CHAPTER TWO

A Past to Reconcile

Regina laid on the bed with Ebony beside her, humming a small lullaby as she slowly combed Ebony's raven hair. Regina had one arm wrapped around her daughter's shoulders, an act that could be interpreted as a protective move. It took awhile for Regina to notice this move, however, and Regina silently admitted to herself that yes, in one way, she was protecting her daughter.

After spending a few days with her daughter, she felt a connection form quickly between them. They both ignored the obvious awkwardness of it all; bonding so quickly was foreign to both Regina and Ebony, apart from Regina's experience with Daniel.

Regina felt a little unsure of herself having a daughter, but she knew she was happy about having one. It was different from raising up a son, but it was nothing she couldn't handle.

She remembered humming the lullaby to Ebony when she was just a day old. As if it were magic, she would instantly stop crying. A tug near Regina's shoulder pulled her out of her reverie. She looked towards the source of the tugging and saw Ebony snuggling up next to her, reaching for her arm and shifting her head to a more comfortable position before she settled down again.

Ebony's sleeping form calmed Regina down. It soothed her as she knew at least her daughter could rest and settle in. Though that was said, one thought kept bothering Regina, one that refused to leave her mind. I'll ask her tomorrow, Regina decided. She watched her sleeping figure once more, and then quietly left the room after she carefully laid Ebony's head down properly on the pillow. Another thought lingered in her mind as she went downstairs into the kitchen. I finally have a child of my own.

Before she went downstairs, however, she stopped at the doorframe, and whispered quietly, "I love you."

Ebony's eyes fluttered open as rays of sunshine hit the window. She surveyed the room, forgetting where she was for a moment. After realizing the fact that her mother wasn't with her, she quickly bounced up from the bed and looked around for any signs of her. She's not gone, right? she asked herself. She searched the room for any telltale signs of her mother leaving, but found none. Even with this in mind, Ebony refused to relax. Although she was still worried, a certain smell from downstairs got her attention. The scent began to grow stronger in the room, and soon, curiosity got the best of her. She padded silently downstairs and followed the smell into the kitchen as her stomach growled hungrily. Ebony finally recognized the smell as food and realized that she was starving. She hadn't eaten in days.

Her expressions relaxed when she saw Regina cooking happily in the kitchen. Deep inside, Ebony was a little afraid. She knew her mother was known as the Evil Queen, the one who harmed anyone who came in her way, but after last night, she wasn't so sure anymore. She didn't want to believe any of the rumours she heard. Ebony was so deep in thought she didn't realize the fact that Regina already knew she was standing in the kitchen.

"Breakfast is almost ready," Regina announced, making Ebony jump a little in surprise. "Why don't you grab a seat?"

When Regina put the plate of pancakes down on the table, Ebony immediately began eating. After noticing a bottle labeled 'maple syrup', she asked Regina why it was there.

"It's one of the many different flavors you can put on your pancake," Regina replied, amused.

She helped Ebony pour some onto her pancake, and once she took a bite, her eyes shone. "This is delicious," Ebony gushed as she took another bite out of her pancake.

Regina let her daughter eat in peace and picked up a newspaper, skimming through the articles, uninterested. After a few glances Ebony noticed a black vein on her wrist. Ebony grabbed hold of Regina's arm and brought it closer to her face to examine the black mark.

"What happened?" she asked, staring at the mark with her eyes wide.

Regina pulled her arm back, pulling the sleeves closer. "Nothing dear. Don't worry about it."

Ebony stubbornly refused to let the subject fall. "No, is it because of me? Did I hurt you?"

Regina quickly calmed her down, and gave her a gentle squeeze on the arm. "It's not your fault, you didn't do anything to hurt me. I just bumped into the counter last night." She made a lame attempt of coming up with an excuse.

Regina could still see the doubt in her eyes, so she pulled her into a tight hug. "Trust me, you didn't do anything wrong," she whispered into Ebony's ears.

"Just tell me what happened," Ebony continued to press. "Only magic would cause something like that!" she blurted out. Ebony's cheeks colored as she realized what she said.

"How did you know that?" Regina asked, suddenly letting go of Ebony and narrowing her eyes slightly.

Ebony shrugged, unwilling to give an answer. "I'm done with breakfast," she said curtly. She stood up quickly and sat back down, feeling light headed.

"You need to rest," Regina scolded lightly. The question was forgotten and soon, all the mother could care about was her daughter's health.

Ebony was told to stay in bed for the next few days, much to her dismay.

"I'm fine," Ebony protested. It felt good expressing her opinions again, after obeying Cora's orders for years without a single complaint.

"Just one more day alright? I don't want you to get hurt."

Ebony sighed in defeat and nodded. It was no use arguing over something like this. Her mother would win either way. For a moment there was silence.

Regina, uneasy, asked "Who took care of you back in the Enchanted Forest?"

Ebony didn't know how to answer, so she just stared at her hands, wondering what her answer could be. Her face began to redden, knowing that it might frighten her.

"Hey, look at me." Regina used her hands to tilt her chin until their eyes met. "You can tell me anything."

Ebony tipped her chin back down, wanting to find an escape to the question. She always could find an escape, it just took longer because it was Regina, her mother.

"What if we talked about it later. You said that I needed to rest." she replied beginning to move towards the couch.

Regina wanted to know so badly, but she wouldn't push her. She wouldn't want to push her like how she pushed Henry. For the first time, she is going to wait until her daughter is ready.

Red was pacing the diner, mulling in her own thoughts. What happened to that girl? She looked awfully familiar. Did Regina kill her? It has been 2 days since she went in, what if something happened?

She stared at the phone. Maybe I should call Emma, or Snow? They could help. If one more thought enter her mind, she might have exploded. So she decided to grab the phone and dial Snow's number.

"Snow?" Red said quickly.

"Hi Ruby!" Snow said cheerfully.

"Can you and Emma come to the diner now. It's urgent."

There was silence on the other line. "Charming is coming too. We're coming over."

Ruby continued to pace, thinking the endless possibilities that could happen.

The bell chimed and Charming, Snow, and Emma came through. Ruby signaled them towards a booth.

"What's going on?" Snow asked in concern.

Red poured the words out of her mouth. "Two days ago, I saw this girl, and she was bleeding, and she looked like she was dying, and she asked help to Regina, and I pointed, and I didn't see her, so I am worried, and li-"

"Calm down Ruby." Emma soothed.

"We'll go to Regina's place to check it out." Charming suggested.

"She'll kill us." Red exclaimed.

"Technically, it has been 48 hours. So as Sheriff, I need to find the missing girl."

They stood up and made their way towards Mifflin street. Snow looked at Red's worried face. "Are you sure she never came out?"

"Yes! I think Regina might hurt her."

Without a word, Charming kicked the door, trying to look courageous.

Regina was standing by one of the mirrors near the door looking at herself. Suddenly the door flew open, and she turned around, seeing no other than the Charmings.

He drew out his sword and held it by her neck.

Snow stood by him and spoke boldly. "Where is she?"

"What are you doing barging into my house and holding a sword against me!" she yelled.

Red stood closer to Regina. "The girl who was covered in blood came here and she never came out. Where is she?"

Regina was silent.

Emma looked at her. "Don't you dare try to use your magic. Tell us, or he will hurt you."

Regina sighed, knowing that they were just worried for the missing child. So she shouted up the stairs. "Ebony, can you please come down for a moment?"

It was silent until small footsteps were heard. Red led out a breath, knowing at least the girl was alive. They watched as the girl walked down the stairs.

Black hair, blue eyes, she looked beautiful.

Ebony saw the man holding the sword against her mother. "What are you doing? Let go of my mother!" she spoke loudly.

Charming began lowering his sword. "Your mother?"

Regina saw the concerned expression on her daughter's face and something emanating from her hands.

Before anything got out of control she calmly spoke. "It's alright. They won't hurt me."

Snow saw the sudden concern given towards Ebony. She watched as small glints of purple smoke dissipate from Ebony's hands.

Ebony took a deep breath but stood closer to Regina as if she wanted to protect her. She turned around and saw Red. "Ruby!"

Ruby's eyebrows furrowed. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"

Without a word, Ebony grinned, hovering her hand above her head and suddenly her magic changed the color of her hair to blonde.

Everyone watched in amazement. The color of her hair changed from ebony black to golden blonde.

Regina recovered first. "You know how to control magic?"

Ebony just shrugged and turned her head back to Ruby.

Red's eyes widened in shock. "Oh My Gosh!"

Everyone simultaneously asked in confusion. "what?"

Red thrusted her arms around Ebony "Rapunzel!"

Author's Notes

A/N: We hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review our stories, we would really like to know what you think.

- Café