Transformation - Part 1

Rachel looked at Henry with a new respect. After hearing the trying stories, she was filled with an admiration, and awe for the people of Storybrooke.

"So, what do you think?" Henry asked, closing the book.

"That was amazing. Thank you," Rachel said, wonder in her voice. Henry smiled, looking deep into her dark brown, almost black eyes. She returned his stare.

"Rachel?" Regina exited the diner, Emma and the Charmings on her heels. Zelena closed the door, walking down the steps.

"Yeah," Rachel said, stepping away from the table.

"I thought we should go back," Regina said.

"Wait," Emma said, shoving her hands in her jean pockets. Hook came out of the diner, making a beeline for Emma. She smiled slightly at him, putting her arm around his waist.

"I was wondering if I could talk to Rachel for a while," Emma said, hesitantly. Regina glanced at Rachel, raising her eyebrows.

"It's Rachel's choice," Regina commented. She looked to the young savior.

"Uhh, I'm fine with talking to Emma," Rachel said, glancing over at the sheriff.

"Then what? Who do you want to go home with?" Henry asked, hope sparking in his gaze.

"I can take her," Zelena offered. "If you want that Rachel." She wanted to learn about this new hero. Rachel shrugged, not really having an opinion.

"Okay," she said, slightly disappointed because she also wanted to talk to Henry. Besides Belle, he seemed like the most trustworthy.

"Kay, so you wanna get a sundae and talk?" Emma offered. Rachel nodded, following the blonde back into Granny's. Emma quickly pecked Hook on the cheek, squeezing his arm reassuringly.

"We'll talk later," she whispered. Hook looked at Emma, worry brewing in his blue eyes.

Snow looked at her new son-in-law. He was pacing the apartment, muttering to himself. Charming had suggested he come over to their place, and wait for Emma. The former pirate was currently rather unstable, and impulsive. Snow could understand what he was going through. She had experienced the same thing with David, and was going through something similar at the time. Emma was her daughter for crying out loud. She knew how easy it was to go down the path of the worst scenario. The worries just kept coming, like a snowball thundering down a mountain.

Snow shook her head, forcing herself to let go of the subject. She needed to be comforting right now. Not the nervous wreck Hook was.

"Hook?" Snow said, coming up beside him. His footsteps faltered, and he looked up.

"What it is?" he asked, glancing over at Snow.

"I know what you're going through," Snow said, sympathetically. "Emma's my daughter as well as your wife. We both love her."

"She's in danger," Hook spat out, grinding his teeth together. "And there's not a bloody thing I can do about it." His fists had clenched, and his blue eyes smoldered.

"We all feel that way." Snow put her hand on his arm, offering some sort of comfort.

"I just… I can't live without her," Hook admitted, finally breaking. He had masked his fear, and vulnerability with anger, and determination.

Snow pulled him close, trying to offer him some relief. He hugged her fiercely, tears spilling out of his eyes.

"It's gonna be okay," Snow murmured. She would never have imagined comforting Hook about her daughter. But it felt right. It was a motherly thing to do.

"She's half of me. How could I live without half of myself?" Hook choked out. He gripped his wedding ring, like he feared it would also be taken from him.

"Hook look at me," Snow said, gently but firmly. Hook pulled away, blinking several times. His blue eyes were like a story ocean, every wave showing more and more… pure agony.

In them, Snow could see hints of a young Killian, scared, and wondering what to do. With no one to guide him… support him. Emma had to survive this. She was his personal savior.

"What's she going to do?" Hook demanded. "She's always in danger. Always. And it tears me apart. And now she has no magic and…" Hook was practically babbling, and Snow completely understood. Not only was Emma facing unimaginable emotional trauma, but the physical danger seemed so far from over. That was what Hook was worried about.

"There is no future without her…"

There was magic in the air. Gold knew it immediately. He felt it in his blood. There was something familiar about this magic. It was recognizable, but changed somehow. He pondered it for a second, wary of what was coming next. Belle came through the curtains into the front of the shop, pushing a strand of hair out of her face.

"You miss him?" Belle looked up, shrugging slightly.

"Of course. But I know he's doing what he wants to do." She walked over to him, joining him behind the counter. He kissed her on the cheek, inhaling the scent of her shampoo. Their lips met in a tender embrace, comforting for both of them. But, because it's just who they are, they were interrupted.

The shop door flew open, almost falling off it's hinges. The bell gave a most unwelcome, long, and loud ring.

Maleficent strode through the shop, fire burning in her eyes. Gold wasn't sure whether there actually was fire in them or not. Had been known to happen before.

"So, why are you here," Gold asked, still quite annoyed. Belle nudged him.

"How may I help you?" he said in a less I-want-to-turn-you-into-a-frog voice.

"I need your help," Maleficent said, curtly. Gold smiled slightly, putting his arm around Belle.

"And just what do you require?" he asked, a hint of smugness in his tone. Unfortunately, he received a sharp tap to his leg for it.

"It's about Lily. Her dragon powers are out of control." Maleficent worriedly wrung her hands, glancing out the door.

"What do you mean?" Belle asked.

"Lily was raised in a land without magic. It seems like the sudden rush of power is well… overpowering. She was doing okay but, I think the curse affected the balance. She can't control it anymore." The worry of a mother was plain as day on Maleficent's face.

"If anything happens to her…" Belle and Gold shared a glance.

"I think this job calls for a savior."

Rachel felt herself develop the first inklings of trust for Emma. The former savior had left nothing out of her own Storybrooke experience. Rachel was thoroughly impressed with Emma's true strength.

"So, you grew up in Boston?" Rachel confirmed.

"Yeah. That was not a great part of my life," Emma admitted. "But it shaped me into who I am today. The grief I beared back then, in the end, made me stronger." Rachel nodded, thinking of her own past.

"So, what's your story?" Emma asked, looking intently at Rachel. The young savior tried to look down at her melting sundae. It didn't work very well.

"I've been living in Storybrooke for maybe, 3 months?" Rachel looked at Emma, wondering just how much she should trust her.

"Before that, umm, I lived in New York," Rachel mumbled. Emma's eyes widened in surprise.

"So, how'd you grow up in New York?" Emma asked, needing answers.

Unfortunately, Rachel didn't get a chance to answer. A blast of fire exploded outside, and a large black blur sped by the diner. Emma and Rachel exchanged a glance, before racing outside.

Henry, Regina, Zelena, and the Golds were already there, watching.

"Thank goodness," Henry said, running up to Rachel.

"Looks like you're being called for duty."

By the way, I have a whole plan for where this will go. Rachel's parents and backstory will be revealed eventually.

Next time… Lily's powers continue to spiral out of control. Rachel is faced with being thrust into her new position. Regina and Rachel begin training. (Sorry for not really addressing that this chapter.)

You guys are so amazing.

NightLightning21