*This is set in an alternate ending that I created. I don't know how once upon a time will end for good but if it were to really end I think this would be how it would be. Or at least how I would like it to be ;). The issue with Peter Pan is resolved, after much struggle and stopping the curse from being spread for the second time, he is locked away in Pandora's box. With no further threats Mr. Gold finds a way to return everyone back to the enchanted forest. After much talk everyone decides to return to home. With much encouragement Baelfire and Emma take the place of King and Queen of the kingdom with Charming and Snow by their side to aid them. Henry becomes a prince and begins training to become a rightful prince. Charming and Snow go on to expand their family and has a son, Charles. Regina discovers her other true love, Robin Hood, who even has a four year old son Roland. Emma and Baelfire agree not to banish Regina from the kingdom in exchange that she surrender her powers and she can live out a life with Robin and Roland and visit Henry at the castle whenever she pleases. After persuasion from Robin, she agrees. Mr. Gold strips her powers away and places it inside a heart shaped locket. The real Peter Pan is locked away in Pandora's box, Mr. Gold locks away the box deep within the dungeons of his dark castle where no one can ever reach it along with his dagger and Regina's locket. As for and Belle, with no threats to pull Mr. Gold away, the two of them move into the town ran by Neil and Emma creating a life together as a married couple. . .
After nearly 30 years after the curse had been cast the land was was scarred and baron. Mr. Gold, now resuming his true name in this land as Rumpelstiltskin, used his powers to restore the land. Upon his return to the Enchanted Forrest he could feel almost instantly that his power was magnified. He restored all the castles, the forests, and the towns. Everything seemed to fall back into place, back to the way it should be.
Everyone seemed to find a place in the new world, whether is was a king or a librarian or a lover, everyone found a place. Belle took up a career as keeper of the library in the prospering town looming below Neil and Emma's castle. Rumpel took a post as an adviser to Neil and Emma to see the wealth of the gold he spun and protection of the kingdom. They were provided a comfortable estate, along with most of the people that were in Storybrooke together. Regina and Robin, Granny and Red, Jiminy Cricket, the dwarfs, each had found a place in the town and gained a home they now called their own. It was the happy ending that everyone had always dreamed of.
It was the beginning of another morning at Rumpel's household. Belle had prepared breakfast for her husband and he was still up in their bedroom preparing for the day. He had gotten a letter from a messenger requesting his presence at the castle today. Usually he was not needed, only for important matters. Rumple had no fear however, everything was going so great he could see to feasible threat anywhere. All the neighboring kingdoms were all at peace with one another.
He came down the stairs and saw Belle over the fire preparing his meal. He came up behind Belle wrapping his arms around her waist, "you know dearie you don't have to prepare every meal of mine anymore. You're not my housekeeper anymore. You're my wife."
"I didn't realize there was a difference," Belle joked smiling at him.
He giggled along with her and kissed her. No matter how many times she smiled at him or kissed him he could still feel the hairs on the back of his neck tingle everytime.
He broke the kiss and looked down at the sapphire ring he had given to her so long ago. He smiled at the new amazing memories attached to the ring. Back in Storybrook, Belle believed herself to be Lacey, the scantly clad bar hopper. When a spell was released to destroy all of Storybrook and kill all those in it 'Lacey' and Mr. Gold were in his shop sharing a drink over the last few moments. Mr. Gold told her about his most prized possessions, the chipped tea cup and the rings. He slipped the ring onto Lacey's finger and suddenly she looked at him in a new way. Mr. Gold came to came to realize that whenever she would wear the ring all her memories would return.
But that moment was over three years ago, things were perfect now and despite Rumpel being called to the castle he had faith nothing was wrong.
Belle handed him a plate and they sat together to breakfast.
"Do you have any idea about what may be going on at the castle today?" Belle asked with a hint of worry in her voice as she ate.
"I'm sure it's nothing to fear, things are fine. No quarrels with any other kingdom and plenty of wealth for everyone here in the kingdom," Rumpel replied.
"Then why would you be called to the castle," Belle asked.
Rumpel took her hand across the table, "I don't know, but I'm sure everything will be fine. I have faith is everyone."
"You're starting to sound like Charming," Belle pointed out smiling. It was nice to see her Rumpel so carefree and smile. Seeing him smile because of her brought Belle more joy than ever.
"For once I understand where he was coming from when him and Snow were together, things are prefect," he smiled to her.
The two finished their breakfast and prepared to leave, a carriage arrived to take Rumple to the castle. Rumpel kissed Belle good-bye and promised to give her word of what was going on once he found out what it was and they parted ways.
Belle walked towards the library and pulled her cloak closer to her, Winter was defiantly on it's way. The trees were changing colors and the air was getting colder. Neil and Emma had already sent out invitations to their annual Christmas Ball. It was always the highlight of the year for all of the town. The town was filled with Christmas cheer and Neil and Emma always showered the towns people with gifts and money. Belle loved the extravagant parties, mostly because she could attend them with Rumpel and they no longer faced judgment from anyone like they did years ago.
Her father was still not as accepting, he lived in the town selling flowers but he rarely talked to Belle or Rumpel. Poor Rumpel tried to win over her father after years had passed to try to reconnect the family that he knew Belle desired but he was just as stubborn as his daughter. He would never accept Rumpel but Rumpel did live up to the promise he had made to Maurice decades ago. That he would find Belle and take care of her forever. His conscience was clear.
Rumpel's carriage finally arrived at the castle and he made his way to the conference room. He saw his son standing there. Neil or Baelfire and he decided to be. Rumpelstiltskin's son, a King. Rumpel was so proud of him, he had created himself to be a better man than he had ever hoped her would be.
"Father," Baelfire greeted with a hug, "It's great to see you. How's Belle?"
"She's doing great, she was practically in hysterics when she received your invitation to the Christmas Ball," Rumpel said with his warmest smile.
"Ah as Emma says its an excuse for all the women to dress up and show off to all us men," Baelfire explained.
"And you're complaining?" Rumpel asked and shared a man to man laugh with his son.
"Emma's right you know," came a voice. The men turned to see Snow looking gracious as ever with a unruly three year old on her hip, Charlie her new son, "It is an excuse for us all to show off to you men."
"And trust me we love every second of it," Baelfire laughed playfully slapping his father on his shoulder knowing he'd understand.
"To bad Emma won't participate," Snow said particularly loud as her daughter strolled into the council room.
"Nope!" she said strolling past her taking a seat at the round table. Emma was the first Queen in history that refused to wear dresses. Her in a dress was almost next to never.
"Damn shame..." Baelfire mumbled.
Rumpel chuckled and took his seat at the round table. Snow handed off little Charlie to nanny being that he didn't need to be present for the meeting and many others filled in taking their seats including the dwarfs, Charming, Granny and Red, and of course Jiminy.
"So what's been going on? Why are we all meeting?" Red asked standing behind Granny.
"We have word of a potential problem coming to us," Baelfire began to explain to everyone.
"A potential problem?" Grumpy asked confused.
"It's from Camelot, Kind Midas has been sending us threats," Baelfire continued.
"Threats of what? We have done nothing to them!" Snow proclaimed.
"I know, that's why its only a potential problem," Baelfire said.
"Does he ever state in his letter's what hes concerned about?" Rumpel asks.
"He thinks that we're harboring a weapon," Emma states to the party.
"What kind of a weapon?" Charming asks.
"They never specified," Baelfire informs.
"Then what's their grounds for these threats?" Rumpel asks. This all seemed very fishy.
"They said that a prophet came wondering through their land. They said that our kingdom had some sort of weapon that was going to devour everything," Baelfire explained.
"Could it be a curse?" Snow asked.
"What curse would it be?" Baelfire asked, "my father stripped Regina of all her power so it's not her, and he is the only one that could cast a curse."
Of course no one believed that Rumpel would. He had gained the loyalty and trust of everyone since they returned to the enchanted forest three years ago. He had brought the kingdom much fortune given that he could spin gold from straw. He had sworn to himself to never to use his magic other than the intent of protecting Belle but with such peace and prosperity he had no reason to use his magic.
"What about the locket?" Charming asked looking towards Rumpel.
"The locket is hidden, deep beneath the earth in my old castle. No one can reach it anyways, it's protected with enchantments that only another magic can open," Rumpel explained to them. He knew in his heart the locket wasn't the weapon.
The locket they were referring to was the silver locket with a deep blood red stone on it. It held all of Regina's powers. Part of her agreement for staying in the kingdom was that she surrender her powers. She agreed and Rumpel hid the locket after he had done the deed of taking her powers away.
"I think we should arrange a meeting with King Midas, invite him to the Christmas Ball and ask him to stay a few days after and we will discuss the issues with him," Jiminy Cricket tried to be the voice of reason, "perhaps this is all a big misunderstanding."
"I agree," Snow piped in, "we have given no one any reason to be upset with us. For now I think we need to just be calm and keep moving forward. Then we'll discuss this with Midas in person."
Everyone agreed to the notion. So they would just continue on and request an audience with King Midas. Even after this meeting Rumpel was still not shaken. This was all just a misunderstanding, he was sure.
*Please Review:) I'd love some feedback*