AN: See chapter 1 for story notes and summaries.
Ships: Snowing, Rumbelle, Swan Believer, Swanfire, Daddy Charming, Mama Snow, HadesxPersephone, Mama Persephone, and a delightful Golden Mad Charming BroT3. :)
Please consider leaving a review. Feedback is much appreciated and vital.
Also, feel free to follow me on Tumblr lilacmoon83. In an effort to grow my Snowing fanfiction blog on Tumblr.
Please consider leaving a review if you're reading. It is very much appreciated!
Special note:
Here are the main face claims that we're dealing with right now. For other minor Gods/Goddesses, see previous chapters:
Gal Gadot as Persephone
Robert Downey Jr. as Hades
Vincent Irizarry as Deimos
Ben Affleck as Prince Eli
Rami Malek as Apollo
Drew Barrymore as former Queen Serafina
Idris Elba as Hephaestus
Thanks for awesome the reviews. Again, please consider leaving feedback. I love writing this story, but a lot of hard work in my free time goes into getting weekly chapters up, so reviews are really gratifying. :)
Note: Keep in mind during this arc that time is very wonky. Basically Zelena went back, killed Eva, and then regressed to an infant. Emma is watching time pass more like in a movie rather than real time. It will eventually all make sense at the end of this arc. Sort of. I hope. :)
Here are individual responses:
Grace5231973: Yep, we may not have heard the last from the Chernabog. The reunion will be interesting, as will Rumple's plan. :)
Saberius Prime: Yep, you got it. We definitely haven't seen the last of the Chernabog or Frollo. That's all I can say for now, but good catch. Glad you're enjoying the story. :)
Number Ten: Yeah, I knew it wouldn't take much for Lancelot to turn and this James has changed a bit, because of war. It's been a very long time since I've seen Fantasia, so my references were pretty vague, but I thought it was fitting that Hades had a bit of fun with his protections. Yep, we probably haven't heard the last of the Chernabog. Yeah, Rumple definitely has his own motives, but in this case, they might actually work for everyone. We shall see.
Jennifer Baratta: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Naomi Blue: Yep, James is going to live here since we know he's been revived in the main time line. Yep, hopefully James and David will both work through their anger. Yeah, you'd be right on that feeling. It's not the last we've seen of him or the Chernabog. That would be too easy, lol. Rumple's plan will definitely be very interesting.
Theinferno1536: It's pronounced pretty much how it looks. A(short a) Rawn or Raun(rhymes with prawn. :)
Beth1980: Yeah, I figured that Ruth taught David to cook. Yeah, James and Lancelot are an odd team for sure. Yep, Frollo is the worst and puts religion in a bad light. Yeah, I figured Hades would have a little fun with the protections he put in place. That was my favorite part. Snowing dancing with no music, because they make their own music. Yeah, Deimos needs to go bye-bye. Yep, James and David have met and we get to see them interact in this chapter. Your question about Frollo is answered in this chapter. Yep, everyone needs a drink. There is major family drama in this chapter, especially when you add Rumple to all this. :)
Dreaming Out Loud
Chapter 104: That's Where You'll Find Me
Ruth busied herself by making tea for everyone, as they got situated in the cabin. The tension was extremely thick and Snow knew it was running high for her husband. As they finally gathered around and sat down, thanks to her mother poofing them a few more chairs, she opted to sit with David when he pulled her down into his lap. She curled against him and rested her head against his shoulder, as his eyes were fixated between his brother and the imp that was joining them. Rumpelstiltskin was watching the whole scene with something akin to amusement? Which she knew was probably irritating her husband. He did not find any of this amusing at all and probably didn't appreciate the imp's nonchalant attitude. Still, she was curious about what he had said earlier about them defeating Arawn. If there was even a chance at freeing the people from his evil reign, she wanted to know how to do so.
Ruth was about to bring the tea over when Rumple waved his hand. A brunette woman in a blue and white dress appeared, looking confused.
"Rumpelstiltskin…" she uttered, with questioning eyes.
"Help serve the tea," he ordered and she did so, as she looked around.
"Who is this?" Snow asked curiously, as she instantly noticed a tension between the imp and the woman.
"Just my maid. Pay her no mind," he responded.
"I will pay her mind. You must have a name," Snow retorted. The brunette beauty looked at the raven haired beauty in surprise. It wasn't often that she heard someone speak to the Dark One with such command...and not only live, but remain upright.
"Careful dearie...you have quite a tongue," he warned.
"She does...like her mother. You know, the Queen of the Underworld," Hades reminded, as he gave the Dark One a steely gaze.
"The Underworld?" Belle questioned.
"Yes dearie...you're in the presence of none other than Hades and Persephone, as well as their sharp tongued daughter, Snow White," he admonished. Snow smiled.
"It's nice to meet you," Snow said, giving her a smile. Belle returned it.
"Likewise...I'm Belle," she responded.
"And you're his maid?" David asked skeptically. She smiled.
"I am," she confirmed.
"Willingly?" he questioned and Snow smacked his chest.
"What?" he asked questioningly.
"You could be more tactful," she replied.
"Sorry...this is my loving and tactless husband, David," Snow said affectionately. Belle smiled.
"I guessed. You're in his lap," the brunette teased, which made Snow blush a bit.
"And to answer your question...my employment is a business arrangement," she answered.
"Well, now that all these pleasantries are out of they, we can get to the important things. Like defeating King Arawn," Rumple interjected.
"If you want him defeated so badly, all powerful Dark One, then why don't you just do it?" Hades challenged.
"For the same reason you haven't," Rumple retorted.
"There are risks and he has ways of nullifying magic, as we have seen with Midas," he added.
"But Frollo is dead," Eli reminded.
"But what he left behind for his King is not. Though if done right, the Kingdoms can be taken back from him," Rumple stated.
"And how do we do that?" James questioned.
"By fighting back. It's time that these two join the battle, along with the rest of you. No more stowing your daughter away in the Underworld or this war will never end," he responded. Four voices uttered the same words simultaneously.
"No way in hell…"
"Maybe he's right," Snow said, as all three of her parents and her husband gave her incredulous looks.
"Snow...you can't be serious…" David responded.
"No, I am...this war started with me and it should end with me," she said bravely.
"Honey...this war is not your fault. Deimos framed you for murder as an excuse to start this war," Persephone reminded.
"And I'm almost positive that he did it with Zeus' backing," Hades added.
"I know that...but it doesn't change the fact that I'm tired of hiding. I'm tired of him tormenting our people, Daddy," she said, looking at Eli. The former King sighed.
"I was a weak King, snowdrop. I'm not sure they did much better under me," he said in a defeated tone. Snow got up and went to her father.
"You were not a weak King, daddy. Ravenna was responsible for a lot the Kingdom's financial woes and you had to appease her to avoid war. No one can fault you for not wanting our people to suffer, because of her wrath," Snow replied.
"Maybe not...but our people deserve a real ruler. A true Queen," Eli said, as he put his hands on her shoulders. Her eyes widened.
"Not me…" she protested.
"Yes you…" he encouraged.
"It is my Throne, but you are my heir, I don't care what that stuffy court says. It's high time they're all replaced anyway. I could never do it, because I tried to appease too many, but none of that matters now. It's time for someone that can truly lead our people. And that's you, sweet pea," he said.
"He's right...you're the Queen they deserve," David agreed and she looked into her husband's love filled eyes.
"But I'm not fit to be Queen," Snow protested.
"Yes...you are, sweetheart," Persephone admonished.
"She may be...but it's a stretch to think that farm boy here can be a Prince," James interjected smugly, which enticed David and that was probably his point. David was on his feet and in his brother's face in a flash.
"I'd rather be a lowly farm boy than a pompous ass of a prince like you," he growled.
"You really think you can fight me?" James questioned.
"I don't think...I know I can," David retorted, as they prepared to come to blows. But Ruth and Sera intervened between their boys.
"Absolutely not!" Sera protested.
"You are brothers," Ruth added.
"No...we're not," James spat.
"You are," Sera insisted, as she put her hands on James' face and he almost pulled away, but then he didn't, as he relished his mother's touch. She was his earliest memory.
"I never wanted to leave you…" she reminded.
"I get it...he sent you off to be executed. You got lucky and escaped. But I didn't," he replied coldly.
"But you have now…" Sera reminded.
"She's right. When Arawn is defeated, we will not be putting George back on your Kingdom's Throne. It should be you, since your brother will rule with Snow," Rumple interjected.
"Me? But I'm not…" David started to say.
"Yes you are. You are technically a Prince now," Snow reminded, as she put her arms around him.
"And I don't do anything without the man I love by my side. It's always been our motto, after all," she added.
"We'll do this like we do everything. Together," she finished, as she nuzzled her nose against his and he melted into her, as he held her close.
"What makes you think we can take Arwan down where others have failed?" David questioned.
"That's actually a good question," James agreed.
"A very good question," Lancelot also agreed. Rumple smirked.
"Because you'll have my backing and theirs," he declared, as he looked to Hades and Persephone.
"You can rally the rest of the Gods to our cause," he stated. Hades scoffed.
"You want us to defy Zeus and get the rest of my siblings to do so as well?" the God of the Underworld questioned.
"We know that Deimos murdered Ravenna to start this whole thing and frame young Snow. We also know that Zeus is behind it. You must prove it to the others," Rumple stated.
"Which is impossible," Hades refuted.
"Maybe not," Persephone interjected and he looked at her.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"There is one God that is privy to everything Zeus does," she reminded, but he scoffed.
"Hephaestus will never betray Zeus…" he argued.
"He has to already be troubled by all of this and he is fond of Snow. He may if I talk to him. It's worth a try," she said. He sighed.
"Perhaps, but this won't be just one battle. We'll have to start small in our liberation," Eli chimed in.
"Yes, which is why you start by liberating villages. Drive the soldiers out of the common people's lives and they will amass an army for you," Rumple advised.
"That's actually a really good idea, but what's in this for you?" David questioned.
"Another really good question. You don't do anything for nothing, Dark One," Hades agreed.
"That's my business," Rumple argued.
"No...you tell me what you want from our daughter and son-in-law now. No more games," Hades snapped, as the two men stared each other down.
"Fine...I need to bottle true love and they are the only viable source for such an undertaking," he admitted.
"For what purpose?" Persephone demanded to know.
"You know why," Rumple snapped and she looked at her husband.
"Deal," she agreed.
"What?!" Hades exclaimed.
"My love...that is an incredible magic we'd be handing over and to him of all people," he reminded.
"I know, but I think I know why he wants it and I get it. Trust me," she stated vaguely.
"Okay...I'm a little lost. Owe!" David cried, as the imp plucked a hair from his head.
"What the hell?" he demanded to know, but Rumple did not answer, as he dropped it into a small vial. Next he took one from Snow and added it to the vial as well. Everyone in the room, including Snow and David, watched in amazement, as the hairs in the bottle glowed. They became intertwined and glowed bright pink, causing Rumple to giggle in delight.
"What is that?" Snow asked.
"True love. The most powerful magic of all...bottled," Rumple answered.
"And what are you going to do with it?" David asked.
"Never mind that," Rumple snapped, as he put the bottle in his robes.
"It's time to fight back against Arawn. Tomorrow, you'll liberate your first village and begin the path to winning this war," he continued. David sighed and slipped his hand into Snow's.
"Then we should take this time to see where you stand on your swordsman skills, farm boy," James challenged.
"Oh gee...I don't know if I can compete with a professionally, pompously trained prince. But I'd sure like to try," David replied sarcastically.
"This won't end well," Robert muttered.
"Baby...aren't you going to mention that you've been trained by my father and step-father?" Snow whispered to him. David smirked.
"Nah...it'll be more fun this way," he responded. Snow watched him go with a bit of exasperation, but then decided to watch them spar, all while trying to get to know the seemingly shy brunette more.
"So...you maintain the castle for the Dark One?" Snow asked curiously.
"Oh...I don't know about that. I'm mostly just a maid. I dust, do laundry, make tea and meals. He doesn't have to eat, but he likes to sometimes," she replied, as Belle looked at her curiously. Snow smiled.
"You can ask me anything. I'm a person, like you," she assured.
"Have you really been to the Underworld?" she asked. Snow nodded.
"I was born there and have spent a lot of time there," she confirmed.
"Isn't that frightening?" Belle asked.
"I don't really see the horrible parts. Papa Hades makes sure the nastiest souls are contained and aren't allowed in certain parts of his chambers. But I spend a lot of time on the surface above his Throne room with souls that have unfinished business. It's kind of like a strange little village all its own," Snow explained.
"That's fascinating...you know, there aren't many books about the Underworld," Belle mentioned.
"Papa Hades says it has to be that way. He says that most shouldn't know what awaits them in the afterlife until they get there," Snow replied.
"You like to read?" she inquired. Belle lit up at that.
"I love to read...I do so any chance I get. Rumpelstiltskin actually has quite a large library," she replied.
"And he lets you read?" Snow asked.
"He actually gave me the library," Belle admitted inadvertently and her eyes widened, as she realized what she had just said.
"Wow...he gave you a library," Snow said in an impressed tone.
"Well...as long as I keep it dusted," Belle stammered.
"Right," Snow said, with a bit of amusement. Belle swallowed and turned her attention to the exhibition duel between twin brothers that was happening in the meadow.
"I've never seen anything quite like that potion. That must be an incredible love you have," she mentioned. Snow smiled.
"He's everything to me and it is wonderful. True love isn't easy...but it's so worth it," the Princess agreed, as she gazed at her husband dreamily.
"Do you have someone?" Snow asked curiously.
"Oh...um no," Belle stammered.
"You don't sound so sure," Snow mentioned.
"Is love ever a sure thing?" Belle countered and Snow smiled.
"I suppose not, but I do know that your heart doesn't see distinguish by class, gender, or even magic and non magic persons," she said knowingly, as Belle looked at her. Snow smirked.
"Oh no...I'm not...I mean we're not…" Belle stammered.
"Mmm...sure you're not. You know, there's a lot of people that think Charming and I shouldn't be together, simply because he wasn't raised a Prince. But our love is none of their business and I know that there is no one better for me or no one I could ever want more," Snow told her.
"It's easy for you though. David seems like he would be pretty easy to love," Belle countered. Snow nodded.
"Okay...you've got me there. He is very easy to love. The love comes easy for us, which helps when outside forces try to keep us apart," she said.
"But even if the love part isn't as easy for you, if it's real...you should still fight for it," she added.
"He's such a beast sometimes…" Belle confessed.
"But then I see glimpses of something else...there's something there that's very human and very vulnerable," she added.
"Then don't give up," Snow advised.
"Love is worth whatever fight you have to endure," she assured, as they shared a soft smile.
Ruth sighed, as they watched their boys with arms around each other. Robert lingered nearby and it was all still very much sinking in for him. She knew that he would have to tell David the real reason he left when he was six and that was to try and save James. She hoped David took it well enough, but she feared he may feel like he wasn't enough for Robert. She herself had once felt that way when she found out what he had tried to do. She knew why he had done it and knew he never intended for David to feel that way though. She only hoped their son could understand that as well.
Having James back in their lives was both joyous and surreal. She knew they had a long road ahead of them with him. They had a lot of issues to overcome with him. James resented them and David for getting to grow up with them. And David was angry at them for not telling him, though they worried less about that. Snow would urge him to forgive and they knew it was likely he would easily do so. James would be harder. He may have been raised a Prince, but he considered David to be the spoiled one. The jealousy and resentment was evident and they only hoped both their boys could work through it.
"It'll be okay...they're our boys. There is still good in James, despite George's attempts to turn him into a monster. He didn't succeed," Sera assured her wife. Ruth nodded.
"If he gets his hands on either of them again...I can't think about what he might try to do to them," Ruth feared.
"The Gods will protect them...both of them," Sera said, praying she was right about that.
Twin brothers circled each other, as they prepared to engage in a duel. Lancelot, Eli, and Hades stood by with interest, while even Rumple seemed entertained by the prospect of this particular duel. It started out simply enough, with David simply parrying his brother's fierce strikes.
"I'll admit...I'm impressed you're still on your feet," James goaded, as he continued to duel his twin.
"I love how you keep assuming that I can barely hold a sword," David retorted.
"Okay...I'll admit I'm surprised you even know how to properly hold one. I've been holding one since I could walk. The best Knights in my Kingdom trained me," James boasted.
"Oh, he's going to go down hard, isn't he?" Lancelot questioned. Hades smirked.
"James is good...but arrogant. He's underestimating David's training," he agreed.
"I'm surprised he hasn't considered that David might have also received training," Eli commented.
"Oh he's about to find it out," Hades said, as David blocked his brother's sword in a high arc.
"Your defense is a decent effort...but you have yet to even make one offensive movement," James teased.
"Just waiting for you to give me the right opening," David countered. James smirked.
"I don't leave openings," the Prince claimed. David flicked his wrist and split his twin's defense. He whipped around with a sweeping motion and knocked James off balance. The Prince managed to parry the next strike, but David took full advantage of his stumble and swept his legs out from under him. James' face was a mask of shock and surprise, as his brother pointed the tip of his sword at his throat.
"Did we forget to mention that we trained David?" Hades chimed in.
"Uh yeah...you didn't mention that," James growled.
"You didn't ask. You just assumed I couldn't fight, but I learned, not for the glory of battle like you, but to protect my family and the woman I love," David growled in return, as he stepped back, sheathed his sword, and then offered his hand to his twin. James regarded him with a new gleam of respect in his eyes and accepted his hand.
"Good...not having to teach you how to fight will help us in battle," the Prince said, as he attempted to compose himself and cover his embarrassment that his own arrogance had caused. Rumple let out a shrill laugh.
"Excellent indeed. Now rest...for tomorrow, we begin the path that will lead us to Arawn's demise," Rumple stated.
"There is still more that you're not telling us. You're getting more out of this than just bottling true love," Hades accused.
"Perhaps…" Rumple mused.
"It is of no concern to you," the Dark One hissed.
"It is when my family is at the center of it!" Hades shouted, as his hair flashed blue.
"Hades…" Persephone chided, as she sided up to him and he sighed.
"If Snow and David are hurt in this, imp...you will pay, I promise you that. If they are harmed, then I promise you that your immortality will not save you from us," Hades threatened.
"Your threats are unnecessary...I have no interest in seeing harm come to them. The opposite, in fact. They are our future...our survival and prosperity rests with them. Everything depends on them…" Rumple retorted. Persephone regarded him and their eyes met. She knew about his son and his desire to find him. She just couldn't discern what her daughter and son-in-law could possibly have to do with it. Why they were key to it all, she had no idea. But she did know that Athena had insisted that Snow and David's love would save them all. And she trusted Athena implicitly, so she put her hand on her husband's arm.
"Snow and David will be fine, my love...we will all see to that," she assured. Hades gave the Dark One another glare, before he allowed his wife to lead him away from the tense situation.
"I don't trust him," Hades hissed to her.
"Neither do I, but I do trust Athena and she predicted that Snow and David would be very important in the fight for our future," she reminded. He sighed, as they saw Eli sharpening his sword with a wet stone.
"I want to be out there with them…" he said.
"And you will be...but we know that your work in the Underworld is important too and we'll be okay, even when you do have to return there," she replied, as she kissed him tenderly. They heard a whooshing sound and a very large, dark skinned man appeared in the meadow.
"I received your summons, Persephone," Hephaestus said in his booming voice.
"Who the hell is that?" James asked.
"Hephaestus...one of Snow's Uncles," David answered him, as his wife greeted him. The normally serious man actually had a smile for her, as he returned her hug.
"Thank you for coming," Persephone said.
"I do not leave Olympus as a rule...but you said it was very important," he replied, as he watched young Snow return to the arms of a young man that he deduced must be her new husband.
"She is happy?" he asked. Persephone smiled.
"Very happy...and I intend for it to stay that way. You know what they're about to face," she stated.
"Yes...they are joining this war. I think that is unwise," he advised.
"I don't like it either, but Athena's prophecies are never wrong. She says they will be very important to the future of everyone in this land and we both know that means they will fight for the people. King Arawn must be stopped," she replied. He nodded curtly.
"What are you asking of me?" he questioned.
"They will need all the backing they can get," she replied.
"You know that I cannot defy Zeus. I am bound in my duty to him," he reminded.
"Even if he has conspired to put a bloodthirsty King on the Throne of all the Kingdoms?" she questioned.
"If he has done what you say and has become unworthy of his Throne, then I can only be freed from his service if someone challenges him and wins the power of the heavens from him. Until that time, I am bound to him and must continue to use my forge in servitude to him," he responded.
"Are you telling me that someone...one of his siblings should challenge him for his power?" she asked.
"No...not someone or one of his siblings. It must be you…" he answered. Her eyes widened.
"Me?" she asked.
"You are already revered by most Olympians and as much as your husband has changed, they will not follow him. They will follow you though, just as mortals will follow your daughter," he advised, leaving her with much to think about.
"Do you really think I have a ghost of a chance in unseating Zeus?" she questioned.
"I would have ignored your summons if I didn't," he responded.
"I must go now," he said, as he left as quickly as he came. She saw Rumple in the distance, having watched the exchange and somehow knew he knew what they had discussed. Despite being uneasy about his intentions, she somehow knew that everything they both did was for their children…
"I guess this is owed," James said, as he put his hand out. David looked at him and then shook his hand.
"I should have suspected that King Eli might have trained you, but Hades was a surprise," he mentioned.
"It was grueling and rigorous, but I welcomed it," David replied.
"Dueling is different than war though, just keep that in mind," James advised.
"I'll be fine," David said.
"If you say so. The spoils and glory of battle can be tempting," James warned. But David shook his head.
"Not for me. I'm not in this for spoils or glory," he refuted, as he looked toward his wife.
"I'm in this for her," he assured. James smirked.
"All the better. I'll take the glory. You can have love," he retorted. David scoffed.
"Gladly. Glory is empty and love is everything," he argued.
"Maybe for you...but I've never had trouble finding someone to keep me warm at night. It's less complicated," James argued back.
"If you say so...but I'll take all the complicated in the world if it means waking up with her in my arms every morning," David countered, as he left his brother with those thoughts and joined his wife. James watched them embrace and the pure happiness on their faces, before looking away, as they kissed. Newlyweds. It would fade; he was sure it would. In his experience, love always did and he didn't expect any different from his brother and his wife. He couldn't know that he would be so very wrong about that.
"Are you okay?" Snow asked, as she pulled back from his hug and sneaked a glance at his twin in the distance. David smiled.
"I'm fine, as long as I have you," he replied, as he pulled her flush against him.
"We may look alike, but we couldn't be more different," he said.
"On the surface, but I think your brother is a lot of bluster and pain on his top layer. We know better than any two people that love changes a person and it heals," she reminded.
"You think he might find love?" he asked.
"I don't know, but he has found family. That type of love will heal him too. Then when he does find someone, he won't be too blind to see it," she replied.
"Hmm...maybe," he mused, as he swept her into his arms and she yelped in surprise.
"But enough about him and more about all the things I want to do with you right now," he leered, making her blush.
"David…" she chided, as he carried her into their cabin with a smirk.
The magma churned and boiled violently inside the mountain and the ground shook beneath it, as the lava inside bald mountain finally could be contained no more and there was a violent eruption, blowing off the rounded top of the mountain. A thick stream of lava rolled down the side of the mountain and onto the ground at the base. It convulsed and started to take a humanoid form. The sight was gruesome though, as the figure was severally charred and burned beyond recognition. The being screamed, as it morphed into a frightening creature with horns, claws, and sharp teeth, complete with expansive wings. It roared with an inhuman screech, as it became humanoid again and stood up. It looked at its hands and touched the human face that it now wore in confusion, as the human mind and monster mind melded into one. Then there was a very evil, human cackling that sounded from the being, as the human mind became dominant and he realized what had become of him. He still had much to learn of this new existence and he was surely thought to be dead. For now, he would let all think that he had truly met his demise, until the precise moment he was ready to reveal himself and enact his revenge. And with this new form...no one would stop him this time…