Finding You Always
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Chapter 191: Never Smile at a Crocodile
Snow shifted in her sleep and began to toss, as a nightmare assaulted her subconscious. She had been having them now almost every night and they were becoming more vivid each time.
~*~
Snow was huddled in the tiny room, crying, as she heard the footsteps coming down the hall. She knew what that meant. More meds to cloud her head and give her night terrors. She glanced out the barred window into the night sky, pleading to the stars.
"Charming...please find me," she begged, as her cell door slammed open.
"He doesn't remember you and never will. No one is coming for you...Ms. Blanchard," the Collector said smugly, as the orderlies filed into the room.
"No...I'm not taking those pills!" she protested and then cried out, as the two orderlies man handled her. She felt pain, as her back hit the wall and she choked, as one of them put a hand around her neck, intending to force the little white pills down her throat.
"Gentlemen...you're being much too rough," a new voice said and this one sent cold chills down her spine
"Ah...Dr. Jekyll, what a pleasant surprise," the Collector greeted.
"Please...allow me to administer a different type of treatment," he said, as he entered the room and adjusted his glasses. There was a hungry gleam in his eyes, like a predator eyeing its prey. The orderlies released her, but their grip was replaced by Jekyll's and his inhuman strength proved to be too much to get away from.
"Lovely Snow...I've waited so long for this and without your dimwitted husband to interfere, I shall finally have you," he hissed. The Collector smirked.
"We'll leave you to it, Doctor," the Collector said, as they left.
"No...please don't do this…" Snow pleaded and her scream was blood curdling, as her protest was ignored and another cackle caught her attention, as the doctor prepared to violate her.
"Poor...poor Snow White…" the Evil Queen cooed, as she stared down at her with a cruel smirk.
"If you don't mind...this is not something I wish to have an audience for," Jekyll snapped, as tears clouded Snow's vision and tears streamed down her face.
"Fine, fine...but I had to see her face, just before you ruin her. It's finally happening...you're finally paying for everything you did to me!" the Queen snapped.
"You deserve this…" the Queen hissed. But Snow was tired of being blamed for something that really wasn't her fault.
"No...no I don't!" she cried to the Queen, as she found the strength to push the doctor off and tore away from him. She ran down the corridor and away from her attackers. She looked back to find the Collector, Jekyll, and the Queen all chasing her.
"Snow…" she heard her husband's voice call and her heart fluttered.
"Charming!" she cried, as she looked for him, but couldn't find him.
"Snow!" he called.
"Charming...where are you?!" she cried, as her vision went blank.
~*~
"Snow...Snow wake up…" he urged, as he held her thrashing form.
"Snow!" he cried, hating that she was locked in yet another night terror. But when his voice couldn't break through, he did the thing he knew would and kissed her passionately. Her eyes opened wide, as he released her from the terror in her own mind and she kissed him back just as passionately, until they were breathless. When their lips parted, he held her and was ready for the tears that hit his skin, as she cried on his shoulder. He gently rocked her in his arms and kissed her hair, as he ran a soothing hand along her back.
"I'm here, my darling...I'm here…" he promised.
"Why does this keep happening?" she sniffed, as he cupped her face in his hand.
"You've been through so much...and it's all just built up I think," he said.
"Maybe we should postpone the rest of the trip for a few days so you can go home and talk to Archie," he suggested.
"No...not yet. I'm not going to let them do this to me," she refuted.
"We only have a few more Kingdoms and I want to finish this. I need to finish this," she insisted. He sighed.
"Okay...but the minute we get home, you're making an appointment with Archie. I'm worried about you," he said. She smiled and cuddled against him.
"I know...but I'm going to be fine, as long as I have you here to hold me. I'm just sorry I keep waking you up in the middle of the night," she replied.
"I'm not...I just wish I could spare you from this. I hate what you had to go through in Seattle and Jekyll and the Queen before that," he lamented.
"But I got through it, because I have you. This is just...well, I guess some unfortunate residual effects. But I know that I'm going to be fine, because of you," she assured. He smiled at her and pressed his forehead against hers.
"Wanna get better than fine?" he purred in a husky tone. She bit her bottom lip and grinned up at him.
"Mmm...what do you think?" she purred back. He grinned and shifted her into his lap, so he was sitting back on his haunches and she now straddled his lap. He gazed up at her with so much love and passion that it took her breath away. He kissed her deeply and his hands slipped beneath her nightgown, resting firmly on her hips.
"David…" she breathed, as their lips parted briefly and she raised her arms so he could discard her nightgown, leaving her bare, except for her panties. His eyes glazed, as he stared at her like she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen and to him, she was. Her every nerve lit on fire at his touch and she knew he could make love to her for eternity and she would never get enough of him.
"I love you…" she said breathlessly, as she pressed her forehead against his.
"And I you...my beautiful Snow…" he whispered back, as their lips met again and her breathing soon came in ragged gasps, as he kissed her throat, while his hands roamed her body. Her legs parted around his waist, as he lay her down on her back. She gasped at each touch, first to his hand cupping her breast and then his other hand sliding down her hip. His passionate gaze made her heart quicken and arousal heighten. He lovingly caressed her cheek, cupping it tenderly, before kissing her again. She moaned into his kiss, as he pushed inside her. Their lips parted and Snow panted in impassioned gasps, as he began deep, gliding thrusts. As always, the passion between them was nothing short of ethereal and on a level beyond most. They made love until they were sated and spent and falling apart in each other's arms. When sleep finally took them again, Snow slept peacefully and uninterrupted in the safety and security of her beloved's arms.
~*~
The next morning, Paul and Eva waited outside the diner for Whale after breakfast.
"If he's hungover, I swear to the Gods, I'm going to punch him out," Paul said impatiently.
"Don't worry, after Aunt Regina heard he crapped out last night with his own people, she put the fear of the Evil Queen in him that he better show up and contribute or else," Eva replied.
"And I meant it...you two pick up enough of his slack at the hospital," Regina said, as she and Robin came out of the diner.
"No worries...I'm here and ready to take another crack at it, so to speak," Whale interjected, as he arrived.
"You're sober...wonders never cease," Robin muttered.
"Well, I was threatened, which wasn't appreciated, but heeded. But I have to warn you...I don't think even Dr. Perfect can convince the medical board where I come from. They're a bunch of close minded fools," Whale warned.
"Well, to be fair to them, last time they dealt with you, you were doing experiments on your dead brother and turned him into a mindless monster," Paul reminded.
"Turning my brother into a monster was never my intention," he snapped, but then calmed himself.
"And if you think they thought what I do is mad, then they'll deem her a witch the minute they see her heal anyone. Her rainbow kisses attitude won't endear them at all," he warned.
"My Eva has a way with people and you're kind of a jackass, so I'll take any bet you want to make. They're going to love her," Paul insisted, as Eva looked up at him with a dreamy stare. Whale rolled his eyes.
"I see you two take pointers from all that gooey stuff like her parents. This will be a fun trip," he complained.
"No drinking," Regina warned, as they prepared to depart.
"Fine...but you can't stop me from getting hammered when we get back," Whale retorted, as Paul tossed the bean and they stepped through the portal.
~*~
Despite Snow's nightmare and their subsequent romantic romp in the middle of the night, they still managed to get an early start. They said their goodbyes and arrived in the Kingdom of the Southern Isles that morning, knowing very little about it, other than they had a bad seed by the name of Hans.
Luckily, he was the youngest brother and it was the eldest that had taken the Throne after the death of King Francis. They knew next to nothing about King Magnus and his Queen, but were hoping for the best.
As they arrived at the gates of the palace, they explained who they were and were surprisingly granted an audience immediately.
They were led through the hallowed halls of the palace and noticed the portraits that lined the walls. They recognized one of the late and brash King Francis. Next in the portraits were his thirteen sons, including the youngest, Hans. They really had no idea what to expect. The fact that they were being given an audience so quickly was a good sign, but they were both wary that this Kingdom could potentially cause trouble.
King Magnus had reddish brown hair, complete with a full beard and was dressed in white and gold royal garb. Next to him was a middle aged woman with strawberry blonde hair, now streaked with white, that Snow actually recognized.
"Oh my God...I don't believe it. I know her," she whispered to her husband.
"Really?" he asked. They had been together many years so he naturally surmised that this was someone she knew before him.
"She was Johanna's younger half sister," Snow replied.
"Oh...well, that's good, right?" he asked.
"No...I hated her. She used to tutor me and put me through princess lessons, which were hell. She used to scold me for playing in the garden with birds and flowers," Snow whispered. He chuckled.
"My Snow...even then you digging in the dirt and talking to birds," he teased and she elbowed him.
"What? I love it...you don't really think I'd be happy with some dainty flower, do you?" he questioned, as he kissed her temple.
"My wife is beautiful and she can snap a bone when she needs to," he added, making her smile.
"Baby…" she cooed, as he slipped his arm around her waist. They stepped forward with the children and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesties...thank you for agreeing to meet with us on such short notice," Snow addressed.
"We were eager to welcome you to our Kingdom, especially since my wife, Queen Freya, said that you are acquainted," Magnus responded. Snow nodded.
"Yes...it's wonderful to see you again, Freya. This is quite a surprise," Snow mentioned.
"It is indeed...I've heard much about you. These must be your children...is it true they have magic?" she asked, with great interest.
"Um...yes it is," Snow said, a bit uncomfortably.
"How delightful...you certainly have done well," she mentioned. It was said with a note of surprise, which made her bristle, just like it had in her youth.
"It appears you have as well," she said.
"Oh yes...I married up. It's quite the story," Freya replied.
"I'm sure it is, but maybe we should get to the reason we're here," Snow said.
"Oh there's no need...rumors of your visits to other Kingdoms have spread quite rapidly, which is probably good for you. We know that keeping secrets is not your strong suit," Freya replied, brushing her off. Snow faked a laugh and David tightened his grip on his wife's waist.
"You know that bone I can snap...I think it's going to be hers," Snow muttered to him.
"As entertaining as that would be...it wouldn't be productive," he whispered back, with a chuckle.
"Then you know of our plan to unite the realms?" David questioned.
"Yes...we have heard and Freya and I are quite intrigued. We agree that we would like to be a part of this endeavor," Magnus answered.
"Excellent...then I guess we can be on our way," David said, as they offered a respective bow.
"Oh...you won't stay for a while?" Freya questioned.
"Oh...I'm afraid we have many more visits to make," Snow replied.
"Which is good for you, because I really want you to know what I really think of you," she muttered and David coughed to keep from laughing.
"We understand, but is it true that your eldest son is courting the Queen of Arendelle? The one that talks to critters?" Freya asked.
"Uh oh…" David muttered.
"Danger…" Summer said.
"Red alert…" Bobby added, as Snow clenched her fists.
"It is...our Leo is quite in love with Queen Elsa," Snow said, through clenched teeth.
"Oh how lovely...two misfits finding love. How wonderful…" Freya gushed, but all Snow heard was condescension.
"Oh...that bone is about to be snapped," she growled and he held her around the waist.
"Yes...well, we should really be going now. Lots of other Kingdoms to visit…" David said, as he kept a firm hold on her and led her out of their Throne room.
"Ugh...of all the people, it had to be that woman...she's horrible," Snow complained.
"She is," David agreed.
"I really want to punch her," Snow said.
"I know, but we both know that wouldn't be productive," he reminded, as Magnus saw them out.
"Thank you for this rare opportunity, Your Majesties and for not holding young Hans' actions against our Kingdom. I assure you that he is being closely monitored and has been harshly scolded," Magnus assured.
"It would be wrong to hold the actions of one against an entire Kingdom," David said, as they shook hands and David gave him a very firm grip.
"Besides...my army is going to soon be led by an Asgardian warrior and all our children have an abundance of magic, so it wouldn't be wise for Hans...or anyone else to try anything," David said, throwing out the thinly veiled warning and Magnus definitely caught his drift.
"Yes...that would be very stupid," he agreed, as they left.
"Well that one was uncomfortable," Bobby said once they were out of earshot. David chuckled.
"Yeah...but I think the next one will be a bit more fun," he said, as he tossed the bean down.
"Where are we going now, Daddy?" Summer asked.
"Neverland," he answered, as she lit up.
"Tigerlily?" she asked in excitement.
"Yep, let's go," he replied, as they walked through the portal.
~*~
"That is quite the fascinating story, my friend…" Thor mentioned, as they walked alongside each other. Fandral nodded.
"Yes...it has been quite a life. I never thought I'd settle down, but the moment I met Rose, everything changed," he replied.
"And you really got turned into a bear?" Thor teased.
"I knew you'd enjoy that part, but yes...an evil little gnome cursed me. He was trying to help Rose's evil Uncle marry her off to a rich Lord for money so she couldn't take the Kingdom from him," Fandral replied.
"And then it was a kiss that broke the curse?" Thor asked, a little disbelieving at that part.
"Not just any kiss...true love's kiss. It's rather a big deal where we come from, in our realm, and the others in our sector," he corrected.
"And this realm, yours and the one you visited, is made up of people from fairy tales?" he asked, trying to wrap his head around that.
"Yes...to this world and our version of Midgard, they are all fiction. But as Rose and I have learned that in our guardianship of the library of all realms of story, everything that has been written in story is likely real somewhere. Some are just a bit more well known and popular than others," he explained.
"And this other Midgard...this Storybrooke has two people that look almost identical to you and your Rose?" Thor questioned.
"Indeed...they are leaders of their respective Kingdom and good friends. They were the first in almost a thousand years in any of our nine realms to share true love's kiss. The Goddess Aphrodite champions them, just as Hermes champions Rose and me," he continued.
"Truly fascinating...perhaps I will visit this new home of yours. It sounds grand," Thor mentioned, as they looked out over the place that was now Asgard. It was simple and had a beauty that could definitely be appreciated. But it was a far cry from the golden palace they had grown up in during their youth.
"We would love for you to visit us, as often as you'd like. You'd certainly be a most welcome and honored guest," Fandral agreed, as they caught up to his family and Sif, who was showing them around.
"Papa...is that really where you used to live?" Ben asked, as they were all admiring the very large portrait that a talented Asgardian artist had painted. And that painting was displayed in a shrine to the fallen, including Thor's parents, Loki, and Heimdall.
"It is...that was our home," Fandral recalled fondly.
"I miss Heimdall," Carina mentioned, as she sided up to her father.
"We all do, princess," he agreed.
"Indeed...he was a good friend," Thor said sorrowfully.
"Is your brother really gone too?" Fandral asked. Thor snorted, almost in amusement, but more so in sorrow.
"I'm afraid this one might actually be permanent...no resurrections this time," he replied and then gestured to another painting, depicting the Warriors Three among the fallen.
"We'll have to have that one redone," Thor mentioned.
"Unfortunately...Volstagg and Hogun were not blessed with the same good fortune that I was. In a way, the Warriors Three is dead. I'm just Fandral now, husband and father. It's more than I ever thought I'd have and I will never take it for granted," Fandral stated.
"Very wise, my friend...never take anything for granted," Thor agreed, as Rose put her arms around her husband and rested her head on his shoulder. Sif smiled.
"I have asked the kitchen staff to prepare a grand dinner for us. We haven't had much to celebrate lately and finding out at least one of our oldest friends indeed survived, I thought it was definitely a cause for celebration," she suggested.
"Yes...I agree. This calls for a grand celebration," Thor agreed, as Ben tugged on his mother's dress and she leaned down so he could whisper something to her. She smiled.
"It's okay sweetie...you can ask him yourself," she urged.
"Yes, young one...I may be the mighty Thor, but Valkyrie insists that I'm quite childlike, which I'm just realizing is not the compliment I took it for," he said, with mild confusion and aghast.
"Well, you were drunk when I said that," she defended herself.
"That was weeks ago," he protested. She rolled her eyes.
"You've been drunk a while," she reminded, as the God of Thunder knelt down before the children.
"Well...we know you're said…" Ari said.
"But we were wondering if you could tell us stories about battles you've been in and places you've gone," Ben added.
"But only if it doesn't make you too sad," Ari added, as Rose and Fandral shared a smile.
"I would love to tell you stories, young ones. Telling my stories actually makes me less sad," he agreed, as they moved on from the shrine and prepared to enjoy a grand meal together.
~*~
"Captain...remind me why we're doing this again?" Smee asked, as they carried out yet another inspection on the latest fishing liner. Killian rolled his eyes.
"Because this is the job of the Harbor Master, Mr. Smee, which is me now and you are part of my staff," Killian explained.
"I know, Captain...but this sure is taking some getting used to. I mean...you used to hate any port authorities and the will they imposed upon sailors," Smee complained. Killian sighed.
"I realize that, Mr. Smee...but I am a changed man now and security is important, in order to protect our town. I have a family now, you know," he reminded.
"Yes...I guess I just miss the old days when we pillaged ships, not inspecting them. And the days where we smuggled riches and did not look for contraband," Smee complained.
"There was a time that I thought my life was to be spent forever at sea...but that was a hollow life, Mr. Smee," he replied.
"Then...you're not yet bored with domestic life?" Smee asked, seeming confused by that.
"Hardly...there's barely a dull moment in the Charming family and even when there is, we welcome it. Especially now that I have my daughter back and my wife," he replied.
"Plus...this job is very important and will soon keep us even busier. We will be in charge of the port for all the realms soon and keeping the waters safe for all," he added.
"Then you really think your in-laws can do what they are planning?" Smee asked.
"I've seen that chalice do some incredible things. If they say it's possible...then it is," Killian replied.
"Papa!" Alice called and he turned to see Emma and Alice there. He smiled and hopped down from the ship he was on.
"You have time for lunch?" Emma asked, as she held up some bags from Granny's. He smiled and kissed her tenderly.
"Always," he said, as he put his arms around both of them and they proceeded to the Jolly Roger.
"Carry on with the inspection, Mr. Smee...I'll be back in an hour or so," he called, as they boarded his ship and enjoyed lunch.
Killian chuckled, as Emma polished off her second order of onion rings and she smiled coyly at him.
"What?" she asked.
"I know you love your onion rings, but usually one order satisfies you," he replied.
"Well, I'm extra hungry today. Good thing Frankie sent dessert too," she said.
"Easy Swan...if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were eating for two," he joked, as he took a swig from his flask.
"Maybe I am," she teased and stared at him, as he paused mid drink and lowered his flask to look at her seriously.
"What?" he asked.
"I said...maybe I am," she repeated. His mouth was slightly ajar, as he attempted to wrap his mind around it.
"Emma...are you...I mean...what?" he stammered, making her laugh.
"You're pregnant?" Alice asked in excitement and Emma nodded, as they hugged each other. Emma looked at her husband and watched a grin eclipse his face.
"Really?" he asked.
"Eva confirmed it. We're having a baby," she replied, as they got to their feet and shared a tight hug.
"This is incredible…" he gushed. She smiled.
"Yeah...it is," she agreed, as they hugged Alice between them and celebrated the news that their family was going to grow.
~*~
The portal opened and they looked around the island of Neverland. Pan's island, though he had been gone for many years now, was still a murky, unpleasant jungle. Fortunately, they would not be staying there long and had arrived at the designated spot to summon Tigerlily. They used her signature colorful butterfly messengers to send out their signal and soon saw the boat coming toward them.
"You have returned," Sky Wolf said.
"Yes...we're here to see Tigerlily," Snow replied. The young man nodded, allowing the four of them to board the boat, before he sailed back into the ocean waters that would take them past the barrier and to the island where the immortal tribes dwelled.
~*~
The cauldron boiled almost violently, as Mim added the necessary ingredients for what they were about to do.
"This is risky. Melting down an object of such importance could risk us losing the use of it completely," she warned.
"Do you really think this will work, My Lord?" Mephisto asked, as he stood nearby.
"If anything will allow us to conceal the curse from prying eyes, then it will be this. Losing a gem like Hades' cap of invisibility will be a loss, but I have many other items that can help us in our conquest," Seth responded.
"If this doesn't work...then it's your fault," Mim hissed at the Queen.
"Need I remind you that I'm the reason there will be any curse at all?" The Queen snapped.
"That's the only reason you're even here," Mim complained.
"Ladies please...we girls need to stick together. I, for one, will be very grateful to Gina for getting us out of this place," Amora said, as she dreamed of freedom.
"Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've had a real man and destroyed a relationship, because I've enchanted yet another man away from some little waif that he tried to be faithful to," she added.
"Blowing up relationships? That's really your game?" Regina asked distastefully.
"Oh, it's more fun than you think. I've tempted many a man into my bed, only for him to wake up the next morning and realize what he has done. I've even had an Asgardian or two," she boasted.
"Fascinating, but as much as I'd love to see my step-daughter lose her husband to you, I'm afraid Prince Charming will be one you'll find that can't be tempted," the Queen refuted. Amora snorted.
"There has never been a man I've failed to lure into my bed and I do like a challenge," she replied.
"Besides, even if I fail with this illustrious Prince Charming you've told me about, surely there are many other men and marriages for me to wreck," she added.
"Indeed there are and destroying other families through such means will certainly stick in my step-daughter's craw. She just loves to go on about true love and family and blah, blah, blah. You'll drive her nuts for sure, but I have something else in mind that will rip my step-daughter to shreds...literally," the Queen said.
"Really? Do tell…" Mephisto said, with interest. The Queen smirked.
"It's simple really. Dr. Jekyll's serum separated me from my good half that held me back and I've finally figured out that the only way to destroy Snow...is to let her destroy herself," she said gleefully.
"Then you mean to force your step-daughter to be injected with this drug and unleash her dark side?" Seth questioned with intrigue.
"Yes...that's exactly what I plan to do," she responded
"I'm very intrigued by this serum. Please tell me more," Seth requested and Mim continued to seethe at his attention upon this newcomer, while she slaved away for him at the cauldron.
~*~
Paul and Eva arrived in the Land Without Color and curiously looked at their hands and clothes, instantly noticing that they and everything around them was now shades of white, gray, and black.
"This is so blah...no wonder the people here are stuck in the past," she mentioned.
"Yes...welcome to my homeland, where they give a whole new meaning to fifty shades of gray," Whale joked.
"No doubt...not sure I could get used to this. Even the sun is gray," Paul mentioned, as he looked into the sky. Whale snorted.
"Yes, a light gray sky with a gray ball of sun. This is actually a nice day here. Not a cloud in the sky, which would be much nicer if the sky was blue," he agreed.
"So...perhaps we should start at the University?" Paul suggested.
"It's as good as place as any. You'll find nothing but small minds here," Whale said, as he remained unconvinced that these two would be able to change the opinions of his colleagues.
"We'll see...Charmings have a way about them," Paul replied, as he smiled at his wife.
"Keep telling yourself that. You better keep our bean handy. We'll need to make a quick getaway when they're chasing us with their pitchforks," Whale said, as they followed him as he led the way to the medical community at the University.
~*~
As the boat docked on the shores, they had drawn attention from most of the tribe, for they did not get a lot of visitors.
"Tigerlily!" Summer called, surprising the former fairy and they rushed to hug each other.
"Summer...look at you! You're so grown up!" she gushed.
"I've missed you," Summer said.
"I've missed you too, young one," Tigerlily replied, as they continued to hug.
"It's so wonderful to see all of you. Is everything okay?" she asked, fearing that they had come here with a serious dilemma like last time.
"Everything is fine. Our visit is actually because we have something very important, but good to share with you," Snow assured.
"Then you will join us for evening feast?" the Chief asked. David smiled and nodded.
"We would be honored," David agreed, as they followed the Chief and his daughter. They enjoyed the traditional tribal dances and engaged in the festivities, as they were welcomed as honored guests.
After a delicious meal, they settled down to discuss the reason for their visit.
"So...you said that you had good news?" Tigerlily said.
"Well, we think it's good news and have learned that at one time, all the realms were one," Snow replied.
"I have heard of this legend. It was more than three thousand years ago and a great cataclysmic battle between the Gods caused such a tremble in the heavens that all the realms were broken apart," the Chief said.
"Yes...all ten realms were one long ago and though only nine remain, it is our new mission to use the chalice to reunite the realms as one again," David replied. The Chief offered a rare smile to his daughter, one that she returned.
"So you have realized your true destiny and purpose of the chalice," she stated. They looked at her in surprise.
"You knew?" Snow asked.
"We knew that there would be a truest love that would bring all together again and it does not surprise me that you are that pair," the Chief replied.
"When I first met you, I knew that you were destined to be even more powerful than my parents or the pair before them. I knew that you and your family were unique and would be like no other," Tigerlily agreed.
"This is why we have come. We are visiting all the Kingdoms and realms to tell each ruler what we plan to do and seek their inclusion," David said. Tigerlily smiled.
"I think I can say, on behalf of my father and the Immortal Tribes of Neverland...that we are eager to join the United Realms," she announced, as Summer and Bobby hugged her again. Snow and David smiled.
"We are very eager as well," Snow said, as they continued to enjoy the celebration being held in their honor.
~*~
Fandral chuckled, as they watched Thor play with the twins and Carina dueled with Sif after dinner. They finished and joined Fandral and Rose, as they watched.
"He has not been this carefree in a long time. I cannot thank you enough for getting him out of his own head, at least for a little while," Sif said gratefully.
"I think all the thanks must go to the children. They have a way about them," Fandral said.
"I'm worried about him though. We both know this mirth is temporary," he added.
"I know...he has a long road ahead to healing. We all do," she agreed.
"Please...don't hesitate to visit us too. I know you both have your duties here as we have ours. But I think frequent visits to both realms could really help both of you," Rose suggested. Sif smiled.
"I think I will take you up on that and I'll make him come with me," she agreed, as the twins ran up to their mother, chattering a mile a minute and she listened with avid interest.
"Your wife is very kind," Sif mentioned. He smiled.
"She is...she's the best thing that's ever happened to me," he replied.
"I'm happy for you...and I'm glad you're not dead," she said, as she playfully punched him in the arm. He chuckled.
"Back at you," he agreed, as they continued to watch their oldest friend play with Fandral's children and find a moment of happiness. Rose rejoined her husband and slid her arms around his waist. He gazed down at her fondly and gently kissed her.
"You were right about coming," he whispered.
"Mmm...you can thank me later," she mused coyly, giving him her best bedroom eyes.
"Oh, I most certainly will," he purred and gave her hip a playful squeeze. She smiled and rested her head against his chest, feeling relief that he was more at peace now that they had come here and he had reunited with his oldest friend.
~*~
Eva and Paul looked around, as they entered the hospital that was akin to one that was out of the nineteenth century back in the Land Without Magic.
"Can you say dysentery?" Paul muttered and she elbowed him in the ribs.
"Well, I see that you're back for more ridicule, Frankenstein," a man said, as he looked over a patient chart.
"Well, you know me...always a glutton for punishment and watching an inferior doctor at work," Whale retorted.
"Perhaps you'd like to be hauled out by security again," he retorted.
"Please...there is no need for that," Eva interjected.
"Excuse me, young lady...but this is a hospital and we do not experiment here on deceased bodies," he responded.
"I know...we're doctors and we've come as representatives of Storybrooke, the place that Dr. Whale...Dr. Frankenstein has been living for many years," Eva explained. The man scoffed.
"You're a woman...which makes you a nurse and not this Storybrooke nonsense again," he complained.
"Oh boy…" Paul said, as he watched his wife's gaze narrow and winced, as she clutched his hand tightly. He had seen the exact same look on her mother's face, usually just before she waylaid someone and knew this chauvinist was in for a serious re-education.
"Excuse me, Dr. Flemming, is it?" she asked, seeing the tag on his coat.
"I am most certainly a doctor and graduated medical school with more experience and credentials under my belt than you have in your pinky. If you were a real doctor, you'd be open to seeing the knowledge and medical advancement that we and our realm have to offer," she said sternly. He was about to retort when someone else interjected, clearly interested in what she had to say.
"Dr. Flemming...I'd be most interested in hearing what our visitors have to say," the man said.
"Of course Dr. Brady," he said, as he backed down.
"I'm Dr. Brady...Chief surgeon. I am most interested to hear what you have to say," he stated.
"Wait...you turn me away, but you'll listen to her?" Whale questioned.
"She's not you, Frankenstein and I am quite intrigued by the idea of a female doctor," he responded. Paul rolled his eyes.
"I'm Dr. Eva Charming-Sakura and this is my husband, Dr. Paul Sakura," she introduced.
"I was just about to perform surgery and it is quite a complicated case," he mentioned.
"If we're not intruding, we'd be happy to scrub in and show you what we can really do," Paul offered.
"I welcome it. You see...it's the Governor's son and he has been gravely injured in a terrible accident at the factory. He is in danger of losing both legs and possibly an arm," Dr. Brady explained.
"If you let my husband and I scrub in, I can almost guarantee we can not only save him with our techniques, but ensure that he makes a full recovery," Eva implored.
"That would be quite a feat and one I would like to see. If you save the Governor's son, then he would be more than willing to entertain your ideas and have an audience with you," he responded, as they followed the doctor to the operating room.
"Unbelievable…what a spell this family weaves over people," Whale commented, as he followed. Paul chuckled.
"Well, she is a Charming. It's in the name," Paul reminded and Whale couldn't disagree.
The next morning, Tigerlily saw them off, as they prepared to visit their next destination.
"So...how many more Kingdoms are there to visit, Daddy?" Summer asked.
"Well...next we're going to Oz. Zelena says that Glinda should be a fairly easy sell and then finally Camelot," he replied.
"Which we know will also be an easy Kingdom to convince since we're such good friends with Guinevere and Lancelot," Snow added.
"Then it will be time for the spell?" Tigerlily asked. They nodded.
"Regina will be helping us gather the ingredients and do the necessary modifications to cover all the realms. Then, with the chalice and our added blood, we can cast a good curse to bring everyone together," Snow replied.
"Good luck to you both on the rest of your journey," Tigerlily said, as she hugged them and then the children.
"I will see you soon," she promised the kids, as they joined their parents. For this destination though, a bean wouldn't do and that's why they chose to come to Tigerlily just before Oz.
"Are you ready?" she asked. They nodded and watched, as she used her wand to summon a twister. They held on tightly to each other and the twister swept them up, carrying them off to Oz...
