Virtue over Wit and Beauty (One)
Apr. 21st, 2012 08:27 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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abc_onceupon
Virtue before wit and beauty
Part One: Exchange
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: This takes place in a vague time before The Dark Curse was enacted by Regina. This will be a collision of many characters, just a heads up.
Setting: Enchanted Forest
Rating: Teen
Warnings: Violence, Language
Genre: Angst/Drama/Romance/General
Word Count: 3,788
Cast: (in order of appearance/mention) Queen Regina, The Huntsman, Belle, The Beast, Mirror!Genie, The Enchantress (OFC), Rumpelstiltskin, Jiminy Cricket, Geppetto, Princess Jasmine (OFC), Aladdin (OMC) Red Riding Hood
Summary: Regina has finally gained the upper hand on Rumpelstiltskin but when a Beast storms her castle, she attempts to sacrifice her new prisoner to his hunger, but things don’t go as planned.
She cast her eyes from the ever present face in the mirror to her two prisoners, who were bowed nearby. Both were silent but as she stepped towards them, only the woman flinched. She always did. The male glared at her, but remained silent.
“Huntsman, rise,” Regina said, he rose, eyes cast down, having learned long ago he had to be submissive in her presence. She ran her hand down his face; she felt him repressing a shudder and slammed her hand across his face. “Get out of my sight,” she growled in disgust.
He bowed to her, walking from the room, she didn’t care where he went, since she knew he wouldn’t leave. She turned her attention to the girl, who flinched again at her approach. She smiled, she loved that reaction, though she couldn’t understand how this girl didn’t respond like that to Rumpelstiltskin who was just a bad as the Wicked Queen herself.
She lifted the girls face, “Rise,” she hissed, meekly the woman known as Belle rose. She looked as youthful as the day she arrived. Though that had been well over 40 years ago, it was the magic in the realm that kept certain people ageless. She certainly wasn’t going to question it, given her beauty was still with her.
Belle was still trembling as she stood there, Regina enjoyed every second of it, “Come with me,” The Queen spat but just as they were about to leave the main chamber, she stopped dead in her tracks. Belle stopped as well, standing still as stone.
The ground beneath her was rumbling and the doors were shaking, this was odd, there was no magic causing it. It was…something else; something big was coming their way. The doors burst open, almost ripping off the hinges, a powerful roar filled the air. Regina whirled towards the door, and realized she was too slow as the creature, or whatever it was had a grasp on her throat. All her men were charging at the…what appeared to be a Beast, but he batted them away like they were nothing.
“FIX ME!” the bellow ripped through her, the deep voice was as strong as this form.
Regina gestured to his paw at her throat and he unceremoniously dropped her on the floor. Landing undignified, she heard her Huntsman roar, charging the Beast, only to be thrown back down the hall, Belle shrieking as he flew past her. “Why should I? You burst into my Castle, harming my men and my pet and you demand me to fix you? I should KILL you!” Regina spat, she looked to fallen sword on the ground. She lifted her hand, flinging it at the Beast. Instead of impaling him, it bounced off. She tried again and failed, even the Beast was arching his brow, clearly as surprised as she was. “That’s odd.”
“Clearly,” he rumbled the low tone made her shiver and her toes curled; sadly at this point in her life she was not horrified that his voice aroused her. It was the sheer power in it, it was something she enjoyed in life.
Regina stood; she paced around the creature, taking in its form. There were parts that seemed almost human, a fusion of several animals, he was quite a Beast. She hadn’t seen work like this before, “Who did this to you?”
“An Enchantress,” he replied, shortly, seeming to want to say much.
Such a vague answer annoyed her, “Which one? There are at least 20 I can think of off the top of my head,” she snapped.
“Mala.”
“Ahh, the Enchantress of the frozen realm. My, my, no wonder I cannot break through her work. What did you do to make her so furious?” the Queen chuckled.
The Beast growled, “I refused to marry her.”
Regina’s brows knit together, she tried to see through the form and when she failed, she turned to her mirror. “Show me the Beast’s true form!”
Through the smoke, only the Genie’s eyes appeared, “I cannot, my Queen. I am surprised at the power of this curse, nothing can harm him in this form, it seems her power could rival yours.” He vanished quickly, which was odd for him, he would usually tell her more, she assumed it was out of fear she would break the mirror.
She turned back to the Beast, “There’s nothing I can do for you,” she stated, eyes flickering up and down his form. “You should work for me, I could use someone with your power and ferociousness,” She purred.
To her surprised, the Beast snorted, “I have no interest in being used as a weapon. But since you are no use to me, I should kill you now.”
For the first time, in what seemed like ages, Regina felt fear. If her Genie stated that he could not be harmed then no one could save her, desperate times called for desperate measures, she supposed. She glanced to Belle who was cowering nearby. “Take the girl. Consider her a gift or a peace offering, a prisoner for you to play or eat, whatever you like.”
The Beast gaze flickered to Belle, who swallowed hard enough for all of them to hear. He arched his brow at Regina, lumbered over and threw the girl over his shoulder. Belle did not scream, she did not cry, but she did struggle. The Beast held her firm and trudged back out the door with her. The Huntsman appeared, rubbing the back of his head, blood dripping down his neck from his shattered skull. With a sigh, she dragged him back to her room to tend to him, making sure to bind him first. Knowing his instincts would be to attack, even if she was simply treating his wounds, like the animals he was raised by.
But then she paused as she was about to start to tend to his wounds, swearing as she realized what she had just done. If the girl went back to Rumpelstiltskin…but she sighed, knowing his interest had moved on to stealing babies from Royal and annoying the wolf girl in the red cape. And the Beast would hardly let such a woman go, or she hoped.
“Mirror, tell me if you can locate the Beast?” she asked, this time he did not appear through the smoke, which seemed to bloom heavier than usual.
“No, my Queen, I cannot, her spell is too strong. I can tell the girl is still with him and that she will not leave him now, do not fret, my dear,” he promised.
She growled, pushing down the Huntsman’s head so she could tend to his wound better, “You better be right,” she snapped.
“I would never steer you wrong, my love,” his voice was a purr; “You know I would do anything to protect you.”
Regina sighed, “I know.” She admitted, there as only one man in the land she could truly trust and given his devotion to her, no longer had a body. Such a shame.
And with that, she went back to piecing her pet’s skull back together, focusing on keeping him alive.
~*~
Belle couldn’t tell how far they had gotten away from the castle, since her face was buried in the Beast’s shoulder, draped over his back. She struggled all the while but he didn’t seem to even be bothered. She was, however, surprised when he stopped and put her down. His chest was heaving from the long sprint; he lifted his head in the air and inhaled deeply. Against her will, Belle couldn’t help but shake. She hadn’t been in the natural elements for so long; she forgot what it was like this time of year. Cool and crisp and her dress offered no warmth.
She was surprised as the Beast had taken notice and removed his cloak. He wrapped it around her and she immediately relished the heat and warmth. She went to speak but couldn’t find her voice just yet, when he simply smiled down at her, she found the strength within her.
“T-t-thank you,” she said, finding her voice.
He chuckled, a deep sound that sounded so rich and mirthful, “You’re welcome,” there was such kindness in his tone that she never expected.
She couldn’t help herself from blurting out, “You’re not going to hurt me or eat me, are you?”
He laughed some more, “No. I may be a Beast, but I’m no monster. I have my senses still, the only thing that has changed from my true form is my appearance,” he assured her. “Since you are mine now, I believe it is safe enough to tell you the truth of what you witnessed.”
“You really don’t like the Queen?” Belle asked, unable to keep that to herself.
He laughed, it seemed to shake the trees around them. “What better to distract a powerful Queen than a Beast with a curse while a young thief sneaks into her home, searching for someone he lost,” the Beast said, grinning, though it was one of joy, Belle winced at the sight of how many sharp teeth he had. His smile faltered but he continued to be friendly. “Come, we have a long journey ahead of us,” he told her.
“You still plan to keep me?” she asked, frowning as he merely shrugged.
“You were my gift,” a smile continued to stay on his lips, “Do you have somewhere else to go?”
Belle sighed, it had been so long, her Father was probably dead and Gaston had gone missing. She thought about Rumpelstiltskin and through her imprisonment, she realized that she did not love him. From what the Queen had told, the Imp had moved on, even showing her in the mirror as he pursued others in the Kingdom, exposing him for the criminal acts and utter darkness that was within him. That was not for her, if she couldn’t change him when they were together or with the loss of her, there was nothing more she could do.
“No.”
The Beast placed his large, heavy paw on her shoulder, his claws carefully curling around her, “I hope that one day, you will be at ease in my presence. I promise I will never harm you,” He said, and the sincerity touched her.
“Thank you,” she said and as he let his paw slip away, she followed at his side through the forest, following his lead. “Where is your home…you mentioned the Enchantress of the Frozen Realm?”
“I live on the boarder of the realm, close enough that Mala believes by gaining the Kingdom, the Realm will be hers,” he informed her.
They walked for what seemed like ages, Belle was not used to having such freedom to be up in around. She was used to being secluded to a hidden cell within the castle with not much room to even stand, even at her short stature. Becoming tired, she slowed until she could no longer lift her legs to take a step. The Beast stopped, turning to her, she watched as the branches over head rustled with his horns.
“Apologies, Beast, I fear I’m not used to such a trek,” she told him, frowning as she slumped to the ground.
He made his way to her, kneeling next to her, she peered up, given he was still towering over her. “That is alright. I’m becoming more and more aware of just how…inhuman this form is. I hardly rest anymore; the elements do not bother me. Are you hungry? I could find you something to eat,” he offered.
Belle nodded, “That would be wonderful.”
The Beast climbed to his feet and began to wander down the path, then disappeared off the trail. The rational part of her mind was yelling at her to run, she did not need to be a prisoner to another monster. But her body rallied against that, unable to summon the strength to even stand. As she continued to wait, she stopped to think about what had transpired so far.
The Beast appeared, in an apparent diversion for a friend. He was polite and even considerate. He obviously did not think she would leave him, given that he didn’t take her with him. He was strong, stronger than men or magic. He was sincere and honest and she never once had an instinct that he was anything but a decent being. She recalled her time with Rumpelstiltskin and though on the surface, it would appear to be happening again, this was different. The Beast was not mad, was not expecting her to do anything, thus far, but follow him away from Regina. He was protecting her, she wasn’t a prisoner, he had even called her a gift. Something the Imp had never considered her, she had fallen for him due to a few kind acts when the violence had come quicker and stronger than any affection.
His thundering footsteps that nearly shook the Earth around her broke through her thoughts as he held his large paws out to her. Cupped within was a variety of fruit and berries, she took most of it and placed it in her covered lap and began to eat. She couldn’t contain a happy noise at the taste, she had been subjected to years of what was highly suspicious porridge that looked more like rotten meat or vomit than food, and she would only eat that when completely desperate and weak. After finishing all she took, she realized he hadn’t touched the rest and offered her what remained. She quickly consumed the last pieces and gave him a thankful look.
“Thank you,” she said, unable to be anything but grateful, but then a thought occurred to her. “I’m Belle.”
He smiled carefully, keeping his mouth closed and most of his fangs hidden, “Hello Belle, I would give you my name but given this is my form now with no hope of becoming human, I’d prefer not to have associate with the person I was.”
“Why do you have no hope? Isn’t true loves kiss powerful enough to break any curse?” she asked, he shrugged.
“Given how I doubt anyone could love this form, I don’t believe that. And even if it could, is it because it truly true love or is it true for the moment?” he asked, “Could what appears to be love fool the spell? It is magic but couldn’t it see through what is in the moment and revert?”
Belle had not expected that, “You are an extremely fascinating Beast, aren’t you? And you have such interesting questions.”
Beast chuckled, even though it was soft, it reverberated through his body, coming out like a purr, “I suppose because of my appearance that I am to be slow and not witty?” he asked. Belle flushed in embarrassment, he smiled gently, “I’m not offended. You wouldn’t be the first to doubt my intelligence in this form.. I don’t mind, I like the element of surprise. Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes,” her answer was firm, feeling safe in the presence of the Beast.
As the hours waned and the moon began to rise, the howl of a wolf filled the air and lightning streaked the sky. Belle shivered, as the wolf howled again. She looked around, seeing a red cloak on the road, but no person in sight. As the thunder rolled, rain began to pour down on them. Soon they were saturated, the Beast’s cloak that had been keeping her warm was now weighed her down.
“We can’t keep going!” she shouted over the rain, he stopped, looking around.
“Where are we going to go?”
Suddenly Belle felt something flutter near her face, and there was a small cricket in line of sight. She noticed there was someone else coming down the path, following him. “Hello! Would you like some shelter from the storm?” he asked.
“Yes, please, for the both of us!” Belle shouted, and was surprised to hear the Cricket laugh.
“Of course, I sense no evil within either one of you, or I wouldn’t have offered,” he said, his voice was kind. “Follow me!”
Together with the robed woman, the three trudged through dark forest, until they found themselves at a decent sized cottage. The Cricket flew around to the window, then back to them, as the door opened. A kind old man gestured for them to come in which they did, closing the door behind them.
“Hello, good evening, such bad weather, huh? Not good for those on foot, I am Maestro Geppetto,” the man said, then gestured to an empty table. “Please sit.”
“Thank you, Maestro. I’m Belle, and this is The Beast,” Belle said, “I do not know who she is…”
Belle watched as the woman lowered her hood, “I’m no one, just a woman looking for her fiancé.”
“You’re a long way from home, Princess,” The Beast said, the woman’s face lit in surprise.
“No one in this land has recognized me, but you have. I have never come across a creature like you before,” she said.
The Beast laughed softly, “It was another life,” his voice was almost wistful, “But I do not care to dwell on that.”
The three went to the table, sitting down, accepting warm soup from Geppetto.
“I’m Jiminy,” the Cricket said, “And I would advise you all to keep your voices down. His son is sleeping and is a bit of handful when he’s awake.”
“Thank you for your kindness and hospitality,” Jasmine said to both Jiminy and Geppetto.
“You’re welcome, your Highness, it is not often that I have Royalty to entertain. I know I do not have much to offer but I hope it is acceptable,” the Maestro said.
Jasmine inclined her head, “It is, thank you.”
“Where are you from, Princess?” Belle asked, “And where is your fiancé?”
“I am from Agrabah, my fiancé came here in search of a friend. He did not tell me this, I awoke to a letter. He left the wrong Princess,” she said, eyes narrowing at the thought.
The Beast couldn’t help but chuckle, “He did it for your protection,” he said, “As any man would do for a woman he loves.”
Jasmine tilted her head, “You’ve seen him?”
“Yes, I caused a diversion for him. It’s not that hard to spot those from Agrabah in these parts. Especially a street rat, but he has his charm, I see why you like him.” The Beast said.
The Princess put down her bowl and stood, coming face to face with the Beast. “Do…do I know you? How is it that you know me so well?” She peered into his face, studying him close. She lifted his hands, studied his eyes, and then she looked at his cloak, wrapped around Belle. She grasped onto the cloak, looking at the crest on the clasp, a phoenix and a rose.
“…A…Adam?” Jasmine asked, Belle watched as the Beast smiled softly.
He bowed his head, “Hello.”
Belle watched as Jasmine reached out, cupping his beastly face, “What happened?”
“It’s a long story, I don’t care to tell. But do know, Aladdin is here, last time I saw him he was in Regina’s Castle. But do not go, come with us to my home, that is where he said he would meet me.”
“And how did you come across this woman?” Jasmine asked, her attention moving to Belle.
The Beast shrugged, “A gift from the Queen. I threatened her life, so she sacrificed the girl. I think she believe I’m a cannibal or a rapist.”
Jasmine laughed, “You are many things, but you are neither of those.”
“Keep that to yourself, you’ll spoil my reputation as a ruthless beast,” he said, rolling his eyes.
Belle could feel exhaustion setting in as she felt a hand drop onto her shoulder.
“Would you like to lay down, Miss? You seem so tired,” Geppetto asked, Belle nodded.
“Please? If that’s alright,” she looked to the Beast, or Adam, who looked at her sympathetically.
“You don’t have to ask my permission, you’ve had a long day, go rest,” he stated, he looked to Jasmine, “That goes for you too, I will keep guard.”
Jasmine laughed softly, “I see some things haven’t changed.”
“Hush,” he said, just as they were about to follow Geppetto from the room, there was pounding on the door.
The door burst open and Belle saw a flash of red, realizing it was the cloak from earlier. A woman slammed the door behind her, panting, completely drenched.
“Ah, Miss Red, good evening,” Geppetto said, “I was just going to take my guests to the spare room, make yourself at home.”
“Thank you, Maestro,” she said, nodding to the women and the Beast, “Everyone.”
Geppetto took the cloak from Belle, hanging it near the fire, and then Jasmine’s then turned to Red, who shook her head as she sat at the table. The women watched as Jiminy fluttered in front of the woman, making her smile, she held her finger out to him and he sat down.
“Come along,” Geppetto said, leading the two women to a small extra room that held a bed and not much else. “I hope it is alright for you, highness. I usually do not house Royalty or expect them to share such a small bed,” He apologized.
Jasmine shook her head, “I was born a Princess, I didn’t ask to be one. This is wonderful and so kind of you to take us all in. I appreciate your hospitality and it will not be forgotten. Good night, Maestro Gepetto.”
As he closed the door behind him, Belle immediately climbed onto the bed, almost falling asleep as she hit the pillow. The bed jostled as Jasmine climbed in and settled down.
“Good night Stranger, I promise I will not molest you as we sleep.” Belle’s eyes snapped open and she just stared at Jasmine, who just laughed. “Sorry, I am a very odd Princess. My sense of humor and attitude is much darker than you’ve seen so far. I put on a good face and behave when I have to,” the woman winked.
Belle shook her head, “That is good to know, but I’m sorry I cannot indulge much more talking, I’m exhausted.”
“I know, you look kind of…skeletal. Were you a prisoner?”
“Yes. Now I am again…I think,” Jasmine reached out, brushing stray hair from Belle’s face. The girl was surprised to receive such a tender gesture from a stranger. Usually when Regina raised her hand, it was to strike her in the face. Something she enjoyed doing.
“No, Adam is a good man. You will be well cared for, I assure you. Goodnight Belle.”
“Goodnight.”
---
To be continued
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I know this is lengthy and a lot happens but it's purpose is to set up the journey ahead. I hope you enjoyed! Feedback is ♥
This is also not my first time writing Jasmine, you can find the story of her and Aladdin's counterpart in another story I've written called "Beautiful Thieves". It is rated R, just to warn you ;)
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