still don't own any rights to OUAT. Just borrowing for fun.

Tags: *Rumpelstiltskin, *Belle, *Baelfire, *Jafar, *Genie, *Magic, *AU

Summary:

A/AN: It's so wonderful to be able to start a new story. I've had this idea in my head for awhile now, and it's a bit different from anything I've written. I hope you all enjoy it!

The Spinner's Wish: Part One

An air of coldness enshrouded the olive-skinned gentleman as he stared shrewdly at the girl and took her measure. Her bejeweled wheat-colored hair and lavish powder blue ball gown were fit for a princess, yet he knew better. She was unable to hide the fear in her cornflower blue eyes as he came closer, the golden serpent staff clasped tightly in his hand, it's red swirling cobra eyes penetrating the very depths of her soul.

"I know you have it … The location spell told me where to find it, now give me the lamp," he commanded authoritatively, etching closer to her.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" the young woman stammered, but Jafar was no fool. He knew the magic lamp resided there with the vapid twit.

"Tell me something, Ella…" he fairly purred with unnerving calm. "How does a poor peasant girl acquire such riches on her own? How did you manage to get to the ball, and cause the prince to fall in love with you?" he interrogated, and he watched as the color drained from her alabaster skin.

"Does it surprise you that I know these things?" he continued, circling about her as she was slowly drawn into his trap, reveling in the hunted look dawning in her gaze. "A sorcerer has a way of unraveling his prey's secrets. Once upon a time, you were forced to bend to the will of your stepmother and stepsisters. Your life has never been easy, and then suddenly all of your luck changes. Do you expect me to believe it was all by chance? Do really think I'm that naive? There's no way you could have stepped into all of this good fortune on your own. You had some help along the way, and I'm very well aware that you have the talisman I seek. Give me the lamp, and you can keep up this facade, but if you choose to disobey me," he warned with deadly menace, "then I'll make sure the prince sees you for who you really are. Then everything you love will be taken from you," he threatened, coming to a stop before her once more.

Ella swallowed back the bile in her throat, thinking of the lamp tucked safely away in her hope chest. The genie which dwelt inside the lamp was a kind and wholesome woman who'd been cruelly tricked into her fate. She had promised the genie that with her last wish she would free her, but Ella knew if she did, this terrible man would undoubtedly kill them. She had to think of a way to protect them both, and quickly.

"Fine … I do have the lamp, but you won't be able to use it until I make my final wish," she replied, and he stared at her disapprovingly.

"Very well ... but make it quick!" he demanded, and she nodded, scurrying quickly to the chest beneath her bed. Jafar gave her a calculating glance when she retrieved the beautifully ornate jewel encrusted lamp. His eyes darkened to twin coals of avarice as she rubbed the lamp gingerly and powder blue smoke filled her chamber.

As the smoke dissipated, the sorcerer felt his body grow rigid with desire. This genie wasn't what he'd expected, nothing like the reports he'd been provided. This girl was beyond beauty, and more of a goddess. Her long flowing chestnut tresses were swept up in a high ponytail, and he longed to pull the jeweled clasp from them so he might run his fingers through the silken veil. His eyes traveled greedily over her petite form, taking in the cerulean sapphire encrusted corset which cut off at her midriff and the flowing cerulean colored pants which hugged the curve of her hips. Ornate gold chains hung from her neck, and a single sapphire rested in the center of her forehead, giving off the appearance of an ancient deity which made him weak in the knees. This genie wasn't just magical, but she also exuded an otherworldly beauty. He longed to run his hands over her supple skin, and mark her as his own. The genie blinked her cobalt eyes dazedly, and smiled gently at Ella, unaware of his presence.

"Master … What can I do for you?" she inquired, the room filling with her musical voice. It only made his need for her even more apparent.

"I'm ready to make my last wish ..." she returned a bit hesitantly, but the genie nodded,

"What is your final wish master?" she continued.

Ella respired deeply praying her plan wouldn't backfire. "I wish for Jafar to be taken far away from here and never to return!" she spat out nervously, pointing to the vile sorcerer. The genie gazed at the dark skinned man curiously, her heart palpitating heavily in her chest. She sensed this man was here to harm Ella, and to take her away where her lot in life would begin again. The sorcerer raised his staff angrily at the princess, prepared to reduce her to dust for her offense, but with a flourish of her hand, he disappeared, and so did the genie along with her lamp.

Ella collapsed on the throw rug, her heart thrumming angrily in her chest at such a close encounter with death. She hoped her genie ended up with a new master who would treat her kindly, and keep her forever out of Jafar's grasp.

~X~

Rumplestiltskin packed up his meager supply of thread after a decent day at market. He was thankful for the money he had made that day. It meant he and his boy wouldn't go hungry that week, but he'd been hoping for more. Times were hard, especially since his wife had died. He wouldn't say they had ever really been in love, because the marriage had been arranged, but they made it work nonetheless. They both had a six year old son, and he now had to pick up the slack of both parents. He'd been the primary breadwinner for years but now he had to cook all the meals and mend all of their clothes.

The day was filled with a monotonous list of things to do, and he was sorely lagging behind. Baelfire, his son, had come with him to market that day since their neighbor Mrs. Travern couldn't watch him. She was a kind old woman who had no children of her own, but she dearly loved his son's company. Sometimes she would let him do odd jobs for a few pennies, and for that he was thankful. Most of the people in the village refused to make eye contact with him because they viewed him only as the loathsome spinner who had intentionally damaged his leg so that he wouldn't have to fight in the ogres war, but his wife was dead. He couldn't leave his son fatherless too, but the townsfolk didn't seem to feel the same way.

He'd traveled to a distant village to sell his wares because he knew next to no one would buy from him in his hamlet. He harnessed his old workhorse to the wagon before walking towards his son who'd fallen asleep in the back of the conveyance while he packed everything up.

"Bae … It's time to go. Let me help you on the horse," he said as she gently shook his son, rousing him from sleep.

"Five more minutes ..." he yawned, turning on his side. Rumplestiltskin sighed as he hoisted the small snoozing boy over his shoulder. "Come on Bae … You can go to bed as soon as we get home. It'll only be a couple of hours at most," he told him before placing him on the horse. He felt his torn ligament scream in protest as he bore all of his weight on top of it. Baelfire was worth it, though. It was all for his boy. He carefully mounted the mare before riding off into the distance, his boy tucked safely in his cloak. It wasn't long before Bae dozed back off, and he found himself alone with his thoughts. He focused his mind on the horse's steady trot instead of the self loathing thoughts which threatened to engulf him.

If it wasn't for Baelfire, then he was certain he would become dust. He was the only light which illuminated his miserable existence. He was pulled out of his disarray of thoughts when he felt the front wagon wheel stumble over something. He usually ignored such meaningless events, but something inside of him told him to stop. He halted the horse, which woke his son up. He clung sleepily to the mare's neck as his papa dismounted to investigate.

He grimaced in pain as he got down on all fours to investigate what had disrupted his wagon. He felt foolish for doing so, and was probably wasting his time because it was probably just a large rock. He looked under the wagon, startled to see a glimmering object. He reached for it and his eyes glazed over as he took in the peculiar lamp encrusted with precious gemstones. He gazed around the woods, imagining pairs of eyes secretly watching him, ready to pounce on him, and steal his prized treasure. The lamp was heavy, and he presumed it was made of gold. What was something of such precious metal and gemstone worth? Could he sell it and acquire enough money to buy he and his boy a better life?

Numerous thoughts ran through his mind at the countless opportunities the lamp could provide for them. He quickly tucked the treasure into his satchel before mounting his horse and riding away, his mind swimming with the endless possibilities this good fortune could bring him. And the one thing he'd despaired of ever having … hope.

~X~

Once they arrived home, he quietly tucked Bae into bed, and proceeded to unload his wares. After he tied up the horse and gave her some fresh straw, he lit a candle, and sat at his workbench. He didn't bother counting his daily earnings, opting instead to examine the lamp. He turned the costly object over and over in his hands, feeling as if it would vanish in wisps of smoke at any moment.

He'd never seen such fine jewels in all of his life, but what purpose did they serve? Who did the lamp belong to? Did it belong to a king or a regent who'd lost it along the way? What were the chances that it would end up in his possession? Would he be imprisoned if he tried to sell it? He brushed his fingers over the jewels, relishing the feeling of them beneath his fingertips. He threw the lamp across the room when powder blue smoke filled the hovel, cowering under the workbench when a woman wearing bizarre clothing materialized in front of him.

She stretched and gazed at her new surroundings. "Someone rubbed my lamp … Where are you? Please come out," she commanded gently, and Rumplestiltskin couldn't resist the magnetic pull of her lilting voice. He emerged from underneath the workbench with his hands held precariously in the air. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to!" he stumbled over his words taken aback by her ethereal appearance. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on.

It almost felt like a dream until she spoke again, "Did you rub my lamp?" she inquired, etching closer to him, her dazzling eyes leaving him spellbound.

"I did and I'm sorry that I-I-I disturbed you." he apologized quickly, but instead of scolding him, she only smiled.

"If you haven't already figured it out, I'm a genie, and you're my new master because you rubbed my lamp. You get three wishes in return. There are a few conditions though … " she murmured in a tone bordering on boredom. How many more times in her long life would she be forced to tell a new master the rules. "I can't kill anyone, bring anyone back from the dead, or make someone fall in love with you. There's no magic powerful enough in all the realms to do any of that, but anything else is free game." She gave him a long searching look, slightly amused by his timidity. "So how about your first wish? I would suggest sprucing up this house a bit," she admonished with the flick of her wrist.

Instantly the room changed, all of Rumplestiltskin's drab furnishings vanishing to be replaced by the most luxurious things he'd ever seen. The dirt floor turned to polished stone, the burlap curtains became the finest silks, the bare walls were filled with colorful artwork, and the pallet he slept on in the floor changed into a four poster king sized bed with a decorative canopy.

"Sorry … I got a bit carried away. That one is on me," she giggled, and Rumplestiltskin couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"You have to change it back! The neighbors will think I stole all of this!" he exclaimed, pulling at his graying locks.

"I can make your house appear the way it used to be to anyone who walks in. There's no reason you can't enjoy this luxury," she remarked petulantly as he paced back and forth anxiously. "Is something wrong master?" she inquired, tilting her head to the side, and he stopped to stare at her.

"This! All of this! I'm just a poor spinner! I don't find magical lamps on my way home from market with beautiful genies inside! I'm not that lucky!" he reasoned, and she chortled at his distress.

She sauntered towards him, placing both hands on his shoulders, "I'm most certain you were meant to find my lamp. Only those whom are meant to lead me to the 'chosen' one do," she explained but his mind felt fuzzy from her advances, and he didn't quite feel like asking her what she meant by the 'chosen' because none of it made sense.

"I'm not ready to make any wishes yet, so please go back into your lamp," he commanded taken aback by the dejected look on her face. He felt guilty about sending her back into the lamp, but what was he supposed to do? She was beautiful, and he was ugly. It had been years since he'd held a meaningful conversation with anyone other than his son, and he didn't know where to begin. What were poor spinners supposed to say to beautiful genies' anyway?

He gingerly picked up the lamp, and held it delicately in his hands, "I'm sorry for sending you back into that thing. Perhaps we can talk more in the morning? I'm not sure if you can hear me or not, but I'm sorry. Please have a good night," he finished before placing the lamp on one of the new decorative tables she'd gifted him. He crawled into the large canopy bed, collapsing on the goose down comforter and pillow. He relished the feeling of it against his skin, and fell into the best sleep he'd had in years.

~X~

The bed was so comfortable and luxurious he involuntarily slept into the later hours of the morning. He was awakened by the melodious sound of songbirds, and the aromas of delicious food wafting through the hovel. He rubbed his drowsy eyes, and sat up, flabbergasted by the scene before him. The genie girl and his boy were singing and laughing as food and kitchenware danced around the hovel in a synchronized motion.

"What's going on!?" he demanded, practically jumping out of bed at the sight before him. She and Bae gave him a startled look, and the dancing food and dishes stopped at his intrusion.

"I'm sorry, master, but the young master rubbed my lamp this morning, and he told me not to wake you because you barely ever sleep. We decided to make breakfast. Do you want anything special?" she inquired innocently, and he sighed unable to be the least bit angry with her.

"Papa! You didn't tell me that you found a magical lamp last night! Can we keep her, papa!? She's so amazing!" Baelfire gushed, pulling at his breeches.

"I'm not sure, Bae … She's only going to be here for a short time, and you should go back upstairs so she and I can discuss some things," he retorted, pointing his finger towards the stairs.

"But, papa!" he protested, stomping his foot indignantly.

"Go to your room! You can come back down when breakfast is ready." he replied, and he watched as his six year old marched unwillingly up the stairs.

He turned to her and sighed, running his fingers through his hair timorously, "I'm sorry, but I just don't think it's going to work for us. I'm going to put you back in that lamp, and take you back to the place I found you. There's been a mistake - a big one! - because the person meant to find you obviously wasn't me."

She crossed her arms under her chest, giving him a brash look, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that's not how this arrangement works. The rules state that you have to make three wishes," she chided, holding up three fingers, "You're the first master I've ever had who didn't have any wishes," she remarked dumfounded.

"I'm sorry, but I've heard enough stories to know how this ends. Wishes can be very dangerous, and can lead to serious consequences. My boy is all I've got left, and I don't want to endanger him in any way. Maybe there's something I can do for you? Do you have a wish?" he inquired, giving her an analytical glance.

"Do I have a wish? This isn't how this works … I can only grant your wishes. If you make a wish for me then it could jeopardize us all. The only one who can save me is the chosen one. He'll take all of my magic into himself and use it to defeat the Dark One, thus setting me free," she illuminated, and he glanced at her full of puzzlement.

"I'm sorry … There's a lot to explain but maybe you'll think of a wish which will better you and your son. Just think on it, and when you're ready, summon me," she replied before disappearing in a haze of blue smoke, leaving him with more unanswered questions which he was too addled to ponder. What had he gotten himself into, and what in all the seven realms was he going to wish for?

A/AN: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I'm really having a blast writing this fic! Please review and let me know what you think!