Once Upon A Time:
The Re Imagined Tale of Emma Swan
Ch. 1: A Princess Is Born
After dodging run ins with the Evil Queen for years, Snow White and Prince Charming were finally able to get married and settle down in their kingdom of the Enchanted Forest. Their castle and beloved home sparkled in the sun as it towered over their kingdom and all it's residents. Snow and Charming had built a home, a life, and their love held each other together and kept them strong throughout everything they had been through so far. The Evil Queen would always be out for her revenge on Snow White so they could never really live a safe, peaceful, happy life.
Then one day, the time had come to face The Evil Queen. No more running and hiding, they had to do this. Their lives, happiness, safety, and safety of their kingdom depended on this. The battle was hard but they managed to chase the Evil Queen out of their kingdom and banish her from ever returning but they knew she would be back they just didn't know when so they were always looking over their shoulders wondering when the Evil Queen would be back to get her revenge and they didn't want to bring a baby into their troubled life but all that would change when Snow White got pregnant.
For months, the kingdom had been free of the Evil Queen until rumors started the swirl and spread that she was planning an awful return. The residents were all on edge as the rumors and concerns spread like a wildfire and they eventually made their way to Snow and Charming, specifically the rumor of a dark curse."It's not safe here", Charming said. "It's not safe anywhere," Snow replied. "We can't go anywhere. The baby will be here soon, and our kingdom depends on us for guidance and protection while the threat of the Evil Queen looms in the distance." Snow said reassuringly. Charming knew is wife was right but he was always on edge. They didn't know what to believe so all they could do was wait and listen and hope for the best.
Meanwhile, in a castle that oozed darkness and evil on the outskirts of the forest, Regina let out an evil cackle and was so sure that with this curse she would get her revenge on Snow White but Rumplestilskin, her mentor wasn't so sure. "Maybe you should do some sort of test with that wouldn't want anything to go wrong, dearie." He said with an evil chuckle. "Fine", Regina replied annoyed. She went to grab the potion bottle and knocked it off the vanity and it shattered on the floor and the potion dissolved. "Now I'll never get my revenge on Snow White". She slammed her fist on the vanity in a rage and paced back and forth. Rumple giggled and said that it took such dark magic to create that curse even more dark than the both of them combined and it was next to impossible to create more. Regina was fuming angry. She paced and paced trying to figure out a solution when Rumple piped up and said he had a solution and different scheme to get her revenge. Rumple showed her that Snow White was expecting a baby and that was the way to her revenge. Regina grinned and evil grin and started planning her most diabolical revenge scheme ever. What she didn't know was that Grumpy, had been spying and listening to everything and soon Snow and Charming would know of her evil plan.
Grumpy is sprinting through the woods, smashing leaves and cracking branches, he was breathing hard but had to get back to Snow and Charming. He saw and heard everything between the Evil Queen and Rumple and raced to get the word back to his King and Queen. He rushed into the castle out of breath. Grumpy looked at his King and Queen sitting on their thrown, crowns shining and worried expressions on their faces. "Grumpy what is it?" Charming asked worried while Snow gave an equally worried look. "It's the Evil Queen. She planned a dark curse to get her revenge on you but she went to test it and dropped the potion so the dark curse is no more. She was fuming until Rumple told her that you are expecting a baby. Her next plan involves your baby in some way. That's all I know." Grumpy said still catching his breath. Snow and Charming exchanged worried glances, thanked Grumpy for the information and he headed off.
"What are we going to do?" Snow asked worriedly while cradling her belly. "I won't let her take our baby, I promise", Charming said reassuringly. "I know you won't and neither will I," Snow agreed. She was still weeks away from giving birth. They were planning a baby shower to welcome the new Prince or Princess into the world, the last thing they needed was to worry about what scheme Regina was planning for them now.
The plans for the shower were coming together. It was to be a beautiful and joyous occasion for all. Snow and Charming were overjoyed at how it was all coming together so smoothly. "Everything looks so beautiful so far", Snow said excitedly and Charming nodded in agreement. As far as they knew, the shower would go off without any interference from the Evil Queen but she was never far from their minds. The safety of their baby was always their top priority.
Two weeks later, the decorations were up and the table was set for the shower. There were beautiful, sparkling ribbons hanging all over. The table was set with all new flatware and glasses. A music section was set up in the corner and the smell of food filled the air. The atmosphere was cheerful and the guests were to arrive soon. Snow was actually smiling for once and Charming took notice of it. "You're actually smiling for once," He said smiling back at his queen. "I know, I can't help it, it's all so beautiful," she said beaming. "This is your day and nobody is going to mess that up, I promise," Charming said his arm around her. The food was being brought out as the guests were announced and began coming in. Snow and Charming greeted each one of their guests and they all sat down at the long table. "Snow and I would like to welcome you all to our castle and thank you for sharing in this joyous day with us," Charming said greeting everyone. "This is a celebration welcoming our baby into the world. Our baby is a product of our true love and we are grateful to be able to share this moment with all of the residents of our beautiful kingdom. Thank you all for being here and now enjoy the food and the music everyone," Snow finished as everyone clapped excitedly. The music started playing as everyone ate and celebrated. Snow and Charming had a very successful and happy baby shower and they were so relieved.
Two days later, Snow felt a sharp pain. She knew it was time. "Charming! the baby is coming now!," She yelled. Charming came rushing into the room getting everything ready for the baby's arrival. The labor was long but Snow was so strong and brave through it all and five hours later, their daughter, Princess Emma was born.
Ch. 2: Welcome To The World: Princess Emma
"She's perfect!" Snow exclaims with such happiness and pride in her eyes and heart. She cradles her new born daughter as Charming sits next to her arm around her doting just as proud and happy. "Yes she is", Charming replies. The nursery is set up so beautifully. A beautiful crib sits in the middle of the room with the perfect unicorn mobile hanging above it. Everything a newborn Princess could ever want and need fills the room as the sun illuminates it in all it's glory through the beautiful windows. However, the newborn Princess Emma sleeps in her bassinet next to her parents bed for now as the looming threat of Regina is always on their minds. The safety of their precious daughter is their top priority.
A week went by and still nothing from Regina but Snow and Charming didn't want to let their guard down for they knew at some point, Regina would come for their daughter and do who knows what with her. The thought of losing their daughter terrified them but they couldn't let anyone see their fear. They had a welcome to the world party to plan to introduce the new Princess to the kingdom. "How should we Introduce our new daughter to our kingdom? Should we have everyone come together outside the castle and we introduce her to all at once?," Snow asked "That's not a bad idea, that way everyone can see our daughter and then we can all celebrate together afterwards", Charming replied happily. "Now that we have that detail figured out, next we need to plan the actual celebration and don't forget security we never know when Regina will show up", Snow said. "Don't worry, I will have all the security covered," Charming said reassuringly.
Regina paced back and forth waiting impatiently for Rumple to show up. "Hello Dearie", Rumple said with a chuckle startling Regina. "Where have you been? I've been waiting forever," Regina said annoyed. "I bring you news of Snow White's baby, she has been born and her name is Emma," Rumple said giggling. "Really? That's excellent. Everything is going to my plan", Regina said with an evil grin. "On her first birthday we shall crash the party and let everyone know our plan for my revenge on Snow White", Regina said with an evil laugh as Rumple giggled. "The way to my revenge is by separating Snow White from the one she loves the most now, her daughter. She will know the pain of losing someone she loves as she did to me all those years ago," Regina said grinning. Grumpy listened intently at every word Regina and Rumple said making sure to remember every single thing and report it back to his King and Queen. The life of the new Princess depended on him.
As Snow and Charming continued to plan the celebration for introducing their daughter to the world, a winded Grumpy rushed into the room. Snow and Charming turned and saw the look on his face and they shared a worried look between each other. "You have news Grumpy?" Charming asked. "I do, Regina is planning to crash the first birthday party of Princess Emma when that time comes and will reveal her evil plan of revenge then. She then said her plan was to separate Snow White from the one she loves the most now, your daughter so she will feel what it's like to lose someone the way Regina did all those years ago", Grumpy finished breathlessly. Snow and Charming shared concerned glances and looked down at their sleeping daughter so innocent and sweet. "Thank you Grumpy, keep up the good work," Charming said trying to sound grateful. Grumpy bowed and headed off.
"She wants to separate us from our daughter?", Snow asked trying to hold back the tears. "She will never do that! I will never let her do that, I promise," Charming said trying to sound reassuringly to his distraught wife. "I hope that is true", Snow said her voice trembling. Charming embraced his wife as they looked down on their still sleeping daughter Emma. So peaceful and innocent. Snow knew she had to have hope that everything will be alright and that nothing will happen to her daughter because that's the one thing she always had no matter what was hope. Snow picked up Emma from her bassinet and held her close. Emma grabbed her mother's finger for the first time and held it tight. At that moment, they were bonded together as mother and daughter for life and Snow would do everything she could to protect her daughter.
The following day was to be the celebration and introduction of Princess Emma to the kingdom. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Crowns and gowns glittering. The atmosphere alive with happiness and pride. Snow held Emma who was dressed in the most beautiful baby princess dress. She looked down at her daughter, "I love you Emma and your father loves you too and we will do everything we can to keep you safe. I promise," Snow said to Emma sweetly. "It's time", Charming said and they opened the curtain and stepped out onto their balcony as the crowd below cheered and clapped. They waved and smiled to everyone and enjoyed the moment. Charming cleared his throat and began his speech, "Thank you all for that wonderful, warm welcome. Your Queen and I would like to introduce to you all your Princess and our beloved daughter, Emma", Charming finished as Snow held Emma for the crowd to see. They cheered and clapped and shared all their love with their new Princess, Emma.
The people cheered and partied in the streets for hours celebrating Princess Emma. Snow and Charming listened to all of it from the window of their bedroom as they held their sleeping daughter and tried to remain hopeful for when her first birthday came around, an unwelcome visitor will show up and they were not at all looking forward to it.
Ch. 3 A Not So Very Happy First Birthday, Emma
The months went by and Emma grew more beautiful everyday. Her protective and loving parents watched with love and beamed with pride as she hit each milestone in her life so far. "Oh look! She's smiling!", Snow said and she beamed with pride at her daughter. "What a beautiful smile she has. Just like her mother." Charming said equally proud. Snow picked Emma up and rocked her in her loving arms. "She's getting bigger and bigger everyday," Snow said smiling. "Yes, and outgrowing her clothes faster than we can get knew ones", Charming replied. Emma fell asleep in Snow's arms as she sat on her bed not wanting to put her daughter down. Charming came over and put his arm around is wife and smiled at his sleeping, beautiful daughter.
Snow sat in her garden while Emma played among the flowers. It was a perfect day. The sun was shining and the spring air was thick with the scent of lilacs. Snow looked down at her daughter giggling while she sat among her flowers. The flowers were every shade of purple, pink, red, and blue. The sound of the little waterfall in the garden made everything that much more perfect and serene. Nothing could ruin this moment in Snow's mind. Charming walked out and put his arms around his wife and kissed her. "Well, aren't you in a loving mood today," She said smiling. "It's a beautiful day and I'm spending it with my two beautiful girls, what could be better," Charming replied the smile never leaving his face. He looked down at his beautiful daughter and scooped her up in his arms. He has the perfect family and no one was going to ruin it, not even Regina. They went back inside the castle and put Emma down for her nap. As they layed her down, Emma said something that shocked both of them. "Mama!" Emma said out of nowhere as Snow and Charming looked on. "Yes, that's right, I'm your Mama", Snow said picking her daughter back up and holding her in her loving arms. "She just said her first word", Charming said so proud.
Regina watched everything in her crystal ball that Rumple had given her. She saw the Charmings and watched Emma grow and grinned and evil grin. She knew the time was coming closer to Emma's first birthday when she would crash the party and announce her best revenge plan yet. "This is so exciting!", Regina said to herself evilly. "Soon, it will be Emma's first birthday and I will be crashing the lovely party to announce my comeback and my revenge on Snow White", Regina laughed and evil laugh that rang through the walls of her dark castle. The lanterns flickering around her vanity. "This plan can't possibly fail!", Regina said so sure of herself. "Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, dearie, after all I am the one who taught you everything you know," Rumple giggled as Regina whipped around to see him standing there. "What can't possibly wait now?", Regina asked rolling her eyes. "Oh you know, I found the perfect tower to lock Emma in when the time comes," Rumple said with an evil giggle. "Really," Regina said with an evil excitement in her voice. "It's in the middle of the forest so covered in trees, no one even knows it's there", Rumple said still giggling. "It's perfect", Regina replied. "We can go check it out together later on", Rumple said. "Yes we will", Regina said with a grin. Rumple left and Regina went back to watching the Charmings in that crystal ball.
Snow and Charming had no idea that Regina was watching them, they just continued on with their lives always watching over their shoulders. They were just one month shy of Emma's first birthday and hadn't even thought about the party yet. They knew that this beautiful occasion would be marred by the appearance of Regina so they put off the planning for as long as they could. "We need to start planning Emma's first birthday soon, we're running out of time," Snow said. "But, Regina...", Charming started to say but Snow cut him off. "But what about Regina? We know she's going to crash the party but that doesn't mean we shouldn't have one. It's Emma's first birthday and we shouldn't show any fear especially around the good people of our kingdom," Snow finished feeling hopeful. Charming knew his wife was right but he couldn't help but feel worried about the party.
The finally had party plans for Emma's first birthday. Emma had spoken a few more words in the weeks of planning and even tried to stand on her own. Her parents couldn't be more proud of all the progress she was making. "You can do it, baby," Snow said sweetly as Emma pulled herself up holding on to the side of the wooden table, Snow with her hands up to brace her daughter should she fall backwards. "You did it!", Snow said so happy and proud. Emma was standing on her own just as Charming walked in. "Well look at that, she's standing, good job, Emma!", Charming said full of love. Emma sat back down in Snow's lap as she hugged her daughter tight. "The invitations for Emma's party have been distributed," Charming said. "Great, the decoration planning is going well and then we just need to plan the food and the cake," Snow said excitedly. "Why don't we finish the planning together?" Charming suggested. "That way we can pick the cake together, that will be the center piece of the party," He added. "Great idea, lets do it this afternoon," Snow replied smiling. Charming agreed with a nod.
It was the morning of the party, Emma waited in her bassinet for her parents to pick her up and get her ready. Snow walked over to her daughter to pick her up. The sun was shining through the windows. "Happy first birthday my darling daughter", Snow said to Emma as she smiled and giggled. "Mama!" Emma said back. "That's right!", Snow replied smiling. Charming walked over and put his arm around Snow and kissed his daughter's head. "Beautiful day for a party", he said while putting on his best King's robes. "Yes very beautiful," Snow replied getting Emma ready. Emma was dressed in a beautiful pink, sparkly dress and a beautiful crystal hair clip in her hair. Snow was the last to get dressed. She put on her best Queen's attire and her most dazzling crown. The headed to their ballroom to set up as guests would be arriving shortly. They knew at any moment Regina would show up as well.
The ballroom was decorated so beautifully for a princess's first birthday. Pink and purple ribbons everywhere. Glitter and sequins sparkling. Presents stacked in the corner of the room. Emma's first birthday cake, a 5 tiered beautiful white cake with pink frosting and purple flowers sat in the middle of the long table a beautiful center piece for a beautiful princess. "It's all so beautiful!", Snow exclaimed with excitement. Charming had a big grin on his face as Snow sat Emma down in her high chair next to her chair at the long table. An hour later, the guests began to arrive. One by one, they made their way into the beautiful ballroom and sat their gifts with the others in the corner and went to visit the birthday princess. Emma giggled and smiled as everyone stopped to say hi to her. Everyone had arrived and the festivities began. They were all sitting at the long table when a gust of win blew out the candles, an evil laugh filled the room and in a swirl of black smoke Regina arrived. Snow jumped up and grabbed Emma. She held her close to protect her as everyone stared angrily as Regina made her way around the room taking everything in. Charming drew is sword and pointed it at her. "We knew you would be coming," Charming said "And now you will leave and never touch our daughter," Charming commanded as Snow stared angrily at Regina. "I don't want your daughter, not now anyway," Regina said with a grin. "However, on her fifth birthday, I shall return and take your daughter and lock her away in a tower surrounded by my dark magic. A tower you will never find. You will never see your daughter again. You will be heartbroken and I will finally have my revenge as I watch you suffer the way I did," Regina said snapping at Snow. "Never! We will never let you take her!", Snow said raising her voice. "You can't stop me," Regina said evilly. "Enjoy your party now because when Emma turns five, I will be back for her," Regina laughed a horribly evil laugh as she disappeared in her swirling dark clouds. Emma started crying as Snow tried to comfort her daughter. Charming insisted that it was a good idea for everyone to head home just to be safe.
Charming returned to his wife's side as Emma finally calmed down and fell asleep in her arms. "I don't want to even put her down, I don't want anything to happen to our daughter," Snow said voice trembling. "I won't let anything happen to her, I promise," Charming insisted. They went to their bedroom and Snow held Emma until both of them were sound asleep.
Ch. 4 It's Just A Bad Dream
It's Emma's fifth birthday party, everyone was happy. Emma was running around laughing wearing her favorite flower crown. Just then a black swirl of clouds appeared and everyone stopped. Regina grabbed Emma as she screamed and cried for her parents to save her but they weren't quick enough. In a swirl of clouds both Emma and Regina were gone and all that was left was the echos of Emma's cries.
Just then, Snow bolted up in her bed. Charming and Emma were sound asleep next to her. Emma was three years old now. Her beautiful long, blonde hair lay over her face as she slept peacefully next to her parents. It was dark, the middle of the night. Snow tried to hold back her tears from her dream she just had but was unsuccessful. Emma didn't stir but Charming heard his wife crying and sat up. "What's wrong?", Charming asked concerned putting his arms around his wife. "I had a nightmare, Emma's fifth birthday party and Regina took her," Snow said through her tears as she gently moved the hair out of Emma's face. "It was just a bad dream, you're worried, so am I, but I won't let anything happen to Emma you have to believe that," Charming said reassuringly. "I'm trying to believe it, I really am but it's really hard right now," Snow replied drying her eyes. Charming held his wife as Emma rolled over and didn't even open her eyes. "Try to go back to sleep now if you can, we're all right here together," Charming said. Snow nodded, layed back down and drifted off to sleep.
Snow awoke the next morning to Emma's laughter and the smell of breakfast in the air. She sat up in bed and smiled. For now everything was perfect. She headed down to their beautiful dining room for breakfast. As she walked through the door she saw Emma sitting on Charming's lap giggling and smiling while Charming held her tight in his arms. Charming looked up and saw Snow standing their with a huge smile on her face. "I love waking up to this," Snow said beaming. Emma jumped out of Charming's lap and ran to her mother. Snow picked her daughter up and held her tight. She knew she had to make the most of these moments for she didn't know how many she had left.
Regina and Rumple were inspecting the tower. The one where Regina would lock Emma in on her fifth birthday. "It's perfect!" Regina exclaimed with an evil grin. "My revenge on Snow White will be oh so sweet!" She said grinning. The tower was in an isolated part of the forest. Covered in vines and weeds it pretty much blended in with it's surroundings. A canopy of trees covered it from top to bottom making it dark all the time. Inside was just as dark, it only had one chair in the tower room. A winding staircase of stone was the only way in and out except when you're Regina who can pop in and out whenever she likes. "I love it, it's like a prison. No light at all! Just perfect for my revenge!" Regina laughed and Rumple giggled. After putting a protection spell around the tower so that no one else could get in and figure out her plan, Regina and Rumple poofed out and went back to her castle. However, Grumpy was still on Regina's case. He had somehow managed to follow them to the tower. He overheard everything and ran back to tell Snow and Charming the news.
Grumpy dashed into the castle to a startled Snow and Charming. Emma was sitting with them wearing her favorite flower crown and giggling as Snow held her in her lap. "Yes, Grumpy you have news?" Charming asked concerned. "Yes, I followed Regina and Rumple to the tower where they plan on taking Emma on her fifth birthday, I know exactly where it is," He said. "Great, keep that to yourself for now and keep a watch for anything else they might be up to," Snow said with a thankful tone. Grumpy bowed and left the castle. "This is great! Grumpy knows where the tower is", Snow said relieved. "Yes it is great news, however he's the only one who knows and if something should happen to him like if Regina figured it out, we wouldn't have a way to find the tower or Emma," Charming said sounding worried. "I'm sure he'll be ok, Grumpy is smart, there is nothing we can do about it now so we'll just have to have hope that everything will work out," Snow said hopefully and Charming nodded in agreeance.
Snow continued to have the nightmare in the months leading up to Emma's fourth birthday but she couldn't let the dreams worry her as she had to plan her daughter's birthday party. "Still having the dreams?" Charming asked concerned. "Yes, but I'm not sure what they are trying to tell me. We already know what's coming," Snow replied puzzled. "Well, try not to worry about them now, we have to plan our daughter's fourth birthday party," Charming said reassuringly. He kissed Snow and they started planning the party. Emma is sitting on the floor playing with her toys as Snow and Charming start the planning. "A beautiful princess themed party sounds nice," Snow said. "Yes it does! What better way to honor a princess than with a princess party." Charming said agreeing happily. They smiled at each other and then looked at Emma. They thought of losing her was weighing on Snow's heart but for now there was nothing she could do but remain positive and hopeful. "Pink and purple ribbons, sequins everywhere, and a beautiful princess theme cake sounds really good", Charming said jolting Snow out of her thoughts. "Yes it does, it sounds perfect." Snow replied. "What do you think about a beautiful princess birthday party, Emma?" Snow asked sweetly. "I love it mommy!", Emma said jumping up and down and into her mother's arms. Snow picked Emma up and sat her in her lap and they continued to plan the party.
Today was the day of Emma's fourth birthday. The party was all set and everyone dressed in their royal best. Emma wore her favorite flower crown which she rarely took off. She was now four years old. Her party went so well but in the back of Snow's mind she knew she only had one year left before Regina would take her baby away and she was terrified. Snow kept her fear to herself not wanting to upset Charming or Emma. The party wound down and Emma had fallen asleep in Snow's arms. Snow took her daughter upstairs and layed her in the bed. She kissed her forehead softly as a single tear fell from her eyes. "I will always protect you and I will always find you," Snow said to her sleeping daughter. She wiped away the tear and sat down next to sleeping Emma knowing tonight would be another restless night of sleep as she would have the same dream she's had for months again.
Regina put the crystal ball down and grinned to herself. "One more year to go before I get my revenge on Snow White", She said to herself with a laugh.
Ch. 5 Emma's Fifth Birthday Disaster
With every passing day, Emma's fifth birthday grew closer and Snow's fear grew greater. It was getting harder and harder to hide her fear from her family but she had no choice but to do so. Snow knew in her heart that she had to have hope and to believe that everything would be ok, but the fear was taking over.
Snow excused herself from the table and went upstairs to her bedroom and closed the door. She sat down on the bed and immediately tears streamed down her cheeks. "I can't lose Emma, I just can't," she said to herself mid tears. Just then, she heard a knock on the door, she quickly dried her tears. "Come in," Snow said. Charming opened the door and saw his wife on the bed, he could tell she'd been crying. "Why have you been crying?" he asked sitting next to her on the bed and putting his arms around her. "I'm sorry, I can't help it. This fear is taking over. I can't stop thinking about, and dreaming about losing Emma," Snow said as Charming held her. "Mommy, daddy?", Emma's voice startled them and they saw her standing at the door. They waved her over and she ran over and Charming picked her up and sat her in between him and Snow. "Don't cry, mommy, daddy will protect us," Emma said sweetly. Snow grabbed her daughter and squeezed her tight. "You are the sweetest little girl in the whole kingdom," Snow said smiling as Emma hugged her mother tight.
Regina was basking in Snow's heartache. Her plan was going so smoothly so far but there was just one hitch, Grumpy. Regina knew Grumpy was telling the Charmings her plan, she needed to stop him before it was too late. "That little dwarf thinks he can ruin my plan? I think not!" Regina said to herself as an evil grin came across her face. "Hello Dearie", Rumple said giggling. Regina whirled around startled by him. "Must you always come in like that?" Regina asked annoyed. "It's what I do," he replied smirking. "I'm working on a plan to stop Grumpy from telling the Charmings the rest of my plan," Regina said "So I see. You could turn him into a rat", Rumple said giggling. "I could but I'd rather trap him somewhere where he can do no more damage to my plan. Like say, magically sealed in my dungeon." Regina said laughing. "I have what you need to do that, but what are you going to give me?" Rumple asked grinning. "I already gave you what you wanted, what more could you want?" Regina said. "You know what I want," Rumple said. "Fine," Regina said. Rumple went over to a glass cabinet and opened it. He took a tea cup from the cabinet that had a particular chip in it. "Now that you have what you want, what do you have for me?" Regina asked. Rumple handed her a potion bottle. "This will seal him in your dungeon and keep his mouth shut as well, you just have to get him there," Rumple said giggling as he handed her the potion bottle, but before Regina could say another word, Rumple popped out. Regina held the potion bottle in her hand and grinned, "now to get Grumpy away from the Charmings," Regina laughed and now knew what she had to do.
Grumpy was down working in the mines with the other dwarves. All day he had a nagging feeling something was going to happen to him. He knew the Charmings told him not to tell anyone about what was going to happen to Princess Emma, but he needed to tell someone in case his feelings were to come true. He knew of one person that Snow trusted as much as she trusted him, Red. However, Grumpy had no idea where she was at the moment and had no idea how to find her. He needed help.
Grumpy found himself wandering through the forest lost in his thoughts when a blue light appeared before him. He didn't even notice Blue standing there and almost ran into her. "Excuse me, didn't see you there," Grumpy said apologetically. "It's quite alright, I see something is upsetting you, care to share"? she asked. "I need to find Red, she's the only other person who Snow would trust besides me. This could be a matter of life or death," Grumpy said. "I may be able to help you with that." Blue said. She waved her wand and her magic became a track to Red. "Follow my magic track, it will lead you to Red," Blue said. "Thank you", Grumpy said with a relieved expression. Blue left and Grumpy followed the magic track.
The track took Grumpy to a part of the forest he had never been before. Dark, tall, trees everywhere made it mostly dark as night as he continued to follow the track. He kept following until it stopped at a den like structure. Grumpy stood frozen not knowing what to do or who was there. Just then, a pair of eyes spied him from the den. Grumpy was terrified. The eyes moved closer and closer until the shape a wolf was visible. The wolf crept up to Grumpy sniffing him. The wolf relaxed and sat down in front him as if it was familiar with him. Grumpy glanced over and saw the red cloak hanging from a tree branch and knew he had found Red. He grabbed the cloak and placed it over the wolf and just like that the wolf turned into Red. "Grumpy, what are you doing here? How did you find me?" Red asked stunned. "I had a little help with that he said cracking a smile, but I came because I need your help. Snow White's daughter, Emma is in danger. The Evil Queen is planning on taking her away and locking her in the dark tower on her fifth birthday. I have a feeling she knows I have been telling her plans to the Charmings and will soon come for me. You are the only other one I know Snow trusts, so I need you to help them save Emma from the tower as you will be the only other one who knows about this and knows where the tower is. Please, I don't have much time and I need someone to do this." Grumpy finish pleading. "Of course I will help you and Snow out. Snow is one of my closest friends." Red said reassuringly. "Great, thank you." Grumpy said relieved. Just then a swirl of black clouds appeared. Regina had found Grumpy but Red had fled just in time. "Well, well look who we have here", Regina said gloating. "You can do whatever you want to me, but you will never hurt the Princess," Grumpy said angerly. "Ha! That's what you think. I can do whatever I want and what I want is my revenge and I need you out of my way to get it." Regina said snapping. Regina grabbed Grumpy and in a swirl of dark clouds took him away from the forest where Red saw everything.
Regina took Grumpy to her dungeon and locked him inside. "What are you going to do to me?" Grumpy asked with a scowl. "You'll see", Regina said laughing. She uncorked the potion Rumple had given her and threw it over the dungeon door held Grumpy behind it. A flash of light appeared and the dungeon was magically sealed. Grumpy then realized he couldn't talk either. The potion not only sealed the door but sealed his mouth as well. He sunk down in the corner and could only wait for help. "Now that he's out of my way, nothing will get in the way of my revenge!", Regina said smiling.
Snow, Charming, and Emma were enjoying dinner when the doors all of a sudden opened and Red came rushing in. "What are you doing here?" Snow asked jumping up and hugging her friend. "I wish I was here for a good visit however that is not the case," Red said a worried look on her face. Charming took Emma to the other room where she played with her doll. He returned and the three of them sat down. "Grumpy found me earlier today, he told me everything about Emma and the Evil Queen. He had a feeling something bad was going to happen to him and it did. Somehow Regina knew that he was telling you her plan. She showed up just as he had finished telling me everything, I ran and hid in the brush by my den. She took him away somewhere I have no idea what she did with him or where she took him but he told me everything. I know the tower that Regina is planning on taking Emma to. It's a journey to get there but I know the way." Red finished "Grumpy knew you were the only other person I would trust with our daughter's life. He was smart to find you and now we must save him." Snow said looking at Red and to Charming. "I agree we need to find and save Grumpy but what about Emma? We can't leave her alone." Charming said. "We're the only ones who have gone up against Regina and survived. We can't just do nothing but I agree Emma's safety is our first priority." Snow said agreeing with Charming. "I'll figure something out." Charming said. "Thank you Red, please stay the night with us. You will be safe here." Snow said smiling. "Thank you, I will take you up on that offer." Red said happily.
The next morning, Red was playing with Emma while Snow and Charming discussed what to do about Grumpy. "I still don't know what to do or how to save Grumpy yet, but I will figure something out I promise." Charming said. "I know you will", Snow replied smiling at Emma on the floor in front of her. "It's two weeks until Emma's fifth birthday and regardless of what may happen she still deserves to celebrate her birthday." Charming said. "I agree, we should start planning today then." Snow replied her fear still growing. The recurring dream she had every night played over and over in her mind. Emma's screams, Regina's laugh. It terrified Snow to her very core and it could happen in two weeks. Charming saw the look on his wife's face and put his arm around her. "Try not to worry, we will do everything we can to protect our daughter." Charming said reassuringly. Snow smiled but the fear wouldn't go away.
Emma's fifth birthday party planning had begun. Snow suggested a garden party and all were thrilled with the idea. The garden was Emma's favorite place to play. The decorations were planned and the food and cake were the last to planned. Snow and Charming knew they had to do this as it could be their daughter's last birthday celebrated with them.
The day had finally come, Emma's fifth birthday. The decorations were all set. Pink and purple streamers around the chairs and table in the garden. Butterflies flying around, the smell of flowers and cake filled the air. It was a beautiful day. They all had cake and Emma opened her presents. She was wearing a beautiful party dress and her favorite flower crown. Everyone was smiling for now. Regina watched it all through her crystal ball. "Almost ready to go get my revenge," She said to herself grinning. She had prepared the dark tower for Emma's arrival and poofed out in a swirl of black clouds. Back at the party, Emma was playing in the flowers when she noticed a butterfly, it was a beautiful butterfly. orange and pink in color. Emma was in awe of it. The butterfly suddenly flew away to the nearby tree line and Emma followed it. Snow turned around and noticed her daughter running after the butterfly. Snow jumped up and yelled "Emma wait come back!", but Emma didn't hear her. Snow and Charming ran as fast as they could to get to their daughter but just like in Snow's dream, a dark swirling cloud appeared in front of Emma. Regina appeared and laughed. "Well, isn't this nice. It's time for my revenge". She grabbed Emma before Snow and Charming could do anything. Emma screamed and cried. "Mommy! Daddy! Help me!" but before they could get to her Regina poofed away in a swirl of dark clouds. Snow crumpled to the ground as Red came running up behind her. "My dream it came true" Snow said sobbing. All that was left was Emma's echoed cries and Regina's laugh. Charming was furious but he bent down and picked his wife up off the ground and held her. "We will get our daughter back we knew this was coming, I promise", Charming said to Snow. Snow nodded through her tears. Red looked at Snow "I know where Regina took her remember Grumpy told me. I will take you there to get your daughter back but it will be a long journey." she said.
Snow, Charming, and Red went to prepare for Emma's rescue mission.
Ch. 6 The Longest Journey Of The Charming's Lives
Snow and Charming were on a mission to get their daughter back. Red said it would take 3 days at least to reach the tower and knowing Regina she probably put some sort of protection spell on the tower to keep them away but that wouldn't deter them at all. "We're going to get our daughter back and then Regina is going to pay for this." Snow said fuming. "Right she is." Charming agreed. They had packed everything for the long journey. They even found a way to get through any potential protection spell Regina may have cast on the tower. Red was waiting for them with three of their horses. "Ready to go?" Red asked. "Ready as we'll ever be". Snow replied. All three got up on their horses and rode off into the forest on their mission to save Emma.
Regina poofed into the dark tower and dropped Emma on the ground. Emma was terrified still screaming and crying for her parents. "Mommy! Daddy! Help me!", Emma cried. "They can't hear you in here. we are far away from them". Regina said laughing. She poofed out in a swirl of black clouds leaving Emma on the floor of the tower alone, scared, and crying. The tower was dark almost all the time. It was covered in vines and dust. She curled up in the corner and cried herself to sleep. Emma awoke hours later thinking it was all a bad dream only to realize it wasn't. She walked over to the window and looked out. All she saw was trees and darkness, but through the canopy of trees. she saw one bright star. She closed her eyes, and wished upon that star that her parents would come find and save her. She sunk down by the window where she stayed for hours hoping to see her parents riding up through the trees to save her.
Snow and Charming followed Red through the forest. They crossed a river and ended up in a little village stopping to refill their water canteens. Nobody bothered them or stopped to ask them anything so they kept on riding after filling up. It was getting dark on the first day of the journey and they decided to make camp under a cluster of trees. Snow looked up and saw the same star Emma had seen and she too wished upon that star that she would find and save her daughter. "We'll camp here for the night," Charming said. He started a little fire to keep them warm and they curled up and tried to get some sleep so they would be well rested for the second leg of their long journey to save Emma.
Regina laughed "my revenge is going so well". "You know they are on their way to save the girl, right?" Rumple asked grinning. "Of course I know that, but don't worry they will have to get through my traps to get to her first", Regina said grinning. She poofed out in a swirl of clouds and appeared before Emma in the tower. "Your parents are coming to save you but they have to get through my traps first", Regina said laughing. "They will get through them, they are heroes just like how I want to be when I grow up", Emma said snapping at Regina. Regina smirked at Emma and dropped some food and water on the floor for her and poofed out.
Snow, Charming, and Red awoke at sunrise and started off on the second leg of their journey not knowing what to expect from Regina along the way. Each step they took got them closer and closer to Emma. Snow and Charming were as determined as ever to save their daughter and make Regina pay for what she had done. "I just know Emma has to be terrified. I can see her cold, alone, scared, and crying for us and I just want to be there already and have her safe in our arms again." Snow said her voice shaky but determined. "We will get there and Emma will be back in our arms before you know it." Charming replied trying to keep up the hope for all of them. They continued to follow Red deeper and deeper into the forest. The farther they got, the darker it got. It got so dark, they could barely tell if it was still daylight or not.
They continued on until Red stopped dead in her tracks. "What is it?" Both Snow and Charming asked together. "I'm not sure. My senses are picking up on something. Someone is watching us." Red said sounding worried. They all looked around but it was so dark they couldn't make anyone out. A pair of eyes suddenly stared at them. They all froze and watched the eyes to see who or what they belonged too. Charming had his hand on his sword and Snow had her bow and arrows ready for a fight. Everything was deadly silent and then out of nowhere Regina's army sprung out of the darkness and attacked. They came at them from every angle. Snow shot at every one she saw not missing once. Charming wielded his sword and took down the army one by one until it the dark forest was once again silent. "Glad that is over", Snow said piping up. "Us too", Charming and Red said together. They climbed back on their horses and continued on.
Regina slammed her crystal ball down almost shattering it. Her army failed miserably and the Charmings would be at the tower by the next night. "My army might have failed but soon they will be riding into Ogre territory and they won't be as easily defeated as my army." Regina said to herself grinning. She put the crystal ball down and poofed out to the tower to make sure Emma was still there.
Ch. 7 Emma is Saved and Regina is Defeated Or Is She...
Emma stayed by the window day and night keeping an eye out for her parents to come riding up out of the darkness to come rescue her. She's shivering but she has no blanket to keep warm and her eyes are red and her cheeks are tear stained from crying. The one bright star is her only hope. Every time she sees that star, she has hope and smiles because she knows her parents are not far away and they are coming for her. Out of nowhere, Emma hears that swirl of clouds and turns to see Regina standing there. "You still think your parents are coming for you?" Regina asks smirking. "Yes I do! I know they are and they will be here soon. I have hope and mommy said she will always find me!" Emma said scowling at Regina. Regina laughed and dropped more food and water for Emma and poofed out. Emma crawled over to the food and water and brought to the window where she keeps a constant lookout for her parents. Her eyes fill with tears again because all she wants is to be with her parents and go home.
After the second night of making camp in the forest, Snow, Charming, and Red awoke on the third day, knowing that by nightfall they should be at the tower and will have their daughter back in their arms again. "We're so close I can feel it", Snow said smiling. Charming grabbed her hand and squeezed it. They got on their horses and rode off. They made it to a clearing and peered out. It was eerily silent. The last time it was that silent, Regina's army sprang out at them. This time was different. Red's senses were picking up on something big coming their way. "Ogres", Red said out of nowhere. "What?" Snow and Charming said together. "Ogres are coming. I can smell them. Not sure how many but if we can get past this clearing, the tower shouldn't be that far." Red finished. They were about to start heading out into the clearing when stomping stopped them in their tracks. The got off of their horses and looked around. The stomping came closer and closer until three Ogres appeared in the clearing. "We'll each take down an Ogre," Charming said as Snow and Red nodded and agreed.
Regina watched through her crystal ball as the Charmings and Red fought their way pasts the Ogres. She laughed to herself thinking they would never get past them. She watched as the Ogres began to overtake them but just as she thought they would lose, the Ogres began to fall one by one until they were all dead. Regina was fuming mad. She paced back and forth. She knew that soon they would be at the tower and then they would be coming for her. She went to prepare for their arrival.
As happy as Snow, Charming, and Red were that they defeated the Ogres, they didn't have time to celebrate or catch their breath. They got back on their horses and took off to the other side of the clearing. Just a little further into the dark forest on the other side was the tower. It was even darker there then the rest of the forest. The canopy of trees kept out any trace of light. It was eerie, silent, and still. They made their way carefully through until their torch light hit a tall stone building covered in vines. they looked up and saw the window and Emma sitting there looking out, tears falling from her eyes. "Emma!" Snow and Charming yelled in unison. Emma looked down and saw her parents there and screamed for them. "We're here and we're coming for you hang on!" They said together. Emma couldn't believe it. Her parents got to her sooner than she thought. It felt like forever she had been trapped in that dreadful tower. In that moment, she truly knew that her parents were heroes and she wanted to be just like them.
Charming took his sword and carefully touched the side of the tower. A flash of magic appeared just as he touched it and almost sent him flying backwards. Snow knew exactly what to do to get past it. She uncorked the potion she had brought with her and splashed it on the tower. The magic wall instantly disappeared and Snow and Charming raced inside. They ran up the long, spiral staircase never slowing down. They got to the top and Charming busted the door down and they saw Emma, tears in her eyes but a smile came across her face. Emma ran to her parents and jumped in their arms. Snow and Charming held their daughter tighter than they had ever held her before. "I knew you would come for me. I knew you were heroes. I want to be just like you!" Emma said so happy. Snow and Charming smiled with relief for the first time in days. "I hate to cut this happy reunion short, but we should really get going." Red said appearing behind them. "Right", Charming said. He scooped up Emma and carried her down the long spiral staircase out of the tower as Snow and Red followed closely behind.
They ran out of the tower into the darkness but by the light of their torches found their horses. Snow hoisted herself up onto hers and Charming handed Emma to her. "Now hold on tight and when we get home, I'll teach you to ride one of your very one." Snow said to Emma sweetly and kissed her head. Emma smiled and grabbed a hold of her mother tightly. Charming and Red hoisted themselves up on their horses and they all took off for The Queen's castle,determination filling them from head to toe. They rode deeper and deeper into the dark forest, the only light was the flickering of their torches. It was eerie and silent again. Nothing moved but them until they saw the torch light of Regina's castle in the distance.
They stopped in a hiding spot and dismounted their horses. "Emma, you stay here with Red while your mother and I go and deal with the Queen, ok?" Charming said. "But I don't want anything to happen to you," Emma replied eyes filling with tears again. Snow and Charming scooped Emma up in their arms and held her tightly. "Nothing is going to happen to us, I promise. We're heroes remember?" Snow said reassuringly to Emma. Emma dried her eyes and agreed. They put her down and she and Red hid safely out of view, while the Charmings rushed to the castle prepared to storm in. "We need to go in there, save Grumpy, defeat the Evil Queen once and for all, and get out of there and back to Emma," Charming said to Snow before they busted into the Castle. Snow nodded in agreeance and they ran inside.
Charming and Snow ran through the lantern lit flickering hallway and down a spiral staircase and made to the dungeon. They stopped and looked around. "Grumpy has to be here somewhere", Charming said. "Bang!". Snow and Charming turned around and walked towards one of the dungeon cells. They peered through the barred window and saw Grumpy inside. "Don't worry, we'll get you out"! Snow said to Grumpy. They started to break down the door but were blown backwards by a flash of light. Regina had put a spell on the dungeon cell and Grumpy. Dazed, they got up and gathered themselves. "Well, well, well, look who we have here" Regina said grinning and evil grin. Charming whipped out his sword and Snow her bow and arrows. "You think those will stop me", Regina said laughing. "No, but they should slow you down enough to stop you." Charming said. Regina scowled and formed a fire ball in the palm of her hand. She bounced the fire ball up and down and then threw it at the Charmings. Snow and Charming ducked out of the way just in time. They got back up and Snow shot an arrow at Regina and hit her in the arm knocking her backwards. Charming ran up to Regina holding his sword to her chest. "You are going to take that spell off that dungeon cell and off of Grumpy and let him out or I will make you do it". Regina laughed. "You don't scare me" She said scowling. She pulled a little bottle out of her pocket and shook it. "This I made will give you the same fate as Grumpy and allow me to finally take Snow's heart!" Regina said with an evil laugh. Snow shot another arrow and Regina had no time to react to it. The arrow hit her right in the wrist of the hand which she held the potion bottle in. Regina dropped but Charming caught it. "Now, you are going to take the spell of that dungeon room and Grumpy now or you will get a taste of your own potion!" Charming said sternly. Regina had no choice, the Charmings had the upper hand on her. She took the spell of the dungeon room and Grumpy and let him out. "Good, now get inside!" Charming said. Regina rolled her eyes and stepped inside the dungeon cell. Charming grabbed the arm shackle from Snow and put it on Regina's right arm, taking her magic away and then closed the door and locked it and through the bars of the little window, threw the potion bottle inside the cell at Regina, it shattered on the floor and swirl of dark clouds enveloped her. A light flashed and Regina was mute and the dungeon was sealed. Just like what she had done to Grumpy. "That should hold her!" Charming said with a smile. "We did it! We defeated the Evil Queen!" Snow said beaming. Grumpy smiled and thanked them for saving him. All Three ran up the staircase and out of the castle and back to where Emma and Red were hidden.
"Look! I see them!" Emma squealed. Snow, Charming, and Grumpy ran up to where Emma and Red where. Emma jumped up and into her parents arms. "I knew you could do it!" Emma said. "Is the Evil Queen defeated?" Red asked. "For now she is but there is no telling when or if she could break free again. We did what we could but for now she can't and won't hurt any of us." Charming said. Red smiled. "Now, lets all go home!" Snow said smiling one arm around Charming the other around Emma. They got back on their horses, Emma and Snow rode together as did Charming and Grumpy and all five rode off into the darkness towards home.
With every passing day, Emma's fifth birthday grew closer and Snow's fear grew greater. It was getting harder and harder to hide her fear from her family but she had no choice but to do so. Snow knew in her heart that she had to have hope and to believe that everything would be ok, but the fear was taking over.
Snow excused herself from the table and went upstairs to her bedroom and closed the door. She sat down on the bed and immediately tears streamed down her cheeks. "I can't lose Emma, I just can't," she said to herself mid tears. Just then, she heard a knock on the door, she quickly dried her tears. "Come in," Snow said. Charming opened the door and saw his wife on the bed, he could tell she'd been crying. "Why have you been crying?" he asked sitting next to her on the bed and putting his arms around her. "I'm sorry, I can't help it. This fear is taking over. I can't stop thinking about, and dreaming about losing Emma," Snow said as Charming held her. "Mommy, daddy?", Emma's voice startled them and they saw her standing at the door. They waved her over and she ran over and Charming picked her up and sat her in between him and Snow. "Don't cry, mommy, daddy will protect us," Emma said sweetly. Snow grabbed her daughter and squeezed her tight. "You are the sweetest little girl in the whole kingdom," Snow said smiling as Emma hugged her mother tight.
Regina was basking in Snow's heartache. Her plan was going so smoothly so far but there was just one hitch, Grumpy. Regina knew Grumpy was telling the Charmings her plan, she needed to stop him before it was too late. "That little dwarf thinks he can ruin my plan? I think not!" Regina said to herself as an evil grin came across her face. "Hello Dearie", Rumple said giggling. Regina whirled around startled by him. "Must you always come in like that?" Regina asked annoyed. "It's what I do," he replied smirking. "I'm working on a plan to stop Grumpy from telling the Charmings the rest of my plan," Regina said "So I see. You could turn him into a rat", Rumple said giggling. "I could but I'd rather trap him somewhere where he can do no more damage to my plan. Like say, magically sealed in my dungeon." Regina said laughing. "I have what you need to do that, but what are you going to give me?" Rumple asked grinning. "I already gave you what you wanted, what more could you want?" Regina said. "You know what I want," Rumple said. "Fine," Regina said. Rumple went over to a glass cabinet and opened it. He took a tea cup from the cabinet that had a particular chip in it. "Now that you have what you want, what do you have for me?" Regina asked. Rumple handed her a potion bottle. "This will seal him in your dungeon and keep his mouth shut as well, you just have to get him there," Rumple said giggling as he handed her the potion bottle, but before Regina could say another word, Rumple popped out. Regina held the potion bottle in her hand and grinned, "now to get Grumpy away from the Charmings," Regina laughed and now knew what she had to do.
Grumpy was down working in the mines with the other dwarves. All day he had a nagging feeling something was going to happen to him. He knew the Charmings told him not to tell anyone about what was going to happen to Princess Emma, but he needed to tell someone in case his feelings were to come true. He knew of one person that Snow trusted as much as she trusted him, Red. However, Grumpy had no idea where she was at the moment and had no idea how to find her. He needed help.
Grumpy found himself wandering through the forest lost in his thoughts when a blue light appeared before him. He didn't even notice Blue standing there and almost ran into her. "Excuse me, didn't see you there," Grumpy said apologetically. "It's quite alright, I see something is upsetting you, care to share"? she asked. "I need to find Red, she's the only other person who Snow would trust besides me. This could be a matter of life or death," Grumpy said. "I may be able to help you with that." Blue said. She waved her wand and her magic became a track to Red. "Follow my magic track, it will lead you to Red," Blue said. "Thank you", Grumpy said with a relieved expression. Blue left and Grumpy followed the magic track.
The track took Grumpy to a part of the forest he had never been before. Dark, tall, trees everywhere made it mostly dark as night as he continued to follow the track. He kept following until it stopped at a den like structure. Grumpy stood frozen not knowing what to do or who was there. Just then, a pair of eyes spied him from the den. Grumpy was terrified. The eyes moved closer and closer until the shape a wolf was visible. The wolf crept up to Grumpy sniffing him. The wolf relaxed and sat down in front him as if it was familiar with him. Grumpy glanced over and saw the red cloak hanging from a tree branch and knew he had found Red. He grabbed the cloak and placed it over the wolf and just like that the wolf turned into Red. "Grumpy, what are you doing here? How did you find me?" Red asked stunned. "I had a little help with that he said cracking a smile, but I came because I need your help. Snow White's daughter, Emma is in danger. The Evil Queen is planning on taking her away and locking her in the dark tower on her fifth birthday. I have a feeling she knows I have been telling her plans to the Charmings and will soon come for me. You are the only other one I know Snow trusts, so I need you to help them save Emma from the tower as you will be the only other one who knows about this and knows where the tower is. Please, I don't have much time and I need someone to do this." Grumpy finish pleading. "Of course I will help you and Snow out. Snow is one of my closest friends." Red said reassuringly. "Great, thank you." Grumpy said relieved. Just then a swirl of black clouds appeared. Regina had found Grumpy but Red had fled just in time. "Well, well look who we have here", Regina said gloating. "You can do whatever you want to me, but you will never hurt the Princess," Grumpy said angerly. "Ha! That's what you think. I can do whatever I want and what I want is my revenge and I need you out of my way to get it." Regina said snapping. Regina grabbed Grumpy and in a swirl of dark clouds took him away from the forest where Red saw everything.
Regina took Grumpy to her dungeon and locked him inside. "What are you going to do to me?" Grumpy asked with a scowl. "You'll see", Regina said laughing. She uncorked the potion Rumple had given her and threw it over the dungeon door held Grumpy behind it. A flash of light appeared and the dungeon was magically sealed. Grumpy then realized he couldn't talk either. The potion not only sealed the door but sealed his mouth as well. He sunk down in the corner and could only wait for help. "Now that he's out of my way, nothing will get in the way of my revenge!", Regina said smiling.
Snow, Charming, and Emma were enjoying dinner when the doors all of a sudden opened and Red came rushing in. "What are you doing here?" Snow asked jumping up and hugging her friend. "I wish I was here for a good visit however that is not the case," Red said a worried look on her face. Charming took Emma to the other room where she played with her doll. He returned and the three of them sat down. "Grumpy found me earlier today, he told me everything about Emma and the Evil Queen. He had a feeling something bad was going to happen to him and it did. Somehow Regina knew that he was telling you her plan. She showed up just as he had finished telling me everything, I ran and hid in the brush by my den. She took him away somewhere I have no idea what she did with him or where she took him but he told me everything. I know the tower that Regina is planning on taking Emma to. It's a journey to get there but I know the way." Red finished "Grumpy knew you were the only other person I would trust with our daughter's life. He was smart to find you and now we must save him." Snow said looking at Red and to Charming. "I agree we need to find and save Grumpy but what about Emma? We can't leave her alone." Charming said. "We're the only ones who have gone up against Regina and survived. We can't just do nothing but I agree Emma's safety is our first priority." Snow said agreeing with Charming. "I'll figure something out." Charming said. "Thank you Red, please stay the night with us. You will be safe here." Snow said smiling. "Thank you, I will take you up on that offer." Red said happily.
The next morning, Red was playing with Emma while Snow and Charming discussed what to do about Grumpy. "I still don't know what to do or how to save Grumpy yet, but I will figure something out I promise." Charming said. "I know you will", Snow replied smiling at Emma on the floor in front of her. "It's two weeks until Emma's fifth birthday and regardless of what may happen she still deserves to celebrate her birthday." Charming said. "I agree, we should start planning today then." Snow replied her fear still growing. The recurring dream she had every night played over and over in her mind. Emma's screams, Regina's laugh. It terrified Snow to her very core and it could happen in two weeks. Charming saw the look on his wife's face and put his arm around her. "Try not to worry, we will do everything we can to protect our daughter." Charming said reassuringly. Snow smiled but the fear wouldn't go away.
Emma's fifth birthday party planning had begun. Snow suggested a garden party and all were thrilled with the idea. The garden was Emma's favorite place to play. The decorations were planned and the food and cake were the last to planned. Snow and Charming knew they had to do this as it could be their daughter's last birthday celebrated with them.
The day had finally come, Emma's fifth birthday. The decorations were all set. Pink and purple streamers around the chairs and table in the garden. Butterflies flying around, the smell of flowers and cake filled the air. It was a beautiful day. They all had cake and Emma opened her presents. She was wearing a beautiful party dress and her favorite flower crown. Everyone was smiling for now. Regina watched it all through her crystal ball. "Almost ready to go get my revenge," She said to herself grinning. She had prepared the dark tower for Emma's arrival and poofed out in a swirl of black clouds. Back at the party, Emma was playing in the flowers when she noticed a butterfly, it was a beautiful butterfly. orange and pink in color. Emma was in awe of it. The butterfly suddenly flew away to the nearby tree line and Emma followed it. Snow turned around and noticed her daughter running after the butterfly. Snow jumped up and yelled "Emma wait come back!", but Emma didn't hear her. Snow and Charming ran as fast as they could to get to their daughter but just like in Snow's dream, a dark swirling cloud appeared in front of Emma. Regina appeared and laughed. "Well, isn't this nice. It's time for my revenge". She grabbed Emma before Snow and Charming could do anything. Emma screamed and cried. "Mommy! Daddy! Help me!" but before they could get to her Regina poofed away in a swirl of dark clouds. Snow crumpled to the ground as Red came running up behind her. "My dream it came true" Snow said sobbing. All that was left was Emma's echoed cries and Regina's laugh. Charming was furious but he bent down and picked his wife up off the ground and held her. "We will get our daughter back we knew this was coming, I promise", Charming said to Snow. Snow nodded through her tears. Red looked at Snow "I know where Regina took her remember Grumpy told me. I will take you there to get your daughter back but it will be a long journey." she said.
Snow, Charming, and Red went to prepare for Emma's rescue mission.
Ch. 6 The Longest Journey Of The Charming's Lives
Snow and Charming were on a mission to get their daughter back. Red said it would take 3 days at least to reach the tower and knowing Regina she probably put some sort of protection spell on the tower to keep them away but that wouldn't deter them at all. "We're going to get our daughter back and then Regina is going to pay for this." Snow said fuming. "Right she is." Charming agreed. They had packed everything for the long journey. They even found a way to get through any potential protection spell Regina may have cast on the tower. Red was waiting for them with three of their horses. "Ready to go?" Red asked. "Ready as we'll ever be". Snow replied. All three got up on their horses and rode off into the forest on their mission to save Emma.
Regina poofed into the dark tower and dropped Emma on the ground. Emma was terrified still screaming and crying for her parents. "Mommy! Daddy! Help me!", Emma cried. "They can't hear you in here. we are far away from them". Regina said laughing. She poofed out in a swirl of black clouds leaving Emma on the floor of the tower alone, scared, and crying. The tower was dark almost all the time. It was covered in vines and dust. She curled up in the corner and cried herself to sleep. Emma awoke hours later thinking it was all a bad dream only to realize it wasn't. She walked over to the window and looked out. All she saw was trees and darkness, but through the canopy of trees. she saw one bright star. She closed her eyes, and wished upon that star that her parents would come find and save her. She sunk down by the window where she stayed for hours hoping to see her parents riding up through the trees to save her.
Snow and Charming followed Red through the forest. They crossed a river and ended up in a little village stopping to refill their water canteens. Nobody bothered them or stopped to ask them anything so they kept on riding after filling up. It was getting dark on the first day of the journey and they decided to make camp under a cluster of trees. Snow looked up and saw the same star Emma had seen and she too wished upon that star that she would find and save her daughter. "We'll camp here for the night," Charming said. He started a little fire to keep them warm and they curled up and tried to get some sleep so they would be well rested for the second leg of their long journey to save Emma.
Regina laughed "my revenge is going so well". "You know they are on their way to save the girl, right?" Rumple asked grinning. "Of course I know that, but don't worry they will have to get through my traps to get to her first", Regina said grinning. She poofed out in a swirl of clouds and appeared before Emma in the tower. "Your parents are coming to save you but they have to get through my traps first", Regina said laughing. "They will get through them, they are heroes just like how I want to be when I grow up", Emma said snapping at Regina. Regina smirked at Emma and dropped some food and water on the floor for her and poofed out.
Snow, Charming, and Red awoke at sunrise and started off on the second leg of their journey not knowing what to expect from Regina along the way. Each step they took got them closer and closer to Emma. Snow and Charming were as determined as ever to save their daughter and make Regina pay for what she had done. "I just know Emma has to be terrified. I can see her cold, alone, scared, and crying for us and I just want to be there already and have her safe in our arms again." Snow said her voice shaky but determined. "We will get there and Emma will be back in our arms before you know it." Charming replied trying to keep up the hope for all of them. They continued to follow Red deeper and deeper into the forest. The farther they got, the darker it got. It got so dark, they could barely tell if it was still daylight or not.
They continued on until Red stopped dead in her tracks. "What is it?" Both Snow and Charming asked together. "I'm not sure. My senses are picking up on something. Someone is watching us." Red said sounding worried. They all looked around but it was so dark they couldn't make anyone out. A pair of eyes suddenly stared at them. They all froze and watched the eyes to see who or what they belonged too. Charming had his hand on his sword and Snow had her bow and arrows ready for a fight. Everything was deadly silent and then out of nowhere Regina's army sprung out of the darkness and attacked. They came at them from every angle. Snow shot at every one she saw not missing once. Charming wielded his sword and took down the army one by one until it the dark forest was once again silent. "Glad that is over", Snow said piping up. "Us too", Charming and Red said together. They climbed back on their horses and continued on.
Regina slammed her crystal ball down almost shattering it. Her army failed miserably and the Charmings would be at the tower by the next night. "My army might have failed but soon they will be riding into Ogre territory and they won't be as easily defeated as my army." Regina said to herself grinning. She put the crystal ball down and poofed out to the tower to make sure Emma was still there.
Ch. 7 Emma is Saved and Regina is Defeated Or Is She...
Emma stayed by the window day and night keeping an eye out for her parents to come riding up out of the darkness to come rescue her. She's shivering but she has no blanket to keep warm and her eyes are red and her cheeks are tear stained from crying. The one bright star is her only hope. Every time she sees that star, she has hope and smiles because she knows her parents are not far away and they are coming for her. Out of nowhere, Emma hears that swirl of clouds and turns to see Regina standing there. "You still think your parents are coming for you?" Regina asks smirking. "Yes I do! I know they are and they will be here soon. I have hope and mommy said she will always find me!" Emma said scowling at Regina. Regina laughed and dropped more food and water for Emma and poofed out. Emma crawled over to the food and water and brought to the window where she keeps a constant lookout for her parents. Her eyes fill with tears again because all she wants is to be with her parents and go home.
After the second night of making camp in the forest, Snow, Charming, and Red awoke on the third day, knowing that by nightfall they should be at the tower and will have their daughter back in their arms again. "We're so close I can feel it", Snow said smiling. Charming grabbed her hand and squeezed it. They got on their horses and rode off. They made it to a clearing and peered out. It was eerily silent. The last time it was that silent, Regina's army sprang out at them. This time was different. Red's senses were picking up on something big coming their way. "Ogres", Red said out of nowhere. "What?" Snow and Charming said together. "Ogres are coming. I can smell them. Not sure how many but if we can get past this clearing, the tower shouldn't be that far." Red finished. They were about to start heading out into the clearing when stomping stopped them in their tracks. The got off of their horses and looked around. The stomping came closer and closer until three Ogres appeared in the clearing. "We'll each take down an Ogre," Charming said as Snow and Red nodded and agreed.
Regina watched through her crystal ball as the Charmings and Red fought their way pasts the Ogres. She laughed to herself thinking they would never get past them. She watched as the Ogres began to overtake them but just as she thought they would lose, the Ogres began to fall one by one until they were all dead. Regina was fuming mad. She paced back and forth. She knew that soon they would be at the tower and then they would be coming for her. She went to prepare for their arrival.
As happy as Snow, Charming, and Red were that they defeated the Ogres, they didn't have time to celebrate or catch their breath. They got back on their horses and took off to the other side of the clearing. Just a little further into the dark forest on the other side was the tower. It was even darker there then the rest of the forest. The canopy of trees kept out any trace of light. It was eerie, silent, and still. They made their way carefully through until their torch light hit a tall stone building covered in vines. they looked up and saw the window and Emma sitting there looking out, tears falling from her eyes. "Emma!" Snow and Charming yelled in unison. Emma looked down and saw her parents there and screamed for them. "We're here and we're coming for you hang on!" They said together. Emma couldn't believe it. Her parents got to her sooner than she thought. It felt like forever she had been trapped in that dreadful tower. In that moment, she truly knew that her parents were heroes and she wanted to be just like them.
Charming took his sword and carefully touched the side of the tower. A flash of magic appeared just as he touched it and almost sent him flying backwards. Snow knew exactly what to do to get past it. She uncorked the potion she had brought with her and splashed it on the tower. The magic wall instantly disappeared and Snow and Charming raced inside. They ran up the long, spiral staircase never slowing down. They got to the top and Charming busted the door down and they saw Emma, tears in her eyes but a smile came across her face. Emma ran to her parents and jumped in their arms. Snow and Charming held their daughter tighter than they had ever held her before. "I knew you would come for me. I knew you were heroes. I want to be just like you!" Emma said so happy. Snow and Charming smiled with relief for the first time in days. "I hate to cut this happy reunion short, but we should really get going." Red said appearing behind them. "Right", Charming said. He scooped up Emma and carried her down the long spiral staircase out of the tower as Snow and Red followed closely behind.
They ran out of the tower into the darkness but by the light of their torches found their horses. Snow hoisted herself up onto hers and Charming handed Emma to her. "Now hold on tight and when we get home, I'll teach you to ride one of your very one." Snow said to Emma sweetly and kissed her head. Emma smiled and grabbed a hold of her mother tightly. Charming and Red hoisted themselves up on their horses and they all took off for The Queen's castle,determination filling them from head to toe. They rode deeper and deeper into the dark forest, the only light was the flickering of their torches. It was eerie and silent again. Nothing moved but them until they saw the torch light of Regina's castle in the distance.
They stopped in a hiding spot and dismounted their horses. "Emma, you stay here with Red while your mother and I go and deal with the Queen, ok?" Charming said. "But I don't want anything to happen to you," Emma replied eyes filling with tears again. Snow and Charming scooped Emma up in their arms and held her tightly. "Nothing is going to happen to us, I promise. We're heroes remember?" Snow said reassuringly to Emma. Emma dried her eyes and agreed. They put her down and she and Red hid safely out of view, while the Charmings rushed to the castle prepared to storm in. "We need to go in there, save Grumpy, defeat the Evil Queen once and for all, and get out of there and back to Emma," Charming said to Snow before they busted into the Castle. Snow nodded in agreeance and they ran inside.
Charming and Snow ran through the lantern lit flickering hallway and down a spiral staircase and made to the dungeon. They stopped and looked around. "Grumpy has to be here somewhere", Charming said. "Bang!". Snow and Charming turned around and walked towards one of the dungeon cells. They peered through the barred window and saw Grumpy inside. "Don't worry, we'll get you out"! Snow said to Grumpy. They started to break down the door but were blown backwards by a flash of light. Regina had put a spell on the dungeon cell and Grumpy. Dazed, they got up and gathered themselves. "Well, well, well, look who we have here" Regina said grinning and evil grin. Charming whipped out his sword and Snow her bow and arrows. "You think those will stop me", Regina said laughing. "No, but they should slow you down enough to stop you." Charming said. Regina scowled and formed a fire ball in the palm of her hand. She bounced the fire ball up and down and then threw it at the Charmings. Snow and Charming ducked out of the way just in time. They got back up and Snow shot an arrow at Regina and hit her in the arm knocking her backwards. Charming ran up to Regina holding his sword to her chest. "You are going to take that spell off that dungeon cell and off of Grumpy and let him out or I will make you do it". Regina laughed. "You don't scare me" She said scowling. She pulled a little bottle out of her pocket and shook it. "This I made will give you the same fate as Grumpy and allow me to finally take Snow's heart!" Regina said with an evil laugh. Snow shot another arrow and Regina had no time to react to it. The arrow hit her right in the wrist of the hand which she held the potion bottle in. Regina dropped but Charming caught it. "Now, you are going to take the spell of that dungeon room and Grumpy now or you will get a taste of your own potion!" Charming said sternly. Regina had no choice, the Charmings had the upper hand on her. She took the spell of the dungeon room and Grumpy and let him out. "Good, now get inside!" Charming said. Regina rolled her eyes and stepped inside the dungeon cell. Charming grabbed the arm shackle from Snow and put it on Regina's right arm, taking her magic away and then closed the door and locked it and through the bars of the little window, threw the potion bottle inside the cell at Regina, it shattered on the floor and swirl of dark clouds enveloped her. A light flashed and Regina was mute and the dungeon was sealed. Just like what she had done to Grumpy. "That should hold her!" Charming said with a smile. "We did it! We defeated the Evil Queen!" Snow said beaming. Grumpy smiled and thanked them for saving him. All Three ran up the staircase and out of the castle and back to where Emma and Red were hidden.
"Look! I see them!" Emma squealed. Snow, Charming, and Grumpy ran up to where Emma and Red where. Emma jumped up and into her parents arms. "I knew you could do it!" Emma said. "Is the Evil Queen defeated?" Red asked. "For now she is but there is no telling when or if she could break free again. We did what we could but for now she can't and won't hurt any of us." Charming said. Red smiled. "Now, lets all go home!" Snow said smiling one arm around Charming the other around Emma. They got back on their horses, Emma and Snow rode together as did Charming and Grumpy and all five rode off into the darkness towards home.
Ch. 8 Homeward Bound
They galloped through the darkness. Everything was eerily quiet except for the sound of their horses. Emma held on tight to her mother as they rode along. No light insight except for their torches. They emerged through the thick canopy of trees to see they had made it back to the tower. Emma shuddered at the sight as she held tightly to Snow. "Don't worry sweetheart, you'll never have to see that dreadful place again." Snow said reassuringly as she squeezed Emma.
They continued on until they made it back to the clearing on the outskirts of the dark forest. The moon finally shown down on them and they could see to the other side of the clearing. "I sure am glad to be out of there," Snow said breaking the silence. The others nodded agreeing with her. They rode on to the other side of the clearing and heard water. "Water!", They all said together. Parched from their journey they made it to the waterfall through the trees. "We'll make camp here for the night", Charming said. They all dismounted and headed towards the waters edge to quench their thirst. "Ah, that's better", Snow said after drinking her fill of water. They looked at each other and headed to set up camp for the night. Charming started a roaring fire as Snow set up the blankets she brought with her. They munched on some beans and rice and settled in for the night. Emma had curled up to Snow and had fallen asleep in her arms.This was going to be the best nights sleep Snow had had in a long time. She finally had her family back, safe. Snow fell asleep holding Emma and Charming took the first watch. He looked down on his sleeping wife and daughter and smiled. For the first time in a long time he felt relieved. He took his post as everyone slept peacefully.
Back at her castle, Regina was fuming. She couldn't talk thanks to her own magic and she was locked in her own dungeon. She was so mad at herself for messing up this big. "Well, well we have gotten ourselves into quite a predicament," Rumple said out of nowhere startling Regina. She glared at him as he giggled. "I take it you want me to get you out of there," Rumple giggled. Regina just glared at him.
"Okay dearie but remember you owe me," Rumple said grinning. Rumple waved his hand and Regina was instantly freed from her dungeon and able to talk again. She slammed her fists down on the table and looked into her mirror on the wall. "The Charmings think they have won well I'll show them, they haven't seen the last of the evil Queen," Regina said with an evil grin. Rumple giggled and popped out.
Morning came and Charming awoke to hear his daughter giggling and splashing in the water. It was a sight for sore eyes. He had his family back and they were happy and he was happy. "Alright, lets pack up, we have a long ride ahead of us still." Charming said putting his arm around Snow. They packed everything up and got on their horses to continue their journey home. It was a bright and beautiful day. The sun was shining through the trees and the birds chirped loudly. "This is so much better than that awful dark forest," Snow said beaming. Charming nodded to her. They all had smiles on their faces as they continued on. They made their way to a clearing. It was beautiful. A field of wild flowers of every color.
Emma excited ran through the field and picked a beautiful bouquet for her mother. "They're beautiful!" Snow exclaimed happily as Emma handed her the flowers. She pulled Emma into a tight hug and kissed her head. They found a tree line with the perfect spot to set up camp for the night. "We should be home by sundown tomorrow," Charming said smiling. Everyone was relieved. They settled in around the roaring fire and talked about how excited everyone was to be getting home tomorrow night. "I can't wait to see all the other dwarves!" Grumpy said smiling. Charming nodded and looked to his wife who had a huge smile on her face. She held Emma in her lap. Emma had fallen asleep in Snow's arms yet again. Charming kissed his sleeping daughter's head and then kissed Snow.
They all layed down and went to sleep and dreamed of being back home tomorrow night.
Regina clamored around her castle. She needed a plan, a better plan, a plan which she would not fail again. She looked into her mirror and watched the Charmings sleeping happily. It made Regina's blood boil just to see how happy they were thinking they had defeated her. "Ha, just wait until I come back for you. You won't stand a chance and this time I won't fail!" Regina bellowed while staring into her mirror at the Charmings. She stormed off to continue her planning.
The next morning, everyone awoke around the same time. They gathered thier stuff and excitedly mounted their horses. They were finally starting their final leg of the journey home. "I can't wait to be home!" Snow said excitedly. Emma held on tight to her as they rode off. They rode through the forest for hours finally reaching familiar territory. "We're finally back in the outskirts of our kingdom," Charming said smiling. "Not that much farther to go!" Snow replied. They continued on until they reached the clearing and saw their castle.
They were all finally home and Emma was safe. For now.
They galloped through the darkness. Everything was eerily quiet except for the sound of their horses. Emma held on tight to her mother as they rode along. No light insight except for their torches. They emerged through the thick canopy of trees to see they had made it back to the tower. Emma shuddered at the sight as she held tightly to Snow. "Don't worry sweetheart, you'll never have to see that dreadful place again." Snow said reassuringly as she squeezed Emma.
They continued on until they made it back to the clearing on the outskirts of the dark forest. The moon finally shown down on them and they could see to the other side of the clearing. "I sure am glad to be out of there," Snow said breaking the silence. The others nodded agreeing with her. They rode on to the other side of the clearing and heard water. "Water!", They all said together. Parched from their journey they made it to the waterfall through the trees. "We'll make camp here for the night", Charming said. They all dismounted and headed towards the waters edge to quench their thirst. "Ah, that's better", Snow said after drinking her fill of water. They looked at each other and headed to set up camp for the night. Charming started a roaring fire as Snow set up the blankets she brought with her. They munched on some beans and rice and settled in for the night. Emma had curled up to Snow and had fallen asleep in her arms.This was going to be the best nights sleep Snow had had in a long time. She finally had her family back, safe. Snow fell asleep holding Emma and Charming took the first watch. He looked down on his sleeping wife and daughter and smiled. For the first time in a long time he felt relieved. He took his post as everyone slept peacefully.
Back at her castle, Regina was fuming. She couldn't talk thanks to her own magic and she was locked in her own dungeon. She was so mad at herself for messing up this big. "Well, well we have gotten ourselves into quite a predicament," Rumple said out of nowhere startling Regina. She glared at him as he giggled. "I take it you want me to get you out of there," Rumple giggled. Regina just glared at him.
"Okay dearie but remember you owe me," Rumple said grinning. Rumple waved his hand and Regina was instantly freed from her dungeon and able to talk again. She slammed her fists down on the table and looked into her mirror on the wall. "The Charmings think they have won well I'll show them, they haven't seen the last of the evil Queen," Regina said with an evil grin. Rumple giggled and popped out.
Morning came and Charming awoke to hear his daughter giggling and splashing in the water. It was a sight for sore eyes. He had his family back and they were happy and he was happy. "Alright, lets pack up, we have a long ride ahead of us still." Charming said putting his arm around Snow. They packed everything up and got on their horses to continue their journey home. It was a bright and beautiful day. The sun was shining through the trees and the birds chirped loudly. "This is so much better than that awful dark forest," Snow said beaming. Charming nodded to her. They all had smiles on their faces as they continued on. They made their way to a clearing. It was beautiful. A field of wild flowers of every color.
Emma excited ran through the field and picked a beautiful bouquet for her mother. "They're beautiful!" Snow exclaimed happily as Emma handed her the flowers. She pulled Emma into a tight hug and kissed her head. They found a tree line with the perfect spot to set up camp for the night. "We should be home by sundown tomorrow," Charming said smiling. Everyone was relieved. They settled in around the roaring fire and talked about how excited everyone was to be getting home tomorrow night. "I can't wait to see all the other dwarves!" Grumpy said smiling. Charming nodded and looked to his wife who had a huge smile on her face. She held Emma in her lap. Emma had fallen asleep in Snow's arms yet again. Charming kissed his sleeping daughter's head and then kissed Snow.
They all layed down and went to sleep and dreamed of being back home tomorrow night.
Regina clamored around her castle. She needed a plan, a better plan, a plan which she would not fail again. She looked into her mirror and watched the Charmings sleeping happily. It made Regina's blood boil just to see how happy they were thinking they had defeated her. "Ha, just wait until I come back for you. You won't stand a chance and this time I won't fail!" Regina bellowed while staring into her mirror at the Charmings. She stormed off to continue her planning.
The next morning, everyone awoke around the same time. They gathered thier stuff and excitedly mounted their horses. They were finally starting their final leg of the journey home. "I can't wait to be home!" Snow said excitedly. Emma held on tight to her as they rode off. They rode through the forest for hours finally reaching familiar territory. "We're finally back in the outskirts of our kingdom," Charming said smiling. "Not that much farther to go!" Snow replied. They continued on until they reached the clearing and saw their castle.
They were all finally home and Emma was safe. For now.
