AN: Thanks for all the incredible responses! Keep them coming! I know replies get long, but I love that so many are still following me on the incredible journey that is this story. See previous chapter for explanation on realms. Now that the realms are united, everyone is on Storybrooke time and aging for adults is very slow due to the Chalice.
Thanks for the great reviews! Keep them coming! The feedback gives this story life, so please consider leaving a review! Unless you're a troll, because then your reviews get deleted. You can also follow me on Tumblr Lilacmoon83. All my stories, plus artwork is posted there, as well as all things Snowing and Charming family. So give me a follow!
This story is now updated bi-weekly. I love Finding You Always and this story is going to continue, but I want to give attention to my other verses that are not getting updated. So I hope you'll continue to enjoy this story and my other verses. As always, reviews on all stories are very much appreciated, so please consider leaving reviews. :)
There is also a love scene in this chapter. It is marked, so you can skip it if that's not your thing.
I also had a request for some face claims of original characters and villains. Some of those are on the artwork for the story when it's posted on Tumblr so some might have seen those. I've also added a couple, one for Hermes, the major, Nick and Angela since they appear again. But here's some written out face claims and names that can be googled for anyone that wants to.
Face Claims:
Leo Charming Nolan: Matt Lanter
Eva Charming Nolan: Bailee Madison
Summer Charming Nolan: Joey King(young) and Luna Blaise(older)
Bobby Charming Nolan: Logan Lerman
Christopher Sean: Dr. Paul Sakura
Aphrodite: a blonde Ginnifer Goodwin
Xander(Robert) Nolan Charming: David Cubitt(the actor they cast for Robert in canon)
Clayton(even though he's finally dead): Vincent Irizarry
Mephisto: Formerly, Henry Fonda. Newly – Jeff Kober
Amora the Enchantress: Laura Dern
Seth: Rami Malek (which pains me, cause I adore him, but I have based Seth on Set from Egyptian mythology as well as Typhon from Greek Mythology so using Rami Malek as an Egyptian God is too perfect). He is my favorite part of the Night at the Museum movies.
The Major, Patricia Donovan: Camryn Manheim
Zorro: Galen Gering
Nick: Danny Pino
Angela: Jordana Brewster
Hermes: Nakia Burrise
Prince John: Paul Giamatti
Sir Hiss: Jesse Eisenberg
JJ: Garrett Wareing
Nora: Mae Whitman
Queen Serenity: Sarah Michelle Gellar
King Endymion: Freddie Prinze Jr.
Apollo: Amir Arison
Artemis: Rachel Leigh Cook
Drizella Tremaine (1.0): Melanie Lynskey – Drizella Tremaine 2.0(Ivy Belfry) is still Adelaide Kane.
Rodmilla Tremaine: Angelica Houston
Johnny Clayton(Junior): Paul Telfer
Natalie Zearing: Melissa Roxburgh
Thalia Zearing: Stacey Haiduk
Hera: Melissa Archer
Zeus: Greg Vaughan
Dione: Arianne Zucker
Athena: Catherine Sutherland
Nyx: Selma Blair
The agents:
Agent Tessa Green: Sasha Alexander
Agent: Brian Dorsey: Scott Porter
Agent Danielle Harding: Ellen Tamaki
Sirius Clayton: Billy Zane
John Clayton(the first): Hank Azaria
John Clayton(the second): Thaao Penghlis
Malina Pizarro: Alicia Coppola
Dr. Hector La Guerra: David Dayan Fisher
Adam Rodriguez: Santo
Cote de Pablo: Irina
Zia: Camila Banus
The Dragon Queen(Zia Troyano): Julia Jones
The Dragon King(Esteban Zhu Ling): Michael Copon
Mendoza: Javier Bardem
Tao Xang Li: Jay Laga'aia
Queen Nubia: Nadia Bjorlin
If I missed any, let me know and I will add to the face claims. :)
Special Note: Since there is some question, technically, Leo and Eros are NOT related. On a DNA level, only James is related to David. Anchises is not and it will be explained how and why.
Here are individual responses to reviews:
SpartanAmyMiracleGirl10: She wasn't in it. It happens. This story has a very large cast and I do my best. But from time to time, you won't see every character in every chapter. I do my best to give really long chapters.
Grace5231973: Yep, their curse is finally broken! Time for justice, indeed. :)
Ghostwriter: Thanks, glad you're enjoying!
JDubReaderWriter555: Yep, crazy Zella and Jerkyll have teamed up, not good. And add Grimm to that is even worse. Hopefully, George, Hera, and the Collector get what's coming to them in this chapter. James and Aphrodite remember everything so time for justice. Glad you're enjoying. And yes, I am a Days fan. I've watched for many years and the lesser known actors make perfect face claims for minor characters and easy to use without me doing a bunch of time consuming searching. :)
thatoncer: Glad you're enjoying the story. :)
Aylaa Grace: Thanks! Glad you like it! :)
Number Ten: They do deserve the perfect, uninterrupted day. I did my best to give them that...mostly. Yep, the curse is finally broken and karma is going to come to bite those that wronged them. Yeah, I've never seen that. I don't do horror movies, but it's pretty creepy. Glad you're enjoying. :)
Jennifer Baratta: Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it!
Kaley 2.5: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it.
sexystarwarslover: Yep, James and Aphrodite are awake! Hopefully those that wronged them will be punished. Yep, it's wedding time. Yeah, Snow probably should have been a wedding planner. Yep, fireworks! Yep, the Grimms have a connection with Aesop. Yes, the Grimm stories get a bit dark. Yeah, this is a dangerous and crazy trio for sure. Yep, Grimm is jealous of Henry. Yep, Mephisto has a plan of his own and has consumed more souls. Souls that were already evil so that won't be good. Yep, we're come full circle back to those dirty investors. Yep, James and Aphrodite meet for the first time and it's love again. Clayton almost spoiled it that time, but fortunately, James stopped him. Glad you liked the scene with Rose, Fandral, and Hyde. Yep, Natalie loves her job, but shocker, she's pregnant. Snow knew all the signs. Yep, Snow and Charming will be going to Italy soon. Glad you're enjoying it! :)
AnonSnowing: Yep, there was a lot of planning and plotting going on that chapter. Yep, that's exactly what psychopaths do and there are way too many. Yep, that's true in real life too. Evil can stare you in the face and you may never know. I did my best to get a balance between an uninterrupted wedding and a mostly uninterrupted reception. There is an interruption, but it's a thrill, I promise. Yep, Creepyl is at it again and makes a move in this chapter I don't think many will see coming. Yes, people do want to read about hope and true love. Some people like their creepy stuff, but more people like a happy ending. Yep, somehow the Horned King could sense that Aphrodite was cursed. And yes, it was James that valiantly defeated and banished the Horned King and how he met Aphrodite. Yep, unfortunately, Landers spawned an heir that we'll eventually meet and I'm sure he's scum too. Yep, Johnny's mother is an investor and a powerful elite. Oh yes, evil people are the rooted in the most hypocrisy. Do as I saw, not as I do. Rules for thee, but not for me. Yeah, Jerkyll is way off the deep end and gets more psychotic every day. Yep, he needs erased from existence. He's too dangerous for the Underworld or anything else. Complete obliteration is the only way. Yep, James and David are more alike than they ever knew. Glad you like the Snowing parallels. I'm glad Patricia is on the good side now too. The Charmings do have that effect. Yep, Creepyl is disgusting and doesn't know what real love is and never will. Yes, Aphrodite saved James this time, always saving each other. Yeah, I'm glad Natalie is happy with her job at the museum. Yeah, she should have turned George into a snail and done everyone a favor. Yep, they're awake! Time for retribution. Yeah, Emma was busy in the background and just didn't make it into the chapter. She is in this one though. :)
Finding You Always
Chapter 221: A Long Awaited Wedding
Snow smiled up at him, as they danced together in the diner. The rehearsal dinner had gone off without a hitch and they enjoyed the evening with their family, as they celebrated the imminent nuptials between their son and soon to be daughter-in-law. Rose and Fandral had returned with the news that Jekyll might have dabbled in experimenting with taking hearts before, simply to see if he could replicate the process through science versus magic. It didn't yield many answers, but they were not surprised by the level of pure psychosis that the doctor was exhibiting. That aside, as usual, they had not allowed him to spoil their evening. And now, as dinner was winding down, they were dancing to one of their favorite cheesy ballads, to quote their children, courtesy of the jukebox. He twirled her around and then brought her back so that his chest was pressed against her back, as they continued to sway. Her smile widened, as he sung the whispered words of the song in her ear and she felt warm chills travel down her spine.
"You know what it does to me when you sing…" she purred.
"That's the idea," he whispered, as he spun her again and she ended up facing him again.
"Then I can't wait until you and I are home, because I feel like a dip in the hot tub with my husband," she said.
"That hot tub was a really good idea," he agreed, as he noticed Eva nodding to his wife, just as she and his sister came back from the Inn side.
"What's that about?" he asked.
"Well…I didn't want to tell you until I was sure, but your sister had some symptoms earlier and I had Eva check her out," Snow replied.
"What kind of symptoms?" he asked.
"The pregnancy kind," she replied, with a wince.
"What?" he asked, as his eyes widened.
"Yeah…I know and she's already scared, but it's going to be okay," she replied, as she gave Natalie a reassuring smile. He joined her in doing so and hugged Snow close.
"Of course...with someone like you in her corner, she'll be fine," he agreed.
"And with her big overly protective brother in her corner, she'll be doubly fine," she said.
"Well, at least Clayton's not here so we don't have to look at that stupid smug smirk," he replied, as she gently prodded him forward.
"Go," Snow said, as she watched him go over and talk to his sister, which was followed up with a hug, their first one ever.
"You were right...that didn't take long for him to take to her," Emma said, as she sided up to her mother and put an arm around her.
"Mmm…I know your father and he loves his family, even the one he is just discovering," Snow said, as she watched them with love in her eyes.
James and Aphrodite awakened at last and looked at each other, before practically leaping up and throwing their arms around each other, hugging fiercely.
"It was always you…" she cried, as a few tears slipped down her cheeks. He kissed her gently.
"Eros...he's truly mine," James realized, as he caught sight of the Collector.
"You…" he hissed, as he stalked toward Clayton, who backpedaled. He found a sword and held it up in defense of himself. A sword appeared in James' hand, thanks to Zeus, and he parried the Collector's blade.
"Give me one good reason I shouldn't flay you down to the bone?" James questioned, as their blades clashed.
"Well…I'm already dead and you've obviously won," Clayton retorted.
"You're right...let's just throw you in the river," James growled, as he grabbed him by the collar and prepared to toss him into the river.
"You can't let him do this, Goddess Nyx!" Clayton pleaded, as his usual arrogant façade was gone and replaced with real fear.
"As much as I would love to be rid of him...he's right, I cannot let you administer his justice," Nyx stated.
"Such is not allowed. Hades may have allowed others to do as they please, but I run a much tighter ship," she said. Clayton smirked, as James released him.
"Thank you, Goddess," he said, bowing deeply.
"Shut up or I will throw you in the river," she snapped, as he was wisely silent. James glared at his father next and faced him.
"You just couldn't let me be happy, could you?" he spat.
"I made many mistakes and you'll never believe this, but I do regret them," George said.
"You're right...I don't believe you. The only thing you regret is that you're dead and you didn't get your way," James hissed.
"And you…" he hissed at Hera.
"She never did anything to you...why do you hate her so much?" he asked. Hera glared at Dione and her daughter.
"Because she exists," Hera stated simply. Nyx raised her hand at that and Hera's soul burst into flames. She screamed briefly, as she was squelched from existence. She turned to George and Clayton next and approached.
"Being erased from existence is much too good for you, Collector and so is the river," Nyx said, as she looked at him.
"I could be useful to you, Goddess. My wealth of knowledge is unmatched...even he knows that," Clayton said, looking at Zeus.
"That's why I deserved to be a God...that's why I wanted her to bear my heir, but alas, that sadly wasn't meant to be and instead, she birthed his mongrels," he added, glaring at Clayton.
"I was very close to having the Chalice myself when I made Snow White crush Charming's heart. I would have stepped into his shoes and she would have made a nice surrogate to bear my heir," he claimed.
"The Charming bloodline is as good as a Divine bloodline now with the power of the chalice, but sadly, that wasn't meant to be either," he continued and then smirked.
"Until now…" he said.
"What are you talking about?" Aphrodite asked.
"Because my son has succeeded in doing what I could not. He has sired an heir with the coveted Charming bloodline," Clayton said.
"That's not possible!" James refuted.
"Are you saying that your son has raped one of our nieces? And how would you even know that?!" Aphrodite asked in outrage.
"I know, because Underbrooke has ways of letting the dead find out what's happening in the living world and you're right, it isn't one of Snow and David's precious daughters that is carrying my son's heir," Clayton said, as he looked at them smugly.
"It's your sister," he said, enjoying the look of shock and disbelief from them.
"I don't have a sister," James snapped, but Clayton continued to smirk smugly.
"Yes...you do. I knew your father well and he had more than a few dalliances. One of those encounters produced a child," Clayton said.
"Even if that's true...none of that means anything. Your son is never getting his hands on the Chalice. I remember everything now...and I made sure it has all the protections necessary to prevent it ever falling into the hands of evil," Aphrodite replied.
"Maybe. Maybe not...but regardless, my bloodline is secure and it is ensured that it will never die out. And one day, that child will know of the other half of its legacy," Clayton said.
"No...pretty sure Snow and David will make sure your son has no access to that child and no ability to poison him," James refuted.
"He's right...your family has been a scourge on humanity for centuries and my daughter will help make sure that doesn't continue," Dione assured him. Clayton smirked.
"We shall see…" he said.
"We will...but you will not, demon," Nyx declared, as she ceased his movements.
"You get to go to a very special place...a special eternal prison created for only the worst to ever exist," Nyx hissed and a chill of fear slithered through Clayton.
"You're going to Gehenna...a place in a dimension just beyond Tartarus. It is a horrid place of filth, stench, smoke, and fire," she said.
"You get no rest, Collector. This place will be your eternal torment and the demons already there will be your tormentors," she added, as a black portal opened before them and he saw the flames reflecting in his eyes, just before he was sucked through the portal into his eternal hell with a final scream.
"Now you…" Nyx said, as she turned to George.
"You have a well earned place in the river of lost souls...but I have decided to give you a chance to work out your unfinished business for perhaps a less harsh sentence," she said.
"You will return to Underbrooke...for now. Mind your steps and I may send you somewhere other than the river Styx or Tartarus, Your Majesty," she said, as she banished him back to the surface.
"You should have just thrown him in the river," James growled, as Aphrodite put a soothing hand on his shoulder.
"We are together again and the curse is broken, my love. He can no longer hurt us," she assured, as he put his arms around her.
"I remember everything now...all our past lives together," he said, as his brow suddenly furrowed.
"Wait...please tell me that this doesn't mean our son and Leo are actually blood related?" he asked.
"Well, if they were, that would be wildly awkward, but no...since Eros was conceived when you were Anchises, he is not related to any of his cousins by blood," Zeus replied. They let out a breath of relief.
"Yes...only you in your life as James is actually blood related to David," Dione added.
"Yeah...why do I sense that this wasn't random?" he asked.
"Because you're right...Athena was tired of seeing this curse wreck the two of you and stacked the deck, so to speak," Zeus replied.
"How?" Aphrodite asked.
"She suspected that if she entwined your destiny with David's, that Snow and David, as the truest loves, would indirectly help the two of you in breaking your curse," Dione replied.
"She's right...she somehow knew I would get tired of seeing your heart broken and refuse to allow James to be reincarnated after he was killed. She was right...I made a deal with Hades for that one to keep you in Underbrooke indefinitely," Zeus explained.
"So she knew David and I would somehow cross paths? And it would lead me to be revived?" James asked.
"Yes...she had Ruth tell you that she was giving you her second chance...but that was me. She came to me once David fell through that portal to the Underworld and clued me in on the fact that you'd cross paths with your brother," Zeus replied.
"You mean…" James started to say. Dione smiled.
"Yes...it was your second chance all along, so you could be reunited with our daughter," she said.
"But...how did you know things wouldn't go wrong again?" James asked.
"I didn't...Athena really had to strong arm me into agreeing to it. But as usual, she was right. Thanks to Snow and David, being the champions they are, Blue was finally exposed and it led you both to the truth you needed to break the curse," Zeus replied. James shook his head.
"Wow...so now we go home, I guess?" he asked. Aphrodite smiled and nodded, as she looked to her parents. Tears filled her eyes, as she hugged them tightly.
"I just got you back," she said tearfully. Nyx waved her hand and a looking glass appeared.
"This is my gift to you...and I will send it to your home in Storybrooke. This will allow you a coveted privilege of communicating with them from Elysian," Nyx offered. Aphrodite bowed respectfully to her.
"Thank you Goddess," she said, as she hugged her parents one last time, before joining hands with James. Hermes appeared and escorted them through the portal.
"Mmm...this was the best idea," Snow cooed, as she and David sat pressed together in the warm, bubbly water. He kissed her hair.
"Definitely," he agreed, as he held her against him.
"But I think I know a way for it to get even better," she purred, as she turned in the water and straddled his waist, watching his blue eyes glaze.
"Definitely better," he agreed, as she began to gently rock against him and their lips met in a passionate rhythm that was in concert of the fluid movement of their incredible lovemaking...
The next morning
"Elsa?" Anna called, as she entered her sister's chambers early that morning. Leo had slept over in their room in his parent's castle, following the usual tradition of spending the final night before their wedding apart, despite the fact they had already been living together for years.
"Out here," Elsa called from her balcony. Anna poked her head out and observed her sister already dressed in her wedding gown. It was beautiful and glittered in the early morning sunlight. It was similar in design to her favorite blue dress, with a glittering bodice, satin skirt, and a shimmering iridescent train. Her hair was braided and draped over one shoulder, as per usual, and she wore her tiara.
"Oh Elsa...you look beautiful…" Anna gushed, as she took her hand.
"Thanks…" she replied.
"Are you nervous?" Anna asked.
"Not like I thought I'd be. Leo and I have been living together for a few years now and we thought we were already married during the curse. This just feels right," Elsa replied.
"Because it is. I've never seen you at more peace, but then love will do that," Anna said, as they shared a hug.
"It's time…" Kristoff said, as they exited her chambers.
"Wow...you look beautiful, Elsa," he said. She smiled.
"Thanks…" she said, as Elsa waved her hand and they disappeared in a poof of light blue smoke.
David attempted to straighten his bowtie on his tux in the mirror, but it was not cooperating at all.
"Snow, can you help with this damn...wow," he said, as he came out of the bathroom and found her there in a sleeveless shimmering orchid dress. It wasn't too dissimilar to an orchid ball gown she had once worn long ago, but this was a modern design and a bit less formal than something she would have worn for a ball.
"I take it that you approve," she said, as she glided up to him and straightened his bowtie with minimal effort.
"How could I not...you are so beautiful," he said, as he slipped his arms around her waist and she smiled up at him.
"You're pretty handsome yourself...very handsome, in fact," she purred, as he kissed her tenderly.
"Are you ready?" he asked. She nodded.
"Yes...this is a long time coming. We already consider Elsa our daughter...this just makes it official," she said.
"I know...I'm so glad that our girls are happy in their marriages and that Leo is finally happy too. We've...worried about him," he replied. She hummed.
"He had some bad luck...bad luck that neither of us experienced. Sometimes I felt a little unqualified to give him advice," she admitted.
"Tell me about it...he once told me that he appreciated my insight, but that I didn't really get it and he was right, because I met you," he said.
"You were my first and my only...that's really rare these days," she replied.
"You were my first and only too...we were so blessed and now we know Leo is too," he said. She smiled and kissed him again.
"Come on...let's get our baby boy married off," she said. He chuckled.
"There was a time when you were horrified by the prospect of said baby boy being with anyone," he teased.
"I know...but thanks to his early bad luck, I had my reasons. But then Elsa came along and we love her. She's perfect for our son," Snow said.
"Yeah...and just think, we'll probably be doing this for Bobby in a few years," he mentioned.
"Oh, I am not looking forward to that. My youngest baby...but we'll probably be doing this for Summer first," she reminded him.
"Ugh...let's not talk about that," he complained and she smiled.
"I think it's safe to say that neither of us is looking forward to an empty nest. But we have our grandkids and we'll most certainly have more. Not to mention we'll soon have a new baby niece or nephew," she said.
"Yeah...that was definitely unexpected. I'm glad Clayton is gone so I don't have to see his stupid smug smirk over the fact of his bloodline mixing with ours," David said sourly.
"Mmm...he's gone forever, baby and his son is in prison where he belongs. This baby will be a Charming thru and thru," Snow assured him. He nodded in agreement, as he offered his arm to her. She hooked her hand on his elbow and they prepared to leave for the reserve.
Drizella looked around the creepy lab with a bit of disgust.
"This place is horrid...worse than that stupid Inn I'm forced to live at right now, because that prissy little bitch destroyed my family's mansion and took our wealth," she complained.
"Yes...but we are well protected from the strong arm of the law here on this island and we have little time for your whining," Jekyll replied. She huffed.
"Fine...what is our plan for today? Because I want nothing more than to see Snow White cry tears when we interrupt her precious baby boy's wedding day," she gushed.
"I think we should let the wedding commence and then crash the reception instead," Grimm suggested.
"Any particular reason?" Jekyll questioned.
"People will be more spread out, more relaxed, a bit of alcohol in the mix as well. It will catch them more off guard and create wider chaos," he said.
"I like it," Drizella said, as she turned to the doctor.
"But you promised me a solution to not having magic. If I am to declare myself as the new Evil Queen...then I must have the power to back up my claim," she replied. The doctor smirked and opened a case underneath one of his lab tables.
"This is an experimental drug that I have been working on to allow you to create the ability to conjure magic. It's temporary and has not been tested well yet. It's a risk...I don't know what side effects there might be," he warned.
"But it will give me powers?" she asked.
"Until the drug wears off...but it should be long enough for our purposes," he replied.
"It's untested...I will warn you again," Jekyll said.
"But it will work?" she questioned again.
"I guess we'll find out," Grimm said.
"You have to ask yourself...is getting what you want worth the risk?" Jekyll asked. She thought for a moment and then offered her arm. Jekyll smirked and administered the injection…
Leo chuckled, as several of the animals gathered around him. He got a nudge to his hand from Graham, a lick from Wilby, a head nudge from Pegasus, and a nuzzle from Firestorm.
"Thanks guys," he said, as his parents arrived and he could already see his mother tearing up.
"Oh sweetie...you look so handsome," she gushed, as she gently adjusted his bowtie.
"Thanks Mom," he replied, as they shared a hug.
"We are so proud of you and we love Elsa," David said, as he clapped him on the shoulder. He smiled, as his parents stepped off to his side, intending to stand at the altar with him. The audience was seated and the music began to play softly, as Eva, Emma, and Summer walked down the aisle arm in arm, both in gorgeous baby blue dresses and came to stand with their brother as his best women. Next, there were chuckles from the audience, as Lucy and Hope were next. Lucy carried the rings on a pillow, while Hope toddled along with her little basket and tossed flower petals. They arrived at the altar, where Hook scooped Hope up and sat back down next to Henry and Ella in the front row, while Lucy stood with their family at the altar. Also in the front row was Regina, Robin, Granny, Red, Xander, Natalie, Thalia, Rumple, Belle, Gideon, Rose, and Fandral.
The music intensified, as Elsa entered on the arms of Kristoff and Anna, as they accompanied her down the aisle. Leo smiled, as he looked at her in awe and they soon arrived at the altar. Anna hugged her tightly, as she and Kristoff took their places on her side, while Anna held her flowers. She joined hands with Leo and they turned to Archie, who stood there to officiate the ceremony.
"Friends...we gather here today to join Queen Elsa of Arendelle and Prince Leo of Misthaven in the bonds of matrimony and I must say, I am honored once again to officiate yet another Charming family wedding," Archie began.
"I have had the privilege of knowing Leo since he was born and have watched him grow every step of the way. An extraordinary little boy has become an extraordinary man, but then that did not surprise me, considering how extraordinary his parents are," he continued.
"From very early on, I knew Leo was a very special boy. Animals would seek him out, even before magic came here and I could see his deep compassion for them from very early. I knew then that he would be exceptional...but I also knew that it may come with challenges," he said.
"Being exceptional or different is not always easy, as I eventually learned when I met Elsa upon her first arrival in Storybrooke," he continued.
"I saw how extraordinary her magic was, but how incredibly lonely it made her," he said.
"Until she met Leo and realized she had a kindred spirit; someone that truly understood and that was not afraid of her power," he added, with a smile.
"To see these two find their way back to each other and fall in love brought me true joy and I am honored to bring them together in this union. I know you both have vows and we are eager to witness you speak of your love and devotion to each other," Archie said, as they faced each other.
"Archie summed it up pretty well...I've always had trouble relating to people outside my family. Even in a town of magic, I was the weird kid that animals followed everywhere," he said, eliciting a few chuckles.
"I had some trouble with relationships and when I met you, I think I knew that no one else would understand me the way you did. The problem was that we were separated by the walls between realms," he said.
"Even after we parted for those few years, I could never stop thinking about you and growing up with the greatest true love as my example, I knew what that meant. I knew that I loved you and that we'd find a way to be together. And we did," Leo said, as they shared a smile.
"We did," she agreed.
"I feel so lucky to be welcomed into such a warm family. I never even considered having a normal family, let alone finding someone to share my life with. I couldn't see the possibility of anyone not being fearful of my power," Elsa said.
"But then you came along and showed me that if I stopped fearing myself...then others would too. You understood the curse of having power and taught me the beauty of it as well," she added.
"I didn't believe in true love or soul mates until I met you and your family and I can't wait to continue this crazy journey together," she said, as they shared another smile.
"It is without a doubt that we are witnessing another shining example of true love," Archie said.
"The rings please," he said, as Lucy did her part and presented the pillow, allowing Leo and Elsa to take the wedding bands.
"Prince Leo Charming of Misthaven, do you take this woman, Queen Elsa of Arendelle as your wife?" he asked.
"I do," he said, with a smile, as he slid the ring on her finger.
"Queen Elsa of Arendelle, do you take this man, Prince Leo Charming of Misthaven as your husband?" Archie questioned.
"I do," she replied, with a smile, as she slid the ring on his finger.
"Then with the power invested in me by the royal council of Misthaven, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," Archie declared. They smiled and their lips met in a passionate kiss to the applause of everyone present.
"And now...we celebrate this union at the reception following immediately!" Archie announced, as the newly wedded couple retreated together from the altar, with their family following. It would be a long afternoon and evening of celebration.
James and Aphrodite stepped through the portal and into their home atop Mount Olympus.
"It's good to be home," James said. She smiled.
"It's good to have all of my memories," she replied, as he pulled her close and kissed her tenderly.
"I guess we should go find everyone. I guess I have a sister to meet and questions for my father," James said.
"Well...you sort of missed the wedding, but you'll be in time for the reception," Hermes said.
"Wedding? Leo and Elsa?" Aphrodite asked. She nodded.
"Much has happened and I'm sure Snow and David will fill you in, but Leo and Elsa wanted to get married before the next mission," Hermes said.
"Just how much did we miss?" James asked.
"A lot...you know Snow and David, always on the move," Hermes joked.
"Well...looks like we have a reception to get ready for," Aphrodite said, as they proceeded to go clean up and change.
"Are you sure you want another? These are very strong," Aesop warned, as he manned the bar and kept the drinks flowing at the reception.
"These earthly concoctions have little effect on me, mate. While yours is an impeccable recipe, only real Asgardian ale can get me drunk," Fandral said, as Rose enjoyed her mixed drink.
"Saying that I can't get you drunk just takes all the fun out of the challenge," Aesop joked.
"Well...I would offer to give you a few tips with your brewing to make a strong Asgardian brew, but I'm afraid it would be a bit dangerous to humans," Fandral joked back.
"As an author...your culture fascinates me. I'd love to read more about Asgard," Aesop said.
"Oh we have many books and you're welcome to any of them," Rose replied.
"Yes...you were an author that ended up in the Land of Untold Stories, am I correct?" Fandral asked.
"Yes...if there is one story I have been reluctant to tell, it's my own, I'm afraid," Aesop replied.
"Well...if you ever do want to tell it, we'd love to listen," Rose assured.
"Thank you...perhaps someday," he said.
"Do you want another?" Snow asked, as they put their empty glasses on the bar.
"What, are you trying to get me tipsy?" David teased and she pecked him on the lips.
"Maybe I am…" she purred, as he pulled her close and they swayed together.
"It's good to see you two unwind a bit, especially with all that you told us is ahead," Fandral mentioned. Snow smiled.
"Yes...we need it. The easy thing to do would be to close off the United Realms and leave the Land Without Magic to its own problems. Some probably think we should," she said.
"That's not your style...nor ours. If there are innocents suffering, then helping is never wrong," Rose agreed.
"Yeah...and there is an upside. We've lived in this world for so long, but we've seen very little of it. Despite the danger, we'll also be traveling to places all over the globe from what the Major said," David said.
"There is much romance to be had in adventure," Fandral agreed with a toast of his glass. Snow smiled and bit her bottom lip, as she looked at David.
"You know us...slowing down never seems to be in the plan, but I wouldn't change it for anything," she said, as he pecked her on the lips.
"Me either…" he said, as he led her back onto the dance floor.
"Shall we as well, my angel?" Fandral asked, as he took her hand. She nodded and they joined everyone else for another dance.
Aesop smiled, as he observed the festivities and continued serving drinks.
"It would seem bartending is the occupation of washed up writers. Curious…" a voice said, as Aesop turned to see a man at the bar.
"I'm sorry...who are you?" Aesop asked.
"No one important...thanks to you," he replied.
"I don't even know you," Aesop said.
"No...but you knew my ancestors when you screwed them out of the authorship," the man replied, as Aesop took a sobering breath.
"You're a Grimm," he realized.
"Yes...and instead of being a world famous author, I own a bar, much like you," Elias said.
"I suspect that your bar is somewhere I've never visited then," Aesop replied.
"No...Pleasure Island isn't for the faint of heart, despite its deceiving name," Elias replied.
"Ah Pleasure Island...a den of villainy and scum," Aesop said.
"Better than being around a bunch of sanctimonious heroes and at least I didn't run from my duties as the original author," Elias challenged.
"I didn't run…" Aesop snapped.
"It doesn't matter...neither of us will ever live up to the glory that Henry Nolan Charming has found," he said.
"Henry is the most honorable author to ever hold the pen. Now, I think it's time you leave. Snow and David would not enjoy having scum like you at their son's wedding reception," Aesop replied. Elias smirked.
"Oh…I'm not going anywhere and thankfully, this party is about to liven up a bit," he replied. Aesop frowned and then heard a few screams.
"They look so happy…" Snow gushed, as they danced and she watched their son dance with his wife.
"That's the magic of true love," David said, as they swayed slowly. The moment was absolutely perfect, especially as he kissed her, so they should have known it would soon go wrong.
A few guests were startled when one of the ice sculptures exploded and melted, with water sloshing onto the dance floor.
"What the hell?" Leo muttered, as another one burst and became a puddle.
"That doesn't seem normal," JJ mentioned, as he danced with Summer.
"It's not," she said, as she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.
"Rumple…" Belle asked, as she saw that he had gone rigid. He responded by ushering her off the dance floor. Regina looked around, as the ground beneath them started to rumble.
"Let me guess...that's not you doing that, kid?" Emma asked, as she and Killian looked around.
"I'll get the baby," he said, as he hurried to retrieve her from Granny, just in case.
"Yeah...not me, but I think I know who it is," Bobby replied.
"Oh he has got guts if he's even thinking about interrupting my grandson's wedding," Regina growled irritably, as she readied a fireball in hand. That's when three more ice sculptures exploded, creating more alarm. David held Snow close and glared fiercely at the phantom that was seemingly causing this.
"Stop cowering and show yourself, you snake," he growled, as the water from the exploded ice sculptures began to steam and evaporate into the air, creating a mist around them all.
"Enough with the theatrics, you demon! You are not going to destroy our son's wedding!" Snow shouted into the air, as she stepped forward. But that was exactly what he wanted, as the tendrils from the mist suddenly became alive and wrapped around her.
"Snow!" he cried, as she disappeared into the mist. There was a tapping sound, like shoes on the dance floor, as the mist suddenly lifted and they could see again. His heart pounded wildly, as he could feel Snow was still nearby, but couldn't see her. What he did see though was nothing short of nauseating. The tapping noise was revealed to be Drizella Tremaine, the original version and his long time stalker, arriving in a gaudy, cleavage bursting green dress. As usual, she was dripping in cheap costume jewelry, wore a tacky looking tiara, and her makeup was grossly overdone.
"You have to admit...that was one hell of an entrance. Fit for a Queen, if I do say so," she said.
"You are no Queen…" David refuted.
"Oh, but that's where you're wrong, handsome. I am a Queen now...the new Evil Queen," she claimed. Regina's chuckle started low and then grew into an outright mocking laugh, as she stepped forward.
"You? The Evil Queen? I'd say more like an evil wannabe, but you're not even that good," Regina sneered.
"Better than you...what Evil Queen gives up their conquest for revenge and becomes family with their enemy?" Drizella countered.
"A smart one...which leaves you out," Regina retorted.
"Where is my wife?" David snapped.
"Well, I'd love to say dead, since that would be my preference, but I'll take out of the way so I can make you mine," she said in a sultry tone.
"Listen ghoul girl, this is my brother's wedding and unless you'd like to go back to the rubber room, you better tell me where my mother is and leave or things might get even uglier for you and that's saying something with a clown face like yours," Emma growled.
"She's very rude, Charming...you should have raised her to respect a Queen," Drizella commented.
"She respects real Queens, like her mother, not trashy less than wannabes like you," David retorted. She pouted at that.
"So mean...but you're so dreamy, so I can't even be mad," she gushed and he rolled his eyes.
"Seriously bitch...where's our Mom?" Leo snapped hotly.
"Suffering…I hope," Drizella hissed and Emma blasted her with a burst of white magic. She cried out and found herself singed after it, seething at the blonde.
"That was a light tap...the next one is going to burn," Emma warned.
"Or maybe not," Drizella growled, surprising them all when she hit Emma with a sickly green blast of magic.
"Emma!" David cried, as he hurried to help his daughter up from the ground. She was mostly dazed, but had a minor burn on her chest from it.
"She...she has magic," Emma uttered, but he shook his head.
"How is that possible?" he wondered.
"How indeed," a voice said, as Jekyll emerged in a puff of mist, with Snow by the arm. She had her wrists in a pair of fiery cuffs, but they didn't seem to be burning her.
"Let. Her. Go," David growled, as he stepped forward and brandished the Chalice sword.
"I wouldn't come too close," Jekyll warned, but David ignored him until Snow grimaced in pain the closer he got. He noticed the cuffs had gotten redder.
"These are specifically designed to keep you away from her. Get too close and they will react to your body heat, causing your beloved great pain," Jekyll said.
"You sick, sadistic psychopath...let her go now," David growled. Jekyll chuckled.
"I finally found a way to keep you apart...but then I knew my genius would never let me down," he boasted.
"As for the subject of how she has magic...that would be my genius again. I have worked on a concoction for many years that alters the DNA of a person that is injected with it and allows them to use magic for a time," Jekyll explained.
"Your elixirs and serums will never truly be able to replace the power of real magic," Rumple refuted.
"Oh, I don't know...I think the Savior got a taste of what my elixir can do," he argued.
"She surprised me...that won't happen again," Emma assured them.
"Let her go...this is the last time I'll ask or I'll use the full power of the Chalice on you. I won't hold back…" David warned. He smirked.
"Too many innocents could get hurt if we battle...and you know it. You won't risk innocent lives," he challenged.
"Now...she'll be coming with me," Jekyll said.
"The hell she will…" David growled, as Bobby curiously reached out to feel what kind of energy was pulsing through the cuffs on his mother, as Jekyll continued to goad his father.
"But you cannot stop me," he said, as he gently caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. Snow shrugged away in disgust and turned her head away from him as much as possible.
"So beautiful...you feature in all my dreams, lovely Snow and now those dreams will come true," he promised, but his delusion was interrupted when Bobby slowly started approaching them.
"Stay back brat...you don't want to harm your lovely mother," Jekyll warned. But to his and everyone else's shock, the cuffs didn't seem to react to him at all and he had an aura of peridot green around him.
"How...how are you doing this!?" Jekyll growled and the teen smirked.
"I think the question should be why do you think that you can defeat my magic and the magic of my siblings? Magic that our parents gave us, born of true love and magic that the Dark One himself and the former Evil Queen taught us to use," Bobby replied.
"But to answer your stupid question...I just used my earth powers to cool my body temperature to almost nothing. I guess I'm kind of the walking answer to foiling all your psychotic science experiments," Bobby said, as he sent a small seismic vibration into the cuffs around Snow's wrists and they cracked, before shattering to pieces.
"You little…" Jekyll said, but he released another seismic charge directly at Jekyll, throwing him back almost twenty feet. David rushed up to his wife and swept her into his arms.
"This...is not over," Jekyll warned, as Drizella and Grimm backed away to join him.
"Not by a long shot," Drizella promised, as they disappeared in a puff of smoke. Snow breathed a sigh in relief, as David held her and kissed her passionately.
"I'm okay…" she promised, as they enveloped Bobby in a hug between them, while the rest of their children gathered around them.
"That was incredible, baby brother," Emma said. He shrugged.
"I have the powers...I'm going to use them," he said simply.
"We just got here and saw everything at the end!" Aphrodite called, as she rushed toward them.
"You're back!" Snow called, as they shared a hug.
"A device that can keep you away from Snow...he really went there?" James asked, as he and David shared a hug as well.
"Unfortunately, but he's no match for our son," David said, with pride, as he put his hands on Bobby's shoulders.
"Your memories? Did you find any answers?" Snow asked.
"Oh did we...it's quite a story, but I say that we don't let that stupid doctor and his loser sidekicks ruin this celebration," James suggested.
"Especially since it seems that I have a sister to meet," he added, as he looked in the direction of his father and the blonde woman next to him.
"So...are we doing the fireworks?" Leroy asked impatiently. David smiled.
"Yes we are...and then you can tell us everything," he replied, as the dwaves went to resume the festivities.
"Wait...you put Leroy and Happy in charge of fireworks?" Regina asked in concern.
"Don't worry...they're only allowed to set them up. Doc is in charge of the ignitor," David assured, as the fireworks commenced.
"My love...if you need me to take you home, the kids will understand," he whispered to her. But she shook her head.
"No…I won't let him do that to me. As long as I have your arms around me, I'll be fine," she promised, as they shared a tender kiss. But there was no doubt that Jekyll's latest stunt had shaken them both a bit. A device that prevented him from being near her made his blood run cold. He only hoped they could find another way than just their son to combat this threat and eventually find a way to destroy Jekyll, once and for all...
