Part I: The Beginning of the End

They had won.

They had finally won.

After months of repeat failure, suffering, and death, Cora Mills had finally been stopped. Her magic stripped thanks to the help of Rumplestiltskin and she currently sat safely behind bars at the sheriff's station.

They had finally won.

And now they were about to fuck it all up.

Ever since Cora's fall the old Fairytale Land council had regained power, with the addition of the Emma and the newly redeemed Regina. King James, and Queen Snow had also resumed their traditional roles as the leaders.

On this night the council had gathered within the town hall to determine the fate of Cora Mills. Emma had arrived convinced that there was only one possible solution to ensure that Cora never caused any trouble again.

Death.

They needed to put Cora Mills to death.

The execution needed to happen immediately, and without mercy. Cut off her head, crush her heart, burn her at the stake, Emma didn't care what method they chose. As long as she was sure that the witch was six feet under by the time the sun came up. Only then would the town be truly safe. Only then would Henry be safe.

Once the council began its session it quickly became apparent to Emma that they had claimed victory too soon, and it was a mistake that was going to cost them dearly. The meeting had begun and Snow and James quickly cut to the chase; what to do with Cora Mills? There was an immediate uproar each council member seemed to be calling for either the head or the heart of the witch.

"Kill the witch!" They demanded, "She doesn't deserve to live!"

The decision it seemed was unanimous. The mob was practically ready to march down to the sheriff's station and string her up right then and there.

But then Snow stood and called for everyone's attention, and in that moment Emma's heart sank. She knew that look on her mother's face. It was the look of childish compassion and sweet misplaced mercy. When Snow began to speak, everyone listened and within minutes Emma could see the gradual change of heart illustrated on each of the member's faces. Before she could even grasp what was happening, it had already been decided; they would show mercy to the old witch. She would be allowed to keep her life and in return she would be locked away deep within the old mineshaft. A special cell was to be created by the fairies, and it would be guarded around the clock.

They would show mercy to the witch because they were on the side of good. They would teach Cora a lesson not through violence but through moral superiority, because that is what good does.

Good does not hate; it forgives.

Good does not kill; it saves.

It was on that note that Snow concluded the meeting, and dismissed the council members. They would all sleep well that night knowing that they had agreed to do the moral thing, the good thing. In the days to come, as they discussed the ruling with the other town members they would praise Snow for saving them from succumbing to their own dark desires.

But Emma would not sleep, and when the others gathered to sings their songs of praise she would listen for a distance. Because although she loved her mother and understood what Snow's heart longed to achieve, she also knew that the witch's escape was inevitable.

They were playing with fire by allowing Cora to live, and it wasn't going to be long now before the whole town went up in flames.

It had only been one week since Cora's capture but with each passing day Emma could feel her power growing. Rumplestiltskin may have stripped her of her magic but he himself had said that the effects might not last forever, and a power vacuum like Cora certainly didn't stay idle for long.

As Emma kept a guard of her from the safety of her office, she could practically hear the cogs in the old woman's head turning, and turning. Emma had no doubt that Cora already had a scheme locked somewhere deep within her twisted mind. The witch was simply biding her time, constantly revising and perfecting her plan until the opportune moment arose for her to strike.

Exactly two weeks had passed and Emma feared that Cora's moment had indeed arrived. The fairies had finally finished building the cell deep within the mine, and Cora was scheduled for transport in three days. When Snow White informed Emma of the new development, Emma pleaded with her to keep the information between themselves and James. The last thing they needed was to have Cora find out and allow her time to set her plans in motion. But any news regarding Cora spread like wildfire within Storybrooke, and later that day when Emma returned to the station to finish up some paperwork she noticed that Cora seemed… smugger than usual.

"You seem awfully chipper for someone who has been condemned to live behind bars for the rest of her horrible life," Emma observed, "Got something you want to share with the rest of the class?"

"Oh, it's nothing really." Cora replied with a sly grin.

"Come on, you can tell me," Emma prodded, "Did you meet someone special? I know you don't have the best company, but the drunkards always say the sweetest things about you. Of course, they're usually singing a different tune by the time they sober up but I guess it's a matter of perspective."

"It's nothing like that, dear," Cora chuckled, "I was just informed that I should be expecting a change in scenery soon. I mean, as much as I love what you've done with these bars it will be nice to get some fresh air, and have the chance to stretch my legs."

Emma snorted, "Sorry, I don't think we're going to have time for a yoga stop on the way to your new home. But you're welcome to try out some stretches in there though, just be careful, I would really hate it if you were to throw out your back or accidentally injure yourself in any life threatening way."

"That's quite alright. As much as I appreciate your recommendation I'm not very familiar with this yoga."

"Oh, that's too bad. It's a really great stress reliever, although, I've heard it's hard to do for people who don't have a heart… So, maybe it's best if you stuck to sitting there and shutting the hell up."

Without waiting for a response Emma turned on her heel and made her way back to her office. Her fists were clenched and her teeth set on edge. It never took much for the witch to somehow crawl her way under Emma's skin.

"This cage can't hold me forever you know." Cora called out.

Emma froze, and slowly turned to face the woman. Cora had risen from her perch at the edge of the cot and was on clutching the bars tightly with both hands. Though her face remained cool, and impassive, Emma could see the fire raging behind her eyes.

"I will find a way out, and when I do I'm going to make sure you suffer." Cora continued with a snarl, "You think you know pain, princess? You haven't even begun to comprehend the meaning of the word. Were I to prick you finger now, you would run crying to mommy, like a runt to her bitch mother."

Cora leaned closer, the bars of the cell pressing against either side of her face, as her voice echoed through out the station, "I'm going to rip you apart from the inside out. You will beg for me to grant you mercy. You will plead, and cry, and then everyone in this godforsaken town will see you for the sniveling piece of low-class trash that you really are."

Cora's face had now warped into a grotesque expression of sick pleasure and burning hatred. Her wicked tongue wielded the words with such harsh finality that each syllable seemed to crack like a whip in the air.

"Mark my words, princess. When I get out of here, you, and that bastard child of yours are the first people I'm coming for."

Emma's blood burned and it was she could not to reach between the cell bars and strangle the witch, right there.

"You will never get that chance." Emma growled, her voice shaking with rage.

"And who's going to stop me? You?" Cora cackled in disbelief, "Your foolish mother should have killed me when she had the chance."

Hi!

Just a quick note this is going to be in three parts. I'm already almost done with the second part so I should be updating within couple of days.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this first chapter! Tell me what you think!

-qrx