Hey guys. Thanks to PixieDustDiamond for their fourth review and suggestion! I will include it but I seriously need you guys to review. I'm clueless to when I should wake Hope up and I only have a suggestion for Red Handed. But this chapter is a sign that she will be waking up, I just need to know when you guys think I should. I'm pretty happy with this chapter and this is one of the three episodes I missed in season 1(the other two being Hat Trick and The Stable Boy. I also missed the beginning of Skin Deep which I didn't like at all, the fact that I missed the beginning not the episode. I loved Belle!) Anyway, enjoy and please, please, PLEASE review or I'll have to set a review goal and the last time I did that, I had to do an author's note chapter and those aren't fun to delete because then if you reviewed the new chapter and it's the same number as the other chapter then you can't review. Here's Fruit of the Poisonous Tree. Enjoy!
I opened my eyes and heard,
"Morning Hope." I turned and smiled at Red who was waiting for me.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"It's time to go see if Snow's back." Red explained. I smiled and got up. I put on a red dress, flats and a rose in my braid when Red said, "I've got surprises for you." I looked up.
"Really?" I asked. Red smiled,
"Really. Come on." She led me to the living room and handed me a satchel.
"I already have a satchel." I said and showed her mine. I got it from Mother when I left Briar Rose.
"I know." Red rolled her eyes, "I just needed something to put it in." I smiled and opened the satchel. I took out a red cloak. It wasn't bright like Red's. It was subtle and the color of a rose.
"I love it." I smiled and put it on. I put the hood up and brought my hair forward to let it fall out.
"Your second surprise is outside." Red said and led me outside. I gasped. Outside, there was a brown horse. She was the most beautiful horse I've ever seen. She had a light brown coat and a light mane. I walked up to her slowly, unsure if she'd stay or run. "She's yours." Red smiled, "Her name's Ginger."
"I love her." I smiled at Red and hopped on Ginger. Red decided to walk beside Ginger. I clicked my tongue 3 times and Ginger began to walk. As we walked, I asked Red, "Snow said she helped you out when nobody else would. What happened?" Red looked up at me and I saw tears brimming in her eyes.
"I found Snow stealing eggs in our barn and she called herself Mary. We went to my well and found it a deep red and the bodies of the hunting party that was trying to kill a wolf near it. Later, at a town meeting, Granny told everyone her encounter with a wolf and how it killed her huge father and six brothers. After that, Snow and I decided to kill the wolf so we tracked it and the foot prints led to my window. We thought it was Peter, a boy I loved, and Snow convinced me to talk to him. She took my cloak and I went to see Peter. He chained himself to a tree and the moon rose. I turned into the wolf and killed Peter without a second thought. Snow and Granny came and changed me back. I was horrified and Snow took me away. She saved me from the hunting party and later I saved her from my mother while protecting her. She's my family." Red now had tears falling. I stopped Ginger and got off. I stared up at Red and said,
"You saved my cousin. You are no monster Red. I know you would protect any member of my family because you're that kind of person. You fight for the ones you love." Red smiled and I reached up and wiped her tears. "Come on." I smiled and climbed back on Ginger.
Days later, we returned to the clearing and as we approached, I heard,
"Snow?" I recognized the voice. It was a voice I thought I'd never hear again.
"Charming?" I called and clicked my tongue twice. Ginger trotted into the field and Red followed. Sure enough, there was Charming wearing a cloak, red scarf and his usual outfit.
"Hope!" He cried, "Have you seen Snow?"
"Nobody's seen her since she went to see you." Red explained.
"I'll find her." Charming said, "I will always find her." Red smiled when we heard a noise and turned around. There were knights coming for us but they weren't the Queen's.
"Who's that?" Red and I asked in unison.
"King George's men." Charming said and got on his horse. He held a hand out to Red and she climbed on.
"Come on!" I called and the three of us rode off. Hours later, we stopped.
"Go." Red said looking back. "Find Snow."
"I'm not leaving you." I stated, "I'm not losing another family member." My father died just yesterday. Red, Snow, Charming and Mother are all I have left.
"You won't." Red said.
"What will you do?" Charming asked. Red looked up and I followed. The full moon was up and shining brightly, like it wanted Red to take her cloak off.
"Buy you some time." Red explained.
"No!" I cried.
"Trust me." Red said and I nodded after thinking. I got on Ginger following Charming. We galloped off and I looked back. Red took off her cloak, stared at us as her eyes turned gold and ran towards the coming knights. I tore my eyes away and looked down at the satchel around my neck. The last thing I had that connects my family. I will never lose it.
I sat up in bed, breathing deeply. I looked at the clock. 11:00 AM. I sighed. The dreams are getting stronger and longer, which means I'm sleeping longer. I can't miss work and I can't freak Mary out again. I can only imagine how she felt, walking in my room, looking out the window and seeing me hanging from my tree, not moving at all. She must have flipped. Good thing there's no school today. It's Christmas break. It's now January and so break's almost over. I got up and immediately felt like I have the world's worst headache. I kneel and look under my bed. I reach under and pull out the satchel. I open it and gasp. Inside, is the dagger, the diary and a piece of paper. I take it out and my breath catches in my throat. It's a hand drawn picture of Snow. The one from my flash. I put it back and looked under the bed. I saw something else. I reached under and felt two things. I put both hands under and pull them out. I gasped. It was a bow and a quiver of arrows. Suddenly, a memory surfaced.
I was at the edge of a forest and staring at a castle. Suddenly, a howl pierced the air but instead of flinching, I smiled. I looked at Snow, who was standing in front of me wearing her green cloak and fur hunting outfit.
"Thank you Red." She said and turned around. She told us it was dangerous and that she loves all of us. We walked to the castle walls. Snow turned to me and asked, "Ready?" I smiled,
"Time for you to find Charming, Snow." Snow smiled and the grappling hooks were launched. Snow and I climbed up with a few others. When we reached the top, a knight came at me, sword raised. He was about to hit me when I ducked away. He tried again but I flipped over the sword this time. I looked around and saw a pole. I ran over and grabbed it. I fought the knight and hard. I couldn't kill him but I tried to knock him out. It didn't work but suddenly, the knight just bent down and fell. I saw an arrow in his back and Granny behind him with her empty crossbow. "Granny?" I asked.
"You're family." She shrugged and I smiled. This was the first time Granny called me family. I turned around and saw Grumpy kill the knight attacking Snow. The three of them ran to the courtyard with the others while I stayed on the wall. I waited until everyone was up when I whistled. A wolf jumped onto the wall and I smiled,
"Nice job Red." I went to the wall and took off my bow. Red stayed in wolf form to protect me. I aimed an arrow when fairy dust rained down on the group of knights. I looked up and waved at Blue. She gave me a thumbs up when I heard commotion. More knights came and were attacking. Snow was gone. "Go." I called to Blue and the fairies, "Get more fairy dust." Blue nodded and flew off along with the others. I fired arrows at the knights' shoulders when suddenly I heard laughter. I stood up and saw a knight advance on me while another took Red. I grabbed the pole and began to attack. I didn't get him but I was able to shoot his shoulder when fairy dust rained on them. I looked up and saw Nova and a bunch of other fairies. "Thanks Nova!" I cried. She smiled and flew off with the others. I looked down and then at Red. "Come on." I called and waited for her to jump down. She did while I grabbed some rope and tied it to an arrow. I shot the arrow and swung down. I landed and started to fight. A knight cornered me when Snow returned. Without Charming. "Where's Charming?" I called to Snow as we fought the knight and killed him.
"Later." Snow answered and I heard a sadness in her voice. The battle was done later. We hid and Snow started to take her weapons off one by one explaining that she was going to meet with the Queen. We protested but Snow wouldn't listen. Finally, Red asked,
"Why does the Queen hate you so much?"
"I destroyed her happiness." Snow answered, "And now she wants to destroy mine." Then, she thanked us, said she loved us all and left.
"I don't trust that queen." Red said.
"You and me both." I agreed.
I snapped out of my memory by the sound of a tap! Tap! Tap! It was coming from the window. I walked over and opened it. A blue bird was standing on the sill. I smiled.
"Hi Lucy." Mary had birdhouses in the apartment and Lucy lived in one of them. Lucy tweeted and hopped onto my finger. She then dropped a note in my hand. I smiled and went to the window. I stuck my head out with my hand and let her go. She flew off, tweeting happily. I smiled. She always comes back. I looked at the note and opened it. Inside was a message.
I know you. You don't know me. If you want to find out and to learn what I know, meet me in the clock tower at 2:15.
-The Stranger
I gasped. The Stranger knows me! I took a deep breath and thought. If I go, I'll learn who he is but he could be dangerous. But, it seems that only people with magic in their blood can enter so he must be good. I debated until my clock read 2:10. I snapped out of my memory at 2:00. I decided to go but I would never get there in time. Then, I had an idea. I ran and got my bow and arrows out along with my satchel. I found a rope and tied it around one arrow. I went to the window and climbed onto my tree. I stood on a branch and pulled the arrow back. I let it go and it flew. It landed on the clock tower wall. I smiled and tied the end to the tree. I grabbed a branch and slid on the rope. I smiled as the wind hit my face. I landed cleanly and took the arrow off. I shot it back at the apartment to untie it later. I jumped down and entered the clock tower.
"Hello?" I called. No answer. I continued to call out for someone but there was no answer until I reached the top and heard behind me,
"You came." I turned around with an arrow ready to fire when I saw the Stranger. He had brown hair and a brown beard. His eyes were the bluest eyes you'd ever see. They looked like they were painted and kept the color.
"Who are you?" I demanded. The Stranger laughed,
"Even after all those archery practices, you don't recognize me." I glared at him and closed my eyes. A memory appeared.
I was in a field. I wore a dark purple dress and a periwinkle in my hair. Snow and Charming had just won the kingdom back and were preparing for their wedding. They had invited a friend named Geppetto to live with us in the castle. And they were going to rule over Briar Rose until I am of age to do so. Mom was killed by the Queen after Snow woke up. A bluebird had delivered Mom's last note to me. It said she loved me and that I should always do what I believe is right and fight for it. I was practicing my archery. I shot one arrow. It hit the center.
"Nice shot Hope!" I turned around and saw a little boy, at least 7 years old, running towards me. He had red hair and the bluest eyes I've ever seen. I smiled,
"Thanks Pinocchio. Have you been practicing?" Pinocchio nodded eagerly,
"Every chance I get!" I smiled and handed him my bow and an arrow. He held it expertly and pulled back the arrow. He let it go. It was only a little off of the center.
"Nice job!" I smiled.
"Thanks Hope." Pinocchio smiled, "Will I ever be as good as you?" I chuckled,
"If you keep practicing, maybe." Pinocchio grinned and kept on practicing.
I opened my eyes and stared at the Stranger. He didn't remind me of anyone by appearance but his eyes were the exact same as Pinocchio's.
"Pinocchio?" I whispered. The Stranger smiled,
"Here I'm August W. Booth." I thought about the name.
"Really?" I asked, "With the middle initial?" August laughed,
"The W stands for Wayne." I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.
"Prove it." I handed him my bow and the arrow I would've shot at him. He took them and shot the arrow at a spare beam lying around. It hit the exact same spot as Pinocchio's arrow on the target. "Pinocchio?" I asked and August turned to me. I smiled, "You haven't improved." August chuckled,
"That's because I've been somewhere else."
"How'd you escape the curse?" I asked but then I put the pieces together. There was only one way to escape the curse and that was what his father built. "The wardrobe." I gasped and August's eyes widened.
"How'd you know?" he gasped.
"I…uh. I, um…" I stuttered. "I can't actually, well, tell you." August nodded,
"You're right." I smiled,
"I figured as much." We talked a little longer and August told me to go someplace quiet so I can read my diary and (hopefully) remember more. I quickly exited the clock tower and started walking, not knowing where to go when I had an image flash before my eyes. It was quick but I could make it out. It was me on a light brown horse. I knew instantly that it was the one from my dream. The one I called Ginger. I ran to Granny's as fast as I could. If anyone would know where my horse is, it'd be Ruby. "Ruby!" I called as I ran up to her, "Where are the stables?" Ruby gave me directions. "Thanks!" I called as I ran off. I could vaguely hear Ruby mutter,
"Strange." I ran and ran until I reached the stables. I walked in tentatively. Only one of these horses was Ginger and I had to find her.
"Ginger?" I called as I walked past the stables. They were full of horses. White horses, black horses and brown horses. "Ginger it's me." I tried again. I stopped at the last stall. It looked empty but I could barely make out the shape of a horse. "Ginger?" I called and the shape moved. "It's me. It's Hope." I called and the horse walked forward. She was the most beautiful animal I've ever seen. She was light brown and had a lighter brown mane. "Ginger?" I asked and the horse walked towards me. I slowly reached out a hand and waited. The horse immediately put her head against my hand. I smiled as tears formed in my eyes. I found my horse. I opened the gate and Ginger walked out. I grabbed a saddle off of a hook and prepared Ginger. I did it by memory and I knew it was a sign. I'm waking up. I got on Ginger's back and clicked my tongue once. Ginger began to run towards the woods and fast. I smiled as I felt the wind on my face and my hair flew behind me. Then, I had an idea. I let go of the reigns and took my bow off and grabbed an arrow. I shot it at a tree like there was a target there and I hit it perfectly. I continued to fire arrows and soon, I had a flash.
I was riding Ginger and shot an arrow when I looked to my right. There was a wolf. It was running beside me and I smiled,
"Race back to camp!" The wolf turned its head towards me and I knew it was Red. I held the reigns and smiled. I felt free. Despite being at war and having to go and tell Snow and Charming that King George hired a new general but whenever I'm on Ginger and in the forest, I feel like nothing exists. Not King George, who tried to kill and capture Charming, not the Evil Queen, who killed my mother so she could take over Briar Rose and succeeded, and definitely not anyone who would ever hurt my family again.
I slammed into Ginger as she stopped running also ending the memory. She looked at me. I smiled. She really is connected to me. She cares for me.
"I'm fine Ginger." I smiled. She gave a huff and turned around. I looked around and gasped. We were in the field where I met Red and Charming, Red and I left to find Snow. I slid off Ginger and continued to look around but nothing caused a memory to surface. I sighed and sat down on the grass. Ginger followed and laid down. I patted her side and then pulled out the diary. I touched my necklace to the rose and once again there was a soft pink light. I pulled back the necklace and smiled at the soft pink glow the rose emitted. I opened the diary and turned to the third entry.
Dear Diary,
Something strange is going on. Today, I found a symbol on the you that wasn't there before. It was a rose, similar to Briar Rose's symbol and the one on my new necklace. I think Mother said it was my symbol on my 12th birthday awhile ago. So, after I ran out of Regina's (more like Evil Queen) palace, her knights chased me into the forest where a hooded figure killed them! I thought the figure would kill me too until I found out who the figure is. It's Snow! I knew she was alive! So, Snow led me to a cave and gave me a dark purple dress (it isn't a ball gown which is all my teacher made me wear, despite Mother and Father's protests, he thought I needed to be a 'lady'. This dress is simple and I can do anything in it. Including riding horses and climbing trees which I had to do without Mom finding out.) and a black cloak. She also braided half of my hair and let the rest of it fall under it. Then, she put a periwinkle at the beginning of the braid. I love it! This is my new favorite style! Anyways, Snow left me in the cave but before she did, she gave me a silver dagger. She told me it was to protect myself. She came back a little while later and as we started to leave, she got caught in a net. I hid behind a tree; I am only 12, when a man walked towards Snow laughing. He was dressed like a prince but he had a red scar on his chin, like someone hit him with a rock. (Snow I assumed.) He told her that he'd find her and he'll always find her. Snow called him Charming and demanded to be let down but Charming showed her a Wanted poster with her picture and name on it. It said she was responsible for murder, treason and treachery against the Evil Queen. I gasped and Charming demanded I show myself. It turns out he knows me as Princess Hope. I calmed myself down and told him it's Hope and demanded he let Snow down. He said he would if Snow gave him some jewels back that she stole from him. She told him that she sold them to trolls causing Charming to bribe her into helping him, which she agreed. I said I was going too and they couldn't change my mind. We walked awhile when we reached a river where Snow pushed Charming in and stole his gold. I tried to follow but I was slower. By the time I caught up, the Evil Queen's knights were preparing to kill Snow and take her heart to the Evil Queen when Charming came and saved Snow and I knocked a knight unconscious! It was fun, fighting but Snow got nabbed by a knight on a horse and Charming and I chased her. I found a Wanted poster identical to Snow's except it had my face and name. I tore it down and fought back tears. Charming had saved Snow and were ready to go and finish. They were friends by that point. We reached the bridge and I climbed a tree to be lookout. Everything was fine until Charming thanked the trolls. They love eating royals and suspected Charming was one. They attacked and Charming helped Snow get off. Snow would have run off if she didn't hear Charming fighting and the sound of metal hitting metal. She ran back and used some magic dust to turn the trolls into bugs. She was saving it for the Evil Queen I bet. We walked back to Charming's castle where the two of them gave what the other wanted. Apparently Charming's name is actually James but I'm still calling him Charming. He told Snow if she ever needs anything and she finished saying,
"You'll find me." Charming promised to always find her after that. They said bye and Snow started to walk away. Charming stared after her and would've kept staring if I hadn't hugged him bye. When he turned around, Snow turned back then. I looked between to two of them. I got a feeling they are falling and falling hard. And Snow didn't just find gold in the pouch Charming gave her. She found a silver necklace with a silver plate attached. It had a blank side and a rose engraved in it on the other. Snow took out her dagger and cut something into it. Then, she gave it to me. Now it says Hope on one side and a rose on the other. I thanked Snow for it and now I feel like there's magic in it after Snow cut my name into it. Maybe the true love we share? I don't know but all I'm positive about is that I will never take off this necklace and nobody will ever touch it besides Snow. And that is a promise and I don't break my promises. Ever.
-Hope
I stared at the writing. That's how the beginning of Snow and Charming's story went from my mind. I would've thought about it longer when my phone buzzed in the satchel. Ginger shot up.
"It's ok Ginger." I calmed her down and answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Hope!" came the reply. It was Henry. "Meet Emma and me at the Castle fast!"
"Henry what's wrong?"
"I can't explain just get here fast! We have to talk to Emma about the curse and trusting Sidney."
"The editor of the Daily Mirror?" I asked referring to the reporter I thought was fishy.
"Yeah now hurry!" Henry hung up.
"Come on Ginger!" I said as I got on her in a flash, "To the Castle!" I clicked my tongue once and Ginger ran fast. I had packed everything away when I heard my phone. Something didn't feel right about Sidney. He's way too fishy and interested in people's lives for a reporter and he wrote all sorts of stuff about Emma when he was running against her for sheriff according to Henry. I had to get to the Castle and talk Emma out of trusting him and fast.
Ginger and I arrived at the Castle minutes later and I was shocked. It had fallen during the storm! I jumped off Ginger and ran to the Castle. I looked over and saw Henry running too.
"Henry!" I cried. Henry ran into the wreckage with Emma following. "Be careful!"
"What are you doing kid?" Emma asked.
"Searching for my book!" Henry cried, "I hid it here to keep it away from Regina." Henry dug and dug until he found a box. "Good." He sighed, "It's still here." He opened the box and revealed the worn leather and golden letters. Emma started to walk away.
"Where are you going?" I called.
"To take Sidney up on his offer of help." Emma called back. Henry shut the box and ran over to Emma. I followed.
"You can't trust him!" Henry cried.
"He's way too fishy." I agreed.
"Look kids," Emma said, "if I'm going to beat Regina then I'm going to need his help and you can't change my mind." Emma walked away and Henry tried to follow but I held him back. He sighed and buried the book again.
"Come on." I smiled at Henry once he buried the book. I ran towards Ginger and got on. Henry followed and gasped. "Meet Ginger." I smiled. Henry reached out and pet Ginger. I held out my hand and helped him up.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"The stables." I answered.
Later, Henry and I split up to get Hansel and Gretel. Hansel was at the arcade and Gretel was at Granny's, according to Gretel's text. I ran into Granny's not caring if anyone noticed Ginger outside. I ran over to Gretel and explained everything. She agreed to help and we rode around town getting information. Not too many people were helpful except Ruby.
"I heard that there's a rumor going around about how deep into Regina's pocket Sidney's in." she said.
"Who started it?" Gretel asked.
"You won't believe it." Ruby said.
"Ruby, you'd be surprised with what we believe." I smiled knowingly. Ruby looked at me and laughed.
"You are a lot like me, Hope. Never taking no for an answer." I smiled. That was Red talking, I just knew it. Ruby stopped laughing and leaned in close to us. "It was Mary Margaret." She whispered and then walked away.
"Thanks Ruby!" Gretel called and we ran out. We continued riding until Henry called and said we should meet near the town hall so we can spy on the meeting. The boys had no real information and agreed that Mary should know who Sidney was to spread a rumor like that. We walked into the town hall right after Emma and heard her accuse Regina of stealing money from the town funds to build a house. It turned out to be a new playground. Emma and Sidney left and Regina told Henry he was no longer allowed to see Emma or me. She took Henry home and so I had to walk Ginger back to the stables with Henry and Hansel's horse. I ran home and decided to read another entry for the night.
Dear Diary,
Today, Snow and I went hunting. I know why even though she won't tell me. Charming is marrying Midas' daughter in two days. Snow was about to throw a spear when a girl walked in the way. Snow called her Red. Apparently, they're friends though Snow hasn't told me how she knows Red. Red told Snow about the wedding and Snow wished she could forget Charming which Red told her there was a man of magic who could help her. Snow left me with Red and returned hours later only to tell me she was going to tell Charming how she feels. I'm scared for Snow because she has to deal with Charming's father and I heard that he doesn't take kindly to intruders. Snow left a little while ago when I received a letter from my mother's dove. It was two notes. One from Mother saying Father died and one from Father that he left me before he died. It read,
"My dear Hope, I know you are in a time of trouble. I have seen the posters Queen Regina has made and I do not believe them. I know you have a kind heart and I advise you to follow it no matter where it leads you. This shall be the last time you hear from me. Do not fear. I love you and that love will stretch past death itself. Never forget me, my Hope, for I will always watch you with hope for your future in my heart. Love always, Father." I feel so alone. But Red is insisting that no matter what happens she'll keep me safe. I believe her and I trust her and her grandmother, who insists I call her Granny, with my life. I just wish Snow would return soon. I miss her so much.
-Hope
I thought about the entry when something caught my eye. It was a man outside my window and he was moving fast. I climbed out and stared. He was heading towards the witch's house. Quickly, I followed him. It turned out to be Sidney and he went into Regina's backyard. I hid behind the tree as Regina walked out and sat next to him. I held in my gasp. Sidney works for the Wicked Witch.
So, that's the chapter. What'd you guys think? I missed this episode but I think I did a good job. And this chapter is more than 5000 words long! No wonder it took me days to write this! If you guys like this story then check out True North by reginamillz. It's under Hansel and Gretel and its good. Be sure to check it out! Anyways, PLEASE review and let me know how you want Hope to wake up. You can even PM me. I don't care just please give me an idea! Skin Deep is next and I owe the Fairy Tale Land part to PixieDustDiamond! Will update in a few days but until then, please brighten my day with a review! Later.