I Will Protect You

Chapter 22 Revealing of Secrets (Emma)

It's been a month. Regina and I have gotten back to our routine, bickering in public and being sentimental at home. Well, as sentimental as she gets, that is. Today, however, is not a good day.

It's Henry's birthday.

The grief and solemnity hangs in the air as Regina goes downstairs to make breakfast and I step into the shower. There is no music or laughter like we usually have, it's just quiet. A sign of respect for what we lost.

As I go to join Regina downstairs, I have a strange feeling that I need to go into Henry's room. The smell of cinnamon fills my nostrils as I turn on the light. Neither of us have been in here since his death which is why I'm confused that everything has dust on it except for a single item on his desk.

"The storybook." The whisper is out before I realize it and my body takes charge, a few cautious steps later and I see that there's a single piece of paper sticking out of the top. I grab the book and run downstairs.

"Regina!" She's at my side within seconds and my hands are shaking as I drop the book onto the coffee table in the living room.

"How. He was buried with that, how the hell do you have it?" Her voice is shaking as much as my hands.

"I had a feeling that I needed to go into his room and when I did, this was sitting on his desk, no dust, nothing. There's a piece of paper in it."

"That wasn't there when we buried him."

"I know." I look to her for reassurance and she nods. Opening the book reveals a picture of Zeus, smirking as the rest of us walk into storybrooke. I open the paper and start reading.

"Moms, I know that it's been hard for you recently, but if you're reading this then maybe my death wasn't for nothing."

"Oh, Henry." Regina whispers and I continue reading.

"The storybook will explain fully but you can't trust Zeus. Get in touch with Poseidon, have him protect you from his brother, but you need to be careful. Especially you, Mom, I know that you'll want to help but you need to let others take charge. No point in hurting your unborn child.

"And moms, I know that you blame yourself for what happened to me. But don't. I knew what I was getting into and I know that you guys will help me with my unfinished business. Make sure Zeus gets what he deserves. I love you all.

-Henry."

The tears are flowing like they did when we first lost him. He's dead so that he could help us. I don't know exactly what Zeus did, but he's not going to get away with it. He murdered my son, our son.

I wipe away my tears and stand.

"Regina, we're going to avenge Henry. I need you to get my parents, Blue, the Dwarves, Granny, Rumple, and Belle. We're meeting at town hall in an hour. This. This was the last straw." Fueled by anger I run upstairs and get dressed. It's time for war.