Regina pulled the washcloth away from her neck and heaved a sigh. What a mess it was. Her damp hair was draped around her pale face, or maybe it was just the grotesque purple bruising that was causing her to appear so pale. Tossing the cloth down into the basin of the sink Regina spun and stepped into the bedroom, crossing toward the wardrobe. Pulling the doors open she viewed her clothing. Eventually Regina pulled a white turtleneck from a drawer and jerked it over her head. Pulling her hair from beneath she swiftly ensured the bruising on her neck was covered fully before pulling her hair back away from her face and combing her fingers through her inky locks, shaking it out in the hopes it would dry faster. Smoothing the stomach of her turtleneck Regina spun, lifting a belt and fastening it around her waist. Her phone beeped loudly. Regina paused in her movements and slowly cast a look over her shoulder to the phone embedded in the unkempt bed sheets. More than likely it would be another text from Zelena questioning her welfare, it was either going to be that or her sister demanding she come stay with her or vice versa. Regina didn't want to have to repeat herself to anyone-she was FINE. She would not be driven out of her own home because of the Queen. Regina had hoped her life would be better without the Queen but so far it was proving to be worse-the Queen had been, somewhat, easier to control when they were one. She was on the verge of leaving the room and the phone to go into the town itself-that way she could always claim she had never received the messages and countless calls. Her curiosity remained too high not too. Crossing the room Regina reached out and snatched the phone off the bed peering down to the screen. Henry? Regina scowled. Apparently he was at Van Helsing's and they now knew where Hyde was. When did Van Helsing move into the neighbourhood? Apparently he was in one of those old Manor's on the outskirts of Storybrooke. That wasn't the plaguing thought. Apparently Van Helsing had been able to locate Hyde. If they knew were Hyde was...then this would all be over swiftly. Regina quickly spun and strode from the room.
She waited, outside Granny's, leaning against her car. Her gloved hands were pushed into the warm pockets of her woollen coat. Wow it had gotten cold. Suppose they would be expecting a lot of snow this winter. Regina's eyes drifted to the sky above her. Grey and dismal. What was new?
"Regina?"
Regina spun at the sound of her name to see Emma striding forward up the sidewalk toward her.
"I got your message, what's all this about?"
Regina set her eyes on Emma, even Swan was dressed for the weather. A heavy aviator jacket over her jeans and boots and woollen hat over her blonde hair. Regina inhaled a breath before pushing off the car. They both paused as a flake of white drifted down between them. Both looked up. The snow was beginning to drift down again, a thick blanket was settling on the pavement, before long it would have coated the entirety of Storybrooke.
"I think we have something on Hyde." Regina finally said drawing her attention away from the snow.
"We do? How?" There was mixture of excitement and worry in Emma's voice.
"Henry sent me a message-said he was at one of the old manors on the outskirts of town with Van Helsing. Said they had something on Hyde," Regina nodded. Turning she leant down and pulled the door of the old Mercedes open. "Get in."
"Regina-"
"Ask me if 'I'm okay'? Or 'Are you sure'? I am warning you," Regina hissed through her teeth.
"No. I was going to say can we not take my car?" Emma gestured to the small yellow bug. Regina cracked a smile and let out a loud laugh.
"You're not serious," Regina smirked, "I may have been in the hospital but I haven't hit my head. We're taking my car," Regina sat down into the car and started the engine, glancing out the window up to Emma who sighed before relenting and sitting into the car.
The tambourine clattered against the heel of her palm, she twisted her body. Music was rumbling from the corner of the plaza, the harsh melodic clapping of drums, a flute whistled loudly followed by the strumming of a lute. One of the gypsies was yipping to the music, tapping his foot against the stone followed by the other musicians. Smiling brightly Esmeralda turned and leapt away spinning over the floor her long inky like hair swirling about her slim body. She twisted and turned in time with the music keeping perfect rhythm and balance. More people paused and looked to the gypsies, Esmeralda in particular. Some were even stopping to listen to the music, others clapped happily, some even were feeling generous enough flipped a gold coin or two into the hat flopped before the musicians. Esmeralda continued her dance spinning and twisting leaping and tossing her hair every so often to the slap of the drums. Eventually she twisted to the edge of the circle that had formed and grabbed hold of a child, which attempted to mimic her movements, pulling the young girl with her into the heart of the circle. The pair began to quickly entwine with another. The people clapped louder and stomped their feet. Esmeralda bounced to the edge of the circle once more and this time pulled a woman free before skipping along the line and dragging a man out. Soon many people were dancing and spinning across the plaza. The gypsy woman was beyond words in beauty, her spirit was free and light. If ever there was an example of the perfect woman it was Esmeralda. He watched her closely, leant against a brick wall, he eyed the entirety of the plaza. The past number of weeks had been hard for them both. After she had found him clinging to life in the back room of an inn they had hardly been parted, wherever he went she followed and wherever she led her life Van Helsing followed. He was more than determined to return the favour she had granted him. Van Helsing felt the scar across the left hand side of his face pulling as skin continued to knit together. The edge of his lips twinged uncontrollably, bringing up a gloved hand he pressed his fingers against the crack of his lips. Applying pressure seemed to be the only thing that would cease the twitching. Looking back toward Esmeralda he watched her closely, she was finished her dancing now, the people had taken her place the musicians continuing their music. Van Helsing was still adjusting to the world through a single eye. He wouldn't lie the transition had been awkward, it still was. He had a tendency to bump into things, knock into people and misjudge the placement of different objects. Blinking he missed her. Esmeralda had vanished. Van Helsing thrust himself off the wall and looked around the bustling plaza wildly.
"Over here," A voice sounded behind him.
Van Helsing spun his eye landing on the gypsy who gazed up to him, her emerald eyes gleaming, "You know..." He hissed.
"Apologies," She grinned taking hold of his hand and pulling him. He didn't appreciate it. She was mocking him. "Why not teach me a lesson?" The gypsy's eyes fluttered. Van Helsing eyed her as she took a steady step back, her grip still clutched his hand tightly. He was hesitant. The promise he had made six years previous still lingered at the back of his mind. The gypsy must have seen the bewildered look in his eyes. Grinning she halted in her steps and her smile grew softer.
"Abraham..." She muttered slowly reaching up with one hand and stroking the flesh near his ridged scar. He flinched. Her smile grew even softer now and she repeated the movement, brushing her fingers now against the scar. His flesh seared hot at the touch but he did not draw away. "You can trust me..."
"I can. I know that..."
"But..." Esmeralda flicked back the collar of his trench coat looking beneath to the silver cross that hung around his neck. "Lucy."
"I promised her."
"Give me the afternoon," Esmeralda's grin returned now, "Courtesy of the people?" She drew the chest of her white blouse down. Van Helsing drew back now. Esmeralda giggled before drawing some gold coins from between her breasts, the bangles around her wrist jingling. Van Helsing eyed her carefully before relenting and stepping forward plucking one of the gold coins from her hand eyeing it favourably.
"The afternoon then."
The backpack was thrown down onto the table with a heavy clatter. Stepping forward the queen ripped it open and drew the 'Forgotten Tales' book from Henry's bag. She studied it a moment before sliding it across the table to Hyde. Hyde eyed the book and then swiftly looked back to the Queen.
"Is this it?"
"This is part one," The Queen smiled, "He's part two," The Queen gestured to Henry. Hyde turned his eyes between the book to Henry. Henry was sat in the corner of the room, the Hunchback standing over him.
"I'm not going to be part of anything concerning either of you," Henry spat.
"Quiet...please," Hyde sighed. His eyes scanned over the leather of the book and nodded. "Yes, this will be it. We can use this."
"I don't care about their stories," The Queen finally heaved.
"You will care when it all leads to your wants," Hyde hissed. He lifted the front cover of the book and flipped it open before looking toward the Hunchback. "Is he dead?"
"I think so master."
Hyde froze in his movements, pondered the words before slowly looking up to the creature. Instantly the Hunchback cowered.
"You...'think' so?" There was an eerie silence in the room. Henry exchanged a glance between Hyde before looking to the creature who stood above him. The Hunchback was shaking now, terrified of a reprimand. Hyde turned now and looked at the creature. It was shaking, Henry could see it now. "My dear, please see our new guest to his room. Allow me some time with our dear companion here." The Queen smirked before striding forward, pushing past Quasimodo and reaching down snatching hold of Henry. He attempted to pull away from her. It was odd. It was his mother's face but not her...
"Get off me," Henry snapped.
"I am your mother," The Queen grinned.
"Don't patronise me," Henry attempted to pull his arm away. The Queen pulled him to his feet and sneered.
"I would never patronise my son," The Queen grabbed hold of his arm and dragged him from the room. Henry shot a look over his shoulder toward the creature, it had dropped to its knees before Hyde. Hyde had removed his coat and was rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt, his knuckles cracking.
Esmeralda skipped ahead of him. Her skirt swirling about her legs. Her cheeks here red, the winter air was chilling even him. Van Helsing could feel his scar burning as the snow brushed against his cheek. He tipped the rim of his hat down, hoping to shield himself a bit more. Esmeralda was twisting, singing to herself. She was a graceful being. The streets were empty now, all the peasants had retreated in from the cold and the snow, into their warm homes, inside to fill their bellies with stew. The streets were lit only by the orange glow that spilled from the buildings windows. Van Helsing's gaze drifted from the snow coated windows back to the woman. She turned, looked to him briefly before smiling widely. She paused in her actions and cocked her brows.
"What?" She frowned.
Van Helsing shook his head. What about Lucy? He hadn't seen the woman in years, the last he saw of her was at their daughters funeral. Then the Lucy he had known had vanished, the look in her eyes had told him that the woman he had married would never be found again. Still he remained loyal...though in the back of his mind he was beginning to feel...
"Nothing," Van Helsing said quickly beginning forward again. The snow stung his face again. He stepped forward, they were almost at the inn now. He had allowed the gypsy to take him around the city for that afternoon and the only thing he had learnt from it all was an uncomfortable thought at the back of his mind. One he had not encountered for years. Now all he wished to do was return home. Or as close to home as he could get. The rented room within the Copper Bell. Stepping past Esmeralda Van Helsing paid no heed to the confusion on her face.
"You better return to your gypsy brothers before they miss you."
"My 'gypsy brothers'? I thought you didn't care for names and titles?"
"I do not."
"Then do not," Esmeralda quickly followed him, pushing herself in front of him and halting him, "Do not think yourself above me."
"The Gypsies of this city are below me. You would not be made to beg on street corners if you were equal."
Esmeralda's hand came up quickly and cracked against his cheek. A hot sprint of pain flared across his face. The scar burned, the stitching buckling and coming loose. The feeling of blood drooling through his cracked skin made a shiver run down his spine. His eye looked up to the woman before him. She stood her ground firm. Van Helsing hesitantly reached up a hand to the blood and brushed it from his face.
"How dare you," Esmeralda scolded.
He looked down to the blood that stained the leather of his glove.
"After everything?"
Van Helsing cast his eyes back to her, she was hurt. Perhaps his words had been harsh. However. Reaching out he grasped hold of her arm and pulled her closer. "Then stop."
"Stop?" She spat attempting to pull away, he wouldn't allow her. "Let go of me." He didn't release her.
"I made that promise years ago and yet everything, everything about you tells me to turn my back on it all."
Esmeralda eyes widened, her anger vanishing replaced by confusion, "...what?"
"You. You, everything about you makes me..."
"Mad..." Esmeralda nodded. Van Helsing looked to her again, the blood dripped from his chin and onto his shirt, her wrists were firmly held in his un-relinquishing grip.
The door was thrown open, Van Helsing reversed himself in Esmeralda was against him, pushing him back. She flicked the door shut with a hand before throwing herself against him again. Their lips collided again, her hands reached to his neck and threw the leather trench coat from his shoulders. Van Helsing ripped the shawl from about her shoulders, exposing her dark flesh. Van Helsing pulled back as they crossed the room, her hands were working on unfastening the leather waistcoat, the bangles around her wrist jingling. Briefly he looked to her, her face was smeared with blood. Van Helsing felt the back of his legs meet the wooden frame of the bed, he dropped pulling the woman with him.
Emma looked around to Regina. "Are you sure this is the right place?"
"You see any other stately homes around here?" Regina gestured to the surrounding area. They were stood deep in the forest of Storybrooke. The old Victorian home that towered above them was the only home for miles. The large evergreen trees surrounded them, they had found the dirt track after the large iron gates at the end of the drive had caught their attention. The house was a grand thing, though abandoned.
"I can't see much else other then snow," Emma mumbled. One could hardly see through the trees and snow.
"Exactly. Try again," Regina insisted. Emma heaved a sigh before spinning, unhooking her hands from beneath her arm pits and wrapping her knuckles against the heavy wooden door again. They waited in the snow, in the silence. Nothing. Nothing but the faint whispering of wind.
"Looks like nobody's home," Regina noted.
"Well I'm not staying out here," Emma growled. Regina moved more to the left allowing Emma to step up to the door. Emma reached for the handle and twisted, locked.
"Don't you think I tried that?" Regina hissed. Drawing back a pace Emma cocked a brow before stepping back a pace and kicking out against the door. It swung open with a loud crash. Regina jumped. "Emma!" She scolded.
"Look at that? Somebody's suddenly home," Emma feigning surprise before stepping inside. Regina hesitantly followed, at least they were in from the cold. The house was old, dust ridden yet grand. A large curving staircase stood high before them, velvet drapes covered the windows, a large picture hung from the wall on the landing of the staircase. It too however was coated by a large white sheet. It looked like a house of ghosts. Wasn't that a tradition? Whenever someone died all the mirrors and pictures would be covered to prevent spirits? That was all hocus pocus. Regina shook those thoughts from her mind before casting her eyes down. She noted the footprints through the dust on the wooden floorboards. So someone had been here. Regina's eyes drifted to the kitchen, the archway to the left opened up onto an elegant Victorian image of a kitchen. Regina felt herself drift toward it.
"Wait a second," Emma muttered. Regina stopped and turned. Emma was reaching to her belt and drawing her gun free.
"What?" Regina hissed.
"Look," Emma was pointing now to a large room to their left. Another carved archway led into that room. It seemed the most lived in, gossamer curtains were whisking in the wind, snow had piled on the floor beneath an open window. There was nothing but a single chair near the window and a table at the rooms centre. It was then Regina noticed it. There was a large blood stain on the opposing wall. Regina cast a glance to Emma who advanced into the room. Both searched the room, though there was not much to search. Regina stepped toward the chair, a trench coat and empty holster hanging from its back. Stepping close she recognised them instantly. Van Helsing's. Where was he? Where was Henry? Why was there blood on the walls?
"Henry?" Emma called out. Silence. "What the hell happened here?"
"Emma," Regina froze in her stride as she noted one of the walls collapsed. Blood was drooling from beneath the rubble. Emma raised her pistol.
"Van Helsing?" Emma called loudly. Nothing. Regina rose her hand and stepped toward the rubble, bracing for the worst. Her heart was beginning to thump within her chest. It looked like someone was underneath it. Oh god, Henry? No, not Henry. Regina attempted to soothe her racing heart. Drawing closer Regina caught sight of a grey sweatshirt and pale hair.
"Emma help me!" Regina gasped dropping to her knees and beginning to claw at the rubble. Regina heaved a clump of plaster away to see Van Helsing's shoulders appear. Emma was quick to aid her and helped to shift some more plaster away. It was Van Helsing alright. Regina paused as Emma heaved plaster away to reveal the back of Van Helsing's bloodied head. Thick blood clogged the cuts, his hair matted with crimson, the liquid sticking to her gloves.
"Oh my god," Regina was worried now. Who had done this? Her eyes darted around the room. Were they still here?
"We have to get him to the hospital," Emma muttered.
"Where's Henry?" Regina asked now. Asking the question neither knew the answer to and both dreadfully feared.
She could hear a heavy clatter on the doors. What was that? Managing to open her eyes Esmeralda peered to the bedroom door, it was ajar. She could feel his arm over her hips. Looking around she could see the various bloody marks on the pillows and sheets from his face. Now she felt a pang of guilt. All her work to close the wound and of all people she was had been the one to open it. Esmeralda studied his face. He was calm, peaceful, no fear nor cares or worries plagued him. The previous night had been a whirlwind and she could scarce remember much apart from sheer unbridled pleasure and passion. Esmeralda had never laid with a man, not once in her years and, considering her age, that was strange. She was nearly in her twenty first year of life. The hammering on the door continued. She waited, whoever was at the door could wait a moment longer. She twisted beneath the weight of his arm and brought a hand from beneath the blanket to stroke the sandy hair back off his brow. Grinning now she moved back, her attentions did wonder to the multitude of tattoos and scars that coated his body, some words others pictures. Were they telling his story? There was a loud crack on the door, heaving Esmeralda crept from beneath his grasp and crossed the room snapping up his shirt and pulling it over her head. She left the bedroom entering into the living area crossing to the door. She jerked it open to see the red face of, what she assumed was, the inn keeper.
"I need you out," the man growled, grease dotting his pimpled sweaty brow. Esmeralda scowled.
"This room has been paid for."
"I do not want any vagabonds in my inn."
"By 'vagabonds' you mean me?"
"I know he's in there," the man pushed past her. "I ain't having a wanted man in my inn." Wanted? Esmeralda jumped back as the man's beady eyes searched the living area.
"Where is he?"
"You cannot just walk in here," she scolded.
"Shut your trap wench," the man made for the bedroom and thrust the door open. Esmeralda bolted forward after him. Van Helsing was wanted? For what? Rushing into the bedroom Esmeralda found it empty with only the inn keeper ducked low searching under the bed.
"Like I said," she spat, "There is no one here." There was no sign of Van Helsing at all. His coat, his clothes everything was gone. Esmeralda frowned, her eyes drifted back to the inn keeper who was bristling, red cheeks and brow.
"I must have been mistaken," he snarled spinning and striding from the room. The door clicked shut. Esmeralda hesitated before searching the rented room herself.
"Van Helsing?" She hissed. There was no response. He had left, she hadn't even realised he had been awake.
"This way," Whale gestured. Regina and Emma followed. They had moved Van Helsing and quickly summoned an ambulance arriving at the hospital in less than an hour. Now Dr Whale and a multitude of nurses swarming the gurney that Van Helsing now laid on.
"Vitals are low," one nurse looked to Whale.
"I want a CT scan done immediately. Stabilise him as best you can we have to move quickly." Whale responded his white coat fluttering, he too looked like a flustered swan attempting to control its young. The nurses set to their orders, one turned and ran down a corridor to the left.
"What's happening?" Regina asked looking to Whale. Whale paused in his step and spun looking to Emma and Regina now.
"I can't say for certain at this point. I'm ordering a scan of the brain to assess how much or if there is any internal damage. For now what I can say is that I wouldn't be hopeful judging by the signs and scale of the injuries. He's sustained serious head injuries, to be frank I'm amazed he's still breathing..then again he's always been a survivor."
"Doc who could have done this?" Emma looked to Whale. His name was shouted urgently two moments later by a frantic nurse who swiftly disappeared once more. Whale shook his head.
"I have to go, all I will say though? I don't think it was who but what." With that Whale turned and spun fleeing down the hallway quickly. Regina and Emma stood in the corridor before looking to one another. What? Was it Hyde? Who else could have done such damage?
Striding forward Esmeralda pulled the shawl closer around her shoulders. She was making for the gypsy stronghold, the Court of Miracles. That would be where she would find safety, sanctuary. Wrapping the shawl closer over her bare shoulders, Esmeralda felt vulnerable now. Alone. After the previous night she would have though Van Helsing a true man, an honourable man after everything he had done in his promise to his wife. Yet...she had been left alone. Was she naive to think that he...felt more for her then just acquaintances? Continuing through the streets Esmeralda cast her eyes to everyone, they seemed to watch her with filthy expressions, peered down their bridged noses at her. Gypsy filth. That is what they would say if they could speak their minds. Esmeralda turned and made her advances down an alley to her right. She crashed into a solid force. Leaping back Esmeralda set her eyes on a man who watched her with wide eyes. A kings guard.
"Hey," He hissed, "Don't I know you?"
"I think you are much mistaken," Esmeralda quickly tracked back.
"I think not," The man shook his head reaching out. Esmeralda who spun back from his grasp. "Come here."
"Leave me," Esmeralda turned now and ran. The man was shouting, screaming for her to halt. She wouldn't. She had to get away, they would kill her-that's all Frollo wanted. Ever since she would not present herself to him like a common whore. She ran, guards were bellowing again. She ran. Pushing past the people who roamed the streets. Women shrieked, children pointed, men frowned and gasped. She kept running, she ran faster and faster and faster and faster. Rounding a corner she was grabbed and pulled close to a man's body. Esmeralda looked up to see the shaded face of Van Helsing holding her close. He forced her against the wall and quickly brought his arms up and pinned her back, using his body to shield hers. The guards sprinted past the alley mouth not moments later completely ignoring them. Esmeralda felt beads of sweat coating her brow, her chest heaved. Her shawl had vanished, it must have slipped from her shoulders when she had run. Her eyes moved back to Van Helsing now.
"Where have you been?" He demanded.
"Where have I been? Where have I been? Where did you go?"
"I sought penance."
Esmeralda pushed him back from her now, "I did not realize I was a sin!" She stepped away. His hand reached out and grasped her wrist drawing her back.
"I did not seek penance because of you-I sought it because of my sin to her. Not you, never you," Van Helsing looked worried now, fearful that she may continue on her way. The stitching on his face was still loose, dried blood cracking in the gash. "Please do not take offence-"
"Why did you leave?" She demanded now.
"I thought it best to make myself scarce-the man would have had both out necks at the gallows if he were to discover me."
"Why? What have you done?"
"Can we please move this conversation to a place with less ears?"
"No. You tell me what it is you have done before I walk away and do not turn back." Esmeralda meant it. She would not be made a fool of and she would most certainly not be used to his likings. She wanted answers, she had been much too quick to judge this man.
Regina stood at the bed end. Her eyes studied the sleeping man before her. Van Helsing remained firmly comatose. A ventilator was clasped firmly over his mouth and nose while wires sprung from his wrists leading to the multitude of machines at the bedside, the back of Van Helsing's head was heavily bandaged. Whale was at the bedside taking notes before flipping the pages back over the lip of the clipboard and looking to her.
"Please tell me you have some good news?" Regina asked slowly.
"I'm afraid I don't," Whale shook his head.
"On the GCS he has barely reached a four on the scale."
"What does that mean?"
"It means on a scale that ranks from 3 to 15 it's not good. We're currently keeping him in an induced coma for now until we can rule out-"
"Induced coma?" Regina gasped, "Dr. Whale Henry was with him-I need him awake to find out what happened to him!"
"I'm afraid I can't do that Regina," Whale shook his head.
"Wake him up now!" Regina moved forward toward the machines-she had no idea what they meant but...maybe if she pressed that button...
"Regina!" Whale scolded rounding the bed and grabbing hold of her.
"He knows everything," Regina argued attempting to pull away from Whale.
"Regina stop now. This is my hospital-changing anything in his condition could have disastrous consequences. You'll kill him-then you will never have any hope of finding where Henry may be." Whale looked down to Regina, her eyes were wide, frightened, her grip on his arms was asking-seeking support to keep her held on her feet. "Henry will be found," Whale assured. Regina could feel her eyes stinging. Not here. Don't dare. Ripping herself away from Whale she cast a look toward Van Helsing before spinning and striding from the room.
Emma ducked low and picked up the revolver. She flipped the cylinder open and saw that it was empty. Her eyes looked up again now to view the room surrounding her. There was nothing, no hint no sign. Just the results of a scuffle and various bloodstains on the walls and floors.
"I can't make anything of this," David sighed heavily brushing his hand over a bullet hole in the wall. Emma sat a moment, down on her hunkers, revolver in hand. The revolver she held was a powerful thing, one of those good old fashioned weapons and, judging by the large slots in the cylinder, had large bullets and packed a mean punch too.
"He ran out of ammunition..." She muttered before looking back over her shoulder toward her father, "What was he fighting?"
"And why?" David turned now crossing the room, brushing the dust from his hands. Emma pushed herself up now and stood tall before stepping toward the kitchen. It was far less chaotic. A table had been thrown and the pantry door lay open but aside that there wasn't much. Reaching to her belt she snatched her flashlight up and flicked the switch. David was following. Shining the light on the door Emma reached out and pulled it open fully stepping onto the top step of the stairway that led down into a dark cellar. The light had a hard time penetrating the unforgiving darkness stretching up from the basement. Small particles of dust floated through the dark. Daring the next few steps Emma shone the light on the walls. The cellar itself was, again, empty. She supposed if no one was living in the home. Reaching the base of the stairs Emma shone the light around the basement. It was constructed from heavy old stone, no sign of light flowed in from anywhere aside from her flashlight. Surprisingly it was warm down here. There was a faint smell of burning in the air, through the smell of damp and earth. Emma swung the light around to see a table at the rear of the cellar, the remnants of melted candles sat on its top, the melted wax had drooled down onto its wooden surface staining the wood. It was then she noticed the door behind the table, a short wooden thing with heavy iron hinges.
"Stop!" David's hand grabbed her shoulder and spun her back toward him. Emma just managed to catch her balance, falling against her father.
"What the hell-you scared the crap out of me!" She snapped.
"Look," David pointed down. Emma shone her light down and noted a slim wire stretched across the floor before her. Not just one, multiple lines crossed the floor all the way to the table at the far side.
"Traps?" Emma frowned, "Van Helsing must have known someone was out for him."
"Hyde?" David offered.
"If he knows Hyde he'll know he's not easily stopped," Emma shook her head, "It was someone else he was trying to keep out. Who?"
Regina gripped the wheel of the Mercedes. Her knuckles were white, her heart was racing and her stomach sick. Henry. Where was he? What had attacked Van Helsing? What was happening? There was no one in Storybrooke that she did not know. So...how? What? The snow spat down from the blackening skies above. Night again. It seemed like an endless night. A never ending Nightmare. Regina looked into the rear view mirror of the car. The Evil Queen sneered at her in the glass. Regina's hands instantly spun the wheel of the car, tires squealed as they skidded across the tarmac of the road. The car spun wildly, it's backend swinging in a wide arc. Regina swiftly planted her foot onto the brakes. The vehicle screamed to a juddering halt at the road's centre. Regina's eyes looked to the mirror again. Nothing, empty except for her pale reflection. She stared at herself for a long moment. What was she becoming? A wreck. She could hardly venture from her home without feeling watched, could hardly go to the store and feel safe. Even her own home felt like a prison that she hated...yet could hardly leave. She felt weak. She felt cold. She felt alone. She wanted him back. Needed him. Robin. It was now Regina could feel the hot tears spilling down her pale cheeks. Spilling down onto the front of her turtleneck, the white colour of her clothing was stained with flakes of red from Van Helsing's wounds, her hands, that clutched the wheel, were sticky from sweat and blood. Regina managed to peel her hands off the leather, turning them over she looked at her palm's. Her hands were shaking now. Now. Now Regina felt herself crumble. Tears rolled down her face, her body shook uncontrollably and her stomach felt sick. All she wanted to do was crawl to a dark space and remain there. Alone. Forever alone.
Henry sat heavily in the chair. His eyes were fixed on the door. He could hear footsteps outside. That must have been the Queen. From down the stairs he could hear the wailing howls of the Hunchback as Hyde reprimanded him. Maybe that was what Henry needed to do? Maybe he needed to play on The Hunchback's feelings-see how cruel Hyde was. Get him to understand that he would be better off without a master. Henry's mouth twitched. He had tried to escape the room, the windows remained firmly shut, locked. No doubt if he smashed the glass the Queen would hear and besides being on the second story of the house would lead to him either breaking his legs from the fall. Heaving a sigh Henry shot a look to the book that lay on the bed. Forgotten Tales. He knew exactly what the Queen and Hyde wanted now. They wanted him to write the Forgotten Tales into this world. Why what did Hyde have to gain from it all? To tell some stories? How should they even apply to him? Hyde didn't seem like the type to care about others yet now he wanted their stories told? Unless there was something for him to gain from the stories...? Henry was ripped from his thoughts as the door to the bedroom swung open. Mr Hyde was first to appear. Henry hadn't even noticed the Hunchback's wails had ceased. Was he dead? Surely not. Mr Hyde wiped a cloth over his pale hollowed cheeks. The cloth staining red with crimson instantly. Hyde moved his the cloth to his hands now running the material and soaking up the blood that stained him. The Queen spun and sauntered in behind him a wicked grin on her face and a new gown and hair. Hyde said nothing. The Queen closed the door behind and with a flick of her hand had the lock firmly shut. Henry sat. Hyde crossed the room to the open window and cast a glance outside.
"I always loved the winter," Hyde mused.
"Because it's as cold as you?" Henry snarked. Hyde gave a faint chuckle.
"You are quick," Hyde nodded stuffing the handkerchief into a pant pocket. "I can see you are not one for...small words. I'll put it to you straight then. I need your help."
"No." Henry said flatly.
"I need you to be the author you are and write your stories-"
"I said no."
Hyde rounded, crossing the room in a single swift stride before planting his hands on the arms of the chair Henry was sat in. "Perhaps I'm not making myself very clear in this matter," Hyde inhaled deeply restraining the anger threatening to boil over. "I am not asking you to do this. I am ordering it done."
"Order all you like I won't write anything for you." Inside Henry was terrified of the man, though the words spouting from his lips were braver then he felt.
"Believe me boy. You will, or else I'll see everyone you love follow Van Helsing to their deaths."
"He's not dead."
Hyde paused. "He's...not? What makes you so sure."
"I've seen his story-I know what you did to him and still he was stronger then you. Not only that but you hate him too much to let someone else do the killing for you. You're the bad guy here. That's just not how it's done."
"Not just a writer but a reader also..." Hyde smirked finally drawing away from the chair. "Very well boy. Have it your way. You want me to be the bad guy? I will show you just how 'bad' I can be, although give yourself time and you will wish you had simply done as I had asked." Turning Hyde looked to the Queen who grinned wide now, baring those pearl's hidden behind rouge. Henry began to feel a swirling pit in the base of his stomach. Hyde was dangerous.
"No," Henry mumbled, loud enough only he could hear. Hyde crossed the room and gestured for the Queen to follow him. The man swept out. "No," Henry muttered again. The Queen spun and cackled. Henry leapt up from his seat and bolted for the door. The Queen swept around the door before vanishing from the room after Hyde. Henry threw himself against the door, his hands moving to the lock. He pulled. With all his might he pulled. The door remained locked.
Emma paced back and forth. "Dr Jekyll please."
"Abraham was always a cryptic sort Miss Swan-he always covered his tracks. He had to otherwise a single false move could see him imprisoned for witchcraft and conspiracy."
"I can understand that Dr Jekyll but we really need to hurry," Emma pleaded again. "Lives are on the line."
"Of course, of course, I understand entirely," Jekyll nodded returning his attentions back to the wall before him. He moved no quicker it seemed. Emma returned to her pacing. Henry had mentioned that they knew where Hyde was, the house had nothing to indicate anything other than that Van Helsing had seemingly found nothing-it was either that or he had done a very good job of hiding his findings. Emma just prayed that Van Helsing had left some clue, something that would tell them where Hyde was. Jekyll had assured her that Van Helsing would have. Her eyes flicked back to Jekyll who was busy snuffling about the empty room now like a foraging racoon, checking the chair, the table, the kitchen, he had earlier been in the basement snuffling about too. He was rambling quietly to himself as he searched. Emma paused a moment to watch him. He was running his hands over the walls, stroking them, feeling them. She daren't ask and swiftly return to pacing.
"Here..." Jekyll muttered. Emma ceased instantly and spun.
"You have something?"
Jekyll was stood before the largest of the blood stains on the wall, his hands running across the crimson patch on the wall. "This is the beginnings..."
Emma crossed the room, looking to Jekyll before looking to the blood stain, that was Van Helsing's blood. "What do you mean?" Emma frowned. Beginnings? Beginnings of what? Jekyll fluttered across the room toward the light switch.
"Abraham would do this when we conducted our research. He would lay everything out, write everything down but still keep it hidden."
"Dr Jekyll I'm afraid the electrics don't work here," Emma pointed out.
"At one time they may not have but trust me Miss. Swan they most certainly do work," Jekyll grinned. His finger moved to the switch and flicked. The room became bathed in a low blue light. Emma frowned she could hardly make anything out. Her eyes spun around the room before looking to the wall. The blood stain was now a bright white colour, the wall itself was coated in white scrawl like writing. Writing, calculations and at the centre of it all was an image of a revolver. Emma stepped closer to the wall and looked to it all in amazement.
"I thought this room was hardly used," She muttered.
"It is the most used," Jekyll nodded, "I told you Abraham was a cryptic man."
The door to the shop swung open, the bell ringing loudly above to herald the arrival of a customer. There were generally never any customers to the 'shop' it was a museum of miscellaneous items and trinkets. To be true it was a horrible thing, full of memories of quaint lives. He stepped inside and cast his eyes to one of the glass cases that lined the shop. Within was a sparkling cut throat razor, made from the finest of silver its handle finely etched, next to that was a white half mask with black ribbon. It would only cover half a person's face, for what reason? Hyde looked up as he heard movement from the rear of the shop.
"Ah...Rumpelstiltskin," He nodded bowing his head.
"Such pleasantries can be postponed. I'm gathering if you're here that can only mean you have already run into difficulties for claiming Storybrooke," Mr. Gold replied brushing his hands over one of the glass cases before pausing and folding them together. "I told you the town would not be so easily taken."
"Such high spirits these people have...it's..." Hyde attempted to find the right word to fit, "Tiring." That was apt enough.
"I've cleared my debts with you, so if you don't mind Mr. Hyde I believe you can find the door." Mr. Gold turned away now moving back toward the rear room.
Hyde advanced clamping his hand down on the glass case. Mr. Gold paused and spun on the balls of his feet. "I need one more thing from you," Hyde hissed through gritted teeth. What a shame it was he had to once again ask for aid. He was growing tired of it-he had much preferred life within his own realm...but he would make this one great.
"Unless you're proposing a deal-"
"That's exactly what I propose," Hyde looked to the man before him. Mr. Gold slunk his way back toward the glass case and grinned, briefly.
"Are you now?"
"I...am," Hyde snarled.
"And what will be in it for me dearie?" Mr. Gold asked, cocking a brow.
Mr. Hyde grinned now.