Finding You Always

Open Hearts

"Not unfazed really, but we have faith that our love will prevail," David said, as he looked at her. She smiled.

"The day we stop hoping that things will be okay is the day that we know they won't," Snow added.

"The thing I'm curious about though is how your father thinks he's going to be able to use true love as some kind of weapon. It's light magic and he uses dark magic," David said. Paul shrugged.

"I've wondered myself, though he is always saying that true love is the only magic that doesn't come with a price. He's adamant about that. But as far as I've seen, he is never the one to pay the price for his dark magic. Others always pay it for him," Paul said sadly.

"Maybe his price is something you can't see," Snow suggested. Paul looked confused.

"She means it's quite possibly his soul. Maybe he thinks by using us to replenish his powers, it will sustain him. He's not immortal without magic," David said. Paul's eyes widened.

"What?" Paul asked in surprise. They exchanged a glance.

"You didn't know?" Snow asked.

"Know what?" the doctor questioned.

"Without magic, his immortality is null and void. It's the same for the Dark One. He's not immortal here, not without his magic," David replied.

"It's why he made sure time was frozen until he wants it to move again, even if our memories returned early," Snow added.

"With his magic, he is immortal and it's running out. That's why he needs more," Paul realized. David put a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry. If he comes here, we'll deal with him. We might not even have to. I get the feeling Gold might not like another sorcerer tromping into his territory," David said.

"And you trust Gold?" Paul asked. They laughed.

"Not even a little...but usually whatever he has planned involves Snow and I together," David replied.

"Yes, well I don't mean to warn you again, but whatever my father has planned also involves you two together," Paul said.

"We'll figure it out...we always do," Snow replied. David smiled and kissed her cheek.

"Together," David said.

"I really wish I had your eternal optimism," Paul drawled. Snow laughed.

"Don't worry, we have enough for everyone," Snow said, as he and David shook hands.

"Thank you...you don't know what your trust means to me," Paul said gratefully.

Nathan glanced briefly at his wife in the passenger seat. He did not tell her the real reason for their sudden road trip. He couldn't. Since the stillbirth of their child, Linda had been emotionally fragile and had struggled with depression. Her meds kept her stable, but he knew telling her he planned to try and kidnap their former foster daughter could send her into an episode.

Instead, he told her they were going for an impromptu trip up the Maine coastline to get away from it all for a few days. Needless to say, she was thrilled.

Nathan looked at the peculiar map John had given him. This Storybrooke wasn't on any normal map he had ever seen, but the boy had insisted that the town was there and to use only this map to find the hidden gem among the forests of Maine.

Nathan was skeptical. All he could see was forest before them, but the crude map showed they were almost right upon the town. Nathan nearly slammed on the brakes when there was a flash and a sign suddenly appeared, reading "Welcome to Storybrooke,"