A/N: I just want to say something really quick. If you ever have any questions about my story, something doesn't make sense to you, feel free to PM me, and we can discuss it. No need to leave reviews picking apart the entire story. :) Enjoy!

Rumpelstiltskin stopped laughing the moment the smoke cleared. He recognized his surroundings and grinned at the Queen's flimsy dungeon. There were no bars in this world that would ever be able to hold him again. With barely a flick of his hand, the door was open and he was walking out. He was about to vanish when something caught his eye. Charming, lying in his cell with the rest of those useless prince-lings. They were of no use to him now, and certainly capable of orchestrating their own rescue.

Satisfied with this, he stood to disappear again when Belle popped into his mind, standing in front of him, defending him to Charming. He groaned but turned and unlocked their cell doors as well. None of them twitched, still motionless on the ground. Must he do everything? With another flick of his hands water dumped itself onto their faces. Charming spluttered and opened his eyes, but was still on the ground. Rumple was becoming impatient. He needed to check on things, and more importantly, he needed to find Belle. He had no idea where she had ended up, and when he checked the future everything was jumbled. Something hadn't been decided to give it a clear course, and he could only assume it was because everyone was lying unconscious around the realms. Of course he would be immune to his own magic, just as he had been in Storybrooke.

Charming seemed to recognize his surroundings and jumped up. "We're back," he said astutely. Rumple had to restrain himself from rolling his eyes.

"How observant of you," Rumple said. His voice was strange to his ears, not the low, calm voice of Mr. Gold, but the higher pitch of Rumpelstiltskin. He held his hands out and tried not to recoil at the dark green nails and how his skin shimmered a goldish-green in the torch light.

"I see you haven't changed," Charming said, sizing him up. He couldn't help but wonder if Belle would still be happy to be married to such a beast.

Rumple watched to be sure that the others were awake as well. His eyes locked with Bae's, who looked at him carefully.

"Where is Snow? I must find her!" Charming declared. Rumple sighed and took a look. That was easy enough; she was currently asleep in the forest, outside of her and Charming's former castle. Another flash popped in, Belle, Emma, and Henry lying inside the castle, the three appearing unharmed. That made him feel a modicum better, but he had things he needed to do, and Charming was slowing him down.

"I will take you to your true love," he informed them, a small giggle following his statement. It felt good to be back. "All of you," he added, looking at the rest of the men. It would be easy enough considering they were all in the same place.

"What's your price?" Charming asked, all too familiar with the dealings of the imp.

"When you find my Belle, keep her safe," he offered with a smile. Charming nodded, the price was simple enough. Rumple knew Charming would have done it anyway, but he wanted to remind him that Belle was still his, and if anything happened to her he would be out for blood.

Rumple indicated for Bae to come to him. Bae obliged and the two stepped off to the side as the others found their bearings.

"You will watch after her?" Rumple knew he could trust Bae.

"You're not coming with us?" Bae asked, knowing the answer ahead of time.

"There is something first I must do," Rumple told him, all playful teasing gone from his voice. Bae nodded and Rumple stepped away, but his son grabbed his wrist.

"Don't forget our deal...papa." Bae's eyes searched Rumple's. Rumple nodded. He could have no sooner forgotten his name than to forget the deal he had made with Bae and Belle.

"Ready for your big adventure?" Rumple asked. He didn't wait for a response, calling on his magic to take them to where Snow was lying. He did not join them, instead appearing inside his former castle. He walked into the great hall and found his things exactly as he had left them, all his treasures back in their rightful spot. The castle was dusty and dirty, but otherwise intact.

He briskly walked to the stairs leading to a turret, where his old workshop had been. When he got to the top cobwebs hung to vials and flasks, but it was all still there, untouched, some potions still glowing. He grinned, unable to fight the glee rising inside him. He was back, and this time nothing would stop him.

Regina opened her eyes and found herself lying in a hallway of her castle. At first she thought she was dreaming. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and blinked again.

"Get up off the floor," a cold voice said to her. Her mother. The mother that had failed her, that had killed Daniel. She took another deep breath and then opened her eyes and stood up. Rumpelstiltskin was behind this, she knew that. She was going to deal with him in a moment, but first she had more pressing matters. She didn't want to be back, not here, not without Henry. Her son.

Her mother was talking to her, but hate was welling back up in Regina. She didn't want to be here. She didn't want to be here with her mother, especially not her mother, the woman who killed her Daniel, who stole her happiness. Without thinking, before Cora could act, Regina reached into her mother's chest, trying out her magic as she found the woman's heart and ripped it out. Cora's face was hidden behind her veil, but Regina imagined the woman looked shocked. This gave her pleasure.

"Mother," she said coldly. "Stop talking. Listen to me for a moment. I am going to kill you. Before I do, I want you to know how you failed me. You let Emma Swan and her Belle Gold live. You killed Daniel. You couldn't just let me be myself. I cannot stand to look on you anymore." Regina squeezed tighter and tighter, watching with glee as her mother dropped to her knees.

"Regina...please," Cora gasped. Regina smiled wider.

"As you wish," Regina shrugged, and squeezed until the heart became ash in her hands. Her mother fell over, dead, and Regina felt vindicated. Cora had paid, and that was satisfying, but not as satisfying as it should have been. She blamed this on the fact that Snow White still lived, and Emma Swan had stolen her son. She would destroy them all and take Henry back.

Walking to a mirror, a face popped up. "Good to be back," he said, looking around.

"Indeed. Show me my dungeons." The mirror showed her an empty dungeon. So. Rumpelstiltskin had sprung them, had he? Well, that was fine for now. She would let Rumple play his little games.

"Mirror. Find me the man who can put others to sleep. I need Rumpelstiltskin's dagger. Then Snow White and her little daughter will be mine."

Her laughter echoed around the palace in the eeriest way.

Snow was already on her feet when Charming and his gang of princes arrived. "We're home," she said as he made his way to her.

"We're close to home," he told her in wonder, looking around at the forest. He knew this area like that back of his hand.

"We have to get to the palace. Emma might be there," Snow said, worriedly. The others, having been reunited, were looking at her warily.

"Some of us would like to go back to our own realm, Snow," Mulan told her quietly. "See what has become of our people."

Snow nodded. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

"We will come back, and form a plan to destroy Regina, just as soon as we can," Rapunzel promised her.

"I wouldn't ask for anything less." There most of them parted ways, heading back to where they came from, whether on foot or by magic. Snow had considered offering them transportation, but she didn't know what she would be finding at her own palace.

August and Bae were coming with them, to see if Belle and Emma had landed there, and to be sure they were okay.

Belle became aware she was lying on something cold and hard when she felt something sting her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open and saw Henry leaning over her. "Belle?" He asked, his eyes unsure.

Belle leaned up on her elbows and blinked. The world was shifting and she felt a little sick. "Henry," she said when her vision finally stopped swimming. "Where is Emma?"

"Here," Emma said. Emma was standing at a window, looking out. Belle gingerly got to her feet and joined her at the window. She heard the soft click clack of claws and saw little Daisy plop down next to Henry. The dog looked exhausted.

"Did everyone go back where the belonged?" Belle asked, looking out with Emma. The view revealed beautiful water and a forest that bordered it.

"I didn't know where anyone belonged," Emma said softly. "I hope they can find their way back home."

"They will," Henry said brightly.

Belle stepped away to survey her surroundings. They were in what was obviously a child's room. A large wardrobe stood in the middle of it, doors carelessly open.

"This is where Emma went through," Henry told Belle, seeing her looking around.

"Is it now?" She murmured. Emma was studiously not looking at anything.

"We should try and find someone else," Emma said, striding out of the room. Belle and Henry followed, Daisy at his feet. Belle wanted to explore this castle, look around, but Emma had other ideas. It took them a while to make their way outside, but Emma seemed to breathe for the first time once they were.

"Let's wait for them out here." Emma declared, sitting on a marble step. Belle and Henry sat next to her, and the three looked out, waiting for someone to join them. Emma stayed quiet so Belle allowed her mind to wander. Had Rumple made it out? Were they still imprisoned here, somewhere in the Queen's castle? It would be suicide for her and Emma to go themselves, especially here when neither of them had any ability with magic. Regina would kill them all and keep Henry, her happy ending finally complete.

Belle knew Rumple would never allow Regina to live if she died, but if he was locked up, what good would it do? Regina could just as soon kill him if he couldn't escape. Had coming back here been a mistake? She shook her head, watching the sun recede in the sky. This was his plan; he must have had an escape hatch in there somewhere.

"Look!" Henry pointed out quite a while later. It was dark, but obvious that someone was approaching the castle. Belle's hand instinctively went to her dagger, but it was missing. She forgot she had given it to Emma. They were unprotected, but it didn't matter. The figure began to run, and in the moon light Belle saw it was just Snow. Emma met her at the bottom of the steps and the women embraced. Belle and Henry walked down slowly, joining them at the bottom. Charming was not far behind her, and then everyone began filing in. Bae met Belle, taking her off to the side.

"Is he here?" He asked her, his eyes searching her face.

"No, I thought he would be with you," she said, worry coloring her tone.

"He's safe, he's out," Bae reassured her. "Back to old form." Belle's eyes grew wide, but even she had known somewhere that he would not stay as he was. "He said he had something he had to do, but I assumed he would come and find you."

"He must have known I was okay," Belle said firmly.

"I reminded him of our deal," Bae whispered to her, his eyes intent. "He says he remembers."

"I will hold him to it," Belle swore. Bae took her hand and squeezed, and Belle looked down at her left hand. The ring was still there, glittering in the moon light. She clenched her hand into a fist and followed everyone in. Charming walked up the stairs with her, slightly behind his wife and daughter.

"Rumpelstiltskin helped us escape," he told her, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"That was very good of him," she said softly, looking straight ahead.

"Everything he does, comes with a price," Charming chuckled. Belle looked up at him, amazed that Rumple would immediately begin dealing again.

"What was his price?" She asked nervously. Charming smiled at her as they entered his home.

"Your safety. I would hate to think what he would do to me if something were to happen to you."

Belle understood the message. She was to stay here, and more importantly she was so stay out of trouble. She smiled and nodded at Charming.

"You will stay here, with us," Snow said when they got inside. Belle could only imagine what this place was like before the curse. Once everyone woke up she was sure things would slowly start to go back the way they had been. Still, she retired early, hot tears stinging her eyes. She didn't know why she was so upset; this was what she had wanted. She had done what everyone had wanted since they regained their memories.

She supposed she thought he would be with her that first night. Instead he was off, chasing power; making deals, dancing around a fire. She wasn't sure what he was doing, to be honest, but it made her feel a little better, as she crawled into a dusty, but otherwise comfortable bed, that he was alive, and safe. To her, that was worth everything.

Belle woke up with a start the next morning. A dress was laying out and a fire had been lit which left the room stifling. Had Snow's servants woken up? She wondered if they appreciated being brought back. Did they enjoy their life here, or back in Maine better? She sighed and slipped on the blue dress anyway, deciding not to waste it. She wasn't sure what to do next, but was willing to bet that Emma was more confused than her, and that was a start. She made her way into the great hall, pushing the heavy doors with a bit of effort. There she found Snow and Charming standing, talking to none other than Rumpelstiltskin. Bae and Emma were standing off to the side, Emma still in yesterday's clothing, Bae in leather and boots.

"Rumple!" Belle shrieked, interrupting their conversation. She picked up the bottom of her skirt and ran across the hall, launching herself into his arms. Every one stared, Rumple included, amazed that she was so happy to see him.

"Belle, dear," he smiled, wrapping his arms around her as she buried her face into his neck. She kissed him on the cheek, the closest to his mouth as she could get, and Charming watched, stunned, as Rumple closed his eyes and set Belle back on her feet.

Rumple put his hand on her cheek and looked at her, letting her see what he had become. How could she still love him, when he looked like a monster? He was no longer a man, just the feeling of her lips lingered on his skin and her eyes were shining. He inhaled, remembering his promise. The moment Regina was gone he was going to let her kiss him, and the Dark One would be no more.

Belle smiled and stood at his side to speak with the Charming's. Emma was staring at Belle in disbelief, but here it was time to make her own allegiance known. Emma would still remain a close friend to her, but Rumple was her love, and she was going to stand by him come hell or high water.

"You were saying something about an Evil Queen?" Rumple prompted, his teasing tone back. He acted as if Charming were the one who had rudely interrupted and not Belle.

"Where is she?" He boomed, his eyes back on Rumpelstiltskin.

"Where she is not should concern you," Rumple told him, his eyes dancing with delight.

"Then what should?" Emma cut in.

"Remember her little curse?" He looked around and then let out a small laugh which made everyone in the room, except Belle, cringe. "It's not where she is. It's how far she is willing to go to destroy you." He pointed directly at Snow.

"How can we stop her?" Snow asked. "She is always one step ahead of us."

"You need to put together an army," Rumple smiled at her, but his tone lost some of its mocking. "And for the Gods sake, learn to use magic. Now is not the time to be noble. Do you think she will be so favorable?"

"We don't need magic to beat her!" Charming pronounced. Rumple immediately burst into laughter. Belle turned her head and looked at him.

"Fine, Prince Charming," his mocking tone was back in full force, "Do things your way. I guess that means you don't need my help."

"No! Wait!" Emma yelled, stepping forward. Rumple turned and looked back at her.

"How do we learn to use magic?" She asked. "Teach me."

Rumple laughed, soft this time, sliding an arm around Belle. "I can't teach you magic, Savior."

"I can," Snow said softly. "We will use magic."

"Good," Rumple smiled, clapping his hands together.

"Can we count on you?" Snow asked him. Rumple turned to her, studying her face seriously.

"Aye, you can," he told her softly. Rumple owed Snow White more than she knew, as well as her daughter, a debt he would never be able to repay even if he lived for another thousand years.

"And your price?" Charming asked, all too familiar with Rumpelstiltskin. Rumple turned to him, his eyes hard, and pointed at Snow White.

"It's been paid. She has already paid it." He turned again, intending this time to take Belle with him. She was safe here, to be sure, but safer with him. He could never repay Snow for taking Belle in when she needed a home the most, and allowing Belle to live with Snow and Emma, even when they had little room, and keeping her safe from Regina. As far as he was concerned, any debt Snow may ever owe him was paid in full.

"Wait! Wait, Belle, are you leaving?" Emma broke away from Bae, who had his hand laced with hers. Belle turned back and looked at her, stepping out of Rumple's hold and meeting Emma in the middle.

"You can't leave," Emma whispered, their faces inches apart. "I need you here."

Belle put her hands on either side of Emma's face and brought it against her own. "You can. Look at what you've done so far. I'm not leaving you forever, this is temporary. I will be back to train in your army. I won't be far; if you need me I will be back. You can do this."

"I can't. Please don't go," Emma whispered. Belle shook her head.

"You can. You don't need me. Your family is here. If you get married, make sure you send me a letter." The women shared a tearful laugh. Belle was suddenly sad she had to leave Emma. They had spent every day together since she had accepted the job as deputy sheriff. "I will always be with you, and I will always be your deputy."

Belle took one hand off Emma's face and extended it, and Emma shook it firmly. "When we fight, we fight together," Belle told her, pulling her into a fierce hug.

"And if we die, we die together," Emma whispered to her, remembering their near experience underground. Belle laughed and they broke apart, both wiping away tears.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Rumple was suddenly at her side.

"Ready?" He asked her. She nodded and offered Emma an encouraging smile.

"Can I keep Daisy?" Henry asked suddenly. Belle hadn't noticed him in the room. She looked at Rumple, who just shrugged.

"Keep her safe for me," Belle smiled, and then with a swirl of magic they were gone.

She blinked and found herself back in the Dark Castle. Rumple was watching her carefully, as if he wasn't sure what he should be doing.

"So...to my old room then?" She teased, trying to break through some of the tension. She had never imagined, in her wildest dreams, that she would ever be back here with him. He looked at her so seriously that for a moment she wondered if perhaps he would be putting her back there.

Instead he walked forward, nervously, and wrapped her into a hard hug. "I am so sorry. For everything."

She pulled away for a minute and saw that he was crying. "Rumple...there is nothing left to be sorry for."

"How can you stand it?" He asked, his voice low. "Looking at me, being here; remembering what transpired the last time..."

She stared at him. "I love the man." He pulled her hard against him again, holding her. She allowed him, letting him get it out. When his grip loosened she stepped back.

"Look," she said, offering him her left hand. He accepted it, looking down at the diamond still adorning her finger. "This. This is our promise, our bond. Nothing but death can ever break it."

"Nothing," he whispered as if lost in thought, running his thumb over the ring.

"So...my room?" She asked, wanting to put his loathing behind him.

"Of course. Are you tired, my dear?" He began walking a familiar path. She knew where he slept.

"Not at all."

He grinned at her and she smacked him lightly.

"Why did you want me here?" She asked him, echoing a question from long ago.

"I need to teach you something...and the place was filthy." She couldn't help but smile at that.

"Teach me what?" She asked him, following him up a flight of stairs.

"To stay alive. I have lived enough lifetimes without you. I will not live anymore."

"And how do you plan on doing that?"

"By teaching you to fight...and by teaching you to use magic." He opened the door to his bedroom and she walked in confidently, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"The master wished to take on a pupil?" She teased. He sat next to her, staring at her hands.

"I told you why."

"Hey. Nothing is going to happen to me. I will be the best student you have ever had," she promised him.

"The only student," he told her, "And when it's over..."

She watched him swallow hard, but let him finish. "We will live as just ordinary people."

"Oh Rumpelstiltskin. We will never be ordinary people. We may look ordinary, but we have an extraordinary love that will never allow us to just be ordinary people."

He pressed a light kiss against her forehead and smiled the smile of a man who was loved and knew it.