It was a horrible night; so much blood, the skies were full of so many violent colors, grey, red, black, the colors of war. This land that they fought so hard to save was the very thing they were destroying. They told themselves they were doing this kingdom a favor, the King who ruled here, this horrid place, Marius, had gone insane; he had slaughtered so many innocent people from his own kingdom that the stench of death had spread through all of Fairytale Land. It wasn't until a few months ago that the royal council had finally decided to do something about it. So here they were, every kingdom in the realm, banning together to put a stop to a true monster. Belle stood strong in the tactical tent, overlooking the huge map of the kingdom and the figurines that symbolized soldiers. Every now and again, a worn soldier would pop his head in, and give status reports on casualties, advances, etc, and more importantly where Rumple was. Everyone was out there fighting, and because of Belle's tactical experience with her father, they elected her to stay behind, but any old schmuck could do what she does, she knew the real reason she wasn't on the battlefield was because her belly was growing bigger and bigger every day. She was two months pregnant, and Rumple didn't even want her near a kitchen knife, much less a sword, but she was determined to see the end of this war. She peeked outside the tent, it was absolute carnage; she was scared, everyone was. All she could see for miles were blood being spattered, men fighting like animals, and forest fires that touched the clouds. The only thing that could be heard were swords clanging together, and men screaming in horror, as they were slaughtered like pigs.

Rumple was fighting hard, but he was growing weary. He swung his brand new custom Florentine Falchion steel blade; it sank deep into the shoulder of his opponent. He swung his head frantically, looking for Alaek, they were supposed to storm the castle together. Several heart thumping moments went by, then he spotted him; he was fighting for his life against a wild ogre. Rumple dashed over to him at the speed of light to help his brother. Alaek rolled out of the way, barely dodging a giant fist which pummeled to the ground, and created a huge crater. He gazed up at the monster; he tried to stand, but toppled back over, his leg was broken, he thought the force of the blow into the ground must have caught him as he rolled. The ogre just growled at him like he was an annoying fly. All he could do now was watch helplessly as the ogre raised his fist high into the air, ready to flatten him like an over cooked pancake. H squeezed his eyes shut in anticipation, but nothing, instead he heard the ogre let out a blood curtailing roar. Alaek opened his eyes to see Rumple with his knife in the ogre's back, holding on for dear life, as the ogre thrashed violently, trying to buck him off.

"Brother!" cried Alaek.

"Hit it in the eye!" screamed Rumple.

Alaek took a dagger from his belt, and took aim. It was no use, the monster was moving around too much, and he couldn't risk hitting Rumple. It began to reach frantically across its back, trying desperately to find Rumple, who was quickly dodging his massive hands.

"Use a freezing spell on him or something!" shouted Alaek.

Rumple placed his hand firmly on the ogre's back; his hand glowed a bright red, and the ogre suddenly stopped, stiff as a board, as if he were frozen in time, which it was. Alaek aimed again, and threw the dagger, hitting it squarely in the eye. The spell immediately wore off; Rumple jumped down off the beast, as it howled in pain, then fell over dead. Al patted his brother's shoulder, and looked over to the at the open window above the front gates, which their soldiers were trying to open with a huge battering ram. He pointed at the newly discovered entrance into the castle, and both began to sprint towards it. They jumped on some wooden boxes, grabbed the ledge, ran along the walls, and finally hoisted themselves into the window of, what seemed to be, the armory.

"What now?" asked Alaek through gritted teeth, as he clutched his leg in pain.

"This way," said Rumple, running out into the hallway.

Rumple had studied the blueprints of the castle a long time ago, he was no stranger here. They sprinted down various hallways, well Rumple did, Alaek could only limp as fast as he could; they rounded corners, and dodged cannon balls that shot through, and destroyed the stone walls, showering them with rocks. Rumple began to slow down, they had reached their destination; the throne room. Rumple pushed the giant doors open with some difficulty. They looked across the room; Marius was just standing there motionless, staring out the window at the carnage down below. Rumple gripped the hilt of his sword, and drew it, ready for battle, while Alaek stood tall, expertly twirling his tomahawks. Marius finally turned, and acknowledged them. Looking at him, to say he had gone insane was a massive understatement; he had obviously gone to a very dark place, where there was no coming back. Everything about him was dark; his clothes, his hair, his eyes, Rumple was even cautious of him, he might dare say he was even afraid of him.

"Hello, Rumplestiltskin….. and of course the famed Alaek, the rogue elf. I've expected you both" he said calmly.

They both just glared at him.

"Have you come to kill me?" he asked.

"You have left us no other choice," said Rumple.

"Who has chosen my fate for me?"

"The Royal Council," said Rumple.

"So it is true… you really have become the King's dog," he said coldly.

Rumple winced a bit; the comment had hurt his pride, but he was not about to show the least bit of hint that this monster had control over him.

"I've heard enough," said Alaek.

And with that, Alaek charged forward, his tomahawk raised high above his head. The elf jumped in the air, not caring about the pain in his leg, and swung it down with incredible force; Marius blocked it with his metal bracer. They growled at each other, and glared into each other's eyes; Alaek took a few more shots, but the evil King blocked them all. They stood there struggling for some time; it was a battle of strength. Rumple just watched, hesitant to join in, it would be an unfair fight, one thing he learned on his adventures in the past and his life with Belle was honor, but then again, their only mission was to kill him, plus it wasn't like Marius deserved a fair fight. Rumple charged forward, sword in hand, he swung down; Marius barely dodged the attack, strands of his hair broke off into the wind. He jumped back; dust erupted from his feet as he slid to a halt a few feet away from them. They both glared at him.

"SO that's how it's going to be?"

"Rumple. What are we doing? We have more honor than this," said Alaek.

"Yes, but our mission is to kill him, plain and simple. You're injured, you wouldn't have lasted long anyway."

Alaek frowned at him, it was obvious he had taken offense, but deep down he knew he was right.

"You could've been a bit nicer about it," said Alaek stubbornly.

They lunged at him again, swinging swords and axes. Marius struggled to defend himself, and Rumple could sense he was getting tired. The evil King swung wildly, slashing across Rumple's face, he howled in pain, as he covered his open wound, the blood ran freely over his fingers. Alaek quickly aimed for Marius' leg, and planted his axe square into his thigh. Marius collapsed, gritting his teeth. Rumple was so angry he couldn't see straight, and the blood trickling into his eyes didn't help; he could barely make out the figure of the evil King collapsing on his knees. Without hesitation, he picked up his sword, and stabbed Marius through his neck. The evil King looked up at his killers, gargled the blood in his mouth, and fell to the ground, dead. Rumple hissed in pain, Alaek jumped over to him; he waved his hand over Rumple's face, and the wound healed, the blood seeped back into the gash.

"Thank you," whispered Rumple

"Of course. That handsome face of yours is really all you have left," said Alaek, teasing him.

Rumple scoffed and pushed Alaek down playfully. Battle horns echoed outside, which were joined by an ocean of cheers of victory; the two brothers looked out the window. Marius' army were dropping like flies, they almost looked like dominos from above. The ogres joined them, each falling over like large stones; the war was finally over. The brothers turned to see Charming leaning against the door frame, trying to catch his breath.

Belle walked out of the tent, beaming like the sun, the war was over, and despite the abundance of destruction around her, she seemed to be blind to it; the only thing she could see were the soldiers hugging, laughing, and praising the stars for their lives, as tears of pure joy ran down their cheeks like rain. It was truly a time for celebration. She walked amongst the rubble and smoke, looking desperately for Rumple, Alaek, anyone she loved.

"My Lady!" called Lumiere, as he ran up to her.

Belle turned and smiled at her faithful butler, his armor torn and rusted, his face covered in cuts and bruises. She had never been so glad to see him.

"Lumiere, you made it," she said happily.

"Yes, my Lady Belle"

"Have you seen Rumple?"

"During the battle, I saw him enter the castle with Lord Alaek. It was quite a display. Those two are incredible.

Belle immediately started for the castle, walking briskly, Lumiere in tow; he looked down at her belly nervously.

"My Lady, the baby. You shouldn't be walking around so much."

"It's alright. I'm fine, Lumiere. My child's father is missing. That concerns me more right now."

She quickened her step, avoiding rubble and slain bodies. As she moved closer to the castle, she saw three figures emerging from the destroyed gate, she stopped, unable to hide the joy on her face; she knew immediately who it was. It was them, Rumple staggered out, supporting Alaek, as they limped towards her, Charming behind them. Belle slowly walked forward, meeting them halfway. She immediately wrapped her arms around her two boys, almost knocking them down. They were battered and bruised, but they were alive.

"I'm so happy that you both made it. I was so worried," said Belle smiling.

"Indeed. We mad it. Marius is dead. The kingdom is finally free."

"Aye. Hopefully the next was will be easier, and a lot less bloody," said Alaek.

Rumple and Belle looked at the ground, slightly embarrassed. They agreed to fight with Charming to prevent wars, and so far they had failed miserably.

"They're won't be another war," said Charming, as he approached them.

"All due respect, your majesty…. You've said that before, we've all said that before, and yet here we are. I don't like it either, but trouble seems to find us no matter how hard we try to prevent it," said Alaek.

Charming patted him on the shoulder, and slung his arm over his.

"Come on, Al"

They walked back towards the cheering soldiers together, leaving Rumple and Belle alone together. They looked deep into each other's eyes, and smiled; Belle grabbed his face and kissed him hard. It was thunderous; Rumple wrapped his arms around her letting the kiss deepen. It was several moments before they realized they had to breathe. He stroked her cheeks, and too her hand in his. They began to walk back towards the others, smiling and holding each other like they were the happiest couple in all the realms.

"I thought I had lost you," said Belle, as she stoked his cheek.

"You'll never loose me. Never," he said.

They seemed to quickly reach the camp in their domestic bliss; the soldiers were still celebrating, as they should. All were laughing, hugging, and playing joyous music. Even Rumple had to crack a smile.

"Rumplestiltskin! Belle!" called a happy Charming, as he made his way over to them through the crowd of dancing soldiers.

"Your majesty," said Rumple, as he shook his hand.

"Come. We have much to discuss," said Charming, waving them along.

They followed him into a tent, Alaek was laying on a table in the center with his leg bandaged, and stitches in his head. He looked up, and grinned wildly at them. Belle hugged him tightly; Snow, Red, Granny, and Grumpy entered the tent as well. They all looked rather serious.

"What's going on?" asked Alaek, looking around curiously.

We cannot let these people just wonder without a leader. It is our fault that they no longer have one. Snow and I have spoken with them. They want a new Prince," said Charming.

"Excellent. Have you decided who?" asked Alaek.

Charming looked briefly at Snow, as if he was going regret what he was about to say, but in the end he had no choice in the matter.

"They want the man that freed them from their King's tyranny. They want the man that killed him… They want you…. Rumplestiltskin."

Rumple just stood there, stunned, he was stiff as a board. For the first time in a very long time, he was terrified for himself.