The Best Tea Cup is Chipped Book 1

Frankenstein and Friends

Rumple sent Jefferson on a variety of errands often dangerous, but sometimes they were just fetch and carry ones to perfectly normal, safe realms. In which case Belle was quite eager to join in the fun and see somewhere new. She wasn't really confined to the Dark Castle but it was unwise now to leave without someone with her.

Today's order was to get something from the Land Without Color.

"I want you to visit our old friend Dr Frankenstein." Rumple told Jefferson handing the man a list. "I have some items I'd like him to get me."

"Oh, the one that thinks science is more powerful than magic." said Jefferson. Rumple scoffed.

"Yes."

"Given your reaction I take it it's best YOU don't go for fear of starting an argument." said Belle.

"I simply feel no need to take an unnecessary trip to that visually dreary realm." Scoffed Rumple.

"Well, I'd love to go," said Belle cheerfully.

"Sound wonderful how about our darling girl and I take a little trip and you can go do some brooding!" said Jefferson clapping his hands as Belle went to get her cloak.

"Just be careful and stick with Jefferson please," said Rumple helping Belle into her green cloak once she returned.

"I'm always careful Rumple, don't worry."

"I worry anytime you are out of my sight," said Rumple stroking her cheek.

"Gosh you two are sickenly sweet." said Jefferson with an exaggerated sigh.

"Like you and Alice are any better," scoffed Belle.

"I'll be back before you know it," she told Rumple before giving him a quick peck on the lips and coming to stand by Jefferson.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Ready."

Jefferson threw down his hat and it became its usual purple swirling vortex. They grasped hands and jumped landing in the room of doors.

"This way," said Jefferson leading her to a plain white door. They stepped through and found themselves in what appeared to be some sort of laboratory. Looking around Belle was amazed to see how the color had disappeared from everything including herself and Jefferson.

Everything was in shades of black, white, and grey. Belle looked down at her now grey hands and her hair which appeared more black than brown.

"Hey!" shouted a voice and the two travelers turned to see a medium sized man in a high collared lab coat with buttons his eyes were dark and his hair a little messy as he came down the stairs.

"I thought we were finished!" he snapped at Jefferson.

"Oh, come on is that any way to greet an old friend?" said Jefferson warmly. The man approached his accent rather high class sounding.

"I'd hardly call us friends. We did a deal and I have not called on you since."

"No but I'm calling on you and I brought company!" said Jefferson totally unfazed.

"So, I see. Doctor Victor Frankenstein at your service Madame."

"Lady Belle of the Dark Castle," said Belle with a curtsy since they were using titles. "But you can just call me Belle."

"Then Victor will do. Since I'm clearly not getting you to jump back into that ridiculous hat any time soon can we at least retire from my laboratory?" asked Victor.

"Splendid, will there be drinks?" asked Jefferson. Victor rolled his eyes offering Belle his arm.

"I'm sure I have a bottle of wine somewhere."