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 awesome the reviews. Here are individual responses:
Barratta Jennifer: Glad you enjoyed it!
Saberius Prime: Yep, Hades is despicable. I apologize about the cliffhanger and probably need to apologize for the one in this chapter too, lol. You're right, Zeus should have stepped in. Glad you're enjoying the story!
Ragsweas: Yes, we are very close! There is so much action to come! Glad you're enjoying it!
BooksinmyDreams: Yep, and there are more twists ahead. Enjoy!
Ash Greg: Glad you're still reading and enjoying! Regina is getting desperate. As for the story that August is adding, it's the one about Snow's true origins that was in that beat up old leather book Mary was reading. Glad you're enjoying all the relationships and twists and turns. There's a lot of action ahead! Enjoy!
Paulaa90: Yes, on the deal between August and Gold, you're probably right. As for Lacey, it does seem like Regina is winning right now, but things are coming to a head. As for Grace and Mrs. Larson, that will be a difficult situation and since I won't be writing Jefferson out, I'll actually deal with the ramifications of what Regina did to all these people that have been families, but aren't actually families. Yep, Hades sacrificed one immortal to restore another. Yes, the confrontation between them is epic. Enjoy!
Snowing1997: So glad you enjoyed it! There's much to come for the Charmings and it's going to be action packed! Hope you enjoy!
Number Ten: Yes, unfortunately, it gets worse for Jefferson before it gets better. As for Damon, I promise that when he does die, it will be painful. :)
Naomi Blue: I love the BroT3 too and yes, Regina is trying to destroy everything. Ares is the worst. As for the curse, will Henry have to eat the tart since Emma believes? That is a very good question. I won't spoil it, because you'll find out how that goes down in this chapter!
Sara K M: Glad you liked the conflict between Gold and August. Yes, Gold is having the pages about Snow's heritage added. As to why they are not in there, that explanation comes later. I don't want to spoil anything. Yes, you're very right about Jefferson. Glad you're enjoying!
Cassie: Yes, I'm afraid Phobos' fate was sealed and yep, August is still a shady kadie, lol. Yes, Regina is really pulling out all the stops now and it's going to seem like she's about to win it all...until she doesn't. Yes, Jefferson is desperate which isn't good. As for how Henry ends up eating it, it is quite different but I won't say more, because you'll soon find out in this chapter! And yes, the fight between David and Damon will be epic! Glad you're enjoying!
Beth1980: Rumple probably would have done worse to August, but he's already turning to wood so he kind of considers that poetic justice. Yes, the pages Rumple wants added are Snow's origins. I know, I love the Emma teasing her dad about technology. Yep, Jefferson is going to be pushed over the edge. As for when Damon does eventually die, I promise it will be painful, lol. There's so much action to come that I won't spoil anything else. Happy Easter to you too!
Izzypirelli: Yeah, the Emma and Charming banter is always the best! Glad you think my back stories are well put together. That's good to hear. As for Ares, yes, it was very dumb for him to trust Hades. Yes, Jefferson is at a breaking point. As for Belle, since it's not really her fault, I think they'll be forgiving. Yep, it's going to look like Regina is going to win it all before it comes crashing down. As for Damon, you're on track. He has a plan and David is the bait, unfortunately. Glad you're enjoying!
Dreaming Out Loud
Chapter 37: An Apple as Red as Blood
Henry trekked out to the bus and dug in his bag. He decided he would re-read some of the stories and search for more clues about breaking the curse. He didn't know if it would do any good though. But he took what Miss Blanchard told him earlier to heart. And if his grandmother could somehow maintain a sense of hope, even with a very bad man continuing to wrong her, then he felt he needed to do the same. As he dug through his bag though, panic settled in his stomach when he couldn't find the book.
"It's gone…" he uttered. But that didn't make any sense. The only time his bag was left unattended was...recess. It had been in the classroom earlier and Miss Blanchard had been on recess duty. With that realization, Henry dashed away, forgetting the bus and set out on the streets. He had to find Emma. Only she could help him find him book.
Jefferson was barely through his tirade when the doorbell rang again. And the person on his doorstep only made his rage go through the roof.
" . …" he bit out through clenched teeth. Regina smirked in satisfaction.
"What's the matter, Jefferson? Aren't you having a good day?" she goaded, as she invited herself in.
"You're not welcome here! Leave!" he shouted, as she looked around in disgust.
"Ugh...this place is a disaster. This would be no environment for a child," she stated.
"Well...thanks to you, I don't really have that problem," he retorted. She smirked and turned.
"But I could make it your problem...if you help me with my little problem," Regina replied.
"No way...I'll never make a deal with you. Do I have idiot stamped on my forehead?" he growled. She snorted.
"Do you really want me to answer that?" she retorted, as she took a seat in his chair and crossed her legs.
"Come...let's have a chat about what you're going to do for me in order to get your daughter back," she stated.
"I told you...I'm not helping you!" he shouted.
"Oh, but only I can give you what you want. Do you really think that idiot prince and his daughter can get your daughter back?" she asked.
Jefferson put his head in his hands, trying to control his rage and the desperation he felt.
"All you have to do is one little thing for me...and Grace is yours. I can make this little restraining order disappear like it never existed. Can your idiot friend Charming do that?" she tempted, as he looked up at her, eyes red and face contorted with conflict.
"He's my friend…" Jefferson croaked. She snorted derisively.
"Please...you don't have friends and even if you did, you'd never put a friend above your daughter, would you? Do you really think Charming would put you above his precious Snow or Emma?" she questioned, enjoying watching the Hatter unravel before her eyes.
"You...you know he's awake, don't you?" Jefferson asked in surprise. Regina's grin widened.
"I suspected...but wasn't sure. Thank you for clarifying that fact. Not that it matters. The idiot plans to confront Tromera today and I doubt he'll be surviving that little encounter," she said. Jefferson's mouth dropped open and he eyed his phone.
"Picking up that phone will ensure Grace is lost to you forever," she warned. He glared murderously at her.
"What do you want me to do?" he growled. She smirked.
"Come with me to my vault. There is something I need…" she hissed.
"My hat doesn't work," he warned. But she only smirked and opened her trunk, as they walked out to her car. Inside, Jefferson saw a hat box and she opened it.
"No...but I think this one will," she responded.
August grimaced deeply, as the twinge in his leg had grown into a stabbing pain that afternoon. He was running out of time, but pressed on, as he continued to resew the binding of the book. He had managed to slip into the school, which really needed better security, and swiped Henry's book during recess. He had successfully added his story and Persephone's to the book, as instructed by Gold. But the pain in his leg had become excruciating and he could barely walk now. He lifted his pant leg and saw that both his legs were wood now. He stood up from his desk and cried out in pain, as his waist was now wood as well. He fumbled with his phone and dialed, as he collapsed onto the bed.
"Emma...it's August," he said in a pained voice.
"What do you want?" she asked shortly.
"Look...I know you're mad at me, but I need your help. I can't walk anymore...my lower half is completely wood now. Please...help me and I promise I'll return the favor," he pleaded.
"I can't just drop everything. I have a restraining order to deliver to Damon and I'm not letting my father go alone," Emma snapped.
"Please Emma...I think I know something that can help break the curse. I should have thought of it before…" August said, his breathing heavy, as he stared at the illustration of the true love potion. At least swiping Henry's book had led to this discovery. He was sure it could mean everything and reinforced the fact that he knew the Dark One was only out for himself, for if he hadn't told Emma about it, then that meant he wanted it for his own purposes.
"Please Emma…" he begged and heard her sigh.
"Fine...I'll be there in a few," she agreed, as she hung up the phone. August took another pained breath, as he felt the pain creep up to his belly. He hoped she hurried. He was almost out of time.
Emma hung up her phone and pocketed it.
"Emma...I'll be fine. If there's even a chance that he's discovered something that could help us, then we need to know what it is," David said, as he turned the car around to drop her off at the Inn.
"But he lies...and I don't like that you'll be confronting Damon by yourself," Emma replied. He stopped the car and put a hand on her arm.
"I know, but he doesn't have his memories or super strength here. I can handle him, I promise," David assured.
"He's dangerous," she objected.
"I know...and I'm armed," he reminded and she sighed.
"Fine...but if you haven't called me in fifteen minutes, I'm coming to find you," she told him. He smiled.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," he said, as she got out and watched him do a u-turn, before heading back in the direction of Damon's sleazy club.
"This better be good, puppet," she grumbled, as she went inside the inn.
Jefferson followed her down into the vault, the sound of beating hearts still creepy as ever.
"This place is one of the only magical places in town. You should be able to get the hat to spin," Regina stated, as she handed it to him. Jefferson looked at her and then placed it on the ground. He spun it...but nothing happened. He tried a second time and still, there was nothing.
"This isn't going to work...I don't have magic here," he spat bitterly. Regina knelt down and tried to spin it herself, frustrated that it wouldn't work for her either.
"There is one person that this will work for...but I doubt she'll help you with this since you plan to kill her," he said.
"I don't plan to kill her...that would break the curse. I have something a little different in mind for Emma Swan," she said, with a smirk. He glared at her.
"Like mother like daughter, they say," she added deviously. She tried spinning it, but it still did nothing.
"I told you...there isn't enough magic in this stupid town! You need something from...home," he said.
"I don't have anything anymore. I've used up almost everything I brought with me," Regina replied.
"Too bad for you then. I held up my end of the bargain...now give me my little girl," he pleaded.
"You don't get your daughter unless I get what I want," Regina snapped. Jefferson eyed the ring she had and looked back at her.
"You do have something…" he reminded.
"This...this was Daniel's…" she uttered sadly.
"Too bad...you know it's the only way, unless you want this entire town coming after you with torches and pitchforks. Personally, I'd enjoy seeing that very much," he said, earning a glower from her, as she removed the ring and tossed it in. The hat started to spin with magic, but not enough for a portal.
"It's not enough for a portal...but you can reach in and get whatever it is that you're after," he said, absolutely hating every moment of helping this woman.
"That's fine...I only need a certain apple," Regina said, as she guided the hat to the correct location and witnessed the scene. It brought her back to that victorious day; to the moment when she had gleefully watched Snow willingly bite into her apple for the sake of saving the man she loved. She remembered it like it was yesterday, the feeling of vengeance she had as she watched her choke for air and fall into an eternal sleep. She had won the day, only to have it snatched away a day later by Charming and his true love's kiss. But this time...she'd have revenge on them both when their spawn took a bite of that very same apple.
She saw the fruit roll down the hill, as it rolled out of Snow's limp hand and straight into Jefferson's, as he reached through for it.
She snatched it from him and grinned in victory, savoring that feeling once again.
"You have what you want...now give me my daughter," he demanded, as they walked back up the stairs from the vault. But she smirked deviously.
"That's not how this works…" she stated, as two men, dressed in white uniforms emerged from the trees.
"Gentlemen...this is the man I called about. He is severely disturbed, going on about portals and jumping through hats. I want him committed...immediately," she said. He looked at her in horror and betrayal, as they grabbed his arms.
"No...you can't do this! I'm not crazy and you know it!" he cried.
"Oh...you are quite Mad and need to be locked away for yours and this town's own protection," she replied, as the men forced the straightjacket on him and restrained him, as he was dragged away screaming to their van.
"You'll pay for this, Regina...I promise you'll pay!" he screamed, as he was thrown into the van and it drove off for the hospital. Regina smirked in victory and thought about what to do with the apple.
She could go straight home and bake it into a turnover to feed to the Savior...but judging by all that was happening, she wasn't sure she had much time for that. She knew Emma knew everything and decided that, perhaps a direct confrontation was best. It was that moment that her phone rang and she answered.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"I left the note on her car as you suggested and you were right...his car just pulled up to my club," Damon answered. She smirked. This was going to work better than she originally thought.
"Good...keep him there. I know she'll be along for her wayward husband soon enough after you left that note," Regina replied.
"Do you want me to kill him?" Damon asked, a note of hope in his voice.
"Not yet...just detain them both for now. When I get what I want, I'll call you and then you may do whatever you please with both of them," Regina answered.
"As always...it's a pleasure doing business with you, Madam Mayor,"
Regina smiled gleefully, as she hung up her phone. Yes...there would be no need for putting the apple in some fancy packaging. Once she confronted Swan and informed her of the dire fate facing her beloved parents, she'd willingly take a bite of the apple, just as her mother had so long ago. Only this time, there would be no one to awaken her, thanks to Damon. She knew he'd kill David once she allowed it and Mary would never again leave his sight. Once again, she could taste victory and this time, no one was going to spoil it.
Emma knocked on August's door.
"Hey...it's me," she called.
"Come in," he called and she turned the lock, finding it unlocked. She peered in and saw him lying on the bed. Her mouth dropped open, as she saw that three-quarters of his body was now wooden.
"Holy hell…" she uttered.
"Yeah...kinda sucks, but you probably think I deserve it," he muttered. Her contempt for him deflated a little.
"No one deserves this...but if I'm gonna help you, then you better be quick," she replied, watching his eyes move to the book.
"That page…" he said. Emma looked at the book.
"The true love potion...the one Rumpelstiltskin made from my parent's true love…" she stated. He managed a small smile.
"It still amazes me how well you know the book...and all of this. I've screwed up royally and wronged you. For that Emma, I'm truly sorry," he choked out.
"You were a kid...you're not the one that's truly to blame for the wardrobe," she admonished. He groaned, as the wood crept up to his neck.
"It's not that...dammit, we don't have time. You need to find the potion. It might be of use...it's magic, like you. Your parents made that magic...it's woven into the curse," he croaked.
"That's why I'm the Savior," she muttered.
"Yes…" he agreed.
"What makes you think the potion is here?" she asked.
"You don't really think...Rumpelstiltskin would have gone through the trouble of making it if he didn't plan to bring it with him, do you?" August asked.
"I guess not...but if it's here, why hasn't he used it yet?" she countered.
"Because he has his own motives. You and your father have to stop trusting him," August implored.
"Hold on...I know what he's done and that he's the reason for all this. But he's been way more forthcoming than you ever were! He's looking for his kid...I get that," she snapped.
"I know, I know, but ultimately, he'll do what's in his best interest, not the interest of everyone. You need that potion...you can't let him have it," August pleaded. Emma sighed.
"I'll go talk to him...I'll break the curse," she promised.
"I hope so...we're all counting on you now," he said, as his face turned to wood and he was silent. She spared him one last glance and then stormed out of the Inn.
David parked the cruiser and got out, before walking up to the ritzy, yet sleazy establishment. Upon entering, the amount of red in the furniture, walls, and upholstery burned his eyes. The scantily clad young woman on stage looked barely legal and he couldn't help but notice how she had raven hair and fair skin. He stepped further into the place and toward the bar, noticing that, as he did, the few patrons that were there quickly left. He watched Damon motion to the girl on stage and she stopped dancing, as she quickly exited backstage.
"Deputy Nolan...can I get you a drink?" Damon offered.
"No...I'm on duty and I won't be here long," David replied.
"Pity...you know, despite our differences, I think we would surprise ourselves and find that we actually have things in common. I mean, we both obviously have the same taste in women," leered, making David clench his fist.
"That would be the reason for my visit," the prince said, as he slapped the folded piece of paper down on the bar. Damon smirked and looked at it.
"You've been served," David said and the other man chuckled.
"You really think this is going to stop me?" Damon asked, as he tore the page up.
"You stay the hell away from my wife," David growled.
"Your wife...you just love rubbing that in my face, don't you…" Damon growled back.
"I won't let you continue to terrorize the woman I love. This ends today with you never coming near here again. Rip up the order if you must, but it won't change the fact that I'll do whatever I have to in order to protect her from you," David stated sternly. Damon smirked.
"Again...we're in agreement about this ending today. Just not exactly the way you think. This time though, I don't think we'll bother with the coma," the other man hissed. David noticed the four men closing in around him and was quick to pull his weapon, as he backed away from all five of them.
"Stand down…" he warned, but Damon smirked and his men each pulled their own firearm.
"One gun against five...even your pretty, empty head can surmise how that's going to go," Damon threatened, as they moved to surround the Prince.
"Emma knows where I am...she'll be here in a flash if I don't check in," he warned, but Damon remained unfazed.
"Oh, I think the Sheriff is going to be occupied with other problems. Now put the gun down," Damon ordered.
"Why? So you can kill me?" David asked. Damon smirked.
"Oh, you're going to die today, just not yet. There's a specific audience I want present for that event," he hissed. David clenched his teeth.
"I'll never let you touch her," the prince growled.
"You won't have any control over what I do…" the other man countered.
"I'm not just going to go down without a fight if that's what you're counting on. Four guns trained on one man is a little unfair," David mentioned. Damon chuckled.
"The pretty idiot wants to do things the hard way, men. Go on...have a little fun," he told them, as they holstered their weapons. David looked around, as they surrounded him and made his first move by smashing his elbow into the face of the one behind him, breaking his nose upon contact. He ducked the fists of two coming at him and crashed his shoulder into one, throwing him off his feet. He rolled over the back of the one with the broken nose, seeing that he was bent over, and slammed the fourth man into the bar. There was a sickening crunch in his back, as he dropped him instantly.
Damon frowned and advanced, as the prince punched out the other two men. He then threw a punch at Damon, but the monster caught his fist and David grimaced in pain.
Despite not having his immortal strength, he was still incredibly strong for a mortal and David kneed him in the gut. Damon grunted in mild pain and then wrapped his hand around David's neck.
"It would be so easy for me to snap your neck…" he growled.
"But I want her to watch me kill you." Damon continued, as he threw the prince away, sending him crashing into a table.
"Tie him up, boys. Our guest of honor will be here soon. She'll watch her husband die and I'll watch her break. Then she'll finally belong to me," he hissed.
Emma hurried down the street, headed for the pawn shop. But when she rounded the corner, she found Regina in her path.
"Hello Miss Swan," she greeted curtly, but Emma pressed passed her.
"I don't have time for this," the blonde groused, as she checked her phone. Twenty minutes had passed and no phone call from her father. The bad feeling in her gut was growing stronger by the minute.
"Expecting a call from someone?" Regina asked. Emma turned and glared at her.
"What have you done?" Emma growled, enraged by the pleased smile on the other woman's face.
"Let's just say...your daddy won't be breathing much longer and your little bitch of a mother will spend the rest of her life as nothing more than Damon Tromera's…" Regina said.
"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Emma hissed. Regina smirked.
"You can save them, Miss Swan. I can still call off Damon...if I get what I want from you," Regina replied.
"Fine...and what is it that you want, Madam Mayor?" Emma asked. Regina grinned and held up the apple that had a bite out of it.
"This...one bite, Miss Swan, and your parents will live. I'll even let them them live together and push them over the town line. Your Mother will never remember her life as Snow White, but at least she'll have her Prince Charming. He's awake...or so I've heard," she replied smugly. Emma clenched her teeth and glared murderously at the woman. She was about to retort when another voice was heard.
"You lied to me…" Henry's small, broken voice came from behind them. Regina whipped around, her eyes wide in surprise.
"Henry…" she uttered.
"You are the Evil Queen. I was right about the book...and you made me feel like I was crazy…" he cried.
"Henry...I can explain…" Regina said, as she reached out to him, but he backed away. Regina glared at Emma.
"You've completely turned him against me...I hope you're happy," the Queen spat.
"You did that yourself," Emma retorted, as Regina placed the apple in her hand.
"The offer still stands. One bite...I call off Damon and push your parents over the town line. What happens to them after that won't be my concern," she offered.
"Away for you and Damon...they'll be fine…" Emma replied, as she looked at the apple.
"Emma no...you can't! She's lying! She'll let Damon hurt them!" Henry pleaded. She teared up and knelt down in front of him.
"But if it means you'll be okay, kid. I have to do this. My parents will understand. We all love you so much...I told them all about you in the dreamscape. You got to meet your Gramps...I just wish you had met your Grams too," Emma sniffed, as tears fell down her cheeks.
"Dreamscape?" Regina questioned in confusion, but was ignored.
"No...you have to save everyone! You're the Savior!" Henry cried.
"I know kid and that's why I have to eat this apple. At least you and most of the town...they'll be okay," she said.
"No...they'll be trapped forever! Damon will kill Gramps and hurt Grams, cause she lies!" Henry shouted at his mother angrily.
"Henry…" Regina pleaded, but he shrugged away from her again.
"Henry, this is what's best for you. I'm your Mother," the Queen said firmly.
"No...this is what's best for you," he retorted, glaring at her.
"I'm so sorry kid...I failed you," Emma said.
"Then don't eat the apple," Henry replied, as he snatched it out of her hand and backed away from them both.
"Henry...what are you doing?" Emma asked, starting to panic.
"You have to break the curse...and this is the only way," the boy said, as he looked at the apple, took a breath, and then bit into it.
"NO!" Regina cried, as he chewed and she watched his cherub face. Suddenly, she was seeing Snow eat the apple all over again, but this time it brought her no pleasure. Henry choked and fell to the ground, unconscious.
"Henry…" Regina choked out, as she stepped toward him.
"No...you stay away! You did this!" Emma growled, as she put her hand around the other woman's neck and slammed her against the brick wall behind them.
"Please...he's my son…" she pleaded.
"He's my son! You did this to him...all for your precious curse!" Emma growled, as she backed away and scooped him up, before hurrying toward the Pawn Shop. Regina followed quickly behind her. Just when she thought she had everything, it came crashing down and Henry was the one paying the price...