Hey I'm back guys! And I know you've been waiting a long time for this update, so I tried to make it as great as I possible can. This chapter was so much fun to write, I got to be a little more creative and add some drama in here and got to show more of charming's qualities which was nice. and a very different twist to Rumple's revenge which I hope you all enjoyed. Plus I always love writing the evil charming moments, which I'm sure we've all missed I tried really hard with this one, so I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

I'm so sorry that this took so long and hope that this long chapter will keep you going for a while, as I start Uni in a week and may not get round to updating for some time. And a big thank you to you guys for bearing with me and my procrastination, busy month preparing for Uni and busyness with my other fandoms. Anyway, enjoy! Oh and thank you to hear-the-whispers for looking over this for me.

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time

XIX: Save Me

A shattering crash awoke Regina with a start. She yawned and rubbed her eyes wearily, before looking around the room. Apart from the faint streams of moonlight that peaked through her curtains and bathed her bed in a misty glow, the room was completely black.

Regina's eyebrows knitted into a small frown as she slipped out of her bed and groggily left the room. The nightly, chilly air snuck under her silky, icy blue nightgown, causing a shiver to ripple up her spine. Folding her arms protectively against the breeze she padded down the hall when she heard a small thud. Regina froze as if stunned by magic. She held her breath and waited for the sound again, sure that her ears had deceived her. The staircase groaned from below, protesting against the heavy footsteps and confirming her worries.

Regina exhaled, trying to calm down her thundering heart. She took a few steps back and leant against the wall. It definitely wasn't someone she knew; if it was Henry or someone else from the Charming family then they would have declared themselves. This person was definitely an intruder, and Regina didn't have magic. Regina swallowed, fear gripping her heart. She had cursed so many people, ripped apart too many families and ruined thousands of lives; she feared that one of her victims was here for revenge.

The footsteps grew louder with each second and the Magic-less Witch quickly stumbled down the hall, hoping to reach the bathroom where she could lock herself inside and think of a plan. There was nothing in there she could use to defend herself, but perhaps she could sneak out of the window? She was sure there was a tree nearby she could grab hold of and climb down, and then she'd run to Mary Margaret's apartment, where her son was. Yes, she knew she was definitely not welcome at the Charming's home but she knew they'd have to make an exception, especially after the promise Emma made for Henry's sake. Or she could simply lock herself in there and pray that this person left?

Regina gasped as a rough hand gripped her own, the breath leaving her lungs as the intruder whirled her around to face them. The shadows seemed to mask most of their face but under the faint moonlight, he resembled a tall, shadowy figure, and Regina could make out his lanky stature, his rugged beard and long, greasy strips of hair. A revolting stench filled her nostrils, a mixture of bitter rum and sweat.

Regina struggled against his tight grip, his hands now clutching both of her wrists. Fear consumed her and her instincts took over. She kicked him in the shin and opened her mouth she went to let out a shrilling scream before his clothed hand cupped her mouth, suppressing her scream. Her weak kick hadn't weakened him at all. The sweet gas of chloroform soon filled her lungs, causing Regina's legs to tremble. Her eyes fluttered as she fought the woozy, sleepy sensation that was taking over her body, the gas now pungent and thick on her tongue. A small groan escaped Regina's lips as she fell into her perpetrator's arms, her eyes shut, surrendering to her heavy slumber.

…

Regina stirred and let out an aching groan. Her mouth and throat were dry as if she had swallowed ashes and her body throbbed all over. Instinctively she went to stretch her arms and arch her back; however she became aware that she was leaning against something hard and that her wrists were numb and raw against scratching material. Regina cringed and struggled against her firm restraints, wincing as her skin rubbed against what felt like bark; she was tied to a tree.

Regina's eyes fluttered open and she groaned again in pain, the after effects of the chloroform taking place. Her legs felt like rubber as she struggled to hold her weight, her surroundings had blurred like a distant dream, she was sure she was close to passing out again and she felt like she had been swallowed by the sea, caught in a current and spat out face first by a tumbling, crashing wave.

The former Mayor took a few deep, calming breaths, knowing that panicking was the worst thing she could do right now. She just had to remain calm and think. Slowly her vision returned to her, she was in a clearing in Storybrook's forest; a few stars glimmered above and the crescent moon hung in the sky, washing the field in its pearly radiance. She could hear the wind rustling the leaves and the faint chirps and hums from the native animals, but other than that it was quiet. She shivered, her thin nightgown little protection against the harsh breeze.

"I see you have awoken…your Majesty."

Regina's head snapped up, fierce flames lighting her narrow eyes in search of her Kidnapper. She watched the mysterious man step out from the trees, a twisted grin curling his lips. Regina could clearly see his features now, a pointed chin, two coal-black, sharp eyes and a mop of mattered, filthy curls: they all seemed to suit his casual, tattered clothing and laced boots.

"You bastard," Regina shot at him, struggling against her restraints. "Unhand me now, or I swear you will regret it," she stopped, wincing as another wave of pain rippled through her. "You have no idea what I'm capable of," she finished, pushing through her pain to make her voice sound as menacing as possible.

She continued to struggle against her binds, wincing when they rubbed painfully against her skin, leaving behind a burning mark. Her head fell back against the tree trunk, dizziness making her faint. But she still tried to maintain her aloof composure, even if she was close to collapsing.

The man just chuckled, his cold eyes never leaving hers. "Now you and I both know that you have no magic. If you did you would have used it now."

"What do you want?" she snapped at him through gritted teeth.

Her Assaulter tilted his head to the side, staring at her closely. "You don't remember me do you?"

Confusion tinged her eyes. "Remember you?"

He stifled a bitter laugh and made his way towards her, a gleaming knife in his hand. "Of course you wouldn't, but I could never forget you. You took everything away from me," his voice rose into an aggressive yell, his eyes livid with anger.

Regina inhaled sharply, trying to maintain her controlled stature, and for the life of her she had no idea who this man was. Though it shouldn't be too surprising, she had murdered and ruined many lives in the Enchanted Forest, one of them was bound to take their revenge soon.

He shook his head incredulously. "You still don't remember me do you?" Her fierce expression and silence gave him the answer. "You killed her," he said quietly, squeezing his eyes shut. "You were passing by the forest and she was out there, my little Rose…she was searching for berries for tonight's raspberry pie," his voice cracked at the painful memory, his knife trembling in his hand. "She tripped on the side of the road in front of your passing carriage, and you ordered your knights to have her removed and killed," he swallowed painfully, breaking out of the distant memory. His eyes flashed ferociously at her. "She was just ten, and you had her slaughtered and disposed of as if she was nothing but trash on the streets!"

Regina repressed a small sigh, a foggy memory drifting back to her. She couldn't quiet remember having his daughter killed, but she remembered her journey on the evening she enacted the curse, she was passing the forest on her way to Snow White's Castle and consumed with her hunger for vengeance. Impatient and irritated at any delays, she ordered an immediate disposal of anyone who stood in her way, including this man's daughter.

Regina opened her mouth, her mind frantically searching for the rights words, perhaps an explanation for her actions? Anything that could save her life, but she just eyed his lethal weapon, lost for words. No, she didn't feel guilty for what she had done, but knew tonight she would pay the price for it.

"And now," he whispered, his pungent breath brushing her face. "You will pay."

Regina's eyes widened with trepidation as he pushed her up against the tree, struggling against her restraints and his grip. The blade from his knife kissed and traced the curve of her neck with such precision, his eyes fixated on faint path he made on her almond skin. The glimmering metal slid down to the sides of her curves as Regina fought roughly against her ropes, spitting poisonous insults at him. Just as she did so he slashed the blade across her skin, slicing the side of her nightgown before he grasped the material and jerked. Regina shrieked as it slid down her frame into a crumpled heap, leaving her half naked, shaking and vulnerable.

Regina cried out at searing pain and she felt herself sliding against the tree, her bound wrists just holding her up. She took a trembling breath and from the corner of her eye, examined the four-inch, vicious gash that ran down the side of her ribcage.

Her aggressor quickly reached into his pocket, pulled out a flask and delicately tilted the blade of the knife into the bottle, letting the blood drip into the flaming liquid like precious rubies. He admired the concoction before turning back to his former Queen, his eyes narrowing vindictively.

She shivered, her teeth chattering as the icy, whistling wind crashed against her bare skin. Fear clawed its way to her stomach when she noticed his eyes darken maliciously as they wandered over her naked skin, and Regina felt herself shrink under his scrutiny. Cut, sick and dressed only in her underclothing she realized just how vulnerable she was.

"I should just leave you here to die," he said, his eyes glimmering cruelly. "Let the bugs feast on you, let you freeze until you can't feel the bark rubbing up against your bare skin and there are animals, from bears to snakes, all of them hungry for a snack."

Regina's eyes slowly murdered him when he breathed out a chuckle, although inside, she was absolutely terrified. It was quite possible that this indeed would be her fate, unless she got her magic back.

"And if they didn't kill you, then starvation surely would," he finished, his eyes dancing at the thought.

Regina winced when she felt a sharp nip on her leg and looked down, a mosquito feasting on her leg. Quickly she rubbed her calf against her other leg, getting rid of the bug. When she looked up he was standing in front of her, his face inches from hers and his eyes wandering down her frame.

His nauseating, bitter aroma made her stomach churn. Horrified, she felt him trace her skin with the back of his fingers as he murmured into the shell of her ear,

"Unfortunately I made a deal with another man and he decided your fate, though I was paid handsomely to see that the deed would be carried out."

Immediately Regina spat in his face and she kicked him in the stomach, causing him to topple backwards. Her stormy eyes shot daggers into him.

"You bastard," she gritted malevolently as he stood back up, recovering from the shock of her attack. She knew exactly just whom he had made a 'deal' with, and her insides bubbled and fumed with hot anger when she thought of it. Gold. "You're not going to walk out of here alive, I promise you."

He just chuckled amusingly, "Think what you will but only one of us is dying tonight, and it's not me. I will see to it that you pay for what you did."

Puzzlement passed Regina's eyes as she watched him turn around, apprehension freezing her insides. Regina knew her fate lied in the potion he was so fixated on, and knowing it was from Gold she knew it would surely be a punishment worst than death. Yet he wasn't putting it on her nor forcing her to drink it: Regina was completely clueless as to what it was.

The old man reached the middle of the clearing and poured the liquid on the scattered leaves before he quickly took a step back. Immediately raging, purple flames flumed up, they roared and danced in a murdering inferno.

Regina gasped at the sight and turned to the man, who cast her one last malicious grin before he fled. Regina swallowed, her eyes on the spiraling fire.

It was no ordinary fire; this fire seemed to grow with such intensity, rising to the height of the three hundred feet pine trees, it whirled and spun viciously like a tornado.

Regina winced against the burning light and was sure that at this rate, the flames would soon engulf the entire forest, but the majestic fire didn't seem to burn any trees. In fact, the leaves underneath it were unscathed. Even so, Regina didn't want to take her chances and, closing her eyes she concentrated, desperately trying to channel magic towards her bound wrists. A frustrated groan pushed through her lips when her magic failed and she struggled violently, kicking the tree behind her, her nails digging into her skin and her wrists shaking with frustration.

"Come on!" She growled, before giving up.

Her head fell back against the tree, it was useless. An ear splitting roar brought her attention back to the flames, which were now thrashing violently in the air. Regina's blood froze when she heard the shriek again, and a shadow grew rapidly in the fire. It writhed within the blazing inferno before a head broke out of the flames, its mouth opened in a piercing shriek.

A glass-shattering scream broke through Regina's lips; her knees buckling and she fell halfway down, pain shooting through her wrists as they bore the brunt of her weight.

The beast slowly rose to its full height, knocking down a few trees as it stretched its neck and took up half the clearing, its head almost poking above the roof of the forest. It had the body of a lizard, a long, sloping body covered with a pattern of crimson scales followed by an extended, scaly turtle like neck. Four bent legs held the creature up, its clawed paws scraping through the dirt. A tail, a monstrous, scorpion tail curved up rigidly from the rear, its stinger dripping with purple venom. However, its face was the most distinguished feature. It had a head of a snake, scaly, flat and smooth, its golden eyes were like drops of amber jewels on its sunken holes and its mouth opened wide like the depths of a cave, revealing pointed, jagged fangs oozing with poison. A wild, speckled frill sprouted around its face, adding to its fearsome look.

Its beady eyes turned towards her, as if staring straight into her soul. Regina swallowed past the lump that had formed in her throat, realizing what fate Rumpelstiltskin had summoned for her. It was a Dragor, the most dangerous mythological reptile. It was a creature corrupted by dark magic, a mixture between a scorpion, snake and lizard, taking each of the animals' most distinguished form. She remembered reading about it in one of her mother's books, of course she had never believed that such a beast existed, and if her mother's books were right, then the pain this animal would cause her…

Regina paled a ghostly white at the thought. Just one bite from its poisonous fangs would cause its victim the most unbearable, constant pain beyond imagination. One bite would put the victim into their own living hell, making them a prisoner of their own mind, a slave to their nightmares, and regrets, every horrible past experience, every painful moment they endured and every aching memory they had would be relieved day and night. And she did not want to hang around long enough to experience it.

"Okay, okay," she muttered, trying not to panic.

Just think, she told herself firmly, as the Dragor narrowed its yellow, glistening eyes, howling wildly. She shut her eyes and concentrated on burning the ropes, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't set herself free.

Regina let out an anguish huff, returning her attention to the creature that was making its way towards her, its pounding footsteps cracking the ground.

"Oh god," she breathed, her chest rising and falling with each of her breaths.

She tried again to conjure her magic and blast the beast away, but still nothing happened. Giving up she shut her eyes, her mind on Henry, Narelle and…David. She was determined for them to be her last thoughts before the pain would take her away.

…

Heavy hooves pounded on the dirty track, and David had to repress a rejoicing yell as he galloped down the road. The passing trees and forest blurred around him and the wind crashed into his face, ruffling his hair. He admitted that he felt ridiculous earlier on; his sword strapped onto his saddle and his old Prince Charming clothes on. Yet he couldn't resist the temptation to dress in his old attire and ride under the starry night, his old, simple pleasures giving him comfort. It was just what he needed to clear his head after his discussion with Mary Margaret.

A screeching roar caught David's attention and he quickly pulled on the hose's reigns, stopping it in its tracks. He looked for the source of the noise and to his horror saw what seemed to be a towering, purple fire, flailing in the wind. He saw the trees shake and the tops of the trees ripple with thundering footsteps. Quickly he reached for his sword and turned his horse around, heading towards the forest.

…

A lashing tongue rolled out of the Dragor's mouth, like a sharp, crimson carpet it flickered in a small hiss. Its fuming breaths blew in her face as it neared her and Regina took a deep breath, preparing herself.

"REGINA!"

Her head shot up, relief and shock washing over her face. "David!"

Its pointed fangs stabbed the center of her skin between her shoulder and neck, narrowly missing her artery. It sunk deep into her flesh, causing a penetrating scream to tear apart her lips. And in that split second she felt pain beyond anything she had ever imagined. She felt its fangs tear apart her skin and inject in its fiery poison, like malting lava surging under her skin and burning her insides. Like all the air had been sucked from her lungs and she struggled to fight for a breath. It was as if a fat hand had clawed its way into her, squeezing her insides, crushing her bones and scratching her skin.

And in that same second she faintly head Charming's maddening voice yelling for the Creature's attention and heard the thwack of a heavy object hitting the Dragor, before she was released from its clutches.

Regina's eyes fluttered as her knees gave in and she fell forward, yet her bound wrists still forced her to stand, and she wanted more than anything to be free of her restraints.

The creature made its way towards David and he swore under his breath, watching the beast with wide eyes. A million questions raced through his mind, what the hell was this thing, where had it come from and why was it attacking a tied up Regina? But he had no time for questions so he took off, running into the depths of the forest and scarcely missing a lash from the majestic fire.

David reached a crowd of trees and turned around. He rested against a tree and stopped briefly to catch his breath. The creature didn't seem to follow him but stood in the clearing, its eyes searching for him.

In that moment David saw his chance and seized it, darting out from the trees and behind the creature, stabbing its skin with the point of his sword. Yet the sword didn't even inflict a small cut, doing nothing but alerting the Dragor to David's whereabouts. The red reptile spun around, howling in anger. In a flash David was off again, running to the other side of the clearing.

"How the hell do you kill this thing!" the Prince shouted, ducking under the beast's swiping claw.

Regina groaned and forced herself to stand on trembling legs, her wincing eyes searching for him.

"The head," she croaked, her head falling back faintly against the tree. She took a deep breath and tried again. "The head!" she managed to yell this time, trembling from pain and exhaustion. "It's the weak spot!"

The head David thought, narrowly missing another blow from the creature's paw. A plan formed in his mind, it wasn't a great one but it would have to do for the time being.

He stopped in his tracks to momentarily recover his breath before he was off again, this time running towards the Dragor. Its head shot forward, its tongue lashing out for him and, taken by surprise David tripped and rolled over to his side, scarcely missing its daggered teeth. Scampering up again he put his brief plan into action and sped around the monster and ran circles around it, hoping to confuse the beast.

It wasn't smart and he had learned of its poor eyesight and as he expected, the creature spun around to keep up with the dashing David, giving David time to think. Whilst doing this, the Dragor's tail flung around and lashed across Regina's ribs, causing her to fall forward at the searing, venomous pain.

David knew he couldn't keep this up for long and needed to slice the beasts head off before it caused any more damage, and he couldn't do if he remained on the ground, three hundred feet below the creature's head.

He raced off into the forest, hoping that like before, the beast's poor eyesight would give him an advantage. And as predicted, the Dragor stopped at the clearing to search for him, rather than follow him into the forest's dark depths.

Charming reached the same crowd of trees and, fastening the sword into his belt, he began to climb a tree, his hands growing raw and red with each branch he clutched onto. Years of living in Storybrook had put him out of shape since his days as Prince Charming, so his legs shook and occasionally his foot slipped off a branch, but to his surprise he was successfully climbing this tree.

James's glimmering sword winked in the moonlight, capturing the Dragor's attention. It roared and stomped over, tongue fluttering and amber eyes darkening with hunger. James quickly increased his speed; adrenaline pumping through him as he pushed himself to climb further and faster, praying that he would reach the top by the time the Dragor reached him.

He wasn't quick enough, and with one swipe from its paw it yanked the tree out so it came toppling over, carrying David with it. He clutched onto the tree and braced himself as the tree crashed onto the ground.

Regina cried when she saw her former lover roll to the ground, bruised and sore, but still alive. Even so, she knew he was in no fighting position.

"David!" she cried, pain and desperation clinging onto her voice.

And as the Dragor approached him with rumbling footsteps, fear dug its way to her heart and chilled her bones. It squeezed her chest and gripped her lungs until she felt she was incapable of breathing. She remembered when she had lost him before, the absolute heartbreak she felt, because no matter what pain she had endured this night, nothing was as worst as losing him.

I can't lose him…I can't lose him…I can't lose him

The words circled in her mind like a soaring falcon, they gnawed at her stomach and completely consumed her… they were all she could think about. He was all she could think about, her unconditional love for him and the fear of losing him.

I can't lose him…I can't lose him…I can't lose him

Trepidation bubbled inside of her, it spat and brewed and rose, it crackled on her skin and sparked her fingertips. It swirled into a majestic ball of light, lingering on her fingertips. And unknowing to Regina, the rope began to sizzle and redden with fire. It was burning off her wrists. Yet Regina continued to stare at the man she loved, his death nearing him with every beat of her heart.

I can't lose him…I can't lose him…I can't lose him

Suddenly Regina shrieked, an almost ear splitting scream, flinging her hands forward. The majestic force that was bubbling and hissing on her fingertips was thrown forward, the blinding ball bolting towards the Dragor's direction. Her white magic hit the scarlet creature directly in the chest, knocking it sideways.

Regina's eyes widened with pure and utter shock, staring at her fingers. She had magic. She suddenly felt weak, very, very weak; it was as if her own magic had drained her of her remaining strength. Her eyes fluttered closed just after she saw the Dragor topple over, satisfied that David was safe for now and had a fighting chance. Regina swayed on the spot and, with every ounce of her body screaming with pain and exhaustion; she collapsed, surrendering to unconsciousness.

David hurriedly recovered from his shock of Regina's magic and the monster's sudden collapse before he scampered up, taking his chance. The Dragor was on its side, shaking with aggravation and irritation. David reached the beast and casting it one final, stony look, he raised his sword in the air and jumped. His sword struck down with immense force and sliced its head off. The Dragor's final, shrilling groan died in its throat as its withering body slowed down until it was frozen, the light fading from its glassy eyes. It was dead.

David dropped his sword, releasing an aching, yet relieved sigh. His eyes darted around in search of Regina, fear squeezing his heart when he eyes fell on the unconscious, former Mayor.

David knelt beside Regina and rolled her onto her back, examining her wounds. Two bloody, vicious cut was slashed across each side of Regina's ribs. A snaking scar was slit under the curve of her neck and her wrists were inflamed and cut from her ropes. He saw nasty bug bites all over her legs and arms, and bruises branded her skin.

Anger spat and bubbled inside him like a shaken can of soda, his face reddening with rage. Someone had done this to her, David knew he shouldn't be too surprised that someone wanted to take their revenge on the 'Evil Queen', but this? This was twisted, sick and evil. His jaw tightened and fists clenched when he remembered what he had seen earlier, Regina tied up in her underwear, helpless against the beast. He imagined what the sick bastard had done to her before he had arrived, and his stomach churned at the thought.

Quickly he returned his attention back to her wounds, anger wouldn't do him any good now. He needed to fix her. His eyes rounded with horror when they landed on her neck, and he knew that none of her injuries could compare to this. He gently tilted her head backwards to get a closer look.

Drops of purple poison dripped from the two holes where the beast had stabbed her. Her neck had swollen considerably to a nasty plum colour, a yellow blister had formed in the junction between her shoulder and neck, and he could faintly see the poison bubbling under her skin. It was a grotesque sight that would surely make Snow White faint, and he was only glad he had reached her before the poison had done any more damage.

Standing up David hurried into the forest, remembering a special plant his mother had shown him when he was young, they had medical properties that would surely suck out her poison. He vaguely remembered passing by some when he last ventured into the forest, and was sure that more could be found somewhere.

He spotted some nearby a creek; the leaves were seaweed green, freckled with yellow spots and had sharp points that shot out at each end like a starfish. Grabbing a fistful of the mystical plant he raced back to the clearing.

He pressed the leaves to the pinpoint holes of Regina's neck, breathing out a sigh of relief when the sticky, purple poisoned oozed out onto the leaves. Once he had drenched one of the leaves he chucked it away and took another one, repeating the process until he had extracted most of the toxin from her blood. Her neck was still swollen and her blister still visible, but the plum colour had faded significantly and there was no more poison oozing or blistering from her skin, for now, time and rest would be her best cure.

He groaned, cringing at the throbbing pain that ran up his leg. David reached for the rope that had once bound her wrist together and hung it around his shoulder, before he bent down and with all his effort, picked Regina up. He made his way to his horse, cradling her in his arms like a small child.

A memory drifted into his mind, when he had last swung a giggling Regina into his arms and carried her upstairs. When he had planted a pepper of kissed along her neck and she told him of their child.

His chest tightened at the painful memory, because he clearly remembered that in that moment, he had never loved her more. His eyes fell onto her stomach where his child was growing, and a small smile touched his lips.

He hoisted Regina onto the horse and guided her head down onto the horse's main, wrapping her arms around the stallion's neck so she could rest on the horse. He slipped off his jacket and covered her with it; a cold was the last thing she needed, though with the state she was in he wouldn't be surprised if she caught one. David flung the rope over Regina and wrapped it a couple times around her back and the mare, fastening her to his horse. Taking its reign he walked beside the horse and led them home.

…

David gently laid Regina down on her bed, propping her head back against the pillow. Fortunately he still knew his way around her Manor, remembering the numerous nights he spent with Regina. He had retrieved her first aid-kit from the kitchen and tied his stallion to her apple tree in the backyard before he prepared himself to treat her.

David originally thought of taking Regina to the hospital, after all her severe wounds and cuts needed immediate medical attention, but he doubted Doctor Whale or any of the other nurses for that matter would want to help the wretched 'Evil Queen.'

He reached for a wet cloth and sponged her forehead, running it over her marks and cuts. Regina stirred at his touch, a painful moan parting her lips and her eyes fluttering open.

"David," she whispered once her vision slowly returned to her.

"Hey," he replied softly, wiping away the dried blood on the curve of her neck.

Regina winced before she gave him a trembling smile. "You saved me," she breathed, trying to lean up on her elbows to get a better view of him.

The cheesy words seemed to roll off her tongue and she wanted to hit herself for saying it, but she was so very weak and still enduring the after effects of the chloroform, she still had little control of her thinking process.

David didn't know how to respond to her comment so instead he said, "lay down Regina, you need to rest."

His words were comforting and sincere, so Regina laid back down, allowing him to tend to her. He treated the gashes across her skin and wounds slashed down her sides with the bacterial wipes, creams and bandages provided.

Regina cringed painfully when he came into contact with her searing cuts, but as soon as the anti bacterial wipes soaked into her skin she breathed out a relieved sigh. Her pain was slowly ceasing, and all Regina could do was wallow in relief that he had found her.

Once all her major wounds had been treated to the best of his ability, he returned his attention to her neck. Fortunately her swollen neck had reduced considerably and the colour of her skin had faded to a light purple, yet her yellow blister still pulsed with poison. He grimaced, knowing that cutting it and releasing the poison was the only way it would heal.

"Regina, I'm going to have to cut the boil". Nausea paled her features and she grimaced at the thought. "It's the only way to extract the last of the poison," he finished quickly, his face creasing.

Regina inhaled sharply and nodded, closing her eyes.

David reached for the cloth and squeezed her blister with it, releasing a painful yelp from Regina and a trail of poison. He wiped it up and finished cleaning the rest of her wounds, before he packed up the kit.

Regina sighed when he had finished, her eyes fluttering tiredly.

"All done," David said softly, taking a seat at the side of her bed.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice heavy with exhaustion. She paused, wanting to say so much more than a simple 'thank you' for saving her from a fate worse than death. But she was so very tired and even uttering a single word drained her of what little strength she had left. Yet the words seemed to slip from her lips before she gave them a second thought. "You risked your life for me."

David raised his head, astonished at her words. "Yes," he replied softly.

"Why?"

David opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. And he knew what she meant, he had never been happier; he had his family back, a second chance at being a father for Emma and a chance at being a Grandfather. He had too much to live for, and yet…"I-I just couldn't let you die," he responded, surprised at the sincerity in his words.

"And Narelle," he continued, his eyes lowering onto her stomach. "I couldn't lose her too."

Regina was sure she had misheard him. He couldn't lose her too? "Do you really mean that?"

"Yes," he said, his words surprising himself. "I couldn't lose our child, nor could I let that beast take you." His eyes widened, fear and horror striking him. "Is she okay?" he whispered, his hand tracing the curve of her stomach.

A smile graced Regina's lips, yet again touched at the care and love he had for their child. "She's fine David, we went through quite an ordeal tonight, but I didn't feel anything that should let us believe she was harmed."

David breathed out a relieved sigh, but when Regina watched his eyes on her womb, she knew he was still worried. Yet she couldn't forget what he had said earlier. I couldn't lose her too.

Regina cleared her throat, catching his attention. "Before, when you said you couldn't lose me…did you mean it? I was under the impression that you hated me, especially after our discussion yesterday. You made it quite clear that I am to blame for this curse and tearing apart your family."

"Regina," he said after a moment's silence. "I don't hate you, I-I just wished things were different," he paused.

It was a general statement but rang with truth. He wished she hadn't done this, and as much as he hated himself for thinking it, he wished that she hadn't fallen pregnant. He wished that he still didn't have these feelings for her so he could freely go back to his wife and family. And sometimes, though he hated to admit it, he wished that the curse had never been broken, so he could just be David Nolan. Naïve, weak, yet simple and worry free David Nolan, who was to be a father of a child from the woman he loved. He wished things weren't so complicated.

"And the truth is," he spoke slowly, meeting her eyes. "I still care for you."

Her eyes widened, her mouth parting in shock. "What?"

David shook his head bewilderedly. "It's like you told me yesterday, I can't understand the feelings myself, but when I saw you tonight…I couldn't see you hurt. I've been starting to think that David Nolan is still a part of me, and he still cares for you, deeply, so I care for you too," he paused, taking a deep breath. "But I love Snow, and I could never hurt her."

Regina nodded, grimacing when she rubbed her side cut along the bed sheets. "Of course, I understand," her voice broke in her throat as she struggled to remain controlled.

Regina's lips pushed together and she struggled to collect her thoughts, she was exhausted, weak and in pain, so perhaps that's why she suddenly felt a river of tears pinching her eyes, ready to break through like a flowing dam. Although she knew this all along, his words still cut her heart.

David reached for her soft, feathery duvets at the end of her bed and brought it up to her chest, tucking it in at the sides.

"You should get some rest, and tomorrow I'll give Doctor Whale a call."

David wanted to ask so much more, to find out who could have summoned such a creature and done this to her, but knew the questions would have to wait until the morning.

Regina snuggled deep into her covers, feeling like she was lying on a river of fluffy clouds. Yet something kept on nagging her in the back of her mind, and she knew it would prevent her from any sleep.

"Earlier on," she said abruptly, a small frown etching into her forehead. "I used magic."

David mirrored her frown and slowly nodded, remembering how the beast had suddenly fallen, giving him the chance to slay it. "Yes."

Regina shook her head, lowering her eyes. "It's just strange, because I haven't been able to use magic at all, and when you were tending to me I tried to use magic again to heal myself, but couldn't. Yet," Regina paused, struggling to explain the strange sensation that had taken over her, because she couldn't understand it herself. "Yet when I saw you…so close to being taken away from me, I-I felt myself consumed with power and desperation and I felt it running under my skin. Then suddenly my ropes were burned and the Dragor had fallen."

David stared incredulously at her. "And you say you couldn't use any magic earlier?"

Regina shook her head, her curls brushing against her face. "No, and believe me I tried to get rid of the pain."

David was surprisingly shocked at the news; perhaps it was just an anomaly? "Were you doing anything different when you conjured magic tonight?"

Regina's eyes drifted to the end of the room, thinking hard. She remembered a similar situation happening to her in the Enchanted Forest, when she had longed to free herself from her forced marriage and controlling mother. Consumed by aggravation and frustration her hands had shot forward towards her Mother, and a blast of magic had hit her, pushing her into the looking glass. But tonight she wasn't consumed with anger or even misery….no, she was consumed with desperation.

"When I saw you so close to dying," Regina spoke slowly, the answer dawning on her. "I remember desperately thinking that…that I couldn't lose you, that I had to do something, anything to stop it," she paused, meeting his gaze. "And I did."

And then it hit Regina; she could only use magic for him, because she couldn't bear to lose him.

David was completely speechless. Just like he had saved her, she had saved him, because neither could bear to watch the other suffer. Indeed the care they still held for each other was deeper than he thought, and it was starting to scare him.

"And," she spoke again. "I just want you to know, I'm sorry for everything I did, to you and your family. And-" she cleared her throat, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm so thankful you're going to be in Narelle's life, because you'll be a wonderful father."

David was taken back at her kind words and honesty. "I am too Regina," he said softly.

She gave him a warm smile in return before her eyes fluttered closed. David stood up to leave before she quickly caught his hand.

"Please, stay with me," her pleading eyes seemed to search his, taking him by surprise. She realized her hand in his might make him uncomfortable and quickly released it. She cleared her throat before continuing. "The poison from the Dragor is known to give its victim horrific nightmares and though you've extracted most of it, I'd rather not risk it."

David nodded and took a seat beside her bed, taking her hand and lacing his fingers through hers. He knew Snow would start to wonder where he was and certainly wouldn't be pleased that he spent the night at Regina's house, but he couldn't leave her, not when she needed him and certainly not when she was in this state.

"Thank you," she said softly as she settled back in.

Regina slowly drifted off to sleep, her hand still in his, and David left it in there as he watched her, surprisingly drawn to the woman. She looked so peaceful, reminding him of a sleeping angel. And although she was still grubby, rugged and bruised, he felt the familiar rush of warmth under his skin that he had often felt when he laid eyes on her: because even in this state, she was beautiful. The thought slipped through David's mind as he pressed a tender kiss to her temple, murmuring 'goodnight.'

He settled himself into the chair beside her bed, a yawn widening his mouth. Soon David was drifting off, his eyes fluttering as he sank deeper into the cushioned armchair. Whilst sleep slowly took him he scarcely made out Regina's faint mutters and moans in her sleep, her last words warming his heart and touching a smile onto his lips as he fell into a deep slumber.

"Although my heart breaks with every second I see you, and you're not mine, I will love you. Always."

…

Please tell me what you think, I hope I lived up to your expectations as I tried my hardest with this update than with any other. And wondering, were any of you expecting that? And if you want to know, I came up with the beast myself and the name for it too, and the plant that David found. I may do more creative-ish stuff like that if you guys enjoyed it, because it was fun. Also the great thing about having this twist was that Emma and Snow are still in Storybrook, which will work well for the next few chapters.

So leave a review and as always, I'll do my very best to update soon. For now, let's welcome back badass Regina (though for all I know she may be Cora not Regina) and pray that the show gets it together and stops screwing Regina over cause I don't think I can take it anymore. Oh and did anyone else have evil charming feels when we found out that David's curse name is actually his real name? Anyway, thanks for reading!

Lydia :)