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: 235-248
Season 10: 249-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)
Atanos: Yung Fat Chow
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!
Number Ten: Yep, more mysteries, not necessarily ones I meant for, but I guess I can't help myself. I think the conflict between Mu and Atlantis is interesting and I guess that's why I wanted to explore it. In the 1980's anime, the Mysterious Cities of Gold, the reason both Atlantis and Mu(they called it Hiva though in the English version) destroyed each other through war with their advanced weapons and technology(nukes basically, though they're called weapons of the sun). But they didn't expand on it much, but I've always found it fascinating. It's such a unique cartoon that I watched as a kid and find even more fascinating as an adult. I hesitate to even call it "cartoon" since it is a really intelligent mix of history and fantasy. So much so that I've taken little things here and there from it for my stories over the years, but never delved into it fully so I decided to finally do it. Anyway, sorry for the tangent. If you do want a good anime though and you have Prime Video, I highly recommend this one. It has its obvious childish aspects in it, but the history behind it and its more fantastic elements is very interesting. I would say that Nubia will not be a full fledged villain. We discover a bit more about her in this chapter. I'd say she's almost a victim (you'll learn why), but also someone that probably made really bad choices that may have had catastrophic consequences. Snow and David probably should have mentioned it, but you'll learn why it might have been in Nubia's best interest that they didn't. Yep, I have a surprise on the Flynn front too and Mephisto is the worst. We're getting closer to that little brawl. Glad you're enjoying it!
Zariah: Yep, Nubia was his lover and we find out even more about her in this chapter. Some shocking stuff, actually. She's still alive, because no one ages in this story, lol. Kidding...kind of. No, that's explained, but remember, no one aged in Atlantis due to the Fountain of Youth and then Mu was hidden away. Slowly, we'll find out why she's over a thousand years old. Yeah, it's pretty outrageous that they chose to discriminate against Summer, because they don't understand her. And don't even want to. No, I don't think Summer's magic could do that. I think maybe it can be used to enhance skills. But it sounds more like that would be something Bobby could do since his magic is so strong and he can use all types of magic. Summer basically pulls her magic from water, which in theory means she could pull it from the air since water is almost everywhere in some form. But I doubt Summer would even think to do it. She grew up not having it, unlike Bobby, so her talent is all her. So those people are ignorant, but we knew that. :) The tours are very fun and a way to connect with the outside world, but safely without letting a bunch of strangers in. Yes, the Atlantis and Mu conflict is very interesting to me. It comes from the anime Mysterious Cities of Gold from the 80's that I grew up watching and it has influenced a lot of my writing of this arc, because it's a beloved part of my childhood. So putting my favorite Once characters in a plot like this is very fun and exciting to write. Thanks, glad you're enjoying! :)
Grace5231973: The journal is very curious and I had fun writing the scene in this chapter. I think you'll find some of Nubia's story very shocking. I know, I couldn't help myself when I decided to write David in his study doing paperwork. That was all me with heart eyes, lol. Glad you're enjoying!
Sexystarwarslover: I know, I loved the scene with Snowing, Natalie and Levi. And there is more of that in this chapter. Yes, they will be well rested when they eventually travel to Vegas to deal with Mephisto, but they're dealing with a bit of mystery at home. I know, I love that they have artwork like that in their home. I know, ignorant people denying Summer the opportunity to compete is a pretty low blow. But you're right, they have the real Mount Olympus and could have a United Realms version of the Olympics that would be epic. Yep, Nubia is acting weird and wants that journal for some reason. We'll find out why in this chapter. Yep, Natalie's tours are going really well and it's a very innovative way to share with the world without letting them in. Yep, everyone wants to talk about Snowing. They are that couple. No, Flynn is not used to nice things, but I have a surprise on that front for him in this chapter. Yeah, he loathes the paperwork part of his job. Yep, David has reading glasses, because I can't help myself. I have a problem, lol. Yeah, I loved that scene when they thought they'd get threatening with David and he was all, you really want to ride this train? And then Snow would go off on them and they would be swiss cheese. Yeah, Rose and Belle are always charged with reading all the horrible things they need to know in the research department. But I like that this story and Once always come back to books and how they seem to be the key to everything. Yep, Aunt Snow and Uncle David, cuddling and spoiling one of their nephews. It is going to be VERY interesting! I'm glad Natalie has a big family too! Glad you're enjoying it!
AnonSnowing: Yeah, I think Void will be the final villain. Yeah, I suppose school in the UR would be similar to Hogwarts. History and Geography of the UR, science might include unique substances and items with magical properties, math would probably be...math, lol. Yeah, I needed a quick face claim for Flynn so I threw him in there. I am open to changing it though if I find someone better. Yep, some injustice for Summer, because of ignorant people. I think the Charmings living area sounds warm and cozy too. Yeah, good thing for imagination. Yeah, it's not that kind of magic, but they're ignorant and don't even want to try to understand. Yeah, they have Mount Olympus. It would be an epic place to have their own Olympics. Yeah, I'm sure Summer's future includes dancing of some kind. Yep, Natalie is doing a lot of virtual tours. An honorary Charming? Yep, I think Flynn is becoming an honorary Charming. Yeah, David is very hands on and paperwork is not his favorite thing to. A necessary part of his job though I'm sure. Yep, David with reading glasses, because I can't help myself. I imagine the kids might have seen it on occasion, but I think I like only Snow knowing about it. I know, even sexier with a study. Yeah, we'll have to see if Flynn's parentage goes anywhere. Yep, I'd be annoyed too if they just burst in without being invited. Technically, he is a King. And Sheriff. Nubia is acting very weird and we start to find out why in this chapter. No, Nubia isn't Esteban's mother. You'll find out why in this chapter. Yep, there's something more to her. Glad you're enjoying it!
Finding You Always
Chapter 252: Secrets and Scandal, Pt 1
Their takeout arrived and as they started eating, Snow and David cuddled together on the couch so they could start paging through the mysterious book that liked to glow in their presence. Finding out that it was written by Atanos, father to David's predecessor, was interesting enough. But to discover that he was also Nubia's lover added to the intrigue.
"Okay...so how does this work? Atanos lived like more than a thousand years ago. How is Nubia that old?" Natalie asked.
"Good question...I mean, we know that no one aged in Atlantis, because of the fountain of youth," Snow replied.
"Kida said that in their ancient past, her people stayed young and healthy, because of the fountain of youth, but weren't tied to it. She doesn't know what happened to make it that way," Natalie said.
"Well...there is definitely bad blood between the Atlanteans and the Hivans. Faruka was ready to skewer me when she found out we left the book with Kida," David replied.
"Still going to tell her off for that," Snow said indignantly. Natalie smiled, as she dug into her food. She really loved how protective they were of each other and the people they loved.
"Listen to this…" David said, as he found a passage.
"I have done it...I have found the mysterious city of Atlantis, beneath the ocean. A man using a mechanical beast that can travel through the ocean has granted me passage to the city. I believe he means to conquer it and though I don't wish harm to the Atlanteans, they have something I must possess. Something I must obtain and return to Cibola with. This man seeks Cibola too, but has no idea that I am the High Priest and that I must have water from the Fountain of Youth to save my son's future," he read.
"He wanted water from the fountain in Atlantis?" Natalie asked.
"It would appear so and this was written a little more than a thousand years ago. Maybe around the time Esteban would have met Zia," David replied.
"But if he had met Zia by then and they had their spark, why did he need the water to save him? The water retains youth," Snow said.
"But it was obviously perverted by Clayton at some point since that youth came with a price. I've read some of Kida's ancient scrolls that have been translated. The fountain used to retain youth and cure disease. It never tied anyone to Atlantis either," Natalie replied.
"Sounds like someone cursed the fountain...can a High Priest do that?" David asked. She shrugged.
"Maybe...we know very little about Atanos. But one person we know seems to know a lot," Natalie said.
"Nubia...she would know the whole story," Snow replied.
"Then why does she want this book so badly if she knows?" David asked. Natalie and Snow exchanged a glance.
"She has something to hide," the blonde said. Snow nodded.
"We better keep reading," she said, as they skimmed a few more pages together. Soon, there was a gasp from Snow.
"I...I think I know what Queen Nubia is hiding," she said, as she looked at them both in shock.
Rose and Fandral arrived at Olympus after a successful visit with Hyde at the University. He had agreed to work on a few things that could assist them in the battle with Mephisto, but suggested they talk to Hermes.
Olympus had been re-created, after Seth destroyed it, into a magnificent sky castle with clouds that transported you from Aphrodite's temple, her and James' castle, to Athena's temple, as well as Hermes' temple. Other Temples and castles for the remaining Gods that had not been killed dotted the sky in the near distance and the entirety of Olympus was surrounded by pillowy transporting clouds and full arching rainbows. It was a gorgeous sight that left visitors in awe of it every time. The pair stepped onto one of the clouds and sailed up to Hermes' Temple.
"Oh...Rose and Fandral, it's good to see you," Hermes said.
"We're sorry for showing up unannounced, but Aphrodite said you were back from your travels and we have a request," Rose replied. Hermes smiled.
"Like Aphrodite has her charges, you two are mine. You can always show up when you need something," she said. They smiled.
"You may or may not have heard, but Snow and David are preparing to venture to the Land Without Magic to deal with Mephisto for what we're hoping is the last time," Fandral explained.
"Yes...he is causing a lot of terror and many have already died. David has received prophetic council from his predecessors," Rose continued.
"I see...then we cannot ignore the Truest Loves of the past. They only speak to Snow and David when it is of the utmost importance," Hermes said. They nodded.
"We agree...but Mephisto is a being that is not easily vanquished. Even Odin himself did not think Hel, our version of the Underworld, would hold Mephisto. That's how he ended up banished and found his way to Nephilim with the other banished villains," Fandral explained. Hermes nodded.
"He is unlike most...it seems Snow and David keep running into those," she said.
"As you can imagine, I feel a bit responsible that he's even here. He originates from my home realm," Fandral added.
"My love...it is not your fault that he is here," Rose admonished.
"I know, my angel...but I still feel that I should play a role in his vanquishing. We're just unsure if it's even possible to destroy someone like him," he said. Rose nodded.
"I've done extensive reading on him and other beings like him that might be considered counterparts. Seth and Hades were very much like him in a way and they were destroyed by the Chalice," Rose said.
"You're just not sure Mephisto can be vanquished with it alone," Hermes deduced. They nodded.
"We think Bobby can likely destroy him, but as you can imagine, we do not like the idea of putting that on the shoulders of one so young and we can easily put ourselves in Snow and David's shoes on this. They would never want this to come down to Bobby," Fandral said.
"Then you are asking for another way in case things go badly?" Hermes asked. They nodded.
"Hyde is working on a few things from a technology aspect. After all, Jekyll managed to bypass Mephisto's control with his devices," Rose said.
"Yes...it seems technology does overrule magic on occasion, as much as I hate to admit it," Hermes replied.
"But we were wondering if there was a way to convince Nyx to help us," Fandral said.
"Ah...you mean banish Mephisto to Gehenna. The place of eternal fire and hell for only the worst to ever exist," Hermes replied.
"We normally would not ask...but like Clayton, we all believe that Mephisto has more than earned his place there," Fandral said.
"We believe that vanquishing him and not just banishing him could save humanity," Rose replied.
"With Mephisto...I'm inclined to agree and while Nyx does not usually step in, she has a lot of respect for Snow and David since they saved her from Hades and restored her rightful rule," Hermes said.
"Then you will make the request to her?" Fandral asked. Hermes smiled.
"I will go today and ask," she replied. They smiled.
"Thank you," Rose said. The Goddess nodded and they shared a hug.
"Man…I'm not finding anything about Flynn in here. The name Eugene Fitzherbert is not returning any results," Milo said.
"Me either…" Kida said, as she was focused on something.
"But you seem to have found something," he said, as he joined her and saw what she was reading.
"What is this from?" he asked.
"I took some scans of that book after Emma translated and before Natalie took it home," she said, as she was stunned by what she had read.
"This...this is unexpected, to say the least," Milo said.
"It could be a grenade and we just tossed it into Snow and David's lap," Kida replied worriedly.
"Hey...if anyone knows how to defuse a potentially explosive situation like this, it's Snow and David," Milo said.
"I hope you're right…" she replied.
"Well? Don't keep us in suspense," Natalie said anxiously.
"Listen to this," Snow said, as she began reading the passage.
"I have been in Atlantis for a few weeks now and I believe Mr. Clayton trusts me. He is a charismatic man and has gained the trust of the King. I don't think the King has any inkling of the Collector's true plans for Atlantis," Snow said, pausing for a moment.
"This King...he would be Kida's ancestor, right?" Natalie asked. David nodded.
"I think so. From what they've told us, Milo met Kida a little over a hundred years ago. Kida's mother escaped the destruction or supposed destruction and she had what were thought to be the last surviving texts of her people," David explained. Snow nodded.
"Then Milo and Kida were later captured by Clayton and discovered he had recreated Atlantis. They drank the water from the fountain and didn't age and couldn't leave," she said.
"Okay...so what does this have to do with Nubia?" Natalie asked.
"Just this," Snow said, as she continued reading.
"There have also been a few unexpected developments in my journey here. It would seem that the Atlanteans and their mortal enemies, the Mu are warring over the Children
of the Sun. It would seem that both are enthralled by them and the Goddess Venus. They hated each other even before this and have always been in contest, but when the Dragon Queen revealed that she was looking for a safe place to move her people's most prized piece of heritage, both cultures have been vying to her for the privilege of protecting Cibola. So much so that they are on the brink of war," she said.
"This led me to revealing my secret to the King's eldest daughter, Princess Nubia. The secret is that I am the father of Esteban, the Dragon King, and High Priest of Cibola. The King is greedy and keeps the Fountain of Youth guarded for only his elite, while the rest of his people age and die of disease," Snow read.
"Princess Nubia!?" Natalie exclaimed.
"Nubia is Atlantean?" David questioned. Snow nodded.
"It seems so...no wonder she fears the truth. The Mu hate Atlanteans. They would turn on her," she said.
"Worse than that...I think they'd execute her if Faruka's reaction to us even leaving this journal near Kida," David said.
"That also makes Nubia related to Kida, right?" Natalie asked.
"Seems like it. From what I remember, Kida's mother escaped, but she had sisters. We just always assumed they perished in whatever calamity destroyed Atlantis the first time," Snow replied.
"Is there anything else?" David asked.
"Oh yes...he goes on," Snow replied, as she continued.
"Nubia loathes her father's greed and wishes to destroy the Fountain so the gap between the rich and poor can be closed. She tells of Atlantis' golden age where peace and prosperity reigned. But her father's greed has squandered it all and corruption has set in. The King now uses their sorcery to make weapons and the Mu are doing the same. War is coming and it is likely that both will be destroyed. But Nubia and I are in love and I have offered a solution. She knows of a great curse that can taint the Fountain of Youth. It would still grant its youthful properties and freedom from disease, but a price would be paid and no Atlanteans could ever leave their home. I have convinced her that her father's weapons could destroy the planet and that she must do this," she said.
"That's how it happened...Nubia cursed the water," David said. Snow nodded and continued.
"Before she curses it, I will obtain a canteen of it and take it with me. Inside Cibola, I can contain it where none can reach it, except my son and his wife. I have convinced Nubia to leave with me and that Cibola would be best suited near Mu. She is completely in love with me and has agreed. I have told her that her people will be safe even if she leaves with me, but I know I cannot promise that, for the Collector will take over and likely kill her people to add Atlantis to his collection," Snow finished.
"Wow…" Natalie said.
"Atanos doesn't sound like a very upstanding guy," David added.
"We need to talk to Nubia...without her guards," Snow said.
"We can call visit her with the journal and tell her we need to speak with her alone," David suggested.
"Do you think she'll go for that?" Natalie asked.
"If she thinks we even have an inkling that she's Atlantean, she'll agree and dismiss her guards, even if they don't like it," Snow reasoned. Natalie nodded, as the baby fussed.
"Okay...well, I think I'm going to put him down and then call it a night," she said, as she picked Levi up and headed upstairs. They smiled and he pulled her into his arms, as they cuddled together on the couch, just as the boys came in.
"Hi boys…did you have a good time?" Snow asked.
"A great time…an amusement park was the best idea," Bobby said, as he went to the fridge for some chocolate milk.
"Thanks again, for all the great stuff," Flynn said.
"You're welcome, sweetie…it was fun for me too," Snow replied, as the boys went to Bobby's room, probably to play video games. Snow smiled, as she watched them go and cuddled against her husband.
"I really am glad he decided to stay with us," she said.
"Me too…he's a good kid," he replied.
"He has a good heart…I'm so glad you made sure he got off the streets," she said.
"Me too…but you have that look," he replied.
"What look?" she asked.
"The I have an idea look," he replied.
"I do not have an I have an idea look," she countered. He chuckled and kissed her hair.
"Yes you do…you have many looks and I know them all," he replied.
"Okay, so I have been thinking…what if we adopted Flynn?" she asked, as she looked at him expectantly.
"You want to adopt Flynn?" he asked. She nodded.
"I do…I mean, I know he's sixteen, but that doesn't mean he doesn't need a family and parents. And…and I love him like he's ours already," she replied. He smiled and kissed her tenderly.
"Because you're a wonderful, amazing person and an incredible mother," he said.
"Let's do it," he added.
"Really?" she asked.
"Of course…he's a good kid and you're right, he needs a family. Everyone does, no matter how old you are. And he and Bobby already get along like brothers," he replied. She squealed excitedly and hugged him tightly, making him chuckle again.
"Did you really think I'd say no?" he asked.
"No…I knew you'd say yes, I'm just happy we can make it official soon," she replied.
"How should we tell him?" he asked.
"Let's call Mitchell Herman in the morning and have him draw up the papers first. Then…we can present them to him," she replied.
"That sounds wonderful," he said, as he kissed her tenderly again.
"Come on handsome…let's go to bed," she replied, as she got up and led him to the bedroom.
Hermes arrived in the Underworld and waited for Nyx to grant her an audience. In the meantime, she made her way around Underbrooke, noticing the subtle changes since Snow and David made such an impact with their visit years ago. Nyx allowed the growth of snowdrops when people made progress with their unfinished business and she noticed them dotting the landscape like pockets of hope. While it was still a place of limbo, people were now allowed to work out their problems and issues without fear.
"Hermes…" a voice said and she turned to see someone that she hadn't seen in a long time.
"Helen…still here I see," Hermes said.
"Well…I'll always be here, thanks to her," the woman replied. Hermes sighed.
"She even visited here with that delightful Prince of hers, but Nyx promised me eternity in Tartarus if I even approached her," she said bitterly.
"Thousands of years and you still hold a grudge, I see," Hermes replied.
"Paris and I were far better candidates for the Chalice than the Dragon Queen and her cold King," Helen argued. Hermes sighed.
"We were the truest of loves in our time. I cheered when her Adonis was slain and only sorry I didn't do it myself," she replied coldly.
"You are Paris were in love…but not the truest. You proved that when your Kingdom retaliated against Paris' and caused a bloody war. You broke off your engagement to Melanus, you promised that you and Paris would gain the Chalice and give favors to his Kingdom in return," Hermes recalled.
"And we would have if that judgemental blonde bimbo had proclaimed us as her Champions!" Helen said hotly.
"You and Paris may have been in love, but you had no spark. She couldn't have given it to you even if she wanted to. Believe me, she never wanted war and no one can blame her for the one that ensued," Hermes reasoned. Helen scoffed.
"Watch me," she growled bitterly. When Helen and Paris were not named truest loves and Helen refused to return to marry Melanus, it sparked the Trojan War as a result. Many blamed Aphrodite for the bloody war and loss of life, but Zeus had protected her from their wrath.
"Helen…you've been here for more than a millennium. Are you ever going to move on? Even Paris has gone on," Hermes said.
"Not until I see the Goddess pay," Helen replied.
"You know, I was called the most beautiful woman in all the lands. But once Aphrodite arrived and Adonis began courting her, they began to call her the most beautiful," she said sadly.
"Like I was supposed to compete with the Goddess of love and beauty," she added bitterly. Hermes sighed and heard herself being called.
"Aphrodite has paid enough. She lost her son and her true love three times. She went through enough and I advise you to let this grudge go and move on. Paris still awaits you in Asphodel Meadows," the Goddess said.
"We belong in Elysian…and yet we were denied that too!" Helen said, as she began to rant again. Hermes sighed and left in a bubble, before reappearing in Nyx's Throne room.
"You must need something," Nyx said, as she lounged in her Throne and enjoyed a glass of red wine.
"What makes you say that?" Hermes asked. Nyx smirked.
"You don't come to the Underworld, messenger Goddess, without messages or requests," Nyx answered.
"I'm here on behalf of the truest loves," Hermes replied.
"Let me guess…this has something to do with Mephisto?" she questioned.
"Then you know he has established a criminal network in the Land Without Magic?" Hermes asked.
"Of course I know…I'm getting more traffic from there these days. They all describe the same thing about their deaths. The devil killed them," she replied. Hermes nodded.
"Snow and David are planning to go there and take him on, face to face, to stop him," she informed. Nyx raised an eyebrow.
"That's either very brave or very stupid," Nyx said.
"But admirable, nonetheless. What is their request?" she asked.
"They are going to try to destroy him with the Chalice, but if it's impossible, they want assistance in opening the gates to Gehenna, like you did with Clayton," Hermes answered.
"Normally one must be dead to get the privilege of that, but Mephisto is neither alive nor dead," Nyx said.
"And we think that if he could die and come here that it could be disastrous as well," Hermes surmised. She almost thought she saw Nyx shudder.
"A very good point and I'll admit, I'd rather not battle him trying to take over my Throne. If he were to take over the Underworld, there would only be damnation for the souls of the departed," she said. Hermes nodded.
"Tell the Truest Loves that if they can subdue him and bind him with these," Nyx said, as a pair of red hot chains appeared in her hand.
"Then it will transport him and them directly to me where I can cast him into Gehenna," she said, as Hermes conjured an enchanted jar to put the chains in.
"Are…are these the chains of Prometheus?" she questioned curiously. She smirked.
"They are…and if anything can bind Mephisto for the necessary amount of time to get him here, it's these chains," Nyx said.
"Thank you…this is exactly what we need," Hermes replied.
"They still have to subdue and capture him. Wish them luck, because they'll need it," Nyx replied. Hermes nodded, as she encased herself in a bubble and journeyed back to the living world.
The next morning, Snow and David decided they would first visit Mitchell Herman, after having breakfast with the boys. They had texted him last night and he was having the papers drawn up that morning. Then they decided to visit all their kids and tell them what they had planned in advance, before also visiting Queen Nubia and figuring out how to speak to her alone. Next, they planned to invite everyone to the Galaxy Rose for a family dinner to tell Flynn they wanted to adopt him and then hopefully plan their trip to Vegas. It was going to be a busy day, but hopefully one filled with joy for their family.
"Hey…was that Mitchell?" Snow asked, as he hung up his phone and came into the kitchen.
"No…actually, it was Major Donovan. She and Agent Harding are set up in the hotel across from Mephisto's and they said everything is ready for us to come. She has reserved the entire top floor of this hotel," he replied. She blew out a breath.
"This is getting real…" she said.
"I know," he replied, as he kissed her hair.
"I told them to keep a low profile. I'm sure Mephisto expects us to come for him sooner or later, but I don't want him taking them out if he sees them," David said. She nodded, as the boys trudged into the kitchen. Bobby went right for the chocolate milk and they sat down to eat breakfast together.
"I don't know what you two have planned for the day, but tonight, we're going to have a family dinner at the Galaxy Rose," Snow said.
"That's fancy…are we celebrating?" Bobby asked. She smiled slyly.
"Maybe…but mostly we're meeting with everyone to discuss the game plan for Vegas. And Granny's is a little snug," David replied.
"Okay…but do they have food that's not that fancy stuff?" Bobby asked, making David chuckle.
"I'm sure the buffet will have plenty of Charming approved foods. The owner does know what kind of fare this brood prefers," he said.
"Yes, perish the thought that my boys might expand their palettes a bit," Snow teased.
"We have extensive palettes. I like to call mine the three P's," Bobby said.
"Well, this should be good. What are the three P's?" she asked.
"Pizza, pancakes, and pretty much anything breaded and fried," he replied, making both David and Flynn chuckled. Snow rolled her eyes.
"Well, I'm sure there will be plenty on the buffet to satisfy even you," she replied. Flynn smiled.
"Sounds fun…that is, if I'm invited?" he asked.
"Of course you are…you're like family now," Snow replied, as she got up to take the dishes to the sink, but not before she missed the touched look on Flynn's face.
"Uh…thanks," he said, after swallowing.
"You're welcome, sweetie," she said.
"Charming, we should go since we have a lot of stops to make today," she replied. He nodded and they grabbed their coats, before making their way out for the day.
After breakfast, while Fandral was training, Rose made her way to the library. She had been texting with Snow and her counterpart told her about the fascinating things they had discovered in a book, which once translated, they learned was Atanos' journal. And it seemed that Atanos wasn't entirely noble, as she was reading now. Once she learned the name, she immediately found texts on him.
Apparently, he had been something of a nomad, traveling the globe to seek rare items and treasures, not completely unlike Clayton. He had not been nearly as ruthless, but not as upstanding as she was sure his son, Esteban, hoped he would be.
He had all but abandoned his son when it was clear that he would never have the Throne of the Dragon King, being that he had married into the family. It made sense now why Esteban was so embattled in his rule. It had not just been the fact that he himself married an outsider, but he himself was considered not of pure royal blood and a half breed.
Atanos visited his son periodically once he and Zia had been awarded the Chalice and the title of Truest Loves and she read about his meeting with the Collector. The historical account told of Atanos' plan to travel to Atlantis, but there was nothing about his time there. It seemed the journal was the only account of it and his plan to curse the fountain once he had stolen some water for it. Nubia was mentioned, but nothing about how she betrayed her people to be with Atanos. Only that she left Atlantis with him and back to his son's Kingdom where they eventually convinced Esteban and Zia to relocate Cibola with the Mu people, a indigenous race of people that he purported would welcome the Children of the Sun with open arms as they practically worshiped Venus and any of her Champions.
"Hey…" Fandral said, as he pulled her from her reading and she smiled up at him, as he leaned down to kiss her.
"That must be a very interesting book," he mentioned.
"It's fascinating…Atanos wasn't a bad person, per say, but definitely had his own agenda," she replied, as he slid into the large recliner with her.
"Then he wasn't chosen to be the High Priest?" he asked.
"No…he convinced his son that he would be perfect to guard Cibola with his, get this, wife Nubia," she replied.
"So…the Mu never discovered her true origins and because she was the wife of the High Priest, she likely became their obvious Queen?" he asked.
"Somehow…I'm sure I'll find out more as I read, but I think there's probably more details in that journal," she replied.
"I wonder how he died?" Fandral questioned, as she flipped ahead a few pages.
"He…he didn't," she said.
"What?" he asked.
"Listen to this," she replied.
"Atanos studied day and night in the highest tower of Cibola, while Nubia governed the Mu people. She established the Kingdom of Hiva, a people dedicated to the worship of Venus and the Children of the Sun. Meanwhile, her husband was trying to use the waters from the Fountain of Youth and many other mythical substances, including pure hellfire, to try and create something that could destroy the Chalice!" she exclaimed.
"Destroy the Chalice? Is such even possible?" he questioned.
"I…I don't know," she said.
"Why in heavens would he want to destroy Aprhrodite's Chalice?" Fandral wondered.
"Here it is," she said, as she continued reading.
"Atanos had been told by a mysterious figure that the Chalice would lead to his son and daughter-in-law's deaths. He was also told of Aphrodite's own curse and began his quest to destroy what he considered to be an accursed and troublesome item," he replied.
"He obviously didn't succeed. Does it say what happened?" he asked.
"Yes…here is it," she said.
"When Esteban caught him trying to use his concoction on the Chalice, which had no effect on the enchanted item made of pure love, Esteban was furious. He used the Chalice and banished his father's essence into his own journal. He and Zia then hid the texts away in an ancient mountain that had once been a Mu Temple," she said.
"The burning mountain," he realized.
"He's in the journal," Rose realized.
"Like Isaac was once banished into Henry's book," Fandral uttered.
"We have to tell Snow and David. If Nubia wants that journal…" Rose said.
"Then perhaps she wants him released and only the truest loves can do it," Fandral replied.
"Do you know where they are today?" he asked, as Rose looked at her phone.
"They were visiting the kids today, but she said they're now on their way to Mu soon," she replied.
"Let's join them," he said, as he took her hand and they hurried out.
"Nana! Papa!" Hope called, as she ran to them when they arrived at the Harbor. Killian and Emma had taken her out on the water that morning.
"There's our little one," David said, as he scooped her up into his arms and Snow kissed her cheek.
"Hey guys…is everything okay?" Emma asked. They smiled.
"It's good…we just wanted to tell you something so you hear it from us before tonight," David replied.
"Well, don't keep us in suspense," Killian said. Snow smiled brightly.
"We've decided to adopt Flynn," she announced.
"Wow…that's amazing," Emma said.
"Yeah…we just wanted to run it by all of you first though and we hope you're okay with it," Snow replied. She smiled and hugged them both.
"Mom…I'm better than fine with it. This is amazing," Emma said.
"We know he's sixteen…" she started to say, but Emma shook her head.
"No…everyone needs parents, even when you're grown up. At least parents like you guys…trust me," she said and they knew she was speaking from experience during her ten years that she was an orphan.
"Thanks Princess…I had a feeling you'd understand," he said. She smiled.
"I do and so will my brothers and sisters. And Bobby is going to love it too," she replied.
"Thanks…we just hope Flynn reacts well too," Snow said.
"He will…he'll be really surprised and have moments where he thinks he's not worth it, but he will, because you guys are so warm and loving. He'll be overwhelmed, but
happy," she assured them, as they hugged again.
"Wanna come out on the ocean with us? We're gonna grab some Granny's and go back out," Emma offered.
"We'd love normally, but we want to tell your siblings about our plans and then we have to visit Queen Nubia," Snow said.
"Why don't you just go tell Leo at the reserve now while I run to Granny's. Eva is there covering for the vet today and I think Summer and JJ are there too. Then we can give you a ride to Mu," Emma suggested.
"That sounds great. We'll meet you back here in thirty," David said, as they used a quick portal to arrive at the reserve.
"Hey Mom and Dad," Leo said, as he brushed Pegasus' mane. Firestorm chirped from his perch nearby and Graham and Wilby sat in the grass nearby.
"Hey sweetie…is Eva here too?" Snow asked.
"She is and Summer and JJ just got back with Sparkle," he replied.
"Good…all three of you are here," Snow said excitedly.
"What's going on?" Eva asked.
"Well…we wanted to tell you first before we announce it tonight, but we've decided to adopt Flynn. We're going to tell him at family dinner tonight," David announced. All three of them smiled.
"That's amazing!" Eva exclaimed, as she hugged them.
"It really is!" Summer said.
"Yeah…the five of us are incredibly lucky and now he will be too," Leo added, as they shared hugs.
"Congratulations…he is a really lucky kid," JJ said.
"You do know you're already an honorary Charming, right?" Eva asked. He smiled shyly.
"She's right…" Snow replied, as she gave him a hug too.
"Thanks…it's an honor," he assured them.
"Okay…well, we can't stay long, because we have to visit Queen Nubia before tonight, but we'll see you at the Galaxy Rose later. Their kids and JJ waved, as they stepped through the portal again, just as Emma arrived back from Granny's.
"So…does the visit with Nubia have anything to do with that book she was flipping out about?" the blonde asked.
"Yeah…and we know why she flipped out," David replied.
"Why do I have a feeling that this is some tawdry tidbit, laced with scandal?" Killian mused.
"Oh, because it is," Snow said.
"Do tell," Emma said, as her husband took them out to see and she ate her onion rings.
"Well…firstly, Nubia failed to mention this whole time that she and Atanos were lovers," David said. Emma raised an eyebrow.
"That's kind of you don't leave out, especially since we've talked about him. He's the former High Priest of Cibola, right?" she asked. They nodded.
"And Esteban's father, correct?" Killian asked.
"Correct…but that's not even the most scandalous thing we found in the journal you magically translated," Snow replied.
"Yeah…turns out that Nubia is not native to Mu," David said.
"So…where is she from?" Emma asked.
"Nubia was once Princess Nubia…of Atlantis," Snow replied.
"But don't the Mu consider the Atlanteans mortal enemies? Which is kind of stupid, since Kida is the only one left," Emma said.
"Ah…no wonder Queen Nubia was nervous about that book," Killian mused.
"Exactly…if her people find out, there is no telling what will happen," David replied.
"So…what are you going to do? If they're mad enough, they might kill her," Emma said.
"We know. That's why we figured we would request an audience with her alone. If she knows we know, then she won't hesitate to agree. Then we're going to make her tell the truth…the whole truth," David replied.
"Yeah…if she was hiding these things, who knows what else she's hiding," Emma said.
"We thought the same," Snow replied. Emma blew out a breath.
"Never a dull moment around here," she said. David smirked.
"We'd welcome a little dull and we still have Vegas ahead of us," he said.
"That's a lot of pressure…and neither of you show it," Killian mentioned. They smiled at each other.
"No matter what…love gets us through anything," Snow said, as he kissed her tenderly. It was true and they always found comfort in it…