AN: See chapter 1 for story notes and summaries.
Ships: Snowing, Rumbelle, Swan Believer, eventual Swanfire, and a delightful Golden Mad Charming BroT3. :)
Please consider leaving a review. Feedback is much appreciated.
Thanks for awesomethe reviews. Here are individual responses:
Barratta Jennifer: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Ragsweas: Glad you loved it! Yes, this chapter is part 1 of the trial. Enjoy!
BooksinMyDreams: It was perfect! Glad you enjoyed it!
Paulaa90: Yes, when it comes time to take August down, I promise it's going to be epic and his reaction to finding out Emma already believes will also be epic. As for Gold and Lacey, that is an interesting dilemma and I will eventually give a little insight to Gold's psyche so to speak. Right now, I think he knows bringing her memories back without magic is impossible, but also knows the curse will restore them. He does like Lacey's edge, but I think you'll see in future chapters, he really does miss Belle. As for Damon, you might be right. The trial will definitely be an uphill battle. Get ready for Law and Order Once Upon a Time, lol :)
NaomiBlue: Yeah, the wedding should be fun! Yeah, Blue isn't my favorite either. I agree she is pretty shifty. A character that I'm not sure they should have trusted. Glad you liked Jefferson's introspective. :)
Number Ten: Yep, Mother Superior is unlikeable here, but that's the point. Remember it's the curse.
Featherdusterpixie: Glad you're enjoying it!
AshGreg: Thanks! Glad you liked the proposal. Yes, Mother Superior was quite nasty, but remember it's the curse too. Glad you like MM starting to fight back though. :)
Cassie: Thanks! Glad you loved it! Yes, it is nice to see them working together and I do love my introspective scenes. I poke those in every once in a while. I like to show what might be going on in a character's mind and what they might be thinking.
I agree with Lacey and Gold, it's an interesting thing to explore and I hope to do that a little better than they did in the show. Many in the fandom think Blue is shady. Some think she's downright evil. I'm more in the shady but easily could be evil category, so I wanted to explore that a little bit. I do have to say that much of her nastiness is the curse making her her worst self. Glad you like that. Yes, I agree. Regina and Henry is a complicated relationship. And yes! David proposed! I truly love the Prince Charming romancing teacher Mary Margaret. I really wish they would have done that instead of the dumb love triangle thing. But I guess that's what fanfiction is for. :)
Sara K M: Glad you liked the conversation between the three men in the beginning. I suppose it is possible that Baelfire might not have known there was magic. But if we go by season 5, we found out that Neal was researching magic. Somehow I think he had to know that there was no magic until the curse broke. Otherwise, what would stop his father from looking for him sooner? Just my take on it. I think Neal made it a point to know more after his encounter with August and learning about the curse. That's my headcanon anyway. Sorry you don't like Blue being nasty in this. Some people are too hard on her, but she did do some shady things. And remember, the curse brings out the worst in people. That's mostly what's going on here.
Glad you liked Jefferson's introspective. I think with Emma believing, it gives him hope unlike in the canon where she refused to believe and he wondered if it would ever be broken. Glad you liked the proposal! And I agree, a much better ending than in the canon. :)
Beth1980: I am so sorry! I forgot about the love scene in that chapter and to warn about it. I promise I won't forget in the future. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the rest of the last two chapters. The conversations between Gold, David, and Jefferson are always fun. I agree, August's character always bothered me. I think when the time comes, you'll like seeing him get told off basically. Glad to know that you like Persephone too. I love using "chisel chin". It never gets old. Yeah, Blue is not coming off good here. I love David discovering technology too and Jefferson teasing him about it. I'm glad you caught the part where Mary Margaret tilts her head when he proposed. That's one of my favorite gestures that Ginny does when portraying Snow or MM. :)
Dreaming Out Loud
Chapter 28: Trial By Fire, Pt. 1
The past couple weeks since Miner's Day and David's proposal had been surreal for Mary Margaret. Surreal in the best way possible. Even with the trial looming over them, it hadn't dampened her joy or happiness. Even with the morning of the trial upon them. Just waking up in David's arms lessened her trepidation a bit. And they all had done their best to distract her the last couple weeks.
Stephanie was all over helping her with planning the wedding and seemed really excited. Mary had already asked Emma to be her maid of honor and Stephanie a bridesmaid. And while Emma was excited for the wedding, she gladly handed many of the duties of a maid of honor over to Stephanie, for Emma didn't pretend to know much about planning a wedding.
But first, that morning, they faced the beginning of the trial that with any luck would put Damon Tromera in prison
Mary and Stephanie both had substitutes covering their classes for the week and Emma had the station's phone forwarded to her cell. Mary was almost too nervous to eat, but nevertheless, they found themselves at the diner for breakfast that morning.
"I know you're probably nervous, but I have hot chocolates with cinnamon and pancakes for the future Mr. and Mrs. Nolan," Ruby said, as she set the plates and cups down for them.
"Thanks Ruby," Mary replied, as the waitress put plates and cups in front of Emma and Stephanie as well.
As they finished breakfast, Albert Spencer waltzed into the diner with Mitchell Herman and Damon Tromera.
"Waitress…we need three coffees to go," Spencer bellowed, while Mitchell Herman was silent with a glare fixed on them. That had little to do with the trial though. He blamed them when Sean moved out a few weeks ago and in with Ashley. It was hard and they didn't have much, but they were happy. Mitchell was upset his son was working at the cannery and had enrolled only part time in night classes online, instead of going full time to law school. David suspected that when the curse broke and his memories were returned, King Christopher would feel ashamed for his actions. Back in their land, he had loved Ella and his son dearly. A grandchild was something the King would have been overjoyed to have. For now, they all would remain on the receiving end of his scrutiny, as he defended Damon Tromera's deplorable acts.
Mary focused her attention away from their steely gazes. She was determined not to let any of her fear show and fortunately, with David's arms around her, that was a little easier.
They left with their coffee and David paid their check, before they left for the courthouse as well. They only hoped that even in a town run by Regina and these same cronies they were going against, that justice would prevail.
Henry sat alone at a table per usual during recess. None of the other kids ever wanted anything to do with him. He was the Mayor's kid, which didn't help, but it was mostly because he was the weird kid that believed fairy tales were real. He lived on the tales in his book and often imagined what it might be like to live in the land his grandparents came from. He imagined him and Emma living in their castle with them, but at this point, he would have settled for getting to live with them at the loft.
"Hey kid…" August said, as he approached.
"Oh...hi August," Henry replied.
"Do you always sit and mope during recess?" he asked. Henry shrugged.
"Not really...Miss Blanchard usually talks to me," he replied.
"Ah...and you miss her today," August surmised.
"Yeah...Jim is nice but it's not the same," he said.
"None of the other kids will play with you?" August asked.
"Would you play with the kid that thought fairy tales were real?" Henry asked incredulously and August chuckled.
"I guess not...I used to lie to myself and pretend they weren't real just to fit in with the crowd," he admitted. Henry cocked his head to the side.
"How do you know so much about my book?" Henry asked suspiciously. August shrugged.
"I'm a writer...I make it my business to know a lot about books," he said vaguely.
"My Mom says you can't be trusted," Henry replied bluntly. August allowed himself a small, amused smile.
"She is probably right, but you and I have one thing in common," he stated.
"What's that?" Henry asked.
"We want the curse to be broken," August answered, as he stood up and walked away, leaving Henry to ponder their conversation.
With the judge seated, the rest of the courtroom sat as well. Mitchell Herman stood and approached the jury of twelve to make his opening statement. David recognized Marco and Tom Clark among the jurors, so he was confident that was two in their favor. However, the other ten were not people he recognized and knew it was possible they could go either way. Emma had warned him if the jury became deadlocked, then the judge could declare a mistrial, meaning Damon would walk. Gold had reluctantly admitted that this was probably what Mitchell Herman was striving for and he was worried about that. But he didn't let it show, for he knew Mary was already worried enough.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury…" he started off.
"We are here today, not to determine whether my client's actions were wrong, but rather if he should pay the steep penalty that is being sought by the prosecution," Mitchell began.
"I don't think I have to tell you how unprecedented it is to try a case that does not have the full support of the district attorney. In fact, it is unheard of. But Mr. Gold has proceeded to supersede Mr. Spencer and is funding his client's witch hunt," Mitchell continued.
"He's got to be kidding," David hissed, ready to jump out of his seat. But Gold held his hand up to halt him.
"Is my client perfect? I should say not, but I think by the end of this trial, you will be unable to convict him of these heinous charges and realize that in the heat of the moment, scorned by years of rejection by Mr. Gold's client, he acted rashly," Mitchell added.
My client is an upstanding member of this community and I believe the punishment of life in prison is too much. It is my belief that you will agree with me by the end of this trial," Mitchell concluded, as he sat down.
"That's a crazy, bull crap defense if I've ever heard one," Emma muttered.
"And one easily ripped to shreds," Gold agreed, as he stood and approached the jury, walking with his cane.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Herman would have you believe that all this is just a misunderstanding between my clients and Mr. Tromera," Gold began.
"He would, if he thought he could pull it off, have you believe Mr. Tromera is the victim in all this. But even he knows that is ludicrous," Gold continued.
"Mr. Herman's client is undeniably a predator, who has stalked one of my client's for years. He is unwilling to accept that Miss Blanchard has no romantic interest in him. And when she began to date another man, he snapped and tried to kill that man. And when this trial is over, you will see Mr. Tromera as my clients see him. A monster. A monster that must be locked away for the protection of all," Gold finished, as he took a seat.
"Opening arguments have been heard. Mr. Gold, since you are acting as the prosecution in this case, you will call the first witness," the judge stated.
"Thank you, Your Honor. The prosecution calls Sheriff Emma Swan to the stand," he said. Emma squeezed Mary's hand and then took her place on the witness bench where the Bailiff swore her in.
"Ms. Swan...can you describe the events on the evening of November eighteenth for the jury?" he asked.
"It was the night of the election. Mary Margaret and David went missing and I went to investigate," Emma stated.
"How did you know where to look?" Gold asked.
"They walk their dog almost every evening out by the Toll Bridge," Emma replied.
"Is it well known by many that they frequent the Toll Bridge in the evenings?" he questioned.
"Yes," she replied.
"Objection! Speculation," Mitchell interjected.
"Your honor, I can find several witnesses that will say this is common knowledge," Gold countered.
"Overruled...I'll allow it," the judge answered.
"What did you discover when you reached the Toll Bridge that night?" Gold asked, as Emma began to recount the events.
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.
"So the dog had been tranquilized?" Gold asked.
"Yes...the lab later determined it was a tranquilizer dart," Emma confirmed.
"At this time, I'd like to enter the dart into evidence as prosecution evidence exhibit A," Gold stated, as the dark in the bag was held up for the jury to see.
"So noted...please continue, Mr. Gold," the judge stated.
"Thank you, Your Honor. Sheriff Swan, can you continue recounting the events of that evening for the jury?" he asked. Emma nodded and began to tell what had happened when she arrived at the burning cabin.
"You're going to pay...I was going to make it quick, but now I'm going to torture you until you beg me to kill you and I'm going to make that little bitch watch!" he screamed psychotically, as he trudged toward them, as Mary started to stir.
"David…" she murmured, as he knelt down in the mud and held her close. He knew he had to keep going, despite the pain and his weakened state. Mary gasped at the horrifying sight that was Damon and buried her face in David's shirt.
"Time to suffer, pretty boy," he hissed, until he heard the cocking of a gun.
"Give me a reason, asshole, because I'd love to blow your brains out," Emma growled, as she held her gun on him. Damon clenched his teeth and put his hands up reluctantly.
"You're under arrest. You have the right to remain silent," she said, as she holstered her weapon and cuffed him.
"He set me on fire...you should arrest him!" Damon growled.
"Oh yeah? And I suppose your fists just accidentally landed on David," she growled back.
"You set the fire, you bastard. After you chased us through the woods. You hit Mary too...you're lucky you're still breathing," David shouted.
"He's right. That alone makes me wish you had given me that reason to shoot you," Emma added.
"David...Mary...we've got an ambulance waiting. It's a bit of a trek. Do you think you can make it?" Archie asked.
"We'll be okay," David replied, as they were both helped along by Ruby, Leroy, and Archie.
"We found Wilby and put him in Emma's car," Archie said.
"Thank you," David said gratefully.
When they got closer, the paramedics met them halfway. A handcuffed Damon was put into one, while David and Mary were put in the other and rushed to the hospital.
"So when you arrived, you observed injuries to the victims, Mary Margaret Blanchard and David Nolan," Gold stated. Emma nodded.
"Mary's were minor, but she was absolutely terrified and David's were more serious," Emma stated.
"Thank you Sheriff Swan, no further questions," Gold stated, as he sat down.
"Your witness, Mr. Mitchell," the judge declared.
"Sheriff Swan...on the night in question, did Mr. Tromera suffer any injuries?" Mitchell asked.
"Yes...he had second and third degree burns on a third of his body," Emma replied.
"So you could say that Mr. Tromera suffered even more severe injuries than Mr. Nolan," he stated.
"Yes...but," Emma started to say.
"A simple yes or no is sufficient, Sheriff," Mitchell stated, as he picked up the medical report.
"According to Dr. Whale's findings, Mr. Tromera suffered more than just burns. He suffered from several blows to the chest and face, caused by David Nolan's fists, yet Mr. Gold would have you believe Mr. Nolan is the victim," Mitchell stated.
"Objection! Mr. Tromera's injuries inflicted by David Nolan were in self defense!" Gold protested.
"That's pure speculation, your honor. None of us were present during this altercation. It's Mr. Tromera's word against Mr. Nolan's," Mitchell stated.
"Sustained...tread lightly, Mr. Herman and either ask a question or move on," the judge warned.
"Of course. Sheriff Swan, is it possible that Mr. Nolan used unnecessary force when trying subdue Mr. Tromera?" he asked.
"No," Emma answered sternly.
"How do you know? You did not witness their fight," Mitchell reminded.
"Because I know David. He sustained those injuries defending himself and Mary Margaret," Emma said. Mitchell smirked.
"So you "know" David. That's hardly a convincing argument, Sheriff," Mitchell stated.
"Objection, Your Honor. That is for the jury to decide," Gold protested.
"Sustained. Ask a question, Mr. Mitchell or move on," the judge warned.
"The defense has no more questions for this witness," he relented, as he took a seat.
"Sheriff...you may step down," the judge stated, as Emma returned to her seat.
"The prosecution may call its next witness," the judge continued.
"I call Deputy David Nolan to the stand," Gold stated. He squeezed Mary's hand and took to the stand where he was sworn in.
"Mr. Nolan, as one of the victims of the evening in question, please tell us how you sustained your injuries," Gold requested. David thought back to that night and began to recall what had happened.
"We were taking a walk with our dog, Wilby, out by the Toll Bridge as we do most evenings. We noticed that storm clouds were rolling in though, so we were about to head back to town. It was getting close to the time for the debate and we didn't want to miss Emma's speech," he began.
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.
"At this time, the prosecution would like to introduce prosecution evidence exhibit B. The brass knuckles Damon Tromera was wearing that evening. You'll find that they come with a lab report confirming that they are stained with David Nolan's blood," Gold stated.
"This evidence is accepted by the court," the judge agreed.
"Mr. Nolan, please continue recounting the events that evening," Gold urged.
"I blacked out for a bit, but then found Mary. She told me Damon had run off, because a wolf attacked him. We kept moving to try to get out of the rain and that's when we found our way to the cabin," David explained.
"And what happened once you reached the cabin?" Gold asked.
"We built a fire and tried to get warm and dry. Mary found a first aid kit and started to treat my injuries," David replied.
"And then?" Gold prompted.
"She didn't get very far, because Damon found us. He broke down the door and I grabbed the fireplace poker to defend us," David said, recalling those frightening moments.
David gripped the poker and raised it before them.
"Do yourself a favor and step aside and maybe you'll live to see another day," Damon threatened.
"Like hell I will. If you think I'll let you hurt Mary, then you have another thing coming," David threatened back.
"Mary...unless you'd like to have his blood on your hands, then you should save yourself that pain and come with me," Damon said.
"She's not going anywhere with you," David growled. He smirked and made a show of his considerable strength by breaking a wooden chair over his knee so he could use one of the legs as a weapon.
"Had he hit me with that, I probably wouldn't have made it. But Mary saved me by hitting him over the head. Unfortunately, that didn't stop him," David stated.
"Objection...Mr. Nolan is speculating about things he does not know. It cannot be determined if he would have died or not," Mitchell objected.
"Sustained...the jury will disregard Mr. Nolan's speculation," the judge agreed.
"What happened then?" Gold questioned.
"He lit the leg of the chair on fire and tossed it onto the rug. He backhanded Mary and I tackled him. We fought each other and I managed to push him off. Then Mary and I escaped the cabin. Emma showed up not long after that," David stated.
"Thank you Mr. Nolan, no further questions," Gold stated, as Mitchell stood up and approached.
"Mr. Nolan...when you pushed Mr. Tromera off you, where did he fall?" Mitchell asked. David gave him an icy glare.
"Into the fire," he answered.
"So...you're the one that pushed Mr. Tromera into the fire," Mitchell stated.
"Objection! The witness was fighting for his life," Gold interjected.
"I'm merely making sure the jury is aware of all the facts, Your Honor," Mitchell stated.
"Overruled," the judge agreed.
"You were angry, weren't you Mr. Nolan?" Mitchell asked.
"Of course I was angry. He attacked us!" David replied hotly.
"So you pushed him into the fire," Mitchell responded.
"He hit the woman I love! He planned to trap me in that burning cabin!" David exclaimed.
"Mr. Nolan...you will reign in your temper or you will be removed from the courtroom," the judge warned and Mitchell smirked smugly.
"Or perhaps with that fire, you saw an opportunity to eliminate my client and thus end his pursuit of your girlfriend...and any competition he presented," Mitchell goaded.
"Objection! Mr. Nolan is not the one on trial here!" Gold exclaimed.
"Withdrawn, no further questions," Mitchell said smugly, as he returned to his seat.
"The court will recess for one hour for lunch. Dismissed," the judge said, as he slammed his gavel down. David seethed, as he returned to his seat and Mary hugged him tightly. She saw Damon glaring smugly at them and quickly averted her eyes away from the monster. She knew that after lunch it would be her turn to testify and she was admittedly terrified, but anxious to tell the jury exactly what Damon had done and said to her on that night...