Regina acted on instinct as she clutched the heavy leather saddle in her hand. Her mind was in a tailspin. What was Snow doing here? She had noticed her earlier, sneaking behind Daniel, but said nothing for fear of what her mother would do. Had she been the one to tell Cora Regina's plans of running, or had her mother truly noticed her missing from the house? Regina wasn't sure, but the fact that the little girl was here in the dead of night seemed to answer the question. At first she was angry. The girl, young or not, had betrayed her trust.

And yet, Regina knew Snow understood she had taken the wrong path. Truly, Regina couldn't blame her. Cora was viciously manipulative and there were numerous ways she could have weaseled information out of a child as young as Snow White.

But to see her defend Daniel. Even though she witnessed it with her own eyes, Regina couldn't believe it to be true. Snow had leapt in front of the stable boy, surely well aware of what Cora intended to do, yet the only emotion set upon her features was one of defiance. Anyone else in the princess's position probably wouldn't have stepped willingly into such an almost certain peril at all, let alone without any fear. Regina wondered briefly what had gone through Snow's head as she leapt blindly in front of a man she barely knew to save him, and by doing so into the clutches of a woman as powerful as Cora Mills. Regina briefly hoped her mother would relent and stop her actions before she could harm the brave child. But one glance told her Cora was much too far-gone. Gone down a deep hole of hunger for power and vengeance.

This was a place she had only seen her mother in once before. When they first moved into their stately mansion, Cora began referring to herself as a duchess. When a young noble had questioned her after not seeing her at King Leopold's most recent ball, she had ripped out his heart and crushed it in front of him. The memory was rooted deep in Regina's brain, and as much as she tried to forget it, the horrid scene only became more vivid. Every night she hopped and prayed never to find her way there herself. To a place of such anger and depression she would be willing to kill to be happy.

Seeing her mother about to crush Snow's heart, the memory came flooding back clearer than ever before. She heard the boy's agonizing scream and remembered the extreme fear in his eyes. She had wanted to help him, but was too timid to stand up to her mother. Watching him crumple to the ground, she vowed never to let her mother commit an act like that in her presence again. Now, observing the innocent girl have the same gruesome treatment placed upon her that she in no way was deserving of, Regina knew she could never forgive herself if she let her mother claim Snow's life.

With all the effort she could muster, she screamed and the top of her lungs and thrust the heaviest saddle she could find at her mother, making sure to aim the metal girth buckle straight at her mother's temple. The saddle slammed into Cora and flung her backward with surprising force. She flew through the doors, which had blown open by the now howling wind. The clang of the buckle against the sorceress's temple echoed throughout the stable and Cora lay motionless on the grass. Regina let the saddle fall and raced over to kneel beside Daniel, who was crouched on the floor next to Snow.

"Snow," she said, gently trying to shake her awake. She bent over and put her ear to the little girl's chest. She listened intently, but there was no sound of a beating heart. "Snow!" She choked out frantically.

She looked at Daniel, her dark eyes quickly filling with tears. Her fiancée simply shook his head sadly and embraced her, attempting to consol her by encasing her in warmth. Regina buried her face in his chest as silent, heavy tears streaked down her face. 'We were too late.' Regina couldn't help but feel personally responsible. Maybe if she had acted quicker, maybe if she hadn't let fear root her to her spot. If she had taken Snow's place…

Regina's sobs grew louder and Daniel simply tightened his hold, knowing no words could take away the pain she was feeling at the loss of such an innocent soul.

He allowed his tears to flow freely then. A little girl he barely knew had sacrificed her life to save him. And he would never even be able to thank her. Suddenly, a small blue light appeared in the doorway of the barn.

"Regina," Daniel nudged her, "Look."

Regina lifted her tear-streaked face just as the small blue dot approached her. Slowly, the bright light faded away to reveal a dark skinned woman no bigger than Regina's hand in a flowing blue dress. Her curly black hair was pinned neatly on top of her head and she smiled sympathetically at the grieving couple.

"Wh-Who are you?" Regina asked confused. It was only at second glance she realized the woman had wings on her back.

"I am Sapphire," said the fairy, "Godmother to Selfless Souls and Trainer of Fairies, but you may call me Blue."

Regina gasped. Was this really the Blue Fairy? Yes, she lived in the Enchanted Forest, but of all the things that could happen here, she always thought Fairies were a myth, an exaggerated presentation of sorceress who only happened to have wings. She couldn't very well think that now.

Then another thought crossed her mind; Blue said she only helped selfless souls, Regina was not selfless, nor was Daniel, though he was certainly closer than she. The only completely selfless person Regina knew of was…a final sob escaped her lips before she was able to compose herself.

"But- why are you here? Why have you come to us of all people? Surely, there are others more deserving?" she asked.

In answer, Blue fluttered closer to Snow's body. She waved her wand and surrounded the girl in a blinding white light. When it faded, some color had returned to the princess's cheeks. Everyone waited in anxious silence. Only Blue smiled faintly.

At first, nothing happened. Then all at once Snow took in a deep gulp of air and slowly opened her eyes.

"Mama?" she mumbled.

Regina couldn't believe what she was seeing. For a moment, she couldn't move. Snow was alive! She reached out her hand to stroke the young girl's face, using the other to feel for the steady beating of a heart, once again active in the princess's chest. It was a shock when she finally felt it, weak, but still there nonetheless. She pulled the girl into her arms and hugged her tightly.

"Snow," she whispered lovingly as a new set of fresh tears came to her, this time out of joy. Regina turned to the fairy, who was floating gracefully beside them. "But…how?" She stuttered.

Blue smiled, "As I said, I am the Guardian of Gallant Souls. Snow thought nothing of her own needs or wants when she stepped into your mother's path, only of you're love for Daniel and her wish for you to be happy. And you, Regina," Blue said, shifting her gaze, "you and Daniel could've ran safely after you injured your mother, but you chose to stay and care for a girl you've known only for a short time. Both of those actions were selfless, brave, and true, so that enabled me to bring her back to us."

The fairy smiled down at Snow, "Well done my dear. You acted wise beyond you're years today. I know many brave souls who would not have been willing to do what you have. From this day forward, I shall always be at your service."

Snow smiled faintly, still winded from all that had happened. "Th-thank you milady."

The fairy laughed lightly. "Of course, my dear."

Snow then snuggled into Regina and drifted to sleep.

"Blue," Regina called hesitantly as the pixie turned to leave.

"Yes?"

"I-well, you've already done so much." she grinned again at Snow, "So I do not expect you to do anything more for me but…"

"What is it my dear?" Blue asked kindly.

"Well you see, my mother-"

Sapphire cut her off, "-has already been taken care of."

Regina knit her brows and looked to the grass where her mother had landed only to discover she was no longer there. "Where is she?" the girl asked.

Blue waved her hand frivolously "Do not fret. She is safe in another realm. She will not harm you or your family again."

'Family?' Regina wondered. The only family she had was her father, and Cora never harmed him. But looking at Daniel and the ten year old curled up in her lap, sleeping peacefully, she realized perhaps she was wrong. She smiled at Blue. "Thank you," she said sincerely, "but where did you send her?"

"A place called Wonderland." And then she was gone.

It was some time later that Snow awoke. She did not realized where she was, but she felt someone's arm wrapped securely around her waist. It was the safest she'd felt in a long time. "Mother?" She wondered aloud. And then she looked into those shining brown eyes and saw the sweet smile that had become her only comfort since her mother passed. "Regina!" she breathed happily, clutching her tightly.

"Hello dear," Regina smiled as she hugged the girl back.

Snow felt another set of arms wrap around her. She looked cautiously to her left. "Daniel," she sighed unbelieving. "You're alive!" She reached out to be sure she wasn't dreaming. He grabbed her hand in his.

"Thanks to you, dear one." he smiled.

Snow looked back at Regina, confused. "But your mother, she was…her hand, it was so cold…she squeezed my heart…she was…I was…."

"Shh." Regina soothed, "My mother is gone. She will never hurt you again."

"What? But how?"

"Magic." Regina smiled, "The magic of True Love."

Snow smiled and closed her eyes. "Even if you're not my mother, I love you Regina."

Regina beamed. "I love you too." Only just realizing how true of a statement that was.

The three of them sat there for a while, content to just be. Then Snow sighed loudly and broke the comfortable silence. She wanted to ask them to stay, but she knew that wouldn't be fair. In those few minutes she'd felt more love from the two of them than she had in the past year. She felt like she finally had someone to trust, someone she could be a family with. She wished with all her heart that she and Regina would remain as close as she felt they were now even after she went away with Daniel. She hated to leave this moment. Snow could stay here forever. But it was not to be, she knew. Regina needed to be free, she needed to have her family and start a life of her own.

"I guess you two should get going," she said sadly, untangling herself from their warm embrace. The cold air was a shock to her skin. "it will be light soon." She continued in a whisper, willing herself not to cry.

Regina glanced at Daniel, her eyes filled with hurt and uncertainty. She did not know exactly when it happened, but she truly loved this little girl. She could not bear to leave her looking so unhappy. Daniel nodded his understanding and Regina approached Snow tenderly.

"With my mother gone," she said gently, "we do not have to leave right away. Let us at least take you home, you're father must be worried."

Regina knit her brows in confusion as she noticed the girl stiffen under her at the word home.

Snow didn't know what to do. It was almost light now. If her father found out she was not in her room… She tried unsuccessfully to stop herself from wincing at the thought of the punishment that was sure to come. The unpleasant nausea that had begun to plague her as this past week came back again, and she fought hard to ignore it. Worse yet, if her father saw Regina…no she couldn't, she wouldn't let that happen. Seeing the kindhearted looks on Regina and Daniel's faces, she knew they only meant the best for her. If she told them she wanted to go back on her own, they would insist she was too weak. No, if she said anything, it would only raise suspicion. She had no choice; she had to let them take her back.

"Ok." She finally whispered quietly.

"Good," Regina replied. Snow noticed the hesitation in her voice that she was clearly trying to hide. Regina knew there was something wrong at home, and, though Snow was somewhat fearful of that, she was also glad.

Regina helped the girl to her feet and it was only then, as her nightgown fell from her shoulders, that she noticed the bruises. Some were yellowing, clearly a few days old. Others were still red or slowly turning black and blue, undoubtedly newer than the others. The ebony-haired girl's eyes widened in fear. "Oh, Snow," she whispered. Had her mother done this? Was this how she got Snow to divulge Regina's secret? Beat her?

Memories came flooding back. Cora did not favor using physical violence on her daughter; she knew Regina was far too rebellious for that. Cora preferred to use her realfear: magic.

If Regina behaved inarticulately, her mother took a sick pleasure in what Regina referred to as a young girl as "Spelling" her. If Regina had tracked mud in the house after playing outside, her mother would give the maid the next day off and make Regina clean the entire mansion alone. It took all day and the girl never caught a break. Cora would place a spell on her daughter so she worked at what felt like the speed of light for an hour, but was rooted to the spot until Cora told her she could move. By the time night fell, Regina would be so weak and tired, she usually fell asleep on the kitchen floor. In the morning, all her mother would say was that she hopped she learned her lesson. She did not even bother to tend to Regina's aching muscles.

When she rode her treasured horse, the one Daniel had help her train when they first met, now named Rocinante "like a man" as her mother called the Western style riding Daniel had taught her, Cora only had to flick her wrist to send the horse into an uncontrollable gallop that often ended with Regina harboring a broken bone or two when she could no longer hold on and was thrown from the animal. More than once the throw was so forceful and sudden that had it not been for her quick reflexes, Regina would've been trampled under Rocinante's hooves. She tried to tell her father what had really happened, but Cora would only wipe his memory after she thought her daughter was asleep and retell Regina's tale as if it was an accident or the girl had acted irresponsibly.

At first, Regina attempted to resist her mother influences, but she soon learned that only prolonged the torture.

On days when Regina had resisted, like when she implored to be released from her engagement to King Leopold, Cora would snatch her from the ground whenever she saw fit and leave her wriggling helplessly in the death-grip of enchanted tree roots, enjoying seeing her daughter suffer until she was hyperventilating and begging to be released, promising to be good. Cora would only laugh, as though she knew Regina's promises couldn't last, but was glad of that because it meant another opportunity to cause her misery.

Looking at the bruises on Snow's shoulders, so similar to her own from those torturous branches, she cursed that Cora would not have the sense, for she knew now that her mother cared for no one, not to abuse the King's daughter. When she bent down to get a closer look, the girl shrunk away, pulling her cloak tighter around her, eyes wide with fear.

"Oh, Snow." Regina sympathized, bending down to look her in the eye. "You're safe now. My mother will never harm you again." She assured the trembling girl.

The princess stood still then, Regina's words ringing in her ears. She had her way out. No one would ever have to know about the violent side of their gracious King. Snow had seen with her own eyes how powerful the woman was and she knew that Cora would harm as many as necessary to get what she wanted, so Regina's theory made sense. On the one hand, Snow was relieved. On the other… Snow had hoped Regina would rescue her, foolish a thought as that was. That she and Regina and Daniel could ride off together, that she could be away from her father forever. She thought that when Regina saw the bruises, she would finally understand. And she could have a Mama and a Papa again, for she was quickly coming to discover that having a father was not always synonymous with having a Papa who loved and cared for you.

The girl struggled to hold back her tears as her fantasy was crushed before her. "Ok," she whispered softly.

Regina watched Snow's face change before she said anything. She went from terrified, to hopeful, to contemplative, to devastated. The final look on her face was almost identical to the one Regina wore after her mother accepted Leopold's proposal. It felt like her world was crumbling under her. To see such a look on Snow's face unnerved her. What could possibly make her feel so hopeless? When the girl finally whispered a meek 'ok', Regina only looked at her confused.

"'Ok' what dear?" She asked, soothingly as she could.

Snow's mouth set in a determined line, "Ok, take me home," she asserted softly.

When they arrived at the woods, Regina was shocked to hear Snow say she could make it from there on her own. "Dear, are you sure? It's awfully dark out."

Snow bit her lip and her eyes shifted back and forth between Daniel and Regina before she finally said, "Yes, I'm sure."

Regina was uncertain, but bent down and placed a soft kiss on the girl's head. "At least take the lantern," she said, handing it to her.

"Thanks," Snow smiled, then turned away rapidly before the tears could fall.

Regina waited until the princess was out of sight before turning to Daniel, worry increasing by the minute. "Something's wrong." She said anxiously.

Daniel simply shook his head fearfully, "Yes." he affirmed, "but what can we do?"

"We follow her." Regina said simply.

That was all the instruction Daniel needed. The two of them took off down the path.

Regina stood securely in Daniel's handholds, but she was shaking. As she watched through the castle window, Snow's father was bent menacingly over the little girl, clearly drunk. Broken glass littered the floor. A terrified Snow was cowering in the corner; more new bruises covering the girls now bear arms. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. When Daniel lowered her to the ground, she clung to him shivering. She shut her eyes, trying to forget all she'd seen.

"We can't leave." She finally managed. "Not without her." Regina didn't care what it took; they were going to rescue Snow White. She was like a daughter now. And no one stops a mother from reaching her daughter.