Disclaimer: You already know I don't own OUAT so don't look at me like that. -_-

Birthday Girl Part 2 Chapter 4

Floorboards creaked in protest as three pairs of leather boots made their way across the living room. Even without calling upon her wolf senses Ruby could smell the fine layer of dust that seemed to cover almost every inch of the small cabin. It seemed the cabin was here for quite some time, albeit never used until now. A sneeze from her left had her looking over at Emma who brought her arm down from her face and sniffled. The blonde muttered an apology and rolled her eyes as Regina stepped away and made a show of shooing off the germs.

After checking the living room and kitchen with no sign of Henry the three women split up to continue their search down the hallway.

Emma entered the first room and knew that it was to be the bathroom. What surprised her was the finding it in spotless condition with unlit candles around the edge of the bathtub and fresh towels hanging from the towel rack. She stepped up to the sink and ignoring the cracked mirror, she opened the medicine cabinet to find it empty. As she turned to exit the bathroom a flash of yellow caught her attention.

Frowning she turned to the sink and picked up a men's ring and chain that she hadn't noticed was there before. The ring appeared to be made of gold with an intricate design etched around it.

Emma's eyebrows rose softly and sighed heavily. Walking out of the bathroom with the ring in her hand she met her companions back in the living area. "Here." Emma held out the golden ring to Regina. "Found this in the bathroom. I think it belongs to our friend Joshua."

"He is not our friend Emma. Or did you forget that our son is missing thanks to him?" Regina's voice had dropped dangerously low and she captured Emma with the cruelest glare she could offer. "Kidnaper of our son would suffice Ms. Swan."

"Maybe he was just following orders or-"

"Are you suggesting we just forgive and forget the part he has played in this?" Regina asked abruptly.

"No, but-"

"Are you saying that Henry will oh I don't know, appear in the doorway right now with a big grin on his face?"

By this time both women were beyond irritated not only with each other but about the entire situation they were facing. Henry was still missing and all of their clues ended at the house they currently were in.

"Well if you would shut the hell up and let me finish…" Emma trailed off, waiting for Regina to interrupt her once more. When the Queen didn't she continued. "Perhaps he was being used, controlled. Like a puppet or something. I don't know." Emma threw out growing increasingly frustrated.

Ruby watched the events while still using her wolf's nose to sniff around, prepared to intercept if matters got any more out of hand than they already were. The mothers had to let off steam, she knew that. But if they continued to take it out upon each other instead of focusing on what they needed to, then she would step in.

"He was." Regina said quietly.

Ruby stopped and looked between both women before her. Regina had closed her eyes and was pinching the bridge of her nose while Emma stared at Regina with her brow furrowed.

"What?" Emma squeaked out.

"He was being used, as you said, like a puppet."

"By who?" Emma brow furrowed even more if it was possible. "And how do you know this?"

"Its…Maleficent." Regina sighed deeply. "And I found out when I looked into his memories."

"But, I thought I killed her." Emma quickly regained her wits.

"No, you just…incapacitated her for some time." Regina stated. "The only way to truly kill a dragon such as her is to rip out her heart and cut off her head. And that's just to kill her dragon form."

Ruby arched a brow. "Please tell me your kidding."

Regina couldn't help but quirk her lip in a small smile. "Nope."

Just then an immense amount of energy collided against Regina's metal barrier, one that all magic wielders had. At the same time Ruby began to growl, her eyes glowing gold.

"Um…" Emma began.

"She's here." Regina said through clenched teeth as she pushed back mentally and strengthened her barrier. "And she has Henry with her."

Author's Note: Omfg! It's been so very VERY LONG….since I updated this story of course. Welcome back everyone! I apologize for not updating but here it is. The next chapter will be the finale. I know this chap was very very short but somehow it felt right just to cut it off here. (ya know leave it on cliff or watevs)

Anywho, reviews would be lovely as usual, and I can't wait to see you all at the finale. :D

Stay Wicked