Chapter 56: Reaching Your Goal

Emma took the lead and knocked on Zelena's door. If anyone was going to get the first hit, it had better be her. Regina couldn't afford it, and she couldn't risk upsetting Hermione. She knocked once, then twice, then three times before the witch opened her door. She let out a long sigh as she noticed who was in front of her house.

- If you're looking for the yellow brick road, it's not here, sorry!

Zelena tried to close her door, but the captain's hook got in the way. The witch had no choice but to leave her house.

- Well, can't you let me rest in peace at last? Even in death, you have to come and annoy me!

Regina could hardly contain herself from sending her sister crashing into the tree behind her. It was Robin's calm hand that called her to reason. She had promised to him to remain withdrawn, for the good of the baby but also for her. It was necessary to be frank, Regina was not a young woman anymore and a pregnancy at her age could already be risky. Finally, some more than the normal one. Robin had given in on the fact that she was only following them because she had agreed not to get involved in risky situations any more than necessary. Confronting Zelena was a very risky situation.

- Hades has Henry and a friend of mine. He's keeping them to get us to stick around so he can kill us. And you know why the hell he's doing this? began Hermione, deeply annoyed by all this. Just for your eyes, for your love, my dearest aunt!

- Well, well, no doubt that you are my niece! laughed Zelena.

This time, no one could stop Regina and Hermione from sending the witch tumbling backwards. Remus had to step in to calm the young witch who was about to leave her principles behind to force Zelena to help them against Hades.

- Now, we understand that there is, or has been, something between you and Hades, said Emma. But I don't think you're the type to run into the arms of a man because he committed a murder for you.

Zelena grunted but nodded. She was beyond that kind of attempt. Besides, the last thing she wanted was to be with anyone out of interest or gratitude. She would have liked Hades to court her like he did back then, like a normal person, like she was still alive...

She sighed heavily. The redhead had suffered enough during her life, it was necessary that in addition her former lover came to prevent her from taking advantage of her death.

- I will speak to him but I guarantee nothing. If that can rid me of you then I am well ready to do that. But then, you let me go! Do you understand?

Emma nodded for the whole group. It was always a good thing. They couldn't afford to ask more of Zelena, who wasn't even an ally. They returned to the city, but unfortunately for them, someone was waiting for them: Cora.

- Of all the dead people I hate, we had to pick the worst one! Regina sighed.

- I'm happy to see you too, my daughter. You're doing just fine, I see.

The glance of Cora landed on the well-rounded belly of the former queen. As a reminder of her presence, Robin placed herself in front, an arm in front of his companion, and threw a black glance to Cora.

- Unless you help us to find those which one seeks, move aside. We have better things to do than get into a debate with you. growled Hermione.

- My dear girl. Such ardor! This is the way to get to know each other. We are family, remember it!

- And I want to point out that you are the one who killed my father. So, for me too, you are the last person I want to talk to.

Cora tried to retort but Hermione was having trouble controlling her anger. She had to find Henry; it was the only way she could truly get her bearings back. She couldn't imagine her life without him. She was tired of waiting. Cora took a magical jolt from the young woman before she started to scream.

- Hades, give me back Henry and Sirius or I will destroy the Underworld and you will be the one to run away from here!

Of course, no one imagined that the god would take her seriously. Even Hermione knew that she would have to give a little of herself. For once, she let the darkness take over her and one by one, she began to unload her energy on the surrounding buildings while the rest of the group looked on in concern.

Sirius had taken great pains, but with patience, he had finally combined his skills in lock-picking and sorcery to open Henry's chains. Yet they both knew they would have to face the guardian of the place at some point. Surprisingly, it wasn't Hades they ran into, but Cerberus. The dog shouted menacingly at the two men.

- Sirius, get back into your dog form!

- Good idea!

The wizard changed his form to a furrier one. Something seemed to happen between the two animals. Sirius then resumed his human form.

- He let us pass.

- Just like that?

- Let's say it's what we could call canine solidarity! A bit like "girl power" but with fleas! finished Sirius, scratching his ear slightly.

Henry burst out laughing. Together, they made it back to the surface and were shocked to see street after street of destroyed buildings. Hearing explosions, they found the group and Henry charged at Hermione, ordering her to calm down. It took the witch a few seconds to realize that it was her companion who was standing in front of her. She broke down in tears in his arms. It was so good for her to find him.

These reunions seemed however of short duration; Hades had just joined them surrounded by an immense halo of blue flames.

- All right, get out of here! You win, this time. But know that the next time I see you in my kingdom, I will destroy you slowly, with my own hands and for my own pleasure.

He disappeared without a word. No one understood if it had all ended because Zelena had spoken to him or if the idea of the destruction of his kingdom had frightened the god. Henry sank into the arms of his two mothers before returning to Hermione. Sirius, on the other hand, had pulled Belle into his arms and seemed determined to hold on to her.

Little note from me : Hello guys! I'm back and I'm finally ready to finish this story ! (sorry for the many mistakes that you could see … I lost my Beta)