She checked the address on the printed directions in her passenger seat for what must have been the tenth time since parking across the street. This was the last place on her list – either it was here or her search was about to come to a permanent end. Ridiculous amounts of time had been spent over the previous months, all in the name of recovering a book that her father read to her as a child. Since his passing, it’d become almost an obsession. The thought of it all being a waste was paralyzing. Breathe, Thatcher; breathe.
It took another five minutes but the blonde finally got out of the rental car and crossed the street. There was a tremor of hesitation in her hands as she reached for and opened the door but it was hidden easily enough by shoving them into her coat pockets once inside. Thatcher approached one of the counters slowly, far too distracted by the variety of items surrounding her to hurry by them. A tall mirror hanging on the wall caught her attention; it looked vaguely familiar but couldn’t place from where. When she finally tore her eyes away from her reflection it was only to find that the shop seemed to be devoid of employees.
Since that day in the Snow Queen's cave, she had her doubts. Mostly about the dagger being real. She did ask him to let her go and he did not even though she had the dagger in her hand. Part of her wanting to believe he was just fighting her control because he cared for her.
For weeks she debated if she wanted to test it out. At any time she could pull out the dagger and know the truth.But he trusted her. She had already abused the power once and hurt him in the process. If she was wrong and it was the real dagger.
She needed to know for sure. Pulling out the dagger from her bag, she positioned it at the doors of the library. "I-I summon thee, Dark One..." she said with a shaky voice, praying to every higher spirit that he would appear.
When David called and asked for her to help, she said yes immediately. There wasn't much of a chance for her to meet the new prince in person. Still, she loved babysitting. Ella had asked her to do it for Alexandra, so she had some experience.
Mary Margaret and David had just left, and Belle was sitting on the bed cradling the baby. He was old enough now to have expressions on his face and react to things, which made playing with him fun.
"I think it is best time I teach you how to access that magic inside you." After hearing what took place with Frollo not keeping his eyes off Esmeralda, it was time for her to learn how to unlock her own magical powers passed down from her father in order for her to protect those that she held dear to her. Rumple was more than ready to start taping into those powers.
"That’s why I came to you. I wouldn’t even begin to know how to do that." She was confused about this whole thing. Her having magic was still a new concept."
She'd refused to marry Gaston. When her father proposed it, she shot him down quickly. When he'd ordered her to, she'd refused. She was a strong woman, and she knew she could make choices for herself. Her father wasn't having her marry for love either. It was all for more land, and essentially more power for him in the end. Belle would be left with nothing but having to submit to Gaston's wishes.
She didn't want that though, and after her third time refusing, her father was fed up. He'd dragged her down to the dungeons and threw her inside. Oh she was terrified, but not enough to break down and marry him. He'd come down every day and ask, only once. When she said no, she was to be whipped until he deemed fit.
After months of laying in her cell, refusing, and being whipped, she wasn't herself anymore. She was a shell. Her usual shinny brown curls, were dingy and limp. Her face was pale, blue eyes no longer sparkling anymore. She had bruises on her arms and legs, and dark circles under her eyes. Her back was even worse.
Her father hadn't come down one day, finally a day of rest for her. He instead was up in his throne room. Gaston was still at his side, dressed as a knight as usual. They were currently awaiting their audience with Rumpelstiltskin. Her father wanted more land, and he wanted it quickly, not wanting to dirty his hands with a war. He was willing to make a deal with the monster.
The young brunette sat in her cell. The same as every day. She was known as Belle French, locked away at the asylum under the Storybrooke Hospital. Unlike everyone else in this town, she knew this wasn't her life. This was a part of the curse. They were brought here, and the only person who knew was Mayor Mills, also known as the Queen Regina in their land.
That's the reason Belle was in this place. She remembered, and everyone thought she was insane. The mayor knew that wasn't true. That's what he wanted. What's worse: she had the love of her life be her doctor. Rumplestiltskin came in not remembering, and it killed her.
Dealing for Famly//Rumple, Belle, Esmeralda and Cerberus
So my main's internet failed, so we were only able to RP on FB. I transcribed it because we had important character development. I'm tagging people it concerns.
Belle: Rumple…
Esmeralda: Cerberus, what are you two doing?
Rumple: Yes Belle?
Belle: Be nice to your mun.
Cerberus: I did nothing. I was just trying to read. Sort of. Rumple has nothing to do.
Rumple: I am nice.
Cerberus: The technology is not nice.
Belle: It doesn’t matter.
Esmeralda: Belle’s right.
Rumple: I have deals to make and things to answer.
Belle: You need to be patient.
Esmeralda: Both of you do. It will be okay, but driving your mun crazy won’t do anything.
Rumple: Now don’t drag my wife into this.
Belle: I agree with her, Rumple.
Rumple: Speaking of deals. Didn’t you have one, dearie?
Belle: (raises brow) Did I? What do you mean?
Rumple: Not you, Belle. Her. (points to Esmeralda)
Esmeralda: Me? What are you talking about?
Cerberus: He just talks ‘lot Darlin’.
Esmeralda: No. He said something about me wanting a deal.
Rumple: Well want to make one? (grins) You are mortal aren’t ya?
Cerberus: Nope. Stop. She ain’t doin’ one.
Esmeralda: Can you…make me immortal? And our daughter?
Rumple: There are ways. (smirk spreads more)
Cerberus: Esmeralda. Please.
Esmeralda: Cerberus, I told you I would do what it takes.
Cerberus: I know but…We don’t know with Kiara yet. (practically begging) Something could go wrong. I can’t risk this or you. Belle, please say something to her.
Belle: I-I don’t know enough about this.
Esmeralda: At least I can try. Let me at least hear the possibilities.
Rumple: Tick tock dearie.
Cerberus: There is always a deal with these, right? If she goes through it, can I take the deal?
Esmeralda: All I’m asking is we hear out our options.
Rumple: You want immortality. Then two things you need to know. One. I never break deals. Two. It will cost something for information.
Belle: Rumple, why must there always be a price for information?
Rumple: Because how else will I get nice things.
Esmeralda: What’s the price?
Belle: Esmeralda, you don’t have to-
Esmeralda: Yes I do. What’s the price for information?
Cerberus: Darlin’ please.
Rumple: A strand of your hair. (smirks)
Esmeralda: Why do you want a strand of my hair?
Rumple: Reasons.
Belle: Rumple…why do you need it?
Rumple: It is rude to ask one why they need things on deals.
Belle: Rumple…
Rumple: Belle.
Esmeralda: We all know you are going to tell her. Just do it.
Rumple: Hair first. Information after.
Esmeralda: Fine. (pulls strand of hair)
Rumple: (takes hair) You are already practically immortal. We, well not all of us, age slowly because we are not of this world. You are like wolfboy there. (smirks) Happy, dearie?
Esmeralda: What do you mean? He’s immortal. I don’t age like him.
Rumple: Your parents are a mystery, aren’t they? Ever wonder what kind of being you come from?
Esmeralda: How do you know about my parents?
Rumple: I make it my business to know all.
Esmeralda: Well, who are they? Are they alive? Why did they give me up?
Rumple: Slow down. You are asking a lot of me.
Cerberus: Rumple. Please, I will do whatever so she can know. Family comes first. You should know that of all people.
Rumple: Careful (sneers)
Esmeralda: Please…I want to know where I come from. Who I am.
Rumple: At what price does one pay to gain knowledge? (raises a brow) At the cost of love? Of life? Of property? What do you wish so badly to give up? Or who?
Belle: Why must she give up anything?
Rumple: Because knowledge is a form of power. The more one knows the more power they can gain. (Belle gives Rumple the death stare. He lets out a long breath) I could ask for his shirt for your knowledge.
Esmeralda: (looks at Cerberus) You don’t need to.
Cerberus: I’d die for you. (unbuttons shirt and pulls it off) It won’t fit you.
Rumple: Not what I need it for. (waves hand and a book appears) Everything you ever needed to know about you and your parents is in this book.
Esmeralda: You made a book about it?
Rumple: Your father is a powerful being. Your mother was human. What I did was make a book to remind me just how interesting you are, dearie. Because someone you know was obsessed with controlling what was his.
Esmeralda: Frollo…
Rumple: There is much you don’t know of that man and his desires.
Esmeralda: So…he’s always had an obsession with me…Gods I feel sick…
Rumple: Not just you. Your father. Your mother. What you are and what happens when someone asks for three wishes.
Belle: Her father is a genie? (Esmeralda looks at Cerberus)
Rumple: He is yes.
Cerberus: (stares at Esmeralda as she grabs his hand)Is? As in could still be alive is?
Rumple: Catch on quickly.
Esmeralda: Do you know where he is?
Rumple: I do.
Cerberus: Why is everything so hard with you?
Belle: That is how he is, but he is going to tell you where he is. (looks at him) Aren’t you Rumple?
Esmeralda: I would chose wisely, Mr. Gold. Unless you want to sleep on the couch tonight.
Rumple: Do you know the magic shop Make a Wish? You will find the answers and them there.
Esmeralda: And my mother?
Rumple: I said them. Something interesting happens when a human and genie produce a kid.
Esmeralda: What is that? Am I a genie too?
Belle: But she isn’t trapped in a lamp.
Rumple: Not quite. But you do have magic, dearie.
Esmeralda: So what does that make me?
Cerberus: So is she some sort of hybrid? (tilts his head confused)
Rumple: You could classify her as one if you wanted to get technical.
Esmeralda: So I am immortal?
Rumple: Yes. More so than you think. I would be curious to know what your pup will take after.
Esmeralda: So Kiara will also be immortal?
Rumple: All of your kids will be. Who they take after on powers will be something else.
Esmeralda: Thank you, Mr. Gold. For everything.
Rumple: No dearie. You gave me what I need. (turns to Cerberus) A mother seeks her lost child and wonders “Does he live or did he get eaten?” Do you know her?
Esmeralda: (eyes widened and looks at him) Stella?
Cerberus: My mother? (looks at Esmeralda)
Rumple: Use your nose, pup. This one is on you to find. I have done my deeds.
Belle: Rumple…do you know where she is?
Rumple: I know everything in this town. (laughs)
Cerberus: So she is here?
Rumple: Are you dumb?
Belle: Rumple!
Cerberus: Just tell me where the fuck she is!
Esmeralda: Cerberus!
Rumple: Use your nose. You’re a good tracker. How else would you have found this town?
Cerberus: Wait, are you telling me that the scent I caught wasn’t Ruby’s?
Rumple: Not at all. You are a lost pup yearning for your mother. Close your eyes and let the wolf come over you. The fear of control holds you back from the potential of unlocking your own past and secrets.
Esmeralda: (squeezes hand) This is a good thing, Cerberus.
Belle: She’s right.
Cerberus: I can’t control this much. Not when I am scared and angry.
Esmeralda: Calm down. It will be okay. No reason to be scared or angry.
Rumple: You can. You just don’t. You don’t like what the animal draws out of you. Is it the fear of the beast or the fear of not returning to human that scares you?
Cerberus: Both.
Belle: But you have learned to control it.
Cerberus: Yes and no. I blacked out a couple times…after…(swallows)
Belle: After what?
Cerberus: (glances at Esmeralda) After we lost our first child. (She squeezes his hand again) After that the control has been harder. I think that is why I baby Kiara for fear of what kind of beast I am.
Esmeralda: You still haven’t hurt anyone.
Cerberus: Yet, but how long will that be until I do?
Rumple: This is one curse that true love can’t break. It’s eternal and you need to control it. But you need to unlock all of those memories first. (taps Cerberus’ forehead)
Esmeralda: And how do we do that?
Rumple: Ask a genie. They hold universal powers that are a force to be reckoned with. (laughs) And in the meantime, I will look up a potion to help draw some of those memories to the surface.
Esmeralda: A genie can bring the memories back?
Rumple: No, but they do have powers. Talk to your father.
Cerberus: My mother. She needs me. Where’s she at here?
Rumple: Belle, where is Mrs. Ella?
Belle: What do you mean, Rumple?
Rumple: Does Ella Hart mean anything?
Cerberus: Esmeralda? (looks at her desperately)
Belle: She was a nurse when I was in the asylum. That…that is his mother?
Rumple: I said nothing. (a mischievous sparkle appears in his eyes)
Esmeralda: Cerberus…this is a good thing.
Cerberus: Does this mean we get to see our parents?
Esmeralda: I don’t know if I should see mine.
Cerberus: We should. Don’t you want to know?
Esmeralda: I…I don’t know…
Cerberus: I’ll be there with you, I swear.
Esmeralda: I don’t know. What if there was another reason why they gave me up? What if they didn’t come look for me for a reason?
Rumple: Not at all dearie. I know the reasons why they did what they did.
Esmeralda: But…my past. What if they can’t look past it?
Rumple: Dearie, what are you so afraid of? You were not killed. You lived. Past is the past. Nothing you or him or I can to do change it. You are safe with Clopin were you not?
Esmeralda: Oh gods…Clopin…(looks at Cerberus)
Cerberus: Does he know about her parents? (holds her)
Rumple: No. The deal was made with me. I left you there. You were taken from them and placed under my protection until I could find a proper place for you. Somewhere I thought was safe.
Belle: Rumple…you knew about this? We have known her all this time, and you didn’t tell her?
Rumple: She never asked. I don’t go around telling people everything about their pasts. When they need to take steps on their own and find them. She asked now and I am giving her the information.
Esmeralda: This would kill Clopin…I shouldn’t see them.
Belle: I know you’re scared, but you will be fine.
Cerberus: I love you. Do you think one bump no matter how big it is will stop them from loving you? (brushes his fingers over her cheek)
Esmeralda: It’s more than a bump and you know that.
Cerberus: I know, but I love you.
Rumple: Look dearie. Do you want to know why your parents had to give you up?
Esmeralda: I thought you said it was because of Frollo.
Rumple: Precisely. Do you think they wanted to give you up?
Esmeralda: No…
Rumple: Then you know as well as I know that this past you had will be nothing compared to the fact they get you back. But only if you are wanting them back in your life?
Cerberus: (Esmeralda looks at Cerberus, unsure) Go for it, darlin’. Family comes first. (smiles giving her a reassuring kiss)
Belle: Um…I think we should go. Rumple, let’s leave them alone.
Rumple: If they don’t give you information you need. That book holds it all. Everything about you. I will say one thing. You can use magic. You just need to figure out how to unlock it dearie.
Esmeralda: Would you…be willing to help me?
Rumple: Yes. (He is mostly curious about what her powers will unlock)
