Belle left Bae in his room after comforting him. She hadn't been attempting to guilt him. But it felt wrong to come here without showing him the room that had so long been prepared for him.

She wished she could say it felt good to be home. In some ways it did. The halls leant her a familiar comfort which was lacking at Snow White's castle. So many memories had been made here.

Yet it wasn't the same without Rumple. And that loss caused a sadness to linger. She slowly made her way down the hall to their bedroom. It was grand with a large fourposter king sized bed. Everything was as they'd left it before the curse right down to the copy of The Ghost of White Castle left on Belle's bedside table. She'd never finished it.

Moving over to the wardrobe she saw her nightdresses however after a moment of staring she changed course and pulled out one of Rumple's night shirts. It still smelt like him in this realm. Straw, the almost metallic scent magic, and a touch of sandal wood.

God she missed him. A tear fell down her cheek and then the floodgates opened. She wasn't sure how long she cried but eventually she had no tears left it seemed. By then it truly was late so she took out another shirt of Rumple's, this one not soaked with tears, and put it on before climbing into his side of the bed and burying her face in the pillow a part of her wishing to sleep without morning ever coming.

OUAT

Life sadly did not bend to the whims of grief and she did indeed wake the next morn. Though at least having slept better than any night previous.

Belle stared at herself in the mirror for a moment. She was already losing some weight and becoming paler than normal. She needed to shake off this melancholia. Grief was acceptable, but she couldn't spiral into it. Her son needed her help.

Besides, while she did consider it a long shot Bae wasn't wrong, Rumple wasn't an ordinary being and the rules of life and death could be different for him. In which case she'd be remiss to throw in the towel before even giving things a try.

She put on a pair of tight brown pants, a white blouse with a frilled neckline and cuffs, embroidered brown waistcoat, and topped it with a light brown jacket before quickly pulling her hair back in a pony tail.

Looking one more time in the mirror she smiled she'd always liked this outfit as it had reminded her a bit of Rumple.

She trotted down to the main hall where she already found Bae who had set some food out for them.

"There wasn't much left that was edible so we'll be eating from what we brought," said Bae.

"It's unfortunate the fruit trees on the property aren't in season," said Belle eating the sparing amount of food Bae had laid out. She understood the need to be frugal. "Of course, Rumple used to send down the mountain to his village below for the rest of our food."

"His village?" asked Bae. Belle nodded.

"The village below belonged to him and the townspeople were exceptionally happy about it believe it or not." Bae looked pensive.

"I never thought about my father doing good things as the Dark One beyond stopping the war and bringing the children home. It's strange at first to think of people being glad of him."

"Well, most did still fear him, this valley was the exception because they knew as long as they treated him with respect he'd take care of them. I tend to think your father's more...sympathetic side tended to come out when something reminded him of one he loved or when he was in a similar position. Villagers and his time with you...a sick child and caring for you."

Belle wasn't going to act like Rumple had been kind dealing with everyone. Fair yes. Kind no.

"Yeah, I think I saw some of that with Geppetto," said Bae thoughtfully. Belle nodded in agreement. They finished their food quickly before deciding to head to the library.

"Wow," said Bae as they stepped up into the giant room and Belle felt a heavy pang in her heart as she entered. How many wonderful nights had they spent in here both before and after declaring their love wrapped up in sparkling conversation and loving glances.

"Your father didn't do things by halves," said Belle. "Though he was still trying to play the beast at this point and told me he didn't want to see a speck of dust on these books. Yet didn't seem all that perturbed when I spent more time reading than dusting them." Belle laughed nostalgically to herself and turned to see Bae smiling.

"You really were perfect for eachother weren't you?" said Bae though it was more of a rhetorical question. Nonetheless Belle answered.

"I love him. All of him. Even the parts that belong to the darkness."

"I realize now it took me a while to see past all that... to the good man trying to get out."

"He did get out," pointed out Belle. Bae nodded.

"Yeah, he did. Irony is, now I need the dark part. In order to get to the ones I care about." Belle thought that remained to be seen. Perhaps she was being optimistic but maybe now the barrier had been broken once Rumple would be able to find a way less steeped in dark magic to get to the Land Without Magic.

She noticed Bae fingering a necklace with a swan pendant.

"What is that?" she asked.

"A necklace. It was Emma's. It was supposed to represent our life together. I don't know how it survived the trip." Belle smiled.

"Because, it was born out of true love. Objects like that and my wedding ring from your father," she held up her hand, "that are so strongly tied to such emotions that they can pass through the barriers of the realms. Now let's get searching."

"You think there's magic in here?" asked Bae. Belle smiled. The first proper smile since she'd lost Rumple.

"No, something better than magic. Books. Books on history. Witchcraft. And hopefully, some on the Dark One, too." Bae returned her look.

"Where do we start?" Belle moved to light some candles.

"One shelf at a time."

OUAT

They spent most of the day searching to no avail. Belle had even gone to his father's tower and brought back some of his spell books but there was nothing.

"If I know my father he probably destroyed most information regarding the Dark One so that nobody could use it against him," said Neal as night started to fall.

"That would have been wise. So very much like him," agreed Belle. "Perhaps we ought to pause and get supper and then come back with fresh eyes."

"Good idea," said Neal who didn't like the idea of giving up even for a moment but could see the practicality behind the suggestion. Seeing the sheer amount of information available he was once more grateful for Belle's help and support. Of course, she also benefited from bringing his father back but he knew that wasn't her only reason.

As someone who'd not had a lot of people care in his life that meant a lot.

He walked over to light a candelabra to carry through the halls. As soon as he did so a face appeared in the flames. Both Neal and Belle jumped in shock.

"Hello," said the face.

"Who are you?" asked Neal noting that his stepmother appeared as shocked as he was.

"My name is Lumiere." Neal fought the urge to roll his eyes of course. A talking candelabra he should have guessed.

"I don't understand. I've dusted every book and cranny in this place. How have our paths never crossed?" asked Belle sounding suspicious.

"It's a big castle and I was woefully underutilized. Sadly, I only awaken, when my candles are lit. Those are the rules of my punishment." Neal found that answer a bit iffy and going off Belle's face he wasn't the only one. Still, he'd play ball for now.

"Punishment by who?"

"Whom do you think? Rumplestiltskin, of course. We made a deal long ago and when I couldn't live up to my end, he made sure, I paid the price."

"Sounds like more of a you problem than a Rumple problem," he heard Belle mutter under her breath and Neal hid a smile.

"He's not here, is he?" asked Lumiere.

"No, he's... He is dead," said Belle flatly.

"We're trying to bring him back. You said you spent a lot of time here. Do you know anything that could restore the Dark One?" asked Neal suddenly getting an idea. Sure they might not be able to trust the candelabra. But perhaps they could use it.

"I know a great many things."

"Please, you gotta help us. If you don't, I'll never see my family again," begged Neal hoping the focus on his family rather than his father would help sway the being.

"Boohoo. Why should I help resurrect the man who put me in this wax prison?"

"You broke your contract. That's how you ended up in the wax prison," countered Belle. "However, if you help us, I'll ensure he'll restore you to your human form. Please." The fiery face considered her.

"The bookcase behind you. Bottom cabinet. You'll know it, once you see it." Belle opened the cabinet revealing a heavy leather bound book however when Belle opened it from what Bae could see from his angle it was empty.

"What the hell kind of book is that?"

"This isn't a book. It's a hiding spot." Belle took out what appeared to be a long rod with pieces sticking out in a row on three sides on the end. The handle was a flat circle with a triangle engraved upon it.

"What's that?" asked Bae.

"It's a key. To the Vault of the Dark One," said Lumiere.

"The vault of the Dark One?" questioned Belle.

"Where the first Dark One was made. Born out of... well, darkness. If you wish to bring Rumplestiltskin back to life, this is, where you must go."

"Will you guide us on our journey?" Belle asked.

"If your promises that the Dark One will return me to my human form are true, then, yes, will."

"Then we leave first thing in the morning," said Neal.

OUAT

In preparation for setting off to the Vault of the Dark One, something Rumple had never mentioned to Belle, she decided to see what potions had been carried back over. Looking around Rumple's tower there wasn't much available but she did note that there were enough ingredients for her to brew a couple basic healing potions, mostly use on cuts and gashes.

Thus, she decided to forgo sleep for brewing. It was better than dealing with the nighttime visions of her husband's death anyway.

There was a knock on the tower door and she called.

"Come in," Bae entered carrying a tray with some tea.

"Hello," she said smiling as she tossed an ingredient into the cauldron.

"Hey. Figured you might want a cup of tea before bed," said Bae. "Especially if you plan to pull an all nighter. I found some in the kitchen."

"That was kind of you," she said.

"What are you brewing?" he asked.

"Healing potion, useful if you need a quick remedy," she replied.

"Gee, I can think of some times during my...less law-abiding days that would have been useful."

Belle laughed softly.

"Yes I imagine so. Considering we have no idea what we're walking into I want to be prepared."

"Oh, you mean you don't trust the random talking candle with a grudge against my dad who just HAPPENS to know how to resurrect him?" asked Bae sarcastically. Belle snickered.

"Oddly enough no. But I think it's worth checking the place out to study it. Nothing says we have to take any action without doing our research first." Bae nodded.

"I want to get Papa, Henry, and Emma all back as soon as possible but even I can see rushing in would be a mistake."

"All magic has a price. I can't imagine the price to resurrect your father is going to be a simple one. And even if I'm willing to pay it I want to know what I'm paying. That was one thing I always liked about your father. He always gave people the chance to know what they were paying."

"I did hear Cinderella complaining about her deal,"

"Oh that was her not reading the contract," said Belle rolling her eyes. "Honestly you'd think she'd let it go. She kept her baby thanks to Emma." Bae raised an eyebrow.

"I feel like context matters there."

"Very much so," said Belle.

"Could you, maybe tell me more about what my Papa was like while you knew him in this realm?" asked Bae. "I spent so long imaging how awful he was. I guess I'd like to hear what he was like at least for you."

"If you are sure you wouldn't rather choose your bed then yes," said Belle smiling slightly. Oddly enough talking about the happy days with Rumple helped ease the pain on her heart.

"I think I'll pick the stories," said Bae.

"Well, there was one time I was reading my favorite book Her Handsome Hero..."

OUAT

They'd talked long into the night. Eventually Bae began to share a few stories about his time before they'd found him in New York, just not the Neverland bit. Eventually the potion finished and Belle separated it into two bottles and they retired to bed.

The following day they departed the castle and began their trek to the Vault of the Dark One it was located in the nearby mountainsides about just under a days journey away. It was growing dark and snowing by the time they reached a powdery clearing on the edge of a cliff. Set in the center of it was a metal circle.

Belle set down the candelabra.

"You found it. Thank heavens." said Lumiere.

"Now what?" asked Bae.

"Get to the center of the clearing. Under the ice and snow you shall find the entryway to the vault." The pair approached the metal circle in the center of the clearing it was marked with the same triangular symbol as the key.

"So we just put the key inside and Rumple returns?" asked Belle skeptically.

"Absolutely!" said Lumiere.

"Yeah that sounds way too easy what's the price?" asked Bae as Belle studied the runes trying to work out if she'd recognized any of them.

"I've spent 200 years in Rumplestiltskin's library witnessing more dark magic and sorcery than any living creature has ever seen. I know what I'm talking about."

"I'm sorry what did you say?" asked Belle.

"I said I've watched Rumplestiltskin perform dark magic in that library." Belle glared she knew now her suspicions were correct about the candelabra being suspect.

"Rumple never performed dangerous or dark magic inside the library because he didn't want risk damaging the books. That's why he HAD a work room. Not to mention he'd never have done so in front of a witness. You're lying."

"Who are you?" demanded Bae. "Unless, you wanna spend the rest of eternity under a snowdrift, you better start talking."

"I am, who I appear to be. Only it wasn't Rumplestiltskin, who turned me into this wretched form. It was the Wicked Witch of the West," said Lumiere realizing he'd been caught.

"The Wicked Witch? She told you to lead us here?" asked Belle her heart rate spiking as she looked around.

"She wants you to bring back the Dark One, so she can control him with his dagger." She shared a look with Bae and knew they'd both come to the same conclusion. Much as they wanted Rumple back they couldn't do so only to condemn him to a life of slavery to an evil being. For everyone's sake.

"We need to leave this place," she said moving towards the horses only to suddenly find herself frozen.

"Not so fast." A woman dressed in black with red and hair and green skin stepped into the clearing.

"Well, it seems you're smarter than I expected," she snipped. "I'd really hoped you'd just do it on your own." She'd also frozen Bae in place.

"If you want him resurrected why don't you do it?" asked Bae. The woman laughed.

"Because, a spell like that comes with a price. A life for a life. Now personally I think it will be more painful for dear Rumple to lose you Baelfire. So..." she waved her hand and suddenly Belle was being held in the air and choked.

"Put the key in and get daddy dearest back OR I kill this one."

OUAT

Bae was torn as he watched the Wicked Witch choke Belle. A part of him knew he should let her go. That it might even be what Belle would have wanted. But he couldn't bring himself to let her die. He could only hope they'd find a way out of this.

"Fine!" he yelled and felt himself released from the freezing spell and approached the vault.

"No!" cried Belle who the witch had stopped choking. "Bae let her kill me I'm not worth your life! Or let me do it instead."

"No," he said though he felt touched to the core this woman was willing to give up her life for his. Once again, he knew Milah would never have done that. He met her gaze.

"Just find a way to save us. You're brilliant and you'll never give up on us. If anyone can do it you will." Then he stuck the key into the vault and turned. It burnt his hand and he fell back letting go. He heard footsteps and felt Belle behind him. Apparently, the witch saw no reason to stop her now.

Suddenly it began to feel as if the life we swiftly being leeched out of him. His vision began to dim and he was only barely able to make out the form of what he thought was his father forming from inky black goo

OUAT

"Just find a way to save us. You're brilliant and you'll never give up on us. If anyone can do it you will." Belle's heart could only plummet as in order to spare her life Bae plunged the key into the vault and turned.

He let out a cry and fell backward it seemed the key had burnt him. Belle felt the freezing spell break and hurried forward falling to her knees next to him as they both watched a human form begin to rise out of black liquid from the vault. Finally, it finished and she was met with the familiar scaly skin of her husband.

"Belle," he breathed she nodded and then his eyes travelled to the figure in her arms. "Bae!" Rumple rushed to her side for the moment ignoring the witch. Belle felt a tear slide down her cheek as she let Rumple pull Bae into his arms though one hand grasped hers.

"It's my fault," she said. "He resurrected you to save my life. I failed him. I failed you both." Rumple looked over at her and to her surprise she so no condemnation for his swiftly dying son whom she had been supposed to look out for.

"This isn't your fault my Belle. I've no doubt you'd have done the same. No." His gaze hardened as he turned to look at Zelena. "This is YOUR doing." Zelena smirked and shrugged.

"Happy to see me Rumple dear?"

"I'll be happy when I've torn you to pieces for what you've done," he hissed before turning back to Bae.

"Isn't there anything that can be done?" asked Belle. Rumple nodded as they both poured over their son, Zelena evidently seemed to believe they were both lost in grief and stood gloating.

"There is," he whispered. "But you need to run when I say."

"I can't just leave..." began Belle.

"If you want to save us both you have to go now my love."

"I'll be back for you both. I won't lose you again." Rumple gave her a small smile.

"My brave Belle."

OUAT

Rumple had been shocked to be resurrected and the last people he'd wanted paying the price to do it were his wife and child. Yet now here he was with a dying Bae and a clearly guilt ridden Belle despite him not blaming her in the slightest.

It was Zelena damn her. Oh he'd make her pay. But right now he had other priorities. A choice lay in front of him. His son or his freedom. He wouldn't be able to keep both. He knew the danger he'd be putting people including his beloved wife in if he did this but he couldn't let Bae go. Not this time.

And so he warned his darling Belle to run trusting she'd be able to help save them both.

OUAT

They both sat up Rumple took his dagger and began to perform some sort of magic as Belle stood reading herself to run. It looked almost as if Rumple were pulling Bae inside himself and as he did so the dagger fell at Zelena's feet.

"Didn't think you had it in you," said Zelena. "Now for you!" she added turning to Belle. The last thing the Dark One's wife saw before she ran for the horses was Lumiere's flames reaching out to bind the witch and Rumple on his hands and knees in the snow talking nonsensically.

Author's Note: I changed them just going with Lumiere to both being a bit skeptical because I feel that's a bit more in their natures. I also thought that in the show Bae just randomly choosing to use the key even AFTER working out it was probably a trap was again out of character so I decided to include the threatening Belle thing as it not only furthers their bond but also adds a slight layer of guilt to Belle and makes the whole thing just make more sense character wise. If you like the story please leave a note below! It really does mean a lot! Until next time!