AN: Hey I got another chapter for you and it's early! But not too early. I'm loving your guys' response to my chapters and they make me smile every day. God I'm loving it. Anyway I hope you like it.
"Behind you Swan," Emma twisted with the warning bringing her blades up to block the blow meant for her head. Kicking Kovu in the stomach Emma sent him sprawling onto the dirt as Kiara tried to attack her from the back, but the blonde was too quick and dodged in time tripping the woman who forgot to follow through with her strike.
"I thought we talked about this guys," Emma lectured, "Kovu, when coming at me make sure Kiara is ready to strike before you distract me and Kiara always follow through you'll get better results." she laughed hitting her with the flat of her blade as if playing with food.
Growling Kiara lunged once more while Kovu just closed his eyes laying in the dirt knowing it'd be useless for the tempered woman to get a hand up on their friend. It was with the oof that accompanied with the rustling of dirt beside him did he greet Nala with a smirk, "Maybe we should listen to her huh?"
Shoving him Kiara glared as Emma walked over holding out a hand in both their directions. Cautiously taking them the two got to their feet, "Well now that that's done how about you go and practice what I told you to huh?"
Grumbling the two left without another word as the blonde turned back to Killian who only smiled at her, "You just like hitting things don't you love?"
"Beats getting hit, and besides it's not like she's going to pick me to represent the kingdom, but it doesn't mean I want us to lose and some of the knights could use some brushing up on their skills." she spoke while taking her hair down before retying it.
Looking up across the way the Captain saw the form of his Queen which he greeted with a nod of the head and smile, "Be that as it may you've taken out at least twelve of our best. Something about always having to find something wrong with them and all."
Drawing her blades Emma stepped closer to Killian, "You and I both know I'm only allowed to do this because it keeps me from going after her...well that and the mark."
Understanding the woman's distraction Killian placed his good hand on her shoulder, "You may still want to kill her but if you can get these louts better than before think of the damage we could do the the White Kingdom should we ever go to war again. Cinderella on the throne is just a power play for now. This is not just a tourney this is a challenge to her right to be regent. Think of all the trouble to cause while there."
The Knights had been informed days ago of the tournament being held in the White Kingdom to commemorate the day Cinderella took over the throne though many knew it was just a distraction to keep the people from rioting in the streets. The fact that their Queen had left them to go into hiding along with the untimely death of the King, as they were calling it, left many reeling in fear. The Dark Kingdom was only allowed to participate due to not wanting to get off on the wrong foot with the Evil Queen. But was there even a right one? And that is why the Knights were training harder in hopes to gain their Queen's favor to have the honor of championing their kingdom.
However from what the Queen could see of her men and women only one could stand against the other kingdoms when it came to the top three most important of the events: the joust, the duel, and archery. As much as she loathed the idea of having Emma be the champion she loathed loosing more. Even when Snow was still Queen of the White Kingdom she had sent Robin and a platoon of men to the tourney and had been declared victor for the past five years running, she would not give up that title. So instead of making her decision she continued to watch.
So far the blonde had taken down twelve of her top Knights. Kovu and Kiara being the latest. It was strange to watch their interactions. In the time that had passed since their magic lessons began the blonde showed that she was adept and could control much of herself when she wanted to. She was fast to progress in the area concerning her magic but still watching the blonde beat grown men and women twice her size made the Queen see that though the Knight was temperamental, uncontrollable, and wild that she still had the discipline to make a great champion. Sighing she rubbed her temple before turning away from the balcony, but not before catching Killian's nod.
Walking to her mirror she summoned the man trapped within, "Sydney, I need you to send a message for me."
"And what is it you wish to be sent your Majesty?" the floating head asked of his Queen.
"Tell that woman sitting on the throne I have my Champion and will be accompanying them this time. I expect accommodations to be set up and the people and soldiers told to stay their blades otherwise it will not be pretty."
"At once your grace," he bowed before evaporating and the only image left was that of the brunette with an evil smile on her face.
It was no secret among the castle that it was Emma who murdered the King, her own flesh and blood, but the entertainment value of watching the staff scurry away from their once beloved princess would be too much to pass up and so with that ever evil smile never leaving her blood red lips she poofed to the training grounds where she would make her announcement.
The grounds stood still as every man and woman on the field took presence of their Queen. One by one they bowed their heads as her brown scorching eyes roved over them, "You have all worked to prove your worth," she spoke strongly as she walked past many of them, "And yet many still lack the strength and skill needed to do what is needed." she scoffed as some she passes mumbled sorry and she ignored them making her way closer to the one woman who only bowed her head momentarily before meeting her eyes, "And out of all of you this Knight here has beaten you, and yet still deems to train you even after your failures though they continue."
Stopping in front of the blonde Regina was met with wide eyes, she was able to finally be the one to throw the woman off her game, "Congratulations Ser Swan, it looks like we'll be going to the White Kingdom." she smirked as the woman took a gulp.
"We?"
"Yes, we," she confirmed annoyed before turning to Killian who was standing beside his favorite Knight, "Now Killian take her to the master armor and have her armor crafted we only have so little time to work with. Oh and do not be late to our next session Ser Swan, or else..." before either could even try to reply she was gone.
The heat radiated from the forge, and where the usual orange flames flickered none were to be seen, but instead dark purple flames licked at the metal the smith was currently shaping. It was an artwork even Emma was envious. Everyone could learn to wield a sword and be diligent in little time, but to smith was a true art where even in a few weeks time the apprenticed smith would fumble with mistakes.
The hulking mass shaping the metal stood with his back to them though Emma could see how his hands deftly moved about bending and moulding the metals into works to rival those of the gods. She never had a chance to meet the man considering the weapons and armor she had were given to her with no details needed, but it seemed that being a Champion, even if only in name and not a true one at that, that she needed to be better equipped to take on the other kingdoms chosen ones.
"I see her Majesty has sent me someone worthy to carry my arms and don my armor, but who is it who stands behind me hmm?" his head turned and when Emma met milky white eyes she realized the smith that had created works of art with his hands was blind.
"Y-you're blind!" was the first thing that came tumbling out of her mouth.
"And you're very observant young one, but come let me have a look at you," he smiled before reaching out to feel her facial features. Unsure about being touched by this old man who defied laws of limits Emma kept still observing him as his rough hands studied her face. Though his eyes were milky the combed back grey hair atop his head and the stubble adorning his face covered scars long since healed but not forgotten. And his calloused hands seemed to make quick work as they slid to cup her cheeks, turn her jaw and appear as if her were looking for something.
The old smith hummed and ah'd as his hands took in every detail of the woman's face, "I see pain and suffering for you in both your past and future," he observed, "You're destined for great things, but they will be filled with pain and suffering. Not just yours but that of others as well." he removed his hands before his eyes shifted to meet green ones dead on, "And so for this I shall craft you the armor none shall forget; it shall tell of the happiness you will have only to be outweighed by the pain it shall bring."
Looking at Killian the Captain seemed to look displeased with what the smith was saying, and judging by his reaction she knew this was normal for the Knights. Somehow this man who forged weapons and armor for the Queen's men was also a seer, but even that didn't stop her from questioning, "I'm sorry what?" she shook her head in disbelief.
The smith didn't respond choosing to simply turn around and head back to the forge making it clear that there was nothing left to say. However the Knight wanted answers reaching for him Killian grabbed her shoulder hoping to avoid anything rash, "Excuse me what are you talking about old man!?" she demanded to know.
"Swan, let it go," her captain ordered pulling her back even as the magic buzzed around her fists, "He sees the future...vaguely," he added hoping to move her away from the stone building.
Glaring at the man over her shoulder Emma removed herself from his grasp quickly walking away with a muttered, "Whatever," before going to find Ruby, and hopefully someone to spar with before meeting with the Queen to resume her training.
By the time she found Red it was midday and still reeling from what the seer had said. I mean it's not like my life can get any worse right? I mean maybe he's wrong. I'll be happy when Snow's dead. I mean what harm could come from that unless...nah I'll survive it. She reasoned coming up to Toni who Red was tending to at the moment, "Hey, Red you got a minute?"
The werewolf turned around seeing the conflict in her goddaughter's eyes. Gesturing to the bench in the stables the two sat down as the faint swishing and neighs of the horses filled the air. Shifting in her seat the blonde looked once more at Red, "I'm to go back," she whispered, "but I can't go after Snow, I mean not that I know where she is or anything, but if I did…"
"You'd finish it somehow," the older woman finished for her.
Nodding green eyes looked back to her Toni happy that at least he'd be there with her when she went back, "Yeah, and that fly made it so I couldn't hurt her in any way so it'd also be pointless. Besides I'm not sure if going back to be the 'Champion' of the Dark Kingdom is a good thing." she admitted second guessing herself.
Slapping the younger woman on the arm the brunette scoffed, "Oh no you don't. You're going to go back, be Champion, and kick their asses. The Dark Kingdom hasn't lost in years."
"I'm not worried about losing Red," she sighed, "I'm worried about losing my temper. I mean I killed their King and I'm going to be dining in the place she died. How am I meant to control myself?"
Standing the wiser of the two pulled Emma to her feet leading her out of the tables and into the gardens across from it. Stopping beneath the lone apple tree the wolf looked up to the library's balcony where Belle was having lunch with Granny, "See them?" she moved Emma's head so she couldn't miss the two, "That's how I keep control. I know no matter what they'll be there for me, even in my darker moments. It's not about control, it's about finding something that grounds you."
Frowning the Knight sighed, "So you're saying I need to find someone new-"
"No I'm saying you need to find something not someone," she clarified.
"So something to keep me grounded, but what? It's not like I have much to keep me sane anymore."
Placing a hand on the blondes shoulder Red looked into her eyes, "It will be hard, but it will be worth it. Just find something that can remind you of the person she wanted you to be. It can be big or small, or nothing at all. Maybe a memory, I don't know that's up to you," she tried to convey her understanding in every way before sending her off, "but be off with you now. Wouldn't want to keep her Majesty waiting." Setting her own hand over Red's she gave it a squeeze before turning back to the castle to prepare herself for the training to come.
She was running late, literally, running down the halls and skidding around corners so fast all people saw were the flash of blonde hair and the red and black outfit she wore. It's not like she meant to be late she just lost track of how long it would take her to bathe before meeting the Queen for their next magic lesson. Stopping at the closed doors before her Emma knew she was in deep shit when she heard the Queen even before she raised her hand to grasp the handles.
"Enter," the dark voice commanded and of course not being in the mood for a fight the blonde did as was commanded, "You're late."
Though she didn't want to argue with the Queen didn't stop her from meeting the brown pools outlined in a smoky shade making her deep pools even darker and even more menacing. It complimented her olive tanned skin and the dark black outfit she wore. Though she wore a dress the skirt had no front and instead the brunette wore a pair of black leather pants forming to her shapely legs and the v in her dress showed off more cleavage than what was necessary (for a Knight anyway). However it was undeniable that the Queen could pull just about anything off she was sure.
"My apologize your Majesty," she bowed her head though she never broke eye contact, "I wanted to wash before-"
"Listen and listen well, Swan," the brunette's tone was a promising threat, "I told you not to be late. I don't care if you smelled of Ogres, you're to be here on time now stay still." she commanded using the mark to make sure the woman couldn't move as she magicked a whip before unleashing it on the blonde, "I want you to count the lashes."
Unable to react to the pain being inflicted Green eyes closed as the crack of leather was heard and the sting of the lash sent her nerves on fire, "I said count them," another lash.
"O-one."
"Good, only fourteen more to go. One for every minute you were late."
When the whip lashed against her back this time Emma breathed in hard, "Two," and for each crack against her skin she would hold her breath only releasing it to prepare for the next, "Three," and on the work went until the white tunic was stained red and ripped to tatters in the back.
Enthralled with her work Regina approached the woman reveling in the crimson that leaked from pale skin. Placing her cold palm on the tattered shirt her hand came away painted in blood, "The blood of my enemy in my hands, and you told me you'd have more power than me," she chuckled moving to face her default Champion allowing the bloodied hand to follow a path from Emma's neck to her jaw.
The only tell Emma was trying to control herself was the twitch of her eye. Regina could sense the magic trying to challenge her, take her, destroy her, but oh how the Knight resisted, "I only retaliate if you try to kill me," she spat through gritted teeth knowing she couldn't hold back much longer.
Sensing the struggle the dark laugh that echoed in the room brought Emma to the present. Her magic was building up and it was only a matter of time before she lashed out at the Queen for no reason save for being the closest thing to harm. Knowing what the woman was waiting for the blonde swallowed her pride, "What would you have me do?" she asked and watched as cognac eyes lit with mirth.
Releasing the blonde from her containment Regina smirked, "Create the one thing you wish to have, and then destroy it."
Taking in a deep breath Emma knew what she wanted. She wanted Sophie to be alive, to have children running around their small estate while she came home from the barracks after serving the minor lord she worked for. The image was clear in her head that the illusion appeared within the castle's room. She allowed the illusion to play out.
Sophie held onto their daughter while standing around the stove working around her swollen belly as their eldest came running in as illusion Emma swooped him up in his arms with a smile on her face. The estate's kitchen was homey and warm. A simple wooden table with four chairs stood farther down the room while the hearth warmed the stew cooking over it. It was bittersweet to the green eyes that watched the thing she wanted most knowing it was gone anyway.
The Queen was impressed, slightly, by the projection of the wanting soldier. The detail was so real and the way the illusions acted together flowed naturally. However it was time to end this and break the dead dreams of her Champion, "Finish it," she commanded and next thing she knew flames from the hearth spewed outward as if coming from a dragon's maw catching the drapes, wood, and any burnable piece alight followed by the screams of the children and the woman with child while Emma slowly disappeared and the one casting magic stepped into the place her doppelganger once stood watching it all burn down around her. All that was left was ash, real ash, and the smell of burning bodies and smoke. Looking up from the ashes Emma felt relatively better. Her magic was no longer trying to claw its way out and attack anything or anyone, for now anyway."
"Well, not what I pictured, but I guess it shall simply have to suffice won't it?" the Queen hummed as the blonde turned to meet her gaze, "Anything else your Majesty?"
"No," she knew the blonde had exerted herself too much to continue. Besides the illusion that came to life was so real it terrified her. Not even she was able to conjure such a scene until many years later. Emma was proving to be quite the student and she knew how to work the blonde to get what she wanted, "Before you go however there is one more thing."
"Yes your Majesty?" the blonde tried to keep the tired tone from escaping but the brunette caught it.
"When we go to the White Kingdom you shall not be able to use magic."
Eyes wide in shock she went to protest slightly twisting in the brunette's direction, "Bu-"
"But nothing." Regina held up a hand to stop her, "You will not use magic at all for the full four days we are away, understood?"
Knowing that nothing other than a yes was acceptable the blonde nodded before verbalizing her understanding, "Yes, my Queen."
"Good," her tone was clipped, "Now be gone, some people actually have priorities to attend to."
Not even replying to the Queen the Knight simply strode out of the room her hands balled into fists at her side. Looks like I'll be needing to find something to curb my temper and soon. She thought thinking back to the conversation she had with Red before going to find Killian and studying up on her opponents. If anything though she knew it was going to be a long four days with the Queen.
"Do you not understand the anger you're putting us in by allowing the Evil Queen and her new pet into the tournament, let alone the Kingdom?" the Huntsman shouted at the regent who only looked at him in distaste as she sat on the throne.
Running her tongue over her teeth Cinderella did understand the danger that came with accommodating the Evil Queen and Snow's recently disowned daughter. Though the death of King David was still on the people's minds the tournament was in honor of his bravery and courage as a ruler. Also everyone was welcome to participate, but Graham did have a point, "Then what do you suggest I do?"
The man's shoulders sagged in relief, "Don't allow Emma to compete."
"You know I can't do that. It's a violation of the terms agreed upon by the Kingdoms. Even if she had joined the Evil Queen there is still the agreement that tournaments are neutral events and none are banned." she reminded the man, "But I can allow you to be Champion for the Kingdom, since David is no longer with us. You were his best friend, I think he'd want you to take his place as Champion."
Taking it for what he was able to get the Huntsman bowed, "Thank you, and hopefully I'll make the Kingdom see why we're still great," and with a flourished bow he turned and walked out of the hall to return to his quarters.
Sighing now that he was behind closed doors the man allowed himself to relax. The fact that Emma was coming back to the Kingdom did not bode well and gave him the distinct feeling that this was more than some set of games to both the Queen and her Champion. Removing his tunic Graham allowed the cool air to calm him as he moved to his desk ready to write his love.
My dearest Snow,
It is with a troubled mind and heart that I write to you. It has been days since I last saw your smile and heard your laugh. It makes me ache for this to be over, but until we are sure neither the Evil Queen nor her new pet are content to let you live this shall have to do. I understand why you allowed Cinderella to rule in your stead however I also wish it had been another. She is determined to uphold the tournament act allowing both the Evil Bitch and her toy to come and participate in the festivities.
I fear this is a setup of some kind. How can they be allowed back in the Kingdom after what has happened? My heart is disquiet and I fear that removing you from the throne was only the beginning. There are secrets in motion, but to speak of proof I have none. Perhaps with the coming days I shall learn more.
I will always wait for you my Queen,
Graham.
Signing the letter he blew on the ink helping it to dry faster before rolling it up and moving to the pigeon's cage he kept in his room. Taking out one of the birds the Huntsman attached the letter to the bird's leg before sending him off, "Find my Snow and tell her I love her.
I know you guys are tired of Emma being beat and or lashed for her insubordination but this is the EQ we're talking about so she's going to punish people how she see's fit, but this will probably be the last major abuse to Emma for some time.
Other than that though what did you guys think? Come on lay it on me I can take it.