Dark Swan Rising

Deception

*Two days later*

Emma looked at her wrist. The cuff was gone. Regina had insisted that she be able to protect herself in case Rumple came back.

She was aware of David watching her from outside the house. She lay on the couch in the living room while she 'recovered', and she knew Regina insisted someone watch her at all times. Though she had all her strength back, Emma knew that she had to pretend to be weak so no one would suspect her real plan.

Rumple's attack had been a sham. Yes, Emma had truly been hurt, but they both knew that the others would save her and she wouldn't die. However, she almost did. Emma reflected back on her dance with Killian just before she died and came back a moment later.

-

She looked at Killian, despair filling her body. Emma made her decision. Looking at the ground, ashamed, she slowly backed away towards the other door.

"I-I'm sorry," she uttered. "I have to get revenge for you."

Killian gave her a look full of sadness. "Aye, but why do you need revenge?"

Emma met his gaze, his sadness reflecting in her eyes. "They caused your death." Her voice hardened. "They must be punished."

She gave him a kiss. "I love you," she said as she turned around and began walking through the door.

"And I you," he whispered. "Remember who you are, Swan. You are not a villain."

She gave him a last loving look. "I am what they made me."

With that, she walked through the door and Killian was left standing alone in the room.

-

Emma felt foolish. She should have stayed with Killian! What had she been thinking?! The darkness made her anger burn even more.

Think about what they've done to you, it told her. She sat up and stared at David, knowing her anger was in her face.

They must answer for their crime, it continued. And they will, she complied, raising her head higher.

~

At 8:15pm, four hours later, Henry came by to visit her. After some little talk, Emma knew she had to act quickly, before anyone else stopped by to visit her.

"So I was thinking that I could get you some food from Granny's, unless you've already eaten?" he asked.

Emma smiled. "I was it were food that could end my hunger," she responded. Henry gave her a look of confusion.

"What do you me-" he broke off as Emma plunged her hand through his chest and ripped his heart out. He gasped out in pain.

Lifting her hand so she could speak directly to him, she gave him instructions.

"I need you to go and get me Excalibur. My sword."

Henry stood up and began walking out the door. She stopped him.

"Oh, and Henry? Don't tell anyone about this. Act normal."

When he left the house, Emma went to Gold's shop. He was waiting for her, a smile on his face.

"I saw what you did to Henry. It's good to see you actually embracing your powers and using them," he said.

"I did what had to be done," Emma replied, snorting. "Don't act like we're friends, because we are far from that."

Mr. Gold nodded in agreement. "Just allies."

He looked at her, waiting for her to tell him phase three. When she finished telling him, he had a look of glee written on his face. With that, Emma went back to her house and awaited Henry's return.

He arrived shortly after she came back. Henry handed her Excalibur, and Emma felt a grin spread across her face.

"Mom, why are you doing this?" he asked. "You promised me that you would never hurt us again." His face was filled with despair.

Confusion washed over Emma. "What are you talking about?"

"After you found out that Gold was a Dark One again, you promised me. Why are you breaking it," came the response.

Emma was confused. She couldn't remember saying that. But she knew that she had to pretend to remember. "Because." she hissed. "you lied to me. You let me believe that I wasn't a Dark One. And now you're going to be punished."

She made him sit on the couch. "Now go to bed, Henry." He was asleep within seconds.

Emma put Excalibur back in the basement before locking the door and placing a protection spell on it. After she did that, she slowly walked back towards Henry. Guilt pricked her heart, but she batted it away.

Leaning down so her mouth was at his ear, she whispered, "Now forget that any of this ever happened." She pushed Henry's heart back into his chest.