"Maybe I've been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah"

Leonard Cohen- "Hallelujah"

Red rode her horse slightly ahead of the group. Jiminy had Belle on his horse, her body weak against him as he steered the horse. He heard her labored breathing, a sound that hit his heart. The Huntsman rode off to the side of him, maintaining a safe distance from both Ruby and Jiminy. Red had attacked him again while they were putting Belle on the horse, cursing at him when he stated he would ride with them. After separating them again, Jiminy had looked at the Huntsman with clear eyes and spoke in a resolute voice.

"If you truly value your life, you won't talk to Red again about this," he said. Jiminy was concerned about both of them. He knew Red's loyalty was unchallenged among her friends, but after what the Huntsman had done, she would not hesitate ripping his throat out.

Belle whimpered again, her body flinching at the soft breeze. Jiminy whispered soft comforting words to her, trying to get her to relax. The smell of blood was thick around the air around them, causing Jiminy to to force down his need to vomit, along with his anger.

Red suddenly stopped her horse, climbing down to Jiminy and Belle.

"Belle, we're here. We're home," she whispered, gently rubbing her friend's arm. Belle cringed against the touch, feeling too much anger from Red.

Red looked at Jiminy, tears forming in her eyes. Jiminy nodded and looked over to the Huntsman as he jumped off his horse.

Jiminy carefully lifted Belle into the Huntsman's arms, a dark look on Red's face as she watched. The betrayal weighed heavily on her mind, causing her to be wary of his actions.

They set off to the imposing castle, silently making their way through.

Rumplestiltskin sat with his head on the table, empty skins of wine littering the table. The emptiness he had buried for so long had returned with a force. Over the years, he had learned to be numb- to desensitize himself from the world. But he was never as empty as he was now. The darkness seemed to consume him daily, all thoughts and dreams- ideas of hope or a different chance; a different way to do things just died in the light.

Thoughts of Belle...his Belle.

He groaned as he heard the heavy doors to his home open. Then instead of weariness, fury filled him. Who dare enter his home? Dark thoughts, malice, and evil filled his mind, a dark grin forming on his face. Whatever visitor this was...surely it'd be a way to dissipate the emptiness.

He walked down the marble stairs, dark glee in his movements, eager to see what someone desperately wanted- for the right price, of course.

Belle kept drifting in and out of consciousness. Her body felt heavy and empty at the same time. She felt mixed emotions, confusing reactions from others, but she couldn't stop herself from experiencing them. She considered just to let them overwhelm her; let her sleep. She didn't want to feel anything right now and yet, she felt everything. Different levels of sorrow, different sounds of anger. She closed her eyes and almost smiled- if only others knew that emotions had sounds, tastes, and sensations.

"Imp!" Red shouted through the halls, growing impatient. She turned to Belle and saw that her friend was smiling now- a peculiar smile.

"Belle, what's wrong?" she asked, fearing this smile that appeared out of thin air.

"Nothing," Belle murmured as her smile faded and eyes shut heavily. Jiminy took her to the lounge in the corner and put her down on it gently before searching with Red. The Huntsman had stayed in his place, casting a glance every now and then to Belle.

"Now, now, dearie. Where are your manners?" Rumplestiltskin asked, appearing behind the dark haired woman.

"She needs you, now," Red said, grabbing his arm and dragging her behind him.

"What are you going on about, woman?" he thundered, shocked at the audacity of the young woman.

"Woman, if you don't explain what you intend to-"

He was interrupted as he saw Belle laying on a lounger, her body and clothing covered in blood. Her face was contorted with each breath she took, shaking and trembling with pain.

"Belle," he whispered softly, making his way to her. What in the Gods' names had happened to her?

She whimpered as she heard his voice, preparing herself for the onslaught that was quickly approaching.

Rumplestiltskin felt as if he were in a nightmare. She was supposed to be safe! Not broken, not like this. Not gasping in pain when she breathed. He looked to the wolf and her companions, a wary eye cast on them.

"What happened to her?" he asked, kneeling down beside her and gently taking her hand in his. She flinched slightly at the movement, causing his heart to ache further.

"She was tortured," Red replied, keeping the anger and rage from her voice.

"WHAT?!" Rumplestiltskin screamed, standing suddenly. Belle whimpered, the sudden flux in emotions causing her pain. She felt the wound over her heart open again and cried softly.

"Hey! Calm down right now!" Jiminy said, moving to Belle and stroking her hair.

"NO! I will not calm down! You bring her here to me, in this state, knowing what happened to her and now you expect to me merely frolic about with joy!?"

"STOP!" Belle cried, pain tinting her vision.

He didn't. His anger was surfacing- rage, fury, and malevolence. He advanced on Archie still screaming.

Red intercepted him, grabbing him by the throat while her eyes flashed dangerously.

"Listen! Belle is -hurt-. HURT! She doesn't need yelling nor anger. She needs care! The wounds were caused by dark magic. Magic cannot heal them; it needs to be done the old fashioned away. Leave us- bring liniments, ointments, hot water, and fresh bandages. NOW!"

Rumplestiltskin blinked in shock before disappearing.

Belle was moaning in pain, everything affecting her at once.

"He doesn't know about the baby," she said, crying.

"It's okay, Belle. We'll tell him. But now, you need to rest. We'll take care of you, sweetheart," Red said, stroking Belle's cheek as she bit back her tears.

Rumplestiltskin appeared, carrying the supplies Red had asked for. He dropped them beside Red and went to Belle, holding back his anger.

"Belle..." he whispered softly, stroking her hair back. She turned her eyes to him, smiling weakly.

"I missed you so much," she said, soft tears forming in her eyes.

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait, dear ones. Since the beginning of the year, my life has taken a turn for the worst. My boyfriend and I ended our relationship and we kept getting back together, only to break up again. It got incredibly unstable, and I ended up having to move back in with my parents. But anyway- as I said, it's been incredibly unstable for me lately and I've been struggling with my depression again. Thank you for your patience with this. 333