Chapter Four: The Way It Goes

Regina opened her eyes just for a second, after indulging in Emma she needed to check that she was still there, and it wasn't all a dream. But there Emma was, laced in the drizzle of affection, their connection was heating. Regina broke the intensity of the kiss, pushing herself over so Emma was underneath her. However the excitement didn't last for long.

"Oddly enough, I didn't find that as weird as it could have been." Maeve laughed, standing by the door, watching Regina with a snarky smile on her red lips.

Emma looked up at Regina, who seemed distracted. "Regina? Are you alright?"

Regina, raising an eyebrow, looked down at Emma, then back to Maeve. "You can't see her?" Regina asked, puzzled.

"Regina, there is no one here?" Emma reached out for Regina, pulling her down. "Don't let your mind play tricks on you."

Regina lidded her eyes, trying to not think about Maeve, it was all in her head. There was only one person she needed to focus on right now, and that was Emma.

"Seriously? Too busy suckling on the blondes tongue to pay attention to your daughter?" Maeve sighed.

Regina tried her best to continue to ignore her, but something was playing on her mind.

"Disgusting, do you really have no dignity?" Maeve snarled.

Emma could sense something was wrong, she pushed Regina off. "Gina, what's going on?"

"Mother dearest needs to clear her mind." Maeve snickered.

Regina got up off the bed and made her way to Maeve, but she stopped. Maeve looked different, her long brown locks were tied in a bow behind her head, and she was wearing a knee length brown dress with a fitted corset. Was she dreaming? Was this another message she needed to listen to?

"What are you here for?" She asked, tilting her head and resting her hands firmly on her hips. "You've interrupted something I've been looking forward to for a long time."

Maeve smiled, moving her tiny frame to her mother. She stood before her, cupping Regina's cheeks with her palms.

Regina remained calm, not budging when Maeve came towards her. "What do you want?"

"To warn you."

"Why? You've done that before."

"To warn you about me. I was created with a false love, you used true loves magic against its laws, and you turned love into a deadly weapon. What you unleashed with the false is terrorising. You cannot play magic, mother. Magic plays you."

Regina raised her eyebrow. "I didn't play magic."

"But you did ever so!" Maeve grinned. "You used Daddy, turning him into a monster. But I guess hate rules over in our family, one day, evil will win. The price of magic will one day be your ending."

Maeve pulled her hands away, but her movements were stopped by an aggravated Regina who went for Maeve's wrists, grabbing onto them.

"I don't want to hurt you, Maeve. I want to show you that I am not the mother you had. But trust me, more than anything. I want to be the mother you deserve. Don't do what you're doing with Zelena and Cora. Join me and Emma. Let us lead you down the right path. Please." Regina's eyes filled with tears, Maeve was her child, no matter what realm she was from. She barely even knew her but she knew she needed to do what was best for her. After everything she herself had been through. She didn't even want to wish it upon Maeve.

Maeve watched over her mother, she was confused. No matter how hard she tried to torment her, it just made her stronger. "I can't do that, mother. I'm sorry. Power is all I want."

"No, darling. You don't. It's what they are making you think. Trust me, I've been there. Look where it got me." Regina looked at Maeve, she could see herself in her. Her evil self.

"It's because you are weak!" Maeve yelled.

"No, Maeve. It's because I had hope. Something you should have. Believe in yourself and all the things you can do for the greater." Regina lowered her head, letting go of an angry Maeve.

"Regina. Are you okay?" Emma asked after watching what seemed to be Regina talking to herself.

Regina looked up, there was no one there, and she turned her head to Emma. "I need to protect her from herself."

"What's happened? Was she there?"

"Yes, she's doing something. I don't know what it is, but I can feel it. Something bad is going to happen."

Emma came up behind Regina, locking her arms around Regina's waist and nuzzling into the fragile woman. "Hey, you'll find a way to overcome this."

Regina let herself relax into Emma's arms, comforted by her touch, that's all she desired at this moment in time.

"Emma? Am I fighting a losing battle? I feel like I can never win. No matter how I play the game, it always beats me." Regina snuffled, her eyes shut, holding in all her emotions. "Can I ever be truly happy without life pulling it all apart?"

Emma squeezed Regina before turning her around so she could face her. "We can only be truly happy when we allow ourselves to be, Regina. I know you want to play happy families with Maeve, but it isn't going to happen overnight, you have to remember who raised her. Her upbringing was similar to yours, wasn't it? In a way, anyhow. Cora and Zelena doing it together means that she would be influenced by dark behaviour. I mean, take a look at Zelena and Cora, they haven't aged, have they? Which tells me that somethings linking them, they are using magic to clearly stay young and keep their magic strong. My bet is that it's Maeve. If we can infiltrate that, then maybe, just maybe we can have the upper hand."

"How do you suggest we do that?" Regina asked, looking her eyes with Emma's.

"That. That I don't know. It's something you'll have to do." Emma smiled gently at Regina, leaning forward to kiss her nose. "However this ends, you'll have me."

"Let's hope it doesn't end with me a puddle of mush on the floor then." Regina grinned.

Emma rolled her eyes sarcastically. "It's always death with you. Isn't it?"

"Got to lighten the mood somehow." Regina laughed, pushing herself forward to kiss the soft lips of Miss Swan, the lips that tasted just like cinnamon.

Emma felt herself sink into the plump velvety lips that she possessed, her hands reaching for Regina's lower back, pulling her in closely. That touch she craved so ever so.

As Regina's lips parted the smooth lips of Emma she felt the urge for more, she then found herself gently biting at satin skin of the blonde's neck, and she was into it. Regina's hands worked their way down her slim frame, resting on Emma's hips.

"Regina." Emma muttered under her breath. She felt her body wisp away, she was at her prime, her finger tips glided up to hold Regina's shoulders. She couldn't take Regina's teasing much longer, she grabbed her shoulders and slung her back on the bed, pouncing back onto her.

"Feisty!" Regina chuckled. Laying on her elbows, staring up at Emma.

Emma placed herself over Regina, kissing her firmly, their tongues exploring each other's, she held herself up, lost in the moment. Everything was happening so fast, Emma was excited. She hadn't felt like this in a while, even with Hook it wasn't the same, something was missing and that something was Regina. As Emma parted her lips from Regina, all she could feel was happy, it was soothing.

"Regina?"

"Yes, Em-ma?"

"As much as I want to do this, I don't want to rush you into it." Emma smiled bashfully.

"You aren't. I want this. But you're right, I can't do this, not now. Not while everything is going on."

Emma nodded, glowing a soft shade of pink.

"But that doesn't mean that you can't kiss me." Regina snickered.

Emma, taking that as an invitation, leaned in to steal just one more kiss. "Perfect." Emma grinned, stroking Regina's cheek.

"Certainly is."

Emma pulled herself off of Regina and stood up, she then offered out her hand to Regina.

Regina took Emma's hand and stood on her feet.

"So, where were we?"

"Heading to shallow waters bridge?"

"Ah yes!" Emma said.

"What are we going to do when we actually get to your castle?" Regina questioned.

"We have to get there first, I'm guessing that itself won't be an easy conquest."

"I have an idea." Regina sparked.

"What's that?"

"We can set a trap, to lure out the trio."

"What sort of trap?"

"No doubt they want to separate us. As that's the easiest way to find a weak spot."

"Isn't that risky?" Emma looked puzzled.

"It is, yes. But, if we do that. It means that –they- will be separate too. I have a feeling that if I can get Maeve alone, as in, just me and her. I can try and talk to her."

"What about me?" Emma asked. "What happens there?"

"Use your magic, they can't crush your heart. That we know. I suggest that either you stay hidden for as long as you can, or-"

Emma put her index finger over Regina's lips. "That isn't happening, it is quite literally a death trap."

"Well then, Emma. What do you suggest?" Regina sighed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I suggest that we do this the civil way. I think Maeve will speak to you, alone. But I'll stand nearby. I'm sure that if you call for her she will appear. She seems to have that magic capability."

"Mhm. I'll give it a try." Regina licked over her lips, closing her eyes before taking a deep breath.

"Okay." Emma placed her hand on Regina's upper arm. "You can do this."

"You don't need to do anything, Mother." Maeve mumbled, gazing at the pair.

"Maeve." Regina whispered.

"What do you want? I'm supposed to be out here looking for you, to kill you, you know. Evil stuff."

"Then why haven't you?" Regina asked.

"Because that's too easy. You need to fight back or you aren't a worthy opponent."

"It's not that though, is it?" Regina grinned, she knew that Maeve was hiding something. "You don't want to kill me, that's why you haven't."

Maeve blinked her eyes slowly, looking at Emma then at Regina, she didn't reply.

"Exactly." Emma smiled. "You aren't as bad as you make out, are you?"

Maeve remained quiet, just staring at them.

"Silence doesn't do you any justice, Maeve." Emma hummed.

"Listen to me, Maeve. You don't have to do this anymore, be a hero, and help us stop Zelena and Cora. Please."

"You don't need my help. Mom. You're strong enough to do this on your own." Maeve took a deep breath, all this fighting through her life, lead to believe that her mother was nothing but a coward who needed power to be able to survive, but after watching her, she couldn't quite believe it all. Her mother was nothing like the person Zelena and Cora had claimed her to be, for once, in all her life, she felt sorrow for her mother. All the suffering she must have subjected to in her life time, it was overcoming her. She felt a sense of doubt of her own doings flow through her.

"Maeve, this isn't how it has to be." Emma smiled.

"Think about it is this way. Emma was born to destroy everything that I created, but over time she made me stronger, rather than weaker. She gave me hope, something that I wish to give to you. After all, hope is the only thing you need to believe in a better, brighter future." Regina felt a grin of happiness form on her face, she looked at Emma.

"I can't do that, Mom. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't."

"But why? What's stopping you from making your own decisions?" Regina asked.

Maeve took another deep breath, weary of her surroundings, she glanced around before slumping on a chair.

Emma's eyes followed Maeve, watching her carefully.

"The reason, that even if I wished to change sides is, I can't. My magic is the only thing that keeps me sane, you see. And well, the darkness occupies my veins, my body bleeds for it. How am I to control myself? All I wish to do is cause corruption and darkness. With Zelena and Cora around it's easy to do so. So why would I want to give that all up? I wouldn't. But, there is a part of me that wants a normal family, but I know I can never have that." Maeve paused, awaiting a reaction, but when they remained silent, she continued. "The thing is, Zelena and Cora need me, I keep them refreshed, I can keep them young and equipped. Without me, they become nothing. Cora is proud of me, having her tell me that she loves me, and wishes that I could have all the power I need to become the strongest person in all the land. That tells me something. She –needs- me."

Regina glances at Emma. "So you're saying that you are the key to all their magic and power?"

"Pretty much, yes."

"So are you the leader of the group?" Emma asked.

"No. I'm basically saying that if I betray them I die."

"How?" Regina insisted.

Maeve pulled out a necklace from under her clothing, it was a red heart shaped locket on a gold chain. "Inside here is a link, it's in Cora's possession. All she has to do is whisper one word into it and well, I'm gone."

"How does that even work? What sort of possession does she even have?" Regina shook her head in disbelief.

"It's a powerful magic, I have no idea how she did it. I guess she has been betrayed often in her lifetime, so she uses this to her advantage. Sucks for me, I have to do her bidding. If I want to live, of course." Maeve shrugged.

"So." Emma said, clearing her throat. "Say you started helping us defeat them. She'd kill you? Just like that?"

"That's what I'm saying." Maeve replied, tucking the necklace back in her clothes.

"Then why don't you just take the necklace off?" Emma tucked her hair behind her ears.

"If only it was that simple." Maeve exclaimed.

"How is it not?" Regina huffed.

"If the link is broken by me, it instantly puts a magic lock on me, so I'm stuck, can't move or anything. So then Cora finds me, and decides what to do with me next."

"Is there any way we can remove it? Without her finding out?" Regina questioned.

"I think Zelena can do it. But that's it, I haven't found any answers yet. But trust me, I've been looking. But I am very limited to what I can do with Cora around. She doesn't trust very well, I'm risking a lot just being here this long with you."

"Then we will help you, Maeve. It's the least I can do, I want you to have your own freedom." Regina smiled, looking softly at her daughter.

Maeve smiles faintly. "Thank you. I must go now, I've spent far too long here. I wish you luck. I'll try my best not to hurt you, either of you." Maeve's gentle smile gave Regina a sense of relief.

Emma turned to Regina. "Do you think that was sincere?" She asked.

"Maybe?" Regina pondered.

"To me, it seemed like she wanted to warn us, and help us. But, I don't know how we can trust her."

"Emma, you told me that your so called super power was that you could tell when someone was lying, was she?" Regina glanced towards Emma, tilting her head.

"From the vibe I picked up, no. She was telling the truth."

"Then why are we doubting her? Has your vibes ever been wrong before?"

"No. It's just."

"Just what, Emma?" Regina placed her hands on her hips, looking at Emma.

"We need to be careful, don't trust her, not yet. But, do believe her. Have hope that she is being honest with us."

"Alright." Regina shrugged.

"Shall we go now? We have spent a lot of time in the same place?" Emma asked.

"Best we should." Regina smiled.

Maeve took one last glance at her mother before finally leaving, she walked slowly, clamping the locket in her hand.

"You can't back out now, Maeve." Cora muttered, creeping up behind her.

"I'm not backing out of anything." Maeve replied, rolling her eyes.

"I heard you before, telling them everything… Why did you do that?"

"I knew you were nearby."

"So you purposely said it?" Cora was getting angry, her tone was changing drastically.

"Yes, Cora. I did. Happy now?" Maeve sighed.

Cora scowled, grabbing Maeve by her neck and throwing her to the ground, her strength was astounding for a woman, but all the magic had been powering her up for many years, making her stronger physically and mentally over time.

Maeve didn't flinch, she allowed it to happen. Fighting back wasn't going to solve anything. "You're missing the point, Cora."

"What point?" Cora puffed, glaring into Maeve's eyes.

"Over time I learned, learned all about what my magic does to you and Zelena. If I lose my magic or die, all the years of youth and power I gave you, are gone. You'll most likely die, a painful agonising death." Maeve grinned evilly at Cora.

"Then what's stopping you?" Cora smirked. "Wait… You…"

"Yes." Maeve nodded, smiling as Cora let go of her.

"Does she too?" Cora asked, stepping back.

"I do." Zelena replied. Watching them both.

Maeve moved away from Cora and headed towards Zelena, smiling at her.

"I don't understand why!" Cora yelled. "Everything I gave you…"

"As I said earlier, you're missing the point." Maeve sighed.

"What do you mean?"

"Love is weakness, right? But, what if you turn it into strength. Use the power of love to guide you, giving you the strongest magic of all. Instead of giving you weakness, it helps you find out what makes you weak, and that is what is holding you back from biggest potential."

"What are you saying?" Cora questioned, readying her hand, her eyes narrowing at Maeve.

"Bloody hell, don't you get it? We're saying that you are holding us back. It's always on your bloody terms. I regret envying Regina over having a mother, cause' you're bloody useless." Zelena growled.

"What she is saying, is that we don't need you anymore. So it's time for goodbye." Maeve snickered.

With a wave of her hand, Zelena had already showered Cora in bolts of green flames, Cora was quick to react, throwing herself, or at least trying to, get out of the way, and if she had done that just one second earlier, she could have gotten away un harmed.

"Ouch." Cora yelped, looking over her wounded shoulder. "You won't win this battle!"

"Doesn't matter if we don't win this battle, as long as we win the war!" Zelena laughed.

Cora snarled, flicking out her hand, disappearing into the wind.

Zelena rested her hands upon her wickedly good figure, the latex of her green gloves sticking to the tight black fabric. "That was fun and a bit of a dangerous move."

"We are better off without her. Now, can you take this thing off me?" Maeve asked, tugging at the necklace around her neck.

Zelena without any hesitation, took Maeve's necklace off and crushed it on the floor with her shoe.

"Zelena?"

"Yeah?"

"That necklace, was the key to your power and youth?"

"I know, but it was Cora's too. But I believe that you'll keep me strong and powerful without that necklace."

Maeve raised her eyebrow. "How did you know?"

"That the necklace was the way of keeping yourself alive when you played up Cora?" Zelena chuckled. "I just knew."

Maeve grinned. "Zelena?"

"Hmm?"

"Shall we take over a kingdom?"

"With great honor." Zelena snickered.

In the distance Cora stood watching, her face a dark red with anger, the betrayal from her own daughter, and even her own granddaughter was making her fill up with rage. How dare they call her the weakness, all she had ever done was give them everything they desired? Given them the life that she wished she had had. But that wasn't enough for them. Cora's face softened, she began to think. What if, just what if the reason they betrayed her was the reason that Regina pushed her through that portal all those years ago. Was it love that saved her? Was she really their weakness? Cora shook her head, in time she would take her own revenge on her family, but now was not it, she needed to see where this was headed. Maybe they could succeed on their own. But she couldn't wait till the moment that they needed her again. She grinned, turning away and leaving.

Regina and Emma arrived at the shallow bridge, it was there that they joined together, creating a magical surge. A protection spell, the only way they could keep the castle safe for now. Protecting Henry and Emma was all that Regina could do.