CHAPTER TEN  —
( I'm melting, darling, and I can't let go. )

────────────────

Luna lingered in Mr. Gold's shop, her eyes roaming over the various items long after Regina had departed to visit Henry in the hospital. Unwilling to confess her apprehension to Gold, Luna contained the fact that she was afraid of reuniting with her two daughters, Daisy and Aella, now that she remembered their true identities.

Gold finally broke the silence and asked the question that had been hanging in the air for hours. "Why are you still here?" Luna turned to face him and let out a heavy sigh.

"I'm scared to see my girls," she confessed.

"Your dragons?" Gold inquired. Luna nodded. "Yes, well, how would you break the news to them that they are, in fact, dragons?"

Luna's expression darkened. "I don't, do I?"

Gold walked around the counter, his voice softening. "Not until Emma breaks the curse and they remember exactly who they are," he advised. "You don't want to lose them, especially Dratini before she even remembers who you are to her."

The door burst open as Regina and Emma strode into the room. Gold raised an eyebrow as Luna pivoted to confront them. "Do my eyes deceive me, or is that the look of a believer?"

Emma froze, her brow furrowed as she fixed her gaze on Luna. "Luna? Did you already know?"

Luna let out a soft hum. "I wouldn't exactly say I "knew," but rather that I "gradually put together the puzzle that is my life."

"It wasn't until a few hours ago that I found out she remembered," Regina told Emma.

"Well, we need your help," Emma told Gold.

Gold nodded. "Indeed you do. It seems quite the tragic ailment has befallen our young friend." He looked at Regina. "I told you magic comes with a price."

"It always did in the past, so it shouldn't be any different now," Luna told her.

"Henry shouldn't have to pay it," Regina said desperately.

Mr Gold pointed at her. "No, you should, but alas, we are where we are."

"Can you help us?" Emma asked.

Mr Gold nodded. "Of course. True love, Miss Swan. The only magic strong enough to transcend realms and break any curse. Luckily for you, I happen to have bottled some."

Both Regina and Luna raised their eyebrows. "You did?"

"Oh yes," Gold nodded and looked at Emma. "From strands of your parents' hair, I made the most powerful potion in all the realm. So powerful that, when I created the Dark Curse, I placed a single drop on the parchment. Just a little safety valve."

"That's why I'm the saviour. That's why I can break the curse," Emma pieced.

"You're the product of true love," Luna said.

Gold nodded. "Now you're getting it."

Emma shook her head. "I don't care about breaking the curse. All I care about is saving Henry."

"Well, today is your lucky day," Gold said. "I didn't use all the potion. I saved some for a rainy day."

"Well, it's storming like a bitch," Emma snapped. "Where is it?"

"Where isn't the problem," he said. "Getting it is what should worry you."

Regina scoffed. "Enough riddles. What do we do?"

"You do nothing," Mr. Gold said. "It has to be Miss Swan with Luna's help."

Luna raised her eyebrows. "Me?"

"He's my son. It should be me," Regina said.

"All due respect, but it's her son and it has to be them. Emma is the product of the magic and Luna has a special connection to the person it's with. They must be the ones to find it."

Emma nodded. "I can do it."

"Well, you know I can do it," Luna told him.

Regina turned to Emma. "Don't trust him."

"What choice do we have?"

Gold nodded. "That's right, dearie. What choice do you have?"

"Where is this magic?"

Gold turned to Regina. "Tell me, your Majesty, is our friend still in the basement?"

Regina scoffed. "Oh, you twisted little imp. You hid it with her?"

Gold chuckled. "Oh no no no, not with her. In her. I knew you couldn't resist bringing her over."

Emma stepped forward. "Who is "her"?"

Gold and Regina shifted their gaze towards Luna, and it took her a few moments to register whom they were referring to before her eyes widened. "Oh, no. Oh, hell no! I'm not seeing her! She can rot and die for all I care," she spat out angrily.

"Who on earth are you talking about?" Emma inquired, clearly puzzled.

Luna let out a deep sigh and faced Emma. "My mother, Maleficent."

Cordelia smiled as the wind whipped through her hair, carrying the refreshing scent of seawater. Ladon soared a few hundred meters above, twisting and turning in the sky while Cordelia held on tight. "Isn't this incredible!" Cordelia exclaimed.

The man holding her close let out a low growl. "I prefer to do much more joyous activities with my arms around a gorgeous woman's waist than feeling like I'm going to hurl."

Cordelia chuckled. "Oh, come on, you've been through worse storms at sea."

"Aye, but that was on a ship," Killian reminded her. "Now we're soaring hundreds of feet above the ground, perched on the back of a magnificent dragon."

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Cordelia playfully remarked, "We could always fly lower if you prefer, Killian."

Gazing out at the breathtaking landscape below, Killian scoffed, "Afraid? Me? Never, Princess," Captain Killian declared with a confident smirk.

"Of course, Captain," Cordelia replied, her eyes sparkling with an unspoken challenge.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Cordelia tapped Ladon's neck twice, prompting the dragon to nosedive abruptly. Killian's surprised yelp filled the air as they plummeted.

"You're mad, woman!" he exclaimed, a mix of exhilaration and fear in his voice.

"I thought you liked your women unruly, captain," Cordelia teased as Ladon landed gracefully, causing Killian's grip around her waist to loosen.

"I do love, but there is a difference between unruly and mad," Killian quipped, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Cordelia couldn't help but laugh as she tapped Ladon, signalling him to lift his front leg and allow the two riders on his back to descend onto solid ground. "The view of the ocean from up above is truly breathtaking," she remarked to Killian.

"I feel much more comfortable and secure observing the sea from the safety of my boat," Killian replied. He was the first to dismount from the dragon and, once on solid ground, extended his hand to assist Cordelia in her descent.

"It becomes second nature after a while. I've been soaring through the skies on Ladon for quite a few years now," she said, offering a grateful smile as she stood before him again. "On our initial attempt, I tumbled off, and during our second attempt, there was a moment of panic, and he inadvertently set me alight as I was stepping onto his leg."

Killian's eyebrows shot up in surprise as he exclaimed, "He set you on fire? How are you...?"

"Alive?" Cordelia finished. "Luckily for me, I can't be set on fire. There's some kind of magic coursing through my veins that acts as a protective shield against anything dragon-related," flashing him a broad, charming grin as she explained.

"Ah, is that why you don't flinch whenever one of your dragons breathes fire?" Killian suddenly moved closer to Cordelia, their faces almost touching. The intensity of his gaze made her heart race as he whispered, "Can you feel the warmth of my breath against your face?"

"I hardly even feel the warmth from fire, but if the conditions were just right," Cordelia rose on her tippy toes so that their noses were almost touching, "I can feel warmth on other parts of my body." She teased with a mischievous wink and a playful grin before sauntering away, leaving Killian to audibly express his frustration at the sudden end of their physical connection. As he hurried to catch up with Cordelia, he matched her pace as she let out a shrill whistle.

"You've got to stop teasing me, woman," he whispered.

Cordelia chuckled. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Dratini chirped gently as she descended from the sky and landed gracefully on her mother's shoulder. "Hello, sweetheart. I hope you had a wonderful time exploring the outskirts of the forest," Cordelia remarked with a soft smile. Dratini responded with more melodic sounds, prompting Cordelia to pout playfully. "Did you miss your older brother? I'm sure he'd appreciate your attention right now." In response, Dratini perked up, nestled affectionately against her mother's neck, and then elegantly soared back to where Cordelia and Killian had left Ladon.

"Your love for your children is a remarkable thing to witness," Killian said softly.

Cordelia turned to him, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "I didn't know you had a soft spot for mothers, love," she remarked.

Killian's lips curved into a teasing smirk. "Only one," he replied with a hint of warmth in his eyes.

Cordelia turned her head and gazed down at the village below, feeling a faint warmth spread across her cheeks. The playful banter with Killian always made her smile, but this time, his words had an unexpected effect on her. "So, captain, what's our next move?"

"About that..." Cordelia turned to Killian, her brow furrowing in confusion, only to find the pirate grinning at her with warmth in his eyes. "Sail with me," he said, his voice low and compelling.

She arched an eyebrow in surprise. "Pardon?"

With a gentle grip, Killian took hold of Cordelia's hands as best as he could with the one he had, his touch firm yet tender. "Join me and my crew on a voyage, and I'll show you the wonders of the entire kingdom and beyond." His captivating blue eyes sparkled as he spoke, drawing Cordelia into his earnest gaze.

"But my dragons..."

Killian chuckled softly. "They can come along. I can't guarantee that your male dragon will fit on my ship, but he can fly alongside us. I'll ensure that we have enough food for them, and I'll help take care of 'em. We can embark on an epic journey together."

Cordelia's face lit up with a wide grin. All she had ever desired was to explore new places, and with this charismatic pirate standing before her, offering her the adventure of a lifetime, she couldn't find a single reason to refuse. "Are you being serious?

"You've gone on about your desire to travel, but you've only ever taken to the skies," he remarked. "I believe it's time you experience it my way and remain on the ground and the sea."

Cordelia beamed and nodded eagerly, clutching his hand firmly. "Then yes, absolutely yes." She turned to Ladon, who was seated a few paces behind. "What do you think, Ladon?" The dragon responded with a mighty roar, and Cordelia chuckled. "He seems thrilled, as long as there are sheep or pigs for him and Dratini to feast on."

Killian joined in the laughter. "Don't worry, Ladon, we'll make sure to provide whatever you need." Ladon let out a satisfied groan and settled back down behind them, ignoring the persistent prodding of his younger sister who playfully poked him with her nose and emitted small bursts of fire against his skin.

"Thank you," Cordelia said with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up as she looked at Killian.

He responded with a smile of his own, his eyes twinkling with an affection he hadn't felt in over a hundred years. "No problem at all, your Majesty."

Despite Luna's initial decision to stay behind, she found herself waiting just outside the elevator in the clock tower with Emma and Regina, preparing to confront her mother. Anticipation hung in the air as they stood moments away from encountering Maleficent in her fire-breathing dragon form. Luna knew that Emma, unfamiliar with facing such danger in their world, would need all the support she could get.

Luna anxiously paced behind Regina as she prepared the elevator, and Emma turned to face the woman with a puzzled expression. "When was the last time you saw your mother?"

"Besides the twenty-eight years being stuck in this town? The last time I saw my mother I was seven, seventy years prior to the curse," Luna replied.

Emma's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, you're seventy?"

"Try seventy-seven," Luna said with a cheeky grin. "Down there, she'll be in her dragon form. That's the curse that Regina placed upon her," she explained.

Emma nodded. "Dragon. Got it."

"Well, get ready to confront one," Regina remarked, gesturing towards the open elevator. "Step inside."

Emma looked between the two women and suggested, "Why don't you both go and talk to her? After all, you're her daughter, and you're her friend."

"She doesn't want to hear from me. You have to trust me on that," Regina told her.

"And my mother hates me," Luna also spoke. "I'm going down to help distract her so you can stab her heart, and you better do it before she eats me because I don't have my magic or dragons with me."

Emma nodded. "Okay, we'll head down there. But let's be clear about something your majesty," Both Luna and Regina turned to look at each other in question and Emma sighed. "Regina. The only reason you're not dead is because I need your help to save Henry. If he dies, so do you."

"Well, then, let's get on with it."

Luna and Emma descended in the elevator to the basement, travelling over a hundred meters below the towering building, and readied themselves for what lay ahead. Luna stretched lightly, anticipating the physical demands of facing a dragon, while Emma nervously gripped her father's sword. "Emma, you're already a badass without a sword. Just imagine how incredible you'll be with one in your hands."

"What's it like there, in your land?" Emma asked hesitantly.

"Well, the Enchanted Forest is a never-ending expanse of trees, for one," Luna said with a soft chuckle. "Many villages, a couple of castles, no modern technology of course. Every fairytale character you've ever read about lives in the land or other neighbouring realms. The presence of magic is everywhere, but only those with it in their blood or cursed with it can learn to harness it. It's very different from here, and if you ever get to visit, you'll likely struggle but definitely learn to love it."

"And what are my...ah...parents like?"

Luna laughed softly. "I've had to bail both of them out of trouble more than once, but they're truly incredible people and everyone adores them, especially your mother. And they're both pretty tough and skilled, even Snow, although they don't really portray that side of her in the movies."

Emma was shocked. "Snow White's a badass?"

"Oh yeah."

The elevator stopped at the bottom, and as the doors opened, a vast, open cave stretched before them. In the centre of the cave, Snow White's glass coffin lay, where she slept after falling victim to the sleeping curse from the poisoned apple. Stepping out into the cavern, the two women scanned the area, searching for Maleficent. Suddenly, the ground trembled, and then, a pair of piercing green eyes materialised before them, followed by the appearance of a massive black dragon.

"Whoa, are dragons usually this big?" Emma inquired, taking a cautious step back.

"She's not so bad," Luna reassured her. "My dragons were much larger."

Luna started to move away from Emma, aiming to draw her mother's attention and create an opportunity for Emma to launch her attack. Suddenly, a gunshot pierced the air. Emma unleashed a barrage of gunfire at Maleficent, very epically failing to take her down. "Emma, that won't work, not with a monster from my world!" Luna exclaimed, trying to reason with her friend.

"In my world, it does!" Emma yelled back, her voice filled with determination and defiance.

"And when have you ever gone up against a dragon in your world?" Luna asked sceptically. "Get the sword and get behind that rock. I've got this!" Emma locked eyes with Luna, a silent understanding passing between them, before swiftly nodding and dashing towards the safety of the rock, ready to support her friend in any way she could.

Luna desperately fled from Emma and frantically waved her arms to catch Maleficent's attention. "Hey, Mother, remember me?" she shouted as the dragon turned towards her, locking her glowing green eyes with Luna's bright blue ones. "I may look a little different without my platinum blonde hair." The dragon emitted a low growl, gradually bringing her head closer to Luna. "Yes, Mother, it's me, Cordelia," Luna continued. Suddenly, Maleficent released a loud roar and unleashed a stream of fire straight at her.

"Luna!" Emma called out in alarm. Luna had no chance to dodge the attack, so she prepared for what seemed like her impending doom at the hands of her mother. To everyone's astonishment, the fire did not affect Luna. Instead of being harmed, her body began to emit a radiant orange glow, as if she was somehow absorbing the fire directed towards her.

Luna's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself gazing into the glowing emerald eyes of her mother, and a laugh escaped her lips. "Hard to believe you fancy yourself a dragon, Maleficent, when you can't even kill a single life with your flames!" A swift glance towards Emma communicated a silent understanding that it was time for her to prepare to face the dragon. "Rumplestiltskin desired me for my power. He had no regard for you or your desires. He knew you had forfeited the most powerful being in your life." Maleficent let out a roar as Luna shook her head. "No, mother. You may be able to transform into a dragon, but you will never be known as the Queen of Dragons! Emma!"

Maleficent slowly turned her head, her eyes filled with fury, as Emma tightly gripped her sword. With a swift and determined motion, Emma hurled her sword directly towards Maleficent's chest. The sharp blade pierced through Maleficent's skin, causing her to let out a deafening roar of pain before collapsing onto the ground. As the dust settled, a mysterious puff of smoke enveloped the area, and a glimmering golden egg lay where Maleficent once stood. The two women cautiously approached the egg, and Emma carefully picked it up.

"You alright?" She asked Luna.

Luna nodded. "Yeah. I've been wanting to have words with my mother for a while now."

Emma smiled and then hugged Luna, and they both burst into laughter. "So, you're the Queen of Dragons, huh?"

Luna grinned and held her arms out. "One and only. Now, let's go save your boy."

The two women retreated into the elevator and gestured for Regina to pull it back up. However, as they ascended, the elevator abruptly shook and came to a halt. Luna squinted and peered upward. "Regina! What was that?! Regina!"

Gold's face came into view. "Miss Swan? Cordelia? You've got it?"

Both Emma and Luna frowned. "Yeah, we got it."

"How was reconciling with your mother?" He asked.

Luna chuckled. "It was amazing."

"Mr. Gold? What are you doing here?" Emma asked.

"I've come to check on you," Mr. Gold said. "I'm glad I did. Regina abandoned you and sabotaged the elevator."

Luna raised her eyebrows. "What? I'm coming up!"

Gold shook his head. "No, there's...there's no time for this. You can't possibly scale the wall and carry that."

"I can try," Emma told him.

Gold continued. "No, you can't, just toss it up. Your boy's gonna be fine. I promise. We're running out of time, toss it up."

"Emma, let me do it," Luna told her.

"No, no, it's fine," she told her. "Okay. You hold on to it. We'll be right up." Emma tossed the egg up, and Gold walked away. "Mr. Gold? Gold!"

Luna sighed. "I knew he'd do that. Now give me a second."

Luna gripped the top of the elevator tightly, using all her strength to pull herself up. With determination, she began to ascend the elevator shaft, each movement fueled by a surge of newfound strength and stamina that she hadn't experienced in nearly three decades. In what seemed like mere moments, she effortlessly reached the top and hoisted herself up to safety, only to come face-to-face with a tied-up Regina and Gold in the doorway.

Luna made eye contact with Mr Gold. "You should probably find your girls. Something's about to hit Storybrooke." And then he walked out.

"Emma? Climb up a bit and give me your hand!" Luna called down to her.

Emma climbed up the wall as much as possible and grabbed Luna's hand. The woman helped Emma up and out of the shaft, and Luna quickly brushed down her pants and let out a loud huff. "Good to see I've still got my strength and skills. Probably should've tested it out beforehand, though."

"Regina?" Emma asked and hurried to untie the woman.

"He tricked you! How could you give him that? How could you let him get away?" Regina asked Emma and Luna.

"Where is he?" Emma asked.

"Gone. Gold. He manipulated all of this."

"Come on, he can't be that far!" The women began to hurry when Emma and Regina's phones simultaneously began to ring. "It's the hospital."

AUTHORS NOTE
And that's the end of act one!!
Don't forget to like and comment. I love reading your comments and knowing what you think about what I've written so far and some of my ideas! Killian will be joining Storybrooke next act, and I can't wait to see my Luna/Cordelia interact with her soulmate after over 30 years without him :')
Pheebs/-rosepetal