Chapter 2: Magical Moments

In which an accident occurs and Emma meets Mother Superior as a result

Emma had been pondering on Mother Superior's offer to talk about or learn magic for a while now. She didn't really want to, she hated the whole idea of magic, but her parents ―she still had trouble seeing them as such― made compelling arguments for her to get lessons. If they would be under attack from anyone, for whatever reason, it would be helpful. Emma considered their fear to be an overreaction to the problems with the dagger. But the dagger was gone, the Dark One, ―whatever that meant; Mr. Gold didn't seem like such a threat― as well; there was really nothing to get so worked up about. Unless you counted Regina, but even she had been friendlier lately.

Mother Superior is rummaging about in her special office. She has her own, ordinary, office which is accessible to nuns and villagers alike, but also a special one, hidden in the catacombs of the convent. The entrance is guarded by a Virgin and Child statue. This is the place where she keeps her own things, hidden in the depths of the earth. When magic was released in this town, she knew it was important to hide some of her goods. It wouldn't do if objects were to fall into the wrong hands…

To the other fairies, fairy dust was an absolute essential, but in her case that is not entirely true. She derived her power from more than mere dust, however beautiful and sparkling. Fortunately, not many people knew that about her. She had always appeared non-threatening, almost mother-like, and that suited her well. Most of the town expected her to need fairy dust and it had not been found, yet. Mother Superior had good hopes of retrieving it eventually but until then, she was the only one around capable of wielding good magic. That is, if you didn't count Emma, and she didn't for now. It had been a while since she had offered to give her lessons.

David and Mary Margaret are discussing a topic they often discuss these days. How to convince Emma to take lessons. They know the dangers and the power of magic but cannot get their daughter to take it seriously. "I understand that it freaks her out," Mary Margaret says, "But it is so important. If only she acknowledged that!" She lets out a long sigh. "I know, sweetie, I know. She is behaving like a rebellious teenager." They both laugh. "Emma hasn't got our experience with the consequences of magic." David continues. "That's what's a huge part of the problem. If she had spent some time in the kingdom, she would have known why we are so adamant that she learns to wield this rare power that she has been given." "You're right. For instance, she still sees Gold as an untrustworthy and sneaky old guy with a serious anger problem but nothing more than that, whereas we know all the things he's been responsible for. She just can't see the importance of magic. Or the need for wielders of magic with good intentions." "It's like you said before," David replies, "She doesn't want the responsibility of it all. If only she had our sense of duty and courage," he complains. Mary Margaret is a bit shocked by his bitter remark. "She is learning," she defends her, their, daughter. "It's hard for her, she already has responsibilities with looking after Henry and being sheriff." "I know, I know," David backs down, but he still keenly feels Emma's fierce rejection of her magic.

Something strange had happened this morning. The hunter was cutting meat when the dagger suddenly seemed to shine. It had startled him and he had dropped the knife. When he picked it up, something appeared. It took him a few seconds to realize that it were letters. The dagger read his name: Radolph. He was named after his grandfather, who carried the same name as a nickname. His grandfather had received it after killing his first wolf. Radolph is staring at the kris dagger. He knew there was something odd about it. He wonders if he should be worried about this, but strangely enough, he feels good. Really, really good. Like the whole world is at his feet. Like he can do anything or control anyone. Such strange, weird thoughts. He shakes his head and returns to the business in hand. But the feeling lingers.

"Do you think it was a burglar?" Henry keeps on rambling on and on about Regina's bookcase. This afternoon, she had called him on his cell phone to ask a second time if he didn't take any books. Emma isn't really paying attention as the road is slippery and filled with occasional tree branches due to a heavy storm. "I don't know, Henry," she says a little irritated. "There's nothing I can do, unless she files a complaint." And I hope to God that she doesn't.

A deer jumps, suddenly, in front of them, and Emma loses control of the car. "Henry, hold on!" she manages to scream as the car is spiralling out of control down the hillside. They both see a flash of light and when the car finally stops moving, they see what has happened. A transparent film of liquid —can it be water?— is protecting them both. Neither Emma, nor Henry have a scratch on them. "Mom," Henry whispers, "It's magic, mom." "Not the airbag, than," Emma tries to hide her shock. "You're so powerful; it's amazing." Henry is starting to get exited. "Henry, please, don't!" Emma commands. "Let's just see if we can get ourselves out of the car, and I'm taking you to hospital." "But, mom, I'm fine."

Dr. Whale confirms Henry's diagnosis. Both of them are fine. Dr. Whale thinks it is fascinating and he asks Emma if she wants to cooperate with some tests to establish the source of her power. His scientific mind is curious to unveil the mystery of magic and he has not gotten a chance to do any research. Emma responds prickly and agitated with a definite no. "Please, think about it? Consider my offer? You may feel differently in a few days?" he begs, but Emma takes Henry and leaves the hospital quick as she can.

Emma had tried to tell Henry to stay silent about what had happened but it had been useless. The car was severely damaged; they had been seen going into the hospital; keeping it under wraps simply wasn't possible. Emma was pretty fed up, because it had led to yet another lecture of her parents. They were now very insistent about her talking to the Blue Fairy. She had reluctantly agreed to get them of her back.

And so here she was… standing outside the convent, in the rain. She takes a deep breath and climbs the stairs up to the entrance. One of the nuns takes her to Mother Superior's office where she is greeted heartily and complacently by the Blue Fairy , she has come, my apprentice. Mother Superior looks appraisingly to the young blond woman. She has already heard about the car accident, but requires Emma to tell her precisely what happened.