Sloth: Hello everyone! Sorry for the bit of detail with this chapter. But it went through a lot of revisions until I got something that felt right. The flashback in this one interrupts the VK plotline a bit, but I felt it felt more fitting in the over all storyline. Don't worry though. We'll return to the enchanted forest adventure of the VK and Ben soon. Just figure some plot centric backstories would be more interesting.

On that note, would anyone like a more clear fic of the Core Four and Ben's adventure in the enchanted forest? A separate adventure that still fits within this world?

Anyways, enjoy!

Chapter Eight. Chip

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Storybrooke. October 28th, 2011

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Saturdays in Storybrooke weren't all that special. Despite it being a weekend, most of the towns folks just continued on with the monotonous lives. Even with the arrival of Emma Swan, the unwitting Savior, the citizens just did what they usually did without batting much of an eyebrow.

Mary Margaret went to the hospital to spend time with David Nolan and the other patients. It was just a bonus she spent most of the day with David. Ruby was training her cousin Carlos for his shift. There wasn't much to being a bus boy, but the less time she had to deal with Granny's snippiness the better. And across town, Regina was fixing her hair in the mirror.

"I don't like these Saturday council meetings, but I won't long. I'll be back by five," she told her children who were sitting at the dining table. Both of them had been grounded. In Henry's case, he was grounded for disobeying Regina's rules and his constant sneaking. If he was going to misbehave, he was going to learn about consequences. As for Evie, she was grounded for allowing Emma to walk Henry to the bus stop, when it had been Evie's responsibility in the first place. The teen was lucky she still got to have her little costume party.

Regina was strict, but she wasn't cruel enough to destroy months of work. Well, not when it came to her children's work.

"You two remember the rules?"

"Yes on homework," Evie replied from her sketch book.

"No on TV," Henry finished without missing a beat or without missing a piece of dialogue in his comic book.

"And no leaving the house," the chorused as they looked at Regina, placing identical looks of innocence. Looks that Regina fell for hook line and sinker.

"Good," she placed a kiss and both her children, even if Henry was being a little grump about it. "Behave for your sister."

….

…..

….

But Regina wasn't the only busy parent today. Many were out and about with their children. Some going to the park, and others getting ready for the day's business. As was the case with Mal and her foster mother. The ice cream shop was cold as usual, perfect for anyone who loved the cold. And as usual, Mal was counting the register before everything was set. She looked up from her post, seeing her foster mother looking out of the window.

"You ok, Sarah?" she asked. The older blond turned away from the window.

"Hmm? Oh…I'm sorry. I must have spaced out."

"You've been doing that a lot lately," Mal mused as she looked out the window. But all she could see was Archie walking Pongo.

"Just…thinking about someone from my past is all," came the soft reply. Mal could hear the longing in Sarah's voice. Like the usually calm and collected woman was about to break into a mad dash towards something Mal couldn't see. But Sarah just took in a deep breath before turning over the shop sign to OPEN. "It's nothing to worry about now."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. It's business as usual. We've got a lot of ice cream to sell."

"Yeah. Not sure how fast carrot sherbet is going to sell," Mal chuckled, glad to see the smile return on Sarah's face. The older blond just waved a hand at Mal's comment.

"Never underestimate curiosity."

….

…..

….

In Storybrooke Medical, another set of parent and child were enjoying their day. Despite the circumstances that brought them here, Deputy Rogers wasn't going to let it ruin the time he had with his daughter. Did it suck that he was going to spend the rest of his life with one hand? Yes. But if Graham had anything to say about it, Rogers was going to get back up and get back on duty. He wasn't going to let a car accident get him down. Especially not when he had someone like Tilly in his life.

"Checkmate," she declared proudly as she enthusiastically slammed down her knight into position.

Deputy Rogers blinked and looked down at the board. Tilly wasn't lying. He let out a boisterous laugh. "Aye. Right then, another round. And this time, no handicap."

"Papa."

"What? I'm allowed to make fun of myself," he said.

"A bit on the nose don't you think?" Tilly asked before taking a bite of her orange marmalade sandwich.

"Aye. But I've never been one for subtlety. Now, are you ready for another round?"

….

…..

….

But while many parents were cherishing the time they could spend with their children, others could only wish for such an opportunity. Much like Robert Cornelius Gold. Though he much preferred to go by Rumpelstiltskin. Just like how he'd much prefer to actually talk to his son rather than watch from afar as Moe French made the boy do menial labor like a pack mule.

It was amazing how much the curse had blinded him to what was right there in front of him. He had spent years walking the same route over and over. And every weekend he would walk right pass the very same flower truck, delivering the same set of flowers to the same shop keeper. Every time he would simply ignore, or even berate, the poor diver making the deliveries. The driver, being his cursed son. A cruel fate, even for a beast like himself.

Occasional, Regina herself would find time to interfere some way or another. He recalled one time when they first arrived to this world, Regina seemed to be in a particularly nasty mood. As if to satisfy her own need to feel that she was better than him, she belittled Ben over how he was dressed. In their world, Rumpelstiltskin would have taken it as a personal attack and would have gone after Evie in retaliation. But here, cursed, he just walked by and thought that the boy indeed looked like he got his clothes from a drift store.

His own curse had ensured he was blind to the misgivings of his own child and honestly if he wasn't still sore from Ashley's assault, he would have been impressed. But his head still hurt, and his eyes still watered a little from the mace the young mother-to-be used on him. He wasn't in the mood to praise dark magic today. He needed to finally set things in motion because now that he was awake, he was fully aware of the very real deadline he had.

He remembered 28 years of Storybrooke. But the clearest memory, especially now that he was awake, were of the ones where Ben was discovered dead. He wasn't sure how it happened, but one-year Ben was just dead. Lifeless and cold and carelessly tossed into a lake like he didn't matter. And then the next day he wasn't. The curse somehow brought him back by rewinding time itself. Impressive if it didn't keep happening. It was a fixed point now. Every Miner's Day would end the same, with Ben dead and then time rewinding itself as if the events of the day didn't even happen.

It made him sick to think what would happen now. Now that the savior was here, would Ben live the same fate? Would Emma, as she was destined to do, save him?

Ben tripped and Rumple caught his son before the teen could face plant against the side walk.

"Careful there, young man. Wouldn't want to get hurt now," he advised. He tried his best to sound warm and kind. Ben shook for a bit before shakenly nodding his head in understanding. Rumple bitterly watched as his own son stumbled away from him in fear.

Oh how he was going to enjoy watching Regina's world fall apart as Emma dismantled the curse. Prying himself from the sidewalk, Rumple limped away, continuing to Mary Margaret's loft. He had a plan to initiate. Ashley did her part, and now it was time for his.

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

The Enchanted Forest. The Night of Cinderella's Wedding.

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

The wedding was exceptional. From the fireworks that rained through the skies to the happy crowd that danced through the courtyard. This was indeed a time for prosperity. Charming and Snow had defeated the Evil Queen, forcing her to hobble off somewhere to lick her wounds. The Queens of Darkness were gone, their whereabouts unknown. Phillip and Aurora's daughter had been awoken from her eternal slumber. And Cinderella's wedding just brought it all together. It truly was a happily ever after.

"Hello, Cinderella."

And what was more fun than putting a halt to happily ever after's by dropping down the hammer of reality? He especially loved seeing the face of horror and realization on Ella's face as he appeared before her, dressed in his absolute best. To anyone else, he appeared like a normal man. But to Ella, he appeared as he always appeared: a gold skinned beast.

"You," she gasped before he took her in close for a waltz. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to make sure you're happy with your end of the bargain." He informed her as they danced. "You know: true love, riches, happy endings. Did you get everything you desired?"

"Yes," she replied. But she sounded far from grateful. It sounded like someone had finally told her just who she was dealing with. Even as they danced, she was trying to hurry their conversation along. "Yes, I did, now what do you want? What's your price? My jewels? The ring?"

"No, no dear, keep your baubles. What I dear is something you don't yet possess. But something I know is coming." He leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear. "Your first born."

He disappeared into the crowd, fading from her view and away from the little party. He had done what he needed to do and now, if dear Ella was as pure of heart as his visions predicted then he'll be exactly where he needed to be in nine months. That just left him with time to spare.

As the haze of his teleportation cloud he saw the inside of his main room. The crimson walls were a comfort, as was the warm air of magic that saturated the castle. Even if the halls felt emptier and darker without his Belle, he still had a reason to return to his home. And apparently that reason was messing with one of his toys.

Rumple had appeared in silence, allowing him to observe his son without interrupting his little fantasy. Seeing Ben quietly open the cabinet reminded Rumple of a time long ago, where a certain mouse decided to play while the cat was off in Camelot. Only this time it was more like the curious kitten then a mouse. He smiled as Ben picked up a beautiful sword made of celestial bronze. The blade was heavy in the boy's hand and he nearly dropped it from the weight. But he managed to catch himself and correct his balance.

Ben had the correct posture of a swordsman. With his royal blue garb, he looked like a little prince about to fight off some great evil. He could practically hear Belle swoon over their son playing pretend. He wouldn't mind. That is, ff Ben wasn't wielding an enchanted blade that could lop off the head of anyone with magic in their blood.

"Back villain, for it is I, Sir Benedict. Prepare yourself."

Rumple couldn't help himself. He let out a high pitch giggle. That startled Ben. The teenager let out a startled yelp and dropped the sword. It clattered between his feet and he looked up at his father with a sheepish smile. "P-Papa!"

"Careful, Sir Benedict. Wouldn't want to cut yourself, now."

"What…I wasn't…um. Ahem. How was the wedding?" he asked. He was impressed with his son's ability to change the subject of a conversation onto someone else. But Rumple was better.

"Oh you know. Good for me. Not so much for Cinderella. Now, what are you doing with that?"

"Oh this? Well I just thought -"

"You thought that while I was at the ball, you could play with my toys," Rumple chided. Ben's shoulders sagged a little while he bit his bottom lip.

"Uh…no…I mean…" The boy fumbled with his words as he picked up the sword, but Rumple plucked it out of his son's hands. He didn't want Ben fumbling with it. Even if Ben hadn't shown any magical prowess, he still had magic in his blood. He was playing with fire and Rumple wasn't going to allow it.

"It's a nice sword. It's a shame to let it go to waste," Ben commented, his eyes following the sword in Rumple's hand.

"Ah-ah. It's not going to waste," Rumple corrected. "It's collateral. As soon as that sea god returns what's rightfully mine, he can have his little toothpick back. Until then, why don't I put it somewhere idle hands can't reach."

Ben pouted in a way that was so similar to Baelfire, Rumple almost summoned the sword back just so Ben could play with it. But then that would be counterproductive. The point of all this was to protect his son. The Dark Curse. His deal with Ella. His promise to Belle. Everything he had done so far were for his sons. For his family. He smiled at his son, trying to cheer him up.

"Now, Ben, don't look so glum. I'm only try – "

"To make sure I don't hurt myself. I know, Papa. I know. It's just…" Ben walked over and sat on the dining table. "You've got so many things from around the world. I'm just curious." His eyes sparkled with admiration as he took in everything Rumple had collected and displayed in the dining room. He only frowned when his eyes locked on a pair of puppets. "Except those. They still creep me out."

"Yes, well remember what they say about curious cats," Rumple warned as he walked away. He figured it was time to start spinning some straw, start passing the time until it was time move onto the next phase of the plan. He had lots of things to prepare.

"Speaking of curious," Ben piped up, drawing Rumple's attention. Ben was practically chewing on his bottom lip now, which made Rumple curious to what his son had to say. Ben was quite the confident young man, so it was odd seeing him look uncertain. After a bit of encouraging, Ben finally spoke. "I was wondering if…the next time you go out…I could come with you?"

There was a moment of silence at Rumple took in what he had just heard. Ben must have taken this as a sign to clarify what he meant.

"It's just…You've been all of the world, Papa. And I've read about so many places but books can only do so much. I want to go out and see some of the places too."

"Now why would you want to do that?" Rumple asked.

"I've spent my entire life in this castle, growing up just listening to stories and…" he looked down, playing with the little gold ring he wore on his ring finger.

"You've been outside of the castle before."

"Papa, the yard doesn't count."

"Well why not, it's 12 acres of land."

"12 acres that I've memorized like the back of my hand," Ben reasoned. His confidence was growing. Rumple could see the growing fire in his son's eyes as he tried convince him take him along on his many journeys. And as much as loved the thought of his son coming along, it was just out of the question. And yet, before Rumple could say as much, Ben kept going. "I want to see the world. Meet people. Make friends."

"Well if you want friends I can go to the nearby village and get you one."

Ben's eyes widened at the implication and he made a face. "What? Gods no! Not like that!"

"Well it's not like I can create a person out of nowhere. Magic can do much, not but that."

"Making friends doesn't require magic, Papa," Ben said. "I can do it on my own. Just, please take me with you on your next outing."

"Ben I don't – "

"How about a deal, then?" Ben tried. Rumple didn't even hear the proposal. He only heard his son asking to make a deal and was immediately thrown several hundred years back in time. To a time where he foolishly gave into his son's desire. He backed out of that deal and lost a son. He wasn't going to risk it with another.

"Absolutely not!" he snapped on impulse. He didn't mean to startle Ben, but he wanted to crush his son's foolish notion of making a deal with anyone. His son would not be paying the price for any deal. Seeing the surprise in Ben's eyes, Rumple lowered his voice, but kept the same level of intent. "I'm sorry, but I won't do it. No deals. End of story."

"But what am I supposed to do? You won't make a deal with me. You won't let me go on my own."

"And for good reason," Rumple said. "Just forget about this foolish idea, Ben. You're safer here in the castle."

"Safe from what?!"

This time it was Rumple's turn to get startled. He'd never heard his son raise his voice before. It was like hearing a lion's roar. His voice rang through the halls, echoing loudly. Ben himself seemed equally surprised that he managed to raise his voice. Rumple could see the guilt stirring and he tried to place a hand on Ben's shoulder. But to his surprise, Ben rejected the advance.

"I…I'm sorry. It's just…" the fight slowly left Ben's voice as he spoke, "I'm tired of being treated like another piece of your collection."

"Ben…Y-you're not."

"Really? Because it feels like it."

The boy turned and walked away. Suddenly the castle felt much emptier.

….

…..

….

Shamefully, Rumplestiltskin was a master of displacing blame. Unable to own up to his own mistakes, he attributed the growing tension between Ben and himself all on Belle. He had too many fond memories of her tucking Ben into bed, stimulating his imagination with stories of the world, of everything the two of them had seen on their travels. And now that she was gone, Ben obviously was lacking his source of entertainment.

But it wasn't fair to blame Belle, and he knew this. Belle just did what any other loving mother would do. Which was more than anything his own parents would do for him. Belle's love for their son was with no equal and blaming her for something she had no control over was not only disrespectful to her memory, but to everything she stood for. Which obviously meant the blame fell on his son.

Ben should be content with everything he had. He grew up well fed and in luxury. He had everything he could ever want for, from the finest clothes to an abundance of food. Two simple things that Rumple himself struggled to obtained in his youth. Ben didn't need to go out of their property. He was being selfish.

And yet…he wasn't. Deep down, Rumple knew he couldn't keep Ben from the outside world forever. For one, it was bound to have some social effects on his son. Plus, who was he to deny his son companionship? He wouldn't be any better than his father if he kept that up. In the end, he knew that Ben had every right to go see the world like he wanted.

Too bad it took him a good six months to have such an epiphany. In that time, their relationship had faltered. Ben was respectful as always, but Rumple could see the far off look in the teen's eyes as he looked out the windows. It also didn't help that Rumple took even more trips to avoid conversing with his son. After all, he figured that if he could just get the plan going, then Ben wouldn't want to go on any trips. It gave him time to think.

And that's how he ended up in the library, looking down at the sleeping form of his son.

Ben had fallen asleep while reading Her Handsome Hero, the book resting open on his chest while his head resting awkwardly on the chair he was in. Rumple never understood the fascination mother and son had with the silly novel, but he could never hate something if it made them happy. He picked up the book and closed it, placing the aged book down on the side table. Ben didn't even stir.

"Waken up, son. Waken up."

Slowly, the boy started to stir. Hazel eyes started to blink open. The haze of sleep gradually leaving them as Ben focused on the waking world.

"Hmmm…? Papa? What's going on?"

"Come. I've something to show you. It's important."

Dutifully, Ben got up and followed behind like a shadow. They walked in silence until they found themselves in the dining hall. He kept walking, stopping when they reached their destination. With tender fingers, he lifted the delicate porcelain tea cup.

"You know…When we were deciding on names for you, your mother considered naming you Chip."

"Chip?"

He showed Ben the cup. "After this. The symbol of our love. At least, until you came along."

"Papa," Ben blushed in embarrassment, but Rumple merely smiled. "I already know about the cup though."

"Ah, you know what the cup represents," Rumple corrected. "But what you don't know is why it's important now, more than ever."

He handed Ben the cup, who held it carefully. The boy's eyes lit up in a way Rumple hadn't seen for far too long. It was like having his little, bright eyed Benedict again. He wanted to have this moment last, just a little longer. But he had something he needed to do.

"Her Majesty, the Evil Queen, is working on casting a powerful curse. One that will take everyone rip everyone in this realm and take them to a terrible place. A land without magic." Rumple explained. The color drained from Ben's face. He didn't need prophetic visions to know what Ben was going to say. He would want Rumple to stop it, to do something. To be a hero. But that wasn't Rumple. "And I'm going to let her."

"Papa!"

"Let me explain. There's something you need to know. Ben, many years ago, long before I met your mother, I was a different man. I had another son."

"I have a brother? How come I've never met him? Where is he? Is he-"

"Ah-ah-ah. Let me finish. Yes. You have a brother. His name was Baelfire. As to where he is, that unfortunately has to do with the curse. You see, your brother is in the Land Without Magic. We were separated many years ago and that curse is the only way I can get to that land."

"So that you can find Baelfire."

Rumple merely nodded. He had told this tale long ago to Belle. She had been understanding back then and supportive of his plan to allow the curse to be enacted. He watched Ben, waiting to see his youngest son's reaction. It felt like ages went by as he tried to gauge Ben's feelings. Ben chewed on his lips and tapped the cup with his fingers. And he never made eye contact, denying Rumple the chance to really know what was going on.

Finally, their eyes met. And all he saw were those warm, understanding eyes looking up at him. The grip on his heart loosened and he was able to breathe a sigh of relief.

"That's why you don't want me going out. You're afraid to lose me too."

It wasn't exactly the reason, but it was close enough to the truth that Rumple didn't feel guilty. "Yes."

"Papa. You're not ever going to lose me."

"I know, son. I know. But, it doesn't help to be cautious. With the power of true love."

"Love is magic?"

"True love. Unbridled and unwavering. Love at its strongest is powerful magic, my boy. With it, you can break any curse. And in 28 years, the curse will be broken by the product of true love. And to ensure your safety, I've used a bit of true love to enchant a symbol of love. Now, whomever holds the cup will have their most precious relationship intact. Not even the Dark Curse will be able to separate them." He waited a moment to let the information to kick in. "And I hereby entrust it to you."

"What?"

"I know I've been hard on you lately, Ben. I can't treat you like a child forever. You're becoming a young man now. And it is time to start trusting you with the grand scheme. In three months-time, the Dark Curse will arrive. When it does, you need to be holding onto that cup. Then as I've predicted, you and I will be together in this new land. A land I will be happy to take you exploring in."

"Wait…you mean that?"

"Of course, son."

Ben's full weight crashed into him as Rumple found himself in a tight hug. He was startled at first, but relented, returning the hug. He pulled out of the hug as looked Ben in the eyes. Things might have been nice now, but it couldn't last forever. Not without precautions.

"But remember. All magic comes with a price. Don't lose this cup, Ben. You might not like what happens."

"I won't, Papa." Ben smiled brightly. "I promise."

Rumple smiled. He felt a weight leave his shoulders as he believed his son's words.

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

Storybrooke. October 28th, 2011

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

As it turned out, Ms. Swan was ever the hero. True in heart, confident, and as charming as her father. Those attributes would one day serve her well. But today, they served him well. As he had predicted, Emma accepted his offer. Now Ashley got to keep her little Chadwick while he himself had the savior in his pocket. To her, a favor might seem meaningless, but to him, it was everything he needed to find Baelfire.

Entering his shop, he smiled over the victory. The first step of his plan had come into fruition and now he just had to keep going. But first, he had to clean up a little. Ashley's attack had caused a bit of a mess in his shop and he didn't think of cleaning up yet.

Bending down, he picked up a few boxes that had fallen over. As he cleaned, his hands brushed against something. Curious, the turned the box over. His heart skipped a beat. The white porcelain and blue detailing greeted him like an old friend. The cup no longer held magic, but it was just as powerful as before. Gingerly, he picked it up, staring at Belle's chipped cup, as if any sudden movement would shatter it even more.

In all the years he had been here, he had never seen it. Not in his home, not even in his shop. Yet here it was, hiding underneath an upturned box? They cup, even if it failed to work its magic, should have remained with Ben. And there was no way he would simply place such a precious object so carelessly on the floor where any incompetent fool would have stepped on it. The message was clear.

This was a threat.

Regina was unaware of him being awake. So who?

"Well, well. It appears there's a new player in the game."