Hi everyone! This is Ches.
Thank you so much for reviewing/following/reading my story that made me really truly incredibly happy.

I want to thank everyone for your encouraging words, it made me even forget, that I was insulted by a guest reviewer. I don't know why that person thought that I would deserve does hurtful words but you know what: I don't care. I got many friendly reviews so I will stick to that and keep writing and if someone doesn't like my stories, then please just don't read it.

So for all the nice reviewers out there, here is chapter 2, I hope I won't disappoint you.

I own nothing, neither the characters nor the content of Once upon a time.

From the Ashes

Chapter 2

Robin knelt there in the dirt of the clearing, where just minutes ago his love had died while saving his life. When moments later she began to burn down, until nothing but tiny particles of ash where left of her. He couldn't talk, couldn't move or even think clearly. His hands fisted the ash on the ground, while his shoulders shook. He tried desperately not to sob.

Regina. Regina why? Why did you have to act so selfless, when all I did was bring you pain and break your heart? And where did you go? Are you alive? Or dead? Where is your body? Why was there this fire? Please be alive. You have to be alive! I couldn't possibly stand it if you were gone forever. Regina. Oh, Regina please.

The others stood behind Robin and were analysing the situation. Emma sniffed and leaned one shoulder at Hooks chest. He wrapped an arm comforting around her. "Bloody hell! What was that? Why was there a fire? Any idea mates?" Hook tried to relax the situation a bit by starting the discussion. His rough, scoundrel charm did the rest and most of the tension disappeared. Emma appreciated his efforts and stroked the arm that still was wrapped around her. This earned her a disapproving look from her father and a kiss on her temple from Killian. "I have no idea, but from her surprised look earlier, I would say that at least the Snow Queen has nothing to do with it."

Emma and Hook still talked about it, while Charming knelt down next to Robin, putting an encouraging hand on the others shoulder. "I'm sure Regina's alive. She is strong. Stronger than anyone else I know. I'm sure this is all just some kind of plan she had, to save us from the Snow Queen. I know Regina for a very long time now. The former Evil Queen won't die that easily. Trust me with that. You just can't lose hope." Right at the moment when Robin wanted to reply, a strange wind arose. The wind was getting stronger, until all the ash and the sparks of the fire were spinning around in the air in front of them.

The wind set the sparks aflame and right in the air the fire began anew. The fire twirled around itself and everyone looked awestruck and a bit hopeful. Suddenly a piercing screech disrupted the silence. They all looked at each other. "Okay... What was that?" Emma readied her gun and they all stepped back from the flames. Charming pulled Robin with him to save him from the heat and Robin finally snapped out of his dread and mourning and took a hopeful glance at the fire. The screech sounded again from within the flames. The fire grew and started to assume form until it solidified into giant wings, a big body and a long neck with an elegant head. On its head was a small cockscomb of dark red and golden feathers and the creature had a long, golden beak. The others watched as out of the flames a giant, burning bird shot skywards.

The beast flew high in the air, raised its head and beak and screamed again, while spreading its fiery wings. Because of that movement the sparks whirled around and dispersed. The creature could have never been mistaken for a normal animal. The bird had the size of a helicopter and its feathers were burning hot enough for the air to blur.

The mighty creature didn't even take notice of the still staring humans beneath it. It just flew in a circle above them and flew then in the direction of Storybrooke.

While Charming and Robin were still speechless, Hook could no longer contain his wonderment. "Bloody hell! Was that a..."
"Phoenix" Emma put her weapon back in its holster, while glancing nervously in the direction of Storybrooke. The town now had a new threat approaching.
One could have thought that the inhabitants of Storybrooke would have been accustomed to exotic creatures by now, after all the dragons, werewolves and flying monkeys they had faced.

Robin took a last look at the place, where Regina had fallen, before he turned to the others with a questioning look. "What do we do now? We can't possibly search for the Snow Queen now. First we have to find out what happened to Regina!"

Emma still watched the Phoenix disappear out of her vision. "Not to forget, that we have to do something about that giant, burning... chicken."
Charming was the first one to voice, what everybody was thinking. "You know who the only person is, who could help us now, don't you?" Emma sighed. "I was really hoping to avoid that this time." The others nodded, while Charming said the inevitable words. "We have to ask Mr. Gold for help."

So that was the second chapter. I really, really, reeeeaaaaalllyyyy hope, that I didn't disappoint you. If you liked it or if you have constructive criticism please review and let me know.
Well, thank you very much for reading and see you for chapter three.