Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-25926288-20160523205601

No. A big, fat "No". Or at least a modest "not really". I can't really believe that I'm arguing this point, but all across the Once fandom, it appears that many think that in that dilemma that Rumple choose power over love. Yes, it was to be reminiscent of when he lost Bae, but I would argue faintly and that's it.

Let's set the stage: You are Rumple. You just stole all the magic from Henry and Violet, who stole it from you. You put the crystal down on one side of the room and the box on the other. The room starts shaking and you sense that someone's trying to create a portal. In your mind, you remember that there are two powerful witches trying to steal the crystal from you. These two witches have moved clouds, battled demons, defeated other witches, etc. Then, you also have the rogue and All-Powerful Author who poofed it away the first time coming for you. What do they all want? You've got it! The Olympian Crystal!

So, knowing that there are people after the crystal and magic is coming towards you, you grab what seems obvious, the crystal.

That is what I believe Rumple's mindset was. It's like being on a beach with a picnic basket of food on one side and a bag/ case of money on the other. If you know people are coming for the money, you wouldn't think to grab the picnic basket when you see masked men running towards you. XD

Ugh, the topic has made me sprout flaming blue hair because I feel as though it's a leap to jump to power vs love, even though it seemed to be presented that way.

That being said, Rumple been chose power over Belle, so that's not anything new.

Feel free to share your thoughts, theories, and more! 