going to meet a complete stranger after what just happened here? And this woman is a friend of Regina's?" David finger quotes the word Friend for emphasis as his intrigued wife slinks over to the conversation and Emma's eyes roll.
"Its not like anythings going to happen. Besides if something does go down, at least I'll get fast treatment." Emma's grin drops at her parents matching frowns and she huffs knowing this is one battle she wont win.."Fine fine, come with me if it makes you feel better David."
"Where are we going?" Mary Margret asks sweetly causing Emma's eyes to narrow.
"Oh no you don't. This isn't a family outing, its official police business."
"Emma, I'm not letting you go and meet a potential psycho killer without me."
"I have David to back me up."
"And I'm Davids backup, end of discussion."
Emma slaps a hand to her face, groaning at her infuriating mother.."Fine! Come on!"
Jesus! I cant even meet a potential psycho killer without those two tagging along. If the psycho starts laughing at our little family outing, I'm moving back to Boston..
Things seem to be set in place, now she just needs to get the Queen upstairs, into the cruiser and back to the mansion without anyone seeing. Hopefully all available staff will be working on the bloody carcass generously provided earlier.
Morrigan reluctantly pulls away from Regina's shivering body, standing to slide her long coat from her shoulders and wraps it gently around Regina's ailing frame, she's so thin, Were they even feeding her?!..The malnourishment just adds more fuel to the fire as Morrigan slides the front of the coat shut and ties the belt loosely to hide Regina's semi naked body from view. Footsteps echo around them and Morrigan stiffens as a shadow looms over the pair blocking light from the hallway.
"Who the hell are you?! What are you doing down here?!"
Morrigan watches as Regina curls in on herself, pulling bruised knee caps closer to her chest at Georges snappy tone.
"Who I am is none of your concern, as for what I'm doing, I came to retrieve something. What about you? Your Majesty." Georges title rolls from Morrigans tongue like a disease.
"That is a private matter woman, now leave!"
Morrigan laughs bitterly at the sexism and in a flash, George is slamming into the wall with a painful cry, the concrete sealing him to the surface.
"Release me now witch!"
"Unfortunately I don't have much time George so we can't play. But I think its only right I leave with a little parting gift." Morrigans hand slowly closes and the wall begins to absorb the alarmed man.
"Wait! Stop!"
Her other hand darts up silencing George's cries as a quivering dark chuckle fills the room.."Oh I wish this would last because you deserve far worse for what you did to me!"
The wall continues to suck George in, leaving parts of his body sticking out of the surface, then unfurling Morrigans hand, the wall begins to solidify.
"Long live the king!"
With one final satisfying crunch, Georges silent cries cease, the light from his alarmed eyes gone as he no longer draws breath.
That should have lasted longer! He deserved worse, the murdering fuck!..With a pause and a deep breath, Morrigan regains her composure and resumes kneeling at a reserved Regina's side.
"Your Majesty?" She hesitantly places a hand on the woman's knee.."I'm going to lift you now."
Very carefully Morrigan's arm loops around the small of Regina's back as her other slides under bloody knees. There's a gasp at the touch and Morrigan freezes, uncertain as she waits for the woman to adjust, then slowly she lifts and stands with Regina propped against her chest. A delicate arm slowly hooks around her neck, a battered face burying itself within her shoulder while the timid body relaxes in her arms with each passing second, at least that's a start..She knows the Queen will overcome her imprisonment, the woman's the most resilient she's ever known and there's no doubt by tomorrow, Regina will be picking herself up and slaughtering a few peasants along the way..
The rapid pace of boots thump down the hospital halls as Emma and her parents rush down the east wing and approach the lonely key coded door at one end of the hall. Emma grinds her nails anxiously against her palms, what if Mary Margret was right and this is the psycho behind tonight's attack? Are we walking into a slaughter fest? I really haven't thought this through properly. At least David thought to bring his gun..They reach the east wing, Davids hand hovering over his service weapon.
"You sure she said East Wing?"
"Yes David I'm sure!"
Emma's parents reel at her sudden temperament and she withholds a sigh, She didn't mean for it to sound snappy but hell, with the night shes having, shes allowed to be a little on edge. The key coded door to their left clicks open and Emma quickly slips into defensive mode.
Using her back, Morrigan pushes the resisting door open and steps through only to be met by three sets of narrowed eyes. They all wait, a Mexican stand off of itchy trigger fingers and narrowed eyes until Mary Margret redirects her attention to the body cradled within Morrigans arms.
"Regina?"
Its a small whisper littered with worry and Immediately Morrigan feels Regina's head turn further into the side of her neck. Emma and David stand frozen on the spot, trying to piece together the enigma in front of them.
Morrigan slowly tilts the frail body in her arms from direct view, at least give her majesty a little respect from their ogling..
"Sheriff take me to your cruiser!" Morrigan attempts to move down the corridor but is stopped by a guarded David and an equally guarded Emma.
"I'm not taking you anywhere until you tell us what you've done to Regina!"
Green eyes watch David slowly relieve his gun from its holster and Morrigan sighs exasperated, why couldn't the blond just follow orders for once..
"First of all, I haven't done anything to her, Second, I don't appreciate your tone Sheriff! And third, if your thick headed father doesn't put his weapon away, I'll take the gun, and his hand!"
Slowly Morrigan's uncontrollable anger builds, her dark heart and adrenaline pumping painful magic to the surface, the morons! Always jumping to conclusions! I should just..She feels the arm around her neck tighten and so, slowly drops her tightly coiled shoulders figuring it isn't the best time to fight, that can come later!..Green eyes slip shut peacefully, a soothing breath pushed into Morrigans chest, willing her anger to dissipate. When Morrigan finally refocuses, she pins Emma with an icy glare.
"You can question my actions later Swan, right now I'm taking her Majesty home with or without your help."
Emma cocks an eyebrow, Her Majesty's a bit formal wouldn't you say?..She looks back grimly to Regina tightly curled into the woman and agrees this isn't the time nor the place for a discussion.
"She needs a doctor, I'll get Whale and..."
"NO!" Morrigan all but screams her outrage making the small party jump.."That Man will not touch her! I will take her home and that's the end of it!"
Green eyes blaze, sweeping across each of the Charming's, daring them to contradict her. When no one says a word, Morrigans briskly pacing down the corridor while the skeptic trio share worrying glances and follow quietly..