A/N: Hey everyone soooo sorry for the time that has lapsed since my last update. Been super busy with work and life. A huge thanks to hope2x for all of her help with this chapter. All mistakes are mine. Not beta'ed. A big big thank you for everyone who reviewed, followed and favorited this story! I love reading your reviews!

Disclaimer: I dont own...at all...

*****Chapter 9*****

A few days had past since the arrival of Meg and the other witches. As promised they all signed the blood contract, however that did little to appease the Royals. On the plus side, King Midas had stopped all advances on the dark queen for which she was extremely grateful. Regina had spent most of her morning in her study looking over plans for the games that would start soon. She tried several times to corner Maleficent to talk to her about the dream, but the witch evaded her every move. The blonde hadn't made any more moonlight appearances in her dreams only Emma as usual. Though her dreams had become more intense, as if Emma was there in real life. She couldn't shake the arousal that thrummed through her body day and night. She needed her blonde lover, not just a dream version of her.

"Hello Sister," the sound of Megs' voice pulled her out of her thoughts. She had been so lost in thought she hadn't heard the door open.

"Hello Meg, to what do I owe the pleasure?" She looked up to see her sister standing in her study with a cocky smirk playing at her lips.

"I am bored, " she said with a mock pout on her lips.

Regina sighed loudly, "What do you expect me to do about it?" She did not need this today.

"Let me play with one of your slaves, " excitement lighting her eyes as she spoke.

"No." Regina gave her a hard look.

"Why ever not?" she asked petulantly as she took a seat on the large arm chair to the right of the desk.

"Because, Sister, they are training."

"So, they need to unwind after a hard days work" she sent a dazzling smile at her younger sister.

"No, Meg."

"Fine! Then give me a guard or servant girl"

"You can have my General"

"Your General? You would give me him but not a slave? Curious..."

Regina stood, walked to her bookcase and poured herself a large glass of apple cider. After taking a large sip she spoke, "You wanted a play toy, I have given you one. Now go. I have a lot of work that needs to be done"

"Of course, my dear sister." she said sarcastically.

She took her leave slamming the door behind her as she left. Regina sighed heavily once again. Though she was the younger of the two, her sister had always been childish.

"Mirror." she called out as she turned to the beautiful golden mirror on her wall.

"Yes my queen?" he asked

"My sister is up to something. Keep a close eye on her."

"What do you think she wants with the slaves?"

"I am not sure, but if I know her and i do. She has something up her sleeve."

"Yes my queen. Do you think she has any interest with the girl?"

"I would not be surprised, but I gave her Graham to hold her off for now."

"My queen do you think that was wise? You have always denied her him before now."

"Do not question me!"

"My Queen my humble apologies, but-"

"That's enough! Do as I say mirror!"

"Yes my Queen"

"Leave!"

"Why do you protect the girl?"

"Did you not hear me? Leave!"

She huffed as she threw herself in her chair. She didn't have an answer for him. The queen couldn't even comprehend why she had the urge to protect the girl when she hadn't even met her. 'This won't do' she thought as she pushed herself up walking out of the study as she went in search of Maleficent.

James and the small army had finally made their way to the Dark Kingdom. Jade, a white witch had agreed to cast a small enchantment on Red and James. This way they could hide their true appearance letting only those who they loved and those who loved them to see their true identities. The small army was very thankful for Jasmines' cleverness in thinking of the idea in the first place. Henry and Red had not parted from each other since their journey had begun. He clung to her cloak following her around the camps they had set up along the way. Thankfully, Red and Jasmine seemed to have cleared whatever tension was between them.

He had caught them talking in hushed whispers near the fire during Red's watch. He didn't catch what they were saying, but he seemed to get the gist of it when Jasmine kissed Reds' hand gently. He knew they had a past, the looks they gave each other was a dead give away, but Red was loyal to Emma and he knew there was nothing to worry about yet.

The village by the Kingdom was busy with visitors from all across the realm. The small city seemed to burst with excitement. Everyone was in a hurry to gather in the courtyard where bids were being held on each of the slaves. They hurried through the busy streets trying to get to the safe house that was located on the other side of the village.

"This way James" Jasmine said as she steered her horse down a small street. Her other men took off in different directions each heading to a different location.

Once she was sure they were safe she lead them down a different path that opened up to a small cottage that sat on the edge of town.

"Here we are," she said as she dismounted from her steed taking the bit from his mouth.

"Jasmine, is that you?" a very loud woman called out from inside the house.

"Yes, Granny, it's me and I have a big surprise for you."

"Girl what are you talking about?" Granny asked as she stepped outside holding her crossbow in her arms ready to shoot at any foe.

Red shot off her horse in a flash as soon as she heard her Grandmothers' loud voice. She held Henry in her arms, holding him on the side of her hip. She whipped off her red hood exposing her face. James stood off to the side of Jasmine as he watched the reunion.

"Granny!"

"Red?" Granny dropped her crossbow as she took off like a rocket across the yard to hold her Granddaughter.

Henry was squished in between both women as they clung to each other. He yelped slightly as he felt the other body collide with his own and his Mothers'. They released each other, both, with warm happy smiles across their faces. Henry turned to look at the elderly woman giving her a friendly smile.

Suddenly Granny smacked the back of Reds' head, "Where have you been?!" she asked as Red cried out in pain rubbing the back of her head.

"Hey! Don't hit my Mommy!" Henry growled out in his tiny voice as he puffed out his little chest like his Mother had done so many times before.

Granny laughed hard as she took in the sight of the little warrior defending her granddaughter. "Who is this little pup?" She asked when her laughter had subsided.

"Henry! I am not a puppy! I'm a boy!" he tried to send her a glare that ended up turning into an adorable pout.

Everyone laughed this time at the antics of the small boy. Red kissed the side of his head affectionately.

"Granny, this is Henry. Mine and Emmas' son." Red went to put the boy down but he clung onto her making it impossible.

"Your son? Wait Emma? As in Princess Emma, Snow's daughter?" confusion laced her voice as she spoke.

"It's a long story. Henry this is your Great-Grandmother."

The little boy perked up a bit. "You're my Granny?" he asked excitedly quickly forgetting he was mad at her for hitting his Mommy.

"So it seems my boy, well come in, come in. we have much to talk about." Granny said as she ushered them into her small cottage.

All four of them made their way inside as Jasmine took the horses to the small stable on the side of the house.

"Take a sit. King James it is good to see you after all these years."

"Same to you Granny, I see that like us you haven't aged a day." He said as he sat down taking the cup of mead she offered him.

"Yes, so tell me where is young Emma?"

"The Evil Queen took her." Red said as she held Henry in her lap.

The young boy burrowed into her chest as the adults talked. He wanted to tell them what he knew, but he had made a promise and his Mama always told him to never break a promise.

"Oh my" Granny gasped, her hand covering her mouth.

"Yes, we are here with Prince Fredrick and Princess Jasmine to help rescue the slaves from the Queen."

"Then that's what we will do!" Granny ran her hand over the boys' hair as she smiled warmly at him nestled in Reds' arms. He was a cute little cub. Her Grandson. 'My how so much has happened' she thought.

"Yes, now lets talk about how we are gonna save my sons' Mother!"

Emma had finally received her red armband placing her with the other trained slaves. Her body had finally healed fully as well as her mark. Over the last few days her and Mulan had become closer staying up late at night talking of their love ones. Mulan had fallen in love with her son and his little antics. She had told story after story of him and his little adventures. Her 'Little White Knight' as he wielded his tiny wooden sword to save 'Princess Red' from the 'Mama Dragon', they both laughed hard as she described her son's proud but concern look as Emma reenacted her 'death' scene for her friend.

Thomas had become a good friend to them as well. He would sneak in the girl's room with treats from the cook, Milly. The two had a small love affair going on behind close doors, but no one said anything about it. They were falling fast in love. Emma would tease the large muscular man that he was becoming girly as he joined in on their girl talk, but he would just laugh it off saying he had many sisters. The trio had become very close to one another all looking at each other as family.

Emma kept her head down not wanting to attract unwanted attention from the guards, however they stayed clear of her as well. She had an idea it had to do with the Queen's father more than anything. He had sought her out during training times, they would sit in the open quad and talk of random things. At first Emma kept her answers to a minimum not trusting his motives but as days past she found herself welcoming his company.

Days had turned into weeks and weeks into a month. The blonde had been a working out everyday training as hard as she could. While she had always been fit, she was now in the best shape of her life. Her toned body was sculpted with muscles. She could beat every warrior they sent her way, and she was determined to fight her way to the top and win her freedom. Blue had come by weekly giving her updates of her boy telling her to stay strong everyday she left.

She had seen a dark haired woman watching her from the outside of the gates several times as she trained, though the woman look familiar she couldn't place her. She kept trying to reach in her mind to place the woman, but was always left with a blank. Emma walked into the training quad as she did everyday when she felt a strange sensation run through her body. She looked up to see a beautiful blonde woman standing next to the Captain of the guard. He face was flushed with red as she ran her hand over his chest. As if he was under a spell he pointed to her.

The princess stopped dead in her tracks as the woman turned fully showing her face. Her light blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight as she made her way to the other blonde.

"Emma finally we meet face to face," she said in a husky sex laced voice.

"You..." Emma gasped as she saw the woman that had invaded her dreams nearly a month ago. Showing her images she still had not come to terms with.

"Yes me" the woman said sarcastically as she pulled Emma to a small bench on the side of the quad. "Otherwise known as Maleficent" the blonde laughed as Emma sat there in a trance.

"Maleficent...as in the evil witch who cursed Aurora?"

"Yes well I'm not here to talk about her," she said coldly.

"What are you here to talk about?"

"More who dear."

"Who?" Emma asked as she felt her brain shake itself out of fog that overtaken her body.

"Yes, I'm here to discuss your beloved...Regina"

Emma narrowed her eyes at the other woman, before looking around to make sure no one could hear them. "And what do you wish to talk about her for?"

"ha I see you no longer deny she is your beloved. That is a pleasant surprise."

"There is no point in arguing with you over it" Emma stated plainly.

Maleficent chuckled lightly, "I see now why she choose you."

Emma ignored her statement. "So what did you want to talk about?"

The curly blonde eyed her a moment before speaking, "The Games are tomorrow. You do know she will recognize you. Have you put any thought as to what you are going to say when you see her?"

"How are you so sure she will recognize me? She hasn't even been down to meet any of her slaves. I will be wearing a helmet and armor."

The woman sighed, "You are still a fool, woman. She hasn't been down to see her slaves because I have been keeping her busy. I have been trying to give you hints in your dreams, but since you two are so close your bond has become to get stronger as it would have all those years ago."

"What do you know of our bond?"

"Princess please I know far more than you know!"

Emma was taken back at her title. "How do you know who I am?" Looking around to see if anyone near them heard her.

"That is not important now, but do know I am on your side."

Emma laughed, "Is this a joke? Evil on the side of Good!"

"The lines have become a bit blurred Princess, you would do well to remember that." Maleficent said with a fire in her eyes as she spoke.

"Have they?"

"Do you not remember what I showed you, you stubborn woman!"

"How do i know it was not a lie? A trick to fool my eyes."

Maleficent took a deep breath trying to keep from losing her temper. "Princess, I do not lie. How about you listen to your heart? Instead of your head? Hmm maybe then you will see that i am telling you the truth."

"You are expecting a lot Witch!"

"Look I don't have a lot of time Ursula is keeping the Queen occupied for the time being and I'm sure once she tires of her she will look for me. Tomorrow you will see her again and it will be nothing compared to your dreams. You must fix what is broken. See with your heart Emma." she used her name to catch her attention

"What about my Mother, you said she is not dead..."

"That will come with time. You have waited this long you can wait longer."

"Fine, I will give what you said some thought, but I make no promises."

"I see that's the best I will get from you so i will take it. Until tomorrow Emma." she said as she disappeared in a puff of purple smoke.

Emma sat on the bench thinking of everything she was just told. She had hoped, no wished she would get through this without seeing her again. Hoping to somehow hide herself with the other slaves, but now she knew that was not the case. Tomorrow would come; she and Mulan were to fight side by side as the ending battle against a chimera. It was the start of the Games and the beginning of the rest of her life.

Maleficent made her way inside the castle in search of the Queen. Ursula had done her best to keep the dark queen occupied as requested by the other witch. Knowing that her new play toy would distract Meg. She walked to the library where she knew they would be.

"So Ariel is growing up to be a fine woman. Though her fascination with walking on land has yet to cease." Ursula with a small laugh

"Does she know you're her mother yet?"

"No...She doesn't... Trident thought we should wait till she was a bit older maybe 17 or so."

"Yes because I'm sure her being older will help..." Regina said sarcastically as she looked over at her friend's shame cover face. "She is going to find out sooner or later my dear friend. If I had a child of my own I would not let day pass without letting them know they were mine and loved."

"Regina...I can't...she will...I just can't..."

"Well I hate to interrupt this bonding moment, but I'm sure Meg will tire of her toy soon. We must be ready." She smiled at look of relief on Ursula's face. It seems she arrived at a good time.

"Yes my sister does bore easily and Graham's talents are not that impressive" she said with a small laugh. Her face grew serious for a moment. "So mind telling me why you two are with that Bitch?"

Ursula and Maleficent both laughed loud as Regina glared at both of them. They knew this was a long time coming, as Regina wouldn't let them leave without some sort of the truth.

"I can't tell you everything but I got a vision of what Meg is planning and I contacted Ursula to help. We met her along the way under the rouse we were coming to meet you for the Games."

"What are her plans?"

"She plans to destroy you using the one person that would do that."

"Regina, honey we know she has been to see that Evil little Imp" Ursula added.

"Hmmm, and what came of that?" choosing to ignore Maleficent's comment for now.

"Meg is the reason she left... she has been interfering since the beginning"

"Since the beginning of what? Since i met...Her?" still to this day Regina had issues saying Emma's name out loud.

"In a short answer Yes. She tried to seduce Emma while you two were courting when that didn't work she is the one who pointed her in the direction of the castle. Emma was devastated when she found out who you really were and left. She went to Meg looking for a way to hide from you and Meg helped her...This is all i can tell you. The rest you must learn on your own." Maleficent took a drink of her tea as she saw the wheels turning in Regina's head.

"She did this? All of this? My...Emma is gone because of that childish little BITCH!" Regina started to pant heavily as she felt her temper begin to rise. She had lost everything over two spoiled little bitches.

"Regina calm your temper, this won't help us now." Ursula said from her seat.

Regina stood as she began to pace back and forth. Her mind was reeling from this new information given to her by her friends.

"What does Emma have to do with this?" she asked as she stopped and faced her friends.

"Everything and nothing from what we can tell. She was mealy the pawn to hurt you. Meg nearly succeeded to break you, twice now more so with Emma then Daniel."

"Daniel? What did Meg have to do with Daniel? That was Snow and my mother."

"Yes and No. Meg convinced your Mother to do what she did." Ursula said as she looked over at Maleficent.

"Meg has done everything she could to destroy you Regina and now she is back to finish you off." Maleficent stood taking Regina's hands in her own. "They made you like this, they did this to you and we are here to help you so they don't succeed in breaking you for good."

"Thank you...Where is Emma?"

"She is closer than you think."

Regina was about to speak when the doors flew open. Meg waltzed in plopping down in the chair Regina had been seated.

"My dear sister now i know why you gave the General up so easily...That boy has no skills!" she said breaking the tense atmosphere.

Regina took a deep breath to calm her self so she wouldn't attack her sister right there and then. With her mask in place she took a seat next to Ursula "My dear sister the boy does have his uses." she said with a cruel laugh.

"How? I haven't found them yet." Meg said as she poured herself a cup a tea completely unaware of the conversation she broke up.

"He has a high tolerance for pain," Regina said with a smirk.

"Oh my dear little sister! I had no clue you were so twisted," she said with a laugh.

"I have my talents" Regina wanted nothing more than to rip out her sister's heart but it wasn't the time. She needed to find Emma and soon, however the Games started tomorrow so she would have to wait till she had the time.

"So what were you gossiping about before i got here." Meg asked randomly as if she cared.

"Ursula's daughter."

"ha and how is the little fish doing?"

"My daughter is doing well if you must know" Ursula sneered.

"Touchy are we?" Meg said sarcastically.

Before Ursula could reply Regina spoke up. "Never mind that Meg, are you excited for the Games to begin tomorrow?"

"Oh yes I have very interested in seeing what you have planned for us sister dear."

"Good I'm sure you are going to enjoy the show"

"Oh you have no idea" Meg said with a laugh.

Emma woke up as soon as she heard the guards yelling. She pulled herself from the hard cot she laid on dragging her body to the showers. She heard Mulan singing as she finished her bath. Emma laughed to herself as she began to wash herself getting ready for the day. Mulan braided her long golden locks tieing the end off with a strip of leather. They helped each other into their steel armor then headed off to eat their morning meal.

The blonde witch's voice played in her head as she ate her fruit on her plate. Today she would see her Queen again after so long she wasn't sure if any of this felt real. The day pasted in a blur as everyone got ready for their big day. Everyone was suited in their armor as they lined up to head to the arena.

Large iron gates open as guards ushered chained slaves to their spots. They could hear the roar of the crowd as they made their way to the under ground stone cells. This was it. The sun was high in the sky as the heat began to make sweat pour down Emma's back. Mulan was cuffed to a long iron chain as Emma felt her self being cuffed to the same one. The gates opened as they were shoved out, stumbling to catch themselves. Emma's helmet was heavy and constricted her view, but no so much that she didn't see her. Time seemed to slow down as she gazed at her beloved.

Her Queen had not aged a day since they last met. She was just as beautiful as she the day they met. Her face devoid of any emotion as she sat high in her thrones, regal as ever. Emma felt a familiar shiver roll down her spine as she caught her eyes across the distance. She took a deep breath as she stepped forward. The Queen stood to address her kingdom.

Regina took a deep breath as the first battle was about to take place. "Ladies and Gentlemen!" Her voice boomed over the crowds excitement. "I welcome you to the first of the last Gladiator Games. For the last years we have taken the criminals of this realm and put them in a battle against themselves to win their freedom. However I regret to inform you this will be the last Games ever to take place in our kingdom." The crowd booed as they listen to their Queen. She waited for the crowd to quiet down as she raised her hands to hush them. "LET THE GAMES BEGIN!" she roared as her hands fell.

Emma saw the gates open as a chimera was let out. She steeled herself as she let out a loud battle call as her and Mulan charged the beast. Taking one last look at the woman who put her here.

TBC...

Dun dunt dun...oh they are about to see each other again! let me know your thoughts! Are you just as excited to read the next chapter as I am to post it? I will post either Tuesday or Thursday. Hope you enjoy this chapter! Leave a review please!