Summary: Killian Emma and Snow visit Lake Nostos in an attempt to use the magic t get a message to Storybrooke... but they might not be there to receive it anyway
Emma's leg vibrated, continuously in sync with her rapidly beating heart, watching her mother closely as if scared she would disappear at a moment's notice, never to return. Her eyes tracing her every move, while she made her way around the house, dagger in hand. A few hours had gone by since Cora disappeared, but they hadn't talked about anything that happened. All the uncertainty like a dark presence, looming over them, brought a new level of tension, all in the same room but each alone, facing there own fears and doubts.
"What's the plan then..." Killian said abruptly breaking the silence "Are we no longer returning to Storybrooke"
"No, according to Regina's message, she's coming to us" Snow's tone was still bitter at the thought of Regina coming to the rescue.
"We should go back to the castle, listen to the message again"
Emma stated as she stood up, her eyes still on Snow, who immediately shook her head, a fear in her eyes.
"No, we can't go back there" Snow stated firm.
"What if Regina can't find us, or the witch finds her first?"
Emma reached out to Snow, grabbing her arm stopping her as she mindlessly pottered about, her eyes distant as they had been, since she returned.
"It's not worth the risk" Snow looked down to her, with a cold distant expression.
Emma was silent her usual pushback absent, she went back to eating her meal in silence, Killian frowned before speaking up again.
"Maybe there's another way then, Regina is able to send us a message from Storybrooke, we can send her one" Turning to Snow with suspicious glaring eyes.
This notion wasn't meet with silence, but the tension had slightly faded, Snow grinned looking out the window into the distance, as her mind formed an idea.
"Lake Nostos isn't far; the water has powerful magical properties"
Snow turned around a smile on her face as she said it, but it wasn't hopeful expression but sly, calculated as she looked to Emma.
"How far away is it" Emma had already started to make her way to the door, before Snow stopped her.
"Slow down, we will go tomorrow"
Emma rushed out of the bedroom struggling to get her arm through the sleeve of her jacket as she walked, her eyes looked through the window, she could see the tension in Killian's stance as he waited outside. Just as she reached the door Emma paused, turning her head to look back at Elsa, as she pretended to read the book in front of her.
"You still don't want to come?" Emma asked quietly.
Elsa shook her head not looking up from the page "I'm just tired, I'll be ok here" She paused unable to hide her annoyance "You go"
Emma held the door open but didn't step out of it sensing the distance between them, since Emma told Elsa the truth about Mulan.
"Everything ok?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" Elsa finally looked up giving her friend a small smile, one they both knew was fake.
"Right of course, we won't be long"
Emma frowned her stomach twisted in knots, still feeling guilt over the decisions, she made in Storybrooke on her birthday, that led to Elsa losing Mulan. A sorrowed expression, as she walked out the door was abruptly replaced with shock, her eyes went wide. Emma froze in place for a moment, in front of her in a pink cardigan, back to her pixie haircut, was her mother.
"What's with the wardrobe change?" Emma stuttered her heart racing.
"Yesterday you said, I was here... but I wasn't me" she shrugged like this was normal, as if she hadn't completely misinterpreted what Emma had meant.
"Right I..." Emma stammered.
"I'm just… trying to show you, I'm still the same person"
Emma's stood motionless her mouth gaped open, as Snow turned around, making her way down the dirt path swinging her bow and arrows over her shoulder. Eventually Emma and Killian followed, giving each other a concerning look, they walked in silence hand in hook. Not taking her eyes off Snow as they walked in silence, Killian's anxiety rose with every step, unsure what the Dark Once had planned.
"Your quiet?"
Emma gave a small shrug unsure of what to say, her mind was overwhelmed with thoughts, all demanding her immediate attention, but she couldn't focus on any of them.
"What's on your mind?" Killians voice became firm.
"Elsa for one, she's still upset, about what I did "Emma's voice broke "she won't say it, but I know"
"Emma no, she doesn't blame you, none of us do"
Killian tried his best to reassure Emma, but she turned away from him not able to make eye contact.
"Remember we'd be dead if it wasn't for you, Mulan and Elsa will be together again" Killian tried to project hope, but it was absent from his tone.
"I just wish I could fix it, but I can't… I can't do anything right"
"That's not true"
"Killian you saw it, I completely freaked out yesterday, just made everything worse, if it wasn't for Mom I'd be..."
"Emma, you were able to figure out how to get through the barrier, you saved Cora"
Killian was leaving crucial information out of that recap, but his point was clear she only did her best.
"All while I destroyed the roof over our heads, before almost falling to my death"
Emma tone was mocking herself and she let go of his hook as they continued to walk, growing increasingly unsure of herself.
"Emma, what's this really about?"
Killian tone was sterner causing Emma to finally turn and face him when she responded.
"The dagger, we shouldn't have left it in the floorboard"
"Our choice of hiding spot wasn't the best" He admitted but shrugged "What else could we have done"
"I just don't want any more secrets"
"I don't think we have a choice"
Killians eyes were on Snow with suspicion, while Emma looked away as they continued walking briskly through the forest, with Snow just ahead of them, barely out of earshot. It wasn't long before path ended and they stopped suddenly, upon reaching a large crater.
"Is this it?"
Emma said bewildered looking ahead at the scattered rocks and bones in the dirt, not even a sliver on green remained.
"There used to be a lake here, a long time ago"
Snow explained, while walking forwards searching for any sign there was still more to be found here. Realizing as she crossed over into the crater, that it was not something she would see but feel.
"There is magic, just below the surface" Snow inhaled deep her hand curled up as if drawing it in.
Emma frowned looking at the desolate surrounds, a once great source of magic, that had been mined of every last drop, what remained had been abandoned, left to decay.
"Come on, I'll show you the spot me and your father got married" Grabbing Emma's arm she pulled her forwards with a smile.
"I thought that was at the castle, where Regina crashed" Emma frowned.
"That was the second time... "Snow glared think about it, before her smiled returned as she reminisced picturing her love, her charming standing before her as they read their vows.
This memory brought on an aching in her chest as they were once again separated, letting out a small, agonised gasp before she continued forwards.
"The first one was here, so your grandmother could see it, before she passed "Turning to face Emma with a proud smile "She sacrificed her life for our future... for you"
This comment only elicited a sharp inhale from Emma, feeling guilt over everything that was sacrificed just for her, the scoreboard wasn't adding up in her head. Killian listened to them talk, becoming tense sensing Emma's discomfort, but he stopped himself from interrupting.
"I don't understand how this place will help us get a message to Regina?" Emma
Snow encouraged Emma to continue onward taking her hand and leading her to a large log, right in the centre of the dried-up lake. Pulling out from her pocket a shining reflecting shard of glass with a smile she held it up to the sunlight.
"What's that?"
"A small piece of Regina's Magic mirror"
"You broke it?"
Emma tone was frustrated to which her mother just smiled unbothered almost happy at by Emma's annoyance.
"Hold onto it" Snow instructed
"This doesn't feel right, I don't think I can"
Ignoring Emma's protest Snow White, began to wave her hand over the centre of the once great lake, the dirt began to crumble away revealing a small well of water.
"How did you know… that would work?"
"Just instinct, you should have the same"
"Right"
Emma frowned born with magic, she herself never seemed to feel such instinct, just fear especially when there was an expectation. Remaining still, Snow took her hand pulling Emma closer to the water, she gave her a look of impatience.
"Come on, Emma place the mirror in the water, let it absorb the power"
Emma nodded gripping it in her hand, they glowed for a second as her magic surged, but it was too much, pent up, ready to explode. Her hands in the water her magic pulsated through it, then it began to bubble and swirl creating a whirlpool in an array of colours like a rainbow.
"Wait, maybe we should take it slow"
Killian warned noticing Emma was becoming more distressed, he could feel the tension building knew that Emma was about to break. As if there were watching an accident unfold before them, he stepped closer jaw clenched.
"Emma will be fine" Snow turned her head, glaring at Killian before turning back to Emma "She's just need to connect to Storybrooke"
Snow stepped closer kneeling beside Emma, putting herself in Killians path and putting her arm around Emma's shoulder.
"You can do that right" Her tone wasn't encouraging, but teasing Snow's frustrations over Emma's lack of awareness every time she ran into danger, with nothing but her magic to protect her.
Emma focused hard starring at her reflection but all she could see, was all the pain she had caused, every little mistake she made, tears welled in her eyes. The usual flow and warm buzz the radiated through her body when using magic was absent, instead it was a sharp pain, that burned through her veins.
"I can't do this" Emma gasped out
With no more encouraging words from either Snow or Killian who both held expectant looks, Emma heart raced, and the magic surged causing the mirror shattered into tiny pieces. Falling into the water and washing away, Emma reached for it but was caught by Snow.
"Leave it, there nothing we can do now" She paused but barely reacted, unbothered there one chance had slipped away "its destroyed"
"I failed; we'll never get a message to them now" Emma tone was dull as her confidence faded further.
Snow expression hadn't changed in fact as she looked into the still swirling pool over water now imbued with Emma's magic, her smile widened.
"It's ok... we always find each other"
"Right, and always lose each other... maybe James was right"
Even seeing the hopelessness in Emma eyes, Snow smiled reaching forward she caught one of Emma's tears on her thumb.
"No, because I'm not going to lose you, never again"
"What do you mean?"
Reaching into her pocket Snow pulled out the necklace, having retrieved in her assault at the Lou market, she'd held onto it, until now. Placing it in the water, still affected by Emma's magic, now she entwined it with hers and the necklace it began to glow. The metal locket, turned ice cold glowing with a dull light, becoming brighter causing Emma to close her eyes, this light formed a string connecting them together. A magic thread that worked as a leash intertwining Emma and Snow, ensuring that one could always find the other.
"Here let put this back, where it belongs"
Snow unclasped the locket placing it around Emma's neck, but despite her change of clothes, it didn't feel the same as it did the first time, her touch was cold, concise.
"Thanks... I'm sorry I lost it"
"It's ok Emma, now it won't be able to come off"
"What did you do to it?" Killian accusatory tone didn't go unnoticed.
"It's just a simple locater spell"
Emma stood up with a half-smile towards Killian, letting him know all as ok, but his expression didn't change, and he took her hand pulling her closer to him instinctively. Away from Snow, away from the danger he sensed.
"Lets go" Killian demanded.
"I wonder how Elsa is doing?" Emma voice croaked unwillingly to address Killians obvious concern.
Three stood silent for a moment the only one at ease was Snow White, eventually Emma turned walking away back towards the path and Snow followed. Killian lingered by the body of water glaring into it, watching the tiny pieces of glass, sinking down to the dirt below.
"Are you coming?" Snow turned back as Emma continued forwards.
"You never wanted to warn Regina" Killian spat
Snow White frowned shrugging her shoulders, her expression trying to convince him, she didn't understand what he was insinuating.
"What do you mean?"
"I see through you," Killian paused exhaling sharply" Dark One" he said the words like a slur glaring at her the sae hate in his eyes he had when they first met.
For the first time in a while guilt washed across Snows face, as Killian looked upon her with disappointment and fear.
"And what do you see?"
"Emma" His voice broke "you let her just, give up on herself"
"She's fine"
Killian mouth gapped open, and he shook his head, he'd spent a lot of time watching Emma interact with her parents. They were always so cautious, aware of Emma's anxieties and fears, they didn't push her or manipulate her, until now.
"This isn't you"
"I'm doing what's best"
"Can you even tell anymore, can't you see" Killian paused eyes desperate and sad "she'll stop believing in herself"
"You think your so wise" She mocked "so many years battling the Dark One, is that why you tried to convince Emma to hide the dagger from me?"
Killian mouth gaped open he took a moment to respond, feeling somewhat ashamed of his choices, but as he looked into Snows eyes, he wondered if his only failing, was not being cautious enough.
"Snow, I was trying to help" Killian stuttered a little losing his gumption.
"You think you know what's best for her, your sixteen"
Killian tone changed his anger faded replacement with a sense of grief, for the Snow White he used to know, wondering if she was truly gone. Looking at him now with no guilt or fear over what she had done to Emma, without a word she stepped closer to him, her eyes threating.
"Is everything ok, are you guys coming?" Emma asked her voice high fearful.
"Right behind you Emma"
Snow smiled at Killians silence, knowing he wasn't going to push too hard, after all he had no proof that she had done anything. Turning away from him, Snow followed Emma out of the desolate crater, while Killian hesitated further his heart racing, while old feelings rose up in him, his eyes dark and hateful.
David charged down the stairs, gripping his sword tightly as he headed into the depths of Regina's mausoleum filled with all manner of dark magic, glowing hearts in the walls, the stench of foul potions in the air. The Prince's hands began to shake afraid of what he might do, unsure of his convictions.
"Good, you're here to help". Regina said standing up appearing from behind a large wooden chest, with scraps of paper, vials of potions scattered all around her.
"No Regina, I'm here to stop you".
"You can't be serious; did you not see what happened" A frustrated bewildered tone "your wife is the Dark one?"
"Exactly, I know that Snow has already found Emma" He paused unable to hide the fear in his eyes "there safe; we can find another way to reunite".
"You can't be that naïve, to believe Snow won't be vulnerable to the darkness just like all those before her, we need to get there now, whatever it takes".
"You think I don't want to find them; I can't eat, I can't sleep; I want them in my arms again…. But this we'll be uprooting everyone's lives" He paused stuttering the last words "There must be a better way"
"I will do, what needs to be done". Reginas was firm a determined look in her eyes.
"I'll stop you". David retorted matching her level of convection.
Regina raised her eyebrows holding and old scroll in her hand tightly, before smiling knowing the Prince didn't stand a chance against the Evil Queen. He gripped his sword ready for a fight, as she raised her hand conjuring a fireball.
"Stop" Ingrid said.
Running down the stairs, closely followed by Granny crossbow in hand and Liam with Killians sword, all three got knocked sideways as Anna squeezed through the middle.
"We want to go back, let her do it". Liam shouted.
"Our kids are there to". Granny added stern.
"Not to mention my sister, everyone wants to go back". Anna said.
"Everyone"? David questioned in awe.
As the room became quiet, they could hear footsteps from above hundreds and hundreds of them. They walked up the stairs, to see most of the town in the cemetery, tense expressions, waiting to know what would happen next. Regina stepped out the door, they found themselves surrounded by most of the town, the dwarfs, fairies, Graham, Mulan, Archie even Dr Whale was amongst them.
"What are you all doing here"?
"Snow White has saved us more times then will ever know, we are going, to save her from the darkness". Archie announced.
The prince was speechless, he looked to Regina and nodded; she had already begun to unravel the scroll containing the dark curse.
"I'm not sure what will happen to us, Storybrooke will be gone forever, and we won't find the same world we left". Regina explained now faced with Storybrooke residents, she felt the full weight of what she was about to do, she hesitated.
"Get it over with, our sister needs us" Leroy yelled.
Regina ripped the scroll before destroying it with her magic, as the last pieces of parchment crumbled to dust the earth cracked open. The road splitting all the way down he main street past the clock tower, Granny's diner, and the high school. Green grass and trees of the forest took over erupting from the beneath the concrete, swallowing up Storybroke until only the forest remained, as if no town had ever been there.
Notes: Will be taking a short break from updating this fic to do some more work on it and other WIPs I have going but I promise this story will be completed ... eventually