OUAT = no Flu = YES

And, no this entire story has not been beta-read. Any mistakes are entirely my own. Reviews are desired.

CHAPTER 9

STORYBROOKE, Maine

Business was booming. Neither she nor Albert King George Spencer could keep up with all of the 'Enchanted Forest' cases that started popping up. It was bad enough when Sheriff Emma Swan broke the curse in Storybrooke. Seemingly contented townspeople ran amuck, seeking their before families and not those supplied by Regina's curse. But when Mr. Rumplestiltskin-The Dark One-Gold brought magic to a world without magic, all hell broke loose. Some citizens realized they had been were Magical Animals while others knew they had been inanimate objects! Some were desperate to return to their former status, and some were terrified that they would.

Because Mr. Gold was the most powerful magician, Judge Wolfgang decided that it would be best if a 'diplomatic entourage' met with the Dark One at his home. "The legal community," Wolfgang said, "needs a means to addressing these new issues, and Gold is the best, well, the only, means of solving these problems."

There were so many legal cases popping up that he did have a valid point. And meeting with Gold at his home would definitely reduce the chances of a magical mushroom cloud meltdown if Gold should run into Mayor Mills at city hall. So, now Attorney Lucy Farmer was forced to see her beloved Rumplestiltskin at his home - the home he now shared with his beloved Belle.

The morning of their meeting dawned bright and beautiful with deep cobalt blue skies, but by nine AM, the temperature plummeted. It was beginning to snow when their little group arrived at Gold's large, pink Victorian. Judge B. B. Wolfgang had 'conveniently' called at the last minute to say something of importance had come up, but that he had faith that the three of them - his diplomatic party - could establish an understanding with Gold.

"Oh, I'm going to enjoy this," remarked Spencer as the trio walked towards the front door. No one took the bait, so he continued, "Kinky ex-girlfriend comes face to face with innocent new-girlfriend."

Lucy Farmer's face grew crimson red. David Nolan's turned snow white. Nolan turned and faced Spencer. "That's no way to talk about a lady, Spencer," he rebuked the has-been ruler.

"Yeah, but from what I hear, she's no lady," he grinned lasciviously and laughed. "Yes, sir," Spencer chuckled, climbing the steps toward the front door, "it seems the Dark One is some kind of sex machine."

"That's enough!" Nolan ordered. "Shut your mouth!"

Gritting her teeth, Lucy muttered darkly, "Just ring the damn bell before I ring your neck, Georgie." She sighed as he rang the bell, wondering if acting Sheriff Nolan and Albert Spencer would breakout into fisticuffs (and half-hoping they would) before they all froze to death on the porch.

The door opened and they were quickly ushered in by a lovely, petite, young woman. She wore a pale blue, cashmere sweater and a white wool skirt. "Oh, do come in," she smiled brightly at them.

Albert Spencer removed his hat, using it as an excuse to eye her up and down. Amusement oozed all over his face. He was clearly laughing at the older woman's discomfort, but Lucy refused to be intimidated by the smirking ass .

"I'm Belle," she told them in her soft, melodious voice. "Let me take your coats. He's expecting you through that door." She ushered them into the front parlor, where Mr. Gold sat before the fire.

"I'd say I was please to see the lot of you," Gold stated blandly, "but I'd be lying."

"Rumple, be good," Belle warned him. "Please have a seat. I'll get some hot tea," she spoke politely as she closed the door behind her.

The Enchanted Forest

"Arrgh!" The Dark One screamed in fury and threw the bottle against the wall. The glass shattered into a thousand pieces as the olive colored slimed oozed down the stones. "Another dead end," he lamented.

He grunted and threw himself angrily into a chair. After a few moments, he began to mutter to himself. "Oh, Bae, I'll find you again. If it takes forever, I'll find where that damnable fairy sent you."

With an extravagant wave of his hand, a large and musty tome flew from the shelves behind him and landed in front of him on the table. "It's here. I know it is. If a magic bean can open a portal to a land without magic, then surely my magic can get there as well." He began leafing through the book.

A scroll, quill, and ink pot joined their brother book on the table before the Dark One, and he studied over it, comparing the lore of the book with his own handwriting. There was a sudden intake of air into his lungs, and he froze. "That's it," he whispered. "I've found it, the missing piece of the puzzle."

With a high pitched burst of childlike glee, the imp bolted up from the chair, knocking it over onto the floor. He leapt atop the table and began a wild dance of happiness. "I've found it!" he crowed. "Bae, oh my dear boy, I've found the last piece for the curse to end all curses!"

Storybrooke, Maine

Mr. Gold set his empty teacup on the saucer. "I really don't care," he laughed. "If someone is concerned with his or her previous condition, he or she can seek an audience with Regina."

"But -" began Albert Spencer. A sharp look from Gold shut stopped him.

"But nothing," Gold insisted. "I didn't cast the curse, and I'll not answer for any problems cause by it." He reached for his cane and stood. "Besides," he nodded to Nolan, "I am currently far too busy looking for a way to bring home Mary Margaret and Sheriff Swan."

Nolan and Spencer stood, as well, realizing they had been summarily dismissed. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Gold," Nolan said. "And thank you for your efforts to find my wife and daughter." He reached out a hand, but Gold did not return the gesture.

Holding his cane with both hands, he smiled thinly. The smile did not extend to his whiskey colored eyes. "I'm sure you can both find your way out," he nodded towards the door. He watched them move surely towards the hall, where Belle had hung their coats.

Albert Spencer slid into his heavy overcoat, opened the door, and left quietly without another word. Having had dealings with the Dark One in the past, he knew better than to irritate the man further. Whatever he may call himself here and now, he was still a dangerous adversary, and Spencer had troubles enough.

Acting Sheriff David Nolan shrugged into this jacket and stuffed his hands deep into the pockets. "Thank you, anyway. I really do appreciate your help," his words were sincere and polite. With a nodded and a grim smile, he turned and left.

"Have they gone, Rumple?" Belle asked gently as he closed the door, keeping out the bitter wind.

"Yes, at last," he told her. A real smile softened his features and his eyes melted. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly.

"Actually, I'm still here, Rumple," Lucy softly reminded him.