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dreamingofscully · 3 years

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Grey Canyon 14/?

Rating: Current Chapter: PG, Series: up to Mature Categories: Western AU / MSR / WIP WC: 2546 / Total WC: 23,827 Updated on Mondays and Fridays.

Thank you to @ceruleanmilieu for the beta! ❤️ Tagging: @impulsive-astrophile @baronessblixen @suitablyaggrieved @sculderfan @today-in-fic (let me know if you want to be tagged when I post!)

all chapters in order: ao3 / tumblr

CH 1 / CH 2 / CH 3 / CH 4 / CH 5 / CH 6 / CH 7 / CH 8 / CH 9 / CH 10 / CH 11 / CH 12 / CH 13

CHAPTER 14: “Sunrise/sunset”

Grey Canyon, Colorado 1885

Nothing frustrated Mulder more than inaction. It was his biggest strength, and yet also his weakness. He would not shy away from doing what was needed, except when it came to waiting. And yet, waiting has been imposed on him in two ways. First, by the circumstances involving Dana’s brothers. He did not know if they were close, or if they had no idea where she was. He would not take the chance to investigate, to expose her, or to leave her alone for longer than an hour or two. Second, the impasse he’d placed upon himself regarding his relationship with Dana, upon furthering their intimacy. He would do what was right, it was important. But what did that look like? He didn’t know, it was only a feeling he had, deep in his gut.

His mind kept turning back to yesterday morning’s pathetic proposal. Then, to awakening next to her, the smell and feel of her body next to his as she clung to him in sleep. The way her hair shone against the backdrop of the sunrise through her window, a cloud of golden-red. When she awoke, the smile she gave him, secret and special. And the gentle kiss she’d pressed to the hand that rested on her shoulder. He would have that future: living through every sunrise with her next to him. He didn’t know why he could not let himself stay, to enjoy her entirely. To avoid her disappointed gaze when he left, over and over.

So, he brooded. Sat at the bar, chin on his fist, staring at the wall but not seeing it. He felt some solution was within his reach, just out of his grasp. The idea floated just underneath his consciousness, fuzzy and unclear.

Suddenly, a vague shape coalesced.

“Melvin!”

The barkeep sauntered over to him after pouring Walt a drink, frowning and silent.

“What was that story you told me a while back about your aunt?”

***

Early evening descended upon the Gilded Hall. The sun was well on its way to setting, the sky turning from bright blue to a more muted tone, hints of gold in the west along the ridges of the Rocky Mountains. Mulder shielded his eyes and watched from his vantage up on the roof of the hall. He paced, wiping his sweaty palms on his best trousers, checking to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anything in his preparations.

After speaking with Melvin, he made quick work of his plans, invigorated by his idea. Madam had supplied him with the scarf, blue silk embroidered prettily with yellow daisies along the edges. Melvin, who was waiting inside, had washed his face and looked quite out of place in his suit, hair stuffed underneath his somewhat-cleaner black bowler hat.

The blanket he’d retrieved from Nellie, as she watched their preparations curiously. It was something she kept in her chest, a present from a former life, and she wanted Dana to have it. She handed it over, shyly remarking “Make sure to treat her right, Fox.”

He’d hoped this would do it. That she’d finally be treated right, as she deserved.

The tapping of the ladder summoned him from his reverie. He removed his hat, placing it on the blanket and cushions spread over the freshly swept roof. A couple chairs, an oil lamp for when the sun fell from the sky, and a covered dish with their dinner completed the picture.

The top of Dana’s hair poked out from the hole in the roof. Not meant to be commonly accessed, the open hatch, which Mulder discovered earlier in the afternoon, was the perfect final touch. The sunset, some stargazing, and something else that would finally allow him to explore the rest of his future with her.

“Some help, please!”

He rushed over and bent downwards, grabbing her arms and lifting her up onto the roof. She looked back down through the hatch and waved at Melvin.

“I think he got quite the show,” she said, quirking her eyebrow.

“I’m sure he’ll never forget it.”

She chucked and dusted off her blue gown where some dirt had clung to it in her climb. Then her eyes took in the view, her expression turning from amusement and curiosity to wonderment. It really was spectacular up here. Distant enough from the street to avoid the offensive smells and sounds. The plains rising up into mountains in the west, far enough away that the sun hadn’t yet disappeared behind them.

“What’s all this, then?” She turned to face him.

“A surprise. Something nice,” he said, guiding her to the blanket and chairs with a hand on her lower back.

“Well, all right then,” she said, her face flushing with pleasure and a smile peeking onto her lips.

They sat and ate, feeding each other bits of fruit and cheese and tearing off pieces of fresh bread. A few birds landed near them, and they shared their crumbs. He was happy to see her enjoyment, but as the backdrop of their dinner transformed into the painted hues of purple and red and orange, he felt his heart flutter, his hands start to sweat.

“Do you know why I prefer the sunset?” she asked, after their conversation went silent.

He shook his head, wiping his hands on his knees before taking the nearly-empty plate from her and placing it away from them.

“The stars,” she said. Her face tilted upwards at the sky, a few sparkling dots appearing in the canvas of deep blue above them. “My father would take me sailing, sometimes. Tell me stories about the constellations, the myths surrounding them. I feel as though he is here when I look upwards at night.” She lowered her gaze to him. “I don’t get much opportunity nowadays.”

“I know.”

She reached over and squeezed his hand, then got up from her chair and pulled him down next to her on the blanket. Sitting along her side and facing him, she leaned against the cushions on an elbow and looked skyward once more. Once he’d settled near her, his thumb brushing along her wrist, she began to speak again.

“You have heard the story of Andromeda?”

He nodded. “But I would hear it from you.”

“Let me show you, first,” she said, leaning close to him and pointing out a particularly bright set of stars. “You see those stars there, that form a square?”

He followed her finger, tearing his gaze from her face. “Yeah, I think so.”

“That’s Pegasus. Follow it there, upwards slightly…” She directed his gaze, and at first he could not see anything except a chaotic mess of white lights against an inky backdrop. But then it came together, and he could see the pattern as she spoke, the rest of the stars fading to insignificance.

“I see it!” he exclaimed.

She smiled, and continued, telling him of the story of how an innocent daughter was abandoned by her family, chained to a rock and left for a beast, until a stranger came along and changed her fate. As she spoke, a wistful expression on her face, he could not help but make the comparison. He wouldn’t claim to have saved her, not yet at least, but he would certainly do whatever he could against the monster that was coming.

He no longer looked skyward. Her expression softened as she told the story, eyes shining as she not only remembered the tale, but the memory of the person who told it to her. He wanted to give her that, again, give her something from which she could look back and think only of warmth, instead of regret.

Trailing his hand along her arm, folded between them, he grasped her hand.

“You’re not looking at the stars,” she said, peering at him out of the corner of her eyes.

“I am looking at what is most important,” he said, making her blush. “And I am listening.”

She touched his face, her thumb dragging along his bottom lip, eyes turned serious. “I wish you could have met him.”

“Your father.”

“He would have liked you.”

“A military man liking someone with outlandish ideas and designs for his daughter? I am doubtful.”

She laughed. “He would have seen you, as I do.”

“And what do you see?”

“A good man,” she said, leaning forwards and kissing him softly on his lips. She was very convincing.

She moved closer, leaning her head on his shoulder and continuing her search of the night sky, and within her own mind for happier times, he thought. His heart sped up, not only due to her proximity but of the question he still needed to ask her.

“Would I be Medusa, in that story, or perhaps the flying horse?” he joked.

She smiled widely at him, laughing freely. He slipped out from beside her and lit the oil lamp, the moon and stars their only illumination; they were draped in shadows and he wanted to see her. When he returned to her side, she grasped his hand within hers, pulling it to her mouth and kissing his palm.

“This… whole thing is lovely. Thank you.”

He cleared his throat, suddenly very warm despite the chill of the night air. He twisted his collar, loosening it slightly and fidgeting next to her.

“What has gotten you so nervous, Mulder? You do know that these stories are only myths, right? Or do you also believe in sea monsters?” she teased.

He bowed his head. “I admit, I, uh, have an ulterior motive to all of this…” he said, waving his hands at the setting he’d created for them.

“Well, if it’s to get into this dress, you already know where I stand, so it must be something else,” she said playfully, her head tilting at him. “Out with it.”

“So, I’ve been thinking about our situation...” he started.

“‘Situation’?” she said, raising an eyebrow at him.

He flushed, laughed nervously. “I have another story to tell, and you can thank Melvin for it, although perhaps he’d already been paid with a good view.”

Dana smiled and nodded, patting his hand.

“He’s part Irish, like yourself, also part Scot. A mix of many things I suppose. Cherokee, too, he claims, though he lacks the height for me to believe that,” he said. He clasped her hand within his, squeezing it. “His aunt Katie told him the story about how she met her husband. There’s a tradition, over there, where they choose their mates through a wall, only having seen the woman’s hand. They are bonded then, for a year and a day…”

He stared at their hands, having no doubt he would know hers.

“It started a long time ago, when a priest was not available.”

When he looked back at her, her head was bowed as she waited, quiet and still.

“Once chosen, they would fasten a scarf around their hands, and they would live together as if married, for the year and a day, or until a child came, or a priest came by.”

He brought the scarf the Madam gave him from inside his pocket and placed it next to their hands.

“It only requires a witness, and Melvin agreed--”

“Stop,” Dana interrupted, withdrawing her hand. She stood up quickly and backed away a few steps.

“If he is too offensive, perhaps the Madam would agree…?” He stood as well, taking the scarf in one hand, reaching out to her with the other.

She shook her head, and he saw the glistening of tears in her eyes. “All of it, Mulder.”

“But--”

“The answer to your question is no, and I should have been clear before,” she said, not meeting his eyes.

Mulder’s shoulders slumped. “Of course… I shouldn’t have assumed that you wanted this, that I was… the marrying type.”

“Look at me,” she said, her voice sharp.

He did, massaging the back of his neck. This wasn’t turning out how he’d envisioned, the exact opposite, in fact. Instead of a happy Dana, kissing, and… perhaps more, she stood in front of him, upset and perhaps a little angry, for a reason he could not fathom. He waited, feeling the weight of guilt already settling on his shoulders.

“I do not need a fancy ring, or a scarf, or anything else to know how I feel about you. How you feel about me,” she started. Her eyes softened slightly, but she did not approach. “If my circumstances had been any different, if I’d ended up like one of the girls here, would I be any less worthy of your love, of your commitment?”

“Of course not,” he said.

From the look on her face, he guessed she did not believe him. “I am so tired of other people thinking they know what is best for me, or, as you say it, what I deserve.”

“Dana, I… do not mean it that way." He bowed his head, unable to look at her. Not wanting to fight, to turn this into something ugly, but the right words escaped him. He found his anger starting to build as well. How could she think such a thing? Then the doubt. Have I really made her feel that way?

“Maybe so. But that is not my only reason for my refusal,” she said. “I have seen what happens, when a woman gets married. My mother, my sister, my friends at college. A wife is treated as even less of an individual. Even if she fights against it, as my sister did, it changes her."

She stepped closer, pointing her finger at his chest but not quite touching it. Her cheeks were red and her eyes blazed.

"When I marry, I will no longer be myself. I become your wife, your property, not my own person. If you cannot understand that, then we are finished speaking."

"Dana I do not want a wife, I want you." He clenched his hands into fists, twisting the delicate scarf in his grasp.

"Even if you did not mean to change me, it would happen. And I do not mean to lose myself," she said, pursing her lips, and turning away from him.

He grabbed her arm to prevent her from moving away, his anger rising. "You say I am ridiculous, that I have crazy ideas, well yours is the most absurd idea I have ever heard. Just because we are together in some official capacity does not mean that anything changes!"

Dana stared at his arm, then looked up at his face, her eyes cold and furious. She spoke harshly. "No offense, sir, but you are not a woman. You do not know what it is like--”

“Dana--”

“I am not finished. If whatever object you conjure to bind us together does not change anything then why is it so important to you? Why do you insist on it before we take things further. It means something, to you at least... and I cannot give that to you."

Wrenching her arm away from his grasp, she stalked towards the hatch in the roof and climbed down as fast as her dress would allow. She did not look back.

Mulder stood there, shocked, the delicate scarf falling from his hand onto the dusty rooftop.

#grey canyon #my fic #xf fanfic #xfiles #x-files #the x-files #txf #msr #mulder and scully #xfiles fanfic #xfiles au #historical au #western

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fieryfantasybooklover · 3 years

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Scythes And Stories - Chapter 6 - Twists Of Fate

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

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“So you’re telling me that… you are the escaped princess of Solis?” Alastair said slowly, trying to parse out the truth of the words. Ariadne nodded. “And that this is the infamous assassin, the Lady of Death?” Thomas continued, cutting his gaze towards Anna. “I’m flattered that you’ve heard of me, all the way here in Luna.” Anna chimed in. She was currently sprawled across the couch of the boat’s hold, playing with a bone dagger. “Of course we’ve heard of you. You’re either more stupid than you look, or truly ignorant of how much you’ve been employed by the Luna Council.” Alastair smirked, clearly reveling in Anna’s widened eyes and shocked expression. “I’m going to continue this discussion, because obviously these two nitwits wouldn’t bother too.” Cordelia interjected, grinning in response to Alastair’s glare. “If I am correct in my assumptions, you are Lucie Herondale.” she said, gesturing towards Lucie. “That is correct.” Lucie said, mock-curtseying. “So you must be the mysterious and handsome stranger she eloped with.” Cordelia finished, raising her eyebrows at Matthew. “That would be the truth. I am so very pleased that the general knowledge of me is my dashingness.” Matthew said, tipping his hat. “Ignore him.” Lucie stage whispered. “His ego’s gone to his head a bit of late.”

“Well. This is certainly news to me. Everyone thinks you are dead, Princess, and nobody knows the whereabouts of you, my lady.” Thomas said, standing from his seat. “I do wonder what casualties shall befall me if my husband and I decide to give you shelter.”

“Oh I swear we’re nothing but the utmost fun.” Anna said with a smile as sharp as swords. “I can vouch for her!” Matthew chimed in, mischief in his eyes. Ariadne and Lucie sighed in unison as Cordelia snickered. “Yes but they don’t trust either of you, so shut up.” Lucie said, laughing. “All we ask for is shelter for a bit. The world outside is quite chaotic and it would be good to take a breath.” Ariadne said, eyes pleading. “We will take you in.” Thomas finally agreed. “Only if you promise to participate in our drinks night.” James said, mock seriousness in his voice. “You’ll have a far harder time convincing those two to stay away now that you’ve mentioned it.” Ariadne said, gesturing towards Matthew and Anna. “Now, if you wish it, we will retire to our chambers and cause you no more trouble.”

“Is there anything else we can get you while you stay here?” Thomas asked them as they strolled through the city streets. The brick roads were baked in the heat, worn by the feet of a thousand steps. Spices laced the air - nutmeg, basil, and fresh fruit. Thomas had quite quickly fallen into the role of gracious host as Alastair and Anna bantered and the others chattered. “Not unless you can bring back my long lost brother from the abyss.” Anna answered, and silence fell. Cordelia turned to Anna however, brows furrowed. “What does your brother look like?” She inquired, concentration deepening as she gazed at Anna as if she were a puzzle. “Well, he has purple eyes. And he would be around my age, maybe a bit younger.” Anna answered, clearly baffled. James stopped walking right in the middle of the street as him and Cordelia made eye contact. Thomas and Alastair also exchanged gazes. “Is there anything you four would like to share, or are you going to continue to communicate telepathically for the rest of the day.” Anna asked, shifting. She was quite unfamiliar with the warm blooming in her chest like a rose, shining and glowing like a weapon fresh off the forge. It was hope, hope that maybe she wasn’t crazy for the first time in her life.

Shaking herself, Cordelia turned to Anna. “Unless there’s a large amount of purple-eyed teenage fugitives on the run for our kingdom…”

“We have your brother. He arrived just a few days before you. Shivering and sweating and grinning like a banshee. He also claimed to have murdered the king of Solis. On that precedent alone, we allowed him to stay. He’s in his quarters now.”

Anna froze. She could feel the frost of shock spreading slowly over her skin as she struggled to form words. After all these years, all this time, she found him. Her brother with his love of science and the rare, genuine smile that always summoned a smile from her in return. A warm hand slipped into hers. Turning her head, Anna’s eyes met Ariadne’s. The silent encouragement in Ariadne’s eyes nearly brought Anna to tears. “May I- May I see him?” Anna asked tentatively, afraid some cruel god would snatch him away before she could see him. “Of course you can.” Thomas said, understanding in his tone. “Just this way. We’ll arrive back at the castle in approximately 15 minutes. From there, I’ll give you a guide to his rooms.”

“Thank you so much.” Anna whispered. “You have my eternal gratitude.”

“None needed, Lady of Death. Everyone deserves loved ones to hold close. Sadly, sometimes the world has other plans. We’re just glad you made your way back to the hearth.” Alastair said quietly, and the others all nodded. From that point on, they were all friends. After all, a friendship forged when you are the version of yourself you hate to show are the strongest friendships of all.

“Mr. Christopher, you’ve a visitor.” the guide called, knocking on the heavy wooden door embossed with a crescent moon. “They may come in.” Came the response from within the room, and Anna’s eyes widened. If there had been any doubt in her mind, none was left now. The decades passed and sands of time could not erase the sound of her brother’s voice from her head. Anna opened the door, and slipped inside, closing it behind her. The boy on the bed looked up, hair messed over his eyes and papers strewn over every possible surface. It didn’t take long for the question in his face turned into confusion, then shock, then wonder. All in the span of just a few moments. “Christopher?” Anna breathed, not daring to take a step forward lest he should evaporate like a mirage. “... Anna? Is that you?” Christopher replied, voice also quiet and strung through with lights of amazement. “Yes, it’s me. It’s Anna!” she replied, joy cracking her face. Christopher’s face morphed again then, and he stood and strode forward. Finally, after so many miles of pain and oceans of blood and battle, they were here. Embracing in a hug and words left unsaid flew, the pair had found each other again.

“I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too! I thought I’d never see you again….”

“I thought the same! They took me away, and I wasn’t able to look for you.”

“That is ok. I doubt you would recognize the me you found anyway.”

“The same could be said of me. It took me years of planning and work, but I finally struck back.”

“And I am more proud of you than I could say. I too have blood on my hands, but I hope that staining them deeper won’t ever be necessary again. If needed, I will fight to make it so.”

Drawing back, Anna examined Christopher and smiled deeply. “You’ve grown into a fine young man. A far throw from the gangly boy I knew. If only mother and father could see you now…” Anna trailed off as a shade of grey permeated the otherwise yellow bright moment. “And you as well.” Christopher said, his wonder saving the memory. “You’re glowing. You look happy. Content.” he added, grinning. “I am… I’ve found a life worth fighting for. But more about me later. We have much catching up to do, dear brother.” Dropping into the armchair by the fireplace, Anna relaxed. Christopher sat on the bed, only succeeding in making his piles of sketches even more messy. “Tell me. What have you been doing these past years we’ve been apart? I am quite certain it’s a grand tale.”

“Now I must confess I’m dying to know how you ended up on the run with the most infamous assassin in five kingdoms.” James said to Ariadne as the two, accompanied by Alastair, Thomas, and Cordelia sat in the royal common room. It was a set of large and comfortable rooms for the royal family to relax and have fun in. Ariadne chuckled quietly, thinking over the chaos of the tale herself. “I couldn’t hardly put it into words for you myself. I had been long since questioning my parents’ actions and the way they behaved around anybody without a large purse or a legitimate heir. I just didn’t know what it was I could do about it. I trained myself, yes. In bladework and poisons and a myriad of other things. But these skills languished in my arsenal, so to speak. I was not allowed to do anything I loved, contained in the palace and all it’s parties.” Ariadne paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “The day they forced me into an arranged marriage with somebody I despise was my breaking point. Anna appeared, and it was like she was the escape I was looking for. The escape dressed in black with a dagger, that is.”

Cordelia’s thoughts raced, connecting the dots quickly and smothering her grin. The way Ariadne used Anna’s first name, how her eyes and voice softened at the mention of her, how she would always smile. The quick gazes and hidden laughs. Turning to James, she raised her eyebrows and nearly fell over laughing at his responding smirk. James was observant and had apparently also been quick to notice what she had. “I wish them all the happiness and wishes.” Cordelia vowed, before tuning her ears back into Ariadne’s story.

“So, I agreed to go with her. I set fire to the barracks before we joined up with Matthew and Lucie. Lucie was confined within a loveless marriage, so she was also eager to leave. Anna staged my death, and we set sail. Matthew delivered the note and… here we are.” Ariadne finished, leaninging back in her chair and smiling. “Not the most exciting tale in the books, but it’s my story, so I will cherish it within my heart.”

“On the contrary, I believed that story most riveting.” Cordelia piped up, leaning forward. “There remains only one question.” James said, standing. “Would you and Lady Anna be interested in joining us for dinner tonight? Christopher is also invited, of course”

“We would be most honored to have you.” Thomas added.

“I would be delighted to.” Ariadne smiled. “Anna is I’m sure still talking to Christopher, but when she returns to our chambers, I will extend the invitation.”

“Tell her there will be wine and games!” Alastair called to Ariadne as she exited. “I will tell her. I could never forgive myself and I doubt she would forgive me if she missed out on such an opportunity.”

Once Ariadne had vanished down the hall, the four sat in quiet. “I like her.” Thomas finally said, his voice betraying how deep in thought he was. “I do as well. I’m very glad she was able to find herself a place where she’s truly happy.” Cordelia added. “As much as I’d like to stay and gossip about our new arrivals, I’ve some matters to attend to.” Alastair said, standing. “I’ll come with you.” Thomas replied.

Sighing with a bit too much gusto to be believable, Alastair nodded assent. “I guess we will get these chores done quicker together.” he said, accepting Thomas’s extended hand. “Yes I’m sure that’s why.”

“O do shut up.” Alastair shot back, and soon their voices faded.

“Would you like to take a stroll with me, my fine warrior?” James asked Cordelia, eyes twinkling. “I would love to, James.” Cordelia replied, a small smile twisting her lips. “Well, then, let us go. The winding paths of the park await us.”

“Fancy seeing you here.” Ariadne said as she flopped onto the bed of their quarters. Matthew and Lucie had been assigned a door across the hall. “Life does bring us much surprise.” Anna shot back, kicking off her boots. “Did you and Christopher have a pleasing chat?” Ariadne ventured cautiously. “We most certainly did.” Anna replied, slipping back into that soft smile. “He’s grown up so much, Ariadne. So much. And it hurts and heals my heart simultaneously to see it.” Anna said, much quieter this time. “I know you grieve for memories lost, and I understand it. It is right to feel pain, right to grieve. Just make sure you’re not missing out on a chance to make new memories while grieving the past.” Ariadne said, once again gently holding Anna’s hand. “What did I do to deserve you?” Anna asked. “You set me free.” Ariadne answered, and Anna grinned. “And I am very glad I did. Now, what’s this dinner party you mentioned?”

“Oh yes! We are invited to dinner with Cordelia, James, Thomas, and Alastair. Christopher will also be there I believe. Alastair requests I tell you that there will be wine and games.”

‘Well in that case, I’m in.” Anna said jokingly, and Ariadne laughed again, a musical sound to Anna’s ears. “In that case, I will see you in about a half-hour at the party.” Standing, Anna kissed Ariadne softly before breaking apart and bolting for the showers. Sighing and filled with happy butterflies, Ariadne also stood and began to change. “It’s the beginning of a new age. And I’ll be damned if I keep wearing the shackles I just escaped.”

“To new friends, and old. To shining futures and pasts laid to rest in unmarked graves. This is now, and it’s for living and love. I give thanks for the wondrous new souls we’ve met, and the tales they brought with them.” Thomas toasted, raising his champagne elegantly. Everybody else raised their glasses in silent succession, toasting to everything Thomas mentioned and more. And then, the party began. It was in the private royal dining room, and it came with a ballroom. Thomas and Alastair had invited some other close friends and family, and Cordelia and James had done the same. All had been instructed on the situation, and planned to be discreet. A large number of suits and dresses had been delivered to Anna, Ariadne, Matthew, and Lucie, along with a note saying they could choose any one of the options. The rooms were full of life, shining and glittering and shifting. Champagne sparkled and fragrant scents of roasted meats and delicate creamed desserts rose up. Lively violin music flowed from the ballroom, and each person was a vision in velvet and satin, a walking kaleidoscope of dancing and laughing and color. Anna and Ariadne danced, quick as quicksilver and breathless with happiness. Anna was wearing a finely cut suit of ebony and snow white, while Ariadne was resplendent in a twilight blue gown that sparkled with stars and twirled as she did. “You are as gorgeous as an angel.” Anna called as she twirled Ariadne. “And you look like a goddess sent to Earth.” Ariadne called back, cheeks flushed with the blush of life. “Oh stop I might actually blush for once.” Anna said, bringing Ariadne close before dramatically dipping her. “What a sight that would be.” Ariadne mocked, laughing. “Maybe someday, I’ll get to witness this amazing phenomena.”

“You can keep hoping, Princess.” Anna replied, laughing as Ariadne lightly smacked her. “I think I will. After all, we’ve got plenty of time.”

The previous song had ended with a dramatic flourish, paving the way for a slower and more romantic piece. Alastair and Thomas slowly danced, staring into each other’s eyes. “What a week it has been. And it’s only been the first week.” Thomas said as the pair revolved on the dance floor. “Indeed. It might be awhile before we have any semblance of peace again.” Alastair replied. “Even you can't deny that you like our newcomers.” Thomas snarked back, no true bite in his voice. “I do, much to my dismay. I can admit they are fun and Anna especially is very fun. At least she knows how to drink and have fun, unlike you.” Alastair shot back, chuckling. “Oh shut up you. I'm plenty of fun.” Thomas said, affecting a wounded air. “I suppose you can be, but-” Thomas cut Alastair off and kissed him, holding him even closer. Alastair, drunk on happiness, held Thomas close as they kissed and the violins played a song of hearts broken and mended, souls torn and sewed back together.

Cordelia and James sat along the wall, laughing and joking with Lucie and Matthew. The squad had quickly become fast friends. Cordelia leaned forward and kissed James, while Matthew wolf whistled and Lucie slapped her hand over his mouth to shut him up. The scene could be described as perfect, if such a thing exists. Music and songs and beauty and, most importantly of them all, new beginnings. What the future held was a mystery, and what the past held was unchangeable. But the now… well the now was whatever the people living in it made it. And everybody present at that party had chosen to make it something glowing with love and happiness and the treasured thing that is friendship. Twists of fate and acts of free will were what brought these people together, but it was their choice to stay. They could’ve shunned each other, torn themselves to bits and pieces while laughing. They could’ve betrayed who was supposed to be their enemies - stabbed them in the back and ran before they could be found by the accusing eyes of their victims. They could’ve done all of this, and more. But they didn’t - they chose to do the opposite. To nurture the compassion in their souls, the love blooming in their hearts. To make friends and lovers and family who would stand by them through the storm of the future, the unknown, and anything else that could be thought of.

#anna lightwood #ariadne bridgestock #arianna #thomas lightwood #alastair carstairs #Thomastair #james herondale #cordelia carstairs #jordelia #lucie herondale #matthew fairchild #lucieXMatthew #tsc #the last hours #megans writing

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hecohansen31 · 4 years

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Writing Challenge

(A/N): Hello there, lovelies!

Since I haven’t properly celebrated my 1K (I swear I didn’t forget about it, the motivation has just been lacking), I wanted to try to do a small writing challenge, mostly because I have seen that they are pretty popular and I hope they might help you canalize some energy and not think about outside.

So, I hope you’ll like the idea and partecipate!

RULES:

You don’t have to follow me (but if you want to, I’d absolutely love it!).

You have till the 30st June, but if you need more time don’t hesitate to ask, we don’t have any hurry sweetie.

The prompts are divided in two cathegories: writing prompts based on my favorite bookish quotes,and writing prompts based on ideas more like aesthetical (that you can use as title of your fic, plot or as quotes in the fic), the latter ons can also be used my people who create moodboards/aesthetics!

You can obviously chose more than one prompt, but I’d suggest you just limit it to two prompt for fic, and also you can mix and match the two lists.

You can also choose a prompts already chosen by somebody else, just make sure you won’t be writing for the same character, so that we can have more diversity through it all.

Send me a DM/ask to let me know for which character and for which prompt you’ll like specifying the list (I won’t accept entries through reblog).

You can absolutely use your own characters other than reader inserts, and other than that you can also use other characters from the shows or not.

The characters that you can write for are: Michael Langdon, Duncan Shepherd, Jim Mason, Xavier Plympton, Any Character from ‘Vikings’, any of BIll Skarsgard Characters (Roman Godfrey, Axel Cluney, MIckey, Henry Pearl, Henry Deaver, Mark, Gordan Merkel....) Peter Rumancek.

After you are done with the fic, pubblish it, tagging me in it (if you see that I don’t reply to it please just send it to me through DMs).

If you chose a bookish prompt, please credit the author.

If you have any question you are more than welcome to DM me for any information, believe me I am absolutely more approachable than I look.

If you need a moodboard for the fics, you can also DM me to make you one.

If you want, you can absolutely share this I would love it!

And now, ladies and gentleman here are the prompts!

CONCEPTS (also for moodboards creators)

1) A Fairy Tale With a Twist.

2) The Bad Guy Isn’t So Bad.

3) The One Who Stayed. by @barnzbucky

4) Cruel and Cold Youth.

5) Hair of Gold and Hair of Silver.

6) The Princess Is Bored by @lordsexmachine

7) Happiness Is Not Simple.

8) Raising Yourself From The Bed Is Actually Easier Than You Think.

9) If Princesses Stood With Dragons, What Would Happen?

10) Eyes That Can Charm Any Man.

11) Love Isn’t So Bad If Mixed With Poison.

12) The Only Fire That Burns Brighter.

13) Lord of Nothing, Lady of Everything.

14) Heavy Crown of Thorns, You Carry, Sir.

15) Relaxing? More Like Hiding From The World.

QUOTES:

1) “If you hurt me, I wouldn't cry. I would hurt you back.”, “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black. by @geekandbooknerd

2) “You cannot pick and choose what parts of her to love.”, “Heir of Fire” by Sarah J. Maas. by @geekandbooknerd

3) “Don't feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy.”, “A Court of Thorns And Roses” by Sarah J. Maas. @geekandbooknerd

4) “Some things are destined to be -- it just takes us a couple of tries to get there.”, “Lover Mine” by J. R. Ward.

5) “Love makes you a liar.” by Cassandra Clare by @maggiescarborough

6) “My soul sees its equal in you.”, “The Wrath And The Dawn” by Renee Ahdieh.by @maggiescarborough

7) “The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true.”, “Six Of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo. by @geekandbooknerd

8) “She burned too bright for this world.”, “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte.

9) “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott.

10) “Give me a thousand kisses, then a hundred, then a thousand more”, “Carmen V” by Catullus.

11) “If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!”, “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley.

12) “I choose you over everyone.”, “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell.

13) “You were the sun, and I was crashing into you.”, “Carry On” by Rainbow Rowell.

14) “Don't panic. Are you sitting? You probably don't need to sit. Well, possibly. At least lean on something.”, “The Raven Boys” by Maggie Stiefvater.by @youbloodymadgenius

15) “And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”, “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Milller.

16) “I appear to have misplaced the fucks I give for what you think.”, “Nevernight” by Jay Kristoff.

17) “I lost myself the moment I found you.”, “Hot White Kiss” by J. L. Armentrout.

18) “You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it.”, “Harry Potter And The Order of The Phonix” by J. K. Rowling.

19) “A pretty face, a devious mind and a ruthless nature.”, “Captive Prince” by C. S. Pacat.

20) “I am a bad person trying very hard to be a good person.”, “The Raven King” by Nora Sakavic by @lol-haha-joke

21) “I apologize for anything I might have done. I was not myself.” “I apologize for shooting you in the leg.” (…) “I was myself entirely.”, “A Darker Shade of Magic” by V. E. Schwab.

22) “I think you’re a fairy tale. I think you’re magical, and brave, and exquisite. And I hope you'll let me be in your story.”, “Strange The Dreamer” by Laini Taylor by @manicpixiedreamguurl

23) “Happy are those who dare courageously to defend what they love.”, by Ovid.

Have a nice challenge sweetie!

#Writing Challenge #Michael Langdon #Duncan Shepherd #Xavier Plympton #jim mason #Vikings #Ragnarssons #modern harald #roman godfrey #Peter Rumancek #Hemlock Grove #Axel Cluney #Henry Pearl #Mickey #Henry Deaver #Mark #Gordan Merkel #ivar

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mebongster87 · 5 years

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The real villains and the real heroes of Season 8: predictions and foreshadowings

Back when the character posters for Season 8 was released, a few folks in the JonSa fandom speculated about how Daenerys, Euron Greyjoy, and the Night King, were shown to be seated on the Iron Throne with the Stanley Kubrick glare. Here are the pictures of what I am talking about.

Kubrick stare is a typical characterising feature of villainy. Given that Euron Greyjoy, Daenerys Stormborn, and the Night King all sport this, it is safe to say that Team Storm are the main villains.

The Crypts of Winterfell teaser provided us the real heroes of this season and they are these three:

Jon Snow, Sansa Stark, and Arya Stark, poised to face the threats of Ice and Fire with their best weapons, and are the real heroes of Season 8 and the story at large.

Longclaw for Jon, Sansa has her wits and charm, intelligence, and realpolitik, I mean I could go on but you get the point. Last but not the least, Arya Stark, newly minted Night King Slayer, with her Valyrian steel dagger, with which she killed the NK and Needle.

Thanks to Arya being the NK Slayer, this picture makes a whole lot of sense now and I believe we will have Jon and Sansa take down the other two villains in the story. 3 villains vs 3 heroes.

Daenerys Stormborn:

The show actually teased that Jon and Sansa will stand against Daenerys Stormborn back in Season 6.

The S06E09 Battle of the Bastards Inside the Episode commentary by David Benioff, where he says:

“If you are one of the Lords of Westeros or one of her potential opponents in the wars to come, and you get word of what happened here in Meereen, you have to be pretty nervous because this is an unprecedented threat. You’ve got a woman who has somehow formed an alliance where she’s got a Dothraki horde, a legion of Unsullied, she’s got the mercenary army of the Second Sons, and she’s got three dragons, who are now pretty close to full-grown. So if she can make it all the way across the Narrow Sea and get to Westeros, who’s gonna stand in her way?”

over shots of Daenerys about to destroy Meereen and burning people, is immediately followed by this shot of Sansa and Jon, from the tent scene, prior to Battle of Bastards, where they discuss how to defeat Ramsay (another villain).

Sneaky.

In Season 8 so far, we have seen Sansa go toe-to-toe with Daenerys, either by making her displeasure known in feeding the “greatest army the world has ever seen” with the limited food and resources that Sansa has managed to gather for the North, or derisively asking “what do dragons eat anyway” or outright defying Daenerys in Jamie’s trial. I do not see this abating in the upcoming episodes. Sansa knows that the Dragon Queen is a threat to her home, her family, and the entire North and she will be using her smarts and political prowess to outplay Daenerys.

Jon, on the other hand, will be the one to go fight Daenerys in a Dance of the Dragons 2.0. Whether Jon kills Daenerys remains to be seen. The show has buried enough clues to allude to this happening. I have written about it here and here and I think there is a strong possibility that Jon kills Daenerys, irrespective of your beliefs in those alleged leaks.

In fact, these lines from ADWD, Jon XII, may have foreshadowed this:

Burning shafts hissed upward, trailing tongues of fire. Scarecrow brothers tumbled down, black cloaks ablaze.

"Snow," an eagle cried, as foemen scuttled up the ice like spiders.

Jon was armored in black ice, but his blade burned red in his fist. As the dead men reached the top of the Wall he sent them down to die again. He slew a greybeard and a beardless boy, a giant, a gaunt man with filed teeth, a girl with thick red hair. Too late he recognized Ygritte. She was gone as quick as she'd appeared. The world dissolved into a red mist. Jon stabbed and slashed and cut. He hacked down Donal Noye and gutted Deaf Dick Follard. Qhorin Halfhand stumbled to his knees, trying in vain to staunch the flow of blood from his neck. "I am the Lord of Winterfell," Jon screamed. It was Robb before him now, his hair wet with melting snow. Longclaw took his head off. Then a gnarled hand seized Jon roughly by the shoulder. He whirled …… and woke with a raven pecking at his chest.

Here we have Jon armored in black ice, which is very reminiscent of Daenerys’ dream from ASOS, Daenerys III:

That night she dreamt that she was Rhaegar, riding to the Trident. But she was mounted on a dragon, not a horse. When she saw the Usurper's rebel host across the river they were armored all in ice, but she bathed them in dragonfire and they melted away like dew and turned the Trident into a torrent. Some small part of her knew that she was dreaming, but another part exulted. This is how it was meant to be. The other was a nightmare, and I have only now awakened.

Jon kills Ygritte, a love interest, and Robb, his kin/cousin within the same dream. Daenerys is both a love interest and his kin/aunt.

Jon has also been referred to as the “shifting shadow” from Daenerys’s chapters...ASOS, Daenerys II.

“Sometimes she would close her eyes and dream of him, but it was never Jorah Mormont she dreamed of; her lover was always younger and more comely, though his face remained a shifting shadow.“

Melisandre in her visions sees Jon as a shifting shadow as well:

“The flames crackled softly, and in their crackling she heard the whispered name Jon Snow. His long face floated before her, limned in tongues of red and orange, appearing and disappearing again, a shadow half-seen behind a fluttering curtain. Now he was a man, now a wolf, now a man again.”

-ADWD, Melisandre I.

What’s interesting is that the show actually uses a “shadow” to allude to Jon.

Notice the focus on the shadow of Jon, right before he goes to behead Janos Slynt, someone who betrayed Ned Stark and was an enemy to House Stark. And dare I say, this reminds me of the shadow of Jamie from Bran’s visions right before he shoves the sword in the back of the Mad King Aerys.

Since Jon and Jamie are foils, Jon could end the story as a kinslayer and Queenslayer, just as Jamie started the story as the Kingslayer. We shall see whether it does come to pass or not. Additionally, Jon has refused to kill a woman twice before (Ygritte and Melisandre), maybe he ends up having to kill a woman this third time. Notably, Ygritte was a love interest, Melisandre tried seducing Jon, and now he is in a relationship with Daenerys.

Euron Greyjoy:

I would’ve loved for Theon to be the one to take down Euron but since he is dead, someone else will have to step up to bring this guy down.

Could Jon be the one? Or Arya?Or Yara?

Since both Euron and Daenerys have been associated with “Storm”, here are some clues that I found that I thought were interesting.

This next part is just wild speculation on my part.

Euron is introduced to us in S06E02 Home, where he kills his brother and King Balon Greyjoy and these are some of the things he says...

And this is what Jon says before he gets crowned KITN in S06E10 The Winds of Winter...

Littlefinger needles him in the crypts before Jon leaves for Dragonstone in S07E02 Stormborn and says this...

While Daenerys Stormborn has been associated with storms, Euron has been called the Storm and in this same episode called Stormborn, we see both Daenerys and Euron but not the Night King. Interesting don’t you think?

In fact, LF’s line could be applicable to Jon being the last best hope against either or both of these two “Storms”.

In fact, I think we may get a Daenerys Stormborn and Euron Greyjoy “Storm-Storm” alliance mainly because of this throwaway line from Yara while she is captive in the Silence at KL in S08E01...

to which Euron replies:

Now on the surface, this may seem that Yara, an ally of Daenerys is confident of Daenerys’s win over Cersei and Euron, who are current allies. To which Euron talks about sailing his fleet elsewhere??To Dragonstone maybe??? I believe the show is cluing us to the fact that Euron could possibly switch camps. I mean he is wild, unpredictable and who knows what his next move is?? However, he wants to marry the most beautiful woman in the world and just wants to side with the winning team.

In the promo for Episode 4, we see Euron going down on his knees and looks like he is proposing Cersei. If Cersei rejects his proposal, maybe he will switch sides over to Daenerys, whom he thinks has a better chance of winning and is the most beautiful woman in the world.

However, in the subtext, do we really think Daenerys’s side is the winning side????

If she is the main antagonist, then she has to lose, right? So what could this mean....that Euron switches Cersei’s camp and goes over to Daenerys’s camp thinking he is picking the winning side, only to end up on the losing side, when Daenerys finally loses.

Euron is a wild card and hopefully, next episode provides some solid clues regarding what’s going to happen.

There is also this scene from S07E05 Eastwatch, where the maesters of the Citadel are discussing Bran’s letter about the AOTD and one of the maesters mockingly says...”Don’t forget the prophet Lodos, who said that the drowned god will rise up and destroy Aegon the Conqueror”

Prophecy twist is when Aegon the Protector aka Jon Snow who has risen from the dead, destroys the Drowned God aka Euron Greyjoy.

Or the Drowned God aka Euron Greyjoy allies himself with Aegon the Conqueror come again aka Daenerys Stormborn to attempt to destroy KL???? It remains to be seen.

Why will Jon need to kill Euron??? Maybe just maybe Euron will be involved in kidnapping Sansa to KL. And Jon has already said (to LF) “Touch my sister and I’ll kill you myself”. That Chekhov’s gun is still waiting to go off.

I can’t help but think that the scene in the godswood in S08E01 Winterfell, in front of the heart tree, when Arya and Jon reunite and they talk about Sansa and Jon says that “I am her family too”, Arya says “don’t forget that” is foreshadowing for Jon to remember his first vow after he was brought back from the death that he made to Sansa...”I won’t ever let him touch you again, I will protect you, I promise”. Jon’s vow to protect Sansa will come into play in a moment when Sansa’s safety and her life is compromised. If Euron/GC come for her, then Jon’s vows to protect Sansa are applicable here as well.

This Jon/Arya scene then transitions to a shot of KL, where we think Sansa will get kidnapped to, and then we have shots of Cersei and Qyburn, the Golden Company with Euron and, finally we have scenes where a “sister” is held captive by Euron. And who comes to rescue his “sister” Yara?? Theon, who is a foil to Jon...I think these are interesting scene transitions. Again, since it’s rescuing one’s sister, it could be that Arya is the one who comes to rescue Sansa, together with Jon, and ends up being the one to kill Euron.

Having said all of that, I am really not sure. Mainly because I don’t think the show will let Jon kill both Euron and Daenerys. That’s a bit much for one guy, even if it’s Jon. And this is primarily where I think Arya may play a part and be the one to kill Euron. If Jon kills Daenerys, then Arya will kill Euron, again the objective remains the same, protect Sansa. That shot from the crypts teaser where Sansa is flanked by Arya one on side and Jon on the other side, with their weapons drawn in a protective stance, makes me think that both Jon and Arya will have to protect and save Sansa at some point.

Or the show could give this kill to Yara, Jamie, or even Brienne, who knows. Like I said, this part is pure speculation on my part so I could be totally wrong.

And finally Cersei Lannister:

I am counting on the show giving us a Sansa vs Cersei showdown, I feel like those two characters need to meet to complete the YMBQ story arc.

If the kidnapping plot does not happen, Sansa could come to KL to parlay with Cersei to strike up an alliance to take down Daenerys and defend the 7Ks.

These character posters have the same energy about them. Two Queens.

The show has been teasing us a Stark-Lannister alliance through its promos and teasers.

I could see Sansa and Cersei forming an alliance together to defeat Daenerys’s forces. The Golden Company will fight on behalf of Cersei and Sansa against Daenerys’s (and maybe Euron’s) armies.

In terms of Cersei’s demise, I am not putting too much stock on the Valonqar prophecy being actually true. Yes, Cersei has to die eventually, but D&D are Lena fanboys and I don’t think they will give her a gruesome on-camera death. In fact, I think Cersei will commit suicide or maybe poisoned.

When cornered, Cersei has either always managed to pull out an ace in the hole and outwit all her opponents in one fell-swoop like she did with House Tyrell in S06E10 when she blew up the sept

she turns suicidal and threatens to do something rash.

Case in point:

1. She was willing to poison herself and Tommen with the essence of nightshade poison at the Battle of Blackwater Bay when all looked lost until Tywin came and saved her.

2. When Tywin was forcing her to marry Loras, she threatened to “burn our House to the ground”.

The only thing Cersei loves is her children, Jamie, and her throne. The fact that she is drinking wine again means that she probably is no longer pregnant. Jamie, if he ends up with Brienne, is gone from her. Her throne is under attack from Daenerys’s forces. All of these may just force her to do:

Foreshadowing from S03E10 Mhysa, where she is talking to Tyrion to give Sansa a child so that she may have some happiness.

She does not have any more children left, so she may just throw herself from the highest window in the red keep.

Joffrey and Myrcella were poisoned, Tommen committed suicide by throwing himself from his window. Maybe Cersei will do the same. We shall see.

Thoughts and comments??

#jonsa #got meta #GoT S8 speculation #jon snow #sansa stark #anti daenerys #anti jonerys #euron greyjoy #cersei lannister #sansa stark is the younger and more beautiful queen #house stark for the win #jon x sansa #arya stark

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tbehartoo · 4 years

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200 Follower Thank you

Once upon a time, I said hey I’m about to have 200 followers. That’s 199 more followers than I ever expected to have. Maybe I should show these people some appreciation for following my hodgepodge of a blog? I asked what would be considered a good Thank you and received a whopping one (1) reply to the possibilities I mentioned. This is a result of that poll. Please note: I will NEVER volunteer to do this again!

200 Head Canons from the various fandoms I’ve written fan fic for (Fairy Tail, Miraculous Ladybug, and Voltron: Legendary Defenders). Please note these are made up things from my very tired brain and not necessarily thought through or even complete ideas, though I did try to make them internally consistent there are no guarantees. They might contradict each other and most certainly will contradict canon. Please take everything with a grain of salt, and enjoy!

Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail)

1-Erza only likes red fruits- strawberries, cherries, raspberries dragon fruit, apples, etc.. But they have to be red in color not other versions of the same kind of fruit. No black cherries, green apples, or the like- she can taste the difference even blindfolded.

2- Erza likes to go stargazing on summer nights, but can’t sit still for watching clouds.

3- Between missions she will occasionally try to write poetry. It does not go well

4- She has never told anyone about the poetry!

5- There is a small part of the space she uses for her requip items that contains the locked box with her writing journals.

6- Erza and Mira like to go shopping together. The stores tremble in fear when the two are on a campaign to find the perfect outfit. One boutique has had to hire a couple of mercenaries at the door to give the staff sufficient time to brace for impact, whenever they have a sale and the girls are in town.

7- There is a cat colony near Fairy Hills and every single cat knows Erza. They are all feral cats, but they trust Erza to provide calming attention.

8- Two things Erza does in any new place is find the baths and find the gyms.

9- She likes to go to different gyms to observe new fighting techniques, but she doesn’t like to be recognized so she always goes in disguise.

10- Every time she asks to be taught a new technique, there is one guy (you know that one guy) that feels he needs to mansplain things to her.

11- This man is always handed his ego on a silver platter with a side serving of crow. Sometimes quite painfully.

12- Erza was once invited to an underground gym by a woman she met at the baths. She was so surprised to find it was a group dedicated to learning to fight like the Great Titania. Most of the women had histories of being abused, but had been inspired by the leader of the Fairies to stand up for themselves and get safe. They then worked to make sure that others are safe on the streets of their city and in their homes. Erza actually broke down at learning of their strength and resilience.

13- The only time she purposefully took off her disguise was for these women to thank them. She then spent the rest of the night helping them train.

14- Erza is demisexual which is why she fell so hard for Jellal as she had a strong connection to him.

15- She continues to have fond feelings for Jellal, but is no longer romantically or sexually interested in him.

16- Erza doesn’t bother to tell others in her guild about her changed feelings for Jellal which means the girls are always trying to get them alone together whenever he’s in town.

17- Meredy once sneaked a sensory link between Erza and Jellal and herself to figure out what was going on with them. She never told anyone what she found out, but she worked at toning down the FT girls’ attempts at matchmaking.

18- Erza works really hard to keep her strength in check. She has trained with Guildarts to get her control as finely tuned as it is.

19- Erza has yet to find a mode of transportation that is fast enough for her. It’s a pity that Magnolia doesn’t have jet propulsion or rockets.

20- Her favorite hot drink is cinnamon tea with a little sweetened condensed milk in it.

Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)

1- Lucy prefers the feel of cotton over silk, but she prefers the look of silk over cotton.

2- She has to invest in cotton, linen and woolen clothing as a member of Team Natsu since they don’t burn as easily as other materials.

3- Lucy has asked Levy to look for a fire retardant/ fire proofing spell to be able to use for both her clothing and her apartment.

4- Lucy was taught to crochet when she was a young girl. Though she doesn’t make the fine lace she was expected to produce as a child, she does use those skills to make tiny amigurumi mice for Happy.

5- Lucy also crochets scarves and hats every autumn for her friends. Often she makes a couple extra ones to donate to the local women’s shelter.

6- Aires likes to bring Lucy wool like thread/yarn from the spirit world for her to use in her projects.

7- Lucy likes to go fishing with Natsu and Happy.

8- She does not like catching fish with Natsu and Happy.

She like casting her rod and reeling it in, but she does NOT like baiting her hook or killing the fish. Natsu and Happy have no problems taking care of those things for her.

9- Lucy prefers moving rivers and creeks over still ponds and lakes.

10- She loves going to the beach to watch the waves break along the shore.

11- Lucy was taught how to steer a boat, well it was a yacht but why quibble over details?

12- She once claimed she was going to sail around the globe, but her father told her not to talk nonsense and then sold their boat to keep her from ever trying.

13- Lucy made friends with the birds in the garden and can whistle their calls almost as well as the birds themselves.

14- Lucy has always told herself stories. Even when she’s on a job with Team Natsu she’s often composing short stories as her day goes along.

15- Lucy hates the taste of truffle and will instantly distrust anyone who claims to like it.

16- She prefers to have short hair, but keeps hers long to be able to use the comb and brush set her mother used to use.

17- Lucy has two special silver hair pins that her mother gave her when she twelve. They belonged to her grandmother and her great-great-aunt. They get passed down to the next generation on the twelfth year after they have sparked. They always end up with a celestial mage.

18- Lucy’s understanding of celestial contracts is both modern and archaic. She is well aware of what is expected from a modern magic user, but she has been well taught in the lore of celestial beings.

19- Most celestial spirits are pretty plain speaking with what they will, can, or won’t do. Some however, the eldest spirits, are very tricky and will find whatever loopholes through imprecise language they can to do what they can to be maliciously compliant. This is why, even though the elder spirits are more powerful than most of their siblings, they are rarely contracted with.

20- Lucy eventually has five contracts with elder Celestial Spirits. None of them have been able to twist out of their responsibilities to her.

Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tail)

1- Natsu only flies off the handle so easily so that he has “legitimate” reasons for using his fire.

2- He has to eat a lot to have enough fuel for his fire.

3- He really just likes to eat and uses his fire so often so that he has room to eat more.

4- Natsu often lies awake at night trying to come up with good insults for Gray, Gajeel, and even Loki, though he rarely remembers them thus having to fall back on old and well used insults.

5- When Natsu does remember a new insult, he will rate the reaction on a scale of one to five and if it doesn’t get a four or a five he will drop using it.

6- One time he said something about Levy to Gajeel that was rated a ten and after he healed up, he never used that particular insult again.

7- Because of the sheer amount of energy that routinely flows through Natsu, he has a faster healing rate than most people, including dragon slayers, except Wendy. Wendy’s magic makes her quick to heal so that she can heal others.

8- Natsu has several potted succulents that he and Happy take care of whenever they are in town.

9- Natsu talks to his plants and has named each one.

10- One time a new neighbor overwatered his plants while Natsu was ot of town, killing all of the plants.

11- The new neighbor was mortified and offered to buy replacements, but Natsu was offended. You don’t buy FAMILY MEMBERS they are FOUND!

12- Natsu and Happy took nothing but desert and costal assignments for a year to find new plants for their place. They even took a few over to the neighbor to teach them how to care for the very laid back plants.

13- Natsu isn’t dumb, he’s just simple. No need to be all stealthy when you can just flame broil a problem. Right?

14- Natsu likes to come in Lucy’s apartment through the window because she’s always good for a laugh when he does it.

15- Happy, and Natsu, likes to stay the night at Lucy’s place because she will read them a bedtime story.

16- Natsu’s favorite stories are about the constellations and the heroes that got put into the stars.

17- Happy’s favorite stories are about animals acting like humans, and who like to eat a lot. (Basically he likes Redwall stories, just those from Earthland)

18- Natsu hates the Pied Piper story because the kids didn’t help their lame friend go with them and Happy hates it because he scared all the rats away. Somehow the book with that story in it mysteriously burned to a crisp.

19- Natsu doesn’t have a favorite color. It changes every time someone asks.

20- When Natsu is really stressed Happy will curl up in his lap and start purring. When Happy is stressed, Natsu will raise his body temperature slightly and then hold Happy close until Happy feels like he can purr again.

Gray Fullbuster (Fairy Tail)

1- Gray doesn’t like the feel of most of his clothes touching his skin.

2- He only likes the feeling of heavy clothes touching him. Lightweight clothes bug him.

3- Gray prefers to take jobs that take him up in the mountains because it’s cooler there, and there tend to be less people he has to deal with.

4- Gray’s favorite place to vacation is the beach in the summer, but otherwise he prefers foothills in the spring for all their blooms, mountain slopes in the winter for the ice and snow, and mountain valleys in the autumn for the color change of the leaves.

5- While ice and snow don’t bother Gray, and even charge up his magic, he still prefers to come in and sit in front of a toasty fire with a warm beverage after being out in the snow.

6- One reason Gray doesn’t object to Natsu being around and being annoying is because he always has that portable space heater thing going after being cold when Natsu is around.

7- Gray experiments with poetry when he travels on his own. He never writes any of it down.

8- Gray is obscenely good with numbers and logic puzzles.

9- He’s been banned from many gambling establishments for exposing their crooked practices, even the ones that usually go unnoticed.

10- Gray kind of assumes that other people also see what he sees and doesn’t understand why he’s expected to spell everything out for the rest of Team Natsu.

11- Gray is slow to warm up to people. He’s been let down before, so once he considers you a his friend, he’s your friend for life.

12- People that really know Gray were surprised at how quickly he befriended Lucy. With most people Gray takes at least a year to even start acknowledging their existence.

13- Gray thinks Lucy is like a little sister that needs careful watching up until Tenrou.

14- After Tenrou, Gray thinks of Lucy as an equal that can and will kick his butt if he needs it.

15- Gray is not afraid of Erza, unless Natsu is involved.

16- Gray was once emotionally and verbally abused by a girlfriend, it’s what makes Juvia’s first behavior and love declarations so uncomfortable for him.

17- Gray will never admit that he’s jealous of Natsu and Gajeel’s exceed companions. But he does want to have his own flying cat occasionally.

18- Gray’s least favorite food is egg nog ice cream. He just doesn’t care for the flavor and you couldn’t get him to drink hot egg nog for love or money.

19- Gray’s preferred hot drink is Lapsang souchong tea. He likes the pine flavor in his tea cup.

20- One time Lucy, Erza, and Wendy invited Gray to accompany them to a fancy Hotel for afternoon tea. It was the only time he willingly wore a three piece suit!

Marinette Dupain-Cheng (Miraculous Ladybug)

1- Marinette likes to make lots of different kinds of pastries.

2- She only likes to actually eat a few types of pastry.

3- There are baked goods that she makes, but never eats because the textures give her the heebie jeebies. She knows other people love them so she’ll still make them.

4- Sabine, Marinette’s mom, was a martial artist of Chāquán. It is “a Chinese martial art that features graceful movements and some acrobatic aerial maneuvers. Chāquán also includes a large range of weapons.” Sabine was especially proficient in the use of the hookswords and the spear, which she has taught Marinette.

5- Sabine still goes over her forms every morning and young Marinette practices with her.

6- Marinette was fairly good at the acrobatic maneuvers until she hit puberty. Her mother often reassures Marinette that after she finishes her growth spurts she’ll be back to doing those moves again without messing up every third one.

7- Even though her father is an only child Marinette has dozens of “uncles” from around the world. Tom played on a rugby team in college and even was in the minor league for awhile. All of his team mates were made honorary uncles when Marinette was born. They get dozens of Christmas cards, letters, and emails to keep in touch.

8- Marinette and Tom once did a tour of Europe only staying with his old teammates. They never had to find a hotel during the two weeks they traveled. They’ve had a fair few of them stay at their place in Paris, too.

9- Marinette often makes presents for her uncles, aunties, and cousins throughout the year, and receives small presents from them as well.

10- She was saving up for a trip to Australia and New Zealand for her sixteenth birthday, so that her family could visit with a couple of uncles in that part of the world, but suddenly Hawkmoth came up and now she’s not sure they will ever take that trip.

11- She mentioned Chat Noir and Ladybug in an email to one of her ‘cousins’ in New Zealand who hadn’t heard of them, so she linked them to Alya’s Ladyblog telling her that this was really going on in Paris.

12- Two weeks later she got a video from them asking Mari to pass it along to Ladybug and Chat Noir. It showed their family and all their neighbors doing a haka for Paris and the heroes. They said it was to encourage the heroes to be strong and have courage in the face of Hawkmoth.

13- Mari cried when she saw the video as she knew what a big deal it was for them to do this for her. She asked for a translation of the words and was surprised to find it was actually written by her cousin’s grandfather, who was considered a great warrior chief, specifically for LB and CN.

14- Mari asked if only someone from her cousin’s tribe could perform that haka or if it would be considered appropriation for her and her friends to do it, too. She received another video that was an interview with the man who wrote it. He explained the tradition, the words, and showed exactly how each part should be performed. Then he gave all of Paris his blessing to do his haka for the heroes.

15- Marinette brought Alya over right away and showed her the videos. Alya promised to put both videos up right away. The traffic shut down the blog host’s servers!

16- Marinette invited this cousin’s family to visit during the summer to thank them for all that they did. During their visit an akuma attack happened. This family was delighted to suddenly have Ladybug calling the city to order and joining in as all across the capital young and old were preparing to dance strength and courage into being.

17- Marinette has noticed that her strength to stand up to Hawkmoth and perform her duties as Ladybug has increased dramatically ever since she, and the rest of Paris, has started doing the special haka.

18- Marinette likes to put youtube on autoplay and start on a random video when she’s trying to come up with a design and feels blocked. She stops it on the third and seventh video and then tries to come up with a design based on the video’s title.

19- Marinette has just started trying out needle felting and loves to make little felt mice for the animal shelter Chat Noir has endorsed.

20- Marinette has become the vice-president of the Chat Noir fan club at Francois- Dupont. Nino is the president.

Plagg and Tikki (Miraculous Ladybug)

1- Plagg watches a video of camembert making on loop whenever he can get Adrien’s phone. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atOpLj-q5nA) [People in the comments are seriously convinced that Plagg would like this video!]

2- Tikki likes to watch crafting videos and always makes sure to leave an encouraging comment on each one she watches.

3- Tikki prefers sweet things to eat, but she can recharge on almost any food.

4- Plagg actually needs those fermented, slightly spoiled foods to recharge completely otherwise he’s acting on about half power.

5- Plagg wanted to explore Adrien’s house more, but Gabriel’s interest in Adrien’s ring has made him stick close to his boy.

6- Plagg spent the first month of being awake getting familiar with current events using Adrien’s phone. The invention of the computer has made him ridiculously happy.

7- Plagg may or may not have had something to do with a computer virus that infected the mansion’s protection protocol after Gabriel was akumatized. Now Adrien can get out of his room an time lockdown is initiated and doesn’t have to feel trapped in his room.

8- Tikki doesn’t sleep as much as Marinette does. She gets about an hour a night.

9- Tikki emits strong “sleep rays” when she sleeps to help her holders get to sleep. Her creative types can be overthinkers that need help dropping off.

10- Tikki doesn’t need to sleep. Whenever creation is happening she is energized and really doesn’t need to rest. She’s the originator of “pulling an all nighter”

11- Tikki tends to get a surge of power at the equinoxes while Plagg receives more power at the solstices.

12- Tikki loved coming across this video of The HU and plays it as often as she can. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM8dCGIm6yc

13- Plagg found out about punk rock and now plays it as Adrien sleeps hoping that the messages of the music makes through that thick layer of “presentability” Gabriel has forced on Adrien.

14- Tikki sometimes leaves Marinette’s purse to flit over and peek at Nathaniel’s progress on his drawings if the lesson is boring.

15- Plagg’s hearing is very sharp and his ears let him tune into conversations without moving much. He is careful to check into the class gossip, but also listens in to what’s happening in Mr. Damocles’ office and the teacher lounge.

16- Plagg listened in on Tom and Gorilla’s talking about Marinette and Adrien and snickers whenever he remembers Gorilla saying, “My money’s still on Marinette confessing first. Mine’s to dense to realize how far gone he already is. He might believe she likes him on their golden wedding anniversary.”

17- Even though Plagg can phase through matter he still has a healthy respect for Gorilla’s brute strength and doesn’t want to test if he’d be quick enough to dodge the big man in the even of an emergency.

18- Tikki spends many nights creating pictures of fractals using Marinette’s digital drawing tools.

19- Tikki may or may not be the cause of Marinette having more advanced capabilities digitally than any major studio on earth.

20- Tikki despises the nickname Sugarcube, but it is the best out of Plagg many, many tries so she puts up with it. Stinky Sock is the mildest nick name Tikki has ever called Plagg.

20.B- Most of her other names for him would be considered unprintable, but they’re in dead languages so it’s probably safe for her to use them.

20.C- Plagg tries not to mess up so badly that she uses the Babylonian curse on him.

20.D- Plagg can tell how angry Tikki is by what language she slips into. The older the language is, the more angry Tikki is.

Nino Lahiffe (Miraculous Ladybug)

1- Nino used to play percussion on everything he ever came in contact with until his uncle brought over a small hand drum for him to play. His parents called it ‘tapping’ when he was little.

2- The rule around the house was that he could only tap on the drum and not other parts of the house, when he was inside. Everything outside of the house was fair game.

3- Nino’s uncle came over every day to teach him the basics of playing his doumbek.

4- After a year of lessons, his uncle would take him to his weekly drum group where the more experienced drummers would teach little Nino drum tricks like rolls and pops.

5- By the time Nino was eight, he was a regular member of the drumming group and often went with them to play at weddings, parties, or other events. He was the cutest kid! When he was all decked out in traditional Moroccan garb playing smoking hot solos, he was often the source of viral videos.

6- In school he tried to join the band, but he was far too advanced for the beginning players and they didn’t have an advanced group for him to join.

7- The band teacher wanted to help him continue with his music so he showed Nino how to record and remix his own drumming.

8- The summer after that, he spent every day busking with a different member of the drum group to be able to afford his own recording equipment and programs.

9- The summer music money plus his share of the money for playing events with the drum group allowed him to be able to turn his room into basically a recording studio.

10- He soon became the group’s recorder which led to him also video taping performances.

11- The year before Stoneheart happens, the art teacher was able to teach Nino some basic film editing.

12- Nino’s tapping was one way for him to relieve his anxiety, the other way he tries to release it is through blowing bubbles as a kind of meditation.

13- It was hard for him to use his bubbles again after the Bubbler incident.

14- When Alya and Nino got locked in the cage at the zoo, it took all of ten seconds for Alya to figure out he didn’t actually have a crush on her. It took fifteen seconds for her to figure out it was Marinette he’d liked. He was really embarrassed about it.

15- However, after talking a lot about things they liked and disliked they found they really had a lot in common. Alya told Nino about Marinette’s crush on Adrien and Nino was upset for a moment, but then Alya made him laugh and he was suddenly thinking, “Marinette who?”

16- By the time they were out of the cage Nino was firmly in Alya’s corner for matchmaking Marinette with his friend Adrien.

17- Nino’s anxiety can get high during an akuma attack, unless he has someone to watch out for or protect, then he’s calm and collected. Which makes running after Alya toward the big scary monster the better choice for him during those moments.

18- Nino was a natural at wielding the Turtle Miraculous as it played to his need to protect.

19- After being Carapace, battles in which he wasn’t called to be a protector of Paris were excruciating to watch even as he kept Alya from coming to harm. He craved using the Miraculous as it allowed him to care for more people at once.

20- Nino introduced Wayzz to both smooth jazz and rap music just to see what the kwami would do. He loved everything Nino threw at him! Wayzz requested a copy of Nino’s latest mixes and a song by Sade before he had to go back to the Guardian. Nino found an old iPod to give to the little godling who claimed it would be his most precious treasure. Nino couldn’t talk for a full five minutes as he was too embarrassed and proud to speak.

M. Gorilla (Miraculous Ladybug)

1- Gorilla and Tom played Rugby on the same team in college.

2- He often stops by the bakery after dropping Adrien off at school if he isn’t needed by M. Agreste immediately.

3- He’s convinced that Adrien is in love with Marinette, as are Tom and Sabine. It’s a topic of great interest and much discussion when he comes in, if there aren’t other customers around. Sabine and Gorilla have a bet on who will confess their feelings first. (Sabine’s money is on Adrien.)

4- Tom and Gorilla met their future spouses as they acted as bouncers at a local club on weekends all thorough their Junior and Senior years at university.

5- Sabine and Gorilla’s significant other, Jerome, were in a group of friends that frequented the night club regularly. Sabine dared her friend to get the cute bouncer’s phone number by the end of the night. After a few shots of liquid courage, he’d brazenly asked Tom for a date and his number, but Tom gently, and privately, told the young man he was straight. He then motioned for Gorilla to come over and introduced the two. The young man returned to the bar with two phone numbers: Gorilla’s for him and Tom’s for Sabine.

6- Tom made the cake for Gorilla’s commitment ceremony, before same-sex marriage was legal in France. When Marinette was ten, he also made the wedding cake for Gorilla when he and Jerome were legally able to be married.

7- Jerome had a child from a previous relationship that he and Gorilla took care of for the first five years of the girl’s life. She was taken away when the girl’s mother claimed that Jerome wasn’t the father of the child. DNA tests proved he wasn’t. The mother tried to sue another man for child support, then took the girl and moved to another country.

8- Gorilla and Jerome were distraught to have their little girl taken from them. They tried to adopt another child, but they were denied and not even allowed to foster any children.

9- Gorilla started working for the Agreste family shortly after he lost his daughter.

10- Emilie saw how angry he was over anyone that wasn’t an Agreste coming near Adrien and eventually got the story out of him over why he’d be so protective to keep people from potentially taking her son away. It was something she was very appreciative over. Gorilla considered her a friend after she went out of her way to find out about his heartbreak.

11- Gorilla is legally Adrien’s godfather. When Emilie heard what that woman had done to Gorilla she took Gorilla and Adrien to her lawyer and made Gorilla legally responsible for Adrien and any future children she may have regardless of his continuing employment by the Agreste family. Gabriel signed the papers without complaint, but didn’t actually read them carefully, or register exactly what he was signing..

12- Gorilla worked for the DGSI, the French CIA, as an informant while playing rugby. It allowed him to travel for legitimate reasons and keep tabs on one of the players for the DGSI.

13- After university, Gorilla was recruited to become an agent. He was injured on an assignment and decided to retire to be an up and coming rocker’s body guard.

14- He and Jerome get invited backstage any time Jagged is in town to be able to catch up.

15- Gorilla really enjoyed doing his job as a bodyguard, but wanted to be home more with Jerome, especially after their little Marie was taken from them.

16- The DGSI came to Gorilla to ask if he’d be interested in working for them again as they look into the workings of one Gabriel Agreste and the Gabriel empire.

17- Gorilla was actually key in getting Nathalie in the door at Gabriel. She is also an informant gathering evidence on Gabriel Agreste.

18- Gorilla was speechless when their higher ups requested that he and Nathalie continue to aide Gabriel once he became a magical terrorist, they were interested in seeing the power of the moth Miraculous and what it could do. Nathalie complied willingly, but Gorilla refused to do anything that would put Adrien in trouble.

19- Gorilla despaired of Adrien ever figuring out how to give him the slip, and he was so proud when Adrien succeeded at eluding his tailing him through the Metro. Then he panicked because he just lost his child!

20- Gorilla is fully aware that Adrien is Chat Noir. He was the one to change the angle of the security cameras, and conveniently show Adrien their blind spot right outside his window. (Seriously, that boy needs all the help he can get.)

Pidge Gunderson/Katie Holt (Voltron: Legendary Defender)

1- Katie was introduced to Pokemon when she was very young.

2-For awhile all she managed to find were Pidgeys in her game. And she collected every one she could.

3- Matt laughed at her for this and nicknamed her “Pidge”.

4- Katie didn’t like his teasing and vowed to make her pidgeys the strongest she could to beat Matt’s team.

5- She eventually fulfilled that vow.

6- Later Pidge went on to collect and evolve almost every pokemon in the pokedex.

7- Matt never recovered from being beaten by a flock of pidgeot, and has refused to pick up the game ever since that time. Pidge considered that her greatest accomplishment until she infiltrated the Garrison.

8- Katie has loved robots ever since she watched the Iron Giant movie with her dad.

9- Katie first started building robots when she got a MeccaSpider Robot Kit for her sixth birthday.

10- She was dissatisfied with how klunky the spider turned out to be and proceeded to borrow a few parts from something of Matt’s to make it work better. It’s ability to move as quickly and silently as a spider was not appreciated by all the inhabitants of her home.

11- Katie has never grown out of her ability to see other uses for mechanical parts past their intended use, or for cannibalizing parts from anywhere she can get them.

12- While Katie likes to build robots, what she really adores is programming them. She hopes someday to make a small robot that can serve to help the physically disabled with everyday tasks.

13- Seeing her mother’s father struggle after he fell and broke his hip was what has spurred Katie on in her endeavor to build helper robots.

14- For all the squabbling and tattling that she and Matt engaged in, they were very good friends. When he left for the Garrison, and had to stay there, Katie cried every night for a month.

15- Katie hates to be in the middle of drama, but she loves to watch it unfold. She has been guilty of bringing snacks to watch Lance confront someone about a perceived slight.

16- Katie is a multishipper of fictional characters. When Hunk asked if she shipped Lance with any of the other cadets at the Garrison, she read him the riot act for shipping “real people”.

17- Pidge faked a crush for a whole week while in the Garrison when Lance wouldn’t stop pestering her about it. Then the female cadet showed up with a girlfriend and Lance tried to console Pidge about not having a shot since her “crush” was into girls. Pidge didn’t know how to feel about the entire situation and started telling Lance to “Zip it!” whenever he started up about Pidge needing a girlfriend.

18- Pidge finds the idea of “love at first sight” baffling and illogical, unless it’s a sweet piece of tech. Then she totally gets it. Her idea of a “sweet piece of tech” is not the same as Lance’s, but Hunk gets her.

19- Pidge is curious about everything! She likes to tinker with things to find out how they work as well as read about discoveries others have made.

20- Pidge finds sociology fascinating. People and cultures can be hard to understand, robots are nicer that way, but once she gets to meet so many other sentient beings, see their environments, and how they adapt to them- she thinks they are almost as awesome as the robots.

Hunk (Voltron: Legendary Defender)

1- Hunk’s grandmother (his father’s mother) was a chef at an upscale hotel. She’s the one that gave him his first lessons in cooking, knife skills, and developing one’s palate.

2- Hunk’s grandfather (his father’s father) was a fisherman who demonstrated traditional fishing techniques at their island’s living history museum three times a week once he’d retired. There was always plenty of fish to go around on those days.

3- Hunk’s other grandfather (his mother’s father) was an electrical engineer and worked for the county as lead engineer. He often had little models of circuits and old mother boards that he let Hunk tinker with and program.

4- His other grandmother (his mother’s mother) was the designated worrier of the family. She also had a lush garden that she tended daily. It was full of strange plants that often bore unusual fruits for the family to eat.

5- Hunk learned to combine the strange fruits with the kitchen skills he had to make things his younger siblings would eat. Not every experiment turned out well, but he always tried to analyze what went wrong and strategize a better plan to execute his vision for the star ingredient.

6- Hunk and his cousins often had “Bake offs” when they went to TiTi’s house for sleep overs. Hunk usually lost as baking was not his forte.

7- When he and his cousins did their own version of “Chopped” then Hunk usually won hands down. Especially when given a strange basket of ingredients to work with.

8- Hunk is highly anxious but working in the kitchen helps to calm him down. The rules for cooking are simple and there are few surprises he’s not prepared to deal with.

9- Hunk uses his cell phone to ease his anxiety about things in the kitchen. He always takes a photo with a time stamp when he leaves the kitchen. Also he has remote access to all appliances with alerts to let him know when everything is being used.

10- Hunk has installed cameras and view screens on every major appliance in his family’s homes so that if he starts to worry about them, he can check his phone to see what their status is.

11- The first time Hunk left something on in the Castle he realized he’d need to come up with the same kind of thing so he wouldn’t worry while on a mission.

12- The Castle had no clue what Hunk was doing, but eventually allowed Hunk and Pidge to install primitive sensors in the kitchen appliances (and the garbage disposal for some reason) but absolutely refused to allow remote activation of anything. Hunk had to be content with that.

13- Hunk has difficulty standing up for himself, but his anxiety has “Protective Mom” override mode. He will absolutely end someone messing with his friend or family member.

14- Hunk’s favorite color isn’t yellow, it’s orange. However he was drawn to the Yellow Lion because they both want to protect their friends and family.

15- The first night Hunk spent in the Castle of Lions he made sure to lock the door then proceeded to do a traditional siva tau in memory of his family whom he never expected to see again.

16- Hunk has composed a special siva tau that includes some of the people and places he’s been. It offers each of them encouragement to be strong, to trust in the goodness of others, and realize that they are not alone in the universe.

17- Hunk has performed his siva tau on only three occasions. Each time it was at the request of Allura for other groups that had lost their home planets. After each performance Hunk would have several people ask if he would teach them the dance.

18- After the defeat of the Galra, Hunk composed a second siva tau to celebrate the victory and also to mourn those who were lost to the conflict.

19- On the anniversary of this moment Hunk, his family, and any Paladin that is near will gather to celebrate. The evening always closes with the bon fire being stoked up and a performance of that second siva tau.

20- At Hunk’s death there was a large crowd full of many species that honored his family and expressed their grief at his passing by performing Hunk’s first siva tau. It was said that the earth trembled as each foot/appendage touched down and the skies carried the sound of their voices all around the globe.

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caniyamava-blog · 5 years

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best kites

You just can’t beat the laughs and giggles you hear from your kids when they’re flying a kite! So why not check out our awesome list of the best kites for kids and find one that your child will love to fly?

Kite flying is a really fun way for your kids to pass the time and it’s a great opportunity for family bonding. Whether you’re at the beach, the park, or an open field, the day will zip by as you bask in the warm sunshine and feel the breeze on your face.

Flying a kite not only helps your child improve their motor skills and coordination, it also helps them learn how the wind works and figure out how to use the wind to their advantage. It’s great exercise and it’s something that kids of all ages can quickly learn to do.

To make sure you’ll find a great kite for your child, we’ve reviewed all kinds of kites: Kites for beginners, kites for more seasoned kite flyers, and stunt kites for kids that are looking for even more fun and adventure.

And because kids love how kites look when they’re flying high in the sky, we’ve covered all kinds of great looking kites: Rainbow kites, dolphin kites, snake kites, and 3D kites. We even threw a cool looking alien jellyfish kite in there – just for fun.

Large Delta Rainbow Kite

Made from weather resistant ripstop nylon, it’s reinforced in specific areas which strengthens the kite overall. Plus it has fiberglass rods to help the kite keep its shape.

Measuring 43″ wide and 80″ long, with the tail comprising 31″ of the total length, it flies best in winds ranging from 5-16 mph and comes with 200 feet of line plus a handy kite bag.

This awesome Delta kite is a breeze to assemble and disassemble, and it folds up easily for convenient carrying so that you’re ready for the next kite flying adventure

Although it’s recommended for kids 5 and up, some parents find that younger kids can handle this kite too, especially once it’s in the air.

One helpful thing a number of parents said is that you might want a stronger line just to make sure the line doesn’t break when you’re flying this rainbow kite.

This Large Delta Rainbow Kite is a fun kite that entire family can enjoy flying!

In The Breeze Rainbow Sparkler Kite

In addition to rainbow, this single line kite comes in several other color patterns, including patriotic, sunset, and tie die.

It measures 46″ wide and is 82″ long with a 60″ streamer on each side of the kite. The two long streamers help keep the kite stable once it’s in the air.

Made from durable and strong ripstop fabric, this colorful kite comes with 130 feet of twisted polyester line and a bag. The bag makes carrying, storing, and traveling with this kite very easy and convenient.

Recommended for kids 5 and up, it flies best in 6-20 mph winds and is easy to get and keep in the air.

Most people find this kite is easy to assemble and disassemble. But they suggest you get a longer, more durable kite string before flying this In The Breeze kite.

A fun kite for those windy days in open areas or at the beach, both kids and adults enjoy flying this flashy kite and taking it to new heights.

Parafoil Giant Blue Dolphin Kite

t comes in blue, black, red, and orange and is made from tear-proof cloth that’s reinforced in specific areas to add strength and durability to this kite.

It also comes with an easy to grasp kite spool, a colorful tail that’s almost 11 feet long, over 400 feet of kite line, and a bag for easy storage and carrying.

Because this is a parafoil kite, it has no rigid frame or rods, so it works much like a wind sock, requiring a decent wind to fill it and keep it airborne.

Although this dolphin kite is recommended for kids 6 and up, many parents state that it feels quite heavy when it’s full of air flying in the sky. For that reason, the pull may make it too difficult for younger or smaller kids to fly on their own.

The other thing many parents suggested is that you buy a stronger and longer string because this awesome kite can fly over 800 feet high.

This Parafoil Giant Dolphin Kite is sure to be a huge hit with kids and adults alike!

Hengda Large Power Snake Sport Kite

he Hengda Large Power Snake Sports Kite is a real show stopper and is sure to catch everyone’s eye when it’s flying high in the sky!

Flying easily in 3-6 mph winds, it comes with about 100 feet of line and its own bag for convenient storage and carrying.

This snake sports kite is made from strong nylon material and it’s about 40 feet long, so you need to have quite a bit of space to fly it.

Designed to perform fun stunts, the cool face and extra long tail on this Hengda kite make it look like a menacing snake winding across the sky.

Although this kite looks really nifty and is fun to fly, users said that the line that comes with it isn’t the best quality and not long enough. So many people suggest you buy a longer, more sturdy line if you intend to fly this kite a lot.

Due to the length of this kite, younger kids may need help getting it into the air. But once it’s launched and flying, most kids 6 and above should be able to fly it.

Prism Stowaway Delta Kite

The Prism Stowaway Delta Kite comes in three colorful patterns: Spectrum, Fire and Ice.

This brightly colored kite is 36″ tall and 64″ wide and you can add extra tails or spinners (sold separately) for even more color and excitement.

Along with the kite, you also get a hoop line winder, 200 feet of 30 lb tangle-resistant line, a triple ribbon tail that helps stabilize it when it’s in the air, a storage bag, and instructions on how to assemble the kite.

The kite itself is made up of very strong aerospace material and the frame of this Delta kite folds up like a tent pole, making for easy transport and storage.

This is an easy kite for kids to fly because it’s easy to launch and control. However, some parents state that the hoop winder is not the best quality and should be replaced if you’re planning on flying this kite a lot.

This brightly colored Delta kite is sure to capture everyone’s attention and will look great sailing against the blue background of the sky. It’s a wonderful kite for anyone looking for a kite to fly just for fun.

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the-roanoke-society · 6 years

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now presenting: more aus for the ship tags i’d love to see.

explore below the cut. ... because i’ve watched a lot of ouat today.

butterfly knife: cinderella au. it’s not often that a lowly, local tailor missing an eye snags entry into a local ball, courtesy of his fairy godmother complete with hazel eyes and a drawl. but he does know how often he’s seen in the princess in passing. he knows how much he loves her. and now is his chance to see what could happen, maybe, if he can convince her to just one dance...

body shots: lady & the tramp au. he was a scoundrel. she was... well, could at least pass for a lady. but the real plot twist was them finding out how much they had in common--and how much the other seemed like a breath of fresh air.

lies & lessons: sleeping beauty au. maleficent expected a lot of things out of the southern prince. she expected a sword. a shield. righteous anger. and while the rage showed up, something else did too, something that took her by surprise--a lasso.

anchored hearts: the rescuers au. because we really, really need to talk about joseph--big, huge, massive joseph--as the meek and mild janitorial staff member of the rescue aid society, following the optimistic, fearless louise to the bayou, to save a woman who is not all that she seems (i’ll give you a hint, her handle comes from a particularly cursed doll).

magic & mischief: the black cauldron au. kieran had a humble upbringing that got very, very complicated very, very quickly. and it got even more complicated when he found a woman in a tower: “i’m princess alessia!” sort of an inconvenient time to meet the love of your life.

rumcake: who framed roger rabbit au. toons and waking--well, our reality, enmeshed. a detective still mourning his brother in the shape of a bottle, much to the grief of the fiery redheaded bartender who loves him. and now--roger. “you crazy rabbit! i'm out there risking my neck for you, and what are you doing? singing and dancing!” “but I'm a toon. toons are supposed to make people laugh!”

starry eyes: the little mermaid au. his tail glittered like metal--like stars. two things she was very familiar with. and as she gasped back air, her heart jittering back into a normal rhythm--she blinked. the sun was behind his head, blinding her, as she laid on the sand, still sputtering water--but those eyes. those eyes she’d recognize anywhere.

on the rocks: the emperor’s new groove au. she was a queen who’d been turned into a llama. you abso-fucking-lutely read that right. and they were just a simple shepherd trying to carve out a peaceful existence in the hills. but... she needed their help. and thus began a very bizarre quest to take back the throne, and her humanity.

sleight of heart: atlantis: the lost empire au. no one had believed in him. not for years. and he was still young, by the academic standards. but whitman had given him his father’s journals for a reason. and that reason--well. his dad might’ve said something about research, knowledge. but every time he looked at the princess... well. he secretly hoped the reason was shaped more like her.

puppy love: lilo & stitch au. “eggsy--eggsy, babe, that’s not a dog!” “well, look, i couldn’t just leave him there at the shelter, all the other dogs were scared of him! and look, look, jb likes him, don’t you jb?” meanwhile jb had backed himself behind a bookshelf, staring at his new brother, who looked a bit blue for his taste, if he could speak.

from the ashes: treasure planet au. ... look i just really, really want to see a more romantic cut of the scene with silver and jim sailing next to/inside of the shooting star featuring arizona and phoenix and to be honest who can blame me? please consider a grizzled, german ship cook saddled with this poor young woman who was just--at the wrong place at the wrong place time.

devil bois: howl’s moving castle au. the real question is who’s sophie and who’s howl, because either way, this is probably one of the better ideas of i’ve had in like three days.

holy hell: up au. the king of hell never thought, for once, in all his years, that he would lose his wife. his andrea. but... he did. however, unlike the pixar film we know and love, this au, to me, takes a hard left turn: it becomes a journey of a man, his earnest helper, and a dog, all on a journey to find the one sacred relic that can reunite him with his love. yeah, there’s also a weird bird.

out to sea: ponyo au. i know this is essentially the little mermaid but can we please just stop and think about younger!raziel carrying an even younger!nereus around in a goddamned plastic bucket and feeding him lunch meat.

ancient cares: a christmas carol au. i know this is a bit out of season considering i’m posting this in october, but... sentinel, crochety and made bitter by the loss of his true love, is visited by three spirits (all of whom sound strangely--southern). and while it culminates in a changed heart, and a renewed sense of generosity, good things happen to those who do good. and he is not quite prepared when a certain someone crashes back into his life, to the tune of church bells ringing out yuletide hymns.

safety nets: tangled au. he’d been locked in a tower for basically his entire life. granted, he sort of... didn’t always have the best use of his legs. metallic or otherwise. but when a pretty young thief breaks into his tower--well he naturally had to slam a rolling pin into her head, how else was he supposed to react?

grace & choice: strange magic au. she was just trying to rescue her sister. that was it. if she’d known--if she’d known how gentle, how kind, how patient, the bog queen could be, behind her thick walls of malice, violence and dark magic? ... well. if she was honest with herself, she knew damn well she would have gone anyway.

secret gardens: snow white au. “karen? ... karen. it’s okay. don’t cry. you have all seven of us to help you. it’s going to be okay. we’ll help you find the prince in the glass coffin. just--just bring the shears. something tells me there’s uh. gonna be a lot of thorns. the queen’s sense of humor is funny like that.”

royals & robots: big hero 6 au. featuring tilde’s deceased older sister that didn’t exist in canon. although, now that i think about it... some of these lines may actually be a part of their actual canon as a ship tag. “on a scale of one to ten, how would your rank your pain?” “zero!” because tilde got hurt. and she was so used to hiding it from humans, she didn’t understand that she’d failed to hide it from an entity like pru.

hymns & holograms: beauty and the beast au. once upon a time in scotland--a man let his temper get the best of him. before he knew better, before he was given a chance to grow. and one day, a young woman--a scholar, with a bag of mystical tomes slung over her shoulder--blows in through the snow. not completely understanding the curse. not completely knowing what the price is of the magic at hand. “my name is morgan. i’m here to help you.”

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lotstradamus · 6 years

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hi!!! can you make tv shows recs? i just finished black sails and i need something equally incredible

I wanna be like [KICKS YOUR DOOR DOWN] because I love this shit, but YOU kicked MY door down, so, YEAH, I CAN MAKE A TV SHOW REC!!! I’m gonna limit myself to my top 4 (Black Sails being in my top 5) so you know how serious I am. I am so serious. hokay.

- HANNIBAL - it’s like Black Sails in that it’s INTENSE AS ALL HELL, intelligent, and very much about people. it’s unlike Black Sails in that it’s modern, it’s a psychedelic crime drama, and there’s only one tiny scene in which someone sails across an ocean. the character development on all fronts is unparalleled – I’ve never seen anything like Will Graham’s journey in this show and I probably never will again (until someone picks up Hannibal for season 4). it’s my favourite show, and it’s one of the best – it’s funny, batshit, gorgeous, and the twists, reveals, finales, acting, clothes, faces, and single choice of Actual music that isn’t bing bong baaannngg are all exquisite. also: heterobaiting with a queer endgame (TIMES TWO. WE GOT LESBIANS!). holla. (3 seasons, ended… for now.)

- JUSTIFIED - it’s like Black Sails in that it’s AMAZING. it’s unlike Black Sails in pretty much every other area. it’s an unlikely candidate for one of my favourite shows of all time, as it is a very mainstream-appeal bonanza about a US Marshal from Kentucky and a bunch of small-time crime lords. BUT, it has 99.9% of things I love in tv shows: indescribable (!!!!) dialogue, Characters (with a capital C), shrouded and compelling backstories all round, Timothy Olypant, characters with History, amazing women, endless flanter (flirty banter), and so! much! to say! not to mention the single greatest background character in the history of anything (QUITE LITERALLY modern-day Hoosier from The Pacific) was confirmed gay af by the showrunner. 10/10. (6 seasons, ended.)

- KILLING EVE - another one that’s amazing and queer like Black Sails, unlike Black Sails in every single other way. there’s only been 8 episodes of this show and it’s in my top 5 – do I need to say anything else to sell it? MI5 agent (played by SANDRA FRIGGIN’ OH) chases after a prolific assassin (played by JODIE COMER, SNEAK ATTACK). prolific assassin sees Sandra Oh and, understandably, falls head over heels in love. Sandra Oh sees prolific assassin and, understandably, becomes fully 2012-era Twilight #robsessed. hilarious supporting cast, Fiona Shaw being Primo Fiona Shaw, killer writing, and so many clothes. if you love spy dramas but ALSO get hot for Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten suits, it’s the show for you. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer are such incredible actresses that even if you don’t like any of the things I just talked about, you should watch it anyway. it’s gonna be one of those shows that you need to watch to seem cool at work. just saying. (8 eps. get on it.)

- IN THE FLESH - my precious, niche baby. like Black Sails: stunning, queer, anti-establishment. unlike Black Sails: everything else. I struggle to describe this show to people without a) getting choked up, b) waxing lyrical, and c) quoting W. B. Yeats. bare bones explanation: post-zombie apocalypse England, the zombies (ahem, Partially Deceased Syndrome sufferers) have been treated and are being integrated back into society. I’m… not even kidding when I say I think this show should be studied. it’s about prejudice and fear of the unknown, it’s an allegory for queerness, mental illness, the AIDS crisis, people coming home from prison. the characters with PDS are murdered, ostracised, fetishised, radicalised. it’s frightening because it’s such a realistic reflection of England. plus it’s great that it doesn’t do the whole “It’s A Metaphor For Gay People And Mentally Ill People (:” thing using a bunch of regular heterosexuals. do yourself a FAVOUR. (2 seasons, ended.) (I’m still mad about it.)

#HANNIBAL JUSTIFIED AND KILLING EVE ARE ALL ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HAVING INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH CRIMINALS #HAVE WE FOUND... MY JAM?#answered #can't believe I have to watch all of In The Flesh again #oh no! what a chore!

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flslp87 · 6 years

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A Happy Ending Begins With Hope A Season 7 Canon Divergent

Summary: Revenge, Kidnapping, Curses, and Redemption all revolve around an unlikely source…Hope.

You can read the parameters I used for this story here.

Thank you @linda8084 @jamif @juliakaze and @duathadun for being my guinea pig readers.

Can be found on AO3 and FF.

Tumblr - Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 6 Chapter 7

Chapter 5 (Chapter 6 on AO3 and FF)

Words ~ 13K

Enchanted Forest II/Wish Realm

When WHook pushed her behind him, pulled out his sword and said he was going to skin a crocodile, Hope wasn't sure what she expected to see if she were to look around his shoulder. She knew long ago the nickname crocodile was what was used to refer to scaly Rumple, but had it been scaly Rumple in front of him, would he still be on his feet? She didn't think so.

Slowly she peered around WHook’s shoulder, but as expected, it wasn't scaly Rumple standing there. It wasn't even the Rumpelstiltskin she knew from Storybrooke as Mr. Gold. The man WHook's sword was targeting was just a man, whose body language showed he'd been broken. If this had been the same man who was once the WRumple, what could have broken him? What would break any man?

WHook's body was vibrating with anger, but there was no way she was going to stand here and watch him kill someone. "WHook, stop!" Hope tried to push her way past him, but he changed the angle of his body blocking her progression.

"Stay back, Hope," he spit out between clenched teeth. "This has nothing to do with you."

He obviously didn't know her very well as she just reversed her progression and moved around his other side. Unwilling to let him continue holding his sword on a defenseless person, she magicked his weapon into the grass, "Baloney," she snapped positioning herself in front of Rumple, "as long as I'm here, it involves me."

From behind her she thought she heard, "The Savior's child has spirit." in what sounded like WRumple's voice, but when she whipped her head around to see, there was nothing to indicate the man was indeed WRumple standing there in front of her.

This man was leaning heavily on a walking stick, almost as if he were in pain, "Here, let me help you." Hope took his arm helping him to sit down on a nearby log. "What are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere?"

"Hope," WHook picked his sword back up, sheathing it, "what are you doing? You don't know this man like I do."

"Don't you have any compassion or empathy?" she criticized. "Can't you see he's in pain?"

"I have plenty compassion and empathy for those who deserve it. This man though," his fiery gaze barely moved from the man who sat at her feet, "he doesn't deserve to live."

Hope watched him pace back and forth in front of her, his agitation evident in every step he took. His temperament startled her, but she didn't feel afraid because somehow she knew he wouldn't hurt her. She decided that he needed a few minutes to cool off and sat down on the log. "Can we help you?" The low growl of disgust she heard behind her was met with an eyeroll as she gave her attention to the stranger.

"You're very kind." The man’s eyes finally met hers and she couldn't be sure what it was, but there was a shrewdness behind his eyes, which by looking at him, she hadn't expected to see. "My name is Rumpelstiltskin and I come from the Enchanted Forest II, or the Book World." He grabbed her hand, his grasp stronger than she had anticipated, "My daughter has been kidnapped by that...," he closed his eyes, his face going pale, "that witch, Gothel. I need help in getting to her."

"Gothel?" WHook took a step closer, "Tell me."

Hope studied WHook’s face as he waited for Rumple to respond. Intense and wary were two words that came to mind making her wonder what he knew about this so-called witch. That she had wronged him seemed possible, but as Rumpelstiltskin spoke and Hope learned what she was capable of, she hoped she never had to go up against her, as Gothel seemed to have no soul.

Hope knew part of the Book World Rumple's story as it had been one of the stories her parents told her at bedtime. It had been years, but her father still enjoyed teasing her grandfather about killing him in his cursed state. And while she had never said much, often laughing along with them, when they spoke of her father's death, it always left her feeling unsettled, almost as if there were more to the story than they knew. And now, listening to the Rumple's story from that Realm, she'd been right. The evil hadn't stopped when her family was pulled back to Storybrooke, in fact it had just begun.

Rumple glossed over his beginnings, and even the part of the story when the villagers called him savior. He also didn't mince any words telling of how he often took the path of least resistance, creating dissension between him and his wife until one day he came home and found she had left him, taking his daughter, Alice.

After they left, he had sunk into despair, unable to see any way out of the situation that he was in. His self-imposed isolation prevented him from looking for his family, or even helping the villagers as they waged war on the witch, until suddenly one day, the witch's terror was over. He heard she had been trapped and he was free to try to search for his family, to try to find the man his Belle wanted him to be, but without her beside him, he felt lost. His wife had been the one to see the best in him, the one who believed in him when he didn't even believe in himself. The easy way out was there for him to take.

But somehow, he had received a miracle. One day, upon arriving home from the market, he had discovered that he was being given a second chance. His daughter, Alice had returned, younger even than when she left and finally they were able to be a family. "But as I got to know my daughter again, I realized that what I thought had been the story with my Belle, and my Alice, was not the real story at all." He had been twisting his fingers together the entire time he was speaking, but when he looked up, his eyes spooked Hope a little, as she felt they were trying to read her mind, but the pain in his voice…that was real.

"What did you learn?" she asked softly, hesitant to interrupt the flow of his story, but feeling as if she had been pulled into a storybook and couldn't find her way out. She had been kidnapped by a duplicate Evil Queen, visited by a duplicate Rumpelstiltskin and rescued by a duplicate Captain Hook. What's next, she wondered as she turned back to listen to the story.

"That my Belle had been hunted down by witches and killed by a fiery ball and Alice had been kidnapped, trapped in a cage like an animal." He sighed, "I'm ashamed to admit it, but I wanted to kill those witches. I hadn’t learned. Even getting a second chance to be happy with my Alice, I continued to push, to find the witch, until once again, my Alice was taken." He was breathing quickly, almost as if he'd been running and Hope wasn't sure what to say but when WHook just stared at him, without saying anything, she felt like she had to say something.

"I'm sorry to hear of your loss," she began, "but how can we help?" Hope couldn't sit still any longer, pushing up to...to what? She thought it rude to pace back and forth and she couldn't walk away, but how could she help this man? He wasn't the Rumple whose son she dated, and his wife wasn't the woman whose story time she had attended at the library, but she still felt as if she knew them. She still wanted to help him. Could she be the savior in this situation?

~~~ouat~~~

WHook's thoughts were in turmoil as somehow or other he was being punished, but why his punishment had taken so long to reach him, he didn't know. His failed relationship with Bae had been a regret he'd carried for years and now within a very short span of time, he'd met Bae's son, had rescued Bae's son's sister and had another version of Bae's father fall at his feet. One glance at Hope's face told him what she thought of the story; she was buying into everything. But after his experience with Gothel, added to everything he had learned from Regina and Henry, he had to admit the story was plausible.

He glanced at Hope, trying to read what she expected him to do but when she raised a black brow, he wanted to laugh instead of snark at her. She apparently was her father's daughter.

"So, Princess, what shall we do?" She sent him a cheeky smile that had him grinding his teeth, knowing what came out of her mouth wasn't something he was going to like.

"Is the Jolly Roger available?"

"Aye." He nodded, "It's docked close. Why, or do I even want to know?"

"Well," she sent him a grin and pointed to Rumple, "we use it to help him find his daughter."

That they didn't know where the man's daughter was being held had crossed his mind, but with her matter of fact tone ringing in his ears, he met Rumpelstiltskin's eyes, "Where is she?" His voice sounded harsh even to his own ears, but it wasn't something he cared to change. "Well?"

Rumple swallowed, "Neverland." He shuddered, "I understand you know it well." His dark eyes glittered waiting for an answer.

WHook sent a sharp look Hope's direction, "I spent more time than I care trying to leave that place to kill the Dark One. And you expect me to sail right back into its heart with him," he pointed at Rumple, "as my guest of honor?"

Hope lifted a brow, "Yes. Let's go." She helped Rumple up and started walking along the path assuming he would follow.

WHook pushed against the base of his spine and stretched, "Feisty," he smirked as he gave in and let her lead the way.

~~~ouat~~~

Regina stared at the spot where just a few hours ago, Gothel had released Drizella from her statue prison. Now she had to face the fact that, as a mentor to Drizella, she had failed. The power play between mother and daughter was too strong but what they didn't realize, was that in the long run, both would lose. Having seen herself in the young woman, Regina had wondered if her life would have been different if her mentor had pushed her toward light magic or would she have ended up in the same place...at the same time?

If she thought about it, the only person who might have kept her on a straight path would have been Robin. But had she walked into that pub all those years ago, her life would have belonged to someone else. And since her life was so intricately connected with everyone in Storybrooke, their lives would have also. Had the curse not been cast and Emma sent away, there would have been no Henry, and for him she was infinitely grateful. He made her a better person for he had always seen the person she was meant to be. But with everything in jeopardy, where could she turn? Who did she trust?

The feeling that someone was watching her hadn't gone away, in fact, if anything, it had become stronger, almost as if there were more than one person. Could it be the coven or members of the coven hoping she would change her mind and become one of them? Or were there other forces at work? Was the coven responsible for whatever was affecting time, or was that someone or something that they hadn't met yet?

"What are you worried about, Mom?" Henry sat down beside her, handing her a piece of Lucy's birthday cake.

Regina smiled at her handsome son, "What makes you think I'm worried?"

"Come on," he teased, "you get a little line right there." He pointed to a spot between her brows, which she immediately relaxed from the frown she knew had taken up residence among her facial muscles.

"Sorry." She couldn't believe it had come to this as she thought they would be able to fight, but she couldn't focus solely on the fight if she was worried about Henry and his daughter. "I don't trust Drizella and Gothel, Henry. I want you to take Lucy and leave. See if you can get her to the Enchanted Forest. See if there is some of Emma's enchanted tree. Maybe you can get Lucy to Storybrooke where she'll be safe."

He didn't say anything for several minutes, but his dark eyes bore into hers imploring her to tell him what she thought was true was in fact false. He must have seen the truth as with resignation, he sighed, "I trust you. Let me get Lucy and my backpack and we'll leave as soon as it's light.

The next morning it was with a heavy heart that Regina and Ella watched Henry and Lucy walk away from the palace. She hoped that he was able to get to the Enchanted Forest and use the tree to keep Lucy safe, just as it had Emma all those years ago. With Drizella's volatile behavior, she didn't have high hopes that they were going to get out of this anytime soon.

~~~ouat~~~

The trip to Neverland had been nothing like WHook had expected. It hadn't been filled with turmoil and trouble, but the waters had been smooth, both the literal and figurative ones. And the reason had all been secondary to the young lass he had rescued just days ago. Hope, someone whom, with every hour they spent together, was making him look back on his life with regret. He was flummoxed by his reaction, as he hadn't thought regret would ever be an emotion he would dwell on. With Henry, he had felt envy, but that envy hadn't turned into regret after he left. But with Hope, it was different. With every expression that crossed her lovely face and every quip that slipped off her tongue, he saw his mum...and himself in her. And that was where the regret came into play, as had he not taken a certain path, she would have been his. That was almost as painful as the loss of his hand had been, making him want to store each and every moment they shared, so when she was gone...he could pull them out and relive them all once again.

"Doubloon for your thoughts," her bright voice interrupted his woolgathering.

He raised a brow, sending her a quick grin, "You don't have any doubloons."

"No," a cheeky smile lit her face, "but I know where the treasure chest is kept."

She laughed at what he was sure was a look of consternation that crossed his face at her knowledge of his home. She constantly surprised him with her command of the Jolly Roger and all of its nooks and crannies, claiming she had been sailing since she could walk. And that was another talent that had impressed him was her ability as a sailor. She had proven several times over she knew what she was doing, just like her brother, Henry, had done when they sailed together. He was impressed, even if he hadn't wanted to be.

"Brat," his affectionate tone belying the term.

"Pirate," she shot back just as quickly, making him wish he had known her for...forever. "What?"

Her soft question created a yearning deep inside to know more, "Tell me a story," he stunned her by asking.

"Such as?"

He shrugged, "Surprise me."

She chewed her lower lip a few seconds before spinning a tale of when she was four or five and was just learning to use her magic. "I decided the Jolly Roger's white sails were just a little too boring." Her blue eyes twinkling and the sun picking up the auburn highlights in her dark hair, she dimpled up at him. "I turned them pink with white unicorns." she admitted proudly.

The bellowing laugh that sprang from deep in his chest shocked both of them, "And how was that received by your father?"

Her smile was melancholy with the memory, "He didn't mind. Told me he was comfortable in his masculinity. Of course, I had no idea what it meant at the time, but," she shrugged her shoulders, "he would have had a tough time convincing me I had done something wrong."

"Stubborn," He ascertained.

"I prefer determined." She countered.

"A daddy's girl," he nodded his head, "doesn't surprise me." He knew if she were his daughter, she would be his princess. "And how long did the Jolly hold pink sails?"

"Mm," she tilted her head, "at least a year and then I turned them black with skull and crossbones."

"Went through a pirate phase, did you?" he teased.

She wrinkled her nose, playing with the charms around her neck that matched his, "That was when I started pestering him to teach me how to use a sword."

"I certainly hope he told you no!" he admonished, thinking if he hadn't there would be words when he returned her to Storybrooke.

"Yes," she admitted, "I had to wait a few more years and...turn the sails white again." She rolled her eyes.

Hope's stories stirred the fires in the pit of his stomach, recharging his heart with life once again. "Did he ever become angry with you?" He pulled his flask from his jacket pocket, thinking he would be surprised if it were possible.

"Well," she waved her hand as he took a drink, expecting to get a mouthful of rum.

"Bloody hell," he spat red juice on the deck, instantly staining it. "What did you do to my rum?" he demanded.

She giggled, "I turned your rum into fruit punch. His response was just about the same as yours."

Any comment he might have made was halted by their arrival and as she took the steps to anchor the Jolly without any advice from him, his admiration for her grew. He found he was torn as there was a large part of him that wished he could slow down time allowing them to spend more of it together. But the other side of him, the part of him that regretted that path he took all those years ago, silently promised her he would do whatever he had to do. He knew he would go to the end of the world, or time, to return her to the loving arms of her family, even if doing so was likely to break his heart into a million pieces.

~~~ouat~~~

As the Dark One for so many years, GRumple was not used to failing...at anything. But recently, that was all that he was doing. He had failed at saving Belle and then once he arrived in this realm, he had failed at securing the Guardian so that he could be reunited with his wife. Yes, what he had done for Alice had been a good deed and had felt good...at the time, but his cause was still lost.

He still felt that somewhere out there, in the realm that he was in, was the Guardian who was meant to take on his powers, but he had no knowledge of how to find them. That alone was not a situation he was familiar with and knew how to handle.

Unable to determine his next move, he had turned his attention to seeing what he could find out about the witches who were threatening Henry and his family. GRumple had attempted using his powers to stop Gothel, but she had the power of others and instead of growing weaker, her coven was growing stronger. So strong in fact, that the casting of a curse was imminent, making him realize he couldn't fight her alone. He wasn't a man used to asking others for help but to fight this witch and her coven, he needed strong magic and someone who thought like him. His only hope was that WRumple would listen.

~~~ouat~~~

The WEvil Queen was hesitant to share too much about her curse with BWZelena, not because she didn't trust her, but well...she didn't trust her. The Savior's brat remained safely tucked away in her tower and every few days, the WEvil Queen peered inside, hoping to see some sign of weakness. Frustratingly, for her, there had been none...at least none that she had been privileged enough to witness. Unless she could count the behavior, she had noticed just recently, when she caught the little Princess appearing to be throwing a tantrum. "Was that what it was, Hope?" she sneered. "Had you finally realized that you were never going to be rescued?"

The WEvil Queen had wanted to poke and push at her more, just to see if she could rile her anger again, but BWZelena had shown up and she had quickly closed the image. And with BWZelena staying close for several days, she bet her little friend was getting lonely, "But fear not, Little Princess, I've thought of several questions for you."

She couldn't wait to ask who had come to the party she knew never happened. Questions such as what kind of cake had been served or how many presents she had been given. "So many questions for the little girl," the Queen cackled as she waved her hand in front of the mirror waiting to see the inside of the tower.

The tower room was waiting for her, looking just like it had several days ago, except was that...she waved her hand, bringing the table closer, "A cupcake?" Her question came out more like a shriek, barely intelligible to anyone but her, "Who brought you a cupcake?" She stomped her foot, and manipulated the image, searching the entire room.

"Where are you, you little brat?" Around the room, she manipulated the picture, looking for the girl, but nowhere was she to be found. "She has to be there!" She muttered, thinking no one could break the spell she had used to lock her in, unless related by blood. "But," she suddenly felt lightheaded, sliding down onto her bed, "how?"

The image of BWZelena, the sister she never knew she had showing up in her castle and breaking her blood lock flitted through her mind. Could she have overlooked something else?

"I've heard his grandson is here, and not," she had said, "the version from our land, but the one from that place, Storybrooke. Find him, your Crocodile shouldn't be far.

"Henry," she guessed. "Argh!" Her anger rose so quickly, the WEvil Queen had reacted before thinking things through and had grabbed a hairbrush flinging it at the mirror shattering it into a thousand pieces.

"Regina!" BWZelena barged into WEvil Queen's inner sanctum, "we've got a trouble."

The Queen rolled her eyes at BWZelena’s histrionics, "You think you have trouble," she glanced at the remains of the mirror spread across the floor.

"Pfft," BWZelena waved her hand at the mess, "that's nothing. We've got real problems with the witch."

"You?" The Queen raised her brows in question.

A frown formed between BWZelena's brows, and then she shook her head, "The Witch, Gothel!" she cried, "remember what I told you about her coven?"

The WEvil Queen recalled her vaguely going on and on about some coven and how it would destroy everything taking their land, yada, yada, yada. She hadn't paid much attention as her obstacles were more important. She sent a disgusted look at the stupid mirror, turning her attention back to BWZelena. Perhaps if she could get the green witch out of her hair, she could once again focus on who had taken the brat.

"What is it BWZelena?" she asked her tiredly, "What do I need to do?"

"Come on," BWZelena magicked them away, "we're joining the coven."

~~~ouat~~~

Rumple's relief at getting Alice back from Neverland was short-lived because once they docked, reality set in as to what came next. "Alice, wait for me please. I'll just be a moment."

"My dear," he took Hope's hand between his, "I want to thank you for ensuring that I was able to get my dear Alice back home. You are very kind."

"You're welcome, Rumple." Hope smiled fondly, "Where I'm from, I'm very close with the Stiltskin family, or the Gold family as they are known."

"And WCaptain," Rumple bypassed WHook's hand, taking his hook instead, "I owe you a great debt. Now, listen," he glanced furtively at the sky, "there's evil in the air and something bad is coming. Take the lass, find a bean and get her home, quick."

WHook's eyes darkened and Rumple expected him to say something gruff, but his eyes slid sideways landing on Hope, and his darkness faded turning into fright instead, "What's coming?"

Rumple shrugged, "A curse is coming, but there's more than one evil out there. Try the beanstalk, there might be a few beans left up there. Good luck."

Once he and Alice left WHook and Hope behind, Rumple felt compelled to make their way to the Queen’s palace where he heard the other Dark One had been seen. He needed help protecting Alice. With her mother gone, she was all he had left. As the path forked, the one on the right taking him to the palace, the one on the left deeper into the forest, Alice and KRumple turned right and unknown to them WRumple separated turning left. "There's much to do." He chanted as he scampered away.

~~~ouat~~~

WRumple was expecting GRumple to be waiting for him when he returned to the castle and he was not disappointed.

"So, the beast has returned," GRumple goaded.

WRumple stared at GRumple, all sparkly and stooped, looking like every one of his three hundred plus years, "Why do you look like that?"

GRumple held his hands in front of him and shrugged, "Doesn't matter. It's not why I'm here."

"Well, if it's a tête-à-tête you're after," WRumple informed him, "it's going to have to wait. We have trouble."

"Gothel," GRumple responded.

WRumple inclined his head, "Maybe, but there's another."

"Drizella." GRumple responded this time.

"Her too," WRumple tried to center himself, allowing the evil in the air to circle around, hoping to assign it to the unknown evil out there. "There's another whom I've seen but they are keeping themselves carefully cloaked, but, never mind that now. A curse is coming and we have some preparations to make. Where's Henry?"

GRumple studied him so long, WRumple was afraid they were going to miss their opportunity. "How do you know?" he finally asked.

"I've seen it."

GRumple nostrils flared as he worked through whether or not he was going to listen, but he finally answered, "Alright," in a tight and all together unsure voice.

WRumple held out his hand, hoping GRumple would shake. When GRumple's hand touched WRumple's, his eyes glittered with success, "Very well then, we're aligned and I've much to share."

~~~ouat~~~

Henry checked that Lucy was sleeping and sat down pulling out his book and pen. The tip quivered over the page as he prepared to change the story, once again, but as long as he continued to tell himself it was for the greater good, he didn't feel so bad about it. Besides, it would all work out, right?

"Henry," A quiet voice whispered his name, startling him into dropping the pen.

The WApprentice stepped into the hollowed out tree where he and Lucy were staying, "I know what you've done Henry and I have to say, we are most displeased."

Henry set his book aside and stood to meet the WApprentice, "I'm sorry, but I needed to..." He glanced at Lucy, still sleeping peacefully.

"You know the rules, Henry. You record the events as they happen, not twist them to fit your story. This is why authors should never be allowed to write their own stories. The temptation is too great to manipulate."

"What can I do?" Henry wanted to help save them from Drizella and the witch Gothel, but he wasn't sure how and if there was even time.

"We have to allow the curse to happen and hope that enough precautions have been taken to protect and save. Here's what I need you to do."

As Henry wrote the WApprentice's words, integrating Gothel into the story earlier than she had been and giving her a daughter, and with WHook of all people, a part of him wished he wouldn't have used that stupid bean. Maybe if he would have stayed in Storybrooke and gone to college, his story would have played out as it was meant to. "Okay, I'm done. Now what?"

"Quick, give me the book and let's wake Lucy." The WApprentice instructed, "Drizella and the witch will be here soon. I will get Lucy back with her mother."

"Are you sure there's no other way?" Henry asked sadly.

"Magic always comes with a price. Now hurry."

Henry sent Lucy out the back of the log home to meet the WAprentice and as soon as she was gone, the front of the log blew apart and everything went black.

~~~ouat~~~

The glamour spell wore off and Rumple was waiting for Lucy as she came running out of the log, "You're not the.." she started to say before a huge explosion rocked the earth.

"Hurry, Lucy. We must get back to your mother quickly." Rumple took her hand and magicked them away.

~~~ouat~~~

For the first time since the time curse had been cast, the Watcher was nervous. With that imbecile Gothel going rogue and putting her revenge first, someone else was in control. If another curse was cast sending them all to the Land Without Magic, who knew if they'd ever be able to find their way back.

~~~ouat~~~

The coven stood in the center of the wicca symbol, around the witch Gothel, all chanting some unrecognizable words, their voices bringing forth winds and flames to circle around them. "It's time, Regina," Drizella called above the chanting, "I need the magic of someone who's already crushed the heart of the thing they loved the most. And that's you. Hurry now. The coven is getting impatient."

"I already told you I wouldn't help you, Drizella." Regina pleaded, "You're making a grave mistake."

"I was afraid you would feel that way!" Gothel sneered, "I brought a little insurance. How important is your son?" She waved her hand and a near-unconscious Henry landed in the dirt at their feet.

Ella gasped and ran to him, "No." She cried, "Someone, do something".

"Cast the curse, Henry lives. Don't he dies. Your choice, Regina." Drizella warned.

"But," Ella turned her tear-stained face their direction, "Lucy's just a kid, she shouldn't be all alone."

Rumple conjured a white elephant, "Here, hold this and you will know she's your child." He then he gave a chipped t-cup to Alice, "I charmed it with Mr. Gold. In my mind, it's the key. Get it to me, if it doesn't work, you know what you have to do."

Regina exchanged looks with Rumple and had to trust that his enchantments would help them find each other and break the curse. With no other choice, she moved into the center of the coven, cut her hand and allowed a drop of blood to fall to the ground. As soon as the blood hit the ground, it mixed with the other ingredients, burning lava following the grooves of the symbol until the rolling purple smoke started to rise. With Henry on one side and her sister on the other, Regina closed her eyes and waited to once again be lost.

~~~ouat~~~

Ever since learning about the impending curse, Hope hadn't said much, as she didn't really know what to say. She felt like she was trapped in someone's bad dream and couldn't wake up, and now, now she wanted to...suddenly, she couldn't control her emotions and when she lifted her hand a spark of light zipped forward setting a small bush on fire.

"Hope, come here." WHook gently pulled her against him, wrapping his arms around her.

As soon as his arm closed around her, Hope felt safe and even though she knew he wasn't her father, he felt like her father. He smelled the same and just like her father, he made her feel safe. As smoke swirled around them, she buried her head against his shoulder, "Where do you think it's taking us?"

She could feel WHook shaking his head against the top of hers, "Wherever it is, we will win." He whispered as they were swept away by the curse.

End of EF2/WR

Did you catch that there were several places where Rumples were merged. Did you catch that? Also, the reason that Hope woke when she touched the hook was revealed. The Hope/WHook scenes were just fun for me because I can totally imagine Hope being a spitfire and giving her father hell, especially if she is magical.

Hyperion Heights

Regina pushed open the door to her apartment, a little put out at her sister for not showing up at the bar to help, "Zelena," she called, "where were you..." The words died as she took in the sight before her. Zelena, as if not a care in the world was laying back in a chair, hair in a towel, mask on her face, cotton between her toes after a fresh pedicure, and earbuds in her ears, bobbing her head to only something she could hear. "Zelena! " she pulled out one of the buds, "I asked where you were."

"You don't have to yell." Her sister whined. "I've had a bad day and needed a bit of pampering."

"The candy box? I thought you gave it to Rumple and he said they were working on it." Regina dropped down onto the sofa, tucking a leg under her.

"I did," Zelena shrugged a shoulder, "but with all that's going on in this town, you can never be too careful."

~~~ouat~~~

With two women dead and another threatened, the need to solve the candy killer case was becoming more pressing by the day. Weaver had come up with the idea that hidden within the pages of Henry's book were clues to identify the killer. Rogers wasn't sure where Weaver had gotten his information, but since he had a way of knowing things before others, it was worth a look. He had worked his way through half of the book, but nothing jumped out, making him think he needed to take a second look.

He flipped through a few more pages, got up and grabbed a cup of coffee and returned to see another few pages had turned revealing a woman. Her long blonde hair and her green eyes struck a chord deep in his memory and as clear as if she were sitting next to him he heard her say, "What are you boys doing?" He decided she must have been at the bar one night when he was there with Nick and Henry, but when? "Bloody hell," he whispered as the memory faded away.

"No!" He couldn't let that happen again. Memories had been tickling at the edges of his mind, especially every time he was with Hope, but they were memories he couldn't grasp. The more it happened, the more frustrated he became with their evasiveness. Rapidly, he turned the pages, until his eyes locked on a line written in the book in italics. Even the possibility of a happy ending begins with hope. "That's a nice thought.'"

"What's a nice thought?" Henry's voice interrupted his musings about happy endings and a mysterious woman.

"Nothing," Rogers frowned at his friend, "but I'm glad you're here. See this woman. Can you tell me who she is?" He pointed at the blonde woman he couldn't get out of his mind.

"To be honest," Henry studied her, "I made her up."

"You made her up? Are you sure? She looks familiar, that's all." He closed the book and put it away but an hour later when it was time to leave to meet Hope for dinner, something made him grab the book.

He found Hope seated at their usual table looking at the menu, "Why do you waste your time looking at that? You get the same thing every time we come in here."

Hope grinned, "I don't know," she shrugged, "I guess I just want to make sure."

"And?" He wondered, "Shall I guess what you're going to order?"

She stuck her tongue out, "Shut up and sit down."

When the waitress came by, without even asking, Rogers ordered her a grilled cheese and onion rings and a burger and fries for himself. "You never change." He laughed at her look of chagrin.

"What can I say. This place has the best...no, second best grilled cheese around." He watched her pour ketchup on her plate and proceed to dunk a ring in the sweet red paste.

"So, this place has the second-best sandwiches? Who has the first?" He took a bite of his burger and had to agree with Hope the sandwiches were quite good.

"A place called, Granny's. It's back home. I used to go there with," she bit her lip and a pink tint darkened her cheeks. "Never mind."

"Oh now," he teased her, "this sounds like a good story. "Who did you go to Granny's with?"

She shrugged, "Just a boy."

He lifted a brow, sending her a grin, "Oh, so there's a boy, is there? And does this boy have a name?"

She rolled her eyes at his question, "Gideon. His name is Gideon."

"Oh ho, Gideon. Sounds like a strong name." He sent her a cheeky smile. "And your family likes this Gideon?"

"Well," she began, "There are many complications."

"Family? Because I could see how your father might make things quite difficult for his daughter's suitors."

She nodded, "I'm not too sure my parents approve of him."

"Well, tell me about him. Is he in school or does he work?"

Rogers watched her face, for lack of a better word, take on a dreamy look, "He's at school studying to be a doctor. But," she shrugged again, "It's complicated."

"I can't imagine you making a poor decision. " He smiled, "Given the life you've made for yourself here, they'd be crazy not to trust you."

"I'll tell them you said that." Her eyes twinkled making him feel he was only getting part of the story, but unwilling to say anything to upset her, he let it go.

The remainder of the meal went smoothly and before they were ready for the evening to end, he received a call from the station requesting he return. "You'll be alright?"

"I'm a big girl, Rogers," she grinned, "I'll be fine."

He nodded in understanding and stood up, the book tumbling to the floor, its pages opening so his mysterious woman stared up at him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hope gasp, but when he brought his attention back to her, she was studying the picture in the book.

"Is that Henry's book?" She picked it up, "I've been meaning to read it. Did you bring it with you for a reason?"

Rogers studied her for several seconds thinking there was something different in her voice, "I've been trying to remember that woman," he pointed at the picture, "she seems familiar to me."

"Really? Hmm." Hope flipped through a few more pages, "Do you need it back, or could I..."

Rogers left the book with Hope and after paying their check made his way back to the station. With a little luck, they would be able to wrap up the candy killer case sooner rather than later.

~~~ouat~~~

Rumple hadn't seen Hope since the night they had broken into Belfrey's building and taken the books. He couldn't decide if that was good and she had listened to what he said or if it was bad and she was doing things covertly. Knowing her parents, he had his suspicions about what she was doing and it concerned him...more than he expected.

While he puzzled through the clues as to the identity of the killer, he kept his fingers busy trying to put back together the broken teacup. Belle would say it was just a cup, but to him it signified the first time that he looked in her eyes and saw so much more than he wanted to see. And now all these years later, without her by his side, the broken pieces signaled his broken life. He needed both to once again connect.

"I wouldn't have taken you for an antiques kind of guy." Rogers retorted as he entered the office. "Any news on the candy killer case while I was at dinner with Hope?"

"You're not really calling it that are you?" Rumple looked up after placing a delicate piece of the cup back where it belonged.

Rogers laughed, "It's the boys in the bullpens' name for it."

"That fits," Rumple set down the cup, leaning back in his chair, "How's young Hope. I haven't seen her around the station in days."

"Good," Rogers frowned, his face getting a far-away look, "I left her reading a copy of Henry's book. Thought maybe she recognized a woman in there that looked familiar to me, but she says no."

"You don't trust her?" Who was the woman he was referring to crossed Rumple's mind and would Hope be able to piece any clues together as to who their killer was? After all, she was an outsider looking in, giving her more objectivity than if she would have been in the middle of it.

Rogers frowned, "It's not that I don't trust her, but after she was trapped in the freezer, I just feel a need to watch out for her.”

Rumple thought that was probably a good idea but made a mental note to check on her later. "I called Henry earlier and asked him to stop by the station. I want to solicit his help with these writings."

Rogers took the book, but when Henry walked into the office, they were no closer to making sense of them than before.

"Rogers, Weaver," Henry glanced between the two, "I was just on my way to the airport, so I don't have long."

"You decided to move?" Rogers asked quietly, as he ushered Henry inside.

"No...yes...I don't know." Henry admitted, "I was just going to New York to check it out."

Rumple got right to the point because Henry couldn't be allowed to go anywhere, "We need your help, Henry. We want to take a problem off the streets and can't do that without your help. You've heard of the candy killer?"

Henry nodded slowly, "Rogers told me a little bit. Sounds super creepy. I definitely can't help you with it."

"Actually, I think you might be the only who can." Rumple persisted, "It turns out this killer," he held up the book, "is a huge fan of your work." Opening it to a page marked, he pointed, "We found it at the crime scene."

In need of a large working area, they made their way to the evidence room where Henry flipped through the pages and read over the notes that the killer had written around his prose. After flipping back and forth between the same set of pages, he shut the book hard, shouting with frustration, "I can't do this!" Henry's disgust came through loud and clear, "You know why I wrote this book in the first place? Because I thought these stories would give people hope and now some psychopath is using them to kill people."

"Not if you stop him," Rumple told him matter-of-factly."

"Stop putting that on me!" Henry ranted, "I don't have any answers. I don't have the secret code to these stories, because it turns out I don't even understand them." He pushed away from the table, heading for the door.

Rumple couldn't believe this was the same boy who had held their family together time and again with his belief. That the witch had completely taken his belief, in not only magic, but in himself was a travesty, one that Rumple, as his grandfather needed to see if he could help fix. "Hey, where are you going?"

Henry turned around, "I'm getting on a plane. New York is a long way from home, but nothing here has worked out so great."

Here goes nothing, Rumple thought, "And yet we both know you're not walking out that door. Not if you're anything like the Henry Mills in that book."

"You read the book?" Henry asked softly.

"Yes," Rumple nodded, "I wouldn't dismiss those stories just yet. You see, even if you can't admit it, I think you're quite a lot like your namesake. He was my favorite character."

"Everyone likes a little kid full of hope and belief." Henry scoffed.

"I didn't like him because he was a little kid," Rumple corrected, "I liked him because he fought for those things."

Henry's stance relaxed, "You’re right, I am a lot like the character in that book. You know I wrote myself into the book to connect with the characters..." he stopped, and hurried back to the table, "I think I know what the killer is doing." He went on to explain, "The killer thinks he's a character in the book."

"Now we're getting somewhere." Rumple sent Henry a smile, relieved that maybe his grandson wasn't too far away from regaining some of his belief.

~~~ouat~~~

A few days later, Rumple was waiting outside Roni's when Regina slipped out to meet him, "What took so long?" he groused. "It's cold out here."

"Sorry, Zelena was slow in coming down to cover for me." She melted farther back into the shadows, "She's been different since she brought that candy box to the station."

He really wanted to say he didn't give a rat's ass about Zelena, but since he was trying to turn over a new leaf, gave her a ready excuse, "She's spooked."

"I know I would be," Regina agreed with him, "We'll all feel better once you've caught them."

"I guess it's your and Zelena’s lucky day, because I brought news." Rumple explained that the killer was Nick and he was Hansel in the Enchanted Forest II and was already in custody. "Have you had any luck with the little problem of Henry's heart?"

Regina sighed, "I hope so. Facilier promised to enchant an object that when Henry touches it, the spell cursing his heart will be broken."

"And when that happens, we won't have to worry about him dying when the curse is broken?" Rumple asked, hopeful that soon all of this would be over.

"That's what he said," Regina confided quietly, "I just hope he can be trusted."

~~~ouat~~~

To the Watcher's delight, the magic that was keeping them in Hyperion Heights was eroding more every day. The biggest obstacle currently in the way was the witch, Gothel, as her agenda involved destroying the human race. Since her agenda was in direct opposition to the Watcher's, something would need to be done.

~~~ouat~~~

Hope had been tempted to have a word...or two or three with Rumple, about the curse on Henry's heart, and the fact that he had kept it from her. But then she happened to see Lucy handing Regina a glass slipper and decided that her plan had just gotten easier. After that, it had been relatively simple to follow Regina to Facilier's office, where she entered with a box, and left his office empty-handed.

Facilier didn't have any specific pattern to his comings and goings and while it occurred to her to ask for help, she decided that saving her brother was something she needed to do alone. Watching the doctor's office was boring and more times than she cared to admit, she had just about fallen asleep in her hiding place. Her complacency almost caused her to lose the perfect opportunity when he walked right by where she was sitting and she overheard him say he was going to be gone for the rest of the day. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Hope had taken the stairs, picked the lock to his office and was inside before she could talk herself out of the plan.

She had been in his office for ten to fifteen minutes, but every place that she thought the shoe might be hidden had turned out to be empty. Just as she found another cabinet, Hope heard the outside door open, and looked around for something to give her an excuse to be in the office, grabbing a trashcan at the last minute.

"I thought I saw you come in here," she heard the whispered words behind her, almost causing her to jump out of her skin.

"What do you think you're doing sneaking up on me like that?" She stomped her foot in disgust.

"Sorry, Dearie." Rumple looked around the room, "Why are you in here? I thought I told you to be careful?"

Hope gave him an annoyed look, "We'll discuss why you didn't tell me about Henry's heart later. Now help me find the Enchanted Forest II object so I can help Henry."

Rumple sent her a sideways look that made her think she hadn't heard the last of it but did as she asked, helping her by taking one side of the room, while she looked on the other.

She heard him whisper, "I thought I'd lost you," and turned to see whom he could be talking with, but he was holding what looked like a scrapbook. When she inched closer, Rumple didn't acknowledge her, almost as if he were in his own world. He set the book on a counter and as he slowly opened it, Hope could see pictures and pieces of paper attached, but wasn't close enough to see who they were of until she heard, "I've tried Belle, but I don't think I'm going to find my way home to you."

"No," Hope screamed silently assuming he was thinking they would be locked inside this curse forever.

"No, I don't think that you will," Facilier stepped inside the room and casually sauntered their way, "Dark One." he added, almost as an after-thought.

Hope's fearful eyes met Rumple's but before she could move out of the way, Facilier grabbed her, holding her in front of him like a shield.

Rumple pulled the book to his chest, "Hope," Rumple started to say before being interrupted.

"How nice of you to pay me a visit," Facilier mocked, "and you brought a friend. Hope did you say her name was?"

"Leave her alone." Rumple raised his hand to choke Facilier, "How dare you get in my way. Remember, you're not the only one who has magic now."

Hope watched the emotions at war on Rumple's face wondering which man was going to win. The Rumple who was around during her parent's courtship would have snapped Facilier's neck without thinking, but this one...he didn't have the fire for killing. She saw the minute the changed Rumple won and he let up, allowing Facilier to take control.

"That's what I thought," Facilier laughed as he pushed a knife against her throat, pulling her back against him. "You're a shadow of your former self." He hissed continuing to taunt Rumple, "It's sad, trying to get back to your beloved has made you the worst version of you."

Rumple's eyes went dark, "You don't know what you're talking about. Now let her go." His voice and enunciation was that of the old Dark One, but his eyes...those were different. Softer, kinder, eyes filled with love and more regrets than any man should know.

Hope couldn't breathe, she was being held so tightly and she could feel blood trickling down her neck as Rumple tried to negotiate with the maniac who was holding her prisoner. Spots began to form in front her eyes, and as her knees gave out and she was falling to the ground, she could swear she saw two Rumple's in the room.

~~~ouat~~~

WRumple had been monitoring the situation and the other few times the fork leading to a right or wrong decision was offered, he'd stepped up, but still remain converged with Rumple. This time though, with young Hope's life on the line, there had been no option as he couldn't allow her to die. When Facilier had grabbed her, the fact that he had no magic in Hyperion Heights hadn’t registered until he had raised his arm and his magic had somehow returned. He wasn’t sure what had reignited his dark powers but now that it was coursing through his veins, he was willing to use it to protect others, stabbing Facilier in the back with the very knife he had been holding at Hope’s throat.

Once Facilier's body vanished into dust, WRumple looked into the stunned face of Rumple, "Hello, Dearie," he giggled, "Did you really think you had lost me?"

"I thought," Rumple shook his head and went to check on Hope.

"How is she?" WRumple asked as he snapped his fingers and the slipper appeared in his hand.

"Fine," Rumple's glare had returned, "But how do we explain you?"

"Oh, ye of little faith," WRumple tskked, before once again converging with GRumple.

~~~ouat~~~

Rumple shook his head, almost stunned by the ease with which WRumple had converged and then diverged. Had he done that before, both here and when they were in the Wish Realm?

From deep inside he heard the words, Don't think about it too much, as it's too confusing, and deciding that to be true helped Hope to sit up. "Are you feeling okay? I found the object."

Hope took the slipper from his hand, "I'm fine. Now let me up, I need to go find Henry."

~~~ouat~~~

Hope knew she probably should be feeling a little light-headed from Facilier's tight hold, but she had to get to Henry. He seemed to be a creature of habit and usually stopped by Roni's around the same time each night, so that was where she planned to start. She rounded the corner and had just taken hold of the door handle when it was pushed from the opposite side with enough force that she almost dropped the slipper.

"Hope!" Regina exclaimed grasping her elbow to keep her from falling. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Regina," Hope said gently, but when she saw the look on the other woman's face, realized what name she had used.

Regina's eyes went wide, "You're awake?" Hope had barely agreed before she continued, "and you're really Hope Jones? Oh, I bet Snow was so excited."

Hope smiled at the older woman, "She is, ugh was, or will be, but look," she held up the slipper, "I know about Henry and can get rid of the spell on his heart."

"So Facilier kept his word, did he? But why did he give it to you?"

"That's a long story, one for another time. But," Hope frowned, "how was Gothel able to curse Henry's heart? I thought you had protected it long ago."

Regina's smile disappeared, "I don't know Hope, but I'm glad you can save him. Why don't you..." she stopped, looking off toward where the community garden was located. Hope followed her gaze and could see smoke rising above the buildings.

"Oh no," Regina whispered, taking Hope's hand, squeezing it tightly, "Get Rumple. Tell him Gothel has started her spell to bring back the coven members. But first save Henry. He left his backpack. It's on the bar but be careful." She hugged Hope quickly and took off running toward the rising smoke.

~~~ouat~~

Rogers was coming down the hall as the door crashed open and Kelly charged into the station. Her first stop was at the desk sergeant’s where she demanded to speak with Weaver. Rogers heard him answer, "He's not here.” and thought about ducking into a room, but her wild eyes were quicker.

"You," she advanced on him, "You need to find my daughter."

"Margot's missing? He hadn't seen her or Tilly the past few days, but assumed they were together. "When was the last time you saw her?"

"Well," she continued to advance, "yesterday morning. But she was supposed to work at Roni's and didn't show up. Plus," she took another step, her finger pointed at the center of his chest, "she was seen with Tilly talking to that witch."

"Whoa, hold on here," he cupped her elbow, ushering her into his office, "tell me again."

Kelly took a deep breath and began, "The witch was talking to my daughter and Tilly. Go find them."

But she didn't stick around afterward to hear what he had to say, leaving him wondering, was she worried about Margot or wasn't she?

"You look perplexed," Weaver sat down across from him, "what seems to be the problem?"

Rogers explained his mysterious visitor, but was still unsure as to whether he should go look for the girls or not. "What do you think, Weaver? Is there a reason I should go searching for Margot and Tilly.

"I think it's time I let you in on a few things," Weaver started the conversation, "Magic is real, and all those things in Henry's book...they happened.

~~~ouat~~~

When Hope arrived at Henry's she couldn't decide what to say to explain why she was there that didn't sound ridiculous, so decided secrecy was the answer. The backpack was set on the floor, in front of the door, and the glass slipper gently set on top of it, forcing him to touch the shoe. Once she was happy with the presentation, Hope knocked on the door...and ran.

She ran just far enough to be able to hide around a corner and still be able to watch and wait. Luckily, she didn't have to wait long for the door to open, but Henry stood looking up and down the hall so long, she thought her heart was going to jump out of her body. Finally, he squatted down staring at the slipper, almost as if waiting for it to talk to him. Hope counted ten, fifteen, twenty heartbeats until he reached out and gently touched the shoe. As soon as his finger and the glass came into contact, Hope saw a tiny light of magic spark to life and leap from the shoe into Henry. The relief she felt almost caused her knees to buckle, but if what Regina feared was true, there was no time. With one last look down the hall at her big brother, Hope went looking for Rumple.

~~~ouat~~~

Regina watched Gothel circle the flames, her lips moving in silence as she recited an incantation to summon others like her. Individuals who cared nothing about whom they caused pain, in fact they fed on the pain of others, much like the person she used to be. Villains, the lot of them.

She didn't have magic in this town but there was no way she was going to allow that witch to destroy these people, some of which were her family. There had been too much blood shed in the world, and yes, she had caused others a lot of pain, but she had been trying to make things right. She couldn't go back and change or bring back those whose lives she had taken, but she could fight with everything inside her, to save the lives of the people in her town.

But how? Gothel had magic, she had nothing. The weight of protecting those around her lay heavy on her shoulders. The irony of how at one time it had been she who was threatening to destroy a village because they had hidden Snow White didn't escape her, but this time there would be no bloodshed, except maybe the witches.

Regina inched closer to where Gothel was standing, the opening of a small cave visible over Gothel's shoulder. Inside, she could see Robyn and Alice tied up, putting more pressure on her to come up with a plan before the witch brought back enough members to wipe them all away. She couldn't let that happen and stepped out into plain site, "Let them go. They're just girls and have nothing to do with this."

"Oh, they're part of the plan, Regina," Gothel pointed at Alice, "especially that one. She belongs to Rumpelstiltskin.

"Are you mad?" Regina cried. "She doesn't belong to the Dark One. He doesn't have a daughter."

"Oh, not the Dark One; Rumpelstiltskin, the Savior." She raised her hands bringing the flames higher and hotter with every second.

Regina wanted to say she didn't have any idea what she was talking about, but she remembered that Rumple had been born to be a savior to the villain that was his mother. Was it that in another realm, he wasn't the Dark One, but was instead a Savior?

When Gothel went back to attending her flames Regina picked up a large stick and silently advanced, hoping the popping of the flames would cover her footsteps. A few feet from her intended victim, she raised the stick and swung it toward Gothel's head, but...her move had been anticipated and with a wave of her hand, the witch turned the stick into splinters.

"I was hoping you'd bring more." Gothel taunted.

Regina felt her blood boil, "Sorry, I left my bag of tricks at home."

"You've gone soft, Regina. Your other half is so much more...fun." The words rolled off her tongue, each one laced with hate. "That's the problem with you humans. You care too much. Hate is so much more productive. Just ask your sister."

"My sister?" Regina asked curiously, "You don't know anything about Zelena. She finally got her life right."

Gothel tilted her head, "Did she now? Well, well...are you sure?"

Regina frowned at the response, "You know my sister?" Her anger was rising, but without magic she felt powerless, her broken stick and words all that was left.

Gothel sent her a half-smile that could only be described as mysterious, "Everyone knows Greenie. She's a special kind of mean."

Regina saw red and charged, running into the witch before she had a chance to use any magic on her, but that didn't last. Once Gothel was able to get her bearings, with a wave of her hand, she sent Regina flying. Not willing to give up, Regina once again pushed up and charged, but she was no match for an angry villain with power.

Gothel toyed with her, a barbed word then a blast of magic, over and over again until with every movement, her body ached all over. The ability to breath became increasingly more difficult, but with one last burst, she pushed and lashed out at the demon woman.

"Face it, Regina. Love made you weak. I'm going to kill you and then Henry and everyone in this pitiful town." She waved her hand, sending Regina tumbling down the walk, her head striking repeatedly as she rolled. The realization that she had been defeated followed her down into blackness.

~~~ouat~~~

Henry wondered if it had been Roni who left the shoe and his bag, but he hadn't seen her, so he couldn't be sure. She had been trying to get him to believe that his life was a lie and that he was her son, adopted years ago, but if that was true, how come he didn't remember her?

He tossed his bag on the table, intending to examine the slipper, but when the bag landed, it opened spilling several pieces of paper on the floor. The papers were clipped together and on top of them was a picture of him, when he was about ten, standing next to Roni. They were legal forms, City of Boston Adoption Papers, to be exact. Henry's breath caught at the name on the form where it listed his mother...Regina Mills, just like Roni...or Regina had tried to tell him. But how could that be, as he remembered none of his life with her.

A phone number was listed and before he could stop his thought process, he had pulled his phone out and dialed the number. It rang once...twice...three times, and he almost hung up. "Hello." The voice on the other end of the phone was his, many years before and with that realization the memories rolled through his brain.

Hello, are you Emma Swan? My name's Henry and I'm your son. Eating the turnover and sharing a true love's kiss with Emma to break the spell Storybrooke was under.

Flying with Peter Pan, touching the storybook and sharing a true love's kiss with Regina to get his memories back.

Sailing and sword fighting with Killian, becoming the author, being knighted by Queen Snow, the Evil Queen killing his grandparents.

Emma and Killian getting married, the Black Fairy cursing them once again, driving away from Storybrooke.

~~~ouat~~~

Rogers walked out of the station, everything that Weaver had said about magic going around in his head. He could easily accept that there was magic around them as there were instances where situations occurred that he didn't quite understand. What he didn't agree with though, was that the book had someone else determining his fate and he didn't believe that anyone could determine that, but him.

Arriving at the abandoned club, where the desk sergeant said there were reports of seeing Tilly and Margot, he opened the door with his gun drawn. At one time the room had been grand, with burgundy wallpaper and velvet upholstery, but years of disuse left behind nothing but faded memories.

There was an opening at the front of the club, revealing a tunnel, its end showcased by a glowing light. He made his down to the tunnel and the closer he came to the light, the louder a hum became, until periodically he could hear a word...or two.

Rogers peered around the opening, able to see that Eloise Gardner was circling a giant fire, chanting some nonsense words, and as she did, the flames seemed to dance. She then would look off to the side of the room and laugh as if what she was doing was making her happy.

Moving to the other side of the opening, he was able to look around a partial wall, and what he saw made him wish he would have called for back-up. Tilly and Margot were tied up on one side of the fire and in the distance, he could see the body of someone, lying still...so still he wasn't sure if they were dead...or alive.

~~~ouat~~~

Hope ran into the police station, bypassing the desk sergeant, making her way directly to Rumple's desk. He was looking through the book that he had rescued from Facilier's office, not noticing her until she called his name, "Rumple," he looked up startled, as if he had forgotten exactly where he was, "Gothel started the spell. Regina sent me to get you."

"Did Regina go after her?" he asked, already opening the desk drawer to store the book.

"Yes," Hope admitted. "It's been a while as I had to get the slipper to Henry first."

"That's taken care of?"

"Yes, what about Rogers?" Hope hadn't seen him when she walked through but knew he could be in the evidence room. "Should we bring him?"

Rumple slipped on his jacket, "He's out looking for Tilly and Margot, but maybe we can catch up with him. Let's go."

~~~ouat~~~

Meeting Cinderella, falling in love, Lucy, cursed!

"Hello, who's this?" His young voice brought Henry back to the present.

"Ugh, is this Henry Mills?" he asked in a voice tremulous with what was happening.

"Yes, who's this?"

"Uhh, I'm just a friend of your mother's." He felt as if he were in a dream and no matter how much he tried, he couldn't seem to wake up.

"You must be calling about the graduation party. We moved it. We're meeting at Granny's now."

"Oh, it's your graduation?" Which meant that they had been sent back in time to before he graduated from high school. Back in time to before he had taken the bean leaving Storybrooke to find his story.

"Yep, sure is. Are you a friend of my mom's from work or something? Should I go get her?

“Oh no no. Wait, um, I just called to congratulate you."

"Oh well, thanks."

"So, what's next? You're having doubts, aren't you?"

"How did you know?" His younger self seemed surprised, "I told my mom I was having doubts about what I should do next."

"Piece of advice...home isn't a place, it's the people in it and you don't have a home until you just miss it." And he missed Storybrooke, Emma and Killian, his grandparents, Granny's. He wanted to go home and to do that the curse had to be broken. With that in mind, Henry went to find Regina.

~~~ouat~~~

"You might as well come out now, Captain." Eloise taunted with the fact that she knew he was hiding and watching.

The fact that she called him Captain, didn't register immediately, but when it did, the picture in Henry's book of him standing on the deck of a ship appeared in his mind. He shook his head to clear the image, his focus returning to freeing the girls and stepped from behind the rock formation, his gun trained on the woman, "Let them go Eloise," he advised her. "You were given freedom. Use it to start over."

"I am starting over," she snarled, "starting over and finally getting my revenge. The humans need to die."

Out of the corner of his eyes, Rogers saw a dark head crawling stealthily toward where Tilly and Margot were tied up. His blood ran cold as he realized it was Hope and he needed to keep Eloise talking and her attention on him. Subtly, he shifted in the opposite direction from where the girls were, hoping that Eloise's eyes followed him. Hoping also that Weaver wasn't far behind.

"Revenge on the humans? Why do you feel the humans need to die?" She took the bait, angling her body toward his direction, giving Hope time to untie Tilly and Margot.

"They took my family," she began." Now it's my turn to take from them."

~~~ouat~~~

Hope worked on the knots holding Margo, but her hands was shaking so badly, she couldn't get them to cooperate. She kept thinking about what Rumple said about it not being her story and if anything happened, it would be as if she never existed. But she couldn't let these people die.

Rogers kept asking questions and so far Gothel was only interested in what she had to say and every few minutes she would wave her arms around the flames and chant something causing them to dance.

Hope heard her say, "You have no idea what it's like, Captain, to have your family suddenly ripped away from you." And while Rogers gave her a sympathetic answer, Hope knew better. She knew about her grandfather leaving his sons behind and about Liam dying, leaving this man behind, causing her to die a little inside because Rogers didn't know any of that.

Suddenly, Gothel snapped, "you think that can stop me?" She sent his gun flying into the shadows. Hope tried to work faster as it seemed that their time for negotiating was about over.

She had just about gotten the ropes untied when Gothel sent a bolt of magic toward Rogers scattering the dirt and rock at his feet everywhere. "You're of no use to me, Captain. I should have killed you in the Enchanted Forest II when I had the chance.

The flames were dancing, and Hope couldn't decide if she was getting power from the fire or using her power to ignite it higher. Hope watched her body language and saw the minute Gothel turned toward Rogers, prepared to unleash her magic in his direction. "She'll kill him." Hope whispered already on her feet running toward him.

"No," she screamed, knocking him off his feet and out of the way just as a powerful stream of magic shook the ground around them.

~~~ouat~~~

Rumple saw Hope take off after Rogers, "Hope, no!" he shouted just as the ground shook with the power of the magic stream.

"Hope?" Gothel pondered, "and where does she fit into our dear little story?"

"Leave her alone," Rumple finally gave up and used his magic to release Alice and Robyn. "Isn't my power what you've been after for years?"

"The Dark One power? That's not all I want," she chided him, "I want it all. Your Savior power and your Dark One power. With both, I will be unstoppable."

As she continued talking, Rumple could feel the men inside of him warring to get out. But something was stopping them from showing themselves. "I'll stop you," Rumple proclaimed. "I may have done a lot of dark deeds, but you'll have to kill me before I'll allow you to harm these people."

"You're not strong enough to fight me alone," Gothel taunted him. "Where's the Savior Rumple? Did he get left back in the Enchanted Forest II? Doesn't he care enough about his precious daughter to want to protect her?"

"Daughter," he frowned, "Who is Savior Rumple's daughter?"

"You don't know?" she asked surprised. "Why our little Alice, of course. Now, I'm tired of playing. Give me your power, now."

Rumple's magic blasted from his fingers, crashing against Gothel's, sparks where they collided shooting off in every direction. Holding her off with one hand, he reached into his jacket pocket to get his dagger, the source of his real power, but he had left it in its safe place. She was right, he couldn't do it alone. Without help, she would win and he would fail. He couldn't let that happen and for them to step up and fight by his side, he had to admit that he was not just the Dark One, as he had been for years, but he could be a hero, a knight, perhaps even a savior. "I might not be strong enough to beat you alone," he told her, "but together we will not allow you to win."

"What are you talking about, Old Man?" she laughed at him. "You look like you're standing all alone to me."

"I'm not alone," He asserted.

"I'm with him," KRumple stepped to his right adding his light power to Rumple's dark.

WRumple stepped to the left, adding his power to the others, "I'm with him." Their combined power pushed back against hers, until GRumple thought they were going to win.

Gothel chanted a few words and the flames fanned around her, the distinct outline of several of her coven members visible. "You can't win. I won't let you."

She threw the full force of her power, with the power of those coven members present, at them, laughing as their combined efforts began to weaken.

"Tilly, get Margot join us." A look of confusion crossed her face, reminding him that she was still cursed, "Hurry. Form a chain and push back. Together."

Robyn put her hand on Alice's shoulder, who linked with WRumple, then GRumple, and KRumple, the three sides of Rumpelstiltskin, the daughter of one of those and her true love, combining their power to destroy the villain who threatened to destroy all of them. Gradually, Gothel's power began to fade and the flames started dying, her coven members once again fading from sight. "One more push." With a united front, they fought together until all that remained of Gothel and her coven was a large tree, and several smaller ones, resting in the center of the garden.

~~~ouat~~~

Henry ran into the garden in time to see the trees sprout up in the center and three Rumpelstiltskins standing arm in arm with Alice and Robyn. He looked around wildly, knowing that his mom had been in on whatever had gone down. When he saw her lying on the ground in the opposite direction of the others, his heart stuttered in fear, "Mom, mom. Hold on mom, I've got you." He cradled her in his arms and brushed the hair back from her face. She hadn't moved, hadn't opened her eyes and her still frame brought tears to his eyes, "Sorry it took me so long to remember, but I'm here." He cried. "Come back to me, mom. I love you." He cried again, the fear crawling up inside of him, a living, breathing thing. Pulling her closer to his side, Henry kissed her softly. As soon as his lips touched her forehead, the magic of their mother and son bond pulsed throughout Hyperion Heights, breaking the evil curse and sending everyone home.

~~~ouat~~~

The dagger gleamed in the Watcher's hand as the curse was broken and the Enchanted Forest II beckoned. One by one the adversaries were being destroyed, "And then there were two." reverberated around the castle as the Watcher sat admiring the shiny new toy.

~fin

And the curse is broken and not by one person but by several. For me this held true to the story that Once was telling in that if it was an issue that was about you, then you had to save yourself, however if it was an issue or villain, that was after the entire town, then you had to work together, which was always an issue w/ Rumple.

~fin

#Hope Swan Jones #WHook #Rumpelstiltskin

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terreisa · 6 years

Text

The Savior and The Scoundrel: Should I Stay or Should I Go

Emma has had a few titles attributed to her in her life: princess, captain, pirate but none sat so heavily on her shoulders as Savior. When fate forces her to step into the role prophesied before her birth the only saving she wants to do is to bring back the man she loves. Fulfilling the Prophecy along the way is an additional reward. Sequel to A Crown and A Captain.

Prologue, Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5, Ch 6, Ch 7, Ch 8, Ch 9, Ch 10, Ch 11, Ch 12, Ch 13

ff.net, AO3

“I don’t see why I can’t just go ashore by myself! You said we don’t have to worry about Zelena anymore, right?”

“Just because we don’t have to worry about her doesn’t mean there aren’t hundreds of other ways to get into trouble. Especially when you have no clue how anything in this land works.”

Emma watched Marty and Turner argue with little interest. She didn’t have much interest in anything at all but she was trying to put on a good show for everyone else. They were treating her as though she were moments away from a breakdown but she only felt numb. It was easier to act as though her world hadn’t imploded with a false smile than staring blankly out at the water waiting for another pointless day to end.

Nearly a week had passed and it was the first time she had emerged above deck since the day Zelena had told her the awful truth about the curse. Emma had stayed holed up in her quarters for the first few days, only emerging to give Turner the order to sail the Jewel into the town’s harbor. There had been a small snowstorm not long after she’d given the order and she tried not to think of it as a sign of some sort. The next day they had moored the Jewel in an empty berth with little fanfare. She’d forced herself to remain below deck in order to resist the temptation of going to Killian to explain everything. It was also an attempt to keep herself from returning to Gold’s shop to try and see if she could discern if he was truly a heartless Dark One or not.

It was currently the morning of their second day anchored in the harbor and she had reluctantly emerged on deck when she had heard raised voices. Discovering that Marty was simply having another fit about having to stay on board had irked her at first, mostly because she had been forced to leave the confines of the lower decks. She was about to escape back down into her quarters when she heard someone shouting for permission to come aboard.

Exchanging a shocked look with both Marty and Turner she quickly walked to look over the port side rail to the docks below. She did nothing to hide her frown when she saw that it was Walsh standing there.

“Ah, good to see you Miss White!” He called up to her with an insincere grin. “I’d like to speak to the, uh, captain of this boat.”

“It’s a ship and you are,” she said back, leaning her hip against the rail and crossing her arms. “What can I do for you Sheriff?”

“Can I come up? I’d prefer not to keep shouting at you, especially with the matter we need to discuss-” he said, his grin mellowing into a stern look.

She gave him a terse nod and his grin bloomed again as he began to climb the gangplank. As much as she didn’t want him on her ship she was even less willing to step off the Jewel herself. Moments before his head appeared over the rail she heard the sounds of others emerging from below. With a sigh of frustration she turned to find that everyone was grouped below the helm, watching Walsh step on deck. She heard his surprised intake of breath and rolled her eyes before turning back to address him.

“Welcome aboard the Jewel, Sheriff,” she drawled, lazily waving her arm to present the ship. She then waved over her shoulder, “This is my crew.”

“Ah-” Walsh’s eyes roamed over the deck and those at her back, wide and with seemingly reluctant respect. “Can we, uh, maybe go somewhere a bit more private?”

“I’m going to have to say no. The last time I had a private conversation with you you threatened me before forcing me to choose between saving my own hide or Jones’,” she said with a raised brow. “I think wanting a few others hear what you have to say to me is understandable.”

Walsh bristled, his jaw ticking and his hands clenching into fists at his side. There was a low chuckle behind her that she believed was Roland but didn’t want to look to be sure. They still weren’t on the best of terms even in light of recent revelations. That he was showing his support of her, in the smallest of possible ways, had her squaring her shoulders, ready to square off against Walsh as long as was needed.

“I received a call this morning from the harbormaster,” Walsh grit out. Then, unexpectedly, his eyes lit up with malicious glee, “He reported that a boat, oh sorry, ship had docked without permission or payment. Thought I might take a gander and lo and behold it’s something that belongs in a museum and it’s supposedly yours. Am I to believe you sailed this here? I mean, you did say that Jones had picked you up in Portland, right?”

“She is mine and of course I sailed her here,” Emma spat back, incensed at his condescending tone. “Since you can’t even seem to believe that much can you blame me for telling you something your small mind would find easier to understand?”

“Watch your tone Miss White!” Walsh snapped. “You wouldn’t want to go back to the station in cuffs now would you?”

“I’d like to see you try,” she said with a smirk, resting her hand on her hip, a finger width away from the hilt of her sword.

“Now now, that could be seen as threatening an officer,” he rebuked with a disapproving click of his tongue. He placed his hands on his own hips, revealing a leather harness with what appeared to be a small black firearm holstered in it, “We don’t want things to get messy here. How about you come back to the station with me and we can sort this all out like civilized folks.”

“Wouldn’t she take it up with the harbormaster?” Regina asked, the sneer evident in her voice.

“If I wanted your input Ms. Mills I would have asked for it. Come along Miss White.”

“I thought I told you to leave them alone.”

“Madam Mayor!”

Walsh spun around so fast that Emma wondered if he had been trained to do so at the sound of Zelena’s voice. For her part she merely rolled her eyes and blew out a frustrated breath as the woman appeared over the rail. She gazed longingly at the hatch leading down to her quarters, resigning herself to dealing with the two people in the whole town she wanted to interact with the least.

“I never gave you permission to board,” Emma sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“As if you wouldn’t make me wait a god awful amount of time for it,” Zelena scoffed. She looked at Walsh, “Baum isn’t there a jaywalker you need to scold or some school children that need to be scared straight?”

“Er, no but there was a complaint-”

“Miss White and her… companions have brought their ship here at my request for the Founder’s Day festivities. Which is why I’m here-” Zelena gave her a wide, beaming smile. “I believe we had an appointment?”

“Madam Mayor-”

Zelena’s eyes slid to Walsh and when she spoke it was with a quiet fury, “I believe I told you to go.”

Emma couldn’t see his face but from the way his shoulders stiffened she knew he wasn’t taking kindly to the order. She half expected him to argue further with the way he shifted his weight from foot to foot. Instead he threw her a disdainful look over his shoulder and stormed off the ship, seemingly murmuring to himself the entire way.

“Ever since you showed up he’s started getting a mind of his own,” Zelena sighed. She frowned as her eyes scanned the deck, “I thought you’d have a… better crew put together. Then again the one you had before was hardly a good effort so I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“Tell me what you’re doing here, now, or you can get the hell off my ship,” Emma snapped.

“Not out here where practically everyone within earshot can hear us. Especially when there is more than one person in this town who shouldn’t hear what I have to say,” Zelena said with a roll of her eyes.

Emma could practically feel the others tensing behind her, ready to argue over one thing or another. Not wanting Walsh to turn back or attract the attention of any passerby she threw a glare over her shoulder at her unhappy crew. She turned back to Zelena and indicated the hatch leading down to the lower decks.

“After you.”

With a look of disgust curling her lip Zelena climbed down into the ship. Emma went to follow and saw disappointment looking back at her from nearly everyone else. In a bizarre twist Regina was the only one who wasn’t. Instead she was looking down into the bowels of the ship with a mixture of awe and disgust. As she stepped down into the dim bowels of the ship Emma could only hope that someone wouldn’t end up with some kind of injury before too long.

They ended up settling in the galley. She’d had a passing thought of leading Zelena into her cabin but it was too personal and with the way the others had followed her it wasn’t large enough to hold them all. As it was they had to cram themselves around the table with Roland and Turner forced to stand back by the doorway as there weren’t enough chairs. Zelena scowled at her but Emma merely scowled back and settled back in her chair.

“Alright, we’re here where no one can hear us. What do you want?”

“Did you have to allow the peanut gallery to join us?” Zelena sniffed, obviously annoyed at the company.

“It’s either that or I escort you off the ship,” Roland growled, crossing his arms over his chest.

“If I had my magic I’d turn you into one of my monkeys just to watch you dance.”

“Stop threatening my crew or I’ll help him throw you overboard,” Emma said, glaring at Zelena and trying not to smile at the thought of tossing her into the freezing harbor. “I’m not going to ask again: Why are you here?”

“This is the first time you’ve deigned to show your face in week-” Zelena glared back, “and I need reassurance that you won’t be breaking the curse. There’s a lot at stake here.”

“Why should we even trust you? How do we know you’re not lying just to keep this warped reality you reign over in tact?” Regina snarled.

“Please, you think I warned you out of the kindness of my heart? Who do you think that beast will kill first if the curse is broken? I'm merely trying to save my own neck and if that means aligning myself with you then so be it,” Zelena huffed, looking as though she had just swallowed a lemon.

“Why his heart? Why any of this for that matter?” Regina asked, throwing her hands up in frustration. “You’d already beaten me, I was at your mercy and you had everything. You didn’t need to cast the curse.”

“Of course I did,” Zelena spat out. “He didn’t think I would do it for all the reasons you stated and more. I had to prove him wrong, show him that he had underestimated me, again. And I didn’t have everything, your face did. I had to fix that as well.”

“Unbelievable,” Regina scoffed. “I knew you were the jealous type but I had no idea you were this insane. When the Savior breaks the curse I’m going to enjoy watching him snap your neck.”

“She’s not going to break the curse,” Zelena said confidently. She smirked at Emma, “Not when she’s of the same ilk as her hero parents.”

“If we-” Emma hesitated, the words catching in her throat. “If we don’t break the curse then the people here will be miserable for the rest of their lives. They won’t ever remember who they were- are. They won’t know that they’re missing pieces of themselves, that there are people they lo-love that they think are nothing but another face they walk by day after day. Or worse they won’t know them at all. It’s not fair.”

“Life’s not fair, princess, anyone who tells you different it just selling something,” Zelena said with a roll of her eyes. “You break the curse the darkest of Dark Ones wreaks havoc on every realm he can get his scaly carcass to. You don’t and people live blissfully ignorant lives where they don’t even know what the hell they’re missing anyway. I believe that should simplify your choice.”

“For someone without morals perhaps,” Grace murmured from her seat at the corner of the table.

“We can argue this round and round until we’re blue in the face but eventually you’ll have to decide,” Zelena said, pointedly glaring at Grace.

“I need more time-”

“You’ve already had a week!” Zelena growled.

“And I’ve spent over a year believing I was coming here to break the curse!” Emma snapped back, flames of anger licking up her spine. “I scoured our land for any clue as to what you did, where you could have sent everyone, and when I found something to lead me here I had to find a way to actually cross realms. For every second of every day since you cast the curse and up until this very moment I’ve had a prophecy hanging over my head, declaring me as a savior because for some reason I’m the one fated to break it. Then you come along and tell me in no uncertain terms that I can’t because you made a mistake that could cost us everything if I do. So forgive me if I need a little more fucking time to figure out what choice I’ll be able to live with.”

She was breathing hard, as though she’d just crossed blades with Zelena instead of words. Her hands were shaking violently but they were in her lap, hidden from most everyone’s view under the table. All eyes were on her, mostly in surprise at her outburst but she could see concern among them too. Keeping her focus on Zelena she was pleased to see that the woman was finally looking at her with a small measure of respect.

“Fine, whatever the princess wants I suppose,” Zelena said begrudgingly. Then after a pause she said, “There is, however, another matter we need to discuss.”

“What else do we need to talk about? I’m pretty sure I have nothing left to say to you,” Emma said, her voice somewhat hoarse.

“Then just listen,” Zelena said with a tinge of frustration. “There’s something I need you to get for me, something that we’ll need if you make the stupid decision to break the curse-”

“Alright, you need to go now,” Emma said shortly, the barely tamped down anger rising again.

“You’ll want to hear what I have to say,” Zelena protested.

“I said go,” Emma growled, pointing a still trembling finger at the door.

“Fine,” Zelena huffed. She stood and held her head high, as though it was her decision to leave, “You should know that I wasn’t kidding about your motley crew participating in Founder’s Day. Festivities start at ten and I expect you to put on a good show. If you refuse I’ll give Walsh plenty of reasons to scour this boat from warped mast to mealy biscuit.”

Zelena pushed past Roland and Turner, leaving Emma gaping at her back as she left. She turned to Regina.

“What is she talking about?”

“It’s this ridiculous festival that everyone remembers happening every year because of the curse but no one’s actually been to,” Regina said, still gaping at the empty doorway. “It’s supposed to celebrate the founding of this stupid town with booths selling cheap homemade knick-knacks and historically inaccurate reenactments throughout the town. Someone always gets arrested for getting too drunk off the spiked cider and it ends when Zelena’s trumped up speech about harmony and prosperity in the town gets interrupted by one thing or another. Last year it we had a two for one when Jones drunkenly accused her once again of killing his brother. It took both Walsh and Archer to successfully drag him off the stage.”

“But that didn’t actually happen, right?” Emma questioned as Regina’s eyes snapped to hers in surprise. “You said this festival is just a false memory but you’re talking about it like it actually happened.”

“It… no… I remember-” Regina’s eyes had clouded over and her fingers were nervously tapping on the table. After a few seconds she blinked rapidly as her eyes cleared, “No, you’re right, it’s never happened. The cursed memories are stronger if they’re ones I haven’t been constantly trying to keep straight. You’ll probably have to give tours of the ship or at the very least come up with some lie about how a ship like this brought over the original settlers.”

“You mean make a mockery of us?” Turner said with distaste. “There’s a reason this ship is named the Jewel of the Realm. It’s not some mere pleasure vessel for entertaining the masses.”

“Newsflash, Blast from the Past, but ships like this are nothing but novelties in this realm,” Regina said testily. “Walsh already thinks there’s something going on here and we don’t need Gold getting any kind of idea what this ship and all of you really are. If Zelena said you’re going to be part of Founder’s Day she’s already told at least thirty people and each one of them have told thirty more. By Saturday you’ll have a crowd of people clamoring to get on board. There’s no choice here, it’s going to happen.”

“Is she doing this to torture us even more?” Roland asked in disbelief.

“Probably,” Regina said with a shrug. “She knows she has the upper hand for now. If Emma doesn’t break the curse we’ll have to play by her rules.”

“And if she does then we’re sentencing everyone to the whims of an untempered Dark One who we have no idea what he will do,” Grace sighed.

“What if we kill him first and then break the curse?” Marty piped up, clearly eager to be included.

“How might I ask?” Roland asked with a raised brow. “According to that witch the man is dead already. Our only hope would be the Dark One’s dagger but seeing as no one had seen hide nor hair of it while he was imprisoned I doubt we’d find it here.”

“Even if we did whoever killed him would become the Dark One,” Emma said with a bitter smile. She stood, her legs barely able to hold her up, “Although, it’s not the worst option on the table. I’d even volunteer to do it myself.”

The collective gasps were seemingly still echoing in the galley as she sped out, almost tripping over Turner’s feet in her haste to get away. Grace called after her but she kept moving forward. Finally she made it to her cabin, slamming the door behind her as her breath came in quick pants. The emotions she had pushed down had suddenly burst, pouring over her like a bottle of ale that had been shaken too vigorously.

Sliding to the floor she tried to reign everything back in but it was hopeless. Her hands were shaking uncontrollably as she gasped for air. Black spots erupted in her vision as the horrible choice Zelena had forced on her swirled in her head. Dropping her forehead to her knees she scrabbled for Killian’s ring, grasping it like a lifeline as she waited for the overwhelming feelings to subside.

Eventually her breathing evened out and she could hear the normal sounds of the ship over the pounding of blood in her ears. When she felt confident enough to stand she made her way to the table where only two things were resting upon it: her journal with her letters to Killian and the second of the two magic beans she’d found in Blackbeard’s hat. Sitting at the table she resumed staring at the two items, as she had been doing for nearly three days straight as she tried to decide what to do.

The sound of Roland’s voice broke through her musings.

“Planning on running away from it all then, are you?”

“The door was closed for a reason,” she answered without looking up, gently spinning the bean with her finger.

“I came to check up on you since you’ve been holed up in here for two hours.”

Emma glanced around and was surprised to see that her quarters were mostly in shadow from the afternoon sun. Roland was watching her warily and she sighed, turning her gaze back to the bean.

“Come to argue with me some more? Or are you here to try and convince me one way or the other about what I should do? Either way I’m not in the mood.”

“How about a drink instead?”

Looking up with a raised brow to see him produce a bottle of the darkest rum she’d ever seen and two pewter mugs from behind his back. With a shrug she nodded at the chair across the table from her as she sat back in hers. Uncorking the bottle with his teeth he poured out a generous measure of rum for the both of them, gently placing one of the mugs in front of her and then the bottle in the middle of the table before sitting down.

She picked up the mug and held it up for a toast, “To the lucky bastards living under the curse. At least they can sleep peacefully at night.”

“I don’t want to drink to that,” Roland said with a frown.

“Then don’t,” she said indifferently, downing her rum in one swallow. Shuddering slightly she poured herself another round, scowling at Roland as she did, “Where the hell did you get this from?”

“I, er, knicked it from Daniel’s cabin-” the tips of his ears began to turn pink and he quickly took a sip of his rum, coughing harshly after he swallowed.

“Daniel?” Emma repeated, confused until Roland flushed deeper and his eyes skittered away from hers. “Oh, is that Turner’s first name? Add that to the list of things I didn’t know. Although it does go to show that you’ve been so pissed at me that you decided to hide whatever it is you two are now.”

“Emma, it’s not like that,” Roland said, even as he still avoided looking at her.

“No?” She asked, scoffing in disbelief. She took another drink of her rum and uncurled a finger from her mug to point at him, “So if I were to ask Turner why neither of you said anything he won’t tell me that you asked him to?”

“He will, but not for the reason you think,” he said, finally looking at her. “I didn’t want to flaunt it in your face that we’re together when you can’t be with Killian the same way. It’s not fair that we found happiness when you’ve been given nothing but misery.”

“But you’re mad at me!” Emma blurted out, her hand dropping to the table causing some of the rum to splash over the sides of her mug.

“Not anymore. It’s hard to stay mad at someone when they’ve got the weight of the world on their shoulders,” Roland said with a shrug and a pained smile. The blush returned to his cheeks, “Daniel might have also pointed out that I wasn’t being fair or helpful by constantly badgering you about the curse when I’m not doing anything to actually help you break it.”

“If I decide to break it, you mean,” she pointed out.

With a less than steady hand she brought her cup back to her lips, downing the lot. Roland followed suit, coughing again as he reached for the bottle. He poured more into both of their mugs, lightly tapping the rims together when he picked his up.

“So is this your plan then?” He asked, looking pointedly at the bean in front of them.

“To run?” She nudged the bean with the bottom of her mug, “Not in the way you’re thinking and I don’t even know if I can bring myself to do it.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll think I’m cruel.”

“I could tell you at least fifty different thoughts I’ve had that would have you thinking the same of me,” Roland said with a raised brow, sipping at his rum and only grimacing as he swallowed. “I promise not to judge.”

“I keep going back to two options, other than the ones Zelena forced on me. One: we somehow convince our family and friends to come on the ship-” Emma gripped her mug tightly. She wanted to slam the rum back as quickly as she had with the other two but knew she was well on her way to tipsy and she needed to have some of her wits about her as she finally told someone the thoughts that had plagued her. “We could use the bean to take us back home and we break the curse on them there.”

“Leaving the Dark one here, still cursed and somewhat safe,” Roland said with a nod, showing no sign of shock at her suggestion. “I take it Zelena would be left behind as well but so would-”

“So would scores of other innocent people,” Emma sighed, finally taking a sip. “Even if we could convince even half the people we want to save to board the Jewel can’t hold them all. Who are we to decide who gets to stay and who gets to go? And if we do how can we be sure the curse will break for those we take? Or if it does what if it somehow still breaks over here and the Dark One is freed anyway?”

“All valid questions,” Roland hummed, tapping his mug with a finger. “And the second option?”

“We use the bean to send Gold to a different realm. But then that brings up a whole different set of problems. What if he ends up somewhere that has magic? What if going through the portal somehow wakes him up? And again, if we break the curse here maybe it breaks it on him wherever we send him and he happens to be somewhere with magic. It’s even riskier than just breaking the curse here where we already know there’s no magic. At least that will stall him for a little bit-” Emma took a deep breath before continuing softly, “I’ve been going round in circles trying to figure out what to do.”

“I can see that,” Roland chuckled. “Did Marty’s suggestion ever occur to you?”

“To kill Gold and hope for the best? For about a minute in the dead of night until I realized that it was the worst option of all and I stayed awake until dawn because of it.”

“Have you slept at all?”

“When I’m not worrying about what to do,” she sighed.

“So… that would be not a wink,” he huffed.

“You and Turner? Exactly how long have you been spending time in his cabin?” Emma asked in a clear attempt at changing the subject.

Roland rolled his eyes but once again his blush belied him.

He took a small sip of his rum before mumbling into his mug, “Since the night after I ran into my father and Regina came on board.”

“Decided you needed to free up a bunk in the hold or was it you just couldn’t stand her that much?” Emma snorted. She raised her mug, “How’s this for a toast? To being with the one you want in order to get away from one of the bitches that ruined your life.”

“See, this is why I didn’t want to say anything-” he gave a put upon sigh even as his lips were twitching and he raised his own mug. “Too bad Killian isn’t here with us. He’d gladly toast to that.”

They both drank their rum but Emma had to fight to keep it down. In the few moments where she wasn’t overwhelmed by the momentous decision she had to make she had nearly driven herself mad trying to figure out what she could possibly say to Killian. It was because of her desire to tell him everything and whisk them away to safety that she had first thought of the bean. Then her sense of obligation to her kingdom’s people and the guilt of even considering leaving them behind in favor of those closest to her had begun to trickle in and her thoughts had spiralled on and on from there.

There was one other option that she hated herself for even thinking and couldn’t bring herself to tell Roland even if he had thought it had been her plan for the bean. The worst part was that it was the most sensible and feasible of anything she had come up with but it was by far the most terrible of them all. They could simply weigh anchor and leave with only themselves on board, return to Misthaven with broken hearts but safer for it. She once more shoved the thought of it away, too painful to consider for more than a moment, and drained her mug for the third time.

“I get it, you know,” Roland said quietly. She gave him a puzzled look as he dropped his gaze to the rum he was swirling in his mug, “Why you’re having all these doubts and can’t bring yourself truly decide what to do. I didn’t at first, which is part of the reason I was so mad at you, but now I do.”

“So why? Why can’t I just choose and be done with it?” She whispered, not entirely sure of the reason herself.

“Killian,” he said with a matter of fact shrug. “He’s falling in love with you again-”

“You don’t know that,” she interrupted quickly, realizing she didn’t want to know why after all.

“True, but Daniel does.”

“What? How?”

Roland gave her an unimpressed look, “You sent Killian to find him right after taking off with that loathsome Walsh guy, did you expect them not to talk?”

“Well, no, but they’re strangers without his memories and they weren’t together that long,” she argued.

“You forget Daniel’s known Killian a lot longer than either one of us has. I guess even without his memories he’s behaving exactly the same as when he fell for someone back when he was younger,” he said with a sad smile.

“He told you about that? He wouldn’t say anything about her to me.”

Emma dropped her gaze, trying not to feel betrayed that Turner had told Roland about Jaqueline when he had all but refused to tell her. She knew it was because they were something more, that they were together, but it still stung all the same.

“He didn’t tell me anything either, not really-” Roland tapped his mug on the table to catch her attention. She looked up and he gave her a knowing look, “No need to be jealous, he just told me that he’s seen the way Killian is when he’s falling in love but it was different this time.”

“Why, because he’s already married and my being here has him feeling confused and guilty?” She drawled sarcastically, eyeing the bottle of rum.

“No-” Roland huffed, grabbing the bottle and pouring her a pitiful amount, “because you love him too and you’ll do whatever it takes to make him happy even if it makes you miserable. Which is why you can’t decide what to do about the mess we’re in. He’s unhappy and apparently vilified under the curse but he’s safe and if it breaks then he gets you and his rightful life back but then Dark One could just destroy it all with the snap of his fingers.

“And don’t tell me it’s the same argument you’ve been having with yourself concerning your father or Red or anyone else stuck in this town because it’s not. I may not have exactly what you do with Killian and it’s only been a few weeks but I know if it was Daniel I’d be right where you are now. Except I’d have probably broken out the rum a lot sooner.”

“Who says I haven’t,” she murmured. She looked up at him, doing nothing to keep her emotions from showing and was unsurprised that tears began to form, “What should I do?”

“I don’t know,” he whispered, his own eyes glassy. “I’m sorry Emma, but I don’t think this is something we can help you with.”

“Because I’m the Savior?” She asked with a warbling voice.

“Yeah,” Roland answered, looking as though he wished he was telling her the opposite.

Emma cleared her throat and gave him a shaky smile, “I hate that prophecy more and more by the way.”

“I'm sorry I was ever enthusiastic about it,” Roland said with a grimace.

“It's not like you knew what was going to happen,” she pointed out. “Can we just drink and talk about something else? Anything else, please?”

“Sure,” he said easily, pouring the rum until it was almost to the rim of her mug. “What about that Founder’s thing?”

“Ugh, not that either. How about being raised by the Merry Men? It has to be almost as interesting as faking my way into being a feared pirate captain.”

Roland laughed and launched into a story about being left in the care of Will Scarlet and Little John and escaping them both. Emma tried to keep her attention on the tale but her thoughts began to run away from her from everything her and Roland had discussed. She only hoped that the rum swirling through her veins would slow them down enough to finally get some rest, if not peace along with it.

It took nearly until the morning of the festival, two days later, for Emma’s hangover from her talk with Roland to dissipate completely. It wasn’t helped by the hoards of curious onlookers that circled the docks, shouting questions at her while she had a pounding headache, regarding their participation in the festival. With the crew’s reservations and her urge to not bow to Zelena’s whims Emma had nearly ordered them to return to the cove almost three times. The only thing that held her tongue was Regina’s suggestion that they require people to pay to board the Jewel during the festival, something that she assured her would irritate Zelena to no end.

Despite having only just gotten over her night of excess with Roland she nonetheless found herself eyeing the cabinet where she kept her liquor as she dressed for the day. With a sigh she focused back on fastening her vest correctly and trying to remember the story they would be telling the people who would be crawling across the Jewel’s deck like rats before she knew it. Regina had tried to convince her to say the ship was an integral part in the founding of the town but Emma had scoffed at that and stated that she was a pirate captain and that was exactly what the people would get. She hadn’t even bothered to hide her smile at Regina’s frustration and Turner’s distaste at her declaration.

The only somewhat good that was resulting from the festival was that between it and her recovery she hadn’t dwelled as much as she had previously on the decision she still had to make. In the few moments her thoughts would stray Roland would suddenly be at her side commiserating in their shared misery or Turner would be consulting her about the level of the stores in the hold and the state of the ship. She had appreciated their concern but no matter how hard they tried to distract her during the day the nights were consumed by nightmares of Killian blaming her for the decision she had yet to make.

“Emma, are you ready? There are already dozens of people waiting to board and they’ve been pacing the dock since daybreak it seems.”

Emma shook her head at the annoyance she could clearly hear in Roland's voice but couldn't blame him. There in fact had been people queuing up since nearly dawn that morning, when she had tried to escape from her nightmares above deck. She had watched them from the shadows near the helm figuring they were as good a distraction as any. Then she had thought she had seen that Killian was among them but when she had rushed to the rail to invite him on board early it had been a stranger looking back up at her.

As she crossed to the door she strapped on her sword, almost hoping that Zelena would see it and remember the promise she had made back at the jailhouse. When Roland caught sight of it at her hip he merely rolled his eyes and stepped out of her way. She elected not to comment on the hilt of a dagger she had seen poking out of the top of his boot.

“I still can't believe there are people actually willing to pay us just to step on board and not actually go anywhere,” Roland scoffed from behind her. “This realm is so strange.”

“Is Turner still determined to stand guard over the hold?” She asked as she reached the ladder leading up to the deck.

Roland snorted, “He's still upset that we knicked his good rum and he trusts those strangers much less than he does us.”

“Excuse me, who stole his rum?” She asked, turning to glare at him.

“You as good as stole it-” Roland shot back with a grin, “I would have never believed someone as tiny as you could drink that much!”

He deftly dodged her half-hearted swing at his arm, laughing at her scowl. When she turned to climb up to the deck she let her smile unfurl. She hadn't realized how much she had missed him while he had been angry at her until he no longer was.

When she stepped on deck she wasn't surprised to see the others looking at her with a range of emotions. Regina was by the starboard rail, the scowl twisting her features deepening as the voices of the crowd swelled from the dock at the port side. Grace was at the helm looking apprehensively between her and Marty, who was bouncing excitedly on his toes by the foremast. Roland stepped up beside her and gave an interested hum.

“Is it too late to say I don't think we should do this anymore?” Emma sighed.

Roland snorted, “I believe that ship has sailed, Captain.”

“Not funny,” she said with a roll of her eyes. She looked at Regina, “I guess it's time.”

“I still don't know why I was roped into helping you with this,” Regina huffed, stalking across the deck towards the gangplank.

“Because you're the only one who knows how to handle the coin of this realm,” Emma said with only a hint of the annoyance she was feeling. “And it's not like you have anywhere else to be.”

“Besides-” Roland chimed in, “you’re the one who insisted we go through with this charade, it's only fitting you should suffer along with us. Even if you did refuse to dress the part.”

“I won't debase myself by putting on those rags you found in the hold,” Regina sniffed haughtily.

“They're better than the ones we found you in,” Emma said under her breath causing Roland to snort in amusement beside her. With a smirk she said louder, “Just go so we can get this over with, Regina.”

With one final sneer Regina walked down the gangplank and out of sight. As they heard her address the crowd Emma moved toward the stern of the ship. She returned Grace’s uneasy smile as she took her place at the helm, where she'd have full view of the deck and everyone upon it. Grace stepped back behind her as Roland situated himself directly below her. When the first curious head appeared over the rail Emma took a steadying breath and drew her lips into a welcoming smile.

After a few hours Emma felt as though she had a handle on how to deal with the townspeople, at least the ones she didn’t know. It was only the early afternoon and there had already been a steady stream of familiar faces that had stepped on board. Roland had even gone so far as to slip below deck when Robin had walked up the gangplank. Emma hadn’t been much better when David and Red had shown up within ten minutes of each other, both circling the deck as she had stayed rooted at the bow, barely able to converse with the man who had been asking her questions at the time.

By far the worst moment had been when a group of children had come on board. Their adult minder had told Emma that they were from the local orphanage with some of the older ones along to keep the younger ones in line. Grace had been standing near her and had looked over at the group with a gentle smile that dropped from her face in an instant. She had nearly fainted on the spot and it had taken both Emma and Roland to get her below to the galley, both yelling for Turner to bring them water. After a few harrowing minutes Grace had raspilly whispered that her own missing children had been with the group and though she hadn’t seen them for years she was certain that it had been Jack and Jill among them.

After sending Roland back up to the top deck Emma had stayed with Grace for another hour or so. Finally Grace had regained some of her normal color and insisted that she would be fine. Emma had been reluctant to leave her but her urge to check that everything was still running smoothly had been the final push in getting her to leave Grace’s side. By the time she had emerged on deck the group of children were gone and there had been a whole new set of curious onlookers roaming about the deck.

“I think the whole damned town is going to step foot on the Jewel before the day is over,” Roland grumbled.

Emma grimaced, glad they were somewhat alone by the helm, “We’re something new in a town where apparently time hasn’t moved for over a year. I’d be suspicious if they didn’t.”

She looked over the deck and tried not to catch the eye of Walsh as he moved methodically from stem to steer. He had been on board for nearly a quarter of an hour, inspecting innocuous things like the fastenings for the lines or knocking on the deck with the heel of his shoe. Unsure what exactly he was looking for Emma hadn’t let her gaze stray away from him for too long.

“And are you?” Roland’s voice broke through her concentration on Walsh.

“Am I what?” She asked, turning confused to see him looking at her worriedly.

“Suspicious that Killian hasn’t shown up yet,” he quickly looked towards the gangplank where no one was currently stepping on board. “I thought he would have been one of the first ones here.”

“Me too,” she sighed quietly.

It had been a niggling thought throughout the day, constant and irritating in the back of her mind. Killian had always shown up when she least expected with a smirk on his lips and mischief in his eyes. She had been waiting anxiously all day for him to sneak up behind her and whisper in her ear about her outfit or the ridiculous farce they were performing but she had been so far left disappointed. Roland bringing it to the forefront of her attention had only succeeded in bringing about her worries as to why Killian had yet to appear.

“Perhaps he’s waiting for the crowds to lessen,” Roland suggested halfheartedly. “Or until the sheriff over there has looked his fill.”

“If it was the crowds Killian would have found a way on board before everyone else and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about Walsh or his presence,” Emma huffed, narrowing her eyes as Walsh lightly kicked at the main mast. “Even Pinocchio has stopped by twice and I broke my promise that I’d return to his library.”

“The curse may have made them forget you but everyone still seems to hold on to their devotion to you whether they realize it or not. I didn’t miss the way your father or Red kept looking at you like they already knew you.”

“Robin was almost doing the same-” Emma pointed out gently, “You disappeared too quickly for him to get a good look at you though.”

“Yeah, well I’m not as strong as you,” Roland said with a shrug. “I doubt-”

“Excuse me?”

They both turned to find a woman around their age standing behind them. She had wide, brown eyes and hair to match, though only the ends of it could be seen poking out of her knit cap. Her dress was much the same as the rest of the townsfolk but there was something slightly scandalous about it, her thick coat open to reveal a bright pink shirt that exposed her chest and stomach in equal measure and trousers so tight Emma wondered if she had been sewn into them. She looked between the two of them with slightly suspicious eyes before focusing on Emma alone.

“Are you Eva?”

“Yep,” Emma said with the false cheer she had been talking to the townspeople with all day. “Captain of the beautiful ship you find yourself on.”

“So you’re the one helping to feed my husbands delusions,” she said in an accented voice that was as cold as ice and eyes that were as hard as steel.

“Excuse me?” Emma asked in shock, sharing a puzzled glance with Roland.

“The high and mighty private detective here to solve the murder that our sheriff’s department has been working on for ages-” the woman sneered, planting her hands on her hips, “You think you can just waltz into town and wiggle your nose and just like that you’ve solved it? I don’t think so.”

“I don’t know what you’ve been told but I only want to find out the truth, whatever it may be,” Emma said placatingly as she wondered how far talk of her false reason for being in the town had spread.

“Doesn’t explain why you’re set on seducing my husband while you’re at it. You got your claws in him but I won’t allow it, you whore.”

Emma stepped back in surprise at the vitriol in the woman’s voice just as someone rushed up beside her. She was further surprised to see it was Killian instead of Roland as she had thought. He was shaking with anger, his breaths were shallow and his hand was clenching and unclenching in what seemed to be an unconscious gesture.

“That is enough, Deb,” Killian growled.

Emma took another step back, her back pressing against the helm as she realized who the woman was. She somehow felt she should have known it was Deborah, the woman cursed to believe she was married to Killian. Watching Deborah’s face slide from a jealous rage to simpering adoration was almost enough to make her lose what little food she’d eaten that day.

“Oh, hey baby! I didn’t see you,” Deborah crooned, batting her eyelashes. “I thought you’d be down at the Hole like every year.”

“I had more pressing matters,” Killian said shortly with half a glance back at Emma.

“Talking to her?” Deborah’s nose wrinkled as she looked her over from head to toe.

“That’s it,” Emma said sharply, coming out of the daze she’d stumbled into with Deborah’s and Killian’s presence. She stepped around Killian and into Deborah’s space, “You need to leave.”

“What? I paid good money and I have every right to be here!” Deborah shrieked indignantly, her face turning red in anger.

“And we appreciate your patronage,” Roland’s voice rumbled deeply from behind Emma. “You can either go voluntarily or I can escort you. Either way you’re leaving now.”

“You aren’t going to let them treat me like this are you, baby?” Deborah whined, once again changing her demeanor in a split second as she turned to Killian with tears swimming in her eyes.

“I’m going to let them treat you however you deserve,” Killian said coldly. He turned his back on her and looked at Emma with no less anger in his gaze, “Can we talk in private?”

“Sure,” she answered, ignoring Deborah’s spluttering and murderous glares. She looked at Roland, “Make sure she’s off the ship and on her way anywhere else. Let Regina know not to let her back on under any circumstances.”

“You can’t do that!”

“She can and she did, Ma’am,” Roland said with a wide grin. “If you’ll follow me then.”

Deborah continued to yell about the way they were treating her but Emma left Roland to deal with it. With a tilt of her head she began to lead the way to the hatch that led straight to her cabin. She paid little attention to the gazes of the townsfolk that were alternating between watching her movements and the scene that Deborah was making. It was, however, hard to brush off Killian’s presence at her back and she could barely get a calming breath in as she descended into her cabin, Killian right on her heels.

Her quarters weren’t fit to receive visitors and she resisted the urge to rush about setting things to rights. Her bunk was a mess of blankets with a multitude of clothing piled on top, all items she had deemed unfit to wear for the crowds along with the boots she had kicked across the room in fits of pique. The table was littered with loose papers, books, her half eaten breakfast, broken quills and ink pots, and in the center of it all was the journal of letters to Killian, open to the last letter she had written late the night before. With blood pounding in her ears and a scorching heat in her cheeks she quickly crossed to the table and slammed it shut not giving a damn if it caused Killian to become curious as to what it was.

Turning back to him Emma realized she shouldn’t have worried. Killian was standing at the base of the ladder, head down, a muscle in his jaw ticking as though he were chewing on something tough. She wondered if he was trying to calm himself after Deborah’s words and the commotion she had caused. Her answer came when he looked up and his ire hadn’t abated. Instead it seemed to be burning hotter.

“Just what was all that, lass?” Killian asked in a low growl.

“Your wife apparently,” she snapped back, immediately rising to the defensive. “I would think you’d at least recognize the woman you yourself said made you miserable.”

“Sod Deb, that’s not what I’m talking about,” he snarled, taking two steps towards her before coming to an abrupt halt. He waved his hand jerkily towards her then up at the ceiling, “That ridiculous show you and those others are putting on today, what is all that?”

“Something appropriate for your town’s ridiculous festival. I would think that much would be obvious,” she drawled as she propped her hip on the table and crossed her arms over her chest.

Killian’s nostrils flared as an angry flush began creeping up his neck, “Don’t get bloody cute with me, lass. This has that bitch’s scent all over it and I want to know what she said to you to that has you jumping through hoops like a trained dog.”

“What the hell is your problem?” She asked angrily. She also felt a sting of hurt that he was attacking her and tried to hide it with a frustrated frown, “This is my ship and what I do on it is none of your business.”

“Your ship?” Killian asked mockingly. “Is it now, Captain Swan?”

Emma’s heart stuttered in her chest. She was still leaning against the desk and glad for it otherwise she would have collapsed to the floor hearing her moniker from out of his mouth.

“Wha- what did you say?”

“I read your bloody book,” he spat.

He fumbled with a satchel at his side that she hadn’t noticed, pulling out the story book she had given to him for safe keeping at Sunset Storybrooke. Emma had nearly forgotten all about it in the aftermath of Zelena’s revelations. She had thought that Killian had given it to Turner who in turn had held onto it while she had kept herself apart from the others. In truth she almost wanted nothing to do with the book that was filled with the memories of happier times. There had been no intention whatsoever of letting Killian read a single word from its pages.

“Yes it’s quite the fantastical tale, what with all those Disney characters coming together in a magical land. Although there were quite a few names I didn’t recognize from any cartoon I’ve ever seen,” he gave a mocking smile as he strode to the table and dropped the book unceremoniously on it, causing Emma to jump to standing in her startlement. There was a vein throbbing in his temple and his voice was deadly calm, “Can’t quite comprehend your fascination with a book of fairy tales, lass. Especially when you tell me it’s real and that I need to keep it safe before getting whisked off by that wanker Baum. Then come to find out you have a tet a tet with the devil herself and suddenly eager to obey her demands? What the hell do you take me for anyway?”

Emma took a deep breath, forcing herself not to fidget as she tried to come up with a plausible explanation.

“It’s complicated-” she started, wincing as his hand clenched into a white knuckled fist. “What I talked to the mayor about, this idiotic show for the town, even that book, it’s all a part of this stupid complicated thing and I just… I can’t tell you what it is right now.”

“You can’t tell me,” Killian scoffed in disbelief. He leaned towards her and growled, “After I read it I was certain you were having a laugh, a cruel joke but still in the realm of possibility. Then I thought it was some kind of allegory or metaphor or what have you. It could have been a front for the real tale at the heart of it because only a nutter would believe that fairy tales were real, but you were so damn adamant that the bloody book be kept safe. Then when I come here to ask you to explain I find you playing pirate and lying to my face.”

“I’m not lying,” she retorted hotly, wondering how she had completely lost control of everything.

“A lie by omission is still a lie, lass,” he said with a roll of his eyes.

“And you’ve been so forthcoming with me? Do you know how many people have told me that you’re involved with whatever it is that got your brother killed? Which, by the way, it wasn’t only that hag and her puppets that mentioned it. How idiotic are you to think that that’s the way to prove anything?”

“This isn't some bloody game!” Killian yelled, throwing his hands up in frustration. “This is my life and I’m doing what I have to in order to finally find some peace for both me and my brother. I'm not some do-gooder prince from over the rainbow or some kind of hero out to save the day. I don't need this fanciful bullshit distracting me from finding what I need to take Viridans down. So either get on board and actually help me or go back to wherever the fuck you came from.”

Emma felt as though he had slid a knife between her ribs. She could hardly breathe. Killian had never spoken to her in that way. Ever.

“Get off my ship,” she said through numb lips.

“I- what?”

“I said get off my ship,” she repeated slowly, hand resting involuntarily on the hilt of her sword. “You came here with accusations flying out your mouth and an itch for a fight in your blood but I’m not going to sit back and take the punches as they come. You don’t need my bullshit distracting you? Fine. There’s the door.”

“Oh, no. You can’t just throw me off the ship like that! I deserve some kind of explanation!” He hollered, stepping towards her to tower over her.

“You deserve nothing!” She yelled back, refusing to back down and having to crane her neck to stare him down. “I thought I could trust you. I did trust you and you just threw it back in my face. Funny, having met Deborah I can now see how you two are a perfect match.”

“That’s a low blow, lass,” Killian growled.

“And here I thought you didn’t understand the concept,” she snarled. “Now get the fuck off my ship.”

“I’ll do no such thing. Not until you set some things straight.”

“I believe the captain has given an order,” Roland’s clipped voice sounded from across the cabin. “It would be wise to follow it.”

Killian spun on his heel and Emma could see both Roland and Turner standing inside the doorway. They were both glaring at Killian, Roland somehow seemingly standing taller than he already was and Turner with his sword half out of its sheath. She had never needed someone else to fight her battles but she was grateful all the same that they had appeared before she had said something she’d truly regret.

“Tell Tweedledum and Tweedledee that we’re not done with our little chat yet,” Killian said with disdain as he turned back to look at her. “I have more questions and I'm not leaving until I get some answers.”

“Too fucking bad,” she spat out. She looked around him to the doorway, “Turner see to it that Jones here finds his way back to the dock and let everyone else know they’re welcome to leave as well.”

“Aye, Captain,” Turner said with a nod, sheathing his sword and stepping towards Killian.

“You touch me and I’ll make sure I’m not the only one handed man about town,” Killian snarled, glaring at Turner. He then sneered at her, “This isn’t over, lass.”

Emma kept her face impassive, biting her tongue as Killian waited for one last retort. With a scoff he left making sure to hit both Turner and Roland with his shoulder as he did. Turner gave her an apologetic glance before following him out as Roland walked to her side pulling her into a hug. Her shoulders slumped and she sighed deeply as her arms wrapped around his waist.

“Why is it every time I see him I end up wanting to punch him in the face?” Roland asked conversationally.

“You’re not alone,” she mumbled as she sighed again. “It’s been a passing thought for me nearly the entire time I’ve known him. How’s Grace?”

“Could be better,” Roland said with his own sigh, giving her a quick squeeze before releasing her. “She came back on deck not long after you went below with Killian but she was far away from here. It took hearing you two yelling for her to snap out of it.”

Emma winced, “You could hear us?”

“Why do you think Daniel and I both showed up when we did,” he said with a shrug. He gave a quick glance to the table and the book sitting innocuously on its surface, “So, what are you going to do?”

Looking at the book she felt torn between wanting to burn it and curling up on her bunk with it to find comfort in its pages. She thought back to the devastated look on Grace’s face when she’d revealed that her children had been on the ship, how Roland hadn’t been able to face his father, the indifference in Red and her own father’s eyes, and of course every single interaction with Killian from the moment they’d arrived. Letting out an unsteady breath she knew what her choice was, what she had already decided deep in her heart.

“I’m going to break the curse.”

If you’d like to be tagged so you don’t miss future chapters let me know.

Tagging: @teamhook, @galadriel26

#captain swan #cs ff #cs au ff #cs ff au #ouat au ff #savior and scoundrel #i know it looks like shit on the dash but it's fine everywhere else #i can't figure out how to fix it either and it's driving me nuts

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unfolded73 · 7 years

Text

This Graceful Path (5/19)

Summary: Emma has just moved in with Mary Margaret and started working as a deputy in the Storybrooke sheriff’s department when she meets Killian Jones, the town’s introverted harbormaster. When a prominent Storybrooke resident is found murdered, Emma tries to juggle solving the case with new friendships, parenthood, and romance. A Season 1 Cursed!Killian AU.

Rating: Explicit per CSBB guidelines (violence, sex); more of an M on unfolded73’s scale. The sex, when we get there, is not extremely graphic in nature. Same with the violence.

Content Warning: This fic contains two major character deaths, one canon and one not. (You’re already past them.)

Total word count: ~ 75,000

Acknowledgements: Thank you to @j-philly-b for betaing this monstrosity. Thank you to @caprelloidea for all of the read-throughs and cheerleading; not sure I could have written it without your excitement early on. Thank you to @teruel-a-witch for the original prompt on tumblr which sparked this fic. Thank you to @pompeiiablaze for the wonderful art which accompanies Chapter 3 and also will accompany later chapters. Thanks to the CSBB mods (@sambethe in particular, who had to look at my check-ins) for your support and for enduring my neuroses.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 – AO3 Link

Chapter 5

Regina Mills thought of makeup like armor.

She stood in front of her bathroom mirror, carefully drawing a black line across the edge of her eyelid, unflinching as the tip of the eyeliner pen traced from left to right. She repeated the process on the other eye.

Tonight was about power. The balance of power had undergone a seismic shift in Storybrooke the moment that Gold breathed his last, and Regina had spent too long hanging back and waiting for the new Dark One to show himself, to make a mistake. Waiting for someone else to take care of the problem for her, thinking that somehow the mundane law enforcement process of the Land Without Magic would deal with things without her having to lift a finger. Now was the time to stop waiting. Now was the time to go out and take the power while things were still in flux. Make it clear that she was the one who controlled this town now, curse or not.

She finished, as always, with lipstick: the most perfect red, the color of the apples that adorned the tree in her backyard. Pressing her lips together, she gave herself one more critical look in the mirror before she put her lipstick away and stepped out of the bathroom, armor in place. Running her hands down the form-fitting black dress she wore, Regina walked down the hallway and cracked open the door to Henry’s room, letting a thin shaft of light fall across his sleeping face. His chest rose and fell as he dozed on, unaware of what Regina was about to let into their house. Slowly and carefully, she pulled the door closed.

She detoured by the wine rack, selecting a Cabernet before moving on into the kitchen. Pulling down two wine glasses from the cabinet, she set them down on the marble surface just as she heard a tapping on the front door. Smiling her best smile, Regina walked into the foyer and opened the door to greet her late evening visitor. “Killian, how are you?” She stepped back and beckoned him into the house.

“Confused as to why you summoned me here, Madam Mayor.”

“Please, it’s Regina.” She watched as he looked around the foyer of her mansion, taking in the high ceiling and the grand staircase. “And I summoned you here because I thought it was past time to get to know the man that my son speaks of so highly.” She walked back toward the kitchen, expecting that he would follow. He did. “Would you like some wine? I was just opening some.”

He shrugged. “Don’t go to any trouble.”

“It’s no trouble. I like to have a glass in the evening, but I have no one to share it with most of the time.” She pulled a corkscrew from one of the drawers and smoothly twisted it into the wine bottle.

“Henry’s spoken of me, has he?”

Regina plastered on a sweet smile as she poured wine into the glasses. “He seems to admire you a great deal; your love of books, for example. I can’t thank you enough for lending him things to read. He’s a very solitary boy, as you’ve probably noticed.” She handed him a glass.

“Aye. Although he seems much happier since his birth mother came to town.”

Regina held her smile, feeling the wide bowl of the wine glass give slightly under her clenching fingers.

“It’s very big of you, allowing him to spend time with her,” Killian went on. Before she could respond, her cell phone started to ring.

She looked at the screen and rolled her eyes before accepting the call. “I’m sorry, Killian, I have to take this. Yes, Sidney.”

“Mayor Mills,” Sidney said, a slight tremor in his voice. “I got your message.”

She set her wine down. “Yes?”

“You want me to run for sheriff?”

“That’s what I said. I don’t make a habit of joking, do I?”

“No, of course not, but… I’m a newspaper man. I don’t know the first thing about being a sheriff.” His shaky, obsequious tone made her fist clench as she envisioned engulfing him with a fireball.

“You investigate things, don’t you? Then you already know more about it than Emma Swan does.” She drummed her fingernails on the countertop with impatience. “She’s a criminal, and inexperienced—”

“She worked as a bail bondsperson, that’s—”

“Don’t interrupt me, Sidney. You’re running for sheriff. Understood?”

There was a pause. “Yes, ma’am.”

“I have to go. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.” She ended the call and tossed her phone down. Regina took a sip of her wine, watching as Killian did the same. “I heard that Miss Swan questioned you about Gold’s murder; what a terrible business.”

“Aye, she had heard somewhere that I hated him. Can’t imagine what would have given her that idea.”

“Let’s be honest, Killian. We’re all friends here.” She took a step closer to him, her voice dropping. “A lot of people hated Gold, and a lot of people are better off now that he’s not in the world. Do you take my meaning?”

He set his glass down. “I don’t, actually.”

She smiled, her hand moving to touch his arm. “I mean, sometimes things like this happen for the greater good. Some things transcend the laws of this… pitiful world. It may be that, according to some higher law, the person who killed Mr. Gold deserves a medal, not a prison term.”

Regina watched his eyes carefully, but she could see no dawning understanding there, only confusion. “Well, when you find the person who did this, you can try to give him a medal, but I’m thinking Emma’s going to be more interested in serving up that prison term.” He took a step backward, putting some space between them. “So it’s a good thing I’m innocent. I’m not interested in either.”

Resisting the urge to pick up her wine and smash it down on the floor, Regina crossed her arms. “You are innocent, aren’t you? Or perhaps… unaware.” She stalked closer again, backing him into the countertop behind him. “Unaware of the dark power lurking inside you, hmm?”

The flash of fear in his eyes made her heart sing. “Why are you saying these things to me?”

“When you killed him, when you finally got your revenge on the Dark One after all those wasted years, what did you do with the dagger? Where did you hide it… Hook?”

He shook his head in denial, his hand starting to shake. “I didn’t do anything. I didn’t kill anyone. Not good form… It’s not good form.”

“Somewhere in that curse-addled brain of yours is the information I need. But how. To get. It out,” she said, punctuating every other word with a thump of her knuckle on Killian’s forehead.

He ducked away from her, his face going suddenly very pale, and Regina wondered with annoyance what she would do with him if he passed out on the floor of her kitchen. Perhaps if he went completely mad, she could lock him up in the mental ward of the hospital, she mused. That would at least get him out of her hair while she conducted her own search for the Dark One’s dagger. But it would also guarantee that if the curse did break, if Emma Swan really was who Regina feared she was, Regina would have made herself a powerful enemy. Better to bide her time, and keep this sniveling, pitiful, nascent Dark One on her side.

She plastered on her fake smile again. “I apologize, Killian; I’m under a lot of pressure lately, and it’s starting to get to me a little bit. You can understand that, can’t you?” She picked up his glass and held it out to him. “Here, have some more wine.”

“If it’s all the same to you, Mayor Mills, I’d just as soon take my leave of you. I’m feeling quite ill all of a sudden.”

“Oh, of course, Killian. You’re free to go.” For now.

~*~

He tossed in his sweat-soaked sheets, trying in vain once again to find his way into sleep. It was like trying to dive off the end of a pier: putting his hands over his head, leaning over and launching his body into the water, only to find himself sprawled out on the hard wooden boards a moment later, sore and broken from the attempt.

And then when Killian did manage to plunge into the water, it was filled with monsters.

His dreams were unrelenting, technicolor horrors that left him sweating and gasping when he could finally pull himself above the surface. He saw his left hand lying on the deck of a ship like some dying sea creature as blood spurted from his wrist in a red parabola. He held a woman who looked like Milah in his arms and watched as the light of life died from her eyes, felt the numb certainty that her death was the end of everything good in his life. He saw himself, drunk and ruthless and cruel, forcing a terrified man to walk off the end of a plank into the murky depths of the ocean. Saw himself sink a knife into his own father’s gut.

He stabbed and stabbed, glorious great flesh-rending gashes as the life of the Crocodile drained out of him. The dagger sat heavy in his hand, the intricate hilt marking patterns into his palm.

Some of the dreams made a sort of sense. He had lost his hand in a sailing accident, that’s what he was seeing. But why did he dream over and over of Milah in such unusual garments? Why were his dreams so vivid with men cowering before his command when no such thing had ever occurred?

Blood ran down the dagger, blood coated his hand and soaked the sleeve of his shirt. He held the dagger up in the dim light, saw it waver as the writing on it disappeared. Saw it replaced by something else.

“You’re cracking up… mate.”

Killian sat up, jerking away from the hallucination that had materialized in his bedroom. He wrapped his arms around his legs, pressed his closed eyes against his knees until he saw white spots bloom behind his eyelids. “You’re not real. Not real, not real, not real,” he repeated out loud.

“I’m in your head,” the creature said. “Not the same thing as not being real.”

He looked up and saw the beast that had visited him before: the scaly, iridescent skin, the yellowed teeth, the clawlike fingernails waving at him impishly.

“Hello,” it said.

“Begone, demon.”

“Not so fast. I need to tell you some things first.”

Killian dragged himself out of bed, giving the apparition a wide berth as he left the bedroom. The chill of the apartment combined with his sweat-damp t-shirt set him shivering. He stumbled over to the kitchen, pulling a tumbler down from the cabinet with a trembling hand. More rum ended up on the counter than in the glass, but after he drained his first pour dry, Killian was able to put more rum in the glass with a steadier hand.

“You may have no recollection of what you did, but the queen has your number. She knows, but she’s going to bide her time. We’ll have to deal with her eventually, but best to wait on that. You’re not strong enough to face her. Not now. Not like this,” the beast said with distaste.

“Not real,” Killian whispered, taking another drink.

“But there are other problems,” the beast continued conversationally as if it wasn’t speaking to a man who had lost his last connection to reality. “If the queen controls the sheriff, then she controls your fate. We need to put a stop to that.” The creature uttered a horrifying giggle. “Sidney Glass was born to be a pawn; we just need to take control of the pawn for ourselves. I think even you can manage that.”

Killian felt rather than saw the apparition disappear.

~*~

Emma’s eyes raked over the chalkboard menu at Storybrooke Coffee Company. She desperately needed coffee before work, and she was getting a little tired of the standard diner coffee that Granny’s had to offer. She didn’t have much discretionary income, but today a three dollar mocha felt necessary to surviving the day.

She was stirring sugar into her cup when David Nolan walked in. They eyes met, and she smiled awkwardly.

What do you say to the guy who broke your roommate’s heart? she wondered. It’s not like she and David really knew each other that well; they’d only spoken a couple of times. Aside from the fact that he’d been in a coma and was in an unhappy marriage, she knew very little about him. He wore a flannel shirt, jeans, and a pair of practical work boots, and he walked up to the counter with a charming grin for the barista.

While he waited for his skim latte to be made, he shuffled over next to her. “How are you, Emma?”

She shrugged. “I’m okay, I guess. Sleep deprived thanks to the hours I’ve been working. Did you have a good Thanksgiving?”

“It was fine,” he said, but she saw sadness in his eyes. “Did you spend yours with… Mary Margaret?”

“Yeah.” She realized she was still absently stirring her coffee, and she tossed the wooden stirrer in the garbage with an eye roll for herself. “I thought you usually got your coffee at Granny’s,” she said, remembering when he and Mary Margaret had both been arranging to be there at 7:15 in the morning just to catch sight of each other.

“I did,” he said, glancing around. “But I… was afraid people were starting to talk.”

Emma decided to change the subject. “You work at the animal shelter, right?”

“That’s right.” He smiled agreeably. “It’s not glamorous and it doesn’t pay much, but I find it rewarding.”

“Graham used to volunteer there,” she said, and she was a little bit horrified to realize there were tears welling behind her eyes. Oh right, the other symptom of her lack of sleep — sudden and unexpected sadness.

“He did,” David agreed. “He had a way with the dogs. I’m sorry about what happened.” His eyes pierced into hers, and inexplicably, Emma felt a little bit better. “He was a good man.”

“He was.” The barista called his name, and David turned and walked over to get his coffee. She watched him; a strong guy, built like a farmer, like he’d be able to hold his own in a fight.

“Hey, David,” she called as she tried to press the lid back on her coffee cup without losing control of it and spilling it all over herself. He faced her, his expression expectant and pleasant. “Have you ever thought about doing anything different? I mean, besides working at the animal shelter?”

“Sure, I’ve thought about it; they can’t afford to pay me full-time. Like what?”

“Like being a sheriff’s deputy?” She wrung her hands together, suddenly nervous. “With Graham gone, I need help. I mean, I could probably only bring you on part-time at first, but once I officially take over as sheriff, I might be able to make it full-time. If you’re interested.” She felt a twinge of worry that she was betraying Mary Margaret by asking David to work for her, but he was the only person in Storybrooke she had met who seemed like he would be remotely useful in the job. Mary Margaret would have to deal.

He grinned. “Well, sure I’m interested, but why me?”

“I don’t know, you seem like you’d be suited for it. And there’s a lot to do and I’m all by myself there; I mean Graham had only hired me a month ago and suddenly I’m in charge.” She clenched her fist, letting the feeling of her fingernails digging into her palm distract from the stress and sadness she was feeling. She forced herself to laugh. “So what do you say? Can I hire you?”

~*~

“I have to admit, I imagined a little more action with this job and a little less reading,” David said, rubbing his eyes with a thumb and forefinger.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Emma said, stretching her back out and trying to find a position where it wouldn’t ache. “This is the only thing I can think to do at this point.” They were carefully going through all of Gold’s real estate holdings, matching them up against records of rental payments from the townspeople of Storybrooke to see if anyone owed Gold money. It was slow and terrifically painstaking work. Hours of reviewing documents had led to a very short list of names, and even those people had only been delayed in a few payments. No one owed Gold money for any length of time, which in and of itself was interesting; with so many tenants, it seemed likely that some fraction of them would have been delinquent in their payments. She wondered what Gold did to get the money he was owed so consistently.

Emma pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to stave off a headache, and flipped to the next deed. It was for a plot of land with a cabin on the property, and the address caught her eye for being quite different from any of the others she had been looking at: 10250 Rt. 83. That couldn’t be anywhere near the rest of the homes in town.

“David, do you see any tenant records for 10250 on Route 83?”

He flipped through the manila folders, then flipped through them a second time. “Nope, none.”

Emma pulled the plat map book that she’d borrowed from the town records office over and studied the index, then turned to the appropriate page. “Huh.”

“What is it?”

Standing up, she carried the book over to the detailed map of Storybrooke that was up on the wall of the sheriff’s station. “Gold had a cabin not that far from where his body was found. A cabin that he didn’t seem to be renting to anyone.”

David stood up and joined her at the map. “Do you think there could be a clue there?”

“Yeah, I mean, he was out there with a shovel, and we still don’t know what he was trying to bury. Maybe there’s a clue at the cabin that will help us understand what happened that day?”

Pulling his coat on, David grinned at her. “Well, what are we waiting for, Sheriff? Let’s go.”

“I’m not the sheriff, not yet. Regina’s already threatened to get someone to run against me,” she said as they climbed into the police cruiser outside the station.

He scoffed. “From what I’ve seen so far, you’re an excellent sheriff, Emma.”

“You’ve been working for me for two days, David.” But still, she couldn’t help smiling as they drove to the outskirts of town.

With David’s help navigating, they found the route to the cabin without too much trouble, pulling onto a dirt track that Emma probably wouldn’t have noticed if they hadn’t been looking for it. At the end of it, they found a rustic cabin, as well as Gold’s black Cadillac.

“Well, that solves that mystery at least,” Emma said. “All this time and no one knew where his car was.”

“How far is this from where the body was found?” David asked.

“Not far,” she said, studying the trail map she’d brought. “It’s maybe a quarter of a mile through those trees,” she said, pointing.

The inside of the cabin was extremely basic. Mostly just a single room with dark paneled walls decorated with deer antlers. Wrinkling her nose, Emma looked around. She couldn’t see any evidence that Gold had left anything here.

“I’ll go check Gold’s car while you look around in here,” David offered, and she agreed.

They found was one small bedroom and a bathroom, but both seemed as barren and unlived in as the rest of the cabin. She clicked the light on in the bathroom and took a quick glance around, and was about to turn it back off when something caught her eye. On the tiled floor, next to the sink, was a single, perfect drop of what looked like dried blood. Bingo.

Emma ran for the front door. “David? Get the evidence kits.”

Her hands shook as she pulled the nitrile gloves on, her palms sweating and making it all the more difficult to get the damned things on correctly. Finally, she managed it, and dropped to her knees, photographing the droplet of blood from several angles before she carefully scraped it up into a small plastic tube that she could cap and label. David watched her from the doorway to the bathroom.

“Wow, you really know what you’re doing,” he commented.

She laughed uneasily. “Not really, but I fake it pretty well. Do you see any more blood anywhere?”

“No.” They both looked around before agreeing that there were no more droplets of blood. “So what if it is Gold’s blood? He owned this cabin; what will that prove?”

“Nothing, but maybe it’s not Gold’s blood. Maybe it’s the killer’s blood. Maybe they fought and Gold managed to injure the person who attacked him.” Emma stood up. “Okay, let me spray the luminol.”

David handed it to her out of the bag. “Go for it.”

Emma sprayed the sink and the floor around the sink with luminol before handing it back to David, who held up the black light and turned it on. “Okay, here goes nothing,” she said, flipping off the light switch.

They both stared at the sink for a while. “Holy shit,” Emma finally said.

“I’d say someone washed off a lot of blood here,” David commented. The basin of the sink glowed blue. As did several spots on the floor. Emma took pictures of all of it before they turned the lights back on.

“So whoever killed Gold came to the nearest place they could to clean up, and washed the blood off their hands here,” she said, pacing back into the main part of the cabin and pulling her gloves off.

“Looks like it.”

“Okay, let’s back up a minute. Gold drove out here because he wanted to dig something up or bury something, right? So how did the killer find him? Was it someone Gold trusted, did they come in his car together?”

“Maybe the killer followed Gold out here in another car?” David asked, running a hand through his hair.

“That could be.” She took a breath and let it out. “So I just have to check every car in Storybrooke for any additional blood traces.” Emma dropped onto the sofa and put her head in her hands.

They searched the rest of the cabin but didn’t turn up anything else. The initial rush that had come with discovering the cabin and Gold’s car and the blood drained away, leaving Emma feeling tired and hollowed out. For as much as they’d learned, she didn’t feel like she was any closer to finding the murderer.

Chapter 6

#csbb #cs ff #captain swan ff #this graceful path fic #my fic

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SWIMMING POOL SHADES

Many Ways to Cover Your Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool Shades Ideas Guide

When you think of a pool, it’s natural to think of sunshine. Pools are a hallmark of the summer months, keeping families and homeowners outdoors and entertained during hot and sunny weather. For more and more pool lovers, grabbing a bit of shade is becoming a priority. Whether it’s from concern over UV exposure, a need to find some respite from the hot midday sun, or simply to avoid a sunburn, many pool owners are turning to shade solutions for their pools.

Installing a shade structure over pool can deliver a range of benefits beyond UV protection and relief from the rays. Today’s shade structures can be great aesthetic additions to a pool, giving you a bit of ambiance and style. And with well-structured, large-scale permanent structures, you’ll also be adding value to your home. Let’s take a look at the seven best pool shade ideas:

Swimming Pool Shades Sails

Swimming Pool Shades sails are increasingly popular options that give a truly modern look to a pool. These interestingly shaped sails can be placed in an array of unique angles, giving a pool a very edgy and modern look. The downside of shade sails is that they can give inconsistent shade (requiring several shades to cover an entire section of a pool) and because they have to resist high winds, can be surprisingly expensive.

Swimming Pool Shades Pergolas

A pergola can provide ambient shade with just the right amount of filtered light over a pool. Placing a pergola over one end of a pool can also create a great, visual centerpiece. Today’s pergolas are made from quality woods and add value to your home, provided you know what to specify. Read our guide on pergola building materials for more information.

Retractable

"Swimming Pool Shades"

Canopies

Retractable shade canopies are probably the most comprehensive shade solution for a pool, capable of delivering reliable sun protection to an entire section of a pool with ease. These large canopies run across the pool along beams spanned between support posts on each side of the pool, giving homeowners an easy and very stylish way to shade a pool. The retractable option is a necessity. Otherwise, you might as well have an indoor pool. See more photos of the project above.

Swimming Pool Shades Umbrellas

Los Angeles Times Home of the Week in Tongan

Sometimes the traditional answers are the best. Freestanding umbrellas, such as the ones that have provided shade by pools for decades now, are a great option for those who want flexible and movable shade. An umbrella placed on the side of the pool can provide a modicum of shade for those in the water and out and homeowners can place them wherever they like, adjusting them with the movement of the sun throughout the day. The downside is they look unseemly when closed.

Swimming Pool Shades

Ideas Cantilevered

Weather Safe

Cantilevers are shade structures similar to canopies that use just a single support structure on one side. Support posts are driven into the cement around the pool; horizontal, with a canopy, extend over the pool from these vertical support posts, providing shade for poolside guests and those in the water.

Swimming Pool Shades Retractable Enclosures

Endless Summer

A large-scale solution that offers a good deal of flexibility and that might have appeal for many homeowners is a retractable enclosure. These enclosures are skeletal structures constructed from a series of arched trusses that nest into each other when retracted. Retractable shades run between each section of the enclosure, providing as much or as little shade as homeowners want any moment of the day.

Swimming Pool Shades side Freestanding Structures

For those who don’t want to shade the pool itself but still want a refuge from the sun, a shade pergola can be a good option. You can place one of these freestanding structures right next to a pool, placing lounge chairs and other outdoor accessories in it to create a relaxing enclave. Enjoy as much sun as you like on the water, then retreat to this comfortable and shady spot to enjoy conversation, relaxation, and even drinks with family and friends.

Whether you are looking for a lightweight answer such as a shade sail or a more permanent option such as a pergola, you have a wide array of options available to you today. Look for shade options that use the latest technology in terms of material, so that you get the greatest value and a shade solution that protects you from harmful UV rays well into the future.

Do you have your own shade ideas for the pool? Let us know your own creative solutions to pool shade in the comments below.

MORE DETAILS.

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Address: 6 Street #43 - Sharjah United Arab Emirates.

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Polyfab

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www.synthesisfabrics.comCommercial

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HDPE

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theonyxpath · 7 years

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Hi, everyone! Rich and Lisa are on vacation this week. Eddy sometimes picks up the slack when they’re gone, but he’s also on vacation, so I leaped at the opportunity to make a fool of myself here in my inaugural MMN post. So fair warning: if you have any questions about the minutiae of our different projects, my answer is probably going to be some variant of “gosh, I don’t know, but I’ll talk to Rich when he gets back.” Consequently, this post will probably be shorter than Rich’s posts tend to be.

Gen Con 50 looms ever closer, a mere ten days away (thus eight or nine days until we leave for Indianapolis), and we’re totally not panicking. At least, some of us aren’t. The Gen Con Twitter account announced earlier that almost all passes are completely sold out: they expect to sell out of their remaining Friday passes this week. So clearly, this year’s Gen Con is going to be huge. I have no idea how many passes are available in total, but there were just shy of 61,000 attendees last year. It’s crazy to think that there won’t actually be a booth from which to buy passes at the show, because all of them are already gone. We hope to see you there!

Those of you who have gone in recent years may remember the limited promotional buttons we’ve had on hand, such as the Pugmire breeds and callings or Scion 2nd Edition’s pantheons. This year’s buttons may be of interest to fans of the Trinity Continuum‘s Æon setting. If you’re not, fear not: other designs will still be available, as long as our limited supplies last.

Speaking of which, last year’s Storypath System Preview makes a return, although where last year’s was focused on Scion, this year’s is focused on the Trinity Continuum. The contents are similar, just with a different flavour. The cover illustration is absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

What I will share is this illustration from that upcoming preview. She occupies the same conceptual space as the Lara Crofts and Nathan Drakes of the world, in search of ancient artifacts and tomes of knowledge, armed with nothing but her wits (and maybe a sidearm or two). I haven’t named her yet, but she doubtless works with the Global Cartography Initiative. Or perhaps even Les Fantômes.

She’s the very first illustration made for the modern-day Trinity Continuum setting. She’s illustrated by the returning Leif Jones, who was one of the key artists who helped establish the look of both Trinity and Aberrant when they were originally released 20 years ago.

Gen Con prep aside, Saturday we wrapped up our Kickstarter for Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras 2, the sequel to our previous Dark Eras, and we closed with $60,593 of our original $40,000 goal! Thanks to everyone who contributed. We achieved a few extra eras out of stretch goals, and some of our backers will either expand on those eras or resurrect others from the polls we ran. We’re looking forward to seeing how the book comes together! As always, watch this space for more details as development continues.

The Dark Eras 2 Kickstarter was the first place we revealed the Deviant skull, which Rich posted last week, but I thought was cool enough that I’ll post it again. Also, I don’t have access to Rich’s vast store of yet-unpublished art so I’m trying to jazz this up as best as I can. Here’s that delicious Deviant teaser text again:

You woke up…different. Someone changed you; on a slab, an operating table, an altar. By luck or by fate, you escaped. Hunted by the ones who made you, they hold all the cards. Except one thing, what they don’t know is that a fire burns within you because what they did wasn’t right. What they don’t know is that YOU’RE hunting THEM.

Deviant presents a game where the victims of experiments band together to bring down the monolithic organizations that twisted and warped them.

Finally, I think I heard Mike say that the last couple of standalone chapters from Dark Eras will be ready for sale this Wednesday, but don’t quote me on that. I’m not sure if we’re going to have anything up for sale next Wednesday, because we’ll all be busy setting up our booth in Indianapolis, but we’ll at least be posting our 2017-2018 brochure sometime over the weekend, and I know you’re all looking forward to that.

I have no idea how Rich organizes the Blurbs section or how long he decides to keep something posted, so rather than risk his great and terrible wrath, I’ll just leave it as-is. Production status below has been kept with the same format, although the information’s been updated accordingly.

And, to channel the late Walter Cronkite, that’s the way it is. See you all next week!

BLURBS!

ON SALE!

ON AMAZON:

We’re delighted to announce the opening of our ebook store on Amazon! You can now read our fiction from the comfort and convenience of your Kindle. Our initial selection includes these fiction anthologies: Vampire: the Masquerade‘s Endless Ages, Werewolf: The Apocalypse 20th Anniversary Edition‘s Rites of Renown: When Will You Rage 2, Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition‘s Truth Beyond Paradox, Chronicles of Darkness‘ God Machine Chronicle, Mummy: The Curse‘s Curse of the Blue Nile, and Beast: The Primordial‘s The Primordial Feast!

And now you can get these books in the Barnes and Noble Nook store too!

Vampire: The Masquerade: The Endless Ages Anthology

Werewolf: The Apocalypse: Rites of Renown: When Will You Rage II

Mage: The Ascension: Truth Beyond Paradox

Chronicles of Darkness: The God-Machine Chronicle Anthology

Mummy: The Curse: Curse of the Blue Nile

Beast: The Primordial: The Primordial Feast Anthology

And here are six more fiction books:

Vampire: The Masquerade: Of Predators and Prey: The Hunters Hunted II Anthology

Werewolf: The Apocalypse: The Poison Tree

Werewolf: The Apocalypse: Songs of the Sun and Moon: Tales of the Changing Breeds

Vampire: The Requiem: The Strix Chronicle Anthology

Werewolf: The Forsaken: The Idigam Chronicle Anthology

Mage: The Awakening: The Fallen World Chronicle Anthology

Andand six more more:

Vampire: The Masquerade: The Beast Within Anthology (Kindle, Nook)

Werewolf: The Apocalypse: W20 Cookbook (Kindle, Nook)

Exalted: Tales from the Age of Sorrows (Kindle, Nook)

Chronicles of Darkness: Tales of the Dark Eras (Kindle, Nook)

Promethean: The Created: The Firestorm Chronicle Anthology (Kindle, Nook)

Demon: The Descent: Demon: Interface (Kindle, Nook)

Looking for our Deluxe or Prestige Edition books? Here’s the link to the press release we put out about how Onyx Path is now selling through Indie Press Revolution: http://ift.tt/1ZlTT6z

You can now order wave 2 of our Deluxe and Prestige print overrun books, including Deluxe Mage 20th Anniversary, and Deluxe V20 Dark Ages! And Screens…so many Screens!

ON DRIVETHRURPG.COM:

This Wednesday we will be adding new Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras shirts to our RedBubble store! Now you can support your favorite game lines in their historical versions!

Satyr Phil Brucato beckons you once more into the Annex of Mage: The Ascension with this 300 page follow-up to M20. The M20 Book of Secrets is NOW on sale in PDF and PoD versions at DTRPG.com! http://ift.tt/2tKyJtb

More Than Magick

For mages who think they have everything, this trove of treasures expands upon the wealth of material presented throughout Mage: The Ascension’s 20th Anniversary Edition. New Traits, new rules, essays, answers, information… the Secrets are revealed within.

Enter the Annex

Building upon the M20 core rulebook, this Book of Secrets features updated rules and setting material, such as…

An M20 FAQ Genres & Resources

Matters of Focus Justice & Influence

New Abilities, Archetypes, Merits & Flaws

Expanded Rules for Combat, Resonance, Wonders, Computer Systems, and More

This Ascension Continues…

Chomping it’s way to you comes the Dagger of Spiragos adventure PDF for Scarred Lands! This second in the Spiragos trilogy for levels 4-6 is now in both 5e and Pathfinder PDF versions on DriveThruRPG.com!

PF: http://ift.tt/2uvy38a

5e: http://ift.tt/2uS6FDT

The Titans’ Relics Must Be Destroyed!

Artifacts from the fallen titan Spiragos have been recovered, and forces are at work that would see them used for ill. The Dagger of Spiragos and the Ring of Spiragos are now in the player characters’ hands — and they must do what they can to rid Scarn of the foul relics of the titans, whatever the cost!

What Came Before

Dagger of Spiragos is a sequel to the 2014 Gen Con Scarred Lands Special Preview adventure, Gauntlet of Spiragos (available as a free download on DriveThruRPG. com and RPGnow.com). It is also the second adventure in the Spiragos Saga, with Ring of Spiragos, the dramatic finale, as the third and culminating title.

In Gauntlet of Spiragos, the PCs traveled to the legendary Chasm of Flies, where they discovered a tribe of spider-eye goblins who possessed relics of their fallen master, Spiragos. Now, with those items in hand, the PCs travel to the city of Fangsfall, where they must seek aid in destroying the foul objects.

But others wish to possess these items, too,

Sailing out of the dark, the V20 Dark Ages Companion PDF and physical book PoD versions are going on sale Wednesday on DriveThruRPG.com! http://ift.tt/2pX42dq

Travel the long roads and deep seas in search of power and experience danger, or tackle the wilderness to hunt monsters and face death. Settlements large and small dot the black expanse with the promise of sanctuary, life, and community. These bastions of civilization present cold comfort, when playing host to vampire warlords and sadistic Cainite faiths. Whether led by a Prince, a coordinated belief, or hounded by monsters from without and within — no domain is truly the same as another.

Dark Ages Companion includes:

• Domains scattered across the world, from small fiefdoms to massive cities. Bath, Bjarkarey, Constantinople, Rome, Mogadishu, and Mangaluru each receive coverage.

• Apocrypha including plot hooks, new Paths, and mysteries to explore in your games.

• A how-to guide on building a domain within your chronicle, including events and servants necessary to make a domain as functional or dysfunctional as you wish.

• A study on warfare in the Dark Ages period, so combat in your chronicles can gain authenticity and lethality.

From the Primordial to your Chronicles, Beast‘s Building a Legend has risen in PDF and PoD formats on DTRPG.com!

http://ift.tt/2u1BBkU

CREATING A CHRONICLE IS REWARDING…

…so why should the Storyteller have all the fun?

The whole troupe should get in on the action, making for a chronicle that reflects the preferences and predilections of all the players.

Building a Legend is a guide for doing exactly that — making a cohesive chronicle, starting with character creation, for Beast: The Primordial. It includes advice on creating Storyteller characters, folding in real world history, and populating the Primordial Dream.

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Requiem for Regina (Vampire: The Requiem Elizabethan London 1593). We have shared the world with monsters for millennia. In Elizabeth’s London, vampires built their own empire brick by bloody brick while Elizabeth I cemented her grip on newly Protestant England. Carefully balancing demands from those with Catholic and Lutheran sympathies, she forged a police state. Yet London emerged as a thriving cultural center, and from the crucible emerged a Kindred society forever changed.

http://ift.tt/2sl0Zh4

On sale in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG!

What dark secrets do the eldest vampires hold? Find out in Thousand Years of Night for Vampire: The Requiem! Advance PDF version available now on DriveThruRPG.com. http://ift.tt/2sV8lZR

You may think that with a multitude of people coming, going, dying and running away, we’d be tired, done, or ready to give up. Instead, I find myself restless, looking for the next thing. There’s always a next thing, and I for one am not yet ready to die.

– Elder Kincaid, Daeva Crone

This book includes:

• Detailed instructions on creating elder vampires, including how to base chronicles around them

• A look into the lives of elders, how they spend their nights, who they work with, and why including their roles in both their clans and covenants

• New Devotions, Merits, and Rituals for elder vampires

• The kinds of creatures that pose a threat to elder vampires, including Inamorata, Lamia, Sons of Phobos, a new elder conspiracy, and more

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: To The Strongest (Mage Death of Alexander 330-320 BCE). In the rise and fall of Alexander the Great’s Empire, armies marched and cultures clashed. In the birth pangs of Hellenistic civilization, Awakened sorcerers all over the ancient world met, fought, and joined together. In the chaos of Alexander’s assassination and the wars that followed, Cults became Orders amid conflicts still burning in the present day.

http://ift.tt/2tmTVl6

On sale in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG!

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Three Kingdoms of Darkness (Changeling and Geist China 220-280). Famine weakens the empire, and war splits it apart. It is an age of ambition and strife, where the hungry dead walk the earth in great numbers, and the Lost must rely on their own kingdoms. Warlords and commoners, ghost-speakers and orphans — who truly serves the Mandate of Heaven?

On sale in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG! http://ift.tt/2rp8hPL

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: The Wolf and the Raven (Werewolf and Geist Vikings 700-1100). The Viking expansion across Europe comes at a pivotal time in history, as new faiths rose to challenge the old and new ways threatened to sweep ancient tradition aside. The Forsaken sail with raiders and explorers, seeking new lands to claim and new spirits to conquer, while Sin-Eaters walk the battlefields bringing the honored dead to their final rewards. The world grows larger and more dangerous by the day, but there are great rewards for those brave enough to fight for them.

On sale in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG! http://ift.tt/2rUjKtX

Curated by Matthew McFarland, developer of Changeling: the Dreaming Twentieth Anniversary Edition and featuring authors such as Myranda Kalis, Wren Handman, and Peter Woodworth, this C20 Anthology of Dreams is on sale in electronic/PDF and physical copy PoD formats on DTRPG.com! http://ift.tt/2snBT0X

We dream, and we tell stories. We dream of love and the sort of person who might complete us. We dream of horror and wake breathless. We dream of magic, of flying through the air, or breathing underwater. We dream of fantastic vistas and amazing monsters.

We dream, and then we wake, and we tell stories. Our dreams create the Kithain, the changelings. Our stories are sustenance.

CONVENTIONS!

Gen Con 50 IS IN TEN DAYS. August 17th – 20th, Indianapolis. Our booth will actually be 20′ x 30′ this year that we’ll be sharing with Nocturnal Media and White Wolf. We’re looking at new displays this year, like a back drop and magazine racks for the brochure(s). FYI, the con is almost entirely sold out for the first time ever! Here’s the map again of where we’ll be:

In November, we’ll be at Game Hole Con in Madison, WI. More news as we have it, and here’s their website: http://ift.tt/RIm6qP

And now, the new project status updates!

DEVELOPMENT STATUS FROM ROLLICKING ROSE (projects in bold have changed status since last week):

First Draft (The first phase of a project that is about the work being done by writers, not dev prep)

Trinity Continuum: Aeon Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)

M20 Gods and Monsters (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

M20 Book of the Fallen (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

C20 Novel (Jackie Cassada) (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

Monarchies of Mau (Monarchies of Mau)

Night Horrors: The Tormented (Promethean: The Created 2nd Edition)

Deviant: The Renegades (Deviant: The Renegades)

Redlines

Kithbook Boggans (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

Hunter: the Vigil 2e core (Hunter: the Vigil 2nd Edition)

Exalted 3rd Novel by Matt Forbeck (Exalted 3rd Edition)

The Realm (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Second Draft

WoD Ghost Hunters (World of Darkness)

Pugmire Fiction Anthology (Pugmire)

Ex Novel 2 (Aaron Rosenberg) (Exalted 3rd Edition)

DtD Night Horrors: Enemy Action (Demon: the Descent)

Dragon-Blooded (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Development

Signs of Sorcery (Mage: the Awakening Second Edition)

SL Ring of Spiragos (Pathfinder – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

Ring of Spiragos (5e – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

Pugmire Pan’s Guide for New Pioneers (Pugmire)

Scion: Origin (Scion 2nd Edition)

Scion: Hero (Scion 2nd Edition)

Trinity Continuum Core Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)

GtS Geist 2e core (Geist: the Sin-Eaters Second Edition)

WW Manuscript Approval:

M20 Cookbook (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

C20 Ready Made Characters (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

Editing:

Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition, featuring the Huntsmen Chronicle (Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition)

M20 Cookbook

Post-Editing Development:

W20 Changing Ways (Werewolf: the Apocalypse 20th Anniversary Edition)

Indexing:

ART DIRECTION FROM MIRTHFUL MIKE:

In Art Direction

W20 Pentex Employee Indoctrination Handbook – Ellis is working on painting everything up.

Cavaliers of Mars

Wraith 20

W20 Changing Ways – AD’d and Contracted.

Ex3 Monthly Stuff

VDA Jumpstart

Scion Origins

Ring of Spiragos

Ex 3 Arms of the Chosen – Finals coming in.

Beast PG – Finals rolling in for most of the stuff.

VtR Half Damned – AD’d and Contracted.

Book of Freeholds

Marketing Stuff

In Layout

Prince’s Gambit – New Cards out for playtesting.

Beckett’s Jyhad Diary – Working up a test chapter this week.

Proofing

M20 Art Book – In progress…

At Press

Beckett Screen – Shipped to shipper.

Scarred Land PGs & Wise and the Wicked PF & 5e

Mau Wallpaper

Monarchies of Mau Early Access

Dark Eras: Lily Sabre and Thorn

Dark Eras: A Grimm Dark Era

VTR: Thousand Years of Night

Gen Con 2017 Brochure

Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition) – PoD uploaded and processing…

C20 Jumpstart PDF

CtL Huntsmen Chronicle Anthology PDF

TODAY’S REASON TO CELEBRATE: 1976: Viking 2 enters orbit around Mars. The Viking orbiters and landers revolutionized our ideas about the geology of Mars and the historical presence of water.

#Onyx Path Publishing

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