If there was one thing Rumplestiltskin hated more than anything was being put on the spot. Everyone was staring at him like he was supposed to have the answer. Henry and Peter Pan had switched bodies and now they needed to get them switched back. The situation was made worse by the fact the Peter Pan had stole the curse from Regina's vault.
"This is so not good." Regina stated.
"Thanks for stating the obvious. It's not going to help us any." Rumplestiltskin replied.
"Look you two we need to hurry and find Henry's body and sitting here isn't going to do it." Emma spoke.
"I think we should wait until we can get the shadow captured first. If we can do that we will be able to have power over Pan plus we need to make sure it can't kill anyone else." Rumplestiltskin suggested.
Rumplestiltskin knew that if they got the shadow first it would make it easier to draw Pan out plus it would give them the leverage that they would need. If Rumplestiltskin knew his father he was probably planning to use the curse to turn Storybrooke into another Neverland. That wasn't going to happen if he had anything to do with it.
"You're right Gold that seems like a pretty sound plan." Regina agreed.
"Well since my original plans have been spoiled I'm going to the Rabbit Hole until the others get back from Hook's ships." Rumplestiltskin announced.
Belle stared at Rumplestiltskin with a concerned look on her face. Rumplestiltskin could tell she was upset that their afternoon plans had been interrupted. Sure dealing with Peter Pan parading around Storybrooke in his grandson's body was certainly priority number one, but didn't make the interruption any less irritating. All he wanted was some much needed alone time Belle, but it seemed like fate had other ideas. He was lucky that Belle was such an understanding person.
"Do you really think now is the time for a drink?" Belle wondered.
"I think it's a very good time for drink. I want to return to my place. You should be safe there." Rumplestiltskin told Belle.
Belle simply nodded and began walking away. Rumple knew that it was for the best. At least he could be relatively sure she would be safe from Pan's shadow at his house. He gave a nod to the others and made his way to the Rabbit Hole.
Rumplestiltskin's cane thumped against the pavement as he walked along the street. The air filled with the dull thumping noise. He had no real idea why he even bothered to keep the cane. He had left it behind on Hook's ship on purpose to forget about it. The cane was a reminder of the person he once was and had no intention of becoming again. Perhaps he had only kept it because Baelfire had thought it important to return it to him.
The only things that matter most to Rumplestiltskin now was trying to mend and restore his relationship with his son and also starting a future with Belle the love of his life. There was nothing more important to him than his family including Henry. He fully intended to see to it that his grandson was return to his own body safe and sound. There was no way Peter Pan was going to be allowed to carry out his plans. Rumplestiltskin was going to make sure that his father paid. Henry would be reunited with his mother and father and all will be well. Well maybe.
Rumple entered the Rabbit Hole and took a seat at the bar. He ordered two shots of whiskey and a bourbon. Rumple downed the shots and chased them with the bourbon. He knew coming here wasn't going solve anything, but neither would worrying. They would have to take things on one at time and with a little bit of luck Henry would be back in his body and Pan will be gone. Rumplestiltskin didn't want to think though about what would happen if they failed.
Rumple downed the rest of his bourbon and ordered a scotch. Maybe if he had died in Neverland things wouldn't have turned out this way. The thought of never being with Belle though was too much to bare. Perhaps he had been selfish by trying to find a way to avoid his fate. If the Seer had been right and Henry was to be his undoing than it probably wouldn't matter anyways.
He didn't want to admit it, but he was a bit afraid of what the outcome of this endeavor would be. Maybe this time he really would die. As long as Henry was alive there would always be the prophecy looming over him. He didn't care though he was willing to accepting his fate. Rumplestiltskin ordered another scotch. He was more than ready to face whatever was to come.