Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time or the characters. This is just one of the
many sandboxes I like to play in. :)
AN: I'm so grateful to hear that so many are enjoying this story. There is much ahead, including lots of Snowing romance and Charming Family Feels among the drama and danger.
Currently Emma is 10 in the story.
As you would guess by now, this story is AU, though I will be including many canon events, I will also be including new elements.
Pairings: Primarily Snowing - With eventual OutlawQueen.
Lots of Charming Family feels ;)
To all OutlawQueen shippers, I feel for you all so much. I'm mainly a Snowing shipper, but I was pulling for them too. If it were my main ship, I'd be devastated so I can only imagine how you all feel. I don't know why they did this and all I can say is thank goodness for fanfiction.
On another note, normally, I update about once a week, but in honor of the finale tomorrow night, I'm updating tonight and tomorrow night, particularly because these next two chapters are pretty big. ;)
Thank you for all the amazing reviews. You're all amazing. Here's some individual responses:
Sexystarwarslover: Glad you like the story so much! Yeah, it was weird that no version of Cinderella ever gave Lady Tremaine a name, except Ever After so I felt that was really the only first name I could go with. Everything else just sounded off. She will become a major villain in this story, after all. Evil is made, unless your name is Rodmilla Tremaine, cause she was just born that way. ;) And yep, Snow is pregnant and for all that I have planned, this story is still in its infancy. :)
BarrattaJennifer: Thanks, glad you're enjoying the story!
Featherdusterpixie: Yeah, the Regina redemption bothers me a lot, especially when Snowing gets so much flack for stuff. I'm going to redeem her in this story, but she's going to have issues along the way and Snowing getting blamed for everything is not happening in this story. :)
EmmaAthena2013: So glad you're enjoying the story!
Lilnudger82: No, the way I figure with the timeline(as crazy as this one is), Neal had to come the Land Without Magic by at least 1990. The way I figured it(and yes, I'm the person that sits down and tries to do timeline math) Baelfire was 12 at the oldest when he got to Neverland, where he did not age. So by the time he meets Emma in 2000, ten years later, he is at the youngest maybe 22. That's my guess anyway, given what we know.
Rukia's Reflection: Glad you're enjoying the story!
Limax25: I know, those two. They're so much fun to write. As for Snow's pregnancy, things are going to get very interesting. :)
Emmamme: Yep, baby on board now. Emma will have a sibling closer to her age. As for boy or girl...not telling. You have to be surprised. ;) And as for memories, oh boy, stay tuned for the ride ahead. :)
Finding You Always
Chapter 26: Wide Awake Pt. 1
The town square was bustling with activity that morning. As Mary Margaret, she vaguely remembered Miner's Day celebrations of the past, but none as joyous as this. There were still many unhappy people. Those missing spouses, who were still with others, and parents missing children.
But some had found their way way back to each other. Though not yet awake, Abigail had found Frederick. And some others were finding their loved ones too. She suspected that Gold was busy drawing up divorce decrees these days. And it was all thanks to her little Emma, whose mere presence was slowly returning happy endings.
Her little girl was enamored by all the sights, sounds, and smells, as she clutched her hand.
"Oh Mary Margaret, I don't know how to thank you!" Astrid praised, as she hurried up to them.
"Mother Superior is so pleased. Thank you for selling all those candles and helping me fix my blunder," she rambled. Snow smiled.
"It was my pleasure, but most of the credit should go to Emma. I could have never sold so many without her. She has her father's charm," Snow bragged, as Emma looked down shyly.
"Well, then thank you as well, Emma," she said.
"You're welcome, sister Astrid. Is Leroy helping you?" She asked. Astrid smiled shyly and her cheeks colored a bit.
"Yes...it was such a surprise when he showed up bright and early this morning. He did most of the lighting," she replied, gesturing to the twinkling strands of lights that glittered all over the square. Snow smiled.
"He did a wonderful job. Tell him I said so," she requested.
"I will. Thanks again," Astrid responded, as Mary Margaret and Emma continued on receiving friendly greetings from most along the way.
They were slowly making their way to David at the other end of the square, but stopped several times to talk and greet various friends.
The smell of Granny's homemade cinnamon rolls had her purchasing a box of the delicious treat for her family and once they had them wrapped up and in a bag, they continued on.
Only Snow collided with Rebecca Jenkins herself. But she did not flinch under the cold woman's glare.
"You should really watch your step, Miss Blanchard," she hissed. Snow smirked.
"Probably, but it's Mrs. Nolan now," she said smugly, enjoying Zelda's furious glower.
"Come on Emma, let's go find Daddy," she said with a smirk and continued on. She heard Zelda growl and start spouting complaints to her mother, as they walked away. That woman seriously needed medication...or a straight jacket.
They soon found David and Emma ran up to him, receiving a big hug from his strong arms and a kiss to her forehead, before he stood up.
"Hey handsome," Snow greeted.
"Hey yourself, beautiful," he replied, as he kissed her tenderly.
"Can we play some games?" Emma asked. They smiled.
"Sure princess," David answered, as they set out together into the heart of the festivities.
About an hour later, they headed for the park with their picnic basket in hand and Emma with a big stuffed unicorn that David won her under her arm, complete with a huge smile on her face.
Picnic blankets dotted the park and they found Paige's family near a large tree. The girls immediately went to playing, while they greeted Paige's
"Thank you for meeting us, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson," David greeted, as they shook hands.
"To be honest, we're still not sure this is a good idea," Mr. Johnson said.
"Yes, Paige is our daughter and if this Jefferson expects us to just give her up, then he's crazy," Mrs. Johnson added.
"More like mad," Snow mused silently, meeting David's eyes. She knew he was thinking the same. This could get messy.
"We understand your reluctance. He just wants to meet her. He was forced to give her up," David explained. Neither looked happy and even more uncomfortable, as Jefferson arrived.
Regina was enjoying Miner's day for the first time ever. Usually, she let the town have their little festival and only made her required appearance, before sequestering herself away in her office.
But this year, Jason had invited her to join him and little Jacob.
Rumple had once told her that she couldn't have everything. Family, happiness, and vengeance never melded well together. But Jason would be none the wiser to her plan for the Charmings. She would have her happiness and that included her revenge. She watched Jefferson make contact and turned to the man next to her.
"There's a few mayoral duties I have to tend to for a moment. I'll be back soon," she told him. He smiled.
"I hope so. Jacob and I might eat all your turnovers if you don't hurry back," he teased. She smiled and slipped away.
Paige shyly shook Jefferson's hand and the sheer disappointment in his eyes was palpable.
"You got to meet her. I hope that satisfies you," Mr. Johnson said sternly.
"Not even close," Jefferson retorted.
"I'd like to spend time with her," he said.
"No...she doesn't know you," Mr. Johnson replied.
"But she will," Jefferson shot back. David stepped between them, before it could escalate.
"We need to take this slow," David reasoned.
"No...I knew I shouldn't have trusted you," Jefferson spat, as he started off into the woods.
"Where are you going?" David asked.
"To find the Mayor...she can help me," Jefferson replied. David's eyes widened and he chased the crazed man further into the woods.
Snow and Emma followed a few moments later.
"Jefferson wait!" David pleaded.
"Nope, you had your chance, Charming, and you blew it," Jefferson hissed.
"This world has laws and rules. I can't just ignore their adoption of Paige," David tried to explain.
"GRACE! Her name is GRACE!" He screamed.
"Jefferson...I can still help you. It's just going to take time!" David tried to reason again.
"Sorry Sheriff, but your time is up," he drawled.
"What seems to be the problem here?" Regina asked coolly, as she emerged from the trees.
David sighed and locked down his raging emotions.
"I was trying to explain to Jefferson that the Johnson's still have legal custody of his daughter. Even as Sheriff, that's not something I can change, especially in an instant," David explained to her.
"Yes...the Sheriff doesn't have that kind of power," Regina agreed and then smirked.
"But I do," she added. David felt a chill of dread slither down his spine at the cruel smile on her face, especially when he heard footfalls behind him, realizing that Snow and Emma had followed.
"She can help me, which means I'm sure she'd like to know that you and your lovely wife have your memories back," he revealed, as his lips twisted into a goading smirk. David closed his eyes, as he tried to quell the fury and fear inside him. Snow gasped and Regina frowned.
"What?!" She hissed.
"Go...get Emma out of here," David told his wife. But Snow was very reluctant to leave him alone with her step-mother.
"I knew it...the moment you and your brat stepped into town, you've been ruining my curse!" she exclaimed.
Charming's eyes met Snow's and she understood. They might have to take Emma and run for the town line if this escalated.
He laced his fingers with hers and she held Emma's hand tightly, as he turned back, so Regina could see the fire and defiance in their eyes.
"I'll give you props. I should have seen it sooner. Getting married was a nice cover. I hope you enjoyed your short time together," she sneered.
"You have no magic here and I won't let you tear us apart again...never again," David said fiercely. But Regina only smirked.
"As usual, you're wrong, shepherd. I only have what magic I brought with me and trust me when I say, I have enough to deal with you," she hissed, as she held up a potion.
"What...is that?" Snow asked wearily.
"This...is a potion Jefferson and I were going to use on his hat to shove the three of you through a portal into oblivion. But with your memories back, this changes things," Regina stated, as they watched her instead pour the potion on her hand.
Snow and Emma screamed, as the Queen's hand plunged into Charming's chest. She extracted his glowing heart and squeezed. He cried out and his knees buckled, as Snow was beside him in an instant.
"Regina please…" she pleaded, as tears poured down her rosy cheeks.
"You need to pay for what you did," Regina growled.
"Then make me pay. Let David and Emma go. Kill me and then put them across the town line. I'll be dead and David will never come back here with Emma. Just don't take her daddy away from her," Snow pleaded.
"Snow...no…" he pleaded in anguish at that thought of her dying.
"Oh...death is too good for you, dear. I want you to suffer!" Regina snarled.
"She did nothing to you!" Charming roared.
"She killed Daniel!" Regina roared back.
"No...Cora did that and now you're doing the same to me! Stop blaming Snow for something your own mother did!" Charming shouted through the pain of having her hand around his heart
"Quiet Charming," Regina snapped.
"Regina please...you loved your father. Don't take Emma's from her!" Snow pleaded, as she sobbed almost uncontrollably.
"He is going to pay for your wretchedness. I'm going to crush his heart into dust, then I'm going to ship Emma back to Boston, somewhere for little delinquents where all her talk of fairy tales and curses will surely see her institutionalized and I'm going to let you remember it all while you spend the rest of eternity locked away in my cellar, tormented by the memories of the husband and child you'll never be with!" Regina said coldly.
A gut wrenching sob escaped Snow's lips, as Emma gathered her courage. She was really afraid, but her parents needed her to be brave. They had been so brave in her stories and she had to be the brave one now to save them.
"No...give my daddy's heart back now!" Emma screamed.
"Emma no...stay back!" Charming pleaded, as he reached for her, even through the pain.
"Maybe you'd like to join him," Regina growled, as her hand, still enchanted, plunged into Emma's chest. Snow and David screamed in horror, begging and pleading with the Queen. And her lips curled into an evil smirk. She loved that; them on their knees, begging her to spare their baby. But the smirk disappeared when she tried to pull Emma's heart out and couldn't. She yanked again, but it was like it was stuck. Before she could ponder why, she heard another voice.
"Regina?" Jason asked. Panic filled her. She had her hand in Emma's chest and held David's glowing heart in her other.
"Jason...what are you doing here?" She asked.
"We heard screaming," he replied, trying to make sense of what he was seeing, as little Jacob poked his head out from behind Jason's leg.
"Please...please don't take my daddy away or my mommy," Emma sniffed. Regina frowned and glared at the heart in her hand, even as Snow and Charming gathered around their daughter on either side.
"Please Your Majesty...I love them," Emma cried.
"Oh baby...we love you too," Snow sobbed.
"She's right princess. You're our happy ending," Charming added. Emma knew they loved her, but hearing it like this made all the difference in her young life. She had gone from having nothing to having everything, true love from her real parents.
"I love you too…" she whispered, as they each pressed a kiss on both her cheeks. A pulse of pure light magic erupted from Emma's very being and swept over the entire town, blowing them all back.
Jefferson's eyes widened, as he realized what had happened first and scurried off before anyone could stop him.
Snow picked up David's heart from where Regina had dropped it and hurried to her husband.
"I...I don't have magic to put it back in," she said helplessly.
"You don't...but Emma obviously does," he said, as he looked to his other side where Emma sat.
"Can you put it back inside Daddy's chest?" Snow asked. Emma blinked and then gently took her father's heart. Gently she pressed it against the center spot it had come from and it sunk back inside his chest cavity. The color returned to his face and he smiled, as he hugged her tightly.
"You did it, princess," he praised.
"You're our hero, baby," Snow added. Emma could only beam at them.
"Jason…" Regina said softly, as she racked her brain, trying to think of how to explain away what he had seen. The man in question sat up and helped his son up, his eyes alight with conflicting emotions.
"Regina…" he said, as if tasting the name. She smiled.
"Jason," she replied.
"Actually, I believe it's Robin," he replied. She frowned.
"You...you remember," she deduced.
"I think Emma did it. I think she restored everyone's memories…" Charming said, beaming with pride for his little girl.
"Robin…" Regina started.
"You're the Queen...you cast this curse," he said. Her heart sank.
"I did...but what's happened between us was all real. I really do care for you. Please...no matter what you hear, please remember that," Regina said, as she hurried off. If everyone had their memories back, then she was in trouble.
"Robin...as in Robin Hood?" David asked. He smiled.
"That is what they called me back in Nottingham," he replied.
"I didn't know the curse reached that far," Snow said.
"It didn't. I was called to the edge of the Enchanted Forest to meet with Will. You know him as Johnny here. He wanted to make amends, so I agreed and brought Roland with me," Robin explained indicating his son.
"Then the curse hit," David said, nodding in understanding.
"There are going to be a lot of confused people out there. They'll be looking to their leaders," Robin mentioned. David laced his fingers with Snow's and they nodded together.
Robin and Roland trailed along behind them, as they returned to the park.
His thoughts were consumed by Regina though. She was the Evil Queen, but that was not the woman he had been seeing the last few weeks and his feelings were now very conflicted.
He was supposed to hate her like everyone else...but he couldn't. She genuinely cared for him and Roland. She was wonderful with his son and he was certain it was not something that she was faking. He had a lot to think about and he only imagined that everyone else was quite conflicted as well, trying to make sense of two very different lives.
The Miner's Day Festival had erupted in pure chaos, as the wave of true love's magic burst through them. Everyone stopped and looked around in shock, as their memories were returned in an instant. People scattered, frantically searching for missing loved ones. Thomas was frantically running around, trying to address everyone's concerns, but truthfully, he didn't know what the hell had happened or how everyone suddenly remembered. He wondered where the hell David was, hoping he knew more.
As Snow and Charming emerged from the trees, she stopped and he looked back at her for a moment.
"Snow?" he asked, as she tugged on his shirt collar and captured his lips in a passionate kiss. She cradled his face in her hands, simply soaking him up.
"I'm okay," he promised.
"But you almost weren't," she choked.
"But I am. I am not letting anyone tear us apart again," he promised, as he kissed her again. Hand in hand, with Emma beside her mother, they walked into the thick of the chaos. They found a frazzled Thomas and David hopped up on one of the booth's to elevate himself over the crowd.
"Everyone needs to calm down!" he shouted, gathering the attention of all.
"I know everyone is confused and wants answers. We do too. But we must maintain a sense of order," David shouted over the quelling masses.
"I know some of you are looking for loved ones that were ripped away from you by the curse," he said, as he looked at Granny and Ruby, who approached. There were tears of joy, as they hugged Snow and then sandwiched Emma between them. Granny nodded up to him.
"If you are looking for someone, then you can put a flier up at Granny's. It will be a point of contact," David announced.
"Your Highness," Doc greeted, as the seven men bowed to Snow. She beamed and they all surrounded her with hugs. David knelt down and shook Leroy's hand.
"Just how long have you two remembered?" he asked. David smirked.
"A while. That was Emma's doing too," he replied.
"Then she broke the curse?" Happy asked with a big grin.
"She did," he replied, as he winked at his little girl.
"Then why didn't we go back?" Leroy asked.
"And how come she's not twenty-eight. The Imp said she would be twenty-eight," Doc added.
"Those are excellent questions and for the ones we can't answer, we will go to the source and find those answers," David said, as he stood back up.
"I know we all have a lot of questions, but until then, we must still maintain order and operate as a town. We will all still go to work. We will all live our lives here until such a time we can return to the Enchanted Forest. When that will be, I'm not sure, but I promise to seek answers," David announced.
Most people seemed to accept that, but his eyes saw dissension from King George and a few others that followed him. He remained quiet and simply held David with a scrutinizing gaze.
"What about the Mayor?!" one called.
"And the Imp?!" another shouted.
"She has no magic now! We should burn the witch!" a rather violent man shouted. Robin looked horrified and David put his hands up.
"We will not descend into lawlessness! I am still Sheriff in this town and we will operate by the laws of this realm! I'd say it's time for an election to replace our current Mayor with one fit to lead," he suggested. Cries of approval sounded.
"The witch needs to pay!" The violent man shouted again.
"Killing Regina will not bring justice. As Sheriff, I will deal with her," he stated sternly. People began to disperse, some heading to Granny's hoping that the people they might be looking for would go there too. David hopped down and accepted excited hugs from Red and Granny.
"So...not that we're *achoo* upset by it, but I thought *achoo* Emma was supposed to be a lot older when she broke the curse," Sneezy said. David smiled
"The night the curse hit, I didn't quite make it to the wardrobe. We're not sure exactly how, but I ended up outside Storybrooke with Emma. I spent ten years in a Boston hospital in a coma, while Emma was unfortunately bounced around the foster system," he explained.
"But if the curse hit...then how did you both escape?" Bashful asked shyly.
"Fairy dust…" a new voice offered.
"Blue…" Snow greeted, by taking her hands. She smiled.
"If you and Emma were close enough to the open wardrobe and came in contact with any of the dust inside, it might explain why you were swept outside the curse," Blue explained.
"Emma was given the book, found out who she was, and found me in the hospital," David continued.
"And you woke him up, just like that?" Happy asked, smiling down at her. She beamed back up and shrugged.
"The nurse found me in his room and was gonna send me back to the group home. I didn't want to go back so I told daddy that he needed to wake up. And he did!" she exclaimed, receiving chuckles all around.
"So what now?" Sleepy asked with a yawn.
"Rumpelstiltskin has answers to some questions I'd like answered," David said. Snow nodded.
"Granny and I'll go run things back at the diner. I'm sure there's a mob forming as we speak," Red decided.
"She's right, but you lot better be by the diner later," Granny made them promise and they agreed.
"Emma...wait you forgot this!" Grace called, as she hurried up to them and returned Emma's stuffed unicorn.
"Thank you Grace," she said gratefully.
"Sheriff Nolan, have you seen my daddy?" Grace asked. David knew now that she was referring to Jefferson.
"I think he ran on home, but the first chance I get, I'll make sure to check on him and tell him that you're looking for him," David promised. She smiled and then ran back to the Johnson's, who were waiting for her.
"So the Imp doesn't have any magic…" Leroy asked, as he punched his fist against his palm.
"Relax Leroy, we're just going to talk to him," David warned.
"Come on...not even one punch?" Leroy complained. David snorted in amusement.
"As much as I want to, no, because I want answers more than I want to punch him, if only slightly," he replied, as he slid his arm around Snow's waist. She leaned against his arm and relished his presence. As happy as she was that everyone's memories had returned, she still had much trepidation about her pregnancy.
She and David were over the moon about growing their family, but they couldn't help but wonder about the ramifications if they were the only family in Storybrooke that could grow for the next eighteen years. Answers were a must…