Rumple was supposed to be sharing a home packed lunch with Belle in the day following the wolf incident only for Regina to come barging in in all her irritating overdramatic glory.
"Dearie, I thought I made it clear I wasn't helping you."
"We need to talk," said Regina before pausing, as if waiting for Belle to take the hint and leave not that Belle paid any attention.
"Do we?" asked Rumple.
"Just tell us what you want so we can tell you no and get on with our lunch," said Belle without sparing the former Queen a glance. Regina scowled and Rumple felt a swell of pride at his wife's bravery in the face of her former tormentor.
"I've actually come about the one thing that might unite us."
"And what could that possibly be?" scoffed Rumple.
"Cora. She's coming from our land and I need your help to stop her," replied Regina and Rumple felt his blackened heart still. Cora was supposed to be in Wonderland and no longer a problem. If she came back the consequences could be disasterous.
"Your mother?" said Belle who had finally given the conversation her full attention.
"You know about her?" asked Regina. Rumple rolled his eyes.
"There are no secrets between myself and Belle. Of course, she knows about Cora," Regina sneered.
"Well then you both understand the severity of the situation."
"She was dead. You told me you saw the body." Rumple reminded Regina who scoffed.
"Apparently you taught her well. She's not, and she's on her way and I don't think I need to remind you how most unpleasant that would be for both of us."
"For you. I can handle Cora," said Rumple with a shrug that hid the true tension he felt.
"That's not how she tells the story."
"I won in the end," said Rumplestiltskin. Regina shrugged.
"Maybe. But there's a big difference this time. This time you have someone you care about. This time you have a weakness." She tilted her head towards Belle who raised an eyebrow.
"Then we'd best find a way to prevent her getting to Storybrooke."
"So you say she's coming. Where is she now?" asked Rumple.
"With Snow and Emma. Apparently Henry saw Princess Aurora in that fire room and Emma and Snow are travelling with her. She passed on the warning. Now we need to send one back to Emma and Snow through Henry but we need your help to know what to tell them."
Rumple sighed.
"Bring Henry here he'll go to sleep here and I'll tell him what he needs to pass on."
"Fine," said Regina turning on her heel and leaving as soon as she was out of sight Belle turned to Rumple.
"Cora? That could be dangerous."
"Indeed. Which is why Snow White and Emma will need our help. Much as I hate to agree with Regina. Cora getting through is a BIG problem."
"So, what do you plan to tell them to help defeat her?"
"You remember that plan I had to get myself captured by the heroes?" said Rumple. Belle pursed her lips.
"Vividly. I also remember it didn't come to fruition because we found a better way."
"True. But there are a few stray remnants of the old plan hanging around."
"Remnants that will help stop Cora," said Belle.
"Indeed."
"Good enough for me. Can I do anything to help?"
"Clear the cot in the back room so Henry has a place to sleep." Belle gave a mock salute.
"Operation Black Widow is ago."
"Black Widow?" asked Rumple. Belle shrugged.
"Henry's been dropping by the library and from what you say Cora sounds poisonous enough to be a black widow." Rumple chuckled.
"Not jealous I hope."
"Of her?" scoffed Belle. "Never."
OUAT
Belle didn't like the idea of Cora coming back on many different levels. For one thing the woman was dangerous to the whole town. But she also had personal history with Jefferson and Rumple. Belle didn't want her near either not to mention the dagger. Which for everyone's sake it would be best if Cora never got within ten feet of the thing.
The shop bell rang and she welcomed Henry who entered along with Charming and Regina.
"You can come back here and sleep," said Belle gesturing him to the back where the cot was all made up. Henry got on it and Regina stepped up carrying a blanket.
"I brought your blanket from your bedroom back home." A slight smile pulled at Belle's lips. It was rare but in moments like these she could see a mother rather than just the Evil Queen. Regina DID care about Henry. It made Belle feel better about asking Rumple to spare her. Amazing the effect a child could have on you.
"Thanks," said Henry. "So Cora. She's pretty powerful."
"Yes, but not as powerful as I am," said Rumple taking a seat next to Henry.
"Debatable," muttered Regina.
"Actually, it's not." snapped Rumple. Belle shot Henry a smile.
"Rumple might have taught Cora all she knows. But that isn't all HE knows."
"So, the student hasn't surpassed the mentor." said Henry.
"Certainly not." replied Rumple confidently.
"You're sure you're okay to do this, kid?" asked Charming who looked uneasy at the sight of his grandson sleeping in the Dark One's shop.
"I was born to do this. I'm done reading about heroes. I wanna be one." said Henry in a determined tone.
"Sometimes being one is knowing when not to run into the fire."
"I'll be okay," assured Henry though it didn't seem to sooth the worry on Regina or Charming's faces.
"Look, whatever he faces in there, it'll be far less dangerous than what he'll face if we fail," suggested Rumple.
"He's not wrong," said Belle.
"I can do this," Henry told them firmly. Charming sighed and stood up.
"Get on with it. Fast." Rumple nodded.
" All right Henry, just relax and soon you're gonna drift off."
"What do I tell them?"
"Just listen to my bedtime story and all will be clear. Once upon a time, Snow White and Prince Charming needed to stun a very powerful magician long enough to lock him up in a dark dungeon," began Rumple.
Belle watched shock cross Charming's face.
"Originally the magician planned to let them in order to fulfill other plans of his own. And so he called in a favor and had someone place a secret supply of squid ink in the cell. That cell is where they will find what is needed to stop Cora." He passed his hand over Henry's face and the boy appeared to fall asleep.
"You knew?" said Charming. Rumple shrugged.
"Of course, did you really think you and that cinder girl could fool me?"
"Rather ungrateful and two timing I might add," said Belle. "Rumple kept his end of the agreement. It's not his fault Ella refused to read the contract."
"He asked for her baby! We had to help." said Charming. Regina snorted.
"I hate to back up the bookworm here but seriously? I had a tower room when I was due to be executed. Rumplestiltskin helped you on more than one occasion and you were going to lock him up in a dank cell?"
"You are hardly a bastion of moral goodness. I don't need a lecture from you," said Charming. Typical hero deflection.
"No but she makes a good point about hypocrisy," said Belle.
"It's in the past now," said Rumple. Belle huffed but didn't dispute the fact.
They waited in silence for a while until suddenly Henry gave a yell and sat up.
"Henry. Everything all right?!" asked Charming with concern.
"Did you see her? Did you tell her?" asked Rumple.
"No, I didn't get the chance. Something... something happened. She got sucked outta there." said Henry. He tried to get up and then cried out in pain.
"Henry?" enquired Regina in a worried tone.
"Something's-Something's wrong." The blanket was pulled back to reveal a burn on Henry's arm.
"Henry!" exclaimed Regina and once again Belle noted genuine concern in her tone.
"Here, let me take care of this." said Rumple and with a wave of his hand the burn on Henry's arm was healed.
"What caused this?" asked Belle.
"When you venture deeper into the Netherworld instead of away, there are risks. Someone woke Aurora before her soul was ready to return. The violence of that act tore her away and injured Henry. We're lucky it wasn't worse. He's gonna need some time to recover before he can be sent back."
"Out of the question," said Regina firmly.
"Not a chance in hell. No. We'd be monsters to even consider risking his life again." Belle saw her husband's eyes flash as he stood up.
"Careful with your tone, Charming. I understand your concern for the boy, but I know Cora. Without our help, Snow and Emma will soon be dead. And then...a true monster will be on her way to Storybrooke."
"Rumple's right. Awful as it is someone needs to go back into that realm to get the warning through. Cora is not a threat any of us wish to face," said Belle trying to think of a way someone other than Henry could go back.
"Aurora is gone. Why do we have to send Henry back to that fiery inferno with no one there to receive our message?" asked Regina.
"Because someone will be there," said David
"Who?" asked Regina as Belle caught on to Charming's implication.
"Snow White" she said.
"That's an awfully big assumption." said Regina skeptically.
"No. No, it's not. She was there once before. She can go back. She can find a way. She will, I know it. And I'll be waiting." said David.
"You are going to this Netherworld?" scoffed Regina.
"I faced you. How bad could it be?" Belle made a sound of amusement.
"It is not as simple as that. You can't get there. You haven't been under a sleeping curse," pointed out Rumple.
"Well, then put me under one." said David.
"If we do that, there's a chance you might never wake up," said Belle.
"Sure, I will. When I see her, she'll kiss me and I'll be fine. Now put me under. I've spent far too much time looking for my wife. It is time to bring her home!"
"Maybe I ought to go under instead," said Belle. "Rumple can wake me and then I can go back to sleep and to the Netherworld."
"No!" said Rumple sharply. "You've enough bad dreams without having to deal with that on top of it."
"There's no guarantee that Charming here is going to be able to wake up from INSIDE the Netherworld or even get to it in the first place since the fiery room only comes after you've been under. Is that a chance we want to take with Cora coming?"
"It's dangerous Belle and unnecessary when we have another volunteer."
"One who might not wake up we don't have the time to take bigger risks than necessary Rumple." said Belle firmly. She wasn't thrilled about the idea of going under a sleeping curse but it was a much more foolproof plan than sending Charming in.
"Look you guys decide who gets the curse I'm going to go brew it," said Regina with a sigh.
"Belle please think this through," said Rumple.
"I have it's the smartest option Rumple and you know it," she said taking his hand then turned to Charming.
"You're certain Snow will be there?"
"Positive," said Charming. "Are you certain you want to do this?"
"It makes the most sense," said Belle.
"Not to me, muttered Rumple.
OUAT
Rumple had not anticipated having to try and talk his wife out of taking a sleeping curse. Of course, he understood not wanting to send Henry back and was willing to give it a try with Charming but Belle was another matter.
"Can you honestly tell me that this isn't the most reasonable plan?" Belle asked him leading him away from the others. He sighed.
"No, I can't. But that doesn't mean that I have to like it. Or that you have to do it." Belle gave him a small smile.
"I know. But I'd rather take the certain option to stop Cora. Think of it this way. If we do it, we can make sure the heroes don't mess it up," she added teasingly and Rumple shook his head with a wry smile cupping her soft cheek.
"My brave Belle. I still don't think you should be doing this but I know I can't stop you."
"This will work trust me." she replied leaning into his hand.
"I hope so."
OUAT
Belle went to speak with Charming and Rumple found himself alone. Or so he thought until a voice spoke from behind him.
"Rumplestiltskin?"
"Hello Henry." he said forcing a smile.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry." said the boy.
"Sorry for what?" asked Rumple.
"Belle's going to go under a sleeping curse because I wasn't able to do what you needed me to."
"Oh Henry, no," said Rumple. As upset as he was about Belle taking the sleeping curse he did NOT blame Henry.
"Whatever caused the connection to terminate last time was the doing of someone on the Enchanted Forest side not yours. But much as I hate to agree with Charming and Regina it wouldn't be right to send you back into such danger when there's another option available."
"I wanted to be brave and help my mom and grandma get home," said Henry.
"Children shouldn't have to fight adult's battles. And you have been helpful anyway Henry. You are the one that alerted all of us to this connection so that we can help your mother and Snow White get home." A small smile made its way on to Henry's face.
"I suppose I did."
"I don't generally like to make the same grand assumptions of hope that your grandparent's do, but I think we have a genuine shot at getting your family back and stopping Cora." said Rumple. "At the very least Belle's reliable."
"So you won't let her hurt the town," said Henry. Rumple inclined his head.
"I'm no hero Henry. But Cora coming here and causing trouble is certainly not in anyone's best interests."
"Thanks Rumplestiltskin." Rumple ruffled the child's hair as he used to do with Bae.
"I rather think it's Belle you should be thanking. Now let's go check on that sleeping curse. It should be ready by now."
OUAT
Rumple held a spindle while Belle now sat on the cot in the back. She was admittedly getting a tad nervous but certainly had no intention of backing out.
"We'll have to do this the old-fashioned way," said Rumple.
"What do you mean "the old-fashioned way?" asked Belle curiously.
"You are about to join a quite distinguished club, my dear. Before such innovations as the apple, back when the Sleeping Curse first came to be, a more direct method was required: through blood. By pricking one's finger on the needle of a spinning wheel, one falls under the spell." Regina gestured to the needle.
"It's all yours bookworm."
"Good luck Belle," said Henry and then to her surprise he hugged her.
"Ooof. Thank you, Henry. It's going to be alright." she assured him.
"How do you know?"
"Well...how did you know Emma would save you after you ate the turnover?"
"I believed in her."
"Just as I believed Rumple would find and save me when we were to be separated by the curse. Faith like that can do quite a lot."
"This helps control the flames in the room. It'll keep you safe when you go in after you wake up the first time," said Henry handing her the amulet. Belle squeezed his hand.
"You're a good kid Henry. I will guard it with my life," then she let go and reached out towards the spindle and pressed her finger to the point until she drew blood. Instantly a dizzy feeling came over her and she collapsed.
OUAT
Rumple watched as his wife collapsed on the bed.
"You'd better have brewed that properly your majesty. Nor should you forget how much you owe Belle for this."
"Yes yes, just kiss her and get on with it," said Regina. Carefully Rumple leaned down and pressed a kiss to his wife's lips. A rainbow like shockwave ricocheted out from the moment of their kiss and Belle sat up.
"My that was unpleasant even for a few moments."
"The room of fire isn't going to be much better," said Regina and Rumple shot her a glare.
"Yes, THANK YOU for that sterling insight your majesty. Ready Belle?" his true love nodded.
"Ready." she leaned back and Rumple waved his hand over her, sending her into a deep sleep.
OUAT
When Belle had first gone under the sleeping curse she'd ended up in a room of mirrors. The room itself projected a feeling of regret and loneliness. As if the mirrors were amplifying it.
But Rumple's kiss had woken her so quickly she'd not had much time to worry about that. Now as her true love sent her to sleep, she found herself in a similar room except this one was on fire.
Desperately she looked around for any sign of Snow White.
"Snow!" she called but was unable to see anything through the blaze. Remembering the amulet, she clutched it and closing her eyes focused on the flames and making them smaller. When she opened her eyes the flames had parted somewhat and she could see a familiar figure.
"Snow!"
"Belle?" said the woman in surprise. Belle hurried over to the woman.
"Yes, it's me."
"I was expecting Henry," said Snow.
"We deemed it too dangerous to send him back," said Belle.
"But to get here you need to have been under a sleeping curse," said Snow in confusion. Belle shrugged.
"Yes. As the only one with a true love on hand to break the spell I volunteered."
"Oh, Belle that's very heroic of you," said Snow. Surprisingly where once Belle would have beamed at the praise of heroism now, she shrugged it off.
"I did what needed to be done and now you must do the same. In order to stop Cora you need squid ink and you'll find some in the cell you created for Rumplestiltskin."
"How?" Belle waved a hand dismissively.
"How did we know you planned to try and trick him? Rumple can see the future. That's beside the point. If you are going to have a chance against Cora you need to get that ink.
And you should also know that you have until two o'clock tomorrow to get through that portal. Rumple plans to block anyone coming through after that point in case Cora tries to get through." This had been something her husband had confided solely to her.
"But that would mean killing us if we don't make it in time," said Snow.
"Yes, and Cora plans to kill everyone if she gets through. So I'd advise you make it." said Belle who was not thrilled with this plan but had agreed to pass on the warning. "Now go. The sooner you do that the sooner you and Emma can get home. Charming and Henry miss you."
"And we miss them. Thank you Belle."
"You're welcome." said Belle and watched Snow disappear. Then once again using the amulet as a focus, Belle concentrated on waking up.
OUAT
Belle's eyes flew open to see the concerned faces of Rumple and Henry as well Charming and Regina simply seemed eager.
"Well?" asked Charming.
"I passed on the message with any luck they'll be able to use the ink against Cora." she told them. Henry beamed and threw his arms around her in a tight hug.
"Thank you, Belle." Belle laughed.
"Of course, Henry. Snow says she and Emma, both miss you." The boy looked touched at the news.
"Right then so what do we do now?" asked Regina.
"Wait for them to come through," said Charming. "Where would a portal open if they found one?"
"The wishing well where we brought back magic likely. The waters in it already contained some magical properties," said Belle.
"Then with any luck they'll be home soon. Come on, Henry we should get you home I believe you still have homework to do," Charming declared. Henry pouted but waved goodbye giving Regina a hug. Once they were out of the shop Rumple turned back to Belle and Regina.
"I'm not willing to just wait. I'll give them till two o'clock tomorrow to get to the portal. As I told Belle to inform Snow White, if they aren't through by then we seal it off." said Rumple.
"That would kill anyone trying to come through," said Regina.
"Yes, and if it's Cora I think we can both agree it's safer for everyone."
"Even if it means sacrificing Emma and Snow?" asked Belle who understood his point but still held some qualms on the subject.
"Yes, it's the lives of two people over the entire town." said Rumple.
"And how do I face Henry after that? How do I look at him after killing his grandmother and birth mother?" asked Regina. Belle snorted.
"Since when did that bother you? Didn't you try and do that a month ago?"
"It bothers me because it would hurt Henry," said Regina. Well Belle guessed that was progress.
"Yeah, well if your mother gets through SHE'S going to hurt Henry. And none of us want that." said Rumple.
"Must we really?" asked Belle.
"Like I said we'll give them a window to come through but after that we're cutting off the portal," said Rumple. Regina sighed.
"Fine. I'm in it will at least keep Henry safe." Belle sighed and narrowed her eyes at her husband.
"Give them time." she warned. Before turning on her heel hoping against hope that Emma and Snow would come through.
OUAT
Emma banged her fist against the hard bars of the prison. So far being in the Enchanted Forest had mostly been one big string of catastrophes. Belle coming in the Netherworld had been their only stroke of luck.
Mind you if she ever got back she made a mental note to buy the woman a burger at Granny's in thanks. But that was if they got back. Apparently on top of just trying to get home period they were also on a time limit.
"We aren't going to break it down, Emma. It was enchanted to hold Rumplestiltskin. We don't have a chance."
"You know now that I think about it this is hardly the most humane place to keep a person." she muttered. This place was horrid even for a backwards medieval land. Not entirely heroic of her parents. And she was stuck in in while Cora made her way to Storybrooke and Henry. Mary Margaret... no her mother looked uncomfortable.
"Well...we didn't really think of him that way. At the time we were thinking about how to save Ella's baby. Not that it worked."
"This is my fault." sighed Aurora.
"No, it's mine. Cora stole your heart because I failed to protect you," countered Mulan. Emma scoffed.
"That's very sweet, but I believe it's my fault. I'm the Savior, and I'm not doing much saving, am I?" Mary Margaret took a seat next to Emma on the ground.
"We're going to win this fight, you know. Good always defeats evil," Emma tried not to sound skeptical.
"You sound like Henry."
"Guess optimism runs in the family."
"I think it skipped a generation," said Emma.
"You should know better than anybody. You broke the curse."
"What have I done since then? I got us stranded over here, burned down the wardrobe, let Cora get the ash, and now, the compass. The only reason I ever broke the curse was because it was exactly what Gold wanted me to do. I had nothing to do with it."
"What are you talking about?" asked Mary Margaret Emma stood up and began pacing.
"He told you I was the Savior. It was his plan. Once I fulfilled that role, maybe that's all I was ever meant to do. Everything I've ever done... He had it all mapped out before I was even born. I'm not powerful. I'm... I'm not... a Savior in anything but name. A pawn. And now Cora is on her way to Storybrooke and we have no escape."
Emma tossed the scroll of paper they'd found which had the name Baelfire, whoever that was, written over and over on it, over her shoulder in frustration. The brunette caught it a look of excitement coming into her eyes.
"We are going to get out of here."
"How? By staring at that scroll? It's not like its going to magically open a door for us." Mary Margaret grinned.
"Yes, it is."
"What?"
"When I was little girl, I used to sneak into Cora's chamber and watch her practice magic. She had a spell book. And Emma, the spells were in the book."
"Yeah. Isn't that what a spell book is? A book that has spells in it?" asked Emma wondering if Mary Margaret had suddenly been driven mad by all they'd gone through.
"Watch." Mary Margaret blew on the paper and the ink slid off the paper turning into a mist. It spread to the cell bars which began to disintegrate. Emma now realized that the paper was Gold's exit strategy if he had been caught.
"Whoa. Squid ink! Gold wrote the scroll in squid ink." Mary Margaret shot her a cheeky grin. "Now let's get that compass back."
OUAT
Rumplestiltskin and Regina stood in the mines they'd given it until two in the afternoon before they tried to shut the portal. It was now two o'one.
"I'm still surprised your maid signed off on this," said Regina.
"My WIFE understands what's at stake there's a reason I gave a time limit. Which has expired so shall we?"
"Let's get on with it," said Regina. "How much do we need?"
"All of it," replied Rumple with a scoff pointing the wand at the black diamonds.
"And how are we going to do that?" asked Regina.
"With a little help from a fairy. A dead one. Believe me, no one mourns her," he waved the wand and began to suck the power from the diamonds.
OUAT
Once they'd taken all the magic from the fairy mines, which was honestly a bonus in Rumple's opinion, he and Regina teleported to the well where Rumple pointed the wand at the center of the well while Regina stood by for back up. Green light flooded the inside of the well from the tip of the wand.
"It doesn't matter who comes through now. Nobody can survive this," he said. Suddenly footsteps could be heard Rumple and Regina turned around to see Belle and Henry coming into the clearing. Henry looked confused.
"Mom? You aren't helping Emma and Mary Margaret, are you?" Regina sighed.
"I'm helping you, Henry."
"What are you talking about you could kill Emma and Mary Margaret!" said Henry.
"Sorry, dearie. I've no ill will towards Snow or Miss Swan but they missed their window of opportunity. It's too risky to let anything come through now."
"I can't let Cora came through the portal. You have no idea what she would do to us." Regina told her son.
"Emma and Mary Margaret are going to defeat her. They're the ones that are going to come through!" exclaimed Henry which seemed overly optimistic to Rumple.
"Rumple, I know why you're doing this but I think Henry is right," said Belle.
"That's unrealistic and dangerous optimism Belle. Henry, your mother's right. It's going to be Cora." Rumple said firmly though not entirely unkindly he understood why the boy was upset.
"No! It won't! Good always defeats evil. You should know that more than anyone."
"We got the message through it's possible they were just delayed," said Belle.
"What I know is my mother will destroy everything I love. And that means you Henry. And I can't let that happen."
"I'm afraid I feel the same. I'm sorry Belle," said Rumple. Henry made to run at the well but Regina caught him and held him back.
"You can't! Stop it! You can't! You're gonna kill them! Please! No! They're going to make it through! We have to turn it off! You're gonna kill them!"
"Henry! What are you doing?" yelled Regina as the boy continued trying to charge towards the well.
"Emma and Mary Margaret are going to come through. I know it. You said you wanted to change, to be better. This is how. You want me to have faith in you? Have faith in me."
"Listen to the boy Rumple. I know he's right. I can feel it!" said Belle grasping his arm he was grateful she at least had the good sense not to run towards the well pulsing full of unstable magic.
"We can't stop it now even we wanted to," he said then glanced at Regina who was slowly approaching the well.
"Regina? Regina!" However, the woman held her hands over the well and began to absorb the magic.
"Can she do that?" asked Belle.
"And live? I don't know," said Rumple Regina absorbed the green power before been thrown to the side. Everything was silent as they watched the well. Rumple stepped in front of Belle and Henry just in case.
"No!" said Henry sounding anguished.
"I'm sorry, Henry. I'm sorry," whispered Regina. Then a hand suddenly grasped the edge of the well. Rumple raised his hand ready to teleport them all to safety if necessary. But to his shock and relief Emma and Snow White climbed out of the well. Henry let out a cry of joy. as Emma gasped.
"Henry!" the boy rushed forward and hugged the two women. Rumple teleported himself and Belle back to the shop assured the danger was passed. When they appeared, he turned to Belle.
"I thought you agreed with me." Belle gave him an apologetic look.
"I did. Until I didn't."
OUAT
Belle shot her husband an apologetic look.
"When they realized that the magic was taken from the diamonds Henry came and found me wanting to know where you and Regina were. I explained things but well, the more Henry spoke the more my gut started to tell me that he was right."
"So you tried to convince us to not block the portal where Cora could potentially come through based purely on gut instinct and the belief of a 11 year old?" Rumple asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes?" replied Belle. "Although in my defense my gut has always led me right before." Rumple opened his mouth as if to object then sighed.
"Fair. Thank you at least for not doing something stupid like running towards the well."
"I do have some sense of self preservation," said Belle with a slight laugh.
"You married the Dark One some people would say that fact alone calls your common sense into question," chuckled Rumple.
"Some people can sod off," replied Belle. They shared a laugh before Rumple sighed.
"Well, it seems as if Cora failed. So with any luck she'll stay stuck in the Enchanted Forest and we can get on with our quest."
"Agreed. But of course, we'll be on our guard," replied Belle who had a feeling Cora was not one to give up easily.
"That goes without saying."
OUAT
The day after the return of Snow White and Emma the door to the pawn shop opened and Emma came walking in Rumple looked up from where he and Belle stood behind the counter about to head out for lunch.
"Welcome back Emma," said Belle cheerfully Emma nodded to his wife.
"Hey," then she turned her attention to Rumplestiltskin. "We need to talk." she said walking up to the counter.
"Yes. I believe apologies are in order," said Rumple who didn't regret trying to stop Cora coming through but certainly wasn't displeased with how things had turned out. To his surprise Emma waved aside the apology.
"No. No apology is necessary. I understand why you wanted to keep Cora out of here."
"Just remind me never to bet against you in the future, Miss Swan." he replied with a crooked smile. "As my wife pointed out perhaps, I need to have a bit more faith."
"It's not really a bet when the game is rigged, is it?" asked Emma. Belle tilted her head next to him in confusion.
"What do you mean Emma?"
"Yes, to what exactly are you referring?" asked Rumple.
"Mary Margaret told me that you were obsessed with me and my name. I read the book it was the price you demanded in exchange for the information about the curse."
"True enough. I needed the name to act as a trigger for once you arrived in town so I could help facilitate things," pointed out Rumple.
"You created the curse, Gold. You made me the Savior. So everything I've ever done, it's exactly what you wanted me to do."
"That's not quite how it works Emma," replied Belle before gesturing for Rumple to explain.
"I created the curse, dearie, but I didn't make you. I merely took advantage of what you are - the product of true love. That's why you're powerful. And everything you've done, you've done yourself."
"Rumple might have been able to nudge things in certain directions but at the end of the day your choices and actions are your own. For instance, you could have refused to risk your life and fight that dragon but you didn't."
"Henry was in danger of course not!" said Emma.
"Yes but the point is you had the choice dearie. I couldn't force you to fight it. Just as I couldn't force any of your other actions."
"So you don't know." said Emma.
"Know what?" asked Rumple now intrigued.
"Cora tried to rip my heart out, but she couldn't. She was blasted back with something inside me. By... By..." Emma didn't seem to want to say it.
"By magic. Whatever that was, I didn't do that. You did."
"Children that are the product of true love ALMOST always have some form of magic. The fact that you come from the union of one of the most powerful true loves to ever exist only increased that chance," said Belle and Rumple felt proud of his wife's understanding of magic.
"So you don't have an explanation for that," said Emma looking a little disappointed. Rumple shook his head.
"On the contrary I can explain it perfectly. In born magic like yours is something that tends to react instinctively unless trained. I presume your magic instinctively reacted to protect you from Cora."
"Grace did something similar to the Blue Fairy," said Belle casually and Rumple snickered at the memory.
"Just a shame she wasn't a better shot."
"Grace has magic?" asked Emma in surprise. Belle nodded.
"Yes, but that's a completely separate conversation." Emma sighed.
"Well, I guess I got some answers after all. Thank you, Belle for coming into the Netherworld so Henry didn't have to. You've no idea how grateful I am. On top of the fact that we probably wouldn't have made it out without your help." Rumple watched the interaction between the two women as Belle smiled.
"It was my honor. I'm quite fond of Henry and I'm very pleased to have you back Emma."
"Thanks." Emma paused and then turned her gaze to Rumplestiltskin. "And I suppose we owe you a thank you as well. Your advice came in handy even if it wasn't in the way we expected."
"You are very welcome, Sheriff Swan. As Belle said, it's good to have you, back." Emma nodded and then turned on her heel leaving the shop.
Author's Note: So, a few alterations to Into the Deep. Basically I figured it would be completely illogical for them to put someone they didn't know would wake or even make it to the room through the curse if they had a better option and it would also be very "Belle" to volunteer to do it. We also get some fun little Gold and Henry! I had Emma and Regina call out the Charmings on their plan for Rumple because it was incredibly inhumane compared to how they treated Regina. And I think Emma having been in jail in the Land Without Magic would also have a more realistic appreciation for shall we say…humane imprisonment and she doesn't see things so black and white. I altered the ink message to say Bae's name since the plan with Emma never went through so I hope my alterations didn't make things too convoluted. I can also see this Belle at least being ok pragmatically with the well thing but having second thoughts per being convinced by Henry. Thanks as usual to all my readers and especially commenters if you like the story please take a moment to drop a note below! Until next time!