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
Sam Rainwater/Mathias Firebird: Zahn McClarnon
Tigerlily: Sara Tomko(same as the show)
Tony: Tom Holland
Tia: Anna Sophia Robb
Aleister Bolt: Michael Sheen
Marina Bolt: Tamara Braun
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:
Ghostwriter: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
SnowQueenobsessed: Yes, I'll be happy to see Blue get what she deserves too. The ball should be very interesting. Glad you enjoyed it!
Jennifer Barratta: Thanks, Happy New Year to you too. Yep, George is useless. Glad you're enjoying.
Sexystarwarslover: Yeah, I think they'll fix it all, but it will definitely be a wild ride getting there. Yes, August got screwed and Blue is the worst. Yeah, as usual, George is the worst. Yes, Marco's selfish actions put August in this position in the first place. Yep, Merryweather is the better blue fairy. Yeah, Maleficent made a mistake, but at least she's trying to make it right. Glad you're enjoying!
Clarity
Chapter 62: Higher Ground
Walsh practically had stars in his eyes, as he read the comments feeds on his various social media accounts. The Internet was an inferno of response to their production. As usual, the Internet was a mixed bag of belief, disbelief, immediate claims of fakery and hoaxes, praise, and hate.
"Well…it's been a few hours. What is the response to my invitation to the ball?" Aleister asked.
"Overwhelmingly positive. It seems many want to come here to see it for themselves and many more are interested in the live stream you've planned," Walsh said.
"People are quite fascinated it seems with the Prince and his real life Snow White," he added.
"Hmmm…perhaps it's time to give them another taste of Prince Charming's heroics," Aleister said.
"What do you have in mind?" Walsh asked. Aleister smirked.
"All in due time," he answered cryptically and both were unaware that Kurt had overheard them. He carefully made his way out through the back to warn the others, missing
what happened next.
"Let me go!" Tia cried, as the hired brutes pushed her and Tony along into the new Bolt mansion that Aleister had just created with his magic.
"Ah…just in time for tea," Aleister said, as he was served by his staff and Greg smirked, as he joined him.
"We don't want your tea and didn't come here by choice," Tony hissed.
"You were right about those black cuffs. They worked even on these two. No more powers for them," Greg said.
"Yes…I hire only the best scientists," Aleister replied.
"What do you want with us?" Tia asked. Aleister smirked.
"An excellent question," he said, as he rose from his seat.
"Soon…the world will come to Storybrooke and be enamored by this magical place and its people. But we know, from the book, that there are many more realms full of fantastical places. After all, the curse only brought Misthaven here," Aleister said. Tony and Tia's blood ran cold.
"That's where you two come in," he said.
"We'll never show you how Witch Mountain works," Tony refuted.
"Yes…you will," Aleister said, as one of his brutes grabbed Tia and held a gun to her head.
"I only need one of you to tell me…" he warned.
"Don't Tony…" she cried, as the gun was cocked.
"Fine…we'll tell you," Tony replied.
"Excellent…until the time is right, show our guests to their new accommodations," he said.
"In the cellar," he added.
"You can't keep us against our will!?" Tony cried, as they were led away.
"Oh now I think you know there is nothing I cannot do. I will realize the dream of capturing the power of Witch Mountain that my father wanted so badly and you two are the
key. Once the world knows they can leave this world for another, at my discretion, of course, there will be no one more powerful than I," he announced.
Tony and Tia were locked in a cell and Tony angrily kicked the stone wall.
"How long do you think it will take for someone to come looking for us?" he asked. She saw a little bluebird on the small barred window above them.
"Not long at all. Give me a boost," she said, as he did so and she looked at the bird.
"Find Snow White…tell her that Tony and Tia are in trouble and we're locked in Bolt's cellar," she requested. The little bird chirped and flew away.
"You think that will work?" he asked.
"Yes…you know that animals will never let us down and neither will Emma's parents," she replied.
"And if you're just joining us, we are discussing the video that has gone mega viral today," the newscaster said, as a clip from the video was shown.
"People have long debated on whether or not aliens and bigfoot are real, but those still remain a mystery. Instead, we have now been presented evidence that fairy tales are, in fact, real," the newscaster continued. The disdain could be heard in his voice.
"The footage easily looks as though it could be a movie or embellished with CGI, but experts have confirmed that the video is real and there are no digital altercations. The video comes to us from global billionaire and philanthropist Aleister Bolt," the newscaster continued.
"The Bolt family is well known for their fascination with rare items, unusual phenomena and the occult. Mr. Bolt has made such fantastic claims that there is very much reason to doubt, but he has invited the world to this little town of fairy tales, aptly named, Storybrooke, for all to see for themselves. He claims it's a town sequestered away in the deep woods of Maine and is nothing short of magical," the newscaster said.
"Apparently, everything ties to this book that the billionaire cited in an interview," he added, as they cut to a clip of the interview.
"This book tells the whole story and I plan to share it with the world, as one of my publishing companies is already mass producing copies as we speak. But don't just read the book. Come see for yourself. I promise even the most staunch skeptics will be convinced," Bolt promised.
"Mr. Bolt is throwing, of all things, a grand fairy tale-esque ball and this station plans to attend to see if his claims are valid. In the video, he claims the people are Snow White and Prince Charming, in which the latter slays what appears to be a vicious Werewolf. The video has enthralled the Internet and we expect the town to soon be flooded with anyone able to make the trip,"
The newscaster droned on, but Emma turned it off, before turning to her parents.
"So…it's the nightmare we thought it would be," she fretted.
"Maybe it won't be so bad? I mean, how interested in us could they be? We're just people," David reasoned.
"Dad…you just killed a Werewolf. You're not just anything," Emma said.
"Storybrooke is not normal, even without magic. I knew that, even before I believed. The people here are different…and the thought of sharing it with possibly the worst scum of this world makes my skin crawl. Especially sharing you guys," she said.
"Why us?" Snow asked.
"Because you're my parents," Emma answered, which touched Snow and David more than she would ever know.
"I just got you guys…I'm not sharing," she added. They smiled.
"And you don't have to. That's why we need a plan," David said.
"How good of an actor are you?" Neal asked.
"With his lack of tact? Not great," Rumple answered. David rolled his eyes.
"Yeah…when he's right he's right though," he agreed.
"You're a straight shooter…it was a compliment," Rumple assured him.
"But if you and Snow could stomach it, maybe you could warm up to him and convince him that you've decided to bask in your new celebrity," Neal suggested.
"I think my stomach just churned," Snow said in disgust.
"I know Mom…but he might be right. Getting close to that wand is only going to happen if you let him make a spectacle of you guys at this stupid ball. I hate it…but I'll endure it too if it means we get that wand and fix this," Emma replied. David sighed.
"I guess it's a good plan. If I get close enough, taking on any guards he has around him shouldn't be too tough. We've taken on legions of black Knights before so a few thugs shouldn't be too bad," David said.
"Thugs with guns, Dad," she reminded him. David smirked.
"Dragon Slayer, daughter," he joked and she smiled at him.
"Touche," she agreed, as there was a knock at the door. David answered it and Kurt ducked in.
"Were you followed?" he asked.
"No…I made sure, just like you taught me," he promised.
"I overheard a conversation between Aleister and Walsh. I'm not sure what exactly he's going to do, but the response to the video is so overwhelmingly good that he plans to do something that will give the people another show," Kurt said.
"You mean another monster my husband has to fight and risk his life to defeat?" Snow asked. He nodded regrettably.
"I'm sorry…he's a psychopath and it's all a game to him. My son is the same…I can't get through to him. He idolizes Aleister," Kurt lamented.
"He's brainwashed…I just don't know how to get through to him," he added.
"We may not be able to," Emma said bluntly. Kurt looked horrified.
"I'm sorry…I know that's harsh. But getting rid of Aleister may only make him angrier. We're going to have to arrest him once we do, but at least then, he'll be a captive audience," she added. Kurt sighed, knowing she was right.
"Emma's right…and it might take years to undo the brainwashing, but it is possible," Snow said.
"I hope you're right," Kurt said, as she saw a bluebird land on the windowsill.
"Hello…" she said, as she held her hand out and the bird landed on her hand. It was something that still amazed Emma and she was sure it always would. She watched her mother's features change to a frown though, before she grabbed a pinch of birdseed she kept by the window and rewarded the tiny creature, before it flew off.
"We have a problem," she said.
"What did he say?" David asked.
"It's Aleister…he's locked Tony and Tia in his cellar," Snow answered.
"Witch Mountain…that's his next step. A portal to all the realms," Rumple deduced. David grabbed his holster and put it on, before grabbing his jack, while Emma did the same.
"I'm coming with you," Snow said.
"Me too…he has half of our new Police force," Neal agreed.
"You need to lay low. The bird may have told us about Tony and Tia, but we don't want them to suspect anything," David said. Kurt nodded and followed them out, as did Rumple, who was coming along as well.
August finished helping Marco with the latest repair and the older man smiled.
"It's perfect…just like old times. You haven't lost the skills I taught you," he said. August tried to smile, but it was very stiff and he missed his flesh more than he could put into words.
"Thanks Papa…it's good to spend time with you again," he replied.
"We will find a way to make you into a real boy again," Marco promised.
"Except that I'm a man now, Papa…one with a lot of issues," August admitted.
"Now that you're home…things will be better again, just like the old times," Marco insisted. August sighed.
"Except they will never be the way they were, Papa. That's what I'm trying to tell you. I know you were trying to protect me, but you have no idea what it was like out there. I was homeless for half of my life and I had to steal to feed myself sometimes," August lamented.
"I know…it wasn't supposed to be like this. Why didn't you stay with Emma like I told you to?" Marco asked. If August had been able to muster the expression, he would have blanched.
"Papa…I was seven and had no idea what to do. This world was so different and scary. It's not like Storybrooke out there. Emma was right…no one can be selfless, brave, and true all of the time!" August snapped, as he got up and started to stumble out of the shop.
"Where…where are you going!?" Marco called.
"Anywhere but here," August answered, as he started walking toward Main Street. A van pulled up alongside him and a couple of men got out of the sliding door. August tried to stumble away, but he was grabbed by them and tossed into the van.
"Hey Pinocchio…Mr. Bolt is very interested in meeting you for a featured video. You'll be a nice spectacle for the people to poke and ridicule," Greg said smugly.
"You know the public…they love plot twists. In this version, Pinocchio is a liar and a thief, so the real boy turned back into wood. Tamara told me all about your little meeting in Hong Kong. Aleister found it fascinating," he added.
"I may be a liar and thief, but at least I wasn't brainwashed by a cult," August spat in return.
"Shut up…let's go," he ordered, as the driver sped off.
The others flanked David and Emma, as they strode confidently toward the newly magicked mansion of the Bolt family and naturally found guards in their way. Emma flashed her badge, but that didn't seem to move them.
"Sheriff's Department…we need to see Aleister Bolt," she said.
"That's not happening…you need an appointment to see Mr. Bolt," one of the guard's said.
"Then I'm making an appointment now," David said, as the two guards moved in on him to intimidate him. David responded by sweeping one's legs out from under and drawing his sword faster than anyone could see and leveling it at the throat of the other.
"I'll…I'll take you to see Mr. Bolt right away," the guard said, as he led the group inside the spacious atrium.
"Ah…what a pleasant surprise. Welcome Charmings to my lovely new home," Aleister said grandly.
"We're here on Police business," Emma said, holding up her badge.
"Of course…what can I do for you and your heroic Deputy, Sheriff?" he asked.
"A little bird mentioned to us that you've abducted our newest deputies and we're here to demand you release Tony and Tia or you're under arrest," David said. Aleister cackled at that.
"You don't really think you can arrest me, do you, Your Highness?" Aleister questioned smugly, as he waved his wand, releasing a spark of magic. David flicked his wrist and swept his blade, deflecting the spark harmlessly to the ceiling, surprising the man.
"How exciting…you are a true warrior Prince," he said gleefully.
"How about a challenge?" he asked.
"No…no games or challenges," David growled, as he began his search of the property. But Aleister waved his wand and their scenery changed, at least for him, Snow, and Emma. Snow cried out, as they were suddenly surrounded by rocky outcroppings, floating in a river of lava. She screamed, as she came face to face with what looked like a half burnt, decaying corpse, which screeched in her face. David swiped at the creature and it turned to ash once his blade touched it. He pulled Snow close and she buried her face in his chest, as he folded her into his arms.
"What the hell…" Emma cried, as David inched her closer as well. Aleister could be heard cackling above them, high up, from what appeared to be a floating throne made of bones.
"I'm nothing if not a showman," he said smugly.
"The world was enthralled by your battle with the Werewolf, so I decided to really give them something to watch this time," he added, as more corpses arose before them.
"What are they!?" Emma cried, as the site was alarming.
"Hell furies if I have to venture a guess," David answered.
"You know your creatures, Your Highness," Aleister called.
"What do you want!?" Snow cried. He smirked, as she and Emma disappeared too. David looked around in alarm and soon saw them above with Aleister.
"Defeat the hell furies and you can have them back…and your friends," he said, as he saw the floating outcroppings slowly led up to him. He watched, burning with loathing, as Aleister caressed his wife's face and she cringed away.
"She really is the fairest of them all," he said, as he waved his wand and they disappeared and reappeared on a platform above him with Tony and Tia. He saw that the outcroppings led up to them. He growled and leapt to the next platform, after which, columns of fire shot up around him. The hell furies descended upon him and exploded to ash when they met his blade, but the amount of them soon became overwhelming.
"Charming!" Snow cried in fear. She saw him jump out from the swarm of them and to the next platform, where he rolled and steadied himself, as more furies tried to devour him. He fought his way through the hordes of furies, platform by platform, until he was finally close and that's when they began to swarm him again. He looked up at the worried faces of his crying wife and daughter and with determination, he fought through the furies, even as their claws tried to rip him to shreds. He fought his way to the final platform, as Tony and Emma put their hands down to help him. He prepared to jump to them, but a furry swiped at his back. He cried out in pain, as it completely shredded his shirt and wounded him with lacerations on his back.
"Charming!" Snow cried. He turned and kicked the furry away, before jumping to them. Tony and Emma helped him up and everything around them disappeared again.
They all fell to their knees, as they were now back in Aleister's atrium, reunited with Neal and Rumple.
"What the hell?" Neal asked, as he helped Emma up.
"David…" Snow cried, as she looked at his wounds and more tears fell.
"I'm okay…I promise it's worse than it looks," he said, as he pulled her into his arms. She knew Aleister was still recording everything, but she couldn't help herself and kissed him passionately. He pressed his forehead against hers for a moment, as they simply relished their closeness. When her tear filled emerald eyes opened again though, they filled with fury and she started to launch herself at the monster before that seemed amused by everything.
"You foul, evil, vindictive monster! You tried to kill my husband!" she cried, as he gently pulled her back.
"Oh come now, Princess…you knew that your heroic Prince would slay the beasts and rescue you as he always does and what an incredible, adrenaline filled adventure it was for our audience," he said.
"You sick bastard…this isn't a game for us. My father is injured, because of your sick, twisted need for some show!" Emma cried, as she looked at Walsh and approached him and his cameraman.
"You want the real story?" she asked, speaking to the camera and thus the spectators that would watch this.
"Aleister Bolt is a monster and a cult leader. Yeah, magic and fairy tales…it's all real, but we're people! We're not circus performers for your entertainment and what you just saw wasn't some movie. It was real and my father's wounds are real. The trauma is real and if you have any shred of humanity, you'll condemn this man and stop watching his Hunger Games rip-offs!" she cried.
"She's beautiful, isn't she, folks?" Walsh asked smugly.
"Daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, but she's more like you than you think. She lived among us for most of her life, as you'll soon read. Mr. Bolt wants you to know the wonder of this and every world, while they would rather hide away and keep their secrets, while the rest of us remain ignorant. It begs the question on what you're trying to hide, Ms. Swan," he said.
"I'm not trying to hide anything. We just don't want our lives exposed to everyone and put in life endangering situations to entertain the masses!" she cried.
"Sorry Ms. Swan…but the public is enthralled by all of this and do make sure you and your wonderful parents attend my ball tomorrow night. It will be the event of the century and you will attend. Come willingly, because I'd hate to imply force," Aleister said.
"We'll be there," David said simply, as they left with Tony and Tia.
"We need to get that wand…tomorrow night," Rumple said.
"Yeah…or he'll make us show him the secret to Witch Mountain. Then no one is safe. If he gets access…others, including Governments of the world will as well," Tia replied.
"Then tomorrow night, we'll make our own show," David said.
"And we'll fix this," she replied.