(Daniella's POV)

I didn't wait for either Belle or Maria's response. I sprinted out of the library to chase after my father. He was in a weird state, but I was positive that I had not seen a ghost. It was him. He was standing up and breathing. He's somehow alive.

Once out in the open, I glanced around. There was a growing crowd around the bodies of Johanna and the King. I looked left and right, but could not spot a man wearing clothes from the Enchanted Forest. I heard the library door open behind me and seconds later, Maria was at my side. "Dani, maybe you shouldn't go to him-"

I whirled around. "Why? Didn't you see him too? He's alive, and he's here!"

"Yes, but he didn't seem...normal. I'm sorry to say, but he looked frightening to me."

I sighed. "Yeah, you're right. But that's even more reason to figure out what's going on. Come on, we have to look for him!"

I took Maria's arm as I said these words but she quickly shook it away to point at something in the distance. I looked up and saw a black Mercedes approaching. It parked not far away from the site of the deaths beneath the clock tower and I watched as Snow and my mother got out. They came up to the site so I gave Maria a glance before running towards mother. Upon seeing me, she diverted her gaze and exclaimed, "Daniella! I thought you were with Maria's mother. Why are you here?"

I spoke quickly, "Umm, she dropped us off so that we can walk around, but whatever's happening here doesn't matter. I need to talk to you about something else."

Mother frowned at me with concern. Then, she tried ignoring me as she replied, "Firefly, I'll talk to you later."

I shook my head, "No! Listen to me, this is related to the deaths of the king and Johanna!"

Suddenly, I heard some shouts from the crowd. That gave mother an excuse to disregard what I was saying. She stepped through the crowd to join the sheriffs and Snow. I followed right behind and almost felt a tiny sinking feeling of remorse as I watched the princess sob on the ground beside her father and nanny. Charming was attempting to comfort his wife whilst Emma was talking on the phone. I was now able to hear the shouts clearly. It came from three people, in an argument with each other. I immediately realized that it was about how these two victims have died.

"It's not the Queen you idiot! I saw the King smile triumphantly as this poor woman fell from the tower!"

"Of course it is! King Leopold is dead too, how else can you explain it!"

Another person joined into the argument. "I swear it was suicide! He must have realized what he had done, and he saw that there were witnesses ready to call him out!"

"No way! There was a third man up there when the King was pushed off!"

"What the hell?! I didn't see a third man, and I was looking at the spot up there the whole time!"

"Seriously, you're saying that I'm blind or that I hallucinated a third man?!"

"Both of you are wrong, it must have been the Evil Queen! Or if not, she must have gotten her daughter to do it!"

"Are you mad, you blithering idiot?! The girl was across the street when it happened! She was in front of me!"

"How dare you call me an idiot? Perhaps you've forgotten that the girl has magic!"

I turned away from the argument and pressed close to my mother's side. The arguing people must have not realized that we had arrived, for I doubt that they would continue their quarrel if they knew that we were there. However, I was more interested in getting my mother's attention right now. Emma came up to her and said bluntly, "Look, I know you're Mary Margaret's assistant now, but I think the situation is handled here. You may leave."

Before she could reply to that rude remark, Snow came up to us, with teary streaked eyes. With a wavering voice, she said, "Look Regina, I know you're probably not willing to do this, but is there any type of magic that would help us figure out for sure, how they died?"

Mother answered with a casual voice, that had a hint of forced regret to it, "No, I am not aware of such magic."

"Regina, are you...sure?"

With a stronger voice, she stated, "Yes, I'm sure." Then, as she took my hand, she added in a softer tone, "I'm sorry for your loss."

Snow seemed surprised at the statement but she simply nodded her head. Emma gave us a suspicious glare as mother lead me away. I hate it when she regarded us with an expression like that. It always makes me feel guilty for simply existing. Maria came up to us as we left the vicinity of the growing crowd. Mother spoke to her first, "Maria, I'll call your mom to tell her that I've picked up Daniella. I'm happy to take you to wherever she is right now."

"Thank you, your majesty."

However, before she could call her, Maria pointed out that a car that resembled hers had just parked in an adjacent street. Indeed, we saw Maria's mom get out. She walked briskly towards us and upon arriving, greeted mother with a nod. "Mrs Durbonne-"

"Your Majesty, I'm so sorry I couldn't have gotten here earlier to pick up Maria from this chaos." With a chuckle, she added, "I've only been notified of what had happened out here whilst overhearing a conversation on the phone at the supermarket."

Mother replied, "Oh don't worry. Thank you for looking after my daughter. I hope she hasn't been too much trouble for you." At these words, she put her arm around my shoulder and pulled me in gently.

Maria's mother responded with a smile, "Definitely not. I'm happy that Daniella doesn't seem to have found me too annoying."

I replied, "Not at all," as I gave Maria and her mother a grin. Then, mother spoke up, "I suppose I'll see you tomorrow morning then."

"Yes, see you then."

After we had waved Maria and her mom goodbye, I immediately took the opportunity to tell mama about what I had seen. However, I wanted to make sure that no one around us was able to hear me. "Mama-"

"Oh yes, you wanted to tell me something. I'm sorry firefly, I had to check what was going on first."

I sighed. Then, I dragged her towards our car which was parked only a few metres away. When we got inside, mother gave me a concerned gaze. "What is it?" In a quiet voice, I began, "I know you might not believe me, but when the King was pushed off the tower, I saw the person who did it. At least, I assume that it was him since I saw him exit the library when I went inside to investigate-"

"You approached the location where a murderer might be hiding?! What were you thinking firefly! You could have been hurt-"

"I wouldn't! I have magic to protect me, and even if, I..." Then, I lowered my voice and revealed slowly, "I don't think he would hurt me because it was father."

Mother's explored mine in disbelief. "Daniella if you think-"

"No! I'm being serious, Mama. I saw him! I saw his face when we were hiding behind the bookshelves. It was him! Except, he seemed off somehow. Like, he was standing weirdly and his eyes scared me. But otherwise, it's him! He's alive and breathing."

Mother closed her eyes so I quietly prompted, "Mama, believe me. I saw him, I wasn't hallucinating. I think that he pushed the king off after Leopold did what we wanted him to do."

As she opened her eyes, I could see tears forming in them. Then, she said quickly, "We're going to my vault." The engine had started and we were quickly speeding through the streets of Storybrooke.

I thought for a moment before saying, "If the king was alive, why couldn't father also be alive?"

We screeched to a halt at a traffic light. Mother cursed. She looked at me from the mirror at the front of the car and murmured, "Sorry for that, firefly. But regarding what you've said, I don't think this is a matter of time travel and opening portals."

"Well then how is he alive? You believe me don't you?"

"I do, and I have an inkling on how he's come back, but we must take a look at my vault first. If your father's body is there, then all of this is a joke and it must be magic meant to trick us."

Soon, we arrived at the vault and we were both racing to the chamber where my father's body should be lying in the glass coffin. She immediately paused at the archway upon arrival. "Mama? Is he there?"

She moved to the side slowly and began circling the empty coffin. I exclaimed softly, "He isn't here. That must have been him..."

I saw a sudden realization pass in front of mother's eyes as she looked up at me. Then, she exited the chamber rapidly. I turned around and followed her to the thumping wall of hearts. There were two boxes missing its glow. One I could assume, was because of the Huntsman's crushed heart. However, where did the other one go?

Mother murmured, "Daniella, you didn't take one of my hearts, did you?"

I shook my head. "No. Of course not-"

"Well, you didn't seem to have hesitated when you took your brother's heart."

My cheeks reddened until mother added, "I was only joking." Then, she returned the empty box to its place in the wall and announced, "We have to pay Doctor Whale a visit."

"Doctor Whale? But how does he have to do with things?"

Leading me up the stairs and out of the vault, she replied, "Because once upon a time, I've asked him to revive Daniel from the dead. He failed, and that's when I suppose I completely lost all hope. It was not until you entered my life, did I start to have a better prospect of a happy future."

(At the hospital)

Mother wasted no time when we arrived for she cut through the line at the reception to speak to the nurse at the desk. I awkwardly followed behind her, but given the desperation in her voice, I felt the waiting line disperse away from us as if in fear.

"Doctor Whale. Where is he?"

"Ms Mills I do believe he's working on something important at the moment. If you'd like to speak to him, I can book an appointment-"

"No that won't be necessary. I need to see him now. Where is he?"

The nurse clearly didn't know what to do but nonetheless, she annoyingly repeated, "He's busy at the moment."

I could sense mother's patience running low. In fact, my own heart was thumping at the nurse's inability to cooperate. Mother raised her voice as she replied, "Well if the doctor isn't performing a life saving surgery, I do insist that I be brought to him now. This is an urgent matter and if you don't cooperate, I shall not hesitate to speak to your manager."

The nurse had a look of panic on her face at this point. She immediately stood up and murmured, "Yes, your majesty," as she bade us to follow her. She lead us down several corridors until we came into a quieter side of the hospital. Then, she gave mother her ID card. "Use this to swipe at the electronic lock on the door. The doctor inside his research laboratory. No one but he enters so I apologise, but I wouldn't feel comfortable leading you further." Then, she nodded once and left us. From the shut blinds, I could see a violent flickering of lights coming from inside the room.

I touched my mother's arm to get her attention. "What is Doctor Whale researching? Why does it look like a thunderstorm is happening inside?"

Mother frowned and replied seriously, "Stay out here and promise me that you won't come in. I've seen Whale perform his endeavours on Daniel back in the Enchanted Forest and it didn't seem pleasant. You'll wait here, won't you?"

I nodded with my mouth clamped tight in fear. I pressed myself against the wall as mother used the nurse's card and swiped at the lock. There was a click, allowing her to open the door. She gave me a glance before disappearing into the room. From the crack of the doorway, I could see a glass cabinet, that provided me with a hazy reflection of my mother as she went further into the room. I could hear her question in a wavering high voice, "Doctor Whale?"

Seconds later, I heard a gasp. "Mother?" I exclaimed.

I listened intently and heard something being wheeled back. Then, there was a series of whispers. I moved slightly closer to the doorway and pressed my ear against the wall.

"Whale, I know you took Daniel's body, and you took one of my hearts. Why?" There was a pause before she continued, "Why?! Did you bring him back?!"

A feeble voice replied, "I did it."

My mother breathed, "He's alive?"

"Yes. I brought him back but, he's not Daniel."

"What?"

"He's...he's a monster."

I didn't know what to make of the conversation but I soon heard a shuffle of footsteps and walked away. Mother stepped out and quickly questioned me, "Did you peek in?"

"No, you told me not to." She touched my cheek and whispered briefly, "Good girl." Then, she closed the door and said in a normal voice, "I have to find a nurse to tend to Whale. He's gravely injured I...I believe that this version of Daniel has harmed him."

My curiousity lead me to ask, "In what way?"

Mother sighed, "Daniella, it's best if you didn't find out. It's not pleasant, and I don't want you having nightmares."

I bit my lip in annoyance and murmured under my breath, "But I've seen you snap necks before."

I looked up to unfortunately see her staring at me for a moment. Something that looked like guilt crossed her eyes, but after a moment, she squashed it down and went looking for a nurse.

After finding someone to tend to the doctor's situation, we sat down outside the ICU. According to mother, he'd probably be wheeled in soon.

"Mama, you never told me that you tried to bring father back to life."

Stroking my hair, she replied, "I suppose I didn't, but it wasn't to keep any secrets from you, firefly."

I nodded, "I know, but why did you ask Whale to do it? Who was he back in our land?"

"His name was Victor Frankenstein, and he's actually not from the Enchanted Forest."

"He isn't?" I breathed in surprise. "No, he's from another land where one values science more than they do magic. I came to know of him through Jefferson. I was in Rumple's castle actually, when I met him. I...I was at a point in my life where I still had hope that learning magic could revive your father. Rumple found out my intentions and became angry with me but Jefferson agreed to help me in bringing Daniel back to life. It never worked of course, but I guess the doctor has to a certain extent, succeeded right now." Mother then lowered her voice as she quietly added, "...even if he's back as a monster."

An hour of waiting must have passed for a group of nurses coming our way and wheeling the doctor as he lay on a stretcher, into the ICU took me by surprise.

Mother stood up to watch as he was getting transferred into the ward. I remained on the bench until a familiar heavy set of footsteps sparked my attention. I turned in the direction of the sound and watched as Charming came striding into the ward. He took one look at mother before demanding, "What's going on? I just got a call that Doctor Whale was attacked."

She answered naturally, "You'll have to ask his doctors."

I could tell by her tone of voice that she seemed uncomfortable in giving any more details. Perhaps that's why David insisted, "No. I'm asking you."

Sometimes I wished that there would simply be a peaceful conversation between the families of Henry and I. Knowing that this simple chat might spiral into something worse, I got up and stood by my mother, to let Charming know that I was present. Indeed, he seemed to change his stance a little. Mother stressed her innocence as she replied, "I came here to speak with him and discovered he was hurt."

David gave us a look of disbelief so I added, "It's true!"

Unconvinced, he pressed, "What else? What did you come here to speak with him about?"

I let my mother answer this question. There was a short pause between she sighed and answered in a quieter volume, "Someone from my past." Then, it dropped a few tones lower as she quickly added, "I believe he's come back. Daniel. His name is Daniel."

David glanced at me and evaluated, "Daniella's father, the man you were supposed to marry. Snow told me what happened, and how it was her fault that he died."

I could feel my mother's magic pulsing in her veins as she gritted her teeth and replied, "Yes. He did."

"Well, then how could he be back?" David questioned in confusion.

With a changed expression, she replied with a hopeful smile, "It was Whale. He believed he could bring him back from the grave, and I don't know how, but he has!"

"You don't how? Guess."

I was taken aback by his harsh tone once again but mother wasted no time in tearing him away from his suspicions. "He practices something more powerful than magic, or so I was told. All he needed was a heart-"

"Is that why Daniella took Henry's heart?!" he exclaimed in horror. I felt his eyes scan me with disgust so I stepped into my mother's side as my cheeks reddened. Annoyed, she stated, "We've already been through this. Daniella's actions are independent of mine, and she meant no harm to her brother."

"Alright, fine fine," David replied as he crossed his arms. Then, he frowned and said, "So you have hearts here?"

"In my vault. From our land."

"Well whose heart did he take?"

Mother simply shrugged, "I have no idea. I took so many, it was impossible to keep track. I need to go. I have to find him and help him. He's probably lost and confused-"

"No. Where is he?" Pointing to Whale, Charming raised his voice and said, "Look what he did to him. He's dangerous!"

Taken aback, she replied, "Not to me. He won't hurt anyone else, David. I promise."

"You know I can't take that chance. You have two choices, Regina. Tell me where he is, or jail."

Even though I doubted David would put mother into jail again, his response still shook me. I looked uncomfortably between mother and him. As I thought about his question however, I slowly murmured, "Maybe its like when I was in my coma."

Mother turned to me with a frown. "What do you mean?"

"Well I had felt the curse weakening when I was 'asleep', but even though I was aware that I was no longer in the Enchanted Forest, I felt as if time had stopped. As in, I constantly felt trapped in the moments before the assassin's magic hit me." I could see mother's mind turning in wheels. Then, she exclaimed in realization, "David, I think it's like when you awoke from your coma. Daniel is following his final thoughts to where he last met me... the stables." Of course, she left out the part that I had seen him in the incident earlier that day. I was sure that David would have told Snow that both of her beloved ones were murdered by my father, just to add fuel to the fire between our families.

At the mention of the location, David's face paled. "No, Henry. Henry's at the stables."

As he sprinted off, I murmured, "He's not going to hurt him, will he?"

I looked at mother to confirm the answer but my heart started beating quicker when I realized that she didn't seem so sure. Shaking her head, she replied, "I...I don't know. We have to go."

With that, we ran out of the hospital, pushing past people who had luckily made some sort of pathway for us as Charming had already sprinted past them. When we got outside, I couldn't see him anywhere. I was about to step out onto the road when mother quickly put her hand out and stopped me. My heart skipped a beat as the sheriff's car stopped right in front of us. Through the open window, he shouted, "Hurry up, if you're coming."

In a few heartbeats, we were off and speeding through the streets of Storybrooke so quickly that mother shouted in alarm, "Watch it! You're going over the speed limit!"

Through swerves made of sheer concentration, David replied back, "Doesn't matter. I'm sheriff."

I could see my mother's eyes roll from the mirror at the front of the car. Then, she muttered something alone the lines of, "...just make sure that you don't get us all killed."

As soon as we arrived at the stables, mother and David sprinted off down the driveway. I ran after them, but lagging behind as they were faster than me. Before I rounded the corner and entered into the building, I heard my mother shout, "Henry!"

My heatbeat froze as I slowed down and walked cautiously towards the entrance of the stables.

As I came in, I saw my mother enter one of the stalls with David. I heard some concerned remarks from my mother before David cut in, declaring, "I have to kill it, Regina!"

When I came into the stall, I immediately noticed Henry on the ground, with a cut on his forehead. As I went over to him, mother argued, "No you can't!"

With spit coming out of his mouth, David asked, "Well then can you cast some spell to subdue him?"

"No! I won't use magic on him!"

My breath hitched as David drew out his gun. Then, I screamed, "What are you doing?"

The prince turned to me and said, "He's a monster! Look what he did to Henry, if Regina won't put him down, I will!" With that, my mother lunged at David. I later realized that she hadn't used her magic to convince him whatsoever. I hadn't expected her to plead either as she hung onto the prince and said, "David, please! Don't kill him! Just let me talk to him."

"It's too big of a risk. There's no telling what he'll do. Besides, let me go! He'll have escaped by now!"

"You have to at least give me a chance!"

David's eyes glared at mother as he pushed her out of the way. Before he could walk out of the stables, she rounded up in front of him and in a hysterical voice, shouted, "No! I won't let you hurt him! Please!" Then, her voice dropped to a low reflective volume as she whispered, "Let me talk to my fiance." I held my breath. David put down his gun and moved to one side. Taking that as a yes, mother rushed out of the stall. David turned to me and gave me an indication towards the exit. "You should go with her, I'll look after Henry."

I gave my brother a quick glance before following my mother. As she sped down the stables, she shouted, "Daniel? Daniel?!"

Then, I heard a scream from outside of the stables, in the direction of the showground. Mother gave me a glance before we ran out in the direction of the noise.

I squinted at the figures at the bottom of the hill in horror. My father was holding a girl up by her throat, and choking her. Both mother and I ran towards him, screaming his name. However, he didn't turn around. I got to the scene first, and pounced on his arm, attempting to distract him. I didn't expect the blow that would knock me over. I was thrown out of the way and as I rolled across the grass, I heard mother scream, "Firefly!"

I also heard a thud near me. As I held my head up, mother walked towards Daniel, who was no regarding her with a sinister snarl. I also glanced worriedly at the girl who he had choked. Then, I crawled over to her, turning her over. I felt as if a knife had stabbed through my chest. Her face was pale, and she didn't show any signs of breathing. I shook her and pressed my ear against her chest. Luckily, I could still hear a faint thump of her heart. That allowed me to turn back to my parents.

I yelped as father lifted mother up with his bare hands and pinned her against a tree. I wanted to go over, but as I tried standing up, a pain shot up the lower half of my leg. I touched my ankle and grimaced. I was left on the floor, looking up at my father choke the life out of mother, without the means to do anything. I was afraid that if I used my magic, I'd accidentally wound either one of them.

Mother struggled against his strength but she managed to choke out in a series of raspy breaths, "Daniel. Please. Stop, it's me. I...love...you."

That's when I saw a shift in father. I wasn't able to see his face clearly, but he staggered back and replied in a normal voice, "Regina?"

Mother embraced him with tears, "Daniel, oh, oh I can't believe it's really you."

I sat dumbstruck at what was happening but soon I felt another wave of cold water rush over me. Father pulled away abruptly and gripped his chest as he moaned in pain.

"Daniel?"

He breathed in uneven intervals as he replied with difficulty, "Stop, just stop the pain."

"What? How?"

"Let me go."

In a distraught voice, mother shook her head and breathed, "No. No, I won't lose you again." Then, she raised her hands to cup his face in her palms. "Daniel, without you, I'm lost."

The veins on my father's arm were threatening for exposure on his pale skin as he struggled to maintain control of himself. Then, mother shouted desperately, "Daniel? Daniel, come back to me!"

I could only hear agony in his voice as he pleaded, "I can't."

My mother's voice went up several pitches as she let out quietly, "But I love you." Father's body suddenly contorted. However, that did not stop mother from clutching his shirt tighter and bringing him in for a kiss. She held it for as long as she could. During this time, I felt as if everything around me had stopped. There was silence. Then, I felt a slight breeze course through my hair. As my mother parted, she frowned. "Daniel?"

He was still in pain. He doubled over and from my spot on the ground, I could see his expression of resistance. Mother muttered over and over again, "Daniel, are you ok? Daniel? Please, tell me you're-"

He straightened up with difficulty. Then, he shook his head, "Regina darling, please. Just let me go. I can't be here-"

Tears were streaming down my mother's face and temporarily, I forgot the fact that my vision was blurred as well.

Then, mother muttered, "But it should have worked! I, I love you Daniel, our love is true! Remember what you told me-"

I realised the kiss would only sustain him for so long. His body started spasming again. However, he managed to bite out, "Magic can't save me-"

Mother shook her head in denial as she held onto him, "No, no, no but I love you."

Suddenly, something hit me. I murmured through tears, "and I love you too, daddy."

My parents turned around. Mother was in a state of distress whilst father looked completely shocked at my presence. He whispered in confusion, "Daddy?" Then, I tried to heave myself up, despite whatever was wrong with my ankle. I nearly fell over but mother came forth and steadied me. Then, I more or less hobbled over to my father. His eyes had changed from shock to affection as he surveyed me approach him. As he knelt down, I fell into his arms. He rubbed my back, murmuring, "My daughter...oh my sweet girl."

I noticed that his breath was still uneven as if he was struggling against the pain. I gazed at his sapphire blue eyes before turning around to mother. She breathed, "It didn't work because true love isn't duo sided. It has three tiers." Then, she came over and knelt on the grass. Father took us both in with his arms, embracing us. He started shaking, as he was attempting to repel the forces on his unnatural body. However, I took the chance and whispered, "I love you, mama, I love you, daddy."

I leaned into his chest when I saw a globe of white light escape from the middle of our little triangle. Likewise to my parents, I watched it in awe. Then, it suddenly dispersed, sending a wave much like the one that broke the curse, out from us. I buried my head into my parents' embrace as I felt a slight tremble on the ground. It lasted for a few seconds. When it stopped, I looked up. Father chuckled and stroked my hair as he said, "I guess I was wrong to doubt true love."

(Regina's POV)

"Daniel? Are you...hurting?" I asked in a small voice as I stroked his beautiful face.

He shook his head, but it was he who alerted us that there was a young girl standing behind us looking confused and scared. He inclined his head past us, prompting me to turn around. "Oh, my dear. Where are your parents?"

"In Granny's waiting for my lesson to finish I think..." Then, she added hastily, "Your majesty."

I nodded, and said gently, "I'll take you there," as I waved my hand and surrounded the girl in purple smoke. Within seconds she had disappeared, leaving the three of us on the grass.

Daniel answered the question. "No, no. Not anymore." I raised my hand to his chest to feel the beat of his heart, my eyes not leaving his face. Then, he turned to my little firefly and smiled saying, "What's your name?"

She whispered shyly, "Daniella."

"-after you," I added, as a nervous explanation. I hoped that he'd approve, given that he hadn't even known I was pregnant.

His expression shifted from delight to concern. Then, he gestured at Daniella's foot, "You're hurt. I...I hurt you didn't I?"

I mentally scolded myself for forgetting my daughter's injury. However, as she changed the way she sat, I realised that her ankle seemed to be healed. Indeed, she shook her head and replied, "I think it healed me as well. That's why that girl is fine...when I went over to check on her, she had passed out."

Then, something clicked in me. "Daniel? You don't have memories of this world, or others do you?"

"I uh, I'm not sure. I...did I do anything horrible in this land? I mean, I think I remember snippets of this weird place."

"You don't remember?"

As he frowned, he replied with closed eyes, "I can only recall walking from place to place. I, I don't remember what I did."

I sighed, "So your last memory was the night we planned to run away?"

He nodded. Then, he slowly murmured as his eyes darted between mine and Daniella's, "What did I miss?"

Firefly gave me a look. She said quietly, "Didn't you say that you saw him, and he gave you that flower which woke me up?"

I nodded. Daniel was looking very confused so I quickly added, "Maybe that was your spirit from some kind of heavenly realm. It definitely happened; you had helped me wake up our daughter from a coma. I think maybe your mind right now is based on your earthly body." My poor fiancé looked even more lost. He glanced around and with a chuckle said, "It seems like I've missed a lot. Where are we? Why are you two wearing funny clothes?"

My breath hitched. Daniel saw that and he already knew something was wrong. "Regina?"

However, I didn't need to explain right away as Daniella pointed out in alarm at the sky. "Mama, is that...is that the curse?!"

We both turned to look at the sky and indeed, the dark purple green smoke of the curse were billowing towards us with amazing rapidity.

Although Daniella had never seen the curse, she recognised it, unlike Daniel. He murmured, "The curse?!"

I replied quickly, "It's alright darling. We'll be fine. It'll take us back home."

Daniella added with a grin, "To the Enchanted Forest?"

I nodded. Then I reached for Daniel's hand which was atop our daughter's back. I squeezed it and said, "We'll be alright dear. Just hold on." He nodded and put his arms around us. We looked towards the sky where the smoke was descending rapidly onto the land. Just before it covered us, I leaned my head against Daniel's shoulder and watched as Firefly snuggled up between us. As wisps of purple fog started blurring out our surroundings, I closed my eyes with a smile.