Maleficent's heart soared at the new title Emma had given her. She knew she'd never have the opportunity to hear either of her girls call her mommy, that time had long since passed, but the emotion behind 'mama' had the same effect. Her baby needed her, had fully accepted her as her mother. All her daughter wanted was her mom. "Shh, my sweet girl. I'm here now. It's going to be alright."

"I don't know how to do what Hades wants. All the magic…" Emma leaned back and put a hand over her belly before looking up at her mother. "Cy."

Cora stared at the scene in confusion. The girl's mother was just flung into the River of Lost Souls and sent to Tartarus. Why was she embracing the dragon? Looking around, no one else seemed to be lost though. "Someone care to explain what is going on?"

Mal pulled Emma close again, kissing the top of her head. She didn't like that Cora was here at all, let alone teaming up with her child. "I know, Em. I'll help you, we all will."

"Mother, Emma is Maleficent's daughter. We performed a spell that proved it." Regina looked around, frowning when she couldn't find the bane of her existence. "Where exactly is Snow?"

Emma sighed and rested her head on her mother's shoulder as she let her magic infuse and strengthen her. "Gone."

David glared and pointed to Hercules. "He had a fling with my wife and let her just die." He turned to Emma who was securely wrapped in Maleficent's arms. The sight tore at his heart. That should be him, not the beast. "Please, Emma. There must be something we can do. I could take her place or you could use your magic. There has to be something!"

Hercules rolled his eyes. "Snow White has had three chances to change her ways. Her first life she started a war that decimated two entire kingdoms because she was bored. Her stunt killed thousands of people. We offered her a chance to redeem herself, and her second life she single-handedly poisoned and murdered an entire castle full of royals that had come together for a ball in honour of a long awaited birth of a prince. The baby lived and she trained him to be a great evil. He was known as Zoso. The man wound up killing her with the same knife she'd used to murder his parents."

Zelena looked wholly unimpressed. Murdering thousands of people was simply a family way to her. "Then why did you let her keep returning to cause more harm?"

"Because her choices were her own. She did her time in Tartarus and we offered her a chance to redeem herself." Hercules shrugged before throwing an anchor out of the way. "Besides, the woman is quite annoying."

David glared. "Hey, that's my wife!"

Emma sighed, shaking her head as she hugged Mal closer. "If she failed twice, why let her up a third time?"

Herc raised an eyebrow, his biceps bulging as he moved onto shipping crates. "I just said she was annoying. Besides, we know potential destinies. We needed you to get here. Sure you could have been born to Maleficent, but you wouldn't have as great abilities without Rumplestiltskin's aide. We didn't expect her to create another monster." Herc looked pointedly at Regina and then to Cora. "Nor did we expect the casualties from both sides of the Decades War. My uncle was pleased with all the business though. We didn't expect her to shove you into a tree or for you to have such a miserable time. We gave her clear instructions on how to lead a good life so we wouldn't have to ever deal with her again, but Snow White does what she wants, not what's best." He stared Charming down. "I went to her as a teenager not to play her love interest, but to show her how to get back on the good path, how to be a powerful, benevolent queen. She's had her positive moments, but she's done a lot of evil too." He shook his head. "Too much evil to let her leave again."

David was outraged and got in his face, shoving him hard. "Snow is a hero, a good person. The only reason she ever did anything wrong was because of Regina! Because we had to save our child!"

Hercules just rolled his eyes at the man's unwavering loyalty. Love really did blind people. "As a child Snow knew what Cora was up to. She'd snuck around the castle watching Cora in Regina's private chambers. She knew there was darkness. The idea of not having a mother wasn't pleasing to her, and she purposely sought Cora out when she thought she was going to lose Regina. She knew a war against Regina was one she couldn't win, didn't have any intentions of winning. Snow just enjoyed getting close to Regina the only way she had left. Snow and Blue knew there was no pregnancy and that the dragon was going to have a human child. She knew the consequences of trying to rip darkness out of Emma and into another child. She knew Emma would never see her as a mother, or you as a father, so she pursued her and tried to wear her down much the same way the pirate had because it worked for him." Hercules gave Emma a small smile. "We protect our own down here, and Snow White forcing Emma down here was the last straw. Your wife is staying down here. You cannot trade places with her. Your soul is headed for a different path. If you jump into that river like the idiot you are, you'll only succeed in trapping yourself. You are meant to move on, be with your parents in a happy afterlife should you continue your path."

Emma could see the war going on in David's mind, the battle he was losing not to jump in after Snow still believing he could save her when one of the rulers of this hellhole just told him multiple times that Snow was gone. "Think about Neal. You're going to leave him an orphan. Do you really want him growing up in a town full of fairytale characters who are generally misguided and won't teach him about his mother…or his father?"

David had honestly forgotten about his son. How could he forget his child? He looked over at Emma sadly. How could he forget another child? All he'd wanted in life was to raise his children on the farm and watch his mother live out the rest of her life in happiness. He'd fallen in love with Snow along the way, but his reason for living was back in Storybrooke, helpless and alone. Had he even left enough money or made sure the babysitter could watch Neal this long? Who was going to raise him, teach him to ride horses or drive a car, to sword fight and be kind to animals? Who was going to carry on Snow's memory if he wasn't there to take care of his boy? Giving a weary sigh, he admitted defeat in failing to rescue his wife. Not wanting to be trapped down here in agony eternally, his only option was to keep on so he could raise his son.

Regina let out a gasp of sheer pain as agony tore through her. Tears welled in her eyes. "All this time she knew? She knew mother would do something horrible to Daniel if she found out, and she told anyways?" She gasped and tried to thrust her hands into her chest, but magic prevented her. "Daniel was an innocent, kind man who loved me. He did nothing wrong, and Snow killed him. She's used the 'I was a child' excuse for years and it truly was a lie!"

Cora walked forward and pulled Regina into her arms. "I am so sorry, Regina. I thought I was doing the right thing, doing what I had to in order for you to be queen." She hated seeing her daughter's heart breaking, but she felt a little elated that it hadn't entirely been her own fault. "You've had long enough to grieve, my child. Don't you think it's time to focus on your new love?"

Regina looked up at her mother with wariness and uncertainty as Cora nudged her, encouraged her towards Emma. Somehow this felt like the beginning of a horrible prank where her mother pretended to be happy and wanted this relationship with Emma for her only to cruelly rip it all away again once she let her heart take over. "Why are you so for this? I won't let you hurt her."

"My dear, I've been with her the entire time Emma has been here. If I wanted to hurt her, I could have." Cora didn't miss Emma flinch or Maleficent pulling her closer. "I ruined your happiness once. I won't do that again, though it helps immensely that the girl isn't related to Eva. You two really should talk."

Maleficent stroked Emma's hair and held her close. Hearing Cora say she could hurt Emma whenever she wanted wasn't anything anyone wanted to hear. She pulled her daughter closer, ready to attack if necessary. "Emma needs to recharge first. Where can we go to rest undisturbed here? I saw the mob at Granny's."

"Hades offered the version of the apartment here." David shrugged, uncomfortable with the change in Cora's personality. Girls and their mothers….he had no place in this group right now.

Zelena rolled her eyes. "I'll go talk to Hades. Mal, take Emma to the farmhouse if you can't find the version of our house down here. Regina, you'd better give Emma all your magic and not pull anything or you'll never make it out of here!"

Regina glared, pulling away from Cora. "Are you threatening me, Sis? I think you forget who exactly I am. If Emma wasn't there to save you, you'd be chasing little munchkins down the yellow brick road right now."

"If you weren't so bloody insufferable we wouldn't even be here. You have your head so far up your arse that you can see back out your mouth. You don't know how to love at all. At least my children don't hate me."

Scoffing, Regina crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Says the woman in love with the god of the dead while knowing he's using you. You conceived Leia through deception, murder, and rape. You will never get a happy ending."

Emma sighed and stepped between them. "Shut up! Both of you just shut up! You're sisters! Family does not turn on one another." She turned to glare at Regina. "You turned your life around after becoming the Evil Queen so don't even start on the bullshit that people can't change." She turned to Zelena after Regina pouted at her. "You know better. Ohana is still the rule even if we're not in Storybrooke anymore. Get your shit together, both of you. We don't have time for this."

Zelena shrugged, nose turning up in indifference. "I could always just ask Hades to make sure Regina stays down here. It's not like anyone really needs her back in Storybrooke."

Regina glared and flared up a fireball. "You know what, fine. If you want to burn this place to the ground, let's go."

Zelena flared up her own fireball as Cora watched, shaking her head, fully exasperated. There was no way she could have survived a lifetime of them growing up together. The castle would have been in ruins. "Both of you, enough!" She extinguished their flames as both protested. "If you two are going to fight, blame me, but do not attack each other."

Regina sulked further, displeased she was being prevented from attacking Zelena. "This isn't about you, Mother."

Zelena's eyes went wide as she dared take in her mother, really study her for the first time. She definitely had gotten her red hair from her, but the rest lacked any commonalities. Thank the gods she'd inherited magic or that would have been a complete loss. "I don't know why you're here, but I don't need you telling me what to do. I needed a mother my entire childhood. Showing up now and telling me what to do won't work. The time for us to have been a family is long over!"

"You are right. It is too late for me to show up after all this time, but I am here now. I still am your mother, and you will listen to me." Cora's gaze shifted to Regina. Her girls were absolute mirrors of petulance in that moment. "Both of you will. You are sisters, and at one point you two did love each other."

"What?! Is this some kind of joke, Mother, because it's not funny." Regina's eyes widened as shock and disbelief immediately set in. She'd remember if she'd had a sister growing up or spent time with Zelena. All she'd wanted as a child was to have a sister. Definitely no way she'd have forgotten.

Cora extended a hand to each daughter and waited until they'd both latched on to begin talking. "There was a time when you both cared for each other, when Zelena lived with us at the castle. It is a chapter in our family history I had wiped from both your memories because at the time I thought love was weakness. I was wrong, so if you are going to be angry at anyone, be angry at me."

Before anyone could respond, Cora squeezed both their hands and allowed the memories to flow from her back into the girls. They deserved to know that there was a time when they had loved each other dearly, when they had played together and been happy. It was wrong of her to take that away, but now she could give that back.

'Don't worry, Zelena! No matter what Mother does, we're sisters! And nothing can change that! I will find you! I promise!'

Both women gasped, tears blurring their vision as the last of the memory faded out and sank back into place. Cora smiled at each of them. "You see, at one time you did love each other. You both needed each other. My darling Regina, you came down here to save your True Love, to try and reclaim your happiness. That is a strength I could never teach you. You are so much more than I ever could have hoped." She hugged Regina before turning to Zelena who still seemed hesitant and distant. "Zelena, my lovely first born, I am so sorry about everything. I never meant to hurt either of you."

Zelena sniffled, but didn't immediately fall into her mother's open arms. "I honestly didn't think you'd know who I was. If you're sorry, why did you do it? Why did you give me away? Why did you rip me away from my sister again? Why are you here forcing open old wounds when I have moved on and gotten over it?"

"You have not." Cora shook her head but offered her oldest a smile. "You shouldn't lie to your mother. I know you never got over it, much like Emma still holds onto some bitterness at the idiots for pushing her through the wardrobe and being abandoned for twenty eight years. I left a hole in your heart, and that wound has been festering for decades. Let me heal it, dear."

In a moment of childishness, Zelena stamped her foot and whined. "Then why did you give me up? What did Regina have that I didn't?"

"It was never about you, Zelena. I wanted what I thought was best, and that was becoming queen. It's why I pushed Regina so hard to become queen. I never wanted my children to know what it was like to experience the cruelty of the royals. I gave you away to have my best chance, and I have spent years down here regretting it." Cora took both their hands again. "You are sisters, and you two do love each other. Be a family. You both deserve this chance far more than me. I am just so sorry I never gave either of you the family you deserve. You both have that chance now. You both have people that love and care for you. Don't throw that away because of my mistakes. One day I just hope you can find it in both your hearts to forgive me."

"I am wicked. What if it's too late for me to not make the same mistakes?" Zelena looked positively apprehensive, and that broke both Emma and Cora's hearts.

Emma didn't want to break their bubble, but she needed to reassure her best friend. "It's never too late, Zee. It's never too late, especially when you've got family there to help."

Cora watched as Zelena flung herself on Emma, the pair wrapping each other up in a fierce hug. Emma truly was her family's savior.

Zelena leaned back after a few minutes and smiled as she wiped away some loose tears. "Ohana."

Emma smiled back and nodded. "Ohana."

Maleficent beamed in pride as she watched Emma. She truly had no idea how special she was, but every person Emma came into contact with had their lives changed. She was beyond grateful that Emma and Zelena had each other in their lives. She smirked at the jealousy raging in Regina's eyes before turning her focus onto Cora. "This is a version of limbo. If our daughters are your unfinished business, shouldn't you have moved on by now?"

The group got into a heated debate before a burst of blue flames exploded behind them. Maleficent immediately grabbed Emma and pulled her daughter behind her. She knew the man couldn't be trusted despite his promises not to hurt her. Regina saw the worry and immediately stepped in front, next to Mal, as the two prepared to fight.

Zelena rolled her eyes at the theatrics. "Hades."

He god beamed at her. "My lovely Zelena. Nice to see you again. We really need to talk, but first I need to take care of Mommy and the tiny flea of a former queen."

"Excuse you?" Regina wasn't prepared to be insulted. No one had ever called her a flea, and she was ready to incinerate him in seconds.

Cora stepped in front of Regina. "Whatever you want, deal with me. You leave my children alone."

"Really, Cora? I'm surprised you care so much about either daughter considering how much you've hurt them and destroyed their lives."

Regina glared from behind her mother, feeling like an empowered five year old as her mother dealt with the maid who had been mean to her. "She apologized. We can deal with it ourselves."

Hades pulled Zelena close to him, arm wrapped securely around her waist as he gave a wicked smiled. "Now's your chance, my love. You can have everything you ever wanted. I created this place for you, so we could rule together. They can stay down here, and we can return to Storybrooke and take over. I can force your mother to the Fields of Punishment to harvest grain for the rest of her life. We can raise your daughter together. Your sister gets to suffer while you get everything she had. What do you say? Want to create chaos with me?"

Emma scrunched up her nose in disgust and made a gagging noise that had Hades glaring at her. Zelena just shook her head. "I finally have a chance at a mother, at having a sister, and you want to take that away from me?"

"Who needs them when I can give you all you've ever wanted?" Hades was shocked when Zelena wrenched free of him.

No one paid any mind to the crowd gathering to watch. Hades wasn't a liked man, but anyone who challenged him usually wound up dead or tortured for eternity. This was pure entertainment gold they never got. A few particular faces lurked in the crowd taking particular interest.

Zelena scoffed. "They're my family! You, you just want to restart your heart so you can conquer the world. That has nothing to do with me or our love."

"Lena, baby, I know things are complicated between us, but I do love you. We can sort this all out after we get out of here. It's either me or them. We can have all you ever dreamed if you pick me."

Looking around at her family, Zelena could see the apprehension and the nerves there. They were worried she honestly wouldn't pick them. Sometimes it truly sucked having walls miles high when your family doubted how much you cared for them. "I am not giving up my family for someone who doesn't actually care about me. You must think me naïve to ever think I could believe your lies. I can truly see why Zeus trapped you down here."

The crowd started an uproar. If these people could stand up to Hades then so could they. The god may have magic, but he couldn't fight all the underlings at once surely. A loud crack of thunder boomed before the citizens could fully advance on Hades.

"Enough!" The commanding deep voice echoed as the charging group froze. Zeus appeared in a bright flash of lightning. Emma's eyes widened. Now he was exactly what Emma had expected in a god. Ridiculously tall and muscular, wearing sandals and a white cloth draped around his hips that ended at mid-thigh. On most men, a mini skirt would have looked ridiculous, but on him it worked. A thick leather belt with a large medallion as the buckle rested dead center. The man carried a shield and wore a crown of golden lightning bolts. "Brother, you have forgotten the purpose of the Savior being here."

Hades struggled to break the magical hold Zeus had on him. He growled. So close! He'd been so close to getting the girl to breathe life back into the Underworld and getting Zelena, the only woman to put up with him and challenge him, to go back to the real world to rule together. He'd almost had it all. "I had not."

Zeus turned to Emma who looked positively terrified and ashen. She must have just realized how far from a simple favour his brother had actually wanted. "Do not fear. You will all get out of here as soon as you get the fire going again. You have a few more hours before the time will come. Please, rest, and gather your strength. This is no easy task, and it will require a lot of magic. Your child will fight this, so both you and Regina need to work together. When the time comes, you shall be transported into the Cave of Decision."

Emma turned to look up at her mother for help. She was greeted with a warm smile and a reassuring hug. If her mother had faith she could do this, then she had to try. She needed to get them out of here as quickly as possible.

"Why haven't I moved on if I've made amends with both my girls?" Cora stared intently at the new god. He was clearly more powerful than Hades, the most powerful being she'd ever witnessed. It almost hurt to look at how true to Adonis status this man was.

Zeus merely pulled out the lightning bolt from his shield, powering it up to encase it around Hades like magical vines. Any time his brother made a false move, it would shock him as a warning. It also sucked all his magic to use against him. Hades had one mission, and that was to get the Savior to relight Phlegethon, not to be forcing hands on matters of the heart elsewhere. "You do not wish to. Your daughters do not wish you to. A second chance will be granted simply because a soul has been taken and a soul must return or anyone could manage to take its place."

Cora was nearly giddy with joy. She could return to Storybrooke and watch her daughters become far better mothers than she ever dreamed of being. She smiled at them both, unsure who to hug first.

"Make no mistake, Cora. If you abuse this opportunity, you will be sucked back down here and forced into Tartarus to live out the punishment Hades had intended for you. You will not get another chance."

Zeus took off with Hades dragging unwillingly behind him as he made his way towards the dungeon. Cerberus could guard him until Emma's tasks were complete and the group returned to their world. He barely stayed long enough for Cora to nod her acceptance. He smiled when he felt Hercules' presence behind them. It wasn't often he was allowed to see his son, but dealing with an unruly Hades gave him access to Herc. He was both thrilled and furious for completely different reasons.

Emma sighed as the gods took off. "This feels too easy. Something is going to go wrong. My life never works this smoothly."

Maleficent pulled Emma back in for a hug. "It's only easy because the gods want it that way. They need you, Emma. You are a valuable asset, who can give them what they want, who can save all worlds from potential destruction. I wasn't able to do this when I was pregnant with you and Lily because I had no one to feed me magic as I regenerated the river. You, you have us to help you. We're going to get through this and get the hell out of here. If you weren't valuable, we'd most likely all be trapped down here while Hades found a way to achieve what he wanted. There's a reason mortals don't have ready access to the Underworld."

Regina launched herself at her mother, unable to hold back her smile. She could feel Zelena joining in the hug. "You get to stay!"

"I know darlings. I promise to do better, to do right by all of you this time if you'll give me that chance. I don't deserve it, but I would like that chance. You are both worth it, and I would like to try being the mother you should both have had. I love you both so much!"

David looked around nervously uncomfortable. Everyone was crying. He barely could handle when his wife cried. A group of the most powerful women he'd ever known all huddled together in a group hug crying was beyond him. Did he comfort them? Did he join in the hug? Should he just stay back and let them have their moment? It seemed like the safest bet, but he still bounced on his heels, awkwardly out of place.

"We do need to get out of here. Let's take this some place more private." Cora flicked her wrist as smoke enveloped them all, taking them to Zelena's farmhouse.

SQSQSQ

Regina had asked Emma to stay out on the front porch with her once they arrived at the farmhouse. She could see the hesitation and wariness coming from the blonde. She understood, but it still hurt. Offering a small smile, she gestured to the swing.

Emma looked to Mal for help, pleaded with her to stay or not make her do this, but her mother had only smiled at her in encouragement before shooting Regina a warning look. She stuffed her hands into her back pockets and rocked on her heels. "Uh…"

"Emma, please sit." Regina patted the cushion next to her and waited until the blonde plopped down to continue. "I want to apologize, really apologize. I hurt you, I hurt our baby, and that is unforgivable."

Emma quirked an eyebrow, not bothering to argue causing Regina to sigh. Clearly she wanted her to beg for it. If Emma wanted it, she'd put aside her airs and give her what she wanted.

"I'm not good at this, Emma. I do not apologize for my actions very often. I truly am sorry for how I have treated you. You don't deserve that. Our baby didn't deserve that. If you had done that to me, I'd have murdered you by now. It proves how much stronger you are than me, how much of a better person you are. A lot of people have been encouraging me to stop being afraid and go after my heart's desire."

"Don't use Daniel again." Emma sighed and shook her head. Regina always hid behind Daniel as an excuse for her actions, and it annoyed Emma to no end.

Regina quickly grabbed for Emma's hands, pleased when they weren't ripped away. She stared into turbulent emerald eyes. Pushing magic into her, Regina tried again. "Daniel is dead. I know that, Emma. That doesn't stop me from being terrified. Everyone I love leaves, gets hurt, or dies. I thought if I gave you enough reason to hate me and pushed you away hard enough that you'd be safe."

Emma looked away from the intense eye contact. It was eerie how similar this world was to Storybrooke, all the memories of the time travel spell came flooding back. She'd give anything to have been able to pursue Regina under Leia's disguise. "You can't hurt me to protect yourself. Shit happens in life, but it sucks a bit less to have someone with you. I don't know how to love well either, but that didn't stop me from trying. Your first instinct is to lash out, and I can't keep putting myself through that. I can't keep sitting outside your door like some lost puppy waiting for scraps of attention."

"I know, Em, and I'm sorry. Like I said, a lot of people have been telling me...for lack of a better phrase, 'to get my head out of my ass' and to go after my happiness, my True Love." Regina gave a small smile, relishing Emma's gasp when she swore.

Emma eyed Regina warily. "What exactly is your happiness?"

Regina offered a full on smile, reaching out to tuck a loose curl behind Emma's ear. She knew it was a risky move, a bold one, but hopefully it said something. "It's not a what, but a who. You, Emma. You are my happiness, and I don't deserve another chance, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove that to you." She managed a chuckle. "I'd like to woo my princess."

If it had been anyone else to call her princess, Emma would have decked them and blamed the hormones, but hearing Regina call her her princess made her heart swell with glee at that very possibility. She dared not let Regina know in case she tore that from her again. Instead she quirked an eyebrow and tilted her head. "Your princess? I am my own person. You are still dating your pinecone."

"Robin isn't a pinecone. I thought he was your friend?" Regina's brows furrowed. How had they gone from progress to nothing in two seconds?

Emma shrugged. "Robin is Leia's father. He's Roland's father. I tolerate him because those kids should have both parents if that's what Zelena wants. I tolerate him because he's good at giving Henry some dude time every once in awhile, but I'd never call him to go out for drinks. If you're going to sit here talking about Robin then I'm going to go."

Regina quickly scrambled to grab Emma's hand. "No! Please, I wasn't. I'm not with Robin." Emma paused, giving her a moment to continue. Regina recognized the chance and wasn't about to waste it. "He's actually been helping me help myself. He convinced me to seek out Archie. I know you don't think that's enough, but talking to him is a huge step for me. I've been trying to work on myself so that I can be the best me for you. Robin's actually been great at telling me when I'm being ridiculous."

"So long as you aren't taking your wooing advice from him. I have enough stolen gifts to last me a lifetime. Sleeping in a tent with the bugs is not my idea of a good date." Emma scrunched up her nose at the thought of sharing her sleeping space with any insect.

Emma's quip prompted a full on belly laugh from Regina. "I have a very invested teenage son to help with that if I'm struggling."

Emma sighed. They'd been through so much shit in just the past few months alone, but all she had ever wanted was to love Regina and be loved by her in return. Fuck if she'd make it easy for her, but if Regina was going to try, she'd at least let her know that a true effort would be welcome. "I like French food."

Regina beamed as Emma accepted and returned her olive branch. She knew it wasn't going to be easy. There was going to be far too much work before her to ever think about resting on her laurels, but the small olive branch let her know that her attempts wouldn't automatically be shot down in vain. She smiled and wiped at a tear that escaped. "Thank you."

"There's someone here who has been desperately trying to reach me for you. I think you need to see them before I try doing this. If I fail-"

"No. I won't let you."

Emma raised an eyebrow and Regina immediately quieted again. "If I fail, I want you to at least have some peace."

SQSQSQ

Regina looked around in confusion. They were somewhere underground. Was this supposed to be the mines? "Emma, where are we?"

"The Cave of Decision. Someone here wants to talk to you."

Nervousness creeped into every inch of Regina's body. Surely it wouldn't be someone who wanted to hurt her… there were many people she'd killed here, and the possibilities were endless. They'd just made progress though, so she had to put some trust in Emma. Just as her stomach dropped as the wait for someone to appear stretched on, white smoke swirled in front of them. It cleared enough that Regina immediately started crying. "Daddy!"

"Hello Regina." Henry stepped through the smoke to hug his little girl.

"I'm so sorry." Regina held on tightly to her father, unwilling to let go. "I'm so so sorry!"

Henry rubbed Regina's back as he allowed himself a tear or two. It had been so long. "It's okay, dear. It really is okay."

Regina leaned back, face scrunched in disbelief. "Am I really? You really forgive me?"

"Of course, sweetheart. I love you no matter what. It's what parents do. I understand why you did it." He paused to look behind his baby girl at the blonde woman behind her.

Regina shook her head. "How can you forgive me. I don't understand how you are so good and I'm so-"

Henry immediately cut her off. "No, Regina. You were hurt and had only been taught that revenge was the only way. Your mother and I failed you, not the other way around. I by no means am perfect. You are my little girl. You are the most special person in the world to me."

"I hope I can one day be half the parent to my child as you are to me." Regina jumped back in to hug her father. She'd missed this for thirty years

"You've set aside your need for vengeance and became a hero. You're changing, spreading hope instead of fear. I'm so proud of who you've become, Regina."

Regina sniffled and smiled, wiping her eyes and stepping back. "Thank you, Daddy. I never could have gotten here if you wouldn't have been such a moral compass."

Emma watched the tearful interaction, the love and forgiveness, the healing going on. Hook's words of pushing away anyone who loved her came back full force. She quickly turned away, wiping at tears as she realized he was right. Damn hormones for making her so emotional. She made a promise to herself to never allow her fear of rejection keep her from loving the people she cared about and letting them love her in return.

"I just want to know if you're happy. Did you get everything you hoped to achieve?" Henry peered curiously over Regina's shoulder at the woman he'd last seen through the mirror as a newborn baby.

Regina smiled and extended a hand out to Emma, willing her to come and meet the most important man in her life. "Daddy, this is Emma. She's the mother of your grandson, and my…"

Emma gave a nervous smile as she studied this Henry. She knew he was important to Regina, knew that his acceptance and permission meant the world to Regina. "I'm the woman she loves."

Henry nodded, reaching forward to shake Emma's hand. He adopted a stern look as he appraised her. He knew this woman was the reason his daughter had made it so far, and he adored her for that, but that didn't mean he couldn't have some fun. "Mmm, you don't look very sure or pleased about that."

Brown eyes widened as Regina realized her father might not approve of Emma. "I treated her badly, but Emma's agreed to let me try and make amends. We're complicated right now, but I hope we can be a family together, us and our son."

Now was as good a time as any for Emma to break the news. She wasn't sure how Regina would feel about it, but it wasn't fair to keep their child to herself. She placed her hands over her lower belly and smiled as she felt the warm glow of her baby. "And our daughter."

Regina gasped as Henry smiled, honoured Emma had shared this moment with him. He pulled Emma into a hug as Regina seemed frozen to the spot, silently crying, hand over her mouth. He wasn't sure what exactly was going on, but he couldn't be more thrilled. "A little princess."

"We have a son. He's named after you and Daniel." Emma glanced back at Regina before leaning in and whispering her wish to the older man.

Henry smiled at Emma's request and proceeded to put his arm around the blonde and walk a bit away from Regina, telling Emma everything she wished to know. Regina had never expressed an interest in his parents, or Cora's for that matter, and it was wonderful to be able to talk about them with someone who genuinely wanted to know.

"Daddy!" Regina pouted as the two walked away from her, feeling a little jealous. She waited for them to stop before walking over to Emma. "Are we really still having our baby? She's okay?"

Emma nodded, willing her nerves away as she took Regina's hand and placed it over Cy for the first time. "Magic. She's still there."

Realization dawned on Regina as she immediately channeled all her available magic into Emma. "She's draining you. You need my magic not because you need to heal, but because our baby could kill you."

"Shh! She can hear you." Emma stepped back and rubbed soothing circles over the frantic glowing pulse. "She didn't mean that, Cy. You're okay. Mommy is fine." She turned an icy glare up at Regina. "Cy just needs more than I have. She needs both our magic to grow. Everyone else helps, but yours works the best on fueling me so I can fuel her."

"I'm sorry, Emma. I didn't know." Regina felt guilt wrack through her as she tried to process what Emma must be going through. It was exhausting enough to drain your own magic, but to have it sucked out of you...Regina shook her head. Her child had the potential to kill Emma because she needed such large amounts of powerful magic to keep growing. "If you'll let me, I can come give you as much magic as I can every day. I know your sister sends me things to channel my magic into, but direct contact is best."

Emma just nodded, sighing in relief as her baby seemed to calm down. "Cy can hear you. She reacts to her environment, and being down here...I can't stay here much longer, Regina. I don't even know if I can do what the gods are asking. This place is like a vortex just sucking the magic right out of me, and Cy is trying to pull as much into herself as she can. I don't even know how to dragon out, but I know it requires a lot of magic. I just got her back. I can't lose her again."

Not caring about pretense or boundaries at the moment, Regina pulled Emma into her, wrapping her securely in a hug. "I won't let anything happen to you. I'll never physically hurt you again. I can't promise I won't lash out, but I will try to fix it from now on. We will get you home, you and our baby. It's going to be okay, Emma."

Unable to speak, Emma just nodded as she buried her face in Regina's shoulder. Henry smiled as he watched the pair. He'd gotten to see his daughter again, to see her changed and living up to her true potential. He got to see her love again, something she vowed would never happen. He was a grandfather to a prince and soon to be little princess. Everything he'd ever wanted for his family had come true.

Cora, Zelena, Maleficent, and David came rushing into the cave just as a bright light beamed from the top of the cave. White mist surrounded the vacant space between the ledge and the portal. A bridge appeared as it dissipated.

"Henry!"

The man smiled at his wife, pleased to finally see light in her eyes and in her heart. She was going to get to stay and look after their girls. He knew all would be okay. "Goodbye my loves."

Regina jumped back in panic, trying to race over to her father but Emma held her back. "Daddy!"

Henry turned back halfway up the bridge. "Wherever this leads, it feels right. It feels happy. I'm going to be okay, Regina. Take care of yourself. Take care of your family. I love you!" He paused just before crossing over. "Never forget who you really are."

Regina turned into Emma and sobbed. She was honestly happy her father had moved on to a better place, but she was heartbroken that she'd caused him to be trapped here for thirty years, that she wouldn't get anymore time with him.

Cora moved forward and reached around Emma to stroke her daughter's hair. "No time to grieve, my dear. It's time, and we need to help Emma. Magic must be done with a clear mind. Your father moved on to a better place. Now we need to focus so we can get back to one as well."

SQSQSQ

Emma started hyperventilating. She'd been trying to put this off as long as possible. Not because she wanted to stay in the Underworld, but because she had no clue how to dragon out or the effects on Cy. She was terrified it would hurt her baby or worse, they wouldn't survive trying to light the stupid fire. If her mother couldn't do it, and Emma thought she was more powerful than Regina, then how could she when she was just Emma?

"Em, sweetheart" Mal could see Emma start panicking. The last thing anyone needed was for Emma to pass out and they be trapped down here indefinitely. She gripped Emma's shoulders and shook her lightly until green eyes met hers. "Emma, just breathe. I'm here. I'll help you. Don't worry, baby. I won't let anything happen to you."

Biting her bottom lip, Emma looked down at her belly, pleased at the slight bump she had. "Cy?"

Mal nodded and pulled Emma into a hug. "Cy will be perfectly fine, sweetheart. A mother's body will protect her child no matter what form. Dragons are magic, so she might enjoy it a little more too."

"How?" Worry was evident all over Emma's face as her brows furrowed and her eyes dilated.

"Breathe, Emma." Mal waited until her daughter had taken a few deep breaths before stroking down her arms from her shoulders to grasp her hands. "Just concentrate, Em. Your dragon is a part of you. Clear your mind and concentrate on connecting to her. Once you find her, just let her take over. It's all instinct from there." Emma nodded, hesitation clearly there. "Do not fight it. Just let it happen. I know it's scary at first, but you can do this."

Emma closed her eyes tightly and concentrated as hard as she could for several minutes. When nothing happened, she stamped her feet in frustration and whined. "I can't do it!"

"Emma, calm down! You aren't focusing and letting your instincts take over. You're trying too hard." Mal shot Regina a warning glare when she scoffed. She transferred some of her magic into Emma, pleased when tense shoulders relaxed some. "Good, now just close your eyes and clear your mind. Trust yourself. Your dragon will come."

Emma held onto her mother's hands, feeling strengthened and empowered by her presence and her magic. Trying to clear her head in a cave that could potentially kill her in the Underworld she might never escape from surrounded by people all staring at her was more than a little challenging. It took her several minutes, but her mind finally cleared, blocked everything out. It was a trick she hadn't used since childhood. From the labyrinth of her mind, the space she had brought herself to reminded her of Limbo. "Cy?"

A low growl erupted in the vacant space and Emma's first instinct was to flee, but a more dominant one took over. Submit. It wasn't one Emma had much familiarity with. She prided herself on her independence and ability to take charge, but if she was submitting to herself, was she really letting control go at all? It helped her to relax completely and accept whatever was about to happen.

Maleficent smiled as she felt Emma relax completely. She knew how special it was to finally connect to her dragon. It should have been decades ago, but she was overjoyed she could share in this experience with both her daughters now. "When Emma shifts, everyone needs to push their magic into her so that she can focus on igniting Phlegethon. The only way this will work is if we're giving her everything we can so that she can keep going until the river decides it's at full capacity again."

"How will we know that?" Cora didn't have a problem helping the love of her daughter's life, but she didn't want to die or for her girls to die while doing this.

"You'll know, trust me. Just don't stop sending her magic. Cy is going to fight this as much as possible. Magic babies tend to be greedy, and with so much magic at once flowing into Emma, she'll try to channel it all for herself. Emma needs all we can manage." Mal looked at each Mills before kissing Emma on the forehead and stepping back.

Emma gasped when a gigantic cloudy white dragon appeared before her. Streaks of blues, reds, purples, and greens filtered through most prominently in the wings and chest. She watched in fascination as large, protruding indigo horns disappeared back into its head. Soon she was staring into emerald jade green eyes. "Wow!"

The dragon bowed its head and started sniffing Emma, circling her. Emma didn't understand what sort of test this was, but if she was supposed to submit, she had to ignore the instinct to turn with the dragon, to circle each other instead of feeling like prey standing in one spot waiting to be devoured. Liking what she smelled, the dragon appeared facing Emma again, her tail reaching up to circle around her hips as she placed a hand over Cy. "Ours."

Gasping again, Emma's eyes widened to nearly comical proportions. "You talk?"

"I can do a great many things. Talking is the one of them. I've waited many years to finally meet you."

"May I?" Emma raised her hand, pausing mid-air to wait for permission. When the dragon gave a slight nod, Emma carefully reached out and placed a hand on her body. "Wow! I, Mom's body is all hard scales and heat. How are you-"

The dragon titled her head. "Not I, we are feathery and soft because we do not need armour. I have some reinforced scales ready to protect our baby from harm, but we have been through everything; Ice, monsters, strange realms. There are no hunters here, no imminent danger. Mother has had armour her entire life. She lived in a different, far more perilous time for dragons to exist. We don't need armour. It's bulky and difficult to move or fly in. Did you want it on?"

Emma shook her head no. "If you say we don't need it, I trust you. Will Cy be alright when you…?" She continued to stroke the cashmere-like softness of the feathery body.

"I am ready for her. She will be safe with us. Trust me." The dragon leaned down and licked the top of Emma's head, grooming her hair.

"I do." Emma took a deep breath, letting the dragon do what it wanted to her. Her mother and sister shifted all the time and they were alright. Following and submitting wasn't in her nature, but if this is what she had to do in order to get home, she would.

"I won't hurt you. We are the same. What hurts you, hurts me. What pleases you, pleases me. We are one."

Emma repeated the phrase, trying to wrap her head around the fact that this very large beast and herself were one in the same. Stranger shit has happened. Being a dragon seemed pretty awesome. Shrugging, she opened her eyes as she felt her body begin to shift. It was weird, tingly and warm, but didn't hurt. Blinking a few times, Emma adjusted. She realized her dragon was allowing her some control so she could feel comfortable and acclimate.

Mal moved back when she felt Emma begin to shift. She had prepared herself for Emma being large, but she hadn't prepared for the sheer magnitude of how exquisite Emma was. She'd also never seen a dragon without its armour. Ignoring Regina and Zelena's questions, she stepped forward until Emma leaned her head down and nudged her, giving her permission to touch. "Oh, Emma, you look stunning. I, I have never seen…" She trailed off as she stroked the expanse of space from Emma's nose up to her forehead.

Emma smiled, pleased with the praise and affection being given even if she couldn't directly feel it. She watched through the dragon's eyes as her beast looked around, getting acclimated with the cave before nudging Mal's hand again.

"Yes, I know. You know what to do. You know how to fill the river. Let your instincts take over. Get angry and let go. We'll be here helping you." Mal smiled, stepping back from Emma before directing Regina to stand in front of her.

"Why me? Why in front?"

Mal rolled her eyes, not in the mood for impertinence at the moment. "Emma will shift back once her task is done. There won't be enough magic in her to stay connected to her dragon. She'll either fall forward, or fall backwards. Stop questioning me right now and move!"

Cora stood on one side of Emma, Zelena across from her. Regina stood in front and Maleficent stood behind. Regina smiled at the dragon, awed at the perfection. She was so different from Mal or Lily. When the flames licked up, different colours shot across the opaque feathers. "You can do this, Emma. We're right here with you."

Emma saw, felt, her dragon close its eyes and focus. The warmth in her belly flared, grew until Emma knew it should have scalded her, but it felt comforting, felt soothing enough that Emma allowed herself to relax fully. The dragon seemed pleased with this as it inhaled a full lungful of oxygen before expelling the blaze burning throughout her entire body. She didn't quite understand where the fire came from, but she could feel it in every fiber of her being. She could slowly see the flames in Phlegethon rising.

Mal, Regina, Zelena, and Cora all threw their magic at the dragon as they tried their best not to get scorched. Gradually the level of the river rose. The dragon was pouring every ounce of fire she had in her into the river while trying her best to soothe Cy as her baby fought to keep all the magic being funneled into her.

Zeus looked on, pleased that the river was rising. He could hear the anguished wails of the souls that were getting sucked back down into Tartarus. They were completely desperate, placing the entirety of their hope into Emma. The girl was in quite the predicament as it was, but she seemed to be accomplishing the job her mother could not. It was the only reason he had intervened and stopped his brother from tormenting the mortals.

Emma knew it had been ages since her dragon had started spewing flames. Her body was starting to drain, to feel weaker. She started to panic. No, no, no! If she drained again Cy wouldn't make it through.

'Submit!'

Emma tried to calm down, but her fear for her baby's safety overruled all else. Her body started draining more rapidly. With each passing agonizing minute Emma struggled and fought to stop, fought to take back control and save her baby. Every time she tried to break through an invisible barrier kept knocking her back.

'Stop! You must submit. I won't let her get hurt! Stop!'

Breathe, just breathe. Emma tried repeating that mantra over and over. Her anxiety was at an all-time high, but there seemed to be no stopping what she'd started. Her dragon was determined to do this whether her body actually could or not.

Regina felt Emma's struggle. Her own anxieties rose as they passed the ten minute mark. None of them could keep this up much longer. She knew Emma couldn't do this much longer either. "Maleficent!"

"Keep going!" Mal was nervous. She could feel Emma's energy rapidly dissipating. Another few minutes and none of them would be getting out of here.

Gathering herself and trying to focus her efforts, Emma closed her eyes and extended her arms, sending the magic reserve in her body out to the dragon. No one was prepared for the enormous eruption of fire that had them all stumbling to the ground. Emma could feel the dragon's control slipping away. It hadn't worked. Tears flowed freely down her face as she clenched her eyes shut. She didn't even register shifting back or collapsing into Regina's arms until plump, warm lips were against hers, deceptively strong arms ensnaring her.

Regina was overjoyed. If she hadn't have opened her eyes, she would have missed Phlegethon bubbling up before popping and sizzling all over the river. Somehow she just knew Emma had made it happen. The river was full and they were both still here. Overcome with emotion, she pulled Emma closer and kissed her.

"Regina?" Emma kissed back for a few seconds before remembering that she'd only agreed to give Regina clearance for trying to win her over, not permission to actually jump in and date her. The kiss, despite exploding her senses, shouldn't have happened.

"Sorry, I just…" Regina wrung her hands nervously, allowing Emma to step back and out of her embrace. The cold void was felt deep in her bones, but one day she hoped Emma might allow that to happen again. "You did it."

Emma shook her head no. "I didn't. I failed. I couldn't keep going."

Zelena wrapped Emma up in a hug from behind. "No, you didn't. You filled the river. Look."

Zeus appeared in front of them, beaming smile. It was only then that everyone's reassurances sunk in for Emma. She'd done it. She hadn't failed herself or them. She hadn't failed her baby. They were going to get to go home!

"You have three favours in exchange for filling Phlegethon. We all thank you highly. Keep in mind we can only allow a soul reborn if they're here in the Underworld or in Elysium and want to return. A soul in Asphodel Meadows or Tartarus will remain here."

Emma nodded at Zeus, contemplating her options. No one said her favours had to be restricted to the Underworld. "Can I move souls around?"

Zeus thought about his options. "So long as you leave Snow White to her punishment."

They ignored David's protests. Emma nodded and smirked, knowing exactly what she wanted. Her enhanced abilities allowed her to know the gods could communicate telepathically. She knew by Zeus' smile that her two favours were being granted.

SQSQSQ

"Miss Swan, where are we going?"

Regina ran to keep up with Emma. The last thing she ever wanted to do was chase the blonde through the ominous looking bronze gates of Tartarus. Emma, however, seemed completely at ease. With her shoulders back, standing tall, hair blowing in the breeze from the swirling fire surrounding them she looked every bit the goddess everyone was claiming Emma was down here. Regina didn't think Emma had ever looked more gorgeous.

"We need to get someone. We won't be here long."

"Who could you possibly know down here?" Regina tried to get Emma to stop, but the blonde was intently marching towards what looked to be a bench made of fire.

Emma smiled as she approached the bench that had been constructed just for her guest. Ingrid appeared a moment later sitting on the bench looking weary and exhausted. She immediately jumped up and hugged Emma when she saw her though.

"My sweet girl, what are you doing here? You shouldn't be here?" Ingrid cupped her face, examining Emma for injury.

"I'm fine, Ingrid. I've come to take you to a better place."

Ingrid's jaw dropped. She didn't think they'd left each other on a positive note. Why was Emma risking her life to save her? "I can't leave."

Emma just laced her fingers through Ingrid's hand. "You can. Unless you want to stay?"

"No! If you can get me out of here, I am so sorry for all I did to you Emma."

"Let's not talk about that now. I want to get you out of here. Come on. Regina!" Emma turned and started walking back the way they had come.

Regina stepped in line next to Emma. "Really? We're risking our lives to save the woman who almost destroyed Storybrooke, who wanted to hurt you?"

Emma let out a huff. "Sarah wouldn't hurt me. She was one of the best foster mothers I ever had. If I hadn't run away, I probably would have stayed with her and we wouldn't be here right now. I'm bringing her to Elysium because she made the time I was with her above and beyond the treatment I got in most other homes. She was going to destroy Storybrooke, never me. Never Elsa. I'm giving her what she always wanted, what she deserves."

Ingrid's eyes welled up with tears as she stopped to hug Emma tightly. "Thank you, my girl. I do love you!"

"I know." Emma smiled before realizing they were still in Tartarus and dragging them out.

Mal, Cora, Zelena, and David were waiting anxiously for their return. Mal frowned when she noticed someone with Emma. "Who is that?"

Emma's face split into a wide grin as she dragged Ingrid over to Maleficent. "Mom, this is Ingrid, the Snow Queen. She fostered me when I was a teenager. She was really good to me. Ingrid, this is my mother, Maleficent."

Ingrid frowned, absolutely confused. "I thought Snow White and idiot farm boy were your parents."

"I am her mother." Mal pulled Emma close to her. She'd heard tales of the Snow Queen and wasn't thrilled Emma did this.

"It's a long story." Emma could sense the tension escalating between the two. "Mom, I'm going to take Ingrid to her sisters now. Just wait a little longer for me."

Regina didn't need to be told to follow this time, already in line with Emma as she headed towards Asphodel Meadows. This place, whatever it was, felt calm but also boring like everything was just absolutely average and middle of the road here. Regina knew she'd be lucky if she wound up here, but she still hoped for better. As they made their way through, she gasped as a familiar face wove through the crowds.

Emma laced her other free hand through Regina's knowing exactly who she'd just seen. It gave her immense satisfaction that the former king was in such a disheveled state, but that didn't stop her wishing she had gotten a good kick to the nuts in as well instead of keeping her attack solely to his face. "It's okay. He can't hurt you."

Leopold slowly and cautiously approached, aware that one false move and the blonde would attack. He had to blink several times to be certain he wasn't seeing double out of his good eye. Nope, definitely two blondes now. He gulped before stepping over.

"Leopold." Emma's eyes narrowed as she felt Regina squeeze her hand tighter.

He gave a small nod towards her, keeping his gaze locked on his former wife. "Regina, I'm sorry. You deserved better."

"This has been great. We've got to be going now."

Emma tugged Regina along when she realized the brunette was frozen in shock and wasn't about to say anything. It was entirely anticlimactic, but she hoped it helped her some. By the time they'd reached the entrance to Elysium, Leopold had been engulfed in flames and had slipped through the ground into Tartarus. Emma was thoroughly pleased with herself that the bastard would spend the rest of eternity suffering for what he did to Regina.

Ingrid stopped Emma as she tried to enter. "Emma, are you certain? I was in Tartarus for a reason."

"You were in Tartarus because of a curse the gods thought you intended to hurt me with. I couldn't let you stay and suffer, not when more deserving people took your place. All you ever wanted was to be loved and accepted. You loved me. You loved me when nobody else had bothered or ever tried. Please let me do this for you."

Tears streamed down Ingrid's face as she pulled Emma in for a tight hug, inhaling cinnamon and leather one last time. "Thank you, Emma. I love you."

Helga and Gerda materialized behind Ingrid. They were all smiles as they extended their hands and waited for their sister. Ingrid went in for one final hug before turning and walking into her sisters' embrace. Emma's heart felt a bit lighter. She truly cared for both Sarah and Ingrid. She felt ecstatic at being able to help her get her happy ending, especially if it got Leopold to Tartarus.

"You hit him."

Regina's voice snapped Emma out of her head. "What?"

Regina picked up Emma's hands in her own, examining them before bringing the abused knuckles to her lips and kissing them. "You ruined his face for me." Brown eyes looked up through dark lashes to meet green eyes. "Thank you." Carefully, Regina healed them as much as she could after using most her magic to help Emma earlier.

Emma nodded, pleased Regina wasn't mad at her. "I have one more thing for you, someone you need to talk to."

"We aren't through with the surprises? I want to go home and see my son, Miss Swan."

"Cut the Miss Swan crap. We're past that." Emma beckoned the shadow to come closer and Regina tensed with apprehension.

The man stepped fully into view causing Regina to gasp and look up at Emma in utter shock. "You still want to go even if it's me?"

"Daniel!"

Daniel moved forward to embrace Regina, and Emma moved to step back and give them their space. Regina kept a tight hold on Emma's hand. "Hello, Regina. It's lovely to see you again."

Regina swiped at tears with her free hand. "I, how are you here? Are you happy? Oh, Daniel! I'm so sorry."

"Don't be, sweetheart. You tried your best to bring me back. It wasn't your fault. Your mother wasn't your fault. We just had different paths this time around." Daniel looked to Emma, smiling. He inclined his head. "Besides, it looks like you finally took my advice."

Regina snapped out of her stupor and pulled Emma closer, beaming at them both as she choke on her tears. "Yes, I, Daniel, this is Emma. Emma, this is Daniel."

"I really hope you don't have anyone else who hangs the stars in your life because I can't meet another person." Emma shook Daniel's hand before looking back at Regina. "Do you want a moment?"

"Please stay! You are important to me too, Emma. I'm not choosing between you two. You matter too!" Regina wrapped an arm tightly around Emma's waist, imploring her to stay. Anything she and Daniel talked about, Emma could stay. She didn't want any more secrets, hurt feelings, or misunderstandings.

Daniel clapped Emma on the back. "Thank you for taking care of her. She's really special."

"Always will." Emma nodded and allowed herself to sag a little into Regina. The past two days had been too taxing on her, and she really needed to go sleep in her own bed.

Regina rolled her eyes. "You're starting to sound like the idiots."

Emma made a noise somewhere between a scoff and a chuckle. "I mean it."

Daniel watched the two interact, he knew this woman was it for Regina. They were True Loves, and while he was in the best place to be, he could finally go about his days with absolute content knowing Regina was happy and at peace.

The ground rumbled a bit and Emma looked to Regina. "If you have anything left to say, you should do it now. We have to go."

Regina hesitated, but Emma gently guided her forward towards Daniel. She wasn't sure the right move here, but she pulled him in for a hug. He still smelled of hay and sunshine. Leaning back, she cupped his face in her hands. "I am thrilled you're here in a good place. I am so sorry for how things turned out for you. My first love, you'll always hold a piece of my heart." She leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

Daniel smiled before releasing her. "You have a future and a family to get to, Regina. Don't waste any more time here."

Regina stepped back, fingers intertwining with Emma's. She wiped away the last of her tears as she pulled Emma close. "Thank you!"

Emma just held Regina close, knowing that there wasn't anything left here for them until it was truly time for them to be here. They really had to get out of here now. "Let's go home. Our son is waiting."

SQSQSQ

Henry raced down the front steps, Roland hot on his heels as the group reached the front gate of Emma's home. The portal had deposited them outside the library, and despite the walk not being long, no one had the energy for that. Maleficent and Cora poofed them home.

"Ma! Mom! I was so worried!" Henry slammed into Emma, nearly knocking her over.

Emma was grateful for Zelena standing behind them holding her up. She turned to give the red head a smile before wrapping her arms around her son. "Careful, kid. We missed you too."

Roland tried to wriggle in between Emma and Henry, demanding to be picked up, but Zelena scooped him up instead. "Roland, Henry needs some time with his mother. I have someone I'd like you to meet though. This is your Grandma Cora."

Henry instantly froze, cautiously peeking around Emma to stare at the older brunette. "What's she doing here?"

"Your grandmother was given a second chance, Henry. It will be different this time. Please," Regina stared at Henry. He was eye level with her now. She couldn't believe in the short time he'd been gone from her house that he had lost the last of the boy in him. Before her was a young man, and it hurt just a little to know he soon wouldn't be her little boy anymore.

"Hello, Henry, Roland." Cora smiled at both her grandchildren. She couldn't believe she had multiple grandchildren….from both her girls. Leaning in, she pulled Zelena in for a side hug. She finally had a family, one she was ready and willing to let down her walls and love completely.

"Kid, I need to go lay down. You should spend some time with your mom."

Henry frowned up at Emma. "Does this mean you two are okay?"

Emma pushed some hair backwards off his forehead so she could see his eyes. "We really need to get you a haircut. Your mom and I are working on it. She missed you too, Henry. You really should spend some time with her."

Henry noticed the look of apprehension and hesitation on Regina's face. He didn't want his mom to feel bad. He was glad they were going to fix things though. He moved over and hugged her. "You did it, Mom!"

Mal followed Emma inside and up to her room. Lily jumped up from the couch and followed, happy that Leia was sleeping in her crib. The three stretched out and Emma scooted closer to her mother.

"I can feel your stress, Emma. What are you overthinking about?" Mal smiled, leaning over to press a kiss into Emma's temple.

Emma sighed. "I'm worried about Cy. She's not moving as much. What if going dragon hurt her? What if I changes things?"

Mal nodded, understanding Emma's worry. "Sweetheart, you're a dragon and a human. I laid an egg as a dragon, but you both were born human inside that egg. Cy won't be able to turn into a dragon for a while, but you probably will lay an egg instead of having a human birth now that you've connected to your dragon. It's safer, less uncontrolled magic."

Lily and Emma both scrunched up their faces in disgust. "Ew! I don't want to lay an egg. I'm not a bird."

Chuckling, Mal just pulled both girls closer. "It's not that bad. The shell is also a much easier thing to preserve than a placenta. I saved your egg. Most of it is still in my cave."

Emma was silent for a while, trying to process the idea of laying an egg. Would it hurt? Where would she have enough space to lay her egg to keep it safe from anyone who might harm it? Maleficent had burned an entire kingdom to the ground to try and keep them safe. It's not like she had that option here. Henry's birth had been rather difficult, involved a lot of pain and no drugs. She had been alone and terrified. She was even more terrified for this kid.

"Em. Emma, what else are you worrying about?"

Emma left thoughts of delivering an egg versus Henry's birth behind. Sighing, she turned over and curled into her mother. "The Underworld was too easy. It was to clean. Hades wanted to hurt us, and Zeus stopped him. Snow was a pest and she's now gone. I got to save Ingrid and Regina's parents. I got to send that bastard to hell where he belonged. No one really got hurt. No one faced death. It's just… "

"Too clean? I told you, Emma. Had the gods not wanted you to reignite Phlegethon, we wouldn't have made it out of there. No one would have been saved. We'd most likely be at the mercy of Hades. You nearly got hurt when James and Cruella attacked. You could have been hurt facing Cora. We all very well could have been trapped down here by Hades. Shifting is no easy feat. Neither is using your dragon untrained for the first time. We were in plenty of danger. The only reason we are back home safely is because you are the magic Savior." Mal didn't want to scare Emma, but she certainly didn't want her daughter going to look for trouble when they had faced plenty.

"Regina kissed me."

Lily screeched and Mal chuckled. Emma blushed and hid her face back in her mother's shoulder.

"This should be interesting to see, the queen courting the princess." Mal finger combed both girls' hair as they let the exhaustion take them over, the world quickly fading to black for them.

Regina sighed as Emma had left her standing outside. She looked to her mother who had one arm around Zelena and the other tickling Roland. Even surrounded by her family she felt alone. Henry noticed and offered her a smile and another hug. "Don't worry, Mom. Emma said you could try."

"I know, Henry. I just don't know where to go from here."

Cora shifted her focus at Regina's heavy sigh. "You follow through now, Regina. You woo your princess."

Henry snickered as his mother blushed. Zelena rolled her eyes as she shifted Roland to her other hip. Whatever shenanigans her sister was up to she knew Emma didn't stand a chance when Regina's face set in such determination and her smile turned positively wicked. "This should be fun to watch."

Regina felt a little lighter as she took in the support her family was giving her. Emma had an entire house full of support, and now she had her own support system. Emma had no idea what she was in for. If anyone knew how to woo someone, it was her. "Operation Falcon is on."

A/N: yay, my birthday gift to you is this update. hope the fourth was with you today. the con was insane. bex was an absolute delight. honestly, she was the highlight of my weekend. hope you enjoy the update. we're almost done with this story.

i've got quite a few new ones working. i won't give you any summaries just yet, but based on title you're welcome to tell me which one you would like most

-pandemma

-pan's revenge

-hold my heart

-adios and vaya con dios

-in boca al lupo

-picking locks

-high notes and brushstrokes