Story Name: Obscurity

Author's Notes: First the needed disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon A Time, I just want to build within it's world. Second: I'm doing this for the fun of it more than anything. I don't have a beta so I do the best I can write on my own. Now onto more fun things:

Chapter One: Turn of Seasons

"You expected to be sad in the fall. Part of you died each year when the leaves fell from the trees and their branches were bare against the wind and the cold, wintery light. But you knew there would always be the spring, as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen. When the cold rains kept on and killed the spring, it was as though a young person died for no reason."

-Ernest Hemingway, A Movveable Feast

Pale branches curled out in ashen spider webs along the surface of the glass, a frozen overgrowth in a tiny corner of a window. The chalky enigmatic fern pattern proof of the late fall weather that was steadily taking over Storybrooke. The frozen flora on the window was as unique as the small flakes of ice and snow that crafted it, yet it remained unseen in its individualism. The man inside the house sporting the chilled decoration had no thoughts to spare the frost; his mind was on anything but the weather as his fingers straightened his tie.

In the second bedroom Belle was still sleeping, likely she wouldn't be up for a while. He doubted she would approve of his attitude toward others so it was just as well that she slept, she'd promised him she'd stay inside. There were now spells on the doors and windows that would punish anyone that attempted to break into his home. Magic returning had changed at least the ability for others to steal things as easily as they had the past few months.

He picked up his cane and headed out the door, frowning at the chill. Once the early cold got a chance to bite at him it made his leg ache. After a moment he shook his head and started toward his car, digging keys from his pocket.

"You don't need power…you need courage…"

Resisting the urge to break the car window he instead unlocked and opened the driver's door. Sliding in the keys and turning them, in a moment the purr of the vehicle reached his ears. The engine came to life, the heater was letting out a light thrum, classical music was playing lightly on the radio. He switched the music off, preferring the silence. Then the heat; perhaps an ache in his leg could help distract him from the one in his chest.

"Do you remember who I am?" The scent of coal in the mines was clear, less than complimentary to Belle's face but that didn't matter. He had to hope he'd gotten to her in time, and pulled the cart back before…

"Yeah…Mr. Gold…but, how did we get here?"Her voice was timid, uncertain. She wasn't his Belle anymore…

Gloved fingers were gripping the wheel more tightly than usual as Mr. Gold backed out of his driveway, pausing to push the car from reverse to drive. It was only her presence in the mine shaft yesterday that kept him from killing the worthless creature that was Belle's father. Today wouldn't end so conveniently for the man, it didn't matter to Gold that he had been taken to the prison. A slight grin broke his face at the thought of his fingers wrapping around the plump man's neck…

Then there was a crash, the hood of the car denting as black hooves broke the polished surface. The galloping steed continued across the road as though the dash across his car had meant nothing to the beast. It was moving so swiftly that he only managed a short glimpse at horse and rider.

Of those two the master drew much more of his attention than the pet. It seemed slightly translucent, and difficult to pick up much detail through the blur of speed it had. It clearly moved faster than any normal un-enchanted horse. While there was a light fog that could have been altering perceptions Mr. Gold knew magic well enough to recognize it when it came crashing by him. What was more surprising was the lack of a head between the apparition's shoulders.

If it hadn't been such a surprise he likely could have stopped the creature, but it was gone now and there was a truck pulling up beside him that made him push the car into park again. Unfortunately louder than only a few minutes ago.

"What can I do for you sheriff?" He rolled his window down, not bothering to get out to speak to the man.

"What did you do Gold?" The tone of voice was less than charming despite the acting sheriff's moniker. "I helped you yesterday; I should have realized you would summon something to send after him as well. You never learn do you? Get out of your car, you're under arrest."

"I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about Nolan." Gold replied, not making a move to comply with the orders. "I haven't summoned anything since the wraith."

"So why did it go after Moe? Convenient isn't it?" David reached down as he continued to scowl at the older man, opening his car door.

"A little too convenient without results isn't it?" Gold retorted, as though bored with the conversation. "If I was to summon something, it wouldn't have run off without finishing the job. I assume from the way you say it 'went after' him that Mr. French is still alive."

"So is Regina, perhaps your magic isn't what it once was. Either way I can't have you out and causing trouble, are you going to make this difficult?" Clearly the Prince was hesitant to just reach over and grab him. It brought a slight smirk to his face.

"I didn't summon your monster, but I have some idea what it is. Don't you remember ever reading the Legend of Sleepy Hollow? It ran right by my land toward the graveyard, and it's nearly dawn. Even you should be able to put it together if you go read the story again." Mr. Gold hated dealing in free information but he supposed giving a little would keep the Prince out of his hair for a while.

Charming was still staring at him, as though gauging what was wise or not. "Fine, I'll let you go for now. Stay away from the hospital though, I had Henry pick up your rent and it's being held at the station."

"At least the creature hospitalized him." Mr. Gold muttered as he slammed his door a moment after the Prince backed out of the way. Pushing the gear back into drive and heading toward town, waiting until his window was up again to grit his teeth. Already his plans for the day had been altered; his murder of Mr. French would have to wait until it couldn't be brought back on him. At least there was rent to collect…

Grannie's Diner

"Best breakfast in town." Red commented with a wink to some of the newcomers, since the change to Storybrooke they'd been getting new people in that had always been here but had never frequented the restaurant before. She thought it was fun, particularly since there were some pretty decent looking guys starting to appear in the mix. She was grinning at a table with one of the mystery guys who had come in with an older gentleman to eat. Perhaps they were related, she didn't recognize them though.

The older man was a difficult guess for age, he dressed closer to grannie's age but his face put him more in the late forties/early fifties range. He had spectacles on his face, and a tweed suit that was a light gray with a silver chain leading from his belt to a pocket, probably a pocket watch. Some people even in another world didn't gain things like fashion sense, grannie still lacked it. He had a certain dignified heir and a small well kept beard, though his hair was graying it still had a salt and pepper look to it. The university was on the opposite side of town and perhaps they worked or lived in that area, he looked like a professor. She'd never thought much about the small university they had here but that was another option she was considering now that everything had changed.

It was the second guy at the table that she kept returning to refill the coffee for though. He was a lot younger, early to mid-twenties, his face also had a certain dignified heir that gave her the impression they could be related. He though was much more youthful, there was a dimple in his cheeks when he smiled and a sparkle in his deep green eyes that she liked to watch. He was wearing a pine green dress shirt, black slacks, and black dress shoes but no tie or jacket, it was simple but attractive.

Perhaps they were father and son that would be sort of cute. They'd been quiet enough in their discussion that she couldn't eavesdrop over the rest of the quiet morning thrum. Thus her frequent trips around the room to refill this morning, it was clear she was more active than other mornings but she wanted to know more and they were almost done with their breakfast.

"…you should come by the shooting range. We don't get a lot of business but I think it'd be good for you. It's a great way to relieve stress." The cutie was saying to possible dad.

"Coffee?" Red asked cheerfully, she had forgotten the city had a shooting gallery, but at least it was a clue! The rest of the customers weren't as interesting since they were regulars and she already knew their stories, a lot of the people she could recognize from the other world but the ones she couldn't were really intriguing, it was like a game. Of course other customers were able to tell they were being ignored.

"Ruby, can you stop oogling green shirt and give us some coffee, we have work to get to." Leroy commented, amused at the dirty look he earned for the comment.

"No, thank you…" The older man said as Red turned back, lifting himself from his seat and tossing a twenty on the table. "I think others are interested in your service however."

"No need to be cold Frank." The younger man commented at the older one as he headed away, nodding toward his cup and grinning at Red. "The old man has to run but fill me up ruby. I don't think we've met officially. I'm Lucius."

"Nice to meet you Lucius." Ruby felt a small blush arising as she filled up the coffee. "Can I get you anything else?"

"Do you have anything sweet?" Lucius asked as he poured sugar into the coffee. "I do enjoy strawberry crepes."

"I think we can manage that…"

"Gag, hey Ruby other customers!" Leroy called, bringing the girl's attention back to him.

"Sorry." She apologized to Lucius who only shrugged as though he wasn't concerned. "Dammit Grumpy I'm coming, maybe you should have been called Needy."

The door opened and Ashley moved right over to the counter and sitting down, pulling her arms tight around herself. The girl didn't look herself, she was incredibly pale and her hair looked a little ragged. Leroy was passed as Red moved over to her.

"Hey Ashley, rough night huh? You okay?" Red said, turning her tablet to a new page. "What can I get you?"

"N…nothing…" Ashley managed, stuttering slightly. "I…I'm not okay Red…I…it…it took her…I need help."

She burst into tears and Red blinked in surprise as Ashley wrapped her arms around her, she was still quite cold, she must have been outside all night. Red immediately hugged her back, aware of the stares of the room.

"Hey hey, it took who Ashley?" Red asked, though she had a sinking feeling she knew what was going to be said before her friend managed to choke out the words.

"…he took her…it must have been him Red! Who else could it be! Rumpelstiltskin remembered my promise…and she's gone…he took Alexandra!"

End Chapter

Mr. Gold always gets the shaft somehow…for all his power it seems to not actually do a whole lot for him. Poor guy…my favorite chars always seem to have bad pasts. Props to all those that guess who Frank and Lucius are! I do already know who their fairy tale personas are but it won't be revealed just yet. XD

-Aura

P.S. Normally I'd comment to reviewers but being the first chapter I lack any just yet XD