The pack moved to the diner to celebrate the end of the first battle and to eat and discuss. It was just loud chaos as everyone either congratulated each other or yelled at each other. It was a new experience for Clarion but she loved every second of it. Benji and Zelena continued their argument, Mal tried to throttle a giggling Fianna, Jack explained to his parents their original strategy while they wrangled their three little ones, Lily was purring up a storm holding her dragonlings while Emma and Merida talked about their battle, Dorothy continued to complain about being squashed in the first few seconds, Kathryn eventually came to help the alphas with the kids, while Aurora helped Granny with the food. Henry was sitting off to the side like Clarion was, just watching the mayhem.
"Clarion!" Lily suddenly yelled. "What the hell?"
"I'm sorry?"
"You duck and dodge during every training session but you blast me away with one shot?"
"My job was to create the soldiers. I just didn't have the time to fight you. Besides, if it wasn't me, it would've been Emma."
"She also insulted my dragon." Mal called out.
"All part of the game, your magnificence." Clarion replied with a bow. The dragon narrowed her eyes a bit but relented when she continued to compliment her dragon.
"Emma, how did you keep missing Belle and Mulan in the trench?" Regina asked.
"She did hit me." Mulan said, stealing a few of Mal's cheese fries.
"Yeah, that armor is ridiculous." Emma glared at the warrior woman. "And I didn't want to shoot Belle."
"Belle had a magic crossbow that could've blown up a castle." Marie cut in.
Emma shrugged. "Belle is nice."
Clarion looked at Jack and motioned him over. "Show me your sword." He grinned as he pulled out the hilt. The golden blade sprang to life a second later. "You've been practicing in secret."
"Only because of you." He replied, smiling when she touched the top of his head.
"I didn't really do that much."
"You took out Lily and Mom for us and supported everyone else. You're the best, Clarion."
The former fairy queen felt her heart flutter just a little bit hearing his praise. "I'm proud of you. You lead your team well."
"I guess. It didn't help that the alternates I picked were preoccupied in the battle."
"Or that Mom deleted almost all of both teams!" Benji said loudly, glaring at his redheaded mother.
Zelena just waved him off. "I'm over it, dearie."
"Over it?!"
Another argument was sparked. Jack rolled his eyes as mother and son went at it again, but there was no real anger there. Besides, Benji was just a mini Zelena so she was essentially arguing with herself and few ever won that battle. The whole diner became quite loud again with more arguing and talking and laughter. Clarion found that she didn't mind it. It was always so quiet when she was under the darkness and the Dark Ones were always alone. What family or friends they may've had were always chased away by the darkness. Clarion couldn't speak to them. She couldn't stop them. It was like being locked in a dark box with only a window to the outside world and outside was nothing but more darkness and loneliness, blood and death. The pack didn't let her feel those feelings anymore. They welcomed her, even if she hadn't truly joined the pack yet. Sometimes it was a struggle just to get through the day as she buckled under the weight of her past, everything the Dark Ones had done, the children who had suffered because she wasn't there to help, the fairies who suffered under Blue's reign. She couldn't help but blame herself for it. The pack helped, but she couldn't help but remember that she had failed so many of them.
"Clarion?" She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up at Regina. The lights of the diner were flickering. Mal came into view, gently taking her hands.
It took a few seconds for her to return to the diner, to realize that she was doing this. She immediately ceased the flow of her magic and her little one had a problem with that. She poofed away on instinct, appearing out in a random spot in the forest just before she emptied her stomach into the snow. Mal and Regina had teleported with her and both gently began rubbing her back as she vomited. Once she was done, Mal moved her away and conjured a chair for her to sit in. Then she held up a small vial of a pink liquid and a mint.
"Use it like mouthwash. Don't swallow."
Clarion obeyed and spat the potion into the snow next to her before taking the mint. "Sorry."
"For what?" Regina asked.
"I ruined the celebration."
"Don't be silly, Clarion. You didn't ruin anything. You're pregnant, hormonal and your magic's been a little crazy since you got here. It's fine."
"It's not." Clarion hissed, rubbing her temples.
"What's going on?" Mal crouched in front of her, looking concerned.
"Sometimes the memories are too much." She whispered. "I'm sorry. I just don't want to burden anyone else with this."
"It's not a burden." Regina assured her.
"Have you forgotten who you're talking to?" Mal asked.
Clarion shook her head. "Just a few minutes ago, I was happy. Then I heard you and Lily arguing and the memories started up again. You should've always been able to argue with her. You never should've lost her. That led me to think about all of the other children I couldn't help."
"Clarion, my dear, you are not responsible for the world."
"That is what I was born for, to help and protect. I did what I could to make it better and I failed. Getting to know you all and knowing what I know, what I could've done-"
"What is done is done." Mal said firmly. "The only ones responsible for what happened to Lily are the Charmings and myself. They made the decision to take her, I lost her and I will regret that night forever, but you are not responsible for it. You couldn't have known what would happen to any of us and you are not responsible for what did." Mal took her hands and gently rubbed them between her own. "You cannot focus on the past. Believe me, it will drown you. Instead of focusing on those you were unable to save, I want you to think about the children you're helping now." Clarion frowned. She wasn't the queen anymore. She wasn't helping anyone. Mal chuckled softly. "I'm talking about our children. The ones who are so happy to have you in their lives, who want to learn from you and include you in everything. They adore you."
"Don't forget the ones you will soon have." Regina added. "They will adore you as well. And the littlest of our pack. They haven't gotten to know you yet but they will."
Mal nodded in agreement. "I am sure living with all that you've seen is not easy, so if you ever want to talk, you can always come to me. Remember, I don't mind a little darkness and I doubt there is anything you can tell me that would surprise me. From one immortal to another, if I have to spend every day chasing away the darkness, I will. I promise."
"Why?" Clarion whispered, looking into the burning blue eyes of the dragon who seemed completely sincere. She knew for a fact that Mal rarely ever said something she did not mean, but that was a huge promise.
"Are we not friends, your majesty?"
"O-of course, but-"
"Friends help each other, do they not?"
"Yes. I suppose they do." She smiled. "Thank you."
"No need. You were tied to the Dark Ones for years and it is foolish to believe that you will recover from the curse in just a few short months. We are here, Clarion, and we will help however we can. Right, Regina?"
"Absolutely." Regina said with no hesitation. "Ruby too. You know she'll want to be included. You're going to have to let us in to do that."
"I know."
"And we have plenty of time." She added.
Clarion took a minute to wipe her eyes and compose herself before they returned to the diner. Regina kept a close eye on her and Mal didn't let go of her hand and continued gently rubbing it between her own. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Both women smiled at her and she felt a little more at ease.
They teleported back to the diner and she retook her seat. The conversation dimmed a little upon her return but no one came right out and asked what had happened, but she felt their glances and concerned looks.
"Are you okay, Clarion?" Jack whispered to her.
She nodded. "I am. Thank you."
After a while, Zelena called for everyone's attention. "Time to determine partners for the next battle. Usually, we would draw names out of a hat but Granny, with the help of Fianna, has chosen teams for us."
"Oh gods." Mal groaned. Mulan elbowed her in the side while their children laughed.
Granny handed Zelena a sheet of paper and she looked over it. Her face gave no hints as to her thoughts on what the teams would be. With the exception of Kathryn, who chose to sit out the next round to assist Granny in watching the kids, the witch began to read off the names.
"First team: Jack…and Emma." The newly paired teammates exchanged surprised looks and nodded to one another.
"Next, Regina and Henry." To say those two were surprised was an understatement. Regina threw a small glare at Granny and Fianna, but she didn't say anything. Henry looked unsure, but he also did not dispute the teams.
"Next up, Dorothy and Clarion."
Clarion's stomach twisted again and she glanced over at Dorothy, expecting to be met with a glare but Dorothy was ignoring her. That was a little better, she supposed. Jack and Mal both gave her concerned looks but she simply shook her head at them. It was well known that Dorothy wasn't particularly fond of her. Once, she attributed that to fear because of her past as the Dark Wolf. Clarion was sure she wasn't the only one to think that but she was the only one to say it aloud, that Clarion might still have some of the Dark Wolf in her, that that darkness could prove dangerous one day. However, since that day when Dorothy had questioned Clarion's intentions and had been reprimanded by Ruby and Jack, she'd chosen to avoid Clarion at all costs. So, now she was expected to play a game with a woman who disliked and potentially hated her.
"Yes!" Shang's yelling pulled out of her thoughts and she flinched a little as he ran past to high five Ruby. "I got the alpha."
"Why would you put Mal and Zelena on the same team?" Jack asked.
"Because if Benji decides to bring out his Zelena drone again, she can just blow it up and kill everyone except for Mal." Marie answered.
"That was an accident!" Zelena snapped.
"Well, you should find a remedy for it before the next battle." Mal said. "Try and hold your own this time." That only sparked an argument with the two women and Clarion instantly understood why they were put on the same team. They were a huge threat either way but they were also the two least likely to work together. She walked over to examine the list of teams, wondering what she'd missed when she was lost in her thoughts. The other teams included Lily and Spencer, Mulan and Aaron, Benji and Tink, Marie and Merida, Belle and Hansel, and Aurora and Gretel. The teams were interesting and a bit unbalanced. Fianna probably chose pairs based on their histories and Granny probably chose partners based on their personalities. Their power levels seemed to be an afterthought.
Ruby clapped twice to get everyone's attention again. "Is everyone okay with their teams? The game is meant to be fun and we don't want anyone feeling uncomfortable." No one stepped up. "Are you ready to find out what the second battle is?" The children all called out 'yes'. Ruby gestured to Zelena.
The witch glared once more at her own partner before stepping forward and conjuring an image of a large medieval city with a tall tower in the center. "This battle is a race to the top of the tower. Everyone will spawn in random locations across the city and your goal is to make it through the city, climb the tower, grab the flag, go back down the tower and try to exit the city with your prize. The first team to do so wins."
"What's the catch?" Shang asked.
"The catch is that there are a lot of traps throughout the city and the tower. There are good traps and bad traps. Some contain monsters you have to defeat before you can exit, some just lock you in a cage for a few minutes, some have puzzles you have to complete, some even throw you outside the city and you have to start again. Some traps can help you by giving you shortcuts or hints. Oh, and the city will be under attack so watch out for soldiers and ogres."
Marie raised her hand. "Couldn't we just fly straight to the top of the tower?"
"You could. Give it a try and see what happens."
Aaron raised his hand. "Can we work with other teams?"
"Of course, but bear in mind that only one team can win. You could also try to eliminate other teams and people can still be eliminated the regular ways. However, if you manage to reach the flag and escape the city, unless your partner has been eliminated, they must escape as well. Any questions?" There were none. "You have the rest of the evening and all of tomorrow to prepare your strategy."
With that done, a few of the teams gathered together to make plans but most went back to talking and eating, perhaps waiting to be alone to begin strategizing. Clarion made no move to approach Dorothy. They could speak tomorrow and she suddenly found herself quite tired from her earlier ordeal. The pack all called out their good nights as she made her departure and stepped outside.
"Hey Clarion!" She turned around as Ruby quickly caught up to her. "May I walk you home?"
"You don't have to."
"But I want to." Ruby replied, offering her arm. Clarion smirked as she took it, looping her own arm around Ruby's. "How are you?"
"I'm okay."
"About what happened earlier…Do you need anything? Is there something I can do?"
"No, it was probably just an upset stomach.'
"Are you okay with the game? I can talk to Dorothy for you-"
"That's not necessary. I'll be fine. I've been through worse than working with someone who doesn't like me."
"Understood." Ruby nodded slowly and looked around. Storybrooke was growing darker by the minute and the snow covered streets were empty of pedestrians. Ruby was quiet for a time as they walked, occasionally checking their surroundings. Eventually, Clarion bored of their quiet stroll and asked how Ruby was doing with her own pregnancy. The she-wolf was happy to respond, detailing her and Regina's plans for a large nursery with red as the main color and lots of accommodations for their wolf form and human forms. "Regina finished with your nursery room for the curse. It looks amazing and it has a door that connects it to ours. She added in some plants and fairy motifs. Mal's already started buying more toys and supplies. We haven't talked about names yet. Have you picked out any yet?"
"I have some ideas, but I haven't chosen yet."
"You should meet with me and Regina. We can bring Tink and Mal and Zelena. We'll help you choose. I was thinking about a red theme for the names. Like Red or Scarlet or Rose. I was thinking about Luna or Selene too."
"And if you have a boy?"
"I don't know yet. I think it'll be a girl. Or more… I don't know. We're going to pick a bunch of names and wait to see what we have. You don't use the internet, do you?"
"Other than watching the movies that Aaron likes to show me, no."
"There are lots of names there. Maybe you could look up some fairy names. Or names that have something to do with light. What do you think your baby will be?"
"Girl." She answered. "I would be shocked if it's a boy. I can count on one hand the number of male fairies that have ever existed."
"Or boys." Ruby smirked. "Being your kids and Regina's kids…I'm sure they'll blow us all away."
"Your kids with Regina are already doing that." She could practically feel the pride rolling off of the younger woman. "You are a rare breed. I'm surprised that you're so accommodating for the woman having children with your mate."
Ruby scoffed. "Mal asked me about that too. My answer is still the same. Regardless of how I feel, the kids are more important. None of us planned for this or expected any of this. I don't want any child to grow up feeling unloved and unwanted just because of circumstances out of their control. We can give these kids a good home, with lots of friends and family, and give them teachers. I'm certain they'll have some form of magic. They should have better lives than we did. As for them being Regina's kids, my feelings are still the same. They're going to be here whether we like it or not. I suppose I would feel differently if you were a different person and you were being a bitch about it, but you're cool and the kids love you and the pack loves you." Clarion scoffed. "Dorothy doesn't hate you."
"If it is not hatred or just general dislike, it is fear. I cannot make her less afraid of me, nor do I want to devote the time to do so. If she hasn't realized it by now, then that is her problem."
Ruby chuckled softly as they made it to the door of her apartment. She touched it, unlocking it with a spell. "That's a bit of a contrast from the last time you addressed the pack."
"The last time I addressed the pack, it was mere weeks after the darkness was defeated. I don't want people to fear me or hate me, but I will not follow Regina's footsteps." Clarion walked into the apartment and stepped aside to allow Ruby to enter. She closed the door behind her.
"Regina's footsteps?" Ruby instantly made her way to the fridge, making a smile break out on Clarion's face.
"I was the Dark Wolf as much as you were, Ruby. I saw what the town did to her. Trying to force her into a box, trying to change her, control her. She fought for them, bled for them, almost died trying to prove that she is no longer the Evil Queen, that she is a good person, worthy of being accepted. I will not be rolling over for the ungrateful hypocrites of this town nor anyone else that I must constantly prove myself to."
Ruby only laughed as she pulled a container of blueberries out of the fridge. "Yes! Listen to the fiery Fairy Queen, huh?" She motioned to the blueberries and Clarion rolled her eyes, waving for her to eat them. Ruby did a giddy dance as she poured some of the berries into her hand. "All the more reason you should join the pack."
"So you've said. Have you ever tried to recruit anyone else this badly?"
"No." Ruby shrugged. "But you are carrying Regina's pups. That does change things." She paused to polish off the blueberries. "May I ask what happened earlier?"
"Just the past coming back to haunt me." Clarion answered. "The things I wish I would've done, the people I wish I could've saved."
"I know that you helped children when you were queen of the fairies, but even then, you couldn't help everyone. You can't save everyone, Clarion."
"I know that. I learned that lesson a long time ago. It doesn't change the fact that I could've done so much for the world." Clarion sighed. "Helped so many people if Blue hadn't done what she did. I could've helped Regina and Zelena."
"But that didn't happen." Ruby replied. "I can tell you right now, that it is not good to focus on what might've been. There's too much for you to do right now. You're not the queen anymore or the Dark Wolf. You can live your own life now. You're gonna be a mom soon. That's gonna take up enough of your time to not focus on the past, believe me."
"I am aware. You and Regina lucked out with Jack as your first child. He was no problem."
"I know!" Ruby suddenly exclaimed and Claron burst out laughing. "I swear Fen and Roq are up at 6 in the morning wanting to play. Rani and Jack understand the joys of sleeping in." She glanced up at the clock on the wall. "Speaking of sleep, I should go. I'm sure you want some after today."
"I do. Thank you, Ruby. I can teleport you home."
"That would be much appreciated, Clar-Bear."
"I reject that nickname."
"Well, once I tell it to Mal and Zelena, you'll never be able to remove it." She grinned as Clarion poofed her back to the farmhouse. The fairy rolled her eyes once again and left the room to take a quick shower before retiring for the evening.
The silence was deafening, almost uncomfortable. She pulled out one of the movies Aaron gave her. It was something about lions and wardrobes. This was only one of the list of the movies he'd recommended to her and it was a perfect way to end the evening.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next morning, Regina got up early as usual to do her morning routine. The children were often up at this time, following along behind her and she fed them before she moved on to the bathroom. She had to lock them in the nursery with Ruby while she showered, brushed her teeth and did her hair. Then she used magic to clean the pups before going into the kitchen. As the only consistent morning person in the pack, she was usually alone at this time. She set the coffee maker and looked in the fridge for breakfast. Today was planning for the next capture the flag battle so she was certain that most of the pack wouldn't show up during the usual time. That meant she only had to worry about herself today.
"Morning." Ruby groaned as she walked into the room, looking half asleep but adorable in one of Regina's fluffy housecoats.
Regina put on some coffee and ushered her mate to a seat at the table. "You could've stayed in bed."
"I know, but I didn't want to miss the morning."
"What's supposed to happen this morning?" Regina asked.
"Nothing in particular." Ruby shrugged. "I just like being with you in the morning. When it's just us and it's quiet and peaceful."
Regina smiled as she poured them both mugs of coffee. "What do you want for breakfast?"
"Nothing for right now."
"You have to eat something, my dear. Our pups need food."
"Fine. I will take a croque monsieur please."
"What the hell is that?" Regina glared at her as she whipped out her phone to look up what it was. "And you've eaten one of these?"
"Nope. However, I trust that you will cook one to the best of your abilities." She gave Regina a mischievous grin as she crouched down when they heard claws clicking on the kitchen floor. Regina set to work while Ruby played with the kids and she found that she quite liked these quiet mornings as well.
"Come on, say 'mama'." Ruby said.
Regina glanced over her shoulder to see who she was talking to and laughed when she saw that it was Fenris. Fen rarely made any noise, even when he was in human form.
"You look just like Regina." Ruby giggled. "With those judgy looks. Like I'm the crazy one. Roq, come here and say 'mama' since your brother won't."
Regina smiled to herself as she cooked. She was just plating the sandwiches when she heard it. "Ma-ma?" She spun around, startling her pups, but Ruby's leap into the air drew their attention.
"What was that, Roq? Say it again. Come on, say 'mama'." Ruby whispered.
He tilted his head, looking confused. "Mama?"
"Yes!" Ruby yelled, picking him and Fen up to bounce around the room. "Oh my gosh, the only son to listen to me! Yes! Regina, get a camera." Regina conjured one in her hands to record the moment. Amaroq clearly didn't understand why his mothers were so happy but he quickly realized that if he said 'Mama', he would be bounced around. They covered him with kisses until he got tired of being held and demanded to be put down. Ruby placed both pups on the ground and looked at the video on the camera while Regina moved a plate in front of her. "That just made my whole day." She threw a tiny glare at Fen. "You're next."
Regina's mouth was hurting by the end of breakfast from how much she was smiling. She was sure Ruby was feeling the same way. One of her babies said their first words! Nothing could ruin today! Accept maybe her trip to see her partner. She wasn't really looking forward to it. While Ruby went back into the nursery to go back to sleep, she got dressed in black jeans and a red blouse to go and see Henry. Fen followed at her heels while Roq joined Ruby and Rani in the nursery.
"You want to come with me? Shall we take a walk or teleport?" She asked, stepping out into the cold. Fen flattened his ears against his head, but didn't shy away from the frosty weather.
"Hey, Gina!" Zelena leaned out of the door to hold out a rolled up piece of paper. Regina jerked her head at Fen and her sister made the map tiny and handed it to him. With that, they headed into town. Henry should be up by now and he was probably at the idiots' house or Emma's. She decided to check Emma's first. Fenris walked beneath her, his tail waving in the air. Storybrooke was quiet and they passed only a few people on the street, all of whom were wise enough to give them a wide berth. They made good time getting to Emma's and she knocked with a paw and sat down to wait for someone to open the door. Fenris did the same, looking out over the yard.
"Morning, guys." Emma greeted them with a smile as she opened the door. The blonde appeared to be getting dressed to leave. "I have to go see Lily and meet with Jack, but make yourselves at home."
"Thank you." She wiped her paws at the door and stepped into the living room, taking a seat on the carpet with Fen between her legs. Henry came out of the kitchen wearing a gray t-shirt and blue pajama bottoms.
"Good morning um…" He looked around and Regina let out a snort.
"You can call me Regina, Henry."
"Okay then, Regina. Do you have the map for the next arena?"
Regina nodded to Fen, who leaned up to the table to put the scroll on it. She picked him up and placed him on the table so he wouldn't strain himself. Henry opened the map and they were greeted by the sight of a magic symbol. Regina read the word aloud and the word sparkled like glitter before an image of a medieval city appeared above the paper. The city was huge and surrounded by a tall wall of stone. In the very center was a tall tower. There was also evidence of the city being under attack. Several streets were blocked by debris, many of the houses had holes in them or were crumbling and there was a giant breach in the wall. There were no indications of the locations of traps or enemy soldiers so they were essentially going in blind, but there was a glowing white spot at the tower representing the flag.
"You guys ever done a game like this?" Henry asked.
"Have you." Regina corrected. "And yes. Once, we had to navigate a labyrinth and kill the minotaur to win."
"How did that go?"
"The dragons got annoyed and started smashing through walls. Lily got the win." She answered. "How do you want to play this?"
Henry took a moment to think. "The traps are on more than just the streets, right?"
"Most likely."
"I say we slow play it. Use an invisibility spell and avoid the other teams. Stay hidden and stay fresh, but we get to the tower as fast as possible. If we get the flag first, I'm sure you can fight off anyone else."
Regina looked over the map as she thought over the plan. It wasn't a bad idea. She had to bet that most teams would either try to get to the tower as soon as possible or wait to ambush anyone who came out. She looked at the tower. There were four entrances so they couldn't just guard or trap one, but if they got there first, they could booby trap them all.
"Do you have any booby traps in mind?" Henry asked.
"I can make a few. Explosive ones, sticky ones. I would prefer a teleportation rune but we would need to set a point for them to teleport to."
"We could mark wherever we first appear."
Regina nodded slowly. "Okay. I like it. However, the runes only work once. So even if one team gets teleported, the next one won't. On top of that, we have to worry about ambushes. Some could just wait at the entrances for anyone who comes out."
"Well, we don't have to go through the entrances. You can always make another door."
"That also means we can make our own exit. I lie this plan, but we need a backup in case we don't get there first or we get separated."
Henry pointed out an alley a street away from the tower. "If we get separated, we'll meet there and if we have to change plans, we can come up with one there. There are too many variables to plan effectively. What if they're fighting at the tower or there are soldiers stationed there?"
"An invisibility spell would allow us to sneak around them, but someone like Zelena or Mal would be able to sense foreign magic around them."
"They have to be used to you by now. You've lived together for years. They would be able to detect you in the middle of a fight?"
Regina shrugged. "Depends on if they're preoccupied."
"What about decoys? Make decoys of ourselves to send out if anyone spots us."
"I can do that."
"Then we have our plan." Henry said with a grin. He glanced at Fenris, who was busy trying to touch the magical map image. "I have a favor to ask you though."
"Oh?" Regina shooed Fen away as Henry rolled up the map. "Which is?"
"Mom." He moved the map aside to look at her. "I know how you guys feel about me and that you're only doing this as a favor to her, for bringing Ruby back. I'm not expecting anything from this. I know that after everything I've done and said to you guys, forgiveness is unlikely. Or it would take a long time. Anyways, even with the way you feel about me, can you…keep Mom around?"
"Excuse me?"
"I mean, she's happy when she's with you. I know how much she loves to be around you guys. She's been so excited about this capture the flag battle since it was announced. She and Lily were up half the night making her gun. I know it would be difficult for her to be in the pack and still be the mayor of Storybrooke, because I know it was difficult for you, but-"
"I understand, Henry." Regina said. "Emma is a friend. She's Lily's mate and the mother of her children. She is welcome amongst us. However, something you must understand is that the pack was built to get away from Storybrooke and we will not let this town change anything about us or control us. We will not bend to make them feel comfortable. Emma is the mayor, yes, but she also decided not to run for the position again so she could focus on being a mother. We've already promised to help her in any way we can. Is that acceptable?"
"I guess, but I know she's happier there than she is-"
"She is happier now that she has found love, has more children and she doesn't have to figure out what's going on with you or worry about you meddling. She is happy, Henry. If you think that she would be happier without you-"
"You were. You are." He replied, looking away.
"Do I look like Emma to you?" She asked, flattening her ears. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Fenris do the same. "You should talk to her about this if it upsets you, but don't push her away because you feel she would be better off without you. You shouldn't want her to be. She is willing to go the extra mile for her family. All of them. You should be willing to do the same." He slowly nodded and she hoped he took her words to heart. "Now, if that is all, I will be going. If you have any more ideas, you know how to reach me." She reached across the table to pick up Fen by his scruff and gently placed him on the floor. Henry escorted them to the door and she stepped once more back out into the cold.
"What do you say we go check on Clarion, huh?" She asked, looking down at her black furred pup. He wagged his tail and started forward. She followed after him, letting out a yelp when her hind legs slid outwards on a patch of icy driveway. She heard snickering and glanced behind her at the house but Henry wasn't at the door anymore. "Is that you?" She asked, nuzzling Fen's head. "Are you laughing at me?" He let out a loud bark and took off down the driveway. She gave chase, easily keeping up with him and nudging him away from ice. They reached Clarion's apartment in no time at all.
/
Back at home, the nursery was empty except for Ruby and her pups. Rani and Roq were awake, using her as a jungle gym in their game of chase. She heard a soft knock at the door and called for the knocker to come in. Shang peeked in. "Hey Partner."
"Hey!" Shang stepped in. He was wearing gray sweatpants and a long sleeved black shirt and he still had a goofy looking bed head going on, but he was carrying doughnuts so that quickly snapped Ruby's attention. "Good morning, Partner." He held up a rolled up piece of paper in his other hand. "Got the map for tomorrow."
"Bring it in. The doughnuts too." Ruby stretched as she sat up, causing the pups to slide off of her back. "Guess who said their first words." She shifted into human form and crossed her legs, accepting the plate of doughnuts that were war and fresh. They most likely came from Zelena. The witch always had a sweet tooth and loved baking.
"Who?" Shang sat down on the floor across from her, grinning as the pups came to greet him.
"Amaroq. He said 'Mama'. The only one to do it when I ask him. He might be my new favorite. Don't tell anyone." Shang grinned and nodded, opening the map. "Don't tell Regina about the doughnuts either." He saluted and activated the map, leaning over to take a doughnut. They both examined the map of the city and the tower in silence for a few minutes. It was difficult to plan without knowing where they would spawn and the map had no markers for traps or enemies. "Alright, what are you thinking? Slow and steady? Get to the flag as fast as we can?"
"Or…we go hunting." Shang suggested.
"You mean take out the other teams?"
"They can't beat us to the flag if they're eliminated. And if someone beats us to the flag, all we have to do is take them out."
"Okay, okay, but what kind of support do we have? I'm sure you kids have alliances set up."
Shang grinned again. "Maybe. I know that Marie is up for it. I'll talk to the others later and see what they want to do."
"Of course. Dragons gotta stick together." Ruby pushed Rani away when she tried to swipe at her doughnut. "But I like the hunting plan. In fact, see if you get information from everyone else on what they're planning to do. That way, we can disrupt everyone's plans."
"You mean just cause chaos."
"Absolutely."
"I have the best partner." Shang leaned forward and gave her a high five. Roq tried to bite the doughnut in his hand and both of them dove to intercept him. "You can't eat this stuff yet. Aunt Gina will be very mad if you do."
Ruby laughed softly as she pulled him back into the nest. "Aright, we'll meet up tomorrow morning with whatever new information we've gathered and whatever allies we come up with to revise the plan."
Shang stood up and saluted. "Aye aye, Alpha."
/
After being kicked out of her girlfriend's room so she could plan with Spencer, Emma took the dragonlings with her to meet with her own partner. She found Jack in his bedroom, making adjustments to his armor.
"Morning, Jack."
"Good morning, Madame Mayor." Jack smiled as she stepped into the room and closed the door. She took a look around the room, never having been here before. It was probably as big as the master bedroom in her house and looked more like it belonged to Belle or Spencer due to all of the books stacked neatly everywhere but that was probably due to his studying for his spell. There was a rolled up scroll on the desk. "That's the map." Jack said, putting his armor away in a box and slid it under the bed.
Emma put Emyr on the desk and unrolled the map. Jack had to activate the magic symbol so they could see the 3-D image of the city that appeared above it. The city was bigger than she expected and she could only imagine how many traps were laid out all over the place. "I would probably be best up on the walls, picking people off."
"True, but that doesn't get us closer to the flag. That's the only way to win."
"That clone spell of yours, how many can you make?"
"Uh, only three more. I might can go up to five, but I haven't practiced enough to maintain it for long. What are you thinking?"
"That you could use your clones and send them down the streets and set off all the traps." Emma answered.
"That would be good except it would also be clearing the way for everyone else. And that's only if they actually do set off the traps. It would be cool if we could lure people to one area and take them out."
"Well, we could do that at the entrance to the tower." She pointed out the buildings on the streets closest to the tower. "I could set up there and you could use your clones to distract them or lure them in while I pick them off. It keeps us both safe and if we eliminate everyone, all the better."
Jack laughed. "What if we're the last team and can't get through the traps?"
"Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if that happened." Emma smirked, moving Kiona onto her shoulder. "But I don't think Zelena would make the traps too hard since you're just kids."
"Granny made the traps."
"Well…I don't know then. We also have to be careful because we might not even make it to the tower if we get caught in the wrong trap. It's difficult to plan. Are we going to spawn in together?"
Jack's eyes went wide for a moment. "Oh no, what if we're separated at the start?" He scratched the top of his head, ignoring Emyr who crawled onto his shoulder. The little black and red dragonling demanded scratches and he obliged but he wasn't really paying attention. "I guess if we are separated, I can use the clones to find you, but getting to you is another story. Do you think Lily will ally with us?"
"I hadn't even thought about that. I can ask her but she'll probably say 'no' just to spite me. Think Marie will ally with us?"
"I'll talk to her and I'll make sure not to reveal our plans. What about you and Henry?"
"We haven't talked about it either but I will later on. Let's meet back up once we see if we have some people to help us. If they won't work with us, we'll shoot all of them."
"The Savior wants to double cross? We could potentially play multiple sides of the field. Let everyone think we're an ally and then stab 'em in the back!"
Emma scoffed. "I'm such a bad liar."
"Me too," He instantly agreed with a laugh. "We'll figure it out."
/
Dorothy's pacing was grating on her nerves. Clarion did her best to ignore her while she examined the map the brunette had brought with her. It was uncomfortable being in her home alone with her. She didn't quite know why. She knew Dorothy couldn't and wouldn't hurt her. They probably should've met somewhere else.
Dorothy abruptly stopped her incessant pacing to sit down, taking the same chair Ruby had sat in the night before. "Clarion, I should apologize-"
"Don't be ridiculous." Clarion replied without looking up. "I won't hold it against you that you didn't trust me immediately. I wouldn't have either. You are entitled to your feelings."
"I know, but I must apologize."
Clarion flicked an eyebrow, finally looking over at the warrior. "For?"
"Ruby was right. I talked to her last night." Dorothy said, looking away and rubbing her legs with her hands, just as uncomfortable as the fairy.
"I specifically asked her not to."
"No, I was the one who went to her. She and Jack were right. No one else had to prove themselves to enter the pack. They didn't have to keep their distance initially or work to be accepted. The whole point was that they accepted anyone who wanted to be free or didn't want their past keeping them from living. I should've given you a chance and I am sorry about that."
"Thank you, but you had every right to be wary."
Dorothy slowly nodded. "I guess. I shouldn't have given you the cold shoulder. If the alphas and the kids trust you, then I will too. So.. no hard feelings?" She offered her hand to shake.
"There were never any to begin with." Clarion stood up to grasp her forearm and give it a shake. It was a start towards something better but it didn't really do anything to make her trust Dorothy more. The uneasiness still remained. "Now, shall we finish the plan before tomorrow?"
"I actually have an idea. How many of those fake soldiers can you make?"
"As many as you need, but the more I make, the less effective they'll be."
"You should make a lot of them. Send them all over the city and make them attack everything and everyone. Then we get to the tower as fast as possible."
Clarion arched an eyebrow. "And then?"
"Then we knock it down."
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