"Mommy, Emmie, hurry up or we'll be late." Magnus called over his shoulder.
"COME ON!" Luca yelled.
Regina rolled her eyes as she followed Emma along the trail, Violet sitting high on the blonde's shoulders. They arrived at the location known as the Moon Pools, a tranquil assortment of small waterfalls and pools where the water dragons liked to reside when they weren't on the beach. It was irritatingly far from Cynder's temple, situated on a peninsula all by its lonesome, as water dragons seemed to prefer. It made her curious about certain aspects of dragon culture. She knew their various breeds that lived in certain regions: Ice and frost dragons lived in the far north, the water dragons lived in the Moon Pools, the wyverns lived in the forests among the trees and in rocky cliff sides and the simply named Drakes, who were wingless, lived in packs up in the mountains. It seemed it was only the fire drakes like Cynder and Aldric who held such high positions and dealt with humans. Then there was this strange rivalry between the water dragons and the fire drakes that no one seemed to know the origin of but continued to pursue anyway. She wondered why that was. Of course fire and water were natural opposites, but that didn't have to apply to people.
"Hey," Emma nudged her shoulder. "You guys decided anything about Kassandra yet?"
"The game of revenge has to be played with skill, Miss Swan." Regina answered. "Besides, we can't touch Kassandra right now. She barely leaves her territory. Zelena is unfortunately off limits while she's pregnant."
"But after she gives birth…"
"She still has to take care of her children." Regina reminded her. "All in due time, Emma. Worry not. For now, just enjoy yourself." Emma scoffed. "What is it?"
"Nothing, just a hundred bitches throwing themselves at Lily 24/7. I had to threaten like 30 people yesterday alone."
Regina laughed to herself. "You want to know what I do?"
"What?"
"I trust my mate."
"But Lily's not my mate. She can break up with me anytime she wants to." Emma said, almost tripping over a rock. "Shit."
"Lily isn't going to do that. She loves you. Stop worrying and if it's a big issue then talk to her. That's all you have to do."
"COME ON!" Luca yelled again. "Tia is fighting." He growled impatiently, racing after Magnus. Regina glared at his retreating figure before the bushes broke and she could see the beautiful pools where Tia often spent her days. Her daughter was standing on a wooden platform above one of the pools, battling it out with a boy her age. She was holding her own quite well and won a sound victory by knocking the boy into the water. Saphyra climbed out of the water, brandishing a trident against Tia's staff. Luca and Magnus had shoved their ways to the front to watch and were cheering their sister on.
"She's gonna be a beast when she gets older." Emma said.
"That she is. Just like her mother and grandmother." Regina agreed. Her daughter had all the ferocity of a pure blooded dragon but still managed to possess a kind and gentle heart. "She'll want to stay here." Regina said softly, watching with a proud eye as Tia sent Saphyra flying off the edge of the platform, yelling out a quick 'sorry' before her next opponent stepped up.
"What?" Emma turned her head to look at her.
"This place is perfect for her." After all, Tia had few friends that she knew of in Storybrooke, and she was the only one of her kind there. Here, she could learn all she needed to about what she was. Clearly she was already excelling.
"Would you let her stay? If it came to down to it." Emma asked.
Regina nodded with no hesitation. "Whatever makes her happy, I'll support."
Tia suddenly spun, slamming her staff right into stomach of the boy she was fighting and sending him flying sideways off the platform.
"Winner!" An older woman with long rivers of ebony hair and dressed in a loose blue dress stepped onto the water and it carried her over to the platform. She grabbed Tia's wrist and raised it high. The water started moving and rising, crafting a long weapon which the woman took and handed it to Tia. It resembled a trident, but had five points on it instead of three. A quindent, she believed it was called.
"Thank you, Tanana." Tia smiled. She raised the quindent and cheers erupted around the Moon Pool before the other water dragons crossed the pools to congratulate her. It soon turned into a battle royal as they tried to push each other off the platform. Tia noticed her mother and hopped down, quickly swimming over to Regina and hugged her. "Look what I got, Mom. I won the tournament!"
"Congratulations." Regina beamed. "It was well deserved. Mal and Cynder are going to lose their minds."
"I also need your permission. Tanana is leading a hunt this afternoon for a celebration and she needs our parents permission since we're not of age."
"That depends." Regina crossed her arms. "What will you be hunting?"
"Um...stuff?" Tia said. She looked down and picked up her little brothers when they demanded her attention. "Just a whale, some sharks and some fish. But we're only watching the shark hunt."
"Alright." She conceded, looking up as Tanana approached. She was a fiercely beautiful woman with a renowned history. Bearing battle scarred caramel skin and eyes the color of the sea, she was the epitome of her kind. They each bowed their heads respectfully to one another. From what she had learned from Tia and Cynder, Tanana was not a dragon to be trifled with. She was as old as Aldric, possibly older, and ruled the land beneath the ocean's waves and ultimately all water dragons and serpents fell to her command. You would never be able to tell that though because of how kind she was, mostly spending her days training the youngsters.
"Regina." Tanana smiled. "What brings you to the Pools today? Came to watch this one here decimate the competition?"
"Yes, but she was practically done when we got here."
"She is a quick learner. One of my best students." Tanana looked down at a beaming Tia. She chuckled. "Run along, child. Let me have a word with your mother." Tia nodded and ran back over to her friends. Tanana motioned to Regina for her to walk with her and Regina followed her down to the shoreline, away from the others. "Your daughter is a special one. I'd like to further her training during and after the migration."
"I'm sorry. The what?"
"Migration. We don't stay here during the winter. We move down to the Great Shore in the south."
"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware dragons flew south for the winter."
Tanana smirked. "Yes, it is true. It takes 10 days as the dragon flies. It takes a little longer for my kind. We swim. It is also a chance to view our domain, its many creatures and many locations."
"We may not be here long enough to take the opportunity. I would have to talk to my mate anyway. We didn't come here to stay forever."
"Of course. You came to attack Kassandra."
Regina frowned. "Did Tia tell you that?"
"Of course not. Aldric did. I know the history between your families and I will not comment. It's none of my business. However, if your plans do change, let me know. There is much I can teach your daughter and much I would like to."
Regina nodded. "I'll consider it." Tanana dipped her head and returned with her back to where Tia was getting chased by half a dozen of her friends through the falls. Regina smiled at how happy she looked. She looked at Emma, who nodded, and she teleported them back to the temple. Mal was in the garden, wrestling with her young siblings while a proud Cynder looked on from the temple steps.
Regina went to take a seat next to her. "I didn't know dragons migrated."
"Yes, we do. The winters here are dreadful. Everything freezes over, all of the food dies. Nothing survives here. Even the humans pack up and leave. They have a small land bridge that takes them to a safe haven. It's not as far south as we fly though."
"You never mentioned it."
"Never crossed my mind. Winters last 5 years here. I wasn't aware of how much time had flown by while I was in Storybrooke or how long we were staying here. Why?"
"5 years?" Regina crossed her legs out and looked out over the yard, watching Mal pretend to be beaten by her siblings. She raised her head when she felt eyes on her and frowned slightly at Regina, who motioned for her to come over. She heard footsteps behind her and glanced over her shoulder. "What, Mother?"
"We need to talk."
"No, we do not."
Cora snapped her fingers, teleporting them to a quiet spot in the forest. Regina rolled her eyes. "If you won't talk, then listen."
"I've done enough of that." Regina hissed. "How dare you fill my head with a bunch of tricks and-"
"They weren't tricks, they were memories!" Cora shouted. "Your memories that I took because I didn't want you to remember Zelena. She made you strong and happy and I couldn't have that. It would've given you even more confidence to defy me. The love you two had as sisters was real, no matter how short a time it might've been."
"What now? You want us to be best friends?"
"No, I don't care if you never say another word to Zelena in your life, but stop this foolish quest for a vengeance you don't need. It was the same thing with Snow. It destroyed you before and it'll destroy you again."
"You destroyed me before." Regina snapped. "And they started this. Kassandra was the one who kidnapped Mal while she was pregnant. She is the reason Violet almost wasn't born at all. And since Zelena wants to fuck her and fuck up my family, she can be destroyed too."
"Then it'll never end. Vengeance never brought you peace before, why would it now?" Cora asked.
Regina glared at her. They hadn't asked for this. It wasn't Mal or Cynder's fault that Kagan preferred them to Cleo and Kassandra. It wasn't her fault that her mother had given up Zelena and chosen to keep her. Kassandra and Zelena had both attacked her family with no warning, no valid reason for their actions and everyone just expected them to let it roll off their feathers? "What do you want me to do? Forget it? You have some nerve to be preaching forgiveness when you devoted your life and mine to getting revenge for some bitch who told a secret. Would you look at that? Like mother, like daughter."
"Exactly and look at us. At everything we've done, everything that's been done to us, everything we've been through. Nothing good comes of vengeance. You get back at Zelena and Kassandra and what? You curse them, you torture them, make them feel the same pain you felt and then what? You expect them to forget it? They'll come back, twice as hard, probably bring their entire army down on our heads and rip this entire island to pieces."
"Cynder is a goddess and Mal is her daughter." Regina shrugged. "I'm capable of quite a lot when it comes to anger. I'm not afraid."
"If Cynder could attack them, why hasn't she?" Cora demanded. "Because Kassandra is more powerful now. Everything she gained when Kagan died, all of the money, the followers, the status, the armies, all of it is more than enough to take down Cynder and Mal. Not to mention Zelena's magical strength, her ingenuity and all of the heartscales they have acquired. Don't you realize that if you raise a hand to them, you will die? Those you love will die. Would it be worth it, Regina? You have come so far, would it be worth throwing all of that away?"
Regina glared at her mother, slowly thinking over her words, but she knew the outcome would not change. Cynder was still pissed. Mal was still pissed. They wouldn't change their minds. "For dragons, all transgressions are paid in blood."
Cora slowly nodded. "Then let's make that happen."
/
Regina sighed as she and Mal walked to Aldric's throne where the dragon lord was sitting on the steps with Belle. "What is Miss French doing here?"
"She and Rumpelstiltskin had a big fight and Ruby brought her here to get away." Mal answered with a shrug. Cora and Cynder arrived a few moments later, looking up as Aldric rose to his feet.
"We have to wait for Kassandra and Zelena to arrive before we can begin." He said, offering his hand to help Belle up. A few minutes passed before Kassandra appeared in front of the steps to the throne, bowing her head to Aldric in respect. She was dressed in a flowing green dress and a black and gold crown was attached to a silver belt around her waist. A diamond tiara sat nestled in her hair, a massive emerald set as the centerpiece.
"Kagan's crown." Cynder said softly.
Kassandra glanced down at her waist. "Yes, I was in the process of melting it down into a footstool when I got the call from Aldric. Unless you wanted it…" Cynder glared at her and she smiled and looked at the lord of the castle. "Is there was a reason you called, Aldric?"
"Yes, where is Zelena? This includes her."
"She's gone into labor." Kassandra answered. "So you will understand if I want this meeting to go as quickly as possible."
"Of course. We won't keep you long." He nodded to Cora, who stepped forward.
"I want an end to the feud, to the plotting, to the fighting. I don't care if you never speak to each other again, but the very thought of my grandchildren living in a world of hate, a world I grew up in, sickens me. We can't keep going back and forth. So I talked to Miss French here and the two of us have come up with a way to put an end to all of this."
"We want to build an arena." Belle added. "A way for you all to fight and settle your differences once and for all."
Cora walked up to Regina, Mal and Cynder. "You want blood? You can have it." She turned to Kassandra. "Will you fight if we can build it?"
Kassandra smiled. "I'll finance the project myself. I'm sure Zelena will feel the same way. However…"
"No one is fighting until the arena has been built, Zelena has had time to recover and your children are old enough to spend some time away from her." Aldric provided.
Kassandra nodded, an almost sadistic grin taking over her features. "Then so be it." She looked at Mal and Cynder and grinned. "I shall send you the money and gold. Please hire someone other than humans or we'll be dead by the time they finish."
"We do not need a single coin of that tainted hoard." Cynder growled.
"Enough." Aldric commanded. "We will each give a percentage required to build the arena and we will begin construction on the Great Shore in the winter. I'll find builders as soon as possible. I want no more warring until the arena is done. Is that clear?"
"Of course, your lordship." Kassandra quickly teleported away and Cora did the same. Regina could tell that her mate was pleased with this news. The blonde was almost purring and Regina could practically see her mind coming up with all kinds of gloious scenarios in which they beat Kassandra and Zelena into submission.
"Will you be joining us this winter?" Aldric asked.
"It's something we'll need to discuss." Regina answered. "We'll get back to you on that." She turned her head when they heard the soft tap of a staff hitting the floor. Tanana approached the throne, wielding her trident and dipped her head politely to Aldric.
"Forgive my tardiness. It's not as easy as I make it look to teach young dragons."
"Forgiven." Aldric said dismissively. "I just meant to tell you about an arena we're going to build."
"Where? On the Great Shore? Have you forgotten who owns it?" Tanana arched her eyebrows and stared Aldric down before turning her gaze to Regina. "This is all because you detest Kassandra and Zelena? You are going to build an entire arena for that?"
"Yes." Mal answered simply. "You own the Great Shore? All of it?"
"All of it." She turned back to Aldric. "This is idiocy."
Cynder growled and walked around to face Tanana, stepping right into personal space defiantly. Regina arched an eyebrow when Aldric facepalmed himself. "It doesn't matter what you think, Tanana. All that matters is they pay for what they did to my family. Now will you let us build the arena or not?"
"Why should I? You're the one making plans to build on property that's not yours for a stupid cause. You can't even take Kassandra down now. Imagine her in 5 years, when she has learned her power, learned to rule."
"What if we buy it then?" Mal suggested, not really caring about Tanana or her opinion. "Sell us a piece of the Great Shore to build on and we'll give it to you before we leave for the winter."
The water dragoness barely took a moment to consider her offer. "Alright then."
"Name your price." Cynder said.
"1 million gold pieces, 150 emeralds and 200 sapphires. You can have the western peninsula. Have my payment in 2 months." And with that, she made her departure as swiftly as she had come.
"You have that, right?" Regina asked.
"Yes." Cynder scowled. "But I don't want to give that to her. A million…" She trailed off, muttering under her breath about expensive bitches.
"That was stupid of you." Aldric growled. "Have you just forgotten every lesson I ever taught you. What was Rule #1?"
Cynder rolled her eyes. "Don't piss off Tanana." She tossed over her shoulder. "How the hell did she manage to buy the entire Great Shore? That is fucking ridiculous."
"It was needed after dealing with the mess you and Kagan left." Her former mentor stood up, descending the steps of his throne. "You have what you want, now leave me to try and see if I have 200 sapphires. You and Maleficent will pay the gold. Kassandra will pay the emeralds."
"What?!"
"I didn't stutter. Have a good day."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sparks flew across the dirt as the swords clashed in midair. Emma barely noticed the stinging in her arms as she rolled to avoid the blade trying to cleave off her head. She was back on her feet quickly and raised her new sword, laying the blade across her raised arm, tensed and ready.
"Keep your movements fluid. Just like water, flow into your next attack. Don't waste any energy."
Emma looked up at the woman she had found herself sparring with as the days flew by. Trace, was her name. She was a pretty woman with dark hair that fell to her waist and haunting green eyes. She was the same height as Emma and was just as toned from a long life as a champion soldier and mercenary. She bore the scars and experience to prove it. Right now Emma was dressed in a sports bra and spandex getting her ass handed to her. "I got it. Just come here for a second." Trace walked over, sword at the ready.
"What happened? Did I hurt you?" Trace asked.
Emma quickly tackled her and sent them both rolling in the dirt. Trace landed on top, her sword pointed at Emma's throat. Emma punched her hard in the stomach and Trace fired back with a jab to her throat.
"What the fuck is going on here?" Emma coughed and looked up as Lily grabbed Trace and threw her halfway across the sparring arena. "Emma, you alright?"
"Yeah." Emma healed her throat and stood up. She walked over to her sword and picked it up, wiping off any dirt she found. She made her way over to Trace and helped her up. "You okay?"
"Not the first time I've been thrown by a dragon." Trace laughed, dusting herself off and picking up her sword.
"Probably because you're a fucking dragon hunter." Lily suddenly grabbed the woman by the throat and lifted her off her feet, pointing at the dragon tattoo on her shoulder.
"Lily, wait!" Emma hissed.
"Former dragon hunter." Trace replied. "Now if you don't mind…"
"Lily, put her down, please. She's a friend." Emma said. Lily narrowed her eyes before dropping the woman on the ground. Emma rolled her eyes and helped her up again.
"Really, Emma? A dragon hunter? You couldn't have found a better friend than this?" Lily demanded.
"I can be friends with who I want. I never say anything about your little buddies that you play that stupid flying game with all day." Emma snapped.
"What do they have to do with anything?"
"Besides them throwing themselves at you everyday? Look, I have to go get ready. See you tonight, Trace." Trace nodded and picked up her sword. "I'll be ready by sunset." Trace started to speak, but seemed to think better of it. She simply nodded again and left the clearing.
"Where're you going tonight?" Lily asked, following Emma as she started walking back to the temple.
"We're going to watch the water dragon hunt, maybe stay for the feast and then go to a party with the other mercenaries."
"Dragon hunters."
Emma paused and turned around. "Some of them used to be, maybe. Most of them used to work for Kagan. They were practically bodyguards and nothing more. Besides, I met some of them. They're cool."
"Cool? People who used to hunt my kind are cool?"
"They hunted everything! God, it wasn't just your kind. Not everything's about dragons, you know."
Lily growled and stepped forward. "What if I go with you?"
"Not necessary." She teleported straight home, grabbed some toiletries from her and went right into the bathhouse. Cynder's temple had several of them, both private and public. It was basically a large pool, always filled with warm, clean water due to one of the many spells Cynder had placed on her island. The pool was lined with stone, smooth and always kept clean by Cynder's many handmaidens, with fine mosaic floors, marble-covered walls, and decorative statues. Emma sank into the water for a little bit before scrubbing herself clean.
"Hey." Lily sat down at the edge of the pool, crossing her legs. "I'm sorry, I overreacted."
Emma glanced up. "Yep." She ducked under the water to wash the shampoo out of her hair and stood up. Lily got up and held open her towel for her. "Thank you." She dried off and used magic to dry her hair.
"Look, I hate to come off as some kind of jealous, controlling bitch. I've been in relationships like that and I would never wish that on anyone, least of all, you."
Emma frowned. "You have?"
Lily swallowed. "Yeah, but I would rather you never know anything about that. I'll stop playing the flying game, if you want."
"You love that game."
"Oh my God, it's so much fun!" Lily almost yelled, making her smile. "And I am the best player ever. But- but, I'll stop if it makes you comfortable. Anything to make you happy."
Emma smiled and teleported them to the bedroom so she could find something to wear. "I don't want you to stop doing something you love, Lily. I just want to kill all the people you play with because apparently they think you're available and if I have to shoot every single one of them...I will." Lily put a hand on her shoulder and made her sit down on the bed. She watched as her girlfriend walked into the closet and returned with an outfit of black jeans, a gray tanktop and her red jacket.
"Wear this. You'll look sexy."
"You want me to look sexy?" Emma asked, watching her lay out some lingerie as well.
"It doesn't matter what you wear because you'll be sexy either way. But…" Lily took a deep breath. "I trust my girlfriend. And I'm actually glad that you're making friends and branching out and stuff and...I just want you to be happy. But still with me."
Emma smirked and stood up, placing a chaste kiss to her girlfriend's lips. She got dressed and put on some matching boots. "Come with me."
"You don't have to-"
"I want you to, Lily."
"A dragon going to a party with dragon hunters?" She tilted her head. "Sound reasoning."
"Well, isn't your mom famous for crashing parties?"
Lily slowly grinned. "Well, alright then."
An hour later found them walking down to the beach with Trace and Cora, who had been invited to the hunt by Tia. When they arrived, most of the young water dragons were sharpening their weapons. Mostly they were spears and tridents and harpoons. The older warriors were already shifting into dragon form. Emma noticed that almost all of them, even the children had tattoos. Swirling, intricate tattoos covering parts of their bodies, and when they changed into dragons, the tattoos remained. Tia was there was well, proudly carrying her quindent. When she noticed them, she ran right over for a hug.
"You made it, Grandma!" She grinned. She looked at Lily and Emma. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Hello to you too." Lily muttered.
"We start in 10 minutes." Tia said. She held up a necklace to Cora. "This will keep you dry and help you breathe underwater. That's where the best hunting happens. You won't need it until we get to the south sea. You can swim, right?" Cora simply nodded as she put on the necklace.
"We have some spares." Trace looked at Emma. "You guys can ride with us-" A rumble in the earth made them all freeze. Tia started laughing at their expressions of fear. Out of the water a pair of massive paws arose, dragging the magnificent dragon out of the water.
"That's Tanana." Tia supplied. The great dragoness was even bigger than Cynder, maybe even bigger than Aldric. She possessed a streamlined body with beautiful blue scales. She didn't have any wings, just an assortment of elegant serrated fins and a spine that ran the length of her great body and rippled in the light. The greatest of these was her tail. It resembled a shark's and was almost as long as the rest of her body. "Did you know she can kill a whale with one good shot from that thing?" Tia asked. "She's amazing."
"Yeah, and beautiful as fuck. Her scales are like fish scales. That's so cool." Lily said in awe. Emma wasn't even mad at her. She had never thought about a dragon being beautiful, but Tanana did. Her dragon form was so ethereal and feminine looking. Until she opened her mouth and showed off almost 3 rows of razor sharp teeth.
"Why is she looking at me?" Cora whispered. The former heart ripper had indeed caught the dragon's eye. She even shifted back into human form to approach them.
"Tia, who are your friends?" Tanana asked, never taking her eyes off of Cora, who was almost blushing under her curious gaze. "This one in particular."
"That's my grandma, Cora Mills. This is my sister, Lily, her girlfriend, Emma and…" She paused.
"Trace."
"Her."
Tanana glanced at them and nodded respectfully, but immediately turned back to Cora. "Cora. Beautiful name for such a stunning woman. How have we not met before today?"
"I've never been to the Moon Pools." Cora replied. "Or else I surely would have found a reason to return."
"Oh yeah? And that would be?"
"My granddaughter of course." Cora grinned down at Tia and winked. Tanana only smirked.
"You might make me cancel this hunt, Cora Mills."
"She's coming with us." Tia said.
"Even better. It's been so long since I've gotten the chance to show off."
"Show off for me?" Cora arched an eyebrow, looking so much like Regina it was almost scary.
"Indeed." She smirked and turned around. "Into the ships!" She spun again, facing Cora. "You, of course, are with me." She held out her hand and Cora took it, allowing herself to be lead down to the longships sitting on the beach. They all rode with Tanana in the lead ship. The dragons pushed them into the water and they shipped off.
"So…" Emma said, looking at Tanana. "You are clearly some water goddess, why don't you rule with Cynder and Aldric?"
"I do." She smirked. "I rule the oceans, where they cannot reach. Besides, politics is not something I can stand to watch, much less participate in."
"Why did you decide to mentor young dragons?" Lily asked, ruffling her sister's hair.
Tanana turned from where she was watching the horizon and looked at Lily as she answered. "What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of dragons?"
"Um...flying, fire breathing creatures eating knights?"
"Exactly. Rarely do people ever think of water dragons and ice dragons or any other kind of dragon. Just fire. Not all dragons fly. Not all dragons breathe fire. And eating knights- why would you ever do that? Granted, they are very annoying but, eating them? Is that a fire drake thing?" She shuddered. "But anyways, many centuries ago, the Dragon Isles was just a scattered group of islands where dragons were only beginning to nest here. The fire drakes soon arrived, blasting fire and waging war for their own territories. Cynder, Aldric and Kagan were among them. But as my kind did not need to live on land, we took no part in it and honestly, I'm not even sure anyone knew we were there. One day, I was attacked by a group of fire drakes while I was swimming. They dragged me out of the water, nearly burned me alive and dropped me on some rocks when I fought back. I thought I would die then. My life flashed before my eyes. Do you know what I saw?" She looked at Tia, who shook her head, feeding on her words, sinking her teeth into every one. "Nothing. I am one of, if not the most powerful being in these isles. I was nearly killed by a pack of foolish dragons. I had no ties, no family, no roots. The ocean is big and wide and lots of times, it feels empty. I wanted more. I recovered from my injuries, slowly, and I found more of my people. We gathered together and took the Moon Pools, taking over the entire peninsula within a day. Once I showed my strength I wanted to make sure that it was not forgotten by any dragon, human, or any other being out there. I have never found a mate or had any children, but I have taught hundreds of my kind. Many of those you see now, I trained when they were barely little hatchlings."
"You're very strong." Cora commented. "After something like that, one would think you would hate fire drakes."
"Nonsense. I was attacked by a few foolish ones. Why would I hate them all because of the actions of three? I would not condemn all humans because I met one stupid one. That would be a waste on my part."
"So you could like...destroy everyone." Trace said.
Emma elbowed her. "Don't give her any ideas."
Tanana smirked. "I could flood all of these islands. Even the Moors if I really tried. Then everything would belong to my kind." She flashed a scary grin before turning back to watching the water. "But that is far too much work and I am far too lazy. We are nearly there." She waved her hand and all of the boats followed the motion and put on a burst of speed. A few moments later she raised her hand again and Emma was nearly thrown out of the boat when it came to a halt. Lily snickered and she glared at her. Trace handed them necklaces and Tanana lead everyone into the water. Most of the water dragons shifted into dragon form while the others stayed in human form letting their brothers and sisters pull them through the water. One of them allowed Emma and the others to hang on to their fins as they swam. Tanana completely dwarfed the others and Emma noticed that she moved from side to side like a shark would, while the others moved in an undulating up and down pattern. It was fascinating. Then she saw the reef. Covered in colorful corral with vibrantly colored fish swimming through them; some of them the size of her finger and others bigger than she was. Tanana swam right over while the others launched a frenzied attack on the reef. Spears, tridents and nets all flashed across her line of sight. Two of the dragons dragged over their hauls, taking them to the boats and they moved on, quickly swimming in some sort of formation. A few minutes later they reached their real quarry. The sea floor suddenly fell away. In front of them lay open water and this open water was saturated with krill and shrimp. A few large sharks were present but they were quickly taken down by the hunters.
"They're so fast." Trace commented.
"I know." Emma said. "Go Tia!" She yelled, watching the young dragon take down a shark with Saphyra. Again two dragons dragged away their hauls. Tanana dove, disappearing into the dark of the water and the hunters returned to where Emma and the others were waiting.
"What's happening?" She asked.
"It's Tanana's turn." Tia replied. "She wants to show off for Grandma." They waited for quite long time in their hiding spot. Emma was starting to shiver from the cold when they heard a faint clicking sound, followed by the sounds of...whales?
"There are whales here?"
"Yep."
"How big?"
"Very."
Within minutes the creatures came into view. The smallest being as large as a freight train, they came in groups of three, sucking down the krill and shrimp in great gulps, filling the water with their song. It was possibly the coolest thing she had ever witnessed...until Tanana returned, powering her way from the bottom of the ocean's depths. She turned back down, snapping her tail, almost like a whip and smacking the side of one of the whales. The crack that followed was so loud Lily covered her ears. The whale started to sink, its fins twisting uselessly due to its broken back. The other whales started to blow bubbles as they made their escape, clouding their vision. But they had what they came for. Tanana carried the whale back to the ships for them and returned to take them on a small tour of her domain. It was mostly an attempt to impress Cora, who seemed more amused by her more than anything, but definitely interested.
"And now…" Trace grinned. "We party!"
/
As the meat was seasoned and placed over the cooking fires, Cora made her way over to where Tanana was sitting, overlooking the feast below. The beach had been decorated with seashells and streamers, long tables covered in food and alcoholic drinks, glowing lights swinging from the palm trees and there were several people playing instruments and sparring. Some people were even surfing and the younger children were playing in the shallows, under the watchful eyes of their parents. It was a beautiful night for a celebration, but Cora noticed that Tanana seemed distracted.
"Tanana?" She said softly, bowing her head respectfully as she approached, bearing a glass of wine.
"Stop doing that. The bowing. It's not necessary...for you." Tanana accepted the glass and Cora sat down on the small...waterbed? Tanana smirked when the woman slowly got onto it, the fact that it was a waterbed surprising her.
"So...what has you so distracted?" Cora asked after she had gotten settled.
"I was actually thinking about your daughter and her predicament with Kagan's spawn. Usually anything that doesn't concern my people I don't pay much attention to, but your family intrigues me."
Cora scoffed and laid down on her back, causing the bed to jiggle. "Back in our world, Regina and Maleficent were the strongest there. The most feared, most powerful. I don't think they realize that here, they aren't the top dogs anymore."
"Once they get used to this world, I believe the both of them will rise again to power. In due time of course. Both of your daughters are quite intriguing."
"You've met Zelena?"
"Indeed. She and Kassandra came to me for council."
"And your thoughts?" Cora inquired.
"Kassandra is brash and impulsive and far too inexperienced to lead a territory as large as hers. She is insecure, has a chip on her shoulder from constantly being looked over by her father and being compared to Maleficent. She's arrogant and angry, but she is intelligent and a great warrior with the reputation and status to prove it. Your daughter has a bit of the same problem. Very powerful and yet still insecure due to being abandoned in favor of Regina. Zelena took over Oz when she was 18, has been practicing with her magic since the day she was born, has ruled a world for almost 2 decades. The two of them combined will be a force to be reckoned with when they recognize their own strength. Right now, they're most likely using their arrogance as a front, to mask the fact that they are probably feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Once they learn to work together, learn to lead and rule, nothing will stop them. But first of course, they will need to learn and fail and try again."
Cora nodded slowly, conceding that she spoke the truth and she had several valid points. "So are you the real leader of the Dragon Isles? Aldric seems more like a figurehead to me."
"He rules." Tanana replied, putting down her glass. "But it did help to have my support. On the boat, when I told you about the fire drakes arriving here, well, I sorta downplayed it a little bit. Their warring lasted a thousand years. No one was safe. I realized something needed to be done, but I couldn't just help one dragon. No one should have so much power. Not even me. The strongest dragons were chosen by me, and I maneuvered them into power. They formed a council of 8. I would be the 9th when necessary. With them in power, everything was calm for once. Kagan was one of the council-"
"Wait, you put that maniac in the council-"
"Don't interrupt me, Gorgeous." Tanana said. Cora frowned at her, but held her tongue. "Kagan wasn't always the demonic bastard that attacked your family. Once, he was noble and kind and one of the few fire drakes I respected and admired. There is a reason Cynder fell for him after all. But power...has a way of changing people. Less than a decade after the council was created, it had been whittled down to only 3. Kagan had killed or corrupted any others. He had Cynder in his back pocket, and together they tried to kill Aldric. I defended him and Kagan retreated to his home, where he slowly rotted away from madness, commanding Cynder to do his bidding and continuing to terrorize our world. However, once Cynder became pregnant and changed her image, I saw it as an opportunity."
"To kill him?"
"No, his life was not mine to take. You know, lots of dragons have no idea who I am. They have no idea that if I so pleased, I could take away all of their fish, pollute every drop of fresh water, flood every inch of their homes with a wave of my hand. That is fine with me, but sometimes, people need to be reminded of their place and mine. I raised the oceans, conjured great waves and flooded Kagan's island, drowning half of his dragon hunter soldiers. Cynder managed to get away and Kagan ran off. To where, no one knew. He was gone and peace reigned at last. Aldric and Cynder became the sole leaders of the Dragon Isles and she took over his kingdom after the water receded. But he returned out of nowhere to steal her child and nearly kill her. I think you know the rest."
"I do. This world is too much to deal with." Cora sighed, making the dragon laugh heartily.
"Oh my dear, you have only scratched the surface."
"I don't think I want to go any deeper."
Tanana smirked and conjured a black stick in her hand. She held out her other to Cora, who sat up and placed her hand in hers. The water dragon drew a strange mark on the back of her hand. It seemed a trident, except one of the points on it extended into a T. With that, she lead Cora down to the celebration and the newcomer was welcomed with open arms. Some of the children brought her beaded necklaces and bracelets made of colorful rocks and shells. Some of the older dragons brought her and Tanana food and drinks to taste. Tanana made great, beautiful waves for the others to surf on and by the end of the celebration she was surfing as well. It felt strange for Cora, to be among so many welcoming people. The children didn't run from her, the parents didn't glare at her or yank them away. To top it off she could see how happy her granddaughter was.
Tia approached her with an armful of flowers and grinned. "Wow, Grandma, she marked you already?"
Cora glanced down at her arm. "Is that what this means?"
"Yeah. It means you're a special guest." Tia wiggled her eyebrows and handed her one of the flowers. They were large and pink with a white center.
"What are these for?" Cora frowned, trying her best to hold it delicately.
"These," Tanana said, returning to her side as Tia ran off to pass out more flowers. "Are called Sea Blossoms. They are our gift to our prey."
"What do you mean?"
Tanana smiled and took her arm, leading her down to the water where everyone else was gathering and gently placing their flowers on the water's surface. The waves had stopped and the water was silent. "During the winters here, the fish move on and they are our main source of prey. They move early and quickly and will need the strength to make their journey." Tanana explained. "Without them, we would not be as we are today. So we give them these flowers as a thank you gift. Every night for the next month we will cover the ocean with them so the fish may eat and we will do no more hunting until we move down to the Great Shore. Just as they fed us, we will feed them." She nodded to where more of her people had gotten into the boats and were releasing more of the beautiful pink blossoms.
"You were right." Cora said.
"About what?"
"I've never in my life considered the possibility of a water dragon and I never imagined meeting them. I've never met people like you all before."
Tanana grinned. "Not people, Gorgeous. Dragons."
Not too long later the beaches had emptied and the only thing in sight was a sea of pink blossoms. The others had gone, leaving Cora and Tanana as the only ones on the beach. The ancient dragon was staring across the ocean, the water gently lapping at her toes. It gave Cora a moment to fully look at the woman who had taken a sudden interest in her. Tanana was beautiful, as all dragons were. However her beauty was almost otherworldly, ethereal even. She barely looked over 40 and had the body of someone even younger than that. Fit from years of swimming and scarred from years of war. Tattoos were visible under her dress, covering her shoulders and she had some on her legs that appeared to be connected. She possessed long hair that fell in lovely waves down to her waist, so black it looked blue, with a little ribbon of gray threading through it. There were scars on her face, marring her inhuman beauty. A small one was around her eye, another through her eyebrow, and three long ones on the bottom of her cheek that looked like claw marks. Her eyes were the tranquil color of the sea she ruled and controlled. She was powerful and self-assured.
"Are you done?" Tanana asked without turning her head.
"Yes." Cora smirked. "I wanted to ask you a question."
"Sure. That's why you were staring at me. Ask away."
"Why is Tia a water dragon when her parents are fire drakes and her grandparents are fire drakes?"
"Tia is Cynder's granddaughter and her great grandfather was Draco. We like to say he was the first of our kind, but he was just the oldest, just the strongest. His mate was a water dragon. The trait could have passed through the bloodlines."
Cora narrowed her eyes. "Was it you? Is that why you're so invested in Tia?"
Tanana immediately frowned and looked at her. "How old do you think I am?"
"I don't know."
"Well, I'm not that old. Any dragons from that age are long dead. And I am invested in Tia because she is invested in learning. Most of her family may be fire drakes but she is not, and she should learn to be who and what she is. Besides, it is my job to teach my people. It is what I am most proud of."
"You don't have any children at all? Never desired any?"
"None of my own. But one day perhaps…" The dragoness trailed off before nudging Cora with her shoulder. "Would you like to see my castle?"
"Absolutely."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It had been a long night of Running and Ruby was happier than she had been in a while. The other werewolves on the Isles were so welcoming and even offered her a permanent position among their ranks. They were a lot more powerful and unified in this realm, unlike the scattered packs in the Enchanted Forest that were often hunted down or chased away by the humans. They had an entire territory just for them and she guessed that they might've numbered in the hundreds. Although she declined a position, the pack leader assured her she would always be welcome. As she walked up to the temple she noticed her mate was outside, laying in a hammock, looking up at the stars. She changed back into a human and approached. "Hey."
Cynder turned her head and smiled. "Hey."
"You waited for me?"
"Of course. The kids tried to. Poor things couldn't keep their eyes open after spending the day with my Maleficent."
Ruby smiled and climbed into the hammock with her. "I'm glad that they're happy. This place...is amazing. I mean, it has its downsides, but...I really like it."
"I'm glad you do." Cynder sighed contently. "It's good to be home."
Ruby took her mate's hand, looking up at the sky where thousands of stars twinkled in the black canvas above. The night was so perfect. It was a bit chilly, but winter was on its way. "Have you guys decided about staying?"
"As if we would make that decision without your input. We're waiting until Emma and Lilith get back from their party before we discuss it."
"We should stay. Storybrooke is so...small. And everyone we cared about we pretty much brought with us, so why go back?"
Cynder chuckled and kissed her cheeks. "You're not alone anymore. It must feel nice."
"Still doesn't compare to Running with my mate and kids. Nothing will ever compare to being by your side."
"Stop flattering me."
Ruby smirked. "At least you're happy again. This whole arena thing has certainly put you in a better mood."
Cynder didn't reply for a while. When she did, she refused to look at Ruby, keeping her gaze focused on the sky. "Are you going to tell me I should let it go?"
"Everyone is different, Cynder. I know it'll be harder for you let it go. I know a lot of things are harder for you and I don't blame you. I'm not telling you should do anything because I don't really know what I would do if I were you. I haven't lived your life." Ruby answered. "But I don't care anymore. I just want to be happy. I want you to be happy. If whooping some ass makes you happy, then so be it." Cynder snorted. "Come on, smile. Smile, Woman." Cynder smiled and turned to look at her.
"I love you."
"I love you too. Now, stop worrying that pretty little head of yours and tell me where our idiot friends and Belle are."
Cynder laughed. "Will and Keith went to a party too. They're quite the catch with the ladies. Well, they are now, once I gave them some gold to flaunt."
"You dragons are such gold diggers."
"Says the waitress mated to one of the richest dragons ever."
"Touche."
"Belle is with Aldric. They're planning the design and cost of hiring builders for the arena."
Ruby rolled her eyes. "You guys are really gonna sit here and hate each other for 5 years, then fight over something that happened 5 years before?"
"5 years is like nap time for dragons, dear. As you have heard before: dragons live for a very long time and we can hate for a very long time."
"Whatever. When are the kids going to fly?"
"They'll be big enough to fly during the winter. That's when all of the young are taken to the Kick Off."
"What's that?" Ruby frowned.
"A small cliff that we kick the children off so they can learn to fly."
"Oh my gods...that sounds like so much fun!"
Cynder burst out laughing at her excitement and kissed her lips. "You know, I never got to kick my Maleficent off. I might do it just for fun."
"We should do it. I'll distract her and you come up from behind her. I know she already knows how to fly but we should do it anyway. Make a mental note, don't let me forget it."
"Done." Cynder cuddled up close to her.
They wouldn't have their discussion that night since Emma and Lily came home pretty drunk and Cora hadn't come home at all. The next morning saw most of the family take a trip to the Moors.
"Come on, pups, move those little paws of yours." Ruby called, pausing at the small cliff to look back at the pups scrambling to keep up. Cynder, Henry and Tia followed, making sure none of them fell. She thought a little mountain climbing was the perfect thing for a little bonding activity.
"Bet I reach the top before you do!" Luke yelled, picking up speed to hop over a rock in the path. He landed right on top and waved his back legs and tails, trying to make it over. Draco and Ember raced towards him.
"Me first! Me first!" Ember nearly made it but Draco grabbed her tail after he got stuck just like Luke.
"Why do you get to go first?"
"Because I'm a lady, that's why."
"You're not a lady. You're nothing but a sister." Draco yanked on her tail and Ruby fought off a snicker at their bickering.
"Children, calm yourselves." Cynder picked up the boys and placed them down on the right side of the rock. Ember scrambled down by herself and licked her tongue at her brothers.
"Bet I make it to Mama before you." Luke took off running to Ruby with his brother and sister hot on his trail. The three of them crashed into her legs, starting to bicker again about who won.
"Not everything is a competition, guys." She said.
"She's right." Draco nodded. "There is no competition because I am the best!"
"You wish!" Luke growled, tackling him. Ember rolled her eyes and sauntered off back to Cynder's side.
"Break it up, you two. Do you want to reach the top before dark?" Ruby asked. The rock suddenly rumbled and Ruby froze. "Run to your mom, guys. Hurry." They both took off, scrambling back down the mountain, kicking up dirt and rocks. Ruby bounded after them, the rocks giving way beneath her paws only moments later. She landed almost on top of Cynder, who barely registered the rockslide and kept going. "Thanks, babe, I didn't almost die or anything."
"I heard that slide from a mile away." Cynder replied.
"Well thank you for telling me." Ruby called back. Tia and Henry snickered as they walked past her and she leaped over them, bounding after her children. This was the life.
An hour later they had reached the summit. "Wow!" Ember whispered. "You can see everything from up here."
"I see the temple." Draco reached out his paw to point and Ruby nuzzled the top of his head, moving him away from the edge.
"We should have a race back." Henry suggested.
"Yeah! Let's do it, Mommy." Ember changed into a dragon and spread her wings. Ruby stepped on her tail before she could try to jump off.
"What have I told you about flying?" She asked.
"Wait until we're older." Ember huffed.
"Besides, guys, we're going to win. We have the best set of wings in the Dragon Isles." She turned to Cynder, whose tail was starting to wag. She, Tia and Henry changed to their dragon forms and Ruby and the kids climbed onto Cynder's back. She made sure they had their claws buried as deeply as possible into her spikes and horns, making sure they wouldn't fly off. Then Cynder let herself free fall off the cliff, catching the wind with ease. Henry and Tia were smaller and more agile, but even one of Cynder's wings were bigger than the both of them combined. It was an easy win.
/
"Finally you guys get here. Took you long enough." Maleficent said as Ruby and Cynder walked into the living room.
"We did not realize you were waiting." Cynder replied, taking a seat. Ruby sat on the arm of the chair. Cora had returned and Emma and Lily were sober, although nursing some hangovers. Henry and Tia walked in, along with the flood of children. Will, Keith and Belle arrived a few minutes later, as did Diaval.
"Alright, that should be everyone." Mal said.
"This won't take long." Regina assured them. "Now, clearly everyone is having a good time here, but in a couple short months, everyone will be gone. They'll be moving down to the Great Shore in the south for the winter. It was never our intention to stay here, but if you all want to, then we will."
"Of course we could always go back to Storybrooke. What with the scales Tia procured, we can go anywhere we want." Mal added. "We just want to make sure everyone is okay and comfortable."
"Certainly. The beautiful dragon women make life very comfortable." Will replied, making her glare at him. She looked at her mother.
"You need new friends."
Cynder smirked. "I like him."
"The winters last 5 years here." Regina reminded them.
"I want to stay." Tia said.
"Me too." Henry added.
One by one, they all voted to stay. Even the six little dragonlings hopping around on the floor. "You guys might need to bulk up." Keith commented. "Since you have to fly for 10 days over open ocean."
"We have ways around that, darling." Cynder smiled, tickling his chin. "Don't you worry your pretty, little head about it. Ruby, come."
"Yes, ma'am." Ruby quickly rose to her feet, stopping to nuzzle and kiss her kids and sent them off to attack Lily, before following her mate into the master bedroom.
"Clothes. Off." Cynder commanded. "I only have you for a couple months before I have to spend 10 whole days not having sex with you. I might lose my mind."
Ruby scoffed as she got undressed before shrugging. "You know, I completely understand, I am pretty amazing."
Suddenly, horns started sounding from far off, growing closer and increasing in frequency. Cynder ignored them until she heard the third bell toll. "This will have to wait." Cynder sighed, putting her clothes back on.
"Why? What is it? What do the horns mean?"
"Human uprising."
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