Once Upon A Time FanFic: The Magic Within Ch. 16

~Snow and Charming Flashback~

                The trio continues their journey, by foot, through the Enchanted Forest in search of the mystical deer that is said to roam in the lands nearby. Luckily, they have not stumbled upon any trouble, but with the Charmings’ and Melody’s luck, danger always seems to follow closely behind. Fortunately, Melody knew the land well, so it made the journey go by faster. But, the journey would have gone much quicker if they were able to ride horses, but with the density of the woods, it would have proved quite a challenge. So, the trio had to make this rather long journey by foot. As the trio walks through the path, their feet would collide with the dirt floor, causing the ground to crunch with each step.

                “Do not worry, your majesties. Hopefully, if we continue without any interruptions, we shall make it to the forest where the spirit is said to inhabit by tomorrow,” Melody states. She took the lead on this walk since she seemed to know more about the land.

                “Don’t worry, Melody. It’s not the time I’m worried about. I’m just hoping we’ll find this flower,” Charming says.

                “Well, if the spirit is out by nightfall, then it will make the journey much easier.”

                “Does this spirit always come out every night?”

                “Most of the time. This spirit does look and even acts like a normal deer. But, if it is frightened, it will vanish and you will be stuck in your tracks until it reappears the next night. That’s why timing is so important. We wouldn’t want to waste another day waiting for the spirit to reappear.”

                “I see.” Then, Charming turns over to his wife. He notices right away that Snow’s pale complexion was whiter than usual. “Snow, what’s wrong?”

                “Nothing. I’m fine,” she replies. Melody seemed to have heard Charming’s question to Snow because she stops in her tracks to face the woman. “Really I’m okay. Let’s just continue; I don’t want to miss our chance at getting the flower.”

                “My queen, you don’t seem well. It’s must be the morning sickness caused by the pregnancy,” Melody states.

                “Don’t worry; I’ll be fine. It hasn’t been the first time that it’s happened to me.”

                “I’m sure you’re right, but you need to rest. The sickness will wash away faster if you rest.”

                “But, we’ll never make it if I hold you two back.”

                “Don’t worry about that right now. We’ll be able to make it either way, but your health is more important.” Melody grabs both of Snow’s hands. “Please. We’ll rest here.” She moves Snow to a nearby stone so she could sit. Snow eventually complies with Melody’s orders and sits on the stone. With that, Melody sits on the ground nearby.

                Charming merely stands beside his wife. He looks inside his bag and pulls out a bottle. “I’ll go get you some water.” He walks away from the two ladies. Luckily, they had passed a stream of water a few minutes ago so a source of water was nearby. With that, Charming was out of Snow and Melody’s view.

                A fresh breeze of air blows across the woods and crosses the duo as they sat in their spots. Melody sighs as she allows that fresh air to brush through her hair. The air gave some relief to Snow as she was letting the sickness pass.

                With that, Snow faces the woman beside her. “How did you know I was having morning sickness?”

                Melody flutters her eyes open and faces Snow. “Oh. It was just a hunch. In my family, most of the women always got sick due to their pregnancy.”

                “You had a family? I thought you were an orphan.”

                Melody sighs, “I did. But, something unfortunate happened, something that caused me to be out-casted. My powers were always a curse to begin with, so it was a matter a time before something bad happened.”

                “What happened?”

                “I… I rather speak of it. It’s in the past. What’s done is done.”

                “Believe me, Melody. I’ve lost both my parents; I know how it feels. But, keeping the pain inside will never help.”

                “I understand, Snow. But, now just isn’t the right time to consult about my feelings.”

                “Hmm. Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I’ll be here to listen.”

                “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

                “By the way, what have you been doing all this time? You know, you were in the forest when Charming and I first met you.”

                “I don’t really have a place to call home. I always walk around the woods. I thought some isolation from civilization would do me some good. I’ve never had much luck making friends in the Enchanted Forest. I am merely a stranger amongst others.”

                “But, hiding is no way of living.”

                “Oh, I wouldn’t say I’m hiding. No, I don’t mind being around people; it’s just with my powers some people don’t take kindly to people like me.”

                “They try to hurt you?”

                “Yes, but they’re never able to. You know, I do have magic and all they have are objects. But, I do try to help as much as I can. I try to use my magic for good and grant people the things they need most.”

                “Doesn’t magic come with a price?”

                “Of course they do, but I don’t mind paying it myself. I will always pay it with my isolation.”

                “Melody, you can always come back to the castle with Charming and I. There are others who won’t judge you. There are people that are like you.”

                She smiles. “Maybe, I will take you up on that deal someday, your majesty.”

                Snow looks around her. “I wonder what is taking him so long.”

                “I bet he’s taking his sweet time.”

                “Well, he should hurry back if we want t-“ Snow looks back at Melody, but her breath hitches and eyes widen as she looks at what’s in front of her.

                “What’s wrong, you majesty?” Melody turns her head, and her eyes widen at the sight.

    There stood a creature; a dark creature. The creature stood on its four legs, ears perked up, its black fur and white tip tail swaying with the wind, and beading black eyes staring at the two humans in front of it. As the creature stares at the duo, it growls and shows its sharp, pearly-white teeth. Snow stayed where she sat, paralyzed with fear. Melody, on the other hand, stood from her spot and shielded Snow from the creature. Unlike Snow, Melody knew exactly what kind of creature they were dealing with.

                “W-What is that?” Snow finally asks.

                “It’s a shadow fox,” Melody whispers. The fox snarls in response. With that, Snow notices a light aura emitting from Melody’s hands. “Snow… I’m gonna need you to think about your worst memory.”

                “What? Why?”

                “This creature feeds on the brightest heart. It feeds on a person’s happiest memories until they are nothing but a hallow shell, but I don’t understand one thing.”

                Snow raises her eyebrow.

                “The shadow fox always travels with its companion.” Suddenly, Melody realizes what’s going on. She quickly grabs Snow’s wrist and hoist her from her spot. They move from the stone until they are back on the middle of the trail. Melody turns her body until she is finally able to face the other creature that was hiding behind the two. The other creature was about the same size as the fox, but its ears were flopping down, its skinny tail was motionless, and its grey eyes stared at the duo, similar to its partner. “Just as I thought, the hound was behind us all along. This creature feeds on a person’s good senses. Together, the shadow fox and demon hound can make any normal human being into a homicidal madman. Rather than leading you to the flower like the spirit, these creature can lead you to your death.”

                “What are they doing here?”

                Melody sighs, “They’re the reason why most people never make to the deer spirit. Their like the protectors of the sunflower. And, what would be better than to feast on the two of the most valiant heroes?”

                “D-Did they get Charming?” Snow fears that she may have lost her husband. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing him, especially with their child on the way.

                “I highly doubt it. He’s too far from their range. Snow, it is important that you think your worst memory. It’s the only thing that may protect yourself and your child.”

                “What about you?” Snow was about to grab her bow and arrow until the woman protecting her stops her action by grabbing her wrist.

                “I’ll be fine. But, you need to hurry and remember. You possibly can’t fight them off with a wooden arrow. Only magic can defeat them, but they won’t be as ravenous if they don’t have a prey to go after.”

                As the duo stood in between the shadow creatures, the fox and the hound growl in sync and move in closer to the two. Finally, Snow does as she is told and revisions her worst memory; the time her mother died in front of her. But as she tries to bring back such a horrible memory, she realizes her husband is still out there.

                “Charming…” she mumbles.

                “No, Snow, don’t think about him!! Your fear only riles them up!! Don’t think about-“

                Before Melody had the chance to finish her sentence, the two creatures couldn’t contain their hunger any longer and charges towards the duo. The two stood paralyzed as the shadow fox and demon hound charge towards them. Snow gasps, but before she could make a sudden move, she is pushed from her spot by an unknown force. Melody uses her magic to push the queen from her spot, ultimately saving her life. Then, the girl points her hands at the two creatures, and as the fox and hound prance towards the girl, Melody shoots out a strong ray of light magic, shielding both herself and the queen. The forces from the shadows creatures and the light magic suddenly collide, causing a huge force of magic to push against each opposing side.

                The two creatures proved to be stronger than the sorceress had anticipated. They continue their pursuit against the magical force, but Melody stood her ground. She couldn’t bear to have herself and her newly found friends killed by these dark creatures. Apparently fate was by the heroes’ side, Melody, somehow, found the strength inside her and was able to push off the foul creatures. The shadow fox and demon hound flew a few yards back and land with a loud thud. After they hit the ground, the fox and hound immediately return to their positions, but before they could make another offensive attack, Melody throws an orb of magic, hitting both creatures. The light magic struck the creatures, fatally wounding them. Once striking the creatures, the shadow fox and demon hound slowly disappear from their spots, leaving no trace of their presence behind.

                Then, once the coast was clear, Snow slowly regains her posture and walks towards the girl in front of her. “Melody?” She reaches out towards her.

                Once Snow’s fingers touch her arms, Melody flinches then takes a few steps ahead of Snow. “Don’t come any closer.”

                “Melody, what’s wrong? The creatures are gone.”

                “Just, give me some space.”

                Before Snow could say anything else, she hears a voice call out to them. “Snow!!” She turns, but before she could see her husband, Charming collides with her and brings her in a tight embrace. “What happened? I heard a commotion on my way back. Are you two okay?”

                “I’m fine,” she reassures to her husband.

                He brushes his hands through Snow’s hair, and as he reaches her neck, he felt a warm substance. He pulls out his hand and is shocked by the amount of blood on his hand. “Snow, you’re hurt.”

                “It’s only a scratch. I’m fine; I barely feel anything. But, I’m not sure about Melody…” The two turn their attention to the girl, who stood a few feet from the two. “Melody, are you okay?”

                “I’m fine,” she quickly replies, “But, you two should make your journey. It’ll only take a day’s trip from here.”

                “You’re not coming with us? But, we need you.”

                “If you stay with me, you’ll only be killed. I already hurt you. It’s better if you just leave me behind before I do something worse.”

                Snow sighs. With that, she walks over to the girl and places her hand on the shoulder. The girl flinches at the touch but complies with Snow and turns to face her. “Melody, you saved my life. If you weren’t here, I wouldn’t be alive.”

    “But, I-“

    “This cut is only a scratch. I can barely feel it. But, you are not a monster; you’re a hero. Once this is all over, you’ll be deemed a hero. Everyone will know of the powerful sorceress that just saved my life. Melody, you’re a real friend, and I promise we will never think of you as anything else.”

    The girl smiles at the response.

~Henry’s POV~

                I run through the forest, and I struggle more and more to get air into my lungs. Ever since the incident with my moms, I had to tell Melody the news. She needed to know that our mom might still remember who she is. We might still have a chance at completing ‘Operation Gorilla’. With the idea of bringing my sister her happiness, I didn’t bother to stop for a catch of breath. I mean, I’ve been running for the past 10 minutes; why stop now?

                “Mel; Mel!! Are you here?” I yell out. My voice was strained from all of the running I’ve endured so my shouting only came out to a loud wheeze. I halt and take a good look at my surroundings. “Mel!!”

                “Henry?”

                I turn to my right only to find my sister walking towards me. “There you are!”

                “What are you doing here? How long have you’ve been running? You look like you ran a marathon.”

                “It feels that way.”

                “Come on. Take a seat.” She guides me and I take my seat on the ground. She sits beside me. “So, what was so important that you couldn’t wait to tell me?”

                “Our… mom.” I continue to catch my breath. “She found the storybook, and when she turned to your story, her attitude changed. It looked like she might’ve recognized you. I think she remembers who you are.”

                Her eyes widen.

                “Don’t you see? If she remembers you, then maybe she’ll take you back.”

                “How is that possible? No one in town even knows who I am.”

                “If you don’t count the fairies.”

                “You talked with them?!”

                “When I was looking for you?”

                “You were really persistent, Henry.”

                “That’s beside the point. Melody, you have a chance to have a family again.”

                “I don’t know about that.”

                “Come on. We have to go back.” I quickly stand up and grab Melody’s wrist, pulling her from the ground. “We have to show our mom you’re here, and she’ll have to take you back. Maybe, we can figure out why she gave you up in the first place.”

                “Henry, just slow down. We need to think things through.” She tries to pull away but I wouldn’t let go.

                “There’s no time to waste.”

                She continues to pull away from me, but as she looks up to face me, she gasps. I look back at her and notice her gaze then follow her gaze. Once I finally found the exact thing she was staring at, my eyes widen.

                ‘This can’t be happening now,’ I thought. In front of us, my moms, both my grandparents, Robin Hood, and Killian stood in front of us. They found us. But, the worst part of all of this is they found Melody, and she couldn’t hide herself any longer. They were able to get a good look at Melody, and there was no going back now.

                “Henry,” my mom (Emma) speaks up.

                “Mom, I need to tell you that-“

                “Henry, you need to get away from her.”

                “W-What?” I tighten my hold on Melody. ‘Oh, this really can’t be happening now. They can’t possibly think she’s evil.’

                “N-No, mom; you need to listen to me. You need to know that-“

                “Henry, we know who she is.”

                “You do! Then, you know-“

                “We know what Sabor is up to. Now, you need get away from her.”

    Robin Hood aims his weapon at Melody.

                ‘Oh, this is really, really bad,’ I thought. “Wait, but she isn’t who you think she is.”

                “Henry, we put the pieces together. We know that she’s Sabor. We know that she is causing all of this havoc. She tried to hurt Roland and she was the cause of the scratch marks. Whatever she has told you is a lie. Sabor knows how to trick her prey. She knows how to manipulate people.”

                I loosen my hold on Melody’s wrist. I allow all the information to sink in. Some of the occurrences did connect together. But, what am I suppose to believe? Who am I suppose to believe?

                “H-Henry, please; I’m not you they think I am,” Melody whispers to me. “Everything I’ve told you was the absolute truth. I would never lie to my little brother.” I turn my head around and look into her eyes. Tears brimmed in her brown eyes, threatening to fall down her cheek. “P-Please, believe me.”

                “I still believe you…”

                With that, I hear a gun click. We both gasp.

                “Stay away from him, you monster,” my mom (Emma) shouts.

                I gasp. With that, Melody rips away from my grasp. “Melody, don’t!”

                “How dare you insult me that way, Emma Swan?!” she yells.

                My mom (Emma) doesn’t dare let her guard down. “The truth hurts doesn’t it.”

                “No. What does is that you people are stupid enough to believe a bunch of lies.” She turns over to look at my grandpa (Rumple). “And, I see that you decide to put your trust onto Rumpelstiltskin. Stupid decision.”

                “I’ve only told them what they need to hear,” he states.

                “No, you only told them what you wanted them to believe. And, now you are comparing me to such a foul creature.” She turns her attention back to everyone else. “Don’t you see; he only wants you to go against me. I’ve done nothing wrong!!”

                “I see. So, almost burning a child alive was only a practical joke,” my mom (Emma) says.

                “You don’t know the entire story, Emma, so don’t go around judging people. I thought you’ve already learned that lesson. Or, did you forget your time as ‘The Dark One’?”

                “I have, but I haven’t made the same mistake. I know who you really are.”

                “And, who’s that?”

                “Sabor.”

                “Wrong.” With that, Melody uses her magic to push my mom away, causing her to crash onto the ground.

                “Melody, what are you doing?!” I yell. I reach my hand out and grab her arm in order to stop her. I know this wasn’t like her. Something was causing her to be this way.

                “Henry, don’t go near her!!” my mom (Regina) yells.

                Melody turns her attention towards her. “And you. What excuse do you have? Why did you give me up? Why do you want to kill me, now?! What did I do to deserve this, or don’t you still care?!”

                My mom (Regina) didn’t respond. She only stood in shock. I could notice her hands shaking. Something was going on in her mind; something finally clicked inside her. She couldn’t react to the girl in front of her; the girl who used to be her daughter.

                Melody didn’t wait for my mom’s response. She turns her attention towards my grandparents (Mary Margaret and David), who were helping my mom (Emma) off the ground. “Oh, would you look at that. The Charmings with their little girl once again. Aren’t you glad she’s back with you? Told you I was a woman of my word.”

                Before anyone could respond, purple smoke envelopes Melody, causing her to disappear from her spot. I reach out for her but she was gone before I could get her. Now, I stood alone, and my family stood just across from me. What had gotten to my family? They use to be so understanding; they use to let people tell their side of the story. Why did they treat Melody so badly, like a common criminal? Well, if they weren’t going to act like heroes, then it was up to me to fix everything. With that, I run the opposite direction, away from my family.

                “Henry, wait!!” they yell behind me. But, I refuse to listen to them.

                “None of you understand anything!!” I yell before I was gone from their view. I had to reach my sister before she decided to do anything stupid.

~Regina’s POV~

                I stood still, not bothering to move an inch even when my son went to chase after the girl who looked remarkably like my Melody. But, how was that possible? How did she know who he was? How could she know that Henry was her brother?

                “We have to go after him before he gets himself killed,” David states.

                “Wait!” I yell, stopping everyone before they were able to move an inch.

                “What is it, Regina?” Robin asks.

                “I think you should know who Melody was. What my connection was to her.”

                “Well, she did seem to have a grudge against you,” David says, “Even though many people did, no offense.”

                “Who is she?” Mary Margaret asks.

                I sigh, “After a few years after the first curse was casted, before I adopted Henry, I adopted a teenage girl, which you might figure was Melody. But, there was some trouble along the way and I couldn’t keep her. I had to give her up in the end.”

                “I see, but you don’t believe that this girl is really her.”

                I take in a deep breath. Tears begin forming in my eyes. “A few weeks after taking her back, I received a disturbing call that an anonymous woman was in a car accident. Turns out she was hit by a car and didn’t make it… The Melody I know… is dead. And, whoever that is, is an imposter.”