Everyone's waiting on news from Henry. Rumpelstiltskin finally comes face-to-face with Belle, before receiving news from Merlin that will definitely change his life.
Mifflin Street
"Why haven't we heard back yet?"
She paced the room, looking at her watch for the umpteenth time. "He should've phoned?"
"Emma, he's only been gone three hours! And it takes at least an hour to get to Portland. Just give Henry a chance to speak to them, first? And for heaven's sake, sit down! You're making me even more anxious than I am already!"
'I'm sorry…" She moved back to the kitchen stool, sitting down opposite Regina, before picking up her cup, sipping it and grimacing. "Ugh! What the hell's this?"
"Tea. Lemon and ginger."
"It's disgusting. Have you run out of coffee?"
"I tried making some this morning, but the smell makes me feel sick. I'm pregnant, remember?"
"Well, pregnant or not, I think I'd be sick if I drank any more of that stuff!" She got up again to walk over to Regina's food cupboard, knowing where to find everything. She opened up a tin of chocolate powder before going to the fridge for milk. "So, what did Robin say when you told him you were expecting his kid?"
"Not a lot. I told him just before I left, and he seemed shocked. After everything I've done, I can hardly blame him. Then I was arrested by Morgan the moment we walked out of Robin's office."
"But how did the rest of it go? You told about the potion, right? Surely, he knows you well enough to know it wasn't you doing…all that? What did he say?"
"I think he believes me. But he's worried the moment these come off," She rubbed the pattern around her left wrist. "And our magic returns, we might revert, putting them all in danger again."
"But that's ridiculous! I mean, look at my mother? She never had magic to begin with."
"He's just being cautious for Roland's sake, and I get it. Frankly, if he'd done to me, potion or no-potion, what I've done to him. If I'd then seen what he's seen on the imp's wretched dreamcatcher, I'm not sure I could've ever forgiven him."
"Yeah. Henry said the sex was so graphic, he had to leave the room as it started."
"Unfortunately, Robin watched it all. Everything we did, and everything we said to one another, before and after, which, according to him, was worse than the sex."
Emma grimaced, recalling they'd been less than flattering about their respective husbands' 'abilities' in the bedroom, compared to each other. It was completely untrue , so how could she have said that? Killian was brilliant between the sheets. She had no complaints about that side of their relationship, whatsoever!
"Though apparently what hurt him the most was the look on my face when you attacked Roland, and then after when I threatened him after he punched you out cold. He said he'd never seen the Evil Queen before, but in that very moment, she was staring right back at him."
"I need to go and apologise to them."
"No, not yet. Seeing you might just make him angry again, and we both know what happened last time? No, we need to wait."
"I guess. You know, my jaw still isn't quite right, even though Gold reset it? Still, I guess I deserved it. I know if anyone thumped Henry or Hope like I did Roland, I'd char them to a crisp!"
"You wouldn't, because I would have beaten you to it! It's even more reason why Henry was right to get the cuffs from Gold. I still can't believe I took his voice away, when I did? Or threatened Granny."
"Still, at least you didn't try and throttle your own husband? I still can't believe I had so much hate inside me? And I was once The Dark One!"
"We were both out of control. Roland even saw me grinning when you hurled Robin into the wall."
They both sat in silence drinking their drinks, and this time it was Emma's turn to rub her hand over the heavy pattern still on her left wrist. "I'd willingly leave this on for good, if I knew it meant Killian would forgive me for everything."
"The cuff? You'd get rid of your magic?"
"Why not? I'm beginning to understand why Henry's father wanted to get rid of it for good. Maybe Neal had the right idea? After all, he's seen more bad magic than anyone."
"You're serious, aren't you? So what happens when the next villain or malevolent fairy comes calling? What happens if-" Regina stopped talking the moment she felt a powerful surge of energy close to them, followed by a whitish-grey swirl of mist, that deposited someone into the kitchen right beside them. It even made Emma drop her drink.
"WHAT THE HELL?" Regina gasped, spilling her tea on the worktop, at the sight of a familiar eight-year-old, now standing in her kitchen only feet away, looking just as surprised as her.
"NEAL?"
"I DID IT!" The boy yelled excitedly, looking at his hands. "IT WORKED!" Then he looked down to see the spilt liquid pouring over the worktop and onto the floor. "Sorry, did I do that?"
"Neal?" His big sister, astonished, ignored the spillage and moving in front of her brother. "You poofed here?" She shook her head in disbelief as the other woman grabbed some paper towel to clean up the mess. "I heard your magic came in, but…who taught you how to do that?"
"Er…no one. I just remembered when I once asked Gina how she did it, and she said she pictured where she wanted to go in her head. So that's what I did."
"Well I certainly couldn't do that when I was nine!" It was Regina's turn to shake head. "That was very clever of you Neal, but really, also quite dangerous? You could have teleported into a wall or something?" She pulled her favourite Nolan into a hug. She always had a soft spot for Emma's young brother. "I was a teenager when it first happened to me, but your magic's come in much earlier than I expected! But don't worry, Emma and I can help you through it. When did it first happen?"
"About a week after Dot came to stay with us at the farm. Dad wouldn't tell me what was going on with mum, and when I heard she'd been taken to hospital, I asked Dot what was going on but she still wouldn't tell me anything, just to wait till dad got home and to ask him. I got really angry and…kinda poofed into the forest?" He could feel his eyes starting to water.
"You must have been very, very upset, and that could have been enough to bring your magic in." She continued to hug the boy as she felt him starting to sniffle, trying desperately to avoid crying, which in itself made Regina feel weepy, as she looked over his shoulder at Emma. "You poor thing. You've really gone through a hard time, haven't you? Why don't you stay here with us for the while? In fact I'll tell you what, I'll make you a hot chocolate and you can tell me everything that's happened?"
"Okay." He stepped back from her, wiping his tears on his sleeve. "But I'd better tell dad where I've gone first. He thinks I'm at home."
"You let me talk to him?" Emma, feeling upset on his behalf, took his arm, pulling him away from the brunette and into her own arms. "My big, brave, magical brother? You know, right now, you've got more magic in you than me and Regina put together? But she's right, it can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. However, I'm still very proud of you, bro."
"I've more magic than you? What do you mean?"
"Let Gina make you that drink, I'll go call dad, and we'll tell you all about it, okay?"
"Okay," After hugging his sister, Neal noticed an odd look between her and Regina. "So is it true about you two? That you fell in love with each other, and threw out Killian and Robin? Or were you under Ingrid's weird potion thing, that Henry mentioned? Like mum and Ruby?
"Definitely the potion, kid. Now, let's call dad?"
As they walked out of the kitchen, they all heard a loud rapping at the front door from the knocker. As Regina started to tidy the worktop and floor by hand, Emma showed her brother into the living room before answering the door.
But the moment she saw him, she instantly regretted it.
"Hank? Sorry…Sheriff Morgan?"
He didn't look too happy to see her, either.
"Emma. I'm really sorry to have to do this, but I'm afraid I'm placing you under arrest, for two assaults that took place in Granny's, three weeks ago. You know how this works, so I need you to come with me. I really don't want to put the cuffs on you but…I'll give you ten minutes?"
Portland Harbour
For the last hour Henry had explained to Killian everything he knew about recent events back in Storybrooke since he'd left.
About the appalling behaviour of both his mothers, leading to punches being thrown in the diner. About the magic-blocking cuffs he'd used to constrain them, thanks to his grandfather. About how they'd both been removed from office by order of the Council, and their fleeing the town for New York and Miami, initially to find a way to remove the cuffs. Then he told him about Rumple's dreamcatcher revelations, leading to the mysterious cottage in the forest, and the discovery of Ingrid's potion. Then how the potion wore off, leaving Emma and Regina devastated by what they'd done while under its influence. Then Snow and Ruby, and how his grandmother was currently in Storybrooke Hospital on dialysis, after attempting to take her own life.
And through it all, Killian sat listening
"Good god, I still can't believe Snow would try to kill herself? These are sad times indeed, Henry. So Emma and Regina are back, you say?"
"Yeah, but I had to help them get back in over the line. They're both under a sort of house arrest. Hank Morgan's the new Sheriff, and you know him, he's playing everything by the book! No special favours. I even phoned Vi at her college to see if she could help. I've paid a heavy bail to get Regina out last night after he arrested her, but he hasn't seen Emma yet. He'll no doubt still be charging her after what she did to Robin and Roland."
"But they still have those magic-blocking cuffs on?"
"It's weird. Once they crossed the town line the cuffs changed into tattoos? But they still block the magic. Grandpa Gold says only I will be able to take them off. And I won't be doing that until you and Robin both agree it's okay. I saw Robin last night, and he's not ready for it to happen just yet. He's worried about Roland after what Emma did to them, and he's wondering if Ingrid's potion comes back in if the cuffs are taken off."
"He's right to be cautious. And what about you, lad? After everything that's happened, do you think it's safe to take Hope back there?"
"Yeah, I do. They're completely broken, Killian!" Henry looked across to his little sister to make sure she still couldn't hear them. "It's hard to explain it, but I've never seen either of my mums acting like this before. They both know they've screwed up, and worse, they remember everything but can't fathom why they did it? And I believe them when they say they weren't in control of their own minds. I mean let's face it, could you ever imagine Emma thumping a kid?" The former pirate shook his head. "No, they're a mess right now. And worse, they're terrified that you and Robin aren't ever going to be able to believe them, never mind forgive them!" He finished his coffee. "Still, it could be worse. At least neither of them are in hospital. Unlike Snow."
"Your grandparents were always a symbol of hope for all in the old realm, her especially. I still find it hard to believe she would do something like that."
"None of us did! But when she woke up a few days ago, the potion had worn off, and it seems she was so disgusted at what she'd done to grandpa, and Neal, she temporarily lost her mind and took the pills. Fortunately, Ruby found her just in time and called an ambulance. Otherwise…"
"And Ruby? Why didn't she stay with her? And why's she out here instead of Storybrooke? Why's Belle with her? I still can't believe the Dark One threw her out."
Henry went on to explain how his grandfather, as a result of using the dreamcatcher, had stumbled across the previously hidden intimacy that had been happening on a regular basis between his wife and the former waitress. That he still hadn't discovered why they took such a terrible risk of not getting caught for over four years. That as a result, the Dark One had taken more control of its host and almost killed Ruby. But relenting at the last moment, he'd instead thrown both women over the town line.
"So you're planning to take them back to Storybooke with you?"
"Belle, possibly. But Ruby wants to stay here instead. Dorothy told me she suspected Ruby was being unfaithful to her before Ingrid's potion, though she always denied it. After he found her with Grandma, David forced her to make some weird wolf-vow thing never to show her face anywhere near them. And then Granny threw her out! So she wants out for good. That's partly why Merlin's here. New identity, new life? Fresh start?"
Killian looked across at the white schooner from where she'd appeared, along with Belle and the amorous couple, just over an hour ago. He thought about mentioning it to Henry but decided against, until his suspicions were confirmed. Similarly, Henry decided not to mention that his magical grandfather had also arrived in Portland, knowing the contempt Killian still held for him.
"I'm driving back to Storybrooke tonight. Can I tell mum you'll be sailing home with Hope? I swear nothing'll happen to her Killian, and those cuffs will stay on."
"Aye lad, you can tell her. I'll leave on the tide this evening. I'll be there tomorrow morning."
Portland – An hour later
Ruby and Belle had been waiting in the little hotel garden for Henry to appear, as agreed on his call an hour ago. He finally arrived, along with the Sorcerer, as expected, along with…
"GIDEON?"
The moment Belle spotted her son standing alongside Henry, she raced across the lawn, dropping down to her knees in front of him, and pulling him into her arms.
It had only been three days, but to her it felt like three years!
"I've missed you so much, my darling!"
"I missed you too, mama." Gideon looked across the lawn to the former waitress, who now stood a little further away, greeting Merlin. "You're staying here? With Ruby?" Then before she had a chance to answer, he followed it up with. "Is it because you love her now, instead of papa?"
Wow! He'd always been wise for his years, but that still came as a shock. He was about to instantly deny it and try to explain when, over her son's shoulder she spotted a man in a dark suit and cane, standing in the porchway leading back into the hotel, about fifty yards away from them, staring at her, his face impassive.
The sight of the instantly recognisable figure made her freeze.
"No, Giddy my love, absolutely not! I just-" She searched her mind for a suitable explanation. If she went straight to blaming Rumple, she'd no doubt come to regret it when her son eventually found out what led to her being thrown out of the town in the first place. What had he been told? "I did something wrong."
"You went to bed with Ruby. Yes, I know. Papa told me."
"He told you?" She was mortified! Rumple atold him? He told his five-year-old son his mother cheated on him? Now she felt angry, even though it was nothing more than the truth. Should a child ever be told something like that? About his own mother?
"Yes, mamma. Is it true?" His voice was surprisingly calm as he pulled back to look at her. And all the time, in the distance, Rumple's eyes never left her, his face betraying no emotion. "He said I could come, after he spoke to Mr. Merlin. He said he needs to talk to you."
"I…erm," she almost felt faint as she got up off her knees, glancing across at her husband. "Maybe that'd be for the best?" Henry now appeared alongside her. "Henry, would you kindly mind Gideon for a few minutes? While I go and talk to his father? I'll be back shortly."
As she walked over to him, standing there, ramrod straight as usual, she felt like she was going to her execution. His eyes were impassive, impossible to read. As she drew closer, without saying hello he suggested the pair sit inside, to avoid being overheard. And she followed without comment when he led her to an almost empty dining room, where they found a table in a corner to sit, Rumple opposite.
She took a few large breaths to calm herself before she began.
"May I say something first?"
He nodded, remaining silent.
"I know what I did was totally unacceptable, and I have no excuse for it. I'm sorry, Rumple. It was completely selfish on my part, and I'd do anything to take it back."
"Anything else?" His tone was icy.
"I'm not in love with her, Rumple! I never have been. I know it was wrong. It was just-"
"Sex? Excitement? You craved something new? Yes, I know. I heard everything. Including how you thought things between you and I had become…stale and boring?"
The dismissive way he said it, told her this was going to be every bit as difficult as she thought it would. She wasn't sure where to go with this, so she kept quiet as he sat back, studying her like a headmaster with an errant pupil about to be expelled .
"Rumple, whatever happens in the future, do you think you'll ever come to forgive me?"
"No." His simple, immediate answer threw her completely. But he continued. "A one-off incident, perhaps. An indiscretion. But four years, Belle? Hardly a drunken one-night stand, I'm sure you'd agree? No, our marriage is over."
Although she knew this was a distinct possibility, she'd had a hidden hope he'd eventually come to forgive her, somehow, and they could move on. But the certainty in his voice made her realise he really had given up on her. And that felt like a lead weight dragging her to the bottom of the ocean.
"And Gideon? Will you at least allow me to have reasonable access to my own son?"
"That's why I'm here. Despite what you may think Belle, I have no wish for Gideon to suffer any more than he has already." He pulled out a thick white envelope from a case she hadn't even noticed till now. "In here you'll find some legal papers. I'm petitioning for divorce on the grounds of adultery. Despite everything, I've arranged for a sufficient stipend and a financial settlement which I regard as more than generous, considering your recent actions. The Sorcerer has been informed, and he will help you find a suitable lawyer with knowledge of this realm to act on your behalf. I suggest you read everything carefully."
"You never answered my question." She looked at the envelope, but didn't take it. "What about Gideon? Do I get to see him, or not?"
"Yes. We'll find a way to co-parent him."
"So, I'm to be allowed back into Storybrooke?"
"No. I fear if you were, the darkness within me may not be so lenient next time. I'd probably kill you, even if I tried not to."
"But you promised never to harm me? That was a Dark One promise! And you said the Dark One never breaks his promises!"
"I fear your infidelity has…changed the balance between us? I used to be able to control his wilder actions, to a small extent, but I can no longer guarantee anything once I go back."
"So how do we co-parent if I have to live away from his home?"
"We'll finalise that in due course. But if you live somewhere near here, you're only an hour away."
"Live in Portland, with Gideon in Storybrooke? How's that fair? Why's it that you get to control when I get to see my own son?
"It's not perfect, I grant you. But under the circumstances-"
"UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES?" Belle was angry now. "FUCK YOU, RUMPLE!"
Noticing her yelling, the only other people in the room, an elderly couple at the other end and out of earshot, turned to look. So she lowered her voice again, although still seething. "Fuck you! I know what I did was wrong, but I've just as much right to see my own son as you have, whatever you think! I know you hate me, and I can't pretend I don't deserve it, but I'm still his mother! I need to be with him, and he needs to be with me."
"Then perhaps you should have thought of that before destroying our marriage by cheating on me? By having sex for four years, with a woman renowned for having sex with just about anybody and everybody?" His eyes were cold now. Cold and resentful. "Just be grateful I managed to stop my darkness from killing you." She looked away, just in time to see the older couple doing the same. "How could you have done that to me, Belle? Four years? How often have you lectured me about doing the right thing?"
She had no answer. He was right, how could she? What was she now? So she stayed silent, grateful when a waitress appeared with a coffee jug and cups, giving her a chance to think. Once the waitress left, Rumple started again.
"I've provided you more than sufficient funds in the settlement, for a comfortable life. There should be enough for you to buy a reasonable home, something suitable for Gideon when he comes to stay. It's your choice, but I suggest you buy something around here, as you're only an hour away. We'll come to a suitable arrangement, given time."
"Doesn't sound like you're giving me much choice does it? It's your way, or the highway?"
"Given the circumstances, I believe it's for the best."
"Best for you, but not Gideon. Rumple, he needs me!"
"Many children have to split their time between parents. Henry, for instance."
"Emma and Regina live in the same town! But I'll be over an hour away."
"Yes, but at least you'll still get to see him!" Rumple rose from the table, straightening himself. "Your lawyer can discuss access with mine, but that's all I'm saying on the subject for the moment. I'll try to be accommodating, for our son's sake, but I suggest you read those documents carefully."
She looked down at the envelope, picking it up. It was heavy.
"So that's it? Ten years of marriage? Eight years raising our child? All that time, brought to an end by a bunch of legal papers?"
"No, Belle. All brought to an end when you decided to put your face between the legs of a waitress, rather than uphold your marriage vows."
That stung, because it was true. She'd tried desperately to hold back the tears as she looked up at him. But his eyes remained cold. Scornful. Until today, she'd never seen him look at her like that, not even on the day he threw her over the town line.
It was over. There was no way back.
"Dove will be in touch with you in the next day or so, to arrange for collection of your things and delivery wherever you want them. Use him as you see fit? Merlin's people will also assist you in the coming days. Use your time with Gideon well today, as we're going away for a few weeks, and we won't be coming back until September."
"Going away?" She was now on her feet. "What do you mean, going away? Going away where?"
"Europe. I've decided to use the rest of the summer taking him to see the old country. We'll be travelling to Scotland first, then England, France, Italy. It'll be good for him and give us a chance to plan what we do next. He seems rather excited. It'll be good for him."
"I can't believe I'm hearing this? You're taking him away from me for five weeks? Without me having any say in the matter? How dare you? I'll see you in court, Rumple! I'll-"
"That's your choice, should you so wish. I'm merely taking him on holiday, and I will be returning in due course. More than enough time for you to find yourself somewhere to live around here? You'll find that in this land, with the amount of money I've left you, you'll be a wealthy woman in your own right. I'll keep to my side of the agreement, within reason, and make sure Gideon's time is even split between us. That's my final word on the matter."
"But I still won't be allowed to see him in Storybrooke. His home. You're casting me out!"
"Isn't that what you once did to me? Twice, as I recall?"
~oOo~
In the garden, outside…
Merlin sat in a corner, handing documents over to Ruby and talking through the next stage of creating a backstory, and her new identity.
"So that's your birth certificate, new driving license and passport. Your history's all in the folder, though if you call Emily on the number I gave you, she'll be able to help with things like work references, college history, that sort of thing?"
The former waitress looked through the documents, which looked genuine. She recognised her photo in the passport as having been copied from one left in the diner.
"This is amazing, Merlin! How did you get all this stuff? You must have done this before?"
"Not all me. You'd be surprised just how many people there are currently living in the non-magical world who came from Camelot, the Enchanted Forest, Fairy Tale Land, Asgard. The list is endless. Some have escaped and some sought a better life. There are always people who can help. You just need to know where to find them."
"I'm pleased you kept my name. It'll make it easier to blend in, quite frankly." She put the folder down. "Have you heard anything from Dorothy? My...er…wife?"
"I did." The Sorcerer gave her a sad smile. "I saw her last night. She was in Robin Locksley's pub. She seemed to have made some new friends. One of them, a young lady I've only just discovered is my daughter."
"That's nice." But Ruby wasn't really listening. "Do you think I could give you a message to take back to her? Sort of an apology for everything?"
The Nolan Farm – earlier that morning
"Good morning. Sleep okay?"
After having spent a wonderful evening in a pub in the forest, and having had far too much to drink, Lily Page woke up with a parched throat and one hell of a hangover. Worse still, as she reluctantly opened her eyes, she found herself in a large oak-ceilinged room she definitely didn't recognise, in a large bed she'd also never slept in before. But at least the sheets were warm and soft. As were the sympathetic brown eyes staring right back at her, as she rested on the pillow right beside her.
"Dorothy?"
"Hi," the other woman smiled back at her. "How are you feeling?"
"Hungover. Like I drained a pub dry," she groaned, stretching and yawning. "First evening drinking for over two years? Where the hell am I?"
"David's farm. In his bed. He's downstairs making bacon sandwiches for all of us. Best cure for hangovers, he reckons. There's some water and Advil by the side of the bed."
"David's bedroom ?" She lifted the sheets, relieved to find herself still wearing the underwear she had on yesterday."I'm sleeping in Snow White's bed?"
"It used to be. They split up, remember? I told you everything yesterday. She cheated on him with Ruby, my bitch of a wife? Well, ex-wife, once I get the divorce sorted out."
"Yeah…" Parts of last night were coming back to her. Snow White and Prince Charming, once her mortal enemies, had split up because Snow had been unfaithful with Little Red Riding Hood. She never saw that one coming! But with her darkness removed, she was too tired to continue holding a lifetime's grudge. "You did tell me. So, what am I doing in his bed, with you? Did we, erm-?"
"Sleep together?" Dorothy was enjoying this. She was always good at handling alcohol and fortunately, rarely suffered from its after-effects the next morning . But she could see how uncomfortable the other woman looked. "Yeah, we did, but not in that way. We didn't have sex, if that's what you meant? But you were quite keen, and definitely let me know, in no uncertain terms you were into girls as well as boys! We left the pub quite late and, despite your mum wanting you to go home with her, you weren't too keen. So, I kinda promised I'd look after you? Later on, David suggested you sleep here. I've been staying here the last few weeks, helping out on the farm, till I decide what to do next."
"But in his bed? Isn't there a spare room?"
"Of course there is, but we've been kinda sharing this one, on and off. He thought it'd be better for you here, as the bathroom's next door if you needed to vomit." She nodded to a door behind her. "He slept next door, and I slept here in case you woke up and panicked."
"Thanks for that," Lily pulled herself up, reaching out for the tablets, before realising what she'd just said. "You've been sharing his bed?" She also noticed a hint of a blush? "So, Dorothy Gale isn't quite as gay as I thought?"
"I don't know. Ruby's the first person I'd ever been with, in that way. Until David, after she left me. I'm not sure what I am quite frankly. But I guess I'm probably bi, like you?
"Yeah, keep your options open, I say!" She swallowed two tablets, chasing them down with water. "So you and him? Is it serious? There's no chance of Charming's old beloved coming back?"
"Unlikely I'd say, though it's always possible. They signed the divorce papers before, if Henry's right, the potion I told you about last night, wore off. She then took an overdose. I told you all this last night?" The other woman nodded. "I haven't organised my divorce yet but, as for me and Ruby, we're done. As for David and me, we've kinda been there for each other, that's all."
"So, you're single now. Free. What are you going to do next?"
"I'm still not sure," Dorothy smiled back, pulling a lock of stray hair off the other woman's face, draping it over her shoulder. "I was going to ask you the same thing. You planning on sticking around? Or are you going back to New York?"
"Well, my boyfriend ditched me once he found out I had cancer. Nice guy, eh? And I faced the last year dying a slow death. I know my mother's here but I barely know her and she was never part of my life to begin with, as I grew up an orphan. And now I find out I've got a dad too, who's not only alive, but never even knew I existed till a couple of days ago? And according to the guys who brought me here, and my mother, he's like the oldest guy on the planet and the most powerful wizard who ever existed! And I've even got half-brothers and sisters living in England? He's even offered to take me and introduce me to all of them."
"Then you have to go! I always wanted brothers and sisters. Unfortunately my mum and dad died when I was a baby, so there's just me. I'm quite jealous."
"You could come with me, if you like?"
"Me? Go to England? You've gotta be kidding?"
"Why not? It's not like there's anything here for you anymore is there? Now that your wife screwed off. Consider it a big holiday? Besides…I could do with the company."
Back in Portland
"I'm still not convinced she'll bring him back."
Rumple shook his head, watching as his furious, soon to be ex-wife, having stormed out of the hotel back into the garden, found their son playing boules with Henry. Ruby Lucas was nowhere to be seen. He watched as Belle said something to them, picked up her bag to put the heavy envelope inside, and the trio left the garden along the path, in the direction of the harbour.
"They'll be back. Henry's gone off with them, so you can be sure if it. Besides, you and I need to talk, Rumpelstiltskin."
He looked up at the man, who appeared unnaturally calm, impassive, but deadly serious. The Dark One knew of the man's powers all too well, having the memories of Nimuë and several previous Dark Ones over centuries, ingrained. He was standing next to the only human being, if he was still a human being (having died multiple times) on earth older than himself. And probably the only man with powers greater than his own. But Rumple had become a master at hiding his fear.
"Talk about what, may I ask?"
"Why, your future happiness. Your happy ending, Rumple. As opposed to The Dark One's."
"We're almost one and the same person these days, Sorcerer." Rumple shrugged. "You of all people, should know that by now?"
"Ah, yet you use the word, 'almost'? While we're here, I'm speaking to the former spinner, not the embodiment of darkness, am I not?" He received the slightest hint of a nod. "I take it you remember nothing of the conversation we had this side of the town line? While we waited for that ambulance to bring my daughter back over the town line?" Another clearly confused look from the other man as he shook his head. "Good. Because at the time you agreed to my wiping your memory of our conversation, so the Dark One would have no memory of it when he crossed back over the line." Merlin reached into his jacket, pulling out a white envelope with script on the front, handing it to him. It bore a message.
Πιστέψτε τον Ραμπλ. Πιστεύω
It was written in his own handwriting. The words would mean nothing to anyone else. But to Rumple, it was a clear confirmation, using his own person cipher to himself, that whatever Merlin was about to say, the conversation he referred to, had actually happened.
"Well as you wiped my memory, care to remind me?"
"We spoke of the Dark One's increasing control over you. And how after…recent events…you felt it had gained even more, to the extent you may be even pose a danger to those you care for? You knew that the moment you returned to Storybrooke, that dark force would read your mind and seek to protect itself within you, seeking reprisals and dealing with any potential threat ruthlessly. That's why we agreed to the obliviate spell after we talked."
"I see. Well, what was your solution to this…dilemma?"
"Leaving Storybrooke, for good. Never returning to any magic land. That way, the Dark One can never control you again. You can be free to get on with the rest of your life."
"You're being serious? You're suggesting I just…up and leave everything behind? My businesses, my properties, my-"
"Your power? Rumple, you have gained considerable wealth over many years. Vast wealth, compared to most. More than enough to live in great comfort in the non-magical world for the rest of your days. As for your estate, you can always sell it. "
"The rest of my - you do know I'm an immortal, don't you?"
"Gorgon and Zoso said much the same thing. So did Nimuë. The Dark One's immortal, but they weren't," Merlin saw the confused, almost angry glare, that would have had most Storybrooke inhabitants running for their lives. "But I can help you avoid their fates, Rumple. All of them, not having even tried to renounce their darkness when they could, now rest among Lucifer's brethren in Hell, in eternal torment, for the rest of time. But I can help you avoid that fate."
Rumple tried not to laugh, but it was difficult. "You do know about my crimes? Do you seriously imagine that the Celestial Court would do anything but throw me into the very depths of Hell the moment I appear? I've no chance! And I'm resigned to my eventual fate."
"And that's one of the reasons you guard your dagger and life so zealously, isn't it? To avoid what you believe to be…inevitable."
"IT IS INEVITABLE!"
"Ah, but it isn't! Gorgon, Zoso, Nimuë, and even Cora Mills, all died having never even tried to atone for their crimes. The first three even died as Dark Ones, none of them ever having tried to relinquish it. All of them are now being punished for eternity, but you Rumpelstiltskin, you have a chance! If you renounce it, by ensuring it can be contained, you'll live, grow old, and die like everyone else. Then, I can assure you, the crimes of the Dark One will be judged as just that! The Dark One's! A dark force that can barely be controlled by a human. But the crimes of Rumpelstiltskin will be judged as yours, and yours alone!"
"You don't know that!" Rumple stared hard into the unusual violet irises of the legendary wizard. "And if you're wrong, I'd be the one paying the price!"
"Rumple…" the wizard led him to the table vacated by Ruby earlier, sitting himself down and resting his elbows on the table, intertwining his fingers. "What do you know about me? What have you heard?"
"That you're supposedly the greatest practitioner of white magic that ever lived? That you can travel not just between realms, but times between realms." He finally sat down opposite. "That you've been killed several times, yet come back to the living?"
"Twenty-three times, to be exact. And yes, Zeus has sent me back on every occasion. In some ways, I consider myself his messenger."
"That's quite some boast! Your point?"
"I know what happens to us after we die, more than any human being alive. The Celestial Court and final judgment? Purgatory, which was what the Underworld was originally intended for? And Heaven, as most would call it. I know how the gods think."
"So, what if I do as you suggest, and I stay away anywhere magical? I'll grow old and die, but face purgatory for minor crimes instead of eternal damnation for the Dark One's? Is that what you're saying?"
"Precisely. Think about it? If you go back, and stay immortal, then one day, perhaps many centuries ahead, you'll be killed and the next unfortunate will become The Dark One. While you on the other hand, having never renounced it, will be damned for its crimes." He watched as the other man considered his words, clearly starting to weigh up the options. "But if you don't believe me, maybe I can send someone to talk to you? Someone I guarantee you'll listen to, and who'll have far more of an effect on your decision than me!"
"Gideon and I leave for New York this evening to catch an early flight. So whoever you have in mind will have a job! Besides, who else have you talked about this to? Who else knows?"
"Someone you trust, and I'm sure he'll find you. Just get an early night, Rumple. We'll speak again, sooner than you can imagine."
~oOo~