3rd POV
The camp lay silent, not a soul in sight. As the night descended on Nova and Killian, they both had retreated back to their tents, preparing themselves for a sleepless night. Now that everyone is succumbed to their sleep, the figure cautiously emerges from the woods.
The dark figure soundlessly glides across the camp, pausing in front of Destiny's tent. After a quick look around, they enter the tent. Their eyes sweep the room before lingering on Destiny's twitching figure.
Since the figure had entered the tent, Destiny's twitching had increased to full body seizures. The bed Destiny is lying on starts to rattle with the increased movement. The dark figure raises their hands and puts up a sound barrier around the tent.
The figure approaches Destiny's vibrating body and runs a hand over the length of her body. In an instant, her body stills. They brush a strand of hair away from Destiny's face and giggle. The figure takes it's long nail and places it on her cheek.
Applying pressure, they drag the nail down, creating a trail of blood. It brings it's finger up and taps the nail against an open locket. Three drops fall into the locket, causing it to snap shut. A black smoke starts to form from the scratch on Destiny's cheek and travels up to the figure. It snakes around before going into the figure's nose. They breathe it in deeply, closing their eyes, and their whole body convulses. Their body stills and their eyes flash open. Vivid green.
With a triumphant smile, the figure exits the tent. The scratch on Destiny's face reseals. A gasp escapes her lips...
Destiny's POV:
The sound of murmured voices stirs me from my sleep. Behind my closed eyes, I could feel the intensity of the sunlight burning my face. Painfully, I force open my eyes. I find myself staring up at the ceiling of a tent. My mind starts to panic. I try to move my body but it feels numb. Where am I? Is this another trick of Cora's? I think to myself.
I search the tent from right to left, recognising the tent instantly. I am in Annora's camp. The thought calms my mind. I sigh with relief. My curse was finally broken. Cora no longer has control over me.
I turn my attention to the door of the tent slightly, avoiding the ray of sunlight aimed at me. The murmured voices grow more louder and clearer.
"I don't know how long we have to wait here and watch her. Since we've been here, nothing has happened," a man's voice grumbles.
"Well I wouldn't risk leaving her on her own. Did you see how powerful and manic she was? I don't know how these people can trust her so easily. For all we know, she could still be plotting to kill us," another deep voice adds.
Even though the words ring true, it doesn't stop my heart from sinking. Of course I couldn't expect everyone to forgive me right away after what I've done.
The tent's "door" opens up to reveal Leroy and a man I don't recognize. They both freeze when they notice me sitting up. I smile sheepishly and give a small wave. "Hey."
Leroy humphs and leaves the tent while the other man walks closer. "I'm Razeek. Annora's head guard. Are you well?"
I do a mental checklist before nodding, "I think so. I don't feel evil."
Razeek nods in approval. "Good. Stay here. I'll go fetch the others. Your friends will be glad to hear of your awakening." With a slight bow, he leaves.
Left with only my thoughts, I think back to the crazy dream I had. I shake my head in frustration. There's no way Cora is alive. I killed her! It must've been a hallucination. My conscience playing games with my head. "Yeah, that must be it!" I mumble.
"What must be it?"
I look up in surprise to find a small crowd in the tent's doorway. I recognize them all immediately; David, Mary Margaret, Regina, Emma, Rumple, Nova, and Killian. I look at Nova and Killian and repeat the smile and wave I gave Leroy and Razeek. "Hey."
For a second, I thought they were all mad at me but then Nova smiles and runs to my side. She practically tackles me into a hug. "I hate you!" She murmurs against my neck.
"I can tell!" I laugh lightly, still aware of the other people who don't look as forgiving. That being Regina. As I hug Nova, my eyes move over to Regina. Her face tries to remain neutral.
Nova pulls out of the hug and looks at me sternly.
"You scared me there! I thought you had..." Nova stops, unable to bring the word to her tongue. I smile apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Nova. I didn't mean to scare you." I turn my eyes to Killian who approaches us. He places his soothing hand on my shoulder.
"We're just glad you're ok," he replies, planting a kiss on my forehead. I rest my eyes on the others as they step further into the tent. Convinced that I'm no longer trouble.
"How are you feeling?" Mary Margaret asks. I run my hand roughly through my hair.
"I guess I feel ok. I'm glad I can finally think clearly." My mind replays what Leroy and Razeek were saying.
"Look. If any of you guys are still doubting whether I can be trusted, I understand. But believe me, I'm not the person you guys-"
"We know. You don't have to explain yourself. We're glad to have you back," Mary Margaret interrupts. She smiles warmly. I smile in return. I hold my head for a moment, feeling lightheaded all of a sudden. Recognising the gesture, Killian turns to the group.
"I think we should let her rest. She's still weak from the curse." Agreeing with Killian, everyone pulls small smiles at me as they make their way out. As Killian is about to follow the group, I reach out and grab his hand. He looks from his captured hand to my face. I glance up at him with longing eyes.
"Can you stay with me please?"
"Are you sure?" He looks over his shoulder where Nova was holding open the door.
"Positive."
He nods at Nova who leaves. He pulls himself onto my bed and we sit in silence.
"So... you're a pirate now?" I start off. Killian side glances at me. He pulls a small smile and lowers his eyes.
"Let's just say, a chain of events led up to it. Some I don't really want to recall," he adds, a hint of sadness in his voice. I look down at my hands.
"I didn't mean to-" Killian moves his hand onto mine. I glance up at him. He attempts a smile.
"It's ok. It's just... life hasn't been easy at Neverland. Especially when you... stopped visiting." He swallows hard. I squeeze his hand.
"Hey. We're together now, aren't we? Even when I couldn't visit you, you were always on my mind." A playful smile tugs on his lips.
"You were on my mind too," he replies, his smile reminding me of his younger self. I smile affectionately, feeling my cheeks grow warm and pink. I lay back on the bed. Killian does the same. I stare up at the ceiling. The events of the past flood back to me. The looks of despair and pain at me forms a lump in my throat.
"Am I a bad person, Killian?" I ask. His eyes turn to me in disagreement, but I continue on.
"I know that it was the curse that was making me do those things but...After all that's happened, I feel like I don't know myself anymore. Like the curse had taken everything I am from me." My lips start to tremble.
"I... feel so lost." I stop, feeling my tears choke me.
I close my eyes and lay my head on his chest. "I'm sorry." I whisper, a tear sliding down across the bridge of my nose. I feel him exhale and a hand brushing against my cheek.
"Shh. It's fine. It's all over now." He kisses the top of my head.
"But I killed-" I break off with a shaky sob.
Killian wraps his arms around me and pulls me closer. He hesitates before continuing,
"I have done things I'm not proud of either, Destiny. Besides, that person was not you, Destiny." He moves my chin up gently, making me stare into his eyes.
"The woman I fell in love with is the most selfless and beautiful person I know. That is who you are." My lips curve into a shaky smile. I hug him tightly, feeling the burden shift from my heart.
"Thank you, Killian," I whisper. We both lay silently, occupied in our own thoughts.
Nova's POV
I watch the trees sway in the wind as Jefferson plays with my hair. After we left Destiny and Killian alone, we decided that we needed our own alone time so we walked to the edge of camp. Jefferson propped up against a log and my head rested in his lap.
I sigh and look up into his eyes. "I missed you. Terribly."
He chuckles and leans down to give me a kiss."I missed you ." I grin sweetly at him. Slowly, he starts to frown, his forehead creasing.
"Nova... When I was possessed, I didn't..." I cover his mouth lightly with my hand, stopping him in his tracks. I shake my head,
"No, of course you didn't," I reassure him. He removes my hand from his mouth and breathes out with relief.
"That's good to know." I smile at his relieved face. Carefully, I get up from his lap and sit beside him on the log.
"Besides, even if you were possessed, I know you wouldn't have hurt me. I wouldn't have let you anyway," I laugh. Jefferson lets out a small laugh. His smile fills my heart with warmth. A feeling I have missed.
Jefferson turns to his left. I follow his gaze to find Destiny and Killian stepping out of their tent. Destiny grips onto Killian's arm as they walk out.
"How is Destiny anyway?" Jefferson shifts his attention back to me, his eyes filled with genuine concern.
"She's fine. Weak at the moment because of the curse, but she'll get better real quick." I sigh.
"I'm just glad to have her back, you know?" He nods.
"I know. I'm glad she's ok. Especially since it's brought a smile to your face," he adds, smiling with the corner of his mouth. I blush at his comment. I glance back at Destiny, noticing everyone's tense looks directed at her. Including Leroy.
Destiny stares back at them. She downcasts her eyes with shame, growing uncomfortable at the piercing looks. Leroy takes a step in her direction, an unwelcoming look on his face.
"I'll be right back," I say to Jefferson as I make my way towards Destiny.
At the same time, Annora appears in front of Leroy, her gaze as hard as stone.
"I do not want any trouble in my camp," she demands. Leroy snorts.
"The only trouble that's present here is that woman." He tilts his head in Destiny's direction. Destiny's eyes remain downcast. I stop beside her and curl my arm around hers.
"Are you ok?" I ask. Destiny glances at me. Her moistened eyes with soreness. She pulls a tight- lipped smile.
Annora's hand rests on her sword. Leroy notices the gesture but he doesn't flinch. His hands clench into fists.
"Leroy, back down!" David shouts. He approaches Leroy with Mary Margaret beside him. Mary Margaret aims a disapproving look at Leroy. David's eyes take in the growing crowd.
"Since you all have gathered around, I have an announcement to make. Tonight, we will travel back to Storybrooke." Gasps followed by confused whispers spread through the crowd.
"Tonight? But how?" A woman calls from the crowd.
"And why do we have to leave? We are home after all?" A man argues. David raises his hand, bringing the crowd's chattering to a stop. He takes a deep breath.
"I understand all of your concerns. But for some time, we have grown used to the lifestyle that we had at Storybrooke. We cannot just undo that. As for how we are travelling to Storybrooke, we have a spell in mind that can transport us all back, safe and sound. If everything goes to plan, everything will be ready by tonight, tomorrow morning at the latest."
An excited murmur sweeps across the crowd. David looks at Destiny. "We'll need your help."
I feel her gulp and her hand grabs mine nervously. "Okay." She takes a step, pulling me with her. "You'll come right?" She asks me.
I look back at Jefferson who nods. "Of course."
"Finally! Look who decides to wake up."
We had just entered Annora's tent where Regina had a large book open and random bottles spread out on the table. Her cold, unforgiving eyes rest on Destiny. Destiny meets her eyes. Squeezing my arm for comfort, she takes a step forward.
"Regina. I'm sorry about everything. About killing your mother and almost taking your life. If you don't forgive me, I understand." Destiny swallows hard. Regina rises from her chair and stands in front of Destiny. She crosses her arms rigidly. I take a deep breath, bracing myself for what Regina is about to say or do. To my surprise, Regina pulls Destiny into a tight hug, her eyes tearful.
"It's ok, Destiny. I should be the one apologizing. I... heard you talking to Hook and it made me feel guilty. I just want our friendship back." They both pull out of the hug and smile at each other. I smile at them, glad that the brewing tension between them had finally been resolved.
"Now that you're here, Destiny, we can start!" Regina beams. She wipes her eyes roughly and returns to her position behind the table. She closes the book and starts grabbing bottles.
"I don't think I'm up for magic today, Regina," Destiny replies.
"Don't worry about that! We just need your blood."
"That I can do!" Destiny laughs and offers Regina her hand. Grabbing a pin from the table, Regina presses it into Destiny's finger. She removes the pin, leaving a spot of blood visible. I watch as a few drops of Destiny's dark red blood drips into an empty vial.
"Perfect. That's one thing done," Regina says, closing the vial.
"What's next?" I ask.
"Next..." She trails off and opens the book for a second, then closes it. "Henry's hair." She starts to leave and Destiny looks at me in confusion.
"Why Henry's hair?" she asks.
"Henry is the only person here that was actually born on Earth so he's our link."
She nods in understanding and we both follow Regina out of the tent. As we walk out, I catch a glimpse of Emma up ahead, her head wrinkled in concentration as she stares at the pile of logs.
"How's it going with Emma? Has she been able to use her power?" I ask curiously. Regina's face grows sour.
"Nope. Nothing seems to have changed from what I can see." She slides her attention to Destiny.
"I know you haven't got any energy to use your magic but can you guide her while I get the other ingredients?" Destiny nods.
"Sure." With a quick nod, Regina makes her way to Henry. Destiny and I make our way to a frustrated Emma.
"Come on, come on..." Emma urges, her hand angled at the logs. Nothing happens.
"Dammit!" Emma yells, running both her hands through her hair.
"Any luck?" Destiny asks as I help her sit down beside Emma. Emma wipes her brow.
"What's the point of being the 'Saviour' if I can't perform magic?" She huffs. I seat myself on the other side of Emma and place a hand on her left shoulder.
"You heard what Regina said. It takes time. And besides, you broke the curse, remember? That counts for something." Emma shakes her head in protest.
"That was just one time. I feel so useless." Destiny settles her elbows on her knees and leans forward.
"That's where you're going wrong." Destiny pauses, waiting for Emma to stare at her in confusion.
"To perform magic, the main thing you need to remember is to believe in yourself. How would you be able to do something if you start doubting yourself? Give me your hand."
Emma sighs, placing her hand in Destiny's. Destiny turns Emma's palm towards the logs. "Okay. I want you to imagine a tiny spark inside you. Once you feel it, push it down your arm and make it stop at your fingertips."
Emma closes her eyes. I could tell that Destiny's help is working.
"Control your breathing. Immerse all your energy and strength into building that spark. Imagine it growing bigger and bigger." I stare down at Emma's fingertips, an excited buzz rushing through me. I gasp.
A light orange, electric like orb builds in the middle of her palm. It starts to expand, electric sparks flying from it.
"Emma! Look!" Emma peels open her eyes, widening them with amazement as she sets her eyes on the orb. She pulls a delighted smile. Destiny's face reflects the same smile.
"Now, push it towards the logs and set it alight," Destiny says.
Taking a slow, deep breath, Emma narrows her eyes at the logs and thrusts her hand at them. The orb flies into the logs, igniting it in flames. Emma smiles with satisfaction. I pat Emma proudly on the shoulder.
"See! I knew you could do it!" I beam. Emma shifts her gaze to Destiny.
"Thanks." Destiny nods, her face wearing a proud smile. Destiny rises from the log awkwardly. I rounded the log and hold her by her arms. I help her straighten up and she smiles. "Thanks."
"You okay?" I ask, still holding her arm.
She brushes my hand off and nods. "I'm just a little tired. It's a lot to take in." Her eyes sweep across the camp. She leans forward a bit and scrunches her eyes in concentration. I look over my shoulder to see what she's looking at.
"What is it?" Emma asks. The camp area is empty beside us.
I look back at Destiny who is still looking off. She shakes her head and rubs her forehead. "It's nothing. I thought I saw-" She shakes her head again. "It's stupid. Nevermind."
Emma puts her hand on Destiny's shoulder. "It's probably not stupid. You can tell us."
She looks at me and I nod in encouragement. "Don't laugh, okay?"
Emma and I look at each other and nod. Destiny sighs, "I thought I saw bright green eyes over by my tent."
After a couple moments, my eyes widen in realization. "You mean-"
"No!" Destiny holds her hands up and tries to laugh off the situation. "That's not possible, right?" She laughs again. "I'm just tired. I think I'm going to rest. I'll see you guys later. Good job, by the way, Emma. I knew you could do it." With a fleeting smile, she hurries off to her tent.
Once Destiny disappears into her tent, I turn to Emma. "Do you think she could be…" I pause, not able to complete the thought.
Emma shrugs. "For our sake, I hope not." I nod at her response. I turn back to Destiny's tent, a frown tugging at my lips.
3rd person pov:
Night slowly falls upon the camp. All the townspeople stand before their tents, fidgeting anxiously as they watch Regina and Rumple prepare the spell in the middle of the camp. Their faces are illuminated by the others- Mary Margaret, David, Emma, Henry, Nova, Killian and Destiny- stand close to them, the thoughts of Storybrooke rushing through their minds.
After days of conflict and distress, the townspeople are finally returning back to Storybrooke. Their home. This brought a smile especially to Emma, though many others did not share the same excitement.
Annora walks across the camp. She stops behind Nova.
"Are the preparations done?" She asks, startling Nova. Nova spins around.
"Almost." Nova stares at Annora with a sad smile. She takes Annora's hand. "Thank you so much for what you have done for us."
Annora brings Nova in to her arms."I really should be thanking you, my dear. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to help Destiny. Take care." The two separate and turn back to Regina.
"Okay, I need everyone and their item to form a circle around the campfire!" Regina commands. "Emma, I want you to double check that we have everything." Emma walks by with a checklist.
"Henry's hair?" She reads off, walking past Henry.
"Check!" Henry exclaims, holding a vial.
Emma messes up his hair before continuing, "Destiny's blood?'
"Still dark." Destiny smiles as Emma walks past her.
"Gold?"
"Present, dearie." Mr. Gold answers.
"Regina?"
"Did you really have to ask the last two?" Regina asks, rolling her eyes.
Emma ignores her and takes her spot in the circle. "And me. Looks like we are all ready!"
Regina claps her hands once. "Okay. Now it says that we have to do this in the right order or the spell won't work. So don't mess it up!" She unfolds the piece of paper and re-reads it. "We start with Henry. After he puts his item in, Gold will add some magic to start it up. Then Destiny will drop exactly three drops of blood into the fire. Once she's done, I'll add my magic and then it's up to you, Emma, to take us home."
"Does it say how exactly I'm supposed to do that?" Emma asks, rolling her shoulders.
"Afraid not. So let's get started!"
They all proceed towards the fire, completing their part of the spell. The tension and anticipation flows off the people. Eerie silence surrounds the group. Finally, Emma steps forward, the heat of the fire burning her face.
She closes her eyes and takes a slow, deep breath, affirmations flowing through her mind. She opens her eyes and focuses her palm towards the fire. The same orange, electric like orb escapes from her palm, expanding. The silence intensifies, making the sound of several racing heartbeats almost audible.
She thrusts the orb into the fire. Instantly, a thick purple cloud grows from the extinguished fire. Gasps echo from the townspeople. The smoke rises before dissolving into the atmosphere. They wait for any change of movement. But nothing happens.
Emma scratches her head.
"Er. Is that supposed to happen?" she asks, uncertainty in her voice. Regina shakes her head.
"I don't understand..." She whispers. The group trades glances.
"Regina?" Mary Margaret steps forward, eyeing the dying smoke.
"We did everything right! I don't understand why it didn't work!" Emma exclaims, running her fingers through her hair.
"You weren't ready!" Regina points at Emma. "We should've practiced more or, or SOMETHING!"
"It's not Emma's fault!" Nova defends.
"How do we know?" Regina counters.
"How do we know that it was Emma's fault? Maybe it was my blood?" Destiny yells.
"It can't be your blood. You still have the darkest soul, right?"
Destiny looks down at the ground and mumbles something. "What?" Regina asks, stepping closer.
"I said maybe not!" Destiny yells. She looks around at the crowd, then looks back at Regina. "While I was still… asleep, I had felt something."
Regina looks at Destiny expectantly, "And?"
"It.. it felt like someone had taken something out of my body, like the curse. I don't know how to explain it but that night, something didn't feel right," Destiny explains, feeling her cheek absentmindedly. Regina rubs her forehead, feeling a headache form.
"So, what do we do now?" Nova asks. Regina glances at her. She sighs with defeat.
"To be honest, I don't know. I'll have to figure out another way. I'm afraid we won't be traveling back to Storybrooke tonight." The townspeople start to protest angrily. As Annora and David try to calm the crowd down, the rest retreat back to their tents, deflated looks spread across their faces.
As the camp grows empty, a cloaked figure sneaks into the camp, their eyes cautiously checking their surroundings. Seeing the coast is clear, the figure strides towards the burnt out fire. From the inside of their cloak, she produces a dagger. A smirk forms on her lips.
She brings the dagger to the palm of her hand and cuts across it. She close her eyes briefly, feeling the wound start to sting. Holding her hand out above the burnt logs, she lets her blood drop. One at a time. After a few drops, she moves her hand away, satisfied.
"Tonight. We will be travelling back to Storybrooke," she declares with a smug smile. Slowly, a purple cloud starts to form.
a/n I hope you guys are enjoying the book! Please Review your thoughts! xx