I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.

3: Change

When Regina opened her eyes the following morning, she woke with a renewed sense of purpose. She had a lot to accomplish today. Not to mention, D'Artagnan's couch was far more comfortable than the cots on the Jolly Roger or the ground in Neverland. It helped that she was able to take a hot shower last night and put on new clothes. Yes, they were made by magic, but it was better than wearing the same outfit in Neverland for a countless amount of days. She missed talking to Emma until one of them drifted into an uneasy sleep, but that was not meant to last forever, that was for Neverland. Instead of dwelling on the feeling in her chest, she shook it away.

Maybe when she and Emma talked today, they could get back on the same page. Were we ever on the same page? Every time it seemed like they were, Emma did something to shake that belief. So, maybe I should stop letting her and just focus on what I can do. What I should do.

Deciding to repay D'Artagnan's kindness, Regina made breakfast. As she moved about the kitchen, finding all of the necessary items to make a decent breakfast, she felt eyes on her. She turned to see Michela — Mikey — watching her from the stairs. She was dressed for school, but tucked in behind the banister, watching Regina with sharp eyes that almost betrayed her goblin heritage.

Mikey, still enchanted to pass for human, did not look as grateful as she did last night. Now, Mikey watched her with a narrow gaze and a frown. For a moment anger flared in Regina. Who the hell was this child, whom she helped, looking at her as if she had done something wrong? It was like Henry all over again. And then, she realized how it must look for her to be standing in the kitchen, making breakfast.

"Good morning," Regina said as politely as possible to not frighten the poor dear. It was bad enough she was doing a chore Mikey was probably accustomed to seeing her mama do, but also she was aware Regina stayed the night. She probably did not know Regina slept on the sofa. Regina tried to flash a warm smile, but it felt like a wince the second she tried.

Mikey did not respond, just grunted. She shifted to get a better look, but did not leave the stairs. The movement showed she had on a navy blue zip-up hoodie with no sleeves, but a pink long sleeve shirt underneath it. The pink probably came from her mama.

"Your mama would make breakfast, wouldn't she?" Regina asked with a slight crease of her brow as she gestured to the kitchen.

Mikey nodded. "Every morning."

That made a warm feeling settling in Regina's chest. That was the type of wife D'Artagnan deserved. Who did the Curse think needed D'Artagnan and Mikey? Whoever Nanette was, she obviously could not handle her blessings once she realized she had them. "You must miss her?"

Another nod and she gnawed her bottom lip for a moment. "I think she left because I turned ugly again."

Regina frowned. "Nonsense. First off, you are not ugly. You're different. Many people are different and shouldn't be made to feel bad over it." Regina had been different, too, from her mother, from her grandfather's Court, from her husband's Court, and she was always left believing she was wrong somehow. Well, until she became the Evil Queen. The person in charge got to decide what right and wrong were. Of course, that thinking had to change. She needed to embrace being different without being hurtful.

Mikey blew out a breath. "Yeah, well, people always make it seem like I'm ugly and like it's bad."

"People do that to cover their own issues. Instead of dealing with their own situation, they lash out at others." Regina was an expert on this, on both ends.

"Then why did my mother leave?" Mikey asked, voice wobbling.

Regina was not sure if she should have this conversation with Mikey. Surely, D'Artagnan would prefer to do so. But, D'Artagnan had probably had this conversation more times than she liked already. An outside voice might be the thing Mikey needed. "Well, how did you feel when the Curse broke and magic came to Storybrooke?"

Mikey scowled, not seeing what that question had to do with her question. She took a breath. "I felt weird. I didn't know what was happening and I was confused when I changed. My mind was really scrambled because of…" She trailed off and glanced away, like she did not want to insult Regina.

"Because of the Curse. Your real life from before collided with this life and it was hard to figure out what was what. And everyone felt like that, including your mother. Did you know immediately what you should do?"

"Well, no."

"And I'm sure your mother was the same way. I know children like to think adults have it all together, but more often than not, we're making it up as we go along."

"So, she didn't leave because of me?"

"I'm almost certain she didn't. She likely left because she's confused and probably scared. She just has to figure out how to reconcile living two lives. For some it's easier than others." A part of her that she tended to ignore hoped for Nanette. She wanted the woman to come back to her family and enjoy them because D'Artagnan was an amazing person and Mikey seemed like a good child.

Mikey gave a powerful nod. "Okay. She'll probably come back when she realizes that this life is way better. I gotta finish getting ready for school." And with that, Mikey was off.

Regina chuckled. Mikey was so D'Artagnan's daughter. She accepted solid answers and tried to stay positive while being a person of action. It was a good thing, even if people wanted to pretend otherwise. Regina was finishing breakfast when D'Artagnan wandered out, fully dressed in her Storybrooke Fire Station polo and pants, but face raw with naked pain.

"I got dressed for work, like it was any other day," she said as she sat down at the dining room table. She rubbed her forehead. "I keep doing this…" She growled and it seemed like she was going to say more, but she stopped. She turned in the kitchen and blinked, like she had not expected to see Regina. Maybe her mind was still a little scrambled, even though the Curse had been broken for a few weeks at this point.

Regina jumped in, not addressing D'Artagnan's apparent slip. "It might not seem so, but that's good. The fire department was foolish to let you go." The Curse had picked the perfect job for someone like D'Artagnan and Old World values made the town poorer for its loss, but Regina knew where D'Artagnan would be even happier.

D'Artagnan shook her head. "I don't know about that. But, I figure I can at least walk Mikey to school and make sure she's safe." A small smile twitched onto her face.

"Good idea. Do you mind if I accompany you?" Maybe she could see Henry and see if he was all right. Then, she could go speak with Emma with D'Artagnan already there.

"No. Worried about Henry?"

Regina smiled. "You always could read me so well."

D'Artagnan chuckled, a light blush covering her cheeks. "Well, you know how much I love a damsel in distress."

Yes, D'Artagnan enjoyed coming to the rescue, especially when a fair maiden was involved and if she did not do that while dressed as a man the Enchanted Forest might have been a little more forgiving. No one dared to consider that had the King's Guard just included women D'Artagnan would not have had to disguise herself. Either way, D'Artagnan's nature had troubled them both more than it should have.

"You didn't have to cook for us," D'Artagnan said, as she took in the ingredients across the counter.

Regina turned her attention back to the French Toast. "You didn't have to take me in. So, enjoy."

"You're welcome to stay as long as you need."

"I don't want to impose." She needed to figure out her next move while also working on herself. I'm going to be busy.

"You're not. I want to help. Let me be here for you, like before. Our friendship was brief, but fulfilling."

Regina smiled. "You helped me through a lot of dark times." Were it not for D'Artagnan, Regina probably would have ended it all a long time ago. If that was known, many people would probably think D'Artagnan an even greater monster than they already did.

D'Artagnan stood and leaned on the counter dividing the kitchen and dining room. "Then let me help again. You're welcome here to get your feet underneath you again. It's what we're all trying to do."

"Thank you."

D'Artagnan smiled. This was more than likely as much for her as it was for Regina. Helping someone would help settle D'Artagnan and that was good. Having D'Artagnan settled would help keep Storybrooke balanced rather than diving back into the Old World, which it seemed like some people wanted to do.

"I want to apologize to you for the Curse," Regina said as she stacked up several slices of French Toast. She put the plate on the counter between her and D'Artagnan and then started on making scrambled eggs.

D'Artagnan shook her head. "Don't. You let my child thrive in a safe environment. I'd give anything for that."

Regina understood that sentiment and let the matter drop. "Then let's work to get it back, without the brainwashing this time."

D'Artagnan nodded and Mikey returned, ready for school… maybe. Along with her hoodie and pink shirt, she had on matching navy blue sweatpants and pink sneakers. Regina would never let Henry go out in such casual clothing, but D'Artagnan did not say anything. Regina was not familiar enough with Mikey to know if that was how she usually dressed. She expected something more formal based on what little she knew of Nanette. But, she would learn.

"We're going to walk with you to school, just to be safe, okay?" D'Artagnan told Mikey.

"Sure. Faruq's gonna meet me there. His parents aren't sure if it's safe to be out with me, anyway. If things go well today, will you talk to them, so we can walk to school together again?" Mikey pressed her hands together.

D'Artagnan smiled. "Of course I will. They're good people and just worried about his safety."

Regina was not sure who Faruq or his parents were, but over twenty thousand people resided in Storybrooke. She could not keep up with all of them. She finished making breakfast while D'Artagnan made sure Mikey had everything she needed. From the groaning coming from Mikey, it was clear she did not think it was necessary. She had everything under control, having everything D'Artagnan asked her about and more. They had breakfast at the island countertop and were all ready to face the world afterwards.

D'Artagnan changed her shirt to a regular black Henley and the trio left the condo. The neighborhood was quiet. The autumn chill could have been the reason for the empty streets, but it was more likely because everyone was still trying to work out what to do now that the Curse was broken. Or they were being cautious since D'Artagnan told her there were mobs coming into the neighborhood, threatening people and destroying property. The few people outside watching them as they walked by.

The walk to school was uneventful, even though the looks were unavoidable. The Evil Queen, the defect D'Artagnan, and the halfling Mikey were on the street. Denizens of Storybrooke probably thought there was a war on. But, they made it to the school unmolested. At the school, many paused and gawked at them. Regina did not mind being a target of contempt, but she would be damned if she let them harm Mikey.

"Mikey, if any of these peons so much as looks at you sideways, call me." Regina materialized a card in hand.

Mikey smiled. "Thanks, but I can take care of myself. Mom taught me self-defense, both here and in the Old World." Her face scrunched up. "Well, I have memories of her teaching me here and I know stuff."

"Take it for my peace of mind, please." Regina handed the card to Mikey, who accepted, sliding the card in her pants pocket.

Regina then turned away, seeking her son in the crowd and to let the mother and daughter have a private moment. Henry did not seem to be in the group of school kids. So, he could be inside or maybe he cut school. She could understand him not going to school right away after Neverland, but he was probably using the time to be with his ne'er do well father. It was not likely Emma or Neal would push him to go to school.

"This is harder than I thought it'd be," D'Artagnan said, pulling Regina from her thoughts.

"To trust her alone in school?" Regina asked.

"Yes. I mean, she can defend herself and she's strong, but there's only so much a twelve-year-old can do against a mob."

"Point taken, but that's why I gave her my number. I can be here quickly and pick you up on the way."

D'Artagnan smiled. "Thanks for caring about the kid."

"She didn't do anything to warrant such treatment. We both know how unfair life can be. Besides, she seems like a good child."

"The best."

Regina nodded, knowing that pride all too well. "I won't let any harm befall her, just as you once vowed to me."

D'Artagnan gave a sad smile. "Back when we were both young and naive."

"Yes. Now, will you accompany me to the Sheriff's station? I have a matter to attend to."

D'Artagnan shrugged before giving a light bow. "It would be my honor. After all, I don't have anywhere else to be."

"Another sad fact. I hope you don't mind my use of magic."

"Go right ahead."

It was nice to be around someone who did not treat her magic as a disease. Even Emma had been weary of it, especially when she noticed it change in Neverland. With a wave of her hand, they were both cloaked in purple mist and, when it cleared, they were in the sheriff's station..

-8-8-8-8-

"Yikes!" Emma jumped back, banging her hip into the dusty desk behind her. Fuck, that's gonna leave a bruise. "Regina, what are you doing here?" She was surprised by Regina appearing inches away from her and some woman standing with her. The woman was tall, blond, and stood like she was ready to rumble.

"I would like to discuss Henry, but also D'Artagnan." Regina motioned to the woman.

Emma blinked. "D'Artagnan's a woman?" This should make sense, but this place keeps surprising me. Like how they trashed the damn station while I was gone.

Regina arched an eyebrow. "You suspected otherwise?"

"You know what, I'm going to give up." Emma tossed her hands in the air. "Rumpelstiltskin is a reptile creature, the Evil Queen is hot, and D'Artagnan is a woman." Emma blew out a raspberry. Dude, you just said Regina's hot. Keep moving before this is awkward! "I took Henry to school today."

"Good save," D'Artagnan said with a thumbs up.

Emma frowned. "Anyway! Yeah, so Henry went to school today. I didn't tell him about the house yet. Last night seemed like a bad time and he was so hyped for school this morning. I just didn't want to ruin his day."

Regina nodded. "Good point. Did you feel he was actually ready for school?"

"Is anyone truly ready for school?" That was a good answer, right?

Regina sighed, shoulders dropping. "Okay. Did he at least eat a good breakfast?"

"I feel like you won't count Fruit Loops as good…" Anything was better than trying her mother's oatmeal. It would not be so bad if Mary Margaret did not believe in putting every topping possible in one bowl. Honey, several types of berries, at least two types of nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon were kind of overkill. I'm not even sure it counts as oatmeal.

"I do not."

"Good! He had cheerios. See, I'm a good mom." Emma grinned, trying to get back into Regina's good graces.

Regina's brow arched, clearly not moved. "You're hysterical, Emma. I haven't called your parenting into question. I'm just hoping Henry's fine."

Emma nodded. "Right, right, right. I'm just a little on edge. I forgot how stupid life is." I'm also scared I screwed things up with our friendship or whatever the hell we were doing in Neverland. "Anyway, any news about the town?"

"D'Artagnan can fill you in. I assume you still need a deputy?" Regina asked as she looked around to see the station in disarray. There were papers everywhere, cabinets tipped over, and garbage everywhere, like some just had a party and did not bother to clean up. "What happened here?"

Emma pursed her lips and ignored one of those questions. "You want D'Artagnan to be a deputy?"

"She was a firefighter, but the fire department made the stupid decision of firing her. You can ask her why. But, you seem stressed and we only just got back, so I'm sure having a deputy will help, if only to clean up."

Emma looked at D'Artagnan and was not sure how to feel. She was helping Regina, so that was a plus, but something about her was off. Maybe it was because she was Regina's friend. What if D'Artagnan was a bad guy?

"Um…" Emma said. She could use the help, especially since David seemed like he was staying home for the day. She was not all that upset, except that she needed to clean up the place by herself. Why the hell did they go on a rampage in here of all places? But, then again, since she did not know who did it, it could be any number of reasons.

"The decision is yours, of course. I just thought having a face and voice around that's not your father might be welcomed," Regina said.

Emma winced. That was so true. "Well, I could use some help around here. I'll give her a chance."

Regina nodded. "That's good."

"Um… can we talk, though?" Emma glanced at D'Artagnan, but did not want to dismiss her outright as it seemed rude and would probably start off their work relationship in a bad way.

"I'll come back. I need to go see about Tinker Bell as soon as possible, but please let me know how everything goes." And Regina was gone with a wave of her hand.

"So, that was abrupt," Emma said.

"As Regina tends to be. You don't actually have to interview me for a job," D'Artagnan replied.

Emma waved that off. "No. I do need help and it would be great if it's not my dad. But, first, are you a bad guy?"

D'Artagnan tilted her head. "Why, because I helped Regina?"

"Yup. Although, I know you don't have to be a bad guy to help Regina, but also you don't have to be a good guy to want to hurt her."

"Regina has always been complicated. I'm shocked she'd want me to work with you considering my feelings on Snow White." D'Artagnan looked Emma up and down.

Emma tensed, but did not react beyond that. "Not a fan?"

"Nope." D'Artagnan met her eye, as if challenging her.

That makes two of us as time goes on. "Fan of Regina?" Emma arched an eyebrow.

D'Artagnan shrugged, but kept her shoulders squared. "Fan of a fresh start. While I'm not happy with the brainwashing, I'll take anything that allows my kid to grow up safe and sound."

Emma's eyebrows shot up. "You got a kid?" D'Artagnan is a woman with a kid. I'll never get used to it here.

"Yup." D'Artagnan's body was rigid, like she was ready to defend herself. "Tough kid who has been in hiding since the Curse broke because some of these people are fucking animals. But, that's not what this is about."

Emma nodded and motioned to an empty seat. "Please, sit. Let me know what's up. Why should I hire you as a deputy?"

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Regina brought you here for a reason and I do need the help. You don't seem so bad." Emma was willing to try this out for those reasons.

D'Artagnan sat down. "Look, I was a firefighter here and, yeah, I know it's fake in the sense that I didn't do the things, but I have the training." She tapped the side of her head. "But, I was a member of the King's personal guard and good enough to be the captain of the Queen's guard."

Emma pulled up to the desk, ignoring the papers scattered all over it. "You were a Black Knight?"

"No." D'Artagnan's face scrunched up, clearly offended. "I was the Queen's personal guard." She raised her chin with pride. "Back when she was Queen Regina, but not the Evil Queen."

Emma nodded. "Okay." Then, she remembered The Man in the Iron Mask. "Wait, did you have an affair with Regina?" For some reason, her throat burned at the thought.

D'Artagnan's nostrils flared. "I did not."

Sore point. "Did you want to?"

"No. The problem is the King seemed to think so."

Emma scowled, even as the fire in her throat settled down. "Thought you were having an affair with the Queen?"

"We were close in age and spent a lot of time together."

"You were her guard." She would think that the Queen and her top guard would spend a lot of time together.

"He was paranoid. I'm sorry you have to find out this way."

Emma rolled her eyes. "I never met him and haven't been a fan of the guy for a while. Me and Regina talked a lot in Neverland. I didn't like most of the stuff she said about him." And she was sure it was all true. Not because of her superpower, but from the way Regina put it. Her tone, her demeanor, nothing about it made it seem like Regina was trying to paint herself in a better light. It was just the rawness of her life at that moment.

"That's good. She needs friends."

"Yes, she does." I gotta work on being a better one. "She's not the only one. She needed friends back then, too?"

D'Artagnan chuckled. "She wasn't the only one. She was also the only person who figured out I was a woman and she wasn't upset about it."

Emma's forehead wrinkled. "Why would you being a woman be a problem?"

D'Artagnan tilted her head. "You have no idea about me at all, huh?"

"Should I? I mean, I've seen Man in the Iron Mask."

"Not even read, huh?" D'Artagnan shook her head. "But, yeah, you shouldn't really have heard of me. You've got a lot going on."

Ain't that the truth. "So, what's the deal?"

"I joined the King's guard disguised as a young man because women aren't allowed. It wasn't fair since I was literally the best of them, but those were the rules. I was good enough to work my way being the Queen's personal guard."

"When did they find out you were a woman?"

"Not until the Curse broke here. People were not happy."

Emma frowned. "With what?"

"With me being a woman."

"What the hell is that about?" I could live to be a million and probably won't understand all the ends and outs of Fairy Tale Land. Sometimes, they seemed to have different morals and values and then sometimes they turned out to be sexist jerks like everywhere else.

D'Artagnan blew out a breath. "You really aren't up on Enchanted Forest culture, are you?"

"Can't say I am and don't really want to be from what I've learned about it. So, what's the deal? I mean, you sound pretty cool."

D'Artagnan sighed. "I'm what they call a defect. Basically any non-magical person who doesn't conform to social norms is considered defective. A woman dressing as a man, obviously insane. Plus, the Enchanted Forest frowns on the idea of someone deceiving people regardless of the reason. In a land with magic everywhere, people hate to be fooled, especially with no magic involved. I was in disguise, but I wasn't hiding behind magic. When the Curse lifted, they realized who I was and who I wasn't. So, I got fired from the fire department. Although, I'm surprised we still have a fire department."

"Why?' Emma really wished every moment of Storybrooke was not completely and totally nuts.

"The place is decaying. At a much faster rate than before, once your crew left to chase after Henry. The mail and garbage crews are basically skeletons at this point. The fire department is on its way. They booted me and anyone they thought was in league with Regina. Other places are doing the same thing."

"Why? Who the hell has been in charge for the freaking week we've been gone?" While Storybrooke was no well-oiled machine with the Curse lifted, it still resembled a town when they left.

"The Blue Fairy."

"Fuck." Emma barely knew the woman and hated her. Of course, her opinion was biased because of magical trees and abandonment, but mucking the town was on the list now, too.

-8-8-8-8-

Regina appeared at the Bed and Breakfast and was surprised to find Tinker Bell waiting for her. She expected Tink to make this more difficult, especially with her attitude yesterday. Tinker Bell stepped over to her, a frown in place, and her arms across her chest.

"Good morning, Tinker Bell," Regina said.

"Good morning. So, Emma said you wanted to see me," Tinker Bell replied.

"Yes. Let's get your wings back."

Tinker Bell's face fell into a guarded expression. "What? Are you serious?"

"I am. I owe you. I will pay up. I just want you to be sure about this. Do you want to be a fairy again? Hanging with those clowns?" Fairies would always be the worst and she did not say that just because she had demigod blood coursing through her veins.

Tinker Bell shook her head. "I just want to be me again."

"Meaning what?"

Tinker Bell put her hand over her heart. "I'm a fairy. Maybe I'm not the fairy Blue wanted, but I want to be a fairy. I want to help people."

"You've done this without being a fairy."

Tink shrugged. "It's easier with magic."

I hope that's true. "All right. Let's get to it."

Tinker Bell nodded and followed Regina into the diner where D'Artagnan said the Blue Fairy held court every morning. And there she was, sitting at a booth with a couple of nuns/fairies standing guard. Regina stepped right up to them. Tinker Bell was there by her shoulder.

"What do you want?" the nun on the left sneered.

"Tinker Bell wants her wings back, first and foremost. So, let's start with that," Regina replied. She had a few grievances to address about the town afterward.

The right fairy scoffed. "She's not going to waste her time with you, your majesty."

Regina smirked. "Oh, it won't be a waste. Now, I would suggest you move, as you have wasted my time."

"Let the Queen sit," Blue wisely said. She could probably sense the change in Regina and had just spared those two fairies a grim fate. Hell, she probably knew what would happen when Regina went to Neverland. Pan knew, but just thought his power would be greater than her own. A poor miscalculation on his part.

The two fairies glared at her, but stepped out of her way. Regina sat and moved over to create space for Tinker Bell. The fairy guards blocked Tinker Bell and Regina glared at Blue, who focused on her short stack.

"Let Green sit," Blue said.

Regina scowled. "Her name is Tinker Bell and you will return her wings." Tinker Bell eased in next to her.

Blue laughed. "And why would I do that?"

"Because she did her job and you punished her for it because she disobeyed you. But, you are not the lord authority over fairy behavior. A fairy is meant to help someone in distress. She tried to help me at an especially low point and you punished her for it because you told her to leave me alone. Now is the time for justice."

"Ha!" The sound came from across the room and Grumpy stood. Of course one of Snow's damned dwarves. "What do you know about justice?"

Regina glared at him. "My entire existence is based on a fight for justice. You stand there as if the Blue Fairy has dealt you or anyone justice. Her entire existence is balanced on good PR."

"What do you know about justice?" The Blue Fairy hissed and glared.

"Considerably more than you. You sit here in judgement of me, but based on our actions, the only real difference between us is that I've been labeled evil and you good. But, down to the bare bones, you've killed, maimed, abandoned, and sentenced people, even children, to unspeakable horrors. You're no better than I am, except people like and believe you for some reason. But, that's not going to make me go away. Now, once again, Tinker Bell's wings."

Blue's eyes narrowed. "And if I don't?" A bead of sweat perked up on her upper lip, though.

Regina took a deep breath and grinned. "You and everyone can get a taste of what Neverland awakened within me. You already knew it was there, right? Isn't that why you warned Tink away?"

"I warned her away because you were born evil, pure and simple. You didn't deserve help," the Blue Fairy said.

Regina scowled. "Is that the lie you tell yourself to sleep at night? We both know you were scared of my mother because she knew she had a god's blood in her veins. She knew she had a god's power."

"A demon," Blue snarled. Regina was not sure if she meant Cora or Cora's ancestor, but it did not matter.

Regina could feel the viciousness in the grin that curled onto her lips. "I'm sure you're eager to see what you were so eager to let die. I'm sure you're eager to see what Neverland ripped from my very marrow to aid me as I single-handedly killed Peter Pan after he threatened the life of my son. Now, you haven't threatened Henry, but you hurt my friend. In fact, you hurt several of my friends with your unofficial tyranny of Storybrooke."

Blue ground her teeth together. Regina ticked up an eyebrow, daring Blue to try her. Blue was all too aware what it meant for Regina to kill Peter Pan. The diner was silent.

"You can't just—" Grumpy started up, even getting out of his seat at the counter.

Regina cut him off. "Oh, but I can." Lightning crackled from her and the diner shook. She made a fist and Grumpy was back in his seat, unable to move.

"I see you handle your demon magic well, much like your mother," Blue said with a sneer.

Regina held up her fist, with purple magic wafting from it as lightning crackled through it. "Why don't you meet me outside and find out."

There was silence again. As much as Regina wished Blue would take her up on that offer, Blue was no fool. The idiots around them might not understand what just happened, but Blue knew. It was why she opposed Regina practically since birth. Blue had seen what Cora was capable of unlocking her demigod powers. Her mother could oppose a fairy and keep up with the Dark One. Neverland had something more than that to Regina, though. It had taken ancestral magic inside her and dialed it all the way up.

"I suppose Green—" Blue started until Regina cleared her throat. "I mean, Tinker Bell. I suppose if she helped rescue all of those Lost Boys from Peter Pan like I heard at the party last night, she has earned her wings."

Regina rolled her eyes, but Blue grabbed Tinker Bell's hand and then there was a flash of blue smoke followed by a flutter of green sparks. Tinker Bell yelped and sat up straight. Regina could smell the magic. Tink's magic was like mist off of the ocean. Tinker Bell was a fairy again.

"Wow…" Tinker Bell tittered. "I'm me again!" She hugged Regina, much to her dismay. But, she owed Tink, so she endured. She did not take her eyes off of Blue, though.

"So, our business is over?" Blue asked.

"No. You're still using your influence to make life Hell for innocent denizens of Storybrooke."

Blue fluttered her eyelashes, like she was so sweet. "So, D'Artagnan is innocent?"

"As is her daughter and several other so-called defects and, of course, presumed allies of mine. Just because the Curse granted them good lives doesn't mean they're friends of mine. They just deserve justice."

Blue scoffed. "Again, you say the word 'justice,' but we all know you don't know what it means. You call me a tyrant, but you're been that your entire reign, even now. You can't stop being the Evil Queen and that's why Henry chose Emma. He knows what you are. we all do."

Regina held in the pain as her heart shattered in her chest. Blue was right. She was so terrible her own son did not want her, even after she destroyed Peter Pan to save him. Maybe she knew as much about justice as she knew about love. No, you already decided that you would stop being the same people who hurt you, those who broke your ideas of justice and love. Don't crumble before her. Piece yourself back together again and be Regina.

"Since you suddenly think you're above it all, step down as mayor and have a free election since you think this place is run so great," Blue continued.

Regina scoffed. "Is that what you really want?" Did Blue think if she stepped down, they would suddenly be rid of her or they could suddenly do something about her?

"I want to watch you lose in a grand fashion, just like with the war, just like the defect you are."

Regina shrugged. "You're assuming I'd even run after stepping down. I have bigger things to worry about than you peasants." She wanted her son back. She wanted Emma and D'Artagnan to be happy. She wanted Mikey to be safe. She wanted to protect people who mattered. Now, you're starting to sound like your old self. Somewhere inside of her, young Regina had woken from a half century nap and began to claw herself out of her grave. It was a welcomed feeling.

"Then do it."

"Fine. We'll hold elections. I pity the poor bastard who wins."

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: Regina lets Emma know about this decision.