Hello All you amazing readers? How are you? Did you enjoy the last part? I sure hope so. Anyways here's the bad news... I'm still sick, and have been in bed all day again. It's a nasty cold, but I think I'll be returning to the outside world tomorrow so :)! Along with being in bed I was able to fit in another chapter! I really like how this one turned out! We have some new character introductions, and I have to say I loved how they turned out, and I hope you do to! Also again, thanks for all the votes and comments! Please continue to do so, because I really do love them and they keep me motivated, and all so fav, and review! And again Even if its just to talk I love to hear from all of you! Anyways here we go!

Chapter 10

"How long is this going to take?" I impatiently asked as we stood near the docks. My comment earned me a sharp jab in the ribs from Belle, as she cast me a sideways glance.

"The boat is due to arrive at any time. There" Prince James remarked while raising his hand towards the southern seas, "you can already see the ship on the horizon. It shouldn't be long now." He responded shifting his body away from mine.

We had stood by the shores for quite some time now, the ocean breeze sending the salty fumes in our direction. Belle enjoyed being able to wait and watch the water. I on the other hand had about lost my patience. James had tasked me with watching the young women John Smith cared so much for. I wasn't exactly angry as I was annoyed that I had to keep an eye over another women. Honestly, Belle was already enough. Now I would just have to run after two. The idea didn't seem too grand, but if it meant we had a chance of defeating Ratcliffe it was worth it. Belle safety was my first concern, and Ratcliffe was a threat to her. I would make sacrifices if it meant she was safe. I didn't mind that, and I felt as if I had some personal understanding towards this John Smith fellow. We both had someone in our life that was beyond anything else. We both would do anything to protect the women we loved, and for Mr. Smith that meant handing his lover over into the clutches of the Dark One. I wasn't surprised when we got the letter back from Smith saying his love was either staying in James castle or no deal. He made a few comments pointing out that he didn't want me to infect the girl with my evil ways. I didn't expect anything else. Although somehow through a few more letter James persuaded the man into agreeing to our terms. I suspect he told Smith that Pocahontas would be safest in the Dark Castle, and I'm sure Belle was also used as a term or agreement. Once people found out that the Dark One actually had a heart their opinion somehow changed towards me.

I didn't like it one bit.

But, I rather have people thinking I've gone soft then to not have Belle, so in the end I would just ignore the understanding glances, and forgiving looks. I didn't want their forgiveness nor did I deserve it. Somehow loving a women changes people's opinion on you. I have no idea how that works, but who am I to judge the masses? Oh right, I'm the Dark One, so I can bloody judge whoever I please.

Anyways, I didn't mind watching the girl, no my irritation was towards another thing. Apparently this young women came from one of the tribes to the south. These people—who I can't stand—have a strict belief that magic is this route of all evil. They look at is as sin, as if it came from the pits of hell itself. They want nothing to do with it, or anyone who practices it. Never the less, I have no idea how they got this women to agree to stay with me especially with her tribes firm beliefs. So, as a result of this I was forced to wait for hours on a shore line for a damn boat to bring the girl to me, then I would have to ride in a –none magic—carriage all the way to the Dark Castle. It would have taken me a matter of seconds to teleport the girl here and back within a blink of an eye, but no she bloody hell didn't want anything to do with magic.

Belle, was somewhat sympathetic towards her, and somehow persuaded me to give into the girls wishes. I suppose Belle was right in the end. I shouldn't force my ways on others, no matter how badly I wanted to.

"What do you think she'll be like?" Belle asked enthusiastically. This whole time she has been relishing in the idea that another girl is going to be at the castle. I know she hasn't gotten out often, so she enjoys when we get to make runs to others kingdoms, and such but she never has had the pleasure of keeping company with another female for a long period of time since she came to live with me. And, I say the word pleasure loosely. I really don't see how entertaining someone—with the exception of Belle—for so long can be considered enjoyable. I know for a fact, that I would get annoyed. That's why while this women is under my care I'm making sure she stays at her own end of the room… forget room, she can stay at her own end of the damn castle.

"If she is anything like you, I'll be in for one hell of a time." I remarked under my breath.

Another sharp jamb was aimed for my rib cage. "Belle, I don't know if you realize, but your elbows are quite sharp love." I said turning towards her with an accusing face.

"That's kind of the point." She remarked mocking me whilst sticking her nose up. "And, just so you know if the women is anything like me she'll be delightful." She countered.

A slow chuckle came from me lips, as she glared at me. "I know love, I know." I smiled at her. Belle's expression slowly relaxed as she let out her own laugh, and soon she had her shoulder under my arm as she talked about anything and everything.

The ice that had captured us the past few days, had slowly melted away. Most of it disappearing when Belle found out about Avalonea. She needed comfort, and I delivered. After that everything seemed to return to normal between the two of us, except for Belles new found depression. It's not that she was exactly depressed she had just been upset after hearing the news, but one can only expect that. We had already discussed, and made plans, and I had promised her as soon as Ratcliffe was defeated and set away I would take her to her father's kingdom. And, if all went to plan with the help of this John Smith, Ratcliffe would be brought to his knees soon enough.

It was another hour before the heavy ship, lined with flags, and colorful ribbons made it to the docks. There was quite a fuss which I chose to extract myself from as I let the prince meet with the captain. I didn't want to deal with the glares, or suspicious looks from the ship's crew. I knew who they were, and they knew who I was there was no reason for me to chat it up. I kept Belle to my side, not liking the way some of these sailors looked. The first one to even graze Belle would be blinded for the rest of his days. So, to avoid both greetings, and having to permanently injure anyone Belle, and I stayed in the shadows awaiting Pocahontas to show face.

James eventually ended his conversation with the captain, who in fact looked quite wary. I figured they didn't think the idea of leaving the girl in the clutches of the Dark One was very wise. I couldn't blame them. I wouldn't leave someone with me either, unless of course I cared for them. This girl though, I had no fondness for.

James disappeared on deck as we waited. A few moments later he came back with a tall, tan women trailing behind him. Perhaps trailing was the wrong word. The girl stood tall, head high, shoulders back. She walked with grace, her feet hardly even touching the ground. Her hair was draped over her back in all its dark glory. She looked pristine, prideful, every bit the royalty she was. He had to admit she was pleasing to the eye, but nothing compared to his Belle. He noticed the marks on her arms, appearing to be tattooed there, along with her tribal clothing. He watched as they came down the steps, only the girl didn't exactly do that. While James walked down the stairs onto the docks he turned, expecting the girl to have followed, only she didn't. Instead of taking the stairs the girl latched onto a piece of rope that hung from the many parts of the ship. He had no idea what the girl was planning to do with it until he saw her take a running leap, and swing the rope over the ship, and past the docks. She let go of the material once the momentum brought her over the ground, with her figure blocking the sun light, and her shadowing looming over the ground the image she cast while practically flying in the air was like something out of a painting. The world seemed to stand still for a moment while she let go of the material. Landing on her own two feet with all the grace of a princess, Rumple had to admit he was impressed, but none the less annoyed. The girl landed right in front of him, somehow having spotted him in the shadows. She stood tall, taller than he glaring at him with a suspicious eye. The girl seemed to be changeling him. He didn't like it.

"You're the Dark One?" she finally asked. It wasn't really a question more like an observation.

After a long pause I finally answered with a sneer. "The very same."

"I was told you are to look after me. I do not trust you, or your magic, but John Smith told me you are good now. I do not believe it, but if he says I will be safe. I will follow you." She stated. Well, she was verbal. Why not just tell me I'm the spawn of Satan next.

The atmosphere was tense for a moment until Belle stepped in. "Hello," she started with the always friendly smile. "I'm Belle. I'll be staying with you at the castle." She said sticking out her arm for the other women to take.

Only she did not take Belle's hand instead, she snapped back as if touching Belle would cause some infectious disease.

"Who is she?" Pocahontas lashed out with venom. "I was not told of anyone else who is to stay with me. What kind of witch is she?" she asked with accusation, and a vile look covering her face.

Belle sank back at the remark. Feeling her fall back from the nasty comment set me off. No one, and I mean no one spoke to her that way. "You will do well to watch your mouth when you speak to her. Belle her happens to be the mistress of the Dark Castle, and while you stay there you will treat her as she deserves." I said sternly griping my hand around Belle's waist.

At that the women took another step back. She glanced at both of us with confusion. After a long pause she spoke, "She is you're…" She trailed off looking down at our hands that were at this point entwined together.

"Ah, there you all are. I have the carriage waiting near…" James came up behind her breaking off when he say the looks on our faces. He turned to me sharply. "What did you do? Not even five minutes and you already set her off." James started.

A quick glance from me shut him up. "I was just informing our guest that she know when to hold her tongue." I stated. James looked like he was about to rant on about how I should at least show some gentlemen-like qualities towards the girl, but I stopped him with a turn of my heel. I swiftly re-wrapped my arm around Belle's waist. "I believe we have a long journey ahead, and I rather not be kept waiting." Belle un-doubtfully let me lead her. I suspected she was still put off by the women. Of course people have called Belle many things all because she chose to give her affections to me. She had held her head high through most of them, but even I wasn't going to pretend they didn't sting her. I kept her close, reminding her that no matter what they referred to her as, a witch in this case, I was going to love her through it all, even harder and deeper than I ever had because she endeavored it all for me and I couldn't ask for more.

Pocahontas followed at a safe distance behind, glaring at my back. She still seemed to be processing all of this.

I held the door open for Belle, and helped her up with my hand. Once she was safely in the carriage I took my seat up front where the driver would normally sit. James offered one of his men, but I didn't want them coming to the Dark Castle no matter who they worked for. And, since I was restricted to the use of no magic due to the brat who was now entering the other side with ease. Most women struggled to reach up into the carriage without a man's help, but she took a swinging step in with ease. Barbaric, he thought. Before he was impressed at the women's skill, but now he had a different opinion of her.

Once the doors was shut, he was on his way giving one last, acknowledging wave to James. As if saying, I'll do my part, but I won't like it. James waved in returned before returning to the small circle his men were standing it, perhaps making plans of how they would return home themselves.

OKAY DID YOU LIKE IT! I know what your gonna say. Pocahontas is a good guy, and don't worry your pretty little mind she will be in my story to. You have to understand she is just a little put off because I mean who wouldn't Rum is the Dark One after all. She just need some time to come to terms, and bond with the couple, and then she'll be our normal, free spirit, optimistic, sacrificial princess we all love! Also I know in her movie a lot of magic takes place, so she shouldn't be opposed to it, but I decided for my story sense most Nobel people see magic as a bad thing the tribes should to. Anyways in the movie its all spirit magic which is way different from the stuff in OUAT, so that's where I'm coming from. Anyways thanks for reading! Till next time.