Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and any unrecognizable characters and dialogue.

I struggled with deciding whether or not to skip this chapter all together, considering there's really no mention of Emma and Mary Margaret (and Lily). But, I figured it would be a good way to flesh out my writing of other characters beside the ones I've created. But, there will be another update within the next few days, so those of you missing Peter or Lily will get them ;)

Enjoy!

Chapter playlist: 'Jane Seymour's theme' from the 'Tudors OST: Season 3'

Jerking upright in the huge bed, silk and satin sheets tangled around her legs, Belle shook as the last vestiges of sleep - and her nightmare - began to fade. Looking around, she calmed ever so slightly at the sight of the lavish guest room Rumple had allowed her to use, adjacent to his own, and those that belonged to his adopted daughter.

She'd never met the younger woman, though had heard enough of the stories to be mildly apprehensive. Rumple had assured her that his young assistant wasn't as bad as the stories made her out to be, citing her relationship with little Henry Mills as an example, and the fact that she'd put herself at risk to try and save Emma Swan.

Still trembling, she threw back the twisted sheets, shivering when the cooler air hit her bared skin. Grabbing a robe from its place thrown on the back of a chair, she belted it and left the room. The house was eerily silent and dark, with only the moonlight shining through the windows. Realizing that she wouldn't be able to sleep now if she tried, she resolved to have a proper look around without Rumple there to guide her.

After wandering down the stairs, she slipped out the door into the yard that encircled the property. Curious, she circled the house, pausing when she caught light coming from a window level with the cellar. Interest peaked, she started forward and peeked into it, eyes widening when she got a good look at what was happening.

Rumple sat at a spinning wheel, rapidly spinning the straw into gold. As she watched, he cut off a section of freshly spun gold and placed it within a vial. She watched, stomach sinking and heart pounding, as some sort of magical reaction happened within the vial.

Feeling sick, she stumbled away from the window, only watching for several more seconds before she turned and fled back into the house, heading for the relative safety of her room.

He arrived home, basket of wool in hand, to a seemingly empty cottage. Frowning and leaning heavily on his walking stick, shifting the basket higher on his hip, Rumpelstiltskin limped further into his home.

"Milah?" He called softly, setting the basket down. "Bae? I'm home." He went further in, heart sinking at the sight of Bae seated at the table. Alone and shivering. "Hey…."

"Papa?" Bae replied, voice small.

Rumpelstiltskin limped closer, lowering his voice soothingly. "Where's mum?" Bae didn't respond, merely continued to shiver in his seat, and Rumple's eyes flew to the fireplace to see nothing but dark ashes. "…well, she probably just… lost track of time." He forced his voice to sound upbeat, wrapping an arm around his son's small shoulders. "Grab your cloak. We'll find her."

Baelfire hastened to do as he said, and soon they were wandering the village. Delicately asked questions pointed them to the tavern, a place where Milah had been increasingly spending her time and the meager income Rumple managed to earn from spinning, his wife having all but given up on the business. Quietly telling Bae that he should stay outside - a tavern was no place for a little boy - Rumple limped inside. He easily found his wife in the modest sized building, and was discouraged to see her surrounded by men, throwing back tankards of ale and playing cards and dice.

"Milah," he called as he approached, only for her to take another swig of her ale before throwing dice, her actions met with laughter and jeers from her companions. "Milah." He tried again. "It's time to go."

"Good." She didn't even look away from her drink. "So, go."

A tall man, with dark hair and eyes, rimmed with kohl, drawled from beside her. "Who's this?"

Milah reached for her winnings, smirking cruelly. "Ah, that's no one." She dismissed as Rumple gave a slight flinch, hands tightening on his walking stick. "It's just my husband."

"Oh?" Those dark-rimmed eyes swept over him. "Well, he's a tad taller than you described."

Rumpelstiltskin focused on his wife instead. "Please." He blinked, swallowing the growing lump in his throat. "You have responsibilities."

Milah finally turned to look at him, her lips twisted into an ugly grimace. "You mean like, being a man and fighting in the Ogre Wars? Other wives became honoured widows, while I became lashed to the village coward." She sneered, reaching for her tankard once more as the men around her chuckled softly. "I need a break. Run home, Rumple. It's what you're good at."

Ale raised to her mouth, she missed her son entering and coming to his father's side. However, she picked up the sound of his voice over the din, her grip tightening on her tankard.

"Mama?"

Rumpelstiltskin whirled around as quickly as his leg allowed. "Bae…." The panic in his voice, too true to be feigned, told Milah her husband wasn't trying to guilt her into coming home. "You were supposed to wait outside, son."

Placing down her drink, and staring into her son's wide, dark eyes that were filled with confusion and pain, Milah stood. Without so much as another word to the pirates at the table, other than a muttered goodbye, she grabbed her cloak and left with her husband and son.

Later, after they'd put Bae down to bed, she'd curled up on their own before the fire, staring into the flames. Beside her, Rumple was preparing tea, his posture stiffer than normal.

"You don't really wish I died during the Ogre Wars, do you?" He asked hesitantly, clearing fearing what her answer would be.

Milah didn't even look at him. "I wish you'd fought." She answered finally, quietly. "Don't you?"

"Well, I'm alive. And I'm here – with you, with Bae."

Milah closed her eyes, blocking out his expression. "This isn't a life, not for me." A hint of annoyance entered her tone. "Why can't we just leave?"

Rumpelstiltskin bit his lip. "We've talked about that."

Milah: You don't have to be the village coward. We could start again. Go somewhere no one knows us. See the whole world, beyond this village.

"I know this wasn't the life you wanted, but it… it can be good. Here." He handed her the teacup. "At least try. If not for me, then…for Bae."

The teacup warming her hands, Milah nodded slightly, placating him.

"Okay. I'll try."

"Hey," Gold greeted, mildly surprised to see Belle already awake and in the kitchen, clearly waiting for him.

"Hey," she returned. "What are you doing?"

"I was, uh… going to make you breakfast."

Belle shook her head, making his puzzled frown deepen. "No, in… in the basement. I saw you practicing magic."

"Let's have breakfast."

"No, we need to talk about this."

"It was just a couple of spells." Gold told her, attempting to calm the rousing annoyance and hurt he could see forming on her expressive face. "Nothing to be concerned about."

Belle pursed her lips, brow creased in the beginnings of a scowl. "Okay, then be honest with me. Why did you bring magic here?"

"I've told you – magic is power."

Belle pressed relentlessly, voice hardening. "Why do you need it?" She demanded, even as her heart inwardly seized when the shutters fell over his eyes, making them curiously blank. "Tell me." Desperately, her eyes shining as they burned with tears she refused to let fall, she searched his face, unable to read anything past the hard mask he wore. "You don't need power, Rumple. You need courage," she spat, the words tearing through him. "To let me in."

With that, she spun on her heel and stormed from the room, heading back to her room, and leaving him alone in the kitchen.

"Rumpelstiltskin," he blinked at the woman on the other side of the door, her rapid knocks having pulled him away from his spinning. "You need to get to the docks now!"

"The docks?" He parroted, bemused. "Why?"

Eyes bulging, the frantic, breathless woman continued. "The men who came into port last week – they've taken Milah." She informed him as his eyes widened in horror. "They're setting sail. You must hurry."

After telling Bae to stay inside and, gathering his cloak, he set off for the docks as quickly as he could. Leg throbbing almost as badly as it had right after his accident by the time he'd arrived at the pirate ship, he could barely lift it high enough to climb the stairs. While he'd managed to climb despite the difficulty, his lame foot caught on the last step, sending him sprawling onto the deck. Pushing aside the mortification, his eyes raised to see leather boots, weathered by salt and time, and he followed them up to meet dark-rimmed eyes filled with amusement.

"On your feet for the captain." A man jeered from above him before hands gripped both his arms, hauling him to his feet.

"I… I remember you." He whispered as the black-haired man still stared, lightly smirking, arms crossed over his leather clad chest. "F-From the bar."

The smirk grew. "It's always nice to make an impression." His crew laughed tauntingly around them, and the crippled man flinch. "Well, where are my manners? We haven't been formally introduced." Uncrossing his arms, he fell into a mocking bow, arms outstretched. "Killian Jones. Now, what are you doing aboard my ship?"

Rumpelstiltskin's grip tightened on his walking stick. "You have my wife."

"Well, I've had many a man's wife."

"No. Y-You… just… you see… we have a son, and he needs his mother." He managed to stutter out, mindful of the pirates that surrounded him, never mind the man before him.

"You see, I have a ship full of men that need companionship." Killian returned smoothly, smirking mockingly.

"I-I'm begging you." He stuttered. "Please let her go."

"I'm not much for bartering." Killian tilted his head, one eyebrow raising. "That said, I do consider myself an honourable man. A man with a code, so… if you truly want your wife back…." Taking the sword from the crew member behind him, he tossed the weapon and it clattered loudly on the deck before the crippled man. "All you have to do, is take her."

He raised the sword to the other man's neck, lightly pressing the steel as Rumpelstiltskin stiffened. Careful not to draw blood or leave a mark, Killian continued pleasantly, as if speaking of the weather.

"Never been in a duel before, I take it? Well, it's quite simple, really." Condescension dripped from his words. "The pointy end goes in the other guy." Rumpelstiltskin didn't move, all but petrified. "Go on, pick it up."

Eyes pleading, all too aware of the steel kissing his neck, Rumpelstiltskin barely dared to breathe. While he'd been prepared to do whatever it took to bring his wife back, despite her recent behavior - behavior that, even though he didn't like it, he hoped her understood - fear, crippling and powerful, overcame him.

"A man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets." The captain snapped once it was obvious the crippled man wasn't going to even attempt to fight him, lowering the sword.

Rumpelstiltskin, tears in his eyes, tried once more to plead with the pirate. "Please, sir. What am I going to tell my boy?"

Hook smiled pleasantly, eyes glinting maliciously. "Try the truth – his father's a coward."

Swinging once more at the wall, Leroy called to his brothers. "Keep swinging, dwarves!" Before he drew back, relentless in the pursuit of fairy dust for Mother Superior and her fairies.

Henry, who was watching from a safe distance, Lillian's childhood spell book open in his hands, looked up when air lightly rushed by his side. Ruby, a basket of food on her arm, the sight making him smile, looked down at him.

"They find any fairy dust yet?" She asked, absently pulling the basket higher on her arm.

Henry shook his head. "No, not yet. But they will." He replied, much more confidently than he actually felt despite his grandpa's earlier words. "When… when they do, we'll figure out a way to get Mary Margaret, Lillian and my mom back."

Ruby smiled down at him, handing him the basket of muffins. "I'll be back later with lunch." She promised before turning to head back to the diner.

Henry watched her go, easily reading past the forced smile that formed in the sight of his optimism. He'd seen the pain in her eyes whenever his grandmother and sister were mentioned, knew their absence was hitting the other woman hard. From what he'd gathered, she and Snow White had been best friends in the Enchanted Forest, and she and Lillian had been best friends in Storybrooke. Looking back at the spell book he'd pilfered from Gold's shop, Henry ran a hand along the plain cover, fingers lightly tingling.

Panting as he swing one last time with the pick axe, David set it down, shaking his head as sweat and dust began to drip into his eyes. "I hate mine dust." He muttered, reaching for his previously discarded sheet and pulling it on. "Leroy!" He called, catching the attention of the dark-haired, burly dwarf. "If you find anything, I'll be at the Sheriff's station."

Leroy paused mid-swing. "You're taking over as Sheriff?"

"Stepping in." David corrected, heading over to collect Henry, who smiled up at him. "Until Emma gets back."

Holding back his apprehension, Gold raised a fist to knock lightly on the door to the room he'd given to Belle just days before. When he received no answer, he held back a sigh.

"Belle?" He tried instead, voice coaxing and soft. "Come on. At least come and eat something."

Silence was his answer, and, frowning even more deeply now, he carefully turned the handle. Stepping into the room, Gold look around once, eyes sweeping first over the bed to the open window, and his heart sank somewhere around his shoes.

"Belle?"

Going to the flower shoppe and speaking with Moe, while not one of his brighter ideas, spoke loudly of his desperation. The moment he entered the bright store, the oppressive smell of flowers reminding him of the small greenhouse that Lilith had kept back in the Enchanted Forest.

"I was wondering if you'd heard from your daughter?" He began without preamble, holding out the flier that had clearly been handmade.

Moe French glowered from across the counter. "Is this some kind of cruel joke?" He snatched the flier from Gold's outstretched hand. "I wouldn't have made this flyer if I knew where she was. The only reason she's missing is because of the deal I made with you." His hard expression fell ever so slightly. "I'd held out. I hoped she might have survived such a wicked trade."

"And she has."

"Why hasn't she come looking for me?"

"Oh, she did." Gold corrected airily, holding up Moe's handmade flier. "She even made a flyer like this one."

"Well, let me guess – you took care of it by throwing it in the trash."

Gold frowned. "I don't expect you to help me. I just want to know she's safe."

"And now, thanks to you, neither one of us knows where she is." Moe spat back. "You're a monster, Rumpelstiltskin."

Sitting in the corner of the crowded, dimly lit tavern, the Dark One sat still as a statue. His golden eyes flitted to the door when it opened, light spilling into the bustling tavern as a small, stout man in a floppy red hat slipped in. Walking past the other patrons, the short man's eyes settled on the oddly colored man sitting by himself in the corner and swallowed thickly.

"It really is you." He muttered, seating himself on the opposite stool. "The Dark One, in the flesh." He peered curiously at the other… being. "Or… whatever that is."

Rumpelstiltskin stared at him, unimpressed. "You've gone to a lot of trouble to meet me." He trilled in response. "You better hope I agree it's worth my time."

"I've heard you'd been looking for something. And, as luck would have it, I'm a man who trades some hard to find objects." He lowered his voice to a whisper, one no man would be able to hear. However, the Dark One's ears easily picked up the words. "Like a bean. A magic mean that can transport you between worlds."

"I've been told, they no longer exist in this land."

Smee nodded. "Not in this land, no. But the ships that dock here often return from far off lands with treasures they don't always understand."

Rumpelstiltskin crossed his fingers daintily. "And yet, you do?"

"It's my job." A faint smirk spread across the Dark One's scaled face at the offense in Smee's tone. "As is knowing the rumours of who might pay the highest price for said treasures."

"And what rumours could they be?"

Smee didn't detect the warning in the Dark One's voice and manner. "That you were once a great coward, but that you became the Dark One to overcome that and protect the, uh, son who you lost, despite all- " His words were cut off when the sorcerer across from him raised a hand daintily, cutting off his air supply.

"It's not nice to spread rumours." He chided, tightening his fingers ever so slightly. "The bean – where is it?"

Clutching at the invisible fingers pressing on his windpipe, Smee wheezed out an answer. "I don't have it. But I can get it, I swear." Satisfied, the Dark One released his hold on the rat of a man's neck. Coughing and gasping, fingers soothing over the unmarked but smarting skin, Smee managed, "You haven't heard my price."

Rumpelstiltskin eyed him flatly. "I spin straw into gold." He reminded, antsy to be on his way. "Price shouldn't be a problem."

"I don't want money. I want eternal life."

The Dark One smiled thinly. "Only the Dark One has life eternal." Smee made to open his mouth, Rumpelstiltskin easily cutting him off. "So, you want more, son. What I can do, what about youth? Spin the clock back till you're a little boy again?"

Smee quickly gave it some thought. "Close enough." He replied just as quickly. "Deal."

Rumpelstiltskin raised a finger, smiling pleasantly."But remember – you fail to deliver, I spin the clock forward, and turn you into dust."

"Thank you. Thank you." Smee blubbered out before he bowed once and sped from the tavern.

As he prepared to leave, the barmaid once more came over.

"You sure you don't want anything?" She asked carefully, all too aware of who it was she was speaking to.

Opening his mouth to refuse her again, the words died on his tongue when the door to the tavern opened once more, and several men tumbled in.

"Where's my scurvy crew!?" A voice, familiar and hated, called above the din.

"Aye," a man, already deep in his cups, surrounded by several others, raised his tankard. "Here we be, Captain!"

"Where's my beer?"

Rumpelstiltskin stiffened, golden eyes fixed on the leather-clad pirate. "You know, I suddenly find myself quite thirsty." He told the barmaid, who nodded and hastened to get him a drink, while he never took his eyes off the pirates celebrating on the other side of the tavern.

"Cheers!"

"Thank you." Belle smiled up at the tall, dark-haired waitress as she placed another ice tea in front of her.

Ruby lingered. "Are you okay?" She asked carefully, head tilted playfully. "That's your third iced tea this morning. Wouldn't want to call you a cab."

Belle smiled at the joke, though she didn't fully understand the term 'cab'. "No, I… I've never had it iced before. It… it's delicious."

"I haven't seen you in here before."

"Well, I, uh… I've been a kept woman until recently."

Ruby's curious expression morphed into one of understanding. "Let me guess – bad breakup?"

Belle found herself nodding. "I think I may be headed there."

"Do you have a place to stay?" Ruby pressed gently. "Any family here?" There had been plenty of citizens pouring into the diner in the recent days, looking for missing family and friends.

"I… I'm not sure. I'm still looking. But I… I'm on my own for now."

"I can ask Granny about a room here."

Belle blinked in surprise before a smile began to spread across her features. "Really?" When the taller woman nodded, smiling herself, it dawned on her that she didn't know a rather important detail. "Thanks. Uh…?"

"Ruby."

"Belle." She answered and the two shared another smile. "What I really need, though, is… is a life." Belle continued, mood somber once more. "A job."

Ruby frowned thoughtfully. "Well, uh, what do you like to do?"

"I… I do love books." Belle chuckled out fondly.

Ruby's eyes widen and she positively beamed. "The library." When Belle looked at her, startled, she continued. "It's been closed forever, but, uh, things are changing now." She grinned slyly, hip pressed against the table. "Maybe they need a librarian?"

After quickly saying goodbye to Ruby, who promised once more to speak to Granny about booking Belle a room, the other woman left the diner. Heading up Main Street, following the directions Ruby had given her, Belle found the library with ease. However, the door was locked when she tried to open it, and the windows were covered with wooden boards and newspaper.

Frowning, she circled the library, ending up at the back. Engrossed in trying to find a way inside, she didn't see the homeless looking man until it was too late.

"Excuse me, Miss?"

She jumped, whirling to see a short man with a floppy red hat on. "Oh," she breathed. "You startled me."

"I… I was just wondering if you had any spare change?"

Belle's features softened ever so slightly, and she shook her head. "Oh, no. Sorry, I… I don't have any money."

"What… what about a friend?" He pressed, the words sending alarm bells ringing inside her head. "Are you meeting anyone here?"

"Uh, no." She sent him a strange look, unconsciously backing up a step. "Why?"

"I just wanted to make sure." He replied before he lunged, grabbing hold of her, slapping a gloved hand on her mouth, before he dragged her away.

Cloaked, with his face hidden, Rumpelstiltskin discretely followed the drunken figures of Killian Jones and his crew. Picking up his pace, he bumped shoulders with the Captain, smirking when the pirate became irate.

"Hey, you. Stop!" He obligingly did as bade, keeping his face free of any expression as the pirate approached. "Even gutter rats have more manners than you just displayed."

"I-I'm so sorry, sir."

Despite the alcohol in his system, he caught the shine of light off the other man's cheek. "Ah… I was wrong. Not a rat at all." He looked closer. "More… more like a crocodile." Lashing out with his leg, he kicked the cloaked man over, his crew laughing behind. "What's your name, crocodile?"

Leaping to his feet in one smooth gesture, Rumpelstiltskin pulled away the cloak concealing his features. Smiling at the expression on the pirate's face, he waited patiently for the other man to react.

Killian stared, eyes picking up the familiar features despite the scaled skin and golden eyes. "You… I remember you."

Rumpelstiltskin smiled. "Always nice to make an impression. Where are my manners? We haven't been properly introduced. Rumpelstiltskin," he bowed low, arms outstretched, trilling the 'r' of his name. "Or, as others know me, the Dark One." To his delight, the man's crew backed away fearfully, slowly, and he relished the fear clearly displayed. "Oh! I see my reputation precedes me."

Killian eyed him warily. "It does."

"Good!" The Dark One trilled. "That's going to save us time during the, uh, question and answer portion of our game."

"What is it you want to know?"

"How's Milah, of course?"

"Who?"

Rumpelstiltskin smiled dangerously. "Only too happy to, uh, dig out the memory." He wiggled his fingers for emphasis. "But, it gets really messy."

Killian's eyes narrowed. "She's dead. Died a long time ago." He replied coldly. "What is it you want?"

"We didn't get a chance to finish our duel." Hook reached for his sword, gripping the hilt, only for the Dark One to giggle madly. "Not now," he scolded, positively grinning now. "Tomorrow at dawn - I am not a cruel man." The captain's face was hard as stone as his words from years ago were thrown back at him. "Get your affairs in order. Also, you can spend tonight knowing, it will be your last." Rumpelstiltskin titled his head thoughtfully. "Maybe I am cruel. And don't think about trying to escape." His voice lowered threateningly. "Because I will find you, and I will gut your entire crew like a fish."

After sending Henry off to school, David had returned to the loft to clean the layer of grime from the mines off before he headed to the Sheriff's Station. However, as he was clipping on the gun holster to his waist, a knock came from the door. Frowning, he crossed over to the door, brow furrowing when Gold was revealed on the other side.

"May I have a word, Sheriff?"

"Uh, acting Sheriff." David corrected Gold flatly. "And I'm already late on another busy day, cleaning up the mess you made."

The other man winced delicately. "My apologies. That was a moment of poor judgment on my part." There was a wry twist to his lips. "And it's not lost on me that I'm now here to ask for your help."

"Well then, it shouldn't be lost on you when I say no."

"Hear me out first." His hand, clenching a piece of paper, raised to David's eye level. "I'm here to report a missing person." He handed the paper, one he'd printed with Belle's face. "She left my home early this morning, her name is Belle."

David stared at it. "Back in our land, you mentioned you loved someone once." He raised curious eyes. "Is- "

"Yes."

"You also said she died."

"I'd thought she had."

David looked up, blue eyes meeting Gold's own. "Well, why don't you just use the tracking spell you gave me to find Jefferson?"

"It only works if you have something the person owned." Gold explained softly. "I don't."

"How can you be sure she's gone missing and not…." He trailed off at the thunderous expression that formed on Gold's face, choosing his words carefully. "Run away."

"I can't." Now, more than ever, he wished that he had the power to retrieve Lillian. With his young ward by his side, he'd have already been able to track Belle down. "Look, the townsfolk are less than sympathetic to my plight. But you… you're in the rather unique position to understand exactly what I'm going through." Gold uttered softly, a tinge of desperation in his voice that David easily picked up on. "Will you help me?"

Hiding his trepidation, Killian Jones swaggered toward the spot the Dark One had designated as their dueling spot. The being was there, awaiting him impatiently, and tossed a sword at his booted feet.

"Pick it up, dearie, and let's begin."

The pirate sent the sword a look of disgust before he began to reach for his own sword. "There's no need -" There was a whoosh of air and the hilt of his sword was wrenched from his grasp, the sword disappearing out of the scabbard all together.

"Sorry," the Dark One trilled, not looking sorry in the slightest, as Killian spun around to face him. He held the pirate's blade aloft. "But killing a man with his own sword was just too delicious to pass up."

Smoothly, Killian stooped to pick up the sword, bringing it up in time to meet the downward swing of the Dark One. The creature was beaming, positively giddy at the prospect of murder the man who'd stolen his wife. Steel flashed in the pale light of dawn as they swung and blocked, dancing around one another.

As they locked blades, Rumpelstiltskin leaned closer. "Ships that pass in the night." With a grunt, Killian shoved him forced him away, though it only served to make the Dark One's smile widen further. "Well, at least one ship."

Tiring of the fight after what seemed like an eternity, Rumpelstiltskin quickly got the upper hand. With another slash of his sword, he sent his opponent's sword flying from his grasp, and the now unarmed man to the ground. Before he could scramble for his discarded weapon, Rumpelstiltskin pressed the tip of his sword to Killian's neck.

Glaring up at the scaled being, the pirate snarled, "Go on." He goaded. "I'm ready for the sword."

Rumpelstiltskin, to his surprise, pulled the blade away and knelt beside him. "No… do you know what it's like to have your wife stolen from you?" He hissed out, hatred glinting in his strange eyes. "To feel powerless to stop it? It feels like having your heart ripped from your chest." His lips quirked. "Actually, let me show you."

A choked cry of pain escaped Killian's clenched teeth when the Dark One's scaled hand buried itself in the confines of his chest. Eyes widening in an expression of muted horror, he stared into crazed, golden eyes as fingers tightened around his heart and began to pull -

"STOP!"

The pressure lessened as Rumpelstiltskin's grip slackened, though his hand remained around the heart. Craning his head around, his eyes widened almost comically when they alighted on the source of the voice.

Standing, dressed in the clothes of a pirate, with laugh lines around her eyes and mouth, stood the wife he'd believed dead.

"Milah…."

"Who are you?" Belle demanded as they entered the unknown building, once her abductor had removed his hand from her mouth. "What… what do you want from me?"

The man stepped away from her, holding up his hands. "I'm just a man who procures hard to find objects. In this case, the object was you."

Her brow creased. "So, then who put you up to this?"

Footsteps caught her ear, and she turned to the doorway, narrowed blue eyes widening when a man entered the room. Moe French paused at the sight of his daughter, healthy and whole, and her name fell from his lips like a prayer.

"Belle…."

Tears in her eyes, Belle launched herself forward, falling into her father's arms as they enclosed her in a tight embrace.

"Oh, I've missed you, Belle." He whispered, pressing a kiss to her hair, arms tightening around her when he felt her tremble.

Sniffling, she pulled away enough to look at him with wide, puzzled eyes. "Father…."

"I'm so sorry this is how we had to be reunited." Her brow creased further. "Please understand. I had no choice."

"But to kidnap me?"

"After the curse broke, I searched all over for you and discovered the Dark One still had you captive."

Her voice turned incredulous with laughter. "He wasn't holding me captive." She retorted, pulling out of his embrace fully. "I chose to be with him."

It was as if ice had entered his veins, chilling his blood and heart. "Are you saying you fell in love with him?" He asked harshly, too surprised to gentle his voice.

Belle nodded once, ignoring the revulsion in her father's eyes. "But, I fear it may be over now." She admitted sadly, almost to herself.

"It must be." Moe grasped her shoulders, startling her, and her wide gaze flew up to meet his own. "Promise me you no longer love him. That you will never see him again."

"No, no." She tried to pull free of his grasp. "I'm not a child!"

Moe was deaf to her words, lost in the haze her confession had caused. "You don't understand what that man will do to you." He shook her, none too gently. "What he's already done."

Belle renewed her struggles to get free, wincing when he tightened his grip. "No, you don't understand." She snapped up at him. "It's my life!"

"Then I don't have a choice." Moe said in reply, his grip falling slack, hands falling from her shoulders. "I'm sorry." Staring at him, bemused, he drank in his daughter's features before nodding at Smee. "Do it."

The short man, who had been lingering silently in the back of the room, reached forward now, gripping Belle's shoulder.

"What?" She tried to twist out of his grip, calling to her father, who watched, expression hard. "Father. Father, what… what are you doing?!" She demanded, stunned, when he made no move to help her. "Stop!"

"Goodbye, Belle." Moe said quietly as Smee began to forcefully drag his daughter out of the room. "I love you!"

"Father!"

Wincing when the man he'd been questioning turned red with rage, David inwardly sighed. While he knew Gold didn't have many options to ask for help - with Lillian gone, the man had zero allies, with only his reputation and magic, as David suspected the Dark One had his powers - it still didn't make it any easier to stomach that he'd agreed to help the sorcerer. After attempting once more to steer the other man back to the question of whether or not he'd seen Belle, the acting Sheriff admitted defeat and quickly fled from the man.

Gold watched, frowning slightly when he caught sight of the the blond man's face when he turned and headed toward him. It would be idiotic to think that the people of Storybrooke would be eager to help him, and he prided himself on not being a stupid man.

"Do you remember turning a butcher into a pig?" David asked, brow creased and lips threatening to settle in a scowl.

"Can't say that I do." Gold replied easily. "Why?"

"Well, he does." David jerked his thumb in the direction of the irate man. "Apparently, it was his father." His lips quirked wryly. "I'm beginning to understand why nobody wants to help you."

"W-well has he seen Belle?"

"Afraid not."

"Okay, so what's next?"

"Granny's." David frowned. "We can see who else you terrorized there."

"Look, uh… can I ask you a question?" Gold asked once they'd started down the street toward the diner. "A-about you and Mary Margaret?" A brow rose in response, silently encouraging him to continue. "H-how… how does that work?"

David nearly tripped mid-step. "Are you asking dating advice?"

"Course not, no." Gold scoffed, and they resumed walking in silence.

David glanced at them an, noting the tightness around his eyes, the stiffness in his shoulders. "Honesty." He said finally, catching Gold off guard. "That's how we did it." He elaborated when Gold threw him a blank stare. "Hard work, and being honest with one another."

"Well, I don't lie."

David smirked faintly. "There's a difference between literal truth, and honesty of the heart." They continued down the street Nothing taught me that more than this curse.

Shock reflected in his unblinking gaze, and the woman held back the urge to flinch from those strange, strange eyes. However, she stood her ground, meeting his gaze squarely, all the while silently praying to the Gods that he relinquish his hold from Killian's heart.

"Milah…." His hand slipped from the prone pirate's chest, making the man grunt in pain. "How?" He asked darkly, staring at the woman like she was a ghost.

"Milah, you have to run." Killian groaned, shakily attempting to make his way to his feet.

"No." She snapped in reply, keeping her gaze on Rumpelstiltskin. "I'm not leaving without you."

The exprssion on his face darkened, taking on a mad, twisted tone that sent her skin crawling. "Oh, how sweet." He cooed, malice dripping from his words. "It appears there's more to this tale than I know." He glanced back at Killian, who still lay on the ground, and the threat was clear in his eyes when he turned back to her. "Tell it to me, Milah."

Milah took a step forward, hands raising in reaction to the warning in his eyes. "Please, don't hurt him." She begged, not missing the way his face contorted. "I can explain."

"Tick tock, dearie. Tick tock."

Inhaling deeply, she swiftly launched into the explanation. "That first night, when Killian and his crew came into the tavern, he told stories about the places he'd been." She told Rumple, who was staring at her with such rage and hate that it made her want to recoil. "And I fell in love with him. I didn't mean for it to turn out this way," she said desperately. "I didn't know how to tell you the truth. I'm sorry."

Rumpelstiltskin stared at her, his expression hard as stone, though his eyes seared into her own. "And so, here we are. You've come to save the life of your twoo wuv – the pirate." He glanced down at said pirate, who was still practically crippled from the pain of almost having his heart ripped out. "I didn't realize the power of true love before. It is impressive." He noted casually, too much so for the comfort of the other two people present. "I'd hate to break it up." He smirked when hope flared in Milah's eyes, relishing being able to crush it. "Actually, no, I'd love to."

With that, he turned and pushed the tip of his sword into the downed pirate's side, taking pleasure in the way the pain flashed over the pirate's face. However, before he could truly run the man through, Milah spoke again, a hardened edge to her voice.

"Wait! I have something you want."

Rumpelstiltskin only had eyes for his prey. "Well, I find that very difficult to believe." He muttered, only moving when something flashed in the corner of his vision. He craned his head around enough to see the red floppy hat that Smee had worn into the tavern the night before. "Where did you get that?" He asked dangerously.

"You know who I took it from." Milah retorted instead, heart thudding loudly in her chest. "I may not know what the Dark One wants with a magic bean, but I have it."

The darkness cleared in his face, though the madness didn't budge, as Rumpelstiltskin grinned. "Oh, I feel a proposal coming on."

MIlah didn't disappoint. "The magic bean in exchange for our lives. Deal?"

"I want to see it first."

"Belle, huh?" Ruby gazed disinterestedly at her nails, thanking all that was holy that Lillian wasn't there at that exact moment. If she was, she'd had sensed the deception in Ruby's emotions before the older woman even opened her mouth. "Sorry, doesn't ring a bell."

David withheld the urge to roll his eyes. "Ruby, listen to me. If you've come across her, you've got to tell me." Earnest blue eyes stared into her own, and she felt her resolve - and promise to Belle - waver. "I'll make sure nothing bad happens."

Her lips twisted into the beginnings of a scowl. "Yeah, but what about him?" Her head jerked in Gold's direction, who was frowning openly at her.

"I've got him." At her flat, disbelieving stare, he added, "Trust me."

Sighing, the dark-haired woman nodded. "She was in earlier. She was looking for a job." She shrugged elegantly. "I pointed her in the direction of the library."

Gold spoke up for the first time. "Well, you think she went there?"

Ruby shrugged once more. "Don't know." She admitted, before grabbing hold of the sweater behind the counter and placing it on the surface. "But, when you find her, give her this. She left it in her booth."

"Well, that's mine." Gold muttered, blinking when the two sent him incredulous stares. "She didn't have anything for the cold." He defended.

"You sure you'll watch out for her?" Ruby pressed.

David nodded once more. "Yes." His brow creased. "Why?"

"I think… I think I can find her." She suddenly looked terrified, and after a quick double take to make sure no one else was in earshot, leaned closer. "Lately, since things changed, I've been, uh, a little more sensitive to odors."

Gold shared a look with David. "Well, you can smell her?" The pawnbroker asked to clarify, and Ruby nodded.

"I guess it's cause of the wolf thing."

After holding the sweater to her face and inhaling deeply, Ruby led the two men through the streets. When they ended up before the flower shop, Gold's upper lip curled in distaste, while Ruby paused, her nose twitching and her expression pinching.

"What's wrong?"

"I had her, but, uh… I lost her trail." She admitted softly, looking so apologetic that Gold's expression lightened just a tad. "It must be the flowers. I… I can't track her anymore. I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Gold told her, with a hint of gratitude in his tone. "This is her father's shop."

"You again." The proprietor, Moe French, if David recalled correctly, ground out the moment they entered the shop. "Out! This is a private establishment – you're not welcome."

Gold ignored the man's words completely, looking around. "Where's Belle?"

"I won't let anything happen to her, Moe." David promised the obviously upset father.

"We're just worried." Ruby added.

"Don't be. She's safe, so you can stop looking."

"Look, if I could just have the chance to talk to her."

Moe talked over him, voice hard and unforgiving. "You will destroy Belle like you destroy everything else." He seemed ignorant to the realization that filled the eyes both the Dark One and the current Sheriff. "Well, I won't let that happen."

When Gold spoke, his voice was low, with a malice etched into it that neither David or Ruby had heard in a long time. "What have you done with her?"

"There's only one way to get her- " Moe flinched back when Gold used his cane to jab the man in the chest forcefully.

"What have you done with her?" The man repeated, teeth bared in a feral looking snarl.

"I have to make her forget about you." Moe continued, refusing to let the shorter man intimidate him. "No matter the cost." There was no hint of regret in his face or words, and it only served to anger Gold further. "Even if it means she forgets me, too."

"He's sending her across the town line."

When Gold whirled around and stalked out of the shop, David and Ruby followed, the former grabbing hold of French.

"Where are you sending Belle across?" The acting Sheriff demanded. While he didn't know the woman personally, he didn't want an innocent person getting hurt like that, and felt nothing but disgust for the man before him for doing so to his own daughter. "You know we have patrols on the town line to make sure no one crosses accidentally. So, how are you planning to pull it off?"

Lips pressed tightly together, and eyes staring straight ahead, it was evident Moe wasn't going to be very forthcoming. Feeling the rage rising inside him, and grabbing hold of it, Gold suddenly lunged at the taller man.

"Where?" He demanded, pinning French to the truck with his cane, the wood pressing on the man's windpipe. "Where are you sending them across? Tell me!"

"Stop it!" David grabbed hold of Gold's arms, yanking on them fiercely. "You're going to kill him."

As he managed, with more than a little bit of difficulty, to wrench Gold off of Moe, his eyes were suddenly drawn down to the flower shop owner's hands. Eyes narrowing in realization at the film of dark dust, a film that had covered David himself just that morning, he raised his eyes to meet Moe's suddenly worried gaze.

"You've been down in the mines." He breathed, panic surging forth at the implications. He could feel the confusion of his companions, and turned to them. "The tunnels – they lead out of town."

Supporting a good portion of Killian's weight, Milah and the captain stumbled onto the deck of the Jolly Roger, causing the crew to crowd around them, vibrating with worry.

"Milah, what happened?" One demanded, coming to the other side of the captain to help her support his weight.

"Fetch some water." She shifted her grip on Killian, praying that he would be alright, as several crew members took him from her. "And get me that prisoner below deck, along with the goods that he carried." The crew, still clearly shocked to see their captain in such a state, merely stared at her blankly, until she barked, "Now!"

The deck quickly turned into a mess of chaos, with several men hastening to do as she bade.

"Bring up the prisoner!"

"Well, well." She turned her head, the rhythm of her heart tattooing fiercely beneath her breast, when Rumpelstiltskin waltzed onto the deck, seemingly from nowhere. "Seems like you finally found a family… you could never have with me."

"Alright, get your sorry arse up there." Someone growled, and the Dark One watched as Smee was dragged onto the deck, looking positively bewildered.

Milah took the satchel he carried, flipping it open to grab hold of the small, opaque bean inside. Holding it between her fingers, she held it out to the Dark One, who eyed it covetously. When he made to take it, she threw it toward Killian, who caught it easily in his hand.

"You asked to see it, and now, you have." The captain said in reply to the annoyance that overtook the Dark One's features.

Milah gained his attention once more. "Do we have a deal?" She pressed. "Can we go our separate ways?"

Rumpelstiltskin stared at her silently for several heartbeats, head tilted. "Do you mean, do I forgive you?" He asked lightly, and she shifted uncomfortably at how easily he read her. "Can I move on? Perhaps, perhaps. I can see you are twooly in love."

Hope began to flutter within her. "Thank you." She dipped her head gratefully, holding back the pleased smile that threatened to overtake her features.

"Just one question."

"What do you want to know?"

Rumpelstiltskin's golden eyes narrowed hatefully. "How could you leave Bae?" He demanded flatly as, unknown to the others on the ship, several of the ropes that lined the ship began to come undone. "Do you know what it was like, walking home that night- "

Eyes wide with anguish, Milah made to stop him. "Rumple- "

He paid her no heed. "Knowing I had to tell our son- "

"Please."

"That his mother was dead?" He finished angrily.

"I was wrong to lie to you." She admitted frantically, eyes shining with tears that stung. "I was the coward, I- "

"You left him!" He snarled in reply as rage, toward both her and himself, took hold. "You abandoned him!"

"And there's not a day that goes by that I don't feel sorry for that."

"Well, sorry isn't enough! You let him go."

Milah accepted the scorn, which only served to infuriate him more. "I let my misery cloud my judgment."

"Why were you so miserable?"

Even before the words left her lips, even though they made a weight lift from her shoulders, she knew the words would only serve to hurt. "Because I never loved you."

In response, Rumple drove his hand into her chest. Pain exploded, as he meant it to, and the ragged cry was torn from her throat when his hand closed around her heart.

"Milah!" Killian stormed forward, only for the ropes on the ship to bind him to the mast when the Dark One casually flicked his free hand. Struggling, the pirate's entire world seemed to stop when he saw the scaled creature pull out Milah's still beating heart from her chest. "No!" His struggle resumed, and as he broke free of the bindings, the pressure Rumpelstiltskin was exerting on her heart had forced Milah to her knees.

As a hook clattered onto the deck, Killian sprinted toward Milah, tenderly cradling her. Gently, he lay her down on the deck, holding her hand tightly in his own as she gasped up at him, love shining clearly in her glazed over eyes.

"I love you." She whispered, shuddering when Rumpelstiltskin's fist tightened, crushing her heart to dust.

"You may be more powerful now, demon," Killian snarled, hate and agony mingling in his eyes, as Milah's eyes shut and her grip fell slack. "But you're no lesser coward."

Rumpelstiltskin merely smiled thinly. "I'll have what I came for, now."

"You'll have to kill me first." The captain stood, going for his sword.

"I'm afraid that's not in the cards for you, sonny boy." The Dark One informed him brightly before he drew his own sword, moving so quickly that Killian barely registered the movement. What he did register, was the searing pain when the steel sliced through his wrist, taking off the hand he'd caught the magic bean with. "I want you alive." He cooed at the pirate, who was clutching his wrist in pained horror. "Because I want you to suffer like I did."

Turning to go, he felt the pirate move, felt the intent to hurt, to kill. Grabbing hold of the hook that had fallen to the deck during his struggles, and charged the creature, stabbing him in the center of his upper back. Spinning on his heel, the Dark One smiled brightly at the snarling pirate.

"Killing me's going to take a lot more than that, dearie."

Killian glowered. "Even demons can be killed." The rage tasted bitter in his mouth. "I will find a way."

"Well, good luck living long enough." Rumpelstiltskin trilled before he was engulfed in a puff of red smoke, whisking himself away from the ship and to his castle.

As the smoke cleared, the hook fell with a useless clatter onto the deck. Panting, from pain and anger, Killian looked down at the object, reaching to pluck it off the wooden deck.

"Please!" Belle pulled, or tried, agasint the metal cuffs that Smee placed around her wrists, chaining her to the mine cart. "Please, please stop." She looked around, breath quickening with distress. "What are you doing?"

Smee tried not to look at her. "Sending you on a little ride under the town line." He explained, making sure the cuffs were in place. "Once you cross, you'll forget who you were in the other realm and who you loved." He handed her a flashlight, making sure it was on, as she stared at it like it was the strangest creation. "This, should help you find the key." Her eyes widened, and he held onto the hope that she'd find the key and free herself. It was the only thing that made him feel less guilty about what he was doing. "I left it at the bottom of the cart. Good luck."

Pulling the lever, he shut his ears to her pleas as the cart began to head down the track.

"No, wait! I'm begging you!" She called as the cart began to pick up speed, and she turned a corner, cutting off her view of the man. "Please don't! Don't do this! Please!"

Frantically, she began to shine the odd light he'd handed her around the bottom of the cart. The light caught something at the bottom, and she frantically dove at it, shaking fingers closing around a small, silver key. As she fumbled to fit the tiny key in the cuffs, the combination of her trembling fingers and the shaky cart caused her to drop the key. Looking up as the mine blew past her, she swallowed past the panicked nausea that was welling within her, the cart suddenly jerked to a stop.

Looking around wildly, she started when the cart began to move again, only backwards this time. The mine sped by once more as a stream of magic pulled her back to where Gold, David, Ruby and Moe French were standing. As it came to a slow stop, the cuffs on her wrist broke as the cart halted to a stop.

"That is seriously… wow." Ruby breathed as Belle turned to them, her eyes wide with fright and disbelief.

Gold took a step forward. "Belle, are you alright?" He asked as she began to climb out of the cart.

"Yeah. I, uh… I think so." She wanted to shy from his touch, but her limbs were shaking so badly that she feared she fall if she stood on her own.

"You remember who I am?"

"I do, Rumpelstiltskin." She added his name to reassure him as she stood on her own. "I… I remember."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Gold put his arms around her tightly. However, she remained stiff and unresponsive to his touch, and his brow was creased in confusion when he finally pulled back.

"Belle, what's wrong?"

Belle took a step back. "Thank you for what you just did, but that doesn't change that you're too cowardly to be honest with me."

"Well, Belle, that's just- "

"I tried to tell them that, Belle." Moe said over Gold, who turned to glare at the other man. Despite what he'd just tried to do to his daughter, Moe offered his hand to her, smiling warmly. "Come with me, darling."

Belle stared at her father, the others following suit, before she let out an incredulous scoff. "After what you just tried to do to me?" She demanded, looking at him with such indignant anger that he recoiled from her searing gaze. "You're no better, Father. You don't get to decide what I do or how I feel. I do." She looked between the two men. "If either of you cared about me, you would've listened. I don't want to see either of you again. Ever."

With that, she stormed past them, Ruby and David joining her. As the blond quietly introduced himself to her, and as Ruby once more promised to help her get settled, Belle resolutely pushed down the sorrow that the day's events had brought her.

"This one, is a classic." Ruby was explaining as she placed a plate of food in front of Belle, along with a small flask of syrup. "The syrup, goes on the pancakes. It's, um, round things… " she explained with an awkward smile, gesturing to said 'round things'. "But I kind of like it when it gets on everything." She shared quietly.

Belle returned the smile. "You know, um… thank you. I-I mean not just for this, but… for everything." It went unsaid that, if it hadn't been for the woman before her, Belle would more than likely have no idea who she was anymore.

Ruby's smile eased into a true one. "No worries. And stay here until you're on your feet." Her smile morphed into more of a playful smirk that Belle found herself returning hesitantly. "Granny will be fine with it." She made to leave, only to stop and spin back round. "Oh! I almost forgot." She pulled something out of her pocket, holding it out to Belle. "Someone, dropped this off for you at the front desk."

With another smile, the brunette wandered off to wait on more customers. Placing the small box on the table, Belle opened it, eyes widening when it revealed a key with the label 'library' on it. After finishing her breakfast, she slipped out of the diner and headed to the library. The key fit perfectly, and despite the lock sticking a bit, it opened with little trouble.

It was dusty inside, smelling of old paper and must, but it made her smile anyway as she slowly wandered through the shelves. Watching her from behind one of those shelves, Gold waited until she'd crept closer to his hiding spot, before he revealed himself.

"We may sit in our library, and yet, be in all corners of the earth." He quoted, stepping out from behind one of the many shelves.

"You gave me the key."

He nodded. "I heard of your interest, and I, uh… I made some inquiries." Said 'inquiries' were more like threats to Regina's person unless she relinquished the key and agreed to reinstate the library, not that our 'mayor' truly has any true power anymore. But he wasn't about to tell Belle that. "There's an apartment for the caretaker if you want it."

Belle's eyes narrowed in distrust. "If… if this is some way to win me back after everything you- "

"No, that's… that's… that's not why I'm here." He replied softly, taking a few hesitant steps, though no more than that. "I came because you're right… about me. I am a coward." He elaborated when her brow creased in confusion. "I have been my entire life. I tried to make up for it by collecting power, and the power became so important that I couldn't let go. Not even…," He trailed off, inhaling deeply. "And that meant losing the most important person in my life."

Belle nodded, knowing exactly what he was speaking of. "Your son."

"Baelfire, is his name." There was a tightness around his chest as he shared the name of his long-lost son with yet another. More than ever, he desperately missed Lillian, silently swearing that he'd endeavor to help David try and find a way to get them back. "After he left, I dedicated myself to finding him. I went down many, many paths. Until I found a curse that could take me to the land where he'd escaped."

"Here."

"And I found myself in this little town with only one thing left to do – wait for the curse to be broken, so that I could leave and find him." He explained, taking a few more steps closer. With her back already pressed to the bookcase behind her, she couldn't back away, though he left her an escape if she wanted to be free of his presence.

"But instead of looking for him, you… you brought magic." She sounded puzzled, and he held back the sigh that threatened him.

Gold nodded. "Because I'm still a coward. Magic has become a crutch that I can't walk without." His frown deepened, sorrow overtaking it. "And, even if I could, I now know I can never leave this place."

"Because, anyone who leaves, forgets the people they love." She said knowingly. "So, when you go to look for Baelfire, you won't know him."

"Magic comes with a price." There was a bitterness, a mocking tilt to his lips that made her want to sooth him. But, she held back and let him speak. "Belle, I have to break this new curse. That's why I was using magic. That night you saw me down in the basement… I have lost so much that I loved." His voice weakened, threatening to break as he raised a hand to lightly caress her cheek. She stared at him, her lovely eyes wide. "I didn't want to lose you again…without you knowing everything." His hand fell from her cheek, and he swallowed thickly past the lump in his throat. "Goodbye, Belle."

Leaving the whisper to hand between them, he turned and began to walk down the aisle, toward the door. Back pressed against the books behind her, Belle closed her eyes and inhaled before she stepped away from the shelf.

"Do you, uh… have you ever had a hamburger?" She asked, making him pause before he turned to face her, brow pulled together.

"Yes, of course." He replied gently, baffled by her words.

"Well, uh, I haven't. But I hear that Granny's makes a great one." She waited, watching as her words sunk in, as a light entered his eyes. "Maybe… maybe we could try it sometime?"

The faint, hopeful smile that spread across his thin lips made her heart do a flip within her chest.

"I would like that."

Placing the severed hand on a desk, Rumpelstiltskin glanced at Bae's picture, his eyes lovingly tracing the features of his son. Turning back to the hand, he began to pry the fingers open one by one. However, when the palm was exposed, empty, a boiling fury rose inside him, a physical pain that threatened to bring him to his knees.

"No… " breath quivering, he didn't bother to stem off the rage. "He tricked me!"

Angrily, and without a thought, he lashed out, upturning the desk, and sending the vials and picture to the floor with a resounding crash.

Glaring down at the stump where his hand had once been, Killian's mouth tightened. Whatever foul magics the creature wielded, it had managed to cauterize the wound in some manner. As he wanted, I'll live despite his attack. There hadn't even been any blood. In his unharmed hand, he clenched the damned magic bean, the root of the tragedy that had befallen Milah and himself.

They'd set sail soon after the Dark One had vanished, and were now in open waters. Milah's body had been prepared accordingly, wrapped in white funeral shrouds, and he watched, numbed by grief and pain, as his crew helped to toss her body overboard, a fitting burial for a sailor. Their prisoner, the one who'd brought them the bean, was still bound and gagged, and was frantically attempting to speak.

Killian's scowl was black when he turned his gaze toward the short man. "Allow him to speak." He ordered tiredly.

"I want my bean." Was the first thing the man uttered once he'd been untied and the gag removed, allowed to approach the leather-clad pirate.

"Let me tell you how it works on my ship – I make the demands, you follow them." The captain informed him flatly, fist closing around the bean. The man eyed him mutinously, though wisely kept his mouth shut for the moment. "Bean's now mine."

"You have to give me something for it."

Killian smiled in response, the expression suddenly dangerous. "Oh, I will. Your life." He offered. "A chance to join my crew."

"So, instead of the promise of eternal life, I get to scrub blood off your decks?" The man bristled up like an indignant gull. "How is that right?"

Looking at the bean once more, Killian spoke, not taking his eyes off the opaque item. "Well, what if I was to tell you I was about to set sail to a land where none of us will ever grow old?" His voice darkened. "Where I can discover how to get my revenge on Rumpelstiltskin."

"Guess I could live with that." The man replied after several heartbeats in thought.

"Good." It suddenly struck him that he knew nothing about the newest member of his crew. "What's your name, sailor?"

"William. William Smee." He turned back to the pirates who'd been keeping him tied up. "Can I have my hat?"

With a gesture, the pirate holding the red, floppy hat tossed the clothing article over. As the short man shoved the red cap onto his head, Hook dipped his head slightly to the man.

"Well, Mr. Smee, welcome aboard." With that, he turned and chucked the bean overboard. As it landed in the water, a giant whirlppol began to bubble forth, swirling violently as Killian made his way to the wheel. "Hold on and get ready to set sail, mates." He called to his crew, who were eying the whirlpool with no small amount of distrust. "There's bumpy seas ahead!"

Smee watched the bean at work in awe, turning to his new captain. "What's the name of the place we're headed, Captain?"

Smirking now, the pirate attached the hook he'd stabbed the Dark One with to his stump, his good hand on the wheel, and steered his ship toward the portal.

"Neverland."

Gold circled the bound man, staring down at him with flat, infuriated eyes. "You're probably wondering why I brought you here." He began conversationally. "I found this in the mines, Mr. Smee."

The already pale, fearful man whitened even further when Gold produced a floppy red hat from his suit jacket.

"I am so sorry, I didn't- " He began to sputter, hoping to save his skin.

Gold easily cut him off. "I'm not interested in apologies. I'm interested in information." He leaned closer. "About the man you work for."

Smee was nodding eagerly. "I'll tell you anything you want to know about Moe."

"No, no. Not about Moe – your captain." Smee's eyes widened at the unexpected turn, his mouth opening slightly in response. "Where is he?"

"I've never seen him in Storybrooke, I swear." Gold's lips had tightened, a hint of disbelief shining in his eyes, and Smee continued rapidly. "For some reason, when the curse hit, it… it didn't take him."

The Dark One eyed him disbelievingly for what felt like hours, and Smee tensed in preparation for the retribution he was sure was coming. However, all the suited man did was narrow his eyes and lean closer.

"Then, where is he?"

Enchanted Forest

Peering through the telescope, a tall, dark-haired man clad all in leather watched the small Haven from a distance. There was a soft whoosh behind, a change in pressure that made his skin prickle, before a soft voice met his ears.

"Hello, Hook." Cora greeted, joining the pirate.

"Hello, Cora." He replied, lowering the telescope and turning his head to the side in acknowledgement. "You told me you had something important you needed to show me." She held up a vial of dust that glimmered in the sunlight, and he held back a scoff. "Sparkly dirt." He noted dryly. "Wonderful."

"Just the remains of a magical wardrobe that can travel between worlds." Cora snarked back calmly.

Hook stared at it thoughtfully, his attention now caught. "Is there enough to get us to where we need to go?"

"Not quite." She admitted gracefully, returning the vial within the folds of her cloak once more. "But it's a start."

"We're almost ready to set sail." Excitement unfurled within him, and he was suddenly more eager than he'd been in decades. "What's our port of destination?"

Cora smiled. "Storybrooke."

"Hm, curious name. Is that where…." He trailed off, knowing that she'd finish the trail of thought.

"She is." A sly, amused smirk formed on her painted lips. "And so is he."

Hook returned the smile savagely. "Excellent." He pocketed the telescope. "You'll be able to see your daughter, and I can skin myself a crocodile."

Thoughts? Comments? Questions?