**warning**Character death (but I think you'll like it lol)

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Ch. 5

Over the next few weeks, Regina stepped back as Emma bonded with both her mothers, went to therapy almost every day, and tried to get back to a new normal. She was also leading the council meetings as they discussed what would be done with both the Charmings and Fiona.

"I want her wings." Mal had said when they brought her in for questioning. "Mine were taken for much less. Then, I want her stripped of her power. This is all to be done in public before I roast her with my dragon fire."

"The first two things can and will be done." Blue answered with assurance. "The last…" She sighed and looked around. "That's a bit more difficult as we have been living by this worlds rules and the crimes against Emma happened here."

Mal shook her head, feeling Ingrid's grip tighten in her hand. "No. Not exactly. Yes, the most recent crimes against my daughter happened here, but her first kidnapping happened back there and if you all don't want to be held responsible, I get it, but I can take her back there and deal with her and then them."

"Maleficent, we understand why…" Granny started but Mal stood.

"You do not understand. I'm sorry and mean no disrespect but you do not know what it feels like to have your baby ripped from you. You do not know what it's like to feel your child's pain while she's being mistreated. You don't know what it feels like to watch as your baby gets tortured and loses all hope. I'm sorry, but you do not know how it feels to watch the already dim light in your child's eyes completely fade away." She held a hand as she knew Granny was going to try and say something. "You don't know what it's like to have everyone be against you when their 'beloved' rulers have taken your child. You don't know…" She had to take a breath at the lump in her throat. "You don't know what it's like to have your baby be terrified of you because of what others have done and you don't know what it's like to have your child be so broken, you have no idea if she'll ever be okay again. She's still broken, she's still having nightmares and even if she's not telling anyone, she is still harming herself. I know none of that is the fault of anyone here, but please, do not try and tell me you 'understand' where I'm coming from because there is no way you could and well, you should be thankful for that." Mal sat back down and took a moment to compose herself.

Regina was dabbing at her own tears as Archie cleared his throat. "You're right, Maleficent. We don't know what any of that feels like and we are lucky we don't. However, what we do know is that Emma has been through a lot and we're all sensitive to that. We also are looking into the laws of this land and trying to go accordingly. We have already decided that Fiona will have her wings and powers taken. We've discussed having her locked up under the hospital, but we aren't sure how that would work since there's always a chance of her manipulating anyone that would have to have contact with her."

"We discussed forcing her across the town line so she forget everything, but we don't know how long or if that would even work with Fiona." Thomas stated and then sighed. "We have discussed portals and sending her back, but…some people are afraid she'd find their way back."

"Not if I go with her and…well you wouldn't have to know the rest." Maleficent stated. "I just…" She sighed, all the fight leaving her. "I just need my baby to have justice so maybe, just maybe, she can put this behind her."

"Have you talked to Emma?" Ingrid asked. "What does she want?"

"We haven't yet." Ruby said softly. "We know she's going through a lot right now and wanted to talk to you two first. Do you think she's okay to talk to us? You just said you suspect she's hurting herself."

"I don't suspect it; I know she is. She tries to hide it, but I can feel it and smell it on her." She looked at everyone in the council. "Please, let her have some justice. If not with Fiona, at least with David after everything he did to her." Mal figured she'd just have to take everything into her own hands; consequences be damned.

"Now that's different." Regina said, clearing her throat. "They're different. They're not at all magical so we know that pushing them over the boarder would work, however, we don't feel we should let them hurt anyone in the outside world, even if they don't remember anything from their lives here."

"Good, because honestly, it wouldn't be fair." Ingrid stated. "They'd get to start a new life as David and Mary Margaret and not be punished at all. That would be a slap in Emma's face."

"You're right and we don't want that." Thomas stated with a sigh. "The problem is, they want to do everything in this world as in a trial and all that. I don't know that Emma would be up to that."

Mal shook her head. "Would she have to be there?"

"Considering all the charges surround her, yes. She'd have to at the very least testify." Ruby stated. "I think we should discuss this with her though."

"You're right." Ingrid said. "I…can I just have a bit to talk to her about this first and gage if she's ready? I know she's with us now and is trying to move forward, but she still is in pain." Ingrid looked at Regina. "I'm sorry for bringing this up in front of everyone, but she misses you too."

Regina felt terrible. "I was giving her time and space and waiting for her."

"Honey, she has been rejected so many times that I don't think she will reach out to you."

"Right. I'm sorry I…I'll call her right after this."

Granny looked over. "Maybe you should call her now. Tell her what's going on and see if she wants to come here. We can all take a break."

Regina nodded as everyone agreed and got up to get coffee or a breather. She went to her office and chewed her lip as she got her phone out and called Emma. She knew the blonde was with her mother and Henry and hoped she'd answer.

"Hello?"

"Hey Emma, it's Regina. I…look, I'm sorry I haven't called. I knew you were reconnecting with your moms and I didn't want to push into your life, but I want you to know that nothing has changed about how I feel about you."

Emma had excused herself from the living room and went to the kitchen. "Regina, slow down. You don't have anything to be sorry for. Have I missed you? Yes. Have I had thoughts that maybe you changed your mind? Yes. But those are my problems and insecurities, not yours. Besides, I've been seeing Archie almost every day and it's emotionally exhausting."

"Oh Emma. I hate that you're going through all this."

"Regina, I don't mean to be rude, but I know you have the council meeting today and I know my moms are there. Why…why are you calling?"

Regina let out a breath. "They…we wanted to know how you were feeling and if you felt you could come talk to us while we decide where to go from here. We just don't want to push you too much, sweetheart. We don't want…we don't want you hurting yourself."

Emma slowly released her breath. "Regina I…yes, I'll be right there. I have to do this, you know? I have to move on."

Regina was quiet with her next question. "Emma, I won't get mad, I promise, but…well your mom said she can tell you're hurting yourself again. Is that true?"

Emma's heart sank. "She knows? How does she…fuck. Is she mad? I just…" Emma was panicking and Cora could sense it. She came in and sent calming magic to the blonde.

"Emma honey no." Regina said. "No one is mad at you, Emma, I promise. We're all worried because we love you. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

"No…no, you have every right to ask. If you want to continue what it is, I think we can have, you deserve to know. Just…" She let out a breath. "Just please know that I am trying. I swear I am. I'm working hard with Archie and everything, but you're looking at, at least 20 years of how I coped with things and I'm not sure how to just stop."

Regina couldn't do this over the phone, she just couldn't have Emma hurting so much. She used her magic and was in front of Emma, cupping her cheek. "Emma, honey I'm so sorry I said anything. It wasn't for me to ask and I hate that now I have you upset. I never wanted that, and I'm so sorry."

Emma smiled softly and wrapped her arms around Regina's waist. "Regina, I…I'm a sensitive mess right now. You had every right to ask me what you asked me. Hell, you took my old scars away and now I'm making new ones. I'm sorry, but I am trying."

"I know you are, my love, and I can't imagine what you're going through. Look, so long as you're getting help, that's all I care about, however…maybe call me? Call me next time you're having those feelings and we can talk it out. Nothing you ever say will make me love you less, Emma."

Emma smiled, tears in her eyes. "I'm trying so hard to believe that from you and my moms. Do you think maybe after I meet with the council, can you and I maybe just…hang out? I miss that since I left the convent and came to live with my moms. I love them and I love it here, but I miss you."

Regina smiled and kissed Emma. "Yes. I would love nothing more." She looked at Cora. "Would you mind watching Henry?"

"Of course not. You two have fun and tell Maleficent to come fill me in on what's going on."

"I will." Cora looked at Emma. "I know you don't know me very well but I'm always here for you."

Emma smiled. "Thank you. You know I…I feel like I've gained so much since this revelation. I have to focus on that and not the negative so much."

"You're healing." Cora said, patting her hand. "You are not on a timeline for that, Emma."

Regina quickly glanced at the time. "Emma, if you're ready, we should get back."

Emma gave a nod and the two transported back to City Hall where the blonde hugged her mothers. "I'm okay." She said but then looked at Maleficent. "I'm sorry I haven't talked to you about…" She looked down. "About hurting myself."

Mal lifted her chin. "My darling daughter, there is no need to be sorry. Don't get mad, but I have talked to Archie myself and he said to give you time and I'm trying. I hate that you have that much pain, but I hope that you'll be able to stop one day."

"I'm trying. I swear I'm trying."

Maleficent pulled Emma into a hug. "I know you are, my love. Please, don't worry about me right now. But know, your mom and I are here, okay?"

Emma nodded. "I'm going to spend some time with Regina after this meeting. I miss her."

"So you should. Go and have a good time. You deserve it. Mom and I will go to Regina's to talk to Cora and help out with Henry – not that he's hard or anything, but I love that kid."

Emma smiled. "He loves you, too." She held her hand out to Ingrid to join them. "Both of you mean so much to him and me."

"Emma, just know that nothing you say in there will make anyone feel differently about you, okay? We just want you to have a say in things."

Emma nodded and the four of them went into the room. Once they were all gathered again, Emma smiled at the others who smiled back.

"Emma, we understand you're still healing after everything, but it was decided your input is important here as you are the survivor." Blue said softly before explaining where they were with everything.

Emma digested it. "So, with Fiona we don't know yet, and I understand that. I…I'm sorry if this makes me a bad person, but I don't think that simply forgetting who they were before the curse is enough of a punishment. They were in love as David and Mary Margaret and I feel like if we just push them over the line, they get to continue being in love and happy and they…they did terrible things to me."

"We understand and agree, Emma. What we want to know is how you feel about having a trial or if you feel better about having us decide. We know what happened and wouldn't need you to testify or anything, however, a trial would let the town know what happened. I understand if you don't want that, but I also understand if you do." Blue said carefully.

Emma sat back, thinking about all of this. Sure, she knew rumors were going around and that not everyone supported her like those in this room did; however, she also knew no one outside this room – other than Snow, David, and Fiona – knew everything that happened. "I don't know the answer to that." She admitted with a sigh, looking at her mothers. "Honestly, I'm so tired with everything." She looked back at the group. "I just know that I want them punished. I didn't deserve any of it."

It took Emma a bit to get to this point and Archie was proud of her. For a while, she blamed herself and he was glad she was no longer doing that. "Emma, I understand where you're coming from. Do I think you can handle a trial? Yes, I think you can. Do I think you should have to? No. I honestly don't think you have to prove anything to anyone. The real question is, what is it you want?"

Emma sighed and rubbed her face. "I don't know. If I just let you guys figure out a punishment, at least I know they will be punished where if it goes to a trial, they may get off free."

"No, they wouldn't. There's no way they would." Maleficent stated.

"Mom, I've seen it happen many times before."

"The problem is, unlike the world out there, we don't have a real jail or prison. We have three cells that are made for temporary stays." Ingrid stated. "And it's not practical to keep the station staffed twenty-four seven for two prisoners. Keeping them in jail would consist of locking them up under the hospital in solitary. I'm not opposed to that, but they easily could manipulate others to feel sorry for them."

"Yes, that's our thought process as well." Blue agreed. "We have discussed taking the cells from the station and making a small jail. Regina said some of her old guards would be willing to work there and keep things in order."

Emma bit her lip. "I hate to say this, but maybe that's not a bad idea. I mean let's face it, the amount of times Leroy has been taken in for drunk driving, the bit of vandalism with teens, maybe if we had a 'real jail' it can stop some of that."

Mal let out a sigh. "Or, we release them to our old world and let Emma and I have some fun. Honestly, this is ridiculous thinking about the 'feelings' of people who kidnap, torture, and rape. You know my head was wanted for things much less than what they've done."

Ruby let out a breath. "You're not wrong. We just don't know how we'd go about opening a portal."

"If we found a way, would that punishment be on the table?" Ingrid asked.

They all looked at each other and then back at the three. "Yes. Obviously, we'd say that the punishment is being banished back to that land, but whatever Maleficent and Emma do after that is up to them." Blue stated. "I do think that before we do that, we should strip Fiona of her wings and power."

"Of course." Regina stated. "I also think the punishment should be made public for all three of them. Emma, I don't want to throw you under the bus or anything, but people need to know what they did and why they're being punished. They don't need details, but we can read off their list of charges and advise they have been found guilty."

Emma gave a nod. "You're right. It would be easier if everyone didn't love them. I feel like people are going to blame me."

"If they do, Emma, they aren't good people." Ruby said softly.

"She's right, Child." Granny stated. "Besides, this is the council's decision. We need everyone to understand that we take these crimes seriously, no matter who is behind them. The problem is, how do we open a portal?"

Ingrid cleared her throat, digging in her handbag before placing three beans on the table. "I had those from when I was looking for Emma. I suggest maybe planting one, but we can use the others."

Mal snatched one and looked at Emma. "This one is ours for when we're ready." Emma gave a nod, though the more she thought, the more she wondered if she had it in her to actually hurt someone. Maleficent knew this and was quite proud of her daughter, no matter what her final decision was.

"When will this happen?"

"The sooner the better, really." Blue stated. "I'm thinking we deal with this tonight. Is that okay? It's just, I want Fiona's powers gone."

"I think that's fine." Maleficent stated. "Emma, you don't have to be there."

"I want to be."

The group decided on the time and place and Emma waited for Regina as she closed up. She was deep in thought when the brunette came out and wrapped her arms around her. "What are you thinking?"

Emma sighed and leaned into the touch. "I want them punished, Regina, but…I don't know if I can hurt them like mom wants us to."

"Baby, your mom isn't expecting you to do anything you don't want to do. She just wants you to feel you have the justice you deserve; however, you see fit."

"I want them to hurt, I really do but…but how would me hurting them make me any better than them?"

"I get it, Emma. Look, the curse didn't just pick everyone up and bring them here. It also ruined that world. Them being sent there is practically a death sentence with the Ogres and lack of food. I'm saying this because if you decide not to go and hurt them, they're not getting away with anything by any means."

"Emma?" Emma turned, seeing Maleficent and Ingrid. "I don't mean to interrupt or listen in but…well I did. Honey, I don't want you to think that I expect you to do something you're not okay with. I get it if you don't want to hurt them; it just shows that you're a better person. I just want to be sure you feel like justice was given. There's nothing worse than living with anger and blame and I don't want that for you. It festers, it makes you someone you're not. Whatever you decide to do, do it for you, not for me or anyone else."

"Your mom is right sweetheart. Besides, we have a bean and there's no time limit on it. If you wanted to wait and go later, even just to 'check on them' or whatever, that's what we do."

"Thanks guys. That does mean a lot to me. I think that's what I'll plan on then. Just see how I feel."

"Great. Now, you have a couple hours until we take care of Them. Go and get your mind off this for a while."

Emma and Regina did just that as they spent the next two hours grabbing food and talking and having a good time catching up. They then walked hand in hand to the town's center where there was already a group gathering. Emma could hear whispers but tried hard not to focus on them as she and Regina made their way to the rest of the council. Emma could see Fiona in the back of one cruiser and Snow and David in the other and her stomach rolled as her nerves caught up with her.

"We are here for the public sentencing of Snow White, David, and Fiona the Black Fairy." Archie announced. Thomas brought the three out and lead them to where they were standing. "Fiona, you are charged with two counts of kidnapping, torture, false imprisonment, identity theft, and assault. Your actions were captured through mirror magic and you have been found guilty. Snow, you are charged with the same and have also been found guilty. David you…you are charged with the same along with charges of rape and sexual assault."

"What did they do?" Someone called out. "We deserve to know."

Emma sighed and felt Maleficent supporting her with a touch to her back. They both looked to Blue and nodded. Blue cleared her throat. "Fiona went against fairy law and stole a hatchling from it's mother and transferred the baby into Snow's womb. After the curse broke, she then worked with Snow and David and took Emma, drugging her and confining her magic. She prepared a prison for her and then pretended to be Maleficent, Emma's real mother and both verbally and physically abused and assaulted her. Snow pretended to be Emma's other mother Ingrid and did the same. David…did worse. While they did this, Fiona enchanted a mirror so Maleficent and Ingrid would see what their daughter was going through."

There was murmuring and Emma felt eyes on her. While part of her wanted the ground to swallow her up, she also stood tall for she had survived.

"So, Emma's not the savior? Do we have any proof of all this? I'm not saying I don't believe Emma, I just want to be sure this isn't a trick."

Emma was surprised that the question was being asked by Leroy. She looked at Blue who raised a brow and then nodded. Emma walked up by Blue and turned to face the crowd. "I may not be the blood daughter of Snow and David, but I did break the curse. That was all they wanted, so when I didn't die, they decided to punish me for that. Some of you witnessed how they spoke to me, while others only saw what they wanted you to see. I know I'm not technically one of you; I didn't grow up in your world, but ever since I came to this town, I've felt at home. Imagine my surprise to find out I had parents who supposedly loved and wanted me after a life of being tossed aside at every turn. Then, these people talk down to me, are downright nasty to me to the point where…well, it hurt. Then I found out the truth and I knew the battle going forward would be for all of you to see the truth." She sniffed and looked around at everyone watching her. "I know you've been told stories of one of my mothers, but I'm asking you to think about where you heard them, where they started, who started them. I'm not going to ask anyone to take sides, but I do ask that you try not to just dismiss what we're saying."

Ruby stepped forward and put her hand on Emma's back, looking at the crowd. "I want everyone to know that this was not easy. It's not easy to bend your beliefs or change how you think of people. However, I saw it. I saw how they treated Emma before they kidnapped her and I saw how Emma was after they had her." She gestured to the council. "We all did. Blue saw it actually happening and could tell right away that it was Snow and Fiona. We are a town, we are friends, brothers, sisters, we are a family and we cannot and will not allow anyone to treat others the way these three have treated one of our own."

"Here, here!" Some towns people shouted. "Emma is one of us!" This made Emma's heart swell.

"Wait, wait, wait!" Leroy yelled. "Look, I'm not saying I can't see Snow and Charming doing this because…well, I know they've used phrases like half breed and monster before but…how do we know this isn't a trick the dragon lady is pulling on us? Maybe she set it all up."

Fiona let out a laugh. "You think my sister could do the things I did? No, she doesn't have it in her. I did all this and Snow and Charming were all too quick to join in."

Leroy looked at Mal. "Sorry sister, I just had to ask. I believe you." He then took his hat off and looked at Emma. "I'm so sorry that all this happened to you, and I'm sorry you don't feel like one of us. We stand behind you in this and everything else, Emma, our lost Dragon Princess."

"Our Dragon Princess!" The crowed cheered, causing Snow to grow furious.

"How dare you! Maleficent is no Queen and that disgusting half breed is no princess! I am your rightful Queen and you will not turn your backs on me!"

"Send them back! Send them back! Punish them! Burn them at the stake!"

Blue held her hands up. "Okay, first, Fiona." She forced the fairy to drink a potion and when she shifted to her fairy form, Blue took her wand and unwinged the woman before taking her powers away. "You are no longer Fae."

Fiona had tears but was unwilling to show them as she kept her head down. She was done and she knew it.

"For the rest of the punishment, it has been decided that these three will be sent back to the Enchanted Forest." Regina announced. "Let me be clear here, it is not the forest you and I remember. The curse left that world in ruins, so this is a punishment."

David glared at her. "You're just doing this because she's your little fuck toy." He smirked and licked his lips. "That is the one thing she's good at. She likes it rough you know; she likes it if you be forceful…"

Emma was clenching her fists when it started happening. She heard gasps from around her, but her anger was bubbling and the next thing she knew, she had shifted, and her dragon form was standing tall among the crowed. She roared an almighty roar and before anyone could stop her, fire escaped her mouth and David was burnt to a crisp. As fast as the anger came, so did the fear. She just killed him in front of everyone, in front of Henry. She looked around and saw the fear aimed at her before she took off and flew away.

"Mom! Mom come back!" Henry called, running after her. "Mom it's okay!"

Blue swallowed and looked around, afraid the people would want Emma punished. However, a slow clap started and it wasn't long before there was cheering and applause. "That's it, Snow and Fiona, it's time to go." She threw the bean down which opened the portal and pushed the two through, glad to be rid of them.

Maleficent was being held back by Ingrid. "Give her space."

"No. She's terrified, Ingrid, I can feel it. She's going to do something stupid."

"Go to her." Leroy said. "Go to her and tell her we are on her side."

Maleficent looked at Regina and Henry, Regina nodding. "Go."

Maleficent nodded back and shifted before going after her daughter, hoping she reached her before it was too late.