A/N: Hey, everyone! So sorry it's been so long since I posted anything. Life has been crazy, and my internet situation is no longer ideal, but I have a few things I've written that I will try to post when I get the chance.
I finally got caught up in OUAT, and needless to say, was absolutely crushed and devastated by the last episode. *tries to keep composure as it is embarrasing to break down sobbing in the middle of the library*
Disclaimer: I don't own OUAT. I'm still too crushed to come up with a witty reason this time.
"Belle, please…" The whispered plea fell from his lips as he reached one hand out to where he knew the barrier was. Was she watching him? Was she still crying? Had she turned away already, stopping her ears to his cries? He tried to quell his breathing, listening as hard as he could. But try as he might, he could hear and see nothing.
"Belle, I need you," he breathed. He was shaking, reaching out his hand further still. His fingers were almost over the town line. "Belle, please… I don't want to be alone again, Belle, please…"
His fingers passed the town line and met nothing.
Choking back a sob, he covered his face with his hand, sinking back on his knees. "Belle…" He breathed again, one last, pleaded whisper. One last hope that she was still there, that she would come back for him…
But she was gone. She had left him. She wasn't coming back.
She was like all the rest.
His grief and fear burned into anger, her words searing into his mind. There's only a beast.
How could he have been so blind? She never accepted him. She never really loved him for who he was. In the end, she just tried to use him, too. The one person he had counted on to always love, always forgive him… the one he could always trust…
She had betrayed him.
With painful irony, he realized she was just like Mila.
Still shaking, Rumplestiltskin struggled to push himself to his feet. He couldn't stay here sniveling for the rest of his life. But maybe if he did, she would come back… she would realize she had been rash, she would come back for him, forgive him, kiss him and tell him that she still loved him.
A dark shadow clamped over his heart and told him he was wrong.
He managed to get to his feet, crying out when the sharp pain lanced through his leg. He hunched over, clutching his injured leg and nearly falling back over. Breathing quickly, he twisted his shaking fingers, waiting for the cane to appear there.
Nothing happened.
A world without magic…
"No…" He slashed out in an angry motion with his hand, trying to make a flash of light, something simple, he was still shaken…
Nothing.
He had been stripped of his power, as well as his wife.
He collapsed back to his knees, trying to swallow back the choking, anguished feeling in his throat. Breathing quickly, he sat still for a moment, seeking to calm himself and formulate what his next steps would be. He tried to ignore the fear rattling in his throat, the fear whispering that he was alone, powerless, helpless…
Rumplestiltskin gritted his teeth. He may be without magic, but he wasn't without power.
They would all pay for this.
He pushed himself to his feet again, standing as straight as he could with his injured leg. He held his head straight, staring to where he knew Storybrooke would be. His gaze was cold and unflinching.
"Rumplestiltskin never gives up, dearie," he hissed between gritted teeth. "I will get my happy ending." A laugh fluttered from his throat. "Haven't you ever been told not to provoke a wounded beast?"