hurricane
hurricane
Note: I do not own OUAT. Title and Cut are lyrics from 30 Seconds to Mar's "Hurricane".
Timeline: After "The Land Without Magic"
Rating: Teen
Warnings: character death/implied death, language? (BUT THERE MIGHT BE A HAPPY ENDING. YOU'LL HAVE TO READ TO FIND OUT)
Summary: As he lies dying in her hands, Jiminy Cricket tells her not to cry...
Emma Swan had embraced many things after the Dark Curse ended. One, there was a curse. Two, she was the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Three, she was the fated “Hope” of the Enchanted world. Four, the friends (and some enemies) she had gained in Storybrooke were all “characters” from tales she had read as a child. That had taken the longest and some she still had issues with, but she had moved on.
She looked to August, the man that Pinocchio grew to be, as he talked with her son. They were grinning and laughing as they walked through forest. Emma shivered as she looked down to the basket in her hand. Dressed in slacks, a shirt and a long cloak, she wondered if this is how Red Riding Hood felt through her life. Journeying into these woods to her Granny’s house…which is where she was actually heading.
Snow White had made the announcement over breakfast that Red had sent word through the birds that she needed Emma to bring her food at her Gran’s house. She was unable to leave and would not answer as to why. It was something that bothered Emma the most, a knot was pitted in her stomach and she knew that something bad was happening.
When they reached the cottage, Pinocchio knocked on the door, and to Emma’s surprised Granny opened it. She never changed, but there was a sad smile on her lips, “Hello Princess, little Prince, Pinocchio. I’m glad you’re all here.”
“Why? What’s wrong, Granny?” Henry asked, immediately tensing, he was such an intelligent and insightful child. He had no problems adjusting to this life and Realm. “Where’s Red?”
The Widow Lucas sighed, “Haven’t you been wondering why Jiminy Cricket disappeared?”
Henry nodded and Pinocchio spoke up, “I’ve been searching for him, but I haven’t been able to find him. It’s been a week.” He, too, wore an apprehensive expression on his face.
“It’s been five days,” came the sullen voice of Red Riding Hood, Emma whipped her head to the side, seeing Red sitting on the edge of her bed. Emma, Henry and Pinocchio all crossed to her room, crowding in the door way. She watched as Red swallowed hard, “I found him five days ago, I’ve found him in much worse times but…he’s not…I’m sorry little Prince, Pinocchio, but it’s time to say goodbye…” her last words were broken as her face dissolved into agony.
“No! No! He can’t! The Blue Fairy promised, he would live as long as he needed to watch over my…Father…” Pinocchio trailed off, uttering a small ‘oh’ of horror at the realization. Emma reached out, placing her hand on his shoulder, knowing that Geppetto, a man they had seen only this morning, was not going to be around for much longer.
Henry walked in, “Where is he?”
“I’d rather you not see him this way…whoever did this, made sure that he would suffer. They took his gramophone, his wings and a leg. I can translate his words, it’s all I can do,” Red said, she sniffed, holding back a sob.
Emma felt a pang of sorrow, it was hard to believe Archie Hopper was indeed Jiminy Cricket and now he was dying. In both worlds he was an overly kind man who did his best to help a guide those around him. He had selfless helped her and her son. Emma felt tears prick her eyes as a weak chirp filled the air.
“H-he says not to mourn him. He’s lived a long, good life, able to see not only Geppetto but you Pinocchio, grow into good, strong, wonderful men. He does regret, Henry, he will not be able to do the same for you,” Red said, as he chirped, she began to talk to him softly. “Yes, I know. I know. Shh, conserve your strength.”
Henry blinked up at Red, tears pooling in his eyes, threatening to fall, “Let me see him.”
Red looked to Emma, who nodded, as she wanted to see him too. Red reached out her cupped palms and fanned out her fingers. Jiminy was lying still in the center of her flat hands. Had she not informed them, Emma could only visibly see that he was missing his leg. Red’s hand remained perfectly still as he attempted to lift himself, it took him a couple tries but he did. He sat, looking at them; he chirped loudly and managed a weak wave.
The sight of it broke Emma and she let out a sob, turning away. “He says he’s sorry, Princess. He didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“I’m going to cry, I’m not heartless, like the bastard that did that to him! Jiminy…you’re my friend, did you expect me not to cry?”
“He admits that he figured due to the attachment to his human form, it would be harder to mourn for this one…oh…that was partially aimed at me as well. Jiminy…” Red sighed. Emma turned back to see Red shift him into one palm and gently rubbed the top of his head with her finger tip. “My dear Jiminy, I’ve cared for you, no matter what form you take.”
Emma looked at Red, realizing that she was looking at the Cricket…as if they were in love, “Oh Red…you two…”
Red nodded, not bothering to look up, “Our feelings carried over into Storybrooke and were able to progress and grow. It wouldn’t end just because the Curse is broken. When you love someone that much, you do not give up.”
As the room fell silent, Emma watched as Red gently put Jiminy into Henry’s shaking hands. She swore she could hear the wheels in Pinocchio’s head turning; he was staring angrily at the floor. Suddenly Emma realizes Jiminy was chirping again, and then Red started to cry.
“What? What did he say?” Pinocchio demanded, Red sniffled and looked up at him. She smiled through her tears.
“He’s singing to me,” she whispered, she took Jiminy back, gently resting him against her chest, Emma felt her heart break for Red as he attempted to hug the woman he loved.
Suddenly Pinocchio, slammed his fist into the wall, and swore. That’s when the window blew open and the Blue Fairy came in.
“Pinocchio! I can hear you, calm down! I’m sorry I was delayed-“
“I don’t want to hear it! I come here to learn I’m not only losing Jiminy Cricket, my guide, my conscience, my dear friend but my father! And you ask me to be calm! I’ve never asked anything of you, not for myself, not as a man. I want you to fix this!”
The Blue Fairy fluttered down, resting on Red’s knee, “I’m sorry, to all of you, I’m sorry but I can’t.”
“What do you mean you can’t! All I wish…all I want is for them to live!”
She sighed, “Nothing is that simple and I could only save one,” she advised. “Jiminy and Geppetto have lived long, good lives, why can’t they go if it’s their time?”
Jiminy chirped, causing Red’s mouth to drop, “Jiminy! You would so freely leave me?” she demanded, he chirped again.
“What is he saying?” Henry asked, he sat at Red’s feet, looking up at the Blue Fairy.
She looked from Jiminy to Henry, “He’s saying that if he must die, then he must. It will be his final act of repentance. He doesn’t want to be saved.”
Emma swallowed, “Jiminy, what about Red?” then she heard his voice, realizing it was the Blue Fairy’s magic.
“I love her. Red, you know I love you. But what life can a Cricket give a woman? I cannot wed you, I cannot give you children, I cannot give you a life you so readily deserve.”
“But I don’t want that! If it’s not to be, it’s not to be. I would be happy just to have you,” Red admitted, “Do you forget my nature? Do I want to have children? Perhaps but what fate would they have? They would be damned, just like me. When you leave this world, I will have lost the second man I’ve ever loved and I will not go on with that loss. I will end my life.”
“No! Red! Don’t, please,” Jiminy begged, “You have so much to offer, so much to live for-“
“Not without you!” she snapped, suddenly the Blue Fairy took flight, hovering near Emma as Red’s eyes flashed. Red cursed, she held out Jiminy to Pinocchio. He took him, holding him gently in his large hands. “Apologies, my anger has awakened the wolf, I need to go before I hurt any of you,” she stated, standing.
Emma watched as she unlaced the ties around her neck and the cloak pooled at her feet. It was over in a blink; suddenly she dropped to her paws. She stood as large as a pony, eyes gleaming. With a growl, she raced out of the room and out the door. Granny tisked from the other room.
“She still lacks control, after all this time,” she shook her head, “But given what’s happening, I don’t blame her one bit, poor girl.”
“Is there nothing we can do?” Henry asked, mournfully at the Blue Fairy.
She sighed, “Princess, if you could please get Geppetto, we all need to talk…”
It was dawn by the time the Wolf ambled back into the cottage, its movements were slow, exhausted. Emma was alarmed when she slumped to the floor and whimpered. Granny appeared, tossing the cloak over the fallen wolf. Emma swore she saw a shimmer over the cloak and Red’s limbs reformed, her fingertips visible from under the red fabric. With a groan, the woman stood, wrapping the cloak around herself.
She lowered her head to Emma, “I’m sorry for the abrupt departure, Princess. What has happened in my absence?”
Emma smiled to Red, reaching out her hand to the woman. Red seemed confused but placed her hand in the woman’s, “We’ve come to an agreement.” The hope that filled Red’s face was so beautiful that Emma found herself on the edge of tears.
Red’s jaw dropped as Jiminy in his human form, walked into the room, “Welcome home,” he said, opening his arms to her.
With a sob, she threw herself into his arms, “But what does this mean? What’s going to happen?”
Emma smiled at them, “I made a wish,” she admitted softly, “They told me what happened, the life you’ve lead. I’m sorry for your suffering and I don’t think it’s fair. But if my wish could save him, my wish could bring you happiness, after all you’ve done to help me and my family, I wanted to help you both.”
Red choked out her words through her tears, “Emma…I…” with another sob she threw herself into the Princess’s arms, hugging her tight. “Thank you.”
Emma just smiled, holding her just as tight, she looked up to Jiminy. Tears were in his eyes as he returned a smile and mouthed ‘thank you’ as well. As Red rushed back into his arms and he cradled her gently, Emma saw an all too familiar look of love that she saw often between her parents.
As she gathered Henry, leaving Red and Jiminy to talk, to tell her what the wish had been. Henry looked up at her as they left the cottage. He was almost hopping he was so full of energy. He grinned at her like she had just given him a puppy, ice cream, pizza and new toys all at once.
“What?” she asked.
Henry stopped, causing her to stop, and then he threw himself at her, “Thank you. I’m so glad you let Jiminy get his happy ending!”
She just laughed, “Come on, Kid, like there’s no way I would sit back and watch him die! He’s my friend too,” she said.
“I know but you didn’t have to. You didn’t have to wish that Jiminy would live a long life with Red and that he could switch forms.”
Emma grinned, “It was only fair. I mean, I couldn’t trap him as human when he’s happy as a cricket, but this way he can be a man when he needs to be.”
“This is why you’re The Hope, Emma. This is what your destiny is,” Henry informed her.
“What? Wishing people happy endings?” she asked.
Henry just shook his head, “No! Giving people them,” he said.
“If this is what it is to be “The Hope”, I guess I’ll take it,” she told him, as their Castle appeared on the horizon.
---
END
---
I began this months ago as a birthday fic for writerserenyty but with its dark nature, I wrote her something else ;)
I hope you like it, I will be writing more Rediny soon, I do have lot of ideas in mind and some started!
I also apologize for not having a beta. I don't have one and my usual proofers are busy. I don't really work well with them anyways (I hate seeing my work torn to pieces. Just adjust my typos/grammar issues and move on. I'm too self conscious to have it examined so closely...) but if anyone wants to help...
Note: I do not own OUAT. Title and Cut are lyrics from 30 Seconds to Mar's "Hurricane".
Timeline: After "The Land Without Magic"
Rating: Teen
Warnings: character death/implied death, language? (BUT THERE MIGHT BE A HAPPY ENDING. YOU'LL HAVE TO READ TO FIND OUT)
Summary: As he lies dying in her hands, Jiminy Cricket tells her not to cry...
Emma Swan had embraced many things after the Dark Curse ended. One, there was a curse. Two, she was the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Three, she was the fated “Hope” of the Enchanted world. Four, the friends (and some enemies) she had gained in Storybrooke were all “characters” from tales she had read as a child. That had taken the longest and some she still had issues with, but she had moved on.
She looked to August, the man that Pinocchio grew to be, as he talked with her son. They were grinning and laughing as they walked through forest. Emma shivered as she looked down to the basket in her hand. Dressed in slacks, a shirt and a long cloak, she wondered if this is how Red Riding Hood felt through her life. Journeying into these woods to her Granny’s house…which is where she was actually heading.
Snow White had made the announcement over breakfast that Red had sent word through the birds that she needed Emma to bring her food at her Gran’s house. She was unable to leave and would not answer as to why. It was something that bothered Emma the most, a knot was pitted in her stomach and she knew that something bad was happening.
When they reached the cottage, Pinocchio knocked on the door, and to Emma’s surprised Granny opened it. She never changed, but there was a sad smile on her lips, “Hello Princess, little Prince, Pinocchio. I’m glad you’re all here.”
“Why? What’s wrong, Granny?” Henry asked, immediately tensing, he was such an intelligent and insightful child. He had no problems adjusting to this life and Realm. “Where’s Red?”
The Widow Lucas sighed, “Haven’t you been wondering why Jiminy Cricket disappeared?”
Henry nodded and Pinocchio spoke up, “I’ve been searching for him, but I haven’t been able to find him. It’s been a week.” He, too, wore an apprehensive expression on his face.
“It’s been five days,” came the sullen voice of Red Riding Hood, Emma whipped her head to the side, seeing Red sitting on the edge of her bed. Emma, Henry and Pinocchio all crossed to her room, crowding in the door way. She watched as Red swallowed hard, “I found him five days ago, I’ve found him in much worse times but…he’s not…I’m sorry little Prince, Pinocchio, but it’s time to say goodbye…” her last words were broken as her face dissolved into agony.
“No! No! He can’t! The Blue Fairy promised, he would live as long as he needed to watch over my…Father…” Pinocchio trailed off, uttering a small ‘oh’ of horror at the realization. Emma reached out, placing her hand on his shoulder, knowing that Geppetto, a man they had seen only this morning, was not going to be around for much longer.
Henry walked in, “Where is he?”
“I’d rather you not see him this way…whoever did this, made sure that he would suffer. They took his gramophone, his wings and a leg. I can translate his words, it’s all I can do,” Red said, she sniffed, holding back a sob.
Emma felt a pang of sorrow, it was hard to believe Archie Hopper was indeed Jiminy Cricket and now he was dying. In both worlds he was an overly kind man who did his best to help a guide those around him. He had selfless helped her and her son. Emma felt tears prick her eyes as a weak chirp filled the air.
“H-he says not to mourn him. He’s lived a long, good life, able to see not only Geppetto but you Pinocchio, grow into good, strong, wonderful men. He does regret, Henry, he will not be able to do the same for you,” Red said, as he chirped, she began to talk to him softly. “Yes, I know. I know. Shh, conserve your strength.”
Henry blinked up at Red, tears pooling in his eyes, threatening to fall, “Let me see him.”
Red looked to Emma, who nodded, as she wanted to see him too. Red reached out her cupped palms and fanned out her fingers. Jiminy was lying still in the center of her flat hands. Had she not informed them, Emma could only visibly see that he was missing his leg. Red’s hand remained perfectly still as he attempted to lift himself, it took him a couple tries but he did. He sat, looking at them; he chirped loudly and managed a weak wave.
The sight of it broke Emma and she let out a sob, turning away. “He says he’s sorry, Princess. He didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“I’m going to cry, I’m not heartless, like the bastard that did that to him! Jiminy…you’re my friend, did you expect me not to cry?”
“He admits that he figured due to the attachment to his human form, it would be harder to mourn for this one…oh…that was partially aimed at me as well. Jiminy…” Red sighed. Emma turned back to see Red shift him into one palm and gently rubbed the top of his head with her finger tip. “My dear Jiminy, I’ve cared for you, no matter what form you take.”
Emma looked at Red, realizing that she was looking at the Cricket…as if they were in love, “Oh Red…you two…”
Red nodded, not bothering to look up, “Our feelings carried over into Storybrooke and were able to progress and grow. It wouldn’t end just because the Curse is broken. When you love someone that much, you do not give up.”
As the room fell silent, Emma watched as Red gently put Jiminy into Henry’s shaking hands. She swore she could hear the wheels in Pinocchio’s head turning; he was staring angrily at the floor. Suddenly Emma realizes Jiminy was chirping again, and then Red started to cry.
“What? What did he say?” Pinocchio demanded, Red sniffled and looked up at him. She smiled through her tears.
“He’s singing to me,” she whispered, she took Jiminy back, gently resting him against her chest, Emma felt her heart break for Red as he attempted to hug the woman he loved.
Suddenly Pinocchio, slammed his fist into the wall, and swore. That’s when the window blew open and the Blue Fairy came in.
“Pinocchio! I can hear you, calm down! I’m sorry I was delayed-“
“I don’t want to hear it! I come here to learn I’m not only losing Jiminy Cricket, my guide, my conscience, my dear friend but my father! And you ask me to be calm! I’ve never asked anything of you, not for myself, not as a man. I want you to fix this!”
The Blue Fairy fluttered down, resting on Red’s knee, “I’m sorry, to all of you, I’m sorry but I can’t.”
“What do you mean you can’t! All I wish…all I want is for them to live!”
She sighed, “Nothing is that simple and I could only save one,” she advised. “Jiminy and Geppetto have lived long, good lives, why can’t they go if it’s their time?”
Jiminy chirped, causing Red’s mouth to drop, “Jiminy! You would so freely leave me?” she demanded, he chirped again.
“What is he saying?” Henry asked, he sat at Red’s feet, looking up at the Blue Fairy.
She looked from Jiminy to Henry, “He’s saying that if he must die, then he must. It will be his final act of repentance. He doesn’t want to be saved.”
Emma swallowed, “Jiminy, what about Red?” then she heard his voice, realizing it was the Blue Fairy’s magic.
“I love her. Red, you know I love you. But what life can a Cricket give a woman? I cannot wed you, I cannot give you children, I cannot give you a life you so readily deserve.”
“But I don’t want that! If it’s not to be, it’s not to be. I would be happy just to have you,” Red admitted, “Do you forget my nature? Do I want to have children? Perhaps but what fate would they have? They would be damned, just like me. When you leave this world, I will have lost the second man I’ve ever loved and I will not go on with that loss. I will end my life.”
“No! Red! Don’t, please,” Jiminy begged, “You have so much to offer, so much to live for-“
“Not without you!” she snapped, suddenly the Blue Fairy took flight, hovering near Emma as Red’s eyes flashed. Red cursed, she held out Jiminy to Pinocchio. He took him, holding him gently in his large hands. “Apologies, my anger has awakened the wolf, I need to go before I hurt any of you,” she stated, standing.
Emma watched as she unlaced the ties around her neck and the cloak pooled at her feet. It was over in a blink; suddenly she dropped to her paws. She stood as large as a pony, eyes gleaming. With a growl, she raced out of the room and out the door. Granny tisked from the other room.
“She still lacks control, after all this time,” she shook her head, “But given what’s happening, I don’t blame her one bit, poor girl.”
“Is there nothing we can do?” Henry asked, mournfully at the Blue Fairy.
She sighed, “Princess, if you could please get Geppetto, we all need to talk…”
It was dawn by the time the Wolf ambled back into the cottage, its movements were slow, exhausted. Emma was alarmed when she slumped to the floor and whimpered. Granny appeared, tossing the cloak over the fallen wolf. Emma swore she saw a shimmer over the cloak and Red’s limbs reformed, her fingertips visible from under the red fabric. With a groan, the woman stood, wrapping the cloak around herself.
She lowered her head to Emma, “I’m sorry for the abrupt departure, Princess. What has happened in my absence?”
Emma smiled to Red, reaching out her hand to the woman. Red seemed confused but placed her hand in the woman’s, “We’ve come to an agreement.” The hope that filled Red’s face was so beautiful that Emma found herself on the edge of tears.
Red’s jaw dropped as Jiminy in his human form, walked into the room, “Welcome home,” he said, opening his arms to her.
With a sob, she threw herself into his arms, “But what does this mean? What’s going to happen?”
Emma smiled at them, “I made a wish,” she admitted softly, “They told me what happened, the life you’ve lead. I’m sorry for your suffering and I don’t think it’s fair. But if my wish could save him, my wish could bring you happiness, after all you’ve done to help me and my family, I wanted to help you both.”
Red choked out her words through her tears, “Emma…I…” with another sob she threw herself into the Princess’s arms, hugging her tight. “Thank you.”
Emma just smiled, holding her just as tight, she looked up to Jiminy. Tears were in his eyes as he returned a smile and mouthed ‘thank you’ as well. As Red rushed back into his arms and he cradled her gently, Emma saw an all too familiar look of love that she saw often between her parents.
As she gathered Henry, leaving Red and Jiminy to talk, to tell her what the wish had been. Henry looked up at her as they left the cottage. He was almost hopping he was so full of energy. He grinned at her like she had just given him a puppy, ice cream, pizza and new toys all at once.
“What?” she asked.
Henry stopped, causing her to stop, and then he threw himself at her, “Thank you. I’m so glad you let Jiminy get his happy ending!”
She just laughed, “Come on, Kid, like there’s no way I would sit back and watch him die! He’s my friend too,” she said.
“I know but you didn’t have to. You didn’t have to wish that Jiminy would live a long life with Red and that he could switch forms.”
Emma grinned, “It was only fair. I mean, I couldn’t trap him as human when he’s happy as a cricket, but this way he can be a man when he needs to be.”
“This is why you’re The Hope, Emma. This is what your destiny is,” Henry informed her.
“What? Wishing people happy endings?” she asked.
Henry just shook his head, “No! Giving people them,” he said.
“If this is what it is to be “The Hope”, I guess I’ll take it,” she told him, as their Castle appeared on the horizon.
---
END
---
I began this months ago as a birthday fic for writerserenyty but with its dark nature, I wrote her something else ;)
I hope you like it, I will be writing more Rediny soon, I do have lot of ideas in mind and some started!
I also apologize for not having a beta. I don't have one and my usual proofers are busy. I don't really work well with them anyways (I hate seeing my work torn to pieces. Just adjust my typos/grammar issues and move on. I'm too self conscious to have it examined so closely...) but if anyone wants to help...