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
Davy Jones: Bill Nighy (by popular demand)
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 like it!
Jennifer Baratta: Thanks! Glad it was worth the wait. Yep, Rourke is going down...eventually. Yeah, Goldie needs to shut up for sure. Glad you're enjoying!
sweetreader: Yep, Rourke is the son of Davy Jones and has an ax to grind. Glad I can still surprise you. Yeah, no one would probably miss Goldie. Glad you're enjoying!
Grace5231973: Yep, there were some twists in there. Glad I can still surprise you and you're still enjoying!
Number Ten: Glad you liked the twist! Yeah, I was putting out hints toward Trent in the chapter, good catch. Yep, this Davy isn't really evil. He had a job to do and has been deprived of doing it. We get even more back story in this chapter, so hope you enjoy more twists. Yep, I love Bobby putting Goldie in her place. I love Bobby in general too and I think most do. Yes, Goldie and Grimm definitely deserve to face their crimes when they get back. Yeah, I almost didn't want to call it that, because that's what I think of too. But it's called something similar to that in Moana and there is more back story there too this chapter. Glad you're enjoying! :)
Zariah: Yeah, it was quite a chapter. Glad I surprised you with the Trent - Davy Jones twist. Or him being Rourke's father. Yeah, I really liked that scene with James and Aphrodite too. I don't think David would have either and I liked differentiating between them. They are twins, but quite different in some respects. Yeah, Rourke is crazy, but in a different way than most. Yeah, I'm glad they're going home too, even if it is straight back into chaos. I've seen all the pirates movies, but I'm just a casual fan. I thought since it was such a big Disney franchise that I should give it a nod. Glad that helped explain the All World River and glad you're enjoying!
Sexystarwarslover: Yep, Davy Jones' locker. Yep, the Kraken has been released, but I doubt it's a match for an Asgardian. Yeah, Vince and the other muggles are a pain. Yep, Snowing doesn't always need words to speak. Yep, the Charmings are going to take on the Kraken! Yeah, Vince could not make it and no one would miss his ungrateful butt. Yeah, no one likes Rourke. Yep! Emma sees her husband's ship and knows they have come and magic is back, thanks to Bobby. Yeah, the Kraken didn't stand a chance against the Charmings. I like that they all have their signature colors too. Yeah, too bad the Kraken didn't eat Goldie. Yep, twat waffle is the perfect name for her. Nope, no tact whatsoever. Yep, Trent is suspicious. Yep, Trent is really Davy Jones in disguise. Yes, Davy Jones doesn't want his son to win, because he loses then. There's more back story in this chapter. Glad you're enjoying!
AnonSnowing: Yes, Fandral is an excellent warrior and the Kraken might meet its match in him. Yeah, to them it probably seems like they're crazy, but we know they thrive on this stuff. I'll see what I can come up for with Avery McWolf for a face claim. Yep, Flynn gave them a description and James recognizes him without knowing it was him. Yep, Magic is back, thanks to that stone. But yeah...Rourke may have wanted Bobby to find it. Yeah, too bad Goldie didn't get eaten. I'm happy they're all reunited too and that Kraken didn't stand a chance against the Charmings. Yep, Bobby is the Sass Master! Yeah, it wouldn't surprise me if Goldie's porridge wasn't spiked with some stupid pills either. Yep, James and David definitely have different styles, but usually get to the same result. Yep, Rourke has Davy Jones' heart. Yeah, Summer has found true love and yes, Trent is suspicious. Yep, Avery's story should be an intriguing one. Trent is Davy Jones and you were right, Rourke wanted Bobby to get that stone for him. More back story on that in this chapter. Yep, battle ahead! Glad you're enjoying! :)
The Grey Jedi 2020: They probably are, but remember, Hyde made Fandral's current sword so it behaves a lot of like Thor's weapons. Yeah, the muggles here are annoying. Yeah, swords are very elegant. Whale is in hospital garb. Storybrooke is still Storybrooke, even with magic. Yeah, after a while, a lot of people would be desensitized to magic. Yep, Rourke knew James or at least knew of him and saw him the day he died. James recognizes him, probably because that was the night before his death. Yeah, I love Bobby's powers too. Yep, to cheat a cheater, you have to cheat more. I loved Aphrodite and dice blow too. As for 11, in the occult, K is the 11th letter of the alphabet and in the occult, magic is spelled M-A-G-I-C-K, so in the occult, 11 is an important number. 3 is as well(33 too). But I chose 11 here, because in craps, you want to roll a 7(also an important number) or an 11. 3 is a losing number in craps.
The Sonic emitter mostly just knocks people out, magic user or not. It's at exactly the right frequency so there's little time to react to it. Avery was probably wearing ear plugs like Rourke. Yeah, Summer has found true love, but you're right, she had reason to be leery, because of what Leo went through. I don't have one yet for Zorro and Natalie. AnonSnowing likes Regular Bubbles for Summer and JJ. As for Leo and Elsa, I prefer Frozen Thunder. Yeah, you think it's going to be Vince, but it's Trent. Ha, no, I'm not an etymologist, but sometimes I think I do this stuff subconsciously. I think using the name Trent here was a coincidence. But like I said, sometimes, I do this stuff subconsciously. Probably a coincidence, though the back story I provide in this chapter strays pretty far from the Davy Jones of Disney. Yeah, World Domination is generic, but power is always what people want. Even more than money. Power is a drug to people. Not sure if he'll be recurring, but he appears in this chapter, probably the next, and then we'll see beyond that. Glad you're enjoying! :)
Finding You Always
Chapter 245: Under Siege, Pt 1
The portal opened and deposited Rourke back inside the hotel and he smirked, noticing that Prince James already had his Knights and officers combing through it, arresting his workers, and confiscating the funds he had obtained. But all that was about to change.
He waltzed into the money room and observed him there with his Goddess wife, as he questioned Kuzco.
"Good...you're back. That means you're under arrest," James declared, as he prepared to cuff him.
"Oh, I don't think so, Your Highness," Rourke refuted.
"Where is our family?" Aphrodite demanded to know.
"Still trapped in the locker, of course. As you can see, I have my wretched father's heart in a box," Rourke replied.
"Great...another villain that didn't get enough hugs from Daddy," James said. Rourke smirked.
"There was a time that you and I were very similar in that respect, Your Highness. Your father failed you as well," he reminded him.
"You're right...but now I know I was destined for much more and I truly was cheated out of something wonderful," James said, as he glanced at his wife.
"It sent me down a dark path. You, on the other hand, have just chosen this path, but it ends today," he added.
"We agree on that," Rouke said, as he opened the box and they saw the glowing green pounamu stone.
"The heart of Gaia...how do you have that!?" Aphrodite cried.
"Wait Gaia...didn't she create your mother's chalice?" James asked. The blonde nodded.
"Indeed she did...Mother Earth herself created the chalice that is wielded by the truest loves. But she also hid her other gifts with other champions," Rourke responded.
"He's right...I remember my mother telling the story," Aphrodite recalled. With all her memories restored, she remembered her childhood and short time with her mother very clearly.
Flashback
"All right, my small one...it's time for you to go to bed," Dione said, as her precious, beloved daughter played in the meadow with her father.
"Aww...but I wanna ride a unicorn again. Do I have to go to bed, Daddy?" she asked. Zeus smiled.
"If your mother says so, my little angel...then it must be so," he answered.
"Can I at least get a story?" she asked. They chuckled and exchanged a glance.
"I think that can be arranged. After all, one day, you will guard your mama's chalice and you must know its history," Zeus said, as he picked her up and they carried her to bed once they arrived back on Olympus.
"What story would you like to hear tonight?" Dione asked.
"About the Chalice," Aphrodite replied.
"Yes...your birthright. It was created by your grandmother Gaia," Dione said.
"She was the supreme Goddess of all the elements and the Earth. She loved the Earth so much that she became one with it upon her death. Her essence still breathes life into all creatures, but before she died, she separated her heart into pieces and entrusted those pieces to certain people," Dione explained.
"Is the Chalice one of those pieces?" Aphrodite asked. Dione smiled.
"It is...she separated it into three pieces. The Chalice is the embodiment of what she considered the most important element of all," she said.
"True love?" Aphrodite asked eagerly. Her mother nodded.
"Yes...and she entrusted it to me, which means someday, it will be yours and you will champion mortals that have the spark of true love. After all, you're a product of true love yourself," she said.
"What about the other pieces?" Aphrodite asked.
"Well, since the Chalice was entrusted to me and by extension, your father, the second piece was entrusted to Poseidon and Hades. Poseidon gave a chosen mortal a magical ship to ferry souls lost at sea to Hades," she explained.
"And the third piece?" the blonde child asked.
"The third piece was a powerful weapon entrusted to a Demi-God. He was charged with guarding it and making sure it did not fall into evil hands, for it could control the elements," Dione replied.
"Yes...together, all three of these pieces can save the world in a dire time of need...or destroy it in the wrong hands. Even just one piece falling into the wrong hands could be catastrophic. Let's hope your Uncle Poseidon chose well, because Maui is a loose canon," Zeus complained.
"Hush dear...Maui's heart is in the right place and his family line will guard the heart of the Earth well," Dione chided.
"I hope so...because watching Maui use it as his own personal fish hook is grating on the nerves," Zeus said.
"One day, the right mortal or mortals will come along and use it for good," Dione assured.
"Great...mortals with magic. It keeps getting better," Zeus griped.
"Don't be a grump and kiss your daughter," Dione chided.
"Goodnight my little angel," he said, as they kissed their sleepy daughter goodnight.
"The heart of Gaia...she split it into three pieces. The chalice, the heart of the ocean, and the storm weapon or heart of the Earth," Aphrodite said.
"Yes...and we know where the Chalice is, since you entrusted it to Snow and Charming. Poseidon chose my father, Davy Jones, with the task of ferrying those that died at sea to the Underworld. He abandoned me for his duties and when I grew up, I paid him back in kind," Rourke explained.
"You stole his heart...but you couldn't touch the heart of the ocean," James surmised.
"Correct...and my foolhardy father, aware that the Collector would stop at nothing to get this, wrecked his ship and succumbed to his curse, thus his hideous appearance. I've been waiting years for the right time to force a product of the truest love to retrieve the heart, or this piece of it, rather," Rourke replied.
"What about the third part? This weapon?" James asked.
"Ah...no one knows what became of Maui's fish hook," Rourke replied. Aphrodite kept her expression neutral. So he didn't know that they had found it and hidden it away in Cibola. That would work in their favor, but only if Snow and David made it back.
"And you won't be free to find it, because you're going to prison," James stated, as he advanced. But Rourke smirked and opened the box, causing the object inside to glow green.
"Oh, I don't think so," Rourke replied, as the magic hit them and trapped them. When the glow ceased, a small snow globe rested in Rourke's palm.
"Sorry Your Majesties, but I cannot have you interfering with what is to come," Rourke said, as he set the snow globe down on his desk in the control room.
"You'll make a lovely decoration though," he said, as he looked at the monitors on the wall ahead, showing him all the lands and various places in the United Realms. And it was about to all belong to him.
As they navigated the small dinghies onto the choppy waters, they soon reached the Jolly Roger that was anchored nearby.
"She's a fine ship, Captain," Davy Jones mentioned.
"Thank you...if you don't mind my asking, how were you chosen for this fate?" Killian asked. He smirked.
"You're wondering why I would choose such an existence rather than pass on peacefully like everyone else," Davy Jones said.
"Yes…I suppose I am," the former pirate responded.
"Lost love?" Killian guessed.
"Oh no...if it were only that simple. I would have then passed on quietly to join her. No...I was never lucky enough to find true love. But my brother did," he revealed.
"Your brother?" Killian asked.
"Odysseus…obviously I'm the brother that history did not record. But I was there, quietly watching over his precious wife and son while he was away at war and struggled to return to them. I staved off plenty of suitors and usurpers that tried to infiltrate his Kingdom, force his wife to marry them, and take his Throne. Fortunately, none succeeded," he added.
"I grew to love Penelope myself...and my nephew, Telemachus. But I never expressed my feelings," Davy said.
"What happened?" Killian asked.
"Odysseus returned finally and we defeated the interlopers trying to overtake Ithaca, driving them out. But not long after that, a man and his son came to Ithaca. He called himself the Collector," Davy replied.
"Bloody hell...that family has truly been the scourge of humanity," Killian said.
"I am inclined to agree. The man your in-laws faced time and again was only Telemachus' age when they came, but his father was just as ruthless. At first, they put on a good front and said they were just passing through in search of a rare relic," Davy said.
"The Chalice?" Snow asked curiously. They had all been listening as they boarded. They knew whatever knowledge Davy Jones had could be useful in the battle ahead and it was worth waiting for.
"No...they knew where that was and since it was long after Aphrodite lost Prince Adonis, she was onto the Collector's family. The boy that became John Clayton the third was very old as you know," Davy answered.
"They were looking for that stone that Rourke took, weren't they?" Bobby asked. Davy nodded.
"Yes...they had been told the full legend behind the Chalice and learned of the two other components of Gaia's heart. The heart of the Ocean gives my ship all its power and me all my magic needed to complete my mandate. Then there is the weapon," he explained.
"The fish hook we hid," David said. He nodded.
"All together in the right hands, they will defeat the darkness and banish it back to the shadows, ensuring that peace will reign. In your family's hands, they will save the world. But in the wrong hands, they will destroy it," he explained.
"What happened to Odysseus and his family?" Emma asked.
"My brother, having escaped death at sea and wandered it for years, knew my predecessor and knew he possessed what they were seeking. A confrontation came and Odysseus refused to tell them, saying that the world would be doomed if even one piece fell into the wrong hands," Davy replied.
"What happened?" Eva asked.
"The Collector and his son cornered Davy Jones when he made port, just a few days later," he replied.
"Then the legends are true? Davy Jones can only come ashore once every ten years?" Eva asked. He nodded curtly.
"They threatened to kill his family if he didn't surrender his ship and the heart of the ocean. They took his family hostage and forced him to give his heart over to them. Odysseus and I intercepted them and engaged in a fight. In the scuffle, instead of slaying the father, Odysseus stabbed Davy Jones' heart inadvertently when his intended target used it as a shield," he replied.
"Poseidon appeared and declared the duties to his new charge. Penelope and Telemachus were devastated...so I made a desperate plea to the God to allow me to take my brother's place so he could stay with his family," he continued.
"Humbled by my sacrifice for my brother, Poseidon granted my request and my heart was placed in the box with the heart of the ocean instead," he revealed.
"But you have a son...does that mean you found love somehow?" Bobby asked.
"I'm afraid not...though I searched for it when I went ashore. One of those instances resulted in a son...but no love. My son's mother was not what one might call mother material and abandoned him," Davy explained.
"Rourke…" Snow said.
"Yes...that was not his given name, but his mother's last name. He goes by it to remember that she made him this way," he said.
"By the time I met him, he was grown and hated me too. He had met Clayton and already turned against me," he added.
"Then he got your heart," Bobby said.
"Yes...he and the Collector ambushed me many years ago, while I was performing my duties. He took my heart and intended to use the Flying Dutchman to travel the realms in his conquests. But I still commanded my ship and managed to return to the locker," he said, pausing for a moment.
"As much as it pained me, I purposely wrecked my beautiful ship, rendering the heart of the ocean useless to them," he added.
"That's why he needed us...or our children to retrieve the heart of the ocean for him," Snow realized. Davy nodded.
"Aye...but the curse delayed all the plans he had for you and your husband. Then he never got the chance after that, though he came close during one of the curses. He tossed you in a mental hospital and forged papers to take custody of your son when he posed as your brother. I'm sure you remember," Davy replied. Bobby recalled a conversation he heard during that time that never made sense, until now.
Flashback
"And what is this image depicting, Mr. Stavros?" one finely dressed woman asked. Bobby peered out from his bedroom. He had been expressly ordered to stay in his room that night, as his fake Uncle entertained more investors at his penthouse apartment in downtown Seattle. He had a display of various art pieces, depicting the wonders in his museum, ahead of the opening in a few weeks.
"Ah this...it is one item that I have yet to collect, but I know where it is," Clayton said, as he motioned to the bluish looking rock.
"It is the eye of the storm...the legend is that it can navigate any waters, even hurricane waters and the ship will never sink, even in the most intense storm," Clayton explained. One man chuckled.
"And what reason would a person need a ship or to navigate a storm?" he asked. Clayton smirked.
"There is an item I need that requires such a circumstance. A power so incredible that combined with another item that is just out of my reach would mean supreme power," the Collector replied.
"Ah yes...the Chalice of Aphrodite that you keep speaking of," the woman said, referring to the art depicting his parent's chalice.
"I remember Clayton saying how he needed the eye of the storm one night...when he was entertaining investors with stories of his stupid collection," Bobby recalled. Davy nodded.
"He made an error when the curse was cast and he could not get the eye of the storm that was still in Storybrooke. If he had gotten it, he would have forced your lad to retrieve the heart of the ocean from the locker during that time," Davy replied.
"Fortunately, he was prevented from doing that," he added.
"Yeah...it's good that he's dead and can't come back, cause I'd like to kill him all over again," David said darkly. The fact that Clayton had done that to his wife and had custody of their son for a short time still burned him.
"What are we waiting for? Are we getting out of here or not?" Vince snapped.
"Yeah...we are, but it helps to know our enemy before we go barreling into battle with him," Leo retorted.
"Muggles," Regina mumbled in annoyance.
"My son won't waste time in trying to take over. He knew Clayton's plan and he'll be searching for the weapon if he suspects it's somewhere in the United Realms. Only this family can stop him," Davy warned. Killian nodded, as he manned the wheel of his vessel and Jones used his power to rip a temporary portal in the locker.
"You must hurry...I cannot hold it open for long!" he called.
"Everyone get tied down!" David called, as he helped the two girls get tied down. He looked around to make sure their kids and Regina were tied down, while Fandral tied himself and Rose down.
"Here," he called, as he tossed some rope to Ryan and the three brothers.
"Wait...we're going back to your land?" Justin asked.
"Yes...but don't worry, I'll be turning you over to the proper authorities when this is over," David replied. Vince clenched his fists and the ropes in his hands.
"And that goes double for you two," he said to Goldie and Grimm.
"Fine, whatever...as long as I never have to see this stupid family again," Goldie complained.
Killian sailed them through the portal and navigated into the All World River. Bobby and his siblings felt the return of magic and his hands glowed, as did the Chalice. Now that they were away from the locker, magic was back. But they still had a rough trip ahead.
Snow clung to David, as he tightened the ropes around them and held her in his arms. By now, they were all drenched, due to the volatile waters and she looked up at him, as their eyes met in a soulful gaze.
"We'll make it, Snow," he assured her. She nodded.
"I just hope he hasn't hurt anyone or done too much damage," she replied.
"Me too…" he said, before kissing her tenderly.
"We're going to make it right," he promised, as the Chalice glowed between them.
"We're close!" David called.
"I see it," Killian called back, as he steered them to the correct portal and to their home realm.
"Thank you for freeing me from that hell hole," Phoebus said, as he flanked him, along with Avery on his other side.
"It's not out of the goodness of my heart. You failed to eliminate the boy that could identify me, but I'm giving you one more chance to get it right," he replied, as they arrived.
"First though...we need the author. He has vital information," Rourke said.
"Find him and bring him to me," he said to Avery. The gruff man made a noise of indifference, before setting off to complete the task.
"And me?" Phoebus asked.
"The author will be able to tell us about items that I require to ensure my power and control, but I will still need an army of subordinates to do my bidding. Take this to use on the guards at the prison," Rourke replied, before handing him a small device.
"And wear these earplugs. Release the prisoners and tell them Rourke is back in power," he added. Phoebus nodded and mounted a horse, before making his way to the prison.
"Now...let's see what this thing can really do," Rourke said, as he opened the box and the heart glowed green with power…
Henry ran through the woods, carrying Lucy and with Ella's hand in his own.
"Henry…" Ella called.
"We can't stop...I need to get you two to Red. She'll get you to safety," he said.
"What about you?" Ella asked.
"I'll be fine...he won't kill me unless he can get the pen and I've made sure he can't. But if he gets you and Lucy, he can use you against me," Henry replied.
"I don't want to leave you," Ella whimpered and he cupped her face, as they reached the border between Misthaven and Phillip's Kingdom.
"I know...but it has to be this way, just until my Mom and Grandparents get back. They'll defeat him," Henry replied, as they shared a short, but passionate kiss. Henry kissed Lucy on the head, as Red emerged from the brush in her wolf form. Reluctantly, Ella got on her back with Lucy and he nodded to her. Red took off with them and he headed back. It was no more than two minutes later that Avery McWolf cornered him and he surrendered.
"Rourke would like to have a chat with you, author," he said.
"Fine...it will be much more satisfying to tell him what I think of him to his face," Henry replied, as he was marched off at gunpoint.
The Jolly Roger appeared through the portal and into the waters of the United Realms. But what they returned to was not the usual peaceful scene and they became witness to complete chaos.
"Well, he didn't waste any time," Leo said, as he untied himself and Elsa from the mast. They felt the ship shudder and looked out to see the Queen Anne's Revenge firing on them.
"Bloody hell...Blackbeard is free," Killian said, as he steered them away.
"Not for long," Emma said, as she raised her hands, but no magic came to her.
"Dammit...nothing, just like in the locker," she replied.
"That makes sense...he has full control of the heart," Eva said.
"What are we going to do? If we make port, they'll swarm us," Summer said.
"Most likely...if Blackbeard is free, then it's a good bet that he's emptied the prison," Xander replied.
"We need to get to Cibola…" Bobby said and they knew he was right.
"Then the rest of us need to run interference until magic is back. We've fought without it before and won...we can do it again," Elsa replied.
"Well, taking back the Harbor would be a good first start. We can't make port with Blackbeard controlling it," Killian said.
"Say no more, mate," Fandral said, as he hopped up on the bow.
"This is one advantage to being Asgardian...no magic needed," he said, as he flipped over onto the other ship once they were close enough, while Rose watched and worried.
As his feet landed on the ship, the other pirates in Blackbeard's stead stared at him for a moment, before charging with swords. Fandral dispatched them easily and sighed.
"And here I thought I might break a sweat," he commented, as Blackbeard unsheathed his cutlass.
"Perhaps you will…" he said, as they circled and engaged in a duel. Unfortunately, even the seasoned pirate was no match for an Asgardian and was quickly disarmed. Killian sided the Roger beside the other ship and David hopped over to it, before helping Snow. Bobby joined them and he took the wheel.
"Here's where we find out if all those lessons I gave you in sailing have paid off, mate!" Killian called. David smiled.
"Guess so...we'll go to Mu and get what we need," he called back.
"The rest of us will dock and spread out to liberate the other Kingdoms and do what we can until magic is back," Regina agreed, as Blackbeard was taken to the Jolly Roger and hauled off to the brig by Fandral.
"Better luck next time...mate," Killian drawled, enjoying the older pirate's glare upon him.
"These two as well...in the brig," Fandral said, as he pointed his blade at Goldie, Grimm, and the three brothers.
"We didn't do anything wrong!" Vince claimed.
"You're wanted fugitives in New York and you were on your way to Riker's. But nice try," Danielle chimed in.
"I hate this family...I hope Rourke kills you all," Goldie growled.
"You better hope...or you're going to prison for life when this is over," Emma replied.
"If you're lucky...keep talking and we might decide you deserve a royal tribunal instead," Regina threatened, as they were locked up.
"What about us?" Ryan asked, referring to himself and the other people from the Land Without Magic.
"Think you can find your way to the diner from here?" Emma asked the two girls that were familiar with the book.
"Are you kidding? From the Harbor...yeah, I totally got this," Heather said excitedly. Emma allowed a small smile at her enthusiasm.
"Just tell the owners that we sent you and you can all lay low there," she said.
"You should go with them...your mother and Levi are probably there too," Zorro urged. She looked torn, but then nodded reluctantly.
"Be careful," she pleaded, as she hugged her father and then kissed Diego, before disembarking with the others.
"If you need an extra hand...I'm in," Danielle offered.
"Me too," Major Donovan offered.
"The more the merrier," Fandral agreed.
"We should find Sif...hopefully she's holding things together in Andresia," Rose mentioned. He nodded.
"I'm up for it too...another cop can't hurt, right?" Ryan asked.
"Welcome aboard, you can stay with Killian to help police the Harbor," Regina replied.
"Aye...if Rourke has control of the waterways, that's a huge advantage. But if we keep what riff raff we can out of Storybrooke, that can be our home base of sorts," Killian said.
"That said, be careful on the way to the diner. We don't know who is loose in Storybrooke," Xander warned, as he handed his Glock and holster to his daughter.
"Dad…" she protested.
"We taught you to use it for a reason...don't hesitate," he said. She nodded and clipped the holster to her hip.
"Let's go," she called to the two other girls and they followed her, just as Robin and Roland arrived at the Harbor. Regina ran up to them and hugged them both.
"I have the Merry men scouring the woods for released prisoners. Hopefully, they'll head some of them off before they get into town," he said.
"Great...does anyone know where Rourke is?" Regina asked.
"The Midas Hotel, most likely," Robin replied, as Firebird cawed overhead and landed on Leo's shoulder. Wilby barked, as he and Graham raced up to them and he found a note in Wilby's collar.
"It's from Red...they have Henry. But Ella and Lucy are safe with her and Mulan in Phillip's Kingdom," he said.
"Dammit...he cannot get that pen," Regina replied.
"I'll stay with Zorro and we'll keep control of the Harbor. Killian can take the rest of you to Pleasure Island," Xander said.
"Might as well go straight to the bloody source," Killian agreed.
"Word has it that James and Aphrodite already did and no one has heard from them since," Robin said, as they boarded the ship again.
"He probably captured them. With them and Henry, that gives Rourke a lot of leverage," Regina said.
"Well, well...Henry Nolan, so nice to finally make your acquaintance," Rourke said, as Avery led him into the control room.
"Can't say the same," Henry retorted.
"He claims he doesn't have the pen," Avery said.
"Of course he doesn't...and he made sure he got the wife and little one to safety, so I don't have any leverage over him," Rourke replied knowingly, as he picked up a snow globe.
"The question now is, do you love your great Uncle and his Goddess wife?" Rourke asked. The color drained from Henry's face, as he saw them trapped inside. But he was interrupted when Phoebus came rushing in.
"We have a problem...they're back," he hissed.
"Impossible…" Rourke said, as he checked the cameras and saw the Jolly Roger heading in their direction.
"I thought you said they couldn't get back?" Avery asked.
"My weak, foolish father let them out of the locker…" Rourke replied, as he picked up the heart and squeezed it.
"You'll come to me," he ordered, as a portal opened and Henry was stunned to see Davy Jones himself walk through, clutching his chest.
"Did you really think you could cross me and get away with it?" he asked.
"You're disrupting the balance...I must be allowed to return to my duties. For many years, those that die at sea are not properly seen to the other side, thanks to you. It must end...and the Charmings can restore order," Davy replied. Rourke chuckled.
"So those that die at sea...their souls still remain in the ocean and unrested, you say?" Rourke asked, as he lifted the heart.
"Then call their souls...and order them to attack," he ordered.
"Don't do this…" Davy pleaded.
"Do it...raise the dead," Rourke ordered. Davy closed his eyes and the green pendant glowed.
"Excellent...as for you, author, I want that pen or Prince James and Aphrodite die when I throw this in the ocean," Rourke threatened, as he held their snow glob up.
"What will it be?" he asked.
"Fine...but it's somewhere I have to take you," Henry replied.
"Just summon it," Rourke ordered.
"It's not that simple. I took it somewhere that you can't magic to and only someone of my grandparents bloodline can go," Henry answered. Rourke smirked.
"Intriguing...then you'll take us there," Rourke said, as Avery grabbed his arm and shoved him forward, before they followed.
David pressed a kiss to her hair, as he steered the ship and the island of Mu was in sight.
"Hey...you okay?" he asked. She nodded.
"It just seems like Clayton is always coming back to haunt us, in one way or another. We just can't seem to shake him," she replied.
"I know...but we will. We thought the same about Jekyll a year ago and we finally got free of him. We'll be free of Clayton and all his cohorts soon," he said.
"I know...I have faith in our love and our kids," she replied, as they looked at their son, who stood near the bow of the ship.
"As do I and we're going to beat Rourke too, just like we beat all the others. Then we'll take another honeymoon, with long walks on the beach, nights curled up by the fire, pancakes for dinner...and a whole lot of not sleeping," he whispered to her and she wanted to melt, as he gazed at her with smoldering passion. She slid her arms around his neck and rested her head in the nape of his neck.
"That sounds perfect…" she said, as a cannonball suddenly hit the deck, sending them all falling into disarray.
"Snow!" David called, as he crawled to her through the smoke.
"Bobby...where's Bobby?" she cried, as she tried to get up and then cried out in pain.
"Snow…" he cried, as he lifted her into his lap and Bobby ran to them through the smoke.
"Mom…" he uttered.
"I think...my ankle is broken. It's killing me," she said, as her husband held her.
"Yeah...definitely broken," he said, as looked at it and touched it as gently as possible.
"Did you see what hit us?" David asked.
"Oh yeah...it was the Flying Dutchman," Bobby replied.
"But how?" Snow asked.
"Rourke has the heart of the ocean...not to mention Davy Jones' heart. He can make him do anything and could repair the Dutchman easily," Bobby replied, just as another cannonball hit the ship and the bow dipped, as they began to sink. David held Snow and put a hand on Bobby's shoulder, as they were overtaken and several creatures creeped in on them.
"What...what are they?" Snow asked, frightened by their dead, decaying appearance.
"Souls of the departed at sea…" Bobby realized.
"Like zombies?" David asked.
"Sort of...it's Davy Jones. He has the power to summon any souls that have died at sea, but never crossed to the Underworld," Bobby replied.
"Which is a lot, considering Rourke hasn't let him do his job in years," he added, as Davy Jones boarded the ship and looked at them solemnly.
"I'm sorry, for what it's worth. I don't have much choice in the matter, but you must come with us and please do so peacefully," he said.
"Or not so peacefully...because without your precious Chalice in working order, I would so love to make you," Phoebus added.
"I don't need powers to beat the crap out of you, fat head...so don't come near my parents," Bobby hissed, but then cried out, as someone grabbed him by the hair. Snow cried out and David moved to stop him, but he backhanded the Prince. David was surprised by the force and strength, as it sent him sailing back where he crashed painfully into the broken mast.
"David!" Snow cried, as she tried to crawl to him, but the pain in her ankle was too much. A shadow appeared over her and she glared up at Rourke.
"It seems that you're in quite the predicament, Princess," he said smugly. David pulled himself up and wiped the blood from his lip, before crawling to her side again.
"Touch her...and I'll rip you apart. You won't catch me off guard again," he warned.
"Pick up your wife, Your Highness or I'll let Avery rip your son apart with his bare hands. He used to be a werewolf and still has the taste for human blood, after all," Rourke replied. David glared at him and lifted Snow into his arms, as Phoebus followed them.
"Paybacks are a bitch…" he mentioned smugly, as they were transferred to the Dutchman, as the last of the Queen Anne's Revenge sank.
"You haven't seen paybacks yet, you stupid bastard," David growled.
"Now...onto Mu and then you'll take me to the item that you hid in the tallest tower. My father is very forthcoming with information when I'm squeezing his heart in my hand," Rourke said.
"You can't go with us...it's forbidden to allow anyone except our bloodline," Henry said, as they saw him tied to the mast.
"Henry!" Snow called and he smiled, as she reached out to touch his face.
"Hi Grams…" he said.
"Lucy and Ella?" David asked.
"They're safe…and I hid the pen," Henry replied.
"Yes...and they soon won't be fine. Every Kingdom is now under siege as we speak and they will all soon surrender to me," Rourke said.
"So you'll take me to what I want in that tower and then you'll lead me to the pen if you want your family to live, author," he added.
"You literally can't go to that tower…" Bobby reminded him.
"Oh, with this...I can," Rourke insisted, as he showed them the glowing pendant inside the box.
"Now...since the lovely Snow White is injured, she'll stay behind with Phoebus and Avery, while you three take me to that tower," Rourke said, referring to Henry, David, and Bobby.
"If you think I'm leaving my wife here with these monsters, you really are crazy," David growled. Rourke smirked and the heart glowed. Snow gasped, as she felt her ankle heal.
"I healed it, but the spell I used is on contingency," he said.
"One wrong move from any of you and her ankle breaks again...or maybe her neck," he warned. Snow and David exchanged a glance, as he helped her up and they made landfall with the ship.
"Let's go...guard the ship," he ordered, as they stepped onto the sand.
"You too, father...I'm sure you don't want to miss the moment when your son is granted ultimate power over the universe," Rourke said. Reluctantly, Davy Jones followed them, leaving Phoebus and Avery behind with the ship.
Natalie arrived at the diner and found it locked. She looked in and Frankie saw her, before letting her and the girls in.
"Natalie!" Thalia called, as she rushed to her daughter.
"Hi Mom…" she said, as they hugged and then she took her son.
"Hey buddy…" she cooed.
"There's a bunch of creeps crawling around, but I barricaded the back entrance," Joe said, as he came in from the back.
"That makes sense...they emptied the prison and there's no magic, thanks to Rourke," Natalie said.
"Where's your father?" Thalia asked.
"Headed right into the belly of the beast, as usual," Natalie replied.
"We'll be safe here," Frankie said.
"Don't be so sure about that," a voice said and she looked up toward the Inn side where he stood.
"Johnny…" she uttered.
"You're here," she said. He shrugged.
"They emptied the prison, as you said...and Rourke is paying very handsomely for recruits," he said. She held her son tightly and slowly put her hand on the gun on her hip, ready to protect them all if needed.
After landing from Pegasus, Elsa and Leo fought their way through the undead souls and met up with Kristoff and Anna in the streets of Arendelle.
"Our soldiers are keeping them back, but they're tiring and these zombie things aren't," Kristoff reported.
"Let's get everyone we can into the palace...we can try to keep them out that way," Elsa said.
"Not so fast, dear granddaughter," a voice said and Leo gasped for air, as Runeard put a hand around Leo's neck and his skin started to turn gray.
"Let him go!" she cried.
"Guess his powers still work," Anna said, as he tossed Leo away and fortunately the color began to return.
"Yes...my powers are not derived from magic and therefore, immune to the stone's power. Rourke would have to use it on me directly to stop me...which I don't think he will do as long as I stay out of his way," he added.
"What do you want?" Elsa demanded to know.
"My Throne, of course…" he stated.
"It's not your Throne anymore. Elsa is Queen," Leo refuted. He smirked.
"Then I guess I'll have to force your hand," he said, as the gray matter emanated from him and spread through the ground and screams ensued, as a couple people were turned to dust.
"Stop! Just stop killing my people and you can have the Throne!" Elsa cried. He smirked and walked past them.
"A very good choice and now you will all bow to your new King," Runeard said.
"Hard pass," Leo growled, but they all cried out, as the gray matter crept up from the ground and to their feet, rendering their legs useless and causing them to collapse to their knees. This continued with everyone he passed by on his way to the castle, as he enslaved the entire Kingdom without lifting a finger.
"Rumple...are you sure about this?" Belle asked.
"Yes...all the Kingdoms are going to have no choice but to capitulate until the Charmings can regain power. I must protect you and Gideon," he said, as he led them through the secret portal into Bald Mountain. Even without magic, it still worked, because they had Hyde create it with science as a failsafe and for once, he was glad they relied on science for this matter.
"Fortunately, Hiram and I have been working on several things that we hope can help us fight back until magic returns," Hyde said, as he and Hiram were already in the control room. Olivia smiled at Gideon and he smiled back shyly.
"Do you have visuals on all the Kingdoms?" Rumple asked.
"Yes...they are leaving the Reserve alone mostly, but we saw Johnny Clayton heading for Storybrooke not so long ago," Hyde replied.
"You think he'll take his son?" Belle asked.
"No way to say for sure...but I hope he's changed as much as Natalie thinks he has," Rumple replied.
"Unfortunately, it gets much, much worse. Arendelle has fallen to Runeard and if that wasn't bad enough, Rourke has captured Snow, David, and Bobby," Hyde said, as he showed them the footage.
"This is bad…" Belle said.
"And the other Kingdoms?" Rumple asked.
"All under siege...but if Fandral can retake Andresia, I'm sure he'll move his army against the others and liberate as many as he can," Hyde replied.
"Neal staying behind with the powerless fairies doesn't bode well," Rumple growled.
"Tink was never going to leave her charges and you know he'd never leave her," Belle chided. He nodded curtly.
"Then let's see this help you have, because we need to turn the tide and fast or Rourke is going to conquer the entire United Realms," Rumple said. Hyde nodded and motioned for them to follow...