The imp growled at the scene before him. Belle was sitting on the couch, laughing at the story Jefferson was telling her. She was happier than she had been the past few days, at the arrival of the Mad Hatter, Farrah had also arrived, accompained by another dragon that was carrying her. Belle said she would heal nicely and she simply needed some rest. She was happier than she had been, which was not a bad thing. The bad thing was Jefferson was stealing her time away from him, a mere few hours after they had confessed their love for one another. He knew as soon as the Hatter arrived, it would not be good for Rumpel. He wasn't even sure how Jefferson had found him until he had finally asked.
"Well, I heard you had made a deal with the Lady of Creatures, so I bewitched my hat, with the courtesy of one of your many potions at home and it took me where I wanted to go." Jefferson said easily as he was brushing his hat off before placing it back on his head, crooked.
"Yes, yes, but why are you here?" He wanted to snap, of course Belle did not mind him here. She loved company as long as they were not a threat. He figured with Regina busy with Rheul and Tink with the fairies, he could spend some alone time, but no. The Mad Hatter of all people had to come barging in.
"What? Can't a friend just drop by and say hello?" He almost sounded insulted, but Rumpel knew him all too well. He knew that he was anything but. Belle had insisted he stay for dinner and that is how they were here, all in Belle's Dining Hall, the two of them by the fire and Rumpel glaring by the table. Jefferson was continuing with his story about the White Rabbit and Belle was extremely intrigued. He left out a huff, why was it so important for Hatter to see him? It isn't, Hatter just likes to be annoying and he is always there when you don't want him, Rumpel thought as he crossed his arms over his chest. He was the powerful Dark One, why was he in the corner pouting? He could just have what he wants. But Belle had looked in awe of Jefferson's story and he knew she had to hear the end of it. In the days he had known Belle, he knew she loved stories and she loved to read. She almost had a bigger library that she did. She wanted to read every book she had and he knew eventually she would. That was why he was pouting in the corner, but as soon as the story was over, he was going to swoop in and steal her from Jefferson. It seemed as if a lifetime had passed, before he reached the end and he immediately began strolling over there.
"That was a wonderful story, you are an excellent story teller." Belle beamed at him.
"Thank you, my daughter thinks so too." Jefferson had an abashed smile on his face, his cheeks slightly pink.
"You have a daughter? Where is she?" Rumpel knew she couldn't help, but ask.
"She is with her aunt, she stays there when I come to visit the imp." Jefferson, jerked his thumb towards Rumpel who growled at him.
"I would love to meet her sometime, you must bring her here soon." The tone in her voice was soft, but it was clear that she meant in more of a demand.
"I definitely will, my darling." Just as he finished his words, Belle let out a small yawn.
"I am terribly sorry, it has been a rather long day." Belle held out her hand for Rumpel to take and help her stand. She knew full and well, he would walk her to her room.
"I will have Lucy show you to your room, Jefferson and stay as long as you like." She was sincere and all Jefferson could do was thank her with a handsome smile. When Jefferson was settled in they made their way to their joined rooms. Tonight, she would sleep peacefully. She would know her dragon was safe as were the rest of her creatures. The thought made him smile which Belle had noticed as she was pulling the pins from her hair and letting her lovely, auburn curls wild and free.
"What are you thinking of, my Rumpel?" She asked and he spoke his thoughts, knowing it was useless to hide from her.
"How peaceful you will be tonight, knowing your creatures are safe."
"And you are by my side." She spoke so softly, he had barely heard her. He crossed the room and took her into his arms, embracing her. She nuzzled his chest and he only held her tighter. He was shocked by how fast he had fallen for her. It seemed yesterday he was dreading coming to her for a deal, but if he had to do it again, he had a strong feeling he would not have changed a single moment they spent together. Well, maybe except for the interruption from Hatter. They stayed in each others arms before Rumpel picked her up and carried her so they both may be comfortable on the bed. Her voice broke the silence around them, easily.
"Why do you not like Jefferson?" She didn't move her head that was laying on his chest. She looked forward and his fingers continued to toy with her curls.
"Besides him being irritating?" He growled lowly as he tugged gently on one of her curls.
"I quite like him. He tells wonderful stories, he is funny and he seems a true friend." She continued as if he had not spoken. "How did you two meet?" He thought for a moment, remembering the memory before he spoke.
"I happen to have found him by accident. I was observing a town. He had just emerged from a hat in the forest. He had a child with him, a new born baby. I knew he needed money for the child by the way his clothes were so shabby. So I offered him a deal. If he could do little things for me, I would pay him." He shrugged as if it was an everyday occurrence, but of course it was not. Rumpel felt for the child, he didn't wish a bad childhood on anyone.
"How long have you known him?"
"Well, if his daughter Grace is nine, then that means nine years."
"No wonder he cares for you so deeply. You have known him so long." She said almost cheerfully as if it was a good thing.
"Hatter does not care for me. He only cares that I pay him." He scoffed, and shook his head.
"Then why did he come here to find you?" She questioned, peeking up to look at him. To that he had no answer, he was not sure why Hatter had come. Rumpel had sent him on no new deals, since a few weeks before he went to Belle. "Exactly," She continued, "Because he cares for you." She grinned triumphantly.
"He could have just been bored. He does love to irritate me, it keeps him entertained." He tried to come up with an excuse, but Belle could see right through that.
"And leave his daughter all alone? I think he went to see you and when you weren't at your Castle, he became concerned." She nodded her head, firmly once while he simply rolled his eyes.
"Alright, alright. Cheeky, madame. Let us sleep now, we have had a long day."
When Rumpel woke, he knew it was because of Belle. He knew she was wide awake and ready to start the day. He could just feel it. He rushed to get dressed, so he may meet her in her room. When he had entered, she was twirling outside on her balcony. It had been a few days since they had rescued Farrah and Regina had come by saying she had dealt with the fools. She also warned him news would spread of Rheul, so he was to be prepared. He saw her looking over the guards, he knew she was looking for Robin and Belle had promised to let Regina know the moment he arrived.
"What are you doing?" He questioned with a light laugh.
"I am basking in the sunlight for today is another day." She beamed, he could hear that the animals were feeling just as she was because he could see them running around and little ones playing with each other. It seemed her spirits kept getting higher and higher. She seemed truly happy and he shared that feeling with her, though not so externally.
"Come, Jefferson is probably already downstairs." She took his hand and they made their way to the dining hall, to see Jefferson already there and talking with a blushing Lucy. Rumpel cleared his throat and Lucy jumped, Hatter however, looked calm and collected. Belle was trying to stifle a giggle. After Lucy ran off they all sat down to eat, Rumpel watching Jefferson.
"How many of Belle's maids have you flirted with this morning?" Rumpel quipped, almost causing Belle to choke on her food.
"Only two, Imp. But that last one sure knows how to blush." He grinned and continued eating.
"Only two? Thats rather pathetic for the Mad Hatter." Rumpel couldn't help, but say.
"Well, seeing as their Mistress controls all magical creatures, a man has to be careful." Jefferson said, but he wasn't sure if he was talking about himself or Rumpel.
"Jefferson, after we finish breaking our fast, I must show you the Griffin." Belle chimed in, changing the subject. Jefferson had asked Belle a few days ago to show him her favorite animals. Of course, that was like asking Belle to pick her favorite book. But she agreed to show him her kinder animals. He nodded and after they were done eating, she did show him. The three of them stayed outside for well into the afternoon, Jefferson was fascinated by her animals and the animals seemed to take a liking to him as well, only some. They mirrored what Belle felt towards him, most of them liked him, but few were reluctant which told Rumpel, she may still doubt Jefferson, but he knew she was just being cautious. They were just coming in when a guard charged in with a few of his comrades trailing behind him.
"Mistress, Snow White and her husband are charging towards us with a small army behind them." The front one said, and he could feel Belle tense, before she spoke.
"Gather all the guards, awake the ones sleeping with an apology from me. Stand by the gates, do not draw your weapons, they will not pass through here." She commanded before turning around and walking outside. In the moment her foot touched the ground outside, all her animals came closer and were on high alert.
"Farrah, Silvermoon and Misty come forth. We need your aid in protecting us all." A large dragon, a unicorn and a Minotaur emerged. They let Belle stroke their heads for a moment before it looked as if they nodded. He was always amazed by her bond with them. He could hear Jefferson gasp behind him, which would have made him chuckle, but he could feel the tension in Belle. Belle walked around through the castles, the animals close behind. It was only then, when he watched a dragon, a Minotaur and a unicorn walked through her castle did he realize how big it was, yet he never saw any animals enter. Well, he had seen a few baby creatures stroll in but the moment they got scared, Belle helped them find their way out. As soon as they reached the front gates, they saw James, well David, arguing with the guards and Snow with her hands on her hips. Farrah took to the sky, to see what they could not but hovered near Belle. The unicorn stood on her right side and the Minotaur on her left. Rumpel was near her, but walking slightly behind, wanting to observe.
"Queen Snow White and King James. I am going to skip over the pleasantries and demand to know what you are doing here." Snow and James, or known as Prince Charming, had their eyes wide as they looked over the creatures around Belle. The sound of Farrah moving her wings drew their attention to the sky. It was Snow however, who controlled herself first.
"I hear you and Rumpelstiltskin, are holding the Blue Fairy captive and we demand you release her." She spoke strong, but there was a small waver in her voice when the Minotaur huffed. The guards had turned their attention to Belle and she waved her hand, they only parted so that Belle may have a full view of Snow and Charming, from behind the gate. He could see the dwarves, and about ten guards behind them.
"Ahh, yes. But see, you have no right to demand that. She has done a great injustice towards me and to let her go unpunished seems rather unfair."
"Open the gate, let us talk as Kings and Queens should." Snow said, she did look rather puny from behind the large gate.
"You may enter and bring your dwarves, but your guards must stay back. I do not want them near my creatures." There were a few arguments back but only from the guards. Snow and Charming spoke quietly to them, but finally they spoke to Belle again.
"That seems quite fair." Snow said, and Belle nodded her head towards a guard and he opened the heavy gate. It shimmered slightly, Rumpel could feel magic on it and then they strolled through. The gate shuts quickly, just as a guard tried to slip through. They came closer and before they come to close, the unicorn went mad. It reared back on its hind legs, standing up and waving its hooves before they hit back on the ground hard.
"Stop there, one or more of you has dark intentions and you will come no further." Belle raised her hand and they stopped, and looked around at each other. Rumpel understood now why Belle picked these certain creatures. Each helped her in some way. The Charmings stopped, eyeing the unicorn carefully. They did not acknowledge Rumpel or Jefferson, who was watching with an amused expression. Belle held out her hand and immediately the unicorn came forth. She stroked its head and carefully traced the horn sticking out of its head. The creature was calm and the large Minotaur took a step closer to their unwelcome guests. Farrah continued to hover over Belle in the sky, he could see how they were on guard just as Belle was. The dwarves whispered among each other as they stopped behind Snow and her husband. No one spoke as Belle soothed the creature and rather reluctantly she let her hand fall from the creature and only then did she speak, her voice breaking the silence.
"You have come to ask for Rheul's release, but I will not allow it. She does harm to those around me and those around her. I will not let her dark intentions taint this world anymore."
"Blue is pure, she is the wish granter of our world. To keep her from spreading joy, would be a cruel thing to do." Snow said, she was doing her best to stay collected, but Rumpel could see how her hand twitched and her jaw tensed.
"She is not the creature you paint her out to be. Stop fooling yourself. A true fairy is now ruling like one should and she is truly pure of heart."
"Is it you who gets to decide who is pure or not? Do you paint yourself as some god?" This time Charming spoke, Blue's cool eyes flashed to him quickly.
"I do not pretend to sit on a higher throne than I do now. She has threatened the balance of light and darkness, if I allowed her to continue she would truly not be better than the vilest creature known to mankind." Rumpel saw how Charming and Snow, along with the dwarves eyes flashed to him as she finished her sentence. Rumpel knew very well though that she was not speaking of him.
"You are letting the demon cloud your judgement!" One of the dwarves shouted from the back, before letting out a loud sneeze.
"Yeah! You are supposed to be some ruler of magical things and you are just mad that you couldn't control Blue, so you got rid of her!" Another called and Rumpel saw something flash in Belle's eyes, something he couldn't describe.
"Let us understand something, I allow no one to persuade my thoughts. I am controlling my own mind and my own actions. Rumpelstiltskin here has done nothing but, protect my creatures that stand here and protect me now. If you knew anything, it was that I could not control the fairies, nor have I ever tried. They are those we are suppose to look to in times of need for guidance, only Rheul grew angry when I did not listen and let her harm my beasts." Rumpel realized he had never thought about her controlling the fairies, he assumed that the fairies magic stopped her from being able to. Anger stirred in her, he could feel it coiling inside his stomach. The animals must have too because just then the Minotaur huffed through its nose harshly as he scraped the ground with his hooves. He could hear Farrah's soft growl in the air around them, and the unicorn looked as if it would charge.
"Yes, yes. She is her own person you know, I can't even get her to change her mind about simple things like food." He quipped, he did it only for her. He saw a faint smile cross her lips and the anger drain out of her, slightly but it was enough. Snow must have known that she would not change Belle's mind, but he knew it was far from over. Snow was naive to think everyone was pure of heart, Belle knew better than that.
"If that is the way you see it, so be it. But there are those who will stand behind me, who will fight for her, no matter who gets in our way." It was a surprise that these words came from Charming, he must have mirrored his wife's thoughts.
"I'm sorry, dearie, but did you just threaten Queen Belle here? In front of me?" This time, it was he who was angry and had every right to be. Charming must have not thought anyone would catch on to his words, but Rumpel knew how to manipulate, twist and, see through anyone's words.
"No, he would never. We will be leaving now." Snow said and turned to walk away, pratically dragging Charming with him. However, he was not going to let them walk away so easily and he went to pounce, but Belle's arm kept him from doing so.
"Do not. They will be back. This is not over." He nodded at her words and they watched as Snow and her little army rode off on horses, back to their own kingdom. He knew he could defy her, continue with teaching the Charmings a lesson. Though she could control all magical beings and half of him was that, she never made her words a command, even her creatures could defy her. She could not control him completely, not that she would ever try to.
"Well that was interesting!" Jefferson said and to be frank, Rumpel forgot he was even here. But he was, petting the unicorn with absolute fascination. Belle looked at him, shook her hand and laughed. She thanked the animals one by one, caressing them gently before they went off to their little ones, or to feed or to simply sleep.
"You are a fine ruler, Queen Belle." Jefferson said and she smiled again.
"No need for such formalities, Jefferson. Those who are friends call me Belle." Her words made him smile, Rumpel knew Jefferson was low on friends. Most thought him queer and honestly, he was. But Rumpel was beginning to think Belle loved odd people, because Jefferson and him were truly the oddest