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
Joe: Bobby Cannavale
Frankie: Ezra Miller
Grimm: Sam Rockwell
King Runeard: Alfred Molina
If I missed any, let me know and I will add to the face claims. :)
Special Note: I made a mistake in the last chapter, but corrected it now. I stated that Moloch was a goat-like demon and Moloch is actually depicted as an owl. Baphomet is the goat demon and I mixed those up. It is fixed now though. :)
On another special note: I hope everyone had a good Christmas or holidays and I hope everyone has a good New Year too! This is the last chapter of FYA for 2020. See you in 2021!
Here are individual responses to reviews:
Ghostwriter: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Naomi Blue: Yep, Goldie is the real murderer and will prove herself to be even more unhinged in this chapter. Glad you're enjoying! :)
Baratta Jennifer: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Yep, this will probably not end well for Goldilocks.
Number Ten: Yep, Le Fou's dirty secret makes the skin crawl. He's a creep. Yes, that book was major foreshadowing. Yep, looks like Summer is going to be framed. Goldie is a monster. She may have had a tough life, but at some point, there's no excuse for going off the rails and she really goes off the rails in this chapter. Yep, the Crane family has been dealt with. Glad you enjoyed it!
SpartanAmyMiracleGirl10: Okay...I appreciate your reviews, but you never really have anything to say in them other than where's Henry. Please understand that he is a side character in this story. I'm working with a very large cast and he will likely not appear in every chapter. Thank you.
Lemoncello 158: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Grace5231973: Glad you liked my take on Sleepy Hollow. Yeah, I thought Ichabod becoming the headless horseman in order to end his family's corruption was a nice twist. Yeah, it was callous of James to say that, but true to his character. Nora didn't deserve to die, even though no one really liked her. Yeah, I left that ambiguous about Rumple since we don't really know, but I doubt he sacrificed any children. If he ever did though, I would say it was in those really dark days as the Dark One after he lost Bae. 4B was really bad all around for most of our favorites so I choose to ignore it most of the time. Trust me, I get it. Lots of writers intentionally make Snowing the worst to make their faves better, so I know where you come from and I don't get it either. Yeah, the people that matter likely won't believe that she could kill Nora. Glad you like Goldie's background and you're right, she could have just lived a good life, but some people just can't overcome their pain, unfortunately. Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Kaley 2.5: Yeah, that last chapter was a doozy. Glad you enjoyed it.
Sexystarwarslover: Yep, we're about to see full on Daddy Charming and Mama Snow form a protective cocoon around their peanut. Yeah, Summer is definitely a daddy's girl like her sisters. Yep, Nora is out of line and she's only going to get worse, I'm afraid. Yep, she's going after Summer. Yeah, I don't like Rodmilla either, but she was totally right about Jekyll there. He's a delusional creep. Yeah, Bobby is a bit cheeky and he got full named, lol. Yeah, that book was bad news and might just be some foreshadowing. Yeah, scruffy David painted a nice, sexy picture. Yep, Goldie is blackmailing Le Fou. She's turning out to be a hellion. Fortunately, Snow and Charming found each other and out of that horrible netherworld...for now. Yep, Ichabod was the headless horseman here and had end his own family line to protect children. Yep, you'd have to be an idiot or crazy to think Summer would murder anyone. I'm glad I can still surprise you at this point in the story. Glad you're still enjoying. :)
Zariah: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, seems like Goldie has become quite the problem. Yeah, I can't promise what kind of ending she'll meet yet, but it probably won't be pleasant. Glad you like that Ichabod ended up being the headless horseman. Yeah, Rose is protective of her counterpart's children for obvious reasons. Yeah, Snowing's reaction to Goldie's accusations will probably be interesting. Goldie definitely went after the wrong family.
As for advice and as far as describing things, that comes with time, practice, and experience. If there is a word you don't know/can't find, I recommend a dictionary/thesaurus. As for describing items, I look it up if I don't know it. Google and Wikipedia are great tools. Like I said, a lot of this comes with practice and experience. I actually tend to focus more on world building. That helps to easily describe your world to your readers.
I've been at this almost twenty years to get to the level I'm at. One thing I can say is...don't delay in posting a story, because you're trying to get it perfect. It's never going to be perfect and perfect won't teach you anything. So, all I can say is do your best with the skills you have now and start posting. Keep at it, practice, take the constructive criticism when you get it, and over time, if you really work at it, you'll continuously improve the more you write.
AnonSnowing: Glad you like my picks for Le Fou and Goldie. Yes, Crazella is the perfect nickname for Drizella. Probably not. I'm sure Rodmilla had the staff care for her children when they were babies. Yep, we're all human. Even the Charmings. I am still trying to figure out who I want to portray Frankie and Joe. Yes, Emma's magic is white. Yeah, poor JJ. Nora was a jerk, but still family. Yep, Goldie is going to frame Summer. Yeah, Snow would be in hell with Jekyll and Pleasure Island should probably be called Hell Island. Yep, looks like Rodmilla is really the next Evil Queen, which should scare everyone. Rodmilla is definitely more scary as the Evil Queen than Regina, because we know she's always been evil and cruel. Yeah, Bobby was being mischievous to his parents there. I actually messed that up. Moloch is an owl. Baphomet is a goat. I mixed them up, but fixed it in the last chapter. Yep, it was a trap and Snowing is trapped in an accursed storybook. Yes, it is similar to what Wish Rumple did in season 7. Yep, that's Bobby's price for his magic. All the evil seems drawn to him. Yep, this is definitely a book of nightmares for them both. Yes, a demon can send other spirits and demons to torment them, but probably only in a netherworld type setting. Yep, they found each other though. Yep, the horseman ended his own corrupted family line to protect all children. A fitting, albeit tragic end for Ichabod Crane. Three down, ten more to go. Yeah, no one important is actually going to believe that Summer murdered Nora, but Goldie is going to cause plenty of trouble. Yes, they needed it and then they got interrupted, unfortunately. Glad you enjoyed it so much and you're welcome!
Finding You Always
Chapter 227: Rumor Has It
Natalie sat at the kitchen table in the modernized kitchen of her brother and sister-in-law's castle. She had slept a bit late and had been up with morning sickness, but the tea she had made was helping her.
"Good morning," Xander said, as he entered the kitchen.
"Morning," she replied.
"Mind if I sit?" he asked.
"Not at all," she replied.
"Morning sickness?" he asked.
"Yeah...it's for real. I don't know how the hell my sister-in-law did this four times," she mentioned. He smiled thinly.
"You'd have to ask her, but I think she'd tell you the payoff is worth it times a thousand," he replied.
"Maybe...except I'm pretty sure Snow was born to be a mother from what I've seen. Me...not so much," she murmured.
"There was a time when I was a terrible father and I'm still not even half the father that David or James are to their kids," he mentioned.
"So you're saying I get that from you?" she joked. He chuckled.
"No…I know for a fact that you will rise to this challenge where I failed too," he replied.
"Having kids wasn't in my plans...but I think I do want this baby. Is that weird?" she asked.
"Not at all...you may never want anything to do with the baby's father, but that doesn't mean you don't love the baby," he replied. She nodded.
"Are you worried...about this baby being half Clayton?" she asked.
"No...because this baby is also half Charming and will be raised by Charmings," he replied.
"I have no idea what I'm doing and like a million questions," she said. He smiled thinly.
"And I can promise you that Snow and David will love being there for all of it," he assured her, as the two in question came into the kitchen.
"Good morning," he greeted.
"I wish it was...but Emma just called and wants us at the station as soon as possible. It doesn't sound good. Any idea what this is about?" David asked.
"Uh well...Nora was murdered last night or at least, it's looking like murder," Xander replied. Snow gasped.
"Oh Gods...does Emma know who did it yet?" Snow asked.
"Last I checked, no...there was no suspicious activity on the security cams, but we're just starting the investigation," he replied, as he stood up.
"But if she's calling...then maybe there's been a development," he added, as Natalie stood up.
"Are you sure you're feeling up to coming?" Xander asked.
"Yeah...the morning sickness has passed. I feel fine," she answered. They nodded and made their way out to their cars.
"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.
The television exploded in a flash of sparks and smoke, as Regina released a fireball at her in her anger.
"That little…" Regina started to say.
"Regina…easy…" Robin soothed, as they looked at their granddaughter.
"Nana...I, I didn't do this…" Summer said, as she was now almost in tears after watching Goldie's sneak attack broadcast. Regina's eyes widened.
"Oh honey...we know that," she soothed, as she hugged her tightly against her chest.
"She's right...there is no question of that," Robin agreed.
"I am just angry at the gall of that reporter and believe me, I'm going to be calling Mitchell Herman to sue her and that entire studio for slander!" Regina raged.
"Maybe we should go see what Emma has to say. By now, I'm certain she has seen this and has called your parents," Robin reasoned, as Regina's phone chimed.
"You're right...that's Snow. She says Emma asked them to come to the station, but they don't know what about yet," Regina said, as she texted back.
"What did you say?" Summer asked.
"That I know what it's about and that it's better explained in person. Let's go," Regina replied, as they left the castle.
By the time the replay of Goldie's broadcast finished, her blood was boiling. She rarely watched the dumpster fire that was Good Morning United Realms, but Leroy had called her in an uproar about it just minutes ago and she had pulled up the stream on the website.
"I see you've finished the broadcast, so you know the only thing left to do is arrest your little sister," Goldie said, as she waltzed into the station.
"You have a lot of nerve," Emma spat, as she stood up from her desk, as the other blonde looked around.
"I'd say you're the one with the nerve, Sheriff. It would be obstruction of justice if you don't at least bring young Summer in for questioning after a video like that. A nice little piece of investigative journalism, if I do say so myself," Goldie said.
"If you think that my sister had anything to do with Nora's death...then you're crazy," Emma retorted, just as her parents walked in.
"What?" Snow asked, wondering if she had heard correctly. Goldie smirked smugly.
"That's right...your precious daughter was found at the scene of the crime," the blonde said.
"Which means nothing, because our Summer isn't capable of murder," David countered without missing a beat. Goldie rolled her eyes.
"Says the doting daddy," she countered in return.
"Look Curly...he's right. Summer was in the area, but that's because she had a date with JJ and then went to the diner for hot cocoa," Emma replied.
"And then she was found by JJ outside Nora's room, just as she was heard screaming and plummeting to her death," Goldie said.
"And earlier...she was caught on recording, by Nora's phone, earlier that night in a heated argument," she added.
"I don't care if they had an argument. Our daughter didn't kill anyone," Snow snapped.
"That's not how it looks and if this was anyone else in such a suspicious position, this department would launch a full investigation," she said, as she turned to Emma.
"So...will you be bringing your sister in for questioning, Sheriff or should I report that, as per usual, the Charming family will be protecting their own?" Goldie asked.
"We don't care what you report on your trash show, but for your information, I'll ask Summer what happens or if she knows anything. If she says that she isn't responsible, then that will be that and I'll keep investigating to find the real culprit," Emma answered. Goldie scoffed.
"Typical...but I'm not surprised. I guess this evening's headline will be the corruption in our law enforcement and the subsequent coverup of a murder committed by one of their own, Summer Nolan Charming," Goldie announced and there was a gasp, as Summer entered the station with Regina and Robin.
"Oh look...there's the little murderer now," the blonde said and a fireball appeared in Regina's palm.
"Choose your next words wisely, you hack…" Regina growled. Goldie smirked.
"Go ahead and do your worst, Queenie. Anything you do now will just go in tonight's broadcast," the blonde challenged.
"I didn't kill Nora," Summer said in horror.
"Oh honey...of course you didn't," Snow said, as she and David rushed to her and enveloped her in a hug between them. Goldie rolled her eyes at the sentiment.
"Just as I thought...you two are going to block any investigation into Nora's murder," Goldie said.
"Is that true?" a new voice said, as they looked to see JJ in the doorway.
"Of course not...our investigation will proceed as normal. But our daughter is not responsible for Nora's murder," David replied sternly. Goldie rolled her eyes.
"She was at the scene of the crime...you yourself found her outside your room, which was right next to your cousin's, isn't that right, Mr. Bradley?" Goldie asked, as all attention turned to him.
"Uh…I heard Nora scream and then came out into the hallway. Summer was there, but that doesn't mean anything," JJ refuted.
"He's right...that's circumstantial at best and Summer's story easily checks out," Emma agreed.
"Oh please...the hot cocoa story? You expect us to believe that?" Goldie asked.
"We don't care what you believe. If our daughter says that's what happened...then it is," Snow snapped in reply.
"Oh yes...because no one related to the fair and good Snow White could ever do anything bad," Goldie said sarcastically.
"I don't know why you hate me and frankly, I don't care...but coming after my children is a mistake that I promise you will regret," Snow threatened and Goldie smirked.
"I'll be sure to broadcast that quote loud and clear on tonight's broadcast," she said, as she started toward the door.
"And I'll be exposing this farce of a coverup as well. In addition, I've already sent a colleague to one of the biggest newspapers in the Land Without Magic with this bombshell story. Get ready...because I'm sure it will explode and I wouldn't be surprised if outside law enforcement takes an interest in this case as well," Goldie replied.
"If you really have done that, there could be serious consequences to everyone, including you," David warned.
"Free press, Your Highness and it's time that everyone knew the truth about your wife. She ruins lives...and it appears her daughter does as well," Goldie said, as she walked out.
"You're sure you don't know her from your past?" Regina asked.
"No…I never met her, until she popped up when we merged the realms," Snow replied.
"Does anyone know her story?" Emma asked, but there was no answer.
"I can probably help with that," Rose said, as she and Fandral entered behind Eva, who rushed to hug her parents and then Summer.
"We saw the broadcast at the hospital and came here right away," Eva said.
"It's going to be okay...we all know that Summer did nothing wrong," David replied, as Snow looked at JJ.
"We are very sorry for your loss," she said. He nodded mutely.
"JJ...you believe me, right?" Summer asked. He nodded.
"I do...but why were you there? I thought you went home after the fight we had with Nora," he replied, with a bit of scrutiny.
"I...I was upset and since Mom and Dad were gone, I stopped at the diner. Frankie and Joe made me some hot cocoa. I know that sounds lame...but it always helps me feel better. Daddy has been making me cocoa since I was little," she explained, making Snow and David smile at each other.
"Then when I got done there, I decided to come apologize to you again. As I got to your door, that's when we heard the scream," she explained. David looked at his eldest daughter.
"And there was no one coming out of Nora's room on the security camera?" he asked.
"No...and I already used a spell to see if it was magically altered. It wasn't," she replied.
"Magically altered?" JJ asked.
"It wouldn't be the first time that magic was used to alter a security camera," David replied.
"You know...magic isn't the only way to alter security footage," Eva interjected.
"She's right...I didn't even think to have Bashful do a forensic analysis on the tape. And then there's the whole network. It could have been hacked...it happens to systems all the time," Emma said.
"Your mother and I will drop that tape off at the lab," David replied. She nodded.
"I'll make some calls and see if I can find an IT expert to examine the network," she said.
"Actually...I have a friend. He could do it and he's the best. He could even do it remotely if you gave him access to the network," JJ chimed in.
"Do you trust him?" Emma asked. He nodded.
"He's my best friend...and while he's the best, he could hack your network with ease if he wanted to. Luckily, he's an honest guy and only works for people who invite him in," JJ replied. She nodded.
"Okay...there's an open computer at that desk over there if you want to make that call," Emma said. He nodded and then turned to Summer.
"I...I do believe you," he said.
"And I'm really sorry about Nora...I never wanted anything bad to happen to her," she replied, as they shared a hug. Snow put her hand to her heart at that and leaned her head against Charming's shoulder. He smiled and hugged her close.
"I think we should pay a visit to Goldie's co-host in the meantime. If we can get him away from her...we might be able to get that worm to talk," David said.
"I don't know...he is a worm, but possibly a worm with a lot to lose if he knows anything," Xander interjected.
"You think he's being blackmailed?" David asked.
"If the rumors floating around about him are true...then yes," Xander replied.
"Then what do you suggest?" David asked, knowing that this was his father's area of expertise.
"We tail him...and catch him in something. Then we bring him in and grill him. If it's bad enough...we might even be able to turn on his co-host for a lesser sentence," Xander replied.
"Okay...then let's do that," David said.
"You and your father do that. I'm going to go back with Rose and Fandral to see if I can find her story anywhere. It might be nothing, but it can't hurt," Snow replied, as they shared a kiss.
"Oh...you said you were at the hospital," Snow recalled, directing the statement to Rose and Fandral.
"Is everything okay?" she asked. They both smiled brightly.
"Better than okay...I'm pregnant," Rose announced, causing Snow to gasp and hug her counterpart.
"Congratulations!" she exclaimed, as David and Fandral shook hands.
"Truly," David said.
"Yes...an unplanned, but very welcome surprise," Fandral agreed, as he kissed Rose tenderly. David smiled and kissed Snow again.
"I'll see later," he said, as he left with his father and sister.
I'll be hanging around here to see if JJ's friend finds anything," Emma told her mother, who nodded.
"I've got to get back to the hospital," Eva said, as she hugged her mother and younger sister, before leaving.
"Okay honey...do you want to come with me to Rose's library?" Snow asked.
"Actually...do you think we could go riding, Nana? I could use some fresh air," Summer replied. Regina and Robin smiled.
"Of course," Regina agreed. Snow hugged her youngest daughter and then held her face in her hands.
"Everything is going to be okay," she promised, with a kiss to her forehead. Summer nodded and left with Regina and Robin, while Snow went with Rose and Fandral back to their castle.
Goldie arrived back at the news station with a smug smirk on her face.
"Goldie...get in here!" her boss bellowed and she rolled her eyes, as she did as he asked.
"Yes, Mr. Boots?" she asked.
"We need to talk about your story for the evening edition," he said.
"It's pure gold, isn't it?" she asked.
"No Goldie...accusing Queen Snow and King Charming's daughter of murder based on circumstantial evidence is reprehensible," he replied.
"She was found at the scene of the crime!" Goldie cried.
"Because she was at the diner next door...a place she frequents regularly. We are the press...not the police, nor are we the courts. We report. We do not arrest, try, and convict," he admonished.
"Our ratings were through the roof this morning! That was all me!" she protested.
"And much of that was not good ratings for us," he said, as he tossed a copy of the Storybrooke Mirror down in front of her.
"Oh...another fluff piece on the Charmings by none other than family friend August W. Booth," she scoffed.
"Actually, like a real reporter, he kept his emotion out of it and presented the cut and dry facts of the case so far. Summer Charming being at the Inn, where her new boyfriend is staying, is hardly out of the ordinary. And public opinion matters," he reiterated.
"Frankly, most people do not think she is capable of such savagery," he added.
"Oh...because she's Snow White's precious daughter!? Because one of perfect Snow White's perfect children could never do anything wrong!" she cried.
"Goldie...you are too close to this story. Your disdain for Snow White has not gone unnoticed by our viewers and most of them do not hold our show in high regard. Your ratings were high this morning, because of outrage and I was hired to stop this network from hemorrhaging money. Which I intend to do," he said.
"What does that mean?" she asked.
"It means...I've replaced you. You're fired," he announced.
"You're firing me!?" she screamed.
"I'm afraid so. Security will help you pack up your things and see you out," he replied.
"You can't do this to me! You can't possibly think Le Fou can carry this network's broadcasting on his own!" she screamed.
"No...but his new co-anchor will help him," he replied.
"You replaced me already, you son of bitch!?" she cried.
"Security!" he called, as she was forcibly led out of his office, only to see her replacement in the makeup chair. Her makeup chair.
"You're replacing me with this bitch!?" she screamed. The brunette woman smirked.
"Sorry Goldie...better luck next time," Attina said.
"You're replacing me with a mermaid!?" Goldie cried, but was led out by security.
"Oh this is not over…" she growled darkly.
Flashback
Blue stared at Opal's body, as she placed her at the bottom of the ravine. To an untrained person, they may very well think this was an accidental death, but she knew the Charmings and she knew it wouldn't be long before they connected her to Opal's death when they returned. She used Opal's wand to shrink herself and fly unnoticed back to the church where all the fairies still lived in the convent, except a few, including Tink. She had lost complete control of this place and her station, but she still had secrets hidden within these walls. She entered the library. It was a small library and nothing like the grand like Rose Red's, but it had some very old and powerful spell books. And there was one book that not even Rose Red's library had, for it once belonged to an ancient, dead tribe known at one time as the Northuldra.
Long ago, Blue had helped the King of Arendelle, Elsa and Anna's grandfather, Runeard, after he and his soldiers slaughtered the Northuldra and claimed their enchanted forests as part of Arendelle. But the killing of the Northuldra had caused the elements of nature to become angry. Arendelle had nearly been destroyed by vicious storms as a result. It became clear that Runeard had been cursed by the Northuldra before their eradication and only his banishment to a netherworld was the solution to appease the elemental spirits.
Once she had banished him, the spirits quieted and she had not seen the elements take power like that...until Elsa, the daughter of the sole surviving Northuldra, was born. Even then, Blue had thought she was an anomaly...until Snow White and Prince Charming gave birth to five magical children. She didn't think much of it when Emma was conceived. She had sensed the magic in her, but that was because she had been anointed as the Savior. But then the others had come into elemental magic once magic came to Storybrooke and she had feared their control of the elements, because by that time, she had no more influence with Snow and David.
Much like Elsa's father, she would have advised them to suppress the children's magic or allow her to train them. But that wasn't meant to be and now they may very well incarcerate her indefinitely for what she had done. Power had slipped through her fingers once again. But as long as she remained alive, Runeard's banishment would stand. The Charming children and Elsa were powerful enough as it was, but if he were to ever return, the elemental spirits would become angry again and wreak havoc. Not to mention that her part in covering up the eradication of a civilization would become known as well. Thankfully, she didn't plan on perishing anytime soon.
Smee docked the Jolly Roger at Pleasure Island and looked to the guest they had rescued from the water.
"Are you sure this is where you want to go?" Smee asked.
"Yes...this will suit me fine," the stranger replied.
"It's kind of a rough place and a bit lawless. Be careful," Smee warned. The man smirked and disembarked from the ship. Smee watched him go, wondering how such a regal looking man ended up wandering the seas on a rickety raft. They had rescued him and his only request was that they drop him off in an obscure place. Pleasure Island was the most obscure place that Smee knew and hoped that the man didn't just get himself into trouble.
He looked around and found his way into the local watering hole. This would be a good place to lay low for now, before he found a way to make his grand re-entrance into his home Kingdom and without everyone finding out the truth of his past…
Snow flipped through the books idly, as Belle read through some as well, and she closed it in frustration.
"I had no idea there were so many versions of Goldilocks," Snow said in frustration.
"Me either...I thought of all the stories, that one was pretty basic and generic," Belle agreed, as she chose another one from the pile. She flipped through it, just as Rumple and Bobby arrived.
"Hi sweetheart...how was training?" she asked, as she hugged him.
"Great…I shook down an entire mountain. It was fun, but I'm starving now," he complained.
"Of course you are. I suppose we should call it a day. I can take some of these with me and keep looking tonight," Snow said.
"Wait...oh my gosh, I think I found it!" Belle called, as Snow and Rumple looked over her shoulders.
"Wait...that's me," Snow said in confusion.
"It is...did you know that Goldie's mother was one of your nanny's?" Belle asked.
"No…I don't remember that at all," Snow said, as she read the story.
"Wait…I vaguely remember this woman and that she was mean. But I don't remember any of this stuff around it," Snow replied.
"Well...you were only four. That makes sense," Belle said.
"It appears that Goldie's mother was a bit too strict and when your mother discovered a mark on your arm, she fired her," Rumple deduced from the reading.
"Then they became homeless when her mother couldn't find work," Belle said.
"Well, that explains why she hates me so much. She blames me for her family falling apart," Snow replied sadly.
"Snow...this isn't your fault. From what I'm reading, her mother was abusive. Your mother did the right thing by getting you far away from her and Goldie's misfortune is not on you," Belle said. Snow nodded.
"I suppose you're right," she replied.
"She is, Mom. You and Dad went through some tough times too and could be blaming the world for it. But you don't," Bobby chimed in.
"Your son is right," Rumple agreed.
"You're right...and she has no right to take out her hatred on my children. Thanks for helping," Snow said, as she hugged her friend.
"Come on, let's head to the diner. Hopefully your father had some luck too," she said, as the four of them bid goodbye to Rose and Fandral, before leaving for Storybrooke.
After following Le Fou around all day, they were almost ready to give up, until they saw him head to the east end of Storybrooke and to Iago's place. They saw him leave with a young man and snapped a picture, before sending it to Emma.
As they were headed to the diner for dinner, she called David.
"Hey Dad...you were right. The person he picked up is in the system and he's sixteen. We've arrested him for prostitution," Emma told him.
"Thanks for running the photo through the system. I was pretty sure I recognized him and that he was underage," David said.
"Yeah...looks like we've got Le Fou dead to rights. Are you going to pick him up?" Emma asked.
"Not yet...I don't want to tip Goldie off yet. I'm going to let them do their stupid newscast tonight and then we'll arrest him on his way home. That way...it will be at least a few hours before it hits the news," David replied.
"Good idea...I'll see you at the diner in a few," Emma said, as they hung up the phone.
"That's sneaky," Natalie said.
"Are you impressed that I can be sneaky?" David asked. She smirked.
"Actually yes...I mean, I would totally expect this kind of move from James, but not you," she teased.
"Yeah, well when it comes to one of my kids, the gloves come off," he said, as they arrived at the diner.
"Hey baby," Snow greeted, as he slid into the booth beside her and kissed her passionately.
"Hey yourself, beautiful…" he said, as their lips parted.
"Did you find anything incriminating on Le Fou?" she asked.
"We did...and we'll be bringing him in later. We don't want to tip Goldie off," he replied.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Oh, just the reason that Goldie hates me," she replied.
"Her Mom was your nanny when you were little?" he asked.
"Apparently so...I just don't really remember it. But I guess her Mom was abusive and when my mother found a mark on me, she fired her," Snow explained.
"Well...sounds like your mother did the right thing and you're not responsible for Goldie's life turning out the way it did," he said.
"I know," she said. He raised an eyebrow.
"Really? You're not going to blame yourself?" he asked. She shook her head.
"If Winter taught me anything...it's that I can't keep holding myself responsible for everyone else's happiness. Nor should I feel guilty for being so blessed with the life and love that I have with you," she replied. He smiled.
"I'm so glad to hear you say that and accept it," he said, as they shared another kiss.
With that, they ordered dinner and enjoyed time with their family and friends.
"Well...I guess that does it for us tonight. I'm Le Fou,"
"And I'm your new co-anchor of Good Evening United Realms, Attina. We'll see you in the morning. Have a magical evening!"
Goldie screamed in rage, as she threw a vase through her television. She had come home, only to find her husband, passed out drunk and stinking of perfume, probably from whatever hooker he had been with the night before. Add to that, she was then forced to suffer through the evening news with her bubbly replacement.
"That's it...someone is going to pay for this," she hissed, as she grabbed her keys and stormed out of her apartment.
Leo came into their chambers that evening and found his wife, sitting by the window, with a stack of books.
"Hey…" he said, as he leaned down and kissed her.
"Hi...how is Summer?" she asked.
"She's okay...better now after we did a long trail ride," he replied, as he sat down with her.
"Are these the books that Rose found?" he asked.
"They are...I had forgotten so much of Arendelle's rich history, but it's a little weird," she replied.
"Weird how?" he asked.
"Well...there is nearly nothing about my Grandfather's time as King and it only says he was lost on an expedition. All of the other ruler's in my lineage have these detailed histories of their time on the Throne. If I didn't know any better…" she said, trailing off for a moment.
"You think something has been omitted from these books on purpose?" he asked.
"It's not like it would be the first time something has been hidden from us…" she replied.
"True," he agreed.
"I just...have this feeling," she mentioned, as she looked out the window and over the fjord, noticing how windy it was.
"Wow...that wind came out of nowhere. It was really calm today," he mentioned.
"Yeah...I don't remember any storms in the forecast," she replied.
"Yeah, but Scuttle is pretty bad at his job though. He means well...but he's a terrible meteorologist," he mentioned. She smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Come on...let's go to bed and tomorrow, we can ask Mr. Gold and Aphrodite if they know anything," he said. She smiled.
"That's a great idea. If anyone does...it's them or Hermes," she agreed, as they went to bed.
"Feeling better, sweetie?" Snow asked, as her husband put a cup of cocoa down in front of their daughter. She smiled.
"Yeah...a lot better now. I'm just glad that no one really believes those lies," Summer said.
"No one important anyway and I'm about to arrest Goldie's co-anchor. If he knows something, I'll get it out of him," David replied, as he kissed Snow.
"Be careful," she said, as he grabbed his coat and headed out.
"So...how about watch a movie together while we wait to hear from your Dad," Snow suggested. Summer smiled.
"That sounds nice," she replied.
"Okay...you pick the movie and I'll make the popcorn," Snow said.
Goldie watched her former boss exit the dark news station that evening and begin walking to his car. As he crossed her path, she shined her headlights on him and he looked to see who was there. But the look of surprise soon turned to fear, as she revved the engine and her tires screeched, as she drove toward him. He cried out momentarily and tried to run away, but she swerved with deliberation and mowed him down in the parking lot. She smirked with satisfaction, as she saw his figure laying on the concrete in her rear view mirror. At this point, there was no hiding what she had done and her car would be identified in the crime. Fortunately, she already had rented a boat to take her to the lawless place of Pleasure Island where she could hide out and continue to plot her revenge. And if luck was with her, the next person she'd be gunning down would be Snow White herself.
David walked into Iago's that evening and the owner let out a sigh of disdain, as at least five patrons left immediately, just due to his presence. Emma smirked.
"Aww...should we take that as a compliment or an insult?" she joked. David smirked.
"Definitely a compliment in this case," he said, as they approached the bar.
"Dammit...you're really bad for business, you know," Iago complained.
"Don't worry...we won't be long," David said, as they approached the other side of the bar where their target sat. He saw them and nearly fell off his stool to get away, but David grabbed him by the shirt and hauled him to his feet.
"You're under arrest," he announced.
"For what?" Le Fou challenged, as Emma showed him a photo on her phone. It was one of him and the young man going into a room in the seedy motel that was next to Iago's. Le Fou turned white as a sheet.
"So what...getting a room with someone isn't a crime," he said, trying to play it off.
"It is if you gave him money and he's sixteen...which he is," Emma replied.
"That…I...I didn't know," he claimed, as David put the cuffs on him.
"Still a crime...and you knew," he said.
"He...he approached me!" Le Fou claimed.
"Still a crime...he's underage," Emma said, as they hauled him out to the car. Emma put him in the backseat.
"Cracking him is going to be almost too easy…" she mentioned.
"Maybe...the question will be is he more scared of Goldie or hard prison time," David agreed, as they got into the car and drove back to the station.
Rodmilla looked at her new castle with smug satisfaction. Having magic was certainly something that had been amiss in her life. Had she had before, then she was certain that all of her enemies would have paid dearly. But now that she did, she would soon be crowned the new Evil Queen and she would relentlessly pursue her enemies and make their lives hell.
"Impressive...but this is still a lawless place. How do you plan to declare yourself the Mayor and mobilize these cretins?" Jekyll questioned.
"That will come, especially when they witness my new power. For now, I have done what you have asked and given you a new and fully equipped, pristine laboratory in the bowels of the castle," Rodmilla said.
"And me?" Grimm asked.
"And there is a quiet library and study in the east wing that is all yours," she added.
"Excellent...then we can soon resume our plans," Jekyll replied.
"What about my daughter? She is still in that awful place," Rodmilla said.
"She is barking mad...don't you think having her on the loose, at least right now, may detract from our plan?" Grimm questioned. She huffed.
"He has a very good point. From what I have seen, no medication can help her. Only when she has what she wants can she perhaps be controlled. Until then...she should remain where she is," Jekyll said.
"For now...but I will not tolerate having her in that place much longer," Rodmilla replied.
"Don't worry...we'll soon all have what we want," Grimm assured them.
"What of the protégé you have taken on?" Jekyll questioned.
"She'll be useful for a time and she's a psychopath. She's providing plenty of distraction as we speak," Grimm said.
"Then we should get to work," Rodmilla replied, as they went inside the castle.
Xander and James arrived at the crime scene and got out of the car. Bashful and his team had already put up the crime scene tape and were in the process of bagging evidence, as well as getting ready to transport the body to the morgue for autopsy.
"Hit and run?" Xander asked, as he shined his flashlight on them.
"More like intentional murder," Bashful said, as he motioned them over to a place on the concrete adjacent to the body.
"Tire marks," James said.
"Someone floored it and deliberately hit him," Xander deduced.
"That's what we're looking at. Deliberate and sloppy, as well as premeditated, most likely," Bashful said.
"Who is the victim?" James asked.
"Mr. Boots...the executive producer of the Enchanted News Network," Bashful replied.
"Puss in Boots...wasn't he a cat?" Xander asked.
"He probably was back in the Enchanted Forest, but like so many, the good curse gave him a human form. Here he took on the identity of Antonio Boots," Bashful answered.
"Is this the same studio that produces Good Morning United Realms?" Xander asked.
"One in the same...and word has it that Mr. Boots fired Goldilocks today and replaced her with Attina, one of Ariel's sisters," Bashful replied.
"Well, that's motive," James said.
"Yes...and I'm starting to think that Mr. Boots might not be the only person she murdered," Xander replied.
"You think she framed Summer?" James asked.
"Oh yeah...she's as vindictive as they come," Xander replied.
"Just because she hates Snow?" James asked and then thought about it for a moment.
"Yeah...that sounds about right for this town," he agreed.
"Let's track her car and then toss her place. She's probably hiding out somewhere," Xander said.
"Isn't she married?" James asked.
"Yeah...her husband is a drunk. I doubt he knows anything, but we'll pick him up. He's probably either passed out at home or at Iago's," Xander replied, as they got back into the car and drove off to check Goldie's place first. It was important they found her quickly, for in her unhinged state, anyone in her pathway was in potential danger and that included their family members...
