Temptation - Part 2

Gothel made a circle around the group, seemingly trapping them within it. David and Snow glared at her, fire in their eyes. However, looking at Mulan, well they seemed like innocent puppies.

The warrior looked like she ready to strangle Gothel, not matter the consequences.

"You don't have any deal we would want," Mulan spat. Gothel gave her a surprised look.

"My my. You haven't changed a bit. And, how is your daughter?" She tilted her head, waiting for the reaction. Mulan practically exploded, running towards her, and half bowling her over.

"Shut up," she yelled, throwing Gothel to the ground. Gothel simply smiled. With a wave of her hand, she disappeared, and reappeared a few feet away.

"Well then. You still have the same temper you once had. Seems a shame. I would have thought a family would have slowed you down." This time, both Snow and David had to physically hold Mulan back from making another attack. Finnick just seemed plain confused.

"Shut up," Snow practically snarled, holding Mulan back yet again. "What do you want?" Gothel smiled, sensing a chance to pitch her idea.

"You can have your little family. In fact, I will make you a deal that says I cannot harm your family in any way." Everyone was now glaring at her suspiciously.

"Oh please, like you would ever agree to that," Regina retorted. "You seem to take pleasure in giving other people pain." Gothel simply smiled.

"Maybe so. Maybe not. But regardless, I do have a proposition."

"And what would that be?" Snow asked. Now she had them. Right where she wanted them.

"I can kill Emma and Henry within the next minute if I want to."

"If you lay a hand on them, you will wish you never lived," Regina threatened. "And, when Hook gets back from finding Merida, he will also kick your ass."

"And why is pirate dear on his way to find the little redhead?" Gothel asked, trying to tip her own play.

"Like we'd tell you," Regina said, desperately wanting to incinerate the witch. "Now, just tell us what the hell you want."

"It's really quite simple. I need you to back off of Rapunzel. Give me Rapunzel and Ivy. And the rest of your family will go free."

"Are you crazy?" David demanded. "You really think we'd just hand over two innocent people?"

"You did before," Gothel shot back, relishing the flashes of pain that ghosted over both David and Snow's faces.

"We would never give you them," Regina said, stepping forward threateningly. But, in her mind, a seed of doubt had planted itself.

"Take some time to think it over. By all means, I'm not going anywhere." Gothel smiled, before waving her hand, and disappearing.

"Can she really kill them?" Hook asked, eyes widening in fear. Regina nodded slowly, hating that she had to.

"Gothel wouldn't just make empty threats. I'm sure she was something there. Something that will be able to kill them."

"But… but Gold is there. He's the bloody dark one. Surely he can do something." Regina shook her head.

"Gothel has developed some sort of potion. That disables the magic of anyone she chooses. I'm guessing, she can disable Gold and Rachel's magic." Hook clenched his hand, shaking his head.

"We have to get them back," he announced. Snow just shook her head. There was no way.

"Hook, the only way we have to get them back… is to give Gothel Ivy and Rapunzel."

"I don't care," Hook snapped. "I'll do anything to get Emma back."

"Like hell you will," Finnick instantly refuted. "Ivy is my daughter. You won't be doing anything with her." Hook glared at the other man, both unwilling to stand down.

"Hook, what would Emma want?" Regina asked, softly. Hook turned towards her, the fury dissipating from his eyes.

"I don't know. But, I can't lose her."

"And Finnick can't lose Ivy," Snow defended, looking Hook square in the face. "We will not take her deal." Hook sighed, knowing she was right.

"Where's Merida?" Snow asked, looking around for the queen. She was nowhere to be seen.

"Aye, she's with Granny. Getting a room at the moment." Hook looked over at Regina.

"Do you really think she'll be able to help?" he asked. Regina could do nothing but shrug.

"I don't know. Hopefully."

"Well, at least we know what Gothel wants. And, we can stop her from getting it," Snow said, looking determined. "She has no reason to harm our family. Unless we do something. So, when we make our move, she won't be expecting it."

"Let's go find Merida," Regina suggested. "We can work with her to create a plan. Because right now, Gothel is inactive. We have time. And we will get them all back. No matter what." Everyone nodded in agreement. They began heading towards the diner, away from the forest. But, Mulan hesitated for a second. She'd been playing the game for long enough.

"You can come out you know," she said, waiting for the arrival of the witch.

"You haven't lost your touch. I'm impressed. Been a long time, Mulan." Mulan just rolled her eyes, as Gothel stepped out from the trees.

"What are you doing here?" She unsheathed her sword, ready for a fight.

"Please, put the pointy stick down. I'm not here to kill you. I just need a little help from you."

"Why the hell would I help you? You destroyed my life." Gothel laughed, and sniffed.

"Oh please, I did no such thing. All I did, was relieve you the burden of your daughter. You never wanted her anyways." Mulan narrowed her eyes, forcing herself to keep calm.

"You have no idea what I want," she shot back. "Rachel is my daughter. I know that." Gothel just rolled her eyes.

"Regina is more of a mother to that girl than you ever were. And, ever will be." Mulan ignored the part of her that believed the witch. She refused to listen.

"You think I don't know that?" Mulan was seriously getting ready to stab this witch.

"Fine, but if you don't want to help. Then, I will be forced to take action." Gothel suddenly appeared right in front of the warrior, shoving her hand into her chest. Mulan gasped, and grimaced in pain as Gothel pulled her heart out.

"Ahh," Mulan bent down, breathing heavily.

"Now, let's get to work."

Updates might be a little less frequent nowadays. I'm trying.

Next time… WIth Mulan now under Gothel's control, she is forced to help Gothel achieve her true mission. Kill the savior.