A/N Okay so I was gonna update in I think next week maybe the week after I can't remember but turns out when I wanted to post that's my finals week and next week and the week before is finals prep so I won't have time. Lucky for you all I love to write and have decided to be merciful and give you a chapter cause I am the decider. It's a long one and hope it holds you over for the next two weeks cause I'll post right after my last final. So on june 20th. OMG god that's a long ways away...
With Regina gone Emma was left to her own devices and apparently her new found freedom was known by all the guards seeing as they hadn't given her any trouble. It was all rather creepy, but it worked. Soon after the queen had left the blonde found herself exploring the castle walls. It was bigger than the White Castle, a name that sounds like it belongs on a tavern sign and not the name of a royals home. She chuckled. Ah the many differences her now estranged mother had to have from the Queen. Oh her home is called the Dark Palace well then mine shall be called the White Castle. She mocked in a haughty tone that her mother used to take when speaking of the brunette woman. Shaking her head in amusement Emma traced a hand down the long dark corridor she found herself in on the ground floor, according to a guard she'd passed there were five floors, and a subfloor holding the more personal and risky prisoners that threatened the Queen. Apparently I wasn't seen as such.
Looking around the blonde searched for the library since that's where the adviser spent most of her time unless needed by the Queen or had other matters to attend to. Thankfully for her legs it was on the ground floor in the west wing located in a tower room. Not knowing whether to knock or just walk in she chose the latter opening the giant oak door that hid the knowledge in the other room. Upon entering all she could do was stand and stare. Apparently the room was a tower and could be accessed on all five floors with a staircase connecting each level within. What was most impressive though was the many books. She'd never seen so many in her life, but then again she wasn't much of a reader unless it came to war or history and since she was sheltered from those, mainly due to it not being the knowledge of a lady, Emma never really read much on the subjects. Walking over to the nearest bookshelf green eyes scanned the spines of the books running her fingers across a row enjoying the feel of rough thin leather beneath her skin.
"So, you're Belle." Emma didn't even turn away from the books she looked at feeling the presence behind her.
"And you're Princess Emma White, daughter of Snow White, enemy of her Majesty, and heir to the White Kingdom." the accented voice listed off, "Or have I forgotten anything."
Smirking the woman finally turned around coming face to face with a blue eyed angel with brunette locks framing her face, "Actually you did. I am the estranged child of Snow White and her idiot husband, soon to be Knight of her Majesty, no longer heir to the White Kingdom, and am in fact hoping to help her Majesty in spilling their blood." she informed the adviser before adding, "Oh and I'm an incredible marksman, swordsman, and brawler; though I do prefer swords to anything else. Also I'm good in the sac should anyone wonder however I'm sure this letter from Ruby means you're spoken for." She finally handed over the tanned parchment sealed with a wax wolf's paw.
Staring at the outstretched hand blue eyes filled with emotion, "I- I thought she'd forgotten."
Reliving that feeling of hollowness Emma sympathized with the woman, "She never forgot. I can tell you that much. She told me Snow increased patrols on the border and made it harder to send her messenger through otherwise she would have."
"Thank you, and please tell me how is she doing?"
Smiling weakly Emma considered the woman in front of her. She was so different from Red. Where her godmother was blunt, fierce, and often acted without thought Belle was the complete opposite. She's smart, a thinker, strategist, and always is one step ahead from the rest, "She's...well honestly I didn't know of your relationship until a few days ago, but if you're talking about general I'd say somewhere between miserable and hopeful. Miserable because she cannot see you or erase the distance between you and hopeful because there's always hope. Guess that's the only lesson my parents were ever able to instill in people, even if they didn't want it." Emma chuckled releasing the envelope as the other woman took it.
"Thank you," she said again looking into forest eyes, "Now where are you sleeping?"
Taking a minute to wonder exactly that Emma had no idea. Before she could respond though a piece of paper with instructions, as if the Queen was watching their interaction the whole time, appeared in her hand with a puff of smoke, "Well I guess that answers that question." The blonde mumbled to herself reading directions to the soldiers barracks, "Guess I should be going huh?"
"It would be best and I would like to read this before bed." Belle smiled at her, "It's a pleasure to finally meet the woman my wolf speaks so highly of."
"Thank you," and with those last words she left the room only to run into someone she never thought she'd see again since he went willingly with the Queen, "Robin."
"Emma." The ex-thief turned Champion responded shifting uncomfortably in the blondes presence, "I'm surprised the Queen hasn't killed you."
Observing his stance and slight fidget in his left hand the blonde could tell she was making him uncomfortable, but why was the question, "Well I'm not dead so I'll count my blessings as they come. Goodbye now." She smiled sweetly before slipping off around the corner from view waiting for the man to leave so she could follow.
Robin had awoken in his own chambers knowing he would. It had been happening for the past month now and for that he was grateful, though it meant he was in the dog house, not that he could care. However with the threat of his wife's life the thief needed to speak with her before the execution. He already knew one of the Merry Men had followed them at a distance when they brought her. He only hoped it was one of the competent ones, but that was a thought for later, right now he needed to speak with his wife.
Removing himself from the bed Robin dressed in his casual leather pants and tunic before leaving his room thankfully situated on the ground floor instead of on the Queens or else seeing Marian would be harder than anything. Situated in the west wing a few doors down from the library Robin wasn't expecting to run into the princess. Shit.
"Robin." she spoke to him without disdain or any emotion really. It was kind of eerie seeing a girl he'd met long ago before their plan had been picked up again.
"Emma," he said in kind hoping nothing gave him away, "I'm surprised the Queen hasn't killed you."
Still no emotion played on her face at the mention of the woman who would want her dead more than anything was disturbing and her next answer was something he would never had expected, "Well I'm not dead so I'll count my blessings as they come. Goodbye now." Watching her leave was a good thing. Releasing a sigh once she was out of sight he continued down the wing before turning left into another corridor making his movements sporadic in case a certain mirror was watching him and hoping they hadn't moved the mirrors into the dungeon yet as he made his way down the stairs. Little did he know he was being tailed by the woman he'd run into.
It was with luck that the mirrors hadn't been put in yet making his life easier and prolonging it. Walking briskly over to the cell holding his wife the thief reached between the bars hugging her to him.
"Marian," he whispered hoarsely, "You're supposed to be taking care of Roland."
"And let you continue being used by her," the woman merely argued, "I think not. This plan has been going on even long before she became Queen, but now it's more dangerous that she has an army at her disposal."
Looking into sad and pleading eyes Robin sighed resting his forehead against hers, "But now it's worse. Emma's here and I can't leave her at the mercy of the Queen."
Pushing away from her husband Marian looked at him with horror, "Then the witch hasn't told you."
"I know Little John and Will are dead, but she spared you. That must mean something yes? Otherwise she wouldn't have stopped."
"The only reason she stopped was because the bitches father asked her not to and guards showed up." the brunette seethed pacing her cell now and breathing deeply, "You didn't see the way she toyed with them before blood covered her blade. She is no princess, she's a monster."
Furrowing his brow Robin couldn't believe it. He was there when Emma was just a wee girl following him around before he left the Kingdom to enact a plan years overdue.
"I do not believe she could be this monster of which you speak my love, but that is neither here nor there. For now I need you to take this to Snow when you escape tomorrow. It will explain many things and let her know the princess is here. They must rescue her before things become out of hand and the Queen uses it to her advantage," he spoke handing the letter over which she quickly shoved into the hidden pocket on her person.
"Very well, but please be careful my love and be weary of the princess. She is not who she once was. In fact I'm sure this is her true self and I fear for you in her presence."
Caressing his wife's face one more time before the night ended Robin pulled her to him kissing her deeply and happily for the first time in four years. He missed her so, but every plan has a price and he'd already agreed even before he met his Marian and child.
"I promise you I'll be safe, but after tomorrow you are to stay with Roland and help snow from the castle. Understood?"
Nodding Marian pulled at him once more locking their lips, "Now go my love before the Queen sends for you. I love you."
"And I you my love."
Watching from the shadows Emma wanted to rip them apart, but she restrained herself. If she wanted proof as to the actions being taken against the Queen she'd need that letter and even then there was likely a chance she wouldn't be believed. Taking her leave before the man could make his the blonde exited the palace entirely and headed for her new living quarters hoping to formulate a plan that would help save the one person she could count on to help kill her parents.
Though sleep evaded her due to wandering thoughts and plans to foil the Champion's own Emma was as alert as ever in the wee hours of the morning as she was the first to ready herself for the day. The past night she came to find a trunk filled with the equipment she'd need for the day and a set of black leather breeches and tunic to go under the armor. Dressed and content for the time being the blonde stepped outside the tall stone walls and into the dark morning that still held a chill from the nights embrace. Looking up to the sky she searched what little stars remained for theirs; her and Sophie's star.
It was a little childish to claim a star, but it's all they really were able to claim together. Something for the two to reach for in a Kingdom where they couldn't be together, and strangely enough it was there. It seemed to be shining the brightest out of all of them that were left as if it were Sophie herself searching for Emma in the night. With all things though it would not last as the sun began to rise in the distance silhouetting the Dark Palace in a calm welcoming aura. Saying goodbye to Sophie Emma awaited Captain Jones.
Unsurprisingly she didn't have to wait long as a man clad in leather looking more like a pirate captain rather than that of a guard approached her with a smile, "'Ello love."
"Call me that again and you'll be sporting a hook for a hand," she hissed unamused with the name.
Laughing Killian simply removed his hands from behind his back raising one in the air, "Sorry but someone already beat you to it."
Smirking at the man who seemed at ease with her presence, which surprised her somewhat since he already knew who she was seemed to be refreshing, and also too easy, "So can I call you hook?"
"Only if you survive today's training and initiation."
"Initiation?" her interest skyrocketed, "What initiation."
"Oh, you'll see," was all he said before turning back around and beckoning her to follow him to the training grounds.
When they arrived to their destination the grounds were dead silent for the moment. Practice dummies were skirted about a field, archery stations weren't too far from that, and brawling circles were drawn in the dirt, "So what's your poison?"
"Arsenic," she replied not missing a beat though Emma knew the captain was speaking of weapons, "It's easy to find, fatal, and untraceable unless detected by magic." the blonde smiled at the captains shocked face that a princess of all people would have this information and slightly amused, "If speaking of weaponry though I acell in all three fields you have stationed here but swordplay is my best."
Grinning Killian stepped beside her, "Very well princess swordplay it shall be." Stepping to the dummies Killian produced a blade from his side handing it over to the blonde, "Now I suggest you warm up before the true test begins." and with that he leaves the blonde in hand with a blade seemingly weightless, but sharp enough to kill a man.
Testing its fluidity, the weight, and balance of the blade Emma took a few practice swings before wishing she had another to practice with as well, but one would have to suffice. Taking stance Emma closed her eyes clearing her thoughts save for the anger that drove her. For the two hours she spent warming up the field came alive with men and women doing the same before finding a sparring partner. That was also the moment Killian stopped her from continuing.
"Keep that up and you'll be run through before the test actually begins." he said seriously.
Finishing her last follow through swing Emma held the blade at her side with one hand and wiping her brow with the other. Turning to face him Emma simply said, "You have no idea what I'm capable of, and besides two hours of warming up won't get me killed but rather prepared to dance on my feet and shed blood to find my place."
"Very well, but it'll be your funeral if you're not careful," he laughed, "Now come along we have a test to finish." he beckoned her to follow leading her to a cleared sparing ground filled with three men clad in black armor.
Observing the three men Emma laughed. One was short and stocky, the other tall and skinny as a pick, and the other that seemed to have more of a chance was a six foot buff giant of a man, "So we have Chubby, Rail, and Gigantor huh?" the blonde laughed at their confused faces but Killian it seemed shared her humor as he covered a laugh with a cough.
"Yes well, these are our best three fighters," he informed, "Ruck (Chubby) is our best attacker more of the offensive putting everything behind his swing, Nate (Rail) is our best defensive fighter quick with his blade and on his feet, and Iron Fist (Gigantor) is the combination of both Ruck and Nate. You'll be fighting all three." he looked at her only to find a smile and fire in her eyes that he hadn't seen in any of the men and women who wanted to join the Queen's army. Well at least this one will be interesting he mused.
"So what are the rules?" she asked knowing that there was always rules.
Considering who he was having fight the best three men he had Killian pondered the question. He knew from what the guards who'd found her and the Queen's father in the woods had said. 'Merciless' 'Bloody and savage' 'Monster lying in wait'. Conceding to have the fight be to the death or until the last party yields the Captain looked at all four of them, "This fight is to the death or until the last party yields. And if said party yields you yield. You do not and I repeat DO NOT kill them afterwards. Am I clear?" He glared at the men who only nodded their heads. Then looked to Emma who only still looked amused.
"No need to worry about that Hook they won't be alive much longer."
"Big words for such a small girl," Ruck laughed, "I hope you yield so I can take you."
"You aren't man enough to take me pig, and even if you were I'd chop your cock off before you made it within ten feet of me." Emma smiled seeing the spark in his eye as they all drew their weapons.
Laughing Nate patted Ruck on the back, "Don't worry there's other ways of getting her into bed. Maybe I'll join you."
"Or maybe you just want up Chubby's ass here. Bet he'd like it too." she snarled drawing her blade as too did the others. Waiting for Iron Fist to say something Emma looked at him expectantly, "What no comment on how you'll conquer me too?" A grunt was the only response, "Very well, may the best woman win. Oh wait…" she laughed as the three encircled her from all sides.
Circling in the center between the three men Emma kept her eyes peeled for first movement and ears alert for any sound other than their breathing. Chubby charged first from behind hoping to take her by surprise but the way he moved in his armor was much like his battle tactics; blunt and heavy. She easily dodged his swing using her own blade to wipe at the back of his knee, but didn't cut him deep enough so that he dropped to a knee. With Chubby Standing by Rail now the two men seemed to communicate between themselves their slight nods giving them away as Rail distracted her coming out of his usual defensive style to face her head on while Chubby moved to her side hoping to flank her. While those two kept her on guard Emma was still aware of the hulking man behind her and his threat level. If she moves left Chubby will still ram into her, if she moves forward Rail is going to attack her as well, and though moving backwards doesn't seem the best option it is. So doing just that the blonde jumped back tripping Chubby, causing him to fly forward out of the designated testing are, as he went by and spinning to the right avoiding both attacks from Gigantor and Rail using her own sword to cut one of the skinny man's hands off and come back with another swing nicking his artery spewing blood in the process.
While those two tried to find their footing again the ex-princess turned her attention to Iron Fist, his hulking body casting shadow over hers though she was a mere four inches shorter than the man. Baring her teeth like a savage animal she just charged not caring anymore because though it was fun to play Emma wanted nothing more than to get this over with quickly. Blade raised blonde locks flew back as she raced towards him only to be kicked back as his black boot connected with her stomach.
Having the air stolen from her lungs Emma lost her sword in the force it took to send her three feet back from where her last enemy stood. Breathing heavily from the force of the kick the blonde scrambled back as Iron Fist seemed to take one simple step to be looming over her. It was in this moment that she truly looked into his eyes. They were a deep grey but reflected almost silver in the light of the sun. It was in them she saw her reflection and what she saw could not bring a kingdom to its knees.
In the reflection held a girl, not scared but broken, someone who is naive and cocksure in her abilities, and though she may be able to take two men down she had many things to learn. But this isn't over yet. She knew even without her blade she could still do some damage. Just as he raised his giant greatsword launching it down allowing gravity to take its course Emma rolled to the side sweeping her legs connecting with his sending the giant toppling down made much easier by the way he wielded his sword. With him rolling onto his back Emma jumped on him straddling his waist Emma brought fists down on his face.
By this time many of the soldiers who'd been practicing watched on in awe and fear. They'd all gone though this right, but never had someone been so relentless and vicious. Many had to step away or fear being caught in the bloody crossfire as the blonde just kept going. Punch after punch bone cracked, blood mixed and mingled, while teeth broke and ripped at sinew skin. Emma wasn't in control then. After she saw the weakness she held the blonde had to do something and the only thing she could think of was kill. Kill the man who made her feel weak, kill all who made her feel that way, but most of all kill the weakness before it grew. By the time Iron Fist was just a bloody corpse beneath shredded and torn fists where white bone protruded where knuckles were skinned Emma didn't even notice Killian pulling her off the man until she turned on him.
Still in her rage Emma spun throwing a right hook into the man's jaw hearing a satisfying snap and crack letting her know the force broke it like intended. Reeling back from the force and clutching at the broken bone Killian knew the one's who found her that night were indeed right. She was a born killer. A weapon to be honed and used as seen fit, but this weapon had free will and that was always a danger. I just hope the Queen knows what she's doing. He thought as he motioned for Ruck (who foolishly believed he could) to detain her since he wasn't able to talk he realized too late that he'd sent them to their deaths.
In two swift moves Emma had made it over to Iron Fist's body picking up his great sword holding it out so it came to its full length horizontally spinning in place as the soldier came closer. Unluckily for him Emma just kept spinning herself and the blade around and around and before he could stop the sound of snapping bones, shredded skin, and thud of a fallen body sounded in the field and head rolled to the nearest soldier who just stopped it with his foot looking down on the mans head with confusion as if to ask if that had truly happened.
"So think you can take me now?" the blonde spit on the corpse running a bloodied hand through her wild mane breathing heavily as she dropped the blade as three men laid dead around her.
"What in the hell is going on here?" the Queen's voice reached all ears sending everyone in the field to their knees even Emma and though she could have stood her ground she decided to play nice for a while.
Regaining her breath Emma just stared at the blood dripping from her hands as heels crunched in the rocky sand field knowing the Queen was approaching her Emma looked up merald meeting smoky topaz in a heated glare, "Are you the one responsible for this?" her intone meant she already knew the answer.
"No your Majesty it was the boogeyman who sleeps under your bed at night," the sarcasm wasn't lost on any and many of the men and women flinched knowing their Queen didn't take being talked back to in kind.
All Emma felt was the sting of the hand that had struck her face leaving it red and raw, but the smirk on her face reveled in the pain, "If you want the real answer however yes it was me. I killed Chubby, Rail, and Gigantor. It was fun." the blonde laughed looking at their cooling corpses, "I especially hope to paint something after this too." she said, "With their blood of course," her eyes met back with swirling brown that looked ready to explode.
"Champion," the Queen's pitch was even though her eyes told of aggression.
"My Queen."
Summoning a whip in hand she handed the twisted leather over to Robin, "For every man here she will be whipped times that of the dead man. I see at least fifty men here."
Taking the whip from his Queen the Champion moved around Emma who didn't even blink and the Queen spoke once more only this time to Emma, "For every sound you make from each lashing another shall be added. If you try to fight back a hundred more shall be added, and if you survive and still wish to be part of my army then you shall have it."
As the Queen turned to leave Emma just had to know, "Why is this the price for joining your army?"
Stopping mid stride the regal brunette turned towards the blonde, "Because it teaches that everything comes with a price. Ninety more lashes are now added to your sentence." turning back around the sorceress left and all those that had been standing around returned to their training while a select few cleaned up Emma's mess.
A/N so there it is. And I'm sorry for this but education comes first. God I hope you don't forget about me in that time. Anyway let me know what you thought and have a better two weeks than I.