The Only Exception (Swan Queen)

Chapter 8

One day you'll meet someone who will see the universe that was knitted into your bones, and the embers of galaxies glow to life in your eyes. And you will finally know what love is supposed to feel like. ~Nikita Gill, What Does Love Feel Like?

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Regina had Henry up and ready the next morning to head out to Granny's to meet with the Charming's. She couldn't help but notice that Henry had been acting strange ever since they got back to Storybrooke. He's acting fearful and he's looking at people like he has no idea who they are. Not to mention, he's suddenly awfully curious about her vault and what's inside it.

They arrived at Granny's to find Emma sitting inside waiting for them. Regina couldn't stop herself from smiling. They walked inside and sat down.

Henry didn't greet Emma like he usually did. He didn't give her the usual massive hug instead he kissed her cheek and flopped down in the booth next to her. It looked like it took Emma by surprise as much as it did Regina.

The pair didn't say anything to one another, they simply exchanged a small smile.

Regina slipped into the booth and sat opposite her. "Where are Mary Margaret and David?"

Emma looked up at the other woman briefly before staring back down at her hands. "Pan's shadow escaped," she whispered hesitantly.

Henry stiffened. "Am I in danger again?" he asked, his voice squeaking as he spoke. Regina really couldn't understand what had gotten into him.

"No one's gonna hurt you, Henry. I promise." She gave his shoulder a gentle, reassuring squeeze. Regina cleared her throat. "I can take him to my vault. He's probably safer there." 

Emma nodded in agreement.

They finished up their breakfast and got up to leave. Once outside the diner, Emma gently took Regina's arm and stared at her with pleading eyes.

"You go on ahead, Henry. I'll catch up."

The young boy nodded before quickly scurrying off in the direction of the vault. She turned her head to face Emma and her lips immediately pressed against her own, but only for a second.

Regina smiled as the taller woman ran her fingers across her cheek. "Keep him safe. I'll come get you guys soon," she mumbled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"I will protect him with my life, I think we both know that." Regina placed a soft kiss on the other woman's cheek.

Emma smiled. "Stay safe."

Regina nodded and walked off to catch up with Henry.

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Regina's eyes fluttered open as she felt someone gently shaking her shoulder. Her head throbbed and it took a few moments for her eyes to adjust. She looked up and saw Snow kneeling next to her. "Where's Henry?" she asked after searching the room and noticing that he wasn't there.

David sighed. "That wasn't Henry, it was Pan," he said as Snow helped Regina to her feet. This time she noticed Pan standing a few inches in front of her.

"Mom, are you okay?" he asked.

Her gaze immediately shot to Emma hoping that she could give her an answer. Everyone pitched in a bit to fully explain what was going on. By the time they had all finished, Regina felt as though her head was about to explode.

My son was stuck inside Peter Pan's body because Pan switched bodies with him from inside the box. She let out a rough sigh and rubbed her temple.

Everyone made their way out of the vault and into the open air.

"Okay, well, how do we get Henry back into his own body?" Regina asked.

"Gold has a plan," Emma stated. "Normally I wouldn't trust him, but he's all we got."

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Pan had enacted the Dark curse while he was out having fun on his little adventure and Regina's head was spinning.

"Is there any way we can stop the curse?" Snow asked.

Both Gold and Regina groaned. "We've been through this before, once the curse has been enacted there's no stopping it," Regina snapped causing Mary Margaret to flinch.

"The only thing that we can do is have Regina send us back to the Enchanted Forest after I kill Pan," Gold quickly added. Regina glared at him. "Unless, of course, you would all rather stay here? With no memories of course," he taunted.

"What is it I have to do?" she asked and noticed Emma flinching. The woman's sea-green eyes met her own from across the room.

"Once Henry is back in his own body, he will bring you the curse. You must destroy it and that will give you the power to send us back. But it comes with a steep price."

She scoffed, as if she didn't see that coming. All magic comes with a price after all. Regina nodded quickly. She was prepared to do anything to save Henry and paying a measly price wasn't going to stop her.