My New Beginning Tetralogy

by LPAuthor2003

When a wish that I had for so long finally comes true, it came with a price. A price I will pay in order to have my wish, a new beginning, and my happy ending.

21. Part 2 Chapter 1

My New Beginning: Part 2

Summary: After performing the Destiny Reset Ritual, then the time travel, we all returned to the Enchanted Forest, including Henry and Emma. What I wasn't expecting was how my life was going to change.
******************************************************************************

Prologue

After falling what felt like forever, I landed on my feet in front of an abundant white light. I could see myself dressed in the same outfit as I did when I sent us all back to the Enchanted Forest, leaving Emma and Henry behind.

"Regina!"

Emma! I heard her! Where is she?

She walked up toward me, and we took each other's hands. She was wearing her signature leather jacket.

"I guess we're watching a movie?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so. I believe we are going to walk into the situation, knowing what we know and relive it, but we set the prophecy in motion."

She nodded, and as a movie, the Storybrooke town line was in front of us and the sound of the curse cloud behind us.

"Are you ready?" Emma asked, and without breaking focus, I nodded. "Yes."

We dropped hands, corrected our stance to how we were before we got together, and walked toward the town line.

* * * * *MY NEW BEGINNING* * * * *

Chapter 1 Return Home to the Enchanted Forest

All of Storybrooke gathered at the town line with Emma and Henry. I look at the yellow death trap of a car that Emma drives, and I can't believe I am letting my son get in that thing! I can hear the curse clouds thundering and roaring their way over the town. Wow, my memories are still intact. I wonder if Emma still has her memories from what just happened. By the way, things are playing out, I have that feeling she doesn't, but knowing Emma as I do, she's probably playing dumb. So, I will have to play along with how this scenario did before. Hopefully, I remember what I said back then.

Henry walked up to me, took my hands in his, and apologized in his way. "This is all my fault. I should have never run away to find my birth mother…"

I shook my head, "No, sweetheart," I pulled him close to me in an embrace, "It is not your fault, but mine. I should have never gone for vengeance in the first place. Gold is right. Villains like me can't have a happy ending."

"No," Henry shook his head, "You are not a villain."

I gazed into those eyes that I love so much, and he said, "You're my mom."

I held the tears at bay as I hugged my son. After noticing Emma finished her conversation with Captain Guyliner, I had to tell her something.

"Emma, wait." She turned to face me as I walked up to her. "When the curse removes Storybrooke from existence, there will be no trace of it left, not even your memories."

Emma was fighting back the tears, "So it will be like we never knew each other. What will we have false memories?"

I took her hand in mine, inhaled back my tears, and smiled. "My gift to you is good memories, a good life for you and Henry. You have never given him up. You have always been together. When I stop Pan's curse, and you cross that town line, you will have the life you always wanted."

Tears flowed from Emma's eyes, and she replied, "But it won't be real."

"I know," I nodded, "but the future will be."

What I didn't expect was what Emma fired back at me.

"What future will it be if we are not a family?"

I was shocked, …speechless! Maybe, she remembered?

She retaliated, "Has anyone ever thought what Henry and I wanted? We finally have a family, and now we are going to be torn apart? No! If this curse is broken once and for all, we are going to be together!"

I still couldn't say anything. I looked around, noticing Snow and Charming smiling like complete idiots then turned to face the town. The curse clouds raced closer to us, and I need to do something fast.

I faced Emma and Henry, smiled, and replied, "I want nothing more than to be a family, but I want you two to be safe."

"We will be safe," Emma took my hand, "with you."

I smiled. I want to believe she remembered! So, I let go of her hand, turned around to face the clouds. I ripped up the spell for the curse, raised my hands, and my magic shot out toward the clouds. Green turned to purple, and everything became dark as the clouds surrounded us.

* * * * *MY NEW BEGINNING* * * * *

A gentle cool breeze brushed my face as I slowly opened my eyes, seeing trees towering over me. I sat up, noticing that Emma sat up around the same time I did. Everyone was starting to regain their strength to stand. Emma walked up to me and reached out to me. I took her hand, and with her help, I was able to stand.

"Wow!"

I turned to Henry with a questionable expression, and he said, "Mom, you look great! I finally get to see you as the Queen!"

I smiled, "You look like my little prince as I always imagined you to look."

I turned to look at Emma, who was dressed in riding attire fit for a princess. "Blue and white looks good on you."

Emma smiled, turned to talk to her parents, and I heard a snap from overhead. I looked up and grabbed Henry into a tight embrace.

"No!"

A flash of white magic obliterated the falling branch just in time, sending splinters everywhere. Henry ran up to Emma and hugged her. I smiled to myself because I had a feeling that she had magic in her.

"You saved us!"

I gracefully walked up to them. "Thank you, Emma, for saving our life. I didn't know…"

"Neither did I; I guess being the product of true love gives me some magical capabilities."

Snow politely interrupted us, "Well, we can't stay here forever. We need to find some shelter for all of us."

"I agree," Charming chimed in, "We can use our castle until everyone gets back on their feet."

I grimaced and interjected, "One problem with that. Your castle is in ruin. Remember the curse I cast. I recall windows that were blown out, and I'm more than certain that parts of the roof caved in."

Grumpy fired back, like he always does, "Well, we have some dwarves and two magical women who can help get the job done."

"Hold on, short stuff," he was getting me agitated, "since when did you get in charge and solicit my help…"

Emma wrapped her arm around my shoulders. "Come on, Queenie, it will be great to help everyone, and you can teach me how to focus on my magic."

I wanted to kill her! I looked at her with a disgusted look, "Queenie?"

"Come on, Mom, please! You and Ma working together would be great!"

How can I say no to my adorable son when he is giving me the same puppy dog eyes as Emma…oh great, now I know where he got it from!

I raised my hands in defeat. "What are we waiting for? Lead the way, Charmings."

Snow and David led the way, and I grabbed Emma by the arm so I can talk to her.

"Queenie?"

"Hey!" She threw her hands up in defeat. "That is the only thing I could think of at the time, and what about short stuff?"

I smiled, "All I could think of at the moment."

* * * * *MY NEW BEGINNING* * * * *

We had to have been walking for hours! I just wished that I could have used my magic to summon a carriage and some horses! But we made it to the ruined castle. Grumpy and the other dwarves went inside to start working.

"Emma!"

She looked my way, and I motioned to the east side of the castle. She followed me, and it just hit me; I did this out of revenge. Damn, I ruined everything.

"Woah, your curse packed a huge punch!"

I was pulled back to reality, and I finally answered her. "I was in a lot of pain when that curse was cast. What did I get in the end, one year of enjoyment and lots of lonely times much worse than before."

"That's not true at all."

I turned to look at her in the eyes.

"You got a child who loves you despite your past and what you tried to do to his biological mother and grandparents."

I chuckled a little, then Emma continued, "Regina, you were hurting and didn't have anyone to turn to for help. I probably would have done the same thing you did if the roles were reversed. Trust me; my mother would have gotten on my nerves, miss goodie two shoes."

I couldn't help but laugh, and Emma joined in with me. I haven't laughed like this in I don't how long. It felt…nice.

"Thank you, Emma." I smiled at her. "I needed that."

She returned the smile. "Don't mention it."

"Well," I exhaled then motioned to the castle, "this castle won't fix itself. So, let's get to it, shall we."

Emma nodded in agreement and stood to the right of me, facing the wall.

I instructed, "Hold out your hand and focus on repairing stone for stone."

We held out our right hands, then our magic, both red and white, shot out lifting stone by stone out of piles and back into their original places, creating a wall. After we repaired the East, West, and South sides of the wall, we smiled then Emma took my hand in hers. When our hands joined, we both felt this electric shock. We both pulled back our hands.

I looked at Emma with a confused expression and asked, "What was that?" Emma replied with the same confusion in her voice, "I have no idea."

We gazed at our hand from palm to fingertips and were still trying to determine what the hell it was.

"Let's go in," I motioned Emma to walk, "I'm very positive that a search party will be sent if we don't."

Emma chuckled as we walked side by side inside the castle.

* * * * *MY NEW BEGINNING* * * * *

Once inside, Granny, Red, and the Fairies were repairing broken windows and re-stitching the drapes. The Dwarves were working on the council table, and Emma and I observed what was going on.

"There you are," Snow walked right up to us, "let's go up and see about the bedrooms."

I decided to put in my request, "I want a room that has a large balcony."

"Well, Regina," Snow replied apologetically, "the room with the largest balcony is the room we planned to give to Emma."

"Regina can have that room."

Snow and I turned our gaze toward the blonde.

"I will take the next room over so we can be next to Henry."

I was dumbfounded. I had to make sure I heard correctly. "You are willing to give up your room for me?"

Emma nodded, "Yeah, I am. Now, let's go check out those rooms, shall we."

Emma and Snow walked together, and I still can't believe that Emma gave up her room for me to be happy. We started as feuding mothers; then, we changed to a mayor/sheriff tolerance, then we hit the co-parent status. But in this time frame, I think we were evolving to friends because friends give up their room for the other friend to be happy. No one has ever done that for me before. I couldn't help but smile.

After reaching the top of the stairs, Snow gestured to a large oak door. I opened it, and when I walked into the room, I was blown away. This room was massive, and then I noticed the balcony. I walked to it and smiled. This was the balcony I always dreamed of! The view was breathtaking! The lush greenery of the forest trees as vast as the eye can see, the sounds of nature making a lovely tune you could hum to, and the river…so peaceful. I couldn't help but overhear what Snow was telling Emma.

"This was the room you were born in. The same day you were born, the dark curse was cast. You were only a few hours old when the curse arrived at the castle."

What have I done! I have already taken so much from these two. I need to give them something back. I walked back into the room.

"Emma, take this room. It's your room…"

Emma interrupted me, "Yes, it is my room, and I give it to you."

I could tell a light bulb went off in her head; then she called me out.

"Regina, please don't tell me that you are beating yourself up about the curse, and that's why you want me to take my room back."

"Emma," I exhaled, "I'm sorry…"

"No, don't apologize for anything. What's done is done and is in the past. Let's leave it there. I don't want to hear any more about curses and Evil Queen. They are gone! Do you both hear me?"

Snow and I nodded then Emma concluded, "Now, this is your room, and I will be right next door to you and across the hall from Henry. I'm going to fix my room. I suggest you both do the same before we have to turn in for the evening."

She spun on her heel and quickly walked out of the room, then Snow followed behind, leaving me alone to decorate.

* * * * *MY NEW BEGINNING* * * * *

After we all finished setting up our rooms, I joined the Charmings and Henry to a large supper with all who helped repair the castle; Baelfire, the Dwarves, the Fairies, Granny, Red, Gepetto, Pinocchio, Belle, and last but not least…Guyliner. Emma barely touched her food and hardly spoke. She excused herself and went to her room. I'm trying to think if I said something or did anything to upset her, but I come up blank. After I pushed my food around for some time, I decided that I was finished.

I stood up. "It was a long day, and as much as I enjoy the company, it is time for Henry and me to retire for the evening."

We bid everyone good night and walked upstairs to Henry's room.

"Um…mom, I have no pajamas."

I laughed, waved my hand, and purple smoke enveloped him. After the smoke settled, he looked down at his sleeping garments.

"A nightgown?"

I laughed even harder than before. "This is what the men sleep in, dear. Much different from what we sleep in while we were in Storybrooke."

Henry climbed into bed. "I look like a girl, and I hate it."

As he got comfortable, I covered him up and sat down on the side of the bed.

"Mom…"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Did you and Ma fight?"

I furrowed my eyebrows and shook my head, "No, not that I can recall."

"She barely ate supper, and she went to her room without telling me goodnight or anything."

I kissed Henry's forehead and stood up. "I will talk to her first thing in the morning. Good night, I love you."

I walked to the door.

"I love you, too. Oh, mom!"

I stopped at the door and turned to face my son, "Yes, Henry."

"I remember you always tell me that it is better to never go to bed, angry."

I smiled, "I did tell you that. I promise I will talk to Emma tonight before going to bed."

"Thanks, mom."

I opened the door, he blew out his candle, and I walked out. I closed the door behind me, and I walked to my room. I exhaled, opened the door, and walked in. I closed the door behind me, waved my hands, and I was consumed by purple smoke. When it finished, I was dressed in the nightgown that I always wore when I was still living here, and my hair was down. Damn, my hair was long! I walked out to the balcony and gazed out at the beautiful moonlit sky with stars twinkling. I noticed Emma dressed in a gown similar to mine, and she too was on her balcony gazing at the night sky.

I took a deep breath, and I decided to talk to her. "Beautiful night, isn't it?"

Without turning her head, Emma replied, "Yes, it is."

I exhaled, "Emma, if I said anything to you to make you upset, I'm sorry."

Emma turned to face me, walked over to where she leaned on the rail facing mine. "Regina, you didn't do anything. I am not mad at you."

I walked over to the edge facing Emma, and I leaned on the rail to where we were looking at each other face to face. I decided to be an active listener.

"If I didn't do you anything, who did?"

Emma exhaled angrily, "My mom. She keeps bringing up the curse and what the castle was like before the curse hit. I told her that I had enough and that you are no longer the Evil Queen because you saved us all from Pan's curse. For someone who righted a wrong and broke a curse at the same time, that was one hundred percent redemption in my book."

My heart leaped; one hundred percent redeemed. Oh, Emma, why are you doing this? I smiled, "Thank you, Emma. You know something; we have come a long way in our relationship. At first, we hated each other. Then, we tolerated each other. Next, it was a mayor/sheriff relationship. Next, it was a co-parenting relationship. And now, it is growing into something else. I think it's friendship."

Emma smiled, "I agree. We have come a long way, and I do believe we have hit the friend mark."

I couldn't help it, but a yawn escaped my lips.

"We had a long day." I straightened myself up, still looking in her direction. "I think it is time for us to go to bed."

"I couldn't agree more," Emma yawned then smiled, "Good night, Regina. Thanks for the talk."

She straightened herself up. "You know if you ever need," she held out her hand, and our balconies merged into one, "you can always walk over, and we can talk."

I smiled, "I'd like that. Good night, Emma. If you ever need, you can always walk over, and I can lend a listening ear."

"Sounds great." She walked over to the curtains, turned back to face me, and smiled. "Good night."

She walked into her room, and I heard her blow out her candle. I returned into my room, climbed into bed, and blew out my candle, still smiling like an idiot. I rested my head against the pillow, covered up, and closed my eyes, allowing sleep to come to take me off into dreamland…hopefully.