A/N: A very happy birthday to Jennifer Morrison; someone who brings integrity to the craft of pretending.
Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time or its characters.
Emma kept a pretty clear head, all things considered.
Her first thought was to try and blast Zelena from her broom as she hovered over them with her giant monkey minions, but Emma felt Henry move beside her, and she did what any mother would do, and restrained for the sake of her son's safety.
David, Hook, and Neal had all drawn their swords, but Zelena looked as calm as if she was picking out china patterns, and pointed her wand at them lazily; their weapons disappearing in a puff of smoke.
"Oh, you won't need those."
Emma only had seconds to recognize the black wand in her hand, before she watched in horror as six or seven straw, archery dummies that stood nearby, sprang to life, and marched over to the group.
Zelena had magically covered them in armor, the eerie scraping of metal filling Emma's ears, as the figures stood over them like basketball stars. The red slits that were their eyes, glowed menacingly beneath the jousting helmets, and the makeshift-soldiers pulled their swords, aiming the blades toward the group.
"That's more like it," she guffawed sarcastically, looking directly at Emma, as if Zelena knew something that she did not.
"Isn't it, my dear?"
The witch's eyes were narrowed, and the lipstick on her mouth reminded Emma of blood; as if a vampire had just feasted on an unsuspecting lover.
Emma felt Neal step closer to her and Henry, and she watched as Hook sized up one of the straw soldiers. David, however, did not stand on ceremony, and yelled out to Zelena in a rage, his voice booming over the quiet courtyard.
"What do you want with us, witch?"
The strands of her strawberry-blonde hair shimmered over her black robes, as Zelena stared down at David like a child with a patronizing smile.
"Hello again, prince. I was sad to see you and your wife had left our cozy abode so soon."
"He's a king now," Henry yelled out, and Emma tightened her grip on him.
Zelena shrugged slightly with a bored look on her face.
"Potato-patato," the witch rasped in reply. "That doesn't make him any more of a threat to me."
As she watched the witch float several feet above the ground, Emma realized that Zelena had to focus on a specific area of their group, since they were all spread out in a half-circle around her. Emma darted her attention to the side, and noticed that Regina had her eyes trained on the black wand, as if trying to move it with her mind.
If she could only get a second while the witch was distracted…
The monkeys on either side of Zelena looked more like the werewolves of Narnia than any ape that Emma had ever seen. Their ragged fur was matted with blood and dirt, which surrounded their faces, filled with malice and a hunger for violence. Their red, beady eyes looked more severe against the dark complexion of the lips, lined with a set of sharp, yellow teeth.
Emma fleetingly wondered whether they were under a spell or acting on their own accord, before Regina stepped forward and lit her hand into a burst of flame, its heat nearly scorching Emma's face.
"I told you before, Zelena," Regina growled at her in a threatening tone. "You should have stayed in Oz-"
Suddenly, Henry jerked from Emma's grasp, his movements too fast for her to anticipate. He leapt out to the center of the circle, and Emma saw Neal reach for their son from her peripheral vision.
"Stay away from my family!"
Henry's warning resonated through Emma like a bad cough, as it rattled in her chest, making her wince. There was a half-second of fear, before the witch flicked her wand at the boy, who was lifted up into the air like a ragdoll.
Her scream was raw, scratching her vocal cords, and Emma felt someone yank her back, before she could go any further. She turned angrily, to see that Hook's face was covered with pleading rationality, and Emma forced herself to take a deep breath.
Zelena watched Emma mockingly, while she held her wand out toward Henry, who now hovered ten feet or so above the ground with an astonished expression. The green light around him was like an odd halo, as her son struggled against the magic holding him there.
Emma turned to Regina, then, enraged.
"Do something, dammit!"
Both of Regina's hands were alight with magic, and the balls of fire were so large that Emma noticed the flicker of flame reflected in the witch's green face.
Still, there was negative impression that radiated from the queen, which Emma immediately recognized as helplessness.
"There is something blocking my power," Regina spat, the flames sparking now, like a shortage of electricity.
Zelena's smile had returned; the humor in her voice, as obvious as the sarcasm.
"Relax, all," she drawled, as the witch moved her broom closer with a sneer; blowing a cold wind into Emma's face.
"I'm not here to play with the mini savior."
There was a second of relief, as she realized that the witch truly had no intent to harm Henry in that moment. When Zelena spoke again, however, Emma knew that her reprieve was short-lived.
"We're much more interested in the little bundle of joy," her voice croaked, the weight of her words falling onto Emma's chest like an anvil.
"I'm sure she'll cause quite the stir."
Zelena wasn't here for any of them…
The baby.
David was incensed, pulling against the dummy soldiers like a wild man. His shouts were muffled by the straw and cloth, and Emma had to stop herself from moving over to calm her father.
She looked up into Henry's face, which portrayed anger, but not pain. Emma felt Hook grasp her hand, and she recognized the warmth that grew in her stomach, before it slowly crawled to her other extremities.
"And here I didn't think the word 'joy' was in your vocabulary, Zelena."
Everyone came to a complete stop, and only David continued to move, settling himself into a series of soft grunts and angry mumbles.
Emma had never been so happy to hear Gold's voice.
The witch's expression was oddly comforting, as Emma watched the wrinkles on her green face crinkle like notebook paper; her brow furrowed down in concern, as the lines around her eyes deepened with suspicion, and she pushed her lips tightly together.
It was nice to see the hag be taken by surprise, for a change.
The moment didn't last, however, as Zelena recovered, raising her eyebrow with mild interest, before she zoomed her broom closer to where Gold stood, only a few yards behind the group.
"It's too late, old man," she quietly gritted through her teeth. "You know you can't stop us, now."
Emma could swear she saw Gold wince, as if her words had affected him, but before she could give it anymore thought, Emma felt Neal move beside her. She chanced a glance at the man, who was staring at Henry, like a dog being trained to wait for a command. His hand, however, slunk down the side of his leg and into his boot, where Emma saw the tiny glimmer of a blade.
She went to make a move to get Neal's attention, but Emma felt a gentle tug at the waist of her trousers, as someone pulled her backward. Narrowing her eyes, she reached around to grab the pirate's hook from her pants, before there was a rustling of straw and the scrape of a metal against leather.
In a mere second, Neal had pulled a blade from his boot, and with impressive precision, launched the dagger at one of Zelena's monkeys. The sharp metal lodged itself into the creature's eye, and its ear-piercing howl rang over them like an emergency siren, as an emerald stream of blood poured out from its face. It fell to the courtyard below Zelena with a sickening crunch, its wings flapping wildly.
After a couple tiny movements of its wings, the monkey stilled, as Zelena looked on, in what appeared to be mild shock and annoyance.
"Kill him," she mumbled, and the remaining monkey turned its attention to Neal, who was now held by two of the straw soldiers.
The monkey's speed was astounding, as the flying devil dove in for the kill, its razor-sharp talons reaching out to rip the man's body to shreds. With an agonizing yell, Gold took a step toward his son, but he wasn't fast enough.
Emma had a half-second to look up at Henry, who was still held captive, before she was shoved roughly to the ground with a thud.
Feeling something strange on her arm, she glanced down to see that her left side was almost completely covered in green ooze. The unfamiliar liquid had the scent of ammonia, much like a subway filled with urine, and Emma fought the urge to gag, as she got to her feet.
Neal was on the ground, seemingly unharmed, with the monkey attacker laying on top of him; a panting pirate standing over them both, with a hook buried deep into the dead creature's neck.
Zelena, now enraged, turned to the group with an irritated growl. Using only her hand, the witch made a fist, and Henry's grasped at his throat as if being suffocated.
There was a sharp tug at her sternum and Emma's hands were suddenly ablaze, the fire so hot that she couldn't hold them for more than a few seconds.
That was all that Emma needed.
The witch's blue eyes were on her, but the distraction had caused Zelena to lower The Black Wand, and Emma hurled the fire with all of her strength; the fear and fury overwhelming the Savior in that moment.
Zelena threw her arm out in defense, but it pushed her back, nearly knocking her from the broom, as her robes burst into flames. Emma looked on in surprise, as the witch put out the fire with her wand and steadied the broom.
She took a moment to collect herself, before Zelena looked deep into Emma's eyes; piercing blue, turning to a deadly red.
"There is much more to come, Savior," she taunted, and Emma felt uneasy as a tiny smile appeared on the witch's face.
"You can't protect them all."
With one last look of disdain, the witch and her monkeys evaporated into a green puff of smoke that burned Emma's nostrils with the smell of putrid flesh. The dummy soldiers immediately fell motionless with a clang; now nothing but a pathetic heap of metal and straw.
The green force holding Henry evaporated, and her son fell to the ground below. Regina was at his side in an instant, and she moved to help the boy stand.
Emma joined the two of them, pulling Henry from his other arm, as Regina raised a brow, a flash of humor on her features.
"Someone has been practicing, I see."
She watched the queen's expression to determine whether that was a compliment or a stab at trying to learn on her own, but Emma noticed David run over to Hook and Neal, helping them both to their feet.
Henry yelled out, rushing over to his father and hugging him.
"Dad! That was a close one," Henry mumbled into his father's outer coat.
The boy pulled back, twisting Neal around to see every part of him, before he glanced up at Hook.
"Not a scratch on him, Killian," Henry smiled widely at the pirate, as he high-fived him, before throwing each arm around Hook and Neal.
"That was a nice throw with the dagger, mate," Hook murmured, glancing across at Neal.
Neal shrugged casually, but Emma could tell by the look on his face that he was grateful to Hook for what he had done. She felt a warm hand grasp her softly, and Emma turned to see a concerned expression written on Hook's face.
"You alright there, Swan?"
Emma felt the flush rise in her cheeks from the contact, before David and Regina walked over to join them.
"I'm going to your mother," he said, his face still red from the earlier struggle. "She and the baby are in danger now, more than ever."
David took one look at Gold, then, his face stern.
"I'm calling a council meeting, and I want you there, Gold. We need to figure out a plan to stop these witches before it gets worse."
The king turned back to his daughter again. "I'll see you up at the castle," he said, before the man drew a sword from a nearby weapons bin, and took off toward the main entrance.
Gold shook his head, obviously deep in thought, as Henry and Neal followed after David, obviously excited about the coming birth.
Regina beat Emma and spoke first, the queen's curiosity apparently getting the best of her.
"Care to share your thoughts," she mumbled in a low tone, as Regina stared at Gold, who still looked distracted. The old man looked out into the far distance, as the sun was now setting over the horizon. His brow was furrowed, and Emma had rarely seen him quite so serious.
"I see the sisters have obtained The Black Wand," he said quietly.
Although she seemed mildly surprised at Gold's words, Regina merely shrugged. "No sense in pointing fingers, Gold. We need to figure out a solution to this mess before it gets any messier."
Despite his casual stance, the tone of the old man's voice gave Emma a sense of dread.
"Maleficent will make what Zelena did look like a walk in the park, Regina."
Regina's expression fell, but she didn't argue. She and Hook started up toward the front gates, Hook glancing behind them to see if Emma would follow. As Gold started toward the castle, though, Emma fell in line beside him.
"So, I assume that means you're familiar with Maleficent's work, then?"
The man pursed his lips into a sardonic smile, as they walked toward the horizon, his usual calculating demeanor now returned.
"She is my work, Dearie."
In the week that followed Zelena's appearance, Emma felt the resonating buzz around the castle.
David called nearly every ally that he had in the kingdom, requesting their appearance today at a council meeting, to discuss options, which would be followed by a ball later this evening.
Many of the citizens of the Enchanted Forest were afraid, a few of them angry, but there was a general feel of camaraderie in the kingdom, and Emma knew the time for waiting was at an end.
As she dismounted outside of the main entrance, she noticed at least two guards at every post, with various levels of security manning the windows and doorways, from fairies to heavily-armed soldiers. It was obvious that the kingdom had started their preparation, as dozens of soldiers trained vigorously; the sounds of grunting and the clanging of swords echoed over the inner bailey.
There had been a feeling of helplessness in those short minutes when the witch had attacked. Despite the improvements on her own, Emma knew that she would have to swallow her pride, and work with Regina again, if she was ever to unlock her true potential.
Emma entered the East Wing, and saw that the amount of guards had increased by two-fold, but with fewer weapons. She understood that it was magic, not might, that stood as the last line of defense against the enemy, as a soft, blue glow surrounded the entrance to the nursery.
A guard bowed to her, letting Emma through the room that had once been meant for her. Unlike her first encounter with the nursery, when she and Hook were there, Emma immediately felt a rush of warmth and comfort, followed by the haze of sleepiness.
Mary Margaret sat in the corner, rocking and cooing to the newborn, who slept quietly in her arms. Emma took a moment to watch the two of them, wondering whether her mother had the same look on her face when she had held Emma for the first time; perhaps the only time.
Looking up at her daughter, Mary Margaret smiled softly with a tired expression, and motioned Emma to come and join them.
Emma squinted in the dimly-lit room, various candles hanging on the wall sconces. The sun shone brightly outside, but her mother had insisted on keeping the drapes closed as a precaution, and to maintain a level of privacy, since there were dozens of guards posted at every balcony.
She noticed the babe was wrapped in a soft, white blanket, but that it was not embroidered like hers was.
"I wasn't able to finish it before the birth," Mary Margaret whispered sadly.
Although she had not eaten since breakfast, earlier that morning, Emma felt the stretch of a very full stomach, as she glanced around the room. The blue glow had been a spell put there by the Blue Fairy, which allowed those nearby to feel the same way as the baby at that very moment. More importantly, it only permitted a visitor to enter if they had good intent.
Emma remembered almost being afraid to cross it herself that night of the baby's birth; as she knew that deep down, there were still reservations about her parents having another child.
All of her doubt, fear, and insecurities had diminished in an instant, though, when Mary Margaret handed the newborn over to Emma, and her baby brother had stopped crying immediately, wrapping a tiny hand around her pointer finger.
"Well, well, there Greyson," Mary Margaret said lovingly, watching the exchange between her two children. "You certainly need no introduction to your sister, do you?"
Emma shook her head fondly at the memory, and reached out to accept her brother, who stirred slightly at the exchange. He grunted a bit, as Emma adjusted him in her arms, before she leaned over and placed a soft kiss to his blonde hair; the smell of lavender from his shampoo, filling her nose.
"Hey Greysie," she whispered quietly, so not to wake him. "You behaving for Mommy?"
Emma's little spin on Greyson, which had been David's father's name, had not gone over so well with Henry. He scolded her multiple times for calling his uncle by such a "girly-sounding nick name," but she still liked to use it on occasion.
Suddenly, the pair of dark, blue eyes popped open, his tiny mouth agape, and he gurgled at her in response, a little bubble bursting from his lips. Emma laughed gently, then, and laid Greyson over her shoulder, before she patted his back.
"Looks like he ate a little too much again," she joked, as the infant let out a quiet burp.
"He's got an appetite like his father," Mary Margaret mused, yawning wide.
"You need to get some rest before the ball tonight," Emma said over her shoulder, as she gently bounced Greyson in her arms, and walked around the nursery.
Emma had taken her brother on a few trips around the castle, much to their parents' protests, but the baby prince seemed to enjoy the twinkling of lights from hanging chandeliers, and all of the excitement and bustle that the castle had to offer.
Mary Margaret rose from the rocking chair that Gepetto had made for her as a baby gift, as Emma's eyes followed the rocking movement of the oak.
The creaking reminded her of the rocking chair they had at the orphanage. Emma always wanted to play on it, since her adoptive mother had owned one too. But the head mistress always kicked the child off, calling Emma by the name of Marie, even though she constantly corrected her.
Emma had been misunderstood her entire life.
Her mother walked over to the largest window, pulling its curtain to the side. One of the guards shifted at the movement, but resumed his watch with vigilance.
"I'll be relieved once we figure out a plan to destroy these witches," her mother sighed, before she joined Emma near the crib and stroked a lock of her daughter's hair, which Greyson had balled into his tiny fist.
Emma didn't want to worry Mary Margaret more than necessary, but she knew that the battle was coming soon; and that despite all their precautions, perhaps the inhabitants of the Enchanted Forest weren't ready to take on whatever the evil sisters had planned for them.
Suddenly, Emma remembered something that she had wanted to ask her mother for a few weeks now.
"Mary Margaret," she started, glancing back at her brother as she continued to rock him gently. "You had said you were sure that you were having a girl."
She watched her mother's face turn from serious to peaceful again, before Emma continued.
"Was there any particular reason you felt so certain?"
Mary Margaret nodded her head, and looked down lovingly at her son. Before she could respond, though, there was sharp knock at the door, which made the two women jump.
"Come in," Mary Margaret responded, before the door opened to reveal a guard standing at the entryway.
"Forgive me, your Highness, but the King requests your and Princess Emma's presence in his study for the council meeting in fifteen minutes."
She gave Greyson another kiss, his tuft of hair tickling her lips, before Emma handed him over to their mother, and headed to the door.
"I'll grab a nurse to watch him," she mumbled.
Emma had waited a long time for this meeting and she, for one, wasn't going to miss it for anything; not even for a loveable, burping, baby prince.
Nothing needed to be said, as Emma and Mary Margaret made their way to David's study, their boots clicking against the marble floors. Both women understood the severity of the situation, and that this council meeting would almost certainly determine all of their futures.
Emma took a brief inventory of those who had been invited, some she knew; others she didn't.
Grumpy had obviously come to represent the seven dwarves; as he stood close to the head of the table with his arms crossed. Next to him, was a couple she met only briefly in Storybrooke; Eric and Ariel, who was in her human, rather than mermaid form.
Ruby, Granny, and Victor sat at the other end of the long table, next to a handful of older men and women, she guessed were kings and queens; with crowns on their heads, and expectant expressions on their faces.
Emma was surprised to see that Neal sat next to a certain pirate he had dueled with recently. Hook, who had barely taken his eyes off of Emma since she entered the room, gave her a respectful nod, and a quick wink, which she chose not to outwardly acknowledge.
Despite the relatively small area of space, similar to that of an average backyard, the room's ceilings were so high, that it gave the impression that they were in a small amphitheater. A half-dozen marble pillars stood tall, gleaming in the afternoon sunlight that shone through the floor-length windows.
David smiled warmly at the two of them, and motioned to the empty seats on either side of him.
"Now we can begin," he announced, his voice echoing over the study, as he pulled each chair out for his wife and daughter.
Regina lips were pressed into a tight smile, as a king, who Emma didn't know, whispered something into her ear.
There was a momentarily silence, before David spoke again.
"You all know why I've called you here," he said, a grave expression on his face. "These witches have made it clear that they want a fight, and we think we know what they want."
Emma heard Mary Margaret's soft gasp from the other side of David, and she gritted her teeth beneath pursed lips.
David's face was flush, and Emma knew it wasn't from embarrassment. It was hard enough to realize the danger his family was in, but even more to have to ask others for help in protecting them.
"Some of us have worked together in the past," he continued, making eye contact with the kings across the table, before lowering his voice slightly.
"Others have fought against each other."
Emma saw David glance briefly over at Regina, who watched him with a hard, determined look, as he continued.
"But no matter what has happened before, it's crucial that we get your support," he said, his voice on the edge of pleading. "Because these witches won't stop until they get what they want."
There was a wave of hushed words, as Emma noticed a few people still looked apprehensive and disgruntled.
The older king who had whispered to Regina before, stood up to face the front, his eyes narrowed. Emma noticed his robes were almost completely covered in gold, and his beard twitched as he spoke.
"So what's the plan, King David? You expect us all to go up against two powerful witches with a limitless amount of magic and an unwavering grudge?"
Her father didn't speak at first, an understanding expression on his face. Emma knew that David was the diplomatic type, someone who took others' views and needs to heart.
But this was his family, and she also knew he would do whatever it took to keep them safe.
"I know it's a great deal to ask, but-"
"Midas is right," a commanding voice rang out from the back.
Every head in the study turned to see Gold standing at the head of the opposite end of the table, leaning over his cane with a stern expression.
"It's magic that is needed to bring these two down, I assure you," Gold said matter-of-factly.
His eyes darted over to Emma, before landing on the queen sitting beside King Midas, who still stood with his hands on both hips.
"It should be Regina, who leads our forces in this crusade."
There was a flash of shock on Regina's face at Gold's words, and the room erupted in shouts. Grumpy pointed his finger and yelled incoherently, as almost every king and queen had something to say.
Emma saw Belle give Gold a questioning look, and she felt David tense beside her, though he and Mary Margaret remained silent.
"Yes, yes…the Evil Queen. Takes a witch to beat a witch," said a woman, who had skin as dark as the expression on her face.
"Hold on just one minute," interrupted Granny, as she pounded her fist onto the wooden table with a thump. "There's no reason we should trust the woman who put us all in this mess in the first place-"
"But the King and Queen have a baby to worry about. They can't be ruthless like Regina," a gruff sounding man added from the group in the back.
"Yeah, she has the power," said another voice.
Emma saw Regina slowly rise from her seat and make her way over to Mary Margaret and David's. There was calmness about her posture, but when she spoke, Emma was sure she heard a tremor in the queen's words.
"This kingdom is no longer ruled by one person," Regina said, as the crowd quieted for her, before she continued.
"Gold's right to say we need magic to defeat these hags," she said with annoyance in her tone, and Regina looked up to the ceiling, as if she needed a moment.
Emma watched in surprise, as the queen placed each of her hands on David and Mary Margaret's chairs, and glanced down at them, her voice much lower this time.
"But if we are doing this, it has to be together. That's our only chance of victory."
There was a pregnant pause about the room, before Regina took a step back, placing her hands behind her back with a blank expression.
"Well said, Regina," Jiminy Cricket chirped into his megaphone, his second pair of back legs rubbing together. Emma still wasn't used to seeing Archie as an insect.
For the first time, she noticed Neal lean over and to say something to Hook, before the pirate nodded in the affirmative. Neal stood up, then, and looked around the room.
"Alright, I guess that means everyone here is joining the fight," he said firmly, looking over at Gold. "So what's the plan?"
Gold looked at his son carefully, but Emma saw the perfect opportunity for her to chime in. She was going to put him on the spot this time, before the guy could weasel his way out of the truth.
"Tell us about the rings," she said firmly, anticipating Gold's hesitation to answer.
Emma rose from her chair and walked over to him, crossing her arms over her chest. "You said they were the key to defeating the witches, so tell us how."
Hook had stood up when Emma did, and watched Gold carefully, as if trying to read his thoughts. She saw the conflict in Gold's expression, and was surprised when the pirate stepped closer to them.
"Tell her," he said firmly, Hook's eyes directly on Gold's now. "She's earned it."
Emma kept her stare trained on Gold's face, before the man finally spoke.
"There are four magical rings; two of which we already have, thanks to our remarkable young, princess here," Gold said, giving Emma a curt bow.
She narrowed her eyes, but allowed him to go on.
"Maleficent and Zelena want the four rings, as they contain the power to overcome any force when combined with another powerful piece of magic."
Emma knew the answer before anyone could guess; it had been in front of her all along.
"The Black Wand," she whispered.
Gold gave her a small smile and nodded briefly; the look on his face annoying her, as Emma realized that the man actually looked proud.
The Blue Fairy, who had floated in the corner behind Mary Margaret spoke up, a trail of blue sparkles following behind her.
"The Black Wand was supposed to have been destroyed back in Storybrooke. I specifically asked one of my sisters to-"
"And I made sure that it wasn't destroyed," Regina cut in, her eyebrows raised in defiance. "I wasn't going to let you rid us of such a power weapon."
It looked as if the Blue Fairy wanted to do something to the queen that would not befit her character, but Mary Margaret stood, and finally broke her silence, looking at Gold.
"How do we get the other two rings before the witches do?"
Emma's heart sank, as she realized what that meant. General Castrix had explained that they were at the four corners of Narnia, and she shuddered at the thought of having to go back; but Gold shook his head at Mary Margaret.
"I would worry more about obtaining the black wand, Dearie."
Frustrated now, Emma looked back at Gold, her brow furrowed.
"You just said we needed all of the rings," she snapped.
He turned to her then, his face still calm, and Gold smiled. "If you're concerned about going back to Narnia, don't bother. "
Emma wasn't sure if she was more relieved that there may be an alternative to going back to that wretched land, or annoyed by the fact that Gold had practically read her mind.
"Leave the other two rings to me," he murmured.
Before she or anyone else could respond, the door burst open, revealing a sweaty and very jubilant Robin.
"I apologize for my interruption," the hooded thief said, as he walked over to Regina and embraced her.
Emma was astounded at how different she looked when he was around; happy and alive, much like Regina was when she was with Henry.
Robin shook David's hand and leaned toward him to say something, before returning to Regina's side. David glanced over in Emma's direction, and nodded to Mary Margaret, before he addressed the room.
"Well, I want to thank all of you for coming, and most certainly for your support," he said diplomatically. "Please join us tonight for the ball, and we will reconvene the council again, once we have sorted out a more detailed plan."
Emma noticed some looks of frustration, but it seemed there was a newfound hope in obtaining The Black Wand and the other magical rings. Even she couldn't help but feel a little relieved they had a chance.
Neal followed Gold and others out of the room, while Emma and Hook walked over to join the rest at the head of the table. David watched Hook closely, as the pirate clasped hands with Robin in friendship.
"It's about bloody time you got back," he joked, as Robin smiled in response. "You've missed out on all of the fun, mate."
Robin pulled his hood down, and Emma caught a whiff of his scent, which was an earthly, sweaty musk. It seemed the man hadn't had a proper shave in some time, but his dimples were still easily visible.
"Yes, well when duty calls," he mused, glancing back over at David.
"Speaking of duty," David said, putting his hand on Hook's shoulder, then. "I need to ask you something."
The king may as well have struck the pirate in his face with a wet towel, as Hook stared at him, dumbfounded. He raised his eyebrow, peeking at Emma, who was just as confused as Hook appeared to be.
"We've got to start rebuilding our Navy, Jones, and we need a man who knows his way around the seas," he said, looking Hook directly in the eye with a serious expression.
"So what do you say, Captain?"
Hook dropped his defenses just long enough for Emma to detect an emotion she rarely saw there; vulnerability. He remained silent for a few moments, before straightening himself, and looked directly at David.
"Count me in."
David and Mary Margaret both beamed, but Hook immediately turned serious again.
"Of course, we'll have to start building ships right away-"
David stopped Hook with a wave of his hand, and nodded his head. "Well, why don't use the one anchored in the bay as a starting point?"
He grabbed the pirate by the shoulders, and led him over to a nearby window, pointing toward the docks. There was a brief minute, before Hook reacted to the sight. From this angle, Emma could see the utter jubilation and astonishment on his face, as she joined him and her father at the window.
Standing tall, with its black sails billowing in the wind, was the Jolly Roger.
The pirate captain seemed touched, a flash of pride and respect in his eyes, before Hook settled himself and shook David's hand. "You're a king with following, mate. Thank you."
Emma couldn't help but smile at the scene; and she was truly happy for the man, who certainly deserved such a gesture of friendship.
Robin nudged Hook in the shoulder. "Well, there's no time to waste then, Captain Jones," he said, pulling him around the neck, as Hook made eye contact with Emma for a brief moment, a smile plastered on his face.
Laughing, the two took off and out of the room, most likely to the docks, as Regina slowly followed.
"Regina, wait up," Mary Margaret called to her.
Regina turned, a bit surprised, but waited; before the two queens walked out of the room together without a word.
Emma watched them leave, and despite how difficult the meeting had gone, she felt a strange sense of accomplishment. They were slowly piecing together a plan, but at least they had one; and were finding a way to work together.
David put his arm around Emma, as the two watched the Jolly Roger bob in the bay below them. She knew they had plenty to worry about, but it was only one question that she wanted answered at that moment.
"Where did you find the Jolly?"
He chuckled softly, and squeezed Emma's shoulder; a common habit of affection that he used with her.
"Robin found it, in a far away kingdom," David mused, his eyes on the ship. "Apparently Hook had traded it to some ruthless pirate named Blackbeard."
Emma's brow raised in surprise. "Blackbeard? Really?"
David nodded his head. "Yeah, you know of him?"
She rolled her eyes, and looked back out to the docks. "In a matter of speaking, I guess. But why would Hook trade away his ship?"
His face was serious then, and he turned to Emma, who watched him carefully as he spoke.
"Robin said this Blackbeard had obtained a magic compass on his travels, and that Hook was desperate to find a woman," David said softly, giving her shoulder another squeeze.
"A woman he cared a great deal for."