The day Kurt's life changed started out like most others. He awoke early to prepare himself by bathing and spending plently of time on his hair. However, on this particular morning he went about his morning with an uneasy feeling in his stomach. Kurt sighed, the kingdom's crops had failed this year because of one horrific storm and everyone had felt the pressure of trying to supply enough food for everyone, but there simply wasn't enough. Money was growing short as the kingdom kept needing to buy food from the surrounding kingdoms.

Its just nerves, Kurt thought to himself trying to control his emotions. Nerves, not only for the kingdom but also because his father had hinted last night during dinner that he had perhaps found a solution. He had refused to discuss the subject further, leaving Kurt to only wonder about it more. Thanks for the nearly sleepless night father, Kurt thought to himself sarcastically. Whatever his reasons for keeping it a secret Kurt hoped that he would tell him soon. Kurt looked outside a realised he'd been sitting there for far too long and would be late for breakfast. He quickly finished his hair and threw together a sensible yet fashionable outfit and hurried down to the dining room.

By the time he made it downstairs breakfast was already on the table and King Burt and Queen Carole were both there. "Good morning," Kurt said but they just nodded in return. Nothing was said while Kurt poured himself a very strong tea and grabbed some food. Kurt felt awkward sitting there eating while both his parents just sat there looking down at their laps. The silence lasted until Kurt sighed and set his silverware down. "What is the matter with you two?" He asked, "Why are you both acting so," Kurt searched for the right word, "peculiar, this morning."

Kurt waited for their response. Burt and Carole looked at each other with worry, which only caused the knot in Kurt's stomach twist harder. "What?" He asked again unable to wait for them.

Burt finally spoke, "We believe we may have found a more permanent solution to our kingdom's problems."

Kurt's eyes widened, "That's wonderfulnews! How?"

Queen Carole spoke next, "We've sought the help of someone and he said he'd be here today." Despite that this was all good news, Kurt could not help but notice them both still looking worried.

"Who is it?" Kurt asked.

King Burt opened his mouth to speak but another, unfamiliar, voice echoed throughout the hall, "That would be me, Dearie."

Kurt turned in shock to see a man standing by the door. Strange, Kurt thought, I didn't hear them open. The man stepped into the light and Kurt had to tell his brain to believe what he was seeing. If Kurt lived to be a thousand years old he would never forget this man. He was of average height and was wearing, what Kurt thought to be, a very fashionable red vest with a brownish-tan dress shirt. It wasn't, however, the clothes that made Kurt freeze. It was the man's, if you could call him that, face. The skin was tight and leathery and a golden coppery color that seemed unreal. His eyes were pitch black and had a glint of malicious evil in them. Kurt suddenly felt very threatened.

His hand slowly crept to his belt where his sword was hanging but when his hand reached the spot where it should have been, it was gone. "Looking for this?" the man let out a little laugh. In his golden hands was Kurt's sword.

"How did you..?" Kurt started but was hushed by the creature.

"Tsk, Tsk Dearie. Is that how you treat all your guests?" He let out another little laugh and tossed Kurt's sword onto the table. Kurt felt his face grow hot but he forced out, 'Who are you?"

The man patted himself on the forehead as if scolding himself, " Quite right, Where are my manners?" The man did a little bow, "Rumpelstiltskin, at your service."

The King finally spoke up, "We thank you for coming in our time of need Dark One."

"Yes, yes, yes I got your message 'Help save up, people are going to die.'" Rumpelstiltskin walked forward until he was an arms length away from Kurt, which made Kurt very uncomfortable. "And I would be happy to help, of course." Kurt's parents sighed in relief but Kurt narrowed his eyes, he wasn't done yet. "For a price," He finished.

The King and Queen looked nervous again but Burt spoke ina slightly wavering voice, "What do you want? While we have no gold now if you hold to your promise we could," Rumpelstiltskin waved his hand dismissively interrupting the king.

"No, no, keep your gold and your trinkets."

"Whatis it you want then?" Kurt asked. Rumpelstiltskin turned his wicked gaze toward Kurt. Something flashed in his eyes that Kurt couldn't make out.

A nasty smile appeared on Rumpelstiltskin's face, "Let's just say you'll owe me a favor."

The King and Queen's expressions went from confused to worried and then back again. "What favor could we possibly," the King started to say but Rumpelstiltskin cur him off.

"Not from you dearies," He raised his golded hand and pointed a long finger at Kurt, "You."

Silence hung in the air. Kurt mustered up his courage and responded, "Deal."