Trigger Warnings: No major TW for this chapter...

Enchanted Forest, 11 Months Ago:

A green bandanna and cloak are neatly folded and draped over a chair in Ebony's chambers. Its been a week since they liberated the palace from the wicked witch and haven't heard a thing from the woman since then, except of course the occasional flying monkey attack but she and Robin think its just a tactic to keep the heroes on their toes. There's a storm brewing, she can just feel it.

Ebony wanders over to the tall glazed window and peers out into the darkness, its weird being here..Some of the merry men feel as she does, however others would prefer to go back to the forest but they all know the dangers of being out there. They would be vulnerable to attack and every now and again Robin would make it abundantly clear, The castle had new arrivals today, a group of orphan children and a few strays who were found wandering the roads..As predicted flying monkeys came to mess things up but having an Evil Queen on their side is one hell of an advantage. After pestering Robin about the Queen, he finally had time to fill her in on the extent of the dark curse and on their hosts true identity. The woman was called the Evil Queen for a reason and from the way Robin told the many horrific tales, the royal was feared and hated, still is, but really all she see is an angry lost woman. Her stomach growls, I should eat today, perhaps just pop to the kitchens for a cheese wedge and some grapes? Maybe I can boil some mushrooms if I have time..She slides the door open but hesitantly glances back at her bandanna and cloak. Her stomach growls almost painfully so she waves them off and eagerly paces down the marble halls..

Regina sits primly on her plush high back chair in front of the fire with a goblet of wine. Her usual regal self is still in her daytime outfit, a high collared dark blue dress which exposes a dangerous amount of cleavage, today has been as dull and agonizing as the rest, those damn monkeys attacked a bunch of children, does this witch know no bounds!..Her thoughts replay the encounter she had with the wicked witch and her teeth grind together, sister, she cant be, shes green and clearly a psychopath..but how did she break the blood lock if she isn't my sister?..

Red lips sip from her goblet as vacant brown eyes stare into the flames, I haven't had such a challenge since Snow White and it feels great to finally destroy someone again. Magic is stronger here I can feel it, but Henry wouldn't want me using it..Her thoughts darken at the smiling image of her son, I cant believe he's gone, but why am I surprised, everyone I've ever loved is gone or dead..She frowns deeply and abruptly stands, throwing her goblet into the fire with a loud clatter and a fizz, Alone again! I cant believe I listened to that little brat! I should have just ripped my heart out like I planned..Regina huffs, pacing with her furious train sweeping behind, this castle is the last place I want to be..Angry brown eyes lock onto the spiraled mirror hanging by her wardrobe and the memories of Morrigan and the Dark Knight flash in her mind. Her eyes fill with despair, I need some fresh air..She quickly rushes to the door, throwing it open and slamming it shut behind her..

Ebony pokes her head around the door finding the kitchen deserted and mentally thanks the gods. She makes a B-line for the small array of breads and cheeses stored on the rack and quickly picks up a wedge and half a loaf. Not wanting to be seen, she quickly heads for the exit but a muffled sob stops her abruptly, What the..Green eyes scan the kitchen carefully as she slowly edges toward the central counter.."Hello?"

Another sob emanates from behind the cooking station and she cautiously sticks her head around the corner. Green eyes lock onto ragged brown shoes and thin ankles peering out from under a wood, Is that a child?..She shuffles closer, placing her food on the counter and kneeling.."Are you alright little one?"

There's a small hitch as slowly, shimmering green eyes peer out from the darkness. After a beat, the girl with long umber hair and pale complexion launches from her hiding spot, crashing into Ebony's chest and wrapping spindly arms around her neck. Ebony stiffens, a hug not really what she expected but soon she finds herself hugging back, I know I'm pretty good with children but this is ridiculous.."Are you okay? Where are your parents?" The girl abruptly pulls away and slaps her on the arm, she frowns confused, flinching at the series of small painless slaps, what the hell did I say now? I think the child's a bit simple..

"You left me! They said you'd gone to the sky!"

"I'm sorry, I don't know what your talking about. What's your name?"

"You know my name Morgue!"

Morgue?.."I'm sorry child but you have me confused with someone else. Now how about I help you find your parents?"

"I don't have any! You was supposed to be with me! You promised and then you went to the sky!"

Ebony recoils at the intensity, Jeez, someones mad. Best to play along for now or I'll never get this sorted.."I'm sorry for leaving you but you see..I hit my head really hard when I was in the sky and now I cant remember things that well. Perhaps you can help me."

The girl pauses before angry eyes quickly light up.."I'm good at helping."

Ebony smiles weakly.."Right well first things first, where am I?"

The girl chuckles.."Your in a castle silly."

"Okay and who am I?"

"Morgue."

"And who are you?"

"Scarlet."

Right the girls called Scarlet. At least that's a start..Ebony climbs to her feet and immediately the child's hand slots into hers.."Can you take me to someone you know in the castle Scarlet?"

"Course!"

Ebony lets the bubbly child pull her out of the kitchens but mulls over what to do next, at least we're getting somewhere, even if Scarlet takes me to someone who cant help..

Regina paces into the royal hall, her dress draping elegantly behind as frustrated whiskey eyes glare ahead, everywhere I go I'm reminded of her, of my past evils...I need a drink!..She spots several jugs of wine on the elaborate wooden table and quickly paces towards it. She slides to an abrupt stop when the small group of heroes catch her eye, damn it..Quickly she spins, attempting to flee but Snow White's voice halts her escape.

"Regina? Care to join us?"

No!..Brown eyes glide to the group, Snow and David sit next to one another keeping her throne chair vacant as Ruby and Leroy occupy the seats across from the couple, definitely not.."No, I'm tired." She turns again but Snow stops her.

"So tired that you needed a drink?"

"We cant sleep either, we even saved you your seat."

Brown eyes refocus on the smiling prince and her stomach churns, the shepherd really is sickeningly sweet..

"Come and have a drink, you don't have to say anything if you don't want to."

"Probably best."

"Grumpy!" Snow snaps as the man simply shrugs and takes a slurp of his wine.

Regina glares, sticking her chin in the air and strides over to the smiling group before primly slipping into her usual throne. Ruby pours her a goblet of wine which she takes appreciatively, well isn't this nice..

"We were thinking about heading out with the merry men tomorrow for the seasons hunt. Its that time of year and even with all the monkey attacks we cant just lock ourselves in the palace and starve."

Regina cocks an eyebrow at the determined princess.."You seem to have everything sorted so why are you telling me?"

"I just thought it would be beneficial if you shared your knowledge of the dark forest. I may have lived in those woods but I never really got a proper look.."

"Not with running from your black knights and all." Both Queen and princess glare at the blunt dwarf.."What? We did."

"Yeah but perhaps facts like those should be left for when the ladies aren't consuming strong alcohol?" The dwarf huffs Charming's way, mumbling under his breath and taking a swig of wine.

"Regina you ruled over these woods, I was just wondering if you knew the quickest and easiest areas to hunt is all."

Brown eyes narrow, shes asking for my help? It seems to happen a lot these days, ever since Neverland.."I will convene with you in the morning and indicate a prominent trail."

Ruby splutters, quickly wiping her mouth and chin at questionable faces.."Sorry, just thought you'd need a little more convincing."

"Snows proposal is fair, and I don't intend on letting citizens starve so why wouldn't I help?" Regina picks up her goblet, taking a sip.

"I dunno just, usually you.."

"Your a pain in the ass to get help from." Grumpy grumbles and Snow sighs as fire ignites in the Queens eyes.

"You did hear what I just said right?" Ruby grins at a chuckling Charming and grabs her own silver goblet.

"MAJESTY!" Scarlet's shriek issues everyone's attention as the child scampers into the royal hall, dragging a body behind her.

Regina narrows her eyes.."Scarlet?"

"Morgue's back from the sky!"

Curious brown eyes slide to the body behind the girl and Regina's world stops, the goblet slipping from her hand, crashing to the floor audibly and coating marble with fine red alcohol. Ruby heaves, spraying her wine and drenching the wide eyed dwarf who turns to the wolfs own wide eyes aggrieved. Charming launches to his feet as his wife stares as if shes seen a ghost.

An eerie silence stretches out, Scarlet's skipping feet echoing around the large hall as Ebony glances between the haunted and distressed eyes focused on her. The child lets go of her hand and skips over to the Queens throne leaving her wide open for scrutiny, Why are they staring? Have I got something on my face?..Shit my bandanna!..Ebony watches the small group cautiously rise, the Queens eyes sparkling with grief as light heels click their way over to her.

"See Majesty! Morgue didn't leave me!" The girl tries to follow but is quickly caught by Snows gentle hand.

How? Is she real? Or is this some cruel joke?..Regina approaches the uneasy woman and lays a gentle hand on her arm. Her breath hitches when warm skin makes contact with her shaky palm.."Your..real?"

Ebony watches perplexed as a tear rolls from desperate brown eyes, why wouldn't I be?..A slender hand slowly rises to touch her face but she takes a step out of reach and sees inner turmoil in dismal brown eyes. Quickly she clears her throat, shifting her focus elsewhere at the building emotions in the depths of her heart, this is freaky, has everyone gone crazy in this castle?.."I apologize for intruding but I found this girl in the kitchen. She says she has no parents but I was hoping one of you would know of her?"

The air leaves Regina's lungs like a physical blow to the gut and she staggers backwards. Charming and Ruby immediately come to her aid, holding her steady as wide eyes usher a steady flow of tears down pale cheeks, she looked right through me..

"Morrigan?"

Ebony frowns at the emotional white princess, why does everyone keep calling me that?..Her focus flickers between the small party and lands back on the devastated Queen, Shes upset..why do I feel upset..The sudden sadness that washes over her is alarming and she quickly clears her throat, trying to banish the disturbing emotions, this is wrong, I need to go.."I apologize your majesty but I believe you have me confused with someone else. I..I have to leave as I'm late for a prior engagement." She swiftly bows and almost spirits towards the double doors.

Regina panics and quickly runs after her with the small group closely behind.

"Regina wait!"

"Morrigan!" No reply as Ebony pulls open one of the doors but is quickly caught by a desperate hand.."Morrigan."

"I'm sorry but you have me confused.."

"No! You cant leave me again, I wont let you!"

Ebony recoils, her eyes wide in alarm as the royals fingers squeeze harshly around her wrist, Get the hell off me you crazy royal!..

"Regina stop!" Snow quickly lays a gently hand over the emotional Queens, staring grimly into angry and grieving eyes.."Let her go."

"Get out of my way Snow!"

"Regina this isn't Morrigan."

"Of course it is!"

Snow shakes her head weakly.."Look at her.."

Brown eyes coast to the startled woman in her grasp and immediately note an unfamiliar fear, that's not..but I thought?..Regina softens, her crushing hold dropping before she watches desolate as Ebony sprints down the hall and out of sight, I don't understand, that was Morrigan but..

Snow slides a hand into her stepmothers.."We'll figure this out, I promise."

Regina can feel her sobs threatening and immediately pulls away from the soothing touch. Before anyone can see her crumble, the Queens gone in a cloud of purple smoke...

Unsettled green eyes sweep the war room as the small hunting party of Merry men gather their belongings and essentials. Ebony fidgets with the green bandanna securely fastened around her nose and mouth, scolding herself for not wearing it last night, Morrigan..The name continues to circle her mind, the Queens anguish making her spine tingle, They have me mixed up with someone else, that crazy Queen last night, I've still got a sore wrist..Angry and desperate brown eyes are seared into her mind, She really wanted me to be this Morrigan person..

"Ebony? Are you alright?" She whirls, Robin's concerned blue eyes inspecting her before she nods weakly.."I dont mean to pry but you haven't said a thing all morning. I know that's fairly normal for you but you usually tend to Roland. He was asking for you."

She sighs wearily.."I didn't sleep well that's all. I'll be fine later."

Ebony subconsciously adjusts her hooded cloak when the doors to the war room are thrown open. Attention settles on Snow and Charming who promptly pace towards the couple determined, great! Just don't make eye contact and they might leave me alone..She shifts agitated, facing away from the critical pair.

"Robin the hunt's been called off for today, I think we need to talk."

Robin frowns questionably at Snow and fails to notice Ebony stiffen like a board.."Is there something wrong?"

Charming's focus drifts to the green shrouded bandit.."No of course not, there's a few things that have been brought to our attention and we need to talk is all. Can you and Ebony join us in the royal hall when your ready?"

Green eyes narrow, its about this whole Morrigan crap again isn't it?! Well I'm not going!..

Robin stares warily.."Yes of course, we'll be there shortly.."

Ebony frowns, shuffling slightly as the royal couple elegantly glide from the war room.

"What was that all about?"

"I'm not going!" She paces towards the exit but Robin quickly catches her arm before she can make her escape.

"Whats going on?"

"I dont know! Everyone went crazy last night and kept calling me Morrigan! For some reason its a big issue and I'm not standing there so they can stare at me like I'm some sort of side show!" Ebony pushes past the confused man and stalks into the hall. Quickly he darts in front of her, placing a gentle hand on her chest.

"Clearly they made a mistake, but isn't it best to get this sorted now than for rumors and speculation to burden you?"

She studies the mans warm expression and huffs.."Fine! But if they start poking me for gold I'm out of here!"

Robin chuckles, slapping a hand on her shoulder.."Come my friend."

They both hesitantly make their way down the hall, Ebony's pace dipping behind her friends as the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach only grows, this is going to be bad, I just have this feeling..Her spine begins to tingle and her palms sweat with her building anxiety..

Regina paces back and forward, the blue train from her exposing dress furiously pacing behind her, where are they?! They should be here by now! I cant stop thinking about it and if they don't hurry up I'll..The doors to the hall slide open announcing Snow and her prince.."Well?!"

"They're on there way." Snow tries to reach for her agitated stepmother but the woman bats her hand away.."Regina you need to calm down.."

"Calm down?! My assumed dead true love has miraculously come back to life but isn't quite herself and you expect me to be calm?!"

"Getting yourself worked up isn't helping, just take a breath and relax, we'll get this sorted. They're meeting us now and then we can sit down and work things out."

Regina sighs, the image of frightened green eyes staring at her last night leveling her temper, shes right, clearly something's wrong and getting angry again might just upset her. From experience she tends to run when she's scared or upset..The double doors slide open with a creak and all attention darts to the two hesitant bodies pacing toward them.

Ebony refocuses on the royal party, their eyes only drawn to her and she sighs as she follows Robin towards the grand table at the center of the room.

"I don't mean to be rude but what's this about?"

"Robin how about we all sit first." Snow indicates the oak seating and all parties slide into their respected places.

Green eyes note the vacant chair to the Queens right and Ebony's fidgeting gets worse, bloody figures..She glances at hard whiskey eyes staring back and quietly slips into the seat, shifting away slightly.

Robin leans forward, his arms resting on the table.."So what's going on?"

"Can you tell us how you met Morr..eh, Ebony?" Snow looks to the woman.

Ebony stiffens, her past has always been something no one talked about, These may be the people that..She quickly pushes back an overwhelming need to flee and takes in a shaky breath.

"I apologize Mi Lady but I feel that story is Ebony's to tell."

Regina's anger resurfaces but she bites her cheek and schools herself quickly, I cant scare her again..Brown eyes slide to Snow expectantly and the princess shifts.."Then perhaps Ebony, would you mind?"

All eyes coast to her and she shrinks back, I..I cant..Ebony looks down to her fidgeting lap.

"I don't understand, what has Ebony's first meeting with me got to do with the wicked witch?"

"This isn't about the wicked witch Robin. We may think Ebony has lost her memory at some point."

Blue eyes widen.."Ebony perhaps this is.."

"No!" The shrouded bandit launches to her feet, pacing away from the table and turning her back on the small group, this cant be right. I'm me, not this Morrigan person..A flash of images force themselves into her mind..Her black and red dress glides across the marble floor, black marble columns passing by, screaming, a man throws a dagger at her, red eyes stare at startled brown..Ebony grits her teeth at her aching skull and flinches when Robin's gentle hand suddenly rests on her shoulder.

"They may give you the answers you've been searching for."

Shes always wanted to know who she was, who she was always meant to be but fear had always kept her back. What if she didn't like the person she was, the vivid scar dug into her stomach says murderer, that was enough for her to try and forget. With a huff, green eyes slide downcast and she nods weakly, I hate it when your right Robin Hood..

Robin addresses the white princess as they slide back into their seats.."I met Ebony around two years ago. There was a sudden storm near our camp and one of the men said they saw a body fall from the sky. When we arrived she was.." He glances at his reserved friend.."She was badly hurt, close to death. It took months to get her back on her feet and even longer to get her to leave camp. As you've well worked out she cant remember anything prior and I take it you believe shes this Morrigan you speak of?"

Snow nods, eyes sliding to the woman in question.

"I apologize for frightening you last night." Ebony's attention settles on Regina's warm brown eyes and she nods weakly, I wasn't scared..

"I know this all must seem a little overwhelming but we want to help you remember."

Ebony frowns, What if I don't want to remember? Don't I get a say? Maybe your the people that hurt me in the first place.."I'll figure it out myself."

Regina smiles.."Still as stubborn I see."

Frustrated, Ebony launches from her chair and paces towards the exit.."You know nothing about me!" A swirl of purple smoke causes her to stop abruptly, the Queens grim expression upsetting and alarming her.

"I know that you have certain cravings for mushrooms, and that you like to go on a run at sunrise and sunset. You have an eye for beautiful views and are outstanding with children.."

Ebony slowly backs away, wide eyes flickering from the desperate Queen to the cautious group rising from the table, how does she know those things? Has Robin been telling her my personal life?!..

"I know that you love horses and that..that you have scars.."

Ebony shivers, her breathing rapidly increasing and the tip of her spine aching, how does she..

Snow can see the scene escalating and takes a cautious step forward.."Regina.."

"That you have a particular one on your stomach.."

A shaky hand quickly slaps against Ebony's stomach, her other gripping her skull painfully as memories rush back..A man laughs cruelly, chains bite into her wrists and ankles, blood rolls down her sticky skin, muffled screams, a knife slices into her stomach, pain..Her anger rises, her fear in equal measure as green eyes cloud over, whats happening?!..

Robin takes an apprehensive step toward the two women.."Somethings wrong."

Snow quickly slides alongside the concerned thief.."Regina I think shes had enough for now."

Regina continues to reach out desperately, please remember.."You got it protecting me.."

Ebony feels blood drip from her nose as another set of memories bombard her thoughts..A muffled scream, the Queens tear stained face staring at her, a bound broken body in a dark cell, she cradles the broken woman in her arms and takes her into the light..Ebony's painful scream startles the small party, Robin and Snow taking a small step away from the red electricity dancing around the woman's green cloak.

Regina panics, launching forward and trying to grab the screaming woman but Robin quickly grabs her waist and pulls them to the ground, narrowly avoiding a raging red bolt tumbling into the marble wall behind them. They watch from the floor as sparks singe and crackle, burning the green fleeced cloak and scorching stone.

I cant stop!..Ebony quickly releases herself from the shredded cloak and bloodied bandanna, stumbling backwards on shaky legs. Quickly her sparking hands are forced under her armpits, crimson coated teeth grinding together painfully, whats happening to me?!.."ROBIN!"

He launches to his feet and tries to approach when the hall doors burst open and an array of merry men and dwarfs storm the floor. When burning eyes lock onto the intruders, bolts of red break free and attack the gawping party.

"GET DOWN!"

They immediately hit the marble with a series of thumps and crashes as dark magic roars overhead, smashing into marble and splintering fragments across the hall.

She doesn't know how to control it..At the maddening chaos, Regina scrambles to her feet and rushes for the screaming woman.

"REGINA!"

Regina ignores a frantic Snow and pounces, wrapping tight arms around Ebony's waist but screams painfully as a pulse of electricity sets her nerves alight. She remembers the days Morrigan couldn't control her fear and anger, the times she had to endure so that they could both move forward and so she desperately pushes her cheek into ebony hair, holding on just like she used to.."I wont..let you go..again!"

Ebony screams, her mind exploding with painful light..The Queen's face smiles brightly, they both hold hands with a small boy, "We'll do this together", "I love you Morrigan"..Burning red tendrils slowly recede as Ebony crashes to her knees with a body still clinging from behind. Her chest heaves, her lungs burning as shes desperate to take air into them while she kneels in silence a moment.

"I love you.."

Bloodshot green eyes snap open, weak limbs prying themselves free of the Queen's hold as Ebony scampers backwards, staring almost in horror and see's the same pain and desperation in brown eyes as last night, No no..this is too much, I have to go..Suddenly a swirl of burgundy smoke clouds her vision and the last thing she sees is wide brown eyes.

Regina reaches a shaky hand into the empty smoke and panics.."No! Where.." Quickly she launches to her wobbly feet and disappears in a cloud of her own purple smoke.

Robin stares flustered, a hand smoothing through short brown locks as he glances back at an equally frazzled Snow White.."Where have they gone?"

"I dont know."

Charming scrutinizes a smoldering pile of marble and glances back at the baffled Merry men and dwarfs at the entrance.."It seems Morrigan doesn't have full control of her magic. Search the castle! They cant have gotten far!"

Robin signals his men, the dwarfs following determined as everyone in the shattered hall is eager to escape the smoking chaos..

Ebony hits the ground with a heavy thud, groaning as burgundy smoke fades into the shallow breeze around her, what the hell?..Green eyes slide open, flickering from place to place, first noting the large rock structure and then the vast view over the cliff side. She attempts to calm her breathing, a shaky hand resting over her erratic heart as she tries to stand but uselessly flops back onto the grass, damn it!..Laying back, her eyes slide shut, the sound of rushing water and rustling leaves drifts across the wind relaxing tight and aching muscles, just breathe..

After a moment, Ebony manages to push herself up and staggers to her feet. Green eyes coast the area of purple and white sparkling flowers, a sense of familiarity and peace soothing her flurry of emotions, this is nice, kinda reminds me of that place just outside of Nottingham..Her gaze drifts to the staggering view ahead and she slowly approaches the edge of the cliff side, I should build a house here..But why am I here? How am I here? Did the Queen send me?..She pauses, a slither of heartache pulling at her, she said she loved me, were we together or something?..She sighs, her head already frazzled and decides to seat herself on the grass at the cliffs edge, everything's complicated. Why cant life be simple. Ever since they all came together to reclaim the dark palace, things have only gotten worse. I'll stand by Snow and Robin against the wicked witch but why am I suddenly massacred with these painful memories? Whats actually happening?..

"Morrigan?"

Ebony startles, racing to clamber to her feet only for her legs to crumble dangerously close to the cliffs edge. Strong hands quickly grab her arms, pulling her forward and flush against an elaborate blue dress.

Green and brown eyes dance together, their proximity uncomfortably close to most but Ebony finds herself relaxed, a little too relaxed, against the chest pressed up to hers. She can almost feel the Queens heart beating into hers and sees hope swimming in whiskey eyes, but regretfully she pulls from the touch.."I'm sorry but, I'm not.."

Regina's heart plummets, her hope dwindling as she rises to her feet, she doesn't remember..Disappointed brown eyes flicker to her lap as she takes a quiet step back.."I apologize if I startled you again. I'll send for someone to help you back to the palace if you wish to stay longer."

"Thank You your majesty."

Regina smiles weakly, her eyes still clinging to her fidgeting hands.."Its Regina."

Ebony frowns, her mind plagued by bright memories..They sit atop a stone structure, The Queen clings to her, "As you wish your majesty".."Regina".."Okay Regina, can I have my arms back?"..Green eyes refocus on the stone structures peak, a small snake of blood leaking from Ebony's nostril, I was here, we both were.."Regina.."

Regina peers up.

"I, I remember being here I.." Green eyes dart back to the hopeful Queen as she gently picks a twinkling purple blossom and studies it carefully. Slowly Regina sits herself back down amongst the flowers, slender fingers picking a white blossom and wide green eyes watch as the white is consumed by black.

"Black is my color."

Ebony wipes the blood from her grinning mouth and notes the concern plaguing the older woman's expression, for an Evil Queen, the woman's really not what shes cracked up to be...