A/N: Heyoo! Are ya ready!? I know this chapter is short, but it's what I can do. The 1000 word chapters are hard for me. I think I'mma try and do shorter chapters but more often. Cause long chapters make my head hurt. Let me know whatcha think! I love reviews.
Emma's POV
In. Out.
Dirt and dead leaves crunch underneath her boots. Step after step, no matter how Emma walked, she could not avoid making the much-to-loud noise that accompanied crushed leaves.
In. Out.
Fingers dug into her heavy chest and caused the already raw emotions living there to become burning. Too loud, too much.
In. Out
She could hear them. Whispering behind her back.
"She's losing it."
"We can't trust her."
In. Out.
She ignores Nadie's breath against her neck. So close
In. Out.
Up ahead the town or village (Emma did not really know the difference) grew larger and larger as they approached. She knew this place, or at least, it felt like she did. There was a scratching sensation of the back of her mind, the tickle of a long forgotten memory, growing in tandem with each of Nadie's breaths.
In. Out.
The trees, while foreign to Earth, brought a strange nostalgia to her. Finding her way through the forest was like riding a bike— something you forgot you could do, but easily did anyway.
In. Out.
The reason for this knowledge was not unknown to Emma. After all, the answer was obvious: The Dark Curse.
In. Out.
Somehow, in some way, this forest was related to either Nadie or the curse itself. That was the only explanation Emma could come up with. But the real question was: how was this forest related?
In. Out.
Perhaps bringing this up to the people around her would be a good idea. Perhaps they could all come up with a great explanation or plan.
Hold, one two three.
But really, Emma knew that's not what would happen.
In.
They would fight, and spend countless, precious, hours getting nothing done. Even if they did reach a conclusion at that time, there was no way to know if it was true. Not without finding more about the Dark Curse.
They needed to learn more.
Out.
She could not, would not, let the others get hurt however. Not for her sake. This search for information could easily lead to downfall.
In.
The nostalgia Emma felt only increased as they came closer to the town. It was made of wood and stone. Colors abounded. Each building seemed to be a different color, and though traditionally the colors would clash, here it meshed together into a vibrant painting.
Out
Nobody was saying anything, but Emma could feel their eyes on her back, questioning. Not for much longer.
In.
No, that's not right. She needs to stop thinking like that. Whichever woman it was.
Out.
They were here. Emma slowed until the others were by her side.
"How much longer until she snaps?" Someone and no one said.
Emma just waited, watching the group work out their next step. It might have been a good idea to learn what this realms money system might be. It'll all work out in the end, though.
"Okay. Let's see if we can find some money," Regina said, cutting through the fog that surrounded Emma's thoughts, "I can try and copy it. Then we can go find an inn."
Emma kept her eyes trained toward the town, examining every last detail. Softly, she heard Regina whisper into Henry's ear. She did not see his response. But a moment later she heard him pull Snow and David away. Red and Robin also split up, and walked in different directions.
With a sigh, Emma walked forward as well, and she was ready to be alone for a few moments. As alone someone can be in a fairly crowded town. But things never went her way
Regina trailed just slightly behind Emma, barely in the corner of her eye. Emma fought the urge to turn and yell at the woman. That would not do any good, and would only make her suspicious.
After a few minutes, Emma could not stay silent anymore, "What the hell are you doing, Regina?" Even a deaf person would be able to hear the snarkiness in her voice.
Regina moved to Emma's side, "Looking for money. Remember?"
Emma did not deign to respond. Just continued looking.
Tonight was going to be a long night.