#imp!rumple

[depressedstressedlemonzest]

✨️magic✨️

Gee I wonder who that human shaped shadow on the curtain is.

[happy-emmdings]

I’m rewatching the CS movie and having many thoughts about it and it just hit me again…

It must have been SO weird for Rumple to meet future!Killian, because I’m assuming the last time they met was when Rumple murdered Milah and Killian swore he would find a way to kill him. Think of it from Rumple’s point of view like, ok there’s this woman that knows his secret plans because she’s the Product of True Love™️ and she’s from the future but. why??? is??? that pirate here???

Two hundred years ago Rumple was like “Good luck living long enough heeheehee” and then he actually does and he’s from the future too but he still looks exactly the same? And he’s so uncharacteristically chill? Like he’s just hanging out with the Savior now not even trying to kill him what’s his fucking deal??

[mydarlingscotsman]

[violetfaust]

GOD I wish I had the artistic or Photoshop skills to make the Rumbelle Barbie/Ken-mug-shot meme that lives in my head.

[starwrittenfates]

[Kisses the other on the cheek] for your Rumple from my Belle (specifically in EF, because I can just imagine Imp!Rumple.exe surely stopping working 😁😉)

This was something the Dark One had not been expecting. He had listened to her request for wanting to get outside the castle and get some fresh air only because he didn't want to hear her annoying crying. And the only reason he accompanied her was not for the companionship, but to keep an eye on her in case she tried to flee-- or this was at least what he tried to tell himself. Somehow it granted him a kiss on the cheek, causing Rumple to freeze before regaining himself. "What was that for, dearie?" he said, turning to hide how he touched his cheek with affection.

[delamakerofgcld]

『 p: Rumplestiltskin 🗡️ the good man the world bent but hasn't broken 』

『 p: the Dark One 🗡️ i'm the voices in your head; i'm the power in your veins 』

『 p: imp!Rumple 🗡️ the flesh reflects the madness within 』

『 p: Mr Gold 🗡️ the eminence grise 』

『 p: Goldenstiltskin 🗡️ the man who lost and found everything 』

『 p: Sir Rumplestiltskin 🗡️ the bringer of light at your service 』

『 p: Detective Weaver 🗡️ dirty hands; pure heart 』

[radioiaci]

@infernal-blaze ⧐ liked for an upsetting starter.

How many times had he circumvented this exact thing from happening only to be mired so deeply into it at the least convenient time?

Alastor had told Fizzarolli that they two would take some time away from the hotel - away from all responsibility, really (a rarity, for him) - to simply go for a private walk to both clear the imp's head of recent incidents with some of his more ornery fans. He'd simply needed to take care of a few things first and refresh himself in his room before he would meet Fizzarolli in the lobby in an hour or two - but his routine had been so violently interrupted, that the radio demon did not quite make it down there.

Instead, he was still in his own quarters, sitting with his back pressed against one of the willow trees that loomed over the bayou he'd manifested for himself with hopes that the hanging branches above would provide some sense of familiarity and comfort but all they were doing now was reminding him of cloying, reaching hands that raked over his flesh and scored marks anew. Hands were scratching excessively at his throat, leaving angry red abrasions that he was having a hard time letting be - eyes fixed forward in a manic stare as he buzzed with fervent distraught energy.

His clothing was rumpled and slathered in muck from a nearby puddle of swampy water; he'd clambered through it in a panic trying to seek some sort of shelter from her. And at present, he did not care what he looked like. Not when he was not even certain he felt like a person just then - not when all he could see was red, lingering eyes.

Not when he felt like he could not breathe.

Had he ever been able to?

[iamnotoriginalphil]

So I listened to the phantom of the opera soundtrack. Fucking hell "All I ask of you" would probably make a great Rumpelstiltskin imagine. Like if Y/N remembered life before the curse with him.😍😍😍

So this went in a bit of an odd direction, but I hope you still enjoy it. If you ever have any other requests or Rumple suggestions please let me know. I'm loving writing for him.

Walking down the street, the sun was shining down on you. It was a good day to live in Storybrooke. The air tasted sweet when you stopped on the corner, closing your eyes to breathe it in. You smiled to yourself, basking in the warmth.

You jerked back when you opened your eyes. Mr Gold, staring at you, was standing almost toe to toe with you. You took a step back, your heart thudding loud in your ears. You couldn’t understand how you’d missed his approach. He was hardly silent. 

“Mr Gold, I’m so sorry,” you said, tripping over your words. 

“No, no, it’s quite alright,” he said, “my fault.”

“Well.” You gestured to allow him to pass by. 

He took one step past you then turned. 

“Actually, Miss (Y/L/N),” he said, “would you mind helping me out with something in my shop?”

“Oh, uh” Your eyes darted away. Something about this man unsettled you, “if you need help moving something I’m not exactly strong.”

“No, no, I need help with something more detail oriented,” he said.

“Oh.” You couldn't think of a plausible excuse in time, “I guess I could lend a hand.”

You turned around, following him back the way you’d come, your fingers fidgeting together. You let your eyes rove over the back of him, from the brunette hair turning a distinguished grey, to the well fitting suit, down to his shiny shoes. That familiar flutter in your heart you’d always attributed to fear happened again, watching him walk.

The bell above his door jingled. He held it open for you, letting you enter the shop, your footsteps thumping on the wooden floor. He shut the door with a quiet snick, his footsteps following you across the floor. You turned, watching him approach.

“So what did you need help with?” you asked, hoping this would be quick.

“It’s just through here.”

He led you into the back. He bent over the bench, keeping his back to you. You took a step towards him, hesitant, beginning to feel this was the kind of situation you’d been warned about by your mother. 

He turned, clutching something in his closed fist. Your eyebrows drew together. He lifted his hand, blowing some kind of dust into your face. You spluttered, coughing as whatever it was sunk into your lungs. You closed your eyes, stumbling back from him, your back hitting a cabinet behind you. 

A sharp pain started up in your head before it cleared. You blinked your eyes open, shaking your head. Two lives lived simultaneously, two people inside your head, two histories, together but separate.

“(Y/N)?”

Your eyes came back into focus. Rumplestiltskin, the same but different, stood before you, hope blooming on his face. Choking back a sob you flung yourself at him. His arms wrapped around you, holding you close as he sighed. You pressed your face to his shoulder, holding back your tears as you breathed him in. The same old Rumple was there, ready to catch you the moment you needed him.

“The curse,” you whispered, “it worked.”

“Just as we knew it would,” he replied. 

You drew back, your eyes darting over his face. He was smiling, relief in every crease. You cupped his face, unable to stop staring at him. 28 years was a long time to be without him, like this, together. 

“Does this mean the saviour is here?” you asked.

“She is, although she doesn’t know it yet,” he said. 

You lent forward, capturing his lips in a soft kiss. He was there, he was real, and you remembered. All those years in the enchanted forest together exactly like this. The way you fell for the dark imp, dragging him along with you. He sighed into the kiss as you melted against him. 

“You woke me up,” you murmured when you drew back. 

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to your forehead, “I couldn’t leave you under the curse.”

“My hero,” you whispered.

“I’m no hero, love,” he said, drawing away from you.

“You are,” you insisted, holding onto his hand tight enough that he couldn’t leave, “you’ve always given me my freedom. No matter the cost.”

“Something so lovely should not be caged for other people’s pleasure,” he said. 

“I feel free with you,” you admitted.

“Oh, my love.’

He bundled you up in his arms again, kissing you with a sweetness unmatched in your existence. To think there were people who thought this man was incapable of love or kindness. 

“But what about Regina?” you asked him.

“What about her?” he growled. 

“What’s she going to do when she finds out we’re awake? That we remember?”

“She’s never going to find out.”

“But-”

“I’m not going to let anything happen to you again.”

You searched his eyes, looking for the truth. It’s not that you didn’t trust him to protect you, you did, and always had, but you didn’t trust what Regina might have in store. She’d never made it a secret that she hated you. You’d always assumed it was because of Rumple, his love for you, but still, it scared you. Especially knowing she’d cast the curse leaving you afraid of the one man who had only ever made you feel safe. 

“How can I make this better?” he asked.

“Just… just love me,” you asked, “that’s all I ask of you.”

“I do,” he replied, “I do love you.”

“And you’re not going to leave me?” you asked, needing the reassurance.

“Never,” he said, “I will never leave you.”

“And you’re always going to love me?” 

“Always.”

[rumbelleshowdown]

-

Author: William Bat

Group: E

Prompts: Stables, centaur. Sacrifice. DO!Rumple, beautiful stranger.

-

The Winter Festival

Belle wasn’t traditional by any means, but she did enjoy celebrating the winter festival. Everyone would bring one item to sacrifice to the Dark One, and ensure he’s satisfied until next year. Belle didn’t know if it worked–she had heard the legendary imp was quite temperamental and hard to please–but nevertheless she enjoyed giving presents to other people, and she had no friends to speak of.

She strolled around the stables, her thoughts occupied with ideas. With the ogres breathing down their necks, Father wanted everyone to give up something truly special this year. Belle wasn’t sure what she had that’d be special enough. The Dark One got enough jewels and gold and antiques, so he surely didn’t need more.

“Fair maiden.”

Belle turned and gasped. There stood a beautiful centaur, with pale skin and long flowing blonde hair. She wore only a few scraps of fabric to cover up her chest. She had these piercing yellow eyes, too, and her coat was just as white as the snow.

“What is your name?”

She was beautiful, and nearly naked. Belle blushed. “Belle. How may I help you?”

“You do not need to help me,” the centaur replied. “I noticed your displeasure. Are you alright?”

“Currently, yes, but…” Belle sighed. “I’m worried. The festival is in a few days and I have no idea what to give the Dark One.”

The centaur smiled with glee. “I would love to help you!”

“Thank you!” Belle took out her coin purse. “I think I have enough to pay you.”

The centaur placed her hand on Belle’s. “Dearie, I don’t want any gold, though I love shiny things. I have enough back home.”

“Are you sure?”

“You’re sweet, but I am fairly certain. After all, this is the Dark One! You have to impress him!” She did an eccentric hand gesture, which made Belle laugh. She enjoyed this centaur’s quirks very much. “Now, what are your ideas for a gift, darling?”

Belle tucked her coin purse back into her cloak, blushing. “Well, I want to sacrifice something special. And–And I want him to know this isn’t just about upholding tradition and protecting our lands to me.”

The centaur raised an eyebrow, seemingly very surprised. “Really? But he’s evil.”

Belle shrugged. “I don’t know. I can’t judge a book by its cover. What if he’s very kind and we’ve been misunderstanding him this whole time?”

“You read too many fairy tales,” the centaur chastised. “He’s killed many people to fill the dark empty void of his heart. I’ve met him. He’s a monster.”

“I think behind every monster there’s a good person who’s never been given a chance,” Belle retorted, holding her head up high, even as she felt like crying because of the scolding. She would never back down from what she believed in.

“What do you get for the most powerful man in the world?” the centaur asked, appearing just as steadfast.

“Something with love in it. Something…” The idea hit Belle in a burst of inspiration. “I could make something with my own two hands! I’m not great at knitting, but surely it’s better than nothing?”

The beautiful stranger seemed content with this answer and smiled, nodding. “Your kindness is too good for a world so cruel, Belle. I wish you luck with your present.”

“Thank you. Thank you, thank you!” Belle picked up her skirt. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need enough time to finish my present. I hope to see you again at the festival!”

“We’ll meet again, Dearie,” the centaur replied with a bow.

Belle excitedly ran through the stables and back to her home, ready to find the knitting needles.

– – –

The sun had gone down on the festivities, and all that was left outside was a beautiful centaur. The world was quiet and she was all alone, so she shed her disguise, becoming her true self.

Rumpelstiltskin had never been satisfied with the offerings he had been given. They had no taste, no soul behind them. Sentimentality was all he had, and most valuables didn’t have that. Raw monetary value meant nothing to him. He spun straw into gold for crying out loud!

He would bring all of these back to his castle, arrange the ones he liked and toss the ones he didn't in some storage room. And he knew the first one he wanted to open. He searched the pile, but realized he may never find what he’s looking for. It’s not like these were all labeled or organized.

Eventually, he found a fancy-looking box with an envelope secured in the front with a ribbon. Rumple picked it up and tore an opening in it, taking out the letter with glee.

“Dear Rumpelstiltskin,I don’t know if you’ll ever read this. You might have better things to occupy your time. I just wanted to tell you that I think there’s more to you than meets the eye. I don’t think you’re a beast, and I believe anyone can change if they truly want to. I hope you like the gift I made you. It’s unfinished and looks horrid, but I thought you might need something to keep you warm this winter.Sincerely,Belle”

He tucked the letter into his coat pocket, then casted an enchantment to make sure it wouldn’t fall out. He tore off the ribbon and the lid, gasping at what was inside.

It was a brown scarf with gold stripes. The ends of it were unfinished, and at some point Belle had switched out the gold with cyan. There was another note inside, which read, “I ran out of yellow yarn and didn’t have time to get more. Sorry!”

Rumpelstiltskin laughed. He picked up the scarf and wrapped it around his neck. Even if it was unfinished and messy, it still kept him warm and made him feel better than he had in a long time. He turned to the rest of the gifts, snapping his fingers. It all disappeared, transported to his home.

He was unsure of what to do with these lands for the longest times, but now he knew. He would keep the ogres from invading as long as he could see if Belle really believed all she had told him while disguised. He was bracing himself for disappointment, but in every Pandora’s Box there was hope, and he couldn’t keep it from fluttering inside his heart.

-

[kaylahastoomanyships]

Simp list with Rumple's incarnations 😅 (Also don't hate for the third one lol. I had to put one there but I love the imp too)

[sentenceme-leni]

Monday. Minimum 1 sentence.

---

Regina laughed at Belle's betrayed expression.

The Evil Queen didn't need friends. She never wanted them!

Belle had been useful, a reliable source of support when Rumple had been in a mood. If Regina had to temper her requests to meet with the girl's approval, well, better to have a bit of help from the Dark One than none at all.

Now that use had come to an end.

Regina needed to cast the Dark Curse, and she wasn't going to accept Rumpelstiltskin's price to learn about the missing ingredient.

The imp wanted something in exchange?

His little maid's heart would do.

"I should have done this ages ago," she hissed, sneering at Belle's helplessness. The girl was even clutching at her throat, fist around her mother's pearl pendant like one of those silly heroines in her ridiculous novels.

She even gasped Rumple's name, as if her mighty protector wasn't reduced to a prisoner in Snow White's dungeons.

Regina savored her triumph.

Her hand reached into Belle's chest, clutching around the panicked beat of her heart and ready to rip it out...

Magic swelled all around them, starting from Belle's necklace.

A protection spell, Regina realized, yanking her hand back before it could be burned off.

Stronger wards snapped around the castle, ready to protect the Dark One's treasures.

Ready to protect Belle.

Magic settled into thick, impenetrable walls around the whole of Rumple's home. Even an army of ogres could beat the doors down and not gain a single inch into the grounds.

There was no way in.

And, Regina realized with a laugh, no way out.

How unfortunate that Rumple's little maid was trapped inside with the Evil Queen!

"Where were we?" she asked gleefully, standing straighter.

A high-pitched voice answered from behind her: "In the wrong place, Your Majesty."

Regina twirled around.

It had to be an illusion. She chastised herself for that moment of fear, and raised her hand to vanish the ugly vision.

A wave of his hand sent her flying to the wall.

Regina rose to her knees in time to watch Belle run into Rumpelstiltskin, arms going around him. She even glimpsed a flash of tenderness as he allowed the embrace, before he turned hard eyes on her.

"You can't be here," she gasped, angrier at the thread of fear in her voice. However, fear was the only rational response at the moment. For the first time, Regina was confronted with the truth: for all these years, the darkest power in the realm had been coddling her. Her magic was a drop compared to his. "You are trapped," she said accusing, refusing to believe her eyes. "You told me so!"

Rumpelstiltskin offered his most malicious smile. "I lied."

His hand lifted, and Regina flinched at the strength of the gathered power.

Belle cried out, "Rumple, don't!"

Reliable to the last, that girl, Regina thought before darkness surrounded her.

What a fool.

The End

06/05/24

[wastingstarsss]

✨ Prompt list! ✨

Birthday

Theatre

Dresses

Letter to a loved one

“Why deny it?”

Dark one Belle

Movie night

Holidays with Bae and Gideon

Belle’s first realisation that she’s attracted to Rumple

Fate

Puzzle pieces

Sacrifice

Therapy

Babysitting

Rumbelle and the boys family bonding

Interrupted

Rumple loosely threatening to turn Belle into a snail

Stealing the others shirt

“Did you get enough love, my little dove? Why do you cry?” -Fourth of July, Sufjan Stevens

Pillow fight

Getting a pet

“Stop squirming, you imp.”

Kisses on the nose

Orpheus and Eurydice AU

Once Shattered, Now Whole (centaurworld song)

Fever

Pomegranates and picnics

Butterflies

Breakfast in bed

Long lasting hugs

Reunion kisses

Please have fun with these prompts for the 100 words drabbles. You don’t have to write them in order and you don’t even have to use all of them! Remember to lmk anything you post so I can share it on here under the tag #rumbelleweeklydrabbles. Of course, you’re welcome to share them anyways but I thought we could have them all in one place here with the tag so it’s easy to find!

[stories-and-chaos]

Tarnished pt 11

[Helluva Boss AU where Blitzø’s childhood theft from Stolas’ palace is discovered and major consequences ensue for everyone involved.]

[Part 11/?? Word count: 1323 Cw: prostitution mentioned]

—————

The next day and a half seemed to crawl by. Blitzø and Loona went to work, if only to provide themselves with distraction. And if Blitzø reduced that day’s targets into a more pulpy mess than usual, well… neither the clients nor targets were arguing about the end result.

They spent those two nights at Stolas’ estate. Mostly so none of them would sneak off on their own. But also to be on site when Scarlet and Vex returned. The two servants seemed very sure of themselves as they left for Pentagram City in the early evening.

They got back shortly before dawn. They both looked rumpled and tired, but uninjured. Not to mention very satisfied with their self imposed mission.

They gathered in Stolas’ chambers, with the exception of Octavia. Firstly, she was still sleeping and secondly, none of them wanted her to hear what the pair had gotten up to at the brothel.

Because they did confirm it was a brothel, one with delusions of grandeur it seemed. “Seems like the owner is trying to be all fancy at this one,” Scarlet weighed in first. “He’s got two others but they’re pretty run down according to who we talked to.”

Vex gulped down some coffee before adding, “We didn’t go to the others, that’s all gossip. This place has a lounge for customers. Some of the employees perform on stage and in bed and you can request specific employees. The others, you rent a room for a couple hours and you get who’s available.”

“So we acted like a horny couple on a date,” Scarlet said after she devoured a breakfast sandwich. “Had some weak drinks, listened to out of tune singers, and requested one of the guys to come to a room. We didn’t fuck him!” she hurriedly added.

“Satan’s balls no!” Vex reassured the trio. “We told him we had a kink for having someone in the room while we fucked. He said it wasn’t the weirdest thing a client had asked for and he got to scroll Sinstagram while we boned. We talked with him in between rounds.”

Scarlet was sipping her own coffee so Vex continued. “Now if we need to go back, we’re established as well paying clients with an exhibitionist kink.”

“Which isn’t exactly untrue, but it’s nice to combine altruism and horniness on someone else’s dime,” his partner piped up. “So, nitty gritty; Miss Dina is there, we saw her. Dunno if she does any performing.” Scarlet didn’t mention that the hellhound had been requested for soon after they arrived. “We did find out the Sinner that owns the building isn’t an Overlord, he’s trying to get there though.”

“Our guy told us about the porno Overlord, Valentine? Whatever, he snubbed this demon, Slicker. Now Slicker wants to get him back but he’s small fry. He’s trying to build up a power base of his own and he figures whoring out a bunch of other demons for cash and deals is the best way to do it.” Vex finished his food before continuing. “There’s Sinners and Hellborn there; the guy we hired is an imp. Not sure what hold this guy has on all his employees but we didn’t want our rented audience suspicious.”

The female imp nodded along. “We can go back in few days if you need more info,” she opined through yawns. “Not too soon or we will look suspicious. But with the tip we gave, pretty sure we’ll be welcome clients while we need to be.”

Blitzø exchanged a look with Loona and Stolas. “The three of us will figure out what to do about this twatstain. You did good guys, better than we hoped.” Stolas agreed and told them to take the day off. As the pair headed off for some overdue sleep, Loona stopped them at the door.

The Hellhound twisted a lock of her hair nervously. “Thank you. Both of you. You stuck your necks out for me and… thanks,” she trailed off.

Vex simply patted her arm (he couldn’t reach her shoulder without climbing) with a comforting expression. Scarlet gave her a soft look saying. “We understand Miss Loona. You’re welcome.”

————

Stella’s favorite Hellhound guard, Aster, gleefully brought her news from her husband’s wing of the palace. She couldn’t assign him to Stolas specifically anymore. He had hated the prince and his little imp slave for years, long before the marriage. He still held a grudge from when the imp had broken his hand and Stolas turned him to stone for days. When Stella joined the household and her distaste for the prince became evident, Aster had quickly offered his services.

So even though he was one of the oldest of the palace security and his black muzzle was turning grey, she still had him on the gate rotation. He brought her every scrap of information he could glean. The hound also was her first choice to manhandle the imp whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Today he had some unusual news. “Stolas’ valet and their favorite maid left the grounds last night. They didn’t get back until just before dawn and went straight to his chambers,” he reported as she delicately speared a bite of ham steak. “The imp stayed overnight again, along with the Hellhound girl.”

“Interesting,” Stella murmured as she selected another bite. “And this just two days after my dear poppet burst into his rooms with the bitch in tow?” Neither Stella nor Aster knew what had been so urgent that Octavia interrupted her father’s dalliance. But the driver and a few servants had seen how distressed the girls were.

Stella had tried to pry information out of her daughter, playing the sympathetic mother. But the girl claimed it had to do with one of the boutiques she had visited and that Stolas already took care of it.

The older woman knew that was bullshit. If anything had happened at one of the fashion houses concerning a Goetia girl, she would have heard about it. But she praised her daughter for getting the situation taken care of and insisted that they go shopping together next time.

This incident was proving that Octavia was much too attached to her father and his slave. Stella needed to have the girl on her side, at least enough that she wouldn’t interfere if something happened to the men.

“See what else you can find out darling. We might be able to turn this to our advantage.” She had claws in many major players of the Pride Ring. She’d gladly call in some favors once she had more specifics to go off of.

Aster nodded, smirking as he sensed the same potential opportunities as his employer. “I’ll see what I can sniff out. One more thing ma’am.” He pulled out an envelope from his inner jacket pocket. “I’ve made some headway finding an independent contractor, as you requested. He’s based in Wrath and despite being an imp, he comes highly recommended.”

Stella opened the envelope and reviewed the short dossier inside. The male imp (actually a mixed demon) had a very country aesthetic from the single photo included. But he had an impressive record and that was only what Aster could confirm.

“Excellent work darling. I have some groundwork to do yet, but retaining this Striker’s services wouldn’t go amiss.” After finishing her meal, Stella dialed the number included in the dossier.

“Yeello?” a thick drawling voice answered. The sound quality was subpar, as if the phone was an old model or had a poor connection.

“Striker.” An affirmative grunt. “I have some work I believe you’ll be interested in darling.”

“Depends on the work and what you’re offerin’ ma’am. I’m always lookin’ for opportunities.” Stella told him what she wanted for starters, named figure for the current job, and hinted at her ultimate goal. “Well, sounds like you were right ma’am; I’d be glad to oblige.”

“Marvelous.”

—————

<<First <Prev Next>

[princess-ibri]

More info on Princess Toute-Belle?

Sure! Toute-Belle’s story is taken from the fairytale The Yellow Dwarf, in which the dwarf—here Rumplestiltskin, with the yellow referring to his penchant for gold/gold hair— threatens/tricks a Queen into promising her daughter to him, and then does the same to the princess herself when the Queen starts to back out.

But Toute-Belle is in love with another, the King of the Gold Mines, and seeks to break her engagement to Rumplestiltskin. The imp learns of her plans and calls on his ally, the Fairy of the Desert (here the same as Carabosse) who kidnaps the King and Rumplestiltskin kidnaps Toute-Belle.

Through many misadventures the King eventually makes it back to Toute-Belle and attempts to rescue her from Rumplestiltskin, but the imp steals the King’s magic sword and kills him with it, and Toute- Belle dies soon after from despair. A mermaid sorceress who had become an ally to the King finds their bodies and changed them into two entwining trees.

This was one of the first fairytales I read as a kid that had a sad ending and it always kinda stuck with me, and felt like a good fit for DisneyVerse Rumplestiltskin (plus Toute-Belle’s name works well as a reference to Rumple and Belle’s whole messy thing in OUAT (my apologies to Rumbelle fans I just always thought she deserved better)

Also credit to Walter Crane for the original pictures

[countrymusiclover]

40 - Dark Princess

Part 41

His Golden Princess

@fanficismydrug @misskitty1912-blog @dragonixfrye @lover-of-books-and-tea

Black liquid gue dropped down from my body where I frantically looked around seeing that I was back in what looked to be the Enchanted Forest once more. Putting my hands on my belly I felt the baby kick against me. “It’s alright little one. We’ll figure this out - who’s there?”

“Ah we finally meet, golden princess. I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist me forever.” Spinning around on my feet I came into contact with the enchanted version of my husband. He was dressed in his snake skin leather clothes smirking directly at me.

Glaring at the figure of my husband. “You gave me no choice. I wasn’t going to let my sister get consumed by you. I know you’re the voice of the Dark One. I just don’t understand how the hell I could see you before now.”

“Correct you are, dearie. What you and the weaker version of me didn’t realize is that when he split his heart to save you, he placed part of his darkness inside you. Now, Rumplestiltskin is but one of many. Perhaps I can be another. How about Gorgon the Invincible?” He suddenly turned into a fire breathing bear where I ducked seeing him turn back human. “Yes, probably easier this way. Now, are you ready to begin?”

Picking up the ends of the cloak so I didn’t trip I started walking away from him. If I could get to Merlin than I could get rid of this power for good and find a way back home to Storybrooke. “It was nice talking to you but I am not embracing the darkness.”

“Ah, they all say that. Everyone who steps from this well enjoys the taste too much. The only way to stop is to be stopped. This is the fate of all Dark Ones.” Rumple raised his voice pointing towards the round platform near us.

Stomping up to him even though he was just the voice in my head I clutched my hands into fists at my sides. “You’re wrong, Dark One. I managed to show Rumple the light and he would never let me go down the dark road. So I will never embrace his powers.”

“We shall see, dearie. We shall see.” He smirked disappearing when I started walking away from the well praying that Rumple back home would get better. My boots were crunching leaves as I tried to figure out what direction I was going. My mother was supposed to be a great tracker and unfortunately I wasn’t like that. “That maple tree ahead, we've passed it three times already. You're going around in circles, Dearie. Now I can help you, if you let me.”

“I'm not using dark magic. Weren’t you listening earlier you annoying imp!” Rolling my eyes I huffed wanting him to shut up.

Rumplestiltskin spoke up. “I didn't say it was going to use magic. If you want to find Merlin, just ask, and find him you shall.”

“You’re talking about transportation spells. I already know how to do that.” Flipping my hair around I huffed, slumping my shoulders.

He smiled putting his finger tips together. “Excellent. Imagine a mirrored lake. A tall tree with low-hanging branches that loom over it. Above it, a beautiful blue sky. Now picture it in your mind's eye. Picture it clearly…I am impressed you are the only person who already has been trained in magic.”

Closing my eyes I concentrated before I opened my eyes again seeing I was near a lake and the tree he explained where I ran my hands through my hair. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You tricked me into using magic.”

“Of course I did! I'm a Dark One!” He smiled brightly where I gave him the middle finger stomping away through the trees. Walking through the woods I saw someone wearing a black hood snatching a blue creature that the mind version of Rumple had called a Wisp. Moving through the trees I raised my hand accidentally throwing her onto her back.

The figure got up removing the hood where I saw a girl with curly red locks and drew a bow and arrow directly at me. “Back off, lassie. My aim is true. Don't test me.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you. I am still learning how this magic works exactly.” Shrugging my shoulders I wrapped my arms around myself staring at her.

The girl scoffed at me. “So that was just a wee magical love tap? Oh, I've met my share of witches, and I know 'em when I see 'em. Witch.”

“To clarify, I was cursed. I had to take on the dark magic to save the life of my husband. He was once consumed by such power. So I want to get rid of it for good.” I explained twirling the wedding ring on my left hand.

The Scottish girl lowered her weapon, making me slightly confused by what she was saying. “Aye. I know what that's like. It's a terrible fate to be cursed. Just be glad you're not a bear. Oh, nevermind. Look, I wish I could help ya, but I need the wisp too, for my kingdom, for my family. So... I'm afraid you're gonna ha' to fight me for it.” She dropped the bow completely, turning her hands into fists. “I'm willing to fight fair if you are. No magic.”

Rumplestiltskin pointed out over my shoulder. “I like her spunk. Break her neck.”

“I’m not going to hurt you. It’s not just the man I love that I have to look out for. I am pregnant too as you can see.” Dropping my hands on my belly. “It’s yours, the Wisp. My name is Astrid.”

She nodded, sending me a smile letting me join her. “Thank you. I'm Merida.” Our little team up didn’t last since the mind version of Rumple wouldn’t leave me alone last night. Meridia draws her bow ready to shoot an arrow at me. “Stop. I don't know what kind of witch you are or what strange voices are in your wee head, but I heard everything.”

Rumplestiltskin asked me where I rolled my eyes. “What's she saying? Accent's a bit much, no?”

"I don't need your lies. I need this wisp and I need my brothers, so turn around and go." The princess offers me an out.

Rumplestiltskin dared me. "She's daring you. What are you waiting for, dark one? You know what you have to do. Now go ahead... And rip her heart out. Now's the time. You want the wisp? There's only one way. Now do it."

"I'm not going to kill her. I refuse to be like you and the others!" Whipping my head around she watched me shouting to no one firing an arrow in my direction. Raising my right hand I grasped the arrow in my fingers before it could hit my heart.

The voices in my head spat back. "Go on. Use your anger. Use your power."

Sucking in a breath the red head kept shooting arrows at me but it didn't matter because I caught them every time. Dropping my hands at my sides I could feel that I was getting angry and that if I gave in the darkness won. "Please Merida. I am not going to kill you. I swear."

"You're a crazy woman. I don't want to talk." She hides behind a rock firing her last arrow at me where I raised my hand snatching it.

Glaring at the Scottish girl I closed my eyes, opening my other hand drawing her to me with magic. "You need to find Merlin, Dark One. You need that wisp. kill her. What are you waiting for? kill her."

"I'm so sorry." I whispered to her, shoving my hand inside her chest, yanking her heart out.

The Dark One giggled in my ear. "Excellent. Now... crush it."

Staring down at the red beating heart in my fingers I swore I could feel my own beating inside my chest. Merida's eyes locked onto mine where she cried when I closed my fingers around the heart about to crush it until I heard my sister's voice call pit to me. "Astrid!"

"Em…How?" I gasped seeing that it was our parents with Regina and Hook standing before me.

Hook explained standing beside my sister. "It doesn't matter how. Has anything ever stopped me before?"

"You don't know what's happening. This is the only way to find Merlin. He's the only one who can stop the darkness…I have to protect my unborn child from it." I exclaimed to the group, sniffing out some worried tears.

Rumplestiltskin said to me. "Quite right. Crush it." Moving my fingers tighter around the heart I didn't want to kill the girl in front of me but she took my only chance to find him.

Regina noticed what I was about to do. "But to stop the darkness, you're going to let it consume you."

"Astrid, look at me. I only saw darkness in Gold until I saw what he was willing to do for you. You proved that there was good inside him. Now I am doing the same for you." My sister stepped up placing a hand on my shoulder and the other on my wrist where I was holding onto the heart.

Mom stepped up behind her weakly holding up the dagger that had my name across it now. "We're not going to take the chance."

Hook and my sister spoke together softly. "No, wait. You can't do that. This has to be her choice."

Shuttering out a breath I heard the heartbeat before I shoved it back inside Merida's chest making her gasp. "I am nor going to become like Rumplestiltskin was….Mom, dad, Emma, this is too dangerous. You shouldn't have come."

Dad responded quickly. "We had to."

"You're my sister. Darkness or not. I'm here for you." Emma hugged me from the side and I hugged her back.

Mom lowered the dagger, sending me a smile. "You're our daughter."

Hook eyes me up and down seeing that I was wearing a black cloak with my hair pinned up but I didn't have the skin that the enchanted forest Rumplestiltskin had. "Well, you don't look like a crocodile."

My mother opened her hands offering me the dagger with a hopeful tone. "Here. We think you should have this."

"Take it. You'll be able to control yourself." Dad adds on.

Shaking my head, I held my hand up, making my family confused. "I can't, dad."

Hook sent me a confused brow not understanding why. "Astrid, think about it. If it falls into the wrong hands, what it could do... what you could do…"

"It doesn't matter, Hook. I need someone who won't hesitate. So I'm sorry to say this but…Regina I'm giving it to you." I fired back at the pirate. I wasn’t in control of myself like I thought I would be. Voice Rumple inside my head was right now that I thought about. I had some small piece of darkness inside me before I turned so I couldn't trust my actions anymore.

Regina glanced to my sister who seemed hurt at first but would accept that she was right about it. "I'll do my best, Swan girl."

Intertwining my hand with my sisters she sends me a hopeful smile mumbling back to me. "Don't worry, Ast. We are here for you. And we will bring Rumple back before the baby is born. I promise."

"Thanks, Em." We made the walk back from where they had came but I glanced over my shoulder seeing that enchanted Rumplestiltskin was still close. The fight between light and dark wasn't even close to over.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

Author- So who should Astrid send Merida after when she is forced to make Rumple into a hero in the episode 5x06??? Let me know any ideas you have in the comments

[pennamesmith]

Friend Is a Four Letter Word

Hordak sat alone in his sanctum. It was late at night and the world around him was still. He reclined among a mess of broken parts and ruined projects. His clothes were rumpled and his legs splayed out in a morbid and absurd way.

He was not having a great time.

The air moved under leather wings. After carefully making sure nothing throwable was within reach, Imp alighted on the floor. He blinked at his progenitor.

“You’ve returned,” Hordak said, barely looking up. “Are you ready to behave like a civilized creature now?”

“…Entrapta,” Imp replied, making unbroken eye contact.

“Evidently not.” Hordak sighed and stared at the ceiling. “I really trusted her, you know,” he whispered.

Imp reached out a tiny hand to pat Hordak on the shoulder. “I like being friends with you too,” he offered.

Hordak bristled. “No,” he growled. “I do not wish to hear her name. I most certainly do not want to hear her voice.”

Imp made a noise.

“I do not!” Hordak insisted. “And what does it matter? She was lying. Merely waiting for the right moment to betray me.”

“You fool,” Imp chastened, returning to the older clone’s voice.

Hordak groaned and slid further down onto the floor. “I do not have the energy to deal with you. Begone.”

Imp sat still for a moment. When Hordak did not move to chase him, he went fishing for a discarded blue blanket.

“—ends,” he admitted sadly as he pulled the blanket around Hordak’s shoulders.

“The Evil Horde has no friends,” Hordak said, and patted Imp gently on the head.