A/N: Wow, thank's to all the reviewers, followers and favorites (new and old). Here is Chapter 2! I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I do not own OUAT or any of its characters.
Emma came back to herself slowly, her eyes struggling to focus. There was a throbbing pain in her head as well as her right side. She wasn't bleeding and she was fairly certain nothing was broken. Emma tried to bring her hand to head, but was blocked by another arm; she looked down to see Mary still clutching her leather jacket. Emma tried to sit up and her head spun, forcing her to lie back down. She winced in pain as Emma placed her hand to her side, wondering what had happened that would cause it throb so intensely.
"Mary…" Emma said as she gripped Mary's wrist, shaking her arm gently. There were voices around her, female voices that were as distorted as they were unfamiliar. Emma shook her harder, hoping she was still alive as the voices got closer. Mary groaned softly beside her, tightening her grip on Emma's jacket as she rolled onto her side. Emma smiled in relief as they made eye contact.
"Emma, are you ok? Where are we?" Mary asked breathlessly.
"I'm ok, some throbbing aches and pains, but all things considered I'm fine. As far as where we are, I'm not entirely sure…we're kinda buried." Emma said trying not to sound panicked.
"Is that why it's so hard to breath?" Mary asked nonchalantly. Emma was surprised at Mary's calm demeanor, of the two of them; Emma was expecting Mary to be the one panicking. While she was trying to keep a brave face, Emma felt herself growing more anxious with each passing moment. A male voice joined the female voices that surrounded them and they were right on top of them.
"Emma, who is that?"
"Your guess is as good as mine…" Emma listened to sound of heavy objects hitting concrete; whoever was out there was trying to unbury them. She curled closer to Mary as the last large piece of debris had been pulled away from them. Emma heard the distinct sound of a sword being pulled from it sheath, and suddenly she knew where they were. They lay still on the ground so as not to appear threatening as they faced…their rescuers?
There was a young man dressed in chain metal and silver armor like a knight. There were two women; one looked the part of a warrior all dressed in black and gold armor also holding a sword aimed at Mary. The other young woman looked the part of a princess; a flowing gown with a jeweled headpiece; she was unarmed standing curiously behind both warriors. Emma wasn't sure what to call them, while they rescued them, having a sword shoved in her face didn't exactly scream friendship.
"Who are you?" the young man demanded, pointing the sword directly at Emma.
"I am Snow White, and this is my daughter Emma…" Mary said before Emma could utter a word. The two warriors exchanged glances as if that meant something to the two of them, but the princess seemed lost on it. Emma struggled to stand up, helping Mary to her feet beside her. In an instant the swords were back in their faces.
"Snow White; as in the step-daughter of Queen Regina…?" The female warrior asked.
"One and the same." Mary answered.
"Where did you come from?" he demanded.
"From the world Regina banished us to."
"And where is she?"
"Still there as far as I know…" Emma was silent, unable to get a word in edgewise. It was interesting to watch Mary face off with these two so defiantly. Mary had a habit of being mousy and weak; but Gold was right, Snow White was as fierce and fearless as they come.
"Alright, tie them up; we'll take them with us." The young man said, sheathing his sword.
"Tie us up? We aren't a threat to you. My daughter is the one who broke the curse." Mary said incredulously as her hands were bound together.
"Forgive us if we don't take your word for it. Much has changed since you've been gone." He said as he mounted his horse.
"Can't we at least know the names of our rescuers?" Mary asked, as if that knowledge would somehow help them.
"I'm Philip, this is Mulan and Aurora."
Emma stifled a laugh at having just met sleeping beauty; which meant he was Prince Philip. This was definitely going to take getting used to. Mulan approached Emma and bound her hands. Emma's first instinct was to kick and run, but with a stern glare from Mary she stayed put. For now she would have to defer to her mother on how to behave, she was in a foreign world with no idea how to act; she didn't want to make things worse for them. Emma watched as Mulan mounted her horse and with a kick of their heels; the journey to the unknown began.
"Are people from your world always this hospitable?" Emma whispered sarcastically in Mary's ear.
"There will be silence!" Mulan shouted, pulling them behind her. Emma and Mary nodded in agreement sharing incredulous glances as Mary shook her head no. Emma's side was still throbbing and as she walked she realized why; the porcelain teacup had been in her pocket along with her letter from Gold. She counted herself lucky that she wasn't impaled by it, but she could feel that it was already leaving an impressive bruise. Emma found herself hoping that with all his magic and abilities, Gold would somehow get them home.
Gold watched the chaos ensuing outside from behind his counter. Only moments ago he felt magic surge around him; he wondered where Regina had gone and more importantly how she escaped her cell. Spinning was no longer distracting him and he was going out of his mind with worry. If Regina regained her power then Emma didn't stand a chance against her. He should have gone with her; at the very least he should have followed her.
The bell rang over his door and Gold shifted his gaze to see James standing in his shop. The first thing he noticed was the torn hat that he held in his hands. Judging by the look on James's face he was not bringing good news. Gold's heart sank when he saw young Henry with his hands and face pressed up against the window with Red Riding Hood standing protectively behind him.
"They're gone…" he said hoarsely, holding back his tears. Gold swallowed hard as he held the man's gaze intensely.
"Who's gone where?" Gold already knew the answer, but still hoped he was wrong.
"Snow and Emma; they…fell through a portal created by this hat. Regina said there was nothing left of our land, and she isn't sure if they're still alive…" Gold's breathing intensified as his heart raced; so that was the surge of magic he felt. A portal had been opened and now Emma was trapped in a world where he couldn't reach her.
"How did Regina get out of her cell?"
"Um, some guy took her at gunpoint; Emma called him Jefferson. When we got there he was demanding Regina make this hat work…it all happened so fast." James replied, setting the hat on the glass. Gold remembered Jefferson as the man who abducted Emma and Mary Margaret; apparently, he was still desperate to get home.
"Yes, well, Regina lied to you; there is something left of that world, but there's no telling what." Gold said solemnly. James' eyes widened hopefully as he leaned closer on the counter.
"So there's a chance then, that they're still alive?" Gold forced a smile as he nodded; even if they survived the portal they still had to survive the creatures that still dwelt there.
"Yes, there is a chance…"
"Well, can you use magic to fix this; can you get me there?" James asked excitedly.
Gold sighed heavily as he stared at the destroyed hat. Magic was a cruel curse; it made you think that you had control; that you had power to change things when all you really have is tricks and illusions. He can give anyone anything that their heart desires; but the two things he wants more than anything have just been ripped from his grasp and he is powerless to get them back. He couldn't create a portal to save Bae then and he can't chase after Emma now. What good is his magic if he can't even help the people he loves?
"Sorry, Charming, portal jumping is just outside my purview…" Gold said regretfully.
"Of course it is." James said sarcastically as if Gold were somehow secretly happy that Emma was sent to another world. Gold leaned his hands against the counter, leveling the prince with a stern glare.
"I love your daughter. Trust me, if I could get us there I would." Gold said calmly. James held up his hand, an obvious look of disdain formed on his face; or was it disgust?
"Can you do me a favor and not say that to me. It's hard enough knowing that you're dating my daughter when you're old enough to be, well…you're immortal."
"So that means I'm not capable of loving Emma?"
"It means I'm not ok with it and would appreciate it if would stop saying that."
"I will do my best, but you may just have to get used to it." Gold replied sharply.
"Fine, look, I'm here buy something; a way to find someone." James snapped, changing the subject.
"What like a map?"
"No, something with a bit more kick, like the way you enchanted that ring to help me find Snow."
"Ah…magic?" Gold provided for him; David smiled as he nodded in agreement. "Whom are you following?"
"Not telling." Gold cocked an eyebrow with an incredulous chuckle at James's obstinance in this situation; they didn't have time to play these games. It was obvious who he was following and why. He turned around and opened a black chest, retrieving a small glass vile.
"Pour this on the object and then…follow it. So simple, even David Nolan could do it." He said sarcastically. As James went to take the vile, Gold pulled it back.
"What do you want?"
"A chance...I do love Emma, and I would appreciate if you do your best not to interfere in our relationship." Gold answered.
"She doesn't know you as well as I do." James retorted bitterly.
"Actually, she does; better in fact." In all truth, Gold had no idea if he and Emma would be together. He just wanted a guarantee of no interference on the off chance she forgave him.
"Do we have a deal?" Gold asked, holding up the vile. James took the glass vile, turning it over in his hands. "I thank you for your business…" Gold turned his back, stuffing the small satchel full of maps. He had been planning this trip to find his son since the curse began weakening; he had hoped to take Emma with him given her talent for finding people.
"Was there something else?" Gold asked turning around when his highness still hadn't left. James lifted his gaze from the vile, shaking his head.
"How long have you and Emma been dating; officially?" he asked hesitantly. Gold was taken aback by the question given James' obvious distaste for the situation.
"Uh, 5, almost 6 months," Gold replied. James nodded as he stared intently at the potion in his hand. Gold got the sense there was more he wanted to ask, but given who Gold was; James's pride was taking a beating. "Why do you ask?"
"Has she told you anything about…her past?" James asked finally. Gold met James' eyes with a sympathetic stare, knowing as a father exactly what he was going through. The constant wondering of where your child was, who they were with and what they had experienced was enough to drive any father insane; especially over a daughter.
"Yes, I know about her past, and no, I cannot tell you." Gold replied, answering the next question before he could ask it. James narrowed his eyes skeptically, that clearly was not the answer he wanted.
"Can't or won't?"
"I can't because I won't."
"And why is that?" James demanded, his frustration becoming more apparent. Gold shifted uncomfortably, wishing more than ever that Emma were here. If Emma wanted her parents to know, he would leave it up to her to tell them.
"Charming, your daughter grew up alone; she's answered to no one but herself for the last decade. Emma's trust is not easily given and once broken it is almost impossible to gain it back. It is not my place to tell you this; it is Emma's decision alone to tell you if and when she's ready."
"She's my daughter; I have a right to know." James replied softly, his eyes pleading.
"Let me give you some advice, free of charge. Don't demand answers from your daughter like this, especially using the 'because-I'm-your-father' excuse. You'll succeed only in pushing her away. Emma is very guarded; get to know her as she is now and let her get to know you. Once she starts to trust you, she'll open up more. But you might just have to accept that she simply may never tell you."
"Is it that bad?" James asked fearfully. Gold nodded his head once as his eyes drifted closed. A profound sadness filled James' eyes; he dropped his gaze without a word and turned to go.
"One last thing; what's all the commotion outside?" Gold asked finally, stepping from behind the counter.
"Just a little problem crossing the border…"
"What happens…?" Gold asked nervously.
"You lose all your memories of our old lives…looks like we're stuck here." Gold's blood ran cold at Charming's words; now he couldn't even leave to search for his son. At that the bell rang over the door; Gold remained still as he watched James, Red and Henry leave.
The rage coursed through him that not only was Emma now in a world where he couldn't help her; he was now condemned to stay here. Gold lifted his cane and sent shards of glass flying as he slammed the gold handle through the display cases. He threw his cane to the ground as he gripped the edge of the counter; only hours after he threatened Regina, Emma and Mary were lost in another world. Apparently, her majesty has forgotten who she was dealing with.
Emma felt as though they had been walking for hours as they approached the ocean; the coarse ropes were digging into her wrists; chaffing her soft skin. The burning in her side was getting worse and Emma hoped they'd be stopping soon; even if just for a moment to let them catch their breath. When Emma woke up this morning, the possibility that she would fall through a giant hat into fairy tale land was definitely not a thought in her mind.
She was trying not to think about it; trying to ignore the fact that the hat didn't work until Emma touched Regina. Gold was always telling her that she had more power than she knew; that she was stronger than she realized. Was that what he was alluding to? Since she was born of true love; did that mean she had some kind of power of her own? If so, she hoped it could come in handy to get them home; not that she had any clue how to use it.
"Emma, are you ok?" Mary asked quietly as they struggled to keep up over the uneven terrain. "You look like you're in pain."
"I'm fine, Mare; how about you?" Emma replied, panting for breath. No sense in making Mary worry when there was nothing she could do.
"I'm ok…we need a plan."
"Do you know where we are; where they're taking us?" Emma asked in hushed tones, staying as close to Mary as possible.
"No; this wasn't our land. I have no idea where we are." Mary replied as she looked around.
"I thought Regina said that there was nothing left of this world." Emma said, confused why Regina would lie. Before the whole hat fiasco, they would never have known how to get back here; so why lie about the fact that it exists? Then again, Regina has lied about a lot of things.
"Well, clearly she lied. I need to remember to stop listening to that woman..." Mary chided herself. "She's been lying to me as long as I've known her."
"You're not the only one..."
"I said there was to be silence." Mulan shouted, turning on her horse to yell at them.
"Where are we?" Mary demanded, ignoring Mulan's command. The trio stopped as they looked upon a camp of some kind in the near distance.
"Our home…" Philip replied solemnly. Emma was both relieved and worried at the news. It hopefully meant that they could rest; she also worried what they had in store for them. Mulan kicked and the horse began pulling them again. Emma winced as she climbed the logs that cluttered the shore; she could feel Mary's eyes studying her intently. They were almost there; then she and Mary could come up with a plan to escape.
Gold stood in the back of his shop, holding the gold medallion in his gloved hand. With the return of magic, he could now summon any host of creatures that would effectively dispose of Regina. A wraith; a soul sucker would be a fitting and torturous end to her majesty's reign. He was tempted to summon it and put an end to all this now, but he wasn't going to kill Regina; he still needed her. Not to mention, killing her would ensure losing Emma for good. But it occurred to him that simply using the threat of the wraith would be incentive enough to keep Regina in line. The mark was harmless unless he summons the demon; he could mark her with the medallion to get her to cooperate and if she crossed him, he could be rid of her.
The bell rang over the shop and Gold rolled his eyes in aggravation; apparently the closed sign on his door really meant open; he'd have to remember to lock it from now on. He stuffed the artifact in his pocket, keeping his gloves on for safety against the mark of the talisman. Gold stopped in his tracks as he stepped through the curtain when his eyes focused on Belle; he smiled hesitantly wondering why she was back so soon.
"Hello…" she said hoarsely, her hands fidgeting nervously as she smiled. Gold smiled warmly in return as he stepped closer. Though she was obviously nervous, the air about her was calmer; the angry and hurt glare was gone from her eyes, replaced by something softer.
"Hello; I didn't expect to see you so soon."
"I took a long walk after you dropped me off, did some thinking; I ended up at Dr. Hopper's. He, um, drove me here." Belle said softly. Gold scoffed mentally, the whole reason he drove her home was so that she wasn't out walking alone and vulnerable. He watched her intently as she stepped closer to him. He did enough talking this morning, now he would hear her out.
"I was pretty upset after you left, like my heart had been broken all over again. But then I realized that you, uh, you were right…about a lot of things." Gold raised a curious eyebrow, both relieved and surprised to hear her say that.
"I knew that I was never going to know – never even see another person apart from you forever. I allowed myself to overlook some things that I shouldn't have just so I wouldn't have to be lonely. I convinced myself that I could – that I did love you. And I also care deeply for you, but I realize now that it's not love; not a healthy kind anyway."
"I should've asked before I kissed you, it was wrong of me to be so presumptuous. But I thought we could be so much happier if you were no longer cursed." Belle swallowed hard as tears glistened in her bright blue eyes. "And I am so sorry…for the pain you suffered so long –" Gold held up his hand silencing her.
"Don't you ever apologize to me, Belle; none of this was your fault." He said gently. Belle forced a tight smile, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"I, um, wanted to thank you again for getting me out of the asylum and for everything you've done for me since; my clothes, my job... I appreciate your kindness. But I can't accept gifts or money from a man trying to ease his guilt; it's not right."
"How about from a very old friend?" Gold asked hopefully. Belle smiled but shook her head no in reply. "It's not just to ease my guilt, Belle; I agreed to provide for your needs until you got on your feet."
"Well, my father remembers me now; so there is no need." Belle said defiantly. Gold had to suppress his smile; he always loved her stubbornness.
"Would you take a walk with me dearie?" Gold asked, extending his arm to the door. Belle gave him a quizzical look, but said nothing as she complied. As Gold locked up the shop, he shouted to Archie across the street to follow them in the car. Gold offered Belle his elbow with a playful smirk; Belle stared at his arm suspiciously as if it were a trick. Despite herself, Belle smiled as she linked her arm with his.
"Do you know what I love about you, Belle?" he asked, as they strolled leisurely down the sidewalk. Belle quirked an eyebrow and met his gaze, waiting silently for his answer.
"Your spirit. Not in that you are fearless, but your bravery despite your fear is what always intrigued me. After you were released from the asylum, it was hard for me to see you so overcome with fear. I wanted so desperately to see you restored to the woman you were the day we met; to see your smile and hear your laugh. Do you remember what you said when your father sent me away?" Belle straightened as her smile widened.
"No one decides my fate but me." She said dramatically, giggling at herself. Gold chuckled beside her; watching as she giggled infectiously. To see her smile, to hear her laugh as they walked arm in arm gave him such a measure of peace. His Belle was alive and she didn't hate him for the monster he had been to her; this was a moment he never expected to experience.
"Exactly, and that is true again, Belle. Your fate is in your hands alone."
"Well, again I thank you." Belle fell silent as they walked, clutching his arm. He could only imagine what Charming would say if he caught them like this, but Gold didn't care. He knew he loved Emma and there was no law against being a gentleman with a friend.
"Can I ask you something?" she asked suddenly; Gold nodded in response. "You didn't believe that I could love you. How did Emma convince you of what I couldn't?"
"Well, first of all, what happened between you and I…you did nothing wrong, love. The problem was always with me. Emma spent the first half of our relationship trying to convince me that I deserved love and happiness. For reasons truly unknown to me and despite all of my attempts to push her away; Emma chose to stay with me. I don't know why she loves me, but every day I do my best to just accept it." Belle hmm'd beside him, dropping her gaze to the sidewalk.
"Here we are…" Gold said, stopping beside the clock tower. Belle looked up at the old building, unlinking their arms as she tried to peer into the boarded up windows. She stepped back, looking at him confused.
"Where are we?"
"The town library…" Gold replied, smiling at the excitement that was filling her eyes. He placed his hand in his pocket, wrapping his fingers around a set of keys. "I already have a plan in motion to have it renovated and reopened. It would need a librarian…" he said with a smirk, dangling the keys on his index finger. Belle's face lit up as she stared at him in surprised silence, looking between the building and Gold.
"Me…an entire library all to myself?" she laughed excitedly, unable to contain her joy. Gold beamed when she threw her arms around his neck, almost knocking him over. Gold wrapped his arms around her waist, noticing Archie watching with a smile from the car.
"No catches or deals?" she asked, finally letting him go.
"It's all yours…assuming of course you could accept such a gift from a man trying to ease his guilt." There was a playful smirk on his face and she stared at him smiling in wonder.
"I could accept it from an old friend…"
"Then congratulations, my lady…" he said with a slight bow. Belle grabbed the keys from his hand quickly as if afraid that Gold would change his mind.
"Thank you…so much." She whispered, hugging him again. Belle closed her eyes as Gold kissed her forehead affectionately. "You're welcome."
"Are you sure Emma doesn't mind you giving me all these things?" she asked skeptically.
"No, Emma knew all about the arrangement before she even set foot in the hospital that day. She didn't want you to remain locked up, Belle." Archie beeped the horn, pointing to his watch.
"Oh, I have to get to Granny's…" Belle said sadly, looking in the window one last time.
"Now, from now on, please don't walk around alone. I don't want to risk anything happening to you. Now that the curse is broken there is any number of dangers lurking in Storybrooke. Promise me?"
"I promise…" Belle said with a bright smile. Gold wrapped his arm around her waist, crossing the street with her. Belle looked at the building one last time as Gold opened the passenger door of Archie's car.
"Have a good evening, dearie…" he said, watching as Belle sat down. "Archie..." Gold said waving to the good Dr.
"You as well, Mr. Gold." He said impatiently, shifting the car into to drive. Belle waved at him through the window as Archie sped off. Gold sighed in relief, feeling like the luckiest man alive, almost. Even though Emma was missing, at least he had peace knowing Belle would be alright. Gold waited until the car was out of sight to walk back to the shop; he had a break in to plan.
Finally, the group came to a stop and Philip cut the ropes the bound them to the horses. Their hands were still bound together, as Philip led the pack and Mulan and Aurora trailed behind them. People stared at them as if they had ten heads as they were walked through the village; Emma wondered if they were the first outsiders here in twenty-eight years.
"They're like refugees…" Emma said as they moved through the camp.
"We're survivors." Mulan said forcefully behind them. Philip was sidetracked by a villager and Mulan was distracted behind them; Emma planned to use the opportunity to tell Mary to wait on escaping. She never had the chance, however, when Mary kneed Aurora in the stomach.
"Run, Emma…" she shouted and Emma did just that. Her mind reeled at what they would do now; neither of them knew where they were or how to get home, when she heard Mary grunt and hit the ground behind her.
"Mary Margaret?" she shouted, rushing to her mother's side. "Mary Margaret?" Emma rolled her onto her back; becoming frantic when Mary made no sound or movement. "What did you do?"
"Take them to the pit." Mulan ordered. Emma struggled as a pair of strong hands lifted her from the ground. She watched fearfully as they dragged Mary behind them. "Be careful…" she demanded, not wanting Mary hurt more. The door was opened and Emma fought as she was thrown inside a dungeon.
"Be careful…" she pleaded as they threw Mary in with her. Mary hit the ground like a ton of bricks and Emma was by her side in a flash.
"Hey, wake up…" she said, shaking Mary gently. "Can you hear me…Mary, wake –"
"Do you need help?" Emma was startled to hear another woman's voice from the shadows.
"Who are you?" Emma asked breathlessly, if not fearfully.
"A friend," the woman replied, stepping out of the shadows. "My name is Cora…"
Night had fallen in Storybrooke and Gold leaned heavily on his cane as he approached Regina's door. He took the artifact out of his pocket, wrapping the chain tightly around his wrist; he couldn't risk a sound waking Regina. Gold held his hand over the doorknob, smiling as the locks gave way. He slipped inside and closed the door silently; his cane doubled as walking stick as he moved through the dark house, making sure he didn't collide with anything.
Gold ascended the staircase slowly with a sadistic smile, he was going to enjoy every moment of this. Though he knew Emma and Belle wouldn't approve; his magic was good for this one thing; revenge. Regina tortured Belle and then locked her away in a padded cell for nearly thirty years, just waiting for the right time to kill her. She just sent Emma to unknown world where for all he knows she could be dead already.
Gold wrapped his leather gloved hand around the doorknob, opening the door to Regina's bedroom. He could hear the sound of her deep and even breathing; she was certainly proof of the statement that only the guilty sleep; in one day she was lynched, arrested, held at gunpoint and lost her son. Yet as he approached her bed, she was a vision of peace. Gold knew he would only have one shot to silence her and pin her all at once; her left hand was palm up beside her pillow, a perfect target.
He leaned over her sleeping form, holding his right hand over her face to stop her as she woke up. Regina's eyes shot open when he pinned her hand to the bed, shooting up only to be shoved back down as Gold rested his full body weight on her. Regina whimpered and struggled beneath him, scratching at the gloved hand that was clamped over her mouth.
"Shh, it's just me, dearie…" he whispered cruelly. Gold's arm was trembling from the force with which he pinned her hand; all his rage and malice coursing through his veins.
"Relax…it'll be over soon…" Regina continued to writhe frantically beneath him; Gold smiled at her desperation as she tried to use magic on him and failed. He laughed maniacally as he released her hand, climbing off of her and standing beside her bed.
"Get out of my house or I'll –" Regina spat venomously as she switched on her bedside light.
"You'll what, call the cops? Sorry dearie; I doubt the Sherriff has service where she is. You could always call Charming…" Gold said sarcastically. Regina held her hand under the lamp inspecting for marks or injuries; she watched Gold fearfully from the corner of her eye.
"What did you do?" Regina whispered breathlessly. Gold smiled cruelly, leaning both hands on his cane.
"Oh, just a little incentive for you to make sure Emma and Snow White make it home safely."
"That was an accident, Gold." Regina defended through her tears.
"Of course it was…because you've never tried to kill Emma or Snow White before." Gold said sardonically. Regina lowered her gaze, clearly afraid to challenge him without her power. "However, I am not without compassion and so I will allow you the chance to save yourself."
"From what…?" Regina demanded, her voice trembling with fear. Gold reached into his pocket and held up the gold chain with an 'oh', taunting her as a horrified expression formed on Regina's face.
"Is that…?"
"Indeed…the one thing no one can escape; destiny. And yours will be particularly unpleasant if you do not cooperate. As we both know, the mark is useless unless the wraith is in the land. And as of now, I haven't summoned him…yet."
"What do you want?" she asked hopelessly, unable to meet his gaze. It was too late now; you can't remove the mark once you bear it; all she could hope to do was appease his rage. Gold smiled maliciously; he rather enjoyed this version of Regina. She was so much more accommodating and quiet when she was powerless and frightened.
"The safe return of Emma and Snow White; if one comes back without the other or if they both die, I will summon the wraith. You will leave Belle alone; I don't want you anywhere near her. Disobey me and I will summon the wraith. Now, do you understand how this is going to work?"
"But I don't have my magic; it was Emma that opened that portal." Regina said desperately as she approached him. Gold smiled inwardly, he always knew Emma had incredible power; now he was hoping it would aid her in figuring out a way back on their end.
"I need the book to get my magic back; I don't know how to open a portal without that hat." Regina whispered hopelessly.
"Then I suggest you figure it out, your life depends on it." Gold replied through clenched teeth as he walked toward her door. Regina sank to the edge of her bed, shaking her head in disbelief as she cradled her left wrist in her hand.
"You manipulated all of this…" she said tearfully, barely above a whisper. Gold stopped in his tracks, turning on his heel to face her.
"What's that, dearie?" Regina wiped the tears from her cheeks, lifting her gaze to meet his defiantly.
"You always knew I'd enact the curse. I never stood a chance, did I?" Gold felt a pang of guilt at her words; it was true, Regina never stood a chance. Gold taught Cora everything she knew and it was the curse he placed on Cora that made Regina's life so much harder.
"No…" Gold whispered remorsefully, but he couldn't apologize. What Regina became was always her choice, perhaps she has forgotten that.
"You manipulated me and my mother…" Regina spat, and stood to face him. Gold scoffed at the accusation; Cora came to him and then broke their deal. Regina summoned him for help and since then has been trying to rob him of his powers as the dark one.
"Manipulate is such a strong word, dearie. I taught your mother and I taught you…" Gold said innocently.
"You knew I didn't want to end up like my mother; why did you teach me if you knew I would?" Though the tears were in Regina's eyes, her bitterness and anger was clearly communicated.
"Oh, dearie, I told you that it was your choice if you ended up like Cora. I didn't make you become my student…"
"Maybe not, but you made damn sure to make it impossible to say no. And who are you to judge me? You're no saint; you've made thousands of deals and hurt countless people. You made me kill my father –"
"I'm cursed, Regina. What's your excuse?" Gold growled in a low tone; his voice menacing. Regina still knew nothing of why he made all those deals, of why he created the dark curse. Regina knew nothing of his life before his curse; of his son.
"Teaching you magic was my fault; what you became was your own." Gold circled around her, much the way he had done the first night they met.
"I didn't make you tear families apart and send innocent children into dens with witches. I didn't make you rip out Graham's heart and keep him as your slave. I didn't make you so power hungry that you would kidnap Belle and lock her away for thirty years in yet another botched attempt to gain my power…and I certainly didn't make you kill your father." Gold whispered venomously; the tears streamed from Regina's eyes as Gold stood in front of her.
"You asked me what you needed to do to enact the curse and I told you. And I told you then that this curse wasn't gonna be easy, and to ask yourself how far you'd be willing to go. You said, as far as it takes…you could've stopped at any time and you…chose…not to. You plunged your hand into your father's chest and ripped out his still beating heart; that was no one's fault but your own."
Regina's gaze fell with shame as she wiped the tears that stained her cheeks as Gold again turned to leave. "I wonder how Emma would –" In a flash, Gold gripped Regina's throat, holding up the golden chain. Regina's gasp was caught in her throat, scratching at his hand to release her.
"You are in no position to threaten me, Regina…" he growled; his face mere inches from hers. "You will not say a word to Emma of any of this, or I will summon the wraith." He released her and stepped back; Regina's hand flew to her throat as she coughed, gasping for breath.
"I need…that book; I need magic to get my son back." Regina said hoarsely, still catching her breath.
"First, you will get Emma and Snow back." He said, confidant that Regina wouldn't be any real trouble as long as she bore that mark. Regina nodded in agreement and with a flick of his wrist, a book appeared in his hand. Regina's eyes widened as she stood, stretching out her hands.
"Careful, these are straight up spells, dearie. It was your choice then and it will be your choice again what you will become." he cautioned, handing her the book. Regina sank to the edge of the bed, her gaze intensely focused on the book she once hated. "Sweet dreams, your majesty…" the words were laced with malice; lacking any respect as he mocked her. With that, Gold left her room feeling more conflicted than ever.
Giving Regina her power back was the last thing that he wanted; he also knew that he alone could never get Emma or Snow back. All magic came with a price, and he just hoped it wouldn't be paid by someone he loved. Gold walked out the front door into pitch blackness, limping down the walkway. Emma just fought a fire breathing dragon and won; he was confident that she could handle just about anything she encountered. Regardless, he knew he wouldn't rest until she was safely home.
Cora had untied both Emma and Mary Margaret and Emma still knelt beside her unconscious mother. "Cora…I'm Emma. This is M–"
"Snow White; I know…she's my step-granddaughter." Emma stood from Mary's side at the revelation.
"Which would make you Regina's mother…" Cora nodded, looking somewhat displeased. Emma's mind reeled at the confusing aspects of this ever growing dysfunctional family tree. She wondered what her blood relatives were like.
"Yes, my daughter; the one who created this terrible curse…the apple fell very far from the tree I assure you." Before Emma could say another word, Mary stood between herself and Cora. The intense glare she got from Mary almost frightened Emma, as Mary gripped her arms.
"Oh sweet Snow; I'm so relieved you're alright. What a lovely young woman you've grown into." Cora said sweetly. Mary focused intensely on Emma, ignoring the woman behind her.
"Emma, if you think Regina is evil; this woman is worse. Don't trust her and don't talk to her." Mary whispered emphatically.
"Oh, Snow; whatever my daughter told you was a lie."
"I think we should hear her out…" Emma whispered to Mary.
"No…" Mary said obstinately, turning to face Cora. "Is that why this land was protected; because Regina didn't want to bring you over?"
"I mean you no harm. I only want to help you, Snow."
"Help me? Like you helped Regina and Daniel?" Mary said venomously. Emma was shocked at the rage that was etched on Mary's face; she could only assume that Daniel was Regina's lost love that Gold spoke of. She knew that Regina blamed Mary for his death and she watched the ensuing exchange with rapt interest.
"Oh, that stable boy ran off and broke –"
"Do you think that I am blind?" Mary shouted incredulously; taking both Emma and Cora by surprise. "I was only ten years old the last time I saw you – trusted you, and I remember how horribly that turned out. Your daughter walked me to Daniel's grave and told me that you ripped out his heart and that it was my fault for telling you her secret. Then she handed me a poison apple and forced me to choose. You used me and everyone in this land has paid the price for that for twenty-eight years. I will not make the mistake of trusting you again…" At that Mary turned and looked Emma dead in the eye.
"And neither will you." Mary pulled Emma with her as she went to the cell door, screaming for the guards. "What are you doing?" Emma asked in hushed tones.
"We aren't staying in here with her. Guards!" Mary shouted again.
"We are in a dungeon with no way out –" Emma began, before Mary fired back.
"And if there was a way out, she would have found it and exploited it." Mary snapped, pointing to Cora. "She is useless to us and I don't want you subject to her manipulations. Guards!"
Emma watched Cora as Mary shouted beside her; the woman appeared perfectly calm for both being held in a dungeon and Mary's accusations. She tried to imagine the actual act of ripping someone's heart out and couldn't see the woman being that evil; but Emma has also never seen Mary so vengeful either. The thought never really occurred to her that if fairy tale characters are real, then so are all of the elements of stories. Fire-breathing dragons, poisoned apples, ripping people's hearts out; Emma suddenly regretted not reading more of them as a child. The world of fairy tales; of what they could possibly be facing here just became much more daunting.
So, I left Philip alive; I hope you don't mind. :) As always, please review; let me know what you think...what you liked, what you didn't like, etc.
Enjoying - to answer your question, I'm not honestly sure yet. This chapter might be as far as I delve into Regina's push into magic. But time will tell as I am inspired :)
and wooedatlast - as always; you're my favorite...such a compliment! :)