A/N Alright here's the promised chapter after the previous. Last one was angst-y wouldn't you say and damn I bet you're curious as to who it is outside red's cell aren't you? Well without further adieu here's the chapter that solves that mystery.
They'd been in the room for three or more hours since the meeting began and everyone was beginning to lose patients. Emma had revealed to them the best entry and exit points as well as the best flanking areas too. However with each new suggestion the Queen found a weakness to it and that's how the longest war council in the Dark Kingdom's history began.
Rubbing at her brow while furiously pacing behind Killian where he was sitting across from the Queen green eyes locked with brown as she stopped, "It's the best way in and even if we did just allow your soldiers to only storm the front gate hey have countermeasures for that or is that something you forgot."
"Of course I haven't forgotten I just think going through the tunnels in the prison you didn't use to escape from the prison useless." Regina informed as all heads nodded in agreement save for Belle and Killian's, the only two who were really able to disagree with her.
"Your majesty she's right. And she did need to get her horse or else she most likely wouldn't have made it out of the kingdom," and save your father was left unsaid her advisor finally spoke up.
Flitting her eyes over the drawn up plans once more the brunette never lost the 'fuck you I'm Queen and what I say goes' attitude, "We shall attack the gates and head through the battlements since it will be empty with their soldiers distracted by the head on charge of the front gates and that's final." her last words were shot at Emma alone, everyone else knew that the Queen had spoken but that didn't stop emerald eyes from narrowing in warning, "You are dismissed." she waved her hand until it was only herself Killina, Belle, and Emma who'd refused to leave.
"I gave you an order," she growled out still not getting that Emma wasn't afraid of her.
Stepping up to Regina's personal space Emma breathed in deeply, "And I'm not afraid of you, but when most of your men come home bloody, broken, falling apart, or dead remember this moment when I warn you one last time. The dungeon is the best way in and you underestimate them. I have walked every inch of that castle, picked every door, watched from the shadows, and believe me when I say the battlements won't get you through in time to kill-"
"Your majesty!" A guard interrupted heaving for air as though he'd hauled ass running from a dragon.
"What is it!?" She snapped.
Shrinking into his armor like a turtle would his shell the guard tried to calm himself, "Uh..well you see-"
Growing impatient herself Emma stormed over towering over him only causing the man to quiver more, "What!"
"Widow Lucas needs to speak with Ser Swan apparently and it's urgent," he breathed out.
"Granny?" Emma breathed calming down from her warnings, "but if she came here for help that means…"
"Red," Belle finished for her the two sharing a look of dread and felt their hearts sink.
Waving him off Regina didn't care, "You will leave us and tell the mut to leave as well."
Before he could go however a strong pale hand stopped him, "No you will take her to Belle's room in the library and ask her nicely to wait." Emma commanded adding a force to her grip that burned and made the guards blood boil.
Feeling the thickness rise in the air the Evil Queen sensed magic and strong magic at that. It was something not quite dark and not quite light but rather something in between. Focusing her eyes on the blonde touching the guard in anger she knew. She knew as Emma pushed further down on the man and his knees began to tremble where he stood that this woman was a force to be reckoned with if ever crossed. Thankfully the ex-princess didn't seem aware of her gifts which was both good and disastrous. We can't have her killing as she pleases now can we?
"Enough!" her voice echoed off the walls snapping the blonde out of her current objective only to turn towards the Evil Queen and have something snap.
Lunging eyes alight with fire Killian jumped between them to protect his Queen only to be shoved and thrown out of the way by an angry blonde. Regina on her part didn't even move too entranced by the shift in the Knight's usual calm. As Emma made it to her the brunette unleashed her own magic throwing Emma up against the nearest wall and walked over to the thrashing warrior.
"Let. Me. Go," she growled glaring at the woman holding her against the stone wall unable to do anything to lessen the hold.
Closing the distance between them the Evil Queen sneered at the Knight, "You are in my kingdom, in my army, and at my mercy. It would be wise of you to pick your battles wisely."
"Where's the fun in that," Emma foolishly retorted soon feeling her ribs crush harder from the Queen's magic.
Releasing the blonde, who slumped to the ground, Regina turned away looking to her captain, "Killian prep the soldiers," he nodded before turning away seemingly dismissed before she stopped him, "Oh and Killian?"
"Your Majesty?"
"Ser Swan will be staying behind to deal with her guest."
"What!?" Fury engulfed emerald eyes seeming to light them aflame, "I will be going with them-"
Whipping to the insubordinate woman the brunette threw her back against the wall before any more words could fall from pale lips. Having the air drawn from her lungs Emma was trying to keep conscious but having a hard time as her breathing became ragged and blood spilled from her lip. Looking up to the dark woman with acceptance but also determination the blonde rubbed away the crimson, "I will stay behind until Granny tells me what's wrong with Red, but I will not stand idly by while your forces march to kill Snow and Charming."
Bending over and clasping the woman's chin harshly enough to leave bruises Regina's cognac orbs burned meeting Emma's fire in the middle waging a war of wills, "You shall stay here as your punishment, and no I will not be killing them."
"Bu-"
"Death is too easy my dear," she purred feeling the knight shiver from the closeness, "It's better to let them suffer with everything that's going to happen."
Never leaving the gaze of the Queen Emma steeled her jaw wishing to have the satisfaction of running Snow through. No matter. She cannot keep me from my goal. I shall kill Snow one way or another. "Fine," she finally growled out.
Happy with the outcome of the submission the Evil Queen forcefully turned Emma's head to the side as if throwing her away, "I'm glad you've seen reason dear. Now leave me."
Pushing herself up from the ground and bracing the wall Emma forced herself to stand straight in the presence in one that she wouldn't allow her to feel weak. With a slight limp the blonde left the room making a beeline to the library and Belle's room.
Once free of the sorceress' presence Emma clenched and unclenched her fists trying to reign in her anger, but there's only so much a person can take before they snap. In a rage the blonde knight swung away connecting with the stone pillar she'd been passing. Surprisingly it didn't hurt but the dent left within the marble stone shocked her.
"What the hell?" she questioned still looking from her fist to the stone. How the hell incarnate did I do that? She questioned mentally.
"It's not simple really deaie."
Eyes wide now looking upon the man whose reptilian like skin shone gold in the torchlight and the sick smirk he wore chilled her to the bone. Just by looking at him Emma could tell this was no man but a monster, "And just who are you?" she cautiously questioned eyeing him with interest.
With Emma out of the room Belle looked off to the door as the Evil Queen crossed her arms overlooking her lands from the lone window in the room. Hoping her Queen would see reason the advisor spoke freely, "Your majesty as your adviser I implore you to stand your ground on your decision…"
"But?" Regina questioned turning so their eyes would meet on equal ground.
"But as your friend I think you need to listen to Ser Swan. My own personal interests aside her reasoning is sound and from what Red has sent me in her letters Emma speaks the truth." Sighing and hoping to get through to the brunette Belle tried one last thing, "I know because that's how I got in undetected too."
Uncrossing her arms the Evil Queen looked questioningly at her friend slightly impressed that she didn't know of this before, "You entered the White Castle?"
Nodding Belle decided to explain, "I had to see her. It had been too long since last we'd met and so in disguise I snuck in and we spent time together," her blushing cheeks told most of the unsaid story.
Pursing her lips Regina sighed. I need to keep control of the situation and though Swan's strategy has promise she still disrespected me in front of my counsel. She must still serve her punishment, "Very well, but Ser Swan will still serve her punishment for disrespecting me."
"I would expect nothing less your majesty," the bookworm replied morphing back into her advisors role just as the Queen had into hers.
"Now inform Killian of the new plan and-" before she could finish the sentence the air condensed making the hairs on her neck stand to attention. There was a magic in the air so familiar who it's user was could not be mistaken, "Excuse me I need to be going."
Giggling like a giddy child the man bowed with a flourish never breaking eye contact as he did so, "Rumplestiltskin at your service."
Huffing the knight shook her head not knowing what exactly to say to that, "Well it was nice meeting you and all but someone's waiting for me," she pointed behind her. Before she could leave though the wizard had cast a barrier spell to keep her from moving. running into the magic wall the blonde spun around marching up to the man till they were face to face.
"You better be letting me go before I make you." she threatened though the imp seemed to be unaffected.
"Oh?" his voice rose in interest, "And how will you do that dearie?" his cold dark eyes dissected her feeling the magic radiating off of her in waves.
Going for the swing Emma met with air as she stumbled forward when his laugh (if you could call it that) sounded behind her, "Now, now, there's no need for violence. I just came to meet the one who'd end it all."
Spinning to meet his gaze Emma felt almost naked under his dark eyes that is until the Evil Queen came storming out of the war room with and angered huff looking directly at Emma, "What have you done?"
Taken aback and somewhat offended the knight crossed her arms, "I did nothing it was goldie over here who decided to detain me," she clarified shooting Rumpelstiltskin a glare before turning her gaze back to the Queen.
Raising a brow in question Regina studied her old teacher. He never showed up without reason and the fact he'd detained Emma wasn't a good one. In fact it was most likely utterly terrible for her, "And to what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked genuinely curious but the tone was controlled.
Smirking in the brunette's direction Rumple simply winked knowingly, "I simply was curious as to who the new house guest was. I wanted to see for myself if the daughter of Snow White truly gave everything of hers up to you." he sniggered holding back, "Seeing as how my curiosity is sated I'll be going."
"You'll go no where im-" before she could cast her paralysis spell the man was gone, the only trace that he'd been there was the lingering gold smoke.
Turning her attention to the Queen Emma squinted her eyes in question, "So...what did the snake want?"
"Oh he's no snake," the brunette replied.
Sensing something more to the story the knight had to know, "Oh?"
Delving into a memory the Queen's eyes glossed over as if remembering.
"No, no, no you foolish girl. If you want to be free you need to crush it. Feel the fear radiating through the heart and at it's peak crush it," Rumple berated the young Regina holding the heart of a child in her hands who was crying before her.
Looking at him with sorrow then back to the heart cradled within her palms Regina shook her head, "I-I can't. I won't." She refused, "I just want to protect myself from him not...this!" the anger was apparent in her voice.
Seeing that anger alight in his pupils eyes he imp's malicious smirk slowly made it's way onto his face. Stepping up so he was in front of her and her confused gaze the dark one plunged his hand into Regina's chest pulling out her heart. Moving so she could see the boy still on his knees he held her heart to his lips.
"Crush it," he whispered and she had no choice but to obey as her hands clamped over the heart snuffing out the glowing red aura of the organ as it fell to the dirt in ashes.
"Why?" she wanted to know.
"Because if you cannot kill a child how can you kill a man?"
"He is far worse than I or any other you could come across. Do not trust him and above all else never make a deal either. Just a piece of advice dear." she looked pointedly at Emma then as if cutting through her
"Didn't plan on it though I'll keep it at the forefront of my mind now that you mentioned it though."
Nodding in affirmation Regina turned away from Emma, "Oh, and Ser Swan?" she called over her shoulder.
"Your majesty?"
"You may want to look into a way to control your magic and avoid destroying my property."
Shuffling her feet and looking down embarrassingly almost as if shy thought the Queen couldn't look at her, "Sorry" she mumbled but when she looked up the Queen was gone leaving behind the scent of apples and cloud of smoke. Shaking her head Emma turned back around making her way to the Library.
In the confines of her Room Regina paced furiously wearing a trail into her stone floor. That little imp wants something. But what? It has to doe with the blonde, but what? Is it the prophecy? Is she here only to decide later to kill me?
"Now now dearie no need to question my motives," the imps voice stopped her cold as she turned to face him with a mask of indignation.
"And truthfully why are you here?"
Pointing to the mirror that hung on her wall the reflection changed to view a stoic Granny yelling at Emma who was being thoroughly chastised while her advisor tried hard not to laugh. When the old woman was done with that though she explained what had happened to her granddaughter.
Though not in the room with the three Regina could see where the conversation was going as one of Belle's teapots exploded on her desk sending shards outwards and flying in all directions.
"That is why I am here," he closed the image since he knew what was coming next but wanting to spoil the Queen's surprise later, "You've felt the power of her magic and it's leaning more towards the darkness with each passing minute Snow White does something she doesn't like. Imagine harnessing a weapon that obeys your every whim and command," he whispered behind her so their reflections seemed to merge in the mirror, "Imagine all that power to shape and do with what you will. Tear Kingdoms apart and even realms if need be."
"Belle are you sure you want to be coming with me?" Emma asked pulling the strap into place on the saddle while the Evil Queen's adviser did the same.
Blue orbs glared at her with a sound determination, "I am coming with you," her no nonsense tone declared, "Besides if we can make it there before Killian and the rest of the soldiers we can get in and out without them being any the wiser."
Walking Tonitrus out alongside Belle and her steed Emma mounted the stallion. We may get there before them but I will not be leaving with them. Snow is mine. She promised herself as now both herself and Belle started off to White Castle.
Pushing themselves through the enchanted forest and the lands Emma had passed upon her entrance to the Dark Kingdom the two women stopped overlooking the castle from the hillside as the sun hung low in the afternoon's sky. If they wanted to get in undetected they'd need to wait for nightfall.
As her wandering eyes overlooked the stone walls Emma couldn't help but frown at the situation. She'd escaped. She'd escaped with the help of the most maternal figure she had and now Red was locked away and in chains. Her mother used to speak of Red fondly and still would had this never happened and in some ways the blonde can't help but think it her fault. If only I had run sooner.. the thought ebbed at her.
Steering her reins to the left Belle was the first to leave with one single thought, I'm coming Red. I'm coming for you. and was followed by the knight a mere moment later as they continued their journey to the one place where it began and would hopefully end in blood.
By the time the blonde and brunette had gotten to the prisons secret tunnel both women were unsure but more than nothing ready to find Red. Dismounting her steed Belle checked her weapons making sure they were secure before turning to Emma, "I know you want to find Snow in there but our first priority is getting Red out."
Looking away and into the dark tunnel Emma sighed, "I will help find and free her, but it will be up to you to get her out. If I leave Snow she will live."
Grabbing the knights arm Red's lover looked into her eyes, "But her happiness will be stripped from her. Everything she has will be out of her reach. What more is there?"
Not even considering her words Emma pulled out of her grasp answering with one word, "Blood." Taking the librarians silence as acceptance the blonde was the first to march into the darkness to find her godmother, release her, and then find the woman who took the one thing she truly had.
With nothing left to do but follow Belle fell into step with the woman hell bent on revenge. A vengeance only to be rivaled with the Evil Queen herself.
Though there was little light as the two approached the end of the tunnel torches could be seen flickering and the silhouettes of guards on rotation accompanied them. Reaching the last spot before the light could hit them Emma and Belle silently drew their weapons. Both with two blades in hand emerged from the darkness into the light and let their fury rip loose.
A guard rounding the corner was first to fall as the blonde lipped her blade across his neck followed by Belle clamping one hand over another's mouth while plunging a dagger into his chest killing them instantly. Leaving the bodies where they lie the women continued into the dungeon looking for any signs of Red. With each cell they'd pass another guard seemed to die and Emma was reveling in the blood spilling down her blades so much that her swords were engulfed in fire making her face light up with a sick pleasure many would call twisted.
Using the light of the blades to search easier now the groaning and whimpers of a soft voice drew their attention. In the last cell laying in a crumpled mess of sweat and dried blood was red. Her neck and wrists bloody and raw from the silver chains restraining her caused Emma and Belle pain to witness such torture. Falling onto her knees at the sight of her lover Belle clasped at the bars tears falling from her eyes. Through her watery vision the brunette could see the wolfs eyes slowly open until they were staring right back at her, "Red," she whispered softly which then broke into a sob seeing her Red was still alive.
Cocking her head to the side the weak woman gave a smile, "My beauty," the dry voice cracked before falling back into unconsciousness.
Thinking the worst Belle wanted to scream and tear Snow apart, but Emma's hand on her shoulder restrained her, "She's alive but malnourished and poisoned. You heard Granny, but we need to get her out of there." sheathing her blades the blonde moved Belle aside cracking her knuckles afterwards before gripping the bars.
"What are you doing?"
"Apparently I have magic and I'm out of lock picks and keys so here we go," she informed pulling the bars only to have nothing happen. Again and again she tried but no matter what she couldn't summon it, "Gods be damned!" she shouted shaking with all her might trying to rip at the metal.
Placing a soothing hand on the frustrated woman's shoulder the adviser spoke softly, "Try seeing the bars bend to your will not force them to." she suggested and since Emma had no better way to do what she needed the blonde relaxed placing her hands back on the bars.
This time seeing the metal bend to her will Emma summoned the anger to help fuel the magic. She wasn't an expert but knew enough to know that's what powered it. Her anger, her need for vengeance, and for blood. Feeling the metal give way the blonde added extra pressure opening it wide enough for them both to enter and save Red.
As they both went to the unconscious form on the floor green and blue studied the silver collar and chains holding the wolf hostage. They dug into her skin where yellow puss told of rotting flesh and infection. How the woman was still alive was a feat in itself, but of that extent she should be dead. Gently placing her hands on the shackles and then the collar she was able to do to them what she did to the bars. With each one removed they were able to study the injuries closer and it was apparent to both women that Belle couldn't take the wolf from there on her own. Picking the wolf up bridal style Emma and Belle made their way back to the horses. Once there Belle mounted her steed then the knight sat the wolf atop it before turning back to the darkness.
"Come back alive at least," Belle requested knowing Emma could not be stopped.
Turning to look over her shoulder Emma stopped at the mouth of the tunnel, "I make no promises." and with those final words the daughter of Snow White disappeared into the darkness.
A/N: Ooh well this won't turn out well for the king and queen now will it?
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