Chapter Text
'Shit,' grunted Rainey as she hit the forest floor hard. Of course, it would be just their luck to fall through a portal that opened in the middle of their back garden.
'Evie, do you have Hunter?' She yelled to her twin. The forest was dark, and she couldn't see very well.
'Yes, he's here. Hunter, are you okay?' Asked Rainey worriedly as she sat up and checked over her little brother, who was sitting on her stomach.
'Yep, me landed on you,' he giggled, completely unfazed.
'Where are we?' Rainey whispered loudly as she pulled herself off the ground and brushed herself down. There were leaves in her hair, and she was covered in mud. 'Mom is going to kill me,' she muttered.
Evie moved Hunter off her and pushed herself up. She was also covered in mud and leaves. She patted her jeans pocket and breathed a sigh of relief when she felt her phone. She took it out and turned on the torch before she shone it around to see if she recognised her surroundings.
'I think we're in Storybrooke forest,' She answered before she came to stand beside her sister with Hunter in her arms.
'Great, I'm going to be grounded for life,' huffed Rainey as she threw her hands up in the air.
She didn't really know what had happened. One minute she was showing Evie and Hunter some new magic she had learned, and the next, they were being spat out onto the forest floor.
Evie laughed at how dramatic her sister was being. 'Yes, you are, and you're not dragging me down with you this time,' she smirked. She loved her sister, really, she did, but Raynie was forever getting them into trouble and then making her take half of the blame.
Rainey turned her twin and shot her a glare. 'You're such a snitch, Eve, of all the things for you to inherit-.'
Evie's body froze, causing her to hold Hunter closer as she heard a noise that sounded like a twig snapping. 'Shh, did you hear that?' She whispered as she grabbed her sister's hand tightly.
Rainey might have been an annoying troublemaker, but she would never let any harm come to her family, and she was much better with her magic than Evie was.
'Hear rot?' Yawned the sleepy toddler in Evie's arms.
Rainey swivelled and put her finger up to her lips. 'Shh, Hunter, you have to stay quiet,' she whispered.
The toddler picked up his head and looked at Evie. 'But Vee me tired,' he whined as he rubbed his eyes to prove his point.
'I'm tired,' corrected Evie gently.
'Evie, now it's not the time to correct his speech,' hissed Rainey while she tried her best to keep as still as possible.
'So, what are three little cherubs like yourselves doing out in the forest this late at night without an adult? Hmm?' Came a voice from behind them.
The twins jumped a little at the voice that had spoken before they spun around to face the intruder. The person held a white orb of light in their palm, illuminating their familiar face.
Rainey's eyes went wide as she gasped, 'Oh my fucking God, it's-.'
'Shut up,' hissed Evie as she slapped a hand over her sister's mouth. It was obvious the person hadn't recognised them, which could only mean they were either way in the past or in an alternate timeline where they didn't exist.
Hunter's face lit up, and he started excitedly wiggling in Evie's embrace, trying to escape her grasp. 'Nena Nena,' he shouted.
'No, Hunt, don't. She doesn't know you,' she whispered into his ear as she tightened her arms around his small frame.
'Answer me!' Yelled the familiar voice as she pushed the orb closer to their faces.
'We're lost,' blurted Rainey, not used to hearing the person shout. It was pretty terrifying. She grabbed hold of her sister's hand, knowing how anxious Evie got whenever someone was mad at her, which wasn't very often because Evie was a goody-two-shoes.
The mystery person eyed them sceptically. 'Lost? She asked with a disbelieving chuckle, 'You're lying. What reason would you have to be out here this late at night, especially with a toddler?'
The twins looked at each other, having a silent conversation. It was something they had done since they were babies, and it always freaked people out. They nodded to each other as they came to a silent agreement.
Evie opened her mouth to answer. However, she was beaten to it by Hunter. 'Big ole in the garden ate us!' he exclaimed, his eyes wide with glee.
Rainey glared at him. 'Damn it, Hunt. You have such a big mouth,' she hissed. The worst thing that could have ever happened to them was being stuck with their little brother somewhere they definitely shouldn't have been.
Evie glared at her twin. 'Don't be mean to him,' snapped as she cuddled her brother closer to her chest. Ree was always bullying Hunter, and it annoyed Evie so much.
'You fell into a portal? Are you from a different realm?' Asked the adult curiously.
'Yes!' Shouted Evie before Hunter could open his big mouth again.
'Interesting,' the adult replied with a thoughtful expression.
They all froze when they heard footsteps and another voice shout, 'Dad, are you sure they said around here? Because I don't see any massive holes in the ground.'
The twins turned to face each other slowly with matching faces of horror. 'We really are done for now,' whispered Rainey through a grimace.
'No! It'll be fine. I'm quite sure we don't exist here, so she won't know who we are,' Evie whispered back, but her twin could feel how nervous she was.
'Yeah, but Hunt can't keep his mouth shut. He's always snitching,' whined Rainey as she steeled herself for what was about to come.
Hunter scowled at his older sister. 'Can too,' he huffed. He'd never ever told his mom that his ma gives him coke when she's at work.
Rainey smirked as she thought of something she could bribe him with. 'Yeah? Prove it. You're not allowed to speak until we tell you you can, okay? And if you win, I'll give you some soda.'
Hunter smiled before he replied. 'Okay, me wants coke,' he said excitedly. Ree was so much like his ma, especially when she used soda as a bribe.
The footsteps got closer until they stopped, and a light from a torch was shone upon the group of three children and one adult, who all covered their eyes to shelid them from being blinded by the bright light.
'Dad, over here,' shouted Emma as she approached the clearing that she had heard the voices come from and looked at the group curiously.
There were two teenage girls who were almost identical apart from one had dark hair and green eyes while the other one had brown eyes and blonde hair. The toddler one of the girls was holding had dirty blond hair, bright blue eyes, and a cheeky smile with adorable little dimples. It was the adult that she recognised, though, and she wondered what was going on.
'Zelena, what are you doing out here so late at night with a bunch of children? She asked as she scanned the area for any clues, 'Did you open another portal? You're supposed to be reforming, and you promised you wouldn't kidnap any more kids,' she said with a hint of accusation.
Zelena crossed her arms in front of her and glowed at Emma. 'Keep your bloody hair on, saviour. I didn't have anything to do with this. I found these little terrors while I was getting some fresh air.'
It was at that moment that David slid up beside his daughter. He eyed Zelena wearily before his eyes landed on the twins and Hunter, who was falling asleep.
'Has Zelena been stealing children again?' He asked as he looked over at the group of two teenage girls and a little boy.
Zelena shot him a nasty glare. 'I swear, Shepard, I will take that sword, and I will shove it so far-'
'Right, that's enough,' cut in Emma as she turned to the children. 'What are you doing out here? It's dangerous, especially at this time of night, you know that, right?' She scolded them lightly.
Rainey felt her twin's hand tremble in hers, and she squeezed it gently. 'Well, it wasn't like we planned this,' she snapped. She was tired, cold, and hungry, and she knew she would be in so much trouble if they ever found a way home.
'They fell through a portal. They're from a different realm,' informed Zelena, now sporting a bored look on her face.
'Right, well, we'll take them to the station, Em, and see if we can get the full story,' said David as he looked towards Emma.
Emma let out a tired sigh. This was going to be a long night. What she really wanted was to go home and have a beer. But If these children really were from another realm, then they'd need Regina to help them look for a way home. And to top it off, Regina still wasn't talking to her because she accidentally brought her soulmate's wife back from the past, so that'd be fun.
'Right, well come on, kids, and you too, Zelena,' she said as she began to walk back towards the road.
'Didn't you hear me, blondie? I told you I had nothing to do with this,' grumbled the wicked witch, though she followed along anyway.
Why did she always get blamed for everything? She had told them she wanted to change, and she'd meant it, but how was she supposed to do that if nobody believed her? It annoyed her immensely; because it wasn't like any of them were perfect. They had all done shitty things in the past, too. Granted, her last shitty deed was only eight weeks ago, but still.
'You still found them, and they've said more to you than they've said to either of us, so you're coming,' snapped Emma as she stormed towards where the patrol car was parked.
Zelena let out a growl. 'Whatever! But you better mark this down as a good deed so my self-righteous baby sister can't pin the blame on me,' she snarled back at her.
'Stop fighting,' yelled Evie. She didn't like this. She just wanted to go home and hug her parents.
All three adults spun around to face the two teenagers and the toddler, who was now asleep on his sister's shoulder.
Rainey pulled her sister into a hug as she scowled at the adults. 'She doesn't like it when you fight. It upsets her,' she told them to, her tone fierce as her protective instincts kicked in.
Emma looked at them in confusion. Something about that sentence was odd, but she couldn't quite work out what, so she shook it off and smiled at them gently. 'We're sorry. Let's just get you to the station so you can warm up. I have hot chocolate.' she winked. Kids loved hot chocolate.
Evie gave emma a tiny smile, 'Do you have cinnamon?' She asked timidly.
Emma grinned at the adorable girl. 'I sure do. It's my favourite,' she responded with a chuckle.
'It's gross,' came from Rainey and Zelena simultaneously before they turned and smirked at each other.
Hunter's eyes flew open at hearing the words, 'Hot chocolate.' It was his favourite too. 'Me too, mama,' he yawned as he lifted his head from Evie's shoulder and smiled tiredly at Emma.
Emma stilled and looked at him curiously. He reminded her of someone. In fact, all three kids looked familiar, but she couldn't quite put her finger on why. Also, did he just call her mama?
Rainey laughed nervously as she noticed Emma staring at Hunter with a thoughtful expression, 'He calls all adults Mama,' she informed awkwardly.
Evie observed Emma's sceptical expression and jumped in to back her sister up. 'It's only mainly when he's tired. He's a mama's boy,' she teased as she tickled her brother and, causing him to giggle.
'Right,' drawled Emma, not really buying it, although she noted only one of the twins was a decent liar. She could use that information.
Zelena snorted at the teenager's blatant lie. Surely they couldn't really think that they'd believe that.
They made it to the road where their car was parked five minutes later. Emma then realised there wouldn't be enough room for them all.
'Dad, you take the kids in the squad car, and I'll poof Zee and me,' she instructed before grabbing hold of Zelena's hand and transporting away.
Ten minutes later, they were all sat in the sheriff's station. The children still hadn't spoken much, but Emma was determined to get the truth out of them. She made them all a hot chocolate before she took a seat and began to ask them questions.
'So, where are you from?' she inquired before she took a sip of her drink.
'We're from-' started Evie, but she was cut off by her twin,' who shot her a pointed look.
'We can't tell you that,' Interrupted Rainey with a warning glare. She knew how these things went.
Emma sighed. This was all she needed right now, uncooperative children. 'I can't really help you if you don't, though, can I?' She said tiredly.
'Me live in big ouse,' informed Hunter helpfully with a big smile, and David chuckled. The kid was adorable.
Rainey turned and gave him a pointed look. 'Shh, squirt, remember what we agreed?' She Hissed.
'Yeah, coke,' he answered happily.
'Maybe we should just tell them. I want to go home,' sniffed Evie, on the verge of tears.
'Yeah? They'd never believe us, face it, we're stuck here,' snapped Rainey. She didn't want to be here either, but she wasn't going to cry about it.
Emma kept quiet, knowing if she let them keep going, the truth would slip out at some point while Zelena smirked at the squabbling sisters. Deep down, like very deep down, this was the type of relationship she longed for with her own sister, Regina.
'Well, it's your fault. You've been warned about messing with magic, but you never listen,' shouted Evie angrily.
'Bingo,' thought Emma. 'You can do magic?' She questioned out loud.
Rainey scowled at her sister. 'Well done, Einstein, ' she spat.
Evie didn't reply and instead turned to the adults. 'We both can, but it was her magic that brought us here,' she informed them matter-of-factly.
Zelena's eyes widened, and she gaped. 'You opened a portal? But you're a child!' She exclaimed. That was very advanced magic, and now she really wanted to know who these kids were.
Rainey smirked cockily. 'Yeah, so? I'm powerful.'
'Ree, you're not supposed to tell people that,' gasped Evie.
'I hardly think them of all people are going to try to steal my magic, Vee, ' she scoffed back.
David, who had been watching everything with rapt attention, spoke the words the other two adults were thinking, 'I think we need to inform Regina,' he sighed.
The twin's faces drained of colour, and terrified expressions overtook them. 'NO' they shouted in perfect sync.
Emma cocked her head and studied them curiously for the second time tonight. There was definitely something odd about them. 'You know Regina?' She questioned.
Evie thought quickly of a believable answer. She settled on a half-truth. 'Sort of, well, we've heard of her. I mean, who hasn't? She's quite a powerful sorceress,' she rushed out.
Zelena stood up, outraged. 'Excuse me, so am I! You've heard of me too, right?' She asked, a tad offended. She was much more powerful than Regina. Even Rumple had said so.
Rainey smirked. Zelena was still the same, and the familiarity brought her some comfort. 'Yeah, sure! You're the wicked witch, right?' She answered.
Zelena gave her a wicked grin in return. 'Yes! and FYI, I'm much more powerful than Regina'
Evie snorted and cocked her eyebrow. 'Of course you are,' she smirked.
Emma did a double-take. She could have sworn- No! That doesn't make sense. She must just be extremely sleep-deprived. Damn, she needed to go home. Her shift originally finished three hours ago.
'If you won't tell us where you're from, then could you at least tell us your names?' She sighed.
Hunter wiggled off Evie's lap and came to stand in front of Emma 'Me can,' he said excitedly 'me am Unter,' he pointed to himself, 'dat Vee,' he pointed at Evie, 'nd dat Wee,' he pointed lastly at Rainey.
'Hunter. His name is Hunter, and he's saying Ree,' corrected Evie automatically.
'Dats, what me said!' he scowled before he turned back to Emma and held his arms out. 'Up pweese, mama?' he asked.
Emma chuckled at the adorable toddler before she scooped him up. 'Emma, my name is Emma,' she told him gently as he lay his head on her shoulder, and she stroked his back.
Emma noticed the twins were both sporting sad expressions as they watched her 'you're missing your parents, huh?' Well, maybe we'll be able to get you all back home tomorrow, but I think for tonight, you'll have to come home with me.'
'How will you fit two teenagers and one toddler in that tiny little loft?' Scoffed Zelena.
'Well, I don't really have much of a choice Zee' she snapped back.
'She's right, though, kiddo. We really don't have the room,' chimed in David.
Emma groaned. They were right, of course, but what could she do? 'Right, well, Zee, you'll have to take the girls to the farmhouse. Regina won't be happy, but she's not talking to me, so she'll have to deal with it.'
Zelena went to protest. She didn't want some bratty teenagers to look after, but Rainey spoke up first. 'that sounds like a good idea, right Vee?' She smiled before she sent a discreet pleading look towards the wicked witch. Zelena would be much easier to deal with than Emma and Snow.
'I don't know, Ree. Mom-' she started.
'Mom isn't here,' snapped Rainey.
'Fine,' sighed Evie. Zelena would probably be the better option. She just didn't want to get Emma into trouble.
'We'll be off then,' said Zelena. There was something strange going on, and she was going to find out exactly what it was.
The twins walked over and kissed a now sleeping hunter's head. They didn't want to leave him, but they knew he'd be safe with Emma.
'Meet us back here in the morning with both children and try to have them in one piece,' shouted Emma, just as Zelena flicked her wrist to poof the three of them to the farmhouse.
Emma stood from her chair and adjusted the sleeping toddler so he was more comfortable. 'Can you run me home? I'll get the bug tomorrow,' she asked her dad.
'Yeah, sure, Em. You looked exhausted,' chuckled David as he grabbed the squad key and ushered her out of the door. This had turned out to be a bizarre night indeed.