Chapter 14

Regina had finished washing her hands and blowing her nose in the bathroom. She sat on the toilet lid for 10 minutes to think and process what she learned about Emma and Elsa. 'I have no right to be upset by this. But it still hurts.' After gathering herself, she finally decided she was ready to join the group again, but when she opened the door, Mal was there to greet her with a sympathetic look.

"Regina, let's take a walk and chat." Maleficent wrapped one arm into Regina's and guided her downstairs and towards the living room.

"What about the others?", Regina asked concerned.

"They're getting Tristan ready for bed and the bath will take a while with that little girl. She loves to play, but hates having her hair washed.", Mal rolled her eyes and shook her head at the thought of Tristan making things difficult tonight.

The two ladies made their way downstairs and sat next to each other on the couch. Regina took in her surroundings as she hadn't been through Emma's house since she returned. She'd only seen the kitchen. In the corner of this room were several musical instruments sitting on stands next to a mahogany baby grand piano. Mal followed Regna's line of sight and commented, "The piano is new. I used a little magic so Tristan could have some fun and get some exposure to music."

Regina nodded, but she looked back at Mal, her eyes encouraging Mal to get on with what she has to say.

Nodding, Mal, began, "Obviously Emma and Elsa were together for a while. Not many knew about the relationship. David and Ruby were the only ones."

"Snow didn't know?"

Mal shook her head, "No. Emma wanted to keep it close to the vest. She loved you so much, but saw you with Robin all the time. It hurt her greatly so she told herself that she needed to move on. So, when Elsa expressed interest, Emma tried to make it work. She didn't want Snow to know because of her big mouth, but also because Snow isn't as open to same sex relationships."

Regina looked up shocked, "What? Why would you say that?"

Mal sighed, "When Emma knew Snow as Mary Margaret and they were merely roommates, Emma shared a story about her first time being with a girl while in her teens and in foster care. Snow had difficulty understanding how two girls could be interested in each other that way. She told Emma that she was relieved that Emma was over that phase

so Emma never mentioned her relationships again. David, on the other hand, wants Emma to be happy and told her as much when she dated Elsa. I think he knew Emma was trying to get over you because of things he would say to her while she was with Elsa. Same with Ruby. They both helped her realize that she was hurting Elsa because her heart wasn't truly in it so she broke it off."

Regina nodded and listened, but then perked up, "Did Henry know?"

"No. Emma didn't want to risk you feeling the same as Snow and being disappointed in her."

"I would never…"

Mal interrupted, "I know, but Snow's words really stuck with Emma and she figured most people from the Enchanted Forest probably thought like Snow and wouldn't understand their Savior and Princess being with a woman.

"Dammit, Snow." Regina closed her eyes and swallowed hard. "Poor, Emma. If only I had known."

"If you had known, you would still have stayed with Robin and we both know it."

Regina glared at Mal, but knew she was right and she hated herself for it. She looked down at her hands in her lap, "I was such a fool. I've had feelings for Emma for years, but kept thinking they were wrong. I must have been wrong because of that stupid fairy dust telling me it was Robin. My heart wanted Emma, but my mind kept yelling to follow what the damned dust said. I don't know how to make things right with her. I want to try. She deserves everything and I'll spend the rest of my life trying to prove my love for her."

Maleficent smiled brightly, "She loves you, Regina. More than anything. She's never gotten over you, but like she told Elsa, she has hardened her heart. I wouldn't be surprised if it was solid stone, if you were to remove it. The only time I see a crack in her armor is with Tris."

"I will break through it and I will make her happy, Mal.", Regina said in a determined voice.

"I have no doubt you will, Hon.", Maleficent pat Regina's hands in her lap.

Regina smiled and wiped tears away and she chuckled, "Not to change the subject, but why do you look so different?"

Mal laughed at that and they spent the next half hour discussing Mal's life after the Enchanted Forest.

"Ok, Sweetheart, time for bed.", Emma said as she pulled down the covers for Tristan.

"Sing me a song, Mommy?"

Emma stared at her daughter staring at her with puppy eyes. She had already read her a story and she knew Tristan was buying time because she was still wired from meeting Elsa. She didn't want to go to sleep.

"Tristan, it's bedtime. Say goodnight to Gam Gam."

"G'night, Gam Gam." She then turned back to her mother "Can I say night night to Gina and LiLi?"

Emma sighed and looked at Audrey, silently asking her to go get them so she could put her daughter down. Audrey nodded and went downstairs so Emma looked back at Tris, "After this, you have to go to sleep like a big girl, Deal?"

"Deal. But Mommy, can you please sing a song?"

Emma pursed her lips, but then smiled at her daughter. She could never say no to her. She began quietly singing "You are my sunshine" and watched as her daughter's eyes fought to stay awake. Regina and Mal joined shortly after and kissed the little girl on the cheeks, but Tristan was already asleep. Her mother's beautiful, soft voice was always so soothing to her.

All four ladies quietly left the little girl's room and padded downstairs and into the living room where Regina finally commented, "Emma, your voice is beautiful. I had no idea you could sing."

Emma blushed and looked down in embarrassment, "Um, thanks. It's nothing really."

"Nothing? Are you kidding me? You're incredible!"

Emma just kept getting redder, but then stiffened and looked up at Mal. Emma's eyes grew bright red and her heart rate sped up. "Did you smell that?"

Mal's eyes grew a brighter red as well and she nodded in confirmation.

Audrey then added, "It smells like it's coming from the direction of the hospital, doesn't it?"

The three nodded while Regina watched confused.

"What do you smell, Emma?", Regina asked not wanting to be left out of the loop.

"Blood. A vamp has attacked someone." Emma then turned to Audrey, "I hate to ask…"

Audrey just shook her head and smiled, "Don't be silly. I'll watch her, of course. Go. Check it out. You're stronger that I am anyway."

Emma nodded and looked back at Mal, "Let's go."

"Wait!" Regina spoke up. "Where are you going? Let me come with you."

Emma walked up to Regina and stepped into her personal space, "No. I can't risk something happening to you. This gang is dangerous. Their leader won't think twice before killing and I can't lose you. Please stay with Audrey and Tristan. Vampires can't enter a house without an invitation, but maybe you could add a protection spell to it."

"What about Henry and Roland? They're home alone!", Regina panicked.

Emma's eyes grew wide, but then she added, "Use magic to get home so you aren't outside. Make sure they stay indoors."

Regina stared at Emma's serious expression so Emma grabbed Regina's upper arm and gently squeezed and Regina blushed and nodded in agreement. Emma then backed away and looked at Mal and before Regina could blink, they were gone.

"Amazing.", Regina commented on their speed.

Audrey snorted, "Right? Between that and magic, I don't think I'll ever get used to this stuff."

Regina decided to put her focus on a protection spell for the house while Audrey double checked that Tristan was still asleep and not triggered by the attack. Once the spell was cast, she transported herself back to the mansion to check on the boys.

"Henry? Roland? Where are you?"

"In here, Mom!", Henry yelled from the kitchen.

Regina walked in and found the two boys eating cookies at the kitchen table with a guest.

"Look who came over, Mom!

Regina pursed her lips together, "What are you doing here?"

"And good evening to you too, Sis!", Zelena grinned and then took a bite out of her cookie.

"I had to call her, Mom. The front door was ripped off its hinges and I didn't want to bother you while you were at the hospital.", Henry tried to explain. He knew the relationship between the sisters was fragile and didn't want to see it fracture.

"Oh!" Regina looked back through the doorway to the repaired front door and then back to Zelena, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Zelena kept eating her cookie while Regina came in and sat down at the table.

Silence engulfed the table while Regina waited for the boys to finish their cookies. Finally, when Roland was done and Henry had helped clean him up, Regina smiled and spoke up, "Why don't you boys go get ready for bed? I'll be up shortly and we can chat."

Henry knew what that meant so he encouraged Roland to get up and follow him upstairs to let the sisters talk. When Zelena had heard the footsteps make it up the stairs, she finally grew more serious and looked at Regina, "Now tell me what's really going on."

Emma and Mal followed the smell and it took them to the hospital in the hallway in front of Robin's room.

"Oh God.", Emma rushed over the body lying on the floor with their back facing her. She knew right away who it was. "Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!"

Mal walked up slowly and put her hand on Emma's shoulder while Emma held the body close to her, "Emma, he's gone."

Emma rocked back and forth with the man in her arms and sobbed, "No. No. No. No. No."

"Who is he, Em?"

Emma looked down and kissed his forehead, "Graham."

"The huntsmen?"

Emma nodded silently, "We did everything together when I lived here. I confided more in him than I did with anyone else. He was literally my wingman when we went out." Emma saw the empty chair positioned in front of Robin's door, "He must have been guarding Robin's room for David. He wasn't a cop anymore, but still helped when needed."

"I'm so sorry, Emma." Mal squeezed her shoulder. "I know you're upset, but we need to go check on Robin. Mal then lifted her nose, "And I smell more blood to the north."

Emma gently lowered Graham's body and wiped her tears away with her forearm. When she put her arm down, a look of pure anger overtook Emma's features. She wanted revenge for Graham's death. She looked at Mal and nodded that she was ready.

Just as Emma was about to turn the door handle, a body tackled her in the hallway and began punching her in the face. Mal was about to run up to help her when a silver bullet zoomed by her face, slicing her cheek from its close velocity. Everyone froze in place and Emma moved her arms from in front of her face that she had used to defend herself. She wanted to look at her attacked before she finished them.

"Lily?", Emma stared up in disbelief.

"Em?", Lily looked down while still holding her custom silver long model AMT Hardballer in her hand and pointing it at Mal.

"Holy shit, Em! You're a vamp?"

"You're a Hunter, Lily?", they both asked their questions in unison.

Emma nodded, "We smelled blood and came to see what happened. There's a rogue gang here and we found my friend Graham dead. We were just about to check the patient's room because he was working with the gang and under guard."

Lily stood up and put her weapon of choice away as she held out a hand for Emma to take and help her up.

"Thanks." Emma brushed off her pants, "You still pack quite a punch, Lil", Emma chuckled. "I can't believe you became a hunter."

Lily shook her head, "And I can't believe you became a vamp. How the hell did that happen?"

Maleficent watched the scene unfold and studied Lily while they caught up. 'Her name is Lily. That has to be a coincidence, right?' Mal took in Lily's features including her hair color, eye color, skin coloring, facial shape and stature. 'She has his face and her dark coloring resembles my mother's side. It can't be.'

As Lily spoke to Emma, Emma noticed Mal's expression while staring at Lily. She knew that longing look. She kept looking from Mal to Lily while listening to Lily. 'Does Mal think this is her Lily?'

"…and that's when the association took me in and trained me.", Lily finished.

"Wow, Lil. What a small world.", Emma finally leaned in and hugged her old friend. They held each other tight like sisters and then Emma pulled back. "We definitely have much to discuss, but first we need to deal with this. She turned to Mal, "Lily, this is my friend, Mal. She's like me and we both came to investigate."

Lily shook the older woman's and felt a spark which made her look up and stare into Mal's eyes, "Have we met before?"

Mal held her tears at bay and forced a smile, "I don't believe so, Dear."

Lily just kept staring, convinced there was some sort of connection in the past, but finally she let it go and turned to Emma, "I'll help ya out. Let's go and you can fill me in while we search."

Emma nodded and slowly walked back to Robin's room door and opened it up. Emma gasped at the gruesome sight. Robin was hanging half off of the bed with his neck turned backward. His color was pale indicating he was drained of his blood. Lily walked over and looked for clues, but found nothing obvious. "I'll get fingerprints and then we can call the local authorities to get down here and do their thing."

"Graham was the local authorities." Emma choked out, "He and my Dad."

Maleficent then spoke up, "Emma, we still have to check out the blood smell from up north."

Lily quirked an eyebrow, "Blood smell? How far?"

Maleficent tried to remain cool, calm and collected, "From what I can tell, it's about 15 miles to the North."

Emma put her finger on her mouth in thought and began to pace, "That would put it in the forest.", she then quickly looked up, "Oh no. Isn't that near where the Merry Men are camped?

Mal just shrugged so Emma turned to Lily, "I hate to leave, but we need to check this out."

Lily grinned, "I'll meet you there. I may be slower, but I have my ways of finding you." She then winked at Emma and left.

"What the fuck? This is…a massacre!", Emma stood stunned as she stared at the dead Merry Men scattered around the forest floor.

Mal walked around inspecting the area and checking for signs of life, but finding none. "There's a cabin over there.", Mal pointed up ahead so Emma nodded and walked across the carnage to the cabin door.

After staring at Mal silently communicating with their eyes, Emma kicked the door in and both women charged in. "Nobody's here." Emma walked around and made her way to the room in the back. "Mal!"

Maleficent ran into the room to find coffins opened up. "They were here. Dammit." She checked for clues that may have been left behind in the coffins, "If they aren't here and have fed on those men, then they must have found a new hiding place."

Emma nodded, "They wanted us to find this. They had to have known we'd smell them." Emma stood in thought, "But why?"

Both ladies turned around when they heard the cabin door creak open.

"Em? You in here?"

Emma breathed a sigh of relief, "In here, Lil!"

Lily came walking into the room, "I see you found their sleeping quarters."

"Yeah, but they've obviously abandoned it."

Mal kept staring at Lily while she spoke to Emma, fascinated.

Lily could sense Mal's eyes and was getting annoyed so she turned and glared at the brunette, "What is your problem?"

Emma tried to diffuse the situation, "Whoa, Lil, chill. It's ok. You just remind her of someone."

"Well stop it. It's weird." Lily stomped out of the room to check out the bodies outside leaving Emma and Mal in the room.

Mal's eyes were pained when she looked at Emma, "It has to be her, Em. I don't know how, but it's her. I just know it. If I had my dragon, I would be able to tell right away."

Emma hugged her friend, "I know. We'll figure this out."

"I haven't had a chance to ask you how you know each other. We will definitely need to chat after things calm down."

"We will."

Soon a scuffle was heard outside followed by gunshots. The ladies ran outside to find Lily covered in blood and another pool of blood 15 feet away from her.

"What the fuck?", Emma asked.

"Two vamps attacked me when I came outside.", Lily replied nonchalantly while wiping blood off of her face and checking that her gun was clean.

Emma turned to Mal, "Do you smell anything?"

Lily spoke up, "No more vamps are in the area.", to which Emma turned to her with an eyebrow raised.

"And how would you know that? That reminds me, how did you find us? We didn't tell you where we were going."

Lily grinned cockily, "Because I can smell the blood and the vamps. When I'm near one, I get a gut feeling that I can't describe. It's almost like…."

"A predator sensing another predator that may treat it as prey.", Mal finished for her.

Lily looked over to Mal surprised, "Yeah. That's exactly it." Lily kept staring at Mal and the two continued to study one another. "Why do I get the feeling that you know me."

Maleficent swallowed hard and looked away, unsure of how to explain things to Lily. She was raised in a world without magic like Emma. Emma told her how difficult it was for her to believe where she came from and what Storybrooke was all about.

Emma knew what Mal was thinking so she spoke up. "Lil, why don't we go back to my place and we can explain everything. It'll give us a chance to catch up as well."

Lily nodded and continued to study Mal as they walked back towards Lily's car.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Love."

Blue glared at the pirate. "I didn't have much choice, did I?", her eyes traveled to the vampire across the room.

An older man with brown wavy hair which was graying at the temples, brown beady eyes and crooked teeth sat in a large ornate chair smiling wickedly at Blue.

"No, you did not.", he said.

"Just remember that one false move against me or my sisters, I will destroy you and end our little arrangement. You are merely a means to an end.", Blue reminded the old vampire.

"You're feisty. I like it.", his grinned showing his gold capped teeth.

Killian interrupted their chat, "Are you sure they won't smell us here?"

Blue glared back at him, "Of course, I'm sure. My magic is second to none."

"You sure about that? The Evil Queen is pretty powerful, Love."

Blue sniffed haughtily, "She's nothing and when I'm finished, she'll have nothing and Snow White will be able to breathe easily.