The Search - Part 2
"You know, I could really go for a hot cocoa right now," Snow said, leaning into David. Her husband recuperated by putting his arm around her shoulder.
"Well, in this rare moment of peace, maybe we should," he said, kissing her on the cheek.
"Yeah, I've barely had time to miss Emma and the kids. We've been so busy here."
"I know, and it feels like we haven't gotten anywhere," David said, annoyance creeping into his tone.
"Well, we have to keep hoping," Snow said, a determined optimism her voice. However, instead of comforting him, David ended up exploding.
"I am tired of hoping," he spat. "It seems like every time we make progress, someone else comes and messes us up. And in the small glimpse of happiness that we do experience, we're too worried about someone taking that away to even focus on it." He turned away, still breathing heavily.
"David," Snow pleaded, laying a hand on his shoulder. "David," she said again, this time more forcefully. He looked back at her, blue eyes tormented.
"I know that things aren't exactly a picnic right now. God knows when our lives will become normal. But, we always need to hold on to hope. Because hope is what makes up human. And hope isn't sitting around, waiting for a miracle. I think we're both learned that. But if you stop hoping for the future, then what do you have?" She paused, seeing if her words were having any effect.
"Look, I know that it's easy to lose sight of the light. But once we lose that perspective, we become the people we never thought we would be. David, we lost hope at one point. And look what that made us do. We ended up hurting everyone that we loved. And we lost sight of what was truly important."
"But it seems like everything we do gets twisted around," David said, looking down.
"Hope is what keeps us fighting," Snow declared. "And if we stop fighting. Then what are we?" She laid a hand on his arm, finally seeming to get to him.
"Look, I'll go with Regina to try and figure out Gothel's next move. You stay here with Neal." David glanced over at their son, busy playing with Legos.
"Just remember to live. If you don't, your life will be gone before you know it."
"You know, it feels like we're getting nowhere," Regina said, glancing at her potions in frustration. "I know Gothel's planning something. She wouldn't have gone inactive if she didn't have something big coming up."
"Some big and bad?" Snow asked.
"Yup," Regina confirmed, getting up from the table.
"So, what's our next move?" Snow asked, following Regina's actions. The other woman sighed, blowing hair out of her face.
"I don't think there is one. Unfortunately, we have to wait for Gothel. Right now, it's her play." She paused, grabbing the tray of potions. "I'm gonna go and put these back in my vault. We don't want anyone else messing with magic right now." They both headed towards the front door, until someone knocked on the door. Regina and Snow exchanged glances of confusion, as Snow went to open the door.
"Um, hello?" she asked, looking at the man in front of her. He was early thirties, chocolate brown hair, styled in a swooping cut. He had light brown eyes, which at the moment seemed to be very concerned.
"Uh, hi," he said, nervously looking down. "My name is Finnick Robinson. I'm looking for my daughter. Her name is Ivy."
"Your daughter?" Snow asked, as she ushered him inside.
"Uh yes. I was told by Belle that my daughter was planning on going on a mission…" he trailed off, as he saw the concerned looks on both Regina and Snow's faces.
"What? What happened?" he demanded. "Where's Ivy?"
"When exactly did you get the message from Belle?" Regina asked, feeling a sinking pit on her stomach.
"Um, an hour ago. My phone had broken, so I didn't have it for the last week." Snow closed her eyes, unsure of what to say next.
"Finnick? Is that it?" she asked, bracing herself.
"Yes?" he asked, looking increasingly desperate. Snow bit the inside of her lip, hoping he would react well.
"Ivy decided to go to the Enchanted Forest. She went with Emma, the Gold, as well as two other kids."
"She what?" Finnick asked, running a hand through his hair. "Well, I need to get her back. She doesn't know the dangers-"
"Flynn?" came a voice from the lawn. Finnick turned around, giving the woman a confused glance.
"Mulan?" Snow asked, leading the way out into the yard. The warrior simply nodded, but her eyes never left Flynn's. Or Finnick's.
"I'm sorry. But I really don't know who you're talking about," Finnick said, eyes clearly confused. He took a nervous sip from his water bottle.
"Like hell you don't," Mulan half spat.
"Okay," Snow said, putting herself in between the two. "Look obviously there's things we need to talk about. But, we need-"
"Look out!" Regina yelled, pushing Snow out of the way. A large branch flew across the yard, crashing next to the doorway. Snow screamed again, as the rest of the tree followed. All four of them scrambled inside the house, having to dodge the branch blocking their way. But, that did not spare them from one of the most bone chilling roars ever spoken.
"Ogres," Snow whispered, closing her eyes.
"I got this," Regina said, stepping back outside.
"Where are you going?" Snow hissed, trying to pull the other woman back into safety. But, she lost her grip.
"Regina, wait," Snow said, jumping out after. Regina readied herself for a moment, before lifting her hand. A steady stream of purple magic shot out, shooting towards the approaching ogre. But, the orge didn't even flinch.
"What?" Regina asked, shock completely dazing her. The ogre continued towards the house, vibrating the ground around it. Snow was almost knocked off her feet.
"Regina, get away," Snow shouted. "Don't try to figure it out right now!"
"Where?" Regina shouted back, as the four of them began to retreat. "In case you haven't noticed, we don't have anywhere to go."
"Go to town," Snow said. "Hopefully we can draw it away." The huge stomping of feet sent them all scrambling again. Mulan led the way, sprinting away from the house. But, as if in sync and planned, both she and Finnick said, "I have an idea!"
More on the prompt next time. Sorry for the lack of update last week. Oops.
Next time… As the town is attacked by the ogres, Mulan faces emotional turmoil with Flynn.