Chapter 21: Only Peace

Warning: There is slight mention of violence and war-related injuries in this chapter. There is also minor character death.

Belle awoke to the sound of pounding on the door. She and Baelfire had waited anxiously all night for Rumplestiltskin to return, and she began to fear the worst had happened to him. They'd fallen asleep on the floor with Bae curled up around her as she read to them by the fire. She glanced out the window, frowning when she realized the sun was up and Rumplestiltskin was not home.

She stood, causing Bae to wake, and opened the door cautiously. "Yes?" She asked. The door flew open as two guards shoved their way inside and strode forward to grab Baelfire. Belle cried out, as did Bae, but a third guard appeared and grabbed her from behind, preventing Belle from grabbing for her son. Bae did not fight; instead he hoped his cooperation would prevent any harm from coming to him or his mother.

He felt angry as he was dragged out of the house; anger at his father for leaving them. He'd not expected him to return with the dagger, but he was not even here. He wanted to see his father; to tell him it would be all right.

"Everyone's watching from behind their curtains today," Hodor observed, sitting astride his horse. He looked around with a smug grin on his face. He made an example of the young girl's family from the other day, it seemed, and now people were more understanding of his cause. He grinned down at Baelfire, who was trying to look back at his mother, who was shouting his name through her tears.

"He's not yet fourteen yet! Let him go!" She cried desperately.

Hodor opened his mouth to speak but froze when one of the men holding onto Baelfire gasped suddenly and fell lifeless to the ground. Bae, Hodor, and the other guard all looked up in horror to see a hooded figure stepping forth.

"You heard her," the voice said menacingly, "Let him go."

The guard let go of Baelfire's arm before, but only to grab at his throat. After a moment of struggle, he fell down dead. The same happened to the guard behind Belle, and despite her horror, she rushed to embrace her son, staring in amazement at the figure who'd saved them.

"Dark One," Hodor said in a nervous stammer, sliding off his horse to bow. The figure stepped closer and Hodor glanced up. His eyes narrowed as he peered under the hood. "No," he whispered. "You're not him. Who are you?"

The figure chuckled. "You've already forgotten me?" He teased. Belle stiffened; she knew that voice. "Oh, what was it you called me? Spindleshanks?" he asked, pressing one long finger to his chin as he thought. He snapped his fingers in delight when he recalled the other cruel name, "Hobblefoot!"

Baelfire, still in his mother's arms, gaped. "Papa?!"

That caught Hodor's attention, and he stared in horror as he whispered, "Rumplestiltskin..."

He giggled, the sound a strange, lilting, and menacing sound. It was so unlike Rumplestiltskin, but perfect for the dark figure who stood before them, his presence a commanding everyone present. "And now you know me as the new Dark One."

He took a step closer and regarded Hodor carefully. "How about a little fealty," he sneered. "Kiss my boot."

Hodor did not hesitate to bend low, pressing his lips to Rumplestiltskin's boot. He remained prostate for a long moment before rising up, crying out in pain as Rumplestiltskin grabbed both sides of his face and twisted. The sickening crack of bones echoed around them. Hodor fell dead, and the other two remaining guards rushed forward, determined to avenge their fallen comrades. Rumplestiltskin made quick work of them, slicing them deeply with his blade, relishing in the strange but consuming feeling of absolute power. He could feel it rushing in his blood and becoming one within him. He was power.

He glanced up to see Belle and Bae staring at him with a mix of horror and awe. Rumplestiltskin took a step forward and stretched out a hand to them. Bae pressed into his mother, who squeezed him tightly, silently reassuring him that all would be well.

"What has happened to you, Papa?" He asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Rumplestiltskin smiled, the gesture gentle but menacing.

"You're safe," he said softly. "I protected you both. Don't you feel safe now?"

Bae shook his head, causing Belle to act. "Go inside," she whispered to him. Bae looked up at her, about to protest, but she spoke again, her voice firm, "Go inside, Baelfire. Now."

Bae took one last look at his father then ran into the house, shutting the door behind him. Rumplestiltskin watched him go in confusion, before his eyes drifted back to Belle.

"What the hell have you done?" She exploded, stalking up to him and shoving him carelessly. "I thought you were going to use the Dark One to save Bae, not take it on for yourself!"

Rumplestiltskin reached out and grabbed her shoulders, frowning when she stiffened against him. "I can better protect you both this way," he said passionately, "I can keep you safe from all that would cause you harm."

"Rumple, we don't need protection," she protested, reaching up to grasp his arms as well. "Do you not see what you've done? You've just killed six men! In front of your son!"

"I did it to protect him!" He fought back.

"Get rid of it, Rumple," she said desperately. "This isn't you." She reached up, brushing his hair away from his face. "Your eyes," she whispered with a frown, "They aren't the same. They're dark; like they've seen unfathomable horrors."

"I have seen unfathomable horrors," he hissed. "I have. And I'm going to prevent that from happening to Bae."

"And you think killing men in front of him is the answer to that!"

He sighed and stared at her helplessly. "I thought you would be happy. I have power. I can do so much. I can change our lives. Make it better."

"I don't want a better life," she sighed. "I want my husband."

His eyes narrowed. "I am your husband."

He released his hold on her and allowed himself to be swallowed up in a cloud of purple mist. When it disappeared, he was gone. Not knowing what to make of what just happened, Belle rushed inside, determined to make sure Bae was all right.

~000~

Rumple appeared in a clearing several miles outside the village. He'd vanished in a fit of anger, and if he were honest with himself, he had no idea how he did it. He lifted his hands and stared hard at them, as if the answer would magically appear before him. Perhaps it would.

He felt strange now that the rush was over. The sensation of magic coursing through him was almost sickening, as if his body were rejecting it. And yet, he had never felt stronger. There were far too many sensations at once - enhanced sight, hearing, smell. He recalled events he knew he'd not been present for, and there were voices in his head, all fighting to dominate. It was too much, so Rumple pushed it all aside while he tried to figure out what to do next.

The war, he decided. The war had gone on long enough. And he had the ability – the power - to ensure it ended today. He'd taken this magic with the intention of saving his son, and now that was done. All that was left was for him to stop the Ogres. Surely then Belle would appreciate his efforts. He frowned. She had looked at him as if she didn't know him. He couldn't be too bitter about that though, he supposed. He had he not told her he was going to become the Dark One; he hadn't really planned on it himself. But hadn't he told her he would use this power for good? Surely she trusted him to do what was right. It didn't matter where or how he obtained his power; what mattered was that he was going to now.

He would show her. He would show everyone just what Rumplestiltskin could do. He'd vowed once before that he'd prove himself a worthy man, and now he was going to make it happen. He would return triumphant, and finally be the man he so longed to be for his wife and son.

Letting the power swirl around him, he tried to envision the Ogres, hoping that he could appear before them. He didn't know how all this worked, but he trusted in the magic. He closed his eyes and disappeared, not knowing where he would end up when the smoke dissipated.

When Rumple reappeared, he was at a camp near the front. He breathed a sigh of relief and took a moment to take in his surroundings. He was at the front, near the battlefield, which was now closer than ever as the Ogres advanced; much closer to his village than it had been fourteen years ago. Everyone around him scattered in fear, afraid of the creature that had just appeared before them. Rumplestiltskin glanced around curiously, watching as soldiers drew their swords, ready to attack.

Rumple stepped forward, dagger clenched tightly in his hands. The men all shifted in anticipation, and he spoke. "I am the Dark One," he said with an air of pride, "And I'm going to help you."

He heard a sound and turned his back to the men, listening as the familiar roar of the Ogres filled his ears. For a moment he felt intense fear, but he quickly scolded himself. He could face them; he could defeat them. He marched toward the source of the sound, ignoring the cries of some of the men behind him, calling for him to stop.

He came to an open field and saw a group of children hiding behind some bushes nearby. They were dressed in armor far too large for them, and they all looked terrified. Another group of children were in the middle of the field, trying to fight off a rather large Ogre. It smashed its fists on the ground as it let out a mighty roar, causing some of the young soldiers to collapse as the ground shook. Rumple could see that the Ogre was preparing to crush the children at his feet. The Ogre raised its fist, and the children cried out. With a wave of his hand magic burst forth shielding the children and making them vanish. The Ogre's large fist smashed hard on the ground, creating small craters in their wake.

"Hey! Over here!" Rumple cried out once the children were safely hidden behind the bush with the others. The Ogre turned and roared, and a moment later several others burst from the trees to join their comrade. They growled, then began to rush toward him. Rumplestiltskin remained motionless for a few moments before lifting his hands and clapped, causing a ripple of magic to fly forward, cutting through the Ogre's as if they were nothing. They burst, the magic consuming them into ash and dust that floated in the breeze, landing delicately on the ground and children below. He could hear more Ogres in the distance and continued to use his magic to destroy every one he could sense, not stopping until he no longer felt their presence. The children began to cheer, and Rumplestiltskin felt himself swell with pride.

He'd saved them.

Once he was finished, Rumple approached the children and knelt down before them. "Are you all right," he asked. They nodded, staring at him in wonder. He'd defeated the Ogres with a wave of his hand, and the children gaped at him as if he were a god.

He stood, motioning for the children to do the same, and he led them wordlessly back to the camp. When they arrived, battered and bruised and tired, Rumple threw up his hand to capture the camp's attention.

"Pack your things," he said in a fatherly tone, "We're going home."

The children did not need to be told twice. The prospect of home was once again within their grasp. A few soldiers, grown men this time, approached Rumple skeptically.

"What do you think you're doing," one of them demanded. "You can't take these children-" he gasped as Rumplestiltskin latched his hand onto the man's throat.

"I can," he seethed, "And I will. The war is over."

"Says who," the other man asked hesitantly.

Rumplestiltskin scowled. "Did you not hear me earlier? I'm the Dark One. And if I say this war is over, then it's over."

He let go of the man, who clutched at his throat, coughing. "Help the little ones pack. Then go back to your king and tell him the war is done. He can begin sending out aid to his people to help them become prosperous once again." He paused and then added, "He owes us that much."

The two men ran off, clearly afraid for their lives, and Rumplestiltskin smirked in satisfaction. It was enjoyable, to be in control; to have others do as he wished. Never again would he be looked down upon or mocked. Never again would his family know poverty or shame. It was a new age for them all he thought, and he'd been the harbinger of it.

He saw something out of the corner of his eyes and turned to see a young girl, no more than fifteen approaching him hesitantly. "Sir?" She asked, her voice small and strained. He smiled at her softly and she seemed to relax.

"Yes, my dear?"

"There are several tents with injured-" she hiccupped and wiped at her eyes. It was clear she'd been crying. "Soldiers. They need help."

Rumplestiltskin motioned for her to lead on, and he followed her to the row of tents that were being used as makeshift hospitals. When he walked in, the smell nearly overwhelmed him. The stench of pain and sickness was everywhere, and the poor souls on the bed barely looked like children. Rumplestiltskin looked down at the girl and asked, "How many tents like this?"

"Three, sir."

He nodded. "Will you help me?" He asked, crouching down to the girl. She nodded, and Rumple smiled. "Run along and do what you can to help the others. Find those whose injuries are the most severe and report back to me. I'll start taking care of these." The girl nodded and disappeared.

Rumplestiltskin took in the situation, feeling sick as he listened to the sounds of children crying in pain He moved to the closet child, a young girl whose arm was wrapped haphazardly in a sling. "What happened?" He asked.

She glanced up at him, blinking in surprise when she saw his face, but swallowed her fear and answered. "My arm is broken," she whispered. "And my leg," she moved back the sheet and Rumplestiltskin paled as he saw the girl's leg had practically been ripped to shreds. By all rights it should have been removed, but he doubted anyone there could have done it without causing a worse infection. She sniffed and whispered, "I can't feel it anymore."

"What's your name?"

"Anna."

"Let's take care of this, shall we, Anna?"

She nodded, and Rumplestiltskin blinked away the tears that had formed and closed his eyes, concentrating on the magic that swirled and raged inside. He summoned some forth, not quite understanding how but not caring, and waved his hand over the girl's arm. She cried out in pain as the bones healed and she shut her eyes and turned her head away. After a moment, it stopped and Rumplestiltskin whispered, "Look."

Anna glanced down, then looked at him with wide eyes. "It's better!" She exclaimed in amazement, moving her arm around with ease.

Rumplestiltskin nodded, equally amazed. "Now let's try this." He waved his hand again and the mangled leg began to move and the skin, muscles, and bone began to grow and stretch. She cried out in pain again, and Rumplestiltskin offered his other hand, barely feeling it as the girl gripped tightly. She began to weep when the pain became too much, but she said nothing. Instead she watched as the magic worked to restore her leg. When it was over, her leg was whole and healed and the girl bent it experimentally, tapping on it as well and grinning when the sensation of touch registered. She laughed through her tears and leapt toward Rumplestiltskin, throwing her arms around him and thanking him over and over. He was taken aback, but returned the girl's embrace.

"I'm going to go find my brother," she said when she finally let go of Rumple. He nodded and sent her off after making her promise to let him know if her brother needed help.

Rumplestiltskin worked his way around the tent, healing cuts and restoring limbs to children who'd resigned themselves to being crippled and lame. Each time he was rewarded with a hug, a laugh, a smile that declared they were eternally grateful to the strange man who had saved them from death.

He came across a girl who was sleeping, her matted hair plastered to her face. Her legs were crushed and deformed from the knees down. She was a pitiful sight. Rumple reached out and tucked some of the girl's hair behind her ear. Then he froze in horror.

"Morainne?"

The girl stirred and blinked, her eyes grew wide when she saw Rumplestiltskin standing over her. She blinked, then her brow furrowed in confusion. "Rumplestiltskin?"

Rumple nodded, a laugh escaping him. He sat down on the cot next to the young girl. "Yes, it's me."

Morainne frowned. "What happened? Where is Bae?"

Rumple was quick to console her. "He's fine. He's safe. I've come to get you."

"I don't understand."

"I killed the Ogres," Rumple explained gently. "They're gone, and once I finish healing everyone, I'm going taking you home."

Their eyes met, and Rumple saw how full of hope she looked. "You can make me walk again?"

Rumplestiltskin nodded. "Yes." He touched one hand to her ruined legs, then offered her the other. "Hold my hand," he encouraged, "This will hurt."

Morainne nodded and gripped his hand. Rumple summoned his magic. The act was almost painful from doing it for so long, but he bit his lip and kept going while trying to ignore Morainne's whimpers of pain. She did not scream, and her silent resolution reminded him slightly of Belle. Belle had always been a silent force of strength, and he sensed the same of the brave young girl before him. It was no wonder Bae liked her so much. He continued to heal her, not stopping until he felt the magic declare there was nothing else to fix. He smiled down at her, and she returned the gesture, shifting so that she could stand. She was weak, but Morainne managed to take took a few steps with Rumple's aid before needing to sit.

"Thank you," she said softly, reaching down to touch her legs in awe. Rumplestiltskin said nothing, instead patting her shoulder before moving on to heal the last of the children.

Rumplestiltskin was halfway done with the tent when Anna rushed in. "Mister! Mister," she exclaimed. "My brother is in the other tent. He started shaking, and he won't stop!"

Rumple looked at the boy whose arm he was healing and told him he would return before running after Anna to the other tent. . He saw the boy instantly, frowning when he noticed he was not moving anymore. Blood and vomit trailed out of his nose and mouth. He was pale and his eyes clear. Rumple fell to his knees at the boy's side, summoning all the magic within him to bring the child back. He forced the magic out of him, but nothing happened. He gasped, the effort taking its toll on him and he looked across at Anna who was shaking the boy violently.

"Wake up, wake up! Please wake up!" She sobbed as she shook him. Rumplestiltskin felt the tears well up inside him, and he tried once more, searching for a way to restart the heart or breathe air into the boy, but no matter what he tried, the magic resisted.

Finally he stopped and looked at the girl. "I'm sorry. I can't do it."

The girl's face withered and she began to sob, collapsing on top of the boy as she wept. Rumplestiltskin glanced around at all the children who watched on, tears streaming down their face as they witnessed another death of one of their own.

"Please come back, Jacob," Anna sobbed. "Please don't leave me. Don't make me go back alone. Please, please! Don't go!"

Rumplestiltskin maneuvered around the boy and grabbed the girl, cradling her in his arms as she clung to him, sobbing. He did not know what to do. He was so sure of his power. He'd not thought that he'd face death. He'd been convinced that he could do everything, but not even the power of the Dark One could restore life, it seemed. He sat in shock, holding onto the girl as she cried, his tears sliding down his face as he held her close, vowing he would do whatever he could to make things right. Anger filled him that these children had witnessed this and he let out a sob, feeling burdened that even with all his power, he'd still failed.

Finally, Anna quieted and Rumplestiltskin lifted her off the ground. He found the other little girl he'd met, her fiery red hair standing out amongst the mass of brown and blonde. "Can you have the stronger boys carry out Jacob's body?" He said softly, shifting Anna in his arms as she wept, "We will have a proper funeral for him before we depart."

The girl looked at Anna, clutching to the Dark One's neck and nodded, her own eyes filling with tears as she took off once more to assist. Rumplestiltskin looked at Anna and asked, "Do you want to be alone? To mourn as you would?"

She shook her head. "He would want me to help," she sniffed. "He wanted to be a doctor. He liked helping people."

"Then we will honor him by helping others."

Anna stayed by his side the rest of the time, fetching things the children needed and helping to determine what was wrong with others who were unable to inform him themselves. Finally he reached the last tent - silently grateful he'd not had to endure another loss - and began to go through the motions of healing the last of the injured. He was weak and tired and ached all over. He felt as if all the pain these children had endured was now upon him and he wanted nothing more than to collapse, but he pushed on, determined to help every child in need.

~000~

That night they held a candlelight ceremony for the dead, honoring all those who had died in battle or from injury. Rumple used his magic once more to move the earth, creating a row of graves. He assisted the older boys in laying the bodies to rest, then used magic once more to replace the earth. The graves were adorned with flowers and small trinkets, a testament to the friendships that had been forged in the short time they'd all been there.

Anna knelt next to her brother's grave as silent tears streamed down her cheeks. Most of the children returned to their duties when it was over. They were eager to leave and forget the horrors that had been forced upon them.

Rumple stood near Anna, watching her with worry. The guilt of his failure ate at him, and he thought again of Adi, whom he'd failed years before. This defeat opened that wound, and Rumplestiltskin hated himself for not being able to help this little girl.

Finally Anna stood, then jumped in surprise when she saw Rumplestiltskin standing a few feet away. "I'm sorry," she said, wiping at her eyes. "I just wanted a moment longer."

"Take as long as you need, my dear," Rumple whispered. "But try to get some rest. We leave at dawn for home."

"Home," Anna smiled wistfully. "I'm ready for home. I miss my mother."

"You will see her soon," Rumple promised as he reached out to her. Anna took his hand and they walked away from the graves. "It's about time you all saw your families again."

~000~

Belle paced. It had been two days since her husband returned practically a stranger, slaughtered men at their doorstep before disappearing into thin air. She was worried and so was Bae, who kept asking questions she did not have the ability to answer. All she could do was assure her son that Rumple would be back soon. To distract herself, she took to reading, even going to the temple where the clerics resided to try to find information on the Dark One, so that she might know who – or what - she was dealing with when he returned.

She had not had much luck, and was now pacing again as she tried to think of something. She had no other way to find out information. She certainly wasn't going to tell others that her husband had taken on some powers and was missing. That would not go over well.

She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard the commotion of people shouting and yelling outside. Belle took Bae, and they both stepped outside to see what was going on. People were running toward the center of the marketplace, and it occurred to Belle that their shouts were of rejoicing, not despair. She glanced at Bae and with a slight nod they both took off, following the shouts and pushing their way to the front of the crowd. Belle froze when she saw someone entering the village square with a horde of children surrounding him. He had two young girls at his side, a pretty blonde girl Belle did not recognize and -

"Morainne!"

Belle was taken out of her shock as Morainne's mother and father rushed forward. Morainne let go of the man's hand to race toward them, her legs working perfectly. The family embraced, crying and sobbing and rejoicing. The other children, the ones who had not broken off to go to their own villages along the way, began to rush toward their family, and the square was filled with the sounds of happiness and jubilation. It was then that Belle realized the man was Rumplestiltskin.

Belle walked forward, almost in a daze, to where her husband stood. He looked triumphant, pleased at his handiwork and Belle reached out to touch his arm. He looked at her, and she could see the fear in his eyes that perhaps she might be angry with him.

"You brought them all back?" She whispered.

He nodded. "The Ogre's are all dead. It's over."

Belle looked around, "They all seem-"

"They were broken; maimed in ways no one deserves to be," he said darkly. "But I healed them."

"You healed them," she repeated and he answered with a nod. "You stopped the Ogres. Everyone is safe."

Again he nodded. "No more war," he said. "From now on, only peace."

Belle's eyes shown with tears and she stepped forward, pressing herself close to him. "You wonderful man," she whispered as he embraced her tightly. She rested her head in the crook of his neck, sighing happily as he held her, strong and steady. It had been a long time since he'd been able to support her weight.

"I love you, Belle," he said, his voice dark and dangerous. She touched his face, the texture harder than his skin before.

"I love you, too," she whispered in return.

Author's Notes:

A brief calm before the inevitable storm.

I was heartbroken by this week's episode. It made editing this chapter so difficult.

Chapter 22 will be posted on April 11!

Special thanks to my husband and to Sirensong25 for their edits. You guys are fantastic as always!

And, so are you. Your reviews, follows, and favorites always bring a smile to my face. I genuinely appreciate it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time. Characters, settings, and dialogue belong to the writers and ABC.