Blood. Sticky, coppery, wet crimson caked her hands still as the princess walked the length of her cage biding her time. The locks were simple to pick since she'd done it so many times before when Sophie taught her how too. Sophie. That name that woman, and her blood stained Emma's hands and clothes though it was Snow that killed her. Sophie's blood was on her hands.

"I need it off," she whispered and began scrubbing at her hands running them down the length of her dress. Anything to get it off, "I need it off." she repeated never stopping her hands. Once most of it was off the blonde was able to calm herself though her breathing was still somewhat ragged she could now think clearly and plan her escape.

Walking over to the bars dead green eyes surveyed the halls. Two guards were stationed at her cell while three others patrolled the hall up and down. Sadly she couldn't see how many were actually there, but as she clenched the metal bars all Emma could think of was melting the metal in her hands wanting to feel the freedom from her cage in which she's been all her life. So deep in the feeling of wanting to be free she didn't notice the bars melt under her hands and was abruptly brought out of thought by one of the guards clanging on one of the bars.

"Get back girly or else you get no food."

Scoffing Emma reluctantly let go of the bars, "Are you sure you can't choke on it first? I'm sure you'd like to swallow something more than your own cock for a change asshole."

"And from what I 'ear you could use a good man to right your wrongs," he chuckled eyeing her with a disgusting glint in his eye.

Not backing away from his gaze Emma stood her ground smirking, "Like you'd ever be man enough for me."

"Why you little-" A growl from the end of the hall stopped his arms from moving through the bars, "Lady Red. What brings you here?"

"I am giving my friend her last meal," the brunette spoke moving down the hall with a tray in her hands, "And besides she may be a prisoner but until your queen announces otherwise she's still the princess. To lay a hand on her is to commit one of the greatest felonies of this kingdom." Stopping in front of the cell Red looked at the two guarding the door, "Open it and leave us. If she tries to escape you'll be the first to know."

"But-" a flash of yellow eyes had them unlocking the bars and backing away quickly, "Very well. We'll just be...over there," he pointed down the hall.

Never veering her gaze from the guards Emma didn't even flinch when Red was only a foot from her looking at her expectantly, "So are you here to tell me I'm like the Evil Queen as well?" the blonde crossed her arms eyes challenging the other.

Pursing her lips the brunette considered her next words, "No. I'm here to say that you have the right to love whoever you want. As long as you know they love you back it's enough."

Snorting the blonde turned her back, "Well that's nice to know now." Emma growled wishing she were dead or better yet throttling Snow and her imbecile of a husband.

Looking at her goddaughter with sympathy and extraordinarily understanding of all things Red placed the tray of food down on the girls cot before bringing her into a hug, "There's a dagger in the loaf of bread, once out head to the stables inside you'll find Tonitrus and your saddle bag, it will be filled with things you'll need for your journey."

Realizing she wouldn't have to raise the alarm like she'd thought Emma hugged her friend closer, "Thank you, but you still do realize I want her dead yes?"

All Red could do was nod. Though her and Snow had been friends for years the werewolf could never understand Snow's hypocrisy to love, "And I shall defend her with all I am even if it means betraying the one I love."

Pulling out of the embrace the princess ducked her head trying to remain calm and collected as she was with the guards, "I could take a message to her if you like," she offered. It was the least she could do for the unexpected help she was receiving.

Smiling Red rubbed Emma's shoulder, "Are you sure? Even if it means entering the Dark Kingdom and palace?"

Snapping her head up learning of the location Emma considered her options, "Put a letter in the bag before you go to bed and she'll get it in a few days' time; I promise."

Pulling her in for one last hug Red let tears flow from her eyes, "Thank you. I haven't been able to send anything for quite some time since your mother increased the border patrols."

"I may have lost mine, but you shall not lose yours due to my mother." Emma swore letting the older woman go, "Now go before they suspect anything. I don't want to get you in trouble."

Turning back to the door Red looked over her shoulder to get the last glimpse of the princess. No. Emma. Just Emma. she reminded herself, "Good luck."

Once Red had left Emma sat down on the cot beside the tray of food. A loaf of bread taking up most of it length wise was heavy from hiding the metal weapon within. Tearing it open she inspected the blade: it was light, sharp, and very concealable, perfect for what she was about to do really. All she had to do was time it right.

Slowly dragging her feet to the caged cell Emma put on her best innocently coy look she could muster without gagging now that her plan was in motion, "Excuse me sir?" her sweet voice filled the silence.

"Yes?"

"Would you not like to test your theory on me?"

Grinning at her come on the guard feigned no knowledge of what she spoke, "And what theory would that be my dear?"

Looking into his ever darkening eyes Emma swore she would rather eat a million poisoned apples that be in this position but alas she needed to get the keys somehow and if flirting was the way to do it then so be it, "Well I was thinking…"

"Yes?" he breathed his body so close to the bars that the blonde had to fight the urge to back away; reaching out while his eyes were on her and take the keys off his belt.

"There's a cot in here and its cold in here, so I was wondering maybe if you'd like to get me a blanket."

Huffing in frustration the guard pushed her away from the bars, "Don't toy with me girl. You won't like the outcome," he growled watching her smirk in triumph.

Raising her hands in mock defeat Emma moved back to the cot hough her gaze never faltered from her intended target. All she had to do now was wait, and when the guard finally shut his eyes oblivion will welcome him into a dark embrace. Laying on the cot consumed in shadow Emma played with the dagger seeing as how neither guard seemed too interested now that she wasn't putting herself out there. Running a finger down its edge pale skin broke open drawing blood. Sucking on the crimson liquid the blonde looked to her captors seeing that both were asleep on chairs, "And they wonder why prisoners get the jump on them," she mumbled rising from the cot and ready to execute her plan.

Gently stepping across the dirty floor green eyes watched each man as their chests rose and fell with each breath. Stepping up to the bars her body pushing fully against the rusted metal Emma reached for the nearest guard clamping her free hand over his mouth and slicing across his neck with the other before another breath could pass his lips. The sound of flesh against the weapon made her giddy with a joy many would find sick, but not her. Not Emma. Swiping her hand over the warm liquid that spilled from the dead man's throat the blonde looked at the glistening liquid. Even in the darkest places it still shone in what little light thrived in the darkness. Leaving him to be found she then stepped to the next one repeating the previous actions, but this time driving the blade into the man's neck to watch him squirm in pain.

"This could have been avoided," she whispered in a reverent tone, "But I cannot be held accountable for my actions today. No your death was caused by Snow White. Remember that as you drift into deaths arms and allow your family to be left alone." as his body stilled Emma smiled at her work and even reveled in the warmth from the blood on her hands. Walking up to the key door Emma pulled out the ring of keys she'd confiscated and let herself out.

Exiting the cell the blonde looked up and down the hall watching as guards still walked her presence not even noticed. With the first part of her plan complete the princess went cell to cell unlocking each one and never stopping. So far her plan was coming together and chaos ensued as each prisoner held for crimes either great or small filled the dungeons with cries of freedom. As the chaos increased her plan bloomed into fruition. Able to blend with the crowd Emma was able to weave through the constant growing mix of prisoners and guards until she finally made it outside.

Under the night sky filled an ocean of stars lit her path. With most of the guards distracted Emma would be able to make her way to the stables without interruption. However fate could be a cruel mistress and on this night she seemed to be dealing it in spades. Not ten feet from the dungeons doors a man in royal arms caught her.

"You there stop!" he shouted running in her direction.

Standing her ground Emma wielded the dagger defensively in hand watching his very approach for a sign of weakness, "And who are you to order me around?"

Smirking at the women's brashness the man chuckled, "Prince Baelfire of the Desert Isles, and you princess were to be my bride."

Baring her teeth with a feral growl the blonde stalked up to the prince and spit in his face, "And glad I am to be rid of you!" she shouted slicing at the thin material where elbow met forearm, "Now be gone or die. Though from what I hear from your lands I'd be doing many women a favor for gutting you like the pig you are."

Filling with rage the prince drew his own blade ignoring the debilitating wound as blood slid down his arm, "You'd be grateful to end up in my bed you bitch, and believe me you'd be begging for more by the time it's over." he informed reveling in the way Emma's eyes darkened with rage before charging him.

Blocking each strike Emma backed the man into a corner before disarming him, and only with a dagger, "And here I thought princes were meant to be manly. Guess I was told wrong," she sneered pressing the tip of her weapon under his chin slowly pushing it in.

Gulping with fear the prince expected to die, but instead of death he felt the dagger move from his neck and into his eye, "I would kill you but death is too kind. Men like you deserve to suffer and who knows maybe you will die from an infection to the eye." the blonde laughed pulling the blade out along with the hazel eye pierced causing the man to faint from the pain.

Leaving him to bleed where he lay the princess left all distractions behind and finally made it to her horse who as Red said was ready and saddled to go. Approaching her steed Emma held out her hand and Tonitrus nuzzled it fondly, "It's time we leave boy. There is nothing for us here." she smiled running her fingers through his mane affectionately. Removing her hand Emma made her way to the side of the horse and climbed on before spurring him into the night and away from the chaos that still held the attention of the royals and all their men.

For hours Emma rode into the night and many miles had passed with each hoof that beat the ground. By sunrise the two had journeyed many miles, taken in the natural beauty of the kingdom, and have seen the poverty stricken villages her mother claimed prospered. And yet she is still loved by many. Despicable. However now she stood at the boundary. Just one more step and she'd be free/ Free from the duty placed upon her at birth and most importantly free to be who she truly was: she is Emma once daughter of the White Queen now darkened from betrayal and out for blood. Making her choice both she and Tonitrus entered the Dark Kingdom.

A/N: So we got some blood and violence from our favorite character (or one of them at least) Let me know what you thought in the comments please and be sure to favorite and follow. Thanks.