Chapter 2
The Funeral and Surprises.
Takes place in episode 2 "The Thing You Love Most"
Storybrooke.
Elizabeth's POV
The sound of a clock tower woke me the next morning. I groggily got out of bed and went to the window. My eyes went wide when I saw the clock tower had moved. I never seen it move in all of my years I lived here in Storybrooke. Weird I thought as I went downstairs to have some breakfast. After Bella's excellent cooking, I decided to visit some old friends of mine, at the diner. Main reason I was going was because Belle's was out of coffee and right now I needed the caffeine. Graham was sitting in his usual booth when I arrived. I noticed Emma was sitting at the bar.
"Good morning" at my words the blonde jumped, she turned and relaxed when she saw it was only me.
"Same to you, I'm sorry about your parents"
"Thanks, the funeral will be in a few days, so how come you're still in Storybrooke?" I was curious why she was still here.
"I'm going to stay a week" I nodded understanding her reason.
"To keep an eye on Henry, I won't judge you, I understand you gave him up to give him a better life, Emma" Emma blushed.
"You're a kind person, Henry was right about you, has he told you about his believe that everyone in town is a fairy tale character?" this got me to arch an eyebrow.
"No he hasn't, who does he think I am Snow White?" Emma shook her head.
"No, an immortal warrior by the name of Zila Night"
"Shadow Night?"
"I'm confused"
"Zila means shadow in Hebrew, the name would fit" I explained. My phone suddenly vibrated. It was a text message from Mr. Gold, asking to meet with him.
"Ahh crap I gotta run, nice talking to you Emma" I said to her while I grabbed my coffee and left the diner.
Enchanted Forest
A huge black wolf ran to the prison that held Rumplestiltskin. The guards moved out of the way as the wolf became Zila. The auburn haired woman was making her nightly visit to her husband. She wore her black cloak, underneath was a blood red strapless dress, which went down to the sides of her arms. A black corset hugged her middle. The Dark One was on the floor humming to some song in his head, until he sensed his wife's presence.
"Come on, my love, I hear you" Zila walked to the cell bars. Her mate stood back as she entered the cell via magic.
"How in gods can you stand being here?" she asked her husband, not pleased he was being imprisoned.
"It's gets cleaned every other day, Shadow" Rumple purred seductively. With her speed the she-wolf pinned her beloved against the wall. Her lips collided with his. The Dark One wrapped his arms around his wife's waist. Right now, he allowed his feisty wife to be dominant. Zila took off his leather vest, and carefully pulled his red shirt back on his left shoulder, to where her mark of the blood red crescent moon was visible. All wolves when they marked a mate had a crescent mark. Zila lips kissed the mark, which got Rumplestiltskin excited. He quickly had his wife, against the wall. Now the tables were turned. He was now in charge, and he took pleasure in it. He scooped Zila gently into her arms, and she wrapped her legs around his hips.
"Not now Rumple" Zila said to her husband, who gave a curse. He put her back on the ground.
"Dakota calls my mate"
"It's fine, but you owe me later" the Dark One gave his wife, one of their usual hot passionate kisses, before Zila took her leave.
Storybrooke
The bell to the pawnshop gave its familiar ring as I entered. The shop hadn't changed much. Mr. Gold poked his head out from behind the curtain that led to his office.
"Ah, Elizabeth, I see you got my message"
"This place hasn't changed" I said admiring the unicorn mobile.
"Come on, back here I have important things that need to be discussed" nodding I followed him to his office. I took a seat in front of his desk. Once he sat down, we got down to business.
"Elizabeth, I know losing your parents is a hard thing to go through, but you have support from me, and most of the town, your folks were good people"
"You were always supporting me Mr. Gold" I pointed out, giving him a smile. He smiled back before he handed me what had to be my parents will. My jaw dropped when I opened it and read the contents. In their will, I was now the owner of my childhood home, which was already paid off. The house was in the town's limits, which was surrounded by woods, 100 acres to be exact, which was also now mine. Everything they had from their checking and savings accounts were now mine, as well, including all of their insurance.
"Your parents loved you a lot to give you all of their inheritance" Mr. Gold said.
"I wasn't expecting any of this, HOLY CRAP!" they even left me the black jeep Cherokee they owned. Mr. Gold cleared his throat and I looked up at him.
"I've already arranged the funeral for tomorrow, which is Friday, Bella's father will handle the floral arrangements"
"What about the bill?"
"I already took care of that my dear"
"You want something in return, I know you too well Mr. Gold, what is it?" I inquired, I was grateful he went out of his way to do all of this for me.
"Once you settle back down, I would like to take you out to dinner" I felt my face turn red.
"Deal" I replied.
"That's a good girl" he said sweetly and he walked me to the door. Before I went outside, I turned to him.
"Will you be there tomorrow; I want you to be there" Mr. Gold nodded.
"Of course, would it be alright if I escorted you to the funeral home I'm sure it's going to be a sad day for you"
"That would be great thank you"
"I'll see you tomorrow my dear" the pawnbroker said. He pressed a kiss onto my forehead before I took my leave.
Enchanted Forest
Dakota was sound asleep, as Zila gently closed her daughters' door.
"She's asleep" Zila told her mate sitting beside him as he spun his wheel.
"Good, she had a big day for turning four" Zila placed her head onto her husband's right shoulder. She could easily smell the leather from his pants due to her strong sense of smell.
"Smelling me again?" the Dark One teased turning to his wife.
"Yes" was the she-wolf's reply. Rumple only let out a giggle and stopped spinning his wheel. He kissed his beloved's forehead.
"She's growing fast" Zila said referring to their child.
"She is indeed, she's well behaved for a four year old"
"She's half immortal you fool, and she gets that from me" Zila taunted.
"She also inherited your feisty attitude dearie" Rumple joked. Zila gave a scowl.
"Is that bad?"
"Not one bit love" Rumple replied stroking at one of his wife's curls.
"Bloody hell, my back is soar again, will you rub it for me mate of mine?" Zila asked.
"For a price" Zila snorted.
"Yes I'll rub yours later"
Storybrooke
I met with Belle's after the meeting with Mr. Gold. She was in a blue hunting dress, meaning she wanted to hunt. I quickly got into my hunting dress which was black. These clothes were especially made so they wouldn't be destroyed when we phased. The two of us shifted and ran into the woods. Bella's wolf form was russet brown. My parents when they were still alive were the alphas of our small pack. With their passing I now took the role of alpha. Carlyle and Bella were my betas. Bella was quick to locate a weakened doe, with her lead the two of us brought down the deer in seconds. I let her eat first due to her sensing the deer. Once I ate my full, the two of us perked our heads up at two angry female voices. Curious we followed them and hid behind some boxwoods. At City Hall, Emma was sawing off a branch from Regina's treasured apple tree. The mayor came out clearly pissed off.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Regina demanded from Emma.
"Picking apples" Emma replied.
"Your out of your mind"
"No you are if you think a shady frame job is enough to scare me off your going to have to do better than that come after me one time, and I'll come back for the rest of this tree because sister you have no idea what I am capable of" Both Belle's and I let out a WTF whine together as Emma left a dumbfounded Regina.
"Your move" was the last the blonde said. Regina gave a curse and headed back to her office. Bella and I returned to our human forms.
"Clearly those two don't get along" my sister pointed out.
"I know" I agreed.
Enchanted Forest
Rumplestiltskin was usually to rise first in the mornings. Zila still lay fast asleep beside him, only a silk night gown separated her skin. The Dark One began to kiss his beloved's shoulders, which caused the wolf shape shifter to growl at him. This was her normal morning routine. Rumple only chuckled and got up to check on their daughter. Once he got dressed, he found the four year old girl asleep in her father's library. Dakota gave her father a snarl when he woke her. Like mother, like daughter.
"Oops sorry papa" the half immortal girl apologized.
"It's okay my little jewel isn't it a little early for you to be out of bed?" Dakota gave her father a duh look.
"Hey put me down dad!" the little girl protested as her father scooped her into his arms.
"I don't think so, my princess"
It had been a long time since Rumple was a father. He never stopped looking for a way to find his son, and the love he held for both Baelfire, and his daughter was unconditional.
"Let's go wake your mother" Dakota gave her old man a frown.
"What is with the scowl my dearest?"
"You'll see" was all the little girl replied. 15 minutes later the Dark One ran for it, Zila cursed up a storm determined to make her husband pay for waking her. Dakota followed behind her mother smirking. The half immortal stood beside a curtain. Zila gave her child a wink and approached the red curtain and grabbed her mate's ear.
"Ow, ow, ow, bloody hell dearie!" the Dark One protested. When Zila released her hold on her husband the father looked to Dakota. The half immortal ran for it knowing what her father's intentions were. Zila could hear laughter in the next room, and she found her mate tickling their daughter. After their little game, Dakota soon fell asleep again. Rumple took the tired girl into his arms.
"You spoil her too much" Zila said to her husband.
"I am her father my sweet" Zila rolled her eyes and gave her beloved a kiss on his cheek.
"And you love her as much as I do"
"That is true" the Dark One agreed, as he pressed his lips onto Zila's head.
Storybrooke
The rest of the day passed quickly. After another good meal of Carlyle's I went to bed. Tomorrow was going to a sad day for me. I gave my black wolf pendant a kiss before I turned off the light to sleep. I went into unfamiliar dreams, dreams of a man who looked so familiar, yet I didn't know who he was. Bella let me sleep in a little. By the time I was up, I didn't have much time to get ready for the funeral. I looked myself in the mirror in the guest room where I was staying. A sad woman looked back at me dressed in a thin black knee length spaghetti strapped dress, with her hair down. I didn't wear any makeup because I would only mess it up. I heard Bella come in. She wore a black dress as well, her hair was also loose.
"Mr. Gold is here" she told me. I nodded and put on my black flats before following her downstairs. Mr. Gold was in one of his usual black suits, with a black undershirt and tie. He was conversing with Carlyle until I was next to him. He offered his arm which I took.
"See you two at the funeral home" I told Belle's and Carlyle before Mr. Gold and I left.
Enchanted Forest
After a year of being with Rumplestiltskin, Zila felt the man was her mate. Her heart had been broken once before by a coward who didn't want her because of her genetics. Zila had never gotten physical with another before. The she wolf was sharpening her blade, dressed in only a black strapless dress with her hair loose, plus she was barefoot.
"Now really dearie is this what you wear when I'm not here?" Zila smirked as Rumplestiltskin's hands were on her waist.
"I wasn't expecting you until tonight" the auburn haired woman replied as she sheathed her sword back into its scabbard. She turned to her true love. He was dressed in his usual travel attire.
"Business ended early" was all he could say. He noticed the shape shifter looked hungry.
"Go hunt dearie" this made Zila smirk, she gave Rumple a quick kiss on his cheek before she left to hunt.
Storybrooke
My parents were cremated. At the funeral home to my surprise Emma, Henry, Graham, Ruby, her grandmother, and Mary Margaret showed up. I sat in the front row with Mr. Gold, Bella sat beside me and she held my left hand. Archie who knew my parents very well, would do the speaking. As the funeral went on, there were a lot of sniffles of those crying. I didn't feel my tears, when they came, but when they did come, I buried my head into Bella's shoulder. After the service I could no longer hold back my grief.
Enchanted Forest
Zila returned to Rumple's castle full from her hunt. She bathed shortly after to get rid of the smell of blood from her prey. The auburn haired woman went straight to the bedroom which she shared with Rumplestiltskin. She removed her black hunting dress and put on one of her favorite night gowns a blood red nightdress. Usually after her hunts, Rumple would leave her be, but tonight the imp had other ideas.
"Have a good hunt dearie?" the Dark One asked. Zila sat up to see her love smirking back at her. He leaned against the bedroom door, dressed in the clothing she liked on him. He wore a gold poet's shirt along with a red vest, his leather pants matched perfectly. She noticed he was barefoot.
"It went well" Zila answered as she lay back down. Rumple joined her on their bed. His hands traveled over her body, causing the she-wolf to growl in pleasure.
"Like that do we?" Rumple teased her.
"Don't stop" Zila begged. Rumplestiltskin smirked and gently got on top of Zila. She turned to face him, her inner wolf wanted him as well did she.
"You're in heat" Rumple said.
"Yes I am"
"I sense your desire for me Zila, are you sure this is what you want?" he asked seriously.
"Yes" she replied. The Dark One conjured a vial and held it out to her.
"A contraceptive?" Rumple nodded.
"It will prevent pregnancy for a month" Zila took the vial and drank its contents. Once it was empty she gave it back to her beloved. He set the vial beside the bed, before making his next move. He and Zila locked their lips in a passionate dance. Zila tried to remove his vest, but he swatted her hands away. He undid the shirt and vest which Zila removed from him. Her hands traveled down his chest, and the rest of his exposed front. The man was well built and muscular. The Dark One didn't rush the she wolf. He let out a growl of his own, as Zila kissed his shoulder blades and neck. He then lowered the straps of her nightdress. Zila blushed and turned away. For a female she was beautiful.
"Don't worry your beautiful" the Dark One said kissing her forehead. He suddenly sensed Zila's change of mood.
"Do you know what a blood bond is?"
"Yes"
A blood bond was a powerful link a wolf shared with their mate. It could only be obtained by drinking the others life fluid. Rumplestiltskin felt honored that Zila was even considering this.
"Are you sure Zila?" he inquired from her.
"Very sure" she replied.
"As you wish" he answered. With that being said Zila licked his left shoulder blade and sank her fangs into it. Rumple let out a brief cry of pain. Zila quickly withdrew her canines. His blood stained her mouth she wiped the red liquid off from her lips, his blood now inside her. Rumple then used a talon like nail and made a small cut on Zila's wrist. He was quick to drink a few drops of her blood. Now both of them were linked emotionally as well as mentally. Rumple then pushed Zila back onto the bed. The two then became one that night finally at last.
Storybrooke
After the funeral, there was a get together at Bella's and Carlyle's. I sat by myself in the living room, drinking a glass of wine. Mr. Gold came and sat beside me, with a glass of his own.
"Thank you for making their service beautiful" I told the pawnbroker.
"It was a pleasure my dear, I really liked your parents"
"Hello Elizabeth" Regina stood in front of us.
"Madame Mayor what can I do you for you?" I asked Regina. Regina turned to Mr. Gold.
"Would it be alright if I borrowed Ms. Bane for a minute Mr. Gold?" she questioned. The pawnbroker nodded. Setting down my wine down I followed Regina into the hall.
"I take it your returning here" Regina stated.
"Yes I am, I missed Storybrooke"
"Well, you were missed, Elizabeth I have good news for you, Jared wants you to return to the Animal Shelter"
Jared was one of the local vets, and he was in charge of the shelter.
"You're kidding" Regina shook her head.
"No I'm not, he wants you back, just go and talk to him on Monday"
"I will thanks for letting me know" I thanked Regina before I went in search of Bella, I found her talking with her husband, I told them that I had my job back at the shelter, both looked pleased at that news. Both of my betas looked exhausted, I was glad they took care of me since I came back. Mr. Gold suddenly appeared beside me.
"Bella, Carlyle would it be alright if I took Elizabeth for a walk with me?"
"Of course Mr. Gold we're about to wrap up the get together anyway" Carlyle replied before he yawned. I blushed as the pawnbroker offered his arm out to me again and like before I took it.
Enchanted Forest
Rumplestiltskin was the first to wake. Last night had been amazing. The Dark One had been in deep thought about his situation with the she-wolf, finally making up his mind, he stood up to get dressed. He left a note beside Zila, and then disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"I had a feeling you were coming by to see me Rumple" a female voice spoke. A woman whose hair was crimson red, dressed in a strapless black dress stood in front of him. Her skin was the same as his. When she looked up to her friend her golden eyes with slits like a serpent's wasn't hard to miss.
"You look radiant as always, Athena" Rumple complimented kissing the Sorceress's hand.
"Always a gentlemen, now what can I do for you?" she asked.
"I want a ring" Athena arched an eyebrow at her friend.
"An engagement ring for your Zila?"
"Yes" he replied.
"Of course I shall craft a ring for you Rumple after all you and I have been friends for nearly 300 years"
"You're the only one I trust Athena" Athena smirked at her friend.
"Now what is it you want designed?"
Rumple and her then began discussing the designs of the ring that later would be forged.
Storybrooke
Mr. Gold and I stood in front of my old home.
"Do you want to see inside?" Mr. Gold offered.
"Yes, but come in with me"
"As you wish"
I took the keys from him and opened the front door. Inside everything was still in place. I went to my old room. It was the same as I remembered it, blue walls, same furniture, same everything. Around the room were dozens of figurines of dragons, wolf figurines, and other fantasy creatures.
"This is your room?" Mr. Gold asked as he limped in.
"Yes, it appears my parents didn't want to change anything in case I decided to come back home" I replied.
"This house is now yours, my dear, I'm sure your parents knew you would take care of it" I turned to the pawnbroker.
"You never fail to ease my mind Mr. Gold"
"You're the only woman who doesn't fear me" he added.
"Bella doesn't"
"Your sister is cautious of me Elizabeth, as is Carlyle"
"Why did you do all of this for me?" I questioned.
"Because dear, I care about you a lot" was his answer. He limped to me and wrapped his left arm around my waist. He gently pulled me into a hug.
"I missed you Mr. Gold" I whispered to him.
"And I have missed you Elizabeth" my face went underneath his. It seemed things would get better eventually.
