Chapter 9

Regina's POV

Regina arrived to meet Morgana at the normal time. Morgana said, "So you made a decision?"

Regina said, "I'm leaning towards one".

Morgana said, "What is making you hesitate?"

Regina said, "To be honest, I'm not sure if I can trust you".

Morgana said, "Truth be told, I'm not sure I can trust you either".

Regina wanted to tell more about herself and why this mission was so important to her. She was still not comfortable in confiding to people, especially ones she didn't know if she could trust. She sensed that Morgana felt the same way.

Morgana said, "I guess we are at an impasse".

Regina said, "I will say this. The reason why I want to help Emma is because she put herself in danger to save my happiness. That is how she became the dark one".

Morgana said, "Sounds noble. I'm not clear of the connection between you too".

Regina said, "She's my step granddaughter, but also became a good friend".

Morgana said, "Ok makes sense now. Interesting we are both not trusting people. I bet it has to do with our pasts. I know it seems like I am this mysterious and bad person but there is more to the story".

Regina perked up and said, "I can relate to that".

Morgana said, "I have to say I am becoming frustrated with you. I told you some deep secrets and you haven't told me much aside from why Emma is important to you. I realize you were the Evil Queen based on our first meeting, but I don't know what made you change or if you indeed changed completely".

Regina said, "Well up to a few years ago I was the Evil Queen or Evil Regina, since I was not in the Enchanted Forest".

Morgana said, "Not in the Enchanted Forest? But where were you then?"

Regina said, "Well that is part of the story. You said you have seen us before in the previous 6 weeks. You must have seen my stepdaughter?"

Morgana said, "Princess Mary Margaret?"

Regina said, "Well that's not her real name. Her name is Snow White".

Morgana said, "Wait, so you didn't tell King Arthur who you guys really were".

Regina said, "When he saw us we were in our clothes from Storybrooke".

Morgana looked puzzled. "And?" said Morgana.

Regina said, "We didn't know who we should trust with our mission so we didn't tell the whole story".

Morgana said, "Wouldn't it have just made sense to change your clothes? Wouldn't wearing the clothes from that place look even more suspicious?"

Regina said, "Before we had a chance to do so, we were caught, so we had to go with it".

Morgana said, "I see".

Regina said, "Well for many years Snow White and I had a horrid history. I blamed her for something that wasn't really her fault. I felt helpless at the situation and put the blame where I could and not where it really belonged. I let the hatred take over me and I became Evil. I wanted to kill her to punish her for the hurt I felt".

Morgana said, "I can relate. I felt similar to Guinevere but it was slightly different. but I will get to that later. Obviously though you didn't kill her."

Regina said, "Not for a lack of trying. After not succeeding for many years. I took a different tactic. I was thinking, why not send her to a place that is totally different than what she is used to, wipe her memory and everyone else and keep her from her true love and daughter".

Morgana said, "Emma?"

Regina said, "Yes".

Morgana said, "But now you are all friends?"

Regina said, "It took a lot of time to get there".

Morgana said, "What is this place like?"

Regina said, "They have all these gadgets that you couldn't imagine and women wear pants, just to name a few things and no magic".

Morgana said, "Sounds intriguing. But no magic? Wasn't that punishing you?"

Regina said, "I was so blindly focused on getting revenge on Snow I wasn't thinking about that. I figured it was worth the sacrifice".

Morgana said, "So you had some success?"

Regina said, "For a period of time. I knew it was prophesized that a Savior would come 28 years later and break this curse. I didn't know who it was at the time until she came to town".

Morgana said, "I think I know where you are going with this, but I'll let you continue".

Regina said, "You know there were other people that were with me"

Morgana said, "You said Emma, Snow, I remember a man and a boy and I think some others too?"

Regina said, "That boy is my son. But he is also Emma's son".

Morgana looked confused.

Regina said, "I adopted him when he was a baby. I had no idea he was Emma son. But Rumplestilskin, he was the former Dark One and who helped me with the curse knew it. I guess he wanted to play some cruel joke on me. But the funny thing was the joke was on him, it turned out that the boy Henry is his grandson".

Morgana said, "I'm trying to wrap my head around this. So Henry is both Emma and your son. How did you find out Henry was Emma's son?"

Regina said, "When she came to town and Henry revealed that he found her and she is his mother".

Morgana said, "And you said Emma is also Snow White's daughter. Wait, was she the Savior?"

Regina nodded and said, "Yes. You could imagine my panic. This was because Henry found this book of fairy tales, that was our stories. He was convinced that they were real and we were all the characters and he tried to convince Emma of that too. I made him think that he was just making up this stories because he was hurt that he didn't know about his biological mother and made him see a therapist. It didn't seem to work. Emma thought it was just some story too, so I relaxed but later that changed. Through a series of events, Emma became swayed that Henry's story, the real story was true. I panicked and tried to kill her and almost killed Henry. When Emma saved Henry with true love's kiss, the curse was broken".

Morgana said, "But that doesn't explain how you all became friends".

Regina said, "That happened later. After Emma and I worked together to rescue Henry when he became kidnapped. And there were other events that led to us becoming closer".

Morgana said, "Okay, you said something about her sacrificing herself for your happiness?"

Regina said, "I already said a lot maybe, too much. Wasn't there more you wanted to tell me?"

Morgana sighed and said, "Yes I do have some secrets too. I have some wine. I think I will need some in order to be able to tell you more".

Regina said, "I have time. Let's get some wine and then you can tell me more".

Morgana went to pour some wine for the both of them. "You know how since we both have magic, we can change our appearance to whomever we want to be?" said Morgana.

"Okay.." said Regina.

"Well I did that", said Morgana.

Regina's POV

"You met Merida", said Morgana.

"Yes..." said Regina. "And?"

Morgana said, "Well for part of the time I was her".

Regina looked confused, "What?"

Morgana said, "Not all the time. Not when you guy first saw her and when Emma met her".

Regina said, "How do you do know about Merida?"

Morgana said, "I saw when they were fighting over the wisp. I had wandered over to the Enchanted Forest, wondering if it was a good place to escape to make my home. I saw this blonde and when I heard her mutter something about finding Merlin, I was curious. I followed her and I saw when she met Merida and their journey and the latter ensuing struggle. After that I left. I was curious about your friend and why she was looking for Merlin. That is how I got the idea to pretend to be Merida".

Regina said, "Did you get rid of the real Merida?"

Morgana said, "Gee you really think a lot of me. No. I actually met up with her and gave her some magic tools to help her find her brothers. What she didn't know was when she did that, I took some of her hair to make a spell to look like her".

Regina said, "How long have you been her?"

Morgana said, "On and off. It has helped me get around to see what was going on with King Arthur, Emma and everyone. When I realized you were there, I went back to my hiding spot and turned back into myself. I knew that you knew my sister and then wanted to enact my plan. One day I was captured by King Arthur's men and put into jail with Lancelot".

Regina said, "So he's alive? And you used magic to get out of jail, wasn't Lancelot suspicious"?

Morgana said, "That's when I revealed myself and Lancelot was furious that I was lying to him and pretending to be someone else. Needless to say he never really trusted me because we were all part of a love triangle, Lancelot, Guinevere and I. I have been so jealous. Guinevere plays Arthur for a fool and uses Lancelot. Lancelot always saw me as a jealous shrew trying to ruin Guinevere and his happiness. I had told him, why would you want to be with her when she just uses you? He was furious and said he would never speak to me again and make sure I was punished. I was upset because I knew if he gave me a chance I would never betray him. However he said that I was wrong to malign Guinevere so much and take Arthur's side".

Regina said, "So he knew that Arthur was hiding things and not all innocent in this?"

Morgana said, "Yes. I was upset because Arthur and I had not got along for a while. Then we got along but then we got into a fight again and I didn't know why. When Lancelot explained all this, I was upset and started to cry. He comforted me and I told him that I was sorry I lied to him and that I would help him escape and keep him safe. Lancelot, there is someone I want you to meet".

Lancelot came out and said, "Hi. I know who you are. Not sure if I should trust you."

Regina said, "I'm not my mother although for a while it seemed like we were a lot alike. I am sorry if she hurt you in any way".

Lancelot said, "She got the last laugh because I played a trick on her and pretended to be dead".

Regina said, "So the tales of your death were highly exaggerated".

Lancelot said, "Yes. Morgana told me that your friends are trying to get King Arthur to help them. I think they don't realize who they are up against. He has used some unsavory methods to get people close to him to do what he wants".

Regina said, "How"?

Morgana said, "I know he was up to something but not exactly how he did it".

Lancelot said, "I don't know if I should say it in front of her".

Regina said, "I'm right here, you don't have to talk like I'm not here".

Morgana said, "You can trust her. I ask that you say it in front of her".

Lancelot said, "Ok". It was the Sands of Avalon.

"How did he get that? When I escaped I took all my potion and ingredients with me to my hideout and there have not been any suspicious figures here".

Lancelot said, "That's partly my fault".

Morgana said, "How is that?"

Lancelot looked at Morgana and Regina, hesitant to say more.

Regina said, "Don't worry. I promise not to say anything about you being here or this conversation".

Lancelot said, "Not even to your friends and family"?

Regina thought for a second. She honestly was not sure if she could keep this from them but for now, she wouldn't tell, but she couldn't lie to them for long. Once Lancelot and she got to know each other a little better, she could be more honest with everyone. "Not even to them", she said.

"Guinevere got it from the Dark One. I didn't think it was a great idea but I didn't work too hard to stop her. I'm sorry", said Lancelot

Morgana looked furious but didn't yell. She just calmly said, "I know one of the Dark Ones got some of the Sands of Avalon from me, but why would the Dark One give it to her?"

Lancelot said hesitantly, "To trade for the dagger".

Morgana said, "The Dark One's Dagger? Granted it would not be good in the hands of Arthur but the Dark One is not to be trusted too".

Lancelot said, "That is what I was trying to tell Guinevere, but she was desperate, so she didn't listen to me. Guinevere thought she could give Arthur the Sands of Avalon and he could use it to convince everyone that Excalibur was really whole. He didn't like that idea and that Guinevere gave back the dagger. So he used the Sands of Avalon against her".

Morgana said, "Let me guess, he used it on her to convince her that his plan was right so she would not go against him but go against you".

Regina said, "I think I get the idea of how the Sands of Avalon work. It's like an illusion right, to get people to see or think what you want them to see or think".

Morgana said, "That is exactly it".

Regina said, "Then we got to act fast, so King Arthur doesn't use it on David unless he already has done so. He has been very faithful to him and a little suspicious. But that went away. I hope he didn't get to him".

Morgana said, "I can help. So are we working together?"

Lancelot looked at both of them and said, "I know you said you were going to work together with Regina. For what?"

Morgana said, "She is going to help me find my daughter and my sister".

Lancelot at first looked angry and then shocked. "Another thing you didn't tell me".

Morgana said, "I'm sorry. I am not sure who I can trust. I didn't tell Regina right away either". She then explained everything to Lancelot and then he said to Morgana, "If I can help let me know".

Morgana nodded and said, "Sure we'll all work together".

Regina said, "I have to get back in touch with Snow and have her talk to David. Should I try to see if David is under the influence of the Sands of Avalon".

Morgana said, "Don't interfere. You don't want Arthur to know you are suspicious. I'll handle that if it comes to that".

Regina said, "Fine. Once I get Snow to come back, I'll let you know".

Morgana nodded and said, "Please do this soon".

Regina said, "I'll do the best I can". Regina was worried. She was hoping she was making the right decision to help her friend and family.

I didn't explain how Lancelot escaped from Cora and made her think he was dead because I am not sure how he did it too. Any theories?I know I haven't featured much of Riley and Maya in recent chapters but now they are back. Which is kind of funny because their show is back after being away for a few weeks.

Snow's POV

Snow was checking herself in the mirror before dinner when all of the sudden Regina appeared in her room. "Hello Snow", said Regina.

"Hello. Am I to take it that you made a decision", said Snow.

"Yes and I really hope it is the right one. But I think it will be the best one we have now to help Emma", said Regina.

"Ok. Here's the story. You got to pretend you are sick and you need to go back right away. This way I get use magic to get everyone back and no one will question it", said Regina.

"Well Henry might", said Snow.

"Probably, but I can deal with that", said Regina. "I'll leave the particulars to you on how you want to carry this out but I expect everyone to meet outside the castle in an hour".

"An hour? Is that enough time"? said Snow.

"You can do it. Don't tarry", said Regina.

"Fine. We'll see you then", said Snow. She went to lie down on her bed. She figured Henry would come in and check on her and then she would tell him that she was sorry that she was sick but they had to go.

About 10 minutes later Henry came in and asked his grandmother how she was feeling.

"Hi Henry. Sorry yes, I'm not feeling that great and we will have to cut our trip short. Regina can get us back quickly if we can be ready in about 45 minutes", said Snow.

Henry stared at Snow and she thought he looked suspicious but he didn't say anything to her except, "Sorry to hear it but your health is important. I'll break the bad news to the girls and we will be ready to go soon, ok?"

Henry left and thought about what happened. He could have sworn he saw his grandmother talking to his mother Regina the other day, but he may be wrong. So that is part of the reason why he didn't say anything to his grandmother. The other reason was he didn't think the time was right. It would be better to confront both of them later.

Henry knocked on his friends' door and said, "Sorry guys, I have bad news for you".

Riley quickly stood up and looked sad. "What's wrong, Henry?"

Henry said, "I'm very sorry but we got to go back to Camelot. My grandmother is not feeling well".

Riley frowned and pouted for a minute but then said, "I'm sorry she is not feeling well. It pains me to do this but we will get ready and go".

Henry looked at Maya who didn't say anything. "You are ok with this, Maya"? said Henry.

Maya said, "What can we do? I don't want to be responsible for your grandmother to get worse".

Henry said, "Thanks". He quickly rushed downstairs to explain to the guards, the knights and Ariel and Eric what had happened. They felt bad, Ariel and Eric but understood. Ariel and Eric gave them all a hug goodbye. They were all ready to go in time and met Regina at the designated time and spot.

Now they were back in Camelot. As soon as they were back in the castle. Henry said, "What is REALLY going on? Grandma, I know you are not sick and mom, I saw you in the Enchanted Forest the other day".

Snow and Regina looked at each other and Regina said, "Yes your grandmother is not really sick but we have some business we have to take care of. We will tell you more soon. We need to talk to your grandfather".

Henry frowned and looked at his friends and Riley just shrugged her shoulders.

"Guys sorry I had to do that. Go upstairs and when we can tell you more, we will", said Snow.

Henry's POV

Henry and the girls went upstairs and chatted. "I'm disappointed our trip was cut short. But the sing along with Ariel was great", said Riley.

Maya just shook her head. "At least you didn't ask her to sing "Part of Your World".

Henry laughed and said, "You both are good singers. Maya I bet you are too".

Maya said, "Well I'm ok. I just was not in a singalong mood".

Snow's POV

"Ok Regina. What's the story", said Snow.

"I agreed to work with Morgana but I told her I need to talk to you guys first. I'll explain more of what happened with her and you can talk to your husband about the rest", said Regina.

"So you are convinced now that she is for real and not playing with us?" said Snow.

"Listen I think I am a better judge of character than you", said Regina.

"Whoa. Let's not get defensive now", said Snow.

"Sorry I wasn't trying to get defensive. Let me just get to the story", said Regina.

"Ok, let's hear it", said Snow.

"She wants to make a deal with us", said Regina.

"It's never good when someone wants to make a deal with you. We learned that with Rumple", said Snow.

"I was wary at first but after learning some important details, I changed my mind", said Regina. She explained to Snow how Violet is her daughter and Maleficent is her sister. Then she explained how Morgana knew how King Arthur wasn't being honest with them.

Snow took it all in and said, "It's an interesting story, but what if she is lying"?

Regina said, "I wasn't convinced at first but she said some things that changed my mind, regarding King Arthur and experiencing true heartbreak, I can tell when someone else has and I saw it".

Snow said, "Ok. I'll take your word for it. But how do I explain it to David?"

Regina had also explained about the Sands of Avalon and asked Snow if she thought David was under the influence. Snow thought for a second and said, "I honestly don't know. I wonder if I do explain it to him, he'll go to King Arthur if he is under the influence. I'm not sure I trust Morgana just yet.

Now it was Regina's time to think and she said, "Do you trust me? I really think we should try to have Morgana see if he is under a spell".

Snow said, "Ok if I do agree to this, how do I get David to come"?

Regina said, "Easy. Just tell him we need to talk about the whole Emma situation and I will secretly bring Morgana and we will do it then".

Snow said, "I don't like to lie to my husband".

Regina rolled her eyes and said, "Sometimes we got to lie to the ones we love for the greater good".

Snow said, "Fine I'll do it". Snow went to get David and told him that Regina and her wanted to talk to him about what was going on with Emma. Regina went to get Morgana and they agreed to all meet an hour later at a designated place in the forest.

When David saw Morgana there, he was angry and he said, "What's going on here? Did you know she was coming? Is this a trap"?

Snow looked chagrin and said, "I'm sorry. I had to do this, we both did".

Morgana spoke and said, "Listen I'm sorry we had to meet like this. But all the stuff you heard about it, it's not all true and King Arthur is not to be trusted".

David sighed and said, "Not this again. I really do think we can trust him". Before David had a chance to react, Morgana cast a spell on him to remove the possible effects of Sands of Avalon.

David then shook his head and said, "Okay, what is really going on here? Morgana is the good guy and King Arthur isn't? It's strange. I was suspicious at first about the whole thing with the mushroom but then I was not".

Snow explained what happened with King Arthur and the Sands of Avalon and she explained the whole story about Morgana.

Morgana said, "I'm sorry we had to meet like this and I had to do this but I don't trust King Arthur and I didn't know if you were compromised".

David smiled and said, "You make it sound like I had a disease".

Snow smiled too and said, "So now we are all on the same page"?

David said, "I still have my reservations but I trust you Snow".