Summary: Powerless, caged and alone, Zelena struggles with her own insanity and inferiority while the rest of Storybrooke enjoys their happy endings. An unexpected visit from an unlikely suitor opens the way for a world of new possibilities, and perhaps even a happy ending of her own.

A/N: Written specially for Mperry25. I hope I do your idea justice.

She could feel the darkness creeping in, those dark thoughts, those insecurities. They wouldn't go away, no matter how hard she tried to fight them off. She was alone, she had no power, she was weak. It was a living hell. But who cared about the poor, old, Wicked Witch? The scourge. The menace. The woman who had broken one of the three laws of magic in attempt to get revenge on their reformed Evil Queen. The woman who no longer mattered as long as she was locked up and couldn't hurt anyone. She knew that a second chance wasn't going to come anytime soon, not when it was her sister's happy ending that she'd tried to ruin. Regina was fairly known for holding grudges. As far as she'd counted, it was about her 3rd month being locked up in this stupid cell.

"Zelena." Regina's voice surprised her, but she didn't sit up from her cot.

"What?"

"Get up. You need some sunshine and fresh air."

"I needed that about 3 months ago when you stuck me in this bloody box."

"I'm taking Henry and Roland to the stables. Do you want to come or not?"

"So I can enjoy the smell of horse ass all day?"

Regina sighed and tried to soften her voice. "Zelena-"

"Please don't." Zelena said, standing up. "Let's just go. I am in no mood for you trying to reconcile and be a sister. No, that's never going to happen." She shoved her way past her sister and waited for her to take the lead as they walked out to her car where the boys were waiting in the backseat. Zelena climbed into the passenger seat and crossed her arms. Truthfully, she was glad to be out of that cell and back in the world. She could actually feel the sunshine on her face and the breeze was indescribably good. Arriving at the stables, Zelena simply watched her sister teach her little ones how to ride and groom their horses. The display was sickening and Zelena eventually walked off to a nearby tree and sat down beneath its low hanging branches, thinking of only one thing...flying. She missed flying. When she was flying, there were no rules, no limits, she was free. Perfectly free to do whatever she wanted. Nothing and no one could bring her down. There was no insanity, no younger sisters who got everything while she got nothing, no heartless mothers. It was just her and the wind and the sky and the birds. She sighed, remembering the last time she flew, soaring out of the clocktower after throwing her sister through it. That had been fun. She missed her freedom terribly and with her sister continuing to be angry with her, she would not be flying for a long time.

Regina and the boys eventually tired of riding and put the horses in the stalls. Zelena scowled when they joined under the tree, but she didn't acknowledge them much, even when Regina tried to make conversation.

"Can I go flying?" Zelena ventured to ask.

"You can't use your magic." Regina answered.

"Because you're afraid."

"What?" Regina looked at her with an eyebrow arched. Even Henry and Roland looked up.

"I broke one of the laws of magic. I am more powerful than you are, even with your light and dark magic. This is a fact. And you're afraid to let me off my little leash because of the damage I could truly do." Zelena replied.

"You know what, how would you like to go back in your cell?"

"That's right, shut me up when I'm right."

Regina glared at her and started to reply but she was cut off by a powerful rush of wind as Maleficent soared overhead on near silent wings, powering her way through the sky with Lily right behind her, both of them sparkling in the sunlight. They flew so effortlessly, so fearlessly, one with the sky. "Show offs." Regina muttered, a smile touching her lips as she watched Mal turned back to them, revealing the large tree wrapped in her talons. "What the hell?" The black dragon landed in front of the tree, rolling her powerful shoulders and turned to those gathered beneath the tree. She held up the tree in her front talons, as though offering it to them, before dropping it and racing back to Lily. "What-"

"She wants you to launch it." Zelena said. "Throw it. With magic. Duh."

"Do it, Gina." Roland said.

Regina sighed and raised her hand, grabbing ahold of the tree with magic and waved her arm, throwing it into the air. Mal leaped into the air to catch it, but Lily got to it first and threw herself into the sky. The dragons played in the air, in a beautiful aerial display as they tossed the tree back and forth. The sight stung the Wicked Witch's heart and she turned away. Soon the dragons had disappeared over the horizon.

The sun was setting by the time Regina and the boys rode one last time, leaving Zelena alone to her thoughts once more. For a few minutes, she simply sat and watched. Not her sister and her kids, but the horses out in the pasture.

"You don't want to ride?" Came a sudden voice. Zelena turned around and was surprised to find that Maleficent was standing behind her, leaning against the tree. The blonde was breathtaking, and wore only black jeans and a long sleeved black shirt that revealed an exceeding amount of cleavage.

"No." She said curtly, turning back around to avoid the piercing blue gaze.

Mal only sat next to her, facing the other direction. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced."

"Your reputation precedes you, Dragon Queen."

The dragon chuckled. "The same could be said of you, Wicked Witch." Mal extended her hand. "I am Maleficent."

"Zelena." They shook and Mal gestured back to the horses.

"You ride?"

"No."

"You don't like horses?"

"I love animals, I just don't prefer the company that apparently comes with them."

"You don't like horses because Regina likes horses? That's a little juvenile." Mal commented.

"I am not my sister." Zelena snapped.

"I never said you were." Mal replied calmly. "That's why I'm talking to you."

Zelena sighed and glanced up at the attentive gaze of the dragon. "I'm sorry. I do like horses, but I enjoy something far more wonderful. Something I'm sure you're familiar with."

"Flying." Mal smiled. "There is truly nothing like it."

"I agree, but if my sister has anything to say about it I'll probably never do so again." She held up her arm with the cuff attached. "Because of this. Mind taking it off?"

"What, so you can disappear on me?" Mal scoffed. "No, I need an excuse to look into those beautiful eyes of yours."

Zelena frowned. Considering the woman's past with her sister, she quickly dismissed the idea that she had any real interest in the witch. "Can I ask you what you want, Maleficent?"

"Please call me Mal, and I merely wanted to get to know Zelena."

"I'm sure you've heard the stories."

"Yes, about the Wicked Witch, not Zelena."

"They're the same person."

Mal tilted her head. "I don't believe it so."

"And I don't really care what you believe." Zelena retorted. "Please leave me alone now."

Maleficent only smirked. "What will you do if I don't?" She asked. There was really nothing she could do. Zelena was powerless and Mal was one of the most powerful magic users to ever exist. "Will you come here tomorrow?"

"I doubt it."

"Please do. A gift will be waiting for you." Mal stood up and dusted off her pants. "I do hope you enjoy it."

"A gift?" Zelena said.

"You'll know it when you see it." Mal smirked and teleported away in a cloud of purple smoke, leaving Zelena alone. The witch pulled her knees up to her chin and tried to ignore the buzzing in her chest. Why would Maleficent give her anything? It was probably a plot between her and Regina. That certainly sounded more plausible. They wanted to make a fool of her. As if holding her prisoner wasn't enough.

"Let's go, Zelena." Regina said, walking back over. "Time for you to go back in."

Zelena didn't even protest, didn't even remark as she was lead back to the car. Regina gave her a curious look, but she was ignored. Once she was back in her cell, the witch laid back down, also ignoring the annoying nurse bringing the slop that they thought passed for food. She wasn't hungry, but she wasn't tired either. Her thoughts were consumed with a certain enchanting dragoness. The bright blue eyes of the blonde lead her to sleep, where she dreamed of flying, soaring over the forest on the back of a great dragon. Sooner or later though, you always have to wake up.

The next morning, Zelena had decided that she wouldn't go back to the stables. She was going to stay in her cell. Besides, Regina might not even invite her again and Mal had probably just been toying with her. It was just one big joke at her expense. But Regina did indeed come again and invite her to the stables. Zelena hesitated, and agreed before she even thought about it. It would just be them today since the boys were in school, but Zelena was deep in thought, trying to figure out what 'gift' Maleficent left for her.

"Are you alright? You seem on edge." Regina said as she drove.

"Not that you would care or anything, but no, I am not." Zelena rolled down the window and smiled as the wind blasted her in the face.

"Maybe if you stopped acting like I was the one who did you wrong, then we both could move past this little feud." Regina continued.

Zelena rolled up the window. "Regina, dear, please do refrain from regaling me with bitter childhood memories with our mother. I don't really care."

"You not moving on is exactly why you'll stay in that cell."

"You're the one who hasn't moved on, dear. I'm over you. There is only one thing that I want and it doesn't involve you at all unless it's you taking this damn cuff off."

"And what's that?" Regina asked as she parked outside the stables.

Zelena didn't reply, she was too focused on the giant box nearby with Maleficent standing near it. She quickly got out of the car and approached.

Maleficent smiled at her. "I'd hoped you'd come. I wasn't sure how well my offer would be taken considering my past."

"What is the meaning of this?" Zelena demanded, glancing at the box as it shook. "If this is some game to you, I refuse to play. I will not be made a fool of."

Maleficent tilted her head in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"You pretending to have an inkling of interest in anything I do just so I can be some kind of amusement for you and your pal." She gestured to Regina, who was about to get out of the car.

Mal snapped her fingers, locking the car. "What the fuck?" Regina hissed, trying and failing to open the doors. The dragon looked at Zelena.

"I have no partnership with Regina whatsoever. She locked me underground for 28 years and let Emma kill me. That friendship sailed and sunk years ago." She sighed. "I was trying to get to know you. Genuinely. You intrigue me, your power, your beauty. Your spotty sarcasm." She smirked. "That is my only intention. There is no plot, or anything of that nature."

Zelena was shocked to say the least. "I'm wicked, and hated, and crazy-"

"You don't have to be wicked. You are hated, that one is true. As for crazy, well, that crazy has made you one of the most powerful magic practitioners of our time. Besides...I like crazy chicks. Normal people are boring."

"You are serious?" Zelena asked, still not believing what she was hearing. "Why?"

"What does this world call it? A date? Is that it? Go on a date with me and I will explain it. I will show you."

"I can't go anywhere with this stupid thing on!" Zelena raised her wrist.

"You won't need to." Mal smirked cryptically and stepped towards the box, unlocking the car as she did so.

"What the hell was that for?' Regina snapped as she stepped out.

"I needed to have a word with Zelena." Mal said. "And now for your gift, Wicked Witch." She pulled the lock off the door and pulled open the box. Out stepped a huge black stallion, rippling with power. It trotted forward and Zelena's jaw dropped at seeing the great wings unfurl.

"A pegasus." She whispered. "You got me a pegasus."

"A small gift." Mal said, watching the animal as it galloped around the field. "I tried to find a winged unicorn, but it bit me so I snapped its neck." She rubbed absently at her wrist. "Now, dear, you should go and see if you can get it to imprint on you and you can have your own personal steed. Do you like him?"

"He's magnificent." Regina said in awe.

"How will I know if he imprints on me?" Zelena asked, slowly walking towards him.

"He will try to kill you."

"Fantastic." She muttered to herself. The Pegasus at first, didn't seem to mind her presence. She tried talking softly to him and kept her hands raised to show she didn't mean any harm. He sputtered when she touched his side and she stroked his neck, letting him adjust to her presence. So far, he hadn't tried to kill her yet. Maybe he just didn't like her. "Guess I'm not good enough for you either, huh?" She said softly. He turned his head, looking her in the eye for the briefest moment before turning his back to her as he grazed on the turf beneath their feet.

"At least see if you can mount him." Mal called.

Zelena looked at the tall animal and went to get a rock to pull over. Using it as a step stool, she nimbly hopped up onto the pegasus's back. That seemed to be what set him off. He unfurled his wings and shot them into the air like a bullet.

"Well that backfired rather quickly." Mal said.

"You got her a pegasus? Why?"

"To prove my intentions." Mal waved her hand dismissively, smirking as Zelena screamed as the beast started spinning in the air, trying to dislodge her. By then though, she seemed to have got it down. Flying came naturally to the redhead.

"Intentions for what?" Regina asked.

"Well it doesn't really concern you so you don't need to know, do you?" Replied the dragon, turning back to Zelena as the pegasus landed and bucked her off. She hit the ground hard, but was laughing.

"Boy have I missed flying." Zelena sighed, smiling as the pegasus bent over her and nuzzled her neck. "I win then?" He sputtered. "Then you need a name." While the witch rambled to the pegasus, Mal watched in fascination at the change in the woman. She appeared so relaxed and carefree even though she could've died only moments ago. That was one thing she'd already noticed about the redhead. She was fearless, completely confident in most of her life, but the dragon knew that darkness and demons lurked beneath that confidence. Something in her wanted to dig them out with a vengeance and destroy them.

"You're growling, Mal." Regina said.

Mal quickly stopped and waved her hand, conjuring a broad emerald studded collar and warily approached the bonding pair. "Zelena." The witch turned to look at her and she held out the collar. "For you."

"Maleficent, meet Tiberius." Zelena smirked, stroking the animal's neck. Maleficent dipped her head as Zelena took the collar and fitted it around his neck. "Thank you for this, by the way. There is no way I could repay you for this-"

"I did not give him to you so you could pay me back." Mal said sharply. "I gave him to you because… I wanted to see you smile." Zelena was clearly surprised by her words. "Mission accomplished. I'll see you tonight." The dragon teleported away.

Zelena was shocked for a moment and had to take a minute to get herself together. What was the blonde's endgame she wondered. Why go through all the trouble? She still couldn't believe the dragon, that her intentions were purely to seek some kind of relationship with the Wicked Witch. It couldn't be possible.

Xxxxxxxxx

"She doesn't believe me. What must I do?" Mal said as she paced the living room of the cabin, speaking more to herself than to her daughter who was lounging on the couch reading a magazine.

"You got her a gift, didn't you?" Lily asked.

"Of course. I got her a fucking pegasus!" Mal said. "Maybe she would like a gilded broomstick. Or better yet…"

"She wasn't raised like Regina. She doesn't know finery like that."

"She deserves it. What's your point?" Mal hissed. She wasn't sure what it was about Zelena, what set her apart from others, but she knew she wanted to know her. Sex was the furthest from her mind if she didn't understand the woman of whom the body belonged. Zelena was...intriguing. She wanted to learn and understand the woman, but she also knew that Zelena was not going to give out that information willingly. It would take time, but the Dragon Queen was nothing if not patient. One day, she hoped to truly see past all that Wicked Witch nonsense and meet the real Zelena.

/

Zelena kissed Tiberius on the nose before following Regina back to the car for the ride back home to her cell. She was quiet, once again deep in thought.

"So, what was that whole thing about?" Regina asked.

"Nothing." Zelena replied curtly.

"Maleficent gave you a flying horse and you call that nothing?"

"Apparently." Zelena said nothing more as she was lead to her cell and collapsed onto the bed, once again dismissing the nurse when she brought her food. Today had been rather exciting and she was tired. As soon as she closed her eyes to sleep however, she found herself in a strange place. It was a beautiful garden, bathed in golden light. The air smelled sweetly of the multitude of flowers surrounding her. Butterflies of every color fluttered through the air. Hearing the sound of running water, she quickly followed it and found a small river with a three tier waterfall at the far end. "What is this place?"

"My garden." Came a familiar purr. Maleficent arose from the flowers, wearing a long white dress, looking breathtaking as usual. "Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful." Zelena said, looking around. "But I don't understand."

"What? Please explain. I told you that I wanted to get to know you. This is a good place, yes? We're in your dreams so you have no fear of being overheard or anything of that nature."

"Why do you care?" Zelena asked.

"Is that so hard to fathom? That someone cares about you?"

"Yes! No one has cared about me my entire life except my mother. My adoptive mother. She's the only one who ever gave a damn about me." Zelena hissed, remembering how the woman had taken her in, treated her as her own. If only she hadn't died. None of this would have happened.

"Zelena-"

"No! Send me back! Take me back to the cell!"

Maleficent sighed and raised her hand, about to comply when Zelena's stomach growled. The dragon frowned. "That was your stomach?"

"Yes, I'm hungry. Send me back." Zelena waved her hand dismissively.

"When have you last eaten?"

"A couple days ago. I grew up in near poverty, dear, I've gone far longer without food. Now send me back to my fucking cell!"

"Why can't you accept help?!" Mal snapped. "I just wanted to talk to you, that is all."

"Well don't!" Zelena roared. "Just stay away from me. We'll both be better off." Almost instantly, Zelena snapped awake in her cell, covered in sweat and trembling. She screamed and threw her pillow across the room. She screamed again and slammed her fist against the wall, cursing as she felt a few bones crack. "Stupid dragon. Stupid!" She desperately wanted to believe that Mal wanted friendship, but something stopped her. A voice kept trickling into the back of her mind, reminding her of who and what she truly was. She was wicked. She was not wanted, she was hated and detested, worth nothing more than dirt. Never to be wanted, never to be loved. What she'd done was uncalled for. Even she knew that, but she couldn't take it back now. Mal probably wouldn't even care about her now. "Stupid." The witch sunk down on the bed, holding her injured hand. It was throbbing like crazy and she wished she had magic to heal it. Zelena sighed and laid back down for a fitful night of sleep.

The next day Regina brought her out to the stables again to see to her new steed. She kept her hand pressed against her stomach, hoping to alleviate both pains at once. She brushed Tiberius off and watched him canter around the field before returning to her spot beneath the tree. After a while, he joined her and grazed nearby. Regina continued on with her riding and Zelena examined her undoubtedly broken hand.

There was a sudden whoosh of wind as Mal flew by overhead, gliding effortlessly across the sky before turning to fly back to the tree. She landed almost silently, glittering brilliantly in the sun. Before Zelena could even speak, a tray was conjured on the tip of her nose and she gently placed it in front of the witch. On it, was a bowl of green grapes and green apple slices, a plate of baked bread and a small block of cheese with a knife, and the last plate contained what looked like a grilled chicken breast. A glass of iced tea appeared a moment later. The dragon looked over the meal,seemed to rethink her decision and made the knife disappear and magically sliced the bread, meat and cheese. The pain in Zelena's hand suddenly disappeared and the dragon flew off without a word.

Zelena was stunned by the kindness after the way she'd acted last night, but that surprise was won over by the desire to eat. She picked a few of the apple slices out for Tiberius and dug into the food wholeheartedly. It was a simple meal, yet it tasted like the best thing she'd ever tastes. She ate everything and as soon as she was done, the tray disappeared. She leaned against the tree with a content sigh. Tiberius whinnied, gaining her attention. He pranced around in a high stepping manner, flapping his wings. "I can't ride you yet, you don't have a saddle." She sighed as he kept nudging her and she went to look into the box that Mal had brought him in to see if there was anything else in it. Inside there was a long trough, not filled with water or food, but with leather and pieces of metal. It seemed that the dragon was going to make a saddle. Zelena pulled the trough out, back to her place beneath the tree and sorted out the materials. Creating a saddle for a pegasus was going to be no easy task, but she had plenty of time. She asked Regina for a notebook and a pen and started sketching and measuring Tiberius.

Maleficent watched with a satisfied eye as the witch started work. It was time she started work as well.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next few days passed quickly. Zelena was completely focused on making her saddle, but she was allowed to go back to the stables everyday to tend to Tiberius. The food that was provided for her quickly changed from slop to dinners of steak and salads and lobster and lamb. She knew it was because of Maleficent. She knew she should apologize. It was the right thing to do, but Zelena wasn't used to doing the right thing. She felt stupid for what she did since Mal had only been trying to help. It was about a week later before Zelena summoned up enough courage to do what needed to be done. Since bringing her the food, Mal hadn't contacted her at all, and she felt bad for perhaps hurting the blonde's feelings. Then again, the Dragon Queen could hardly care less about what the Wicked Witch thought. Then again, she had snapped at the woman after she gave her Tiberius.

Zelena sighed, sitting beneath the tree and watching Mal as she flew by overhead, a rare sighting nowadays. The dragon disappeared over the northern ridge and Zelena knew that now was as good a time as any. She picked up her now finished saddle, crafted and finely stitched as best as she could from black leather strips, and carried it over to Tiberius. It fit him snugly and smiled at seeing how well her mother's sewing lessons and a bit of watching her father making tools had paid off. She mounted him and adjusted herself in the saddle.

"Easy boy." Zelena smiled at how much she found she loved being on horseback...or pegasusback. "Let's try this out. Ready?" Tiberius reared up and took off across the pasture. She leaned forward, urging him faster. She heard Regina call out to her, but she ignored it as Tiberius spread his wings. With a hard flap, he left the ground and soon, they were airborne, following Maleficent's trail over the ridge. She closed her eyes and let the wind wash over her, enjoying the feeling of being in the air once again. "Whoo!" Tiberius climbed higher into the sky and she spotted the cabin where the dragons had been staying up until now, and urged the pegasus into a steep dive. Falling at breakneck speed had always been a particular delight of hers when flying. Diving through the sky was one of the most spectacular feelings in the world. Tiberius opened his wings at the perfect moment. He landed hard, but nothing was broken at least. "That was a great first flight, boy, but there's something I have to do." She dismounted and approached the cabin and knocked nervously on the door.

Lily opened it, one eyebrow cocked. "Yes?"

"Where is Maleficent? I need to speak with her."

Lily glanced behind her at Tiberius. "You're Zelena." She smirked and looked the witch up and down. "Hmph. Mom's around back. I'll show you." She lead Zelena through the small, sparsely furnished cabin and into the back yard that bordered the lake and the forest. Mal was sitting on some kind of large raft at the end of the docks, sketching on some kind of large pad. She raised her head as they approached, her brow crinkling at seeing Zelena. The witch swallowed hard as Lily left them alone. The dragon had chosen a scenic and serene spot to lounge next to the water in nothing more than a long purple dress with a long slit on one side that revealed long smooth legs, toned and turned a perfect gold by the sun's kiss.

Zelena stepped forward onto the docks and Mal turned to face her, closing her book. "I just wanted to say that I am sorry. What I said and did was uncalled for, it was stupid and extremely rude. Especially after everything you've done for me." Mal didn't say anything for a moment. "I truly apologize. It's just…" She sighed. "Who's ever cared about the Wicked Witch?"

The dragon stood up. "I don't care about the Wicked Witch." She said. "I care about Zelena. Zelena is who I see, who I want to know. I am not asking you to open your heart. I know that will take time." She crossed her arms. "But I am a patient woman. To live this long, you kinda have to be."

Zelena drew in a shaky breath, almost trembling under Mal's soft gaze. "I am nothing like my sister."

"I know you aren't. There is no one like Regina. If I wanted to talk to her, I would've. It's you that I want."

"W-want?"

"Only time will tell what we may become, dear. I am willing to at least try to be friends...or some semblance of the word. My last friend locked me underground for 30 years. I'm a little concerned about you'll do."

A small smile managed to crack Zelena's lips. She let out a sigh of relief. "I've never had a friend at all. I was worried...I might've ruined everything. Or anything...or whatever this is." She ran a hand through her hair.

"Then we can at least talk now?" Mal asked.

"I am...willing."

"Wonderful." Mal smiled and stepped forward to take her wrist, removing the cuff and tossed it over her shoulder into the lake. She sat back down and motioned for Zelena to do the same.

"What do you want to talk about?" Zelena asked, complying, trembling slightly at feeling the surge of her magic once again. "My lonely, terrible childhood or my lonely, terrible adulthood?"

"Terrible adulthood?" Mal suddenly laughed. "Have you any idea who you are? Zelena, heroes and villains will always be remembered, but after a time, the memory of the Evil Queen, Snow White, and even the Dragon Queen will fade. But you, you are a legend. The woman who accomplished the impossible. The woman who broke one of the laws of magic. Did you know that?" She chuckled.

"I suppose... I never... really thought beyond my revenge for Regina." Zelena said.

"Obviously. Heroes and villains are one thing. But Legends are another. They never die. You should be proud."

"Um...thank you." Zelena looked down at her lap, folding her hands in them.

"Tell me about your mother."

"What about her? She died when I was young so there isn't too much I remember I'm afraid. Most things are really fuzzy, not really there."

"What do you remember?"

Zelena thought for a moment. "Bread. Sweet bread. We used to make it from scratch and it'd be the most delicious thing ever. We would spend all day in the kitchen, and once they were hot and fresh, she sprinkled them with powdered sugar and drizzled them with honey."

"I'm surprised you still have teeth." Mal smiled.

"She loved sweets. And sewing. My father really didn't do much for the family. She carried us on her needle and thread. I remember she used to always touch the silk in the marketplace, but we could never afford any for her to embroider or sew with." Zelena sighed. "It feels like another lifetime ago." Mal nodded in understanding. "What about your own mother?"

"As you can imagine, there was a very long time ago." The dragon sighed thoughtfully. "But I remember my mother's beauty was breathtaking and she was constantly beating the hell out of suitors. She used to say that we could've been twins. I remember a great palace where she would dance in the sunlight. She loved to dance and sing. In dragon form, she was twice my size and her scales were as white as a cloud. But unfortunately we were not together long."

"What happened?"

"I'm not really sure. It's been so long and that memory has always been elusive. But I know that the Enchanted Forest is not my true home. I often feel like something bad happened, but I don't really know."

"Are you and Lily the last of your kind?"

"For a long time, I believed that I was. At least the last purebred one. I managed to find another male to breed with to give Lily her best chance. I wanted her to have the best our species had to offer so she could have a head start in becoming whatever kind of dragon she wanted to be."

"Breed?" Zelena said, not quite understanding.

"We mated. After that, his purpose was complete and I sent him on his way. He tried to move in with me." Mal scowled. "Stupid lizard."

Zelena smirked. "At least your childhood was better than mine."

"I suppose, but everyone has their sob stories, Zelena. Not every story is perfect."

"I agree, it's just…" Zelena looked down at her lap again, feeling her body start to tremble. "What's wrong with me?" She didn't cry, although something in her really wanted to let it out. "What is so wrong with me that my own mother decided I wasn't enough right after I was born? But Regina was enough. I would've done whatever Cora wanted, I would've been her queen. Granted, I might've murdered Snow White and Leopold long before Regina tried to, but still…"

"There is nothing wrong with you." Mal said, magically moving her closer and tilting her head to look into her eyes. "There is nothing. Cora was a heartless bitch. She couldn't see what was right in front of her face. If she had, she'd have known that you were everything she could've wanted and more. You are not inferior to Regina in any way because Cora deemed you to be. Cora doesn't know you. She doesn't know your heart. You have broken barriers, endured abuse and poverty and neglect. Your father called you wicked, did he not?"

"From the day they found me." Zelena whispered, looking into the clear blue eyes in front of her.

"A child growing up constantly hearing those words, will only one day believe them... even if they aren't true. You are more than what you have become, and you can become more."

"How? How did you go from the Dragon Queen to the...Dragon Mother? From the way you interact with Lily, one would never guess who you used to be."

Mal scoffed. "I am and forever will be the Dragon Queen. Although Dragon Mother has a nice ring to it." She smirked. "Regina is the only one who likes to pretend that who we used to be no longer matters because of who we believe we've become. People have the power to be shaped by the world around them and in the end, all we can do is make the best of our time. The past is the past, but it will never be forgotten. The scars you gained during that time show the world where you've been, not where you will go. You have done great things, and you will do many more before your time is up. But you have to love who you are, even when the world would rather see you hanged or burned at the stake, you have to believe in who you are."

Zelena smiled, choking back a sob. "You should be a motivational speaker."

"Nonsense, I have no time for such. I am merely stating facts." Mal said. "You are not your sister. You are Zelena. Tell exactly who Zelena is."

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Zelena flew to her farmhouse after leaving Mal and released Tiberius into the pasture. She removed his tack and placed it on the porch before entering her old home. The place looked dark and desolate and was in desperate need of cleaning, but she had nothing else to do so she decided to do it manually instead of with magic. Her evening with the dragon had proved insightful and she was surprised with how much better she felt for releasing so much pent up frustration with her family. Mal had sat quietly and listened as they told each other their troubled pasts. She hadn't realized just how much hell the blonde had endured over the many years of her lifetime. They made Zelena's own feel like paradise at times. But the dragon had never voiced such. She didn't really get emotional until it came to the part where Stefan, the dumb bastard, had chosen Briar Rose over her, and sent his best assassins to kill her so she wouldn't spread rumors about the king cavorting with a dragon. Mal had then razed the entire kingdom and tore the castle to the ground. The royal family, as well as some other refugees managed to escape. The blonde had hated her brutal reaction to that, that innocent people had died for her vengeance against their king. There was no regret, but she seemed deeply and genuinely upset by her actions that day. Then they had started talking about any and everything and it was...refreshing to the witch. She'd never had anyone growing up who just listened and didn't judge or look at her funny. Mostly because of her magic, and the little green spots that would take form whenever she was envious watching some child with their loving family. Maleficent seemed content to just let her talk and truly listen to what she had to say. It was strange, but a good strange.

It was night by the time Regina managed to catch up with her. She had just finished sweeping and scrubbing the floors when her sister walked in. "Where the hell have you been?"

Zelena sighed. "With Maleficent. Once I was done there, I came here and started cleaning up the place."

Regina looked down, eyes zeroing onto her wrist. "Where's the cuff?"

"At the bottom of the lake. Mal took it off and threw it in there. If it's any consolation, you have nothing to worry about from me. However...I am not going back to that cell."

"The cell is more than you deserve for what you tried to do." Regina hissed.

Zelena rolled her eyes. "I still have work to do. If you haven't come to talk about anything important, please leave my home."

"This isn't over, Zelena."

Zelena made a face and turned back to cleaning. Regina eventually left in a huff and Zelena finished the house, also conjuring a large stall for Tiberius just in case he wanted a place with a roof to rest. She kissed him good night and headed to bed.

/

"You took off the cuff?!" Regina roared as she appeared near where the dragons were dragging some white stone boulders across the forest to the cabin.

"Wonderful timing, your Majesty." Lily called out, struggling to shove a boulder in front of her. Several others had been broken down into beautifully carved pillars. Mal was the apparent architect as she was currently sculpting one with a delicate claw.

"Yes I took it off because it was unnecessary." Mal growled, her voice sounding deep and guttural in dragon form.

"She is a danger to this entire town."

"Your fear means nothing to me."

"Your lust and curiosity should not endanger anyone else."

The dragon growled and returned to her work, ignoring the Queen's pleas. Regina softened her voice, tried to plead with her, reminding her of what they used to be. Nothing swayed the dragon however. "If you want to search the lake for it, then fine." She finally replied, moving the pillar over.

"What are you building?" Regina quickly changed the subject.

"A house."

"There are plenty of those open in Storybrooke."

"A house for two dragons?" Mal asked, marking the rock with scratches of her claws.

"How many more, Mom?" Lily asked.

"10." Mal shifted back as Lily took off to collect more. "Zelena is a big girl, Regina. She doesn't need a babysitter."

"You should've asked. After what she did-"

"You would've said no. Tell me something, have you ever talked to Zelena? Have you ever just sat down and put forth the effort to talk to her?"

"Do you honestly believe she would talk to me? What is up with you and her?" Regina demanded.

"That's what this is about? Me and Zelena?" Mal asked slowly, gauging the brunette's reaction. Regina's lack of an answer was all she needed to know that the woman was simply jealous. Once upon a time, they were indeed the best of friends and the most passionate of lovers, but the brunette had betrayed her, and Mal did not return her trust easily. "Good bye Regina."

"Mal…" Regina sighed.

"You have your happy ending. With Robin. Go be with him and leave me alone. I have a lot of work to do." She turned back to the pillars, looking over them with a satisfied eye. Regina stayed a moment longer before poofing away.

Xxxxxxxx

Over the next few weeks as Zelena got herself resituated in her house, she saw a lot of Maleficent. They did nothing but talk. They ate, sometimes drank, but mostly talked. Zelena fixed up the farmhouse and even grew a small orchard of Granny Smith apples for her beloved steed, whom she was now a master at riding. Maleficent asked nothing from her, took nothing from her, and lended her support or voice upon matters when it came to Zelena's past. She even held her once, as no one truly ever had, even letting Zelena vent out her anger and frustration on her in bouts of fury and magical battles. It was a relief. The negative thoughts slowly ceased to be heard. Regina made her presence known at least once a day. Zelena allowed it, although she could hardly care less about Storybrooke and its people. The brunette still made sure to check up on her frequently.

Zelena was brushing down Tiberius when a large red jeep roared up the driveway. Lily was behind the wheel of course. She hopped out and waved before reaching into the back and pulling out a bunch of grocery bags and carrying them into the house. Mal climbed out of the car, dressed sexily in tight gray jeans, a long sleeved dark purple shirt with a flowing tail, and black heels. She smiled at seeing Zelena, and the redhead smiled as well, quickly finishing with the brushing and walking over to the porch. Mal strutted up to the steps and dipped her head.

"You have made the place brighter since you returned."

"Thank you. What's with all the stuff?" Zelena asked.

"We are going to make some bread." Mal smirked. "Sweet bread, just like you and your mother."

"You didn't have to do that."

"I don't have to do a lot of things, but I do them anyway." The dragon smiled, leading the way into the house.

Zelena followed and watched Lily magically take everything out of the bags.

"I'll uh, leave you two alone." Lily grinned cheekily and wiggled her eyebrow. "I promised to stop by and see my wolf." She kissed Mal's cheek as she passed. "Later."

Mal rolled her eyes and pulled her hair into a ponytail. "Shall we begin?"

Zelena smiled. "We shall."

It took the rest of the day, simply because Maleficent was having such a great time kneading and punching the dough. They were going to put them in the oven, but Mal had a better idea. She cooked the bread with dragon fire and Zelena cooled it, sliced the bread and spread the powdered sugar and honey over the slices.

"This is amazing." Mal said with a sigh.

Zelena could've cried at her first bite. It reminded her too much of the life she'd lost long ago. She almost thought that her mother would come waltzing out of the backroom and yell at her father to get up and out cutting trees. It was before her mother had died, before he turned into a bastard. He'd always been an alcoholic but he was much nicer when her mother was around. Her mother would turn to her and smile and told her to eat all she could. Growing up without much money, the bread was only a once a month type thing, if they were lucky. She wished she had known more about her powers then. She might've been able to gift her mother with all the silk she could've wanted. Perhaps even...saved her life.

"Zelena?" Mal's voice brought her back to the present. The dragon looked at her with concern as she put down the bread and finally allowed the tears to fall. Warm arms engulfed her and she buried herself into Mal's warmth, sobbing uncontrollably. The dragon said nothing, just purred soothingly and stroked her hair.

/

Mal could only imagine the pain the redhead was feeling. The loss of a loved one was something she knew all too well, but she knew nothing could replace a mother's love. Which was really all Zelena had ever wanted. The love of her parents. It infuriated her that Cora was such a heartless woman, but seemed to have saved the worst punishment for her own children. Zelena hadn't deserved to be discarded as though she truly meant nothing to no one. You mean something to me.

"Are you alright, dear?" She asked, watching in concern as Zelena leaned back to wipe at her eyes. Mal stopped her and gently wiped the tears away with her thumbs.

"I'm fine. I'm sorry for ruining the moment. Today was supposed to be fun."

"It was." Mal shrugged. "I just want to make sure you're okay."

"I am. Thank you, Maleficent."

Mal nodded. "Anytime. Come on, let's finish eating all this bread and do some relaxing."

Zelena smiled at her, making her heart skip a beat. She frowned slightly at her body's reaction to the simple thing, but thankfully the witch missed it and continued to eat the sweet bread. Mal soon joined in and they finished most of the pan, before Lily returned and inhaled the rest of it. As night fell, the young dragon left again to see to her wolf since it was Wolf's Time. Mal carried the sleepy Zelena into her bedroom and tucked her in.

"Good night, my little witch." She whispered, placing a kiss to her forehead.

Zelena peeked out of one eye. "Good night."

"You ruined it."

"What?" The witch snorted in laughter.

"It was supposed to be all sweet and stuff and you ruined the moment." Mal smirked, grabbing a pillow and bashing her on the head with it. Zelena laughed and covered her head. "Good night, witch." She said finally with a smile as she left the room.

"Good night dragon bitch." Zelena raised her head to call, only to receive another pillow being magically thrown and hitting her in the face. She smiled and lay back down. Perhaps the dragon was right. Maybe, they could become something. "Oh stop it, Zelena, she doesn't care about you like that." She said to herself. But she couldn't resist touching her forehead where Mal had kissed her. It still burned.

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