Monster
At the Town Line
Rumpelstiltskin felt anxious as he waited at the town line. Between his fear for Henry, his worry for Belle, and his general frustration with Cogsworth, he couldn’t seem to keep his composure. Beyond instructing his faithful butler to bring his wife and grandson to him, he could do nothing to protect his family.
It weighed on him.
Closing his eyes, he focused on his mental barriers, making sure to strengthen them. Harriet didn’t need his emotions disturbing her. If she didn’t rest, her recovery would be impacted, and he refused to be the reason she wasn’t well.
Pacing in front of Storybrooke’s barrier, he hobbled back and forth, trying to keep from obsessing over the argument he had with her. Instead, his thoughts drifted to Cogsworth. He had seemed quite receptive to the idea of Belle’s exit from Storybrooke and the dagger’s relocation.
Was he finally overwhelmed?
For as long as he’d known Cogsworth, nothing seemed to faze him. However, tonight had been different. Once he’d explained the new plan, the other man had said, “Very good sir” and quickly ended the call. It wasn’t like Cogsworth and that worried him.
What was happening that could overwhelm his steadfast butler?
Was his grandson alright? His wife? The town?
Clenching his jaw, Rumpelstiltskin felt his frustration grow. He hated having to rely on other people. Despite trusting Cogsworth, he still preferred to rely on his own observations. Much was going on in Storybrooke that Cogsworth would dismiss or ignore. He didn't have Rumpelstiltskin’s connections and foresight.
Suddenly feeling dizzy, he swayed and leaned heavily on his cane. Ever since he’d arrived at the town line, he’d been exhausted, and he wasn’t sure why. It didn’t feel like the weakness he’d only just recovered from. This was different.
It was almost as if he’d overtaxed his magic.
Which made no sense. He was the Dark One, his magic had never been overtaxed before. Yet, as he kept reminding himself, magic was much harder to use here. He would have to be careful. Rubbing his eyes, he focused on all the old spells and wand movements he’d forgotten. He’d have to play by this world’s rules; at least until he returned to Storybrooke.
Shaking his head one final time, the dizziness passed, and Rumple began pacing again: fighting intrusive thoughts.
Was the exhaustion a sign of his mortality?
Or was it because he was dying?
Could it be Harriet? Was their connection growing?
Did she care for him as he cared for her?
WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN STORYBROOKE?
Shaking the thoughts away, he looked at the moon as a heaviness settled in his heart. While taking Belle to Grimmauld Place was a complication, he couldn’t ignore the danger she was in. He knew Belle would hate him for his interference, but until they were divorced, she was still his responsibility. He refused to let her become Regina’s puppet.
Belle deserved better than that.
Panic was just starting to settle in, when a roar resounded through the trees, jerking Rumpelstiltskin from his torturous thoughts. A fireball formed in his hands as he instinctively ducked into the forest. Spinning around, his eyes widened as a dragon appeared in the sky, roaring as it entered the Land of Hidden Magic. It twirled, almost like it was celebrating, then sped off into the distance.
“Who was that?” Rumple muttered as he hobbled back onto the road, watching the dragon as it flew out of sight.
“Who indeed,” The Darkness muttered, “It couldn’t be Maleficent. She’s dead.”
His phone suddenly rang, and Rumple closed his eyes. He didn’t need foresight to know it wasn’t good news. Still staring in the direction the dragon had flown, he answered it.
“We couldn’t get the scroll,” Micheal said without preamble.
Rumple tightened his hold on the phone, “Let me guess, a dragon took it?”
“How did you….?” Micheal began, but then trailed off in a sigh, “Never mind, it’s you.”
After a brief pause, he continued, “It attacked Sheriff Swan and destroyed the police station.”
“Is she alright?”
“Archie arrived just in time to rush the Sheriff to safety,” Micheal paused, then asked, “What are you going to do?”
Rumple closed his eyes, “Plan B.”
“You will have to enlighten me later,” Micheal said hurriedly, “The fire is getting out of hand.”
Then the line then went dead and Rumple closed his eyes against his own emotions. He shoved his panic behind his mental barriers and forced himself to focus on the task at hand. There wasn’t time to fall apart, and Harriet wasn’t there to help him pick up the pieces.
He needed to be strong.
Suddenly, Rumple heard a startled gasp behind him. Turning, he saw Belle on her hands and knees, shaking and sniffing. She looked up and froze when she noticed him. He watched impassively as she stared at him, tears making her frightened eyes glisten.
“Ah,” Rumple said mockingly, “If it isn’t my wayward wife.”
“Don’t,” Belle commanded as she scrambled to her feet.
“Don’t what, sweetheart?” Rumple sneered.
Belle whimpered as she backed into the barrier, a small electric jolt pushing her forward and causing her hair to stand on end.
Looking at the ground, Rumple frowned, “Where’s my dagger?”
“This is all about your dagger?” Belle asked in disbelief, “Still?”
“Not all of it.”
“You really will do anything for power!”
“They were supposed to throw it over.”
Rumple tried to ignore Belle’s suspicious gaze as he phoned Cogsworth, but there was no answer. Frightened, he shoved his phone back into his pocket and glared at the empty road before him; frustrated that the curse kept him from seeing what was happening right in front of them.
“What happened when they pushed you over?” Rumple asked, fear making his voice tremble slightly, “Was Henry alright?”
Confused, Belle replied, “Nothing happened. Henry didn’t look well, but he was still able to help Cogsworth wrestle me from the car and push me over the town line.”
Rumple nodded as he began pacing again. His leg began to throb, but he pushed the pain behind his mental barriers with the rest of his emotions.
Why didn’t Henry look well?
What was happening?
“You don’t think…,” Belle began but then gasped as Henry suddenly appeared between them.
“Henry!” Rumple yelled as he lunged forward, catching his grandson before he fell. The boy’s school bag dropped to the ground and Rumple kicked it out of the way.
“Take it grandpapa. Please…. I can’t let it go!” Henry sobbed, cradling the dagger to his chest.
Rumple wrestled with Henry; his grandson crying even as he fought to keep the dagger. Gritting his teeth, he wrapped his hand around the blade and tore it from Henry. He felt it slice through his palm, severing tendons before glancing off bone. Blood drenched his hand and traveled down his arm, into the crook of his elbow before soaking into his clothes. His wound throbbed as he held the dagger away from his grandson. Sobbing, Henry wrapped his arms around his grandfather, who used his free hand to clutch him to his chest.
They both sank to the ground, Rumple’s mind woozy from sudden blood loss.
Reaching around Henry’s back, he pulled the blade from his hand, wincing at the squelching noise it made and carefully discarded the dagger by his knee. Immediately, his hand began to heal, and the dizziness subsided. Wrapping his arms properly around his grandson, Rumple whispered soothing words to Henry as he sobbed.
Belle watched as her husband comforted Henry, touched by their love, but fearful for herself. She knew that her husband could love deeply, but he did not suffer disloyalty.
And oh, how she’d been disloyal.
Killian’s words replayed in her mind, reminding her of what Rumple had done to Milah. Now that he knew about Will, would she be next? Another dead disloyal wife for Rumple to mourn? Or would he spare her? Would Henry’s presence be enough to keep him calm?
When they were alone? What then?
Unwillingly, her eyes were drawn to the dagger and her fear was instantly amplified. Her palms began to itch, and her head began to pound. Licking her lips nervously, she quietly stepped toward the dagger.
“Rumpelstiltskin can do anything he wants,” She thought, the voice in her head ugly and dark.
“Magic doesn’t work in this world.” She thought, fighting against her fear.
She inched forward, looking between the dagger and Rumple, and her blood ran cold. His injured hand had already healed. He could do magic!
“Protect yourself! He’ll kill you!”
Snatching the dagger from the ground, Belle was both shocked and proud that she dared touch it again. She was finally protecting herself and if that meant taking Rumple’s autonomy, she’d do it. It was about time she took control of her life.
Startled, Rumple gaped at Belle as she glared at him triumphantly, holding the dagger between them. He could almost feel the invisible leash that tied his will to hers.
“Belle…” Rumple said beseechingly as he reached out toward her.
Suddenly, Henry pitched forward, his hand outstretched in an attempt to grab the dagger when Belle jerked back and shouted, “Stop him!”
Without a thought, Rumple grabbed his grandson and held him tightly against his chest. He tried to let him go, but he could do nothing against Belle’s command. Glaring at his wife; anger burned his heart as he struggled with Henry.
Belle swallowed, “You ... you will take me back to Storybrooke.”
“Not something I can do, sweetheart,” Rumple sneered, his voice sounding more snakelike than human. His anger burned darker as he stood, dragging Henry with him. His grandson had stopped fighting, but he still couldn’t let him go.
Not without Belle’s permission.
His breathing became labored, and his mind wandered back to the farmhouse; back to the cellar and the cage that had been his prison for over a year. His mouth ran dry as his mind conjured terrifying images of what Belle could make him do; of the things Zelena had done disguised as Belle. Panic threatened to choke him as fear overwhelmed him.
Then suddenly, he felt like his whole body was being stabbed with a thousand needles. He gritted his teeth, fighting against the change despite knowing it would only delay the inevitable.
“What do you want?” Rumple croaked, sweat beading his brow.
“I….” Belle began, licking her lips. Rumple was obviously struggling, and she was becoming more terrified by the minute. What was happening to him? To her? To them?
“Grandpapa,” Henry said quietly, “I think you’re scaring her.”
Rumple said nothing as he narrowed his eyes. His fear, his ugly fear, ignited the anger that was always burning inside him, and he felt his mental barriers fall. The stabbing feeling intensified and Rumple finally gave in to the change.
Belle gasped, backing away slowly, as Rumple reverted into the Dark One. She watched in horrified fascination as each human feature twisted into the Dark One’s cursed image. His hair lengthened and lightened, turning wild and unkempt. His skin took on a sickly green color as golden scales erupted along his flesh, his eyes became snakelike with an amber tint, his suit and shoes shifted into snakeskin, and his fingernails erupted into claws; almost slicing Henry.
Rumple made a distressed noise in his throat as Henry screamed, startled by the sudden appearance of claws. His grandson's fear was palpable, and it was enough to push Rumple over the edge.
“You better hold tight to that dagger sweetheart,” Rumple hissed, his eyes flashing red in the moonlight. Never before had he wanted to hurt Belle, not even when she was annoying him to distraction in the Dark Castle. He could almost feel her neck in his hands and the satisfaction it would bring to wring it.
On some level he knew it was Zelena he really wanted to hurt. She had instilled inside him an almost primal fear of anyone who commanded his dagger. It didn’t help that she’d taken Belle’s form and tortured him in ways he refused to think about. He’d only survived his ordeal with his sanity intact by reminding himself that his sweet Belle wouldn’t hurt him. That she would never enslave him.
Then Belle made him promise not to kill Zelena and his world stopped making sense.
“Promise me you won’t go after Zelena, I know you’re better than that.”
Except he wasn’t, and he’d had no choice but to promise; she’d held the dagger after all.
Underneath all of his rage, he yearned for Harriet. He needed her. She brought calm to his world, order to his chaos, and sensibility to his nonsensical anger.
“What…. what has happened to you?” Belle gasped, horrified by Rumple’s rage.
“I’m just becoming the Beast I’ve always been,” Rumple tittered, “Isn’t that what you called me? A Beast?”
“I’d hoped…” Belle began but was startled by a sudden noise. Turning slightly, she was almost knocked off her feet by a sudden impact. Stumbling, she tried to steady herself as someone grabbed her hair. She reached behind her, trying to fight her attacker off, when her head jerked to the side and her nose made a sickening crunch. Her face throbbed in pain and she dropped the dagger to clutch at her bloodied nose.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Harriet demanded, letting Belle go as she shook the pain from her hand. She winced when she noticed Belle's broken nose.
Maybe she shouldn’t have hit her so hard.
Feeling the dagger’s power shift, Rumple relaxed his hold on Henry and gently pushed him out of the way.
Glaring at his wife, he hissed in parseltongue, “She stole the dagger when I was distracted.”
“Bloody hell Rumple,” Harriet replied, parseltongue slipping off her tongue with ease, “What went wrong?’
Rumple stalked past her, stooping to snatch the dagger from the ground before replying, “Everything.”
Belle’s eyes widened as she began to stumble backward, blood pouring down her face as she held her hand out in protest, “Rumple…please….”
“Harriet,” Henry said, his voice shaking in fright.
“For fucks sake Rumpelstiltskin calm the hell down!” Harriet thundered and Rumple stopped advancing on Belle. He glared at his wife one final time before he turned to Harriet.
“She controlled me,” Rumple bit out as Belle whimpered.
“I understand that” Harriet said tenderly, “But Rum .... she’s not Zelena. You’re scaring her.”
Rumple looked away, his hand clutching the pommel of his dagger hard enough to bruise, while Belle cowed on the ground, trying to stop her nose from bleeding.
“Let me talk to Belle.” Harriet said.
Rumple jerkily nodded before abruptly stalking toward the opposite side of the road. He refused to even glance at his grandson, not wanting to see the fear in Henry’s eyes. The Darkness was too close to the surface, and it didn’t care who it hurt.
“That’s not true,” It hissed, “I would never hurt those we love.”
“You don’t love,” Rumple snarled, as he kicked a rock in frustration.
“Oh, but I do,” The Darkness replied, “We are one, Rumpelstiltskin. I love what you love.”
“I care for Belle,” Rumple thought desperately, “Yet I would have gladly snapped her neck because of you!”
The Darkness refused to reply, leaving Rumple alone with his thoughts.
Harriet watched Rumple mutter to himself as she fought to erect a barrier between their minds. Her head was already pounding from being summoned and she couldn’t afford to be distracted. Not when Rumple was so close to madness. Swallowing her worry, she walked towards Belle, schooling her features into something that resembled kindness.
“So….” Harriet said as she assessed the woman in front of her, “You must be Belle.”
Belle eyed her suspiciously and refused to reply. Sighing, Harriet twisted her wrist and her wand slid into her hand. Belle tried to scramble away but stopped when she saw Harriet had transfigured a stick into a handkerchief and held it out to her.
“For the nose,” Harriet said, somewhat stiffly.
Cautiously, Belle took it and watched as Harriet sat next to her on the uncomfortable asphalt.
“Look, I know getting kidnapped by a child can’t be fun….”
“Cogsworth helped!” Henry protested.
“Hush!” Harriet snapped; her voice harsher than she’d intended.
Henry began to argue when Rumple yelled across the road, “ Do as she says, Henry!”
Glancing at his grandpapa, Henry ducked his head, wisely keeping his mouth shut.
Clearing her throat, Harriet turned her attention back to Belle, “Look, nobody is trying to hurt you. Quite the opposite actually.”
“How can that be true?” Belle asked, wincing as she wiped her nose, “Rumple looked…...”
“Apparently Regina wants the dagger,” Harriet interrupted, trying to ignore Belle’s turmoil,” and Henry wanted to protect Rumple.”
Belle said nothing, her eyes large and wet from fear. She sat there, shivering in the cold night air, and Harriet felt her heart go out to her. There was something about Belle that begged to be saved and Harriet had a “saving people thing” as Hermione liked to remind her. She felt protective of the other woman, and she wondered if this was why Rumple had fallen in love with her.
Ignoring the urge to comfort her, Harriet continued, “Henry didn’t want to leave you at Regina’s mercy so he .... took you.”
Belle snorted but then whimpered in pain.
“I’m not sure why he didn’t just ask….” Harriet said, wincing as pain spiked behind her eye causing it to twitch.
“She was drunk,” Henry said dully.
Harriet sighed, unwilling to be a hypocrite and condemn Belle for that. Standing, she wiped the dirt from her pants and held her hand out, “The only safe place is away from Regina.”
“I……” Belle’s shoulders slumped, “This is all so overwhelming.”
But she took Harriet’s hand as she stood up.
Belle glanced in her husband's direction, but Rumple refused to look at her. She knew they would have to talk about what happened, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to be alone with him when it occurred. He had been so frightening. She had never seen him like that before.
“I understand,” Harriet said, “but you really do need to come with us. For your own safety.”
“And you will be there?”
“Of course,” Harriet replied, smiling softly.
“Alright.” Belle said, smiling tentatively back.
“Wonderful,” Harriet said, relieved she didn’t have to commit kidnapping along with adding and abetting a fugitive.
Turning to Henry, her voice hardened, "What in the world were you thinking?”
Henry looked unsure as he mumbled, “I don’t know you.”
Harriet glared at him as she yelled, “Rum! Come yell at your grandson! Apparently, he’s too good to be scolded by the likes of me!”
“I didn’t say that,” Henry said, frowning, “I….just don’t know you.”
“And I don’t know you,” Harriet replied, crossing her arms, “But I was just like you at your age; impulsive, hard headed, and unthinking. It didn’t go well for me.”
“But you’re a hero! A savior!”
“Then why don’t you listen to me?”
Henry bit his lip, “I….I didn’t….” He sighed, “I see what you're saying.”
“Do you?” Harriet demanded
“Yes,” Henry said quietly, “I…..I just wanted to keep grandpapa safe and Belle was drunk….Cogsworth thought it was a good idea.”
“Cogsworth will be spoken to,” Rumple said as he hobbled toward Henry, “Kidnapping Belle the way you did was inappropriate.”
“Wait….” Belle said quietly, tentatively taking a step toward her husband, “You didn't ... .know?”
“Only afterward,” Rumple replied, not trusting himself to look at her.
But…why did you have them bring me here?”
“If I thought you could deal with Regina, I would have left you in Storybrooke.
“I’m not weak!”
“No you're not,” Rumpelstiltskin agreed, finally glaring in her direction, “But you’re determined to make yourself so.”
“Just because I don’t like using magic, doesn’t mean I can’t take care of myself!”
“Actually it does,” Harriet interrupted, “but we don’t have time to get into that.” Turning to Rumple she asked, “Where’s the scroll?”
“Stolen by a dragon,” Rumple replied, his voice dull.
Harriet hung her head and sighed, “Of course it was.”
“I fear we’re cursed.”
“You’re just figuring that out?” Harriet asked, laughing bitterly.
“I don’t think it’s funny.”
Harriet looked at Rumple, her lips pinched, “No…. I don’t suppose it is.”
Rumple winced as Harriet’s emotions chafed against his. They were becoming just as overwhelming to him, as his own were to her.
Stepping toward her, he placed his hand on her shoulder and muttered, “Beauty?”
“I’m just tired Rum,” Harriet replied, placing her hand on his and squeezing, “I haven’t really slept.”
“I thought you were going to take a nap,” Rumple muttered as he glanced at Belle and Henry.
“Yeah .... didn't help,” Harriet replied, “Your feelings were ... .loud.”
“I’m sorry Beauty,” Rumple said, his head dipping close to her ear, “I didn’t mean for you to come.”
“I know,” Harriet replied, looking up at Rumple. Their lips were mere inches from touching.
It startled Belle, seeing her husband share such intimacy with another woman. The tenderness he showed Harriet was in stark contrast to the anger she’d been inflicted with. She felt like she’d fallen down Will’s rabbit hole and was now stuck in an unfamiliar world.
Speaking of Will….
“I need to call Will!” Belle blurted, wincing when she realized what she was doing. She was intentionally trying to hurt Rumple, even after he had almost attacked her.
What in the world was wrong with her?
Rumple stiffened, turning his head slowly in her direction; his amber eyes glowing in the moonlight.
“Why?” He asked, his voice hard.
“So he won’t look for me,” Belle replied, biting her lip, “So he won't’ be worried.”
“I don’t care,” Rumple replied, his voice acidic, “Let him worry. Maybe he’ll learn not to take up with a married woman.”
Harriet pulled away from him, her face impassive as she said, “We’ll get you a phone, when we get to London.”
“Harriet!” Rumple boomed.
“What?”
“She is my wife…” Rumple began but Harriet cut him off.
“A wife you looked ready to slaughter just a moment ago! Don’t think we won’t be speaking about that later, Lord Voldemort!”
“Don’t call me that!”
“Don’t act like it!” Harriet shouted, taking a step towards Rumple.
Rumple snarled in frustration as Harriet balled her hands into fists. They stood almost toe to toe, anger sizzling between them. Belle watched in horrified fascination as her husband turned a nasty shade of green, something she’d never seen him do in the Enchanted Forest. Harriet’s face went from ghostly pale to beet red and she looked ready to fight him in the middle of the road.
“I’m not HIM anymore!” Rumple yelled, his voice echoing over the forest.
“Then prove it, you jackass!” Harriet bellowed.
Rumple looked like he was about to explode when he reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her into a tight embrace before swooping in to kiss her. Harriet’s stomach somersaulted and she felt her knees almost buckle. Despite his scales, Rumple’s lips were soft and warm, and she felt safe in his arms. Gently cupping her cheek, he teased her lips with his tongue prompting Harriet to groan and deepen their kiss.
Winding his fingers into her hair, Rumple pulled her head back slightly and asked breathlessly, “Does this prove that I’m not him?”
“Oh, shut up and kiss me again,” Harriet murmured as she grabbed the lapels on his suit and closed the small gap between them.
Rumple’s mind went pleasantly numb as he wound his arm around her waist; all he could feel was Harriet, all he could taste were her lips, and all he wanted was her. As their minds melded together, her emotions heightened his own and the ferocity of their kiss prompted him to bend her slightly backward. Both were still aware, despite their fervor, that they had an audience; yet neither wanted to stop.
Heartbroken, Belle looked away and erupted into noisy sobs. She stepped in front of Henry, certain he shouldn’t see his grandfather engaging in this type of nonsense, only for Henry to look around her.
“They’re just kissing!”
Belle cried harder.
Henry looked away but refused to feel bad. She had banished his grandpapa, effectively divorcing him, what had she expected? That he wouldn’t move on? That he couldn’t find happiness without her?
Smiling softly as the kiss began to slow, Henry watched as their foreheads touched. Turning to give them privacy, he grabbed his bag as Belle sobbed into her hands.
“Holy fuck,” Harriet whispered, her whole-body humming with contentment. She could hear nothing but Rumpelstiltskin’s heartbeat, feel nothing but his body against hers.
“Yes,” Rumple whispered, peace spreading through his heart and dowsing his anger. He shifted back into his human form and sighed in relief. He no longer felt like he was burning alive.
Harriet cupped Rumple’s cheek, rubbing her thumb lightly across his lips. Rumple nuzzled her hand and sighed, not wanting this to end. Harriet quietly giggled, feeling light for the first time in ages when she glanced over his shoulder. Her smile faltered as she watched Belle sob. Regretfully, she pulled away and whispered, “We’ll talk about this later.”
Rumple frowned before nodding, confused as to the abrupt change in her mood, when he saw Belle. He winced but refused to allow himself to wallow in guilt. He didn’t do anything wrong. She had already left him; had already moved on.
Walking over to Henry and Belle, Harriet announced, “We’re going to have to use a portkey.”
Henry nodded as Belle wiped her eyes.
Looking around, Harriet found a large stick. Grabbing it, she waved her wand over it and whispered, “Portus.”
The stick glowed blue.
“Hurry up and grab it. It’s only going to last a moment.” Harriet said as she offered the stick to Henry and Belle.
Henry quickly grabbed the stick as Belle tentatively followed suit. As soon as Belle’s grip tightened on the portkey, all three disappeared.
Sighing, Rumple ran his fingers through his shortened hair before he hobbled over to his cane. Picking it up, inspiration struck as he stared at the handle. Pulling out his wand, he focused his magic and widened his cane enough that the dagger’s blade would fit inside it comfortably; effectively hiding it in plain sight.
Looking in the direction of Storybrooke, he contemplated the night's events, before disappearing back to England. Soon they would notice that Henry was missing, and he was sure Storybrooke would become even more chaotic. He could only hope Ruby, Archie, and Micheal had a plan to distract Henry’s mothers.