After her parting words with Killian, Emma turned her back to avoid looking at him. Nodding to Rumple informed him that she was ready to leave whenever he wanted. All of a sudden, she felt as though she was flying. Her body felt out of place and the sensation was uncomfortable. The environment around her began to warp as she continued to her destination. When her feet touched solid ground, she was in a room she didn't recognize. As the fear from the magical transportation left her, her knees buckled to the floor, for the weight of the Jolly fiasco dawned on her.
Tears fell down her face as she curled herself into a ball on the floor. Now that she was away from all the yelling and the chaos, it hurt looking at things in Killian's point of view. He moved on after ten years with a married woman. As his wife, or in this case former wife, his happiness was always her priority. There was no guarantee that she would ever return to the past, so he tried to find his own happiness. Emma felt a little guilty by the way she handled the situation. His lover died in front of him, and she yelled at him. She didn't know whether she was justified in her treatment of him. He tried several times to explain everything to her, but Emma didn't want to hear him explain why he moved on. The explanation would have killed her because he would tell her in his own words of why he didn't fight for her.
Suddenly, a searing pain flooded her being. Her soul felt like it was going to be ripped in half like when she left for the future. She wondered if Killian died. The thought made her cry harder as she thought about him leaving her for good.
He did leave you already, she corrected herself, wiping at her eyes. She loved him with her whole entire heart, and they shared a special bond. She wondered if she fell for his words hook, line, and sinker because of her experience as an orphan and her crappy life. He did make her feel special for a season, but he did lie to her when he said he would always fight for her. In reality, she did the fighting for them. With a heartbroken resigned sigh, she made a decision. Killian Jones was the only man she would ever allow to win her heart. She tried falling in love and it was great before Liam died, but now that she had seen what could happen when love failed, was it even worth it? She made a vow that she would protect her heart. She would never fall in love ever again. This would save her future heartbreak and unnecessary pain.
Emma didn't know how much time had passed since she wallowed in her self-pity. She wearily got up from the floor and took in her surroundings. The room was grand and spotless. The curtains and bed were decked in gold. Antique furniture littered corners of the room and were made of fine wood. Since she landed in the room after Rumple transported her, she had a feeling this was his house. If so, it was best not to keep him waiting.
She didn't know Rumple well before the wedding, but he was kind to her. Clearly, he changed after ten years. Now, he had an awful temper and would kill someone without a second thought. As she walked, she noticed the finely decorated hallways that were also decked in gold. Before he became the Dark One, he was poor. She suspected this expensive and grand house was to compensate for what he didn't have when he was the man she met years ago.
She was wrong calling this a house, for it was a mansion or castle. She didn't know how many rooms she tried opening or hallways she tried entering, but the number was extensive. If he lived with his son, she assumed his son was with him because he wasn't with Milah. They didn't need this many rooms. Her feet were tiredly dragging as she approached a set of double doors at the end of the atrium.
The sound of the doors opening reverberated in the atrium and the new room she was about to enter. The dining room was decked in all red. There was a fireplace to one side. Paintings that she did not recognize hung on the wall. In the middle of the room, stood a polished dark, mahogany table that was set up like a banquet. At the end of the table, Rumple was sitting on a throne chair with his fingertips folded underneath his chin.
"Ah, you decided to finally grace me with your presence," he greeted with an impish grin, gesturing for her to sit in the vacant chair next to him.
"I'm sorry for being withdrawn. That was rude of me because I knew you wanted to talk," she apologized while pulling the chair out.
Rumple's calculating gaze was unsettling her. She thought that she would never get used to his reptilian eyes.
"You wouldn't have been good company with you ruining my floors with your tears," he said with a grimace. Emma had to admit; he became insensitive when he became the Dark One. She didn't even know what being a Dark One entailed. Whatever it meant, it gave him magic. Sure enough, he caused plates of food to appear before them with a wave of his hand.
Emma's mouth started to water when she saw roasted chicken, vegetables, red wine, and some sort of cake she could not identify. She felt a little queasy at the thought of cake. Her thoughts of food were broken by Rumple's voice.
"I'm sorry what?" She asked confused. Her question caused his eyes to narrow with impatience.
"I thought you would be concerned for your husband's well being. He is alive, " he said with distaste, cutting into the chicken. She knew Rumple wanted him dead, but if Killian was alive, why did she feel so much pain in her soul?
"You didn't hurt him did you?" She whispered, looking into Rumple's gaze to detect a possible lie.
The Dark One rolled his eyes at her question before his mouth upturned in a sadistic grin.
"Only his pride." He giggled.
Rumple's words were a small comfort. Her fears were put to rest that Killian didn't die. Then, the sensation she felt meant he must have left the realm. It didn't matter anymore. He wasn't her responsibility. Still, to spare Killian's life, after seeing how much anger Rumple possessed, took a lot of self-control.
"You spared his life. I know that wasn't easy for you, and I want to thank you," she told him genuinely before staring at a small hole in the table. " I'm not surprised he ran off with Milah." She began as her voice became nostalgic, remembering Killian's change. "When his brother died, he would throw himself at tavern wenches when he got drunk. Seeing him successfully run off with a woman he met at a tavern hurts." She clenched her fists at her sides before giving Rumple an apologetic glance. "I wanted to apologize for what he did to you."
Rumple suffered as well. If Killian never apologized, at least Rumple would get some penance for Killian's behavior.
Rumple's eyes widened at her apology before they narrowed at her.
"You're a strong woman to apologize for his mistakes, and the way you handled the situation." He frowned, considering his next words. "You asked me once about Milah, and then you changed the subject when you suspected that all wasn't well. "
"I did," she answered confused. Emma didn't know where Rumple was going with the conversation. Why was he telling her about his marital problems? She thought he wanted to put the past behind him after killing Milah.
"You were right. We tried to make our marriage work. She wanted us to move to a new village, but Bae couldn't leave his friends. It was bad enough I was called a coward, but he was happy. After years of calling me a coward, Milah would frequently visit the taverns. Eventually, I saw her throw herself at your husband, despite my warning he was married. If anyone is to blame, it's her, and I still owe you. Without your help in the town, we wouldn't have been able to eat everyday for three years. I didn't have to worry about letting Bae starve," he answered truthfully, his gaze serious.
Emma frowned at Rumple's words. Rumple didn't save Killian out of friendship but because he was indebted to her. Regardless of his reasons, Killian didn't lose his life. Still, one thing was bothering her. If Milah was dead, what happened to Rumple's son?
"Where is Bae?"
She thought she saw a flicker of sadness in his eyes before they darkened. "He left to another realm, but I will get him back with your help." The way he said it, he wasn't giving her any choice.
She wondered if his newfound selfishness was due to being the Dark One. She would've helped him anyway because she did consider him a friend.
"You could've just asked me, and I would've said yes. I'll be happy to help in whatever way I can. It's the least I can do for an old friend."
Her statement must have made him uncomfortable because his eyes found the floor interesting.
"Thank you, then we must get started on your training," he answered, without looking in her eyes.
"Training?" Emma asked confused. She didn't know what she was getting herself into that she required training.
Her confusion knocked the uncomfortable look of his face as his smile turned mischievous.
"Ah, yes. In the future, you will face many battles. It would be easier if you know how to use magic, " he said, his fingers interlacing before him on the table.
She really didn't understand what he was saying. She never used magic as far as she could tell. Was she going to stay in the Enchanted Forest to help him retrieve his son? Not that she minded staying a little longer. Rumple was being cryptic.
"Why will I face battles, and how do you know I have magic? Where will I help you get your son?"
Rumple laughed at her disbelief and her confusion.
"In the future, an evil queen will send everyone she wants to the Enchanted Forest, including me, with a curse to your world. The curse will take all our happiness away. I need you to break this curse so I can see my son. You displayed your magic when you knocked me back when I tried to take your heart. You will help me retrieve my son in your realm. Magic will be brought to the cursed town," Rumple educated, moving his hands dramatically for emphasis as he explained the whole story in detail.
Emma shouldn't have said yes before hearing the entire story. In the past few weeks, she seemed to move from one complicated situation to the next.
"I did say I would help in any way I can." She rubbed her eyes in frustration. If she hadn't witnessed magic, she would have called him a liar, but the stuff she had seen she couldn't disprove his words. "I guess I've no choice," she accepted, sighing in defeat.
"Excellent decision, Dearie. One thing you must know about magic- magic is about emotion."
Emma spent a month and a half training with Rumple. Joining the army never crossed her mind, but if she had to imagine boot camp, it probably was similar to her training. Rumple was a slave driver and sadistic. As soon as she woke up, he would give her something quick to eat and transport her to some part of the forest to teach her about magic and to practice. At one point, he made her stand on a bridge, connecting two mountainsides, he broke said bridge and made her save herself using magic. Eventually, the lessons dwindled down because she was becoming very fatigued by not getting any rest. She didn't really complain because the first thing she made him teach her was teleportation.
"You aren't bad, but I wish we had more time. As of right now, I need to facilitate events for the future. You can at least defend yourself, which is important. All the other nuances about magic, I can teach you in the future." Rumple said, standing right next to her on a hill overlooking the ocean.
"Thank you, for all you have done." Emma smiled at him in appreciation. At least, she had an idea of what to expect in the future. Now, the only thing she had to do was to return to her time so that time could pass for her
Rumple nodded to her in acknowledgement before resting his eyes on her whistle. "I want to see this time magic for myself. The fact that this person can send you through time intrigues me because it's impossible. I'm going to have to do more research on the matter. I will see you in the future, Mrs. Swan. Sooner than you think," he answered her with a smirk.
"I guess I will. Goodbye, Rumple," Emma said and began to walk down the hill.
She had to admit that her life hasn't been boring these last few months. She just had to make sure that she survived in her time long enough so that she could help Rumple. Her strides came to a halt when she stood on the shore. She held the whistle on her neck apprehensively. The last time she summoned Calypso she caused a horrible storm. Who knows what would happen when she was summoned again.
After mustering her courage, Emma brought the whistle to her mouth and blew. A familiar figure materialized on the shore.
Calypso had the same garb on like last time, except she was missing the trident.
"Emma, how lovely to see you again, " Calypso greeted. Her cheerful voice sounded false.
"No windstorms this time?" Emma mocked, arms crossed unamused.
Emma's question caused Calypso's to throw her a knowing look.
"There is no need because I knew-"
"Don't even say anything-just send me back." Emma cut the goddess off through gritted teeth. She knew Calypso was going to bring up Killian, and Emma didn't need to be reminded.
Calypso's grin turned malevolent at Emma's rude behavior. It was like the goddess loved basking in Emma's misery. What did Emma do to make Calypso hate her so?
Emma's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rushing water. Her eyes saw another green swirling portal before her. Holding her breath, Emma jumped.
She landed on the shore this time but she was soaked. The whistle was still hanging around her neck. She wondered why Calypso hadn't taken it because she had no need to go back to the past. The whistle seemed to grow hotter. Hotter than it had been when she used it the first time, and the feeling was slightly uncomfortable. She was going to put it somewhere when she got the chance.
Great, the clothes on her back were the only ones she had. Since she was back in the future, she needed to steal more clothes and get a job. She paused when she realized she needed shelter. This life change was going to be tough. It looked like she was going to resort to stealing for a while. If possible, she needed to quit the stealing because she would never be happy with always being on the run.
She continued to walk on the street when she noticed a yellow Volkswagen Beetle. Why did the Beetle catch her interest? All of a sudden, she remembered Neal. She approached the vehicle and peered inside the window, looking at the backseat. True to his word, a prone body was sleeping on the seat with a brown hood covering his face.
Neal was inside. She raised her hand to knock on the window but hesitated. She remembered his job offer. If the job was good enough, she would only have to complete it and wouldn't have to steal ever again. The question was: did she want to risk trusting him? This job could end badly, but at this point, she was desperate.
Knocking on the door of the bug caused him to startle awake. He looked at her in fear before his damn smug grin was etched on his face.
He looked at his watch, while rolling down the window.
"It's only been an hour, but I knew you would come back to me, Ems."
His use of her name made her roll her eyes.
"It's Emma," she corrected unamused as she continued. "That fencing job you offered. I want in," she said, her tone business like.
Her proposition caused his smile to widen.
"Hop right in," he invited, crawling over to the front seat to unlock the doors to the Bug. Her eyebrows rose when he handed her back her backpack. He probably went to fetch it after she left the alley. Her thoughts were interrupted when he continued. "I will give you the details, and we can start tomorrow night."
The ocean surrounded her as she could see majestic mountains in the distance. She smiled as she watched the sea birds fly over her and the Jolly Roger. Footsteps echoing behind her caused her to turn around. Before she could turn around completely, arms stopped her movements. Looking up, she could see Killian's blue eyes twinkling at her as he held her in an embrace.
Suddenly, she was ripped apart from his arms by magic. She fell to the ground with a thud. Picking herself up with her arms on the deck, she could see Killian held to the mast by magic. Rumple was standing before him with his arm pulled back, hand taut and ready to strike.
"Rumpelstiltskin, Stop!" She pleaded with the Dark One to spare her husband's life. Her heart wanted to break as she watched Killian struggling against his binds.
"Stay out of this, Emma," Rumple commanded, looking over his shoulder. "This is between your husband and myself," he said darkly, returning his murderous gaze to Killian. "You took my heart. Now, I am going to take yours." Emma watched in horror as he plunged his hand into Killian's chest.
Emma woke up with a start. Tears were leaking from her eyes when she put her face in her hands, trying to control her breathing. Her forehead was littered with beads of sweat- a reminder of her nightmare. Ever since the Milah incident, Emma had nightmares of her, Killian, and Rumple.
"Are you alright?" A soft voice brought her from her reflections.
Emma whipped her head to the person in the bed right next to her. She almost forgot about Neal. They broke in a hotel and decided to share a bed. She couldn't see his face, but his voice seemed off.
"Yes. Sorry, I woke you," she apologized guiltily.
"So...who's Killian?" He asked with a controlled voice but slightly curious.
Emma sighed in frustration. Great, she talked in her sleep. Killian wasn't a conversation that she wanted to have with Neal.
"I rather not talk about him."
"I'm sorry for bringing him up." He didn't sound at all apologetic, but was he angry? "You also mentioned a…" He hesitated, trying to find the right word "Rumpelstiltskin." The way he said the name was in utter disbelief and resentment.
"Yeah, he is my friend." If the lights were on, Emma could see the glare Neal was directing at her. Hell, she could feel it. Who was Rumple to him anyway?
I'm too tired to deal with this crap, she thought with a yawn. Whatever Neal's problem was, it could wait till the morning. " I'm going to go to bed. Night."
After the awkward conversation with Neal the previous night, Emma pretended to be asleep until morning broke. When he got up, he was acting weird. Instead of being his usual chatty smug self, he was sulking and looking at her as a person he couldn't trust. She had a feeling his behavior was a result of the conversation they had. He barely said anything to her the whole day, except when they reached an alley.
In two hours she had to meet him back with the goods that she was supposed to fetch in a locker. He said something about not going because it would look suspicious. Her superpower informed her that he was lying. She shrugged and went into the train station. She hoped that whatever she was fetching was not watches.
When he was brooding at the hotel, she found what she thought was an ad in the garbage, but when she opened the paper, she was met with Neal's face. Apparently, he was wanted in Arizona for stealing expensive watches. She still had the flyer in her pocket to confront him if this job turned sour.
She passed many lockers and found the one she was looking for. The locker easily opened with a twist of the key. A blue duffel bag greeted her. Tentatively, she pulled the zipper open and could see an array of watches through the transparent case. Son-of-a-bitch. She swore, taking the bag with her and heading out of the train station to meet Neal.
Common sense would've told her to leave the watches and ditch Neal, but her pride wanted to confront him for hiding this fact from her. She briskly walked to the alley until she heard raised voices.
Her eyes narrowed in confusion when she heard Neal's and some other voice she didn't recognize. She leaned her body against an adjacent building so that she could've a clear view of the man Neal was addressing. The man had brown hair, wearing a black leather jacket, and was slightly taller and scruffier than Neal.
"You want me to leave Emma?" Neal asked for clarification. He was looking at the ground in contemplation, but Emma could see the acceptance in his eyes.
She knew that Neal had no personal obligations towards her, but to hear that he was willing to betray her so readily based on some guy's interference-it sucked.
"Yes, she has a destiny to fulfill," the man answered.
Who the hell was this guy? She heard the word "destiny" so many times these past few weeks that she was getting tired of it. Every time that word got used, it seemed like something crappy happened to her soon after.
"She knows the Dark One and Killian Jones. I think she is working for the Dark One, and if what you say is true, I have to let her go... I can't take a risk with her. I need your help if this is going to work. "
Case and point- her situation did turn crappy. She looked up at the night sky and held back from screaming in frustration before the mystery man answered.
"Tell me what you are going to do," the man agreed.
Emma didn't need to listen to the conversation anymore. The bastard was planning on setting her up.
Neal somehow knew Rumple and Killian. Who the hell was he exactly? She shook her head at the question. His identity didn't matter. He thought she was a threat and was going to screw her over. Whether it was due to her own personal mindset, she didn't know why she really wasn't surprised that he was going to betray her after her experience with Killian. Hell, the whole time they were walking she was expecting it. More importantly, Neal was a thief, who left a messy trail. He needed someone to take the fall for his crime. Still, this new development didn't stop her from becoming angry. She relied on this job to help her get money, but now, she had to find something else to do.
She angrily stalked away from the alley. She wasn't due to meet him for another forty minutes. She glared at the yellow bug and threw her backpack on the ground. The heavy object clanked on the pavement by the force. After digging for her tools, she began her work on the car door. Eventually, she broke in and planted the watches. There was only one more thing left to do.
She walked up to a vacant payphone and put some quarters in the empty slot. Holding the receiver to her ear, the dial tone rang after she inputted the numbers. The other line picked up on the second ring.
"Anonymous Crime Reporting Hotline. How may I help you?" The operator greeted in a singsong voice.
"I have information about the Phoenix, Arizona larceny case regarding Neal Cassidy."
One of the tenants that she was going to add to her life lessons was to look out for herself so that she would never get hurt. From this point forward, she was going to be in charge of her own destiny.
Next: The Unexpected