So Much More (One)

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So Much More
One



Note: I do not own “Once Upon A Time” and I do not make a profit from writing this story. I’m just amusing myself.
Authors Note: I am extremely upset with the loss of my fairy tale; I began to pen this before the promo of 1X12 was out. I may adapt things from the episode if I feel it can work with my own fanon. It will also have nods to the Disney telling, the original tale, and the 80s television series. This is how I want my tale as old as time to be told…
Setting: Enchanted Forest
Rating: PG (later chapters will go higher)
Warnings: None so far but later will include violence, language and sensual content.
Genre: Angst/Hurt/Comfort/Mystery/General/Romance (I’m covering all the bases)
Word Count: 1,009
Cast: (in order of appearance/mention) Prince Adam, Martin, Myrna, Rumpelstiltskin, Belle
Summary: She always wanted more than the provincial life, in hindsight she should have been careful what she wished for.

The manor was imposing, despite the bright light of the day, which seemed to dim around the house. Though highly skilled in battle, able to defend himself readily, fear crept into him. He swallowed hard, as his two companions giggled at his discomfort. For petty thieves and puppet masters, Martin and Myrna were a very odd couple, always up for devious tasks.

“Now now, Princey, we told you we knew someone who could help you. We were not lying,” Martin said, happy smile on his face, yet again, it was hard to see the man in a bad mood.

Myrna wrapped herself around Adam’s arm, “Yes, the house could use a little cheering up, but if you want your problems solved, this is the way to do it,” she informed him, the grin on her face made his stomach churn.

Unfortunately this could not be helped, there was no other way, he told himself. Anyone he asked told him this was his only hope. Rumpelstiltskin was the only thing who could help him. Adam knew deep within that no matter what happened; this had to come to pass. He would do what it took to save his kingdom, his family, his palace, and his people. He needed to be a hero, but he couldn’t on his own.

As they dragged him into the home, they lead him down the winding halls. Pulling open a door, then pushed him into what he briefly saw as a dining room. They shoved too hard and he went flying into the middle of the table. He heard the doors slam shut and their laughter ringing through the home. He looked from one end to the table to the other. At one side, he saw Rumpelstiltskin who had his hand midair and was blinking at him. At the other, a woman looked just as shocked. He couldn’t look away from her. She was small; her dark hair swept back, a simple blue and white dress brought out her eyes.

“Bonjour,” she burbled, seemingly caught off guard as he was.

He finally had his voice as he squawked out, “Good morning, Miss,”

“And where’s my good morning?” Rumpelstiltskin asked dryly, Adam scampered off the table in un-Princely like matter and bowed to him.

Rumpelstiltskin smirked, “You’re the least charming Prince I’ve ever met,” he said, eyes raking over the man before him.

Adam’s dark skin took on a red hue as he blushed, “That has not been the first time I’ve heard that,” he admitted.

He watched as the creature looked to the girl, “Belle, you may go. Princey and I have much to discuss,” he said, at his words, the girl leap to her feet.

“Belle, your name means Beauty,” Adam found himself whispering.

She gave a small smile, “And you are?” she asked, her words dripping with a familiar accent. She sounded like she was from the village near his castle.

“Adam. My name is Adam,” he said, as he bowed to her, unable to stop looking at her.

She curtsied in return, “It was good to meet you,” she told him, then left the room, closing the door behind her.

“Belle, eavesdropping will not be allowed this time. Go, go to your safe haven before you regret it,” Rumpelstiltskin called his voice sharp and Adam could hear her rushing away. “So, dear Princling, what can I do for you?” he seemed amused.

Adam sighed, “I need your help, I’m at a loss of what to do and good looks only get you so far in war.”

“Naturally, but to warn you, all things come with a price,” Rumpelstiltskin warned, his tone playful.

Adam nodded, “I know, I’ve been told.”

“And you’re willing to pay that price? What about her?”

The Prince tilted his head, “What about her?” he asked.

Rumpelstiltskin’s smile was eerie, “I’ve seen that look before, the sickening love at first sight look. You were obviously stunned by her beauty and she by yours. Yet again your looks have gotten you everything, until now and instead of defending your kingdom with your life, you’re coming to me so I can fix it with magic.”

“I am my parent’s only child, I cannot risk my life. I am aware of how selfish my actions are but I have no choice. There is much I still want to do in my life, love is one of them,” he stated, Rumpelstiltskin continued to smile.

“I can help you with all that you seek, love including,” he promised.

Adam had a sinking feeling, “Name your price,” he stated.

Rumpelstiltskin’s giggle gave him shivers, “I will save your kingdom and give you one year to fall in love. My price is that you will have to earn that love. Your looks have gotten you far in life but not no more, I will not be the only Beasty in this castle. If you can manage to make the girl fall in love with you, it will break the spell upon you and I will release you both.”

Adam looked to the mirror, then to the Imp, “Done.”

All he saw was a flash; the pain that seared through his body was too much. He found himself screaming and was horrified as his screams turned into a violent animalistic roar. He wanted to stop, the noise was almost too much for him to take, knowing it was his voice now but he couldn’t stop. As his vision blurred, he saw his hands change into claws, his body felt like it was stretching, growing, shifting. All of his sense exploded, it felt like fire, his howls of agony grew louder.

“This pain you’re feeling is nothing to what I’ve felt through my life. This suffering will not end here; you will know what it has been like to be an outcast. Lost, alone, rejected.” He paused, looking down with a cold look, “Think of this as mercy,” Rumpelstiltskin’s foot met his face, he felt something crack but that could have been the spell. Then there was nothing.

---
Yes, I am aware this is living up to the cliché of the Disney movie but that is where it will end, especially since Rumpelstiltskin is involved. This is just a set up to get the ball moving, if anything it will have illusions to the original tale and some firm nods to the epic 80’s TV show. I wanted to establish Adam as Prince before the Beast, he will also not live up to the cliche of the Disney Beast either, maybe sometimes, since we all have our off days ;)

If the feedback is as pleasant as the prologue, it will help the next part get written. Also kudos to those who recognized Jiminy’s parents, who apparently are named Martin and Myrna.

Also for Stephen King fans (of Rose Red specifically, it took all I had to not write their epic line "I have called him Adam, for he is the first".