New Chapter finally here.

Sorry it has been late... life, but its here at last... had to do this in the middle of breaks in work to get this done otherwise it would have just gone wayside and that is a no. Not this story... Like my little baby.

I want to say a huge thank you to those that helped me get to my target... Love you forever, see I said I would. :)

I hope you all enjoy this and as before if anyone has any comments they are always welcome and much loved.

And as I've said before I don't own OUAT.

Happy reading. :)

Regina never did find out what was wrong with Ruby, not for a while anyway which left her blissfully free to play with her friend keeping note of the blondes warnings but pushing them to the back of her mind as they rolled about in the newly sprung grass fighting as they tried to one up the other. They fell down the small embankment before coming to a stop near the river where they had taken to sticking by laughing as they did.

For Ruby it was the best time of her life. She had never had this much fun with any of the other children, wouldn't have even – not that they wanted to ever play with her, but that didn't matter anymore. As the other dark-haired girl underneath used her feet to lift her up slightly and sent her sprawling over her head as the wolf girl landed in the fluffy patch of grass just behind her as she started laughing again as Regina soon followed.

They stayed like that for a while getting their breath as all their fighting had left them exhausted before Ruby rolled over on to her stomach to look at the olive-skinned girl who was staring up at the sky.

"How do you do it?"

Regina had looked up to the clouds that had been floating by and was trying to create pictures out of the shapeless masses of white fluffiness when she heard the other girl speak. Mimicking her actions until she rested on her elbows and looked at her...

"What do you mean?"

"When you go to the river, you always seem to get the fish, how?"

She waited for a reply as Regina shrugged. She didn't know. She just went and got them. Her eyesight was at the point where she could practically see the gills of the fish exhale as they swam by, she had no idea why it was but she found it cool and on asking the older woman the blonde merely gifted her with a shrug and said 'live with it' so never thought anything more of it.

But now her friend was looking expectantly at her waiting on an answer so she sat up a little and pursed her lips. I don't know… their just easy to catch. You just have to wait for them to come to you and then you nab them."

She smiled before looking back to her friend hoping her answer was suitable only to have it fall at the downcast expression Ruby wore.

What's the matter?"

The other girl looked to see Regina's concerned face and shook her head before moving to sit on her haunches as the other little girl followed suit. "You make it sound so easy and it is for you… all you do is just stand there and wait. With me I can be there all day and only ever manage to succeed in nearly catching one."

Using her hands and knees she crawled over to the spot Ruby at before shuffling next to her as the other girl turned her head slightly.

"It doesn't have to be."

"What do you mean?" She picked at a flower pulling off its petals in her despondent mood as Regina rolled her eyes. "Fishing, it doesn't have to be… not if I tell you how."

She turned her head fully to the side on hearing her words and looked to see Regina's wide smile. "You… you would show me?" As her smile brightened on the happy nods of the other girl who jumped to her feet,

"Come on"

Grabbing her hands she hauled Ruby up right and runs off with the other girl watching her before quickly taking off after her as they run downwards towards the small lake at the bottom where the fish congregated as it was nearing migration as they started their journey upwards.

After instructing her on where to wait she watched as Ruby got into place. Her boots and bottom half of her pants getting soaked as she waded into the water. Looking up she smiled at the bright smile and eager nod as she looked back to the water and to the fish that were swimming around her legs.

"Just wait for them! Once one comes close enough grab it!" She nodded and waited, she eyed the water creatures as they swam about until she saw her chance. Reaching down, she plunged her hands into the cold water and struggled to get one as the sand lying on the bank kicked up a small cloud obscuring her vision.

Once it cleared she looked around only to find the fish had gone and her smile fell once more before she stood upright and looked at Regina whose face mirrored her own before deciding to join her, she jumped into the water not caring about the small splash it caused or her clothes getting wet as she waddled through the current and over to her friend.

"Watch"

Ruby did as she asked and watched the other girl, who dropped her head down as she faced the water, she stayed silent with only the sound of the water rushing by as the raven haired girl narrowed her eyes in anticipation – finally she dived down and with striking accuracy, emerged with a fish fully caught within her grasp as she held it up keeping a hold of its wriggling body.

"See – you just have to get the timing right." Ruby's face fell once more at her success first time round but was determined to get it right as she got back into position next to her, she had finally found a friend who could compete with her when it came to roughhousing, and didn't call her a freak and run off leaving her alone.

She wasn't going to be beat by her friend when it came to something as menial as fishing. Her Mother did it, her granny did it… if Regina could do it then so could she.

They were equals.

Copying her stance she crouched slightly so her knees bent a little before looking back down at the water. "Just keep focusing on the fish. Forget everything else."

Ruby did. She thought of nothing but the fish swimming by her as she watched their every movement. Regina stayed as still as she could and looked on when she dived, pouncing down and after a few seconds of splashing, raised triumphantly from the stream a newly caught fish struggling in her hand.

"I DID IT REGINA LOOK I DID IT!"

She turned to her friend the smile blinding on her face as the other girl laughed and nodded. "I knew you could."

Ruby looked back to the flapping fish held in her hand like it was the best prize she had ever won before glancing down to her drenched pants. "Think we should get out of here now?"

Regina nodded and looked to her own water sodden clothing before joining her friend in leaving. But not before snagging a fish of her own as she did. They moved back slowly into the clearing and back to the small cave like burrow that was the beginnings of their own little den. They had taken a few weeks to carve out a little hideaway for themselves and both were pleased with their achievements as Ruby chucked her fish at the other girl forcing her to catch it as she crawled through the small gap.

The raven haired girl glared, not happy at nearly having dropped her own in her haste to catch the second fish but passed them both over when two hands poked from the little doorway expectantly as she followed through into their den, she lay the fish down on the small rock in the middle before turning back to Regina who crossed her legs over.

They talked for a little while before Ruby's stomach growled which was followed by a few giggles as Regina shuffled closer to the small rock mimicked by Ruby who was fascinated by what came next as she looked down intently at the hand Regina held out her hand as a small burst of fire sparked up in her palm and she held it over the dead fish.

The brown-haired girl watched with wide eyes as the small flame washed over the flesh of the fish soon causing it to sizzle and crisp as the smell of cooking could soon be found wafting from the small den.

She kept it over the two fish until they were fully cooked before pulling back and closing her hand extinguishing them flame before pushing one over to her friend who carefully picked it up minding the hotness and smiling her thanks at her. Regina smiled back before hissing a little as the pain that had been bothering her all day suddenly flared up again but made no sound to alert the other girl who was eating oblivious.

"How does that work?" She asked after swallowing a mouthful of her fish.

"What"

She nudged her hands at Regina's "That fire thing… how do you do it?"

The other little girl looked down to her hands and wiggled her fingers for a few seconds before looking back up to her, "I don't know… it just happens"

Ruby narrowed her eyes in confusion to her explanation. "So, it just happens"

She looked at her hand for a moment before stretching it out and waited for something to happen. A few minutes later and still waiting she pulled her hand back in disappointment.

"You said it just happens."

Regina lifted her head to see the slight accusing stare before shrugging. "It does… for me. But not everyone can do it… Mal told me that not everyone has magic, those that do are special."

"Mal"

"It's not her real name but it's to long for me to say properly, plus it's not as cool as mine so" She trailed off shrugging again. Ruby nodded at that grinning.

"Does she have magic"?

Regina nodded. "Yep… but it's a lot stronger than mine" That part she hated admitting though it was true. As Ruby looked at her, eyes wide with intrigue.

"She's really good with fire especially. She can make shapes and all sorts." The black-haired girl spoke excitedly remembering the huge bonfire she watched outdoors once when it was some sort of holiday that was special to the older woman and so sat back and looked on at the fire shaped pictures.

"They sound like fun" She nodded again.

"How come you live so far up the mountain?"

Regina paused not knowing what to say so ended up shrugging again. She had asked this question to Maleficent once but found the answer to be non-explanative as the blonde had turned to her and said it was easier to look down and cast both her judgment and disdain for them if she were at a higher angle. Plus that and they were all lazy so she wouldn't be bothered by them as they could never make it that far up to do so, she never questioned further after that.

"Just where she's always lived I guess." Ruby nodded and left it at that.

Once they finished their food they spent a little longer in their self – made den before crawling back out to resume play, which saw them at the end of the afternoon – coming evening with dirt caked water drenched clothes as they stomped back into the middle of the forest as they prepared to say their goodbyes.

"See you tomorrow" Regina looked at the hopeful look in the other girl's eyes and smiled nodding. Even though they had been friends for days now, and played constantly, it still didn't seem to dawn on the brunette that she had a true friend, as she smiled and launched over to her giving her a big hug before pulling back.

"See you tomorrow then"

They started to split apart as Regina moved away, "After my lessons tomorrow"

They both waved before turning and running back to their respective homes. As she climbed Regina had learnt – thanks to her lessons that she could get halfway up and smoke jump the rest of the way coming to a stop just outside the gates. It saved her having to use her legs and energy so that was what she did as she appeared just at the edge where the little opening was.

She winced though as the cloud vanished and reached up to rub her back that had ached all day, in fact all her body had hurt and she very much tempted the idea of staying in bed. But she had made Ruby a promise and didn't want to let her down despite her protesting body.

Dragging her weary body through the gate she slowly made her way through the patch of trees that could have been called a wood before pushing on the door and sliding her way inside. She moved to the middle before looking to the large side doors that led into the hall, for some reason the idea of food didn't appeal to her like it normally did and so carried on walking up to her room.

Once she reached her chamber she shut her door and threw herself on her bed groaning when her body hit the mattress and regretting her decision as the rush of heat washed over her and she curled into a ball in an effort to try to dim the pain. She rolled over and faced the wall – her head throbbing as she closed her eyes in a vain attempt to try to sleep, a small whimper escaping her throat as she did.

She must have fallen asleep, as hard as that seemed given her tossing and turning most time when a dip on the bed caused her to roll over a little and look up bleary eyed as she blinked a few times to see someone sitting just at her side. When she didn't appear for dinner Maleficent started to think. She wasn't all that worried but something – a small sense was telling her that Regina needed her help and so after dismissing the young servers offer of going to find the younger girl, she rose from her chair and began her trip to her chambers.

On knocking and getting no response she opened the door and knew then what it was. The reason the younger girl had been absent, she looked on over the slightly fidgeting form of the girl before taking a few steps and coming to the side of her bed, there she could hear the slight mumbling and tiny whimper's from her throat. Carefully she sat down and eyed her semi sleeping state knowing that in mere hours it was all she would be getting.

"Mal"

The blonde sucked in a breath through her teeth at the nickname she hated but let it slide given as she replied with a small smile and nod of her head.

"It's me… was just seeing if you were ok."

Regina turned over and let out a groan. "I don't feel well."

The older woman let her gaze roam over her body, that much was clear from the sweat soaked clothes she wore and the slight shiver she let out. From any normal eye it looked like she was coming down with a fever but she knew better and so with a flick of her hand, conjured a cloth before – in a moment of Motherly tenderness leaned over and wiped her head.

"Don't worry; I'm here to help you."

The younger girl frowned but didn't make a move to stop her; she seemed to enjoy the small snippet of affection from the icy Fae before closing her eyes as another wave of fire raced through her body.

"What's happening?"

Once she had finished removing the moisture she pulled the cloth away and looked down at her face. The expression she could see in her eyes differed from fear to confusion to pain and longing…the longing, she knew was from her other half trying to break free and finally having its chance.

"Something that will make everything you have been feeling become clear."

She frowned again at the cryptic response but tensed at the pain as she closed her eyes once more trying to will it away. Maleficent sat back up straighter wondering just what time it actually was and when it will happen before shushing her pained whimper's lulling her to try to rest as Regina fell into a fretted slumber.

Standing once she was sure she was asleep. The older woman made her way back to the door and quietly slipped outside before moving on her way to find Ingrid who she locates on the second floor. The older woman bows as she sees the Dark witch and looks up when she stops.

"Mistress"

"I'll be staying with Regina tonight." Ingrid blinks silently but nods all the same. "Is there anything I can bring for either of you?"

The witch pauses in thought before shaking her head, whatever she needs she can conjure it really was so the help didn't fly into a panic if they didn't find her in her room that she told her before turning and making her way back to the sleeping girls room. At the other end she hears the other woman speak and looks over her shoulder to see the slight questioning look on her face.

"If I may be so bold as to ask…" She doesn't finish. She doesn't need to as Maleficent smiles tightly before replying.

"It's time"

She returns to the chambers to find the covers had been thrown from her body and the younger girl tossing as her body had become encased with sweat once more. The blonde knew it was getting worse and so with a flick of her wrist a chair appears at the side of her bed as she settles herself down never taking her eyes from the twisting form in front of her.

Something was trying to break free that much she was sure. As she slept Regina were pulled into what she could only think of as the weirdest dream she had ever been in but somehow it all felt too real. For starters she was far too tall, it was as if she was at least twenty feet tall and looking out over everything. She could see far better than she had ever been able to before and it went on for miles.

She was stronger to. Her body far more powerful and in better physical state than she had ever felt. It was like she was invincible – nothing could touch or hurt her, she gazed around before something pulled at her, something inside that was telling her to let go… it sounded like a voice calling, instructing… guiding. Somehow she didn't feel scared she wanted to allow it to take over.

It called – telling her to let it take over… to allow it to fully achieve the greatness they were meant to have. She didn't know what it meant but she felt herself giving in…

As she slowly relinquished control over her own body, and feeling no fear in doing so the more she let go the more she felt liberated, free… but also pain.

The pain had come back in two-fold and it hit with a vengeance. She doubled over in agony as the fire burst and spread like wildfire razing her bones and muscles as she fought to stay upright but found it too painful as she sank to her knees. She wanted it to stop, she silently pleaded with it to stop as the voice inside spoke once more.

'Just give in'

Wasn't she already doing so? The pain intensified and she screamed out as it felt like her body was breaking. Curling up she tried hard to get her breath as it replied.

'Not enough… you have to let go completely, allow yourself to be free… for us to be free'

More pain as her leg buckled and in the madness that was her mind which was also feeling like it had split in two. She held onto her head and cried out with as much as her voice would allow her.

'Anything! Just make it stop'

'Do you consent?'

What? Why was it asking her that at a time like this? She frowned gasping through her pain as it urged her to reply. It was more serious sounding and hurried as it spoke again.

'Do you consent?'

'What do you mean?'

'You have to consent… you need to otherwise I can't help…say it'

She remained silent as she thought about its words

'Say it'

'Say it Regina'

'SAY IT'

Finally it got too much. Both the pain and the voice as she screamed.

'Yes! I consent'

Maleficent was woken by the sound of an ear-piercing scream. She bolted upright in her chair from where she had fallen asleep to see the thrashing body in the bed, her eyes widened as she gazed to the younger girl who let out another scream again and stood.

"Regina!"

Nothing as the raven haired girl cried out in agony. The blonde took steps towards the bed but was stopped as the next thing that happened was the small body flinging itself out of the bed and on to the floor. She looked down to the writhing figure as Regina, now fully awake tried to lift herself up but could not as her arms felt like lead and burned too much. Instead she managed to lift her head slightly and look at the blonde overhead.

"What's happening to me?"

Maleficent bent down next to her and brushed her hair from her face. "I should have prepared you more for this…I'm sorry."

Regina could see the sympathy etched on her face and in her eyes as she struggled to breathe. None of this was making sense. She had never felt anything like this before and the blonde wasn't helping. Another bout of pain hit her like a tree forcing her to the floor again as she screamed once more. The door burst open causing the blonde to whip around as two male helpers threw themselves into the room.

"Mistress what is?-"

"GET OUT!" She roared and flung them from the room as they went flying back out the door slamming shut behind leaving the pair alone once more. A tugging on her dress made her look back to the younger girl who had her dress in a fierce grip.

"What's causing this?"

She knelt closer to her mindful of her thrashing body as she got ready to tell the younger girl finally about who she really was. "… You know that I can change my forms into that of a dragon don't you?"

Trying as hard as she could to listen and not scream again. She nodded but didn't see what that had to do with anything as she fought to keep her arms up but was failing. A hand touched her shoulder and she forced her eyes open

"Well… that is what is happening now… to you,"

Confusion added to the pain as Regina looked at her, was she hearing her right? Did she just hear that Maleficent said she was changing into a dragon or did the pain finally get too much for her? She stared up at the blonde who was biting her lower lip and though her sheer hurt managed to let out a breathy laugh.

"..What?"

"It's true… I was hoping-"

She were cut off by another sharp cry of pain as the younger girl flung herself onto her stomach her body shaking. The Faerie pulled her closer ignoring the struggling body as she held her to her chest. She may not have known fully what to do, she had never come across another like her before and so was completely out of her depth but she couldn't stand the agonized cries and so with her magic, she tried her best to stem the transition into something less painful.

It seemed to be working some as the loud screams slowly dimmed to painful cries and whimpers as the blonde clutched her tightly, eventually she stopped as Maleficent kept a hold of her, soon she braved it enough to pull away slightly and look down at the concealed girl who was kept tight to her but shouldn't have given an inch as two seconds later she was pushed away forcefully as loud cracking's could be heard followed by more screams.

The older witch lifted herself to her elbows – an entirely undignified state for a Faerie such as her but at that moment she could care less as she watched the thrashing return fiercely but this time it was truly happening. She could hear the sound of bones meshing and moulding, breaking to fit the change. Her clothes had completely shred, ripped from her back as the beginning of wings started to form from her olive toned flesh. Outlining the strong muscle and spanning as they emerged.

The chair that was in the middle now destroyed, smashed in the wake of the emerging creature that seemed to be trying so hard to push through but seemed stuck at the same time. The blonde looked on fear, for the first time overtaking all other emotion. Something was wrong, she could sense it and as if confirming she could see Regina try to fight it as she struggled literally with her inner self.

Getting to her knees she crossed the space between them until she was close enough to reach out and pull her up to her knees as she drew her head up pushing back the thick, black hair and to her face as she looked deep into the now vivid, yellow eyes of the creature that was fighting to free itself.

"Regina…You have to stop fighting."

The younger girl shook her head before bowing it as another crack signaled her legs breaking. The blonde looked to the once human legs now contorting and growing scales before looking back to her.

"Regina please… it will only hurt more if you resist" She could feel the heat pouring from her and her arms rippling as she let go and back off just as they too started their painful change. Having no energy the girl fell to the floor again tears falling fast as her arms gave out still twisting as her spine flexed and grew as her tail was next to make its appearance slowly growing.

"REGINA!"

Two set of eyes met in that one split second of complete nothingness as Maleficent tried to express what her words couldn't get through. Through her labored breaths she nodded as best she could, her fingers turned talons clawing at the stone floor as she did her best to do what the older woman asked. Teeth elongating as the blonde Faerie slowly stood to her feet as before her very eyes the once little girl was now gone, and it's her place stood a small, all black dragon.

Silence reigned as neither one moved. The blonde for fear of startling the down creature and Regina… or was it the dragon? Seemingly not yet compliant to reality, eventually the black creature was the first to move as she very gently lifted her head and took a look around the room – eyes foggy and head wobbly until they came to a stop at the only other presence in the room.

The older woman laughed a little as it seemed she had scared the dragon somewhat by the little jerk it gave as she eyed it carefully as it than tried to stand up, like a new-born fowl the black reptile very carefully pushed off from the floor with her shaky legs, stumbling a little but managing to pull itself upright. Its small but powerful slim wings tucked in as it got used to its body.

Maleficent laughed out loud as it did a full circle in a bid to get a proper look at its body before turning back to her, they eyed each other for a moment before the blonde felt brave.

"Regina?"

The dragon cocked its head to the side on hearing her speak but made no move to try to respond. She wasn't even sure if it could as she watched it… she bit her lip before slowly bending down as it bristled at her change in posture standing a little on guard.

"It's alright my dear; it's just me… only me." She held out her hand as Regina dragon eyed it with some thought before eventually deciding that it was worth inspection. Blue eyes lit up as the small dragon scuttled closer to her pulling back every so often before finally reaching her hand, she let it sniff the limb getting used to her as it was vital that she knew who she was before it slowly made its way around her body.

She let her sniff all around her, her clothes, her leg, her other hand lifting a little to sniff her hair before coming back to face her. Its yellow eyes as deep as they flicked over her face. The older witch stayed impassive as she looked back. The black dragon opened its mouth to reveal two rows of sharp-pointed teeth but it wasn't in a threatening way as it moved closer.

She looked down and smiled genuinely as she laid her head on the blonde's knee. Finally having determined who she was as the Faerie lifted her hand and placed it on her head.

"I know it's all disorienting" The yellow eyes lifted up to meet hers, "It's confusing and frightening and I will help,"

She promised as the dragon let out a cross between a whine and purr before trying to tuck itself closer to her dress making her smirk.

"I was wondering when I was going to meet you." A flick of her hand had them off the floor and onto the bed making the creature startle for a moment but she soon got her soothed again as she lay her head back on her knee.

That was how they stayed for most of the night as very soon – lulled by the relaxing touch of her hand, the dragon closed her eyes and was off to sleep as Maleficent looked down on noticing and paused in her ministrations for a moment. It was only the start from here on – both had a long journey to take and she needed the girl to be able to handle it if she were to make it any easier for her.

She gazed at the shininess of her scales and the deep inkiness of her skin color. But this was it… she was no longer alone. Thought she couldn't hear it in the silence of the room only two words were whispered before the blonde to, fell to slumber.

"Welcome home."