Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Next Step, Part Fifteen

By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki

" MOVE! " Jefferson jerked on the rope he had tied to Emma's wrist before taping her hands, causing her to stumble. The shoes he had given her were too big and made it hard for her to walk. Just when she'd get the hang of moving in them, he would yank the rope and make her lurch forward.

" I'm doing the best I can!" Emma replied sharply. " It's not easy in these shoes. "

" Well, sorry Cinderella. I could have left you barefoot, " Jefferson said.

Emma frowned. That would have not been good at all. The ground of the cemetery was filled with fallen branches and other scattered debris. The whole town was mess actually, most of those who were able to doing what they could to clean it up.

Main Street was still a wreck, scattered with overturned cars, torn out trees and gaping holes in the pavement as well as larger debris that had come off of the buildings. Most people opted just to walk but Emma couldn't afford to, not with her job. It made it a bit easier, leaving the intact bits of the street all hers. She did have to use some of her more creative driving abilities to navigate the town but at least the outlying areas were still mostly intact.

The public maintenance crew was small and working overtime but were poorly prepared to handle such a disaster. They had barely managed to take care of the incident at the mine. Of course, she could understand why it wasn't much bigger. When a town's frozen in time, not much really needed to be maintained because time didn't take a toll like it did in the real world.

Another harsh pull at her wrists brought her out of her thoughts... and crashing to the ground as her left shoe caught on a humped up root. She tried to push herself up on her bound hands but it was awkward at best. Jefferson had the flashlight and it wasn't doing much to help her see anything around her. She tried to push at the damp ground to get to her feet but it wasn't working.

She growled, " Help me, damn it! "

Jefferson let out an exasperated sigh and turned, grabbing her right arm. He pulled her to her feet, " Watch where you're going. "

" I can't see crap! " Emma hissed. " You've got the tiniest flashlight in creation and it's not giving me ANY light back here. "

" Then walk by my side, " Jefferson tightened his grip on her already tender arm. " And don't trip again. We've still got a long way to go. "

" Where are we going anyway? " Emma asked as he continued to drag her along.

" Haven't you figured it out by now? " Jefferson looked at her. " We're in the cemetery, going after Regina... "

Emma blinked, " Wait... you aren't taking me... "

" Yes I am, " Jefferson's smile grew sinister. " The Mills' Family mausoleum. "

Emma frowned, " We would have been a lot closer if we came from the north side of the cemetery. And I know my way from there. "

" We would have had to go through town to get there. There's already a search party looking for you and they have Red Riding Hood with them. She would have sniffed you out as soon as we passed through the middle of town. If they stopped me, Regina could keep on with what she's planing to do with Rumplestiltskin, " Jefferson said. His expression became serious, " And if that happens, you'll never be able to use your magic. "

Emma slumped a little, begrudgingly admitting he was right. " I guess you have a point. "

" What was that? I can't hear you when you mumble, " Jefferson leaned dangerously close, giving her a nose full of Old Spice and chai tea. The smell sickened her but not because it was unpleasant. It was because belonged to an unpredictable and dangerous madman that could easily dislocate her arms with a hard enough jerk to the rope that was cutting into her wrists.

" I said you have a point! " Emma growled. He was satisfied and moved back, Emma taking a breath once he had. A cold feeling settled in her stomach as she recalled what had happened the last time she had been in the mausoleum. Her heart ached as she recalled how Graham had wildly searched for his heart in the tiny place, trying to pry open urns and looking frantic as he insisted his heart was there somewhere before Regina appeared.

She hadn't believed him then, still thinking he was under some fever-induced delusion and even believing the supposed heart attack he had suffered had been a result of the same fever. She was beginning to see the light, for what it was worth. If only she had known then but the past was the past and could not be undone. The only thing she could do now was work for a better future, to do what fate had commissioned her to do and endure whatever came along, a prospect that made her feel like vomiting again.

" Good, " Jefferson's tone was short. He jerked the rope again, " Let's go. "

Mr. Gold stood in the kitchen, looking at the bottles he had found stashed in Belle's closet. He carefully examined the pills and the handwritten direction for what seemed like the hundredth time. He was hatching a plan but he would have to find some way to get to his underground sanctuary to enact it. In the process of destroying the ladder, Belle had also cut him off from the shelf that contained the lever that opened the secret entrance to it.

He thought about the shed not far from the house, pretty certain he had a ladder there that would put him within reach but he was afraid to set foot outside. He couldn't be to careful and was sure he would walk into an ambush if he did. It would be just like Regina to have one of her cronies waiting somewhere to get the jump on him while he was focused on something else. They numbered one less now but he still wasn't sure how many there were.

His idea involved slowly weaning her off of the drugs to keep the shakes and vomiting at bay. As he did that, he would slowly be releasing her from Regina's hold. He hoped so anyway. He wouldn't know until he tried.

With Jasmine and the mirror out of the picture, he figured it would be easier for her to regain her senses. It was two things that tethered her to the Evil Queen no more. How many other things did was still a mystery though. He looked at the pill bottles again, hoping his idea would work and not make Belle more ill.

He decided he would have to work with what he had in the kitchen, having a bad feeling about trying to go to the study. It was like there was hand on his shoulder, lightly pressing down and a small voice simply saying 'no'. He had learned long ago to listen to that little voice. A few times he hadn't and the results were disastrous.

He thought about what he would need if he were to stay in the kitchen. The silverware was similar to the tools he needed and would be passable substitutes. He looked around for bottles to place the finished products in, his eyes settling on the spice rack. He went to it, grabbing six bottles and dumping the contents of each into the garbage disposal.

He set the bottles with the pills before going to the drawers, looking for the other things he would need. He went to the silverware drawer, bringing out two spoons to crush the pills with. He then found a set of measuring spoons, which would come in handy when he had to mix the powders together. He put those things with the pills and decided to get to work to get his mind off the anxiety he was feeling over Emma.

He picked up one of the bottles and started to open it when the phone in the kitchen rang, shattering the silence. He set the pills down and went to it, snatching the receiver up and putting to his ear. " Yes? "

" I'm here but there's no sign of them, boss, " It was Frederick. " What should I do? "

" Where in the cemetery are you? " Mr. Gold frowned.

Frederick paused then said, " The north gate... Oh, wait. I think I just saw a flashlight. "

" It has to be them, " Mr. Gold said. " Follow it but be careful. We can't frighten Jefferson. He's insane and might harm Emma. "

" Right, boss. I'll be careful, " Frederick replied. He paused, " How is Miss Belle? "

" Resting still, " Mr. Gold frowned. He was still unsure what Jasmine had injected her with but at least she was sleeping. It looked like a deep sleep unmarred by frightening nightmare. She almost looked like she was under a sleeping spell.

He went cold, wondering if that was what it was indeed. He pushed the thought away, telling himself it was most likely a cocktail of all the drugs he had laid out on the counter. He looked at them, wondering just what shape she would be in if he began to give her the drugs. She would probably sleep a lot at first, perhaps giving him a chance to get Emma to a good place with her magic.

He wasn't certain how much of Belle's jealousy was Regina-induced though. There was the chance she had been brainwashed to not accept Emma but there was also a chance that it was all her, not wanting to have anyone take him from her. That would not become clear until Regina's influence was severed, he knew that much was true.

" Oh, okay. I just wanted to make sure. It would be awful if something happened to her while I was away, " Frederick said.

" It would but I don't believe Jasmine's intention was to harm her, " Mr. Gold said. " Just to bring her back to Regina's control. "

" Okay then, " Frederick said. He hushed suddenly then whispered, " They're walking to a crypt. Jefferson just kicked the door open. "

" Hang back for a few minutes then follow, " Mr. Gold instructed. " When the time is right, make your move. "

" Right boss, " Frederick said then hung up.

Mr. Gold placed the receiver back in the cradle then went back to the pills...

Jefferson looked at Emma, " Are you ready? "

Emma looked around the room. She hadn't been in it since she had been there with Graham. Everything looked the same, except maybe for another layer or two of dust. She frowned, " For what? "

Jefferson rolled his eyes as he let go of the rope. He reached into his jacket and got out a rather menacing looking knife. Just by looking at it, Emma could tell it had been sharpened to a razor edge. " To do this. "

" If it means I can get this tape off my hands then yes, " Emma held them up to stress the point. They were sweaty and had started to itch in the car. She was fairly certain she was having a reaction to the adhesive. She closed her eyes as he brought the knife to her hands, surprised when he cut the tape away with a gentle flick of the wrist, not injuring her at all.

Jefferson then pulled the tape off and tossed it away, " There. "

Emma looked at the rope then at him, " How about this? "

" I'm not ready to take that off yet, " He said as he put the knife away and moved the flashlight around the room slowly. " I need to make sure we don't have company. "

Emma waited then sighed, " I think we're alone. So where's this stuff you told me about? Hiding in the urns? "

Jefferson shook his head, pointing at the large marble vault that took up most of the space in the room. " No. There. Help me with this. "

" Help you what? " Emma looked down at the vault, knowing it contained the remains of Regina's father. The fact she had a father was a shock, figuring Regina had probably been hatched. A cold wave of realization washed over her. She took a step back, shaking her head, " Oh no. I'm not opening that. "

Jefferson narrowed his eyes, " Not to open it. We need to push it over. "

" Push... it over? " Emma didn't follow.

Jefferson frowned, " Do as you're told and I'll consider taking the rope off. "

Emma was ready for it to be taken off, the rough surface poking her and irritating her skin further. " Fine, " She sighed. " Where do I need to push? "

" Over here on the left, " Jefferson pointed.

Emma walked over then furrowed her brow when Jefferson didn't move to help her. " Well? "

" It's not that heavy, " Jefferson said. " If Regina can move it then you can too. I don't want you trying anything stupid... like knocking me down while I'm pushing. "

Emma rolled her eyes before placing her hands on the side of the vault. It slid, the sound of stone grinding against stone filling the room as a staircase that led downward. Emma gasped when it was fully revealed, not believing her eyes.

" What the Hell? " She whispered when she found her voice.

" Go down, " Jefferson nudged her to the steps, his face looking even more insane from the strange light that came from down below. " There's quite a few rooms down there and we really shouldn't waste any more time. "

Emma knew her eyes had to be as wide as a deer's in headlights. " What's down there? "

" I told you, " Jefferson replied. " Everything Regina brought with her to this world. "

" And you want me to go down there? " Emma pointed with her bound hands.

Jefferson nodded once, " That's why we're here. Or have you changed your mind about stopping Regina and Belle? "

Emma bit her lip as she thought it over. She had made up her mind to do whatever it took to rid the world of Regina's evil but this was a bit frightening to her. There was no telling what lay beneath their feet, if Regina had booby trapped the place they stood above or if she were there, waiting to attack them. Slowly, she held up her hands, " The ropes? "

Jefferson sighed, getting the knife out again. " I guess I made a promise. "

Emma closed her eyes as he sliced the rope swiftly and relaxed just a bit when she heard it hit the ground. She opened her eyes to see Jefferson gathering up the uncut length and placed it in his coat pocket. She blinked, " What are you saving that for? "

" In case you get brave... or stupid, " Jefferson said the last part in a low tone that made Emma shiver. He pointed to the stairs below them, " Now, ladies first. "

Emma wanted to say something to him but decided not to. She stepped carefully down on the first step, looking around the best she could in the narrow passage. The staircase wasn't that long and she could see a room at the bottom. What bothered her was the fact she couldn't see into that room.

" We haven't got all night, " Jefferson said sharply. " Walk. "

" How do I know this isn't a trap? " Emma asked just as sharply. It hadn't thought about it until that very moment, hoping it wasn't going to be something she would regret. If she got captured and Belle captured Mr. Gold then Storybrooke would be screwed.

" It's not a trap, " Jefferson said flatly. " I don't work for that bitch any more. "

" I hope not, " Emma said as she took a careful step forward. She scanned every new inch of the room that came into view as she went down, examining it the best she could in the dimly glowing light that filled it. As she got closer, she realized what she had thought was a wall was instead black curtains, drawn to hide something behind it.

Jefferson leaned over her shoulder, his breath pickling her skin. He exhaled against her, making her shiver involuntarily. " Go there first, " He whispered, his lips brushing the outside of her ear.

She nodded, stepping away from him and off the bottom step. She went to the curtains and opened it, revealing a wall filled with what looked like small filing cabinet drawers. Her mouth dropped open as she stared, her voice coming from her though she didn't feel like she was talking. " What is this? "

" It's where Regina keeps the hearts she's stolen, " Jefferson explain coolly. " If we're lucky, this is as far as we'll have to go. "

" And if we're unlucky? " Emma whispered. She began to think how Graham had been right all along but again, that was the past and she could do nothing to change it.

Jefferson exhaled against her again, his breath going into her ear this time, " We'll have to go further in. "

Emma turned to face Jefferson. Their faces were less than a breath apart, almost close enough to kiss but she hoped he wouldn't. Then again, throwing up in Regina's secret hideout wasn't that unappealing. She gathered her nerves and found her voice, " So if her heart IS here, how do I get it out? "

Jefferson smirked then let out a surprised groan as he crumpled to the ground, his body dragging across hers as he went. Emma looked down at him where he had slumped at her feet then back up to find Frederick standing there, a blackjack in his hand. It took a moment for it to register what was happening before Emma realized she was being rescued. Frederick gave her what probably passed for a smile for him, " The boss said you were in trouble. "

" I was, " Emma whispered. He HAD known she was in trouble, just like when she knew he had been earlier in the day. She had been concerned their strange bond was only one way but this proved it wasn't.

Frederick nodded, " Yeah. So, what's going on here? "

Emma remembered the wall, the cold metal of the boxes pressing against her back. " He said that Belle's heart is in one of these boxes... or at least should be. "

" So how do we get it out? " Frederick eyed the wall. He took a step back to give Emma some space to move.

Emma motioned to Jefferson, " He was about to tell me. "

" Oh, " Frederick sighed. " Maybe I should have waited a few more seconds. "

" Maybe I can figure it out on my own, " Emma said. She motioned to Jefferson again, " Could you get him off my feet so I can turn around? "

Frederick nodded then leaned down. He grabbed Jefferson under the arms, moving him as if he weighed nothing. He deposited him roughly on the stairs before turning back to Emma, " Done. "

Emma nodded, " Uh, thanks. "

" No problem, " Frederick said. " Like I said, the boss told me to look out for you and Miss Belle. I'm just doing my job. "

Emma turned to face the boxes, the thought of Mr. Gold caring about her still making her feel awkward. She took a step back as she scanned each one. She wished they had names on them but they did not, making her want to cry out in frustration. She controlled the urge though, a thought coming to her mind.

She lifted her right hand, running her fingers over the boxes. She moved it slowly, a feeling growing in her hand as she passed each box. She passed it along each row, the feeling growing fainter as she moved lower. She lifted her hand as high as she could, the feeling growing stronger again.

She glanced over her shoulder at Frederick, " Can you give me a boost? I think it's on the top row. "

Frederick nodded then put his hands on her hips. She let out a startled squeak as he lifted her from floor with great ease and placed her on his left shoulder. He brought his left hand up to steady her before she went back to running her hand over the boxes. " Find it yet? " He asked.

" More to the right, " Emma directed and he moved that way. Her hand was vibrating intensely now and she rushed it toward the box she figured she wanted. As soon as she brushed against it, the drawer slid open and revealed a box. She grabbed it, " Okay, okay. Put me down. "

Frederick hoisted her back to the floor, " There you go. "

Emma glanced at him, " Thanks again. "

" As I said, no problem, Frederick replied.

Emma looked down at the box, her hands trembling as she looked at it. It bore the Evil Queen's symbol she had seen many times in the storybook. She took a deep breath, glancing at Frederick as she opened it. She frowned when her eyes fell on the velvet interior, " It's not in here. "

Frederick looked puzzled, " Then where could it be? "

Emma set the box down on a nearby table, " I don't know. He said we'd have to go deeper in if it wasn't here but I don't know my way around. "

" But we have to find Miss Belle's heart, correct? " Frederick asked.

Emma nodded as she stepped out of the box room and stared down a long hallway that led deeper into the crypt. She didn't look at Frederick as she said, " That's what I came here for and I'm not leaving until I get it. "

" Then I will watch your back while you search, " Frederick said.

" Sounds good, " Emma said as she started down the hallway. It was darker than the room they were leaving and she wondered if the mountain of a man had a flashlight she could use. She stopped to ask when she realized she had not heard his footfalls following her at all. She turned to find Jefferson behind her, causing her to jump into the darkness.

" Miss me? " He asked sarcastically as he rubbed the back of his head.

" What did you do with Frederick? " Emma stammered. She hadn't heard a thing.

Jefferson smirked, " Returned the favor but he's not going to be getting up for a long time. I had a little... surprise I was saving for an emergency. "

Emma blinked, unsure of what he was saying. " What. Did. You. Do? "

" I told you, " Jefferson replied. " I returned the favor then I gave him a little shot. He's going to be out for at least eight hours. "

Emma's mouth dropped open, " You... "

" Save it. We haven't got time and the situation's more complicated now, " Jefferson cut Emma off. " I saw the empty box so I guess this isn't going to be easy. "

Emma looked down the dark hallway, " No. It's not. "

Jefferson got out his flashlight, " We'll need this now. This tunnel is long. "