Title: Part 6

Series: The Unknown

Author: Affinity/Mel

Archive: None but willing to share if you ask ^.^

Pairing: Getting there (SwanQueen and others)

Rating: PG-13 (mostly for language)

Disclaimers: Don't own Once or anything like that, just borrowing their characters.

Comments: I'm a feedback whore so if you want more of this, you'll have to let me know that ^.^ Also, I don't have a beta so all mistakes are mine and will be fixed as I find them.

Part 6

It had been a very strange week. There was a lot of medical jargon being tossed around but in the end the strange woman had been released into the former Mayor's custody since Fey wasn't on the books as a resident, let alone on record of any kind. Sometimes Emma wondered how this town even functioned on a legal level but that was the furthest thing from her mind at the moment. As per their deal Regina had been very forthcoming with information even though she didn't know a lot of details and her inner investigator was sifting through every word for a clue, some form of lead that could give her more insight into what she was dealing with. They were powerful, that was certain but would revealing their true nature really put them in danger? Considering how the town treated Red, she frowned. Yeah, it was better to keep it a secret even if she did figure this out.

Her mind drifted to her family and she sighed. David and Mary Margaret were content with what she'd told them, though a little awkward. Henry had a right to see his adoptive mother and it gave the married couple the alone time they seemed to need while eliminating any more awkward moments like they'd experienced in the past. Honestly she kinda liked it here at Regina's. It was vast, quiet and very beautiful. If she'd had the time to spare she would've gone exploring but sadly there was work to be done. The strange brunette who'd decided to call herself Ana required round the clock supervision and thanks to her day job plus Henry being at school during normal hours she'd been stuck with the night shift. Sleep became a cherished handful of hours near mid day when David took over the station til closing.

Henry was being a total prince about everything, taking it upon himself to get home safe and wake her up before dinner. He seemed really happy and not just about the secret operation they were working together. This compromise had been a long time coming and while she remained hesitant, it was working for everyone. Now if only Fey weren't in the picture. 'What is it about her I don't like? Other than the obvious? She might be handy with a sword but I can put a bullet in her much faster. This is my town, my family and she's not going to hurt anyone on my watch. Maybe I'm just being overprotective.'

A pungent odor hit her nostrils and her lungs forced out a cough, eyes searching the room for a source. Suddenly Ana let out a wail, sitting upright and the curtains ignited into a fiery wall. Emma eyes nearly popped out of her skull but running on instinct she grabbed the pitcher of water near the bed and used it to douse the flames. Inspecting the soggy remains of cloth, she noticed a few small candles near the windowsill filled with water and sighed. Why did all the freaky incidents pop up around her? This whole Savior thing was more like an eternal curse. The gift that keeps on giving, like a lifelong incurable disease.

Suddenly becoming painfully aware of the frightened woman behind her, she felt like an ass. Discarding the empty pitcher she swapped a curious look for one that read concern and slowly approached the brunette. "Having some nightmares huh?" she said gently, trying to be comforting even if it came our horribly awkward. Since meeting Aurora the Savior really felt for anyone who'd been afflicted with a sleeping curse. Bad enough being trapped all that time but a fiery hell trap dreamscape? Yeah, not her idea of a good time.

Tears involuntarily streamed from pretty blue orbs, a hand grabbing onto Emma's arm when the limb drew close enough. Chest shook, lungs frantically pushing oxygen in and out until eventually the panic diminished. Droplets ceased their dissent but glistening streaks remained as reddening eyes met the Savior's. "I. . ." she choked, swallowing hard before her small voice confessed. "I think. . .I was a bad person."

Emma's heart tightened, trembling beneath the weight of a deep sadness. Normally she didn't connect with people on an emotional level as it only led to disappointment or pain but this was different. She found herself empathetic toward the brunette, more now than in the last couple days and a part of her wondered if the reason was because Ana reminded her of a younger Regina. Or how she imagined the other woman must have been before revenge destroyed her life. Emma thought a lot about that lately, especially seeing her former adversary so intent on caring for those around her. That didn't make her any less snarky or cut back on the amount she glared and huffed but it wasn't a side she'd been exposed to before. Not in a pure, genuine sort of way without ulterior motives. Plucking a tissue from the box, she lightly pressed it to the woman's cheek and asked, "why do you think that?"

Lids fell shut, a gust of breath leaving her lips. Images in her head both while awake and dreaming felt so far away as if it were another life entirely. Finding a connection to them seemed impossible. She couldn't clearly recall what scenes had caused such a stir as they dissolved into darkness but feelings lingered, unexplained. Struggling to find the right words, she spoke slowly, "I. . . feel it. Dreams. . .they vanish but. . .suffering, anguish, hatred. It's still there and. . .I'm not sure it's entirely my own. I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't burden you with such things."

How could you console a person when you couldn't be sure of what they'd done in their past or who they might have been? What if this woman was some ancient evil of the Enchanted Forest? She could be for all they knew, although Regina had mentioned she wasn't from said location. 'So what if she is? Nothing anyone can do about it now. I'm not like my parents, I don't have to hold these grudges. I mean, I kinda get why they do but seriously, it's been how long? Ana deserves to be treated like anyone else, even if she turns out to be a monster. No, not a monster. Dark. Maybe. . .things aren't so black and white.' As she finished wiping away the trails of saline, she gave Ana a smile. "Hey, don't worry about it ok? I don't mind listening. Look, I know as much about your past as you do so I might not be much help but no matter what happened there you have a person here who cares about you. She loves you, no matter what." God she had to stop listening to Mary Margaret. She was starting to sound like her.

Ana smiled weakly. "You're too kind Emma. Thank you." Startled by a forceful knock on the door, she steadied her breathing and gave the Savior a farewell wave. "I'll see you again this eve. Please be safe." She felt a bond with each of the women caring for her and though some emotions were confusing or couldn't be labeled Ana knew in her heart she finally belonged. It felt. . .new. Perhaps in her old life Fey was the only one she could be close to but things were changing for the better.

The blonde collected her things then pulled the door open, gesturing for Regina to stay outside. Closing it behind her, the Savior spoke softly, "there was a-uh. . .fire. I don't know if it had anything to do with Ana or it's just another freak accident but she had a pretty bad nightmare and the curtains went up. I put it out but everything is still drenched near the window."

Before Emma could say another word the former Queen broke in, "it's fine Miss Swan, I'll deal with it. I appreciate you handling things thus far. Henry is waiting for you in the car. . .with breakfast." So cooking for the other woman made Regina feel a little more than awkward but she couldn't quite tell why. It wasn't a big deal, she'd just been making a bit more than usual to feed everyone. Still, things were starting to feel. . .like a makeshift family. Henry belonged in that circle but everyone else? She told herself she wanted them gone, out of her house and life so things could get back to quiet and relaxing but she knew better. Since the curse broke her existence had simply stopped being what it use to and the chances of getting that back were slim to none. Besides, secretly she embraced their continued presence. Grabbing the other woman's arm before she could escape, Regina added, "if you see Fey, would you send her up please?"

"Sure," was all Emma responded, heading downstairs once Regina released her arm. She was half way to the front door when she noticed the other blonde staring at her. "Regina wants you up there," she stated briefly, feet carrying her closer to the exit after receiving a nod of understanding. She and Fey had started on the wrong foot but after the last few days the other woman was becoming tolerable. Even if they didn't really speak more than a sentence or two daily.

"Emma," the cautious, mysterious woman called out. Once the other woman turned to look at her, she continued hesitantly, "would it be possible to arrange a discussion of sorts?" She desperately needed people to talk to that might understand and from the Saviors actions she could be in luck. Either that or her perception was broken. This strange new world did her head in constantly with it's modern devices, confusing words and weird rituals.

A brow raised curiously as she made a mental note to explore the reasons for this request at a later time. "Um, ok. Maybe after dinner tonight," she replied then promptly walked out the door. She couldn't be late dropping Henry off. She'd never hear the end of it. Why did it suddenly feel like she was married?

Sometime mid afternoon. . .

A low sigh fell from slightly parted lips as she turned the page carefully. Chocolate eyes moved adoringly over the heartwarming images preserved by a thin layer of plastic and she couldn't fight a smile. 'My little boy. . .he's getting so big. And becoming quite the young man. It's so nice to see him every day but I miss him living here. He appears to be happy however. At least for now I can watch him grow up and perhaps we'll find a permanent way to mutually exists in his life as parents with. . .equal power. That's the only way this is going to continue working.'

Her gaze rose from the pages of memories and she stared out the window. 'I wish you were here mother but I hope you'll forgive me for being happy you're not. Your love caused me so much pain, poisoned my life and I. . .can't imagine putting Henry through that. I know I've lied for a long time but that's over. He is the best thing that's ever happened to me and nobody is going to interfere with that. Lately it feels as though he's embracing this awkward balance between Miss Swan and myself which gives me hope we can continue co-parenting. But I'm afraid. There's a conversation we must have and I'm almost certain she'll try to shut me out of his life again. Would she really go back on her word? There's something else. I don't understand it but. . .she makes me happy. When they're both here I feel. . .unlike I've ever felt. Whole. This isn't possible. I can't be. . .can I?'

A light noise drew attention to the doorway as Fey made her presence known and spoke softly, "now that she is more aware of things I believe that will be the last incident. Is there anything I can do to replace what was damaged?"

Withdrawing from her thoughts with a faint sadness, she replied sternly, "be sure it doesn't happen again as you've said and you can consider it forgotten. I won't have you or her putting my son at risk. Is that understood?"

"Yes, of course," Fey agreed, eyeing the brunette suspiciously. There was an edge in her voice that wasn't normal and certainly set off an internal alarm for the perceptive blonde. What was causing Regina's tone to shift so drastically? She wanted to press further but considering the day everyone was having it clearly wasn't the right time.

After dinner. . .

"Henry, would you help clear the table?" Regina asked as she prepared the leftovers for transport, then handed them off to Ana.

"Sure!" the young man chirped, staying out of the way while doing as he was told. Everyone took turns with cleaning and dishes, mostly because Regina was the only one who had a knack for cooking but he didn't mind. In fact, it made things feel more. . .normal. He loved his grandparents but living with both of his moms was a refreshing change. Especially since his father's passing. All the support he needed wrapped around him like a warm blanket and it eased the pain.

As the others cleaned up Fey gestured for the Savior to join her in the next room. Quietly they moved to the living room and sat across from each other. Without all the pleasantries of modern conversation, Fey jumped right in, "I believe I may be in love. It is my hope that you might shed light upon the subject given the way you look at Regina."

Emma followed Fey's gaze as it moved over to the stunning brunette then back and her mouth opened but no words managed to escape. Grasping for anything, she finally found her voice again and sputtered, "you don' know what you're- I mean that's not even p- wait, WHAT way I look at her? She. . .we're. . .co-parenting! That's. It."

Fey quirked a brow. Why was the Savior freaking out? And so eager to disprove what was clearly written all over her face? Was she not aware of her transparent emotions? People of this world were so concerned with others opinions they often disregarded their own feelings which was simply beyond Fey's comprehension. "By your protests I would disagree. I may not know either of you particularly well but I am very familiar with desire and you are unable to conceal that Emma. Whether you admit it openly or not, you care for her more deeply than you let on."

"Henry cares about her. . .so in a way I do too," Emma muttered quietly as her mind wandered. Truth be told she'd been questioning just how much she cared and what path it might lead them on but now was not the time to sort it out. And she sure as hell wasn't talking to Fey about any of it. Rolling her shoulders, she continued, "anyway, if you're in love then don't waste your time talking to me about it. Tell them how you feel and leave me out of it."

Fey prepared to fire back a cheeky statement but before the words had time to leave her lips the Savior had escaped to another room. Well that hadn't gone the way she'd been hoping. Now what? 'I may never understand these people. How can one be so out of touch with their own emotions they refuse to acknowledge what others see so clearly? Perhaps my approach was a bit presumptuous. When next we speak I shall do my very best to respect her boundaries.' Smiling to herself, she found great amusement in these thoughts. Where she came from such pleasantries weren't given to many but then Emma wasn't just anyone. She was helping after all and for that Fey considered her a friend, even if it wasn't mutual.

Bedtime. . .

"You know," she began, pulling the blankets over her legs and resting her eyes on the Savior. "We're alike you and I, both special but I have a feeling we were made differently. What is it they call you?" The images hadn't cleared up much but enough that the emotions were beginning to make a little more sense.

Emma's head lifted when the brunette spoke to her and she ceased writing notes. Tilting her head to one side she found amusement in what the other woman had to say but pain lurked beneath the surface too. She believed now more than ever that she was certainly no Savior but maybe hero would suffice. If she could save anyone. The guilt of losing Neal still burned in her chest, especially when she thought about the future. Swallowing down her issues, she answered with a shrug, "the Savior. I uh, broke the curse on this town which. . .was a little weird and then got sucked into a portal. Which is a long story. I'm wondering, how do you mean we're the same?"

"We were both meant for great things. This may sound strange but it's a feeling I get that tells me so." Eyes shimmered, fingers grasping the sheets as she continued in a strained tone, "You're very powerful Emma and you should start honing that strength. Something very dangerous is coming and only the combined will of your strongest allies will be able to stop it." Panting softly, the glimmer in her pupils dissolved and she tried to process what had just happened. 'This must be what Fey warned me of. It is stranger than I expected but also feels. . .like home.'

Emma rolled her eyes at the initial statement. Why did everyone say that? When the second part of it sank in her brows pinched together. Ana's intuition made her special, or that was Emma's guess. Then she noticed the trance like state her acquaintance slipped into, scribbling down information without glancing at the page. How strange. Could the other woman be remembering? If not what caused such odd behavior? The ominous warning made the Savior uneasy. Why were predictions always gloomy? Couldn't it be something more like "you shall have a quiet week"? Of course not, this was her life where nothing was ever easy. 'How the hell am I suppose to hone my powers? Nobody here even does mag- ok, that's not true. But I hate to ask Regina, especially since I'm kinda using her for information as it is. Would she even consider teaching me? Maybe. . .maybe I should just ask. The worst she can say is no. My strongest allies? Oh this sounds really bad.' Setting her notebook down, she moved to the side of the bed and gave Ana's hand a light squeeze. "Then we will but don't worry about that. Just get some rest, ok?"

Flinching a little at the contact, Ana caught her breath as images returned to her mind in a flutter. Her dreams rarely made sense but frequently returned in pieces like a puzzle to solve. Eyes met with the other woman's and their connection strengthened on a level she wasn't sure they were both aware of. This time she understood. Turning her hand to grasp Emma's, she whispered softly, "I cannot control what I see so please forgive my intrusion but I must say his death was not your fault. You did all you could and it would be a shame to let this hold you back. Your heart beats for another, don't let his memory deny you that happiness."

It was a fucking conspiracy. First Fey, now Ana. At least she wasn't telling her who these feelings were for, only suggesting the conflict inside was hindering her ability to embrace a possible new relationship. For the longest time she'd remained in love with Neal even after all the pain he put her through but since his passing she felt. . .free. Sure guilt haunted her and she constantly wondered if she could've done anything differently but she was beginning to realize that was more for Henry's benefit than her own. Frowning, she broke eye contact, "look, I get where you're coming from since you don't know my situation but please stay out of it. I-I know Neal is gone but even if I did care about somebody else, Henry wouldn't understand. Hell, I don't understand most days so just leave it alone."

The next morning. . .

Thank the heavens she slept during the afternoon or she'd be in a really horrible place right now. After tucking Ana in the Savior had tried distracting herself with the internet but to no avail. She couldn't escape the questions in her head about Neal, Regina, Henry, Fey, Ana and everything else. Come to think of it she hadn't seen Hook in a while either which had to be some kind of sign. Stress levels were cranked to max, leaving the normally calm, stoic woman a total mess. With a deep sigh she glanced at her watch and began gathering her stuff. Just then a name filled the air. It was Ana, she was talking in her sleep. That wasn't unusual but this was the first time Emma could make out what she'd said. Flipping open the book, she made a note then shoved everything in her bag.

Oh she looked forward to this weekend. She'd explained call forwarding to David and they took turns with the work cell. It was his this time and a full 8 hours of sleep beckoned. 'Just gotta make it through breakfast. Hope I'm not getting grilled. They haven't seen much of me but I did give them a reason. Why am I so worried? Fey call me out, that's why. Can everyone really see something I can't? What if they notice I'm off my game?' Sighing, she turned the knob and opened the door. Freezing in surprise, she nodded in Regina's direction then moved past her and toward the stairs. 'I have to get out of here.'

Greeting Emma with the best smile she could muster with so little caffeine in her system, the former Queen found herself concerned when she was brushed off. Under normal circumstances she wouldn't expect any less but the last few days they'd been really in sync so what had changed? Emma seemed. . .withdrawn? Regina couldn't tell, especially when it came to the Savior. Maybe her own feelings interfered but then she'd never been very aware of other's emotional states. Regardless, something was off. "Miss Swan," she whispered to avoid waking the sleeping woman in the next room. "Is something the matter?"

Emma paused, unable to face the woman causing so much internal debate. "Tired. Been a long week. I'll see you Monday," she responded flatly then continued down the stairs. She wouldn't give Regina the chance to question her further as it wouldn't lead anywhere pleasant. Not with her current mood. Slipping into the kitchen for a cup of coffee, she couldn't hold in the groan when spotting Fey.

"The pleasure is all mine Savior. Please, do not hurry off on my account," she started, pleading more with her eyes than voice. When she was convinced Emma wasn't going to bolt for the door she continued, "I want to apologize for my assumptions last eve. It was not my intention to make you uncomfortable and I hope this will not harm our friendship."

Collecting a cup, her shoulders sank and she settled in to listening. She could do that and pour at the same time, cranky or not. A bit surprised by the apology she nearly lost count of how much sugar she'd added. Stirring idly, her body turned to face Fey and a sense of comfort hit. The other woman was very secretive and it must have taken a lot for her to approach Emma in the first place. Maybe it could work both ways. Her barriers had worn down hours ago and honestly she felt more compelled to talk now than when people asked questions. "Thanks but you were right. I don't understand a lot of what's going on inside my head and I guess now I get why you needed somebody to talk to about it. But I'm really exhausted. Maybe we could talk about it some other time?"

Now that she hadn't expected. Fey found herself momentarily speechless, sipping her coffee as to not appear awkward. Perhaps the Savior found herself comfortable with them after all and she gave an understanding nod. "As you wish. Enjoy your days of rest and I look forward to speaking with you again soon. Do not allow it to weigh so heavily on you Emma. We shall both discover a way to handle our. . .situations."

~tbc~