Emma would be devastated. She and Regina had come a long way from being enemies to friends. Regina's death could make Emma question her own abilities as a savior. She might become more withdrawn at first, but then use her pain to fuel her determination to protect the town even more fiercely, knowing that Regina would have wanted it that way.
Perhaps in a battle against a long - lost enemy from her past. This enemy could be someone she wronged deeply before her redemption arc, and they come back seeking revenge. In the heat of the battle, she gets fatally wounded. For example, if it was a powerful sorcerer she once betrayed, they might use a spell that drains her life energy.
Redemption is a very popular theme. Given Regina's complex character arc in the show, many fanfictions explore her journey towards redemption, how she tries to make up for her past wrongs and find a place in the world where she can be accepted and at peace.
There's also 'Regina's Redemption through Archie'. In this fanfiction, Archie becomes a crucial figure in Regina's journey towards redemption. It shows how his kind and understanding nature can influence her to make better choices. It's really interesting to see their interactions unfold as the story progresses.
The magic in the story would likely go out of balance. Regina had a firm control over the magic in Storybrooke. Her death could cause some spells to break and others to run amok. For example, the protective spells around the town might start to fade, leaving it vulnerable to outside threats.
The baby could change the power dynamics. For example, if there are villains in the story, they might see the baby as a threat or a tool to gain more power. On the other hand, the heroes would want to protect the baby and its potential for good.
Regina often develops from a more guarded and controlling character to a more nurturing one. As she raises Emma, she starts to let down her walls. For instance, she may begin to show more vulnerability around Emma, sharing her own past traumas.
One possible motivation could be revenge. Pan had caused a lot of trouble in the Once Upon a Time universe. He was manipulative and had endangered many characters. Regina, who had her own history of being wronged, might have seen killing Pan as a way to protect herself and those she cared about.
In some fanfictions, Emma and Regina could develop a romantic relationship. Their complex history would add depth to such a story. They might have moments of jealousy when other characters show interest in one of them, and then have to confront their true feelings for each other.
Snow White might be initially suspicious, given their past history. But she could also show a more empathetic side and try to help Regina. Hook might be amused and make some snarky comments at first, but then offer his protection. Rumpelstiltskin could see it as an opportunity to manipulate Regina further, perhaps by offering her magic to ensure a safe pregnancy in exchange for favors.
One popular aspect in Regina and Robin Hood fanfiction is their complex relationship. They have a connection that defies the odds. In many fanfictions, they start off as adversaries. Regina, with her dark past and powerful magic, and Robin Hood, the noble outlaw. But as the story progresses, their mutual understanding grows. Their relationship is often depicted as a slow - burn romance, filled with moments of hesitation, longing glances, and small acts of kindness that gradually break down the barriers between them.