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.
Also, there is a love scene in this chapter. It is marked so it can be skipped if that's not your thing. :)
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:
Ghostwriter: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
AnonSnowing: I must have missed it. It happens and I was rushed getting the chapter up two weeks ago. Glad you like the wedding. Yep, Leo and Elsa went to Emerald City for their Honeymoon on Pegasus! Yeah, I like it that Snowing is indirectly responsible for restoring James and Aphrodite's happy ending. Telling Prince Goddess' story was a lot of fun. Yep, the Claytons were trouble and his obsession with Snowing makes even more sense now. Yes, fortunately, Clayton's wish won't come completely true. Yep, the Charmings will definitely defeat all the villains and monsters. I know, Creepyl just won't stop. Yeah, Le Fou and Goldie are the worst reporters ever, but entertaining at least. Yeah, bringing back that war room and Charming being all sexy and commanding. It's my jam. Yep, Snowing was busy during their alone time. Yeah, unfortunately, the bad guys know the Charmings are coming. Lol, I know, I loved the kids interrupting them to tell them that they are in fact, walking targets of mayhem. Yep, Bobby the powerhouse will be coming on all the missions. I know, so much happening. At least Zorro saw so he can tell the others. I'm glad Prince Goddess has their happy ending too. Yep, the mission is on! Thanks, so glad you liked it. :)
Grace5231973: Yes, it definitely will not be easy since they are expecting them. I loved them telling off the blue gnat too! :)
Delena's Teddy: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Addison Faye: Thanks, glad you liked it! :)
Number Ten: Yeah, the formal dress might be problematic. No, it wasn't a choice to stop really. If you go back, you'll see that Snow had to have an emergency hysterectomy right after Bobby was born. So she literally couldn't have anymore children. No, Regina is not wrong about them being a magnet for mayhem. Bobby is definitely a force to be reckoned with. :)
Jennifer Baratta: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Yep, hopefully Mephisto will go down in a big way and Drizella may regret taking those injections with the side effects in play. :)
Sexystarwarslover: I know, Snow and David are always stunning and they're going on this mission in style! Thanks, glad you liked the wedding. It was gorgeous, despite the interruptions. I'm glad Prince Goddess got all their memories back too. Yeah, the Claytons are the worst. I know, I think that heart crushing scene still haunts us all and now that we know what Clayton had planned, it's even more chilling. Ugh, Jekyll being a creeper again as usual and side effects serve Drizella right. I know, brooding Charming is hot. Yep, I want Charming to kill Jekyll personally too. Yep, sexy Snowing time. Yes, the wedding was the celebration of the year. Yep, Snowing is late to their own meeting, lol. No, they are not good people. Yep, Charming at the war room table in season 7 was the vibe I was going for. Yep, they're walking mayhem for sure. Yep, the blue gnat will get what's coming to her. Glad you enjoyed it!
Finding You Always
Chapter 223: A Frightful Time
Snow, David, and Bobby left their hotel suite and met Major Donovan at the elevator, along with Regina, Elsa, and Leo.
"Okay...the plan is clear. We mingle during the event and spot these two," Patricia said, as she held up the photos of their targets.
"Then while we make sure they are occupied, you two will take the freight elevator down to the underground bunker beneath this hotel and liberate those down there," Regina said.
"We can use the chalice to portal them home to Storybrooke. We have Paul and Eva standing by at the hospital to receive victims and treat them," Snow replied, as they boarded the elevator. Snow's phone chimed and she smiled, as she saw the picture on it.
"Oh Charming...look at our grandbabies…" she gushed and he smiled, as she showed him the picture.
"Wow…I can't believe we have to miss Halloween with them," he said, with a touch of sadness.
"I know...Emma and Henry are going to send us plenty of pictures though. Lucy is so cute in her Wonder Woman costume," Snow gushed.
"Yeah...and Hope as the cutest tiny pirate princess. I'm sure Killian is loving this," he said, as he swiped through the photos of them.
"Okay you two...let's get this done and maybe we'll make it home in time for the Halloween party tomorrow night," Regina said, as the elevator opened up and the music filled their ears.
On the stage were models walking the runway in various of the latest fashions from the most popular designers in the world.
"Is this all there is? I've never been to a fashion show," David whispered to her. She smiled in amusement.
"You mean you don't want to watch beautiful, rail thin models walk the runway in some of the most impractical clothing imaginable all night?" she teased.
"Well, you know I'll do anything with you by my side, but yeah, this wouldn't be a first choice of mine," he said, as he put his arms around her waist.
"Besides, you are far more beautiful and captivating than any other could ever be," he promised, as she practically melted at that.
"Oh Charming...you are too good to be true sometimes," she mused.
"You're my wife and I would never want another," he assured her.
"I know...you've never had wandering eyes and the same can't be said about most men. That's why I'm so lucky," she said.
"That's my line about you," he countered, as she nuzzled her nose against his.
"Seriously you two...we are not here for leisure," Regina said.
"Then why are you bringing us champagne?" David asked, as they took the glasses from her.
"Because we're supposed to act like we are here for leisure," Regina replied.
"Well leisure to me is kissing Snow so I'd say we're making it look believable," David argued. Regina rolled her eyes and took a sip of the champagne, before wrinkling her nose.
"For a fancy event like this, you'd think they'd spring for some good champagne," she complained.
"I thought we weren't supposed to drink it," David teased, earning another withering look from the former Queen.
"If you're interested, I think I've spotted one of our targets," Leo interjected, as he and Elsa joined them and they spotted Stefan Landers.
"Okay...what's the next move?" Bobby asked.
"The next move is for you to stay with us," David answered.
"Maybe we should bait him," Snow suggested.
"How?" David asked skeptically and she tilted her head with a wince.
"Well, I can pretend to bump into him and strike up a conversation. He knows who I am, but he doesn't know that I know who he is," Snow replied.
"Too risky...I'll go instead. Capturing you would just bring out all their demons," Regina said.
"Agreed," David said, as he put his arm around her waist and they watched Regina casually approach him.
"There's the other one," Elsa said, pointing out Erin Mercer, who seemed to be overseeing the procession of models and talking with someone else, who seemed like they might be a director of some kind.
"Let's pretend that we have an interest modeling. Maybe we can bait her as well," Elsa suggested.
"That's a good idea...she might know me, but I doubt she knows you. I can hover nearby," Leo said, as they made their way over there.
"Oh my God...it's you!" a woman called, as she seemed to recognize them and it instantly made them nervous that she seemed to draw attention to them.
"I've read Henry Swan's book like a hundred times!" she gushed.
"Uh...that's nice," Snow said, trying to deflect her, but it wasn't working.
"Oh I have to get a picture…" she gushed.
"Uh no thanks...we don't…" David said, but she didn't listen and wedged herself between them, before snapping a picture with her phone.
"Okay…" Snow said, as she gently pushed her back and put her hands around David's arm. Bobby scoffed and shook his head in amusement, as something happened to catch the corner of his eye. In the doorway, in the near distance, he saw Mephisto standing there with a smug look on his face. He then disappeared, sending Bobby chasing after him.
"Oh my God...I can't wait to show this to my Mom. She is even more obsessed with your romance than me," the woman gushed.
"That's nice…" Snow said awkwardly, as she saw her son running after something.
"Charming…" she said in alarm.
"Bobby!" he called, but he didn't stop, which meant something was wrong. He took her hand and they chased after him and into the corridor outside the large event room.
"Why would he just run off like that?" Snow wondered.
"I don't know...but I'm sure he had a good reason," David replied, as he led her down the dimly lit corridor. They rounded the corner and gasped when they found their son facing Mephisto in the corridor.
"You…" David growled.
"Step away from our son," Snow hissed, as she started to reach for them.
"No…I'll have none of your interference this time," Mephisto said, as he waved his hand. Snow and David were thrust back and into an opening elevator.
"Mom! Dad!" Bobby cried, as the elevator door closed and he heard them cry out. Mephisto smirked.
"What. Did. You. Do?" he growled through clenched teeth.
"I cut the elevator cable and sent them plummeting into the basement. I do hope their chalice can save them or that won't be a pretty sight to see when they crash," he said. Bobby charged him angrily, as a sword appeared in his hand and Mephisto welcomed the fight.
Snow and David hit the wall in the elevator and cried out, as they felt the elevator drop like a rock.
"David!" Snow cried, as she reached for him. He grabbed her hand and the chalice appeared between them. A pulse of light erupted from the chalice and blasted a hole in the roof of the elevator. They used the chalice to encase themselves in a bubble and floated out of the broken elevator and into the empty shaft, hovering gently in the air. They sighed in relief and put their arms around each other.
"We need to get back to Bobby," she said.
"I know...but I think we're going to have to go down, before we find our way back up," he replied, as they gently willed the bubble to lower them little by little until they found the very bottom floor in the hotel. They made their way to solid ground and through the open passage.
They found themselves in a darkened corridor and she gripped his arm, as they walked by the light of the glowing chalice. They rounded the corner and Snow and automated lights came on, flooding the corridor with light. Snow gasped at the sight before them, as they found young women and children in cages…
"Yes…I think I have just the right one for your unique appetite. We can make the exchange tonight. The usual place," Stefan said, as he hung up the phone, just in time for someone to bump into him.
"Oh…I'm so sorry. I think I've had a bit much to drink," Regina said, as the man eyed her curiously.
"No harm done...I don't mind being bumped into when it's done by a beautiful woman," he said smoothly.
"Ah...well, then I'm not so sorry," she purred, pretending to flirt with him.
"Are you enjoying the show?" he asked.
"Oh yes...I have a healthy appreciation for fashion," she replied.
"Perhaps you'll share a toast with me then," he said, as he grabbed two more glasses of champagne from one of the servers circling the room. Regina accepted the glass and they toasted, before taking a sip.
"So...how much longer do we fake these pleasantries, Your Majesty?" Stefan asked. Regina smirked.
"Oh good...you've dropped the act. If you know what's good for you, then you'll come quietly," she said.
"I don't think so," he said, as his hands lit up with fire and her eyes widened.
"That's right...Lord Mephisto has given me many gifts," he boasted. Screams erupted in the room, as he shot flames at her. People began to panic and scatter, as Regina engaged him in battle with her own magic.
"Excuse me...someone told me that this is your event?" Elsa asked, as she approached the woman. She smiled thinly.
"It is…" she confirmed.
"Well…I was wondering…" she trailed off.
"I'm a very busy woman, so you had best spit it out already," she said.
"Well…I've always had an interest in modeling," Elsa replied.
"And you think you have what it takes?" Erin asked.
"I'm not sure...but I was hoping for an opportunity to prove myself," Elsa responded.
"Hmm…" the woman said, as she raised Elsa's chin to look at her.
"Yes...certainly beautiful and I think I may have use for someone of your talents," she replied, with a gleam in her eyes. As she said that though, they saw the fire battle erupt between Stefan and Regina across the room. Erin growled and her hands became alive with fire. Elsa was quick though and blasted her into the nearest wall with her ice powers.
"They have powers…" Elsa uttered.
"Yeah...this just got more complicated," Leo said, as he sided up to her and they went to war with Erin.
Rose held onto her husband tightly, as they rode his horse into Storybrooke. They had carriages and had even been offered car service, but they always preferred horseback as their mode of transportation. And Rose loved riding with him on his horse, with arms around him and listening to his heartbeat while resting her head on his back. The horse slowed, as they approached Aesop's Tables and her husband dismounted, before tying the animal's reins to a post. She swung her leg over to dismount and felt his hands around her waist, as he gently helped her down. She was perfectly capable of doing so on her own, but always loved that he helped her anyway. She smiled up at him and he put his arm around her, as they made their way inside the establishment.
"I didn't expect to see either of you so soon," Aesop mentioned, as he dried some glassware.
"Yes...we have a few questions in light of the events that just occurred," Fandral said.
"We know you were reluctant to talk about your past, but we think it would be helpful to learn what we could about this man named Grimm," Rose added. Aesop sighed.
"Yes…I suppose it would. I never expected a Grimm to resurface," he said.
"Then you know this man?" Fandral questioned.
"Not this one personally, but like he said, I knew his ancestors quite well. They were my apprentices," Aesop said.
"Then you were the first author?" Rose asked. He nodded.
"Long ago, Athena foresaw that there would be many authors and all who would put their own spin on each story," he began.
"She welcomed all ideas and thoughts, as well as the freedom in expression. But she wanted one true account of every story all in one place; a historical account, if you will," he explained.
"The book," Rose deduced. He nodded.
"So...she approached Merlin with her vision for a supreme author and historical book and he agreed with her vision," he said.
"They knew that not just anyone could be trusted with the power of the enchanted author pen and sought someone they could trust," he continued.
"At the time, I was a young squire, one of many, working under Homer in the ancient times. When Athena and Merlin came to him, Homer was expecting to be chosen as the author, so you can imagine everyone's shock when I was chosen instead," he said.
"Homer seems like he would have been a bit high profile and seemed a bit too cynical for some of the real stories," Rose replied.
"That was Athena's thinking exactly. Homer pleaded with the Goddess to choose him, but she chose a young author enamored with the idea of hope, true love, and happy endings," he said. They smiled at him.
"Merlin created the pen and bestowed it to me. Not long after that, Athena came to me and asked me to keep a secret book of Aphrodite's true and complete story. She explained that it had to be kept separate from the original book, even from any apprentices I took on," he continued.
"To preserve her true story in the event their curse was broken," Fandral surmised.
"Exactly and Zeus didn't want the wrong people knowing the truth or like others have attempted, they might have tried to take advantage of her and try to gain the power of the chalice," Aesop said.
"So...you mentioned this Elias Grimm's ancestors had apprenticeships with you?" Rose asked.
"Yes…the Grimm brothers, Wilhelm and Jacob. They were talented writers, but had a dismal childhood. I thought I could help inspire hope in them by hiring them on. But tales of true love winning out over evil weren't at all satisfying for them," he explained.
"They rewrote some classic tales with a more, well...gritty twist. I didn't approve at all," Aesop said.
"What happened?" Fandral asked.
"I fired them and they were furious. They went on to publish their alternate tales over the years, each generation creating their own twists to the real historical tales in the book. Elias' father wrote some particularly disturbing versions of stories we know well, those of which only maintained a small cult following, while the real versions of the triumph of true love stood the test of time," Aesop responded.
"Elias' father saw an opening when Isaac became the author, but he had little interest in sharing the spotlight with a Grimm. And we know how that ended for Isaac when Aphrodite banished him and locked him away in the hat," he continued.
"That's when Elias' father, Joseph, came to me. With the curse looming, the pen returned to me by default and since a new author was not immediately chosen, I was in possession of it at the behest of Merlin," he added.
"However, there was one thing Joseph had managed to get Isaac to do for him and that was to write a key to the Land of Untold Stories. He thought by forcing me through the door with the pen that it would nullify the pen's powers and he could take over as the author. But it didn't work and he incurred Aphrodite's wrath. She banished him from the realm and he was killed at sea soon after," Aesop said.
"That explains his hostility toward the Goddess and her charges," Fandral reasoned.
"Yes...people much prefer Snow and David's real story over any offshoots," Aesop agreed.
"So you stayed in the Land of Untold Stories?" Rose asked.
"Well, the curse hit soon after and even if I had the key, it wouldn't have worked during the duration of the curse. When it broke, the Goddess found me and said there would soon be a new author, a very young one, but one extremely worthy. She offered me a path to return to Misthaven, but I had settled into my life so I gave her the pen and she returned to Olympus," Aesop replied.
"And then Henry became the author," Rose said. He nodded.
"I had no idea that the next author would be of a chosen bloodline such as his, but I was relieved to know it was in good hands. However, it seems that Elias shares the same bitterness of those in his family that came before him," Aesop replied.
"Snow and David have been down this road with Isaac...I read all about it. Even when he got the pen, he was unable to write over their love. Elias must know that there are things he cannot change," Rose said.
"I'm sure he knows...but that won't stop him from trying to write over everything else good that he can. I don't know if getting the pen is his goal. I think he craves the fame that Henry has garnered more than anything," Aesop reasoned.
"Thank you for giving us some background to go on with him," Fandral said.
"I just hope it helps," he said, as the couple turned to leave and exited the establishment.
"We should tell Emma, Aphrodite and James about what we've learned," Fandral suggested.
"Yes...and I'm sure Aphrodite can provide even more insight with her memories restored," Rose agreed, as they mounted their horse and headed off.
"Daddy!" little Sera called, as she ran to him in her Princess costume.
"There's my little Princess, who is actually dressed like a princess today," he said, as he picked her up.
"Ready to get some candy?" he asked.
"Uh huh...and Mommy said you can have all my candy with the nuts cause I don't like nuts," Sera said, making him chuckle.
"Don't worry...between me and your brother, we'll take care of the candy with the nuts," he agreed.
"And speaking of your brother…" he said, as he saw his son come out, proudly wearing a costume that consisted of silver chainmail, though it was fashioned to only look like chainmail and was really cloth. On his son's hip was a scabbard with a wooden discord and he ran up to his father.
"A noble Knight, I see to protect his little sister," he said, as he pretended to bow.
"I'm you, Daddy," Eros replied, as his wife gave him a cheeky smile.
"No...it was all his idea. He wanted to be just like his daddy," she said, as she put her arms around him. Having someone look up to him may have been a regular occurrence for his brother, but it was something that James was still getting used to.
"You look great, buddy...and you're going to be very brave," he told him, as he hugged him. He put them both down and let them run off to play, before slipping his arms around Aphrodite's waist.
"He loves his Daddy," she gushed.
"And I love him...I loved him as my own even before I knew he actually was," he promised. She swiped a tear away.
"I know," she replied, as they shared a kiss.
"Is it time to get candy yet?" Eros called and they chuckled.
"All right...let's go get some candy," James said, as they left to go trick-or-treating.
Grimm opened the package that came in the mail and found his manuscript inside with a letter. His blood boiled, as he read yet another rejection letter from the latest publisher he had sent his book to. But, as usual, they weren't interested in any of his stories. Only the fairy tales written by Henry Nolan Charming.
"Dammit…" he cursed, as Jekyll walked into the bar.
"Rejection has a bitter sting," he mentioned.
"I guess you would know too," he agreed.
"It's quite lively in here today," Jekyll mentioned.
"Tomorrow is Halloween night and a full moon...it's bound to be a little crazy, even by United Realms standards," Grimm replied.
"If I had a pen with magical ink in it...I'd certainly be writing about the real stories of the people here and how many lives those so-called heroes have ruined," he added. That statement struck something in Jekyll and he came to a sudden revelation.
"What if...what if there was a way for you to get some magical ink?" Jekyll asked.
"There isn't...a Grimm would never be allowed to hold the author's pen by that sanctimonious Goddess on Olympus," Grimm replied. Jekyll smirked.
"What if we could create our own version on the author's pen?" the mad scientist asked.
"You can create a thousand pens, but without the right type of magical ink, it doesn't matter," Grimm replied. Jekyll continued to smirk smugly.
"Are you familiar with the magic created by the combined blood of Snow and her idiot Prince?" he asked.
"It's the blood that has cast curses and defeated evil...everyone is well aware. What is your point?" Grimm asked.
"My point is that if you were to fill a pen with their combined magical blood...you'd have blood ink at your disposal to do whatever bidding you...or we wanted," he replied. Grimm seemed intrigued but skeptical.
"Even if that were true, how do you expect to harvest blood from Snow and Charming?" he asked.
"I haven't exactly worked that out yet...but nothing has proved impossible for a brilliant mind like mine," Jekyll boasted.
"Even if we were able to fill a pen with their blood as the ink, we could only do so much before we would need more of their blood," Grimm said.
"Yes...but if we make it count, then harvesting more blood would be easier if you write the story we need," Jekyll replied.
"That's a lot of if's...but if I got a pen with that magical blood, the possibilities could be endless," Grimm agreed. Jekyll smirked.
"Yes...we could finally have everything if we had control of the narrative," he agreed.
"We'd still have the issue of the author countering whatever I write though," Grimm reminded him.
"Let him try to counter us...there are always many battles before the war is won," Jekyll said, as he finished his drink and returned to his lab.
The ground beneath them shook, as Bobby traded blows with Mephisto. The demon lashed at him with hands that had become fiery whips and Bobby dodged him with his agile speed. Mephisto cackled though, as he cornered the teen and prepared to whip him. Bobby willed a bubble around himself and the fire whip hit the bubble. Mephisto growled and pulled back, as he was unable to penetrate it.
"I'll admit, young one...you are far more formidable than I could have ever imagined," he said.
"Yeah...you do suck," Bobby quipped, making the demon growl, as he charged the boy again. Bobby dove for the floor and slid under Mephisto's legs, as he came at him. The demon growled though and caught the teen by the ankle. He dragged him back, but Bobby was ready and his entire body became lit with lightning. Mephisto cried out in pain and let him go, before slashing at him again. He stopped though and paused, as if he was hearing something. He growled and glared at the teen.
"This is your lucky night, boy...we'll call this a draw and we'll meet again soon," Mephisto hissed, as he disappeared. Bobby sighed and disappeared as well, intending to find his parents.
"Oh my God...this is horrible," Snow cried, as she moved to one of the cages and the young woman inside cowered in fear.
"It's okay...we're not going to hurt you. We're going to free you," she promised. But she screamed, as the ceiling above them melted away and David pulled her back into his arms. Erin and Stefan appeared in a display of fiery flames.
"They have Mephisto's powers too," David realized. There was a purple poof of smoke, as Regina, Elsa, and Leo appeared.
"You're not getting away so easily," Regina said, as she dodged one of their fireballs.
"We need to get these innocent people out of here," David said, as he raised the chalice and dissolved all the locks on the cages. Erin tried to shoot a fireball at one of the cages, but Elsa stopped it with a blast of ice, while Regina battled Stefan.
"We need to end this...or these children are going to get caught in the crossfire," Snow realized. David nodded, as they joined hands and willed the chalice into their weapons. They willed the power to create a sparkling orange portal behind them.
"Leo...you and Elsa get these people to Storybrooke," David said, as he charged Stefan with the Chalice sword in hand. Snow joined Regina in double teaming Erin.
"If I can get her still long enough, one chalice arrow should end her," Snow said.
"Leave that to me," Elsa said. Regina nodded.
"I'll help these little ones," Regina said, as she and Leo started ushering the youngest children to the portal.
"Eva...it's Leo. Mom and Dad opened a portal near the hospital," he said into his phone.
"Paul and I saw it. We're standing by," she replied.
"Good...here they come," Leo said, as he started filing the young women and children through the portal.
Meanwhile, Elsa blasted the floor with ice, which creeped up on Erin and froze her to the floor. She tried using her powers to melt the ice beneath her, but wasn't fast enough. Snow threaded a glowing arrow and released it. It struck her in the chest and the demon possessed woman screeched a horrible scream, as the chalice's power destroyed her in a pulse of pure white light and she dissolved into ash.
David dueled Stefan and the demon managed to get his hand around his neck, slamming the prince against the wall.
"Guess this is the end of the line for you...Prince Charming…" he hissed.
"I guess it is...for you," David said. The demon realized his mistake a second too late, as the Prince thrust his sword into the demon possessed man's gut. The white light of the chalice burned him and he exploded into ash, with him screeching as he was squelched. David took a deep breath, as Snow rushed up to him.
"Are you okay?" she asked in concern. He nodded.
"We need to find Bobby," he said. She nodded in agreement and was surprised when he appeared next to them in a puff of multi-colored smoke.
"Honey...are you okay?" Snow asked, as she hugged him tightly.
"I'm fine...Mephisto just abandoned our battle in the middle of it," he said.
"Probably because we disposed of his minions," David said, as Patricia finally made her way down to them.
"Well…I see all went fairly well here," she said.
"Yeah...for us, I guess that was fairly benign," David said.
"The rest of them will be expecting us for sure now though," Snow reasoned.
"Yes...the other battles may get even more difficult," Patricia agreed, as the seven of them made their way through the portal.
Paul and Eva mobilized the entire hospital staff and they set up an orderly system that allowed their nurses to examine the women and children quickly and push the ones that needed serious attention onto Paul and Eva. Within an hour, they had most everyone through a check up and food was now arriving from Granny's for the victims. They had set up tables in the waiting room and were now eating probably the first good meal most of them had ever had.
Snow and David watched fondly, as their children gathered around them.
"I was worried about you guys getting involved in this...but you were right. You saved so many," Emma said fondly, as they hugged her between them.
"We're just glad we can make a difference," Snow replied.
"Yeah...it's hard to accept that evil like this exists, but if we can end just some of it, then I know it's the right thing to do," David said, as they shared a tender kiss.
Once the rescued finished their meal, the Charming family saw them all off to the shelter, which was standing by with fresh beds for all and promised them all a new, prosperous life in their new home if they so wished.
"And Good morning United Realms on this most Spooktacular morning!" Le Fou greeted the broadcast that was filling the living rooms of homes all across the United Realms.
"Last night, once again, trick-or-treating was a rousing success, but tonight, the annual Halloween ball will take place at the Charming castle," Goldilocks reported.
"And once again, we'll be there to cover the event," Le Fou said, as the television in Emma's living room was turned off.
"Seriously? Who keeps giving them a press pass? It certainly cannot be my parents," Emma complained, as Killian was busy helping Hope eat her pancakes.
"Journalism is definitely dead it would seem," he agreed, as his daughter accepted another bite.
"Yeah...my parents just busted a huge human trafficking ring and rescued dozens of abused women and children. But not a blip on the morning news," she said, with an eye roll.
"Well, I guess gossiping about what we'll all be wearing tonight is far more interesting to their low information viewers," he joked.
"That's the truth...and you are a mess of syrup, little one," she mentioned, as Hope giggled.
"Yes…I think we're done," Killian said, as he put her fork down.
"Come on little girl...let's get you cleaned up and head over to see grandma and grandpa then," Emma said, as she lifted her up.
Snow mewled sleepily, as she rolled away from the sunlight coming through the curtains and snuggled against Charming. They had gotten home very late and crashed once they knew the women and children rescued were settled at the shelter.
"Morning…" David muttered and she opened her bleary eyes to gaze up at him.
"Morning, my love," she purred, as she gently kissed him.
"What we did yesterday...it feels really good," he said. She smiled.
"I know...rescuing all those young women and children and giving them a chance at a new life is amazing," she gushed.
"Yeah...and getting rid of two of the worst scourges to plague humanity was satisfying too," he agreed.
"And we may have missed trick-or-treating, but we made it home in time for the Halloween ball," she mentioned. He smiled.
"I'm glad...I don't like missing holidays with our family," he agreed, as they got up and cleaned up for the day. About the time, they made their way down into the atrium that morning, they saw their staff hard at work, preparing for the ball that evening. They also saw Emma and Killian arrive with their tiny granddaughter.
"Nana! Papa!" Hope called, as she ran toward them.
"Oh my goodness...there's our little angel," Snow cooed, as David scooped her up and they kissed her between them.
"We were going to run some errands...and I know you guys are busy, but it's easier without her," Emma said.
"Please...she can stay with us," Snow replied.
"We insist...maybe we can take a trip to the toy store," David said.
"She has a million toys already, Dad," Emma replied.
"And your point?" he asked with a shrug. She rolled her eyes.
"Okay...thanks for watching her and I'd say try not to spoil her, but we know that's not happening," Emma said, as Killian smirked in amusement and followed her out.
"Ice cream?" Hope asked.
"Yeah…let's go get ice cream," David replied.
"David...we haven't even had breakfast yet," Snow reminded him.
"Are you really saying no to ice cream for breakfast?" he asked and she smiled.
"No, I guess I'm just trying to be the responsible one here," she replied, as they got their coats.
"We're the grandparents...we can have ice cream for breakfast with our granddaughter," he said.
"You're right...let's get that ice cream, sweetheart," Snow replied, as they got her stroller and then left for Storybrooke.
Eva smiled at the little boy, as she finished her exam and sent him back to play. She and Paul had come by the shelter to conduct a few follow up exams and were relieved to find that everyone was in fairly good health. They were a bit malnourished, but that would slowly be rectified with good, consistent meals. Now, they would help the young women move forward by helping them get on their feet with the abundant resources available in their prosperous society. Archie would also being working consistently with the abused to make sure their mental health was cared for as much as their physical health.
"Well...I think everything is good here. It's about time to go get ready for the Halloween ball," Paul mentioned.
"Good...this is a happy ending. I love happy endings," Eva gushed, as she watched the children play and the young women actually smile with hope in their new environment.
David adjusted the leather jerkin on his costume and the prop on his hip, as he heard Snow come out of the bathroom.
"Well...do I make a good Padme Amidala to your Anakin Skywalker?" she asked. He smiled, as he spied her in a white battle uniform costume, from episode two, complete with a prop blaster in her hand.
"Wow...that is one sexy costume," he said.
"Back at you, handsome," she replied, as she enjoyed seeing him in the Jedi costume, complete with a prop lightsaber.
"Shall we?" he asked, as he offered his arm to her. She hooked her hand on his elbow and they made their way down to the Halloween ball. The costumes from their friends and family were impressive.
Leo and Eva were fittingly dressed as Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, while Paul came as Han Solo, keeping with the Star Wars theme. Henry and Jacinda were dressed as Marty McFly and Jennifer from Back to the Future, while Lucy wore her Wonder Woman costume from the previous night.
Emma, Killian, and little Hope were dressed as pirates, while Summer and JJ were dressed as Black Widow and Hawkeye. Bobby also kept with the Star Wars theme, hilariously dressing as R2D2 in theme with his parent's costumes. Regina and Robin chose the superhero route, coming as Cat Woman and Batman respectively, while Elsa joined her husband in dressing like a Jedi.
They began to mingle and enjoyed seeing all the great costumes and celebrated together as a family. Aesop was serving drinks at the bar that had been set up and the music was playing, leading many to dance, including Snow and David.
"It's good to be home...we weren't gone long, but I would be content if we never have to leave it again someday," Snow said.
"Me too...and we're going to make it happen. There's a big world out there...but here has everything we know and everyone we love," David agreed. She smiled at him and they shared a kiss.
"I am really liking this costume by the way," he purred, as his hands rested on her bare midriff.
"Well, I chose it with you in mind...and I must say I'm looking forward to playing with your lightsaber later," she said sultrily.
"This?" he asked, referring to the prop on his hip.
"No...that's not the lightsaber I'm talking about," she whispered in his ear and gave him a naughty smile that made him hot all over.
"I think I need a drink," he said, as he slung his arm around her waist and she giggled, as they headed for the bar.
General Mendoza entered the secret chamber at the latest meeting place to find the other heads of the family livid and shouting at each other.
"General...is it true?" Mr. Li asked.
"I am afraid so...Ms. Mercer and Mr. Landers are dead," he reported.
"What of the merchandise?" Ms. Reeves asked. To anyone else, it would have made them sick to hear people referred to as merchandise, but this bunch had no such moral qualms.
"Freed and taken to the United Realms. The local authorities in Milan have already moved in to shut down the whole operation in Milan," he reported.
"They cannot do that! Call them off! They work for us!" Mr. Crane hissed.
"I have tried, but it would seem that we have a couple rogue FBI agents still working for Major Donovan and the military has moved in at the orders of one of the white hats in the higher ranks that I have yet to identify," he reported.
"This is unacceptable!" Mr. Powell cried.
"I agree, but the military is already destroying the tunnels below the city," Mendoza said.
"This cannot stand...these two must be made to pay!" Mr. Crane said, as he pointed at the screen, which depicted an image of Snow White and Prince Charming.
"I assume that means you're going to take them on yourself, Mr. Crane?" Mendoza asked.
"I am not the descendant of the great Ichabod Crane for nothing...and these two shall meet their match in me. The supernatural destroyed my family...and I shall destroy them," he confirmed, as he glared at the image.
"Ah...you two look like you've unwound a bit," Aesop said pleasantly, as they approached. He served a man in a mask waiting for his drink, before he went about making their drinks.
"I'd ask if you'd like to try my hard apple cider, but I know you're not a fan of apples," he said. Snow shuddered.
"No...we'll definitely pass on anything apple," she said, as she noticed the man next to them bite into an apple and something about him creeped her out so she turned away and put her arm around David, while his arm was already firmly slung around her waist.
"Pear cider it is," Aesop said, presenting them with two glasses and they took a sip.
"Mmm...now that is really good," she said, as the hairs on the back of her neck stood up, like she was being watched. There was a very sudden blast of warmth on the back of her neck, which lasted less than a second, but caused her to whip around. She found that the man in the mask was gone and all that remained was the core of the apple he had been eating. She touched the back of her neck, as the feeling began to ebb away.
"Hey...you okay?" David asked, as he put his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck. She smiled and looked up at him, nodding her head.
"I'm always fine in your arms," she confirmed. He smiled and kissed her passionately.
"Happy Halloween, my darling," he whispered.
Happy Halloween, my love," she whispered back, as they held each other and the celebration continued well into the night...
Happy Halloween! And thanks for 2300 reviews! That's amazing!
