𝑶𝑪𝑬𝑨𝑵 𝑬𝒀𝑬𝑺 - Rumplestiltskin [1]

FIFTY SEVEN

57|SLEEP

Celeste read her book in the corner, avoiding everyone as she let them prepare for the sleeping curse. Rumpel and David where in the main part of the store explaining what the curse is while Regina and Henry talked together.

"What do you mean, the "old-fashioned way"?" Charming questioned as they all stood around the main room, Rumpel explaining how the curse with be administered.

"You're about to join a quite distinguished club, Mr. Nolan." Rumpel grinned to himself as he held up the needle of a spinning wheel. "Before such innovations as the apple, back when the sleeping curse first came to be, a more direct method was required. Through blood. By pricking ones finger on the needle if a spinning wheel, one falls under the spell. Celeste, I'm sure you'd like to do the honours?"

Celeste took the needle and dipped it into the vial Regina passed her, an entertained smile on the older womans lips. The curse sizzled as it disappeared into the needle before Celeste placed it on the spinning wheel, knowing how from the many times Rumpelstiltskin had taught her.

"It's all yours." She said with a mischievous smile, stepping out the way to allow Charming to prick his finger.

"Good luck." Henry smiled at his grandfather, embracing him quickly.

"It's gonna be all right." Charming reassured the young boy.

"How do you know?"

"Well, how did you know Emma would save you after you are the turnover?" He sat on the edge of the bed so he was level with Henry.

"I believed in her."

"The way Snow and I believed she'd come back to break the curse." Charming said with hope. "That's the kind of faith that runs in our family."

"This helps control the flames in the room." Henry removed his necklace and placed it over Charming's head. "It'll keep you safe."

"I will guard it with my life." Rumpel began to spin the wheel as Charming let out a final sigh, knowing this would hurt. "When I awake, I'll be in that fiery room?"

"Not exactly." Rumpelstiltskin informed him. "That room is where those who have already awoken from the curse return. You, however, are being put under for the first time."

"Then how will I know where to go?" Charming questioned, suddenly regretting this plan. "How the hell am I supposed to find a room with no door?"

"And that, dearie, is the conundrum we're all depending on you solving." He said, starting to sound fed up as the lurking danger of Cora grew closer. "Now, I say this with the utmost sincerity, good luck."

Celeste smiled to herself as she watched him prick his finger and instantly falling back on to the bed.

"You're enjoying this too much, love." Rumpel glanced up at his wife, smirking as she gave him an innocent shrug.

"He kinda deserves it but we know he will wake up eventually." She placed both her hands on his shoulders as they watched over Charming, moving him into a comfier sleeping position.

"Come on. Come back." Henry begged his grandfather, looking over the sleeping man. "Should he be in there so long?"

"I'm sure it's fine. I imagine they're just catching up." Regina lied to her son, the hint of worry clear in her tone. She glanced at Rumpel who shook his head in reply, confirming their theory.

"Now I feel bad." Celeste whispered into his ear, leaning her head on his shoulder as they stood side by side.

"You should feel bad." Rumpel teased her, knowing she would feel guilty with her pure heart.

~•~

Celeste went home alone, knowing she needed her sleep or else she would not be much help. After doing her usual nightly routine, she quickly fell into a dream filled slumber.

"You must be Celeste." A stranger entered her dark cell, a strange hook shining in the small light supplied by the moon.

"You must be here to kill me." Her voice croaked as she spoke, her vocal chords hardly being used.

"I'm not here to kill you, love. I'm here to rescue you." The stranger greeted her, shutting the door behind him so guards would not find it suspicious.

"Rescue me? Who are you?" Her body sent her into a fit of coughing as it tried to fight against the exhaustion and fatigue.

"A friend." He answered, smiling up at her innocently as he untied her chains. "We haven't much time. Your father's life is in danger. He's being attacked by the very same monster who stole you away from your family in the first place."

"What? Rumpelstiltskin?"

"The Dark One. He must be stopped." He continued to help her, standing her up as she wobbled on her feet. "You spent more time with him than anyone. There are rumours of a magical weapon that has the power to kill him."

"Kill him?" Celeste chuckled, falling against him. "I'm the last person who would kill him."

"Your father's life hangs in his hands. I need to know what that weapon is and where to find it." The stranger continued, beginning to shake her as his desperation for an answer grew.

"I don't know if any weapon and I won't let you kill my husband. Let my father die, see what I care." She gasped as she felt a hard slap on her cheek, her vision going black as a soft surface caught her fall.

"Fuck!" Celeste sat up in bed, the covers falling off her as she tried to calm her racing heart. "Why would I remember something like that now?"