Warning: I don't usually do this but there will be a character death in this chapter so you have been warned :)) happy reading
Regina sat frowning holding her glass of untouched scotch looking over all the information in front of her she had Emma's file and a whole bunch of others all over her desk but what to do with all this information. So far her efforts where barley effective, was she holding back losing her touch before she could answer for herself the blind witch did.
"What are we doing" she asked sarcastically getting impatient she wanted this over this curse to remain unbroken. Regina looked up at her scolding mainly because she was right firing Mary Margret might have been fun but it didn't accomplish much in stopping the saviour from breaking the curse.
"I mean you obviously checked me out of the hospital for a reason" the blind women came over closer to the desk.
"Don't worry I've got a plan, it will all become clear soon" Regina grabbed a ring from under her desk she looked at it longingly it flickered with magic, Regina held it over the blind witches hand not that she could see that or Regina's sadness.
"This is the last of the magic I have I'm using it to enchant your hand"
"Well what do you want me to do?"
"I'll take care of the rest I just need you to bring me a pirates heart" Regina grinned her plan was finally coming together.
Emma was breathing heavy as she ran down the pier through the dark the moonlight her only guide, desperately trying to get closer to the ship but it still seemed so far away her only safely her only hope in saving him but someone was chasing her trying to stop her before she made it the Jolly Roger, the shadow getting closer a hand grabbed her shoulder.
"Get OFF" Emma yelled shaking the hand off
"Emma, EMMA" Mary Margret said worried waking her up, she found herself lying in her bed Mary Margret standing by her side in her nightgown her hand on her shoulder.
Emma woke up with a fright looking around for a sign of danger a flicker of flame because this was all too familiar in fact it was the exact same nightmare Emma has before getting kicked out of her last foster home and sent away. The only thing different was the lack of flames consuming the room and Mary Margret's comforting voice.
"its ok sweetheart you're safe"
"Are you ok" Emma asked frantically
"Am I ok" Mary Margret was confused now "I fine Emma I'm worried about you"
"It's just that last time"
"Last time, it was a dream Emma"
"No at the foster home"
"Your last foster home before the Tillman's"
Emma nodded there was silence for a moment Emma was still a little worked up there was no way she could go back to sleep Mary Margret could see that they needed to talk.
"Why don't I make us a drink" Mary Margret smiled making her way to the kitchen to make some hot cocoa it always helped her when she was having a bad night's sleep. Emma got out of her bed she had a little secret box where she kept a few things from over the years she pulled out an old necklace she was wearing it in her dream she hadn't put it on since that night in the foster home when it was ripped from her neck slightly singed it was still ok the little swan medallion hung from the string. Mary Margret made her way back up the stairs then sitting on the bed next to Emma she handed her a mug and they both sat there for a moment a sipped.
"What's that, its pretty"
"A friend gave it to me, I used to wear it all the time but now it just reminds of" Emma stopped
"It's ok you can tell me or we can just sit"
"The dream I just had I've had it before, on my 15th birthday I woke up from the heat my room was on fire I don't know how nobody, well everyone else they thought it was me"
"That thought you started a fire"
Emma nodded holding her necklace she remembered it so clearly people barging into the room she shared with another girl yelling grabbing her wanting answers she couldn't give, Emma could still feel her foster fathers hand as he grabbed her shoulder ripping her necklace off it feel to the floor.
"They thought I was some destructive kid putting people's lives at risk, we carried Lilly out we shared a room together she almost died from smoke inhalation I never heard from her again though, I still don't know how the fire started but eventually I stopped telling them I didn't do it and they sent me to Phoenix, to juvy for 6 months before I ended up here"
"Oh Emma that's horrible I didn't know all that happened"
"But you saw my records right"
"Yeah they sent me and email with some of you history but not the whole story, it's ok Emma see no fire here"
"That's good" the both smiled looking around to see no flames in the loft.
"You know I'll always believe you" Emma awkwardly smiled "Seriously you'll always get the benefit of the doubt with me"
"Thanks"
"Just no more sneaking out and running off alone in the woods"
"Or going into strangers house" Emma added
"Yes please" Mary Margret gave Emma a little hug thinking of that night again she was so worried when she heard Emma was there she thought she was having a heart attack she never wanted to feel like that again.
"You should get some sleep, school tomorrow"
"I still can't believe you won't be coming with me tomorrow, this is ridiculous"
"I know, it will be ok I'll get a new job"
"You shouldn't have to someone needs to talk to that principle"
"Well that someone doesn't need to be you, you don't have to save me"
"Who knows apparently it's my destiny"
"Alright chosen one it's time you got some rest then" Mary Margret stood up grabbing the now empty mugs while Emma climbed back into bed.
That morning Emma's father made his way out of Granny's, they had been nice enough to let him have a room there as he still hadn't found out anything about his past he was heading out early but not to the hospital for a check up or to walk with Emma to school he was summoned to the Sheriff's station not that he minded he wanted to get a few words in with Jefferson to find out what all that was about the other night but he didn't know what Graham wanted to talk to him about. He walked into Granny's and found Emma and Mary Margret sitting in a booth enjoying their breakfast.
"Morning" Mary Margret said smiling
"Morning he returned a smile as they looked at each other almost forgetting Emma was there. Emma smirked at them.
"Did you want get breakfast?"
"Love to but I need to be down at the sheriff's station Graham has some news he didn't really explain"
"Well Emma's almost finished up her pancakes she should go with you"
"Oh ok" Emma said
"I'm going to be looking through the want ads"
"Don't worry you'll find something"
"I looked through earlier there doesn't seem to be any it's like this town had absolutely no job vacancies" Emma frowned this town was weird
"It's ok Emma I'll find something"
Emma finished up the last bite of her pancakes she stood up ready to go feeling a bit bad for leaving Mary Margret but she actually wanted to spend more time with her father before she meet up with Killian later today.
"Ok see you for dinner"
"Ok don't be late and tell Killlian he cans stay for tea if he wants" Emma nodded Mary Margret was a bad as her friends trying to get them to get her she nodded smirking as she walk off David just frowned at Mary Margret as he followed Emma out of the dinner he still wasn't sure about Emma's friend and the pair walked over to the Sheriff's station.
"David" Graham yelled as he walked through the door
"Who's David"
"You are, sorry I thought I could jog you're memory
"You, you found out who I am"
"David" Emma said looking up at her father smiling finally a name for the face
"Yeah it was in these old high school records I don't know why no one realised before you and your girlfriend went missing fifteen years ago but no one went looking for you, I guess you don't have much extended family heard nothing of Katherine that's her name, since though"
"Girlfriend" Emma's eyes went wide she stepped back his girlfriend would most likely be her mother
David sat down he was confused trying to take the information in he had a name a wife, while Graham put the files in front of him to see, David placed his hand on Emma's back trying to comfort her he knew this information was as big to her as it was to him.
"Does it say anything about Emma?"
"No Emma was found outside a diner way further out of town no one knew what happened it's so strange, sorry I didn't think Emma was coming in with you I wouldn't have just sprung it on you like that, something bad happened that day something that landed you in a coma your girlfriend vanished and your daughter abandoned at the side of the road just don't know why no one ever looked into this I mean I wasn't the sheriff fifteen years ago"
"How did you come across this" David was looking at a picture of himself a picture of him all his information and a picture of his girlfriend Katherine but he had no memory of her.
"Actually it was the principle who found it she passed it on to me, does anything seem familiar"
"No same old memories, this life I doesn't look familiar is Katherine, Emma's mother"
"I thought so but it says in her file she was never pregnant, it's just another part of the mystery" graham was eyeing David now he knew what he was thinking, David has an affair they have a child when his girlfriend finds out there is a fight Katherine disappears David is left injured the mistress runs off or worse, leaving the baby abandoned it was the only theory that mad even a little sense.
"You think this is my fault I cheated on my girlfriend and it lead to all this"
"Hey I'm not thinking anything, but since you brought it up it's the only theory that works"
"This is a lot" David paused
"Just focus on the positive for now you have a name"
"David Nolan" he said it out load graham was right it was good to have a name he felt right saying it. He slumped back in the chair reading over the rest of the information about who he was he had a house he used to work at the vet apparently but nothing felt familiar. Emma on the other hand was just feeling angry she was so caught up in having her father back in her life she hadn't been asking herself the critical questions what happened why she was abandoned was it just some sad ending to a teenage love triangle gone really wrong her cheating father ends up in a coma after fighting with the two girls his been seeing who are both mysteriously missing.
David hadn't realised how much time he'd been sitting in the sheriff's office thinking about everything he was just told, trying to remember what happened but the longer he'd been out of the coma the less he remembered from before it was still only Emma. He looked over to her when he saw Emma's face he knew something was very wrong. She was thinking it all over how well did she know her father, who knows who he really is he didn't even know his name until now, what if he wasn't as good of a man as he seemed.
"Emma, are you ok"
"No, just I thought it would be good to have some answers but it's no better" Emma stood up she was meant to be meeting Killian in the park she wanted to get out of there so bad and see him.
"I got to go"
"Wait Emma, I'm sorry I don't know what happened"
"I know I just have to meet someone" David reached his hand out but Emma kept walking "I got to go" she said walking out of the station. David stood there for a moment worried he wanted to go after her but she might just need her space right now.
"Um sorry I've got to head out I've got a call to go out on" Graham said from behind David
"That's ok, I'm not getting far with this, you know you should really get some help around here"
"I was thinking that myself"
However before the pair made their way out Jefferson, who was still held up in the cell from the other night decided to speak up.
"Hey" he yelled "I'm I getting out of her anytime soon I have somewhere to be"
"You'll get out of her when I say so" Graham retorted
"You know you should have gone after her, you never know when you're going to have your last day with your daughter" Jefferson was looking at David now he tried to look smug but you could see sadness in his eyes. That's was more than enough for David he marched up to the bars that held Jefferson his anger rising.
"Stay away from EMMA, and until you can explain why you had a telescope watching my daughter you'll be staying in their"
"Just giving some advice friend"
"I'm not your friend" David turned around walking out of the station with Graham trying to ignore what Jefferson said trying not to think the worst that he might be the kind of man to cheat and lie abandon his child maybe even kill that didn't feel like him.
Emma was still upset about what had just happened at the Sheriff's station she wanted to put it aside as she rushed to meet Killian on time in the park the where going to talk apparently Killian had something important to say.
"Swan" he said smiling as she walked up he was sitting on a park bench his arms across the back very relaxed.
"Hey, what's going on did you finally figure out what was going on with those letters"
"No that endeavour lead to nothing"
"Hey don't be so down, we'll sort it out"
"It's not supposed to be like this I thought everything would change" he looked around the park was almost empty just a few people Mr Hopper was walking his dog. Emma didn't know what to say he looked really down she sat next to him in a huff it was weird her life seemed to be changing so much so fast and Killian was worried nothing was changing.
"That's funny it feels like everything is changing, I can't keep up"
"Emma look at this what do you see" Killian said holding up his left arm.
"Your prosthetic hook" Emma was confused what was he getting at
"No, you refuse to see it you won't believe, this hook is no prosthetic, I pulled it off my ship the day the crocodile took my hand, took my brother from me I see it for what it is, shiny and metal how can you not see it"
"Killian I don't know what you mean" Emma looked down at it but it looked nothing like how he described what he was talking about.
"I was expecting to get my revenge, I wasn't expecting you" Killian said softly looking into Emma's eyes for the first time he didn't want the curse broken he wanted things to stay like this have this simple life with Emma but he couldn't forget his brother he needed him. Emma smiled but looked away after this morning especially she wasn't ready for this right now so much had already happened today so she looked away changing the subject.
"We can stop calling John Doe charming now turns out his name is David"
"What when did you find this out love"
"This morning, they found some old school records or something but we still don't know what happened"
"Another unsolved mystery"
"So weird to it was the Principle who handed over the info she fires Mary Margret and now she trying to help out what's with her"
"She's planning something that's for sure" Killian said thinking, Emma rolled her eyes at that did Killian really think the Principle was plotting against them I mean that's crazy right.
"What else is on your mind, you seem hurt" Killian asked
"I just don't know who to trust, David might not be what he seems I mean he doesn't even know who he is"
"I know you find it hard to trust people Swan, but I can tell you from experience what a good father isn't and your father is one of the good ones"
"So you still not living with your dad then maybe you should sort it out with him" Emma changed the subject to Killians family problems hers where too much right now.
"I have given my father many chances but he has abandoned me" Killian paused "My brother every chance he got, always put himself first or his rum that's why I moved out plus its fine I prefer my home"
"Where do you live?" Emma asked confused he never talked about his home.
"By the docks aboard and old ship"
Emma's mind went to her dream running along the pier to a ship how can this be a coincidence whatever it was it filed her with dread and she didn't welcome the feeling but her phone pulled her away from the images of her dream it was a message from Elsa she was having major problems with her homework after not paying attention as usual in class with Mulan yesterday Emma did say she would help her out.
"Swan are you ok"
"Yeah fine, I got to go study with Elsa, you wanna come"
"Nah I promised Peter I'd meet him over by the basket ball courts today, he wants to try out for the team he needs a training buddy" Emma laughed at that imagining the pair of them trying to play Killian in his jeans still, refusing to wear the shorts.
"What so funny Swan"
"Nothing" her smile faded as her mind went back to what happened this morning
"Swan I know you finding it hard to trust your own judgement, have faith in your father he might just be the man you hope him to be"
Emma smiled again it's like he knew just what she was feeling and exactly what to say to make her feel better, Killian leaned in closer as they stood up Emma smiled he kissed her check before walking away but just as he took a step there was a small tremor the ground shook for a second, they both turned around Emma grabbed Killian's arm it was like a reaction but as soon as it came, the tremor was gone and everything seemed fine.
"That was weird"
"Aye" Emma let go of Killians arm she didn't think they had earthquakes here
"My first earthquake" Emma joked it wasn't much of an earthquake just a tremor
"Not mine" Killian looked around cautious something was up something was coming; Emma didn't seem as bothered and started walking away.
"See you later then, maybe come over for dinner" they both walked away then Killian still thinking was it them that caused the earth to shake.
"Aye" Killian replied it was standard for them to have dinner at Mary Margret's apartment, Killian not living with any parents didn't cook much it was nice to have a good meal with friends sometimes they even had the whole gang over.
As Emma and Killian walked away they didn't notice Regina who had just arrived at the park on the other side of the trees where Killian and Emma had just been, she had something else in mind but now had a new idea after overhearing the end of the conversation, Regina picked up her phone calling her alley she had a plan.
"We have an opportunity, he's headed to the school when you get him alone take his heart and the saviour will no longer have someone to believe in her" Regina grinned hanging up the phone and making her way over to the old mines.
Emma continued to walk through the park she took the long way over to Elsa's she wanted to think she knew if she went over to see Elsa looking like this she'd ask a million questions and try to help but Emma just wanted to study with her friend be a normal kid for a change but that wasn't fates plan. There was another tremor this on bigger Emma tried to make her way to safer ground but she slipped as the edge of the path crumbled Emma ended up tumbling down the hill rolling to the bottom dust everywhere, she picked herself up she could feel her head pounding Emma was at the bottom of the hill there she saw an entrance to a mine there where rocks and dust flying around but Emma could still clearly see someone in there trying to get out so she immediately went in without thinking to help them.
"HEY ARE YOU OK" Emma yelled out putting her hand over her head to protect it from the falling debris she came closer realising who it was.
"Emma what are you doing here" Principle Mills was shocked worried that she had been found out asked she tried to make her way out of the mine.
"Watch out" Emma yelled as a big rock fell from above almost hitting Regina but Emma pushed her out of the way they both dove barely missing the falling chunk of rock as it fell. A lot more feel behind them in one final crumble they blocked the entrance trapping the pair in the old mine.
"Oh no, no" Regina went over looking over the rocks for a way through its was impossible thought the exit completely block they were both covered in dirt their clothes ripped.
"You saved me" Regina said shocked after a moment looking at Emma who was still on the ground slowly get up coughing as she did the dust leaving not much oxygen in the air.
Emma nodded not finding the breath to talk after her fall and then diving to save Regina she searched her pockets for her phone but it must have fallen out when she feel down the hill.
"I just did what any decent person would have done" Emma said annoyed with her predicament trapped no phone with Principle Mills. Regina noticed Emma had a cut on her forehead she was bleeding, looking over at the girl who she hated so vehemently she didn't look deserving of it right now struggling to stand up scared frustrated. Regina made her way over to Emma holding her arm trying to help her, Emma looked up surprised.
"Hey sit, let my help you" Regina ripped of part of her shirt so she could wipe some of the blood off Emma's forehead. Emma sat down and Regina kneeled in front of her wiping the blood off Emma flinched not expecting it she didn't even realise she was bleeding until now.
"What are you doing?"
"Trying to help you, now stay still" Regina wiped away the rest of the blood but it wouldn't stop it seemed deep.
"I can hold it" Emma said hold the cloth up to her forehead stopping the blood flow, Regina sat down next to her and they looked around there was only on way to go further into the tunnel to find a way out.
Pongo ran off and with the commotion from the earthquake Archie of balance from the tremor let go of his lead he ran off Archie chased him it was hard regaining his balance after the earth shook he followed Pongo for quite a while, out of breath he was about to give up when Pongo stopped running barking by the edge of the park that was usually left alone the old mines where dangerous but Pongo trying to get to the entrance still barking.
"What is it boy" Archie said making his way down to see the entrance had caved in and there was a phone on the ground it was ringing.
"Hello" Archie said answering it not sure what else to do
"Emma" Killians worried voice was at the other end he called her five times since the second tremor and this was the first answer he had gotten.
"It's Mr Hopper, I found Emma's phone I think she may be in trouble" he looked over to the mine would it be possible there still alive trapped in there.
Fifteen minutes later the sheriff and rescue team and half the town where down by the mine trying to figure out a plan Killian, well Killian thought he had a plan remove the rocks blocking the entrance by any means necessary lifting them or just hack at them with his hook desperately trying to get Emma out but they started moving the ground unstable another cave in could make it worse, he stopped immediately.
"That's not going to work" Graham said holding him back
"No I'm not giving up" Killian yelled as Graham pulled him back from the falling rocks but Killian knew he was right this wasn't the way to save Emma.
"I know, is there another way"
"I don't know"
"Bloody hell"
"Where looking over the town maps now we'll find a way son"
Killian looked over and saw everyone was staring at him he could feel there pity as he gave up on barrelling his way through to Emma it wasn't going to work and some fresh faces just arrived at the scene hearing the news of the cave in at Granny's.
"Sheriff, is Emma down there" David came racing down the hill towards them Mary Margret anxiously behind him.
"It seems that way, we found her phone" Graham responded handing the phone over to him.
"Emma" Mary Margret stared at the pile of rocks longingly how could this have happened she was with her just an hour ago everything was fine now she might be gone.
"We will get her out" David said turning to Mary Margret determined he squeezed her hand looking around trying to think of an idea when he spotted something.
Emma looked up at the tunnel ahead of them the only way out was further down the dust had cleared and they had both calmed down the fright from the cave in fading as the seriousness of their situation sunk in the tunnel seemed like it was going to hold for now so she stood up.
"What are you doing" Regina frowned
"Keep moving forward" Emma said starting to walk away
Regina shrugged not sure what else to do either, who knows if anyone knew they were even down her she was sure no one would be missing her anyway and she didn't want anyone to find her down here so she followed Emma into the dark. They made their way through in silence for about ten minutes slowly as it was very hard to see, luckily Emma had stopped bleeding no need to hold the cloth to her face anymore but she was feeling light headed and knew she would be standing much longer she put her hand on the wall stopping for a moment trying to hold herself up.
"Are you ok" Regina came over closer trying to hold Emma up
"Yeah just a bit dizzy" It was then Emma noticed a rusted old elevator shaft, a possible way out she moved closer. Regina frowned as Emma moved forward towards it.
"What is it" Regina asked not seeing the old rusted gates as an escape but a death-trap "Stay away from that it could be dangerous" Regina moved closer trying to stop Emma from entering.
"It's an elevator, we can get out this way" Emma said hopeful
"I doubt it still works" Regina looked at it puzzled
"It's a pulley system it should still work, we can get out of here" Emma looked up to see the entrance at the top blocked but there were a few bits of light shinning down that was enough for her to give this plan a shot.
David ran over to the other side of the small gorge he saw something shinny pocking out from under the dirt and grass. Mary Margret followed noticing it as well the earthquake had loosened up the dirt and they could see a grate over and entrance to the mine a way in.
"Somebody get, some bolt cutters" David yelled as the others made their way over
"A elevator shaft" Killian mumbled he ran off to grab some rope, David stood there for a moment looking down he knew he'd have to climb down there and find Emma but he was thinking about how much had happened since he woke up.
"It's one thing after another in this town" David said thinking about how he just woke up from a coma last week was finding Mary Margret and Emma held hostage by a crazy man and now and earthquake.
"You don't know the half of it mate" Killian said looking over at him, Graham came over with bolt cutters and pulled of the rusted old hinges it wasn't too hard and they pulled the top of looking down it was a long fall to the bottom
"That's it I'm going down there" David stated starting to climb down the hole what where they waiting for.
"Wait" Killian grabbed him before he went in handing over a rope to tie around him"Got to make sure you come back up"
David nodded tying the rope like a harness around him and Mary Margret and Killian started to form line so they could hold him up the rest of the bystanders joined in forming a line slowly letting the slack go as he descended down.
"Be careful" Mary Margret yelled as his head disappeared into the mine shaft.
Emma climbed into the elevator it was small cramped but she found the chain it was going to take two to pull them up so Regina reluctantly followed Emma holding onto the chain.
"This isn't going to work"
"Any better ideas"
Regina didn't so she started to pull and so did Emma they slowly started going up to the surface they both smiled in relief as they continued pulling, but it was getting harder and harder their arms feeling the drain and Emma head was pounding the went up almost halfway.
"This isn't working" Regina muttered after they hadn't moved for a few minutes
"I know" Emma stopped defeated and now they where half way up stuck in unstable elevator shaft that could give way she had just made it worse what if they died down here.
"I'm sorry"
"It's not your fault" Regina said this surprised Emma she was excepting a well the opposite reaction but Regina didn't seem angry she was distant thinking.
"What where you doing down here anyway" Emma asked after a moment
"Something stupid" Regina looked guilty turning away Emma didn't want to push her on it.
"All my life I've been alone I finally find some sort of home and this happens" Emma starred at the rocky wall in the dark her imagination took over and it almost looked like Killians face, why didn't she just kiss him before leaving it at just another kiss on the check and I promise to see him later but there was not going to be a later. Regina looked over at Emma feeling guilty she wasn't even sure why since when did she care about anyone else happiness and it wasn't just because she was doomed herself as well something about Emma reminded her of herself she couldn't help it she actually cared about her.
Emma was getting frustrated sitting in the dark and the bottom of a hole if Regina wasn't so bad after all then why was she always so cruel and what did she have against Mary Margret.
"Why did you fire Mary Margret, you know there is no other teaching jobs around"
"Just because, it's what I do" Regina answered truthfully thinking this was it
Emma was visibly shocked what kind of person does that treats people like this for no reason with no regard for others how this will affect everyone.
"You know for a moment there, I thought you might be a decent person" Emma was getting angry she was going to die because she tried to save this women and she didn't even care about anyone but herself.
"Well you where wrong just like you where wrong about getting out in this elevator"
"Yeah if I could take back this day I wouldn't have followed you, you know I would have because that's what decent people do" Emma almost yelled at Regina. The elevator started to creak then the rusted hinges about to give way they both panicked as the elevator gave way falling a little this was it lose rocks where falling from above it seemed the mine was caving in again. A light came from above then they both looked up surprised just as they had gotten used to the dark.
"Emma" David's voice croaked out he was descending down the elevator shaft in a harness
"Da, David" Emma gasped so happy to see him he was here he found her and in that moment Emma knew that Killian was right her father was the man she hoped he was.
"Emma" he breathed out in relief but the danger wasn't over yet he saw that the chains holding them up could give way at any moment.
"Quick Emma grab the rope" He placed down the other end of the rope so Emma could tie it around herself she reached her hand out and he pulled her closer so they where secure.
"We will come back for you Regina just hold on" David said as he tugged the rope to signal to pull him up Regina nodded as she watched them go.
"You found me" Emma hugged her father tight as they slowly went up
"Always" David said kissing her forehead
As they reached the top there where dozens of anxious bystanders waiting to see who was coming up everyone from Granny's, Mr Hopper and a lot of people Emma didn't recognise as David holstered her up a hook came down Emma grabbed hold of Killians arm and he pulled her up out of there as her legs touched solid ground the relief finally set in it was over and Killian held her tight. Mary Margret helped David climb out everyone cheered at the successful rescue.
"Regina is still down there"
"What, I'll go" Graham said already harnessed up he went down to get her.
Mary Margret went over to Emma shocked at the blood all over the side of her face covered in dirt she let out a cry from relief she was ok.
"Emma, what happened" Mary Margret hugged her as Killian let go of Emma, David came beside Emma and the sandwiched her in the middle of their hug there three of them smiling.
"Its ok guys, I'm ok" Emma almost laughed
Regina finally out of harm's way came out of the mine with graham the crowd let out a little cheer once more, everyone was ok. However there was no there to great Regina with a hug and as she looked over at Emma with her family she felt jealous of what she had but quickly shock it off as she was lead to the paramedics.
"I'm going to head back down I think I saw something, strange down there"
Everyone was confused but Graham was holstered back down while the crowd waited in anticipation.
"You should let someone look at that cut Swan" Killian looked at her forehead worried inspecting the cut he put his hand up to touch it Emma grabbed his hand smiling
"Its fine just a little scrape" Killian wasn't taking that though he lead her over to see the paramedics and she sat down looking up at him there hands still entwined.
"Killian I" Emma started
"What is it Swan"
"I just was thinking down there and.. "She paused looking away "Thanks for helping uhh rescue me"
Killian could feel that wasn't all she wanted to say but he let it go for now just glad that Emma was safe.
"Of course Swan" He smiled
Ten minutes later Emma was bandaged up ready to head home but Graham still hadn't come back up the mine they were about to send someone else down when he emerged looking troubled.
David Helped pull him up Graham was looking at him frowning he seemed annoyed at the help.
"Graham is everything ok" Mary Margret asked concerned
"No it's not" He held up a purse he found down there it was faded falling apart black from the dirt
"Whose is that?" David asked
"Katherine's, your missing girlfriend I found it down there with her bones" Graham said starring him down holding up her driver's license from the purse.
"WHAT" David gasped
"Guess we know why no one's seen her in fifteen years"
"Charming" Mary Margret gasped still referring to his nick name only finding out his real name a few hours ago and all the other information uncovered by Graham and Regina.
"Wait you don't think I did this"
"I don't know"
"I know he had nothing to do with it, he couldn't" Mary Margret stood beside him she could feel it in her heart the man she knew if only for a short while was no killer.
"Going to have to look over the evidence but you are the only suspect"
"Graham you don't seriously think" Emma started frowning at him
"I don't know but it is curious he knew exactly where to enter the mine either way I'm going to find out, everyone needs to back up this is now a crime scene" Grahams announcement surprised the crowd that had already started thinning.
Emma, David Mary Margret and Killian made their way back to the apartment for dinner despite Graham's announcement they were still all relieved by how the day ended they were all safe and together that was enough for now. They had barely been home for a few minutes when there was a knock on the door.
"Got it" Emma rushed over she knew who it was, she opened the door to find and anxious Elsa, Mulan, Ruby and Peter very excited to see her Elsa almost bold her over with her hug.
"Oh Emma, you need to stop getting in trouble" Ruby sighed
"Can't help it, welcome to my life"
"Your forehead looks pretty scrapped up" Peter squinted inspecting the wound.
"Come in guy's dinners on" Emma rolled her eyes at there stares, as everyone made their way in over to the table.
Killian sat down by peter while the rest wanted to hear about everything that happened today.
"Sorry I didn't make it to or practice mate, I got to the school then there was the earthquake Emma wasn't answering her phone I ran back to the park"
"Its fine I get it" Peter responded looking over at Ruby lovingly
While all the kids gathered around the table talking getting ready to eat, David made his way over to the kitchen to help Mary Margret with dinner.
"Wine" David said pouring to glasses of white wine
"Thanks" Mary Margret smiled turning away from the stove for a moment "You really came through today, again"
"I would do anything for my family, but I still don't know who I am" David was still concerned about everything he learned today about his past that he might be a murderer.
"Well you're not a killer"
David smiled happy to know she had so much faith in him he just wanted to know the truth how did they end up like this.
"Here, taste this" Mary Margret went over to the stove pulled a spoonful of sauce out but David swung around to fast and ended up with it on his face he laughed trying to lick the sauce with his tongue.
"It's very nice"
"Oh I'm sorry" Mary Margret grew closer grabbing a cloth to wipe it off, she paused looking to his eyes it was as if she had known them looked into them for hours at a time. David leaned in closer their lips meet breaking apart David's hand went across Mary Margret's jaw line to her hair as they continued to kiss swept up in the moment now they both had sauce on their faces he pair they finally broke apart to see they had an audience the group of tenens tried to look away they couldn't help but smile except Emma not thrilled to see the passionate lip lock
"Scared for life" Emma muttered
Regina barged through her front door slamming it behind her how did this go so wrong an earthquake since when are there earthquakes in Storybrooke this was all because of Emma she came to town and now everything was falling apart the curse was weakening.
"Your home late" The blind women muttered
"I need a drink" Regina marched over to her desk grabbing glass pouring some scotch
"To celebrate"
"Celebrate what"
She pulled a heart out of her bag it glowed lighting up the dim lit room, Regina grinned taking the heart from her alley.
"This is the Pirates heart"
"Yes I pulled it from him just before the earthquake down at the school, he didn't even see me I don't think he has any idea I took it"
Regina smiled holding it up she starred at it but she was hesitating knowing how much this would hurt after all this time she was turning out to be her mother.
"What's the hold up, kill the believer and its over"
Regina took a deep breath starring down at the still beating heart she could crush it and it would be over after everything that had happened today she wanted to.
"He was never supposed to be part of this curse nobody even has any memories of him he probably won't be missed by many just the saviour" Regina almost gagged as she said that last part and with that she clenched her fist crushing the heart to dust she let fall to the ground.
Notes: I'm sorry seriously trust me this is the lull before the big moment as the say reviews appreciated
Next Chapter: Everyone deals with the lose of there friend while Emma angers is directed towards Regina she is certain she is behind the body found in the mine and there is surprising new evidence leading to the killer