Chapter 9

Hey, guys! I gotta another chapter up within decent time, so accomplishment number 1! So, please excuse any grammar errors, or spelling mistakes (But feel free to call me out on them. I will fix it). I've been in bed sick all day, so good news is I can waist my day away updating, but bad news is I'm full of snot, and I'm not in the best shape. So, what I'm trying to say is if you see an overload (Which there shouldn't be cuz I checked god damn it!) of errors you can blame my best friend Austin who so willingly gave me his stupid germs. So, now I'm sick and that can result in a few errors so just an FYI. Any who, thanks for reading again, and all the votes and comments. Plz continue to do so, they keep me motivated and I love them! So comment, PM, vote, even if it's just to say hi, or that you like pie cuz guess what I like pie too! And not the math kind cuz let's be honest math sucks balls. Give me English or give me death, but you can keep your Pre Cal on your side of the room!

Well you've been waiting long enough, here we go.


"Where do we begin?" he asked looking at a stack of parchment on the desk. It appeared to be an account of what we knew of Radcliffe's actions.

"He attacked Avalonea." Were his first, and only words before Belle was on her feet.

Belle's Perspective

"What! No, that can't be right!" I practically scram. My eyes darted towards Rum's searching for an answer. Hoping beyond hope that he would tell me that it's a lie. That the prince was cruelly toying with my mind. For him to tell me he'll fix it. That everything's fine. I searched, but I found nothing.

Instead I saw a look of acknowledgement. Suddenly it clicked. He wasn't just trying to protect me from Ratcliffe. He was trying to protect me from the facts, from the truth. He didn't want me to know. He didn't want me to know the vile man attacked MY kingdom. I felt the blood boiling in my veins. None of the anger was directed towards Rumple. It completely belonged to Ratcliffe, and by god was I going to make him pay!

I didn't even know the facts, and I was already seeking revenge… since when did I seek revenge. I had to breathe heavily to calm my nerves. I was mad. I didn't know what I was doing, and that was never a good thing.

"Belle, darling, please." Rumple began, lifting his arms to lower me back into my seat. I didn't even realize I was standing. I let his hands guide me. I was silent, not yet believing everything I heard.

I wanted to ask questions but James beat me to it, "I'm sorry." Were his first words. His head was lowered, and true sincerity came from his mouth. "I was informed last night of the situation. We already knew he had destroyed a few towns and small kingdoms in the south. We suspected he continue with his advancements, but we didn't expect Avalonea would be a target. After all Avalonea is further north than most kingdoms. We suspect…" His eyes came up to look at mine. "That this was a personal attack. We assume that he was trying to hit a soft spot towards the Dark One. He knows that you, Belle, are his only weakness. If he were to hurt you, he would therefore hurt Rumpelstiltskin." James said with sorrow.

I darted my eyes to Rumple. Sure, I needed to know all the facts, but that didn't answer the question I really wanted to know. "How many?" I asked him begging with my eyes for it not to be a large sum.

He drew a slow breath, his fist clenching at his side. "It was too sudden for any of us to be aware until it was over." He began explaining. I knew Rum, if he didn't get straight to the point it had to be bad. My eyes instantly watered, and my hands went for him. They clenched around his arms, seeking comfort. His hand covered mine, as he continued doing his best to appease me. "I'll have you know the royal family wasn't touched. I stand by my word, and the first time we meant I promised I keep your family, and friend's safe. Therefore, there has been a protection charm around the palace ever since. Ratcliffe's magic couldn't touch it." He assured me. The news that at least my family and servants were without a doubt safe was overwhelmingly joyous. Of course, I was concerned about them, and I couldn't thank Rumple enough. I wanted to throw my arms around him in thanks, but a sinking feeling in my stomach reminded me there had to be negative news as well. "I'm afraid the rest of the kingdom… Belle, it was burnt to the ground." A sharp, almost yelp left my mouth at the news. My watery eyes became teary within seconds, and soon after my composure was lost. I don't know how it happened, but before I knew it I was in Rum's arms being neutered like a child. James hastily left the room promising he return when we were ready.

I don't know how long it was until I calmed down. All I know is Rumple never left my side.


Rumpelstiltskin's Perspective

It was hours later until I was ready to speak to Charming. Belle, surprisingly agreed with me when I told her she should sit this one out. She was still in shock from the earlier discussion. I wish I could have done something to spare her the pain. I regretted not being able to save her people. I was the Dark One after all. I promised her I keep her safe, and that included her emotional safety. I failed her on this one. I didn't want to elaborate on the topic considering it was painful enough for her already. It was true her kingdom was burnt to ashes, nothing left except the castle walls. Everyone inside of them were safe from the warlock's advances, but anyone left outside was gone. Not a single one survived out of the walls. Thankfully, many families made it into the castle, but many didn't as well.

Prince James and I had already made plans to help the survivors. My magic basically rebuilt the town and replanted the crops, and James sent his men to aid the people. I could provide material objects, silver, and gold, but men was not a thing I possessed or cared to.

Of course, I suspected Belle would want to go visit her people after things cooled down a bit, and I wouldn't object. She needed to be with them, and I wouldn't keep her from that.

James and I sat in his study while Snow took Belle to the library. That was about the only thing that would distract her at the time. Honestly, I think she just wanted the solitude. She deserved it after all. No one should have to go through what she is experiencing right now…. Its official I've gone soft, but who could blame me. I have a beautiful women to please, and I would do just about anything to satisfy her. That included changing a few nasty habits.

"How large?" I asked. I knew some about the man but not all.

"His army is small. Only consisting of his closes followers. They all bear a mark on their forearm. A symbol of their loyalties. Of course, none of them pose a threat. All are either non-powerful warlocks, or lesser magical creatures. Nothing that we couldn't take care of with a few battalions of knights. He, himself is a different story. His magic keeps growing as he overtakes the world. Somehow their directly related. We don't know how yet, but we suspect it has to do with some spell or curse. Some would even say his powers are akin to yours." He said placing his cup on the table with a loud click.

"Preposterous, I don't care what they say. If, and when it comes down to it I will defeat the man." I answered without a second guess.

"That may be true, but unlike you he has no weakness." He answered meekly. "Anyways, we have no idea what he plans to do next. His attacks have started to aim higher, for larger kingdoms, and his moves are more spontaneous. On top of that with his power it only takes a matter of minutes for him to bring a country to its knees. I fear if we don't act soon it will be too late." His tone suddenly changed as he looked up at me. "Although, we may be able to tell what he is going to do next. That would at least give us a fighting chance." He said leaning in towards me.

"And pray tell, how we would do that." I almost didn't believe him. For a moment I thought he was drunk, or was completely off his rocker.

"One of his men has requested a meeting with us. Apparently he has come to the conclusion that Ratcliffe isn't all he was put up to be. This man believed Ratcliffe would be his key to success, but recently he went after the women this man loved. That changed his mind, so he has come to us. Offering his service as long as we help to prevent Ratcliffe from hurting the girl." James said with a glint in his eyes.

"And, who is this women we are meant to 'protect'?" I asked assuming I would be charged with the task. When wasn't I?

"Her name is Pocahontas." He answered handing me a parchment. "This is where she is located. The man has agreed to act as our 'inside man' of sorts as long as she is safe and happy." He just had to add happy didn't he? Well, damn! This was going to be a fun job. "I assumed, since we all have to make sacrifices to win this war, that you wouldn't mind putting her in your personal care." James said, not really offering me a choice.

"Lovely" I bit out, practically snapping my teeth. I ripped the paper out of his hands, "And who is this man I'm meant to be helping?" I asked. He was lucky Belle was in the castle or I just might have walked away. The last thing I need is to be watching some bratty women. Belle was the only reason I was continuing helping James. She was my motivation.

"His name is John Smith."


Sorry, for it being so short, but that's just the way it worked out. Plus, when don't I leave things on a cliff hanger. I mean really? I kind of do it a lot. Please don't hate me, but your welcome to e-slap me if you like, and please, please comment and review! More to come soon