Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Journey, Part Fourteen
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
(All Storybrooke in this chapter. I'm working up to some pretty big things so please bear with me... Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up but I've been working so personal time is limited.)
Belle cleaned up the books from the floor. Since Rumplestiltskin had forbidden her from helping him, she had to do something. Reorganizing the books would take time and be tedious but it was what she needed. As she lifted up a stack, her fingers brushed against something cold and metal on the floor.
She furrowedher brow and set the bookson the shelf before reaching down to pick up the object. It was brass, its carvedsurface weatheredfrom use. It had a large heavy ball at one end and it narrowed down to an eyelet for tying rope to it. Its texture resembled rope, the large end looking like some kind of knot.
She got up and went to the section ofthe library about sailing. There were quite a few books about it and that wasn't a surprise to her. Storybrooke was a port town so the books being there made sense. She scanned the shelf, running her finger along the spines of the books until she found the one she wanted.
She carried it over to the closest table, setting the book down and flipping through the pages until she found the section on knots. She scanned the page until she found the knot the weighted end of the object matched. Her eyes skimmed down to the description and she read it under her breath, " The monkey fist knot is often used on slungshots. Slungshots are used to get ropes over long distances, as in to another ship or to land... "
She smiled as she looked at the page. She hadwondered how Hook had even got to Storybrooke in the first place and the slungshot gave her the answer. " Hook came here on his ship, " She said to herself.
She got up, leaving the book and the slungshot on thedesk. The library faced a street that led straight to the docks and she could take it to get there quickly. She looked at the clock on the wall to find she had been away from Rumplestiltskin for at least half an hour. She didn't know where he had gone in that amount of time so she would have to be careful.
She walked to the front of the library, checking the street through the window before she opened the door. She slipped out, checking the street again to find there was hardly anyone around. When she felt it was safe,she darted across and headedfor the docks. She knew Rumplestiltskin would be angry with her but she just couldn't just sit idly by and do nothing.
She wanted to help and find Baelfire's shawl, wanting to see Rumplestiltskin reunited with his son. Even though they hadn't talked about him a lot, she could tell by the way he spoke of him that he loved him very much. She had even begun to wonder if he loved him even more than he loved her. That gave her pause in her thoughts as she walked, wondering if that was the reason why True Love's Kiss had failed to work.
She sighed, deciding it was perfectly fine if Rumplestiltskin loved his son more than anything else. She wouldn't mind being second behindhis child. Her love for him was a different kind of love anyway and she had hoped helping him find the shawl was the spark she needed to rekindle it. Every other thing she had tried seemed to have littleeffect, Rumplestiltskin as distant as ever.
She had fed him and spent time with him but his mind was somewhere else whenever they talked. They had chatted the few times she had brought him food, talking about books and whatever crossed their minds. She attributed his inattentiveness to his efforts to find his son. She had an idea of how his mind worked after watching him in The Enchanted Forest... He didn't stop thinking about a problem until it was solved.
He had solved the problem of getting out of town with the shawl and potion, which Hook had thankfully not stolen. She wasn't certain what he would do once hegot out of Storybrooke though. She desperately wanted to go with him so he wouldn't be alone but he had said it was a journey he needed tomake by himself. There wasno telling how long he would be away and Belle knew she would worry about him every single day until he returned.
She could hear the sound of seagulls, buoy bells and water as she neared the docks, slowing down as she looked around. Every pier was empty and her heart sank a little. She was certain Hook had come to townon his ship because of the slungshot but she saw nothing. She walked down the last pier, looking for any sign of a vessel out on the water but saw nothing there either.
" Where is it? " She asked herself as she looked again. She heard the seagulls above her and the creak of wood, like something heavy bobbing in the water. She looked up, gasping when she saw seagulls circling and landing on somethingabove her. It was like they were floating in the air but she knew better.
She turned to a box of sandnext to her, grabbing a handful and tossing it. It landed to reveal stairs that led upward and she let out a sharp breath as she smiled. " Found you, " She said then carefully felt for the first step with her left foot.
She gingerly lifted her right, gauging the distance between the steps. She climbed them, feeling a bit odd as she passed through a barrier. It had to have been a magic spell to keep the ship hidden, this much she knew. She didn't have time to ponder where the magic had come from, other things on her mind.
She reached the deck and paused, gasping at the ship she had boarded. It was larger than she expected, the sheer size of it overwhelming her for a moment. She scanned the decks before lifting her eyes to the masts. It seemed there was no crew, the vessel quiet as death.
She reached into her jacket, getting the gun Rumplestiltskin had given her. She was still wary of using it but hoped it would make her seem more threatening. She wouldhave preferreda sword and a shield, something she knew how to use but it was too late to get either. She looked around again, trying to decide where to start.
She moved towards the rear of the ship. There was a door there nestled between two sets of steps. She was sure it led below and hopefully to the place Hook had hidden the shawl. She reached the door, opening it slowly to find another set of steps.
She walked down them carefully, finding another door just to the left of the stairs. She reached for the knob and turned it slowly, finding it unlocked. She pushed it open to find what looked like sleeping quarters, the wall lined with bunks. She scanned the room, startling when she heard a voice.
" Hello? " It sounded like it was coming from underneath the floor. It was muffled but had a familiar sound to it.
" Uh, " Belle stammered. " Hello? "
" Down here! " The voice called again. Belle reached for the hatch and pulled it open, gasping. " Belle! Oh thank God! " Archie was there and sounded happy to see her.
" Archie! " Belle couldn't believe her eyes. She had just been at his funeral the day before and now he was alive and tied up on a pirate ship. " You're-You're okay? "
" Yes. Yes I am, " Archie looked confused by her statement. He pulled at the ropes that bound his hands then said, " Can you uh... What's wrong? "
Belle was still in shock, " I thought you were dead. "
" No, " Archie said. He let out a nervous chuckle, " Obviously. "
" Obviously, " Belle replied. She felt sick to her stomach, wondering just who Regina had killed if it wasn't Archie.
Archie pulled at his ropes again, " Belle? Could you? I'll tell you everything when you get me untied. "
Belle took a step back, looking around the room. She saw a sword and picked it up, going back to the hatch. She leaned over the edge as far as she could, slashing the ropes from where they were tied to the wall. Archie grunted when his hands were freed then leaned down, untying the ropes around his ankles.
Belle walked backwards as he pulled himself up through the hatch, stopping when he got out to rub his wrists. " Go. Find Mr. Gold, " Belle said firmly as he looked at her. A plan was coming together in her mind as she continued to speak. " Tell him I'm here. Bring him back to the ship. "
Archie got out of the hatch, " Wait... You're not coming with me? " He sounded puzzled.
Heavy footsteps above them made them look up to the ceiling. Belle gasped then looked at Archie again, " GO! " She said as she pushed him towards the door. " Go... Go... Go. There's no time to argue! "
Archie nodded and headed up the stairs. When he was gone, Belle continued to look for the shawl. She was not going to leave the ship without it...
Mary-Margret stood at the sink with David, both of them doing dishes. David and Emma had been out most of the morning and part of the afternoon looking for Regina, coming up empty-handed. Finally deciding to give up, they had come home for a late lunch. They had eaten in relative silence, most of the words spoken to Henry to encourage him toeat something.
Henry was eating more than he had the day before but wasn't back to his usual ravenous self. After lunch, Emma said she had something to do so she left, leaving Henry with them. He had retreated to the bedroom to sit in silence, his grief still too great. Mary-Margret would have given anything to know what he was thinking but knew he would fluff her off if she asked.
Mary-Margretwas rinsing another dish when David nudged her. She looked up but he shush her, motioning to the bedroom with his head. She looked past him to see Henry had picked up the phone and was dialing. " Who's he calling? " David whispered.
Mary-Margret handed him the dish wordlessly as she moved towards the bedroom. She then turned to the kitchen phone. She lifted the receiver gently and placed it to her ear. David leaned in to listen to.
She gasped as she heard Archie's recorded greeting for his answering machine. Henry had dialed the office just so he could hear his friend's voice again. It made tears come to her eyes, the act breaking her heart. David reached over and rubbed her shoulder as he moved towards Henry.
" Or dead, " Henry muttered as he hung the phone up.
The words stopped David for a second then he continued into the room, " It's okay buddy, " He said as he sat down next to his grandson. " Things will get better, I promise. You just... Gotta hang in there. "
" Doesn't feel that way, " Henry said quietly.
" I know, " David patted his knee. He could tell that Henry wasn't used to dealing with death, Archie probably being only the second person he had everlost. Henry had been upset over Graham's death but David only heard about it after the fact. " I know. "
The moment was so sad and tender, Mary-Margret thought she was going to cry. David sighed and continued to speak, his tone quiet as he tried to comfort the boy. " But think of the things you have to look forward to, " David said. " You're going to be a big brother and Emma's going to need your help... Be strong for her. "
" Mr. Gold is just going to try to take the babies from her, " Henry said bitterly. " She still owes him a favor for letting Ashley have her baby. I know it's what he wants. He's going to take my mom's babies. "
" Maybe he wants something else, " David said though Mary-Margret knew he had the same lingering fear.
Henry looked at him, " He's Rumplestiltskin. He wants the babies. It's what he does. "
Mary-Margret stepped forward. She wanted to go into the room and try to convince Henry otherwise. He was still unaware of the truth and she knew it would be harder for him to accept it if Emma waited much longer to tell him. She was about to speak when her attention was drawn to the door, the sound of scratching and panting coming from behind it.
The door opened, Pongo bursting in and startling her. " Pongo! " Henry shouted before calling the dog to him.
" How did he get inhere? " Mary-Margret asked. The sudden noises had frightened her but she was relieved it was just the dog. She had thought for a brief moment that it was Regina coming for Henry.
Pongo made happy noises as Henry petted his hind end and David rubbed his ears. " I brought him, " Emma said, panting slightly. Pongo was notorious for running on his leash, sometimes slipping out of Archie's grip and running away. From the sound, Mary-Margret assumed he had tried to pull the stunt with Emma but she had kept up.
" Marco and I had a chat, " She continued. " Archie knew how much Henry loves this dog. We decided he should have him. "
Mary-Margret felt fresh tears come to her eyes. It was true that Henry loved the dog very much. More times than not, it was Henry who would find him and take him back to Archie. Henry would even walk Pongo if Archie was too busy.
Emma looked past Mary-Margret and at Henry, " That is if you're up for taking care of him, Henry. "
" Yeah I am! " Henry sounded happier than he had been in days. He even looked happy, his smile returning.
Mary-Margret looked down, frowningat a deep scratch on the floor. It hadn't been there before and she was sure it had been made by Pongo's leash as he dragged it across the floor. There were also muddy paw prints from the door to just short of the bedroom. Emma's mouth fell open then she looked at Henry again, " Henry? Why don't you take Pongo outside and clean him up? "
Henry grabbed the dog's leash, " Okay. Come on. "
Mary-Margret watched as Henry and Pongo ran out the door together. Emma watched as well before turning back to her. " Alright... Look... I know there's a lot to work out logistically... "
" No... No... " Mary-Margret stopped her. She glanced at David, who was walking towards them. She looked at Emma again, " I think giving Pongo to Henry is a great idea... It's just four people and a Dalmatian... And two babies before too long... In this loft. Things may get a little... "
" Cramped, " Emma said the word she was looking for. " I know. We'll get creative. The babies can sleep upstairs with me. "
David looked at her, " But your room can't hold two cribs. It's barely big enough for your things as it is. "
" Maybe they can use just one for a while, " Emma shrugged. " Where else can we put them? "
" They could sleep down here, " David motioned to nowhere in particular like he really hadn't thought it through. He sighed, " Somewhere. "
" I'm sure one crib upstairs will be fine, " Emma said. " And they'll be right there when I need to feed them. "
" Yeah but it doesn't change the fact your room is tiny, " David pointed out. " I don't even think one crib willfit... Unless we moved some other things around. "
" Wecan make room," Emma said. " My bed can go against a wall and we can put the crib at the foot of it. "
David thought it over, " No. Still not enough room. Maybe your mother and I can put the crib in our room. "
Emma gasped, " No. I can't ask you to do that. "
Mary-Margret was shocked to hear David bickering with Emma over where the babies would sleep. The last she knew, he wasn't really happy with the idea of her having them. She wondered if something had happened while they were looking for Regina. It almost sounded like he was going to accept the children.
" But there's not enough room for them upstairs, " David said.
" Well, " Emma said. " If it comes down to it, I can clean out a couple of dresser drawers... "
" OR, " Mary-Margret interjected. She looked at David, " We could get our own place. "
" You want to move out? " Emma and David said at the same time in almost the same shocked tone. It was fairly obvious at that moment who Emma had gotten the most from.
Mary-Margret put her hands up, " Whoa! It was just a suggestion, " She stammered.
Emma blinked in surprise, " After twenty-eight years, isn't this what we've all been waiting for? To be together under the same roof? "
" Yes, " Mary-Margret was true. She wanted nothing more to be with her family and she was happy they were together. She sighed, " I just imagined a bigger roof... With turrets. "
David and Emma chuckled at the comment at the same time. " Being here in Storybrooke we have a chance at a fresh start, " She continued. She looked at Emma then at David, " Let's take it. "
David nodded then looked over his shoulder, " I better go help Henry with Pongo. He might be too much for him to handle by himself. "
" Are you talking about Henry or Pongo? " Emma looked at him.
David quirked his mouth, " A bit of both. "
Mary-Margret watched as David left then turned her attention back to Emma when he was gone. " So... "
Emma furrowed her brow, " So what? "
" Did something happen between you and your father this morning? " Mary-Margret knew she didn't have much time for them to talk but she wanted to make the most of it. " The way you two are talking about the babies... "
Emma sighed, " Yeah. He... He said he was willing to accept the babies and help me with them. Well, to help us with them … You're already going to help me. "
Mary-Margret gasped, " Emma! That's wonderful. "
Emma nodded though she looked a little uneasy, " Yeah. It is. "
" There's something else we need to talk about though, " Mary-Margret said. She wanted to say it before any more time passed.
Emma looked down, " I'll take care of the mud right now. "
" Not the mud, " Mary-Margret took Emma's hand in hers and held it. She looked Emma in the eyes, " When are you going to tell Henry. "
" Tell him... " Emma's voice trailed off. " Oh... That. "
" He's convinced that Mr. Gold is going to want to take your babies for what you did for Ashley, " Mary-Margret looked her in the eyes. " And I think your father is a little scared of that as well. "
" I know, " Emma sighed. " He... He just hasn't asked yet. "
" Yeah, " Mary-Margret nodded once. " I know he hasn't but he will. What are you going to tell him when he does? "
Emma frowned and pulled her hands away, " I really don't know. "
Mr. Gold moved along the streets, being careful to stay close to buildings as he kept an eye out for any sign of Hook. He knew Belle wasn't going to approve if shefound out he had turned Smee into a rat but he had worse things in mind for Hook. He would not be satisfied until he had killed thepirate. Belle wouldn't like that either but she wouldn't be able to do anything... Hook would be fish food by thetime he returnedto the library.
He knew it would disappoint her but it had to be done. Hook was bent on revenge and would not stop until he had killed him. She didn't seem to understand that though and probably never would.
He also knew she wouldn't understand his reasoning behind killing Milah. He had left that part of the story out, not wanting to frighten her. His mind went to another thing that would hurt her as well but he knew that the secret could not be kept for long. He did not know how he was going to explain Emma and everything they had been through to Belle but he knew he would have to.
He refocused on the task at hand, pulling out his cell phone and he dialed Frederick's number. He had enlisted the help of his right hand man to find his prey. He had orders to capture him if possible and call once he was secured. The phone rang twice before Frederick answered, " Yes boss? "
" Have you seen anything? " Mr. Gold asked quietly.
" No. Nothing, " Frederick said. " Do you want me to... "
Mr. Gold furrowed his brow after Frederick's voice trailed off, " Want you to what? Hello? "
" I'm still here, " Frederick's tone was strange.
" Then WHAT is wrong? " Mr. Gold hissed. " We have to find Hook. "
" I know but... " Frederick stammered. " I think I just saw Doctor Hopper. "
Mr. Gold scoffed, " Impossible. He's dead. "
" He looked pretty alive to me, " Frederick said. " He's running down the sidewalk. "
" Then FOLLOW him, " Mr. Gold replied.
" Already on it, boss, " Frederick replied. There was silence then the sound of a car horn. Mr. Gold listened as Frederick shouted, " Hey! Stop! "
" Oh thank God! " Archie's voice was muffled but Mr. Gold could hear his words. " Where's Mr. Gold? "
" On the phone, " Frederick said. " Here. "
There was a bit of noise as the phone switched hands. Archie was panting like he had been running or scared, possibly both. " Mr. Gold! "
" I thought you were... " Mr. Gold started.
" No time for that, " Archie cut him off. " You need to get down to the docks right now! "
Mr. Gold frowned, " What for? "
" It's Belle! " Archie said sharply. " She's on a pirate ship... Lastpier butit's invisible. Hurry! She released me but she insisted on staying behind! "
Mr. Gold snapped his phone shut, narrowing his eyes. He should have known Belle wasn't going to obey him and try to help after all. He thought she was earnest whenshe had made her promise to stay behind but she hadonly said what he wanted tohear. She always wanted to be a hero and it looked like that ambition would possibly get her killed.
She was no match for Hook, years on the sea undoubtedly making him quite strong. From what he understood, Hook had moved pretty fast in the library too. He thought of the gun, hoping Belle would be able to use it to defend herself. She had seemed scared of it when he had given it to her though.
He looked around, finding he was quite a bit away from where he needed to be. He could teleport himself like he had in The Enchanted Forest but decided against it. He was afraid doingsuch a thing would attract Cora to him and he didn't want to do that. He was sure she was lurking somewhere since Hook couldn't have made it to town without magic.
He started to walk as fast as he could, slowing just slightly as he heard a car approach. He looked up in time to see Frederick driving towards him. He smiled, the man smarter than anyone had ever given him credit for. He pulled to a stop alongside Mr. Gold, motioning for him to get in.
Mr. Gold grabbed the passenger side door and pulled it open, getting in the car and shutting the door. He braced himself with a hand on the dash as Frederick made a quick U-turn that got them heading in the right direction. A thud from the back seat drew Frederick's attention to the rear view mirror. " Sorry, Doctor. "
" I'm okay, " Archie replied. " I just bumped my shoulder on the window. "
Mr. Gold turned around in the seat to face him. He was rubbing his left shoulder but looked rather good for murdered man. " I thought you were dead. "
" I was kidnapped, " Archie said as he adjusted his glasses. They had gone a bit crookedin the fall. " Some woman came to myoffice and I thought it was Regina. She grabbed me by the throat and we were engulfed in purple smoke. Next thing I knew, I was tied up on a ship and this pirate with a hook for a hand demanded information about you. "
Mr. Gold narrowed his eyes. Hehad talked to Archie on only one occasion but he still could have known some damaging information from other sources. He had been friends with The Blue Fairy back in The Enchanted Forest after all and that little witch knew everything about everyone. " What did you tell him? "
Archie shrank back, " Not... Not much. I told him I hadn't really talked to you at all. Just that one appointment... When you thought you found your son. He wasn't interested in that though. "
" What WAS he interested in? " Mr. Gold was sure he already knew. The pirate had vowed to live long enough to see him dead. That information he had gotten from Smee when he had questioned him in his basement.
" What about Belle? " Mr. Gold needed to know what Archie knew about her and her relationship to him. " Did you tell him anything about her? "
" No, " Archie shook his head. " Nothing. I just realized a little while ago that she was talking about you in our sessions. I hadn't realized it when Hook was interrogating me. "
" So you're the one she was talking to, " Mr. Gold said. He wondered where her advice was coming from. He thought perhaps it had been Ruby. The girl was a hopeless romantic and the things Belle had been saying did sound a lot like things the she-wolf would say.
Archie nodded, " Yes. She needed help to figure things out. She was really confused about her emotions and needed somebody to talk to. "
" I see, " Mr. Gold nodded. " So you were unaware I was the person she was having problems with. "
" Until today, " Archie pushed up his glasses. " Yes. "
Frederick made another sharp turn, sending Archie sideways again as Mr. Gold braced himself against the dash with his right hand. He looked around and found they were at the docks. " Stop the car here. I can walk the rest of the way, " Mr. Gold said.
" What do you want me to do with him? " Frederick motioned to Archie.
" Take him wherever he needs to go, " Mr. Gold said. He looked at Archie, " I'll deal with you later. "
Archie went pale and swallowed hard but said nothing. Mr. Gold turned around in the seat, opening the car door and getting out...
Belle stalked around the ship, looking for the shawl or at least some sign of it. Whoever had made the footsteps above her had not come down, most likely unaware she was on the ship. It looked like she had found her way into some kind of storage room, shelves and a worktable lining the back wall. There were also more bunks, Belle figuring that the crew slept pretty much anywhere there was space to.
She turned to the shelves, scanning them. There weren't many things there, just a several pots and a couple of boxes. She moved forward, setting down the gun before grabbing one of the bigger boxes, finding it heavy. It seemed big enough to possibly contain what she was after.
She tried to open it but found it was locked. She looked up on the shelves, lifting up a flat plate to find nothing in it. She scanned a lower shelf, a key catching her eye. She grabbed it, finding that looked like it would fit the box.
She slipped it in the lock and turned, the lock clicking open. She opened the box to find it was filled with gold coins and jewels but the shawl was not there. " Looking for this? " The sound of Hook's voice made ice run through her veins. She gasped and turned to face him, finding him in the doorway and holding the shawl.
She swallowed, his scent making her want to be ill. She remembered it from earlier in the day and knew it would always strike fear into her heart. He smelled of leather, saltwater, a touch of sweat and rum. It wasn't a comforting smell like Rumplestiltskin's but more of a threatening one.
She summoned up her courage as she stepped towards him, pointing at the shawl. " That does NOT belong to you, " She said.
" Oh, it does now, " Hook said in a sharp quiet whisper. He gave her a cold smirk.
Belle glanced to where she had left the gun, hoping it would scare him enough to give her the shawl back. He didn't seemthe type to be scared easily but shehad totry. His gaze followed hers though and she knew he was thinking about grabbingthe gun as well. She jumped for it but he was faster and closer.
" Uh-uh, " He said as he reached the gun before she did. He chuckled as he bumped her back and grabbed it up. He turned to face her, " Oh... My dear Belle. Should have stayed with your books. "
He looked the gun over, like he was trying to figure out how it worked. He continued to speak as he lifted it up, " Real life... Can get so... " He pointed the gun at her head. " Messy. "
" You don't know how to use that, " Belle squared her jaw. She knew he had never seen a gun by the way he had to examine it once it pickedit up.
Hook chuckled, "It looks easy enough. I pull the trigger and I'm sure something deadly will come out of the barrel. Something like a miniature cannon I suppose. "
" I'm not afraid of you, " Belle took a step back. She then pointed to the shawl, " And I'm not leaving without that. "
Hook waved the gun slightly, " I admire your loyalty but helping Rumplestiltskin... I'm afraid you're fighting for a lost cause. "
Belle watched as Hook set the shawl down on the table. She motioned to it, " He needs that shawl to find his son. "
Hook lowered the gun, looking it over again. " What makes you think his son wants to be found, hmm? " He asked pointedly. " I'm doing that boy a favor. "
" Have you not hurt Rumple enough? " Belle couldn't helpbut ask. Hook had taken Milah and now he was keeping Rumple from finding the only thing he truly loved.
" Oh, " Hook scoffed. He held up his hook, arching an eyebrow. " I've hurt him? "
" You stole his wife! " Belle gasped.
Hook nodded, " Tell me something, love. "
He moved closer to her... Too close. Belle backed away, his proximity making her heart race. He leaned into her face, his rum scented breath tickling her skin. His voice became low as he quietly spoke, his lips within kissing distance as he pressed his forehead against hers, " A woman comes to you, begs you to take her away... Is that theft? "
Belle swallowed. Having him so close made her skin prickle with fear and heat. She could see how he might be irresistible to some women, his swagger and dashing good looks a powerful combination. She had seen his violent side though and had an idea of what kind of man he truly was so she didn't find itattractive at found it revolting and it was all she could do not to spit in his face.
She looked into his eyes as she asked, " Why would she leave him? "
He leaned closer, the end of his nose touching the end of hers. " Because he was a coward, " He growled softly. " And because she loved me. "
Hook stepped away, Belle breathing easier. Her breath had become short with him so close, trying not to inhale his scent. He reeked of danger, even more so when he had been in her face. He walked to the table and touched the shawl, " I should have burned this the moment I acquired it. "
" Why didn't you? " Belle asked after shehad collected her thoughts. It made sense and she was surprised he hadn't.
" Because she made it, " He said quietly. " Besides the crib that held our daughter and the clothes she made for her, I have nothing left. "
" Your... Your... Daughter? " Belle stammered. She had heard nothing of a child.
Hook didn't look at her, " Yes. Born not a year after I rescued Milah from poverty. A child we made with our love. "
" What happened to her? " Belle asked. From the tone, she was sure she already knew.
Hook fingered at the shawl some more, " She died. Barely lived twenty-four hours before she took her last feeble breath in my arms. Milah and I were never able to have another before she too was taken from me. "
" I'm sorry she died, " Belle said. She wanted to try to reason with him. " But vengeance? Vengeance won't bring her back. "
Hook lifted the gun again, aiming it at her. He moved towards her again, chuckling slightly. He shook the gun, " Died. Like it was some kind of accident. Is that what he told you? "
Belle shook her head, " Well... He didn't say. "
" No, " Hook said evenly. " Of course not... Of course he would leave out a most important detail of her passing. "
" And... Uh, " Belle was almost scared to ask. " What would that be? "
Hook moved close again and whispered, " He killed her. "
He took the gun and pressed it against her chest as he continued, " He ripped out her heart and he crushed it right in front of me. "
Belle shook her head vigorously, shocked by his words. She knew it had to be a lie because Rumplestiltskin would have told her if it were true... Or she thought anyway. " No! "
" Oh yes, " Hook took the gun away from her chest.
" No! " Bellesaid again. She knewhe had killed before but she never imagined he had killedhis own said hehad loved Milah and she assumed that was why losing her hurt so bad.
" Yes, " He replied. He moved the gun to her chin, " He would do anything... Anything to hold onto his power. Why do you think anyone who's ever gotten close to him had either run away or been killed? "
Belle took a sharp breath as he cocked the gun. " Now what makes you think you're any different? "
A shiver ran down her spine. She wondered if perhaps she wasn't any different and her time with him would indeed come to an end. She didn't want to think about that, hoping they would be together forever. She was supposed to be his True Love so that had to mean she was safe.
" Tell me something, darling, " Hook's expression became questioning. He lowered the gun just a bit, " Why would you want to fight for a man like that? "
" Because I still see good in him, " Belle said. It was true. She did though it was a faint spark. She hoped her love would make it grow and become a shining light.
" Because I believe he's changed, " She continued. She had seen that too. He was a much different man than she remembered from The EnchantedForest. She couldn't put her finger on it but something had changed him and started to bring back some of the good in him.
" Because his heart, " Shesaid. " Hisheart is true and yours... Yours is rotten. "
Belle reached up, grabbing a pole that was hanging from the ceiling. She gave it a shove, the end closest to Hook hitting him in the forehead and knocking him backward into the hold. She grabbed the shawl and made a run for it, not looking back...
Mr. Gold reached the last dock, seeing nothing. He closed his eyes and sensed magic... Cora's magic. He concentrated harder, discovering it wasan invisibility spell. He waved his hand and it dissipated enough to reveal Hook's ship to him.
He carefully climbed the steps to the deck. He remembered the first time he had been on them, the memory filling him with sadness. He had been nothing then, just a crippled coward trying to retrieve his wife. He could still the laughter of the pirates, the way it felt as they looked down on him like he was nothing.
They laughed more as he tried to explain why he needed Milah back. He was so frightened, he could not keep his voice from trembling as he begged for her return. The pirates found that amusing as well, probably thinking him quite pathetic for doing such a thing. He recalled how Hook had challenged him to a duel, knowing full well he couldn't do it... Not inthe condition he was in.
Hook claimed he hada code buthe wasn'tfor sure what code condoned such an unfair fight. The sight of the sword petrified him, knowing it could only end one way. He couldn't do that though and leave Baelfire with no family at all. Sure he would have had the old ladies to care for him but their time was growing short and he wouldn't have them for long.
He remembered Hook's cruel taunts as he tormented him with the sword, feeding off the fear he could see. He also remembered how he said that a man unwilling to fight for what he wanted deserved what he got. He then tried to appeal to Hook's heart, asking what he was going to tell Baelfire. Hook told him to tell him the truth, that he was a coward.
He had been indeed. He returned to the old ladies' home to collect Baelfire,unable to tell him the truth. He had told the old ladies what had happened and they encouraged him to tell Baelfire his mother had died. Since she had run away with pirates, they said it would come true eventually.
He was in better condition now since he was stronger, no longer timid and willing to fight. He wanted to keep Belle from harm and hoped he wasn't too late. He stepped down the deck carefully so he would not fall, his leg still being a hindrance though so much else about him had changed. It was the one thing he knew would always remain the same.
He heard movement and ducked behind the mast, listening as the sound of footsteps thudded on the deck. There was another set and a gasp. " How... How'd you... " Belle asked.
" Oh I know this ship like the back of my... Well, you know, " Hook said with a chuckle. " I suggest you give that back to me now. "
Mr. Gold decided it was time to act, walking out from behind the mast. " Or what? "
Hook turned to face him, quirking his mouth. " You look different in the world, crocodile... Like the coward I met so long ago, limp and all. "
Mr. Gold moved towards him as Belle moved away from Hook, like she was going to circle behind him. " And yet, you still can't kill me. "
" Let's have it, Dark One. What magic are you going to hide behind today? " Hook asked.
Mr. Gold chuckled as he lifted his cane, not really caring that Belle was watching them. He wanted the pirate dead once and for all. " Oh no... Not magic. "
Mr. Gold swung his cane, sending Hook down to the deck. Once he was down, he hit Hook again and again, making the man grunt with pain. Belle rushed towards him, " Rumple! Hey! Let's go! Let's go! "
He continued to hit Hook. He wanted him to feel as much pain as he could bestow upon him. " No... Not yet, Belle, " He panted.
Belle held up the shawl, " This... This is what you came for. This is what is going to get you back to Bae. "
" You're wasting your breath, love, " Hook gasped from where he lay. He seemed to be in too much pain to get up. " He can't resist. He has to prove he's not a coward. "
Belle's begging had brought his anger down just a notch but hearing that word again kicked it up again. He pointed at her, " You might want to turn away, Belle. This isn't going to be pretty. "
He lifted his cane again, whacking Hook harder. The man cried out with each strike as Belle stared at him like she was becoming angry herself. He knew she wasn't approving but he had to do what he had to do. He started hitting him as hard as he could, his need for satisfaction only growing with each hit.
" Do it! Kill me! " Hook growled then let out a pained chuckle, " He has to show you how powerful he is. "
" NO! RUMPLE! " Belle shouted. " Don't you see? This... This is what he wants. To destroy every bit of good in you. "
Mr. Gold stared at Belle. He was so confused, her reasoning countering his need for revenge. Hook gasped, " Rip my heart out. Kill me just like you did Milah... And then I'll finally be reunited with her. "
Mr. Gold went cold, realizing that Belle knew the truth about Milah's death. She did not react when Hook said it so she must have known. There was no telling what else Hook had said to her, true or not. He threw his cane down and looked at Belle, " He has to die, Belle. "
Mr. Gold jumped on top of Hook, reaching for his chest. He barely touched it when Belle shouted, " NO! NO! He doesn't! There's still good in you. I see it... I'vealways seen it. "
Mr. Gold looked at her. She looked on theverge of tears but he could tell her words her true. He felt a pang of guilt, her blue eyes pricking at his heart. " Please, " She sobbed. " Please show me I'm not wrong. "
Mr. Gold held Hook down as he tried to decide what to do. He knew if he didn't kill Hook, the pirate would just keep coming for him. He also knew if he DID kill the pirate, Belle would leave him again and probably for good. He didn't want it to end in such away, intending to tell her about Emma and the babies.
If he told her about how things had changed too much between them and how he felt about Emma, he was sure she would understand and let him go. If he murdered a man right in front of her, things would most certainly go another way. He dared not to fathom what effect it would have on her though.
He pointed his right index finger in Hook's face and said, " You take your little ship and sail until you fall off the edge of the world. "
He slapped Hook in the face hard as he continued, " I never want to see you again. "
He heard Belle heave a sigh of relief as he dismounted Hook and reached down to get his cane. He looked at Belle, reaching his left hand out to her, " Let's go. "
Belle took his hand and went ahead of him, pulling him away from where Hook lay and off the ship...