AN: See chapter 1 for story notes and summaries.

Ships: Snowing, Rumbelle, Swan Believer, eventual

Swanfire, and a delightful Golden Mad Charming BroT3. :)

Thanks for the reviews. Here are individual responses:

Snowing1997: Thanks! Glad you like this one too! I am very dedicated to Snowing. They are an absolute dream to write about. The inspiration never stops coming with them. I'm glad you like my writing so much. It's the best thing a writer can hear.

Guest: I know, Regina is not likeable in this story and if you're waiting for the other shoe to drop, then it's about to in this chapter. Hang onto your seat. Don't worry though, I would never hurt Wilby. He's going to be okay. :)

Beth1980: I know, I feel the same about Blue. I want to like her, but she's shady shady. A lot of the things that happened could have been avoided if she did her job and wasn't picky about who she helped. I think she should have ended up being the ultimate villain. That's what always bothered me about Leopold after season 3. He knew Cora and still married her daughter. As for the book, I'll eventually reveal that. But to give you a hint, it's the only other person in Storybrooke that knows Snow's true lineage besides Persephone right now. And Cora did not have permission to take it. I LOVED writing the scene where Mary finally goes off on Regina. I was so excited to finally share it last week. :)

BooksinmyDreams: Wow...on the edge of your seat every time. What a compliment! Glad I can invoke that kind of reaction with my writing. Glad you're enjoying so much!

Barratta Jennifer: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

Sara K M: Yeah, Kathryn is not really Abigail right now. Since David and Mary Margaret aren't having an affair in this, Regina has to resort to other persuasions. So she's been working on Kathryn and pretending to sob to her about Henry pulling away and how he likes Emma and his teacher better than her. Don't worry, when the curse breaks, I have a scene in mind where Abigail apologizes, but they don't hold it against her, because they know she was cursed. Glad you liked Mary Margaret's inner Snow coming out. I was super excited about that scene so glad it was so well received. Glad you're enjoying!

Dreaming Out Loud

Chapter 17: Haunted

Emma waited impatiently at Storybrooke's tiny forensics lab. In this town, there wasn't much for a forensic analyst to do, so when she asked for a rush on this, she didn't get an argument.

After what seemed like forever, the door finally opened and she went into the small lab. The technician looks away shyly, which wasn't surprising, since by his stature, Emma was almost certain he was a dwarf. And by his inability to make eye contact, she had guessed that in his former life, he had been Bashful. Here in Storybrooke, he was known as Patrick Santo.

"Did you get a hit?" Emma asked.

"Yes," Patrick replied.

"Then this person is the system?" she asked.

"Not in the criminal database. But in the hospital's," he replied, as her mother's hospital ID photo appeared on screen.

"Every hospital employee is required to get a physical before employment or volunteering. And Mary Margaret usually participates in the bi-annual blood drives," Patrick informed. He may have thought the blood swiped was random, but Emma knew better. She knew it was deliberate. For what purpose, she didn't know yet. But she was going to find out.

Flashback

Two Years Before the Dark Curse

Deimos eyed the young brunette with hunger, as she got water from the well for her village. She would make a delicious morsel tonight when he captured her. Of course, there would be all the fun to be had before he sunk his teeth into her neck. He could already hear her screams and it thrilled him. He felt that familiar urge of need and lust fill him. He was supposed to be tracking some Princess named Snow White. Hades insisted that he had finally found Persephone's daughter. He had vaguely heard of this princess turned bandit and would deal with the dirty little mongrel soon. But first, he had to satiate his hunger.

He started toward her, but she suddenly dropped the bucket of water, looking in horror at her village, which was now in flame. He smirked. So the Queen had struck again. Abducting this one would be easy since there was probably no one to miss her anymore. He was about to make his move again when the Black Knights rushed toward her. He cursed, thinking they might ruin everything, but then a well place arrow took down one, followed by another, and then another. His eyes scanned his surroundings for this expert archer and that's when he saw her.

She lowered her hood and he lay eyes on the fairest raven haired beauty he had ever seen. Eyes like emeralds, lips like rubies, and skin so fair it was almost the color of snow.

"It's Snow White!" one of the Black Knights announced, but he was swiftly cut down by a man in princely clothes, who then took the hand of this fair creature that had captured his attention. How could this be Snow White? Her posters did little to capture the incredible vision she was in person. He expected Persephone's daughter to be beautiful, but he was caught off guard by the way this woman affected him. Her presence made his blood hum in his veins and his blood lust swell in his belly. Perhaps it was her former status as an immortal or the ambrosia that had twisted his mind into depravity, but he knew he must have her. But he found he didn't just want to have her once. He wanted to keep this one. After all, Hades had felt the same about Persephone the moment he lay eyes on her so long ago. It only made sense that her daughter would invoke the same desire in a man.

"Are you all right?" Snow asked the girl.

"Yes...but my village!" she cried.

"It's okay...we've driven the Queen's forces back," the Charming said.

"Thank you…" the girl said, as she hurried back to her village. Snow sighed.

"When will she stop, Charming? How many more have to suffer because of me," she fretted.

"Snow...this is not your fault," he said, cupping her beautiful face in his hands.

"So...you're Snow White. The wanted posters don't do your beauty justice," Deimos said, as he emerged from the trees.

"Who are you?" Charming demanded to know. But he was ignored.

"You really are the fairest of them all. Your blood will be a feast like no other," he uttered. Their eyes widened and Charming pulled her close.

"Resisting me is useless. When I find someone I want...I take them," he hissed. Charming raised his sword charged the other man, only to find out that this was more than a man. Deimos grabbed the prince around the neck and lifted him off his feet, effortlessly.

"Charming!" Snow screamed, as her husband was tossed away like a rag doll. Snow backed away from the monster, as he stalked toward her and found herself pressed against a tree with him before her in a blink of an eye. She shuddered, as he caressed her fair cheek and pressed himself against her.

"Oh...you are a prize for sure, Snow White. Never have I met one I have wanted as much as I want you," he hissed, as he started undoing the ties on her riding jacket. Her breathing came in ragged gasps, as she struggled with him, but his strength was inhuman and her attempts to break free were fruitless. That didn't stop Charming from recovering and ripping him away from his beloved. Deimos growled and threw the Prince off again.

"I guess if I have to send another soul to Hades first, then so be it," he hissed, as he stalked toward the prone prince. But Snow shot an arrow at him and he chuckled, as he pulled it out of his chest like it was nothing. Her eyes widened in horror, as she realized they were dealing with something inhuman.

"You have such fire. I'll enjoy that after I deal with this," he growled, as Charming got to his feet and drew his sword. He swung at him and the monster caught the blade in his bare hand, much to their shock. He snapped the blade and batted Charming away again, before turning his attention back to Snow, backing her against the tree again.

"Who...who are you?" she cried.

"I am Deimos," he hissed, as he pinned her arms above her head. She whimpered and cried, as he grazed his teeth along her neck.

"So sweet...I must have you now," he hissed. She gasped, as he ripped her jacket away and put his hand on her belt. She screamed, as he prepared to tear the rest of her clothes off, but a growling sound stopped him. The snapping jaws of the werewolf made him retreat, as it guarded Snow. Charming started to come to and saw that Red had warded off their attacker.

"This isn't over, Snow White. You will be mine," he growled, as he disappeared in a blur. Snow broke down in sobs, as Charming took her in his arms and Red phased back into her human form.

"Oh my darling…" he soothed, as he held her.

"He was a vampire," Red revealed.

"What? I didn't think they existed anymore?" Charming asked.

"Neither did I, but my nose doesn't lie. I can smell a bloodsucker a mile away," she replied.

"Why would he want Snow? Don't vampires drink whatever blood is available? Why hone in on Snow?" he asked. She shook her head.

"I don't know...but I think we all know someone who will," Red replied. He nodded and then turned his attention back to Snow. They would deal with that later. For now, he wasn't letting the woman he loved leave his arms.

Storybrooke

Present Day

"What exactly am I looking for again?" Leroy grumbled that afternoon, as he sat down at the security station at the hospital.

"These are all the recent tapes from the wing where the hospital stores blood. You're looking for anyone that is going into this room that doesn't belong," Emma explained. Leroy glanced at her.

"What's the big deal about some vandalized flowers?" he complained. Emma sighed.

"Because my gut is telling me this is more than just vandalism," she replied.

"You're looking for someone specific, aren't you?" he asked.

"Damon Tromera," she admitted. He scoffed.

"Figures," he muttered.

"He's dangerous, Leroy and he's obsessed with Mary Margaret. I know you claim you don't care about anyone, but deep down, I know you don't want to see anything happen to her," Emma said, as they shared a long gaze.

"The blood on the flowers. It's hers, isn't it?" he asked. Emma nodded and he sighed.

"Fine...I'll do this, but I better be getting overtime," he grumbled. Emma smiled.

"Thanks Leroy, I'd stay, but I have to get to that dumb debate," she complained, as she checked her watch and hurried off.

Damon Tromera examined the tranquilizer dart he had acquired to take out David Nolan's mutt. He then picked up a pair of brass knuckles and fitted them on his right hand. He had something a bit more malevolent in mind for Nolan himself and was going to enjoy beating him to a bloody pulp. Then he would bring the broken little schoolteacher back here and finally have what was meant to be his. He put the ropes and duct tape in his bag and slung it over his shoulder. Regina wanted their happiness ended permanently and he was happy to carry out that plot.

"I'm sorry about your garden. I know how hard you all worked on it," David said, as they crossed the Toll Bridge with Wilby that afternoon. She shrugged.

"Stephanie says we can replant and I'm sure Emma will find the culprit that's responsible," she replied, as they stopped by the stream.

"Yeah, she tried to seem like she wasn't nervous for the debate tonight, but I told her she'll do great," he mentioned, as he cuddled her close. There was a bite in the air and she relished his warmth. Suddenly a rumble of thunder boomed above them.

"Uh oh...we should probably head back," she mentioned, as they watched the dark storm clouds swirl in the sky.

"Yeah...it will be time for the debate soon anyway," he replied, as Wilby barked and took off.

"Wilby!" David called, as he took her hand and they chased after him. But when they found him, he was laying unconscious on the ground.

"Wilby!" David cried, as they knelt beside him. David pulled out a dark from his fur and Mary gasped.

"What is that?" she asked.

"Mary...you need to run," he said, as rain started to pelt them.

"What? I'm not leaving you," she protested.

"I have to carry Wilby back. I'll slow you down. Go back to town and find Emma. I'll be right behind you," he insisted.

"David…" she protested.

"Mary please…" he pleaded. Reluctantly, she turned to leave, but gasped, as Damon Tromera stood on the bridge in her path.

"You won't be going anywhere, Miss Blanchard, except for back to my club with me. After I get rid of him, of course," Damon said coldly.

"What did you do to Wilby?" she demanded to know.

"The mutt will be fine. The same won't be said for your lover in a few moments though," Damon replied, as he approached. David put Wilby under a tree to shelter him somewhat from the rain, before he got in front of her.

"Mary...run…" he commanded.

"I am not leaving you with this monster!" she cried, as rain now poured down on them.

Damon kept approaching and David still stood defiantly in his way. The dark haired man raised his fist and threw the first punch. David ducked and tackled him to the ground, delivering a punch himself. This one connected and Damon growled, as he punched in return. David felt pain explode in his head, as he briefly saw the shiny metal on Damon's knuckles. He was dazed, allowing Damon to get in another punch and he threw David off, as Mary screamed for him. The blonde tasted blood and his vision blurred.

"Mary...run…" he pleaded. But instead, she spied a large stick and picked it up. David's head swam in pain after another punch and Damon backed away. He turned his attention toward Mary Margaret and was beamed across the face with a stick. He growled in pain and held his face, as she scrambled to help David to his feet.

"Mary...you need to run! I'll just slow you down," he groaned.

"David...I am not leaving you behind," she repeated, as they trudged through the muddy forest. It was dark now and rain was coming down in sheet. They could barely see anything and she yelped when David cried out, as Damon hit him from behind.

"No!" she cried, as they went rolling to the ground. David saw black spots in his vision, as Damon buried a fist in his gut, knocking the wind out of him. But he fought the urge to pass out, as the monster stalked toward Mary and shoved her against a tree. She sobbed, as he put his large hand around her slender neck and forced her to look at him.

"So fair...even soaking wet in this rain. I can't wait to finally have you," he hissed, as he used his free hand to fumble with the rope in his bag. Mary growled and kneed him between his legs. He groaned and she tried to push him away, but he pinned her with his weight.

"You'll learn you place, Mary. I'm going to teach you," he growled.

"Did you enjoy my handiwork at your lovely little garden today?" he questioned.

"It was you," she uttered. He smirked.

"Yes...but that was your blood. I swiped a bag of it from the hospital. And you know when I was smattering those stupid little flowers you love with it, I had this insatiable urge to taste your blood. So I did...and I found it to be the sweetest nectar I've ever tasted. It left me wanting more," he whispered in her ear and her skin crawled at the feeling of his hot breath on her neck.

"You're sick.." she spat. He chuckled at that.

"Yes...I suppose I am," he replied, as there was a sudden growling behind them. Mary gasped, as she saw a wolf there.

"Get out of here, mutt," Damon growled, as he kicked at it. The wolf snapped its jaws and Damon's cry pierced the air, as the animal sunk its teeth into his leg. Mary tore away from him and was about to run from David. But she stepped on a cluster of wet moss. It proved to be hallow and she cried out, as she fell through sliding down into an underground catacomb, while Damon ran away from the wolf that chased him. About that time, David came to in a daze.

"Mary!" he cried, fearing Damon had taken her. He stumbled toward the tree where he had last seen them, but never made it. He yelped, as he fell into the same catacomb she had.

"Oh David!" she cried, as he landed next to her.

"Mary...are you okay?" he asked. She nodded and helped him sit up.

"You found me," she sniffed, as they huddled together.

"I will always find you," he promised, still dazed from his injuries.

"We can't stay here though...he'll find us if he comes back," Mary feared, as she checked his head.

"You're bleeding. I need to get you to the hospital," she fretted.

"Mmm...I'm fine. You're right though, we need to get out of here," he drawled. She lifted the wet moss and climbed out, before reaching back to help him. It was pitch black and still pouring, but hand in hand, they starting running, trying to find a way out of this nightmare.

Emma drummed her fingers, as the phone rang and went straight to voice mail again for the third time. She ended the call in frustration and her worry was palpable. Neither Mary nor David were answering their phones. She knew they wouldn't just miss this. She spotted Ms. Kore arrive and hurried up to her.

"Ms Kore…" Emma said, almost frantically.

"Hello Emma," she greeted.

"Have you seen Mary Margaret and David?" she asked.

"I saw Mary Margaret at school today, but not since then. Is something wrong?" she asked.

"They're not here and they're not answering their phones," she said, as Jefferson came in along with Belle and Gold.

"Have you seen David?" she asked the hatter.

"No...he's not here?" Jefferson asked. Her worry began to multiply into a million terrible scenarios in her head, as she stalked up to Regina.

"We need to postpone the debate. David and Mary Margaret are missing," Emma said, loud enough that many heard her.

"Miss Swan, if you'd like to forfeit, that can be arranged. But we're not postponing so you can stall," Regina shot back.

"Look, this isn't about me! David and Margaret aren't answering their phones," Emma retorted. Regina rolled her eyes.

"That doesn't mean they're in trouble and I don't appreciate you theatrics, Miss Swan," Regina spat.

"It's not theatrics! The blood on those flowers this morning was Mary Margaret's! Whoever vandalized them stole her donated blood from the hospital and proceeded to spatter it all over her favorite flowers. Now she and David are missing. That's no coincidence," Emma hissed.

"Yeah, especially since Damon Tromera isn't here either," Jefferson added. But Regina ignored him.

"Miss Swan, either make your speech about why people should vote for you or your refusal will be counted as a forfeit," Regina warned. Emma glared daggers at her, but stormed to the podium. If this witch wanted a speech, she was about to get one. The room quieted, as she stepped to the podium.

"I guess I'm supposed to stand up here and tell you why I'd make the best choice for Sheriff. But if I stand here and make some speech with a lot of nonsensical reasons, then I wouldn't be the right choice. Because while I'm standing here, there are two citizens that are possibly in danger. So...I'm going to go do what a Sheriff should be doing and find them," Emma stated.

"The only thing you need to ask yourselves when you go to the ballot box is what kind of Sheriff do you want? If you like the status quo and want to keep seeing the Mayor and her cronies interests served, then you should vote for my opponent, Sidney Glass," she said, pausing for a beat.

"Bit if you're tired of the Mayor and her friends controlling this town and forcing their agendas on the rest of us. If you want them held accountable and you want someone that will fight to protect everyone equally and hold those who break the law accountable, then you should vote for me," Emma said, as she stepped down, just as Leroy came in and hurried to her.

"Did you find something?" Emma questioned.

"You were right, sister. Damon Tromera was caught on camera going into that room where they store the blood at the hospital. He wasn't even trying to hide from the camera," Leroy answered.

"Because he thinks he's untouchable," Emma muttered, as Sidney got to the podium and tried to get the crowd's attention. But he wasn't having much luck.

"Emma...are David and Mary really missing?" Archie asked in concern. She nodded.

"I think so," she replied.

"Then Pongo and I will help search," he offered.

"Me too," Marco added.

"Count us in," Ruby agreed.

"They walk Wilby out by the Toll Bridge in the evenings," Granny mentioned.

"We should start there," Stephanie said. Belle looked at Gold.

"We'll help too," he agreed and Jefferson nodded, as they moved toward the exit with even Leroy offering to help.

"Excuse me...the debate isn't over!" Regina cried.

"Oh I think it is in more ways than one, Madam Mayor," Stephanie interjected.

"Don't worry, we'll vote on the way out. I think we've already decided who we want as our Sheriff," Jefferson added. Commotion erupted in the hall and Sidney was left with the task of trying to calm the crowd so he could make a speech. But it was clear that nothing he said was going to resonate. Not while the likes of Emma Swan was out there doing the real police work.

They were soaked to the bone, but trekked through the mud with purpose, as they attempted to find their way out of the woods. Mary Margaret swept her wet bangs from her eyes, as she saw a structure in the near distance.

"David…" she uttered.

"A cabin," he said, as they hurried there. She was surprised to find it unlocked, but he didn't question it, as they tumbled inside. Thankfully, there was wood in the fireplace and matches nearby.

They collapsed by it and she lit a match, before throwing it onto the wood. The wood was coated, like logs specifically made to burn easy, so it gave them no trouble in burning. It was clear that the cabin belonged to someone. She just hoped they wouldn't mind them using it.

Now that there was some light, she could see the nasty gash on his forehead and caressed his face.

"I'm okay…" he assured.

"Still...I'm going to see if there's a first aid kit around here," she replied, as she started looking around.

Unknown to them, outside the cabin, Damon Tromera limped toward it. He smirked evilly, as the spied the light inside the cabin and two sets of muddy footprints on the ground.

He reached down and pulled a knife from the sheath he wore on his ankle and limped toward the cabin.

Despite the rain, they made it out to the Toll Bridge and Pongo took off across the bridge and started barking, as Archie hurried after him.

"Emma! It's Wilby...we found him!" Archie called, as the blonde hurried across the bridge.

"Is he okay?" she asked.

"He's breathing, so I think so," Archie replied. With a gloved hand, Emma picked up the small dart next to him.

"Tranq dart," she said, as she bagged it.

"Can you take Wilby back and put him in my car?" she asked. The ginger haired man nodded.

"Take Pongo," Archie offered, as he lifted Wilby and carried him back to Emma's car.

"Okay boy, let's go. Let's find my parents," she murmured, as she set off into the woods with her eager search party following...