Hey everyone! Happy Saint Patrick's day, I guess.
Thank you for all the reviews. Hopefully you guys like the chapter.
Thanks to CharlotteAshmore for beat-ing this chapter.
Now let's move on to Rumpel and his harem of women...
"Come out, come out, wherever you are," the teasing voice said. It was soft, and nonthreatening, but Belle still tried to hide.
She moved around a bookcase, seeing a trunk at the end of the stacks, and went to put her little ten year old body inside. She was trying not to laugh, as she eased herself inside the trunk.
She made herself comfortable, holding a hand to her mouth to keep her giggles silent. Suddenly, bright light was being shone in the trunk. Belle lifted her head and saw her mother standing over her, holding the lid of the trunk in one hand, a smile on her face.
"I found you, my little Beauty." Belle laughed as her mother helped her up, setting her on her feet.
"Not fair, Mama. You didn't give me enough chance to hide." Belle pretended to pout, but her mother just rolled her eyes, and drew her daughter in for a hug.
"I gave you enough chance, darling. It isn't my fault that you chose a very obvious hiding place." She poked Belle on the nose, causing the little girl to smile. Colette ran a hand down Belle's cheek, her daughter leaning her face into her mother's hand.
They had been playing hide and seek in the library, Belle's favorite game. Neither female had any worries. Life was bliss. Belle had her mother's love, and Colette had her baby girl wrapped safely in her arms.
"I never want this feeling to go away," Belle mumbled into her mother's bosom, as they hugged each other.
"What feeling is that, my sweet?" Colette ran a hand down Belle's hair, feeling her sigh.
"This warm, happy feeling." Belle's voice was soft, like many young ten year olds, but there was a sense of fear as well.
Colette pulled back from their hug, frowning at her daughter. "Why would that feeling go away?"
Belle shrugged, ducking her head. "I'm just scared that you won't always be with me."
Colette sighed, kneeling down before her precious daughter. "Why do you think that?"
"Because Lord LeGume's son said that all mamas will die someday, and that I'll need a boy to take care of me then."
Colette wiped a tear that fell from her daughter's face. "Belle, don't listen to Lord LeGume's son. Gaston is a pea-brained teenage boy who doesn't know what he's talking about. I'm your mother, and if I say I will always be there for you, then I mean it." She gently held Belle's face between her hands. "My little Beauty, I will be here for as long as you need me."
Belle sniffled, trying to be strong for her mother, like she was for her kingdom. "I'll always need you."
Colette smiled, sadly. "You say that now. But there'll be a day when you won't need me. You're a brave girl, Belle." She pressed a hand over Belle's chest, right over her heart. "Just follow your heart, my little Beauty, and you'll never have to fear anything."
Belle, at her tender age, believed her mother wholeheartedly, but she soon realized that life wasn't always that easy.
Belle woke up the next morning, stretching, turning her face away from the window. The sunlight was too bright.
It wasn't until she had washed and dressed that she remembered that Rumpelstiltskin had gone after Milah. Belle still didn't fully understand why Milah needed to stay here, but Belle figured she would ask Rumpel when he returned.
Belle made her way down to the dining hall, and felt a very prominent absence at all the missing people. Regina and Milah had run away, Rumpelstiltskin had left to find Milah, and Cora...well, Belle didn't know exactly what had become of her, and nor did she care. As long as Cora was out of her life, and Rumpel's, Belle didn't have to fear anything.
But there was one person who was still hanging around.
The red head strolled into the great hall, her wandering gaze moving around. "Where is everybody?" Zelena asked, holding a hand over her mouth as she yawned.
Belle stopped in her tracks, and stared disbelieving at Zelena. "You didn't know that Milah and your sister ran away?" Zelena's eyes widened, especially as Belle continued speaking. "Or that Rumpelstiltskin banished your mother?"
Zelena stood frozen, mouth gaping. "What? No! I didn't know about any of this."
Belle didn't know what else to do but shrug. "It all happened yesterday."
Zelena sat down at the table, still in shock. "Well, where's Rumpelstiltskin?"
"He's gone after Milah." Belle sat down as well, folding her hands together.
"How did I not know about any of this?" Zelena put her head in her hands.
Belle just shrugged again, really not knowing what to say.
Zelena huffed. "Well, what are we going to do now?"
"I didn't think you would want to stay here, with your mother and sister gone," Belle said wonderingly, rising out of her seat to go to the kitchen.
Zelena followed after. "Yes, but won't Rumpelstiltskin be returning?" She sounded extremely hopeful.
Belle nodded. "I assume so. Don't see why he wouldn't return. This is his home after all." She began to make breakfast. It was somewhat nice not to have to make as much food for so many people. It would also be a welcome change not to have to put up with Cora's belligerent stares while she served it.
Zelena looked at her skeptically, her eyes shifting up and down. "You seem awfully blasé about all of this. Aren't you at least a little upset about Rumpelstiltskin being gone? Especially since he's gone after his wife."
Belle paused, her hand, in which she was holding a ladle, hovering over the cooking pot. "Why would I be upset?" she asked, hesitantly.
Zelena snorted. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe because you're in love with him."
Belle flushed, backing away from Zelena. "I'm... not in love with him," she said, haltingly. Belle wasn't sure if she was lying or not.
Zelena rolled her eyes. "Fine. Whatever. But just know this." She stepped closer to Belle, pointing a finger at the brunette. "I love Rumpelstiltskin. That's why I won't leave." With those parting words, Zelena left the room, leaving Belle gaping.
Belle knew there was a lot she had to come to terms with concerning Rumpel.
She had been scared of him yesterday, when he attacked Cora. She had seen her first real glimpse of his 'dark side.' He was called The Dark One, after all, Belle just never wanted to accept that. When she only saw him being friendly and teasing, it was difficult for her to keep track of the man beneath the speckled skin and over-the-top attitude.
She knew there was good in him. She saw it when he caught her from falling, and when he saved her repeatedly from Cora. Also when he saved her from that man, the Sheriff of Nottingham, who wanted to...do unpleasant sexual activities with her.
But it was because she saw the good in him, that was confusing her. How could someone who protected her so much, attempt to take away another person's life? Rumpelstiltskin was a conundrum, an enigma. From the first day she'd met him, she'd been trying to figure him out. Maybe he was just too complicated of a man to try to label. Good or bad. Maybe he was a little of both.
Though, because Belle was even contemplating these emotions, she wasn't sure what to make of herself. Was there something wrong with her, if she was even considering falling in love with Rumpelstiltskin? Was she already in love? She didn't know. She had never been before, so she had no previous experiences to draw from. For goodness sakes, he was her employer! They had made a deal. She was here under contract. That didn't seem the most appropriate circumstances to be falling for The Dark One.
She couldn't help but warm up at the thought of his laugh. She smiled when she thought of his reaction when she teased him. He would get flustered, yet pretend he wasn't. She didn't know much of his past yet, but she loved the idea of learning it. Of him letting her past his walls. His presence itself made her feel excited. There was something so...powerful about him, and it wasn't just his magic. He made her feel things she had never felt before.
And of course there had been her dream...
That dream still consumed her. Belle still wasn't sure if it was her subconscious or a spell Rumpelstiltskin had put on her, but whatever the reason, she had... liked what invaded her sleeping mind. It had been passionate. When she looked at Rumpelstiltskin, she saw that passion, among other emotions. Playfulness, melancholy, anger...
Belle shook her head in frustration. She really wanted her mother to speak with. She would be able to give Belle the answers she needed.
For now though, Belle was hoping, that with Rumpel gone, she could take a break from her chores. Get more reading in. She would also try to stay away from Zelena. The red head hadn't seemed in the best of moods.
"Maid, make me some breakfast!" Belle heard Zelena call from the other room.
Belle sighed. She guessed that putting her chores on hold wasn't an option. Why couldn't Zelena have run away with Regina in the first place?
Because she loves Rumpelstiltskin. Zelena had always seemed frivolous to Belle. Someone that Rumpelstiltskin hardly ever paid any attention. Maybe it was because Belle was just now realizing how she felt, but whatever the reason, the idea that Zelena loved Rumpelstiltskin, made Belle uncomfortable. She did not like the feeling.
Regina was leisurely walking through the little village she had gone through before with her mother and sister. She and Milah had parted ways the night before. The older woman wasn't too happy about leaving Regina by herself.
"I'll be fine," Regina had said.
Milah sighed, drawing Regina into a hug. "I know. I just don't want you to get hurt. You're a young girl, all on your own."
Regina held up a hand, a fireball encompassing her palm. "A young girl with magic."
"True," Milah nodded, acquiescing.
Regina dissolved the magic, shaking her hand. "Besides, you want to get as far from Rumpelstiltskin as possible. You have to keep traveling."
"Why do you want to stay here?" Milah waved a hand around the tiny village. "Don't you want to get away from Rumpelstiltskin?"
Regina shook her head. "It was my mother. Not Rumpelstiltskin." She drew in a breath. "And besides, there is someone in the village I want to see."
Milah didn't ask questions, her own mind filled with thoughts of escape.
'Where will you go?" Regina asked.
"The shipping docks. I want to get on a ship and leave this place."
"And after that?"
Milah frowned. "I'm not sure. I figure I'll have plenty of time to think when I'm on a boat, sailing to...wherever."
The two women hugged again. After the time they had spent in the Dark Castle, they had forged a bond, both being forced to stay isolated. They would miss each other, but each had to go their own paths.
"Good bye, Milah." Regina pulled away from the hug, surprised to feel tears escaping from her eyes. She wasn't one for crying, and rarely ever did it.
Milah smiled, sympathetically, brushing away one of Regina's tears. "You too, Regina. Be safe." With those words, the two woman parted ways.
Now, back in the present, Regina was browsing through the street vendors, smiling when she saw some man selling those same shrunken heads she had seen before.
Just as she was wondering if she would ever see him again, a voice called out to her.
"Regina?"
Regina turned quickly, smiling when she saw the man she had been hoping to see.
Daniel.
But her smiled quickly slipped when she saw his face.
He did not look happy to see her. In fact, he looked angry.
Rumpelstiltskin had not been happy to discover that his wife had run away. He had a spell prepared and ready at hand for tracking her. He smirked when he could sense that she was heading to the docks, probably thinking she could get on a ship, and sail away forever.
Though with Rumpelstiltskin hunting her, that wouldn't be the case.
He was purposefully not transporting himself with magic to find Milah. He wanted to take his time searching for her. Draw out the anticipation.
As he was making his way through the enchanted forest, he could sense the desperate need for help. He tilted his head, frowning. Then he snapped his fingers, and magically appeared in front of Snow White, the outlaw princess herself.
She jumped back in surprise, holding a hand to her heart, trying to catch her breath.
Rumpelstiltskin pointed at her. "And where are you going, dearie?"
"Rumpelstiltskin," she said, breathless, a little intimidated by his sudden appearance.
He bowed, over exaggerated. "At your service." He stood back up. "How can I be of assistance to you, Snow White?" He grinned, showing off his rotten teeth. It probably wouldn't endear her to him any sooner. It would probably just frighten her.
"How do you know my name?" She pulled her hood back, exposing long, black hair.
He snorted. "Well, how did you know mine?" Before she could answer, he cut her off, leaving her mouth gaping. "Names are my specialty, dearie."
She slowly took a step towards him. "I was coming to you for answers. I was told that you help people."
He snorted again. "Well, I wouldn't say 'help.'"
Snow flung her arms in exasperation. "Then what is it you do?"
"Ah," he paused, thinking. Finally he nodded, coming to an answer. "I'm able to give people what they want most."
Snow frowned. "Isn't that helping?"
Rumpelstiltskin slowly grinned. "Not that way I do it."
Snow wearily looked at him, pondering what to do. Finally she sighed, nodding. "Can you 'help' me with...love?"
He took a step back, wanting to laugh. "Are you asking me dating advice, Princess?"
Snow quickly shook her head, realizing how that sounded out loud, as compared to inside her head. "No!" She took a deep breath. "I need something that will help me fall out of love."
"Out of love?" Rumpelstiltskin asked, tilting his head. "Why would you want that? In love with a toad?" He laughed at his own joke.
"His name is Charming. He's not a toad."
Rumpelstiltskin snorted. "Presumptuous. So, I take it, he's not a toad."
Snow sighed, rolling her eyes. "No! He's not a toad."
"You're right. The toad would be me." He giggled, a high-pitched grating sound. He sat down on a nearby boulder, flinging back his cloak. "So, you want me to give you a spell that will 'help' you fall out of love with your Prince Charming, who's not a toad."
"Correct." Snow was trying really hard not to grind her teeth together. This Rumpelstiltskin was an annoying...man. Snow felt sorry for whoever had to live with him. Well, she figured no one lived with him. It would be unbearable.
"Why?" he asked, quietly.
Snow arched an eyebrow. "Why?"
He shook his hands out in front of him in exasperation. Clearly Snow wasn't the only one annoyed. Rumpelstiltskin had a run-away wife to get to. "Yes, why do you want to fall out of love in the first place?"
Snow shifted on her feet. "Why can't you just give me a potion and let me be?"
He stared at her as if she was mental. "Because, where's the fun in that? And besides, if I give you something, then you give me something in return."
She eyed him, not trusting. "What do you want?"
"Tell me why you need this falling out of love potion, and I'll tell you what I want in return." He leaned back on the boulder, smiling smugly.
"Fine," Snow said, irritated. Rumpelstiltskin easily riled people up, even someone as even tempered as Snow White. "I need a potion, because... I can't go on loving him. I can't hurt him."
Rumpelstiltskin tilted his head, staring at her intently. "Why would your love hurt him?"
Snow shook her head. "I answered your question. Now answer mine."
Rumpelstiltskin held up a finger, standing up. "Not fully, dearie. I need the complete reason why you can't go on loving your 'Prince Charming.'"
Snow stared at him, grimacing. "Because his father doesn't approve of me, and if I don't end our relationship, he will kill Charming."
"Why would he kill his own son?" Rumpelstiltskin may be a questionable moral figure, but he could never understand why someone would hurt their own child. He had lost his son, and it turned him into the...thing...he was today.
"Because he's not his son. Not by blood, anyway."
Rumpelstiltskin's eyes widened. "Interesting," he murmured. This story reminded him of the time he had separated two boys when they were young. One was a shepherd, the other a prince.
"Now will you tell me what you want?" Snow asked, irritated.
"Mmm." He rubbed his chin, thinking. Finally he pointed at Snow, or more precisely, her collarbone. "I'll take that necklace."
Snow jerked back, holding a hand over the piece of jewelry. "No! It was my mother's."
"Exactly why I want it, dearie." He reached out and grabbed the necklace, Snow protesting. Before she could become truly upset, he used magic to make the potion appear in his hand.
He held it out to Snow, presenting it like it was a great gift.
She hesitantly reached for it, holding it close to her chest. "This will make my feelings for Charming go away?"
"Yes." Just as Snow was turning to walk away, Rumpelstiltskin called out. "You should probably know dearie, that potion won't only make your love for your prince disappear, but also cause your heart to...darken."
Snow paused, a frown on her face. "What do you mean?"
"I mean what I said. Your heart will darken. I thought that was obvious," he giggled.
"No, that wasn't obvious," Snow said, sarcastically, shaking her head.
Rumpelstiltskin shrugged. "Well, now you know, dearie. Any other side effects, I won't be held accountable."
Snow looked down at the bottle in her hands, clearly debating what to do. Finally she nodded, a determined expression crossing her features. She gripped the bottle tighter, heading in the other direction.
Rumpelstiltskin called out again, preventing Snow from leaving. "Just one more thing, dearie." He paused, contemplating what he wanted to say. He couldn't believe he was asking, but some things in his life had really gotten him thinking. At Snow's quizzical expression, he continued to speak. "Why are you doing this?"
Snow frowned. "I already told you."
He waved a hand, exasperated. "You told me why you wanted the potion. To protect your 'twoo wuv.'" He rolled his eyes, then became serious again. "But why go to such great lengths to destroy your love, your...happiness?"
"It's called sacrifice," Snow said, softly. "Love is a sacrifice. If turning my heart dark, means Charming can live, then I would do anything to save him." She smiled a little to herself, no doubt lost in her mind thinking of her prince.
"Huh," Rumpelstiltskin said, eyeing her as if she was insane. "Not what I was expecting."
Snow's eyes became a little warm. "What were you expecting?"
Now this time, it was Rumpelstiltskin who seemed lost in his thoughts. "Love has always been a possession to me. Something to claim. Not a sacrifice." He couldn't believe he was saying so many...gushy things, but he felt like he needed to say them.
Snow smiled sympathetically at him. "Well, maybe one day, you'll learn."
Rumpelstiltskin didn't say anything as Snow left, his mind reeling.
Milah, by the end of the day, after getting a ride from a couple of farmers on their wagon, had finally made it to the docks.
She inhaled the overwhelming smell of fish, trying to get used to it. Hoping she would get used to it, especially if she would be on a ship for the next...who knew how long. She squared her shoulders, and walked down the dock, to a nearby man hoisting ropes onto a boat.
"Excuse me," Milah asked, tapping the man on the shoulder.
The little man jerked around, his red cap almost falling from his head. He grabbed at his blue and white striped shirt, trying to catch his breath from the fright the woman had caused him.
"I'm sorry." Milah held up her hands, not having meant to scare the poor man. "I was just trying to figure out where some of these ships are going?"
"Is there a particular place you were hoping to go?"
Milah shrugged. "Just far away from here."
The red capped man smiled. "Well then, I know the perfect captain who can help you. He's getting ready to sail within the next few days."
Milah frowned, thinking of Rumpelstiltskin possibly coming after her. "Nothing sooner?"
He shook his head. "Not really. Unless you want to sail the open seas with Captain Blackbeard, there are no other ships sailing for a few weeks."
"Captain Blackbeard?" Milah asked, not recognizing the name.
"A myth, love." A voice behind Milah spoke. She turned around to see a younger man, extremely handsome, strolling down the docks towards her. "No one's seen Blackbeard in ages." He smirked, eyeing her from head to toe. It wasn't the way Rumpelstiltskin did it. When he looked people up and down it was either to assess their weaknesses or make the other person feel incompetent. The way this man stared at her, made Milah think he was admiring her. It felt flattering.
"What can I do for you?" the man said, stepping right up to her. It was almost too close, making her want to blush as if she was a young girl again. It reminded her of the first moment she laid eyes on her husband.
"'What?" Milah asked.
The man jerked his head at the red capped sailor. "I see you're speaking to Smee here. He works for me. I'm Captain Jones." He held out a hand to Milah. She hesitantly lowered her hand in his, taken aback when he lifted it to his lips to press a kiss to her knuckles. This Captain Jones really was making her feel like a blushing maiden again.
"Milah..." She trailed off, not knowing what to call herself. Rumpelstiltskin had always gone by his title, the Duke of Hanau before he became The Dark One. After that, he just referred to himself by his first name. Milah hadn't referred to herself by her maiden name in years, but decided now was a good time to start. "Milah Durville."
Captain Jones smiled. "What's a woman like you doing out here?"
"Looking for passage." She held up a purse full of coins. "I have money."
He lowered the bag down, tapping her hands. "No need. Passage aboard The Jolly Roger is freely given."
As Milah smiled, pleased, she heard Smee mutter, "It is?"
Jones gave him a driveling look. "For a beautiful woman it is."
Smee just rolled his eyes, as Milah looked between them, confused.
Jones plastered on a smile, holding out an arm for her to precede in front of him. "This way, Miss Durville." He paused. "Is it Miss or Mrs?"
Milah paused herself. "Miss," she finally said.
That seemed to please Captain Jones even more. "Lets head back to the tavern. Get warm food and drink, and you can tell me what or whom you're running from."
Milah shook her head. "Who says I'm running from anything?"
Jones just shot her a pointed look. "Most women that come looking for passage aboard The Jolly Roger are running from something."
"You have many women come through here?" Milah asked, curious.
Jones smirked. "None as enchanting as you."
Milah couldn't tell whether to roll her eyes or be absolutely flattered. Whichever, Milah knew she wouldn't mind running away on Captain Jones' ship.
"Daniel," Regina breathed, hesitantly stepping towards him. She was extremely happy to see him. In the one moment they had met, Regina had felt a connection like none other. Seeing him angry, did not bode well in her favor.
"Regina," he shook his head, brown hair brushing his forehead, "what are you doing here?"
Regina frowned. "I came to see you."
He backed up when she tried to step closer. "You lied to me. You told me you were from a neighboring village, yet when your mother spoke, she made clear that you live with The Dark One. Regina, The Dark One! I don't understand."
Regina swallowed hard, wringing her hands. "I...I did lie to you," she said, haltingly. "But I didn't want you to know that I lived in The Dark One's castle."
"Why?" He shook his head, confused.
Regina pointed at him. "For exactly this reason. I figured you wouldn't understand."
He threw up his hands in frustration. "Of course, I don't understand. I met you and instantly knew you were special, but then I hear this news, and none of it makes sense."
Regina sighed, and stopped trying to get closer to him. "My mother made a deal with Rumpelstiltskin a little over a year ago, and I was forced to live in the god forsaken castle."
Daniel frowned, looking concerned. "Did he hurt you? The Dark One?"
Regina quickly shook her head. "No. He never hurt me. It was my mother who hurt me." Regina noticed that Daniel stopped moving away from her, so she tried her luck and stepped up to him, gently laying a hand on his forearm. "I'm sorry I lied. I felt the same way about you the instant I met you, and I couldn't bear the thought of you thinking badly of me."
Daniel's expression softened. "You could have told me. I want to get to know you, Regina. I like you, more than I have liked any other girl." At her frown, he corrected, saying, "Woman. You're clearly a woman." The way he said those words made Regina smile with happiness, and cause a flush to spread over her face, making her seem decidedly un-womanly and more like a girl.
Regina squeezed his arm. "Thank you, Daniel. Now that I'm free from my mother, I would like to know you better as well. My mother tried to ruin my life, but that's not the case anymore."
A chuckled was heard behind Regina. "So glad you think that way, Daughter."
Regina's eyes widened, as she spun around to see the bane of her life standing smugly behind her. "Mother," Regina grimaced.
Cora smiled, making it seem cruel. "Oh Regina, I hadn't hoped to hear those words come from your lips."
Regina placed herself in front of Daniel, wanting to protect him from her mother's wrath. "What words did you expect, Mother?"
Cora shrugged. "At least ones with a little more bite in them."
Regina's eyes narrowed. "I can give you more bite, Mother. Leave. Me. Alone. I don't want to see you."
"But I do." Cora didn't try to get closer to her daughter. It wasn't her plan to upset or scare Regina. She merely wanted to know how much her daughter cared for her. Or in this case, didn't care for her. "I messed up, Regina. I'm sorry."
Regina didn't believe her mother's apology in the slightest. She didn't know what her mother's game was, but Regina didn't trust it. "Just go, Cora. You took everything from me. I don't want you in my life."
Cora rolled her eyes, huffing. "Daughter, don't say that. You're being melodramatic."
"No, that's what you have Zelena for," Regina all but seethed.
Cora laughed. "True. Your sister is prone for overly dramatics bursts of temper, is she not? That's why I'm surprised you're speaking to me in this way."
Regina barked a laugh. "You're deranged, Cora. If you coming here was to win me back, then think again."
Cora hummed, nodding. "All right. What if I said, coming here wasn't to win you back then?"
Regina paused. "What do you mean?" She could feel Daniel's presence behind her, and was glad he was smart enough to stay out of the melee.
"Oh, just that I was wondering if you wanted to get a little revenge on Rumpelstiltskin, was all."
Regina stared at her mother, wondering if her mother had hit her head too many times on the headboard as she and Rumpelstiltskin busied themselves in extracurricular activities. That thought was pretty disgusting. "Why would I want revenge on Rumpelstiltskin. He wasn't the one who locked me up. You are."
Cora grimaced. "Fine. I see I won't move that stubborn mind of yours. You take after me too much. I'll just get your sister's help."
Just as Cora started to turn her back on Regina, the younger girl called out to her to stop. "You can't go back to the Dark Castle. Rumpelstiltskin won't be happy to see you. And you know you can't hurt Belle."
Cora grimaced even more at the reminder. "I know, but Zelena will want to come with me. I'll get a message to her. I'm not stupid enough to try something with Rumpelstiltskin again so soon after..."
Regina arched an eyebrow. "After you failed?"
Cora flushed, narrowing her eyes at her daughter. "Enough, Regina. I came here to say goodbye since I figured you wouldn't want to see me anymore, anyway. You don't have to help me take down Rumpelstiltskin. Just know that I'm going to, and I will win this time." She moved her gaze over Regina's shoulder and sniffed when she saw Daniel. "Have fun with your stable boy. I still don't approve." With those words, Cora left in a swirl of purple mist.
Once her mother was gone, Regina felt like she could breathe again, as Daniel hesitantly placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you all right?" he asked, his breath tickling the hairs at the nape of her neck.
She nodded, shakily. She wasn't too pleased with her mother, to say the least. Regina was worried that Cora would do something rash and spiteful. She would have to warn Rumpelstiltskin.
She sighed, not liking the idea. Regina guessed that she wasn't as free as she thought a moment before.
As Rumpelstiltskin continued making his way to Milah, he was interrupted again. Not from Snow White this time, but from her true love, Charming.
"Rumpelstiltskin!" yelled the prince, brandishing his sword, stepping into Rumpelstiltskin's path.
"What is it, dearie? I'm rather pressed for time," he asked, drawled in a bored tone. Really, was it so difficult to walk through the enchanted forest to find his wife without having to deal with small-brained royalty?
"What did you do to Snow?" Charming pressed his sword into the sorcerer's chest.
Rumpelstiltskin laughed. "What did I do? She came to me for help. Help getting away from you." He hit the sword tip away, walking past Charming. He eyed the prince. "I can see why."
Suddenly, Charming tilted his head, frowning. "Do I know you?"
Rumpelstiltskin snorted. "Well, enough to threaten me with a sword."
Charming shook his head. "No, I mean I know you're The Dark One, but I've never actually seen you in person before. You look familiar."
Rumpelstiltskin shrugged, acting nonchalant, though he knew exactly who Charming was. It wasn't because of Snow White, but because of the deal King George had made with him years ago. Rumpelstiltskin knew who Charming was when Snow White mentioned him, having his suspicions confirmed when the princess told the tale of the illegitimate prince. Charming's brother had been taken as a boy, though old enough that both boys could recognize him, if they ever met.
Charming shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He settled back on his mission, threatening Rumpelstiltskin. Not the best idea ever. "You gave her a potion that turned her heart dark!"
"I just gave it to her earlier today. That was fast," Rumpelstiltskin muttered.
Charming nodded, furious. "Now undo the curse," he seethed.
Rumpelstiltskin laughed. "There's nothing I can do, dearie. It's all on you."
"What do you mean?" Charming brandished his sword again.
Rumpelstiltskin gave him a pointed look.
"Name your price," Charming said, frowning, as he realized he wouldn't get any information without a deal.
The Dark One cleared his throat, thinking. "How about...your cloak."
Charming jerked back, not expecting that demand. "My cloak? Why do you need my cloak? You already have one." He pointed his sword at Rumpelstiltskin.
Rumpelstiltskin ran a finger down the collar of his own cloak. "Yes, but a change of scenery would be nice. The same old cloak becomes tedious, dearie."
Charming frowned, thinking of all the ways Rumpelstiltskin could be playing him. In the end, he didn't see anything wrong with the deal. He took off his cloak, lying it on a nearby boulder. "Now, tell me how to help Snow."
"That's easy. 'Twoo wuv's' kiss." Rumpelstiltskin smiled smugly at the shock on Charming's face.
"That's it? That's easy." Just as Charming spun on his heel to begin his quest, Rumpelstiltskin called him back.
"Not that easy, Prince. It will be difficult to break the curse if Snow White doesn't love you."
"Why wouldn't she love me?"
Rumpelstiltskin waved his wands. "Weren't you listening to the part about how her heart has darkened? She's not the same princess you fell in love with. She's...changed." He laughed, high pitched.
Charming's grip on his sword hilt tightened. "Well, then I'll help her remember."
Before Rumpelstiltskin could say any more, the gallant prince ran off. Really, it was a miracle he could get anywhere with that small brain of his. Rumpelstiltskin shook his head in exasperation. He was getting a little irritated by the fact that it seemed pretty easy for people to find him in the middle of the enchanted forest. Well, maybe he just attracted attention easily.
He went to pick up Charming's cloak, folding it over one arm.
His discussion with Snow White had got him thinking about love. It would be pretty handy to some at the ready.
He made the cloak disappear in a cloud of smoke, knowing that it would be waiting in his tower, next to the necklace he took from Snow White, for when he returned.
Now, after all these distractions, it was time to go find his wife. He had a deal with her that needed discussing.
And he was nothing if not proficient.
"My little Beauty," Colette sighed from her bed where she lay, sick. She held her daughter's hand, trying not to cry. An Ogre had hurt her, causing Colette to lose a lot of blood. She couldn't heal properly, and now she would die because of it.
"Mama," Belle sniffled. She hadn't called her mother 'mama' in many years. Being a grown woman, one tended to call one's parents by more dignified names. Not Belle. Her mother was dying, and all she could do was call her mother 'mama.'
Colette smiled, though it was a strain to barely move, and slid a hand down Belle's face. "Oh, Belle. You are so beautiful and strong."
Belle shook her head, sitting down on her mother's bed. She leaned her head against her mother's heart, gently so as to not hurt Colette. "I don't feel strong. Not when you're leaving me."
Colette sighed. "Remember what I told you, when you were a little girl?"
Belle sat up, frowning. "No," she whispered.
Colette tried to laugh, it coming out more of a gasp. "Gaston was bothering you, saying that I would leave you one day."
Belle nodded, remembering. "And I said that I would always need you. I was so scared." She drew in a shaky breath. "I'm scared now."
Colette slowly nodded as well. "I know, my little Beauty. And I said that if you always follow your heart, you'll never have to fear anything." She cupped Belle's cheek in one hand, Belle leaning in. "Now's the time to follow your heart."
Belle tried to smile, and only succeeded at crying. Tears dripped down her mother's hand. "I'm not happy, Mama. You say follow your heart, but my heart tells me to take an adventure. Not marry Gaston. I can't stand him."
"I know. I never wanted that for you either, but your father thought it a good match. Belle, you will have your adventure. I promise."
"But how?" Belle asked, her voice barely discernible.
"To stop the ogre problem, go to the place your heart is most at peace."
Belle's eyes widened. "The library."
Colette nodded. "There's a book in there that should help. You'll have your adventure, never fear."
"Mama?" Belle was lost in thought, a question had been plaguing her mind for awhile. "Do you love Papa?"
Colette didn't hesitate for a moment. "I always have. Despite your father and I not always agreeing on matters, I never stopped loving him."
"I don't love Gaston," Belle whimpered, pleading eyes on her mother.
"My little Beauty, you will find love. I'm sure of it." She squeezed Belle's hand, offering her comfort.
"How will I?" Belle squeezed her mother's hand back.
"It will come when you least expect it, but when you know, there will be no fear in your heart. No doubt."
Belle frowned. "But, I have to marry Gaston. How can I be in love with another?"
Colette smiled, sympathetically. "I don't think that will be a concern for much longer. Like I said, Belle. Follow your heart, and it will guide you to where you need to go."
Belle took in a shaky breath. "I love you, Mama."
"And I you, my little Beauty."
Those were the last words Belle ever heard pass her mother's lips, but she felt more resigned and sure of herself than she ever had before. It was time to make something of her life. Her mother had sacrificed so much for her, and Belle knew it was her time to do the same.
With her mother's words in her head, Belle knew it was time to start being strong. She would try to take her mother's advice, and follow her heart.
As the day wore on for Belle, putting up with Zelena and all, she was finally able to relax with a book in her hands.
That was, until a woman in a sparkly pink dress, with wings attached to her back, showed up in the middle of the dining hall.
Belle could only stare at the woman, mouth gaping, as the woman glanced around, taking in her surroundings. "Oh," she said, upon glancing at Belle. "You must be her."
"Who are you?" Belle asked.
The woman waved a wand at her, laughing. "Nova, silly. Your fairy godmother."
Belle's eyes widened, one dubious brow shooting towards her hairline. "I have a fairy godmother?"
Nova nodded, excited. She was clearly perky. "Of course. All young women in need do."
"But, I thought Rumpelstiltskin killed The Fairy Godmother," Belle commented, placing her book in her lap.
Nova shuddered at the name. "Him." Her nose crinkled in disgust. "He did, but she wasn't the only fairy godmother. Just the most famous."
Belle nodded, slowly, processing this new bit of information."So...you're my fairy godmother. Why are you here now?"
"Well, Blue thought you might need help, so here I am!" Nova spun around in a twinkle of sparkles and fairy dust.
"Blue?" Belle asked, not following the kind, but eccentric fairy.
"The Blue Fairy. She's my superior."
Belle nodded as if she understood the hierarchy of fairies. She had read a book about them once, but Nova wasn't quite what she had been expecting.
"Why does the Blue Fairy think I need help?"
Nova looked around the room, puckering as if she just ate a lemon. "Isn't Rumpelstiltskin keeping you captive? I've come to grant you any wish, so that you may be free of this place. I could only come now, seeing as The Dark One is away. I do not want to have to deal with that...man, if you can call him that."
Belle wanted to laugh, especially at the look upon Nova's face. "Rumpelstiltskin isn't keeping me captive. I came here willingly."
Nova frowned. "Really?" she asked, her nose wrinkling as she stared at her charge in disbelief.
Belle shrugged. "I mean, we made a deal. He didn't force me to come here."
Nova began to twiddle with her wand. "So, you really want to be here?"
Belle hesitated. Did she want to be here? She was happy that Cora was gone and looking forward to a more pleasant time at the Dark Castle, but Belle did miss her papa, and her freedom. She could go anywhere in the castle, but she did miss the outside world.
Then Belle thought of Rumpelstiltskin, how she was looking forward to his return. Did she want to leave when he was gone? Could she? She didn't know if Nova's power was stronger than Rumpel's, but Belle doubted it. Rumpel was a very powerful sorcerer.
It was a struggle for Belle to say, but also extremely easy. "I need to stay. I can't break my deal with Rumpelstiltskin. I doubt he'd be very happy."
Nova sat down next to her, hands clasped within the folds of her sparkly dress. "Would he hurt you?"
Belle quickly shook her head. "Of course not. Rumpel would never hurt me."
"Rumpel?" Nova tilted her head.
Belle blushed, noticing her slip. "It's... my nickname for him."
"Sounds pretty intimate," Nova observed.
"A lot of the women at the castle call him that. It was only natural that I would start to call him that too." Belle reasoned with herself.
Nova frowned, the expression on her face seeming foreign. Belle guessed Nova was rarely ever upset. "There are other woman that live here? Here?"
Belle nodded, then paused. "Well, they used to. Other than Zelena, I'm the only one left."
"What happened to the others?"
Belle began to tick off her fingers. "One was banished, one ran away, and the other is being brought back right now."
Nova just stared at Belle. "Interesting."
Belle began to laugh at Nova's expression. The fairy seemed to be making her happy. Belle was about to tell Nova that she didn't need anything from her, when an idea passed through her mind.
"Nova?" Belle hesitated, biting her lip.
"Hmm?" Nova looked ready to start prancing around the room, swinging her wand left and right. Belle knew she needed to ask quickly.
"I was wondering...since you're a fairy, I'm assuming you practice magic?"
Nova nodded, eagerly. "Oh, yes. Light magic. The most pure form of all." She waved her wand to emphasis her point, sparks of fairy dust falling off.
"Light magic," Belle commented. "What type of magic does Rumpelstiltskin practice? He's never really explained to me."
Nova shuddered. "Most definitely not light magic. He partakes in dark magic. Extremely dark magic."
Belle frowned, not surprised. She took a breath, nodding her head in determination, once she made up her mind. "I want to learn."
Nova stood up. "You want to learn dark magic?"
Belle stood up as well, shaking her head. "No. I want to learn light magic."
Nova relaxed, smiling. "All right." Then she paused, eyeing Belle. "Why?"
"I want to be able to protect myself." She lifted up the protection amulet from around her neck. "This helps, but I feel so defenseless. I've read about so many brave heroines in my books, that I want to be like them. I've been almost killed countless times, and despite Rumpelstiltskin banishing that threat...I would feel better knowing I could defend myself. Just in case," she added.
"Why do you think I'll be able to teach you?"
"Well, two of the girls that live here, Regina and Zelena, have been learning from Rumpelstiltskin. I figured, if they could learn dark magic, then I could learn light magic. You could teach me."
Nova fiddled with the wand in her hands again. She seemed to do that a lot. "I don't know if I can teach you though. I'm still pretty new at being a fairy."
"I'm sure you would be a wonderful teacher," Belle complemented, Nova blushing under the praise. "You said you wanted to help me, in any way. Since you can't help me escape, you can help me to learn to protect myself."
Nova wavered, biting her lip. "I'm not very good," she warned.
Belle waved a hand. "Nonsense, Nova. I want to learn, and I want to learn from you."
Finally Nova gave in. "All right. I'll help you." She perked up quickly again. "When do you want to start?"
"Now, I guess."
"Here in The Dark One's castle?" Nova sounded worried.
"It's fine," Belle reassured. "Rumpelstiltskin won't be angry. He'll be happy I'm learning magic." Or so Belle thought. She really had no idea what Rumpel's stance would be on Nova being here. Belle just hoped that he would like Nova. He did kill The Fairy Godmother, but Belle tried not to be concerned.
Belle wanted to learn. She was hoping the lessons would clear up her feelings for Rumpel by distracting her while he was away. She really hoped.
Though whatever the reason, Belle was finally following her gut instinct, and her gut instinct told her to learn light magic, but most importantly, Belle was thinking of her mother. Maybe it was the calming effect Belle received from Nova, but she thought of her mother when she looked at the sparkly fairy.
Belle, at just the thought of learning magic, already felt stronger, more confident. If Rumpelstiltskin had a problem with her learning light magic...then he would just have to deal.
Yeah, because that's going to go over so well...
From a question from CharlotteAshmore that I thought I would clarify if anyone else was confused, the Charming backstory is similar to the show, but a little different. In my story, David's brother, James, was taken to be King George's son, but instead of him being a baby, like in the show, he was around five or so. That's why Charming/David kind of recognizes Rumpel when they first meet. David, just like in the show, has now taken James's place, as James is dead. Hopefully that makes sense.
Don't worry too much about this though. The Charming plot line doesn't play much of a role in the story. The scenes between Rumpel, Snow, and Charming are there for Rumpel's development, not plot reasons. Rumpel, after seeing this true love between Charming and Snow, will start to think on his own love life, later on. Snow's comment about love being a sacrifice will soon start to resonate with Rumpel.
I also promise that there will be more scenes between Belle and Rumpel in later chapters. Once Rumpel has dealt with Milah, he'll be able to focus more on Belle.
Upcoming: Milah and Rumpel come to a stance on their relationship, Belle practices some magic (oh dear), and Zelena needs to get a life (like pronto).