I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me roar

("Roar," Katy Perry)

Chapter 2: Madam Mayor

Roland's recovery was slow but he did start to feel better each day. His appetite returned and he wasn't sleeping all the time, though he still didn't have the energy to do much more than lie on the couch and watch movies. Emma was still annoyed that her main playmate was down and did her best to play with Rachel, but her frustration was growing.

When can Roland play with me? she asked during bath time one night. Besides her, Rachel happily splashed her father with water.

I shampooed Emma's hair. "When he feels better, Princess. Which is going to be soon, you'll see."

She pouted, hitting the water with her hands and spraying me. I want him to play with me now.

"Well, we can't always have everything we want, Emma," I told her. "I think it's time you start learning that lesson."

The splashing intensified and my shirt was soon soaked through. Robin came to my rescue, picking Emma up out of the bath. "Emma Ruth," he said in his sternest voice, "you can't do that to your mother when you disagree with her."

He carried her out and I finished Rachel's bath. She was content to be alone with me, babbling happily as she used a bucket to scoop up water and pour it back into the tub. It fascinated her and I wondered if she had inherited the love of science I had abandoned during my time in the Enchanted Forest. Leaning against the wet edge of the tub, I smiled at her. "Are you my future scientist?"

She laughed, grabbing my nose instead. I shook her off and drained the bathtub, letting her watch the water go down the drain in complete wonder.

I picked her up and headed back to the nursery. Robin stopped me though, carrying Rachel's nightgown and the necessary items to change her into a clean diaper. "Emma's having a royal temper tantrum. So I'm letting her scream herself out. We can tend to Rachel in our room."

"Do you think it's wise to leave her alone?" I asked, following him.

He nodded. "We can't spoil her just because we feel bad she's not being raised by her biological parents."

"I know." I sighed, placing Rachel on the bed. "And you do have more experience than me."

"Just a bit more." He handed me the clean diaper and wipes. "Roland had his share of tantrums too."

I started to change Rachel, who was relishing being the center of our attention at this moment. Turning my head slightly, I asked him: "How long do we wait?"

He leaned closer to the nursery. "She's still screaming. When she calms down, then we'll go in. So, why don't you read Rachel her bedtime story?"

"How does that sound?" I asked the baby as she laid on our bed. "Do you want Mama to read you a bedtime story?"

Want Mama to sing Rachel a lullaby.

My eyes widened and my heart sped up a bit. "Oh no, baby, you don't. Lullabies are Papa's thing."

Rachel grabbed onto me and I picked her up. Want Mama to sing.

"Okay," I said as Robin smirked at me. "But don't say Mama didn't warn you."

I started to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," knowing it was relatively easy. As I warbled my way through it, Rachel's eyes closed and her breathing evened out. That was the fastest I had ever seen her fall sleep. "My singing was so bad, she went straight to sleep," I said.

"Or," Robin said, "she just wanted to hear your voice and felt so soothed, she fell asleep."

"You're just trying to make me feel better about my horrible singing voice."

He chuckled. "You're really not as bad as you think. You can carry a tune."

"Still, I think I'll leave the singing to you." I rubbed Rachel's back as she slept against my shoulder. "Do you think it's safe to put her in her crib?"

"I think so," he replied, tilting his head toward the nursery.

I took a deep breath, carrying Rachel to her crib. Emma watched me with tear-filled eyes, her little hands clutching her railing. I placed Rachel down and pulled the blanket over her, running my hand over her hair. "Sleep tight, sweetheart."

"Mama," Emma called out as I turned around. She reached out to me. "Mama."

Stepping closer to her, I prayed I was doing the right thing. "What is it, Emma?"

Sorry, Mama. I'll be good now. Whatever it takes to make you love me again. She hiccupped.

My heart broke as I picked her up, rocking her gently. "Papa and I still love you. We will always love you. But that doesn't mean we're going to let you do whatever you want. Actions have consequences, Emma. If you throw a tantrum, we're going to put you in a timeout."

Okay, Mama. I won't splash you anymore.

"And you'll wait until Roland is better to play with him?" She nodded, sniffing again as I wiped her tears. "Good girl."

Robin entered the room, giving me a look. "She thought we didn't love her," I told him. "I had to assure her otherwise."

He nodded, taking Emma from me as he kissed her forehead. "Does she understand she can't act like she was?"

"She does."

"Good," he replied, putting her in her crib. "Now, get some sleep, Princess. Mama and I will be right here in the morning."

Emma settled down as Robin rubbed her back, doing so until she was sound asleep. He then wrapped his arm around me and held me close. "Are you okay?"

"Not really, no," I whispered, letting him pick me up and carry me back to the bedroom.

He laid me on our bed and climbed in next to me. "Tell me what's bothering you."

"What isn't bothering me?" I rolled closer to him. "Roland was so sick, Emma's having tantrums and Zelena is a lot closer than we thought."

"I know. But what can we do? We can't ignore the fact our friends are there," he replied, holding me close.

I fisted his shirt and breathed in his soothing woodsy scent. "I know. But the Dark One said Emma must be twenty-eight to break the curse."

"Well, do we really want to take him at his word?"

"Good point," I conceded, frowning. "So there may be a chance to break it earlier?"

Robin shrugged. "That would be your area of expertise, my dear. But I'll help you come up with the answer."

I nodded, kissing the underside of his jaw. "What are we going to do about that summons?"

"Talk to Joe, I guess. But if we have to go back there, we will go armed. And I mean it now. You are never to go to Storybrooke without me."

Part of me balked at getting such an ultimatum, but the part that remembered days spent at the mercy of Zelena overpowered it. I nodded. "I promise."

Robin kissed my forehead. "I will protect you to my dying breath."

"Which I hope is a long time from now," I whispered. "I can't lose you, Robin."

"You won't. As long as I don't lose you as well."

I straddled him. "I have no plans to do anything but have my way with you, Robin of Locksley."

He grinned, sliding his hands under my shirt. "You will get no resistance from me, Lady Locksley."

With a wave of my hand, our clothes disappeared. His grin turned into a smirk. "Someone's impatient."

"Shut up." I leaned down, kissing him hard. He cupped my breasts, warming them as he teased my nipples.

I took one of his hands and guided it down to where I wanted him the most. His thumb began to rub lazy circles against my clit and I moaned. "Right there, love."

He rubbed harder and faster as I moved in time with him. My head rolled back as I enjoyed the pleasure building low inside me. I reached back and began to stroke his half-hard cock, teasing him.

Robin groaned. "It's been too fucking long."

"Ooh, I've already got you cursing." I smirked as his fingers against my clit grew unsteady. Not that it mattered as my own body was shaking in anticipation of a sweet release.

"You'll be cursing soon enough," he grunted, sliding a finger into me. He hooked it, finding my g-spot with ease.

I let out an unintelligible yell, nearly collapsing on top of him as he added a second finger. He kept stoking the fire inside me, his hot mouth closing around my nipple now that I was closer. My hips bucked in time to the rhythm set by his fingers.

"Do you like that lovely?" he said, voice coarse with want. "Do you want more?"

"I want you to shut up and fuck me…." My last word was strangled by a moan as my body trembled.

He chuckled. "You're the one on top, lovely. Not me. So if you want to be fucked…"

Robin didn't need to finish that statement. I shifted, positioning myself right over his cock. With a coy grin, I slowly lowered myself onto it. It was maddening for me as I wanted him inside me at once, but it was worth it for the look on Robin's face. His eyes fluttered closed and his mouth fell open as his fingers tightened on my hips.

After letting him squirm for a few moments, I began to move as I dug my nails into his shoulders. He hissed but I knew he was fine. Fire flooded me as spots began to dance in front of my eyes. There was no way to put it off and I let out a yell as my first orgasm washed over me.

My limbs felt like jelly and I almost collapsed on top of him. He caught me, flipping our positions as he remained hard inside me. Robin kissed my neck, moving slowly at first to give me time to adjust.

I tugged on his hair and he picked up his speed. Though I was barely recovered from my first orgasm, the electricity of my impending second one was intoxicating. My head began to spin which each thrust, my back arching off the bed. With a stream of curses spilling from both our mouths, Robin and I came together.

He held me close, though our bodies were still overheated and slick with sweat, and kissed my forehead. "We should do that more often."

"We have three children," I reminded him. "Two of whom are still in diapers."

"A challenge. I love a challenge." He let out a soft chuckle.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of him next to me and of his hot breath against my skin. "I should probably get some birth control. I don't think we're ready for another baby."

"As much I would love to see you grow round again with my child, you're right. Especially if we are to go against Zelena soon. That witch wanted Rachel for some wicked purpose and I won't let her use another child against us," Robin vowed.

"Agreed." I kissed right over his heart. "Good night, my protector."

He chuckled, kissing my forehead. "Good night, my love."

Joe came over the next day and looked over the summons. He made a strange face. "This town has some weird laws," he said.

"With Zelena as the mayor, she's probably still controlling it as if she were back in the Enchanted Forest," I replied.

Robin made a face. "Does she even have her memories? No one else does."

"Hmm, good point." I leaned back in my chair. "But there has to be some part that remembers subconsciously."

Joe sighed. "I'll let you two worry about that. What I'm focused on is getting this summons dismissed."

"Who do you think the judge was back home?" Robin rubbed his chin.

"Someone who doesn't remember us," I reminded him.

He nodded as Joe handed the summons back to me. "How dangerous is this place for you?"

"Hard to say," Robin replied. "But I'm making the assumption that Zelena has her memories and still wants to eliminate Regina."

I saw Joe start at that, knowing it was the first time he realized how dangerous our situation in the Enchanted Forest had been. At the same time, I marveled at how Robin and I slipped back into the caution that had guided our lives there despite a year of respite. Perhaps we were always on guard, even if we hadn't realized it.

"Can I get you something?" I asked Joe.

He nodded. "Maybe a stiff drink."

"I know just the stuff," Robin replied, standing. "Regina?"

I shook my head. "I'm still nursing, remember?"

Robin disappeared into the next room as Joe leaned forward. "Maybe you shouldn't appear if it's so dangerous."

"I don't think I have a choice. I mean, the car is registered to me. So don't I have to show up?"

"I'm afraid so," Joe sighed. "And who knows what they will do if you don't. Robin will be with you, right?"

"Of course I will. I'll bring my bow and arrows if need be." Robin handed Joe a glass of whiskey before sitting down next to me, taking my hand.

Joe shook his head. "I wouldn't advise that, Robin. They won't let you take those wherever it is you have to report, I guarantee."

"So my knife is out of the question too?" I asked, rubbing my thumb over the back of Robin's hand.

"Yes," Joe replied, shaking his head. "No weapons of any kind. Got it? And let me do the talking, okay?"

We nodded, chastised. He blew out, calming himself down. "Good. Now, don't worry about it. We'll do what we have to do and get you out of there safely. Okay?"

"Thank you so much, Joe," Robin replied, "but I don't know if your legal brilliance alone will be enough."

"From what I can tell, though, Robin, it's all you have right now." Joe set down his empty glass and stood. "I'll see you for the hearing."

I stood as well and walked him to the door. Before he left, I took his hand. "Thank you so much for your help."

"Anytime, Regina," he told me. "Be careful."

Robin took me to the rec center a few days later and handed me my bow. "It's been far too long, milady."

"Are you trying to tell me I'm rusty?"

"Of course not," he said. "I just want you at the top of your game again just in case."

I nodded, nocking my arrow as I took the familiar stance. Robin stood next to me, correcting my posture. He slid his hands over my arms. "You're distracting me," I said.

"I'm being an instructor," he replied, though he was smirking. "Touching you just happens to be a perk. And I can't help it if you find it distracting."

"Ass."

"Yes, you have a very distracting ass, but I'm doing my best. You'll have to do yours with mine."

I let lose my arrow, watching it fly toward its target and land in the bulls' eye. Turning to him, I smirked. "Looks like I'm not so rusty."

"I never said that," he argued. "You're putting words in my mouth."

"Right. Are you going to shoot or am I going to have all the fun this time?"

Robin nocked an arrow and took his position next to me. He raised his bow and his eyebrow. "Ready, Lady Locksley?"

"Absolutely, milord." I raised my bow as well. "On your command?"

"On yours."

We fired off several arrows in rapid succession. Mine were a bit wild, hitting all over the target, while his all landed on the bullseye. People stopped to watch him, not that I could blame them. My husband in action was something to behold.

He, though, was focused on my aim. Studying the target with a frown, he shook his head. "You can do better."

"I am a little out of practice," I admitted. "But I've been busy."

"I know. You've been mothering our three children and being wonderful at it." Robin tilted my chin and kissed me.

I leaned against him. "Can we go back to them? I feel like we've been away long enough and my arms are killing me."

"Not yet. Just a little more," he told me.

"I still hate that even though we're not in the Enchanted Forest anymore." I glared at him.

He chuckled. "I know, lovely, but we're in as much danger here now as we were there then. So you need to be as ready as you were then."

"But with a bow and arrow? Robin, we're in my world now. Things are different here and you know that," I told him.

"I know but I trust my bow. I trust my knife. If you want a gun, we can get you a gun," he replied.

I shook my head. "Guns scare me."

"And bows and knives don't?"

"It's hard to explain," I replied. "They seem different to me. But to be honest, I think I'm going to have to rely on my magic this time, Robin. It's the only thing they can't confiscate from me."

He frowned. "What about that cuff Zelena used on you when she captured you the second time? The one you said jammed your magic?"

"We destroyed that, remember?"

"She could have another one."

I sighed. "She could. But I doubt she brought a lot with her. I don't think she expected to come with the curse."

"I still want you to be able to defend yourself in case you can't use your magic," he told me. "Nothing is going to happen to you. I'm going to make sure of that."

"You made sure of that back in the Enchanted Forest, Robin."

"And I'm doing it again now." He tapped his bow with mine. "Ready your bow and let's try again."

Joe drove when we returned to Storybrooke to answer the summons the Sheriff had given us. I took Robin's hand as we crossed the town line, feeling a little jolt as we did so. Robin squeezed my hand and I believed he felt the same. What it meant, I didn't want to know.

"So, you knew everybody in this town back in the Enchanted Forest" Joe asked, watching as a group of children crossed the street.

I recognized a few from my days in the camp and the palace. They had played with Roland and had begged me to play with them as well. "I don't think everybody, but most of them," I said.

"A lot of them were our friends," Robin added sadly.

Joe nodded. "And they really have no clue who you are? There's not even a flicker of recognition?"

I bit my lip. "I'm not sure. There was a moment back on Halloween I thought Snow recognized Emma but it passed."

"I'm afraid either the Sheriff or my father will recognize me," Robin said, rubbing his face.

Joe sat up straighter. "Your father?"

Robin and I glanced at each other before he looked at Joe. "Did we not mention that the hospital owner is my father?"

"You neglected that little tidbit."

"So we probably also didn't mention that neither of us are on good terms with him? Or were, before the curse took his memories?" I asked, grimacing.

Joe shook his head. "Well, this got more complicated. I mean, I can understand the Sheriff. You're Robin Hood."

"And there is the whole Marian issue," Robin said.

I tilted my head. "Does your vow apply here?"

"It does." His voice was tight and I knew he wished he could say otherwise, but his honor wouldn't let him.

Joe frowned. "Do I even want to know?"

"It's a long story," Robin replied. "I'll tell you on the way home. Provided I'm not all riled up."

Stopping the car, Joe nodded. "Well, we're here. Let's head inside."

Robin took my hand again the moment I was out of Joe's car, lacing our fingers together. We anchored each other as we followed Joe into the Sheriff's office to face whatever fate had in store for us.

The Sheriff's office didn't seem like the torture chamber I imagined he would've preferred to have back in the Enchanted Forest. There were two desks—no doubt meant for the Sheriff and his deputy—and cells to hold Storybrooke's lawbreakers. One held a man who was sound asleep inside. The door, though, was open and realized it was the drunk tank.

"Is anyone here?" Joe asked, looking around. "Hello?"

Inside the cell, the drunk snorted and lifted his head. Grumpy glared at us. "Will you keep it down? Some of us are trying to sleep here!"

"Do you know where the sheriff is? My clients have a summons telling them to report here at this time," Joe said.

Grumpy shrugged. "Sheriff Nott keeps his own time. You'll just have to wait. Now be quiet."

I sighed. Even his cursed persona was crotchety. Seemed some things couldn't be changed by magic.

"Nott?" Robin scoffed. "What an odd name."

"Just imagined what you would've been called," I murmured.

He shuddered. "I think I would've been bound to my father and brother still."

"How awful." I squeezed his hand as we heard the door open. We turned to find the Sheriff and Lord Huntington entering.

The Sheriff gave us a cold smile. "Ahh, the outsiders. I see you've returned."

"You gave us the summons," I reminded him.

Joe cleared his throat and held out his hand. "Joseph Thompson, Esquire. I will be representing Mr. and Mrs. Locksley."

"They didn't have to bring a lawyer." The Sheriff set his coffee down on his desk. "I'm Keith Nott, by the way. But you can call me Sheriff Nott."

There were lots of things I wanted to call him but most would've put me in the cell next to Grumpy. So I just settled on glaring at him. It didn't faze him.

Sheriff Nott walked over to the cell with Grumpy. "Okay, Leroy, time for you to be on your way. Go grab something at Granny's and then go home. And try to curtail your drinking at the Rabbit Hole, okay?"

"I ain't making any promises," Grumpy said, lumbering out of the cell. "Getting drunk makes me forget my miserable existence here."

He walked out of the station as my stomach dropped. We had known the curse promised a life of mediocrity but was it really that bad? Did everyone feel empty inside, lost in this world?

Sheriff Nott sat at his desk, waving to some empty chairs nearby. "Have a seat. We need to wait for the judge."

"And who is the judge?" Joe asked.

"That would be me," the cold voice that had haunted my dreams for years said. I closed my eyes, unable to face the truth just yet.

Joe's voice was the next I heard. "And you would be?"

At last I turned my head to find a tall, willowy woman dressed in a black, long-sleeved dress with a skirt that probably was shorter than was appropriate for a business setting. She wore stiletto heels, now towering over the Sheriff. Her red curls were loose, falling over her shoulders, and an emerald pendant hung around her neck.

Her dark red lips curled into a cruel smile. "I am the mayor, Zelena West. Welcome to Storybrooke."

A/N: I wrote the line about Regina not wanting to losing Robin the day before "Last Rites." It hurt a lot to reread it.

Anyway, Robin and Regina are now face-to-face with Zelena. What's going to happen? Does she have her memories? Does anyone else? Find out next time!

Thanks!

-Mac