#goldie... queen of the fireball

[bonefall]

Thoughts about Goldenflower? Specifically her alignment in terms of Tigerstar being a massive Thistle law supporter, and Goldie being left to raise their kits alone after he’s ousted from ThunderClan and caused thw death of their elder son (intentionally or not). Girl has been through sooo much I’m kinda glad she wasn’t around to see what her surviving son became.

Golfy BABY, Goldenflower is getting a sizeable kiss on the head.

She is the daughter of Speckletail, future bulldozer attacker. She is every bit as intense as this implies.

Goldenflower is the same size as her littermate Lionheart. She just braids her mane, making her look smaller. They are both fucking massive

The most personal and painful part of Tigerclaw's betrayal was the fact he KILLED HER BROTHER.

She is really close with Frostfur after Lion's death, because she's super overwhelmed with two litters so close together AND being head of the kitchen patrol.

Swiftpaw and Brightpaw were practically siblings with how close they were. It really wasn't a surprise that they ended up in trouble together.

Golden was planning to not even speak Tigerclaw's name to Bramblekit and Tawnykit. Her opinion on Tiger was an IMMEDIATE, FURIOUS 180.

Generally Goldenflower isn't a "soft" person. She's a lot like her mom, Lionheart was the more gregarious and diplomatic of the two.

Snowkit was also a very serious cat like them. This family is generally pretty focused and pious.

They also had a middle sibling who tragically died in the Plague-- Mistleclaw. That was before Fireheart joined ThunderClan.

I really love how in canon, Goldenflower is firm and pushes back on how unfair Fireheart is towards her kits. So that's where I'm building from and generally disregarding fanon's take on her as a gentle mom. Society has progressed past the need for gentle moms. Goldenflower is currently telling you to sit up straight and take all those dishes on your desk to the sink.

She's waiting.

You will not keep her waiting. Go.

Good. She's proud of you.

Back on that 189 though-- that was for almost everything. Frostfur, Dustpelt, Longtail, a LOT of cats have a much slower reckoning with the ingrained beliefs that they'd accepted from Tigerclaw.

But Goldenflower was motivated by some pretty hard spite. She wanted NOTHING left of him. She was finding things to hate about him, and ended up "leading the charge" on ThunderClan's reckoning here.

Not neccesarily because of deeper principles, but because she was willing to wrecking ball her way through any leftover associations with him.

Before this point though, she DID support Thistle Law, juuust over the edge past Hard Traditionalism. She would speak very critically of Queen’s Rights, openly call for war, protested against bringing back WindClan, etc.

after Tigerclaw's betrayal, she's still more of a centrist Traditionalist, but will listen to a convincing argument, and slides towards Fire alone over the years.

I actually want to write Fireheart and Goldenflower developing a strong friendship in this moment, too.

She doesn't advise like Whitestorm does, but she's good at shutting up bickering cats when Fireheart is a fresh deputy. I always wished he had some more allies in that moment.

Also generally a very reliable senior warrior. Will absolutely be one of Firestar's choices for his first deputy, though he ultimately picks Whitestorm.

After TPB, she has another big role as the new mentor of Squirrelpaw. Unfortunately, she has had to flunk the little fireball on her warrior assessment TWICE.

She actually talked to Firestar like, "I'm aware that this looks suspicious but I promise I'm not holding her back to spite you. She threw herself into the river."

"No no, Golfy, I'm aware she's wreckless. I never assumed you were being unfair to-- wait the river? The river with the WATER??"

"Yes. The river with the water."

She is also surviving well into OotS, as an elder. I don't like how tiny the den was for so many arcs! SO, that does mean she is going to get a pretty good look at her son's early leadership and all that entails.

Unfortunately though, she ended up taking his side in the Reveal. In her eyes, Bramblestar was LIED to. The Queen’s Rights are to protect kits-- but that doesn't mean you just get to lie to the mate who's going to raise them.

(This is also definitely colored a bit by personal bias, she would be more charitable if it was anyone else but her son)

So when he decides that the Three aren't his anymore... Goldenflower distances herself too. Lionblaze is especially painful-- she used to think he was in honor of her late brother. But now she finds out that it was all a lie.

From the elder's den, she has various opinions on the changes happening to ThunderClan under Bramblestar, like the crumble of the ShadowClan alliance. I feel like she wants to support her son, even when she thinks his choices are questionable... but at the same time, her pride prevents her from being TOO soft on him.

Just generally being a strong traditionalist in the Elder's Den, but on the softer side as opposed to Mousefur on the hard side.

I'm currently planning to axe her in the Great Battle, because there's no way she doesn't go down swinging... though I am also keeping her in mind for one of the greencough outbreaks, since I'm trying to make those into an actual threat in BB instead of "kill some randos" disease.

In any case though I want her alive into OotS to have opinions about Bramblestar, because I find that too interesting to pass up.

[lilacmoon83]

Finding You Always

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 227: Rumor Has It

Natalie sat at the kitchen table in the modernized kitchen of her brother and sister-in-law's castle. She had slept a bit late and had been up with morning sickness, but the tea she had made was helping her.

"Good morning," Xander said, as he entered the kitchen.

"Morning," she replied.

"Mind if I sit?" he asked.

"Not at all," she replied.

"Morning sickness?" he asked.

"Yeah...it's for real. I don't know how the hell my sister-in-law did this four times," she mentioned. He smiled thinly.

"You'd have to ask her, but I think she'd tell you the payoff is worth it times a thousand," he replied.

"Maybe...except I'm pretty sure Snow was born to be a mother from what I've seen. Me...not so much," she murmured.

"There was a time when I was a terrible father and I'm still not even half the father that David or James are to their kids," he mentioned.

"So you're saying I get that from you?" she joked. He chuckled.

"No…I know for a fact that you will rise to this challenge where I failed too," he replied.

"Having kids wasn't in my plans...but I think I do want this baby. Is that weird?" she asked.

"Not at all...you may never want anything to do with the baby's father, but that doesn't mean you don't love the baby," he replied. She nodded.

"Are you worried...about this baby being half Clayton?" she asked.

"No...because this baby is also half Charming and will be raised by Charmings," he replied.

"I have no idea what I'm doing and like a million questions," she said. He smiled thinly.

"And I can promise you that Snow and David will love being there for all of it," he assured her, as the two in question came into the kitchen.

"Good morning," he greeted.

"I wish it was...but Emma just called and wants us at the station as soon as possible. It doesn't sound good. Any idea what this is about?" David asked.

"Uh well...Nora was murdered last night or at least, it's looking like murder," Xander replied. Snow gasped.

"Oh Gods...does Emma know who did it yet?" Snow asked.

"Last I checked, no...there was no suspicious activity on the security cams, but we're just starting the investigation," he replied, as he stood up.

"But if she's calling...then maybe there's been a development," he added, as Natalie stood up.

"Are you sure you're feeling up to coming?" Xander asked.

"Yeah...the morning sickness has passed. I feel fine," she answered. They nodded and made their way out to their cars.

~*~

"And while we don't know yet if foul play was involved, we have obtained an exclusive recording of an altercation Ms. Bradley was involved in shortly before she died and if I may say, this may be a bombshell that blows this case wide open," Goldie said, as they cut to the video of the altercation.

"The true Evil Queen: Snow White and her endless body count. By Nora Bradley," Nora read from her tablet and Summer launched at her, but JJ held her back.

"Delete the story, Nora," he insisted.

"Not a chance in hell," she replied.

"No one has destroyed more lives than the subject of this expose. She has left a trail of bodies in her wake for years and yet wears the crown of Queen. Many of you may think I am talking about Queen Regina, but not in the slightest. I am talking about Snow White herself, who chose to preserve the pureness of her heart over saving her own mother at the tender age of ten and her body count only builds from there," Nora read and then gasped, as Summer slapped her.

"You know nothing about my mother!" she hissed.

"I know enough. She's the reason your precious Nana lost her first true love. The reason everyone is here in the first place, ripped away from their homeland and loved ones," Nora replied.

"That was all fixed when the curse broke!" Summer claimed.

"And there has been nothing but chaos since, because of your parent's precious true love. And their insanity has spilled into my world one too many times. People need to know the truth. Your Nana was right long ago when she said Snow White was the true monster," Nora said. Summer tried to launch herself at her again, but JJ held her back.

"And just today...another life was ruined when Drizella Tremaine was hauled off to the rubber room," Nora said.

"That woman is insane! That's not my mother's fault!" Summer replied. Nora shrugged.

"Maybe, maybe not. But your mother is the reason for her torment and probably the reason she will never get better," she replied.

"Okay...let me walk you home. There's no reasoning with her," JJ suggested. Summer glared at the other woman, but then allowed him to lead her out.

"As you can see, Ms. Bradley had a very heated altercation with Summer Nolan-Charming over a story the young reporter was writing that was not favorable to Ms. Nolan-Charming's mother, Queen Snow White. Was it just a simple argument or a motive for something more? A motive for murder, perhaps," Goldie said.

The television exploded in a flash of sparks and smoke, as Regina released a fireball at her in her anger.

"That little…" Regina started to say.

"Regina…easy…" Robin soothed, as they looked at their granddaughter.

"Nana...I, I didn't do this…" Summer said, as she was now almost in tears after watching Goldie's sneak attack broadcast. Regina's eyes widened.

"Oh honey...we know that," she soothed, as she hugged her tightly against her chest.

"She's right...there is no question of that," Robin agreed.

"I am just angry at the gall of that reporter and believe me, I'm going to be calling Mitchell Herman to sue her and that entire studio for slander!" Regina raged.

"Maybe we should go see what Emma has to say. By now, I'm certain she has seen this and has called your parents," Robin reasoned, as Regina's phone chimed.

"You're right...that's Snow. She says Emma asked them to come to the station, but they don't know what about yet," Regina said, as she texted back.

"What did you say?" Summer asked.

"That I know what it's about and that it's better explained in person. Let's go," Regina replied, as they left the castle.

~*~

By the time the replay of Goldie's broadcast finished, her blood was boiling. She rarely watched the dumpster fire that was Good Morning United Realms, but Leroy had called her in an uproar about it just minutes ago and she had pulled up the stream on the website.

"I see you've finished the broadcast, so you know the only thing left to do is arrest your little sister," Goldie said, as she waltzed into the station.

"You have a lot of nerve," Emma spat, as she stood up from her desk, as the other blonde looked around.

"I'd say you're the one with the nerve, Sheriff. It would be obstruction of justice if you don't at least bring young Summer in for questioning after a video like that. A nice little piece of investigative journalism, if I do say so myself," Goldie said.

"If you think that my sister had anything to do with Nora's death...then you're crazy," Emma retorted, just as her parents walked in.

"What?" Snow asked, wondering if she had heard correctly. Goldie smirked smugly.

"That's right...your precious daughter was found at the scene of the crime," the blonde said.

"Which means nothing, because our Summer isn't capable of murder," David countered without missing a beat. Goldie rolled her eyes.

"Says the doting daddy," she countered in return.

"Look Curly...he's right. Summer was in the area, but that's because she had a date with JJ and then went to the diner for hot cocoa," Emma replied.

"And then she was found by JJ outside Nora's room, just as she was heard screaming and plummeting to her death," Goldie said.

"And earlier...she was caught on recording, by Nora's phone, earlier that night in a heated argument," she added.

"I don't care if they had an argument. Our daughter didn't kill anyone," Snow snapped.

"That's not how it looks and if this was anyone else in such a suspicious position, this department would launch a full investigation," she said, as she turned to Emma.

"So...will you be bringing your sister in for questioning, Sheriff or should I report that, as per usual, the Charming family will be protecting their own?" Goldie asked.

"We don't care what you report on your trash show, but for your information, I'll ask Summer what happens or if she knows anything. If she says that she isn't responsible, then that will be that and I'll keep investigating to find the real culprit," Emma answered. Goldie scoffed.

"Typical...but I'm not surprised. I guess this evening's headline will be the corruption in our law enforcement and the subsequent coverup of a murder committed by one of their own, Summer Nolan Charming," Goldie announced and there was a gasp, as Summer entered the station with Regina and Robin.

"Oh look...there's the little murderer now," the blonde said and a fireball appeared in Regina's palm.

"Choose your next words wisely, you hack…" Regina growled. Goldie smirked.

"Go ahead and do your worst, Queenie. Anything you do now will just go in tonight's broadcast," the blonde challenged.

"I didn't kill Nora," Summer said in horror.

"Oh honey...of course you didn't," Snow said, as she and David rushed to her and enveloped her in a hug between them. Goldie rolled her eyes at the sentiment.

"Just as I thought...you two are going to block any investigation into Nora's murder," Goldie said.

"Is that true?" a new voice said, as they looked to see JJ in the doorway.

"Of course not...our investigation will proceed as normal. But our daughter is not responsible for Nora's murder," David replied sternly. Goldie rolled her eyes.

"She was at the scene of the crime...you yourself found her outside your room, which was right next to your cousin's, isn't that right, Mr. Bradley?" Goldie asked, as all attention turned to him.

"Uh…I heard Nora scream and then came out into the hallway. Summer was there, but that doesn't mean anything," JJ refuted.

"He's right...that's circumstantial at best and Summer's story easily checks out," Emma agreed.

"Oh please...the hot cocoa story? You expect us to believe that?" Goldie asked.

"We don't care what you believe. If our daughter says that's what happened...then it is," Snow snapped in reply.

"Oh yes...because no one related to the fair and good Snow White could ever do anything bad," Goldie said sarcastically.

"I don't know why you hate me and frankly, I don't care...but coming after my children is a mistake that I promise you will regret," Snow threatened and Goldie smirked.

"I'll be sure to broadcast that quote loud and clear on tonight's broadcast," she said, as she started toward the door.

"And I'll be exposing this farce of a coverup as well. In addition, I've already sent a colleague to one of the biggest newspapers in the Land Without Magic with this bombshell story. Get ready...because I'm sure it will explode and I wouldn't be surprised if outside law enforcement takes an interest in this case as well," Goldie replied.

"If you really have done that, there could be serious consequences to everyone, including you," David warned.

"Free press, Your Highness and it's time that everyone knew the truth about your wife. She ruins lives...and it appears her daughter does as well," Goldie said, as she walked out.

"You're sure you don't know her from your past?" Regina asked.

"No…I never met her, until she popped up when we merged the realms," Snow replied.

"Does anyone know her story?" Emma asked, but there was no answer.

"I can probably help with that," Rose said, as she and Fandral entered behind Eva, who rushed to hug her parents and then Summer.

"We saw the broadcast at the hospital and came here right away," Eva said.

"It's going to be okay...we all know that Summer did nothing wrong," David replied, as Snow looked at JJ.

"We are very sorry for your loss," she said. He nodded mutely.

"JJ...you believe me, right?" Summer asked. He nodded.

"I do...but why were you there? I thought you went home after the fight we had with Nora," he replied, with a bit of scrutiny.

"I...I was upset and since Mom and Dad were gone, I stopped at the diner. Frankie and Joe made me some hot cocoa. I know that sounds lame...but it always helps me feel better. Daddy has been making me cocoa since I was little," she explained, making Snow and David smile at each other.

"Then when I got done there, I decided to come apologize to you again. As I got to your door, that's when we heard the scream," she explained. David looked at his eldest daughter.

"And there was no one coming out of Nora's room on the security camera?" he asked.

"No...and I already used a spell to see if it was magically altered. It wasn't," she replied.

"Magically altered?" JJ asked.

"It wouldn't be the first time that magic was used to alter a security camera," David replied.

"You know...magic isn't the only way to alter security footage," Eva interjected.

"She's right...I didn't even think to have Bashful do a forensic analysis on the tape. And then there's the whole network. It could have been hacked...it happens to systems all the time," Emma said.

"Your mother and I will drop that tape off at the lab," David replied. She nodded.

"I'll make some calls and see if I can find an IT expert to examine the network," she said.

"Actually...I have a friend. He could do it and he's the best. He could even do it remotely if you gave him access to the network," JJ chimed in.

"Do you trust him?" Emma asked. He nodded.

"He's my best friend...and while he's the best, he could hack your network with ease if he wanted to. Luckily, he's an honest guy and only works for people who invite him in," JJ replied. She nodded.

"Okay...there's an open computer at that desk over there if you want to make that call," Emma said. He nodded and then turned to Summer.

"I...I do believe you," he said.

"And I'm really sorry about Nora...I never wanted anything bad to happen to her," she replied, as they shared a hug. Snow put her hand to her heart at that and leaned her head against Charming's shoulder. He smiled and hugged her close.

"I think we should pay a visit to Goldie's co-host in the meantime. If we can get him away from her...we might be able to get that worm to talk," David said.

"I don't know...he is a worm, but possibly a worm with a lot to lose if he knows anything," Xander interjected.

"You think he's being blackmailed?" David asked.

"If the rumors floating around about him are true...then yes," Xander replied.

"Then what do you suggest?" David asked, knowing that this was his father's area of expertise.

"We tail him...and catch him in something. Then we bring him in and grill him. If it's bad enough...we might even be able to turn on his co-host for a lesser sentence," Xander replied.

"Okay...then let's do that," David said.

"You and your father do that. I'm going to go back with Rose and Fandral to see if I can find her story anywhere. It might be nothing, but it can't hurt," Snow replied, as they shared a kiss.

"Oh...you said you were at the hospital," Snow recalled, directing the statement to Rose and Fandral.

"Is everything okay?" she asked. They both smiled brightly.

"Better than okay...I'm pregnant," Rose announced, causing Snow to gasp and hug her counterpart.

"Congratulations!" she exclaimed, as David and Fandral shook hands.

"Truly," David said.

"Yes...an unplanned, but very welcome surprise," Fandral agreed, as he kissed Rose tenderly. David smiled and kissed Snow again.

"I'll see later," he said, as he left with his father and sister.

I'll be hanging around here to see if JJ's friend finds anything," Emma told her mother, who nodded.

"I've got to get back to the hospital," Eva said, as she hugged her mother and younger sister, before leaving.

"Okay honey...do you want to come with me to Rose's library?" Snow asked.

"Actually...do you think we could go riding, Nana? I could use some fresh air," Summer replied. Regina and Robin smiled.

"Of course," Regina agreed. Snow hugged her youngest daughter and then held her face in her hands.

"Everything is going to be okay," she promised, with a kiss to her forehead. Summer nodded and left with Regina and Robin, while Snow went with Rose and Fandral back to their castle.

~*~

Goldie arrived back at the news station with a smug smirk on her face.

"Goldie...get in here!" her boss bellowed and she rolled her eyes, as she did as he asked.

"Yes, Mr. Boots?" she asked.

"We need to talk about your story for the evening edition," he said.

"It's pure gold, isn't it?" she asked.

"No Goldie...accusing Queen Snow and King Charming's daughter of murder based on circumstantial evidence is reprehensible," he replied.

"She was found at the scene of the crime!" Goldie cried.

"Because she was at the diner next door...a place she frequents regularly. We are the press...not the police, nor are we the courts. We report. We do not arrest, try, and convict," he admonished.

"Our ratings were through the roof this morning! That was all me!" she protested.

"And much of that was not good ratings for us," he said, as he tossed a copy of the Storybrooke Mirror down in front of her.

"Oh...another fluff piece on the Charmings by none other than family friend August W. Booth," she scoffed.

"Actually, like a real reporter, he kept his emotion out of it and presented the cut and dry facts of the case so far. Summer Charming being at the Inn, where her new boyfriend is staying, is hardly out of the ordinary. And public opinion matters," he reiterated.

"Frankly, most people do not think she is capable of such savagery," he added.

"Oh...because she's Snow White's precious daughter!? Because one of perfect Snow White's perfect children could never do anything wrong!" she cried.

"Goldie...you are too close to this story. Your disdain for Snow White has not gone unnoticed by our viewers and most of them do not hold our show in high regard. Your ratings were high this morning, because of outrage and I was hired to stop this network from hemorrhaging money. Which I intend to do," he said.

"What does that mean?" she asked.

"It means...I've replaced you. You're fired," he announced.

"You're firing me!?" she screamed.

"I'm afraid so. Security will help you pack up your things and see you out," he replied.

"You can't do this to me! You can't possibly think Le Fou can carry this network's broadcasting on his own!" she screamed.

"No...but his new co-anchor will help him," he replied.

"You replaced me already, you son of bitch!?" she cried.

"Security!" he called, as she was forcibly led out of his office, only to see her replacement in the makeup chair. Her makeup chair.

"You're replacing me with this bitch!?" she screamed. The brunette woman smirked.

"Sorry Goldie...better luck next time," Attina said.

"You're replacing me with a mermaid!?" Goldie cried, but was led out by security.

"Oh this is not over…" she growled darkly.

~*~

Flashback

Blue stared at Opal's body, as she placed her at the bottom of the ravine. To an untrained person, they may very well think this was an accidental death, but she knew the Charmings and she knew it wouldn't be long before they connected her to Opal's death when they returned. She used Opal's wand to shrink herself and fly unnoticed back to the church where all the fairies still lived in the convent, except a few, including Tink. She had lost complete control of this place and her station, but she still had secrets hidden within these walls. She entered the library. It was a small library and nothing like the grand like Rose Red's, but it had some very old and powerful spell books. And there was one book that not even Rose Red's library had, for it once belonged to an ancient, dead tribe known at one time as the Northuldra.

Long ago, Blue had helped the King of Arendelle, Elsa and Anna's grandfather, Runeard, after he and his soldiers slaughtered the Northuldra and claimed their enchanted forests as part of Arendelle. But the killing of the Northuldra had caused the elements of nature to become angry. Arendelle had nearly been destroyed by vicious storms as a result. It became clear that Runeard had been cursed by the Northuldra before their eradication and only his banishment to a netherworld was the solution to appease the elemental spirits.

Once she had banished him, the spirits quieted and she had not seen the elements take power like that...until Elsa, the daughter of the sole surviving Northuldra, was born. Even then, Blue had thought she was an anomaly...until Snow White and Prince Charming gave birth to five magical children. She didn't think much of it when Emma was conceived. She had sensed the magic in her, but that was because she had been anointed as the Savior. But then the others had come into elemental magic once magic came to Storybrooke and she had feared their control of the elements, because by that time, she had no more influence with Snow and David.

Much like Elsa's father, she would have advised them to suppress the children's magic or allow her to train them. But that wasn't meant to be and now they may very well incarcerate her indefinitely for what she had done. Power had slipped through her fingers once again. But as long as she remained alive, Runeard's banishment would stand. The Charming children and Elsa were powerful enough as it was, but if he were to ever return, the elemental spirits would become angry again and wreak havoc. Not to mention that her part in covering up the eradication of a civilization would become known as well. Thankfully, she didn't plan on perishing anytime soon.

~*~

Smee docked the Jolly Roger at Pleasure Island and looked to the guest they had rescued from the water.

"Are you sure this is where you want to go?" Smee asked.

"Yes...this will suit me fine," the stranger replied.

"It's kind of a rough place and a bit lawless. Be careful," Smee warned. The man smirked and disembarked from the ship. Smee watched him go, wondering how such a regal looking man ended up wandering the seas on a rickety raft. They had rescued him and his only request was that they drop him off in an obscure place. Pleasure Island was the most obscure place that Smee knew and hoped that the man didn't just get himself into trouble.

He looked around and found his way into the local watering hole. This would be a good place to lay low for now, before he found a way to make his grand re-entrance into his home Kingdom and without everyone finding out the truth of his past…

~*~

Snow flipped through the books idly, as Belle read through some as well, and she closed it in frustration.

"I had no idea there were so many versions of Goldilocks," Snow said in frustration.

"Me either...I thought of all the stories, that one was pretty basic and generic," Belle agreed, as she chose another one from the pile. She flipped through it, just as Rumple and Bobby arrived.

"Hi sweetheart...how was training?" she asked, as she hugged him.

"Great…I shook down an entire mountain. It was fun, but I'm starving now," he complained.

"Of course you are. I suppose we should call it a day. I can take some of these with me and keep looking tonight," Snow said.

"Wait...oh my gosh, I think I found it!" Belle called, as Snow and Rumple looked over her shoulders.

"Wait...that's me," Snow said in confusion.

"It is...did you know that Goldie's mother was one of your nanny's?" Belle asked.

"No…I don't remember that at all," Snow said, as she read the story.

"Wait…I vaguely remember this woman and that she was mean. But I don't remember any of this stuff around it," Snow replied.

"Well...you were only four. That makes sense," Belle said.

"It appears that Goldie's mother was a bit too strict and when your mother discovered a mark on your arm, she fired her," Rumple deduced from the reading.

"Then they became homeless when her mother couldn't find work," Belle said.

"Well, that explains why she hates me so much. She blames me for her family falling apart," Snow replied sadly.

"Snow...this isn't your fault. From what I'm reading, her mother was abusive. Your mother did the right thing by getting you far away from her and Goldie's misfortune is not on you," Belle said. Snow nodded.

"I suppose you're right," she replied.

"She is, Mom. You and Dad went through some tough times too and could be blaming the world for it. But you don't," Bobby chimed in.

"Your son is right," Rumple agreed.

"You're right...and she has no right to take out her hatred on my children. Thanks for helping," Snow said, as she hugged her friend.

"Come on, let's head to the diner. Hopefully your father had some luck too," she said, as the four of them bid goodbye to Rose and Fandral, before leaving for Storybrooke.

~*~

After following Le Fou around all day, they were almost ready to give up, until they saw him head to the east end of Storybrooke and to Iago's place. They saw him leave with a young man and snapped a picture, before sending it to Emma.

As they were headed to the diner for dinner, she called David.

"Hey Dad...you were right. The person he picked up is in the system and he's sixteen. We've arrested him for prostitution," Emma told him.

"Thanks for running the photo through the system. I was pretty sure I recognized him and that he was underage," David said.

"Yeah...looks like we've got Le Fou dead to rights. Are you going to pick him up?" Emma asked.

"Not yet...I don't want to tip Goldie off yet. I'm going to let them do their stupid newscast tonight and then we'll arrest him on his way home. That way...it will be at least a few hours before it hits the news," David replied.

"Good idea...I'll see you at the diner in a few," Emma said, as they hung up the phone.

"That's sneaky," Natalie said.

"Are you impressed that I can be sneaky?" David asked. She smirked.

"Actually yes...I mean, I would totally expect this kind of move from James, but not you," she teased.

"Yeah, well when it comes to one of my kids, the gloves come off," he said, as they arrived at the diner.

"Hey baby," Snow greeted, as he slid into the booth beside her and kissed her passionately.

"Hey yourself, beautiful…" he said, as their lips parted.

"Did you find anything incriminating on Le Fou?" she asked.

"We did...and we'll be bringing him in later. We don't want to tip Goldie off," he replied.

"What's this?" he asked.

"Oh, just the reason that Goldie hates me," she replied.

"Her Mom was your nanny when you were little?" he asked.

"Apparently so...I just don't really remember it. But I guess her Mom was abusive and when my mother found a mark on me, she fired her," Snow explained.

"Well...sounds like your mother did the right thing and you're not responsible for Goldie's life turning out the way it did," he said.

"I know," she said. He raised an eyebrow.

"Really? You're not going to blame yourself?" he asked. She shook her head.

"If Winter taught me anything...it's that I can't keep holding myself responsible for everyone else's happiness. Nor should I feel guilty for being so blessed with the life and love that I have with you," she replied. He smiled.

"I'm so glad to hear you say that and accept it," he said, as they shared another kiss.

With that, they ordered dinner and enjoyed time with their family and friends.

~*~

"Well...I guess that does it for us tonight. I'm Le Fou,"

"And I'm your new co-anchor of Good Evening United Realms, Attina. We'll see you in the morning. Have a magical evening!"

Goldie screamed in rage, as she threw a vase through her television. She had come home, only to find her husband, passed out drunk and stinking of perfume, probably from whatever hooker he had been with the night before. Add to that, she was then forced to suffer through the evening news with her bubbly replacement.

"That's it...someone is going to pay for this," she hissed, as she grabbed her keys and stormed out of her apartment.

~*~

Leo came into their chambers that evening and found his wife, sitting by the window, with a stack of books.

"Hey…" he said, as he leaned down and kissed her.

"Hi...how is Summer?" she asked.

"She's okay...better now after we did a long trail ride," he replied, as he sat down with her.

"Are these the books that Rose found?" he asked.

"They are...I had forgotten so much of Arendelle's rich history, but it's a little weird," she replied.

"Weird how?" he asked.

"Well...there is nearly nothing about my Grandfather's time as King and it only says he was lost on an expedition. All of the other ruler's in my lineage have these detailed histories of their time on the Throne. If I didn't know any better…" she said, trailing off for a moment.

"You think something has been omitted from these books on purpose?" he asked.

"It's not like it would be the first time something has been hidden from us…" she replied.

"True," he agreed.

"I just...have this feeling," she mentioned, as she looked out the window and over the fjord, noticing how windy it was.

"Wow...that wind came out of nowhere. It was really calm today," he mentioned.

"Yeah...I don't remember any storms in the forecast," she replied.

"Yeah, but Scuttle is pretty bad at his job though. He means well...but he's a terrible meteorologist," he mentioned. She smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Come on...let's go to bed and tomorrow, we can ask Mr. Gold and Aphrodite if they know anything," he said. She smiled.

"That's a great idea. If anyone does...it's them or Hermes," she agreed, as they went to bed.

~*~

"Feeling better, sweetie?" Snow asked, as her husband put a cup of cocoa down in front of their daughter. She smiled.

"Yeah...a lot better now. I'm just glad that no one really believes those lies," Summer said.

"No one important anyway and I'm about to arrest Goldie's co-anchor. If he knows something, I'll get it out of him," David replied, as he kissed Snow.

"Be careful," she said, as he grabbed his coat and headed out.

"So...how about watch a movie together while we wait to hear from your Dad," Snow suggested. Summer smiled.

"That sounds nice," she replied.

"Okay...you pick the movie and I'll make the popcorn," Snow said.

~*~

Goldie watched her former boss exit the dark news station that evening and begin walking to his car. As he crossed her path, she shined her headlights on him and he looked to see who was there. But the look of surprise soon turned to fear, as she revved the engine and her tires screeched, as she drove toward him. He cried out momentarily and tried to run away, but she swerved with deliberation and mowed him down in the parking lot. She smirked with satisfaction, as she saw his figure laying on the concrete in her rear view mirror. At this point, there was no hiding what she had done and her car would be identified in the crime. Fortunately, she already had rented a boat to take her to the lawless place of Pleasure Island where she could hide out and continue to plot her revenge. And if luck was with her, the next person she'd be gunning down would be Snow White herself.

~*~

David walked into Iago's that evening and the owner let out a sigh of disdain, as at least five patrons left immediately, just due to his presence. Emma smirked.

"Aww...should we take that as a compliment or an insult?" she joked. David smirked.

"Definitely a compliment in this case," he said, as they approached the bar.

"Dammit...you're really bad for business, you know," Iago complained.

"Don't worry...we won't be long," David said, as they approached the other side of the bar where their target sat. He saw them and nearly fell off his stool to get away, but David grabbed him by the shirt and hauled him to his feet.

"You're under arrest," he announced.

"For what?" Le Fou challenged, as Emma showed him a photo on her phone. It was one of him and the young man going into a room in the seedy motel that was next to Iago's. Le Fou turned white as a sheet.

"So what...getting a room with someone isn't a crime," he said, trying to play it off.

"It is if you gave him money and he's sixteen...which he is," Emma replied.

"That…I...I didn't know," he claimed, as David put the cuffs on him.

"Still a crime...and you knew," he said.

"He...he approached me!" Le Fou claimed.

"Still a crime...he's underage," Emma said, as they hauled him out to the car. Emma put him in the backseat.

"Cracking him is going to be almost too easy…" she mentioned.

"Maybe...the question will be is he more scared of Goldie or hard prison time," David agreed, as they got into the car and drove back to the station.

~*~

Rodmilla looked at her new castle with smug satisfaction. Having magic was certainly something that had been amiss in her life. Had she had before, then she was certain that all of her enemies would have paid dearly. But now that she did, she would soon be crowned the new Evil Queen and she would relentlessly pursue her enemies and make their lives hell.

"Impressive...but this is still a lawless place. How do you plan to declare yourself the Mayor and mobilize these cretins?" Jekyll questioned.

"That will come, especially when they witness my new power. For now, I have done what you have asked and given you a new and fully equipped, pristine laboratory in the bowels of the castle," Rodmilla said.

"And me?" Grimm asked.

"And there is a quiet library and study in the east wing that is all yours," she added.

"Excellent...then we can soon resume our plans," Jekyll replied.

"What about my daughter? She is still in that awful place," Rodmilla said.

"She is barking mad...don't you think having her on the loose, at least right now, may detract from our plan?" Grimm questioned. She huffed.

"He has a very good point. From what I have seen, no medication can help her. Only when she has what she wants can she perhaps be controlled. Until then...she should remain where she is," Jekyll said.

"For now...but I will not tolerate having her in that place much longer," Rodmilla replied.

"Don't worry...we'll soon all have what we want," Grimm assured them.

"What of the protégé you have taken on?" Jekyll questioned.

"She'll be useful for a time and she's a psychopath. She's providing plenty of distraction as we speak," Grimm said.

"Then we should get to work," Rodmilla replied, as they went inside the castle.

~*~

Xander and James arrived at the crime scene and got out of the car. Bashful and his team had already put up the crime scene tape and were in the process of bagging evidence, as well as getting ready to transport the body to the morgue for autopsy.

"Hit and run?" Xander asked, as he shined his flashlight on them.

"More like intentional murder," Bashful said, as he motioned them over to a place on the concrete adjacent to the body.

"Tire marks," James said.

"Someone floored it and deliberately hit him," Xander deduced.

"That's what we're looking at. Deliberate and sloppy, as well as premeditated, most likely," Bashful said.

"Who is the victim?" James asked.

"Mr. Boots...the executive producer of the Enchanted News Network," Bashful replied.

"Puss in Boots...wasn't he a cat?" Xander asked.

"He probably was back in the Enchanted Forest, but like so many, the good curse gave him a human form. Here he took on the identity of Antonio Boots," Bashful answered.

"Is this the same studio that produces Good Morning United Realms?" Xander asked.

"One in the same...and word has it that Mr. Boots fired Goldilocks today and replaced her with Attina, one of Ariel's sisters," Bashful replied.

"Well, that's motive," James said.

"Yes...and I'm starting to think that Mr. Boots might not be the only person she murdered," Xander replied.

"You think she framed Summer?" James asked.

"Oh yeah...she's as vindictive as they come," Xander replied.

"Just because she hates Snow?" James asked and then thought about it for a moment.

"Yeah...that sounds about right for this town," he agreed.

"Let's track her car and then toss her place. She's probably hiding out somewhere," Xander said.

"Isn't she married?" James asked.

"Yeah...her husband is a drunk. I doubt he knows anything, but we'll pick him up. He's probably either passed out at home or at Iago's," Xander replied, as they got back into the car and drove off to check Goldie's place first. It was important they found her quickly, for in her unhinged state, anyone in her pathway was in potential danger and that included their family members...

[mrneighbourlove]

Fall of a Dynasty: Ch 4. A Family Made Whole

It was nighttime when Annuciata felt Zannah nearby. She blinked, rolled over, and looked at the clock. There was no way that kind of distance could be covered in that timeframe. Fumbling to put on a nightrobe, the Queen of Danjur stumbled to her bedroom door. Zannah was in... Athena's room?

Zannah raised a hand to her own mouth, a signal for Annuciata to be quiet. “My dear. I’m going to have to ask you not to scream or alert your guards.”

"How did... what..." Annuciata was fumbling for words as Zannah approached her. "How did you get here? You told me portal magic was not within your capabilities, and no dragon could possibly... possibly..." Her gaze traveled up to the two glowing red ones in the dark. Her breath hitched. "Wh-What is th-that behind you?"

Zannah grasped Annuciata by the cheeks, having her look directly into her eyes. “Events have transpired that I didn’t think possible. Can you listen to me and trust my word? This is very important.”

"If th-that's a d-d-demon---"

"It's not a demon, Queen Annuciata," Manaco stepped from the darkness to reassure her. "It's a friend. Please."

"... I trust you." Annuciata managed to quiver out a few words to her lover.

“I recently suffered an assassination attempt inside Hyrule’s borders from my own people. My enemies are advancing their resolve.” Zannah took a quick breath and interrupted before Annuciata could speak her worries. “I almost died. I would have if not for stumbling upon Princess Rinku and the Slatki residence. At Hyrule Castle I made agreements and new treaties with King Covarog and his allies. One of these allies includes the creature with red eyes that is not a demon. He’s just a powerful sorcerer. One that will heal my children and will help kill my enemies. But with that...” Zannah exhaled, feeling a weight on her chest pressure her. “I have to give up my throne. Effective immediately, and unofficially to my people, I am no longer Emperor. That will fall to Manaco and my daughter.”

This was a lot of information to take in at once. Annuciata honestly did not know what to think. She had no dealings with magic, her art was with machines. Yet, from what she could tell, Zannah had little to no choice in the matter. This was what her lover had to do to ensure the future of the Kikai Empire. For now, all Annuciata could do was nod.

"Our... our babies will be all right?"

“They will. It’s why I do this. There are other ways to kill my enemies, but not to give our children better futures.” Zannah parted the frazzled hair out of Annuciata’s face, leaning in to give her a light kiss. “Can you come wheel Griffith in?”

"I... I can do that." Annuciata swallowed thickly, thinking that she suddenly felt very thirsty. "Would your... um... guests, like some drinks? Food?"

"A whole cow would be fantastic, goldie." Bonegrinder spoke from the shadows. Zannah was rather insistent about him not frightening her lover anymore than necessary. "... and if that is in short supply, whatever else will suffice."

"Bonegrinder, we talked about this, you can't keep eating cows, it's bad for your health." Manaco groaned at the huge snake. "You need something other than red meat."

“You can provide wine, bread, and any left-over steak. Please hurry.”

As Annuciata left, Zannah pulled off her royal hair pin, letting all her dark hair loose and downwards. Taking a seat by her daughter’s bed, she took her hand. Even with all the talking, she was still asleep. “You know, I’m still not sure if the Lorleidian spirits didn’t plan this for what I did. Tell me Manaco. Are they known to be crafty?”

"The spirits are not malevolent, but they will protect what they deem theirs; we are their children, Zannah." Manaco knew all the stories that his mother told him. He knew all the tales from his Aunt Zarazu as well. "Lorleidians are magic incarnate. Without the presence of magic within us, we die. Our leader, Queen Zarazu, is our strongest tie to the Seven Siblings. When Vul'kar threatened the world, harmed our people, and tried to wipe us out, they helped us. Yet, they do also punish us for our failures," He said, "The disaster caused by the old king, Ganondorf, on Lorleidi, was due to the failure of Queen Yolandyi to keep the powerful artifacts from his hands to be used for evil. Thus, the calamity unleashed upon the islands. Though, they were warned what would happen if they should let one source of such magical power fall into the wrong clutches. So, to answer your question, Zannah," Manaco took a breath. "Yes and no. Yes, to the point of fighting darkness. No, to where they care for us. I am a Vatra, but also half Waku. Fire runs in my veins. If I were to go around cursing Vatra, I'm quite sure she'd appear from thin air to set my ass on fire to teach me a lesson. If I called on her for help to protect my loved ones, I'm sure then as well, that she would help me. It's what they do... they help theirs. They will help others too," Manaco told Zannah. "Yet... you have to have a humble heart. While I am strong, I do know that I cannot stand on my own two feet without aid sometimes. And you have to be humble to admit that. It's hard to do so... but necessary to show humility."

“You think they punished me for the hubris your mother claims I have by hurting my children? You think fate orchestrated this final outcome?”

After he finished speaking, Bonegrinder then said, "The children of Balance and Maker are protective. The children of Balance and Destroyer are tenacious. The bonds of Chaos will always cause havoc... what he speaks is truth, green, little lady. He knows... he has seen these gods and goddesses. He knows their words, their stories..." He hummed the age old rhyme, "Darkness and shadow bring nothing but dread, two can keep a secret if one is dead..."

"I cannot say for sure. Only my aunt might be able to provide that answer if she asked them directly, but... if I'm being completely honest," Manaco took a small inhale. "I don't think it was the spirits themselves. I believe this was part of the grand plan of the highest of high beings... not to punish you or your children. But maybe... simply to get your attention. Even you are not invincible, Zannah... though you may act it, you cannot, will not, ever be undefeatable."

“I’m not invincible Manaco. I simply wished to be the strongest. But no ones invincible.”

When Annuciata eventually came back with food, drink and Griffith, the prince was groggy, his eyes still closed. “Mother? Is that you?”

“Yes my boy. I’m here. I brought a friend who’s going to take care of you. No robot legs.”

“Good... they were shit and hurting my joints.”

“Come now. Be a little nicer to your prettier mother.”

"They were not shit, you were being the little shit." Annuciata gave Griffith a little swat on the back of the head. "I will have most fun telling your mother about your attitude later. For now, you are going to be the utmost polite to... to..." She faltered for a moment. "Manaco did say your name was... ahem... Bonegrinder?"

"Yes," He finally, slowly slithered out of the shadows. The Anagari was so large, he had to keep his coils wrapped to avoid taking up too much room, "Bonegrinder, at your service..."

Griffith shuddered in his chair, terrified by the appearance of the snake. “What is that?!”

Athena awoke at the sound of her brother’s scream. She could smell her mother’s scent. Why was she here?

"He is a boogeyman."

"Bonegrinder!" Manaco chided the shaman. "Stop trying to scare him!"

"What? You used to call him a boogeyman when you were little."

"Because you liked to scare me too."

"Hehehe, your father told me to do so cause you were being a naughty brat."

"Will you please behave?"

"Behave and Bonegrinder never go together in the same sentence." He dismissed Manaco's scolding and his scales flexed, moving his enormous body over to Griffith. "Hrm... lost his legs? Funny, Bonegrinder never had a use for them." He tapped the stump with a claw. "Can you feel that?"

“Feel what?! Get away from me!”

Athena could make out what Bonegrinder was after squinting in the dark from behind her bandages. Immediately, she shot a bolt of fire at the back of his hair. Zannah had to grab her by the arms and hold her tight. “No! Not the boogeyman. He’s an ally. It’s ok dear Athena. Mother is here.”

"You have terrible aim, Bonegrinder was at least another foot to the right. No, wait, he means, your left."

"Bonegrinder, she can't see like you can in the dark and due to the bandages."

"Oh... well then, you have satisfactory aim. But you should know that he cannot be killed by such a measly blast of fire, he is thousands of years old."

"Stop bragging and get to work."

"Hrm, well, little humpty-stumpty will have to be still." Bonegrinder tapped Griffith with his tail. "And his fireball sister needs to cool her head. This is delicate magic, regrowing limbs."

“Regrowing my-! Oh my god!” Griffith screamed as he saw his flesh mould and sprout slowly to new life.

"Will you hush, young child? You are squealing like a swine, and he does not care for it." Bonegrinder's tail slapped over Griffith's mouth to keep him quiet. "Hold still." He kept his magic work, slowly molding and shaping the first leg. The only oddity was the color of his skin, it was rather dark in color instead of matching his usual tone. "There... now, let's move onto the second one."

Annuciata held firmly to the back of Griffith's chair, trying not to shake. "This will be over soon, Griffith. Just stay strong."

Griffith’s brain couldn’t process his legs growing back without freaking out. How could any person? The mere fact was unnatural.

"Hmmm... not bad, though the discoloration should not be permanent. Give it a few days. New flesh tends to behave the way it wishes." Bonegrinder, then for testing purposes, poked Griffith's new big toe. Hard. "Feel that?"

Griffith answered by wildly kicking him. “Get away from me!”

"Hm, Bonegrinder stands by the goldie queen's observation; he doesn't like your attitude either."

"...! The legs... your legs work, Griffith!" Annuciata exclaimed, having never seen anything like it. "Goodness, Eleonora would love to know how you did that."

"Magic, goldie."

“Please Bonegrinder. Stop antagonizing my son with your monstrous presence and help my daughter.” She had only known him for less than 24 hours, and he was already growing on her nerves.

"Maybe he should show your son the trick he does with all the new ones; see if his head fits inside's Bonegrinder's mouth---"

"No." Manaco simply took the shaman's hand and pulled him over to the girl he crushed on for several years. "No more unlocking your jaw, that's creepy enough as it is. Now, can you help Athena?"

"Delicate little thing, are you?" Bonegrinder gently stroked Athena's hair, trying to calm the poor girl "Fixing a face is different than replacing lost limbs. The other brat didn't have any nerves to feel pain due to his absence of appendages. She does."

"... so you're saying this is going to hurt?"

"If he is being honest, that is what you humans called 'sugar coating' it. There is still rock embedded in her face. First, that will have to be removed." He carefully placed his huge hand on the side of her bandaged face. "And this side of her mandible is... it's crushed. Fusing bone back together will hurt the worst. Perhaps he should lull her to sleep to do this magic, spare her the pain."

Zannah took hold of her daughters hand, giving it a squeeze. “Us Ocho are Royal Hasai. Hasai fight any struggle with determination. We don’t fear pain, do we Athena?”

The younger woman nodded her head, committed to any solution.

"Hrm, something tells this old snake that you have never experienced pain like this. Though, whatever he says, you will not be swayed." Bonegrinder then told her, "It will go faster if you remove the bandages so he can work more so diligently. If you do not wish to remove them, it will take a little more time."

Zannah turned to Manaco and the other humans. “Can we please give my daughter privacy?”

Manaco was hesitant about leaving. He did not like the idea of leaving Bonegrinder alone with Zannah and Athena. The Anagari was loyal to the royal family of Hyrule, but he was twisted. His mind was warped after so long of living and the events he had seen. Two souls in one body had to be hell. Yet, he followed Annuciata out of the room with Griffith.

"Now, now, little one," Bonegrinder used a claw to rip one side of the bandages, to allow her to remove them. "It will be over soon, he promises. Just take a few breaths first."

Athena took a few silent breaths, readying her will to take on the pain.

"Now... breathe out and do your best not to move." Bonegrinder held both sides of her face and flooded her bones, facial muscles, and tissue with magic. The hardest was to reset her jaw since there were bone fragments everywhere since her mandible had been shattered. Pieces of rock embedded in her flesh slowly fell out of her face, dripping blood. After this was done, he melded her face together once more. The tissue stitched itself together, leaving naught but a few white lines. Once he had finished his work, he removed his hands.

Annuciata, Griffith, and Manaco could only hear the torturous gargles of pain from outside. As Athena’s jaw was fixed into place and her throat cleared, those gargles turned into screams. Yet she never asked for it to stop.

"Catch your breath," Bonegrinder instructed the young girl. "Now, try to move your jaw up and down, back and forth. Try to wiggle your tongue. Blink for this old snake."

Athena slowly did each step as instructed one by one. Zannah waited by her side with held breath. It broke her heart to hear her daughter in such pain, yet she held visibly strong for her.

"Any pain now?", the old snake asked.

Athena shook her head. Despite her face being healed, it was still mental trauma that kept her from speaking.

"You will have these small marks on your face due to the magic," Bonegrinder used his long tail to grab a hand-held mirror from the vanity in the room. "Yet, it is the best he can do. Even your brother will wear the effects of this old snake's magic. Now... one last thing, repeat after him." He hummed lightly, tapping his claws to the rhythm. "Don't laugh as death passes you by, for you might be the next to die. The grim reaper walks beside of thee, she comes for all, for you and me..."

Athena didn't mimic his words when she saw the mirror. Instead, she was merely transfixed by her image in the mirror. For years now she lived in total disfigurement. Zannah gently held her daughter's shoulders as the mother looked up to Bonegrinder. "Give her time to recover."

"Remember, little one, your magic's price has already been paid." Bonegrinder then looked at the meal that Annuciata had brought him. He took the tray's contents out into the hallway to eat... barely squeezing out of the door. The Anagari relayed the news to Annuciata, Griffith, and Manaco. "You can go in now"

Griffith was still mentally adjusting to the feeling of walking on legs and standing up, so he used Annuciata as a crutch. "Athena? Are you well?"

His sister looked towards the others. She felt a voice rise up in her mouth, but they got caught back in her throat.

"Careful, careful, watch your steps... take your time." Annuciata held steadily to Griffith. "No need to rush and fall."

"... Athena?" Manaco looked at her, feeling hopeful.

"I... do I know you?" Athena spoke in a small, parched voice. The handsome man seemed familiar.

Zannah and Griffith felt wonderfully relieved to hear Athena speak. Carefully, they embraced in a group hug. "Oh my children. I'm so grateful to see you both well. This is a happy night."

"Heh... it has been a while..." Manaco figured Athena might not remember him. It had been years, after all, since the two of them had last seen each other.

"Oh!" Annuciata squeezed the three members of her family tightly. "Eleonora will be so happy to know you're both all right. I ought to go wake her, but I know she's been up all hours of the night working. Let's surprise her in the morning for breakfast, shall we? We'll have a big pancake feast, like we used to when both of you were smaller."

"Yes. I assume that Bonegrinder and Covarog isn't so cruel as to tear us away so soon." Zannah hugged all three of them tighly.

Once done, Griffith was curious about Manaco's presence here. "Tell me Manaco, it is Manaco isn't it? Why are you here? You aren't a master mage, and you certainly aren't of noble stature."

"I'll let your mother fill you in on the details." Manaco figured it would be better coming from Zannah herself. "I am glad you are well... I'll give you some time." He opted to wait outside with Bonegrinder.

"...? Love? What did he mean by that?" Annuciata needed answers as well.

"I'm not going to be Emperor anymore. That will fall to Athena and Manaco to lead the Hasai. They will become Emperor and Empress."

Both the adult twins were stunned, mouths dropping with shock. Suddenly, Athena's voice rose from quiet to very loud, all in ear shot of Manaco. "I have to marry and share the throne with him?!”

"... that sounds like it is going over well, yes?" Bonegrinder ate another ham, bone and all. "Judging from her shrill voice, it seems my magic worked."

"Not funny, Bonegrinder." Manaco had an inkling that Athena would not be pleased, nor would Griffith. He felt a little bad about the way he had to obtain this position of power to help his family back home, but he would never again receive such a chance. Not to mention, when he did tell his mother, she was going to strangle him.

"... that sounds like it is going over well, yes?" Bonegrinder ate another ham, bone and all. "Judging from her shrill voice, it seems my magic worked."

"Not funny, Bonegrinder." Manaco had an inkling that Athena would not be pleased, nor would Griffith. He felt a little bad about the way he had to obtain this position of power to help her family back home, but he would never again receive such a chance. Not to mention, when he did tell his mother, she was going to strangle him.

"He is not going to lay a single finger on my sister! He's a peasant!"

"Don't I get a say in this?!"

"SILENCE!" Zannah boomed her voice, and her children fell quiet. "I sacrificed much as to give you both a functional future. To have the throne not fall into enemy hands, I have formulated a plan with Hyrule. Griffith. You will remain prince. As prince, you will assist your sister first and foremost in helping her and her knew husband lead the Empire. Athena, you will bring peace to our people and bare Manaco's children."

Griffth hissed at the idea while Athena's cheeks blossomed like a rose "W-what-"

"This is not negotiable. This is for the future of the Empire. Am I clear to you both?"

Both children looked to each other, thinking silently among themselves. Finally, they both nodded to their mother. "Yes..."

"Good."

"... he thinks that conversation went very well."

"Bonegrinder..."

"At least you know what they think of you."

"They think that way of anyone who is not them."

"Hm... you have a point. Royals are conceded that way, except for Mother."

"And...?"

"Your aunt is a close second, she used to be a peasant too, didn't she?"

"Oh good goddesses..." Manaco ran a hand down his face. "Now I understand why Uncle Ralnor calls you annoying."

"Bonegrinder takes that as a compliment, it takes a special person to be able to annoy your uncle."

Zannah called out to Manaco, wanting him back in the room. "Manaco. Come back here."

Annuciata was equally stunned at the news. She could not believe that Zannah made a deal like this without considering her childrens' feelings. She could not imagine doing the same to Eleonora. Still, she said nothing.

Manaco entered the room once more. He could feel Griffith glaring at him and Athena... seemed embarrassed?

"It's very, very late at night, and I am very tired. Here's whats going to happen. Griffith. You're going to go to bed in your own room. I will go to bed with Annuciata. Manaco, you will lie in bed with Athena. Any questions on your minds will be answered in the morning."

Now it was Manaco's turn to become flustered.

"Wh-What?!" He shook his head. "That's... I don't think Athena would like that too much. I mean, she just recovered. Maybe she wants some time to herself. If you want me to stay with her, I'll be glad to sleep on the floor."

"Like a dog? No. I'm not saying to have sex, but you will both sleep in the same bed. You're going to be a husband, a monarch, and lover to her, will you not? This is a start. Athena. Is this satisfactory to you?"

Athena felt so hot and dizzy, but she nodded. "Yes."

"Good. Everyone. Let's leave them to a good night’s sleep."

As Griffith walked past Manaco, the young man could feel a wrathful growl sent his way as well as see the death glare given to him. "I'll burn your tongue out if you hurt her farm boy."

Soon enough, it was just Manaco and Athena in the bedroom as Zannah shut the door behind them.

Manaco waited until Zannah was out of the room to speak to Athena.

"... do you even remember me?"

Athena slowly nodded her head towards him, speaking slowly and lowly once more. "You would come over to the palace during Hyrule's winters. You liked asking me questions and following me around. You were an annoying kid back then because it felt like babysitting. I once had to catch you from falling from a height that most certainly have broken your leg, all because you wanted to 'do something cool'. I'll never forget that."

"Heh... I could be persistent, couldn't I?" Manaco, ever since he was small, adored Athena. He thought she was beautiful, strong, and had such a love for her family. Yet, their two worlds were so different. His mother and father were not royalty. Her mother was an empress. He worked on a plantation all of his life to earn his living. She had a silver spoon in her hand since day one. They were opposites that way. "I... I know this is not ideal to you. Or your brother, for that matter. I know the two of you are very close." He spoke quietly. "Yet, this was one solution to a problem between our two countries. My uncle, Covarog, would have never allowed one of his children to marry you due to past contempt. Yet, I am his nephew... and I knew you..."

"You proposed this? ... oh." Athena blushed, looking at Manaco more closely. He certainly wasn't the worst choice. Physically strong, very forward with his intentions. "Did you have a crush on me Manaco?"

"I thought that was obvious since I followed you around like a lovesick puppy when I was a child." Manaco did not seem too embarrassed by admitting such a fact. More so, he seemed... sad. "However, even back then I knew, as I know today, that our worlds were too different to obtain your hand in marriage by usual means. Your mother would have said no."

"Was she blackmailed into this Manaco? Please tell me the truth."

"Yes and no." Manaco was not going to lie to Athena. "She was given a choice. If she wanted my family's help in securing her kingdom and healing you and Griffith, then this was part of the price. She did not have to accept, but she did."

"Oh..." Athena didn't know what opinion to have on that. "If she did it to heal us... then that's noble." Athena took a few deep breaths. "So... Manaco. Do you sleep in your undergarments or n-n-naaaa-not with clothes?"

"Clothes! I mean, I sleep with some clothes on. My... underpants." Manaco answered quickly, "I don't sleep in the nude. Though I don't have to sleep beside of you if you are not comfortable. Your mother might have insisted, but she's not my priority. You are." He then realized how forward he was being and actually did turn a touch dark in the cheeks. "I-I mean... you know what I mean."

"Very well..." Athena crawled into bed, patting for Manaco to sleep right behind her. God, she was a woman in her thirties and she had no experience in sleeping with another man. "She's right that we need to become more... comfortable."

"... I am a man of my word. I will not try anything that you do not wish now, or in the future." Manaco slowly slipped off his shoes and then his pants and shirt. Then, he released the tie holding back his thick dreads. Slipping into the bed, he sighed at how comfortable the mattress was.

Athena's needed to work out again and become properly fit once more, but she hadn't eaten too much since coming to Annuciata's, so she was rather thin. Inching back, she became little spooned against his body, she too, only wearing lace pajamas now. Their bodies were rather hot together. Athena immediately regretted it, because she became paralyzed against his body with embarrassment. He was a thick man.

"... if you're not comfortable, I will move." Manaco felt her stiffen on the bed. "Neither of us will be able to rest, and you need it after what Bonegrinder did."

"Oddly, I'm not too tired and, well, I feel if I move I will run away, and I will never be able to come back to you. Let's just get through this. You're not the worst possible partner you know." The Princess took a deep breath, taking hold of one of his hands. "You will have time to woo me with time."

"... what if I gave you a year?" Manaco asked Athena as she took his hand. He gave it a small squeeze in return. By the spirits, she looked so tiny. "Of course, I know we'll be wed, but... a year for us to get used to each other. We won't do anything you do not wish to do. A year of courtship. I guess, you could say we'd do it a bit backwards."

"You want sex now?!" That jolted Athena off his body, grabbing the blanket to cover herself. That was usually the last step for normal couples after all.

"No!!!" Manaco sat up just as equally fast. "No, sorry, damn it, I'm a fool with words. What I meant was, we'll still have a period of courtship. I know we'll have to be wed to appease your mother. Yet, during that time we don't have to have sex, or a kid, or anything like that. It will just be about you and me."

"You are terrible with them. God. You're lucky you're handsome or I would have no idea how we'd start off this courtship." Athena slowly settled down, opting to look him in the eye as she laid down to sleep instead.

"Sorry... I'm not much of a poet. Then again, my father isn't either---wait..." Manaco arched an eyebrow at Athena. "Handsome?"

"Yes?"

"... I think that's the first time you've paid me a compliment. Other than 'you're an annoying brat', that is." Manaco grinned. "Have to be annoying to get the attention of a beautiful princess."

"Beautiful?" Athena blushed, throwing a pillow at his face. "You're an embarrassing young man, you know that?"

"Hey!" Manaco laughed when she hit him with the pillow. He said in good humor, "If you start a pillow fight, I assure you, you most certainly will not win. I am the undefeated champion of pillow fights, you know. I have ten sisters and four brothers."

Athena had the first fun idea prop in her head in a long while. She replied by standing tall and smacking him with another pillow. "Less talk, dear 'husband'. Show me your Hasai warrior spirit!"

"Oh, you're going to regret that, 'wife'." Manaco picked up another pillow and hit her across the side with it. "Let's see how many hits it will take for you to go down."

Meanwhile, as both the young adults play fought, Zannah sighed as she went to bed with Annuciata.

"... I think you have a lot to fill me in on, my love." Annuciata was still rather frazzled by having a giant, snake monster in her castle. "Though I will be patient enough to wait until tomorrow."

"... at the risk of sounding selfish, does that mean you get to stay here with me?" Annuciata asked her lover. "I do think Athena is well groomed to be a great leader. I also believe Griffith will help her in any way I can. I'm just... really surprised that Manaco was the choice. I thought he'd have certain qualms against your family due to what happened in the past, yet... he does have that little twinkle in his eye when he looks at Athena."

"That he does. They'll be good for one another in time. And me?" Zannah answered Annuciata’s selfish desire by suddenly turning to her. With deep passionate kiss, she held Annuciata first. "How tired are you?"

"... I don't think I'm going to sleep another wink with that snake monster roaming my halls." The Queen of Danjur shuddered. "I've never seen such a monster. I heard Ralnor speak of stories concerning Omisha and the 'Echidnan' race that live there, but I always thought he was trying to scare me. And he was telling the truth, and I feel unnerved."

"How about I help you relax." Zannah went low under the covers, grasping Annuciata by the thighs to eat her out. "Think of all the things we can do now that we aren't separated by obligations to our own countries. Well, at least me to mine."

"OH!" Annuciata nearly jolted off the bed when Zannah's talented tongue suddenly made contact with her nether regions. It had been a while. Too long, in fact. "You know, if you stay here full time---oooh, that's good--- there's a chance---FUCK, that we may never leave the bed!"

"I'm fine with that. Would it be frowned upon to make our relationship public now?" Zannah's tongue dug deep, lifting Annuciata's lower body off the bed as she lapped her up.

"Seeing that E-Eleonora is of age to take the th-throne, I could---shit, shit, shit..." Annuciata was having a hard time forming words as Zannah teased her. "R-Retire and we could just---ahhh, right there..." She took a sharp inhale. "Spend our days together."

"You should convince her then." Zannah's pussy was already wet. Dropping her pants down, she positioned herself over Annuciata, and with hard friction she started to scissor her. "Public or not, you're gonna--- fuck--- be my wife."

"O-Oh... I-I'm already... c-close!!!" Annuciata was gripping the sheets tightly, already about to unwind. It had been so long, and the touches were already making her head spin. She was trembling, her legs shaking from the overload of pleasure. "Please, please, please..."

“Please what?” Zannah was teasing, pulling just a little away to play the role of dominatrix. She’d get readjusted to being a prime physical lover in short time again.

"Quit t-teasing me!" Annuciata pouted at her lover, trying to wrap one flexible leg around the woman's waist to pull her closer. "Please... just l-let me cum."

Zannah pushed deep again to feel her clit over load her senses. With a deep, satisfied growl she came with her lover. “Oh fuck that’s good~”

Annuciata's toes curled as she climaxed with a soft cry, her head pushing back into the pillows. Breathing heavily, she had a flush on her cheeks. "Th-That... was... was very nice."

Stamina to spare, Zannah picked up Annuciata bridal style, giving her a little swirl on the bed, and finally planting a kiss on her. “I’m glad that you found it so.”

"Do you think you'd be happy here, Zannah?" Annuciata asked her lover. "In Danjur? It's... very different than what you're used to in the Kikai Empire."

“I’d be happy with you.”

"We, of course, would visit Griffith and Athena as often as we could." Annuciata then sighed and said. "I am a little worried for our babies... Griffith seems to resent the fact that a 'farmer boy' is supposed to be his sister's husband. You don't think he'll start a brawl, do you?”

“Imagine he might. If Manaco is a proper Emperor he will have to face adversity.” Zannah settled nicely behind Annuciata, her tiny perky breasts poking into the woman’s back. “There will be much adversity, but they will prevail. They must prevail.”

"... you do realize this makes Zizi..." Annuciata cleared her throat. "Athena's mother-in-law. So no matter how much you might still would like to... you can't kill her."

Zannah actually laughed mockingly at the thought. “My dear Annuciata. If anyone wants to kill anyone, Zizi would try to kill me at the marriage recital. Such a thing is beneath royalty to kill the common folk.”

"... speaking of which, does Zizi even know this is going to happen?" Annuciata envisioned a beautiful wedding turning into a bloodbath. "You know what? I don't want to know if she does or doesn't. We can take Athena shopping tomorrow for her dress!" She thought of all the famous shops on Main Street. "Oh, she's going to be a vision."

Zannah could only warmly smile at the Annuciata’s positivity towards the future. “But first you need proper rest. Don’t want heavy bags under our eyes, do we now.”

"If anything, you're keeping me from proper rest with these nocturnal activities of pleasure." Annuciata accused with a laugh. "And we'll tell Eleonora, first thing in the morning."

“Then you can follow my example.” Zannah took a deep breath, closed her eyes, relaxed, and fell into a slumber shortly after. It was the best sleep she had in ages.

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/614058125382844416/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-3-signing-the-fine-print

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/614857600919568384/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-5-god-of-war

Crossover with @ridersoftheapocalypse. Please enjoy!

[zwei-the-penguin-with-a-pen]

‘Summer Shandy’

Blake's dress looked pretty amazing, but it had nothing on Yang's tuxedo. Signal High school's prom was guaranteed to be a stellar event. Yang's sister was playing in the band, the White Roses, and Yang had some plans for that. She wanted to sing Blake a song the way Blake had done for her at Mistral's prom. She even made certain Ruby and the band could perform it. Tonight was going to be a beautiful time.

Ruby stepped outside when the band finished their sound check. "Hey, Yang!"

"Hey, kid! Wow, you look stunning tonight! I bet the White Queen will be all over you!" Yang nicked. Ruby rolled her eyes and blushed bright red.

"Hush! We're just bandmates! That hang out all the time. And kiss sometimes..." Ruby realized her argument was going south quickly. She still wasn't sure if she should call Weiss her girlfriend. Oh well, at least she got to kiss a cutie once in a while.

"So that song for Blake. You guys can play it?" Yang asked yet again.

"Sure, Sis! It's a pretty easy jam! What was it called again?"

"it's 'Summer Shandy' by Front Bottoms."

"Yeah! Really chill. We can do chill." Ruby smiled. Yang hoped she was correct about that. She saw Weiss dip out the door and sneak up behind Ruby. She covered Ruby's eyes and made her guess.

"It couldn't be my sweetheart! Her hands are always cold!" Ruby joked. She turned around and gave Weiss a sweet kiss. "Hey, Snow Angel!" She called her favorite girl. Weiss blushed ten shades of red.

"GAY!" Yang called out at them. Ruby rolled her eyes.

"That's the plan..." The redhead fired back. Weiss grinned as she held Ruby closer. "Calm down, Snow Angel! We have all night to get handsy, especially once we're not around my sister..."

Weiss grabbed Ruby's face and kissed her again, this time not pulling away. Ruby's leg shot up behind her. There were stars in her eyes as the white queen pulled away from the kiss.

"Now that's gay..." Weiss jabbed. Yang laughed and high-fived her sister's girlfriend. Ruby pouted at the joke at her expense, once she finally stopped blushing.

"Hey, Goldie!" Yang's eyes turned to hearts at the sound of Blake's voice. "That dinner you treated me to was amazing! Ooh, the kid and her girl are here!" Blake mused. She hugged Ruby and Weiss. "You guys clean up nice!" She complimented. Ruby grinned and put her arms around Weiss's waist.

Blake threw her arms around Yang's shoulders. "Isn't she lovely in her golded tuxedo?" She bragged to Ruby and Weiss."My golden Sunshine!" She continued. Yang blushed brightly. Blake kissed Yang's lips, Yang's senses quickly returning.

"You're the one who's looking lovely, Moonlight!" Yang replied. Blake smiled at the compliment.

"Oh no, there are boys here!" Ruby joked as Jaune and Ren appeared. Both boys were dressed in super sharp tuxedos.

"The ladies are better dressed than us, I assure you..." Ren told them. His green tuxedo was nothing to sneeze at, and nor was the blue one Jaune was wearing. Ren had been correct, though; all four of Team RWBY gawked gayly at the sight of Pyrrha in her scarlet gown. Her muscular arms were exposed, giving all four girls nosebleeds.

Nora's pink dress hugged her curves. Ren could hardly breathe next to her.

\/\/\/\/\/

Blake and Yang danced away to the music the White Roses played. Ruby and Weiss had written some real bops, and their drummer Ecru filled their sounds out nicely. Stirling's bass guitar rounded out the sound. Ruby played a fantastic guitar, and Weiss tickled her piano's keys with reckless abandon.

"So, if you guys don't mind, we have a guest singer for this next one!" Weiss announced after they finished a song. "Presenting the Fireball from Patch, Miss Yang Xiao Long!" The whole dance cheered as Yang took the stage and picked up a guitar.

"So, my beautiful girlfriend Blake surprised me at her school's prom by singing me a song. I figured I'd try the same thing! This one's for you, My Heart!" Yang spoke into the microphone. She strummed a tune and sang to her favorite girl.

I've got them bad boy blues, Baby!!!

I've got them bad boy blues! I feel hypnotized

By the way you move and those big, gold eyes!

Yeah, that would be great! That would be beach house living!

Every night, the rest of our lives! You and me, we could go swimming!

When the chorus came along again, she sand 'big ole thighs' instead of 'big gold eyes' and Blake would get her for that later. She was too awestruck at her Sunshine right now!

She had stars in her eyes as Yang walked back up to her. She kissed Yang as though she'd never have the chance to kiss her again.

"BITCH! I didn't even know you played guitar!" Blake bragged. She was using the word 'bitch' for emphasis, not calling Yang that.

"You play and my sister plays, so I've picked up a bit. You can see I wasn't very good, so I let Ruby do all the work! DId you like the song?"

"It was incredible! The verses are a bit strange, but that chorus is fantastic!" Blake was still blushing. "I love you, Sunshine!"

"I love you too, Moonlight!"

"Oh, and what was that 'big ole thighs' bit about?!" Blake chided with a laugh. She knew full well she had big thighs. It was one of her favorite features as well as Yang's.

"They're hypnotizing! What can I say?" She grinned as she and Blake got back to dancing.

\/\/\/\/\/

\/\/\/\/\/

\/\/\/\/\/

Day 20: School Uniform

I MADE ANOTHER ONE! WAHAHAHAH

Song is Summer Shandy by Front Bottoms. The verses don’t fit that well but the chorus is where the fic idea came from. It jams all the same.

[aautiemiller-rockcenter]

Center Stage Performing Arts Studio - Masterlist (Duo/Trio, Groups)

A Midsummer’s Flight (Rookie Lyrical Duo/Trio):

Seren Carter, Stella Condie, London Smith

Awards Night (Junior Contemporary Line):

Bryten Belka, Brightyn Brems, Kate Deshler, Chayse DeVore, Emersyn Dickson, Abby Fisher, Kambree Guest, Jasmin Lewis, Ceilidh McSeveney, Zoe Ridge, Ava Spencer, Gianna Wittwer

Backing Down (Teen Contemporary Duo/Trio):

Abby Werner, Carter Williams

Bathing Beauties (Rookie Musical Theatre Duo/Trio):

Roxy Chapman, Andromeda Haslam, Tessa Ohran

Believer (Junior Specialty Line):

Bryten Belka, Brightyn Brems, Kate Deshler, Chayse DeVore, Emersyn Dickson, Abby Fisher, Kambree Guest, Jasmin Lewis, Ceilidh McSeveney, Zoe Ridge, Ava Spencer, Gianna Wittwer

Chicago, Illinois (Mini Contemporary Line):

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Rookies Musical Theatre Line):

Emmy Bezzant, Paisley Brems, Roxy Chapman, Brooke Devore, Goldie Ford, Payton Harrison, Andromeda Haslam, Clara McCarter, Tessa Ohran, London Smith, Rylee Ward, Bosco Wong

Clean (Junior Contemporary Group):

Bryten Belka, Brightyn Brems, Kate Deshler, Zoe Ridge

Contain (Junior Contemporary Group):

Bryten Belka, Brightyn Brems, Kate Deshler, Emersyn Dickson, Ceilidh McSeveney, Zoe Ridge, Ava Spencer, Gianna Wittwer

Cruel Love (Senior Contemporary Duo/Trio):

Jamie Bacon, Ezra Sosa

Devil’s Whisper (Senior Jazz Line):

Jamie Bacon, Anika Baker, Chelsea Carlson, Cassidy Forsyth, Tommy Green, Jaidyn Harrington, Taylee Hunter, Luke Phillips, Ezra Sosa, Stephanie Sosa, Alexis Urianza, Alexis Warr

Does That Mean Nothing Now (Teen Contemporary Group):

Jamie Bacon, Anika Baker, Abby Dayton, Kate Spencer, Abby Werner, Carter Williams

Don’t Cry For Me (Teen Contemporary Group):

Anika Baker, Addie Brems, Abby Dayton, Kate Spencer, Abby Werner, Jaxon Willard, Carter Williams

Dream State (Teen Contemporary Group):

Jamie Bacon, Anika Baker, Abby Dayton, Kate Spencer, Abby Werner, Carter Williams

Empire (Senior Contemporary Line):

Jamie Bacon, Chelsey Carlson, Cassidy Forsyth, Tommy Green, Jaidyn Harrington, Taylee Hunter, Ezra Sosa, Stephanie Sosa, Alexis Urianza, Alexis Warr, Jaxon Willard

Fallin’ (Teen Jazz Group):

Jamie Bacon, Anika Baker, Abby Dayton, Ezra Sosa, Kate Spencer, Abby Werner, Carter Williams

Fireball (Mini Jazz Line):

Taytem Adams, Aubry Alomia, Seren Carter, Stella Condie, Elle Deshler, Elle DeVore, Natasha Foote, Isabella Foote, Taylor Harrison, Anna Hendershot, Kamri Peterson, Arabella Shelton, Jackson Stillman, Mya Tualiva

Ghetto Symphony (Teen Hip Hop Extended Line):

Brynley Arnold, Jamie Bacon, Brynn Belka, Bryten Belka, Brightyn Brems, Kaden Dayton, Abby Dayton, Emersyn Dickson, Cassidy Forsyth, Tommy Green, Kambree Guest, Jaidyn Harrington, Makeila Lawrence, Ceilidh McSeveny, Zoe Ridge, Ezra Sosa, Stephanie Sosa, Ava Spencer, Kate Spencer, Alexis Warr, Abby Werner, Carter Williams, Gianna Wittwer

Ghost (Junior Contemporary Line):

Bryten Belka, Brightyn Brems, Kate Deshler, Chayse DeVore, Emersyn Dickson, Abby Fisher, Kambree Guest, Jasmin Lewis, Ceilidh McSeveny, Zoe Ridge, Ava Spencer, Gianna Wittwer

Grow (Mini Contemporary Line):

Taytem Adams, Aubry Alomia, Seren Carter, Elle DeVore, Chayse DeVore, Emersyn Dickson, Isabella Foote, Taylor Harrison, Anna Hendershot, Kamri Peterson, Mya Tuaileva

Hallelujah (Rookies Contemporary Line):

Emmy Bezzant, Paisley Brems, Roxy Chapman, Brooke Devore, Goldie Ford, Payton Harrison, Andromeda Haslam, Clara McCarter, Tessa Ohran, London Smith, Rylee Ward, Bosco Wong

In My Mind (Mini Contemporary Duo/Trio):

Ceilidh McSeveney, Kamri Peterson, Mya Tualiva

In The Silence (Mini Lyrical Duo/Trio):

Kate Deshler, Ceilidh McSeveney

It’s On Me (Teen Contemporary Duo/Trio):

Brightyn Brems, Carter Williams

Jump, Jive & Wail (Mini Tap Group):

Seren Carter, Elle Deshler, Taylor Harrison, Kamri Peterson, Arabella Shelton, Jackson Stillman

Kaboom (Junior Jazz Line):

Keep Running (Mini Contemporary Line):

Taytem Adams, Aubry Alomia, Seren Carter, Stella Condie, Elle Deshler, Elle DeVore, Natasha Foote, Isabella Foote, Taylor Harrison, Anna Hendershot, Kamri Peterson, Jackson Stillman, Mya Tuaileva

Kitri Variations (Junior Ballet Duo/Trio):

Kate Deshler, Zoe Ridge

Lay It On Me (Senior Contemporary Line):

Jamie Bacon, Chelsea Carlson, Cassidy Forsyth, Tommy Green, Jaidyn Harrington, Taylee Hunter, Stephanie Sosa, Ezra Sosa, Alexis Urianza, Alexis Warr

Losss (Senior Contemporary Group):

Jamie Bacon, Cassidy Forsyth, Ezra Sosa, Stephanie Sosa, Alexis Warr

Move Something (Senior Hip Hop Line):

Brynley Arnold, Jamie Bacon, Brynn Belka, Kaden Dayton, Abby Dayton, Cassidy Forsyth, Tommy Green, Jaidyn Harrington, Makeila Lawrence, Stephanie Sosa, Ezra Sosa, Kate Spencer, Alexis Warr, Abby Werner, Carter Williams

New York, New York (Mini Musical Theatre Duo/Trio):

Stella Condie, Jackson Stillman

One Match (Teen Contemporary Duo/Trio):

Queen Of Hearts (Rookies Jazz Line):

Emmy Bezzant, Paisley Brems, Roxy Chapman, Brooke Devore, Goldie Ford, Payton Harrison, Andromeda Haslam, Clara McCarter, Tessa Ohran, London Smith, Rylee Ward, Bosco Wong

Roll Like Thunder (Teen Lyrical Group):

Anika Baker, Abby Dayton, Ezra Sosa, Kate Spencer, Abby Werner, Carter Williams

She’s Not What You See (Senior Contemporary Line):

Jamie Bacon, Chelsea Carlson, Cassidy Forsyth, Tommy Green, Jaidyn Harrington, Taylee Hunter, Luke Phillips, Ezra Sosa, Stephanie Sosa, Alexis Urianza, Alexis Warr

Space Between (Junior Contemporary Duo/Trio):

Bryten Belka, Brightyn Brems, Zoe Ridge

Take The Fear (Mini Lyrical Line):

Taytem Adams, Aubry Alomia, Seren Carter, Stella Condie, Elle DeVore, Isabella Foote, Taylor Harrison, Anna Hendershot, Kamri Peterson, Mya Tuaileva

The Dating Game (Teen Hip Hop Extended Line):

Brynley Arnold, Jamie Bacon, Brynn Belka, Bryten Belka, Brightyn Brems, Abby Dayton, Kaden Dayton, Emersyn Dickson, Cassidy Forsyth, Tommy Green, Kambree Guest, Jaidyn Harrington, Makeila Lawrence, Ceilidh McSeveny, Zoe Ridge, Stephanie Sosa, Ezra Sosa, Ava Spencer, Kate Spencer, Alexis Warr, Abby Werner, Carter Williams, Gianna Wittwer

When You Break (Junior Contemporary Group):

Bryten Belka, Brightyn Brems, Kate Deshler, Emersyn Dickson, Kambree Guest, Ceilidh McSeveny, Zoe Ridge