Sorry for the wait! School is crazy right now!

The next morning was Regina's favorite day, Sunday. It was the last day of the week, the last day of 'relaxation'.

Regina looked at her clock and frowned, it was only 7:30AM; why was she awake?

Regina looked around her room, nothing looked out of place, she got out of bed and put a robe on. She opened her door and listened for a second. Nothing, only the regular sounds of Henry snoring.

Regina made her way downstairs and looked around, the front door was still locked, with the chain on.

Regina made her way to the basement door. She opened the door and listened. She could hear rhythmic thumping. Then the thumping stopped and started again.

Regina slowly made her way down the stairs praying that she wasn't about to see something that would scar her for life.

When Regina made it down the stairs she saw Emma, jumping rope in a black sports bra and a pair of spandex shorts. Regina could see all of Emma's tattoos on display. She read the one on her upper right shoulder, 'Nobody can hurt me without my permission- Gandhi', then the one on her rib cage, 'Even death has a heart', the one on curving on her hip 'I am the architect of my own destruction', and the two at the base of her neck, 'Siempre Contigo' and 'Ohana'. Regina made a mental note to ask Emma about the tattoos at a later time.

Regina called out to Emma, "Emma?"

Emma didn't stop. Regina tried a little louder, "Emma!" Emma still didn't stop. Regina moved closer to try and get Emma's attention.

Regina was standing in front of Emma and watching her for a second. She had her eyes closed and had her headphones in blasting music. Whenever she messed up, she stopped righted the jump rope and started jumping again; Emma was in the zone. Regina realized that she wasn't going to be getting Emma's attention by just calling her name, so she looked around and saw a tissue box laying on the floor.

Regina grabbed a tissue and crumpled it into a ball. She then threw it at Emma.

Emma gasped and her eyes shot open, looked for the offender and the offending object. Emma took her headphones out and unclipped her iPod from her short, pressing pause.

Emma looked down at her feet and smirked as she saw the balled up tissue.

Regina smiled and said, "Sorry, you were in your own world and I didn't know how else to get your attention."

Emma smiled and said, "No problem. That is probably one of the smarter ways to get my attention-." Regina smiled back at Emma. Emma looked at the clock and winced "Oh geez, I'm sorry Regina. Did I wake you up? I was trying to be quiet."

Regina shook her head and said, "No, no. I woke up at this hour randomly. But I why are you up?"

Emma licked her lips and said, "I couldn't sleep. I usually go to the gym and work out but there is no gym here and the school gym is closed on the weekend."

Regina looked at Emma and nodded, "I see you work out a lot."

Emma chuckled and looked down at her body. Emma knew her six pack abs, firm thighs, and tones calfs were one of her more attractive qualities. "I guess. I mean its a way to work off energy."

Regina nodded, "Speaking of working out, I was hoping - wondering.. if you would be willing to take Henry to the person who trained you in self defense? I just, I want Henry to know how to protect himself."

Emma took a deep breath, "Regina.. I.. The person who trained me is back in New York, and I wasn't trained in self defense."

Regina looked at Emma confused, "What? You defended yourself and Henry just last night."

Emma licked her lips again and sat down on the bed. Emma looked at Regina and pointed to the desk chair. Regina took a seat knowing that what Emma was about to tell her, she would want to be sitting.

Emma waited until Regina was sitting before she started speaking.

"I defended myself and Henry yesterday, yes. But those weren't self defense moves. They are fighting moves, they are mean to harm, in some cases that can be used to kill."

Regina gasped but said nothing. Emma bit her lip and sadly looked at Regina, "I know David told you about Seth." Regina went to speak but Emma stopped her, "I knew he was going to tell you, he asked permission. The point is after them I was sent to a group home in NYC, this was before I met David and Killian. This home was awful. The adults just wanted the check and the kids were always fighting: for the last scrap of food, the last clean shirt, the last toothbrush. It was always a fight. The kids at school weren't much better Once they knew you were a foster kid you had a target on your back. I was walking back from school when three boys tried to jump me. I was able to fight one of them off, but the other two were really wailing on me. Until a side door opened and a big beefy dude comes out yelling for us to scram."

Regina looked at Emma in horror. "I was still down when the beefy guy picked me up and brought me inside. Turns out the place was a boxing/kickboxing/MMA gym. The owner Tony was the one who taught me to fight."

Regina was still confused, "I don't understand Emma. What's the difference between him teaching you to fight and to defend yourself?"

Emma ran a hand through her hair, "Tony taught me to fight, to go into a ring and fight my way out."

Regina gasped and placed her hand over her mouth, "Emma.. That- That can't be legal. You were a child!"

Emma sighed, "Regina.. Something you should know about the streets, you age fast. I may have been 13 but as far as everyone who mattered knew I was a young looking 16 year old run away looking to make some quick money."

Regina could only imagine what it must have been like for Emma. Regina was still curious, "What would happen in these fights? And don't say you fought."

Emma smirked and sighed again, "Well they were usually tap out or KO. That's the only way to win."

Regina repeated the words not knowing what it meant. Emma saw that Regina was confused and clarified, "Tap out is you double tap either the floor or your opponents body, its basically a forfeit. KO is knocked out, you were hit so hard that you ended up knocked out."

Regina winced and asked, "Did you ever get umm. KOed?"

Emma nodded, "Twice. My very first fight and one where I was fighting with a cold"

Regina then asked, "How long were you doing this for before you went to back to Boston?"

Emma thought for a moment and said, "Only about two, maybe three months. I was living in the gym and going to school. One day there was a random check up and when my social worker discovered I wasn't in the group home like I was supposed to be she tracked me down and sent me back to Boston."

Regina nodded trying to absorb all of the information that Emma just told her.

Emma sighed and said, "Look, just because I needed my skills to survive doesn't mean that it isn't a good idea for Henry to know self defense. If you still want I will take you and Henry to see Tony."

Regina looked at Emma, "You wouldn't be able to teach him?"

Emma shook her head, "I don't know how to teach. I can train with him once he knows the moves but to teach them to him, I have no clue."

Regina nodded and asked, "Do you honestly think Tony is a good person to ask?"

Emma thought for a moment, "Honestly, I think you could find someone closer to teach self defense if it is only the bullies you are worried about, but if you want someone to teach Henry to defend himself always Tony is a really good bet. Just know that Tony always wants something in return, and his fee might be pretty hefty."

Regina nodded and said, "I am willing to pay."

Emma nodded and said, "If you want to do this I would suggest going today.. and follow up next weekend."

Regina looked at Emma shocked, "Today? As in like right now?"

Emma nodded, "Tony only makes deals on Sunday's. Don't ask me why, just the way he operates."

Regina nodded, "Alright then.. I'll get dressed and wake Henry. Would you mind if I invite Kathryn along?"

Emma shook her head and said, "I'll call David and ask to borrow his truck."

Regina stopped and looked at Emma, "I do have a perfectly good working car."

Emma smiled and said, "I know, that's why we need something that will blend in more. We don't want that perfectly good working car to end up stripped for parts do we?"

Regina grunted and continued up the stairs. Emma just laughed and went to go take a shower.

20 minutes later Regina and Henry were sitting in the kitchen drinking a strawberry and banana smoothie.

Emma came from downstairs wearing a pair a sweatpants, a white tank top, and a pair of old high top nike's. Emma had a sweatshirt in her arms and a duffle on her shoulder.

Emma smiled and said, "I wouldn't finish that smoothie if I were you kid."

Regina and Henry looked at Emma confused. Henry licked off his smoothie mustache and asked, "Why?"

Emma smirked and said, "Cause it doesn't taste as good coming back up"

Henry smiled and said, "Its cool, I have a stomach of steel."

Emma chuckled and said, "Alright, don't say I didn't warn you."

Henry shrugged and finished his smoothie while Emma grabbed a Cliff bar and a water.

Regina packed them a small bag filled with Gatorade, waters, and energy bars. Emma was halfway through her cliff bar when there was a knock at the door.

Emma, Regina, and Henry grabbed their stuff and headed for the door. Conveniently enough both David and Kathryn were standing at the door.

David smiled and said, "She is full of gas. Don't scratch her please."

Emma smiled and said, "I will take care of her. Promise!"

Emma led Regina, Henry, and Kathryn over to the truck. Emma started her up and waved bye to David once everyone was piled in.

The drive wasn't terrible but it was long. They wen't through all of the CD's in the car and resorted to listening to the radio as a source of musical distraction.

It was late afternoon when Emma pulled into a back alleyway in the Bronx. Emma turned the truck off and told Regina to cover her watch with her sleeve.

Emma put her hood up and got out of the truck. Not wanting to be left alone in an unknown area Regina, Kathryn and Henry quickly followed behind Emma.

Emma locked the truck and led them down the block and into one of the alleyways. Ignoring the homeless sleeping and sitting on the sidewalk Emma stopped at a metal door and slammed her hand into the door four times.

They could hear the echo from the powerful hits.

Emma turned to them and said, "When we get inside don't speak. They are going to search you don't fight it."

Before they cold question anything Emma had said, the metal door swung open and a burly, bodybuilder looking man emerged. Regina, Henry, and Kathryn all jumped in surprise while Emma stood stock still.

The man gave Emma a once over and then looked towards Regina, Kathryn and Henry.

Emma then spoke, "They are with me. Tell Tony Amanda is here to see him."

The burly man grunted and slammed the door closed. Emma hadn't moved but Kathryn and Regina were looking at each other with mild concern.

A few minutes later the metal door reopened and Emma, Regina, Kathryn, and Henry were led inside.

They were taken through what looked like a old packaging plant. There was strips of paper all over.

They were led to a door which led downstairs. When they reached the bottom of the stairs they saw a dimly lit boxing ring and a lot of work out equipment.

Kathryn and Regina were too busy looking around to notice that two other men had walked towards them.

They both jumped when the men touched their shoulders.

Kathryn went to say something when she caught Emma's stern look that said 'let it go'.

They were all patted down, including Henry. When the beefy men gave a nod a door was opened.

A aging man walked out. He was average height, with grey and black hair. He wore a track suit and New Balance sneakers.

Emma laughed and said, "Looks like you haven't changed your outfit in almost 3 years."

The man snapped his head to look at Emma. One of the burly men grabbed Emma by the upper arm. Emma growled, "Unhand me"

The older man just smirked but said nothing. Regina was about to tell the man to unhand Emma, when the man squeezed Emma's arm tighter. Emma then grabbed his finger with her free hand and snapped it back, breaking it. She then punched the man in the chest. He fell to the ground coughing not expecting such a hard hit.

The older man started clapping, "Emma, you haven't changed a bit. Glad you still got it."

Emma closed her eyes and turned back to look at the older man.

Emma shrugged and said, "Well Tony, some things never leave us."

Tony nodded and said, "Ain't that the truth. What are you doing here kid? I thought you were out of the business."

Emma nodded, "I am. I'm here to ask a favor." Tony lifted an eyebrow intrigued. "I want you to teach the kid here how to defend himself."

Tony looked Henry over and looked back at Emma, "He have any experience?"

Emma shook her head, "No, clean slate."

Tony nodded and said, "It's gonna cost you." He then looked at Regina and Kathryn, "Or should I say you?"

Regina took a step forward, "Me. He is my son. I am willing to pay."

Tony looked back at Emma and asked, "She good for it?"

Emma nodded and said, "Yeah."

Tony nodded a little and said, "Ok, but I want one other thing."

Emma bit her lip and Regina moved from foot to foot waiting to know what else Tony demanded.

Tony looked at Regina and said, "Two grand for 2 months. He comes every other weekend."

Regina sighed and nodded, "What is the other thing?"

Tony then looked over to Emma and said, "I want Emma back in the ring. At least two fights."

Regina shook her head, "No way. Emma doesn't do that anymore."

Tony tilted his head and said, "Fine, no Emma no deal."

Regina was shocked, "You want a teen to go into the ring for you?! I will double the two grand, just leave Emma out of it."

Tony shook his head, "No way. Emma could make me four times that much in one fight. Sorry lady, no deal."

Emma looked at Regina and Henry, they both looked a little bummed. Emma groaned and said, "I'll do it."

Regina and Henry looked at Emma shocked, Regina stuttered and said, "N-no. No way! No way in Hell!"

Emma quickly walked over to Regina and said, "Shh.. I really don't want to be shot at today. I told you Tony likes to make deals, and that you're gonna have to pay. I'll do the fight."

Tony smirked and said, "Good. We start training now."

Regina called out, "Wait, now? They have school in the morning."

Henry then chimed in, "Actually we only have classed Thursday and Friday. Professional days for the teachers."

Regina groaned remembering that it was that time of year when the teachers get together and try to come up with better teaching methods.

Tony smiled and said, "Good, its settled. Emma get taped up, I want you ready to go. Lets see how much work we have. As for you kid, follow Emma get tapped and get on the treadmill. That speed starts at 3 and you increase every 10 minutes until I say to stop. You don't bitch and you don't get off unless you are about to piss or shit yourself, vomit, or pass out. You got it?"

Henry quickly nodded and followed behind Emma.

Regina and Kathryn stood shocked at all that had just happened.

10 minutes later Emma was in a pair of spandex shorts and a sports bra again. Her hair was tied into a messy bun, her hands were tapped in yellow boxing tape.

Henry was in soccer shorts and a t-shirt. Tony synced the treadmill with his phone and left Henry to begin his run.

Emma walked over to Regina and Kathryn and said, "Call David let him know we are keeping his truck longer than planned and that he can use my bike if he wants. Also call a hotel, someplace with a tub."

Regina nodded and pulled out her smartphone. Tony then called Emma over to the ring where the large burly man was standing , "Come on honey buns we don't got all night."

Emma rolled her eyes and got into the ring. Regina and Kathryn watched Emma as she fought the man, who they discovered was named Loco. Emma took Loco down easy the first couple of rounds. It was on the fifth round that Loco got a good hit and Emma went down. At the same time Henry jumped off the treadmill and promptly vomited into a nearby trashcan.

Tony laughed and said, "Good Emma! Not bad. Now get up, grab the kid and get out of here. I'll see you tomorrow."

Emma nodded and was helped up by Loco. Loco gave her a pat on the back and followed behind Tony into his office.

Emma climbed out of the ring, got the tape cut off, and her check iced.

Henry finally finished emptying the contents of his stomach and groaned against the wall. Emma walked over and helped him up.

Emma grabbed her and Henry's stuff and helped Henry back over to where Regina and Kathryn were sitting.

Regina looked Henry over and wiped the sweat from his brow and pushed his hair back.

They all left the building and made their way back to the truck. Before Emma started the truck, to head towards the hotel, she handed Henry a bottle of Ginger Ale.

Henry groaned a thankful, "Thank you!"

Emma nodded and started the truck, "Hey Hen, next time I tell you don't drink a smoothie, maybe you should listen."

Henry groaned and took a small sip, "No more smoothies... Ever!"

Emma chuckled and took off. These next few days were going to be hell.

Here is chapter 7. While here in NYC there will be more of Emma's background. Maybe run into some old 'friends'. Never know.

Hope you enjoyed! Please review! I love reading reviews, they make my day! :)