Chapter Text
The heroes had departed to the Underworld. Going off to resurrect Killian Jones. Storybrooke was for now at peace. After everything that happened, the town finally felt good to have a break from a world-ending threat. Lily and Mulan especially appreciated that, depending on spending quality time together. Away from prying eyes. They finally had time to let out all their pent up feelings. It had been a whole day since the town was back to normal, little did everyone know. There was a new set of dangers on the horizon.
Though for now it wasn’t a problem. At this moment in time, Lily and Mulan were having a date night. At a pleasant restaurant, like a normal couple in a very not normal town.
Both ladies weren’t the most typical people around. They didn’t care and that’s all that mattered. Despite it being a formal place and them wearing delicate dresses, which for both of them was a new way of dressing, they still ate less than expected. Inhaling partly while having their normal conversations. Ignoring the rest of the world.
“This is so good! I’m so happy mom’s rich!” Lily brazenly admitted out loud. It wasn't like anyone could threaten them. A dragon and a warrior.
Mulan laughed at Lily’s comment. She smiled at the sight of her dragon having a face full of food and pleased as could be. “Remember to chew. Your mouth can’t breathe fire. It can’t do that right? I think kissing you might be a little dangerous.” She joked.
It got a snarky grin out of Lily who leaned forward across the table. Moved in for a single purpose. “Do you want to plant a kiss and find out? It’d make me a fiery kisser, no?”
Mulan was more than happy to oblige with that idea, giving Lily a kiss on the lips. “You are most certainly a fiery dragon and dangerous. Only in the most loving ways.” She said with her kind caring voice as she touched Lily’s face. “I love you, Lily Page.”
That brought a huge smile to Lily’s face. All over she lit up. “And I love you, Mulan. You are the only one I can imagine spending my life with.” Those words still meant a lot to Lily, to mean it. Being cursed she never imagined being able to allow herself to picture this life. One that could be stolen away. Given the track record in Lily’s wake, she still half expected it all to burn to the ground.
Only for now, it hasn't.
The two embraced and felt right. Being in each other's presence, those fears faded to gray. This was a good night for them, as had been the last two weeks. Everything felt right. Perfect for them. Though not all was perfect in the town of Storybrooke. Nor in their lives apart from each other.
Lily still had trauma left over after the encounter with The Dark One, Nimue. Part of her was still trapped in the dread of her presence. Echoes remained. All those insecurities were brought out. She reached deep inside and left a mark. Let alone all her unresolved issues from her life before coming here.
And then there was Mulan. She had promised to help protect the town while without its primary heroes. So far so good. Alas it could always change for better or worse. Then of course there was still the matter of those from Camelot. It was her duty to help them as well.
Even with it all, they'd have each other. Always. And their beautiful dresses of course. Lily’s being easier to take off, which they'd be keen on finding out first hand shortly.
Across town, Maleficent was sitting at home. Looking through books during the downtime. With Regina’s permission she had been looking at spells. She had hoped to regain her magical abilities. Even if not to become a dragon once more, she wanted to at least understand how magic worked once more. It’s been so long since she needed to practice, that natural talent no longer remained to her sorrow. Gone to save herself. She almost wondered in her private moments if it was a worthwhile sacrifice. What was life without magic? Without being a dragon?
Helping with her task and trying really hard to get on her good side was Zorro. He was trying to keep his mouth shut and was most of all trying to be seen as someone worthy of being redeemable. Along with getting Lily to give him the time of day. Thus far, that wasn’t quite happening yet.
As Maleficent looked through the books, she did reflect on her time with Regina. Missing her greatly. Spending time in her home made her nostalgic of their short-lived romance. Both certainly wondered, what if? They had a missed opportunity, wrong time and place. Had Regina known about Lily, it might’ve all changed. It wasn’t like the door was permanently shut however. Matters could always change.
All Maleficent hoped was that she was doing okay in The Underworld. Nobody knew how it was going. The more time that passed, the worse the concern was that the unthinkable had happened. That they weren’t coming back. She wished to talk about this with Lily, but she was doing a great job of avoiding her feelings of worry for those she loved. Compartmentalization came naturally to the young dragon. Unsurprisingly.
A knock at the door came and she could tell how it was. Diego. She reluctantly opened the door allowing him in. “What do you want?”
“To say hello Maleficent! Is that so wrong?” He replied in a playful way and looked for a seat. Then waited for permission. Knowing to stay on her good side.
“Sit.” She motioned with a wave of her hand and stared back down at the book she was reading. Disappointment was clearly present. Feasting away.
He clicked his tongue. “Trying to find a way to become a dragon again?”
“No.” Maleficent snapped and picked up the book. “I am just trying to find a way to have any semblance of magic again.” The explanation sounded to be a pain inducing subject, which made sense for him.
The former false hero lowered his head. Felt some responsibility for what happened given the violent confrontation they had before in their first meeting. It certainly didn’t help the state she was already in at that time. “Can I offer any assistance? It’s the least I can do.”
Mal raised her head and her eyebrows. “And what do you get out of it?”
“Helping the mother, err one of the mothers of my daughter. Our daughter. I figure I’ve got a long way before any of you trust me. Sí?” He said the last part in Spanish. That part of him kept coming out. Not that Mal minded, she enjoyed other languages. And Lily taught her some words, like simple ones like that one. The man moved his fingers to motion her to hand over the book wishing to take a look. “I believe I’m the only one in town who knows magic now.”
“Lily does.” Mal groaned at what came next out of her mouth. “An amateur. And I can barely teach her all she needs to know. WIth a proper teacher and discipline she could be a rather powerful young woman.”
Diego went to open his mouth, but Mal gave an unamused look. So he got the hint to close it again.
The former dragon stood up with a hefty sigh. “I am disappointed that the only dragon in her life now is you.”
“Hurtful.”
“Truthful.” Maleficent retorted with an eye roll. “You tried to kill her. And she tried to kill you. Not exactly a stable relationship to teach with. As much in fairness as you said, you are trying.”
“It'll take time, yes. I know.” He answered quickly and frowned. “At least she has you and that warrior woman. To watch over her.” Diego said in an uncharacteristically genuine way.
The two were having a decent understanding with each other. And would continue talking.
In the meantime, after everything with Nimue there were still leftovers in the town of Storybroke. Something that primarily fell onto Mulan to solve. And Lily was around too, mostly just wanting to be around her true love. Didn’t care much about what was happening with all the other folks, given it was where Nimue came from.
Not that she shared this reasoning with anyone.
The two were walking around the encampment, finding The Lady of The Lake helping around the campsite. Helping those who were freed from what King Arthur had done to them. That included his wife.
“Hello, how are you holding up Queen Guinevere?” The warrior kindly asked upon finding her helping some of the citizens of her kingdom.
The queen looked with uncertainty. “Not an easy question to answer. My husband messed with my mind. Violated me. My wishes. Turned me into a puppet.”
“He’s a dick.” Lily bluntly added and decided to back out of the conversation after adding this point.
Mulan and Guinevere carried on ignoring that on the outside, though for the warrior it gave her a laugh on the inside.
“What will you do now?” Mulan asked with interest, partly as she was the most capable of protecting the town. It was her duty to keep its citizens safe. To keep everyone comfortable until the others returned. A job she wished to be exceptionally well. It was one she was capable of doing.
Guinevere had a look of doubt. “Lead my people I suppose, but the question would be how could I? It was supposed to be Arthur who ruled.”
“Not everything foretold does end up happening.” Mulan replied with a soft voice of support for her. Reaching out to offer a tap on the shoulder.
The queen accepted and looked grateful for the gesture. “I wish there was a clear pathway forward. We can't stay here. The Lady of The Lake offered to bring us home. Though she believes it might take weeks of concentrating her magic to do so.”
“I see. A complicated predicament." Mulan softly said, trying to think of a way to help. “Perhaps you need the support of a loved one.” Her eyes looked in the direction of Lancelot.
The queen bit her lip. “I don't know, it's complicated. Given all that's occurred. How could he forgive me?”
“It seems he has.” Answered Mulan with a cheerful tone. One that faded slowly. “It wasn't your choice to turn your back on him. Choice was ripped away.”
That wasn’t something she could argue with. She gave a nod of agreement. It wasn’t easy for her to accept that as true. The reality of the situation that transpired was deire.
Mulan recognized how hard it was on the woman. Seeing her clenched up. Uncomfortable. “I can leave you alone just consider. I'm sure Lancelot will be understanding. He's a good man.”
The queen gave a slow nod. That wasn't something she could disagree with. It was the reason she fell in love with him. Due to him being every Arthur wasn’t, primarily being a good man. One who would do the right thing.
As the warrior went off, she found Lily waiting for her. Looking bored out of her mind standing around. Her face lit up upon seeing her great love. “I know this is important work, but I really do hate being away from you.” Lily said and wrapped her arms around her.
“I'm worried you might have separation anxiety.” Mulan admitted with some genuine concern to her words.
Lily looked unbothered. “So what. I just can't keep my hands off you. Is that so bad?” She pondered for a moment after this. “Say, where did you learn that term anyways? Doesn't seem like something you would pick up in fairytale land.”
With a nod of agreement Mulan looked primed and ready to answer. “Emma and Regina told me. Before they left. I didn't see what they meant, but I'm starting to see it now.”
“Right.” Lily replied, not fully sure how to feel about that. Still, they left the area with their hands locked together. The plan was to carry on with their day and that was exactly what they were going to do. Only, someone was watching them. A face from out of town.
In the camp, the queen who wanted to protect Camelot didn’t take long to listen to the words said by Mulan. Knowing where the warrior was coming from. And knowing she was a wise woman from her travels. So, she went to see Lancelot.
The knight was with his two mothers, speaking with them until she started to approach. He respectfully bowed. “Guinevere. It's good to see you.” He said politely to her, keeping his head down.
“Please. Rise.” Guinevere replied with a hand on his shoulder as his eyes slowly went up. “That’s not necessary."
A gentle head shake came from him. “I disagree. You are a queen and deserve the utmost respect. Regardless, you deserve the best.”
Guinevere looked uncertain about this, but was slowly accepting it. He truly cared without conditions. “After what I did. Abandoning you? What respect did I deliver you?”
“That wasn’t a choice.” He firmly said, like Mulan had predicted. “It was forced upon you by Aruther. What could you have done differently?”
Her throat had a lump in it as she struggled to talk. “I could’ve fought harder.”
“You couldn't have, you gave everything to fight back. I know it.” He said with assurance a calm care that was appreciated.
The two embraced after that was said. Their relationship didn’t need healing, it only needed for them to see each other again. All those feelings were returning. The love they shared, that was starting to blossom. They were ready again to pick up where they left off. Without anyone standing in their way, no longer.
A few hours had passed with the young dragon and the warrior. With them primarily walking around town making sure everything was in order. It was Mulan who did this. And she was good at it.
Lily was able to see the joy, the pride on her warrior’s face. She decided to comment on it. Keeping her snark on a leash. “It’s great that helping people makes you happy.” She said this as ernest as she possibly could.
The love of her life saw this and appreciated the words. “Yes, I think this position of being a protector of the town. It suits me. Feels right.”
“That’s great. And I’m happy for you!” Lily exclaimed with a cheerful smile on her face.
Mulan raised an eyebrow. “I sense a but.”
The young dragon frowned and shook her head. “There is no but. Okay, maybe a little. Only that I want to spend more time together! I’m selfish.”
She looked back with understanding. Not surprised to hear this. And gave a look of getting what her dragon was going though. Again, that of which Emma and Regina mentioned. Warned about was rearing its head. “Time apart can be good too.”
“Ah yes, of course. So I can spend time with my mother? The one still here. Certainly not my father cause I’d kill him. Perhaps anyone else in town? All the people I frighten cause I’m a dragon and had a freaking witch haunting me. Tormenting me. I doubt anyone would want to be my friend.” Lily expressed in a matter of fact way. Stating all of it as an undeniable truth. One she didn’t wish to cower from.
Only of course, Mulan, ever the brighter hopeful woman compared to Lily gave a look. One that said as her hands met her hips to make her consider changing her perspective. To try looking at it differently. Like her friend Ruby and her red curly haired friend had done before. Both being great helps.
Lily looked sure of herself. Crossing her arms. Almost acting like a child. “What makes you think I’d get along with anyone? It’s not like I was good at making friends before!”
“That attitude won’t help.” She replied and looked over her shoulder. Seeing a fairy coming over. Tinker Bell. The two had recently started to become friends. It turned out the fairies weren’t too keen on helping, well. That isn’t true. Almost all of them did. It was Blue who forbade getting involved wanting to stay out of the trouble going on. She was just like that and nobody seemed to call her out. Yet. Not that anyone had time with all the chaos in town.
Nonetheless, Mulan was happy to see her new friend who was helping out with keeping a watchful eye on the town. She had been a great help lately. “Happy to have found you Mulan! And oh hi Lily.” She turned back to her attention on the matter at hand. Not fully loving Lily. The two seemed to have conflicting personalities. “There was something I wanted to bring your attention to. I heard reports there is a stranger in town. Asking a lot of questions. A young woman. Around both of your ages.”
“How can you be certain? You're somewhere between 25 and 200 plus right?” Lily said with some serious snark in her voice. Letting it all out on Tinker Bell, who she found partly amusing being that fairy she saw a lot growing up. Only real.
“I can’t tell if that’s an insult or a compliment. You should try to clear that up next time.” Tinker Bell quipped back. Ready for whatever Lily had to dish out.
Mulan looked at both of them to knock it off. “What about this stranger Tinker Bell? Do they seem like a threat?”
The blonde fairy shrugged. “Still figuring that one out.” She reached into her pocket. “There was something else actually, only I’m unsure if there is anything we can do. I received a message.”
“From Emma and my cranky mom?” Lily questioned not letting her finish talking.
Tink crossed her arms looking a bit antsy. “I haven’t heard anything about them. No news can be good news though. Right?” She cleared her throat and carried on. “It was from Ruby and I suppose a new friend of hers. From the land of Oz.”
“Where my insane aunt was sent, great.” Lily muttered under her breath as Tinker Bell triggered the magical message. It was written on paper that was somehow sent across realms. It was unmistakably Ruby’s hand writing.
Mulan! I hope this message reaches you well, I heard you were in Storybrooke. I arrived in Oz not long ago to find my pack, I met this kind beauty of a woman named Dorothy. I’ve been helping her lately and she’s assisted me in finding my pack. Long story short, everything was good until Zelena reappeared. The Wicked Witch. She’s after Dorothy, and has a score to settle apparently. And needs something from her. In turn, she’s declared war on us and the resistance Dorothy had built up with her absence. If you can, please get everyone you can. We need support. I’m not sure how much longer we can fend her off! And please, tell my grandmother I miss her. And I think of her everyday.
Your friend,
Ruby.
With a gasp Mulan looked up with great worry coming over her. “Do we have any magic beans left!? She needs help!”
Tink bit her lip. “No, we don’t. Not that I know of. That’s why I was hesitant to let you know, there is no way to cross realms right now.”
“There must be!” Mulan declared and shook her head. Looking more desperate now. “She needs support! You read the latter clearly.”
“Of course and I wish there was a way. Ruby is one of the good ones. The only person who might know a way to crossover currently in town would be Lily’s father if I had to guess. The master thief right?”
Lily rolled her eyes. “He might be an idiot thief. You're making an assumption.” She groaned before continuing. “Though she might be right. Mom and that jerk might know some way to get to Oz. The wand my queen mom used still works. If anyone could use it. Daddy of the year could do it.”
“That’s great Lily!” Mulan replied with excitement and then winced. “Sorry. Him hurting your feelings isn’t great.”
Lily didn’t look bothered in the slightest. “It’s fine. As someone who says the wrong thing all the time, I get what you mean!”
As the two started to leave, Mulan went back to give Tinker Bell a hug. “Thanks for the assistance.”
“I only wish I could’ve done more. Having my power back would feel more worth it if I could offer more.” The blonde fairy looked over at Lily. “At least you have that pissed off dragon to help you out.” She whispered now. “Make sure to be careful around her, you know. Appearances can be deceiving. If she’s anything like Regina. Watch your back.”
That got a less than kind look from Mulan who backed off. She looked angry and left now with Lily. Not wanting to believe that. She knew her dragon. And she was positive beyond a doubt they had a love that would last.
Lily and Mulan went to the former Dragon’s home. Knew it was a safe bet to find the man they were looking for there.
The walk there was quiet, with only the sound of their heels hitting the sidewalk. It was not a long walk at the least. And the weather was consistently pleasant in town. Consistent. Perhaps it was just a Maine thing.
It was good enough for Lily to be walking around in her leather jacket. Playing with some of the buttons. Only half paying attention to what was in front of them. Figured her warrior would give a heads up if she was going to trip or bump into someone. A fair assumption for Lily’s part given she knew Mulan was hyper aware.
As they stepped up, Lily went to knock. Not noticing Mulan’s silence. Only really dreading seeing her father. And it was him who answered. “Oh. Mi Hija. Hello! I-”
“We need your help.” Lily bluntly cut him off. Her care of listening to the words out of his mouth were nonexistent.
He gave a look of understanding to this. He felt foolish for thinking it was a social visit, they weren’t there yet. Could never reach that point. The man held hope for a change however. “Of course. What is it?”
“My girlfriend has a friend in danger. And only we have a way to get there to help. Only someone wicked can use a wand which leads the way. So IE. You.”
Mal came over and moved Diego out of the way. Hugging her daughter. “You could’ve led with hello.”
“Hello mom. My girlfriend’s friend is going to die. Help please?” She said with some sass in her voice. Seeing Tinker Bell and her father didn’t make her feel in the most polite mood.
The former dragon’s eyes looked unhappy. “You're talking about the wand, right?” She bit her lip down and groaned in frustration. “Diego isn’t strong enough to use it. Even if he’s got a dark enough heart.”
Mulan poked her head in. “Is there anything that can be done?”
With guilt, knowing this wasn’t the answer the girls wanted to hear, she shook her head. “Unless there is a magic bean. I don’t see a way of crossing realms.”
Mulan looked to be thinking hard. Scanning over any options in her mind. One came to mind. A mystery that hadn’t been solved. One was promoted. “There was a stranger in town. Someone nobody saw before. I nearly let it slip by. Perhaps the timing is fortunate.”
“A visitor to a town nobody should know about can never be a fortunate occurrence.” Mal with a wise voice added.
As they discussed this, Lily felt like she already needed air. All this wasn’t going as planned. And it was aggravating. She didn’t even notice as a young woman slowly approached her. Waved in her face to get her attention.
“I’ve been looking for you.” The woman confidently said. Like she was pretty full of herself.
It wasn’t a quality that endeared Lily to her. “Who the hell are you? And what are you doing in my face?”
The young woman with her short brown hair kept smiling. Tapping her foot on the ground. She leaned to the side which made her purse sway alongside her. “Ah. I see a fire in you. That’s good. I was right to seek you out.”
“Seek me out? Why?” Asked The Young Dragon, having suspicions. Her eyes narrowed in closer on her. “Who even are you?”
The skinny white young girl’s big brown eyes lit up as she reached out her hand. “My name is Drizella. And yours is Lily Page. Daughter of two dragons and a queen. I have two thirds of that in common with you.”
“What?”
Drizella rolled her eyes in frustration. “What part of that wasn’t clear Lily? I’m a dragon, you're a dragon. And we have a great deal to talk about.” She said matter of fact with her face staying the exact same saying this.
Lily didn’t know what to say back to that. Only she knew, this was going to be the start of something troublesome.