A/N Reposted chapter, due to ffn mix up.
Sorry for the slight delay, it had been a mad week... I couldn't find a right place to break the chapter in two parts, so I posted it as one, but huge...
Thanks for the comments!
Standard disclaimers apply. Enjoy!
Chapter 5
The dawn came sooner that Emma had expected. The time she had been sleeping had passed it seemed in the blink of an eye, leaving the younger woman disoriented and sluggish. But not bewildered enough not to recognize the head on her shoulder, resting peacefully after the turbulent night. Regina had suffered nightmares throughout the night, no doubt provoked by the tales of her past, forcing the former queen to ask for calming influence of a simple hug that Emma had offered easily. Lifting her arm Emma placed it around Regina's back, tenderly stroking the arm around her midriff, barely aware of her actions. The soft steady breathing she could feel from Regina brought her unexpected calming peace of her thoughts. Despite of the turmoil of the past days, Emma was able to relax just for a moment and recharge, although she still felt tired and sleepy.
"What are you thinking about?" a soft murmur broke the silence of an early morning. The unspoken acceptance of their position and the closeness that had been born out of their love for their son and similar experiences and understanding was highly unusual for both women, who both avoided personal connections.
Emma smiled, closing her eyes. "Nothing. For the first time in a long while I am not obsessing about anything." She whispered pulling the other woman closer. "Go to sleep, there is still time."
"You, too. I kept you awake most of the night." Regina answered quietly, snuggling deeper in the hug, letting the sleep claim her once more. Emma shifted a bit and followed after.
The next time the blonde woman opened her eyes she was greeted with warm brown eyes above her. Regina had been leaning over her, but as soon she opened her eyes, the older woman moved aside and took a bowl with a steeping paste in it. "Your mother sends her regards," Regina said with a quirk of her mouth. Remembering the morning meeting with Snow brought on her high spirits.
When she stepped in the galley for the breakfast, Regina saw that the pixie haired woman was still busy with preparations, joined by the Captain, grumbling in his seat. The moment she saw the former queen she squeaked and rushed to bring two bowls for the meal. Regina cocked her eyebrow and narrowed her eyes at the woman's behaviour. "What is with you?"
"Nothing!" Spoken too quickly to be the truth, Snow winced at the sound of her higher than usual voice. "You surprised me."
"And that is the reason to behave like you are hiding something?" Regina came closer to the younger woman and leaned in. But by the time she spoke, Snow had already collected herself. The calm veneer greeted the queen.
"I expected David. Is Emma awake?" Snow quickly changed the subject, knowing that Regina knew very well that she had avoided answering the question. With a scrutinizing look over, Regina waved her head and took a seat on the counter, as far away as she could from Hook.
"He said that we should arrive in the late evening to the island," Snow spoke nodding away to the Captain watching them.
"If the weather doesn't change, that is," Hook spoke, finishing his meal and rising. He had taken no offence to Regina avoiding him, and he was happy she wasn't killing him on sight. The Swan was good for the woman, he thought with amused sneer.
"Captain," Regina had spoken suddenly, before Hook could leave. When he turned to her, she continued. "I presume you have weapons on board? I will need to see them." Hook smiled and nodded in a negligible bow. His hand went to a panel in the wall and pressing a hidden lever he opened the secret door to what looked like an armory.
"My arms are your arms," he spoke flippantly and left. Regina rose and walked to the small space filled with various kinds of swords and sabers, flintlocks, throwing knives and daggers, among other things. Touching the various blades she looked for two that would suit to her and the Savior. Snow joined and picked one for herself.
Regina took the two most promising double edged swords with their scabbards, several knives and daggers, getting out of the small space, smiling at the stunned face on Snow. "It is not just for me", she spoke with a laughing tilt in her voice, placing her burden on the counter beside her bowl.
Snow picked up one of the swords and gently smiled, passing her hand over the scabbard and pulling out the blade, testing it in her hand. "This one. It would fit her perfectly." She looked at Regina and seeing her with agreeing incline of her head, Snow lowered the sword.
Finishing her meal, Regina rose and picked up the cluster of weaponry, managing to place the extra bowl on top of it. Turning to go, she waited for Snow to glance up to her face. "Tell David I have something for him in the cabin." With that she left.
Emma took the bowl from her and started eating with gusto, watching the other woman move around the room, picking up the scattered things. Noticing something different, Emma frowned, lowering her spoon. Regina was dressed differently. The black tights were different and the blazer was in deep navy blue with a gray turtle neck underneath. Straightening in the bed, Emma placed the bowl on the floor beside the pallet.
Regina turned and saw the other woman looking at her with a confused face. Reaching her, she sat beside her on the mattress, looking into Emma's face, her question obvious in her eyes.
"Where did you get this?" Emma asked, fingering Regina's lapel.
The older woman just smiled in understanding. "I brought it with me." Rising, she gestured to two sports bags half hidden with a spare blanket. "When Hook came back, I collected the things with magic, anticipated the need to move out immediately."
Emma chuckled and rose, throwing the blanket of herself, not paying attention to her attire. Regina smirked, reminded of their second meeting. The blonde took one of the bags, recognizing her as one of her own and opened it. "You are amazing," she whispered, picking out the things Regina had packed. Turning around quickly, she threw her arms around stunned woman and hugged her with glee. At first, Regina froze with the sudden movement, her body ready to defend itself, but quite quickly she relaxed into the childlike embrace, placing her hand on Emma's back, patting her lightly with amusement.
"I am sorry," Emma whispered, pulling away, aware that she had startled the other woman. But, Regina only waved away her apology with a slight shake of her head.
Emma hurried back to the bag and noticed several things that did not belong to her. With a slight frown she lowered herself down and picked a shirt, recognizing one of Henry's favorite clothes. She looked at Regina clutching the shirt to her chest, inhaling the clean scent of the fabric, and watched the other woman smile sadly. This time Emma moved slowly and drew Regina into her arms, holding her firmly against herself. She felt Regina place her arms on her back and sink into the hug, accepting the comforting touch from the Savior. "I thought he would need…" Regina started but her voice broke and she lowered her head, hiding her eyes into the Savior's shoulder.
The blonde kissed the forehead near her in the soothing fashion and gripped the woman in her arms firmer. "He will. I'd guess he will be quite a stinky mess when we get him."
Regina offered a watery chuckle, deciding not to comment on Emma's previous actions. Pulling out of the hug she placed her palm on Emma's cheek, looking into concerned green eyes. "Thank you," she whispered and seeing the green eyes light up, she stepped away. "Get dressed, you'll need to practice." Chuckling again at the childlike groan that came out of the younger woman, Regina picked up the sword she had chosen from the Hook's stash.
Emma quickly donned her old clothes and took the sword out of Regina's hand and tried it out in her hands. Deciding to wear it on her back, because of the gun holster n her hip, the blonde placed the scabbard over her shoulder.
"There, a true knight," Regina spoke joking, with her hands on her hips.
Emma scowled at the comment and tried to pull the sword out, managing it with ease. "If you say so, Your Majesty," she spoke placing the blade back into its place.
The older woman hit the younger one in the shoulder, giggling when Emma yelled in surprise and outrage, and walked toward another bag, obscured by the clutter in the cabin. Emma followed her closely, almost touching her back. Opening the lid of the duffel Regina let the Savior see the contents of the bag. Several filled clips, along with boxes of ammunition lied on the floor of the container. Emma's second gun, the revolver she used as a backup, was resting on top of it in its holster and two boxes of its bullets. A full accessory belt of the sheriff's uniform and two vests, along with a black chain mail that was almost hidden among the rest of the stuff. And, underneath it all, a glinting gold hilt of David's sword peaked out.
"Wow," Emma whispered in awe of the woman beside her. Regina had singlehandedly prepared the Sheriff's part of the crew for the upcoming quest, giving them more than a fighting chance in the following adventures. "And you did this, only minutes before we sailed out?" She asked with admiration in her voice. "No wonder you secluded yourself. I would think it would have left you drained even if you hadn't stopped the trigger."
"It did." Regina spoke softly, uncomfortable with open praise of the woman beside her. "And you stopped the trigger." She added looking into the glimmering green eyes.
Emma came to Regina and placed her palms onto the older woman's shoulders. Searching the suddenly shy brown eyes, the blonde let one of her hands reach to the face in front of her, gently tilting the Mayor's head up, locking their eyes firmly. "It was your turn at saving the world. I only helped." The serious tone in her quiet voice pierced the self-doubt that enshrouded Regina, and Emma watched the older woman reluctantly believe in the truth of her words. Keeping them in the position for several moments just to make sure that the message had sunk in, she let go. Taking one of Regina's hands she led them to the deck for another grueling training session.
Snow walked toward her husband and glanced upon the two women circling one another on the deck. The ease with which they anticipated and countered each other's moves surprised her, but considering that they had spent most of their time on the ship together, and that they both were experts at reading people, Snow did not wonder much about how it had come to be.
"She is good with that sword," David commented when Snow had leaned against the railing next to him. Snow smiled and leaned onto his shoulder, watching their daughter practicing sword and magic fighting at the same time.
"She has good teachers," she murmured.
"I meant Regina," David spoke again, gesturing toward their former nemesis. Snow blinked and realized that Regina was indeed using the sword to fight Emma, using it expertly, coaching Emma with patience.
"I never thought she knew."
"She must have learned after she had run away from you in that village," the prince said softly, after a minute spent in silence, watching their daughter and Snow's stepmother.
"Could be." Observing the woman exchange quite underhanded blows, Snow comprehended Regina was teaching Emma to fight dirty. If the situation was any different she would complain about the former queen's methods, but at the moment, she couldn't find it in herself to object to the skill that would most likely keep Emma alive. And that, Snow reckoned was why Regina taught the Savior such moves. A warm feeling appeared in her chest at the thought that her step mother was protecting her daughter.
"They seem close," David suddenly spoke breaking the quiet that had fallen on them.
"They connected on the level we could not," the pixie haired woman spoke with sadness in her voice, knowing that Emma was keeping her past experiences hidden away from her parents, telling them only the broad and vague explanations of her life. On the other hand, the former Evil Queen could reach their daughter perhaps because she also had a hard life and even harder childhood. It hurt, and although Snow knew it was petty, she envied Regina on that understanding of her child. However, it seemed apt for the women to have a unique connection, both being Henry's mothers, and magic users. Being neither, Snow could only watch her daughter form a closer bond with her once competitor for Henry's love.
"I think they have connection that goes beyond their shared love for Henry, their hard past and magic." David turned to his wife and looked down into her concerned face. "I think it goes deeper." He said, his blue eyes searching the green ones of his wife. "I think Emma likes her, and that Regina is drawn to her as well."
"You mean, like us?" Snow asked after thinking through her husband's words. She couldn't say that she hadn't thought the same thing once or twice, so what David had said was not such a great surprise. However, it was something she didn't like to think about. She had hopes about Emma and Neal coming together, but after he had been gone… And Emma had seemed too angry with him to be in a good relationship with him on a romantic level. Emma was hard on trusting people, and he had damaged their love and her belief in the innate goodness of people. In fact, it was his action that had made her so untrusting as a person, closed off and careful in personal relationships.
But, Regina? Snow couldn't help but feel resentment toward the woman, taking her daughter from her once again. Nevertheless it would make perfect sense in a cosmic way. Fate, Universe or whatever had a sense of humor. What Snow had taken, she would give back, unwillingly. And, Emma did seem to be attracted to the former Evil Queen on more levels that Snow could even comprehend. Even though she didn't know much about her daughter's past, Snow knew Emma. Even at that moment the pixie haired woman could see the palpable connection – Emma had grinned at the soft patient smile Regina had sported at the blundered move.
"She seems unbelievably patient with Emma, despite their previous arguments and outright war," the man beside spoke softly, holding her tighter to his chest.
"When I look at them, I see the Regina before magic had corrupted her." Snow replied, deep in thought.
"Will you be ok with this?" David asked, worried with his wife's absentmindedness.
"We don't know if this is really what we think. But, I cannot say I will be. At least not right away." Snow turned to him and smiled sadly. "Too many things mare our past to accept this easily." Looking back to the women caught in a vicious bout of fighting, the pixie haired woman considered her answer. "But, if it makes Emma happy, I will try." She saw her husband nodding in agreement and sank into his embrace, taking comfort from him as she offered the same to him.
Rumplestiltskin watched the two women prepare for the dangerous rescue mission ahead, frowning at the lessening of the personal space around his protégé, unused to seeing her so trusting of another close to her. In past thirty years only Henry had been allowed that close, and seeing the Savior joining with Regina unsettled him for some reason.
Leaning onto his cane, he stood beside the helm, his hand resting on the wheel, keeping it steady. If the luck serves, they would reach the island of Neverland by the night fall, but he knew they wouldn't be so gifted by the fate. The storm clouds could be seen in the distance, gathering.
"Come on, Regina, I did that well." Emma placed her blade onto her shoulder, in such a Charming gesture, with her legs wide apart and her other hand onto her hip. Regina shook her head slowly in false annoyance.
"You left yourself wide open!" And indeed Emma had left herself grossly unprotected during the maneuver she had attempted. "If I was your enemy, I would have killed you in seconds." In order to show to the obstinate Sheriff, Regina gestured for her to repeat the move, preparing to act. In a quick maneuver, the older woman passed the Sheriff's defenses and stilled the blade onto Emma's neck, nicking the skin underneath it.
But, only then she realized that she had made a mistake in her attack. Overconfident with Emma's holes in her defensive movements, she had left herself vulnerable to the other woman's blade, which had been directed at her heart, piercing the skin.
Regina watched the rivulet of blood make way down Emma's skin into the high collar of the turtleneck with stunned fascination, frozen with the knowledge that only superb control on both parts had kept them alive in the heat of the moment. Lifting her gaze, her eyes met the green ones. The dark haired woman lost herself in the deep excited verdant look that searched her own face. The world faded away and Regina felt the buzz of the magic awakening under her skin, enticed by the magic activation in the other woman. Suddenly, there was a warm feeling of healing, and the world rushed back in, followed by two worried yells.
"Emma!"
Keeping her look connected to Emma's, Regina understood that Emma herself was surprised by the feat of magic healing she had performed. Slowly lowering her sword careful not to nick the skin again, Regina felt the other woman do the same, and just in time. Snow and David pulled them apart, checking them for injuries, all the while, Emma and Regina did not break their gaze.
"You are healed," David spoke with amazement, wondering when it had occurred. It seemed only a moment before when they saw the women attack each other in ferocious way, and for a second it looked like they had injured each other but they seemed fine.
"Emma did it," Regina said, finally finding the strength to look away from the intoxicating gaze, breaking the inexplicable connection that had been created with the surprising bout of magic from the Savior.
The sudden thunder rolled over them and all of them looked up, their conversation forgotten. The dark stormy clouds were covering the sky, heralding the tempest few had lived through. Emma saw the worried glances David, Snow and Regina exchanged but before she could ask anything, another thunder pierced the air followed by the wind.
"Secure the ship!" Hook yelled as soon as he stepped onto the deck, and group scattered around, leaving Emma to watch after them. "Swan, tie up the sails!" the Captain said passing by her, rushing toward the bow to secure the many barrels and boxes. Using the knots she had learned in a summer camp, she secured the sails, leaving the mast to look bare.
With nothing else to do, as everyone else dashing around the deck with their tasks, Emma looked to the horizon, enjoying the twirl of the colors in the far. The many shades of gray collided in the air, sometimes pierced with a lightning or the last streaks of sunlight. The sea below was turbulent and foamy with the rising waves and winds. She had heard Hook yell out to her parents that they had only five hours to get ready, if that.
"Swan!" Hook came to her and leaned onto the railing, pleased with the speed his ship had been secured. There was nothing else to do but to wait for storm to break over them, and he thought he could fill the remaining hours with some idle, or not so idle flirting. He turned to the blonde hero and leered over her look, with the scabbard over her shoulder and dark clothes. Her hair was wild in the picking wind and she looked the part of the dangerous Savior. "You look wonderful."
"Not in the mood, Hook. And I am still angry with you for your bean stunt." Emma crossed her arms over her chest, inadvertently making herself look even more dangerous and sexy.
"Oh, come on." Hook nudged her with his elbow. "As I see it, I did you a favor."
Incredulous look showed on Emma's face. "Of course. How do you figure?"
"If I hadn't taken the bean away, you would have spent it on destroying the trigger, and you would be left with nothing to follow Henry." Hook grinned in that self-satisfied smirk that annoyed Emma to no end. "And, this way, I get to be a hero, you get to Neverland and save the day. Win for all of us."
Emma chuckled humorlessly at the Captain, shaking her head. "The way I see it, you are lucky I don't throw you overboard." Turning toward the man, the blonde flexed her muscles. "If you hadn't helped them, they wouldn't have gotten the trigger, Regina wouldn't have been tortured, and Henry wouldn't have been taken. Only one good deed after a life time of selfishness and duplicity is not the way to balance the scales, or to try to sidle up to me." Emma clenched her fists while her voice grew lower and deeper, making Hook's skin erupt in goose bumps. "And when I say I am not in the mood for you, it will do you only good to heed the warning!" She growled, her magic swirling around her, making the air crackle with static. The Captain nodded and slinked away, throwing a worried glance at the blonde woman.
Dispelling the magic, Emma leaned against the railing, sighing. Regina had warned her when they had started training in magic, that because it was so closely linked to her emotions, it would be harder to control when she was emotional. She had almost fulfilled her threat and thrown Hook overboard, and the only thought was that he had been the only one who could get them to the island unnoticed. They needed him.
The sky had grown dark, even though it was only midday. The lightning tore the darkness at irregular intervals, followed by deafening thunders and rising sea. Emma looked around, feeling the tendrils of fear seize her limbs. The nature around her was magnificent and deadly. Never had she felt so small as in that moment, at the sea with no shore in sight, at mercy of the wild storm.
"Hey," a voice pierced her reflection. The suddenness of the familiar sound made her jump and turn toward the intruder. "Easy, it's only me." A gentle hand found her way onto Emma's upper arm, right above her elbow. Emma shuddered at the startling relaxation that had flown into her limbs at the touch, craving more.
"That is weird, hearing you say 'only me'." Emma spoke, getting closer to the woman that kept her company. She took the other hand and drew the woman into a gentle hug, lowering her head onto the woman's shoulder. "It is like the queen saying she is nothing but a poor pauper." Feeling the warmth of the arms around her, she closed her eyes, enjoying the swirl of magic filling her at the presence of the other woman.
"You are so much more," Emma mumbled into the shoulder.
Regina stood there, holding the Savior in her arms, feeling the anger and fear drain from the other woman. She had seen Emma gear up for the fight with Killian, and she had felt the magic coursing through the air on the ship. The brunette had been only seconds away from interrupting them in apprehension that the Savior would do something stupid but inevitable in that state of irritation. Luckily, the Captain had decided to withdraw and the magic had been gone from the air. Regina knew that the amount of energy Emma had called upon had been huge, and such expenditure would end in feeling drained and weak, emotionally as well as physically. So she had decided to help her as much as she could have, but before she could reach the Savior, Regina had seen the fear in her eyes that had darted around, scanning their surroundings. It was in moments like these that Regina was reminded that Emma had not grown up in the place where sea storms were relatively regular occurrences. It was the moments like these that she liked about the woman in her arms. When the arrogant survivalist would falter and the innate bravery and obstinacy would prevail and let her bear the title of a hero.
"And so are you, Emma." Regina murmured, nuzzling the mop of wild blonde hair, feeling the younger woman sink deeper in her arms. "This is frightening even for the experienced sailors. Your mother is green below deck. It is alright to be overwhelmed with this power of the nature." She leaned them onto the railing, lifting one of her hands to Emma's face, pushing the hair away. "Even for me this is scary," she murmured softly, barely audible over the wind. Emma smiled at the calming words Regina had uttered for her sake.
"How did you know?" Emma asked, lifting her head, but remaining in the enclosed space of Regina's arms. "What troubled me, I mean?" She looked into the gentle brown eyes, soft and caring as never before. Emma had a feeling that only Henry had seen the dark woman so open and soft.
Regina smiled at the scrutiny and the question, knowing that her vulnerability would not be explored in any painful manner, at least for the moment. "Henry has the same expression when he is terrified out of his mind." The gentle teasing crept into her tone, giving her smirk softer edge.
"I am not!" Emma complained childishly, but then she grimaced at the sound of her raised voice. "It's just that I have never been on open sea, especially not on an old fashioned ship in the middle of the hurricane." After the soothing movement of Regina's hand on her back calmed her a bit, she went on. "I don't know what to do. And look at this." Emma gestured toward the wild sea, and the dark clouds covering the early afternoon sky. "It's like the end of the world – the night in the middle of the day…"
"Emma, Armageddon, really?" Regina asked, smiling amused at the younger woman's antics. "As for what to do, for now there is nothing for you to do. And after, when the storm hits, keep yourself safe and if you are needed you will be told." The assured tone brought the reassurance Emma needed. "We'll be fine." With the gentle pat on Emma's shoulder, Regina stepped away, glad that she could help. "I am going down, to find something to eat. Should I get you something as well?"
Emma shrugged and remained leaning onto the railing. "I am not really hungry. But, I suppose I should eat, right?"
"With this looming over us, I don't know when we will have time after it hits." Regina confirmed.
"Fine, then. I'll be here." Emma watched Regina nod and walk away. Rubbing her face, she looked up the sky, sighing at the low visibility. The ship rocked from the waves, but it was not anything Emma could not stand. As far she was concerned, so far it had been as it would have been in an amusement park. But, then a soft thudding sound came of her left, announcing another intrusion in her reflection, this one unwelcome.
Firm steps followed by the thuds of the cane brought Rumplestiltskin by Emma's side. After several minutes of silence, Emma pushed away from the railing and turned slightly toward the elder man, watching him carefully. He was a dangerous man and it would not do for Emma to anger him without a good reason, but she was tired of everyone butting in her life and she would no longer stand for it. Leaning her head to a side, she narrowed her eyes.
"What do you want, Gold?"
Rumplestiltskin raised his eyebrow at the open hostility from the Savior, but pushed on. "It is not about what I want, Miss Swan." He leaned onto his cane, placing one hand over the other. "It is about what you need." At the glower directed at him from the gleaming green eyes, he continued, assured that he would be heard. "And you need to be careful around Regina. She will yet find a way to betray and destroy you."
Emma chuckled mirthlessly at the audacity of the man in front of her. He was Henry's grandfather, but she would not tolerate such conceited self-righteousness from anyone, especially not the heartless imp masquerading as a man. She turned her glower back toward him and scowled at his expectant face. "Consider me warned." Her brusque answer startled Rumplestiltskin. "Now, if you would excuse me…" Emma turned to leave, ready to go below for a meal.
"What would Bae say about leaving his son in the care of that monster?" His sneering voice sounded behind her, setting her nerves on edge. Anger surged through her. Emma whirled around and gripped Rumplestiltskin by the lapels of his suit jacket, her eyes glowing bluish white, and her skin vibrating with the suppressed magic. She leaned into his face and looked into his dark eyes, daring him to look away with her searing gaze, her eyes shining in the darkness of the storm. The man seemed frozen in place by her actions, having yet to move.
"You've got to be kidding me! You as the source of parenthood advice…" Lifting him of the ground easily, aided by her innate sorcery, she watched his face turn from condescending sneer to confusion and then to outright fear when he realized he couldn't fight back. Emma, feeling empowered by her sudden advantage over him, lifted him higher in the air, looking up to him. "What would Bae say if he learned that his imp of a father fathered another child, abandoned her to her abusive mother, ruined her life and among other things, manipulated her into casting a curse that destroyed the Enchanted Forest, and countless lives, all for the purpose of finding his long lost son he had abandoned in the first place?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about, Miss Swan." Rumplestiltskin spoke against the wind, reaching for her hand holding him up, but unable to touch it for it was isolated by the currant of protective spells. Emma just smirked, lifting him further up and stepping toward the railing. "You are lying, Rumplestiltskin," she spoke calmly, letting him know that she was sure and beyond any doubts.
She watched him go paler, when she managed to transfer him to the outer side of the railing. Gripping her hands, despite the pain he obviously experienced by touching her, he looked surprised at her calmness, and the unsettling glow of her eyes. "How did you…?" he managed to groan out, before she interrupted him.
"That is my secret to keep." Lowering him down, bringing him in line with her eyes, she leaned into his face. "Let me be quite frank. If you move or help someone else move against my family, including Regina, I will end you, Dark One, or not. Have I made myself clear?" The low voice that seeped out of her mouth brought the imp to terror and unwelcome pride and amazement.
"Crystal, Miss Swan."
"Sheriff, what the hell are you doing?" the sharp tone pierced the air, and Emma smiled at the surprise in Regina's tone, her eyes losing some of her ferocity.
"Stay away from her," Emma warned him quietly, before turning to the former Mayor striding toward them in her imperious gait. "Practicing?" Emma spoke devilishly, her face glimmering with humor.
Regina came to the younger woman and feeling the air crackle around Emma, she frowned. There was no magic coming of Rumplestiltskin, and as he still was hanging over the sea by Emma's arm, she was surprised to see him accept such treatment. "And, exactly, what are you practicing?" she asked, interest bleeding into her voice and a small smirk curling one corner of her lips.
Emma grinned roguishly and turned back to the older man she still held above the stormy water. "Negotiation and cooperation."
"Ah, I see," Regina spoke with her smirk growing bigger. "I assume you have mastered the exercise?"
"I don't know." Emma shrugged and turned back to Rumplestiltskin with a smile. "Have I?" she asked him, raising her eyebrow, letting him know that she looked at him to confirm his answer to her previous question.
"Perfectly, Miss Swan." Rumplestiltskin answered without aplomb, breathing heavily, glancing toward Regina.
"Well, then, if you would bring him aboard, dear, we need to go down below and prepare for the gale." Regina watched Emma nod and move the man into his previous position, noticing the glare Emma had directed at the older man and the almost imperceptible nod from the imp.
After releasing the magic, Rumplestiltskin stumbled a bit, landing on his bad leg. Emma's hand move brought his cane back into his hand, having been dropped when she raised him in the air. He walked away not sparing them a glance. Regina watched after the man, knowing him pretty well and she knew he was very angry, but also she noticed something she had never seen in his behavior before – fear. Turning to the blonde beside her she raised her eyebrow and placed her hands onto her hips, skewering the woman with her inquisitive look.
"What was that really about?"
Emma looked into the dark eyes scrutinizing her face, searching for an explanation. They were really close to each other, their shoulders brushing together, Emma realized. When did they get so comfortable with each other in their personal spaces? The frown that had appeared at the thought drew Regina's attention.
"Sheriff?"
"Emma?" Snow's voice broke their intense shared look. Blinking, Emma stepped away with apology on her face, and moved toward her mother, glancing upon the brunette, giving her a reassuring smile and mouthing the word 'later'. With a nod, Regina gestured down, in the direction of their cabin, and saw a small nod in return. She watched Emma join Snow beside the mast, and shaking her head, she went down.
"I am sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." Snow took Emma's hands into her own and held them close.
"You didn't, or at least, it was good you did. She asked me why I attacked Gold…"
"You haven't told her? Emma…" Snow leaned her head to the right, her disapproval apparent.
"How can I?" Emma took back her hands and shrugged. "How does someone even do that? Hasn't she suffered enough?" The blonde woman closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she looked at her mother. "What is that you wanted?" Emma asked, tiredly.
"I just wanted to know how you were. I mean, this must be a really awesome ride…" Snow spoke, trying to use levity to delay Emma's tendency to close off at pointing out that she was not used to certain conditions.
"I will be glad when it is over, that is for sure…" Emma looked at Snow and smiled gently, placing her hand onto the pixie haired woman's shoulder, squeezing it lightly in gesture of appreciation. The soft caress of her mother's hand on her face told her Snow knew why Emma was hesitant to speak with Regina, and accepting it, in a way only a good parent could – with caution. Seeing the concerned but warm look in her mother's eyes, she nodded. "I'll go now."
"You need to tell her," Snow said to her back.
"I know."
She did know. And she planned to. Only she didn't know how. Or when. Every time she would start something else would happen and she would forget or decide not to. And if she prolonged the silence any longer, when Regina found out, and she would, the trust that had been being built between them would crumble into dust, leaving them in the worse place than before. Emma did not want to lose the connection they had, whatever it was. So, with a decisive sigh, she strode in the corridor before the Captain's cabin, her stride heard over the creaking of the ship in the restless sea. Entering their room, she saw Regina pacing in the small space.
At the sound of the door, Regina whirled to the new comer and came closer, worrying her hands. "You are keeping something from me," she said quietly, the shaking of her voice showing her anger. "Again." The simple word, uttered in that resigned tone broke Emma's heart. She walked to the pallet, dropping onto it, taking of the sword and other weapons off. Leaning her elbows onto her knees, she lowered her head onto her palms.
"Yes." Emma said after a moment of tense silence, while Regina watched her. Seeing the brunette's shoulders slump, Emma continued, trying to prevent the catastrophe that was about to happen.
"I see." The coldness in Regina's voice caused Emma's insides to drop in despair. "I suggest you find other place to spend your time in, then Miss Swan. If I cannot be trusted, then perhaps you shouldn't be here."
"Regina, no." Emma spoke, rising of the mattress, ignoring the sea sickness that had suddenly sprang up on her. "I do not keep this because I don't trust you." Seeing Regina scoff, she walked to the other woman and stood in front of her, exposed. "I do trust you. I just don't know how to tell you." Emma whispered, searching Regina's eyes, but the older woman crossed her arms, and avoided looking in her direction. The blonde woman raised her hand carefully and placed it on one of the Regina's crossed forearms, feeling the electricity running off her skin. Ignoring the tings of pain, and the rising sickness, she endured Regina's silent anger. After several minutes of quiet, Emma spoke again. "I haven't known for long, only a day. And every time I get around to telling you, I chicken out because…" Shaking her head at her inability to speak, Emma covered her eyes with her other hand. "I don't want to hurt you." She mumbled and stumbled away from Regina, touching the wall of the cabin, to steady herself.
And, there was the crux of the problem. She did not want to be the bearer of bad news, and she did not want to hurt Regina. But she had gotten herself in the situation where any way she'd chose would end in hurting the woman she had come to care about, a great deal she even might say in the darkness and solitude of her mind. Leaning sideways against the wall, she took a deep breath, trying to quell the rolling stomach. She could feel the clamminess of her skin, and her condition got worse with every lurch of the ship. Emma didn't know why she reacted so strongly to the not yet rough waters, when she had never had motion sickness, not even when pregnant with Henry. Feeling Regina's questioning gaze on her back, she managed to lean back onto the wall and turn to the woman standing in the middle of the small room, still locked in protective self-embrace.
"I have learned something that has the power to destroy everything, and I don't want to lose…" Emma spoke, breaking off when another bout of queasiness came. Stubbornly avoiding stopping the conversation from happening, she pushed through, even after the drops of sweat appeared on her face. "I didn't want to lose this we have built." The blonde woman pushed the hair of her face, frowning at the drenched tresses around her forehead. "Here you are, probably incredibly pissed for it seems I am going behind your back with something, again as you said, and the irony is – there is no one I trust more, or that I would like to hurt less. And, this thing in my head is making everything you have done, and everything that had been done to you makes sense in a peculiar way, so it could help you in dealing with your past. But, I have no courage to stand here before you and tell you, knowing it could change everything…" At the end of her sentence, Emma's voice grew weak and she felt her legs tremble, unable to bear much of her weight.
Regina frowned at the obvious paleness of the woman in front of her. Feeling her anger and other turbulent emotions subside, she sensed the growing worry at Emma's countenance. Coming closer, she saw the wetness on her skin and the slight greenish pallor and it did nothing to assuage her concern. Just at the moment she came even more close, Emma had lost her fight with gravity, and slid down the wall. "Emma?" Regina rushed to the woman sitting on the floor with her hand over her mouth, fighting with what seemed to be bout of sea sickness. Summoning a bucket, Regina sidled down next to Emma; just in time to hold her while the Savior threw up the contents of her stomach.
After the heaving stopped, Regina led the suffering woman's head onto her lap, gently pushing the blond hair out of her face. With a motherly experience, she softly passed her hand over Emma's back, feeling the woman's breathing slow down.
"I don't know why this is affecting me so much…" Emma whispered, unable to speak louder as the acid roughened her throat. "I've been on rides much tougher than this…"
"I think it's the combination with you exerting yourself, along with the fear of the unknown situation, coupled with the rough sea," Regina spoke, just as softly, looking down onto the still pale face, turned toward her belly, leaning onto her thigh. "Can you tell me?" she said, still keeping the motion of her hand on Emma's back. When Emma hesitated, Regina lifted her eyebrow in question, feeling her stomach drop. "Is it really that bad?"
"Yeah," Emma breathed out, looking up at the concerned brown eyes.
"It has something to do with either Hook or Gold, and I would bet on that old devil." Regina spoke, looking down carefully, searching for the indication from Emma's expression. But, the reaction at the Gold's name surprised even Regina. Emma's face had contorted into an ugly scowl and her eyes glimmered white for a second, before she managed to relax and even out her visage. But that moment of lost control was enough for Regina to come to the right conclusion. "So, it was Gold. What did he do? What did he say to you?"
Emma tried to lift herself, but the firm arms kept her down. Giving up the fight, she took one of the hands holding her captive and encased it in both of hers. "He had done too much to even put in words." Her soft whisper drew Regina in, focusing on the still clammy hands on her own, and the face of the suffering woman. "I need you to promise me you won't go after him, or interrogate him." Losing her breath, Emma grew greenish again, but refused to move before Regina gave a terse nod acquiescing to the demand. "Promise me."
"I promise." Regina spoke, and helped Emma to the bucket, deciding that it was wiser to wait for Emma to tell her anyways, then to risk herself be exposed to the imp, at his mercy. After another bout of violent retching, Emma slumped on the floor, exhausted, unable to move. The brunette sighed at the sight and transported the debilitated woman onto the pallet, joining her right after, enveloping her into her arms. Smiling at the weak snuggle of the younger woman, Regina held her close. "I think magic makes you worse at the time being…"
"I know." Emma moved her mouth away from Regina's shoulder in order to be heard clearly. "It ran away from me several times today, every time when I felt angry."
"Not only angry. Emma you healed us both without even thinking about it. And when I startled you, the air around you was thick with your energy." Regina placed her hand onto Emma's shoulder, leaning her chin onto the blonde's head. "You blocked Gold completely today. I had never seen anyone to be able to do even for a second, and you did it the whole time he was near you."
Emma shrugged with one shoulder, closing her eyes, feeling her body relax in the warm embrace. "I didn't want him to strike back," she murmured, sensing a gentle tingling of the magic coursing off Regina straight into her, feeding her overburdened reserves. It lasted only seconds, but it was enough for sickness to subside and for her to feel generally better. "Thanks." Her soft whisper made Regina turn her onto her back, lifting herself a bit, looking into Emma's eyes, concerned. "What?" Emma asked, her eyes slowly closing.
"I shouldn't be able to do that." Regina touched Emma's cheek, feeling the warmth come back. "How do you feel?"
"Better." Emma breathed out, sluggishly opening her eyes, searching for the reason of Regina's worry. "Sleepy…"
"Your body accepts my magic. That is impossible!" Regina pushed herself of the bed and started pacing the room, ignoring Emma's groan at the loss of warmth. "It is one thing to accept healing with dark magic, or to heal and supply a witch, but to accept it…" Regina looked toward Emma with fear in her eyes, her voice showing the strain she was under. "Do you even know what it could mean?"
Emma managed to lift herself onto her elbow, looking at Regina, trying to stay awake long enough to reassure the woman who was going out of her mind. As one who had run from relationships and emotional intimacy, she understood the crisis Regina had. Of course she knew, at least in broad strokes, what it could mean. She had made Blue tell her about magic and its properties. The lecture about mingling black and white magic was ringing loud and clear in her mind, even now.
"You, as a being created with the most powerful magic in the world, True Love, are the white magic embodiment. You need to be careful, because dark and white magic have unfortunate consequences when mixed, as the types are like poisons to their counterparts." The mother superior stopped at her explanation and came to Emma, who had sat in the guest chair in the mother's office at the convent .They had spent the past hour talking about various magic beings and their abilities in order to help Emma get used to her own powers. However the topic somehow took this turn, after Emma had asked about Gold and his magic. "Dark and white are only used together when the price of not doing so is too high and the casters are willing to die for the spell. And then it could be considered as the mostly good, because it is usually used in defense and protection spells on very wide scales."
"But, when used in any other circumstances?" Emma asked, interested with the tidbits of magic.
"It is like you took something vile… Your body would reject it, violently and make you pay for even attempting such thing. That is why the mixture is only used in very dire situations. But you should not concern yourself with it. The only dark magic users here are Mister Gold and Regina, and I don't think you will be mixing your magic with theirs any time soon." Blue placed her hands onto her belly and leaned against her table. "There is only one circumstance when your body would accept the dark magic, but it would be almost impossible to happen." Blue spoke with frown, but she shook away her thoughts.
"What?" Emma asked, intrigued.
"To be connected to the dark practitioner in a most powerful way." Deliberately vague, but at the same time clear, the mother superior gave the blonde Savior the answer she needed.
"You mean…?" And indeed Emma had grasped the meaning hidden beneath the ambiguous statement.
"It does not matter. The odds of you finding a dark practitioner are improbable at best. To connect with them – are even less… There is no need to worry about it now."
But, the improbable, or better said unthinkable had happened. The magic was proof enough, but if it wasn't, one only had to see them talking, or practicing and see the connection between them that was so obvious. However, one should ever thread lightly around frightened and surprised Regina.
"What?" Emma mumbled, on purpose making herself seem sleepier than she really was.
Regina turned to the woman wobbling in the air, leaning onto her elbow. All in all, Emma seemed very cute trying to fight her exhaustion to talk with her. The soft smile turned into a frown. Cute? Have I really just thought that? Regina shook her head and focused onto the blonde. "If you can accept my magic - that means that…"
"We are connected. I know, Blue mentioned something about it…" Emma interrupted, sounding pleased with herself at knowing something about magic. In reality, she scrutinized Regina's face through her half lidded eyes, searching for the tells of emotions and thoughts she had learned about her Majesty.
"Of course she would, that little meddling know-it-all. What did she say?" Regina asked, interested to know what exactly Emma was thinking this would mean. At one hand, it was good to know she was given another chance, no matter who the bearer of that news was. But, on the other hand, she felt like she had betrayed Daniel, even only entertaining the thought of being with Emma. Had he ever been her True Love? All the things she had done in his name… Nevertheless, at the thought of her betraying him, she saw his last moments, telling her to love again.
"That when the opposing magic users could use their magic to aid each other without consequences, that they were connected on deeper level that two ordinary people would have been…" Emma spoke, lowering her head onto the pillow, closing her eyes. The pallet moved under the other woman's weight and Emma felt herself being moved and embraced. Humming softly in approval, she kept her eyes closed, listening carefully for Regina's next words.
"You need to rest." Regina said softly, pulling the woman onto her shoulder, her actions shown in different light. It had been affection all along, Regina realized.
"You're changing the subject," Emma mumbled into Regina's neck.
"You cannot keep up with the subject." Regina's retort made the younger woman chuckle before her breathing evened out, signaling her sleep.
Regina caressed the soft hair under her fingers, smiling at the revelation. If it happened, Emma would be the perfect choice for her True Love. The candor and protectiveness the blonde had for the Evil Queen, even though they had been enemies in the past, only served to show that Emma indeed had Regina's interest in her heart.
I see the real Regina beneath all the façades presented to the world.
No one had seen her before. Not the real her, hidden beneath all the layers. Not Snow, not her mother. Not even her father, the man she had shown herself most to.
A sudden violent lurch of the ship awakened the slumbering Savior, almost throwing her on the floor. Emma sat up, gripping the edge of the mattress to steady herself, and looked around. Regina had left sometime before, but not too long before for her side was still somewhat warm. Doing an internal check, she noticed that her nausea and weakness were gone, and that she felt good again. With satisfied smirk, she remembered the storm and decided to see how she could help.
She walked out, immediately regretting her decision to leave the warm and dry bed. The rain shower drenched her instantly, as the tall waves were throwing Jolly Roger around in the sea, making it hard for Emma to cross to her parents, who she had seen in the moments of the lightning tearing the darkness surrounding them.
Gripping the arms closest to her, Emma saw that her parents were trying to secure the ropes that eased the movement across the deck. "Do you need help?" Emma asked, needing to yell to be heard over the torrent of the rain, screaming of the wind and creaking of the ship. Seeing Snow wave her head, she leaned in. "Where are others?"
"Regina and Hook are trying to steer, and Gold is at the front, helping us avoid the worst of the storm." David spoke, tying a rope around Emma's waist and attaching it to one of the lines. Before she could complain about the measure, a tall wave crushed over the railing, sending them sprawling on the deck. Emma hugged David in gratitude and gestured toward the helm. Leaving them to go back to their assignment, Emma fought the water to get to the Captain and the brunette.
Seeing them after another lightning, Emma grabbed the wood next to the steering wheel, hearing the remnants of the argument. "This is not the regular storm!" Regina yelled over the wind. When she noticed the blonde standing next to her, she just took her hand.
"I can't do anything about it!" Hook yelled back, holding the wheel, glancing upon the women. But, he agreed, this wasn't just a sea storm. Half an hour before, the winds had changed direction, pushing them back from where they had come. That in itself would not be weird, just unfortunate, if the waves did not try to do the same, moving against the wind. And the rain had been falling straight down, no matter the wind, filling the ship with water in the quickest way. If Rumplestiltskin hadn't been in the front, they would have been already flooded and in serious danger of sinking hard. Whatever he had done, the crocodile had kept Jolly Roger afloat and mostly dry inside. But even the magic of the Dark One could run out, and this storm gave no indication of abating.
Emma squeezed Regina's hand in silent question, getting closer to the other woman in order to hear her. "Someone is controlling the storm." Regina having leaned into Emma's shoulder, to reach her ear, saw the woman shudder with sudden warmth of her breath. Pulling back a bit, she found the green eyes frowning in understanding. "I am going to Gold to see if we can do something." Regina let go of Emma's hand, pausing when the other woman grabbed her upper arm. Looking back into the worried eyes, she received the message clearly – be careful. Emma released her after the nod Regina directed at her.
Emma remained by Hook's side, ready to help him if it was needed. In the meanwhile, she watched Snow and David fix the lines and run around the deck, checking the ropes and security measures, redoing them if they were lacking. They looked like they knew what they were doing, and at that moment Emma felt such jealousy and pettiness at the inability to help them because she didn't know how. Some Savior, she thought reproachfully.
Regina had come to Rumplestiltskin, and they seemed to be trying to do something, but by Regina's body position it had not worked. Again and again, they huddled together, talking, and after every conversation they would manage a thing or two, before giving up.
The gale was raging on the ship, trying to tear it apart. Emma snorted at the random thought in her head. It was probably what it was doing, with real intention of tearing it into bits and pieces. The waves, much taller than the ship's deck, crushed onto it, battering them with constant force, pushing the unsecured or poorly secured things off the ship. And, the heavy rain pounded onto them, pushing them down, making them fight to stay upright. The lightning gave them the only light, only in the fractions of a second, giving them only pictures in time, the lanterns having been ripped out by the howling wind.
A hand landed on her shoulder, drawing her attention to the man beside her. Hook held the helm's wheel with his hook, while the other one was on her, seeking her response. After he saw Emma looking at him, he gestured toward the main mast, and the loose bit of the sail, flapping in the wind. The Savior understood the danger, even though she did not know a thing about medieval ships. The sail could be ripped out by the wind, leaving them without a way to use the winds effectively, practically lying dead in the water, because the smaller sails could not be used to propel the ship of this size.
Even though the sail was right above Snow, Emma knew that the overwhelming noises of the rain and wind covered the sound of it fluttering, and nothing could be seen in the darkness unless one looked for it and waited patiently for the next lightning strike. Understanding that she was to go to Snow to tell her about it, she took the line toward the mast and set on her trek, hoping she would manage to reach her mother before substantial damage was made.
But as she came to the half way, several things happened in the rapid succession, making almost impossible for Emma to say what actually came first. It was like in the books and films, when people would scoff at the improbability of the Fates being that angry with someone. A huge wave lifted the ship, leaning it onto one side so the deck was almost normal to the tempestuous waters, sending everyone off their feet and hurtling toward the lower railing, their only hope the lines that held them attached to the ship. A lightning hit the mast, almost splitting it in two, the loud crack reverberating throughout the ship, making Emma wince in pain from her ears, as she was the closest to it. Another wave leveled the ship, sending everyone in the other direction, but the line holding David could not endure that much strain any more and with finality it snapped, sending Emma's father across the deck.
The scream pierced the noise in the air and Emma recognized David's name shouted by Snow, whipping her head toward her parents, just in time to see the man hurtled onto the railing and then into the sea. Luckily, he grabbed the railing, holding on as much as he could, fighting the waves and the gushing water running over him. At the same moment, the mast moved, creaking under pressure the storm had put on it, the splintered wood held together with many ropes going around its width. But it wouldn't hold for much longer as already the lines were frayed with constant strain, Emma had seen and the way it would crush down would kill Gold and Regina instantly, or send them into the deadly waters.
For Emma, it was the moment when time stood still and something snapped inside of her. Kneeling on the deck she closed her eyes and felt the tide rise inside and rush out in the wave most powerful she had ever felt. All the emotions she felt at that second got funneled into one focal point – all the anger, fear, hope, despair, worry, stubbornness, rage, and above all love, making Emma feel her skin ignite with magic. Letting go of her control, she spread her arms rising to her feet and sent out a pulse of bright white light outward, growing in its size until it encompassed the entire ship and the air around it. She opened her eyes and sent another pulse, this one mending things in its way, and securing the people she cared about to the ship. Looking up toward the sky, Emma's eyes shone, the lights piercing the heavy clouds.
Regina froze when she felt the familiar magic in the air. Turning to see what Emma was doing she noticed the impending doom that awaited them. David was hanging off the railing, already losing his battle, and the mast was hurtling toward her and Gold. But nothing happened. The mast stood immobilized in air, just a meter above their heads, while David found himself on the inner side of the railing. Regina looked at Emma and saw the Savior gripped in the magic, shining in the darkness like the beacon of goodness she had been, and fighting the storm with her power. Another pulse reached Regina and she saw the wood restore itself in the proper place, like it was never severed by the lightning strike.
But then she saw Emma's glow increase and gripped with fear she tried to reach the blonde woman, before she killed herself with such show. Even doing what she had done should be enough to kill her twice over, but Emma stood strong, still sending out the light into the darkness. But before she could grasp the Savior, Rumplestiltskin held her back with fear on his face.
"Don't touch her!" he yelled in the abating storm. "She will suck you dead!" He warned, when she pushed him away. Of course she knew the dangers of touching another person when in the state overwhelmed by magic, but she had to try to stop Emma from killing herself. Ignoring his attempts to seize her again, she reached for the shoulders in front of her, looking into Emma's radiant face.
She had expected pain. She had expected suffering and Emma defending against the intrusion. But what she found was nothing like she had expected. The warmth suffused her, and she felt the safety surrounding her, like they weren't in the middle of the deadly storm, fighting for their lives. She looked into Emma's bluish white eyes and saw her purple ones reflect in them when Emma looked down at her with gentle pleased smile on her face. After a moment of seeing herself in the Savior's eyes she felt herself sinking into them.
The memories rushed by, so intertwined that it was impossible to see whose they were. Emma saw things she had experienced and some that she hadn't, knowing deep inside that she was witnessing Regina's past with her own eyes. She had no doubt that Regina was seeing hers and instead of fear and anger from forced divulging the past secrets, she felt acceptance and love fill her for Regina, finally finding a way to share herself with the brunette, without forcing herself to speak.
Regina saw the past several days from blonde woman's point of view and the grim understanding of Emma's fears made way to the warmth she always associated with the Savior. Also, every memory that Emma had, Regina could see in the fast forward, each second bringing with itself another year of the Savior's life.
Regina understood what had happened. Ordinarily, she would be killed with such amount of white magic pulsing around her, but the magic itself recognized her and pulled in, into the safety of the Savior's shields. But, such act had a price, she was open and vulnerable, just as Emma had been, and they shared everything because at that moment they indeed were one. She could feel Emma agreeing to her conclusion, and she smiled at the strange sensation of feeling another one's emotions. However, she could also feel the exhaustion that threatened Emma and deciding to gently break the connection, Regina led them out of their shared space.
Blinking, Regina saw the green eyes look back at her in the light of the setting Sun. Surprised by the sudden light, Regina looked away and saw that the storm had disappeared, and that in its place was a beautiful Sunset over the water. The ship looked worse for wear, but most of the critical damage had been repaired by Emma's magic. Everyone was present and accounted for, David holding Snow to his chest, looking at them with awe on his face, close enough to touch them if he reached out. Snow was peaking under David's chin, with worry focusing on Emma. She had known that her daughter was supposed to be dead with that much energy used. Gold stood by their side, his eyes still wide in disbelief, seeing them both still standing. Hook was steering the ship, nodding in acknowledgement and gratitude when he saw Regina looking at him.
Looking back at Emma she let her smile grow. "You did it," she whispered, still having her hands on the blonde woman's shoulders. She felt Emma's gaze caress her face, but the Savior did not move. "Emma?"
Her concerned tone brought Snow and David right at her side; they both touching their daughter, in hope to get her to move. But as soon David touched her back, Emma's knees buckled and her eyes rolled into her skull, and if her father had not caught her in time, she would have fallen onto the deck.
"Emma? Emma, answer me." Snow's shrill voice made Regina shake her head and kneel beside the prone woman, held in David's arms. "Regina, what is happening?" Snow turned to her former step mother, in alarm. David turned his head to her as well, his eyes asking too.
The brunette checked the unconscious woman and smiled at the relaxed look Emma sported in David's hold. According to her exam, the Savior had only passed out, unused to the amount of magic passing through her. She had not been under duress for using too much of her magic too soon, as she had guessed when in the shields. Emma was perfectly fine, just her body needed time to adjust to the events, and it needed to do it in the peace and quiet of the unconscious mind. The gentle smile spread onto Regina's face, making Snow and David breathe out in relief. "She is fine," Regina whispered, looking up at Snow, her face alit with pride and affection.
Snow sobbed out in reprieve and hugged the older woman, surprising Regina with such move. Snow had not hugged her for more than thirty five years, and the familiar feel of the arms around her brought Regina to tears, albeit happy ones. The tears fell down stronger when she felt David's hand on her back, soothing her. However, still unused to such open displays of emotions, especially in the present company, Regina collected herself rather quickly and moved away, wiping her eyes.
"Can you bring her down?" she asked David, after she gathered herself. Her only answer was David's nod, before he rose slowly, gently cradling his daughter in his arms. Rearranging her to settle down in his arms more easily, David softly stepped toward the hatch to the below deck. Regina watched after him, smiling at the blonde hair fluttering in the gentle wind of his shoulder.
An arm encircled hers, and she felt herself pulled after David. Turning to her side, she saw Snow smiling after her husband as well, leading them below. "She is special, isn't she?" Snow whispered, with awe in her eyes. She looked into Regina's soft brown ones and nodded at the unspoken confirmation. "I always knew she would be magnificent, but this was beyond my wildest dreams."
"She is the Savior," Regina spoke, her voice breaking with uncertainty of the goal of this conversation.
"Only for the people she loves." Snow squeezed Regina's arm and stopped them just as they reached the corridor toward the captain's cabin. "She moved to save us only when she saw that you were in danger." The direct way Snow spoke made Regina understand perfectly what she was talking about. Regina was the one Emma saved, and the others were only the happy collaterals.
"I never wanted her to do that. Especially not at the price she could have paid." Regina spoke, hoping Snow would believe her, because it was the truth. But, taught by her experience, this was the moment when she would be accused of using sorcery on the Savior to influence her. But her fear was stopped at once when another hand touched her, this time on her face, the tender stroking pulling her out of her mind.
"I know." Snow spoke with certainty. "You are good for her."
With that, Snow left her, going after her husband and her daughter, leaving the stunned brunette standing in the hallway. After several moments, Regina felt her shock replaced slowly with affection toward Snow. It brought another smile, making Regina chuckle in release of the tense emotions of the day, shaking her head at the unexpected conversation.
When she entered the room, she saw that David had found his sword in the opened duffel and the spare clips for the guns he had hanging of his shoulders. "I will take these," he spoke quietly, placing his free hand onto Regina's shoulder and kissing her forehead in a fatherly fashion. Snow followed, after she had kissed Emma on her forehead, and placed her hand into Regina's searching her surprised and unshielded eyes.
"Take care of her," Snow spoke and with a gentle squeeze of her hand, she left the room, closing the door behind them.
Regina lowered herself onto the bed, watching the wondrous woman lying beside her in peaceful manner. Lying down onto her side, she saw Emma frown in her sleep. Murmuring her name, Emma moved her hands, like she was searching for the woman beside her. Regina took one of the wandering hands, and leaned into Emma's space. "I am here." She kissed the cheek below her lips, and smiled at the pleased murmur escaping Emma's mouth with a gentle sigh. "I am here," she said again, lowering her head onto Emma's shoulder, preparing herself to stand vigil over the blonde once more, but not being bothered by the task. In fact she enjoyed it immensely.