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!
Another special note: Since several people seem to be missing it, I've had questions about Ingrid and her sisters and the Northuldra. It is NOT a plot hole. Please refer to chapter 230. It is explained there and some seem to be missing it. Ingrid and Helga were Northuldra, but Ingrid and Helga were away the day Runeard attacked. To keep Ingrid from destroying everything in rage, the rock trolls stepped in and took their memories of their true origins. If you read the beginning of chapter 230, it's explained.
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: formerly, Laura Dern - upon return, Heather Lindell
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: Adam Campbell
Olivia Flaversham: Isabel Durant
Captain Phoebus: Trevor Donovan
Kronk: Patrick Warburton
Kuzco: John Leguizamo
Alexandra Herman: Ashley Benson
Carina Dashing: Abby Ross
Ben Dashing: Jack Messina
Arianna Dashing: Mckenna Grace
Gideon Gold: Giles Matthey
Chip Potts: Greg Rikaart
If I missed any, let me know and I will add to the face claims. :)
Here are individual responses to reviews:
Ghostwriter: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Grace5231973: Yep, the villains never stop, unfortunately. I know, Phoebus is really full of himself. If he had just made the arrest and did the job, David might have eventually reconsidered a higher position. But now he's working for bad guys so we know that won't end well. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Jennifer Baratta: Yep, Rourke very well might be more dangerous than Mendoza or Runeard. Glad you're enjoying it!
Ryan T. Morris: No, Rourke is loosely based on the Rourke character from Atlantis the Lost Empire movie.
Zariah: Thanks, I'm glad to know that you think I'm a good writer and enjoy my writing. :)
Number Ten: I hope there will be justice for Nora too. Yep, Rourke is really trying to re-establish his criminal empire that he was running on the island before. Lol, yeah I threw Phoebus in here as fodder. He makes a nice soldier for hire for Rourke and would probably be the first to go for sure in that type of situation. Yeah, Avery may definitely be a more complex character. He was probably screwed over plenty, sounds like by Zeus, but has chosen a darker path as a result. Yep, Amora is really dangerous, especially since she can be anyone. Glad you're enjoying! :)
Guest: Yes, all these villain team ups will spell trouble for sure. They are probably teaming up, because they figure that's the only way to even have a chance at winning. Then they'll probably all back stab each other if they actually did win, which they won't. Thanks, Snowing is definitely amazing, but I love Dashing Rose and Prince Goddess as well. Lol, I love when the kids tease and banter with each other too. I loved when Leo poofed some popcorn too. Phoebus is a pompous ass for sure and working for Rourke will just be more trouble. Yeah, he doesn't have a lot of common sense. Yes, I think McWolf will be a very interesting character. A bit more depth there than with Phoebus. Phoebus is mostly thrown in as fodder. Yeah, this may definitely bring Red back into the mix. Glad you enjoyed it!
Sexystarwarslover: Yeah, I think in the end, Rourke's plan will ultimately fail. Glad you like the face claims for the Dashing children. I love Leo and Emma and their love of food too. Yeah, it's definitely a trap. But you know the Charmings will go. Yeah, no one listens to Goldie. And Phoebus is a big headed fool. Yep, the fact that Phoebus worked for Stefan at one time is enough of a red flag and he tangled with Mulan, who upstaged him too of course. Yep, straight to jail...or into some kind of calamity at least. Yeah, I love that Summer and Carina are still friends. Yep, Rose and Fandral saved each other. Amora is definitely dangerous and a huge threat to Dashing Rose. Yep, Snowing is on an eternal honeymoon. Nope, Amora definitely doesn't deserve Fandral. I loved Leo and Eva's banter too. Yep, it's true. Leo is a male version of Emma, lol. Phoebus interrupted date night and then actually was stupid enough to touch Snow. He's lucky a punch and fired was all he got. Yep, James knows something's off at Midas' casino, he just doesn't know what yet. Yep, Mendoza is still tied to them and the arrest was to lure Snowing out. Glad you enjoyed it! :)
AnonSnowing: You're welcome, glad you like the face claims. I forgot to get a face claim for Chip. There should be one now. Yeah, Charming Rider is a good BroTP name. Yeah, a dumb rule, but I figured it might work like that with jurisdiction issues since they don't consider the "United Realms" as part of the country and there's no formal "extradition" treaty. Geo-politics is complicated. Yes, David is VERY good at his job. Yep, looks like Phoebus is another villain in the making. Yeah, Mulan kicked his butt, I'm sure. Yep, Goldie is going to prison. I know, Fandral is so dashing! I love Dashing Rose almost as much as I love Snowing. Yeah, glad Fandral dropped her like a hot potato. Yep, they're on an eternal honeymoon.
Lol, yeah I like that line from Leo and then they all look at him. He is definitely a male version of Emma. I know, it's hard imagining Elsa is other clothing. Yep, Snowing even has shippers in the story, lol. Yeah, they're definitely bottomless pits. Yep, Phoebus is an idiot and a dead man. He's lucky he only got fired and punched, lol. Yep, Phoebus is becoming a villain, probably just a lackey though. Yep, another trip to Boston. There might be a play about Snowing at the Theater. Yeah, James knows something is off at Midas' place. He just doesn't know what yet. Yeah, McWolf should be an interesting character with an interesting back story. Yep, Rourke is definitely a mobster and the Charmings have angered the mob for sure. Ha, yeah, it probably won't go smoothly at all. I love when Charming says that too. Yep Mendoza will eventually lose. Glad you enjoyed it!
The Grey Jedi 2020: Ashley Benson is probably best known for Pretty Little Liars. But I first knew of her when she was on Days of Our Lives many years ago. Probably a British accent. Yep, Alexandra decided to go into Police work. Yes, it's in the United States, but Snow and David aren't letting any of these people in, with the exception of Major Donovan. So in a geopolitical situation, especially a unique one like this, they may not have jurisdiction. We also know that Mendoza has his claws deep into the military and possibly intelligence. It's likely a setup made possible by him. The CIA is horribly dirty so I'm sure they'd just love to get their corrupted hands all over the United Realms. Good thing Snow and David are keeping them out and only negotiating through Major Donovan and Agent Harding. Yeah, Phoebus is pretty inept. Yeah, I suppose Phoebus is a little like Jekyll, but not nearly as formidable and without the stalking. Yeah, I love Dashing Rose almost as much as I love Snowing. Yes, Amora will lose again in the end. Yeah, Snowing is on an eternal honeymoon.
I liked that part with Leo too and how he was purposely trying to annoy his twin. Yeah, Elsa is probably wearing something like that. Yeah, Phoebus is probably lucky he got out of that situation with just getting fired and punch in the face. And now he's working for the wrong side, but he's not very smart so he'll make a good lackey. I didn't think about the Aphrodite in the Hercules cartoon, but possibly similar. But mostly because it's established that her favorite colors are pink and orange. The orange is a direct reference to Sailor Venus from Sailor Moon. Yeah, James knows something's off, he's just not sure what yet. Yeah, Avery seems like a tragic character. Yeah, have to get some Glass Believer in there every once in a while. I didn't care much for season 7, but I wouldn't say I hated it. I was more just meh on it, because there was no Snowing and Emma. I really like my version too. No, Mendoza can't get into the United Realms yet. For all the things Rourke has, a mermaid scale isn't one and Major Donovan still has Clayton's submarine. But he is Mendoza's partner basically now, so it's almost like he can. Yep, Mendoza has just grabbed some people and he's going to deposit them all on a terrible island. Glad you're looking forward to more and enjoyed this one. :)
Finding You Always
Chapter 241: Island of Terror, Pt 1
Mephisto, under his new identity of the crime boss Fagin, had done very well for himself in the last year since he escaped the battle of United Realms, where Seth perished at the hands of the Charmings. Choosing Fagin as his new human shell had yielded an already working criminal network, which he had expanded greatly upon.
New York had been a cesspool of lucrative activity for him, but he had found his way to Las Vegas and established it as his new headquarters.
Upon his arrival, he had established Headquarters in the form of a new Casino and hotel, aptly named Hotel Inferno Casino and resort. It was an up and coming luxury spot, with a seedy underbelly of course.
"Please...I swear I didn't see anything," the man pleaded, as he begged for his life on his knees next to two of Mephisto's thugs, which happened to be Horace and Jasper. They had left Storybrooke years ago, only to get involved with Fagin and upon learning of their experience, Mephisto had elevated them to the top of his food chain, so to speak.
"Save your groveling...you're an undercover vice cop and you were about to blow the whistle on my operation here," Fagin said, as he puffed on his cigar. Horace nodded and put the briefcase on his Master's desk.
"He had this on him...I think he planned to turn it in as evidence," Horace said, as he showed him what had to be almost a kilo of pure product.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk...detective," Fagin chided.
"Jasper...make sure that product finds its way to our very wealthy clientele upstairs," he said. Jasper nodded and took the briefcase.
"Now...it seems we have a problem, detective," he said, as he stood up and approached.
"I swear...I'm not a cop!" he pleaded. Mephisto chuckled and picked up the file.
"Detective Chris Ramirez...Las Vegas vice," he said, as he showed him the file. The man went white as a sheet.
"How...how did you get that?" he asked. Mephisto chuckled.
"I have my ways...I'm even better at getting this stuff than your average crime boss, but since you're about to die...I suppose I can tell you my secret," Mephisto said, as he leaned in close.
"I'm the devil…" he whispered and then chuckled at the confused look on the man's face. He cackled and the man screamed, as he suddenly saw the truth by the flames in Mephisto's inhuman eyes. The fire faded and he put the cigar in his mouth.
"Now...since I don't want any more cops sniffing around my operation, you're going to pick up this gun and shoot yourself in the head," Mephisto said, as he put the gun down on the floor.
"Never…" he refused.
"You will...or Horace is going to go to your house and kill your entire family," he threatened. The man's eyes widened.
"But if you off yourself...they'll be safe," he promised. The man looked broken and his hands shook, as he picked up the weapon. Foolishly, he turned it on Mephisto and shot him, but watched in absolute horror, as the being before him barely felt the bullet and watched the wound heal before his eyes.
"What...what are you!?" he cried in fright.
"I told you who I am…" Mephisto replied, as he nodded to his subordinates.
"One last chance...kill yourself or your whole family goes with you if I have to do it," he warned. The man cried and finally put the gun to his head, before pulling the trigger and ending his life. Mephisto chuckled.
"That was fun," he commented, as he poured himself a drink.
"Call the cleaner for me, gentlemen...and then you can be off for the night," he said.
"Yes Sir," Horace said, as he made the call. The cleaner would arrive and there would be no trace of any of the mess.
His phone rang and he answered it as his alter ego.
"Fagin…" he said.
"Mr. Fagin...you seem to be doing well these days," the voice said. He smirked.
"What can I do for you, General Mendoza?" he asked.
"I thought you'd be interested to know that I will soon have captured the Charmings," Mendoza replied. Mephisto laughed.
"Good luck with that lot," he commented, as he gulped down the fine liquor.
"It's not a joke...and I'm offering you a chance to assist in their demise," Mendoza said.
"I've tangled with the Charmings enough and learned that I will face certain defeat at their hands. They're not worth it, but out here, I can operate independently of them and they can have their little fairy tale existence there," Mephisto replied.
"Too cowardly to take them on, eh?" Mendoza asked.
"Watch your tongue, General. I can snap my fingers, find you in an instant and rip your smooth tongue from your mouth," he hissed.
"I am a realist. They don't bother me here and I enjoy a very good life. I am at home in a place like Sin City. Like I said, they can have their happiness," he spat.
"There was a time that their very happiness would sicken you so much that you were compelled to destroy it at all costs," Mendoza said.
"Things change. Seth was determined too and he's dead, probably somewhere in the depths of Tartarus or worse. Same with Clayton and Jekyll...and soon the same with you if you pursue this," he said, finishing his drink.
"Take my advice...and leave it. As long as the Charmings don't venture into my world, I'll leave them to theirs. I can make plenty of evil right under their noses here in my little corner," he added.
"Very well...I hope to have you regretting your decision when I am victorious," Mendoza said, as the line went dead. Mephisto scoffed. Sure, he'd love to make them pay. He'd love to torture them the way he had just tortured the dead detective on his carpet. He'd love to peel the skin from the children's bones while making their mother watch. He'd love to make Charming watch him defile his precious Snow...before taking his head. No one had humiliated him quite like the Prince...but he resisted the need for revenge. Jekyll had not and Charming ended him quite spectacularly. He hated that he hesitated to take them on now...but he had built a very good life here and if they stayed away, then he was going to let things lay. He wasn't willing to risk this freedom and rich life he was enjoying.
"Sir...your evening entertainment is awaiting you in your chambers," Jasper said, as the cleaner arrived to deal with the mess.
"Thank you Jasper…" he said, as he left to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh in the form of an unwilling young woman who would warm his bed that night.
"Mmm…" Snow mewled, as he kissed her again, as they stood in the bedroom of their hotel room, only in a pair of towels.
"That was a very nice shower," she purred.
"It was...we'd still be in there if the water didn't go cold," he said.
"I know...but then it's not surprising that my amazing husband's stamina far outlasted the hot water," she whispered, as she nuzzled her nose against his.
"Guess I just can't get enough of you, my love," he whispered back, as he kissed her lips. She smiled.
"So…Boston I guess," he said.
"Mmm...yes, but first we're going to get dressed and have breakfast with our children and grandchildren," she replied.
"Sounds perfect," he said, as they proceeded to get ready.
Rourke entered the control room in the bowels of the Midas hotel. It was an adjoining room to the money room and Midas had little clue that he was ruling the entirety of the hotel from the tunnels beneath it.
"General Mendoza is on standby, Sir," one of his techs said. Captain Phoebus stood nearby with his arms over his chest and Avery stood in the corner, looking angry as usual, and smoking a cigarette.
"Fine...open the video chat and make sure the signal is encrypted," Rourke said.
"Yes sir," he said, as he initiated the sequence and Mendoza appeared on screen.
"Is everything in place?" Mendoza asked.
"Oh, I assure you that I have everything ready. It's you who has to hold up your end and actually transport them to the island," Rourke reminded him, as he pulled up the island with their specifications.
"I will handle them. I have everything ready, including a way to immobilize them, but are you sure sending the children too is a good idea?" Mendoza asked.
"When Clayton abducted Snow and Charming, he left Emma behind, which proved to be lethal. It may have taken her almost a year to get through the barrier, but the moment she did, she rescued her parents in less than twenty-four hours," Rourke recalled.
"He made the same mistake when he cursed them to Hyperion Heights. He was certain he killed her, but was wrong again and she came for them then too," he added.
"You must send Emma and the rest of the children with them if we want to kill them all. The youngest is especially powerful...we need to destroy him too," Rourke said.
"Very well...I'll be in touch," Mendoza said, as the transmission winked out.
"So what now?" Phoebus asked.
"We wait...and then kick back and enjoy the show, as we broadcast the slow demise of the entire Charming family for the whole world to see," Rourke replied.
"Good morning," Snow said, as she and David sat down to breakfast with their large clan.
"You're just in time. They just brought the second round of pancakes. We polished off the first," Emma said.
"Are they surprised at how much food this brood goes through yet?" David asked, as they put some food on their plates.
"If they're not...they should be. It's seriously a good thing you two were never hurting for money, especially with these three," Xander said, indicating Emma, Leo, and Bobby.
"Magic burns through a ton of calories," Leo said in their defense.
"Yeah...you try burrowing underground and not be ravenous. It takes a ton of energy," Bobby agreed. David chuckled, as did Xander.
"I suppose you have a point," he agreed.
"Yeah, except you could all take a page from Eva and Summer. They eat a ton without being gross about it," Paul said.
"Thank you for finally pointing that out," Summer agreed.
"Yes, there is such a thing as cutting your meat," Eva agreed, eyeing her twin especially, who just rolled his eyes.
"The meat I get, but who uses a knife with pancakes?" he asked, poking fun at her.
"Someone with manners," she retorted.
"Whatever...anyway, so are we all going to Boston or what?" Leo asked.
"I figured that it might be one of the last trips where we're not going to take down some criminal enterprise. It might be a nice opportunity to at least turn it into a family trip," Emma said.
"We thought so too," Snow agreed.
"The Jolly is ready to go," Killian said.
"Then we get there, secure Goldie and Grimm in the brig, and spend the day together," David said, as he took Snow's hand. They finished breakfast, then checked out of the hotel, before heading for the Harbor.
"General…" Rourke greeted.
"Everything is ready," he confirmed.
"Then you've chosen those unfortunate victims that will be trapped on the island with the Charmings?" Rourke asked. He nodded.
"An even mix of those who love them, those who hate them, and neutral individuals from various backgrounds, with a few dangerous ones mixed in," Mendoza confirmed.
"And Mephisto?" Rourke asked.
"I'm afraid Mephisto has little interest in getting involved with the Charmings. He fears for his existence and prefers to stay away," Mendoza replied.
"Interesting…" Rourke said.
"Well, we don't really need him. Our island has enough horrors and then some," he said.
"I'll be in touch," Mendoza said, as the transmission winked out again. The time was finally near.
The Jolly Roger made port in Boston, just a couple hours after they left the United Realms. Unfortunately, the word was out and hoards of people and press were waiting at the Harbor for them.
"I hate this part," David groaned. Snow smiled and kissed his cheek.
"I know...all those women here to see the men of the United Realms, especially you," Snow mused. He rolled his eyes.
"Why? I mean...seriously? I don't get it," he said. She giggled and brushed a hand through his wavy hair. Gods...she loved that it had grown out a bit. It got curly and wavy when it was longer.
"I know...I get why and I am so lucky you could care less about all that female attention. Most men would eat it up and some would even take advantage of it," she mentioned. He smiled over at her, as he grabbed their duffle bags and sheathed the Chalice sword on his back, as he was wearing a crossbody scabbard. She had her half of the chalice concealed in her ring. Normally, he would have concealed his too, as it was frowned upon to walk around Boston with a sword, but he felt better carrying it. He was not unaware that General Mendoza may be nearby, but he was ready for him if he decided to try anything.
"You're the only woman I'm ever going to want," he assured her, as he jumped down from the gangplank and then reached up to lift her down.
"Oh I know…I'm a very lucky woman," she said dreamily, as his arm remained firmly around her waist and they made their way to one of the cars waiting for them, despite the flashing cameras. Agent Harding had sent several FBI suburban's to transport them to the bureau headquarters in Boston.
About thirty minutes later, they arrived and passed through the gates to the building. From there, they were led into the building with Patricia, where Agent Harding awaited them.
"Thanks for coming…" she said, greeting their group.
"Thanks for busting our murderer and her accomplice," David replied, as they and their kids took the first elevator up a few floors.
"Yeah…I have to say, it was a little strange. There was no chatter on their location and then suddenly, we got a tip," Danielle mentioned.
"Do you think it's because the General might not have any use for her anymore?" Emma asked. Danielle winced and David smirked.
"You think it's a trap for us," he surmised.
"Don't you?" she asked.
"I'm walking around Boston with the Chalice sword strapped to my back...of course I do," he replied and they shared a smirk.
"What does he think he can try?" Snow wondered.
"I'm not sure...just everyone stick together. I'm especially not letting you out of my sight. He would only love to try and use my family against me," David said. She already had her arm hooked on his and she leaned her head against him.
"To be fair, Goldie is really pissed, so if she is bait somehow, I don't think she's in on it. Or she's a really good actress," Danielle said.
"She is...but you're probably right. She doesn't have a lot to gain by getting our family captured or something," Leo said, as they looked at him.
"Well, she doesn't. I mean, if we're all dead or something, she has nothing to talk about," he said. They chuckled. He had a really good point.
They stepped off the elevator and the others waited in the conference room, while Danielle led Snow and David to their holding cells.
"You two have company," Danielle announced.
"It better be the damn lawyer I requested yesterday!" Goldie spat.
"No lawyer, but you can have one once you're back home and booked in a prison cell," David said.
"You…" she hissed.
"I knew you would come, but you just had to bring her on your arm, didn't you?" she spat. Snow rolled her eyes.
"Your hatred of us is ridiculous. We never did anything to you and spare me the sob story about how my mother fired yours when we were toddlers. It's just tired," Snow admonished.
"I hate you...I wish it was you I shoved out that window," she hissed.
"Shut up and exercise that right to remain silent," David said, as the cells were opened and they were cuffed.
"Do I at least get computer privileges in prison?" Grimm asked.
"Oh my God...that's your question!?" Goldie screamed.
"I still have a blog to write! My writing is my life and we're both going to prison, so just accept it," Grimm said.
"He's right...though you didn't kill anyone. You might do less time," David replied.
"Yeah, Goldilocks here is going down for double murder and I'm going to enjoy booking you," Emma said, as she met them outside the conference room.
"And you'll pay for killing JJ's cousin," Summer said. Goldie smirked.
"If you're looking for an apology, you'll never get it. I'm just sorry I didn't successfully frame you for it and destroy you. If I can't destroy your mother...one of her daughters would have been a nice consolation," Goldie said, as she suddenly went mute. She looked enraged and her face was turning red in anger, as she found herself to have no sound. Bobby chuckled and they all gave him a look. He rolled his eyes.
"Fine…" he drawled, as he waved his hand and gave her voice back.
"You little brat!" she screamed.
"Blah, blah, blah...seriously, get some new lines, lady," Bobby retorted, as they headed for the elevator.
"You know, I always thought Emma was the sassiest, but I really think he has her beat," Snow said.
"Yeah...and he's got the eye roll down to an art," David agreed, as they shared an amused smile. They made it to the atrium of the first floor and that was where chaos ensued.
An ear splitting frequency was emitted, causing unconsciousness in everyone within the space. The ringing in their ears was incredibly intense still as the sound faded. Through bleary eyes, Regina could see the boots of several men moving. They were wearing noise canceling headphones and she saw them take several people away, including Snow, David, and all five of their kids. Her grandchildren. She looked up and saw General Mendoza gazing down at her with a smug smirk. When the sound faded, those left behind tried to gather themselves.
"Belle…" Rumple said, as he gently shook her and helped her sit up.
"Owe...what was that?" she wondered, as they helped Gideon.
"What the…" he murmured.
"If I had to venture a guess...it was some kind of supersonic frequency. It disabled all of us in an instant," Rumple said.
"Then this was a trap," Belle replied.
"Yes...in a way none of us anticipated," Regina said, as she and Robin stood up.
"Eva?" Paul called, as he searched around.
"She's gone...they all are," Regina said sadly.
"Bloody hell...how did he do something like that?" Killian asked.
"It's hard to say what kind of tech that a corrupt military General has," JJ mentioned.
"He has them all…" Elsa uttered.
"Natalie and Xander too," Paul said.
"Goldie, Grimm, Major Donovan, and Agent Harding are gone too," one of the agents said.
"We need to find them," Regina said.
"I don't get it...how does the General think he's going to hold them anywhere? They have the chalice," Robin said.
"Agent Ross, we're receiving an encrypted transmission...possibly from the person responsible for this," one of the agents said.
"Let's go," Regina said, as they started to follow him.
"Stop...this is an FBI matter," Agent Ross said.
"The hell it is...that's our family!" Regina hissed.
"She's right...you're not keeping us out of this and you'll need our help if we're going to get any of them back, including your agents," Paul added.
"Fine," Agent Ross relented, as he led them to the nearest conference room.
David opened his eyes and immediately squinted in the sunlight. His head was pounding and his ears hurt, but pushed through the pain and sat up, desperate to know his family was okay. He found Snow beside him, his children nearby, and about a dozen other bodies scattered about on the sand. His vision began to clear and he saw the expanse of the ocean before them. An island...they were on an island. The last thing he remembered was exiting the elevator at FBI headquarters and then he had blacked out. Snow mewled beside him and he gently lifted her from the sand and held her gently.
"Easy, my love...open your eyes slowly," he whispered.
"Charming…" she murmured, as her vision focused on him and she squinted under the brightness of the sun too.
"Where are we?" she asked, as she sat up and looked around.
"I don't know...but the kids are with us. So are my father and sister. And some other people we know...and many we don't," he replied, as he stood up and helped her up. They roused the kids, as well as Xander and Natalie. About that time, the rest of the people that had been deposited on this island with them.
"Where are we?" Grimm asked. Goldie spotted Snow and made a beeline for her.
"You…" she growled.
"Whoa goldenrod...close enough," Emma growled back.
"What did you do?!" Goldie demanded to know.
"We didn't do anything, psycho...it was probably that stupid dickhead you were working for," Leo spat back at her.
"How right you are, though I hardly think you should call me names," a voice said. It sounded like it was coming from above them and they were not shocked to see a hologram image in the sky above them. It was General Mendoza himself.
"What the hell is this?" David hissed, as he stepped forward.
"This is something we have had in the works for a while now. An island full of terrors to make sure you, your lovely wife, and your children meet a gruesome end," Mendoza replied.
"Then why bring all these other people?" Emma asked.
"I know you and your family are quite adept at surviving, but now you have to be responsible for many innocent people that aren't as capable. It should get very interesting," he mused.
"Uh Dad...I don't think there's magic here," Bobby mentioned.
"That's impossible...the Chalice is with us," David said, as Leo tried to use his and there was a tiny spark that fizzled out.
"Yeah...it's blocked," he said.
"Yes...this ion technology we have developed is responsible for the ear piercing frequency you experienced just before your capture. The dome around the island is also infused with this particular frequency, blocking any magic, even the Chalice's magic. It's like you're all wearing magic blocking cuffs," he explained.
"Now...the entire world will watch you try to survive this island and fail miserably. We've even given you a fighting chance with supplies and provisions," he said, as they saw the pile of supplies on the beach.
"And if we survive?" David asked. He smirked.
"You won't. You'll first fail to protect all these innocent people and then even the horrors of this island will kill you all. Even if I have to sink the whole thing into the ocean," Mendoza replied.
"Obviously, you just want them dead," one man said, as he stepped forward. They didn't know him, but he appeared to be fairly fit.
"So if the rest of us just kill them...will you let us go?" he asked.
"Wow…" Emma said.
"So we know you're a dick…" Bobby deadpanned. Snow and David exchanged an uneasy glance.
"Feel free to try...and if you manage it, I may rescue the victor. But the man before has slayed dragons, without magic. I'd be careful about underestimating him...or her and the brats for that matter," he said.
"Let the games begin," he added, as he disappeared. The man looked a little uneasy and sighed.
"Look...it's nothing personal. I had to ask," he said.
"Sure...but we all have a better chance at surviving this if we work together," David said.
"Agreed…" the man said, as he put his hand out and David cautiously shook it.
"I'm Ryan Griggs, from Boston. I'm a cop...still on the beat," he said.
"Good...law enforcement. That's helpful," David said, as he saw Leo looking around intensely.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yeah...without magic, I'm not hearing any voices. But I definitely can still feel all the wildlife. Guess they can't take that away," Leo replied. David smiled and patted his shoulder, as they took inventory of the supplies.
"Okay...looks like mostly survival food. We'll need to ration it," he said, as he handed the bow and quiver to Snow, since she didn't have access to hers.
"We can hunt," Snow said. He nodded.
"Wow...look at these spears," Bobby said.
"And a first aid kit...I'm surprised they left us that," Eva replied.
"He's trying to make this last like some kind of sadistic television reality show...except unlike most reality shows, this is real," Snow said.
"Where did he get this kind of tech?" Summer wondered.
"It was among Clayton's information. I saw the data for it...but that's all it was at the time. Just blueprints and data," Patricia replied.
"Then how the hell did the General get it?" David asked. She shook her head.
"I don't know...any ideas? You worked for him for a long time," Patricia said, looking at Xander.
"Not that I can think of. It was mostly Cassim and I working for him. He occasionally hired mercenaries for odd jobs and freelance work, but I never met any of them," he said.
"Any names you can recall?" David asked. Xander looked him in the eyes.
"Dad…" he said. Xander sighed.
"I heard the name Rourke a few times...the guy is a ghost though. Only a few have ever seen him," he said.
"Do you think he could somehow have any of Clayton's information or tech?" David asked. He shrugged.
"It's possible...it may be how he stays under the radar," Xander surmised.
"So Rourke and Mendoza might be working together?" Leo asked.
"Rourke is his contact inside the United Realms...it has to be," Snow said. David nodded.
"Didn't your friend Flynn see him last week?" Summer asked.
"Yeah...he came in to report it," Bobby replied.
"What the hell does this have to do with anything!?" Goldie cried.
"We're all stuck on this hell hole island, because your stupid family!" she cried.
"Shut up! Screaming at us isn't going to help!" Emma retorted.
"She's right...if we have any chance of surviving this, then we have to stick together," David said.
"It's going to be dark soon. There are enough cots to go around. Everyone grab one and we'll find a spot to make camp for the night. Then once the fire is going, we can strategize," David said. Everyone seemed agreeable for now, though they could sense weariness or even dissidence from a few. But they were on full alert and determined to survive.
Regina sighed, as Mendoza disappeared from the screen. True to his word, it seemed that they and the whole world would be able to watch them continuously on the island like a damn television show.
"We need to figure out where this island is," Regina said.
"We're scanning for their biorhythms. Agent Harding, Major Donovan, and Mr. Nolan's DNA is all in the system, since he was with the FBI for two years," Agent Ross said.
"What about the other people with them? Is there any way to know who we are dealing with?" Killian asked.
"We're running facial recognition and hopefully, we'll get some hits, but no guarantee," he replied, as one came back.
"Ryan Griggs, Boston Police Department. He's a beat cop, fresh out of the Academy, but has a clean service record so far," Agent Ross said.
"Mind if I borrow this board?" JJ asked, as he picked up the marker for the whiteboard. The Agent nodded.
"Okay, we have Snow and David. Then Emma, Leo, Eva, Summer, and Bobby. Then we have Major Donovan, Agent Harding, Xander, and Natalie. And unfortunately, Goldie and Grimm. All ours, even the last two," JJ said.
"And now we have this Ryan Griggs," Paul said, as he wrote the name on the other side of the board, just as they got a couple more hits.
"Who are they?" Regina asked.
"Trouble," Agent Ross replied, referring to the three people on screen.
"What do you mean?" Belle asked.
"Well, this one is Vincent Tate. He's a violent criminal and notorious drug dealer," Agent Ross said.
"These are his siblings. Little brother Logan and adopted brother Justin," he added.
"If they are criminals...then why aren't they in prison or should I even ask?" Rumple questioned.
"They were...on the way to prison. During a transfer...they disappeared, just hours ago. We were just beginning to investigate and didn't have any footage yet," Agent Ross said.
"Yeah...looks like they had some help disappearing," Regina spat.
"Great...violent criminals and they have no idea," Killian said angrily.
"David will be keeping a close eye on everyone. He won't let his guard down," Robin reasoned.
"Any other human scum among them?" Rumple asked.
"No more hits yet. That usually means they aren't law enforcement and aren't in the system, because they don't have criminal records. That's a positive," Agent Ross replied.
"Let's hope...or our loved ones could be in a den of vipers," Elsa said worriedly, as her eyes were fixated on her husband.
"Hey...there may be good people among them too. We have to hope for that," JJ said.
"Putting three violent criminals among them wasn't an accident. How do we know that they didn't pick other gems? Just because they have no criminal record doesn't make them good," Paul argued.
"He has a good point," Killian agreed.
"We need to find that damn island," Regina said, as she looked at Henry.
"Is the book giving any hints?" she asked, as he looked over the recent pages.
"Not yet...it's not giving anything. There is a way I might be able to figure it out...but I will lose the authorship doing it," Henry said.
"Let's not go there yet. Not having someone we know and trust as the author could end up being worse," Regina said.
"Our best analysts are working on it," Agent Ross offered.
"Not good enough," Regina said, as she dialed a number.
"Rose...can you contact Hermes and have her come to Boston?" Regina asked.
"Of course...is something wrong?" she asked.
"Yes…I'm guessing you haven't seen the television in the last thirty minutes. But we'll explain when you get here," she said, as she hung up and called Aphrodite.
Within minutes of each other, a portal opened and deposited the Goddess and James. Another opened up behind them with Rose, Fandral, Zorro, Hermes, and Rose's handmaiden, Bianca.
"We just saw everything...is Natalie really with them?" Zorro asked, as he saw her on screen.
"I'm afraid so," Regina told him.
"I'll begin scouring the globe," Hermes said, as her bubble appeared around her and she disappeared.
"You know...this is FBI headquarters. Not exactly everyone can just be admitted to this building," Agent Ross said in an annoyed tone.
"Fine...we'll be setting up a headquarters of sorts at the nearest hotel that will rent us their largest suites," Regina said, as the rest of them followed her out.
"I'll be assigning two agents to your group as liaisons," Agent Ross called.
"Fine," Regina said, as they boarded the elevators.
"Good…I thought for a minute you were going to let this inept agency find them," Killian said.
"If we leave it to them, we'll find them too late," Regina said.
"Then you don't think they'll find a way off?" Paul asked.
"Oh, I think they will, but I'm almost sure Mendoza has a panic button in case of that event," Regina replied.
"What do you mean exactly?" Rose asked. She pursed her lips.
"I think if he can't kill them with the elements of the island that he'll go for broke. Whether that means he sinks the island into the ocean or makes a volcano erupt, I'm almost sure he has some kind of kill switch on this whole thing," Regina said.
"Sounds like we need to find him too," Robin said.
"Yes...and it's not going to be easy to find either," Regina replied.
Things were mostly quiet, as they set up camp. Snow and David got the fire roaring and rations were distributed. Little clicks were already forming among the captives. It seemed that several in the group had gravitated toward Officer Griggs and two other FBI agents, which made rational sense as many might see him as safe.
A few seemed to try to stay close to them and Snow could tell there might be admirers among them. Then there was definitely a group of dissenters that was led by a man that just looked shady to her. She tried to never judge upon appearance, but this man was definitely trouble. He gave off that certain vibe and his eyes seemed to follow them everywhere, as if he was waiting to strike or trying to assess weakness.
In total, there were the five of them, David's father, sister, the Major, and Agent Harding that they knew were all allies. Then there was Goldie and Grimm, who were keeping to themselves. There were eleven others then, making a total of twenty-two people. She knew that Mendoza put outsiders with them to somehow make them feel responsible for their survival, but if she was being honest, she didn't. She was concerned for her husband, her children, and the rest of their family only. She hoped they could help everyone survive, but as a mother, her children were first to her. And her husband, of course, as she felt his arms go around her waist and they gazed out at the sunset together.
"I'm so sorry, my darling," he whispered.
"For what, baby?" she asked. He looked around them.
"For this...I should have seen something like this coming," he said. She cocked her head to the side.
"Charming...no one saw this coming. You anticipated some kind of attack, but none of us were prepared for the way he went about it. I mean, he knocked out a room full of people with a sonic frequency. Even our comic book reading sons and grandsons probably didn't see that coming," she mused. He smirked and kissed her forehead.
"Besides...we survived Neverland, mostly without magic. We can survive this too," she added. He smiled and kissed her tenderly, but they soon became aware of the eyes on them.
"Yep...that won't get annoying," he said.
"I know...I suppose admirers are better than the haters, right?" she asked unsurely.
"If only a little," he said, as his eyes wandered to the group that clearly blamed them for this and some that even likely thought they weren't even human or something.
"I know judging on appearance is wrong, but the one with the scraggly hair is definitely trouble...and creepy," she mentioned.
"Once in a while, people appear exactly as they are," he agreed. They were about to discuss further strategy when they heard some commotion among their kids.
"Well...at least they left us a first aid kit," Eva mentioned, as she looked through it.
"Yeah...and why exactly? I mean...they clearly don't want us to survive," Leo said.
"Probably to drag out our demise," Emma deadpanned.
"That's dark," Summer said.
"Yeah and it's just first aid. It's not going to help if someone gets a limb ripped off," Bobby said. His four siblings looked at him, a little surprised and slightly amused.
"What? Too dark?" he asked.
"A little, baby bro," Emma replied.
"Yeah...no healing powers," Eva said, as she cautiously reached out with her magic and while her hand glowed pink, she could tell that most of her ability was blocked.
"It's like our magic isn't blocked...but just severely suppressed," Leo said, as he had sparks, but not much beyond that.
"The question is why? I mean, why not block it completely?" Emma wondered.
"Unless they can't. I mean, the Chalice is incredibly powerful," Summer said.
"She's right...maybe they can only suppress it with some kind of technology," Eva said and Bobby got a look on his face.
"Yeah...it's like an anti-virus on a computer and we're the virus," he said, as he got four looks again.
"What? It is," he insisted.
"Okay...so the question is, can we beat the protection keeping our powers at bay?" Leo asked.
"Not sure...I don't even know how we try that without possibly getting ourselves killed," Emma said. As she said that, Bobby decided to try it and reached out with his power. The vines on a tree nearby started to rustle, starting the others with them. But it was too much and he collapsed in exhaustion.
"Holy hell!" Leo cried.
"Dammit kid…" Emma cried, as they helped him sit up.
"What's going on?" Snow asked.
"Genius here tried to use his powers. We figured out it's not blocking us. Just suppressing magic," Eva replied.
"Honey...are you okay?" Snow asked.
"I'm fine, Mom...and I think I can break through," Bobby replied.
"Not without passing out or worse...don't try it again. Not until we know more," David said sternly. Bobby looked disappointed.
"Yeah okay…" he promised, as Snow fussed over him.
"We should all get some sleep. We'll need it to survive. Tomorrow, we'll move through the island and look for ways out," David announced.
"So you just automatically assume you're in charge?" the shady man they had noticed earlier said.
"Snow and I have survived in the elements before...we even lived in the forest for a while back home. We also survived Neverland, which I have a feeling had just as many horrors as this place will prove to," David replied.
"I've survived my share of hardship too," the man said. David smirked.
"Well...then I guess we'll find out which one of us is up to the job tomorrow," he said. With that, camp was made with the cots and blankets provided. Snow and David chose to share one and cuddled together.
"We'll find a way, my love," he promised. She smiled at him.
"I know...I'll never doubt the power of our love," she replied, as they shared a kiss and then slowly fell asleep together, with their kids nearby...