Sloth: Hello everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful week! Me? Oh it was fine. I was just freaking out about the Descendants 3 teaser! -rolls around while making incoherent noises- Ahem. Yes. Nothing special to write home about.

Anywho...Here comes the meat of the story. And while I've already said while the Storybrooke portions of the story will follow a flow similar to the first season, nothing on the show has been set in stone in the universe. And while some characters may appear OOC, remember some people's personalities were changed due to being influenced by others. I mean, seriously, can anyone else imagine Ben being the same if he's been raised around a manic imp like Rumpelstiltskin?

Anyways, enjoy!

Chapter Six. The Greatest Treasure

Storybrooke, October 24th, 2011

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

"Emma. What a lovely name," he complimented. It was amazing what a single name could go. With just one word, one simple name, his world changed. In an instant, he was no longer Mr. Gold, local pawn broker and man who owned the entire land that made up Storybrooke. But rather, standing there before the three women, was none other than Rumpelstiltskin. The one and only Dark One. And yet, despite his reborn into this world, he kept calm. Even as Granny Lucas held out the wad of cash she owed him.

"It's all here."

"Of course it is," he said. Because it always was. There was no need to count. Before he departed, he smiled at Emma. "Enjoy your stay. Emma."

He stepped out into the even. Despite walking this route every day for the last twenty-eight years, today was the first time he walked it as Rumpelstiltskin. This was the first time the Dark One got to experience the cool Maine air. The crisp scent of fall and the lack of magic in the air chilled his bones. He took it all in for the first time and exhaled with a satisfied sigh.

It had all gone to plan.

Almost all to plan.

Though the exchange from Mr. Gold to Rumpelstiltskin was quick, he was still able to scan through his cursed memories. Every bit of the past twenty-eight years was as fresh as morning tea. And realizing there was something crucial missing, Rumpelstiltskin made quick strides for his shop.

He had a son to find.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Rumpelstiltskin's Castle. Many Years Ago

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

The Dark Castle was large and imposing on the outside. But on the inside, the extravagant walls and limestone halls expanded for much further than possible. Mal was sure that they had climbed up higher than the three stories that was advertised outside. She could see the horizon through one of the large imposing window panes. The sun was setting, casting a blood orange glow over the mountains. With the brilliant contrast against the ash green trees of the Dark Forest below, it was quite beautiful. Not as bone chillingly lovely as the view from the Forbidden Fortress, but still nice. She could definitely see the appeal.

"So how'd you do that indivisibility thing?" Carlos asked, drawing Mal's attention.

With the cup held hostage in her hand, she followed behind Ben as he led them to this "proof" that he was the Dark One's son. To be perfectly honest, she didn't care if was telling the truth or not. She was more interest in the prospect of this so called son of the Dark One. The Dark One was powerful and his power reached across all the realms. Even locked up, the rumor mill was buzzing that the Dark One was still influencing things that happened in the Enchanted Forest. And there was really no way of stopping him short of finding his elusive dagger and taking command of him.

But if this boy really was the Dark One's son, she could use this to their advantage. There had to be some sort of sentiment between the two, otherwise why keep the boy? He was dressed too nice to be some sort of servant boy. His attire was too extravagant and regal. And he definitely knew his way around. Not to mention what he did with the furniture.

"Yeah. Do you have magic too?" Evie asked as came to Mal's side.

"Actually, it was an invisibility cloak," Ben answered as he held up a bundled up cloak. It shimmered in the light, fading in and out. "My father got it from one of his trips to some other realm."

"Hmm, but you didn't exactly answer the question," Mal spoke up. "I'm going to assume if you're the son of the Dark One, you must be powerful yourself."

Ben chuckled as the complement and Mal raised an eyebrow. "I don't."

"But what about the angry wardrobe?" Jay piped in as he brought of the rear, his eyes scanning for valuables.

"Faith, trust, and fairy dust," Ben joked. "My father has all sorts of magical items here. I know how to use magical items. I just don't have any magic of my own."

"Whoa, hold up," Mal held up her hand, causing them all to stop. "You say you're the Dark One's son, and you don't have magic. Y-you're not serious, are you? We're the kids of lesser magic users and wehave magic. Hell, Carlos is Cruella's son and even he has magic."

"I can speak dog."

"Point is, how can the supposed son of the most powerful villain in the realm not have magic?"

Ben had the nerve, the actual nerve, to smile and chuckle in her face. Like he wasn't at all worried about the angry dragoness in front of him. It kind of ticked her off.

"I'm unlucky I guess. Now do you want to see the proof or do you want to talk about my magical impotence?" He asked as he pointed behind him. He turned without even waiting for an answer. And seeing as how he didn't make for a grab at his precious little cup, he was either confident in his little scheme, or he was stupidly naïve to trust them. Either way, Mal was going to see where this leads.

Sharing a glance with her friends, Mal walked forward and they followed. They finally came to a stop at a set of double doors with a beautiful carving of roses on them. They didn't look any different from any other door. Except for the small detail where instead of a door handle, it simply had a spindle needle sticking out.

"This is one of my father's vaults. It's protect by blood magic and only his blood can open the door. Not even a dragon can get through these doors." He told them. With a charming little smile he tilted his head at the door. Mal stared, wondering where he got off with the show boating. It was cute at first, but now it was annoying. Still, looking at the doors, she could feel the magic coming off them. It was like standing next to a fire place, warm yet if she stood too close for too long, she'd burn herself. And a brief glance told her she didn't have to worry about the all too familiar sleeping curse. Blood had been used in the carvings and the spindle reeked with ancient blood.

The Dark One's blood.

She took a step, stopping only when Evie placed a tentative hand on her shoulder.

"M."

"I got this. Besides, if it's a trap, Jay can go street rat on him."

"Yeah, I can."

"Still," Evie looked between the Ben and Mal. She leaned forward, whispering so that only Mal's ears could hear her. "What happens if he's telling the truth?"

"Then it should make our job easier…and give us a little leverage." With a confident twirl, Mal locked eyes with Ben before striding up to the door. "Ok, Princey. Let's see just how good your security system is."

Without taking her eyes off him, she allowed her index to prick itself against the spindle. It barely stung. And as her blood dropped from her finger tip, the doors glowed brilliant red. While shimmering rubies. As the light died, metal bars appeared across the doors with a loud slam. Ben chuckled and Mal glared at him.

"Oh, like you can do better?"

Ben just turned and pricked himself, his blood falling back down onto the magic spindle. The bars receded back into the ground. The aura around the doors faded and the wooden doors opened slowly with aching creaks. Ben stood proudly before the opening, but even with him in front of them, they VK could see the massive interior of the vault. The magical essence from hundreds of magical items wafting out of the room like hot steam. And yet, Ben remained unfazed.

"I told you. Only his blood can open it. And I am his flesh and blood. Satisfied?"

They stared. As much as she wanted to make up excuses, Mal was good at sensing magic and spellwork. One glance and she could tell you if an apple would put you into a sleeping curse or if you'd be biting into nightshade dipped fruit. That door did have some serious blood magic on it and it disappeared the moment Ben's blood fell on it. There was no denying it now. With a huff, Mal presenting the cup as promised.

"Here's your stupid cup."

Ben happily took the cup back, holding it delicately in his hands. "Thank you."

"You know I could have just smashed it," Mal told him in an attempt to wipe that little smile off his face.

"Mmm, no you wouldn't have."

"And what makes you so sure?"

"My mother always said that there is good in everyone. You just have to look. And I can tell that under all that bravado - and the blatant trespassing - that you've got good in you. All of you do."

"That sounds fake," Mal shot back.

"Hey, worked for my parents so…" he turned to close the doors, but was stopped by Evie.

"W-wait! This vault…would your father store hearts in it? Enchanted hearts? Sent by the Queen Regina?"

In her little battle of wits with Ben, Mal almost forgot why they were here. She stood behind her friend, as did Carlos and Jay. They had come to the castle on a mission and they weren't going to leave until they accomplished it. Besides, Ben had foolishly told them he didn't have magic, and they did. So if worse came to worse they had the advantage.

"Um…I don't know," Ben answered. "I'm only allowed in this vault because it's not dangerous."

Mal snorted. "Dangerous?"

"There are things even my father won't touch."

"Please," Evie stepped forward and Mal allowed her to. If the princess was good at one thing, it was appealing to people's hearts. And not in the "I'm-going-to-rip-your-heart-out-of-your-chest" kind of way. Evie had been raised to be a perfect little princess and the girl knew exactly how to use that to her advantage. Even now, as Mal hung back with Carlos and swatted as Jay's greedy hands, she could tell Evie was slipping into princess mode. How the hell she managed to make friends with such a deceptive little witch, Mal will never know. But she wouldn't exchange it for anything.

"Please," Evie because, sniffing just right to make it seem like she was going to cry. "We've just been traveling for so long. And I – we – need to find this heart. It belonged to someone we truly care about. If we don't get it back to them, they could die and…I just don't know what I would do if…if"

"Oh…oh ok. Hey, don't cry…Um…I'm sorry, I don't know if it's here."

Evie let out a watery gasp that even got Mal to wonder if this was part of the act. Ben definitely fell hook line and sinker for it though.

"But, I think I got something that might help."

He went into the vault, the doors closing behind him to prevent them from following. Mal walked up and placed a hand on Evie's shoulder. "Not bad, Princess."

"I try," Evie smiled, the crocodile tears cleanly wiped away. They still came up to her, embracing Evie in a group hug. Ruse or not, they knew just how real her feelings for her true love was. They were in this together for the long haul. And not even a phony Dark One like Ben could stop them.

The doors opened and Ben walked out with a rolled up map. The map looked oriental in origin, made of several strips of bamboo and held together by thick dry canvas. He held it up with that big smile, as if they would automatically know what it was. They stared in united silence, waiting for him to explain exactly what the hell he had brought them.

"This Map of the World can lead anyone to any treasure they desire." He told them as he unrolled it to reveal…nothing. The canvas was empty. "Even if it's not in castle, this will take you to it no matter what part of the world its in."

"Are we…supposed to draw on it?" Jay asked as he looked at it.

"Just a drop of blood and the map will lead you to the object you desire."

"What is it with you and blood magic?" Carlos asked. Ben just shrugged.

"My father's the Dark One. If he's not making deals, he's drinking the blood of children."

Carlos let out a squeak as he held Dude tightly.

"That was a quip," Ben laughed. Mal rolled her eyes, tired of this already. She reached for the map, only to have Ben pull it out of her reach. "Whoa…sorry, but I can't just let you guys take this."

"I'm sorry, but didn't you get that for us?"

"No, I said I had something that could help. I didn't say I was going to give it to you."

The little bastard.

"So you're just going to let this poor, innocent princess leave without the heart of her true love?" Jay asked as he placed his hands on Evie's shoulders. Evie started to unleash the crocodile tears.

"Oh Jay," she whimpered, turning dramatically into Jay's arms.

"Hey…I'm not…Look, if I just let you guys leave with this, my father would tan my hide."

"Your father's locked up in a dungeon," Mal countered. He frowned and Mal's smirk grew wider in satisfaction.

"It's a matter of principal. Nothing leaves this castle. Not unless someone makes a deal first," his eyes broke contact with Mal and turned to Evie. The blue haired princess recoiled, giving Ben a disgusted look at the prospect of a deal with anyone. Jay held her protective, glaring at Ben.

"A deal. Yeah. He's definitely the Dark One's kid," Carlos muttered from behind the group.

"And what kind of deal?" Mal asked, immediately going on the defense. "Gold? No, your father makes gold. Let me guess, you want to lock her up in a dungeon until we return with the map, right?"

"Actually, the opposite," Ben said. "You guys take me with you."

That threw them all off. He wanted to go with them? Before they could fully process it, Ben held the map open towards Evie.

"Do we have a deal?"

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Storybrooke, October 24th, 2011

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Despite what it was called, the Land Without Magic did have magic. It just wasn't in the air like in the Enchanted Forest. Magic could exist in this realm, you just needed to look in the right place. And while Storybrooke was essentially void of any magic, there was one place that held magic. The objects carried over from the Enchanted Forest still held their power. Any enchantment they once held was still there, just…unpredictable. They needed a delicate touch to work without burning to a crisp.

A delicate touch Rumpelstiltskin was more than happen to give them.

Especially now.

It simply took a single drop of blood onto the Map of the World to tell him where to go. Rumpel hobbled his way through the town as fast as he could until he stood across 1991 Provincial Street. He watched the house in silence. Even across the street he could see the boy cleaning the dishes as Moe French was passed out drunk in the living room. His fingers gripped his cane tighter.

Ben – his little Benedict – was cleaning dishes for that man. That bastard of a man who was the reason his Belle was gone from the world. And now Maurice had her son. It didn't make sense. Ben was supposed to be safe with him. Safe and together, just like they had planned.

"I'm sorry, Belle," he whispered to the heavens above. His eyes were still trained on the boy, seeing Belle in every movement Ben made. From the way he washed the dishes to how he even brushed aside his hair in the same manner as her. Ben was every bit of his mother, even cursed. "I couldn't protect our son."

He turned away, finally tearing himself away from the last shred of humanity he had in this world. He lost one son, he would not lose another.

"But I assure you. I'm going to get him back."

And gods be with anyone who dare stand in his way.