Dark
Jules asked for a oneshot of *finale spoilers* the aftermath of Emma becoming the dark one set straight after the finale. Incorparating Maritza's request of Snow's thoughts as Emma disappears.
The sound of the dagger crashing to the ground echoed around the empty streets of Storybrooke.
"No!" Snow screamed. She fell to her knees, tears starting to stream down her face. "No!" Charming fell beside her, silent. He felt like someone had punched a whole right through him. Not their daughter- not their Emma. Snow wished she'd ran forward- tried something. Maybe she would have been able to stop this happening... but because she hadn't tried they would never know. Now her baby girl was gone, and even if they got her home again she was the Dark One. They had done unspeakable things to ensure that Emma's heart stayed light. Now their efforts seemed wasted, and their little girl was lost and alone once more. Regina removed herself from Robin's grasp and shakily walked over to where the dagger had landed with Emma's name now carved into it. Emma had sacrificed herself for her- and Regina would never be able to repay her. All she could do was promise that she would help find this Merlin and force him to remove the darkness from Emma. She carefully picked the dagger up and walked back over to where Emma's parents knelt broken on the ground.
"Here." Regina croaked. "This belongs to you now." It could not undo the damage, but it could at least help them make sure Emma was safe. Snow reached out and took the dagger from Regina.
"Emma, please come back sweetheart." Snow asked. Suddenly, there was a puff of purple smoke and Emma appeared in front of her parents. She looked identical to how she had been before sacrificing herself, except for an obvious hollowness in her eyes.
"You summoned me." She said quietly. That hit Snow and Charming right in the chests. They didn't ever want to feel this much control over Emma. Snow offered her the dagger. Emma took a leap backwards.
"No." She said, sounding frightened. She had just enough goodness left to know that someone had to be there to control her in case she tried to hurt someone. "No, keep it. Make sure everyone is safe. Don't argue." Snow nodded, but still didn't like it. Emma saw Hook standing off to the side in the corner of her eye. She wanted to care about how heartbroken he looked, but he didn't. Charming reached out slowly and took Emma's hand.
"It's going to be ok." He promised. "We're not going to leave you the Dark One for long. We'll find Merlin and solve this. We promise you, baby." He whispered. Emma just looked at him, trying to hold back all the hatred raging inside her. "Come on, come home."
"No." Emma said again quickly. "Neal…not safe-"
"Your brother is perfectly safe with you in the house." Snow said firmly. "You are our child too and we will not leave you alone. Please Emma, come home…" Snow forgot that she was holding the dagger so was momentarily surprised by Emma suddenly lurching forward and heading straight for the loft. As soon as she realised she and Charming started racing after her. They would sort this. They would not leave their baby girl in the dark.