Being Human

by forevercharmed01

Furious with Cora for breaking their deal. Rumple curses Regina knowing the future will change doing so. Can the little girl who destiny no longer fits, find a place in the world with new friends, family and still have her happily ever after?

25. All The King's Horses And All The King's

Well, this has been a long time n writing.

Easily my longest chapter... Ever, on any of my stories so I don't know whether to be proud or take the many hint's on knowing when enough is enough... :/ oh well, more reading for the viewer.

If you can make it to the bottom without getting bored, Kudos to you all. I definitely think that the chapter after this... Which may take a while gonna just let this one sink in a bit first, will be the last... Definitely, definitely I think.

Either way this one is here first so enjoy - plus still trying to reach that 70 milestone so please help - it'll make a worn out writer happy knowing her work is likable - thank you.

Once again enjoy, and I don't OUAT. :)

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The war finally came to a close on a day filled with smoke and fire. A day that many who was there would never forget. A day that finally saw George toppled from the proverbial throne he had seated himself at to look down on all he soon would win over.

Regina had been in the garden picking the fresh Belladonna that had been growing when a bird interrupted her task. She looked up to see the Dove flapping on a low hanging branch thoughtfully. Normally they was used as messaging carriers and so wasn't surprised to see the little pouch it had tied to its leg, dropping the knife she shuffled a little closer to the waiting creature as she gently reached for its tiny cargo.

The bird stayed still as she relieved it of its wares before conjuring a small bowl of water and some seed before kneeling back on her legs. As soon as the bird had taken its fill it started flapping its wings at the Unicorn that had been standing near-by

He had taken to following Regina on her task which greatly amused her seeing as he still was in two minds on whether to forgive her for bringing the horse home – even though when he thought nobody looked he like to snuggle next to him and so was wondering what his game was as she moved from one garden patch to the next with him trailing after her.

It was nice to have some company she admitted silently and so after a while of him just standing around she got back to her task and just let him be before the bird arrived.

Watching the two interact and how he stuck his nose closer to sniff the newcomer only to pull back quickly made her smirk as she unraveled the note. Looking down her mood changed from amused to solemn as she read the five words that was written down.

'The Prince is coming tonight'

She looked up thought for a moment before vanishing task forgotten as she left the two animals to play or what it was Unicorns and birds did as she went to find Maleficent as the blonde had waited on her to bring the acquired plant. She pushed on the door to see the blonde bent over her work as she extracted a blue liquid from something she couldn't see.

"Took you long enough, did you get the plant." She stood and turned only to find her hands empty and sighed loudly. "Might have known"

"Yeah bitch at me later." She handed the note over. "We have problems."

The older woman took the note "Of course we do dear, mine's standing in front of me," She made sure to eye the empty hands once more. "Without what I asked for might I add."

Regina curled her lip into a sardonic jeer. "Ha - Ha hilarious – here I was thinking nearly twenty years down the line we had come to grow on one another."

The blonde chuckled mirthless as she read the words. "I find the word is 'fond of 'my little cretin. I've grown fond of you." She looked back to her with a cheerful smile which were made more genuine by the look she got back as Regina scowled.

She waited until the Fae looked up before speaking. "So what do we do?"

After a moment to contemplate the older woman turned to look at her. "What we always do."

"Cause untold misery and horror on all those that wrong us?" Regina asked as she moved to lean on the side of the table. The blonde smirked and nodded as she set the small note aflame in her hand.

"But I think it would be terrible of us to make them – a prince no less, travel all the way here without some sort of greeting party to meet him… Don't you think?"

The predatory grin the blonde showed told Regina what she needed to do. With a slight tilt of her head she made her way to the door. She needed to get ready if she was meeting royalty after all. Before she got to the exit she focused her magic and pictured the cut Belladonna lying outside. Hoping that the Pony wasn't stupid enough to have tried some she curled her hand inwards and imagined them in her hand.

Smoke cloaked her hand as the feel of leaves touched her palm. She smiled before flicking her wrist once more and they vanished from her hand and to the table where the blonde had gotten back to work. The Fae looked down at the suddenly emerging plants and rolled her eyes before lowering her head to the concoction in front of her.

"About time"

Regina shook her head and left her to it as she made her way to her room.

Later that night in the darkening woods. A billowing of fog materialized and grew until a person emerged from the middle as slowly the fog withdrew leaving Regina behind as she walked the small bit that led to the path before looking around. If what she had remembered was right, then the moronic Prince would be coming from the South and so set off down the path.

She knew exactly which clearing she was going to trap the fool and his men in and so on her way stopped by the Wolves Den to see if Ruby wanted to join her, the other girl had nodded having not seen her friend in two days and so once they were back on the path again did she tell the brunette of what was happening. Ruby's eyes grew wide on hearing of her plan to capture the prince.

"What are you going to do with him?"

Regina had to think about her answer carefully on that. She knew her friend to be vicious when she had to be. But only when her family or friends where being threatened, other than that ninety-nine percent of the time she was sweet-natured and kind. Not at all enjoyed torture and could never bring someone pain absent cause.

Regina on the other hand could, and had before and so knowing that the other girl wouldn't be too taken with the truth, she bit the inside of her lip and replied. "Just going to hold him for a while until we send a note back to the King, we tell him we have his princeling, and if he wants him back safe and sound then he will stop his attempts to try to capture us."

Ruby didn't say anything it sounded like a logical thing to do. After all she was sick of the people who she could smell as they passed through the forest of their way to the mountain. But she wasn't her best friend without knowing a bit about the other girl, what Regina said and did wasn't at all the same thing. She knew her to be truthful in going to ambush the Prince before he got any closer to the Mountain, but it wouldn't be without some pain on his part.

She could only feel sorry for what lay in store for then oblivious Prince as they kept walking.

Halfway down Regina stopped as Ruby looked back to see her smiling, "What"

The other girl shrugged. "Nothing… Just wondering if you wanted to race" Ruby had to fully turn around as she looked at her, brow arching questioningly.

"You, want to race – me - now" She had to laugh at the confirming nod." You do know that I always kick your arse when we run… Right"

Regina didn't say anything in remark to the jibe but still kept up her knowing smirk. "I think this time; we will both be on even odds."

The wolf girl had to narrow her eyes at the reply. "Why what do you mean?" She waited for her to respond and grew antsy when she didn't. "Regina, what do you mean."

Still the other girl said nothing as she simply smirked that infuriating smug grin of hers before she let her magic take over. Ruby watched as the cloud grew and engulfed her before soon her eyes fell upon the black wolf that was left in its wake. Brown eyes met that of the other girl who was looking open-mouthed at her friend and flashed with glee as finally Ruby got enough sense to respond.

"Wha… how… When did you learn that?"

Of course she couldn't reply not in that form and so yipped in return before she jumped around a bit and with one last look of smugness. Took off running, Ruby watched as the black wolf ran down the path before her own smirk formed over her lips and with practised moves – yanked the cloak from her shoulders and rolled it up, tying it to her waist before she to changed.

In place was a medium-sized brown wolf that yipped after the black one before bolting down the track in an effort to keep up with the other wolf who had a head start. They ran through the trees at breakneck speeds – one jumping the other when they thought them in the lead as happy growls could be heard in the darkness. Finally they reached the clearing that marked the beginning of the crossroad that led to the George's Kingdom.

The black wolf came to a halt as the cloud surrounded its body and once more Regina was back in human form as she looked at the road ahead, the note didn't say when the Prince would be arriving just that he would be coming. But she knew it would be by this route as it was really the only way without cutting into the infinite forest and getting lost forevermore.

She mused on what she would do next and looked to the large clearing below them. Ruby had stepped out from the shadows now to back in her human form as she looked from her friend to the road.

"What now?"

Regina hummed lowly but did give a proper answer as she looked at the ground, the floor was solid, mud and clay hardened by the many hours of sun exposure. But with not much else to go on given the area she was in, the plan she had would need her to be a bit creative. She exhaled heavily before standing up straight.

"Got it, could I borrow your knife." She held her hand out as Ruby looked at her, they didn't say anything for a few seconds as the other girl pulled out the small blade from her belt and gave it to the other girl who moved into the middle. The moon shining above gave her the light to see as she stood and watched as Regina knelt and brought the knife down into the ground.

The other girl watched as she dragged the blade through the hard ground before doing the same three more times all in the shape of a square as she stood and moved back to stand next to Ruby who was confused before accepting the knife back. She lifted the blade to see the tip slightly bent and rolled her eyes before placing it back in her belt and just proceeded to watch.

Holding her arm out Regina lifted her hand palm down before clenching into a fist. No sooner had she done that the Earth shook slightly under them causing Ruby to brace her feet a little before looking to the other girl who was focusing on the large indents that had now appeared in the ground – all in the small space of the square as she lifted her arm upwards.

The ground trembled again and before her eyes. The self–made square lump of clay and mud were pulled up and out of the floor. It hovered above them – hanging silently as she held it up, the two looked on at the heavy mound as the wolf girl once more wondered in slight awe and a little concern at just how powerful her friend was when suddenly the large mass of mud was thrown to the side.

Regina used her fingers and pushing them to the side. Lazily sent the huge tonne of dirt that had been shaped into a ball to the side near the bushes as it crashed against the trees and broke apart. The sound of mud, rock and other substance that had been pulled from the earth scattered and rained down over the bushes and bark leaving behind a huge dip in the ground.

With a few more manipulations of her fingers – soon they both stood in front of a large carved out hole that was over ten feet down and six feet wide. Regina smiled at her work proud of the trap before she looked around for something to use as cover before spying a large, heavy hanging branch that was overgrown with reed's and leaves as she lifted her hand again.

She made a pulling motion whilst keeping her hand tightly fisted as a loud rustling and much shaking from the tree under her ministrations had the entire branch stripped of its contents as a small gust of wind picked up from nowhere and helped carry the large pile she had taken as she directed it over the hole before dropping them down.

Making sure they was scattered and using a touch more magic to stop them from falling into the ditch she held them aloft over the opening before nodding, finally happy with her work she stepped back confident it would be effective as she turned back to Ruby who had been standing near the track.

"What now." She shrugged and turned back to the hole. "We wait."

"Wait."

"Yeah, what else can we do? He isn't here yet and he won't exactly get very far when he falls in will he. We will just have to find a way to keep ourselves amused until he does."

She gave the home-made trap another glance before replying. "You sound awfully sure he will fall into it." Regina snorted as she shook her head. "Of course he will. The prince is a brainless moron. Trust me, he's going to fall in and when he does we will be there to point and laugh."

Ruby didn't reply to her assurances. She doubted there would be much laughing on his part once she takes him back to the castle. Instead she allowed Regina to tug her away as the other girl gave her a toothy smirk.

"Wanna wrestle?"

An hour and a half later and after explaining how she had worked on her shape shifting magic she and the actual wolf had spent the time waiting by playing – nipping, biting, fighting to try to pin the other down, biting each other's ears before falling to the age-old instinct of bathing as they leant against each other, before the sound of yelling had them sitting to attention.

More shouting could be heard coming in the direction of the trap as Regina turned to look at the brown wolf. Their eyes met as brown met blue and with the wolfish grin that were plastered over her muzzle – she stood and took off, bounding in the way of the noise as Ruby scrambled to follow.

They ran as the shouting got louder and soon came to a slow trot as Regina moved – creeping until eventually coming to the edge of the trap which cow contained the Prince just as she had said. Peering over she looked down at the small group who had fallen into the unseen hole and her tongue lolled out with delight as she spied the struggling men – and the dirty blonde head of hair that was standing in the middle doing nothing.

A small whine from Ruby had them looking to see the wolves above them as they stopped their shouting and noises of confusion as they looked at the dogs. James tipped his head to see the staring as he narrowed his eyes.

"Where did they come from?" A guard had said on staring from his place at the side of him. "Do you think there a more? They live in packs"

Regina lifted her head to look at Ruby and chuckled the best she could. The sound came out as husky wheezes as Ruby rolled her eyes. Noise once more erupted from the panicky group who now were fearing an attack as the Prince was staring at them closely before shaking his head.

"Relax you fools! They're just standing, its not like they can come down here. They'll get bored soon enough. Stupid mutts always find something else to keep them amused."

A low growling from Ruby had the ones at the sides moving closer to the center. He may have been right about them not coming down but they still didn't like the look of her upturned muzzle and teeth that shone in the moonlight.

The extra shiny teeth didn't matter though. The large purple smoke cloud that appeared at the side of her mattered as the black wolf disappeared and it its place stood the looming figure of the raven haired girl, eyes widened as they took in the unexpected transformation as James, who had been silent and stunned, reacted.

His eyes narrowed until they looked barely even open as he glared at the woman at the top now clearly more than just a wolf – or maybe never even was one to begin with as he spat angrily.

"Witch!"

Regina offered a look of fake hurt before a slight pout adorned her lips at his remark. She lifted her head a little as she addressed the trapped royal. "Come now your highness, I think we can get past our titles – I do prefer the term Sorceress - but if we are going to be friends then I think Regina will suffice."

"I would never lower myself to be friends with the likes of you!"

Tutting, she knelt down at the side of the hole as Ruby lifted her head to see her crouching. "Oh, my little royal. By the end of tonight I do believe we will all be quite good friends… What with you being the guest of honor of course."

"You disgust me…"

"The feeling is entirely mutual, you over entitled simpleton but then again I've heard you take after your father in that department." His face turned dark at the mentioning of his father as he spat the next words with venom.

"You are nothing but a scourge on this land. You diseased filled whore!" She had to chuckle at his words as her laughter echoed around the clearing.

"With the amount of wenches you take to your bed, I'm not surprised you haven't died a horrible infection yet, sire."

A small noise had her looking to Ruby who was staring back at her and then lifted her head up. She seemed to get what she was on about as she then looked back down. The lazily smile having taken over her lip as she spoke once again.

"But I for one I'm glad that hasn't happened. What would we have used as an example otherwise?"

Her question had them confused as they looked to her with blank looks – some at their leader as he never took his gaze from hers. "What quarrel do you have with us? If your with the wolves, we haven't gone after you since the sheriff."

She saw his eyes flicker towards Ruby as she nodded along with his statement. It seemed the body they had put on show had sent the King a message and he had since backed off from trying to capture them again. Something she was happy about.

"That is indeed true and my friend here thanks you for it. But I am not with the wolves, something you will come to find out soon enough."

His face did little to mask his annoyance as he glared at her. "Then tell. Just why are you here and why have you committed a crime by capturing your Prince."

She snorted at his remark before looking around for a couple of seconds and then back to him. "Certainly, your highness… A little birdy told me you're here on a mission – to try to acquire something a little bit bigger than a wolf… And far more reptilian."

Her lazily smile turned into a sharp, malicious smirk on seeing his face pale slightly. "Who told you that?"

She waved off his question. Dismissing him entirely before carrying on. "Let me tell you she is not at all happy with what she has been hearing. Quite upset really, the way a bounty has been placed upon her head when she hasn't done nary a thing to antagonize the people of this realm in years."

She held up her hand when he went to speak. "Midas the expectation of course. But your father certainly isn't the golden King, is he? I'm sure that would have been something of a scandal, and one we would have heard."

She lowered her eyes to his. "So, tell me, Prince – just exactly what is it that your father wants with the Dragon?"

He glared but stayed silent as she sighed heavily. "Not speaking? Funny, you had plenty to say before... But no matter, you'll talk soon enough." She rose from her place by the side just as he blurted out.

"You said we."

Turning back to look at him she closed her eyes, and counted to three before opening them again and facing him once more. "Pardon."

"You said we. Before, when you mentioned the great beast." She nodded imploring him to go on. "A scandal I'm sure we would have heard about."

He cut off waiting as he stared at her. The indifferent expression she wore slowly changed into one of amusement mixed with a little surprise as she turned to appraise him.

"So I did, well what do you know? The prince isn't a total incompetent dimwit like we had assumed." She said it to Ruby who was standing by her side but her eyes never left his as he shot her a dirty look.

"But since as he was smart enough to catch that little slip up – tell me Prince. The second Dragon… What do you know of it?"

Her words caught him off guard as he struggled to speak. She waited still in amusement as he thought about what to say, "You didn't forget about the second one did you?"

His silence said it all as she threw her head back and laughed. Deeper and fuller than before as it rang around the cold night air. "Oh my, and to think you made it this far."

He moved to the edge of the hole and slammed his hand against the dirt. "Shut up! Just shut up you filthy witch."

Her laughter ceased as she glowered down at him. With a twist of her hand the small group found themselves out of the ditch and on level footing with the dark-haired girl and wolf as they looked around in confusion before they spied the two across from them. James drew his sword as the rest followed suit and tried to move only to find their feet stuck to the floor.

She watched them struggle for a few minutes before flicking her fingers and their swords shot from their hands much to their outrage as they felt the weapons rip from their hands. She slowly moved a few steps closer to the Prince, who was glaring with at her with fury in his eyes.

"You may have let slip in your mind, the fact a second Dragon resided but they didn't, in fact – one of them has even come to greet you personally."

Her words had them spinning from side to side looking in all directions for anything that was large and out of place. The prince was to searching the forest before finally turning back to her as something in the way she was smiling at him told him that the other beast wasn't just lying in wait.

He looked at her, eyes searching the near black orbs that were full of glee as realization dawned on him. "It's you"

The rest of his men turned back on hearing him speak as Regina kept her gaze on him but her smile was now full-blown predatory as she nodded. "Two for two - my you are a perceptive one."

They pulled back as much as they could as the almost black colored iris' changed, they reared away as her eyes were now purple – the pupil narrowed until it was completely different to that a human – like a Dragon as she spoke.

"To bad your awareness came far too late…"

Her pupils changed back until they were their normal chocolate-brown again but the damage was done. She could smell the fear rolling of his men in waves as Ruby wrinkled her nose a bit and stepped back.

"But I can't keep you to myself all night, you have an appointment with Maleficent after all, and far be it from me to keep her waiting, gets a little snappy if guests are tardy."

She chuckled at their terror as James stood breathing deeply to try to calm his fear. She took another step closer and delighted in the way he tried to shy away.

"I'm much more than a filthy witch, something you're going to regret calling me by the way."

She snapped her fingers and one by one the men standing around dropped like bags of flour to the floor. He turned to see them fall before looking back at her staring demurely at him.

"You were so desperate to appease Daddy dearest by bringing him the Dragon… Something which he will have in due time. But not before he learns of the price he has to pay in order for our audience."

James swallowed heavily as she leaned in so close that her lips where right beside his ear, "And you, Prince, will come to rue your obliquity by coming here I can promise you now."

She took a step back and ran a hand down his cheek. Something he tried to dodge as he ducked his head and heard her cluck her tongue in mock sympathy.

"Such a shame… So cute yet so stupid."

That was the last he saw as a hard hit to his head had his legs buckling from underneath as he collapsed to the floor with his men leaving Regina and Ruby to stare at their motionless bodies.

She looked over his body before muttering to no one in particular. "One step closer."

"For what?"

She turned to see Ruby now back in human form as she threw the red cloak around her shoulders. Regina looked thoughtfully for a moment before replying. "The end."

The wolf girl didn't reply. She didn't know what to say and so merely nodded a little confused as she looked back to the small group that ay at their feet. "Where you taking them now?"

"The castle. Where else? They have a date with a great beast after all, and she really does get snippy if people are late."

Ruby pursed her lips but nodded. She wasn't joining the other girl as she slipped back into her wolf form. She was going to be returning home herself that night she knew Regina would want to get her visitors home as soon as and so she decided to go do some hunting as she looked at the spot Regina was in before the smog and magic took them away leaving her alone before she growled at nothing and turned around, bounding down the path they had come.

A few miles away and at the top of the mountain. Maleficent was sitting down to dinner when a large cloud of fog appeared. The blonde didn't react merely sipped from her cup and watched as the cloud slowly dissipated leaving the young girl and in the middle and around her feet – the conquests of the nights mission.

"Started without me I see."

She looked up to see the displeased look Regina sported and held her hand out at the seat as she moved, not bothering to take care of the men at her feet - kicking one in passing and joined her at the table.

"I didn't know how long you would be." Rolling her eyes but accepting the answer. The younger girl simply inspects what's in front of her as the blonde looks at her expression.

"I thought we'd have something different tonight."

Her head shot up at her words, her face taking a turn of horror as she looked to the blonde and quickly spoke. "You haven't killed him have you?"

It takes her a few seconds but it dawns on her what she is on about and scoffs before shaking her head. "Don't be silly, as if that horse would allow itself to be anyone's dinner."

Regina breathes a sigh of relief at that as she relaxes in her seat. Before a smirk takes over, it was true – the other animal did have a rather 'Stick it to whoever was in front of him' attitude and so didn't think for a second he would make things easy if the blonde did decide to put horse on the menu that night.

The image that comes to her mind almost has her laughing much to the blonde's exasperation as she sighs out loud before speaking. "I'm sure it must be a riot in your head dear, but as I said no horse's were harmed in the making of this dinner."

"Well, good... So if not horse than what is it?"

"Basilisk."

Regina looks down at the plate in front of her – stunned, she had known the blonde had gone out herself to hunt the other night but she only thought she struck at things like deer and sheep – apparently the common livestock doesn't cut it for a creature of her caliber it seemed as she nodded, impressed.

"I see you've had a bit, how is it."

The other woman looks down to her plate and at the pieces of snake she had fought in the lake – now nicely roasted and hummed contemplatively "Surprisingly tender. It seems those legends of them having hide like skin was something of an exaggeration."

That's good enough for the younger woman who is already in the process of chewing the first part she put in her mouth leaving the blonde to get back to her own dinner as they conversed for a little while.

Groaning had them turning around to see the small group on the floor – finally come to, as James moves a little another groan leaving his lips before he slowly pushes himself up. Looking around bleary eyed, he frowns on seeing the unfamiliar surroundings that wasn't his castle and pauses for a moment trying to work out his last remembered actions before it hits him.

The two at the table watch as he scrambles to his feet and stands defensively. He spins trying to locate the danger until he comes to a stop on the table and those sitting there before going for his sword, only to realize that she had taken it from him back in the forest.

"Your awake."

He looks to see the blonde smiling serenely at him as Regina smirks from at her side. "Almost forgot about you for a bit to be honest. But then what kind of hostesses would we be if we neglected our most gracious companions, not when they took time from their buy schedule to visit. You are still playing in the little war, aren't you?"

He didn't speak but the clenching of his teeth had them smiling anyway as she added almost flippantly "How's that going by the way? I hear your father is on the verge of losing."

His fists ball tightly at his sides but still he doesn't speak. His teeth are locked together to tight that Regina thinks' he might have rendered himself unable to talk. Maleficent must have had the same thoughts as her harsh tone barking around the large room had the Prince and the men that had now woken and clambered to their feet, jumping.

"Have you bitten through that tongue of yours boy? I asked you a question, so speak!"

A sharp shocking jolt had him yelping and looked to see the hard ire in her eyes as he swallows heavily again. He was in way over his head and he knew it, forcing his jaw to unlock, he forced out words that were stuck in his throat on looking at them.

"We are not losing."

"…But you're not winning, either."

He glared at Regina who helpfully pointed that little lost fact out as she smiled cheerfully ignoring his look of hate. The blonde shook her head and stood, pushing her seat back and had them on edge once more as she moved from the table and into the middle – all the while each set of eyes nervously trained on her moving figure.

"She's right though isn't she? You are indeed seemingly stuck. Not moving forward but not being beaten back… Why is that? Are your men not good enough to go any further? Are they so hopelessly pathetic and that all that you've managed so far is based on sheer luck. Are you giving them a small reprieve in order to plan your next course? Or is it something else."

He eyed her warily as she walked. "I think you're stalling, not for tactical purposes but for time. You don't have the manpower to strike and what you do have you can't afford to lose. This is why you're here."

She moved then. Her long gown like cloak sweeping behind her as she got closer to him causing them all to jump save the Prince who she was now next to, his breath was heavy as he breathed through his nose on having her so close to him as she peered at his face for a moment.

"You need aid, and the only one who would even think to offer so is Midas. But not because he supports your plight and understands your daft reasons for attacking, George offered him something in exchange… And that something was me wasn't it."

She waited for him to speak. He was facing the wall never daring to look at her, she was starting to get annoyed with his lack of co-operation and was about to say something else, when a cry of pain from behind them had her gazing past him.

Regina stood over the kneeling body of one of his guards, a blade in her hands she had taken from him as he clutched his arm that was bent oddly out of place she looked up and shrugged on seeing her audience before speaking.

"It seemed he had something to add to the conversation at least." Before she grabbed his collar and yanked him to his feet. He yelled once more as the jolt caused his arm to move as he whimpered in her grasp, she turned him to face the prince who had now turned – helped by the blonde and was looking at his man in the other woman's clutches.

"Here it is your Highness. My hospitality is being mocked and my good nature can last only so long. If you don't speak now then you get the first hand showing of just what we do to people who use us as bargaining tools in fights that are not our own."

She lifted until her hand was on his neck as she gripped the back and held him tight. "The choice is yours."

Regina looked on as she idly twirled the knife in her hands. It looked like the Prince was thinking about the ultimatum but it was far to long for her liking, the blondes to as seconds later she nodded and the younger woman threw the knife down to the ground.

Or what would have been the ground but instead was his foot that she had kicked outwards as the blade sunk into his boot and his flesh with the heavy force. James winced as the man screamed with agony but didn't have time to brave the pain as she shook him a little so the knife would go deeper.

"You're trying my patience."

He knew the man was going to die anyway. The look the younger woman was giving him told him as much. So wasn't going to speak when it was pointless until the blonde sighed and said.

"How about this - you tell us all about the plans your father set out in order for our capture. And we will see at the end if they are good enough for your release."

He looked at her, confusion and scepticism over his face as she offered a lazily smile in return. "I'm a woman of my word so you can believe me on that…"

He still didn't say anything as he thought. She let out a small breath now bored with the situation as her nails pinched into his skin making him hiss.

"Sorry, what was that?"

She tilted her head as he flinched but begrudgingly spoke. "I accept." A beaming smile broke out over her face as she turned and took him with her, Regina stayed with the others as the older woman dragged the Prince up the flight of stairs before sending him to the floor as his knees hit the hard surface. Looking up he watched as she took the throne chair and crossed her legs elegantly before holding out her hand, inviting him to speak.

"Well now's your chance to earn your freedom."

Having no other option the royal opened his mouth and began to tell her everything that the King had planned. How he had bargained with Midas who in return would give him use of his Army but only if he delivered on his word of giving him the Dragon. He had been sending a few groups across the borders of the Whites Kingdom to assist, before sending his entire fleet when he got what he was promised."

Maleficent listened studiously. Never speaking never making a move in spite of all she heard. Once he finished silence reigned throughout the room as everyone watched the two at the top, Regina – who had been heckling the injured man with tiny hints of danger smirked when at last the blonde stood slowly – seemingly calm before she lashed out and sent the Prince flying down the stairs.

He landed heavily on his arm and wheezed when his breath left him. He turned slightly dazed to see the blonde moving down the steps after him.

"Your foolish farther. Thought he could pawn us like chips in a silly game? Doesn't he know who he was messing with when he made that absurd claim? Was his ego damaging that rock like brain of his when he boasted these promises?"

James was using his good arm to try to drag himself away from the increasingly raging woman who was now hovering above with fire in her eyes. She stopped in front of him as he was in the middle of the other group and the Fae.

"No matter, we will soon be joining this tenuous fight. Were we will greet your father personally, but not before you learn just why you do not mess with those far above your means and except to get away with it."

His face paled of color as he got her meaning and tried to stand. Getting to his feet wobbly, his breath still hard in his lungs. "You said I could go, you said you gave your word!"

She nodded. "That I did, but did you not hear me say that I would only see if what you told me was good enough for me to spare your life… By the look on your face I say not. Typical male, never listens to his betters."

She sneered at his poor form as he stood tall. He should have known never to trust beasts for their word, it didn't mean anything as he spat at her, "Disgusting animal."

She looked down at the insult lain by her feet as a heavy blow to his head and back had him sprawling to the floor. He groaned in pain and turned over to see the fury radiating from Regina who had hit him.

"Do not talk about us being animals, your grace when it is you who came here with the intent of acting like a brute. You stupid oaf!"

She made to move closer but were stopped by the blonde who had now moved to stand next to her; she retreated but was angry at his words and so hit the man in her grasp - in the ribs breaking them.

James looked at the man now doubled in pain as he screamed as the sound of his bones crunching could be heard loudly; he turned his gaze back to the smirking blonde who hadn't been affected by the action she had taken.

"You are going to die here tonight, Prince. But don't feel bad, you'll soon be reunited with that idiot you call a King when we are through… And your bodies strung up for all to see what happens when people cross us."

He gulped at the man who had been moaning and crying in pain – silenced by the raven haired girl who had used her hand to crush his neck and windpipe and let go of his body like it was a dirtied rat as he fell to the floor.

"I wouldn't worry about them. Not when what awaits you is far worse." She stepped closer and bent down again so that only he could hear what she whispered.

"If you think that was screaming, you haven't got a clue just how far I will push your body before it caves."

That was the last he saw as another heavy hit saw him black out.

George was going over the final plans in his tent when the arrival of one of Midas men had him stood to attention. He frowned when he entered the tent. The other Kings men had their orders and as much as it displeased him it wasn't to help with the fighting, they had been directed to go with James who had been sent to help capture the Dragon.

So why he was here now was a mystery as he waved him in "What is it."

The man gave him a little bow of respect before he spoke. "Sire, I think something may have happened… The plan - it hasn't gone the way we expected."

"What do you mean?" His voice was sharp and hard as the other man licked his lips. "I mean we haven't heard anything back or had any signal from the Prince… He went on ahead and for us to stay behind on his command, and when he gave the signal we were to join him and overtake the Dragon that way."

The older man moved to stand in front of him. The blue in his eyes darkening on hearing that his son might be hurt. "What happened then?"

"We waited, sire. We waited all night but he never came back, so we returned."

He stopped speaking on seeing the look in the other man's eyes. It didn't sound good to hear that they had upped and left the Prince alone on top of the Dragons nest so to speak but they had orders. He was about to bow gracefully out when he was yanked forward by the shirt and shook a little under the other man's fiery gaze.

"You abandoned him!"

"We had orders, sir. From King Midas—"

"You don't work for Midas, for now you work for me and you left your Prince to fend for himself!" He roared in his face as the man trembled. He nodded wordlessly much to his ire and was about to strike when another entered uninvited, out of breath and alert.

"My lord."

George gave the man in his grip a look of disgust before turning to the newcomer. "What now."

He was about to speak but the loud noises outside, accompanied by the shouts and cries had him ducking a little as George let go of the other man completely.

"Sire, it's King Leopold - he's attacking."

The door to the bedroom chamber opened as Regina stepped out. Sometime in the night after getting back in she had fallen asleep, torturing people really did bring out the weariness in her so much that she had bade the blonde who had taken charge of the Princes through dressing down before going to bed, but not before getting one final hit of her own as he was shackled to the ceiling.

She made sure to hurt him hard and so used her claws to dig into his flesh before pulling them down his back she watched with glee as the blood poured from his deep and scarring wounds if they ever had the chance to heal. He bit into his lip to ride out the pain. He was determined not to give them the satisfaction of hearing him scream but it didn't matter to her as she smiled at the blonde and left her to her play toy.

She had the whole night to break him. Regina had taken her own to the garden before setting them loose within the patch of trees – she had said if they made it to the gate they could go and so waited as they scrambled through the trees and vanished into the darkness before changing form and going after them.

She enjoyed tracking them all down and ripping them apart as the sky rained blood. One had managed to get to the gate and was almost over the other side, but rashness on Alduin's part more than hers - had seen his body impaled on the long metal poles that encircled the castle as he slowly slipped down leaving the once grey steely color, red.

Deciding to leave his body for the elements to pick at she declared herself tired, and so returned to the castle and retiring to bed. She was in the middle of eating breakfast when the blonde arrived. She smiled and took her seat next to her.

"Morning"

The other woman tilted her head before making herself tea as Regina finished what was in her mouth before speaking. "So, is the prince dead?"

Maleficent paused in her actions before nodding. "He lasted a while I have to admit, but nothing a little time and a few precise cuts couldn't fix."

The younger woman smirked before taking another bite of her toast as the blonde sat back with her tea. "I take it none of them managed to escape last night?"

The raven haired girl looked up and shook her head smiling like the maiming and disposing of others happened to be a normal breakfast conversation.

"What time do you want to let George have his little gift?"

The Faerie sat back in her chair but still keeping her posture as regal as she pursed her lips before speaking. "My abhorrence for tardiness works both ways dear, so it would be remiss of us to keep him waiting, especially when he is dying to meet us."

She took a sip of her tea as Regina laughed and got back to her toast.

Unbeknownst to any of them Cora had been planning also. She had returned to her castle with strict commands to all not to be disturbed as she entered her study and took up her seat. She had some serious thinking to do now she had been able to witness first-hand the other girl's powers. She knew now just how strong she was and loathed to admit it, but had a niggling feeling she would be able to beat her.

She also couldn't find anything about her, on sending a few of her guard out to try to find information she had been close to screaming when only one returned and said the rest had gotten lost in the infinite forest. It was only because his horse had trouble he couldn't catch up but found a small fire by the side of the huge wood and so came back straight away.

She had to close her eyes at the fools in her employ before sending him away. Having now to think of a new plan. All she knew was that Regina had managed to find her way into the Whites camp, that had baffled her and so with that one and most importantly – irksome bit of information she had sent another of her men like George to find out – but unlike the King, she didn't send him to the camp she sent him to the White Kingdom – to the castle where she knew Snow white to be still residing, not only would it give her a chance to scope the place out undetected but also maybe find out a little more about the Princess she had not seen until her fifteenth birthday.

What she got when he came back was something she was never expecting to hear. It seemed on his snooping he had overheard the Princess talking to a few of her ladies in waiting, she had to scoff at the mindless conversations only an air head like she could have when he heard about how she had missed her father and her friends.

She was about to snap at him – she didn't want to know about the stupid's girls twittering about what she missed. Tempted to punish him for his failure she raised her hand only to stop on hearing their names.

Like his Queen he too didn't think the silly girl worth listening to and was going to move on until she mentioned their names in answer to one of the other ladies questions he stopped on hearing Regina's name – the for he had been instructed to find information about and waited until they had stopped talking before going to tea as he made his escape back.

Once again she had been shocked at just how far the younger girl had come ever since she had ordered her removal. The Princesses best friend? She really had moved up in the world… Resourceful girl.

What had baffled her was to how she had gotten so far up the ranks without a title? Surely the King – who was known to dote on his daughter to the point it made her want to throw up, surely he would have noticed two commoners getting close to her. He would have thrown them out, banished them from his Kingdom for even thinking they could be friends.

It what she would have done had any tried to befriend Regina should she had been around. Actually she would have gotten rid of them in a way that wouldn't leave them wandering, but he had actually allowed it?

But if she was friends with the little whelp then why was she in the encampment? That was the most puzzling thing and it was that she decided to go and see for herself. She doesn't tell her husband, why would she? It wasn't as if he knew the child he thought he fathered and lost was threatening to ruin her hard crafted plans – he doesn't need to know and it's not like could help in any way.

If anything he would try to stop her and she had to curl her lip at that amusing picture. He was weak the day he married her and he would always remain weak until she did him off – looking more likely each day as she strode from her rooms. It doesn't take her long to get changed before she is moving to her balcony, if anyone should come in to find the room empty they would assume her to be out on business and so wouldn't bother to alert anyone.

Focusing her magic it took little effort for her to change shape as soon the same medium-sized bird is waiting on the rail before it spreads it wings and took off into the night.

The land surrounding the Wastelands – understandably – was void of anything living, the bird flew until it came across a large billowing smoke cloud that had risen up high and was at least half the sky wide. It was covering the fighting below which she could hear the shouts and battle cries, she hovered for a moment trying to see through but the smoke was too thick and to cloying so she turned and flew to road on the other side of the ridge overlooking the wastelands.

On landing the shape instantly changed into that of Cora once more as she fixed her cloak before turning around to face the land below. She could see the outline of the warring armies. Both had gone at each other with more ferocity than ever before. She had known George to be differing in his marches forward to what end she had no clue and frankly didn't want to, it was a reason why she hadn't gotten involved.

The man's mind was easier to change then a wheel on a carriage when it came to big decisions. And she would have most likely strangled him out of exhaustion if she had to be there to plan things with him – no getting involved in anything with him was a bad choice.

Besides. She had her own plans for once this petty fight was over. Just because she chose to stay out of it didn't mean she wasn't going to benefit from it at the end. All she had to do was wait.

"Admiring the view are we?"

She stiffened at the sound of the very familiar voice and turned until she saw came face to face with Rumpelstiltskin; as the glittery skinned man smiled coquettishly at her from his position across from her, she stood higher and lifted her head to acknowledge her old master – now one of the main reasons for half her problems.

"Never took you as one for being in the middle of a war, Rumple. Given the last one you were in and how that turned out."

Aiming right for the heart already. She stood waiting, her hands clasped in front of her; the smile returned with just a bit saccharine for it to be real as he chuckled but it sounded bitter.

"Well you know me dear. Never could resist a good show." The impish grin he gave her instantly had her wary. His gift of foresight firmly in mind she had a feeling he knew something no one did, when they were together it bugged the hell out of her when he would often go off tandem and talk about things inconsequential to the lesson only for it to happen weeks later.

So she had to be careful with everything he said. "Why are you here?"

He gave her a carefree shrug, hands up in front of him. "My reasons dearie… Why are you here?"

The aging sorceress' sweet smile turned sharp and calculated as she looked at him. "Why else would I be here… Regina."

His demeanor changed just slightly but it was enough for the other woman to see. Having spent decades studying his habits she could tell she had hit a nerve and so basked in that slight win.

"Finally acknowledged her have we?"

She merely smiled wider as she replied. "Well you certainly did make it hard even if I wanted to," He tipped his head a little silently encouraging her to continue which she did.

"I saw you the other day out in the forest. Painted quite the picture really, was that how you always imagined spending time with your children?"

She fell silent once more knowing it wasn't just Regina she was on about. How he ached for his other child and delighted in the way he clenched his jaw a little. He gave her a smile that didn't reach his eyes and ignored the question.

"Tell me – you aging harpy, how does it feel knowing that all your planning and scheming has come to naught."

She fixed him with a quizzical look that had him chuckling. How did she ever find that at one time alluring, as he spoke again. "I must commend you, or is that curtsy, your Majesty… Impressive title for someone who used to drag flour around all day… Amazing how far people get when their husbands weren't in line to inherit."

She didn't speak just smiled, her temper rising and barely refraining from attacking. She had always hated anyone knowing where it was she truly came from and if she could, would have all with such knowledge wiped out. She had done with most of them but only the King and the dark one still remained and she couldn't exactly take them out – one for being too much a public figure and the other was too powerful.

"You may be queen but the one you really wanted slipped your grasp didn't she? Died a natural death and so for all your plotting, she still managed to get one over on you."

It came to her now who he was one about as images of Eva came to her, Leopold's beloved queen. The bitch she had sworn vengeance against as she stood over her, looking down like she was nothing. Gloating like she had won.

Well look where she was now the ruler of a Kingdom. People at her feet and all the power she could want… But he was right.

Dam the manipulative little snake. She had been happy basking in all that she had earned all that was hers and now he had to remind her of that one failure. She tried not to let it show just how much the death of the other queen had enraged her, how much she had screamed and destroyed in her anger that she had passed by lying peacefully in her bed and not the horrible and painful way she had planned.

He smirked knowing just how much her lost plans had hit her hard. Knowing she had been bested by the one person she hated more than him was something he took great delight in, but what he took most joy in was that all the plans she had for Regina, all what she was going to achieve for the younger girl - now around her feet in tatters – once more by his hand.

The first time she had met him. She thought him the greatest savior her mundane life had ever had, now he was her biggest bane – but no matter how much she wants to be rid of him – wants to set him alight and watch as he burns in front of her, she could never bring herself to – not because they shared a lot of similar interests and one very big physical one.

But because he had, and always would be her first love

But she couldn't let him get away with what he had done. She had envisioned many a great things for the daughter who would have been Queen. They would have taken over the land eventually and ruled undisputed, but now seeing his knowing and much gleeful grin it had her blood boiling.

"So, my dear… How is it that you came to notice us the other day? A queen of your upholding doesn't just go into the woods by her own validation… Not when she tried so hard to get away from it for so long… "

She took a deep breath trying to calm her anger as the jibe washed over her and she gave him a tight smile. "George – he sent a spy into the Whites camp and caught sight of her, getting mixed up with me… Of course on hearing this in the way of an angry confrontation I knew I couldn't let the opportunity to see my daughter pass by and so when I did finally find her, who should I find close by… But dear daddy"

She lifted her eyes to meet him and through the light of the fire around them he saw the slight glint reflecting from her cold irises. "Only… She doesn't know that, does she?"

He didn't respond but it was enough to have her laughing lowly. "Seems I'm not the only one who has kept secrets, it does baffle me about why you wouldn't want to show yourself? After all, it was you that ruined her life the least you could have done was openly admit to it."

His magic was itching to lash out and strike her with each word she said. Sometimes he thought back to their time and wondered why he had ever saved her that day, but she was the only one in a long time who didn't judge him for who he was – he could show all of the real him and she wouldn't bat an eyelid, of course it helped she was just as malicious inside as he was at the time.

But greed took over and he cut his losses. It was only the fact that Regina had come from their time together that he didn't just kill her where she stood. He was leaving that to the girl herself which was why he had to fight the urge down even though it was hard when seeing the perpetual look of smugness on her face.

"You make it sound like I cursed her. Besides, call it whatever you like but if you can remember rightly – Regina was always meant to be mine… Or did that deal happen to pass you by like Eva? I simply called in what you owed me, regardless of how I did it."

A loud crashing sound had them both remembering the battle taking place behind them. It had also reminded Cora of why she was here – she drew herself up, something he took note of as a sly, mocking grin crept over his face.

He didn't need his foresight to know just why she had come this day – with her admitting to the other King having caught wind of the younger woman it would only be a matter of time before he went after her thinking her to be Cora. If he did manage to catch up with her and realize it wasn't the older woman. Even if Regina didn't know who she was, the similarities between them would be enough for even him to know something was going on.

He also wasn't a man who by any means was quiet. So if he suspected the Queen to have something hidden she wanted kept in the dark he would take great pleasure in going to their court and announcing it publicly, especially since she had refused him aid – he would see it as the perfect payback.

"Trust me dearie… This is one fight you may want to walk away from." A brow arched in his direction at the remark. "And to whom are you referring?"

The expression on his face told her that she could have picked any of them – either way she wouldn't win as she tilted her head to the side a little. "You don't think I have what it takes? And I thought a teacher was always meant to inspire his students."

"Just those with actual talent"

Her face slipped from the careful mask of indifference at the slight against her power as she spat. "And you think Regina has that? She is a mere child!"

Inwardly crowing at the slip in control he had brought out in her, he remained calm as he replied. "Certainly from my point of view she is, but that doesn't make her any less as powerful, don't forget – you started learning magic in your second decade, and merely as a means of getting revenge on those around you, Regina has learned it from her first year, it's a big part of her – it's who she is,"

She didn't show the shock at hearing at just how young Regina had started using magic. It gave her pause to think about her plan as he carried on. He smiled toothily at the look of vexation on her face. She never did handle fact there were others who held more power then she and he used that to the fullest.

"But of course if would like to find out for yourself then by all means… Go find her, save me the hassle of having to deal with you anymore."

She stood silently mulling on her what she could do. It was true she had seen them fight that day and she reluctantly had to concede the magic she had seen was something that did send the feathers on her back spiking a little. She was surprised they didn't burn down the forest with the way they went at each other, but knowing him he would have put up some kind of wards to make sure that didn't happen.

Him being the dark one and all, only one of two original powers to reside in the realm he was the strongest sorcerer there was, but she had seen the younger strike him a few times and even drew blood at one point. No one had ever succeeded in injuring the Imp, not even she much to her great displeasure – if he of all people was standing here and telling her she didn't have a chance against the girl than it wasn't something she was going to ignore.

She had come here with the intention of finding her and taking her out as quickly as possible. With the fact she had no idea who she was and that she wouldn't have time to defend herself, the element of surprise would have worked well in her favor. But if the younger girl had the tiniest of seconds to get a footing to fight back then that was it.

He saw the myriad of emotions that crossed her face as she came to the conclusion that her goals here would come to nothing. If there was one thing he knew about her was that she was a survivor, self-preservation was something both knew very well and if she got hint that she faced an opponent physically and magically stronger – she would pull back and look for emotional weaknesses instead.

But he was confident she hadn't found those either. The time he had spent with the younger girl gave him a bit on an insight to what her life was like - who she shared it with, and who she cared about most. Having already known about the Fae, she was a given in Regina's affections and so would have been number one on her list of people to go after.

Another was a girl called Ruby and her family. He was intrigued to find that she had made friends with a bunch of wolves given just how temperamental they could be to others in their territory, but if they had an understanding of just what life was like living with a beast then they would also be someone she considered close to her.

Other than that it seemed like she lived a life of simple means and so made it tricky for others to work out if they had to, something he guessed Cora to have struggled with. Even if she did find her soft spots he doubted she would have been stupid enough to take on the blonde – would have been fun to watch but very short as the Fae would have eaten her.

The snarl on her face told him she had made up her mind. What he didn't expect though was the feeling of magic that was quickly descending in the clearing. He looked at her with slight bewilderment as to what her approach was before it became clear.

"You really think you can fight me? Has ruling that toy town taken your sense away?"

She again ignored his barb as the fire in her hand grew hotter and in size. "You kept saying that I had to pick. Since you've insisted I can't go after Regina that just leaves you."

He gave her a look of haughty amusement but nevertheless accommodated her wishes. If she wanted a fight then that was what he would give.

"Need I remind you of the outcome the last time we tried this?"

"I almost beat you," He let loose a trilling laugh to her response, and wagged a finger. "Almost being the important word, you were foolish enough to try to take me on back then. Don't expect any mercy from me now."

Cora said nothing but the smile still held as they faced each other. "Well, then, master – let's make it a good one for old time's sake"

The air was wrought with tension in the castle on top of the mountain. After removing what was left of the bodies that had littered the garden and the one on the pole – that had been a little tricky to pull off, but eventually all signs of the groups visit to the castle had been wiped clean. Regina had to marvel at the level of dedication the servers showed when it came to cleaning up after the killings and the mess they caused and still didn't flee in terror or think what everyone else in the realm did.

She had been in her room writing up the last of the letters that she had intended to send – it wasn't a split decision to simply just up and leave once they had finished their business with the King, but the blonde said it might have been a worthwhile idea in leaving. So here she was sitting at her desk and writing letters, one to Ruby, one to Daniel… She would miss him.

Instructions for the Thalaquin, the type of food he liked and when to give him baths – as such he bathed at least twice a day and wouldn't accept anything less so she had written that down. She had thought about sending him to Daniel for the duration of their absence. But then she remembered Seraphim - and how no one sans them actually knew about him.

She couldn't really tell him about the small pony and it would have been cruel to split them up – so left that idea to the side and just told the servers the list just as the door opened.

"Mistress is ready to leave."

Turning to face the person at the door, she smiled to the young man who bowed his head and retreated from the door as she stood. Taking up the letters she made sure to sign them before setting a Charm on them so they wouldn't be sent until the appropriate time before leaving them room. It was hard for the helpers to call them both Mistress and not get confused so she had insisted they call her 'Mini Miss' as he kept his head down until she passed before scurrying along after her.

She followed the trail until it took her outside where she saw the blonde waiting. She was crouched next to the Unicorn, her hand under his chin as she spoke quietly to him as she moved over to their spot. She looked around to see the larger animal standing at the side before he turned his head to see her looking and began to walk to her.

When he reached her he seemed to stare her in the eye for a moment as if knowing where she was going, and was condemning her for leaving him as she tucked under his chin.

"I'll miss you to, buddy."

He gave a small snort as she nodded. "Yeah - make sure he eats his greens. That way he can be as tall as you so I won't have to hear him bitch when we get back"

She placed her head against his for a few seconds before she felt Maleficent behind her and stepped away from him. She turned to the blonde who was looking at her with an expression she had only seen a few times before as she gave her a smile.

"Ready."

The younger girl nodded as the Fae motioned to the left of her. The small crowd that had gathered, once more bidding goodbye to their Mistresses' parted as three men carried the sheet covered body that was dotted with blood over to them. They placed it at her feet before moving back and away making space for what was to come next. Regina gently guided both the horse and Unicorn away just as a large shadow cast out the sun.

She stroked their heads soothingly before turning to see the large mass of purple scales and long wings as the Dragon shifted a little. She gave one last look back to her home picturing it as it would be some time before he saw it again as the large and familiar black cloud surrounded her, obscuring her view.

Soon the large, purple Dragon was joined by the obsidian colored one that was now almost just as big and as tall as they stood in front of the small crowd. With a meaningful look to the dark dragon at her side – Maleficent reached out with her large claw and picked up the Princes body before giving her another look as Regina backed up a little.

Stretching her wings, it didn't take long for the purple beast to lift off from the ground and get distance in the air. She looked down and roared signalling for the other to join her as soon both are in the sky as they turn to the West and are flying off - the white sheeted body still in the claws of Maleficent as they flew.

The sound was deafening as the air was filled with clashing swords, colliding bodies, yells and shouts, horses neighing loudly as the fight raged on – the ground was dotted with the dead and the soil drenched with the liquid of their blood. It seemed like no end in sight as just over the other side of the ridge another fight was taking place unknown to them as Cora shielded herself from Rumple's latest attack.

Their fight – whilst not bloody was destructive as around them large chunks of granite, stone, and even some of the floor had been lifted up in wake of their fight as she sent back a large torrent of magic in his direction as retaliation.

The dark one had to admit – whilst he was merely toying with the other woman. humoring until the main event arrived, she had gotten better. It seemed that even with the amount of political power she had obtained, she never slipped in her way of magic and so was enjoying the battle as he waved his hand and sent the large wave careening to the side once again taking out a large mound of stone which rained all around them.

Even with him having to fend off her assaults he couldn't help but observe the woman who he had once loved. When she went after something she didn't do it by half – in fact the look in her eyes reminded him of his fights with Regina – the look of ferocious tenacity to win seemed to mirror in both their eyes and he couldn't help but chuckle.

What's so amusing, Rumple?"

He lifted his head to stare into her dark orbs and shrugged. "Not much – this fight… The fact you think you can win. But most all, I was just thinking about our daughter."

"Oh?"

He nodded and indicated to the scene around them as she cast a quick glance at the destruction they had done before turning back to him. She had sworn never to let her attention slip after the last time they had fought. She was also wondering what his meaning was, what did he expect after large amounts of magic was being thrown about.

"What's your point? Did you expect this place to look clean? We're having a fight dear,"

He gave her a slightly knowing grin as he replied. "Exactly, quite mess we're making and that's just with separate powers, could you imagine what Regina would do with a mixture of both… Wouldn't be a pretty sight, and you thought you could take her on"

She glared and was about to reply but anything she was going to say was cut off by the ear-piercing shriek that filled the sky. She turned to the direction of the noise as it sounded again and lifted her head up, though the sky had been painted a murky black, with bits of orange embers dotted around like fireflies she could feel air change as it rippled with tension and a heavy blanket coated the entire field making it slightly hard to draw breath.

Something had entered the fray and changed the atmosphere. Something big and powerful as she turned back to the Imp who was looking at the sky also, but with expectant eyes as she narrowed her as he grinned, and spoke.

"Looks like our guests have arrived."

Her face crinkled a little in confusion as loud sounds of whistling had her looking back up to see two very huge shadows above. Even through the thick coat of smoke they could still be seen as they flew past the two warring sorcerers. They flew over the ridge as she watched them go before she realized what they were and turned to him.

"Now why would the Dragon have cause to include herself in such a fight?"

His grin grew until it was almost splitting his face. "You didn't think this would be won by the mere sword and hand of the any of the Kings alone did you?"

She had actually. She had assumed that one of them would eventually win or that both would off themselves trying to one up the other, either way she didn't care for any of it and was just content to wait it out until the end. What she hadn't expected was the large beast that George had so valiantly been trying to trap for Midas to come.

The Dragon – like all other animals of magical means and had better brains than the Ogres, thought themselves above the likes of mortals and so never bothered with them. If anything pitying them with mocking disdain which was why Cora had always hated animals… Never even bothering to beg for a pet like the other simpering idiots around her when she was a child

But even she had to silently admit. If it got so bad that the great beast herself had to come and put an end to this war then she almost felt a sliver of pity for the man of her ire. George really must have pissed her off and so without word she transported herself away from the fight and Imp to the far end of the ridge overlooking the mass of land in the middle.

If she hadn't had the honor of killing the man herself then she would at least watch the ones that did as she gazed down into the barely visible field, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the grey and black Armour of George's army.

The fight – just like the magical one – had come to a halt at hearing the vociferous noise. All at once the two clashing armies stopped as they fell still and the air deathly silent as they all listed. The piercing roars thundered around the open land like the giants who lived in the sky, as if one had fallen and the sound was the result.

The noise alone was enough to have some panicking. The low and throaty roars echoed and caused them to cover their ears for fear of splitting. The only sound that could be heard was the crackling of the fires that burnt bright but even they seemed weak compared to the spine shaking cries that came from above. If any had thought about running they were too late as what came next, sealed their fates.

The sky – already dark and sooty, sunk even more clouded and sable as the shadow of the large hovering beast made its descent. The thick shroud of smoke parted like nothing under the huge wing that cut down the middle like a knife in butter as it came into view. Seeing the monster that had terrorized so many caused them to shout and cry out in fear as the large purple body hit the ground making it tremble under her feet.

It slowly raised itself up so that soon it was looking down on the humans it had come to loathe. The space around her had been vacated with many fleeing the looming beast and her deep blue eyes that seemed to go right through them.

She turned her head slowly taking in the sight that she had arrived to and inwardly cursed humankind once more. Though they had fought on barren soil, it was still the fact they had come and desecrated the land they lived and wished – not for the first time – that some sort of plague or equally as devastating would wipe them out as she scanned the ground before finally coming to a rest on the man who had dragged both her and Regina down here.

George had been stood on the top of the… what could have been called a hill, when he heard the roar. His eyes immediately searching the skies for any sign on the creature that had made the heart stopping when shouts and panicked cries had him looking just in time to see the beast drop from the air and land heavily, he had to brace as the ground shook before standing upright and sucked in deeply when his eyes met that of the dragons.

He gulped hard when the creature blue orbs narrowed in his direction as the few men he had around him seemed to sense the huge reptiles gaze and began to move away from him – scrambling from the man for fear they would get caught in whatever damage the Dragon was sure to bring upon the royal as more shouting erupted as the purple beast took its first step.

Happy with the reaction she was getting. Soon a path as wide had opened up for her giving her clear access to the King as she started to move. Faster her steps got with all eyes trained on the new and deadly arrival. Blue smoke began to pour from her steps, floating upward and encircling the moving Dragon as everyone watched with wide eyes as still moving - the creature was cloaked completely until it receded leaving a human sized blonde in its place.

She stopped just at the bottom of the small hilltop the King was standing on alone as her eyes slowly took in the one who had created so much hassle for her, her gaze had kept the King frozen in his spot unable to move as she eyed him intensely, eventually she dragged them up until their eyes met and she gave him a grin that showed just a little too much of her teeth.

"Greetings, your majesty, do forgive us for being a tad late. We had a loose end to deal with." Her smirk didn't help his unease as he looked around the space he had been left in alone with the blonde.

From the top Cora eyed the blonde with rapt interest. She had heard about the shape shifting witch - the mistress of all evil, the power she held was second only to that of that Dark one but her age was something no one – not even the glittery skinned, loon could compete with. She had many a time – pondered if a meeting with the Faerie was something she should look into, as she imagined having such an ally would further cement her stronghold.

But according to Rumple who was her only source when it came to things and beings magical. She was as tricky as him when it came to those she worked with. Not in the slippery sense but she was apparently, very finicky with anyone she made alliances with. A woman who barely trusted a thing she was said to blow hot and cold with anyone who managed to get close to her.

She didn't know if anyone had lasted long enough in her company to learn anything from her which was what made her think twice. She was also shrewd and so it wouldn't have done her any good, she needed people she could control - coerce into doing what she wanted, the dark Faerie would have seen her tricks the moment she tried.

It wasn't worth it, but it did seem she hated the man just as much as she did so that was something.

He hadn't known what to expect but it certainly wasn't this, as his heart pounded in his chest he tried to get his thoughts together but only one thought kept coming to mind. If she was here and she had said loose end, also he had yet to hear news from his son…

Finally he managed to find his voice. He looked back to her and with a raspy whisper he spoke. "Where is my son?"

The words dimmed by the fire crackling around them still sounded as clear to her as if he had been next to her, his question made her smile widen. He saw the predatory smirk and almost wished he hadn't asked, but he needed to know and so kept his gaze on her no matter how he wanted to look away.

"You know over the years I have been alive I have been called many things. I'll admit to a lot of them but the one thing I have never done was keep a beloved family member away from their loved ones…"

She clicked her fingers just as another shriek filled the night and for the second time. Another large creature tore at the smoke-filled sky as it dived to the ground. The sudden flash of black had the soldiers running once more to escape being within its space as it landed just as heavy as the blonde had done resulting in another earth tremor, this time accompanied by a growl as the ginormous onyx reptile opened its mouth and roared at the armies.

Once they had stopped running and were at a distance safe enough. They took the time to observe and take in the second Dragon they had heard about that had come back along with the Great beast, this one was far different in ways of it appearance.

Legs as thick as tree trunks attached to a muscly and broad torso. Wings that looked like they could have been made from shadows adorned said body and spread so far they had almost come close to the nearest soldier, almost fifteen feet away. A long but powerfully slim neck adorned with lethal looking spikes that ran all the way from is back right up to its head, Its tail – just as thick and littered with the same small spikes, lay out behind its body as it flicked dangerously was also lined with though looking scales that shined within the fires light that made it look almost armored and nigh impossible to touch.

The head was – understandably – massive – the two sets of spikes that ran along its back got bigger the further up they went until they came to a stop at two large horns protruded from its head just like the purple one had – its snout was long and its jaw u – shaped not at all hiding dagger like fangs it had in its mouth as it stared at them.

The thing that got them all was the solid purple glow that replaced the irises. Making it look like it had come straight from the mouth of the underworld itself.

The second Dragon looked just as tall and just as wide except the frame was a little bigger and sturdier. But overall it looked just as terrifying if not – more due to its charcoal coloring and ethereal eyes as the blonde looked its way.

As if sensing her looking the large creature turned its head to face her before she nodded almost imperceptibly, it started in the direction of the two as its steely talons dug and ripped up the earth with every step it took. No one dared move or breathe as it reached them and stood by the blonde's side. Unlike the Sorceress – Regina didn't change back under recommendation of the older woman who had thought it best to keep her identity a mystery for safety.

A sharp intake of air could be heard from the man across from them as they both faced him. He felt his body shake at the looks they gave as the Dragon at her side seemed to grin – showing more teeth than he would have liked to see and made him more nervous.

"It seemed you were so eager to meet us, your highness. So here we are… You got your wish."

His throat had constricted as he took in the look of victory in the blonde witches eyes. She had won… They had won. He knew it, she knew it – and everyone around them knew it… All that remained was the time it took for her to revel in her triumph.

"But how rude of us to just show without bringing gifts," Was it just him or did her teeth get sharper as she spoke. Her eyes shined with a wild gleam as she tilted her head to the side a little. It seemed to be a signal as the large reptile at her side turned and spread one wing, never taking her eyes from his she waved her hand lazily as something – it seemed the black beast had carried it, lifted from its back.

He looked up to see the white sheet floating in mid-air but it wasn't what had him gasping. The white sheet were streaked with red, it wasn't a red that made him think it could have been paint however as his heart clenched painfully in his chest. Around them whispers and mutters sparked and grew as they all saw the white sheet hanging just above them.

"We couldn't really decide what would be adequate for befitting royalty…So we just went with what we already had." She threw her hand forward and as if being cut, the strings that invisibly held the wrapped body aloft ceased to be as she sent it flinging carelessly over to his side dropping it like a stone to the floor as it rolled a bit. It stopped a few feet away from him as he stared down at the dirty linen with shiny eyes.

He knew what was underneath. He didn't need them to show him but he found his feet moving as he neared the sheet, his heart was caught in a vice which was getting tighter the closer he got, he found himself bending and with shaking hands, he untied the string securing it and unraveled the sheet as his eyes fell upon the once animate body of his son.

He nearly wretched with what he saw as what was once his son – now was simply an unrecognizable mass of shredded flesh as he took in the deep marks marring his face. His body hadn't escaped their wrath either as that resembled something one of his hunting dogs would find and entertain themselves with by chewing it to the point of none existence.

His body looked like the end result. His ribs seemed to be sticking out under his torn skin oddly looking like they had been broken and rearranged poorly, before being left to set. The bones in his arm to seem to sink under the skin making it look deformed as his hands – one had been crushed so badly the only thing still intact was his pinkie and the other, was a gnarled stump.

His pelvis looked like it had been squeezed so hard it had collapsed. As had the bones in his leg before his other had been stripped of vital skin so much he could see the whiteness of the bone and muscles under it, his feet were nothing… He couldn't even tell they were feet anymore and so he lifted his eyes to his face and a sob escaped him.

He had always said his face was part of his charm – they had made sure to destroy that, he couldn't look at him anymore and so turned his head from the hollow stare of the man at his feet gazed at him with as he took a few deep breaths. He felt for the sheet and threw it back over his body before meeting the impassive face of the blonde who was staring at them seemingly bored, but had a delighted look of glee in her eyes.

"You can hang him almost anywhere... Maybe even outside on the gate. I've heard that's where you keep a lot of your gifts."

Rage replaced his fear at the mocking in her voice and before he could even think about what he was doing, his mouth was open and he was speaking. "You Bitch! You'll pay for this!"

Slowly her face changed. Gone was the gleeful mirth and teasing, in its place was a look that could have made ice melt as she replied with a tone to match. "This, your majesty, is all on you. Everything that we did - the men we killed when they invaded our home in your name… Their blood is on your hands."

His eyes traveled down to the Princes body as she nodded. "Even his – you made false claims and boasted ridiculous promises that where far above your station – both as a human and King, it's because of that and your foolish hubris, you have lost your heir this day."

He said nothing as he remembered the strict order he gave his son to go to the Dragons lair, he told him to do what it took in order to subdue and trap them. She didn't stop though; she took his silence to inflict more pain with her words.

"Did you really think that a boy with a toy sword would have been enough to take us down? Contrary to what your feeble mind might suggest but not all the animal's you hunt are the same. It will take a lot more than just a few men with sticks to beat us, as you now know."

She gazed at the body she had hours ago used as a canvas for her rage and pursed her lips. "He was arrogant just so you know. Ignorant to what was around him until it bit him rather hard, but I guess with the likes of you spewing your delusional doctrines into his head, he wouldn't have been any other way. It would have done me well to teach him humility before he died but it wasn't like he would have been around to preach it."

A loud, pained squealing sound had them both turning to see the black Dragon swinging its large tail around and bringing it to smack into a few soldiers who had tried to sneak up behind them. Loyal to George or Midas it didn't matter as he reached out and snagged a shaking man who had missed being it in his claws. Everyone watched as the Dragon reared up on its back legs, man still in its grip and brought him closer before roaring.

The man screamed as the large jaws opened near his face to show the two sets of blade like teeth and fangs before the noise hit him. His ears blew rendering him deaf but it wasn't like he cared as he tried to escape the death grip around his torso. Maleficent was watching with an arched brow before turning to George.

"Defiant to the end, you should be proud that you have men so willing to die for you, but that's all they were? A mean's to an end… The tools in helping you win this war? I doubt you would have felt any guilt in their deaths so you won't mind if we get on with the conversation."

With an airy flick of her wrist, the dragon – almost human in the way it did it, threw the body into the air behind it as he went flying, screaming in terror as his plummet was hard and loud. Across the distance both armies watched with shock and disbelief as he hit the ground before wincing as the bones in his body crunched as they hit the solid floor killing him instantly.

They all turned back to the woman who had commanded the other Dragon and wondered how far her powers reached. They all knew one thing, George was going to pay as Leopold and Jeffery moved closer to see. They had been expecting not to make it back in this all-out fight. It was partly out of annoyance that they had attacked so suddenly, a weary need to return home that spurned them on.

But now watching as the Dragon witch and her… What was it? Pet… accomplice… Kin? The way they had come and quickly taken control told them that the fighting would soon be over and it was a win for their side – an empty win seeing as it would not be them taking down the arrogant king, but it meant they could go home at last.

They all knew about his deal with Midas and what he had offered in return. They had laughed and added insane to the long list of nasty traits he had garnered over the years, now it seemed that it had caught up with him and the only thing they could do was watch.

"We so little get involved with humans and their plights. All they ever seem to do is want more – power, land… wealth… Nothing is ever good enough. Which was why I was content to just let you all kill yourselves in your asinine plays for control, but then you had to go and bring us into it… Didn't you?"

Her tone was wistful as she looked around the grounds and the masses of dead that occupied more than the living before turning back to him. "Is that really what you wanted? Something so simple – it's another reason I'll never understand the inner workings of a human mind… Especially one as lowly as yours."

His grip instinctively went to his sword. An action she saw and seemed to humor her again. "See, even now you think yourself able to win. Don't you see you've lost? Your legacy, your pride… Your army,"

He seemed to react to that as she caught the look of confusion on his aged face and nodded slowly, "A mean's to an end, George. You wanted our attention so badly, you got it - now watch the consequences that your foolish actions have wrought tonight and learn the hard way of what happens when mortals as stupid as yourself try to reach beyond their means."

He had been so focused on the woman in front of him and the large beast at her side. He hadn't noticed the fires that had burned naturally around them suddenly had new life breathed into them and was now growing as they spread. He only noticed when the air grew hotter and denser – along with the confused and alarmed cries of the men on the other side.

He watched as she turned her head so that she was looking at the black reptile that lowered itself down so it was staring her in the eyes. He didn't know what was happening, but he knew now it was all over. As the black Dragon lifted its head back up and cast its purple gaze in his direction – he had been ignorant enough to always think animal incapable of either feeling or expression but the look he was getting from the second creature was unadulterated glee.

With a roar which made them all jump. The black wings that had been idle bent - Maleficent stepped away from the draft of wind that had picked up as she watched the Dragon take flight once more which had everyone on the wasteland reacting, with many running from its path of simply following its large body. It had shot up into the sky before hovering for a moment, just to let the tiny humans see him in all his glory before he wreaked havoc.

With another nod from the blonde. He dived back down. Wings pulled back so he could fly faster and swooped on the silver and black army as they scattered once they realized the beast was coming for them. Not a single person's attention was directed anywhere else but the Dragon that was lazily flying around after the terrified men and the woman who had set it upon them.

The Fae was enjoying the fright and fear that was coming from them in droves as she chuckled and loomed back up to Alduin, who had been waiting once more as he hovered in the air, his black skin making it almost hard for them to spy him.

"Put them out of their misery dear, we don't have all night."

More teeth flashed as he ducked once more but instead of simply chasing them. He already had them where he wanted them. He came to a halt as he used his wings to slow his descent to the ground before leaning back once his paws hit the ground, the loud rumbling had the White army trying to see what the Dragon was up to, only to fling themselves back as the stream of fire that erupted from its mouth seconds later lit the murky sky with orange glow.

They watched with wide eyes and a mixed range of emotions as the opposing army – that had been trapped and cornered, soon went up like a single spark to firewood. They were drowned in the fiery bath as their screams of pain and anguish caused many to look away from the gruesome scene until at last their chokes gurgled into nothing.

The Dragon continued to breathe fire all over – spreading it from one side to the other all the while as the rest watched with horror until finally the blonde raised her hand, the large creature stopped. Pulling its head back as it stood upright – it looked on as the flames died down – they all did, as slowly the embers vanished until there was nothing left in their wake.

None of Georges men either.

All that remained of the seven hundred strong army was a few free flying banners that had escaped a burning, the charcoal Armour now lying haphazardly on the ground – its wearers all incinerated, and scattering of bones that had missed being turned to ash under the blazing inferno.

Across on the other side – the side free of danger, no one could move. No one could breathe nor could they take in what had just happened. Within the space of five minutes, the men they had fought, the people that had spent the last couple of hours holding them back were reduced to nothing but dust and ash at their feet. They had witnessed a massacre and so it wasn't surprising to hear a few that had dared to move – only to heave what they had in their stomachs.

Leopold was speechless. He had seen everything that had happened and watched as the blonde woman turned back to the solitary figure on the hill. His eyes lingered on the other king, now fully alone and didn't know whether to feel sorry for him or approve that this was what he deserved. Yes the man had tried to take his Kingdom from him – waged a war that had cost so many their lives and had ruined countless families.

But did he deserve the justice he was getting now did any person; deserve retribution in the way of the great beast and her Kin. It seemed the judgement they sought to give was something of an absolute – maybe it was how they worked within their society he didn't know but all he knew was that seeing the two large Dragons this up close for the first time in his life, it did little to dispel the images of their fierceness.

Maleficent watched the destruction Alduin brought and was happy with the result. She glanced up at the pleased look he was sporting and broke character to roll her eyes before turning back round to face the single and now defeated looking man as she addressed him.

He had stared at the spot that his army had been now simply cinders among the dust. His eyes focused on the floor where some relics that moments ago, showed proof of them being living, breathing, functioning human beings – now tossed carelessly to the floor as if rubbish.

Out of the corner of his glazed eyes he saw movement and so turned his head to see her staring back at him – the determined but contented look told him the worst was over, but what good that did him now was little. He had lost everything – his son and heir, and therefore the continuity of his succession. Practically every able-bodied man in his Kingdom.

Most of them weren't soldiers – they had other trades when not wielding swords, blacksmiths, bakers, tailors… Over half his economy and his main income to support the Kingdom that didn't rely on trade from other places, literally up in flames.

Not all of them where his men though. The men that Midas had sent had been dotted about and they too had been in the fires way and so he had not only lost his men but also another King's

The man was known for his generous aid but also for his merciless stance on those that did him wrong. He wouldn't see this as an accident on no one's part, he wouldn't even blame the Dragon – though it was she who he was after – he would blame the man that he had entrusted his soldiers to he had failed to look out for them and so would come after him for the loss.

He gazed hopelessly at the smoldering around him and fell to his knees. She moved on over to his defeated form – her walk lazy and cat-like surprising given her other form as she made her way up the hill to stand in front of him.

From the severed and mauled body of his son the King slowly lifted his gaze to meet her own Blue eyes met Blue as she slowly took in his beaten form and smirked.

"You think this is where I kill you now? Get the greatest revenge for your imprudence?" His silence told her she was right as she chuckled lightly before speaking again.

"Then I beseech you look around George. I think all you've rightly forfeited is vengeance enough." She cast a glance at the younger man's body, "I think you've been educated in the ways of your grievous follies and what happens when they get to out of hand – even for you."

All the energy had been sucked out of him and the fight he had, drained. All he could do was look at her through emotionless eyes as she spoke. "If you haven't killed yourself by the end of the night then you still have King White to contend with – I'm sure his own doling of recompense will be far less harsh than mine. Something I'm still partly rueful at seeing as you deserve no less than horrible death – but I'm sure living as the empty shell you look like now will be just as satisfying."

She stood straighter. Getting bored of the conversation and certain that the man in front of her would never recover, she turned and made her way back down the hill.

"This is where we leave you now your grace." She held onto her robe as she made her way across the clearing watched still by all in silence. "It's been fun… Very entertaining,"

She got to the middle just as the blue smoke started to creep up her body once more with the last few seconds she had to speak she turned back to him. "Let's make sure it never happens shall we?"

With that her whole body was covered. What living remained watched as her once human frame changed, started growing bigger and filled out as wings appeared and spread, a tail appeared as soon the body outgrew the smoke as it vanished to leave behind the purple beast once more. She stood in the middle as the Black one that had been waiting at the sides moved a little closer.

They looked to each other for a few seconds before large wings unfurled and with a few powerful beats of the large appendages – she was back in the air once more everyone watched as she took off into the sky before doing a small circle before calling to the other still on the ground, drawing himself up, he got ready to take flight but not before noting the stares he was getting from a few of the humans on the other side.

Spying once last chance to make sure they to be fearful, he lowered his head to gaze at them as some saw the eyes catch theirs and shift nervously. He pulled his lips back in what could be called a grin to them it was enough to make them start fearing as his teeth shone once more as he took a deep breath. The rumbling in his chest was familiar to that they heard before and so it started with a few but soon many had begun to scramble away.

Though a fair few feet away they didn't want to take no changes and risk knowing how far its fire could go as he snorted with amusement on seeing them flee. Giving them all a teasing look he opened his mouth and roared.

The sound washed over them and only that – no fire as they stopped on noting that none of them were burning in agony as they turned back to see the large beast and the look he wore. Confusion clouded their faces but dropped once more on hearing the loud cry from above.

Observing the juvenile actions of the black Dragon the airborne Maleficent had to fight the urge to go and smack him around the head, instead - bellowed out a roar of her own – much unlike the one given by Alduin and more of a scolding, as the younger reptile ducked his head before grumbling and doing as he was told. Still confused they watched as he unfurled his wings and spread them out.

He didn't gracefully lift like the purple one did – he shot into the air creating a backdraft of wind that knocked many over as they watched stunned the now barely visible second reach the purple beast that looked scarily like she was telling him off.

After a few seconds of lingering they finally took their leave. They dived back down and around so they faced the West before they flew away from the wastelands and with only the purple still being seen they looked on until finally she became nothing in the distance. Now with them gone their attentions turned to the devastation they had left as they took in the piles of ash mounds – now a graveyard for many a man who had been collateral of the King.

Speaking of - they spied the only living man as he was still knelt next to his dead son's body. He hadn't moved he hadn't spoken… He hadn't done anything; he looked exactly like a man who had lost his whole world, which one – his Kingdom or his only child they didn't know but either way they still had to take him as a prisoner of war.

No one moved. Though they had to make a start home – none felt comfortable taking him in feeling some semblance of pity though he was an enemy, eventually Jeffery, being the King's right hand, decided to take up the task as he cleared his throat a little before giving them a slightly tight smile as he edged his way from the crowd.

From her place at the top Cora was speechless. For the first time in a very long time the Queen of Merovingian had no words to describe what she had seen – yes she was expecting some sort of misery for the man once she realized who it was, having heard his ploys for far too long, she had mused on what the Dragon witch made of all his audacious claims.

It had been something for the eyes to see the Dragon up close as she mostly kept to herself and so she had never seen such a sight before. But the addition of the second only added to the drama – oh she had heard about there being another that had followed the witch back to her home the entire realm was alight with panic and concern. George, on hearing about it had even had the gall to offer her the second if she had helped.

What would she have done with a Dragon? Pet it… God he was a fool… entitled and egotistical to think he was powerful enough to take on beings far beyond his reach. It was why he had left in a rage the first time and she had said it, and now the fallout was in front of them.

Rumple had told her a bit about the dark Fae. Though having never met her himself he had heard enough from the other realms he had done business with about her time wherever it was she made home.

She was malicious, haughty, ornery, loved creating chaos for the sake of her own beguilement, and held grudges better than even he did. So she knew whatever the pissed off woman would do would be explosive.

She had just never imagined the level of untold destruction she had brought down on him. She hadn't just chewed him out… it appeared she had used his son for that – she completely annihilated his infantry, she knew he didn't have the best military force and so had drafted in the majority of the civilian's that lived in his Kingdom.

All of them gone – in the space of a few minutes.

He would never recover from this, with no son to make diplomatic connections with – marriage to other prospective Kingdoms he would sink and with no workers to build up his status and trade…

She might as well have emasculated him in front of the other King. As she doubted anyone else could have damaged him so badly, she was impressed, greatly.

Maybe it was just as well she hadn't tried approaching the Faerie as it seemed her power didn't just extend to 'becoming a dragon' the way she instructed the other beast to do what she wanted… Was being able to command the use of both magic and shape shifting ability that had to have given her some sort of advantage over other Dragons, no matter how smart they were.

Did she have power over them? She mused on that in thought before a small figure over the other side had her catching sight of the Imp. She looked as her displeasure at seeing him once more showed, having seen her he lifted his hand and waved further serving to increase her ire as he made a show of looking down to the carnage that lay in front of them before back at her.

She frowned on the pointed look he gave her as her brows knit together slightly. Before she had a chance to wonder what that meant he disappeared in a plume of red smoke leaving her the only one on the ridge.

She gazed at the vacant space a moment longer before looking back down to the open space. She knew that his look meant something, it always did – but what could he possibly meant this time? Did he liken her coming here with the intention of facing Regina to that of picking a fight with the Dragon? Was that it?

Surely not. She had seen the power the blonde held, granted she had also seen Regina's but she doubted that the younger girl was anywhere near her level. Was he trying to dissuade her from searching for her again?

Either way her time here was done. She had seen all she needed to, knew what to do and what not to – and trying to make bridges with the erratic blonde was a no on her list and so with everything finished she took her leave. Not bothering to watch the idiot King being led away by the pseudo victors who were now making headway in setting off home – all glad that the Dragon witch and her friend had put an end to the fight they all had a feeling might not have finished without their intervention.

Even if it was unexpected, it was welcomed as they placed the defeated King in with the other prisoners in the holding cells.

With their business done. The two Dragons slowly flew over the land, before turning north, as they headed away from the forest for the foreseeable future the letters Regina had written lit up slightly with the aura of a light sheen of magic before fading as they each was sent to the respective owners, the two creatures reached the ocean and officially left the enchanted land behind.

The next day both Ruby and Daniel would wake to find a letter addressed to them by Regina as they read that she had left for a little while. That she would miss them both, and hoped that she would see them soon.

Both were upset by her absence but were content with the knowledge she would return.

With the news of George's downfall the rest of the realm celebrated but it was weird knowing that his demise didn't come from the Whites who he had battled, but the Dragon sorceress herself; nevertheless they held a feast in honor of his fall, each giving reluctant thanks to a well-known villain.

Back in his castle Rumpelstiltskin felt the connection he had to his daughter retreat as she left the land and knew that it was time to finish off his curse in preparation for their return.

Life went on as the White Kingdom began their clean up and struggle to get back to normality having taken a heavy hit and so was still vulnerable but steadily returning to full strength each day.

Less than a month later, following the war with George. Cora struck - her army coming from the outside completely blindsiding them and taking over, they never stood a chance.

A week after the usurping, Snow White on the run into exile.