He felt his subconscious stir himself from his peaceful sleep. Belle was still asleep in his arms and he smiled at her sleeping form. Her chestnut hair sprawled over his lap and her small rosebud mouth was parted slightly to let out her deep breaths. He felt the sunshine from the tall windows of the room start to shine in. He had not moved them from their spot next to the fire. He knew she needed to be awakened, she needed time to get ready as did he. He gently stroked her cheek until her eye lids slowly opened to reveal her beautiful, blue eyes.
"Time to awaken, my pretty." He cooed softly as he continues to caress her soft cheek. She groaned quietly before her eyes shut again. Not a morning person, I see. He thought to himself as he attempted to wake her again. "Open your eyes, dearest. We have to save your little Farrah." Finally she opened her eyes again and slowly sat up, running her fingers through her messy hair.
"Little is not the word I would use." She said with a raspy voice. Her dress was wrinkled, her hair tangled and her eyes still holding that bit of tiredness in them, but she looked radiant. She always did. She let out a small yawn before standing up and reaching for his hand which he gave her. "Let us go get ready for the day." She began pulling him up and towards the hallway. There were a few servants in the hallway, far less than what there usually was. They finally had made it upstairs and into her room where she asked him to unlace her dress so that she could bathe. He did so quietly before she held it to her. She walked into her bathing chamber to see it already filled with warm water for her to bathe in. While she cleaned herself, he went to his room to do the same. He cleaned up before changing into leather breeches and a forest green shirt that tucked into his pants. He knocked on Belle's door, awaiting her voice to allow him to enter.
"Come in." She answered softly and he opened the door to see her behind her screen changing. "Do you know if Tink is awake?" She asked just as Lucy came in with the tea service before quickly seeing Belle trying to dress herself. She hurried over to help, apologizing for not being here to help. "No need to be sorry, I am capable of bathing by myself and changing. Rumpel?" She questioned, wondering why he had not answered her question.
"I do not believe she is, would you like me to go, waken her?" She came out in an interesting dress. The top was fitted like a corset and from the behind it looked like a normal dress, but in the front she was wearing leather riding pants. He had never seen a dress so abnormal, but it looked wonderful on her. The pants fitted to show off her long, shapely legs. It was a nice crimson and black dress that she looked dangerous in. It made certain thoughts swirl in his mind that he had to push back.
"Lucy, please go awaken our guest, bring her some clothes to wear too, please." Belle had turned from Rumpel to look at her handmaid.
"Yes, mistress." She bowed before leaving the room. Rumpel set to making Belle and himself a cup of tea. He looked up to see her staring out of the window that showed her where all her animals were. There was a sad look on her face, he placed the tea cup in her hand, but yet she did not look away. His hand came up to caress her cheek and she leaned into his touch slightly. "What troubles you?" He asked, she only shook her head to answer him before she looked into his eyes and sighed deeply. "If this plan fails, if we are not successful. My animals... What will happen to them?" Her voice was soft and it was as if she was scared that if she spoke her thoughts as loud, they would come true.
"This plan will not fail. We have the element of surprise, my darling." He assured her, knowing full well this plan would go smoothly. With him, Regina, Belle and Tinkerbelle all on one side, there was nothing that could stop them.
"Promise me something, promise me that if this fails, you will look after my creatures." Looking into her wide, blue eyes that held so much fear he knew he could not say no to her.
"I promise, Belle." He promised because he could not deny her what she wanted. He promised because he felt himself pulled towards her. He wanted to serve her, please her, do anything she wanted him to do because he wanted her. In every way that he could have her. He pulled her in his embrace, her head tucked under his chin as he felt the fear leave her small body. What else could he do? He trusted that she trusted him. Of course he would do as she asked, or demanded. He could not help himself, he was drawn to her. He knew someone was at the door before they knocked, Belle separated herself from him, but took his hand in hers. Welcoming whoever may be at the door, in. Tink poked her head through the opening she made at the door.
"Regina will be here soon, we need to get ready." She stated and Belle nodded. "Gather the guards, the castle will need to be on full alert while we are gone." She said, her voice sounding strong. If she had any doubts or fears, no one would be able to tell. Except for Rumpel, he could feel what she felt. They both made their way down to the council room where Tink was waiting for them. They were just waiting on Regina before they could do anything. Rumpel had Belle eat, even though she protested at first. She was a big part of their plan and she had to have her strength, especially since they needed her creatures too. Regina had finally arrived just as Tink was beginning to wonder if she would even show.
"Well, dearie, took you long enough." Rumpel quipped.
"You are going after Rheul Ghorm, I had to take extra precautions with the potions. She can sense magic like this a million miles away." She snarled at him, before handing each of them a small bag of dust. At first, Rumpel almost mistook it for Fairy Dust, just without the glow. "We all need to pour this into a drink, once it is in our bodies we will be able to communicate. It is a temporary bond." Regina said, waving her hand for a tea service to be placed in front of them, except instead of tea cups, there were goblets. They all took one goblet, poured the dust in the drink and gulped it down. A tingling sensation went through Rumpel, making him shiver slightly. He suddenly felt a stronger connection to Belle, as if they were one now, it did not make sense to him. He had no time to dwell on the thought as he felt his connection with Tink and Regina also. Everyone gazed around the table, they were all standing by, looking upon one another.
Well, dearie, it appears you haven't failed at something. Rumpel thought, knowing very well Regina could hear him. He even let out a little giggle.
Get over yourself, Dark One, this won't last forever. She growled externally and internally.
"Regina is right, we must begin. Tinkerbelle, you go ahead to where we will be taking them. Go outside and call out 'Horn', he will take you to where you need to be, just tell him where it is. He will be expecting you." Tink nodded at Belle and went off to do as she was told. Then, Belle turned to Regina. "Make your way to Rheul, Rumpel and I will be preparing the other creatures that shall be joining us. When it is time, simply let us know and we will come to your aid. Be cautious, please." She sounded so caring, even with Regina. He thought Regina would make a snide comment, but she only nodded and was gone in a puff of smoke. "Let us prepare the creatures." He could feel her energy, any fear was now gone and replaced with determination. Together, they walked outside and went to gather the creatures that volunteered to help. He poured a potion on them, it would prevent them from feeling or being injured. This calmed Belle, made her feel safe knowing that her creatures would not be harmed. Belle began explaining what was going on and their plan, she wanted the animals to be informed.
"Regina has gone to pretend to make a deal with Rheul, saying that Rumpel has crossed her and she wants him and I am gone. Tinkerbelle is preparing the place where we will keep her and the two men." If someone who did not know the gift Belle had, to them she would look crazy. However, she had an extraordinary gift and these creatures were intelligent. He knew with their help, nothing could go wrong. After she explained, she sat down with those who would help and simply caressed their fur, or feathers for the Phoenix who was perched on her lap.
Everything is prepared. Tink's voice suddenly said in Rumpel and Belle's minds.
Thank you, stay safe. Belle's voice whispered in their minds as they now just awaited on Regina's signal. Rumpel had no idea if things were going according to plan, he knew Regina was good with her words and that is why she was the one to try to trick Rheul into bringing her to Hollow's cave. If she could do that, Rumpel would be able to magic him and Belle to her side. Once there, the bond in which Belle shared with her animals would bring them to her when she called for them. They always knew where she was and would be able to find her. It seemed as if ages had gone by before Regina finally spoke.
I see the dragon, also King George and Prince Gaston. Come, but stay in the shadows. You will see why soon. Regina's voice rang in their heads and soon, Rumpel was holding his hand out for Belle to take. She took a deep breath and with no hesitation took his hand.
"Close your eyes, dearest." He spoke so softly into her ear and she did as he asked. She shut her eyes and felt a rush of magic wash over her. Soon she heard Rheul's voice and the sounds of waves crashing against rocks. She opened her eyes to see Rheul, Regina, George and Gaston forming a circle as they spoke near the mouth of the cave that seemed as if it was surrounded by water. She looked around, the cave appeared to be deep, but she could not hear her Farrah, she could feel her. The feeling was stronger as they were close, but could not see her. She knew Farrah knew she was here for soon she let out a small growl, not loud of enough to cause anyone to look over at her, but not quiet enough that Belle could not hear. Rumpel moved his hands to her forearms and pushed her back so that her back was pressed against his chest, willing the shadows to cover them. He knew Belle wished to rush to her dragon, but if she did, she would ruin their plan.
We have arrived, dearie. We will make ourselves known when the time is right. Rumpel stated and to that Regina only raised her head slightly higher. Now Rumpel was listening closely to what Rheul was saying.
"You say Lady Belle tried to kill you? Does not seem like something she would do." Rheul said, waiting for Regina to explain.
"I made a deal with the Dark One, I needed one of her creatures. A Jaculi, when he arrived with it, he told me Belle told it to harm not harm me. I believed him and when I was sleeping, it snuck into my room and tried to attack me. Thankfully, my guards heard me scream and killed it." She lied, the words seeming to roll off her tongue. "I found out that Lady Belle and Rumpel were plotting against me. She never liked me and feels I am a danger to her kingdom, Rumpel is wrapped around her finger that he does not realize she is playing him." Regina's words seemed to have convinced Rheul. Rumpel knew that Rheul only wanted an excuse to end Belle that anything Regina would've said earlier, she would've believed, but now she was more than sure.
"That is because he is corrupting her. He is darkness and now so is she. This is where I have taken her animal, once she comes to rescue it. Gaston shall take her, do what he wishes to her, as I place her somewhere her creatures will not find her. Then I will kill the Dark One." Rheul looked satisfied with herself, a smug look upon her features.
"Impossible, no one can kill the Dark One, I have tried." That almost made Rumpel snort out loud, Regina had tried no such thing, she knew only his dagger was his undoing.
"I have his dagger, I stole the real one and replaced it with a copy. It is coated in dark magic so he would not know by simply touching it, someone would have had to try to use it against him for him to realize and we all know the Dark One would never allow that to happen." Her words struck fear in his heart, she had his dagger.
"Let us see then. Call him here. End him now." Regina challenged, Rheul's ego could not let her say no. She had to prove how much power she had. She held out her hand and in seconds, a dagger that bore Rumpel's name was in her hands. "Dark One, I summon thee." Rheul's voice boomed in the cave.
"Dark One, go to her and do as she says." Belle commanded quietly and in seconds he appeared in front of Rheul, any fear he had was vanished. Belle had his dagger, Rheul must have had the fake. Or so he assumed. Both of them, commanded him, but he felt her control him, not Rheul. Regina's eyes popped out of her head, she could not believe it. Rheul looked pleased, as did Gaston and George, who had been standing behind her, not speaking a word. "Dark One, you are under my control. You will do as I say." Rheul looked down on him as she spoke.
"Yes, mistress." He spoke through his teeth.
"Have him kill the dragon, the grief will overcome Lady Belle, making her an easier target. Maybe she will come here herself as she feels her dragon dying." Regina suddenly said, Rumpel was confused but did not show it. But, he realized she was stalling.
I have the real dagger. Was all Belle said, and Rumpel could see the tension drain from Regina, relieved.
"Good idea, Gaston, George, bring the beast here." She demanded and they went to do as she asked. Rheul ran the edge of the dagger across Rumpel's cheek, a cut forming on his green skin. Belle wanted to snap at her, he could feel her anger, but it did not hurt and she kept her place. "Who is in control now, dearie?" Rheul mocked him as Farrah was being pulled by Gaston and King George. She looked weak and unable to resist their strength. Rumpel could feel the magic they had around her, which was what must have been keeping her weak. "Stand up, Dark One, kill the beast." Rumpel stood and began walking over to the dragon. Belle began walking towards them, slowly. She kept to the shadows that covered her, but she was about to show Rheul who actually had the power. Rumpel was nearing the dragon, who looked almost afraid. He was reaching for her heart, knowing Belle would interfere. Soon she was standing at the mouth of the cave, the wind blowing her hair. She shook the shadows off, but no one saw her. They were focused on him.
"Dark One, I command you to stop." She spoke loud and clear, and he froze where he was. Everyone's heads turned immediately to look at her. "Come to me." This time, it was not a command, but he made his way to her, standing next to her.
"Dark One, I command you to kill the beast!" Rheul said, furiously.
"Fake dagger, dearie." He mocked, letting out a high pitched, manical laugh. That caused even a small smile to appear upon Belle's lips.
"How?! How did you find us?" She was yelling, furious.
"Well, we searched until we found a place that reeked of a dragon and self-righteous demons from hell." Rumpel quipped, enjoying that they had out smarted her. Gaston had begun backing up, but Farrah was blocking his path. She used the energy Belle was giving her through the bond to pin him to the ground with her claws. "Regina, did you have something to tell Rheul?" He asked, with a smirk. Rheul quickly turned to see Regina with a potion in her hand.
"This is for Daniel." She said before splashing it on her and watching as she collapsed to the ground. She did the same for George, before Belle called on her creatures to find her. They were to escort Rheul and George to where Tink awaited. Belle immediately rushed to Farrah, who was still holding down Gaston. Regina was coming to walk over to where he was to use the potion on him, but Belle puts up a hand to stop her. "Wait, Regina. Gaston, why did you join her?" She asked, curious to know his answer.
"Because, she told me if I did, I would gain you as a wife." He said through harsh breath, as Farrah was pushing on his lungs. Belle scoffed, before letting Regina pour her potion. Belle was stroking Farrah's scales. She did have injuries that needed to be taken care of. Belle heard the beating of wings, before a Griffin, a Phoenix and another dragon had come to join them. Rumpel helped place Rheul, Gaston and George onto the two larger animals while the Phoenix came to Belle's side.
"Heal her, please." Belle asked and soon enough, the bird had begun to shed his tears onto the wounds of Farrah, who huffed in relief. When she was all healed, Belle placed a soft kiss on the Phoenix's head. "Guide her home." Belle said, knowing she needed to deal with the others before she could focus on Farrah.
A/N: I apologize for how late this chapter is. I tried many times to post it, but the site would not let me. I realized what the problem was and immediately fixed it. Thank you for your patience and I do hope you enjoy this chapter.