Chapter Nine - Seizure

"Be sure you make the straps nice and tight now." Rumple repeated his instructions to the nurse as an amused Doctor Whale looked on.

"I know the baby trade must be pretty lucrative for you, Gold... but don't you think the restraints are a bit much? She's hardly in a state to run away..."

Gold ignored him and turned to the nurse fastening the straps, "Tighter." he commanded.

Whale shrugged, "I don't suppose you'd care to comment on the fact that my patient in addition to her obvious condition; is also concussed? I thought you were a deal maker, not a skull breaker..."

Rumple pointed an accusing finger at Whale's patient, "This is Zelena: The Wicked Witch and trust me... she more dangerous than you might think."

"She's barely conscious!" Whale scoffed, adding, "And trust YOU? You've got to be kidding, right?"

The nurse had finished strapping Zelena to the bed and he asked if he needed anything else, "Yes," said Rumple, "Call Sheriff..." he blinked, turning to Whale, "Just who is the Sheriff these days?"

"David Nolan."

"Right." he turned back to the nurse and told him, "Call Sheriff Charming and tell him to get down here to guard the prisoner. He I trust..." he said looking back at Whale, "...remembers just how dangerous this woman is."

Doctor Whale just rolled his eyes.

00O00

Regina had commandeered the hospital waiting room and was now convening a council of war;

"Alright" Regina began, "I call this meeting of the Storybrook Emergency Council of Calamity to order. Opening business; what do we do with Zelena once she gives birth?" Any suggestions?"

Snow White raised her free hand while deftly shifting baby Neal to her hip, "Maybe this child is just what she needs. Zelena has always felt unloved, and a baby is really just a big bundle of unconditional love." She looked down at Neal and smiled beatifically.

Regina shook her head, "We can't trust her with a baby. It just isn't safe."

"Well I don't want to get too personal Regina, but it seems to me that having a baby really changed you." Snow said, "You haven't been nearly as evil since you had Henry." Snow smiled at her grandson, who smiled back.

Belle raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss French, you have a question?"

"Firstly," said Belle, "It's Mrs. Gold; and I do have a question..." she turned to David, "Why is she in charge here?!" once again she was forced to repeat her story of Regina's abuse of her and of Rumple.

"These are some very serious charges, Regina." said David, looking a bit unsure on how to proceed.

"That's pretty low, sister." said Grumpy, giving Regina a glare. "And to Belle of all people," he smiled at the Storybrook librarian and then glared at Regina again, "She's like the nicest person in town!"

"Yeah." the other dwarves chimed in.

David turned to Belle, "Would you like proffer changes against Regina?"

"Yes I would." she nodded, "She shouldn't be allowed to get away with this sort of thing anymore."

Nervously David started to fiddle with the handcuffs attached to his belt.

"You're not seriously contemplating arresting me?!" Regina sneered dismissively.

"It's a very serious charge Regina."

"And just what are you planning on charging me with?" she asked, "I'm pretty sure heart napping isn't even in the local statutes."

David chewed his lower lip, "I think kidnapping and false imprisonment would do in a pinch, don't you honey?" he turned to his wife.

"I think all of this can wait until later!" Snow said, sounding frustrated, "That's what I think." she looked at her daughter who was standing against the wall trying not to alarm anyone. She turned to Regina, "Shame on you Regina." she said, "I really thought you'd changed... but with all due respect to Belle," she nodded to Belle, who shrugged, "I think both Regina and Zelena can wait for now, because right now the most important thing is to get the darkness out of my daughter." The group turned to look at Merlin who was currently gazing longingly at the coffee machine.

Following his gaze, Belle asked him, "Would you like another cup?"

"He's had six already." said Grumpy, pointing at the machine. "How much more do you think a twelve hundred year old bladder can take?"

"Twelve hundred?" Merlin commented, "I wish I was still as spry now as I was at twelve hundred. Pfft."

"Please," Snow said, "I'll get you all the coffee you can ever drink if you'll just help us save our daughter."

Merlin smiled and patted Snow's hand, "Don't worry so child." he said, "The situation is grave to be sure, but there is something we can try... Now, is young Gold back yet?" he asked, looking around the assembly, "I asked him to run a few errands for me..."

Before Grumpy had the chance to comment on the bizarre designation of 'young Gold' for Rumplestiltskin; Rumple strode through the door and went to stand by his wife.

"Did you bring it?" Merlin asked, setting the empty coffee sup aside.

"Aye, I have it right here..." Rumple's hand moved towards his jacket to retrieve Merlin's requested item, but stopped short when he noticed that David was in the room. "Why aren't you watching Zelena?!" he exclaimed.

"It's ok, Gold." said David soothingly, "The delivery went well, a healthy baby girl 6 pounds 9 ounces, and they're BOTH fast asleep; Nothing to worry about."

A scream tore through the building.

Rumple sighed; "You were saying..." he looked at David.

Snow gasped, "I think that sounded like Dr. Whale!"

Regina raised a sculpted eyebrow, "And you would know how Whale sounds when he screams because?"

"Hey we were cursed!" Snow cried, as the group began to stream towards Zelena's delivery room.

00O00

David knelt beside Dr. Whale and shook his head, "He's dead."

Snow White blanched, "How did she even get a weapon?" she asked, turning away from the bloody remains.

Emma looked at the instrument tray, "Looks to me like Whale got careless and left a scalpel behind."

Rumple looked grave, "I warned him." he didn't know what else to say.

Snow held baby Neal tight, "Just how dangerous is she?" she asked.

Rumple shrugged, "She's still wearing Pan's bracelet," he reminded them, "So she won't be able to perform any magic."

"That didn't save Whale." quipped Regina.

"Guys," said Charming, "Where is the baby?"

Slowly Belle pulled off the blanket which was hanging over the bassinet... the baby was gone!