Rescue mission

A guest asked for a oneshot of Cora taking Emma instead of Aurora in season 2. Protective Mama Snow.

"I already told you," Emma growled "I don't want your food." Cora gave Emma her sickly sweet smile.

"Emma, you've been here for nearly three days now. You must be hungry. Come on, it's time to eat."

"I'm not stupid. You'll have put something in that stew." With that, Emma kicked the tray away from her and it slammed against the opposite wall of the dungeon Cora was holding her in. The smile disappeared from Cora's face and was replaced with a furious snarl.

"You ungrateful girl!" She barked. She reached forward and slapped Emma so hard across the face that Emma wobbled over, slamming against the hard stone floor.

"HEY!" Both Cora and Emma looked round. Snow was standing, bow aimed to fire. "Lay one more finger on my daughter and it'll be the last thing you ever do." She warned. Cora just laughed, using her magic to yank Emma up to her feet.

"Dear I can assure you that any arrow you aim will not be hitting me."

"Yeah, what about swords?" Mulan entered the room with Aurora walking cautiously behind her. "We both know your magic has no effect on this sword Cora. Release Emma."

"Then give me the compass." Cora said, still holding Emma with her magic.

"Don't give her the compass." Emma said through gritted teeth. "You can still go home without me..."

"That is not happening." Snow said sternly. "We are keeping this compass and you are giving me back my daughter." Cora's grip tightened on Emma and she gasped in pain. Snow instinctively moved forward, wanting to stop Emma's pain.

"Not another step." Cora warned. "Or Emma dies." Snow froze, thinking fast. There had to be a way the group got to keep both Emma and the compass. There was only one way Snow could think of, and it was very risky. But it was the only shot they had.

"Alright." Snow said, taking the compass out of her pocket and holding it up in her hand. "You win. I'll give you the compass."

"What?! No!" Emma protested.

"Yes Emma. We'll find another way home." Cora smiled victoriously, opening the dungeon and allowing Snow inside. She still kept Emma held with one hand but held her free one out for the compass. Snow acted defeated as she was about to place the compass in Cora's outstretched hand... but at the last second, she whipped it round and smacked Cora in the side of the head with it. Cora crashed to the floor and Emma was released. Snow knew they didn't have much time. "Come on." She said urgently, grabbing the still shocked Emma's wrist and pulling her out of the room while Mulan did the same with Aurora. When Snow decided that they were far enough away Snow stopped and turned to face Emma.

"Are you alright? Did Cora hurt you at all? How much have you eaten?"

"I- I'm fine." Emma stammered. "What just happened?"

"We got you away from Cora, that's what happened. No more splitting up. We stick together from now on." With that, Snow threw her arms around Emma tightly, wishing that she would never have to let go again.