15Chapter 9: A New Beginning
A story is never truly finished
"What the hell did I just witness?" Emma asked, appalled.
"Essentially, he crushed her heart and killed her. It's an extreme method of murdering someone here," Regina explained, holding Emma close. She felt that her wife was very tense, but was a bit lost on how to comfort her.
"But why did he die? She didn't even touch him. She just said she outsmarted him."
Regina could only guess. "Perhaps she had made a deal with him that made sure he couldn't kill her without killing himself."
She'd turn out to be pretty spot on, particularly when Regina spotted that there was another piece of paper still on the writing desk, filled with text. She pointed it out to Emma, who shakingly walked up and picked the sheet up.
Regina let her wife read it in private.
Dear Emma,
I hope my plan worked, otherwise I'll be telling you this in person beyond the veil. If I haven't already said this: I am sorry.
I was a coward and I should have been better for you. After we left this land, I felt like maybe we had an out. A way to start a new life. But it'd never have been so simple. I had given you my powers selfishly.
I thought that giving you my powers I would be able to take you and be a mother to you. But I panicked.
Because I'm broken. I have lived through a hell that I hope you never have to.
I didn't lose you, I left you.
And I can never forgive myself for it. I did make it for a few of your later accomplishments, and I sincerely hope that you will now be able to live a fulfilling life, without having to search for Regina, or to feel resentful due to my mistakes.
And you needn't worry about the imp coming back. I made a deal with him many years ago: I bring you to him, and he can't kill or harm me without doing the same to himself.
It was a bargain as to whether you'd arrive in time, and whether he'd have forgotten about it, but it hopefully did work.
I know I won't be missed, so I'm not scared of dying. All that I hope is for my sacrifice to finally ends the dark era of Silvertongues being used for nefarious purposes.
And because I am trying to make amends:
Despite her death, the world needed an author. Which is why Henry, Emma's young son, would be gifted with the authorship of the story. His enthusiasm and curiosity will usher in a new era to this world.
And, Emma, never forget: you are loved. I could see it in Regina's eyes during the wedding reception, and I know she has made you a very happy woman.
Please know, your parents just wanted to protect you. Don't hold it against them for my deception.
Lastly, your son does trust you and care for you. With both of his mothers, he will feel like the luckiest child in the world, and he will one day look back on this with amusement.
To your long life.
Lacey
By the time they made it back to the camp, only a handful of guards were there. They informed Emma and Regina that everyone else had returned to the White Kingdom castle.
And when they got there, they were nearly tackled by Henry who, immediately after colliding with them, told them that he had found a way to reverse the spell on his grandpa!
He was very excited, and they were excited for him. They promised they'd talk about it later, but first they had things to discuss with Snow, Red, and Lancelot.
"What happened?" Snow anxiously asked as they arrived in the war room. The important part was that her daughter and daughter-in-law were okay. They could figure out the rest.
And so Emma and Regina took turns to explain, ending with showing the letter that Lacey had written. Emma and Regina figured that Lacey had written this before, because there was no time for her to have done it while they were in their little hostage situation with the imp.
Snow wanted to be angry, but she knew that Lacey had had a rough life, at least she had done what no one else had managed to do.
"What do we do with the portal?" Lancelot asked.
"We keep it open," Emma suggested. When she got more than one peculiar look, she elaborated. "Look, I know that he wanted to dominate the world, but I'm sure that there are people that want to explore and discover. Maybe even find the love of their life. We of course need to have some sort of security barrier, just in case someone wants to take advantage.
"Besides, you guys need a way to visit Regina and I," Emma grinned as she finished.
So it was decided. The White and Dark kingdoms had officially drafted a treaty unifying both kingdoms, dissolving their borders. Lancelot was in charge of the security for the portal, and Regina would be returning the hearts to all of the guards in her castle.
She was sickened by the thought that she had lived there without noticing that everyone was emotionless due to the lack of their hearts, not because they were in the Dark Kingdom and they were trying to be method.
Meanwhile, Henry, with his new author powers, drafted a cure for Charming, and had Emma read it, to a great success.
There was a great party that lasted for a week.
Eventually, Regina and Emma just wanted to go back home. Henry was also missing his home, his friends, and his video games.
Snow and Charming were both eager to visit, so the first time, they all went together.
And what a trip it was. Henry would be laughing himself silly as his grandparents were introduced to the 21st century inventions.
What truly puzzled them was the smart refrigerator. They were convinced they had tiny fairies stuffed behind the screens.
"This technology is just a fancy term for a cluster of fairies," Charming concluded, and wouldn't hear otherwise.
Emma and Regina, at Snow's behest, got married again, but in her world. Henry was ecstatic at being able to witness his moms' union.
And as they made their vows, they felt this profound sense of fulfillment. They beat the odds, and found each other again, and now, nothing could separate them.
And for the rest of their lives, nothing ever did.
Fin!
For those interested, I've also participated in the reverse bang writing Caught Out, it's an M rated fic with plenty of hijinks, both on and off the bedroom. It hasn't been released yet, so keep an eye out.
Otherwise, I hope this was an enjoyable ride for everyone! I'd love to hear what you think!
And that's this rushed upload! There are 5 other fics, but I'll spare you from more email alerts, and just upload them all within the next few weeks.
Just as an added note, I am now basically just posting things on AO3. Mainly because of the better interface and because it allows me to add visual elements too, so I'd rec to check out the rest of my fics on there!