Author's Note – Holy crap! Over 100 followers and almost 40 favs! Thank you ALL so much for reading our story and continue to stick around to see how in unfolds.

We have a one shot rattling around in our heads that will come around at some point that we'll share, but we're really focused on this work. There's a drabble coming too. Keep those comments coming too! They really do help inspire us knowing that our readers are enjoying the ride. And they're good for questions =)

I also have a tumblr now… nothing special yet at all, so forgive me because I'm still learning. Mainly using it to promote the fanfiction we do. Link here

And as always - We are neither A&E nor ABC; we do not own OUAT. We just play in a certain town in Maine and its fairytale land counterpart…

Chapter 9

Emma had returned to the apartment to check in with Henry, and he was even more enthusiastic about sharing his day in person. It gave the savior something to distract her mind instead of the impending showdown ahead this night. Once Henry was up in the loft, the rest of her time was monopolized in convincing one of the most persistent, stubborn women she knew that she was wrong. Mary Margaret wanted to accompany her and David to the fight tonight - an asinine request! Both of them had flat out said no, in unison no less, which only escalated the issue. But it was a matter of obvious safety! The pregnant woman that Zelena was after shouldn't be allowed to come along and play spectator! Harmed or flat out kidnapped, the Charming family would really live up to the idiot nickname that Regina had labeled them with if Mary Margaret was there.

Staying at home with Henry to watch over him, along with Archie for company, had become the compromise. Mainly because neither Emma nor David believed the woman would keep her promise and stay put, so, they got a babysitter. They just didn't explain it that way of course. Archie would be stopping by for moral support as the Sheriff and Henry's mother continued the search for Neal's killer. How would it make any sense for the very pregnant woman to come along for a man hunt? She conceded with palpable animosity towards her family - who had quickly retreated for the door when the psychologist arrived...

Finally making it to Main Street, Emma focused on locating Regina, but it appeared they had arrived before her. Did something happen or was Regina waiting to make her entrance? She did remember her saying specifically that exits and entrances were her trade mark magical thing.

I just have to keep thinking that's the reason she isn't here yet. I mean, if something happened to her, I would feel it. … Right? It was a presumption that Emma would just have to believe in. And she did believe in Regina. It didn't mean she couldn't ask if anyone saw her though.

"Hey Ruby," she said, approaching the waitress. "Any sign of Regina?"

"Not yet, Emma. And honestly?" she glanced at the assembled crowd and dropped her voice. "Natives are getting restless and wondering if Regina's gonna show up. And we all know what'll happen if she doesn't."

The savior looked completely mystified. "Of course she's going to show up. She never backs down from a fight. Everyone here should know that."

Perhaps she was a bit more spirited in defending her lover's absence, but the town was used to the savior safeguarding them all and giving them hope - and it didn't hurt that everyone was anxiously awaiting Zelena's arrival as well to notice any subtle changes.

Tinkerbell gave Emma a questioning look. "Since when are you two best buddies that you're riding to her defense?"

"Coming to her defense isn't anything new," she snapped back, still not at all comfortable calling the spitfire blonde Tinkerbell, or Tink. Out of everything she saw and everyone she had met, meeting an iconic Disney character wanting to kill Regina in the middle of Neverland was just over the top crazy! Only scenario that could top it is if Mickey Mouse ended up being real too. Nameless green fairy worked out better in her head. "And you haven't been here that long to make any judgements, wingless wonder."

Okay where the hell did that come from?! She wasn't that upset at the intruding question, but Emma had felt an underlying need to put Tinkerbell in her place.

David looked around at the townspeople. "We need to get people out of here. This isn't safe."

Zelena strode forward, brushing past Mr. Clark. "No one's going anywhere. Out of the way, munchkin."

"I'm a dwarf."

She rolled her eyes. "That's even worse. So, she's not even here. A coward? If Regina's not here in five minutes, I'll let the Dark One off his leash to take care of you all."

"No, you won't," the savior said, snapping out of her confusion as she brushed past David. "I'm not going to let you hurt anyone because Regina will show up, and kick your sorry ass all the way back to Oz."

"You two are so adorable!" Zelena mocked. She turned to Gold. "Nevermind the five minutes. Which of these pathetic denizens do you want to kill first, my pet?"

"You know what's adorable?" Emma's green orbs twinkled with mischief before cracking her fist across Zelena's face. "That!"

She knew Regina would be mad at her for doing this, but she had to do something to distract the witch before Gold was unleashed on someone!

Zelena licked her lips, her eyes taking on a dangerous glint. "Amateur."

The witch pushed the savior hard with her magic, throwing her back to her friends. Then, she did a slow pirouette, challenging the rest of the townspeople with her glare and arrogance.

Emma, you idiot! Regina thought. I told you to stay out of this! Dammit!

There had been the brief, fleeting hope that Emma could stand up to Zelena effectively given her "savior status" in Storybrooke. Relieved that her lover did not appear seriously injured, Regina recognized the fact that this battle was all on her and stepped toward the crowd.

"Anybody else wanna give it a go?" Zelena asked, sneering at the crowd.

"I do," Regina replied, striding forward. She gestured at Zelena's attire, looking and sounding more arrogant about this than she really felt. "Didn't anyone tell you? Black is my color."

Conscious of the townspeople giving them a respectful space on the street, Regina zeroed in completely on her sister as she spoke. They barbed back and forth as if this was actual sibling rivalry; Regina found it ridiculous.

She couldn't help but snap, "What the hell did I ever do to you?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Zelena chided. "You were born."

The mayor glanced at Gold, who stood in his tattered suit, looking pathetic. She smirked in order to hide the smile that threatened to cross her lips.

"He should've chosen me," the witch said, seeing what had Regina's attention.

"Who?" Regina asked.

"Rumpelstiltskin."

Regina rolled her eyes, incredulous. "That's what this is about? You're jealous of me?"

She's delusional. Who would envy my life? Does she have any idea what I've been through? What I've lost? What I've done?

Grabbing onto it with her magic - relieved to find it worked well without her heart - Regina hurled one of the traffic lights at her sister. The witch, however, only redirected it as if it were nothing while she prattled on and on about how she didn't realize what she'd had, how Regina didn't deserve the life she had. Townies jumped out of harm's way.

Yes, because my life has been so wonderful, Regina thought to herself.

Zelena's words were the diversion, however, and the mayor fell for them. Zelena lifted Regina up with magic and hurled her backward, throwing her onto the nearest car. The mayor had just barely enough reaction time to buffer her impact. It hurt the car worse than it did her. She rolled off the hood, conscious of Emma's worried gaze, but could not look to her. As it was, Emma would feel the terror in her soul that ran true while she presented an outwardly arrogant and defiant face to Zelena.

Regina ignited a fireball. And just as quickly, Zelena extinguished it and grabbed her, magically, by the throat. The mayor heard gasps of surprise from around her; for so long, they'd known she and Rumple to be the most powerful beings around. This had to be frightening, for them, to see her bested. Regina understood. She wasn't so fond of the realization herself.

She tried not to gasp for breath, not wanting to give Zelena the satisfaction.

"You can't beat me, little sis. Everything Rumpelstiltskin taught you, he taught me too. But I was the better student."

I'm seeing that, Regina thought. And he just stands there. Fool. Helpless without his damned dagger.

Zelena threw Regina up and across the street. The former evil queen braced again for impact and her magical barrier shattered the clock's face rather than her own body. It was a rough landing, nearly knocking the wind from her as she crashed against the catwalk.

She stared hatefully into Zelena's blue eyes as the witch appeared in front of her. Only because Emma was out of earshot did she say what she said: "So what are you waiting for? Kill me."

Zelena just smirked. "I never said I wanted to kill you. I said I wanted to destroy you. And to do that, I need your heart."

A-ha.

Hand thrust into her chest, Regina watched with dark satisfaction as her sister realized that she'd failed. For all this bravado and battle, Regina and Emma had predicted what was happening accurately and had the jump on her for once.

"Where is it?!" Zelena screamed.

Regina looked every inch the Evil Queen as she replied, "Our mother taught me one thing: never bring your heart to a witch fight. Something you'd know if she hadn't abandoned you."

She shoved the startled redhead out of her space.

"You haven't won, Regina," Zelena growled. "I will get your heart. I will get everything you ever had."

You're insane, she thought. You don't want everything I ever had.

"Not today," Regina replied with a dark smile.

Zelena sneered, summoned her broom, and flew off. Regina rubbed her throat and sat up straighter, taking an inventory of any potential injuries she'd sustained. Everything felt alright; she thought her back may bruise some despite magic, but if a bruise was the worst of it, that was nothing.

Emma had been in hot pursuit of the witch since watching Regina thrown into the clock tower. Her synchronized hearts beat rapidly, anxious to know the outcome. Screams echoed onto the street and the savior pounded the steps faster as David, Ruby and Tinkerbell were clambering right on her heels. She muted their presence, wanting to hear or feel any sign of Regina's presence. That she was all right.

"Unngh…" She misstepped, tripping up the next stair, white-knuckling the railing at the moment when Zelena had tried for Regina's heart.

"I'm alright," Regina called down to the advancing party. She stood on annoyingly shaky legs and stared out the smashed clock face at the street below.

Green eyes shot straight up the circular helix of stairs with relief in hearing her lover's voice. "Regina…" she whispered and with secured footing, resumed her ascent.

Emma's entourage all exchanged a shared glance at the way the blonde whispered the former evil queen's name, then quietly trailed up the stairs behind her. They watched a bordering frantic savior reach the top, breathlessly eying Regina.

Even hearing it from the mayor's lips, Emma had to see it for herself. "You're okay …" Her voice remained low as panic diffused while acknowledging, at least in her own head, that Regina was right - she survived because Zelena needed her heart. "You're really okay …"

"I'm still alive," she confirmed.

David's curious gaze blinked away as he assessed any visible injuries on Regina. "We saw Gold disappear. We thought she-"

"Defeated me? Hardly." Regina smirked. Her gaze shifted to Emma's and could see that her lover was even more keyed up than she was. That wasn't all that surprising to her, considering that she'd been secretly guarding her heart through the whole ordeal. "I survived because she wanted my heart and I had sense enough not to bring it here."

"Wanted your heart?" he repeated while thinking things over. "First my courage, now your heart? Any idea what spell she's collecting for?"

Regina had no clue as to what her sister was prepping for, nor could voice that because any chance of her answering Charming's question was immediately cut off by Emma. The savior had advanced on her lover while David spoke, completely tuning everyone out. Her priority had been protecting Regina and her heart, and that need was still fervently pulsing through her veins when she reached out and took the older woman in her arms - kissing her in passionate relief.

They hadn't talked about how they were going to handle their feelings with regard to the town or Emma's parents. Therefore, Regina was as surprised as the rest of them when the savior kissed her. But, she didn't hesitate to kiss back.

Tinkerbell gasped.

Ruby muttered a bemused, "I knew it!"

David stood there with a gaping mouth, uncertain as to what he was actually watching was real!

Regina pulled back, focusing entirely on Emma. "Are you alright, dear?" she whispered.

"Now that I know you are?" she said, pulling the mayor tighter into her arms. "Yes …"

The blonde held onto Regina for dear life, afraid to let go until the gust of emotions sweeping over her could finally settle. The fear of losing Regina, coupled with the mayor's own insecurities during the battle had made the savior unusually tense and clingy towards what she considered hers. But that was also a by-product of having the former evil queen's heart beating within her chest.

Conscious of David and Tink's gaping at them, she kissed Emma's cheek and hugged her tightly. Regina whispered, "I promise I am only minorly banged up, despite it all."

"So, you're… you're…?" Tinkerbell cleared her throat. "Regina, just what is going on here? What about Robin?!"

For the first time since gifted with Regina's heart, it fell out of sync with Emma's as jealously flared, rearing its ugly head.

"What the hell is she talking about Regina?" Emma questioned, her voice deceptively calm.

Regina shot Tinkerbell a dirty look, barely suppressing a smirk at David's completely baffled expression. She did not miss Ruby's knowing look either.

"Em, Tinkerbell has imagined - for years - that Robin Hood is my true love," she said flatly. "He's not. I've chosen you."

As her father tried to digest the implications of this conversation, Emma was recalling an earlier conversation when Regina pleaded for the blonde to understand where she wanted to be and who she wanted to be with. Or at least, that was what Emma had presumed it to mean. That Regina had chosen to be with her despite the difficulties that they would face together with her parents, the town, Henry's memories, their newest threat.

"What you said to me before … it was because of him then." Her gaze turned lethal towards the fairy. "What makes you so sure you know what's best for Regina, huh?"

"Pixie dust doesn't lie. It never fails," Tinkerbell shot back defiantly. "It led us straight to Robin that night. Remember, Regina?"

The brunette glowered at her. "I remember. Tinkerbell is mad because my decision to avoid Robin, years ago, resulted in her losing her wings. But, she's gained them back and is in Blue's good graces for dealing with Pan's shadow. So, drop it, Tinkerbell. I didn't choose him then, and I don't trust him now that he just happens to be in town now."

"Enough!" David's voice cut in before Tinkerbell or Emma could chime in to keep fueling this argument. "Regardless of what happened then or now, this is not the time or place to discuss it. It has nothing to do with Zelena's threat."

Floored, Emma looked at her father in surprise and some of the respect that she had lost for him had begun to return by not immediately questioning her relationship with Regina. At least not yet. He wouldn't just ignore what happened here and just sideline it for now because Prince Charming wasn't going to forget that his daughter was with his former nemesis.

"Now … we know what she's after. Regina's heart which is safely hidden. We've got a reprieve but we have to capitalize on it before she strikes again. So … your heart and my courage ..." he addressed Regina. "Any idea what she's trying to do with them?"

"And your unborn child," Regina reminded with a heavy sigh. She squeezed Emma's arm. "They're ingredients. But, I have no idea for what kind of curse."

David nodded, sighing despondently. He hadn't forgotten at all - he hadn't wanted to voice his child's importance to Zelena.

"Lovely," Emma rolled her eyes while crossing her arms, forcing Regina's hand to slip away. "Courage and a heart? Just missing the brain and you've got the Wizard's trifecta gift package."

Regina shook her head, looking pale. She still didn't know what Zelena was up to with these ingredients, but Emma was right about them. "She has the brain. She has Rumpelstiltskin."

"So what? Does that mean David's unborn kid is Zelena's way home? Because that's the only other gift that's missing from the Wizard if we go off Emma's logic," suggested the werewolf.

"If she wants a way home, I'm more than happy to provide it," Regina growled. "But, it's all speculation at this point. We need to find a way to stop her completely."

"Maybe Belle can help. She was able to figure out what happened with Neal. Perhaps she can poke around the shop for answers?" Emma suggested. "We can also look through your vault for something you might've missed on these ingredients?"

She was starting to relax, her arms loosening as the conversation was focused on stopping Zelena, but the vicious scowl that Tinkerbell was giving Emma kept her slightly on edge.

Regina nodded at Emma's ideas. They were both worthwhile.

"Tomorrow. Yes. We'll double check and resume your magic lessons," she said. "For tonight, I think you should go to Henry. Dr. Hopper has been exceptional, but I'm sure our son needs to see you."

The savior was torn because she did need to see Henry, but she also wanted to stay with her lover. "Are you sure?" she asked, arms finally coming free to take Regina's hands. "You were banged up pretty badly."

Regina shot a meaningful look at David, who seemed to get the hint.

"Why don't we go back downstairs," he said to Ruby and Tinkerbell. "Give them a moment. This doesn't need an audience…"

She looked back to Emma. "I want you to come home with me. I'm just thinking of Henry. He's been through a funeral, wake, and then spent the rest of the day with strangers, today alone."

"I know!" she admitted with great frustration. "I know what I have to do and I know Henry needs me. But you need me too, and it's fucking hard keeping all of it straight in my head when I have two hearts fighting for dominance right now."

Regina nodded sympathetically, but pressed a finger to Emma's lips. Zelena had ears everywhere, somehow, and she didn't want their secret out. She lifted her brows, removing her finger to cup her cheek instead.

"I know this is hard. And, I wish we'd had another way for the toll this takes on you, Em," Regina said softly. She curled her free hand into the blonde's shirt, over their hearts. "You'll have me close by tonight. Right here. And, I will rest so we are ready to handle her tomorrow."

The troubled heart that was quietly anticipating Emma's reluctance in wanting to come home with Regina was quieted by its owner's touch. It also smoothed the lines of frustration away from the savior's features when Emma eagerly leaned into her lover's touch.

"All right," she whispered. "And … yeah. Yeah you're right. I'm sorry, Regina. I … really thought I could handle this better."

Perhaps her savior status had inflated Emma's sense of purpose and immunity, but her presumptions had erred terribly. Or perhaps she wasn't Regina's true love as Tinkerbell had pointed out, and this was just a waste of time. Yes, she had heard her lover chose her twice over now but for all of Emma's bravado, she was concerned about this past development. It didn't that both hearts were awaiting inevitable disappointment either.

And, perhaps it was because Regina was free of her own darkened heart that she could read Emma's expression and dismay so clearly. She cupped the blonde's face in her hands and waited until Emma reluctantly met her gaze before she spoke.

"You are bearing a terrible burden, holding my heart. I know. And I'm sorry for that," she whispered, staring into her eyes. "But, you are my savior with your effort. And I love you for that. I'd imagine, if you focus, you would feel that too, buried deeper than the conflict you're feeling now. We can do this, Emma. If we believe. That's what our son would say, correct?"

The savior took those words to heart, pushing past the deeply rooted insecurities that the two of them shared. The darkness that Regina warred with fought back, wanting Emma to give into despair and embrace rejection now to avoid unbearable pain in the future.

"Regina …" She began with despair, the weight of the blackened heart beating inside her chest threatening to overwhelm her. Yet that glimmer of hope that her lover had urged her to find was there. Henry. Thinking of their son's unwavering belief in both of them broke through the burgeoning despair, pulling Emma free.

"Yes ..." she was still unsure but looking into those unwavering brown eyes cemented the savior's conviction - and briefly wondered if this was how Regina had struggled when Emma had often pulled her from the brink of relapsing into her old ways. "He would. And we can."

Her eyes shined with a familiarity towards Regina, feeling much like herself again, but Emma wasn't naive to believe that this situation wouldn't occur again. This would be a continuous battle until the end of the crisis. "The magic lessons will help too. Give me better focus until this over. And it gives me something to look forward to," she said with a bemused expression. "Who knew I'd ever be excited for magic lessons since I get to be with you?"

"This is true, dear. We will need to develop some plan to combat her, and magic will be at the heart of it. No pun intended." She smirked, then gave her a firm kiss. "I love you, Emma."

Almost snorting at the unintentional humor, Emma mellowed her expression right before they kissed, curling her fingers around her lover's arms.

"I love you too," she whispered against Regina's lips, knowing she had to embrace this renewed faith that their relationship was meant to be. That she just had to believe in Regina and Henry - not in some disgruntled fairy or pixie dust.

"I'll see you in the morning, my dear," Regina said, stroking the savior's hair.

"Yes," Emma shook her head, then looked up at the mayor with a cheeky smile. "And before I go, I'm also promising you I won't cause too much mischief back home with David and Mary Margaret. But you know the first opportunity he gets, he's going to go into interrogating dad mode."

Regina nodded, having considered what David had witnessed. She hoped the shepherd would have more tact than his spoiled wife had ever had where discretion was concerned. She did not want her relationship with Emma to be considered a secret, having known first hand how well that ever went. But, she also did not want to subject Emma to an interrogation from one or both parents, not without Regina herself present.

"Put him off. We'll talk to them together. When the time is right. I hope David will have sense enough to give us time for that, given my damned sister's plans."

"I … think he will. He did … gave us space just now," she admitted, making her rather vocal disappointment in him subside to a degree. David was actually respectful to Emma and Regina at a moment where a multitude of questions would rightfully come up. He had the decency to wait where if Mary Margaret was here, Emma was sure the war between Snow White and Regina would have reignited. "But yeah… I'll make sure he understands before he brings it up."

"Alright." Regina kissed Emma firmly on the lips again then pulled back. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Right …" she felt shaky, blinking rapidly to keep her emotions in check. It was only one night of separation - not forever - as Emma took in a deep, calming breath. "I'll see you tomorrow…"