AN: See chapter 1 for story notes and summaries.
Ships: Snowing, Rumbelle, Swan Believer, eventual Swanfire, and a delightful Golden Mad Charming BroT3. :)
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Please consider leaving a review if you're reading. It is very much appreciated!
I was asked to give a rough estimate of exactly what month/year it is, like I do with Finding You Always. So since it's estimated that the curse was broken in late February 2012 and it's been a few weeks since, it is now early April 2012
Special note:
I am also now on Ko-Fi. So feel free to follow me there too and any support anyone can spare will be greatly appreciated. Just look up Lilacmoon83 there too.
I finally have the face claim poster done for the Gods and it will be posted on Tumblr tonight. Here are the face claims I have chosen:
Gal Gadot as Persephone, of course.
Robert Downey Jr as Hades
Natalie Portman as Artemis
Michelle Pfeiffer as Demeter
George Clooney as Zeus
Diane Lane as Hera
Idris Elba as Hephaestus
Amber Heard as Aphrodite
Stephen Amell as Ares
Cillian Murphy as Hermes
Rami Malek as Apollo
Ernie Hudson as Poseidon
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Phobos
Vincent Irizarry as Deimos
Aisha Tyler as Athena
Sean Bean as Cronus
Maggie Smith as Hecate
Ben Affleck as Prince Eli
Thanks for awesome the reviews. Here are individual responses:
Saberius Prime: A break? Haha, nope! There will be no break, lol. It's just wall to wall problems and conflict. But I'm having fun writing it so I think you'll have fun reading it, lol. :)
Baratta Jennifer: Yeah, it was a nail biter and this one is more of the same, as is the next. Glad you're enjoying it!
Naomi Blue: The bickering was fun. Yeah, Zeus is a douche so they all pretty much hate him. The Swans are the worst and prepare for another confrontation that should be pretty entertaining. Glad you like my choice for Ares. I thought he fit well for that role.
Theinferno1536: There's magic there so while sending her and David back to the Enchanted Forest would solve the Swan problem, Circe and Cronus could still get to them. Another country is an option, but there's a lot at play here so it's going to get a bit more complicated.
Grace5231973: Yeah, it gives me appreciation too. The squabbling was fun to write though. Yeah, Zeus is a douche. As for Zelena's plan, Hades' motives for wanting to use her plan have changed and you'll see why in this chapter. He's now terrified for them all and thinks the only way to get rid of Cronus and all their problems is to go back. I have some fun twists in store for that. :)
Number Ten: Cruella is fun. She has as fun scene in this chapter, so consult away. The Gods are like bratty children and Zeus is the ultimate douche. Athena is the voice of reason and that's why I see her as being played by Aisha Tyler. Yeah, the Swans need a smack down. I thought running a baby pool would be exactly something Happy would do. Yep, I fancasted all the Gods and I enjoyed Ernie Hudson as Poseidon so I kept him.
Beth1980: Ha, yep, they are acting like spoiled, bratty children, which was fun to write. Yeah, I figured a baby pool is something Happy would do. There is a little insight into why Hades wants to use Zelena's plan now. His motivations have changed and I have an interesting plot ahead for this. Yeah, the Swans should end up as toads. :)
izzypirelli: Yes, Sean Bean is perfect for Cronus and yes, he will die. But not before there's all kinds of conflict and fun to be had, lol. Glad you liked the scene on the ship. I really liked writing it and then overlapping it with the events that were already going on in Storybrooke. Yes, essentially the river turned Hecate into a blank slate. She's still a person with functioning knowledge, but void of all the things that made her Hecate. Yep, Demeter has finally met her family and I had a lot of fun with the banter between her and Hades. Definite RDJ vibes. Yeah, the Swans conveniently left that out. Yep, things are going to get pretty complicated with what I have planned. Mama Persephone will beat you down if you go after her Snowdrop and her influence is interesting, because that will definitely be in play later. Oh yes, Hades is impressed and turned on. He's actually not sexist, unlike his brother and like David, he loves strong women. Yeah, Zeus is too full of himself to realize that they follow Persephone, because he's a douche. And it's funny you mentioned stress with Snow, because there are direct consequences of that in the beginning of this chapter. Let's just say Snow doesn't feel well and David is in overprotective husband mode times ten! Ha, yeah definitely fake news. There is more about Hades motivations in this chapter. He really thinks, especially with Cronus, that this is the only way. But he has some provisions, because he actually has changed. And the time skip thing...there will probably be one coming, but I have a twist ahead and with things getting very twisty, time might not have much relevance for a beat. So glad you're enjoying! :)
Dreaming Out Loud
Chapter 77: Unsteady
David leaned against the bathroom door, as Snow got sick in Regina's bathroom. The stress of everything finally came crashing down on her. Between the revelation that Cronus might try to kill their baby and the Swans trying to wreck their lives, it proved to finally be too much.
"Snow...please let me in," David pleaded.
"I just threw up, Charming...trust me, you don't want to be in here," Snow said tersely, as she flushed the contents away.
"You know that kind of thing doesn't bother me," he said, as Regina approached and handed him a toothbrush that was still in the packaging.
"There's toothpaste in the drawer...I'm sure she'll want this," Regina offered. He gave her a slightly scrutinizing stare and then nodded, as he slipped into the bathroom.
"Hey…" he said, as he handed it to her. She opened the package and found the toothpaste, before starting to brush her teeth vigorously. She spit and rinsed, before sighing and placing her hands on the sink. He gently put his arms around her waist and she leaned back against him.
"I...I just want us to be safe and happy. Why is that so hard?" she cried. He kissed her hair.
"I know, my darling...and I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen. I won't let some Detective looking to make a name for himself come in here and rip our lives apart," he promised.
"I know...but then there is Cronus. How do we defeat someone like that?" she asked.
"We don't...for that, we'll have to rely on those that have magic. For now...maybe we should go see Artemis," he suggested.
"David...it's just stress. I'm fine and the baby is fine," she insisted. He sighed.
"Then at least let me take you home to rest," he insisted. She sighed.
"I suppose I better rest while we can," she agreed. He smiled and kissed her forehead, before they exited the bathroom. They were surprised, however, to find Regina there, actually looking concerned.
"Thanks for the toothbrush," Snow said.
"You're welcome...are you okay?" Regina asked, which sounded foreign coming from her to Snow.
"Why do you care? I mean...you never have before. In fact, me puking my guts out would have probably brought you joy just days ago," Snow said bitterly. Regina took the sobering comment in stride though.
"I deserve that...and you're right, but a lot has changed in the last few days. You saved my life...and," she started to say.
"And what? You found out that your mother was as evil as everyone kept telling you? And if I recall, I saved your life once before by stalling your execution. And what did you do?" Snow asked, but didn't give Regina the chance to respond.
"You went on to kill more of my people and then curse me! You took away my husband and my daughter! You encouraged that depraved monster to pursue me when you knew the things he wanted to do to me. And never mind that he was intent on killing David!" Snow said, as she started to break down.
"You know...I wanted this so badly and now that it's happening...it just feels like it's too late," Snow cried, as her entire body shook with anger.
"I don't blame you for the Cronus situation, but there is a man on his way here to question me and my husband about abandoning our daughter in the woods...and possibly put us in prison!" she cried.
"But hey...our daughter gave birth while she was in prison, again, because we couldn't be there, so I guess history might repeat itself," she sobbed.
"Snow…" David admonished, but she didn't stop.
"You didn't abandon her," Regina insisted.
"No...we didn't, but that's not what it looks like. No one is going to believe that's just where she came through when we sent her through a magical wardrobe. A wardrobe that could have taken both of us with her before she was even born...but that's another story. More lies and betrayal, but who cares?!" she screamed.
"Who cares?! It's just Snow and Charming...screw them over and they'll forgive you, right?! Because that's who they are! Well, maybe I don't want to be that anymore! Maybe it's time I'm just a cold-hearted bitch. After all, I have the prime example standing right in front of me," Snow growled, as she stalked off, leaving Regina shell shocked.
"I guess you think I deserved all that," Regina mentioned quietly. He shrugged.
"Probably...but you know that's not really Snow. She's just angry and she lashed out. But I know her...and if you're serious about changing and finally having a relationship with her, then I know there's nothing she wants more," David replied.
"It sounds like I'm too late," Regina lamented.
"No...you don't get to do that. You don't get to give up on her, because she never gave up on you!" he snapped, as their eyes locked.
"She never has once doubted that you can be the woman you used to be when you saved her from falling off that horse. So if you really want to make amends...then prove her right," he replied, as he left to follow his irate wife.
"Where is Emma?" Snow asked, as she came back into the living room.
"She rushed out of here, no doubt to confront the Swans. I tried to stop her, but she wasn't having it. Neal went after her," Persephone explained.
"David...we have to go find her. We can't let her confront those abusers alone! She had to deal with them when she was just a baby...they traumatized her," Snow lamented.
"Easy...we will. I suppose there is no getting you to rest and stay behind?" he asked. She shook her head.
"Emma needs us...I'll rest later," Snow said, as she hurried out and David followed her.
"Your daughter is as reckless as you are, Persephone…" Zeus commented.
"Oh shut up...you have no room to talk about recklessness," Demeter countered, as they prepared to launch into another tirade. But Athena stepped between them.
"Enough...we need to prepare for Cronus' arrival, because there is no refuting that it will happen. He is coming and we must plan a strategy to fight him or the future of this town and our futures are all in jeopardy," she advised.
"She's right...excuse me, there is something I must do," Hades said, as he disappeared in a puff of light blue smoke.
"Where is he off to?" Demeter complained. Persephone gazed at the spot where he once was and wondered the same.
"It's hard to say…" she said, as they went about discussing a battle plan.
Emma stormed into the Inn, intending to track down the Swans. But she found an irate Granny instead, telling off two strangely dressed women at the front desk. Neal chased her down, striding in behind her.
"Good Sheriff...you're here. Will you kindly tell his riff raff to leave my Inn?" Granny asked, glaring at the two women.
"Riff raff? That's unoriginal, even for an old codger like yourself," the woman in green commented.
"Really dahling...is this any way to treat guests in your little flea bag motel?" the fur clad woman questioned.
"Who the hell are you two supposed to be?" Emma questioned. Ursula turned to her with a scrutinizing look. This blonde seemed vaguely familiar, but she really couldn't put her finger on why.
"I'm Ursula...daughter of Poseidon and this woman is refusing us room and board. I daresay my father won't be happy about that," she said. Emma raised an eyebrow.
"Ursula...like the sea witch?" Emma questioned, making Neal chuckle beside her. The other woman snorted.
"You shouldn't call people names, blondie...it's quite rude," she said.
"And you are?" Emma questioned.
"Cruella De Vil...in the flesh or rather fur," she introduced herself and Emma laughed.
"Seriously?" she asked, with a scoff.
"The fur is kind of dead giveaway," Neal commented and she rolled her eyes.
"Whatever...I don't have time for this. Granny...what room are the Swans in?" Emma asked.
"Unlucky thirteen, but they're actually over at the diner right now," she answered.
"Fine...I'll go over there and make a scene then," Emma said, as she started to leave.
"Emma wait…" Neal pleaded.
"Excuse me...but we still need a place to stay!" Cruella demanded. Emma shrugged.
"And I've got bigger problems than you two," she retorted and put her hand up, before Neal could say anything else to try and stop her.
"Just who do you think you are?" Ursula questioned.
"Emma?!" Snow called, as she burst into the Inn with her husband behind her.
"Mom...what's going on?" Emma asked.
"We're just worried about you. We don't want you facing those people alone...especially not for us," David replied. Emma softened and smiled at them.
"Hey...I can handle them and thanks, but just as you two will do anything for me...I'd do anything for you. I love you guys...and I am not losing either of you ever again," she said, as they hugged her between them.
"Well, well...fancy running into you, dahling. I must say...this is quite a treat for the eyes, as always," Cruella purred, as they caught sight of the visitors.
"Cruella De Vil...I thought I smelled gin and desperation," Snow countered, making Emma's eyes widened. Her mother wasn't exactly the type to go straight for an insult, so it was a bit weird hearing such from her.
"Snow White...still as vapid as ever. I'll never understand how such a bland flavor like you keeps a man like this," Cruella purred, as she looked Charming up and down. He rolled his eyes.
"Kind of sounds like you're jealous of how beautiful and amazing my wife is, because she's hardly bland," David countered, as he slipped his arms around her waist and she smiled, as she felt him press a kiss to her hair. Cruella rolled her eyes.
"If you say so, chisel chin. I do love the badge on you, dahling...did it come with handcuffs?" she inquired. Emma wrinkled her nose.
"Ugh...seriously?" she asked.
"So...you're the Savior. And I sense more magic in you, Snow White. Another magical bun in the oven, I see?" Ursula surmised, as Snow put a hand to her still flat stomach and eyed the sea witch with scrutiny.
"I'm a Demi-God...I can sense the power in you, just like last time," she responded.
"You know them?" Emma asked. David sighed.
"Long story...we'll tell you later," he promised.
"Oh please let me be there. I really want to know how Snow White and Prince Charming are acquainted with Cruella De Vil and Ursula the Sea Witch," Neal pleaded.
"Stop enjoying this," Emma chided. He chuckled.
"No can do...wait till I tell Henry," he responded, earning him another eye roll from her.
"Whatever...excuse me, but I have two assholes to rake over the proverbial coals," Emma said, as she stormed next door to the diner, with a reluctant Neal and her parents. Cruella started to follow too.
"Where are you going?" Ursula questioned. The fur clad woman shrugged.
"I have no idea what's going on, but sounds like there's going to be a brawl and you know how I love a good show. Plus...I need a drink," she said. Ursula sighed and followed as well.
Hades appeared outside the farmhouse on the outskirts of town where Zelena had quietly made her home for the time being. The thought of Cronus in Storybrooke was a sobering thought and he found himself fearing more for Persephone and her family than himself. That was very new to him. For so long, he cared only for himself and his own interests. It was easier that way. Having feelings and caring about others complicated everything, thus the reason for his visit now.
"Well, well...I didn't expect to see you any time soon. Aren't you busy worming your way into that Charming little family?" Zelena questioned, as she stepped out onto the porch.
"Yes, well things have changed quite a bit in the last forty-eight hours and we need to talk about the plan," he replied, as she followed him inside.
"My father is free...and he will come here for revenge. All my siblings are here, but it won't matter. With the Olympian crystal, he will be insanely powerful," he explained.
"Your father?" she asked in confusion.
"Cronus…" he said.
"The one that literally ate all of you?" she asked in disgust.
"One in the same and no, those legends weren't exaggerated. Anything or anyone with power is seen as a threat to him...and that will include you. Power is what he fears the most," Hades warned.
"So he cannibalizes any threat to himself?" she asked, with a look of pure disgust.
"It's his thing...he's barbaric and he'll destroy everything, unless we fix this," he said. Her eyes widened.
"Then you really do want to turn back time," she realized.
"Yes...but not exactly at your specifications. We have to do it without hurting the baby," Hades stated. She stared at him and then burst out laughing.
"Oh my Gods…" she uttered. His jaw clenched in anger.
"As you can imagine, I don't enjoy being laughed at," he growled.
"Can you see yourself? You are here asking me for a way to save Snow White's baby," she exclaimed.
"I know…" he growled and then sighed.
"I know...but I told you things have changed a great deal," he lamented.
"You've fallen back in love with her, haven't you?" she asked quietly. He looked down.
"I never fell out of love with Persephone," he admitted.
"I see...then what were we?" Zelena asked.
"We were a fling...you know that better than I do. But neither of us gets what we want if my father comes here and burns this town to the ground and consumes us. I want to see the spell," he requested. She sighed and motioned him to follow her down into the cellar.
"If Persephone finds out about this...she'll never forgive you," Zelena warned.
"Except that things have changed. This spell may the only way to save our family now. This spell will put my father back in his prison where he belongs and it will erase the problem we have with these outsiders," Hades said.
"If you say so…" she said, as she opened her spell book.
"There are four ingredients that this spell needs and they won't be easy to obtain," she warned.
"A brain...a heart...courage...and a magical child born of true love," he recited.
"As you know, not all true love is created equal and not all produce magical babies," she reminded.
"No...Snow White and Prince Charming's true love is on a tier above most. And this says a child...you told me that an infant was needed," Hades replied.
"It is. A child...a baby…" she answered.
"Child is much more vague than infant, Zelena. The baby is not the only one that qualifies as an ingredient for this spell," he told her.
"You mean Emma Swan...she's not a child," Zelena responded.
"I believe she prefers Emma Nolan these days and she may not be a child anymore, but she is their child. Emma can be used in the spell and likely survive it! This changes everything!" he exclaimed.
"Does it? Because how in Oz do you plan to use her? She'll never surrender willingly," she reminded.
"I never said it would be easy, but this will be in the best interest of all. As long as my father holds that crystal, he can't be defeated. This is the only way we all survive. We just have to do so long enough to get the spell ingredients," he said, deep in thought now.
"Well...we both know the courage has to be in the form of a talisman from someone with such and I think we both know one person with an abundance of courage," she said.
"The Prince...he's already shown courage by standing up to my brother so I'm sure he'll do the same in the face of what is to come. Obtaining that talisman shouldn't be too difficult," he responded.
"Then there is a heart," Zelena stated. He snorted.
"Well, we know which heart you want to sacrifice the most, but may I suggest creating a talisman from Regina's heart too? Killing is what you think you want...but take it from someone who thought that too and was very wrong," he responded.
"Except getting a proper talisman from Regina's heart would require her to actually feel something for her enemies. That will never happen," she snorted.
"You really haven't been paying attention the last few days, have you? Because your sister suddenly cares about Snow White again...you can easily have your talisman from her heart," he said. She rolled her eyes.
"What is it with that naive little Princess that she manages to sway everyone under her spell?" Zelena questioned. Hades chuckled.
"I don't know...she definitely has a way about her for sure," he agreed.
"That still leaves the brain...the one with the most knowledge," she said.
"The Dark One...that's tricky, but his knowledge will be invaluable when my father gets here. I will obtain a talisman from his knowledge," Hades responded.
"Then we have our spell," he stated.
"Then we'll both have what we want," she said.
"I know what I want...are you sure you know what you want?" he asked.
"You mean have I given it seconds thoughts about my mother after seeing her in action and a father like Leopold?" she questioned. He nodded. She smirked.
"I have actually. I always thought that if my sister and I had grown up together that we could rule and make sure my mother was put in her place," Zelena said.
"Just make sure yours and Regina's rule doesn't interfere with my family. I don't care about Cora or Leopold, but Snow and David must not be a focus of your wrath," he replied.
"Don't worry...from what you've told me, Snow White's problem will be in her own Kingdom. Are you so certain that Eli will act the way you've foreseen?" she asked.
"Trust me...if Eli lives, he'll fail Persephone and Snow. He comes from a very judgmental Kingdom. They'll never accept Snow as his heir and he will fulfill his duty to his crown and put it above his own daughter. But I won't suffer from his shortcomings. I will forgive Persephone and love her daughter as my own. Eli will be miserable on this Throne, Persephone will love me again, and Snow will go on to have her little family she has now with her Charming. And most importantly, my father will go back to his prison and these outsiders will never be a problem, because there will never be a curse," Hades stated. Yes...this had to work and it could fix all their problems. It had to, for they were staring down the face of annihilation if Cronus was allowed to reign…
Emma stormed into the diner and spotted the Swans at a table, before stalking up to them.
"Call it off…" Emma growled at them.
"Excuse me?" Kevin asked.
"The reporter...the police...all of it," she snapped.
"I'm sorry...we can't do that. Everyone deserves to know how that story ended. You know, you were a big thing in 1983 and it will do that small town that you were found in good to know that the deadbeat parents that abandoned you will be brought to justice," Jessica said smugly. Emma responded by wrapping her hands around the woman's neck, before being pulled off by her father and Neal.
"I swear...if someone tries to take them away from me...you'll really see what magic can do," Emma threatened.
"That was assault, Sheriff...I guess we'll see that you end up in a cell right next to your parents. One big, happy jailbird family," Jessica said smugly and then yelped, as Snow punched her in the eye.
"If you're so intent in putting us in jail, then we might as well earn our trip there," the raven haired beauty said sternly.
"You little bitch…" Kevin growled, as he advanced on her, but he wouldn't get very far, as David punched him and he collapsed onto the table, sending him and the broken table into a heap on the floor.
"Stay the hell away from my family or you'll regret the day you stepped foot in this town," David warned.
"We already do...we're only here, because of you two and your demon daughter!" Jessica cried.
"Don't call her that or I'll blacken your other eye," Snow threatened.
"Go ahead Princess...because it doesn't change the fact that your story is out there and now the real police are coming here to make sure you pay," Jessica countered.
"That's not our real story...and you know it," David growled. But she smirked.
"Good luck on trying to get them to believe the real story then," Kevin said smugly. They were about to go back to fighting when there was a rumble beneath their feet.
"What the hell was that?" Emma wondered. David looked up and noticed that the sky had suddenly darkened and turned to red.
"I...I don't know, but nothing good…" he uttered, as Snow looked on with him and instinctively, their arms went around each other, even as all in the diner slowly filed out into the streets. It had attracted the attention of all, as everyone had suddenly stopped what they were doing to witness the coming spectacle.
"Mother…" Snow cried, as she and Hades both appeared.
"Is it him?" David asked.
"I'm afraid so...he'll come here the same way I did," Hades responded, as the rumbling got more intense and they hurried to the park where the lake was.
The people of Storybrooke, though scared, curiously followed their leaders and wondered what could be in store for them this time. It was still daylight, despite the sky turning red and a layer of fog had settled on the lake. Charon's boat appeared from the fog and it was filled with several figures.
"Do you think he brought magic users with him?" Regina asked curiously.
"Actually no...he fears magic. Except Hecate and Deimos, his generals will be loyal to him, but probably without magic. I doubt your mother would have made the cut in what he looks for in his subordinates," Hades surmised.
"He's right...Hecate has probably been brainwashed with some story to obtain her loyalty. The others...I'm not feeling other magics, except from Deimos...and one other, whom I cannot discern. That does not mean that whoever he has brought without magic won't be dangerous though," Persephone added. Snow swallowed thickly and felt Charming's arms tighten around her. She shuddered and welcomed his hold, as she huddled against him. He looked at her and lifted her chin so their eyes met.
"No matter what happens, my love...I will keep you and our baby safe," he promised, as he kissed her passionately. Their lips parted and he pressed his forehead against hers, keeping their eyes locked.
The boat docked and the hooded figures stood before them, all once dead and now alive again, thanks to the glowing crystal that was mounted on the sickle in the hand of the central figure, who was emanating a great deal of dark magic...
At last, the time was at hand. The Olympian crystal was whole again and his chosen stood before him.
"I have chosen you all carefully and not just because you have sworn loyalty to me," Cronus said, as he stood before them.
"I have chosen you...because your lives, like mine, were cut short. They were stolen from you by people that still walk among the living. My life was stolen by my own son," he stated.
"Dear Hecate here...hers was stolen by those that were supposed to be friends," he continued.
"It is time for retribution and justice to be served. Under my son's rule, evil and immorality runs rampant. Mortals have and use magic against other mortals. The have no true leader anymore...they no longer believe in the Gods the way they did under my rule," he shouted.
"But together...we can bring about the Golden age again. I can rule the mortal world justly and with structure. But it will not be easy," he announced.
"There will be resistance when we arrive and they will be prepared for a fight. But we shall prevail," Cronus announced, as he used to the crystal to give them all life again, before they boarded Charon's ferry and began their journey back to the land of the living...