My Light In The Dark

by GreenQueenLover03

An Alternative to the season ending. As once again Emma Swan meddled and made it all about her - so here's a different ending, a what if - because that darkness clearly had Regina in mind on choosing its new host. So what if the saviour couldn't save her? What if instead of taking on the darkness herself, they saw the birth of a completely different Dark one.

1. Chapter 1

"Are you sure you'll be alright?"

Mal turned to see Regina hovering within the doorway, her hand on the frame as she looked back to where the blonde and Lily where sat. Both the brunette and the older woman faced her as the Maleficent nodded again, her face in the beginnings of exasperation.

"Yes, dear, as I've said twice now – we'll be fine." She turned her attention back to the TV, her brows furrowed slightly as she waited for the show to start.

"Lily's been telling me all about this and well… you have the recordy box. I think we're ok for the next few hours," She settled down still keeping her gaze on the screen.

"Though I can't imagine how one could 'Break a bad'" Her reply earned a snort from the younger woman as they turned to see her shake her head amused.

"No, Mom. It's called 'Breaking bad' there's no such thing as break a bad." The blonde frowned harder at their daughter's words, "Well in that sound reasoning, by all logic you can't commit to 'Breaking bad' when it's physically impossible to break bad… a window, yes… plates… a human body."

Lily slowly turned her head at that, a slightly freaked out look on her face causing the forgotten woman to roll her eyes, every night they put something on, if she hadn't of been so insistent of brooding the first year of her being here then they could have started her introduction to television a lot earlier and saved themselves this hassle now.

"Entertainment must have been scarce in the forest right?" The brunette asked, still with her wide eyed look as Mal glanced at her, "Oh, no – on the contrary, we had a lot of things to keep us pleasantly happy for a while didn't we darling."

A hand stopped her from carrying on as now the weirded expression changed into one of mild revulsion. "Don't tell me – I don't want to know." It looked like the blonde was about to protest but a look from stern brown eyes had her closing her mouth. Shrugging she went back to watching the Telly leaving the raven haired woman to gape at them both.

"…Every freaking time." She waved her hand and turned away as they looked at her, "Whatever – I'm off, have fun… though given Lily's choice in choosing's I'm changing that to good luck."

She was halfway down the hall when a pillow flung at the back of her head had her stopping, spinning on her heel she graced the younger woman with a pointed look, minding the glare she was getting in return.

"Something you needed?"

"I don't make fun of your idiotic shows… stop it with mine." Tilting her head slightly she gifted her with a baffled look before scoffing and nodding to the show that had now started.

"At least mine's educational, you can learn from it… what could you possible get from this? How to flood the local elementary population with kiddie crack and disposing of people with acid, dear we already know how to do that and it doesn't involve a bath."

When she continued to glare, Regina threw up her hands and turned back to the door. "Never mind – what do I know? Apparently I'm already halfway up with the daisies."

"Will you both shut up" Mal hissed as she reached for the remote and turned up the volume. Regina snorted as she picked up her bag. "Enjoy your night."

"You to dear, have fun with Robin."

"Pisshead,"

"Enjoy your Dr Pepper Lily,"

"Bite me." The other woman sucked in a breath as she opened the door; on closing it she poked her head back in and gave her one last smirk.

"Didn't that happen last week?" Before shutting it as another pillow was sent her way, she moved down the steps and hitched up her bag as she passed the cars in the drive. She glanced at her baby longingly. If only she wasn't drinking tonight.

Shaking her head she carried. Normally it wouldn't have bothered seeing as she could have just teleported herself home… But no, stupid Emma Swan had made that somewhat illegal also.

As a form of transport she had also counted it along with driving as things that are been banned if one was planning to indulge in alcohol. Why she was stupid enough to try it was something only an idiot could understand, but she supposed trial and error was really the only way to learn. In all sense she should have been glad it was the blonde and not herself that had learned that the hard way.

It was just dam inconvenient for nights like this. Bu then again she did have Hood to bring her back if things went sideways… or she did.

On arriving at the rabbit whole she took a deep breath and pushed on the door, in normal cases she would never have in a million years graced a place like this but seeing as she had acquired a 'Bro' of sorts… she had to ask Henry what that meant. But seeing as she and Robin had become firm friends fast, she had been here quite often.

Looking around she saw the man himself sitting at the bar already, drink in hand as she made her way over and dropped her bag so suddenly next to him and chuckled when he nearly lost his grip on the glass. Turning he frowned only for it to vanish as she sat next to him.

"Are you really that hard of company you had to start without me?" The outdoorsman gave her a wide smile and shook his head.

"Funny,"

"Hmm, no… it doesn't get funny until at least seven shots in, speaking off." She glanced down pointedly at his beer bottle. It was quiet for a moment until he shifted.

"Oh, so sorry – what is milady having." She gifted him a pleased smile before swivelling in her chair. "Hmmm – let's start easy first, whatever you're having."

"One Budweiser coming up,"

"So wait – he climbed the tree thinking what?" She turned to him, second beer finished as he smiled and took a drink of his before replying. "He fancied himself a Raccoon and so climbed the tree, he got quite far up to only to remember he doesn't like heights and dropped like a branch."

She placed the bottle down on the side trying to keep what she had in her mouth. Out of all the stories he told her, Will's ones never failed to make her laugh the most. As he laughed along with her taking another swig of his beer, the night was steadily creeping along. With more people entering the club, it would soon be time for them to leave.

But not to go home, it was still too early for that. On making the forest their home – the merry men had banded together and built a sort of men's clubhouse. It was situated in the middle of the woods with only few select memberships. Seeing as Tinkerbell had screwed them both over with the fairy dust that had led to each other being so call 'Soul mates'.

What the oblivious little dust bug didn't know was that Regina was already in a very serious relationship with a very temperamental and extremely jealous Dragon, who would no sooner have burnt the outlaw where he stood, then burn everyone else around them just to avoid witnesses.

Robin had also been happily married to Marian at the time. But she saw no harm in going in and saying hello - that was the start of a brilliant friendship, one which lasted all the way over in between the stupid curses up until that very moment.

"Marian sends her regards by the way." Once it was established that Regina was in no way attracted to Robin. The other woman had calmed down and had tentatively formed a friendship with the famed sorceress, even going as far as knitting together… something that she found completely boring and ended up most of the time throwing sharp pointy sticks around the encampment instead.

"How is she faring? I hear the rally is picking up great support in the mid-west."

The problem with having a strong willed wife like the formerly maid of Locksley, was that she was all for pro feminism. Don't get her wrong Regina liked a world where women stuck up for each other and all that jazz… it was just when they decided to march through streets and braid each other's hair that was when things turned real.

"She's good… yeah, her and Timone.

"Simone."

"Right… well anyway campaigns going good. Apparently they've been annoying 'The men' of Washington so that's something to celebrate according to them."

Frowning she could do nothing but nod sagely and drink her beer. Who'd of thought when she finally worked out what the internet was that Maid Marian would divorce Robin and shack up with a lesbian whose idea of sticking it to the misogynists of the world was by not shaving or wearing nice clothes.

If the woman hadn't of come from a realm that already housed people who looked like homeless ewoks then she would have felt sorry for her, as it was she was certain that the former outlaw felt right at home and continued to go about life with her bro – who now needed a wingman.

He picked her over Will, resulting in the other man sulking somewhere in a bush. The thought made her smile.

"So how is the lovely Maleficent these days?" He turned and watched as Regina smiled at the thought of the blonde who was still probably at home being baffled by that stupid show as she nodded.

"She's good."

"Lily,"

"A pain in my ass, but what's new." He laughed. "Roland?"

He smiled at the image of the small boy tucked up in his bed and nodded. "He's excellent. Taken to school fine well… really enjoying History,"

"Well I'm glad to know the budget I assign is actually going on competent teachers. Tax dollars well spent."

Soon after they decided to leave and head to the treehouse. Before anyone could stop him Roland had declared it be called that and not to crush his little hopes of actually having a treehouse, none of them had said what it truly was and so the name has stuck. Gathering their things Regina got the bill.

Was only fair seeing as she would be drinking back what she paid once they got to the other little hideout and left the ever crowded club, the night air was cool as they walked down the streets, she glanced around and it might have taken a long time – was pissed to hell when she woke up in a strange land she had no idea what was what.

Taken years to learn things and all of that without the blonde and Lily, they had decided to go and visit the other Dragons in the North while she stayed in the castle. She had not been feeling too well and so had declined the invite… it was the worst thing she ever could have done as she woke up to see the massive black cloud outside and then nothing.

When the curse was finally broke she was enraged at the Imp, twenty eight long years she had without either of her family and though she had not known it – once she retained her memories it had hurt like hell. It was only by way of Emma and Ruby – who strangely had become one of her good friends during their time in the town.

If it weren't for them there would have been a massive hole right where the Imps shop would have been as she would have fire-balled it and him out of existence. A lot of people were unhappy with him and many mass mob later – he was still there… having the power of the darkness behind him helped keep him alive and not beaten like a piñata as she had hoped.

It was only by way of constant threats to his worldly possessions and one or two to his person that he finally gave in, on giving her that hat he had taken from the portal jumper; it took a combination of his and her magic to get it working again. Once safe in her back yard she enacted the portal and made the journey back home.

What she found on the other side was nothing short of a disaster. The curse it seemed had wrecked everything in its path – once thick forests now reduced to skinny tress with claw like branches that made what was something wonderful to behold, eerie and foreboding to all. It took little time to change into her other form as soon a huge white Dragon stood in the place of her human body.

Reaching the fortress wasn't all difficult. It stood as impressive and oddly welcoming as the day she set foot in it all those decades ago, it brought about a sense of nostalgia that nearly had her crying, her heart ached for the pair and she just hoped that they hadn't left. Reaching the doors she made her way inside the large entrance.

It felt so cold… so quiet and bare. She made her way from room to room in hopes of finding either of them, but it soon became apparent as she made her way to their chambers and sat on what was once their bed. They weren't here… and it looked like they hadn't for some time.

Once again she had lost them and so she let loose what she had been holding inside. On finding one of the blonde gowns she had fallen into their bed, shivering at how cold it was and cried… she had never cried as much as she had in that room – and she had wept a lot on gaining back what she had lost once the curse broke.

Here she was – one step closer and yet still came up empty. The place felt hollow and unused in months… a bit like her heart really and so closing her eyes she kept the material close to her as she fell into a fretful sleep, waking the next day it took her a few minutes to realize where she was, before seeing the chambers they used to share and it dawning that it wasn't a dream she had.

After changing into some old clothes she rooted out. It was off around the castle, she made her way from room to room trying to imagine the pair as they sat in the chairs... by the fire… at the table.

Where were they? Closing her eyes she knew it would do nothing for her to dwell and so carried on her journey. Coming to the entrance she was shocked at the loud rumbling sound that rang out before realizing that it was her stomach. It only just occurred to her how hungry she was and so decided to go hunting.

Flying low over the trees felt liberating – this she couldn't have in the other realm, they would all be far too scared. Yes they knew her to be a Dragon but for safety's sake they had asked her nicely not to change. She scoffed, what did they think she was going to do? Go and sit on a couple of cars when the mood struck her? Rub up against the clock tower just because she could?

Morons

It took a while – for whatever reason finding anything - from a cow to even a chicken was hard, she figured it must have had something to do with the curse, she wasn't sure what but that was her best bet. In the end she didn't come across any cattle but what she did find was a force field.

It was directly above where she was flying, if she hadn't of pulled up then would have crashed right into the thing. She hovered slightly trying to work out its parameters; how far did the thing extend… was it powerful enough to keep her from flying through and what might happen if she did.

Also who could have caused it? After deciding it was worth better look on ground she dived down as smoke entwined over her body and soon she was back on two legs just outside the fields reach. She extended her hand curiously and drew it downwards before pulling back.

Well it wasn't stopping her from entering. She wasn't sure if that included her other form as it seemed a little malevolent so mused that it was designed to keep people safe and predators out, Dragons included. She took a breath and stepped forwards passing through the charm and feeling her whole body tingle as she did.

Wondering why that was but ultimately not stopping. She carried on her way, walking until the sounds of footsteps had her stopping, horse steps to be precise and so waited until they got louder as two people rounded the large bushes. They spied each other and she was vaguely amused to see one drawing her sword.

"Who are you?"

She didn't reply to her question. Her gaze focused on the man as he stood tall an impassively staring at her, the woman with the sword stepped closer still keeping her blade up.

"Who are you?"

Finally looking at her Regina spoke "What happened here?"

Both shuffled at her own question, before the woman looked at him. They said nothing as a silent conversation passed between them and she turned back to her.

"What do you mean?" Regina scoffed and looked around. "I know the curse struck, and by all accounts this place should look like the rest of the barren wasteland out there. But it doesn't, why?"

Apparently that was the wrong thing to say as she lifted her sword higher and moved within striking distance. "You have magic?"

Wondering why they seemed too jumpy but wanting to know answers, she nodded. She would humour them for a while before she decided to do anything.

"Yes but I'm sure you can't be all that against it." She reaffixed her grip on the blade. "What makes you so sure?"

Regina smiled. "You have a force field protecting you, though if it had been me I would have made it better." None of them spoke. They kept their eyes on her before finally she stepped back and placed her sword in its scabbard.

"We have it to keep out the likes of Ogres and other beasts that have taken over." Regina nodded. That seemed logical but really whoever did it made a shoddy job as she looked around.

"So, is this person around? I would like to have words if that's alright." Once more they glanced at her as she waited. "If it helps, my name is Regina."

It didn't, as she still waited. Until at last the man nodded as the woman stepped out of the way "This way." She gave her a small tilt of her head, not much as she was still annoyed as they started the walk back.

"I'm Mulan, by the way. " She nodded to the man at their side "This is Lancelot."

She greeted them both silently but took to looking around. The shield did the basics, preserving the land and trees. But as she said it hasn't stopped her from walking right through… maybe whoever cast it didn't think there anymore magic users around and so only set it for the animals.

Either way she would know soon enough as up in the distance she could see a small settlement, as they got closer they were greeted by a few of the children playing as she noted the people now staring at the returnees and their newcomer. She glanced around the small camps they seemed to have set up for themselves.

Even though the forest wasn't as well advanced as what the land without magic was… something at first she found boggling, but even without all its technology and lights and whatnot… this seemed well…

Primitive

The whole place reeked of dystopia and she wondered for the first time – not for the people it had affected in other land. But the ones it had affected in this. She was just looking around, ignoring everyone who was staring when she heard a familiar voice.

Well she said that – the last she had heard of this person was years ago… scratch that centuries. Turning, her disbelieving eyes fell on the one person and the last she had ever suspected of ever landing in the forest.

"Zelena?"

The red haired witch stood just a few feet in front of her, eyes wide with her own astonishment as she took in the sister she hadn't seen in near enough a millennia as blue eyes scanned her appearance.

"You look… "

They didn't say anything after that. Mulan and Lancelot who had been waiting looked on in shock as their quasi leader and the newcomer all but ran over to each other and held the other tightly in a hug that looked more than just simply two old friends.

"How are you here?"

The older woman asked on pulling back, still keeping her arms around the raven haired woman she gazed at her as Regina's smile fell lightly. Zelena glanced around, there were far too many people looking at them now and as much as she had taken a somewhat liking to them. She still valued her privacy.

Now more so with her sister here and so dragged her to the very top of the small hill where she had set up her own home of sorts. Once they were inside and she had pushed the traveller into the nearest seat, she turned around and took the one next to her.

There she listened to the other woman explain how she had been caught up in the curse that Rumple had set off – how she had stayed behind letting the others go and that was when it struck them all and the next thing she knew was that she was a realm away from those she loved.

Zelena listened with rapt attention. It hadn't gone unnoticed the way her fist clenched on mentioning the name but it soon vanished when she asked about who the 'Others' were.

Regina laughed at her shock at being told about how she had found her true love in the old realm she used to live in, at how it was with the Mistress of all evil of all people, and how they now had a daughter. The red head broke out into a wide grin.

"I have a niece?"

Smiling happily she delighted in telling her sister all about them. But it soon became a sombre moment when she realized that she still hadn't found them. Something the other witch noticed and leaned over, taking her hand.

"They didn't go with you, did they?" She stared into blue eyes that seemed to glitter slightly with understanding as she shook her head, eyes filling with unshed tears. She's soon engulfed in a hug as Zelena moves over and sits with her – arms around her body Regina can do nothing but cry.

It was maddening – the first person to offer her a gesture of affection and she's crying enough tears to replenish a river. A hand runs through her hair as the older woman soothes her tears; another crazy thought was that the woman holding was meant to be insane yet here she was being the rational one.

"What happened to you?" It wasn't insulting but curious as she finally lifts her head. The other woman stares at her. "What do you mean?"

"Well the last thing I heard was that you had gone all out nuts in Oz, you had taken over from the wizard and had kicked out all those who opposed you."

She waits for the answer, noting the slight pinch on her back as Zelena's lips thinned dangerously. "Where did you hear that?"

"In the North… when…" She stops as their eyes meet. "Go on,"

"When I happened upon Glinda," She was starting to wonder if it's possible for one to lose circulation in their back as the way her sister was gripping it was testing that, it was silent as she waits for her to speak all the while wondering if she had said something wrong and that the red head was one step away from blowing.

"I suppose," She began just when Regina was silently planning her escape from the tent. "That what she said had some truth to it, but the insufferable witch didn't know the whole story. She just took what she did from the dam bastard said as the truth and decided to try and stop me."

"What were you doing?"

"Trying to prove the man was a fraud, that he wasn't the great and powerful wizard they thought he was… that he had them all fooled."

"So what happened?" Zelena sighed and shook her head. "Well I tried, not just because I wanted to take his throne like he said. But for the fact that he had turned the land against me, told them all I was a power hungry witch who wanted nothing more than their destruction."

Regina listened as her sister got more emotional with each word she spoke. She couldn't bring herself to say that she knew her sister all that well as she didn't… neither of them had really gotten to know the other when they had gone back to their homes. But from what she had spent with her, she could see that Zelena wasn't at all like what this Walsh had been saying.

Yes the red head was passionate; yes she was intense in all that she did. But only because of the upbringing she had, in retrospect she too could have fallen off the rails a little and be painted as the villain like her sister had, hell she lived all her life surrounded by predators far worse than whatever the likes of Oz could ever have held.

But she hadn't, and she felt sad for the other woman. It wasn't so much as she was bad, far from it – it was how she went about doing the things she did, having both sets of parents with only one actually invested in the wellbeing of their child couldn't have been the most productive of childhoods, and then have that parent die leaving you with the one who could barely give a shit.

Yeah she could see how the woman was a little anti-social.

But it wasn't fair to have this man vilianize her like he had, to turn everyone against her as if growing up with everyone already fearing her wasn't bad enough. It was like they were just waiting for the chance and he had come along to make it real. It was times like this she was glad she grew up practically a recluse.

Seeing how he had twisted the community to loathe and fear her, she saw no other choice. It didn't help that her once sisters, the ones who had been so welcoming had turned on her as well. They had thwarted her at every turn and the more she saw his gloating face the angrier she got.

It didn't help that the last straw came when she and Glinda met one night, it wasn't anger or even hate she saw from the good witch but disappointment. It stung; the one person she had held above all was staring at her like a stranger who was on their last rites.

That was when she knew that she couldn't kill her, but she could and had sent her away. It hadn't actually occurred to her whereabouts the other woman went, so she was shocked to hear she had ended up in her sister's realm.

"Did you meet her?" Regina nodded.

"And did she… she did say anything about me?" She asked curious and a little fearful of the answer, she had never hated the white witch – she was just so infuriated that she of all people had been duped by him. She had to make her see sense and the only way to send her to another place where he couldn't poison her with his lies.

"She… somehow, seemed to know we were related. Don't ask me how I never said a word… but if she had said anything about you, it wasn't bad."

Blue eyes narrowed at her words. "What do you mean?"

Tilting her head the raven haired woman tried to phrase her sentence right. "I mean we did spend time together, the poor woman was all on her own. I brought her back to my house and after she got over the initial fright of seeing so many Dragons in once place, and knowing they weren't going to eat her, she opened up."

"And,"

"After a little while she did mention a person back in Oz, one who was very close to her and that she had been so happy that she could call her a best friend and sister… that she was saddened at how things had taken a turn for the worse and how she had… not fallen so much, more just lost her way… that she knew she would see the actions of her behaviour and see sense once more."

Zelena was quiet when she finished speaking. It was heavy within the tent and though she hadn't known either of them for that long, she did know both women meant a great deal to each other. Looking at the red head that seemed to have gotten lost in memories of old she kept silent until finally the older woman looked to her lap for a moment before swallowing heavily.

"So… she wasn't angry?" She watched the other woman shake her head.

"No, merely a little sorrowful if not regretful… though very optimistic at the end that all would better at the end."

"Really?" Regina rolled her eyes. "Oh yes… so much so that she reminded me of the dam fairies'" Zelena cocked her head in confusion.

"The… Who?"

She sat and listened to all that had been brought along in the curse that her sister had also been a part of, the idiots who saw life like a Disney cartoon. Ever perpetual rose glasses and lots of rainbows and bunnies."

It had the other woman laughing as she saw the disgusted look Regina wore as she spoke of them. "They made me want to gag on my own ash, have never met more blissfully ignorant people in my life… I tend to keep away from them for fear of accidentally sending them over the town line… a life where they didn't know who they were would be good for the limited peace of mind. Yes I mean we might have already had that for twenty eight years once before, but you can never have too much of a good thing I say."

The older woman laughed at her grumblings as she passed over the wine. It wasn't a very common thing with the drink being a rare commodity, but she figured it was a special occasion and so got it out just the once as they talked more – reacquainting themselves once again.

"So how did you get back here? If that place has no magic," She asked bringing the cup to her lips and looking at her from over the rim.

"Actually it was the Imp," She noted again grip on her cup tighten again and wondered what her issue with the glittery bastard was. "Oh?"

She nodded. "Yes, he wasn't forthcoming originally, refused to help or even be the least bit sorry for what he had done." Zelena was quiet for a moment before she spoke.

"So how did you get him to help. "Picking up her own cup, Regina gave her a small smirk. "Casual threats to firebomb his little shop everyday tends to make one rethink their choices – that and I promised to bury his wife somewhere that not even his nose would be able to sniff out."

"Brave words," The dark haired woman shrugged and put her cup down. "Hmm – he knows I'm serious, been so for the last twenty eight years and he's not going to want have a pissed off Dragon on his back when he walks down the street is he."

Zelena said nothing but the amused smile had Regina carrying on her tale. "He gave me use of the portal jumper's hat. How he got it I don't know as they're said to guard their treasure with their lives…"

The older woman nodded and glanced around as if trying to look for the item in question. "But you don't have it anymore."

"True,"

"So how do you plan on getting back? Unless you are planning to stay once you found them." Leaning in her seat she sucked in a breath, it was true that she had come to love the simplistic way the forest worked. The way every one kept to themselves suited her just fine, save the one or two fools who tried to prove their bravery that she did get pissed at.

The rest of their time was spent back in the North. She smiled at how in awe Lily was at first to see so many like her Mommy and Mom ambling around, even more so when a few had ran up to her Mommy and hugged her, they hadn't told the younger girl of Regina's role within the colonies as they were waiting until she was a little older.

Those times were what she had come to treasure, the times when all her family had come together, but she couldn't deny that she had found a certain application for the new realm. With and at first scary… everything, but once she worked out what was what – she had come to enjoy the aspects of a land without magic.

To say they did it all without the use of what was to her a simple and everyday habit, she had to give them credit – they had come a long way, but what would happen once she found them again? She had to consider them and if they wanted to stay here then she would gladly leave the other realm behind.

"…I'll wait and see what we decide when I find them, before making any choice about the future." Zelena nodded her head at the diplomatic response but still was confused.

"So how do you plan on going back if you do… go that is, you don't have the hat anymore." She watched the other woman sit back and reach under her shirt for something, pulling out a long chain and letting the end dangle.

"He might like to think himself crafty, but he really is so very careless when it comes to hiding his best possessions." They took in the sight of the tiny bean she was holding as the red head arched an eyebrow, impressed at her stolen loot.

"Does he know?" Shrugging she placed it back under her shirt where it settled between her breasts "He will when we return."

"If"

"If"

They stayed as they were in the tent talking, passing the time until a small boy arrived to tell them that dinner was being served. Zelena thanked him and stood, holding her hand out as Regina took it was pulled to her feet. They were just on their way out when a few screams had the red head groaning.

"Not again."

Regina looked around in befuddlement before hearing the small noise. "What's happening?" She turned to see the other witch shake her head darkly before hurrying down the hill. Regina watched her go before running after her, when she caught up Lancelot was already at her side talking.

"Which."

"Dragons," That caught her attention as she stared at them both. "How many,"

"Two… it's the same ones."

She closed her eyes and sighed. "Always the same" Still not understanding the situation, Regina wasn't going to be ignored any longer.

"Someone tell me what's going on please." At that both turned to her, it was Lance that spoke as he explained the issue that had them all harried.

"It started at least three month's into the curse's destruction. When Zelena had helped keep this part safe with her magic, we started getting attacked by all sorts of beats that had slowly been taking over since the most of the population was carried away. Wolves… Ogre's … trolls and then finally Dragons."

She listened with rapt intent as he spoke. "At first we thought it only one… it was hanging around, why we did not know and we tried scaring it off as it didn't seem to do anything other than lurk… but then the other came, this one far bigger and a lot more hostile. It tried to attack us and almost succeeded, it was then Zelena strengthened the shield."

"So what… they just watch?" He nodded. "It's all they can do, if they tried getting through the spell would electrocute them." She turned to her sister.

"Is that true?" She nodded slowly, "It was only to keep out the others land walking beasts, but then they kept coming back and then I had to change it for them as well."

In her defence she did look apologetic. Evidently the small factor of Regina's alter ego was the reason why she had changed back to human form. She must have felt the spell and knew it was a deadly.

"Do you know why they attack?" The knight shrugged. "No – it's a different times really, the most often is when the animals are on show."

She held up her hand. "I'm sorry, animals?"

He nodded. "We've had to keep a large supply of livestock – cattle, sheep, pigs… anything we could find and brought it back to this side of the shield."

That would explain her lack of finding anything on leaving the fortress. Crossing her arms she lifted her head as she thought about the situation at hand.

"As it ever occurred to you they might be hungry?" Silence followed her statement as she looked from one to the other, "Really?"

Zelena said nothing; she hadn't really interacted with them. Merely kept the spells up needed to keep them out, she gave the other woman a small sheepish grin as Lance rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.

"With all the others that have attacked us personally, it hadn't crossed our minds to be honest with you, my lady. We just assumed…"

"Just because those rock body's that you call trolls, and the not at all intelligent Ogres seem to have developed a craving for the taste of people, does not necessarily mean that all of them are the same."

He stayed silent as he nodded. Pulling his lips in he seemed to muse on her words. "With them being the far more dangerous creatures, it was easy for us to group them in with the rest. Keeping them out was our main priority… everything else seemed to slip our minds."

She nodded. Understandable given the amount of people that had sought refuse behind the line, she glanced down to the small group that had gathered to help try ward of the latest attack made by the reptiles as she turned back to them.

"You said you kept livestock." He nodded. "How much," He looked a little flummoxed at her odd question but tried his best to think. "We've been careful not to consume more than we had… we had to cultivate, but given the years we've been here I would say… around half the thousandth mark for chickens, at least three hundred sheep with more being born and at least several hundred cows."

That she wasn't expecting as she took in his answer. "…Alright, ok… so a lot. Do you keep them…where?"

"There are fields just over the ridge at the back. They graze and rest there"

"So out on show pretty much, he nodded. "Pretty much" She was wondering if he was even starting to get the notion of just why they kept attacking.

"Oh…"

She smiled when it finally hit the red head at her side. Turning to look she smiled knowingly at the look of realization that crossed her sisters face.

"What."

"Oh course that's why they would be attacking," It was the knights turn to be confused as he looked between bot sister witches,"

"What."

"You've said it yourself good knight. You have the animals out in plain sight. You have a force field protecting you from any beasts entering or flying through."

He nodded at her words. She let out a small noise of displeasure at his lack of understanding so carried on. "Well think about it, you're an animal whose survived a dark curse that had taken practically all form of life from the place you lived… but there are some that still remain and so have gathered up what form of food they could find, given how sparse it was to begin with, and not only have managed to double near triple its numbers but also have it out in the open where it's easy to get to."

Both women stared at him as Zelena smiled when it looked like he was starting to get it. "To find that trying to swoop down for said food, only they can't due to the unseen barrier blocking them… both annoying and teasing wouldn't you say?"

The penny finally dropped as he realized just where it was she was heading with the conclusion. "They want the livestock."

"There we are… good boy."

He looked at them ignoring her slight insult. "So what do we do?" Zelena turned to the smaller woman who seemed to have figured out their biggest problem in the short space of half an hour, thanking silently that she could understand the mind-set of the dangerous animals. She was silent for a few minutes seemingly thinking, before finally she turned to him.

"How many do you have living here?"

He arched his brows at the loaded question. They hadn't really counted before… well they had but it was quite the while since any new people came through save for her today, so they hadn't bothered.

"The last time anyone checked…hang on" He turned and shouted down to Mulan, who heard him calling and came over to them.

"Yes,"

"Can you remember how many people altogether live here?" The exotic woman was silent as she stared at him – they looked at one another as if trying to outdo each other in the eye contact before she blinked and nodded.

"As of now… just over thirteen hundred." Regina let out a low whistle. "Really,"

Mulan nodded. "Give or take a season or two. But that is the number we last knew." She watched as the other woman nodded and bit her lip.

"Thank you," She nodded her head lightly and turned, making her way back to the bottom as Lance took back his place. "May I ask why you wish to know."

Holding up her hand she paused a little longer, thinking as they waited. Finally she let her hand drop and nodded. "Because… the only and really – best way you have of ridding yourselves of these Dragons is to give them a cow or two."

"An offering," She nodded.

"Every week," He coughed at her response. Zelena glanced from one to the other, "Are you sure we can afford that?"

Regina shrugged. "It's the only way. I mean you could replace the second cow with sheep but that would mean more… perhaps three or four, or if chickens – at least double digits."

The knight exhaled heavily at her advice. Of course it sounded logical now he knew the reason they hung around. But could they really give up so many animals. From her words it sounded like they had no choice, if it was his decision then he would do it to ensure their safety, but it wasn't just his alone… the rest had to have their say.

"They won't like it you know." Both turned to him and saw his straight laced face. "The choice… I know it might be the best way but there will be a lot of reluctance.

"Well then you'll just have to tell them that if they wish to keep panicking every time they see them flying overhead then by all means – let them horde their little sheep. But won't make them go away, if anything it will only enrage them more."

He sighed at her words but nodded. Turning to Zelena who by all accounts was their leader, he waited for her answer as she shrugged and nodded.

"I trust you; do what you need to do." The knight nodded and made his way following after the other woman who was standing at the bottom. Once he was out of earshot the red head turned to her sister.

"Is that number a made up one or based on actual facts… because."

"Because that's how much I used to eat? Oh yes, but I can't say for the rest – in fact I want to ask you something." She waited as Zelena nodded.

"Anything, what is it?"

"Are you sure about this?"

Regina turned to see the older woman as she dithered at the edge of the trees. On Lance telling the rest of the community about the alternative to fighting the results were as he predicted, there was a backlash of people not happy at all with having to give over their food. In the end it only stopped from escalating when Zelena let off a few sparks that hit the ground between then crowd and the ones speaking.

"I know that it's not the most pleasing of choices. And yes it might cause some restrictions along the way, but can you really say that if it gets rid of them it wouldn't be for the better? That we don't have to fear for the ones that go over the line… we have enough from the wolves and the rest out there… if we can get rid of our biggest threat then I say it's a price worth paying."

No one spoke once she finished. It was sound reasoning and as much as they didn't like it, clear on their faces – they had no choice really because in the end Zelena had given the go ahead to take the amount Regina had said – not the second cow and mixing it up a little with the sheep and chickens.

Instructing them to be left in the small patch near the shield, she had followed her sister to the edge where the next part of the plan and her request came into play, she hadn't told the two warriors about what they planned to do with the livestock as it resulted in both of them going over the line.

"Yes I'm positive… in fact I really could be kicking myself for not seeing it sooner." Regina replied taking the forest around her with cautious eyes, it had only occurred to her at the very end but as she learned more about the problem they faced, she was certain that it was her family.

That Mal and Lily had come back. He stated that there were two Dragons and she should have really been more careful to detail. Dragons, apart from them, never ventured into the forest not with all the people who fancied themselves eternal glory and went after beats of great stature. She had told them not to leave the North and was so very careful during her times in the forest come the seasons she had made compromises on.

She turned back to the older woman who she had made come with her as back up. She might have been strong in whatever form but it never hurt to have that little extra as she nodded to the other woman as she let go of the cow and sheep she had been keeping at her side, the chickens in cages behind her.

She waited until the moved carefully into the middle, as if sensing the danger and was all for bolting. She lifted her hand as they froze in place and soon the smoke that had been slowly lifting from the ground, swept up and surrounded her, Zelena watched with wide eyes as for the second time in her life she saw the great transformation from human to beast.

The cloud grew as Regina changed. Taller … up more and near the tops of the trees until two horns could be seen poking from the smog. It started to recede and soon vanished leaving the Dragon in its wake.

The wrongly titled wicked witch of the West looked on in awe at the glorious sight in front of her; she took in the huge creature as it stood on its hind paws reaching up into the night – the moonlight shining on the White coat of scales making them glint and sparkle. She had to laugh when the Dragon stretched and fluttered its wings before one of its large front paws lowered and scratched its belly absentmindedly.

The sound had it looking down as it took in the sight of the human in its midst. Zelena stopped laughing as it lowered on all fours and craned it's neck closer to her, she held her breath as it took in great sniffs the air picking up with every inhale and her hair blowing with her exhale. She had her eyes closed, more of a fear reaction then anything but they snapped open when something heavy poked her shoulder.

The force sent her stumbling to the side and looked to see the grinning and frankly terrifying smile the Dragon wore as it lowered its paw from where it had nudged her shoulder, rolling her eyes knowing now everything was safe she lifted her hand and rubbed the poked spot.

"Oh ha- ha,"

A loud rumble rang through its chest as a billowing of smoke lefts its nostrils. Using her hand to waft the cloud away she moved back closer to the large beast.

"Think your funny, don't you?" Another rumbling laugh was her answer as she pushed on the large body in front of her, "Get to it would you, I do wish to sleep tonight."

Still sniggering the Dragon turned and ambled back into the middle, the cow and sheep still waiting unfurling her wings she shook them out again once she stretched and giving the woman a last fleeting look she stood back on hind legs before snatching the animals in her grip, spell wearing off they cried out their fear.

Bleating and mooing could be heard in the silence of the night, which was good as they wanted them to be heard before with a nod, the human witch crept back into the darkness, a cloaking spell placed over her and the rest of the animals as the White Dragon began flapping its huge wings.

The wind picking up with every beat until she lifted from the ground and took off into the night, flying higher into the sky she made sure to roar out loud – the air filled with the tree shaking sounds before she started flying around the tops of the forest. Holding the terrified prey in her claws she ducked, dived and swooped around the empty skies.

Back tracking she returned to the clearing and landed on the ground again. She lifted her head and listened for any sounds that indicated anything she should be worried about before setting the cow and sheep down. Zelena came out of her hiding spot as she saw Regina settle down.

"You're not going to eat them?" She asked nodding to the bait. The Dragon looked at her before nodding slightly before glancing at the back and to the hidden chickens as the woman smiled.

About fifteen minutes later saw the chickens being sacrificed as food. The red head had laughed as she used her magic to lift and throw them directly at the awaiting beast; she eyed the large mouth snapping at the flapping birds before swallowing the live animal down. She then moved over and settled on the large white paw outstretch.

It was an unusual thing and she was a little nervous about doing so. But when she felt the large content sound she relaxed knowing no harm was coming to her, she lifted up to see the large head and grinned.

"Well look at you, not terrifying like the legends say now are you? More like a teddy bear." She cackled loudly as the look of indignant horror spread over the Dragon's face, she was about to lift her other paw and pat it lightly over her body – mess up her hair when the sound of crunching had her head turning the slightest.

Zelena felt the entire body stiffen and frowned. "What it is?" A small grumbling a lower one then before told her that they had finally been scented.

"Should I go hide?" There wasn't really a choice in the matter as the paw she was sat on lifted up and pushed her into a standing position. She felt the nudge on her back as she hurried off back into the shadows. Regina turned her large frame around the sound of the noise. Eyes roamed the length of the empty clearing but she knew that something was there.

Something big… something very big and very dangerous, purple eyes narrowed as she made her way over to her bait. Now that they had been tailed she sat down in front of the immobile sheep and cow, using her talons to pull them closer and making a show of actually having them in front of her.

She didn't have long to wait. Not even two minutes later the low sound of footsteps had her turning to find another Dragon had come out and made itself known. She eyed the newcomer as it walked across the other side and stopped.

It was small, about half the size of her and not at all looked like it should. She noted it was a on the skinny side and the wings were very papery, it seemed to have a brown coat of scales but even they looked dull and lifeless under the moons gleam, thin legs held a slight tremble to them as she lifted her head and their eyes met.

What got her was the wild look they held. It was clear this Dragon was starving. It wouldn't have made itself known to her otherwise, it was obvious who the stronger one out of them was and so knew that it could have easily killed the interloper. But like she said, it wasn't what got her.

They looked… so feral and almost insane, she felt pity – even if she hadn't wrested control over her mind for this plan she was sure that Tiamat would have felt the same… she was certain actually. She might not have been in the North but all Dragons were under her care.

She felt like she had failed.

This was why she was even more sure that this was her family… Lily to be exact – not from how small she looked but how young the Dragon was, adolescent – barely scratching adulthood.

They gazed at each other as the other Dragon held still, she saw how the eyes darted to the prey in her claws making the White beast clutch them unconsciously, seeing this, the smaller beast let out a small moan.

It was pained and heart breaking and desperate that she couldn't help herself. Though she had a plan in mind she knew that she couldn't ignore the cry of another in need… the cry of her child in hunger and so stood.

The smaller Dragon saw her stand to full height. Which was far taller than she and skittered back a little. Still she held her ground as her hunger overrode any pleads her frantic mind called for her to run. She had been like this for so long that any at all, sensible thoughts were pushed far to the back.

Survival mode took over which was what stopped her from fleeing. But that didn't mean she couldn't play along and so lowered herself a little to the floor, a sign of surrender as the larger Dragon made its way over. Stopping halfway she takes in the show of submission and accepts the gesture before dropping the animals to the floor.

Lily watched with rapt eyes as the other beast lifted the sheep up, its bleating louder than ever as it tried to escape the clutches it was in, from her spot Zelena watched as her sister turned Dragon used her head to toss the sheep across the distance as it landed on the floor and scrambled to its feet, about to make a run for it but was pounced on as soon as it stood.

Lily dived upon the offering as soon as Regina threw it. The hunger taking over and she couldn't wait – she pounced on the terrified animal, its final bleat cut as she tore into the spoils.

The white Dragon watched the smaller youngling devour the food and wondered just how long she had been out here when a loud growling and the sound of Zelena shouting saw her knocked sideways. Landing heavily on her side she shook her head and turned only to find a much bigger Dragon pining her to the floor.

She stared into wild and angry eyes before seeing Lily who had now finished the sheep. Move over to where the cow lay still frozen and knew they had to have been working together.

Clever,

She let her gaze fall back to the other Dragon still using her weight to keep her to the floor. And took in the sight of what she hadn't seen in years, this was Maleficent – if it weren't for the fact the green eyes and purple scales told her as such, it was her inner self roaring with delight at the sight of its mate and child.

But this wasn't the Dragon she knew. All she saw as she stared into vivid emerald orbs was the same desperation and wildness that Lily held in hers and for that it tore her in two. How long had they been like this? How long had they merely surviving and not living?

She knew she had to sort it and so with a swing of her head. She knocked the other Dragon off trajectory and got to her feet when she was free. Not having time though she was soon attacked again as Mal dived once more, anger in her roars as she struck out. Lily and unknown to them Zelena could only watch on as the two went on the defensive.

Both seemed evenly matched – Mal with her pure adrenaline and ferocity that a wild Dragon seemed to have – Regina with her years and experience of fighting with others giving her the edge to avoid the blows coming her way. It only seemed to enrage the other beast even more who was wildly lashing out.

She got a lucky blow and Regina reared back, her underbelly – a nice white now torn and red with blood as the red head gasped at the wound. Not deterred she kept up her defensive stance as Mal, seemingly inspired by her shot, charged.

Knowing she had to end the fight before Mal aimed to kill… something getting more likelier, she used her wings as they stretched out momentarily slowing down the other Dragon who eyed the outstretched limbs carefully, flapping them she began to pick up the dust, dirt and leaves from the ground as they swirled and hit the adult Dragon head on.

Roaring out, Mal used her paws to try and swipe away the oncoming debris attack. Her initial attack forgotten Regina used the pause to launch herself forwards. The sound of crashing could be heard as she pushed and used her considerably heavier frame to knock the Dragon back and into the nearest tree.

The huge oak breaking under their forceful collision as it and they went tipping over, the smaller Dragon suddenly stood up – she had been waiting for its accomplice to take down the White beast but now seeing its partner overpowered, went to help.

Zelena hoped that her sister was ok as she witnessed the heavy take down. Movement from her side saw the smaller Dragon getting to its feet. Knowing that it was going to help and knowing that if they both teamed up they might actually do serious damage to the White creature, she pooled all her magic together and waving her hand, let out what chickens she had kept from Regina.

Lily stopped on seeing the flurry of hens as they came from nowhere and ran into the middle. She watched them for a few seconds before forgetting all about her attack, going straight for the poultry instead. Blue eyes watched keenly as she dived around trying to round up as many of the fleeing chickens as she could before striking out.

Lily roared when soon the ground underneath her trembled and gave out. She fell into the ditch that had opened up, landing in the deep pit. She stood shakily and looked to the sky as she used her paws to try and lift herself out; falling each time the slippery mud came loose. She let out another roar as she realized she was trapped.

Zelena smiled as she watched the younger Dragon fall before turning her attention turned back to the other two as now they had come to stand from their heavy hit with the tree. Mal, seemed most effected – the years of only scraping by with the bare minimal had taken its toll and soon she found herself in the iron grip of the White beast.

She roared and tried to break free. Knowing she could very well die now she was trapped. Using her head she thrashed frantically doing all she could to dislodge the other adult Dragon but found her waning strength compared to the others was far weaker.

She didn't know how but this one looked well fed. Its sturdier body frame telling her that wherever this Dragon had come from – there was more food for it to eat then here, feeling what energy she had finally give out so did she. Regina felt the other beast slump in its hold – utterly spent and defeated.

She let her head drop, in the distance she could hear Lily crying out – she couldn't see her anymore which was impossible as how was it she could have disappeared when it was she who was fighting the third Dragon? A strange sort of loss hung over her now that she had been beaten. It wasn't anything to do with her impending death which was surely to happen.

She had been fighting an Alpha that much she knew. They had their hierarchy, but she hadn't cared for such laws and rules in a long time. But she could still feel a hollow spot in her heart, something that called to her that she didn't know – her rational side had long since fled the longer they had stayed in this form.

The other Dragon let go of its hold as she slumped to the ground, there was no point in getting up – not now anyway and so merely waited for the final blow as she heard the loud footsteps coming around. So it wanted her to look it in the eye when she died? Fine.

If this was her last night then she would go out proud, she had already given it a scar which made her pleased and so lifted her head to stare her murderer in the face.

Only to be surprised, instead of death like she had thought, the other Dragon was holding the cow that had been forgotten in its mouth – the cattle's tail clamped between its teeth as it stared at her, purple eyes met green just as she leaned forwards and offered its catch to out to her...

They stared at each other for what seemed an age. The other Dragon swinging the helpless cow from its mouth as it dropped it in front of them and pushed it over. Still not sure but thankful that she wasn't dead, the purple beast promptly scooped the cow up and chewed it down – its mouth snapping and crunching the bones as it relished the feel of food in her mouth.

Regina looked on her heart aching for her love that had clearly lived such a terrible life. She went to move forwards but the small snarl had her stopping, instead she backed up a little and waited for Mal to make the next move, she got to her feet still eying the other Dragon warily, she may now be getting the sense that it wasn't going to kill her, but she still didn't know why or what it wanted.

They kept eye contact. Normally not the smartest thing to do but since they had already fought and she had lost, she saw no reason not to. Just then the cry of the smaller Dragon could be heard still coming from the pit she had fallen into, making Mal look around frantically as to where she was.

Her eyes spotted something they hadn't before and narrowed on the little red head human that was lingering by the trees. She snarled making the mortal look up, eyes wide at the sound as she dived forwards – she must have had something to do with Lily's absence making her mad again as she darted, ready to attack.

Only to be stopped when a flash of white saw the Alpha Dragon in front of them. She growled but stopped as green hues took in the way the red head had flung herself back into the safety of the trees, and how the White Dragon was stood protectively in front of her, she bared her teeth when it dawned on her that they were together.

This whole thing, her insidious mind was whispering to her, was a set up. They had clearly come to finish them off and already had taken Lily out of the picture, despite her loss she couldn't help but become angry again as she snarled and moved.

Regina didn't want to hurt her but she could see that this wasn't the Mal she was used to, the one she knew was so composed, regal even in her beastly form. This was completely wild and rash… not at all like the eloquent woman she knew. As much as she didn't want to hurt her she couldn't let her attack her sister either.

For the second time that night she reared up, wings open and was flapping them harshly in a bid to halt the oncoming assault, it worked for Mal had stopped yet again and was giving her looks differing between confusion and ire. From the back of them Zelena breathed out a sigh of relief, she knew that her sister wouldn't let anything happen to her.

But it was still a little nerve wracking to see a thirty foot Dragon charging at you – even if you had one just like it standing in protection. Clearly both the other Dragons had let the savagery of the wild overcome them and she was worried for her sister, she stared up at them in their stalemate wondering who would cave first.

A series of snorts and snarls could be heard for the next five minutes – conversing between the two before finally, as much as her introverted mind was screaming at her and against her better judgement, Mal lowered her head. There was still something longing inside her that she couldn't put her finger on, and it had something to do with this new Dragon.

Another mournful cry had her turning her head to now see a small pit in the middle of the clearing, without waiting she took off, leaving the other Dragon and the human who had slowly stepped out of the shade and was now standing next to her sister's large body. Peering down into the manmade hole – or rather what Zelena had created, she was met with the sad eyes of the younger Dragon as she cried out again.

Turning she lowered her tail into the pit and winced slightly when Lily used her teeth to catch hold of the long appendage before she started to pull, already she could feel her energy draining as she struggled to heave the other Dragon from her entrapment. Her paws scrabbled for purchase on the ground as she tugged and used her might to get her out.

Eventually though her strength gave out, with a small roar she fell back as Lily dropped back down to the ground, Mal lay a little woozy on the floor, before the reality came back to her and she immediately grew both angry and sad.

Anger was at herself for not being strong enough to even be able to help the other Dragon get out of the hole, and sadness that she didn't know how long she was going to be stuck in there. They were both to weak, even with the food the white Dragon had given them – it was nowhere near enough needed to gain a fraction of her strength.

Regina could only look on at the scene in front of her, it was sorrowful to watch and saddening to see the once great beast of the realm, now reduced to a wild and barely able to stand shadow of the woman and Dragon she both loved.

A small nudge had her looking down to see Zelena staring at them with the same pitying look she felt as she nodded. "They need your help."

The sounding of footsteps had Mal lifting her head. Her green eyes widened on seeing the White Dragon approaching the hole, fearing what she might do she watched as it peered into the deep hole before turning around, doing the same she had done – lowered the long tail into the ditch.

Lily watched a little in fear at the impressive and tall stature of the other Dragon who clearly had them both beat. It could have done whatever it wanted, it could have killed her only companion if it so wished. But it hadn't and as she looked to the tail, the lifeline of sorts to escape the ditch, something in the back of her mind was telling her this Dragon wouldn't harm them no matter what they did.

So using her teeth she clamped on to the tail again and with a small tug to let her know she had a grip, was pulled with ease from the pit and back out on higher ground, claws in the dirt to life herself up with she struggled with the last part but a nudge on her back legs saw the White beast using her head to help her get free.

Regina turned around and watched as the younger Dragon made her way over to Mal, they nudged heads as they came together again. The sight made her smile inside. Though the might have turned feral being out here for so long, something she intended to ask upon once everything was sorted, it was still comforting to know they knew each other through all the madness.

Which made her next move unexpected as soon smoke rose up from the ground like mist as they noticed and all stared as soon gone was the large, intimidating White beast and back in its place stood the human Regina.

Zelena stared in horror at the fact now her sister was standing next to two creatures that had more than lost a lot of their sanity through the curse as she moved forward.

"Regina what are you doing?"

She turns and waves her hand; she knows what she's doing. She thinks and without letting the other woman see her apprehension, turns back to the two staring Dragons who now clearly have the advantage no matter how weak they may be. Human magic didn't work on Dragons so now that she's significantly decreased her own strength; she's effectively given them an opportunity.

It was silent in the clearing as they wait for the other to make a move. The large creatures take in now the second human who had replaced the White beast as now something more prominent came to their minds…

Regina watched them keenly, taking in their stances and how they reacted to her change – they hadn't seemed to, which was both good and bad as she decided to push on and so slowly … took the first step.

Their heads lifted on seeing her move as she stopped suddenly, not wanting to cause any surprise movements as Zelena can only watch – her magic itching and ready to help if needed. Seeing her get ever closer, made the Dragons want to do something.

But they wasn't sure – they knew very well that even given how feeble both were they could very well cause her damage now … but the little voice at the back of Mal's head – the lost conscience was breaking through, telling her that it would be a mistake to attack the new human.

But if she didn't do as instinct asked and defend herself what should she do? Still watching as she inches closer it takes all her remaining calm not to snap, it was more curiosity as to what she could want that makes her stay her paw, Lily takes in the ever closing in human and turns to the older Dragon – not sure as to what was happening?

A small growl had her sitting down as they waited. They watched as she turned again, seemingly talking to the other human still by the trees and finally back to them as she neared them so much to finally be within their striking distance. It was there she stopped as she lifted her head, intent on capturing the eyes of the oldest of the pair.

She did as they eyes met. Neither gave slight in breaking the contact as Regina took in a deep breath. "Maleficent?"

The Dragon kept its gaze on her as she spoke. Its head though tilted slightly as the garbled sound hit her ears, Regina watched – eyes taking in her face and looking for any signs of recognition.

"Mal,"

She moved one step closer still never looking away. "It's me… Mal,"

Inching little by little she was now next to Lily who was watching the pair. How she wanted to reach out and touch the long snout but she had to reach the blonde first.

"Don't you remember me? My love?" Still nothing in the green eyes to say she had as her heart pounded in her chest, she needed her to remember … she simply had to.

"I know it's been a while, but I've found my way back to you… to both of you," She turned to look at Lily and it was torture to see that younger beast looking right through her.

"Please Mal, you have to remember."

Mal did remember - the more the human spoke the more the words seemed less garbled. Through the murkiness that was her mind, in between the darkness that had overtaken all logic – the voice was getting louder – it seemed to know who this person was, and it was screaming at her that to try and kill this person would be the biggest mistake of her life.

She didn't know why but as she looked into the face of the small mortal, her heart pinged with a throbbing that hadn't happened in many a year, what was this human doing to her? Regina had been careful in her approach… she didn't want to scare the older Dragon but could see something in her eyes that was telling her she was getting panicky.

She couldn't let her; she couldn't have her flying off again as who knew if they would come back. They could always try again with the food as bait but she knew her Mal – she might have been wild but she would always know a ploy when it was there. She had to get past her scales now as it were and so knowing this could go badly, threw herself forwards.

Zelena gasped when she saw Regina make the drastic move, she wanted to launch after her and help especially when she saw the younger of the creatures get to her feet. All but ready to throw her into another ditch if need be she readied her magic but watched as something weird happened.

Mal scrambled back when the small human closed the gap considerably, she wasn't expecting a turn in movements so suddenly and her first thought was to lash out. But as soon as the small hand landed on her snout, all her thoughts of maiming went as a light, as clear as the sun seemed to burst through her mind.

It shone through like a window that had been covered for years and now had only just been opened; she froze as it lit up the blackness and with it came the memories that had been long lost in the recesses of her head.

Closing her eyes she fought to contain the flashbacks as they happened… all of them involving the small woman in front of them.

She and the dark haired human in a large castle, sitting next to each other – enjoying the others company… the next was one of them outside as they wandered through large open spaces filled with flowers as the woman bent down and plucked one, before turning and presenting it to her, the smile on her face as radiant as the clear sky above them.

Another was one of them in the North… they had only just met as the smaller woman tended to a wound on her hand that she had obtained during a scuffle with an overly excited youngling, the care she took when holding her hand was something that filled her heart with warmth as no one had ever bothered to be that considerate before, no one had ever gotten close enough to try.

They were on a bed lying down facing each other. None of the were speaking again content to just take in the others company as she moved closer to the other body which was emitting such power and comfort that it was hard for her not to pulled in by her aura. She smiled and said something she couldn't hear, but soon found her arms full of the other woman who had thrown herself at her as she caught her around her waist and held tight.

When they were up on the mountain side, looking out over the long valley that housed the many different types of their kind. Both where in their own nest built lovingly by the pair as they settled down to sleep, she observed the White creature laying down before following suit and settling in behind her – their tails entertained as their heads rested together before falling into a blissful sleep in each other's paws.

She was helping her deliver their child … those people coming to take their child … her running after them as they had tricked her… the desperation and sheer happiness when she reclaimed their pride and joy … observing when the woman caught them and was holding them in her grips, down to their deaths in the caves …their friends in the room as she watched her read the small baby a book … the day in the garden when the little fairy came and she had witnessed them falling into the portal…

Her screaming the name as she tried frantically to get them back.

Screaming over and over the name of her true love… the soul of her body,

Re... Re... Regi

Regina.

The woman in question let out a small sob of relief when green eyes snapped open again. This time when they focused on her she could see the clear recognition she feared would never happen as the Dragon underneath her hand let loose a small rumble, still smiling she bent down and removing her hand from atop of her nose, placed it on her cheek as she kissed the roughened scales tenderly.

She poured as much love and emotion as she could into the kiss before feeling the air around them change. She lifted her head slightly to find the wind picking up as soon a large black cloud had filled the sky and was descending upon the tame beast in front of her, she stepped back as it engulfed the reptile whole and swept over her.

Both she and the other Dragon had taken long steps away as they watched the change as soon the cloud dissipated, all eyes soon landed on the woman who stood in the place the wild beast had once been. Zelena had moved from her spot upon seeing the act and was now slowly making her way over, completely in awe at what she had seen.

Regina watched carefully as the blonde kept her head down. Silence reigned once more until finally she was too impatient to wait.

"Mal?"

Taking a step closer, she repeated her name and smiled when slowly the other woman lifted her head – hearing the name that had long been left behind; she looked around and took in what was in front of her with human eyes for the first time in twenty eight years.

She saw the other Dragon… no, Lily, as the only one still in Dragon form she watched the smaller beast as wide eyes locked with hers, soon they moved as she glanced at the back and to the unknown witch who was staring with wide blue eyes at all that had happened – she frowned wondering who it was, before hearing her name again and having her heart jump had her turning.

Her eyes landed on the third and final woman… the one who had brought her back and was slowly making sense in all her confusion as she looked at her tearful face.

"Regina."

She nodded and her hand lifted her to her mouth. They stayed just across from each other, as the blonde tried to work out the mess that had descended upon her brain now she was no longer in beastly form. She let her head drop again as thought began pounding the sides of her head.

"Mal"

Opening her eyes, she was surprised to find herself on the floor, in the others woman's arms looking up at the face which was full of concern and fear. "Regina."

"Yes," She lifted her hand and slowly let it rest the smooth skin as the smaller woman let out another sob before leaning into the touch. "It's really you,"

"It's really me… and I'm so sorry." When the blonde's brow creased in more confusion she carried on. "I should have gone with you that day, I didn't and look what happened—"

She was cut off when a finger landed on her lip, Maleficent smiled lightly as she shook her head. "Do not apologize for something none of us could control, I might not be able to remember that day but I do know that if you had come with us, then you would have been like us as well… we lost a large part of ourselves for so long, I'm glad that you have brought that back."

Regina pulled in her lips and gave a weak nod. "It was that stupid curse. I didn't remember anything for all those years… when I could I realized what happened and I just… I knew I had to find you again." She let her head rest on the blondes for a moment.

"Both of you,"

Reaching up, she slid her hand around the small neck and rubbed it soothingly, knowing that she needed to comfort as Regina smiled. "God I've missed you."

"And I, you."

Not being able to resist any longer, she leaned down and captured pale lips with her own. The blonde tightened her grip as she returned the kiss just as fiercely, moaning a little as she felt the empty and longing part of her soul fill with the love and warmth that had been only scant within her cold, reptilian body.

Their lips melded together as they fixed their fractured and yeaning beings Zelena could only gasp at the wave of magic that rushed from them – expelling around the clearing as they welcomed each other back into their hearts, minds and souls.

When they broke apart Regina didn't allow them a breadths width apart. She kept her head still resting against the blondes as she smiled. "I love you." Running her hand down the other woman's face.

"Just as I love you."

Both were content to stay like that until the sound of snorting had them looking to see Lily's still Dragon form. At the sight of her Regina jumped to her feet and hauled the blonde off the floor from where she had fallen. Taking in the sight of their child still in her alter ego was slightly worrying; they took in the larger beast as she stared at them.

It had shocked her to no longer see her accomplice anymore but now three humans standing near her, they had her surrounded despite the fact she was still bigger – she could also feel the powerful magic coming from them and it had her scared. She had never been on her own before and her heart was racing.

"What do we do?" Regina had no answer… she stared at the Dragon seeing she was getting increasingly scared. "I don't know, our magic won't work on her,"

"Look at her!" Yes she did see the look in the younger beast's eyes, she was panicking and if they didn't so something soon they would have a rampaging creature on their hands.

"We could try talking to her, it might help…" The blonde stared at her daughter – not sure if it would seeing how temperamental the younger Dragon was, even more because of how long she had been like that but she nodded, if it was their best shot then they had to try.

"Lily!"

She waited for the Dragon to look at her and when she did the blonde tried her best to calm her as much as possible. "It's alright… nothing's going to harm you,"

They stared at each other as the woman smiled and nodded. "I promise." No one spoke as they faced off – Mal still trying her best to keep her heart and aura as relaxed and soothing and Regina keeping as still as physically able, it looked like it was working, with the large reptile seemingly losing her guarded stance.

That was until a loud crash had them all turning to find Zelena having tripped over a branch, they kept their gazes on her as she rose quickly and brushed herself off – only to feel the burning of their eyes and looked up to find similar blue eyes glaring at her as she smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry,"

Snarling under her breath she turned back to their daughter, by now having been startled by the sudden noise, had backed up and away from them – undoing what they had been working on as Regina sighed thinking they would have to start again. What she didn't expect though was the loud roar that came next.

Head shooting up, she was horrified to see that Mal had gotten closer without her knowledge. She had moved closer to the frightened beast, trying her best to get her to calm – it hadn't worked and now Lily was angry, she watched in horror as the Dragon reared up and was focused on the woman in front of her.

Even the few steps back didn't make a difference as the large reptile bared down. She thought she could have helped and now was most likely about to be ripped apart. Closing her eyes she waited for the pain only to hear the loud beating of wings at her side.

Another – much louder roar echoed around the clearing as she opened her eyes slowly to find Regina once more transformed, standing in front of her – the position she took clearly defending her from the attack as she faced down the wilder, much more volatile creature.

Despite seeing the White Dragon once more – it didn't deter her again and getting over the small shock, Lily bared her teeth and lunged once more – Mal watched with heartbreak as she went for the throat of the older Dragon only to be sideswiped with a massive paw that sent her barrelling into the trees.

Her body smacked into the thicket and fell to the floor. Both witches watched as she tried to struggle to her feet, only to find her body pinned by the huge paw that was pressing on her body. Regina felt her whole body flood with anger and now she was snarling at the downed Dragon, her power radiating as she pushed down.

A loud whimper fell from the lips of the weak beast but it didn't seem to comprehend as the older Dragon, clearly now revelling in her victory, opened her mouth and went to bite down.

"REGINA NO!"

She stopped her fatal blow as the blonde quickly ran to her side. "What are you doing? That's our daughter."

She gazed into deep purple eyes that had craned to look down at her, before turning to look back to the feeble beast under her foot. As if realizing what she was about to do and the blonde's words… she stepped back.

Staggering more like as she stumbled away from the body, smoke soon covered her form and she was back to her human state but she looked distraught.

"Wha… what was I about to do." She looked to the ground, clearly torn over her actions as Mal could only shake her head. She didn't know either, it had scared her as it was so unlike Regina to be so aggressive but she turned back to Lily who was still lying on her side to scared to actually move though the danger to her was gone.

She made her way the slowest she could though she really just wanted to run over and make sure she was alright, the ingrained need to make sure was overwhelming but she had to be sure she wasn't going to react badly again. At her side she could hear the muttered voices and knew that the other woman was looking after Regina.

This time she got close enough so that she was close to the large face, brown eyes peered up at her pitifully as she retreated back, still terrified in case this one would change and try go for her as well. Very calmly she waited until the younger beast realized that she wasn't a threat and so allowed her to move closer to her.

Maleficent smiled as she gently placed her hands along the long neck and rubbed up and down the rough patch of scales soothingly, "Shhh – it's alright, I'm here."

"Is she ok"

She placed a hand closer to her as the Dragon shifted at the sound of the other voice. Turning, Mal gave the other woman who had stepped towards them a slightly icy gaze.

"She is now… what were you thinking."

She looked at her waiting for an answer as Regina shook her head – it was a good question, but one she didn't have the answer to as she had no idea what had possessed her to try and seriously injure their child. There was nothing in this realm or the next that would ever make her raise a paw to her.

But she had and now Lily was scared… of her,

Mal saw the look of devastation in her eyes when Lily tried to move away from her. She could feel the regret pouring off her body and knew she was truly remorseful for what she had tried to do. She looked back to the pride wounded beast and leaned in closer.

Regina waited as she watched the blonde talk softly to Lily, she didn't hear what was said over the snorts and after a few tense minutes of waiting, finally breathed out gratefully when she turned back to her and with a curt nod, gave her the much needed permission to come to them.

She made her way over to the blonde as she glanced at the still fallen creature as she took in the sight of fear in her eyes, even in human form they still seemed to know who the Alpha was, who was the one in charge as her breathing wavered a little, she didn't want any of them to fear her, and the last thing she ever would have wanted, was her own daughter to be terrified of her.

She slowly reached her arm out – moving so carefully to show that she meant and wasn't here to harm her, as she gently placed her hand on the tough scales swallowing heavily when they shivered under her touch.

"Hey Tiny,"

She looked to where deep brown eyes were staring at them both as now Mal had come closer to her as Regina took in properly, the state that their child was in – she let her fingers skim the callous skin as Lily let out a small cloud of smoke.

"I'm sorry I haven't been here… I'm sorry you've been like this. I wanted to kill the person who did this to us all, but I needed his help. But I promise that once everything is how it should be, we can destroy him together."

She had moved so she was now standing eye to eye with the Dragon and had knelt close to her face. "But before that can happen, I need you to remember – who we are and more importantly, who you are."

She watched for any sign that Lily could hear them… that she had taken in what she said. "Can you do that for me? Can you change back?"

She stopped talking – it was now up to Lily to come back to them as she shuffled away slightly, she felt a hand on her shoulder as Mal came to stand behind her as she to hoped that the younger woman who was trapped behind the beast could connect with them enough to break through the wildness.

All was silent until Lily started to move, backing up to give her more space they watched as she struggled to her feet. Looking at them before turning, their hearts stopped in their chests as they watched her walk away. Regina felt the hand on her shoulder grip more tightly, the nails pinching her skin but she didn't care.

"Lily."

The name was whispered with such sadness as they looked at her retreating form. Was this it, was their daughter really so lost in her Dragons mind that she couldn't become the person she once was? Could they simply let her walk away?

"Regina, we can't just let her go," Evidently the blonde had been thinking the same as her as she got to her feet. She turned her body slightly and took up the other woman's hand.

"We won't let her."

"Then what can we do?" Mal looked at her heartbroken. She took in the hopelessness in blue eyes and was about to speak when movement had her looking to see Lily had stopped in the middle.

Both watched as the large creature began to sway from side to side – small at first but then increasing as soon she was thrashing madly. Wondering what she was doing, both women could do nothing but watch. Finally it dawned on them as soon as they saw smoke rising from around the large feet.

Their once morose states flicker with hope as they look on at the sight in front of them. The thick smog rises up, around the Dragon – circling her body – rising and consuming giving them hope with every second that passes.

"Somethings wrong."

Regina can feel it, it should have been easy, a simple water like transition. But as she looks on at the Dragon, now clearly struggling in her efforts it becomes more apparent as now they can see the once billowing smoke cloud stagnate. A hand grips her arm as Lily roars at the failed attempt.

"Why didn't it work?" She shakes her head, she doesn't know but she keeps her eyes focused on the agitated creature, her heart and soul willing her to try again.

Closing her eyes, she mentally chants the mantra playing in her head hoping against hope that the younger woman tries again. Managing to block out everything around her, she doesn't hear the noises until a small shake on her arm has her opening her eyes to see the blonde smiling.

"Look."

It seemed that Lily had heard her – or was determined as the black smoke rose once again engulfing her body as she pushed and put all her effort into making the change back. They both held each other, afraid that it mightn't work again as the air filled with one last final and very loud roar of an exhausted Dragon before it was swallowed by the cloud.

Seconds later when it vanished, both were relieved beyond compare when stood in its place – was the younger woman neither had seen since the curse had swept over. The solitary figure stood motionless as she took in her surroundings and tried to gather her thoughts as they crashed into her like a riptide now that she was back on two legs.

"Lily,"

Hearing a voice the younger woman slowly turns to find the three women behind her, she gazes at them – noting the red head at the very back to the two closest to her, they seemed happy – never ending smiles adorning their faces – it confused her as the blonde said something again making her lift her head.

"Lily? What was that? Was it a place… a name … was it her name?

She lifted her head to meets their gazes again, confusion on her face until she decided to move… to take that step towards them. Unfortunately she didn't anticipate falling no sooner as she had taken the first step, so unused to using two legs that they gave out from under her, both women watched as she stumbled, not waiting Regina teleported them both to where she was about to fall quicker than anyone could blink as they both rushed to help her.

Soon Lily was standing upright, hands on her back and arms as she looked more closely at the people who seemed to know her, she observed the blonde first – whose blue eyes were regarding her with such love that she couldn't help but be compelled to smile. She had felt this before, when they were both together – flying about hunting, she had felt the other creature's affection for her as they hunted, fought and curled up to sleep near each other.

But now feeling it again in some ways – a brand new form. Made the emotion much more fulfilling, she lets her gaze roam over the fair features of the older woman – everything from her pale unblemished skin right down to the firm jawline. Her eyes then move across to the other woman.

The one who had come and liberated them from their beastly prisons. She was silent as she appraised the newcomer – unlike the blonde, this woman she could see herself – their skin tone was so much alike – honey bronze almost almond… their hair, though she had obsidian she guessed that it was a combination of the blonde to offset the black that gave her the brown hair she had.

Their eyes though – when their eyes met she was drawn into deep brown near black inkwells that threatened to consume her whole – though she too had brown they were no were near as dark and as enticing as the other woman's.

She could also feel power – it was pouring from her body like a beacon. Both of them possessed strength but the darker haired woman seemed to command it like a finely trained steed, ready and waiting to do exactly as she said at the flick of her wrist – exuding raw magic like it was something she was born to do.

Maybe she was, she didn't know but what she did or could feel was that none of them would hurt her – though something in the back of her head made her glance at the raven haired woman again. She had thought that before and she almost had hurt her… if the blonde hadn't of stopped her maybe even going as far as to kill her.

But she shook that from her head. Didn't she look sorry for what she had near done? Didn't she apologize and try to make it right as soon as it happened. She looked dangerous … they both did, and hazy memories from long ago was pushing their way to the front, coupled by the way they were holding her with such tenderness, she knew for certain that she was safe.

"Are you alright dear, how are you feeling?" She feels a hand running up and down her back which strangely makes her feel relaxed as she nods.

"I think so… my … my head hurts." She admits now that she thinks about it, the throbbing starts to pick up, getting worse as it pounds the inside of her skull. Maleficent leans over and kisses her temple.

"It's been hard on us both my love. Soon it'll be ok though, everything will be back to normal. "Not knowing what to say the younger woman nods her head slowly, just as a wave of tiredness creeps over out of nowhere and it's all black as she slips into a magic induced sleep.

Mal has to dart out again to catch the unconscious woman who nearly falls back to the floor but now lays in her arms instead. She turns to find Regina lowering her hand as her eyes are trained on the sleeping woman.

"What did you do that for?"

"You said it yourself. It has been rough on the both of you, I didn't want her head to feel any worse then what it is and sleep is the best thing for her at this moment. Besides, it will be easier to take her back to camp this way."

At hearing the reply the blonde arches a brow in confusion. "Camp? I thought we were returning to the fortress."

At this Regina turns around. Finally the person who had been silent most of the night being noticed as she looks at them a little startled.

"Zelena."

The red head looks to her sister as she smiles and waves for her to come closer. Now that she had her family back and the danger had passed, it was time to introduce them as she neared. She comes to a stop at the side of them. Now that Lily had been safely subdued she takes her time in looking at the unknown woman who had accompanied her.

She was very pretty, with strawberry red hair and piercing blue eyes that were almost as crystalized as her own, she stood taller than Regina – though to be fair it wasn't hard in that case as everyone was taller than the other woman.

It occurs to her – vaguely, in the back of her mind the name seems somewhat familiar. But given everything that had happened for near enough the past three decades, she could be forgiven for not caring about who she was… she didn't remember anyone; she barely even remembered her beloved.

But all she sees right not though, is another woman who had been close to her love. All she sees right now is how beautiful this new woman is and judging by the looks they are giving each other, have known each other for quite some time.

Zelena swallowed heavily at the stony look she is getting from the blonde. Shuffling a little nervously she turns to Regina for help as she gives her sister a pointed look still aware of the azure eyes burning into her being.

Dark eyes narrow as their gazes met. She can feel the slight tension from the pair – mostly one sided and definitely from Mal's point, but is confused as to why. She can also sense the red heads nerves as they are on edge… normally she would say she is being silly but the waves of frostiness coming from the mistress of all evil, has her rethinking that.

Wondering what it was that had the blonde so irritated by the sight of the other woman so she takes a few minutes to stare at her, taking in the way she is giving glares to the red head who is doing her best to avoid being burned – both figuratively and possibly literally if she didn't hurry up, head tilting a little it takes a few more minutes but the build-up of energy in her chest tells her all she needs to know.

The sensation is like needles, sharp ones that are full of stinging hot acid pricking her heart over and over – far from them actually hurting it makes her smile as it dawns on her what the other woman is feeling.

"Maleficent." She waits for her response as very slowly the blonde deigns to turn her head and catches her gaze. "This is Zelena."

The mention of her name is enough to draw her ire once more and her lip barely refrains from curling as she glances to the other witch. Said witch is close to hitting her sister for once again bringing the near wrath of the Dragon lady back to her.

"…My sister,"

Like a slap to the face with an iceberg. The blonde blinks at the news shock – shock is the first thing she feels, followed by confusion and then slight embarrassment. She quickly looks away but the smirk from the corner of her eyes tells her that her surprise hadn't gone unnoticed. Dam these shared feelings.

"Why my dear Maleficent… you wouldn't happen to have been feeling jealous now, would you?" The tone is mirthful as Zelena blinks stupidly at the news. Everyone is silent as she stares amused at the taller woman whose face is sullen and petulant as she slowly lifts her head to catch sight of the joyful quirk of her brow and sneers.

"Thinking rather highly of yourself, aren't we dear."

The response does nothing but garner a low chuckle as it bounces around the empty clearing. Once her laughter has died down she looks back to the blonde witch whose face is flat and her lips are pressed thin, she smiles as the faintest of eye twitches can be seen and as much as she wants to keep teasing, she knows it would only end badly if she does and so moves closer.

"My love there is absolutely nothing to be jealous of," Sliding her arms around the blondes neck she has to nudge her cheek as Mal refuses to look at her, eventually though she does turn her head. At the side of them Zelena hears the remark but rather than be offended she knows that Regina didn't mean it in bad taste and truthfully is actually happier she has managed to get the angry Dragon witch from trying to set fire to her with her mind.

"You know I only love you." She says placing a kiss on her cheek before moving back. She stands next to the red head who hasn't said nary a word but now smiles hesitantly as Regina carries on.

"As I've said, Zelena is my sister," As she spoke and the blonde listened. She cocks her head as now something does come back to her in a conversation many, many moons ago, when they were getting to know each other and they had been discussing family.

"The wicked witch of the West."

Silence reigns as her interruption has them both staring at her. She waits for confirmation that her statement is accurate but sees the slight discomfort in Zelena's stance and the bristling in Regina's

"Or I'm I wrong?"

A few minutes later Regina speaks up, but her tone is now sour as she reluctantly adds to the question. "In some cases that would be what they call her, but it has been falsely given by a fraudulent son of a bitch who is no more a wizard, then I am." Her anger is palpable for her sister who is merely silent throughout as Maleficent takes in her posture.

It has the blonde baffled. She observes the almost meek way the red head is between them, like she has no voice of her own to speak for her own defence. She is also curious; didn't Regina say that her sister was older than her?

"I can't help but wonder" She asks again cutting off Regina's rant about the fake wizard as they look at her again. "As a person who knows our dear Regina inside and out, and also is only one of the few who know her true age… if what I can remember is true … you are the older of the two are you not?"

She turns to Zelena waiting for her to answer as the red head lifts to meet her gaze and nods. "That's correct."

"Then and please, do correct me if I'm wrong. But if Regina can take on the dark one and send him fleeing back to whatever troll infested hideout he uses, then how is it that this man… this mortal man, can so effectively turn an entire community against you if he has no powers so to speak."

The question is one of puzzlement and not at all meant to be a slight on the older witch. But the blonde does feel the prickling's of magic fill the area, its foreign and its cold and it's not at all happy with her insinuations as it jabs at her – across she can feel the red heads anger and idly wonders if she might have poked a sleeping Dragon – if one minded the terrible pun.

"Oh he had powers alright – they just weren't his own." Her voice is terse as she spits his name like acid falling from a viper's mouth, before glancing at the blonde with fury in her eyes.

"Not all of us are lucky to have such a fortuitous reputation of being both witch and Dragon that can keep the vile little peasant's from amassing a witch hunt just because someone decrees it."

Her words were sharp as some of the latent anger she had been feeling for Walsh finds its way to the blonde who merely stays silent. So does Regina who finds the situation reversed as it's her turn to be uncomfortable, she doesn't know whether the slight about the Dragons is simply a dig at Mal or at them both, as she had never actually told her sister about her victory over the Imp, who she still had yet to explain her problem with.

Once her tirade stops and her heavy breathing could be heard. The raven haired woman looks to Mal, slightly afraid of her reaction, though the youngest of them all the blonde still had a literal fiery temper and didn't take being shouted at very well. She feared an altercation between the two that might lead to a fight.

She really didn't want that to happen as she wouldn't have been able to pick which one to help.

Still fearing the result she is more than surprised when the blonde slowly tips her head. "I didn't mean any offense; I apologize if I have caused it."

Zelena stares at the other woman in silence at her apology, Regina bites her lip nervously hoping against hell that she accepts it as she relaxes when the red head nods albeit sullenly

"Fine…"

She spins on her heel and marches back to the shade of the trees. Regina sighs as she goes before lifting her head just as Maleficent arches her brow.

"What."

Shaking her head. She sighs and bends down touching the arm of the sleeping woman as purple smoke engulfs them and soon the blonde finds herself staring at the outskirts of a large camp. She looks and already sees the red head who must have gone first storming up the side of the hill – clearly she had pissed her off, and wondered if this would reflect badly on her when she was alone with Regina later that night.

"Come on."

Using a charm to make the younger woman lighter as there was no way in hell she was carrying her up a small steep embankment. Regina stepped over the line of the force field and waited for Mal to do the same. The blonde could feel something in front of them and as she took the small step her whole body shivered as she passed through the unseen defence.

"What was that?"

"That was the spell that kept you and the rest of the predatory population from entering the camp." At her look Regina explained further,

"Zelena put this up when she first came here. She had seen what the curse had done to the land and that the people it left behind needed help." She turned to where the other woman had gone back to her tent.

"She's done a lot to help them they don't know her status as a villain but that's because she isn't… he's accused her of being something just because she dares stand up for the fact he's nothing and if I had the chance, I would have shown him just what a true villain can be."

The blonde said nothing. She knew words couldn't help and so ran her hand up and down her back. It hadn't escaped her notice that Regina had called herself a bad guy, the title made her want to snort as if there was someone who was so far from being a villain, it was the woman in front of her.

Her hand reached her shoulder as she squeezed gently. "If there is one thing I can tell about your sister, is that she can take care of herself." Regina scoffed and nodded. She knew that… it was her after all who had found their Mothers heart and tore it to pieces in front of her.

"I know this… Walsh has said and done things that have completely ostracised her against a realm that already feared and despised her, but she's still here – still standing and has overcome whatever he might have done. She's here with you and like you've said, these people look to her for protection. They adore her that much is clear."

Nodding silently she smiled as she lifted her hand and wrapped it around the arm on her shoulder. "I know you want to help her regardless of the outcome… it's one of the things I love about you." She took a step closer.

"But please. Do be careful. It's taken us three decades to get back to each other, I wouldn't want to lose you a day less then I have to." Regina didn't say anything, merely took a step closer and slid her arms around the blonde's waist. A sigh could be heard as she placed her head in the crook of her neck.

"I promise… it's just hard to hear what she's being called when I know for a fact that all she's done here is good." Lifting her head she smiles tiredly before leaning in.

"But I will not go an intentionally put myself in harm's way… I will not away from either of you again." Maleficent smiled before closing the gap and claiming her lips. They stayed like that for a few minutes before pulling back.

"I won't be a minute; I just have to go speak to Zelena." Nodding she watches as the smaller woman moves to the tent up top.

"You ok?"

She asked stepping into the small tent as she spied the other woman at the back, not facing her, the red head nods. "Yeah – I just needed a moment to myself."

It was then she turned around, Regina could see the fake smile plastered on her lips and inwardly sighed. "She didn't mean it you know." Blues eyes bore into her as they kept contact until she nodded again, a little tighter as she stepped away from the small mirror.

"I know – I'm not angry at her for her question. It just got to me hearing it spoken out loud though." She trailed off, a look of distance taken over as Regina made her way closer and wrapped her arm around her shoulders.

"As long as we know you're not what he calls you then that's all that counts. " When no response was forthcoming she turned and moved them to the entrance, lifting the small door and pulling them out.

"Look all these people here – I've barely spent less than three years in this realm on a whole, and already I know they have to be some of the most gullible, magic fearing, mob loving sheep that have ever existed. But if they could put their aversions aside and look to one of the most powerful magic users to look out for them, they might not have heard what the rest call you – but with all that you have done for them I doubt they would care."

She looked back to her, still not seeing the smile she wanted. A small nudge had the barest of upturned lips as she smirked.

"There we go, and besides – didn't you already take care of the man back in Oz?"

"I did."

"Well then. Let's think no more of him, he's gone and so are the people who helped him… you got your revenge." The other woman gave her another smile after that, not much but it was more genuine. Knowing it was the best she was going to get, Regina turned the conversation towards the oncoming days.

She was going to broach the subject of returning to the other land to Mal and Lily when they were better rested. It didn't matter where they lived to be honest, as long as they were together she could live anywhere. But she wanted to give the opportunity to decide. As they went back inside she also mentioned the possibility of Zelena coming if they did go back.

Now they had the chance to become more acquainted with one another, it was a stroke of serendipitous luck they had met in the forest. Unexpected but pleasantly surprising. Now that she had all her family pretty much in one place a sense of peace came over the smaller woman as they sat down

Half an hour later, after they had talked and Zelena had made arrangements for a spare tent to be put up, she thanked the red head before making her way out to find the others, on seeing the last place she left them empty, it sent her on a small hunt… which was easy enough as she used the trail to work out their location and found them sitting next to what must have been their temporary accommodation.

Maleficent smiled when she saw the other woman who came and joined her on the log as she looked around. Where's Lily?"

"Inside, a nice gentleman by the name of Lancelot carried her for me." Regina nodded.

"She's also awake and a little annoyed at what you did, but he offered us dinner, seeing as we are esteemed guests and it would have been ride not to,"

She made a mental note to thank the man when she saw him as she moved closer. "Are you ok?"

He blonde arched her brows at the question and looked to her lap. "I'll admit there have been better days," She smiled in jest at the snort Regina let out as she carried on.

"But now I think everything will be more than better now." She turned her head and smiled lovingly into dark eyes. "Thank you," Knowing what she was thanking for, she simply smiled and leaned over – taking the pale lips with her own.

"So what's she doing in there?"

A shrug was her response. "Probably still eating, it had been a while and that sheep wasn't a fulfilling meal… not to a growing Dragon."

"What about you? All you had was cow. It might have been bigger but not by much." She smiles and lifts her hand to cup her cheek. The concern in her tone evident as she nods.

"You've been gone almost half an hour… I think he must have realized just how ravenous Lily seemed to be and left us practically all the leftovers from the night's meal. I'm fine for tonight."

When she still didn't look convinced, she moved closer and pecked her cheek. "Trust me." They didn't talk much after that as Lily had come out and on seeing the other woman, showed her displeasure by way of scathing looks and frosty sniffs of disdain until she apologized/all but begged for her forgiveness.

In the end there wasn't really much to be mad about. The sleep had done her good as she had woken without her head trying to turn itself inside out and so she relented in her stance before going back inside to finish off her food as the others followed. There they started getting ready for bed as the moon was already way overhead and the day had come down hard on them.

Soon the three of them found themselves falling into slumber, Lily only feet away as Mal and Regina curled up beside each other – taking in the feel of the other body after so long apart as the blonde sighed contently when arms slid around to rest on her stomach.

"Goodnight my love." She felt Regina lean over a kiss the side of her neck. "Goodnight."

"Night Lily," A small muffled grunt was what she got in reply making her smile. It might have been twenty eight long years, but her attitude remained just the same as she lay back down and inhaled the long lost scent she had so dearly missed.