True Redemption

Ch. 1: War

Hello, Fellow Fanfiction Readers! New Chapter for a New Story. First fanfiction on Once so dont be too mean.

Never Again. I can't get these words out of my head. It's like they've consumed me, engulfed me. Never again will I get a chance at my revenge. Never again will I be able to hug my own son. Never again will I ever live. This void of mine, will never leave. Maybe, this is just how it's suppose to be. Maybe, I'm destined to be alone… forever.

The former Mayor/Evil Queen couldn't help but think out loud to herself. No one could hear her. So why not? She was alone. She had no one. No one at all, not even her son, Henry. She had given up everything for that kid. Everything. All she'd ever wanted was to be happy. All she ever wanted for him was the same. Was that so wrong? Now, she'd never know.

She watched as the young brown-haired boy packed his things that remained at her mansion of a house. He was leaving, going to live with Emma and her parents. He didn't have much in his room anymore, when he was done packing it was only two small boxes full. She smiled weakly when he packed a picture of the two before the curse was broken. Then, they were still a family. Emma walked into the room and looked around.

"You're not bringing all of this stuff," she asked pointing to a stack of books.

"No…, I don't need them. The only book I need is at the apartment already."

"O.K., I'll be downstairs when your ready."

"k," was his only response. He seemed a bit different today. Usually around Emma, Henry was a lot happier. He was hanging his head low, and barely even talking today. Emma walked out of the room soon after. She knew something was wrong too. After Emma left, Henry sat on his bed and stared into space for a minute. Regina was sitting right beside him, watching the boy carefully.

"Mom, I know you can hear me somehow…, I just..," he said stumbling over words. Immediately, Regina's motherly instincts kicked in. She tried to reach out to her son, wanting to comfort him. Before her hand got close enough to do so, reality kicked back in and she stopped herself.

"Mom…," Henry started back up. He wanted to say something. Obviously it was something important for him to act like he was. "T-thank you for saving me." He stopped again.

Suddenly, he felt a shift in the atmosphere and shivered. He glanced around blankly looking for anyone, but found no one. Regina was actually smiling. She knew he couldn't see her. But she needed to hear what he was saying. She had given everything up for him. "Thank you for saving me. I love you, Mom." He said giving up on the rest of his speech. That was all he needed to say and he grabbed his last box and left. Regina sat there. She didn't move an inch. Saying she was speechless was an understatement. But her smile… it was genuine and pure. The last time she had ever smiled like that was when Daniel was still alive. Could miracles really happen? Could she really be happy? She wasn't sure. She didn't like Henry packing his things and leaving, but now she had no choice or say in the matter. If only they could have avoided the war. She would have a say in it. War. That's what it took to end everyone's fighting ironically enough.

Her smile slowly faded and she whispered to herself, "I love you, Henry."

Ok, so I plan on continuing this, but only if I get enough reviews. So if you read this.. Review it! Even if you don't like it, that way I can get better. I have an idea where I want this to go, but if anyone has any ideas feel free to share. I'll try and update this soon. Anyway...

- Blessed Be, PipersFury1997