Any readers here? Hello sweetcakes... I'm sorry again I stopped posting for months... several. I have been busy. It's been crazy. please understand sometimes life get's crazy and you blink and it has been forever since you wrote something. but I am finally back. hopefully you gt to see the end of this story this year.

DISCLAIMER. I do not own OUAT nor the characters. Only the ones I add that are not part of that universe.

Flash back CH 21

Snow notices the look in Regina's eyes. She can see how her step mother is drowning in darkness. So the princess grabs the Queen's arm. "We can do this, we have time" she says calmly.

But by this point Regina is too confused. Voices in her head keep telling her to just kill the witches and get over with it. in the other hand, she wants to be the better person, she cannot defeat evil with evil. But most importantly keep Ryder safe… but who is protecting who? He just… saved them. She needs to clear her mind. "Sis, take care of the garbage" she pauses, she is not sure if people will follow her or help her so she looks at the uncharming family "please meet me in my vault in two hours, we need to find a way" and with that she vanishes in a cloud of purple smoke.

Storybrooke – Regina's Vault – Afternoon

The dwarves, the un charming family and Zelena met Regina at the vault as planned. As soon as they get there Regina has potions all around books spread near Ryder's carriage. She took Cruella and Ursula with her, they were unconscious on the floor. Regina had showered them in spells buying herself time. She did not know for how long Ryder's spell would work.

"Regina? What is this?" Snow asks

"Sis, we know their plan. We can just end them" Zelena says and everyone looks at them.

"What plan, Zelena?" Snow asks then looking from the witch to the queen with a questioning look in her eyes.

Regina looks terrified. She did not mention the plan to anyone. She drank a potion to make herself forget all of her worries, just like she did with Henry so she could focus on being a mom. But the effect of the spell faded when she saw the two witches at the door. That is why she was so worried. Now she remembered she cool lose it all.

"Regina? You did not tell them?" Zelena asks sharply

"I… Cruella and Ursula need my heart and Ryder to bring back Maleficent from the death. That's why they are here" The queen explains picking up Ryder and holding him tight

Snow looked at her understandingly, she knew what it was like to have your family be threatened by evil.

"But.. Regina why didn't you say anything? We could have been prepared!" Emma exclaimed a little too angry

"Emma. Enough." Snow said.

Prince Charming gently rubbed Regina's arm "You are not alone. We will find a way" he said reassuringly.

"There is a way, in fact, my friends here-" the witch points at Snow and prince charming. "-know how to keep great evil in a very special cell, however the price is too high, and I don't think they are willing to pay it, only to help The Evil Queen and her Son"

"Mom? What is it?" Emma asks. Man, she really needs to go to the library and ask Belle for some 'what the heck is everyone talking about' Book so she doesn't feel so clueless all the time.

"To keep away great evil… we would have to sacrifice great good… we need a dwarf's blood" Snow says looking at Zelena in the eyes, trying to decide if she really wanted to do the right thing.

"Enough! We need to discuss this. All of us." The queen says looking from her sister to the prince and princess. The dwarves looked at her scared "Nobody's blood is running, although I'm craving seafood" she said looking at Ursula still sleeping next to Cruella. Grumpy walked up front with his Ax "Just say it sis, and you'll have some fresh sushi served"

Regina smirked. Maybe the people here were actually willing to help. "I'll keep that in mind" she replied.

"That's it! The sea. I know who can help us!" Snow exclaimed while everyone looked at her confused.

Want more? let me know. So I know you are still reading.