This does have attempted assault if you squint, but it's barely a paragraph. There are hints of violence and a brief mention of suicide, also if you squint, but there is nothing is graphic in this chapter. The next chapter is a different story. Time Jump: A Month in Storybrooke, and three in National City.

Regina brushed out her hair, watching the way it curled around her shoulders, and she humored getting a haircut. But she would never do it. Regina liked the length, and the fact Emma liked it helped too. She put her brush down and stood up, going into her closet. Regina bypassed her usual wear and reached into the back, tugging at a top that Red bought her a few days ago. Regina first chose a pair of jeans, but she chewed on her bottom lip and grabbed a long skirt with a high slit. Her children had been there for a month, and things were falling into place. Regina paused getting dressed, a soft smile on her face, and glanced at the polaroid on her nightstand. Killian caught them during a movie night.

Regina was on the couch with Emma on the floor in front of her. Isabella and Kieran took up the other side of Regina, tangled together in a mass of limbs and brown hair. It amazed Regina how her daughters were equally similar and different. Regardless, Emmett took up the other side of the floor, stretched out with his head almost touching Emma's thigh. Despite the rough start, it took less than a week for her children to warm up to Emma. It was…comforting to see them interact with one another. Killian took the picture before the others arrived and stole their spots.

Regina fell in love all over again with her family.

It was odd to have everyone around after the last three decades, but it was both a blessing and a challenge. Regina hadn't imagined a scenario where her son would come home a vampire or her youngest child coming from a universe where superheroes were real. She could still hear the sound of Isabella's body hitting the floor when she realized Supergirl existed. Charlie explained in the stunned silence that the superhero was Isabella's role model. Regina saw the look in her youngest daughter's eyes whenever she spoke about "Kara," and she knew there was more to the story. But she didn't push. Regina was still adjusting to her adult children being in relationships and… other things.

Nonetheless, in just a couple of weeks, Regina's magic returned to its initial strength. She was eating more, had more energy, and slept better. But that was because most of her nights ended with her daughters crawling into bed with her. Emmett rarely did, but he stayed in there until they fell asleep. He spent his free time with Killian and Charlie, falling into his routine of the gentle giant that watched more than he interacted. The three were a godsend. Regina came home one evening to find Henry's old room transformed into an art studio. Emmett, Killian, and Charlie spent the entire day painting, moving furniture, and fixing things around that house Regina had been putting off for months.

Of course, Isabella fell into her familiar shadows, always there but never speaking, but something was different about it. She wasn't avoiding conversation, just choosing to be around it rather than a part of it. And much to Regina's displeasure, her daughter started growing more comfortable with her girlfriend. Regina didn't hate Rosalie, but she wasn't on board with her daughter dating. She didn't like any of them dating. They were her babies, and they were never old enough to be doing…that. Kieran rarely mentioned Kara, but she discussed the work she'd been doing with her company, L-Corp. Regina was proud of her youngest for branching out and helping the world her way, not anyone else's. There was a hiccup when Regina met Charlie, but it lasted less than a day. She warmed to the former Chief in seconds, his attitude and behavior so similar to her best friend that she couldn't help it, and it was nice to have him around. Charlie took Emma under his metaphorical wing, helping her navigate being a Sheriff.

"It doesn't matter if it's Princess Cinderella or a woman from Park Avenue. Everyone in this world has the same rules and regulations," Charlie told her. "Trust your instinct and follow the rules you've set up for not only yourself but for this town."

Charlie had done something no one else could. He'd given Emma the fatherly, tough love that she'd been missing with David, and it bolstered her confidence. Emma carried herself differently, and everyone could see it. Another hiccup came when Red first reunited with Emmett and met Rosalie. It was tense. But once they grew accustomed to one another's scents, things relaxed. Then Red brought up the feeding conversation. Rosalie and Emmett confessed they fed on humans after initially feeding on animals. Isabella shut that down quickly, saying that hearing them hunt animals would be awkward and uncomfortable. Regina promised to find a solution but suggested they try blood bags for the time being. She could "procure" a few to keep them sated, but a long-term alternative would have to be decided.

Regina hopped around her room, looking for her other boot, and she made a mental note to look into getting Ruby into the school. The child had somehow wormed her way into everyone's hearts. Honestly, Sam, Ruby, and Jess were the surprising joys in Regina's life. Sam or Jess would often alternate on days to go with Regina to the office. When Jess came with her, she would spend time with Regina's secretary, Beth. She offered tips and helped around the office so the woman could go home to her husband before five p.m. When Sam came, Regina bonded with the single mother and exchanged stories. The topic of Henry came up on accident, and Regina had the awful realization she still had her demons about what happened. Sam sat with her and listened without judgment, and it was a much lighter Regina who left the office that evening.

Sort of.

As Ruby had taken over as the baby, everyone spoiled her. Especially Granny, who enjoyed having a child again in the kitchen. So there were a lot of cookies, muffins, and pastries coming out of Regina's kitchen. None of which stayed longer than a few hours. Regina absentmindedly touched her stomach. She had admittedly gained "happy weight" over the last couple of weeks.

"It's about balance, Madam Mayor," Jess said, placing a steak salad on her desk. "You can eat good and be healthy."

Regina hesitated, still remembering the moments where Cora tore into Regina for being too this or too that. Fortunately, Jess picked up on her hesitancy and told her they could do meals in advance to keep things structured.

That helped a little, having a plan in place, so Regina allowed Beth and Jess to bring her food when she was at the office. The family noticed her "glow," but Emma was her biggest supporter. The fact highlighted by the times Emma lingered after every hug or found a reason to touch her, letting her fingertips graze Regina's waist or her hips. Regina picked up on every touch, enjoying every moment of it. Why wouldn't she?

Someone knocked on her door, and Regina double-checked everything before opening it. Emmett leaned against the doorframe and looked her up and down. He cocked an eyebrow at the skin on display, and he folded his arms.

"Got plans to see Emma today?"

Regina closed her bedroom door and brushed past her son, only to run into her youngest daughter. Kieran scrunched her face when she saw her outfit.

"Is Emma coming with us?"

"Why can I not want to look nice?"

Emmett and Kieran stared at her, and Regina scowled before continuing down the hall. They found Isabella in the kitchen sharing soft kisses with Rosalie, and Regina cleared her throat. Isabella kissed Rosalie before turning to Regina.

"What are you wearing?" she asked.

"She's hoping to see Emma later," Kieran teased.

"Mom is too young to be dating."

"You were just caught making out with Rosalie."

"Do not bring me into this," Rosalie muttered.

"You're in the family now," Emmett said.

"Only because no one else is willing to put up with Isabella."

"I'm standing right here," Isabella said.

"So?" Kieran asked.

Regina pointed to the garage. "You three, out. We are already running late," she said.

"I thought you gave up being the Evil Queen," Isabella joked.

"That kind of title is never returned, dear," Regina responded.

"Rose, can we-

"Yes, but you may need to put gas in it," Rosalie said, tossing Emmett the truck keys.

"Can I have your card too?"

"Not when your account is bigger than mine."

"Hold on, you're rich?" Emmett walked away from Isabella, and she turned to Rosalie. "He has money?" she asked.

Rosalie grinned and kissed Isabella on the cheek before walking away.

"Try not to bring home any strays."

"I brought you home, didn't I?"

Rosalie paused and glanced over her shoulder, eyebrow raised.

"I adore you."

Rosalie rolled her eyes and walked away. Isabella grimaced and rubbed the back of her neck. Kieran walked up to her, patting her on the shoulder, and mock sympathy was written all over her face.

"I have never seen you put your foot in your mouth so badly," she said, trying not to laugh.

"See if you're still saying that when I put my foot up your ass."

"Wow. That was so mature of you. Then again, I expect nothing less from my baby sister."

"I am older than you!"

"But your birth certificate says otherwise," Kieran said in a sing-song voice.

"Five."

"Oh, please. That does not work on me anymore."

"Four."

Kieran's eye twitched, and Regina ensured she had the right wallet.

"Three."

Kieran's face grew nervous, and Regina waited for the inevitable.

"Two-

"Okay! Okay, I'm sorry!"

"That's what I thought."

Kieran huffed and stormed out of the kitchen. Isabella sighed happily and put her arm around Regina.

"Why do you mess with her?"

Isabella's eyes glazed over slightly before she blinked the look away, saying, "Make no mistake about my loyalty to my sister. I love her. I have always protected her, and I always will."

Isabella dropped her arm, but Regina caught the tail-end of something dark from their brief connection. She faltered a little as that answer brought up an entirely new set of questions. Why did she get the feeling she was missing something?

Regina sat in the passenger's seat. She shifted as she got settled, tugging and pulling at the end of her shirt.

"Hey," Emmett said. "You look nice."

Regina stopped fidgeting and smiled thankfully at her son.

"She looks like she's trying to reclaim her youth," Isabella drawled, kicking her legs into Kieran's lap.

"And you look like a homeless pin cushion," Kieran said, pushing her legs down. "Your pants have more holes than my ears."

Regina swallowed her laugh, and Isabella gasped. Emmett shook his head and opened the garage door, tapping an imaginary beat on the steering wheel as he backed down the driveway.

"Now, what if I had a complex?"

"You do. It's called narcissism."

Regina listened to the beat of silence before-

"That was a good one, kid."

"Fuck you."

"Language, Lena."

Regina caught the look on Kieran's face through the rearview mirror, but it was gone before she could investigate it. Isabella missed it as she sat forward.

"Hey, Mom? Why do we have to leave town for clothes? Wait, are you embarrassed by us?"

"And by us, she means herself."

"Kieran, I swear to Hades I will bite you."

"I should have left you both at home," Regina sighed.

"But who would keep these ruffians in check, Mother? I'm the good child."

"If there was a competition between you and Lex, I can safely say you would win. But if there was a competition between being an only child and you, the race is closer than you think," Kieran mused.

"Ouch."

"Too far?"

"A little. You could give me a fruit snack to make it better."

Regina glanced out of the corner of her eye, seeing Kieran toss a fruit snack into Isabella's mouth, and she shook her head. Emmett kept a steady speed over the boundary, and Regina relaxed once they were over the town line.

"Can we get donuts on our way back?" Isabella asked. "The ones with sprinkles."

"Gross."

"Excuse me? Donuts with sprinkles are the best thing in creation, and I will not have you disrespect them in such a blatant manner," she said.

"Big words for someone who can barely talk to her girlfriend," Kieran mocked.

"Have you seen her?" Isabella exclaimed. "Rosalie would make Mom stutter if she wasn't so obsessed with Emma."

"That is untrue. Rosalie is not my type," Regina scoffed.

"Mom likes the golden retrievers," Emmett joked.

Kieran folded into herself for a moment before looking out of the window. Once again, a look passed over her face before disappearing. That time, Isabella noticed, and she stared at the side of her sister's head for a moment before looking away.

"Did any of you notice you have a thing for blondes?" Emmett asked.

"Not me," Kieran said quickly.

"Come on, we heard the way you talk about Kara," Isabella said, her tone light and teasing. "Which, by the way, if you end up dating Supergirl, could you please convince her to fly me around?"

"No," Regina and Kieran said in unison.

"Why?" Isabella whined.

"Because the last thing this world, or any world, needs is you in the air with a Kryptonian," Kieran muttered. "Or even being in the same room. You and Kara together would be the equivalent of Mom and Mama."

"Without the sex, though, right?"

"Isabella!" Regina exclaimed.

"What?" Isabella said. "We all know you two had physical relations."

Kieran covered her mouth to keep from laughing at the disgusted look Regina shot her daughter, and Emmett snorted.

"We also know about Charles," he added.

"How many kids can say all three of their parents slept together?" Isabella asked.

"I wish you took after your father."

"No, you don't. Emmett has the whole broody, masculine thing covered. Kieran takes after Mama. Well, if Mama had sex with the world's most boring librarian with an ice fetish."

There was a smack when Kieran hit Isabella on the arm. Regina couldn't stop the laugh even if she wanted to, but she managed to get herself under control. Kieran squealed, and Regina looked into the backseat to see Isabella poking her in the ribs. Kieran elbowed Isabella in the face by accident, trying to get away. Isabella immediately pulled back, grabbing her nose.

"Oh, my God! I am so sorry!"

Regina sighed. It'd been a miracle they made it a month without someone breaking something. Naturally, the broken bone would happen between her daughters. Emmett rolled down the window once the smell of blood reached him, and he turned his face to the fresh air. Regina knew he would never harm his sisters, but it was better to be safe. Regina leaned back, waving her hand over her daughter's face. Isabella's nose reset, and she wiggled it around.

"Maybe don't tickle your sister in a moving vehicle," Regina said.

"It's not my fault she has hard elbows." Kieran pouted at the comment, and Isabella sighed. She unbuckled her seatbelt and slid over, bringing her sister into her arms. "Hey, it's alright. I'm okay," she said.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Kieran murmured.

"And I don't always mean to hurt you. But it happens. Do you think I love you any less than I did a few minutes ago?" Kieran shook her head no. "Exactly. We're sisters, Gelu. Nothing and no one will break our bond."

There was that weird feeling again, where Regina felt like she was missing part of the story.

"You know that I love you forever, right?" Isabella asked softly.

"And ever?"

"Until time ceases to exist."

"Excuse me?"

Regina turned slowly, confused, and frowned at the guy in front of her. He wore a baseball cap and a hoodie, but his eyes. There was something about them. She backed away out of instinct, only to bump into the wall. She was cornered. Regina cursed herself inwardly. She should've been paying better attention, but she wanted to get in and out as soon as possible. She promised Isabella to be right out, but her daughter just scoffed and said she was going to the shoe store. Regina grimaced, remembering that Emmett and Kieran were in another store on the other side of the street. The guy moved closer.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. If you excuse me, I need to return to my shopping."

"Oh, of course. And I'm sorry to approach you like this, but I needed to tell you how beautiful you are."

"Thank you," Regina said politely, shuffling along the wall until she could slip away.

"Wait," he grabbed her arm, "We should grab a cup of coffee sometime."

"Not interested," Regina said, tugging her arm away from him.

Something switched, and the guy grabbed her again. "It's just a cup of coffee. I'm not asking for your hand in marriage," he said.

"Let go of m-

Regina's words died in her throat when she felt something sharp against her stomach. She glanced at the knife in his hand, and she calmed her breathing.

"I go out of my way to compliment you, and you shut me down? You don't even know me. I could be the best man you've ever had."

"I doubt it. Seeing as you are an entitled prick who is unable to take no for an answer." Regina should stop, but the words poured from her lips. "And I am not obligated to give you more time than I already have. A woman does not owe you a damn thing simply because you compliment her. I know I am beautiful. You pointing it out to me is merely stating the obvious."

Regina pushed out with her magic, sending him flying into the shelves, and she hurried down the aisle to her cart. She practically ran into the main section, breathing a sigh of relief once she was in plain sight of other people. Regina exhaled and reigned in her magic, taking deep breaths. She made her way to the checkout line, but she paused when she heard her name. Isabella jogged over, and Regina spotted the blood on her daughter's shirt. Isabella tucked her hair behind her ear, and Regina saw the bruising around her daughter's knuckles. She realized her daughter came from behind her in the direction Regina had already left. Another weird feeling settled in her chest, and she stepped closer to her daughter. Once is an anomaly, twice is a coincidence, but three times was a pattern, and Regina knew when to trust her instincts.

"Why are your fists bruised?"

"Oh, I went to the sports store instead. Was messing around with the little boxing thing."

"And the blood?"

"Your child broke my nose earlier, remember?"

"We bought you a new shirt the moment we got to town."

"I guess some came over when I changed."

"That is not-

Regina stopped when security ran past them, noticing how Isabella turned to hide her shirt. She caught bits and pieces of their conversation, but the things that stood out the most were the calls for an ambulance and the body they found. She looked back at Isabella, and she cupped her face.

"Oh, my baby. What did you do?"

Regina jolted at the spark of rage that flashed through her daughter, and Isabella grabbed her waist. She needed to be grounded, which was never a good sign.

"I did what I have always done, and that is protecting the people that I love by any means."

Isabella's eyes flashed a dangerous shade of orange, more copper than anything, and Regina pulled her daughter into her arms and held her tight. She soaked in the anger, the fear, the bloodlust, and Regina knew they needed to leave. Regina kissed the side of her head and moved away, stopping to zip up her daughter's jacket to hide the blood. Regina abandoned the cart full of nothing essential and led Isabella to the exit.

Kieran could tell something was off about her sister when they got in the car. Isabella sat propped in the backseat, fingers clenching and unclenching, and no one spoke on the way home. Kieran reached over, intent on grabbing her sister's hand, but Isabella tensed. Kieran moved back, and Isabella relaxed. Kieran deflated and went to her side of the truck, wondering what happened in the short time they were separated.

By the time they got home, Isabella was worse. She jumped out of the truck when they arrived at the house and went toward the backyard. Kieran watched her sister melt into the trees, and she wished, not for the first time in her life, that she could follow her.

On Monday afternoon, the day found Kieran in the kitchen with Rosalie. Both of them were patient and silent in their thoughts. It had been two days, but Isabella still hadn't returned. Regina explained what happened, and no one could blame Isabella for doing whatever she did. It was instinctual in their family to protect one another, and it was something they would never apologize for. But something tugged at the corners of her mind. Emmett was an expert at hiding his emotions, but he kept twitching whenever Regina spoke about Isabella's temper. Something else was going on, and Kieran wanted to know what it was. So she would wait until her sister returned and get answers. Of course, that meant turning down going to work with Regina and Jess, not going to the diner with Sam, Granny, Red, and Ruby, and even telling Emma to raincheck the trip to the station. Killian, Charlie, and Emmett went on a "fishing trip." Which meant Killian and Charlie were on the boat recording how many fish Emmett could grab in one go. That left Rosalie and Kieran alone, and it was fitting.

"How often did she get angry when you were younger?" Rosalie asked.

Kieran shrugged one shoulder and said, "I wouldn't know. Our mothers would separate us whenever Isabella had a bad day. I only remember bits and pieces of her temper, but nothing concrete or worth repeating."

"Why did they separate you?"

"Because the angrier she gets, the angrier I get. My sister and I will fight and tease each other, but at the end of the day, I know she would kill for me just as I would kill for her. And I mean that with every fiber of my being. This family is exceptionally protective and can be dangerous when provoked. So I hope you know what you are getting into. With that said, if you hurt her in any way, your death will be eternal and endless at my hands. My mother will be the least of your concerns, understood?"

Rosalie gave a sharp nod, a glimpse of fear in her eyes, and Kieran couldn't enjoy it. She straightened and aimed her hand at the backdoor. There were a handful of people who could open portals at will, and most of them were in her family.

"What's going on?"

"Another portal."

Rosalie moved to stand beside Kieran, tense and ready to intervene if necessary. The portal appeared at the place Kieran assumed it would, but she lowered her arm when she saw who it was. Rosalie relaxed, albeit reluctantly, and Kieran took in Alex's injuries. A warning bell went off in the back of her mind. Alex wouldn't come to her unless she had to, and if she had to, that meant-

"I need your help," Alex said, her voice cracking. "I know you're home, but we have no one else. We have exhausted every avenue, and everything we do makes things worse."

"What happened?"

"Lex and Lillian set off a Kryptonite bomb, and Supergirl got the brunt of it. Dreamer, Winn, and Brainy were with her when it happened, and they are still in the hospital. Kelly and J'onn are keeping watch, but by the time I got there." Alex sniffed. "She was gone, and another bomb went off."

"How many?" Kieran whispered.

Alex wiped under her eyes and said, "Twenty-five agents, fifteen with the first bomb, and ten with the second."

Kieran felt like someone gut-punched her, and she leaned down on the island.

"You're our – my – last hope at saving her life. Please, help me. I can't live without her. She's my baby sister."

Kieran's eyes fell on the trees, and she ground her teeth before nodding in agreement. Alex sagged in relief, and Rosalie put her hand on Kieran's arm.

"I'm coming with you," she said.

"We both can't leave," Kieran argued.

"You mean the world to my mate, so there is no discussion about letting you go anywhere alone. Plus, I can text Emmett before we go. Look, I know you like to pretend like you don't miss them, but I can see it in your eyes when you think no one is watching. There are people you love still there, probably missing you as much as you miss them. And from what you said about Lex and Lillian, they will not stop until they have what they want. This is your chance to put those demons to rest for good, and I want to help you do that."

Kieran knew Rosalie was right, and the thought of Kara being without her powers and alone with Lex and Lillian steeled her resolve. She nodded, and Rosalie took out her phone, sending off the message.

"Thank you," Alex whispered.

"Of course. You are a part of my family."

"Done," Rosalie said.

"Good. Let's go."

Alex gave a tired grin before walking into the portal, and Kieran followed her, feeling Rosalie right behind her. When they emerged on the other side, Kieran gasped. She was back at the DEO. Or what was left of it. Kieran barely noticed the portal close behind her, and she placed a hand over her heart. The building was condemned and abandoned, almost a shell of what it used to be.

"They had an inside agent, who hung himself in his apartment. When we refused to tell Lex and Lillian where you were, they set off the first bomb in the morning. They didn't know J'onn sent several agents on field retreats, so the fatalities were less than what they would have been." Alex cleared her throat. "But we shouldn't be out in the open for too long. Lex has drones that come by every hour, and we have a few minutes before they return."

"Alex, what happened? How long was I gone?"

"You've been gone for three months our time, Kieran," Alex said sadly. "As for what happened? Superman denounced Supergirl, and all hell broke loose."