Author's note: So this came to pass thanks to a conversation with my Captain Swan-loving best friend, who prompted the concept of Emma, embracing her dark side, breaking into Regina's closet for a new outfit. As I basically can't write *anything* for OUAT without it including Golden Queen, the following fic happened. A couple notes: this takes place in my alternate universe for the show, where Rumpel and Regina are happily married. As such, several events have been significantly altered, most notably: Rumpel was not exiled from the town at the end of season 4A. Things are just a *tad* bit different as a result but the dark!Emma storyline is too good to not play around with.

A Touch of Mayhem

"We're going to die," Killian Jones muttered, which prompted Emma Swan to pause in her task and glare at her boyfriend.

"Relax, Obi-Wan. We'll be fine."

A blank expression fell over the handsome pirate's face. "Obi-Wan was in Star Trek, right?"

Shaking her head, the lovely blond Sherriff turned her attention back to her current undertaking: namely, picking the lock to the front door of Regina Mills' mansion. "Close enough. Now just keep watch, this will only take a minute."

"Need I remind you, Swan, that you're attempting to break into the home of the Evil Queen…who happens to be married to the Dark One?" He paled as he considered the horrible possibilities of being caught by the aforementioned couple. "I take it back. We won't die immediately. First we'll get caught, and then tortured by two of the most powerful sorcerers to exist, and then we'll die. Or be skinned alive. Or both."

"Stop worrying Captain," Emma let out a triumphant noise when the door to the mansion opened. "One: I've been trained by both of those powerful sorcerers and my magic is apparently stronger than theirs combined, therefore I can hold my own against them. Two: its date night, which means that they won't be back for a while."

"You're certain of this?" He couldn't keep the concern out of his tone and grasped her arm gently, spinning her around to face him.

Emma's expression softened when she saw the anxious expression on his face, and she stared into the grey-blue depths of his eyes for a long moment before smiling and leaning in, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. "Absolutely. They always stay out late and who can blame them? A night away from all the craziness this town goes through, not to mention their kids, is definitely needed."

Killian relaxed slightly and allowed his girlfriend to lead him into the mansion by the hand. "Now that you mentioned the kids…where are they?"

"With Henry," a fond smile graced Emma's pretty features when she mentioned her son's name.

Henry had been adopted and raised by Regina until Emma found her way to Storybrooke, so he still maintained a strong bond with her. After Regina and Rumpel, who went by the name Aiden Gold in Storybrooke, had expanded their family – they had four children altogether– they often allowed Henry to look after their children when they needed to get away.

"Ah. Then they're in safe hands," Killian's gaze roamed around the foyer of the mansion once they were inside. "Must be nice to grow up in luxury."

"The benefit of powerful parents," In Storybrooke, Regina was the Mayor, while Aiden pretty much owned all the property in town. He also ran a pawn shop, but Emma swore that Regina had arranged for it just to keep her husband occupied in his spare time. "Now come on…" she tugged Killian forward and walked towards the stairs.

"Yes Mistress." He murmured, which made her chuckle and smirk back at him.

"So what is it, exactly, that you're looking for?" Killian wasted little time in splaying across the king-sized bed that took up a large corner of Aiden and Regina's master-bedroom. It was a well-furnished space, he noticed: the dressers and wardrobe were carved out of ebony wood, and the sheets, duvet, and pillows were a mixture of black, red and purple: colors that suited the couple well. The adjoining bathroom was just as spacious and he wondered how much trouble they would get into if they decided to put the large Jacuzzi bath to good use.

Emma, busy rummaging through Regina's wardrobe, poked her head out from behind the door. "A change in look…now if I could just figure out where she keeps her boots…"

"Probably in the dungeon along with the whips and chains," he joked.

"I don't think mansions come with dungeons," Emma chuckled.

"We considered it but it didn't fit in with the schematics," a familiar, female voice broke in, which made both the Pirate and his Princess freeze entirely.

Emma was the first to slowly turn around and see Regina leaning against the doorframe. Aiden, as usual, was by her side, though the look on his face was one of amusement and the Mayor's was decidedly more cross.

"I must say, Miss Swan…I don't think that shade of purple suits your complexion," Aiden remarked, which resulted in a glare in his direction from his wife.

"Oh? You think I should go with black instead?" Emma took another gown out from Regina's wardrobe and held it up for everyone to consider.

Regina resisted the urge to throw her hands up in the air and, instead, growled. "This house is protected by seven magical barriers, not to mention an alarm system and locks. How did you get in?"

"The alarm system I disabled from the Sherriff's Station, the barriers were a bit more tricky to get past but I love a challenge, and as for the locks…never underestimate the skills you learn in Juvie," Emma held up the hairpin she'd used, successfully, in her endeavor.

The former queen frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. "Impressive. Now kindly explain just what you are planning to do with my dress."

"Oh the usual: cause mayhem, wreak havoc…maybe indulge in a little dark magic. All while looking badass while doing it." Emma quipped.

Regina looked at her friend (part of her still couldn't believe she considered Emma as this, but it was true) as if she had grown another head. "It's like I've woken up in a parallel universe."

"Now dearest…remember, all magic contains both light and dark. If Miss Swan wishes to truly understand her power, this was inevitable," Aiden placed a calming hand on his beloved's shoulder.

It was amazing to see the immediate effect his touch had: Regina relaxed, sighing quietly and turning her head towards his. He nuzzled his nose against hers and they spoke in hushed tones for a few moments before whatever he said seemed to appease her, and she kissed him briefly before turning her attention back to Emma.

"Well if you're going to do this…it'll be in style. Come on," she gestured for the blond to follow her after grabbing a few different outfits. "The boots are in the walk-in-closet in here, by the way…" the bathroom door then closed behind them.

Aiden looked over at Killian. "How long has she been like this?"

"A few days," the pirate admitted. "Ever since the incident with the creature that emerged from the hat."

The pawnbroker's amber eyes narrowed as he considered the possibilities that could have led to Emma's change in personality. "Which was also the day that Cruella and Ursula came into town."

Killian glanced at the man he had once considered his enemy. "You think they did something to her?"

"Regina and I will have to look further into it…in the meantime, keep a close eye on her like you have been so far."

"So this entire…break-in. It was a test to see just how much she's changed?" Killian stood.

Aiden nodded. "I'm sorry we have to put you in this position, Captain, but next to Henry you're the one Emma trusts the most. And you know Regina would never put her son, even if he isn't her blood, in harm's way."

"I know." The pirate sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I'll keep you and the missus appraised as often as I'm able."

"Thank you," Aiden smiled softly.

At that moment, the bathroom door swung open, revealing a transformed Emma and a rather proud-looking Regina.

Emma was now dressed in a pair of form-hugging leather pants, which clung to all the right curves and proved more appealing than the jeans that she normally wore. This was combined with a black peasant blouse that bared her shoulders, and a red and silver corset that made the outfit well…rather pirate-like. Over the top, she wore a black coat that fell to the floor and was gathered in the back to form a type of train, which swished back and forth when she walked. To complete the ensemble, her legs were now encased in a pair of black, thigh high boots that laced all the way up to her knee.

In addition to the wardrobe change, Regina had taken the time to style Emma's hair so that it fell in perfect curls around her face, and redone her makeup. The savior's hazel eyes were now lined with dark kohl and enhanced with smoky eye-shadow, and she had traded in her usual pink lip-color for a more sultry plum.

Killian stared, jaw going slack, at his transformed girlfriend. "Emma…you look…"

"Amazing," Regina finished. "I wasn't sure if plum was the right color at first but it seems to suit her well, don't you agree?"

Aiden chuckled from low in his throat. "You should have gone into make-overs, my love."

Grinning, Regina moved to her husband's side and linked her arm with his.

Killian was still at a loss for words, but Emma merely smirked and sauntered up to him, trailing one nail across his chest. "Well, I consider this a mission accomplished…so why don't we get out of here and grab a drink?"

He nodded rapidly, which made Emma chuckle and tangle their fingers together before guiding him out of the room.

Before leaving, he exchanged a quick nod with Aiden, which didn't go unnoticed by his wife.

"So your suspicion was correct…Emma's going dark, "she flopped back onto the bed, groaning: "I had to give up date-night to confirm our fears. You so owe me, Rum!"

"I promise I'll make it up to you," he removed his shoes and crawled up next to her.

She twisted so he could gather her into his arms, and slung one leg over his as she curled as close as possible. "You can get started on that right now, if you like."

Smiling, he reached out and curled his fingers under her chin, tilting her face up till he could capture her mouth with his and do exactly as she requested.

The End