Belle was in the shop with Rumple one day helping him sort through the potions they had brought over and making a list of what they might need to brew when the door to the shop opened and in walked Victor carrying a cooler and only having ONE ARM.
"VICTOR!" she gasped hurrying around the counter. "What on Earth happened?" He sighed.
"I brought back Regina's dead fiancé."
"Presumably though it didn't go well and he instead decided to treat you like a piece of string cheese?" said Rumple. Belle shot her husband a glare.
"Why would you do that?"
"Because I thought if I did, she would send me back to my world. I want to see my brother and try and bring him back again."
"Again?" asked Rumple.
"As I told your wife it didn't go well the first time."
"Doesn't seem to have gone well with Daniel either," quipped Rumple.
"I'm sorry things didn't work out the way you wished," said Belle. "I presume you came here for help?" Victor set the cooler on the counter and opened it to reveal his other arm. Belle had to resist the urge to be sick.
"You know when they say I charge an arm and a leg, that's meant as a figure of speech," said Rumple.
"What do you want in exchange for reattaching it?" asked Victor. Rumple smirked and Belle sighed.
"Oh nothing too big. I just want you to admit that I was right magic IS more powerful than science." For a moment Victor looked like he was seriously considering refusing, but then he sighed.
"Fine. I NEED magic."
"That's all I needed to hear," said Rumple and with a wave of his hand the arm was reattached. Victor flexed it testing the ability.
"Always a pleasure doing a business with you Victor," said Rumple.
"Hopefully next time we meet it will be over less gruesome matters," added Belle.
"Thank you both," said Victor before turning to leave once he was gone Belle turned back to her husband.
"You don't have to look quite so smug. The poor man lost an arm."
"Oh, but you do know how I love being right," replied Rumple with a grin and Belle rolled her eyes.
OUAT
Belle was at Granny's about a month into the curse being broken when she noticed Red appeared exceptionally nervous. It seems she was on her break and the Huntsman appeared to be trying to calm her down talking quietly to her.
"Everything ok?" asked Belle.
"Not quite," said Red. Then the Huntsman's eyes lit up.
"Say have people's things come over into Mr. Gold's shop?"
"Yes," replied Belle. "Are you looking for something in particular?"
"My red cloak," said the woman.
"Well I haven't seen it but I have looked to deeply. You can certainly come and have search," said Belle.
"Great I'll meet you after my shift ends," Red said looking hopeful.
OUAT
Red and Belle entered the pawnshop.
"So, what's so special about this cloak?" she asked. Red looked uncomfortable for a moment but then sighed.
"Well, the thing is I'm a werewolf."
"A werewolf?" said Belle intrigued. Red nodded.
"Yes, and the cloak keeps me from transforming. Back home I could actually control the transformation but after 28 years I'm leery of taking any risks."
"Fair enough," said Belle. "Rumple!"
"Yes, sweetheart?" asked Rumple coming out of the back.
"Have you seen a magical red cloak around here?" Rumple shook his head.
"Not to my knowledge but you can look."
And so they did. They, carefully, searched the entire shop from top to bottom for the cloak but to no avail.
"Well, thanks for letting me look anyway," sighed Red as they walked back to Granny's.
"What will you do?" asked Belle. Red sighed.
"Granny suggested turning the walk-in freezer into a cage. With any luck between that and the chains we should be ok."
"You don't know you won't be able to control it," said the Huntsman who had come out to meet them.
"But I'm not willing to risk anyone's life if I can help it on that chance. I won't have another Peter," said Red taking her true love's hand. Belle didn't know who Peter was but could hear the pain in her friend's voice.
"Well, if I can do anything let me know," she said.
"We will, thank you," said the Huntsman with a smile. Belle began walking back to the pawnshop hoping with all her heart that her friend would be alright.
OUAT
"Are you sure there's nothing you can do to help Red?" Belle asked Rumple as they prepared to head home. Rumple shook his head.
"That cloak was all I had that would be of use. She'll just have to hope for the best tonight. Though I suggest we stay in." Belle sighed she believed her husband. He wouldn't lie to her if he could actually do something. Contrary to popular belief the Dark One wasn't able to solve everything.
"Alright."
OUAT
The day following the wolf girl's search of his shop Rumple received a call from Regina.
"Dearie, I don't do business with you anymore," he said.
"This isn't about me this is about Henry. Something happened and I need someone with magical expertise. Will you please come over to Snow White's apartment?" Regina asked.
Oddly enough while there was still a hint of a demand in her tone, he could hear the genuine concern of a parent in it as well.
"Very well, I'll be there soon." Rumple gathered some healing potions and a few other magical objects that might be of use and teleported to the apartment.
"Ever heard of knocking?" said Regina as he appeared inside of it.
"You called me dearie. Now what seems to be the problem?" Regina directed him towards the bed where Henry lay Rumple took a seat and saw that Henry had a burn on his arm.
"I was dreaming I was in this room full of fire. And when I woke up, I had the burn," said Henry. Rumple felt a rush of concern for the child. Not child deserved to be in pain. He examined the burn suspecting he knew exactly what caused it.
"Oh, yes. You were quite right to call me."
"So y-you can help? It was just a dream," said Henry a slight waver in his tone. Rumple attempted to give him as reassuring a look as he could manage attempting to channel how he remembered behaving when Bae was ill.
"Well, what you're describing is certainly not a dream."
"Then what was it?" asked Regina
"A side effect. You know, it's remarkable you'd cast a curse you know so little about." Regina's face flushed at the dig.
"My victims are not supposed to wake up. That's why I certainly never cared what happened to them after. Until now."
"When people fall under a sleeping curse, the soul travels to a netherworld where it resides until awoken. Now, this world is between life and death, and it's very real. However...even when the curse is broken, sometimes in sleep, the victims find their way back to that world... victims like you."
"This other world is tormenting my son every time he sleeps. I want you to give him something that will keep him from going there," demanded Regina. Surprisingly Rumple didn't find himself feeling as irked as usual by Regina's attitude. Perhaps because he knew at least this time she was motivated by love.
"Well, I'm afraid that's not possible. I can, however, provide you with something that will allow him to control his actions whilst in that world. And once one controls something, one no longer need fear it." He reached into his bag and pulled out a necklace with a purple stone. He waved his hand over it and stone briefly glowed.
"A necklace?" asked Henry in confusion.
"You wear this while you're sleeping. Once you control the journey, fear will stop. And then, you can come and go as you please." He extended it to Henry but Regina stopped the boy from taking it.
"Everything comes at a price with you. What do you want for this?" Ironic the one time she considered price he wasn't charging. Rumple never charged for children.
"For a house call? You couldn't afford it. But this is for Henry. This one's on me." Regina let Henry take the amulet and Rumple stood.
"Thank you, Mr. Gold," said Henry with a small smile. "Grace was right about you." at this Rumple couldn't help the crooked smile that made its way onto his face. He lightly ruffled the boy's hair.
"Take care Henry."
OUAT
Belle was intercepted by Alice on the way to grab lunch from Granny's.
"Did you hear the news?" the Piper asked.
"What news?" asked Belle who'd been in the library all day.
"Apparently some fellow called Billy was murdered and the former King George has been putting it about that the one responsible was Red. Supposedly she's a werewolf.
"Even if she's a werewolf is there any proof?" asked Belle not wanting to out her friend even to someone as trustworthy as Alice.
"Nope. Not to my knowledge," said Alice.
"So, George is trying to get back power and undermine Charming. Who I suspect hasn't charged Red with the murder?"
"Which George is trying to spin as favoritism over the safety of the town," finished Alice. Belle sighed.
"And I presume that there are enough people in town willing to buy into the hysteria?"
"Most likely. We can't all be incredibly intelligent individuals," said Alice.
"Thats not very nice Alice," she chided lightly to which the other woman simply shrugged.
"Where is Red now?"
"Charming supposedly locked her in the jail."
"Well then I think I know my next stop."
OUAT
Belle headed to the jail where she found Red sitting inside one of the cells with the Huntsman standing guard. He stood up hand on his gun but relaxed upon realizing who it was.
"Hello Belle."
"I heard about Billy."
"I killed him, Belle." said Red miserably
"We don't know that yet Red. Charming is still investigating," said the Huntsman.
"I'm surprised you aren't out there too," said Belle.
"Someone needs to stand guard in case Spencer or any of his lunatics come looking and Charming said it would look better if I wasn't actively on the case. You know personal involvement and all," groused the Huntsman.
"If Spencer riles up a mob you alone aren't going to be enough," pointed out Belle.
"In case you didn't notice not many people seem willing to stick up for Red despite all she's done for the kingdom."
"You can't blame them after what I may have done who would want to stand up for someone like that?"
"Me." said Belle.
"Do you have a plan?" asked the Huntsman skeptically.
"As a matter of fact, I do." said Belle with a smile.
OUAT
Night was nearing and they'd snuck Red from the Sheriff's station over to the library where she was now being shackled to a rail.
"Thanks for doing this Belle. This is dangerous for you too." said the Huntsman.
"I'm happy to help even if Red's..."
"A monster," filled in the woman and Belle shook her head.
"I was going to say hunted," the Huntsman crouched down cupping Red's cheek.
"You aren't a monster. I refuse to believe that." He leaned in and kissed her.
"I hope you're right." said Red.
"The crowd's six blocks from here." Called Granny who had a crossbow.
"You have wolf hearing, too?" said Belle in surprise.
"It's not all it's cracked up to be, especially when you run a hotel," scoffed the old woman and Belle snorted. The Huntsman sighed.
"The only way we're going to get the mob to stand down, is if we prove Ruby had nothing to do with Billy's death. I'm going to need your help. If the mob comes this way, call us. Come on." He and Granny departed.
"You should leave too," said Red.
"Those are the manacles that held the great wolf Fenrir. Magically imbued to be unbreakable. I'm fine," said Belle. "Think of it as a girl's night."
"I know the Huntsman wants to believe the best. But I've killed and I'll do it again. Everyone in town is right to be afraid of me."
"Not everyone in town is afraid. It's just the fools Spencer is able to steer into hysteria. I'm certainly not scared. I've faced monsters and you certainly are not one. The Huntsman sees the good in you and do you know what that tells me?"
"What?" asked Red as Belle drew closer and crouched down.
"That I'm not alone in seeing it. That it's in there. If we can see it why can't you?"
"You sound like you've given this speech before," said Red.
"What the anti-monster one?" asked Belle. "Yes, my husband needs a reminder now and then. You might consider me something of an expert on the subject."
"Maybe. Maybe, you're right. But the town's right, too. I am a monster. And that's why I need to make sure I don't ever hurt anyone again." Belle felt something cold around her wrist and gasped. Ruby had chained her in her place.
"No, no, no. Wh-What are you doing?"
"I can't let you stop me. The mob wants a wolf, I'm going to give them one. I need to pay for all I've done." Red said backing towards the door.
"And they'll kill you!" exclaimed Belle trying to crush down the panic filling her. The chain reminded her of being imprisoned by Regina.
"Isn't that what I deserve?" said Red before running out of the library. Belle began to hyperventilate the panic spreading through her chest.
"Rumple...Rumplestiltskin!" she cried out.
OUAT
Rumple had not been thrilled about Belle assisting the werewolf so close to her changing. It seemed like unnecessary danger to him BUT who was he to stop her? So when she asked for the magical chains that he'd uncovered that morning he handed them over.
He was just getting ready to close shop when her voice sounded desperately in his head.
"RUMPLESTILTSKIN!" without a thought he teleported himself to her location in the library. When he appeared he found Belle chained to a wall and in the beginning stages of a panic attack.
"BELLE!" He exclaimed rushing to free her. She collapsed into his arms and it took a moment to get her breathing back to normal however once it was she pulled away looking terrified.
"Rumple we need to help Red! She's gone out to hand herself over to the mob!" Rumple considered disagreeing but the look of determination in his wife's eyes brooked no argument. She'd go with or without him.
"As you wish," he replied and they made their way out of the library. It didn't take long to find the mob which wasn't far and was very loud. Predictably it was being led by King George.
They arrived in time to see Granny shoot a gun out of George's hand.
"The next one goes between your eyes!" Rumple held Belle back.
"Let Charming handle this." he said softly as Charming pushed his way forward having arrived with the Huntsman and Granny in toe.
"Red!" he called. The mob protested.
"Why are you protecting her!"
"We're not sheep, David!"
"We don't need to be led by a shepherd!" the clamoring was becoming deafening until a soft tune suddenly began to fill the air barely noticeable but the general mob suddenly became perhaps not more compliant but at least calmer
"Listen to me!" Shouted Charming. "Red didn't kill Billy. George did. He stole her cloak and killed Billy in cold blood to make it look like a wolf, all to get you to think I wasn't leading this town as I should." As he spoke people took in what he said and Rumple could see them second guessing themselves. However, a few still called for blood.
"Hold up! Somebody already died because of what this man did. Let's not spill more blood. She won't hurt anyone. She's just scared, " said the Huntsman then he moved closer with the red hood in hand. "Red? I know you're in there, so listen to me. It was George, not you. Don't let him trick you into thinking you're a monster." The wolf growled. "All right, all right. Poor...poor choice of words. Please. Red. I know you. I know the real you, and I know you can control the wolf. Red." he whispered "It's me."
She finally stopped growling and sat letting the Huntsman throw the hood over her and causing her to transform.
"You saved me," she said.
"No. You saved yourself. I just reminded you of what you already knew." said the Huntsman. The moment was interrupted by King George making a run for it. Not that Rumple was letting him get away with that.
"Not so fast!" he said loudly and George was frozen in place.
"Let me go!" he demanded as Rumple and Belle stepped into the light.
"You killed an innocent man and tried to frame an innocent woman for your crime."
"He was a mouse and she's a monster," scoffed George.
"He was twice the man you were," said Red.
"Well you aren't king anymore which means you don't get to go around killing people without consequences dearie," added Rumple. George was exactly the type of noble he loathed most. George turned his gaze to them.
"Since when do you interfere?"
"Well when you attack one of my wife's friend's it seems rather necessary." replied Rumple casually. George then addressed Belle.
"You truly are a disgrace. You were one of us. Nobility and you lowered yourself to befriend peasants and become the dark One's whore."
"Watch your tongue!" snarled Rumple and with a wave of his hand suddenly King George's tongue disappeared and was in Rumple's hand. Belle crossed her arms surprisingly not chiding Rumple.
"The term is wife. And I'd rather associate with peasants and the Dark One than spend a moment in your deplorable company. If compassion and respect for others makes me a disgrace then maybe leaving nobility like yourself behind was the best choice I ever made."
"The rest of you need to go home NOW and STAY there. Or you'll find your rent raised by three." This had an impressive impact on the crowd which swiftly split and ran.
"Well Sheriff I dare say you can arrest and book this man now without any further assistance," said Rumple as Charming grabbed George's arm. Rumple released the spell and the man was cuffed.
"Thanks. Can you give him back his tongue?" suggested Charming. Rumple paused and walked around to face George.
"You get this back on one condition. You shall never speak ill of my wife again. If you do you shall lose that tongue for good." George scowled but nodded in agreement. Rumple returned the tongue and George instead began spewing insults at the Sheriff as he was hauled into the car.
"Bet he's gonna regret asking you to return that tongue," quipped the Huntsman.
"Thank you for your help," said Red she then turned and addressed Pip and the Hatter who'd been standing on the outskirts. "And you as well."
"Oh that was nothing. The Prince did most of the heavy lifting. I just calmed them down enough to listen. I didn't force them to obey," said Pip with a wave of her hand.
"Why did you four step in?" asked Granny. Rumple shrugged.
"Belle was concerned and I've never been fond of King George in the first place."
"We just dropped Grace off for a sleepover with Henry and were passing by. Considering we never liked him much either and mobs are never great things for towns in our experience. It wasn't a hard choice," said Jefferson.
"Thank you to all of you. That was both kind and impressive."
"Don't go spreading that around dearie. A kind Dark One doesn't make for good business," said Rumple and Red actually laughed.
"Sure thing Mr. G." Rumple blinked at the nickname but Belle's fit of giggles tamped down any irritation.
"Well, it's late I think everyone should be getting home," said Pip.
"Yes more than enough excitement for one full moon," said Granny and they all went their separate ways.
As they made for the pawn shop and the Cadillac Belle leaned up and kissed his cheek.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"For being you. Because while some people might think that was out of character. I KNOW that that was my husband letting his true self shine through." Rumple chuckled.
"Whatever you say my love."
Author's Note: So! Victor shows up again and Henry and Rumple get to interact more as well as some alterations to Red Handed. I wanted Belle and Rumple to play a bigger part and I certainly felt as a former peasant Rumple would have no problem going against King George. I'm also trying to make sure the Hatter's stick around so they got to show up briefly here as well. Thanks to everyone whose read and especially my commentors if you like the story please do take a moment to stop and leave a note below it makes my day and keeps me going. Until next time!