Trigger Warnings: Violence...

1 Week Later:

"So you like Mario?"

The sun beats down on the rippling waters of the docks, Henry taking lick of his ice cream and walking aside a placid Morrigan.

"Well I'm more of a Bowser kind of woman."

"Yeah he's awesome, being able to throw fire balls and all, kinda like Mom."

Morrigan glances at the boys sly grin and bites her cheek, He knows! When the hell is Regina going to tell him, Its been over a week since we talked about it at the station. Maybe she'll tell him tonight over dinner at Granny's..She takes a lick of her mint ice cream and wipes her sweaty brow, Jesus its warm today, I feel like summoning a freezer just to seal myself inside. After coming up with a routine for controlling my temper, I'm glad that I can take the bracelet off twice a week, its kind of a relief. Its only the first week but I feel better. There's been no incidents, but because I'm not wearing it today and I have Henry, the quiet docks seemed the best place to take him, it was here or the woods so..

"I was wondering.." Henry shuffles apprehensively.."Could you show me some moves with your sword? You did promise."

Green eyes narrow.."I seem to recall no such promise boy.." He slowly deflates and she softens, Oh what the hell, I could show him a few things very quickly..Green eyes sweep the area noting it void of people, Good, Don't want anyone ratting me out to the sheriff..

"But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to show you it. But you cant tell anyone okay?"

Henry beams, nodding enthusiastically.."Yeah course!"

"Okay."

She takes a step back and in a swirl of burgundy smoke, the black and silver sword appears in her hand. She feels a sudden pulse of dark magic and shifts, Its almost like Ive drank too much caffeine. Perhaps I shouldn't have it out for long, the power makes me feel a little uneasy when my anger isn't in control..

Henry's wide eyes study the metal.."Woah!" He reaches out to touch the serrated edge but she quickly pulls it away.

"Don't touch it Henry, its really sharp, and if I took you back to your mothers with one less finger, I'd have one less head." She backs away further, twirling the blade in her hand.

"Could you teach me?!"

"Perhaps when your older, but that's a conversation you should have with your mother."

"Its okay, she'll let me if its you training me."

Morrigan grins.."Nice try Henry.." She spins and quickly slices through a beer can atop the bin next to them. The metal remains in tact until Henry watches wide eyed as the can slides in two and clatters to the floor.

"See, sharp." In a swirl of burgundy smoke the sword disappears and Morrigan takes a lick of her ice cream.

"Is that what you used to protect my mom?"

"I used it to protect a lot of people."

"Its not like a normal sword, Where did you get it?"

"Well, I used to live in a shop of sorts when I was growing up. I was on my way to pick up supply's one day when I spotted a man being attacked by a small group of bandits. I rushed in to help and got my ass kicked, but I did manage to pull that sword from the mans cart. I didn't know how to use it but after a few lucky hits, they eventually thought it wasn't worth their lives and ran. The man was a traveling merchant, he said the sword was known to choose its owner and gave it to me for helping him. I actually couldn't believe it, I almost pawned the damn thing several times for food but, I just couldn't bring myself to do it for some reason."

"I guess its a heroes sword. You couldn't let go because it reminded you that you helped that guy."

She smiles.."Perhaps. Your very clever Henry."

Henry grins.."Yeah I know."

"Don't push it boy, your starting to sound like Swan."

They both chuckle.

"Are you and Ma okay now?"

"What do you mean?"

"I dunno, its just the way you act around each other lately, something changed. What happened between you two?"

She sighs, he's right, mine and Swans interactions as of late have been brief and sharp. She apologized for her behavior at the sheriffs station a week ago but I dunno, perhaps I should put my damn pride aside and apologize as well, for Henry of course, not because I secretly like the woman..

"We had a little argument Henry but I plan to rectify things, you know how stubborn I can be."

"Well that's what makes you and my mom so great together."

Morrigan freezes. Green eyes slide to the boy who innocently fiddles with the dripping chocolate on his ice cream, What the hell am I supposed to say to that?..She clears her throat.

"Perhaps we should be heading back, your mother will be finishing soon." She quickly makes a B-line for the town, hoping the rest of their journey will be in moderate silence..

Henry bursts through the double doors of the sheriffs station on a sugar high with Morrigan pacing in behind him, Regina may be pissed, I bought him another ice cream on our way here just to shut him up about his suspicions..The boy bounds towards his mothers who quickly cover documents on the desk.

"Mom! Ma! I had ice cream and we went to the docks and Morrigan showed me her sword and.. Oops.."

Henry turns sheepish to a surprised Morrigan, fucking hell Henry!..Green eyes refocus on his narrow eyed mothers and she fidgets.."I only showed him."

Regina stands, draping a possessive arm over her sons shoulder as the blond leans back in her seat, crossing her arms.

"You know what the dangers are of summoning that sword."

I feel like a child who's been caught with my hand in the cookie jar..Morrigan rubs the back of her neck sheepish and avoids the regal woman's stern glare.."It was only for a few minutes.."

Henry quickly jumps to her defense.."She wouldn't let me touch it, and I was the one who asked to see it."

Emma shakes her head weakly.."Regina she only showed him, trust me if he touched it I'd be with you on this but he didn't."

Regina sighs.."Just keep the sword away from him."

"Course, I apologize."

Morrigan tilts her head, it was a little stupid really, I have better control of my temperament and magic but the sword stirs up powerful feelings when I touch it. The dark magic embedded in that sword reminds me of my past self, I cant imagine what putting on the armor would do..

Regina watches the bowing woman carefully.."Its okay, just don't let it happen again."

Henry beams.."Cool, so now can Morrigan teach me sword fighting?"

"No!"

"No!"

His mothers shout in unison and the boys face drops.."What if you watch?"

Regina stares earnest into disappointed eyes.."I'm sorry Henry, maybe when your older."

He pouts, crossing his arms.."That's what Morrigan said."

"Well perhaps Morrigan isn't as foolish as I thought."

Morrigan arches an eyebrow, foolish huh?..

"Your only ten kid, what you should be focusing on is school not sword fighting." Emma adds with folded arms.

"Fine! I'm going to the bathroom! If there's another fire don't forget I'm still in here!"

Green eyes widen as Henry stomps passed her and slams the door to the bathroom behind him, Jesus that was a bit harsh..Morrigan looks back at his guilty mothers and quickly approaches Regina, rubbing her arms gently.."He's just a boy.."

Regina leans into the comforting touch but whiskey eyes remain downcast.."No, I don't blame him for being angry with me."

Morrigan shakes her head.."He's not just angry with you, or with the whole training thing."

Emma approaches curiously.."So what is it?"

"I think he knows about me and Regina, and maybe having it kept a secret is getting him frustrated."

"I think its time you tell him Regina."

Regina lours at the firm blond.."I am well aware sheriff! I plan to tell him tonight at...Dinner." She glances at green eyes watching their interaction curiously.

They needed the right time to spring the party for Morrigan. Surprisingly quite a few people had agreed to attend as Morrigan had helped out many times in the last month. Archie mentioned the woman's lack of experience in making friends. I know she and Regina are close but Morrigan needs a social life. Leroy plans to drink her under the table tonight, told Granny to get the special rum ready.

Emma represses a grin, it should be great, that is unless Regina ruins the damn surprise because guaranteed if Morrigan finds out now, she wont come..

"I thought we had Henry tonight?"

Regina can see the lie brewing and steels herself.."No I specifically told Miss Blanchard I was taking Henry to dinner tonight. If she didn't tell you then that's your problem, I don't have to run anything by you Miss Swan." Regina glances at Morrigans forming smirk and mentally praises the savior, well done Miss Swan..

Finishing their little charade Emma sighs, sitting back at her desk.

"So..Any progress on Regina's case?" Green eyes sweep across the various papers on the sheriffs desk as Morrigan walks towards them curiously.

Regina follows warily, eyes staring pointedly at a hidden file under sheets of paper, we need to hide one specific case from her because if she ever found out..Well I don't intend for that to happen..

"Yeah steady progress. Ive drawn up a few arrest warrants for a couple of suspects on your list." Emma fidgets with her hands under the desk.

"Need any help arresting them?"

Emma looks over at Regina's hell no glare and smiles weakly.."Nah I can handle it. They're only small players, besides David and Ruby will be on hand. Thanks though."

Morrigan frowns, damn, I really want to help round the fuckers up, but obviously none of them want me near the case. Its not fair! I'm as much involved with it as Swan is, more so actually..

"Yes well, if you need any help let me know...And sheriff..I accept your apology, you know from last week, and I hope we can put the incident behind us, for Henry's sake of course."

Emma watches with a grin as Morrigan fidgets and shuffles uncomfortably.."Course, for Henry."

Morrigan clears her throat, avoiding Emma's unwavering smile and refocuses on her grinning lover.."Yes well, if your not done here I can take Henry for a little longer and meet you back at the mansion?"

"Yes that would be helpful, I'll be home in an hour and then we can freshen up for dinner."

Morrigan nods, turning to leave when Henry shuffles back into the room. She raises an eyebrow at the boys fidgeting as shifty brown eyes continue to avoid her, you know what you've done wrong haven't you Henry..She approaches sternly.."Come on boy, I think the heat has melted that brain of yours, We're going back to the mansion to cool off."

He looks up at her uneasily before sparing a few glances at his mothers. After a pause, he reluctantly nods, looking back down at his fidgeting hands and follows a steely Morrigan out of the station.

Emma stares after them.."Hell, why doesn't that work with us?"

Regina grins.."Morrigan is quite adapt at handling him."

"Obviously, Now.." Emma shifts the files on her desk, uncovering hidden papers as Regina slides back into her seat.."I think I should go after him tomorrow. Its best if you don't want Morrigan to find out."

Regina scrutinizes the folder in her hand.."I'm coming with you."

"Regina.."

Regina frowns at the exasperated blond.."Need I remind you that you'd have no case without my say so! I'm coming with you for as much your sake as mine!"

Emma stares at dangerous eyes across from her.."Well what are you going to tell Morrigan? She'll wonder where you've disappeared to."

"You don't need to worry about Morrigan, I'll handle her."

"Fine do what you want madam mayor but for the record, I think this is a bad idea."

Emma scoops up a couple of brown files and heads out of the office. Regina gazes at the suspect on the folder, he's a complete brute. I may have to use magic on this one..The images of his abuse flash in her mind and she shivers, this man may just put up a fight and when he does, an unfortunate magical accident may just kill him..Dark red lips curl into a wicked grin...

Morrigan and Regina walk side by side along the high street as Henry bounds ahead with a smile on his face, Somethings not right. Ever since Regina and Henry made up earlier, the looks they gave each other..They're planning something..Morrigan pauses just shy of the steps leading to Granny's and Regina turns back frowning.

"Are you alright?"

"What's going on?" Green eyes dart between her guarded lover to a shifty Henry, yeah somethings defiantly wrong..

"We're going to have dinner, what else do you thinks happening?"

Morrigan narrows her eyes.."What's with the whole shifty looks and whispering back at the mansion?"

Henry leaps from the diner steps and stands in front of her.."Well, after what I said earlier I felt bad that I broke my promise about keeping quiet, so I asked Mom what I could do to make it up to you but I didn't want you to find out."

Regina's surprised at her sons ease to lie convincingly, If I didn't already know it was a lie, I would have been inclined to believe him..

"Oh? So what are you planning then?"

Henry grabs one of Morrigans hands, pulling her towards the diner door.."If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise would it. Your just going to have to wait so come on, I want a burger."

Morrigan smiles as shes dragged towards the door, closely followed by a grinning Regina.The door swings open with a jingle and Henry pulls the apprehensive woman inside.

"Surprise!" The crowd roars.

Morrigan startles, pulling Henry towards her and holding out an arm protectively. Her posture hardens as narrow green eyes scan the room, What the fuck is this? Are they finally going to finish the job? Kill me right here?..The crowd freezes as she glares at the faces in the diner, the old woman and her granddaughter, the dwarfs, the Charming clan, the bug and a couple of people she got to know during her time at the stables. There's party steamers, decorations, alcohol and a buffet as well as a huge banner saying Thank You on the back wall, Hold on..Is this a..party?..She feels a hand gently grab the arm squeezing Henry whilst another lands gently on her hip.

"Its okay, there not going to hurt us, this is for you dear."

The words in her ear cause the arm around Henry to give and the boy scampers back, smiling up at her.."Its a party to say thanks."

"You've done a lot for people recently and we thought you deserved some credit." Emma smiles weakly.

Regina feels Morrigan slowly back into her and halts the woman's retreat, placing a gentle hand on her back. She slides to Morrigans side smiling and slips their hands together.."Are you alright?"

Morrigan stutters.."I-I'm not sure. Why did you do this?"

"Because regardless of what you might think, people do care."

"Yep!" Henry adds brightly.

"You've done so much for us, now let us do something for you." Archie smiles warmly.

Glassy green eyes glide over the smiling faces in the room and Morrigan blinks back the tears, A party? For me? Ive never even celebrated my birthday before..She feels Regina's hand squeeze hers lightly.

"Come on sister get over yourself so we can carry on drinking."

"Leroy!" Mary Margret scolds the frowning man and Morrigan scowls.

"Shut it dwarf!" Morrigan raises her chin, looking down on the small man.."Looks like the alcohol's already rushed to that inflated head of yours, bloody lightweight."

Leroy grins, taking a challenging step forward.."That sounds like a challenge! I'd drink you under the table in two minutes flat witch!"

The crowd smile at the banter.

"As your well aware, I never back down from a challenge little man, but I reckon we make things a little more interesting."

"Whats the bet sister?"

Grinning darkly, Morrigan slips passed a smiling Regina and wanders to the bar.

Regina wraps an arm around her smiling son, its nice to see Morrigan enjoying herself. For a minute I thought she was going to set the dwarf on fire..

"Its not really a bet, its more like taking it up a notch." Morrigan waves her hand and a black and red bottle with a silver blade symbol appears on the counter. Leroy's eyes widen, David edging forward.

"Is that?"

Morrigan grins.."Red Mewt? Yes."

Regina watches with concern.."Morrigan perhaps now's not the time, I don't want you to pass out before the parties even began."

"Whats Red Mewt?" Emma frowns at her father.

"Its the strongest alcohol known. Some people have died from drinking one glass."

The blonds eyebrows shoot into her hairline.."Well why the hell would you drink it if it can kill you?!"

"Anything can kill you sheriff, some people drink this and make wagers for valuables. Think of it as Enchanted Forests version of Russian roulette. Now what do you say dwarf? Or is your title as town drunk overstated?" Morrigan grins, popping the cork as Granny sets two shot glasses in front of the bottle.

"Come on Leroy!" Happy chirps in.

"Yes, I thought you liked drinking dwarf."

Morrigan glances at grinning Regina, her evil smirk deepening at the Queens approval, oh this will be hilarious..

"I hope you know what your doing."

"Come on Mary Margret its only a bit of fun."

Emma frowns at her chuckling father.."Life threatening fun."

"So whats it gonna be Leroy?"

Leroy flusters at the princes judgment but reluctantly slides atop a stool opposite Morrigan. The crowd close in excitedly, Ruby cheering and hooking an arm around Emma as Regina slides in next to Morrigan.

"That's more like it little man!" Morrigan praises as she pours two shots, the dark thick liquid glooping into the small glasses.

"Twenty bucks says Morrigan kicks Leroy's ass!" Ruby shouts out.

Archie grins.."I second that."

Emma chuckles.."Yeah I'm with you guys."

"No way, Leroy's gonna have her!"

"Yeah!" Happy and Bashful quickly jump to their brothers defense, David siding with the little men.

"I'm with the dwarfs, Leroy's blood is literally alcohol."

Morrigan steals a glance at Regina, brown eyes happy but full of concern. She gently lays a hand on her lovers thigh, squeezing her reassurance and after getting a nod, she picks up her shot glass.

"Show the dwarf how its done dear."

"Oh I will.." Green refocus on the wavering man.."Want to back out? Now's the time."

Leroy frowns deeply.."Just drink will ya'."

Morrigan chuckles.."One..Two..." The crowd cheer as the red liquid touches their lips. In one smooth motion, Morrigan swallows the burning gunge and slams the shot glass back on the diner bar.

They stare at each other, watching for any sign of discomfort and when there is none, Morrigan refills the shot glasses.."One down.." She picks up both shots and extends another to him as the cheering begins again.."Round two." There's a pause and she frowns when Leroy begins to lean one way. Eventually he slides from his stool, crashing to the floor unconscious and the crowd is silent.

They all stare at the unconscious man a moment before Morrigan cant contain her full bellied laugh any longer. Regina and soon Emma joins in, and not long after, the whole diner is echoing with laughter.

"What should we do?" Bashful hovers over his fallen brother concerned.

All eyes coast to a red faced, laughing Morrigan as she quickly downs another two shots. Emma shrieks and Regina hastily grabs the woman's arm.

"What are you doing?! Wont that kill you?!"

Morrigan slides from her stool, ignoring the startled blond.."I know what my limits are with the stuff, I drank it a lot in my youth. Besides, three shots wont kill you, not unless your a dwarf." She bends down and raises the back of her hand to Leroy's mouth and nose, still breathing, thank god. I actually like the grumpy bastard..She looks up to an amused Granny.."Could I have some ice water, coffee beans and vinegar, Oh and a towel."

Granny heads into the back grinning, Emma stepping forward curiously.

"Coffee beans? Vinegar?"

"I cant have my jester out of commission all night. Who'll entertain me then? You sheriff?"

Emma grimaces.."Erm No."

Granny returns quickly, handing the items to Morrigan. Everyone watches intently as she crushes the coffee beans in the towel and pours a substantial amount of vinegar on the powder. She places the towel under the dwarfs nose and waits. Leroy begins to stir before she pulls it away and stands back.

"Whats the ice water for?"

Morrigan grins wickedly at the savior, lifting the bowel of icy water and pours it over the mans head. Leroy bolts upright, spluttering water everywhere and taking heavy breaths.

"Wh..What.."

Morrigan chuckles as the small crowd burst out laughing once more.

"I hope your going to clean that mess up girl." With a wave of Morrigans hand, the water and ice coating the diner floor is gone. She grins at a pouting Granny who only rolls her eyes and heads into the back room.

"What happened?" David slaps the grumpy dwarfs shoulder, helping him to his feet.

"You lost, that's what happened."

"Yeah and you guys owe us twenty bucks." Ruby high fives Emma and Archie with a chuckle.

Morrigan saunters in behind her lover and wraps her arms around the woman's stomach, she feels Regina stiffen slightly but simply rests her head on the former Queens shoulder, god I'm pissed already, whats it been? Five minutes?..

Regina feels the woman at her back sway but cant help a smile gracing ruby lips, shes already inebriated and we've been here ten minutes. Well as long as she's having fun..Brown eyes refocus on her smiling son across the room and she prepares herself, I guess this is as best time as any to tell him..She slips out of Morrigans hold and pulls them both over to Henry.

"I bet she cheated." Leroy's eyes narrow and Emma scoffs at the mans skepticism.

"She didn't cheat, in fact when you passed out, she finished her second and yours."

"Yeah right, no one can have that much and still be standing."

"Its true we all saw it, now all of you pay up." Mary Margret demands before David and the dwarfs begrudgingly pull out their wallets.

"You know this is your money too." His wife grins as they all hand over their twenties to an eager Ruby.

"Thank you."

"I knew it!" Henry's voice booms over the diner and everyone turns to watch the young boy cling to Regina and Morrigan.

Morrigan squeezes the young boy attached to her stomach, smiling until her cheeks hurt, well officially everyone knows so no point hiding it now..Green eyes refocus on her emotional lover and without a second thought, she kisses red lips lightly.

"Okay you two, if your gonna do that get a room upstairs."

Morrigan breaks their kiss, chuckling at an amused Granny.."I might take you up on that old woman."

Emma chokes on her beer, spluttering and Ruby laughs, slapping her friend on the back and sauntering over to the small family. She hooks her arm around Morrigans neck and Regina raises a dangerous eyebrow.."Shall we get this party started?"

"I believe Ive already started. but don't worry, I'll give you time to catch up.."

Ruby smiles wolfish, winking and nudging her hip into Morrigans side. Regina clears her throat and the pair look at the woman's dark eyes and raised chin.

Morrigan shivers.."Unless you'd like your alcohol laced with sleeping curse, I suggest you remove your hands from my person little pup."

Ruby grins, quickly retracting her arm and raising her hands defensively.."Heard you loud and clear. Archie! Where's that music at?!"

The jukebox in the back kicks into life and music echos throughout the diner. Morrigan smiles brightly at her new family, her heart overflowing with happiness and love, Ive never felt so incredibility happy in my entire life. A fresh start, a family. Elinor will always be in my heart, nothing will ever change that but fuck the blue fairy. Evil and darkness? I don't think so..

Unawares to the happy crowd within the diner, a man lurks in the shadows across the street studying the happy couple. He takes a drag from his cigarette before throwing it to the floor and snarling.

"You'll get whats coming, I'll make sure of it bitch!" He spins, grumbling to himself and quickly retreats into the darkness...

Regina throws back two aspirin, washing it down with a gulp of black coffee, Gods why did I drink last night. Bloody Morrigan! I was adamant not to indulge at the party but as soon as Granny took Henry to bed, the crafty bandit must have pumped me full of alcohol. I bet she spiked my drinks! At my own recollection I didn't drink too much deserving of this hangover..Taking a glance at the weary Sheriff, she grins, I feel as bad as Swan looks..

"Here." She offers two aspirin which Emma takes gratefully and washes down with a sizable amount of coffee.

"Thanks." Emma rubs her temples gently.

"Morrigans still sleeping off her intoxication so if we're going to arrest this man, I suggest we do it now."

The blond rises steadily to her feet, clicking her back and shoulder.."Yeah sure, David and Ruby are standing by. The guy isn't at work today so he should be at home."

"Should?"

Emma rolls her eyes at the Mayors raised eyebrow before grabbing her keys and jacket from the desk.."Fine he will be at home. Come on, we'll take the cruiser."

With a sigh, Regina follows the hungover blond out of the station, a sickening feeling in her gut, for some reason, Ive got a bad feeling about this...

A loud groan echos around the mansion, My heads going to explode!..Morrigan shifts slowly under the silk sheets, the rooms still a bit spiny..She feels her stomach clench and green eyes fly open before shes dashing out of bed, stumbling into the en suite and hovering over the porcelain toilet. She holds her hair back as the contents of her stomach are emptied into the bowl, what the fuck happened last night? After the whole drinking contest with Leroy, things are kinda blurry..She pulls away and scuttles back against the bath behind her, Jesus I hope I didn't do anything too crazy. There goes my street cred at being a scary bad ass..

Morrigan pulls herself up, resting both hands on the counter and staring at her reflection wearily, I look like shit. My makeup and hair are a mess and wait..what the hells that?!..She pushes her hair away from her neck exposing a purple and black bruise enveloping her shoulder, God damn it Regina! I'm going to be nothing but black and blue if you carry on marking my ass!..She huffs, filling the sink with water and cleaning her face of makeup. After brushing her teeth and combing her hair, she takes a couple of aspirin and lays back down on the bed, last night was brilliant. Ive never had as much fun in my life. Cant believe they through a party though. All Ive done over the past few months is help build a few things and saved a few cats..Green eyes refocus on the bedside clock, 10:13am, the aspirin's kicking in already, lets see if I can eat something..She slowly rises from the bed and heads to the kitchen..

A shaky hand grabs the butter and salami from the fridge before its laid on the kitchen island and a scribbled a note is pushed aside, guess Regina's gone to help Henry with one of his science projects. I vaguely remember the boy speaking about it last night but I was too drunk to actually listen..Morrigan butters her bread, making a lightweight sandwich and pours herself a glass of orange juice, The smell is knocking me sick, Ugh, just eat it..Taking a bite, she forces the meat and bread down her throat, wonder if Regina's eaten yet? Last night I constantly kept spiking her soda water with vodka so eventually she would drink with me, It was fucking great. Just a shame I cant remember a lot. Did we have sex last night?..Her thoughts are interrupted by ringing from the foyer. She walks to the vanity and picks up Regina's cell, what the hell? She never leaves her cell..Must have been out in a hurry..The caller ID says "Idiot 1" and she laughs, wonder which one that is?..

"Hello?"

There's a pause before Mary Margret's hesitant voice answers.

"Oh..hey Morrigan, is Regina there?"

Morrigan frowns.."No, she left her cell at home, isn't she with Henry at the loft?"

"Eh, No she must have taken him to Granny's for breakfast. Its okay, I'll head over there now and check, hope your not too hungover from last night, how are you feeling?"

Morrigans frown deepens at the conversation change, somethings wrong..

"Yeah I'm not too bad, listen Ive gotta go." She abruptly hangs up and recalls the last number made from the cell, Ruby picks up on the first ring.

"Are you okay?! Do you need backup?!"

"What the fucks going on?! Where's Regina?!"

Silence...

Morrigans anger piques.."You better answer me wolf or I swear I'll.."

"Whoa whoa calm down, everything's fine." Davids quick voice answers her hysterics.

What the fuck is the Shepherd doing with her?!..

"I want answers Shepherd and I want them now! Where. Is. Regina?!"

"Shes..She went with Emma to arrest one of the suspects from her case."

Green eyes narrow.."Who?"

Silence...

Her rage simmers.."WHO?!"

"Greg Thurman, but we have everything under control."

Morrigans blood runs cold, Thurman?! The man is an absolute beast! If anyone is going to take Regina's life, he'll be the one to do it!..

"No no no, you MORON! Where are they?!"

"Listen we have everything under.."

"NO YOU DON'T! Do realize he has two brothers and a shit load of hill billy freaks constantly around him?!"

Silence...

Fucking morons! They're called the three pigs for a fucking reason!..

"There at his house by the woods but.."

Morrigan hangs up abruptly and quickly dashes out of the mansion, they have no idea what they've gotten themselves in to! I still feel like shit so I'm going to need a little boost. Time for a little back up of my own..

Emma circles to the front of the brick cabin, the forest looming in the background and a steady flow of smoke coming from the chimney. A frustrated Regina moves to join her.

"I guess the whole, he'll defiantly be here statement is falling flat on its face sheriff, clearly he's not home."

Emma frowns.."I'm not sure, inside there's food still on the table and the fire looks fresh. I think he's been tipped off."

"And who do you suppose told him? We're the only two that's aware of his arrest."

"You'll find that secrets in this town are never well hidden your majesty."

Both women startle, spinning towards Greg Thurman who's resting casually on the sheriffs cruiser. His strawberry blond hair sticks to his greasy head, his check shirt dirty but outlines distinctive muscles while a muddy boot leans against the silver alloys of the police car. Emma steps forward cautiously, Thurman's hairy arms crossing and a grin tugging at chapped lips..

"Your under arrest Thurman for several charges of battery and assault."

Emma pulls her cuffs and gun from her belt as Regina grounds her feet in the mud. Dark brown eyes burn at the mans sadistic grin, the sick bastard should be dead not arrested!..She scowls.."There's no rule in coming quietly dear so please make a fuss, then I can relieve you of your eyes and vile tongue."

Emma glances at the regal woman.."I wouldn't piss her off if I were you."

"I already know what she does to people that piss her off Sheriff, she burns their lives to the ground without bating an eyelid. You deserved more than what you got in that cell your majesty and trust me, you'll get whats coming to you soon. Your not the only one that'll go to great lengths for their revenge."

Regina raises a mock eyebrow.."Oh? Is that so little piggy. I hope you know that if circumstances were different you'd be roasted on a spit by now, but alas the sheriff here has different plans."

Thurman snarls, stalking towards the pair and Emma's gun snaps up.."Stay where you are Thurman and turn around slowly."

"Perhaps its you who should turn around!"

The sound of guns being cocked echos from behind the pair before a body suddenly barrels into Emma's side sending her to the muddy ground with a heavy thud. Regina whirls, launching several men through the air with magic but her arms are suddenly grabbed from behind and pinned to her chest. She struggles, trying to push the firm body out from behind her but Thurman squeezes her harshly.

"Well isn't this familiar, up for another round?"

He chuckles deeply and Regina cant help her rising panic, I need to do something. I need magic but with my hands so close to my face, I could do some serious damage..Panicked brown eyes dart to the struggling sheriff who fumbles with two men in the mud.

Emma slams her head back into a mans face, he reels, releasing her arm with a cry of pain as she quickly launches to her feet but is soon grabbed by another set of firm hands. The men hold her struggling arms before a fist collides with her jaw sending her off balance.

"Now I Reckon you two are trespassing on my land, in any case, your lives are now in my hands.." Thurman leans into the struggling royal whose snugly pushed against his front.."You remember my brothers don't you?"

Regina watches two men step out from the small crowd. The first is short and stocky, holding a baseball bat with rusted nails sticking from its end. The other is tall and slim, she notes the substantial burns covering half of his face and left hand as he holds a copper looking ax and they both grin darkly.

"They've been waiting a long time to see you again."

"I hope they've taken a bath in that time!" Thurman and his brothers chuckle darkly sending a shiver down her spine.

"There are others excited to see you but they can wait. We want to have our little fun first."

Slowly the two brothers advance and Emma struggles with her captors.."Wait! You don't want to do this!"

"That's where your wrong!" Thurman bites out.

Suddenly the sheriffs cruiser roars down the dirt track, sliding to a stop and startling the people in the clearing. Greg Thurman quickly screams his orders to the small crowd who quickly line up and begin bombarding the vehicle with deadly bullets. David and Ruby launch out of the side door and take cover as Emma watches helplessly while Thurman and his brothers drag Regina towards the trees.

Emma thrashes with the two men holding her and manages to get her right arm free, pushing the staggering man roughly and throws herself on top the other, punching him in the nose. When she moves to get up, her own gun is positioned between her wide eyes.."Wait.."

The dirty man grins wickedly, his yellow and broken teeth peaking from bloody lips but before he can pull the trigger, an ebony sword slices through his stomach releasing a spray of blood at the alarmed sheriff. There's a pause before the metal rips back through flesh and the man collapses to the mud in a bloody heap. Emma's wide eyes stare at the black and red Knight standing above.

The gunfire dies down before a curious a man quickly spots the dark Knight and alerts his companions.

I can feel the rush, its incredible! Why haven't I worn the Armour before? The power with the suit and sword together..I forgot how good this feels..Red eyes stare down at the shaking blond and Morrigan reluctantly offers a metal gauntlet to the woman. Emma tentatively takes it and just as she does, there's shouting in their direction. With a hefty tug, Morrigan launches the sheriff to her feet and in a swirl of burgundy smoke, they disappear as bullets pierce the trees behind them. They reappear behind the firing squad and Morrigan swiftly stabs her sword in the mud, raising her sparking hands. The enemy turns, prepared to fire but their guns are torn from their grasp as red electricity thunders towards them and ricochets from body to body. Screams echo around the area, a bright red light taring across the clearing before simultaneously, the men collapse into the mud unmoving.

David and Ruby peek up from behind the bullet ridden cruiser to look at the smoldering bodies in the mud. Emma glares at the remaining few men who quickly stumble backwards and flee into the comforting darkness of the forest.

"MORRIGAN!"

Regina's scream echos around the clearing and immediately Morrigan tares her sword from the mud and sets off running for the tree line. Emma quickly retrieves her gun before darting after the Knight with David and Ruby closely behind..

A hand harshly clamps over Regina's mouth as Thurman and his brothers half carry, half drag her struggling body deeper into the woods, Where are they taking me?! Or the better question is, who are they taking me too?! I saw the magic and heard the screaming..Morrigans here..

"Stop struggling!"

A fist connects with Regina's abdomen harshly and she tries to double over, coughing behind Thurman's hand as dizziness makes her stumble.

There's a rustle to their side before Morrigan bursts through the brush and collides roughly with the struggling bodies sending them all to the ground. She grabs the nearest body and rolls atop, punching the burned and scared face over and over again. A body suddenly barrels into her and shes forced to the dirt once more as they scrap fiercely.

Morrigan kicks out, rolling until shes atop the stout Thurman brother and punches quickly before launching to her feet, How dare they kidnap the Queen! They'll pay with their lives!..Red eyes sweep the area, the burnt and bloodied Thurman brother staggers to his feet as Greg pounces on the slowly standing mayor. Immediately Morrigan throws her arm out, knocking Greg on his backside until something stabs into her back plate and she lurches forward, what the fuck?..Red eyes quickly refocus on the grinning shorter brother behind her, a nasty looking baseball bat in his hands, little fucker!..

Regina clutches her stomach, taking a quick step back while wide brown eyes scrutinize her lover, the Armour! Shes wearing it! This isn't good..A stab to her gut refocuses her attention and she groans weakly, Jesus, they really know how to pack a punch..

The heroes burst through the bushes, standard issue weapons aimed at the Thurman brothers as Emma strides forward.."Stop!"

The men pause, glancing at one another skeptically.

"Regina you okay?"

A little flustered, Regina slides towards the blond, dabbing the back of her hand to the cut on her forehead and trying to mask the pain in her stomach.."I'm fine sheriff.." She looks to the dark knight concerned, this needs to be handled appropriately. That isn't Morrigan.."You have protected your Queen, now disarm and let the sheriff handle things Captain."

Emma frowns at the former Queen and Just as she moves towards the regal woman, Davids hand clamps onto her shoulder. She turns, noting her fathers apprehension.

"Which one of you struck the Queen?!"

Morrigans question is left hanging in the air a moment before the burnt brothers face slips into a wide grin and he chuckles darkly. Red eyes dart to his smug grin and Morrigan quickly turns, relieving the stout brother of his weapon. In one fluent move, she lunges forward and swings the bat at the mans head, lodging the nasty looking weapon in his skull. A sickening crunch ricochets off the trees before the man's dead body crashes to the ground, blood poring onto the damp leaves.

"NO!" Greg Thurman lunges at the knight but is met with the black steel of her blade. He grasps the serrated edge sticking into his stomach and tries to pull himself free only to have it slide through his body further.

Emma finally snaps from her shock, pushing down the bile in her throat and attempts to rush into the fight only to be pulled back roughly by her father.

"Emma don't."

"I cant just let her kill him!"

"You cant stop her."

Emma glares at the placid mayor.."Well you can!"

Regina shakes her head weakly.."No, I cant do a thing when shes like this, that isn't Morrigan."

"What the hells that supposed to mean?!"

"Say hello to my Dark Knight Miss Swan."

Greg Thurman cries out and David looks frantically at the former Queen.."You have to try something. What if she goes after someone else when she's done here?"

As much as it pains me, perhaps I could try etiquette. Its the Armour and sword, I need her to disarm..Regina's drawn from her thoughts by painful screaming as the last brother dashes straight for the enraged Knight.

Red eyes never leave the spluttering man in front of her as Morrigan casts the charging brother to one side, his back slamming against the forest floor.."You dare attack your Queen?! You disrespectful piece of shit!" She plunges the sword through Greg's body and takes hasty steps forward, pinning him to a tree with serrated tip. Blood seeps from the mans mouth and from the gaping hole torn through flesh as red sparks dance around her hands.

"Captain!"

Red eyes dart to her slowly advancing Queen, Instinct and etiquette forcing its way to the front of her mind but strict anger manages to push it back.

"What did I just say? Are you disregarding my orders?" Regina stops just shy of the knights personal space, her features steely and eyebrow raised dangerously, I need to be the Evil Queen or this wont work..Red eyes flicker between hers uncertainly, skepticism keeping the knight at bay.."I'm losing patience Morrigan!"

Morrigan immediately takes a step back at the harsh tone, her head lowered and drops to one knee. Etiquette and old instincts finally kick in and her armor slowly dissapears in swirls of burgundy smoke. Thurman forces a laugh through bloodied teeth and Morrigan quickly launches to her feet, pushing the sword further into the mans body. Regina startles, watching as the man takes his final breaths.

"He's...coming..for you..." With one final gargle, Thurman's head lolls forward and his eyes stare eerily at the bloodied leaves under him.

Morrigan breathes heavily through gritted teeth, snarling at the dead man and resiting the urge to punch the dead weight some more, serves you fucking right you piece of filth! I should have slowly ripped the fucker in two, I should have..Her dark thoughts are interrupted by a gentle hand on her shoulder. She flinches as shes slowly turned to face her Queen.

"Come back to me my love.."

A hand cups Morrigans cheek, rubbing soothing circles until red eyes gradually flicker green and the woman's breathing levels.

"That's it, you won, no ones going to hurt us."

There's a crack behind and quickly Morrigan whirls, pulling Regina's body flush against her back. The final brother flees into the forest at a quick pace and she snarls, no you fucking don't!..

Before Regina can protest, Morrigans dashing after the man. She quickly looks pointedly at Emma who nods firmly and sprints after the vengeful woman. When Morrigan and Emma are out of sight, Regina doubles over, clutching her stomach. David and Ruby immediately rush to her side offering a hesitant hand, Greg really did a number on me, its bloody killing..She glances up at the mans hanging body, brown eyes sliding to the jagged silver hilt of Morrigans sword, well at least she disarmed, but with her magic still in tact, was there really any point? And what about Thurman's threat? Who's coming? I'll find out one way or another, no one threatens me or my family, no one...