Title: Vengeance, Sacrifice, and Forgiveness

Author: AoN

Word Count: 6,700

Genre: Drama, Adventure

Rating: PG-13

Feedback: Please and thank you! Let me know what I'm doing right or doing wrong.

Summary: With the curse weakening and Regina struggling to keep Storybrooke under control, hidden secrets and lies from a distant land surface with the arrival of a stranger from her past, thought to have perished long ago – and they want their happily ever after.

Chapter Thirty

The handle to the back door of the pawn shop turned. Lucy took a small step forward in response, her sense of bravery convincing her that she was more than able of standing her own against the likes of Mr. Gold once again. Regina lifted her hand, summoning forth a ball of flames that danced in between her fingertips. It was a weapon whose power was out shown by aesthetics – at least, for the time being. Her magic was still rather weak in this realm, still new, but that would eventually change. Regina extended her other arm out at her side, not allowing Lucy to go any further recklessly. The back door pushed open.

"Don't!" Lucy shouted upon realizing who was at the door. Out of reaction, she grabbed Regina's wrist and pulled her hand away. The flames vanished immediately. Despite her better judgment, Regina lowered her hand completely to her side. Lucy let Regina go and the sheriff, who had just emerged into the back room, lowered her gun as well.

"This is what you call 'hiding?'" Emma questioned in disbelief. "Seriously?"

"This was not my idea at all," Lucy remarked, annoyed. "And what exactly are you doing here-"

"Emma, don't lower your guard – your weapon – against her," David warned, stepping inside after her. "You have no idea what she's capable of-"

"You're alive."

Both Regina and Lucy glanced up; Emma and David turned their heads over their shoulders. Mary Margaret stood, nearly frozen in place, in the doorway. Even though Emma had previously told them so, it was another thing to see it for themselves: the sister Mary Margaret believed dead, yet again, was standing right here – was anything but. A biting comment threatened to part from Regina, 'no thanks to you,' but she kept it to herself, for Lucy's sake more than anything else.

With a half nod, Lucy stepped out from behind Regina.

"You protected Emma," Mary Margaret added.

"We protected each other," Emma corrected. "But Regina protected us more than we both could," she stressed.

"Why?" Mary Margaret asked.

"Why?" Regina repeated with a scoff. "Not one of us would be here if I hadn't and you are asking me 'why?' Is it difficult for you to comprehend that just maybe I am capable of good?"

"What you call 'good,' Regina, always masquerades in selfishness," Mary Margaret pointed out. "Lily, I know you refuse to believe it, but things have changed so much since we were little girls."

"I know that they have," Lucy agreed. "And things can change again."

"Princess Lily," David began. "You aren't aware of the second chances we have already given Regina. Snow is right: she's fueled only by selfishness and greed."

"What about what you want to do?" Emma asked. "It's not greed? Selfish?"

"Emma," David protested. "That woman is the reason you grew up without your family. She took you away from us."

"Just like her own daughter was taken away from her," Mary Margaret spoke up, resonating Lucy's previous biting remarks. She looked over at him. He furrowed his eyebrows at her, frowning and unable to comprehend what she was saying.

Mary Margaret turned to face Regina, who avoided her gaze. Lucy, however, met Mary Margaret's eye, wondering about the change of heart. Had Lucy gotten through? Was she no longer guilty of committing treason against their kingdom, at least, by their standards? Only hours ago, Lucy would not have cared; her future had been anything but existent, but now… Now she allowed herself a small glimmer of hope, a small sense of belief that perhaps her mother could save her, magic or not. The idea of not having to deal with a charge of treason, if that were the case, was rather… enlightening. Mary Margaret really did change.

"Snow," David began.

Still turned from them, Regina made her way further into the back of the store room. "There's no time for this," she sneered as Lucy silently watched as she rummaged through cabinets.

"I'm sorry, Regina," Mary Margaret said softly as she took a couple small steps forward. "I truly am."

Besides the shuffling of various objects, Regina provided no response to an apology she had never intended on receiving, or accepting, for that matter. How could she ever forgive the person that led her little princess to her drowning? Then again, how could that same little princess be standing among them now?

"Mother, she-"

"What business do you have here?" Regina demanded, continuing her search intently.

"Don't really think it's your place to ask, your Majesty," Emma pointed out. "Why are you going through Mr. Gold's belongings?"

"It is none of your concern, sheriff."

"But it is," Emma remarked. "Gold called to report a crime, a break-in. You back for round two, huh?"

"Emma, please," Mary Margaret said softly, reaching out for her, but Emma had quickly walked out of her reach.

"That was me," Lucy spoke up, stepping in front of Emma's path. Emma tilted her head slightly at the confession as she looked away from Regina.

David frowned. "And what type of magic did you steal from him?" he asked.

"Can we leave the investigation to, I don't know, the sheriff?" Emma questioned in returned, glancing over to him. She turned back to Lucy. "Well?"

"Not magic, a ring," Regina responded on Lucy's behalf, annoyance growing in her voice as her own search continued to be fruitless. "One that had not previously been owned by Gold, sheriff."

"But she wasn't alone," Emma stated. "And what exactly are you looking for? Where is Gold anyway?"

"I was with, what's his name, August," Lucy answered. "She won't even tell me what she's looking for."

"And why should we allow her to continue searching exactly?" David demanded.

"David, seriously," Emma replied. "But, yeah, I can't imagine Gold allowing this."

Regina bit back a laugh, pausing. "I'm not interested in what Gold will or will not allow," she commented, turning around to face them. "Is that why you idiots are here? You're seeking his help? He is the reason behind all this."

"Not from where we stand, it isn't," David remarked.

"You are incapable of seeing the overall picture from where you stand," Regina pointed out. "This is exactly where he wanted to be and he wasn't able to achieve it by himself."

"What are you saying?" Mary Margaret asked. "That Rumplestilskin somehow planned all this? That's a long stretch."

"Are you aware that the imp can see the future?" Regina asked in return.

Slowly, Mary Margaret shook her head.

"So what if he could see the future?" David inquired.

"It means that he did," Emma answered. "Tricked her. He tricked you. He planned all this to happen."

"Manipulated," Regina corrected. "And given your linage, I'm surprised you were able to reach that conclusion, Sheriff Swan," she said with a snide.

"Henry was going to show me his storybook tomorrow, his stories, but something tells me school probably won't be in session," Lucy said, before Emma could remark. "Magic kept me under water that day and I wanted to see if it's all in there."

"Henry's not going to be dragged –"

"Magic?" Mary Margaret repeated. "You mean…?"

"I didn't trip off the edge, no," Lucy said. "I was pushed in. By him. By Rumplestilskin and, no, Henry won't be. I wasn't exactly planning for the whole town to go to hell today."

"That was what? Fifty years ago?" Emma asked. "He's honestly had all this planned out then?"

"Fifty years is nothing to someone who is immortal," Regina needlessly pointed out.

"Gold's immortal?" Emma murmured. "Seriously?"

"Well, of course, he's the Dark One, Emma," David said.

Emma's eyes narrowed slightly as she shook her head, shoulders tensing a bit. Of course. Of course she was supposed to know that bit of information – how could she not after all? It was common knowledge! Of course the Dark One's immortal and of course the Dark One was Mr. Gold. On top of that, he probably had a pet dragon, right? Is that how these things worked?

From David, Emma looked back over to Regina. "So, what the hell are you looking for in here?" she asked.

"And what are you doing here, sheriff?" Regina asked in return.

"No," Emma stressed. "You are going to answer-"

"We were looking for Gold," Mary Margaret confessed. "We were hoping that he would be able to help us, like he has in the past."

"You can't ask him for help, not with what he's done" Lucy said before looking over towards Regina. "And neither can we. Whatever you're looking for, it can't be worth it, can it?"

Regina's lips thinned as she took a moment to formulate her response. "He won't help you, no," Regina replied. "Especially when he discovers that you know his… true colors. That is, if it he doesn't know already."

"Okay, fine, and that's why he isn't here," Emma concluded. "So, there goes our plan-"

"What is your plan exactly?" Regina inquired.

"And what's yours?" David countered. "No more ignoring, Regina. Tell us what you're doing here."

"If you must know, shepherd," Regina nearly growled. "I am looking for… a candle."

"A candle?" Lucy repeated, eyebrows furrowing. The risk they had taken to get to the shop from their safety underground, it was all for a candle? But everything had been perfectly lit. It didn't make any sense.

"If you needed a flashlight, why didn't tell me in the mines?" Emma asked. "There's one in the patrol unit-"

Regina had to resist the urge to roll her eyes.

"Not for lighting, got it," Emma mumbled.

"What use is a candle to someone who can summon fire itself, Regina?" Mary Margaret inquired. "If you tell us the truth, we may be able to convince the crowd to not-"

"It's not an ordinary candle then," Lucy concluded. "You didn't want to tell me from the beginning. I said I didn't want you to use dark magic. That's what it is, isn't it? It's a form of dark magic."

"Enough," Regina said sternly.

"Dark magic?" David repeated. "Snow, are you really going to allow her free reign after that confession? Think of the further havoc she will cause among the people."

"The candle will help save my daughter from a fate that she does not deserve," Regina stated. "Now, doesn't that sound at all familiar? Perhaps a wardrobe even?"

"How is a candle going to-"

"Wait, why does Lily need saving…?" Mary Margaret interrupted.

Everyone grew hesitant in response, not allowing themselves speculation, or to provide the truth no one wished to form into words. Mary Margaret turned to Lucy, who could not lift her own gaze from the ground.

Shifting on her feet, Lucy shook her head slightly. "Because I'm…"Lucy's voice trailed off as she tilted her head up towards Mary Margaret. "Because I'm not supposed to exist in this realm. Or any of that matter, not in this form."

"So… how does a candle help at all?" Emma asked.

"That's none of your concern," Regina responded. "You want a witch to burn at the stake? You'll have that witch, but first, I have business to attend to – this business."

"There will not be any burning," Mary Margaret reassured.

"Snow-"

"Lily, you're right," Mary Margaret continued, ignoring David's protest. "There's no difference. We're no better, but there is nothing that I can promise that would ensure safety for you, for… Regina."

"I don't need your protection," Regina reassured, biting back a dry laugh.

"Oh, clearly," David remarked sarcastically. "Your magic hasn't returned to full power yet, has it?"

"Um, she clearly had a fireball in her hand when we came in," Emma pointed out.

"Are you defending me, Sheriff Swan?"

"But it's not her full power," David replied. "Remember, Emma, you don't know what she's truly capable of. If she was at full power, it wouldn't have been as easy as it was getting into here. There would have been a shield of sorts. She would have vanished upon our – or anyone's – entrance."

"You know me so well, Charming," Regina nearly hissed.

"Whether or not you want it, Regina, you need our help," Mary Margaret insisted. "And I'm not the one asking you to set your pride aside. There are people in this town who need you not to get harmed-"

"Henry…" Regina found herself murmuring quietly. "He's still safe?"

"Yeah," Emma answered. "Still with Ruby and Granny, but he's not going to be too happy if he learns his mother let her pride get the better of her."

"He sees me as nothing more than the Evil Queen, sheriff," Regina remarked, voice shaking slightly at the revelation.

"Even if you believe that so, he still loves you," Mary Margaret reassured. When Regina narrowed her eyes at her, Mary Margaret turned to David and Emma. "Will you give us a moment?"

"Snow-"

"I'll be alright," Mary Margaret assured, before she turned to Lucy as well. She didn't even have to say another word. Lucy gave her a small, half nod, knowing that she would have to vacate too, even if only for a little while.

"Do we really have time for this right now?" Emma asked. "I mean, what if Gold comes back. This is his shop. It looks like we're all snooping around. He's not going to be happy about that."

"Considering that he clearly wanted the curse broken and that his little secret is no more," Regina began to point out. "I doubt we have to worry about the likes of him wandering into our affairs for the moment, but nor is it the time to have whatever conversation-"

"No, Regina, it is," Mary Margaret insisted.

"Before we step out then," David spoke up as Lucy crossed the back of the shop. "The fissure running down main street, not too far from here."

"What of it?" Regina asked.

"Will it provide a safe passage home?" David asked in return.

Regina did not immediately reply. "In theory, it should allow crossing, but will I guarantee safety? No. I will not have that on my head as well."

"So we can't go back?" David clarified.

"You can go back if you wish," Regina corrected him. "But the realm has been abandoned for twenty eight years, which is why I will not guarantee safety for anyone who does cross."

David nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on Mary Margaret for a second before he turned to Emma. Without another word, the two turned to the back door Lucy had propped open. Regina watched them exit and then turned her attention to Mary Margaret, frowning.

"Regardless of our titles," Mary Margaret spoke up again, maintaining a small distance between them as she picked up where she left off. "I know that Henry still loves you."

Dark eyes narrowing in response, Regina tilted her head slightly, cynical. "You know?" she repeated, biting back a bitter laugh. "Typical of Snow Wh-"

"I know because regardless of titles, I did too," Mary Margaret explained. "With all the horrors that I've heard and that I've witnessed, I couldn't let go of the loving woman who raised me like her own, even if I could no longer see her behind her façade. Henry won't throw away his life with you before all this. He won't be able to."

Never had Mary Margaret endured a more deafening moment of silence. A moment, Mary Margaret was aware, was all Regina needed to summon a flame. Although she had yet to reach full power, Mary Margaret knew the pain would still be rather real. When Regina did not reply, Mary Margaret continued, "I was convinced that I had let that woman go and I was angry. I was angry for the person I lost and the family I didn't get to have. I wanted revenge-"

"Is that why we're here alone, Snow? Revenge?"

Mary Margaret shook her head. "Far from it, trust me," she reassured. "There was nothing I wanted more than revenge – nothing. For the first time, I realized that's exactly how you felt, isn't it? It's how you've felt since… that day."

"Do you expect me to marvel at your revelation? You're wasting my time."

"This has to end between us, Regina," Mary Margaret stated. "All this time, we both believed that it would be through vengeance, but someone… Lily… what if it would end through forgiveness?"

The corners of Regina's lips twitched as Mary Margaret's final word almost parted from them. A shadow passed over her eyes, memories of a dark past full of attempts to fill a void left behind by a child whose life was robbed – and all because of Snow White, as she had believed. "You believe it's that's simple? You're still so naïve, Snow."

Mary Margaret shook her head. "No, I don't," she answered honestly. "It'll never be simple, not with all the wrong we've caused each other."

"Then how can you mention the idea of forgiveness?"

"Because we both know that world where we don't even consider it doesn't exist anymore," Mary Margaret pointed out. "We won't be able to completely forgive each other. How can we? But if we don't at least try, Regina, what is Lily going to think? And Henry?"

With a sigh, Regina glanced away from Mary Margaret for a second. Regina didn't want to admit that she was right, by any means. She had been able to deny any form of a peace offer in the past. Regina had come to terms that in their realm there was no peace for her, not until she had her vengeance, but with not only Henry now, but also Lily as well present, things had changed.

"You're calling for a cease fire, aren't you?" Regina questioned.

"Forgiveness," Mary Margaret stressed. "I'm asking for forgiveness, even if we'll only give each other the minimal amount."

Regina smirked slightly, shaking her head. "You still have much to learn about being queen, dear," she responded.

"You know, sometimes, it's not about being a royal. Lily's my sister and I know this is what she wants from me," Mary Margaret said. "I believe you see it the same way, but you just won't admit it."

"And pray tell why I wouldn't."

"Because a part of you still believes that love is weakness," Mary Margaret answered. "A part of you is still afraid of what may happen if you finally let go of that terrible mantra."

"Don't you dare stand there and criticize me," Regina warned.

"I'm not," Mary Margaret promised. "What I'm trying to say is… old habits, they die hard and I don't think either one of us wants to push Lily away because of it. She's been given a second chance. We've been given a second chance. Can't we agree to be at least cordial?"

"Have it masquerade as forgiveness perhaps?" Regina suggested with a hint of bitterness. "After all, you have deemed it one of my better qualities."

"I didn't mean-"

"Oh no, of course not," Regina scoffed. "Now tell me, Snow, how exactly will this work among the people? How will you hold them off like your court? Can you?"

Mary Margaret bit down on her lip. They both were well aware of the answer. It would be impossible. "We'll just have to trick them, won't we?" she suggested. "We banished you once-"

"Trust me, my dear, that won't happen again."

"The people don't have to know that."

"So you condemn me to a life of hiding?"

"Do you honestly think you can get away without any form of punishment for your actions?" Mary Margaret retorted. "What else can we possibly do, Regina? This is a sacrifice you have to make, until we can think of an alternative."

Regina frowned. Fists clenched at her sides, but she resisted the urge to fight back, even though she felt she had been backed into a corner with no possible way out. There were other means to carry out the situation, all of which would be highly frowned upon by everyone else's standards, most importantly by Henry and Lily.

"If banishment isn't to your liking, Charming and I can say that you've escaped-"

"Both which would result in a massive manhunt, of course," Regina interrupted. "Do as you wish, Snow. All I ask is guaranteed safety until nightfall. Then, I'll fend for myself."

Mary Margaret's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Until nightfall?" she repeated. "Why until nightfall?"

"You've said it yourself, dear," Regina replied. "Lily's been given a second chance. I need to ensure that she is able to take it."

xxxx

The journey back to the underground lair beneath the Mills family mausoleum was a silent one. Lucy did not utter a single word; Regina, with the double-ended candle that she had been searching for in hand, did not push for a conversation. With a wave of her free hand, the mirror leading back into the extended wardrobe shimmered away. Regina stepped to the side, allowing Lucy to enter first. She walked past Regina with not so much as a glance. Regina lingered in the doorway for a second, to collect herself.

After a shaky breath, Regina followed suit, the mirror reappearing behind her, and she found Lucy sitting on the edge of the couch, her leg bouncing nervously.

Regina was equally so, but she could not allow Lucy to be aware of the fact.

She crossed the room to the vanity, where an encrusted jewelry box had been placed. Regina set the candle down, to be used later. For now, first thing was first. She picked up the jewelry box securely in her hands and turned around. Lucy's gaze was fixated on the ground. Regina still found herself saying nothing, unable to find the right words, for that matter.

Regina sat down on the middle of the couch and placed the jewelry box on the cushion in between them. Her hand lingered on the top of the case, on top of the engraved 'L' for a moment. As she began to lift the cover of the box, Lucy reached out and placed her hand on top of Regina's, stopping her.

"Why do you have this?" Lucy asked.

When Regina looked up, she found Lucy carefully watching her, waiting for an answer to a question that had bothered her since their first encounter in the mausoleum not long ago. Regina turned her hand, so she was able to gently caress the back of Lucy's with her thumb.

"You're aware of… the terrible things I have done in the past," Regina replied. "But this, this is not one of them, Lily. This was not my doing."

"Who then?" Lucy pulled her hand away from Regina's.

"It was…" Regina began to say, but the response stopped on her lips. She knew that there had been a relation between grandchild and grandmother, even if Regina herself feared the possibilities that could come to light. She had limited the time that they spent together. The connection, Regina thought, existed. She did not want to speak ill of someone that her daughter held close, even if only for a short period. The child's life, in general, was so short.

"It was," Regina began once more. "It was Cora. Your grandmother."

"My grandmother?" Lucy questioned. "Why?"

"You never knew who she truly was, Lily-"

"I know."

"You do? How?"

"Just like I know about Grandpa Henry, at that place," Lucy explained. "And how I met that… stable boy. Daniel?"

At his name, Regina's shoulders tensed as she momentarily froze. Just as Regina was about to reveal one truth, another possible one arose. Regina could not tell her, not when she wasn't sure herself – for all she knew, it was just a falsehood, causing her to desperately cling onto happier times. No, what she was about to tell Lily now was shattering enough.

"She," Regina continued, doing her best to not allow her voice to falter or shake. "She saw something in you, Lily."

"What did she see?"

Regina shook her head. "A sense of power I never understood," she answered. "She saw a ruler that would be feared by all, with uncontrollable power, unparalleled by any other kingdom."

"Why me?"

"Because she failed with me," Regina replied. "You were… the child of the king, another princess beloved by all. The people never came to love me as much as their former queen. Without the support of the people, how could I ever be such a ruler? I like to believe that I ultimately proved her wrong," Regina added bitterly.

Lucy pulled back slightly and scooted further away on the couch, her eyes never leaving the jeweled box. "It doesn't make sense though. It doesn't explain anything," she murmured, frowning. "It doesn't explain why she did it."

The tips of Regina's fingers ran over the engraved 'L' on the lid of the box, not wanting to reveal the chilling answer previously shared with no one else. "The heart is incredibly powerful," Regina began slowly. "And, well, in the wrong hands, it is an incredibly dangerous weapon."

"A weapon?" Lucy glanced up and met Regina's gaze for a short moment. When her eyes fell back upon the box, Lucy swore she could feel it vibrating, beating, and echoing in her own chest.

"With a beating heart, one can… persuade a human being, influence their actions, and make them bid their own doing," Regina explained.

Nose wrinkling, Lucy shook her head. Regina's attempt at an explanation only served to confuse her further and raise even more questions than what she had before. "But she took it after I drowned. What was the point in taking it after I died?"

"If the sorceress was powerful enough, she could raise the dead with the heart," Regina pointed out. "The former person would be nothing more than an empty shell. She would be in complete control, able to wreak havoc."

"She was powerful enough," Lucy concluded.

Regina slowly nodded. "I tried to confront her, but she insisted that I didn't know any better in my emotional state," she continued. "But, of course, I did. As much as I didn't want to say goodbye, I knew what she had in store would only be more painful."

"So then," Regina continued. "To ensure that her plans would indeed be foiled…" her voice trailed off. "A cremation was the only way to ensure that her plans would never be carried out."

"But then, why…?" Lucy began to ask. "Why do you still-?"

"Because I couldn't completely let go," Regina admitted, eyes falling onto the box again. "And it's perhaps for that very reason why we're able to do this now."

"What exactly is this?" Lucy asked. "And that candle. What's a candle going to do for us? The lighting in the room's not the best, I confess, but really-"

"The candle will make everything possible," Regina answered, glancing over her shoulder toward the vanity where the candle laid. She had found it tucked away in the back corner of Gold's shop with Mary Margaret's help, as much as Regina did not want to admit. "It'll help us – you get rid of the wolf. You can exist peacefully."

"How's that going to happen with a candle exactly?"

"You know by now that it's not an ordinary candle," Regina said.

"Too much of a hassle for it to be," Lucy murmured, shrugging her shoulders. "And given the nature of where it came from and the way Snow hugged me back there, it's bound to be dark and it's bound to have a high risk."

Regina nodded slowly. "After your heart is returned to you, the candle, it'll exchange your life for that of the wolf's. You'll no longer suffer."

No more wolf.

Lucy sat in silence, staring off, contemplating what that could even begin to mean. Life as she knew it for so long, gone just like that, only to return to a norm that she could barely comprehend. Human. Completely and entirely human. Her eyes narrowed as she bit down on her lip. Was this how, was this the only way? To give up what she had come to know?

Disagreement was not a viable option. Disagreement meant certain entrapment in a familiar world void of family and friends outside a pack that did not consider her welcomed. The silver from the necklace wouldn't hold back the transformation forever and who's to say the wolf would even survive with the silver wrapped around its neck.

Either way, the wolf would die.

"I promise myself that I would give you the best life possible," Regina explained. "A life where you were free to make your own decisions. I want you to have that again – as Lily, as Lucy, it doesn't matter."

"Where do you fit in all this though?" Lucy asked. "You can't stay down here alone, what kind of life is that?"

"Don't worry about me, darling, alright?"

Lucy shook her head. "When I was a little girl, you used to tell me over and over again that you were only happy-"

"If you were happy," Regina finished. "I never forgot."

"How can I be happy knowing that your trapped down here? How can I be happy without my mother?" Lucy asked.

Regina sighed lightly. "Lily, I won't be able to be with you forev-"

"Not forever, just now," Lucy responded. "The apartment you rented out for me. You can go there – no one will know. Then, I can come see you. And Henry! Henry can come see you too."

Leaning toward Lucy, Regina reached out to caress her cheek. "I'd like that," she said softly with a faint smile. "And I promise we can have that, maybe something similar even, but for now… For now, we need to make the town believe that I've disappeared."

"You promise?"

"I promise," Regina repeated. "But before we can continue any further… I need you to be the strong girl- woman," she corrected herself. "That I know you can be."

xxxx

Ruby had never seen Granny move as fast as she did when a rapid knocking came from the back kitchen door of the bed and breakfast. Crossbow armed and in hand, Granny had advanced to the kitchen, Ruby close behind and, against her protest, Henry right behind her. No one had dared approach the bed and breakfast yet, let alone come knocking – perhaps it had something to do with the resident werewolf. Ruby liked to believe it was because of Granny and the crossbow that never left her side.

They all had released a collective sigh of relief upon discovering it was David, Mary Margaret, and Emma standing on the back porch. Henry had made a beeline for Emma when she entered, grabbing her in a tight hug. Ruby had done the same with Mary Margaret. David and Granny had exchanged glances, conveying the same emotion as everyone else.

They had retreated to the basement. Even after Ruby had double checked the locks and made sure the curtains were aptly drawn, David and Mary Margaret still did not want to risk a chance of unwanted ears to hear what happened in the pawn shop. Now they stood in silence: Ruby, Granny, David, and Mary Margaret standing in a circle. Emma and Henry were off to the side. After reassurance that Regina was safe and fine, his questions turned over to that of fire breathing dragons, a topic of discussion of which Emma was not overly fond.

David shook his head. "They're waiting for us to say something," he said, breaking the silence. "We have to stop hiding. This isn't like us."

"They want a witch hunt," Ruby reminded them. "How are you going to make them stop?"

"They're blinded by revenge," Granny added. "It won't be an easy task."

"We've all been blinded by revenge in the past," Mary Margaret pointed out. "We just have to give them something they want more than that – a way home."

"Are we supposed to believe and take the queen's word?" Granny asked.

"It's all we have," Mary Margaret replied. "And I don't think she's lying to us. She wouldn't put her relationship with… with her children at risk."

With a heavy sigh, Ruby stepped away from the group, placing her hands on her hips. Before she could remark, a distance sound caught her attention. A howl. A familiar howl. It was not possible, yet… Eyebrows furrowing, Ruby headed for the stairs.

"Red?" Granny called after her.

"I forgot my cloak," Ruby immediately responded, hurrying up the stairs.

Once more, there was knocking coming from the kitchen's back door. Ruby crossed over to it and peeked through the curtain. Her heart skipped a beat as her hand flew to the doorknob. After unlocking it, she nearly ripped it off its hinges. Ruby threw herself against Lucy, who barely avoided toppling over onto the porch. "You're an idiot, you know that?" Ruby mumbled into her shoulder as Lucy returned the hug.

"You and Henry are alive because of it, remember?" Lucy retorted.

Ruby took a step back and held Lucy out at arm's length. Frowning, Ruby scanned her up and down quickly. "A howl. I heard a howl. Your howl," she said, eyes landing on Lucy's neck. The necklace was missing. In its place, Lucy's skin was red, angry.

"She couldn't heal it completely," Lucy explained, following Ruby's gaze. "But considering how bad it was, it's actually pretty decent for what it is now."

"How were you howling?" Ruby asked. "Snow filled us in a little bit ago-"

"I couldn't go through with it," Lucy interrupted. "It's been my form for the last… however many years, I couldn't let go of it."

"But the transformation hurts you-"

"Not anymore," Lucy replied with a sly grin. "I mean, not more than usual, but I don't feel like I'm drowning anymore when I change back. Things are different."

"That's how it all started, remember?" Ruby pointed out. "You said the drowning sensation didn't start until later. So, what if it isn't any different?"

"Then I'll consider the rest of the plan."

"Consider?"

"Go through with," Lucy corrected herself. "Right now, though, I need your help."

Ruby tilted her head slightly. "With?"

"You told me to let you in when I'm about to do something stupid," Lucy reminded. "Well, Red, I'm about to do something that's, well, rather stupid: I picked up Gold's scent."

"And you want to track him down?" Ruby ventured a guess. "Are you insane?"

"So, are you coming with or…?"

"Snow-"

"Without Snow," Lucy insisted. "They'll only slow us down and we can't lose him."

xxxx

Everything had led to this moment.

The grip on his cane tightened as it grinded against the asphalt of the street leading out of town. Gold didn't know how many times he had read over the sign. Leaving Storybrooke. Here he was, only a couple steps away from his real quest's beginning.

Centuries played out to this one moment.

The corners of his lips tugged into a faint smirk as he heard the shuffling of feet. He was no longer alone and his departure, as predicted, would be slightly delayed.

"Here to bid me farewell, princess?" Gold asked as he turned around on his heel. "Ah, I see you've finally found yourself a welcoming pack."

Ruby moved forward to advance on Gold, but Lucy held out her arm, keeping her back. Lucy glanced over to the car parked on the side of the road and back to Gold. "I just wanted to see it for myself," she answered. "All your hard work comes down to this. My entire life comes down to this."

"And, therefore, you wish to witness it," Gold concluded, waving a hand. "Yes, yes, that's all rather fine and all. Do as you will, dearie, and I," he said, taking a stride back, just past the road sign and over the town line. "Well. I shall do as I wish also."

Lucy nodded slightly, piercing eyes never leaving him as she tilted her head, arms crossed over her chest. "So, Rumpelstilskin, go on and tell me. Was it all worth it?"

"Intimidation does not suit you," Gold replied. "I see that the return of your heart has given you a false sense of bravery. I knew of another who suffered from the same… predicament. He suffered some rather nasty consequences as a result. I suggest you watch yourself."

"There's nothing false about it," Ruby nearly growled. "You stepped over the town line, fine. Is that all you wanted? Why?"

Gold shook his head with a short laugh. "I don't have to answer to the likes of an animal."

"And from where I'm standing, it looks like you have to come back over the limits to get to your car," Ruby challenged.

"You knew this would happen," Lucy spoke up. "You knew we would be here. You waited for us to show."

As Gold stepped back over the town's limits, Ruby lunged forward. Lucy reached out and grabbed her wrist, preventing Ruby from going any further. Gold slowly made his way over to his car and opened the door. He turned to address Ruby and Lucy once more. "I also knew that you wouldn't dare try to attack, even though it is your deepest desire," he taunted. "Because now you realize-"

"That your orchestrated even this," Lucy continued. "But why?"

"To give you a warning, which you will extend to your newfound family, I trust," Gold answered. "I will always be a step ahead. I will always see you coming and if any of you bother to attempt to disrupt my journey. Everything you've experienced thus far will seem like nothing."

"So this is how it's going to end then?" Lucy demanded. "You get to walk away from all this with no ramifications while my mother-"

"Yes, precisely," Gold interrupted.

The low rumbling of an engine caught their attention. Ruby gazed over her shoulder. The truck was still off in the distance, but it would be there soon enough. Lucy's eyes never left Gold.

"Your hardships in particular, princess, the ones of your past and the ones you will soon endure," Gold said. "They will pale in comparison to what you'll encounter if you interfere."

"If you foresaw all this, then why save me all those years ago?" Lucy asked. "You could've made things so much easier."

Gold chuckled. "I didn't save you, dearie," he reassured. "Not in the literal sense. I only allowed you to live."

"But you said-"

"What you needed to hear, to get you to this point," Gold informed, tossing his cane onto the passenger's seat. "Now, remember, don't get in the way," he warned before getting into the car himself.

As Gold began to pull away, Mary Margaret's truck came to a skidding halt. Before David could shift to park, Mary Margaret had bounded out from the vehicle. Lucy didn't turn around, not until Gold's car had disappeared from view and Mary Margaret's hand was on her shoulder.

"You two were overheard at the bed and breakfast," David explained. "Where's Rumpelstilskin?"

"Gone," Ruby replied.

"What were you thinking?" Mary Margaret asked, cupping Lucy's cheeks with her hands.

Lucy took a small step back, pulling herself away from Mary Margaret. She forced a faint smile. "Sorry," she murmured. "I-I didn't," she admitted, looking down at Mary Margaret's hand that was gently caressing her arm. "But… he's gone and, well, you got a whole town to lead, right?"

"Right," Mary Margaret said softly. "I'm so glad you're okay."

The forced smile became a bit real as Lucy pulled her into a hug. Things would be okay, Lucy told herself, ominous threats aside and all. Whatever came their way, they would handle it together. No more being alone, no more hiding. Although this was not her idea of a happy ending, it was finally in sight.

End