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!
Also, someone did ask about what season we would be in by now, so I decided to do a season breakdown:
Season 1: Chapters 1-30 (30 chapters)
Season 2: Chapters 31-67 (36 chapters)
Season 3: 68-83 (15 chapters)
Season 4: 84-102 (18 chapters)
Season 5: 103-122 (19 chapters)
Season 6: 123-151 (28 chapters)
Season 7: 152-193 (41 chapters)
Season 8: 194-234 (40 chapters)
Season 9: 235-on
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
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
Goldilocks: Ali Larter
Le Fou: Josh Gad
Joe: Bobby Cannavale
Frankie: Ezra Miller
Esmeralda: Daniella Alonso
Luka: Tyler Posey
Grimm: Sam Rockwell
King Runeard: Alfred Molina
Milo: Brenton Thwaites
Kida: Chloe Grace Moretz
Flynn Rider: Will Peltz
Drake Mallard: Giovanni Ribisi
Rourke: Martin Kove
Hiram Flaversham: David McCallum
Olivia Flaversham: Isabel Durant
Captain Phoebus: Trevor Donovan
If I missed any, let me know and I will add to the face claims. :)
Ghostwriter: Thanks! Yep, angry Snowing if you go after their babies. I love Martin Kove too. I'm a huge Karate Kid/Cobra Kai fan. Glad you're enjoying it!
Zariah: Yeah, we've all had our fair share of off days. Yep, I like learning new things every day too. I'm glad you've learned from me too. I love world building so that part of writing is a lot of fun for me. I think that's why I love Marvel too. I'm glad to know you think this is one of the best Once fics you've read, truly, that's humbling and thank you.
As for the first idea, it is an interesting premise, though I feel that some parts of it are similar to Dreaming Out Loud, as I have Persephone and a few others come to Storybrooke. In Dreaming Out Loud, Persephone is Snow's biological mother. I have a few other ideas in mind eventually to write that involve Snowing and Greek mythology. Hopefully, I'll eventually get to them.
I'm glad you're going to read Dreaming Out Loud. I think you'll enjoy it, because there's so much Greek Mythology in it. Glad you liked the Darkwing Duck reference. It's fun to get those little Easter eggs in the story when I can. Yeah, they deserve applause for not portaling to New York and ending Goldie for going after their babies. Thanks, I'm glad that you like how I write friends and family dynamics. Thanks for the suggestion on other myths. I get references in where I can, but to be honest, I don't have a lot of time to read. I have a day job and then I write in my spare time where I can. I do my research where I can, but usually it's just skimming Wikipedia. That's about what I have time for right now. Glad you liked the chapter.
Sorry, I don't know much about Urban Fantasy. I've kind of heard of it. But usually, I don't really get too much into that kind of stuff, because I kind of prefer to march to my own tune. I'm glad you feel you can talk to me about writer stuff though and you definitely can. As for run on sentences, if you're aware you do it, that's half the battle. Once you're aware of it, you'll start watching your punctuation more closely. I also recommend reading everything you've written back to yourself, even responses(I do this). It will help you catch places there should probably be a comma or period.
As for your newest story idea, I have to pass on this one completely. For one thing, it's really overdone in the Once fandom. There are a lot of stories out there where Snowing has a 2nd child that is raised by Regina and I have to say that I'm just not a fan. The premise of it turns me off completely. Sorry, it's nothing against your idea. I just don't really like the premise and like I said, there's a ton of them out there. I do have a couple ideas on the backburner that I hopefully get to eventually though.
Yes, Eva and Henry teaming up to put Goldie in her place should be interesting. I know, David is great at what he does and he chose to help Flynn instead of throwing him to the wolves. Yeah, Runeard has the potential to be even more powerful than Jekyll as the Void. And Mendoza's endless resources will be nothing but trouble. Thanks, so glad you're enjoying it!
Jennifer Baratta: Thanks, glad you like the addition of Flynn Rider. Yep, it should be very interesting. Glad you're enjoying!
Ninjetti: Yep, sounds like you missed a few chapters. Thor didn't just appear randomly. You have to go back several chapters, but the full explanation is there. The MCU exists in this reality, but in another universe entirely. The snap only happened in that Universe, but since Fandral is from that Universe originally, it effected him emotionally. The reason is mainly, because Fandral didn't die during Ragnarok and instead fell through a portal into Rose Red's Kingdom, where they met and fell in love. This is detailed back starting at about chapter 126. Fandral and Rose are an alternate version of Snowing. I also wrote them their own Vignette called Dashing Rose if you're interesting in learning how it all happened. But it's also explained along the way in Finding You Always. I'm glad you like the story though. I'm afraid Power Rangers probably won't appear though. I only bring in fandoms that I think I can fit in seamlessly or give a new spin on. I hope you continue to enjoy though.
Number Ten: Yep, Goldie and Grimm's credibility will continue to decline. Glad you liked the Darkwing Duck reference. Actually, it was more of a reference to him writing himself as Darkwing Duck in the comics as a duck person, since he's human here. Lol. I like poking stuff like that in when I can. Flynn should be a fun addition and hopefully Bobby will be a good influence on Flynn and not the other way around. No, I think Gideon is just shy. Glad you're enjoying, as always. :)
Grace5231973: You're welcome on the Tink/Bae, Rumbelle scene. I prefer Swanfire too as a rule. When I started this story way back in 2015(omg, that was so long ago), I was mostly indifferent to CS and promised to keep that canon. That's my only regret with this, but it worked out, because I was able to write an actual reform story for Hook and it helped that Robert(Xander) is alive here. Had I known what was coming in 5B and season 6 at the time, this probably would be a Swanfire. Anyway, it still turned out well, especially since CS doesn't feature much. Eva's rebuttal should be good. And Runeard has the potential to be very dangerous as the Void. Glad you're still enjoying, as always. :)
Sexystarwarslover: Yep, Goldie is going to get her butt handed to her, verbally so to speak, by Eva. It should be good. Thanks, glad you like the face claims! Yes, it was a chapter full of information for sure. Yep, Goldie needs to be put in her place, especially going after the Charming kids. Yeah, the first dark curse was not Snowing and Emma's fault. Yep, she better watch it. Snowing is going to knock her block off if she keeps after their kids. I know, Leroy is the ultimate cock blocker. Yep, the Charmings have fans, even in the United Realms. Ha, yeah, chisel chin never gets old. Yeah, it turned out to be a good reason for David to come in. We meet Eugene aka Flynn Rider, so that should be interesting. Runeard conversing with a mercenary is not a good thing. Yes, Bobby and Flynn should be an interesting friendship. Yep, Drake Mallard wants the author to read his work, lol. Yep, Snow already bought new picture albums and Gideon is going to the dance too. Yep, Snowing lovin' time as David is back home. Me too, I think everyone is enjoying this down time in the story.
Yep, the snap was reversed and things are better now in Thor's realm, despite some casualties. Yep, Thor will eventually come to visit. Ha, yeah I had to get the Quail and the Rabbit line in there. I couldn't resist. Yeah, I think the Bobby and Flynn friendship will be fun. Yep, no one but Eva listens to Goldie's trash, but Snowing does not like that she's going after their babies. Yeah, they know she's in New York, but it's a big place and you're right, Grimm doesn't have a dislike button since he knows he'd have more dislikes than likes. Yep, Henry will always be the choice over Grimm. Glad you're enjoying it!
AnonSnowing: Yep, that is the implication. Yeah, they need to be arrested and that time will likely eventually come. Yep, Emma was a child so she can't be blamed and she was an orphan that just wanted her parents. Goldie is heartless though and doesn't care. Yep, and it's light magic so there's a huge difference. Yep, and now they will go after Bobby.
I know, some Snowing love is always what we need. Goldie and Grimm are jealous. Glad you like the remodel they did to make their living quarters more like a house. The Charmings are definitely unique. Yep, it's Snowing until Leroy interrupts. He has a good reason, but he's still the biggest cock blocker. Goldie does need to be turned off permanently. Yeah, it's probably not healthy for Eva to listen to Goldie's podcast, but it's part of Eva's personality. She can't help herself. Yeah, it might be better if they don't leave the United Realms ever again. But yeah, Truest is faring better than Fabled anyway.
Glad you like the updates to the station headquarters too! Yep, even in Storybrooke and the United Realms, the Charmings have fans. Yep, I needed a goofy type guy for my face claim and he's always pretty goofy, so I thought he'd make a good Drake Mallard. Yep, Flynn Rider too! Yes, for once, Leroy wasn't overreacting and was justified in calling Charming in.
I love that Bobby and Gideon are friends too. Snow probably has enough albums to fill a room, lol. Yep, Gideon is very shy, but with a little pushing from his not shy best friend, he's going to have a date too. Yep, finally Snowing alone time. Yep, he made a beeline for the hot tub and was thinking about his wife the whole time he was gone. I love their kisses too and David undressing makes you have to fan yourself. Yep, not sure how she's not melting into the water, lol. Yep, he'll always be Snow's hero.
Yep, the Dashings are in New Asgard! I think Ben and Ari are around 12ish now. I love how they are excited to see Thor and he is excited to see them. He is a bit childlike, lol. Yeah, I couldn't help myself. Had to get a Quail and the Rabbit line in there. Thor will definitely be surprised to meet Dashing Rose's two sets of dopplegangers for sure. Yep, everyone knows who the Charmings are. Yeah, I'm sure Bobby could magic himself to school, but probably didn't want to make Flynn even more uncomfortable.
Yeah, Goldie needs to go away for sure. But countering her lies with truth will be very effective. Yeah, they're probably after Henry to give them the green light to movies and shows. Thanks, glad you're enjoying it!
The Grey Jedi 2020: Hope is about three. Yep, Goldie is a liar and Eva will expose her, per usual. She'll be wanting the bears when the Charmings get a hold of her. Yeah, the Swans were the worst and I'm sure Eva will set the record straight. It will be fun to see her squirm though, I agree. Glad you like the remodel of the castle and yes, I'm always picturing Charming working shirtless, lol. I can't help myself. Yep, I think a livestream would be best and that's probably what Eva will do. I know, I'd watch that too. Yeah, I would have chosen Zachary Levi, but since I wanted to go with him as a teen here, I had to go younger. The actors I have for Bobby and Zia are technically too old now, but they both were acting when they were young so they still work. And Gideon is the same as he was in the show. Yep, Drake Mallard is here and he's Darkwing Duck! Well, just on paper here. But I liked poking that in for fun. Yeah, I think Olivia and Gideon would be cute. I believe, technically, they are only related through Henry. Bobby and Gideon are Henry's Uncles, which is strange since they are both teenagers, so I think they're more like cousins, even though not by blood and they share a nephew. The family tree is insane in this story, even more insane than it was in canon Once. Yeah, I wanted to get past that point in the MCU with Endgame. Thor is more back to his old self by then. Yep, that's what I was going for. A modern day Flynn would be hot wiring cars and pick-pocketing probably. Hopefully, Bobby will be a good influence. Yeah, I like Glass Believer too and I wanted to call Goldie a twat waffle so Ella got the line. Yeah, I'm not sure about Walt. I never went into his part in all this. It's probably something I need to do. We're not sure Walt was even an official author here and maybe he was more of an in-between. It may be something I need to explore a bit. Yeah, I've been thinking about Zelena too. I need to work her back in. Hopefully that can happen soon. Thanks, glad you're enjoying and thanks for the review! :)
Finding You Always
Chapter 238: Night and Day
"This is the wall of jade masks. Many, I excavated myself and this one is likely one of the most intact ones in existence. Many Jade masks are thought to be Olmec, one of the oldest civilizations in history," she said, as they moved to the next mask.
"And this is a mask discovery I made in Egypt. It's solid gold and jeweled, depicting Anubis, the Egyptian God of the Underworld. It was thought in ancient times to grant eternal life to the wearer, but that is likely a myth, which is ironic around here, since even the most fantastical things are real here in the United Realms," she said, as she moved on.
"And that brings us to the final exhibit of our tour. The island of Mu and Cibola," she said, as she gestured to the exhibit for the camera. They had been filming her first virtual museum tour, which they were going to offer to any classrooms in the Land WIthout Magic that wanted it.
"This exhibit in particular depicts the inside of this tallest tower in the city. It is well guarded and only allows the High Priestess of the Cibola to enter, along with the truest loves and anyone of their bloodline," she said.
"Depicted on this wall are hieroglyphs that we think represent all the elements," she said.
"The rest of Cibola can be toured by anyone and even the streets of it are paved in gold. As an archeologist, I can honestly say that it is the most spectacular find in history, so much so that we plan to film an entire virtual tour just of the island Mu and Cibola. But for now, that completes today's tour of the Atlantis Museum. Next week, join us again and my nephew will be hosting us for a virtual tour of his wildlife reserve," Natalie said, concluding the video and the camera stopped.
"Thanks," she said, thanking the filming crew, as she joined Zorro, who was observing nearby with her son.
"Hey sweetheart," she cooed, as he handed Levi to her.
"You were wonderful," he said. She scoffed.
"I don't know...I felt so out of place in front of a camera," she replied.
"Well, it didn't show," he assured her, as she kissed her son on the head.
"I'm not sure anyone is even going to be interested in any of this," Natalie said.
"You're being modest again. So far, you have thousands of teachers from grade school through University level that have subscribed to your video series in anticipation for the release of each tour," Kida interjected, as Milo turned the laptop to show her.
"Thousands?" she asked in amazement.
"It's an incredible learning opportunity and to be honest, I never thought there would be an opportunity to share Atlantis with the world, without the danger of the history being destroyed by people with evil intentions," Milo replied.
"Neither did I. This virtual thing is genius," Kida agreed.
"I'll make sure to tell Snow you think so," Natalie said, as Levi began to fuss.
"Yeah…I think that's it for today and this one is getting crabby," she replied.
"I'll go feed him and then you want to grab lunch?" she asked. Zorro, who was sans the mask a lot more these days, smiled.
"Sounds great," he agreed.
Bobby grabbed his lunch out of his locker, along with an extra and then found Flynn at his new locker, which had been assigned purposely close to him.
"I can't believe you do this every day. How do you not kill yourself?" he asked. Bobby snickered.
"School is not that bad," he said, as he walked with him to the lunchroom.
"Here...my Mom sent an extra lunch with me," he said, as he handed him a brown bag. Flynn looked at him with scrutiny.
"What?" he asked.
"It's just...you're a Prince and you brown bag your lunch?" Flynn questioned.
"Yeah, there's no way I'm touching cafeteria food, especially over my Mom's lunches," Bobby replied.
"She's the Queen and she still makes your lunch?" he asked. He shrugged.
"We're kind of more normal than you think," Bobby replied, as Flynn raised an eyebrow.
"It's true. My parents are royals, but Dad grew up on a farm and there was a time that Mom was living as a bandit. Then during the curse, they were just a normal family. I'm the only one that doesn't remember a time before magic, but they made sure I grew up as normally as possible," he answered. He shook his head.
"Man, if I lived in a castle with servants, I wouldn't lift a finger," Flynn said.
"They're not servants. They're well paid staff and they operate in normal business hours. Mom and Dad always make sure we do for ourselves," Bobby replied, as they arrived in the cafeteria.
"Look...you're being really nice, but you don't have to babysit me," Flynn said.
"I didn't think I was. Now, come on...you can meet my friends," Bobby urged, as he followed him to a table.
"Hey guys...this is Flynn Rider. Flynn, this Gideon, Olivia, and Zia," he introduced. Flynn nodded to them, as they sat down.
"Gideon asked Olivia to the dance," Zia whispered to him. He smiled and gave a look of approval to his shy best friend.
"Are you coming to the dance tomorrow tonight, Flynn?" Olivia asked. He snorted.
"Yeah, no that's a hard pass," he replied.
"You should come with us," Bobby said.
"And be a third wheel?" he asked, with a scoff.
"Come on, we're all friends here. It will be a blast," Bobby replied.
"Thanks...but not my scene. Your Dad may be making me go to school, but he said nothing about extracurricular activities," Flynn refuted, as he took a bite of the brownie.
"Mmm...kudos to your Mom though. I don't remember the last time I had home baked goods," he mentioned. Bobby smiled. Flynn was a lot of bluster on the surface, but he knew there was a lot more beneath that hard exterior. Since he was a street kid, there were a few things about him that reminded him of Emma.
"Okay...but it's tomorrow at the school if you change your mind and then we're going to the grand opening of the amusement park on Pleasure Island after the dance," Bobby replied, as they continued to eat lunch.
Snow finished signing off on the final documents and now she braced herself for her office to be filled with visitors from the new resort with final details before tomorrow night's grand opening.
When they started coming up with the idea of Pleasure Island becoming true to its name and a vacation paradise, she and Regina had sat through hours of presentations from various vendors interested in the funding packages to build their establishments. They were hoping they made the right decisions, since those entrepreneurs went on to hire their own staff and things were nearly ready. David had taken to interviewing and hiring the entire security staff for the island, ensuring that any trouble would always be handled swiftly.
"Ready for this?" Regina asked.
"You mean the overdone presentations and ridiculously fake compliments in an attempt at flattery?" Snow asked. She smirked.
"You do remember our days of meeting with all walks of the Kingdom. This is that on steroids. These are people in the entertainment and travel industry. They're performers for sure," Regina replied, as they shared a smile, before their first guest entered.
"Here we go," Snow said.
"Let the freak show begin," Regina added.
"Be nice," Snow whispered.
"You're nice...I'm still a tiny bit evil," Regina replied coyly.
"Queen Regina and Queen Snow, I am Chip Potts and I cannot tell you what an honor it will be to host your families at my new hotel tomorrow evening," the man said, as he bowed deeply. Snow smiled graciously.
"We are very much looking forward to your hospitality, Mr. Potts," Snow said.
"I have reserved our finest suites for your clan and we have all the amenities, including some of the finest delicacies in all the United Realms," he said, as he snapped his fingers, as a dessert cart was pushed in.
"Oooh...is that an apple tartlet?" Regina asked.
"Yes, your Majesty, made from the finest honey crisp apples to be found," he said, as she sampled it.
"Mmm...it is good," Regina said.
"I'll pass on the apple," Snow replied.
"Ah yes, I did not forget your dislike for apples and knew that you might prefer this decadent chocolate strawberry cheesecake," he said.
"Now you're talking," Snow said, as she took a bite.
"Mmm...it's wonderful. Our compliments to your pastry chef," she said. He bowed again.
"And this is only a sample of the magnificence we plan to show all tomorrow evening at the Galaxy Rose hotel," he said, as he left.
"Well, if the rest are like that, maybe this won't be so bad," Snow said. No sooner than she said that, two men, a very large one and a rather smallish one burst into the office.
"Your Majesties! Behold, I am Emperor Kuzco!" the smaller man announced. Regina raised an eyebrow.
"You just had to say that," she muttered.
"Sorry, I should know better," Snow muttered back.
"Um...you're an Emperor?" Snow asked. The larger man chuckled.
"Not a real one," he said.
"Shut up Kronk!" Kuzco cried, as he turned back to them and sobered.
"Yes...not a real Emperor, but I am the Emperor of the new Midas Casino and Hotel!" he announced.
"Though I still think we should have called it the Golden Llama Casino and Hotel," he muttered under his breath.
"So you're the hotel manager?" Regina asked. He clenched his teeth and forced a smile. Clearly, he preferred the delusional title over what he really was.
"Yes...the manager, but I think Emperor really adds more pizazz!" he said, gesturing grandly with his hands. Snow forced a smile.
"Of course...it's wonderful to meet you," she fibbed, as he came closer.
"Oh, but the pleasure is all mine and I really think you and your charming family would have a much better experience at my grand establishment," he said.
"Um...I think we're already booked, but we'll certainly keep you in mind for our next visit," Snow said. His shoulders slumped.
"Fine…" he said, as he sauntered out.
"Kronk, let's go!" he bellowed. The larger man bowed and scurried after him.
"Okay...that wasn't weird or anything," Snow said.
"You know, we should be used to weird by now, but that was still weird," Regina agreed, as the next guest entered.
"Your Majesties!" a tall man said reverently, as he entered in chainmail armor and a sword at his hip.
"I am Captain Phoebus and I am the head of the new security team on the Pleasure Island resort," he declared, as he bowed deeply to them.
"And I must say, it is an honor to be in the presence of such grace and beauty," he said, as he surprised them and lifted Regina's hand to kiss the back of it.
"Queen Regina...your incredible beauty is astounding and your portraits do not do justice," he complemented, as she quickly pulled her hand away.
"And Queen Snow White...you are every bit the vision boasted. Indeed, you are the fairest in all the land," he said, as he reached for her hand, but she was quick to pull it away.
"Um...thank you, Captain. My husband hired you as head of security?" Snow asked.
"Was he drunk?" Regina muttered and she gave her step-mother a look.
"Oh yes...I was the cream of the crop," he insisted, as she drew his sword and swiped it around him.
"I have led many expeditions to far off lands, led armies into battle, slayed trolls and dragons, and rescued many damsels in distress," he declared.
"Okay…I think your husband is punking us," Regina murmured to her.
"David wouldn't do that," Snow refuted.
"James would. Emma and Leo might. But David wouldn't," Snow refuted. Regina cocked her head in a nod with agreement.
"Many say I am very much like Prince Charming...it must be why he hired me," Phoebus boasted.
"Okay...he is nothing like my Charming," Snow muttered.
"Clearly...but at least he's an entertaining buffoon," she whispered back, as he dropped his sword and quickly picked it up.
"So...you think you're up to the task of running security on Pleasure Island. It's a big place with several hotels, three casinos, dozens of restaurants, a large mall, a circus, a huge amusement and water park, and an exclusive cruise line that travels between the wildlife reserve, the Main lands, and Cibola. It is its own Police force," Regina said.
"Your Majesties...I was once Captain of King Stefan's army! I was a Knight! Like your husband, I was sought after to be a Knight of the Roundtable, but I turned it down!" he said.
"Really? Lancelot never mentioned you," Snow asked.
"Well…" he started to stammer and David came in behind him.
"Because Lancelot has no idea who he is and he's not even a real Captain anymore," David said, as he looked at the other man with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Um...you must reconsider your decision to hire me as head of security!" Phoebus pleaded. David sighed.
"No amount of groveling is going to get you that job. I'm not even sure I should have hired you as one of the mall security guards," he said.
"Wait...he's a mall cop?" Regina asked.
"Don't be mean," Snow chided, as she poofed herself a bowl of popcorn.
"Too late," Regina said.
"Phoebus...I'm sorry, but you lied on your resume about several things and you were stripped of your rank after being dishonorably discharged from Stefan's army. You might have made a decent cop if you didn't quit the academy after a week," David replied.
"It was humiliating! They expected me to do grunt work like parking detail and called me a cadet!" he argued. David sighed.
"Because that's what all the students training in the academy are called and parking detail is where all Cadets start," he explained.
"But I...I should be great! I should be a General, fighting alongside you! I should have my own stories, filled with heroics!" he insisted.
"I hear we have an aspiring comic book writer working as a desk sergeant at night at the Storybrooke station. Maybe he'll write you in," David said, making Regina nearly choke on her popcorn.
"Until then, get your own story and stop putting things that I did on your resume," David added.
"Queen Snow...please reason with your husband! He is making a terrible error in judgement!" Phoebus pleaded.
"No...his judgement is always on point, especially when it comes to the protection of our Kingdoms. I trust him implicitly," Snow said, smiling at him, as he sat next to her.
"You'll regret this!" Phoebus shouted, as he stormed out.
"We already do, but that was fun," Regina said, as she poofed the popcorn away.
"That guy was a jerk. I'm surprised he could fit his head through the door," Snow mentioned.
"He's a buffoon for sure," David said.
"Was he really putting stuff that you did on his resume?" Snow asked. He nodded.
"Yep, says he slayed dragons, trolls, saved Kingdoms, and was offered a spot at the Roundtable. Lancelot has no idea who he is, Phillips says that he remembers him being in his father's guard, but he never did anything heroic and was discharged for misconduct," David replied.
"Wow…" Snow said.
"Are you sure he should even be a mall cop?" Regina asked. David scoffed.
"Probably not, but he won't have a weapon, other than his delusions of how great he is," David replied.
"It was a decent act. Maybe he missed his calling as an actor. Nothing major, but he would have done okay in local theater," Regina said.
"I'd say that's mean, but he was a poor imitation of a hero. Of course, I have a real one right next to me that no one can compare to," Snow replied, as she gave her husband a dreamy look. He smiled at her and lifted her chin, as he kissed her.
"And I think the popcorn is going to come back up," Regina deadpanned, as their next presenter came in. It was going to be a long afternoon.
Rose, Fandral, and the children arrived back in New Asgard with Thor. The God of Thunder had taken them on a tour of a few places in a land that was still very much in influx. The people that had been gone for five years had suddenly returned to a world that had slowly moved on from them and many were still picking up the pieces. Thor had hinted that there was a bit of dissent among a very small part of the population that was being very loud about the problems they now faced with the return of so many people, who no longer had a place in this world. There was an undercurrent of some that agreed that Thanos had done the universe a favor. It was unsettling, to say the least.
It was a bit different than their situation in their Land Without Magic, but not entirely dissimilar. There were many in their world, now that they were aware of their existence, that wanted them to disappear.
After seeing a few sites, they had visited the Memorial for Natasha to pay their respects, before returning to New Asgard.
"It's a beautiful memorial," Rose mentioned. Thor smiled slightly.
"It is...Banner tried to bring her back when he used the stones, but it didn't work," he said.
"Her sacrifice was not in vain though. Many have returned to their lives for a second chance that Natasha's selflessness gave them," Fandral reminded him.
"Which she wouldn't have had to do if I hadn't failed in the first place, five years ago," Thor said.
"I once thought much the same as you when Hela stabbed me. I survived, while so many others died and Asgard was destroyed. I wondered why for a very short time and then I found my purpose. You will too," Fandral said, as he looked at Rose fondly.
"I hope so...I guess that is why I will soon leave Earth to find my purpose. But for now, you must return to your new life," Thor said, as they shook hands.
"Don't be a stranger though," Fandral replied.
"Yes, please visit soon," Rose said, as her three oldest children gathered around him.
"Yeah...you'll come to our castle soon?" Ben asked. He smiled at them.
"Of course, young ones. That is what an Uncle does. He must visit his nieces and nephews," Thor promised.
"Be well...and I hope you find what you're looking for out there among the stars," Rose said, as she gave him a hug too.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he said respectfully to her.
"Do not let her go," he said to Fandral, as they shook hands again. He smiled.
"Do not worry...I shall never take my new life for granted," he promised, as Hermes appeared to take them back. The Dashing family waved to them, as Sif joined them.
"Valkyrie has everything under control. I thought I'd come to visit for a while," she said.
"We would love to have you," Rose said, as they disappeared with Hermes.
"Are you done yet? We're waiting on you. Move it or lose it, airbag," Rocket called, as Thor boarded the ship now that his friends were gone. It left the atmosphere, just as Valkyrie came running after it.
"Damn…" she uttered.
"What is it?" one of her aides asked.
"We have a huge problem...I need to go see Dr. Banner and warn Fandral and Sif," she said.
"Why?" she asked.
"The Enchantress and the urn she was trapped in are gone," Valkyrie said.
"How is that possible?" one of the guards asked.
"It shouldn't be...but if I had to guess, it may be a side effect from the snap. That's why I need to see Dr. Banner. We need to at least warn them. Fandral's family is in danger if she really is loose, especially Rose Red," Valkyrie said, as she hurried off to call him.
King Runeard looked at the strange device in his hand. He had returned to the Cave of Wonders after his encounter with a mercenary named Rourke.
Now, he opened the device and stared at the card, before dialing the number on the card. He put it to his ear and heard the ringing, before someone answered.
"Is this General Mendoza?" he asked.
"Yes...and this must be the illusionary King Runeard," the man on the other line said.
"How did you know?" Runeard asked.
"Not many have my personal number and I assume you made contact with Rourke," Mendoza replied.
"Yes…this mercenary said you have sought to contact me, but I must say, I am not sure how we can possibly assist each other," Runeard said.
"On the contrary, Your Majesty...the Charmings are my mortal enemies and I imagine yours, since they are a threat to your very existence," Mendoza replied.
"And what powers do you possess that you think you can take on the Charmings?" Runeard questioned.
"We are working on ways to combat their powers," Mendoza said.
"And what would I get out of working with you exactly? My touch is deadly and I can use it at will," Runeard said.
"And you would have already killed the Charmings if you could have, but you can't take them all on at once. They will overwhelm you with their power," Mendoza surmised.
"And it would seem that you're having the same problem or you would have already killed them as well, instead of them killing your colleagues," Runeard countered.
"Thus why we should team up and work together. I understand that magic works differently on Pleasure Island and they have turned into a recreational resort of some sort," Mendoza said.
"They have and it does. It's easy for me to go undetected there without stirring the elements," Runeard replied.
"Then you should go and gather as much intel you can," Mendoza suggested.
"You want me to spy on them? For what purpose?" Runeard asked.
"Because when they visited Washington, they came in possession of a jar that belonged to the Li family. Tao Xang Li, one of the original Mu people and inside that jar was an object that I believe is of great power and significance," Mendoza revealed.
"What is it and what does it do?" Runeard asked.
"I can't answer either of those questions. Tao was so secretive about this object that its purpose was never recorded. Only its existence was passed down through his line. He revealed it to the second pair of truest loves, the children of the sun, and forbade them to even tell the Goddess Aphrodite," Mendoza replied.
"But according to my ancestor's journal, it was of great power," he added.
"And the Charmings are now in possession of it?" Runeard asked.
"Yes, I'm sure if they were able to discover its significance, they would have hidden it away," Mendoza replied.
"And you want me to find out what it is and where they hid it?" Runeard said.
"If my ancestor was correct about it...it may be the key to destroying them," Mendoza replied.
"And if it's nothing?" Runeard asked.
"It's not nothing. Tao Xang Li wouldn't have gone through such trouble for it if it was nothing," Mendoza replied.
"I will find out what the object is...but I work for no one, General. I am a King...and I will reclaim my rightful rule. You will not give me orders or stand in my way," Runeard warned.
"Of course...this is a partnership. But neither of us get anything if the Charmings are not dealt with," Mendoza said.
"We agree on that...I will be in touch," Runeard said, as he closed the device and contemplated what the General had told him. He didn't like working with anyone, but if this object was the key to destroying the Charmings control over the Northuldra magic...then it was a necessary inconvenience.
"Next up is Haddie Slade," the announcer said, as Summer watched from the sidelines, preparing to perform next. Of anyone, Haddie was probably her biggest competition and the other girl hated her simply because of who she was. She had been groomed to hate her from the beginning though. Her father and sister had put her older sister Angelica away for serial murder when both of them were little and despite the fact that Angelica had killed and terrorized many, Haddie's mother insisted it was unjustified, since Angelica had killed what most considered very bad men.
In addition, her brother Aiden had been in trouble several times and served two years for assault a few years back. He spent most of his days at the Rabbit Hole at the bottom of a bottle. Haddie's mother naturally could find no one else to blame for her family's misfortune and destruction, so she blamed them. Then in turn, she taught Haddie to hate and blame them as well. All throughout school, at least the years she had managed to attend when there wasn't a curse or crisis, Haddie had made it clear that they were mortal enemies. Summer never cared much and avoided her, but Haddie made it a point to try and upstage her every chance she got. Summer just always did her best, win or lose, but Haddie was extremely competitive and she had made them rivals since their early days in tumbling classes together. Summer was sure that her mother didn't help matters any. She had always been there, pushing Haddie to be the best and more importantly to beat Summer. She supposed that she was driven to see Haddie succeed where her siblings had failed and fallen, but Summer was sure it had a negative effect on Haddie's mental health.
Her parents had never pushed her and only wanted her to continue with dance and gymnastics if she wanted to. With their encouragement, she had started competing during the peaceful years they had before Gothel's curse and won many of those competitions. It had never been about winning for her; just the love of what she was doing and her supportive family always in her corner. She had competed in regular gymnastics before and did well, but since she loved dance so much, rhythmic gymnastics was where she found her niche and able to utilize both.
"She's really good," Summer mentioned, as she watched Haddie perform.
"Decent, but not as good as you or as pretty," Regina said, as she put her arm around her.
"Nana…" Summer chided.
"I know you're not competitive, but I am. No matter what though, you'll always be better, win or lose," Regina said.
"She's right...you know winning or losing doesn't matter to us. We only want you to love doing it," Snow agreed, as they shared a hug.
"You're going to be amazing, no matter what, peanut," David said, as hugged her.
"Thanks Daddy," Summer said, as Haddie finished and it was her turn to get ready. All her siblings, family, and JJ were in the audience watching, while her parents and Nana watched from the sidelines with her coach. David put his arms around Snow, as they watched their daughter's performance with the usual amazement.
"Oh Charming...she's so good," Snow gushed.
"She is...she's amazing," he agreed, as they and Regina looked on, watching her every movement and she finished to roaring applause, with her siblings making a ton of noise in the stands. She hurried to her parents once she finished and they hugged her, after she hugged Regina, while they waited for her final score. When they came, Haddie angrily threw her towel down and stomped off when it was revealed that Summer edged her out of the top spot. There were a few other performances, but none of them were able to overcome Summer's score and soon, the announcer was presenting the awards, acknowledging the fourth and fifth place finishers, before moving onto the medal winning performers. Snow and David watched proudly, as Summer took to the top podium.
"And our bronze medal winner, Daphne Smallstorm of Starcomb," he announced, as she was awarded the bronze medal.
"Our silver medal winner, Haddie Slade of Storybrooke," he continued, as an unhappy Haddie was awarded the silver medal.
"And finally, this year's champion of the United Realms Rhythmic Gymnastics all around and gold medal winner, Summer Nolan Charming!" he announced, as they cheered for her upon being awarded the medal.
"Guess you win again, Charming...you're just not satisfied unless you get everything," Haddie said snidely.
"Haddie...I've never cared about winning and there's no reason for us to be enemies," Summer pleaded.
"Save it sweet cheeks. You and I are never going to be anything other than rivals," Haddie said, as she stormed off.
"There's nothing worse than someone with a chip on their shoulder," Leo mentioned, as he enveloped her in a hug.
"I know...but it's not all her. I mean, look at that," she said sadly, as they saw Mrs. Slade having a heated exchange with her daughter. They couldn't hear what was being said, but it was clear that the older woman was upset at her daughter's second place finish.
"She's getting yelled at for not winning and I feel like that's my fault," Summer fretted.
"Hey, no...you are not responsible for that family's dysfunction," Regina said.
"Take it from someone who had to learn that blaming others for things not going your way only leads to ruin," she added.
"Yeah...you could have gotten second place and we'd still be cheering you on," Emma said.
Yeah, you could have gotten last place and we would have cheered just as loudly," Bobby promised, as they looked at him.
"What? I said if she had gotten last place, not that she ever would," he said, as they shook their heads. He had no tact, as usual. Summer smiled, as her siblings all hugged her between them.
"You were amazing," JJ said, as he hugged her and kissed her cheek. Snow and David looked on proudly.
"And since you did win the whole thing...I think that calls for a trip to Granny's. I'm sure Joe and Frankie were watching and are already cooking for us," Eva said. They agreed and were off to Granny's to celebrate.
"That's right...the boy is literally a walking earthquake. He could shake the entire earth apart and no one could stop him. Of course, his prideful parents would have you believe that he would never do that. But how do we know? If he ever lost control of his powers, on accident or on purpose, he could destroy us all!" Goldie ranted on her podcast that evening.
"Bobby Nolan Charming can channel all the elements. Theoretically, we have a teenager that can control and manipulate the weather. I don't think I have to tell you how dangerous he could be to the entire world," she continued.
"He already lost control in Boston when Dr. Jekyll injected him with an experimental drug and he leveled a school. Imagine what he would do if he lost complete control. No army or police force could stop him. The Charmings claim they are good, but we have no guarantee that one of their spawn won't go bad," she added.
"You can pass your brats off as normal all you want, Snow and Charming...but we all know there is a potential of a monster in the making inside all of them," she said.
"And we know that, because we saw it first hand when you separated from your dark halves! We know that your spawn has the potential for the same!" she shouted into her microphone.
"And one of them has the power to destroy the world. Five of them together...and humanity would be doomed. Unless we do something. Unless we mobilize and tell them they are not welcome in this land. We must reject them and if they are as good as they claim, they won't fight us," Goldie said, as Grimm nodded to her in approval. Goading the Charmings into any kind of confrontation would only make them look like the aggressors and she was building the narrative. And she was hoping it would eventually pay off.
The large cargo ship moved into port on Pleasure Island, as the now true paradise sprawled before them. The luxury cruise liners were awaiting their first voyages in the Harbor, the amusement park rides were tested and ready, and the hotels and restaurants were ready to receive patrons.
Rourke watched it all from the shadows, as he took a long drag on his cigarette. The Charmings may have taken a large bite out of crime here on the island, but for him, they had only done him a favor and locked up most of his competition. He still had an extensive network of criminal dealings and under the table operations. He had moles in most Kingdoms and even a few in the Police force. And definitely a few in this Harbor and the shipping yard. He had to be careful these days, but no sanctimonious family of do-gooders was going to stop him from maintaining his various dealings. With the opening of this new endeavor, despite Charming's security force, came many new business opportunities and he planned on cashing in big time.
After dinner at Granny's, Eva and Paul went home and she prepped to do her podcast, before going live that evening.
"Welcome to the latest edition of the Truest podcast. I'm Eva Nolan Charming Sakura and as always, I'm with my co-host and husband Paul Sakura," she said, as they shared a smile.
"For months, you've tuned in to hear the real story about the people and places in the United Realms. As you know by now, I rarely respond to or acknowledge Goldie and her incredibly negative and fear-mongering broadcast, known as Fabled," she said.
"But with her recent broadcasts, I feel that I should make a statement. If you have listened to her podcast or read any of her social media posts, then you know she has been coming after me and my siblings for our powers pretty hard, especially my older sister Emma and younger brother Bobby," she added.
"She wants you to fear us and our power...but I assure you that people have nothing to fear from us. My family will always stand on the front lines against evil and use our powers to defeat that evil," she continued.
"Goldie wants you to fear us and insists that evil wouldn't exist if not for my parents. But that is a lie and I have the proof," Eva said.
"For six hundred years, evil was allowed to flourish and fester in all the realms without champions of true love. As you know, my parent's predecessors were killed prematurely and the Chalice was dormant during that time," she continued.
"It's important to note that, unfortunately, it was my own father that killed them. He was thirsty for the power of the Chalice and manipulated by the Dark One of the time, which we now know was Yzma, disguising herself as a Dark One known as Xanetakos. Evil festered, because of him and I dedicated my life to doing everything possible to undo that damage," Paul added.
"Yes...the reason there is so much evil that my parents have had to face is because evil existed for six hundred years without the balance of good and champions to keep that balance in check. But my parents never shied away from the huge undertaking it was when Aphrodite named them her champions," Eva said.
"Goldie's podcast is filled with nothing but lies and fear mongering about magic when none of us would ever think of using our magic, light magic, for the purpose of evil or destruction. It's just unfortunate that damage does happen when we're forced to fight evil. But I assure you that the alternative and not fighting would garner a bleak fate for all the realms, including the Land Without Magic," she added.
"So I'm putting you on notice, Goldilocks. If you continue to come after my family, then I will continue to come after you and make sure I counter your false narrative at every turn. I will counter your fear with hope, your darkness with light, and your lies with truth," Eva promised, as he gave her a thumbs up and muted his mic.
"The numbers are bonkers," he said.
"Good...because this is one podcast I want everyone to hear," she replied.
"When we come back from a short break, my Uncle Henry, the author himself, will be joining us to further discredit everything Goldilocks says and we will discuss tomorrow night's opening of the Pleasure Island resort," Eva said.
"As promised, we'll be there and we'll have all the highlights and happenings for you," Paul promised.
"Yes...and my nephew will be releasing it as a new chapter in the book as well right away in e-book format as he's been doing now for those that like it quickly," Eva said.
"So stay tuned and we'll be right back," Paul replied, as they muted their stream, while Henry and Ella arrived with Lucy.
The podcast ended and Snow put the tablet down, as she and Charming had listened to Eva and Henry, cuddled up together on the sofa in front of the fireplace.
"This may be petty, but I am getting a lot of satisfaction in imagining the steam coming out of Goldie's ears right about now that tantrum she's probably throwing," Snow said mischievously. He gently pecked her on the lips.
"Not petty at all...she started this by going after our family and as usual, this family rarely starts the fights, but we always finish them," David replied. She smiled at that.
"We do, don't we?" she asked, as he kissed her again.
"We do...we never go looking for the fight, but it always seems to find us," he replied. She hummed and drew his lips into another kiss, before their lips parted again and she pressed her forehead against his. He gazed at her with pure captivation; the way he always had and always did. He still marveled at how he was part of such an incredible love story. It was beyond everything he had once hoped for when he was mostly a lonely farm boy that lived only with his mother. She gazed back at him with much the same look and then her emerald eyes got misty.
"What is it?" he asked and she shook the tears away.
"I don't know...I guess sometimes I'm not sure I'm worthy of the way you look at me. Like I'm everything," she mentioned. He smiled at her.
"You are," he confirmed, as he caressed her cheek and lifted her chin, so he could kiss her again. Snow lost herself in him, as always, and her body thrilled at his touch and his lips on her neck sent warm chills down through her body. Snow slipped her hands beneath his shirt and their lips parted long enough for her to push it over his head. No matter how many times they made love, each time was nothing short of amazing and purely magical.
"I want you…" she breathed, as her blouse became a puddle on the floor. She yelped in surprise, as he stood up and swept her into his arms, before striding purposefully toward their bedroom.
Amora breathed the fresh air of Andresia and smirked deviously. Days ago, when she was accidentally freed, she discerned that it was due to the snap of the Infinity Stones that had jarred the Enchantress free of her magical confinement. But she had little interest in New Asgard or the mortal world it now resided in. And so she awaited Fandral's return, for she knew it was inevitable and while waiting, she had traversed the mortal world, gathering many old allies and new ones that had been scattered about. Then with a small concealment spell, she had managed to hitch a ride with her cohorts in Hermes' magical bubble without detection and now she had returned to her new home. The United Realms was so vast and teeming with magic that it was incredible. The possibilities here were endless and this time, they would not stop her. The shadowy figures behind her were allies and would bring much chaos as well. And in the end, she would kill Rose Red and claim Fandral as her own once again...