Ok so this idea has been nagging at me for about a week! I don't know why as I fully support Rumbelle, but I just had this idea that Belle was just too nice, sweet and perfect! this is just a teaser so if you could let me know what you think and if I should continue I'd appreciate it. Thanks, JJ X x

~ Real World ~

Mr. Gold sat in his home, looking out at the stars as he thought of his old life, yes he was still feared and respected but he missed his magic, his castle… and he couldn't help but think about a girl he once knew…

~ Fairytale World ~

The kingdom was abuzz with fear and adrenalin, the war was nearing an end, however that end was not in favor of the people… that was why they had no choice, no other option, their numbers were dwindling and they were petrified, he was their last hope.

They had all congregated in the war room at the imp's lack of arrival, the king convinced that they were done for, when he had come. The room trembled with trepidation and anticipation at his sharp voice "You sent me a message. Something about, um, 'Help, help! We're dying! Can you save us?' Now, the answer is – yes, I can. Yes, I can protect your little town. For a price"

The king looks to him in surprise and offers him gold, the creature scoffs lightly at the payment and says "Ah… No. You see, um… I, uh, make gold. What I want is something a bit more special. My price…is her"

All gasp in shock as he points out the golden clad princess, the innocent Belle… the king refuses to sell his child for his kingdom and the bargainer goes to leave, the hearts of people falling until the princess calls "No… wait"

All eyes are on her as she argues with her father and fiancé about leaving with the beast but a voice calls "Belle you can't!"

Another comes into the dark one's view, a girl similar to the other, their features parallel with lush chestnut ringlets, wide sapphire orbs and heart shaped youthful faces, but the second girl is robed in a white feathery gown glittered with crystals and pearls "please sister…"

The newcomer turns to Rumpelstiltskin, her gaze piercing and void "take me instead"

His eyes widen with intrigue "you wish to take her place dearie? Why?"

"Belle is the future queen, she's needed more than I" the girl states calmly

Her sister shakes her head in protest, taking her sisters hand "Clarissa, please…"

The girl barely looks at her sibling but turns to her father, who has yet to utter a word and then the wizard "would you have me?"

He takes a step closer and examines the girl, their eyes meet and he sees something in them, not the fear and disgust he's used to, something he can't place and as she shrugs Belle off unsympathetically "you for them… it's forever dearie!"

He tilts his head in a slight surprise as her lip twitches up "forever is better than dead!"

"Then we have a deal" he smiles and offers her hand which she takes easily and quickly, he can't help but notice the tears in the other girls eyes as they leave, but there are no protests as there has been with Belle, no outrage or horror… they just let her go

She is quiet on the ride, she doesn't even make a noise as he shows her, her 'room', however as he walks away he hears something unexpected, something surreal… the girl in his dungeon is giggling!