Chapter Sixteen

The Thing You Love Most

A/AN: Thank you all so much for the reviews! I'm glad you guys enjoyed Cora's back story. I decided to take elements from the show and tweak them a bit. "Bleeding Through" couldn't have aired at a more perfect time! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and please don't hate me fellow Rumbellers! You're all in for a treat!

Cora smirked as the villainous fairy materialized in front of her. She looked the exact same as she did the day they met in the forest ten years ago. Maleficent's staff began to glow an eerily green, illuminating the vault.

"It's been awhile since you've called upon me Cora. You must've found yourself in a very desperate situation to need my help." Maleficent grinned circling her valuable host.

"I want to get rid of my step daughter once and for all. I need you to give me something to vanquish her." Cora supplied meeting the fairy's menacing gaze.

"You've asked a hard thing of me Cora. I can't just give you a remedy for every problem you have. It seems to me you're afraid of this little girl." Maleficent surmised standing precariously close to her. Cora felt her skin prickle from their close proximity. It was almost painful to be in the dark fairy's presence because she could hear her heart calling out to her. It longed to be back in its proper host.

"What's your price?" Cora squirmed wanting to be rid of the dark fairy's presence.

"One you can't afford at the moment." Maleficent hissed, grabbing her chin, forcing her to meet her gaze.

"Just tell me…" Cora pleaded the magnetic pull of her heart too much to bare.

"I can't tell you Cora because my price is one you'll realize in time. I have something that will vanquish the fairest of them all but it doesn't mean she can't be brought back. My magic even has its limits." Maleficent cautioned.

"I don't care what the cost is! Just give it to me!" Cora demanded the ache in her chest too much now.

"As you wish." Maleficent complied with the flick of her wrist. A luscious red apple materialized in her hand that would make anyone's eyes grow big.

"What good will an apple do me?" Cora scoffed analyzing Maleficent's gift.

"It isn't just an apple my dear…If you can get Belle to take just one bite of this fruit, then she'll fall into a sleep like death. Only true love's kiss can break the spell." Maleficent expounded handing Cora the apple.

Cora took the appetizing morsel into her hand gently, "And what if I can't get her to eat it?"

"She won't be able to resist the entrancing pull of my magic, but you won't do much convincing like that." Maleficent remarked referring to her present form.

"Let me help you." she insisted with a snap of her fingers. In an instant Cora's appearance changed to that of an old beggar woman.

"How's this supposed to convince her?" Cora scoffed, referring to her rags.

"Belle has the purest heart in all the land. She won't be able to say no to someone in need. The spell will wear off in a day, so you better get started. I'm not responsible for the outcome my dear. You are." Maleficent retorted before disappearing in a haze of violet smoke. She left Cora still holding the apple with a plan formulating in her mind.

~X~

Belle awoke to the feeling of a warm body settled next to hers. Rumplestiltskin was still sleeping soundly beside her. Belle kissed his bare shoulder lightly not wishing to disturb him. She got out of bed before pulling her blue silken robe in. She walked into the lavatory to wash up. She felt her toes curl as she recounted their night of passion. Steam fogged up the mirror as she started the water.

He was such a devout lover, never taking but always giving, and she wanted to give herself to him over and over again. Was this what true love felt like? Belle knew in her heart of hearts that she'd found her true love in Rumplestiltskin. She let the robe fall to the floor before stepping into the warm water.

She grabbed her favorite lilac shampoo and worked her fingers through her thick tresses. After washing her hair she grabbed a lavender bar of soap and washed her body. She drained the tub and braided her hair. Belle decided on a simple cotton blue dress with white puffed sleeves. After dressing she exited the lavatory to see Rumplestiltskin fast asleep.

Belle giggled at his laziness and decided that she wanted to explore the garden within the palace grounds. She grabbed her most comfortable shoes and ventured out into the sunshine. The day was beautiful, and she couldn't wait to spend it with Rumple.

She made her way into the garden admiring each beautiful flower. The garden had a wide variety of plant life. Belle bent over to admire some roses. She ran her fingers over the delicate petals, relishing the feeling of velvet between her fingertips.

"Ahh such a lovely rose." an unfamiliar voice reverberated behind her.

Belle turned around, clasping her hand over her chest startled by an old woman holding a basket of apples, "Pardon me but who are you?" she inquired to the elderly woman dazedly.

"I'm of no importance my dear. I was just passing through these parts and noticed your presence in this beautiful garden. This castle stays vacant most of the time so it's nice to see such a lovely face for a change. Would you like to buy an apple?" the old woman offered holding out the delicate fruit.

"It does look rather appetizing." Belle remarked feeling her mouth begin to water at the scrumptious fruit.

"Why don't you try a sample then? I can assure you that you won't be disappointed." the old woman insisted thrusting the fruit into her awaiting hand.

"I would love to." Belle smiled licking her lips. She took the apple and placed it to her lips, taking a small bite, savoring the juicy liquid that cascaded down her throat.

"It really is-" but Belle was unable to finish her sentence as the world began to fade around her. She felt the old woman's face become distorted before slipping into unconscious. The apple rolled from her hand from the heap she now lay in on the ground.

"No more happy endings for you my dear." Cora laughed manically before disappearing in a cloud of blue smoke.

~X~

Rumplestiltskin awoke moments later. He stretched his arms out wide before reaching for his beautiful wife. He felt anxious once he discovered she wasn't beside him. He threw the covers off him and grabbed a change of clothes. He couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that had come over him as he prodded down the stairs.

"Belle?" he called out to the empty castle hallways hoping she would answer him. He finished buttoning up his shirt before making his way outside into the castle garden. The sight before him made his heart drop in his chest.

He rushed towards his Belle who lay motionless on the ground. He pulled her into his arms, shaking her gently, "Belle sweetheart please wake up." he pleaded, but he got no response.

"No…No…No…" he whimpered taking her hand to his lips and gently kissing it. Tears cascaded down his cheeks until he noticed an apple just a few feet away from them. Rumplestiltskin reached for the apple, examining it thoroughly. The bite marks were clearly his beautiful Belle's and the first sniff he took from the detestable fruit revealed to his senses that it was laced with the vilest of magic.

"Don't worry Belle I'm going to get you some help." Rumplestiltskin promised as he hoisted the beauty in his arms, his voice laced with vengeance. He would find out who had did this to his beautiful Belle and make them pay in the most horrific way possible. He felt all of his goodness seeping out of him as he plotted his revenge.

A/AN: Wow so here we go! I know it was short but it was too the point. What is Maleficent's price when it comes to Cora using her magic? What is Rumple going to do and what's in store for Belle? The next chapter will be about Rumple making a trip to Astyn. He will have a chat with Blue and Belle's fate will be decided. Is she gone for good? Stay tuned dearies! You won't want to miss what's coming up next!