((( Welcome gentle readers to a fabulous WarriorQueen adventure. Reviews are welcome and feedback greatly appreciated. I do hope you enjoy reading this at least half as much as I did writing it. I am including a plot-relevant vid link for an event a little over halfway through. However, I have included a few of the most poignant and moment appropriate lyrics in italics for those who can't enjoy both simultaneously. Thanks! Enjoy :) watch?v=aYmUtpy4evU )))
Once Upon Hyperion Heights:
A Warrior Queen Tale
Chapter One
Regina walked the overcast streets of the gloomy Seattle suburb with Her hands shoved in the pockets of Her leather jacket, a heavy heart weighing down Her steps. Drizella had managed to trick the former queen into doing her dirty work. The bitter sting of Her student's betrayal left a foul taste in Her mouth. This twisted trap that the once powerful sorceress found Herself in seemed to have no escape. If this were one of Henry's optimistic tales this would be the point at which a hero would enter in a blaze of glory. But this was no fairy tale and there was no magic here. A harsh, sarcastic chuckle escaped Her bleak mental wanderings. Just when things seemed their lowest and hope a mere memory the clouds parted in stark contrast to Her mood.
The sudden shaft of light was so jarring that Roni halted in Her tracks and raised a hand to shield Her eyes. Into that light appeared a vision like no other that stole the queen's breath away. That all too familiar confident stride was wrapped in faded grey skinny jeans instead of the leather She was accustomed to seeing powerful legs swathed in. Gone was the black and red armor replaced by a beat up Iron Maiden t-shirt with well-worn holes encased in a leather biker jacket peppered with band patches. Biker boots thumped against the concrete announcing the warrior's arrival. That proud chin was still held high even if the eyes that made Regina's heart flutter were hidden behind mirrored sunglasses. This couldn't be real. The queen was so stunned She could no more than call out in a fragile voice too frightened to hope, "Mulan?"
"Fuck off," the gruff soft butch growled at the offensive title. As the independent Asian beauty strode passed a strong shoulder pushed through Roni's forcing her insulter to spin or fall. Regina caught Her footing, a sharp mind clearing from the impact. This wasn't their world and this wasn't Her Mulan. "I'm sorry," the queen called out trying to catch the stunning creature's attention. The proud woman slowed her pace a bit but didn't stop or turn. Fashionable ankle boots scurried to catch up as with a lighter tone She continued, "I swear I'm not a dick. I actually have a friend named Mulan and you kinda look like her, right hand to God." Roni withdrew a hand from Her pocket to hold it up solemnly.
The skeptical modern warrior paused letting the shades slide down her nose as sharp brown eyes examined this new curiosity. "Is that right," she asked voice dripping with sarcasm and doubt. One look in those intelligent eyes and Regina had to bite a plush bottom lip to keep from whimpering. She did, however, allow Her desire to show in dark eyes as they flowed over the familiar body She had longed for every night without knowing who it might belong to, until now. "Well, in that light you kinda did, but seeing you up close I gotta admit you're way hotter than she ever was," Roni added with a seductive smile. Pink lips curved impishly in reply, "Really?" The rough-edged woman stood a little taller adjusting her leather jacket around the subconscious puff of her chest.
An anxious, eager tongue rolled over plush red lips as the not so powerless witch purred, "Oh, yeah. Why don't you let me buy you a drink to make up for it?" A feisty head cocked to the side as the stylish femme eagerly awaited a reply. "Alright, you're on," the soft butch agreed with a cocky grin offering her hand to seal the deal. A wide smile radiated from Regina's features as an elegant hand slid into a warm grip. "Roni," the former regent introduced Herself by Her cursed persona's title delighted at the familiar charge that happened every time their skin touched. "Mei," the rugged beauty introduced herself with a cautiously firm shake of their joined hands pleasantly surprised by the electricity that arched between them.
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It had all started after Henry left. Storybrooke was empty and cold without him, a hollowness that echoed in Regina's heart. Everyone else seemed happy. They went on with their lives as though nothing had changed, even Emma. That felt like the deepest betrayal, the newlyweds carrying on as though nothing had happened, planning a new family and a new future. But for Regina Henry was all She had. He was Her everything. The pain was naked on Her features, a raw agony clear to all. The only thing worse than suffering like this was being surrounded by a bunch of insipid do-gooders hell-bent on making it better. It was more than the reserved temperamental monarch could bear.
Well if Henry could jump a portal then so could She. Regina retreated to the Enchanted Forest where no one really knew Her and Her reputation was still feared. While the returning monarch had every intention of using Her magic for the betterment of the kingdom, to nurture the land and people to cultivate a rebirth, She knew full well that Her presence would not be welcomed. After using Her magic to restore the palace the first order of business was to hire a competent bodyguard. She needed someone with a strong reputation and an open mind. Characteristics not easy to find and yet word found Her that Mulan happened to be in Her kingdom. Regina was surprised to learn that the great hero of China was available and seeking employ. A royal summons was issued.
When Mulan entered the main hall the queen was struck by her beauty as well as the strength and confidence she exuded. "I hear you are seeking a protector, Your Majesty," the warrior greeted the monarch directly, after a courteous bow of course. Though the woman's speech was a bit terse the soldier's manners were a welcome surprise alighting a soft smile on aristocratic features. "I am. I hear you are seeking employment. Perhaps something can be arranged," Regina offered. Pink lips curved in response to the sovereign's smile as much as the opportunity. "I am honored by your summons although I must admit you are not what I expected," Mulan confessed. "Oh?" A dark brow quirked curiously at the soldier's forthrightness.
"I was told a powerful sorceress had come to claim these lands," the champion remarked boldly. Indulging a momentary wicked impulse Regina teleported in a whiff of purple smoke from Her throne to stand directly before the bold female knight. "True," the queen replied simply. A skilled hand reflexively closed around a sword handle at the sudden intrusion on her personal space, but Mulan continued in an even unruffled tone, "A dark sorceress who was once a scourge on these lands ruling with an iron fist." Clouds of shame and guilt floated across obsidian orbs even though the witch's face remained unmoved. The tactician's curiosity was piqued by the remorse she saw there. A quick glance down at the soldier's grip accompanied the query, "So you came here to kill me?"
A proud chin rose in stubborn defiance of all expectation announcing, "That depends entirely on you." A sculpted brow rose in silent question which Mulan dutifully answered, "What is it you wish to accomplish here?" It was clear to Regina that the exotic creature before was exactly what She was looking for with a keen intelligence and an open mind. A half smile quirked ruby lips as the monarch informed Her intended champion, "I mean to rebuild this kingdom to its former glory and hopefully undo some of the harm that I have done. It won't be easy. This is not some simple chore that will be done neat and quick. It will take time and dedication. There will be some resistance and a lot of suspicions. Do you think you're up to the task?"
A brilliant smile shattered Mulan's stoicism as the soldier answered with certainty, "I am your man… well so to speak." Soft tinkling laughter escaped brightening aristocratic features. A touch of concern for this charming warrior's reputation compelled Regina to confirm, "You have quite the reputation, hero. Are you sure you're not afraid to get your hands dirty defending me?" A gloved hand released the sword grip as warm brown eyes met their dark reflection to kindly reply, "I have done things that I regret. I haven't razed an entire village." The playful quip inspired a sarcastic bark of laughter in the queen at the outlandish concept. "In fact, I'm well known for stopping those who do," the honored warrior continued.
"Yes, your reputation precedes you," Regina agreed diplomatically. "And that's exactly why I'm perfect for this job," Mulan informed her soon to be employer. "Oh? You mean to keep me in line do you," the queen queried with a mischievous quirk of an eyebrow. "No," the warrior defied expectation, "but people will believe that I can. And that will give you the freedom to show them who you truly are and prove your desires for this kingdom." The perception and intelligence that the champion exhibited were as refreshing as they were intriguing.
"You're right. You are perfect for this job," Regina replied dazzled by Her new companion. With a subtle graceful bow, the soldier replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I look forward to the opportunity." The sovereign's smile danced in dark eyes as She purred, "And I look forward to spending time together. You're much smarter than the other do-gooders I've known." High tawny cheeks colored pink under the praise as the noble warrior managed a soft, "Thank you, Your Majesty." The blush was endearing especially on one so bold in so many other ways. Regina could not resist pushing just a little bit more. "It's a good thing I didn't meet you sooner. I don't think I would mind losing to a witty foil rather than a witless one. You could have actually been my undoing."
That last word seemed to strike a chord within the warrior. Brown eyes darkened as they slowly, hungrily devoured satin coated curves. A proud jaw tightened as the champion warred with her own thoughts for the sake of propriety. Heat rose throughout olive skin in response to that intense gaze stirring something long forgotten within the sovereign. Regina leaned closer to whisper in a seductively conspiratorial tone, "Thinking of undoing something are we?" Even as her body tightened eager at the thought Mulan gasped and recoiled in fear of offending her employer. "No! I… I wouldn't dare," the brave warrior stammered with an endearing flush.
Regina's posture straightened to better accent Her curves in the clingy gown as She sighed in disappointment, "That's a shame." The shock on the honored warrior's face was nearly as priceless as her stunned silence. "You never know how far a dare will take you," the alluring queen quipped mischievously before turning on Her heel. Each step the deeply pleased monarch took towards the door was a calculated sway designed to elicit captivation in Her audience. A slight smug glance over a slim shoulder informed Her that the tactic had worked swimmingly much to the sovereign's chuckling delight.
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As they approached the round neon sign outside the bar Mei stopped dead in her tracks. Pointing up at the sign the rugged woman remarked in astonishment, "Wait, you're that Roni?!" A smug smirk dominated the bartender's face as She shrugged nonchalantly the hands in Her pockets tugging hip-hugging jeans down a bit lower. "That's me, the one and only," Roni purred delighted to be so well known in any realm. A soft bark of laughter softened the exotic beauty's stoic features. "Man, I walk past here every day. I always meant to swing by, but something always gets in the way," the modern warrior confessed in astonishment.
Regina sighed under the weight of knowledge even as She struggled to keep Her expression from showing it. Of course, something always got in the way. This curse was meant to keep them apart. "Well, no more excuses. This one's on me," Roni offered with an inviting nod towards the door. An eager hand shot out grabbing the door to open it for the lady. With a slight bow of her head and a wave of her arm, Mei offered, "After you." Dark eyes danced in delight that Mulan's gallantry remained intact even in this form. "Why thank you," the former monarch replied with a sassy swish of voluptuous hips as She spun and entered the establishment. Mei's head tilted to the side in open admiration of the view she was offered. A soft approving grunt erupted from the stud as she crossed the threshold following her attractive new acquaintance.
Roni crossed to the bar sliding behind it with a grace born of familiarity as She offered with Her usual flair, "What can I get ya?" Pink lips pursed in careful thought before replying, "How about a quiet corner away from the hustle and the bustle where we can talk?" White teeth fastened around a plump bottom lip trying to cage the queen's excitement. "Why don't you get that while I get our drinks," Regina counter offered after gathering Her senses once more. "Done," Mei agreed adding, "Whiskey, whatever kind you like. Surprise me." A dark gaze glittered as they caressed proud features in delight. "Comin' right up," the bartender purred.
There was so much you could tell about a person by what they drank. Of course, Mulan was a whiskey kind of girl, an honest potent drink for people who prefer to get right to the heart of the matter. If this version of Mulan was just as direct without any of the formality and social restrictions of the old world this could be an interesting night indeed. Slim shoulders slid out of Her signature leather jacket before tucking it under the bar. With more familiar freedom of movement in this space, Roni grabbed a couple of glasses and the bottle of MacCutcheon before crossing towards the booths along the wall. Likewise, Mei slipped out of her leather jacket before sliding into the booth seat.
The bold exotic beauty smiled at the other woman's approach appreciating the similarities in their style. Much like the worn grey Iron Maiden t-shirt that lay on firm shoulders the sleeves of the bartender's CBGB shirt had been roughly cut off to expose toned arms. With a quick shift towards the center, Mei patted the vinyl seat next to her encouraging the proprietor to sit near her rather than across the way. An alluring smile curved plush red lips as Roni slid onto the seat near the rough beauty who had turned sideways on the bench seat to better face Her. "Breaking out the good stuff I see," the exotic beauty remarked with a flirtatious twinkle in her eye. "I like to make a good impression," Regina replied coyly as She poured a few fingers of scotch for each of them.
"Well you definitely have a flair for impressions," Mei teased gently before taking a sip of the potent liquor. Aristocratic cheeks flushed in embarrassment of Her earlier faux pax. Clearing Her throat the former monarch continued ignoring the reference, "So you're familiar with MacCutcheon?" Delight at the girlish blush danced in darkening brown pools as the stud suavely corrected the object of her interest, "I meant these arms." A slow stroke of said appendage left gooseflesh in its wake as an almost timid laugh leaked from the former queen. "Why in the world would you want to hide them? Especially under that hideous excuse for a leather jacket," the rugged beauty teased.
Dark eyes bulged on a gasp as Roni recoiled from the taunting. An elegant hand pressed to the bartender's chest as She defended Her wardrobe, "I love my leather jacket." Chuckles shook strong shoulders as the stud playfully taunted, "Then why would you punish it with paintings of girly ass flowers?" Another indignant gasp jerked through the former sovereign as She lightly shoved Her new companion. Mei merely laughed absorbing the blow with good-natured humor. "Look who's talking?! At least I haven't coated it in patches," Roni accused snatching said jacket from the ledge behind the booth. A warning finger rose as the stud's body stiffened in alertness admonishing, "Hey hey careful with that!"
Roni chuckled delighting in Her power as She looked over the patches in question. "I mean look at these… The Cramps, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Ramones, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, Sex Pistols," the bartender rattled off the names with increasingly begrudging respect. To which the proud punk enthusiast simply replied, "Mmhmm." Regina sighed conceding, "Fine! So you have good taste in music." Out of pure curiosity, the pouting femme unfolded the jacket to see a large back piece dedicated to something called The Distillers. "What's this?!" The rugged Asian beauty recoiled gasping dramatic shock, "You don't know The Distillers?!" Stylish curls swayed from side to side as Roni confessed, "No and you'd think I would with running a bar and all."
A firm hand pressed to a heaving chest as the shocked butchy retrieved her phone from her pocket announcing, "Okay, we have to fix this RIGHT NOW." Elegant brows pinched in puzzlement as the femme with a bit rock and roll flair inquired curiously, "What are you doing?" The stoic beauty informed her lovely acquaintance adamantly, "Teaching you some damn respect is what we doin'." Roni giggled as Her companion quickly brought a music video up on her phone. The opening strains of the song emanating from the upheld phone were hauntingly enthralling. Intrigued by the music Regina slid closer to see and hear better. A strong arm rose to encircle slim shoulders allowing a better view. Snuggling closer Regina was enshrouded by the magic of the moment. The lyrics called to the longing the former queen felt surrounded by Her lover's arms but unable to share the intimate knowledge of what they once had.
…The wave of pain, The scent of you is bliss…Hold onto the memory, It's all you've got…..
The royal heart pounded fiercely in the former monarch's chest as She fought the sting of sentimental tears. When the beautifully tortured vocalization came to an end dark eyes rose, raw emotion and wonder naked in them. A heavy head fell gently on a strong shoulder as Regina asked in a soft voice, "What was that?" A soft, crooked grin curved pink lips in appreciation of this interesting woman's taste as well as the natural way the captivating creature reclined in the rugged woman's arms. "That was The Hunger by The Distillers," Mei politely informed her companion. The way the music so close to the stud's heart affected this sassy little vixen was beyond alluring. As the modern warrior stared entranced by plump crimson lips they opened to urge, "Tell me more."
Transfixed by those lips and all she wanted to do with them Mei rattled on without thought, "Brody, the lead singer, is not only rare in that she's the female lead of a punk band, but her vocals can slip smoothly from pure harmonic vocalization to screaming agony and back again. It gives her voice a haunting quality that you have to respect. And The Hunger is probably my favorite because you can feel the raw, aching, shameless, hopeless longing in her voice. And even though she knows she can't go back to that one perfect moment in time, even though that place and that person is lost forever she can't help wishing it wasn't so." Plump lips trembled with all they could not reveal as firm, tender fingers brushed a curl out of Her face, Her unknowing lover whispering breathily, "Wishing for some way to capture that feeling again no matter the cost."
Helpless before the might of Her unwitting lover's yearning heart plush lips rose to capture a firm pink pair. Mei froze a moment surprised to find that this enchanting creature was just as drawn to her. For a moment Regina's heart pinched painfully in fear that She had overstepped Her cursed lover's boundaries, but only a moment. Firm hands cradled delicate features as ardent lips fell into the kiss slowly sampling, savoring what this exciting new woman offered. Roni sighed with relief a wistful mouth opening only to be filled by a cautiously curious tongue. An aching moan danced over the organ as the royal tongue welcomed it with slow teasing flicks and caresses. A curvaceous body arched against warm, toned flesh as elegant fingers flowed through satin strands indulging in the moment with the whole of Her being.
A rough gasp broke the kiss as the rugged Asian beauty trembled in shock at how eager and responsive the fascinating woman was. Resting her forehead against the sassy bartender's Mei remarked in astonishment, "So you know a little something about longing then." A wry smile curved crimson lips as Regina tried to respect Her unaware lover's boundaries. An achingly lamenting caress traveled down a chiseled cheek as Roni replied in a husky tone, "More than you can imagine." A strong curled finger lifted a stubborn regal chin to offer gentle hope. "Well don't worry, hot stuff. I might be a bit of slow starter, but I'm well worth the wait," Mei promised. A shimmer of optimism danced in dark eyes as a throat thick with unshareable emotion replied, "I really really believe that."
A hopeful smile beamed from the exotic creature glowing with promise as she confessed wistfully, "Good because if I had to pass by here every day and saw you making out with a new girl every time it might just break my heart." A wicked laugh shook slim shoulders as Roni replied, "I'm not that big a fool." Mei laughed softly relieved by her intoxicating companion's assurances. As the repeated information struck the stylish femme the former queen curiously inquired, "You said that before. You pass by every day? How did I miss that?" Thick dark brows bobbed in a humble gesture unperturbed by the oversight. "I'm not surprised. It's usually pretty busy when I close up shop which is honestly what kept me from coming in," Mei replied enjoying the simple comfort of holding the engaging creature.
Thick lashes beat lightly over a keen gaze as Roni prodded gently for more, "You have a shop?" Warm brown eyes darted subconsciously in the direction she was used to approaching from as Mei replied casually, "Yeah, just couple blocks up, Red Dragon Shaolin. We teach traditional and exotic kung fu and tai chi." Delight danced in dark eyes to know that the curse had at least not robbed Her champion of her love for martial arts and discipline. "We," Roni asked with enchanted interest. Pain dulled brown pools dragging them to the ground as the wounded warrior shared in a broken voice, "I… I mean I. I used to teach with my father, but he passed on."
Regina bit down on Her lips to keep from railing against the lies that this insidious curse had used to poison such a pure heart. Mulan's father wasn't dead. He was simply in the other land, but there was no way for the queen to share that information. Instead, She offered what comfort She could placing a gentle hand over the stalwart beauty's as an empathetic voice reached out, "I'm so sorry. I had no idea." An intense gaze fastened to that sweet hand as a firm thumb rose to caress it gratefully. An introspective voice leaked out, "When I'm there teaching a whole class I can almost feel him still with me." A weak smile curved plush lips.
Mei chuckled wryly trying to dismiss the raw, open moment, "I know it sounds crazy. I don't even know why I'm telling you all this." An elegant hand carefully coaxed a proud chin to rise to meet Roni's gaze as She assured the stoic beauty, "It doesn't sound crazy at all and I'm glad you told me." Pink lips twitched in a shy attempt at a smile. A sudden thought pulled Mei from her doldrums as she enthused inspired, "Hey maybe you could come by sometime. I can show you a few moves to keep the customers from getting too fresh. What do ya say?" Obsidian orbs sparkled with promise as Regina assured her, "I'd like that."
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Regina burst into the tent that had been set up for Her to take meals in as She supervised the cultivation and renewal of the outlying farmlands. Out here on the edges of Her kingdom resentment and independent, stubborn rejection were at their highest. While the queen logically understood their obstinance and judgment, it still stung nevertheless. When the tent drapes flapped announcing an arrival She did not bother to turn. Only one would be brave enough to approach the monarch at this moment. Firm hands settled comfortingly on slim shoulders as a kind voice reached out, "I know it hurts. It's supposed to."
Regina spun about confusion at the questionable comfort clear on Her face. Although the words sounded callous warm chocolate pools exuded empathy as the champion continued, "If you want to earn their respect, their trust, you will have to go through all the pain that you put them through. For if you cannot bear it how can you expect them to?" Unshed tears threatened to spill over as the monarch blinked slowly stunned by the perception of the rugged beauty before Her. "Why do you have to be so clever? I hate it when you're right," the sovereign groused petulantly.
Stoic features brightened impishly as Mulan lightly teased the queen in hopes of raising Her spirits, "Then you must just hate having me around all the time." Plush lips quivered a single tear falling free as Regina admitted despite Herself, "You're the only thing that makes it bearable." A gentle thumb caringly caressed the salty drop from a regal cheek as the honored warrior vowed, "And I will be there by your side every step as you walk through this hell. I will always be there to help battle your demons, to pick you up when you fall and when your burden makes you weary you can always lean on me." The queen gasped in pure wonder of the devoted, unbelievable creature before Her.
Regina leaned into the offered comfort resting the royal cheek against a firm shoulder as a fragile voice puzzled, "Where did you come from?" Mulan tenderly stroked silky locks in silent comfort as she playfully quipped, "Your wildest dreams." With a slight sniffle, the queen pressed Herself away from that sweet, soothing shoulder to gaze up in awe of Her champion before confessing in a soft tone with the slightest hint of self-loathing, "I wouldn't dare to dream of anything that good." A kind smile greeted the unfathomable words as the witty warrior repeated the queen's own words to Her, "Maybe you should. You never know where a dare might take you."
Enraptured by the possibility and promise in those words Regina silently accepted the challenge drifting slowly higher. Both deeply intelligent women sharply examined the other's features on the steady approach, Regina offering plenty of opportunities to refuse the gesture as Mulan patiently openly awaited her liege's intentions. When their lips finally met the queen whimpered at how soft and welcoming the stoic woman was as the champion's gasp drew the enchanting flavor of that sweet whimper over her tongue. Strong arms encircled the monarch as firm lips descended slowly deepening the embrace. A deliciously saccharine moan escaped plush lips as they parted before a timidly curious tongue.
A voluptuous body arched up as lips, teeth, and tongue danced a savoring, exploratory waltz. When the need for air outweighed her wonder Mulan rest her spinning head against her charge's panting raggedly. A slow smile spread over aristocratic features as Regina caressed the proud cheek of the surprising and increasingly enchanting creature above Her. The trembling of the brave warrior delighted the queen like no other. How strange it seemed to find something so wondrous amidst the wreckage of Her sins. Perhaps in facing them, the sorceress would not only atone for Her past but She may yet earn a glittering future as well.