Ariel's mother and father were never the most calm, balanced parents. Being arrogant gods doesn't help! So what happens when they find out their daughter is pregnant by none other than the Dark One? The Dark One who also who's also got a hold over Ariel's mother? Oh dear...

Trouble with Her Parents

It was late Monday afternoon when the limousine rolled back over the Storybrooke town line. The newly married thruple had just spent two blissful, relaxing days, two passionate mornings and one extremely passionate night, at Pierre Roche's legendary retreat. Enjoying lakeside walks, the pool, massages and body treatments during the day, along with the best meals they had ever tasted, they'd been truly pampered. Regina had also, at her request, been allowed to work alongside her gastronomic hero in the kitchen, where he'd introduced her to a whole world of new tastes, dishes and techniques. What, to Emma and Robin, seemed too much like hot, sweaty work was, to Regina, a joy from which her lovers would no doubt benefit in the years to come.

They'd arrived in the sleepy lakeside hotel late on Saturday evening, having driven directly from the wedding reception. The newly-married trio were much too exhausted to do anything other than fall asleep that first night, with Regina wedged tightly between her spouses. However, the following Sunday morning, after waking fully refreshed and a shared shower, Robin and his wives returned to bed, before finally making love passionately and with such vigour that all three needed a second shower before heading down for breakfast. Sunday night, following a sumptuous dinner cooked by the master-chef himself, they'd retired to their bed to once again continue with the reaffirmation of their love for one another. It had been a heavenly break. And now, two days later, they crossed the Storybrooke line. They all felt the sudden burst of energy from the return of their magic, as Emma lay across one of the bench seats, her head resting on Robin's lap.

"I can't believe it's all over. I never wanted it to end."

He stroked his fingers through the blonde hair. "Well, it's only for a week till we start the honeymoon! Getting a bit too used to the high life, my love?"

"Hardly. Mind you, if I ate like that every day, I'd soon be the size of a horse! It was lovely, though. Best wedding ever."

"Well, sorry to burst our bubble, my darlings, but the real world awaits us..." Regina looked at her phone. "Henry just messaged. He said he's taken Roland and Honour to Gold's to meet his father. Apparently, Honour was asking to meet Neal, having only seen his grave before. Margot's at the inn having an archery lesson with Alan, and Faith and Hope are there with Maria minding them till we get back."

"Not sure I'm comfortable with them spending time at Gold's. I know they say he's not the Dark One anymore, but I still don't trust him."

"Well Roland does. He's become quite friendly with Rumple," Robin defended. "And don't forget, Gideon's my godson. Honour likes Ariel too. She was playing with her at the party."

Regina shrugged. "Speaking of which, did either of you see the mermaid and Gold dancing on Saturday? Seems they're making no secret of the fact they're together! It was quite blatant. Even Belle and Ariel were smooching more like a couple. Seems Henry's right, the three of them are together…"

"Good. A third poly thruple in town, after us and the Briars. I think they're well suited! Though as we left there seemed to be some sort of problem. Ariel did seem a bit stressed out. Perhaps we should invite them over for a drink sometime?" The two women groaned at the thought. Why did their damn husband always have to be so nice?

Emma joined in. "Speaking of the Briars, I did kinda invite my boss to join us for an evening, when we get back from the honeymoon. As I take on the Sheriff role straight after, it'd be good to get to know them a little better. I know you're close to Mulan Rob, but I hardly know them outside the office."

"Good idea. We should have a 'poly evening' for the three couples. Perhaps we could invite them for drinks at the pub rather than anything formal?"

"Well…perhaps could we hold off on the Golds, until we've had a chance to meet Rumple separately?" cautioned Regina. "Like Emma, I'm not sure how far I trust the imp, even if he isn't the Dark One anymore. Let's start with the Briars. That's six of us, after all."

The Gold Mansion

Following Merlin's revelation to Ariel on Saturday, Belle rang the hospital first thing Monday morning, to book an appointment for a pregnancy test. Annabelle Sage had been primed by her father, so she saw the two women herself, two hours later. After taking blood and urine tests, she'd confirmed that the former mermaid was indeed pregnant, but less than a month gone, so details were sketchy. The two of them absorbed the news, wishing now they'd also brought Rumple to the clinic with them.

"So, would this be a normal pregnancy, or are there any issues we need to know about? What with Ariel not being born human?" asked Belle, as the other woman stared silently out of the window. "Will she be safe?"

"My father would be best placed to answer that; plus the fact he's also the obs-gynae around here. From what I can tell, if Ariel is human now, it shouldn't be an issue."

"Well, she is, and she isn't! She's under a magical 'holding' spell, even now. When she goes into water, her tail and gills return, when she takes her bracelet off." Belle stopped, seeing Ariel shudder.

"Again, you need to talk to my father, as I have no idea on the magical...implications. Did your husband say anything about it? I'm assuming he's the father?"

The question brought Ariel back into the conversation. "He's changed. He's hardly said anything since we found out Saturday night. Angus spent yesterday in his library, researching something, then this morning he left early, said he had to meet someone urgently. He seems worried, probably because of this."

"I'm sorry. Look, let's get my dad in here."

Storybrooke Harbour – Monday morning

It was shortly after dawn. The former Dark One stood at the water's edge, holding a large conch shell trumpet in one hand, his dagger, his name now removed, in the other.

His heart was heavy as he looked over the horizon. Will this even work without the Dark One? Only one way to find out!

Taking the dagger, he sliced the blade across his palm, wincing as his skin opened up easily, blood starting to flow. Large drops hit the water as he held the conch shell and blew a long sonorous note across the water. It took less than a minute for the waters to begin foaming, a whirlpool appearing close by. Eventually the foam divided, as a large figure rose, morphing into the entity Rumple hadn't seen for many years. The figure slowly transformed into a man, bare chested, with long flowing grey hair and beard, eyes as dark as coal as they bore into his soul.

"Rumpelstiltskin! It's been a while." The Sea King stared hard at him."

"It has indeed, Your Majesty. We need to talk."

"About my daughter, I presume? I was planning to take her home fairly soon."

"I think you need to reconsider."

"It's no concern of yours! Her marriage is over, and with it my binding contract with her prince. As I said, I intend to take her back to her family."

"Even if she's unwilling to go? Are you aware of her current situation?"

"Of her relationship with your estranged wife? I am. Having that sort of deviant relationship with another female? It is an abomination, an anomaly, and clearly the result of her spending too much time around human kind. The same thing happened with one of Poseidon's daughters who made the mistake of coming on land. She's lost her way. My mind's made up, and that is my final decision on the matter."

"I was hoping you wouldn't say that. Oh well. In that case, I need to collect on a deal I made with-"

"I MADE NO DEAL WITH YOU, DARK ONE! I would NEVER make a deal with you!"

"You didn't, but I'm afraid your wife did! Bring her to me, or there will be consequences."

The Sea King's fury was swift. "WHAT? ATHENA WOULD NEVER-"

"She made a deal! And you know as well as anyone, NOBODY, including a goddess, reneges on a deal with me."

"What kind of deal would Athena have with you?" His voice was contemptuous. "Why would she? And what interest do you have in Ariel? Why do you even care? Is this about your ex-wife and my daughter? Are you trying to punish Ariel in some way?"

"Belle is my wife, not my ex-wife. Despite issues, we are now reconciled and happy. Ariel is safe and well, and will remain so, living with us for as long as she chooses. You do not need to know the details, until she is willing and ready to discuss them with you. I suggest you summon Athena, or the consequences may be…considerable."

"Don't threaten me, Dark One!" he thundered. Oh, at least word hasn't reached him yet! "Or I swear you will regret it!"

"I haven't threatened you, Triton, I'm merely stating a fact. A deal was made long ago, which now requires settlement. Have you forgotten how dark magic works? You remember your contract with Ursula for the return of Belle's voice? How reneging on it transformed you, until your daughter corrected it? Now bring me Athena!"

Sherwood

"Mummies! Papa!" screamed Margot, charging over the lawn from the lake in her bathing costume. "I missed you!" The petite, almost eight-year-old redhead charged into Emma's legs, clutching tightly.

"Woah kid, slow down there!" Emma chuckled. Ever since Robin moved in over a year and a half ago, Emma had become more accepted by the children, alongside Regina in the motherhood stakes, not just as her partner. Even Roland treated her differently and to all she was now 'Ma' not 'Emma'. And she loved it!

Regina dropped to her knees to take her into a hug. "Henry told me you were practising archery with Tuck? When did you start swimming?"

"We did archery earlier, but Maria's been teaching me how to swim! It's brilliant."

"I know Honour's with Henry, but where are your little sisters?" asked Robin, now on his knees and also pulling her in for a hug. Margot just smiled and pointed towards the lake, where Maria and another woman could be seen pushing the double buggy towards them. As they reached them, Emma and Regina bent down to collect their toddlers, Hope having already fallen asleep in the sun. Emma snuggled Faith, kissing her little plump cheeks as Regina did the same to Hope.

"Hi, newlyweds!" called Maria Locksley, moving to hug her older brother. "Had fun? Hope you behaved yourself on your wedding night? On second thoughts, best not to tell me!"

Robin sniggered. "I thoroughly agree with the last sentence!" If he'd admitted to all three of them falling asleep early, completely exhausted by the end of the first day, she'd never let him live it down! "Now, Margie, how about some ice-cream till they get over here?"

Storybrooke Harbour

It took less than half an hour for Triton to return to the shore, accompanied by his wife, the goddess. Rumple had expected more of a fight to persuade the Sea King to fetch her.

As Athena stepped from the sea onto the harbour pier, he couldn't help but admire her striking beauty. She appeared before him dressed in full golden armour, helmet and a long ivory dress. Which Rumple presumed she now wore merely to intimidate him. The daughter of Zeus and his first wife Metis, Athena had the most unusual pale grey eyes, almost white, her golden-yellow hair draped across a shoulder.

"Dark One? It's been some time. Or should I be calling you Rumpelstiltskin now?"

Word's already started to spread, it seems! "Good afternoon, Athena. Yes, you should know. The rumours are true. The darkness has been lifted from me!"

"Yet you choose to summon me and threaten my husband? That sort of insolence toward a god, is usually punishable by death, spinner. As I'm sure you're aware?"

"I'm aware. But I think in this case you will be overlooking n important fact." He bluffed.

"You seem very sure of yourself Rumpelstiltskin! Considering you no longer have the leverage of a Dark One, what makes you think I won't just kill you where you stand?"

"Because we had a deal. An agreement which directly affects your husband and your children, if you recall?" As he explained calmly, he noticed Triton's look of suspicion. Though it was directed, not at him but at Athena!

"Any deal I had was with the Dark One! Who I understand…has disappeared."

"Afraid not, dearie. Take a closer look!" A roll of parchment magically appeared in his hand, rolling itself open to reveal two signatures at the bottom. Athena and…Rumpelstiltskin!

"The contract stands!"

The Goddess of Wisdom and War groaned, knowing it was incontestable. Breaking it would put her on the opposite side of the magical laws, and the gods themselves. Only she and the man in front of her knew the bitter truth. An open-ended deal she had made to save the lives of her husband and daughters.

"What do you want? If it's the life of any one of my children, I would sooner perish myself!"

"You always were so dramatic, dearie! Fortunately, for you, I am no longer the Dark One. However, a deal is a deal, and I am now insisting upon repayment. My terms concern Ariel. I wish you and your overly-aggressive husband to give her the freedom to make her own choice."

"Ariel? What have you done to her?" Triton raged. "Zeus help me, deal or no deal, if you have harmed her in any way…"

"I have done nothing of the sort! She currently resides with my wife and I and seems happy. She has the freedom to come and go as she so pleases. However, your taking her away threatens that freedom, and quite possibly, my own happiness. So, I need you to relinquish and rescind all controls on her mermaid status. Let her come and go freely and without hindrance. I will not interfere."

"Your happiness?" Athena was deeply suspicious. "You're controlling her in some way! I need to see her."

"I vow on the lives of my sons, I am doing no such thing. Everything I have said is true."

"Then bring her to us. I will not agree until I've spoken with her!"

"Then we have no settlement of the deal! May I remind you of the reversing curse that was built into it, Athena? On either my death at the hands of either of you, or the reneging of the deal, the curse unravels. The powers will be transferred back to Ursula and you will be transformed back into…polyps."

Mifflin Street

It was gone well past nine o' clock in the evening when Henry finally showed up at Mifflin Street with Honour and Roland. The toddlers were both being crotchety, unwilling to settle. Hope was teething a little earlier than Faith, which didn't help. Robin and Emma had brought them back downstairs and were settling them with medicine and warm milk when her eldest son walked in.

"Henry, what sort of time do you call this? It may be fine for you, and possibly Roland, but Honour's got school in the morning!"

"Sorry mum, we got distracted. Hi guys! We were going to leave at six when August turned up. He just got back from the Far East. He's bought a new Harley."

"Yeah!" Roland charged out from the kitchen, a piece of cake in his hand, from which he was about to take a bite. "Roland, lovely to see you too! Go get a plate? Don't set your sisters a bad example!" The wild haired boy grinned, heading back to the kitchen.

"And a piece of that for me too please, Rolly!" Emma yelled to his back. Meanwhile, Regina had dropped to her knees in front of the group, now hugging Honour and Margot close, kissing each on the cheek. "Well, you're here now, safe and sound. I've got all four of my girls under our roof – that's all that matters."

"Gee, thanks!" said Roland, now coming back in with two plates, handing one to Emma. "Good to know we're appreciated, eh Henry?" He said sarcastically, looking up at his big brother. "Guess boys don't matter…"

"Don't be like that, Roland, you know exactly what I meant!" Chided Regina, looking at her wife.

"Are you saying you also need a bit of a kiss and cuddle, Ro?" Emma grinned. "Cos we can do that!" The blonde sat Faith next to Robin, stood and quickly moved over to the twelve-year-old, grabbing him and forcefully wrapping him in her arms. Regina was already up, moving to his other side, both women now surrounding him, holding him tightly between them before raining kisses all over his head and cheeks, trying not to laugh.

Roland now squirmed, wincing slightly as they made fun of him. "Muuuummmss! Gerroff! Dad, do you really have to put up with this?"

"Constantly. The difference is – I like it!"

Honour stepped up, placing a kiss on Robin's cheek. "We had a great time, papa. Henry's dad is really funny! He told us some stories about Ma, before you all knew her, then Persephone gave us a flying lesson, and Miss Belle gave us tea. Ariel was feeling a little poorly, so she stayed upstairs. Then, when Mr. Booth arrived, Henry went for a ride on his motorbike!" garbled the excited blonde.

Regina glared at Henry, while still speaking to her. "Did he? That sounds fun! Henry, you know what I think about those things. They're death traps! What were you thinking? What if you'd fallen off?"

Henry huffed. "Mum, August was riding, I was only the passenger. He's been using them for years; it was fine. Still, I quite fancy having one myself. Good getting around Boston in rush hour!"

"Henry, no. Please? I'll be worried sick…"

"He's a man now, Gina. He's bound to want to try it…" Robin tried to calm her, but failed dismally.

"What did Neal say…about me?" asked Emma. She prayed he didn't talk about prison, or their thieving days.

"Nothing bad mum…honestly. Just about you. What you were like when you were young…erm, younger."

"Neal said you pretended to be French, to get into a party where you weren't allowed in! That you once sang and played the guitar on stage. And that you could burp the alphabet!" added Honour, smirking. "Can you still do that, ma?"

Emma winced, her cheeks reddening. Oh great - thanks Neal! She thought, seeing the smirk on Robin's face.

"I didn't know that! I'd love to hear you play, Emma. And sing," he added. "Though perhaps not the burping?" That even made Regina chuckle, nodding in agreement.

Roland grinned. "Good trick, ma! Can you fart at will, like dad can?"

"Hey!" It was Robin's turn to be embarrassed as both his wives sniggered, "I wish John had never told you about that! It was a long time ago…"

"Oh, my dear wife and husband. Burping, farting. Such a romantic pair. Be still my beating heart!" Sarked Regina. "Thank goodness one of us knows decorum and how to behave."

"Well at least Robin and I don't fart in our sleep!" Emma retorted, her brow arched. That earned a roar of laughter from Henry, Roland and Margot, and an embarrassed, annoyed glare from the brunette.

Storybrooke Harbour -The following morning.

It was shortly after eight the following morning, when they again assembled at the dockside.

The previous evening, Rumple had told Ariel and Belle all about his history with Ariel's parents. How, long before her birth, Athena had begged the Dark One for help to save her family, which had been magically transformed into polyps by Ursula the Witch. How she had agreed an open-ended deal, which had yet to be reconciled. How, hearing through his network how Triton was intending to take his daughter back. And finally, his conversation with her mother and father. How, until then, he had been sworn to secrecy.

"So, you're saying my father is insisting I go home with them? Angus, you know he won't be persuaded!"

"I do. His stubbornness is renowned. Hence the reason I sought your mother. Unlike him, Athena is honour-bound to repay any debt to the Dark One. Well actually, to me, as the contract's in my name. I told them that the settlement will come in the form of their releasing you, granting you the freedom to choose."

"Have you told them about…this?" she said, stroking over her still washboard-flat stomach.

"I thought I'd leave that to you, dearie." He released her hand as the waters parted, their visitors arriving.

"Ariel!" Triton's voice croaked at the sight of his favourite daughter. She stepped forward to embrace him.

"Papa, I've missed you!" The redhead replied, accepting his hug. Then, seeing the tall figure behind him emerge from the waters. "Mamma?"

The pale-grey eyes looked at her, smiling but with a lot less warmth than her father. "Ariel, you've been away too long." Looking her up and down, it took but a few seconds for the goddess to then discover something her husband had clearly missed. "You…you're with child?"

The mermaid should have guessed that, with her magic, she would have been able to tell instantly. Triton looked up in surprise.

"Yes. About six weeks. I only found out a few days ago."

"What?" yelled the Sea King. "You're pregnant? Is it Prince Eric's?"

This time, Ariel refused to be cowed by her father. "Of course not, papa! You already know we split over three months ago! It's not his..."

Triton and Athena stared at each other, stunned by the revelation. "Then who?" Triton saw his daughter's eyes briefly look up at Rumpelstiltskin, a look unfortunately seen by her father! "YOU?"

A moment later, Rumple felt himself being forcefully lifted into the air by his throat, an invisible force tightening across his windpipe. "You'll pay for this with your life!"

Seeing her husband being strangled, Belle, who had stayed in the background till now, screamed. "NO!"

As Rumple lost the ability to breath, as his eyesight blurred he felt a strong magical field appear close by him. From the corner of his eye, he saw two figures emerge from the mist.

"PUT HIM DOWN, COUSIN!" Growled Persephone, "KILL HIM AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY PERISHES!"

"Sister?" gasped Athena. "What are you doing here?"

"Preventing your blundering husband from making yet another catastrophic error! That man you are killing is NOT the Dark One! But if his life ends at your hands, his spell unwinds and your husband, and all your children, including Ariel, go the way of Hades. You really want that?"

Athena couldn't take the risk. "Triton, release him…please?"

As Rumple fell to the ground, trying to regain his breath, the second figure stepped forward, dropping to his knees to attend to him. "You really must learn to control that temper of yours, Triton! That's what got you into your mess in the first place!"

"Merlin, what in hell's name are you doing here? This is none of your concern!"

"You forget I see the future, Sea King! I see what will happen to your line if you harm this man and it is not good. Athena, you need to make your choice, quickly. Do you accept Rumple's deal or not? Will you allow your daughter to decide her own future for herself, or will you continue to control her, causing death all around?"

The goddess looked down at Rumple, who now had an anxious Belle and Ariel either side of him, trying to help him sit up. Despite her anger, she knew full well the eternal bind of a deal with the Dark One. An end to her line? Is that even possible? "Oh, very well. Ariel, what is it you want to do?"

"I want to have this baby! I want to care for it with the two people I've fallen in love with. I want it to know its father and brothers, and its other mother," she smiled at Belle, who took her hand. "But I also want it to know my own parents. I want you in its life, mamma. I want it to know its aunties. I don't want to lose you, but I want to be with Belle and Angus. To bring up our children together, without worrying constantly about it all being taken away by a father that cannot control his temper!" She scowled at Triton. "I love you, papa. But this is too much!"

As Rumple now stood, recovering, Athena stepped closer, her cold grey eyes boring into him. "And if I grant this, there are no sub-clauses? No hidden terms trapping my daughter here?"

"As I've told you already," his voice croaked, still sore, "Settlement is to be Athena's freedom. She is free to come and go as she pleases, with no hindrance whatsoever. I have no problem with her spending her time with you as much or as little as she desires. That's the whole point. She will be free!"

"And you, Ariel? Is this what you truly wish for? A life with…them?"

"It is. I wish to bring up my child, our child, with Rumple and Belle."

"But you'll come home to Atlantica…to us, and your sisters?" Her father still seemed wary.

"This is my home now, father. I'll come to visit my family, but on one condition. Namely, that you stop treating my love for Belle and Rumple as some sort of disease! If you don't accept them, I cannot accept you! It's your choice, as much as mine!"

~oOo~