#137 A sleeping curse is used and either Robin or Regina falls under it. The other has to wake them up.

And the knots in her stomach did not go away that easily. This sickening pit in her stomach must be caused by her magic. She trusted her senses. Her magic was bubbling under her skin. It only got worse with every moment passed. She tried her best to keep it suppressed, therefore it was draining her energy bit by bit. Lightheaded, the Queen lost her balance and stumbled. Thankfully, Robin caught her just in time. He took his wife to the nearest balcony to get some fresh air.

Regina's grip on his hands got firmer. He realized her knuckles are turning white, and it was visible that her hands were shaking. Her eyes went shut. She chewed her lower lip anxiously as her breathing was exhaled harshly through her nose. This view before him was pretty disconcerting. Running his hands up and down her arms, Robin whispered attentively: "You alright?"

Regina shook her head. "No, I'm not alright."

"What happened?"

"My magic," Regina loosened her grip, playing with her fingers. "Something bad is about to happen." She said blatantly. There is no use in hiding her feelings right now.

"Regina, it's going to be ok– "

"It isn't!" She snapped. "They've been burning since she stepped into the room, and it only gets worst! I don't know if I could bear this much longer. It is overwhelming."

He only held her hands reassuringly. Saying things would only make Regina livid with anger. Robin would let Regina do the talking this time. Regina needed it more.

"I don't want anything to happen to our daughter," she added in a trembling voice, "or you."

"I hear you."

"This feeling," Covering her face with her palms, Regina started to sob. "It's taking control of me."

Oh, how he wished he could take all her worries away.

"You should rest, Regina."

She shook her head wildly. "No, I can't." Regina brushed her thumb on his cheek with a small smile formed in her face. An unbeknownst well of tears started to form in her eyes, "You should head back. I'll catch up later. I just need space."

Robin was reluctant to leave her alone, but he respects her. He excused himself, saying that he would keep an eye on their daughter while Reginafancied the time she much needed.

She felt nauseous, exhausted, nervous, alarmed, all at the same time. Regina leaned on the railings as her gaze fixed on what lays before her eyes; her lands. Being a queen was never her intention, but that was what life had in store for her—she is well aware. She had come a long way. To be where she stands right now was not an easy ride, she admitted. If it was not for her marvelous support system, Regina would not be the Good Queen she is today.

Her support system. Of course, it was them. They were always there to support her, to give her boost. Robin and his Merry Men, The Charmings, Granny Lucas, Red, and even the Dwarfs, they are always the first one to have her back. When things get rough, they did not run away. On those darkest days, they were the ones who lent her and Robin a hand, helping them to get back on their feet. Those people never asked for anything in return. Everything about them was always genuine. I have nothing to worry about,and even if I do, I won't have to go through it alone.Regina kept repeating that mantra over and over. It sure does help—a lot more than she thought it would be.

One thing Regina did not expect that her mantra—especially the latter sentence—would happen in a bat of an eye. There were clanking noises coming from inside. No. This couldn't be.

Her heart was beating outside of her chest. She should not have left everyone alone. None of those people would stand a chance. Then there was screaming heard. The magic was numbing her. It is happening.

Her eyes frantically scanned the room, finding Snow White already pointing her arrows and so is Robin. Granny had her crossbow ready. Charming was ready to throw his sword. Her guards were surrounding the scene. They were locking their weapons in one direction. Guests tried to save themselves, running towards the exit. History repeats itself. Her daughter was—once again—in Zelena's arms, except now a dagger was held on the Princess's neck. Their gaze meets, Evie was screaming for help through her teary eyes.

"Get your hands off my daughter." Regina burst into the scene. In her palm, a ball of fire was sizzling. It was blinding. No doubt this was the most powerful fireball the Queen ever conjure.

"Do you think thatwill scare a witch?" Zelena laughed. Her laughter was cold, as cold as the metal in her hand.

"You're not the only witch here." With a flick of her hand, the dagger is now in Regina's hand. She had this smug look on her face, "Oh wait, I'm a queen and a bit more refined."

Regina threw Robin a glance, and he nodded in understanding. The Queen blasted her magic toward the witch; she fell—with a loud thud—several feet away. The princess ran to her father, seeking a safe haven. As if the prior incident was not enough, The Queen's sister had no difficulty gaining her strength back. Zelena paid it back by magically strangling Regina. Evie was shaking under her father's arms. Robin turned her gaze away, protecting her from any horrors. "Is that all you got, little sis?" Indeed, Zelena is not someone you mess with.

A smirk appeared on Regina's lips, "A witch fight you ask; a one you'll get." Again, her magic knocked her sister down. "This should be fun. I haven't fought for a very, very long time."

"I've been waiting for this day," Zelena smirked as she wiped the blood running from her nose. "The day I could finally kill the source to my misery."

"What the hell did I ever do to you, Zelena? I barely know you exist." Regina spit.

Zelena lunged at her, pinning the Queen down using her weight, harshly cupping her cheeks. "It's very obvious. You were born!"

"Do you think killing me would make all your problems disappear?"

"Even if it wasn't, it will be satisfying enough."

"You better try hard." Regina spared no effort to switch their position; before standing up, she slapped her sister out of rage.

"You ungrateful little rascal," The Wicked Witch screamed right at the Queen's face. The veins in her forehead were popping. "You got everything I always wanted while you don't even deserve it! I'm going to rip your happiness away!"

"Then prove it, sister." Regina got a fireball burning in her palm, but Zelena easily put it out. That was enough proof that her sister is indeed more powerful than herself.

Regina barely recovered from her shock when Zelena struck back. She caught off guard; her sister now has the advantage. Her lungs were screaming for air. Her visions were getting blurry. Zelena's magical grip around her neck was growing stronger and stronger. Regina was fighting hard not to let herself gave into unconsciousness. She won't—she cannot—passed out. Who is going to protect everyone if it wasn't her? She lost in her thoughts, so Zelena once again had the upper hand. With Zelena's powerful thump, Regina crashed down. Her back slammed hard into the wall. She felt dizzy, her ears were ringing, and her head was throbbing. Also, her consciousness was slowly decreasing due to the fact she had hit her head as she fell.

A faint sound was calling out for her from a distance. She recognized that voice by heart. The Queen lifted her head to have a look, albeit it was heavy. A blurry figure got in her way, standing between her and her wicked sister. Regina was very much well aware of the figure. She just hoped that it was just her faltering mind playing tricks.

"Enough," That accent only belongs to one person. It was the confirmation she never needed. It is him. "Whatever game you are playing, it ends now, Zelena."

No. Don't. But her voice was just above a whisper, there is no way could ever hear her.

"You think you can bring me down with sticks, outlaw?" Her sister snorted. The clicking sound of heels echoed in her ears, indicating the Witch was making her way closer to them.

"Well, It's worth a try." He was boastful and that was a wrong move. A deadly one.

Her whole body is still numb to the pain. There is nothing much Regina could do at the moment besides lying weakly, even she was eager to tell him to stop. Regina could defend herself. This is a fight between them, he should stay out of it. She called his name out by channeling any strength left. He dropped his bow in a flash, lowering into her level. Her husband helped her as she tried to prop herself, but she batted him away.

"Leave," despite it was just above a whisper, her tone was deep and stern.

Robin shook his head. "I'm with you." His eyes were soft and sincere. "You don't have to fight alone."

"You're no match for my sister." She snorted, "I am."

"She already beat you. Let me help. I don't want anything to happen to you." He exhaled, his tone softened. "I can't lose you."

Regina gave a quick reassuring smile. Placing her hand on top of his, she gently squeezed it and said, "I will be alright. This is my fight, Robin."

"Our fight." Damn right he is stubborn, just like her.

"Just stay back. I got this."

Zelena rolled her eyes, "Enough of this mushy drama. I'm so sick of it."

It was then when Robin felt a strong grip around his abdomen, but there was no hands nor arms wrapped around him. Those hands tugged hard, pulling him closer to the witch. His feet stuck to the ground like it as glued. He could not move his limbs. Digging her nails into his cheeks, Zelena smirked in triumph. "You should've listened to your Queen."

"I never thought this would be a piece of cake!" Her piercing laugh filled the room. Her hand plunged into his chest, pulling out a red, glowing, beating thing in her hand. Both the Queen and the Princess are in such a state of shock. The witch declared that killing him was far too easy. Spicing things up would be more fun, and so she did. His heart enveloped in a green smoke for quite a second before it turned down.

"You see, Regina," Zelena put the heart to where it belongs. "Evil may be powerful, but wicked always win. This is how you take away a happy ending." She turned to Robin, smiling, "See you never, Your Highness."

The King dropped into the floor, and The Queen's first reaction was to catch him from falling. There was that sudden of energy running through her body. The princess also ran toward her parents. She knelt beside her father, who—looks like he was—sleeping soundly in her mother's lap. Evie cried out, doing her best by shaking his body to wake him up.

Love is weakness, Regina. Her mother's voice ringing in her ears. Everything became unquestionably real. Maybe her mother was right, maybe love really is a weakness. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how determined she is willing to change, there are no such things as a happy ending for her. In every story, in every life, there is always a villain and a hero.

And Regina understands which column she is in.

She will never be happy. She will always be the Evil Queen, the woman who is doomed to suffer. How foolish of her to think her happiness would last, how her fate will suddenly change. To think that she already had the upper hand. Loving me was a mistake. Everything has always been taken away from her, from her first love, her daughter, and now her husband has to pay the price. She should have known it.

"Mommy, please, couldn't you use magic?" Her devastating plea broke her thoughts.

A soft glow of purple came out of her palm as she ran her hands above his heart, scanning for any magic remnants. "It's a sleeping curse. There's only one thing that can break this curse–"

"A true love's kiss." Evie's facial expression changed drastically. "Is there any possible third way?"

Evie's question only greeted with silence. Regina stared into her sleeping husband. He looks beautiful, tragically so. There are no wrinkles on his forehead; his breathing is even; he looks peaceful. But Robin did not deserve this. Her hands carefully caressed his jawline. She could only think of one thing.

"Evie, listen to me." Tears welled up in her thick lashes. Regina tucked her fingers under her daughter's chin, forcing Evie to look her in the eyes. Her daughter is a smart one. She already knows where these things were heading. She shook her head as tears were streaming down on her face already. That is not going to happen. There has to be another way.

"Sweetheart, please… I love you as much as I love your father, with all my heart." Her vision was blurry. She is about to burst in a matter of seconds.

"There's got to be another way!" The princess shouted in frustration.

Regina closed the gap between them, carefully not to squeezed her husband on her lap. She peppered kisses down her daughter's forehead, before resting her forehead on hers. "There isn't, Princess. I hope you understand."

"You, my princess, and your father will never be truly happy if I'm around. I brought darkness into our family. I lost you because of me. Your father lost you because of me."

"I'm so sorry, my love. Everything you had endured, it's because of me. All my sister care is making sure I never got my happy ending. I'm sorry I stand in the way of your happiness," She cast her eyes to her husband. "Villains don't get their happy ending, no matter how much they've changed."

"You're my mom, not a villain," A lump caught up in Evie's throat. She did not sign for this. "Please, Mom. Don't."

"It's going to be okay. I will always be with you. I will always be in your heart. You are so perfect, my dear. I am so sorry I wasn't there to hold your hands when you were younger. I have failed each of you. Promise me to take care of each other, okay?" Regina smiled weakly, "at least I can rest easy, knowing my daughter is safe and sound, in the hands of people I can trust."

Regina peppered kisses all over her face. Her forehead, her eyebrows, her nose, her cheeks, anywhere her lips could touch. Evie sobbed harder. She grasped her mother's forearms tighter. Today was supposed to be a happy day, and her nightmares were not supposed to happen. They should have been enjoying the party, not saying goodbye.

Blinking back the tears, Regina tried to memorize her daughter. If she was going to leave, the last thing she wanted to remember is her loved ones. She knew this is the right choice. All Zelena ever wanted was to see her suffer. All Zelena ever wanted was to tear her family apart. Regina is willing to sacrifice if it means no harm would ever come their way. She loves them too much. She is the one who should pay the price, not them. Regina wanted her family to be happy, even if it was without her.

With one last glance, teary eyes, and a weak smile, Regina whispered: "Tell your father I love him,"

She leaned down, gently pressing her lips on his. A bright green pulse burst out from the kiss they shared. Robin's eyes fluttered open. His lungs were gasping for air. His first reaction was to find his wife. She is safe, or so he thought.

Darkness slowly claimed her in as black dots began to invade. It is safe to say that she made the right choice. She could finally protect her family, even if it cost her life. Regina was thankful for the last thing she saw are those blue ocean eyes come to life. A pair of eyes that never fails to send butterflies to her stomach, ones that held so much love. There is no use in fighting to stay awake anymore. She did her job. The Queen collapsed to her lover's chest, as her plump, rosy lips formed a soft smile. She passed away in peace.

Everything that happened next was a blur to the princess. She backed up, staring blankly at the commotion before her eyes. It seems blurry, hazy. It is anomalous.

Her father realized what just happened, and he tried to save his soulmate. He pulled her in to feel her heartbeat; it wasn't there. He shook her body, kissing her lips—in hope it would wake her up—but it was no use. Mommy laid still. He whispered agonizing whispers of wake up, come back; please don't leave me; I'm so sorry, love like a broken record. Aunt Snow and Uncle Charming came into view. The fellow princess wailed, calling out for her stepmother. Evie never saw her father this heartbroken. He was rocking his wife's lifeless body, begging her to come back to life. Granny's effort in calming the King down was no use. Even Grumpy the dwarf—who, of course, is true to his name; always grumpy—had this saddening look upon his face.

On the other side of the room, the Wicked Witch was laughing triumphantly on her success. Her laughter fueled something inside Evie; it was raging.

"What the hell did my parents ever did wrong?!" The attention turned to her. Evie is such a sweet, calm young lady. No one had ever imagined she would be fuming.

"You're so naïve, peanut. Your precious Mommy had taken everything away from me."

The tension was palpable. Something is unsettling under Evie's skin, though she could not quite put her fingers to it. She just lost her mother. Her world falls apart. There is this rage, an inevitable pain thrumming inside her chest like hot knives.

Evie screamed in anger, attempting to lunge at the woman she used to call Mother, but she easily stopped her with a flick of a hand. Her body felt stiff, she is familiar with this feeling. One the witch always did when she was punishing the princess. Her feet lifted off the ground. It is traumatizing and she should be terrified but anger had taken control.

"Careful, peanut. You know what my handy magic could do."

She scoffed, sending deathly glare her way. "Don't you peanut me, witch."

"Aren't you feisty one like me?"

The strange feeling had risen once more, felt like pin and needle on her fingertips. She hissed, "I am nothing like you."

"And who do you want to be? Like her?" Zelena pointed to her sister. "A scaredy-cat? I raised you better, Evie. I am your mother."

"You are, and you will never be my mother!"

The tingles on her fingertips turned into a bubbly one, burning hot under her skin. It was something she never experienced before, feels like a jolt of electricity coursed through her–a strong one. Evie screamed furiously while a pulse of a soft blue light coming out from her fingertips. The light aimed right into the perpetrator in the room.

Evie was wielding magic. Her magic. Something she never knows she possessed.

Her magic hit right in Zelena's middle, made her scream in pain. Evie's mind was focused on the thought of her mother, how she had sacrificed for the mistake that wasn't hers. It was unfair that her mother had to die in vain. She was angry, crestfallen. Mommy had nothing to do with anything that happened to her wicked aunt's life. Zelena had chosen the wrong path. Jealousy is really blinding, and she had put it on the wrong person when on reality, she herself was the one to blame.

Evie's eyes shut tight. She channeled all her anger and resentment down right through the soft blue lights from her hands. She could feel the tight grip on her body loosening as her feet touched the ground. Her hands trembling, the sound of screams deafening in her ears before everything went silent.

There was nothing left but a puddle of thick green and a black pointy hat as her eyes broke open. It simply evaporated, leaving no trace as if the Wicked Witch was here. Also, there was this pile of grey ashes where Walsh was.

None of it mattered to the Princess. Now all the chaos had died down, she had a hard pill to swallow. A dark cloud hanging over her head as well as a strange grip was tugging on her heart. Evie hadn't got the time to process things, and now it hit her like a brick. Her mother is gone. She can't help but say she is the reason why. Evie was in limbo.

Her whole body froze as she saw her mother, lying ever so soundly on her father's hand. When her eyes met his, they were speaking the same language, if eyes could speak. They were both hurting. Thankfully, the council members understand. They backed up without being told, giving them some space. Evie knelt beside her parents, feeling guilty for what she had caused.

She should have listened to Uncle Charming. She shouldn't have been persistent.

Now she lost her mother forever.

Evie reached for her hand and it was cold as ice. There was no warm touch left like it always be. Those warm-gazed brown button eyes; they were no more. She had lost it forever. Her mother has to pay the price of her stupid dream. A battle was raging on her heart, one part of her saying that no matter what she chose, the witch will still show up. Another part is blaming her for everything. After all, she thinks she had killed her mother, indirectly.

"Daddy," A lump formed in her throat, her breath hitched. "I'm sorry…"

Robin pulled her closer, "It wasn't your fault. It never is."

She bit her lower lip, biting back the sobs forcing their way out. If they didn't know any better, anyone could just simply say Regina is just sleeping, untroubled. The red velvet dress she wore is a match to her olive skin. Regina looked like an angel and it hurts Evie terribly. They hadn't got the chance to say goodbye, especially her father.

Evie crouched down as her hand rested on her mother's cheek and closed her eyes. She pecked her mother on the forehead as a way to said her last goodbye. "I'm so sorry, Mommy. Please–please, come back. I need you. We need you. I'm sorry,"

She let her tears running down freely, there was no use to denying it. She lingered on. This is going to be their last moment together.

Except, Evie was dead wrong.

A bright, prismatic light bursting out, a tingling sensation hit her to the core. It didn't feel dark, on the contrary, it left her felt so soft, so pure, almost like rose petals.

She wasn't sure what it was, but one thing she knew is she heard her mother's breathing, saw those brown orbs similar to hers were now wide open, staring at hers. Evie thought she was imagining things, but she knew she wasn't when everyone around her called out her mother's name, their faces shared the same look; relief.

Robin couldn't help to kiss Regina, delighted that his wife is alive. Regina, of course, happily returned the kiss. This was what they had been waiting for more than a decade, to kiss him. At first, they thought it would be awkward, but as soon as their lips crashed, they got lost in the feels. Oh, how easy it was for them to get lost in each other. He still tastes the same, her Robin. She rested on his forehead; he nudged her nose. This is real. The curse is lifted once and for all. Regina turned to her daughter, their savior.

"You saved me. You break the curse," Her eyes teared up, only now they are happy tears.

Evie could only chuckle, she didn't know how to react, how to respond. She was glad that her mother came back—or probably she didn't die in the first place—and only that mattered. Evie found herself lost in her mother's embrace, how she had thought she would lose this, lose her.

"We know you will bring life for others, that's why we named you Evie." Robin rubbed small soothing circles on her back. He kissed her temple, "Thank you for saving our lives, princess."

Snow crashed into their moments, stealing Regina for her own hugging session. If it wasn't for the fact she just escaped death, the Queen no doubt would roll her eyes and lash out to her nosy step-daughter.

"I thought we're going to lose you, Regina!" not to mention, Snow cried too loud than she should've been.

"Thanks to Evie, you weren't." her attention came back to her daughter. "I love you, Evie."

Evie fell into her arms. A whiff of a mix between apple and vanilla invades her nostrils. A scent that strangely belongs to her mother. To be able to smell this unique scent again made her way beyond happy.

"The curse is lifted?" She asked in astonishment.

"Yes. No more curse."

"So… we can be together now? Be a family?"

Regina chuckled. She pulled Robin in to join their hug. This moment is real. They were once again becoming a family and nothing– nothing could ever break them apart anymore.

"Of course, sweetheart. We are here now, tomorrow, and forever."