"I don't like it," Killian hissed. They had gathered the following day, after the meeting with Van Helsing, at Granny's. Emma and Regina had made the decision that they would listen Van Helsing for now. He seemed to know what he was talking about and it was clear he was no friend of Hyde's was a friend of theirs. What other choice did they have?

"I never said you were to agree with my ideas," Van Helsing cocked a brow at the pirate.

"You're talking bloody suicide."

"Rich from a man who defied death itself and returned to the land of the living..."

"How the bloody hell do you know about that?" Killian growled, his eyes growing dark.

"When a man rises from the dead, believe me pirate, I know about it."

"Killian," Emma muttered attempting to soothe the scorched air. The small group had already cleared Granny's the moment any of them had walked in. Grumpy had been the last to leave giving Van Helsing a heated warning to watch what he did before stalking back to the mines. It was true that Van Helsing did appear to know a lot more about them then they knew of him...Emma wasn't sure how to feel about that.

"Stay out of my business." Killian growled again.

"I believe we have some more pressing matters at hand," Van Helsing muttered, "I haven't much time for you now."

The air was grey cold and quiet. Winter was descending. A chill northerly wind had descended on the town bringing with it the touch of ice and snow. Emma looked to Regina who sat in one of the booths next to Henry, David and Mary Margaret all eyeing the newest edition to their town and now Killian was sizing Van Helsing up. Emma quickly pushed herself between the pair gently pushing them back from one another.

"Okay let's just chill out," Emma looked to Killian, "We need to trust each other on this one," Emma looked to Van Helsing now. "Both of you just relax, we're not enemies here."

"Then tell him to stay out of my business," Killian growled eyeing Van Helsing.

"I can hear you Jones, your request has been noted," Van Helsing nodded. Spinning the man reached up and threw the heavy leather trench coat off his shoulders swinging it onto the back of one of the chairs in the diner. Reaching down he began to roll the sleeves of his white shirt up. Killian growled and turned slumping into a seat near the counter.

"Alright," Emma heaved a sigh. They were all content for now. "Regina, where would the Evil Queen go?"

Regina looked up and a frown coated her brow, "Where would she go? I'm not sure..."

"I'd like to know how she survived?" Mary Margaret frowned.

"I crushed her heart," Regina shook her head, "She shouldn't have survived. How can she...?"

"Because the Evil Queen is not a person you forget, she is the darkness that manifested itself within you," Van Helsing offered, "The evil that manifested because you were influenced by one thing. Magic."

"Magic?" Regina cocked a brow.

"Are you saying we won't be able to kill her?" Killian snorted.

"I think it will take a lot more than simply crushing her heart," Van Helsing nodded.

"Exorcism then?" Henry spoke up hopefully. Emma shot him a look.

"We're not exorcising Regina," Emma scowled.

"And as it stands we have Mr. Hyde to deal with too," David nodded. He now had a thick plaster on his nose after attending the hospital. Turned out his nose had been broken.

"Ay, what do we do about your friend?" Killian said looking to Van Helsing.

"He is not my friend."

"Bit of humour, mate. Lighten up."

"Unneeded. Never the less we will need to draw him out from hiding. Saying that he is strong, much stronger than any of you."

"We have magic though," Henry put in.

"Magic only makes him stronger, much like it will the Evil Queen. We cannot fight fire with fire. A fight takes two sides-the fire which begins and the water to extinguish."

"Are you saying we need water? It's not like witches melt when water is thrown on them," Killian scoffed.

"That idea is absurd," Van Helsing cocked a brow.

"How do we beat him then?" David asked loudly, demanding an answer.

"We don't. Not together."

"Divide and conquer," Mary Margaret nodded.

"Or you could simply ask me, dearies," A voice hissed. Everyone spun to see Mr. Gold stood in the doorway of Granny's. A faint smirk was creeping across his lips.

"Your assistance is not needed in this matter," Regina hissed.

"Yeah Gold," Emma nodded, "Make yourself scarce."

"Even if I'm not here to talk to any of you...?" Mr. Gold hissed, his tongue flicking. Emma eyed Gold carefully.

"Why else would you be here-"

"Miss. Swan it isn't always about you-or Regina or even Henry. It's about-"

"Me," Van Helsing spoke up. He was sat now, in one of the chairs at one of the diner tables. Emma spun and looked down to him. "You want to speak to me. Do you not?"

"Well spotted dearie. Always knew you were a bright one," Gold growled.

"You need my help," Van Helsing nodded. Gold drew back now. Emma could have laughed. Gold wanted help? Now why? What could he possibly want now?

"Perhaps we should speak in private?"

"You came to find me knowing full well my position and the company that surrounded me. You can speak now or miss your chance."

Gold shuffled a minute. He stepped further into the diner his eyes looked to everyone within. Emma, Henry, Regina, Killian, David, Mary Margaret and finally to Van Helsing. "Yes..I do require some help." Gold finally managed to spit out-though the venom that coated his words showed he was unhappy at the idea.

"Why would we help you?" Regina scowled.

"For one Miss. Mills I was not talking with you," Gold's eyes focused back to Van Helsing, "We could make a deal and that way both of us get what we want."

"Ha! How do you know what we want?" She laughed.

"I know you are after Hyde, and I also know you're after the Evil Queen and I know that without my help, you'll never find them."

"We'll find them," Emma assured.

"No. You won't," Gold snarked.

"Why?" David frowned.

"Because I'm the one who gave Storybrooke to Hyde and I know exactly where he is hiding."

"Why would you give him Storybrooke? It's not yours to give!" Regina leapt up from her seat now.

"Someone has to take charge of it-without the Evil Queen that won't be you Regina," Gold hissed.

"Gold we don't even know what Mr. Hyde is capable of!" Emma barked, "He could destroy this town."

"Perhaps," Gold nodded.

"Bloody crocodile-I should have killed you when I had the chance," Killian brooded.

"Chances," Gold corrected with a grin, "And yes you decided not too-your mistake."

"To business?" Van Helsing declared loudly silencing everyone. "Mr. Gold is it? I assume you've come here with a proposal then?"

"I have," Gold said stepping further into the diner, past Emma and toward Van Helsing. "I hear you are a man of many experiences and have fought many evil beings."

"That would be correct."

"Then we have much to discuss-but like I said, I would rather discuss these matters in 'private'." Gold muttered eyeing the others within the diner. Emma spun and looked to Gold. No. They were otherwise engaged with their own situation. She didn't want Gold here-none of them did. Her eyes returned to Van Helsing-would he be aware of the danger Gold posed? She opened her mouth to speak.

"So be it," Van Helsing nodded with a tired wave of his hand. Gold's smirk plastered his lips. With a wave of his hand both he and Van Helsing vanished in a swirl of smoke.


They had spent hours, after Mr. Gold had disappeared with Van Helsing attempting to source a place that the Evil Queen might be. At one point Emma had suggested going to the Dragon and seeing if he could lend aid but the idea was shelved. It would take far too long. With the power the Evil Queen possessed no one dared get anyone else involved. Regina sat heavily on the bench that overlooked the docks. Why? Just when things had begun to shed a ray of light and hope on the little town it was snatched away. Every time. What had any of them done to deserve it? Regina knew well that she had done much but the others never had. Heaving a sigh she pushed her gloved hands into her pockets. It was approaching Christmas now. The air had grown chillier, the skies were growing steadily greyer and the night were closing in. Her thoughts went to her sister, Zelena and the life she now led. Happily tucked away in one of cottages on the edge of town with her little girl. Robin. Who did Regina have now? She had Henry but he was now growing to the age where he wished to have more independence, he had Violet to occupy his time. He was growing up. He never wanted to spend time with her anymore. Emma and Killian were living happily in that house of theirs, David and Mary Margaret were watching their little prince grow in that attic apartment and all the while Regina sat alone. Again. Always alone.

"A chilly night to be sat on the docks alone, no?"

"Is it?" Regina asked. "And where did you disappear off to anyway?" Her eyes turned to look at Van Helsing who was propped against a lamp post. His face was shaded by the peak of his hat, his heavy leather coat hung open, as per usual.

"A word with Mr. Gold, or should I say Rumplestiltskin. What a desperate soul he is."

"Desperate? There's nothing desperate about the-"

"Dark one. Yes. I know about all of that."

"And still you went with him?" Regina turned her eyes back to the sea before her, "I thought you were meant to be on our side."

"That is precisely where I never meant to be," Van Helsing sighed. "Choosing sides." Regina looked back, a frown coating her brow. "I don't chose sides. I never have, which is why I've worked from the shadows. I snuff out Evil but I never work for Good either."

Regina's frown deepened, "What is that supposed to mean? If you're a slayer of Evil doesn't that make you good?"

"A slayer?" Van Helsing snorted, the faintest of smiles curved the right hand side of his mouth. Regina had never seen him smile. "I'm a renegade at best. I do what I do and that is that."

"You don't pick sides..." Regina shook her head, "I'm afraid you can't do that. You are either with us or against us." She stood now and turned to face him. She studied his face, it was like stone, no lie, no truths. A mask. She knew-she had worn one long enough.

"As I'm sure you are an expert in that field?"

"Excuse me?"

"You had the Evil Queen manifesting within and yet you did good? To me that serves as neither one or the other also."

"I'm good now," Regina hissed.

"Now you have chosen a side. I commend you."

"Who the hell do you think you are. I have a mind to cut you down where you stand."

"You could try," Van Helsing looked to her from beneath the peak of his hat. "We both know how it will end."

Regina drew back and studied the man a moment longer before casting a look back to the open sea that lay ahead of her. How she loved the sea. No beginning, no end, just a vast expanse of emptiness. That was how she felt now. She could happily stride out into the waters now...

"I apologize Miss. Mills. I stepped out of line."

"Oh just...shut it," Regina hissed, "It's Regina."

"Regina then," Van Helsing nodded tipping his hat. Regina turned and looked to him. He was a strange man. Neither good nor evil, on a mission to stop Hyde, with stories no doubt that would scare even the hardest of battled men. What had he done to his face? Her eyes drifted to the sea...perhaps she would delay striding the waters yet. Turning she stepped closer to Van Helsing and studied him closer now.

"I'm still waiting to know your name?" She pushed.

His guard washed over his eye and he cast his glance down shielding his face with the peak of his hat.

"If you wish me to trust you then allow me to trust you..." Regina said slowly. Van Helsing looked up. He studied her a long moment. There was that faint smile again.

"Abraham," He nodded, "My name is Abraham Van Helsing, a pleasure to meet you Regina."


The winter sun broke the Storybrooke's horizon spilling out and over the small town which remained in a gentle slumber. The bare covering of snow had dotted the streets, laid on the grass and rooftops, forming small pools at the roadsides. David's cruiser drove slowly rolled down the street before pulling into the police station parking lot, Grumpy and Doc strolled from Granny's toward the mines for another day of mining, Aurora and Phillip were passing the streets, pram in tow. Gepetto was heading back to his home, Dr. Whale was attending the patients at the hospital. Ashley was currently teaching one of her parenting classes. Ruby was stood outside Granny's in a heavy coat putting up the first of the Christmas decorations, winding lights through the railings out front. All was clam.

Quiet. Silent.

Regina awoke. The gentle breeze was cascading through her open window, the curtains fluttered in the breeze. She gazed at the ceiling above her for a long moment. Her phone broke the silence. Rolling she reached out and plucked the mobile from the bedside table, casting a brief look to the caller ID. Henry. She swiftly answered.

"Henry are you-"

"Mom!" Henry gasped on the other end, "You've got to help me I...can't..."

"Henry? Henry? Slow down...I can't hear you."

"Please! Mom you...got...help!"

"Henry! Where are you?"

"I'm...home."

Home? Regina looked up and threw the phone down, quickly she whipped the blanket back and leapt from the bed. Marching across her bedroom she threw her bedroom doors open and stormed onto the landing. "Henry?" She called, "Henry this is not funny." There was no response. She could hear movement from the kitchen. "Henry!" She shouted again. Nothing. Growling she turned and marched down the staircase, waving her hand as she did and exchanging her night clothes for a skirt and blouse with leather boots. Striding into the kitchen she looked around-the fridge was ajar. "Henry?" She barked again. This was not amusing and she would scold the boy once she got her hands on him.

"Sorry sweetie, no Henry. Just me," A voice hissed behind her. Regina spun and came face to face with herself. The Evil Queen sneered at her. Regina felt her heart beginning to race in her chest. The Evil Queen swept toward her, the sequins on her gown glittering in the winter sunlight. "At last we meet again," The woman grinned through pearly teeth.

"Where's Henry?" Regina growled.

"Henry was never here. I wanted to play with you all myself," The Queen sneered again. Regina moved her arm ready to retaliate only to be swiftly thrown from her feet and back into the lounge. Her back cracked against the round table. Regina made to stand only to be flung again. Her body hit against one of the dresser's at the side. Glass was smashed as a vase was thrown aside, a picture clattered to the floor its frame shattering, the candelabra tipped and bounced as it collided with the wooden floor. Regina gasped feeling the sticky sensation of blood on her brow. Her vision was spinning. Managing to pull herself onto her hands she looked up to see the Evil Queen sweeping into the room. She reached out a hand brushing it over the surface of the table. Lifting her hand she studied the faint dust on the finger of her glove.

"Disgraceful," She hissed. Regina twisted her hand. The light hanging from the ceiling ripped from its hanging dropping atop the Queen. It didn't deter the woman in the slightest. Growling the Queen rounded on Regina. Stretching her hand out she slid the table aside taking two long strides before grasping Regina's throat hauling her up. The pressure made Regina's eyes burn, water was stinging them, her breath was being cut short. Scrambling she reached out to the Queen's fist now tightly about her neck attempting to loosen the fingers.

"You're so weak without me," The Queen smirked. With a thrust Regina's back met the wall, the Queen squeezing tightly again.


"Just keep your heels down," Violet laughed. Henry squirmed in the saddle. He bounced ungracefully as the horse walked in, what should have been, a circle. Gritting his teeth he attempted to remember to hold the reins correctly, push his heels down and at the same time sit straight. They made it look so easy in the films! Horses were Violet's great passion, Henry had decided to take that morning to invest some time in them. Violet was stood, dressed in her long leather boots, those tight fitting pants all horse people seemed to wear...Henry couldn't recall the name now, and a loose fitting woollen shawl. Her hair was pulled to the side and plaited. She looked amazing. Henry drew his eyes back down to the horse beneath him. A dark colored thing with a scraggy mane he had managed to borrow from the near riding school where Violet was currently dedicating her time. Violet chuckled again.

"Look up! If you keep your eyes on the floor you'll end up there!"

"Right," Henry nodded quickly turning his eyes to look up. Just by looking up he felt his back straighten, his heels push down and his body become looser.

"That's it!" Violet beamed. "You're getting it!"

Henry grinned wide and felt the horse quicken its pace to a trot. He began to bounce again. "Woah boy!" Henry said loudly.

"Just sit up," Violet chuckled.

"I'm trying!"

"Sit up!"

He bounced again and again before feeling his whole world spin. Within seconds he crashed to the floor, a cloud of dust leaping up in his wake. That hurt. They made falling off in the movies look easy too. His body was aching. Violet was at his side in seconds. She collapsed to her knees next to him, she was smiling though.

"Ow..." Henry muttered.

"I did tell you to sit up," Violet said softly, fighting the laughter.

"I think my back's broken."

"It is not," Violet laughed now, "Get up!"

Henry twisted his body and forced himself to sit up before looking to the horse he had been sitting on, grazing on a patch of grass it had found on the other side of the arena fence.

"You'll get there," Violet smiled.

"I hope so," Henry nodded. He reached into his jean pocket and pulled his phone out. Still early-in fact he had mentioned he would drop over to see his mom. Regina had seemed a bit...off the last few days. It must have been so hard for her to lose Robin now too. Life just wasn't fair. His mother didn't deserve it. Yet life could never leave her alone. "I better run," Henry looked back to Violet.

"That's okay, you did mention about your mom."

"Yeah, hope it's alright?"

"Of course! She needs you."

"I'll call you," Henry nodded.

"Make sure you soak in a bath-you'll really ache in the morning," Violet giggled again.

"Right," Henry growled. He leant forward and kissed her softly on the cheek before scrambling from the dirt and bolting toward the gate of the arena. Swinging it open he snatched his backpack off the floor and ran.


Regina was grasping at straws. She felt the tears spilling from the corner of her eyes. Her hands clawed at the Queen's and yet all the queen seemed to do was tighten her grasp. Yes of course she had thought of wading into the waters and allowing them to swallow her but those thoughts were a far away ache. She had never wanted that. Never wanted this. The Evil Queen was grinning wider and wider. The words that spilled from her lips were malicious taunts of death and meeting her lovers in the afterlife. Regina couldn't return to that place.

"Mom!" That single sound ripped her back. Twisting her body she kicked out sending the queen spiralling back across the lounge. Regina dropped to her knees gasping, spluttering attempting to suck the air, which now felt thick, back into her lungs. She coughed loudly, her windpipe felt crushed. Henry was at her side in seconds, next to her, supporting her. "Mom are you okay?" Henry breathed.

"You little brat!" The Queen snarled from the corner standing and dusting her gown off. "How dare you. I need a moment with your 'mother'."

"Stay away from her," Henry growled standing over Regina. Regina reached out and caught the end of his sleeve attempting to pull him away. She wouldn't let him stand between her and the Queen. There was no telling what she might do.

"Out of my way," The Queen hissed flicking her hand. Henry disappeared from in front of Regina was thrown across the lounge and into the main hallway. The doors slid shut on all sides of the room. Regina growled reaching out and attempting to pull herself up using the dresser.

"Just what do you think you're doing?!" Regina growled. Henry was hammering on the door, shouting to her. "That's my son!"

"He's not your son!" The Queen barked, "That's Swan's son-he has no connection to you at all. You're pathetic-you want it all and yet you never take it. That boy isn't yours he never will be yet you insist he is-"

"Stop it!"

"You'll never be happy-not without me."

"I don't need you to be happy," Regina snorted rubbing her bruising throat. Henry was still hammering on the door. "I can be happy-I can. I'll be much happier without you!"

"Good luck with that," The Queen sneered, cocking her hips and resting a hand on them. Regina twisted her wrist sending a fire ball barrelling toward The Queen. The scorching ball met nothing but the far wall of the lounge. Regina felt the air clear and saw the doors to the lounge slide open. Henry rushed in and toward her. Regina felt her knees quake and drop from beneath her. Regina hit the floor and felt her world beginning to fade out to black. Henry was next to her, shaking her shoulders but she couldn't make out a single word he said. Regina's world faded to black.


Emma looked down to her phone. Nearly midday. Striding through the hospital corridor Emma searched for Henry. He had sounded horrified, terrified on the phone when he had rang her to tell her everything that had happened. Emma rounded the corner her eyes falling on the small form of the teen that was slumped in a chair outside one of the hospital rooms.

"Henry?" Emma called out. The boy looked up, his eyes raw from tears, his face white and drawn. He stood quickly and rushed to her.

"I couldn't help her," Henry mumbled.

"What happened?" Emma pressed.

"It was her-she came and attacked her. The Evil Queen."

"The Queen?" Emma gaped. What had the Queen wanted to gain from this altercation? And she was alive. Van Helsing had been right...but how? Reaching out Emma patted the top of the boy's head before pulling him close and embracing him tightly. His grip was desperate. "It's alright kid," she reassured.

"She could have killed her."

"We'll figure it out," Emma nodded, "We'll find the Queen." Henry drew back now. Stepping forward Emma looked through the window into the room. Regina was laid on the bed, silent, hooked up to various machines. Her throat was highly bruised, so much so it was nearly entirely purple, a thick plaster covered the laceration on her brow. Dr. Whale was inside the room taking notes from the machines. Noticing Emma outside he quickly flipped his clipboard closed and turned removing himself from the room.

"How is she doing?" Emma asked.

"Well she has some serious bruising to her throat. In fact I think she's lucky her windpipe wasn't entirely crushed," Dr. Whale shook his head, "She was very lucky."

"She'll be okay though right?" Henry asked.

Dr. Whale looked around to the teen and nodded, "She should be fine. To be on the safe side though I'm doing to keep her in for observation overnight."

"Whatever you say, you're the doctor," Emma nodded. She turned her attention back toward Regina. The woman still hadn't moved, the machines continued to beep slowly. "She'll need someone to watch over her."

"The nurses have been informed of the situation," Dr. Whale nodded, "There's no need to worry."

"No," Emma shook her head turning and pulling the phone from the back pocket of her jeans, "If the Queen is after Regina then it's not medical help she'll need. She'll need protection-not just nurses." Looking down to the phone screen Emma began scrolling through the list of names. Reaching her required number she quickly dialled the number and put the phone to her ear.

"Who are you calling?" Henry frowned.

"I'll leave you to it," Dr. Whale nodded turning and disappearing down the corridor.

"Dad?" Emma was relieved to hear her father answer the phone on the other end. "I need you to help me...I need you to find someone for me...Who? I need you to find Van Helsing."


Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Regina growled at the incessant beeping of the machine. Managing to force her eyes open Regina was met with the blistering blinding whiteness of a sterile room. She hissed feeling the dryness in her throat. Water, she needed water. Twisting in the bed she reached out and noted the flowers in the vase, next to the water jug. Flowers? Who were they from? Sunflowers and all. Stretching her arm out she lifted the water jug, just. The weight quickly forced her to set it down. Regina growled in frustration. The door to her room opened. She spun and saw a pale haired man step in. The face was recognisable but the clothes weren't. It was Van Helsing yet instead of his usual attire he was dressed in dark blue jeans, heavy boots. A White T-shirt, hooded grey sweatshirt and a brown leather jacket. The scarred face beneath the sweatshirt's hood was unmistakable.

"What are you doing here?" Regina asked, "And don't tell me you're responsible for these-" she gestured to the flowers.

"Of course not," Abraham shook his head. "I doubt you world be the sunflower type-your son brought them for you."

"Henry," Regina smiled peering back to the flowers. "Is he alright?" She asked reaching out she moved to take hold of the water jug again.

"Your boy is fine," Van Helsing muttered finally shutting the door and crossing the room moving to take hold of the water jug.

"I can manage," Regina scolded setting her hand on the jug first.

"At least try not be so proud," he growled. He snatched the jug up and looked down to her. Regina heaved a sigh and sat back. Van Helsing lifted the glass and poured the water for her. The sound of the trickling water filled the silence.

"What are you doing here anyway?"

"Emma came to me, asked me to watch over you."

"I don't need a protector."

"On a normal day, perhaps. Tonight I'm afraid you do." Regina seethed. She looked to the man before her before taking the glass he was holding out to her.

"Thank you...I guess."

"You do know how to make one feel appreciated." The man snorted setting the jug down and crossing back toward the window, falling into the chair in front of it. His single eyed gaze now looked out the faintly open window. Regina followed his gaze and saw the snow descending through the black night sky. Turning her eyes back in front of her she looked down to the glass of water, gingerly bringing it to her lips and slowly taking a sip of the water. At first it was burning her throat but as the liquid ran down her throat it began to soothe and offer relief. Quickly Regina took a second long gulp. The second time the pain in her throat was a good degree higher-for now she decided she may leave drinking any more. Setting the glass aside she finally sat back, bringing a hand up and rubbing the delicate flesh of her throat. How awful must it have looked?

"You'd best get to sleep, you've been through much."

Regina cast a glance to Van Helsing. His jaw rested atop his fist, his gaze still on the world outside. She studied him for a long moment. "What happened to the Queen?"

"She vanished."

"Vanished."

"Yes."

"How do you know?"

"I was there."

"You-YOU were there?"

"I heard a commotion while I was passing."

Regina paused a moment and narrowed her eyes. He was 'passing'? Why passing her home? "Have you found anything more on Mr. Hyde?"

Van Helsing shut his eye firmly and inhaled deeply. "Not as of yet, I have searched the majority of the day with no result. I'll resume my searching in the morning, I believe your sister will be coming to take over my watch then."

"Zelena? What about Robin?"

"I'm not currently aware of the arrangement concerning the child. Please Miss. Mills, get some rest."

Regina slumped back in her bed and cast a glance to the monitors. They continued to beep and as far as she was aware they meant nothing and she couldn't understand a single number nor flashing light. Van Helsing was like a silent statue in the corner of the room, he hardly moved and wouldn't speak unless spoken too.

"I told you already..." Regina hissed. "It's Regina." She didn't feel awkward in his presence, in fact if anything she felt relaxed. She peered once more at the man-there was that faint smile on his face. Was he sleeping? His eyes were shut now. Allowing herself to shut her eyes too, Regina attempted to pull in a deep breath. It stung. Her throat was restricting the flow of air. She attempted to focus solely on her breathing taking small measured breaths. Then somehow she managed to lose herself and drift away to sleep.


Abraham stepped through the smoke filled alley, the snow drifted senselessly from the inky night sky above. The revolver was held firm in his gloved right hand, held close to his side. Blood leaked from his brow and down across the bridge of his nose, from the slit in his brow at the hair line. His pale hair was damp now, snow was gathering on his the shoulders of his heavy leather coat. He could hear him-hear him somewhere in the dark. A cat screamed in a neighbouring alley. Abraham dared a look left to see a fat lump of a man laid in a heap abandoned in the alley, a liquor bottle in his grasp. Abraham stepped forward, he could feel the cold breath down the back of his neck, the icy glare of bloodshot eyes. The soles of his boots crunched over the ice snow dusted dirt. There. Behind him. Footsteps. Abraham gentled pulled the hammer of the pistol down, it clicked into place. A heaving whistle of the wind echoed through the alley, Abraham stopped. Swiftly he spun lifting the revolver and holding it firm before him.

"Who's hunting whom?" He breathed narrowing his eyes, straining to see through the smoke that drifted across the alley. Drawing back a step he didn't dare turn his back now. The culprit was there, through the shadows, hiding. Stalking. Abraham always did the hunting, he was never the hunted he simply didn't allow himself to be anymore. Stepping back until he saw the brick wall bend, he quickly spun, bringing the weapon up he held it near his jaw. Pinning his back to the wall he waited. There. Footsteps. Abraham pulled in a quiet breath and waited. The steps were close now, shoes crunching through the snow. Recalling the paces it took to stride the alley Abraham counted. Three. Two. One. A person appeared. Reaching out Abraham lunged, grabbing hold of the person, twisting them and slamming them against the wall the pistol at their throat. Hyde's dog stood before him. Poole's terrified face gazed at him, bruised and bloodied.

"Get your hands off me!" The man barked loudly.

"Silence," Abraham snarled shaking the man roughly, pulling the man away from the wall and bashing him against the stone again. "He sent you? Where is he? I don't have time for you." Poole snarled, baring his teeth and lunged forward with his jaw snapping. That was the sign of a desperate cornered dog. Abraham leapt back lowering his revolver before crashing it harshly against Poole's jaw sending the man spiralling back.


"Poor Regina," Mary Margaret shook her head.

"Yeah, that's got to be rough," David nodded in agreement.

"So what happened after?" Emma looked across to Van Helsing who was leant against the sink, his arms folded across his chest.

"Loving the new look by the way mate," Killian chimed from his seat at the counter. Van Helsing's eye snapped up looking to the pirate before looking back to Emma. There was something incredibly eerie about his silver blind eye. It looked but didn't see. Stared right through a person.

"The queen was only after Regina, she wanted nothing to do with Henry nor I. She clearly has a score to settle with herself. She isn't after anyone else. Hence she left."

"The Evil Queen is out to harm everyone," David corrected.

"Clearly not," Van Helsing sighed.

"Well that doesn't make bloody sense," Killian scoffed.

"She wasn't about to waste her energy with me-I think her powers may be quiet limited."

"How so?" Emma scowled.

"When I faced her, she didn't have much want to use her magic and she couldn't face me physically. Why would she have cause not to use her magic when she is so powerful?"

"He's right the Queen would always use her magic," Mary Margaret nodded.

"It was either that or she has been made aware that her magic would not cause me harm," Abraham nodded.

"Why doesn't magic effect you exactly?" Killian frowned, "Share your secret with us then, maybe we can all have a shot at the Queen."

"Calm yourself pirate. I cannot be harmed because of a deal I made."

"You son of a bitch, you made a deal with that bloody crocodile didn't you!" Killian leapt out of his seat.

"Take you seat," Van Helsing scolded, "Do I appear foolish enough to do such a thing? I would never deal in magic. It has cost me enough. Allow me to rephrase myself, magic cannot harm me because of an oath I uphold."

"Oaths and deals are all the same," Killian snarled.

"Killian," Emma soothed, reaching out a hand and putting it on the pirates chest pushing him back away from an unmoved Van Helsing. Did the man ever get nervous? Worried? Even amidst all these strangers he remained like a serene statue.

"What 'oath' exactly?" David frowned.

"An oath I swore to the Apprentice," Van Helsing said quietly. Emma studied him a moment longer before recognizing that wall...that armor. She, up until very recently, had worn the exact same and now she realized that so did Van Helsing. The next question that sprung to mind was why?

"The Apprentice?" Henry piped.

"And in turn swearing to him, I've sworn to the Author," Van Helsing's eye drifted and looked across to Henry now. "The Author, no matter who they are."

Emma looked to Henry now. What did Van Helsing mean? What had he sworn? The Apprentice was dead now? He did realize that? Then it clicked in her mind...that was why Van Helsing had looked for Henry first.


Leaning back against the table Abraham eyed the man before him. Poole was bound tightly to the wooden chair in the centre of the room.

"You're a fool," Poole laughed.

"Am I?"

"The warden could easily dispose of me, this is no way to draw him out."

"I am in no hurry to find the Warden as of yet Mr. Poole. I will be taking my chance to thank you for the greeting you presented me with earlier," Abraham muttered unfolding his arms and gesturing to the slit in his brow. "I like to think myself to be a fair man and, correct me if I am wrong, believe it only fair to return your 'greeting'." The man reached to his belt and pulled a long serrated knife from a small leather sheath. The grin on Poole's face dropped away.

"The Great Van Helsing harming an unarmed bound man?" Poole sneered. His attempt to dent the hunters pride went thoroughly unheeded. Van Helsing stepped forward and cast his eyes to the knife in his hand.

"Slurs and desperate words...I treat my enemies only how they would treat me. Does that make me any less great?" Van Helsing took another step forward, reaching out he lent on the arm of the chair. Poole's lips twisted as if seeking more words to save himself. None came. "Now Mr. Poole, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Abraham Van Helsing and although I am no tutor I am willing to teach you something here today. Leave the hunting to the hunters and Mr. Poole a scent is not easily forgotten if the prey survives." Van Helsing stood tall now and twisted the knife ripping it across flesh. Blood spattered the sleeve of his white shirt. Poole's screams echoed through the dark alley ways of the city long into the night.


"You have history with the warden," Henry muttered. Everyone had dispersed now. David had gone to the station to occupy himself in the search for Hyde, Henry was sure the dwarves were helping, Emma and Killian had vanished down toward the docks to allow the pirate to calm himself and Mary Margaret had dropped both Henry and Van Helsing at the hospital before making for grannies to pick up Neal. Zelena had left the hospital to return to Robin.

"Much..." Van Helsing sighed. The man stood near the room window peering out on the dismal winter day. Snow was drifting through the skies again. It had usually always made Henry so happy to see the sight. Snowball fights, snowmen, snow angels, warm nights by open fires, the smell of pine in the living room. There was none of that now. Henry sat on Regina's bedside. The woman had seemingly found some form of sleep.

"Well seeing as you have an oath to me why don't you tell me what happened?" Henry pried. He wouldn't lie he was curious, curious about Hyde, curious about Van Helsing himself.

"It's a dark tale, perhaps not for children-"

"I'm not a kid!" Henry quickly retaliated, silencing himself swiftly and casting a glance to his mother. She hadn't woken. Van Helsing peered over his shoulder sharply eyeing the boy a long moment before returning his eyes out the window.

"I was not always a hunter..."

Henry glanced up-so the man was going to speak.

"I was once a scientist."

"Woah, one badass looking scientist," Henry grinned.

"I did not always look like this either," Van Helsing turned showing his heavily scarred face. "But that is another tale entirely. I worked closely with Dr. Jekyll, we were performing numerous experiments on the human psyche. We were trying to establish connections between body and spirit, how the mind worked when one became angered, why we became angry and how to quell it. Unlike Dr. Frankenstein who studied the decay of the living and anatomy."

"You mean Dr. Whale?"

"As you know him...I knew him as Victor. Coincidently we met this morning-the man has not changed much. Still pig headed and lustful."

"So these experiments...what happened with them?"

"After much investigating Jekyll and I, mostly Jekyll, managed to concoct a serum that would draw out a person's evil self. Using this serum we could conduct more tests...however we now needed a test subject. As you will imagine we were hard pressed to find one. I volunteered many times but alas the serum seemed to have no effect...therefore we deemed it a failure. Dr. Jekyll refused to give in and volunteered himself. That's when everything changed. Jekyll became a monster, a creature I dubbed; Hyde. He was uncontrollable, he broke away from the lab and took to the streets."

"And then...?"

"Hyde committed thirteen heinous murders in a single night, I abandoned the research to find him. I never did find him. Jekyll and Hyde vanished until one day a close friend, Jack Seward, told me he had a man at his asylum working as groundsman by the name of Henry Jekyll. Jack kept me posted on Jekyll's doings when he could provide the time."

"So how did Hyde come back?"

"I believe I can answer that," A voice spoke. Van Helsing and Henry turned to see Henry Jekyll stood in the doorway, he pushed the bridge of his glasses up, his hands trembling. "Hello Abraham," Jekyll squeaked. Van Helsing said not a word, his eye narrowed.