Once Upon A Time - Ocean Of Darkness

V

Belle's mind sometimes dozed off, she would lose herself in the dreams her mind conjured, sometimes she wished her reality existed much like they did. Everything was happier in her head, she could create anything she wanted, she had all the power, and yet sometimes her presence in the real world would get drowned her thoughts. But a single word brought her out of her daydream, spoken from the blood red lips of Agent Lucas. Mills.

Her blood boiled in her veins, her beautiful thoughts were suddenly replaced by the frustration and terror that boomed from just the single word. She knew it, that smirk Regina gave her, the zipper over her mouth that held back the sea of lies she stored within, it was all an act - all of it. She couldn't even believe how such a horror had made her way to a leader of an organization that was meant to bring good. But she kept secrets from them, leading them into suicide by stopping a man she already knew. What better way to kill of them than to lure them into a trap.
She could bet Regina was reporting everything to him right now, leaking the secrets of the plans to his greedy ears. If she had anything to do with the dozens of innocent people murdered by the hands of that man, then it's be best she was locked away from everything she loved. And everyone.

Regina hardly mentioned her family, Belle only knew that she'd gotten married to a dashing British man from Nottingham who swept her off her feet. The only time she would spend discussing him was when she would brag about how great he was. They had a baby or two in the past, whom she never spoke of either. Practically every detail of her life was kept inside once she entered the facility. And yet that seemed suspicious, an unknown backstory, a mysterious phone call, it was all adding up.

"Do you mean to say." Belle said,breathing heavily. "That our very own Regina Mills is in contact with that beast."
"Not necessarily, anyone could have the same last name, maybe it's safe we go through her files, it's not a good idea to get ahead of ourselves." Ruby reminded her.

Quickly typing away and occasionally clicking the mouse, Ruby searched through the records kept.
"Nothing, no information on her. I suppose she isn't required to have it in our access if she's more powerful than us."
"But this is just a small division,surely the higher groups of the government know about her, she wouldn't have gotten the job otherwise." Belle added.
"Well maybe, those higher groups do know. Wouldn't it be the perfect plan? What if Gold is nothing more than a publicity stunt."
"Or a way to get us all killed." Belle said angrily. "Keep searching that phone call, I want to know every word spoken, I think I need to have a word with Ms Mills."

Abruptly leaving the office, Belle stormed angrily through the halls, determined to get that she-devil in her sights. Speeding up her pace as much as she could, she advanced through every turn the place had to offer. The dim lights flickered every so often, bringing even less light into the place. Her heels stomped loudly on the floor as she walked, heading for the woman's office. It didn't seem luxurious, just another turn in the maze, but behind the door was an expensive room fitted with leather furniture and minimalist art. Turning the knob of the door quickly, Belle barged inside, the eyes of Regina Mills flickering up as she saw her.

"Excuse me Miss French, but have you ever heard of knocking? I think it's highly inappropriate to enter in such a manner."
"Don't you think it's more inappropriate backstabbing this agency?"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about a mysterious phone call you made to Gold. I'm talking about your data hidden from our computers. Shall I go on?"
"I suggest you don't make such accusations without any compelling evidence. Your mother really did raise an unmannered little bitch didn't she?"
Belle quickly pulled her revolver from her purse, loading it and aiming the tip right at the woman.
"What, am I meant to be afraid?"
"Don't test me." Belle said angrily.
"You really do jump to conclusions don't you? Have you considered possibly asking me before accusing me?"
"Then speak."

Regina smirked. "I haven't been in contact with Gold, I never called him."
"Where do you live Miss Mills?" Belle asked.
"The upper east side, dear. And this is important because?"
"The call was made from someone in the Brooklyn area, under the name of Mills.
Regina froze, looking panicked and afraid. "No, it's her."
"Who?"
"My mother. Cora Mills."

Regina gestured Belle to take a seat and once they were eye to eye, she took a deep breath.
"I was born in Brooklyn in 1980. My mother was a selfish woman, she wanted me to be just like her. Whether that was forcing me to be proper, or controlling what I wore, I was shaping into being just like her. But - I didn't want to be like her. If you met her you would understand, she had an intimidating atmosphere, a devious twinkle in her eye, and she is honestly the most horrible woman I have ever encountered."
"And this somehow connects to Gold?"
"My father died shortly before I moved out of the home, they ruled it as a suicide. I think it was her. She had the same expressionless face when he died, she didn't really care. She never had compassion towards anyone. Except one man, he somehow could make her smile, unlike anyone I've ever seen. He was a short, handsome man, a tidy suit and cane accompanied his dapper look. He was a gentlemen, truly. But I never knew his name."
"So you are implying that man was Gold?" Belle asked.
"Hard to tell. There are a lot of men in this world Miss French."
"Cut it with the sarcasm. I think it's best if you just try your best to be kind to people, because you're gong to look really suspicuous."
"By providing you with information on my mother? I'm sure we'll send some people out there soon, and they can question that bitch."
"I wouldn't for a second think you're safe, because in my eyes you still have a lot to tell." Belle said. "Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go back to trying to save this country, not destroying it."