"We will attack in the morning." Nyla said, looking around the table at each of her advisors. Maleficent, Regina and Lily stood off to the side, listening with interest.

As soon as Nyla said the words, Regina knew Kallia would disagree. The woman always seemed to do so. She knew there was sense in waiting, but she was ready to get home.

"I understand you are anxious to help your new friends get back to their own time," Kallia said, "But rushing into a fight we are ill prepared for would see a lot of people killed. It's impossible to make up the month you missed in a few days. We need more time to prepare."

"Waiting would use up our remaining resources." Balder said. "But I must concede that we are not ready."

"I've flown in crates of weapons, armor and food. Regina, Reina and Lily have cleared out the medicine tent. What am I missing that we need to launch the assault?" Nyla hissed.

Neera cleared her throat, standing at the back of the room with her arms folded behind her back. "We now know that Kator has the ability to alter time. Destroying them as quickly as possible should be a priority."

"If we were to attack, our newest arrivals should not participate." Kallia said, with a glance in their direction. "If Kator sees four dragons bearing down on them, they'll know their plan backfired and they'll either use the orbs or destroy them. If they do that, no one goes home."

"Perhaps a suggestion then." Mal cut in, striding forward. All eyes followed her to the front of the room. "We fake Maleficent's death to lull Kator into a false sense of security. Then we have one of our people, probably Neera, become the new face of the army, vowing vengeance against them."

"They've already seen a black dragon flying around." Kallia retorted.

"They don't know that she is in full health. Perhaps the dragon had been poisoned by the slayers sent into the future. All we have to do is find Andromeda and let her spin a story for us. Meanwhile, Maleficent could be flying around in the morning and suddenly fall out of the sky."

Balder suddenly let out a hearty laugh. "That might even make the bastards attack us!"

"And where is the slayer you're so friendly with?" Kallia said.

"Don't worry. I know how to find her."

"Why doesn't Maleficent just disguise her face?"

"Because they will detect any magical disguise we could use. This plan will hopefully give us more time to prepare for an assault or at least keep Kator's attention on trying to figure out what we're doing. We have to keep them guessing. If Maleficent falls, they'll think themselves close to a victory and the kings are nothing if not arrogant. As Balder said, they may even attack us which is beneficial. They have the resources to wait out a siege. We do not." Mal met Kallia's eyes, a clear challenge in hers. The pair went back and forth picking apart the plan, noting its flaws and the potential repercussions. Kallia of course proposed that they continue to wait for now and her reaction only led Regina to believe the woman was used to getting her way. Or she was just used to Nyla agreeing with her suggestions. Under normal circumstances, Regina might even agree with her but she would prefer to listen to a battle strategist like Neera over a politician like Kallia in matters of war.

"Am I missing something?" Kallia asked. Mal only raised an eyebrow, tilting her head curiously at the seated woman. "You do not trust me, Maleficent. Have I done something to offend you? Do I do something in the future?"

One of the rules they'd agreed on was to keep details of the future to themselves and it was evident Mal didn't trust Kallia like she once did.

"What happens between us in the future is of no concern." Mal replied. "Do any of you have another plan other than waiting?"

Regina raised two fingers and Mal waved her forward. "I understand your plan, Mal, is to force Kator onto the offensive, but I don't think it will work. I mean, that's why you attacked them the way you did the first time. They thought they were safe behind their walls and magic wards and soldiers so the Great Beast tore down their walls, broke through their wards and slaughtered their soldiers. You dragged them out of their castle because they were never going to leave and name a better place to kill these assholes than the one place they thought they were safe." If only they had a way to get the orbs without detection, or at least ensure no one else would use them. Then Mal and Nyla could have fun ripping that place apart.

"Alright. Enough." Nyla said, crossing her arms. "We will need everyone to launch this final assault. The attack will continue as planned. Maleficent, Reina, Regina and Lily will fight. We can find them some armor to wear-"

"Stop the press!" Everyone in the room turned around as the Wicked Witch strutted into the room. "Your savior has arrived!" Her grin instantly fell and she sighed. "I can't even use that word anymore. I swear the Charmings are ruining the English language one word at a time."

"What are you doing here?" Regina asked in disbelief.

"How did you get here?" Mal said at the same time.

"Saving you, of course." Zelena replied, smiling again when Lily came to hug her. "And magic. You're welcome."

"She had help." A man stepped into the tent after the witch. He was robed in purple and although Regina didn't recognize his face, his magical aura was almost overwhelming to be near. She felt her own magic churn uncomfortably in his presence.

"Merlin?" Mal said.

"In the flesh."

Regina's jaw dropped. Merlin was one of, if not the, most powerful wizards in the world. He was more legend than man, but here he was.

"When the hell were you going to inform me that you were having children?" Merlin demanded.

"Do we know him?" Nyla whispered to Mal.

"She already had one years ago by the way." Lily pointed out, raising her hand.

Merlin smiled at her. "You are Lilith? Zelena has told me much about you." He looked back at Mal. "I know we haven't spoken in a while, but the Dragon Queen having children is an announcement that I would've liked to hear."

Mal rolled her eyes. "Does this mean you can get us home, Wizard?"

"I can."

"Excellent. I will go collect Reina."

"Where does that leave us?" Kallia asked. "Are we canceling the attack now that they can go home?"

"You are all dismissed." Nyla said. "We will reconvene in an hour."

Regina waited while everyone filed out of the tent. Nyla looked down at the table in front of her that depicted a map of the surrounding area. She seemed deep in thought so Regina left her to them while she allowed herself a few moments of relief. She would be going back home soon and she could see Henry again. She didn't know if it had just been a few days for him as well, but she wanted to be home. She couldn't imagine how crazy the townspeople were acting after the slayer attack, even if they weren't the ones being attacked.

A few minutes passed before she looked up to find Nyla watching her. "What?"

"Nothing, I'm just thinking."

"About?" Regina asked, walking over to the table.

"I may have found a way to have everything I want, but I would have to say goodbye to it for a while."

"What do you mean?"

"I would have to speak with this Merlin fellow to be sure, but he gave me an idea. A few actually. Do you trust me?"

Regina nodded. "Of course."

Nyla smiled and pulled her into her arms. "If it is possible, would you mind waiting a couple of days to go home?"

Regina arched an eyebrow. "That depends. Are you not coming with me when I go home?"

"That depends."

Regina narrowed her eyes at the dragon. "What are you plotting?"

Nyla grinned. "Something amazing." She tilted her head, looking at Regina with a thoughtful expression. "I adore you." She said, "I won't say 'love'. I know it may be too early for that. Just know that I have every intention of returning to you. I would love for you to be my mate but I will also be your friend if that is what you desire."

Her words were sweet and Regina appreciated them, but she couldn't help trying to decipher the underlying meaning. Returning to you, not with? "Nyla-"

"You don't have to say anything-"

Regina shut her up with a kiss. Nyla practically melted into her embrace. "I adore you too." She whispered against the dragon's lips while also stopping her fingers from undoing the buttons of her shirt. A growl had Nyla shaking in her arms and Regina backed away, giggling at the way Nyla chased her. "Mmh, wait."

"Why?" Nyla let her breathe but did not back away.

"You have an army to run?"

"Right. Fuck!" Nyla growled again before kissing her like she never would again. She abruptly stopped, leaving Regina breathless. "You are fucking dangerous. Can't even concentrate on anything else! How do we not have a hundred kids by now?"

"What?" Regina asked, licking her lips. She automatically fixed her makeup with magic and accepted the hand Nyla held out to her.

"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and I just want you every time I look at you."

"Well sorry, but I can't help that." Regina replied, kissing Nyla's hand as she was led out of the tent.

Despite the fact that it was night, the war camp was still bustling with activity. There were plenty of people milling about, talking and drinking, playing dice and chess, roasting meat by the fire and shining their armor and weapons. Nyla stopped to smile and exchange words with a few people as they walked but always kept moving, leading Regina to Mal and Reina's tent. They passed Lily sitting at a table with Roza and a few other people, all of whom were engrossed in Lily's story. She managed to catch the words 'alien' and 'Ripley' and she concluded that it was about some movie her daughter was fond of.

Mal, Reina, Zelena and Merlin were inside their tent, apparently discussing ways to steal the orbs from Kator.

"You are fifty times stronger than you were when you were Nyla," Merlin said. "You're telling me you can't break through those wards?"

"Of course I can." Maleficent snapped. "I can probably destroy that castle on my own if I tried to, but the kings still have time travel orbs and we don't know how many. There is nothing stopping them from using them. They could escape through them or send more of their people through one and then you'd have a real fucking problem on your hands having to chase those bastards through time. For all we know, they've already done that. Best case scenario is they just destroy them, which won't matter since you're here."

"You really believe they will do that?" Merlin asked.

"They stand on the precipice of annihilation, Merlin." Mal replied. "Their fate is sealed unless they do something to change it. They will do anything to change it. These people slaughtered hundreds of dragons, children included. You honestly believe they give a damn about the repercussions of time travel?"

Merlin glanced up as Regina and Nyla stepped further into the room. Regina slipped past him to sit on the desk next to Zelena while Nyla remained where she was. The wizard suddenly teleported out of the tent. There was a sharp boom off in the distance and Merlin returned a second later holding a glass box with three more time travel orbs inside.

"You failed to mention there are hundreds of wards on that castle." The wizard said.

"Oops." Mal shrugged. "Is that all of them?"

Merlin nodded. "To think they had something like this in their arsenal… Do you have the originals in your vault?"

"I believe so, although you can bet I had no idea what they were."

"I'm glad you didn't." No one needed to state the impact a vengeful Dragon Queen would've left on the world if she could travel through time. "I will take the originals as well."

"So be it." The dragon nodded.

"Also, in exchange for taking you home, Zelena agreed to give me her notes on her time portal and I will erase her plot from the minds of everyone in Storybrooke."

"Absolutely not." Reina growled. "No one is going to be messing about in my mind."

"You can't control what everyone knows or doesn't know about time travel, Merlin." Mal added.

Merlin nodded slowly and looked around the room. "You're right, but honestly everyone in this room concerns me. Based on your histories, you cannot fault me for that." He threw his arm out to gesture to Zelena, who instantly threw back her head and groaned like a petulant child.

"My plan didn't even work and it was the idiots who brought Marian back."

"Your time portal still worked." Regina murmured. "You just couldn't do what you wanted to do."

Merlin's gaze then fell on Reina. "Evil Queen. The woman who devastated an entire population to get revenge on one person." Reina only rolled her eyes. "What if something were to happen to Maleficent? Or Lilith? Or any of the children you will soon have. You're telling me that you wouldn't even consider going back in time if you had the ability to do so? To protect your family."

"I'd do anything for them." Reina replied.

"And that makes you dangerous. I don't even need the gift of foresight to know that."

Regina and Zelena both flinched at the growl that rumbled from Mal as she stepped between Merlin and Reina. The wizard wisely took a step back. "If she doesn't want her memories altered, Merlin, you will not alter them. I don't care about a deal you made with Zelena. You didn't make one with us. I don't care if you alter the memories of the townspeople in Storybrooke, but you will not touch ours. Lily's either. I don't care what you believe will happen or what you've seen will happen." Merlin sighed. "I understand your fears, but as you have trusted me, trust her. Please."

"Fine. It's not like you ever listen to me anyway."

Mal grinned and tapped his cheek. "Nope. So shall we go home?"

"Actually," Nyla chose that moment to step forward. "I had an idea. Since the wizard has ensured a way home for you all as well as removed an escape for the kings, why don't we have a little fun?"

"And your idea of fun is?" Merlin asked. "Murdering someone? Burning someone alive?"

"Join us to destroy Kator." Nyla grinned. "Storybrooke is severely lacking in battles and entertainment and Lilith is severely lacking in experience. Why not have a day of family bonding by raining death and destruction down on a kingdom of dragon slayers?" She looked at Merlin. "Before you refuse, Kator is doomed anyway. They were destroyed in the past and I will still do my best to destroy them now."

"I am not surprised." Merlin replied.

"I agree." Mal smirked. "Let them see what their actions have gotten them. Listening to the Dark One, playing with time, attacking dragons. They would deserve every bit of their destruction."

"It would also be fun." Reina grinned.

"This timeline is separate, no?" Nyla asked. "It won't affect the original."

"Technically, yes." Merlin sighed yet again. "But in order to fix things, this timeline cannot remain-"

"Then destroy it when we're done. Do whatever you do. I just have a question first." Nyla teleported herself and Merlin away and Regina looked at Mal.

"She is planning something. Do you know what?"

Mal shrugged. "I think I do, but you will not like it."

"Explain it to me, Dragon." Regina commanded. Reina glanced up at her tone, silently daring her to try it again, but Mal only smirked as she rubbed Reina's back.

"When I was young, building a kingdom was the only thing I could think of. I traveled to grow stronger and to begin building my hoard to be able to take care of my family. I wanted to fight, find glory and fame. I wanted to try everything, learn everything. That was when I was young. All dragons have these dreams, these feelings. That is their goal when they leave the nest. Nyla is still in that phase of life. While she does seem to want to be with you, she also wants to be more. She hasn't gotten to do that yet and I'm sure it will feel weird, wrong even, to give up her life, her name and her dreams to go to Storybrooke."

"She's not coming to Storybrooke then." Regina said.

"She plans to."

Zelena's head snapped up from where she's been deep in thought. "She's going to live through hundreds of years until she reaches the time where Regina creates Storybrooke."

"What?! That's ridiculous!" Regina snapped, instantly rising to her feet.

"Why is that ridiculous?" Mal frowned. "It'll be hundreds of years for her but days for you. I'm sure she went to talk to Merlin to see if her plan is even feasible. I think the more important part of it is that she is willing to wait hundreds of years to be with you! Clearly you two need to have a conversation but didn't you promise to go along with everything as if it's normal?"

Regina rubbed her temples, letting out a growl of her own. How could Nyla even think to do something so reckless? She didn't need to be more. She didn't need to be worthy. She was enough, as she was. Even though she was Mal, it was unlikely that she would make the same decisions twice. Changing one small thing could change everything and they couldn't use this timeline like a playground. Even with Merlin there to fix things. There was no telling if they'd already messed something up. Yes, it was sweet what Nyla planned to do, but it wouldn't be fair. Regina hated the thought of her spending years pining for her when she could be living, happy and taken care of by someone else.

"Hey," Mal snapped, drawing her attention. "It doesn't have to be hundreds of years. It could be two or ten. She's going to do what she wants anyway so stop worrying."

"Excuse me?" Neera stepped into the tent and bowed to Mal, who rolled her eyes.

"I would tell you to stop doing that but you never learn."

The blonde warrior smiled and called behind her. A group of people brought in a table and chairs and covered the table in food. "For you. I figured you would rather eat in private than have Galu talk your head off while you're trying to enjoy your dinner."

Regina was about to ask the general if she'd seen Nyla, but the tent flaps were yanked open and a man stormed inside. He was a tall, lean man dressed in gray tunic and brown pants. From what Regina could see, he was probably a handsome man underneath that unkempt beard and long, messy curls.

Mal rolled her eyes. "Hello, Galu."

"Hello, Maleficent!" He snarked. "When the hell were you going to tell me you were here?!" He roared before completely softening. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Galu." Mal smiled. "I'm guessing Kallia told you."

"Aye, but I'm upset you didn't tell me. Am I not your best general?"

"No, that would be Neera." She said before introducing him to the rest of those gathered.

"Oh my gods!" Galu exclaimed, pulling Mal into a hug. "I'm so happy for you. I'm happy that you're happy and you're having kids! Aw!" He stepped back and bowed to Reina. "And you managed to mate with the most beautiful woman in the world. Life is good, yes?"

"It is." Mal smiled.

Galu suddenly threw back his head and screamed at the top of his lungs. When he finished he took a deep breath and relaxed, as if he hadn't done anything at all.

"What was that?" Neera asked.

"It was a cathartic scream of joy." Galu shrugged. "Now, why was I cut out of the loop of the important stuff?"

"The last time we told you anything important we had to delay an entire siege because you got drunk-"

"And yet, I still killed the most enemies." He scoffed.

"You beat me by one." Mal growled, pointing at him.

"And you will never forget it." He pointed back at her before grinning at Reina as he stepped aside to pull out a chair for her. Reina accepted it with a smile and gestured to the seat next to her, inviting him to sit.

After a while, Nyla returned with Merlin and the other generals soon followed and joined them at the table.

"I know what you're planning." Regina whispered as she sat next to Nyla. "I don't think it's a good idea."

Nyla only smirked in reply. She and Mal both looked at Reina and Galu across the table whispering to each other.

"Galu, do I have to kill you?" Mal asked.

"Oh relax, Mal." Reina grinned. "Galu was just telling me about the battle of the black harbor."

"What's that?" Lily asked.

Mal sighed and rubbed her temples. Nyla also had a similar reaction. "We were stealing from a port treasury and that idiot blew up a ship full of black powder and ink, turning the harbor black. Which also dyed my hair and stained my skin for a week."

Galu scoffed. "Without this idiot your adventures would've been half as exciting."

"He has a point." Balder laughed. "Do you remember the time we stole that prized herd from that king that refused to pay us?"

"Oh gods." Nyla groaned. "And ended up fighting in a bunch of horse shit?"

Regina noticed Lily and Merlin beaming as they listened to more of Mal's adventures. Unlike Mal, Galu had no filter whatsoever and had no problems detailing her best and worst moments from the past. Both Mal and Nyla were soon bright red and she was sure she hadn't heard Reina laugh like that in her life. Lily even chimed in with a few stories of her own, all frighteningly similar to Mal's in that she was usually trying to steal something. It gave Regina a peek at the life she'd lived and the dark parts that she had refused to tell them up until now. Good company, good food and wine seemed to have loosened her lips this evening.

A hand on Regina's leg drew her out her musings and she looked to the side at Nyla, who was smiling at her. She returned the smile and squeezed her hand in return.

"Maleficent," Kallia said, looking at Mal. "If you were truly the last dragon, why did you not make others? Like your mate, I mean."

"I want to know the answer too." Nyla added. "We could have at least changed our generals and friends into dragons. We'd be unstoppable."

Mal nodded. "We could've. However, the truth is, you all are the greatest friends we ever have. There have been others and more. Many years have passed since you all passed and I have fought many battles since then with many more friends and generals, but I never met any more like you. Few have ever compared." Regina glanced around the room and smiled at how the others were beaming proudly at her heartfelt words. Diaval and Neera had turned bright red. "As for why we never changed them into dragons, the answer is simple. We never find out a way to do it for many years. By the time we do, they are gone."

"You should do it now." Galu grinned. "All of us will fly into battle and burn Kator to the ground!"" He yelled, eyes wide with glee.

"The process takes too long and could have lasting effects." Mal replied as he sat down with a huff. "If I had known then, I absolutely would've tried to turn you all into dragons. Although I know not all of you would have agreed. Unfortunately, I could not and I do not think it is my decision now." She suddenly teleported out of the room. Reina and Merlin followed a heartbeat later.

"What just happened?" Lily asked, looking to Regina for answers. "Do I go after them?"

"I would not." Balder said.

"I agree." Nyla added, rising to her feet. She offered a hand to Regina. "You all may stay or go. Lily, worry not for your mother. If she has not returned within the hour, we will go and find her. In the meantime, why don't you show Zelena around a bit?" She left little room for argument as she pulled Regina towards the tent opening. They went back to the tent where they had originally been planning the attack and Nyla closed the tent flap. "Maleficent figured out what I had in mind."

"She did." Regina said, crossing her arms. "And it's a foolish endeavor."

"Why is it?" Nyla returned. "All that I am and all that I have is Maleficent's. Not mine. I don't understand why you are so against it. Your wizard friend said that it was possible and that he would consider it."

"First of all, Merlin is technically your friend, not mine." She retorted. "And even if it is possible, you don't need to do it. I don't want you to be alone or waiting for me for however long you plan to be here and if you're just going to come to Storybrooke and Merlin will destroy this world anyway, what will it matter?

"It will matter to me." Nyla replied.

"Why must you do this specifically? The Enchanted Forest still exists. There are plenty of other worlds to visit. If you want, we can take a trip and you can destroy any kingdom you want."

Nyla conjured a chair and sat down. She conjured one for Regina in front of her and she sat down as well. "Listen to me, Regina, I must do this and if Merlin allows it, I will. I don't expect you to understand-"

"Because I'm not a dragon?"

"Regina-"

Regina stood up and walked around the chair, fighting the urge to pace. She didn't like it. What if Nyla got hurt? What if she died? What if she decided she didn't want to come back to Storybrooke? What if she fell in love with someone else? As much as she wanted Nyla with her, she also didn't want to stop her from living whatever life she wanted.

"Regina." Nyla moved in front of her, pulling her into her arms. "What are you thinking about?"

"Mal said that young dragons seek fame and glory. They want to learn and try everything and build a hoard to support themselves and their family. I don't want to stop you from doing that. I don't want to be the reason you don't get to do that and I don't want to stand in the way of you being with someone else."

"Who said I wanted someone else?" Nyla frowned.

"How long are you planning to be gone? Won't you want-"

"No. I don't know how long exactly but I'm not some juvenile who only thinks about sex. Having you as a prize, waiting for me…No one else will compare. Besides, you are worrying for nothing. Merlin may not even agree to let me do this. He may command me to stay and destroy the timeline anyway to prevent further disruptions."

"He won't do that. He and Mal have a history apparently."

"You don't know anything about it?"

Regina shook her head. "I didn't even know they knew each other. Although, it doesn't surprise me. Mal's lived a long time. I know there is much I still don't know about her." She looked up at Nyla, who was watching her.

"What if I told you it was okay to be with someone else?"

"I wouldn't care."

Regina flicked an eyebrow. "Alright then. I can't stop you, so I will challenge you. By the time you return to me, I want you to be even greater than Mal. I want to hear about all of your adventures and hear your new titles. I want you to build a hoard large enough to fill a mountain. Do this and when you return, you may have everything with me. If that is what you still want by then."

Nyla's eyes glowed bright gold and she fixed her hungry gaze on Regina's. "What if I am not the same woman when I return?"

"Then I want to know the woman you've become. Friend or lover, just as you promised to me."

"So be it." Nyla grinned

/

"Do you know where Mom went?" Lily asked as she and Zelena walked through the happy camp. All around her the people were enjoying the last calm nights before battle. There was a lot of singing, drinking, eating and laughter. It seemed the camp was more alive now than it was all day.

"She is in her tent with Reina and Merlin. She is crying." Zelena answered.

"Why? How do you know that?"

"Magic and it's obvious. She is surrounded by the memories of people who are gone. It makes sense she would be emotional. Not to mention, these people were her family. If she had found a way to extend their lives, they would have been your family too."

"I get it, but she didn't have to disappear like that. She should know she won't be judged by us."

"Your mother doesn't want to seem weak."

"As if."

Zelena laughed softly. "Agreed. Anyways, you don't have to babysit me. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? It's no trouble."

Zelena flicked an eyebrow. "I'm positive, but thank you. Besides, I'm pretty sure you'd rather spend your time with the pretty brunette who keeps looking at you from that table over there."

Lily followed her gaze to a table where Roza was sitting. Roza had recovered nicely from the poisoned arrow and was well enough to partake in the merry atmosphere this evening. When their eyes met, she beckoned Lily over with a finger. Zelena gave her a push from behind and she threw a quick glare at her aunt before making her way over. Roza watched her approach and beckoned for her to sit. There was another guy at the table and he lifted his cup towards her in greeting.

"I owe you a thank you." Roza said as she took a seat next to her.

"You already thanked me."

"I meant a proper one." Roza smirked. "You saved my life. I have nothing to pay you with but-"

"You don't have to. I was just doing my job."

"She saved my life too." Said the guy across from them and it took a moment for Lily to remember where they'd met.

"That's right. You were the guy who almost bled to death because you got your ear sliced off-"

"I know, I ought to kill that son of a bitch." He scratched at his ear that Lily had been able to reattach. "It was supposed to just be training. I'm Phineas by the way."

"Lily."

"Maleficent has a couple of warriors who teach the newest recruits." Roza explained. "They're rough and think too highly of themselves. They've been known to injure recruits as well."

"I'll talk to my mom about them."

"Your mom?"

"You didn't know?" Roza smirked. "You are speaking to the daughter of Maleficent."

Phineas' eyes went wide and he made to stand up but Lily quickly grabbed his hand to stop him. "I am so sorry, your highness. I didn't mean-"

"You haven't been disrespectful and you don't need to bow to me. Or call me 'your highness'. Lily is fine." Phineas dipped his head before sitting back down. "So where are you from, Phineas?"

"Nowhere." He shrugged. "I'm from a small town, quite unremarkable. And I am just the son of a cook."

"Let me guess," Lily said. "You came here to find fame and fortune."

"I came to witness history being made." Phineas replied. "This will be a legendary battle and I wish to be a part of it. Maleficent, one of the few known dragons gathering an army to get revenge on the dumbasses who like to kill dragons? Where else in the world would you rather be?" He grinned. "And yes, I figured following a dragon would lead me to riches."

"Do you like to fight then?" Lily asked.

"I do. I hope to fight well enough to catch Maleficent's attention. I can't imagine what it is like to train with her."

"It's brutal actually. Is that why you dyed your hair?" Lily gestured to the top of his head. His hair seemed to be long and naturally blonde but he'd dyed a broad strip of black down the middle and pulled it back into a top knot.

"Yes, I want to stand out."

"You want to stand out amongst all of these people?" Roza asked.

"Well, I didn't come all the way here to be just a regular soldier."

"Me either!" A giant ax was dropped on the table and a large man settled in the seat next to Phineas with a bowl of stew. He was tall and broad and had a mane of light brown curls neatly swept back on his head and a thick, but short well groomed beard. "The name's Tor." He waved to someone over Lily's shoulder. "That's Rao." Rao was an energetic and agile fellow. He leaped clean over the table to sit down next to Tor and dug into his bowl of stew. Lily couldn't really see anything other than a head of messy black curls.

"We all should fight together." Roza suggested, clapping Lily on the back. "See who kills the most dragon slayers."

"You're on." Phineas said, holding out a hand.

"I'm in too." Tor added.

"Me too." Rao finished his stew and got up to presumably get another bowl.

All eyes turned to Lily and she smirked. "Fine, I'm in too."

/

Mal accepted the handkerchief Merlin held out to her and wiped her eyes while Reina gently rubbed her back. It pulled at her very being to be so weak, to have to run away before she broke down in front of her old friends. They were such good friends. She had put away the memory of them a long time ago because it hurt too much to remember and now that she was back here, it was like an old wound had been sliced back open in her heart. She hated the feeling.

"Are you alright?" Merlin asked.

"No, but I will be." It was the truest answer she could give right now.

"I'm sorry." He whispered. "That this happened. I know you don't like thinking about the past. I can't imagine what it must be like to walk through it again." He moved to sit in the chair nearby, pulling it close to her. "You are my friend, Maleficent. So I will pay the price."

"What?" Mal and Reina both frowned at his words.

"Zelena offered, but I will pay it. She said that you might want to bring others back with you. We argued over it and as you know, all magic comes with a price. If it must be paid, I will do it. Nyla may use the timeline as she sees fit. And you or Lily. You said she could use the experience." He shrugged.

"Why?" She asked.

He shrugged again. "You deserve to be happy, to have a big family and be surrounded by friends."

"So do you." Mal replied. "But I fail to see why you would take such a risk for me. I know that you know a lot about time travel, but if this could hold negative repercussions I must think of my mate and my children before anything else."

Merlin smiled. "I will take care of everything. Consider it a gift from a friend."

"And do you want something in return?"

"It is a gift, Maleficent."

The dragon only shook her head. "Visit more. I know you won't stay, but you are always welcome with us. My friends could be your friends one day. And you could be a part of my family as well." She knew that it had been years since the wizard had had any form of family. Nimue was his one and only love and his apprentice had completed his training and was currently doing the bidding of the king of Camelot. Despite knowing the man for years, she knew little of what he did when he wasn't safeguarding the world from one threat or another. She didn't even know how he did the safeguarding.

"Thank you." Merlin said. "I may have to take you up on that offer."

"Oh?"

He nodded. "I have to fight Zelena to be the one to teach magic to my godchildren." He smirked.

"Incorrect." Zelena scoffed as she stepped into the tent. "I am the designated magic teacher and I will hear nothing more on the matter."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "She told me earlier that she's very happy for you and very excited to-" A smack from Zelena had him smirking.

"Thank you, Merlin." Reina said. The wizard simply nodded as he teleported out of the tent.

"Is everything okay?" Zelena asked.

"Yes, but we have to talk to the others now."

"I will go collect them then."

The witch departed and Mal let out a sigh as she moved into Reina's embrace. "If we were not pregnant, I would suggest we stay as well." Her mate whispered.

"I understand, but I am no longer that interested in war and glory. There is much to do in Storybrooke that awaits us."

"Agreed. We must prepare homes for your people. They have to be better than the huts Regina built for the idiots and their followers. Perhaps we model it after the Forbidden Fortress."

"I like the sound of that. Afterwards, we go to see the lands you created. I will not wait another moment." Mal growled, drawing a giggle from her mate.

"So be it. We have to build a den anyway. There are a few caves in the new lands but I doubt they will suffice."

"Adjustments can be made."

"After a long rest."

"Of course."

A few minutes later, Zelena returned with Nyla, Regina, and Lily. Mal sat up straight and explained to them Merlin's decision, as well as the new proposal she had been contemplating.

"You want me to stay too?" Lily asked.

"I think it would be a good thing for you." Mal answered. "Gather more experience, train, learn, travel. Build your own legacy, meet new people. Storybrooke is so small for someone of your stature and there is only so much a dragon can be there. I know Nyla will protect you or I will skin her alive." She paused to look at her younger self, who only dipped her head respectfully. Mal could tell she was excited about the prospect. "It is a big decision, I am aware. You could stay for a year or two and then Merlin will send you home. And when you get there, Reina and I will be waiting to hear about your adventures."

"But what about you guys? And the babies? I want to be there for you." Lily demanded.

"A year for you would be only a day to us. Remember, this time has already passed. And Merlin is no fool. He will bring you back in time for the birth. We will be fine."

"I know you said young dragons want to explore and fight and do all that stuff but I've never felt like that." Lily frowned.

"Hold that thought until after the battle." Mal said. "Believe me, things will feel different afterwards."

Lily arched an eyebrow at her words as she sat down next to Reina. "I'll think about it." She appeared confused but also intrigued.

Mal then looked at Regina. "You should stay too." Regina instantly started to protest but the dragon raised a hand, silencing the words in her throat. "Henry will be fine. It'll probably be just a weekend for him. The Charmings can take care of him for at least that long without something happening. Meanwhile, you will get to live again. That town, those idiots and their people try to douse your fire every day. I know you, Regina. You even told me that every day you are at war with your instincts. I know you want to be a hero and I know you to be a good person, but you deserve more. I've seen you refuse to do things you want to do because it might go against the hero code that you have to conform to. You can return any time you wish to, just like Lily." Regina went silent. She glanced at Nyla, who was visibly overjoyed at the idea. "Think about it. Not here though, I'm tired."

"You okay?" Lily asked.

"I am. This has just been…an emotional day and tomorrow will be a busy one so you should get some rest."

"Is it going to be even worse tomorrow?" Mal couldn't resist grinning at the look of horror on her child's face.

"Yes."

/

The next day the camp was in an uproar preparing for the battle. Preparations had to be made for the attack so the majority of the day, Lily was kept busy helping others prep their armor and weapons and running around doing whatever needed to be done. Mal was busy as well, in the blacksmithing tent. It was less strenuous work than constant hunting so Reina had no problem with it. In the meantime, there was very little for her to do. She was not a smith, nor a fletcher, had no interest in training and the healer's tents had been cleared out. Also, Mal had forbidden her from doing anything strenuous. So, she decided to take a walk.

Even though she was relatively new here and they'd kept her and Mal's identities under wraps, it was amusing to still see hardened warriors scurry out of her path when she approached. A few brave ones bowed to her and gave her smiles. It could have something to do with her escort. Galu had taken it upon himself to be her guardian for the day. Out of all Nyla's generals, he was her favorite. He was a little wild and erratic and a little crazy and he had a ruthless streak to him. He also became quite protective after learning she was pregnant. All it took was one guy to bump into her shoulder and Galu had thrown him through a table. Everyone else had only been respectful since and gave her a wide berth. Besides, beyond Nyla and Mal's inner circle, she trusted no one else. Mal even told her that for the assault on Kator she'd begun to swell her ranks with all manner of people, many of whom were untrustworthy and disreputable. So, Galu followed at her side, pointing out different people and things as they passed.

"So, what is your home like, Queen Reina?" Galu asked.

"It is small, General. Too small. While it does have many interesting new amenities, it is also full of either enemies or followers of those enemies."

"You have no people of your own there?"

"None. It is just our family." Reina answered. "But I am making it bigger and better for Mal. I've pulled up mountains for her to rest on and created lakes and rivers deep enough for her dragon form to dive in. New trees, new orchards, new animals, everything she could ever need. A perfect place for her so she doesn't have to constantly mingle with the idiots of Storybrooke." Mal deserved much more and she would build an entire world if she had the power to just for her beloved.

"It sounds wonderful. It is just a shame that we are not there to support you. To keep your enemies and their followers at bay."

Reina laughed. "They are not threats, just annoyances."

"For someone of your caliber, I would imagine so. And the caliber of our dragon queen!" He yelled the last part, drawing cheers from those around them.

Reina smiled. To have that kind of loyalty was foreign to her. She supposed that the Dark Knights could have been considered loyal to her, but she was unsure if they were loyal to her or the throne she had taken. Liam certainly was. She'd have to reward him with something when she returned for his efforts to protect Lily from the dragon slayers.

Galu bounced around her. "We will fight side by side tomorrow. You, me and your Maleficent. I will see if I can beat her in her new state, slay more enemies than her."

"You won't." Reina grinned. "For all that your Maleficent is, all that she has accomplished, my Maleficent is far greater. She is practically a goddess now. A queen of queens." Galu gave her a grin and glanced behind her. She spun around to see Mal and Nyla standing behind her with Regina.

"That sounds like a challenge, your majesty." Nyla said.

"It wouldn't be much of one." Reina replied. Regina rolled her eyes. "What, Regina? You think that I would bet against the Mistress of All Evil? Even pregnant, she is more than any of us on the field of battle." She smirked when she heard Mal purring and the blonde crushed her to her chest in a bearhug.

"You flatter me, my queen." Mal whispered in her ear.

"They think they're better than us, Regina." Nyla growled.

"We are." Mal called, kissing Reina's forehead.

"We must destroy them."

"Well, you've always been competitive." Regina muttered.

"As if you're not." Mal called, pecking Reina's lips. "We have to kick their asses tomorrow now."

"So be it."

Galu slipped into view. "I do believe I challenged you first."

"That wouldn't really be fair though, would it?"

Reina laughed at the look of indignation that crossed his face. "No contest would be fair."

"Alright then," He said. "No magic allowed. Blades only."

"If it will end this, so be it."

Mal put an arm around her and joined her on her walk, both of them ignoring Galu's excited rambling. Regina and Nyla walked behind them but they were close enough to hear Mal speak. "You know, it has come to my attention that if we do bring more people to Storybrooke, the town's population would be greatly increased overnight. Problems will undoubtedly arise from this, especially amongst the heroes' followers."

"Regina is their mayor." Nyla said.

"Only because their true leaders were terrible in the position and no one else has stepped forward to take up the mantle. They do not truly follow Regina. Not like your people do you."

"Storybrooke is not their town." Reina replied. "The Evil Queen built it. It belongs to us." She gestured over her shoulder at Regina. "The idiots and their followers do not get to say who can live there or not. And if they have a problem with it, they can be sent back to the Enchanted Forest, the land without central heating and air conditioning, working toilets and hospitals. They will bitch and moan but they have always done so."

"I'll need to expand the borders again." Regina said. "If you guys are going back before we do then you'll have to take care of that. You can use the east side of town for the new buildings."

"So you will stay?" Mal asked. "Even if that means being away from Henry?"

"It won't be that long." Regina reasoned. "I am more concerned about him than I am for myself. You will protect him while I'm gone?" Reina flicked an eyebrow up at Mal, who sighed and nodded. "Thank you."

"We will handle the new construction as well." Mal continued. "Although, I will say Storybrooke will look awful next to it."

"Well, if they were kinder to their mayor, maybe the town could be remodeled." Nyla chuckled.

"As you will be the leaders, any suggestions?" Mal asked.

There was silence behind them and Reina glanced over her shoulder. "Surprise us." Nyla finally decided.

"So be it."

They returned to Nyla's tent and went inside to rest. Reina immediately went to sit down and Mal conjured a stool for her feet. Nyla sent away a worker to bring them some food. It wasn't long before Lily found them and collapsed into the chair next to Reina.

"Having fun?"

"Best day ever." came her daughter's sarcastic reply. "What's next?"

"You don't need to do any more tonight." Nyla squeezed her shoulder as she passed. "Have you given any thought to my new name?"

"Actually, I had an idea the moment you asked me." Lily smiled. "When I was younger, after I was told by Merlin's apprentice about what happened to me, I started looking up any and everything about Maleficent. Every story, every movie, just everything. According to what I found out, the tale of Sleeping Beauty is pretty old. In the original story, instead of Maleficent, they called you…Carabosse."

"Carabosse." Nyla repeated, weighing the name on her tongue.

"Why?" Mal asked.

Lily shrugged. "No idea. Maybe that world just made it up. They seemed to do that for Mom's storybook."

Nyla slowly grinned. "I like it. Regina may call me Cara and everyone else must call me Bosse. Yes, I like it. I will need new titles. How can I be anything other than the Dragon Queen? Perhaps, Dragon Empress? Dragon God?" Mal rolled her eyes and Lily laughed. "I think I will keep my color."

"You do look good in black." Regina murmured.

"That is true, but I was mostly concerned about having to learn how to hunt without black scales. At night, I am untraceable."

"I know." Lily said. "I crashed into Mom once when we were night hunting. Don't even ask how that's possible but it happened."

Reina smiled at the memory. She had witnessed the event and it had even caught Mal off guard, who had assumed that Lily would stop or turn to avoid crashing into her. Lily was bright red for most of the night afterwards.

"What about the Black Queen?" Lily suggested. "Or the Dreadwyrm. Stormbringer? Empress of the Skies?"

Reina ran a hand through her hair and closed her eyes, letting their voices wash over her. Internally, she thought of the battle tomorrow and the preparations she needed to make for it. She wanted to go to sleep early to be well rested and she had to prepare a few wards to put around herself, especially her stomach, to protect her little one. Then they had to go home and there was so much to do there. Maybe she and Mal could take a day or two to explore her new lands before they had to begin construction. What kind of buildings they would build is another question. Perhaps a medieval theme with modern amenities? A modern town with magical amenities? Perhaps they could just build a base town and let Regina and Nyla deal with it when they got back.

"Reina?" Mal touched her shoulder and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Come eat, dear."

She opened her eyes to see Neera standing at the entryway. She waved her forward and the blonde stepped aside to allow people to enter with a table and chairs, followed by more carrying plates and bowls and platters of food. She and Mal were allowed to fill their plates first and she did so with gusto, focusing on her meal rather than the chatter around her. Tomorrow was going to be an exhausting and invigorating day.

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