It was certainly interesting to see how Rumple’s subconscious portrays Belle. I agree that she appeared especially quick-witted (as Rumple clearly is) and brave (as Rumple wishes he could be). He obviously sees Belle as his light, and his moral-center. I think he could be adding onto Belle’s many fine qualities, because love often causes us to see the best in the other person. Belle may have her flaws, of course, but Rumple sees her as his angle, just as Belle certainly chooses to see the good in Rumple (however dark his curse can make him be). True love really seems to transcend realms, too. It doesn’t matter if Belle is physically present with Rumple since she is evidentially present in spirit with Rumple. He carries her in his heart.
"That’s how you know you’ve really got a home. When you leave it, there’s this feeling that you can’t shake. You just miss it." Neal Cassidy