Finding You Always

Strangers Like Me

Finding You Always

Chapter 77: Strangers Like Me

Emma was exhausted, but all she had been doing at home was tossing and turning in her bed. Henry was home, but she hadn't left him alone. Xander was in the house and despite questioning his motives in the past, she knew he'd never hurt Henry. He had made bad choices, but he loved them, of that she knew.

For what seemed like the hundredth time, her magic collided with the barrier that now surrounded the town. She poured everything she had into it, but it wasn't making any difference.

"I suppose I should expect this kind of idiotic behavior from a Charming," came Regina's voice from behind her.

"Idiotic or not...I'm getting through this damn shield!" Emma screamed.

"The only thing exhausting all your magic is going to do is drain you until you pass out," Regina snapped.

"How'd you know I was out here?" Emma spat.

"Well...with your Mother gone..." Regina said, as Emma shot her a testy look.

"Temporarily, of course, being deputy Mayor makes me temporary Mayor in her absence. The Harbor Master called to complain about your light show," she replied.

"He can deal with it. I'm getting through this. I'm going to find my family," Emma growled.

"We are going to find them, but you know this won't work. We will find what will though," Regina assured.

"But I'm the Savior!" Emma shouted. Regina sighed and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Emma..." she started to say.

"Some Savior...I couldn't save them. I couldn't save my own family," Emma cried.

"You will," Regina said. The blonde snorted.

"So people keep saying," she complained. Regina sighed.

"Well, if your mother was here, she'd say something about hope and how good always wins," Regina mentioned with both fondness and annoyance.

"You believe that crap?" Emma spat.

"Yes actually. Your Mother has finally gotten me to believe in all of it. You'll find them and we'll be right there with you. But we'll need you at full strength when we do. No more exhausting all your magic out here at three in the morning," Regina replied. Emma sighed and finally relented. She knew Regina was right.

"Go home...try to sleep for a few hours and then we'll get to work," she said. Emma nodded and trudged back to the bug. Regina made sure she left, before getting into her own car and driving back home.

As the night droned on, Snow wanted to scream, as they were exalted to Clayton's potential investors and cronies as the couple that had created magic, a magic he had exploited and proceeded to show off. He used the staff, which had been completely recharged by the Dragon using the potion created from their blood to do simple parlor tricks for his guests.

She was never uncomfortable in her husband's arms, but it had been the most unnerving dance either of them had ever shared, as Clayton requested they show their prowess on the dance floor on display for the crowd. With all eyes on them, they tried to focus on each other and a few smiles were managed, only because they were able to immerse themselves completely in each other, even if only for a few minutes. The song ended and there was obnoxious clapping from Clayton, as he approached them again with more spectators.

"Bravo...all the glamor one could expect from a royal couple of your status and the epitome of true love, ladies and gentlemen," he boasted to his friends.