DISCLAIMER:: do not own

A/N:: another update for everyone. thank you to everyone who's shown an interest in this story. i mostly start out stories with some idea of where they're going, but this one has no certain destination yet. i hope everyone will stay along for the ride though. as always, enjoy and review.

SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN

-27 Years Ago (in measure of human years), Castle Ash, East Enchanted Forest-

"They'll come for you."

The words echoed in her head as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Her capture was inevitable. She'd known that a long time ago. There was only one option left to her now. She had to get her piece to Snow White. But how? Snow's lands were heavily guarded. She'd never make it through, not before they took her. She'd be dead within the week, of that she had little doubt. She only hoped she'd have time to do this one last thing.

She turned from the mirror and looked down at her daughter, staring up at her from the small basket she'd placed her in not ten minutes before. Her poor innocent daughter, so brand new to the world. She was destined to grow up in a world ravaged by war. She had never wanted this for her, but there was nothing she could do now, except spare her the same fate that was destined to be her own. She went to the painting set in the wall. She slid it aside, revealing a safe. She entered the code and opened it to reveal a light blue satchel. She grabbed the small velvet bag and closed the safe, covering it back up. She went back to the basket and tucked the satchel into the straw her daughter was lying on.

She signaled to her servant girl and the young woman came forward. She handed her the basket, sobs already choking from her throat. "Take her to Queen Snow White. Stop for no one. No matter how tired you are, no matter how kind they seem… stop for no one. The Evil Queen has spies everywhere." She looked down into the basket and took one last long look at her daughter. She knew this would be the last time she'd ever see her. She tried her best to engrain the infant's small face in her mind. Finally, she turned away. "Go. Go now!"

The servant girl nodded and whisked the basket away. And she sat down at her vanity to await the end.

SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN

-Present Day, Cottage of the Seven Dwarves, South Woods, (unoccupied) Enchanted Forest-

Emma snuggled deeper into the warmth of the blanket. She had forgotten how much she liked her bed. It was good to her. They slept together every night and when sunrise came the next morning, they parted ways with not a bad feeling between them, each knowing that later that night they'd find their way to each other again. That's how all relationships should be, filled with trust.

"Do you think she's dead? She's been asleep for a long time."

Emma almost frowned. She lived alone. Who was speaking? We're her neighbors fighting again? Finally, with a sigh, she opened her eyes.

Seven little men started back at her and she groaned inwardly. She was still caught in her dream. She sat up. "How long was I our for?"

"Nearly three days." Doc was the one that answered.

She ran a hand across her face, trying to wipe away the exhaustion. She threw her legs off the bed and perched on the edge. She hadn't even meant to fall asleep, but there was something so familiar about this little home in the woods. It almost felt like she belonged here. But that was ridiculous. She eyed the seven little men. "Is there any soup left? I'm starving."

SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN

-Present Day, Road to the Diamond Mines, South Woods, (unoccupied) Enchanted Forest-

"I'm not really good at staying behind and cleaning house. You know… the feminist movement and such." She kicked at the pebbles on the dirt road. She had to shorten her steps and slow down her pace so that Doc could keep up.

"You really are a peculiar creature."

Emma smiled. "I could say the same about you and the others."

"You can't work with us in the mine. Women aren't allowed and besides, you're much too tall."

Emma chuckled. She wasn't by any means short, but no one had ever accused her of being tall. "I was thinking I'd go explore today." She always walked them to within a half league of the mines where they worked, but then she walked back and spent her days bored as hell. It was a seven man bachelor pad after all. They'd been able to purchase some clothing for her from Rockspear. Mostly it had been dresses, one of which she wore today, but they'd gotten her two pairs of trousers and a couple tunics as well. They'd been good to her, giving her space at the back of the cottage with a full size bed and a curtain that she could pull across for privacy. It wasn't much of a bedroom, but they were giving her more than she deserved.

Doc's face instantly darkened. "I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Why not?"

"You have no idea where the boundary lines are. If you cross into the Evil Queen's land, she'll know of you for sure."

Emma shrugged. "So?"

Doc gaped at her. "After all we've told you?"

She shrugged. "I could take her."

Doc stared at her curiously. "This is more of your humor, right? That which you call sarcasm?"

She looked away so that he didn't see her grin. She had found out rather quickly the small men didn't always grasp human concepts. Despite her best efforts, she had found more of a friend in him than she found in anyone since Carmen. All of them had become her friends. Every night they sat around the small cottage fireplace and talked of what their world was like before the war. She found it akin to listening to bedtime stories as a child, something she'd personally missed out on. She was growing comfortable here. And for the first time in her life, she wasn't afraid of that. "How bad could she really be?"

"There is only one creature in our realm more foul than her. She is all that is evil. You don't stand a chance."

Emma finally gave in. "Fine. Fine. I promise I won't leave the boundaries of the South Woods."

Doc stared at her suspiciously. "Dopey could go with you."

Emma shook her head. "He'd be missed. I know where the South Woods end. I won't go beyond the boundary line." She knew Doc couldn't see that her fingers were crossed behind her back.

SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN

-Present Day, Castle of the Evil Queen, Undisclosed Location-

"Your Royal Wickedness."

She glanced at the mirror with distaste. "What is it?"

"I believe I have identified that random surge of magic."

She perked instantly up. "Yes?"

"Something has been deposited in our world, something powerful. The location is beyond my reach, so I cannot detect if it is an animated presence or not."

Regina frowned. "Where did it occur?" She got up from her couch where she had been lounging.

"It occurred in the South Woods, three leagues out from Rockspear, near the diamond mines."

"Are you positive it wasn't just a surplus of fairy dust? Those disgusting little flying creatures are so clumsy; I wouldn't be surprised if they spilled some."

The floating head shook back and forth. "It was something else. Magic from another world."

Regina's eyes lit up. "Do you think she's back then?"

"I know not the answer to that. Magical surges like these have happened countless times throughout history, many of which have not impacted our world in the least."

But something in the air had changed, Regina could feel it. Something… or someone, was coming.

SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN SWAN QUEEN

-Present Day, Northern Boundary Line, South Woods, (unoccupied) Enchanted Forest-

She stared out towards the edge of the cliff. It was still a quarter mile away from where she stood. She had paced the invisible boundary line, following it for miles, trying to find a way closer to what promised to be an amazing view. She would bet good money that you could see the whole of the Enchanted Forest from there. But it was on her side, the occupied side, and that posed a dilemma.

She stared at the empty space before her. What's the worst that could happen if she took just one small step over? It's not like she was even on the Evil Queen's radar. The Evil Queen didn't know she even existed. Plus, this was a dream right? Although, it was an incredibly long and detailed one. Defiance kicked in and she steeled her resolve against the absurdity. She put one booted toe over the boundary line and touched it down to the forest floor on the other side. Nothing happened. She smiled to herself and stepped over. She headed straight for the cliff. It was her only goal.

The second she stepped to the edge, she knew it had been worth it to throw Doc's warning out the window. The world stretched out before her. She saw more green than she'd ever seen in her life. Here and there were cities and small villages. And far off in the distance, on the edge of what looked to be a vast sea was a sparkling white palace.

"It's breathtaking, isn't it?"

Emma whirled around, losing her balance in the process. She felt herself start to fall backward through empty air. Just when she was convinced she was going to be toppling through nothing but air, strong arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her back up onto solid ground.

She found herself pressed incredibly close to a beautiful woman she'd never seen before. The woman's eyes were a deep, consuming brown. Emma found herself mesmerized for a long moment. Finally, she managed a small chuckle. "Thank you for…"

The other woman smiled. "I've always been a sucker for a damsel in distress."

Emma wasn't fond of someone, especially someone she didn't know, highlighting any weakness. But this time she decided to let it slide. This woman had just saved her life after all. "So, do you have a name, oh saviour of mine?" She didn't make a move to wrench herself away from the woman's arms still wrapped around her. The nearly intoxicating smell of apples filled her nostrils and clouded her mind, but in a pleasant way.

The woman studied her with a smirk that seemed to allude to a million secrets this woman possessed. "Regina."

Emma smiled. "Thank you, Regina. I owe you one."

Regina raised an eyebrow. "Am I to be denied the name of the damsel I rescued?"

Emma smirked, not stepping away from the edge despite her near fatal fall, mostly as an excuse to stay close to the woman. "Swan."

Regina studied her for a long moment. "Lady Swan." She inclined her head. "May I ask what part of the kingdom you hail from?"

"Rockspear." It was the only place she knew of, though she had yet to actually see the city.

Regina studied her. "I find that hard to believe."

"And why is that?" Emma immediately went to the defensive. She finally pulled herself from the woman's warm touch.

"Rockspear is a mining town. Almost all who dwell there supply the mines. Your hands… they've never done the work required from the native women of Rockspear."

"You're right. I'm not from Rockspear. I'm not really sure where I'm from, but my current home is in Boston."

Regina frowned. "I've heard of every town and city in this world, but I don't believe I've ever heard of this… Boston."

"Just because you've never heard of it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

Regina conceded with an incline of her head. "True."

Emma looked back out at the view. "To answer your question from earlier, it is breathtaking. I've seen many things in my life, many places. But nothing like this. I feel as if I'm standing on the edge of the world. It's unreal."

Regina stared at the woman as she gazed out at the land in wonder. She obviously wasn't from this part of the Enchanted Forest. Maybe she was from the mountains. Not all the cities and villages there were mapped and it would explain her fair complexion and her current state of amazement. Regardless of where she was from, she was beautiful. "I come here to clear my head." She wasn't sure what had made her confess something personal, but there was just something about this woman.

Emma pointed towards the hulking white castle by the sea. "Whose castle is that?"

Regina frowned. "It belongs to King James and Queen Snow White."

Emma glanced at Regina. The darker woman did not look pleased. "Not their biggest fan I take it?"

Regina scoffed. "Hardly. I believe some people are given more credit than their due because of the public's perception of them rather than who they truly are."

Emma nodded. "I couldn't agree with you more. Once people make up their mind about you, it's hard to change their opinion. I find that the worst people are sometimes the most loved by the public, and the best are sometimes forced into the role of outcast."

Regina stared at the blonde, slightly taken aback. "I… You are unlike anyone I've ever met Lady Swan."

Emma finally turned and regarded Regina for the first time. She wasn't unnaturally tall, but the air with which she carried herself made her seem imposing. Her hair was done up in some complicated knot Emma couldn't even begin to comprehend, but she could tell, if let down, it would be long. Her makeup was dark, but not overbearingly so. She was a woman who was aware of her beauty and the best way to accentuate it, a quality Emma found attractive. She wore black leather pants that seemed to be painted on they were so tight. She wore a coat of a deep plum and gloves over her hands. "Don't sound so perplexed… not everyone fits some mold… there are free thinkers out there."

"Not here."

Emma frowned. "Well then, here is not somewhere I plan to be long." With one last glance at the view, she sighed. "I should be going."

"Should I see you safely home, Lady Swan of Boston? Or do you think you can manage on your own?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "I think I'm good." She stepped around the woman and started back towards the boundary line. She would have to hurry if she wanted to meet the boys on the mining road. If she was late, Doc would be suspicious. She turned back. "It was nice meeting you, Regina. Thank you."

"Will I see you again Lady Swan?"

"I don't make promises." Emma shrugged and smiled. "But life is unpredictable. I may just be a beautiful stranger you never meet again but always think about... or you may find me here tomorrow."

Regina was intrigued by this woman. She resolved that she would add her to her collection... but she'd play this game with her a little first. "I shall hope for tomorrow then."