Lisa spent the next couple days with Lily, catching up, visiting some of their old haunts and letting her old friend introduce her to her new life. Growing up they usually spent their time looking for ways to make some quick cash and then throwing away that cash on stupid things. Food was hard to come by then. Now, Lily lived like a fucking queen. She didn't have to worry about anything anymore. Well, besides the end of the world.

"So...you and Emma do anything fun?" Lily asked, relaxing on Lisa's hotel bed. Emma glared at her from her bed across the room.

"Just hunting down bad guys." Lisa shrugged, stepping out of the bathroom in gray shorts and a matching sports bra. "Remember that time we stole a cop car?"

"Are you serious?" Emma frowned.

Lisa nodded. "It was pretty wild."

You sound like a horrible influence.

Lisa smirked but ignored her mate as she climbed into bed. Lily patted her back. "Night."

"See you guys tomorrow, when I get to murder a couple heroes." She threw a wicked smirk over her shoulder at Emma before leaving the room.

"I'll kill her before I let them hurt my parents." Emma said.

"I highly doubt that and your parents would deserve it." Lisa retorted.

"I feel like I hardly know you anymore." The blonde commented. "Maybe I never did."

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Are you seriously pulling this shit again? Just because I do something you might not agree with, doesn't need to make you question the last decade of our friendship. If it means that much to you, maybe we shouldn't be friends at all. From here on out, just be there to save the world and we can go our separate ways."

"You know that's not what I want." Emma sighed.

"Whatever." Lisa got beneath the blankets and was soon asleep. She couldn't wait to get back home to her mate and her mother in law. Even her dad. She hoped he and Regina were getting along in her absence.

/

Regina and Cora were already getting packed for the trip they knew was coming. Having spread the word to the others, they too were already preparing.

"How are we going to get to the Enchanted Forest?" Regina asked, placing a duffel bag by the front door. "We don't have any magic beans."

"Maleficent should know a way." Cora said, peering over a map on the coffee table, along with Marcus. "I'm more concerned about the battlefield. We should use some of this world's technology to prep it. The fields of Anoor are the largest and closest to where the Dark Ones usually spawn. That's where we need to be." She looked up at Marcus. "And you are sure this Guardian tower will help us?"

He frowned. "Of course they will. They are Guardians and they will adhere to our rules."

"You have been absent for many years." she reminded him.

"I know my people. I trained almost all of them. They will help us."

"Good." Cora nodded slowly. "That doesn't change the fact that we still will not be ready."

"What do you mean?" Regina asked.

"Guardians are trained from the age of 9 to master all weapon types." Marcus answered. "They would start training with the suit when they are 13 so using it is as easy as breathing. Lisa is far behind."

"Emma is barely proficient at all." Cora added. "Lily is probably the better trained of the three but it doesn't change the fact that we simply do not have the time to teach them to fight. We need to be formulating a battle plan at this very moment and finding out about this green flash."

"All they've done is fight." Regina said, both of them looking up at her. "All they've done is survive in this wretched world. Lisa has Rhea's memories. Lily can tap into Mal's, we can find a way to help Emma. We have a bit of time to kill. Once the memories are synced at the Guardian tower, have them train to get comfortable with it. We need weapons for everyone else that's going to stand with them."

"Maleficent has that covered, I spoke to her last night." Cora said.

We're back!

Regina grinned and ran to the door. "Lisa's back." She stepped outside and her grin was quick to fade for a look of shock when she spotted the train of black SUVs and giant tractor trailer rolling up the street. Lisa hopped out of Emma's bug and raced to her, kissing her forehead with a proud smirk.

"I brought us half an army and two dragons."

They watched Maleficent and Lily step out of the lead SUV. "Is there any place we can set up?"

"You can use the town hall and the mansions on the hill." Regina answered. "I'll show you." She kissed Lisa's cheek and got into the SUV with Mal to direct her around town. "What'd you do, hire a team of special forces?"

"That's exactly what I did. They know how to use this world's technology better than I. And we're going to need every ounce of it. I bought bombs, missiles, land mines, everything we will possibly need."

"I won't even ask how you managed to get your hands on that." She doubted it was legal or good to have such weapons in the hands of a woman who once reduced an entire kingdom to cinder. "Mother wants to make our last stand at the fields of Anoor."

Maleficent nodded. "A risky plan with no cover and no defenses."

"We use the treeline and fall back to the field. We just need a line and we need to hold it while the Three do their jobs. That's all we can do. If we had had more time-"

"We could've used 100 years preparing for this and we would still not be ready. No one is ready for the world to end." Regina swallowed at her words, knowing she was right. "Still, I believe a castle would be in our best interests. I'll check and see if mine is in working order before we make a final decision."

"It should be. I don't think the curse damaged any buildings beyond Snow's castle."

Mal said nothing for a moment before suddenly smirking. "So, I met your girlfriend..."

"Mate."

"Pardon me. Mate. She's a lovely woman and I can't thank her enough for being there for Lily when I could not be. Hold on to her."

"I have no plans in letting her go. Did she tell you about Pan's vision?"

Mal nodded. "Let's focus on one thing at a time. Winning this war means you can have as many children as you want. Start with that."

After Mal and her team had gotten situated, the war party gathered at Granny's. Cora and Marcus unveiled their battle plans and Mal explained the various weapons she had stockpiled and how it could be used to their advantage. She and Lily ignored the Charmings for the most part but Regina and Lisa were wary just in case. One of Mal's men, a very tall and brooding character named Law piped up with a battle plan of his own.

"You know why you're really here?" Emma asked.

"Of course, ma'am. All of my men do. We all have ties to the Enchanted Forest."

"How they came under my employment is my business." Mal added. She nodded to Law. He looked down at their map on the table and pointed out a small blip that was surrounded by rolling hills.

"We can set up mines around where the Dark Ones will rise, as well as the field in both directions. We have the weapons to hold back thousands of soldiers. Any creature the Dark Ones summon will be destroyed. You have my word." He glanced at Mal, who patted him on the shoulder.

"Very good, Law."

He dipped his head. "Thank you, ma'am."

"We should get to the Enchanted Forest as soon as possible and you all are going to have to call in your favors, all of your allies. Every single one."

"This isn't enough?" David asked. "You have an armory here."

"I'd rather have too many allies than not enough." Mal replied with a harsh glare in his direction. "We are fighting for the preservation of multiple worlds, all worlds, and you want to take shortcuts? The Three are meant to kill Nimue, but the rest of them will be left to us. You have a better suggestion, Farmer?"

"Actually, I was a shepherd."

"Actually, I don't give a fuck." Mal turned to Regina. "As much as I hate Ursula and Cruella at the moment, they are willing to uphold our pact and they are preparing to join us with as many of their people as possible and contacting some of my past allies for me."

"I can go back to Wonderland and talk to the Red Queen." Cora volunteered. "I might know someone else we can work with too. If she agrees."

Mal nodded. "I will go to Camelot immediately and see if I can find Merlin or at least steal Excalibur. Regina, you will go with Law and see if my castle is in good enough condition to fight in. The fields are a good plan and we can still prep it, but we need walls." Regina nodded.

"Lisa and I will go talk to the Guardians in the north." Marcus added with a small smile at his daughter, who did not return it as the thought of being separated from Regina once again was not something she wanted.

"There are no Guardians in the north." Maleficent chuckled. "Miss Lucas, will you accompany Cora?" Ruby shrugged.

"I don't need a babysitter, Dragon." Cora replied.

"Yes, but she'll just be backup. In case of assassins and the like, Heart-Ripper. We need your magic." The dragon wrote something down and looked around the room. "Does everyone have a task?"

"Um, no." Marcus said, coming to her side. "What do you mean there are no Guardians? Did you kill them?"

"Quite the opposite. They were half dead already when I found them." Mal replied with a disdainful look in his direction. "I saved them, offered them protection in exchange for information and they were more than happy to provide it for a hot meal. They are my subjects now." She smiled at him. "You can still go to them. I'll give you my seal and they'll know you are to be trusted." Marcus opened his mouth to speak again, but Maleficent shut him up with a deep throated growl. "I don't have time for this. You can be angry as much as you want, Marcus, but you were the one who sent your people to the furthest reaches of the world to build a tower in mountains claimed by a fucking dragon. You're lucky I was just bored that day or else they would all have frozen to death. Just be glad that they're alive. If you want to talk to someone, talk to them." She turned her back to him and looked at the Charmings. "You are lucky that all of this takes precedent or I would kill you where you stand."

"They deserve worse than death." Lily growled.

"True." Mal said. The younger dragon looked ready to throw herself over the table at the Charmings, but Mal's commanding tone seemed to calm her down as she turned to everyone else to continue barking orders. "You have your instructions. A more detailed plan can be figured out as soon as we see how many of us there are that will fight. I hope you all are packed." She looked at Regina. "No point in taking anything out of the trailer. We should head straight there, make sure we have our army and then go straight to the field to prep it. I trust you with my castle."

"Misplaced trust." She smirked.

"What if this green flash doesn't even break the dagger?" Emma asked.

"Would you rather wait for it to happen before you move your ass?" The dragon replied. "Now shut up and get packed. We leave in two days." She made to leave with Lily and her men, but paused to stand next to Snow, looking at her such hatred it was a wonder that the princess didn't burst into flames. "Years ago, you stole and cursed my baby. I begged for your help and you did the opposite. I want nothing more than to break every bone in your body, one by one. I could and would, except we need each other. You would not help me then because you are a hero and I am a villain-"

"Maleficent-"

"I am speaking." The dragon said curtly. Snow wisely kept her mouth shut and struggled to hold the dragon's fiery gaze. "I have thought of this prophecy every day since I heard it, knowing that I would probably be here when it came true. I'm going to need you to get off your high horse, get rid of this heroes vs villains bullshit right now. You and your family need to stop whining and complaining and start doing something productive. I guarantee the darkness doesn't give a damn how good you are, how pure you are. It will devour us all and there will be no one left to give a damn about heroes and villains or you." Mal made her departure with Lily and the rest of her men, leaving a heavy silence in her wake.

"What the hell is her problem?" Emma scowled. Regina rolled her eyes. It was her mother who answered the question.

"Maleficent is a dragon and dragons fear very few things. They are incredibly powerful and can live forever. Can you imagine how you would feel knowing that no matter how powerful you are, you would be completely powerless against this threat? This world that you've spent your life building for your family will be no more." Cora said. "For us, the prophecy of the three has been an old wives tale, a myth, a legend, just a story. For her, it has always been very real. A very real fear of darkness consuming everything she loves."

Lisa looked at the blonde. "Maybe you should put yourself in someone else's shoes before you make irritating comments, Emma."

"It doesn't matter." Cora motioned to Lisa and Regina. "You two, go do what you have to do and then get ready to leave. Make it quick." Cora said with a knowing look at the two of them. "We have a lot to do."

"Okay, Mom." Lisa grinned, grabbing Regina's hand and teleporting them away to the bedroom. The she-wolf started getting undressed while Regina watched, one eyebrow arched. "What? You don't want to have sex?"

"We shouldn't after you decided to flirt with someone else."

Lisa rolled her eyes. "I wasn't flirting. I was being polite. Besides, you know damn well I don't want any other woman but you."

Regina slowly smiled and proceeded to almost rip the rest of the clothes off her mate. Lisa picked her up and carried her to the bed, growling excitedly under her breath. It had only been a few days, but even that was too long to spend away from her queen. After a few hours of needed lovemaking, the pair showered and fell back into bed, enjoying the peace and quiet before the real work would begin.

"I don't want to be separated from you." Lisa whispered.

"Nor I you." Regina said, laying her head on Lisa's chest while her mate gently stroked her back. "We don't have much of a choice."

"Maleficent seems to be in a hurry."

"Well, the Three have finally been identified and are together for the first time. She could be afraid the prophecy is about to come true. I can't really blame her. Not much bothers Mal, but I could tell something was off about her."

"Maybe I can use my magic to take us to the Guardian tower quickly and get back to you even faster." Lisa said.

"You shouldn't waste your magic." Regina nuzzled her mate's neck and smiled when Lisa pulled her close. "Our bond is so strong it could transcend worlds before we bound ourselves together. You know I'll be with you every step of the way."

"I don't want you there in spirit. I want you there in person. That way I can kiss you whenever I feel like it."

"I know, but we have to be ready for the battle and your father seems to want to use the time to show you a piece of his world."

"You heard Mal. The people there might not even care about him. I like my dad, but he's not first on the list of people I want to spend time with."

"Who is first?" Regina smirked, already knowing the answer.

"Mal. She's so sexy. I swear-" Lisa paused when she felt Regina glaring at her. "It's you, Regina. Always you." Regina smiled, accepting a peck on the lips. "By the way, how can you be upset when you and Mal used to be together?"

"Mal is amazing in many ways. She could truly take you away from me-"

"No, she couldn't because she's not you. I don't ever want anyone else." Lisa said, determined to make Regina understand that fact. "You're stuck with me." Regina smiled at her sweet words and kissed Lisa again, which only lead to more lovemaking.

/

Knowing that her daughter would preoccupied for a little while, Cora slipped away to Regina's vault where she kept her things. She went to a chest and pulled open the lid. Buried beneath the other mess of things she really needed to organize, she found a pair of ruby slippers. She was about to put them on when she heard someone calling. "Ruby? Is that you? Down here!" The werewolf came the stairs to the vault, looking around as if she'd never been inside before. "Can I help you, Miss Lucas?"

Ruby's attention snapped to her. "Sorry, I was out running and I saw you come in and I just wanted to ask you something. If that's alright?" Cora nodded. "It's about Lisa. Before you got your heart back and pretended to be Regina and killed Archie- We know it was just a trick but, I made a huge mistake."

"You thought Regina really did it." Cora surmised.

Ruby nodded. "And now Lisa hates me. I get that even though we're sisters it doesn't really make us family, but she is all I have besides Granny. I just wanted to know if you knew a way to earn her forgiveness."

"When it comes to Regina, Lisa is very protective." Cora said. "Doing anything to disrespect or cause her distress is a surefire way to get Lisa angry with you."

"She forgave you and you've hurt Regina as much as anyone."

"That's true. I don't know what goes through her head. I don't know what to tell you other than don't stop trying. If she means that much to you, then you shouldn't give up. Lisa will forgive you. Eventually."

Ruby sighed. "Thanks." She glanced at the shoes in Cora's hands. "Taking a trip to Oz?"

"Excuse me?"

"Watched a lot of movies during the curse. I'm guessing you've never seen the Wizard of Oz."

"Um, no, but in regards to your first question, yes. Don't tell Regina or Lisa."

Ruby frowned. "Why? Someone in Oz you want to find?" She smirked. "Suitor perhaps?"

"Daughter."

"You have another daughter? What?"

Cora nodded as she placed the shoes on the ground and stepped into them. "We need her help. She's one of the most powerful witches I've ever seen. Unfortunately, she hates me and Regina."

"Why?"

Cora chuckled mirthlessly. "I left her to die. Now I must ask for her help. I won't be surprised if she tries to kill me."

"I'll go with you then." Ruby volunteered. "Mal made me your bodyguard anyway."

"You don't have to."

"I want to. Besides, I kinda want to meet the other daughter of Cora Mills. Should be fun."

Cora would eventually agree to her companionship. Ruby went home to quickly shower and change and it gave Cora a chance to get her nerves under control. She was anxious about this decision. With her heart once more firmly planted in her chest, there were so many emotions swirling within her that used to be so dull she couldn't feel them at all. Now they were sharp and strong and threatened to overwhelm her. Guilt, remorse, anger at her own stupidity were the most powerful. Her eldest daughter's name was Zelena. More commonly known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Even without her heart, Cora still watched over her from time to time, watching her defeat witch after witch, conquer region after region and eventually take the throne of Oz. She ruled with an iron fist, as a tyrant. That was the beginning of her reign until something changed. Cora wasn't sure what it was, but she did notice that Zelena's image changed somewhat. The people no longer feared her as much and Zelena treated them with disdain more than anything. Hopefully she was in a good mood.

Ruby returned, now dressed in dark leggings, a red jacket and a black shirt with hiking boots on her feet. "I'm ready."

Cora touched her shoulder and clicked her heels together, picturing the emerald green throne room she remembered Zelena being in multiple times. Almost instantly a silver blade was at her throat.

"Who the hell are you?" A voice came from behind her, but she didn't recognize it as Zelena's.

"Wait, please, I need to see Zelena. My name is Cora. This is Ruby Lucas." Both she and Ruby raised their hands.

"Fetch the empress." The voice called. Heavy footsteps rushed away and Cora chanced a look around the impressive throne room. A single throne made of emeralds and gold dominated the room. A great curtain covered the wall behind it. Tall, cylindrical glass tubes ran from the ceiling to the floor, filled with a bubbling green liquid. Golden designs ran along the floor but she couldn't tell what it formed.

"What do you want?"

"I know who you are. Zelena doesn't want to see you. She especially doesn't want you appearing in the middle of her palace."

"It was the only place I could picture. I'm not very familiar with this world."

A silence followed and eventually Cora put her hands down once she got tired of holding them up. The blade didn't move until she heard a command. She and Ruby turned around. Zelena looked them both up and down, looking very regal in a dark green dress. Ruby's eyebrows snapped upwards. Zelena looked nothing like her mother and sister. Sporting fiery red locks, fair skin and bright blue eyes, she clearly must've taken after her father.

"Dorothy, will you…" She motioned behind her and her friend seemed to understand. Dorothy, the pretty brunette who held them at knifepoint, sheathed her blade and left the room. "Leave us." She commanded the other guards in the room. The men spun on the heels and marched out, leaving the three of them alone. "What do you want, Cora?" She asked in a British accent.

"Your help." Cora answered.

"Why would I help you?" Zelena asked, curling her lip.

"If you want to live, to preserve this world and your home and the life you've built, you will. The prophecy of the Three is about to be fulfilled."

"How do you know?"

"Because not long ago I was dead. My heart had been poisoned and once it was put back into my chest, it killed me. One of the Three brought me back to life. We've found them and we all know what's going to happen next. The Three have finally been found and they're together and if we are unprepared for what comes next, the darkness will destroy everything."

Zelena continued glaring at her, but Cora knew she was thinking about it. Whether she believed in the prophecy or not, it couldn't just be ignored. "You have the Three, why do you need me?" Zelena crossed her arms. Her eyes were filled with so much hatred when looking at her mother. At the mother who abandoned her.

"We plan to hold the Dark Ones at the Enchanted Forest. Maleficent believes her castle is the best place to fight. When the Dark Ones rise, they will protect Nimue. We're gathering allies and enemies, anyone who will fight. We will fight and the Three will take out Nimue."

"It's that simple, is it?"

"No, it never is."

"So you mean to tell me that after all these years, after what you did to me, you are asking for my help? I should kill you where you stand. I should rip you apart!" she stormed towards Cora and Ruby quickly stepped in, keeping the pair from fully getting at one another. "You left me in the woods to die!" Zelena hissed, tears already staining her cheeks.

"I'm sorry." Cora whispered, starting to cry herself. "I know you hate me, but-"

"Hate is not strong enough a word. Does anyone know about me? Does your favorite daughter know about the mistake you left in the woods?"

"She didn't have her heart." Ruby tried to reason.

"That's an excuse she's going to have to stop using. Get out. Get out of my kingdom and out of my life. Stay out. I don't ever want to see you again." Zelena pushed Ruby and backed up.

"Wait," Ruby pleaded. "I know you're upset right now, but don't let your anger cloud your judgement. You can't hold the darkness off in Oz. The Dark Ones spawn in the Enchanted Forest. It's the easiest and quickest way to cut them off at the source if you join us there."

"I'm not going to help you do anything." Zelena said without turning around.

"Then talk to the other witches for us. Convince them to help us or talk to us. We need them too."

"I said get out!" Zelena whipped around. Green fire roared into existence around the room and Cora grabbed Ruby's arm, pulling her back. Green light flashed in Zelena's hand, sending cracks sprinting across the floor, rising up the walls. The entire palace shook under Zelena's fury and Ruby feared the whole thing would come crashing down. No wonder Cora wanted her to join them. She level this whole building without a second thought.

"Mommy?" The soft word stole all of the fire out of Zelena and within the blink of an eye, everything was back to normal. Zelena turned around, facing the little girl who cautiously stepped into the room. She was a small thing, couldn't be older than 9 or 10. Long, curly red hair nearly drowned the girl. She had to part a piece of it to be able to see clearly and it allowed Ruby and Cora to fully see her face. She was pale, with a light dusting of freckles on her nose and cheeks. Bright blue eyes, so similar to Zelena's, looked at the new arrivals with curiosity. "Mommy, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, Princess. Go back to Dorothy, dear." Zelena said.

"Are you sure?"

"I am. I'm fine."

The little girl looked between Zelena and Ruby. She hurried over to her mother and held up her hand. Golden magic filled her palm and it took a moment to take shape. The girl held a golden flower up to Zelena, who smiled and accepted it. That seemed to be all she wanted because she raced out of the room with a happy grin on her face afterwards.

"You didn't need to try to hide her." Cora said. Zelena turned to look at her, looking both annoyed and confused. "We'd never hurt her and we're sorry we came. I am. I have no right to ask for forgiveness, but can I ask you for a chance to earn it-"

"You want forgiveness when the world is about to fucking end?" Zelena let out a bitter laugh and turned to leave. "Get the hell out of my house." She slammed the doors behind her. Cora hardly waited for her to do so. She touched Ruby's shoulder and clicked her heels together, sending them back to the vault.

"You okay?" Ruby asked, watching Cora take off the shoes and throw them into the chest.

"It went better than expected. I expected to die." Cora replied, sitting on the chest, sounding almost surprised that Zelena hadn't killed her. "I wish I could erase it all. I wish I could change it all. I wish I had never taken my heart out."

"No, you don't." Ruby sat next to her with a sigh. "Then Zelena might not have her daughter. Regina wouldn't have Lisa. You would probably have been assassinated by now. This town wouldn't exist. Wishing away your mistakes won't change anything. Believe me, I know."

"It wasn't a mistake. I knew what I was doing. I didn't feel anything." Cora whispered. "I never could. Not since I took out my heart. I knew she wouldn't forgive me, but...I needed to do something. I'll pay for it for the rest of my life if I have to."

"Might be a short rest of your life then." Ruby shrugged. Zelena would be a huge help to the fight, but Ruby had known her all of 10 minutes and she could see that the witch was volatile. She'd seen Regina when she was angry but Zelena was on another level. "I'm sure if she really wanted you dead, you would be. Maybe she'll change her mind. She has a child to think about. Regina changed completely when she got Henry."

Cora said nothing for a long time, simply staring off into space. Ruby couldn't imagine what the older woman was going through. Without her heart she could do anything, hurt anyone, destroy anything and feel absolutely nothing. Now that it was back, all of those feelings could come flooding back. After a while, Cora stood up and stepped into her black heels. She squared her shoulders and corrected her appearance in the mirror nearby. "We should go, Miss Lucas. We have a lot to do."

"What about Zelena?"

"Zelena can make her own decisions. You should prepare for our trip to Wonderland." Cora said, once more the strong and composed Queen of Hearts. "I have another reason to save our worlds now. I don't know my granddaughter. Neither do I deserve to, but she deserves a future, a life with her mother. We must fight even harder to make it happen."

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