Happily Ever After

By: Sandreline

Disclaimer: I do not own "Once Upon a Time". It's creative genius far surpasses my own! HOWEVER: I do own the character Kaley (I'm published remember? I have copyright.), and the ideas around her appearance for the story.

Kaley is myself, and this is a story I feel would be possible if I were to get cast on OUAT.

On that note, hello everyone! I know, I can't believe it. I'm writing something NON ANIME OR CROSSOVER related. However, this just can't get out of my head. Literally. Impossible. Once my creative juices got flowing, they didn't stop. So, here it is!

This takes place after Season 4 of Once Upon a Time – think of it as a side story to Season 5, which hasn't started yet.

If you want to know what the character looks like, go here. This is the outfit Kaley is wearing when she has flashes of her parents teaching her lessons.

Etsy dot com/listing/216415938/woodland-snow-white-or-red-evil-queen?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=once%20upon%20a%20time%20cosplay&ref=sr_gallery_1

This is the dress Kaley is wearing when she arrives in Storybrooke.

Dresslily dot com/turn-down-collar-sleeveless-solid-color-bowknot-embellished-dress-product838477 dot html

I know, I never do that – but I feel like it makes it easier to visualize Kaley and her heritage if you see those and can picture them. Care to guess her parents?

That being said…

Happily Ever After

By: Sandreline

Chapter 1: Welcome Back

The sound of her screams filled her ears as she fell through the portal, her body twisting and turning as the magic warped around her. Just as quickly as it began, it was over. With a disgruntled cry, she braced for impact, landing in the dirt and leaves of the forest floor on her hands and knees.

"They really need to work on those landings," she mumbled as she rose back to her feet, brushing off dirt from her hands and dress. Did it work though? There was really only way to know, and she glanced around hoping to find it.

There is was. The sign confirming she was where she needed to be.

"Welcome to Storybrooke".

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"You really don't have to walk me to the bus stop, mom." A young man smiled at his companion.

"Never going to stop that, are you Henry?" Regina replied just as happy, an arm wrapped around her son's shoulder.

"I'll have my license soon. It's going to start doing damage to my cred if I'm still walked to the bus by my moms." He told her.

She scoffed. "Please. You're the grandson of Snow White, Prince Charming, and Rumpelstiltskin; not to mention the son of the Evil Queen and the Savior. I don't think anything could damage your 'cred'."

"So, mom…" Henry began by changing the subject as they walked up the walk from their front door. "How are things with Robin Hood?"

Regina gave a small shrug. "We're getting there." She told him.

"Good." Her son smiled. "I just want you happy."

Regina gave him a bright smile. "Thank you, Henry, for always believing in me." The mayor gave her son a kiss on the top of his head. "Now run along before the bus pulls away without you."

"And risk getting on my bad side?" He waved while jogging off none the less.

Regina smiled and waved as Henry got on the school bus, watching as it pulled away and down the neighborhood street. Placing her hands in the pockets of her jacket, she disappeared in a swirl of purple smoke.

Behind her, a figure watched from around the corner of the mayor's house. Dark hair was pulled up in a bun, her bangs sweeping across her forehead to the left. A black halter dress with a short standing collar stood out against pale skin. Piercing blue orbs watched as the smoke dispersed, leaving no proof of the Evil Queen.

Now it was time to work.

Slipping along the front of the large, familiar white house, she moved to the front doors while slipping through the white pillars. Making a motion with her hand over the locks, a 'click' sounded to alert the young woman that the door was open.

She knew better than to just walk in despite the open door. Holding both of her hands out before her white light shimmered from her hands as she spread them apart. A barrier. With a smile and her command, it fell away. With a smirk, she stepped inside and up the stairs of the foyer.

It was… well, bland. It was lavishly decorated, but sparse. It was a fancy house for sure, but it lacked the sense of warmth and hominess that she was so familiar with.

She spared herself from looking in the kitchen and dining room. What she was seeking would not be there. Moving up the stairs to the second floor, she headed for the first door on the right. It opened without a sound, and a room of olive and hunter green stripes met her view.

Her heart pounded slightly as she quickly close the door behind her, letting her blue eyes roam around the room. It was so different, but so much the same. There were still so many clocks decorating the room, near a dozen of them softly clicking with each second. Mahogany furniture made up the bed, bookcase, nightstand, and desk. Each covered with books. She knew the book she sought would not be here; Henry never went anywhere without it.

However, one thing that she needed was present. It hung on the wall beside the desk, and she quickly made her way over. Leaning forward, she took a look at the date.

October 2015

Perfect.

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"How people can live without magic, I will never know," The young woman spoke as she waved her hands. Light purple smoke surrounded her form, and when it dispersed she wore clothing fit to blend in with the population of Storybrooke. Black boots, black skirt, and black jacket were offset by the olive green scarf and matching knit slouchy hat. Her dark locks were slightly curled as they lifted in the breeze, and she took a deep breath as she ventured up the walk to Granny's dinner.

The bells on the door jingled, and her blue eyes looked around. Deciding to take a seat at the far end of the bar where she could easily monitor everyone inside without being front and center, she took a seat. She grabbed a menu for pretense, crossing her left over the other knee and let her eyes flash to a familiar booth.

It was empty from its usual occupants, but they couldn't always be at Granny's when they had a kingdom… well, town to run.

"Never seen you before," Questioned an older voice. Looking up, Granny herself had slipped before her, clad in apron and glasses.

"I came with the last curse," she smiled softly. "I'm finally getting some time to try the diner!"

"Well then," the wolf commented, "What'll it be?"

She placed the menu down. "Hot chocolate and the breakfast special, please."

The gray-covered head nodded as the diner owner looked at her over her glasses. "I'll get it in for you. If you need anything else, you can call me Granny."

The young woman smiled. "I'm Kaley."

"Be right back with your order."

Kaley watched as she left, and let out a deep breath. She had been worried about the wolves catching on to her scent, but she must have been downwind of the air flow in the diner.

She had just gotten her drink, enjoying the swirling of liquid chocolate on her tongue when the next person to walk into the diner had her chocking.

All eyes turned towards her as her beverage dribbled down her chin, and she fought to regain normal breathing.

"Are you alright?"

Wide blue eyes flew up to glance at the reason for her attack, brown orbs showing confusion with no recognition.

"M…" She gave a single cough. "Madam Mayor." She gave a weak smile. "Yes, thank you. It went down the wrong tube…" She blushed in embarrassment.

A king smile was flashed her way. "It happens to the best of us." Handing her a napkin, she looked quizzically at her. "I don't believe we've met, which is rather impressive. Who are you?"

Kaley's blush deepened. "No one, Madam Mayor. I was taken here in the last curse during the Wicked Witch debacle."

"Ah, I see." Regina nodded. "Well, I hope you are adjusting well."

"Aside from embarrassing myself in front of you, I have been."

"Well if you need anything, you know where to find me." Regina added, giving a nod of parting as she went to approach Granny.

Kaley watched the Queen as she walked away, a deep desire to approach Regina and blurt out everything overwhelming her. However, that would do far more harm than good. She had to do as she had been told. Strict orders were given to her for a reason; time travel, after all, is very dangerous.

"What's the word?" Granny asked while wiping the inside of a wet coffee cup with a towel to dry it.

Regina frowned. "Still not sure. The Blue Fairy confirmed a portal was opened near the border, but no one knows who or what came through. The magical backlash we all felt means it wasn't your garden variety portal, either. We're hoping you or Red can catch a scent that will lead us to an answer."

"We can try," Granny spoke up. Kaley's ears struggled with the next words, since the talking had softened. "How are Snow and Charming? Is Henry alright?"

Regina sighed. "He's handling it as well as he can; he trusts that she's a hero and can beat it, but I've known the Dark One and his powers for years. We still haven't found Emma since she was teleported away, so who knows where she went or how she is. The Charmings are fretting away, of course. It's just always one thing after another."

"Just another day in the life of Storybrooke."

"Huzzah," Regina's voice responded sarcastically. "Well, we better get to it. That scent will get cold."

"Just to clarify; we're wolves, not dogs." Granny piped, but put her rag down. "Red, you're in charge."

Her granddaughter nodded from a table. "Sure."

Kaley watched as Regina and Granny left the diner and felt a sliver of panic travel up her spine. This wasn't good.

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So, what do you all think? Please be honest – I'm trying something new here, you all know this is out of my territory. Who can compete with the genius writers of "Once Upon a Time" anyway?

So, honest opinions please. Thank you all, as always, for your wonderful support!

~Sandreline