A/N: This chapter provides some explanation, and hopefully things will start to make a bit more sense. Also RS isn't a self insert, we just share the same name cause I didn't know any other Ao3 users personally at the time of writing.
...SQ...
"Well one of our SQ Division offices anyway," RS chuckles, "We had no choice but to bring you here; you were in danger."
"Ao3? You mean the fanfiction archive?" Henry asks even more confused.
RS chuckles, "That is what the world knows us as yes. But Ao3 is actually a secret government agency. We right the wrongs done by re-writing them."
Emma perks up at that, "Wait, you're a secret agent? What's your agent name?" she asks excitedly.
"Well I'm afraid that's classified," RS replies sombrely.
Emma visibly deflates. For the first time in her life she's actually meeting with a real secret agent - something she's wanted to do ever since she was a child and decided she wanted to be a female version of James Bond - and they won't even give her their agent name. I mean it's not like she's going to go and search them up on Facebook. She doubts they'd even have Facebook. She doesn't even have Facebook.
Emma looks over to Regina with pleading eyes. If anyone can get a secret agent to crack and give up valuable intel, it's Regina Mills. Regina catches the look on Emma's face and kind of melts; she instantly shoots a glare over at RS. RS watches the exchange in fond amusement. She almost loses her composure and snorts as the Queen turns to glare at her.
Well, the Queen thinks she's glaring at RS, but RS suspects she's probably still got her wires crossed from the puppy-dog eyes Emma sent her and she's actually just looking at RS with one of the most adorablest pouts on her beautiful face.
Yes, RS knows that's not a real word.
But RS doesn't particularly care right now.
She - like everyone else in the world - is only human. And please, even if she could resist the charm and beauty that is Regina Mills, she would rather not thank you very much.
RS throws out a fake sigh for appearances sake, "Very well Your Majesty, I suppose I have no choice," she says in mock exasperation, "My agent name is RainbowSparkle. But please, just call me Rain."
She notes a hint of pride cross Regina's face, clearly impressed with herself that she was able to scare a secret agent into giving up information - most likely the brunette is giving herself a mental pat on the back at her accomplishment. Rain looks over at Emma, and Emma being the loveable creature that she is, does a little happy dance and turns to throw heart eyes at the Queen in thanks. Once again Rain feels her professional composure slip.
These two women are going to be the death of her.
God, she's such a fangirl.
And she's proud to say that she's not suffering from this addiction, but rather she's enjoying every minute of it.
Henry eyes Rain suspiciously, "DG told me her name straight away. Why were you so reluctant?" he asks, allowing his uncertainty to bleed into his tone of voice. Instantly the warm expression Rain is sporting is wiped off of her face and she throws a glare towards DG. Upon noticing DG cower slightly, Rain gives mental thanks to Regina, she learned how to glare from the Queen of glaring, after all.
"She's not supposed to directly tell you who she is. We each have a cover to maintain," Rain says.
DG frowns, "But he said he was a SwanQueen shipper," she defends.
"How many times have I told you DG, we point potential shippers to the SwanQueen archive page. We don't give them our own details. Each writer must have an equal chance to be discovered. That's the rules," Rain replies calmly, softening her expression.
DG shifts nervously, "Sorry?" she tries.
Rain rolls her eyes fondly, sighs and then turns to look back at the trio, "She's still an agent in training. She'll learn eventually."
The trio give a small nod in acknowledgement of the statement; then Henry asks "So you're all SwanQueen shippers?"
"We are yes, but this is only one of many of our SQ Division offices, and we are a global multifandom agency; so you'll find at least a handful of SwanQueen shippers in our other Divisions too, we have offices all over the world."
Henry nods then furrows his brow, "Wait, I thought you guys were fanfic writers?"
Rain smiles, "Put simply, yes we are. Ao3 – our agency - has the power to re-write wrongs-"
"What do you mean re-write wrongs?" Regina interjects.
"Throughout history there have been many wrongs that have taken place. Stories that weren't told correctly or even told at all. SwanQueen is one of said stories. Which in and of itself is one of the biggest wrongs to have ever existed. Therefore, we are put to task to fix them," Rain replies.
Emma arches an eyebrow in thought, "Were you chosen for this task?"
"No. We're self-appointed."
"Really? How do I sign up?"
Regina looks over at the blonde; as endearing as Emma is, now is not the time. "Emma, focus," she says for the third time that day.
Not that she's counting.
Okay, maybe she is.
It's just that, well Emma is the kind of person that sometimes needs a little direction and Regina finds that she likes being the person who can give that to her.
"Sorry, continue," Emma says, motioning for them to carry on with the conversation.
"As I was saying, our agency doesn't have the power for the changes we make to be made to the stories of this world, so they exist in their own realm within the World of the Fictionals. That was fine with Them, until Henry accidentally started bringing the Fictionals to life," Rain shudders thinking of all that has occurred since then.
"Wait, how did you know-" Henry starts to ask how Rain knows of the mistake he made, but cuts himself off when he realises DG must have told her what had happened.
Emma furrows her brow, "The Fictionals? As in the other versions of me and Regina?"
"Yes," Rain replies, "And now They are furious."
"Who are 'They'?" Regina asks, her growing exasperation becoming more evident.
"The ones who wrote your story," Rain replies sombrely.
Emma inhales sharply, a late realisation hitting her, "Damn! So you can't change our story?"
Rain eyes her curiously, smiling, "No, but what would you have me write if I could?"
"Write me with her," Emma blurts out at the same time as Regina says,
"Fix this."
They all grow silent for a minute as DG, Henry and Rain look between the pair, unsure of where this conversation is going to go.
"What did you say Emma?" Regina asks quietly, looking over to the blonde who currently has her eyes glued to the floor and hoping she heard correctly, but not quite sure if she did or not.
Emma feels her skin grow hot, embarrassed at her inability to sometimes say things without thinking them through first.
Damn Snow and Charming, they could have given her genes that made her patient and calm and collected.
But no.
Emma is aware that the other four participants in this conversation are staring at her waiting for a reasonable reply; she feels herself floundering, not quite knowing what to say. For some reason she feels the need to look up into Regina's eyes and-
Oh no.
That look.
There is so much hope in that captivating gaze and Emma has had enough of keeping how much she wants to be with this woman a secret. She can feel her heart pounding as she gathers the strength and courage to say what she wants out loud.
She gulps, "I... want to be with you Regina," she admits hesitantly. Perhaps Regina hasn't registered what she's said because she doesn't react. But Emma is so tired, so she continues growing more petulant, "I mean it's not fair, why do all the other Emma's get to be with you and I don't?"
Regina arches an eyebrow in fond amusement. But Emma misses the look as she whirls around to face the hundreds of people currently tapping away at their keyboards engaged in conversation. "Alright, which of you suckers wrote our story!? Who do I have to convince, hm!?" she shouts in her best threatening voice, hoping they'll take her seriously because she is rearing to fight and won't back down without an acceptable answer. The occupants all look up at her but don't answer.
"Um, they go by A&E," Rain says from behind her.
Emma's eyes widen and she twists back around so rapidly that she feels slightly dizzy, "What!?" she screeches, "Accident and Emergency!? That's who wrote our story? No wonder it sucks!" for some reason Emma feels herself become disheartened at that, she looks down at the ground, closing her eyes and slumping her shoulders, willing herself not to cry.
Today has been an emotional rollercoaster of a day.
And she's exhausted.
Regina watches the Saviour momentarily; she expected Emma to start throwing punches and work herself up for a fight, ever the stubborn woman that she is.
But dejected and discouraged Emma?
She didn't expect this.
At the crestfallen look on the blonde's face, Regina grasps hold of Emma's forearm and squeezes gently in silent support. "How do we get them to fix this?" she asks Rain quietly, "Our story?"
Emma looks up at Regina then. Hope and incredulity flooding her eyes, she beams at Regina then lets out a small disbelieving gasp. "What? You... you want us to be together too?"
Regina chuckles, "Of course you idiot. Why else would I be here?"
Emma arches an eyebrow, "Well..." she drawls, "I mean I don't know, to help save the world from being taken over by us. To save Storybrooke from being invaded by a bunch of possibly psychotic cartoon characters. To get rid of the yellow and blue creatures overtaking your front lawn and as a result possibly your home too. To-"
"And just why would I want them gone before I get my magic working again Emma?" Regina cuts her off, "I'll have you know that when I have enough energy to get my magic working - and I will get it working - those minions will be paying dearly for what they did to my living room. As for the little blue demon spawns, well I guess I don't really need magic,' she pauses smirking, 'I can always just step on them."
Emma gasps "Regina! That is morbid."
Regina throws her a scathing glare, "You did see what those things did to my upholstery did you not? And as for the Smurfs, well..." she trails off, a dangerous glint in her eyes and Emma knows she's probably plotting something wicked.
"Um, if I may..." Rain tries tentatively, "I do have to agree with Emma. Minions and Smurfs are not inherently bad; someone just managed to make them behave that way."
"Yes!" Emma cries, happy for someone to be agreeing with her, "Thank you! Purple minions are the crazy- well crazier ones and I knew Smurfs weren't the bad guys!" she gives a little whoop and throws a few little fist pumps in the air.
Somehow Emma manages to disturb Regina's brooding, and Regina grows irritated, "Oh for goodness sake Emma, I am trying to come up with an evil scheme! Stop being cute, you're distracting me!"
Emma pauses her movements growing offended, "Well you're distracting me!" she turns to face Regina; crossing her arms over her chest.
"Wha- I haven't even done anything!" Regina says turning to face her, stepping closer.
"Exactly, you're just cute without even trying! With your stupid gorgeous face and ridiculously kissable lips-"
"I am not cute! You take that back this instant!"
Emma takes a step forward - a growing smirk on her lips - happy to have ruffled the Queens feathers once more, because Regina all riled up like this is just too delicious to watch. She's nose to nose with Regina now; inching her head forward slightly she says, "Make me."
And apparently that's all the encouragement Regina needs; she grabs Emma by the front of her shirt, yanking her forward and captures Emma's lips with her own. One hand crumples the blonde's shirt further and the other cups her jaw. Emma kisses her back and pulls her closer; revelling in the feeling of soft soft lips against her own and Regina moves her hands to rest on the blonde's waist, cradling Emma between her arms.
For years now, Emma has wanted to do this, and now that it's finally happening she doesn't know how she could have waited so long. She doesn't think she'll ever be able to stop now and she's more than okay with that. Her entire body becomes warm and fuzzy and that is only amplified when it's coupled with the knowledge that Regina chose this.
Regina chose her.
And Emma thinks that yeah this is where she belongs.
Standing here, in the firm but soft arms of the woman she loves, this is her home.
Regina Mills.
Regina gets lost in the kiss. In all the years she has lived, she has never had such a tender yet urgent encounter before. Emma kisses like she's afraid that Regina will disappear at any second, but she's so gentle it makes Regina ache. For what, she doesn't know. Yet before she can even begin to feel the real burn of it, it's soothed away by the kiss. Where her troubles and insecurities were raging waves in her mind, now they've calmed to a small lull and Regina knows - this time she has trusted in the right person.
This woman is worth every ounce of pain that may come from loving someone.
And Regina is willing to feel that pain a hundred times over if it means she can have her.
Emma Swan.
Emma and Regina are both snapped out of their thoughts, breaking the kiss as the whole room bursts into applaud and cheers of "Finally!" and "It's about time!" Even Henry, watching the scene unfold before him, does a little happy jiggle. Regina shakes her head chuckling softly at him - he is Emma's son after all.
As the occupants in the room return back to what they were previously doing before the kiss, Emma takes hold of Regina's hand and grasps it tightly. Regina gives it a soft squeeze hoping to wordlessly reassure Emma that she isn't going anywhere. The Queen breathes a sigh of relief upon feeling the Saviour marginally loosen her grip in return. They both share a soft smile before turning to face Rain, DG and Henry to resume their previous conversation.
"Okay, so how do we get them to fix it? The writers?" Emma asks, now feeling a lot more able to broach this topic.
Yes, kissing Regina Mills will do that Emma.
"I'm afraid they won't be any help. They have already written the story they wanted to write, so they will no longer want to make any changes to that," Rain replies sadly. At the matching woeful looks on Emma, Henry and Regina's faces, Rain sighs heavily. "There might be something though..." she trails off.
"What is it?" Regina asks hopefully.
"We suspect there is a fail-safe written into your story to avoid you changing the story too much. You see, the both of you weren't written to be together, your paths were to only ever cross platonically. So anytime you get too close - more than platonic - things will happen to stop it."
"What!?" Emma roars at the same time as Regina growls,
"How dare they!?"
And Rain cowers slightly, afraid that the joint wrath of the Queen and Saviour will somehow turn her to dust.
Even though they're both too weak to use their magic right now.
Still, she's not going to make the mistake of underestimating either woman.
Nor does she want to - she simply idolises them too much.
"Is that why the strange occurrences kept taking place every time a fictional version of mom and ma showed up?" Henry asks, things falling into place in his head.
"Yes, you're right Henry. We've been able to monitor some of the occurrences using surveillance equipment, drones etc. and we think it was done to keep you distracted and away from your Fictionals to ensure that you wouldn't get any ideas regarding that sort of thing," Rain replies.
At that, both Emma and Regina remember the slime showing up in the bathroom at Granny's without any Fictionals popping up beforehand. They simultaneously come to the conclusion that it wasn't because of the Fictionals, but rather because the both of them were too close.
Henry's brow furrows, "But if the writers of mom and ma's story will no longer get involved, then how is all of this happening?"
"We think they have a team working for them in the background, people with and without powers, to ensure that your story won't diverge too much from how they've written it. We're not sure how big the team is, but we know there is at least one of them who is an agent at Ao3 – a mole. You see, we had many defences in place to ensure our site would be better protected from cyber attacks, however someone who has access has removed those safeguarding measures and that is why the site is now unable to be accessed due to a server overload. We're also unable to access any of the central servers at Ao3 Headquarters, we thought it might be possible to pull the plug temporarily just causing enough delay for you to be able to undo this, but the place has gone into full lockdown mode and we have no idea what's happening. Clearly someone doesn't want us to be able to access the Ao3 site and we also think they may be behind the strange occurrences in Storybrooke."
Emma stands appalled. To think of the lengths these so-called writers have gone to, to make sure her and Regina wouldn't- oh she is beyond angry and beyond confused too. "You think someone has been conjuring up those events?" Emma asks, baffled. "Why would they-I mean what were they doing, having a movie marathon and using it to get ideas?" Emma says making such a deliciously adorable pout that Regina immediately loses her train of thought for wanting to kiss her again.
"But... Emma and I just kissed; on the lips. In a completely non-platonic way might I add, and nothing happened," Regina says.
"Yes, you did- and thank you for that by the way. I honestly cannot tell you how long I've been waiting for you guys to do that," Rain says distractedly before growing serious again, "It's because you're outside of Storybrooke."
"What are you talking about Rain?" Regina asks both her confusion and irritation growing once more.
Rain smiles, "Allow me to tell you about Operation Golden Codex."
Henry gasps, awe-struck by the name, "That is such a cool operation name!" he comments enthusiastically, "Only a high ranking operation should have a cool name like that. Please tell me it is," he looks pleadingly at Rain. Emma and Regina both chuckle at their sons antics, he's such a sweet; goofy nerd.
Rain smiles at Henry, "Yes Henry. Indeed it is of the highest. So high, in fact, that only our best agents are currently working on it."
"Like coalitiongirl, Trinadecker and amycarey?" Henry quizzes eager to know more.
"How do you know of those agents?" Rain asks in surprise.
"They're my top favourite SQ writers," Henry says then his eyes widen, "Wait, do you know them? Like actually know them?"
Rain chuckles, "I do, but not personally I'm afraid." She notices Henry deflate slightly, but he still holds the same star-struck look in his eyes - the signs of someone clearly becoming a fanguy. She makes a mental note to remember to give DG credit for that one; she'll put it in her mission report later. But she's getting distracted, back to the point, "Agents coalitiongirl, Trinadecker and amycarey are some of our top agents and they - along with a select few - are currently working on Golden Codex."
"What is it?" Emma asks curiously.
"Classified. But considering that it involves you, I think you should know. And perhaps you can help too."
"We'll try our best. Just tell us how," Regina replies.
"Very well," Rain takes a deep breath. She hopes she won't get into trouble by HQ, but for SwanQueen she is willing to do whatever it takes if it means these two women can get a chance at the happiness they deserve and it's not like she can get a hold of HQ right now anyway. "Operation Golden Codex is a secret ongoing operation in search of the original script of your story. We think that by destroying it, we can destroy the failsafe so that you are both able to write your own story as you wish without anything interfering."
"Whoa," Emma says quietly.
Rain takes a minute to smile over at the ever charming Saviour before resuming. "All of our investigations have led us to believe that it is somewhere in Storybrooke. An agent was sent there years ago to find and retrieve it so that it could be abolished but they never came back, we think they may still be trapped in Storybrooke. We tried sending in agents afterwards but we cannot enter."
"But the town line no longer acts as a barrier," Regina supplies.
"Of course, you're right Your Majesty. It's not that. It's because we're outsiders and we will be easily recognised. You see, we believe part of the team hindering your story from progressing are living within Storybrooke and operating from the shadows to ensure you both don't get the true happy ending you want. They are most likely the reason we lost touch with our agent the minute they entered Storybrooke."
Henry's eyes grow wide, "It's the Order of Merlin. It's got to be," he suggests.
"They were most likely keeping tabs on us. I bet it was them who sent the goon squad armed with machine guns after us too," Emma agrees. "Rain, do you know where we could look to find the original script?"
"The only place I can think of is the secret library in The Sorcerer's Mansion," Regina offers, "The Apprentice said the Order don't know of its existence yet, but if they already found the script then they wouldn't still be interfering right?" she says turning to Rain.
Rain nods - bowing her head slightly - in acknowledgement, "As always you're right My Queen." Regina smiles and Emma strokes the smooth, velvety skin of the hand she's still holding, silently praising the elegant Queen, Regina squeezes back gently. Rain noting the exchange swoons before she can catch herself.
"But then why wouldn't they want me to fix my mistake? If they wanted my mom's apart and to not get any ideas from their Fictionals, wouldn't it make sense for me to undo it with the pen?" Henry asks, brows furrowing in confusion.
"I'm not sure Henry but I'm sure they have a nefarious plan of some sort," Rain replies.
"Rain is right," Regina says, smiling at her and Rain gasps; placing a hand over her chest, almost toppling over from the shock at Regina Mills saying she - a mere mortal in comparison - is right.
If she died right now, she would die happy.
"There are too many questions at this point in time Henry, we just need to find The Apprentice so we can get the pen back somehow and undo everything. Then we can focus on finding the script and go from there," Regina says, feeling Emma tense beside her.
"But if we destroy the script won't we just disappear? I mean if we're just written stories, doesn't that mean we're not real?" Emma asks anxiously. Regina squeezes her hand again, hoping to offer some sort of comfort, even though she herself is rather concerned regarding the same topic.
"No you are!" Rain shouts, cringing at how defensive she sounds. She looks up to see surprised expressions on Emma, Henry and Regina. However, DG just looks equally offended by Emma's words.
DG is a fangirl of course, so she will understand the pain that Rain had felt from hearing such a statement being made. She smiles over at DG who - she notes - has been silent throughout the entire conversation. It's then that she recognises the star-struck look in the younger girl's eyes and realises that DG probably wouldn't be able to say anything in front of Emma and Regina that would make sense or help the situation because she's too busy basking in the glory of their presence. Rain chuckles inwardly, happy that she is at least a little more coherent than the younger agent and that she can offer some help. Goodness, they're both such fangirls. She clears her throat and composes herself.
"Sorry... you are real. And your counterparts are too," Rain says noting the look of surprise diminish from the trio's faces. So she continues, "That's why your magic is weakened. Because they're sharing it with you since they've now been written into this world by virtue of the pen and the ink. But they also belong to the World of the Fictionals. You'll be able to tell a Fictional apart as they will have a small feathered quill tattooed on the inside of their wrist."
Emma feels her heart sink and she looks over at Regina, unclasping her hand from Regina's and pulling it up to observe her wrist, "No," she breathes quietly - disbelieving.
Regina rolls her eyes and snatches her hand away, "For goodness sake Emma! My tattoo is a feather. Not a feathered quill," she wants to laugh at how silly Emma can be sometimes, but at the look of fear in Emma's eyes as she looks up at her, Regina immediately softens and grasps Emma's hand tightly. "See, I'm as real as you are," she says quietly but firmly, hoping to reassure the blonde and offer some comfort. Emma threads their fingers together and squeezes back.
"Don't worry Emma," Rain says, "Our Queen is most definitely real. You are both the originals; everything we create in the SQ realm in the World of the Fictionals is an extension of you. You are prime Regina and prime Emma."
"Ooh, like in Transformers," Emma gasps, a large grin crossing her face.
"Hush Emma, this is no time to be fangirling," Regina tries to sound stern but completely fails.
"Emma is kind of right though," Rain agrees, "You both have choice over what you can do in this life, whereas they don't. They're also stuck between both worlds right now. I won't go into too much detail, but the stories still exist within the World of the Fictionals even though they are now also existent in this world too. So they will continue to play out in this world as they've been written."
"That's why they wouldn't respond to us when we tried to get their attention in the diner," Emma says turning to Regina, the thought clicking in her head. Some things are starting to make sense now and it's making her feel a bit better about this day.
Also, she kissed Regina.
And now she's holding her hand so, yeah the day's taking a turn for the better.
"Yes, they didn't respond as they most likely weren't even aware of your presence if that's not part of their story. There will be no deviation as they have no free will and will do only as they have been written to do in their stories. But you both have already changed your story multiple times, even though you weren't supposed to," Rain supplies, proud of both women.
Emma beams – her charming genes flooding through - and everybody kind of melts a little.
"But how do you know all of this? In such detail too?" Regina asks.
"Well we are part of the SQ division. And we're fanpeople. We have a duty and we take that duty very seriously," Rain replies. "Many of our operations include gathering incredibly detailed information regarding you both to ensure that - if need be - we can help make your lives better as best we can. And as soon as we became aware that something had happened after so many reports came in of seeing SwanQueen all over the world, it was imperative that we try and figure out what is happening so that we can offer as much assistance as we can. Therefore a team was put together, agents working from multiple offices across the globe. I lead that team by the way," she finishes - smiling and shrugging her shoulders - trying to act nonchalant when really she is obviously proud.
"So that's how you knew to find us? When we were being shot at?" Henry asks.
Rain nods, "Our recon team were doing a preliminary search of the area; we knew you were headed to the NY Public Library, and luckily we managed to get you out of there, thankfully before anyone was hurt."
Before anyone can say anything more, the entire warehouse starts shaking violently. A small gong sounds and then part of the high roofed ceiling is ripped through as the bottom of another building collapses into it and lands half on top of the people sitting at their computers. Screams and cries fill the air and people start running about every which way.
The group stand watching as the entire atmosphere turns from calm to chaos in mere seconds, "You need to go now. You have to find The Apprentice and undo all of this before more people get hurt," Rain urges them outside through a set of doors.
"No, we can't go without making sure everyone is okay," Emma tries, reluctant to leave anyone behind.
"Emma, we will handle this, please," Rain begs. "I know you want to stay and help but there is more at stake. It's happening everywhere, not just here. You have to go. Your car is parked just outside, we weren't able to get all of the bullets out but it still drives," Rain pleads.
"We will fix this," Regina declares, "Thank you for everything."
Rain nods in acknowledgement, "Go."
With that Emma pulls on Regina's hand, grasps Henry's with her free one and they sprint out to where the Bug is waiting.
...SQ...
"We'll be there in just a few minutes," Emma says urgently, continuing to floor it, but keeping sharp focus on the road ahead. The whole ride from Ao3 has been a bumpy one and they had had a few near hits as random objects and buildings haphazardly materialised into existence.
Henry has been quiet the entire ride, no doubt being eaten up by the guilt that this is his entire fault. "Henry we'll fix this," Regina says resolutely, hoping to reassure her son.
"Yes Henry, Regina's right. Look, it's just around this corner. We're going to find The Apprentice and get the pen back and fix-" Emma cuts herself off as she turns the corner and the library comes into view.
Well it was supposed to be the library.
The only thing left of it is bricks, debris and rubble. The building very clearly having been crushed by what now stands in its place - a colossal marble statue depicting something from Greek legend.
What exactly it is, Emma doesn't have the ability to try to figure out right now. She feels her heart sink inside of her chest at the realisation that this was their last chance to try and undo all the damage that's been done.
A scream tries to rip through her body at that.
But she just feels numb.
It's over.
There's no fixing this.
It's over.
