Red Apple, Green Apple
Chapter 5
Disclaimers::: I do not own OUAT or it's characters, just my colorful imagination. So Zelena is sorry for being the worst sister in all the realms. But how long will it take for the good people of Storybrooke to believe she really is sorry? Especially Regina. Can Emma help to keep the peace between the Mills sisters? Or is Regina too angry to let this go just yet? Can Robin help her forget? Or is it too much for Regina to handle? What are the Charmings up to? Will Ruby catch on to what's really going on with our Emma Swan? Or is she too distracted? Hmmm… How will the meeting between Emma and the dragon go? How will the Queens of Darkness handle the fact Rumple is gone now? Replaced by Emma… What do the Charmings plan to do with Zelena? How will Hook deal with what Emma said to him? Will he back off respectively or do something stupid? So many questions, so much happening!
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Hook ordered more rum and told them to keep it coming. Ruby told him to take it easy as she tried to figure out how to tell Hook while he was still sober enough.
Ruby knew it wasn't her place to say anything but she felt she had to at least try to make the pirate understand what was going on with Emma. "She isn't under a spell. She's the dark one now. She killed Rumple while trying to protect the mother of her child…"
"Regina? You're talking about Henry and Regina?" Hook asked.
Ruby rolled her eyes, remembering what Emma told Killian. "Remember she said she got another woman pregnant but is in love with someone who is not carrying her child. That's the woman she sacrificed herself for. She didn't do it for love. She did it for her baby. And yeah she probably cares for THAT woman. And she's protective of her. She's just too good of a person. But now she's the dark one. She probably sees things differently. She's not the Emma you know anymore. That doesn't mean she's under a spell per say. Are you listening to me?" She saw that Hook seemed distracted, not just by the rum he was drinking, but by whatever he was thinking about.
"Aye, it's the crocodile's fault and Regina's faut and that woman's fault. They're all gonna pay. Who did she knock up anyway? That's jus impossible ya know. She's all woman." He giggled.
"No! Killian... That's not…" Ruby started and then her eyes grew wide as she thought about what Hook was saying. The only way Emma could knock up someone was through really powerful magic or unless…
Ever since she knew Emma, she sensed certain things about her. She knew she was different. But didn't think much about it. She was distracted by way too many things to realize there was something going on with Emma Swan in more ways than one. Snow distracted her, Granny distracted her, hell even her own sexuality distracted her. Men and women distracted her. Well women more so than the opposite sex lately.
She had not had time to sit down with Emma and really talk with her. And she'd wondered why Emma had been avoiding her. She'd been so self involved with her own problems to see that something was bothering her friend. She groaned and rubbed her face as she realized Emma was going through a rough patch of her own and probably felt alone and disconnected. She remembered when Snow told her how she blamed herself for how Emma always felt alone. There were so many things going on with Emma and she'd been too blind to see it.
Snow was too obsessed over having a baby and when she did, it was almost as if Emma were just an afterthought. David was always fawning over his wife and son that he had not noticed Emma working overtime and taking his shifts so he could be with his family. The family Emma was also supposed to be a part of. They'd excluded her without thinking about it. Emma had been working way too much for them to notice they hadn't seen her much.
And ever since the whole situation with Zelena, Ruby had blamed herself for what Zelena put them through, that she had not noticed certain things about Emma. Her aura, her scent, her powers were a few details she hadn't paid attention to. Emma was way too powerful to be just a Savior. And she remembered several times when the Charmings had distanced themselves from Emma, afraid of her powers. They wanted to shield Neal from their "daughter". The same daughter they'd sent through the wardrobe as a baby. Now that they had Neal, they focused all their time and energy on their son, forgetting about Emma. And to top it off, already, they were making decisions for Emma regarding Zelena and their unborn child without running it by Emma first. Instead, they'd called a meeting with people that had absolutely nothing to do with Emma and her life. Well Ruby was supposed to be her godmother and her friend. She hadn't done a very good job of doing that lately. Well it was time do do something to change that. She looked at the Pirate and rolled her eyes. "Look Killian. Stay out of it. Don't do anything stupid. Ugh…" She realized he was too far under the influence of alcohol to really comprehend anything she was saying. She didn't trust him not to make a fool out of himself. She looked at the bartender and told him to cut him off. He wasn't going to consume any more alcohol that night. Not if there was something she could do about it. She called David and asked him to bring Killian to the station and put him in a cell to sleep off the liquor he'd downed. She told David she didn't trust Killian to be around Emma, Regina or even Zelena. He needed to be put where they could keep an eye on him.
"Well, I'm not going to be able to watch him. Snow and I have plans…" David started.
Ruby felt like she wanted to strangle him. "Fine! Let me watch him. I'll stay at the station and keep watch myself!" She hung up on him and waited until he arrived before following him to the station.
The moment she arrived, she saw Zelena there and growled softly, already feeling like this was going to be a long night. As soon as they got the drunk pirate into the other cell next to Zelena, Ruby sat down on the couch. David left immediately after he told Zelena they were not done. They had plans and were going to make sure to keep her away from Emma and make sure Zelena would never be able to see her baby again.
Ruby was appalled by what David said to the redhead. She shook her head, not liking where this was going at all.
Zelena watched Ruby, surprised to see the wolf didn't like what David said either. "You do realize Emma isn't going to let them do that to me?"
Ruby shrugged, but then nodded. "I know. You know Emma wouldn't want this for you even after what you did to her."
Zelena nodded. "I know." This time, she didn't have a sassy remark to make. She didn't try to be snide or to trade insults.
Ruby frowned, noticing something seemed to have changed. But she was still wary of the redhead. "I'm curious about something. Just how in the hell did she knock you up?"
Zelena finally smirked. "I'm surprised you haven't figured that out already. Aren't you wolves supposed to have this super keen sense of smell?"
Ruby blinked and looked down for a moment before meeting the redhead's gaze. She noticed how she kept rubbing her belly and for some reason, that made her feel uneasy. It reminded her of the measures Zelena took to take advantage of Emma. She wondered if she had gotten pregnant on purpose, hoping to trap Emma. "I've been… Distracted." Ruby bit her lip. "Did you get pregnant on purpose?" She gave her a hard stare. The kind that looked through Zelena. Just exactly the way a wolf would.
Zelena looked back at her with an amused smile. "That's two questions. Are you here to interrogate me? Or will you let me answer your questions? I'm not here to cause problems. Not anymore." She showed Ruby her wrists.
Ruby's eyes grew wide as she realized Zelena was no longer wearing that bracelet that prevented her from using magic. "Who took it off? Why haven't you tried to escape? Regina's not going to like this…"
Zelena laughed. "I'm sure she won't like it. Emma took it off as a sign of good faith. She wants me to be able to protect myself should anyone try to do something to me. I have her permission. Especially since she doesn't want any harm to come to me or our baby."
Ruby then asked, "So are you going to tell me how she got a baby in you?"
Zelena chuckled. "You really wanna know don't you. I mean, you turn into a wolf. Did you really think you were the only shapeshifter in town? I mean she could have chosen to use magic with me that night, to create my little green bean. She truly surprised me, that one. When we created this baby, she shaped shifted into something so beautiful, so magnificent. But then she changed herself again so we could really enjoy ourselves. I changed my appearance because I knew who she really wanted to make love with. And it wasn't me. I just needed to make it happen, I know now it wasn't the right way to go about it, but it happened. I always knew she was different. And yes, I planned for this to happen since day one. I've been watching her since even before she was born. I know who she really is, who she was meant to be. Emma and I understand each other so very well. We've both been abandoned, rejected because of our powers, feared for being different. Before Emma became the dark one, she had a lot of repressed memories. A lot of anger and trust issues. She's never been able to connect with her supposed parents. Before I met her, I used to think I had gotten the short end of the stick. I hated my sister for so many wrong reasons. And it was only recently that Emma has shown me the errors of my ways. I regret what I've done whether you believe it or not. But I do not regret this baby I have growing inside me." Zelena smiled.
Ruby was reeling from everything Zelena revealed to her. "So you expect me to believe you've changed overnight? What you did was really really wrong on so many counts. Emma is my goddaughter. I know I should have been there for her. She's also my friend and I don't like what the Charmings are doing to her, to you and that baby. It's going to take time for me to really believe you've changed. I was hoping to get the chance to talk with Emma. But at the same time, I have to make sure that idiot pirate doesn't actually carry out his threats against you, or Regina."
Zelena knew Ruby was telling it like she saw it and she didn't blame her for not being ready to believe her story just yet. "He wants to hurt us? Why?"
Ruby scoffed as she shrugged. "Emma dumped him earlier and he doesn't want to accept that. He has this idea she's under a spell. I tried to explain but he just refused to listen." She sighed. "He blames you both for some reason. Says it's impossible for her to get a woman pregnant when she's all woman. He actually giggled when he said that. Honestly… I'm glad she dumped him. She deserves better than that."
Zelena laughed then. "All woman? Really? Well she is that and so much more. When I said she was a shapeshifter, I meant it. She can do anything, be whatever she wants to be. I notice she's more beast than anything else though…" She saw the way Ruby seemed shocked at what she was saying. "Well Wolf Girl, you asked. You do realize what this means… With her being a shapeshifter. She's not… I mean I knew it already when I watched the Charmings. They think Emma's…"
Ruby gasped as it hit her hard. "Wait a minute… Why are you telling me all this… This is information overload. I mean it sounds like you're saying…"
Zelena nodded. "I know what it sounds like. Think about it. Why do you think Emma has never been able to connect with the Charmings?"
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Regina was at the mansion with Robin. The merry men had taken Roland for the evening. She was trying very hard to forget what happened, and had drank two tumblers of her hard cider.
Robin noticed something was wrong. "Regina, you're upset. What is it?"
Regina gulped down her drink. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Regina please. Come on. There must be a way I can make you feel better. I told the John to take Roland. We have the place to ourselves. Henry is staying with his friends. It's the perfect time to relax and unwind. Come, let me see if I can make you feel better." Robin kissed Regina and pulled her upstairs.
Regina sighed and allowed him to lead the way. Robin pulled her into the master bedroom and began taking her clothes off. He got rid of his clothes quickly and they got onto the bed. He opened her legs and got himself settled between her thighs. His erection was ready to penetrate her. But before he could push inside her, she stopped him, putting her hand on his chest. She didn't want this. Not when she had someone else on her mind. A part of herself felt angry. She felt as if she wanted something she wasn't allowed to have. Not when Emma belonged with her sister. Or so she thought. She felt as if she were punishing herself. But Robin being there was not something she could handle right now. "I can't do this. Stop." She tried to move away, but Robin wouldn't move just yet.
"Regina. Let me make you feel good. We can do this. I love you and I want to put a smile on your face again. Don't push me away. Not now, not when you need me…"
"That's just it Robin! I don't need you. I don't want to do this. Not with you." Regina sighed, pushing him off her as she sat up and moved her legs so he was no longer between them,
Robin had a crestfallen look on his face. "Not. With. Me. Regina? Is there someone else?"
Regina rolled her eyes as she magicked her clothes back on and looked at the man in her bed. "You can find your way out. Don't come back."
Robin was dumbstruck. "Why? What did I do wrong?"
Regina scoffed. "It's not you. It never has been and never will be. It's me. And I have to deal with it. Stop. Don't try to make me feel better." She opened the door. "I need to figure things out for myself. But you being here, it's not helping. You need to leave. Don't make me ask again."
Robin had a very dejected look on his face as he took his sweet time getting dressed. "Regina…"
Regina gave an annoyed huff as she flicked her wrist and used magic to get him out of her house. She sent him back to the forest where his son and the merry men were. She then moved downstairs and took out Emma's favorite mug and made herself some coffee.
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Emma had gone to the cabin in the woods, knowing that was the last place Rumple had been before she'd gone and killed him. Belle was keeping to herself and had heard what happened to Rumple, but had decided to take time for herself to mourn his death. She still had no idea what Rumple had planned to do and that was the way Emma wanted it for now. She needed to address some issues before she could do something about it. More precisely, do something about the Charmings. She'd been appalled and disgusted by everything she'd learned since becoming the dark one. She knew things Rumple had kept from her and she was glad she'd killed him. Now she was at the cabin, it was time to introduce herself to the occupants residing there at the moment. She entered, using the key that had been in Rumple's possession when she destroyed him.
The moment Emma stepped inside, everyone looked at her in surprise.
"What do you think you're doing here? Can't you see this place is occupied darling?" Cruella replied. Not noticing right away that things had changed.
Ursula sat up, taking an instant interest as her tentacles moved when she stood up. "What did you do with Rumplestiltskin, child?" She was very interested in what happened. "You killed him?"
Maleficent inhaled deeply and then gasped as she looked at Emma. "Its you… Rumple said he would help me… But… Now you're here and… We need to talk darling. Oh Emma!" She moved to take Emma into her arms, much to the surprise of her friends.
"Mal?" Cruella was confused. "What's going on?"
Ursula blinked in surprise. "Darling, I think Mal just found one of her daughters."
The moment Emma felt Maleficent pull her into her arms, everything clicked into place. Everything that felt wrong to her, suddenly felt right. They inhaled deeply, memorizing each other's scents. "Oh Mom! I finally found you."
Maleficent laughed through her tears. "Oh darling! I love you so much! I'm so glad you're here. We need to make up for lost time. We need to talk. You're so beautiful! You killed that imp. Good. That needed to happen." She looked at her friends. "I need to talk with my daughter alone. We will meet for a late dinner. Perhaps at Granny's?" She looked at Emma.
Emma smiled in agreement. "Granny's is perfect."
Maleficent smiled before looking at Cruella and Ursula. "Let's meet there later around 7 or so tonight. I'm sure everyone will be surprised to see we're in town. That should be fun."
Emma chuckled, liking the way she thought. "I love it. Nice to meet you two." Cruella smiled back as did Ursula.
"Have fun you two. Maybe we'll say hello to Storybrooke." They left Emma alone with her birth mother.
Maleficent smiled knowingly as she pulled Emma with her and they sat on the sofa together and began to talk about what happened, how everything took place and how Emma had a sister out there that needed to come home.
Ever since Emma had become the dark one, finding out certain things about the Charmings who had hurt her mother, herself and her sister, she'd wanted to confront them, to talk about their hypocrisy. How they were now threatening to do the same to Zelena and their unborn child. They were quick to talk about doing something like that without giving a thought to separating a mother from her child like they'd done with Maleficent. And since becoming the dark one, she knew certain things about her sister, things that made her so glad she killed Rumple. When she found out it was Lily, she'd been so tempted to go on a rampage through town, setting things on fire. Like Maleficent, she was a dragon through and through. She then proceeded to tell her mother about Zelena and what happened and what Zelena knew about certain things. Several times, Maleficent had wanted to go and punish Zelena until she'd explained what she had done with her, how she had been remorseful and what the Charmings were planning to do with her. She spoke about her feelings for Regina and how Zelena was her half sister and Zelena had until recently, hated Regina with a passion. As a result, she'd gotten pregnant by her on purpose. She told her mother everything that happened. Even about Henry and how his birth came to be.
Maleficent was happy to know she had a grandson. She was looking forward to meeting him. But first, Emma would need to break the news to him about the fact the Charmings were not her real parents.
"You know, I'm surprised your dragon has not attacked Zelena, knowing she's not your true mate. There must be an explanation for why she hasn't retaliated against her for violating you like that. Dragons are very territorial and possessive of their mates. I will have to do some research on that. But yes, we need to protect Zelena at all costs. Even from Regina. We cannot let those Charmings get their hands on her or your child. They have no right to touch your family. I think Zelena falls under family now and Regina will need to accept that. Maybe we better make a stop at the station before we go to the diner. Do you think Zelena still deserves to be locked up?" Maleficent asked.
Emma sighed. "She has done so many things that people will never be able to forgive. They will not understand it if I decided to set her free. I would much rather she be free. And she has her powers back. I gave her permission to use her powers to protect herself and those she loves. As long as she doesn't attack anyone unprovoked, she would be free to be herself. The problem is people are afraid of her and would attack her first and ask questions later."
Maleficent nodded in agreement. "We do have this cabin. Nobody else uses it. Maybe we could move Zelena here and we could keep mother and child safe. We need to talk with Zelena to make sure she understands what to expect, having a child with you. Especially since your child will be very powerful. Her power is much different than Regina's. And we better find a way for those sisters to come to terms with what happened."
Emma nodded. "I agree with you on everything you've said. I want to make sure they are safe. And find a way to get Regina and Zelena to work out their differences. I still need to talk with Regina. But first, let's go to the station."
Maleficent smiled, hugging her daughter tightly and kissing her cheek. "I'm so happy to have you back in my life darling. Soon we will get your sister home where she belongs. I love you and I'm so proud of you."
"I love you too mom." Emma sighed, feeling so much better now that they talked about everything that happened. She wasn't going to let anyone hurt her family ever again, and she was going to do everything she could to woo Regina and make her realize they belonged together. Emma was heads over heels in love with her Queen and she was going to make sure she knew it. They left in a dark cloud of smoke.
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By the time they'd arrived at the station, Emma noticed a few things. One, Killian was there, drunk and belligerent. He was angry to be in jail and was demanding Ruby to call either Emma or David to see about getting him out so he could take care of the Mills sisters. Two, she realized Ruby was there, keeping watch when David was supposed to be doing his job. Three, Ruby was actually defending Zelena, telling Killian that there was no way Emma would allow Killian to touch Zelena or Regina or the baby Zelena had growing inside her.
"If you try, you better believe I will be more than happy to gnaw on your bones!" Ruby shot back at him.
Killian sneered. "Emma wouldn't let you, dog breath."
Ruby's eyes glowed amber when he called her that. "I'm a wolf not a damned dog you dumb pirate! You don't think Emma will let me rip you limb by limb if it means protecting the mother of my goddaughter's baby?!"
Killian scoffed at Ruby. "She won't because I will do what it takes and she'll thank me for it later. She's my girl. She will let me if she knows what's good fer her."
Emma had heard enough. She heard the truth of what Ruby was saying as she spoke. It had touched her deeply where it counted the most. She allowed herself to be seen, showing up with Maleficent at her side. She startled Ruby at first and when she saw Ruby's eyes mist over, she moved and hugged Ruby tightly. She'd heard every thought Ruby had, her regrets and her sorrow for not having been there for Emma when she needed someone to be there for her. How angry she was with Snow and Charming for what they were planning to do to Zelena. She'd seen that Granny was also of the same mind as Ruby. She'd also seen conversation Ruby had with Zelena earlier. Emma knew everything that happened, having seen it all unfold in her mind as she hugged her. She wiped a stray tear that escaped from Ruby's eye and smiled at her. "Thank you Rubes. I love you too, and I appreciate you wanting to protect Zelena. I know that can't be easy. Everything has been very hectic lately, but it's going to be okay. I know I'm the dark one, but I'm still me." She smiled as she shared a look with her mother. "I want you to meet someone special. This is my mom, Maleficent."
Ruby was thoroughly shocked when she heard Emma introduce Maleficent as her mother. She inhaled deeply, recognizing that scent coming from Emma, the scent of chocolate, cinnamon and burnt marshmallows. Suddenly it made sense. "I should have known! I've been so distracted by everything that's happened that it didn't register with me, that something was going on with you. I'm so sorry Emma. I'm sorry for everything that's happened. I should have been a better friend to you."
Emma hugged Ruby again. "Hey it's okay. I'm not upset with you. I mean you have your own life and everything and I just didn't…"
"No Emma! I was supposed to be your godmother. I knew Snow and Charming were not being the parents you needed. I should have said something. Hell I even snapped at Snow earlier today when I was fed up with what she's been doing…" Ruby tried to explain.
Emma stopped her again. "I know Rubes. You don't need to apologize to me for anything. I'm the dark one. I know your feelings, your thoughts, everything that's happened. You're willing to look past what Zelena did. She knows what she did was wrong and she wants to make amends. I know what she did, and it's between me and Zelena. She's pregnant with our child and there is nothing I wouldn't do for them. We're a family now and so are you Rubes. You were willing to protect Zelena and our baby. I would do the absolute same for you." She smiled, seeing that Ruby had tears falling down her cheeks. "Zelena also knows I love Regina. I'm going to do whatever it takes to make sure Regina knows it too. I need to bring our family together and get Regina to mend fences with Zelena. I know it may take a while, but I'm hoping it will happen."
Ruby nodded. "You know Snow and David are trying to do what it takes to keep Zelena away from you. If they know you're in love with Regina, they will not let that happen. Just thought I'd let you know. Snow talks a good game when it suits her. But considering the history she has with Regina, Snow acts like she is good and pure, but I know she tries to convince everyone to go along with whatever she does. She really really doesn't like it that you and Regina share a son. That's why she tried so hard to get you to take Henry away from her. I don't think she ever wanted Regina to be happy. Like I said, she talks a good game. That's just who she is."
Emma nodded, understanding what Ruby was getting at. "Believe me, they don't get a say in my life. Not anymore. Not since they stole me and my sister from our mother."
Ruby gasped upon hearing Emma had a sister and hearing that the Charmings stole them from Maleficent. "They did what again?! You're telling me they did what they plan to do with Zelena and your child before? Damn! Oh no way in hell will I let them do this a second time again!" She promised. "And you have a sister? How dare they?! That's it! I'm done with them!" She was furious.
Killian had a hard time following anything that was happening. He was still too drunk to grasp the concept of what happened. "Good fer them! Maybe they can get rid of Zelena and then you and I can go home love." He smirked.
Ruby growled. "Let me at him! I'll take care of him for you Emma!" She was angry enough to do it for her.
Killian jeered at Ruby, taunting her and egging her on.
Emma growled, her eyes flashing neon green as she got into his face. She used her magic to get into the cell. "If you don't shut the hell up you good for nothing but shit pirate… I swear I will let Ruby tear you apart! I will be more than happy to lock her in there with you just so she can end you." Her nails had turned into talons and her teeth had gotten sharper. "I mean it. Killian. Please give me a reason to comply."
Zelena had a truly wicked smile on her face when she saw how Emma had gotten into his face like that. She didn't say it, but it turned her on. It was probably her hormones talking, but she liked it very much.
Maleficent had a proud smile on her face when she saw what her daughter had done. "Oh yes darling. I agree. That would be a perfect ending for the evening."
Emma smiled knowingly when she saw how much of a stupor Killian had gotten himself into, having been shocked by what Emma said and seeing how she'd changed like that, it had startled him and he had wet himself. "Believe me, pirate, one more word out of you… Just one, and I will let Ruby gnaw on your bones, alive." She sneered before moving out of the cell and to Zelena's. She smiled at the redhead. "Ready to get out of there?"
Ruby had grinned at Killian. Glad to see Emma put him in his place. But then she had been surprised to hear Emma was letting Zelena out. "But won't they be looking for her?" She asked.
"She will be staying with me and my friends. Nobody will mess with her as long as we are around. Besides, she's family now and that means she's under our protection." Maleficent replied.
Zelena smiled when she heard where she would be staying. "Will you stop by and visit?" She asked Emma. "Ruby is welcome to visit isn't she?"
Emma smiled. "Actually, I will be staying there too so you'll see me. Ruby can come and visit as long as nobody else knows where you're staying."
Zelena couldn't help herself. She was glad to hear that Emma would be near her. "Then, let's get out of here. Who else will be my bodyguards?" She asked.
Maleficent chuckled. "Cruella and Ursula. You're more than welcome to offer your services to protect Zelena."
Ruby laughed softly. "I am going to have to talk with Granny. I'm sure she would be glad I'm doing something good. She's not happy with Snow either." She smirked.
Emma grinned. "Then that works out perfectly." She looked at Zelena and smiled at her. "Lets go get you two fed." She offered Zelena her arm.
Zelena smiled at Emma as she took her offered arm. They then left in a cloud of dark smoke and arrived at the diner together, as a family.
