disclaimer: I do not own the vampire diaries or once upon a time or any of the characters involved. I just own this plot bunny

prelude

Regina Mills was many things; firstly, she was a queen. She had not ruled with beauty or grace, but with fear and torture. She was the mayor of a sleepy little town that she had created and ruled for twenty-eight years. She was also a mother; stepmother to the infamous Snow White, adopted mother of Henry and mother to a daughter. And lastly, she was furious. And hell hath no fury like a woman hell-bent on finding her son.

Hence why she was in Neverland of all places. Neverland, a place where children never grew up but became savage and cruel followers of a man named Peter Pan. He reigned over the land with a touch that Regina could almost admire; he too ruled with fear but also manipulation. She wanted to roll her eyes, manipulating children was something she wouldn't do. That was a page for her mother.

The witch almost shuddered at the though of her. Cora had not been mother of the year, let alone Regina's lifetime. She was cruel, power driven and saw only what needs would fit her.

"Regina," she paused and looked up at Emma. The blonde was looking at her funny, almost as if she was trying to get whatever words she wanted to say out. Even her stepdaughter and her ridiculous husband were staring at her funny.

"What are you all looking at? Is there something wrong with my face?"

Snow cleared her throat. "Regina, look behind you."

The Evil Queen shook her head. "If this is some stupid prank to get back at me for all the wrong I've done, I swear, I will end each and every one of you."

"Child, turn yourself around right now."

Regina stilled. That voice. Why was she here? But that would mean something was wrong? Something had happened to her. Regina felt a tightening in her stomach as she turned around and stood before a ghostly figure. The woman had to be no older than her sixties, with brown hair and green eyes. She smiled at the younger woman, who stood before her in shock.

"Now that's much better."

"Shelia," Regina whispered. "You...you're..."

"Dead, child. Yes, I've been dead for almost two years now." Shelia said with a sad smile. "I was hoping to find you and Henry here as well. But I see you haven't found him yet."

Emma perked up at the mention of her son. This woman-this ghost- she knew him? Who was she and what relation did she have to Regina?

"I don't understand," Regina said, confusion in her tone. "If you're here, then where's Rudy?"

"He's safe," Shelia said with a sigh. "Unfortunately, he can't do spells like you or I anymore. But that's not why I'm here. It's about my grandbaby. She needs you Regina. Now more than ever."

Regina shook her head. "I can't just leave Henry. She's old enough to handle whatever this is."

"Afraid not, child. This time, she's going to need her mother with her. And that no good imp as well. If anyone came bring her back to some balance, it's you two." Shelia said. She waved her hand and before the group could say anything, they were greeted by an shocked Rumple and Neal.

"Your Majesty, what in the world is going on?" Rumple asked, intrigued to see the group of wayward rescuers. He watched as his son made his way over Emma, checking her for injuries and if she was okay. But the imp's eyes landed on an old face. He gave a chuckle as he addressed her. "Well, as I live and breathe, Shelia Bennett. What could have possibly done you in? Too many wicked bloodsuckers?"

"I'm not here for your gull, Rumpelstiltskin." Shelia said. "You and Regina are needed in Mystic Falls."

Rumple nodded. As interesting as trip to Mystic Falls would be, he had busy to attend to in Neverland. "Sorry dearie, but I have other matters to attend to. I'm sure the Wicked Princess can handle herself."

"Bonnie isn't who she once was." Shelia said. "My grandbaby needs help. She needs her tutor and she definitely needs her mother." She directed that last statement towards Regina, venom spiking her tone. "She already lost me, and that no good stepmother of hers is in transition. She needs you, Regina."

Regina laughed. Bonnie finally needed her? Bonnie couldn't even remember who her real mother was. After Rudy made it painstakingly clear he wanted nothing to do with Regina's thirst for vengeance against Snow and all the pain she had caused her, he had taken Bonnie with him back to Mystic Falls. He had remarried when their little girl was barely six years old. And to make matters worse, he placed a spell on her to make her forget Regina, to forget Henry.

Her heart had shattered that day.

"She doesn't need me."

"She needs her mother. Abby left her, Regina." Regina knew why she felt the sudden urge to rip Abigail Wilson's heart out, but she crushed that feeling down. "Go to her, please. I'll stay behind and help look for Henry, just until you're gotten my baby girl back on her feet."

Rumple hummed. "As cute as that is, her Majesty and I are needed here."

The elder witch's face pinched into one of anger. "You two always were stubborn," she retorted and called upon her magic. Emma felt a shiver run down her spine. This magic was different from hers and Regina's. It felt like it came from all around her and she watched as Regina and Rumple began to fade away.

Shelia stood before them, "Come along, they'll return before you all find Henry."

"Where did they go?" Charming asked.

"To help my grandbaby." Shelia said and her tone left no room for anything else. "Now come along."