Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Next Step, Part Eleven
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
(A/N: There still a lot of stuff in the wings so if something doesn't make sense now, be patient. It probably will later...)
Emma drove back to town, her mind still going over what happened in the study. There was no telling what would have happened if Frederick had been even a second later. Even though she had a pretty good hold on the ladder, the force of it hitting the opposite wall would have most certainly knocked her off. She went cold, the thought of how seriously injured she could have been settling over her like a blanket of ice.
~I would have healed though, ~ She tried to tell herself. It still didn't help, knowing it still would have taken time. Her mind then went to the ladder, wondering if it had been tampered with or if it just really couldn't handle that much weight.
She then pondered just who could have sabotaged it if that were the case. The list was quite short, Emma not wanting to believe any of the people on it could have done such a thing. Mr. Gold wouldn't have knowingly sent her up a damaged ladder or at least she didn't think he would. He had said too many times they had to remain together in order to defeat Regina.
Her mind then went to Belle. If she were indeed being controlled by Regina, such a stunt wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. Proving it would the impossible thing and Emma still wasn't for sure just how deep Regina's control over the woman was. She then wondered if the tampering had been meant to hurt Mr. Gold and not her at all.
She shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it. Frederick had been right on time and stopped anything from happening. Her mind then went to Belle and how badly injured her wrist was. It had swelled quite bit after the fall but Frederick had assured her everything would be alright.
He had arrived so quickly and it made Emma wonder just how close he lived to Mr. Gold. The summer house was twenty miles outside of town, a little over a twenty minute drive at the posted speed limit. That led her to believe Frederick was coming from somewhere closer than town. She hadn't seen that many houses along the route but there were enough to make her wonder just which one belonged to him.
As she continued to drive back to Marco's wood shop, she started to ponder just exactly what had happened while she was away. She silently hoped everything went well but still braced herself as she neared her destination. Each minute that ticked by made her more nervous. She had tried to call August back but the battery for her phone died shortly after leaving Mr. Gold's.
She was apprehensive because of the number of times he had called her, hoping it was just to ask her where she was and why she had left. She tried not to think of the worst, like something had happened to Marco after he had told him everything. She was gripping the steering wheel quite tightly when she finally arrived at the wood shop, pulling alongside Marco's delivery truck and parking the car. She shut off the engine before opening her door.
She got out of the car and walked to the front door, reaching for the bell. She rang it, waiting for someone to open the door. A moment later, she heard footsteps approaching. She held her breath as the locks clicked open and the door knob turned.
She let it out when Marco answered. He smiled broadly, " Oh, Sheriff Swan. You came back. "
" I did, " Emma said. " August called me a lot while I was gone. Did anything happen? "
Marco nodded, " Yes. "
Emma furrowed her brow. She looked past Marco but saw now sign of August, " What? Where's August? "
" He is in the kitchen, " Marco motioned for her to come inside. " I think you should see this for yourself. "
Emma stepped inside, not sure what to expect. She followed Marco to the kitchen and he pushed the swinging door open, the smell of food reaching her nose. It smelled like there was steak cooking. As they passed through the door, her eyes fell on August's back. He stood at the stove, tending to the food.
Emma looked, realizing that his hair was no longer wooden. His clothes fit him like a person instead of the slightly sharp edges his wooden body had given them. She gasped, noticing his had skin instead of the unvarnished surface she had struggled to get used to. " August? " She whispered, her feet feeling like they were nailed to the floor.
He turned, giving her a bit of amused grin. " Hey. You missed all the excitement. "
Emma blinked. She wouldn't have exactly called her afternoon calm by any means but it did look like he had an eventful one as well. She found her voice, " What happened while I was... gone? "
Marco walked around Emma and motioned to August, " He told me everything he's been doing since I sent him here with you. He told me how he had left you and how sorry he was that he had. He also told me everything he has been through over the years. When he was done, he turned back into a real person. "
Emma looked at Marco then at August, " Really? "
" I couldn't believe my eyes but it happened right in front of me, just like when he was a boy, " Marco explained.
August quirked his mouth, " You know how The Blue Fairy told me to be brave, truthful and unselfish? "
" Yeah, " Emma nodded. She remembered The Blue Fairy said the words at the convent that morning. She also thought about the thing she had said about the sliver of darkness, wondering if Mr. Gold's blood would affect it.
" She used to tell me that if I remained those three things, I would stay real, " August said. He looked at Marco then at Emma again, " I came clean to my father and I think that's why I changed back. "
Emma gasped, the ability to speak leaving her. She moved her mouth but no sound came out for a few moments. Finally, she was able to whisper, " Oh my God. "
" Yeah, " He said. " That's why I've been trying to call you. I wanted to tell you the news. "
" That's... that's amazing, " Emma said quietly, feeling a bit sad she hadn't been there to see it. It was something they had talked about happening but neither of them were sure when or if it would.
August sighed, " I wish you had been here. "
" I do too, " Emma sighed. She shut her eyes and shook her head, " But I had something really important to do. "
" What could have been more important than this? " August sounded wounded by her words. " After you were so adamant I do this, you left me here on my own. "
Emma sighed, " You... you wouldn't understand. "
" Maybe I would, " August frowned. " Tell me. "
Emma glanced at Marco, " Maybe on the way back to the bed and breakfast. "
" I'm staying here tonight, " August said.
Marco nodded, " I asked him to. He's my boy and we have a lot of time to make up for. "
" Oh, " Emma said quietly.
" Father, " August motioned to the stove. " I really need to talk to Emma. Can you take care of those for me while we go to the living room? "
" Sure, sure. Go on, " Marco waved his hand. " I can do that. "
August grabbed, Emma by the arm, obviously taking advantage of the fact she was still in a bit of shock. She walked as he pulled her to the living room. He made sure the kitchen door closed before looking at Emma, " So what happened? "
Emma's eyes went to the mirror that hung in the living room, remembering Mr. Gold's words about how Regina used them to spy on The Enchanted Forest. Her stomach sank to her feet as she tried to recall everything she had done or said in front of every mirror she had been around. " Hold on. "
" What? " August looked perplexed. She went to the couch and grabbed the throw off the back. She then took it and threw it over the mirror to cover it up. " Why did you do that? "
" Regina uses mirrors to spy on people, remember? " Emma said as she looked around the room for any other mirrors or anything with a reflective surface.
August blinked, " Oh damn. I forgot about that. "
" I know, " Emma didn't look at him as she spoke. She was still scanning the room carefully. " I just thought of it today. "
" Can we talk now? " August asked. He sounded a little concerned. " Emma? "
" Talk, " Emma still looked around the room a third time. She wanted to make sure she hadn't missed anything at all.
August grabbed her by the shoulders, " Then look at me! "
Emma startled at his forceful tone. " You don't have to yell. "
" You're still acting weird, Emma. You were acting weird when you left here too, " August gripped her shoulders. " Tell me why you left like that? "
" It's taken care of, " Emma said. " Don't worry about it. "
" You looked like you were in some kind of trance. How can you tell me not to worry? " August asked, his hard expression softening to one of concern. " Please tell me. "
" I would but I can't talk long, " Emma put her hands on his chest and tried to push him back so he would let go. He didn't. " August, I have plans soon and I can't be late. "
" What kind of plans? " August asked.
Emma sighed, " Dinner with... "
" Gold? " August cut her off.
" My family! " Emma nearly shouted. " I'm having dinner with my family. Mary-Margret insisted on it. "
" Oh, " August said shortly. " I guess you have an obligation then. "
" I do, " Emma said. She really felt she owed it to them to actually be home for once. She had spent almost every day with Mr. Gold or chasing down the truth about the wardrobe.
August sighed, " Fine then. Tomorrow then? "
" I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow but I'll try to come see you, " Emma said.
" Promise? " August arched an eyebrow.
Emma sighed, " I'll try. "
August frowned, " No. I want you to promise. "
" Fine, " Emma was getting aggravated with everyone demanding her to make promises. She hated to because she usually ended up breaking them. She frowned, " I promise. "
" Thank you, " August finally let go of her shoulders. " So when do you have to be home? "
" Soon, " Emma said quietly.
" Right, " August frowned. " I get this feeling you just don't want to tell me anything about today. "
Emma shut her eyes and shook her head, " Not everything I do is your business, August. "
" When you make me come some place then ditch me I think I deserve some kind of explanation, " August said sharply. He gave her a pleading look, " Please, Emma. "
Emma looked at him. She still wasn't sure what had happened to draw her to Mr. Gold's side and she was still not sure of what to think of everything else that had happened. She closed her eyes, " I don't even understand what happened, August. How do you expect me to explain it to you? "
" At least tell me where you went, " August had a pleading edge to his voice. " The state you were in had me scared. I was afraid something was going to happen to you. "
Emma wasn't about to tell him she had almost been seriously injured on the ladder. She was still trying to sort that out as well as what happened with Mr. Gold. She still held on to the hope that Belle had nothing to do with it and it was simply an accident. She couldn't help to be suspicious of the woman though, especially after finding the mirror.
Her mind then went to Mr. Gold, unsure if he knew about the incident or not. She hoped Frederick had told him since she didn't get the chance to. She was still in shock from the fall when he told her to leave and could do nothing but obey. She sighed, " Well, nothing did. Everything's fine. "
August sighed, " Fine. If you don't want to talk to me that's fine. You've just been so... weird lately. "
" Weird? " Emma arched an eyebrow. " If you haven't noticed, I've had to deal with a lot of crap since the curse was broken. Pardon me for having to find out the truth about how I got here and not explaining everything I do. "
" You're shutting everyone out, Emma. Can't you see that? You don't spend any time with your family and you only come to see me when you want to ask me about something or want to accuse me of abandoning you, " August said, pointing at her with his right index finger. " And when anyone asks you anything, you tell them it's none of their business. "
" Most of what I'm doing isn't any of their business, August. I'm trying to get myself to a point where I can battle Regina if you haven't noticed, " Emma nearly shouted.
" And do you really think Gold's going to help you do that? " August answered back just as loud. " How can you be sure he's not tricking you? "
" Tricking me? " Emma scoffed. " He's the only person who can help me. He's the only person who has been helping me since I got here. "
" Other people have helped you, Emma! " August shot back.
" Not like he has, " Emma retorted. " It took me a while to see it but he's done a lot of things to help me more than anyone else. "
" He manipulated you into making a deal with him. He manipulated you into fighting a dragon. You could have been killed, " August said. " Think about all the times he's lied to you. "
Emma frowned. Mr. Gold had told her some pretty creative tales and she knew there were things he wasn't telling her but that didn't matter at the moment. What mattered was foiling Regina and whatever her plans were with Belle. She waved her hand, " He only told me what I thought I'd believe. You know I have issues with faith in the unseen. He merely approached it in a way he thought I could understand. "
" Listen to you, " August said. " You're rationalizing and making excuses for him. He's got you under his spell. "
" I'm not under any kind of spell, " Emma narrowed her eyes. " I'm working with him under my own free will. I can walk away any time I want. "
" Are you sure? " August arched an eyebrow. " Do you think he'd let you up and walk away? "
Emma went cold. She really wasn't sure how to answer that question. She was on her guard constantly when she was around Mr. Gold or at least she liked to think she was. Her mind went to the kiss in the kitchen, wondering how she had let him slip up on her with that.
Nothing came of it so she had pushed it out of her mind until that moment. Other than that particular slip, she had done her best to listen carefully and watch him even more so in case he was trying to fool her. He seemed to have most of his cards on the table but there was always a chance he had something up his sleeve. Only time would tell what it was though.
" Are you going to answer me? " August brought her out of her thoughts.
Emma shrugged, " I guess I could if I wanted to. "
" I don't think you do, " August said. He frowned, " You want to know what I think? "
" Not really but I think you're going to tell me anyway, " Emma crossed her arms over her chest.
August glared at her for a brief moment then said, " I think you still want him in spite of everything. "
" If I do or if I don't is none of your concern, " Emma said. " It was none of your concern when you made me tell you. "
" I didn't make you do anything, " August started.
" So stranding us in the middle of nowhere until I told you wasn't planned? " Emma arched an eyebrow.
August frowned, " It's an old bike. It breaks down. I told you that then. "
Emma recalled just how quickly he had fixed the problem. He had said it would take fifteen minutes but it had actually taken less than five. She had trusted him then but she was beginning to second guess it now. A strange feeling came over her, her knees going weak as she took a seat on the coffee table to her left side.
" Emma? " August came closer to her. " Are you okay? "
" I... I feel weird, " Emma said. She closed her eyes and put her left hand to her forehead. " Dizzy. "
August took her by her right arm, " Come lay down on the couch. "
" Leave me alone, " Emma pushed him away lamely, not opening her eyes. She watched as a vision formed in her mind, unable to control it as it filled it. It was dark and she could make out a cabin... Mr. Gold's cabin. She watched as he walked across the driveway, a dark figure pacing the side yard.
As Mr. Gold got closer, she could make the figure out. It was August. She watched helplessly as things unfolded like she was watching a movie. She watched as August called Mr. Gold 'papa' and Mr. Gold became overwhelmed with joy.
She had never seen him so happy as he hugged August. It almost brought a tear to her eye then she recalled what Mr. Gold had told her in the downstairs bathroom. He had said he had been tricked, the identity of that person now painfully clear. She had wracked her brain, trying to think who would do such a thing and her heart sank as she watched Mr. Gold look like he honestly believed August was Baelfire, hugging him and crying for forgiveness.
She continued to watch as Mr. Gold led him to the dagger and how August had tried to control him. It had failed though, Mr. Gold turning the tables just like he said he had. The vision began to fade and Emma opened her eyes, looking at August.
" Are you okay now? " August asked, reaching for her.
" Don't touch me, " Emma said sharply as she narrowed her eyes.
" What just happened? " August blinked.
Emma frowned deeply, " I just saw what you did to Mr. Gold. How could you? "
August paled visibly, " What are you talking about? "
" Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about, " Emma stood to her feet, nearly toppling over because she moved too fast. She pushed August away when he tried to catch her. " You're the one who hurt him. I just saw it all. "
August blinked in confusion, " How? "
" I don't know, " Emma shook her head. She thought about the bit of blood... HIS blood in her veins. She was certain that had something to with it. Emma glared at him, " You're the reason he needed me that night. "
August looked like he was going to be sick, " What has he done to you, Emma? "
Emma backed away, her destination being the front door. " He's shown me the truth. "
" Emma! Wait! I can explain! " August called as Emma turned to go to the door.
Emma opened it, giving August one last glance before going out and shutting it behind her...
" So? " Mr. Gold sat on the bench at the foot of the bed. He had sent Frederick to tend to Belle's wrist then investigate the broken ladder a little more closely. " What did you find out? "
Frederick reached into his pocket, bringing out one of the damaged wheels. He held it out to Mr. Gold, " I took this one off. There's some obvious tool markings on it. "
Mr. Gold took the wheel, holding up as he examined it carefully. As Frederick had said, there were some deep scratches that looked like they were made by a hacksaw or some similar tool. As he turned it over in his hands, the spindle from the middle of the wheel fell out, revealing it had been cut in half. He examined it as well before frowning and muttered, " It does indeed look intentional. "
" What do you want me to do about it, boss? " Frederick said. " Who do I need to go after? "
Mr. Gold put his hand up, " No one yet. I still need to investigate a little more before I place any blame. "
" Right, " Frederick nodded. He then furrowed his brow, " But not that many people come here, boss. There's me, Alston, Jasmine, and Miss Swan. You don't think... "
" I would hope not but it's too soon to rule out anyone, " Mr. Gold said. " For now, let's just be relieved that no one was seriously injured. "
" Okay, boss, " Frederick nodded.
Mr. Gold waved his hand, " You may go now. I would like to look at this more closely and Belle shouldn't be left alone for too long. "
" Right, boss. I'll be downstairs if you need anything, " Frederick said then left the room.
He looked down at the damaged wheel again, frowning at the thought of what could have occurred if Frederick hadn't shown up when he had. Emma would have undoubtedly been injured severely... or worse. Her magic was not strong enough to heal anything above fatigue and minor flesh wounds. Even with the boost from his blood in her veins, she still needed to develop her powers more before she could heal anything that catastrophic.
He wracked his brain, trying to think if anyone besides Belle had a reason to do such a thing. He interacted very little with Jasmine or Alston so he felt they had no reason at all to pull such a stunt. He talked to Frederick more but still he knew the man's loyalty was quite profound. It had been in The Enchanted Forest as well.
He had been known as Horn Toad back then, a wayward giant that had found his way to the surface by climbing down the beanstalk Jack had grown. No one had known he had sneaked down until the stalk was cut down, leaving him trapped. He had heard rumors of Rumplestiltskin's powers and had hoped to get back home by making a deal. He had but failed to bring Rumplestiltskin what he wanted.
As a result, he became Rumplestiltskin's servant and would be for the rest of his life. Frederick was quite useful, being able to lift things most mortal men couldn't and provided added intimidation when collecting debts. He was actually quite a bit smarter than he looked but kept it well hidden under his quiet exterior. He was also quite useful at doing things Mr. Gold didn't want to dirty his hands with.
He started to think about what to do about the current dilemma when there was a knock at the door. " Yes? " Mr. Gold called as he slipped the wheel in his robe pocket. He knew it was Frederick from the heavy handed knock.
Frederick opened the door, poking his head in. " I hate to bother you so soon boss but Miss Belle told me her wrist is still hurting. I looked at it and it's really swollen. What should we do? "
Mr. Gold quirked his mouth, " Bring her to me and I shall take a look. "
" Right, boss. Be right back, " Frederick turned.
" Just one moment, " Mr. Gold said, stopping him in his tracks. " I have a job for you while I have her occupied. "
Frederick's eyebrows came up, " You do? "
" I do, " Mr. Gold nodded once. " I want you to check her bedroom, the study and the kitchen for anything suspicious. She'll be with me for a long while so take your time. "
" Got it, boss, " Frederick nodded. " You want me to go get her now? "
" Yes, please, " Mr. Gold replied and watched as Frederick left again. He waited a few minutes, letting him know that Belle has stayed downstairs. He heard the doorknob turn, standing as Frederick opened the door and ushered Belle inside. He leaned heavily on his cane to keep Belle's belief he was injured intact.
He smiled at her gently, " How is your wrist, my dear? "
Belle cradled her wrapped wrist to her stomach, looking like she was in a bit of pain. He had Frederick give her some pain medicine but it seemed it wasn't working well. Belle took a hesitant step forward, " Frederick said it was sprained at first but it hurts really bad. "
" Oh I can see that, " Mr. Gold nodded. " Come, let me see. "
" Do you need anything else, boss? " Frederick asked as Belle took a few steps into the room.
Mr. Gold glanced at him, " No. That will be all. Please stay close though. "
" Right, " Frederick nodded and backed out of the room.
Mr. Gold looked at Belle once the door was closed, " Come sit with me. I would like to see your wrist. "
Belle didn't budge, " What are you going to do? "
" I want to look at it and perhaps heal it for you if you wish for me to do so, " Mr. Gold moved closer to her. He moved slowly and tried to make it look like it took a bit of effort to just take the few steps.
Belle put her good hand up, " Oh no. I couldn't ask you to. Not the shape you're in. You said you needed to rest. "
" That I did but I can't stand to see you in pain, " Mr. Gold replied. " Please let me have a look at least. "
Belle hesitated then walked to him slowly. She gasped when he took her by the hand and finished leading her to the bench. She sat down when they reached it, scooting to the end to make room for him as well. They were quite close together and a bit of a blush colored her cheeks when his arm brushed against hers as he sat down.
Mr. Gold leaned his cane against the bench, reaching for Belle's injured arm. He glanced at her as he started to unwrap the bandage from around it. He did it slowly, finding it wasn't bruised when her skin was revealed to him. " Oh good, " He muttered.
" Is it broken? " Belle asked, her voice quiet as she looked at it as well.
He gave her a gentle smile, " I believe not. It may be a very bad sprain from the looks of it. Would you like me to heal it for you? "
Belle tried to pull her wrist out of his hands, " Not if it will hurt you. "
" It won't hurt me, " Mr. Gold said, grabbing her forearm so she couldn't pull away. " It's a simple spell. "
" Ow! " Belle yelped.
" I'm so sorry, " Mr. Gold let go of her. " But I really do mean it. It won't take much, just a bit of time more than anything. "
Belle looked him in the eyes, " Are you sure? "
" Positive, " Mr. Gold nodded. He smiled gently, " Please? I cannot bear to see you like this. "
Belle sighed, " I can't ask you to. I would feel terrible if it worsened the shape you're already in. "
Mr. Gold could see in her eyes she wasn't going to budge. He rethought the tactic as well, knowing if he healed her it might blow his act. She had to believe he was in a weakened state. He quirked his mouth, " It is so sweet of you to be thinking about me while you're suffering so. "
" I deserve it, " Belle said. " If I had stayed off the ladder like you told me to, I wouldn't be in this shape... and I wouldn't have almost hurt Emma. "
" Could you please fill me in on all the details? Frederick's account of the incident left me with quite a few questions, " Mr. Gold looked into her eyes. " You were there so I'm sure you can answer them. "
Belle blinked then looked away, " I... I offered to help her find a book. She wanted to bring them down a few at a time but I didn't want to exhaust her any more. "
" I see, " Mr. Gold said. " And why did you get on the ladder as well? "
" To... help her, " Belle still looked away from him. " I thought it could support us both. "
Mr. Gold reached up, taking her chin in her fingers and making her face him. " Why won't you look at me? "
Belle frowned, trying to avoid his eyes. " I feel... so ashamed. I've done nothing but fail you today. I never heard you when you fell and then I endangered Emma. "
" Merely accidents, " Mr. Gold said though he doubted the second incident was a chance happening. The tool marks on the wheel were proof of that. Coupled with the mirror, he would have a strong case but he wanted to wait. He needed to be sure just how much of the behavior was her and how much of it was from Regina's influence.
" You can't beat yourself up over it, " He said. " It's in the past and cannot be changed. "
Belle's lower lip trembled as she began to sob and threw her arms around him, " I was so scared Emma would get hurt and you would blame me for it. I had no idea... I thought the ladder would be strong enough, " She sobbed against him. " I had no idea the wheels were so weak. "
He furrowed his brow, bringing his arms up slowly and put them around her. Her emotions were almost theatrical, more extreme than they had been in the past. He wondered if she was going through some kind of withdrawal. He wouldn't have put it past Regina to stoop so low as to drug the poor girl.
It also made him wonder just what other things Regina had done to her. He dared not to think of it though. He was already angry enough to rip his arch nemesis limb from limb with his bare hands for making him believe Belle was dead. He had no idea where Regina was though so he was going to do the next best thing... train the person who fate had chosen to eliminate the bitch.
He had appearances to maintain as well. He couldn't let on he was suspicious of her, especially after revealing she knew of the wheels when he hadn't mentioned them. In the state she was in, there was no telling what extreme her reaction would go to if she thought he knew. She had already pulled two dangerous stunts, one being her attempt to find her father and the other the ladder.
He held her and let her cry, her sobs wracking her body. Finally she stilled, sniffling against his shoulder. Her breath tickled his neck as she breathed. He thought of how he had never gotten the chance to experience it back when they were first together... he had barely even got to kiss her.
He sighed, stroking her back. He was torn between thinking she was in control of what she was doing or being controlled. He needed to figure out what was the truth before he could go about fixing it. His thoughts stopped cold when Belle brushed her lips against his throat before planting a tiny kiss there. " Don't do that, " He said in a firm yet quiet tone.
" But I love you so much, " Belle murmured. " I waited so long for this moment... to be in your arms. "
Mr. Gold furrowed his brow again, her words striking him as strange. She hadn't remembered who he was until they were walking to the well or so it seemed. He recalled how she acted like she didn't know him at all when she appeared in the shop. She would have been unaware of the amount of time that had passed since they had been together last.
" How long have you waited? " Mr. Gold asked gently.
" A long time, " Belle sighed, kissing his throat again.
" I told you not to do that, " Mr. Gold said with more firmly, his voice coming up. Her breath and tiny kisses were working to unnerve him but he had to resist.
Belle pulled away, confusion knitting her brow as she looked like her feelings were deeply hurt. " But I love you. I don't think I can wait any longer for you to know just how I feel. "
" But you must, " Mr. Gold took his arms from her. " I must keep my power until Regina is dead. "
" How long with that take though? " Belle asked sharply. " How long must I wait for you? "
" As I said before, my dear. I do not know, " Mr. Gold replied.
" Can't Emma find someone else? " Belle's voice sounded pleading. " Surely you can't be the only person who can train her. "
Mr. Gold frowned, " I am. No one else can. "
" Someone will have to then, " Belle said, lunging forward.
Her lips crashed down on his, taking him by complete surprise as she started to kiss him. When he realized what was happening, he shoved her away roughly. " What are you doing? " He shouted as he scrambled off of the bench, leaving his cane behind.
He stood there silently as he waited for the kiss to affect him, keeping his weight on his good leg so he wouldn't fall. Belle stared at him, probably waiting for the same thing as he was. Nothing was happening at all though, everything feeling exactly the same. Belle leaned forward, " Did it work? "
Mr. Gold frowned deeply, glaring at Belle. " Let's find out. "
Belle let out a gasp as he advanced on her, trying to get away from him but the bed stopped her. She cried out before she cowered on the bench. " What are you doing? "
" You'll see, " He replied.
" Please don't! Whatever it is, don't! " Belle tried to pull away but it was of no use. He had her trapped. She began to kick at his bad leg but he managed to avoid it. " Rumplestiltskin! Please! "
" Hold still, damn it, " He said sharply as he closed in on her as quickly as he could.
Belle tried to swipe at him with her good hand but he caught in his right. He summoned up his power, making his left hand glow with energy. When that happened, she stilled and a look of horror came to her face.
" I guess it didn't work, " Mr. Gold said.
Belle's horror grew, looking downright terrified of him. Her voice trembled as she whispered, " What are you going to do to me? "
" This, " He said as he grabbed her hurt wrist. He held it tightly, the energy from his hand going into it and healing it. Once it was finished, he let her go. " There. "
Belle cradled it to her chest, still looking horrified. " But why? " She whispered. " Why didn't it work? "
" I would explain it to you but... " Mr. Gold started.
" You tricked me, " Belle cut him off. " You're just fine, aren't you? "
Mr. Gold smiled, " I have been, my dear. "
" How could you lie to me? " Belle asked sharply. " Why? "
" Oh I think you know, " Mr. Gold replied as there was a knock at the door. " Just a moment! " He called.
The door opened and Frederick stepped inside regardless. He glanced at Belle then at Mr. Gold, " Sorry but I think I have something you need to see, boss. "
Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow, " Oh? "
Frederick reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small hacksaw. " I found it in the kitchen. It was stashed in the silver drawer. "
" Now I wonder how that got there? " Mr. Gold said, looking at Belle. He didn't miss the way she was looking at the saw, her eyes once again filled with fear. He walked over to Fredrick and took the tool, " What do you know about this? "
" I... I saw it when I was making lunch for Emma and I. I thought it was odd for it to be in the kitchen when I saw it, " Belle stammered as she explained.
Mr. Gold quirked his mouth, " It wasn't there this morning when I got a spoon for my coffee. "
" Perhaps Alston... " Belle began.
" I was with him the entire time from when he came until he left, " Mr. Gold cut her off. " Besides, he wouldn't do such a thing. "
Belle gasped in disbelief, " So you think I sawed through the wheels on the ladder? "
" How do you know what part of the ladder was sabotaged, my dear? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.
Belle blinked, " You... You mentioned it. "
" I fear I did not, " Mr. Gold replied. " All I did was ask you what happened. "
Belle fell silent, realizing she had been caught. She took a step back, Frederick coming closer and blocking her so she couldn't bolt from the room. She looked up at him then at Mr. Gold, " Rumplestiltskin... "
" Let's take her to her room, Frederick. She needs some time to think about this... and I need some time to get my thoughts together, " Mr. Gold said.
" Right, boss. Are you going to lock her in? " Frederick asked.
" Yes, " Mr. Gold nodded. " That's why I'm coming with you. "
Belle's eyes grew wide, " You're going to lock me in? "
" Yes, " Mr. Gold nodded. He looked at Frederick, " After you. "
Frederick nodded and walked out of the room, Belle having no other choice to follow. When they reached her door, Belle looked at Mr. Gold, " Rumplestiltskin, I can explain. "
" I hope so, " Mr. Gold said as he opened the door. " But I don't want to hear it right now. Frederick? "
Frederick nodded, pushing Belle into the room. He pulled the door shut quickly, Mr. Gold locking it with a wave of his hand.