Archive of Our Own

The Road Not Taken

It all happened, the book was written, a tale told. But, as it always is with all good stories, there was a moment where the chain of events could have been changed. A different turn on the road, one more word spoken or remark withheld. One whim of the most fickle of things – the heart, would have upturned the way it all unfolded completely. And so the moment that it all went on a different path was as simple as it was impossible. As tough as the hardest of challenges and as easy as letting go of the heaviest of burdens.

It all changed when the Queen not yet Evil chose to forgive the Princess.

. . .

The yellow VW Beetle took another turn along the streets of a small coastal town. Emma glanced around the clean and well lit surroundings. When she was just driving up to the town it seemed so tiny, as if it had just one street and that would be it. But up close there was much more to it. What she would have called the Main Street had many shops and even a quite large building that looked like a church from far away, but was something else with a clock tower on top. There was a whole dock and a bay by the water. And now she was driving into a housing area that wouldn't look out of place in wealthy Boston suburbs. Emma would have thought the city would've been abuzz about this place nonstop, and yet she never heard about Storybrooke before.

She shook her head and glanced to her side. There was a much larger problem she had to deal with than idle curiosity. The young-boy-shaped problem sitting in the seat next to her and giving directions. It was quite the shock discovering the kid you gave up at birth standing at your doorstep. Emma was sure, had she not been more of a do'er than a thinker, she'd be spiraling right about now and they would have still been in Boston. However, she was always better off taking action and letting her mind catch up sometime later. Or maybe never, if her plan were to work out.

"Over here, you can park on the street. Mom would not like it, though. Yeah, better park over there, there's a sign, see?"

Emma glanced sideways as she parked the Bug. The boy was a walking puzzle. One minute trying to prove his adoptive mother to be a fairy tale character, another – making comments like this one. It was obvious the kid was struggling, but also just as plain that it was more of a recent development. He clearly loved his mother, it showed through the anger and confusion. That was one of the things that kept Emma in control of herself, too. To her inquisitive eye the kid was raised well, in a loving home, wanting for nothing. Perhaps, with a bit more discipline than he would have liked, but still. The acting out and these fairytale fantasies were understandable. Finding out you're adopted at ten years old had to have messed with his head. But it should pass, Emma thought, and the thought made it all the easier for her to stand firm in the belief that she had made the right choice. She gave the kid his best chance and it worked out just fine by the look of it.

They got out of the car and walked up the sidewalk towards the neatly trimmed hedge with a gate leading into the garden. Emma suppressed a strange desire to wolf-whistle when she saw the house, no, a mansion! Damn, she really gave the kid his chance. More like winning a lottery. Emma dreamed about being adopted by a rich family when she was real young. That didn't last long, though. Real world had dissuaded her of those illusions. And yet here she was – a witness to a dream come true, even if it wasn't for herself.

The white door of the mansion swung open as they were making their way to it. There was a loud gasp and in a flurry of motion a woman was running up to them. She was wearing a gray-blue dress, and neither the tightly wrapped around her figure cut of the dress nor the high heels of her shoes seemed to impede her in the slightest. She was next to them in a heartbeat, bending down low and throwing her arms around the kid.

"Henry! I was so worried!"

Emma watched awkwardly as the kid leaned into the hug, as he must have done a thousand times before, then jerked away as if remembering himself. He wriggled out of the embrace, pulled in lung-full of air, bracing for something big, and said:

"Look, I found my real mom! She can help break the Curse!"

"Henry…" breathed out the woman. There was a complex mixture of emotions behind the simple name.

"Oh, fine!" blurted out the kid, and now he seemed truly angry. "I got you the help we need and when Emma breaks the Curse you'll see! Maybe then you'll see I'm old enough to know stuff and help!"

Wrenching out of his mother's arms Henry stomped over to the mansion and through the door.

During the exchange, Emma just stood there watching. It felt as though she was intruding on a private moment. Though, she couldn't help giving the woman a thorough look over. Not every day you get to see the adoptive mother of a kid you gave up. In the haste of the first moments Emma didn't get a good look, but now as she regarded the straightening woman, well, all she could think was that she looked sophisticated, well off and… beautiful. Her gray sleeveless dress, the tightened high up around the waist belt, pointy shoes and a few pieces of tasteful gold jewelry weren't showy, but Emma had been a bounty hunter long enough to spot subtle wealth. Though, one piece of jewelry was not like the others – a simple golden band on her ring finger. She had long, dark sable hair, falling down her back and around shoulders in curling waves. Her lips were painted burgundy and there was an old scar on her upper lip. And her eyes were matching brown, glistening now with suppressed emotion as she watched the door Henry disappeared behind swinging shut. In fact, this woman appeared more related to Henry than Emma herself would look like from an outside perspective. An uninvited thought jumped into Emma's head as her eyes glanced towards that wedding ring. Would this woman's husband be another better match? Making them and Henry a picturesque, perfect family Emma never could have given him? What a strange turn of events!

Emma hummed under her breath, which served to break the woman opposite out of her longing stare. She blinked back the moisture gathering at the corners of her eyes, then breathed out, regaining her composure. She looked up at Emma as if seeing her for the first time, the shock and apprehension obvious on her face.

"You're Henry's birth mother?"

"HI!" Emma gave an awkward little wave of her hand.

Was there any good way to greet an adoptive mother of a kid you gave up in a closed adoption? If there were any, Emma sure wasn't informed. But before her mind started to spiral even more or the woman opposite said another word, there was a sound of the door opening and a voice called out.

"Regina!"

Both of them turned, glad at the distraction from the awkward tension in the air. There, coming from the door to the mansion, which was left ajar by the fuming boy, was another woman. Dressed in a pressed black pencil skirt, a light blue blouse and heels, with a simple string of pearls around her neck. The woman wore a very short haircut, which made her neck look longer. And, in combination with huge blue eyes, the black pixie cut made her face seem even rounder than it naturally was. Both of those traits were also enhanced further by the big, round-shaped, and quite stylish horn-rimmed glasses she wore. She strolled up to them with the confidence of a valued employee, if only a bit frazzled, wanting to take two steps at a time. Emma had seen the type, the secretaries and assistants remaining in the job out of loyalty and respect, not just for the paycheck. Though, judging by the mansion and the clothes, the paycheck was probably quite alright on its own.

"Excuse me, Madam Mayor," said the petite woman, coming to a stop rather close to the two of them, "I have seen to it that Henry is alright and in his room."

There was something unsaid that passed between them, familiarity partially concealed in front of a stranger. This was another tell, Emma could see. They exchanged a look, then the Mayor turned to Emma, schooling her features in as close to a pleasant politician's smile as was possible with her eyes still glistening with suppressed emotion.

"I apologize for the behavior of my son. And, of course, I would like to thank you for bringing him home. My name is Regina Mills, I am the Mayor of this town. This is my assistant Marie Blanchard."

The pixie-haired woman gave her a plastic smile that didn’t reach her eyes and a curt nod, "Nice to meet you."

"Emma Swan."

Marie looked Emma up and down, then adjusted her glasses and ran her fingers through the fringe so that no stray lock remained in her line of vision. Emma had a strange feeling about this woman, who seemed to be more of a Deputy Mayor than a simple secretary judging by the pearls and the way she held herself up. Emma didn’t miss the way Ms. Blanchard called the Mayor by her first name before she was aware they weren’t alone. All three of them stood there sizing each other up for another moment until Marie cleared her throat.

"I apologize, Madam Mayor, but I have to get going," Marie tilted her head in question, "Unless you would like me to stay."

Regina turned to her with a genial smile, "No, that will be quite alright, dear. Thank you for taking care of Henry. Enjoy your day off tomorrow."

Marie nodded, offered Emma another look and scurried off, heels clicking on the pavement. They were left to stand alone on the doorstep of the huge white manor. It was tense and awkward. Emma wasn't sure what was going to happen, but just as she was about to offer to get in her car and drive back to Boston, Regina spoke.

"Well, Miss Swan, how would you like a glass of the best apple cider you've ever tasted?"

"Got anything stronger?"

. . .

It was disorienting waking up at the B&B. The dated 80s décor really drove in the feeling of being thrust back in time. After jolting awake and wildly looking around until her fogged mind cleared, Emma remained in bed for a while. Looking at the ceiling and at the curtains and trying to wrap her head around the huge Upside-down that was the last 24 hours. Going from a loosey date-turned-sting to finding a boy on her doorstep, claiming to be her son; to then getting said boy home and having a chat with his adoptive mother afterwards – that was a lot to take in. Emma was mostly foggy about how she got here, too. She knew it was the Bed and Breakfast attached to the Diner, and she vaguely remembered a gruff-looking woman with white in her hair, but still enough gravitas to be a bit intimidating. But aside from that… nothing. It would follow logic that she got a room and then crashed immediately.

Emma rolled out of bed, feeling her ankles ache – a reminder of the previous day's partially failed sting and her having to chase down a guy in heels. She shook herself up and stretched. Her stomach grumbled. Emma let out a big whooshing breath with the stretch. Well, then.

Once she showed and dressed, she made her way downstairs and through the maze of corridors towards all the delicious smells, hoping to find people, answers and breakfast. The latter first, though.

The diner met her with the clattering of cutlery on plates and a low hubbub of voices. There weren't many people there at this hour, even though it was past nine in the morning and the sun had finally pierced the thick overhanging clouds. Not knowing how to go about ordering and not really ready to draw attention, Emma slid into a booth and waited. There were waitresses talking to patrons, so she could just flag one of them one their rounds. Emma liked the old-timey 80s décor of the diner, the plush red leather booths and stools, the paneling and rounded windows. She had been found near a diner such as this. Maybe that was the reason. Or maybe she just liked the retro shit. That would explain her love of old school rock 'n roll.

"Can I get you anything?"

The voice pulled Emma out of her head, and she turned to see a waiter standing next to her booth. That was a surprise since she had not seen him when she scanned the diner as she entered. The man was a tall, handsome blonde. Blue eyes, chiseled jaw and sparkling smile. Add to that an impressive physique and you got yourself quite the charmer of a man. He wore a simple shirt, jeans and a little red apron the other waitresses wore as well.

Emma jerked her head up, being caught checking the guy out head to toe. There was a curious expression on his face, all with a tilted head, little crease between his eyebrows and subdued smile. Just like a puzzled golden retriever.

"You're new here, aren't you?"

She nodded, "Just got into town yesterday."

"We don't get a lot of new people around these parts. But it's nice to see the outside world exists after all," he laughed. "So what can I get you?"

Emma rattled off her usual, almost cliché breakfast order of eggs and bacon, waffles and coffee. She was observing him with just as much curiosity as he was.

"I see you're the only male waiter here…and also the oldest, it would seem."

"You noticed that, huh? Well, I'm only a part-timer. I actually run the animal shelter up the Main Street. Granny – she owns the diner and the B&B, you should've met her by now – she's like family, and it's not a bother to help out. I've always been a people person in addition to an animal person, so waitressing is kinda fun for me. The name's David, by the way, I sometimes babble. Should've put that on my name tag. Or so my fiancé keeps telling me," There was his broad smile again. He seemed overly eager, most likely because of the fresh, new face in town where everyone knew everyone.

"Emma."

They shook hands and in that exact moment the door chimed as someone entered. Both of them instinctively looked at the door at precisely the right moment to see the newcomer standing in the doorway. The boots and worn jeans were nothing special, but that tan shirt, brown leather jacket, the holster on the hip and a star-shaped badge on the belt – those were the hallmarks of the sheriff's uniform. Emma became intrigued seeing how the Sheriff of this town, and it was the Sheriff without a doubt, was a woman. Not something usually seen in small coastal towns in Maine. She was tall and lanky, the the jeans clinging to her figure like second skin, with a mane of long, wild dark hair. She had a very angular face – all sharp lines of nose and jaw, cheekbones and eyebrows. Her lips were painted bright red and stretched in this wolfish grin, with which she greeted a few patrons before strolling past. Right towards the booth where Emma was seated.

"Ooo, here comes trouble!" sing-songed David, winking at Emma. "I'll just take care of your order and be right back."

He then started in the direction of the kitchen with a bounce in his step. As David passed the Sheriff, they exchanged smiles and words of greeting that betrayed close familiarity. Though, Emma thought, that could probably be said for most people living in a town this small. In the meanwhile, the Sheriff reached her booth and unceremoniously slid in opposite her. Her wild smirk grew larger.

"So you're the stranger that blew into town last night. Brought back a lost kid and rattled my Mayor, huh?"

Emma was somewhat taken aback by the casual straightforwardness, yet at the same time it felt refreshing. In her line of work Emma had dealt with all kinds of law enforcement officers, but most of the time it was a chore (if not worse, much worse). This one, she's gotten a feeling, would be anything but boring. She gave a small shrug, then a little wave of her hand instead of a verbal confirmation.

"Alright there, remain the mysterious vagabond if you want. But are you staying for a while or just gonna take off today? That's pretty much guaranteed to break little Henry's heart, but that's life, I say."

"Slow down, lady," there was truth in what the Sheriff said, but Emma wasn't a fan of how she said it. "First of all, don't call me a stranger or whatever else that was. My name is Emma Swan. Secondly, I don't know if I'll be staying longer or not. And as far as the kid is concerned… that's none of your business."

Emma's reply was interrupted by David placing her order on the table. He gave both of them an amused look.

"Ruby, you play nice now. You're supposed to be a respectable Sheriff," David admonished the woman with a shake of his head, but a fond smile haven't left his face. "Enjoy your breakfast, Emma. Don't let our Sheriff intimidate you."

"No worries, I'm not that easily cowed. And if that was an attempt at intimidating me, she'll have to try harder."

"Ah, ouch!" Ruby placed a hand to her chest in a mocking imitation of being shot, then winked and stole a piece of bacon off of Emma's plate. "I have decided I like you. Congratulations, well done."

"Thanks?" intoned Emma, half a question and half – bewildered amusement.

"Alrighty, then. My name is Ruby Lucas. I'm the Sheriff around these parts. People keep telling me I have to be more respectable and diplomatic to fit the job description, but I ain't gonna change. And if they wanted a different Sheriff, the elections are open. Not my fault no one else wants to run against me. Anyway, my Granny owns this Diner and the B&B, she's the best, and that's not negotiable. What else... You've already met the Mayor and Marie, I heard. And David. You wouldn't want to meet Leroy and his band of merry drinking buddies, that's for sure! I'm still giving you the tour after breakfast so you'll probably see them anyway."

"Whoa, hold on there!" Emma threw her hands up at Ruby as the wild woman proceeded to steal more bacon off her plate and plan out Emma's schedule. "Are we friends now? Why are you so interested in giving me a tour?"

Ruby leaned in with a mischievous expression. She then looked around and stage-whispered, "I have received super-secret instructions and been drafted into a key role in Operation Hawk. Don't you tell anyone or our operatives will have to silence you. Permanently."

Ruby's face became dead serious as she watched for Emma's reaction. Though, she couldn't hold it for long and flopped back against the red backseat, dissolving into laughter.

"Ah, you should've seen your face, Swan! Priceless," Ruby wiped at her eyes as Emma was shaking her head in exasperation. "It's nothing that exciting. Henry asked me to show you around since he's grounded now. I caught him trying to sneak out of his bedroom's window this morning. So we came to a mutually beneficial agreement: he promised to suck it up, do his punishment and not freak out his Mom anymore than she already is, and I promised assistance in that Operation of his. I mean, all he wants is to try and convince you to stay a week or two and not split right away. No idea if showing you the non-existent sights would do the trick, but the superb company just might."

"You're…" Emma said, finding herself at a loss for words.

Ruby raised a challenging brow, her smile unwavering. "Yes?"

"You’re something else," finished Emma.

Ruby laughed in response.

. . .

The tour of Storybrooke was rather short. Not that there weren't a few interesting places and some gorgeous nature to show off, on the contrary. The bluffs just out of town were spectacular as were the long stretches of untamed forest. The few places of note were the Clock Tower and an ancient-looking well. And that was about it. The rest of the town was little more than a collection of mundane apartment blocks, some shops along the Main Street and the docks by the water. Emma was at a loss as to what Henry was expecting a child of big cities like Emma to be enticed with here. It was quaint, picturesque and… lonely. At least, for an outsider. There was no way to be lost in the crowd of a big city where loneliness was muffled by the sheer size of it all. Here, everyone knew everyone, and the familial connections and friendships were what sustained the town. For these people it might have served as comfort, but for Emma it was alarming.

Ruby was good company indeed. Her free-spirited attitude and teasing humor grew on Emma almost immediately after the shock of the first meeting wore off. She showed Emma around and made some introductions. Archie, the town shrink, who was unlike any other shrink Emma knew – sweet, looking more like an English college professor, and a bit awkward. He got tangled in his dog's leash as the Dalmatian pup got overly excited at meeting someone new. Which really helped break through the ice Emma felt crawling up her spine at the word "psychiatrist" – courtesy of her childhood experiences. Then there was Marco, an older carpenter, whose shop they passed by. A flower shop, run by a rotund guy (that only gave Ruby a nod before disappearing in the back) and a young, bubbly redhead called Ariel. (“ Yes, like the mermaid. No, my parents aren’t entirely crazy and the name’s a coincidence . Yup, I get this all the time, no worries.” ) There were more and more introductions as Ruby and Emma walked the Main Street. And, despite what Emma thought initially, seeing these people and the way they greeted each other with familiarity and fondness was nice. It had awakened some sort of second-hand appreciation in her, which Emma was surprised to find herself not only capable of, but somewhat enjoying.

The two people Emma didn't get a formal introduction to, but has seen from afar, were the exception that every rule has. As they were walking along Main Street, the door to a Pawn Shop opened and two figures emerged. A man dressed to the T: a pressed three-piece suit, golden tie pin gleaming in his royal blue tie and handkerchief of the same color peeking out of his breast pocket. He was walking with a cane and his slightly graying hair was cut short. There was this aura of veiled power about him, like a dagger wrapped in velvet. The woman on his arm was just as severe as he. She was also dressed in a business suit, only with a pencil skirt, black stockings, icy light-blue blouse and tailored to her figure blazer instead. Short and petite, she nonetheless reached his height thanks to the sharp stilettos adorning her feet. The finishing touch was the woman's hair. Long, thick brown curls were pulled together in a stylish twist-type knot at the nape of her neck and pinned there by an ornate metal spoke. It was bejeweled with what looked like sapphires on one end and quite the sharp point on the other. The dueling rapier of a woman to pair with the dagger-in-velvet of a man. They gave the sheriff curt nods, but only spared half a sideways glance towards Emma. Both Ruby and Emma stayed in place, hesitant to move as they watched the pair move further away. It reminded Emma what she saw at the zoo when she was a kid – the way the zookeeper would stay still as the alligators passed them by. She rolled her shoulders to get rid of the weird sensation prickling at the back of her neck.

"Oh, I see you get the same skin crawling feeling from the runner-up power couple of Storybrooke," whispered Ruby, even though there was no way they could be heard so far away from the people in question. "Mr. Gold, who owns the only Pawn Shop in town, plus an assortment of properties and Mrs. Gold, the uptight librarian. Ugh, I wish Henry wasn't so fond of the library. That bitch was the one who messed with his head."

"What?"

"I thought you heard about that by now. His fairytale fantasies! Mrs. Gold was the one who gave him that damned book."

Both of them looked towards the end of the street, where the couple was walking in the opposite direction. There was something off in the air around them. Like a little shimmer. Emma had not been to any of the really famous deserts, the ones shown in movies and on TV, but she has been to Las Vegas. And out there in Nevada one could still see a mirage on a hot day. It was an odd image, especially since they were in the chilly Maine and not near any deserts. Next to her Ruby muttered half to herself:

"Would love to nail that bastard, but he's squeaky clean. All the business above board, strictly legal. He's a clever parasite, even Regina couldn't find anything in the bylaws to help, not that we expected anything else. The only one in Storybrooke more versed in town ordinance than its Mayor is the first-class researcher Gold married," Ruby sighed, following the couple with her gaze. "I really should've knocked some sense into her before she became Mrs. Gold and was just Belle."

Emma was pretty sure none of that was meant for her ears. Though, she couldn't help but draw some conclusions from the overheard information. A firm decision formed in Emma's head, leaving her both surprised and relieved at the sudden clarity. She gave herself a sharp nod, her blonde curls bouncing around her shoulders. Turning to Ruby she said:

"Alright, let's start with you telling me all about that book and Henry's fantasies and then we can negotiate my stay for the week."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I don't have any running bounties right now. And I have this thing for itchy mysteries. You may as well tell Henry his Operation worked. Take the credit for good company while you're at it."

"Oh, I knew I picked a winner when I said I liked you!"

. . .

The prismatic wave of rainbow light had just blasted across the town. It rolled over the houses and the streets, the harbor and then out into the forest. It wasn't a very awe-inspiring sight. The wave was partially translucent and it passed as quickly as it came. However, the effect of the wave was not an outward one.

Marie Blanchard sucked in a shocked breath and clutched at her chest as the wave of memories washed over her. It was an avalanche, an overwhelming blast of information coming all at once as if the floodgates had been opened. The old memories of another life lived in a place far away. And the restored memories of the days and weeks and years here, in Storybrooke. At first, just the same day repeating, but then more and more living through the years like normal while the time stood still outside the town line.

It was confusing to say the least. However, her brain was apparently smarter than she felt like in the moment. The memories settled in and akin a move playing in her head, her frantic questions were being answered one after another.

The first thing that came to the forefront was a name. A name like no other. Just two words. Yet those words felt like a monolith, grounding her, filling her up with strength and belonging.

Snow White.

Snow remembered. And she remembered a lot. From her early childhood to the present, unclouded by the Curse. Seeing her life all again somewhat from afar and with the retrospect and wisdom of adulthood – it was not as happy an experience one might think it would be to wake up from a magical amnesia.

She saw her childhood as it really was. Privileged, wanting for nothing, encased in her royal bubble and still spoiled rotten. The loss of her mother was the first time in Snow's life that she was confronted with something her father couldn't just fix with a wave of his hand. That was the moment she started to actually grow. Talk to the servants that had been barely noticeable to her before, really talk to them. Snow would go to the palace library and read and read. She started to want to care for her animals herself instead of only wanting to have fun with them and delegating any chore to the servants. By the time that fateful moment when her horse got spooked and she had been saved by a stranger arrived, Snow was far more grown up than she appeared.

Sadly, Snow remained oblivious to the cruelty of Cora Mills, the fate of Daniel, and Regina being left without a choice, locked in her golden cage. She was still barely more than a child. A child that couldn't imagine cruelty coming from a parent, especially not from her father that always gave her whatever she wanted. Except for real parenting. Snow in the present shuddered as she thought about that. As an adult and with her Curse-sponsored high education, she realized that she had no concept of right and wrong as a child. And it was world-shattering when she was finally confronted with the real difference.

It was the memory of walking in just as her father's hand struck, the sound of a slap across Regina's cheek echoing in the chamber. How she hid in shock and confusion. How she started to notice things her previously younger closed off mind elected to ignore. No longer a child, several years older, a teenager – Snow was exposed to the truth and couldn't help her inquisitive mind going further. She could have denied it all, and she did for a while to herself, but it wasn't for long. There were too many signs and once the oblivious bubble had been popped, there was no way back. Nobles and councilmen always praised Leopold as a good king, fair and just, the sole cause of the kingdom's peace and prosperity. But the servants flinched at mildest signs of his displeasure. The horses he rode would have to be changed yearly as the animals would be ridden to exhaustion, uncaring for their wellbeing. The people that displeased Leopold would just disappear without a trace with only the thinnest of reasoning given as to why. As a child Snow never questioned any of it, now though, it crashed and burned around her.

And, of course, there was Regina. In the days following that incident Snow watched her with different eyes. She never truly wanted Regina to replace her mother. Dealing with Eva's death had taught Snow at least that she could not go back and have what it was before. But having Regina as a friend was what she desperately wanted. She had none at the time, after all. Snow tried to build that friendship, but all she managed was a sand castle that kept being washed away by the tide. Regina was polite, helpful, yet also distant. Now, reevaluating all she saw before, Snow felt like the pieces finally fell into place. Why Regina always seemed sad and far away. Why would she be flinching and walking oddly after some nights? Why would she stay in her room for days on end, even though she had no keys to it, but there was always an ornate key on Leopold's belt? Those questions burned and refused to go quiet.

Snow agonized for weeks on her revelations, not knowing what to do. Nothing in her upbringing prepared her for any of this, nothing really could have. So after going randomly through the stages – denial, bargaining, depression – she had arrived at Regina's door, broke down and confessed what she saw and knew. What Regina said to her then was as vivid a memory to Snow as it had always been prior to the Curse. Those words changed her life even more profoundly than stopping that spooked horse did.

"Alright, Snow," said Regina, her features deadly serious, speaking to Snow as an equal for the first time since they've met. "I can promise you one thing. I will never be a mother to you. But apparently I can find it in myself to be your friend. Perhaps, even forgive you with time. Even so, you have to understand something clearly right now," Regina leaned closer. "From this moment forward I will treat you as an adult. Which means the truth, absolute truth. Truth that hurts, that will shatter your entire world. Are you sure you want that?"

She said 'yes' . And it happened exactly as Regina warned. It was hard and painful to let go of that idolized view of her father and learn the truth. It was just as painful to learn the truth about Cora. Thanks to her connections at Leopold's court, Cora managed to elevate her own status, and soon enough there would be whispers about the new Queen of Hearts spreading across the land from one tavern to another. From bard to blacksmith and from barmaiden to constable. True to form, Regina's mother would also visit from time to time. Cora was cold and Snow always felt that Cora had to force herself to be polite whenever she had to talk to Snow. Now, having learned all the secrets behind the mask… that was another painful shock to the system. Snow cursed her own naiveté and wept for Daniel during the silent hours in the night, when she thought she could be free to express herself. All because Regina opened her eyes to more truths than she bargained for. Snow White herself was under constant, hidden surveillance. Leopold’s men watched her. Cora’s agents watched her. Leopold read her diary just as she did with Regina’s. Snow’s privileged life of wanting for nothing turned out to be a gilded cage. Snow had it incomparably better than Regina, but the point of being watched and under lock and key – that similarity let them find common ground. Still, none of that could go on for too long. The more Snow learned about her father, about the nobles running the kingdom with an iron fist while pretending to be gentle souls… the more she couldn’t stand staying in the castle. It was suffocating.

So for some time Snow trained well. She read as much as she could about the lands she was fated to rule, about what it took for the peasants, the shepherds, the hunters to live off the land. In secret, she trained with her bow and arrow. She befriended most of the servants in the castle and a lot of the common guards, too. It wasn’t hard to slip through the bars of her metaphorical cage. More so when the agents tasked with watching her still thought of Snow White as this naïve little girl. She escaped. Escaped out into the wilderness of the northern forests. Even the thought of going against Regina’s advice not to do this had stopped her.

Living off the land and hiding from the people searching for her was not pretty. Snow learned a lot about herself and about the realities of life during that time. That was also when she met David. He was just a simple sheep shepherd then. Snow hid in his barn from a storm. As she tried to sneak out in the morning, she got caught in a trap David had set up for the foxes that kept stealing his mother’s chickens. For some reason, Snow called him Charming as he was untangling her from the noose and it stuck. Not that he wasn't. Even as a poorly educated shepherd David showed kindness and manners befitting of a noble, or rather the nobility as it should have been. He had such an easy way with people, the sort of subtle, disarmingly genuine aura about him, it was impossible not to be charmed by him. David had asked her to stay. His farm was far enough from the village and if Snow remained there no one would know who she was. That’s where Red and Regina had found her.

Regina! Red! Charming!

Snow’s eyes widened as she was ripped from the flow of memories in the middle of it all. She looked around both recognizing her surroundings and as if seeing them for the first time. She was home. In a big, two story house she had called home for the many years of the Curse. A respectable residence in a wealthy neighborhood. In fact, it being Nr. 112 Mifflin Str., the house was not that far away from a certain white manor.

She was standing next to her vanity when the prismatic wave hit. Just having finished touching up her makeup. Her glasses were laying there, ready to be put on as the finishing touch. Snow stared at the dark frame and lenses reflecting a few specks of light from the lamp. She knew now that those were fake, no more than clear glass. She never needed glasses, her vision was perfectly fine, that was just the Curse messing with who she was. The Curse couldn't entirely change her, but it added and tweaked, suppressing certain facets of her personality and bringing out the others. As a girl Snow always wanted to be fashionable when she grew up. Attend the balls and royal ceremonies in splendid gowns, be the star and the talk of the day. That silly notion had been beaten out of her as the truths of her father's court and the reality of living on the run forced her to grow up, if not in body – then in mind and soul. But Marie Blanchard was a different persona altogether.

Snow sighed, letting her fingers trace the edges of the horn-rimmed glasses – a sample of many frames she owned under the Curse. She shook her head hard, careless of the perfectly styled undercut getting messed up. There were more important things to do now, even than trying to piece her memories together. The Curse has been broken. How or why was secondary. The first order of business was finding her loved ones, that took utmost priority.

Leaving the glasses on the vanity, Snow turned on her heels and ran out of the room.

. . .

The yellow VW Bug skidded in a crescent swerve, the burned tires leaving dark marks upon the asphalt of the road. The diver of that car had slammed the brakes, making the little car do an almost full turn as it came to a sudden stop. The act of treating this old, but well taken care of car with such disregard would not even occur to its usual occupant. But it wasn't Emma who was sitting in the driver's seat.

Ruby Lucas paid no mind to the way her hands were gripping the steering wheel – so hard it creaked. She was slumped low over the wheel after the force of sudden deceleration had tossed her body like a rag-doll. The safety belt pulled tight on her chest and shoulder, biting hard enough to certainly leave a bruise.

Ruby did not care. As she whipped her hair back from her face, there was fire in her eyes instead of the usual happy-go-lucky expression. And if there was a witness to this incident on the road, they'd swear that they saw her eyes going bright golden just for a split-second. Alas, the road was empty of both traffic and pedestrians alike.

The woman in the car leaned back in her seat heavily. The flooding memories and mixing personas were wreaking havoc with her sense of self. The last thing she remembered was getting a panicked call from Emma. Something about Henry and the hospital. As asked, Ruby took Emma's car and was on the way there when a… a freaking rainbow appeared out of nowhere and did something to her! No, wait, that wasn't it. The last thing she remembered was going into battle. Fighting for a reason, for her loved one's future. Hearing that familiar voice calling for her, "Red!"

Wait, Red? Why Red and not Ruby…

As if to answer her question a whole avalanche of memories and images had overtaken her.

Memories, memories, memories. Far-away, washed out images of childhood, brittle and cracked mirrors of her teens and stormy hurricane of the later years right before… it repeated again. A second set of memories on top of the first. Mixing, blending together. In a curious way, some of the pieces in this kaleidoscope matched very well. The little, half-forgotten scenes of her childhood had been similar, both Red and Ruby had a good childhood. Not filled with excess, both sets of parents – a washed out blur, not even leaving enough of a presence to miss, but Granny was there, always. They weren't a family of many means, but there was fun and care and love there that both Red and Ruby received a plenty. The route crumbled and bisected into two different paths as she neared her later teens. Ruby was a bit of a rebellious teen, but she figured it out with just the usual amount of teenage drama, nothing extraordinary. Sneaking away to smoke behind the school or skipping classes completely stopped by her seventeenth birthday. There weren't any big revelations, except for the one when, after being caught by Granny instead of screaming at her like one of Ruby's teachers would, Granny just told her that she still believed in her and was proud. Ruby had to bloom on her own time. And so she kind of did just that. Finished school with good grades, got into courses and self-defense training, then passed her certification all while helping out at the diner. And then finally becoming the Sheriff in a landslide victory. Ruby's life wasn't a hugely special story. Red's on the other hand...

Red's story turned on its head when she turned seventeen. That's when Granny told her about the Wolf. That was the day her new life began, as did her training. It was grueling, not something any young girl should go through, but step by step, one transformation at a time Red began gaining a little bit of control.

Of course, it would have been too much to hope for a smooth sailing from there. Not with the way Red's luck has been thrown off-course thus far, turning good into bad. Yes, there were more serves to follow. It all came down to one coincidental meeting. An accident, really. Though, in retrospect events that seemed like a coincidence at the time might have been guided by some other hand. Too many pieces fell into place precisely in the right order to lead to… whatever it was that awaited at the horizon.

It was a chance meeting, an unlikely happenstance. No one it would have seemed could have predicted Red's training run in her Wolf-form to intersect with… a certain royal hunting party. Red would have noticed (heard and smelled) a cavalcade of horses and hounds galloping through the forest. But she hadn't by that time done many runs under the sun instead of the moon. Furthermore, the hunting party was camped out. The tents were placed in the clearing and surrounded by guards and grazing horses while the hounds were very much preoccupied with their well-earned piece of game. That congregation of people and animals, all the noises and smells was easy to avoid, so Red did. Skirting the edge of the clearing, Red made a big curve around the southern edge of the camp. She waited to make sure none of the royal dogs got her scent, then melted into the underbrush and continued on her run away from the camp. However, that would have been too easy. Just as Red jumped over a log of a massive fallen tree, old and mossy, she landed in an even smaller clearing made by that tree's fall. And there… she saw someone.

There were two standing in the shade of what appeared to be an apple tree. Though, how an apple tree could have grown in the middle of a wild forest was bewildering. Before Red could change her trajectory and maybe still be able to sneak away, she managed to take in the whole picture. The two next to the tree were as different from one another as could be. The first was a man: covered in glittering scales like a lizard, dressed in leathers and scraps of cloth; he exuded the smell of danger, even as he giggled and gave a little bow towards his companion. The second person was a woman. A most unusual woman. She was dressed for horse riding, but her clothes, no matter how befitting of the practical purpose of the outing, betrayed wealth and status. High status. Not to mention the two guards standing at attention not but a few paces away. Although, as Red skidded to a stop with her claws digging into the earth and grass, the guards did not move. In fact, they just stood there, ramrod-straight and unblinking.

Both the man and the woman stopped their conversation and turned towards Red. Having no better idea, Red put it all into an attempt to look as a normal animal, no more than an average wolf. A lone wolf in the woods. Simple. She shook out her coat from the stray leaves and dust, stretched her paws and gave the people a quizzical look with her massive head tilted sideways. Which was the exact moment the realization struck her: there was no way Red could pretend to be a normal wolf. She was twice the size, as tall as a horse! And her eyes were an unnatural golden, far brighter yellow than that of any of the wild wolves. She stopped in her tracks, watching for the reaction that would dictate what would happen next. The lizard-looking man giggled and his smile grew impossibly wide, ear to ear. The woman straightened and watched the Wolf with big eyes, but Red could smell the sudden fear radiate off of her. As her last resort to seem non-threatening, Red sat on her haunches, then lay down placing her head on her extended forward paws. She kept watching the people intently, but made no other movements.

The ugly, dangerous man snickered louder. He gave Red a nod, turned, and spoke to the woman instead.

"It seems we have been given a terrific opportunity to test your knowledge, dearie! To battle a fully grown werewolf is a test not many mages can brag about! Don't forget to take its heart to complete the lesson. I wish you all the luck. Remember, the spell I put on your guards will wear off in but a short while so don't dilly-dally! Adieu!"

And with that he gave them a theatrical bow, waved his hand with a flourish… and dissolved into thin air with a puff of crimson smoke.

"What?! Rumplestiltskin! Come back this instant! I–" the woman punched the air where the man once was in a rather unladylike manner.

She gesticulated in frustration, stomping her foot and balling up her fists, but Red could see more. She could see the vein pulsing on the woman's forehead – that spoke of her fear. However, she could also see how her fists were shaking, and that spoke of her control of said fear. Red could smell that fear mixing with something else, something that showed the grip of will on the reins of emotion. All that she was trying to mask with an apparent temper-tantrum. Most likely to make Red underestimate her or maybe that was less specifically for Red's benefit or downfall. Perhaps, it was a habit: playing a role that all the others would underestimate. Yes, that person was a sly one. Still, when the raven-haired woman turned and faced Red, she could see loneliness, sadness and kindness deep in those brown eyes. It was hidden, pushed down, but it was there, Red was sure of it. Suddenly, Red became quite at ease with where she was and who she was with.

"I'm not…" said the woman, yet the words died on her lips. She cleared her throat, shook her head and started again, "I'm not going to hurt you. No matter what Rumple said, I just won't. There has to be another way to learn magic than through suffering, I refuse to believe his is the only way!"

Red let her ears perk up at the impassioned outburst. She had immediately believed what the woman was saying, but also that, if she wanted, Red would have had a real fight on her, well, paws. The woman was an enigma. And now that Red knew in her heart she was in no danger, the curiosity was getting the better of her.

The woman glanced at the frozen-in-time guards, then nodded to herself and made several brave steps towards the huge wolf laying on the grass.

"Let's start this over," she placed a hand on her chest, "My name is Regina. I am somewhat of a magician's apprentice. Among other things. Again, I have no intention of harming you. Now that I think of it, I don't truly know if you're a real werewolf. Rumple might have just lied to end our lessons early. I could be talking and I don't even know if you can understand a word I'm saying."

Red wasn't aware at the time, nor had she discovered in the years since then, why it was that she did what she did in that moment. Maybe it was the desire to be seen and known. Maybe – just simple curiosity. Whatever it was that spurred Red on, she felt compelled to do something to acknowledge the unspoken question. And so she simply did. Red raised her head and gave a soft bark. And when Regina recoiled on instinct, yet still immediately schooled her features and tried to act as if she had spoken to enormous wolves every Tuesday, Red licked her chops and chortled in an approximation of what a human would perhaps call a 'sly grin'.

Regina looked at her with big eyes, then suddenly let out a small laugh and her whole face transformed. What was a mask of guarded politeness hiding sadness and wistfulness, it all fell away and instead morphed into an expression of open joy. Her smile was wide and brilliant and it finally reached her eyes, making the brown deeper, warmer, dancing with reflected specs of light. Red felt as if someone completely different, a whole new person, was standing before her! And that just made the enigma more intriguing.

"I see how it is," said Regina, "it was my own fault for stepping into that trap. You seem to have enjoyed the joke yourself."

Red barked, then smiled, her tongue lolling out. That had the desired effect as Regina laughed again. Red's ears turned up in the direction of the sound and it was as if a nice, cool breeze caressed her fur coat on a hot summer day. Whatever more complex things Red was beginning to feel right then, her Wolf's mind was simpler, and it plainly liked the sound of Regina's laughter. And that was something Red could agree with their counterpart on as well.

"I'm afraid we have to cut our first meeting short. The spell Rumple put on them will lift any moment now and I would loathe to have the knowledge of this meeting be privy to someone else's ears. But…" Regina hesitated, many emotions reflecting upon her face, "but I would like to get to know you better. I have never met a were-person before. Would that be of interest to you? Or…" Regina's face fell for the split-second it took her to hide the expression, "would you rather remain a mystery? I would understand…"

However, even before Regina finished that sentence, Red was already moving. Propelled forwards by the same unidentifiable force, she stood up, padded slowly to the woman (who was, as it turned out, much shorter than she seemed, with Red's held high head reaching almost in line with Regina’s face) and bowed. For some moment nothing happened. Red opened one eye and peeked, only to see big eyes and a stilled in mid-air hand, too tentative to reach out. Red huffed and bumped the hand with her head, letting it rest between her ears. There was a tiny gasp. But the hand still did not move, it pressed firmly to the dark fur, then pulled away. Red looked up, seeing an overwhelmed woman with exhilarating blush coloring Regina’s cheekbones.

"Alright-alright. Well," Regina was trying to gather her thoughts, glancing towards the guards every once in a while, "How about we meet again in a week's time, here. In this exact same place. At mid-afternoon light. I will think of a way to allow us some alone time without the watchers. Would that be agreeable to you?"

Red simply nodded. She didn't understand at the time what Regina’s life was like, thinking she was just a rich noble woman, one of many, but she was going to find out soon.

They did meet at the allotted time. Red had arrived early and remained hidden, laying patiently in wait, just a dark spot of shadows in the underbrush. And thus she watched as the entourage arrived. Another hunting party, or perhaps just an extravagant stroll in the woods dressed up as a hunting party. She saw the riders and carts arrive, the tents erected, the food being prepared in an open air kitchen. She saw the guards. Many, many more than just a noble family could afford. And then, eventually, she saw the bearded man with a balding head and a golden circlet upon it. He was familiar, but more so was the woman on his arm. Another riding outfit, hidden underneath a bejeweled feminine cloak, and a golden pin in her raven hair.

Regina.

Red wasn't stupid. Yes, she had lived most of her life in a secluded village, away from as many people as possible while still not attracting attention or rumors like being the evil hag living in a hut in the forest. No, Red and her Granny were normal villagers. A bit self-sufficient, but still part of the community. Red wasn't as highly educated as the noble lords and ladies, or even as the city's bureaucrats, but she knew enough. How to read and write well, counting too. And of course Red knew how the kingdom worked. She had never seen the King, nor had been to the capital, but that knowledge wasn't necessary for this conclusion. Again, Red wasn't stupid, and putting the two and two together that were right in front of her eyes wasn't a huge stretch. This was the King. Leopold of the White Kingdom. Which would make Regina… the new Queen.

How unexpected.

The enigma became clearer and then hid again in the layers of more questions and mystery.

At the time, Red had not reflected upon this revelation or how it made her feel. However, if she did she would have discovered that said revelation had not affected her as one might presume in a similar situation. She still was incredibly curious about Regina and… fairly indifferent to the rest. Red only heard things about the King, he was distant and unreachable as the mountain peaks. Just like the water collecting in the stormy clouds at the top of the mountain and then raining down as those clouds reach the plains below, so was the King's influence ephemeral – still there, but never close. His soldiers and tax collectors and favored nobles were more of a reality in Red's life. Thus she simply waited.

Her patience was rewarded when the woman she now knew was Queen arrived. Regina was escorted by a duo of flanking guards, perhaps even the same ones as before. They strolled up to the familiar tree and Regina checked up on it. It has only been a week, but the apple tree seemed to be flourishing, which remained as strange as ever. A neat and handsome garden fruit tree in the middle of a slightly overgrown forest. Regina had put a hand on the bark. Then she turned and her eyes were glowing purple. She made a wide gesture with her hands, as if drawing words in the air, clicked her fingers… and there was a cloud of purple smoke and a flash around both of the guards' faces. Red tilted her head, watching both men freeze in their places, now no more than two statues, unflinching. It was plain to see: Regina was indeed quite the studious pupil of the magic arts.

Red waited another few beats of her heart, simply to make sure the guards were enchanted in the same way as last time, then she got up and walked out of her hiding place and into the light. In the meantime, Regina was tending to the tree. There was a small basket next to her that Red had not noticed before, and it was being filled with red, ripe apples. Regina noticed the appearance of a large wolf just as she was ready to deposit a freshly plucked fruit into the basket. She stopped and smiled widely.

"Hello. I wasn't entirely certain you will show up," said Regina.

Red let out something between a bark and a whine, thereby surprising even herself. Her eyes kept unconsciously darting from Regina’s face to the apple in her hands. Red had arrived earlier than she thought, forgoing her usual hunt. That had left her hungry and easily distracted, as it would seem. Which did not slip past Regina either. Regina gave Red another dose of that melodic laugher and presented the latest apple to her on an open flat palm. Red licked her chops in reflex, gingerly opened her jaws just enough to lift the apple and not terrify Regina with her massive canines. She then flopped down on the ground and attacked the apple while holding it with her front paws. There was some more laughter, but now Red was more preoccupied to pay too much attention. She loved the sweet and acidic taste of the fruit, which served to subdue her hunger quite a bit. Not enough to go without the hunt later that day, but still very welcomed. Once she munched on the entirety of the apple and licked all the traces off her paws and chops, she could take in her surroundings fully again. And she was supremely surprised by the sight of Regina – sitting cross-legged on the ground practically side-by-side with Red and looking at her with warm, sparkling eyes and smiling! Red could not help taking a sniff and trying to figure out her scent. It was complex.

"I suppose you got hungry on your way here. I don't know wolves liked apples this much, but you certainly did enjo–" Regina stopped mid-sentence as Red, in her puzzlement over Regina's scent, forgot herself and yawned.

She caught herself in just a moment, her jaws coming together with an audible clank . But it was too late. The sight of a massive maw and sharp, white teeth must have scared Regina out of her skin, or so Red thought. However, once she opened her eyes and looked at the woman in question, fear was not what she saw. Regina was staring at her with wide eyes. Her cheeks were tinged pink and her lips formed a perfect, small circle as if she was about to whisper a long "oh", but no sound came out. These were signs of excitement, not terror. Red tilted her head, as perplexed by this reaction as she was with the complexity of Regina’s scent. Red had not been around many people who knew about her Wolf, let alone had seen it. Her Granny was the only one nowadays, really. She was the one to tell Red about her second half, the one to teach her how to accept it and how to control it. There was also a boy that Red had a crush on. She was certain she could have shown him herself, as any first love is sure and epic and deals only in absolutes. But he was terrified and in his hurry to get away… he tripped and fell off a cliff. They never found his body. That was a lesson to Red, a lesson to keep herself hidden – or be prepared for the fear and maybe anger in return for the truth. Regina was nothing like that. She seemed genuinely as fascinated with Red as Red was with her. To receive respect and curiosity – and in her Wolf form, as if she was still just a human girl! – was something Red never experienced.

And so it came to be that one sorcerer's apprentice and a werewolf became fast friends. The complication therein was of course, that the apprentice was also a Queen and the werewolf – a village girl.

It was challenging to keep their meetings a secret, but since neither wanted to give up, they made it work. Regina had arranged, with the help of those among the royal castle's servants that became loyal to her, a way for Red to sneak into the inner garden. After some time, Red revealed her human form to Regina. They kept meeting, kept getting to know each other, and kept talking. About all and any things. They grew closer gradually, but the depth of their connection was undeniable. Though, neither was in a position to admit it out loud just yet.

Red had become an invisible, shadowy fixture in the castle. She knew almost all the secret ways and passages, the patrol routes of the guards, the routine of all the servants. There was not much that could escape her keen eyes and nose. Of course, she had seen a brunette girl about her own age conversing with Regina, the girl she knew now to be Princess Snow White. And she knew the King… Now, she knew more about the King than she ever dreamed she would. And that was another seemingly insurmountable obstacle towards something, which Red could not admit to, not even in her head, but also what she dreamed about almost every night. Waking sometimes drenched in cold sweat and terror of being found out, her and Regina both judged and sentenced to death by the King for disobedience, crowds cheering their demise. Or waking sometimes drenched in hot sweat, warmth and soreness in her muscles, a tug in her abdomen and hips still canting against the rough sheets, halfway to release. What she dreamed about on those nights, she could not admit even to herself, having to resort to exhausting runs in the woods or ice cold baths after those nights. It was dangerous for her, a village girl, a beast of horror stories, to even dream such things. She knew her place, and she had seen the price the people who didn't would pay to learn the lesson. And yet… she dreamt and wished, unwillingly, on instinct… and her dreams were about to be answered.

Red was never a violent person. Her Wolf only ever took what was needed. At least, now that she had gained full control. Prey to quell her hunger, to keep her in good shape, not more than that. Red never attacked a human, not on purpose. She nipped a few times at Granny during the moments of transition, just as she was learning who she really was. Back then Granny's Wolf was still strong, way stronger than Red's. She healed in a few hours and they never talked about those tiny marks on her wrinkled forearms afterwards. From then onwards, Red preferred to hide or run away from danger.

It wasn't in Red's nature to be a fighter.

Or so she thought.

And she couldn't have been any more wrong.

It happened shortly after Snow ran away. The King was furious. Red heard him screaming from where she was hidden in the furthest, overgrown corner of the garden. Leopold could not believe at first that Snow disappeared of her own volition. He surmised his daughter was kidnapped. Of course, to hurt him first and foremost. Thus knights were sent out, investigators hired. And then… one very powerful witch was called upon. No, it was not one of the fairies. Red knew a little bit about who it was. The regal woman dressed all in crimson. Not the color that served as Red's namesake, the bright and vibrant paint she loved so, no. It was all shades of deep, dark, shadowy red. Like the color of blood caked in mud and congealing around a festering wound. And the color of the most expensive wine for the richest of nobles that were valued more than Red's whole village, more than a peasant's life. Those colors. Fear lodged itself in the pit of her stomach as the woman spoke. Her voice was pleasant, intonation smooth and polite, but for Red's keen senses there was a void behind the words. This woman had no feelings: no empathy, no fear or anger or annoyance or joy – nothing at all. It was as if she was pretending to be gallant and full of life, yet underneath the charade there was nothing. And in that moment Red remembered! She remembered Regina tearfully recalling her childhood under the tyrannical rule of her mother, Daniel's death at Cora’s hand, the forced marriage and the wards placed upon the castle and Leopold's crown preventing Regina from leaving the grounds or the King. She wasn't generous on the details, but even from the bits and pieces Red got the big picture. Regina called her mother heartless. Red thought it only a turn of phrase, but now, having seen the witch, and knowing of her magic… it started to sound more literal.

Red could not understand what exactly Cora promised Leopold. There were many big words reeking of dark magic and forbidden knowledge. She wasn't sure the King understood himself, but he let Cora calm him down and nodded along with her suggestions. Red kept her watch all the way until both Cora and Leopold left. She kept hidden in the shadows and foliage, waiting. Her wait had been rewarded much later into the evening when Regina appeared in the clearing. However, as Red made to get up and walk over, Regina had made a sign with her fingers. A sign they agreed on would mean, "we're being watched, stay hidden." Red shifted deeper into the shadows, laying unmoving in her little layer. But her ears perked up and pointed towards Regina. Were it not for her supernatural hearing and focus, Red would not have been able to make out the words whispered under Regina’s breath. Although, they had experimented with this trick before and knew it worked. Regina let Red know about Leopold's plans. Regina's mother didn't stay for long, already off to her own realm, but not before Leopold got a locator spell from Cora and he and Regina were to ride out tomorrow in search for Snow White. Regina asked Red to follow them. They knew Snow ran away from her father and there was no telling what was going to happen were such truth to be revealed. Regina could not do anything. Even with her being a very formidable sorceress by this point in time, she was powerless in Leopold's presence. Or rather in the presence of his crown, which was enchanted by Cora herself. This trip was shaping up to be dangerous and unpredictable. Only when Regina noticed the furthest fern by the wall shake for just a heartbeat, she let out the breath she had been holding. Red was going to stay close. And so she did.

It wasn't hard to hide in plain sight in a bustling entourage the King took with him. Even though it was supposed to be a rescue mission, the servants and tents and hounds and field kitchens and representatives of the court – the cavalcade was immense. Red (in her human form, dressed to match the servants) was easily lost amongst the bustling chaos of the road. She knew more secrets of the castle by now than anybody. All the overheard gossip and sketched out hierarchy between the serf soldiers and noble knights, guards and hunters. Red knew what to say, where to go, whom to avoid. She wouldn't have guessed that about herself, then or now, but she naturally turned out to be a perfect spy. Even her almost comical inability to lie well wasn't a hindrance, as it was simpler to just say a bit of the right truth or avoid situations where lying would be required. She just blended in.

When Regina related her fears about this mission being unpredictable, Red tried to prepare herself for anything. But as she ended up being wrong about her own capabilities, she also could not have prepared for what transpired. It was the missing scent that had tipped her off. Red had kept moving around the camp set up in the early, but she remained close enough to the royal tents to hear or smell any abnormalities. Everything was fine for a few nights, up until this night. Regina and Leopold were missing. There were no sounds coming from their tents and the smells lingering were stale, at least an hour has passed since they left the space. Red wasn't sure how this disappearance could have escaped her attention. She made a careful circle around the tents and noticed a few guards missing as well. So it was not without a trace. Finding a secluded corner to turn took but a few moments, and then she was back to the rush of the hunt. Stalking a scent, moving swiftly yet unseen – her muscles were doing the work while the mind could focus on the surroundings. Red left the camp. The trail made a wide loop around the outskirts of the camp, then suddenly took a sharp turn deeper into the forest. Red tracked, letting her senses hone onto the task at hand instead of giving her mind time to worry. It was a few minutes before she noticed the guards. The men were trying to be on-guard, but for a werewolf in the woods they might as well have been drunk trolls with all the ruckus they were making. Red ignored their grumbling to one another and irritable slicing of the ferns. She slipped past like the shadow she was and headed for the little clearing they were obviously guarding. Red heard a hushed, but full of entitled anger voice before she saw the source of it. With another few steps she confirmed that she indeed had found her prey. And once she had seen the scene, there was that ember that started to ignite in her chest.

Regina was there. Backed up to a tree, almost pushing herself into the bark. Leopold was also there. Usually soft-spoken and of mild outward appearance, now he was fuming. His fists were balled and he was pacing, gesturing wildly. He ranted with barely leveled voice about how Regina was a bad influence on Snow, how he heard from Cora what company Regina kept prior to marriage, how she was getting out of hand and poisoning the minds of good, loyal people around Leopold. Dread seeped into Red's veins. It wasn't the King himself that was intimidating. Short, balding, with a soft face and a considerable gut – Leopold wasn't impressive physically. It was the crown that he still wore: the symbol of the power he held, of those guards just a shout away, of the enchantment placed upon it, preventing only Regina's magic. It was not the first time Red saw the King treating Regina as less than him, no more than an object to look the part on his arm, dismissive and possessive. But it was the first time she saw him angry and threatening without pretense. Which was only half of it. Once her attention shifted to Regina and she really took her in, her posture, her scent, all of it – the dread Red felt increased tenfold. Regina's face was a mask of politeness, but her fingers were digging into the bark behind her back. Her whole body was like a drawn bow string in supreme tension, however all that tension was in service of one goal: to subtly appear as pliant and relaxed and submissive as she could. Red could tell this was a tactic that worked before, and not just with Leopold. Regina appeared too skilled, this tight control over her body would have taken a long time to master to such a degree. Regina had experience, and a lot of it. And the thought of why and where that obvious survival mechanism came from… that served as the first spark that stoked that little ember in Red's chest, growing it from dread – to something more. Still, it could have transpired very differently if not for the second spark. If only Regina's tactic was working, but it wasn't, not this time. Leopold was still ranting, accusing, drawing closer. He waved his right hand around, and Red noticed that, closed in his fist was something gleaming in the light of the setting sun and the torches brought here. It was a glass vial. Red only could guess that it was magical since the blue glow coming out of it from time to time was anything but natural. Then Leopold grunted and there was the smallest cracking sound coming from that clenched fist. He stopped abruptly, opened his palm and stared at the glow in his hand, which Red assumed would be coming from the now cracked vial, though she could not see exactly. The previously steady blue was blinking intermittently, as if some signal was being interrupted. Leopold became icy calm, all his aimless anger transforming into something far more focused and dangerous. He looked from the vial in his hand to Regina.

Red was moving before the sound of the back-handed slap had time to echo around the clearing. The little burning ember in her chest became an all-consuming wildfire. And…

That was all she remembered before it all went black and crimson.

She had regained her senses, seemingly just a few seconds later. And what had snapped Red out of the rage were a pair of small, delicate hands fisting in her fur and urging her back. She knew those hands, she knew that smell and that presence. Regina. The wave of internal fire that propelled her forward dwindled to just simmering, burned out logs. Red relaxed her muscles and turned her head to look at Regina, still firm in her hold. Immediately upon seeing the face looking back at her, white with fear and shock, Red was struck with the realization that something was terribly wrong. She licked her chops.

And tasted blood.

She whipped her massive head around, uncaring of the whiplash. Yes. There, next to the same tree, was King Leopold. His still body was showing several big wounds, and it looked like he was thrown back from where he was standing. Collision with the tree and earth added to the injuries. The way his body was slumped, unmoving, limbs and neck turned at unnatural angles… it was clear he was dead.

Red shivered. She could taste the iron on her tongue. The combination of adrenaline and shock of knowing she just killed someone, amplified by being in her Wolf form – all just made her numb and barely responsive.

But then there were shaking hands taking her head by the sides and turning it. Regina appeared in Red's field of vision, blocking the scene of the clearing. She was still white and sick looking, bit that focus, that moving at a thousand miles in moments of need mind, it was shining through in her eyes. Which also flickered purple for a moment and Red felt her locked muscles relax, her whole body was re-energized and the adrenaline and endorphin fueled fog that clouded her brain had lifted. Regina was still holding her tightly by the sides of her jaw. There was so much swirling in her eyes that Red got infected by that purpose, that determination. The voice of panic piped up for a feeble second, and went away under the weight of that gaze. Went away for a long time.

"Red," said Regina, "focus. It wasn't your fault. You had to do this. I wish I could have carried that burden myself. But right now you have to go. Run. Hide. Wait a fortnight and come find me."

Red looked back and hesitated. She could barely hear the rustling coming closer from where the guards were stationed. She made a few steps towards the thickening forest after Regina let her go, then threw a look back towards where she was standing. And with another "Go. Now," from Regina in a stern voice that hid so much of emotion bubbling under that stoic practicality, it looked physically painful for Regina to hold herself together… Red ran.

It took a while to figure out what Regina had done after she left. Red heard the official story, the wildest of rumors and the truth was as always somewhere in between. It was heralded far and wide across the kingdom that the King fell during a hunt. Meeting a ferocious boar in glorious combat. There were loud rumors that the Queen was in danger, cornered by the beast, and in his valiant attempt to save her the King sacrificed his life. Smaller, quieter rumors were whispering about assassinations, agents from abroad and even hellhounds. Those were not taken seriously. Regina was pronounced Queen-Regent up until such a time when Snow White would be found. Alive or dead.

Red was not sure how Regina convinced the guards of a story like that, and some of those rumors were obviously originating with them, but she was glad and relieved nonetheless. It was a whirlpool of contradicting feelings that had taken a hold of her. She was both glad and guilty about her role in this being erased. Her guilt piled up not only from the fact that she killed a human being, even if it was on instinct and to save another. It was also about having gotten away with it. Not only was she not going to be punished, no one besides her and Regina would know. Layered on top was resentment at the people for cheering on Leopold's rumored heroism without having a clue what a monster he really was. And then finally the explosive mixture of feelings Red associated with Regina. Those feelings were the ones that won out in the end, overwhelming the rest.

Now that the King was dead, the wards were gone with him. His crown was sealed in the vault and Regina had gotten the freedom to use her magic as she pleased. Red wasn't privy to everything, but she could put some pieces together. The royal court proclaimed Regina Queen-Regent because of the shaky political position they were in. Death of a beloved King could result in much unrest and coupled with the looming danger of hunger among the poor folk, that was brought on by those same nobles, who mismanaged the grain collection… It was a dangerous moment. They wanted to put on a show of a smooth and righteous transition of power. Though, they also thought Regina would be no more than a puppet on the throne, and Snow White even more so, subservient to their council and easy to manipulate. Which was exactly what Regina had planned. Wielding real authority suited her. In mere months the castle and all levels of hierarchy were quietly cleansed of Leopold’s lackies. A swath of noble knights and lords were (merely coincidentally, of course!) revealed to be neither noble nor worthy of such titles or the lands they possessed or the political positions they held. The change appeared benign, as if the royal court presided as usual. The words spoken were the same, the accusations and defense sounded similar and the verdicts were just as harsh. Although this time it wasn't Leopold and his ilk punishing rivals and consolidating their standing at the expense of the innocent. This time it was the truly guilty getting what was due.

It took Regina some time to find her balance. And with Red by her side it was both easier and so much harder. Their lingering under the surface connection had no longer needed to be suppressed. It had to remain a secret, but now such a secret would not be a deadly one, merely a precaution for the time being. Thus, with the main reason for hesitation removed, it was impossible to deny it any longer. There was a talk. Tensions soothed, tears shed, truths revealed. And even though such talks became a frequent occurrence afterwards, some truths could not be relayed with words. But with sighs and moans and touch and unblinking eye contact amidst the call of lust and love under the velvet blanket of the night, which is the patron of all concealed desires.

Red's days were spent back in her village, in the forests or around the capital city. Looking out for her Granny and the little people like she always had done. But her nights belonged to Regina.

Regina was tied to the crown she never wanted, but now was duty-bound to live up to. Her days were spent ruling. But after the sunset – she was free, free to be who she wanted to be and with whom.

They both had duties and daily lives, but the nights were theirs.

That is, until Cora returned.

The name had sent a tsunami wave through the memory. Not unlike two thunderstorms meeting and devouring each other in a bet to birth something even more destructive. It was no longer a lucid recollection: the memory kaleidoscope cracked, the little pieces of colored glass went flying through the void of darkness with only distant blinking lights – far-flung respites in the sea of black. Disjointed scenes flashed in and out, not connected by a proper through-line of meaning.

She saw Regina almost running into the bedchambers, waving her glowing hand as she went. The alarm on her face was in stark contrast to the royal gown and the diadem in her hair. She began pacing back and forth, muttering under her breath. Red had not seen her so rattled before that moment.

"My mother…" Regina swallowed with some effort. "She… I scryed into her land. Into her plans and designs. The Grand Design she kept telling me about since I was a little girl…"

Regina trailed off, deep in thought. Then she rounded on Red, eyes wide and frightened, but full of sudden understanding.

"Red! Could you track someone down even if it has been a long time since she left this place? We have to find Snow! And we have to do it now!"

The image cracked, shattered, became dust and static. Like some otherworldly deity turned the channel. It had gotten eerily quiet, more so than even if you're alone in a room, as if even the sounds of the blood pumping in your ears or the lungs moving the air had ceased.

And then Red was blasted with the roaring sounds of battle. Her senses got overwhelmed as all of them returned to dump her in a new memory. She was a Wolf. An enraged Wolf tearing a gruesome path through the lines of soldiers. All dressed in dark crimson they met her with fanatical disregard for their life and limb. The sight of an enormous wolf, splattered with blood and charging, would have terrified any other army, but not this one. So Red charged and charged, dodging spears and letting swords slide off her thick fur. She was backed by a much thinner line of troops from the other side of the battle, though no one could keep up with her speed or ferocity. The memory collapsed on itself just as Red was jumping onto a fallen enemy, maw open, teeth bared.

A burst of shattered glass and static saw Red land, in her human form, out in the inner garden at the castle. It was evening and she was waiting. Waiting by seemingly the same apple tree she waited before, though now she knew better. The tree in the forest was a mirage made real, a copy of this tree, the tree that was so precious to Regina. It was the tree her late father gifted to her, the father she missed so dearly. And thus Red also took to care for the apple tree, and not just because of the delicious apples. As she waited, flipping the pages of the book she was supposed to be reading (but really just occupying idle hands with and not taking in a word of it), a cloud of purple smoke appeared right next to her. Even before the smoke cleared, a figure quite literally fell out of it. Several feet higher than the ground, and with a muffled yelp, Regina was falling… and would have landed on her face were it not for Red's reaction. Red was on her feet and in position in a heartbeat, the book dismissed to the stone bench. Regina landed with a cute little 'ooof' in Red's embrace.

"Still having trouble with that spell, Your Majesty?" intoned Red in a very satisfied voice. She locked her arms behind Regina's back, having no intention of letting her go anywhere.

"Yes, dear. Your powers of observation are indeed impressive," Regina attempted to be strict and haughty, but her lips twitched in a precursor of a smile and her eyes were full of warm sparks.

Their lips met in a smiling kiss, soft, unhurried. After a while they separated, still wrapped in each other, with eyes closed and foreheads touching. Regina sighed. A deep, contented sigh telling of only recently found balance and security.

"It's the distance that gives me trouble," she said in a quiet voice. "Translocating over great distances requires a lot of magic, it's harder to keep focus to pinpoint the precise destination. The alignments become blurred the faster you move and there is no time to adjust."

Red nodded against her forehead.

Regina chuckled, "You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?"

"Nope," Red whispered into the smiling lips.

It was a strange kiss – slow and somehow infused with laughter. And then the memory dissolved into dust and floated away.

Another flash of static and the garden was replaced with a deserted dirt road in the forest. Red was standing at the roadside and taking slow sips of water from her flask. Her horse was resting and grazing, tied by the tree. It wasn't easy to convince Arrow to not be frightened and confrontational with a werewolf, let alone allow Red to ride her, but they managed to find an understanding. Her tracking had yielded results and now all she needed was a confirmation. Then she could send word to Regina and enact the plan. She looked around and heaved a big sigh. Her shoulders slumped a bit.

Red still wasn't sure why Regina insisted on a change of appearance. Perhaps, dressing Red as a prince was some kind of an inside joke between her and Snow White. Perhaps, Regina was just keen on seeing Red in this new light. Or perhaps, she glimpsed something of importance in her scrying into the future, though what would that have to do with clothes, Red could not comprehend. All the complexities of magic went over her head any number of times Regina tried to explain. And now all Regina would say was that the appearance was critical and that Red had to do it and would she just please go along with it.

With a sigh Red looked down at herself. At least the black knee-high leather boots were comfortable. As were the black riding pants. But the frilly white shirt, the fancy red frock with beaded embroidery and the red cape hanging over one of her shoulders – those were way too much for Red. Going from two dresses she made herself to the best silks and most intricate workmanship was a stark contrast, enough of a shock to give whiplash. Still, she pushed through her awkwardness and held her head high. Most of the time.

There was something else Regina had said to her some time after that big scrying spell. She had been deep in thought for days on end after it. Red knew of many problems and dangers the future could bring, but it seemed there were even more to it, some unknown complications that had thrown Regina into a long period of contemplation. Over the week following the spell Red would often find Regina so immersed in her thoughts that she would be almost walking into things. And then there was that odd promise right before Red departed.

Regina made Red promise, insisted until Red relented. A promise that if Red were to fall for someone else, she would not shy away from it. Regardless if Regina was there or not, if there was space in her heart for more, Red would pursue it. It was odd to say the least. She kept telling Regina that nothing would happen to her. To either of them. Regina was a Queen with all the power that entailed, and a sorceress to boot. Red was a werewolf with only a slight allergy to wolfsbane and silver. Neither of them were at a tremendous risk no matter the odds. And the possibility that they could fall out of love was laughable in Red's mind, which she spared no passion to express. These arguments had no effect. But finally Red agreed to make that promise on one condition: that Regina would do the same. Regina's face just split in a brilliant smile at the suggestion, as if she was waiting precisely for that outcome. Even now, having spent a while on the road, Red could not understand what all that was about. The promises, the talks, this silly change of outfit.

There was a rustle in the bushes and another, louder one in the opposite direction. Red whipped around in the direction of the louder sound, her quandary put away for the moment. Her hands extended forwards, feet spread out and legs tightened in preparation to run or jump. Not even a hint of her movement went to the uselessly hanging at her hip sword. It was then that she realized that the louder of the noises was a diversion. There was nothing in that direction, no rusting the underbrush, no animal pathways, no way to approach. On top of that, Arrow was flicking her ears and shifting away from the direction of the other sound, the more subtle one. The one Red heard only because of her heightened hearing. Just as she started to turn, there was a cracking and crashing and she turned to see a log swinging from the tree branches! Falling down in an arc it was coming straight for her! Bam! The hit connected with her chest, and even though she had the split second to brace and put her hands up, it still sent her flying. Red fell on her back onto the dirt road. Her ears were ringing, her breath came out with a cough, there was a stinging in her palms and chin. In her disoriented state Red almost missed the moment when she wasn't alone on the road anymore. There was a hooded figure next to her. There was no sound, no sudden movement, but Red still felt her coin purse being cut from its place on her belt. With a low growl Red gathered her strength. There was an alarmed yelp from the hooded figure as Red's hands suddenly gripped at the thief, her whole body flexed like a bow releasing an arrow! And their position became reversed. Red flipped her assailant in the air and slammed then into the road, with herself getting on her feet above. There was still ringing in her ears and the world was swaying a little all around, but Red had recovered a magnitude faster than this bandits usual victims did, judging by the stunned stillness of the person on the ground.

"Thief! What are you–" Red croaked, her words wheezed out between a cough and hoarse gulps for air.

But just as she was trying to say more her eyes fell onto the face of the bandit, whose cloak had fallen off. It was a woman! A girl about her own age, maybe a few years younger. Round face, big blue eyes, black hair contrasting with her pale skin… Red knew her! It has been some time, but this was without a doubt her quarry. Princess Snow White.

Though, Red wasn't given any time for this realization to settle as her legs were swept and she ended on the ground again with her cape covering her face. The shocking turn of events left her reeling, not to mention the possible concussion she got from her embrace with the log and landing on her back for the second time. There was some commotion somewhere to the left as Red was struggling to get up and remove the cape from around her head. When she finally did so, she was met with an annoying view. Snow was astride Arrow, who seemed way more pleased to be carrying another rider than Red, and grinning at her with the most self-satisfaction imaginable. Snow gave a bow, sitting in the saddle, gripped the reins and left Red coughing in the dust.

"No! Stop!" Red shouted, but it was too late. She continued in a normal voice, "I am trying to save you here, you little brat."

Red sighed. She dusted herself off. Checked her scraped palms and chin. Then she straightened up and looked in the direction Snow rode off.

"No matter," Red said, face showing determination and eyes blazing, "I will find you. I will always find you."

And with that the memory faded.

There was more static and silence. Then, the image that returned was different. It was as tragic as the senseless death of the battlefield and as painful for the heart as Red's first unintended kill. Red recognized it immediately. It was one of the worst times in her life. The room she was in was somewhere next to a pine forest, judging by the smell. The details of décor, the view from the window – it all was blurring together, not pressed hard enough into the memory to leave a sharp impression, even this magically enhanced version of it. What had left a firmer imprint was everything else. Red knew she had been sobbing for hours. Up until the tears had dried and there was nothing left to give. There were arms around her. There was a warm presence that calmed her down, that let her push through the pain and grief and heartbreak.

No longer than a few hours ago Snow had killed Anita, Red's long lost and miraculously found mother, to protect both Red and herself from certain death.

They had been traveling to escape Cora’s tracking spells for a long time. Days became months, months became a year. Over the time on the road Red and Snow grew closer. It was an odd friendship. One built on shaky ground at first, but then steadily growing stronger and more intimate with time side by side. For some reason it was easy. Easy to travel by day. Easy to talk and share more and more important things about each other by night. Easy to fall asleep bundled close together for warmth. Easy to bathe together in a stream without shame or shyness, but with more and more subtle stolen glances. It was slowly moving towards something more. All the way until this day. This day started with such unfamiliar hope and ended in despair.

The thing of it was, the terrible thing of it all was… Red had not been the only one whose tears flowed freely until there was no more to give. The death of her mother forced Red to tell the secret she has been keeping. Keeping from everyone, but most of all keeping from Snow, who has become much more than just a friend. They laughed, they argued, they talked about all and any topics. Red taught Snow to shoot a bow properly. And Snow helped her with the court decorum that Red still had problems with. Snow made quick friends with any animals, and even though most of them would usually be afraid and wary of Red, even as a human, when Snow was around it was no longer the case. It was only a month or two, but under the pressure of the chase, the hardships of the road, the dangers of hiding who they were… The rapid pace at which they went from strangers to fast friends and towards whatever this new thing was, that could at least be explained by the extreme circumstances. Or perhaps it was always meant to be. In that time and place, under the start of that world and the sunlight of that one universe.

Red was no stranger to hardship or to heartbreak or despairing her fate. But having to tell Snow the truth was one of the hardest things she ever did. The tale of how she met Regina. Of how Red came to know of both Snow and Leopold. And finally the unabridged account of how Leopold died. Red hated doing it. Making Snow mourn her father a second time. And then finding out her new friend was the one responsible and had kept that information to herself. It was a lot. Snow had not shouted, had not struck Red. All she could see in Snow’s eyes were sorrow, regret and pity.

The words "I don't blame you," and – "Neither do I," were the proverbial pebble that started an avalanche. The tears sprang and there was nothing more to say for a long time. Only mourning and acceptance, unspoken.

It had gotten way past midnight. They still lay in the same spot on the floor of a small cottage of one single room, hidden in the woods. Anita's pack left them there. The werewolves scattered once the leader that held them together was gone. At some point the still silence melted into the little taps of raindrops against the glass. First soft, barely there, then a bit harder and louder, like a gentle knock of an old friend. The curtain of lightest rain descended upon the forest. There was a blueish light from the new moon filtering through the sheets of lazy rain and the fogged glass of the windows, bathing the whole room in the blue and teal hues. The shadows danced with the rain. The specs of other colors, refracted by the drops of water on the windows, were scattered across the wooden floor and the bearskins. Red watched this performance of nature with a tired body and a calmed heart. Her mind was clear, clearer than it has been in a long time. The catharsis of released emotion has passed, leaving steady calmness. It cradled her like the still seawater near the shores after a hurricane. She turned in the entwined embrace to look at Snow and saw the same expression, the same clarity in her blue eyes. It was the moment of understanding, all the barriers between them extinguished and nowhere left to hide. Not from the single inquisitive onlooker in the room, or even from oneself. At that moment Red knew. And she knew that Snow knew as well.

Gazing into those blue eyes, glancing around the round face and down to the slightly parted lips, Red had not realized they were moving, shifting. Not until Snow was sitting in her lap and their faces were inches apart with lips getting closer, close, closer…

The tiniest of creeks of the floorboards snapped both of them out of the trance. Yet neither made any moves to separate. Wide, questioning eyes were mirrored exactly.

And it finally clicked. The pieces fell into place. Red understood it all: the obscure comments, the talk of destiny, the warnings and the refusal to share more information about Snow, the change of attire, and even the need to take a horse instead of turning and running as a wolf, what it all was about.

"Regina knew," Red whispered, "She saw us falling for each other in her scrying. She knew."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to! It all just–"

"Just happened. Yes, I know. And she knew. My gods, she told me! In that cryptic, incomprehensible way of hers, but she did!" Red let out a low laugh, lips stretching into a small smile.

"I don't understand," murmured Snow, her face darkened by shadows. "Me and David… we agreed to walk our separate paths when we left… But… We almost betrayed Regina, both of us! I was trying to stop myself from having these feelings, but… we almost…"

Instead of letting Snow cover her face in shame and disgust, Red grasped at those hands and caught Snow's eyes.

"But we didn't. I'm telling you: Regina knew. She made me promise. Ah, what a ridiculous promise it was! She made me promise that if I ever found it in my heart to love another, I must follow that feeling. She made me promise not to hide it, not to reject it, but to embrace it. To tell her even! She said, 'it would be interesting to get to know another person that catches your eye.' She was so… specific about it."

Snow frowned, "specific? What do you mean?"

And now there was heat rising in Red's cheeks and neck. She knew she was blushing, though she did not shy away from keeping their eyes locked.

"She said… she said I should not deny myself the joy of being with that special person. Neither soulful connection nor…" Red paused, feeling her heartbeat picking up and breathing getting shallower, "nor the carnal desires of the flesh."

Snow's eyes grew impossibly wider. She bit her lip and blushed scarlet.

"I can almost hear that. Regina can be so direct when she wants to."

Silence settled over them, interrupted only by the shallow breaths and heartbeats echoing in their ears as the treacherous organ picked up its speed.

The words were whispered, but weren't quite heard as the eyes and fingers did the work better.

“Do you…?”

“Yes.”

“May I…?”

“Yes.”

The layers were shed under the slightly moving light – the blues and teals mixing even more now. Bodies lowered onto one small bearskin and the hard wooden floor – both inconveniences disregarded in the moment. The surroundings no longer mattered. No more words were spoken or intense stares exchanged. It was instinctual and guided by something ancient, the call of primal need to connect to the mirrored piece of soul in another.

All that was left between them were the feelings. The feeling of heated skin gliding against skin, thighs pressed against each other, the rocking of hips, bowing of backs and legs tangled. Sighs with the eyes closed and the feathery caress of shallow breaths on the skin. The voices swallowed in the ever-flowing fluidity of kisses, going on and on until the lungs would silently scream for air. And the exhale-inhale rhythm upon separating – just as entwined as the synced beat of two hearts. Harts that felt too full to fit inside their rib cages. Fingers woven together and the tremble of muscles, reacting to the two releases. The slotted together bodies, like two pieces of a solved puzzle, sore, clinging to the heat and shivering from the coldness of the breeze on the covered with perspiration skin – yet unwilling to move, to separate.

The memory fogged over, the blues and teals getting more vibrant, mixing together and getting brighter until there was only white. Red felt like she was floating high, high above the ground. Floating… and then falling! Falling fast, through the clouds and she was going to–

Red landed with a high-pitched 'oof' on the red pleather of the booth at Granny's.

At first she had the crazy idea that she now had control over the memories, could freely move and change things. Or maybe she was in the present again, only moved somehow from the inside of the Bug all the way across town to Granny's. But neither was the case. Not at all. It was still the rolling reel of the past, minted and set on the film, forever date-stamped with the days that had gone. The film just jumped an act or two in the story being told.

Ruby turned around and made an annoyed face at the person who pushed her into the booth. David simply grinned at her. He stepped away to hang his jacket and in his place stepped Regina. Splendid and presentable as always, she was dressed in a figure-hugging cream-white three piece – skirt, blouse, and a blazer on top. Her long sable hair cascaded down and past her shoulders, her makeup was impeccable and the few pieces of rose-gold jewelry she chose to wear fit perfectly. She was the picture of the happy, respectable and loved Mayor she was. But the most distracting of all was her brilliant hundred watt smile. Ruby found herself staring and unable to turn away. Then suddenly that smile and those melted chocolate eyes were very close and on her. Ruby almost jumped as Regina slid into the booth next to her, bumping Ruby with her hip in an unspoken request for more space. Ruby let out a rumbling breath, a low, rolling sound that originated somewhere in her chest, and scooted further to the window. She spared a look outside, seeing the same things she saw in the regular: walking people, idyllic calmness and maybe a single car in need of a parking ticket. The same old, same old. She turned and caught the blue eyes across from her, sparkling with suppressed laughter. Marie was hiding behind her glass of sparkling water, but Ruby could see the mirth in her face. The same sort of 'having-fun-at-her-expense' expression Ruby saw on David's face before, the same matching amusement she saw once again as David slid into the booth next to Marie. Ruby glanced at Regina, who was talking to the waitress about their order. She felt the growl rising in her throat, her eyes narrowing and spine straightening. Yet any further expressions were cut short by a firm squeeze of her thigh under the table. Regina was talking to the waitress – the bubbly high-school girl no doubt part-timing for a bit of extra cash – and otherwise showing no sign that she noticed Ruby raising her hackles. The girl had written down all the orders, said something about a bit of a wait, chirped, "see you in a bit!" and was gone. Only then did Regina turn and gave her undivided attention to the group.

"Now, what was it that made you so amused?" she asked David and Marie, then glanced to her right and added, "And what annoyed you so, dear? I could feel that rumbling in my bones."

The answers came simultaneously. Though, it was nonverbal from one side of the table. Ruby grumbled under her breath, staring daggers at the pair opposite. Meanwhile, Marie and David actually laughed.

"Oh, it was nothing new," said Marie, "Just the usual. Our big bad wolf of a Sheriff was once again mesmerized by a certain lady."

"Yes!" chimed in David, "So enraptured by that beauty that she started bumping into people and things."

Ruby sat ramrod-straight, her hands gripping the table hard. She was contemplating showing these two who the boss of them was right then and there. But then there was a sneaky hand snaking around her shoulders and under her hair, and just as sneaky nails raking over that patch of skin where her head ended and neck began. Regina had shifted closer so that their thighs pressed together. Ruby had not dared to even glance towards her lest she could not control herself no more. There was a hot breath next to her ear, followed by a whisper and Ruby was so glad they chose the furthest booth in the diner as the rumbling in her chest returned.

"Calm, my darling. You let yourself be goaded too easily. Look at them. They are relishing you staking a claim and your anger. Save it for later."

Ruby breathed out, forced her muscles to relax and regarded the pair opposite again. Yes, there was more to it. The laughter and smiles and sparkling eyes were there, but the mirth was mixed with more than just that. Their eyes were too focused, pupils a tad too wide, body language too telling. Marie was still hiding behind her glass of water and there was a slight tinge of pink on the tips of David's ears. Ruby knew these tells. She tilted her head and thought about how she herself looked right now. Tensed muscles, fisted hands, wild hair, gleaming of fire in her eyes, ready to fight. Yeah, now it all made much more sense.

She finally met Regina's eyes and saw the inkling of the same plan forming there. With a knowing smile Ruby leaned back against the red pleather and draped an arm over the back of it and Regina at the same time. She gave the two teasing sneaks a smug smile.

"Don't worry. We're gonna have a nice dinner with good conversation right now. And for dessert you'll get your wish," her wolfish grin widened and she added in a low voice not meant to carry far, "A little bit of patience and we'll show you who's the boss of you."

"Promises, promises," murmured Marie, tucking more firmly into David's side.

David cleared his throat, gave the half-empty diner a quick scan and changed the topic to some mundane and far less intriguing subject.

The diner blurred, shifted, turned on its axis and toppled. It seemed like the time in the memory sped up immensely. The blurry figures moved like mannequins in a stop-motion film and the scenery changed like backdrops in a theater play. It got dark and it got bright as if her eyesight had gone, but then it returned in a brightening circle.

It must have been the evening of the same day, much later than the dinner. She knew the place, even though in this memory is was blurry and out of focus. The mansion on Mifflin Street. The second floor, master bedroom. Some of the small lamps were on and the blinds were closed, leaving the room in twilight. It had the same smart décor: steely-gray and cream-white walls, warm wooden furniture and plush rugs with just a splash of red here and there. Orderly and homely at the same time. Although, the rug in this room was messed up with various articles of clothing strewn upon it. Ruby blinked… and then all the other senses returned, crashing upon her all at once.

Sight. Touch. Sound. Smell.

All of it.

Joy. Greed. Want. Lust. Power.

Pleasure.

Of the flesh and soul.

Ruby was seated on the edge of the still made, but tossed bed. She was naked as the day she was born. Her body already started to show perspiration as her muscles tightened and her back bowed. Ruby's legs were spread. Wide and firmly planted on the carpet. She was leaning on both her arms, finding purchase on the bed behind her to keep in that seating position on the very edge of the bed. Her head had just been thrown back and up and her mane of dark hair had cascaded down her back, tickling the skin. Ruby let out a rumbling sigh full of hunger. She tossed her hair again, then lowered her head. The view from her position was as pleasant as the tireless tongue working its magic between her thighs. Ruby heard another low, wanton moan. A raspy, prolonged noise, pushed unwillingly out of the tired lungs. She also heard the rhythmic creaking and banging of the wooden furniture against the wall and the accompanying sounds of skin slapping against skin. The mixture of noises alone had filled her whole body with another wave of greedy, hedonistic joy. But it was only a fraction of what the visual had done for her. There, a step or two away, on the wooden chest of drawers – ornaments swiped clean off and scattered by the door – sat Regina. Regal as ever even without a stitch of her Mayoral suits on her, even with mussed and beginning to stick to sweat-slicked temples hair, even with rubbed off lipstick and smudged mascara. Divine. Regina’s eyes were half lidded and her mouth opened in that continued moan that had become silent now. Ruby could see the blush among the expanse of the olive skin – on the cheeks and neck, the top of her chest, between the collarbones. All the places that were not obscured. One of her arms was thrown up above her, clawing at the wall, and the other… The other was clawing at the wide muscular back obscuring the rest of her. David was almost silent, ignoring even the nails that had already left some red lines in the skin 9f his back. He was like a machine. Solid, monolithic body standing there and moving. Measured, uninterrupted rhythm. Inevitable like the tides. Ruby marveled at the nude form, muscles moving under the skin that was glistening with the effort. David's hands were on Regina’s thighs where her legs wrapped around his middle, his head bowed and face hidden in her neck. And over that broad back, the wide shoulders of tightened tendons, Ruby saw Regina opening her eyes in reaction to whatever he did. And in that moment their eyes met. Only for a moment, as Regina’s head bobbed back and her eyes closed tightly in pleasure again. But that split-second of burning eye contact was enough to almost throw Ruby over. She hissed through her teeth. One of her own hands slid around to her front. Ruby raked her own nails sharply up and down her sternum and stomach, delighting in the mixed sensations. And then she finally let her gaze travel lower. Towards the diligent figure nestled between her own legs. Ruby could not hold back a deep purr that was born in her chest as she really took in the view. Marie was kneeling with both her legs and hands planted on the plush carpet, her nude form – pale and glowing. Most of her body was hidden from Ruby's view, towering and demanding in her position up above. But what took central stage was Marie's face. Flushed, desperate to hold back her own need, and giving, giving, giving. Ruby felt her lips stretch into a predatory, teeth-baring smile. The only thing Marie was still wearing were her stylish frames, the glasses beginning to fog over just a tiny bit. But through that glass Ruby could see those huge eyes, full of devotion and pleading. Her hand reached out, gently snaked into the mussed undercut. She scratched at Marie's scalp, combed her fingers through the hair… and then she gripped it, hard! Her hand fisted in the short, black tresses, taking charge, holding and guiding just where and how she wanted it.

Greed.

Trust.

Power.

Pleasure.

Cresting over, Ruby raised her face up to the ceiling and howled.

The howl ricocheted off the walls, crashed around, and made the world shake. The room crumbled, leaving only the wide sky all around.

She was falling.

And she wasn't.

Red was there, on the balcony of the castle's tallest tower. She had done one of the hardest things in her life. She put little Emma, all bundled up in her blanket, into the magical wardrobe and closed it, sending the child to another realm. And so now Red stood watching the wall of purple smoke and thunder rise from horizon to horizon. In it the clouds roiled, blowing higher and higher until it stopped for the silent pause… and crashed down, eating the light of the sun and taking the world with it.

Red was there.

And she wasn't.

She had been.

Ruby was sitting at the wheel of a beat up VW Beetle in the middle of the road.

And she wasn't.

Red opened her eyes again. She was shaken. Regaining her memories had taken no time at all. She was still there, where the prismatic wave of light caught up with her car. But she was not the same. She entered the car as Ruby and now she was not. But she was not Red either. Red-Ruby. Ruby-Red. Neither, both, something in-between. It was disorienting to say the least. All those memories, all at once. Two things floated to the forefront, though. Matters of importance.

The first… simply to make sure. Red reached below the collar of her shirt. Her fingers hooked on the gold chain of the longer one of her two necklaces. She fished it out and stared at it. Threaded through the chain were two rings. One, with a beautiful ruby set into it signified betrothal, and the other – was a simple golden wedding band. Red let out a breath she wasn't aware she was holding.

The second matter. Well, the second was more urgent and straightforward. The place where the colored wave came from. Where the Curse was broken. Red instinctively knew where it was. Which just so happened to be the same place she was already on her way to. Peeling her hands off the steering wheel and giving whitened knuckles a rub, Red started the stalled car. She made her way to the hospital, trying her hardest to find a new balance and not to worry about what she was going to find when she reached her destination.

. . .

There was a slight shaking. A few of the salt shakers fell down. David frowned and reached over to right them, however before his fingers touched the glass vials the rainbow wave was upon Granny's. It passed through the building, having as much regard for steel, concrete and plastic as it did for air. There was an artful display as all the reflective surfaces in the diner shone with all the colors of that prismatic wave. Only for a fraction of a second, but it was enough for everyone to start blinking or raise their hands to shield their eyes. David stared at the swirls, the colored tapestry weaving and gleaming in thin air right in front of him.

And then he blinked and the veil had been lifted.

The flood of memories of another life crashed over him and, with the force of a tsunami, picked him up and took him away.

He landed in the mud. The rain trench by the side of the field. And the rain kept pouring, not as hard anymore, but still there. He tried to stand up, but his feet kept slipping. It was to move with the drenched clothes that were too big for his teenage body. He sat down on his knees in the mud. Angrily swiped at his long hair, knowing that it was no longer blonde, but gray and brown from the rain and mud, as was his face. He glanced at the little sack next to him. What was he doing? This shouldn't be his life, it shouldn't be anyone's life. Why was even magic in that world if all it was good for was to torment people? If only he could just ignore it!

Ignore it…

David's lowered head shot up. There was fire in his eyes. He knew what he must do. It would be dangerous. And there would be a price to pay. But… it could not be any worse, could it?

Gathering his courage and too desperate to be mindful of his dirty, haggard appearance, David said the name out loud. Three times, just as the rumors whispered in the taverns and markets warned him to do.

"Rumplestiltskin, Rumplestiltskin, Rumplestiltskin!"

There was silence. No answer. Just the weak drumbeat of the dying rain. There was no lightning, no thunder. The ground did not shake. Nothing of what the gossip said would happen did happen. David watched the sky, the foggy line of the horizon. He felt his eyes stinging with unwelcome tears. He just wiped at his face in anger. There was nothing left. No one was coming.

"Ooo, look at that! Now what do we have here, dearie? Most intriguing, yes!"

The high pitched voice caught David by surprise. He whipped around, once again almost slipping in the mud and landing on his face. Only barely avoiding such a humiliation, he watched with wide eyes as a cloud of black-red smoke dissipated a few steps away from him. And out of that cloud stepped a frightening figure. A man. Well dressed and imposing, he was just as terrifying as the stories would make one believe. Scales instead of skin. Yellow, reptilian eyes. Sharp teeth. And the most unnerving laugh.

It took all of his desperate courage not to jump up and run away. There was something he needed to do.

"Oh, come on, out with it!" said Rumple, his eyes gleaming yellow, "I haven't got all day. You called me, dearie, have you not? Do I smell a deal? Skip the greetings and formalities and let's move to the juicy part! No need to be apprehensive, my parchment longs for ink!"

David suppressed a shudder as the creature in front of him giggled and produced a rolled up scroll in a palm of his hand. This was deadly, what he was about to do, David understood that. But what else was there to do? There were no other options left.

"Master Rumplestiltskin, my name is David, I'm a simple sheep herder. Our farm," David gestured vaguely in the direction of home, "it's just me and my mother, it's a small one on the edge of the forest, up the mountain. We are people of small means."

"See, 'bout a month ago our sheep started to be taken by beasts. Small imps with wings and magicks. We tried to fight them off, but what can a villager do against flying creatures that spew fire? I got one or two with ma bow, got 'em good! But they just turned to ash and then she came!" David shuddered from both fear and disgust, "The forest Hag. She stopped my arrows in the air, broke my bow. Burned one of our barns! Scared the sheeps half to death, I reckon! So we had to promise to pay. To let her take the sheep and more. But the herd can not survive like this! The magistrate of the nearest town cares not for us little folk. We are left to fend by ourselves and I want to! I would! But…"

"But what can a little boy do against a powerful witch? I see where you're going with this, dearie."

"I'm not a boy! I have seen seventeen winters!"

"Whatever makes you feel better," giggled Rumple, "Now, I am inclined to help you with your wish. However, you have to state it precisely. And sign the contract. Some formalities must be respected!"

David sucked in a chilly breath through his teeth. This was the moment. Now was the time for him to show his worth. As he repeated his wish for him and his mother to be free of magic, to be able to ignore it, never again be at the whim of sorcery, he saw the words appear on the parchment in a shower of golden sparkles. There were more words than what she said. The scroll kept unfurling, listing more and more things until finally it ended with a free space and two lines opposite. Rumple made a flourish with his wrist and an ornate signature that read "Rumplestiltskin" appeared on one side, written in red ink. He then presented the finished contract to David.

"All you have to do is say ‘I accept the terms’, touch the parchment and your wish will come true."

David hesitated. His fingers shook. His whole hand shook as he reached forward and…

"Wait!" barked Rumple out of the blue.

David froze. The terrifying man with gleaming reptilian eyes waved his hand theatrically and David felt like he had just taken a bath. The air around him misted with sudden heat. He was clean. Spotless! Skin, clothes, even his hair – all became clean and dry. He looked around himself and over to Rumple in bewilderment.

" Tsk-tsk-tsk , we can't have important documents devalued," chuckled Rumple. "Pristine parchment, you see, as all contracts should be. And with these barbaric times – no reprints! Had to clean you up, dearie, and fast. We wouldn't be able to pull that trick once the deed is done, now would we? Defeats the whole purpose!"

Rumple laughed to himself again, his sharp shark teeth in full display. David shuddered. Yet he still reached over to touch the scroll. And as soon as he did, there was a sharp pain in his fingers! He recoiled, but his fingers were glued to the parchment. David watched as his name etched itself in red ink that he now understood to be his own blood. The signature sparkled with gold and red and black and then… David felt as if he was dunked into an icy pool and thrown on scalding sand under the blazing desert sun, all at once. Something ephemeral was drained out of him. Out of every pore and every little bit of his body. The air and earth around him bent and rippled, twisting to get away and then… Everything returned to normal.

He looked up at the impish figure. Rumple was positively delighted, clapping his hands and almost dancing in place.

Rumple put up both hands toward David and said, "Now all we have to do is to make sure it worked. Stay very still."

Several things happened in a quick succession, a split-second no more. Fire bust in the palm of Rumple's hand. He hurled it at David. The ball of flame grew larger as it traveled, so very fast. And then David was engulfed in roaring swirls of a fiery inferno. His body went rigid, his mouth opened to let out a cry of unimaginable pain, but… the pain never came. He wasn't burning. The flames danced and roared, they scorched the earth, solidified the mud and turned the drizzling rain into steam. What the flames did not do is hurt him in any way. As the fire subsided and shriveled into a few little embers on the blackened ground, there was not a hair out of place on David. Not a stitch on his clothing had gotten singed! It was as if the fireball had not happened at all! David raised his hands and stared at them in amazement.

Suddenly, there was a presence next to him, disrupting his stupor. Rumple had sauntered over and was expecting him as a farmer would be a particularly promising young animal. He nodded along with his unnerving smile.

"Success! The boy is completely impervious to direct magical influence. But with the optional exception left for indirect influence, of course. Yes-yes, very good!"

"Sorry?" mumbled David. He could not understand a word Rumple had said.

"Oh, simply appreciating work well done. Now, dearie, pay attention! This is how this is going to work: Any spell cast on you, or you dear old Ma, will fail. No fuss, no muss, just won't do a thing. There's a catch, though! If the magic is not targeting you directly, it might still work. Say, if someone were to cast an enormous spell encompassing the entire kingdom, well, you could be swept up in it anyway. Very unlikely, I assure you! Perhaps, something easier to accomplish. Hmm… How about summoning a huge boulder above your head and letting its weight do the job? That would be quite unpleasant, but you could always hopscotch to the side. Got it?"

David nodded. He was still stunned. He also understood only some of what Rumple was saying, but he wasn't about to start questioning the deal or seeking answers from someone who threw a fireball at him moments prior.

"Alright, splendid! Since that is all cleared up, I suppose you wish to go back to enjoying your simple life, “ Rumple half-turned away, but then pulled back with a shake of his head, “Oh, no-no, wait, silly me! There's still one problem left. You are now impervious to magic, my boy. But your little fluffy and adorable sheep are not. So very flammable, yum! And there is someone who wants them, no?"

"The Hag," murmured David, still staring at his hands, which were strong and calloused, but not blackened and covered with burns to the bone.

"Yes, the Hag! Now, what is there to do about her, hmm? Aha! Here, a parting gift for such a wonderful customer!"

Something moved into David's field of vision. Above his open palms, an item was being given to him. It was a sword. Bastard, hand and a half. There was nothing remarkable about it. The cross guard and pommel were not adorned with any engraving, the leather of the handle was wrapped and corded, the sheath was well-made and fitted, but would not stand out in a crowd. It was the definition of functionality and reliability above anything else. David looked up in a daze as he felt his own fingers close around the handle and sheath.

"You know what you have to do, don't you, dearie? Forest Hags are tough. You'll have to decapitate her and then burn her body to make sure. All the imps will disappear with their summoner gone, but the deed must be done first. Are you up for it, my little man?"

"I– y-yes… Yes. I am."

"Splendid," giggled Rumple as he disappeared in the plum of crimson and black.

Hours later when David stumbled out of the forest again, not that far from this very place, he no longer looked as pristine. His clothes, hands, neck, face, hair… all was covered in layers of grime, blood and slime. The battle left little in his memory. Even though her main weapon was taken away, the Hag was still a magical creature, tough and crafty. Taking her down was neither easy nor without risk, moreso for an untrained in swordsmanship youth. The dull pain in David's side reminded him of his bruised and maybe cracked ribs, the stinging in his shoulder – of the dislocated sword-arm that he had to pop back in against the tree. Still, he won! He did the deed. Slain the Hag, burned her corpse, saw the imps disappear. They were safe now. His mother, the farm. It was going to be alright now.

What David did not know at the time was that magic always comes with a price. Even the removal of it. But slaying the Hag was not the price he owed after all. It was still yet to be paid.

The memories sped up, plunging him into a whirlpool of flashing images, sounds and feelings. The years of simple, honest life. Up until there was a stranger in his barn, making herself welcome to the eggs and getting caught in fox-traps.

She called him Charming, that mysterious girl that appeared out of nowhere and refused to reveal much about her past. At first. It was impossible for her to pass as just another lone forest hunter, not with the way she held herself. Not with the attitude and manners, and not with her knowledge and attire. No matter how drab she tried to make her outfit and cloak look, the quality of craftsmanship was obvious to both David and his mother. When you only have a few pieces of clothing and have to wear them until you can't, the smallest details become as visible as a huge tear. The weakening of the stitching, the wearing out of the cloth, the damage from the elements. It all was very plain to see for the trained by necessity eye. Still, they left the girl to open up in her own time.

After a while, with trust earned and a bond forged, Snow revealed her identity to them. David had to convince her to stay. Their house was a ways away from the village, no one would find out about who she really was. With a set of more fitting clothes and a bit of coaching, Snow could pass for just another villager.

It was peaceful, that time. The village was left unbothered, the woods weren't gloomy and harvests a plenty. David and Snow grew closer. They would go on walks in the fields or the woods. David felt this need to share all the beautiful places with Snow, though the more time they spent together the more David caught himself looking at his companion rather than the nature around. He came to redefine the word beautiful at that time. And it wasn't that Snow was pretty. That her eyes shone bright or that her smile was infectious. Well, that was incredible as well, but it was her inquisitive mind and the strength of spirit that kept reeling David in. It was the beauty of a person, the complexity of the all-encompassing, full picture. Virtues, flaws, good, bad, struggles and history, habits and dislikes, fears and hopes. Everything. He felt like someone standing on the precipice of a treasure room. One that was willingly opened and welcoming to explore and learn of all the treasures inside.

Their first kiss was in the barn where they first met, and it had been interrupted by the disturbed chickens. Their second was in the rye field under the stars. It had not been interrupted and they stayed in the field for hours. And yet he remembered the first one far better. The laughter and straw getting in their hair and the feeling of it being just so right.

It did not last. Not nearly as long as they wished. One day Snow came back from one of her hunts with a horse. Well-bred, impressive horse, one that stood out like a sore thumb amongst the sheep. Snow only said that she had an encounter with a fancy, unworthy noble on the road. David had no illusions about what exactly Snow was hunting, or whom. He had long suspected that the accusations of banditry that were whispered around were true. And that Snow wasn't quite laying low as she was supposed to.

It has not been two full days later when the noble showed up.

There was a knock on the door. It was David who answered. And there, standing on the threshold, was the noble rider Snow had diverted the horse from. David gulped as he really took in who it was before him. Knee-high riding boots, black trousers, fancy red jacket and just as red a cape thrown over one shoulder. Add to it a mane of jet-black wild hair and angular features – showing an expression trapped between triumph and annoyance – and the picture was complete. A woman. One rather intimidating, impressive woman. This was how David met Red.

They had no opportunity to exchange two words before Red's eyebrows furrowed. She lifted her hand with the open palm towards David while also pressing a finger to her lips in a universal request for silence. And then she was gone. David never saw anyone move so fast. It was as if he blinked – and the woman dissolved into thin air. But then he himself heard a commotion and some heated words being shouted from the back of the house. He took off in that direction. The picture he saw rounding the corner was reminiscent of the way he met Snow. The woman in question was laying on the ground, once more tangled in the fox trap. A step away from her was Red, arms crossed and a smug grin in place. A few more expletives flew out of Snow's mouth, the kind of words David wasn't aware she knew. He skidded to a halt, unsure of what to do or how to diffuse the situation. And that was when he heard Red speaking for the first time.

"Ah, Princess Snow White! Such words and so many! I haven't heard the like when you left me alone, in the dirt! Tsk-tsk-tsk , absconding with someone else's horse? Scandalous! What would Regina say if she saw you now?"

At the mention of the name Snow froze. She slowly looked up. A whole cavalcade of emotions marches across her face. It would have been humorous if not for the tension in the air.

"Regina? How do you know–"

Red's soft laughter interrupted Snow's unfocused questions.

"Yes, Princess, I know Regina. In fact, I have been sent by her. To find you."

Snow was shaking her head in disbelief.

"Regina knows I don't want to be found. Why would she send anyone to find me? Let alone some noble woman? I haven't seen you at court before. Are you working for my father's men? Have they hired you to kidnap me?"

"Calm down, Highness," said Red, throwing her hands up, "you made a whole lot of assumptions there. First, I am no noble. Not too long ago I was living in a small house on the outskirts of a village not unlike this one. This ridiculous outfit was all Regina's idea. I don't know why, she's the one with all the magical know-how. Yes, she wanted me to find you. No, I am not on the payroll of anyone. Especially not any of the old councilmen. A lot of them are sitting in the stockade right about now. Can’t really hire kidnappers when shackled up to the wall, now can you?"

"I don't believe you…"

It was obvious even from where David was standing how much of a shock all of these revelations were for Snow. She was like a startled wild animal, unable to escape and yet still searching for ways to get away. It seemed like David was not the only one who noticed that. Red had smiled and that slightly smug and amused air about her dissipated. She kneeled next to Snow and now her expression was warm and understanding.

"Alright, I'm not sure how I can convince you. My only proof is my word. Hmm," Red tilted her head in thought. Then her eyes lit up. "Ah, yes, I can prove that I've been sent by Regina and no one else. Do you remember the most important words Regina ever said to you?"

Snow slowly nodded, silently waiting for Red to continue.

"She said: 'I can promise you that from now on I will treat you as an adult and a friend. And it means the truth, absolute truth. Truth that hurts, that will shatter your entire world. Are you sure you want that?' Do you still want it, Princess Snow White?"

"Yes," whispered Snow and all the fight drained out of her.

Both David and Red moved to help her out of the noose as if released from the spell that prevented movement. As they struggled with the rope, Red glanced from Snow to David and back to Snow.

"I am sorry, this should have stayed between you and Regina, that conversation, but… I know. And, I suppose, he knows now, too. Nice to meet you, by the way, I'm called Red."

David blurted out his name and shook the offered hand. The handshake left him bewildered to say the least. The delicate, long fingers had a stronger grip than that of the village' blacksmith.

Once the trust had been established and introductions made, David left to take care of the more mundane tasks. The ones that still needed doing, despite all the adventurous excitement of the morning. He was gone most of the day and it was close to the sundown that he returned. What he found upon arrival back home would have been a huge shock, but after the morning's events (and quite some time with hard manual labor helping to process) David found himself not as rattled as he perhaps should have been. Since it was not every day once discovered the reigning monarch having tea in one's shabby farmhouse. With one's mother and beloved to boot, as if that was the most mundane thing in the world!

David quickly excused himself that first time. So the memory of his first meeting Regina was sparse. He did notice that she was in a simple riding outfit as if she had just left the royal stables. He noticed the way she smiled and indulged his mother and her stories. And how at ease Regina was with Snow, even though they haven't seen each other for a long while. This young woman held herself with a certain amount of authority, but at the same time Regina wasn't exactly what he imagined their Queen to be like. Still, the implications and oddity of the situation were a bit much for him to simply join in, and so he did not.

It was a few days later that Red came to talk to him. While Regina had come and gone as she pleased, leaving the cold, tangy taste of iron in the air, the signature of any magic user, Red stayed with them. She exchanged the fancy suit for a simple dress and a red cloak. And true to her word, Red was far more successful at passing for a villager than Snow ever was. Probably, because it was not dissimilar to how she grew up. For some reason, David just knew: this conversation was a serious one. Red spent a few minutes on small talk and some intermittent awkward pauses in-between. Then she started to ask questions about his mother. Odd questions. How active Ruth was, was she getting tired often, eating well, complaining of pain anywhere? At first David laughed. But the more questions followed, the more worried he got. After confronting Red head-on about her line of questioning, Red confessed that something was wrong. She smelled illness on Ruth. The type that was insidious and deadly, hiding from view, but not from a werewolf's nose. Red said it all in a small, sad voice and immediately followed with an attempt to soften the blow. All about how Regina has the best physicians and better yet – she had magic! Healing magic, among other kinds.

Red continued to talk, but David could not hear any of the words through the drumbeat of his own heart echoing in his ear. In that very moment, that split-second, he figured it out.

Magic always comes with a price.

He had learned about that law, many years after his deal with Rumple. But only now, right at that moment, he understood what the price would be for his little deal.

Next few days flew by in a fog. Once informed, Regina attempted to use magic in order to: first, check what illness it was, and second – to heal the ailment on the spot. Neither had any effect. Magic simply refused to find purchase on the aging woman, it passed through or around as water would, finding ways past a boulder in the stream. Of course, after such a rare magical anomaly had been witnessed, David had no other choice but to tell the tale of his deal. The first mention of the name Rumplestiltskin got a definite reaction from all the women opposite him. He expected to be berated. Reminders about deals with the devils and what dangers they pose. But none came. All he saw was understanding and pity and offer of support.

With some further discussion, a plan was born. To keep Snow safe and secret for now, she and Red would do some traveling. Stay moving, avoid being spotted by either agents of the ambitious nobles or Cora. David and Ruth were to be relocated to the royal castle, where Regina had the best physicians in the land… And if worse came to worst, there she at least would be comfortable and take care of.

The next few months were hell for David. It started with one small talk. With David standing in a small clearing in the woods with Snow. It was just before he left the village. It was so hard for him to say the words. To tell her that it was not the time or the place. To tell her that Snow will always be his first love and nothing would change that. But it was not meant to be. He didn’t want her to hope for more than he could give, now that their paths had to diverge. And there was no telling of what the future might bring. Not with what David had learned about ominous plans Cora and Rumplestiltskin had been brewing. Nothing was certain and he had to let Snow go. Let both of them be free, however painful it was. Perhaps, she would find happiness in the arms of another, and even that possibility was enough.

Then, just as Red had predicted, it has not been more than a week since the move that his mother started showing signs of grave illness. The doctors all said it was too late, the disease hid itself well, stayed unnoticed – all the way to the point of no return. Ruth's state deteriorated fast. She had not much time at all to enjoy all the perks of her Queen's hospitality.

Mercifully, the rushing whirlpool of memories had not lingered on this tragic moment for too long and propelled him further. The following memories came in a quick slideshow of colorful scenes. Like a deck of cards being shuffled by a master magician.

There was a moment in his childhood. Falling off a tree and snapping a branch that had broken his fall. And then apologizing to the tree.

Another flash, much later, during the Curse. Woodworking at the back of the animal shelter. And then hearing the creak of the gate in the white fence, and turning towards the sound. Only to see Marie standing there, prim and proper, with a wide smile on her lips and surrounded by chirping birds.

Flash. Back before the Curse again. Bright white slowly fading into the oranges and blues of the sunset. Clouds, colored by the rays of the sun. Stars were starting to show in the darkening sky. The evening was graced with perfect weather, warm and clear, with only a slight breeze bringing with it a refreshing coolness. Built into the hilly cliff above the capital, the royal castle sat ever watchful of the surrounding fields and hunting grounds. The inner garden of the castle presented a stunning view in all directions, all the way to the mountains, denouncing the borders of the White Kingdom.

David stepped into the walled off garden. The breeze had no way to rustle his hair, as it had been cut short now. His hands ran over the belts and divots of his light armor – out of unconscious habit more than anything. But everything was in order, as it had become his second nature to wear armor. Then, his left hand settled on the sheath below the hilt of his sword, and he proceeded further.

In the middle of the garden a tree stood. It was an apple tree. And what a tree it was! Tall and strong, with budding fruit hanging from the branches. It was in a wonderful condition, obviously tended to very well.

A set of stone benches were placed along the gravel path towards the tree. The little pebbles made any attempts at stealth a fool's errand. Not that David would want to sneak around in the castle, he was a captain of the guard of. Thus he walked openly along the little path.

The view he saw was expected. But it was not the wonders of nature that made his heart skip a beat and his posture become even straighter and moments smoother. Next to the apple tree was a figure. A figure bathed into the wondrous mixture of the sunset colors.

Queen Regina wore a white gown. It appeared simple in contrast to her more elaborate official attire. However, the fabric was layered with several slightly different tones of white and the embroidery gave the texture a feel of depth only achievable by master tailors. Wide skirts of the dress reached the pebbles on the ground, the bodice accentuated her waist and low décolleté left her shoulders open and arms bare. The Queen wore pearls and diamonds in the necklace around her slender neck and bracelets affixed to her wrists, and, instead of the resplendent crown, only a small diadem was weaved into her hair. Hair, which was left down for once, dark curls twisted together and left to lay over one shoulder. The orange and blue of the setting sun mixed with the shadows of the apple tree upon the white of her dress and the olive of her skin. Regina looked as if she had stepped right out of the frame of an oil painting and into this garden.

David had not realized he stopped to take in the enchanting sight until Regina turned. She greeted him with a smile and that jolted him out of that mesmerized stupor. He proceeded to lower himself on one knee and incline his head in respect deserved of the station.

"Your Majesty," he began, though could not continue as there was a surprisingly strong arm yanking him back to his feet.

"David, you really should drop the formal etiquette when we are not at court. You are showing reverence as you have been taught, I appreciate that, but shall I remind you? We had wrestled sheep together, the ones stuck in the fence. In the rain. Covered in mud to our eyes and having the best of times. You called me Regina then, what happened?"

"A great deal of study happened, Your Majesty. My prior rudeness could only be excused by ignorance and you sought to correct that failing, have you not?"

"All I did was provide the means, you did the work. Now, will you please dispense with the formalities? I have enough of mind games from the courtiers, no need to add to it. Not from the people I…" Regina sighed, looking away, "Not from the people I trust."

"As you wish, Your–", David caught himself, seeing the raised in amusement brow. "Regina."

"Much better."

They returned to the small talk of mundane happenings around the castle and in the kingdom. From the little rumor mill in the kitchens and barracks to how David's training and studies were doing. It has been some time since he committed to finding his own place by Regina's side.

There was learning. Education David would never otherwise have had access to. And not just the necessary knowledge of heraldry, etiquette and code of conduct. On top of that, David got some lessons from Regina herself. And those were on magic. How to spot it and how to use his gift-turned-curse to the fullest.

There was training. Exhausting martial training of the body and mind. Sword and shield, armor, dagger, fist, spear and horse. Tactics, strategy, leadership. Everything a true knight must know and exemplify. It was hard work, but David has been progressing incredibly well.

However, as they enjoyed each other's company, there was this shadow cast upon even the most cheerful of topics.

Snow and Red were still in hiding. Moving from place to place, guarded by anti-scrying amulets and charms. Even Regina would not be able to locate them if she didn't know the direction of their travel beforehand. Cora was out there, safe in her own kingdom, far beyond the mountains. Rumplestiltskin was out there, a spider in the web of his schemes. And Regina has not found a way to ensure protection for them all. Yet.

"So what are they saying about me out there?" Regina waved her hand towards the castle or the capital or maybe even the whole kingdom.

"Does Her Majesty wish to employ the services of a spy? Pardon me, I am just a lowly knight in Her Majesty service, such tasks are beyond my station. I shall fetch the Spymaster at once!"

The garden filled with the sound of Regina's deep, melodic laughter. She glanced at David out of the corner of her eye.

"You purposefully misread my meaning, oh, knight of mine. I simply wish for distraction. Something silly, from the worries of the small folk. This fight is for them as much as it is for us."

"Well," David paused, "There is this absurd rumor going around. Some people say since Mistress Red had left and has not yet returned, the… affections of the Queen had turned towards someone else."

"Is that so? And who do people think this lucky person to have caught the Queen's eye to be?"

"That would be the silly part," David straightened, his smile growing wide and a little awkward. "Some have got it in their heads, gods know why, that person is none other than myself. Perhaps, it is because of our friendship or how much time we have been spending together with you teaching me about magic, I am not sure. Either way, isn't it ridiculous? You and me?"

David laughed, just a tad too loud.

"Well, I have to give some credit to my loyal subjects," Regina mused aloud, pressing a finger to her chin in consideration, "Finally, a rumor that is actually true. They rarely get it right, some acknowledgement of the efforts on this occasion is warranted."

David's laugh stopped short.

"I'm sorry?"

Regina regarded him with an odd expression. Amusement, exasperation, fondness.

"I said, the rumor is true. The Queen does hold a lot of affection for a certain knight. And far more than simply the platonic kind. It is so hard to follow?"

"You? No… Me?! I…" David stammered out, his previous bravado falling apart. He was dumbfounded. The words Regina had said left him stupefied, and thus he blurted out the first thing that came to mind: "Why me? There are so many others vying for your attention! Worthier suitors than I am or could be–"

"Stop that!" Regina interrupted his shocked tirade with a wave of her hand. "I never cared about stations or politics when it came to matters of the heart. Neither am I looking to start now. Furthermore, don't sell yourself short, David, you have many great qualities. You are brave and loyal. You have this innate sense of truth and justice, you inspire people around you without trying, just by example. You catch on rather quickly – be it history, etiquette, magic studies or martial training. And you are easy on the eyes, too."

Regina watched him follow her list with wide eyes and unconscious nods and she could not help herself. Her laughter sounded once more in the garden – loud, free, infectious.

"Ah, David, you do have much going for you. But you really aren't that bright as far as picking up on the advances of an interested party. I have been giving you signs for quite some time now."

David remained still, a disbelieving expression on his face. Though, under Regina's unwavering, open stare, one that hid nothing – he deflated. His shoulders slumped and there was a painful frown on his face.

"But… What about Red?" he said in a quiet voice, looking away.

At first, all Regina had done was roll her eyes. Then she sighed, approached David and led him by the hand to one of the stone benches.

"Sit," she ordered and, when both were seated, she continued, "It appears, I have to be more direct than I have been thus far. What about Red?"

David looked like a cornered animal while he was trying to find the right words.

"You and Red… You are together! In love."

"Yes, correct. And?"

"Huh? And? And how could you – how can I ? – even think about the possibility of us without betraying her trust–"

Regina interrupted David's babbling with a raised palm. She sighed.

"You silly, silly man and your dogmatic ideas of infidelity! So simplistic. Think, David! Would I be making a move if there was the slightest possibility of hurting Red? Who do you take me for? I am no longer a child playing in love, not the person I once was. The lessons I have learned were as brutal as they were eye-opening. I do not, nor would I ever want to own a lover’s heart. I have no desire to lord over them, to chain them to me like a jealous jailer. Leave it to my mother. If such a time comes that a consort of mine finds more love in their heart than only for me, that would be a happy day. I have given blanket permission to pursue that love and give it freely, just like I would hope to be able to do myself. There has been enough suffering and heartbreak in my life brought on by others. I shall not be like them, never."

Regina paused, taking a few calming breaths.

"Red knows. I had a very candid conversation with her even before she went to find Snow. We haven't stopped exchanging letters since she left. There are no misunderstandings between us," she left the sentence hanging in the air, letting its weight settle over them. "On top of that, tell me: what was the hardest magic I have performed? You should remember."

David swallowed, trying to focus. His face shifted as the realization dawned upon him, "The scrying ritual."

"Precisely! I have seen possible futures. For me, for Red, for my mother. For you. For this whole kingdom. All the terrible things I saw in that scrying spell are the futures we are trying to avoid, yes. But would I risk doing something to jeopardize the happiness I saw in those visions, too? You know me quite well by now. So tell me, David, would I risk it?"

"No, you wouldn't."

There was a long while of silence between them. And as much as the hard conversation introduced some edge and weight to the air around them, the silence was still comfortable. Underneath the shock that laying all the cards on the table caused, below that was the same easy, earned companionship, as strong as ever.

Regina rose to her feet.

"I have no intention of pursuing something one-sided or unwanted. There is no deadline, nothing terrible awaiting – no matter what you think on the matter. Give it some thought, that is all I ask. Perhaps, you will find that taking a chance might just be worth it."

Regina had left the garden and, as David was watching her go, with her went the memory. The sunset canvas rippled and moved, being pulled away like it was the curtain call in a theater.

The oranges or the sunset gave way to the clear blue sky. The castle gave way to rolling green hills and a forest in the distance. A dirt road was almost entirely hidden from view in the serpentine path it had taken between the hills. Next to that road was a smoking and ruined remains of a carriage. The horses had run off into the distance. Up, near the top of the nearest hill there was a group of people gathered. They would have appeared like wandering travelers from far enough distance. However, up close it was much more dramatic.

David was half-laying on the grass, his discarded (and bent out of shape) helmet next to him. He was still trying to get the ringing in his ears and dizziness under control. To his right, a figure in what was left of a simple villager dress and a red cloak was groaning and barely moving. Red took the brunt of that boulder, as well as some of the fireball that burned the carriage. But they were the ones who got off easy. No more than ten paces away was where the true tragedy was playing out.

There, at the very top of the hill, two figures hung suspended in the air, and a third stood before them.

Princess Snow White. In the traveling attire of a commoner. Tan breeches, boots, a jacket – adjusted to her figure by a belt or two. And long, free-flowing raven hair – undone from under the ripped off hat and at the high wind's mercy. Snow’s face was paler than it already was, her lips – redder, and her hands clawed at her throat as she struggled to breathe. Struggled against the invisible force that kept her aloft by the neck, her arms and legs left free to struggle without hope.

Queen Regina. In a resplendent dark-blue and purple gown, adorned with jewels in her upswept in a complex way hair and with dramatic make-up upon her face. She was not struggling. The invisible power had wrapped around Regina from head to toe. She wasn't even saying anything, unable to open her mouth. The only movement around her figure was the ripple in the fabric of her skirts in the wind.

The third figure on the hill was as diminutive in stature as it was overwhelming in presence. A woman, dressed in crimson and black velvet. Her crown and rings were obsidian and gold, as was the guard and pommel of the dagger that hung on her hip. Her face was touched by age, yet the subtle web of lines had not softened her features. Polite detachment was all one could read on her face. And, of course, there was the magical aura pulsing around her, oppressive like the weight of the midday sun in the desert. She was impressive and awe-inspiring in ways that were more than just unsettling. It was the elegance of an avalanche, the majesty of a typhoon, the dreadful beauty of a tsunami. Unfeeling and unstoppable force of destruction.

Having clasped her hands together, Cora regarded the two suspended in the air women before her as one might a fly that had dared to sting back after being swatted away.

"Your work on the arcane wards has been passable, Regina. I have also felt your scrying ritual peer into my designs. Naturally. Your progress in mastering the sorcerous arts is the only reason I shall let you off with a stern warning. Although, I will have to take up the burden of furthering your magical education myself from now on. This chase has been amusing, but it is time to move on to the next part of the plan. Now, why don't you wait patiently while I deal with the pawns and we will leave this place."

Cora made an elegant, small gesture with her fingers and Snow fell to the ground. Cora advanced as Snow was dry-heaving on the grass, tears streaming down her pale from lack of air face. Stopping a step away, Cora snapped her fingers and Snow was yanked up to her feet. Cora seemed entirely uninterested in talking to Snow, she looked her over not unlike checking a piece of fruit for blemishes at the farmers market. Then, she thrust her hand forward – and with a flash of green energy sunk it up to the wrist into Snow's chest!

All gathered here knew one way or another what it was like when Cora would take a heart. They have seen the visions Regina showed of her mother collecting. The ranks of her heart-slaves had been growing, even though very few knew their existence. Regina knew better than anyone what could be done after the heart was clutched in Cora’s fingers. How through it the person could be subtly influenced or brute forced to do what Cora wanted, and how it could be crushed into dust, leaving the victim to die in agony. She saw it happen to Daniel before her eyes.

History seemingly was about to repeat itself. And yet it wasn't.

The moment Cora’s fingers had reached the heart beating inside Snow White's chest, the spell backfired.

There was a bright glow: the green of Cora’s magics was replaced with a brilliant rainbow. The prismatic light shone brighter and brighter, the air filling up with a low vibration. And then…

BOOM!

The explosion of sound reverberated atop the hill. With a flash Cora was thrown away, landing on her back.

The clutches of invisible chains let go, the bounds dispelled, releasing Snow and Regina.

For a moment, all was still. Only the thunder of the failed spell echoed into the distance.

Regina was the first to move. She got to her feet with a groan. She helped Snow, who was right next to her and, supporting each other, they stood tall. David also got up, leaving his helmet behind and offering Red his hand.

They all heard the seething hiss – quiet as it was, the silence made it louder. With a single unnatural movement Cora went from laying flat on her back to standing. There was fury in her eyes. Her previously so elegant presence changed to that of a bird of prey, ready to strike. Despite all that, there were also questions, so many questions, swarming behind those steely eyes.

"Wondering what happened, Mother?" said Regina, her hoarse from lack of breath voice shaking, "How many hearts have you collected? And this magic never failed you before, has it? Well, now it has! Do you know what this is?"

Regina flicked her wrist and a red apple appeared in the palm of her hand. There were two big bites in the sides of it. Cora glanced from the apple to Regina wordlessly. She knew the explanation would follow. And her need for answers was the only thing holding back the icy cold rage billowing inside.

"A Sleeping Curse."

The gray eyes widened. The fingers, primed to strike like hawk's talons, twitched.

"Yes, Mother, I have procured a sample from Maleficent. She had no idea what I was going to use it for. I do not believe anyone has attempted something like this before. To be Cursed willingly? It was a gamble. Snow and I risked being trapped in an endless dreaming, not unlike death. But we stand here before you awake. Curious, isn't it?"

Regina straightened, up to her full height. And Regina's tenacious refusal to bow before her mother, not anymore, made her look much taller.

"You and Rumple taught me only what you deemed necessary. Only enough to entice, to control. But I have been a better student that you counted on. I taught myself. I sought out the knowledge you wanted to deny me. And I have found the answer. They say that there is something stronger than any Curse, than any spell. The most powerful magic of all. And, turns out, it is true."

Cora laughed.

Her laugh was abrasive, like scratching of jagged metal on crushed glass. It shook the bones and chilled the blood.

"Preposterous!" barked Cora in utter derision, "True Love! Ha! As if that little legend could measure up! The odds of finding just one True Love are impossible and your claim is bolder than that! Two at the same time, in the same lifetime! Ha! This was a trick, a bluff. Well, no matter. Now I will have to take your heart, Regina, for a while. Make a lesson out of this rebellious scheme of yours. And then we can discover what it is that you have done to Snow White's heart together. During the dissection."

Cora let out another laugh and… vanished in a plum of crimson. They all looked around, except for Regina. Regina stepped forward and, before anyone could stop her, spread her arms and dropped magical defenses. In a blink of an eye, there was a cloud of smoke in front of her – and Cora reappeared, already plunging her hand into Regina's chest.

It all happened in a split-second. But no matter how quick that maneuver was executed, it had the same result.

BOOM!

The sound wave shook the air atop the hill once more. Regina had stumbled back into the arms of her allies, and Cora was thrown back.

This time though, all pretenses were dropped. Even as Cora propelled herself onto her feet, her angry shout was accompanied by a stream of forked lightning strikes from her fingertips.

The bolts surged forward, seeking to expunge the energy, uncaring of what could be in the way and fated to be disintegrated into ash.

However, even before the bolts of lighting came to be, someone was moving to take this attack on, moving to intercept.

The lighting hit David square in the chest!

And discharged, harmlessly.

The grass was illuminated with a shower of sparks, David's cape billowing in the wind and his hand not even reaching for the hilt of his sword. He stood his ground. He felt movement behind him and shifting of weight, and then a magnificent black and carmine Wolf – Wolf the size of a horse! – padded to stand to his left. To his right was Regina, also moving forward.

"It is no trick. Try as you may, you will never be able to take any of our hearts. It is the most powerful magic of all. The legend is true. True Love exists, it is real and it is powerful. You can despise it, but the fact remains."

Regina lifted both her arms, flexed her fingers, turned her hands… and the illusory image that has been set up around this place cracked – and shattered like the row glass domes. The shards soared into the air and vanished into glittering dust. Just four grassy hills out of many, many more ceased to be. Instead, from the valley where those hills were, two dozens of the royal guards marched forth. Each armed with a crossbow, the bolts notched and ready to fire.

"Even you can't take on all of us. You lost, Mother."

Cora leveled a burning gaze on Regina. However, as fast and hot as that fire of fury has been sparked – just as quick it was doused. Cora’s eyes went from passionate anger back to that detached superiority. She smiled a plastic smile that left her eyes as cold as ice. She straightened, folded her hands, lifted a brow to magically clean her crimson gown so that not a speck of dirt remained. She didn't appear defeated when she looked at them again. Cora put on a mask of a disappointed mentor, wanting for their students to do better, though it too was too self-satisfied to be genuine.

"Well done, Regina. I must admit, I have not expected such ingenuity from you. It all, of course, is for naught, you must realize? My Cauldron is filling up. The Dark Curse will be cast. This year or the next. Be it three or five, it will be full. And then no kingdom, no mage, no dragon, no faerie will be able to do a thing against me. We will all meet in a new realm that will be erected upon the chaos of this world. And there you all will willingly bow before my rule. Congratulations, daughter, you have bought yourself and your little kingdom a reprieve. Use the time allotted to you wisely."

Cora smiled, lifted her hand in a dismissive gesture and vanished in a plum of crimson smoke.

No one let their guard down. The crossbowmen spread out in a ring around the people they were tasked with protecting. Red remained alert, her ears flicking in the direction of the smallest of sounds.

David glanced over to his left and saw Regina's eyes cloud over, becoming completely white. There was a crease in her brow, the vein pulsed in her forehead from the strain… there was a tense beat. David exchanged an anxious look with Snow. And then Regina relaxed, her eyes returned to normal and she smiled.

"She is gone. There are no traces of active sorcery for five miles in any direction. The only magical essence left in the Valley are Red and I," Regina chuckled, "and the anti-magic void that is you, David, naturally."

Regina swayed a little – the exhaustion from concentrating on multiple spells at once catching up with her. David moved on instinct, before he even formulated a thought his shoulder was already there, ready for Regina to lean on. And so she did. The cool metal of his pauldron against her forehead made Regina sigh. David looked over to where Snow was, a breath away from Regina, arms prepped, hovering. It wasn't clear if she was expecting Regina to collapse or if this was her way of distressing herself. Their eyes met and an entire conversation took place there without the need for words. Unspoken, but not unnoticed.

"I can feel your nonverbal talking with the back of my head. Stop it at once," grumbled Regina.

This was a hard day, and setting up this trap took a lot out of all of them. Snow smiled at David, came closer and wrapped Regina in a half-embrace with an arm thrown around her waist.

"What do we do now?"

"Regroup. Plan. Live."

"That doesn't sound wise given the deadline Cora had threatened us with. Not just us, everyone," said David.

"It is, though. Wise. She does not know about the nature of the Dark Curse. She does not know Rumple lied to her, used her just as she thought she was using him. And therein lies our chance!"

Regina straightened, her eyes suddenly blazing with determination.

"We will have to use that to our advantage. Sabotage the spell, destroy the Cauldron, something. That part will need planning. That does not mean however, that we have to stop living our lives to the fullest! We do not have to worry about an imminent attack for a few years and I know precisely what the first order of business should be!"

Regina exchanged a look with the massive Wolf. Extracted herself from between Snow and David and walked over to Red. Regina got a wet nose bumping her cheek, breathing in her smell, and then a little lick with the tip of the wide tongue. Regina exhaled. She buried her face in the carmine fur for a moment. It seemed like some of the weight the monarch always bore upon her shoulders had lifted, disappeared along with the setting sun. When she turned around her eyes shone with relief and joy and hope for the future. Regina regarded both David and Snow with purpose.

"Yes. What we shall do before anything else, is to get you married."

David heard Snow squeak while he himself just stared and the happily laughing Queen. Red chortled.

The memory took him from that place and time. Thrown into the whirlpool of swirling images – the memories of both his lives blending together.

He saw the grand cathedral in the capital at sunset. Filled to the brim with people. He saw the elderly cleric preparing to start the ceremony. He saw Snow White in a white gown with feathers woven into her skirts and white flowers in her hair. He saw himself in an intricate frock and cape and looking quite the Prince he was becoming. He saw Regina – dressed in blues, with a crown upon her head and royal purple mantle draped over her shoulders – standing by his side, beaming. And Red in a green and white strapless gown standing next to Snow, her face shining with joy.

He witnessed anew as Princess Snow White and Prince David exchanged vows.

And then he saw the reflection of that picture. It all looked different – different people, places, times, lighting and settings. But the feeling this mirrored image pulled out of David's chest was the same.

He saw the apple tree in the backyard of the Town Hall in Storybrooke. He saw just a few people gathered in the green grass next to the tree in the bright sunshine of the summer. He saw the officiant waiting with a folder of legal documents. He saw the happy faces of the witnesses gathered. He saw himself in a light-gray suit and he saw Marie in a lilac bridesmaid dress. And he saw two people standing opposite each other at the center of this little circle. Ruby, wearing a pressed black suit and a crisp white shirt, with her hair pulled up in a tight bun at the top of her head with braids running up the sides and back of it. She was holding a bouquet of red roses, which matched the brightness of her lipstick and ruby earrings. Facing her stood Regina. In contrast to her mayoral, public-facing persona, she was wearing a much simpler white dress. Fitted more like a robe with buttons up the front, it dropped down to the ground in flowing lines with a belt wrapped around her waist. Regina's hair flowed freely past her shoulders and was only pulled back on one side, just above her right ear with a pin. Both of them were barefoot, standing on the grass and beaming at each other.

He witnessed anew as Mayor Regina Mills and Sheriff Ruby Lucas were married.

As high as that happy memory lifted him up, so deeply did the next one drag him down. All the way to the morbidly beautiful and terrifying chaos that was an armed battle. He landed in the midst of it all, the center of a raging storm of screaming, blood and metal. It was horrible and stunning, deafening and shattering – the cacophony of combat. The soldiers in black armor etched with silver, shields of the same make and white plumage in their helmets clashed with the wall of men clad in blood red. All the armor, clothes, even faces painted with crimson. The army of the Queen of Hearts.

David breathed heavily in the momentary peace behind the ranks of his men. The eye of the storm that thundered around, sounds of nature replaced with clashes of arms and armor and screams. His sword got chipped, his shield was lost, as was his helmet. Once white cloak got gray and muddy reddish. There was a series of distant explosions and he closed his eyes. He knew what the plan was. What his love was about to do. The sacrifice that had been made and the one that was to follow. It might even not work at all. It was a gamble, not unlike the trap they set for Cora some number of years ago. But this time the stakes were higher. With the whole realm on the line.

They had invaded the lands of the Queen of Hearts. Made their way not to the populated townships or the military encampments. No, they were assaulting a seemingly random hill in the grasslands, from a cursory look lacking in any strategic importance. And yet it was here where the elite regiments of Cora were stationed, not to mention the sorceress herself. Because this hill instead of providing a military gain or logistical advantage was of magical importance. There, at the top of it, was the Cauldron. And it was almost full. They had one chance and once chance only to intercept Cora's final ritual casting of Rumplestiltskin's Dark Curse. One chance not to stop it or avoid what was inevitable, but to give a little nudge to the avalanche that was already starting to crash down the mountain. One little pebble at the right time to change course, so that instead of being buried by the disaster they could ride the wave to a new fate.

There was a howl and the rows of crimson-clad fanatics to the right of him were scattered. A huge Wolf barreled through the ranks, leapt over the line of friendly troops and landed in the safe circle David was catching his breath in. Red padded over and let him lean against her. Her fur was soaked. Whether by the blood of their enemies or her own, he could not tell, but it left imprints on his already dirty cloak and the side of his face. Not that this could bother him at the moment.

There was that smell of salt and iron in the air – magic, right next to him – and he felt a familiar hand reach for his arm. He opened his eyes and met another pair. There, in the dissipating plume of purple smoke was Regina. They all knew the plan, all the stages and contingencies. There was no need for words. Regina put a hand between Red's eyes, her diminutive hand seemed so small in comparison to the massive Wolf's head. She let out a sigh, then turned and made a sharp, jerking movement with her hand and arm, like slicing something invisible. And sure enough – a tear opened in the air, shimmering and widening. There, through the purple light they could see the garden of the castle. Stone benches and the apple tree, so many miles away. Red knew what to do. She nudged David with his nose, gave Regina's cheek a small lick and… leapt into the tear, teleporting to the castle.

The ripple closed with a small pop, almost indiscernible amongst the onslaught of battle sounds. David and Regina were left to stand in the circle of their soldiers alone. Two people in the eye of the storm. Their eyes remained connected for no more than a heartbeat, yet it seemed like an eternity, stretched in the meaning and unspoken messages sent with but a gaze.

Then David braced, lowered his head and charged into the fray where as Regina concentrated, searching the area for that one heartbeat that would end this. Her mother's. She also knew what to do. To take Cora's heart, to willingly step into Rumple's final scheme, but also with a chance to make the Curse her own. All to fulfill Rumple's goal to escape to another realm while avoiding the hellscape of Cora's design. To sacrifice everything all of them were – their memories, their sense of self, but then rebuild it all in Regina's image instead of Cora's, and yet still be prisoners to the Curse. Until the Savior could fulfill her part.

Fighting in the midst of fanatical, heartless men in crimson, David thoughts were reaching to the ones he loved. The four women that meant the world to him. This or any other.

The one who was at this very moment reaching for the heart that would end this fight.

The one who just bore their daughter a day prior and was still there, in the White Kingdom.

And the one who was now on her way to ensure that Emma would be saved and be able to become their salvation.

The loves of his life, his best friend and his daughter.

As David shook off the onslaught of memories and blinked back the flashing lights in his vision until the Diner became clear and tangible, he was still thinking about the people he cared for most. And, as he had done in that battle in the past, when similar sounds came from outside the diner, there was no hesitation in his actions. He charged into the fray, just like he did before.

. . .

The burst of released magic had thrown everyone except for the three people at the eye of this rainbow hurricane off their feet. Whale landed with a heavy thud on his side. The nurses and patients alike were pushed and shoved away from the epicenter. This little breeze and lightshow shouldn't have been so strong, not by the look of it, but the prismatic wave had felt like a punch to the gut. Even for the ones at the center of it, it was more than unpleasant. Emma had to shield her eyes from the light. There was a ringing in her ears. And it was getting louder. It reminded her of that one time she had been slammed against the wall by the bail runner. She gripped the hospital bed harder as her vision swam and blinking really fast only helped so much. Finally, with another slow shake of her head, Emma's view of the hospital room cleared enough to see the mess whatever this light had left behind. She looked across to the Mayor, towards the woman she grew to respect and admire over the last few months of being the Deputy Sheriff. Regina stood there, right across the cot – tense, her eyes tightly closed, and fingers massaging her temples. Emma figured she was not doing any better recovering from that blow.

"Mom? Where are we? Did it work?"

Immediately, in one single motion, both of them turned and were at the head of the bed. Henry's voice was tired and as he tried to sit up, it was obvious the motion took much more effort than it should have for a young boy. Emma's mind flashed back to that moment in the kitchen at the manor. The moment that followed after Emma had politely declined the apple tart. Henry had all of a sudden grabbed it and took a huge bite. Emma had been stunned, but laughed it off. Regina in the meantime began a disciplinary speech. It did not last, though. Regina stopped mid-sentence as Henry collapsed on the spot. The next minutes and hours melded together in a blur. No one knew what happened to him. Not the doctors, not anyone. All Whale managed to discern was that Henry was sleeping. Yet no method of waking him worked. Both of them stayed at the side of the bed, not moving more than a few steps away. Emma sent a quick text to Ruby, but Regina couldn't do even that much. Her fingers were shaking. Emma was struck at how at a loss the usually so put-together Mayor looked. It had broken Emma's heart seeing Henry and Regina like this, feeling this helpless. Tears began to gather in her eyes. She swiped Henry's hair away from his forehead. It was so painful to reconcile the fact that she gave him up for his sake, to give him the best chance – and he got just that! But now she was losing him all over again. And Emma loved him just as much now as she had back then. She leaned in and kissed his forehead.

The world exploded in lights and sound.

And now they were seeing the boy sitting up. He was tired, yes, but awake. Watching his mother with the most intense, wide eyes and trying to sit up.

"Oh, Henry, what did you do?"

"Don't be mad, please," Henry rubbed at his nose, glancing from one mother to another, "I had to do something! Even with Emma here, none of you remembered! And she needed proof, something to make her believe, so um… I sort of went to Jefferson. And I may have given him a lock of Emma's hair. And then maybe that could have let him repair his magic hat. And then there is a possibility that we could have gotten the apple that put Snow White under the Sleeping Curse. Which, you know, just accidentally ended up in the tarts you were making for Emma. And then I kinda ate it."

Emma just stared. Her brain was not catching up. But then there was a deep, heavy sigh to her right. She turned to see Regina looking at Henry with an unreadable expression. And it wasn't like she was hiding anything. Emma's trusty lie detector was silent. However, the amount of emotions that her face reflected could not be counted. Emma felt her hair standing up. What was going on?!

"Mom, you can be mad at me later! Did it work, though? Can you remember? Has Emma broken the Curse?"

"Yes," said Regina and there was something different about her voice that Emma could not recognize. "I remember."

"Your Majesty!"

"Queen Regina!"

"Your Grace!"

Emma whipped her head back and threw a mad look at the room. All around people were bowing and dropping to their knees. Whale was one step away and he was one of the first to lower himself on one knee. It was as if all the arrogance and snobbery washed off of him. He bowed with pride, but also obvious devotion to the person deserving such gestures.

This was madness.

Emma had been picking up on the little things ever since she got to Storybrooke. The small inconsistencies of people seemingly knowing each other for decades, the oddities of a small town that were too out of place to ignore. All those itchy mysteries that always plagued Emma. Even so, the solution that had been given to her on a platter, by her son no less, was impossible! And yet here they were…

Yes, madness it was indeed! Emma opened her mouth to voice the notion, in all the passionate ways that she could.

And then the building shook. One explosion after another sounded from the outside.

One of the nurses darted to the window, prying open the heavy drapes.

"Demons, my Queen!" he shouted, "A small horde has been released! I can see the summoning circle fading on the street!"

A what now?!

"Rise!" commanded Regina, turning to the nurse first, "Rolf, gather up the knights and royal guardsmen. Prince David will want to be right in the thick of it, I am sure. He will need your support. Viktor, you stay here. I'm afraid there will be a need to take care of the injured."

And with only that the whole room had burst into action. The man apparently called Rolf, though just an hour ago he introduced himself as Brian, straightened up to his full height and gave a sharp salute to Regina.

"Of course, Your Majesty. I will gather the soldiers to be at His Highness' side."

And he was gone. The rest of the doctors and patients alike busied themselves with preparing the rooms. Everyone had seemed to have forgotten about Emma and Henry. That is until Whale sauntered over.

"I am keeping you under observation, Prince Henry. I know, you would like nothing more than to spring out of here and take part in the coming conflict, but you'll have to show some patience. There is no case study for Sleeping Curses, who knows what kind of side effects there might be. And I do hope we won't find out. Not to mention seeing the wrath of Her Majesty if you were to sneak out and get hurt. So, stay put! Your mother and grandparents are seasoned warriors, more than capable of dealing with any threat out there."

Both Emma and Henry took the words in with their mouths hanging open. Emma shook her head. But the dream wasn't going away, she wasn't waking up. This all was crazy.

"I'm… what… Wait, sorry, what did you just call him?"

"Prince Henry. It is quite obvious, isn't it?" Viktor gave her an indulgent smirk, "His right to inherit the throne is supported by claims on two sides of the royal line. Being Queen Regina's son, of course, is one. And the other is through your branch of the family tree, the claim of his grandmother – Snow White. It's quite beautifully symmetrical, if I do say so myself."

Viktor paused rather dramatically. His enjoyment at their gobsmacked faces was plain to see. He chuckled, turned to leave, but added over his shoulder, "Naturally, he can't inherit before you, Your Highness."

Emma clutched to the bed and thought about how nice it would be to faint and have a nap right about now.

. . .

The battle was over in an hour or two. The clean up would be taking considerably longer.

It wasn't hard to figure out what happened either. All the summoned imps, ogres and goatmen were not much of a challenge for the combined forces present in Storybrooke. The first few explosions were set up through magical triggers. And the aimless, disorganized horde of not very smart monsters could only serve to delay. Upon dispatching the last of the demon forces, and doing a cursory inspection of the Main Street, the identities of the prime suspects were undeniable. The Pawn Shop had been cleaned out of all the highly valuable and portable items. The keys to the Library had been left on the counter. One of the two cars usually parked in front of the shop was missing. It wouldn't have taken a great detective to put two and two together. Especially so now, after the Curse had been broken and everyone knew Mr. Gold was indeed the dark mage Rumplestiltskin. All the huge arcane explosions (that haven't killed anyone, by some twist of fate), all of the monsters and demons – it was all a ruse. A distraction, in all likelihood planned to be triggered as soon as the Curse broke, designed to provide just enough commotion for Rumple and Belle to leave town unmolested.

Emma was expecting to hear calls for revenge, loud and angry, but turns out these people had very different thresholds. No one was killed. There were a whole lot of injured, among civilians and soldiers alike. But Viktor and the nuns (who were actually fairies, apparently) assured everyone that the injuries were not serious and with a combination of magic and medicine all affected will be good as new in a few days.

The issue of two runaways was pushed aside with eagerness. The Curse was broken. It was more important to do a headcount. To meet old friends and loved ones anew. All the memories restored and mixed with the years of the Curse left the people to rediscover who they were now. A truly new start. It was almost like a carnival on the streets! People running out, laughing, crying, hugging, waving in recognition this way and that way. Even Henry was allowed to cut his bedrest short. It was impressive. The high spirits of these people – unshakeable even after the ordeal they all went through.

Emma looked around.

She already bore witness to more bizarre, unexplainable stuff than she would have ever wanted. Not that it stopped her. Demons, imps and goatmen were easy: all she had to do was push down the strong desire to scream at the top of her lungs while running back to the normal world and instead use her service weapon. That worked. Monsters of nightmares bled red and that was enough reassurance she needed in the moment.

It was something else that made her freeze and stare, open-mouthed, at the seemingly impossible. She saw David arrive at the head of a large group of soldiers. He was brandishing a sword and shouting commands – the perfect image of a main hero in a fantasy novel. And then he charged into battle – into the blood and screams and steel – and gone was the eager to please, excitable waiter Emma met on her second day in town. She saw Granny popping out of a window of her Diner and letting loose a precise shot from her crossbow. She saw Marie standing barefoot on top of a car and unleashing a deadly onslaught of arrows like some kind of Legolas-wannabe. She saw how adorable florist Ariel fished a nasty-looking trident out of nowhere and went on a slaying spree. She saw many citizens suddenly rediscovering their apparent martial prowess. She saw her very own Bug ram into the column of goatmen. Emma had no time to react or mourn the damage done to her beloved little car, because the door of said car flew open and an enormous Wolf the size of a horse jumped out! It dived into the fight, but instead of the terrified screams Emma had expected – it was met with the triumphant, welcoming roar of the assembled Storybrook citizens! And, of course, she saw Regina. Effortlessly soaring above the streets and raining fire upon the helpless demons.

Now that the fighting was all over and the joyous reunions were taking place on the streets, Emma looked around again. And she saw the same people. Marco and his little boy, Ariel and her father. David and Marie. Regina and Henry. All hugging and laughing and talking with big smiles on their faces. As if nothing abnormal happened! And sure they all looked a bit worse for wear, yet still not too out of place. With one exception. The Wolf was still a towering presence among the crowd. Emma had already deduced that it was Ruby, not that coming to terms with that realization was as easy as reaching it through the process of elimination. Theoretical detective work was a reliable, well-learned, every-day usage, normal for Emma skill. And finding out your best friend is a werewolf was decidedly not normal. Though, as this day had proven, Emma was redefining the meaning of what was normal anymore. Ruby as the Wolf was honestly not scary. Not now, when she was calm and allowed the children to pet her (or more specifically her sides and tail as the little ones could not reach any higher). During the fight she was the stuff of nightmares, but not now. Emma was suddenly taken aback as the huge yellow eyes caught her staring. It was somewhat intimidating, the eye contact with a magnificent beast – one in which you could practically feel an intelligence. Intelligence far greater than any animal. Emma frowned, but then gave Ruby a tentative smile. She was rewarded with a lopsided grin with the tongue lolling out. And that somewhat broke the ice. And when Ruby ran her tongue across the side of Emma's face, Emma only groaned and pushed her back – just like she had done so many times when Ruby would throw her arm around Emma's shoulders and start to tease her. It was the same person, only different. Nothing was the same anymore. But looking at the people being happy and being happy that Emma was still around… well, that made her feel like change might not be for the worse. Not this time.

She looked to her left where Regina and Henry stood. The boy was tucked into his mother's side and not protesting Regina's fingers gently combing through his hair. He was watching everyone with so much excitement, it was a wonder how he wasn't vibrating or running circles around the crowd. Henry had seemingly chosen to absorb and observe as much information as he could instead of bombarding all of them with questions. Well, maybe he was satisfied, but Emma was not. The itchy mysteries be damned!

"So…" she started, catching Regina's attention. "Was the book lying or not? You're not the Evil Queen from the movie and you weren't the one who cast the Curse?"

"No, dear, I am not the Evil Queen," Regina smiled, her amusement – open and infectious, "The book that Rumple created was full of lies and omissions. Yes, I did cast the Sleeping Curse, but I did it to save Snow, not to damn her. Neither was I the author of this Hitchhiker's Guide Through The Realms."

"What?"

"Good one, Mom!" piped up Henry.

"Thank you, dear. And you, Miss Swan, should read more. It was a reference," she paused, looking off into the distance, "I think, I have finally grasped what it was that Rumple was planning. Even during my apprenticeship he was obsessed with the idea of going to another realm. But not just any place would do, otherwise he would employ a realm jumper like Jefferson or procured a portal bean. No, it was supposed to be a realm without magic. Or at least so little magic that usual methods would not allow one to reach it intact."

"But I just saw you use magic! How could you do that if this world had no magic whatsoever? Or were those fireballs and flying just a figment?"

"That was his trick, I suppose. To grab as much magical essence, bottle it up, and plop it in this world. Since it was all so neatly folded in on itself, the trip was a success. It is somewhat flattering that he used me twice. Rumple was so confident in my desire to protect those in my care, he knew I would go to any lengths, and so would those around me. That is why the Curse had triggered when I crushed my mother's heart. The component required to sacrifice was 'the thing you love and hate the most' . In equal measure, mind you, or the enchantment would not be strong enough. It was certainly twisted, this insight of his. He also knew I would see through the casting of the spell and there will be attempts to change our fates. That was why that tome was still in his study when we broke in. That was why it was so easy to find, for Snow no less, who never had an ounce of magical talent! He wanted us to know about it and about the only way to break the Curse. That was why you…"

Regina trailed off as if remembering herself. She glanced at Emma, then towards something behind her. And, predictable as it was, two more figures slipped into their little circle. Though, one of them could not be as inconspicuous as the other. While Marie was as she usually was (disheveled hair, clothes and bare feet notwithstanding), Ruby was still in her Wolf form, having finally chased away giggling children with some theatrical growls. Emma was not sure if they were eavesdropping or not, but the timing was more on the nose than she liked. Coming to terms with the sudden fact that Marie was actually Snow White – and Emma's mother! – was going to be a process. Even now the thoughts about being both glad and happy and also very much uncomfortable with the whole situation made Emma stiffen. Regina was watching her, too. Maybe everyone was watching her, expecting… something? Emma was not sure what. But before Emma could do something rash just to escape being the center of foreboding attention, Regina spoke.

"Henry, would you be so kind and help David with the headcount?" Regina waited a second, then she added with a smile, and in anticipation of the protest, "You will be able to learn all about the other residents and who they were in the Enchanted Forest."

Henry scrunched up his nose in suspicion. Then his eyes lit up with one of his ideas.

"And you will tell me the story about how you all got here later? The real one? We can write it all down and fix up the book!"

Regina ruffled his fringe, "Oh, you sly little negotiator! Yes, dear, I will. We can make plans later. Off you go, young man."

Henry grinned and ran off. Regina watched him go for a bit. Her eyes shone with that special light, the one reserved only for him, and Emma felt a pang of longing and a little jealousy. Though, both were dwarfed by another grounding, warm feeling. She had been right in giving that kid his best chance. And he got just that.

"Emma," there was a hand on her shoulder, "I didn't want Henry to hear the next part. I am sure he glossed over the real meaning of how the Curse was cast. For him our pasts are still no more than a fairy tale. A good one where heroes are triumphant and villains melt away from being dunked in water. He only started to see the world not simply as black and white. But there is so much more gray. How could a child understand or even imagine actually crushing a heart of a parent in your hand?"

Emma turned to stand face to face with Regina. Marie was standing at Emma's right and Ruby's huge head peered in between Regina and Marie's shoulders. There was a deadly serious expression on Regina’s face, her eyes became deep pools of ice and distant, terrible challenges – overcome, but not forgotten. Emma gulped.

"Did you really kill your own mother?"

"Yes. I did," Regina nodded, "I loved her. And I hated her. In equal measure. I don't know how much of our relationship was orchestrated by Rumple's scheming, but Mother was never… She was abusive, cruel and power hungry her whole life. She was a bad person, plain and simple, and she would have been with or without Rumple's influence. Realizing what kind of person Mother was helped me work through some horrible things. I had no words for them then, but now, here I know the meaning of trauma. She was the cause of mine, despite giving birth to me. I used to love her, I came to hate her, and now… all I feel is pity for her. And that's the truth."

All Emma could do was stare. She would never have expected such open and unflinching honesty.

"Doesn't she have some of the loveliest, gentlest, most tactful touch when it comes to the truth? A lot has changed, but that has remained the same since I was a little girl."

Emma blinked at Marie, who was regarding Regina with exasperation. There was a chortle and Emma was even more amazed at how a massive Wolf was able to snort with suppressed laughter. Because judging by the glint in Ruby's intelligent yellow eyes and lolling out tongue, that's exactly what was going on. Regina rolled her eyes at the both of them.

"You were not that young, Snow, when I opened your eyes. And trying to tiptoe around the truth will inevitably end in disaster. Now," she turned her attention to Emma and her features warmed, "I wanted to save this part from Henry for the time being. Until you might be comfortable discussing it yourself. But for now… I am sorry. Rumple tricked us all. However, at the same time I can't deny that his gamble had worked. You are here, and you and Henry have broken the Curse. None of us could have done it, despite many people in this town sharing True Love. That magic can not work through obfuscation or illusion, it's as fragile as it is powerful. Still… the fact that you saved us doesn't change the price we had to pay. You bore the brunt of it. We all collectively are responsible for your childhood, for how you came into this world and the hardship you had to endure," Regina noticed Marie eager to interrupt and placed a hand on her forearm, "It is true, Emma. I have enchanted the tree, Gepetto made the wardrobe, your parents agreed to the plan to let you go and… Ruby was the one who placed you in the wardrobe. We all played our parts. Today's victory and reunion should be celebrated. But we can not forget. It was unfair and cruel to do this to you, Emma. You were only a baby. My only excuse is that we had no other choice."

Despite them standing only a few feet away from a bustling crowd, the silence that settled over the group after those words were spoken was deafening. Emma was entirely lost at how to react. All the faults and bitter accusations that she had imagined throwing in the faces of her parents when she reached her anger stage in high school – they were admitted and apologized for without diminishing the weight of it all. Emma could see the sorrow and guilt, but not regret, and her lie detector has not pinged once. It was wild seeing all the new sides to the people she supposedly has gotten to know pretty well.

Marie sighed, trying to blink away the moisture, "That sounds so hollow. 'We had no other choice'. We made a choice. And all we had to hope for is to believe in the possibility of a reunion. So that we can ask for forgiveness. I'm not going to press, Emma. Take as much time as you need to adjust. And any of us would be glad to answer any questions, whenever you're ready."

She had not made any attempts to close the distance. In fact, since the first hurried hug in the midst of the battle and a quick 'thank goodness, you're alright', Marie has been giving Emma her space. Emma could see by the swell of emotion and the flexing of her fingers that all Marie wanted was to hold Emma close and not let go, yet she resisted that urge. After seeing Henry lying motionless on the hospital bed, Emma could relate. Still, this was a welcome reprieve. Having found long lost parents was one already overwhelming thing, finding out they were fairy tale characters about the same age as you – that was a layer too much!

Emma cleared her throat and busied herself with examining the tip of her boot. There were sounds of the same awkward shuffling around her. Regina checked on her manicure, Ruby yawned, Marie clapped her hands together.

"Now, what shall we do? I don't know about you, but this fight left me with an abundance of extra energy! There is so much to accomplish!"

Next to her Ruby perked up. Her ears stood up, tail wagged a few times and you could see the restless flexing of the solid muscle under her coat. It had not gone unnoticed. Regina's hand came up to run through the fur of Ruby's shoulders. She looked at Marie.

"I am glad you are so full of enthusiasm, dear, that would be helpful in motivating the masses. I for one would prefer to relax after a day like this. A bubble bath and some of my cider would probably do the trick."

"Don't be a spoilsport, Regina! The day is young and we really ought to do something fun! We have to show Emma there's more to us than just magic and fighting and Curses, too! Yes, something fun and exhilarating!"

Marie was looking around and glancing from Emma to the others with a determined gleam in her eyes. And to say it made Emma apprehensive would have been an understatement. As she tried to come up with a way to decline whatever Marie was planning in a polite enough way, Marie zeroed in on the Wolf right next to them. Ruby appeared at ease, yet still ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. She yawned and stretched, giving at least some outlet to the adrenaline still present in her powerful build.

"Red…" started Marie, stepping up closer, "you are so big and strong, you probably haven't gotten enough excitement out of our little scrap, so…"

The inquisitive yellow eyes focused on her as Marie continued to get closer.

"Can I ride you for a bit? Maybe you could give Emma a ride, too!"

The elation at having had this wonderful idea was plain to see on Marie's face. Her eyes sparkled and her face split in one of those infectious smiles, the one that gave her little dimples and rosied her cheekbones. Marie's hands were already halfway raised towards Ruby. However, the answer she received was not the response she expected. Not in the slightest. Instead of, perhaps, rolling her eyes and hesitantly humoring this request, Ruby tensed up, raised her hackles and growled loud enough for some people several paces away to jump and make a few more steps back. Marie had done the same – she threw her hands up in a placating gesture and, with a rather shocked expression, backed away. Ruby continued to growl up until there was a different pair of hands tangled in her fur. Regina combed and scratched the Wolf around her head and ears and down her neck and shoulders.

"Down, Red. Calm now," Regina kept speaking in a low voice, her eyes lidded and showing no fear of the massive bared fangs that were mere inches away from her face, "You have stayed like this for too long. Time to go back. We will find some other way to channel your excess energy. Come back."

Emma watched in wonderment as the transformation happened right before her. Ruby closed her eyes and lowered her head, letting out a huff of air strong enough to make Regina's hair move, as if tossed by the breeze. Then Ruby's form shimmered. The edges of the Wolf became blurry, then the entirety of her shape rippled. It was hard to make out what exactly was happening. Like trying to discern a pattern on a bird that is flying across the sun in the sky. Emma saw the Wolf change form just a little, getting smaller – then she blinked – and Ruby was standing next to Regina as she always was. The dark-wash jeans, button up, brown leather boots and jacket, wild hair, red lipstick and a Sheriff's badge on her hip. Emma was not sure what she had expected. Neither a horror movie transformation with breaking bones and screaming nor the magical fairy dust one seemed fitting, but this blink-and-you-will-miss-it transition was out of left field, too. Not that any of the supernatural mojo wasn't completely crazy, either way. Then again, at this point Emma was beginning to just roll with it as a coping mechanism.

Ruby breathed out again. She opened her eyes and they glowed yellow before fading back to her natural eye color. She gave Regina's hands, that had migrated onto her shoulders after the change, a squeeze and turned towards the others.

"Sorry, Ems, no rides today. Or ever. Hope you can live without that little bit of a thrill, 'kay?"

"Yeah, no protests from me! In fact, after today I would love to have less thrills in my life in general," Emma met Ruby's grin with one of her own, heaving a sigh of relief that their rapport naturally went back to what it was prior to this earth-shaking string of revelations.

"Now, as for you," Ruby rounded on Marie and closed the distance between them in a heartbeat. She stopped when they were face to face, less than a step away. Marie had hidden her arms behind her and been looking down at her still bare feet on the asphalt of the sidewalk. Ruby grasped her chin and (in a much gentler way than could be expected from the speed of her actions a moment ago) lifted her head up. Marie gulped at the intensity of the stare she received. Ruby said nothing and just stared for a few long seconds, then leaned in closer to Marie's ear and said something.

Emma had no intention of eavesdropping, but she was still standing rather close and her ears were too used to picking up on everything to selectively break the habit. Thus she heard precisely what Ruby whispered just as she heard the gasp Marie made after.

"You can ride me as a woman, but you can't ride me as a wolf."

Still, the fact that she heard the words didn't mean she could not elect to ignore it, deny it, erase the whole thing from her memory and never, ever revisit it again. Especially, not with all the conclusions her trained in deduction brain was rapidly coming to watching Ruby, Regina and Marie exchanging looks in that moment. Looks that could only be described as fiery hot. That observation was immediately added to the list of memories and conclusions Emma knew she had to erase from her mind completely and as soon as possible, thank you very much.

"So, um," Emma cleared her throat, trying to avoid eye-contact with the other three women, "I was thinking… You all obviously have a lot of catching up to do. So, why don't I take Henry for the night? And you can talk and reminisce or catch up or whatever at the mansion to your heart's content? How about that?"

"That would be wonderful, Emma. I am sure Henry has an endless supply of questions, but Viktor is correct, he should be monitored for the next few days. It would be wonderful if you could take him and let us have some time to… Reminisce about the past, as you have put it. And tomorrow we can see about restoring some normalcy to this town, alright?"

Emma gave Regina, who became unreadable as she usually did with her politician's mask sliding into place, a nod. She glanced at the other two, who were still deep in their staring contest, turned on her heels and left in search of Henry.

And Emma thought this day could not get any more awkward or weird after she saw a live troll shrug off a full clip of bullets and then her best friend turning into a werewolf right before her eyes! Silly her! She shook her head and sped up her pace.

. . .

Night has spread over Storybrooke like a cool, heavy blanket. It put a cover over the remains of the day's mayhem. It disguised the damage as shadows. Between the clouded sky without stars or the moon and how few lanterns remained functional, the town was submerged in a welcomed darkness. And yet, in many, many homes the lights were still on. There were still people talking, laughing, remembering, learning and getting to know each other anew.

One white mansion, separated from the neighbors by a big yard and a tall hedge, was not an exception. There were still lights on in several rooms. The kitchen was dark, as were the guest rooms and Henry's room, but there were lamps on in the study. There was a half-empty bottle of cider left on the desk, empty glasses on the coffee table, but no one was there. The foyer was still illuminated as well and void of occupants. Still, some details were out of place in this usually spotless space. There were shoes abandoned halfway up the stairs. It was not the first time this staircase has witnessed such disregard for footwear. Though, the shoes that had been discarded upon it this time were not sneakers of a young boy. No, standing on one step was a glossy-black Louboutin. Its twin was another step higher, left laying on its side and showing off the red sole and stiletto heel. Up above it, thrown over the railing, was a brown leather jacket, one of its sleeves was dragging over the step and it seemed like the jacket was about to slip off the railing altogether. Turning the bend of the stairs – and there was more trace evidence of people having been past. The lights in the corridor on the second floor were not lit, but what light could filter over here from downstairs was enough to make out a few items. A plaid shirt, blue and white. A black blazer, sleeves turned inside out. Another shirt, this one striking red, with a brand new tear in the fabric. And two blouses (one white, the other – blue), completely stripped of buttons and tangled together.

There was also a thin line of light coming from one of the doors, which was left slightly ajar. Beyond the door was a big room. Its walls were a tasteful combination of gunmetal gray and cream white sections. Curtains, bedding, a throw on the loveseat, the upholstery of the chairs – all were of the same gray and white. Those were the colors that dominated the décor, plus the additional dark-toned wood of the furniture. The classy-yet-monotone color scheme was broken up with several splotches of red, though. Reproduction of a Jackson Pollock on one of the walls. A lamp on the vanity. Plastic, ever-living roses in the vase on a shelf. A model of '75 Chevy Camaro painted the same red – on another shelf. Together with some carefully chosen photos, hung in black picture frames on the walls, the combination had a striking effect. The best way to describe the feeling one would get upon entering this room would be a painting. As if some impressionist painter had created a landscape of a rocky shore, the sea crashing into it and the sky, right after a storm. The moment when the steely thunder clouds had not yet disappeared completely, but the sun had started to pierce through them. And so the gray with the slightest of blues on the painting was mixing with the bright whiteness of sun: the thin rays piercing the gray clouds and illuminating the just as gray sea and the white foam crowning the waves. But then the painter was not finished. He took a brush, dipped it in the red paint and – with a wide, generous motion – splattered it all over the gray landscape. Like a hundred rose petals flying through the air. In the moment between a raging storm and calm silence thereafter.

At least, that was what Ruby would sometimes think, when the poetic mood would strike her. The Curse was powerful. It created complex personalities, drawing upon the subconscious of those who fell under its purview. And so the Sheriff of Storybrooke was a wild child at heart, tasked with keeping order. Spontaneous and loyal, firm in her convictions, a model-car-builder and a poet. So full of contradictions. A woman so proud of her childhood family of two, she kept her surname, Lucas, when she didn't have to. A mirror of Red, turned upside down, but still the same at the core.

That was what Red thought about when she was just standing there, after the battle. Getting used to her Wolf again. Watching the new Storybrooke being born in the aftermath. Listening to Regina, Snow and Emma talk. Remembering her life. Not as Red, but as Ruby this time. The restlessness left after the battle was like a pressure under her skin. And it wasn't the adrenaline, weren't the muscles screaming for action, it wasn't a desire to go for a run or hunger for replenishment of expended energy. No, it was dissatisfaction with lack of agency. The battle was over too fast. The puppets Red mauled were not the source of the danger. Rumple and Belle were long gone and Cora had died years ago. She felt… sidelined. Again. Just how it happened in the fight for the Curse. Yes, Red knew her role was important and she accepted it, but… Not being able to give her all to protect her Pack, to deal with the source of the danger directly – that made her feel diminished, unworthy.

And then Snow had the brilliant idea to turn her Wolf into some kind of a joy ride! An attraction in an amusement park! Distill her role down to be no more than the Court Jester. And that was not something she could abide by. She tolerated the children having fun, but not Snow White forgetting her place. Perhaps, she had forgotten all the years that had passed since that first meeting on the road in the forest and that little hut on the mountainside. But neither of them were still those young and inexperienced girls anymore! Well, it was time to remind her.

The entire time on the way to the mansion, Red was like a stack of dynamite with a short fuse, ready to be set ablaze. And only the steadying presence of Regina's cool hand kept that fuse from burning out too fast. The pressure had been there, though, and it could be felt. Neither Snow nor David were able to meet her eyes. They played it up as if nothing was happening, but all of them could feel the tension brewing under the surface. That pressure, that fuse – it had ignited the second Regina, after pouring some cider into four glasses, elected to sit in a chair opposite Red and not on the couch next to her, retracting that cool, steadying hand and yet… not taking those deep, tempting eyes off of Red. Red exchanged looks with all four, emptied her share of cider in one swig, slammed the glass on the coffee table – and that was when the fuse burned out and reached the dynamite.

What followed was a tornado of passion and reaffirmation. Red barely noticed moving across the house. That poetic memory connected with the master bedroom fluttered along the surface of her mind, which was too clouded with the red mist of power and desire to fully appreciate the thought. It was far less important than the urge to prove, to reassert the claim. Her claim. To reinforce their complex geometrical figure of a hierarchy, agreed upon freely so many years ago, in two lives. Red needed to re-forge those bonds, stronger now than ever. And so she did – over and over – until the fog let up and she could see beyond pure instinct.

Red glanced over one pale-as-snow shoulder. There, on the loveseat was the former Queen, lounging comfortably. Her eyes were heavily lidded, a slight tinge of darker pink on the tips of her cheekbones. Even in the low light of the two lamps Red could see how much Regina was savoring the sight of them on the bed. Red could understand quite well herself. Just seeing Regina's nude body on the loveseat – skin flushed and beaded with tiny sweat drops, chest rising and falling fast, legs regally spread… and the blonde head moving tirelessly between her thighs. Oh, yes, seeing that made her heart skip a beat and a shiver run along her stomach!

However, her prey was of a different make tonight. Red herself was half-seating, half-laying on the bed with her legs thrown off the edge and planted on the carpeted floor. And she was not the only occupant of that queen-sized bed. The momentary break was over and so Red's attention was guided back towards the weight laying on top of her. Pale skin, raven hair, closed eyes and trembling lips. Snow White had collapsed in a breathless heap after Red denied her another release. Still straddling Red's hips, Snow was drawing sharp breaths and trying to contain the tremors that ran up and down her legs. Red let her fingernails travel up those thighs, scratching her way up and up and up. All the way along the sides and the spine and up to the neck. The pressure of the nails made Snow attempt to move herself, but her arms gave out again. Red's right had moved up from the nape of her neck and right into the messed up, getting damper hair. She gently guided Snow to turn just a bit, so that leaning in herself Red could speak almost directly into Snow's ear. Though, she was not whispering, secure in the awareness that the words could be heard and enjoyed not by her alone.

"You wanted a ride, Snow? You bragged about wanting to ride the Wolf, haven't you? Wanted to make it a new Storybrooke attraction, haven't you? Well, you could not handle the Wolf, but I let you have a ride anyway, out of the goodness of my heart," Red's grip in Snow's hair became forceful, unyielding – reasserting their dynamic once again, "Then why have you stopped?!"

As Red pulled on the short hair, the palm of her other hand left a reddening imprint on a cheek – the slap echoing against the gray of the opposite wall – and arms that were limp found their strength anew. Snow sat up with a deep groan. Her hands found a purchase placed on Red's sides. As Snow sat up fully, Red had to let go of that tempting undercut, which she had done with some regret. The view that this rearrangement had presented her with was worth it, however. Red spread her arms wide and dropped her head onto the knot of hastily shoved aside bedding. Red was daring Snow with her inaction, the deceptive passivity. The power in Red's eyes, still locked with Snow's – that was more than enough. Snow shuddered. And then her hips gave a roll, and then another. Slow, shaky – at first, but then gaining in speed and purpose and finesse. In no more than a few beats of their hearts, Snow picked up to where they had left off. Snow was squeezing her thighs together so hard that Red could feel the belts of the harness biting into the skin of her own hips. Shallow ups and downs, wide rotations, yes! Red's eyebrows narrowed as she noticed something: Snow was beginning to drag out the forward motion, leaning in and pressing lower with each roll of her hips. She was getting greedy!

Suddenly, Red's arms were slapping onto Snow's thighs, fingers digging in. Snow cried out and slowed down under the guidance of that iron grip. And just in time! Red heard the tell-tale hissing moan she knew oh so well! One glance to the loveseat and Red was rewarded with the privilege of seeing Regina in the throws of release. Her mouth was open in a silent scream, body bent in ways any gymnast would be envious of. Her arms were pulled back and grasping at the upholstery of the loveseat, her chest was thrust upwards as if trying to contain her heart from floating away. Her legs and arms were in motion – pulled thought and floundering. Regina was both trying to get away and clinging to the mouth that was the source of her pleasure. The pinnacle of that release seemed to last for just a fraction of a heartbeat, and an eternity – at the same time, all at once. Then Regina shuddered, her legs shook with tiny tremors – and fell back against the loveseat. She was trying to catch her breath with her head resting over the top of the loveseat's back. Her trembling slightly fingers had reached out to scratch through the short blonde hair still servicing between her thighs.

Red drank in the view like a sponge – water. It was sublime. The expression of bliss on Regina’s face, the reflective drops that had gathered along her clavicles and in the valley between her breasts. The shapely legs that were being massaged now by a set of strong, wide hands. It was indeed a sight to behold.

A needy whimper was what shook Red out of her mesmerized stare. Apparently, in her distraction she forced Snow to stop moving entirely. Snow was sitting very still and trying to contain herself and, instead of diving into the next stage, Red took a moment to appreciate a different kind of view. It was a fascinating combination of Snow White and Marie Blanchard that was straddling her hips in the here and now. Marie's perfectly coiffed undercut was ruined – first by the chaos of battle and now – by Red's own hands. The glasses she usually wore were gone and that signature makeup carefully applied in the mornings was destroyed. All the lipstick rubbed off and mascara had been running with the tears into the corners of her eyes. But there were also traits Ruby would gloss over while Red saw them in a different light. The parts that were Snow and not Marie. The small scar in the divot of Snow's hip. Another one along her ribs, under the left breast. The little blemish in otherwise perfect pale skin just above the belly button that has since become a birthmark. Red knew where those came from, she had the benefit of knowing their whole history. And now she could see so much more, more than either of her incarnations ever could. The way Snow was panting, the way her stomach clenched rhythmically – that was Snow with all her tells from the years before the Curse. But the way Snow leaned back, pulling her arms behind her and bracing onto Red's legs for leverage just as Red began to explore that pale torso with her fingers – that was Marie. A blend of both and a mixture of all the experiences they shared thus far. It was… intoxicating to experience that collapse of personalities and histories into one whole for the first time. Red became immersed in this new view, letting her own need build up slower than before. So lost she was in drawing patterns upon Snow's skin, Red almost missed the shifting of the bed to her left.

She glanced sideways and – like a hit to the gut – was met with the deepness of Regina’s gaze. The former Queen had laid out her sublimely naked body alongside Red's. Her eyes weren't lidded or tired as one would expect after the showing on the loveseat, but the blown out pupils opened such an endless well of emotion, Red had felt as if she was standing on a cliff face before the hundreds yard drop into the unknowable darkness. Regina stretched her limbs, fluid and languid like water. She moved closer, not breaking their eye contact. They met in a sideways kiss not meant to be slow or tepid, the time for foreplay having been gone and used up an hour prior. After the first glide of lips against lips, it became a maddening dance of tongues and bites and chasing of one another's mouths for a better angle. Red was caught in that kiss, the one that became two, three, – many, only stifled by the necessity of breath – and she got caught like she always did. Red (and Ruby) was the wild huntress, taking what she wanted, asserting her way, abhorring the leash – and yet Regina was always the one who had her, no matter the realm, no matter the time elapsed, Regina had her. Red still sensed movement on the periphery: noises, moans, the squeeze of her hip bones, the caress of her legs, urging them to spread wider, to get a firmer stand on the carpeted floor. Snow had for the second time this evening collapsed onto Red's chest, clinging to her even tighter this time. Her face was tucked in and her cries were muffled by Red's sternum. Red moved out of the endless string of kisses, letting Regina go lower to her jaw. She could not see clearly past the tousled black hair of Snow's undercut, or the entirety of her body, but what she saw made her skin prickle and heat rise at the base of her spine. There was that same short blonde haircut bobbing, obscured by Snow's derrière, which was still marred by the evidence left from Red's slaps and scratches. David was now kneeling between Red's legs, his attention having moved on to Snow. However, before the idea of why he was prepping or for what fully coalesced in Red's mind, a demanding hand seized her by the jaw and turned her face away from the view. Her vision blurred as Regina claimed her mouth again, monopolizing her kiss and awareness completely. Red's left hand traveled along Regina's – from where her fingers formed that possessive grip on her jaw, along the forearm and past the elbow to find purchase around Regina's shoulder – so that Red could pull her closer. Red's other hand traveled an already familiar path up Snow's spine to get a hold of Snow's neck, just below her hairline, and put more pressure there. Snow was now trapped, at the mercy of both her lovers, left with only slight flails of her limbs and muted cries against Red's chest. All of which was beyond Red's focus. Her whole world became Regina's mouth and Regina's tongue, her teeth and lips, the silky-smooth texture of her skin and the warmth of her body, the smell and the taste of her. It was like being underwater. Diving deep, with the suit and the goggles and only a tank of air to sustain you. The sounds of the outside world became far away. Her vision, the little of it she retained between the kisses when she opened her eyes only to close them again, was tunneled and blurry. The pressure on her body, both on the outside and from within, was rising. And yet, there was no panic, no fear – only surrender to this freedom of having no control and all of it at the same time: just like diving or free falling. All you have to do is believe in the equipment – that there is enough air in the tank, that the parachute will open when you need it – believe in it and let go of everything else.

Red could not say how much time had passed or if time was passing at all. And so the more shocking it was to resurface. Her fingers at the nape of Snow's neck were pried away, the weight of Snow was lifted off her chest and the last deep kiss had ended. Red eyes blinked, the unfocused expression fading from her face, though her lips remained parted and bruised. The picture that was opening to her eyes now was one that made her heart skip a few beats and then speed up. It was heavenly. Snow had been hoisted up so that she wasn't sitting on Red's hips with all her weight. She had to use her knees for balance as her hands no longer could reach Red or the bed. David's muscular arm was across Snow's clavicles, holding her up from behind by the shoulder. It was applying just a tad of pressure upon her neck. Snow's hands were holding onto that arm of his and there was a blissed out expression upon her face – her eyes were closed and her mouth hung open. In a similar way that Red's became open as her senses flowed back in and she absorbed the situation fully. Obscured by Snow's stretched up body, and bent down himself, David was moving, thrusting – and now Red could feel that motion herself. Red gawked, open-mouthed at the sight that short circuited her brain… and then something snapped inside of her and the red mist was back.

Supernaturally strong arms and long fingers seized the pale, round hips and Red gave a thrust with her own pelvis. And then another. And another. Getting in tune, finding a perfect rhythm. Taking claiming, relishing the culmination of the chase in the same way and as much as she loved the surrender mere moments ago. The contrast, the jump from one extreme to the other was such a rush, it filled her whole body with an incomparable high. And so it continued, the motion, the give and take of it – with restless precision of mechanized machines on and on until Snow reached her peak… and then another. Red could feel the wetness having splashed across her stomach and it only spurred her own, even though the knowledge that Snow had only one more release left in her had penetrated the red mist of passion that took hold of her mind. She had not noticed that David had slipped out and was now holding Snow aloft all on his own strength as Snow's legs gave out. All she saw was the expression on Snow's face – wanting more, just one more, one more taste of the little death before she was done. Red growled as her hips slammed upwards again and again. Regina's hands were on her, Regina's mouth was on her neck, Regina's voice was in her ear. Regina was telling her to let go. And then the little egg, the one Regina slipped into her as she was tightening the harness on Red's pelvis, came alive. The vibrations were too much, exactly the final push Red needed. And it was as if lightning struck both her and Snow. They crested over, both of them – in that exact moment, seconds away from simultaneously. Red howled as her release crashed through her whole body, shaking her from head to toe, rippling through all the muscles and flushing the nerves with pure, undiluted pleasure.

And then everything went black.

When Red came to she felt tired. Sated, pleasantly sore in all the places, but exhausted. All that excess energy the battle sparked had been expended, and then some. She was on the loveseat, with the comforter thrown over her. Red rubbed the back of her neck and stretched. The bedroom was empty, but before Red could even joke to herself about being abandoned, Regina walked in. Her face was washed and clear of the last traces of the makeup. Her hair was brushed and tied in a loose knot and resting over one side. Regina was wearing her light blue negligee and she was holding folded up fresh sheets. They shared a wordless look that lasted a while. Then Regina went over to the bed, which had been cleared of the previous bedding, and started to make it.

"You and Snow made quite a mess," said Regina with her back turned, "David took her to the guest room. Poor thing, she looked exhausted. Then again, you looked the same. Will you be okay washing up or would you require assistance?"

Even though Regina spoke in a purposefully formal way, Red could hear the smile in her voice. So Red remained still and silent in her spot. She simply watched Regina for a moment. The way her messy knot got looser as she bent down to spread the sheets, how the escaped tresses framed her profile. How the sleepwear left her legs gloriously bare and, seeing how Regina managed to moisturize already, they shone with that healthy glow. There was a weak pull in the pit of Red stomach, but she only chuckled to herself. Then, she threw off the comforter, got up and headed to the bathroom.

"That sounds very tempting, but I shall manage."

After taking care of all her needs, and putting on a set of silky sleepwear not dissimilar to what Regina was wearing – just in muted burgundy color rather than light blue, Red peeked out of the bathroom door. She both knew exactly what she was about to see and not at all. The ritual that the Mayor and the Sheriff had was sacred, but now the Curse was broken and all the rules went out the window. Though, maybe not all of them. Red's heart performed a little somersault in her chest as she indeed saw what she expected.

Regina was in bed, most adorable reading glasses on the tip of her nose and a folder with some unfinished town business in her hands, getting some last bit of work done by the light of the bedside lamp. There was a crease right in-between her eyebrows and her index finger was going over the edge of the folder. That told Red that Regina wasn't reading, she was waiting. No longer hiding, Red stood on the precipice, leaning against the doorframe. She let her head rest on the wood, enjoying the weight that settled in her bones. She really was thoroughly spent, at least physically. Her mind was another matter. She let out a content sigh and that was when Regina looked up. There was a split-second of eye contact and then Regina gave her a once over – from head to toe. Those brown eyes went warm and soft as Regina hummed her approval and went back to her documents. It was inexplicable how this woman could do all that, how could she go from formal and proper Mayor this morning to a desperate mother when Henry pulled his stunt; to the Sorceress Queen raining down fire after the Curse broke, to the passionate temptress and relentless lover and now to this picture of perfect domesticity. Red could not quite understand it, but she was alright with it. Not being able to grasp the intricacies of the universal order was not required when she could simply crawl into bed next to Regina and sleep 'till morning. Which sounded heavenly and thus she proceeded to do just that. The coolness of satin sheets against the skin of her legs and arms was precisely what Red needed – the softness of the bed, the slight weight of the sheets on top of her and the scent of the body next to her. Red shifted on her side of the bed, moving closer. She snaked an arm underneath the folder to wrap it around Regina's waist and pressed her face into Regina's side. There were fingers in her hair almost immediately as Regina began to play with said hair and scratch at Red's scalp in an absentminded manner, the very same way she had done what seemed like a hundred times over the span of the Curse.

Red opened her eyes and looked past Regina over to the nightstand, where the single lamp was left on. It was a very low label with a single drawer, of the same gray as the wall behind it, but with a warm walnut wood slab on top. Beside the lamp on that nightstand there was a decorative small tree. It was all black polished metal, but you could see the real big branch that was used to cast the piece trapped in the artwork. It was an interesting décor choice, but it wasn't the tree itself that drew Red's eyes. Hanging on one of the smaller branches was a golden chain, and threaded through that chain were two rings – one silver with a ruby and another golden band. Red could not see the base of the tree from where she was, but she knew that at the base there was a tiny velvet pillow and upon it now sat another pair of rings – silver with an emerald and another golden band identical to the one in the necklace. There was a whole lot of jewelry both the Mayor and the Sheriff used, but all of those were in their proper places on the vanity across the room. Only these four pieces had found their way to this nightstand on a permanent basis. For one simple reason, really: because they would be taken off before bed and put back on in the morning, almost every day for the decades of the Curse.

Red looked at the rings and an involuntary sigh escaped her. The hand in her hair burrowed deeper for a moment, then retreated. Regina closed the file and plucked the glasses off the tip of her nose. After putting both items away, she turned her attention to Red again. Her smile was sleepy, yet so content Red had felt its warmth in her heart.

"What is going on in that pretty head of yours, hmm?" asked Regina carefully brushing several tresses away from Red's eyes.

"I had a thought…" Red squeezed Regina's waist harder in response to the little chuckle, "Shut up, I get to have a few of these once in a while! Anyway, I've been thinking… Rumple was planning to have the Curse break, right?"

"Yes, I suppose so. At least, it seems this way in retrospect. We never saw the full picture of his plan, it was always a gamble."

"But he planted that book in his study. The one that gave you the idea about the wardrobe. All about how to send Emma here. He had to have done it on purpose."

"True. I haven't given it a lot of thought at the time. We were too preoccupied with the upcoming conflict with my mother, there was no time to, as they say, look the gifted horse in the mouth. What are you getting at, darling?"

"I'm just saying Rumple orchestrated a lot of things to get what he wanted. Manipulating Cora, shaping your life, David's, probably mine as well. All in the bid to get that Curse cast and then broken. What you and Snow said to Emma was right. We were responsible for what she went through. But there is another thing we could be feeling guilty about, but maybe shouldn't…"

Regina waited for Red to continue, even though there was an expression in her eyes telling that she, perhaps, already knew what this was about.

"He organized it all. And we didn't have our memories, but we went to him when we decided to adopt. So Rumple pulled on another string to get the Curse to be broken. And I just… I don't want you to regret or doubt or, I don't know, second-guess that decision. Adopting Henry was the best thing we've done. You know, it had not come naturally to me, I had no idea how to be a mother, still figuring it out, by the way, but you… You were incredible! Henry is so lucky that he had you."

"I know."

And that was all that Regina said. She knew exactly what Red was trying to say, what she wanted to hear, what it was about for her. Regina took the compliment, took Red's feelings at face value and made no

attempt to deflect or redirect them.

She nodded, smiled, turned the last lamp off, laid down and pulled Red close. They settled inside an embrace, full of warmth and fitting together just right.

The velvet night descended upon Storybrooke, a small town on the coast of Main. Quaint and picturesque, it was unremarkable to the outside eye. Yet at the same time it was not a seed of sorcery in the world without magic. One little star amidst the sea of gray and black. And tomorrow a lot of work would await.

But that work would come with the rays of the rising sun. For now, finally, the town was asleep. Until the morning call.

. . .

A tale has been told, the book was written. The story where one road was taken instead of another. A choice made differently. One word said or another withheld. The fates changed by one whim of the heart. Or perhaps more than one.

It all happened, but was it this way or another? Was it the truth or a lie? The original or another retelling? Who knows. And, at the end of the day, does it really matter?

The End.