Trigger Warning: Violence...

Emma paces incessantly in the dirt as Hook scrutinizes Midas's golden castle in the distance.."Somethings wrong, we should have heard from her by now."

"Aye and it doesn't help not having the invites, but fear not.." He collapses his spy glass and returns the trinket to his pocket.."Its a predictable excess of pomp and grandeur, so Snow should have no trouble sneaking inside Midas's castle."

"Maybe we should ask Rumple if he can find Morrigan using his crystal ball or something. She wouldn't just leave us here unless something went wrong in town."

"Will you relax love, shes a big girl, I'm sure shes fine."

Emma stares at the mans uneasy eyes and her panic only increases, we cant leave without her and we cant get into Midas's castle without the invites.."Well what about us? We have to get into that castle, we cant just sit here and hope Snow succeeds. I don't like leaving things to chance.."

There's a high pitch giggling and they spin to see the scaly grinning dark one suddenly stood in the clearing with them.."I feel exactly the same way, which is why I never do.." He flicks his wrist and two silver plaques suddenly appear in his hand.."See, invitations to the ball."

Hook frowns.."Wait, didn't you send Morrigan to get these?"

"Where is she? Back at your castle?" Rumple grins at an alleviated Emma.

"I'm afraid not."

"Then where?"

"She had a run in with her..future lover." He giggles.

Son of a bitch!..Emma scowls.."You could have gotten those invites at any time but you sent Morrigan right to the Queen didn't you?!"

"Your friend is reliving old memories, but don't worry, I'll make sure to cut the Queens fun short as soon as your witch has learnt her lesson."

"What bloody lesson?!" Hook snarls.

"No one attacks the dark one and gets away with it! I should have burnt her at the stake but I found this method far more..intimate." Rumple giggles again and Emma launches forward but is quickly caught by Hooks firm hand.

"No love, first we sort your parents then we rescue Morrigan."

Emma relents, taking a step back from the grinning imp.."So when we're done inside and we've retrieved Morrigan then you can open a portal?"

"There's a powerful wand which I came to posses, legend says it can recreate any magic that's ever been wielded. Now with a little work, I can use it to recreate the portal that brought you here." A scaly hand extends the silver invitations to the couple and Hook hesitantly takes them.

"Well do it quickly, we'll be in and out before you know it. I wanna get the hell out of here."

"Ooh confidence, I like it.."

With a determined gleam the couple whirl.

"Wait!" They turn back to the scaly man curiously.."Not like that.."

With a wave of Rumples hand, the pair are encompassed by red smoke. When it fades, Emma wears an elegant bright red dress, her hair up in a regal do and makeup styled simply with bright red lips. Hook glances down at his attire, a long brown coat with fine silk shirt and trousers hug his frame.."The savior cant come this far and not play princess for a day."

"But..I'm not supposed to stick out. What if someone remembers me in the future?"

"Because what you had before was such and intricate disguise, Speaking of which I've returned those stolen rags luckily before they were missed. I mean its a miracle the timeline hasn't imploded already, amateurs..Allow me.."Rumple extends his hands and a black mirror reflects the couple.."A glamour spell, this is how you will appear to one and all."

"Like Morrigan?"

"Yes, now run along and do everything you can to make sure Snow White gets that ring. Once they're back on track, everything else will be too." With a swirl of red smoke, the dark one is gone.

Emma glances at the pirate sheepish.."So I guess we go to the ball."

"Aye Swan, and may I say you cut quite the figure in that dress."

She blushes slightly but luckily the darkness hides her fluster.."We have to hurry, then we need to somehow get into the dark palace and rescue Morrigan."

"Leave that part to me, but first lets make sure your parents fall in love." With a weak nod, the pirate extends his arm and escorts the smiling princess towards the golden castle in the distance..

Several Hours Later:

Morrigan gasps, bolting upright and cries out at the sudden pain taring across her back.

"Lie still foolish girl or you'll make your injuries worse!"

Morrigans pushed back to the bed and groans when her torn skin hits soft silk sheets, where?..Memories flood back as she stares up at the aggravated Evil Queen looking down on her.."What the hell? Did..Did you cast a sleeping spell on me?!"

The Queen raises a sculpted eyebrow and Morrigan scowls.."God damn it! So I take it you've already been to Midas's ball?!" Green eyes flicker outside the balcony doors and into the dark nights sky. Her focus soon darts around the Queens bedchambers and she frowns curiously, why did she bring me here?..

"I have."

The Queen rises from the bed, throwing an angry fireball at the charred fireplace and Morrigan flinches, somethings wrong, shes been pissed ever since I opened my eyes.."And?"

"And what?!"

Dark eyes dart to Morrigan. She represses a shiver and slowly slides to the edge of the bed.."What happened to make you so angry?"

"I'm not angry!"

"Really? Come on your majesty, I know somethings bothering you. I was never there for you to confide in all those years ago but at least let me try now.." The royal stares skeptically as Morrigan advances.."It'll be just between us girls.." Grinning, she waves her hand and a glass of apple cider appears in her palm. She extends the alcohol to the skeptical Queen and smiles when slim fingers wrap around the crystal. She summons herself one and takes a sip, its not poisoned Regina.."You'll like it, you made it." Her smile grows when brown eyes widen slightly.

After a beat, Morrigan watches red lips take a sip and she gently grasps the royals arm, escorting her to the two plush chairs in front of the fire. With and amused grin, the Queen slips into her chair and watches Morrigan hover by the flames.."Maybe you are telling the truth."

"Maybe, but your not fully convinced, and that's what I admire about you."

"Admire?"

"I'm too..sympathetic for my own good sometimes. Like now, I should be at home with my daughter, but instead I got sucked into a portal trying to save the..the moron who fell threw first."..Don't mention the savior, I think that's too much information for her..

"Daughter? You have a child?"

Morrigan glances at soft brown eyes and smiles warmly.."Yes and..and you have a son." She watches brown eyes suddenly darken.

"Liar. I know for a fact that's not true!"

"Listen.."

"No! I've had quite enough of your tales! Leave!"

"Regina.."

"GET OUT!"

Morrigan recoils, staring into fierce and vulnerable eyes, I cant leave without her drinking the memory potion first..damn it..With a sigh, Morrigan raises a hand and disappears in a swirl of burgundy smoke..

Half an hour later, Morrigan strolls amongst the hedges, dusting off the last of her apple cider and sends the glass away in a puff of burgundy smoke, I need to sort this tonight, things are really starting to get too complex..She stares at the young apple tree in the distance and sighs, I want to go home, I'm so tired of this happening to me. I just want to be with my family, with my Regina and not have to deal with villains, portals or fucking vengeful citizens all the time..A shadow suddenly catches her eye and her focus darts to movement heading towards the palace dungeons, who the hell?..Stealthily she pushes herself into the darkness and follows.

The sound of swords and growling echo further ahead and Morrigan presses further against the stone walls with a shallow grunt, keep forgetting about my back..

"I'm glad shes on our side."

"Shes a fearsome one.."

Hook? Charming? I cant let David see me or risk messing up the timeline even more..Quickly she waves a hand and a black hooded cloak and balaclava shield her face from view.

"Better hurry, when he wakes they'll be onto us."

"Wait someone's coming."

Ruby? Fuck, has she smelt me? No use hiding then..Morrigan hears the sound of a sword being drawn and steps out with her hands raised peacefully. Green eyes lock onto the small group and she frowns at their backs facing her, what the hell?..

"Swan?"

"Hook."

"What the hell are you doing? Your depriving me of a dashing rescue."

"Rescue? I'm touched." The group whirl towards Morrigan with Ruby and Charming charging forward.

Hook quickly grabs the princes shoulder.."Wait! Morrigan?"

"The very same."

Emma frowns.."We thought you were captured."

"I was..am, look its complicated alright."

"Who is this?" Charming edges forward, his sword twitching at his side.

"A friend, come on lets get out of here."

"Wait, who's this?" Morrigan looks from Emma and stares at a timid woman in rags lingering behind the shifty blond.

"I'll explain later, first we need to find out who this belongs to." Emma pries the emerald ring from her finger and Charming eagerly takes the trinket.

"I think it belongs to me."

"You guys have a way out of here?"

Ruby steps forward.."Follow me, Snow told me where to meet her."

The small group quickly head down the tunnel, the unknown woman by Emma's side squeezing the blonds arm and quickly following Ruby.."Thanks Leia." The woman runs after the heroes and Morrigan frowns.

"What the hell have you done Swan?!"

"She was supposed to be executed in the morning, I couldn't just leave her to die."

Hook sighs.."Actually if shes to die she pretty much has too.."

Charming quickly rushes over.."I hate to break up the reunion but we have to keep moving, we have to find Snow White."

"Emma wait..I'm not going with you." Weary green eyes avoid the confused savior.

"What? Why not?"

Morrigan grimaces.."I screwed up big time, the Queen saw my face, she knows where we come from."

"How the hell did that happen?!"

Morrigan shifts under the blonds furious eyes but Hook lays a gentle hand on the saviors shoulder.."I doesn't matter."

Emma stares between the pair and suddenly notices her friends hidden body and the way the woman holds herself at an angle, something really bad happened didn't it..

"I can fix it but you have to give me more time."

"Can you complete your task by morning?"

"Maybe, give me until noon tomorrow, if I don't succeed then we may need to ask Rumple for one last favor."

Hook grits his teeth.."I doubt the crocodile will be so merciful, he is after all responsible for your imprisonment."

Morrigan frowns deeply.."What are you talking about?"

"It was gold, he sent you to the village wanting you to get captured." Emma answers bitterly.

"What the fuck! Why?!"

"He was pissed at you for attacking him."

Morrigan growls.."The slimy fuck! I'm gonna do some serious ass whopping when I get back to Storybrooke!"

"Guys come on, we haven't got time!" Charming urges and Morrigan begins to back away towards the palace gardens.

"Go, I'll meet you at Rumples castle as soon as I can."

"Be careful love."

She smirks.."Careful? I'm volunteering to stick my head in the lions mouth, there's nothing careful about this.." Hook grins, patting her on the back but she hisses painfully, quickly stepping away from the concerned man.

"Sorry love, I didn't mean.."

"I'll see you tomorrow." And without a second glance, Morrigan disappears around the corner and heads back to the gardens..

They quietly stalk the dark marble corridors, careful to avoid black knights at every turn.

"Where is she?" Emma whispers urgently as Hook quickly darts over to a large glass window overlooking the courtyard and he pales.

"What is it? Did you find her?"

"I'm afraid so."

Emma startles, almost clinging to the barrier between her and the crowd of guards below. She watches as Snow White is marched towards a wooden stake in the center of the courtyard.."We have to get down there before its too late!"

"I don't think we can." Charming says grimly.

Hidden by the training dummies in the courtyard, a figure lurks in the shadows, green eyes focused on the bound princess as she plants her feet.

A sack is pulled over Snows head and Emma collapses into Hooks side.."No.."

They all watch horrified as a fireball is sent tumbling towards the white princess and a blazing bonfire towers into the darkness. A scream echos around the courtyard, an evil grin plastered on the Queens face as Emma is cradled within the pirates arms.

Morrigan waves her arm and a subtle hint of burgundy smoke wisps from the blazing inferno. She sighs, sliding back into the shadows and disappears into the darkness.

"Swan come on..We have to move." Distraught, the blond is tugged away and led from the pristine marble halls..

The subtle sound of clicking draws near and Morrigan walks onto the balcony, her hands grasping the cold steel of the rails, she needs to drink the potion so I can go home, things are getting worse every second I'm here..The clicking is audible and she steels herself, this is going to get messy..There's a cheerful chuckle as heels click into the room and she listens to the sound of the decanter clatter against crystal. Green eyes continue to stare into the darkness blanketing the enchanted forest and her hold on the metal increases.."You've certainly cheered up."

The clatter pauses.

"I thought you would have reclaimed your freedom. You do understand I released you."

"Yeah but I still need you to drink the potion." The clicking of heels approaches and Morrigan turns to stare at the smirking Queen.

"There's no need, I finally got my revenge so I don't have to put my plans into motion for your younger self."

The Queen slides towards her, a predatory eye raking up and down her body and she sighs, slipping passed the woman.."Think your majesty, your smart, why am I still here?" She pauses next to the vanity as the royal slips back into the room.

"Because you need me to drink a forgetting potion which is no longer needed."

Morrigan shakes her head.."Ask yourself how I'm still here?"

The Queens features slowly twist into a confused frown.

"What were you just doing?"

"Getting my revenge."

"Were you?"

Silence...

Morrigan can see the gears working in the Queens mind and braces herself, here we go..Suddenly shes sent sailing across the room, her back smashing into the wall and a scream echoing around them. Her limbs are pinned to stone, an invisible grip squeezing her throat harshly as the furious Queen advances.

"What did you do?!"

"Made sure..you're happy.." The grip around her throat tightens, cutting off air and she squirms, her face turning a deep shade of red.

"HAPPY?! Snow Whites death makes me happy! Now where is she?! Where have you hidden that murdering brat?!"

Morrigans vision blurs, darkness creeping in from all sides as the seething woman ignites a fireball in her palm, well at least I restored the timeline. Rumple will make the Queen forget, he wont leave her memories in tact..

"ANSWER ME!"

"Lo..ve..you..Gina.." Morrigans world fades, her eyes sliding shut and limbs giving up their struggle.

Silence...

An angry screech has her body plummeting to the marble floor, her back screaming in protest and bloodshot green eyes snapping open. She coughs hysterically, spluttering for air and trying to soothe her scathed throat, I'm like a fucking cat around this woman. How many lives have I got left now?..The clicking of harsh heels pace towards her and she shrieks when a rough hand grabs her short hair and drags her to her knees.

"You will tell me where you've hidden her, the future be damned!"

"And what about us?" Morrigans raspy voice crackles as she runs a gentle hand over her bruised trachea.

"Us?! As far as I'm concerned there is no us, there's only you and so help me if I have to attach the collar for you to tell me where she is, I'll do it gladly, and then kill you!"

"Then do it! Kill me!" The royal falters as Morrigan quickly staggers to her feet and invades the woman's personal space with gritted teeth.."Just do it! Make my child an orphan again! Make my beloved morn my loss for the second time! Oh hold on, none of that will happen because what we have, us, will disappear and you'll be alone with your darkness again! And if you delude yourself into going after the younger me just to fill that whole in your heart, don't expect her to love you because she won't!"

"But you.."

"Shes not me! And she never will be if you don't drink that potion and forget! Its shit I know, the things you'll have to go through, the things I will but in the end..in the end it was all worth it. My Regina is my life, and if I ever get home I'll let her slap me for being such an idiot and leaving." The hand in her hair slowly drops before the Queen takes a step forward and closes the gap to mere inches. Sparkling brown eyes stare intently as Morrigan gently laces their fingers together.

"But why cant I have this now?"

"Because fate is cruel beloved and it loves to test us. The only thing you need to know is you get your happy ending eventually." Morrigan closes the distance and steals a soft gentle kiss from red lips before resting their foreheads together.

"She's lucky." The Queen whispers.

"We both are."

Red lips steal several kisses, hands cupping the back of ebony hair and bodies pressing together.."Stay."

"I cant.." Hurt brown eyes pull back and Morrigan quickly cups the woman's cheeks.."The longer I stay, the more difficult it'll be for me to leave."

"..Please.."

The exposed whisper has Morrigans heart clenching painfully, damn it..She sighs, eyes sliding to the woman's vanity.."Make the potion for you and your guards, and I'll stay tonight."

They stare at each other a moment before the royal concedes and nods weakly. With a wave, a large box of ingredients appears on the vanity and the Queen reluctantly slides from her touch. Green eyes watch vials and liquids being spliced together and before long, half a dozen small glass bottles align the vanity. She smiles weakly as brown eyes stare at her threw the mirrors reflection.."Would her majesty care for a drink?"

The royal slides from her chair and hooks their arms together.."Do our future selves drink as often?"

Morrigan chuckles.."Not so much anymore, but then again it depends on what kind of night we're planning."

The Queen raises a seductive eyebrow, pulling Morrigan towards the exit.."So you get me drunk enough to indulge?"

"Its the other way around actually. Half of the time I don't even know we're about to..indulge." A wicked grin slides onto red lips and Morrigan shudders.

"It seems as though my future self is rather possessive."

Morrigan laughs.."Gods you have no idea..well I suppose you will later."

With a chuckle, the Queen escorts her future lover out of the chamber and into the darkened halls...

The Next Morning:

The subtle movement on Morrigans chest has green eyes flickering open. She glances down, smiling warmly at the mass of raven hair sprawled over her vest and for a brief moment, she forgets that shes far away from her real life, from her family, I have to go but I know exactly whats going to happen..She sighs, it seems all the Queen wanted was someone to hold her, I'm pissed I never did this back in the day, maybe our lives would have turned out differently if I did..She waves her hand at the vanity and a tray with tea with porcelain cups appear, I hate to do it but I have no choice..The woman in her arms stirs, brown eyes sliding open and the royal stiffens. Suddenly the Queens bolting upright, scrutinizing the room and refocusing on soft green eyes observing from below.

"It wasn't a dream, I'm still here." She seems to read the woman's thoughts and smiles when raven hair gently settles back onto her chest.

Silence...

They both lay on silk sheets, Morrigans thumb rubbing soothing circles on the royals arm and cheek resting against her crown.

"...Stay."

I bloody knew it..Morrigan sighs.."I cant, you know I cant."

Emotional brown eyes refocus.."But I found a way, if you stay until I find your younger self then we could.."

"Regina stop. We cant, my Regina taught me enough about magic to know what your asking cant be done, no matter how much you want it." The downhearted Queen slides from her arms and rises from the bed. With a wince, Morrigan follows, damn I need to get my back sorted. I've never been so desperate for Regina to take me to a hospital..She carefully smooths her hands up and down the royals arms.."I'm sorry." The Queen quickly pulls from her touch.

"If you truly loved me you wouldn't let me fall into darkness!"

"You don't know how much I regret not coming back for you, I blame myself everyday when people slander you in the street or give you a foul look. I'm sorry I couldn't save you one last time."

"Then save me now!"

"Please don't do this, I cant.." Morrigan quickly paces away from glassy brown eyes and runs a irritated hand through her short locks, I cant stay..I wont abandon the life I created in the future.."Everything I've told you is the truth Regina. For you to get your happiness, for us both to, you have to wait a little longer."

"I'm done waiting!"

Time for plan B.."If you agree to drink the potion and forget, I'll stay with you until tonight." Morrigan turns to angry brown eyes.

"So now your trying to pity me!"

"I'm trying to give you peace.."

Silence...

"You gave me your word Regina."

"I did no such thing!"

"Then don't do it for me, do it for your son, for my daughter and for our family."

The Queen stares, her walls crumbling before she sucks in a sharp breath.."Stay until tonight?"

"Then you forget.." There's a pause and Morrigan can see the Queens hesitance when the woman nods, she'll go back on her word I just know it. The one thing the Evil Queen and my Regina have in common, its their incapability to give up what they love..

"Okay then, we have the whole day to ourselves, what would her majesty like to do?" Morrigan grins at the weak smile crossing red lips.."Well while your thinking about it, how about some tea. I don't know about you but my mouths as dry as a desert after that whiskey last night." She smirks, hobbling over to the sliver tray and pours two cups, subtly she waves her hand over the right tea and drops a spoon full of sugar in before stirring, I'm sorry beloved..

"You know how I take my tea?" The Queen glides in next to Morrigan, staring curiously as a cup is presented to her.

"True love remember, one sugar, not a ladle but I take two because, you know, I'm sweeter than you."

A sculpted eyebrow cocks as an amused grin slides onto red lips.."With that line your sickly so."

Morrigan smiles weakly, watching as red lips take a sip of the hot brew, I'm sorry..The royals brows knit together as she sways a little. Suddenly wide brown eyes quickly dart to Morrigans grim expression as the porcelain cup crashes to the marble floor and her hand grips the vanity.

"What have you.."

Morrigan quickly catches the Queen and guides her over to the bed. The royal hits the silk sheets and stares. Morrigan can see betrayal, hurt and anger swelling in drooping brown eyes as a tear gently rolls down the royals cheek.."I'm sorry beloved, we'll see each other again I promise." The woman's eyes finally slide shut and Morrigan gently pushes a strand of raven hair from her lovers face, Just as you do me, I love every part of you Regina..

After righting the Queen in bed and pulling the silk sheets over the woman's half naked body, Morrigan quickly rids the vanity of the tea and cleans up the porcelain mess from the floor, done, but how the hell do I get the guards to drink the potion?..She paces, ideas flying through her head before she clicks her fingers. Burgundy smoke surrounds her and when it clears, shes stood in black guards armour.."Time to tie up loose ends." She quickly snatches up the vials from the Queens vanity and with one last glance at the sleeping beauty in bed, she disappears through the chamber doors..