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. As always, reviews on all stories are very much appreciated, so please consider leaving reviews. :)
Below is a comprehensive list of face claims and all can be googled.
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
Ali Larter: Goldilocks
Le Fou: Josh Gad
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. Yep, it will take the element of Moloch from there, but ultimately will have a very Once feel.
Jennifer Baratta: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
JDubReaderWriter555: Yep, Goldie has taken it to the next level of sleaze and dragged Le Fou along with her. Yep, Crazella took it to the next level and is now wondering around in a wedding gown, lol. Back to the rubber room for her. Yeah, no one will miss Blue. No, Crane is not the final big bad. Yeah, that ending wasn't expected. I didn't even plan on killing Nora until it happened. They're cousins. Thanks, glad you liked it! :)
Sweetreader: Yep, another baby for Dashing Rose! Yeah, Drizella has lost it and yes, I think Rodmilla will definitely be in the running for EQ 2.0. I actually never cared much for Sleepy Hollow either, but thought it was a good opportunity for another villain. Yeah, Nora dying was a surprise even for me. Decided that on a whim. No, your reviews are great and very much appreciated! :)
Number Ten: Yep, two significant deaths in the last chapter. Blue was expected, Nora wasn't, even for me. No one likes Nora anyway though. She was a foil and didn't have a lot of purpose. She'll actually have more purpose dead than alive I think. Yep, you're probably on the right track with Goldie. Yes, I'll be attempting to do something with Frozen 2. A lot of it doesn't really work here, but I want to try to bring in some elements of it if possible. Yeah, the Ichabod Crane story is an awful twist. Glad you're enjoying still! :)
Zariah: I know, cliffhangers are the worst, but they seem to happen a lot. Thanks, glad I could impress you. Believe me, I never imagined this story would span this many chapters and years when I started it. But I'm proud of it. So glad you like it so much. Aw, thanks, I'm glad that my characters are so vivid. That means I've succeeded as a writer so thank you for that. Snowing is my favorite, but everyone knows that and glad you like the magic in this story. Glad I can still surprise you with plot twists after so many chapters. Aw, thanks, I'm glad to know you think the lore in this story is amazing. World building is one of my favorite elements of writing. Yeah, I wish I could tell you that Goldie isn't going to frame Summer...but I can't. She's the next in a long line of evil people. Thanks, I'm glad I could inspire you. Please continue writing and I hope I can continue to be an inspiration. Glad you're enjoying it so much. :)
Naomi Blue: Yeah, it's sad when anyone dies, but Nora was never going to be reasoned with. She was just one of those unfortunate people. Yep, who killed her and who is going to be framed will be answered in this chapter. :)
Sexystarwarslover: Yep, it's looking like Nora is dead. She probably didn't survive that fall and we'll find out who the real culprit is and who will actually get blamed in this chapter. Goldie is up to no good. Yes, at least we're rid of the Blue Fairy. Yes, I'm sure Charming's kisses are all magical. Yep, another baby for Dashing Rose! Yep, Drizella is batshit crazy and now prancing around in a wedding dress. Yep, the Charming children are going to defend their parents, no matter what. Yep, finally justice with Blue dead. I like that Lucifer isn't a cat here too. Yep, Joe and Frankie are parents now and back to the rubber room for Drizella. Yep, we have some dirty dealings being made here. Grimm and Goldie. And Rodmilla and Jekyll. And nothing good will come of any of that. And now Goldie and Nora, which we know Nora is being used. Yep, we finally know why Goldie hates Snow and it's no good reason. Yep, Nora and Summer are butting heads again, which isn't going to look good later. Yeah, it wasn't Snow's fault. Just another bitter person that's jealous of the life Snow has. I'm glad that I can continue to surprise you, even after 225 chapters!
AnonSnowing: Yep, Crazella has gone full cray cray, complete with a wedding gown and all. You're welcome, I'm glad I can provide something unique like reader responses. I really feel it helps to cultivate some loyal readers and I do appreciate all the reviews, especially since this story is so long. Yes, I need some face claims for Goldie and LeFou. Definitely a snobby blonde and for Le Fou, I keep picturing Josh Gad like in the live action B&tB, but Danny DeVito would be funny too. No, Scuttle is the bird from Little Mermaid, but now he's human too. Yep, these reporters are definitely anti-heroes. Yeah, Snow needs to stop blaming herself, but that's why she has Charming, who is ready to sing her praises.
Yep, another baby for Dashing Rose! Yep, everything changed for Fandral when he met Rose. Yeah, at least Grimm is logical here. Jekyll is just gross and delusional, as usual. It was nice to see Charming take a chunk out of him. Drizella is a lunatic, but yes, useful idiot. Yeah, I'm nervous about what they're going to write into existence too. Yep, Blue got justice and didn't even get to go to the Underworld. She just got erased. Yep, the kids kicked the dumb reporters out. Yep, adopting a child is a beautiful thing and Drizella interrupted a nice event. Back to the rubber room for her. Yeah, she probably has an untreated disorder of some kind. Yep, there were some team-ups here that are worrisome. Yeah, a little Snowing going down memory lane. Yep, Rodmilla is going to be a problem again. And Goldie too I think. Yep, Snowing is surrounded by children and eventually will be with a lot of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Yep, I love ice cream. Don't eat it often, but I love it.
Yeah, it's gruesome and the ultimate evil to sacrifice a child. Yeah, Gold did some questionable things and it's hard to say what he did in his worst days as the Dark One. Yep, Goldie and Nora is another bad mix. Yeah, Rodmilla is the worst. Yeah, Bobby seems to have the same snark as Emma and Leo. Yes, a lot of Frozen 2 doesn't work here for obvious reasons with the United Realms, but I do want to do something with it, so I'll be exploring some ideas there. Yep, Summer and JJ went on a date finally. Ugh, Nora is the worst. There is no reasoning with people like her. Glad you like Goldie's back story. Yep, looks like she's going after Summer. Yeah, not even Nora deserved that. You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it! :)
Finding You Always
Chapter 226: A Treacherous Plot
An Hour Earlier
Summer sighed, as she finished her cocoa and Joe took her cup.
"Thanks Joe...I definitely needed that. Usually Mom or Daddy make me cocoa when I'm upset," she said.
"Hey...we're happy to help while they're gone," Frankie said, as he held their new daughter.
"I appreciate it...I know you two must want to go home," she said.
"Hey now...we're fine and we're here for you, like Frankie said and that girl had no right to get you so upset," Joe said.
"I shouldn't have let her get to me though...I know better. She knew exactly how to push my buttons and I let her do it," Summer replied.
"We're all human, honey...even you Charmings," Frankie teased lightly, making her smile.
"Well…I better head home. I'm just going to go apologize to JJ again," she said, as she waved to them.
"Okay honey...now you magic yourself home. No need to walk by yourself," Joe called.
"I will," she said, as she went to the Inn side of the diner. Just a few moments later though, as they were locking up, a horrible scream was heard and they rushed out into the street.
JJ was just about to settle down and go to bed when he heard the awful scream. He looked out his window and nearly choked, as he saw his cousin, laying bloody on the concrete below.
"Nora!" he called, as he dashed out of his room, only to run into Summer outside his door.
"It's Nora!" he cried, as he took her hand and they ran downstairs and outside. Summer gasped, as she saw the other woman, laying on the ground, struggling to breathe.
"Eva!" she cried into her phone.
"It's Nora...she fell out the window of her room!" Summer cried. With a puff of pink smoke, Eva and Paul arrived with their bags in hand.
"JJ...I need you to hold her head. I'm going to try and heal her enough so we can move her," Eva said, as her husband used his stethoscope and then looked at his wife.
"Eva…" he said, as he shook his head.
"I have to try," she replied, as she used her powers to attempt to heal her broken body. But she stopped abruptly when she felt no pain from the injuries.
"Why did you stop?!" JJ asked frantically.
"I'm sorry...she's already gone," Eva replied delicately.
"What?" JJ asked in alarm.
"There's too much damage, even for Eva's powers. The impact shattered her ribcage and punctured her lungs. It shattered her pelvis and broke her legs as well. I'm sorry...the damage was too severe," Paul replied carefully. JJ broke down crying and Summer hugged him tightly.
"I'm so sorry…" she said, as she held him.
"I'll call the Coroner," he said, as he kissed Eva's cheek and stepped away. By that time, people had come out into the streets to see what had happened and that included Goldie, who had her phone out.
"Have you no respect? Turn your camera off!" Eva snapped.
"Sorry sweet cheeks, but this is a big scoop and I'm a reporter," Goldie replied.
"It's not a scoop...she fell from her window," Eva replied.
"Oh we all heard that scream...it was a terrified one. Maybe she was pushed," Goldie said. Eva shook her head.
"We don't know that and even if we did, that's for my sister to determine," Eva replied, as she called Emma. Goldie smirked and set her sights on the youngest Charming daughter. This was going to be fun.
Rodmilla followed Jekyll into his lab late that evening and he unlocked a case.
"I have been working on a better solution to the magical injection I gave your daughter, but I honestly did not trust her with this kind of power," he said, as he revealed a synthetic pair of elegant gloves.
"What are these?" Rodmilla asked.
"Scientifically enhanced gloves. All the magical powers of the injection, but without the side effects," Jekyll revealed. Rodmilla reached for them, but he closed the case.
"I am reluctant to allow you to use them as well," he stated.
"I thought you said we would be a team," she replied.
"We could be, but I know how much you wish to harm the lovely Snow...and I cannot allow that," he said. She smirked.
"And you mean to harm her as well with what you wish to do to her," Rodmilla countered and he slammed his fist on the table.
"She will accept me in time! She just must see what it will be like for us to be together! She will then see how good it can be!" he insisted. She smirked.
"You are delusional, doctor, but nothing would please me more than seeing to her misery. And I happen to believe her being forced into your bed is the perfect punishment, so I will not seek to physically harm her again," Rodmilla promised.
"Then what is your plan with these gloves?" he questioned.
"I plan to take back my wealth, re-create my mansion...and become the Mayor of Pleasure Island," she said. He chuckled.
"This place is lawless...no one here will ever accept a ruler," he warned.
"Oh they will...I am a formidable woman without magic. Imagine me with real power. Imagine leading and mobilizing all the cretins here to ignite havoc in the United Realms," she said.
"You may be trying to acquire magical ink to write a new narrative, but I assure you that I don't need that to do so. I can create a new reality with this power and make Snow ripe for your picking," she promised.
"And the Prince?" he asked. She smirked.
"I will bend Prince Charming to my will, force him to his knees, and once his half heart is in my hand, he will make my daughter happy," she replied.
"I do like that plan…" he agreed, as he opened the case.
"Your plan may have an even better chance of coming to fruition than Grimm's. Let's see," he said, as she took the gloves and put them on, watching them glow with power.
"It's time to begin my revenge," Rodmilla said.
Snow and David entered the elegant setting that was the opening of the Sleepy Hollow Museum. Various artworks, real photos, and texts lined the hall in the exhibition.
"This story has always creeped me out," Snow whispered to him, as she stared at a portrait of the headless horseman.
"Yeah...and adding child sacrifice to an ancient evil God to that isn't making it any better," he agreed, as he kept a firm around her waist.
"Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen...to the Sleepy Hollow museum!" a rail thin, graying man announced, as he stepped on stage.
"I am Jeremiah Crane...descendant of the infamous Ichabod Crane," he said, as his beady eyes scanned the crowd.
"This museum is a culmination of my life's work and I hope you enjoy the exhibits, which extend beyond these walls and out into the courtyard...and of course the cemetery," he said, as he toasted with a glass of wine.
"I think we need to see what's beyond these walls," Snow whispered.
"Definitely...time for a walk," he agreed. David shared a curt nod with Rumple and their plan was understood. David led her by the hand, as they slipped out into the courtyard. There were a few other people milling about, looking at different exhibits and they slowly made their way through the gardens. They made their way to a tree and read the placard beside it.
"The tree of the dead," Snow read, just as someone jumped out from behind it and she let out a startled yelp.
"Boo!" Bobby laughed.
"Robert James Nolan Charming!" Snow scolded, as their son sobered.
"Sorry Mom...I couldn't resist," he apologized.
"What are you doing out here? You were supposed to stay with your Aunt and the Major," David said.
"They and Mr. Gold agreed that I should come with you. You'll both be safer with me around," he teased.
"Very funny, young man. I'll have you know that your father and I can handle ourselves just fine," Snow said.
"I know...but you gotta admit that you and Dad find a lot of trouble," he replied, as they continued their trek around the grounds.
"Whoa…" Bobby uttered, as he made his way over to another exhibit.
"What is it honey?" Snow asked.
"I think this is the demon that Belle was talking about," Bobby replied, as they stood before the sculpture of the owl-looking demon.
"Moloch," David said, reading the placard and they jumped, as the statue's eyes glowed.
"Something tells me that's not normal," Snow uttered.
"No…I would say not, but the great Moloch senses a magical child in his presence," Jeremiah Crane stated, as he appeared behind them.
"If you think you're going to sacrifice our son...then you're delusional," Snow snapped, as they both put their hands on Bobby's shoulders. Jeremiah smirked.
"Oh, that would be a waste. I've already made the required sacrifice that is done here every year. The only difference now is that you've brought magic here and the real awakening can begin," he said, as the statue glowed.
"Moloch doesn't need a magical child as a sacrifice. He does need a magical one to give him new form and allow him to walk among us," Crane stated and they realized very quickly that this entire thing was a trap for them and more importantly, their son.
"There's no way in hell that's happening…" David said, as the Chalice appeared between them. The Chalice glowed and separated into their respective weapons.
"Moloch is very powerful...but he needs a soul to exist in this world beyond tonight. And he has chosen your son. With his power, Moloch shall bring the world to its knees," Crane declared.
"Not with us in his way," Snow stated.
"Which is why you'll be cozy in hell, while I claim your son," Moloch spoke finally. It was a deep, gravely, booming voice. About what one would expect of such evil. Before they could discern what was happening, Snow and David disappeared and in their place was a Once Upon a Time book, only this one was black with blood red trimmings. Bobby picked up the book and looked at the demon in alarm.
"What did you do with my parents?" he questioned and the demon laughed.
"They are in a netherworld, surrounded by every single one of their worst nightmares, with no escape," Moloch assured.
"You're a liar...you have no idea how powerful their love is. They'll escape," Bobby insisted, as the others arrived.
"Perhaps...but will it be in time to save their precious son?" Moloch replied, as he growled and his powers swept Rumple, Belle, Natalie, and the Major into a pit that he created.
"Now...it's just you and me, boy," Moloch hissed.
Rumple tried to magic them out of the abyss, but found that his magic had been nullified.
"Blast him…" Rumple cursed, as Natalie began trying to climb up.
"Careful...you're pregnant," Belle warned.
"I know...but I have to try," she replied, as she continued to climb up.
Snow looked around the pitch blackness before her and tried not to panic when she didn't feel Charming nearby. She noticed that she was wearing the white gown she had been wearing the day Charming awoke her from the sleeping curse and her hair was long again.
"David…" she called and the moment she moved, flames exploded around her. She yelped in fright and looked around, realizing that she was back in the red room.
"Charming!" she called, as she dodged the flames as best she could. Suddenly, the flames faded and she breathed a sigh of relief, though that was short lived.
"As always...you are the fairest of them all," a voice said that sent shivers down her spine.
"You're dead…" she breathed and he gave his trademark smug smirk.
"Clearly death hasn't stopped me before," Clayton said.
"No...but you're more than dead now. They told me you're in a place reserved for the worst of the worst," Snow replied, as she backed away, while he came closer. He smirked again.
"I am...it's a hell like you cannot imagine, Snow White. Though I'd love to give you a taste of such hell," he growled, as he kept coming toward her.
"Stop!" she cried, as she pointed a gauntlet at her.
"Go ahead...your power can't hurt me. Like you said...I'm dead! I'm surrounded by fire and lava where I am! Hot coals and those most sadistic beings to ever exist!" he yelled.
"You think anything you can do to me compares to the hell I am in!?" he shouted and she yelped in fright, as he grabbed her arm and inhaled the scent of her hair.
"Intoxicating, as always…" he leered.
"Let. Me. Go…" she growled, as she tried to free herself from his grip.
"Moloch is not a demon you and your husband should tangle with," he warned.
"What do you know of any of this?" she demanded to know.
"He's a powerful demon and is one of many frequent tormentors in my new home. He comes to us from time to time, his face always stained with the blood of innocence," Clayton said, as she covered her mouth and her stomach twisted.
"He sent me to torment you though...because he knows everything in your past. He has trapped you and your husband in a new story where all your fears come alive," Clayton said.
"Remember when I made you crush your own husband's heart?" he said.
"Shut up!" she cried.
"Had I succeeded, you would have awakened in bed next to me...and never known the difference," he added.
"You're wrong...nothing could make me forget Charming! Not for long anyway," she refuted. He smirked.
"Perhaps...but I would have gotten what I wanted, nonetheless," he leered, as she wrenched away from him and into a white fog.
"Charming!" she cried desperately.
David felt the sensation of falling and then awoke with a start, finding himself in their bed. More specifically, in their bed, in their old house and more importantly alone. He could hear muffled voices that sounded like they were coming from the kitchen and he looked around. He was alarmed though, because he couldn't feel Snow and he jumped out of bed. He noticed his haggard, unshaven appearance in the mirror and was alarmed by that too. That's when he saw the half empty bottle of scotch on the desk and became very confused, as he ran out into the kitchen.
Summer and Bobby, looking a bit younger than they were now, looked at him in alarm.
"Daddy?" Summer asked.
"Where's...where's your mother?" David asked and he watched his youngest kids exchange a weary glance.
"He doesn't remember again," Bobby muttered in disappointment.
"Remember what?" David asked, as Summer came to him.
"Daddy...Mom has been gone for years, since I was six," Summer replied.
"No…" David refuted.
"She left with Dr. Jekyll to save us," Summer admonished.
"No...no...we found a way out of that! I found her and we beat him!" David said.
"No…Mom saved us all and sacrificed herself. We haven't been able to find her," Bobby replied.
"But...but I always find her," David, as tears filled his eyes.
"You've been searching for years with Hermes' help, but the doctor is always one step ahead and makes sure you never find her," Summer replied sadly.
"Yeah...and then you come home and get drunk," Bobby added, in a bit of a bitter tone.
"No...no…" David said, as he went to the front door.
"I will find her! I will always find her!" he refuted, as he walked through the door and into pitch blackness. The moment he moved, the room ignited in flames. He noticed that his ragged appearance was gone and he was once again cleanly shaven. Add to that, he was wearing his red coat that he was wearing, both times, when he had awakened her from the sleeping curse.
"Snow!" he called, as he wove his way through the flames, which suddenly died, giving him a moment of relief. But that was short lived.
"At least you finally have a shirt on," Jekyll said, as he appeared and David glared at him.
"Where is Snow?" he demanded to know and the doctor smirked deviously.
"In my bed...where she belongs," he goaded. David growled and drew his sword, as he charged at the madman, but he disappeared, as the Prince swiped the Chalice sword.
"Always relying on your might to take me down, which is why you will always fail," Jekyll said smugly.
"Charming...help me please!" Snow pleaded, though it sounded like she was a mile away at least.
"Snow!" he cried, but he could neither see nor feel her.
"You'll never find her...she's mine now," Jekyll told him.
"I will always find her!" David shouted.
"No...you did until I came along and became the one nemesis you could never shake. Mark my words, Prince Charming, I will take her from you and there is nary a thing you can do to stop me!" the psychotic doctor hissed, as he laughed and faded away.
"Snow!" he cried desperately, as he ran into a white fog.
"Charming!" he heard her call and finally felt her once more.
"Snow!" he called, as he ran through the fog.
Emma entered Nora's room, having been called by her sister and entered with her gloves on.
"Emma...we came as soon as I could," James said, as he and Xander arrived, both with their badges on their hips.
"Thanks...let's start bagging and processing everything," she said, as they began bagging items to be run for fingerprints and hair to determine if Nora was with anyone at the time of her death.
"The railing is dented," James said, as he examined the railing on the balcony outside with a flashlight. Emma sighed.
"Then she was pushed," she concluded.
"Most likely...it's not surprising though. She wasn't well liked," he said.
"I'll go grab the security cameras from Granny. It might save us some time on the forensics end," Xander said, as he left the room. Emma picked up the young woman's tablet and used her trick to bypass the password. Nora's story popped up on the screen and she snorted, as she scanned the text.
"What is it?" her uncle asked.
"Just a hit piece that she wrote on my parents, especially my mom," Emma replied.
"Yeah...since no one else is going to say it, I will...no one is going to miss her. Except maybe her cousin," James quipped.
"And me, Deputy," a voice said, as they turned to see Goldie in the doorway.
"This is a crime scene...you can't enter," Emma snapped.
"Fine...but she was my employee and I want to know what happened to her," Goldie said.
"Your employee? Since when?" Emma asked.
"Since this afternoon," Goldie replied.
"Were you in her room?" Emma asked.
"Yes...so you'll probably find my fingerprints and even hair," Goldie said.
"When was the last time you were here?" James asked.
"This afternoon," Goldie lied.
"If you're lying, we'll know when we view the cameras," Emma warned. Goldie smirked.
"Oh trust me...I'm on the cameras, but not since around dinner time," she lied again.
Flashback
"Goldie...this is a felony," Le Fou warned, as she dragged him into the editing room at the studio. The editors and techs were at lunch, so it was deserted.
"Shut up...I need you to monitor this tape and erase me from it when I call you," she instructed.
"A tape at the Inn? Why?" he asked.
"Trust me...it's better if you don't know. Just be ready to do it when you get the call. I can't be found on this tape tonight if my plan is going to work," she replied.
"What plan?" he asked.
"Like I said...it's better if you don't know. Just play dumb...you're good at that," she snapped and he glared at her for the insult.
"Fine...but I'm not taking the fall for you if this goes bad," he warned and she grabbed him by the collar.
"Need I remind you what I know about you, Le Fou?" she asked. He gulped and shook his head.
"That's what I thought. You cover my ass and I won't tell the cops about your tendency to take underage male prostitutes to your bed," she warned.
"Fine," he growled in return, as she released his collar and stormed out.
"I got the tape...we can go watch it at the station," Xander said.
"Good...now if I can just find her phone. It wasn't on her body," Emma replied.
"Here it is," James said, as he dug the phone out from under her nightstand.
"An odd place for a phone to be found...almost like there was a struggle or something," Goldie observed.
"Get out," James snapped. Goldie smirked and did as he asked. They were going to regret not cooperating with her, for she had the recording of Summer and Nora's fight from Nora's phone. And she was going to air in tomorrow morning on her show. And none of them would find out what had really happened here less than an hour ago.
Flashback
"So...what is the plan?" Nora asked, as she let Goldie into her room.
"Did you record your fight with Snow White's little bitch of a daughter?" Goldie asked.
"Of course...I record everything," Nora replied.
"Send me that video...I'm going to put it front and center on my show in the morning," Goldie said.
"Really?" Nora asked.
"Sure...it's the perfect smear campaign against that prissy little upstart," Goldie replied.
"Except that most people will side with her, because she's Snow and Charming's precious daughter," Nora said.
"What if I told you that there is a way to make her look really bad with this video?" Goldie asked, as the other woman stood by the window.
"I'd say go for it…but how?" Nora asked.
"Like this…" Goldie hissed, as she pushed Nora as hard as she could. Nora screamed, as she crashed through the window, hit the railing hard and screamed again, as she went over, falling to the concrete below. She smirked, as she hurried out of the room and took out her phone.
"Le Fou...it's me. Delete the footage of me in the hallway at the Inn now," she said, as she made her way out and concealed herself in a corner, as she watched Summer hurry into the Inn...
She smirked, as she took out her phone again and called Le Fou.
"Meet me at the office two hours early in the morning. We're about to have the scoop of the century," she said, as she hung up her phone.
"You destroyed my life, Snow White...and now I destroy your daughter's,"
Bobby dodged another barrage of fire, as Moloch breathed it and set more of the cemetery around them ablaze. By now, no one was interested in the exhibits inside and were absorbed by the battle between the boy and the creature. Which meant more exposure and trouble for his family, of course, because people were filming the entire thing with their phones. He tried to lead the demon further away from the spectators. He used his powers and disappeared beneath the ground, burrowing further away from the innocent people. To his surprise and absolute shock though, the demon burrowed after him and the ground burst open violently, as they emerged and rolled to the ground.
"Your tricks are no match for me, boy…" Moloch growled.
"I feed on children...one cannot defeat me," he boasted, as Bobby dusted himself off.
"I am the epitome of evil...killer of little ones. Only the opposite can destroy me," he added. Realization dawned on Bobby.
"That's why you banished my parents...they can kill you," he said and his silence was the answer.
"My parent's true love is the epitome of good...they can destroy you," he said.
"Perhaps...but they will never escape and find each other. They are trapped in a story of their worst fear," Moloch replied.
"You don't know my parents...they'll find each other, no matter what and then they'll escape," Bobby retorted.
"Perhaps...perhaps not. Either way, if they do...will it be in time to save their precious son?" Moloch asked, as he charged and the battle resumed anew.
"Charming!" Snow cried into the fog, as she kept running in search of him, but could still not feel him. It was maddening, but she stopped when she realized she was not alone.
"Poor little Princess…" a female voice said in a mocking tone and Rodmilla Tremaine emerged from the fog.
"This is supposed to be a place of fear...and trust me, I'm not afraid of you!" Snow said and the woman smirked.
"No…I suppose not, even though one of my fondest memories is ripping the flesh from your back with that magical whip," Rodmilla said.
"But I'm not what you fear...but you do fear what I will do to your husband," she added. Snow swallowed thickly.
"What have you done to my David?" she demanded to know.
"Nothing yet...but I assure you that I have made it my mission to make you pay for what you've done and give my daughter everything she desires," Rodmilla said, as a looking glass appeared and showed her an image of her husband in chains, on his knees, and his half heart in the hands of Rodmilla's deranged daughter.
"I will never let you do that to him!" Snow refuted.
"Oh, you won't have a choice, dear. You'll be in a similar situation," Rodmilla replied, as she felt a strong hand on her arm and turned to find Dr. Jekyll there. She immediately swung up to deliver a right cross to him, but he caught her fist.
"Tsk, tsk, dear Snow...must you always fight the inevitable?" he chided and she responded by kneeing him between his legs, before ripping away.
"I can assure you that I will always fight you...both of you…" Snow said, as she suddenly felt her heart flutter. David was near.
"Charming?" she called.
"Snow!" he called.
"Charming!" she called back and the looking glass with the image of a future she would make sure never came true shattered.
"Curse you…" Rodmilla hissed, as she faded away.
"Snow!" he called, as he emerged from the fog and tears filled her eyes, as she ran to him.
"Charming!" she cried, as he swept her into his arms and the psychotic doctor disappeared with a shout of frustration.
"Oh my love…" she gushed, as he pressed his forehead against hers.
"You found me…" she said in tears and he cupped her cheek with his hand.
"Did you ever doubt I would?" he asked, bringing a smile to her face.
"Never...but we need to save our baby," she replied. He smiled back.
"Yes...and I have a feeling there's only one way out of this nightmare," he said, as he kissed her passionately. A rainbow wave of light erupted from them and incinerated the farce around them, before they disappeared.
Natalie kept trying to climb out of the pit, but it was no use. The sides of the pit were too smooth and she had barely been able to get more than a few inches up, before sliding back down.
"Save your strength...magic is the only way out of this abyss," Rumple said.
"So we just wait on my brother and Snow to save us?" she asked. Belle shrugged.
"To be fair...that's often how these things go. It's always evil versus the truest love," Belle replied. Natalie scoffed.
"And if this is the one thing they can't get out of? If they fall…" she said, trailing off.
"Then the world falls," Rumple replied simply.
"But they won't...they've faced far worse than this," Belle assured.
"I hope you're right," Natalie said.
"Me too," Patricia agreed, as they suddenly disappeared and reappeared above ground again. In a puff of smoke, Snow and David appeared and their lips parted.
"Nice of you to join us again," Rumple said, as they watched the nightmare version of the book dissolve to dust.
"Yeah...well, trying to escape that was no picnic," David said.
"Bobby…" Snow uttered, as they witnessed their son fighting the demon in the graveyard.
"Come on," David said, as he took her hand and they ran toward him with the others following.
Bobby dodged the demon again, but the monster phased behind him and grabbed him by the shirt.
"It's time, brat...when I take over your soul, the world will fall to me," Moloch said, as Jeremiah Crane stood by.
"Yes...we will usher in a new world," he agreed, as a blast of white light hit Moloch and released Bobby from him. Snow gently helped him up and hugged him close, as David stood beside them.
"Mom...I think you and Dad are the only ones that can destroy him," Bobby said.
"Then that's what we'll do," David replied, as Jeremiah Crane took off.
"I'll get him!" Bobby called, as the others followed him, while Snow and David faced Moloch.
Jeremiah Crane ran through the graveyard and Bobby caught up to him, but stopped when he pointed a gun at him.
"Really? You think a gun is going to stop me?" Bobby asked, as they suddenly heard a horse neigh and the sound of hooves approaching. Bobby looked on in surprise, as the headless horseman arrived and his horse neighed loudly.
"No…I made a sacrifice! You cannot haunt me!" Jeremiah claimed.
"He can if my parents are about to skin your demon," Bobby replied, as used his magic to take the skull from Jeremiah.
"No!" he cried, as the boy gave it to the horseman.
"I think this is yours," he said. The horseman took it and then proceeded to rush at the other man, who ran in fright. Bobby winced at the sound of the man being trampled to death, but he knew he was evil and the world would be better off. The horseman turned to him then and Belle noticed something on his lapel.
"You're Ichabod Crane, aren't you?" she asked and though he could not answer, the horse neighed gently. With a final look, the horse rode off into the fog and disappeared, for what was likely the final time. Ichabod Crane had succeeded in ending his own family line and thus the evil that had overtaken it, with their help and now, he could rest, for no more children would die in sacrifice to a demon.
Snow and David dodged the demon's barrage of fire, as he threw everything he had at them in desperation. He definitely feared them and it made sense. The epitome of evil was harming a child and something so evil naturally feared love, especially a love like theirs.
"Let's end this and go home," David said.
"That's the best thing I've heard all night," Snow agreed, as they joined the Chalice together as one object again and it glowed brightly with white light. Moloch growled and unleashed all his power in a storm of fire. Snow and David met his attack with a beam of white light, which clashed with his power. Slowly, their power overtook him and absorbed it completely. Moloch barely had time to scream, before the white light engulfed him and erased him from existence in a bright explosion of light.
"You did it!" Bobby exclaimed, as he ran to them and they hugged him between them.
"We did...and I'd say that's one more down," David said, as he looked at the Major.
"Indeed...that takes us down to ten. Still quite an undertaking, but from what I've seen, it's nothing this family can't handle," Patricia said.
"I agree...but I believe we should be on our way back home or we're about to be mobbed by reporters," Rumple suggested. They nodded. Rumple did the honors and they disappeared in a puff of red smoke. It was almost two in the morning now and they would return to a sleeping United Realms.
"And we're live in five...four...three...two…" the director said, as he motioned to the anchors.
"And Good Morning United Realms!" Le Fou greeted.
"Now Le Fou, it's not exactly a good morning for everyone," Goldie replied.
"I suppose that's true...we begin this morning with some breaking news," Le Fou said.
"Last night, a young woman died when she allegedly fell from her window at Granny's Inn. Sheriff Nolan-Jones is investigating, but so far remains silent about details of her investigation," Goldie said.
"Yes...twenty-year-old Nora Bradley, an outsider from Boston and aspiring reporter, died from the injuries of the impact from the fall," Le Fou replied, as a photo of Nora was shown.
"And while we don't know yet if foul play was involved, we have obtained an exclusive recording of an altercation Ms. Bradley was involved in shortly before she died and if I may say, this may be a bombshell that blows this case wide open," Goldie said, as they cut to the video of the altercation.
"The true Evil Queen: Snow White and her endless body count. By Nora Bradley," Nora read from her tablet and Summer launched at her, but JJ held her back.
"Delete the story, Nora," he insisted.
"Not a chance in hell," she replied.
"No one has destroyed more lives than the subject of this expose. She has left a trail of bodies in her wake for years and yet wears the crown of Queen. Many of you may think I am talking about Queen Regina, but not in the slightest. I am talking about Snow White herself, who chose to preserve the pureness of her heart over saving her own mother at the tender age of ten and her body count only builds from there," Nora read and then gasped, as Summer slapped her.
"You know nothing about my mother!" she hissed.
"I know enough. She's the reason your precious Nana lost her first true love. The reason everyone is here in the first place, ripped away from their homeland and loved ones," Nora replied.
"That was all fixed when the curse broke!" Summer claimed.
"And there has been nothing but chaos since, because of your parent's precious true love. And their insanity has spilled into my world one too many times. People need to know the truth. Your Nana was right long ago when she said Snow White was the true monster," Nora said. Summer tried to launch herself at her again, but JJ held her back.
"And just today...another life was ruined when Drizella Tremaine was hauled off to the rubber room," Nora said.
"That woman is insane! That's not my mother's fault!" Summer replied. Nora shrugged.
"Maybe, maybe not. But your mother is the reason for her torment and probably the reason she will never get better," she replied.
"Okay...let me walk you home. There's no reasoning with her," JJ suggested. Summer glared at the other woman, but then allowed him to lead her out.
"As you can see, Ms. Bradley had a very heated altercation with Summer Nolan-Charming over a story the young reporter was writing that was not favorable to Ms. Nolan-Charming's mother, Queen Snow White. Was it just a simple argument or a motive for something more? A motive for murder, perhaps," Goldie said, as they continued discussing the daily news. She was more than satisfied that the video was now public and all scrutiny would be turning to the youngest Charming daughter.
Rose sat on the exam table, while Eva conducted the exam.
"Is everything as it should be?" Fandral asked and she smiled at his slight nervousness.
"Yes...everything is normal and I'll send these with you. All your prenatal vitamins," Eva said, as she handed the sack to Rose.
"Thank you Eva," she replied.
"Of course...it's a little early at this point for an ultrasound, but I'll see you in two weeks for one," Eva said, as she left so Rose could get dressed. Fandral helped her and they soon exited the room, only to find most of the staff and people in the waiting room gathered around the television.
"What's going on?" Rose asked.
"Goldilocks is running another hit piece," Eva said, obviously upset.
"That woman certainly seems to have it in for your mother," Fandral replied.
"She does...but this time, the hit piece is on Summer," Eva said worriedly.
"What?" Rose asked, as they watched the report.
"She's all but accusing Summer of murder…" Eva said in frustration.
"That's ludicrous...I don't care if Summer was in the vicinity. She's not capable of murder," Rose assured.
"I know...I need to go find Emma and then wake Mom and Dad. They're going to be furious," Eva said.
"We'll go with you to the station and then the castle," Fandral said, as they followed her.
It had been nearly three in the morning by the time they arrived home and they went to bed, falling asleep almost immediately. Snow could feel the sun on her face, shining through the curtains and knew instinctively that it was nearing late morning. She rolled away and buried her face in Charming's pillow, right next to his head.
"Morning," he murmured.
"Morning," she sighed, as she pressed her forehead against his. He leaned in and kissed her passionately. But before any amorous morning activities could continue, his phone chimed.
"Of course," he grumbled, as he looked at it through bleary eyes.
"Who is it?" she asked sleepily.
"Emma...just says call her," he replied.
"Short and sweet...that can't be good," Snow said.
"Is it ever around here?" he asked, with a sigh, as he dialed their oldest daughter.
"Emma?" he asked.
"Hey Dad...sorry to wake you and Mom. I know it was a late night," Emma answered.
"That's okay...you know you can call us anytime. What's going on?" he asked.
"A lot...something happened while you and Mom were gone and it's bad. Can you and Mom come to the station in Storybrooke?" Emma asked.
"Of course...we'll be there as soon as we can," David replied, as he hung up.
"Why do I have a bad feeling?" Snow asked.
"Probably for the same reason I do. She asked us to come to the station. Something happened last night, but she didn't want to talk about it on the phone," he replied.
"Wonderful…" Snow said, as they hurried into the bathroom to clean up quickly so they could leave for Storybrooke...
