Emma slumped her shoulders against the wooden door, letting out a defeated sigh as she glanced over to Hook. If Regina was home then she was ignoring the repeated banging. If she was somewhere else, like the vault, then their problems were about to escalate very quickly. "I don't like this." She hated assuming the worst but she couldn't deny the fact Regina's emotions were unstable. Darkness still resided in her heart, waiting for an opportunity to take back control and Emma was not going to let that happen. Not just for Regina's sake but for Henry's as well. "We need to get inside."
Hook shook his head, visibly blanching at the terrible plan. "If you think I'm breaking into the evil Queens house, you're mad love."
"She's not evil, not any more." Emma tried to defend her but there was no missing the doubt that laced her words. Determined to push the negative thoughts aside, she scrubbed a tired hand over her face, "do you have a better idea?"
"Aye, I've got several... they all involve a bottle of rum and my hammock," he winked, toying with the overgrown greenery as she slapped his arm.
"Oi... well, can't blame a man for trying can you?" He rubbed the sore spot, letting out a slow breath as he glanced up at the house. If Swan wanted in then he would follow her but he really, really hoped it didn't come to that. "Look love, for all we know she's not even home."
"Her car's here-" Emma point out, pushing off the wood and turning to see if she could get a look in any of the windows. All the curtains were drawn but there was a light shining through upstairs. She didn't need to be the sheriff to put two and two together.
"What's if she's just gone for a walk." He tried again to dissuade her, wincing at the glare she shot back over her shoulder. She was nothing if not the most stubborn women he'd ever argued with... and he'd be damned if he didn't find it sexy as hell. "All I'm saying is-"
"Hook." Irritation flared in her tone and she knocked on the door again. If he wanted to leave fine but she wasn't going anywhere, not until she had a chance to talk to the women avoiding her. "Regina I know you're in there-" she knocked again, "I'm sorry, I just want to-"
The door suddenly burst open and Emma stepped back, her gaze falling to the orb of light cracking in Regina's hand. Before she had a chance to react she went flying, hitting the cement stairs and instinctively rolling to try and lessen the impact.
"Swan!"
She was vaguely aware of Hook shouting out behind her. There was alarm in his voice but she was ok and she gingerly tried to push herself up to prove it. Nothing felt broken... but boy was she was going to have some bruises in the morning. "Regina," she breathed out, clutching her side as she found her footing, "you're angry, I get that."
The women's eyes grew impossible dark at the comment. Yes she was angry, she had every right to be and the stupidity of Swan testing her was nearly inconceivable. Energy sparked from her fingertips and she curled her hand urging it into a ball. She could feel the instability shooting through her blood like fire and her arm shook as she tried to control the reaction to lash out.
"Come on love..." Hook stepped in front of her, deliberately removing Emma from the line of fire. He wanted to go to her, make sure she was ok but his feet didn't follow the command. This was the only way he could keep her safe, by keeping Regina distracted. "We didn't know. Aye, we made a mistake but if anyone's to blame it's that wicked sister of yours. She sent us back there in the first place."
"Defending the saviour?" Regina's voice was cold, calculating as the magic crackled in her palm, "how very... virtuous of you pirate."
Emma recognised the vindictive glint in the angry women's gaze and panic knotted her stomach. Regina was going to try and use Hook as collateral and there was no way she was going to let that happen. "Regina, don't-" she ignored the twinge in her side, lunging forward in an attempt to draw the women's fire, "this is my fault, I did this..."
"Yes you did!" Fury curled in her throat as her eyes tore between the pair. Something was different. The Captain of the Jolly Rodgers had no place fighting the saviours battles but yet here he was and was that concern written over Swans face?
Another jolt of anger shot through her.
So they had found happiness together, perfect. "You destroyed my second chance..." the fire in her hand suddenly flickered out and a cruel smile twisted on her lips, "how about I destroy yours."
Her fingers snapped into a tight fist and she focused her energy, watching the panic light Hook's gaze as he started suffocating. The control was empowering, calming and she relished the purely evil feel of it.
"Regina, stop it!" Emma squeezed Hooks arm trying to reassure him, watching his fingers claw deftly beneath his throat. He wasn't getting enough air and a sick feeling of dread slammed violently in her chest as his lips started to tinge blue. "You're killing him!"
Regina raised her fist, using the anger that pulsed through her body the fuel the fire. Without giving it a second thought her lips curved sarcastically in response, "yes dear, that would be the point..."