7:15 AM AU - Things go a bit differently in the cabin during 7:15 AM. With memories returned, how will this change things?
Face Claim for Narcissa: Eileen Davidson
Face Claims for the three good fairies:
Flora: Maggie Smith
Fauna: Linsey Godfrey
Merryweather: Jackee Harry
New Face Claims:
Lucian Blackwater: Graham Greene
Malachi Wolfe: Scott Adkins
Will Rainwater/Billy Truheart: Lou Diamond Phillips
Monica Rainwater: TBD
Mathias Firebird: Zahn McClarnon
Tigerlily: Sara Tomko(same as the show)
Thanks for the amazing response to this story. It's a lot of fun. I'm glad everyone is enjoying the twists and turns. Season 1 can be very fun to play with. Enjoy this latest and keep reviewing! Here are individual responses to reviews:
Jennifer Baratta: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, George vs David is always fun.
Ghostwriter: Yep, I live for those twists. There's another one at the end of this chapter. I love when Rumple is using his magic for the right side too. Thanks!
Grace5231973: I know, those pesky cliffhangers. There is another one in this chapter so sorry in advance, lol. Actually, Mr. Rainwater is Tigerlily's uncle as you'll find out when Merryweather goes into the history. So she and Tigerlily are cousins, because I'm going with the Tigerlily was grown and a fairy. But Tigerlily and her father are in Storybrooke too. Glad you're enjoying. :)
Guest: Well, one of the brothers is Tigerlily's father. No Pocahontas here though. I love Merryweather too and I love the face claim too. She is perfection. Yep, George is a tool. I don't think he's redeemable either. The debate will be very interesting. You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoy my writing. :)
Sexystarwarslover: I know, another cliffhanger and there's another one in this chapter. Yeah, I don't think at this point he will tell them about the Black Fairy. Not yet anyway. Yep, David couldn't hide his smugness and in this case, it's totally warranted. Yep, the charges against Emma are dropped. Unfortunately, George refuses to issue a warrant for Narcissa's arrest, because he is now in her pocket. The little girl and her dad will become clearer over time. Yep, Monica thinks Snow is a Princess and she would be right. Mr. Rainwater is intrigued by Snow's ability with birds. Yep, Snow vs Narcissa. But Merryweather isn't going to let her bully Snow, not that she really could, because Snow is feisty. We're about to find out more about the outsiders in town. Glad you enjoyed it!
AnonSnowing: Yep, Greg is working for someone way worse than Regina so he gets little sympathy. Yes, the tribe of Neverland is in Storybrooke. I'm glad you like it. I do try to do different things that no one has done and not just stick too closely to canon. That's no fun. Yep, Narcissa and these other two are going to bring a lot of trouble. Yes, it's a good quality to have. She just needs to see what Charming sees in her. Yeah, I'd be fine sealing the dwarves up in the mines too, lol.
Yeah, it would be best if George didn't wake up. The Rainwater's identities will become known soon. Yep, Narcissa gets more ridiculous each chapter. Yeah, I'm not sure how he knew, but in watching that episode, he had to know he was the Savior's. He must have seen that part and known the moment to find him. He just didn't expect his son to be Henry's father. Yeah, let's hope she doesn't, but she might. Eek. Glad you're enjoying!
The Grey Jedi 2020: So I've PM'd you several times, but I don't think it works unless you have a functioning e-mail. Is there a way you can set up another? Or is there a messenger app we can use instead. Because I've sent several and it's not my end, because I'm getting them from other people and others are getting mine. Let me know. I have Facebook messenger, Twitter Telegram, gmail, and actual texting so I'm sure we can figure out a way to communicate. Okay, onto the review:
No, people under the curse don't notice things like that so no one ever questioned it. They didn't really think anything I don't think. If they did notice, things probably reset before they could question it. Groundhog day style. Yeah, she probably was a seamstress in Misthaven. My guess is that the fashions updated a little thanks to curse magic. That's what the curse did for the most part. Just enough information to satisfy most.
Glad you liked the scene with Emma at Graham's grave. It was definitely needed and we didn't get it. Yeah, JMo can be a little wooden at times. I love Emma, but she wasn't always super expressive. Yeah, the love scene was pretty mild, but I'll try to remember to label them. Yep, but Narcissa is too self absorbed to think about where her food comes from. Yeah, I guess fairies are kind of there to watch over people. No, just one head fairy overall. Then the others are dispersed among the Kingdoms. Yeah, the Black Fairy should be interesting here. We'll have to see how it plays out. Peridot is a light green. It's the color of the gemstone in Snow's ring. It's also the birthstone for the month of August. Yep, he could become a Sheriff. Knight and Sheriff aren't that different. A true narcissist would never change their name or try to blend in. Their ego won't let them and with her success, no one dares question it. You're thinking of Anita, who was a good person. Definitely not anything like Narcissa. Glad you're enjoying it so far.
Yeah, but Tamara is one of those people that thinks everything she does is for some greater good. So she sees nothing wrong with lying to him. Yep, Wilby is here and yeah, he's probably getting up there in years. I don't forget about paperwork, because my day job is in billing and accounts receivable so everything is about paperwork for me and most jobs. But yeah, paperwork is often forgotten in TV land. I would say as for Charming knowing how to use a firearm, most American males do. At least the ones I know, but maybe I'm wrong. I'm eventually going to be learning to handle one myself. The Once Wiki says Wilby is a sheepdog, but is described as a bloodhound in a sweater. He may not be a typical sheepdog in looks, but that's what the wiki says. I do my research. Yeah, Regina's plan is half baked at best. Yep, fortunately the fairies rescued baby Snow. Yep, that would be the ring.
Yeah, reputations are overrated for sure. It is her name, but I'm guessing she would have had some kind of curse identity. We just never found out what it was, not unlike 4 of the dwarves. Yeah, I'm not sure on his exact breed. I just went by what the Wiki said about him. Yes, Robert is dead here for sure. Probably. Never say never though. I don't make unilateral decisions like that when I'm writing, lest I wish to write myself into a corner. Yep, Emma is asking some real questions. Nah, someone like Narcissa can't learn humility. She needed banished. Glad you're enjoying! :)
Clarity
Chapter 45: The Debate, Pt 1
"Okay…so you know who these guys are?" David asked.
"Mmmhmm…because they were both banished by fairies, just like Narcissa," she revealed, as Emma's phone beeped.
"Neal's with Henry and he's taking him to the debate. I'll fill him in later…go on," the blonde urged. Merryweather nodded.
"The man calling himself Lucian Blackwater is really former Chief Blackwater of the Piccaninny tribe of Neverland," she revealed.
"Of Neverland?" Emma asked in disbelief.
"Yes…remember Neal spent a lot of time there. It's real too," Merryweather replied.
"Okay…you said former, so he was banished for some reason?" David asked.
"Yes…I assisted his brothers in ousting him, because of his dark ways. He was a tyrant and was leading their people to ruin. He even made a treaty with Pan that was only of benefit to Pan and himself," Merryweather said.
"I didn't know fairies were allowed jurisdiction in Neverland," Rumple mentioned.
"We're not…me and my sisters broke a lot of rules, but it was for the greater good and to help a fellow fairy…Tigerlily," she revealed.
"Tigerlily was a fairy?" Emma asked in disbelief. The fairy nodded.
"She left her tribe with her father's blessing. She wanted to help people, including her tribe, and make a difference. Queen Clarion accepted her, but forbade the other fairies from assisting her outside Misthaven. But she couldn't defeat her Uncle on her own," Merryweather said.
"Lucian is her Uncle?" Snow asked. Merryweather nodded.
"The Piccaninny tribe's elder chief, Great Big Little Panther, had three sons. Mathias Firebird, father of Tigerlily. Billy Truheart, his noble brother, and Lucian Lightwater, the third brother that fell when his jealousy of his brothers led him down a path that soon had his name become Blackwater," she explained.
"Mr. Rainwater…is he one of the brothers?" Snow asked. Merryweather nodded.
"Billy Truheart and his adopted daughter. Her parents were killed by Blackwater during his short, but terrifying reign," Merryweather said.
"How did their tribe end up in Misthaven?" David asked.
"Two reasons. Tigerlily was deceived and fed a story that Lucian had broken free of his banishment. She was looking for him and her father, along with about half the tribe, followed to assist her," Merryweather replied.
"But that was a ruse?" Emma asked. Merryweather nodded.
"It was set up by Lucian so his brothers and at least part of the tribe would be cursed. Like Narcissa, he's been planning his revenge for a very long time," she replied.
"Then we need to show them that we're allied with them in this," David said.
"They don't trust outsiders easily…but Billy isn't awake yet and was still intrigued by you," Merryweather replied.
"Me?" Snow asked. She nodded.
"He saw that the birds were drawn to you. Not many have that kind of effect with animals, even among his people. He's not awake yet, but when he is, he may be most receptive to you, especially since Monica took so well to you," Merryweather replied. Snow smiled gently.
"Well, I would love to meet all of them. I had no idea that Storybrooke had a reservation at all. How is that possible?" she asked.
"The curse was essentially like groundhog day. The changes only started a few months ago and they are disadvantaged. They probably don't feel welcome or safe leaving it," Merryweather reasoned.
"That's awful and I hate that. No one should feel like that," Snow said, as David put his arm around her.
"We'll do our best to change that," he promised.
"And you are certain Pan was left behind in Neverland?" Rumple asked.
"Oh I'm sure…I'd know if that crafty devil set foot in my territory," Merryweather answered.
"I would too, but he's been known to fool even me before," Rumple admitted.
"Wait…Pan is a bad guy?" Emma asked.
"He's the worst of the worst, dearie and that's saying a lot coming from me," Rumple answered.
"Yes…he steals children from their families and never returns them. He prefers boys and those little boys become savages to survive and Pan is not exactly the child he looks," Merryweather said.
"Once Mathias and Billy were able to banish Lucian, the deal was null and void. Pan left them alone and they left him alone, as long as he never went after any of the tribe's children," she added.
"Tigerlily hated that part and always wanted to rescue the other children, but the shaky truce between her tribe and Pan prevented her from doing so. But in Misthaven, as a fairy, she was well within her jurisdiction to stop the children from falling victim to his spell," she explained.
"His spell?" Snow asked.
"Peter Pan is also the pied piper and used his song to lure children from their beds at night," Merryweather replied.
"I remember my mother talking about it with some of the other mothers on nearby farms. They always seemed worried, but I never knew exactly why," David recalled.
"Mmmhmm…small farming towns were one of his favorite targets. The poorer the parents, the less resources they had to look for the children," she said.
"Well…this has been enlightening I guess," Emma commented.
"It has…but it's almost time for the debate," Belle said.
"I suppose we should go support Regina. She's at least the evil we know," Snow replied. David nodded and took her hand. Gold locked up the shop, as they all exited and they headed to Town Hall for the debate.
Regina looked out at the crowd that was gathering for the debate. She hated it and would never let anyone see her rattled, but she was nervous.
"You're gonna do great, Mom," Henry said. She was surprised by that and smiled at him.
"I wasn't sure you wanted me to win," she replied. He shrugged.
"Narcissa is way worse," he said.
"Oh," she replied.
"Mom…it doesn't have to be this way. All I want is to have all of my family together," he said.
"Henry…you don't know what she did to me," Regina insisted.
"No…I do. I've read everything in the book and grandma didn't mean to tell a secret. She was a little girl…she didn't mean to and it was Cora that killed Daniel," he said. She sighed. She knew all of that and it was all very logical. But letting go of her anger against Snow was very hard. She felt that she would be exposed and have nothing shielding her from getting hurt again.
"You could at least help her get her job back. I hate the sub," Henry said.
"I tried…" she said.
"What?" he asked.
"I tried…earlier today, but I'm afraid that Narcissa has bought the Principal's and the school board's loyalty. They refused," Regina replied.
"Then you gotta win tonight," he said.
"I'll do my best," she promised with a smile, as they saw Neal out in the audience. He stood up to greet Emma, her parents, Gold, Belle, and the woman she had learned was Merryweather. A fairy that had almost become Snow's fairy Godmother. She saw her son's face light up, as he hugged all of them and it stung a bit. On the other hand, she loved seeing him happy, but she would always miss the time before he knew about them and her nemesis had given him that infernal book.
She saw Narcissa arrive after that, with someone else she didn't recognize, but knew was her supposed campaign manager slash accountant. She had to defeat this woman and make sure she and her cohorts found their way out of Storybrooke. She took a deep breath, as Archie took to the stage as the moderator.
"Good evening…let's get started. Tonight we will hold a debate between the two candidates for Mayor, our incumbent Mayor Regina Mills and her challenger, Narcissa Blake. Then after the debate…you'll go to the polls and cast your vote," he said, as Regina and Narcissa took to each podium.
"The first question is for our current Mayor. What will you do for the citizens of Storybrooke that will be worthy of re-election?" he asked.
"That's a great question and I will admit that, in the past, I have ruled from a place of fear. But it was only because I was trying to keep our town safe. Through being a Mom, I have learned that I can govern without fear and still keep us safe," she said, as her eyes found her step-daughter, who was nodding to her with encouragement. A pang of regret settled in the pit of her stomach, as she remembered loving Snow when she was Henry's age. It had been her son's simple words that had reminded her of that, despite the fact that others had tried to do so for years. She had been a little girl and Regina knew how manipulative her mother was, better than anyone.
In fact, if she was being honest, Narcissa reminded her too much of Cora. Both had zero qualms about hurting a child to get what they wanted and the thought of Narcissa coming after her child was stifling. And she knew the blonde wouldn't hesitate to steamroll through them all, including Henry, in her quest for power and vengeance. She knew that better than anyone, because she was just like Narcissa in that way. But Henry had given her love again and Narcissa was like Cora…incapable of love, which set them apart. This was it. There was a fork in her path. If she continued her path to seek revenge and vengeance, then Henry would not be at the end of it. But if she course corrected now, which was likely her final chance to do so, she might hold onto him and be a real family, free of secrets and lies. Henry was enough to change…or so she hoped. He was more than enough.
"But if I am re-elected, I have plans to launch a number of programs to improve our community, especially class relations. It's time to bring our citizens together as a real community and it's my campaign promise to eliminate any wage disparity and poverty in our town," Regina said.
"And Ms. Blake…how do you respond to a similar question. Why should the citizens of Storybrooke elect and trust an outsider? One that is very wealthy and owns a very large corporation," Archie said.
"That is a very good question, Dr. Hopper and I can understand the citizens of Storybrooke being leery of someone like me," Narcissa said.
"But to bring change to this town…does it really make sense to elect the same person that has been in office for years? Real change means the office itself needs change and while Mayor Mills promises to improve poverty and disparity in our lower income community, I have real insight into how to help these people," she said.
"How so?" Archie questioned. She smirked.
"As some know and some may not know, Storybrooke's reservation and east side of town is among the most disparate group of people. But my associate is a Native American that knows more about disparity in these types of communities and if I am elected, he will be appointed to deal directly with this community to truly bring us all together. He is very successful and has lifted up many communities for his people out west and now he has come east to do so here," Narcissa explained. There were some whispers of intrigue among the crowd.
"Not good…people are curious," Neal muttered.
"Narcissa has bought all the right people and now she is trying to charm the average citizen," Rumple said.
"It looks like it's working, Dad," Neal replied.
"Because the average citizen fears Regina…but not enough to vote for her over someone like Narcissa, who they don't see as mean and threatening," Rumple said.
"Are we screwed?" Neal asked.
"Not yet…and even if she is elected, we will mount a resistance," Rumple replied.
"Excellent, Ms. Blake…your proposal is very intriguing. As a doctor, I have visited the reservation a few times, but they are very leery of people in higher professions," Archie said.
"Great…she's got Archie on her side," Emma murmured.
"And as for being an outsider…I actually have a connection to Storybrooke," Narcissa said.
"Really? You have family in Storybrooke?" Archie asked. Narcissa smirked and looked Snow dead in the eyes.
"Yes…my dear niece, Mary Margaret Blanchard…" she announced, shocking the entire room…