Hello everyone! Here is my Sound of Music version of Once Upon A Time. A lot of things are very different. Like the war has ended for this one and the Captain's wife died during the war. And a lot of other suprises. Loosely based on the movie but I hope you like it!

The idea of Reverend Mother and the Captain being related is inspired by a fic from FFN called "Conversations" by FromBroadwayToWestEnd

08/10/16: It has come to my attention that some relationships here may have insulted some ships so here is a very long disclaimer.

Disclaimer: In this fic, some main characters of OUAT become the Von Trapp children. There is no Snowing, Captain Swan, Swanfire, or SwanQueen in this story because they are blood-siblings. The only ships in this story are Rumbelle, OutlawQueen, and Merlin/Nimue. So please, if you'd rather not read something like that, I don't want to insult you or make read something you do not like. Thank you.

Chapter 1

This was getting out of control. Sure he knew why the children were doing what they were doing. It was all just to get his attention but he just couldn't...he couldn't bear to look at them and see her, the way they smile and act just reminded him of his worst fault, the worst decision he had ever made.

Storybrooke was back on track to its golden days. The second devastating Ogre War was over but in his heart it felt like it was only just beginning. It's been an estimate of two or three years, people would tell him. But it wasn't about the time. Every time he was alone, he would remember her, Milah. How she would always brighten his life just by looking at him. How the world stopped when she smiled...she was everything to him and then she was taken.

Milah died in the war by circumstances that he blamed himself for. Merlin Detweiler, his best friend along with Merlin's fiancée Nimue Schraeder who happened to be Milah's older sister, would constantly tell him that it wasn't his fault. But it always felt like it was.

At the time that Oz was on the brink of losing the war, they had attempted to take over Storybrooke. What they did not consider was Storybrooke would put in a fight.

He had forced every person he cared about to take leave outside Storybrooke so that they would not be in harm's way while he had to help his country fight. Except Milah.

Milah had insisted she stay in Storybrooke and stay she did. The decision to agree with her still haunts his thoughts to this very day. If he had not agreed, if he had persuaded her more to be with the children, then she would still be alive...

A knock on his study door brought him out of his reprieve.

"Come in."

The door to his study opened and Moe Avonlea, the butler, came in. Moe has been in the service of the Gold family for a long time now. He was already in service even before he had started with the Navy.

"Sir, Fraulein Isabel has left already." reported Moe to his employer. "She insisted that she could walk and didn't want to bother you further."

"Oh," he said feeling a bit embarrassed. His children had already ruined the lady's stay at the villa and it was the least he could do to drive her into town but she must have felt embarrassed as well. "I was meaning to make it up to her for the rash treatment of the children."

"Actually sir, she's more embarrassed because she only lasted two hours." pointed out Moe. He looked at his employer with concern as Rumford Gold took his head in his hands and sighed.

"What am I supposed to do Moe?" said Gold, his head still in his hands as he spoke. "Am I wrong to be considering boarding school?"

"Rumple..." began Moe. It had been their understanding that formalities would be dropped whenever they weren't with the children or public eye. Besides, Moe had practically raised Rumford himself. "I'm sure you'll find a governess that is your children's match."

"And where can I get someone like that?" breathed Gold. "I mean any other institution that has the discipline taught in them would be the Navy."

"Or..." Moe suddenly remembered Gold's aunt who happened to be the mother abbess at the Realm Abbey. "Maybe you could call your aunt."

"Aunt Blue?" Gold turned to look at the other parent figure in his life that was still alive. "I've called her multiple times already to ask her contacts about a suitable governess. Fraulein Isabel was recommended by a contact of hers."

"What I mean is someone from the abbey could be the new governess." said Moe.

"A postulant?" Gold raised an eyebrow at Moe. Maybe he did have a point there. Discipline was a strong characteristic if you wanted to be a nun. And the children might go easy on her since she came from the abbey, from Aunt Blue.

"Moe have I ever mentioned that you are a genius?" Gold smiled at his long-time adviser, in a way.

Moe couldn't help but smile at his employer. "More than a few times already, sir."

Gold got up from his desk chair and followed Moe out of his study. He made his way towards the phone and called the abbey.

It was almost time for the evening service and Mother Superior was taking care of few more things before making her way to church.

Her office phone then rang.

"That's strange," Mother Superior thought. "Who could be calling at the hour?"

"Hello?" answered Mother Superior.

"Aunt Blue," came the rich man's voice from the other end. Immediately, she recognized the voice of her nephew.

"Rumford...what's the matter?" asked Mother Superior, concern riddled over her question. Then it hit hurt, Frau Susan had told her that the new governess would be arriving at her nephew's house today. He should be out of trouble already in that department.

"Well..." Her nephew began and immediately she knew the answer. The children had gotten rid of their new governess. That was a new record for them. They're truly out shining themselves.

"You can't be serious Rumple!" said Mother Superior over the telephone, using the nickname that only family members could use. "A day has not even passed!"

"Actually she only stayed two hours." said Rumple, not a trace of emotion in his voice.

"Two hours?!" The children were putting on a new record.

"Aunt Blue," began Rumple, his voice changing tones. "I'm getting desperate here..."

Mother Superior gave a sigh. She'd been sifting through her contacts for any recommendations of a governess she could pass on to the son of her late younger sister.

"I'm sorry Rumple but apparently your children have built a reputation of their own." answered Mother Superior. At first a governess was easy to find for him. Everyone seemed to be eager to work for the famous Captain Rumford Gold, the brave Naval hero. But then his seven children became famous for terrorizing their governess, the source dried up.

Rumple sighed. He knew that was coming. The children had gone through eleven governess already since Milah died and that was about two or three years ago...since the war ended. Rumple then voiced out why he called his aunt in the first place.

"Well Aunt Blue...Moe actually suggested..." Rumple was a bit shy to ask this to his aunt but he was really desperate. "Can't you spare any of your..." Oh what were they called again, he forgot. "Ummm, nuns-in-training?"

Mother Superior had to suppress laughing. Rumple was very nervous to have forgotten the word.

"They're called something, Rumple."

"Postulant." said Rumple suddenly. "Sorry, I just...well you know why I need one in such a short time."

"Yes," she replied. Earlier in the week, Nimue Schraeder, Rumple's sister-in-law had also called her to enlist her help in getting Rumple to keep his 'best man' responsibilities and be present in some engagement parties being held for Nimue and Robert's best friend, Merlin Detweiler. Rumple wasn't always fond of social events and was more of a private man. He does visit the Enchanted Forest often, but it's more of a getaway from people and just staying in either Merlin or Nimue's villa and being left alone.

"I understand Rumple. But you do have responsibilities when you agreed to be Merlin's 'best man' and that includes being present in all those engagement balls. Besides, you are also the remaining family Nimue has in a way..." argued Mother Superior.

"You're her family too, in a sense." Rumple fired back. He would do anything to get out of social parties.

"Yes, and like I would go to a ball or gala...even if I did, I'll be dressed as a nun and nothing else."

Rumple couldn't suppress the laugh that made its way to his lips. His mother would always tell tales of how her older sister was a bit tomboyish and would never really wear a dress suitable for a lady. Maybe that's the reason why she became a nun, his mother would sometimes joke.

"Oh, I'm sure your parents have informed you all about my mishaps." said Mother Superior, happy to have heard her nephew's laughter.

"Yes, pretty much every time they could." answered Rumple.

"Back to the reason you called," said Mother Superior, as she noticed that it was about time she made her way to the chapel. She then heard hurried footsteps, one of the postulants must be running late. It must be...

"I think I may have one postulant I can send your way. She'll last more than two hours, I assure you." said Mother Superior, realizing that she may have found the solution to Rumple's problem, and not just the governess dilemma.

"Thank you Aunt Blue," said Rumple as he gave a sigh of relief.

"You're welcome, Rumple. I must get ready for the evening service." said Mother Superior. "She'll be there the day after tomorrow." And with that she hanged up.

As she made her way to the chapel, she saw the postulant who had almost arrived late to the service. Belle French was one of the postulants that...well let's just say that a life of a nun may not really be her true calling.

As always, Belle lost track of time. She was up in the mountains again and was sitting under a perfectly good tree reading one of her books when the sound of the church bells told her that she was, as always late for evening service.

With haste, she grabbed her head dress and ran back to the abbey, maybe with some luck she could get there on time.

But even if she gets another scolding, the day was worth it. The mountain had called to her like any other day. It was the place where she could lose herself in her books and stories. The mountains always appealed to her. In a way, the mountain felt like home.

Not that the Abbey wasn't home. It was the only place where she felt she belonged. Nobody else had showed her any form of affection except the sisters, even if some of them were very abiding by the rules like Sister Ashley. But there were those like Sister Tink who would laugh at Belle's straightforwardness.

She reached the Abbey in record time. Maybe she could even wash her face before heading to mass but as she crossed the square she found Mother Superior and some of the heads of the Abbey all looked like they were expecting her. Sister Ashley shook her head and Belle could only roll her eyes. Nope, she was caught. No use in rushing anymore.

"What are you going to do?" asked Sister Tink as they watched Belle hurry to mass.

"If you ask me," began Sister Ashley but Mother Superior gave her a pointed look.

"Please escort her to my office after the service, Sister Tink," said Mother Superior. "God may have other plans for our dear Belle."

After the mass, Belle wasn't surprised when Sister Tink called her and said that Mother Superior wanted a word. But the conversation was not what she had suspected at all. She was going to the governess to seven children of a Naval hero.

"Seven children?" gasped Belle as she slumped back on her seat.

"Don't you like children Belle?" asked Mother Superior with a suppressed smile.

"Well yes but seven?!" asked Belle, forgetting her place.

"I will tell Captain von Trapp to expect you tomorrow." replied Mother Superior as she began to compose a telegram on her desk.

"Captain?" asked Belle, her curiosity peaking.

"A retired officer of the Navy. A fine man and a brave one." replied Mother Superior. "His wife died during the previous war, and he is alone with the children. I understand he has had a difficult time keeping a governess there."

"Why difficult, Mother Superior?" asked Belle and Mother Superior looked up and studied her. She looked curious and from she knew of the young woman, Belle would never back down from a challenge and his grand-nieces and nephews were just that.

"The Lord will show you in His own good time." replied Mother Superior with a smile and Belle sighed. A governess to seven children of a retired Naval Captain, a hero of the previous war. Well if it was God's plan but why on Earth would Mother Superior be doing this for such a man?

"Mother Superior?" Belle's tone was of a question, as usual she couldn't keep her curiosity to herself.

"Yes, my child." asked Mother Superior, looking back to the postulant who was still sitting across from her.

"Why did you agree to the Captain's request?"

Mother Superior gave a sigh. She did forget to mention the reason and it was only right for her to answer Belle's question.

"In a way, we do have doubts of your future as a nun Belle and this is a test of your true devotion," Belle already knew that part, what she was curious about is not everyone can really just call the abbey and ask for a governess. "To answer your question, though, I've been helping the Captain find a governess for quite some time now."

Belle gave Mother Superior a confused look once more.

"The Captain happens to be my younger sister's son, Belle." explained Mother Superior. "I've been helping him get through the ordeals he is currently facing especially with the death of his wife a few years ago."

Belle nodded and understood.

"Are you playing matchmaker again, Aunt Blue?" Nimue Schraeder just had to ask the person that has been her mother figure ever since her own parents had died.

Mother Superior gave a not so innocent giggle. She had phoned Nimue Schraeder just as her discussion with Belle French, the soon to be new governess of the Gold family left her office, and had told Nimue her plan.

"I'm not playing anything Nimue...I just know that if anyone can changed the villa in Storybrooke back to its cheerful and full of laughter state it is no other than Belle." argued Mother Superior.

Nimue couldn't argue with that. Ever since the war ended and they had lost Milah, Rumple was in a half-dead state that no one can seem to get him out off, not even the children. Besides, Mother Superior knew Rumple the longest, if anyone can think of a plan she could.

"Well I trust your decision whole heartedly, Aunt Blue." said Nimue. "Does that mean I shouldn't introduce him to any of my friends anymore?"

"Oh let him socialize..." said Mother Superior. "He needs to have a social life at least. Rumple has always been a private person but for goodness sake he needs to interact with other people and not just have his thoughts be occupied by the sea and boats."

Nimue just had to laugh at the older woman's outburst regarding her nephew. True, Rumple's mind was always on the sea, boats, sailing...anything and everything to do with water.

"Let's not talk about my stubborn nephew, Nimue. He is a boring topic to discuss." joked Mother Superior. "How is Merlin?"

"Oh being his usual funny self." answered Nimue, not fighting the smile that came to her face as she thought about her fiancée. "The charming sponge is of course as love struck as I am and it is refreshing to see Rumple tease Merlin whenever he gets the chance."

"Rumple adores the both of you," said Mother Superior. "He was very excited when he told me about how Merlin would look at you and how you would look at him."

"I am doing the right thing aren't I, Aunt Blue?" Nimue suddenly voiced out. She suddenly remembered her previous husband, the late Arthur Schraeder who had passed away even before the war.

"My dear, love is not something you can put a limit on." replied Mother Superior. "I know that Arthur is looking down on you approvingly, albeit maybe a little hesitant because you chose someone like Merlin to be your new husband."

Nimue couldn't help the small giggle that came to her. "Aunt Blue you are truly wise...I can't really believe how you are related to Rumple."

Both women heard the sound of the church bells signalling the time.

"That would be my cue Aunt Blue." said Nimue. "I'll call you whenever I get the chance while Rumple is staying in the Enchanted Forest. I might call Granny just to see how your postulant is doing."

"You and me both, my dear." Mother Superior said and both women hanged up.

Mother Superior got up from her desk chair and proceeded to look out the window. Whatever God had planned for her nephew, she prayed it would be to get him out of his depressive state. She knew, deep down, that it was a specific postulant that might be able to do that.

Gina 'Granny' Lucas was on her way to her employer's study. It was the day that the 12th governess was scheduled to arrive. She shook her head. The governess' room was supposed to get new drapes...it was for the 11th governess but nobody dared thought that she would only stay two hours.

She had reached her destination and softly knocked on the door to her employer's study.

When a voice had replied with a soft come in, she opened the door and was not surprised to see her fellow colleague already inside.

Moe had been a close friend to her ever since she began working for the Golds. Sure she hasn't been employed as long as he was but they were the oldest employees in the household. Both of them accompanied the family when the Captain had insisted they stay anywhere but Storybrooke near the end of the war.

"Yes, Frau Lucas?" The Captain said, he was seated as usual behind his desk. His desk diary out, apparently he was about to write something on it.

"The new drapes for the governess room will be arriving tomorrow, sir." replied Frau Lucas.

"Well just in time then," he replied back. "My aunt said to expect the new governess today..." his voice trailed. Just then the doorbell rang and Moe left the room to answer it.

"I am doing the right thing in taking another chance with another governess right Granny?" The Captain asked as Moe left the room. The Captain never liked the sir and madam title and would always tell either Moe or Frau Lucas or any of his other employees that have been with them long to call him by his given name.

"Yes, Rumple." said Granny and gave him a reassuring smile. "This 12th governess might just be the lucky break you've been needing. After all, she was suggested by your aunt. Where can she ever be wrong?"

"I suppose you're right," said Rumple as he gave a sigh. "Although, you always seem to agree with Aunt Blue about everything so I guess I'm outnumbered."

There it was. The wit and humor of Rumford Gold. It wasn't dead after all. Oh how she wish the children could be witness to it again. Their father just cannot handle the grief he is still feeling over the loss of his wife to even look at the children that always remind him of her.

Moe had returned by this point. The doorbell was apparently a telegram. He handed it to the captain.

"Robin again?" asked The Captain.

"Yes, but he had more deliveries to make so he took off." said Moe.

"Really?" The captain said as he read over the telegram. "Oh great...Merlin and Nimue apparently received more invites to more engagement parties...looks like I'll be gone for two weeks." He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face.

"It's alright Rumple." Moe suddenly assured their employer. "Granny and I can take care of things and I'm sure the governess your aunt sent our way will be able to handle the children."

"That's what Fraulein Helga said and she was gone before I came back," argued Rumple. He had to stay positive...the new governess would be coming from his aunt and she never disappoints. Although she does have a track record of having something up her sleeve.

"Thank you, both of you." said Rumple as he rose from his desk. All three of them left the study and parted ways in the hall. Granny caught up with Moe as he made his way to the kitchen.

"He's rather gloomy today." She observed.

"Yes, well...you know how Rumple can be." replied Moe as he poured himself a glass of water. "I would have thought his stubbornness and his tendency to always look at the dark side of things would have lessened after being in the Navy."

"Are you sure this was a good idea?" Granny asked Moe. She was of course talking about the idea of Rumple going to his aunt for a governess. "We all know how Aunt Blue maybe sometimes, she always has a plan...a plot."

"Well we sure could use one of her plots now, Granny." Moe pointed out. "I mean look at him! Day in and day out, I swear his on the brink of losing it. I've seen it when his parents died and I'm getting a re-run but it's far worse..."

"I know Moe...but it's been what...two or three years?" argued Frau Schmidt. "I would have thought that over time he would be back to his cheerful, laughing self."

"You and me both." said Moe. "Let's just hope Aunt Blue does have a plan because I don't think he can last anymore."