"Call Henry. We're on the road nearing the border now."
Belle did as she was told and used her cell to call Henry. She waited to speak until she heard Henry's greeting. "We're close to the town line," she said to Henry with the phone pressed to her ear. She waited for a moment to hear his response and quickly replied, "… ok."
"What did he say?"
"He said he'd meet us there in a few moments to lift the cloak. He said that it'll be obvious when we've arrived."
Just as Belle had mentioned, a shimmer on the road began to undulate before their eyes. At first they thought it was a mirage, but then the 'Welcome to Storybrooke' sign suddenly appeared at the side of the road and beside it Henry.
It had definitely been a long time since they had seen him and Henry was no longer the boy they once knew. He had definitely grown up handsomely, as evident by the princely suit he donned. The Navy blue blazer, black vest, rouge Windsor tie and shined Oxford shoes were very becoming of him as if he had been raised by royalty, which wasn't too surprising considering his lineage. But the way he carried himself seemed very kin to his grandfather, Mr. Gold. He stood alone with hands in his pocket at the border's edge waiting for them.
A gold shimmer passed through them as Belle and Gold crossed the line in the Cadillac. As soon as the car crossed the border they came to a stop. The hairs on Belle's arm began to rise and a strange but not unfamiliar tingly sensation ran through her entire body. They were entering magic. Rumple closed his eyes briefly as his entire body became saturated by it. The ache in his leg disappeared instantly. He inhaled deeply, drinking in the air as if sipping on the finest wine and relished in the moment.
Belle looked over at him with concern and asked with a raised brow, "Are you ok?"
As if abruptly waking from a blissful dream, he came to and answered nonchalantly, "Yeah… yeah, I'm fine."
Henry waved to them as they got closer and Rumple came to a slow stop before him. As soon as Rumple placed the vehicle into park both he and Belle slowly stepped out of the car to greet him.
"Welcome back," he called to them with a small smile and open arms. Among the many things that had changed about him, Henry's voice had certainly deepened and it was more noticeable in person. Henry came over to Belle first, greeting her with a hug. "I'm so sorry that it wasn't under happier circumstances."
Unsure how to greet his own grandson, Henry quickly smoldered the awkward moment and boldly hugged his grandfather. Rumple slowly wrapped his arms around his grandson and when the moment passed he pulled back from him to get a better look. "I see you've been doing well for yourself," Gold observed.
"Yeah," concurred Belle, "You, uh… You're looking very sharp."
Henry blushed and replied, "I've been busy… running the family business, among other things."
"Where's your car?" asked Belle innocently as she scanned the road for his vehicle.
"I didn't use it. I used magic to get here," smiled Henry as he looked down on Belle.
"Oh," she said embarrassed. "Yeah. Of course you have."
"It's ok. It's been like, what? Seven years? So for seven years you've both lived in a world without magic. I think by now you've just simply grown accustomed to living without it."
"Yes, well, it certainly is like riding a bicycle," said Gold as he turned to head back toward the car.
"I would imagine so," agreed Henry. Seeing that Gold was in a rush to get into town Henry continued, "Hey, so… speaking of rides," his interjection causing Gold stop in his tracks to face him again. "I didn't want to be rude and just disappear, so I was wondering if I could get a lift back into town?"
"Of course," said Belle before Gold had a chance to protest. Gold gave Belle a reluctant look, and she suddenly remembered what they had discussed in the car on the way over. She understood his hesitancy, but unfortunately, the words had already escaped her mouth and it was too late to take back the offer. Before Henry could suspect anything Gold replied to Henry, "We have to drop by my shop, first, though."
"Sure," said Henry, shrugging his shoulders as he jovially filed into the back seat of the Cadillac. Rumple let out an anxious sigh as he and Belle got back into the car. They got back on the road again and continued traveling when the car suddenly got awkwardly silent. When the tension was too much, Henry spoke, "I have to ask, maybe I can help, what are you looking for? You know, since you've been gone, I've been running the shop and have organized it quite a bit. I could probably tell you where it is."
"Thanks for the offer Henry, but I'm afraid I can't tell you just yet."
"Ok…" said Henry, feeling confused and a bit put out.
As much as Gold wanted to trust his grandson, his gut instinct was telling him not to trust anyone until he had more knowledge or his dagger. Gold desperately needed to retrieve his dagger and in order to do that he needed access to Cogsworth. Henry's pocket-watch was one of the many enchanted objects he left behind when they moved away and it was an item he needed to get without Henry knowing.
"You have to excuse us, Henry," reasoned Belle as she turned her head to look behind her at Henry, "It's been a long trip for the both us and we just want our daughter back safe and sound."
"Oh no! I completely understand. I haven't told the family yet of your arrival, but when I do I'm sure they can help."
Belle physically turned around in her seat to properly thank Henry, "Thank you, Henry. That's very kind of you."
The Cadillac slowly turned onto the long Main Street and at the very end they could see the town's iconic library clock tower. Both Gold and Belle took in a deep breath. Neither one of them expected to see this town ever again. As familiar as the sights were, it felt incredibly strange to be back; like putting on an old shoe with all the worn familiar holes, making you realize why you rid yourself of the article of clothing in the first place.
Gold pulled into the side street beside the shop and parked as the sun began to set. He turned off the car and stared longingly over at the shop's side entrance. When he leaned back he was greeted by Henry's hand poking in between the seats holding out a set of keys. With a small smile Henry said, "Your keys to the shop."
Gold slowly reached up over his shoulder and grabbed the keys from Henry. "Henry…" began Gold hesitantly. He wasn't sure how to politely ask Henry to stay behind.
"I'll wait in the car while you guys get what you need from the shop," Henry replied conveniently.
"Thank you Henry… for understanding," Gold said to his grandson.
"Don't thank me just yet. Thank me when we find my Aunt."
Gold and Belle got out of the car and stared at the shop's sign nostalgically.
- MR. GOLD PAWNBROKER AND ANTIQUITIES DEALER -
Belle walked over next to Gold and reached for his hand.
"It's like we never left," noted Gold as he blinked upwards at the sign.
"I know… and that's what frightens me the most about this place. Like we're still stuck in the original curse and time stood still," added Belle. "But you know what they say," she continued to say as she wrapped an arm around his, staring at his face, "some things never change."
"and yet," he said, glancing quickly over his shoulder at Henry, "Some things do."
Belle smiled over the idiom and realized that both he and Henry had changed a lot. She loved the man that he was before and still loved the man he was now. It made her feel almost silly to have not trusted him before. Watching his reaction to magic as they crossed the border did give her pause though, but she figured they didn't have their daughter and until they found her Belle's concern for Rumple's addiction to magic came second. He was the only person she could truly trust and so was she to him. They needed to trust in each other's abilities and it was critical now more so than ever if they were going to ever find their daughter.
They attempted to make their first steps toward the shop when suddenly they realized they couldn't move.
STOP. DO NOT ENTER THE PAWN SHOP.
The call reverberated so loudly in their minds that it resonated straight to their hearts, magically compelling them to comply with its command. Belle tried to move forward again and thought she was having a brief stroke. "What's going on? Why can't I move?"
RETURN TO YOUR CAR AND DRIVE BACK TO YOUR STORYBROOKE HOME.
"Belle, someone already has the dagger," replied Gold as they moved immediately back to the Cadillac. One of his worse fears confirmed. This was a trap. Belle went to the passenger side and entered the car, "But why am I being manipulated?"
"We still share a half of each other's hearts, remember? To protect you when you gave birth to Lily and that includes my cursed half-heart."
Gold got into the car and turned the vehicle back on.
"Back so soon? Why didn't you go into the shop?" piped in Henry from the back seat.
"Henry, someone has my dagger," explained Gold as he pulled away from the shop and headed back to their old Victorian home.
"Oh. Is that why you wanted to return to the shop? I scoured, organized and cataloged every item in there and never came across your dagger."
"That's because it was never in the shop. I needed to get into the shop to find your pocket-watch."
"Oh, you mean Cogsworth?" said Henry as he pulled the pocket-watch out from inside his vest pocket to reveal the item.
"Yes," said Gold with surprise. "You had it this entire time?"
"Yep," said Henry as he withdrew the watch and placed it back into his pocket. "So… Where are we going now?"
"We're going back… home…" Belle said reluctantly and disappointedly. They weren't going home; at least not back to New York. So the words came out more lackluster than she expected. She had hoped that when she said those words again it would have been with their daughter safely back in their arms. Before they knew it they were already down the familiar street towards the Victorian home. Gold drove into the driveway as he did for so many years, but he didn't want to get out. Neither one of them did.
"So… where did you want to go with my pocket-watch?"
Gold bit his tongue and remained silent. They needed to keep their plans to themselves because the truth was they couldn't trust anybody. Belle finally understood his reservations about giving Henry the lift back into town and wasn't sure how to vocalize her concerns without appearing rude or inconsiderate. Gold appeared anxious, almost angry and when he didn't respond, Belle stuttered, "Henry… uh… we…"
"No I… I get it. I'll just gather the family tomorrow morning to tell them. They'll most likely bombard you the instant I tell them of your arrival anyways. Besides," Henry said while looking at his grandfather's quiet disposition, "it looks like you guys could use some time to yourselves and perhaps settle in before the whole entourage arrives at your doorstep."
Henry opened up the car's door and exited. As soon as he stepped outside the vehicle he magically vanished and was gone. Without saying a word, Rumple left the vehicle. Belle did the same and followed him up the stairs to the front porch. As Belle ascended the stone steps, she couldn't help but be amazed by the preservation spell that was left behind. Even the bushes that surrounded the property were kept trimmed and the lawn perfectly manicured. Rumple reached the final step and waved his hands over the house. To his surprise nothing happened. His face twisted in confusion.
"What's wrong?" Belle asked, noticing his face.
"I distinctly remember placing a Protection Spell using blood magic over the house before we left... it's been broken."
"You did bequeath this house to Henry for when he was old enough. And if you did use blood magic using your blood, then Henry's the only one that could have broken it, right?"
"Yeah," he agreed suspiciously. He turned around and began casting more protective charms and spells over the house and property. Without saying another word they entered their old home together.
As soon as they stepped inside Belle was flooded with memories of their old life. Not an item was covered with dust, as if they just moved yesterday. The furniture was left exactly as she remembered, almost like she was transported back in time. She looked to the left where the living room was and remembered having their first dance. She remembered experiencing Neal's last moments before Henry stopped believing in magic.
Belle felt like she was on autopilot walking straight to the kitchen as she did so many times before to assess the inventory. Deep down she knew there wouldn't be anything. Before they moved she had cleaned and disposed everything, leaving the house pristine perfect for when Henry was ready to inherit it. So it came to her surprise when she noticed a couple of items already in the kitchen sink. Apparently, Henry was making use of the kitchen. A couple of empty mugs with residual coffee stains and a teacup; her teacup, chip and all!
She lifted the teacup to look at it closely, not believing she was holding the relic that symbolized their love for each other. But what was it doing here? Why was it sitting by the sink, in their house? Wasn't it supposed to be still in the shop? And the coffee mugs… unless Henry was drinking coffee now, the only other person who favored these brews were…
"Rumple…" she whispered. She looked around the kitchen and then called out for him again, "Rumple?"
She placed the cup down and walked out of the kitchen. She was about to head down to the basement when she heard some feet scuffle out on the front porch. Rumplestiltskin was just protecting the house, so the only person it could have possibly been was him. She opened the front door and discovered him standing by the banister looking out onto the street.
"Rumple, are you… uh, are you done fortifying the house? Is it safe to talk now?"
He turned around and his face had the look of… awe, surprise, relief? "Yes… Yes, we're safe now." Tears were forming in his eyes as he came close and hugged her tightly. "I love you Belle," he said softly and sweetly into her ear. Before she had the opportunity to question this sudden affection he swiftly planted a loving kiss on her lips.
She pulled away from him, taken back slightly, "Woah, what's the meaning of all this?"
He brought her hand up to the side of his face and said simply, "I just… don't ever want to make the same mistake twice and lose you too." He kissed the inside of her palm and brought it gently down by her side.
"Do you have a plan? Are we going to find Lily?"
"We're going to find her and we'll have her again soon enough, but for now I must apologize. I'm so sorry to do this to you my love…"
"Do what to me? What are you sorry for? I don't understand…"
He brought his hand up to her head and with the look of regret, waved it over her face. Before she could finish her sentence her eyelids became extremely heavy and fell shut. The last thing she remembered was collapsing into his arms.
… …
Henry reappeared in what seemed to be the middle of the woods. Knowing the path all too well, Henry immediately pressed forward. The thick trees masked the cabin well, but he knew where he needed to go. As he walked deeper into the woods the path before him became more obvious and artificial. For the most part the heavy canopy shielded the cabin, but still a few water droplets managed to escape through the gaps and fall onto his elegant coat jacket. He checked the time. It was nearing five o'clock. The sun was setting, which made the cabin appear more gloomy and eerie upon arrival.
He walked on up to the front porch and waved his hands over the entrance and in one fluid motion the purple glow protecting the cabin faded away in ripples. Without pause he continued through the front door.
"Mama… Papa…" whimpered a little girl from inside.
Henry moved closer to the room which hosted the little girl and opened the door. The young girl with brown hair and hazel eyes jumped and then cowered at the sudden sight of him.
"Don't worry. Your parents are here and are coming for you. Are you hungry?" he said while conjuring up a plate of assorted cheeses, meats and crackers for her. His voice seemed calm and playful as if they were simply two friends hanging out together. He offered the plate to her.
"Where are they? Why can't I see them? Am I a prisoner?" the young girl cried as she backed herself into a corner, keeping as much distance as possible from him.
"The timing isn't right. If I let you go now, they'll just head straight back to New York again. No… I have to give your father something, but he needs to want it."
"What?" asked the confused girl. She understood ransom, but what her capture was asking for wasn't clear. In fact, it was enigmatic.
"Don't you worry. It will all become clear, but in due time," Henry smirked evilly as he headed back out the front door, "… my dear Aunt Lily."
Thank you Grace5231973, Imusicluver23, CrypticCobra, ladybugsmomma, Mystics Apprentice, and Montreat11 for reviewing! Wow. Look at you guys. How cool is that for having posted only 2 (now 3) chapters? I'm super excited for what I have in store for the rest of this story. All I ask is that you please be patient with my postings. I'm trying to pace myself accordingly… write, read, edit, post, reply. Very time consuming. This story is very detail oriented and much more complex than my first story. Occasionally I go back to previous chapters I've already written and I sprinkle a few more details that become relevant later. The trick is being able to do all that before I post an actual chapter, so I'm very cautious as to what I post up. Believe me, I want to post everything I've got so far, but my hesitance is leaving out a crucial detail or idea that will, in turn, affect the rest of my story. You know what I mean? I hope you do. Thank you for your patience and understanding. See you next chapter!