AN Ok so we are heading into the home stretch with this. Another couple of chapters to go I think. Thank you for all the support by way of follows, favs and of course reviews. I appreciate all of your input, I really do. I have managed to sneak in a condensed version of one of my favourite Lana quotes in here – kudos if you can pick it (and I certainly don't claim it as my own).
Hope you enjoy and as always I own nothing but the mistakes xx
Regina stood in front of her vanity, dressed in simple pressed grey slacks and a white short-sleeved knit with a V-neck that showed just a hint of cleavage and hugged her curves nicely. She had pulled her hair into a bun at the nape of her neck, with a couple of stray locks tucked behind her ear, she looked like a blend of her former Madam Mayor persona and herself … the Regina that trained horses and taught children to ride, that loved nothing more than reading to her daughter or helping her son with his homework.
Most importantly she felt like herself: the woman, the sorceress, the mother… Mother of the Gray… she thought as she put simple gold hoop earrings into her ears and fastening a short string of grey pearls around her neck. Could she be? Is it possible that everything she had gone through actually had meaning? Was for something bigger than herself? Was for her daughter? A lump sat on her chest at the thought that she hadn't merely been wronged by fate at every opportunity but had somehow been persecuted by a nameless dark entity her entire life. She wasn't sure how she felt about it… Angry, yes of course, but also… relieved perhaps? Somehow her pain now had purpose and nothing meant more to her than her children. If she had to endure everything she had endured at least now it was for something that she could be proud of.
She sighed and put both hands on her vanity, hanging hung her head as the final moments of her conversation with Mac ran through her head.
"Are you going to run from your destiny again or are you going to embrace it? Welcome it? Live? And save your son's mother?"
Regina stared into Mac's eyes, as his arms came up to grip her biceps. Tears filling her eyes and her voice shook, "What kind of question is that? Of course I want to live my life. That is exactly what I've been doing the last two years! Finally finding my place in the world. Finding a home and now I discover none of it was real." She dropped her eyes from Macs, but instead of pulling away from him as she her head told her to do, she found herself stepping into his embrace and letting her tears fall.
"Why Mac? Why can't you just be a rancher from California? Why can't you just be you?" she mumbled into his chest.
"I am me Regina, and your life these past two years, our life, was real! You just weren't as removed from your old life as you thought. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing." Mac's voice had his usual quiet timber, soothing her as his arms cocooned her small frame.
Regina sniffed, pulling back to look at him with confusion in her dark eyes, "And why is that Mac?"
"You needed have to choose between the two. Wasn't that what was worrying you this past week here in Storybrooke? That eventually you would have to choose between your life on the ranch and your life here, that Robin would have to choose whether to follow you and Lainey or remain here with his son, his men. Your worlds have collided Regina, but it needn't result in devastation of one of them. It is possible to have both."
"I can't be a horse trainer in Storybrooke Mac!" She pulled away from him, "You think the parent's of this town will let me teach their children to ride? I can't be anonymous here and that was what I loved about the World Without Magic. I could just be me" her voice started strong but became softer with every word and she finished her statement on a whisper.
"Of course you can Regina. Have you ever really cared about what anyone thinks of you? Have you ever really sought the approval of anyone but your son? He knows you as just Regina, why can't you be that person here?"
Regina shrugged and turned around, physically pulling away as she always did when Mac was making a point and she needed to consider her response. Mac gave her space, stood quietly, unmoving while she examined her mantelpiece with an intense scrutiny. Finally Regina turned around, her chin lifting up and her gaze determined.
"You're right. I can be me. I know who I am, who I was and who I want to be and I will fight every day to be the best version of myself that I can be, for my son, my daughter and myself." She had held his gaze but now her eyes flickered over his face, obviously considering her next words carefully. " What I need to know Mac is who am I to you?" She took a step towards him, pulled by that invisible tether that will not allow her to let him go.
Mac slowly nodded, "Regina I have watched over you since you were born – actually even before that," he gave a soft chuckle. "Since your conception I have been your protector – as much as I possibly could I protected you while ensuring you had the freedom to make your own choices and decisions. For many years I considered you like my daughter – I fought the urge to sweep in and 'fix' things, to try and save you from yourself because you needed to make your own way in the world..." Regina nodded. Henry was at an age now where she could see she would soon have to step back and let him make his own mistakes, and she knew how difficult that would be. "These past two years you have been my friend, my best friend. I have loved getting to know you. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that we would be able to build the relationship we have built. Have the friendship we have. But we have, and it is real. And I will fight for it."
"And Alayna?" she queried, her voice cracking with emotion at Mac's words, she dropped her gaze feeling suddenly nervous at this answer to this next question. "What are you to her?"
"I am Alayna's guardian. I will always act to shield her, to keep her safe. I will be here for her, to guide her and advise her as she matures. That is the reason for my entire existence."
Regina gave a stiff nod holding Mac's gaze for a moment before turning around and heading towards the stairs. "Regina?" he called out, a question clear in his voice.
Regina stopped and looked over her shoulder, not quite turning around. "I need to think Mac… This is a lot to take in, to consider." Mac nodded and Regina moved to walk up the stairs. She stopped suddenly and turned fully to face him. "You asked me if I was going to accept my destiny and save my son's Mother – you meant Emma didn't you?" At Mac's nod she continued. "Are you able to help us? With Emma I mean, can you save her?"
"Emma has to save herself Regina, you know that." Regina nodded slowly, she had known that deep down all along. They couldn't 'save' Emma, no matter how much they wanted to, all they could do was help her save herself.
"But is there anything you know that could help? Anything you can tell us?"
Mac simply nodded. Saying softly, "I'll do what I can, so long as it doesn't endanger you or Alayna."
"And Alayna – you'll protect her?" Regina confirmed, staring deeply in Mac's eyes as though she could read the truth there.
"Always. I will always keep her safe."
Regina nodded before making her way to the stairs.
"Regina?" Mac called, and Regina turned around. "Do you want me to go?"
Regina stared at him for a beat, considering for a moment what she really wanted. She needed some space from Mac, some distance, but in her gut she knew he was telling the truth, that he was there for her, that he would protect her daughter at all costs. And so she shook her head.
"See you in the morning Mac," she said softly, and his smile finally reached his eyes on hearing her give him their usual evening greeting. Regina waited until he replied with their customary, "In the morning, Regina." And she would swear he had tears in those ice blue eyes of his.
The conversation with Mac had been emotive, the feelings of betrayal, his revelations about Alayna and the stress of what it could all mean combined to have adrenaline pumping through her system churning her stomach and leaving her nauseous and emotionally drained as she climbed up the stairs. She went straight to Alayna's room, knowing she would find Robin there. He was clutching Alayna to him as though she was his lifeline and the relief in his eyes when he saw Regina had her swiftly moving to embrace him – to provide comfort that words alone would not bring.
"It's ok," she said into his neck, her arms awkwardly stretching around both he and Alayna. "Mac is on our side. He's been protecting us all along." It was a completely inadequate summary of the situation but she felt tension ease from Robin's shoulders at her words and decided it would be enough for the moment. She would explain it all to him in the morning, but right now she wanted to take her daughter and her soul mate in her arms and not let them go. Robin seemed to sense what she was feeling, what she needed, as he always did – had, since the first time she met him. Without a word he took her hand in his and led her to her bedroom. Alayna still nestled in his arms. He pulled back the covers laying Alayna in the middle of the bed, quickly removing his boots and trousers, until he was in his vest and boxers he lay down in the bed on his side, facing their daughter, his fingers gently stroking her dark hair. Regina watched him for a moment, mesmerised as she always was at this side of Robin, how such a strong man, a fierce leader could be so incredibly gentle.
She stripped out of her pantsuit and blouse, depositing the clothing in her clothes hamper and slipped into her grey silk pyjamas, one of the few fashion choices that survived her two years outside of Storybrooke. Even in the heat of the California summer she loved her silk pyjamas. Something Mac had teased her mercilessly about – Mac! The thought of him had her head swimming with questions. Can she trust him again? Can she trust her own judgment where he is concerned? She sat on the bed, staring at Alayna. How could so much change in such a short space of time? She had always known Alayna would grow to be a powerful sorceress but the Gray? How could someone so small have such a burden placed upon her? And what could Regina do to help her shoulder that burden?
"Regina!" she heard Robin's whisper and from his tone she realised he had called her a number of times. "Lay down, get some sleep. This mess will all be here in the morning." He smiled and she attempted one in return at his phrase – something he had frequently said to her during the missing year when she was worried about her sister. If someone had told her then that one day she would consider that period in her life 'a simpler time' she would have thought them crazy. But at least with her sister she knew who her enemy was. Right now she had no idea who she could trust. Regina lay down on her side so she faced Robin and Alayna, knowing sleep would evade her. Her feet instinctively search out Robin's, drawing comfort from simply touching him, and her hand rested over her daughter's belly, feeling the rhythmic rise and fall of her tiny chest. It felt good just to have her daughter and her soul mate near, safe, even if just for this moment.
Regina was pulled from her reflection of the night's events by the sound of the shower in her ensuite bathroom being turned off. A moment later and Robin emerged into her room. One towel wrapped loosely around his waist another in his hands as he dried his hair. Regina's breath caught a little at the sight of him, beads of water still clinging to his chest, skin reddened by the heat of the spray, biceps on display as he rubbed the towel through his short blonde hair.
"So Mac is Alayna's guardian?" He stated, having heard the entire story this morning while he and Regina lay awake watching the sun slowly appear on the horizon from the warmth of her (their?) bed. They had whispered to each other until Alayna woke for the day and went downstairs with her big brother for breakfast. But Robin was still working it through – making sense of it all. "And he watched over you and I our entire existence so that when the time came for her to be born – no, conceived – born?" Robin furrowed his brow before deciding it probably wasn't that important, "that neither of us would be tainted in darkness?" He looked up and finally took in Regina's hungry gaze, the way her teeth bit her lower lip as her eyes appreciatively took in his form. He smirked a little as he walked towards her. "Regina?"
"Hm? I'm sorry, what?" Robin raised a hand to ghost over her cheeks as they slowly blushed light pink.
"See something you like Milady?" he whispered against her mouth.
"Mmm," Regina agreed, her arms moving slowly around his waist, then sliding up his back as she kissed him deeply. She felt heat pool between her legs and her stomach shiver in anticipation as Robin's hands moved down to firmly grip her arse as he walked her backwards until the back of her knees hit her bed. He softly laid her down on her back as he deepened their kiss. One hand moving to cup her breast briefly before descending down to flick open the button on her slacks. Regina groaned at the feeling of his hands on her, in her, as he quickly worked her up knowing that in this town, stolen moments were exactly that – moments, and at any minute someone or some thing would come to interrupt them.
"Take them off," Robin said, his voice rough as he broke their kiss and pulled back to help her shimmy out of her grey slacks, the towel that had been round his waist having fallen to the floor leaving him gloriously naked in front of her. "Let me taste you." Regina grinned as she deftly removed her pants and underwear, needing this, this moment with him, however brief, to just be together, to find release and put the craziness and the stress that was their lives out of her mind. Her hand found Robin's throbbing erection and she stroked him for a moment until he moved back to position himself over her and steal another kiss before making his way down her body and situating himself between her thighs.
He wasted no time finding her core, fucking her with his tongue, groaning at the taste of her as she mewled and writhed beneath him. He replaced his tongue with two deft fingers as his mouth sought out her clit. Knowing she needed this release and recognising how close she was already by the grip she had on his hair, the increasing frequency of her moans and the way her hips bucked against him. He flicked his tongue quickly and firmly over her clit before suckling her, his fingers pumping into her in a steady rhythm and when he crooked his fingers just a little more and increased his pace he felt her fall over the edge, moaning out his name. He moved his fingers to rub over her as she rode out her orgasm and as she opened her eyes she firmly tugged at his arms to bring him up and hovering over her as she gave him a fierce kiss.
Without words, without even breaking the kiss she took him firmly in her hand, lazily pumping him once, twice before guiding him to her entrance. Wrapping her legs around him she breathed out his name as he entered her. She sought out his lips again as the rocked together, slowly, both enjoying the feeling of being one, being together more important than any need to chase release.
"Gods Regina I love you so much," Robin whispered against her ear as he broke their kiss to catch his breath.
"And I love you," she said as she brought one of her legs higher around him and spun them so she was sitting above him. Robin brought a hand up to briefly cup her cheek, moving it to her breast, cupping the soft flesh and stroking at her nipple as she began to move in earnest, riding him until they were both crying out in pleasure as they each found their release. She collapsed against him, her cheek to his chest as they came down from their highs. Feeling his chest rumble with the tell-tale sign of laughter Regina raised her head to look Robin in the eye.
"What?" she asked, her voice endearingly shy as she raised her eyebrows at him in confusion.
"Nothing, love." He said, raising his head to kiss her mouth. "I was just wondering what I'd done to deserve such a good morning – not that I'm complaining," he carded his fingers through her hair before pulling her back to his chest. His arms loosely wrapping around her to keep her pressed against him. Ignoring the softening of his member inside her as he relished the nearness of his soul mate.
Regina giggled, "I just…" She shook her head, suddenly embarrassed. "I just wanted to be 'us' for a while," she said softly. "Not a hero and a villain, or the Mother and Father of the Gray, or even soul mates just – "
"Regina and Robin," he finished from her, understanding her in a way no one ever had, or ever could and she suddenly realised the truth in Mac's words. They had had such parallel lives, had fought such hardships in their time and then suffered adversity after adversity since they met. Robin would be the only person to understand wanting to step away from the reality of their situation to steal a moment of pleasure – just the two of them.
"Thank you," she whispered into his chest.
"For what?" he asked, his voice not accusing, but genuinely curious. Surely she wasn't thanking him for their shared moment of pleasure?
"For being you," she said simply. Robin's arms tightened around her and he pulled her to him, taking her mouth in a heady kiss. Pulling her lips from his Regina breathed a sigh of contentment as she settled onto Robin's chest.
"Regina?" Robin's voice was soft but Regina could detect an element of wariness in his tone.
"Mhmm," she murmured, not moving from her position on top of him. Not ready to face reality just yet.
"Can I ask you about this situation with Mac? I don't want to ruin this moment, but –"
"It's ok," she rose up, feeling him slip out of her, breaking there connection and bringing them back to reality, though the sense of peace in her soul that came from their joining remained. "What did you want to know?"
Robin toyed briefly with her hair before bringing her down beside him to settle in the crook of his arm, both of them staring sightlessly at the ceiling.
"I just wondered if I had understood correctly – what Mac is doing here, what he's doing in our lives. It is just so much to take in," he paused, deep in thought. "You said he is Alayna's guardian? And that he's been watching us and to make sure Alayna wasn't conceived in darkness?"
"Yes and no," Regina replied, her hand toying with his, absentmindedly entwining their fingers. "He is Alayna's guardian that is true, but he had no control over when Alayna was conceived. From what he said he was more of an observer. He tried to bring positive influences into our lives but he never prejudiced our decisions or took our choices away from us. We had to find each other on our own; we had to choose each other. If we didn't make our decisions freely they wouldn't have been our true decision and none of this would have meant anything."
"Do you trust him?" Robin asked, his voice low.
"I do…" Regina turned her head to look at him though they were too close for her to see his face clearly. "Do you?"
"I trust you," Robin said, pulling further from her to catch her eyes so she could see the sincerity there, the seriousness of the situation causing his brows to furrow in a frown.
"He did say that together we are unstoppable," Regina said, a playful smile lighting up her face as she moved to once again sit on Robin's waist. "He said no one can defeat us, that we will not succumb to the darkness if we're together!" She brought their joined hands to either side of Robin's head, pinning him beneath her as she pressed open mouthed kisses to his forehead to chase away his frown.
"I love you," Robin said seriously. Holding her eyes with his as she smiled at him before he raised his head to share another soft kiss. He had barely brushed his lips against hers when she pulled back with a gasp. "Maleficient!" she whispered before engulfing them in a cloud of purple smoke transporting them fully clothed to the foyer of her mansion as a firm knock was heard throughout the house. Turning to face Robin to ensure they were both presentable Regina let out a giggle at the shocked expression on his face. "You alright?" she murmured, moving to press a kiss to his lips.
"I don't know if I will ever get used to that," he said shaking his head, then, thinking of Maleficent's less than friendly behaviour toward him the previous morning he took his leave. "I will find Henry and Alayna, perhaps take them outside." Regina nodded as she moved from his arms to open the door.
"Maleficent," she breathed, happier than she expected to see her friend. She reached out her hand to take Maleficent's and tugged gently to encourage the other woman through the door, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. "Thank you," she whispered into Maleficent's ear before taking a step back and stepping through to the living room. "For coming yesterday. It means more to me that you could know. Can I get you some coffee or something?" She asked taking a seat.
Maleficent shook her head. "I'm fine. I came here to discuss my niece." Always direct, Maleficent sat down across from Regina and looked stonily into her eyes. "Is she going to be a danger to me? To Lily?" Her words were calm, but her eyes were fiery and Regina felt her defences rise a little. If it were required she would fight Maleficent to protect her daughter, though she really didn't believe it would come to that.
"No." Regina said flatly. Not bothering to expand on her answer. Maleficent was interested in the truth, not the whole story.
"You seem sure," Maleficent's stony edge softened minutely.
"I am. Blue, as usual has heard half the story, made her own assumptions and the result of that – well you saw that yourself yesterday."
"So she isn't a powerful Sorceress?" Maleficent sat perfectly still, her gaze unwavering and Regina knew the woman was taking in every move she made, every subtle increase of her heart rate, or dilation of her pupils. Regina had learned long ago there was no point lying to Maleficent.
"I didn't say that."
"No, you didn't. Tell me what's going on Regina. What are you hiding and what is it that has that Blue Bug all hot and bothered."
Regina waved her hands and Alayna appeared in the room, in Henry's arms, with Robin and Mac close behind them. Robin's hand fell protectively on Henry's shoulder and Mac stood to the side quietly taking in the situation. Regina was surprised for a moment, she had only summoned Alayna and Robin though as soon as the question formed in her mind she heard Mac's explanation as though whispered in her ear. Mac is tethered to the Gray, where she goes he will soon follow enabling him to protect her until she can protect herself. It was Mac, not Regina who sent Henry with Alayna - to ensure the boy was not left on his own outside to worry, not knowing where his sister had gone.
"Woah Mom? What's going on?" Henry said shocked.
"Sorry Henry," Regina said quickly getting to her feet. "I didn't mean to startle you – Maleficent had some questions about Alayna and I thought an introduction was in order."
Henry shook his head, passing his sister over to his mother before stomping to the kitchen, obviously not impressed at having been whisked away by magic.
"I'll go speak with him," Robin said, moving to follow Henry into the kitchen, Regina giving him a grateful smile before she looked up at Mac who was staring at Maleficent, his expression unreadable, his eyes stony. Regina stared amazed, she had never seen him look so… cold?
"Mac, this is Maleficent – an old friend of mine," her tone was formal and her eyes curious. Not sure what to make of Mac's demeanor. "Maleficent, this is Mac –"
Mac interrupted before Regina could continue "my friends call me Mac, my name is Merlin." He said, Regina raised her eyebrows at his rudeness. She filed it away knowing she would need to speak to him and find out exactly what had brought on his strange behaviour.
"I see – the mighty Sorcerer himself. Regina dear you have been holding out on me." While her words were playful her tone was not, clearly recalling Regina steadfastly denying she had had any contact with the Sorcerer.
"Sit down Mal, let me explain – please." Regina said remaining calm as a strange tension flooded the room. Maleficent sat, though her eyes remained on Mac she was clearly prepared to listen to Regina.
"Mac and I met in the World Without Magic – before Alayna was born. I had no idea he was Merlin until last night." Maleficent flicked her eyes to Regina. While her senses were finely tuned to her friend - and she could tell that Regina was being honest by the even thrum of her pulse and the open expression in her eyes – Maleficent was reading nothing from this Sorcerer and she didn't like it – not one bit.
"And why is he here? Have you come to save the Savior too?" she asked, her poor attempt at humour merely an attempt to get a reaction out of this man.
"No, I am here to protect the child, but I will help Emma in any way I can."
"To protect this child who isn't the all-powerful being that Blue claims?" Maleficent looked at Regina with scepticism in her eyes and Regina inwardly groaned. Right now she could count her true supporters on one hand, she didn't want to lose Maleficent and Lily.
"Maleficent please – I know better than to lie to you. Blue was wrong about Alayna but that is not to say that Alayna isn't important, and powerful."
After a brief pause and a subtle shake of his head Mac moved to sit down, suddenly more relaxed and his change in demeanour put Maleficent on edge. "Have you ever heard of the Gray, Maleficent?" he asked, his eyes clear and his smile warm.
"I've heard the same stories as everyone else. A being that will unite realms and bring balance in the fight between good and evil. Nothing but children's stories," she had reverted to her usual bored tone. "And I've never put much stock in children's stories." She dismissed the topic with a wave of her hand. Then catching Mac's eye she shifted subtly under Mac's gaze. Regina had never seen the woman's feathers ruffled and while it made her curious she had to admit she was enjoying her friend's discomfort – that was just the way her relationship with Maleficent was.
"Alayna is the Gray," Mac said calmly and Maleficent's eyes snapped to the child in Regina's arms.
"The Gray…" she breathed, her gaze falling first on Regina, then Mac and finally on Alayna who was looking at Maleficent curiously as she played with the beads around Regina's neck. Something seemed to fall into place for Maleficent and her eyes suddenly glowered. "That Moth wanted her - tried to take her from you because she thinks she is some foretold, mythical Gray?"
"No – Blue truly doesn't believe the child is the Gray" Mac quickly corrected. Watching the whole interaction with obvious curiousity.
"Then why?" Maleficent continued to watch Alayna, her eyes slightly narrowed as though looking beyond what was simply in front of her and Regina knew Maleficent was taking in every minute detail, as only Maleficent could.
"She just wanted to ensure Regina didn't raise a powerful magical being," Mac replied. "What she said here yesterday was sincere."
Maleficent rose and moved to sit nearer Regina and her child. "May I?" she asked raising her hand to indicate she wanted to stroke Alayna's hair, her voice the softest Regina had ever heard and suddenly her heart ached for her friend who had never had the opportunity to hold her own child in her arms like this.
"Of course," Regina murmured before surprising Maleficent when instead of merely allowing her to touch Alayna she placed the child on her lap. Alayna looked at her mother for a moment before instinctively understanding what Maleficent needed and stood on the woman's lap, placing her chubby hands on either side of her face and bringing their foreheads together. Watching them together tears formed in Regina's eyes and she reached out to take Maleficent's hand. "You believe us," it was a statement not a question and Maleficent looked over to Regina with a lob-sided smile.
"I believe that you believe it," she looked back to Alayna. "Whether or not she is the Gray means nothing to me. So long as she poses no threat to Lily or myself you and I are good." She returned her eyes to Regina as she passed Alayna back into her arms. "She is beautiful," Maleficent whispered before getting to her feet and moving toward the door, stopping before taking the stairs that led to the foyer. "Regina? I will do what I can to ensure you keep your child. Not because she is some prophesized Gray, but because you deserve this – both of you deserve to have each other."
"Thank you Maleficent," Regina said rising to her feet. "Will we see you at the diner? The meeting with Mary Margaret and David?" Maleficent nodded, catching Mac's eyes and again her expression turned vulnerable for a brief moment before she turned and left.
"Mac?" Regina queried, turning towards the wizard who was strangely moved by the whole interaction between the dragon and the Gray. "What was that – between you and Maleficent?" she asked, Mac looked down to the ground and then back up to Regina.
"What was what?"
Regina rolled her eyes, "Mac you were rude to her – I've never seen you be rude to anyone. Even when that jerk cowboy wouldn't stop hitting on me at the Rodeo Salinas last summer."
Mac caught Regina's eye and sighed, "I'm sorry I was rude to your friend."
"I don't want an apology Mac, I want to understand what's happened. Maleficent is a friend yes, but Alayna comes first and if she is a threat –"
"No!" Mac interrupted. "No, that's not it. From what I could gage she was speaking truthfully, she can be trusted – for now."
"Then what – " she stopped herself short and suddenly Regina's eyes widened. "From what you could gage? Mac you read minds like other people listen to the radio! What do you mean?"
"I mean, I couldn't read her," his voice was matter of fact and his eyes calm as he looked at Regina. "I don't know what that means." He held out his hands in surrender.
"Because of her abilities perhaps? She can transform, into a dragon – she's never confirmed it but I've always believed she has dragon blood. Given Lily has the same ability that makes sense… does that explain it?"
"Regina, I've been alive for hundreds of years. Watching, preparing, fighting – in all that time I've met many people, many creatures – Maleficent is not my first dragon," Mac chuckled a little in memory.
"Why were you so cold to her though? What does it mean that you can't read her?" she continued, brow furrowed trying to process this new information – did it mean anything?
"Maleficent is the first person I've ever met that I couldn't read. It worried me – I wondered if perhaps she wasn't who she said she was, if she was an illusion of some kind maybe? I'm sorry I wasn't more controlled – I thought I had seen everything there was to see in this life… obviously not."
"What changed? You suddenly seemed to relax?" Mac raised an eyebrow and looked pointedly at Alayna.
"What?" Regina asked. "She told you to trust Maleficent?" At Mac's nod Regina froze for an instant. Alayna told Mac, not her… she shrugged it off and rolled her eyes, it didn't mean anything. "Mac she is a baby! You can't trust her judgment. Alayna would probably tell you to trust Blue!" Regina couldn't hide her annoyance and as usual Mac saw right through her.
"Alayna doesn't need to speak with you Regina,"
"Gee thanks Mac!" Regina scorned, moving to walk through to the kitchen to speak with Henry but Mac stopped her with his hand on her arm.
"Hey – I didn't mean she didn't want to speak with you and you know it," Regina merely huffed in reply. "Regina, you are her mother. You know everything you need to know in here," Mac pressed his hand to her chest, above her heart. "Alayna trusts you implicitly. She doesn't need to say anything to you because you know what is in her mind and in her heart already, most times before she does."
Regina dropped her head to rest against Alayna's and breathed her daughter in.
"Did you trust Maleficent?" he queried, and Regina paused to mull it over.
"Yes I do," she finally replied.
"See?" Mac smiled and Regina sighed. Mac was right.
It was silly to be jealous of the connection he shared with her daughter. She had felt the same way when 3 month old Alayna would smile for everyone but her, or when at 12 months Alayna was always walking away from Regina, and never toward her. She felt relegated to interloper in her baby's life and it had stung. Then one summer afternoon on the Ranch Alayna was swinging on her tire swing and came tumbling off the contraption as Mac looked helplessly on from his position where he had been pushing her. When Mac rushed her up the porch steps to meet Regina who had raced from the kitchen at the sound of Alayna's cries, the little girl had pushed herself out of Mac's arms and clung to her mother as she sobbed. Regina hands had moved deftly over her tiny frame ensuring there were no broken bones and then carried her to the porch swing where she rocked her until her cries subsided.
As Alayna rubbed her tiny cheek to her mother's chest Regina's heart had swelled - when her baby was hurt she only wanted her mother. Regina realised that day with sudden clarity in that moment that Alayna was so independent of her because she was sure of her mother's love and that had warmed Regina's heart like nothing else ever could. As a child Regina had constantly strived to be worthy her mother's love and earn her approval. As a mother that was the last thing she wanted for her children. She had felt victorious that day, more so than any other she could recall. She had risen above the shackles of her own childhood and loved her daughter purely, in a way she had even failed to do with Henry.
Smiling at the memory Regina pressed a kiss to Alayna's temple, giving Mac a half smile and a brief nod, before moving through the hall into the kitchen to explain to her teenage son that Mac was Merlin and that it was the Sorcerer who had swept him away into the living room, not his Mom.
An hour later the five of them were standing at the gate in front of Granny's diner. Mac raised his brows questioningly at Regina, telling her he was willing to play this however she wanted.
"Why don't you and Henry wait here, we will come and get you once we've explained to everyone who you are," Regina said looking at the two of them. "We'll order some cocoa for you," she said hugging Henry to her side. He had taken the news of Mac's true identity with a composure that came from having long accepted that no one was who they seemed. At least the guy wasn't a flying monkey like Walsh.
"And some pancakes?" he asked waggling his eyebrows?
"How can you possibly want pancakes? You just ate breakfast!" Regina exclaimed.
"I'm a growing boy, and I need my strength in case these guys want to hurt you again." He reasoned and Regina's smile faltered for a moment as she tightened her grip on him and pressed a kiss to his cheek where once it would have been the top of his head, gods he needed to stop growing.
"Pancakes it is," she whispered giving him another smile, this one not quite reaching her eyes and Henry's smile faded.
"I was kidding Mom, we're not alone anymore, we have Robin, Mac, Maleficent – all the Merry Men – you'll be fine," he squeezed her hand and then turned to guide Mac to a table out front, not realising just how her heart had soared at his use of 'we'.
"He's right you know," came Maleficent's voice as she approached the diner with Lily. Joining them at the gate she continued, shooting Robin a dirty look; "This won't end the way it did last time."
"We've got your back Regina," Lily said quietly, staring into Granny's as though she could see what was going on inside.
"Thank you," Regina whispered as Robin, Alayna in his arms, put a hand to the small of her back and led her up the stairs to Granny's.
"Will you join us?" Robin asked, turning as he realised Maleficent and Lily had remained at the gate, the dragon's protective streak when it came to his love pleasing rather than offending him.
"We'll wait here," Maleficent said, her voice low, her eyes on Mac, "I'd like to keep an eye on this one." She nodded her head towards the Sorcerer and Robin chuckled at her candour.
"As you wish," he said before moving once more towards the diner.
Maleficent watched them go before she turned towards Mac.
"You're waiting here," she said as a statement and Mac nodded as Lily and Henry took a seat talking quietly between themselves. Maleficent watched her daughter for a moment with a hint of pride in her eyes. Adults Lily wasn't so great with, but kids (and teens it appeared) she was able to relate to with an ease that left Maleficent breathless. "Why?" Maleficient asked, not taking her eyes from Lily and Henry.
"Regina's idea. You know how she loves to make an announcement." Mac's spoke with a softness and warmth Maleficent was rarely the recipient of and she liked it, she liked his open expression, the cadence and timber of his voice. Her eyes flicked over him in subtle appraisal. He had a good figure, toned but not as bulky as Regina's thief. He was tall though, over six foot and his hair thick and startlingly white. He had laugh lines around his eyes and mouth and she couldn't help but wonder what joy had put them there? His eyes though were what captured her, icy blue and calm, they held her gaze to distraction like nobody's ever had.
Mac shifted internally under her gaze, though he showed nothing of his discomfort externally, literally hundreds of years of practice had perfected the art of concealment. He couldn't remember the last time he had been subjected to such scrutiny. Usually people learned his identity and set about with a list of wants and desires – "please can I have this?" "Will you do that?" "Help me become this!" No one had ever really taken the time just to look at him – the man, not just the performing monkey, the magician. He would give anything to know what was in her mind.
"I don't like you," or maybe not. Maleficent spoke in her usual bored tone, gazing down to examine her nails with sudden curiosity.
"Really," Mac said, more statement than question. "And may I ask why?"
Maleficent brought her gaze back to his and was surprised that her comment had not changed his demeanour. His eyes were still open and inviting, a soft smile on his lips.
"When we met, you were cold and now you're not. Why is that?" Maleficent asked, ignoring his question.
"I have a gift," Mac said quietly, seeing no reason to hide it and suddenly curious as to whether Maleficent knew why she was such a mystery to him. Could it be the product of some kind of spell or charm? "I can hear thoughts." Her eyes widened and was that the hint of a blush on her cheeks? "Like most people hear words, thoughts come to me, they always have… no exception…" Mac looked across the street for a moment, pausing for effect really, nothing else. He brought his gaze back to Maleficent's and he would swear she had stopped breathing. "Until you."
"What?" she said on exhale. At least he had her attention now, seemed to have broken through her stoic façade at least for the moment.
"I don't hear you," Mac paused, taking a step toward her being overcome with a sudden desire to see her flustered. "At all," another step. "I have no idea what you're thinking." He was in front of her, barely a foot between them. "When I met you it surprised me. " His eyes flickered between hers as he offered her his hand. "I apologise for my rudeness," he finished his voice low and a strange feeling in his gut he didn't recognise.
Maleficent was taken aback by his behaviour, her inability to read him testing her patience but at least they were on equal footing she supposed. She took his hand, shaking it briefly with a half smile. "Apology accepted."
The dinner was full when Regina, Robin, and Alayna entered. The tell-tale sound of the bell above the door announcing their arrival and silencing the room. The couple walked briskly to the counter, ignoring the stir their entrance had ignited. Regina tilted her chin even further upwards, meeting the gaze of those in the room with her mask firmly in place and a perfectly manicured eyebrow raised. Alayna suddenly became shy at all the attention and reached for her mother. Cuddling further into her arms and hiding her face in the crook of her neck. Robin smiled as warmly as he could manage – not used to having his entrance having such an impact as Regina was.
"So it's true then," Leroy began snidely as he stared at Alayna. "You have a kid?" It was a statement more than a question but Robin felt the need to answer the dwarf regardless.
"It would appear that way Leroy," he said smiling tightly before turning to Ruby to ask for some coffee and ordering Henry's 'second breakfast', indicating the two seated at the table outside. Ruby smiled warmly at the three of them, ducking a little to catch Alayna's eye and give her a wink.
"Mary Margaret told us about your daughter Regina. Congratulations – she's adorable," Ruby began, reaching across the counter to lightly finger Alayna's curls.
"Thank you Ruby," Regina said stiffly, unconsciously reacting to the thick tension in the room and kicking herself that she wasn't as adept at hiding her discomfort as she once was. A cursory glance told her all she needed to know. Blue and a handful of her fellow moths took up a booth in the corner. Her smug smile told Regina she had been telling anyone who would listen that Alayna was a demon. Mary Margaret and David were in a booth with Hook, Belle and Archie, the latter three deep in conversation while Mary Margaret and David stared at the trio with matching guilty expressions on their faces.
The Apprentice was at a table near the door, obviously listening to their exchange. His face had a slightly mischievous expression that told Regina he knew everything that had transpired in the last 24 hours and was awaiting the introduction of Merlin with excitement. Leroy and his fellow dwarves took up most of the counter space and a handful of Robin's Merry Men sat in the booth nearest the door.
"Careful Ruby, the kid will turn you to stone or something," Leroy mumbled, ensuring his voice carried just enough to be heard by Robin and Regina.
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that." Robin's words were polite, but his voice cold. Regina merely shook her head, placing a hand on his arm, she had been through all this before – the snide remarks made under breaths, the glares and tension filled rooms.
"Leave it, Robin." She said softly.
"No, I'll not leave it. " He said quiet but firm. "Leroy? I believe you have something to say about my child?"
"That's no child, Hood. That there is nothing but a demon in disguise! Something that is going to grow up to rain hell-fire on us all! Just like her mother!"
"Shut up Leroy," Granny said firmly. "Or you'll be needing to find yourself a new diner."
"What Granny? You know the hell she put us through for years before cursing our asses to this place. You wanna live through that again? From what Blue said this kid here will be ten times worse!" Some enthusiastic murmurs erupted and Regina took in a calming breath. She could handle this, it wasn't any worse than what she had expected and certainly no worse than she had dealt with before.
"You don't know that," Mary Margaret said rising to her feet. "Regina raised Henry entirely on her own and none of you could possibly say a bad word about him!" Some more murmurs though less angry and more curious than before.
"Nature versus nurture Mary Margaret!" Leroy said in a bored tone as he raised his cup of coffee to his lips. "He's got your blood in his veins. Not hers!"
"I'll not have that kind of talk in my diner," Granny said gruffly. "That there is a child Leroy, you best be remembering that!"
"What are you on her side for?" Leroy said, looking up at Granny as though she had grown a second head. Granny just shook her head at him, chancing a quick glance at Ruby who was shooting daggers at Leroy.
"This isn't my first rodeo, Leroy" was all Granny said in reply, before she shuffled out to the kitchen to finish up her breakfast orders, images filled her head, being hunted by a mob of angry villagers who had burned down her house when she refused to end the life of her grandchild, hiding in the forest watching her whole world burn to ash, having to start anew where no one knew her or Ruby, all because of the sins of the mother. Well Granny wouldn't allow Ruby to pay the price of her mother's actions then and she certainly wasn't going to stand by while Alayna paid the price of Regina's misdeeds now.
Leroy wasn't discouraged, "You even sure she's yours Hood? You know you can check that in this world," Leroy began, at that comment nearly everyone in the diner frowned deeply. One look at that little girls dimpled smile and there was no mistaking who her father was. "Wouldn't put it past Madam Mayor here to try and lump you with a kid that aint yours."
Robin moved like lightening, striking the dwarf fair in the face and knocking him from his seat while Regina gasped in shock. She had never seen Robin in such a state. He towered over Leroy as the dwarf glared up at him rubbing his chin. After a moment's pause chaos erupted as the remaining dwarves jumped from their seats to help Leroy who then advanced on Robin while David and Mary Margaret called for calm. Blue rose and came to Leroy's aid and her fellow nun's quickly followed.
"Don't you ever speak of Regina that way, nor my child," Robin said, his body shaking in anger. "That goes for the rest of you," his gaze took in the other patrons.
"Really Robin! Violence?" questioned Blue, her face a picture of surprise. "That is so unlike you – makes me question the company you have been keeping lately." The dig was swift, her eyes on Regina and Robin's mouth opened in surprise. Regina had not moved a muscle nor said a word and Blue was finding a way to make it seem as though his defence of their baby was her doing! The woman was unbelievable.
Before he could respond Blue continued, " Let's all just calm down."
"Leroy has every right to be wary of her kid," Happy said. "We know nothin' about her."
"And why would you need to hide her away if she isn't dangerous?" One of the nuns asked.
"It is of little matter," Blue began, her confidence confusing and put Regina on edge though her mask remained in place, her hand moving rhythmically up and down Alayna's back in an effort to calm and soothe. She suddenly felt like she was feeding her daughter to the wolves. "The Apprentice has informed us that Merlin is in Storybrooke." She addressed the diner, relishing the attention she had garnered – it was so reminiscent of her holding the floor when advising Snow and Charming in the Enchanted Forest. Something she had dearly missed during the cursed years in Storybrooke.
The diner once again erupted at her revelation. Obviously Blue failed to mention Merlin's arrival when she was slandering Alayna earlier. Alayna looked up at the sudden noise, confusion clear on her face as she stared up at her mother curiously.
"Mr Gold has told us that the Sorcerer is here to take the child – he will protect us from her. We may simply have to wait until she reveals her true nature." Blue turned her cold gaze to Alayna who merely cocked her head in response, her brown furrowing as if she were seeing something for the first time.
Regina rolled her eyes, "Really Blue? Her true nature? What do you expect her to do? Start biting the heads off chickens?"
"I have no idea Regina, but her true nature is not something that can be hidden for long." As Regina felt Alayna snuggle more into her she leaned in to whisper soothing words against her daughters ear as she suddenly realising Alayna had some understanding of the words being spoken. If Blue's statements were distressing to her as Alayna's mother, she couldn't imagine what her baby was feeling at hearing all this. "We must simply rely on the Sorcerer to know the right time. Merlin is known to protect innocents, to restore balance in the fight between good and evil. The evil in this child throws out the balance, the Sorcerer will come to our aid. He - "
"Has heard enough of this nonsense," Mac said entering the diner with Henry, Maleficent and Lily flanking him. Blue froze, her face blank as she stared at the Man.
"Who are you?" Leroy asked, curiosity and mild frustration in his voice.
"Merlin!" The Apprentice greeted, rising from his chair and extending his hand to Mac who pulled him into a warm one-armed embrace.
"Hello old friend," Mac said pulling away.
"I was wondering when you would arrive. I'd begun to think you would miss all the excitement." The Apprentice said, all mirth.
"Everything –"
"In due time… I'm well aware!" The Apprentice said before moving to stand beside Mac, just at the entrance of the diner. Henry had gone straight to stand with his Mom, wanting no confusion as to where his loyalty lay. They stood to the right of Mac and the nuns and dwarves faced the Sorcerer.
"You are the Sorcerer?" Blue asked, her voice flat, no longer as confident as she had been. Mac nodded, holding her gaze but saying nothing. "Rumplestiltskin, known as Mr Gold in this realm, has told us you are here for the child. Is that correct?"
"No. That is not correct Mother Superior. Quite simply because Rumplestiltskin did not say that. I believe what he said was that I would come here because of Regina's child. It's amazing is it not, how one word can alter the entire meaning of a sentence… and a little word at that really…"
"What does that mean?" Leroy barked at the Sorcerer, never one to be intimidated. "Here 'because' of that –" he pointed at Alayna.
Mac's eyes showed no emotion, his voice remained calm, though from the corner of her eye Regina saw Maleficent and Lily bristle, exchanging a look. A response mirrored by Granny and Ruby behind the counter, clearly unhappy with Leroy's description of Alayna.
"It means that I am here because Alayna is here. I go where she goes. You see, Mother Superior was right," Leroy smiled and nodded his head along with his fellow dwarves, murmuring began in the diner once more and Mary Margaret and David exchanged worried looks. "My life's work has been about bringing balance to the realms however the way I was to do that was to prepare the realms for the coming of the Gray."
"The Gray" Blue repeated dumbly. "What has any of this got to do with the Gray?"
"Wait – " David interrupted. "Forgive me Sorcerer, I am but a Shepherd at heart – I have never heard of this 'Gray'?"
"That's not because you were a Shepherd, David," Mary Margaret with her brow furrowed. "I've not heard of the Gray either."
Regina opened her mouth to speak but Blue beat her to it. "The Gray is a powerful being that will bring balance to the realms. It's existence has long been prophesised."
"That is correct," Mac said as though he were a teacher praising a student. " And now the Gray is here."
Blue let out a laugh, "you can't be serious? That child is the Gray?" her laugh was full, tinkling through the diner before she turned cold eyes to Regina, her gaze taking in the child in her arms. "That is impossible. The Evil Queen is certainly not the Mother of the Gray."
"Regina?" Snow spoke softly.
Regina stepped forward so that she was standing in line with Mac. "Mac – Merlin," she corrected with a nod and Mac gave a soft shake of his head, not believing the correction of his name should be necessary. "Arrived in Storybrooke last night. He told me then that Alayna was the Gray. I had no idea before that," Regina spoke softly but firmly, Alayna secure in her arms.
"Well I'm confused," David said with a shake of his head. "Blue says Alayna is a threat, now we have Merlin here saying she is a savior –"
"My child is not a savior!" Regina said sharply.
"Sorry, the Gray," David corrected rolling his eyes. "How do we know what to believe?"
"Sorry mate but what does any of this matter?" Hook interrupted. "The child is what she is. She is certainly no threat to anyone right now. Let's focus on Emma and leave Regina and her family be." Regina nodded at Hook in gratitude, though she knew his motives were not exactly altruistic, she more than appreciated the sentiment.
"Hook is right," Mary Margaret said stepping forward. "We have been waiting for the Sorcerer to arrive to help us with Emma. He is here and Blue – you said we could trust him." She turned warm eyes to the fairy, "if he says that Alayna is no threat then that settles it." Mary Margaret smiled broadly at Regina, as though she had single handedly solved all her problems. Regina maintained a guarded countenance with her former stepdaughter, but nodded and moved back to her position at the counter with Robin who's arm instantly wove around her, drawing his lover and daughter to him.
"Well then, let us have the meeting we came here for," Hook said, putting an end to any discussion of devil children, Sorcerers and mythical 'Grays'. "Belle, Dr Hopper, why don't you tell everyone what you have told me. Give us the news from Mr Gold."
Belle looked at Archie, her eyebrows raised. As confused as she was about Regina's child she agreed with Hook that right now that adorable little bundle of black curls was anything but a threat so she jutted her chin slightly and rose to stand at the front of the room. Archie followed smiling somewhat awkwardly at Regina before greeting her.
"Regina, I'm glad you and your family could join us," Archie said with a warm smile. "Your treatment idea for Mr Gold has worked wonderfully."
"Yes, we have been able to draw Rumple into consciousness with increasing frequency. I'm sure that soon he will make a full recovery." Belle said beaming.
Archie stepped in, "In relation to Emma, Mr Gold has told us that when he first became the Dark One he had to go on a quest." Archie's voice carried across the room but his attention remained on Regina, Mary Margaret and David.
"A quest?" Regina asked not bothering to hide her surprise. "What kind of quest?" She glanced at Mac and saw him give a subtle nod before returning her gaze to Belle.
"The way he explained it was that it was a quest to find his inner darkness. He had to discover a motivation strong enough to drive the Dark One." Belle lowered her gaze and Archie took over, his hand going to Belle's in a sympathetic gesture.
"With Mr Gold it was the treatment he experienced as Rumplestiltskin the Coward, the breakdown of his family and when his wife Milah left him. He was forced to relive and relive and relive his greatest pain until he chose a dark path and then he experienced those events anew as-"
"The Dark One," Regina interrupted, "and saw a new destiny." Robin caught her eye and could see she was imagining her own painful memories and in that moment of recollection she could empathise with Gold.
"So we believe Emma is on this journey?" Robin asked.
"Yes-" Belle began, only to be cut off by Mac.
"We know that she was on the Dark Journey. My being able to cross the town line into Storybrooke can mean only one thing: that journey is over. Emma is ready to return to Storybrooke and the fight for the Savior's soul is about to begin."
"What?" David exclaimed as a collective gasp was heard throughout the diner.
"What does that even mean?" Mary Margaret breathed.
"The fight for her soul - bloody hell mate, enough with the riddles!" Hook was clearly at the end of his rope. "Just tell us what we have to do to bring Emma back!"
With that the door of the diner flew open and there stood Emma in all her evil glory. Her blonde hair was sleek and straight, falling over one shoulder and reaching almost to her waist. She wore a tight pair of black leather pants with knee high boots and a fitted burgundy tunic that came to her thigh with a split down the front of it that went almost to her belly button putting the creamy skin of her cleavage on display and bringing a blush to her mother's cheeks that made Emma giggle. She looked polished, her make up darker than anyone in Storybrooke had ever seen it. The think eyeliner and dark shadow, her lashes thick with mascara and dark painted lips almost the colour of her tunic, contrasting with her pale skin. She was a vision and she carried herself with an air of superiority and refinement that the Savior had never had.
Mac immediately disappeared – no sound, no telltale plume of smoke, just one moment he was there and the next he stood in front of Regina and Alayna. There was no change in his demeanor – he was still calm and relaxed. Maleficent's eyes found him immediately and with a subtle tug on Lily's sleeve they both surreptitiously made their way to where he stood, no words needed between them to know they would both fight to protect the child.
Emma giggled "All this to try and find little ol'me?" she queried? Tossing her head and looking around wide eyed. As her eyes raised everyone gasped audibly, for instead of the emotive green eyes they recognized as their Savior's were the yellow eyes of a crocodile.
Hook walked towards her, taking centre stage in the diner. "Emma?" he questioned, for surely the woman who stood before him had her face and her body, but could not be her – not with those eyes, how could the gods be so cruel? Crocodile, the irony was not lost on him that the thing he loved was slowly becoming the thing he hates.
"Killian," she breathed stepping into his space, penetrating his comfort zone until all he could see, breathe, feel, was her. "Miss me?" She asked before moving to kiss his lips. As her lips pressed to his he pulled away – she was cold as ice and as he looked into her yellow eyes he could see the mirth, the affection was all an act… the coldness penetrated right through her, down to the depths of her soul.
"What happened to you?" he murmured softly, heartbroken. He was too late. Again! And again his love was lost to a crocodile – though not in the same way as his former love… he never dreamed that there was a worse fate.
"Oh Killian," she said running a gentle but icy finger down his cheek. "Let's just say I went on a journey of self-discovery…" her eyes flashed to her parents and turned icy. "And found my support network to be somewhat lacking!" Her tone turned as cold as her eyes as she stalked towards her parents.
"Emma!" Mary Margaret began, tears in her eyes. "Emma please, we can help you, we want –" Mary Margaret was silenced as Emma's hand came up, raising Mary Margret from the ground as she began to choke her.
"Oh Mom," she mockingly smiled. "What makes you think I have any interest in hearing what you want?"
David stepped forward, "Emma! Let her go!" He demanded striding forward and with a flick of her wrist he was pushed back through the front window of the diner.
"Emma," Regina said, passing Alayna to Mac before moving towards her son's other mother.
"Don't try to stop me Regina!" Emma said, not taking her eyes off her mother whose face was turning a rather attractive shade of blue…
"Why would I try to stop you?" Regina began, her best Evil Queen smile on her face. " I just wondered if you've thought this through?"
"What do you mean?" Emma began, her brow furrowing as her gaze moved from her mother to her former nemises.
"Well, you kill her and it's over… Wouldn't you rather let her live to witness what she has done? She the fruits of her labour so to speak?" Regina began and was relieved when she saw Emma relax her hold on Mary Margaret. While she didn't lower the woman to the ground, the Dark One at least allowed her to breathe.
Emma smirked… "You're right." She said and Regina smiled. "Besides, I really should focus on hurting you." Mary Margaret crumpled to the ground in an unconscious heap as Emma's hand dove into Regina's chest before Regina knew what was happening. Regina's eyes widened in shock, unable to believe Emma had turned on her. Emma smirked at Regina as she struggled to pull out the older woman's heart. "Hmm, figured out a way to protect your heart did you?" She queried, as Robin screamed out in horror and Maleficent moved closer and closer to Emma, preparing to strike. Lily looked on in horror, unable to move, to react, the guilt almost crippling her. The Merry Men forming a fighting stance and pointed their weapons at the former Savior. "Any of you move and I'll kill her. You know I don't need her heart in my hands to do it" Emma's voice was quiet, calm. "So I can't take your heart hey Regina?" She asked, knowing full well Regina couldn't speak with the pain currently radiating through her body, her eyes wide with shock. "Well that doesn't mean I can't have a little fun with you - make you suffer for what you did to me!" Her yellow eyes glowered as she squeezed Regina's heart while it was still in her chest Regina all but crumbling, the only thing keeping her on her feet was Emma's hand in her chest.
"Mom! Mom, stop it!" Emma closed her eyes as the one voice that could still touch her soul carried through the diner.
"Not now kid," she said, sounding for but a moment like Emma Swan. "I'm a little busy."
"Leave my Mom alone!" He said stepping into her line of sight. "She came back here to save you. You can't do this."
"You don't know what she's done Henry."
"Of course I do. But that doesn't mean she deserves to hurt like this. No one deserves to hurt like this. You need to stop Mom." Henry reached out his hand and put it on the arm extending from his mother's chest. He shuddered at the cold of Emma's skin and tugged until she closed her eyes and released her hold on Regina's heart, letting Henry guide her arm from Regina's chest. "Thank you." He said before moving to embrace Emma as Robin quickly picked up Regina. She was limp in his arms and Robin screamed for everyone to get out of his way as he moved to the back room of the diner, desperate to make sure she was alright, she had to be alright.
"Henry…" Emma whispered as she held onto her son. Her eyes opened and Hook gasped as he saw they were once again green and he gave her a warm smile as their gazes locked. Emma gave a soft sincere smile in return, everything silent in her mind for a moment before suddenly with a rush all the sound came roaring back. Hook watched as her green eyes once again turned yellow and she slowly released Henry from her embrace. Her gaze flickered between Mary Margaret who was coughing on the floor and David who was groaning from one of the booths where Belle held a wet cloth to a cut above his eye. Emma's brow furrowed her gaze going from sorrow and regret to one of pure hate before Henry's eyes and he knew in an instant what she was going to do.
"Mom! Wait!" he screamed and with a soft "I'm sorry Henry," she disappeared in a cloud of burgundy smoke.
Robin carried Regina's unconscious form to the back of the diner. Stepping swiftly down the hall he found an empty room. Maleficent and Mac with Alayna still in his arms were right behind Robin, and the Merry Men blocked the path to ensure no one else followed them.
"What has she done?" Robin begged, searching Mac's gaze as he looked at Regina lying still on the bed in the crude hotel room he had found. "She's not breathing! Mac! Do something!" Robin sobbed, tears spilled down his cheeks as he cried unashamedly.
Maleficent dropped to her knees beside the bed opposite the Thief. She leaned over Regina, her hear against Regina's nose and mouth, her fingers softly pressed against her friends wrist in a desperate attempt to find a pulse. "She's breathing," she said, and exhibiting more confidence than she felt she raised her hands over Regina's form and allowed her magic to scan over Regina's chest. Healing magic was definitely not Maleficent's thing but diagnostics was a different story. Admittedly she usually used her skill to find the weakness of her prey but still, it was something she was adept at.
Maleficent's eyes flashed open, "Mac!" She said worriedly, her eyes caught his and again a strange feeling of awareness flooded through her. "You need to help her, the healers of this world won't be able to save her from this." Her eyes moved away from his intense stare to look back at Regina, pale and looking smaller than Maleficent had ever seen her. "Her heart has been badly damaged, Emma was desperate to crush it and –" Maleficent broke off, unaware of how her voice was shaking or how focused she was on Regina's shallow breaths as though by focusing on her friend's every inhalation and exhalation she could breathe for her. She jumped when Mac's hands gently pressed her shoulders as he manoeuvred her so that he could kneel by her side next to Regina. His hands passed deftly over Regina's still form, wisps of silver magic prodding and flowing around her and as each thread wound around her body, her breathing became stronger, deeper and more even.
After what seemed like an eternity but was barely a minute Mac sat back on his haunches. "Her heart has been repaired," Robin breathed a sigh of relief and whispered his thanks. Bringing Regina's hand to his cheek. Unable to fathom how close he came to losing her. Maleficent still seated beside Mac closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath in relief. "She will need time to recuperate – it was an ordeal and while I've repaired the damage to the muscles the body remembers the trauma. " Mac rubbed his face with his hands in exhaustion. "Robin?" Mac raised his voice to draw the outlaw's attention. "The protections Regina placed on your home – they are sufficient to keep Emma out. That is the safest place, for all of you –" he said indicating Alayna who was seated beside her mother on the bed and stroked her hair with a gentleness not fitting her age. "I will send you there and come as soon as I can." Robin took Alayna into his arms and nodded to Mac that he was ready.
In silver smoke the trio disappeared leaving Maleficent and Mac alone.
"Thank you," Maleficent said quietly, not taking her gaze from the bed. Mac stood and put his hand out to help her to her feet. Maleficent rose from her place on the floor with awkwardness she was not comfortable with but was unavoidable given the length and tightness of her skirt. When she stood she was barely a hairsbreadth away from him.
"I don't understand you," Mac said, no accusation in his voice – but pure bewilderment.
"Regina and I have a long history," Maleficent began, beginning to recite their 'usual' story, as she always did when questioned about her relationship with Regina but looking up into Mac's eyes his expression gave her pause and lowered her eyes, briefly. Something about this man made it impossible to hide completely. She when to step back but was stopped by one of Mac's hand moving to her back, to keep her near. "Most of the time I don't understand our relationship either." She confessed, a slight shake in her voice at opening herself up, even just a sliver. "In many ways we are like oil and water, but there is a deep respect there, and with that respect comes a preparedness to do much for each other." She held her gaze, though it taxed her when all she wanted to do was run from this man.
Mac smiled his warm honest smile, "I appreciate the insight," he began. "But that is not what I meant," his voice became incredibly low, barely a whisper and Maleficent's eyes flickered down where his hand still held hers, suddenly hyper aware of his touch. "I don't understand you." He said again.
"Perhaps," Maleficent began, her tongue subconsciously sneaking out to wet her lips as her heart pounded in her chest at the feeling of being on a precipice she hadn't dared approach in more years than she wanted to remember… "You don't have to?" Her voice was all vulnerability, her eyes flickering between his as Mac leaned down and captured her lips in the softest of kisses for but a moment before pulling away, putting barely an inch of space between them. Maleficent felt emboldened by the trepidation she saw reflected in his eyes, he was as terrified of this as she was and what a joy that discovery was for her! She smiled the sweetest of smiles Mac had ever seen, then gently snaked her hands around his neck and drew him in for another, more passionate kiss.
AN I always had my own Dark Swan in mind and didn't want to change to canon so I appreciate your indulgence with this. As always I'd love to hear your take on this chapter.