A/N: This is a shorter chapter than usual, but I'm going away this weekend, and haven't had time to write any more. I thought you might want an update anyway.

Gold ran his hands over his face, spreading the tears in a thin layer so that the breeze chilled his skin. He took a deep, shaking breath and let it out in a rush, calming himself.

"I didn't think you were an idiot," came Lily's voice, from behind him, and he looked up at the sky, shaking his head in annoyance.

"How is it none of you people seem to understand when someone is having a private conversation?" he demanded irritably, turning towards her. She shrugged, completely unembarrassed.

"Because we're out in the open and you were shouting a little, I suppose," she said.

"Well, it's over now, and I don't require your input, thank you very much," he growled.

Lily shook her head. "Why are you so determined to push away the light in your life?" she asked. "You seem to be highly intelligent, and yet you can be incredibly stupid."

He frowned. "I'm considerably older than you…" he began, and she snorted.

"Doesn't mean you're any wiser," she retorted. She put a tentative hand on his arm. "Please. Don't push her away." He shook her off and turned to go, but she followed him. "I've seen this happen to warriors in my village. They come back from battle – scarred, hurting, and they shut out those they love because they think it'll make things easier to bear." She gave him a hard look. "But it never does. We all need love. My guess is, if you're lucky enough to find true love, you'd have to be a complete idiot to throw it away."

Gold grimaced. "She's better off without me," he muttered, and Lily looked as though she wanted to slap him.

"That's for her to decide, you arrogant bastard!" she snapped.

"When I want your opinions on my personal affairs, I'll ask for them!" he snapped back, rounding on her, and she folded her arms, unfazed by his reaction.

"You need to hear them anyway!" she insisted. "Someone needs to speak up for her!"

"What the hell would you know about it?" he demanded, lip curling, and she huffed.

"She's noble born, isn't she?" she said, and he nodded. She glared at him, planting fists on hips. "So, all her life she's had men making decisions for her, and telling her what her future is. I know what a burden that is. That's why I ran away. Do you really want to be next in line to do that to her?"

"I'm trying to save her…"

"Do you think she wants you to save her?" She threw up her hands. "You know what, Gold? I take it back, you are a complete idiot! You said that she made the decision to sacrifice herself to save her people, by coming with you, and then she fell in love with you. Do you really want to take away everything she is now?"

No-one decides my fate but me. He could hear her words again, in his mind, could picture her staring down her father, staring down a room full of men. She'd been magnificent. He sighed.

"It doesn't matter anymore," he said quietly. "I promised myself I'd keep her safe, and the safest place for her is away from me."

He strode wearily away, head bowed, leaving Lily staring after him furiously. Muttering under her breath about the irritating qualities of the weaker sex – men – she turned back around, and saw the Mirror, still hanging in the air in front of her. She frowned curiously, then her mouth curved upwards in a slow grin.

Lily used her small belt-knife to cut into her palm, wincing as she did so, and held a picture in her mind of the woman she had seen as she threw her blood against the Mirror.

"Show me Belle," she said confidently, and sucked at the cut on her hand as she waited for the picture to form. The young woman was sitting on the edge of a bed with her head in her hands, weeping, and Lily felt a surge of sympathy for her.

"Hey!" she said, making the woman start. Belle looked up, her eyes red from crying. She saw a young girl, thin but pretty, with black hair and large dark eyes, dressed in animal skins.

"Um – hi," she said uncertainly.

"I'm Lily," said the girl, looking over her shoulder. "Look, your man's here, and if you don't get your ass here soon, he's going to do something stupid."

"You know Rumple?" asked Belle, standing up, and the girl shrugged, pushing her hair out of her eyes.

"He seems to have a lot of names," she remarked. "Not sure that's a good thing. I know him as Gold. Anyway, I overheard him talking to you, and he's being a stubborn ass, we both know that. I think he's slipping further into darkness the longer he stays here, it's as though I can feel it. It's like…" She chewed her lip, pondering. "It's like he thinks he's worthless, so he's going to throw himself into battle like he doesn't matter. But he's been kind to me, and I like him, so this is me doing him a favour."

"He says he doesn't want me there," said Belle, subdued, and Lily grinned.

"But you're not going to listen to him, are you?" she said, and Belle returned the grin somewhat tearfully.

"No, I'm not," she agreed. "I have the means to get to Neverland, I just need to get to where you are."

"I can help with that," Lily assured her. "You say you have a realm jumper?" Her smile widened as Belle nodded. "Then you need to think about him when you use it, and you need some fairy dust to focus your mind. We don't want you landing on the back of a giant squid because you lost your concentration."

"I can get some!" said Belle excitedly. "Anything else?"

Lily looked over her shoulder again. "Yes," she said. "Hurry. There isn't much time."

Belle rifled through the ingredients on the shelves in Gold's shop, carefully putting any that she thought would be useful into a backpack, along with some glass flasks for mixing up the resultant potions. She added one of the spellbooks that contained several spells she favoured, a spool of Rumple's gold thread, and a large, clear crystal from Rumple's special collection, wrapping it in a piece of cloth before stowing it alongside the remainder of the items she had chosen. Finally, she took the gun he always kept at the shop, ensured that it was fully-loaded, and placed that in the bag too. She was determined to get to Neverland, but equally determined that her arrival there would be useful, and not merely a distraction for the man she loved.

Shouldering the backpack, she left his shop and stormed into Granny's, making Ruby and Alex jump. They were seated at the bar with Leroy, Tom and the rest of the dwarfs, drinking beers. Alex looked flushed and feverish; Belle wondered whether Ruby was right, and he was coming down with something. She let the backpack slip to the ground and looked around. The diner's occupants watched her expectantly.

"I need your help," said Belle abruptly. "We have to use the realm-jumper now. Where's Mother Superior?"

Leroy spat out some of his beer, and promptly looked disgusted with himself at the waste. "What's the hurry?" he asked. "You should be resting, anyway."

Belle rounded on him. "Yes, but thanks to your girlfriend I had a perfectly good sleep and am very well rested," she snapped, sounding anything but. "I have to go now, because he's in trouble. They all are. They're going to rescue Henry tomorrow and I have to be there!"

Tom hurriedly ran from the diner to fetch Mother Superior, and Belle paced impatiently. Ruby looked her up and down critically.

"Well, you can't go into battle dressed like that," she said, waving her hand at Belle's little dress and dainty shoes. "Come upstairs, we'll find something more suitable."

Belle followed her upstairs, and Ruby threw open the doors to her closet. Belle was rifling through the clothing interestedly when Ruby stepped back a fraction, made as if to speak, then hesitated. Belle frowned slightly.

"What's up?" she asked, and Ruby smiled a little tremulously.

"I'm worried about you," she admitted. "You're going off to another world and I have no idea if I'll see you again." Belle gave her an understanding look, but Ruby wasn't finished. "I could – come with you – you know? It's still wolf's time, I could be useful."

Belle was sorely tempted to have her best friend accompany her and tear bites out of Pan and his minions, but a part of her knew it was safest to make the journey alone. Ruby nodded reluctantly when she explained herself, and the two girls hugged fiercely.

"Soooo," said Ruby, grinning, waving her hand across the closet contents in a dramatic gesture. "How do you want to make your entrance?"

Twenty minutes later, dressed in a red silk shirt and black leather pants, jacket and boots (the pants were too long and tight across the butt, but Ruby said, with a wink, that that was all to the good) she made her way back downstairs. Mother Superior and Astrid were waiting for her, and Belle fastened the realm-jumper around her neck and rolled up the belt Alex had given her, stowing it in her inside pocket.

"Don't put it on until you're there," he had warned earlier. "Otherwise the magic in the choker won't work."

Mother Superior held up a ring, a simple thing of silver with a small blue stone set into it. Belle pushed it onto her middle finger.

"That will shield you from magic for a day," explained the fairy. "I'm sorry I can't extend the spell any longer than that, but hopefully it'll be enough."

Belle nodded.

"I need a little fairy dust," she said. "To help with the spell."

Mother Superior nodded, and beckoned to Astrid. Belle was pleased that it would be Astrid giving her this gift; she felt far more comfortable around the other fairy. Astrid gave her a small bottle of pink glass, and Belle held it up to the light.

"You'll only need a little," said Astrid. "Save the rest for emergencies."

Belle gently shook out a tiny pinch of the dust, and stowed the bottle in her pocket with the belt. She looked from one to the other of those standing before her.

"Thank you," she said sincerely. "Thank you all. Wish me luck."

They hugged her one by one, a chorus of good wishes raining down on her, and then she stepped back and took a deep breath.

"Flick the switch," said Alex helpfully, and Belle grinned, reaching around to the back of her choker for the tiny switch. Immediately, she felt a strange tingling sensation. She sprinkled the fairy dust over her head and grasped the amulet in her hand, filling her head with Rumple, willing herself to get to him. The others watched as a tiny hole seemed to appear in the air before her, a hole that suddenly burst open with a strange, dull booming sound. It was utterly black within, and Ruby grasped Astrid's hand in fear. Belle took one step forward into the terrible blackness, and was immediately swallowed up.

"Wow!" said Alex reverently. "That was cool!" Ruby nudged him with a grin, and impulsively kissed his cheek, before frowning.

"You're burning up," she said worriedly. "I think you must have the 'flu or something."

He shook his head, his eyes bright with a strange fever. "I feel great! I feel better than I've ever felt before. This place is amazing!" He swept Ruby into his arms for an extravagant kiss, making her giggle. "But not as amazing as you."

She giggled further, letting him kiss her neck, pretending not to see the uncomfortable looks the dwarfs were giving them. All of a sudden, Alex stiffened, jerked, and cried out, falling to the floor. Ruby pulled free before she could follow him to the cold tiles, eyes widening in shock.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her heart thumping in fear as he writhed, groaning. Silence had fallen in the bar behind them, except for the sudden pattering of feet from the kitchens as Granny entered the scene, crossbow in hands.

"Oh, Granny, for pity's sake!" snarled Ruby, throwing up her hands. Her grandmother shook her head grimly.

"Ruby, can't you smell it?" she asked, in deadly tones. Ruby's mouth dropped open as she looked down at the twitching form of Alex, then she opened up her nostrils and let herself breathe him in. Instantly she clapped her hands to her mouth, shaking her head as if that would make the truth disappear.

"No," she whimpered. "No!"

"What the hell's happened?" demanded Leroy, and Granny seemed to see the dwarfs for the first time.

"Okay fellas, time for you to step up!" she said firmly. "We need to get him to the sheriff's station, five minutes ago. Everyone grab a limb!"

There was a scramble as the dwarfs hastened to obey, and with two to each of his limbs (Ruby had taken the left leg with Tom), they made their way down the street. Tears were streaming down Ruby's face, and Leroy watched her curiously, but no words were spoken until they reached the sheriff's station. Alex was put back in the cell he had so recently been freed from, and he collapsed on the floor, writhing and moaning as the door was locked.

"Okay, what's up with him?" asked Leroy angrily. Granny sighed, lowering the crossbow.

"It's wolf's time," she said pointedly. Leroy looked confused.

"So? Since when was he a werewolf?"

Ruby stifled a sob. "Since I bit him," she said tearfully. "I didn't think it would matter, because I hadn't changed." She buried her head in her hands, and Granny put a comforting arm around her.

"It's not your fault, honey, it's mine," she said gently. "I tried to keep the knowledge from you for too long – if I'd told you from the start you would have known all these things." Ruby clung to her, weeping openly, and the dwarfs looked uncomfortable.

"Is he gonna change, like, now?" asked Leroy, and Granny shook her head.

"He's only just been infected," she said. "I don't know how he'll be over the next twenty-four hours. He may change fully tomorrow night. I just don't know."

Leroy nodded, attempting stoicism. "We'll stand guard. We won't let him hurt anyone. That includes himself," he added, for Ruby's benefit, and she gave him a grateful, if watery, smile. He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.

"Don't you worry about your boy," he said. "You just worry about Belle."

Belle thumped to the ground, face-first in a mulch of dead leaves and rotting vegetation. She pushed herself up onto her hands and knees, spitting out bits of the forest floor as she did so, and tried to catch her breath.

"Belle?"

She looked up sharply at Mary Margaret's voice, and stood up shakily as the other woman enveloped her in a hug. Belle hugged back, tears of relief leaking from her eyes. She had done it. She was in Neverland. She shrugged out of her backpack as Mary Margaret backed away, still smiling. She could hear others approaching, and stepped forward to hug Emma and David. She smiled at Lily, who was jumping up and down and clapping her hands in excitement, and nodded coolly to Regina and Hook, who were hovering just out of reach, expressions of shock on their faces.

"I don't understand – how did you get here?" asked Mary Margaret breathlessly, and Belle pointed to the choker around her neck.

"Realm jumper," she explained, looking around anxiously. Where is he? Mary Margaret gave her a knowing look and grabbed David's arm, pulling him away. It was then that she saw him, and the rest of the world seemed to fall away. He was standing at the edge of the clearing, a look of shock on his face, which he quickly threw off, leaving his features calm and impassive. He was dressed in black leather and deep red silk, and she absently touched the collar of her own silk shirt. She couldn't take her eyes off him, so didn't see Emma beckon to Lily, Hook and Regina. She didn't see Regina roll her eyes or hear Hook mutter something about probably needing earplugs that night. Her heart was thumping painfully, her breath quickening, and he watched her calmly. Exactly how angry was he? The suspense was killing her.

"You didn't make me promise not to come," she blurted, and he blinked. She straightened, squaring her shoulders. "I know you said to send Leroy, but I didn't agree! You can't say I've broken my word or gone back on a deal with you, because there was no deal! I said I was going to find a way to get to you and I did, and I'm here, so…so, you can just…you can just…put up with it!" She took a deep breath, as he took a step towards her. The look in his eyes made her want to simultaneously back away and fling herself at him. She settled for shuffling from foot to foot on the spot. His eyes were dark and inscrutable, his movements sinuous now that his limp was gone, reminding her of their time in the Dark Castle. It wasn't fair! Why did he have to be so graceful when all she did was fall on her face? She probably had leaves in her hair.

"You can't send me back," she continued, as he drew closer. "I won't go back without you, and that's final!" She lifted her chin, her lower lip wobbling slightly with her nervousness, and she suddenly stamped her foot, eyes flashing. "Dammit, Rumple, say something! I can't stand the suspense, I can't…"

"I love you," he said softly, and she seemed to wilt with relief, falling into his arms as he pressed his lips to hers. As always, kissing Belle made him glow, giving him strength, sending fire through his veins, warming him like good brandy or the summer sun, chasing shadows from his mind and soul. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against him as the kiss deepened, making tiny noises of pleasure that were doing terrible things to his self-control. He felt himself respond to her touch, to her closeness, and crushed her against him. How could he ever have thought that he could be without her? It was as though he had just learned how to breathe, as though she was filling him with life. Her fingers dragged through his hair, nails scraping his scalp, and he growled with pleasure, making her squirm. A slow, familiar fire was rising up within him, and he gently pulled back before he could take her right there on the outskirts of the camp. Her lips pulled gently at his as they parted, and he pressed his forehead to hers, breathing her in. He felt as though he was filled with light, as though part of his soul had been returned to him. A small, dark part of him snarled that he would never be able to do the things he must when he was like this, but he tamped it down, revelling in the scent and feel and taste of her. She gave him a tremulous smile and nuzzled her head against his neck, her arms around his waist.

"I missed you," she whispered, and he smiled against her hair. "Don't you ever try and leave me again," she added, more fiercely, and his lips found her neck.

"Never," he breathed, placing gentle kisses against her throat and making her hum with pleasure. "I don't have the strength, Belle. You're the strong one, not me."

"Don't say that," she mumbled, trying to stop her head from spinning. "You were prepared to sacrifice yourself for Henry. That's amazing."

He drew back then, placing a gentle kiss to her brow before pressing his forehead to hers. "I think – I may still have to," he confessed, and her eyebrows contracted in sudden anger and fear.

"Oh, no you don't!" she said fiercely. She pulled away and hooked the backpack with one hand, lifting it up to open it. He peered inside, his expression one of stunned amazement. Belle grinned

"I thought you might want some supplies," she said innocently. His smile was positively incandescent as he looked at her.

"You are the most amazing, beautiful creature," he whispered. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

Belle sniffed, blushing. "Well, there's that thing you occasionally do to wake me up in the morning, for a start." He grinned wickedly, eyes flashing, and she was sorely tempted to sneak into the bushes with him. She recalled that the Charmings were just beyond the trees, and shouldered the backpack.

"I hope you're coming up with a plan," she announced, and his grin widened.

"I think we can arrange something suitably nefarious," he agreed, taking her hand.

"And no more of this suicide crap," she warned, and he raised her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles.

"No-one's allowed to kill me but you," he promised, and she gave him a fond glare.

"Well, that was quick," drawled Hook, as they ventured into the campsite. "Urgency over technique, Dark One? For shame!" He leered at Belle. "I could take her off your hands, if you're not up to the task."

Belle bristled, but Gold squeezed her hand calmly.

"Hook, why don't you just tell Miss Swan that you're head over heels in love with her, and then we won't have to put up with all this ridiculous posturing?" he asked calmly. Hook spluttered, face reddening as Emma stared at him incredulously.

"What?" she demanded. Gold smirked.

"Now," he said easily, squatting by the fire and opening up the backpack. "I believe we have a battle plan to make."

A/N: and the SS Rumbelle sails again. All aboard!