Belle arrived several weeks later at the front gates of the Queen's castle looking despondent, exhausted, and heartbroken.

"Sister what's wrong?" asked Dreamy who was at the gate.

"I have to speak with Regina, Snow, and David, she said. "And ask for the Hatter's too. It's urgent."

"You aren't in any state to talk with anybody," said Dreamy as he led her inside.

"I quite agree," said another voice and she turned to see Nova hurrying up. "I...I think I have an idea of what happened but you aren't in any state to explain it till you've at least had a wash," she said.

"How?" asked Belle in confusion.

"Head fairy. I'm now the personification of light magic. I can sense the return of such heavy dark magic," she replied. "I've been trying to confirm it for a few weeks. I didn't know if it was maybe just the Wicked Witch but your arrival seems to be proof enough."

"You mean you succeeded?" asked Dreamy.

"Not in the way I hoped," said Belle despondently. "Fine give me an hour and then have the council convene." Nova nodded.

"We can do that," before walking off with her true love. Belle almost felt envious. If only her true love had turned out that simple.

OUAT

Belle showered and dressed herself using the time to gather her thoughts and try to at least come somewhat to terms with what happened. She'd barely taken the time to think on the road more focused on getting here to warn everyone and escaping the witch herself. Never more had she missed transportation potions.

The wife of the Dark One made her way to the council chambers, she'd chosen an outfit much like the one she'd worn when the Charming's visited the Dark Castle though in black. If she was going to deal with the royals she would act it. Upon entering she saw that the table consisted of Snow, Charming, Regina, Dreamy, Nova, the Lucas's, The Huntsman, The Hatter's minus Grace, Robin Hood, and Jiminy. Aurora and Philip were also there.

Alice and Jefferson rushed over to her.

"Belle! God are you alright?" asked Alice.

"We were terrified when they called the emergency council session and they said it involved you," said Jefferson.

"I'm alright. Physically," said Belle.

"Where's Baelfire?" asked Robin Hood.

"That's part of what I came to warn you about," said Belle sadly as she took a seat in the chair offered by Jefferson, before going into her tale about going to the vault, getting threatened by the witch, Bae sacrificing himself, and Rumple giving up his dagger to save Bae.

"So what I'm hearing is the already dangerous Wicked Witch now has control of the Dark One," said David.

"My condolences about BAELFIRE," said Alice pointedly.

"Thank you Alice. And yes that does about sum the situation up. Which is basically one of the worst things that could possibly happen. The dagger in the hands of someone like that witch...

"Is there any chance of stealing it back?" asked Robin.

"I think she's probably set up camp in the Dark Castle," said Belle with a sigh. "It's how she planted Lumiere and it would make a formidable base. But I doubt she's foolish enough to just leave it lying around. The risk is too great with not enough chance of reward."

"I suppose."

"Then what do we do? If she's got the Dark One on her side..." asked Snow.

"Well, that could depend on if he's useful," said Nova. "What spell did he use?" Regina leaned forward.

"You know perky pink over there might be right," said Regina. "You said he absorbed his son and then was talking nonsense."

"I didn't stick around to observe but yes essentially," said Belle.

"Sounds like a soul binding spell," said Regina and Belle's eyes widened she'd read about those and hearing the name now jogged her memory.

"Meaning that his and Bae's souls are now sharing the same body. Two souls in one create a chaotic mind which won't be effective for spellcasting."

"That's our clever imp," said Jefferson with a wry smile.

"It will save Bae's body for a time. Though the two will eventually need to be split," said Nova. Belle temporarily wondered how the young fairy was so knowledgeable until she remembered Bae mentioned that new Head Fairy's got the memories and knowledge of the old one.

"Well that works in our favor at least," said Red. "And it means both Neal and Mr. G could still survive." Belle couldn't help but smile slightly at Red's continued use of her nickname for Rumple.

"It should delay her in terms of power but we still need to work out what her plan is and that may take some time. In the meantime, we'll double the guard we've still got some people coming in," said the Huntsman.

"Thank you, Belle, for bringing us this news." said Snow who she now noticed had a hand on her belly. Intriguing.

"You're welcome. I just wish we knew what she was up to," sighed Belle.

"Maybe now it's the time to announce the pregnancy after all," said Aurora to Snow.

"Oh, yeah she's pregnant," said Jefferson in a stage whisper gesturing to Snow.

"Gina's not wrong your majesties. Announcing the birth of a baby while you've got a Wicked Witch out on the loose just sounds like the equivalent of putting up a giant sign saying come curse out child," said Alice.

"No, that's christenings," said Belle without thinking and almost laughing at the half horrified looks they got from the two sets of rulers. The rest of the table at least minus Jiminy, who was a bit hard to read as a cricket, did at least seem to get it was a joke, Regina, Red, Robin, and Dreamy in particular actually made noises of amusement. The Hatter's made no attempt to hide their chuckles.

Charming cleared his throat.

"No, if we don't, we give into fear. But, if we do, we give the kingdom what they need: Hope."

"It's like Belle said, We don't even know what this Wicked Witch wants," said Snow.

"Actually, we do," said Aurora speaking up. She wants your child." Phillip nodded.

"She came to us when you were gone. Threatened us and our unborn child, unless we told her when you arrived in our land."

"She thinks your baby could be important. I'm so sorry. She said she'd hurt us." Suddenly there was a gust of wind and the doors to the council chamber which opened onto a balcony flew open allowing the witch to descend upon them.

"And I make good on my promises." Aurora and Phillip backed away in fear but it was no good a wave of Zelena's hand turned them into flying monkeys. Alice moved to grab her pipe but was frozen in place unable to speak. The rest of them except Belle for some reason had all also been hit with a spell unable to move

"Uh un uh. None of your songs today siren."

"What do you want with our baby?" asked Snow.

"Calm down, sweetie. You don't want to go into early labor." The witch walked over towards Snow.

"Stay away from my wife." shouted Charming who had been frozen with his hand on the hilt of his sword. Belle tried to think of something she could do. She didn't have any of her potions or weapons. She was powerless.

"Oh, someone's testy." Zelena said to Charming as she placed a hand on Snow's belly.

"Now, let's see, if this was all worth it. Yes. Yes, it was. This child will do quite nicely."

"Enough, sis. This is between you and me." said Regina. "Or are you too scared to fight it out?"

"She's not scared Regina. She's just not stupid," said Belle standing up and drawing the green woman's attention.

"Well if it isn't the Dark Lady," she said the title mockingly but Belle found she rather liked it. She'd gotten enough nonsense from people for being married to the Dark One after all.

"Something like that. But to answer Regina's question you won't fight her openly. At least yet because it wouldn't serve your plans. Something to do with this child. Why take the risk? And even if you won it wouldn't be a quick enough torture."

"Well don't you have me all figured out. Shame you didn't work it out before it lost you your son and husband," sneered the woman. The jab hit Belle hard but she refused to let the witch see it.

"You won a battle Zelena, NOT a war. And if you think you can attack the family of the Dark One without consequences. You're sorely mistaken."

"Awww what are you going to do? Throw a book at me?"

"What are you going to do Zelena?" asked Belle. "Kill me?"

"Oh no. I'll kill your son first, that little trick of Rumple's won't work forever, then I'll make Rumple kill you. I can't wait to see the agony on his face when I make him do it." A fire blazed in Belle as she took a risk and stepped closer to Zelena. The truth was she wasn't afraid. Not for herself at least.

"That sounds like a diabolically easy plan in theory," said Belle somewhat sarcastically. "But I think you'll find it to be far more difficult to execute in reality than you expect." Zelena scoffed.

"We'll see. I'll give Rumple your regards, not that he'll understand it." Then she turned back to Snow. "And take good care of that baby for me. Don't forget to eat well. I will be back for your happy day. And what's yours will be mine."

"Did you ever hear of an original insult?" called Regina as the woman zipped away with the flying monkeys following, and the rest were released from their frozen states.

"We can only hope she fails to deliver like you did," said Jefferson resulting in a dirty look followed by an eye roll from the Evil Queen.

OUAT

Belle sighed sitting alone in her room after the council she'd largely barricaded herself away for a few days avoiding people. If she wasn't in her room, she was in the library trying to work out how to save her family. There was a knock on the door and upon opening it she was faced with Jefferson, Alice, and Grace.

"You've been locked away for days we were starting to worry," said Jefferson as she let them enter.

"Yes, I want to find a way to save Bae and Rumple," she said.

"Well, Rumple is a bit of a lost cause without getting that dagger," said Jefferson.

"And I doubt Zelena is careless enough to leave it hanging around," said Alice.

"I can't believe there's someone worse out there than the Queen of Hearts or Pan," said Grace.

"The villains we run into do seem to be trying to one up each other," Belle agreed.

"Why does everyone always want to hurt us?" asked Grace. The three adults shared a look. It was a genuine question. Belle sighed heavily.

"Perhaps the rarity of power like your parent's or Uncle Rumple's leads others to see them as targets?"

"Honestly I'd say we're more collateral damage Gina's the target this time. And she didn't actually do anything," scoffed Alice.

"You know you three could probably duck out now and if you don't involve yourselves further the witch may put you out of her mind," suggested Belle.

"No way!" said Grace.

"Absolutely not," scoffed Jefferson.

"You really expect that's gonna happen?" snorted Alice.

"Have you been taking one of Daddy's "special" teas?" asked Grace

Jefferson and Alice snickered while Belle rolled her eyes.

"Of course not. He hasn't made any lately."

"Then why would you think we'd let you face this alone?" asked Jefferson.

"It's safer. You know what happened last time because you were too close to us."

"That's always going to be the risk," shrugged Alice. "It's common knowledge now thanks to Storybrooke that we're essentially family. Better we help you take down the potential threat. Especially given you don't have Rum on your side at the moment."

Belle felt tears prick the corners of her eyes.

"Thank you all," she said.

"We wouldn't let you deal with the witch or the heroes alone," said Jefferson with one of his mad grins Grace nodding in agreement.

"And we won't leave Rum in the clutches of that maniac. Which by the way nice little speech the other day," said Alice. Belle gave a small laugh.

"I honestly don't know where that came from."

"You've always been brave Belle, it's about time more people saw it," said Jefferson. She smiled and the four hugged.

OUAT

Belle tried to do better about not sequestering herself quite so much. She still worked hard attempting to find anything that would help her counteract Zelena and also save her family. When she wasn't doing that she'd spend time with the people that supported her namely, Dreamy, Robin, the Lucas's, the Hatters, or the Huntsman.

The Hatters in particular of course had been a great source of comfort. Then again they weren't just friends. They were family. She could always rely on one of them for a talk, a laugh, a distraction, or even just sitting quietly.

Nova had taken off with some of the other fairies to search the land in their own attempt to stop the witch. Keeping herself busy was Belle's best route because when she wasn't her mind would wander to dark places.

The rest of the castle seemed to well, tolerate her at best. She heard the whispers through the halls. Some even blaming her for the wicked witch having control the Dark One. Others simply repeated the old insults about her connection with Rumple. She paid them no heed. As Alice had told her.

"You won't change the mind of those idiots so don't bother your head about them."

Snows pregnancy was progressing which also led to tension. By the time she was showing fairly significantly they were getting desperate.

One day Belle decided to go out for a ride thankfully Phillipe the horse gifted to her by Rumple was the stead she'd taken to the Vault and thus ridden back. She didn't like the idea of what the witch might have done to him.

Just as she was making her way into the stables she came face to face with one of the last people she'd like to see.

"Belle!" her father exclaimed as he exited the stables.

"Good day father," she said before moving to sidestep him however he blocked her.

"How fortuitous that we should meet. I've been trying to find you but never seem able to."

"Oh really?" asked Belle who'd been aware of her father's efforts and been avoiding them. The last thing she needed now was to deal with him unless he planned to offer sympathy which she doubted.

"Yes, I've been thinking it's time we got you married off now there's marvelous treaty I might be able to work with Prince..."

"What?!" exclaimed Belle in outrage. "I'm a married woman."

"I mean officially?" asked her father skeptically. "And the man died. Does marriage even count through resurrections?"

"Even if it didn't, I wouldn't leave him. We're true love," said Belle who was sick of this old argument.

"You're still convinced of that nonsense?" asked her father looking disappointed.

"It's not nonsense!" Belle practically shouted in fury.

"Is there a problem here?" came a voice from behind her and she turned to see none other than Regina who was also dressed for riding.

"Perhaps you can lift whatever spell is on her I know you tried before but..." began Belle's father but Regina cut him off with a laugh.

"You're still on about that? She was never enthralled by any spell you ignoramus!"

"What?"

"I said that to get you to tell Rumplestiltskin she was dead."

"See even she admits it. Face the facts father. You don't like my choices. Fine. But if you don't plan to respect them leave me alone."

"But Belle dear. They've started calling you "the Dark Lady," you'll never get that off your reputation if you don't marry soon."

"Maybe I don't want to," snapped Belle. "Now move out of the way so her majesty and I can get to the horses." Her father looked almost ready to argue but a threatening twitch of Regina's hand had him running.

Belle let out a loud noise of irritation.

"That man is like a dog with a bone," snarked Regina.

"Tell me about it," scoffed Belle.

"Just be grateful he doesn't have magic powers to do anything about his disapproval over your love life," scoffed Regina as they entered the stable.

"Fair point," sighed Belle. "I didn't know you were a recreational rider."

"Yes...I've always enjoyed it. Yourself as well I presume."

"It was a semi adventurous but also sanctioned pastime. What wasn't to love?" said Belle. Regina actually gave a small smile.

"Well care to join me?" Belle raised an eyebrow she didn't think the woman had any designs to harm her. There would be no point at the moment.

"Sure," she said. They saddled their horses and rode out galloping across fields for quite some time. Eventually they pulled to a stop under a grotto of trees and dismounted to take a seat.

"What brings you out here?" asked Belle. "Not just simple love of riding I presume." Regina gave her a level look for a moment before shrugging.

"It's the best way to escape the castle. Between issues with my sister and everyone looking at me like I'm about to start cursing them. It's not the most pleasant place."

"I get the feeling," said Belle who supposed she had a few more allies than the former Evil Queen but not by much.

"Ah yes the Dark Lady."

"I really don't know if I want that to stick or not," said Belle.

"Own it, at this point that's all you'll be able to do," replied Regina.

"Fair enough. Rumple would find it amusing."

"Oh that he would. Mind you we still need to get him back from my psychotic sister."

"You two always did have a strange relationship," said Belle. Regina shrugged.

"We've hated and hurt each other but at the end of the day he was my mentor. And he did sacrifice himself to save my son."

"And now I helped bring him back only to place his son Henry's father, in mortal danger, and end up with Rumple in the clutches of that vile woman."

"Oh for Pete's sake from what you described you didn't ask his son to play to hero and it was my sister that did the blackmailing."

"But if I'd been more cautious about going to the vault..."

"My sister would have shown up and threatened you into going anyway. There's literally no outcome where you could have stopped this so quit with the pity party and do something to fix it."

"What do you think I've been doing?" asked Belle heatedly. "I've come up empty after months of searching."

"So? Keeping searching. Your husband did to get to his son," said Regina with a shrug.

"Why do you care anyway?" asked Belle.

"Like I said my relationship with Rumplestiltskin is...complicated. BUT with that said pragmatically he's just as much a potential ticket back to Henry for me as he was for Stiltskin Junior."

"I'm sure you miss him deeply," said Belle.

"What a SHOCKINGLY obvious conclusion," scoffed Regina. Belle rolled her eyes.

"He did love you."

"He was all I had," said Regina quietly. "Snow keeps talking about having to move on."

"Yes, I wouldn't always call Snow White the most tactful of souls," said Belle remembering the woman's patronizing manner.

"True although I suppose she gets credit for talking me out of removing my heart."

"You can be tactless and still have a good point occasionally," said Belle dryly. "I suppose everyone handles grief differently. I loved Henry too you know."

"Oh I know. I was pissed when I found out you and Rumplestiltskin were his grandparents, or I wanted to be. But at the same time it made Henry so happy I couldn't stay mad for long. I'm grateful for how far you were willing to go for him."

"You're welcome. But speaking of Henry perhaps instead of sitting missing him or trying to just move forward we should do as you say and simply double our current efforts. With any luck we can kill three birds with one stone."

"Defeat my sister, save your husband and son, and by saving your husband find a way back to Henry?" asked Regina.

"Exactly. I guess that makes us allies once more," said Belle and Regina smirked.

"I suppose so. You've got more bite than I expected Bookworm then again I suppose you must have for Rumplestiltskin to have fallen for you."

"I'll take that as a compliment," said Belle with a shrug. "Times like these one needs a little bite."

"I couldn't agree more," replied Regina as they both stood and made to head back to the castle.

Author's Note: So Belle get's to stand up to Zelena a little bit in this chapter I see some people are disappointed I didn't change Rumple losing the dagger but I promise I do have plans for alterations down the line and he needs to be under Zelena's control for that to happen. This part is very much about Belle coming into her own and we see a bit of that here. I'm trying to make sure to give Nova a bit as Head fairy though I can't promise her constant inclusion I'll do my best not to forget her (like the writers did lol). I'm also starting to explore the budding relationship between Belle and Regina which never got quite…properly fleshed out in the show. So we see them slowly warming to each other and bonding a bit here. Anyway thanks to everyone reading if you like the story PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave a note below you've no idea how much it helps!