A/N: Hi, so this chapter has Dragon Queen flashbacks which is written in italics and has a line break at the end. They basically start at the beginning of their romance. I felt we needed more Dragon Queen. Just to even it out a little.

Some time had passed in the flashbacks since the time Regina and Mal had first met. It picks up from there.

Warning for Robin and Hook and mentions of OQ but it's brief.

All mistakes are mine.

So yeah, enjoy. :)

Chapter 3

Maleficent felt a strong gust of air and it almost blew out the flame in the fire place, she was sitting in front of. She looked over for the source just in time to see the cloud of dark purple smoke dissipate and reveal the beautiful queen. She smirked when her eyes took in the fact that Regina was in nothing but a white sheer nightgown. The glow of the candlelight made it appear to be see through. So the Dragon could make out the swell of the younger woman's breasts and every other inch of tanned skin. This night has just gotten very interesting.

Usually Mal despised when anyone showed up unannounced to her home but for this raven haired beauty, she made an exception. She actually enjoyed the time they spent together.

Regina was just learning to teleport and she was getting pretty good at it. This was the third time this week that she's shown up in the dragon's home. Maleficent couldn't ask for better company.

Her smile faded away when she saw the pained expression on the young woman's face. All playfulness gone from the moment. "What's the matter, dear?" She asked as she watched Regina wring her hands nervously as she stared into the fire. She still didn't get a response. "Regina?"

The queen looked up at her. Her brows were furrowed and the corners of her mouth were turned down. "Huh?"

Mal chuckled. "I asked what was wrong, sweetheart."

Regina's frown deepened and she glanced at Maleficent before looking away. "I'm sorry for barging in on you like this. I know it's late... I just..."

Mal smirked and stood up from the chair she was sitting in. "Now, my dear, when have you ever cared about barging in on me?" She stalked closer to Regina and the heat that was radiating from her. She was drawn to it. The brunette was like a tiny furnace. When she was close enough she reached out and grabbed her, then with a small tug, she pulled Regina against her. "And when have I?"

Regina looked up into her eyes and Mal stared deep into hers. There was so much pain reflected in them. They were glossed over and she was shaking. It looked like the tiniest thing could cause her to breakdown. She clearly had a bad day and came to Mal for comfort. Something she usually does and Mal is always more than happy to oblige.

Regina inhaled sharply and looked away from her.

Mal grabbed her chin gently and turned her face to look back at her. "What is it, Regina?"

Regina's staring into her eyes again, she looks so broken and unsure and Mal wants to tear everyone apart that has ever hurt her. Regina exhales a shaky breath. "I hate it there." She finally says, her voice is so raw, it's obvious she had been crying earlier. "I would rather die than be there." That comes out like a broken sob and Mal's heart breaks. This woman before her is so young and beautiful. Her life is so new. She should be approaching it with wide eyes and excitement but instead she was miserable and tired of it already.

Maleficent had a feeling that kissing it better wasn't going to fix this.

"Oh, my beautiful, beautiful girl." She soothed. "This life has been so unkind to you." She wants to just take all of the heart ache out of Regina and cast it away but it remains. Consuming her, threatening to break her. Maleficent begins stroking Regina's soft cheek as the tears Regina had been fighting so valiantly, begin to fall. "But I want you here with me. Don't give up."

"I want her gone." Regina gasped out between sobs, the sound makes Maleficent want to breakdown as well. Seeing Regina in this much pain kills her. "I want her to pay for what she did to Daniel." There was no anger or hatred in Regina's voice. Just distress, desperation and exhaustion. She wants the princess gone so she could breathe.

"If that is what you want..." Mal said pulling Regina closer. She knew exactly who Regina was speaking of. That little brat Snow White. "I will destroy her for you. I will destroy him and the entire kingdom will be yours." Her hand found its way into Regina's dark hair, where she combed her fingers through the thick, silky tresses. "You are the rightful queen. That kingdom is yours. You've sacrificed enough."

Regina looked up at her with wide eyes. "You would do that for me?"

"Regina, you will find that there are not many things that I would not do for you." The dragon replied as she wiped away Regina's tears with the thumb of her other hand. "If that would make you happy then I will destroy them all."

Maleficent didn't mention that although the deaths of King Leopold and his daughter would free Regina, leaving the young Queen to be at peace, Mal also wanted them gone so that Regina could give up her obsession with revenge. So she can move on with her life and let that stable boy rest in peace. So if she had to kill in order for Regina to be free then so be it. The thought of it made her nauseous. She wasn't exactly one to kill unprovoked but she'd rather darken her own heart further than allow Regina to darken hers.

Regina sniffed and the tears had stopped. "But why?"

"In the time that we've spent together, I've gotten to truly know you and you have become the closest I've ever had to a friend. You're the only human I've trusted in a very long time." Her thumb was gently stroking Regina's cheek. "You mean a great deal to me. I want you to be happy."

Regina just watched her a moment longer before replying. "I don't know what to say..."

"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that someone does care for you and your happiness does matter."

Regina smiled at that. Really smiled. Her entire face lit up and Mal's blackened heart skipped at the beauty of it. Without a word Regina leaned up and pressed her lips to the dragon's. Mal hummed in approval and in surprise. She felt heat spread throughout her body and her hand tightened in Regina's hair. Regina's lips were soft and unsure, her innocence was evident but the kiss itself was sweet and extremely short. As Regina pulled away Mal just wanted to kiss her again.

Regina's eyes widened and her hand shot to her mouth. "I am so sorry." She said quickly.

Maleficent chuckled. "For what?"

Regina shook her head and tried to back away but Maleficent's grip tightened around her waist. "I shouldn't have... I'm so sorry."

"I'm still very confused as to what you're apologizing for."

"I shouldn't have kissed you."

"Why not?" Mal didn't exactly understand much about humans but she did know that they tend to over think.

"Because you're my friend, so that made it highly inappropriate."

"How so?"

Regina's cheeks flushed and she huffed, completely unaware of the dragon's amused smirk. "I-"

Before she could even finish the sentence Mal's lips were back on hers. She moaned when they started to move against hers slowly and passionately. She wrapped her arms around the dragon's neck in an attempt to pull her closer. It's been so long since she'd been kissed with so much passion and felt so much desire.

Daniel's kisses hadn't even held this much raw passion and ignited so much lust inside of her. Maybe it was Mal's age or the beast inside of her or it was simply her beauty and wisdom but either way she was doing things to Regina with her kisses alone. Once Mal's tongue slipped into her mouth, Regina let out a long moan. She felt the witch smile against her lips as her tongue continued to explore her mouth. Regina started feeling a pull in her lower abdomen and she pushed closer against the older woman who simply responded by tightening her grip on her.

When they broke away, Regina looked up into Mal's eyes shyly then looked away. Mal chuckled and her hand rubbed the brunette's back softly.

She leaned in and whispered into Regina's ear, "I kissed you this time so what does that mean?" With her heightened senses she could hear the other woman's heart racing and feel her body heating up. Her sensual scent was being masked by pheromones. Maleficent couldn't tell exactly what Regina's body was trying to tell her though.

"That your inner dragon is aggressive and thinks it can do whatever it wants." The brunette sassed and Maleficent was pleased that some life was returning to her.

"It had nothing to do with the dragon." Mal said with a smirk. "That was me."

"Even worse." The amusement was evident on the brunette's face.

"I couldn't help myself." The witch chuckled. "Besides you kissed me first."

Regina blushed. "Regardless."

Mal kissed her again in way of response. This kiss was more sexual than the other two and Maleficent's hands became more bold in their caressing. Regina moaned and broke the kiss when gentle fingers ghosted one of her breasts. Mal shifted her kisses to the queen's jawline. Regina pushed further against her and her small fingers found their way into soft blonde locks. The dragon continued her trail of hot, open mouth kisses down an olive throat where she lavished extra attention to the pulse point. Regina felt a tingling feeling that traveled down her spine and straight to her center. At that Regina stiffened and her eyes shot open.

"We shouldn't be doing this..." She panted. Her head was fuzzy and her body was responding to Mal's kisses and touches in ways she didn't even know was possible.

"Why not?" Mal asked between kisses.

"Because... we shouldn't. I'm... married." She whispered the last part. Even though it was just the two of them in the room and it was common knowledge.

"And you don't love him and he doesn't love you."

"And you do?"

Maleficent stopped and looked deep into Regina's eyes. "Yes." She breathed. Regina gasped and tried to take a step back but the dragon kept a hold on her. "And I'm confident that one day you'll learn to love me back." She kissed the younger woman's parted lips. "Come to bed with me and let me show you how much you mean to me."

Regina let out a shaky breath. She never thought she could be loved after Daniel. Not really. But those blue glowing eyes gazing into hers were telling nothing but the truth. There was nothing but affection in them. She wanted this. She wanted to know what it felt like. But she decided to keep the fact that she had already fallen in love with Maleficent a very long time ago to herself for now. "I don't know how to be loved or I've forgotten." She said softly.

"Let me show you." The dragon said with a small smile.

Regina nodded. "Okay." She said breathlessly.

The dragon's smile grew before she kissed the younger woman and poofed them to her bedroom.


Emma paced outside of her parents apartment. She was not looking forward to having this conversation. Sure, it wasn't their place to argue with her. She was doing what needed to be done but that wouldn't stop them from trying. Nothing they could say would ever change her mind. She had to go get Regina and bring her home. Then find Merlin and get the darkness out of her. But first things first. She had to have this very uncomfortable conversation with her parents that would most likely turn into a huge argument.

But she didn't care. The only thing that mattered right now was the woman she loved.

She took a deep breath and reached for the knob. Her parents rarely locked their door anymore, who needs to now a days, in this town? But before she could turn it, the door swung open revealing Snow White standing there. Her mother placed a hand on her heart and sighed in relief. She then pulled Emma inside.

Emma was beyond confused and once she got inside it was even worse. She looked around her living room to see the dwarves sitting around in various locations, Hook hanging by the stairs that led to the second floor of the loft, Henry on the couch flicking through the tv, beside Robin. Emma bristled immediately when she saw him.

"What's he doing here?" She hissed.

"He was helping us search for you." Snow said, following Emma's line of sight. "We were all so worried."

Henry looked over at her and frowned. "I didn't tell them anything. It was Sneezy."

"Hey!" The dwarf whined.

"Huh?" Emma asked confused.

"I didn't tell them where you went. Sneezy saw you leave with Maleficent and told Grandma and Grandpa."

"We got a call from Sneezy then we headed down to the diner and saw Henry and Neal with Hook." Snow provided. "Henry and Hook claimed they didn't know where you were..."

Emma looked between the two men who looked guilty under her mother's scrutiny. She was just thankful that Hook remained loyal and didn't crack. She already knew Henry wouldn't say anything.

"And you were gone a while." David said from his place in the kitchen. He was shifting from foot to foot rocking her brother. "We thought..."

"She did something to you." Snow finished.

"After I told them you were fine." Hook pointed out.

"After he claimed he didn't know where you went..." Charming deadpanned. Hook just shrugged.

"Where did the two of you go?" Snow asked crossing her arms. Emma sighed. Her mother was doing that thing she hated. The 'motherly' bossy thing.

"It's a long story." She sighed. "But she's helping me find Regina."

"Emma." Snow gasped surprised. "I thought we agreed that-"

"No!" Emma snapped. "You agreed. I was forced. You have been working with the fairies for a week and you're no closer to finding her. Do you understand that she is Henry's mother?"

"Emma, sweetheart..." Snow tried but Emma was fed up.

"He, my son, cannot lose another parent. He can't lose a mother." She tried to calm down but couldn't. She had been holding this in for a while so once it started coming out she couldn't stop it. "She's important to me too. No matter how much you try to ignore it, it's happening."

"Is that what you think we've been doing?" Snow asked, placing a hand on her daughter's shoulder. She was relieved that she didn't shake her off or shy away.

"Not once have you tried to discuss that night with me or the things that were said. No one has. You all think that if you ignore it, it'll go away. Feelings like that do not just go away, mom."

Snow looked at her daughter for a moment as she decided what to say next. Emma was so much like her. Headstrong and fearless. She was a Charming through and through. Her need to protect those she loved always outweighed everything else. Yes, loved. Snow knew that Emma loved Regina and Regina loved her. She heard it all but Snow had known for a long time, Emma wasnt very good at hiding her emotions. The way Emma looked at Regina was the same way Charming looked at her. The way Emma fought for their friendship and has tried to spend every waking moment with Regina ever since.

They were in love. She knew it, David knew it. She was even pretty sure Hook and Robin knew it but now it was out in the open and that made it very real. No matter how hard Snow tried she couldn't find anything wrong with it. Regina was no longer the Evil Queen and she would take care of her daughter while Emma was old and strong enough to make her own decisions.

Besides... the heart wants what it wants.

But Emma's love for Regina was exactly why they had been stalling but not for the reason Emma had thought. What if they found Regina and she was evil again? What if she embraced the darkness? Sure, Regina was stronger than that but what if they were wrong? Emma would be devastated. They had to be cautious.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Snow asked.

"Not now... there's no time." Emma huffed. "I just don't understand why you weren't trying harder to find her."

"Emma, we are doing everything in our power to find her."

"Are you, dad?" Emma asked tiredly. "Are you? Because it's been a week and you've found nothing, while I've spent a few hours with Maleficent and she's found exactly where Regina is."

"Where is she?" Robin asked. Emma narrowed her eyes at him. Why was he still here?

"The Enchanted Forest." She said coldly. The man nodded.

"Makes sense."

"That's good news." Snow said excitedly. "We can come up with a plan and-"

"Maleficent and I already have a plan." Emma said simply. "We get in, grab her and bring her home. Then phase two is finding Merlin."

"Okay when are we leaving?" David asked.

"You," Emma said gesturing between her parents. "Arent going. We can handle this. It shouldn't be that hard."

"What if you get into trouble?" Snow pressed.

"I'm sure the Savior and a dragon sorceress can handle a simple search and rescue." Hook said. "I don't like it either but they'll be fine."

Emma nodded at him and he returned it.

"Are we forgetting the big picture here?" Everyone turned to Grumpy. "Regina - the scary Evil Queen is now the Dark One."

David froze in his bouncing and stared at his daughter. "She will never hurt Emma."

"How do we know for sure? What if she tries to kill her?" The Dwarf pushed.

"She won't." Robin sighed. He looked over at Emma.

"He's right. Regina hasn't changed and besides I have the dagger. I hope to god I won't have to use it but just in case. Regina may be the Dark One but she's still Regina." Emma sighed. "I have to bring her home."

"If you need one more person... someone who knows the forest..." Robin offered.

Emma raised a hand. "Thank you but no. We got this." She offered the man a smile that even felt fake to her. "I don't want to overwhelm her. Besides that's Maleficent's home. I'm sure she knows it."

He nodded. "Very well, good luck then."

She nodded back. Snow placed a hand on her arm. "Emma, I don't like this. The Enchanted Forest could be a horrible place. It's so dangerous."

"I know." Emma said dismissively. "I've been there before."

"I know... I just..."

"I'll be fine."

"Are you sure you can trust Maleficent?" David asked.

"Yeah." Emma shrugged. "Regina is important to her."

Both Charmings nodded. They knew they weren't going to be able to change Emma's mind.

"Fine. Just let us properly prepare you." Snow offered.


She wasn't tired. Her week of being the full embodiment of evil has proved that she does not sleep. Nor does she feel tired or hungry. The one thing she feels for sure is anger. She had been feeling angry at things she had long pushed to the back of her mind and at people she had long since forgiven. Her hatred for Snow White and Prince Charming was resurfacing. The anger towards them was more prominent. She was just relieved that they were in another realm. Frankly, she didn't trust herself around them. She was getting worse and the urge to kill and terrorize was becoming stronger and stronger and she was losing the battle. She had no more fight left in her at this point. So no, she wasn't tired, not physically, anyway but emotionally she was exhausted. She wished she could sleep just to silence the voices in her head, the dark thoughts creeping into her and her murderous impulses that are being reawakened. She just wanted everything to be... quiet.

She just wanted a little peace.

But the previous Dark Ones were determined not to allow that. Not until she gave in to what they wanted. What that was exactly, Regina still had no clue nor did she care.

She just wanted to be left alone.

She retired to the garden which had been frozen in time as well. It looked strange without her apple tree. Now there were other apple trees of course but none of them were hers. The one that has been in her life for so long. The one that brought her comfort. Everything she loved was indeed back home in Storybrooke. She sighed heavily and sat on a marble bench underneath one of the trees then conjured a book. A favorite of hers, along with a glass of wine. It was still early but she was alone so who was really around to judge her? If she could get completely wasted she would but the powerful forces inside of her prevented her from doing so. She had tried the third night there. She wanted to silence the voices in her head and ease the loneliness. Five bottles of finely aged wine later and nothing. She was still just as lucid as she was in the hours prior. So now when she had a glass it was just a force of habit.

Sitting under an apple tree with a book was something she had always done since she was a young girl to relieve the stress of the day. It stretched on to her life with Henry where she would do the same with him under her apple tree until he got too old for it. Everything reminded her of him. From the early morning sun that would filter through her window just like at home, around the same time she would wake him for school or as the night settled over the forest and she thought of him coming into her study and kissing her goodnight. Homesick was an understatement. She just missed Henry's presence in general. The comfort of him being around. His warmth and his smile that gave her the strength to go on, to want to live for him.

Now she had nothing.

No hope.

It was a scary feeling to lose it after having it. You never know what you have until it's gone.

The loneliness was consuming her quicker than the darkness. After being surrounded by people, people who cared for her, it was difficult losing it.

She hated it.

She thought she'd be used to it by now but at this point she knows that she never will. The hole in the heart will forever be there. Crippling her as long as she knows that there are people out there who care for and love her. As long as she has people she loves. And can never see them again.

Love...

She's never loved very well but she felt it deeply. Even when she fell in love with a beautiful, centuries old Dragon. She felt it. It was strong. It still was. The powerful pull they felt to each other, to the point where whenever they were in each other's presence clothes always came off, hands caressed and groped and more often than not they ended up in bed. She has never felt a powerful desire for anyone like that. Not even Daniel, not Graham and most certainly not Robin. Only Maleficent could light her fire in that way. Well, until Emma. Emma got her going as well. She remembered Emma getting her so hot and bothered during their stand offs, she couldn't stand it and she wanted her gone. Not wanting anyone having power over her like that ever again. Especially not an enemy.

She pushed her away, for the sake of not appearing to be weak like she had all of those years prior with Maleficent. She was scared of being in love. Afraid of being vulnerable. She knows now though, that in the case of both blondes, they only want to protect her and love her. She understands now but it's too late.

She'll never see either of them again.

That in itself hurt. Rekindling whichever flame she and Mal shared was now impossible and the same went for building a relationship with Emma. Any hope for a happy ending was gone.

Once again, her happiness was stolen from her.

Love just was not something that Regina Mills could have. She couldn't grasp it and every time she would get a grip on it, it would just slip right through her fingers.

Villains don't get happy endings... not even ex ones.

"Why are you moping around?" Regina groaned at the sound of the overly seductive voice. The darkness was back. In the form of the woman that had been appearing to her.

"Please..." Regina sighed. "I'm not in the mood."

"Oh?" The woman asked in an over dramatic pouty voice. Regina looked over and rolled her eyes. "How about I get you in the mood then?"

Regina rolled her eyes again. "Isn't there someone else's head you could lurk inside of?"

"Nope...only yours..."

Regina sighed. She or it clearly was not going away any time soon. "So you were a Dark One?"

"Yes. It usually takes the shape of former Dark Ones but it can take the shape of anything it wants."

"So you're not really here?"

"I am."

Regina huffed. "That doesn't make any sense."

The woman smirked. "I'm inside that pretty little head of yours. Since the darkness is all Dark Ones we can come and go as we please, inside your head. Take the shape of anything we want or just stay the same."

Regina shook her head. "That still makes no sense."

"Its not meant to. You will not understand until you become like us."

"Dead?"

She chuckled. "Yes."

"But Rumple isn't dead..."

"The darkness left him, so the Dark One inside of him is."

Regina nodded, okay that makes sense. "So, someone killed you?"

"My husband. Can you believe it?" The apparition let out a bitter laugh and for a moment Regina felt like it was real and she was having a conversation that wasn't with a spirit inside of her head. "He wanted the power for himself. Drove that dagger straight through my heart."

"Ouch."

She looked over at her. "That's why you don't trust anyone with the dagger. Not even your loved ones."

"Well, good thing the dagger isn't here and neither is my family, huh?"

The woman shrugged. "I suppose so but if you're ever given the opportunity to grab that dagger, you get it. The only person who should wield it is you. No one should control you."

"Got it." Regina drawled.

The woman smirked then faded away in the wind.

Regina wanted to ask why she didn't look like Rumple but instead still looked human and most importantly she wanted to know if her own appearance would change but she had no interest in entertaining it any further.

Regina shook her head. The darkness was going for a different approach than the aggressive trying to break her' one. Now that did give her a break but she would never give into darkness. Not again.

She sighed and opened her book, trying not to think of how her heart yearned for those she loved. She waved her hand and lanterns appeared floating above her as she felt the sun lowering in the sky.


Maleficent lay awake as she watched the slumbering brunette beside her, she let her fingers gently caress the bare back of the young queen. The moment was peaceful. Regina was asleep flat on her stomach and her dark hair was spread across the pillow. The only sound that could be heard was Regina's soft breathing. Mal chuckled softly at the memory of how Regina practically passed out beneath her. Watching Regina come undone was a sight to behold just as it was a sight to watch her sleep. In their first intimate encounter Mal could already tell that Regina had never been touched like the precious flower she was. She was so responsive as she gave herself to Mal completely.

Maleficent had never wanted to be with someone so wholly. Usually sexual encounters were exactly that. Sex and nothing more but with Regina, Mal felt her own soul intertwine with the younger woman's. She should have been afraid but she felt nothing but peace and love in that moment.

In that moment she just wanted to bask in Regina's beauty and warmth. So she remained propped up by elbow as she stroked Regina's back. She waved her hand and the heavy dark drapes opened, revealing the sunrise beyond the horizon through the wide window. The soft gold and orange filtered in, bathing the room in a gentle glow. The light played off of Regina's beautiful already golden complexion and made her appear to be glowing. Mal couldn't understand for the life of her, how the King could not love and breathe for her.

But that's okay,. It just made things easier. Mal would live and die for her. She would be all that Regina deserved and more. She'll be there for her. When dragons love, it's eternal and unconditional. It's true and deep. Only a few people have had the honor of being loved by a dragon and Mal had only loved one other human in her lifetime but no where near as deeply as she loved Regina. After centuries of life Mal has never felt anything so intense and has never experienced anything so beautiful.

That's why it pained her to wake Regina. To disturb the sleeping beauty lying beside her. She smiled as Regina scrunched her nose and tried to hide her face when the light shined on her. Maleficent smirked, leaned in and kissed Regina's lips. The brunette smiled before puckering her lips in time for the next kiss.

Her smile grew as her eyes opened and looked up at the dragon. She blushed at the blonde's knowing grin.

"Good morning, my love." Mal whispered, continuing her caressing of the young woman's back.

"Good morning." Regina whispered back as she stretched lazily. Honestly she hasn't felt that rested in years. Maleficent had done things to her the night before that left her body humming and her heart fluttering.

"I trust you slept well..." It was a statement because Mal already knew. She had watched Regina sleep most of the night. The queen laughed and buried her face further into the pillow.

"I did. Honestly, I don't even remember falling asleep."

"That's because you did so very abruptly." The blonde teased. "You didn't even kiss me good night."

Regina smiled up at Maleficent. "I'm sorry."

"Are you now?" Mal asked leaning in again. The brunette nodded. "Maybe you should make it up to me." She whispered the last part before capturing Regina's lips again with her own. This kiss lingered a little longer and Maleficent considered not even letting Regina go.

When they broke away Maleficent pulled the sheets further down Regina's back and began leaving feather light kisses on her bare shoulders. The kisses then trailed back up her neck and to her lips. Regina turned onto her back and attempted to pull the blanket up over her chest but Mal stopped her with a hand on her wrist. The dragon then hovered above her, her own bare skin pressed against Regina's. Mal's hand then trailed down Regina's side then back up as she kissed Regina softly.

The moment was hot and sweet. Romantic even. The only thing that mattered right then and there was each other. That's all that either of them wanted.

Maleficent sighed when she pulled away. "I hate to let you go." She muttered as she stroked Regina's soft cheek. "But they'd be coming soon to prepare you for the day, so you must be in your own bed or they'd wonder where you've run off to."

Regina huffed and Mal kissed her again. "I hate that place. I don't want to go back there."

"Then don't."

Regina looked at Maleficent like she was playing some kind of cruel joke on her. "Mal, do not say things that you don't mean."

"I don't say things I don't mean, Regina." Maleficent said sincerely. "You can stay here with me. I can pick up on your magic lessons because I don't want that disgusting man anywhere near you, and I'd take care of you... protect you. You don't have to go back there."

Regina looked up into Mal's eyes that have taken on a pale green in the lighting. "Really? You'd do that?"

"Yes." Honestly Maleficent thought of it as an everyone wins scenario. The King and Princess don't have to die and Regina gets her freedom.

Regina smiled and sighed contentedly. "I would love to..." her smile fell.

"What is it?" Mal asked anxiously.

"My father. What about him?"

Maleficent sighed in relief. She thought she had scared the younger woman off. "He can come as well."

Regina's face lit up. "I really want to, I do..."

"But?"

"I can't just up and leave. I'm married to the King. If they found out I was here with you."

"They would declare war? Say I kidnapped you?" Mal asked softly. "Are you forgetting that I'm a dragon?"

Regina chuckled. "No. But I don't want you to put yourself in danger for me."

"I'll be fine. I worry about you though and if you're here with me, I will always know you're alright." Her thumb stroked Regina's tummy. "But I know it's a lot asking you to just uproot your life but I also know that I can give you a good one. Make you happy." They shared a smile. "Say you'll think about it."

Regina leaned up and kissed the dragon softly. "Okay."

She wanted to be with Mal. She did but too much came along with it. They would constantly be in danger because of the new enemies they'd make. She couldn't let Mal risk her life for her.

Maleficent kissed her deeply then pulled away. "Now off you go." She put Regina back into her nightgown. "Have a lovely day." After one last kiss Mal poofed Regina back to her own bed. The loss was felt immediately.

Regina's scent lingered long after she had gone. The dragon missed her already. She really hoped Regina would consider her offer. It would be just as simple taking care of Regina as it was to love her. Mal would give her a good life. Do everything in her power to see that the younger woman was happy.

They could find their happy endings together.


Emma stood awkwardly in the middle of her parents' loft, she ran her fingers over the hilt of the sword her father had given her that was strapped to her hip in a leather sheath. Her parents had explained all of the dangers of the Enchanted Forest (which Emma was already aware of) and had asked multiple times if she was sure she didn't want them to tag along... She had never been more sure of anything in her entire life.

Eventually her parents hugged her then drifted away to talk to the dwarves about something. Clearly nothing involving her queen so she had no interest in the conversation. She herself drifted over to her brother's crib. He was wide awake and smiled up at her as she hovered above him. God, he's cute. She tickled his little feet before kissing his tiny head. They shared one more Charming grin as if he knew and understood what she was thinking.

She sighed and glanced around the room. She wanted to leave but she didn't want her parents to come see her off, she wanted to keep them away from Maleficent. She needed a distraction.

She saw Robin and Henry on the couch. Her son was pointing to the tv showing the man something on the screen. He was nodding and had his brows drawn together as he rubbed his chin. She had no idea why he was in her home but since he was he might as well make himself useful.

She walked over to the couch and plopped down on the opposite side of the man. He looked over at her and smiled. She returned it although it was a lot less natural. There was a tension between them but then again how could there not be? Emma is in love with his soulmate. She looked away and turned to the window. The sun was setting, covering the small town in an orange and yellow haze. She turned back to Robin.

"I have to get out of here but I don't want my parents following me. I don't need them riling Maleficent up..." Emma told the man beside her.

"What do you need me to do?" He asked following Emma's line of sight to her parents who kept glancing over at her every couple of moments.

"I need you to hold their attention long enough for me to slip out and get over to Granny's without them noticing."

"When do you need me to do this?" He asked.

"Now?"

He nodded. "Okay."

"She's evil regardless so now she's the Dark One. That makes her even worse." They heard Grumpy say. "I say we use that dagger and kill her before she kills us."

Emma bristled. She felt Robin's hand on her shoulder and it took everything within her to not shake it off.

"They don't know her the way we do." He whispered. "But I'm sure the two us would make sure that no one harms her." She wanted to say that she could protect Regina herself, she doesn't need his help but she didn't want to make a bad situation even worse and rub his face in it even more, so she just nodded.

"Then one of you will become the Dark One, mate." Hook pointed out from his place by the window. "And that's murder."

"Its self defense." Leroy argued.

"Its murder. She hasn't done anything to anyone yet and I doubt she will. She fought the darkness off before and she'll do it again." Snow said. David nodded along.

Emma nodded then nudged Robin. "I have to go grab the dagger. I have it hidden. When you see me come down the stairs that's when you do it."

He nodded. "Got it."

"Hey Henry." She said to her son who had been watching the two of them curiously. "Be good and listen to your grandparents." He nodded. "I love you."

"I love you too, mom." He said with a small smile. She returned it and stood up.

"I'll bring your mom back safe and sound. I promise."

"I know."

She smiled at him again then headed for the stairs. She caught her mother's eye but gestured to the staircase, the woman nodded and turned back to David. Emma then ran up and into her room. She walked over to her bed and felt between the mattress and the box spring. The hiding place was so obvious until it was good. No one would even think she'd hide it somewhere that obvious.

She could practically hear Regina mocking her for that one. 'Wow, did you learn that one in bailbonds person's school? Or was it your life of crime and having to hide evidence?' She probably would say. Emma scoffed as her hand wrapped around the handle and pulled it out.

Besides it was protected by a spell that Maleficent had taught her so only Emma and Mal could handle it. But she liked to think her hiding place was good enough.

She tucked it into the inside of her jacket and headed downstairs. As soon as she reached the bottom step Robin looked up at her. He nodded then stood and went over to her parents.

"I have an idea." Emma heard him say. "If Regina is dangerous like the dwarf said perhaps we can trap her in the woods. Contain her in a cottage?"

"Mate?" Hook tried but Robin raised a hand, cutting him off.

Snow and David shared a look then turned back to him. "How?" Snow asked.

He shrugged. "Containment spell?" He suggested.

"Squid ink." Snow said thoughtfully.

Emma rolled her eyes. As if she'd ever let that happen. But he had their attention.

"Well there's a place in the forest..." he started pointing on the map on the table, everyone turned their attention to it except Henry. Emma thanked the thief silently as she tiptoed to the door. With one more glance over her shoulder and a wave at Henry, she slipped out.

She jogged down the stairs and out on to the street. She was met with the cool night air. When had it gotten so late? Shaking her head she zipped her jacket up and continued to her car. She rounded it but before she could pull the door open she heard the door close to the apartment building, she looked over and saw her son standing there awkwardly.

"What's up, Henry?" She asked watching him closely. He looked nervous about something.

"I'm going with you." He said firmly. His tone and expression left no room for discussion. "We're a team."

Emma couldn't help but smile at how much he was like herself and Regina. His determination and courage is something she's glad he got from them.

She shook her head. "Not this time, kid."

He set his jaw. "She's my mom. I want to help save her. You always say we need to fight for who we care for so why should I stay home and not fight for her? Why do you get to?"

Emma sighed. He had a point but it was too dangerous. "And you'll continue to fight for her. Your belief and faith can save her."

"That's why I should go."

"No. Your mother would murder both of us. Just go back upstairs."

He crossed his arms and watched her. "No. I'll just stand here and after a while Grandma and Grandpa would realize you gave them the slip and come after you."

"'Gave them the slip'?" Emma asked with raised brows. She shook her head. "Henry, it might not be safe."

"Mom, I have have the heart of the truest believer and I'm the author. I can protect myself." He said stepping closer. "Let me help, please."

Emma sighed as she looked at her son's hopeful expression. This is a terrible idea. "Henry..." She sighed.

"Please."

She sighed and ran a hand over her face. Regina is going to have a fit but he would probably find a way to follow her anyway. "Fine." She huffed. "Get in."

He grinned and jogged over to the car. They slid in at the same time. He watched her as she started the car. "Thanks for letting me come."

"Its really nothing, Henry " she said. "Please just listen to myself or Maleficent. Your mom would kill all of us if anything happened to you."

"Got it." He nodded.

She frowned and they pulled off. Some of the drive was mostly quiet. Emma trapped inside her own mind. Worrying about what they would encounter when she finally comes face to face with Regina, for the first time in so long. How they both would react. She just prayed Regina was okay.

"Mom?" Henry said pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Hm?" She replied distractedly.

"What did you mean when you said 'feelings like that don't just go away'? What happened between you and my mom?"

Observant little bastard. She sighed. "Nothing, Henry."

"You said-"

"Henry, I'm not lying. Nothing is going on between your mother and I." She groaned internally. They were going to have to have this conversation eventually. "I told your mother I loved her right before she was taken to the Enchanted Forest." She kept her eyes on the road. "My feelings for your mom run deep, they have for a long time."

"What did she say?"

Emma glanced over at Henry and his hopeful expression. "She told me she loved me back."

His face split into a huge grin and he thrust his fist into the air. "I knew it."

"What?" She asked glancing at him again.

"You guys were totally into each other since forever. I knew it. It's just the way you look at each other and the way my mom's face brightens when she sees you. You guys are different when you're around each other."

Emma smiled. At least Henry was on board with this. "Yeah?"

"You guys make an awesome team." He said thoughtfully. "How cool would it be if the two of you are each other's true loves and happy endings?"

Emma chuckled. "Now let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"Why not?"

"Because... everything isn't like your storybook. Love and relationships aren't that simple. It would be a feat if I could even get her to date me."

Henry nodded. Sensing his mother's anxiety he decided to lay off. "It'll be cool if you guys got together though."

Emma smiled again at that. "It would, wouldn't it?" Then she sobered. "But first things first. We have a mission."

"Save mom."

"Correct." She said with a firm nod. "Then we can focus on other stuff."

"We should give this operation a name." Henry said as they pulled up to the bed and breakfast. He turned to his mother. "Operation: Panther."

Emma snorted. "That's actually pretty good." She said as she turned the car off. "She'd like that." Emma learned to stop asking why Henry named his operations the things that he did. He usually just used random animals.

He smiled at her and Emma returned it, finally feeling the tension leave her shoulders. "Operation: Panther, has officially begun."

She nodded and got out. She heard the other door shut behind her and Henry saddled up beside her as they entered the bed and breakfast. She led him upstairs and to Mal's room.

"Ready?" She asked and after receiving a nod she knocked on the door.

After a beat it swung open but she was surprised to come face to face with the brunette dragon instead. The other woman smiled. "Hey Em."

Emma smiled back and surprisingly it was sincere. She and Lily have a history that was everything but simple but they did care about each other and Lily was trying to be better. "Hey Lily. Is your mom in?"

The brunette stepped aside and motioned for Emma and Henry to come in. "Sorry about what happened to your mom." She said to Henry.

"Thanks." He said.

"No problem." She said lightly, receiving a small smile from Henry. "Anyway, I'm sure she'll be fine."

"She will." They looked over to see Maleficent standing near the nightstand holding the hand mirror. "Hello Henry."

"Hi." He said awkwardly.

"He's coming with us." Emma announced. Maleficent raised her brows in surprise. Emma shrugged. "He'll find a way to follow us anyway and I'd rather him be with us."

Maleficent pressed her lips into a tight line but nodded. She felt it wasn't her place to comment. "Very well..."

"Why does he get to go and I have to stay here?" Lily asked.

"Because I feel more comfortable knowing you are here safe, Lily." Maleficent sighed.

"But I'm a freaking dragon." Lily argued.

"Your shape shifting is incredibly unpredictable. Solely based off of emotion, so unless you are upset, you will not be able to shift quick enough." She sighed heavily. "I have enough to worry about once I pass through the portal... I cannot... please, just trust me. "

Lily groaned. "Fine." She crossed her arms. "I guess it's a 'blondes only' mission." The teasing was obvious in her tone.

"But I'm not..." Henry trailed off.

"Henry, maybe you should stay here with Lily..." Emma suggested. He shook his head.

"Nope."

She ran a hand over her face. "Fine." She looked over at Maleficent and noticed her looking at the sword on her hip. "My dad made me... uh..."

"Is it meant for me or the Dark One?" The dragon drawled dryly.

"Neither?" Emma frowned. "I would never-"

"I never said you would but that does not mean your parents do not believe that you may have to."

"Well I know I won't..." Emma said that with so much conviction it made Maleficent smile. "This is for actual threats." She put her hand on the sword.

"Alright." Mal said. "Are you ready to get going then?"

"Yeah." Emma nodded.

At that Maleficent dropped the mirror but before it hit the ground she stopped it with a wave of her hand and pulled it back up as it hovered in mid air, she used a finger to guide it across the room. Emma, Lily and Henry watched in complete awe. The mirror was guided to the wall and it hung there. Then with another flick of the dragon's wrist it began growing in size. After a few moments it was a large silver standing mirror.

"There..." Maleficent said turning to the other people in the room. She reached a hand out to Lily who took it. Mal squeezed the hand in hers as she looked at her daughter. The one she thought she'd never see again but was returned to her. The one she's loved from the moment she saw her. "I'm sorry we have to say goodbye again but I'll be back soon."

Lily smiled sadly at her mother. "Its fine. It won't be another thirty years before meet again. Besides, you have to go get your beautiful queen. I get it."

Mal raised her brows. "Excuse me?"

"Oh come on, I have eyes."

Mal smirked. "We're going to have a talk when I return."

Lily chuckled. "Noted."

They shared one last smile then Mal turned to Emma and Henry. "Shall we?" She released Lily's hand and headed for the mirror.

"Wait." She heard Henry say. She looked over at him. "How do you know that we'll end up in the Enchanted Forest?"

"Because the mirror is mine. I created it. It's a part of me like most of the magical items I've created." She smiled at the teenage boy. "All I have to do is think of where I want to go or who I want to go to and it opens up a portal to it."

"Trust her, kid." Emma said beside him and he looked over at her.

"Okay " he sighed.

Maleficent nodded as the Charmings approached her. "It's simple really. Just step through." As if to demonstrate, she did exactly that. Once she disappeared, the glass rippled for a second then stilled.

Emma looked over at Henry. "Okay kid, I'll go next, then you." He nodded. Emma nodded back then took a deep breath and released it. She closed her eyes and stepped through.

"Hey, good luck." Henry heard Lily say behind him. He turned and smiled at her.

"Thanks." He said then he stepped through himself.


First off, thanks for reading! :) there's a reunion coming up so yay for that.

Snow and David are really trying, they are. They'll get better. I promise.

I thought to myself, what if the Dark Ones still lingered within the darkness even after they'd died? That would make her interactions with it more interesting, yeah? so that's pretty much what happened with Regina in the garden.

AAAAnd I had to make the pirate and the thief into tolerable human beings (until I can think of a way to get rid of them) because I really dislike them on the show. I can tolerate Robin (as long as he's no where near Regina). he's the lesser of two evils but Hook makes my skin crawl. Imo the only men Regina and Emma need in their lives are Henry and Charming.

I never saw Maleficent as one to hide her feelings and that's why she was so open with Regina and was even willing to kill for her. I see Dragon Queen as a very intense/complicated relationship. Not in a completely insane, emotionally unhealthy kind of way but in an actually romantic way. I also want to explore Maleficent as a character a little more. As far as her magical abilities. e.g her enchanting that mirror.

Also, Lily and Henry both know about their mothers' feelings for Regina... and they're cool with it.

So yeah, as far as more dragon queen flashbacks are concerned, would you want more of those? were these okay?

Anyway, See ya at the next update, which should be soon since I'm literally almost done with the next chapter. If you have a moment please drop a review. :)