Forest of Fireflies

Chapter 63

(Daniella's POV)

I tried to maintain an expressionless face as the woman screamed. In a small moment of self doubt, I extinguished the flames and gave my fingers a little flex. The woman panted and slowly looked up at me. I stepped towards her after gaining my composure. It was mother who spoke behind me, "Did you think that my daughter's done so soon? No. Daniella's got more to show you, peasant."

My heart hammered and I felt something pull at my stomach. Would mother in Storybrooke approve? I mean, they're the same person aren't they?  
I grimaced inwardly before raising my hand towards the woman. She clutched at her throat, trying to pry the invisible grip of my magic. I turned my hand to face the floor and the woman followed, bending down to bow in front of us. When I released my grip, her face had turned a ghastly colour. She took a deep, much needed breath. Then, I gave my mother a glance. She'll be proud of you, just finish the woman!

The room was silent. I imagined my mother in the same place as me. Just like she would have, I stepped towards the woman who inched away slightly. Then, I bent over and with a snarl, started to squeeze the heart. The woman withered. I was prepared for every action she took. Afterall, I had seen from the best. She clawed at her chest and in her final moments, her eyes bulged as they pleaded into mine. She'll be proud of you. Just kill her!
The woman slumped before me. I opened my palm and let the fine powder fall over her matted hair.

To my surprise, it was Maleficent who was the first to speak. It reminded me that she was actually there for I had long forgotten about her.  Maleficent approached the slumped body with a finger on her lip. "This one's going to show the new generation what magic really looks like-"

Mother's silky voice replied firmly, "I know what you're thinking. You're not using her for whatever your mission is right now."

Using me? I inched towards mother who dismissed the court. As they filed out rather quickly, Maleficent grinned and bade us a goodbye. "I do hope you change your mind on that, Regina. She could help us defeat the heroes. She could bring us victory."

Mother placed her arm around me. I looked up and saw that she was glaring at Maleficent. "The answer's no. My daughter isn't a pawn to use at your disposal."

"Well that's a disappointment. But I'm sure you'll come around-"
Maleficent dodged the fireball thrown at her with a chuckle. Then, she disappeared in a cloud of purple and green smoke. As the final wisps of smoke cleared, I let myself frown and think over what had happened.

I turned back to my mother and smiled meekly. She buried me into her so I replied, "You liked it?"

There was a short pause. "Does the Evil Queen give praises often?"

I grinned and started in a small voice, "Don't tell yourself that you're evil. You're my mama and if you love me, it doesn't make you heartless."

I felt mother's hand rub my back. "How can I ever let you go? You've already come too far into my life."

"But you have to, everything that has happened yesterday and today wasn't meant to happen. If you let this continue, it'll change the future and since I'm from the future...well I don't know what would happen to me," I blurted quickly.

Mother sighed. Suddenly, at the corner of my eyes, I caught something strange. The suit of armour at one side of the room didn't seem to be standing by itself. I squinted and was surprised to see Henry hiding behind the armour. I couldn't see his face clearly but my heart plummeted. Had he witnessed...
Henry must have realised that I caught him spying for he stepped out. There were tears in his eyes.

I parted from my mother as the shock kicked in, but he backed away. My voice wavered, "Henry?"

"NO, DON'T! Don't come any closer-"