AN: Thanks for the incredible response to this Snowing story! See previous chapter for important authors notes on characters and story notes.

Important note: Milah is not Neal's father in this universe. Cora is I've taken some liberties again with characters and back stories. :)

Special Note: The character of TJ Morrison is a Manifest character. The characters of Nick and Greta Branson are based on Hansel(also known as Jack and Nick Branson) and Gretel from Once season 7. The character of Isaiah is a Manifest character.

Another Note: As we get further into season 2 and season 3, I will be focusing more on the major Manifest plotlines and not so much the minor ones that involve one offs with passengers, in addition to the original plots I have created for this story. Season 4 will be premiering soon and once I see what I'm working with, I'll make a decision if this story will be going with a Manifest type ending or if I have to move to more of a Once ending. Most of you that watch Manifest know that (spoiler alert) that Margaret's counterpart character in the series, Grace, dies at the end of season 3. I will not be doing that with Margaret. Either way, when the time comes, I will give this story a satisfying ending that may or may not match the series. :)

This one will update bi-weekly on Sunday nights now. Please consider leaving a review, it is much appreciated. Here are individual responses to reviews:

Sexystarwarslover: Yeah, it was quite an action packed chapter. Yeah, I really enjoyed S4 too. Yeah, that was a scary Calling. Yeah, David freaking out over an angsty teen Emma would be funny. Yes, it seems Isaiah is luring everyone to the club he works at. Yeah, Olive and TJ are in love. I'm not sure we'll have to worry about Isaiah needing arrested though. David got Olive out, but looks like TJ got caught in the explosion. Yep, Neal is starting to get frostbite and just as he and Emma are discovering their love. Glad you're enjoying!

Jennifer Baratta: Yeah, poor Olive. Glad you're enjoying!

Grace5231973: Yep, that was Neal that Emma confessed her feelings to. Me too...hopefully TJ makes it. ;)

Ghostwriter: Yeah, it was quite a chapter. Yeah, there's no telling if Samdi will change after this. Glad you're enjoying it!

Willow's Poppies: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it!

AnonSnowing: You're welcome, yeah it was probably Cora that killed Henry Sr. Yeah, I replaced Alex with Robin, because that makes more sense here, especially since Robin has a family so it fits. Yep, that nightclub. Yeah, I think there are a lot of similarities between Ben Stone and David Charming. Yeah, David thinks getting closer to Samdi might help. I know, I love those Snowing moments. Yep, looks like Isaiah lied and lured everyone there. Yeah, TJ and Olive are in love. Yeah, David managed to get Olive out, but not so much with TJ. Yep, Neal is starting to freeze and getting closer to his death date. Yep, Emma and Neal finally said it. Glad you're enjoying it!

Lightning in a Bottle

Chapter 68: Carry On, Pt. 1

Later that night, after he kissed his sleeping wife and daughter, who were cuddled together in their bed, David went into the office in search of the journal that TJ had sent over. He found it on his desk and sat down. He put his reading glasses on and flipped through the tattered, fragile document. And what he saw amazed him, as it glowed and lit up the entire office. It was a depiction of a man carrying a young girl in his arms. It was him…and Olive. He was stunned and quickly closed the book, before carefully putting it in his satchel. He stood up and made his way out, with the intention of taking the book home to study.

After, he arrived home and undressed to some sleep clothes, before climbing into bed, with his wife and daughter, who was being held by his wife. He fell asleep, but it was not without dreams. A few hours in, he found himself in a nightmare or rather a Calling.

He was back in the smoky nightclub and he looked around, as he heard a voice. A voice that he recognized as TJ.

"TJ…" he uttered, but he couldn't find him.


The next morning

Emma arrived at the nightclub scene to check on the progress of the recovery mission and clean up.

"Detective Nolan…we have another body," one of the uniformed officers called. She came over and prepared herself for what would be a gruesome sight, as the body bag was opened.

"Male…pretty tall," he said and her heart sank, as she saw a bracelet in the man's hand that Olive had described to her. They wouldn't know for sure until they used the dental records to get a definite identity, but it wasn't looking good. With that, she made the drive to the station for an update briefing from Captain Humbert, who was getting ready to give the update as she walked into the squad room.

"Six lives total so far," Graham said.

"We're working closely with FDNY to gather more information. And, yes, we are very much treating this fire as a crime," he added.

"Is it true that the passengers of Flight 828 were the intended targets?" Ruby asked.

"That's our best guess so far. Although a number of the fatalities and injuries have been non-passengers," Graham answered.

"So, who torched the place?" another officer asked.

"Detective Nolan's firsthand account indicates this might have been arson committed by a disgruntled member of the Church of the Believers. Isaiah McCann," Graham replied.

"This has those Xer sons of bitches written all over it. Maybe these two are working with them," Ruby whispered to Killian.

"I don't think so," Killian replied, though clearly troubled.

"You seem awfully certain. The investigation is ongoing. You know something we don't?" Ruby asked.

"I guess we'll find out," he answered.


The news played in the Nolan house that morning, as they followed the investigation closely, though Olive was clearly upset and frustrated by the whole thing and the reporter.

"Suspected arson is at play. As you can see behind me, the community has rallied together, bringing flowers, cards, candles…" the reporter droned on, as the doorbell rang and Margaret answered.

"George…it's sweet of you to come by," she said, as she invited him in. The older man smiled.

"It's the least I could do," he replied, as her phone rang and she silenced it.

"Sorry…the phone calls have been nonstop," she said.

"That's quite all right…it's a lot for one family to go through," he replied," as David greeted him with a handshake.

"Yeah…we took Henry to my dad's. It's just too much for him," David said.

"And as for Olive, well, it's…" David said, trailing off. George put a hand on his arm.

"I know TJ was a friend to all of you. Everyone on campus is terribly upset," George said.

"Upset?! That is such bull!" Olive exclaimed.

"Olive!" David scolded.

"It's okay," George said.

"Everyone at that campus thought TJ was a freak. Nobody accepted him. Nobody even knew anything about him. And now they're all sad that he's gone," Olive replied.

"I'm sorry. Excuse me," David said, as he intended to calm her down.

"I-I-I'll just get out of your hair. Just gonna use the bathroom," George said.

"Sure, it's through the door on the right," David said. George slipped into the hallway, but instead of finding the bathroom, he snooped through a few rooms until he found his way to the garage. He observed David's research boards with a bit of awe and snapped a few photos, before making his way back out.

"Olive…I don't think we need to be watching this anymore," David said, as she listened to the report.

"A woman from the Bronx has found her sister...last seen at the nightclub, being treated at Ed Koch Hospital," the reporter said.

"It's just search-and-rescue still going on. That woman just found her sister. I mean, TJ could have made it out alive, too," she said with hope, as George returned. He sighed and kissed her head. He hoped she was right, but at this point, he knew the chances were slim.

"Thanks again for dropping by," he said, as he shook his boss's hand, just as Emma came home.

"George…this is my sister Emma. This is the supervisor of my department, George Spencer," he said.

"Nice to meet you," Emma said.

"Likewise. Please call me if any of you need anything," he replied, as he made his way out.

"I appreciate that, thanks," David said.

"Um, can I talk to you in the other room?" Emma asked, but Olive saw her and hurried over, just as they were about to go talk outside.

"Wait," Olive pleaded, as David closed the door.

"Did you... find TJ?" Olive asked desperately.

"Uh, Olive, let me talk to Aunt Emma," David replied.

"No. I have the right to know. Please. Tell me," she pleaded. Emma looked at her brother and he nodded.

"Olive, um…" she started to say and the teen could tell it was bad news.

"No," she said, as she started to cry.

"No…" she sobbed, as David and Margaret surrounded her with hugs.

"I'm sorry," she said, as she put the bracelet in her niece's palm.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no," Olive cried, as her parents held her.

"It's okay. It's okay," Margaret tried to soothe, even though she knew it wasn't. She shared a teary gaze with her husband, as they attempted to comfort their heartbroken daughter.


George Spencer stood before his burgeoning group of disgruntled anti-828 people and gave them the latest update, including projecting the photos he had taken of David Nolan's wall in his garage.

"Look, our mission with Humanity First is simple…to create a greater, safer, stronger Nation for us and our children," George said.

"The passengers of Flight 828 threaten that mission. They've robbed banks. They've been accused of murder. And rumors of their inhuman abilities run rampant. Let us be clear. These are 185 walking time bombs working in our hospitals, our universities, our police precincts," he continued.

"Which one of them will be next to detonate?" he added, as he conducted their latest meeting, before it ended and that's when Killian, now a member, approached to speak to the leader.

"I appreciate you attending," George said.

"I appreciate you asking," Killian replied.

"Listen, just a heads up. I wouldn't be surprised if people in your orbit start to get interrogated about that club fire the other night," Killian warned.

"I'm on the verge of exposing the 828ers for the threat they are. Violence would make them sympathetic. Why would I do that?" George said.

"I'm not saying you would. My sources tell me it was a rogue member of the Church of the Believers," Killian replied.

"Their leader disappeared, too. Probably in hiding," he added.

"This is good. We could use this. False flag operation set by 828 sympathizers to generate support. Thank you. You've proven quite valuable," George said. Killian smiled and nodded.

"Happy to help," he replied.

"Killian, uh, one favor to ask," George said. Killian nodded curtly.

"A movement like ours needs all types, but we've got some... impulsive members. Your pal Nick for one. He's quite effective at bringing new people to the movement, but he tends to act without thinking," George said.

"Which could be detrimental to our goals. Please keep an eye on him. We gotta get these bastards before they get us," George added. Killian forced a smile.

"I'll definitely keep an eye on him," he agreed.


Regina had spent the morning planning a service for her father and then came to the hospital to work in an attempt to take her mind off everything. She analyzed the sample she had taken from her half brother and the results were clear. Definitely frostbite.

"Regina?" Neal asked, as he poked his head in.

"Hey…" she said tiredly.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah…just tired," she replied.

"I can come back later if you want," he said.

"No…I actually was here most of the night," she replied.

"The last thing I want to do is take you away from an emergency," Neal said.

"There's no one else to save. They suspended the search-and-rescue. It's just search-and-recovery now. What's up?" she asked, as he showed her his hand.

"Wow…this looks worse than it was last night," she said.

"Yeah…it's definitely not getting any better. It's just like in the cave," he replied.

"I'm freezing to death," he added.

"The Death Date," she realized.

"Afraid so…guess I knew this was coming," he said.

"Have you told your father and Emma yet?" Regina asked.

"No…and neither can you," he pleaded.

"Neal…they're going to notice," she chided.

"I know…I just know that they're going to try and find a solution and I'm not sure there is one," he answered. She sighed.

"Maybe…but if there is, I'm the one to find it. That is, if you're open to spending some time with me while I do some tests and research," she said. He shrugged.

"If you think you can help me, I'd like to try," Neal replied. Regina smiled.

"Then let's get started. I quite like having siblings and I'm not about to lose one already if I can help it," she replied, as they shared a smile.


What she had just learned gave her pause. She had just discovered that Killian was snooping into her caseload. The desk sergeant just let it slip to her that he asked for her investigations under the guise of helping her with a promotion, which was crap and meant that he was up to something. She just didn't know what.

"I'm sorry…Killian did what?" Emma asked, as her new partner discussed what she had observed earlier.

"Defended the Xers. At least that's what it sounded like to me. He was insistent that they couldn't be involved in the arson," Ruby said, as Emma looked concerned.

"What?" Ruby asked.

"I mean, the Xers didn't start the fire, but…" Emma replied, as she trailed off.

But…?" Ruby asked.

"I don't know. My gut is telling me that Killian's involved in something that could cause some serious problems," Emma replied.

"You think he's in with the Xers?" Ruby asked.

"Do you?" Emma asked in return.

"I hate to say it, but, yeah, I do. I-I think he's leaking police intel to them. He copied my investigations and then he lied about it," Emma said.

"Are you kidding me right now?" Ruby asked. She nodded.

"That's all I have on him, so I can't…" she trailed off.

"Let's tail him," Ruby suggested.

"I'm not there yet," Emma replied.

"Do you want answers or not?" Ruby asked and they shared a long gaze, before Emma nodded.


David returned to the kitchen, after checking on their daughter and sighed, as Margaret put her arms around him.

"She seems okay, but I don't know. My laying into her about Samdi and following the Believers before all this, I just created this giant void between us," he lamented.

"But you were right, David. Everything you said to her," Margaret replied.

"Yeah, but it doesn't make it any better. I told myself I was gonna make up for lost time, but I just pushed her further and further away from me since I came back, MM," he said.

"I don't know what to do," he added.

"I think we need to give her space. We all need to process TJ's death and she's going to see that Samdi has blood on his hands in this. He made Isaiah believe the passengers were like Gods," she said. He nodded.

"I just wish there was more I could do. Olive just lost the first love of her life. I have to do something to help her," he replied.

"I know baby, but you know you can't protect her from her pain," she reasoned. He nodded.

"I just can't stop thinking about that Alzarus illustration of the man carrying the girl through the fire. It might as well have been a picture of me and Olive at the nightclub," he said.

"I know. It gives me the chills," she replied.

"It means something. It has to," he insisted, as he was suddenly seized with a Calling. It was odd though, as he heard a chanting of sorts…something he couldn't understand.

"What was it?" Margaret asked.

"I…I don't know. It was chanting…I couldn't understand it," he said, as he dialed his sister.

"Emma…did you just get that Calling?" he asked.

"No. Why? What was it?" she asked.

"Some sort of chanting, but not in a language I recognized," he explained.

"Sorry…I wish I could help," she replied.

"The last Calling I had was about fire. I didn't figure it out until it was too late. People died. I can't let that happen again," he said.

"Okay, well, a lot more people survived because of you, too. Look, hang in there, okay?

I'll... I'll call you if I hear anything," Emma replied.

"All right," he said, as he hung up and Margaret put her arms around him.

"You'll figure this out…let's go check on Ollie," she suggested. He nodded and they joined hands, before going upstairs together.


"Okay, your MRI looks good. There's no bone or muscle damage. I want to check your blood-cell count and filtration, okay?" Regina asked. But Neal was frustrated.

"This is all just a band-aid. It's not gonna save my life," he said.

"No," Regina admitted.

"So what will?" he asked, but she was reluctant to answer.

Regina, I've got six months. Please," he insisted. She realized that he knew she knew something.

I've been working on something and I was going to test it on myself, but MM kind of freaked out on me for even thinking about that. But if it works…I think it might eliminate the DNA anomaly from our bodies. The problem is…that it is experimental and might kill you instead," she said.

"Uh hello…I'm dying anyway. I'm your perfect test subject," he replied.

"It's still preliminary, Neal. I don't know how long it's gonna last or if it's even safe. There could be side effects, and it could backfire. It could make it worse," she admonished.

"Worse than dying?" he asked. She sighed.

"Look, Emma and I... she makes me feel like my life is finally coming together. And to lose it all because of this Death Date…" he said, trailing off.

"I know it sounds sappy…but it's the truth. I have to do everything I can to stop this. If it doesn't work…I'm gonna die anyway," he said bluntly.

"You're not a sap. Listen, when you care for someone that deeply, I get wanting to hold onto it, no matter what," Regina replied.

"Been there, done that?" he asked.

"I wish I was still there. But I lost it…or I thought I lost it. Turns out it was actually taken from me," she replied.

"Cora…" he said knowingly.

"Regina…I don't have any more time to waste," he insisted.

"Okay. First, you need to clear the pre-clinical testing… kidney function, liver enzymes, tox screens and that's just to name a few. If you pass that, and assuming your system doesn't reject the infusion, then, yes, you might have a chance of actually beating this," she said. He smiled.

"Great…let's get started then," he replied.


Margaret gently rocked their daughter in her arms, as she lay on the bed with her, trying to bring her some comfort.

"It's all my fault. I made TJ go to the nightclub. He didn't even want to be there," Olive sniffed.

"This was not your fault, Olive. It was a horrible tragedy at the hands of someone who was seriously disturbed," Margaret said.

"Olive…this drawing... Every time I see it, I see you and me. I just had a Calling when I

was looking at it downstairs," David gently explained.

"What did the Calling say?" Olive asked.

"I don't know. It was some sort of chanting. But I think it has something to do with you and me," he replied.

"I'm not a part of the Callings," she refuted.

"I think now you are. I think we're supposed to do something together," he countered.

"Well, it's a little late now, isn't it?" she snapped angrily.

"If some random, old drawing suddenly makes me a part of the Callings, then why didn't the drawings show you carrying me and TJ out of the fire? Why didn't the Callings stop this?" she shouted.

"The Callings didn't do this to TJ, Olive," Margaret gently admonished.

"Well, it sure didn't save him, either," Olive shot back.

"Look, Ol, there's a memorial site set up at the nightclub. I could take you. We could both pay our respects together," David suggested.

"I can't. Okay? I am not ready," she replied.

"Okay," he replied.

"But you should go," she suggested. He nodded and hugged her gently, before kissing Margaret and heading out.


Killian walked into the bar he had been frequenting and up to the counter.

"Where's your brother?" he asked Gretta.

"Hey, babe. Missed you, too," she teased. He shook his head and smiled at her.

"You good?" he asked. She nodded.

"Mm-hmm," she hummed, as they shared a kiss.

"Hey Rogers…you want a drink?" Nick asked from the pool table.

"We're just, uh, celebrating a few less 828ers in the world today," he added. Killian nodded.

"Can we talk?" Killian asked.

"Yeah, okay," Nick replied, as the taller man pulled him aside.

"So, I just spoke with George. He doesn't want anyone going off the rails over this," he said.

"He's got a solid plan, Nick. He just...he wants us to stay on course," Killian added.

"You and George are having private pow-wows now?" Nick asked suspiciously.

"I-I was the one who brought you in on this," he added.

"He knows how invaluable you are to the cause. He just... He just wants us to stay chill right now," Killian remarked.

"You're getting pretty cozy pretty fast there, Rogers. Moving in on my sister, up George's ass…" he accused, causing Killian to shove him back a little.

"Hey!" Nick growled.

"You had better watch it. That bloody mouth of yours is gonna get you in some serious trouble one of these days," he warned. Nick chuckled.

"With who? You?" Nick challenged.

"I'll take you," Killian challenged, as Nick remained in his face.

All right Nick, just...stop it," Gretta said, as she pulled them apart. But Killian wasn't backing down either.

"Killian…" she said, as he finally let it go and retreated outside with her.

"I swear Nick was dropped on his head as a baby," she joked.

"It's the only way to explain how we're related," she added.

"You gotta watch out. The kid can go pretty psycho," she warned.

"So can I," he warned.


Ruby used her binoculars to observe the two people outside the bar and then handed them to Emma.

"This isn't exactly how I pictured spending my Thursday afternoon," Emma complained.

"Yeah, I wouldn't want to watch my ex kissing someone else, either," Ruby commented.

"Yeah, I don't love seeing Killian making out with another woman, but... that's not all that's bugging me," Emma replied.

"What then?" Ruby asked.

"This bar... It's not his vibe. At least it didn't used to be," Emma mentioned.

"No, him... him being here, it just feels wrong. There's something going on here," she added.

"I'm gonna go in," Ruby decided.

"No…hold up," Emma protested.

"It has to be me. I'm getting a major "passengers not allowed" vibe from this place. You're the last person who could walk in here incognito," Ruby warned. Emma signed.

"Okay fine…just be careful," she said. Ruby smirked.

"Trust me, it's a trashy bar full of degenerates and fascists. They'll flock right to me," she joked, as she went in and then approached the bar.

"What can I get you?" Gretta asked. By now, Killian was gone so there was no chance of being recognized.

"Just a beer…whatever you have on tap. I'm gonna need it," Ruby said.

"Oh?" Gretta asked curiously.

"Yeah…my flight out of JFK was delayed for four hours and I'd rather scrape a cheese grater against my forehead than wait around for that," Ruby replied, as she was served and then pretended to take an interest in the game of pool being played.

"I got the next one," she said. Nick looked up at her in surprise.

"You?" he questioned.

"Like I told the bartender…I got time to kill and I'm pretty sure I can beat your ass," Ruby replied. He scoffed.

"Is that so?" he asked.

"Twenty bucks says I can," she challenged. He scoffed.

"Rack 'em," he said, as she took the pool stick and proceeded to set up a game. As they played, Ruby took stock of her surroundings and it became obvious quite quickly. There was a red x on the dart board and she spied a few newspaper articles strewn on a table. All of them were about 828 passengers and many had red x's drawn on them. She was true to her word and beat Nick's ass.

"Twenty bucks, fair and square. You wanna hang around for another?" he leered.

"I'd love to…but airport security is still a bitch and the uber is almost here," she replied, as she took his money and discarded her empty bottle, before leaving and getting back into the car.

"You smell like beer," Emma complained.

"Had to make it believable. Even stupid ones get suspicious if you go into a bar and not drink," she replied, as she popped a breath mint.

"And the money?" Emma asked.

"I won it fair and square," Ruby replied. Emma shook her head.

"Great…but did you find anything out?" she asked.

"Well…Killian's new girlfriend may be an x'er, because her brother and his bonehead friends sure as hell are. There's red x's all over in there and 828 paraphernalia," she replied. Emma sighed. She couldn't believe it. Killian was hanging out with x'ers. If Ruby hadn't told her about the x'er stuff from her own observation, she would have had trouble believing it.

"I'm sorry…looks like he's close with them. Especially Nick, but I have faces now so we can go back to the station and look through the database," Ruby suggested. Emma nodded, before putting the car in gear and driving off.