I'm on the edge of glory

And I'm hanging on a moment of truth

Out on the edge of glory

And I'm hanging on a moment with you

("The Edge of Glory," Lady Gaga)

Chapter 15: Zelena's Request

Robin and I drove to Storybrooke a couple days later after dropping the girls off with Karen. She promised to pick up Roland along with Michael and Donna if we were not back by the end of the school day, which was a relief to us.

I leaned against the window, watching the trees as we whizzed past them. Most were still bare but I thought I saw a few signs of life on some of them. "I think spring is coming," I said.

"Good," he replied, keeping his eyes on the road. "It's been too cold for too long. Some warm weather would do us all good."

"Is it easier to pull off heists in cold weather or warm weather?" I asked, curious. I never really went too far into his techniques as a thief, usually just hearing the stories of his exploits.

He smiled. "Warm weather. When it's cold, everyone gathers inside and huddles for warmth. When it's nice out, people tend to stay out longer and later."

I nodded. "Makes sense. So it should be easier to break out my mother once the spring arrives?"

"We'll have to see," he said. "I want to get a feel for Zelena's place and the surrounding area."

We breezed past the "Welcome to Storybrooke" sign and I felt the familiar jolt of crossing the curse. Robin let out a shaky breath himself and I reached out, placing my hand on his arm. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," he said. "I just get nervous every time I cross that line. I know it will probably never happen, but I still worry I'll fall under the curse."

"I worry the same thing. I don't know what I would do if I lost you like that," I confessed. "Which is why I enchanted something of yours and Roland with the potion I made for Charming…just in case."

He relaxed, a smile tugging at his lips. "Look at you being all prepared."

"Well, one of us has to be," I teased.

Robin laughed, turning onto Snow and Charming's block. We were going to visit our friend first to check in on him before going to Zelena's house. Charming was waiting outside for us, giving us a little wave as we passed him on our way to a parking spot.

By the time we parked and got out of the car, Snow had joined him as well. She beamed as we approached, bouncing on balls of her feet. "I'm so glad to see you! And that you're feeling better, Regina."

"You and me both," I said, hugging her. "That bug knocked me out for a long time. And it took a while for my energy to come back."

"It's a good thing you didn't get it, Robin," David said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Robin nodded. "I was worried I would be next but thankfully it passed me by. The same for Roland, though we kept him out of the house as much as possible."

"That was a smart move," Snow said. "Children can get sick so fast. I had half my class out just last week with the flu!"

"Why don't we head upstairs? Can I get you two anything to drink or eat?" Charming offered, holding the door open for us.

We headed up to his apartment, Snow choosing to come with us. He let us in and took our coats, tossing them into his bedroom. She moved toward the kitchen, offering to get us all some juice. "Unless you want tea instead?" she asked.

"No, thank you," I replied. "Juice seems fine."

Charming came out of his room and paused, watching Snow as she moved around his kitchen. I saw his eyes mist over and knew that he was wishing she had her memories. That she was his wife again and they were hosting us together in their house.

"David? Is something wrong?" Snow asked, frowning as she noticed he was staring at her. She blushed, stepping away from the counter. "Sorry if I invaded your space. I didn't mean to."

He shook his head, heading toward the kitchen. "No, you have nothing to apologize for. I was just watching you. You look so at ease here."

"I feel at ease," she admitted. She glanced around the room before shrugging. "I guess it's because it's so similar to my kitchen."

"Yes," Charming said, the light leaving his eyes and his voice tinged with disappointment. "That makes sense."

I stepped closer to the kitchen, pointing to one of the glasses. "Is that one mine?"

Snow nodded, still trying to avoid making eye contact with David as she pushed it toward me. "Enjoy."

"Thank you," I said, picking up my glass as Robin reached for his. I sipped the cold orange juice as I watched Snow turn to Charming, eyes downcast and cheeks turning pink.

She cleared her throat. "Do you want something? I mean, I know it's your house and you can help yourself but I'm here so I thought I could just…"

"It's okay, Mary Margaret," he said, cutting off her rambling with a gentle smile. "I'd love for some juice as well."

Relief filled her eyes and she finally met his, smiling. "Then I'll get you a glass. Wait here."

I turned to Charming, sliding up to him. "So, how are things at the shelter?"

"Good," he said, never taking his eyes off Snow as she poured him a glass of juice. "How's Bandit?"

"Very good. He's amazing around the children and is often Roland's playmate since the girls are still too young. And I know he's doing his best to keep them safe," I said.

Robin joined us, nodding. "He likes to follow Emma around when she's walking or Rachel when she's crawling. When both are on the move, he looks so torn about who to keep an eye on!"

Charming chuckled as Snow handed him his juice. He thanked her, looking like he really wanted to kiss her instead. I felt sorry for him and made a note to talk to Snow, to see if I could bring her cursed self around to consider Charming as a romantic interest.

Snow leaned against the counter with her own glass, smiling softly at me. "Emma and Rachel sound like they are getting so big."

"They are," I replied with a big smile. Then I lowered my voice: "But we shouldn't talk about it around Robin. It makes him depressed."

"I just can't believe how fast they are growing," he replied. He paused before saying: "I can't believe how fast Roland is growing. It feels like he was a baby just yesterday."

Everyone else chuckled before Snow sighed. She played with her glass. "I always wonder what it would be like to be a mother."

My heart hurt at how sad she sounded. I glanced over at Charming and saw him duck his head, hiding some tears that had sprung to his eyes. We both knew that Snow was a mother and we both knew I was currently raising her child. Though I already knew the entire situation was unfair, more and more moments reminded me of it constantly.

"One day," Robin assured her, patting her hand. "You'll be a great mother when it happens for you."

She smiled at him. "Thank you, Robin. You're a really great guy. I wish there were more of you around."

I glanced over at Charming, who was frowning. "I'm sure there are a few diamonds in the rough lurking around Storybrooke. You just have to keep your eyes open."

"I guess," she replied and I could tell she was thinking about Little John rather than Charming. I was going to have to do something to push her closer to the husband she couldn't remember.

Setting down my glass, I turned to Charming. "Can you point me to the bathroom again? I can't seem to remember where it is."

"Of course," he said, looking a bit confused as he set down his glass. "Follow me."

Once we were away from the others, I stopped him. "Okay, I think you should ask Snow out on a date."

"A what?" he asked, scrunching his nose in confusion.

I sighed. "It's one of our courtship rituals here in the Land Without Magic. You ask her out for dinner, spend time talking and getting to know each other and if you're lucky, she might kiss you when you drop her off at home."

Charming smiled as he glanced over his shoulder at Snow. "That sounds nice. Do you think she'll want to go out on a date?"

"I don't think you'll know until you ask her," I replied, glancing at her as well. She laughed at something Robin said and I smiled. "Maybe it'll help jog her memory."

"Do you think it's possible? Even with the Queen's curse?" he asked, looking a bit defeated.

I shrugged. "I believe anything is possible. The curse cannot be more powerful than True Love."

"That sounds like something Snow would say," he mused.

"I like to think she rubbed off on me during our time together in the Enchanted Forest."

He laughed before shoving his hands in his pockets and growing sheepish. "So, how do I ask her out on a date?"

"You go up to her and ask if she would like to go out with you to dinner some time. They you two can arrange a day and time," I told him. "You might want to make it clear that this is a date."

"Why?"

"Sometimes some people don't get it and think it might just be two friends hanging out. You want to be romantic."

Charming crossed his arms and glared at me. "I can be romantic, Regina. I did woo her once."

"Fighting trolls on a bridge," I reminded him, recalling the story Snow had told me once. "I highly doubt that's Mary Margaret's speed."

He sighed, dropping his arms as he nodded. "You have a good point. I'll ask Robin for some pointers."

"What's so wrong with me?" I asked, spreading out my arms as I grew indignant. "If you want to know how to romance a woman, ask a woman."

Charming paused and I watched that sink in. It struck me that he really hadn't considered doing that before and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "Okay, let me deal with Zelena and then we'll work together so you can charm Snow all over again."

"Thanks, Regina," he said, sounding relieved. He gave me a hug and I held onto him tightly, feeling he needed it.

He pulled away and I gave him a bright smile, pointing behind me with my thumb. "Okay, now I really need to go to the bathroom. Is it still back there?"

We left Charming's loft about an hour later. Though she was hesitant to do so, Snow gave us the directions to the mayor's mansion. "No one really goes there," she said. "You might be better off meeting her at town hall."

I shook my head. "I need to go to her house. I need to see it and to talk to her there. For personal reasons."

"Alright," Snow said, giving me a big hug. "Please stay safe, okay? I mean, I don't think the mayor would hurt you but…she scares me."

Holding onto my friend, I knew that was what Zelena wanted. She wanted her stepdaughter meek and fearful, unable to fight back. "You're stronger than her," I whispered. "And once you find that inner strength, she'll be scared of you."

Snow chuckled, pulling away. "I wish I had the same confidence you did. If the mayor should be scared of anyone, it's you."

I smiled, feeling my cheeks heat up. "I'll keep that in mind when I go talk to her. She's going to regret pissing me off."

"What exactly did she do?" Snow asked, confused.

"It's complicated," I replied, taking her hand. "I promise to explain it to you when this is all over."

She nodded, giving my hand a squeeze. "Well, good luck. Call me when you're done so I know you made it out."

"I will," I promised her, walking toward Robin's car as he pulled up to the curb. I gave her a little wave before climbing in.

He pulled away, heading back toward Main Street. "So, she gave you the directions?"

"Reluctantly," I replied. "You're going to head down Main Street until you get to Maple. Then you'll make a left and go a few blocks to Mifflin. She lives in the biggest house on the block."

"Of course she does." He turned onto Main Street and I started reading street signs. "So what did you and Charming talk about when you pretended to go to the bathroom?"

I shot him an annoyed look. "I did actually go to the bathroom you know."

"Uh huh. Yet you were both back there a long time. What were you two talking about?"

"I suggested he should take Snow out on a date. And I offered to help him romance her again because Mary Margaret is certainly different than Snow."

Robin nodded. "That's true. But I feel like deep down, she is still in essence Snow. He just has to tap into that and maybe her memories will come back."

"I hope so," I said, leaning my head against the window. "I miss my friend and I know Charming misses his wife terribly."

"I miss her too. I miss them all," he said, stopping so Red and Belle could cross the road. Both wore impossibly high heels and little clothing to keep out the late winter's chill. Both gave Robin appreciative looks before hurrying to the other side, whispering and giggling amongst themselves.

We both followed them with our eyes and he sighed. "It is still strange to be ogled by people we call friends and to see them disrespect you so."

"They ignored me this time," I said, shrugging. "That seems to be the most respectful they've treated me yet."

Robin shook his head. "I wonder how they are going to react when they have all their old memories and they realize what they've been doing."

"I'm not going to hold it against them. We can all just blame Zelena and be done with it," I said, motioning to where he had to turn.

"We all can agree to do that, I'm sure," he said, keeping focused on determining the largest house on the block. "Though we'll have to determine what to do with her."

I nodded, pointing to one particular house so he knew to stop in front of it. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now, we have several more bridges. And I think we start there."

Robin pulled up to the house I pointed to and parked the car. We got out and I looked up, nodding. "I think this is it."

"It reminds me of her palace back in the Enchanted Forest," he commented, coming around to stand next to me.

We stared at the large mansion, painted black with metallic accents. There was a tower on the right side with a large bay window in it. An iron wrought fence surrounded the property, looking foreboding. I swore the sky overhead looked darker, as if it detected dark magic around it.

"I half expect a dragon to emerge from somewhere for us to battle before we can get to her," I said, wishing I hadn't won the argument about not bringing our bows.

Robin took my hand, squeezing it to give me courage. He gave me a smile. "We can do this. She's not that scary."

"Agreed," I said and we moved toward the gate. I still expected the dragon and kept a look out as Robin opened the gate. My guard was still up as we approached her front door, my heart beating wildly as I rang the doorbell.

After what seemed like an eternity, the door opened. Zelena appeared in a green skirt with a black shirt, her red hair pulled into an elaborate French braid. She smiled when she saw me. "You came. I figured your mother would get some response from you."

"More like that altered memory you attached to your note," I replied, the images imprinted on my mind sending a chill down my spine again.

She grinned, stepping aside. "I thought a little extra incentive wouldn't hurt either. Please, come in."

We stepped inside Zelena's cold looking house. All the furniture was black or green and looked very expensive. It was arranged neatly like it had popped off the page of a magazine or catalogue. Like those pictures, it also didn't look very much lived in, unlike our rooms and furniture at home.

Zelena closed the door behind us. "I thought you would come alone. Tell me, Robin, do you escort your wife everywhere?"

"I wanted him here," I told her, placing my arm out to stop Robin as he tried to step closer to her. "I'm sure you understand I don't particularly trust you."

"No, I imagine you don't," she agreed, looking Robin over again. "Though I was hoping to keep this between us. No matter. Please, follow me."

Her heels clicked on the floor and echoed around the empty house. We followed her to the next room, a dining room. A long black table sat in it with four chairs surrounding it. A bowl full of green apples sat in the middle of it, the only pop of color in the room.

Zelena motioned to the chairs. "Please, have a seat."

"Will Mother be joining us?" I asked as I pulled out a chair. Robin did the same, trying to stay close to me.

"Maybe," she replied, taking her own seat at the head of the table. "It depends on how well this part goes."

I clasped my hands together. "Yes. What is it that you want? Or did you summon me to continue to nag me about breaking the curse?"

"Well, I want you to do that," Zelena said, "and I've also been working on a way to get me back to the Enchanted Forest. I think I've found it. But I need your help."

"Why?" I asked, confused.

She sighed. "I need light magic to get something I need and we both know I don't have that."

"True," I conceded, still feeling apprehensive. I narrowed my eyes as I asked: "So what's the catch?"

"Who said there's a catch?"

I rolled my eyes. "You wouldn't have threatened my mother to get me here if there wasn't a catch. You would've waited until I stopped by to visit Snow or Charming or someone to tell me about this. There's something you're not telling me."

"I'd say there are a lot of things you're not telling us," Robin added, crossing his arms as he glared at her.

Zelena sighed, almost slumping over. "You're right. There is something I haven't been telling you."

I clenched my fists to keep from strangling her. "Right, so I repeat: What's the catch, Zelena?"

"You might have to fight a dragon," she admitted. "And possibly slay it to get what I need."

I felt the color drain from my face and Robin took my hand, his face turning red. "You want to send her to her death, is that it? Is that how you plan to get rid of her?"

Zelena shook her head. "Trust me. I don't want Regina gone…yet. I still need her. And unfortunately, I need her to fight a dragon."

"And where is this dragon?" I asked, wondering how anyone would be hide one of those in Storybrooke.

"I'm not sure," she replied.

I closed my eyes, counting to ten. "So you expect me to find the dragon as well?"

Zelena looked a bit sheepish, which was a first for her. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble…"

"Oh no," Robin said, sarcasm dripping from his tongue. "It's just a dragon. Shouldn't be too hard to find at all."

"Perhaps the Dark One can help you. Since you're such good friends," she spat out at me.

I rolled my eyes. "You still jealous about that? I guess it doesn't matter that I hate his guts and don't trust him as far as my baby can throw him?"

"Methinks the lady doth protest too much," Zelena responded.

"Someone's been reading Shakespeare," I replied, raising one eyebrow.

She shrugged. "I've had a lot of free time on my hands."

"Then you can find the dragon, even if you can't kill it," Robin shot back. His grip on my hand was so tight, I believed he was cutting off blood flow to it.

I leaned over, whispering: "Can you loosen your grip? I'm starting to get pins and needles in it."

"Sorry," he whispered back, loosening his hold on my hand somewhat. I felt the blood start to flow and let out a soft sigh of relief.

Zelena scowled at us. "What are you two whispering about over there? Are you conspiring against me?"

I sighed, shaking my head. "We were just talking. We're allowed to do that. Especially if you want me to find and fight a dragon. I need to talk that over with my husband before I agree on anything."

"Whipped, Regina? Not a good look on you," Zelena said, shaking her head with a condescending smile.

"Hardly," Robin replied. I could tell he wanted to cross his arms but at the same time, he didn't want to let go of my hand. Instead, he gave it another squeeze before loosening his grip again.

I leveled Zelena with a stony gaze. "He's right. Being married means there's more than me to worry about. I can't make such an important decision without talking it over with him. There's more at stake than just me. There's him and our children. I need to consider them too."

She rolled her eyes. "This is why I'm glad I'm single and have no brats to worry about. So much easier."

"Sure," I replied, detecting that she was not being entirely truthful. Given how jealous she still got over the Dark One, I believed she may have still carried a torch for him. Yet now wasn't the time to provoke her. I still hadn't seen my mother.

I held my head high. "Can I see Mother now?"

"No," Zelena said. "You haven't agreed to fight the dragon for me."

"I have agreed to think it over and haven't outright rejected you. If you want me to really consider it, you will let me see my mother," I demanded.

She sighed, pushing back her chair. I heard it scrape against the wood and winced, knowing it had to leave scratch marks on her pristine floor. Zelena motioned for me to follow and I did so, still holding Robin's hand as we left the room.

Zelena led us upstairs and toward one of the doors. She pulled out a key and looked at me. "Make it quick."

Once she unlocked the door, it swung open and she stepped aside. I let go of Robin's hand and hurried toward it, dreading what I might see on the other side of the threshold. "Mother?" I called out.

"Regina?" Mother stood from a chair in her room, wrapped in a bathrobe. Her hair was up in curlers and she looked like I had just interrupted her morning routine rather than walked into her prison. She smiled and opened her arms to hug me. "You came!"

Her arms wrapped around me as I stood there, surprised. She sighed. "I'm so glad to see you."

"Are you okay?" I asked, giving her an awkward pat on the back. She didn't look like she was in any danger to me. Then the image of Zelena pulling out her heart filled my mind and I gave her a proper hug.

Mother pulled back, smiling at me. "I'm okay, sweetheart. I guess I could have a worse prison. A TV would be nice though."

Zelena rolled her eyes as I nodded. "Of course. It must be quite boring to just stare at these four walls all day."

"She's always welcomed to use my TV in the living room," Zelena said, arms crossed as she scowled again.

Mother scowled right back at her. "Except you're usually watching it and won't let me watch what I want."

"My house," Zelena shot back.

I stepped between them, acting as a buffer. "Enough! You two can bicker all you want when I leave."

Mother gaped at me. "You're not taking me home?"

"That's not the agreement," Zelena said.

"I can't," I replied. "Not yet."

"Will you come back?" Mother asked, sounding desperate. It was certainly something I had never heard in her voice before.

I gave her a weak smile. "As soon as I can."

Zelena grabbed my arm, dragging me toward the door. "Come on, Regina, you've seen her and you're sure I haven't done anything to her…"

"Except kidnap me and hold me against my will!" Mother yelled, stomping her foot like a toddler throwing a tantrum. It lost some of its effect due to her fuzzy slipper muffling any noise.

"Whatever. I'll bring you lunch in a little bit." Zelena slammed the door behind her before whirling to face me. "Well?"

I sighed, backing closer to Robin. "Well, I guess it could be worse for her. But I guess I need one question answered."

"And what is that?" she asked.

"What do you have planned for my mother? Because you and I both know you have no intention of giving her back," I said.

Zelena smirked, nodding. "You're right. And I will tell you what I have planned for your mother…after you defeat the dragon and get me what I need."

"Can you promise not to hurt her until I make my decision?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, that was two questions," Zelena snarked. "But yes, I can promise that."

I nodded, taking Robin's hand. "Then I guess we have some thinking to do. We'll get back to you next week."

"Next week? That's too long," Zelena protested.

"It's only a few days, Zelena. We need time to talk about it. We're not going to make a decision overnight. Next week." I held her gaze.

She sighed but nodded. "Fine. Now get out. I have better things to do than sit around and talk to you two."

"Always a pleasure, Zelena," I said, lacing my fingers with Robin's. "We'll see you soon."

"Unfortunately," Robin muttered. I gently elbowed him and he gave Zelena an insincere smile. "Thank you for your hospitality."

She gave us an equally insincere smile. "You're very welcome. Now get out."

We got into the car but Robin just sat there, hands on the wheel and key in the ignition but in the off position. I buckled up before placing my hand on his arm. "Penny for your thoughts?"

"Are you really going to fight a dragon?" he asked me, looking concerned and scared.

I sighed, glancing back at the house. "I don't know. We both know she won't free Mother."

"Right," he said. "I might have to case the place more but I think I can figure out a way to get in and get your mother out."

"Before I need to answer Zelena?" I asked. When he was silent, I nodded. "We can talk about it more, but I might need to play along just so we can rescue Mother."

Robin sighed, turning on the car. "Okay. We'll talk more at home but you're probably right."

He pulled away from the curb and I watched the house grow smaller in the sideview mirrors. I hoped Zelena didn't do anything to Mother before I saw her again and I prayed I didn't have to face a dragon.

My heart, though, knew I might just have to.

A/N: So Zelena needs Regina to fight a dragon? Hmm, wonder who that could be?

We'll also see Charming rev up his attempts to woo his wife back. Will he make her forget about Ian AKA Little John? We'll see!

I hope everyone enjoyed the OQ Prompt Party! It was certainly a good week full of lots of OQ goodness. I hope we get to do it again really soon!

-Mac