"Hades, what are you doing here?" Zelena asked. She hadn't seen the god in years, but she hadn't forgotten when they last met. When she told him the same words she'd told Mal. No can love me. Hades had pursued her for quite some time before she just assumed he'd given up. Apparently not.

"I decided to check in on you after all these years and heard that beast call you such terrible things. I had to come immediately and make sure you were alright."

"As you can see, I'm fine-"

"You're not." He said matter of factly, raising his hand and filling her with powerful healing magic that rejuvenated her body and restored her to her normal weight and size. Her stomach no longer bothered her anymore. "Much better." Zelena raised her hand this time as Hades sat arrogantly in one of her chairs. The metal springs leaped out to coil around his wrists, legs and neck.

"Thank you dearie, now let's have a straight talk because I know the Lord Death did not cross an entire world just for a check up, so speak. Did you do this?"

"Do what?"

"Don't play games!" Zelena roared. "This is something you would do. Some elaborate scheme to turn me against Maleficent. You impersonated Ruby and Cora and took away Mal's memories. Do you deny it?"

"I merely showed you what was in her heart." Hades said, sitting up. Zelena scowled as her magic was overpowered and he was released. "Do you know she has been keeping secrets? Lying to you all this time."

Zelena closed her hand and pressed it against her chest, unconsciously fingering the charm bracelet, the one gift from Mal she hadn't destroyed. "Maleficent is the Dragon Queen, centuries old and naturally a very private person. It would not surprise me that she has been keeping some things for herself."

"You didn't tell her about us."

"There was nothing to tell."

Hades sighed and crossed her legs neatly. "I still love you. I never stopped, Zelena."

"You still don't get it." Zelena said, shaking her head. "You tried to destroy the only thing that has given me happiness. Mal might hate me now, she might not trust me and it'll be your fault."

"Everything Maleficent said is what she felt in her heart." Hades stood up, circling the room and she moved with him, staying across from him. "She thinks you are nothing. She's a dragon, you're human, it won't work. Besides….she already has a soulmate...one she is still bonded to."

"I don't believe you." Zelena said immediately.

"Don't or won't." Hades replied, tilting his head. "She said Lily's father was just some lizard she happened to find. She lied about that too. Lily's father is a full blooded dragon god and he and Maleficent have been mates since the beginning. They have walked at each other's side for more years than I can count. Do you honestly think that anyone could erase all of that time with someone and just move on?"

"Hades, I don't want you. So stop trying to-"

"She thinks he's dead." Hades continued. "But he's not. He still searches for her...and their child."

"Hades, stop." Zelena hissed. The last thing she wanted was for this dragon god to come here and steal Mal from her. But Mal deserved to be with someone who truly cared about her. Zelena did, but not 10 minutes ago she wished her away. The reality of her actions came back like a hammer blow and Zelena leaned against the sofa for support.

"Zelena, are you alright?" Hades asked.

"No." Zelena whispered. "Damn it, why can't I get this right?!" She teleported straight to the dragon's house and knocked on the door. Lily opened it. The punch came out of nowhere and nearly made the witch see stars.

"You know Zelena, I like you, I really do, but don't ever put your hands on my mother again!" Lily hissed. Ruby quickly grabbed the angry dragon pushed her back inside the house.

Zelena leaned against the door, rubbing her aching face. The door opened again and Ruby leaned out. "Mal's not here. She went flying." Zelena nodded and stepped back, nearly tripping as she moved away from the door.

"See how quickly they turn on their own?" Hades asked, appearing at her side, healing her injury.

"She had every right. I shouldn't have hit Mal. I shouldn't have done a lot of things." she sighed. "Mal deserves better."

"There is no one better than you, Zelena." Hades took her hands and pressed them to his heart. She felt no beat. "I would consider it an honor to be held in your arms, to know your heart. But I already do, remember? We were meant to be, Zelena."

Zelena barely heard his words as her eyes were drawn to her charm bracelet. Smoke engulfed her as she shifted forms and threw herself into the sky. She'd never flown as a dragon before, but she understood a little after reaching Mal and riding Tiberius. Gliding was the best she could do however and thankfully it didn't take her long to find the Dragon Queen drinking from a small river. She raised her head as Zelena crashed to the ground a few feet away. The witch changed forms and caught her breath. Mal followed her lead, but didn't approach. She simply watched as Zelena got up to walk towards her. The witch kept her distance, not wanting to upset the dragon.

"Are you alright?" Mal asked with concern. "You look better. Did you heal yourself?"

"I am the biggest idiot to ever live." Zelena said.

"That is partially true but you didn't answer my question." Mal replied with a smirk.

"Forgive me. Please. What happened these last few days has been tough on everyone and after everything, I was afraid and I tried to push you away but I don't want you to go anywhere unless it's home with me." Zelena said in a rush of words. "I keep messing up and doing stupid things, but I am trying, Mal, I really am. You deserve so much more and I want another chance to prove I'm worthy. I just want to forget this mess ever happened."

Maleficent stepped forward and brought her hands up to gently cup the witch's face. "I love you, my dear. That isn't going to change." Zelena let out a sigh of relief. "I am truly sorry for anything I said that hurt you, as well as breaking your mother's music box. I know how much it meant to you."

"I'm sorry for everything." Maleficent kissed her forehead and pulled her into her arms. The warmth of her dragon soothed her. "But there is a problem." Zelena reluctantly leaned away from her. "When I told you I had no experience in love...i didn't tell you the truth." Mal tilted her head, one eyebrow arching patiently. "I don't know what to call it exactly, I mean I don't think it was love but I didn't know what it felt like at the time." She sighed and took a deep breath. "His name is Hades, and he's here."

"He took my memories?" Mal growled.

"He didn't directly state that he did but one can infer."

"He wants you?"

"He wants me...to want him. To do that, he needed to break us up." Zelena said.

"It would seem he succeeded." The dragon stepped back, started to pace as she pondered this new information.

"Maleficent." Zelena licked her lips as Mal paused to look at her. "I think you should know that I didn't break our bond just because you broke my music box. Granted, that was the main reason and I was really upset about it but, I also did it because I knew only something big would bring you back. Since True Love's Kiss didn't work, I figured it was either that or sleep with someone."

"If you had done that I would've killed you both and razed this entire town." The dragon deadpanned. However the threat only made Zelena smile. "This Hades is the god, Hades?"

"Yes."

"Your ex-boyfriend is a god?!"

Zelena flinched at the exclamation. "I wouldn't call him that." The dragon glared at her, daring her to elaborate. "Dear, we never even kissed."

"Okay then, good. That's good." Mal came and patted her on the head. "You are still mine. Now, I need to find this god, Hades, and kick his ass."

Zelena smirked, but it quickly fell as she realized the danger of Mal actually fighting Hades. There were few artifacts of any world that could harm a god. She supposed that the dragon could possess something of use in her vault, but it would still be dangerous and the last thing Zelena wanted was her dragon getting hurt or...worse. "You won't." She said firmly.

"What?" Maleficent turned to look at her.

"You won't fight him. I can talk to him and perhaps convince him to leave. I won't let you put yourself in harm's way for my sake."

"Zelena, he messed with my mate, there is no coming back from that."

"For all that you are, Dragon Queen, you are still mortal, with the very real ability to die. He is an immortal."

"Then he will be the first immortal to see his own blood!" The dragon roared, eyes glowing. "You don't mess with my mate. That is you, Zelena! I will not tolerate anyone trying to tear us apart."

Zelena felt so much pride and happiness at hearing the dragon talk so passionately about defending her, defending them. The blonde was willing to go up against a god for her. "You are too wonderful for words." She grabbed the dragon and kissed her. Mal responded instantly to her touch, nearly throwing her to the ground. The power of the dragon was nearly overwhelming, but Zelena didn't mind this time. Even vicious and demanding, there was a tenderness to Mal that hadn't been present when they kissed and she didn't have her memories. She reached for the dragon's zipper on the back of her dress, but Mal growled and turned her over.

"I don't think we ever finished mating."

"We didn't."

"Then that needs to be rectified."

"Are you still in season?" Zelena asked as the dragon tore away her clothes. "And do we have to do this here?"

"Afraid someone will see?" Mal whispered, leaning in close to her so she could kiss it. "I hope your ex boyfriend is watching."

"He's not my ex and stop it. We can't do this here."

"I am getting quite annoyed with you saying I can't do things. I am the Dragon Queen and I can do whatever I want." She said haughtily. "And now I am about to do you because it has been far too long since I've been between your thighs. Ugh, we're gonna have to mate again and I need to mark you." Mal sighed heavily and suddenly stood up and easily hefted Zelena into her arms. "Zelena, we have so much to do. Your ex boyfriend can wait until I've finished with you." She teleported them to the dragon mansion and tossed her onto the bed. Not much had been done to change it or clean up the romantic setting that Zelena had created for their mating. Zelena watched the blonde slowly, teasingly undress.

"He is not my ex boyfriend." She corrected.

Mal pushed apart her legs and grinned. "I don't give a damn what he is. I shall decide his fate later. I have much more important matters to attend to."

Zelena smiled as she felt the first swipe of the dragon's tongue. It had been too long…

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was a day later and Zelena was curled up against her very content dragon. The entire room was filled with Mal's pleased purring. She was exhausted and completely spent. They absolutely could not go without making love for at least 2 days from now on. Although she was secretly pleased that the dragon hungered for her so, treating her as though she were the best she'd ever had. At the thought of other lovers, Zelena's happy afterglow was killed in an instant. "Mal."

"Hmm?"

"I think...I think Hades...might be planning to bring back Lily's father."

Mal slowly sat up, leaning on her elbow. "What are you talking about?"

"Hades was trying to tell me that you lied to me about what Lily's father meant to you. I didn't believe him of course but, if he is right then, I just didn't want you to be blindsided." Mal sighed. Zelena could practically see her thinking, debating. "You don't have to talk to me about it. I understand if you don't."

"His name is Eric. For so long, he was all I had after my mother died." Mal said quietly. "He was couple years older and he taught me everything he knew about being a dragon and being a person. Together, we watched kingdoms rise and fall and new ones emerge from the ashes. Almost my entire life he's stood at my side, as my protector and teacher and lover."

"What happened to make you guys split up?" Zelena asked.

"He is practically a god. He had a higher calling."

"But he came back to mate with you?"

"My kind are few in number and well hidden. Finding another dragon would've taken years and besides, there was no other man I would rather have a child with."

Zelena sat up as well. "Why wasn't he there to help protect you and Lily when her egg was stolen?"

"A female dragon doesn't tell anyone the whereabouts of her birthing den, not even her mate." Mal explained. "The fewer people to know about it, the better. It keeps the mother safe after she's weak once she's given birth, as well as her eggs." She looked down and Zelena noticed a single tear fall. "If he is to return, he will hate me. I lost our child."

"I'm sure he won't." Zelena said, quickly comforting her lover and kissing away her tears. "You did everything you could to protect Lily."

"It wasn't enough."

"Hades said Eric's been looking for you. Maybe he just wants the chance to meet his daughter and see his soulmate again."

Mal snorted as she scoffed. "He is my soulmate no longer. You are."

"Then why are you still bonded with him?" That seemed to have struck a cord as the dragon visibly stiffened. She didn't answer the question. "Mal?" Maleficent abruptly got out of the bed and went into the bathroom. Zelena panicked. The last time that he had happened, the blonde had collapsed and had woken up with no memory. She got out of the bed as well and waited impatiently near the door for the dragon to return. She breathed a sigh of relief when Mal stepped out, looking confused as to why the witch was up. Then it seemed to dawn on her and she carried Zelena back to bed. She still didn't answer the question. "Do you still love him?" Zelena pressed.

"Of course I love him. I will never stop. It's just…" Mal sighed, laying on her back and digging her claws into her hair with a frustrated noise. "He was my everything. He was there during a time of innocence for me and I didn't want to let him go. After a time, I barely noticed the bond, it seemed so natural, as though it had always been there. It's just...more complex than I could explain. Does it bother you?"

"A little, yes." Zelena admitted. "I understand that you care about him, but...I want you to be mine and mine alone. I don't want to share you." She truly didn't. She wanted set anyone on fire who dared to try and come between them. But if there was someone who Mal still loved, and it wasn't her, what was she to do? She didn't think she was actually so selfless as to simply let Mal go. Not without a fight. Mal said nothing more as she rolled onto her side, away from Zelena. Perhaps she was afraid of ending that chapter of her life since she was so young when they created the bond. Zelena didn't know and it didn't seem like the dragon was willing to talk about it anymore. "Mal."

"Hmm?"

"Roll back over." She said. It took a minute for Maleficent to comply, but when she finally did, Zelena curled up against her again, resting her head on her shoulder as the blonde wrapped her arms around her. "It's okay, dear, we'll figure something out." Zelena did not want to force Mal to give up her bond with Eric. Clearly it was powerful since it had survived for so long. Still, she didn't want this to ruin the progress they'd made so far. ONly time would tell what Hades would do. The next day, she sought to find it out by going home to her farmhouse. The lord of the underworld appeared almost immediately.

"Hades, I'm going to ask you to leave. Please just go and leave us be. We can't be together."

"Zelena, please reconsider. Remember all the fun we used to have. Remember how much we have in common. Maleficent is a queen, she was always meant for great things. You were born a peasant with nothing. You and me, together, Zelena, we can have it all." he said. "Remember what it was like being hated and despised by everyone?"

"I remember it all, but you're wrong about quite a few things, Hades. I may've been born a peasant but I didn't have nothing. I had a loving mother who gave me the best years of my life. And now, I don't care about what the world thinks. I have Maleficent. The world can burn."

"Is that so?" He snapped his fingers, conjuring a great mirror on the wall, stretching the entire height and wider than a door. In the mirror, she could Mal walking to answer the front door. When it opened, Zelena knew at once it was. Eric. He was tall, probably around 6'5 and he was powerfully built, wearing a tight blue shirt, jeans and black boots. His blonde hair was swept back on his head and geled down. Handsome was not quite the word to describe him. Maybe something like perfect. It wasn't making Zelena feel any better when his bright blue eyes started to water. Mal was already in tears as she walked into his arms. Eric put one arm around her waist and the other was used to cradle her head as he placed a kiss to her hair, showing an affection and familiarity with one another that nearly broke Zelena's heart. Seeing Mal in someone else's arms enraged her but the tenderness in which he held her...just made her want to cry. Lily came into view, more confused than anything. Mal moved back and said something. Zelena couldn't hear any words that were spoken, but Lily crying and walking into Eric's arms made her shed a few tears.

"Beautiful family, isn't it?" Hades asked, ending the spell in the mirror. "One in which you don't belong. You belong with me, Zelena. I could give you so much more."

"All you've shown me, Hades, is how far you'll destroy any semblance of happiness I have so you'll be the only thing i have left to turn to. But in this your hubris has crippled you. Not only am I aware of your cheating and lying ways, but you pissed off the Dragon Queen as well as her Dragon God of an ex. You really think this was the best idea?"

He sighed and shrugged. "Then it shall all the more impressive when I defeat them both. I'm not leaving this world without Zelena."

"You'll be leaving alright." Zelena dared to smirk in the god's face. "Just not the way you intend."

/

It was later that night when Zelena nervously got dressed in a long green dress, something simple and sleek and made her way over to the dragon mansion. The door was opened before she could knock by a practically glowing Mal.

"You were right."

"I know." She said.

"This changes nothing, Zelena. I won't leave you."

"But you won't the bond either, will you?" Zelena countered, stepping past her into the house. Mal reached for her arm and pulled her back.

"Zelena, I can-"

"Mal, don't even worry about it." If it wasn't one thing, it was another with them. She wished they could go back to their mating, when everything was simple and they didn't have to deal with ex's at all. Not only was Hades not giving up in his quest for her, but Mal could potentially fall back in love with Eric and she would left out in the cold. It wouldn't surprise her. She'd never had the best luck in life anyway. Mal followed closely as they walked into the beautiful living room. Lily was nervously talking with her father, seemingly willing to try for a relationship, but still being quite inexperienced in such matters. Eric flashed a dashing smile.

"I can't believe I have a daughter." He said. "Who is over 30. You don't have a boyfriend do you?"

"Girlfriend."

He frowned. "Dragon?"

"Werewolf."

He grinned. "Not bad. I think you take after your old man."

"Eric." Maleficent said, announcing their presence. He stood up as they approached and Mal presented Zelena. "This is Zelena, the lovely witch I told you about."

"I have heard quite a number of things about you, Miss West." He bowed deeply at the waist. "All of which being quite impressive. Not only in breaking a law of magic, but in being able to ensnare the heart of the Dragon Queen." He shared a look with Mal before refocusing on her.

"Yes, well, I've heard very little about you." She replied. Mal let out a soft growl behind her. "However, we have a bigger matter to discuss. E.I., a certain troublesome god. Do you know of a man called Hades?"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The police station was empty when Hades manifested inside. He went through the store of weapons and pulled out the small assortment of guns that Charming officers liked to use and removed their bullets and replaced them with something more...deadly. He changed his form, taking one of Emma just in case and teleported outside the dragon mansion. He pulled out a rifle, loaded with its special bullets and set it up. Zelena was going to be his, even if he had to make her see. He fired three shots in quick succession and watched as the Dragon Queen collapsed. Zelena's scream reached his ears from afar. He hated the pain he caused her, but he was not going to lose her to a lizard. If necessary, this was only the beginning…

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