A/N I know I said I wouldn't be posting for a while but I've had a bad day and had to put my aggravation towards something constructive. So now that I've calmed down and have written for you I give you this gift of chapter 6 early. (Gotta stay sane somehow). Also the responses to last chapter were holy shit awesome! SO thank you for the kind words.
Need-a-LIFE10808: The reason she's being punished is because that's the price she has to pay for joining the Queens army. Everything comes with a price, even joining the army.
Now onto the chapter...enjoy!
By the time Emma's lashes were complete a company of soldiers were readying themselves to accompany the Queen to Marian's execution which the blonde still wanted to witness. It was something she had to see and if Robin was right, and someone from his merry band of miscreants were to save the woman, she wanted to be there to stop it; even if it meant pulling at her already scabbing back. Quickly headed off to the barracks she divested herself of her ruined leather cuirass and boots keeping the pants since they weren't too badly scuffed Emma donned a black tunic tucking the ends in so it wouldn't get in the way. Next she pulled her unruly locks into a ponytail before stepping out to find her steed lead by Killian coming towards her.
"So now that you're going to join the Queens army and soon renounce your Kingdom what shall you be called?" he asked offering her the reins.
Taking the offered reins Emma hadn't expected to see him healed so quickly after breaking his jaw, "Well it's good to know your mouth still runs even after it broke." she laughed avoiding the question still unsure of what or rather who she wanted to be known as now that all her work was coming together.
Rubbing his jaw where it had been broken, but is no longer thanks to healers and magical potions Killian smiled, "Well you're right hook seems to be more than capable of killing had you landed in another spot," he spoke hoping her to see he held no grudges, "But you still haven't answered my question now have you?"
Sighing Emma mounted Tonitrus patting his neck once settled before looking down at the one handed man, "I don't know. I've been a White all my life and have hated it for many years. To have the freedom to chose who I want to be is not something to take lightly."
"Too true princess, too true," his words spoke volumes as though he could understand, "But we do not choose our names always. For instance the Evil Queen didn't choose hers."
"I know," Emma whispered solemnly, "My mother crucified her for a cause of her own selfishness. However it took me many years to see beyond that and I regret it every day that I couldn't see the grey in between the black and white of it all."
Now in line with the others Killian mounted his own chestnut brown steed opting to ride ahead of his company, but asked Emma to join him at the head of his men, "And if I may ask why do you hate her so now?" Looking off from his concerned gaze Emma felt her heart pull at a memory.
One Year Ago
"Emma come down from there you're going to hurt yourself!" Sophie shouted from the water below as the blonde looked down from the waterfall.
Tilting her head to observe the drop and allowing the cold rushing water to grip at her feet as if beckoning her to take the leap Emma smiled raising her arms out to her side enjoying the feeling of it all and ignoring her girlfriends protests. Stepping closer to the edge green eyes connected to blue "Don't worry Soph I'll be fine!" her words echoed off the rock walls behind her before she backed up out of the brunettes sight.
Back against cold wet rocks Emma sighed loving the feeling of freedom she got from the adrenaline pumping through her system. If just the thought of jumping off the waterfall got her this hyped then the feeling of actually doing it would be more than anything she could imagine. Closing her eyes Emma took off running over wet rocks that with one misstep could send her dangerously over the edge opening them right as she jumped and the weightlessness of everything rushed to embrace her.
"Oh my god Emma!" she heard her girlfriend cry as she hit the water after completing a perfect swan dive.
Allowing herself to sink deeper into the crystal blue lake Emma hit the rocky bottom running her hands over smooth stones before planting her feet on the bottom and rocketing herself back up with a push of her long legs. Breaking the waters surface the princess couldn't help but smile when she saw Sophie but it quickly went away when the brunette glared at her.
"Emma Serefine White you scared the shit out of me!" she yelled making the blonde feel bad for her actions, "If you're going to be so reckless with your life like that I-"
The words dies as wet arms encircled her waist and even wetter lips met her own in a sensual kiss filled with apology and want, "I'm sorry," kiss, "I scared," kiss, "you," and another kiss was added before the blonde rest their heads together.
"I'm sorry. You and I practice with swords all the time and that's just as dangerous, but at least I know I won't end up killing you anytime soon." She relented some, but the worry was still there, "And besides you did complete a perfect swan dive. Are you sure you're a White and not of the graceful avian creatures?" she laughed.
Smiling Emma just pulled their wet bodies together, "Well I'd rather be a swan than a White any day as long as it meant I could be with you."
Allowing the memory to wash away just as the sweat covering her body that day had Emma sighed gaining her Captains attention. Looking into his eyes with a sad smile she simply said, "It's a story for another time, another life perhaps; but I know my name and who I shall be."
"Then you know what to say when you bow before our Queen. Until then however there's an execution to witness and watch." with that the only sound that could be heard were the clop of hooves, metal moving against metal as the men and women shifted on their horses, and the whispered conversations as they marched to the village of Haven.
As the soldiers approached and filed out among their ranks Emma stayed with Killian not knowing exactly where she belonged as the villagers scurried about making room for them. Taking in the scene the woman watched as mothers and fathers sent their children away from the days festivities and gathering before the hangman's noose awaiting Marian's neck.
Two lines of eight men cleared the walkway as Marian was pulled down the line by her husband Robin Hood the Queen's Champion and Black Knight. Directing her gaze to them Emma swore had she looked any harder they would be boiling under her watch, but Robin got her there. Shifting uneasily hey all awaited on baited breath when suddenly the Queen appeared from a cloud of smoke standing next to the executioner.
Shoulders back and head held high brown orbs bore holes into the heads of all she looked down on pacing in front of her prisoner, "My people of Haven look upon this woman here," she sneered and all followed her command looking at the brunette behind the Queen, "It was she and two others of the Merry Men's band that dared to threaten my father. Dared to kill him to get to me. This is unacceptable and can only be answered with death." the last word slipped from red lips in a hiss that was equal parts rushing and fiery.
Listening as the crowd nodded their heads and murmured among themselves green eyes scanned the area watching for Robin's man laying in wait. Tuning out the people Emma focused closer on the hooded figures knowing it would be one of them or more. Eyes scanning the crowd she let her gaze fall on a man situated in the middle of the crowd a quiver hidden beneath a cloak only visible if actively looking for it.
Looking back to see at what point the execution was proceeding the blonde turned to Killian, "One of the Merry Men is in the crowd with a bow, but I'm sure there's another waiting on horseback to rescue her. We cannot let her escape."
Studying her to see if he could detect any lie the Captain took her at her word, she had nothing to lose, and nodded signalling for her to point him out. Pointing to a man dead center in the crown wearing a green hooded cloak Hook saw the quiver. Discretely calling over one of his men he ordered the soldier to apprehend him. However that's when everything went tits up and three men brought out bows shooting at the rope currently holding Marian up by the neck choking the life out of her.
"Shit," Emma exclaimed turning Tonitrus towards the commotion not caring for the people in her way but only for her target. Moving closer to Marian Emma saw the hose come bursting out from the stables intended to rescue the woman from death. Oh no you don't the blonde thought kicking Tonitrus into high gear and leaning forward to allow him more speed. Racing up to the wooden stage along with the cloaked figure Emma pulled a dagger from her boot throwing it in the man's direction. Sinking into the base of his skull the rider slumped over dead before falling off the saddle leaving the horse to run free. However Marian still took a chance running up to the galloping horse throwing herself on it and headed for the woods.
Not one to give up Emma pursued the woman into the dark forest hoping to capture her alive, and if she couldn't do that then dead as a door-nail she would be. Weaving the white stallion in and out of the crowd the knight gripped her reins harder pushing her steed forward relentlessly. Watching as Marian passed into the trees Emma was right behind her along with Killian and Robin.
Branches stuck out from all angles whipping against her face and ripped at her clothes but still she was not deterred from getting that letter and Marian. Catching up to the brunette Emma brought her legs up so to crouch on the saddle as Tonitrus came closer to the other horse. Watching between the trees that separated them Emma timed her jump. At the next gap the blonde jumped from her saddle and tackled Marian off her horse to the ground.
Pushing herself up and scurrying away from Emma who'd landed beside her Marian rolled over trying to get to her feet. The action was denied as the feisty blonde grabbed her ankle and pulled causing the escapee to fall back to the brown earth and climbed on top of her straddling her back while pulling her hair so her head remained up.
"Give me the letter," Emma growled yanking Marian's head back harder almost enough to snap her neck.
Grunting in refusal Marian prepared herself for whatever punishment Emma saw fit. She hadn't expected what came next though. Not feeling anything at first the woman started to panic. What's she waiting for. Why isn't she doing anything? That's when she felt it. A hot burning sensation ghosted over her skin accompanied with the smell of cooked meat.
"Funny thing potions aren't they?" the blonde asked running the tip of her second dagger down the side of Marian's neck, "All you have to do is see a healer and procure the right ingredients to make a potion that burns. It's actually not harmful...if you're going into the beginnings of hypothermia."
"B-But I'm not…" Marian breathed feeling the heat burning her flesh trying to ignore the pain and hoping Robin would be here soon.
Smiling wickedly Emma stilled the blade kissing the tan neck, "I know. It has adverse properties to people who aren't freezing to death," she chuckled, "but do you know what happens if it enters the bloodstream on someone not freezing?"
Not daring to move an inch as the woman holding her down put more pressure against her skin Marian closed her eyes, "No," the word was nothing but a pleading breath begging for her life.
"Neither do I," the soldier said as if speaking of the weather, "Maybe we should find out." before she could see what happened though both Robin and Killian appeared on horseback. Killian looked proud while Robin shifted uneasily in his spot while also glaring daggers at Emma for her attack on Marian.
"Nicely done," Killian smiled looking down at the two, "But perhaps you should let her up so she can answer our questions?"
Running her tongue over her teeth in thought Emma conceded to her captain pushing Marian's head into the dirt while pushing herself up off the pinned woman. Dusting herself off once standing straight the blonde crossed her arms putting more weight on her left leg as she leaned into a nearby tree never taking her eyes from Marian.
Noticing the burns on Marian's neck Robin marched his horse so he could look down on Emma, "And what did you do to the prisoner?"
Not even fazed by the aggression in the Champion's voice Emma looked up at him with a flame in her eye and a smirk on her face, "Oh I was confiscating some evidence from the prisoner and the only way to get it was to make sure she didn't get hypothermia."
"And it seems she doesn't have the chills dear, but I commend you on your thinking. However I do wonder how you acquired the herbs meant to make such a potion." the smoky voice sounded from behind a tree before revealing the Queen stepped into the small area the other four were in, "But all in due time I'm sure. I heard something about evidence?"
Looking from Robin to the Queen Emma estimated her chances at believably. It's written in his hand so surely she'd believe me yes? On the other hand she's been in the sac with him for years, but that doesn't count for anything right? Internally sighing Emma approached Marian who was looking desperately at Robin for help, but all he could do was look away like the coward he was. And soon he'd be dead unless he managed to convince the Queen of his innocence.
Pulling Marian to her the blonde began frisking the woman, "What do you think you're doing?" she squealed trying to squirm from her grasp.
"I'm searching for the pocket you have," she mumbled running her hands down the women's sides then moving them closer to the womans ribs right below her breasts. Feeling the light bump in the fabric and hearing the soft crinkle of paper a smile adorned the new knights face, "Gotcha."
Grabbing the dress she tore it in two thankful for women who wore undershirts because there was no way she wanted to see Marian's breasts up close and personal. The same could not be said of Killian though.
"You just couldn't have ripped all of it away?" he whined as the blonde dug out the letter with a smirk gracing her lips before sending a glare that said 'got you now cock sucker' before handing it over to the Queen.
"For you your Majesty," Emma bowed presenting the parchment with a smile.
Taking the letter Regina noticed her seal stamped in the wax held the letter together. Wondering how that was even possible the brunette opened it and began to read.
My Dearest Queen,
It is with great regret that I send this letter to you. For months we have done nothing but wait for the right moment to strike against The Evil Queen. And though this plan has been laid out for years I fear she grows tired of my company. It is not enough that Blue cast a charm on Tinkerbell to steal the corrupted and useless fairy dust that led Regina to me as she had planned. Worst yet is I fear she has taken your daughters heart, if that is enough cause to finally end her dark reign then take it even if your daughter is still in control of her own actions.
I am sorry it has come to this my Queen, but I miss my son and wife. If it were not so easy to miss them I would continue to wait, but the time of waiting is over. We must strike at the heart of corruption and end her. She once almost took my Marian for saving you, but we rescued her before her death was to happen. I hope she arrives well with this letter and that I too shall soon look upon the White Castle as she now does.
Long Live the White Queen,
Robin Hood of Locksley
Crumpling the paper in her fists flames shot up from between Regina's fingers and a purple haze stormed in her eyes as her magic crackled around her body, "I will kill you!" she spit with disgust, "and your wife too." she added using her magic to fling her ex-lover off his horse and onto the ground.
Rubbing his back where it made contact with a rot sticking up from the ground Robin put a hand up to signal her to stop, "Regina please," he breathed, "I love you."
"And what of this letter hmm?" she stalked closer both Emma and Killian watched Marian to make sure she didn't move for either dared to intervene with the Queen's kill.
Thinking quick on his feet Robin hoped his excuse would work, "It was her," he growled pointing at Emma who then pointed to herself.
"Who me?" she questioned knowing this would be the end of Robin and she'd get to see it first hand.
With a questioning gaze Regina dared him to say 'yes' and foolishly his answer was so, "Yes. Can't you see Regina she doesn't belong here. She's working for her mother."
Laughing a hearty laugh the blonde could barely muffle the amusement she had from the forest man's ramblings, "Ah yes because my mother loves me enough to compare me to her Majesty here. Good one."
Tired of his excuses that had no merit Regina simply closed the distance shoving her hand into his chest and pulled out his heart with a smirk before going over to Marian and doing the same, "Now how about a little fun," she smiled; rose red lips curving upwards to show her amusement.
Placing Marian's glowing red heart in the hands of her husband Robin never felt more guilt in that moment than he ever had in life. Cradling the still beating heart he knew what was to come. Raising the heart to her lips Regina inspected the organ, "Such pretty things to play with, wouldn't you say?"
Observing the Queen with rapt attention Emma and Killian were in awe of the way the Queen seemed to caress the glowing red object. It wasn't that however that held Emma's attention but the joy the Queen radiated from such an act. It was overwhelming and made Emma feel just as excited in joyful.
"Now crush it," the brunette commanded angrily watching as Robin crushed his loves heart in his hands the dust falling between his fingertips as her body fell to the ground.
Feeling the sorrow and guilt surge through the thief's heart Regina breathed happily before tossing his carelessly to the blonde, "Wha-"
"Crush it," Regina dared. Her dark orbs looking from green to red as her eyes moved from the heart to Emma's gaze.
"Kneel before the Queen," Emma commanded with a smirk as his heart brought him to his knees.
"Please don't do this," Robin begged Emma, "You're a White. Not this monster."
"No, I'm a Swan," Obeying her Queens command Emma gripped the heart tighter until ash was all that was left and the faint cries of pain from the ex-Champion had died out.
"Good riddance to bad rubbish," Killian broke the calm silence that had settled over them.
"Thank you Killian you may leave," The Queen ordered and he did as told turning his horse back towards the village and leaving off in a trot.
Unsure whether to be prepared for a lashing or something else not so bad Emma simply remained quiet. When the Queen turned to her however she could see a war waging in brown pools.
"It seems I have you to thank for saving me the trouble of finding the spy within my ranks."
"Wait you knew?" the blonde couldn't help but question.
Scoffing as if it were the most obvious answer Regina clarified it for her, "Of course I knew. I just didn't expect this."
Biting her lip Emma sighed watching as the Queen built her walls up even higher than they had been before she arrived, "For what it's worth I would never betray you."
A dark chuckle escaped the brunette's lips as dark orbs settled on the blonde, "Of course you would dear. It would just be for the right price. Now come but before you do take their heads. I think Snow will want her best spy and his wife back home." the same dark chuckle was amplified as she poofed away leaving Emma to the task.
A/N So was this chapter as good for you as it was for me? Or do you think I killed Douche Hood off too early? Cause if so oh well. He lived out his usefulness and has nothing left to offer me. Anyway lemme know what you thought.
And as a random side note I'm going to Gandalf and Dumbledore's wedding this Sunday! SO hell's yeah!