The First Encounter

"I don't need you anymore! You are just a damned fool and I hate you! I hate you!"

She could never imagine saying such words, such harmful words. Her eyes burned with fury, but her father's only flickered with concern and sadness. Perhaps, her emotions were getting the best of her. Belle could feel her face becoming flushed, preparing for possible tears. However, she would never show such weakness, especially to her father. She turned on her heel, leaving the puzzled man who seemed to just become speechless from the spat he just shared with his only daughter.

Belle made her way out the door, stumbling out in the yard. She had expected her father to follow…and she had hoped he would. She knew she was just speaking out of anger and really did not mean any harm. The night air might do her well though, clear up her mind. However, one had to be careful when treading in the darkness.

Their small (and rather dilapidated) cottage was located on the outskirts of a massive forest where horrible creatures dwelled. The duo had no money and could only afford the run down home, hoping to make some sort of living. However, after her mother died, well, Belle and her father "died" with her as well.

The young woman wiped away the lingering tears, hoping that would cease this nonsense. Of course, her whole body was shaking as she gave disgusting sobs.

When was the last time she cried like this?

The thought did not last long as all her attention was drawn to some sort of movement. No creatures would really wander near the house, well, save for the little critters that really did no harm. However, this movement had to have come from something bigger.

She gasped as she felt something against her neck. She quickly turned and was greeted with quite an odd sight. He was a male…with skin that just perplexed her. It reminded her of a lizard's skin and his eyes…did he even have eyes?

"Hello dearie."

He chirped with a rather giddy tone of voice. Was that normal for him? Belle was not sure how to react. Her words had left her and all she wanted to do was run back into the house, but that was where her father was.

"A quiet one, aren't you?"

He gave a high giggle that caused her to take another step back, not enjoying this man's company at all. "I assume you are Maurice's daughter?" Her eyes widened from the name, but what business did he have with her father?

"Yes…"

She answered in just above a whisper, not sure if it was right to even respond. However, the awkward atmosphere was broken by her father, who now shuffled outside. "What is going on?" He demanded as he approached his daughter, stepping in front of her and eyeing the mystery man.

"Well, now it's a gala!"

The male giggled again, for he seemed quite amused by all of this confusion. "I have come to claim what I was promised." Maurice continued to just stare, the puzzlement not leaving his eyes. "You must be mistaken." Maurice stated, but was there a slight tremble in his voice? Something was not right.

"Oh no. I am quite correct. It has been…quite a few years now. I am sure you still recall our deal." A slimy grin now etched his face and Maurice's body froze, for realization had suddenly hit him. "No. Not now. Please, for pity sake!" Belle was surprised by her father's groveling.

What did he promise? Who was this man?

"What is wrong Papa?" She chimed in, hoping to get some sort of answer. However, her father did not speak, so, the stranger answered in his place. "Oh! He hasn't told you dearie? What a dreadful father! No matter! It seemed that little fight might sever your relationship anyways. I guess I am doing you a favor!" He chortled, causing her father to now tremble with fear.

"Please, do not do this. I…I was a fool for making a deal with you! I will not give her up." Belle was stunned. Was he referring to her? Was she part of this nasty deal?

"What are you talking about Papa? You made me part of this…twisted deal?" Her eyes burned with fury once again, and Belle now demanded answers.

"I guess he never told you. I did a few favors for him, for the sake of your beloved mother." His voice held such a wicked quality, that Belle swore the hairs on her arms were standing up. "In return, I would get their child. I never said when I would claim it, but now, the time has come."

Belle's heart stopped and her eyes widened with fear. "What?" She managed to spit out, her father now doubling to the ground, grabbing onto the man's coat. "Please Rumpelstiltskin! I was young and a fool! I would have never done…!" The man, now identified as Rumplestiltskin, kicked the old man off of him, causing Belle to now react and pick up her father.

"Deals are deals. Now, she is mine."

"I am no object! How dare you come here and claim this…nonsense!" She bitterly spat out, hoping to cover the terrified tone in her voice. "This is all hogwash and I demand for you to leave at once!"

There was a moment of silence, before that sickening chuckle came again. "What a brave one you raised Maurice! However, courage won't get you far dearie." The man now darted towards Belle, his arm grabbing onto her own as he pulled her upwards. She gasped out in pain from the forceful pull. She wanted to just push him away, but all her strength had seemed to leave her.

"Farewell, Maurice."

Before she knew it, the two were consumed in a haze and her home and father had vanished.

[ Hello everyone and thank you for reading my first Rumbelle fic! I hope you enjoyed it and look forward to the upcoming chapters! I swear, it will be going somewhere! Also, these characters do not belong to me. I am just tweaking them a bit for the sake of my crazy mind. All rights belong to Once Upon a Time.]