Lots of Regina and the Enchanted Forest since the last one had more of New York.

Chapter 38: A Painful Year

New York

Emma headed back to her apartment. She was glad this stalker was locked away in prison. She felt much safer now and could finally relax. Emma unlocked the door and walked inside. She stepped on a white envelope that wasn't there when she left in the morning. When she opened it, she found pictures of her and Henry and a few of Ally in a town called Storybrooke. She was utterly confused. Neither her or her kids had ever been to this place.

She looked at the pictures three times, looking for any sign of photo shopping but saw none. She became very suspicious and had a feeling she was only going to get answers from her stalker. She pulled the door closed and exited the building then headed down to the police station to bail this guy out. She needed answers.

She was pacing the sidewalk when the dark haired man emerged from the building. He smirked when he saw her. "Swan." He walked down the stairs and headed towards her. "I knew you wouldn't let me rot in there. It was barbaric!"

Emma ignored him and pulled out the photos. "What the hell are these? We never lived here or did any of this."

"So you believe me?" Hook arched his eyebrows.

"For all I know you could've faked them." Emma shot back.

"If you think I forged them why did you get me outta there?" He questioned but didn't give her a chance to respond. "because as much as you deny it you know something's wrong and that I'm right."

Emma shook her head. "It's not possible. How could I forget all of this? My kids don't remember either. This is ridiculous."

Hook pulled out the purple bottle. "If you drink this, I promise you will remember once again."

Emma took a deep breath. "If all of this is true, then I would have to give up my life here. My family would have to give up their lives." She wasn't ready to do that, just up and leave.

"But it's all based on lies." He countered.

"It's real, and it's pretty good. I have Henry, Ally and a guy I love."

Hook looked a little hurt. "Regardless, if you want to find the truth, drink up. Trust your gut, Swan. It will tell you what to do."

"Henry always says that." She was shocked to hear the same thing come out of this stranger's mouth.

"If you won't listen to me, then trust your boy."

Emma looked unsure. This could end very badly but she took the bottle anyway. She downed it quickly, wanting to get it over and done with. It hit her fast, all the memories of her time in Storybrooke filled her head. It was overwhelming, causing her to stumble back a bit. She looked back at the dark haired man. "Hook."

He shot her a toothy smile. "Did ya miss me?"

Enchanted Forest - a few weeks after the curse

Regina's encounter with the witch was a rather surprising one. The new revelation of a half-sister was a lot for Regina to take in. It was another deception from her mother, something she wasn't expecting but should have. An eternal sleep had been an option, one she was willing and wanting to do. Life wasn't worth living without her children. But the witch had other ideas. It didn't take long for the rush of joy to fill Regina's soul when she realized she had someone to destroy. It took some of the void left behind from losing her children.

She had a castle full of people, people that expected protection from her. No, they didn't trust her. In fact, they were questioning Snow White and David's decision to keep Regina around. It was her the Witch wanted to destroy, not them. Why was she still here? It was a question many, including Regina, asked themselves. She didn't want the responsibility of protecting everyone. She also didn't want more people to suffer by her hands.

It didn't make it easier when Snow wanted to have a small council meeting, which included many of the people she couldn't stand. The outlaw for one. Why is he even here? She listened as everyone shouted out ideas around the table, rolling her eyes at how stupid they all sounded. She didn't participate, knowing her plans would get shot down before she even finished explaining. These people didn't trust her, they had no reason too, not after everything she had done. It was too much to ask for, their forgiveness, but did she really want it? She wasn't sorry for the things she had done and she wasn't going to apologize.

She retreated to her room to seek solitude. It was the only place she didn't have to keep up her façade. It was getting harder and harder as the days went on to keep her mask intact. The heartache of her children grew stronger but so did her hatred for her sister. She didn't want people to see her break down. A Queen needed to be strong, put together, confident, something she only appeared to be.

A knock came on the door but she had no desire for visitors. She remained silent as she stared at her reflection. She noticed the circles under her eyes and her lack lusting appearance. Everything began to take a toll on her. Most days she felt like giving up but knowing that her kids would want her to fight gave her just enough strength to make it through another day, only for it to start all over the next.

The knock was persistent, relentlessly pounding on her chamber doors. "Regina." It was Snow. Regina closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to keep her patience. "Come in."

Snow cautiously stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. "Robin and his Merry Men came back from the woods. He's going to brief us on their findings. We need you there, Regina."

"Why?" There wasn't the usual venom in her voice, but an honest question. Why did they want her there? She knew they needed her magic but she also knew if they could find someone else, anyone else to replace her, they would.

Snow took a moment, not to think of her response for she already knew the answer, but to look at Regina, really look at her. She noticed how tired and worn out the older woman was. It wasn't like her to let anyone see her this way, but Regina was done with hiding. Done with caring. She was just done.

"Regina, this just isn't your fight. It's ours as well." She took a step closer. "She may be after you but she won't have a problem taking anyone else down to get to you. We have to protect them, they are our people-"

"They're your people, Snow. They were always yours." Regina walked outside on her balcony. Snow was slow to follow. She stayed slightly behind the Queen. "It's your Kingdom, not mine. It never was, not really." Regina looked out at the wide Kingdom she once ruled with an iron fist. "I didn't want this, to rule, to be Queen, to be any of it." Snow wasn't sure if Regina was telling her this or talking to herself, either way she wasn't going to interrupt. "No one's safe here, not while I'm around. I should leave, go to some other Kingdom where no one else will get hurt because of me."

Snow took two steps forward to be by her side. Regina didn't make eye contact with her, but Snow didn't care. "I promised Allison I would take care of you. She knew how hard this would be for you and wanted to ensure that you would be cared for." Regina looked down at her hands, desperately trying to hold back her tears. "I was going to do it regardless, but Allison's plea made me even more determined to look after you. She would want you to fight. Henry would want you to fight. What would they say if they saw you like this?''

Her head remained down. "I don't have to worry about that because they never will."

Snow covered Regina's hand with her own causing Regina to finally look at her. "You know, deep down, you know giving up is not an option. We have talked with everyone in the castle, convincing them to put their faith in you, just like I have. Don't throw it away now, not when you have a Kingdom full of people backing you up."

Regina searched her eyes knowing she meant every word. She was awed by this woman, the same woman she tried to kill multiple times was now, as she had always been, defending her and rallying an entire Kingdom to back her up. It amazed Regina, and made her sick to her stomach, that Snow could be that forgiving, that optimistic.

"Let the Evil Queen come out and play…" Snow smiled. "You know she wants too." Regina's laugh rang through Snow's ears. She hadn't heard that in quite some time, something she truly missed. "You better watch what you wish for, dear. You may just get it."

Regina removed her hand and began walking back into her room. "Regina." Snow called causing her to turn back around. "Hm?"

Snow walked over to her. "Just to be clear, you're not evil. I only said that to get you back in the game." She studied Regina's face, which looked more determined than ever. "Looks like it worked." Snow walked out with a victory smile on her face, Regina followed with a sly grin on hers.

New York

It was a lot for Emma to take in. She took a day to think about everything, considering all of her options. She could just stay in New York, where life was good or she could go back to Storybrooke where she was needed. She couldn't just abandon her family but she didn't want to uproot the kids from their normal lives.

Walsh turned out to be a poser, a real ape. She couldn't believe her relationship for 8 months had been a complete joke, another lie. He proposed to her, something she was really considering accepting before he showed his true colors.

Hook had no idea who was behind all of this which didn't give her much to go on. She did need a break though, and a trip to Storybrooke would be a perfect distraction.

She was in the middle of making breakfast when Ally came out from her room. "Mom, do you know where my jeans are? I can't seem to find any of them and I want to wear them tonight."

Everytime Ally called her 'Mom' she cringed. It was weird now that she remembered everything but she couldn't say anything. "Sit down, kid. Have some breakfast."

Ally rolled her eyes but sat down next to Henry when Emma placed a plate of food on the table. "Do you guys believe in magic?" She tried to make it sound as casual a question as possible.

Ally shrugged her shoulders but Henry was quick to reply. "Of course!" Emma couldn't help but smile. "And the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause." Emma turned back around as she shook her head. She knew it was too good to be true, for him to believe. "If it gets me a present, I believe."

Ally nudged him. ""You're not sure you made the right decision, are you? About Walsh?"

Emma chuckled to herself. "Oh, I made the right decision. It's gonna be just us three for a little while."

"As long as you're happy." Henry said before shoveling a pile of food into his mouth.

Ally looked at the time and tapped Henry on the arm. "Thanks for breakfast mom but we gonna run or we'll be late for school." They both hopped down from their stools and headed over to their schoolbags. "Yea, you kinda overslept." Henry added.

"No. No school today." Ally and Henry looked confused. "How about we go on a trip?"

"Like a vacation?" Henry questioned.

"Like I have a new case. It's in Maine and it might take me a while and I think we should go. It would be an adventure." She was trying to make it appeasing.

"No school? I'm in." Henry replied.

Ally was unsure. "How long are we talking because I have a ton of dances coming up and Kevin and I were planning on going to the pep rally next weekend."

Emma forgot about that complication. Of course Ally wouldn't want to leave her boyfriend. "Just for a little while. You're going to miss that pep rally though." She had no clue how long they would be away but she didn't want to let onto that.

"Alright, fine." Ally replied setting her school bag down.

"Good because I already packed." Emma said with a smile.

"So that's where my jeans went…" Ally realized.

"When do we leave?" Henry questioned.

"Now." Emma said as she put the juice away.

"That's awfully soon." Ally commented before there was a knock at the door.

"Are you expecting someone?" Henry asked. There was way too much going on he couldn't keep up.

Emma nodded as she headed towards the door. "You ready, Swan?" Hook asked as he strolled into the apartment.

She shut the door and ran after him. "Henry, Ally. This is Killian. My ugh…he's a…I'm helping him with his case.

"Did you skip bail?" Henry questioned remembering his mom telling him about this man.

"He's still a little spit fire." Hook commented making Emma chuckle.

"Still?" Henry questioned.

Emma ignored his question. "He's not a perp, he's a client."

"Why the hell are you dressed like that?" Ally asked walking over to the group.

Hook was offended. "Why are you dressed like that?" He shot back.

Emma put her hands up. "Alright, alright. Henry, help Killian get the bags."

"Just like her mother." Hook mumbled making Emma smile knowing he meant Regina.

"So we're really going?" Ally asked.

She handed both Henry and Ally their coats. "Yes." They began heading out the door as Emma rummaged through the closet for her red leather jacket. She slid it on and knew she was ready to go back to Storybrooke.

Enchanted Forest – Four Months After the Curse

"We need to stop her." David said firmly to the small council sitting around the table. "Every day, her monkeys take more and more people, our people. She's getting closer and we are nowhere near ready to take her on."

"Regina, why can't you put a protection spell on the surrounding villages to keep the people safe ?" Robin asked as he sat on her right.

She rolled her eyes. "Because all of my energy is in the spell protecting this damn castle. I can't protect everyone." She snapped at him. She wasn't just annoyed with him; she was annoyed at her current situation along with the many inhabitants that resided in her home. "And it's 'Your Majesty'."

Robin scoffed. "We're still playing this game?"

"I can assure you, there is no game being played." She replied with her head held high.

"We're equals." Robin said confidently earning an icy glare from the Queen. "Everyone in this room, in this castle, are equals."

Regina rose from her seat, looking down at him. "Do you have magic?" She motioned to everyone else. "Does anyone in this room, in this castle, have magic?" He glared up at her watching the fire dance in her eyes. "No, they don't. I'm the one with the magic. I'm the one protecting all of your asses." She leaned down, inches from his face. "So, Robin of Locksley, we are certainly not equals." She stared for a few seconds longer to ensure he knew she wasn't messing around.

She was done with this meeting, done with talking about the Witch, at least for today. She began walking out of the room when his furiously irritating voice spoke again. "You're also the reason she's doing these things in the first place." She stopped briefly and closed her eyes before she continued to exit the room. She knew it was her fault, she didn't need to be told twice. Hell, she didn't need to be told once.

They have been planning and strategizing for months but seemed to have gotten nowhere. Every time they managed to get some kind of leverage, the Witch always knew how to take it away. They were nowhere better than when they started. It had been a trying and stressful time, especially for Regina. She barely slept, looking through every spell book and non-spell book to try to find something that would defeat the Witch. Nothing was helpful.

She found herself walking through the gardens, remembering when she used to walk with Allison. Her daughter was here once, in the castle, why did she ever let her go? Why didn't she know she was hers? Why didn't she make time for Ally when she was physically here? She shook her head, trying to rid herself of her regrets.

She sat down on a stone bench, letting out a deep sigh. Henry would've loved it here. If only… She found herself saying that often, something she knew was foolish to do. There was nothing left for this Witch to take, her kids were gone. The only thing remaining was her life, something she was ready to let go of.

Her mind began to wander further and further, creating a bunch of scenarios in her head. Were they happy? Was Emma taking good care of them? How were they doing in school? Were they getting into trouble? Did they have friends? Did they-

"Regina?" That small voice brought her back to reality. She looked down to see Roland standing in front of her. He had been crying. "What's wrong, Roland?" Her voice suddenly laced with concern. She couldn't stand his father but the little boy was a different story. He was her friend, something she needed during her time of loneliness. She didn't care that he was only four, he proved to be a better listener than anyone she's ever met, aside from Daniel.

"Why are you crying?" He asked gazing up at her. She should've been the one asking him that question. She wiped her cheeks and felt the moisture on her fingertips. He always seemed to catch her at her worst. Two weeks ago, he found her in the library sobbing over a spell book. A month before that, she was caught screaming in the empty throne room by the four year old. He caught her breaking things, throwing fits, swearing, crying. You name it, he's seen it. He was the only one though, thank goodness.

This little boy didn't care about the things she had done in the past, of course he didn't know but she felt the most comfortable around him. Sharing her feelings was not something she did, but Roland was here, was trying to cheer her up, like he always did when he caught her at a bad time.

"Were you thinking about Ally and Henry again?" He asked her. Regina nodded solemnly. "I was, Roland. This is where my daughter and I used to take walks."

He gave her a soft smile. "I bet she was really pretty, like you." Regina's frown turned into a smile. "Everything about her was beautiful…is beautiful."

"Will you tell me a story about them?" He asked with a questioning gaze. Regina wasn't sure. Talking about them would just make her miss them even more but maybe it would help so she nodded. Roland clapped his hands in delight before he tried to climb the stone bench to sit next to her.

Regina lifted him up knowing he would never get up there himself. "Now, let's see. Henry and Allison are very adventurous kids, always looking for things and answers. My daughter can read a Golden Compass-"

"What's that?"

She tilted her head. "Well, it's a magical item of sorts that allows only certain people to read it. It can give you answers to basically any question you have."

"I wish she was here to answer my question." He said looking down as he swung his legs back and forth. "What's your question?"

"Why my mommy had to go away?" He whispered.

Regina knew his mother had passed. Robin had told her on their way under the tunnels to break into the castle many months ago. "I'm sorry about your mother, Roland." She said softly as she wrapped her arm around him. "She loved you very much."

"How do you know?" He asked looking up at her.

She gave him a weak smile. "Because every mother loves their child." No, it wasn't true. Not every mother loved their child, that's why Zelena was doing all of this in the first place, because Cora didn't want her. "And she would be foolish not to love such a wonderful little boy like you." That part was true. She did think he was wonderful.

Her eyes shifted to a dark stain on his pants. "What happened to your knee, Roland?"

He covered his knee with his hand quickly. "Nothing."

"Now that's not very nice. I tell you everything." Almost everything. There were some things kids needed to be shielded from. "Let me see."

She was his friend but he also knew that she was an adult, someone he should respect so he listened. He pulled up his pant leg, revealing his blood covered knee. Regina's eyes grew wide in surprise. "Roland, what happened?"

"I was playing by the pond. I slipped and fell." He replied keeping his gaze on the ground.

"By yourself?" She practically yelled. She wasn't mad at the boy, but his father. How could he let his son wander around alone, especially when there is a Witch on the loose? He nodded. She shifted him to sit on her lap so she could get a better look.

It needed to be cleaned and treated before it became infected. This was probably the reason why he had been crying when she first saw him. "Roland, I have to take care of this right away. Would it be okay with you if I used magic to heal it?"

"Papa won't like that." He replied.

She held him a little tighter. "I don't really care what your father wants. He-" She was about to continue bashing Robin but knew it wasn't appropriate to do so in front of his son so she bit her tongue. "Nevermind about that, is it okay with you?"

Roland slowly nodded. As Regina hovered her hand over the cut, she felt Roland tense in her arms. "Relax, dear. I promise it won't hurt." She continued to heal him as he watched in awe. His wound was completely gone, along with the matching blood stain. "It didn't hurt! You were right!" He said happily.

Regina smiled. "Now would I lie to you?" She stood up with him in her arms and began walking back inside the castle.

"Where are we going?" Roland asked.

"You are going to take a nap while I go speak to your daddy." She replied sweetly which earned her a pout. "Little boys need their rest so they can be big and strong one day."

"Like a knight protecting his Queen?" Roland asked, his eyes brightly shining.

She smiled warmly. "Just like that."

"I'll protect you, Regina." He said firmly. "I'll be your knight."

She chuckled. "Then I know I'll be safe."

Storybrooke

When Emma arrived in Storybrooke, she couldn't believe it was really back, that she was really back. She was happy to see her parents again but this curse was different then the first. She learned that a whole year seemed to be missing from their memories and her mother was pregnant. She was going to be a big sister, something she was excited, nervous, and surprised about. It was so weird seeing her mother pregnant.

Form what she gathered from her parents and others, they were making their way to Regina's castle when this new curse was cast. She was suspicious of the Queen and wouldn't put it passed her in casting another one. Her mother was quick to shoot her down though.

Another thing she learned was that it wasn't only their memories that were missing, people began disappearing as well. This was going to be a lot harder than she thought. First, they needed to find out who cursed them in order to get their memories back. Rescuing whoever was missing came second all while keeping Ally and Henry safe from everything.

They ate breakfast at Granny's the next morning. Ruby almost slipped up when she set down a mug of hot coco with cinnamon in front of Henry but quickly regained control of the situation. Emma noticed the quick glances from everyone in the room hoping the kids did not.

Snow and David walked into the diner. Emma was quick to introduce them. "Henry, Ally. This is David and Mary Margaret."

"Are you helping my mom with the case?" Henry asked. The couple remained silent but smiled at them. "or are they the ones you have to bail out?" Ally whispered to Emma.

"No ugh, they're just old friends." Emma said smiling at them.

"Friends?" Ally questioned arching her eyebrows. "From where?"

"Here." Emma answered while Mary Margaret replied, "Phoenix."

Henry and Ally looked at each other confused. "Phoenix then here," Emma quickly fixed.

"I thought you were only there for being in that place?" Henry asked. A lot of questions began popping up in the kids' minds.

"Right." Mary Margaret nodded. "We were cell mates." Emma put her head down not believing what her mother had just said.

Ally looked the pregnant woman up and down, not buying her story one bit. "You were in jail?"

"Really?" Henry asked sounding a little excited. Snow nodded. "What were you in for?"

Mary Margaret had to think of something fast. "Banditry." Emma couldn't help but snicker. They took a seat next to them. "People make mistakes but the important thing is to find a way to keep moving on."

"Let's order." David suggested trying to move on from the awkward subject.

A loud shattering crash came from the counter area. All eyes shifted to the dark haired woman who had dropped her coffee cup. Regina stood there with her mouth open. There they were, her kids, right in front of her. She saw in their eyes that they didn't know who she was which crushed her. "I…I'm sorry. I didn't me to frighten the two of you."

"Oh, ugh…it's fine." Henry said awkwardly before putting his head down. Ally's eyes lingered on the woman just a little longer but pulled out her phone and began texting.

Emma was quick to pull Regina into the back room to talk to her. She knew the brunette was going to take this hard and wanted to get her out of there as quick as possible. Regina didn't take her eyes off of her kids, not until she was in the back hidden from sight.

Enchanted Forest

Regina walked into the library, watching Robin frantically search for his son. "Roland. Come out, buddy. This isn't funny anymore."

"He's sleeping." Regina said walking further into the room. "Something you would know if you were keeping an eye on him."

Robin stood up and threw back his head in both frustration and relief. "He was with all the other children, safely being looked after by many of the women from the village."

"Clearly, he wasn't so safe." She put her hands on her hips. "He found me out in the garden. He was by himself."

He knew she was pissed but he didn't understand why. Roland wasn't her kid, or her responsibility. "I told him to stop bothering you. I'll talk to him again."

"No!" She said quickly, desperation creeping into her voice. She took a deep breath. "I don't want that. He's the only person's company that I actually enjoy." It was the first time she admitted the truth to the thief, or to anyone for that matter. She said something honest and Robin couldn't help but notice the fear on her face when she thought she wouldn't see Roland again. It must feel like another child is about to be ripped away from her.

He decided not to comment on that so he cracked a smile. "I know. I just wanted you to admit it."

She was not amused. "Why must you dig under the surface just to get a rise out of me?"

He crossed his arms as he made his advances towards her. "It's quite entertaining, in fact. Watching your blood boil, your fists clench, your eyes grow darker and your lips purse in anger."

She had no idea she did that when she was angry or that she was doing it now. "You're quite observant."

He shrugged his shoulders. "One has to be when you are constantly watching your back out in the woods."

"And whose fault is that?" She questioned as she arched her eyebrows.

He shook his head. "Let's not get into this now. I'm exhausted." He took a seat in a nearby chair and exhaled loudly.

"You're exhausted?!" She scoffed. "You're not the one draining herself, day and night, to figure out a way to defeat this witch!"

"No, but I'm on patrol day and night in case your protection spell falls through." He snapped right back.

"It won't." She said firmly.

He ignored her. "I haven't seen my son in weeks and when I do, he's already sleeping." He realized his mistake when he saw her fallen face. "I'm sorry, Regina. I didn't mean to stir up any emotions about your kids. That wasn't my intention at all."

She nodded and wrapped her arms around herself. "Yes, well…you should know that Roland fell and hurt himself but I fixed it up." She put up her hand when he was about to speak. "Now before you get all huffy, yes I used magic and yes I did not ask you for your permission but his cut would've become infected otherwise."

He smiled. "I was going to say thank you…m'lady."

"Just when I think you're being sincere you go and say 'm'lady'. Do you know how infuriating you are?!" Regina yelled as she threw up her hands in frustration. He smirked. That was it. She stormed out of the library up to the third floor where the bed chambers were. She was going to go to her own but she passed by Allison's old one. Since they got back, she couldn't bring herself to enter, she just couldn't. She also made strict orders that no one enter either.

But she needed to go in there, needed to feel her daughter surround her. She hesitantly opened the doors and walked inside. It was dark and cold. She used her magic to open the curtains allowing light to shine through the room.

Her breath faltered as memories flooded her head. The vanity where she taught Ally how to do her make-up. The balcony, where Allison began telling her about her past. The closet, that held all of her daughter's dresses. The bed, where she took care of her sick little girl. The spot beside the bed, where she took the life of her father to save Allison. Yes. The memories were all here, all coming to her at once. Both good and bad.

It was too much for her to handle. She grasped the bed post to steady herself. She lost them, lost both of them. For good. She sunk to the floor and completely broke down. She didn't hear the person come in. Regina saw the person's bottom half of clothing and knew who it was. Snow knelt down in front of her. "Regina?"

She shook her head. "I can't. I can't do this."

Snow gripped her shoulders. "Yes, you can. I know you can. You're the strongest person I know Regina. You may be down now, but you'll stand tall again and do what Queens do." Regina looked into her eyes. "Rule."

Snow pulled Regina into a tight embrace. It wasn't something she wanted, but something she needed. It made her feel like she wasn't alone, wasn't fighting this battle by herself. It was odd to seek comfort with the person she's tried to kill countless times, but it also felt right. She hated Snow. No, hate was a strong word. Immensely disliked her but she was always there for her. She was always that one constant in her life whether she liked it or not. Snow was the only one.

I really loved writing this chapter and would love to know what you think!