A/N: Need I say I'm not surprised the show got cancelled? (sighs) Well, I'm not.
Part III: A Friend and a Foe
It happened in a dream.
Or vision, if you prefer, but it's true that visions are seldom all they seem.
Either way, it shouldn't even be possible: dragons only live distant memories—and if she wasn't reliving a memory, of which she was sure she wasn't, then someone might be trying to deceive and persuade her to a path of no return.
She sat down on the couch she was laying on, looking around. She was not home, but she knew exactly where she was—a place she had been once so many years ago, when she was young and full of a hope that was about to die. It was night, and the light of the moon brightened outside, through the cracks in the open windows. It was winter, the warmth of the fireplace being cosy and attractive. It was silent, and that was the problem.
Why wasn't the voice in her head speaking?
Lily concluded she was under the influence of some drug—which wouldn't be the first time. For years, she had strongly believed the voice in her head was just a side effect of cocaine and methamphetamine, two of the many things in which she found some solace in her time as a problematic 20 young woman. She ended up forced into a rehab centre, and two years later, Lily realized she was probably crazy—a relief to the guilt gnawing at her heart.
Discovering of her origins only helped to fed the anger, and the little voice in her head became more prominent.
But now she heard nothing—for the first time in her life.
Shouldn't probably have drunk that much wine? Her mother insisted it was the best (or at least that's what the seller told her). Maleficent, though not very credulous, paid a fortune for a single bottle.
Lily fell asleep on the sofa to woke up in another, the last thing she heard being her mother's laughter. Maleficent was not there, and Lily wondered if the vision in which she was in was her work. But Maleficent was unaware of that place, they hadn't talked about it yet, so how could she project it into her daughter's mind? There was also no reason for her to do it, so it could only be a vision. Nothing there was real—it could not be. Much less the sense of peace in her chest.
Lily sighed. Everything was just the same as the last time she had been there, the same mess, the same solitude of an abandoned house.
Her friend's laughter echoed in her mind as a presence made itself known in the room.
"Good evening."
A dark figure was hidden in the shadows from which the light of the fireplace and moonlight would not reach. Her voice was hoarse, captivating, and her magic was strong, her heart beating at a steady pace, never losing control.
Lily adjusted her vision, having learned to use her magic to allow her to see in the dark.
And there she was—her old friend.
The Dark Swan.
She walked to the light, revealing her slim form and serene expression. She was pale despite the abnormal glow on her skin, and her white hair was a contrast to her black clothes and her eyes were cool, calculating, and tortuous. Lily only faced as much darkness when she looked at her own image in a mirror. It was like looking into the darkness of her heart (Emma's darkness), who was staring at her wearing a cynical smile.
Lily fought the urge to attack. Her eyes were deceptive, dangerous, and so blue. Seeing her like this, consumed by darkness, was very disturbing.
Shouldn't they try to kill each other?
"You look different."
Controlled.
At peace.
Loved.
"I am." Lily found herself answering, not truly understanding why.
The Dark Swan sounded genuine, a tight smile wearing her lips, "Glad to see things changed quickly in a few days."
"You mean weeks."
The Dark Swan walked to the fireplace, watching the flames for a moment, "I'm happy for you." She said.
Lily studied her friend carefully, "Did you bust into my head just to tell me that?"
The Dark Swan shook her head, not losing her cool posture. She glanced at the things scattered on the floor—junk food, photos, magazines and stolen money. "We shared good moments here." She admitted, and Lily turned her gaze to everything there, especially the photos of two young girls laughing—just happy for having each other.
For being best friends forever.
"We did." Lily whispered, longing for those moments which, though troubled, were one of the few good memories she had. "It's why we are here?" She asked, looking directly at her old friend.
The Dark Swan let out a restrained sigh, and hardly anyone could notice the discomfort she seemed to feel. Except for Lily, of course. She knew how to read people very well—on the clear exception of her own mother. Maleficent was very confusing to her still.
"I thought it was more appropriate so—" The Dark Swan paused, frowning awkward at her own lack of words. "—so we could talk."
Lily already didn't like where this was heading, "What do you want?"
The Dark Swan was straight to the point, turning to face her friend, "What do you know of Dark Ones?" She asked.
The reply was immediate, "Enough not to trust a thing they say."
Ignoring the harsh irony, The Dark Swan continued, "I have control over the darkness. It...peaks to me. As I know my darkness speaks to you. All the time."
Lily frowned, "But now it doesn't."
"I've blocked it. It's not permanent, though, and once I leave your mind, my darkness will take control again."
Lily just knew it was much more than her friend let it show, "But…?"
"I found a way to free you, forever, if you let me. But to do so, I would need to remove all darkness from your heart. Including your own."
Lily allowed herself a dry, short laugh. She didn't even consider the offer, "No, thanks."
The Dark Ones was taken aback by such a flat response. It was so dry it felt like a slap on her face. "I'm the only one who can free you, Lily." She tried to reason.
"Then I guess I'm staying like this." Lily stated firmly, raising from the couch, and the Dark Swan's eyes widened, so much was her surprise. "What, you think I don't get it why you suddenly want your darkness back? My mother is the freaking Mistress of All Evil. Give me some credit."
The Dark Swan was curious, "If it was a month ago, I wouldn't need to ask twice."
"I couldn't control the darkness back then. I can now." Lily stepped closer, hissing to emphasize her words: "I don't need neither want your help."
"What we want and what we need are often very different things." The Dark Swan spoke, her voice always soft. "We both know you want to control my darkness when you actually need to be free of it."
Lily rolled her eyes, "So what?"
"Don't you wish to be free? You rather live like this forever?"
It had the appeal, Lily wouldn't deny that, but it was such a low blow that it made her want to leave. To where? She did not know. She just wanted to get away from this…creature wearing her friend's face.
"I won't let you finally get the only thing that's keeping you from going full Dark One mode and set the world on fire." She spat dryly, slowly, and the Dark Swan felt her body shift, and her jaw clenched, silent.
Then—a vow, "No harm shall come to anyone."
"You can't promise me that!" Lily exclaimed irritably. "You can't promise me anything."
"I can find you father." The Dark Swan was by the edge of an abyss of desperation. "With my power, I may locate him—"
And Lily lost her temper.
She moved to grab her arm, and the Dark Swan caught her wrist in a quick reflex. They looked at each other closely for about two seconds before Lily grunted in a warning tone, "I won't lose everything I've built just because of you."
The Dark Swan studied her for a moment, eyes narrowing, looking for some weakness, "You're afraid."
"Can you blame me?" Lily asked, and the Dark Swan released her wrist. "Look at you! Was it even worth it?"
The Dark Swan's face didn't change, though her eyes told Lily that she felt uncomfortable, "It was either me or Regina. I had to save her. She's my friend—"
"She's the cause of our problems!" Lily argued. "She destroyed our lives! All those years we felt like…like the world didn't want us is because of her bloody curse and yet you saved her. Why? What's so special about her?"
The Dark Swan's eyes suddenly turned sad and guilty, telling a truth that not even her wanted to acknowledge. And Lily understood, she really saw it because it was as clear as the water of a pure river, and took two steps back, stunned.
"...seriously?" And she didn't need to elaborate further questions to make the Dark Swan literally feel her doubts. She let out a sigh, combing her hair with her hand. "Just go." She whispered, pleading. She was too tired and too angry for any of this.
The Dark Swan was not intimidated by the shades of gold in her friend's eyes but her well versed bravery to face temptation, "What happened to you?" She sounded almost...jealous.
"I ask you the same." Her eyes scanned her white hair, dark clothes, stopping finally at cold gaze. "You are not Emma. You're not my friend. You're the Dark One. And I'm not stupid enough to make any deals with you."
The Dark Swan closed her eyes, in recognition and pain for the words of someone she once thought she had lost. If she felt grateful for her refusal, she couldn't say, but she was also unable to force her to accept her ideas.
Because they had a connection and Emma was not her parents—she wouldn't take from an innocent what she took a whole life to find.
At least, not again.
She stepped back, hands clasping behind her back, returning to her controlling posture, "I'm sorry." She whispered, and Lily could swear she felt her own heart breaking.
Then everything faded into darkness...
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"...Emma!"
Lily woke up in a gasp. Her body was dripping with sweat, making her pyjamas cling to her skin, and she trembled with cold, though the fireplace was lit by the eternal magic of a dragon.
She tossed the covers aside and stood up, running straight to the bathroom.
Her expression on the mirror showed pure despair. Her skin was absolutely red, and she was panting, as if she had run endless miles. Her eyes were bright golden, and Lily could feel her magic escaping through her fingers in a purplish fire.
She tried to breathe once, twice, to calm her heart down, and closing her hands, the fire disappeared and her eyes returned to their usual shade of hazel. She washed her face, only to see the water turn into steam at the mere touch on her skin, which was burning at a temperature that would kill any human being.
Taking off her damp pyjamas, she turned on the shower, sighing as the cold water washed her spirit. The bathroom was immediately filled with steam, and Lily cared little, her mind still caught up in the events of her dream.
In fact, from her vision.
Has Emma returned? It had been a month since she'd disappeared, a month of so many changes in Lily's life that it seemed it was yesterday she had moved into town. She thought of her mother, and that longing pain spread across her chest, making her feel like crying.
She turned off the shower and dried herself with a towel. Putting on a set of clean clothes, she left her room. She knew her mother was not asleep because she did not feel her magic as she stepped in front of her bedroom door. Maleficent had taught her how to detect other people by tracking their magic. To those who did not have magic, she only needed to trace the beat of their hearts or their body heat, as dragons had their senses much more accurate, even in human form.
Lily closed her eyes and searched for the beat of her mother's heart—always slow and steady, a rhythm that indicated an absurd self-control—making her calm down.
Maleficent was downstairs, sitting on the porch, her wine glass long forgotten, a mysterious look on her face as her eyes roamed the endless pine trees of the forest.
Her head was full of confused thoughts, which would explain her heart skip a beat here or there, or even speed up at a very good or very bad memory.
Lily felt confused to see her sitting there alone, and even guilty of wanting to disturb her late at night, but before she could rethink of talking to her, she heard her mother's firm, but gentle voice:
"Bad dream?"
Lily wasted no time. She sat down by her feet, resting her head on her lap. Maleficent welcome her, stroking her damp hair, giving the time needed to speak. But her frustration was so painful that it gave way to hatred, and the darkness of her heart shared infinite evils—she wanted to kill someone. She condemned herself, since her consciousness was now alive and she was better at controlling her anger and rancour. But she couldn't help the sadness, and the tears fell.
Even away from Emma, in a world without magic, Lily always felt linked to her. It was not a connection as deep as the one she had quickly build with her mother, but it was as real as if, with dragons being creatures of loyalty to those they came to care about.
For when dragons loved, they loved it all—they gave it all they had.
Emma was no different, and Lily doubt it was due their shared past and darkness.
Friends forever, she had said.
And she meant it.
"What is it, my love?"
Lily shook her head. She wouldn't speak, choosing instead to hide her face on her mother's lap. She felt a kiss against her head and a whisper against her ear, "You don't need to carry the world on your shoulders." Then, two hands cupped her face, forcing her to look up, "Lily, your skin is burning. This is a symptom of stress. At least, it is for dragons." Lily jerked away, grabbing her mother's wrists, clear was the fear of having hurt her. "Fire cannot kill a dragon." Maleficent quoted with a small smile and Lily relaxed a little. "Now take a deep breath and tell me what this is about."
They talked about her dream for about an hour. About a dark house, old photos, and love and hatred mixing in waves—about her friend, once pure and kind, now ruled by darkness as much as Lily once was.
She hadn't lied about controlling her dark side. She still needed improvements, but she was sure proud of herself for managing to learn so quickly, as it is for dragons, and she was also proud to be one.
Her mother was too, a proud dragon, although most of times she had more of a human heart than humans themselves.
And she wasn't easily impressed.
"I can hear you mind thinking." Lily heard her mother whisper after moments of deep silence, with only the sound of the wind hitting the trees and crickets singing to the night, and her mind searched for the right words, unsure at her own feelings. They were sitting on the couch, Lily's head rested on her mother's lap, the fireplace burning endlessly to warm them from the crispy air of winter.
"That...thing—" Lily frowned. The more she thought of it, the more angry and frustrated she became. "—that was not Emma but..." She sighed, "I care, y'know?"
"I know." Maleficent looked down at her child with a sad smile. "You share a connection."
"I don't get why." Lily confessed. "I mean, Emma was always so...so strong that—"
"She has no experience with darkness, Lily. The Saviour is fortunate enough not to succumb, and yet, foolish enough to think she can fight it."
Lily said nothing, recollecting her thoughts as the darkness spoke into her mind and for the first time in a while, she didn't think it was such a bad idea, was it?
"Do you think—uh…" Lily sounded close to afraid and Maleficent run her fingers through her hair, encouraging her to continue. The young woman pursed her lips and diverted her eyes to the fireplace, watching the flames dancing. "You can—could help her, right? To control the darkness?" She asked slowly, suggestively. Maleficent opened her mouth but nothing left her lips, obviously surprised at such an unusual request and Lily regretted having asked anything as she felt she might had offended her mother, "I mean—"
"I can." Maleficent cut in, smiling kindly, caressing Lily's arm up and down, reaffirming the rule that there was nothing they couldn't talk about. "But as much I might wish to, I don't see the Saviour as willing to listen." Her eyes found an empty spot on the floor, her memories alive before her eyes. She sighed. "Not even Regina accepted my advice, Lily, and we were close friends." Lily remained silent, not wishing to pressure her mother to go on while also wishing her to finish it. Maleficent continued, "If she comes to me, however, then I might." Lily dared to take a glimpse of her mother's face. Maleficent was well aware. "I will." Their eyes met. "If Emma requires my knowledge, then I will help her. But I can't force such choice upon her. You understand, yes?"
Lily nodded, and Maleficent leaned in to kiss her forehead. Lily closed her eyes, sighing to the cosy warmth surrounding her heart as fingers traced her hair, combing gently.
"You think she's back?" She asked after a while. "Or it was the darkness telling me what she wants right now?"
The fingers on her hair stopped, and silence practically screamed what Lily wanted to know.
She sat up and gave her mother a look, "She's back, isn't she?" Maleficent adverting her eyes to the fireplace and pursing her lips in an annoyed pout told Lily as much.
She took a deep breathe to easy her growing anger. She also told the darkness to shut up—there was no reason to feel betrayed or lied to. Her mother wouldn't have kept this kind of information to herself if she didn't had a good reason. And Lily, now more than ever, trusted her judgement.
"Mom, why didn't you tell me?" She had to know why though.
A shy smile appeared on the corner of the sorceress' lips, and Lily knew it was just because she couldn't neither wouldn't contain it when hearing that special word coming from her child.
"I felt a great surge of darkness only tonight." Maleficent responded, glancing back at her child. "I had to be sure first."
"You think she's gonna try again? In person?"
"Oh, she wouldn't dare." Her voice was low in a tone that made Lily tremble. She wasn't angry, just…overprotective in a very draconic way. "Dark Ones are masters in bargaining with the weakness of their targets, but they are necessarily cowards. The Saviour is no different. I would be able to feel her presence if she came to you in person. Which is why she chose a dream…Or vision, if we want to be technical."
Because Maleficent was the freaking Mistress of All Evil. Who would dare harm her child now that she had her powers back at their fullest?
"You okay?" Lily felt the compulsion to ask after realizing that her mother too was awake late into the night. No disturbing visions hunted her down, but sometimes memories could equal the nightmares of those under the Sleeping Curse.
Maleficent mouthed a loving 'thank you' before allowing herself to think of a good answer. Or to ready herself to give a proper answer.
Her gaze found the fireplace as her ears quietly listened to the wind hitting the pines surrounding her home in a discreet contemplation of nature and herself.
"...Mom?"
Maleficent smiled softly. She just loved being called like that.
"I miss your father." There was sincerity and longing in her confession, not at all hidden but exposed through her voice, eyes, posture and it was so real that Lily could literally felt it burning against her chest. "I may remember my years under the curse clearly, yet it's as if but a few hours had passed between the moment Regina locked me in her dungeons and the moment in which I was resurrected." There was a frown on her face, unaware of thought. "The memory of your father is a shadow to me though." Blue and hazel eyes met, and Maleficent felt like crying for the second time on that night. "I know you're stressed because there is no trace of him."
The darkness got angry, "I'm sorry I couldn't—"
"Please, don't blame yourself." Maleficent begged in a hoarse whisper. "It's not your fault."
"Then where is he?" The question ringed around them for about a second before Lily herself answered. "There must be someone who knows. And I won't give up till I get an answer, good or not."
Because dragons always keep their promises.
"We could talk to the fairies—" Maleficent raised an eyebrow at the suggestion, "—and you think it's a bad idea."
"I highly doubt they can help. Or if they would. Dragons and fairies don't share a good story."
"Weren't you raised by three of them?"
"My aunts weren't exactly like those fairies. Pixies, perhaps. There were something else. I knew they were. The fact that they raised me implies that. I never asked. They wouldn't have answered."
Lily grimaced, "You don't want me to go then?"
"You can do as you please, Lily. I'm your mother, but you're too grown to be ordered around." Even though I can only see you as my little baby. "I'll advise you though, not to expect much from them."
"So..." Lily wore a longing look that made Maleficent's heart squeeze painfully in her chest. "You could go with me?"
Maleficent actually hesitated, internally screaming at her new incapability of forming the words 'no' followed by 'that would be a terrible idea'.
Instead, she asked, "Do you want me to go with you?"
The darkness got frustrated, "I wouldn't be asking if—" Lily shut up to see a scowl. She immediately corrected herself. "Yes, I do."
Maleficent shook her head, amused—and rather pleased to note the outcome of her growing relationship with her child.
"It may be more difficulty to make them agree on helping if I'm by your side. I'm not a woman whom people would be willing to trust, let alone help."
"They're idiots. Plus, everyone knows who I am."
"Who you are...?"
"Your kid. I mean, I turned into a dragon in the middle of the street. Hard to miss that. And after what...what happened...I...I just—" Words failed her, unsure on how to finish her sentence, and for some moments there was a dead silence. Her mind however would never stop. She knew what she wanted—her mother to be there with her, like she promised so many times. Because her presence reminded Lily that she wasn't alone on her journey—not anymore anyway.
"You wish me to accompany you." Maleficent's voice was as soft as the look on her eyes.
Lily nodded a quiet assertive, her serious expression being replaced by a grimace.
"You don't have to go if you don't want to." She felt stupid and childish and weak and fragile. But that was her mother. She said she could ask her anything—sure, it was not like she was going to have anything, but there was nothing they couldn't talk about, was it?
In the end, Maleficent gave in, "Alright." She just couldn't deny her little girl such a simple request. "Tomorrow...after lunch."
Lily couldn't help a soft grin, "Deal."
The darkness was laughing in her head.
Who's the Dark One now?
"Time to sleep then. We must wake up early tomorrow."
Lily agreed as she let out a yawn.
"I—" She paused to note she didn't exactly know how to end that night, as that would lead to leaving her mother's presence, and with her it would go her warmth, and Lily definitely didn't want that. She felt a rush of coldness at the thought. "I...uh..."
"Breathe."
Lily did, eyes down to her own hands. It was foolish to be shy so suddenly, having both shared so many things in such a short time, building a bond as strong as blood and magic. But it was so new to know she could rely on another person, to know that this person wouldn't leave. It was innovative and very scary to know that she could trust on someone else, and ask for things that have been denied for so long, between hugs and smiles.
Loving someone was a thousand times easier than knowing how to be loved, and Lily would face eternal hardships for it.
And so she wasn't really thinking, neither in the mood to it, when she let out a sigh and moved closer to her mother, snuggling into her warm embrace. Maleficent then chuckled, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, kissing the side of her head, "You wish me to stay with you?"
Her first impulse was to pull away and lie.
She didn't. And she was surprised at her own bravery and not at all surprised at the darkness screaming in her head. "—till I fall asleep?"
Later, she lay on her bed and her mother was there by her side, watching. She would caress her hair in the assurance that she would be there to protect her from anyone who threatened to disturb her rest. It made Lily recall her years as a little girl, crying after a storm of lightnings and thunders, and Priscilla Paige allowing her to let lamp next to her bed on as a weak consolation. Having the presence of her biological mother to calm her down made the contrast between the two only maternal figures of her life even more evident.
Sleep was almost taking over as she felt the soft whisper, "Sleep, my Lily, and peace attend you", along another kiss against her head.
But that would mean the warmth would be gone and the room would turn cold and her lungs were out of air, and she was desperate for contact, quick hands clutching at her mother's nightgown in an instinct, pulling her back in.
Maleficent immediately stopped, and sat back into the bed, "Lily?" She called, and the young woman shut her eyes at the fear of rejection, yet her heartbeat slowed down because her world was warm again, and she liked warm. She didn't need to say anything, though, as Maleficent then laid beside her, and covered their bodies with a trick blanket, and Lily simply let her do it, snuggling impossibly closer.
"All good?" Maleficent was soothing and so warm that Lily could only nod. A few days ago, she would have immediately complained that her personal space was being invaded. Today, she literally embraced the idea. Her mother was careful in her choices of finding ways to be a part of her child's life, and the warmth she emitted was so cosy that Lily fell into a deep sleep—filled of her few good memories—in about seconds.
The last words she heard before falling asleep were, "I'm here, my Lily."
Lily woke up alone.
A brief, desperate grief took hold of her, as if in one of her reveries where she woke up back in her old apartment, alone in her home and in her life, not knowing where to go, nor if she should go anywhere.
It was over as quick it begun, once she realized the cosy room she was in, the glass window on the ceiling, giving sight to a particularly cold day. Lily listened to the silence around her, following the trail of her mother's heartbeat...who, by the way, was already up.
Stubborn, Lily thought, knowing that she herself was just like this.
She got up and felt a sudden shiver run down her spine, even if the fireplace still softened the cold weather outside. A warm bath later and she was ready to face the day ahead of her. She looked at herself in the mirror as she braided her hair, noticing that the dark circles under her eyes were gone, though the tired look still lingered.
Finally, she went downstairs to the kitchen, not missing the breakfast table all set with coffee, pears and peaches and strawberries and bananas for fruit salad, hot milk on a small glass jar, toasts with butter on a plate, scrambled eggs and fried bacon on another.
Her mother was sitting alone on the table, already dressed in her usual dark mafia chief classy shirt, skirt, tie and boots but without the hat (which was dark and silver, resting on the kitchen counter that separated the kitchen and the dining room), and was pouring herself a cup of tea.
She didn't even look up to acknowledge her daughter's presence, "I'm fine," she gave a little emphasis on the word as she said, well aware at the censorious frown her child offered her now. "I've been awake for about an hour or two."
"It's twenty past seven," Lily stated sharply, letting her irritation show.
But Maleficent wouldn't look at her, adding two teaspoons of honey to her tea, "Well, good morning to you too."
Lily rolled her eyes, giving up on arguing. She murmured a random curse and was frowning intensely, focused and a little exasperate, as she choose two slices of fresh toast from the plate they were neatly arranged, adding eggs and bacon in some kind of high-calorie sandwich, to later place it on another plate, of which she put right in front of her mother (who was content to have her tea and nothing else).
Then, she found herself a seat on the table, and started filling a small bowl of the fruit salad, her grave expression long gone—and just ignore her mother staring at her open-mouthed, completely speechless.
Sure it was sudden gesture, thoughtless and unprepared and bold and quite confident, but no less sweet than a grumpy order to start to care for herself cause if she didn't things would get messy. But Lily had no skill with words, so her actions expressed everything she needed people to know about herself and what those same people meant to her life. And if she cared enough, she would show how much, not yell it at anyone's face.
And of course, Maleficent was rightfully touched. She smiled softly as she put her cup of tea aside and took a bite on the toast sandwich on "her" plate, humming pleasantly at the good choice in mixing tastes.
"Did you sleep well?" She asked between bites.
"Did you even sleep?" To answer a question with another question was Lily's way of being evasive, or to display her annoyance.
Right now, it was both.
"I've never seen you on a braid before." Maleficent commented, smiling, and so Lily didn't hold up the sullen mood for long. "Looks nice."
Lily said nothing, putting a lose lock behind her ear. She still had a hard time in accepting good intentioned compliments.
Maleficent finished her sandwich after a few hungry bites (you may see Lily smirking proudly as well) and took a sip of her tea before saying, "Judge Berry and I will be talking in about an hour. We can meet for lunch later if you want."
Lily was picking at the strawberries of her fruit salad, "Me not going with you it's not even an option."
Maleficent sighed, "He doesn't know what led to my quarrel against Briar Rose. Mr Booth wants me to tell him."
"Will he even listen?"
"Mr Booth wouldn't ask me to speak to Judge Berry if he hadn't agree already."
"What if he doesn't?"
What if it's a trap?
Maleficent practically heard the commotion inside her daughter's mind.
"I would tell if he lied. I was tired, but I always know when someone lies to me."
You sure do.
"Besides, he knows he must keep his son under control. Mr Booth saw the need for a conversation as a way to clarify things."
"And you trust him all of a sudden?"
Maleficent was tempted to reveal her reasons, but she restrained herself precisely because she knew there were certain things in her daughter's life in which she could never intervene.
"He sees conversations as an alternative measure of solving conflicts. Which is wise of him." Lily didn't even try to argue, but Maleficent couldn't find flaws on her doubts. She was just adjusting to the sudden changes in her life, August being the newest. Maleficent wanted her daughter to make friends and allies, people she could trust and love. As for her heart, dragons only had one love for life, and Maleficent wouldn't mind a fewgrandchildren. Smiling to herself, she added rather too casually, "And he likes you."
Lily squeezed her spoon so tightly in an involuntary reflex that it bent the metal. Realizing what she just did, she stared at the now useless piece of metal on her right hand, her heart beating faster and faster.
Then, "Seriously?" She huffed.
Maleficent poorly managed to keep herself from chuckling, "You know I'd only wish the best for you, my love."
A frown, "...still."
"Eat now." Maleficent told her, "We have a long day ahead of us."
It was one of those days where August would like to stay in bed all day long: cold on a weekend.
He absolutely hated it.
It took him about five minutes to actually get out of bed, wondering why the hell he agreed to become Sheriff. He remembered Emma immediately, and how strange things were between her and her family.
He felt guilty and threw the covers aside, practically running into the bathroom for a warm shower. Thirty minutes later, he left his house wearing his thickest coat, not actually eating anything but leaving a breakfast ready for his father. Geppetto also hated waking up early on cold days, and August was grateful his father had agreed not to work at weekends.
Taking his motorcycle, he drove to the police station, facing the figure of David and Grumpy waiting patiently at the police station's door.
August parked his bike, and took off his helmet, "David! Leroy!" he said cordially.
The prince gave him a short wave, while Grumpy complained, "Sleeping Beauty finally decided to show up?"
August smiled, and got off his bike, "Good morning for you two, partner."
Grumpy snorted a laugh, "You know you'd be dead if not for me, Booth. Now, open this damn door. We're freezing here."
David was watching them, "You two seem to work pretty well together." He commented, amused.
"When he's not flirting with pretty suspects, perhaps."
David raised an eyebrow at August, "He's just jealous." While Grumpy snorted, David offered August a hug in greetings. "When did you get back?"
"Yesterday night...I...Look, I'm sorry for leaving for that long. Things are..." David chuckled humorlessly, "Things are a mess."
"How's Snow?" August asked. "And Emma? Is she coming later?"
When Grumpy looked to the floor uncomfortably, David's smile vanished, and August immediately knew something was wrong.
"Come," He said. "You must be waiting for an update. Better if we not freeze."
David nodded silently, and followed August and Grumpy into the police station. August took a pair of keys out of his pocket and opened the front door, he and Grumpy opening curtains and doors as they walked through the small corridors.
"Hope you didn't get in much trouble." David said as they entered the main room.
August shook his head, "Let's say things followed a nothing out of normal path." He turned on the heater to ease the crispy cold air that seemed to be coming from the walls. "So, tell me. What happened? Is Emma okay? Is she...still Dark One?"
David closed his eyes with a deep sigh, "She is and she took off our memories," His voice was becoming angry and frustrated. "None of us—Snow, Regina, Henry—we can't remember anything of what happened on those past four weeks."
August took a while to respond, "That's...well, that's very—"
"Dark One like?" Grumpy suggested.
"I would say unusual."
David run a hand through his hair, "I don't even recognize her anymore. It's as like darkness had devoured my daughter." Then, he let out a dry laugh. "Ironic, isn't it? When Snow and I...when we...when the Author made us steal Lily from Maleficent, our thoughts were on if Emma was pure of intentions, then there was no way of her becoming a villain. But now? Nothing we ever did mattered. Emma doesn't know how to control her darkness. I fear we might lose her. Perhaps we already did."
August never saw David sound so defeated, "Can I do anything?"
"Thanks, but I don't know. She doesn't listen, not to us, Regina, Henry or anyone. Only to the darkness inside her head. Says it talks to her. Literally." David shook his head in dismay, "I honestly don't want to talk about it now. It's been really—"
"Tiring." August conceded. "I'm sorry."
David tried for a smile, "Now you give me an update: what's new around town? Any situations I might need to have a look into?"
August knew working was a way of David forgetting of his problems for a while, so he nodded, and went to his (David's) desk, taking a portfolio from inside a drawer, handing it to the prince. David frowned deeply at the tag written 'Philip Berry x Maleficent' on the front page.
"Should I be afraid?" He asked.
"You better sit before you read it." Grumpy told him and August nodded in agreement. "Trust us. It is that bad."
David leaned in against a desk and opened the portfolio, taking about fifteen minutes to read it, surprise and despair slowly building on his face.
Oh, well.
"So I've been out for four weeks and we have an assassination attempt? And against Maleficent herself?!"
Grumpy chuckled, "A bullet on the heart. Call me mad if she isn't the luckiest bitch this town ever had."
David stared, perplexed, "...how?"
"Whale." Grumpy revealed. "They were partners once or something. He apparently knows a lot about dragons. Iron can kill them, but he was fast to put her under surgery. Got her three days to wake up."
"And—I can't believe I'm going to ask this—but is Maleficent okay?"
August was the one to answer, "She's almost fully recovered. She'll be fine in a few days. A dragon's magic is strong and fast to heal."
"You talked to Whale?"
"That too. I actually paid her a visit at her home."
Grumpy grinned, "You mean you paid her dinner just because you like her kid—what's her name again?"
"Lilith." August replied. "Lily, for short."
Grumpy barked a laugh, "You're in nicknames stage already? You sly dog."
David was still recovering from the shock, "What happened between you and Lily?" but he failed not sounding amused and very curious.
"He brought her pizza in record time because God forbid making them wait." Grumpy was smirking slyly, crossing his arms and leaning against his chair.
David was quick to pick up the suggestive ton on Grumpy's voice. He looked at August with a raised eyebrow, "So...you are dating her?"
"No." But he wished he was. "I was doing her a favour. Maleficent had been just discharged from the hospital, and Lily called me saying her mother wanted to talk."
"Which means he gave her his number." Grumpy said.
"To make contact about the investigation surrounding her mother's incident." August tried to explain, though he knew very well that his intentions were far from just professional. "Buying dinner would make Lily leave her home, and she didn't want that, so she asked me to buy a pizza so her mother could eat."
David smiled, "So you did visit her."
"Yes. She's doing fine and wants to this situation to end as soon as possible. She intends to stay for good with her daughter. Even if things are so complicated for them. At least she's trying."
David's eyes were back to the portfolio on his hands, "Here you said Philip was the one to start it all." The prince sounded unconvinced. "Strange. Judge Berry was always a decent man. I can't see his son following a different path. Are you sure Maleficent didn't—"
"She didn't." Grumpy intervened. "I mean, it's her right to go shopping, uh? The prince went mad because whatever. Not really her fault."
David frowned, "Given their past, his anger is motivated."
"Which doesn't justify trying to kill her." August said. "In Aurora's testimony, she defends the woman who cursed her family rather than her own husband."
"Couldn't she be under the influence of some spell?"
"Maleficent's spells lost their effect after she got shot. Dragons enter under a state of self-preservation when they need to use all their magic to recover from a deadly injury. And so, any spells they might keep on stop working. That's why I could find her house. It was hidden behind a protection shield that has no effect now."
David nodded his understanding, "What about Lily? Did she—"
Grumpy grunted, "Not even you can blame her for breaking his nose. I would've done the same. Perhaps worse."
David cleaned his throat, "So assuming Maleficent did nothing—"
"She didn't," August insisted. "She's an extremely reasonable woman, if you ask me. She doesn't even want to have Philip charged for second degree attempted murder."
"She...doesn't?" David asked cautiously, not knowing if he had heard correctly.
"Vehemently," August replied. "She doesn't want to get in trouble. Just want some peace to...well, to live her life. I suppose we all can understand."
David felt the beginning of a headache, "When are you going to take her testimony?"
"In—" August checked his watch. "—Twenty minutes? What about a round?"
"Right. Got it." David knew this was an advice for him to leave as soon as possible. "I will get the car."
But as he turned to walk to the exit, the prince was faced with the figures of two women, mother and daughter, walking into the room.
He stopped, frozen in time, and felt air leaving his lungs. It is true that the last time he talked to the Mistress of All Evil, David had helped her to find her daughter's uncontrolled dragon form, but he remembered not being so kind. Seeing them now after a month, he immediately felt that much had changed (and improved) between them.
But Lily's stern glance at him shouted in his ears that she, just like her mother, would never forgive him.
He knew he didn't deserve it.
"Prince Charming."
The tone of challenge and mockery was clear and justified and also very well deserved.
"Maleficent." He breathed, uneasy in how to proceed next. He opted for a weak smile.
In the background, August, inevitably wishing to avoid a scene, quickly raised from his chair and approached them, "Lady Maleficent, you're here." He extended his hand in greetings, of which Maleficent politely accepted.
"Mr Booth." She looked around. "Judge Berry hasn't arrive?"
"He won't take longer than ten or fifteen minutes, don't worry." He smiled kindly, his eyes automatically falling on the other woman in there.
"Good morning, Lily." Her name came out with the same level of respect, but along a badly veiled affection. They didn't shake hands, and Lily only nodded at him. "Please, make yourself at home." He told Maleficent, who nodded slightly. "David and I were just—"
"—talking about the Saviour?" Maleficent's tone showed curiosity. She eyed David. "I take she's not well?"
The prince knew what the sorceress didn't mean by asking that. She didn't smile in victory, neither reviled on his suffering. She solely watched him with a judgemental eye that could make anyone tremble and feel like the worse person in the world. Sometimes, when remembering her pleas and screams on that fateful night, David felt just like that.
"No." He said, not wishing to go into details.
"Can I do anything?"
David stared at her for a long time, "You...what?"
Maleficent took off her hat in an attempt to look less intimidating, "I have a proposal with regard to the Saviour's unique conditions, if you are willing to listen."
August and David shared a look.
"What do you mean?" Grumpy asked, joining their circle.
"She went after me." Lily replied dryly, bringing everyone's attention to her.
"What?" David took two steps forward without even thinking. "When? Did she hurt you anyhow? What did she want?"
"A deal. My—her darkness for my father's location."
David's eyes widened a little, and Lily frowned in a warning not to even dare suggesting anything he might regret, unless he wished for a premature death in a violent and disturbingly creative way.
"She can't have it unless I agree. And I won't." She promised more to herself than to anyone. "But I want to help."
"How?"
This time, Maleficent was the one to let out a sigh, not believing what she was willing to do for her daughter, "As you well know, dragons can control their darkness. It is not a skill restricted to us, and it can be taught to others who do not carry the dragon's blood."
An idea was forming in David's head and his eyes winded in realization.
"You mean...you would teach her?"
"It wasn't my idea." Maleficent objected, and Lily didn't even need to manifest a word, bringing to light the truth behind her mother's actions.
"I...I don't know what to say." David whispered, ashamed of what he and his wife once concluded of dragons and villains and their children. It was a hero's job to remember, to have faith and a mother's love could change even the darkest of hearts.
They should've known.
"Only know it's not a guarantee. She can as much ignore me."
"But it's a start." The prince was smiling, hopeful. "Thank you very much."
The sorceress nodded in agreement. She didn't need to consider. Emma was a friend of Lily's, and if so, she would do whatever had to be done to help her leave the path of darkness. Dragons were known to be quite respectful to those who helped them willingly, and for those they cared.
If Lily cared for Emma enough to call her a friend, Maleficent would gladly help.
"Lily and I will be waiting in the hallway." She informed August.
He nodded, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. And...thanks. For Emma."
Maleficent shook her head dismissively, and touched Lily's arm in a silent suggestion to leave the room.
Outside, a dark figure listened to their interaction.
Heartbroken, she disappeared in a dark curtain of smoke.
Lily was passing. Her boots were so hard on the floor that it could've opened a hole.
She didn't care.
The conversation between her mother and the judge lasted about two hours.
Twodamned hours.
What had Lily done to deserve this? Why the hell did your mother have to be so patient? Why on earth could Lily have not taken this after her?
She sighed shakily, sitting back in her chair. In the same solitary room, August was only to befriend her. The dwarf (if Lily could call him that way) had taken the car and left for a round. August however continued to read and write reports, hoping that Maleficent and Judge Berry would use his interrogation room to talk. Lily was strictly forbidden by her mother to step in the hallway which led to said room, because she couldn't hear their conversation.
Which was exactly what David was going, by the way.
Lily didn't know what there was to talk about, but she already suspected on the judge's behaviour. Closing her eyes, she could hear his heartbeat, and he was irritated.
Definitely few knew of Maleficent's story, but if Aurora had agreed to testify in her favour, there was no reason why the judge wouldn't believe her version.
Still, Lily was distressed, and she couldn't stand in one position for more than fifteen seconds.
She got up from her chair and paced back and forth, arms crossed, her mind at full throttle.
"You okay?" August's voice calmed her down so immediately it was disturbing, and she could only sigh, stopping her passing. Staring at the ceiling, she allowed herself to hear the beating of her mother's heart, always controlled, always bringing her a little warmth.
"No." She answered the question at last, and walked to the door, leaning against the its frame, eyes narrowing at David's serious expression while he watched to whatever was being said between Maleficent and Judge Berry. Arms crossed, body straight and poised, jaw tightened, hard breathing.
Angry.
"Tea?" She heard August suggest kindly, "Maybe—"
"No, it won't."
"Alright."
Lily frowned absently. She turned to find the man re-reading the reports on his desk, not too focused (his heart beating faster, revealing anxiety). Lily wondered if it was because of the situation in which they were or because of her presence itself.
If only he looked up from his papers to answer her, however, she would be able to tell.
"They won't take much longer," August clearly noticed Lily's anxious behaviour as the reason for her sudden want to talk to him. "Judge Berry is a good man. You don't need worry."
Lily snorted, "Easier said than done."
August just nodded, continuing to try to read his papers and not think about the woman who was there with him, neither at what Grumpy mouthed at him before leaving for a patrol.
Ask her out already, you idiot!
"Emma..." the name alone made her look at him, eyes suspicious. "Asking your mother to help her, I mean, that's...that's truly admirable, considering everything that happened between your family and hers. Not everyone would be so—"
"She's my friend." She put it simple, because to her, it was that simple. "I made a promise. Won't break it just 'cause she went mad or something."
"I appreciate the thought."
"You're her friend too?" Lily needed something do distract her mind from killing people that annoyed her, finding her father and potion-making lessons she still refused to admit she loved. August would be her victim.
"I've known Emma effectively for about my whole life. Back in the Enchanted Forest, and then here. We practically grew up in the same orphanage. I met her a few times on the streets too."
"On...the streets?" like me, she almost dared to add.
August shrugged, "Didn't seem to fit in any of foster homes they put me in. Were you too—"
"Run away at 16."
August swallowed, hoping not having sound inconvenient, "Well, it's seems Emma, you and I have a lot in common." He then tried for a small smile and Lily pondered. In fact, she never give it much thought. Sure, now it could only make sense. She felt they also shared a connection—they were probably raised together? He was Pinocchio, sent with Emma in the wardrobe before the Dark Curse devoured them both. If they got lost, it was obvious that yes, and back to Storybrooke they became loyal friends, it was typically something of fate playing with people's lives.
"She changed." She said out of nothing, seeming to be talking to herself rather than to anyone. August raised an eyebrow, ready to make a question when she quickly cut him off, "I meant evil."
He hesitated, "...evil."
Lily's frown told him as much, "The white hair is bad enough."
August chuckled softly at the relief of the tension brought by a joke.
"She's going to accept it, right? The help, I mean? Mom can help. She helped me."
August internally wished his answer was positive, "The problem is to make her accept she needs help. That's the trick part. Dark Ones aren't...easily convinced. It's the other way around, actually."
Lily felt the feelings of hope and happiness vanishing her heart, and let out a tired sigh that spoke for itself. August understood her frustration.
He felt a sudden wish to make it go away.
"You said she wanted to help you find your father." He repeated her words, in an encouragement to explain herself, to open up with him, because he was there for her if she needed him to.
"She wants her darkness back," and said darkness was barking something about not trusting strangers and killing heroes but Lily didn't give a second thought. August wasn't a Charming.
But then again, Emma was, and that's messy.
"...perhaps I can help you?"
Oh, damn it. Why does he have to sound like he cares that much?
"I don't even know who he is." She confessed in a frustrated hiss, eyes finding the ground beneath her feet in defeat.
August's expression showed understanding, "Maleficent didn't meet him in human form then?"
Lily looked up at him, "How do you—?"
"I'm familiar with the way of the dragon. I've studied them before—dragons, I mean." Lily's cheeks gained a little colour and August found it so endearing he didn't try to avoid the smile that came to his lips. "I wanted to learn about magic—for medical purposes. So I became an Apprentice...Well, not an Apprentice exactly. The Dragon was a healer and I became one too. He taught me about dragons. Sort of."
Lily stared at him for a long time. She was genuinely surprised. Her mother spoke very highly of the Dragon, and therefore, if he chose August to be his Apprentice as a healer, then he must really be a worthy person—in dragon standards, which Lily knew to be far more true than human ones. Dragons did not trust easily, but as they make friends or allies, it was a lifelong alliance. They did not break their promises, nor hurt innocent people. They are neither sadistic nor cruel, always attacking in response to a previous attack, and it was an act of dishonour to hurt those who can't defended themselves. For a human without magic to be chosen as apprentice of a dragon represented the ultimate sign of good will...at least for dragons.
"You know the Dragon." She deadpanned. She still couldn't believe.
August nodded, "That I do. He has been a friend for a long time."
"And where is he now?"
Maybe he could help me?
"New York."
Shit.
"Right." Lily murmured a curse, scoffing at herself as the vague sense of hope that stormed into her heart vanished stupidly fast.
"But if I can help..." Lily's anger intensified at how willing this man felt, to the point of speaking freely, as only close friends would. "I certainly don't know more about dragons than you or your mother, but if I can do anything, you just need to—"
"—I only have one clue about him." Lily interrupted, and August nodded, patiently waiting for her to continue. She cleaned her throat, "A piece of my eggshell."
"And tracking spells don't work on dragons like they do on humans. I see." August remembered the Dragon once mentioning this. "There must be someone who might know anything about him. Or dragons in general."
Lily sighed, "The fairies?"
August raised an eyebrow, "You think they can help?"
"I don't even know if they will listen."
"I could convince them." Words were leaving his month without any control of his brain, but his heart only.
"How?" Lily asked, intrigued.
"The Blue Fairy's the leader of them, and obviously, part of my tale. She's a friend. If you want, I can talk to her."
"Just like that?"
Don't blame her for being suspicious. There was always a catch on things. No one did other favours if they didn't wan anything in return.
However, she wasn't in the place to deny any help, no matter from whom it came from. And she really wanted to be closer to him.
Yeap, she had it bad.
"Look—"
"Mr Berry!"
David's voice rang down the hall. Lily's attention immediately turned to the figure of the judge entering the main room, and she felt herself despairing without even noticing her mother's smirk as she also walked down the corridor, following the judge's steps into the room.
"There will be no judgement." Mr Berry announced, and Lily almost fell back, gaping.
August got up from his chair, "Come again?"
The man sighed, pitching his nose, "Sheriff?"
David promptly stood at his side, "Mr Berry?"
"Do whatever it takes so this case is silenced as fast as possible. No investigation will be necessary because there will be no judgement. Everything will be done as agreed." His voice were firm and full of promises. "I don't want to hear anything about it." He told August, "There is no need to more bloodshed. We no longer live in a world of tales and I may not be king, but if there is something I can understand is the pain of a parent." His gaze met Maleficent's, who nodded to him in understanding.
August bit his lip to hold back a smile. His plan had worked out more than right.
The judge didn't want to insist, "It will be better for everyone." He turned to Maleficent and Lily, "My ladies." and then turned to the others. "Gentlemen."
"I'll walk you to the door." David offered and they both walked down the hall.
The room was filled with a tense silence until Lily took courage to ask, "What the hell happened?" She was not happy with such a peaceful outcome, much less the darkness of her heart, but there was nothing she could do about it.
"He will let us be. I had his word on it."
"And you believe him? He's not like us." A dragon, Lily meant. How to believe in the words of a human?
"He's an honourable man, as ironic it may sound I admitting it out loud. The least I could do is believe him."
"Are you sure?"
"Trust me, child." And Lily sighed, nodding, and Maleficent gave her a weak smile before turning to the clock on the wall, reading 10:15 AM. "Shall we go?"
Lily looked at August for almost a second, then looked back at her mother, "There's something I want to tell you."
Maleficent raised an eyebrow, "Well, then tell me."
When Lily did not seem to know how to talk, August intervened, "My lady, I, uh...Lily," He looked at her and smiled, "She told me about your...struggle to find your husband."
It was the first time someone addressed her twin flame as her husband and Maleficent was startled at how appealing it sounded. Because he was her husband...technically.
Yet she didn't let it show how much it affected her, smirking instead, "And I hope you know something by bringing this subject up?"
"Well, yes," August was nervous, "About talking to the fairies. You know, I'm a friend of the Blue Fairy and I thought—"
Maleficent actually laughed, "Reul Ghorm would never allow me access to her precious pixie dust, if that's what you're suggesting, Mr Booth. If you read my tale as you said you did, you know fairies are not keen to help people twice."
"This time she will. She owns me that much."
Maleficent's eyes were inquisitive and cautious, as if studying a prey from a hidden spot. She found herself asking, "Why do this?", however obvious the answer might be. August wasn't going this for her—she knew that too well. He was doing this for Lily. They even shared a longing glance before he replied, "Do I have a reason not to?"
And, oh, well, no matter the outcome of this, Maleficent already approved.
Lily deserved as much.
"Can I help?"
The Convent of the Sisters of Saint Meissa was a home to the fairies, and they all seemed to be very happy in there, despise living under several rules. They were all young, naturally beautiful and kind, and maybe, just maybe, if Lily said "please", they wouldn't ignore her and her mother like the rest of the townsfolk.
Thankfully, August had his way with people.
And women.
She sighed. It figures that no one had attacked them yet. It was stupid of her to hope. It was rather odd to be ignored by half of town to later get home and be greeted with a smile. It was an enormous contrast between love and prejudice—the hypocrisy of heroes and the goodness of a villain. Despite being used to a difficult life, Lily was still trying to adapt herself to the city—to the totally strange people who cast her stern looks every time she walked around. She was aware she wasn't well seen by them—she had them scared with her dragon form and it was understandable they didn't trust her.
Yet…
"Oh, August!" A young brown-haired fairy welcomed him with a bright smile and a hug, "It's so good to see you! What brings you here?"
"I was expecting to speak to Blue." August replied. "Is she available?"
"Currently out to town, but if I can help?" She already noticed the two women with him. "And those are? Oh, my lack of manners. Pardon me." Her smile was wide and kind and innocent, and neither Maleficent or Lily were able to deny her a polite greeting, "Good morning. I'm Nova. A pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise." Maleficent smiled. "A fairy yet?"
"I graduated a few years ago." She tried for a smile which didn't meet the slight sadness in her eyes. "What brings you to the convent? Oh, are you here because of the children?"
"Children?" Maleficent asked.
"We're in charge of the orphanage, and sadly, there are many children that would need a home. Do you wish to see them?"
"I doubt that."
Nova and Lily jumped, August chuckled, and Maleficent pursed her lips, all turning to the owner of such cold and stern voice.
"Mother Superior!"
The Blue Fairy was a short woman with a hard face and mysterious eyes that one wouldn't soon forget. She carried herself with the same type of arrogance Snow White and her Prince did, and Lily instantaneously knew it wouldn't be easy to convince her to help.
"Reul Ghorm." Maleficent smirked softly as she noticed Blue straighten herself, trying not to look frightened. Lily was quick to note the obvious tension between the two other women. "You look well."
Blue narrowed her eyes at the dragon, "Why are you here, Maleficent?"
"Maleficent?" Nova spoke out, drawing attention to herself. "Oh, dear."
"Sister Nova." The young fairy trembled at the sound of her name. "Weren't you waited at the kitchens?"
Nova nodded three times, "Y-yes. Of course." She turned to Lily and Maleficent. "Excuse me."
The young fairy practically ran, hurried and ashamed. The sound of her low heels hitting repeatedly against the floor went down the corridor and quickly disappeared, until the pair of dragons and the leader of the fairies—and August—found themselves alone.
Blue broke the silence, "Mr Booth?" The man smiled at her, which immediately softened her features. "Are those women with you?"
"We are." Lily was soon saying, not wanting any guilt to fall upon her mother.
Blue looked at her from top to bottom, not seeming to recognize her.
"Are you are...?"
"Lilith."
No longer Paige.
"Lilith." Blue pondered the name and raised an eyebrow to Maleficent, "She looks just like you."
The dragon sorceress smirked, "Don't I know that?"
Blue shook her head, "Why do you need?"
August answered, "Your help."
Blue watched the man warily, a suspicious glimpse playing in her eyes.
"I don't know how I can help you." She told Maleficent.
The sorceress was honest, "You may be my—our last resort." She paused, hating herself for showing any vulnerability. "Do you know of other dragons that were brought here? By the Dark Curse?"
Blue won a sad countenance, and Lily felt herself tremble with the possibilities.
"I'm afraid I'm not the one whose help you need."
"Why?"
Blue sighed, "Because there are people who may suit you better."
Lily would have said something else if her mother hadn't touched her arm, stopping her. The dragon was watching the fairy closely, and it seemed as if they were communicating without words. It was under Lily's fair knowledge of her mother's past that they had known each other for a long time, but Lily never wondered if they were friends.
In fact, it was Blue who helped Maleficent finding her twin flame, but Lily did not know that yet.
"Lily, wait here."
The young woman hesitated at that, posture tensing. It wasn't as she didn't trust her mother but she had never heard her voice sound as serious as now.
"Mom—"
"Lilith."
Her voice sounded harsh, firm, and very convincing, and Lily just gave in. She ended up watching them talk from a safe distance and didn't dare trying to hear what they were talking about or read their lips. Maleficent obviously knew she was being watched and cast a spell to prevent her daughter from hearing anything. Lily wasn't offended by her mother's actions. She was sure frustrated to be left out of something that could be so important, but she relied on her judgement. She knew nothing coming from her would ever do her any harm. Whatever the hell it was that Blue knew, Maleficent didn't think her daughter was ready to listen yet.
Still, her mother's expression was ineligible, and it made Lily feel angry.
Until one person caught her attention...again.
"So..." She heard August start gently, and swallowed, returning to fix her gaze on her mother, and suddenly the conversation she was having with the Blue Fairy was no longer interesting, no more than the clear presence of a man at her side. "You okay?" He spoke with reluctance, but it was with that type of concern as to make Lily scoff.
"No."
Why was he talking to her?
"Because your mother doesn't want you to know what's happening."
"That too."
August opened a smile and damn—Lily was blushing, "Can't you try to hear what they are saying? Dragons have super hearing, right?"
Lily cleaned her throat, feeling her lips suddenly dry, "Why are you talking to me?" She asked, the darkness playing with her, leading her into a path of destruction.
And August was so uncomfortable that his eyes chose to avoid hers as much as possible as he babbled a weak apologize, "I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...I'm sorry."
Oh.
Oh, he sounded so hurt.
Damn it.
"Look—" Lily sought for the kind of niceness and manners she had been taught as a child, and so the pause endured for some moments. She groaned internally, "It's not you, okay? I just—" She just knew she sounded mediocre and cheap—in thought, act, speech and sympathy. "I'm not used to...to people."
August looked so confused that Lily almost felt embarrassed, "...people?"
"Helping."
"Ah." His soft eyes prevailed. "I see."
That made her frown, "You don't. You don't even know me."
August shrugged his shoulders, and bestowed on her a very daring look, "Maybe I want to."
Now her heart was beating loudly against her ears and sternum.
Lily cursed, folding her arms in that old self-protective measure to avoid trouble. Because August's smile was so...handsome and she found herself fighting that strange feeling at ease when near him, which was starting to become so natural that she started to question her own sanity.
She looked away, not waiting to face the man whose smile made her heart beat faster, as if to irritate her any further.
To make matters worse, she was alone there while her mother spoke to that pretentious fairy, and August had to come up with a disarming smile that made Lily want to smile almost immediately.
You can either be happy in the future or angry about the past, her mother's words were mantra in her head, making the darkness in her head stop screaming.
"Look, I..." She had to sigh. "I don't have time for this."
He blinked, startled, "...this?"
Lily's glare was back on her mother's figure, "She's hurting. Doesn't want me to know a bloody thing about it—wants to coddle me all the time. And I know—" She added as she felt August about to interrupt her, "—that's a mother thing, but I'm not a baby anymore. I can take it."
"You think she's hiding something?"
Lily snorted, "It's obvious. And if the Blue Fairy won't help, then I don't know what else I can do. I don't have any sources and thatbloody book didn't help either."
"You mean the Once Upon A Time book?" Lily's answer was a short nod. "Have you spoke to the Author?" He asked carefully, hoping Lily would show interest, willingness, and total attention to continue.
It worked, "Isn't he trapped behind that door?" That's what the Apprentice told her, anyway.
"Not anymore. After Cruella died—"
Lily turned to him so abruptly that he stopped in mid sentence, her eyes flashing shades of gold, "Where. He. Is?"
August swallowed, "An asylum. Regina thought it was better to lock him up."
Lily heard the darkness laughing inside her head, telling her to disappear, "Take me to him. Now." She gave her mother a last glance, realizing she was too distracted (or not) in her conversation with the Blue Fairy to notice anything.
"What about your mother?"
"She knows." That was an understatement. Maleficent would be furious at her child for just disappearing without an explanation if she wasn't already very aware of what was happening.
Plus, Lily needed answers on her own.
"Let's go."
A/N: In case you are confused - yes, it will be Isaac the one to tell Lily who her father is - but not where he is. And no, it won't be exactly a surprise. I've been writing hints on who he is since chapter 1. ;) Anyway, I hope you enjoyed. Next chapter will...well, I have no idea when I'm updating. Probably by the end of the week, I'm any lucky. See ya!