Hey everyone! I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for all the reviews and follows :) You all are super awesome. I've been so motivated lately that I already have the outline for the next chapter and ideas of where to go. It's going to be sooooo angsty and wonderful I can't wait.

Enjoy :)

Previously

"Goodbye for now Robin Hood," she said without looking at him. "I'm sure we will see each other very soon." With that she disappeared in a dark purple cloud.

As soon as she was gone, the magic binding Robin to the wall was gone. He fell to his knees, gasping. All he could think about was Regina. He needed to talk to Regina. He needed to see Regina.

~SQ~

Chapter 4

After what seemed like an hour, but was actually a couple minutes, Arthur appeared. After telling the group that it hadn't worked, he and Guinevere left. The entire group felt a mixture of disappointment and confusion.

Regina was sure she had done the made the potion correctly. There was not a single shred of doubt in her mind. She had looked over the spell a million times checking every step. It wasn't until David found the charred Crimson Crown that Regina knew she had done everything exactly right. Arthur was trying to sabotage their communications with Merlin. But why? It wasn't adding up. They couldn't afford to trust Arthur any longer. He seemed to have his own hidden agenda and somehow that involved keeping them in the dark.

Pushing these thoughts aside for now, Regina realized that they had another chance. Henry.

After hearing what Merlin had to say, the group was puzzled. They had managed to free him in Camelot, but Emma was still the Dark One. They had also learned the Emma had apparently done something to Merlin. Now he was either missing or dead. They still hadn't gotten the answers they needed. Nimue? None of them knew anyone by this name Enchanted Forest or Storybrooke.

Regina more confused than ever. Something had happened before Emma had taken their memories. Something drastic or dire must have occurred, but no one could even surmise what that could possibly be. Why is she doing this? Regina thought as the group split ways. What does she want with Excalibur? There was no question that Excalibur somehow wielded great powers, but why was the sword lodged into a stone in Emma's basement?

So much had been going on recently. Regina needed air and some time to think to herself, so she embarked on a walk around her town. Not ready to tackle her feelings yet, Regina decided on theorizing about Camelot. Maybe something happened that Emma didn't want us finding out about and became the Dark One to cover it up…was Regina's first guess. It was a weak explanation, but without her memory, Regina had no idea where to even begin. Merlin was freed, but Emma had still been consumed by darkness. Why? And more importantly how?

The possibilities swirled in her head as she neared the docks. The air was chiller by the ocean, but the coolness was welcomed. Recently, the brunette had felt suffocated by everyone. There was always something dire happening in Storybrooke now-a-days. They had fought valiantly against every foe. They protected not only the town, but also each other. It was easy to see now that they were stronger together than they had ever been quarreling against one another. Everyone had been through a lot and Regina was certainly no exception. She could have easily been the next Dark One if Emma hadn't stepped in and saved her life.

Emma. Emma had done that. Emma had saved her life. Emma was the only one that risked giving up her soul for Regina. Robin Hood had made a rather pathetic attempt and had only watched Emma give herself up for the woman he loved. Emma was the one that ran up to her after realizing what needed to be done. Of course Regina had told her get away, that the blonde didn't know what she was doing, but that didn't stop Emma.

"We have to tether it to a person to contain it," Emma explained, realizing what she had to do.

"Emma! No!" Regina growled her voice on the verge of shattering. "There has to be another way!"

"There isn't," Emma screamed as the vortex of evil swirled around Regina's body, feeding on her inner darkness. The brunette looked through the streaks of darkness at the blonde. Emma's green eyes brimmed with tears as green made contact with Regina's hazel ones.

"You've worked too hard to have your happiness destroyed!" Emma yelled fighting back tears.

Regina bit her lip as she reflected on her memory. Neither Hook nor even her own parents were able to stop Emma from sticking her hand out and absorbing the darkness. Emma had essentially given up her happy ending for Regina's. It was not only courageous, but also selfless. The magnitude of Emma's impulsive decision hadn't hit Regina—really hit her—until just then. The other woman would rather sacrifice her soul than have Regina lose her happy ending.

The memories were too much. After everything they had been through, after everything Regina had done, Emma was the only one willing to save her. Unfortunately, Regina couldn't say the same thing.

"You don't think I have it in me?" Regina challenged.

"I know you don't."

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you Emma," Regina breathed as she let a single tear fall down her cheek. "I'm so sorry." The brunette now realized why Emma was so hell bent on revenge; they hadn't been able to save her Camelot. Even after freeing Merlin, they couldn't stop it. After everything Emma had given up for them, no one could save her.

Regina had needed Emma to break her curse to truly be free. All those years ago, Regina had believed that she would never find happiness. It wasn't until she adopted Henry did she start to feel something other than spiteful rage. Ironically, her beloved son was the biological son of the savior. It was destined to be. In any world it would always be the savior meeting the queen. Even though Regina could have never admitted it at the time, Emma needed to be not only the town savior, but also her own savior. Now cruel fate had separated them in more than one way.

The tears began to freely flow now as Regina sank into a bench. Her hands covered her eyes as she cried in silence. She had never been on to show weakness; it was something that was instilled in her. Now though, it was like the dam had been broken. The overflow of emotions came crashing down on Regina.

She knew that she couldn't rashly make decisions based on her feelings. There were others to think of and too much at risk to make a hasty decision. She had to think of Henry. She had to think of Robin. She had to think of Snow and Charming.

Regina felt the weight of the world on her shoulders as she brought her knees up onto the bench. Wrapping her arms around her legs, she rested her chin on her knees. She felt weak. She felt vulnerable. She was confused and angry. She was sad and desperate. At least no one is here to witness this display of weakness Regina thought, but she knew better. Someone was always watching. In such a small town, someone was always watching.

She let her legs go and whipped the trail of tears off of her face. Breathing slowly, she wasn't ready to get up just yet, so she just sat there. The brunette just sat there looking out at the ocean that was so calm in comparison to the storm that was surging inside of her. The wind whipped at her hair and prickled her skin, but she just sat there. I don't know what these feelings mean.

~SQ~

Emma eyed the sword. It was closely sitting next to the dagger, her dagger. Now freed from the confines of the dense stone, Excalibur was hers. She had both the power and the necessary ingredient to piece it back together. She would be unstoppable. The one with the greatest potential for good also had the greatest potential for darkness. Emma knew this all too well.

She had felt the darkness when Lily had come. Her long-lost friend had by her parents been fated to take Emma's darkness. It was a cruel fate to seal into such a young, innocent baby. Not only was the baby destined for great darkness, but Lily was also separated from her mother. The darkness festered inside of Lily, making her malevolent. Now, this same darkness seeped into Emma's heart. Everything her parents had tried to protect her from had finally happened. She was now the darkest possible creature on the face of this Earth. She was the darkest thing in all the realms.

"Go on, it's time," Rumpel encouraged.

"Why will you not leave me alone?" Emma questioned with annoyance. Having him following her around everywhere was getting a bit exhausting.

"Well how could we?" He feigned innocence. "We're here to witness something…historical."

"Rumpelstiltskin's eyes are fine to look through most days, but I wanted to see this myself," said the dark figure. Nimue's silver skin sparkled in the low light. She was as beautiful as she was deadly. The original Dark One's eyes gleamed with curiosity and amazement. The sword that was once to be used to cut away magic would now be used to destroy all light magic.

"You tried to keep me from doing this," Emma stated. She knew that both Rumpel and Nimue were figures of her imagination and they couldn't stop her even if they wanted to, but she wanted to hear Nimue's explanation first.

"Back then there was a chance that you would use Excalibur to cut away the darkness, but now you can doust the light instead," Nimue smiled wickedly. "We are proud of you; All of us."

Hissing could be heard quietly at first, but slowly it grew as all the past Dark Ones came into view. Their hooded figures cloaked their identities, but their eyes shined bright as embers. The darkness was pliable in the air as every Dark One that ever existed came to bear witness the reunion of Excalibur and the dagger. It was a most historic event indeed.

Emma didn't need anyone's approval. Nothing could stop her now, not even any of the heroes living Storybrooke. None had even come close. Without further ado, Emma took the box containing the eternal fire. Opening it, she drew out a small flame. With a simple flick of her wrist, it lowered onto the stone and began to grow.

Raising her hand along with the fire, Emma conjured a fireball. The magic buzzed through her fingertips and flowed through her veins. The sheer power that she could feel was exhilarating. She compressed her hands making the fireball seem to disappear before letting it grow again. As the glowing orb of fire burned in the air, Emma moved to grab both Excalibur and the dagger. She then brought the two objects together in the center of the flame, merging the two together.

The sword was now fully restored. Letting a breath out, Emma stood back and marveled at the most powerful weapon of all time. She went to grab it, but faltered.

"Merlin."

"Leave the sword alone," the man said.

Emma remembered what Merlin had said all those years ago when she was a little girl at the movie theater. "He told me not to do this when I was a girl," Emma spoke aloud.

"And now you're a woman," Nimue encouraged.

"Take the power," Rumpelstiltskin smiled as his eyes gleamed with mischief.

In Emma's head all she could hear was, "Take the power," being repeated and hissed over and over again. She knew what she had to do. This was her destiny. This was the consequence of no one saving her. Everyone had brought this on themselves. This would be their demise. Emma would show no mercy.

She reached and grabbed the sword with no regret. She could feel its magic course through her body. It was almost as if the sword was an extension of herself now. She had complete control. No one was going to stop her. Everyone was about to be punished.

~SQ~

Hook had been watching Regina sitting on the bench. Her demeanor had changed multiple times throughout the course of an hour. She looked distressed, she looked introspective, and then she looked calm. It was strange to see the former Evil Queen so out in the open with such a display of emotion. He contemplated going down and sitting next to her, but thought better of it. Robin had only asked him to keep an eye on her.

Hook didn't ask many questions about the thief's strange request. He figured Robin was worried over her safety. It was a ridiculous task, but Hook understood. He wanted to protect his love even if he couldn't always be around her.

As of late, Emma had been distant. He had said that he loved her. Past tense intended, but did he really feel that way? He was confused and he was angry because he felt that he was losing Emma. To what, he couldn't say. Something was different and he couldn't figure it out.

Since the pirate was lost in thought, he didn't see the regal woman approaching him. His hiding spot—if you could even call it that—was leaning against a tree. It was like he hadn't even bothered to be conspicuous.

"Is there something I can help you with Captain?" Regina questioned sarcastically. As soon as she had felt eyes on her, she realized that someone was watching her. Who? She hadn't known, until she had turned around. Rolling her eye, she went to confront him.

Regina had always thought Hook was an idiot. He hadn't been able to kill Cora, had lied to her face, and had eventually returned to Storybrooke with her mother. That ended in disaster to say the least. Even worse, he was now trying to give Henry dating advice. It was utterly disgusting. His revolting, womanizing charm would not go anywhere near Henry if Regina had anything to say about it. Of course Emma would choose the dark, evil villain on the path to redemption Regina thought bitterly as she eyed over the man.

"Oh Regina," Hook stated causally waving his hook around for emphasis. "Didn't see you there love."

"Right," Regina said while rolling her eyes. "Why are you spying on me?"

"Who said anything about spying?" Hook said with faux offense. "Can't a man enjoy the wonderful view from this vantage point?"

"He most certain can provided he still has eyes to look with," Regina threatened. She was in no mood for his games. She wanted answers.

"Calm down Re—"

"Didn't anyone ever tell you never to tell a lady to calm down Captain," Regina interrupted with a sneer. "Or is that yet another thing you say to charm women into bed with you?" She was furious. He had no right to follow her around.

"I only love Emma!" Hook yelled taking a step closer to the woman fuming before him. His eyes visibly darkened at the insult. His lips curled into an angry frown.

This made Regina go quiet. The last thing she needed was yet another painful reminder of Emma Swan. "I-I…I" Regina stammered seeming almost alarmed at the man's declaration of love. The confession bothered her. She had known all along that the pirate harbored feelings for Emma, but did Emma feel the same way?

Not only was she battling her feelings for the blonde, but she would also be competing with Emma's most recent lover. Regina had never considered this before. The sting of rejection would be too much. The Mayor still wasn't sure if Emma was manipulating her or not. The games, the riddles, the kiss; it was all too much to process. Regina still couldn't be sure how she feels about Robin and now that the thief had her followed, their future seems more uncertain at the moment. However, Robin would be the safe option. Emma would be a chance. There was no question that Hook thinks that Emma is his true love. Was Regina ready to take a chance?

Surely Emma must still have feelings for the pirate, but even so why is she going after Regina? Why are you doing this to me Emma?

"Regina…Are you alright?" Hook questioned carefully, noting the sudden change in the brunette. There was no doubt that these two fought often, but seeing the Mayor so off balance was unsettling.

"I'm fine," Regina said, cursing herself inwardly for appearing so weak. "Now why were you watching me?" she asked, trying to redirect the conversation away from a certain blonde woman.

"Well someone, and I won't say who, was worried about you," Hook replied. He really didn't see the point in hiding the fact that he had been watching her. Trying to deny so would only lead to trouble. He most certainly did not want to get between the Queen and her thief. Even though, honestly, he couldn't care less.

Regina gritted her teeth angrily. Of course he would do something like this she thought. "It's Robin, isn't it?" Her tone was filled with annoyance. Did he think that she needed a babysitter? And out of all the people in the town it had to be Guyliner. Marvelous.

"I cannot confirm or deny—"

"Oh just drop the act," Regina said looking at the man with mild disgust. "I don't care what you do on your free time, but I'm sure even you have better things to do than follow me around." This is getting ridiculous she thought. Robin clearly doesn't trust me.

Just then, the sound of footsteps approached them. Both turning, they saw Robin Hood coming towards them.

"Regina," the thief started. "We need to talk."

So I know it might not be what you all expected or wanted, but trust me I'm setting it up. Keywords: SLOW BURN. Trying to stay close to the storyline is proving to be quite the challenge, but I have some great ideas to get around the Captain Swan overkill. We only want Swan Queen am I right? Hook vs. Regina...please. I think we all know who would win in that fight.

Next time: Robin, Regina, and Hook talk some things over. Emma's plans are closer to being revealed and the manipulation is taken to a whole new level. Who is Emma actually doing all this for?

Hope you all enjoyed this update! See you next week ;)