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're enjoying it!
Grace5231973: Yep, Survivor Island...with the Charmings! Yep, the hunt to find them is on. Yep, either Rourke or Mendoza probably has a kill switch. Glad you're enjoying it!
Felicity123456789: Thanks! Glad you like it!
Candie Marie: Thanks, glad you think so!
Zariah: Oh ok, didn't realize that was you. No worries. Yeah, Mephisto is pure evil, but at least has some sense. He enjoys operating unopposed. Yep, he's still the worst. Yeah, a death island is their latest attempt to kill the Charmings. Yes, it should be interesting though. No, I would never kill them. But doesn't mean there won't be danger and conflict. I love Bobby's sass and Emma's nicknames too. Thanks, glad you liked it!
Number Ten: Yep, it has a very Hunger Games feel to it. Yep, he is totally underestimating the power of this family and their love. I didn't like writing that scene with Mephisto either, but that's pretty true to a character like him and he prefers to manipulate others than do the dirty work directly. Yeah, if Goldie and Grimm don't survive, no one is going to be too sad, lol. Yep, this trio is probably trouble too, especially Vince, as you'll see in this chapter. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Sexystarwarslover: Aw, thanks, so glad you enjoyed it and that I can still keep you glued to this story after so many chapters. Yep, island of terror, but the Charmings are strong. Yep, Mephisto is out there being his evil self. Wants to avoid the Charmings if he can, because he knows he's toast otherwise. Yeah, a very dark plan, but thankfully for now, he knows he could never really carry it out. Yep, sexy shower time for Snowing! Yeah, Phoebus is really going to regret working for Rourke. He'll either get killed or end up in prison because of it. Yep, island of terror time. Yep, the Charmings have quite the appetites. Yep, I'd like men of the United Realms calendar, Prince Charming edition please, lol. I LOVE Josh's curly hair too. The Manifest season 3 hair is so sexy. Yeah, Goldie is the worst. Yep, they've been trapped and transported to the island. Yeah, it's kind of like the Hunger Games. I know, Bobby's quips are pretty fun. He's definitely a risk taker. Yes, David should definitely be in charge. Glad you're enjoying it!
The Grey Jedi 2020: Yep, Mephisto is at home in Sin City. Yeah, that Detective got desperate and probably wasn't believing everything he was seeing. Yes, he's the Prince of Lies. The family is probably doomed too. He's letting them be...for now. Whether that will stick remains to be seen. I would say it started at the spark. Snowing was just a bit different, because they had their spark before they even met, which makes them unique, even in this exclusive little group. Yeah, Hyde fortified the chalice in the same metal he coated Fandral's sword in. They are suppressing magic the best they can for now, but doubt it will be long before wonder boy(Bobby) breaks through, lol. Yeah, the Rourke and Mendoza scene wasn't supposed to give much. That was on purpose. Yeah, if Snow and Regina can get past all the drama with their moms, then Goldie should be able to, but she's just a sucky person. Yep, it should be fun. A little Hunger Games, a little Survivor, and a little of all kinds of stuff sprinkled in. Nah, the OC's aren't really based on anyone. Just normie trash. Yeah, they really don't know what they just did. The Charmings will find a way or Regina will find them so they can find a way. Nope, Snow is past being blamed for everyone else's unhappiness. She will protect her own first. Glad you enjoyed it!
AnonSnowing: You're welcome on the face claim. Yep, Mephisto is appropriately operating out of Sin City. No, it's not good having him out in the Land Without Magic hurting people. Yeah, he is leaving the Charmings alone, hoping that they'll leave him alone.
Yep, wet Charming got my attention too, lol. Yes, it will be a tumultuous trip for sure. Yep, they are too arrogant to realize that they will lose in the end. Yeah, fortunately Snowing has enough funds to feed that brood, lol. Yeah, I feel bad for the LWM victims too. They probably have no idea how to survive. Yeah, the Charmings have a much better chance, as you'll see in this chapter. Yeah, the dangerous people might be a problem though. I love Charming's longer wavy hair too. Yep, word got out quick that the Charmings were in town. Yeah, I love that he doesn't get their fascination, but Snow does and knows exactly why. And she gets to boast that he's all hers. Yep, I loved that Bobby muted her too. And his sass makes it better. Yep, they took the entire family. Yeah, they're all together. The villains are hoping they can eliminate them all, but we know that won't happen. Still, it will be interesting to see how they get out of this one. Yeah, definitely a sadistic reality show. Yep, it's an interesting mix of normies for sure.
Yeah, Snow is past feeling like she's is responsible for everyone else. She will protect her own first. No, Eva won't be able to heal anyone unless they manage to work past what's blocking them from magic. Yep, snarky and dark jokes...it's gotta be bad. I know, Bobby's quips and comments are always funny, even the dark stuff. Yeah, they have a lot of people on their side. Glad you enjoyed it!
Finding You Always
Chapter 242: Island of Terror, Pt 2
Snow moaned softly and breathed in his scent, as she buried her face in the nape of his neck. If the memories of the previous day weren't fresh in her mind, she might have thought she was just waking up in bed, spooned against her husband, as she did most mornings. Whether it be a tiny cot or King sized bed, she always woke up curled up in his arms.
She had no idea what today would bring, but she knew that they would face it together. The sun was rising and that meant they needed to get started on figuring out how to get home.
"We have to get up, don't we?" he murmured.
"Yes…" she replied, as she opened her eyes and looked up at him. He pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"You know, mornings suck enough without waking up on the tropical island of doom," Leo complained.
"Yeah and we have to survive on rations. I eat more than that for a snack usually," Bobby mumbled.
"Probably part of the sadistic plan. Even if we do break through whatever is blocking magic, it will take everything we have and we'll probably pass out from the strain," Emma said.
"This Rourke guy is definitely a sociopath," Summer agreed, as she stretched her muscles.
"Hey...that gives me an idea," Eva said.
"Well...don't keep us in suspense," Leo replied.
"I wouldn't, except he's listening to everything we say," Eva reminded him.
"Oh yeah...he is," Leo said, as he made a gesture at the sky.
"Yeah, that's for you, buddy," he said, flipping him off with both hands.
"Hardly productive," Eva chided.
"Yeah...but it makes me feel better," Leo retorted.
"Just keep an eye on things while your mother and I do a perimeter check," he said, as most everyone was roused by now.
"It's best that we all stick together. No one should venture anywhere without a partner," David announced. He heard Vince snort in derision and his blue eyes became like ice.
"Problem?" he asked.
"The buddy system? That's the best you got, Prince Charming?" he questioned.
"Safety in numbers is a pretty basic concept. But I wasn't done," David retorted.
"My wife and I are going to patrol the perimeter. Then we're going to try and find a source of freshwater, because sooner or later, what was left for us will run out," he announced.
"Then we're going to hunt...because the food will too," he added, as he took her hand and they approached their kids.
"Don't take your eyes off that guy...he's trouble," he warned. Emma and Leo nodded, as Snow grabbed her bow, while he had his sword and they trekked off into the jungle.
"This certainly brings back memories," she mentioned, but she could tell he was miles away.
"Hey…" she said in a soothing voice, as she brushed her hand along the back of his neck. He sighed and some of his tension immediately ebbed away. It still amazed him that she could do that with a simple touch.
"Sorry my love...I just have a really bad gut feeling about that guy," he mentioned. She nodded.
"Me too...I can hunt though if you want to go back and keep an eye on him," she said. He shook his head.
"No…I meant it when I said no one goes anywhere alone, especially you. Call me overprotective, but I'm not letting you out of my sight," he said. She smiled and kissed his cheek.
"Well…I won't argue with that. I'm not too crazy about letting you out of my line of sight either," she replied, as they shared a smile.
Bobby polished off his rations and then searched through the supplies, before grabbing a spear.
"What are you doing?" Ryan asked.
"I'm gonna go fishing," Bobby replied.
"Shouldn't you use the fishing pole for that?" he asked. Bobby shook his head.
"That's for little fish. I want a whopper," Bobby replied, as he looked at his sister expectantly. Summer rolled her eyes and grabbed a spear too.
"Fine, but you're cleaning them. I want no part of that," she said.
"You're such a girl," he teased.
"Duh," she retorted, as they ventured to the beach.
"Um...excuse me," a woman said, as she approached Eva.
"Yes?" she asked.
"My name is Lexi Harris and this is my husband Brandon. I'm a doctor and he's a nurse," she explained.
"I just thought it might be good to introduce ourselves. In case someone is injured, we can help," she added. Eva smiled and extended her hand.
"It's nice to meet you and it's great to know that I'll have help if needed," she replied. Leo's senses peaked and he stood up, as he looked around. He smiled, as he saw a wolf emerge from the brush and he knelt down. Screams ensued from some of the others and he held his hand up.
"Easy...she's not here to hurt anyone," Leo said.
"Are you crazy?! That's a wolf…" Vince hissed, as the wolf started to growl.
"She can sense your malice...back off," Leo said, as he knelt down and they all watched the wolf go to the young man in amazement.
"Hey there...what are you doing in a tropical climate like this?" he asked. It was strange, but he figured Rourke had probably just thrown a bunch of wildlife together on the island.
"How are you doing that?" one woman asked fearfully.
"It's just something I've always been able to do," he replied, as he checked her over and noticed something.
"Hey Eva…" he called, as his twin knelt down beside him.
"Is she…" he started to say. Eva smiled.
"Yeah...she's pregnant," she confirmed.
"This is not the place for a wolf, let alone wolf cubs," he said.
"That's probably why she came to find us," Eva deduced. He nodded.
"We'll help you," he promised.
"She's got a while yet...days, maybe a week left," Eva said, as she felt around on the wolf's abdomen.
"You think he just grabbed animals from wherever and dropped them here?" Leo asked.
"Probably...who knows what else is out there," Emma replied, as they saw Bobby and Summer returning, each dragging a huge fish.
"Nice catch guys," she said.
"Definitely...let's get them gutted and filleted," Xander said, as he took out his hunting knife and started working on it with his grandson.
"How did you do that with a spear?" Ryan asked curiously.
"Well…Summer can still influence water a bit since it's become a natural ability. She calmed the waves a bit and Mom and Dad taught us all how to spear fish. We did this all the time back home when we went camping," Bobby explained.
"That's incredible...I thought I had taken survival training, but it looks like I have nothing on you guys," he admitted.
"Freaks…" they heard Vince muttered, but they ignored him. They were well aware that many had that opinion about their family and it hardly bothered them anymore.
"You have no idea," Goldie agreed.
"Aren't you from there too?" the woman that had earlier been fearful of the wolf, asked.
"And you are?" she asked.
"Just a girl that was minding her own business and ended up here. Have to say though, I'm enjoying all the eye candy. I've read the book, cover to cover," she replied.
"Great…" Leo muttered.
"Don't be a creepy stalker, Heather," the blonde next to her complained.
"You're one to talk, Kenzie," Heather replied.
"Kenzie loves the book too," she said, as they looked at her.
"In a healthy way…" she promised.
"Yeah, we've heard that before," Emma muttered, as she noticed the one person that hadn't spoken a word the whole time and the only one they still didn't have a name for.
"What about you? You haven't said anything," she called. The man shifted uncomfortably.
"T...Trent and I'm sorry, I'm just really scared," he said.
"I get that...but we're going to do our best to see that everyone makes it and we find a way off this island," Emma said. He nodded shyly and looked back down.
Snow finished rigging the trap and stepped back, as he came back through the trail they had found. He had shed his button down shirt and tied it around his waist, leaving him in just a tank top.
"There...our friend the wild boar should find his way into this trap eventually," she said, referring to the wild boar they had spotted. They had followed it and found its fresh water source. Since boars were usually pretty volatile, they opted to set a trap, instead of expending the energy it would take to hunt it. He nodded and pecked her on the lips.
"Fresh water source located and a russet sack full of edible berries," he said, as he held up the sack. She took it and put it in her satchel, as they joined hands.
"This brings back a lot of memories," she mentioned. He smiled.
"I'm just glad the kids actually paid attention when we took them camping," he replied.
"You know, being alone in the woods brings back other memories," he mentioned, giving her one of his best smoldering looks. She smiled and bit her bottom lip, as he swept her into his arms and they swayed together.
"Oh I remember," she mused, as he kissed her passionately and when their lips parted, she almost became lost in him, as he kissed his way down her neck. But then she remembered one important detail.
"As much as I hate it...you know we can't do this now," she said.
"Why not? No one is around...and I'll be quick," he promised, as he kissed her again.
"Mmm...for the record, as previously stated…" she said, almost losing her train of thought entirely, as he kissed her neck again.
"You're never quick," she said, making him smirk.
"But we can't...because the whole world is sort of watching us," she reminded him with a wince. He deflated and sighed in disappointment.
"Leo was right...this is for you, Rourke," David said, making the same gesture his son had earlier to the sky.
"I don't know what you look like, but I'm going to punch you in your stupid face when I do find you," David said in frustration. She smirked and brushed a hand along the back of his neck again.
"Just think of all the pent up frustration we'll have once we do and focus on that," she said, as she looked up at the sky.
"And we will get out of this and I bet you have some stupid smirk on your face right now like Clayton used to. We foiled him many times and we'll do the same to you," she promised, as she noticed something in a tree.
"Charming...that's a coconut tree," she said. He nodded.
"I got it," he said, as he started climbing and she couldn't help but enjoy the view of his flexing muscles. She then realized that many others were enjoying the same right now and she sighed.
"Enjoy the view, because he's all mine," she murmured to herself with satisfaction. After gathering a few coconuts and putting them in the satchel with everything they had foraged, they finally returned to camp, hand in hand.
"Wow...that's quite a catch," David said, as he saw his father and youngest son cleaning the two large fish.
"Yep...it was all Bobby and Summer too," Xander said.
"Looks like you two came back empty handed," Vince commented.
"You'd be wrong about that," David replied, as he took out the coconuts, bananas, and berries they had found.
"We also located a fresh water spring and spotted a wild boar, which we set a trap for," Snow added.
"Yeah...and if we run out of food, we can eat the wolf and her cubs," Vince said.
"Not if you want to make it out of this alive," Leo growled, making the man chuckle. He had wanted to agitate the young man and it had worked.
"Easy...he wants you to attack him," Emma said.
"So what now? We want to get off this island, not make a holiday out of it," Goldie complained.
"Oh wow...really? We had no idea that getting off the island was the goal," Leo said sarcastically.
"You know what, junior...I'd watch your tone with me," she warned.
"And what? If I don't, you'll shove me out a window?" he taunted.
"Enough," Snow demanded. Leo was silent, doing as his mother asked, but Goldie kept on.
"I don't take orders for you, Princess," she hissed.
"Well, you had better start, because after we eat...we pack up and trek the island. The goal is to, not only survive, but find a way off," David said. Goldie rolled her eyes.
"Whatever...prison can't be worse than being forced to be in the same space as the Charmings," Goldie complained.
"Back at you," Summer retorted. Xander and David proceeded to cook the fish, while some of the fruit and coconut milk was distributed. After something much more satisfying than rations were consumed, they packed up their camp and began the trek through the jungle.
"Looks like they didn't need all those convenient supplies you left them," Phoebus mentioned, as he watched the live feed from the control room beneath the Casino.
"Relax…I knew going into this that the Charmings were more than capable of surviving the elements. In the beginning anyway," Rourke replied.
"They seem to be doing quite well," Phoebus said bitterly.
"It won't hold," Rourke assured him.
"I hope not…" the former Captain said.
"Having second thoughts?" Rourke questioned.
"Not at all...I just am eager to see them pay," Phoebus responded.
"Then sit back and watch the show. It's about to get very good," Rourke promised.
Regina shook her head, as they watched the feed, while trying to figure out where they could be.
"Well...at least Snow remembered they were on camera or that would have gotten very awkward very fast," Robin joked.
"Honestly...those two are stuck in a deadly jungle and they're still making out," Regina complained, though she found comfort that they always seemed able to face anything together.
"Bloody hell...there is so much ocean to cover. Finding them without some kind of clue is almost impossible," Killian complained, as he examined the maps of the earth's various oceans.
"Especially if the island is concealed. What if Rourke found a way to hide the island, much in the way Mu was hidden as well?" Paul asked.
"That is a good point…maybe the Queen of Mu has some insight," Regina replied. Paul stood up.
"I'll visit Cibola and see what I can find out. There might be some books," he said, as a portal opened and he used it to return to Storybrooke.
"Meanwhile, Rourke is still loose and who knows what terrors he has planned for them," Elsa said.
"There has to be someone that has seen this guy. I mean, besides Clayton, who is dead, thankfully," Regina said.
"Wait…I think there may be," Belle replied.
"Who?" Robin asked.
"There was the boy that reported seeing Runeard talking to a man that he claimed was Rourke," Rumple recalled.
"Of course! And we almost missed it...Flynn Rider may know who we're looking for," Regina said. Killian grabbed a bean.
"I'll track the lad down and get him working with a sketch artist at the station. Finding Rourke may be faster than finding this island in the dark," Killian said.
"We shall assist you," Fandral said, as he took Rose's hand. Bianca and Zorro followed the former pirate through the portal.
"Very interesting...you're proving that you're a valuable asset. I'll handle it," Rourke said, as he hung up the phone.
"I have a job for you, Captain," he said.
"Finally...something worthy of my skills, I hope," Phoebus replied. Rourke suppressed an eyeroll. While this man would be useful, he was so full of himself that it was hard for even him to stomach.
"Very much so...recognize this young man?" he asked, as he showed him a photo.
"That's the miscreant I tried to arrest at the amusement park and the youngest Charming brat stepped in to humiliate me!" he seethed.
"Yes...it appears that I have a serious problem. It is possible this young man may have seen my face...and I can't have that," Rourke said.
"You want me to bring him here?" Phoebus asked.
"I'd prefer it if you just took care of the problem," Rourke replied.
"You...you want me to kill him?" Phoebus asked.
"Is that going to be a problem?" Rourke asked.
"No...I've killed before. He's just...young," Phoebus muttered.
"He's a nuisance and an ally to the Charmings. He could blow this entire operation. Eliminate him," Rourke ordered.
"Consider it done," Phoebus replied, as he sheathed his sword and left to carry out his orders. Rourke smirked and puffed on his cigar.
"You can come out, Your Majesty. No need to lurk," Rourke said, as Runeard appeared.
"You're seriously trusting that idiot to get the job done?" Runeard questioned.
"Yes...unless you're ready to make yourself known again. If not, then keep cowering in the shadows," Rourke goaded.
"How dare you speak to me in such a manner! I can end you with a simple touch!" he claimed. Rourke pressed a button on the peculiar device in his hand. It looked like a simple cigarette lighter, but a high pitched ion frequency was suddenly emitted and Runeard fell to his knees, holding his ears. Blood began to leak from his eyes and ears as a result.
"Can you?" he asked, with a smirk, before he lifted his finger from the button and removed his earplugs, specifically designed to make him immune to the deadly frequency.
"Remember your place. You are no longer a King...and I will soon rule. If you want a place at the table, you won't step out of line," Rourke warned. Runeard was silent and glared at the other man. He would not stand to be controlled for long, but he yielded to this man. For now.
David led the way through the jungle, his hand in Snow's, as they trekked the humid terrain.
"This sucks...the bugs are the size of rats!" Goldie complained.
"Don't worry, I'm sure once they figure out how bitter your blood is, they'll stop biting you," Bobby retorted. There were snickers all around, even from Grimm and she glared at him.
"What? The kid is witty as hell. You can't deny that," he said.
"Exactly where are we trying to get to?" Ryan asked curiously.
"Yeah...doesn't it make more sense to stay near the beach? I mean a boat might come in sight," Kenzie reasoned.
"Yeah...why aren't we building a raft?" Brandon asked.
"Normally, you'd be right, but the Jolly Roger would be the first ship to show up and since it hasn't, it means our family hasn't located us yet. Which means no ships are coming," David replied.
"That means the way off the island might not be by water. We need to find another way," Snow agreed.
"Yeah...and I doubt you want to build a raft. It's the ocean and if the fish Bobby caught this morning are any indication, then there's probably sharks out there," Leo added.
"Look…I get that you're experienced in this stuff, but exploring the island could be more dangerous," Ryan said.
"It could...but it's a risk I think we need to take," David replied.
"Why?" Kenzie asked.
"Because our Dad knows what he's doing!" Leo snapped.
"It's okay, Leo," David said, as he stopped and turned to everyone.
"Because last night, it was too overcast where we were to see enough stars. I want to find the highest point on the island and see if I can get a better idea of our position. Rourke may have found a way to block the stars out, but there's a chance we might be able to ascertain more information," David said.
"Feh...that's a waste of time. He can see us!" Vince argued.
"You're right...he has all the information and the only way we get more information is to explore this place," David argued in return.
"Fine...then you lead your family on this doomed trip. Anyone else want to follow Prince Charming up some mountain? Or do you want to follow me back to the beach to build a raft to get us off this death trap?" Vince asked. David smirked.
"By all means then," David said, as he turned away to quell his frustration. Snow helped by putting a soothing hand on the back of his neck.
"We know that you're doing everything to save us," she whispered.
"If I'm wrong though...it could be really bad," he admitted. She shook her head.
"You're not...building a raft is foolish. Leo's right...those waters are full of unknown dangers," she said. He opened his mouth to protest, but she put her hand up.
"And maybe the mountain is too...but there also might be answers," she said.
"Mom's right...the ocean is an immediate no. Without a solid ship like the Jolly Roger, it's guaranteed death and I know my husband," Emma said.
"He's not here yet, because he hasn't found us yet," she added. David nodded.
"She's right...Aunt Regina would be here too if she knew where we were," Leo said, as they saw Vince and his brothers start back.
"Sorry...but I want to get off this island. It's too bad...there is a lot more eye candy here than with them," Heather said, as she and Kenzie followed the brothers.
"Nothing personal...I'm just an engineer and I think I can build a decent raft," Kenzie said.
"Hope it can withstand shark bites," Bobby called.
"Not you too," Eva said, as the doctor and her nurse husband followed.
"I'm sorry...going up a mountain and looking at some stars isn't logical," Lexi said.
"As a doctor, I get that, but you have to throw logic out the window here," Eva argued.
"Sorry...we can't do that," Brandon replied, as they joined the others.
That left the seven of them, plus Xander and Natalie. Agent Harding and Major Donovan were sticking with them as well and curiously, Goldie and Grimm decided too also. Then there was Ryan, the cop, and the shy and silent man they knew only as Trent and nothing more about him. David sighed.
"Let's keep going," he said, as they continued on.
Flynn Rider smirked, as he sneaked out of school during lunch with no intention of returning. Without Bobby keeping tabs on him, he saw no reason to attend. His friend and his family had a lot of other things to worry about, like staying alive, if that was even possible for them at this point. He hoped they did, since he actually liked Bobby, but he wasn't about to willingly go to school unless they made him. He turned the corner and found a car parked in the alleyway near the school. It was unlocked and he smirked.
"Jackpot…" he said, as he climbed in. It was an older model, so he knew he could hotwire it.
"Well…I see you're back to being a nuisance without your Charming friend to keep tabs on you," Phoebus said, as he approached. Flynn sighed.
"Yeah…I heard you got fired though, so tough luck. Guess you can't collar me," he replied. Phoebus smirked and drew his blade.
"Then it's a good thing I'm not here to arrest you," the former Captain said, as he swiped at him.
"What the hell?!" Flynn cried, as he slid through to the passenger side and jumped out of the vehicle.
"Now then...make this easy and I'll be quick," Phoebus said, as he held his blade to the youth.
"So you get fired and your go to is murder?" Flynn asked. Phoebus chuckled.
"So the thief has morals...that's cute," he replied.
"There's a huge leap from petty theft to murder, jackass," Flynn said, as he found a metal pole laying discarded in the alleyway.
"Fine…I guess you're choosing the hard way. It doesn't matter...I've been paid to do a job and I'll do it," Phoebus said, as he charged and the youth parried his blade, but he knew he was severely outmatched. Even though Phoebus' skills as a swordsman were middling at best, he still had a level of skill and experience that Flynn lacked.
"So someone hired you to kill me?" Flynn asked.
"It shouldn't surprise you...I'm sure you've pissed off plenty," Phoebus replied.
"Not enough for them to pay to kill...who hired you?" he questioned, but he was disarmed by the former Captain and Phoebus put him in a headlock, before bringing the blade to his throat. Fear finally crept up in him, as he realized that he was about to be killed.
"You've seen too much…" Phoebus said.
"I haven't...seen anything!" Flynn pleaded, as managed to elbow the brute in the gut, enough to wiggle free. He took off running down toward the Harbor and then tripped behind the cannery and his head swam, as he bumped his head on the edge of an old, junked container that smelled of fish. Phoebus loomed over him and he felt himself being dragged. He was nauseous and felt like vomiting, so he could barely manage a struggle. Suddenly, he was wet and he felt himself sinking into the ocean. He fought and managed to flail a little in an attempt to get to the surface, but was slowly sinking again.
Suddenly, there was a splash and he felt himself being pulled up. Someone was smacking him on the face and he took a starved breath of air.
"Oh thank goodness," Rose said, as Killian tried to rouse him after pulling him from the water. Fandral cuffed Phoebus and handed him off to Zorro.
"Book him at the station and I'll be along to have a chat," Fandral said, as the former, disgraced Captain was led away.
"He has a good bump...we should get him to the hospital," Rose said, as she held her hand against his head. Fandral nodded and lifted him up effortlessly, as the four of them started off for the hospital.
"Oh Bianca, can you please go back to the castle and check in with the children? Tell them we'll be there soon to get them, before we go back to Boston," Rose said. Amora clenched her fists, enraged that she had to take orders from this little waif.
"Of course, Your Majesty," she said.
"Think he'll be okay?" Killian asked.
"Paul will know best, but I'd say it's just a minor concussion. I'm sure he'll be able to talk to us in a few hours," Fandral replied.
"Poor boy…" Rose said in concern.
"Rourke is likely behind this...I just didn't see Phoebus joining up with him," Killian said.
"He has an ax to grind now...I'm sure Rourke capitalized on the former Captain's anger and all his character flaws," Fandral replied.
"Think he'll talk? He's seen Rourke now too," Killian reminded him.
"You're right...he'll need a protective detail too," Fandral said.
"I'll call Zorro," Killian said, as they continued to the hospital.
"Division in the ranks already...that won't bode well," Robin observed.
"For the idiots that decided to break off, maybe. I'll be surprised if they survive until morning without Snow and David," Regina said.
"And no...I don't care," Regina said, as Belle opened her mouth.
"Regina…" Robin chided.
"Well, I don't. I care about the people we love and that's it. If they are stupid enough to go it on their own, then they deserve what they get. It won't be on Snow and David if they don't survive," she said in frustration. He put a hand on her shoulder.
"And they will survive," he assured her.
"I know...and when they do, I'm just worried about what kind of kill switch he has," Regina said.
"You're right to be worried. The Collector had one and that ended with David having his heart crushed," Rumple agreed.
"He's right...this man had Clayton as a mentor. There is no telling what he has in store and we cannot underestimate him," she said, as a video chat came through.
"It's Rose Red," Belle said, as she answered it and they appeared on the screen.
"Did you find Flynn Rider?" she asked.
"We did and just in the nick of time," Killian replied.
"It would seem our friend Captain Phoebus is working for him now. He placed a hit out on the lad and we fished him out of the ocean," he added.
"Is he okay?" Belle asked.
"Whale says he will be fine. He has a minor concussion, but we should be able to get him with a sketch artist soon. Fandral went to the station to interrogate Phoebus. He has seen Rourke now too, we think," Killian replied.
"Well, that's something. Keep us posted," Regina said, as the call ended and they returned the screen to the continuous broadcast from the island.
They made it to the base of one of the tallest mountains and it was decided that not everyone needed to scale it. David decided to go up, while Snow, Bobby, and Xander decided to go with him. The rest made camp for the night at the bottom of the mountain.
"Can you explain what exactly your father is looking for on top of the mountain?" Ryan asked.
"The stars...it will tell him what our position is. Then he can find a way to get some kind of message to our family, without tipping Rourke off, hopefully," Leo explained.
"And he can tell...like he has the stars memorized?" Ryan asked. Eva smiled.
"He grew up on a farm, without modern amenities so he learned to read the sky from a young age. He knows the stars at home in Maine by heart and their position year round. If he can get a feel of what the stars are here, he may be able to figure out a general area of where we might be on the globe," Eva explained.
"It's not exact, but Dad is pretty good at it and my husband has sharpened his skills over the years. Killian is an expert navigator and Dad takes an interest in it," Emma added.
"Do you think they'll be successful with their raft?" Grimm questioned.
"Having second thoughts?" Leo asked.
"Your parents don't care if we live or die...I'm just wondering if I chose the right team," he replied.
"My parents will do everything they can to save everyone, even if they don't like you. It's who they are and you know it," Leo retorted.
"To be honest, if their raft even floats, I'll be surprised. If they make it out at first tide in the morning, they'll be shark bait by noon," he added.
"You're really blunt," Ryan said. Leo shrugged.
"It's part of my tactless charm," he replied, as he stood up.
"We need to check the traps that Mom set," he said.
"Oh yay...more food we have to catch. My favorite," Emma replied, as they left to check them and Summer noticed the quiet young man that hadn't said a word.
"You're quiet...you don't have to be afraid," she mentioned. He nodded.
"Sorry...just a little socially awkward. Always have been," he mentioned.
"We get that...no worries," Eva said, as she smiled and took her sister's hand.
"We'll go refill the canteens from that fresh water spring nearby," she said, as they ventured off. Goldie scoffed.
"Camping with the Charmings is worse than jail," she complained.
"Yeah...being around you is no picnic for us either," Natalie retorted.
David led her up the mountain, with Bobby and Xander behind them.
"This place is massive," Bobby said, as he looked down on the landscape.
"Where did he find such a large landmass that was deserted like this?" Xander wondered.
"I don't think he did," David said, as they stopped near the top.
"Baby...what is it?" Snow asked.
"No stars…" David replied.
"But it's a completely clear sky," Bobby said.
"Yep...which means this place was created. Probably much like Jekyll created the island he tried to kill me on," David replied.
"But that island wasn't far from Cibola. That doesn't explain why there are no stars," Snow said.
"Unless…" Xander started to say. David nodded.
"We're not on Earth," he confirmed.
"Wait...you think we're on another planet?" Bobby exclaimed. David smirked and patted him on the shoulder.
"No...not really. I think we're in some sort of nether realm or pocket dimension. We know they exist," David said.
"Then it could be impossible to find us," Xander realized.
"That just means we need to find a way for ourselves," David said.
"Yeah...magic isn't blocked. It's gonna get easier for us to use and then break through whatever barrier there is," Bobby reasoned.
"Wait...if we're in a nether realm, then the ocean around us can't be the real ocean," Snow said. Xander's eyes widened.
"And every realm leads to the All World River. They go too far and get swept into it…" Xander said.
"They'll be ripped apart. We need to get back. It's too dangerous to find them tonight. We'll start out at first light and hope they haven't attempted to escape on some rickety raft," David said, as he took her hand and they started down the mountain.
"Dammit...we should have known. That psychopath somehow put them in a nether realm," Regina said.
"We'll find Hermes right away and tell her. That should help narrow down the search," Aphrodite said, as she took James' hand and they disappeared in a puff or orange smoke.
Once they returned to the campsite, they found Leo and Emma dragging a captured wild boar back to camp.
"Your traps worked, Mom...we're eating good tonight," Emma said.
"Excellent...I'll help you gut it," Xander said, as he grabbed his knife.
"Well...did you find anything?" Ryan asked.
"We did...there are no stars in the sky," David replied.
"What does that mean?" Grimm asked.
"It means this island isn't somewhere on Earth...we're in another realm and if we have to guess, probably some sort of nether realm," David replied.
"So that's it…we're screwed," Goldie said bitterly.
"Far from it," Snow argued.
"Oh really, princess? Are you going to save us with your good always wins and finding each other crap?" Goldie hissed.
"Actually, our friends and family now know not to look anywhere on the physical earth for us. And with Hermes and Aphrodite leading the search, I know they'll find us," David said. Ryan sighed.
"I hope you're right," he said.
"Wait...if this isn't an actual island on the planet, then what body of water is surrounding us?" Grimm asked. He sighed.
"We're not sure, but it will likely lead to the All World River if they get too far. They'll be torn apart, but we're getting up early to head them off. It's too dangerous to go now," David said, as Snow pulled him aside so they were in the shadows of the fire and kissed him passionately.
"Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?" he asked.
"For being you...you're always my hero and now you've probably saved us all," she replied, as she cuddled against him. He smiled shyly.
"I haven't saved us yet...but I have faith. Nothing can destroy our love," he said, as they kissed again and held each other close. They knew Rourke would likely ramp up whatever horrors and attacks he had planned tomorrow, but like everything, they would face it together...