They ended up going to the mansion for extra supplies, including plenty of food and water (the girl made sure to warn Belle that eating any food they found in the Underworld would mean she'd be stuck there forever), and Belle changed into some clothes that were more suitable for that environment: jeans, a short-sleeved blouse, and some sturdy boots. It felt a little strange not to be in heels, but she had to admit that these were more practical.
She went into the bathroom to see if there were any last-minute adjustments-and her breath caught in her throat. Lying on the counter was a large white handkerchief, covered with the shattered remains of the chipped teacup. It had been smashed into hundreds of pieces.
Does he really hate me that much? He-he actually-
"He doesn't hate you," her companion said from behind her. Belle spun around with a gasp, not having heard her approach.
"He broke it because Merida had him tied up, and he was trying to escape," she went on. "And he was trying to decide whether or not to fix it after he got it back."
A funny expression crossed the girl's face for a moment, and it looked like she was going to say something else, but instead she shoved her hands into the pocket of her hoodie, and adjusted the pack she was carrying on her shoulders.
"...How did you know what I was thinking?" Belle asked. "Can you read minds?"
"Something like that," the girl said. "I'm...very good at reading people. Do you have everything?"
Belle nodded, picking up her own pack. Then she asked, "How do you plan on finding Rumple?"
"With this." And she produced what appeared to be a white ball of yarn.
The former Dark One was not sure just how deeply he had wandered into the Underworld. All he knew was that he was far away from the original party he'd been traveling with. He felt some regret for leaving his grandson, but Miss Swan and Regina would look after him, fighting to the death if need be. That was all right.
Making sure to keep one hand resting on the sword at all times, Rumple walked on through the ash and fog (it was unnatural how warm it was; fog was supposed to be cold, not-this). He'd only been here once, but he remembered enough to know that he was at least going the right way. Just heading where the air was less foul, to quote that movie that Henry had told him about. And in case he needed them, he had a few items that would help him.
At some point, his capacity to be afraid finally gave out, and he was actually rather...bored. Nothing but thick gray mist, ash and smoke for miles around. He should be afraid of the possible dangers, such as if Lord Hades found that he was here, but his adrenaline had given up making him startle at every strange noise and the feeling that he was being watched, leaving him with a tired numbness. Oh, Rumple made sure to keep hold of Excalibur, because he wasn't stupid enough to let go. But he was able to sort of...relax.
Until, of course, the figure appeared out of the fog.
Instantly Rumple recognized him. Hordor. The soldier who had tormented him in front of his son, as well as many of the innocent villagers with children. The first person he'd murdered after Zoso.
The soldier glared at him, and cracked his neck from side to side.
"You killed me, Hobblefoot. I should make you pay for that."
He surged forward, and Rumple hurriedly drew his sword, pointing it at the man's chest.
"Stay back," he commanded, proud of himself for not stuttering. Hordor looked surprised at his refusal to cringe away.
Then several other soldiers appeared, all glaring at the former Dark One, and their leader smiled. They too converged on Rumple, saying words along the lines of "You murdered us."
One of them tried to grab Rumple's arm-but his hand went right through him.
"He's not dead!"
Some of his fear dissipated a little; they couldn't hurt him. It was just like having a cold breeze wash over him, that was all. But then he reminded himself, They can probably reach in and stop your heart or something, you fool. Just like you used to be able to do. Don't just stand here; run.
More familiar faces appeared as he took off, and gave chase. Angry accusations were shouted at him from all sides, from everyone he had ever killed or allowed to die.
"You murderer!" Cinderella's fairy godmother shouted, flying at his heels.
"You're a heartless monster! You killed your own son's mother!" snarled Milah, floating beside him and breathing the words into his ear. "You ripped my heart out and crushed it right in front of me!"
"You turned me into a flower and gave me to Belle!" Gaston accused, trying to slice him with a ghostly sword.
"SQUOINK oink oink oink!" a ghostly pig squealed angrily.
He didn't waste any breath trying to reason or argue with any of them; he just ran, swiping Excalibur at anyone who got too close, letting the rage and pain felt by all these angry people (and animals) echo in his ears. He deserved it all.
Somehow, Rumple managed to lose them. He suspected that he'd run into an area where they couldn't enter, because when he turned around, he saw that they were gone. Exhausted and miserable, he collapsed to the ground, too tired to care about anything else.
I'm open to suggestions for improvement of the plot. For instance, I'm sorry, but my main focus has been on what happens to Belle, Rumple, Horseradish and Hook in this story. If anyone has suggestions for Emma, Regina and Henry's journey, I would be most grateful. Also, sorry that it's taken such a long time for me to add to this; don't hurt me.
And in case you're wondering, yes, this is an AU, and it's a very different Underworld from the one in the show. It's a bit more in touch with the Greek myth, for one thing. And I think Hades is going to be a little different too. By the way, anyone else think it would be awesome if Rumple's Enchanted Forest persona and Hades had ever met? Think of the snark fest.
