《Drake's Final Hope》 Chapter 1 Disclaimer: Please take note that I do not own anything regarding Once Upon a Time. This honor belongs to ABC Studio, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz. I am only playing around in their sandbox for a bit. My story does not form part of the official story in any way possible. I do not have connections with ABC Studio, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz even if I wish I had at times. No copyright infringement intended. ###### Once upon a time¡­ That is how a typical fairy tale usually begins, right? Well, this story isn''t a typical fairy tale now, is it? This story begins with heartache and pain¡­there is no happiness found whatsoever¡­but life is never straightforward¡­life is full of hardships, pain, and suffering¡­yet life also has happiness, love, friendship, and acceptance, to name a few. Life consists of both good and bad... which most learn quite early in one''s life. But that isn''t important right now¡­now is it? So let us truly begin with our story. ###### Our story begins in a magical dimension filled with wonder and beauty¡­ where magic, both good and bad, exists in harmony. But unfortunately not for long... There was a great feud unleashed between light and dark, destroying the wonder and peace within the beautiful realm. But this isn''t where our true story begins... no, our story begins one night before the dark curse of our resident Evil Queen decided to cast finally consumes the magical realm within. Our story begins inside a cave¡­ where a nest for the birth of a beautiful baby dragon to the powerful sorceress and the queen of dragons known as Maleficent could be found. There inside the cave was a beautiful dragon''s egg resting securely within the nest when two known heroes of the realm quietly sneaked into the powerful and well-known dragon''s den.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°Look¡­ there it is,¡± Snow White stated as she sheathed her arrow back in her quiver. ¡°The nest and the egg.¡± ¡°Be careful,¡± David Charming replied quietly as he sheathed his sword. ¡°This is dangerous, just as she is.¡± Moving slowly, the two heroes shifted slowly and quietly towards the egg. This was the only time that they could freely sneak away from the encampment to grab the egg for the safety of their unborn child. Despite this, the mother dragon had a hunch that something wasn''t right¡­ she woke up abruptly, comprehending the risk her yet-to-be-born hatchling faced. Terrified, the mother dragon quickly moved toward the heroes and her egg¡­ she had to protect her hatchling from the threat before her. To the dragon''s dismay, David snatched the egg just in time and tossed it to Snow, desperately wishing for his wife to escape the danger. ¡°Go!¡± David exclaimed as he dodged a stream of fire. ¡°Ahh,¡± Snow groans as she dodges the scorching heat, before screaming up towards the dragon. ¡°Scorch us, Maleficent! Then this will burn too!¡± The dragon, known to all as Maleficent, quickly transformed back into herself in hopes of saving her child from the kidnapping heroes or, in her case, the villains of her story. ¡°What kind of people are you? Threatening a child¡­¡± she asked, terrified. ¡°A child,¡± Snow replied in disgusted disbelief. ¡°This isn''t a child; this will become a monster just like you!¡± ¡°And what are you?¡± Maleficent asked, slowly walking towards the heroes and her unhatched child. ¡°Sorry¡­¡± Snow whispered sadly, knowing fully well that she might see this egg and the baby within as a monster. Unfortunately, she was still going to break up this family as she and her Prince turned to run off with the egg. ¡°No!¡± Maleficent explained in panic and desperation. She quickly shot a blast of magic towards the cave entrance in hopes of trapping these so-called heroes within her cave and stopping them from taking her child¡­ but the blast came moments too late. The last thing the Queen of Dragons saw was that her blast missed the heroes by a few inches before they ran off with her unborn little hatchling. Leaving her trapped in the cave that once was her den and haven. At that very moment, Maleficent swore that once she found her way out of this cave, she would have her vengeance against those who chose to harm her and her baby. The dragon just hoped with everything within her being that her little one would be healthy and loved. She also hoped that no harm would ever come to her child. One day, she would have her chance to reunite with her child, so she would not lose herself in despair. Maleficent just hoped that one day all would be well and that her child would be happy. Chapter 2 Disclaimer: Please take note that I do not own anything regarding Once Upon a Time. This honor belongs to ABC Studio, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz. I am only playing around in their sandbox for a bit. My story does not form part of the official story in any way possible. I do not have connections with ABC Studio, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz even if I wish I had at times. No copyright infringement intended. ###### As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the town, a few weeks after the arrival of both Cruella and Ursula, Emma Swan strode down the main street toward the docks. Frustration etched across her face as she navigated the bustling evening crowd. The recent events consumed Emma Swan¡¯s thoughts. Things haven¡¯t been the same with Emma and her parents, and it started just after the arrival of the two iconic villains. Emma was uncertain how to address things with her parents, but knew instinctively that this needed to be cleared up soon for them to have a healthy relationship with each other. Snow White and her shepherd were keeping something fundamental from Emma. This unfortunately caused quite a bit of strain to develop between them. Emma could not understand why they kept lying to her. They both keep telling Emma that Cruella and Ursula are evil. Nothing would change that, but Emma could not see what they saw. The duo has made a peaceful transition into their town, yet there is one small incident that would probably say otherwise for her parents and the die-hard heroes of Storybrooke. What incident are we speaking about, you might ask, right? Well, the two newcomers helped Mr.Gold to re-enter Storybrooke when he was in actuality banned from the town. Emma knew something like this would happen. After all, how did the duo know about Storybrooke, Maine? However, Emma wasn¡¯t too concerned about the fact that the pair allowed Gold to re-enter Storybrooke, as Belle still had control of the Dark One¡¯s dagger. This meant that the town shouldn¡¯t have any issues with Mr. Gold. So, if this was the worst the two could do in the last few weeks, then so be it. Emma wondered once again: when and how did her life get so complicated? Sometimes, she wished her life could go back to the days when she was a bail bonds person, a time when things were less difficult and more freeing. Yet, she was, in a way, glad that Henry found her all those years ago. If not for him, Emma would never have a chance to find her family¡­ even if they have been sprouting lies these past few weeks. Why couldn¡¯t they just tell her the true reason not to trust the duo? What have they done that was so unforgivable? What were her parents hiding? They wouldn¡¯t have found the need to lie to her if they weren¡¯t hiding something from her. The situation was starting to unsettle her. Emma was experiencing a constant unease while in the presence of her parents, and quite frankly, it was exhausting. Emma found herself gravitating towards the mayor and her son the last few weeks. She knew she was avoiding her parents, and the unsettling feelings by joining Regina and Henry, but she couldn¡¯t help it. Growing up as a foster kid will always have a negative effect on families and conflict. Emma is well aware that she needs to stop avoiding her parents and the unsettling feelings, but the fear of rejection, unfortunately, runs deep in her veins. Yet, Emma cannot say either that these past few weeks were a bad thing...this avoidance allowed her to slowly rebuild the relationship she had with Regina when she foolishly harmed it by bringing Marion back from the past a few months ago. It is slow going, but Regina has come to realize that Emma never truly wanted to hurt her. The sheriff just has a big heart and would always help those who are in genuine need. Emma sat on the cold wooden bench at the docs as she faced the wild sea. She could not help but groan in frustration and annoyance. Emma knew that she was clearly missing a part of this whole situation. Was it truly so hard to ask that her parents also showed her the same amount of trust and respect that a child naturally gives to their parents in return?Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ###### Meanwhile, deep in a dusty cavern far below the library, the two Charmings lay unconscious mere feet away from the ashes of the currently dead Maleficent. Gold approached the unconscious forms of the Charming¡¯s. ¡°I trust they don¡¯t suspect my hand in all of this?¡± ¡°They had no reason to,¡± Ursula replied to the dark one. ¡°And Belle?¡± Gold inquired further. ¡°Did she have any suspicions when you visited my shop?¡± ¡°You mean, did she ask about you when we were there?¡± Ursula inquired to the man. ¡°She didn¡¯t even mention your name, darling,¡± Cruella stated. ¡°I¡¯d say she¡¯s moved on.¡± With a slight nod, Mr. Gold removed the pocketknife he brought just for the occasion before giving it over to Cruella. ¡°You know what you must do,¡± He stated. ¡°I will leave you to it.¡± With that said, Mr. Gold took his leave, trusting the duo to resurrect the queen of dragons and gift her the life she should have had from the start if the two so-called heroes hadn¡¯t interfered. With a quick slash, Snow woke up with a start, quickly followed by David, just as Cruella dropped the combined blood in the awaiting ash of the dragon. ¡°What the hell did you do?!¡± Snow exclaimed as the ash slowly started to move. ¡°The dark magic we¡¯re using to raise Maleficent doesn¡¯t require some silly little trinket from Gold¡¯s shop.¡± Cruella sneered. ¡°No, that was just a ruse to get you down here. We needed something with a little more kick.¡± ¡°The blood from the people who wronged her the most,¡± Ursula continued. ¡°Oh my god,¡± Snow gasped, grabbing onto David, seeking comfort. ¡°Why would you even want her back in the land of the living?¡± Snow and David could do nothing but watch as the wind howled throughout the cavern as it gathered the ash before lifting it into the air and into a magical vortex. They watched with growing dread as the ash condensed and regrouped within the vortex before reforming into the bestial form of a dragon and changing into the woman she once was. Snow and David once again stood in front of the hate-filled eyes of their once foe, the woman that they harmed the most. ¡°It¡¯s good to be back,¡± Maleficent stated as she held onto her scepter. ¡°Maleficent,¡± Snow said as the Charmings slowly moved closer to the beast in human form. ¡°Whatever it is you think we did, you don¡¯t know the whole story.¡± ¡°I know enough,¡± Maleficent spat out. ¡°Patience, Mal. We have a plan.¡± Cruella stated towards her old friend. ¡°You want to hurt someone?¡± Snow said. ¡°Well, hurt me. Just leave David alone.¡± ¡°Hurt you?¡± Maleficent inquired, shocked. ¡°No. That would be far too easy.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to tell everyone what we did first, aren¡¯t you?¡± Snow asked worriedly. ¡°I don¡¯t care about your secret,¡± Maleficent stated, looking the worried hero in the eyes. ¡°You can keep it as long as you like. I only care about one thing¡­your pain, and that it be as long and terrible and unyielding as my own. The pain you caused me.¡± ¡°Oh wow, I forgot how much I missed her,¡± Ursula whispered to Cruella. ¡°It¡¯s going to be entertaining,¡± Cruella stated in some excitement. ¡°I am gonna revel in every torturous moment,¡± Maleficent stated, with pain and hatred shining brightly through her eyes. ¡°And you? You¡¯re going to watch your world crumble.¡± With her piece finally said, Maleficent turned and walked off with her two companions, leaving the shaken heroes in their wake. ¡°This is all our fault,¡± Snow said, pained at what happened. ¡°If we hadn¡¯t been so determined to keep our secret¡­ If we¡¯d just asked for help¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± David sighed as he watched the three women walk off and out of the cavern. ¡°We can¡¯t keep lying. We have to tell Emma everything.¡± ###### Across town, Emma Swan gazed out past the docks and the sea beyond when suddenly she felt a far too warm sensation burning into her wrist. With wide, disbelieving eyes, Emma watched as a black smudge of a birthmark slowly burned into her skin, and she noticed a small but noticeable depiction of a rising sun where previously there had been no mark. ¡°Ahh!!¡± Emma shouted out into the night sky, hoping to get rid of some of her frustration. However, when the mark suddenly appeared, she realized that all hopes of that happening were now completely lost to her. ¡®What is happening now? Why would a tattoo or birthmark suddenly appear on my wrist?¡¯ The sheriff thought, feeling how her frustration grew at the unexpected complication. Emma had no idea what was going on. She had already so much to deal with as it is. Yet, now more issues have arisen for her to deal with and sort out, and quite frankly, she was getting tired of it all. With a very tired sigh, Emma stood from the bench. She needed to go for a walk¡­ just to get away for a bit. Emma honestly did not have the energy left to process any issues as it is, so with that in mind¡­Emma poofed herself to the edge of the town. With a sigh, she slowly began to walk back toward her loft. The walk itself would probably take a few hours, and as it was already somewhere around midnight¡­ she needed to escape from everything¡­even some of her inner turmoil. Thinking of nothing¡­ and everything at once¡­Emma slowly tuned out the world around her, becoming oblivious to everything around her as she walked through the darkened night. Chapter 3 Disclaimer: Please take note that I do not own anything regarding Once Upon a Time. This honor belongs to ABC Studio, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz. I am only playing around in their sandbox for a bit. My story does not form part of the official story in any way possible. I do not have connections with ABC Studio, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz, even if I wish I had at times. No copyright infringement intended. ###### She was going to kill Mary Margaret Blanchard. ¡®It might not be tonight, but she will kill her soon enough. Why did this woman force her out of her warm and cozy house only to meet one another in a dark, deserted park, just for a downpour of biting chilly rain to start?¡¯ Regina Mills, Mayor of Storybrooke, thought bitterly. ¡°So, what¡¯s with all the cloak and dagger?¡± Regina asked when Mary Margaret, also known as Snow White, stepped out of her car and into the pouring rain. ¡°Maleficent¡¯s back,¡± Mary Margaret stated. ¡°I should have known that Fish Sticks and Pound Puppy were here for more than a second chance,¡± Regina sighed exhaustively. Although annoyed and angry at the duo¡¯s antics, Regina was secretly happy that Maleficent was back in the land of the living. The mayor missed her old friend quite a bit. ¡°They want to destroy our happy endings. All of them.¡± Mary Margaret warned her former stepmother. ¡°How do they hope to do that?¡± Regina wondered, mystified at what the three wished to accomplish. ¡°That¡¯s where you come in,¡± Mary Margaret explained. ¡°We need to find out what they¡¯re planning. We need to get someone close to them. Someone they believe to be a villain.¡± Regina looked on in shock and disbelief at what this woman began to hint at. What they wanted Regina to do. Doesn¡¯t this woman know how much it took her to suppress the darker part of herself? She needed to change for her son and Emma. However, it would seem that her former stepdaughter wants to be selfish once again and force Regina to give in to her dark desires just because they are afraid of her former friends and allies. ¡°We want you to go undercover with them and help us stop their plans,¡± Mary Margaret concluded, unaware of the thoughts running through Regina¡¯s mind. ¡°And you think they¡¯re just going to welcome me into their coven with, what, open arms?¡± Regina inquired, finally understanding why this woman had come to her instead of going to her daughter. Emma would have never requested something like this from her, unlike Mary Margaret. ¡°Regina, you used to be one of them,¡± Mary Margaret stated, not fully understanding why Regina was reluctant to assist them. ¡°They think I¡¯m a hero now. They¡¯ll never believe I want in.¡± Regina scoffed. Once again, the naivety of this woman is shown. ¡°So, find a way to make them believe.¡± Mary Margaret persisted with the idea of Regina going undercover.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Gazing at Mary Margaret intently, Regina decides to ask what bothered her from the start of this conversation. ¡°What makes you so sure they¡¯re dead-set on destroying us?¡± ¡°Because of something David and I did a long time ago,¡± Mary Margaret, started to explain the dark secret that they kept hidden for all these years. Regina stood silently, wondering once more what this woman had done to harm her or one of her former friends. ¡°Regina, you once asked me to¡­¡± Mary Margaret began, before closing her eyes while looking pained, before continuing. ¡°Regina, you once asked me to keep a secret. And I couldn¡¯t¡­ But I¡¯m going to ask you to keep one for me. One Emma can never learn.¡± She stepped forward, closer to Mary Margaret. Regina asked with some concern, ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Emma was born with the potential for great darkness.¡± Mary Margaret whispered, ashamed. ¡°But she¡¯s a Savior, a Hero. Her magic¡¯s as light as it gets.¡± Regina exclaimed, shocked. Mary Margaret nodded before explaining with a weary sigh. ¡°That¡¯s because David and I went to extraordinary lengths to ensure it was.¡± ¡°If you ensured her goodness, why can¡¯t you tell her?¡± Regina wondered. However, Regina panicked internally at hiding something as big and important as Mary Margaret¡¯s suggestion from the Savior and her friend. ¡°The same reason you don¡¯t want to hear about all the terrible things you did in your past,¡± Mary Margaret said, looking pointedly at the concerned mayor. ¡°You want to protect him? So he doesn¡¯t lose faith in the person you¡¯ve become. The person he always believed you could be. Emma can never find out what I¡¯m about to tell you. She¡¯s finally starting to open up her heart. And if she learns the truth, if we let her down, she¡¯ll lose faith in us. And it could send her tumbling down a dark path. Because when you betray the people you love, when you make them see the worst parts of you, what you¡¯ve done changes everything. There¡¯s no going back. You¡¯ve shattered the bonds you worked so hard to forge. And the stronger those bonds once were, the more difficult they are to put back together. If they can be repaired at all.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Regina said, confused yet concerned. The mayor wondered once again what truly happened between this woman before her and her former friends, and also why she should keep anything from Emma, the woman she came to appreciate and adore. ¡°What exactly did you do to Maleficent?¡± ¡°Because of us,¡± Mary Margaret murmured, slightly ashamed. ¡°Maleficent lost her child.¡± ¡°Wait, what?¡± Regina asked, shocked and confused. ¡°No, wait, don¡¯t tell me. I cannot keep a secret as big as this from Emma. I will not break my tentative relationship with her over some awful thing you did to Maleficent in the past.¡± ¡°Regina, please.¡± Mary Margaret begged. ¡°We only did what we did to protect Emma.¡± ¡°I understand that,¡± Regina sighed, frustrated. ¡°However, I will not lie to Emma. I will, however, go undercover and see what the three Queens of Darkness are up to. But know this that is how far I will go regarding my old friends.¡± ¡°Thank you, Regina.¡± Mary Margaret murmured, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. ¡°But you have to promise not to tell Emma anything about what we have spoken about tonight.¡± ¡°I cannot promise you that,¡± Regina stated. ¡°I will not lie to her, however, I will also not bring it up either. I will if she directly asks me, but you will have to tell her what you did before she finds out from someone else. If you wish to keep the bonds you have built with her, then you will need to tell her the truth. Your behavior these last few days has her on edge, and she is well aware that you are lying to her.¡± ¡°David and I will speak to Emma,¡± Mary Margaret sighed. ¡°We are just not sure when or how to tell her. I would have preferred not to, but David disagreed. So, please try to keep quiet about what we have discussed tonight.¡± As the rain continued to pour, Regina stood there watching Mary Margaret drive off. Her mind was racing. She knew she couldn¡¯t turn back to her old ways, but she also couldn¡¯t ignore the danger posed by Maleficent and the others. She had to find a way to balance her loyalty to her friends with her desire to protect her son and Emma. A bitter smile crept across her lips. It seemed that her life was once again filled with impossible choices. Chapter 4 Disclaimer: Please take note that I do not own anything regarding Once Upon a Time. This honor belongs to ABC Studio, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz. I am only playing around in their sandbox for a bit. My story does not form part of the official story in any way possible. I do not have connections with ABC Studio, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz, even if I wish I had at times. No copyright infringement intended. ###### Tension was rising within Regina as she walked down the main street of Storybrooke towards Granny¡¯s diner, where she knew her old friends were congregated. The weight of the secret Mary Margaret had entrusted her with pressed down on her shoulders, a heavy burden that threatened to crush her. She had agreed to go undercover, infiltrate the group of villains, and uncover their plans, but the true depth of their intentions remained mysterious. As she entered the diner, the familiar chatter and clinking of silverware filled the air. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wafted through the room, inviting her to join the cozy atmosphere. However, Regina¡¯s heart pounded as she scanned the room for the faces she both dreaded and longed to see. There they were, seated at their usual table: Maleficent, Cruella Devil, and Ursula. Their dark, imposing figures loomed over the table, their conversations punctuated by low, menacing laughter. Regina felt a surge of fear and trepidation as she approached their table, her heart pounding in her chest. ¡°So the rumors are true. You are back from the ashes.¡± Regina stated as she looked at her three former friends. ¡°What are you doing here, Regina?¡± Maleficent questioned her former friend and student. ¡°I am making it easier for you,¡± Regina stated, her heart pounding in her chest. ¡°If you want to kill me, well, I¡¯m right here.¡± In a flash, Maleficent appeared before Regina, invading her personal space. ¡°So that¡¯s why you think I¡¯m back? To kill you?¡± ¡°Well, I did trap you underground for 30 years,¡± Regina confessed. ¡°And I know you are not big on forgiveness.¡± ¡°That is true,¡± Maleficent agreed, while Ursula looked at Cruella. ¡°But what you did is nothing in the grand scheme. There are far worse crimes that must be answered for. Not everything is about you, Regina.¡± ¡°Careful, darling,¡± Cruella piped up. ¡°She¡¯s thick as thieves with those heroes.¡± ¡°Not by choice,¡± Regina growled out in frustration. ¡°You all know how much I wanted my revenge. But in this town, with these people. I had to play nice if I wanted to survive. All alone, watching them all enjoy the happiness that I was always being denied.¡± The room fell silent. Maleficent, Cruella, and Ursula exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. They knew Regina well, her bitterness and resentment burning bright. Yet there was something different about her now, a flicker of vulnerability beneath her hardened exterior. ¡°You¡¯ve changed, Regina,¡± Maleficent observed, her voice laced with a hint of surprise. ¡°You¡¯ve become one of them.¡± ¡°I had to,¡± Regina admitted, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°To survive.¡± ¡°And now you¡¯re here, offering yourself as a sacrifice?¡± Cruella scoffed, her eyes narrowing. ¡°How noble of you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about nobility,¡± Regina retorted, her voice growing stronger. ¡°It¡¯s about survival. But I am tired of just surviving. So, if you plan to destroy some of that happiness of those in town¡­then I want in.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t expect us to believe any of that,¡± Ursula said, her voice filled with suspicion and doubt. ¡°Of course, she doesn¡¯t,¡± Maleficent answered, observing the former Evil Queen. ¡°That¡¯s why she¡¯s truly here. She wants us to see that she is still one of us.¡± ¡°Of course I am,¡± Regina stated confidently. ¡°Then let¡¯s find out,¡± Maleficent said, as she moved to give Regina a shot of tequila. ¡°Are you still a bad girl, Regina?¡± Regina drank the shot of tequila without any care in the world before crushing the glass into small pieces of dust. ¡°The worst.¡± The room was silent. The only sound was the soft clinking of ice in glasses. Maleficent, Cruella, and Ursula exchanged knowing glances. They had underestimated Regina, and now they were intrigued.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Very well,¡± Maleficent said, her voice low and dangerous. ¡°You have proven your loyalty for now. So, let¡¯s discuss some of our plans. This is the only way for us to fully trust you. You will have to join in without any complaints. ¡± The three villains leaned in, their voices hushed as they outlined their sinister scheme. Regina listened intently, her mind racing as she tried to piece together the puzzle. She knew she had to be careful to play her part without revealing too much. As the meeting drew to a close, Regina felt uneasy. She had joined a dangerous game, and the stakes were high. But she was determined to see it through, to protect the town, and to find redemption for herself. As she left the diner, she glanced back at the table where Maleficent, Cruella, and Ursula were still seated. She knew she would need to be strong, cunning, and unwavering in her resolve. The battle had just begun. ###### Meanwhile, Emma finally returned to the loft across town after her long walk. She was exhausted and sore from her long hike and her shift at the station. After getting inside, Emma removed her boots and went to her bedroom upstairs. It wasn¡¯t until she got closer to the stairs past the couch that she heard noises coming from the kitchen. Her heart pounded as she crept closer, her senses heightened. A soft glow emanated from beneath the kitchen door. She hesitated, then slowly turned the knob and peeked inside. The kitchen was bathed in a soft, ethereal light. In the center of the room stood her parents, who spoke quietly to each other. ¡°Mom, Dad? What are you guys still doing up at 4 am?¡± Emma asked as she tried to appear as calm and uninterested as possible. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you both in bed?¡± ¡°Uh,¡± Mary Margaret jumped, shocked that her daughter could sneak up on them. She was so sure that Emma was fast asleep upstairs. Emma studies her parents with furrowed brows, as they stood nervously in the kitchen. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong? Did something happen?¡± ¡°Maleficent¡¯s back,¡± David blurted out in a panic. He wasn¡¯t sure if he should tell his daughter the truth about what they did to Maleficent, but he had to tell her something. It took Emma a moment to comprehend what she had just heard, to process the fact that Maleficent was truly back. ¡°You mean, like, the same Maleficent who was imprisoned under the library clock tower? The same Maleficent, Mr. Gold, had me killed with my father¡¯s sword?¡± ¡°Yes. The very same.¡± David nodded. He didn¡¯t miss just how tense his wife seemed to become as she listened to him speak, though he couldn¡¯t blame her. Maleficent returning was something they never expected, nor were they prepared for it, and they felt guilty for keeping things hidden from Emma¡­but she wasn¡¯t ready to hear what they had done to the dragon in the past. ¡°How is she back?¡± Emma asked slowly. ¡°Why is she back?¡± Mary Margaret and David shared an uneasy glance. ¡°Well, we don¡¯t know for sure. Dark Magic, I would guess.¡± Mary Margaret spoke up hesitantly. She wanted to gauge her daughter¡¯s reaction very carefully. ¡°We don¡¯t know why she¡¯s back, or what she wants. But she is dangerous, and we need to know what her plans are. So Regina decided to go undercover and report back to us on their plans.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­Regina is doing what now?¡± Emma exclaimed in disbelief. ¡°She¡¯s going undercover,¡± David answered hesitantly. ¡°With someone who can turn into a dragon at will?¡± Emma asked incredulously. Emma¡¯s heart was pounding as she tried to process this shocking news. Maleficent¡­ one of the few famous villains that Emma had watched and heard of in her childhood, was again back and alive. And Regina had willingly decided to put herself in danger by infiltrating their group. ¡°Are you both out of your minds?! Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡± Emma snapped angrily, before letting out a deep sigh of frustration. Mary Margaret was hesitating to answer her daughter. She was rather shocked at just how worried Emma was about the mayor. ¡°There wasn¡¯t any time,¡± David said soothingly. ¡°She told us the plan, and that was it.¡± ¡°You still should have told me,¡± Emma murmured, hurt at the thought of her parents hiding something from her once again. ¡°Why? Do you think you could have stopped her?¡± Mary Margaret argued. ¡°No. But I could¡¯ve helped her.¡± Emma pointed out angrily. ¡°I was a bail bond person once. Pretending to be someone else was part of my job.¡± ¡°I know that,¡± Mary Margaret replied. ¡°But I do think that Regina can take care of herself.¡± ¡°I truly hope you are right,¡± Emma said, still very agitated. ¡°When is she supposed to check in?¡± David looked uneasy as he glanced toward Mary Margaret, unsure of just how they were going to answer their daughter regarding that very important point. ¡°Oh god. Mom, Dad, please tell me you know when she was supposed to check in.¡± Emma asked as she was becoming distressed. ¡°About an hour ago,¡± David confessed, unable to meet his daughter¡¯s eyes. ¡°An hour ago!? How could you keep something so important like this from me?¡± Emma raged. ¡°The safety of every citizen is my responsibility. I¡¯m the savior, for gods¡¯ sake. And now I have to hear that the mother of my son¡¯s life could be in danger¡­ and you did not think it was important enough to even let me know.¡± ¡°Emma, it¡¯s complicated. We wanted to tell you¡­¡± Mary Margaret started, only to have her explanation to be interrupted. ¡°This is what happens when you trust people!¡± Emma exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air in exasperation. ¡°After everything we¡¯ve been through together, all the times that you and Dad have risked our lives for me, Henry, my future, and this world. And you¡¯re still keeping secrets? From me? Regina going undercover is just one of many you are keeping. And I¡¯m just sick of it!¡± Tears were streaming down her cheeks as Emma turned around and started to storm her way up the staircase. ¡°Emma!¡± Mary Margaret shouted, reaching out towards her daughter¡¯s arm, as she intended to stop her. ¡°Emma, you have to understand.¡± ¡°No!¡± Emma exclaimed as she turned to face her parents. ¡°I don¡¯t! I just can¡¯t handle any more lies. I can¡¯t deal with any more of this. I can¡¯t deal with anything more that is keeping you from trusting me.¡± Emma shook her head as she wiped her tears. She took a step back when her mother tried to approach again. ¡°I¡¯m just tired of waiting for you two to decide whether you trust me or not.¡± Emma breathed heavily as she finally walked past Mary Margaret towards her bedroom. ¡°I can¡¯t take any more of this. So, I am going to bed. Good night.¡± Without looking back, Emma made her way up the stairs, leaving a speechless Mary Margaret and a guilty David behind.