Chapter 48: Closing Doors

"There's so much to do," Belle remarked as she stared down at the list she'd made. Rumple looked over her shoulder, clicking his tongue against his teeth as he read over her list.

"Most of this will be easy to take care of," he mused before pausing at the last item written in Belle's swirling script. "Why is the Queen's name on the list?"

Belle turned to face her husband, holding the list between them, "You can't honestly think we're going to leave without your letting Regina know that the curse is no longer being made."

Laughing, Rumple plucked the list from Belle's hand. "What makes you think she deserves any such courtesy? I thought you disliked her."

"I do," Belle said with a shrug, "But that doesn't change the fact that you used her, and no matter what I may think of her, she deserves to know the truth."

They stared at each other for several moments, Rumplestiltskin glaring as his wife stood with her arms crossed stubbornly. There would be no getting around this, he knew. She wanted him to confront Regina, and he would do it. It would be with great reluctance, but deep down he knew Belle was right. Regina deserved to know the truth.

Rolling his eyes, Rumplestiltskin stepped forward and rested his hands on Belle's forearms. "Fine," he said with a heaving, dramatic sigh, "I'll talk to her."

Belle's smirk was full of smug satisfaction. "Thank you," she said before placing a kiss on Rumple's cheek. She turned and walked toward the door before stopping and glancing back at him. "Well, let's go. We have a lot to do before we can leave."

Rumplestiltskin followed her out the door, shaking his head in amusement.

~000~

Belle knelt at her father's grave, fresh bouquet of flowers in hand. Rumple had vanished to speak to a local shepherd in a neighboring village about their sheep and horses. Belle had been adamant that the animals find good homes, and so after a brief search, he found a small farm not far from their own village that was owned by a kind family. Belle had been pleased with the discovery, which in turn made Rumplestiltskin happy.

While Rumplestiltskin paid a surprise visit to the farm, Belle had elected to spend time with her father for what she realized with a cry would be her last time. Though he was no longer alive, Belle had taken comfort in knowing she could still visit his grave. But after today there would be no more visits to him, only memories. She had a few of his books and a couple other small trinkets as mementos, but none it compared to having her father. She missed him dearly, but she knew he wouldn't want her to mourn him greatly. He'd spent years mourning her mother, and it was a sorrow he'd never wanted her to endure.

Placing the flowers on the headstone, Belle sat before her father in silence, allowing the cool breeze of the morning to envelop her. She was a little chilly, wishing she'd thought to bring a cloak, but there was something about the coolness in the air that gave her comfort.

She sat for some time, contemplating her life with her father. She had nothing to say, except goodbye, and she wasn't quite ready to say those words just yet. Instead she thought back on their life, and of how much joy Bae had brought to him as well. Equally, Bae loved his grandfather, and Maurice's death had been a hard blow for the boy.

It had been hard for her too. He deserved so much better than what had been his fate, but Belle took comfort in the fact that he'd had a good life, all things considered. It had been a simple life, but a good one.

Standing, Belle brushed herself off whispered, "Goodbye, Papa."

Turning, she walked away, determined not to cry or look back. It was time to look ahead to the future, which was bright and promising, despite the uncertainty. It had taken them so long to reach this point. She had to keep moving forward.

Her path led her to Agda's once more. She'd been here only a couple month ago, but it felt like an eternity. The older woman was outside, and smiled a wrinkled smile as she saw Belle walking toward her. Dropping her broom, she rushed toward the younger woman and clutched her tightly in a warm and loving embrace.

"I've been thinking of you all day, and now here you are!" Agda declared with a smile, "It must be that magical husband of yours, knowing I'm thinking of my dear girl."

Belle gripped Agda firmly, and the resolve she'd demanded of herself broke, and the tears began to pour out. It was bittersweet, and she wished she could be stronger, but if anyone could help her regain the strength she needed, it would be Agda. She'd always been good about knocking sense into people, and Belle relied on that same tough love now.

"Oh dear," Agda said as she led Belle inside her home, "What has he done now."

Belle laughed in spite of herself. "Oh, Agda," She whispered, "We're going to find Bae!"

The woman let out a joyful sound and squeezed Belle tight. "Oh you had me worried with those large tears of yours!" She declared, wiping at Belle's cheeks with her thumb, "I thought you were bearing bad news."

Belle's smile faltered and Agda's hand froze. "Oh no, love," she said, "You do come bearing bad news."

Belle nodded. Taking the woman's hand, Belle said, "We have to leave," Belle said softly, "To get to Bae. We finally found a way to get to him, but once we leave we won't be able to come back."

Glancing down, Belle shut her eyes, knowing that she couldn't bear to see the disappointment in Agda's face. She heard the older woman sniffle, then Belle's chin was being lifted. She opened her eyes to see Agda smiling at her with motherly affection.

"You do what you must, love," She encouraged, "Your son needs you."

Belle wrapped her arms around the other woman and held tight. "I know," she whispered, "But I'm going to miss you."

"And I you, dear," Agda cried, "But I'm not your boy, and he comes first."

Belle nodded against the other woman's shoulder. "Thank you for everything," Belle whispered, "For caring for me when Rumple was gone, for being my friend, for not hating us."

"Oh, I could never hate you, love," the woman said, "Though I do question your taste in men."

Belle laughed despite herself and squeezed Agda hard. She would miss the older woman's dry wit.

"I know," Belle said, "Most people do."

They laughed, then Agda pulled away. Wiping at her eyes, she smiled, "Well, you're going to need some supplies for your trip," she said, turning to grab some things off her shelf. She paused when Belle didn't let go. "What's wrong?"

Belle shook her head, then reached into the pocket of her cloak. She pulled out a small pouch and offered it to the woman. "I want to give you something," Belle said, "Please take it."

Agda took the pouch slowly and peeked in, jerking her head up a moment later. "I cannot take this!" She handed the pouch back to Belle, who pushed it back to her friend.

"Rumple can spin gold," Belle said with a grin, "We have more than enough to make us rich in this new world. I want to make sure you're comfortable. It's all I can give you, all I have to show how grateful I am for your friendship. I know it isn't sentimental, but I would feel better knowing that you are well cared for, as you have always cared for me. Please take it."

"You've made me the wealthiest woman in the village," Agda said in awe as she looked at the contents once more.

"Spend it wisely, then," Belle said with a smile.

Agda hugged her again, not hiding her tears as she said, "You're spoiling me dear."

"I'm taking care of the people I love."

Agda pressed a kiss to Belle's cheek. "I love you too. I never had a child of my own, but I'd like to think, had I been blessed with one, she'd have been remarkably similar to you."

Tears stung Belle's eyes once more and she reached out to hug Agda. "Thank you," she whispered, "You are like a mother to me. I will never forget your kindness."

Pulling away, Agda wiped at her eyes with a handkerchief. "Let's get you some tea, love. And does your husband need anything for his leg? He's been prancing around as if he's perfectly fine, but it never hurts to make sure."

Agda had no idea how right she was to make the suggestion. Belle smiled. "I think he would appreciate that."

"Well, let's get you set up dear. I can't have you going off to some new world without making sure you're well looked after. Gods know they won't have someone as good as me to care for you."

Laughing, Belle replied, "No one can ever compare to you Agda. You are true master of your craft."

Agda smiled. "You're damn right I am."

~000~

The shepherd had been astounded by the generous gift of sheep. Of course the family knew who he was, and had been hesitant to accept a gift, knowing all too well that Rumplestiltskin never did anything for free. There was no magic involved in the exchange, save for the little he used to magically move the animals from one place to another, but it was so trivial that he wasn't interested in making the poor man pay for it. But they'd been so nervous that he ended up telling them that if they wanted a deal, he'd give them the sheep in exchange for their silence on the matter. The deal was struck, and Rumplestiltskin was on his way.

He didn't want to find Belle just yet, knowing she would most likely still be with Agda, and though he was fond of the woman, it was best to let Belle enjoy her company alone. He would join her later, as he had something to give Anna and Moraine as well, but until then, he had some time to spare.

A thought entered his head, and he disappeared. When he reappeared, it was at a cemetery. There were numerous mounds where bodies had been laid, and Rumple walked through the rows until he stopped at a lonely stone at the end of one of the middle rows. Sitting down cross-legged, Rumplestiltskin stared at the stone for a long while before waving his hand and producing a small bouquet of flowers and laying it against the small stone.

His fingers traced over the name that was roughly carved, and he smiled sadly. "Hello, Adi."

He was met with silence, and Rumple let his head hang low. The regret he'd felt all those years ago began to swell up once more, and his chest tightened from the pain. He was so ashamed of how he'd left these men to die, but though they'd all been met with an unfair end, it was Adi's death that stood out as the most unfortunate.

"I should have come sooner, my friend," Rumple sighed as he plucked some of the grass near the stone and began braiding the pieces together. "I've no excuse. I should have been here." He laughed bitterly, and looked away, over the rows and rows of markers that lined the ground. "I shouldn't have left you alone."

He pulled at more grass, unable to stop fidgeting. He was not the Dark One here. He was a soldier who'd survived when his brother's-in-arms had not, and even after so many years, Rumplestiltskin was not quite able to forgive himself for this. It was just one more mistake on his long list of regrets, and right up with losing his son, Rumplestiltskin regretted leaving Adimar to such a wretched fate.

"I'm so sorry Adi," he sighed, "Sorry for everything. I wish I could have been brave like you." He stopped and spared a smile. "Bae is. He's so smart and brave. You would have liked him. You could have taught him how to be a true fighter, shown him how to handle a sword."

"And Belle. Oh you would have loved Belle. And she would have been so fond of you. You two would have been quite a force together," Rumple's lips turned up into a small smile. "I'd have never stood a chance against the two of you."

Rumple went quiet for a long while, unsure of what else to say. It hadn't occurred to him until Belle had mentioned visiting her father that he should pay his own respects, and now he hardly knew what to say to a man who deserved so much more than his ramblings.

"I'm leaving, Adi," Rumple said at last. "I lost my son, but Belle and I are going to find him. I'm giving up the power I've acquired – I'll spare you that awful story – and we're going to start a new life together. And I wanted to thank you, Adi, for what you did. What you've done. I hope one day to be as good a man as you thought I was."

Rumple knelt down and pressed his hand to the stone in one last gesture to his friend. "Goodbye, Adimar."

With that, Rumplestiltskin vanished from the cemetery to find Belle. They had one last thing they needed to do.

~000~

Belle sat on the floor of her old home, even more dusty and dilapidated than before. Known as the home of the Dark One, no one wanted to go near the home, but no one dare destroy the place out of fear that Rumplestiltskin would come back for revenge. It was a safe place to meet, guaranteed not to have anyone poking around who shouldn't be there.

Moraine and Anna sat across from her on the dirty floor, trying their best not to cry as they listened to Belle explain the situation to them.

"You really are going to find him?" Moraine said softly, and Belle hated to hurt the girl in this way.

"Yes."

"But you can't come back."

Belle shook her head. "No, sweetheart, it was hard enough finding a way to get to him. I don't think there's going to be a way back."

Moraine sniffed and ducked her head, and Anna rubbed her friend's back soothingly.

"But you're going to find Baelfire," the blonde said with a grin, "You'll be a family again."

Belle nodded. "We will." She gave the girl's a soft look, "Though I hope you both know I've always considered you two my daughters. I'm going to miss you both so much." She smiled at them, noticing that Moraine was looking at her with a thoughtful gaze.

"I wish I could go with you," Moraine said softly, "I'd love to see him again."

"I've felt the pain of losing a child; I don't think you want to put your own parents through that same pain."

The girls turned and Belle looked up to see Rumplestiltskin standing before him, his features soft as he took in the three girls he treasured so dearly. Moraine stood and moved to the Dark One, hugging him close, much to Rumple's surprise. "I understand," she sighed, "I just miss him."

"I know you do," Rumplestiltskin said softly, kneeling down so that he could look her in the eye. "Why don't you write him a letter? I'll see that he gets it."

Moraine's eyes lit up, and Rumple produced ink and parchment for her. She quickly knelt on the floor and began to write furiously. Rumple turned to face Anna and grinned, "Do you have anything you'd like to say to Baelfire?"

She nodded and once more Rumple produced the necessary tools to let them communicate with their friend.

"Be sure to say everything you want him to hear," Rumple instructed, "I'm not sure if Belle told you but this may be the last time you see us."

The girls nodded as they continued to write quickly, and it allowed Rumplestiltskin a moment to watch them without their knowledge. He remembered when they were just children, scared of a war they should not have had to fight. Moraine had been badly injured, though no one was the wiser thanks to his magic. He'd been unable to save Anna's brother, the first of many harsh lessons that proved magic was not always the answer.

To see them grown into beautiful young women warmed Rumple's heart. They were wonderful girls, and it gave him hope that when he next saw his boy, he would be looking into the eyes of a handsome young man.

At length, the girls finished their letters, and once back in Rumple's hands, he sealed them with magic, promising that they would only be opened by Baelfire's hand.

"Now there's something I'd like to give you," Rumplestiltskin said, lowering himself to his knees in front of the girls. They sat down eagerly, awaiting whatever it was he had for them. He waved his hand and produced a map.

"Do you see this place?" Rumple asked, pointing with a darkened nail to a spot on the map.

"That's the Dark Castle," Anna said, explaining when Rumple gave her a confused look, "It's what everyone calls your castle."

Laughing, Rumple glanced up at Belle. "Well that's not very clever, is it?"

Belle shook her head, "Indeed not. Doesn't inspire much fear, if you ask me."

Moraine laughed and Anna flushed. Rumple continued. "We won't be needing that castle anymore, once we leave."

The girls glanced at each other, sharing looks of sorrow between them. They remained silent as Rumplestiltskin continued, "We are taking only what we need with us. Gold, clothing, food. A few trinkets. But there is so much that will be left behind, and it would be a shame if it were to all go to waste."

Rumple produced with a swish of his hand two gold keys and held them out for each girl to take.

"It would be a shame for everything I've collected over the past few years only collected dust. That's why I'm giving you two possession of the 'Dark Castle.'"

Three sets of eyes widened as he spoke, and the girls began to protest instantly, while Belle remained silent and watched on with curious awe.

"We can't take the castle, Rumplestiltskin," Anna stated, "It's cursed!"

Rumplestiltskin laughed, "It's no more cursed than Belle is, dear," he said, "And at any rate, this key is enchanted to only open certain doors. The rest will be sealed off so that no one can enter. The kitchen, library, great hall, all rooms that are safe will be the only ones accessible."

Neither girl moved to take a key. "How will we know it's safe?" Anna asked. Belle glanced down at Moraine who had been the more silent of the two, not surprised to see her eying the key wonderingly.

"Because I'd never do anything to harm either of you," Rumple said gently, "The castle has wards to protect it from unwanted guests. And the key will only open the doors it's been enchanted to unlock. No one will be able to break those wards, and you will be perfectly safe to come and go as you please. Though, it will be best if you tell no one that you have access to our old home."

"How will we get there?" Moraine asked, reaching out for the key."

"You'll simply walk in here," Rumple said, gesturing around them. "I've put an enchantment on it as well, so that only the two of you can enter. Go through there, and you'll enter the foyer of the castle. All the gold, food, clothing, and books are yours for the taking. It can be your home, or you can never set foot inside. It's entirely up to you two."

"Why are you giving it to us?" Moraine spoke up at last, and Rumple looked upon her with sadness.

"Because you both deserve so much better," he said, "And I want to do what I can to make sure that the two people Baelfire cared about most are well looked after. And if that's only by ensuring you have enough gold, money, and books to split between the two of you, then that's what I'll do." Rumple dropped his head for a moment, "I know material possessions aren't the most important thing, but it's all I have to offer you."

Leaning forward, Moraine wrapped her arms around Rumple. She was small, and her head fit neatly underneath Rumple's chin. "Thank you," she whispered, before scooting back.

"You're both very welcome."

Moraine took the key from Rumple and cradled it in her hand carefully. When nothing happened, Anna stretched out her own hand and took the remaining key. "I hope you find Bae," she said as she gripped the key tightly.

"Thank you girls."

They all stood and hugged, and Belle and Rumple shared a look over the top of the girl's heads. They'd made their peace, said goodbye, and now it was time to go.

Belle hugged each girl individually, and pressed kisses to their cheeks before stepping out of the shack with Rumplestiltskin. The girls followed behind and watched as The Dark One and his wife vanished from sight. Moraine and Anna stood silently in the wake of their disappearance, each gripping their key tightly.

"I'm not sure I want to use the key," Anna admitted. At Moraine's look, she clarified, "I'm not afraid, I just….want to leave it alone. In case they ever manage to come back."

"Maybe we can keep it clean for them," Moraine suggested, then brightly added, "We can be its caretakers! Keep anyone from ever trying to take it."

"I like the sound of that," Anna said with a grin, "The caretakers of the Dark Castle. It makes me feel powerful!"

"Like we're important."

Moraine nodded, staring off toward the horizon, thoughts of a day when Baelfire might walk through the door and into her life once again filling her head. She felt hopeful. "Like we're important," she agreed.

~000~

Arriving back in the work room, Belle slumped against Rumple and cried, the emotional toll finally too much for her to bear. She was saying goodbye to too many things too quickly, and Rumple wished he could ease her pain, but knew that would only come when they held their son safely in their arms once more.

Pulling back from her, Rumple kissed her and moved her to a chair so that she could sit. He knelt before her, doing his best to comfort her until her tears subsided. When she calmed, she smiled at him wearily and leaned forward to kiss him.

"We're almost ready," she sighed, looking down as she took his hands in hers.

"Yes," Rumple said, remembering with great dread that he still had one last call to make. "Regina."

"She needs to know."

"I know."

Belle let go of his hands and motioned him away. "I'm all right," she said, giving him her best smile. "I have some more packing to do. You need to close this one last door so we can leave."

He leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to her lips. "I'll be back soon."

"Be safe."

He bowed low, then vanished again to face the last obstacle standing between him and his son.

Author's Notes:

One more chapter and the epilogue!

How will Regina handle Rumple's news? (hint: not well.)

Thank you for your continued support. It is so greatly appreciated. :-)

Chapter 49 will be up on Halloween!

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time. All rights belong to ABC, Adam Horowitz, and Eddy Kitsis.