"Accidentally on purpose?" Emma intervenes before Regina can get another word out.

But that seems to make it worse.

The vein is now bulging.

And Henry wonders if somehow luring the Smurfs here to keep his mother occupied while he runs away, is an ethical decision or not.

"How on earth did you manage to do that Henry?" Regina grits out, attempting not to lose her cool at her only child. Oh great, time for her daily migraine – a not uncommon occurrence for those living in Storybrooke unfortunately. She pinches the bridge of her nose and briefly closes her eyes, hoping to sooth the pain a little.

"W-well I dropped some of the ink on the touchpad of my laptop and used the pen to clean it."

"And?"

"I may have gotten impatient waiting for the page on-screen to load and pressed the button to refresh it," Henry replies cowering under Regina's glare.

Regina exhales deeply, "And let me guess, the page you reloaded was the fanfiction page," she isn't asking. Not really. The expression on her son's face makes it quite evident what the answer is.

Snow turns to Gold, "Is it possible?"

"I'm afraid so. Technically they are stories that have been written. When Henry used the pen to clean the ink, it was activated as soon as the nib touched it. Refreshing the page re-created the stories, but instead, this time they were brought to life."

"You know how a computer works?" Emma asks with a raised eyebrow.

Gold chuckles, "Yes dearie. I did live in New York for some time. How do you think I was able to send Belle that translation to free the fairies from the Hat? Not all of us possess the power to speak with birds as your mother here does," he gestures over to Snow.

"But if it's true, why are only Emma and Regina brought to life and not the entire stories?" Snow asks, confusion flooding her features.

"Well I did only spill a tiny drop of ink; maybe there wasn't enough to bring the whole story to life? But it doesn't matter; I need to undo this as soon as I can," Henry shoves his backpack off pulling the pen and ink out and setting them down on the counter.

"Grandpa, can I have some paper please?" Gold disappears below the counter momentarily before re-emerging with a pad of paper just as Henry dips the pen into the ink.

"Not so fast," comes a gruff voice. All eyes turn to where the voice is heard. There, at the entrance of the shop, stand three figures wearing long black cloaks. A black mask obscures the faces of both the figures on the right and left. But the man in the middle can be seen. He's extremely tall and thin, bony; hollow cheeks, small tufts of hair covering the sides of his head. He wears a stern expression, scowling at Henry, his eyes dark and piercing.

Regina noting this immediately grows defensive. Mama bear mode activated. She takes a step closer to Henry asking, "Who are you?"

"We are the Order of Merlin," the man in the middle answers.

Emma stifles a chuckle, "You do realise that's the name of an award from Harry Potter right?"

"We are the Order of Merlin," the man continues, ignoring Emma. "We are a secret wizarding organisation that banded together after The Sorcerer and his whereabouts became unknown. Our job is to monitor and govern the use of magic and you," he narrows his eyes at Henry, "Are in violation of law 421, which states that you must not use your authorial powers for personal gain."

Henry blanches, "But that was an accident. And I'm about to fix it," before he can put the pen to paper, it disappears - together with the ink - in a cloud of smoke and reappears in the man's hand.

"Henry Mills, you are in violation of law 421. You will be stripped of your title and will no longer have access to the pen and ink. Until you fix this mess you have made, you are no longer The Author."

"But how can I fix it without-"

"Good day," and the three men disappear as quickly as they arrived.

Henry's posture slumps as the Queen pulls him into her side to comfort him. "I swear I didn't mean to mom. How can I fix this without the pen?"

"I'm not sure Henry, but we'll find a way. We always do," Regina drops a kiss to his forehead. She looks over at the blonde who moves to stand on his other side and pats him on the back. Emma gives her a small crooked smile before turning her attention to her son. Regina can tell she is nervous, unsure of the right thing to say.

"H-hey kid," Emma attempts hesitantly, "If there's anyone who will figure it out, I know it will be you," she smiles as Henry looks up at her through red-rimmed eyes. She hopes he won't start crying, Emma knows how much being The Author means to Henry; suddenly a wave of determination hits her.

They are getting that pen back.

One way or another; they will help Henry fix this and get his him title back.

They just have to.

"Wait, why don't we ask them? The us that keep popping up, surely they might have some idea of how to get back to wherever the hell they came from," she suggests. And Emma wants to help Henry clear his name of course, but she can't help the small bubble of hope that rises in her chest at catching another glimpse of a version of her and Regina that are very clearly closer than she is with her Regina.

Well not her Regina, but her Regina.

Emma groans internally, this is going to be a long day.

"I doubt the versions of us currently being rained on with tooth-rotting candy and possibly flattened by tiny blue demons will be able to stop for a second to answer a few questions Emma," Regina points out.

"Well maybe we could-" Snow is cut off as both Regina and Emma's phones start ringing simultaneously. Emma moves out into the back room to pick it up while Regina answers.

"Madam Mayor please can you explain to me why the little girl from Finding Nemo - who is very clearly not a piranha - is jumping around the diner biting people?" Ruby's voice sounds from the other end of the call.

"What the hell are you talking about Ruby? Are you telling me that you - a werewolf - might I add, can't control a pint-sized she-devil who's teeth are blunter than a plastic spoon?" there's a pause over the line and then,

"I'm just... confused, okay? I was serving Leroy his daily brew when I looked over and saw you and Emma sat at a table on what looked to be like a breakfast date. Which – finally - because do you know how physically painful it has been to watch you two and your oh so obvious unresolved sexual tension-"

"Get to the point Ruby," Regina growls growing impatient.

"Right. Anyway before I could even think about how much money I owe Mulan for clearly losing the bet thinking I would die before you two finally got your act together, there was a bright flash and then this little bite-sized - pun totally intended by the way - demon spawn was running around attacking the customers." Regina huffs in annoyance. She is about to give Ruby a piece of her mind, offended that she and Mulan had dared to even think to bet on them, when she remembers they're up against more important matters.

"We'll be right there Ruby. Make sure that we-they don't go anywhere," with that she cuts the call at the same time as Emma walks in.

"That was Archie, he was rambling on about some weird happenings taking place after he thinks he saw us both near the toll bridge canoodling, was the exact word he used. Who even speaks like that anymore?"

"We should get over to the diner, another version popped up that we might be able to speak to. Well if we can manage to tame a pesky little beast that is," Regina says feeling more depleted by the minute; she can tell Emma is feeling the same if her pale complexion and weary expression is anything to go by.

Emma nods, "Say no more. Let's head on over there."

"In the meantime, Gold maybe you can figure out a way to keep a track of the versions of us that keep popping up? Perhaps there is a pattern to their movements. Henry and Snow can stay and help while Emma and I see if we can speak to our counterparts."

"I have a few ideas. We'll see what we can come up with."

"Great we'll be back soon," Emma says, "We will fix this Henry, I promise."

Regina moves to stroke his cheek and smile at him softly, before pressing another soft kiss to his forehead. "Be right back," she says quietly and Emma feels her heart skip a beat at the gentle tone as she takes in the mother-son duo. She lets out a deep breath before leaving for the diner, Regina stepping up behind her.

...SQ...

Emma and Regina arrive at the diner in record time. "What do you think-" Emma stops almost stumbling into Regina's back as they enter the diner. She places her hands on Regina's waist to try and right herself, before snatching them away upon feeling Regina's posture stiffen and realising what she is doing. "Sorry, why did you stop?" Emma asks, confused. The answer to her question becomes clear when she shifts to step to Regina's side and looks into the diner.

They both stand at the entryway with wide eyes and shock clearly written all over their faces. Inside is pandemonium – upturned tables and chairs, light fixtures dangling from the ceiling, food and drink spilled all over and a few people dotted about, holding themselves and groaning in pain. "What the heck is going on?" Emma whispers, gaze darting around the room. She turns to find Regina just as bewildered as she is.

Emma sees something move in her periphery vision then and is about to turn to get a better look when a dark figure jumps out of nowhere and sends her flying.

The Saviour hits her head on the leg of an upside down chair and the last thing she hears before succumbing to darkness is a distressed "Emma," before she feels soft arms engulf her; her vision fades just as her heart does a little somersault at realising who it is – Regina.

When Emma comes to, she is hit with an ear-splitting headache. She closes her eyes and winces. "Ugh, what happened?" she groans out as she opens her eyes. She looks up to see Regina looking down at her. Her beautiful face flooded with worry and concern. Emma is immediately overcome with wanting to run her hands over the worry lines on Regina's soft smooth skin and take it all away.

"Sorry about that Emma," Ruby says sheepishly. "The brat with teeth was about to lunge for you but I managed to finally tame her, after turning into a wolf," she looks over to where a little girl – Dahlia from Finding Nemo - is currently lying, knocked out, on the floor. "She may be small, but she is fierce."

Emma moves to sit up, "It's fine Ruby and thanks I guess, for protecting me." The diner is now empty – she notes – looking around.

Well, almost empty.

Her eyes land on the table where her and Regina's counterparts are currently sitting; chatting amongst themselves. Emma looks at Regina, "I'm fine, let's go talk to them," attempting to reassure her. Relief washes over Regina's face and they both move towards where the couple are, Ruby following behind.

"Hey, we were wondering if you might be able to help us," after waiting a few moments and looking between Regina and Ruby, Emma waves her hands in front of the pair. "Hey, hey guys," the pair don't react. "Hello! Anybody home!?" Emma can feel her anger building, they continue to act as if they are the only two people in the world and no-one and nothing else exist. Frankly it's a little disconcerting.

"I don't think they can hear you," Ruby offers. "Or maybe they don't know you're there. I mean throughout the entire ordeal with gnasher over there," she gestures to Dahlia still lying unconscious on the floor, "They didn't even flinch."

Emma huffs, "Well talking to them seems to be out of the question."

To say she is angry would be an understatement.

Inside she's seething.

And fine she's jealous too.

Can you even be jealous of yourself? Is that even a real thing?

Yes, apparently in Storybrooke it is.

Why is it that all of the fictional versions of them seem to have a much better life and are in some way together? Why can't she get to enjoy a breakfast date with her Regina? Or do press ups on the lawn while Regina sits on her back? Or slow dance in Regina's living room? Or have her face pressed between Regina's-

"It's okay Emma," Regina says gently, breaking Emma out of her thoughts. "We'll figure it out another way," she says, attempting to calm the blonde who she can tell is growing more annoyed by the second. Emma looks over at her, sighs and nods. "In the meantime let's get you cleaned up before we head back to Gold's. I don't want Henry to see you like this," she turns to Ruby then, "Ruby can you get me the first aid kit please?"

"Of course," Ruby chirps disappearing into the kitchen area, then re-appearing a minute later, first aid kit in hand.

"Thanks Ruby," Regina smiles taking it from her. She leads Emma towards the back of the diner where the toilets are.

Once they enter the bathrooms Emma hops up onto the countertop next to the sink. Regina scrunches up her nose - though she herself would never sit somewhere so unclean, it's endearing when the blonde does it. She chuckles inwardly, when is anything Emma does not endearing? Regina steps up in front of her placing the first aid kit down on the surface beside where the Saviour is perched.

Emma studies the brunette as she opens up the first aid kit and gets to work. She holds her breathe as Regina moves closer to stand between her dangling legs. Soft fingertips ghost over the small gash on her forehead and Emma can feel herself start to blush as her body temperature rises from the tenderness and proximity of the beautiful woman in front of her.

Her heart rate speeds up feeling Regina's breathe softly hit her nose and mouth, and feather light touches trace the sides of her cheeks.

God, please let this be over soon.

She doesn't know how long she can do this for before giving in and pulling the gorgeous woman closer; kissing her on those plump, luscious lips. Emma feels the velvety gaze of warm brown eyes caress her face, the brunette searching it; taking it in before asking, "How are you feeling?"

Emma exhales; chuckles softly, "Worried about Henry, I know he'll hold this with him for a long time." She pauses and eyes Regina, "He gets that from you, you know."

Regina scoffs, looking offended, but the tiny quirk of her lips tells Emma she is more amused than anything. "He does not."

Emma rolls her eyes, shaking her head in fond amusement, "Very well. Whatever you say, Your Majesty." Regina grins at her; studies Emma's face for another second or two before placing her hand on top of Emma's stroking lightly; leaving goosebumps in its wake.

Before she can do anything more, a blinding white light flashes, a dreadful stench hitting their noses instantly, causing them to jump apart to find the source. "What is that?" Emma asks pointing to the open toilet stalls behind Regina. Regina turns and her eyes widen.

Thick green gelatinous slime has begun to ooze out of the toilets; it seems to be doubling by the second and looks to be moving towards them.

"Let's get out of here!" Emma cries, clambering off of the counter top and grasping Regina's arm dragging her out of there.

"Ruby, we need to get out of here now!" Ruby - not bothering to ask for more details, as this is the norm for the town they live in - picks up the still sleeping little girl in her arms and runs out of the diner following behind the blonde and brunette.

"There's a room in the library we can keep her in. Belle will be there too, we can keep an eye on her till you figure this mess out," Ruby says before heading towards the clock tower. Regina and Emma both nod their agreement; then head to the Bug.

As Regina sits in the car her phone rings once again. This time she glances at the caller ID before picking up – Zelena.

"Gina," she drawls out slowly and Regina sighs, contemplating whether she should cut the call already, knowing whatever Zelena has to say will only add to her growing migraine. "There is currently a fire breathing dragon flying around Storybrooke setting random buildings on fire. She appeared after a certain blonde and brunette pair were seen doing something I simply can't talk about over the phone. I'm told she is the exact same one as the one from something called Shrek. So whatever it is that you and the idiot Saviour have done by not confessing your undying love for one another, you need to suck it up and get on with it already! The rest of us have suffered enough," a pause, then "Wait a second- Mal is that your cousin? Can you tell her to back down? She almost singed my bloody hair off! This shade of red isn't easy to come by you know? Honestly-"

Regina waits a few seconds, before removing the phone from her ear; eyeing it, did Zelena just cut herself off? She rolls her eyes; her sister is so dramatic sometimes.

"Everything okay?" Emma asks starting the ignition.

"Yep, fine. Let's go."

...SQ...

Back over at Gold's shop, Gold, Henry and Snow come to the conclusion that their best bet is to use the Magic Globe. Snow's suggestion, which she will take full credit for of course, considering it was a good idea.

"I believe I still have it yes," Gold says moving into the back room. Emma and Regina walk in a few minutes later to see Gold re-emerge with the globe in hand. "I made a few alterations when I was The Dark One but it should still work, in fact it might work even better for what we need it for."

"Ma what happened to your head?" Henry asks worriedly.

"Nothing Henry, just a little cut. I'm fine, don't worry," Emma smiles; at seeing some of the worry on his face diminish, she eyes the globe with trepidation, asking "What's this?"

Emma remembers when Gold used it last and doesn't like the idea of being pricked with a giant pointy needle. It isn't that she's scared of needles. No. Not at all. She just much prefers to stay away from them. That's all.

"This," Gold replies, holding up the globe before placing it down on the counter, "Is how we keep a track of your counterparts."

"So what? You're going to stab us with that thing?" Emma tries to keep the uneasiness out of her voice, but Regina doesn't miss the tone and looks over at Emma to see her slightly squirming.

"Gold not that I'm ungrateful, but is this the best idea you've got?" Regina tries.

"Relax dearie, there will be no stabbing of any sort today. I simply need a strand of hair from you both." Regina notes Emma's posture relax slightly, sighs and then pulls out a strand of her hair, Emma following suit.

Gold places the strands down on the counter; uses a dropper to drizzle them in some sort of liquid. All eyes watch as the hair begins to glow, morphing into speckles of light before floating up and being drawn into the globe. A few seconds pass; then the globe illuminates, tiny dots of red appearing and pulsating at various points across it.

"Wait, you guys are popping up all over the globe. How is it possible when magic is only in Storybrooke?" Henry asks feeling his chest tighten at the magnitude of just what exactly he has possibly done.

"I'm not sure Henry. But why don't you start jotting down the places that are highlighted. We may be able to notice a pattern," Gold encourages attempting to keep his grandson distracted.

Regina and Emma share a look, knowing the significance of what he has done has begun to weigh heavily on Henry. They both move over to where Snow and Gold are standing at the other side of the counter and shake their heads indicating that they were not successful in getting their counterparts to talk.

"Another pair popped up just outside of... Moscow? What are you guys doing in Moscow?" Henry wonders out loud as he scribbles down the locations that keep pinging on the globe.

"Henry, we're right here. How are we supposed to know?" Emma teases in an effort to lighten up the atmosphere. She steps closer to Henry eyeing the globe, then his list. "So, how do you think this works?"

"Well grandpa said he modified it. I'm guessing he used some sort of a locator spell to detect others with the same magical signatures as you and mom?"

"You would be correct Henry. When I modified it, I was looking for beings with power, the kind that I wished to absorb," he says solemnly remembering back to the man he used to be. "But I also found that it could locate specific signatures with a strand of hair from the particular individual as well."

"That's so cool. Kind of like our own version of Cerebro," Henry gushes.

"What? No way can that be real too?"

"Really ma? We literally live in a magical land with real fairytale characters. It is a possibility that the X-Men can be real too, you know."

Emma laughs ruffling his hair, "Okay, whatever you say kid."

A beep sounds then – Henry's phone. He slips it out from his jean pocket.

(646) 463-7948: SwanQueen are popping up all over the world :)

(646) 463-7948: Not that I'm complaining lol

Henry: Who is this?

(646) 463-7948: Draconian_Grapex09

Henry: DG how did you get my number?

DG: I hacked your phone just after you left

DG: In case I needed to contact you

Henry: You do know I commented on your fic right? You could've just replied

Henry: I would've got an email notification

DG: Are you kidding me?

DG: Storybrooke may no longer be frozen in the 80s but I bet it's still so outdated an email would've took like 100 years to get there

DG: Wi-Fi over there probably really is that slow

Henry: You do have a point

DG: OMG it's gotten worse. Call me

DG: You're taking too long. I'm calling you

Before Henry can react, his phone rings; he picks it up, placing it on loudspeaker for all occupants in the room to hear. "Henry, my friends have been messaging me from all over the world saying they've been seeing SwanQueen, what did you do?" Henry pauses, unsure whether he should say. He hears a sigh from the other end, then, "Fine whatever, it doesn't matter. We have a bigger problem Henry. Have you read glass-spun dream by coalitiongirl?"

"Yeah. Well part of it anyway, it's one of my favourites why?"

"One of the arenas just finished materialising in Central Park and overlayed the entire reservoir. I read that fic five days ago Henry and now it's becoming real."

"No way, was it Arena B? Where Misthaven and Storybrooke fight?"

"Henry focus! Now is not the time to have a fanguy moment. What the heck is going on?" Henry shakes his head at himself for getting distracted, then sighs knowing he has to tell DG the truth.

"Sorry... I-I accidentally brought the fanfictions to life. Well the characters anyway but- wait... the entire arena came to life? That's not possible; it was the tiniest drop of ink. It couldn't have-no... it's not enough to make that happen."

"I'm afraid that's not the only incident Henry, I just received an update on the group chat with my friends... it's happening everywhere. The fics are playing out in the real world and whatever they materialise on top of is destroyed as far as we can tell. You didn't only bring the characters to life, the entire stories are following."

Henry freezes.

His heart plummets.

This cannot be happening.