A/N: Hey, Okay I saw this Chapter as done in my mind so I really wanted to get it up. So with that said, sorry for all mistakes in advance.

Enjoy! :)

Chapter 4

Emma stepped through the portal onto the soft grass. She was instantly met with the smell of forest. One she had come to hate. She wondered if she had grown up in the Enchanted Forest would she had disliked it as much or would it had just been a simple part of her life.

Every time she had come here it included nothing but complete chaos.

Her soundings were bathed in complete darkness. She couldn't see a thing. She rooted around in the satchel her parents had packed for her and pulled out a flashlight. Clicking it on she turned around and shined it on the portal just in time to see Henry emerging from the mirror.

"That was awesome!" He chuckled as he stepped through. He ran over and grinned up at her. She shook her head but returned the smile.

Placing an arm around his shoulder she said, "We seriously need to work on your sense of awesome, kid, because-"

"There the two of you are." They turned around to see Maleficent coming towards them with a lantern in her hand. "I thought you've gotten lost." She drawled as she walked closer to them. She continued passed them and up to the mirror. With a wave of her hand it returned to its original form of a small hand mirror. She caught it before it fell to the ground.

Even her reflexes were inhuman.

"We didn't exactly take that long but excuse me for being hesitant about stepping through a portal into another realm." Emma sighed.

Maleficent shrugged. "Its hardly your first time..."

"True but that doesn't make it any less dangerous."

Maleficent waved that off. "You're fine." She tucked the mirror into the inside pocket of her jacket. "Now then... shall we?

"Where are we going?" Henry asked.

Maleficent sighed. "If I know Regina... and I do, since she's back here she's gone home. Well, to the closest place to a home that she has here."

Emma looked completely lost and for a moment Mal thought, at least the girl was beautiful. Henry on the other hand caught on right away. "Her castle." He noted. The dragon nodded.

"Yes."

Emma nodded, finally catching up. "Okay, how do we get there?" She asked feeling slightly anxious. Regina was so close and they were wasting time with all of this conversation.

Maleficent sighed heavily and made a small gesture with her hand, engulfing them in a cloud of black smoke and poofing them away.

They reappeared on a hill top. Emma looked around but didn't see a castle anywhere, just more dark forest but before she could question where they were she heard Henry ask Maleficent, "Is that it? The Dark Palace?"

"Indeed it is." She heard the dragon reply.

Emma looked over to her traveling companions and followed their line of sight. There off in the distance she saw it. A tall, proud castle bathed in the moonlight that it's walls reflected. It looked very imposing and made Emma feel intimidated immediately. She could definitely imagine the Evil Queen living here.

"Why not just poof us inside?" Emma asked stepping over to them and standing on the opposite side of Henry.

"Because, Savior..." Maleficent began and Emma immediately missed her calling her by her real name. "If there is a protection spell surrounding the area, I don't need to tell you how bad it would have been if we all had just ran straight into it."

Emma nodded. "Is there?"

Instead of responding Maleficent handed the lantern to Henry and extended her hands ahead of herself. She closed her eyes and was silent, concentrating. If it wasn't so dark out, they would have seen the faint black magic dancing from her fingertips, searching for Regina's. After a few moments she lowered her hands.

"Is there?" Henry asked curiously.

Maleficent inhaled and shut her eyes again. Opening them and exhaling she raised her hands again. She opened her palm and began pulling the magic from the force field before them. Regina has gotten stronger but Maleficent has centuries to her decades of life and magical practice.

After a few more moments of Maleficent's black magic fighting against Regina's the invisible barrier fell away with a small crackle of electricity and sparks of purple falling around them.

"Well that answered your question, kid." Emma said with a chuckle. Henry just nodded. She turned to Maleficent. "Do you feel that tingling thing all over your body when you undo Regina's magic?"

Maleficent hummed. "Yes well, all of our magic is a lot like our personalities. Your magic is very light and easygoing while mine is heavy but controlled." She looked at Henry then back over to Emma. "Regina's is very... sensual, sexual even. It's powerful and provocative. It tries to enter every part of you. It gives you a nice well... release."

"Gotcha." Emma said. That's why she always felt post orgasmic after doing magic with Regina. At least she's not the only one that feels thoroughly fucked after coming in contact with Regina's magic.

Emma could see Henry's teenage mind struggling to keep up. She wanted to ask more but decided not to around him.

"So she's okay then?" Henry asked nervously.

"Looks like it, kid." Emma said rubbing his back. "Does she know it's down?" She asked Maleficent.

"Maybe but that way she knows that we're coming for her. There aren't many magical beings that can counteract her magic. She's much too powerful. So either you, myself or Rumpelstiltskin..." Maleficent said thoughtfully. "Well he has no power so she knows it isn't him... so she'll suspect it's either of us."

"Right." Emma said glancing around.

Maleficent glanced over at them for a moment. She was worried for Regina but she would never admit that to anyone but the queen herself. Though Regina was tough and could take care of herself (something she kept reminding Mal of in her early Evil Queen days) that didn't stop the dragon from wanting to protect her and keep her close.

Without warning she engulfed them in a cloud of black smoke again. When it cleared they were in a dark hallway.

"Are we inside the palace?" Henry asked stupidly, as he almost fell over in his dizziness from the shock of being teleported without warning again. Emma was a little more used to it, since Regina used to do it all the time. At first she would feel queasy but now it was like a jog down the block... which was a terrible example since just the thought of jogging made her nauseous.

"Yes." Mal replied. She had become quite familiar with the Dark Palace during her small visits. She never really spent much time there (preferring Regina came to her) but she would occasionally drop by when she hadn't seen Regina for a while and began to worry. During Regina's marriage it was always subtle and at night but after the death of the king it was far less secretive.

The Evil Queen wasn't exactly discreet and Maleficent wasn't one to deny her queen anything. Rumors spread amongst the magical community of the Queen and the Dragon but not much was said around either of them since no one wanted their wrath brought down upon them.

Maleficent's memories of when Regina was only hers was all she had. When she held her heart. Before Regina turned cruel and distant and started pushing her away. Before she almost lost her.

Mal cleared her throat and pushed that aside. She flicked her wrist, lighting the torches on the walls, illuminating the dark corridor which was decorated in rich dark colors. "She's definitely here." She said more to herself.

"Do you know where exactly?" Emma asked turning to the older blonde. She just received a raised brow in response. "Right..." She looked around. "This is a whole lotta castle to search."

"Do you think we should split up?" Henry asked looking between the two adults. They just looked at each other.

"That would be best." Mal said with a shrug. The Charmings nodded.

"Okay, so Henry and I will cover this floor and you check upstairs? Or downstairs? I have no idea where we are..."

"If you find her just stay with her, I'll find you. If not keep heading up until you find me." Mal said. Without waiting for a response she poofed herself from the hall.

"Okay... let's check this place out." Emma said as they headed down the hall and began exploring the castle.

"So this is where mom lived when she was the Evil Queen..." Henry said as they wandered the hallway. There was a cold draft, eerie almost. Emma hummed. "And where Grandma grew up."

Emma nodded absently. She didn't want to think of Regina being utterly miserable and trapped in this place or both of their mothers being the cause of it. She didn't need any more reminders.

They passed a dark wooden door. She opened it and shined her flashlight inside of the room. There were two cots up against the walls. It was obviously some kind of servants quarters. The room was spotless, had large windows and was decorated nicely enough. The room looked comfortable. She shut the door.

She looked over and saw Henry shutting a door as well. "Nothing here." He said before walking ahead and opening another door. She walked passed him and checked another room. Empty.

She came to large mahogany double doors with golden knobs. Without hesitation, she pushed them open. The room was illuminated by the moonlight filtering in though the windows that were lined up high on the walls, near the ceiling. Emma shined her flashlight on the large room regardless. It was wide and spacious, it could easily fit hundreds of people. A large throne sat on a large podium on the opposite side of the room.

The throne room.

"Whoa." Henry said, wandering inside.

"No. Wait, kid, wait..." She tried to grab him but he was already walking around observing everything. She sighed and followed him inside. They didn't have time for this. She looked up at the window, the moon was full while the moon in their own realm was crescent. At least time was the same. Well, almost. She remembered that the nights are shorter in the Enchanted Forest. No matter the time of year.

She shined a light around the room, mostly to keep an eye on Henry. Her attention was drawn by the large throne again and for a fleeting moment Emma wondered how many people Regina had sentenced to death sitting on that very seat. She was just glad that Regina was no longer that person.

"Henry, be careful." She said behind him. She stopped and face palmed. I'm turning into my mother. With a sigh she stepped inside the room, deciding to let him explore a little.


Maleficent had a feeling that she knew exactly where Regina was but once again she wasn't exactly sure so instead of poofing the prince and princess all around the castle she agreed that they should split up and search.

Also, she didn't know what Regina would be like at this point and in case she had to restrain her, it would be easier to do so without them around.

She partially didn't want Emma to see Regina like that. She herself had seen Regina cold and vicious and she just knew deep down that it would break Emma. It almost broke Mal at one point. Almost destroyed her watching the woman she loved more than life itself turning into a monster, watching the love fade from her eyes and being replaced with a hunger for power. Feeling helpless when she couldn't save her.

What hurt the most was that night she looked over at the woman beside her in bed and didn't even recognize her but couldn't bring herself to stop loving her. She didn't want Emma to feel that pain.

Maleficent had no idea why she wanted to protect Emma, after all her parents had done to her but she did. Her protectiveness over Regina's Prince made more sense because he was Regina's child, but Emma? So what if Regina loved her and Emma loved her back? Maleficent should have had a problem with that, she should see Emma as another Charming trying to steal away something she loves but she just didn't. She just saw Emma as an ally, someone with a common interest. Regina. That baffled her enough.

She wanted more than anything to believe that Regina would never embrace the darkness... again but evil is sneaky and can suck you in so quickly that you wouldn't even know that it was happening until it was too late. She's experienced this. The darkness still lurked inside of her but she didn't try to fight it. It was part of her power. Everything that should have broken her, even weakened her, instead made her stronger. A worthy foe for her enemies.

Her darkness did not define her but it was an intricate part of her. It was dormant now but it could be reawoken the very moment she needed it.

She wanted something different for Regina. She didn't want her to give in to darkness because Mal knew better than anyone how difficult it was to find the light again. She remembered how awful she felt as she watched the light inside of Regina dwindle slowly. When she realized she couldn't save her. The pain she felt when she thought she lost her forever.

She wanted nothing but light for Regina and all her queen found was darkness.

Maybe this time... this time she could get the darkness out of Regina and keep it away. Maybe she can save her. No matter what, she will not lose her again.

Mal stood in a long corridor a few floors up from where she left Emma and Henry. Another familiar place from her visits with the heartbroken queen and later the Evil Queen. She brought the torches to life then walked the long hallway, glancing through the wide, open windows along the way. A cool breeze was blowing in. She wasn't a fan of the cold but it was nice, comforting even and it took her mind off of the task at hand for a moment.

She came to a large archway and stepped inside. The darkly decorated room was empty of all brunettes but Maleficent could still feel Regina's presence. She's nearby. She crossed the large room to the tall wooden doors, pushed them open and stepped inside of the room. Her heart stopped and her breath caught at the sight before her.

Regina was sitting at her vanity, pulling a brush through her much longer hair. She had her back to Maleficent but even then Mal could tell she was obviously trapped inside her own head. How could she not be? She's had pure evil incubating inside of her and she's been here all this time alone. Maleficent felt rage fill her every time she thought of the fact that this could have happened a week ago. The Charmings do everything backwards. Idiots. Her anger wasn't directed at Emma. The younger blonde was just doing what she thought was right, Maleficent was just glad that Emma went against them and came to her eventually.

Out of all the heroes Emma was the only one she could possibly learn to trust. That's also why she didn't try to take the dagger from her. Well try... She could have overpowered Emma and taken it but she understands that Emma only had Regina's best interest at heart and she needed that. She needed the connection to Regina to keep her sane. Something Mal knew too well.

After a few moments passed and Regina still hadn't noticed her standing there, Maleficent cleared her throat. "Aren't you even going to say hello?" She drawled, Regina jumped then she sighed and glanced over her shoulder. Her expression lit up then she scowled and turned back to the mirror. Mal chuckled at that, "Now I've come all this way for you, my love, and you aren't even happy to see me?"

"I would be..." Regina said looking at the dragon through the mirror. Their eyes met and Regina looked away. She wasn't going to feed into the darkness playing with her head again. "...if you were actually here."

Maleficent raised her brows. "You don't think I'm actually here?" The blonde looked sincerely surprised. "Has your mind been playing tricks on you?"

"I don't know what to think." Regina sighed and Maleficent hated how defeated her friend sounded. "And I suppose so..."

"How can I prove that I'm truly here, Regina?" Mal asked as she stepped closer to the queen.

Regina shook her head, not taking her eyes off of the other witch as she advanced closer. "I don't know." It came out as a weak whisper. God, she prayed that Maleficent was really there but she had her doubts because how could she? Why would she?

Maleficent nodded and their eyes met again. "Remember when the King and Princess went on one of their month long journeys and the two of us went on our own vacation to that beautiful little island?" Regina closed her eyes and nodded. Mal smiled at the memory. "I had you all to myself for a month."

"How could I forget? I was so sore when you were through with me." Regina said with a small smirk.

"Can you blame me? Once I get my hands on you, I can't stop myself. Besides, you never protested."

Regina rolled her eyes and set the brush down. "Regardless."

"It was nice. One of my fonder memories of our time together."

Regina smiled softly. "It was."

Maleficent hummed. "We've had many wonderful adventures together." She was standing right behind Regina now and she could feel her scorching body heat. Once again, some things never change. "And it seems we have one more."

Regina sighed but didn't open her eyes, even as Mal's fingers found their way into her hair and tugged firmly. She hissed but it was more out of pleasure. "I don't know..."

"Still don't believe me, huh?" The dragon asked with another tug before releasing the dark locks. She wrapped her hand around Regina's arm and pulled her to her feet, the Queen gasped as Mal spun her around to face her. Mal slid the seat off to the side, out of the way and stepped closer to the breathless brunette. Her free hand ran over the soft purple velvet of Regina's dress and down her side, before settling on the woman's shapely hip. "I think I can fix that." She said as she pressed Regina further against the vanity with her body. Then with one swift movement she lifted the brunette onto the table.

Regina was staring into her eyes. Those deep browns were almost black and her breaths were coming out in tiny puffs. Maleficent could feel her chest heaving and hear her heart hammering. It had been decades since either of them had been this close. It felt like the air was being sucked from the room. The moment was intense and powerful like most of their encounters.

There was nothing Regina wanted more than for Maleficent to kiss her in that moment and that was the last coherent thought she had before the dragon did exactly that. She felt the familiar jolt through her body and up her spine that she's always felt when their lips met. The kiss was more gentle than Maleficent's usual kisses but it was not lacking in the passion that Regina expected from the older witch. Regina's fingers fisted the dragon's blouse as the dragon's strong hands squeezed her hips. Regina spread her legs as far as the dress would allow and pulled Mal closer. She whimpered when with a tilt of the blonde's head the kiss was deepened.

She greeted the tongue that entered her mouth with her own and they caressed and tasted each other. She was reminded of their first kiss and their first night together and a raging fire filled her.

This kiss couldn't be in her head. Maleficent was there. Kissing her, turning her on in that way only she could, but how?

The kiss ended with Maleficent pulling away and Regina resting her forehead on the blonde's shoulder but she kept her eyes closed. She was still in shock that Maleficent came for her and just kissed her in that way. After all these years, after all they've done and been through, she was still her dragon. She still cared for her. Loved her?

"You shouldn't be here." She whispered.

"You're right." Maleficent said as her hand stroked Regina's back softly. "Neither should you. That's why I'm taking you home."

Regina finally sat up and looked at Maleficent. Panic taking over her features. "I can't..."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm dangerous."

"I know." Mal said with a smirk.

Regina shook her head. "No, I'm worse than the Evil Queen. Even then I had control over my actions. Now I dont. I just get so angry and I'm afraid of being around anyone that cannot defend themselves." She lowered her voice even though it was only the two of them in the room. "I've wanted to kill Snow White for the past couple of days."

"Oh, would you look at that, yet another thing you and I have in common."

"This isn't a joke, Mal."

Mal's smirk remained. "You're right." She kissed Regina softly. "Forgive me." She said as she pulled away. "But there are two people who've come all this way with me, who will be very disappointed if you did not return home with us."

Regina frowned and stared at Mal with wide eyes. "What do you mean?"

Mal offered Regina her hand and helped her down from the vanity. She moved her to stand in front of the mirror. Maleficent then waved a hand over the mirror, it rippled before an image came up in it. Regina leaned in closer and her jaw dropped when she saw Emma. She was walking through a dark hall, shining a flashlight and looking around as if she was searching for something. Regina flicked her wrist and the torches came to life. Emma lowered the flashlight and she looked relieved but then her expression turned panicked again and she cupped her hands around her mouth and started calling.

Regina rolled her eyes, already knowing who she was searching for. "That idiot lost my son!" She growled. "I could kill her."

Maleficent snorted. "No, you actually could not."

Regina rolled her eyes again. "And don't think you're not in trouble either, dragon. You let them come along."

"Well, she's an adult, Regina. You all baby her too much. She can take care of herself. Besides, if it wasn't for her I never would have known of your fate. I owed her."

Regina nodded but didn't turn around. She watched as Emma raced around a corner and crashed into Henry. Regina growled as she watched him fall to the ground. Emma's hand covered her mouth then she started helping him up and she appeared to be apologizing. "Oh for the love of..." Regina sighed and she pinched the bridge of her nose.

Mal chuckled. "Well there's never a dull moment with her, I'll give her that."

"This isn't funny, Mal. They shouldn't be here especially not Henry. "

"I promise nothing will happen to either of them, Regina." Before Regina could question the statement, Maleficent waved a hand over the image then Henry and Emma were consumed by a puff of dark smoke.

The witches turned around in time to see the smoke appear in the center of the room. Then dissipate revealing a very dizzy and confused Emma and Henry.

Regina's breath caught when she took them in. Emma was just as beautiful as ever as she tried to keep Henry from falling over and why did it look like Henry had gotten older? It's only been a week.

"Henry." She breathed, all fear long forgotten. Henry looked over at her and a huge smile spread across his face. He ran over to her and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. She hugged him back and let her eyes slip closed, praying that it was real as she inhaled the scent that is so uniquely him. He pulled back and smiled at her and her heart squeezed. She thought she'd never see him again.

"Mom." He whispered and hugged her again. She squeezed him tight. Not wanting to ever let go.

When he pulled back this time she grabbed his face and looked at him. "Henry, what are you doing here? What were you thinking?"

"I couldn't let you guys have all the fun." He said with a grin that was one hundred percent Emma.

She shook her head. "This is not fun. It's not safe here."

"I wanted to bring you home."

"Henry..." She trailed off when her eyes met Emma's. The blonde smiled sheepishly.

"Hi." She said awkwardly.

Regina smiled and shook her head. "We'll talk, Henry." She said gently. He nodded and stepped aside. "Hello Emma." She said. It hadn't been that long but in the time they were apart things had shifted between them greatly. Things were different. They were different.

"Hey." Emma repeated dumbly. She let her eyes travel over Regina's form. She was in a dark purple dress that screamed Evil Queen from the plunging neckline that revealed ample olive toned cleavage, to the train behind it. It was figure hugging and clung to every inch of Regina's curves. Her gaze traveled back up to dark painted lips that were sporting a knowing smirk. When their eyes met again Regina winked and Emma's brain short circuited.

"You said that." Regina said trying to hide her amusement.

Emma blushed. What the hell is going on? She and Regina have known each other for years. They share a son and they've defeated villains together, so why is Emma so nervous now? why was her heart hammering in her ribcage? And why was she sweating like this? "I-" she tried but nothing else came out. Only Regina could reduce the tough heroic Emma Swan to a babbling idiot.

Maleficent rolled her eyes and decided to put Emma out of her misery. "Arent you going to come over here and say hello, dear? I mean, you put up such a fuss to get here to her and now here you are. Come closer." The amusement was evident in the dragon's tone. "She doesn't bite... very hard."

Regina snorted and nudged Maleficent with her elbow. She leaned over and whispered to her. "Can you take Henry out into the sitting room? I'd like to speak to Emma for a moment."

Maleficent nodded and looked over at Henry. "Come along, Prince Henry, your mothers need some time alone." The implication went right over Henry's head just like the one before it.

Emma's eyes widened when Henry nodded and wordlessly followed Maleficent out of the room. They were left alone. So many emotions flooded the room. Emma had no idea how she expected this reunion to go but she didn't expect to be a nervous, awkward idiot. She imagined this so many times in her head. Some ended in a passionate kiss and others ended with them in bed but none of them included her behaving like this.

Regina started walking towards her and Emma swallowed nervously. This was really happening. Her palms were sweating so she wiped them on her jeans.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" Regina asked, sounding slightly breathless but still in control. She smirked. "Is it the outfit?"

Emma shook her head, her eyes drinking Regina in. "I just... I'm really happy to see you."

"You could have fooled me." Regina teased. She was equally if not even more happy to see Emma and possibly just as nervous after the things that were said that night but years of being a queen taught her to hide such nervousness and take control. "I've missed you." She said when she was close enough. She reached out and took one of Emma's hands in her own and squeezed reassuringly. "And I do love you. It wasn't something that was said only because I was afraid or for you not to feel bad after saying it. I meant it."

Emma eyes snapped up from their joined hands to Regina's eyes. "I know. I felt it. I meant it too. I've been in love with you for a while and I needed you to know."

Regina nodded as she stepped a little closer. Without warning she pulled Emma against her. She wrapped her arms around Emma's neck and felt Emma's come around her waist, almost instantly. The hug was tight and warm, everything she expected a hug from the saviour to be. Emma's body was solid but soft in the right places and her arms were strong but she handled Regina gently.

"We can go home..." Emma whispered into Regina's ear. "...and we can be together. I know that's the last thing on your mind right now but I can't wait any longer."

"Emma..." Regina sighed.

"I want to do this right." Emma said firmly. "I want to love you right."

Regina hummed and relaxed further into the hug. This whole 'not wanting to return home' thing was going to be a problem. She felt anxious about Henry and Emma being around her now so just imagine being back in Storybrooke, surrounded by her once enemies. Where the tiniest thing could set her off. But they'll cross that bridge when they get to it. Right now she wanted to enjoy Emma's touch and the safety she felt in her arms.

The hug went on a little while longer. Neither of them wanting to let go. The feel of each other's bodies was too good and this was built up for too long.

When they finally broke away Regina took Emma's face in her hands and they shared a small smile. "Maleficent says that we baby you too much." She whispered and Emma snorted.

"Well, my parents but I wouldn't mind if you wanted to." Emma said with that goofy grin that Regina had fallen in love with so long ago.

"Good." Regina said removing her hands. "But remember that you said this."

Emma's grin was still present and her hands were traveling the length of Regina's back. She had touched Regina before but never like this, never so intimately so she was going to go as far as the queen would allow her. She gazed deep into the woman's eyes and sighed. "God, I love you so much."

Regina smirked and raised a brow. "Once you get started there's no stopping you, huh?" She asked teasingly. Emma shook her head. "Well, I will never grow tired of hearing it."

"Good because you're going to hear it a lot."

"I hope so."

Emma wanted to kiss Regina, she really did but the mayor made no moves to kiss her and she didn't want to rush her. Maybe she just wanted Emma's presence and the touch of her hands at this point. Which was perfectly fine because there was no rush. They had all the time in the world.

"Now that that's out of the way." Regina said stepping out of Emma's embrace. She then slapped Emma's arm. "What the hell were you thinking coming here? You could have gotten hurt."

Emma rubbed her arm but it was more out of surprise from the hit than actual pain. "I came to bring you home. I couldn't let you be alone. Not again."

Regina's expression softened at that. This is one of the many reasons she loved Emma but she was still upset with her. "Regardless, what if something have happened to you?"

"It didn't." Emma said taking Regina into her arms again. "I'm here and you're here. We're together. That's all that matters."

Regina tried to push Emma away again. "Why the hell is our son here?"

"You know Henry. He wanted to come. He's our kid so even if I said no he would have just found another way. I thought it safer to bring him along so I'd know.."

Regina nodded. That is true. "Okay, well you shouldn't be here. None of you should."

"Well, okay, let's go home..." Emma said taking her hand.

Regina sighed heavily. "Emma, I think we should talk."


Henry and Maleficent stood on the balcony that over looked the forest. It was dark into the trees and Maleficent had lit a lantern between them. Henry felt comfortable enough, maybe even safe with her. The woman seemed nice enough and his mothers trusted her. She was a villain but Henry had learned from his own mother that despite what you see at the first glimpse there's always something deeper underneath.

Maleficent was a mother herself and Henry's very own grandparents, who are heroes had done something unspeakable to her. They kidnapped her child, hurt her and yet she hadn't tried to seek revenge, instead going to Emma for help in finding her lost child. Then keeping her daughter from exacting revenge. For the most part Maleficent appeared to be very calm and mellow for a fire breathing beast.

"I can hear you thinking." He heard the woman whisper beside him. He looked over at her but she wasn't looking at him. Her glowing eyes were trained on the forest.

"We're you born a dragon?" Henry asked curiously. The woman looked over at him for a moment then she turned back to the forest. He could see her amused smirk in the glow of the lantern.

"Well, yes and no..."

His brows came together and his mouth hung open. Mal watched him out of the corner of her eye and was amazed by how much he looked like Regina when he was confused. "What do you mean?"

"I was created with a powerful spell along with a powerful potion and within this potion was the breath and the blood of a dragon."

"Wait, why?"

"I'm the result of two witches wanting a child but were unable to create one on their own." She finally turned to Henry. "So they created one with magic."

"You were created with magic?"

She nodded. "Yes. They enacted a powerful spell and one of them drank a potion... as a result becoming pregnant with a child. I don't know the specifics."

"That's cool. They must have been really powerful."

"Indeed, they were and before you ask, yes, one of them was a shapeshifter." Maleficent didn't exactly share her history with many people. The only other person who knew of her origin was Regina. But Henry, for some reason she didn't mind sharing. Besides they had the 'magical mommies' thing in common.

"What could she turn into?" He asked.

Mal smirked. "You are quite curious. Something you get from both of your mothers. She could change into various things but her favorite was a black raven. She could keep a better eye on me that way."

Henry smiled at that. "If my moms could do that, they would."

"Your mother has her mirrors to keep an eye on you. Don't tell her I told you that." She winked at him and he grinned.

"Is your shapeshifter mom the one who taught you how to turn into a dragon?"

"Well..." Mal said with a thoughtful frown. "...as I told you, the potion required dragon's breath and blood, so I was always connected to dragons but even though it was inside of me, they taught me to shift into a physical form..."

"Well it's pretty cool that you could turn into a dragon." Henry said and Mal dipped her head in thanks. "Were they villains too? Your moms?"

"No. One of them was actually a light witch. She was the one who carried me." She trailed off. "They were both very kind."

"Then why are you a villain?"

"Sometimes things happen, Henry. People you love can hurt you and having your trust violated in such a way would turn you cold. It makes you cruel and spiteful. Your own pain blinds you and no one else's pain matters. Then in your pursuit to make that person hurt as much as they hurt you, your heart darkens so much that you can no longer discern what's right and wrong. You become a monster and once you do that, once your actions become inhuman, there's no turning back."

Henry looked at Maleficent seriously. "Who hurt you?"

Mal's eyes widened then she calmed. "I think that's enough story time for one night." At that she turned back to the forest.

"I don't believe that." Henry said firmly and when the dragon looked over at him curiously he continued. "I think you can be redeemed. I think you can change."

"I doubt it."

"Look at what you're doing. You're helping us save my mom. "

She turned back to the forest. "That's because your mother and I have history and I care for her deeply."

"You're still doing it." He said firmly. "So thank you."

She didn't turn to him but he saw the small smile tug at her lips and that was enough for him.


"What the hell do you mean you're not going home, Regina?" Emma screamed as she leapt up from the bed where she was sitting beside Regina. "You're going home."

"I'm not, Emma." Regina said softly. She knew Emma was going to be upset but this was to protect her, it's what was best. She shouldn't even be around them right now. "I can't go back there. You and Mal are going to take Henry and go home. I'm staying."

Emma scoffed. "Like hell you are."

Regina's jaw dropped at that then she picked it up and smirked. "Maleficent has a portal and I'm sure she'll let you come and go as you please. You can come see me any time you like." She just watched Emma pace the floor back and forth. "You can still see me, Emma."

"I want you home with me, with Henry. We can't be a family with you in another realm."

"We're already a family, Emma. You, me and Henry. We've always been one and we always will be, no matter what."

Emma stopped her pacing and looked over at Regina. Regina looked as miserable as she felt. It hurt Emma that Regina was obviously afraid of herself. She remembers going through the same thing not too long ago but Regina seemed to be in perfect control of her magic, so what was really going on?

She stared into those wide brown eyes and deflated instantly then hung her head and sighed. She knelt before Regina, took her hands in her own and looked up into her still very frightened eyes. "Regina, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on. What's wrong?"

Regina scoffed. "What's wrong? I'm the Dark One, Emma. That's what's wrong."

"What are you afraid of, Regina?" She pushed. Regina huffed and looked away. Emma felt so helpless as she watched Regina's bottom lip tremble as she fought back tears. She wanted to tell her it was okay to cry in front of her. That she wouldn't judge her for crying but instead she remained quiet and just took Regina in. She looked so different. Just as beautiful of course but more so like her old persona, the Evil Queen. Her hair was much longer, way too long to have grown in a week, her skin was paler than usual but not in a sickly way but she wasn't as tanned and her make up was darker and heavier than Emma was used to.

After a few moments passed and Emma realized that Regina wasn't going to answer she squeezed the hands in hers. "You know there's nothing you can say that will ever change the way I feel about you, right?"

Regina finally looked back at Emma but her eyes were still glossed over and the corners of her mouth were turned down. Her hand wrapped around Emma's. "If I go back there everyone will be in danger."

"Why do you think that?" Emma remained patient. This couldn't have been easy.

"I've been having thoughts. Impulses really." Regina looked away again.

"What kind of impulses?"

"Old ones that I've long since buried." She looked back at Emma and the tears started falling. "I could practically feel the heart in my hand. I was tempted to squeeze."

"Oh..." Emma said removing one of her hands so she could wipe Regina's tears. "We can work on that..."

"You don't understand..."

"What don't I understand?" Emma asked softy, her hand remained on Regina's cheek. "Talk to me.."

"I-"

"Regina..."

"The heart that I imagined crushing is your mother's." It came out as a broken sob. "I don't want to hurt her but I don't know if I can control myself."

Emma picked her jaw up off the floor and shook her head to get over the initial shock. Well that was unexpected. She wasn't afraid though. Regina wouldn't hurt anyone but just in case, they just had to keep Snow White away from Regina until they fixed this. Which is easier said than done. "Regina," she said gently. "I will not let you hurt anyone. I will not let anyone hurt you. Just trust me, okay?"

"Emma..."

"Regina, please, come home with us. I can't protect you here. I want you home with me where I can keep you safe." Emma's thumb stroked the side of the hand in hers. "I know what it's like to be alone and I know that you do. That's why I don't want you to be alone ever again, so please..."

Regina gazed into Emma's eyes and her pleading, hopeful expression. She sighed. Since when has she gone so soft? "But if anything should go wrong-"

"I'd send you back here and I'd just come back and forth to see you." Emma said softly. In her heart she didn't exactly believe that Regina was a threat but then again Neal once told her that Rumple wasn't always the way he was. Emma would never let Regina lose herself though, not again. "So please come home with me where you belong."

Regina shut her eyes tightly. She could no longer look into the those pleading green ones. The soft understanding ones that could melt her in an instant. She sighed heavily. "Okay, Emma."

"Okay what, Regina?" Emma asked softly.

"Okay, I'll go back with you. Do you have a plan to stop me if I...?"

"Besides the dagger?"

Regina raised her brows. "You have it?"

"Yeah." Emma said with a small shrug. "Forest Asshat wanted it but I took it..." She trailed off. "Do you want it?"

"I'd rather you have it." Regina whispered so softly that if Emma hadn't been so close she wouldn't have heard her. The voice of the past Dark One echoed in Regina's head but Emma would never hurt her. Regina could trust her with her life. The safest place for the dagger was with Emma. "And did you just call him an asshat?"

Emma grinned. "He is. He thinks because some pixie dust led you to him that he has some kind of claim to you. You should be able to love whoever you want. Even gorgeous blonde sheriffs."

"Oh I don't know any of those." Regina deadpanned. Emma snorted and stood a little then pushed Regina onto her back, straddling her, she hovered above her. Their eyes met and this moment was so real, so simple and natural. They were both breathless.

"You're hilarious." Emma said as she leaned in more. "Is this okay?" She asked.

"It's fine." Regina said huskily as her hands ran up Emma's thighs and her nails raked down.

At that Emma leaned in more until they were a breath away. Their eyes never leaving each other. Regina could've sworn Emma was going to kiss her and for a moment there Emma did too but instead the blonde just gently brushed her nose against Regina's.

The gesture was so innocent and cute that it caused both of them to laugh. Really laugh, in a way neither of them have in a very long time. And in that moment Regina didn't feel the heavy darkness weighing on her, crushing her. She didn't feel tortured and haunted. Maybe Emma's light could keep the darkness away.

Maybe this could work. Maybe it could be okay.

Emma rolled off of Regina onto her back as her laughter died down. She looked at the woman beside her who was watching her with a small smile. "You are so beautiful." She said quietly. She received an even wider smile in response.

"So are you, Emma Swan, you may lack the grace of a swan but you certainly have the beauty of one."

"I don't know whether to be flattered or offended."

"Take the compliment, dear, I don't give them easily."

Emma grinned. "Thank you, your majesty."

"Much better."

"Now." Emma said as she sat up and got to her feet. She stood in front of Regina who just looked up at her with a raised brow. She extended her hand to the queen. "Let's get you home."


Thanks for reading.

Maleficent was a magically conceived baby, who knew? I honestly couldn't see her coming about in a simple way. I imagine a lot of powerful magic was involved.

Also Maleficent (well at least how I tell her) isn't very possessive so leaving Regina alone with Emma wouldn't be a problem. I can't see her being all like 'MINE, MINE, MINE!'.

The SQ kiss will happen. I need it soon. I know that much.

Anyway. Leave a review, please. Let me know what you think.

See ya at the next update. :)