Guardian Angel Haruki

Once Upon a Time...

Collaboration between Ghost Shadow as Henry Carlyle, YoshiSkittlez as Ruby, Regina, and Granny, and I as Dr. Faye Stevenson and Dr. Whale

*~*~*

Henry closed the door of his car where he left his suitcase, coat, scarf, and gloves behind; wearing only his white dress shirt and trousers.

"Something tells me this isn't going to be pleasant." He said, somewhat dryly, adjusting the collar of his shirt in the car mirror - always had to look his best.

"I should hope you don't laugh too hard at my expense, doctor. I'd like at least a shred of dignity by the festival's end." He said with a small smirk, a warm, almost playful tone to his voice: which only seemed to come out more around her.

Faye exited the car as Henry did, answering his dry comment, "You never know, it could turn out to be a fun experience," She laughed a bit at his next comment, and she joked in the same tone as Henry's, "Oh don't worry, I highly doubt you'll lose any more dignity from being the dunk tank victim,"

She then studied his attire, and she asked him "Are you sure you don't want to wear the Miners' Day T-shirt that was provided?"

Henry smiled slightly wider at her question, "Faye, can you honestly see me wearing a t-shirt and swim trunks?" He asked with a small chuckle. "If I'm going to make so wide a public appearance, I might as well look my best." He added, wondering internally if she was admiring him or not.

Faye shrugged and answered, leading the way to the Storybrooke hospital booth, "No, but it's a possibilty," After he made his comment, and she said with a slight mischeivous smirk of her own, "OK, but I bet you'll be wanting that T-Shirt and swim trunks after this event,"

As she led the way and spoke with Henry, the people around them seemed to ignore them, busy in their own affairs, until they reached the booth that Faye ran. Next to that booth was a giant dunk tank, colored only in primary colors. When they arrived, Dr. Whale ran up to her and he said "Dr. Stevenson! We still don't have a volunteer, what-" He stopped when he noticed Henry and he asked warily, "What is he doing here?"

Dr. Stevenson raised her eyebrows and she said seriously, "Dr. Whale. Henry Carlyle has agreed to be our dunk tank victim,"
Dr. Whale seemed to do a double take between her and Henry and he said to her "You cannot be serious, Dr. Stevenson," She interrupted him "I am serious, Dr. Whale,"

"Public humiliation? Seem appropriate enough to me, wouldn't you agree, Dr. Whale?" Henry asked dryly, stepping up to the tank without waiting for an answer.

"Shall I step in?" He asked, looking to Faye.

Faye nodded and answered in a semi-joking tone, "Go ahead, Mr. Carlyle. Your throne awaits," Just as Dr. Whale was about to protest, she said to him, "Dr. Whale, you can go ahead and spread word that the dunk tank booth is now open for patrons,"

Dr. Whale clenched his teeth, and he went off to do as Faye told him to. She stood behind the desk next to the tank, waiting for customers to line up for the chance of dunking the newcomer.

Henry untucked his shirt and mussed up his hair a bit before stepping up the short ladder behind the tank; sitting quite comfortably on the chair that sat just above the still pool of water.

He looked over at Faye again, grinning widely, his old self seeming to return. "Just to let you know right now, I'm going to try and get as much water as humanly possible on you." He said, his tone serious, but a small glint in his eye signaled amusement - though not giving an inch either way as to whether the threat was serious or not.

Faye retorted to Henry's warning in a joking way, while mimicking the secretary's voice "I've got my eye on you,"

Ruby had just arrived on the scene, heaving a box that was probably twice her weight in cookies, only too glad to set it down next to the booth that was beside the water dunking tank. She only got in two good breaths when she realized just who she was beside, and her lips split into a wide grin.

"I see you got your volunteer!" Ruby said with amusement to Faye, all the while looking up at Henry perched precariously on the dunk-tank seat.

Faye looked to Ruby, smiling happily as she greeted "Hi Ruby! Yes, he was the only volunteer, so how could we refuse?" She then asked Ruby, "Would you like to be the first one to dunk Henry into the tank?"

Henry waved to Ruby as she arrived before placing both hands on his knees, looking about the town square with obvious interest. One with trained ears could have heard him mumbling a song under his breath, most likely a nervous tic.

However, he quickly came to attention at the mention of Ruby being the first "lucky" contestant, his eyes widening in fear. "Have mercy." He said half-heartedly, playing the part of a literal victim well enough.

Ruby's eyes seemed to brighten at the idea, but then looking at the baseballs that were provided to throw at the itt-bitty target her smile faultered.

"I've never been too good with sports, he might not get wet." She said shifting her weight onto her opposite leg. She looked around them, unsurprised to find that no one else was jumping to the opportunity, more like avoiding the dunk tank altogether. Her face became serious, biting onto her lower lip in thought. If this dunk tank was going to get any attention, then something big had to happen.

Ruby turned back around, quickly and pulled a five dollar bill out of her pocket and handed it to Faye and took it upon herself to grab the first ball.

Faye had expected the answer. Like it would be that easy. But much to her surprise, Ruby seemed to have a change of heart, and Faye took the five dollar bill in surprise that turned into happiness, even though the original price was $1 per ball (the max payment was $3).

"You should have left Storybrooke when you had the chance!" Ruby yelled, pulling her arm back and flung the ball awkwardly, missing the target a good ways away but her determined face kept vigil. She grabbed the second ball and threw it with the same amount of luck.

Faye watched as Ruby threw the balls, giving words of encouragement to Ruby to keep on trying and to show the newcomer what for! As Ruby did this, she noticed that the people nearby watched, the scene. Some looked as though they were getting the idea of doing the same thing.

"How could you? You creep!" Ruby grabbed another ball, this one dropping behind her before being able to be thrown forward. Ruby watched the ball roll down the street just a few feet before a high-heeled foot stepped onto the baseball, stopping it in it's place. Ruby looked up from the shoe, up the blue jeans and black turtleneck until her eyes landed on Regina, looking at the baseball underneath her foot as if she had just stepped in a pile of manure.

However, her happiness faded into worry as she watched the ball roll into the street and under Madame Mayor's foot. Her smile was replaced by a hesitant look as worry that the mayor may try and shut down her booth creeped into her mind.

Henry's expression had turned mocking as Ruby failed (quite miserably) at hitting the target. No doubt that the hilarity of her attempts was just as inviting to the other citizens. However, all amusement faded as Regina entered the scene - strangely without Mason at her side.

The Mayor stooped down to pick up the baseball before looking over at Henry, tossing the baseball up and down in her hand, contemplating what to do with it. This seemed to catch the attention of those walking by, all stopping in their tracks, wondering with deep intent on what their Mayor was going to do next.

Henry's eyes locked hard onto hers, a sly smirk at the corner of his mouth as he awaited her next move.

A muscle in Regina's lip twitched. There was so much going on in her head at the moment that she didn't even think about the consequences of what she did next might wrought down on her. With strength that even surprised her, Regina threw the ball with precise accuracy, nailing the small red circle in the middle of the target.

"Oh, Dear." He barely managed to say as the ball hit the target.

A loud "DING!" resounded right after Regina hit the target, and the seat dropped Henry right into the tank, earning a laugh from Faye and everyone who was watching. Faye called to the people who had their attention on what was happening,

"Let's give it up for Ruby and Madam Mayor everyone!" She started to clapping and it didn't take everyone long to do the same.

She looked at Henry and she smiled her praises at him, silently telling him that this wouldn't have been possible without him. She watched as people stepped in line, waiting for the chance to dunk the newcomer.

Henry slowly lifted himself out of the tank, shivering and looking not-too-pleased at the moment. "I...f-forgot the...swim c-cap." He managed to say shakily, pointing to his wet, matted hair for emphasis.

Ruby took the moment to step back to the booth, surprised to find Granny already there and with the boxes of sweets unpacked and ready to start selling.

"You did a good thing Ruby." Granny commended, not bothering to look up at her granddaughter as she did though, but Ruby was more than happy to take the compliment.

Regina, on the other hand, seemed to have regretted her decision soon as Dr. Stevenson had turned her action into some sort of...heroic display. She could hear the crowd's eagerness to get in line behind her. She turned on her heel and pushed through them however, not wishing to stick around to be asked to do it again. It had felt good to dunk Henry into a bucket of ice-cold water yes, but now the people were starting to like him again...and this time it was her fault.

Granny had plastered up a sign on Faye's booth, and now next to the 'ALS Dunk Tank Fundraiser' was now an added note,

'$5.00 for a picture with town creep'

Faye didn't turn Granny away. After the sign was up, she commented with a small smile, "Good thing I brought a camera with me,"

Ruby found her jaw dropping at the sign and elbowed the older woman in the ribs.

"A bit much don't you think?"

Granny just smiled.

"If you don't, I will!" Granny said pulling a five-dollar bill out of her purse and then moved to hurry in line leaving Ruby to tend their baking stand, shaking her head and laughing all the while.

Henry managed to climb back atop the seat, rubbing his arms furiously to generate a bit of warmth. His eyes gazed over at the sign Granny put up. His head cocked to the side in confusion for a moment.

"Five dollars for a picture, eh? I'd say charge seven. After all I'm in a...very wet white shirt." He added, pointing to his quite-visible chest through the sopped material, managing a short laugh before shaking his head furiously to clear out some of the water.

Faye chuckled and shook her head at his comment. After Regina left, nearly all of Storybrooke had stepped up and attempted to dunk Henry at least once. Some came back for more attempts, and there were some who paid extra for the picture as Granny advertised. Dr. Stevenson noticed that the only person she hadn't seen in line was Mr. Gold. But then, that was to be expected, and she wasn't complaining about his absence.

Once Upon a Time...

Collaboration between Ghost Shadow as Henry Carlyle, and I as Dr. Faye Stevenson

*~*~*~*

Faye walked to Granny's from the the heart of the town, where the hospital was setting up the game booth for Miners' Day, and after she entered, she took a seat at a booth, setting down a duffel bag next to her. While at Granny's, she looked around wondering if she would see Henry here.

As if on cue, the soft but audible ring of the door bell sounded as Henry walked through; the crisp cold air cutting through the air-conditioned environment of the diner like a sharp blade until the door closed behind him, keeping the wicked wind from permeating any further.

At first not seeing Faye at the booth, Henry promptly removed his gloves; stuffing them in his coat pocket as he loosened the scarf around his neck. His eyes drifted across the restaurant until landing on her, staying locked there for a few moments. Though it was quite obvious he wanted to approach, something held him back: fear, apprehension maybe, possibly even shame.

Dr. Stevenson quickly noticed him after the bell rang and when his eyes landed on her, she quickly looked out of the window, as though she hadn't been looking at him to begin with. She could hear the whispers coming from the other customers who noticed Henry enter the diner. She never really read the town newspaper, because she knew that it was biased in Regina's favor.

She noticed that some people left after Henry entered, and there were fewer customers in the diner. She shook her head and she leaned back into the booth seat.

Henry watched everyone leave with almost apathetic disinterest, but it didn't take a doctor to notice the pain that hid in his eyes. He let his head cock to look at Faye once again, rapping his fingers against his leg as he seemed to debate speaking to her or not. He had no other choice.

"I need your help." He said aloud to her, not letting his eyes leave hers for a moment.

Faye looked up to him when he came over, and after he said that he needed her help. She nodded and she stated while gesturing to the empty booth seat, opposite to hers, and she offered, showing that she was willing to listen, "Why don't you take a seat?"

She noticed the pain in his eyes and the fact that he had a suitcase in hand. She can guess as to what his problem may be.

Henry muttered a quiet "Thank you" and walked over, sliding into the opposite booth and managing a small smile, though it was hollow - not his smile. "Hello." He said simply, clasping his hands together before relaying his issue.

"Regina's evicting me." He said, not caring to use the mayor's proper title. "She's lost the court case and she knows it, so she's pulling every last string she has to keep me out. I need somewhere to stay, and I was wondering if...." He trailed off, though it was quite obvious what he was asking the doctor.

"If you wanted to stay in my home," She finished his question for him. She seemed to think over it for a moment, and she answered "Yes. However there is a condition. Are you going to be ok with the fact that my home has video cameras as part of its security system? The cameras are not in the bathrooms or guest bedroom,"

Henry couldn't restrain an audible sigh of relief, his shoulders seeming to relax slightly. "Faye, I can't...I can't thank you enough for this." He said with a warm smile, his true smile.

On the question of a security system, his expression turned to one of slight confusion for a moment, but settled back down. "Yes, that's fine. I've nothing to hide." He reassured.

Faye seemed to be a little relieved as well when he said that he would be fine and that he had nothing to hide. She said "Good, good," After she stated that, the waitress brought her lunch, and left after Faye thanked her, but before Faye could ask the waitress to take Henry's order.

She then said "Also...there was something I hoped you could help with," She then asked "But first things first, have you ever heard of Miners' Day?"

"Yes, of course, it's been the talk of the town - besides me." He said, finishing with an almost bitter tone to his voice. "Are you helping there?" He asked curiously.

Faye nodded and said "Yes, in a way. As Head Doctor, I'm having Storybrooke Hospital run a fundraiser on Miners' Day. We will be raising funds for research into ALS, so we will be running a little game booth on Miners' Day. The game will be the classic dunking game, where someone will be dropped into a tank of water if they hit a bulls-eye. The thing is...we need someone to be dropped into the tank...and no one's volunteered for the position,"

She finished the explanation awkwardly, knowing how unappealing the idea may sound to Henry.

"I see..." Henry replied, sounding quite perplexed. "Very well, I'll be your guinea pig." He said with a huff, running a hand through his hair. Under regular circumstances, he would have most likely made a joke about her wanting to see him soaked - but times were awkward and cold now, and he presumed it would remain like that for some time...

Faye smiled kindly and she said in response to his answer, with a sigh of relief, "Thank you," She then said "Hopefully, this will be able to help you a little more as well,"

"I certainly hope so." He replied, letting his eyes drift off out the window to look out at the street. "So..." he began almost awkwardly, "Howya been?" He asked in a conversational enough tone, turning to look at her once again.

Faye answered awkwardly, "I've been well. I haven't blacked out in a week, so that's good," She wanted to ask how he was doing, but she knew better. She probably would have a hard time going through with the town hating her as well.

"Well, that's good. I'm happy for you." He said friendly enough, though still seeming distant. "I uh--I missed talking to you." He said, sounding almost...nervous; a trait uncommon with him, especially when talking to others, which he was especially good at.

She noticed the nervous tone in his voice, and she knew that that was uncommon. She nodded in response while biting her bottom lip and she answered in agreement, "It has been a while since we last spoke, hasn't it?"

"Indeed it has." Henry replied, purposefully dodging the altercation in the hospital that strictly limited their interaction. "So...when's your work day over?" He asked curiously, more and more confidence entering his voice.

Faye answered simply, the awkwardness gone as she spoke, "Today's Miner's Day. I'm free except for the fundraiser," She then looked at her watch and she stated, "Speaking of which, we should head there, and get you on your throne," She joked at the last bit as she stood up and waited for Henry to do the same.

"Oh, I see!" Henry exclaimed, looking at his own pocketwatch he kept safely secured in his suit jacket pocket. "Yes, I suppose we should. Do you have any spare clothes or a...hairnet?" He asked, placing a hand on his, admittedly well-styled hair, adding emphasis.

Faye answered Henry, showing him the small duffel bag she brought with her, "Yes, there are spare clothes in here...and there's a swimming cap in there too,"

"Sounds good." He acknowledged, rising up from his own spot at the table. "Well, let it never be said that I denied having a bit of fun. Shall we be off?" He asked warmly, hiding his excitement of being able to actually stay with Heather...or Faye longer than a few minutes.

Once Upon a Time...

*~*~Dr. Faye Stevenson~*~*

Dr. Faye Stevenson couldn't be better. Life for her went on normally after the incident with Henry and Jane Doe. But, there was something different about this past week: No blackouts! She certainly didn't let the opportunity of her other persona's disappearance go to waste. She became a little more outgoing, going to lunch with co-workers and trying to make friends after work, ignoring the dread that she felt at the possibility that her persona will rear their head in again. It also turned out, from her recent meeting with Dr. Hopper, that Regina had given it back to the psychiatrist, despite Dr. Hopper's attempts to lie and say that he found them again. In light of that, and how Regina hasn't threatened her with anything, Dr. Stevenson decided not to charge the mayor.

However, as the week went by, she couldn't help but wonder as to why she partially trusted Henry. The question bugged her along with the fact that the Sheriff didn't question her about how Gold struck her. She put those questions in the back of her mind every time she focused on her job, the patients, or if she wasn't socializing with her co-workers after hours.

Now, as the Head Doctor, she was having Storybrooke Hospital have their own fundraiser for Miners' Day. After discussing with the other doctors, they all decided to raise money for research into ALS by setting up a dunking game for the visitors/patrons. They have the tank with the target already, all they needed is a volunteer to be the poor sod to be dunked into the tank of water. Unfortunately, nobody responded to the flyers Storybrooke sent into the paper. Dr. Stevenson honestly didn't blame them. Being dropped into cold water didn't sound appealing to her either. Even Leroy didn't want to volunteer for the position.

Then an idea hit Dr. Stevenson. She mumbled "Maybe he would..."

Once Upon a Time...

Collaboration between YoshiSkittlez as Regina Mills and I as Dr. Faye Stevenson

*~*~*

After the incident at the hospital, Dr. Faye Stevenson decided to head home. She didn't want to stick around and see if disappointment turned out to be another trigger for her other persona. She walked all the way from the hospital to the street, and she stopped and watched a bit as Regina got out of the car...with a little boy that she hadn't seen before.

Regina slammed her car door shut and watched as Mason bounded up the stairs to the patio, completely awe-struck at the sheer size of the place.

"This is your home?" Mason asked, his eyes wide as they were bright. Regina chuckled, not noticing Dr. Stevenson just a short ways behind her.

"Our home." Regina corrected him. "You'll be staying with me for a while...if that's alright."

Mason bounced off of the patio, down the stairs and back to Regina who hadn't even made it halfway up the driveway yet and Regina felt an odd, warm feeling in the place where her heart was when the child wrapped his arms around her torso in a tight hug. Regina found herself hugging him back (if a bit awkwardly from the height difference) and then patted him on the back as they parted, that warm feeling in her chest growing as she realized that he was smiling up at her with a wide, ice-cream-faced grin.

The doctor watched the scene in front of her. She knew that she had to talk to the mayor, but she felt a little guilty for interrupting the sweet moment. She sighed through her nose, steeling her nerves, and she made herself known, greeting the mayor civilly and politely, "Ah! Good Evening Madam Mayor,"

Regina turned her head to see Dr. Stevenson there, and the kindness she held in her eyes for Mason was all but gone.

"Evening..." She said, albiet skeptically. It wasn't often she got house calls, what did the doctor want?

Faye stayed on the sidewalk, and by technicalities, off of Regina's property. She then asked politely "I'm sorry to interrupt, but could I speak with you, Madam Mayor?"

Regina look a good look at Dr. Stevenson and then looked at the position of her feet, only for a moment before returning her cold gaze to the doctor's eyes once more, as if daring her to take another step forward. Before she answered Faye though, she turned back to Mason and bent her knees slightly to get on a more level height with him.

"Go on inside Mason, and get yourself a bath. I'll order us some pizza for dinner okay?" She instructed and the boy took off, blissfully unaware that something bad was about to traspire. Once Mason was safe inside her home, Regina turned back to Dr. Stevenson, crossing her arms over her chest.

"He was already checked out at the site doctor, he's fine." Regina snapped coldly, like a mother bear ready to rip anyone to shreds if anyone came between her and her cubs.

Faye answered Regina keeping her tone polite, civil, and socialable, never noticing that her wound that she received from Mr. Gold was visible for Regina to see, "So I've heard. I'm glad to see he's doing well," She then continued "But I'm not here to talk about Mason. I'm here about a different matter,"

"Any concerns you might have regarding the earthquake will be addressed at the town meeting on Tuesday." Regina interjected, her voice now sounding bored with a sentence that she had probably been using all day.

Faye shook her head and answered, "I'm not here about the Earthquake either," She then got to the point, staying civil and polite, "I received word that you took my psychological profile from Dr. Hopper, without a warrant. Why?"

Regina chuckled inwardly, making her arms rise from her chest a few times. She let them rest to her side once more, however, when Regina started taking a few steps towards Faye. "That's an awfully bold acusation, Dr. Stevenson." Regina said with the makings of a smirk on her lips. "What makes you think that I would do something like that?"

Faye shook her head at Regina, and asked (despite that her question implied that Regina was playing dumb) "Don't tell me you forgot?" She then answered, "You're the only one who can do something like that. Plus, you threatened me for patients' medical records before, on a total of four times over the past five years. Specifically on August 21 five years ago, December 16 four years, October 6 three years ago, and January 8 two years ago. Who's to say you didn't use the same method this time?"

Regina's face didn't faulter, clearly impressed by the memory of Dr. Stevenson but not at all put-off by the information.

"You've quite the memory doctor." Regina complimented. "It would serve you well to remember that on those four occasions, those medical records were in relation to Miss Jane Doe. A mayor can only see that things have been done right in terms of a coma patient." Her lips spread into a white smile, beautiful yet taunting.

Dr. Stevenson pointed out her tone becoming serious but remaining diplomatic, "My point, Madam Mayor, is that the fact that you threatened me for the medical records, means that you most likely did the same to Dr. Hopper for my medical records. I want to know why you want them and I would greatly appreciate it, if you returned them to Dr. Hopper,"

"I've no need of your records, doctor," Regina said with a bitter tone to the word. "you may flatter yourself as much as you like, but dear...you're not that interesting." Regina flashed one more smile before she turned to leave, making it back to the halfway point of her driveway before turning back around for a moment.

"Feel free to get a warrant and have Sheriff Leland come and search my house if you'd like, I've nothing to hide." Her smile changed, from taunting to just plain wicked. They both knew thats what it would take for Faye to get her records back without Regina's consent, and they both knew that Robert was wrapped around Regina's finger like a string puppet. Regina certainly wasn't making it easy on Dr. Stevenson, but then again, Regina never made it easy on anyone.

"Have a good evening." Regina ended sounding polite and still with a smile, and turned back to finish walking to her patio.

Dr. Stevenson knitted her eyebrows together at the wicked smile on Regina's face. But she didn't show her anger to Regina. She smiled at Regina cheerfully, and yet in a way that could unnerve a person (because there was something sinister in that smile that even Dr. Stevenson was unaware of), "Oh I will. Have a good evening, Madam Mayor,"

She then turned and started walking down the sidewalk, recalling a law in the town charter that may help her with this situation. For now, she was just going to head home.

Once Upon a Time...

Collaboration between YoshiSkittlez as Dr. Archie Hopper, and I as Dr. Faye Stevenson

*~*~*

Faye reached the office without incident, much to her relief. She looked at the door with Dr. Hopper's name on it for a few moments, before raising her hand to knock. She hesitated as fear of what could happen crossed her mind. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts before she finally rapped on the door.

The door to his office opened moments after and Dr. Hopper gave Faye a reserved smile.

"Dr. Stevenson, please, come in." He held the door open for her, allowing her inside and then closed it after her. "Please have a seat." He said, gesturing to the small couch before heading over to the small file cabinet that held his patient files, however he only got halfway there before remembering he no longer had the files for Faye, and bit the inside of his cheek before turning back around and sitting across from Faye. He would have to do all from memory.

"So, how have things been for you since we last spoke...uh, a week ago was it? Yes, right. A week ago."

Faye nodded at his invitation, and she answered, "Thank you, Dr. Hopper," as she entered the office, and sat on the couch. She looked to him and she noticed that he wasn't looking through her file, like he did during their previous session. She nodded and said "It was a week ago," She then proceeded to ask, "Dr. Hopper, shouldn't you have my file?" She then felt a sinking feeling in her stomach and she asked politely, "I'm assuming that the doctor-patient confidentiality aspect of these meetings are still in effect, right?"

Dr. Hopper gave Faye a similar look to that of a deer-in-the-headlight before he began stammering, "What? Oh! Yes! Yes of course Dr. Stevenson!" He attempted to reassure her and cleared his throat awkwardly. "Your file? Uh, your file...well...with all that's happened with the earthquake and all...its been, uh misplaced-but tell me, how have you been doing? Any more...episodes?"

Faye gave Dr. Hopper a look that clearly showed that she knew that he was lying through his teeth. She answered his question, "Yes, there have been more episodes. Thankfully, nothing...unfortunate happened in the past week as far as I know,"

Archie felt his face getting red with the knowing look that Dr. Stevenson had given him, but felt himself able to breathe once again as she seemed to skip over the subject of her missing file.

"And the medication I've prescribed? How do you feel that's working for you?"

Dr. Stevenson shook her head at the mention of her perscription. She answered him, "It only works in bringing out my other persona sooner than she would normally appear,"

Dr. Hopper nodded in succession, steepling his hands together.

"A negative reaction then, good. This is good! This means we know just a bit more about your condition than we did last week." He said, now using his talent of positive thinking to keep the situation from looking bleak. Only then did he relax himself just a bit, his back reclining into the back of the couch.

"Dr. Stevenson, I need you to think back to your last...episode. What was going on in your head? What was happening in your mind? Any information you can give me may be useful and please, don't hold back."

Dr. Stevenson wasn't effected by Dr. Hopper's positive thinking. Every single medication she was prescribed in the past had the same effect. They were still at square 1. She thought back to her last episode...thankfully, she hadn't switched in Granny's, so that didn't count. The last time she had an episode was after diagnosing Mr. Gold...

She answered, "I was at the hospital, doing my job as I normally would. Then a certain patient came in..." She then added, "For the sake of Doctor-Patient Confidentiality, let's call this patient, Adrian Andrews," Her tone in that last statement had a discreet undertone that seemed to give the message "Unlike you," to Dr. Hopper.

She continued normally, "Adrian Andrews was escorted into the hospital by Ruby and Mr. Kowalski because of what they described as a panic attack. I managed to convince Adrian into getting checked, and having diagnostic tests done. When I delivered them the result, they said they knew all along, and they refused to get treatment. I tried to convince them to get treatment, not only for their sake, but for their loved ones' sake as well. But...they have stubbornly made their point clear. After the patient left, I felt...angry. Enough to actually want to throw something or hurt someone. So I immediately headed home after that, however, I blacked out on my way back. When I woke up again, I found myself in my home at 4 pm the next day,"

"Dealing with stubborn patients is a normal occurance in your field, Dr. Stevenson. What made this particular patients case cause you to get so angry?" Dr. Hopper asked, leaning forward a bit so that his elbows were now resting on his knees. "Anger is a very normal emotion, wanting to throw something or hurt someone while angry is not at all uncommon, and it all just depends on how you deal with it..." He added, silently asking if she might have done something once she had gotten home that she might have forgotten to mention.

Dr. Stevenson answered his question, "The patient...they don't have the common cold, or something minor like that. The patient has lung cancer. They are dying ever so slowly and painfully. The fact that I can't help them because they are stubborn...that's what made me angry," At least, that's what she thought made her angry.

She listened to his talk about anger. She answered his silent question, "Thankfully, from what I can tell, nothing unfortunate happened that night,"

Archie couldn't help but to run over in his mind just who might fit that particular description of a patient, only coming up with a handful of different names which didn't particularly help narrow it down. But that wasn't his job, his job was to help Faye.

"So, you had a lapse of...let's say eighteen hours where you remember nothing?" He asked, repeating what she had told him prior. He took a moment to rub his temples, attempting to erase the slight headache of trying to solve this jigsaw puzzle, not at all in any sort of irritation towards Faye, however.

"Last week, I brought up briefly of you carrying around a tape recorder, something that...your other persona and you might be able to communicate by. Have you looked into that at all?"

Faye nodded and answered his question, "That's right," When he asked about the tape recorder, she raised an eyebrow. She remembered clearly, thanks to her iedetic memory, that he had brought up the tape recorder five years ago. She told him, "You did bring that up...five years ago. I already have one. The other persona and I did communicate with each other, but that was only to set up an agreement. After that, I'm the only one who speaks to her. She hasn't left a message on the tape recorder ever since,"

Dr. Hopper rubbing his hand over his mouth, in deep thought.

"Anger seemed to be a trigger in your last episode, but it's not enough to go on to say that is what is causing these blackouts..." He said outloud, more to himself that to her. "I want to try something, an exersize of the mind." Dr. Hopper extendind his hand out towards the couch. "Would you mind lying down?"

Faye raised an eyebrow at Dr. Hopper's request, but she complied and lied down on the couch. She said to Dr. Hopper as she did so, "I sincerely hope you are not thinking of trying to communicate with my other counterpart,"

"Oh no, no no no no!" Dr. Hopper assured her, though he couldn't blame her, it did seem like that was what he was up to. "No, this is a small mind exersize to help me understand just a bit more about the anger that you went through the other night. Just close your eyes, and relax." He instructed, letting his voice become calm and soothing. "Just breathe, concentrate on your breath...good. Now I want you to begin to think...think, before your patient at the hospital, when the last time you got that angry was..."

Faye followed Dr. Hopper's instructions, closing her eyes and concentrating on her breathing. She thought back to a time when she got that angry, and she saw a memory of being in the hospital trying to save a child's life. She answered, "The last time I got that angry...It was after I tried to save a child's life. The child patient...died from an accident,"

"Good." Archie commended her, not on the memory's context, but at being able to remember. He continued instructing her, having Faye fall into a sort of hypnotic state where Dr. Hopper knew that he could start getting some angers. This...alternate persona of Dr. Stevenson's had been around for as long as she could remember, which meant that Archie had to dive into her childhood for some answers.

"Let's go farther back. When was the first time you became so angry that you wanted to hurt someone?" He asked, looking like he was talking to someone sleeping on his couch. He just hoped he hadn't put her under too far...the memory was there, he just had to guide her to it.

Faye thought, trying to remember, but she only saw flashes of strange sceneries and heard only one familiar voice speak. She mumbled as she felt a headache grow in pain, "My father...abandoned me..."

She then shouted in pain as both of her hands flew to her head, and she heard another familiar voice speak eerily in her mind, "Not yet,"

Her eyes flew open and the pain ceased. She looked at Hopper and she commented "That didn't work..."

Dr. Hopper looked upon Faye with an obvious look of worry on his face, glad that she had been able to wake herself up rather than him; it was more dangerous that way, risking damaging the memories.

"But we got something." He said softly, unsure whether or not to sound excited. "You mentioned your father, but to my recollection you were adopted at a very young age..." He paused, but went on to his point. "Your patient, the one that caused you to feel angry this last time, is he a younger man, or someone that has a fatherly sort of disposition?"

Faye thought about her answer, not sure if she should answer it at all, because the answer may allow Dr. Hopper to figure out who's the patient, and she would end up breaking her end of the small deal with Mr. Gold.

She answered cautiously "He does have an...elderly disposition,"

Dr. Hopper nodded at once, able to rule out all the others he thought might match the description of her patient.

"Mr. Gold." He confirmed, though his voice was barely above a whisper. He sucked in a deep breath at the new information, mostly about how Mr. Gold was dying of lung cancer and didn't wish to go through treatment. That was something Archie could understand to get so angry about, Mr. Gold was an infuriating man.

"Well, I think we've touched up on enough for today. Are there any questions you wish to ask me before we say goodbye?" He asked, his normal tone returning and becoming professional once more.

Faye winced as Dr. Hopper confirmed out loud, and she was about to say no, but instead, a different answer came out, "Yes...there is another question I'd like to ask before I leave,"

She then asked "Who has my psychological file now?"

It was now Dr. Hopper's turn to wince, though he couldn't blame her. She was a sharp woman, a sharp woman with an eidetic memory; he knew she wouldn't have forgotten.

"I didn't...give it to her..." He started, wanting to make sure that Faye understood at once that it wasn't his fault. "But...you can't just say no to-"

"To any threats she makes if you didn't hand the file over to her?" Faye finished in a cold tone. She now had a good idea as to took her files now. Dammit, what did her counterpart DO?! She then stated "Dr. Hopper, The mayor doesn't have the right to have my psychological files unless she had a warrant,"

"I-she-but-" There was no way that Dr. Hopper could finish any of those sentences, and instead found himself holding his head in his hands in embarassment. "Your right, but she would have gotten a warrent anyway..." He mumbled a bit, unable to look at Faye. "I'm sure it's nothing bad, she'll probably return them this afternoon..."

Faye crossed her arms and as he tried to start a sentence he could finish, only to hold his head in his hands and agree with her. When he made his last sentences, she retorted "Get a warrant for what? And I highly doubt that, this may be very bad news,"

She shook her head at Dr. Hopper, and said as she stood up, getting ready to leave, "Also. Could you please keep our meetings confidential. That means not even telling the mayor,"

"I-uh, of course, D-Dr. Stevenson. Today's session was not logged, no one will know." He assured her, attempting to get his professionalism back into his voice without much sucess. He continued to look at her, an almost pleading look in his already apologetic eyes. "I'm so, so sorry Dr. Stevenson, the mayor...she's a very powerful woman..."

Dr. Stevenson nodded at his apology, but she continued sternly "Quite frankly, I don't care how powerful the mayor is," She then stated, giving Hopper some advice of her own, "You're a doctor! You have some power yourself. Do what you think is right, not what the mayor says. She's a mayor, not a Queen,"

She then greeted politely and professionally, "I hope you have a nice day, Dr. Hopper. I'll see you next week," She then started heading out of the office.

Dr. Hopper had no reply, only shame continuing to rise at the truthfullness of the doctors words. He waved a pitiful goodbye, and watched her leave his office.

Once Upon a Time...

Collaboration between Ghost Shadow as Henry, and I as Dr. Faye Stevenson

*~*~*

Henry stepped through the glass doors of the hospital, letting the same sterile air hit him; permeating all his senses. Oh how he hated hospitals. Nothing but pestilence and death to be found.

Henry let his music player continue to blare in his ears as he entered the waiting room, unable to help his feet do a bit of rhythmic tapping. However, upon feeling the eyes of perplexed citizens on him, he muttered a quick apology and stopped his music.

He let his eyes wander to the receptionist's desk, noting the same crusty old woman who was there last time. "Why hasn't she died yet?" Henry muttered under his breath, exasperated. He knew the woman (at least he thought she was a woman), wouldn't let him in past the waiting room - and he wasn't in the mood to sit through her yelling. So he decided to wait - until she left her area at the desk, then he slunk through the double-doors like a shadow, grinning maniacally while doing so.

Making sure the coast was clear, he walked at a normal pace, trying desperately to find Dr. Stevenson.

Dr. Stevenson walked quickly around a corner in the hospital's halls, only to end up bumping into a familiar figure. She backed away after bumping into the person and she apologized, "Ah! I'm so sorry, are you alright?" She then took a good look at who exactly she bumped into and realized the person was none other than Henry Carlyle. She greeted hesitantly and slightly embarrassed, "Oh, Mr. Carlyle! Hello,"

"Ello." Henry greeted with a wide grin, this glint in his eyes. "You're just who I've been looking for, doctor." He said in an almost giddy manner. "You know, wanted to chat and whatnot. Didn't see you at the mines this morning, poor shame. You missed the fireman chew out Ruby and Knox before they all went in." He said with a small chuckle.

Dr. Stevenson raised her eyebrows at his comment and she sighed through her nose a bit. Well, she had to admit, it was sweet of him to come by just to chat, but then she was in the middle of working.
She answered his comment about what she missed, and she answered, "Oh, I've heard all about it though. Word travels fast here, Mr. Carlyle. I even treated Mr. Kowalski's injuries that he got from that rescue mission,"

"Hmm...yes, he didn't look his best when emerging - quite the contrary." Henry added on, scratching his chin.

"Listen, I've got about five minutes before security realizes I'm not supposed to be in here and escorts me out of here, with or without a tazer in the process. So, I'll tell ya what: lunch at Granny's, you and me, I'll buy. Sound good?" He offered with an obviously flirty grin.

Dr. Stevenson smiled at the offer, and she answered as she checked her watch again, to see if she had the time to accept his offer (thankfully, she did), "That sounds lovely. I'll see you at Granny's at 1 then?"
She then looked at him and after he answered, she ushered "Now, hurry out of here, before Mr. Kowalski comes and drags you out of the hospital,"

"Fantastic, it's a date! No - wait...not a date. A luncheon, yes, I like that word better." He stumbled before turning on his heel and hastily walking out the door, putting on his headphones in the process.

Dr. Stevenson chuckled as she watched him leave before she went back to work. An hour later, she left the hospital and headed for Granny's diner, where she figured that Henry would be waiting for her. She never really came to the diner very often, despite that it was a popular restaurant in Storybrooke.

She entered the diner and looked around to see if Henry was there, or if she was early.

As if on cue, Henry walked in only a few moments after her; taking off his headphones. "There you are! Glad we can be meeting under more...relaxed circumstances. I hope I didn't cause any ruckus in the hospital." He said with a sheepish smile.

Dr. Stevenson turned to look at him, at first startled by his sudden appearance and ready to punch him, but she calmed down after a few seconds, and she answered him with a brief and quiet sigh of relief, "Ms. Lezowski was quite upset that someone snuck past her, but other than that, there wasn't much of a ruckus,"

"Well good, grumpy old windbag deserved it." He said cheekily, a mischievous glint in his eye. "But anyways, enough bantering about your less-than-savory coworkers. Let's grab a table, shall we?" He offered cheerily.

Dr. Stevenson nodded and said in response to his offer, hiding a laugh at the mischief in his eyes, "Of course," She picked a seat by the window, and she sat in the booth, greeting Ruby politely on her way in. She looked to him before she looked at the menu for a brief moment, unsure of what she should order in this restaurant.

She started the small talk asking Henry, "So, other than the recent earthquake, how do you like Storybrooke so far?"

"Oh, it's a nice enough little town. It's quaint, quiet peaceful - despite today's events. I quite like it." He leaned in to lower his voice, "People are a bit unfriendly it seems, though." He said with a small smirk, but his eyes were serious.

Dr. Stevenson raised an eyebrow when he mentioned that people seemed a bit unfriendly, noting that his eyes were serious, despite the smirk. She sighed and said at a normal volume, "That's unfortunate. I guess the people here really aren't used to having guests,"
She then commented, "Though, from what I've heard, Madam Mayor seems to like you a lot. Maybe the rest of Storybrooke will come to like you,"

Henry seemed to shift uncomfortably in his seat at the mention of Regina, a sense of....guilt almost welling in him as he looked at her - not Dr. Stevenson, but Dr Jekyll. He cleared his mind quickly in order to reply as quickly as possible.

"The Mayor's an...interesting woman. I wouldn't say we're 'friends'...but she hasn't tried to evict me yet." He said with a hollow smile, hoping Faye would let the topic go.

Faye understood the meaning under his hollow smile and she answered "I see," She then sighed through her nose and she said "Still...be careful. The mayor is much more clever than she appears to be,"

She then left the topic alone and she said "So then, what do you do for a living?"

"Oh believe me, I know." Henry said with a chuckle at Faye's mention of the mayor's intelligence. "Well, I was officially given the job of substitute English teacher at the elementary school. Mason - the boy in the mines, is in my class." He added cheerily, "It's a shame they don't know who his parents are..." he finished almost sadly.

Faye blinked at his job. She had expected that he would have a job online or something like that. When he mentioned that Mason was a student and nobody knew who his parents were, she thought about it, before she suggested, "Maybe I could have a DNA test done in order to find his parents...but that would require Mason's guardians' permission,"

"Well, that'll certainly be interesting." Henry said in an amused manner, "David Nolan was, illegally, I believe, taking care of him while the school gave him food and clothes. Now Regina has him...a DNA test might be in order, if we can *find* a guardian." He added with a small laugh.

Faye sighed and said "If Regina has him, then it means I would need Regina's permission," She dreaded the thought of asking the mayor. She figured that the answer may be a resounding no. She looked at the menu and switched topics again, saying, "So...Henry, what do you suggest? I've never really dined here before,"

"Well, that's a good question!" He began with a happy grin, looking at his own menu. "I like to be spontaneous, try something new *every* time, and note: the lasagna here's quite overrated." He said, lowering his voice at that last sentence in order to avoid Granny's wrath. "I just order what I'm in the mood for, you'll never make a mistake here - well, unless you try and mix Coke with sweet tea...I tried that once; quite heinous indeed." He added absent-mindedly, eyes still locked onto his menu.

Faye smiled at his comment about the lasagna, and she chuckled. She answered in a low tone as well, "I'll be sure to keep that in mind,"
After deciding on what to order silently, she asked Henry, "What are your hobbies? Your interests?"

"Well, I like playing the piano - pretty bloody good at it, too, if I may say so. I like to read...and talk to people, and also..." he leaned in once again. "I'm a pretty good singer." He finished in an obviously flirtatious tone, offering a small wink to add emphasis.

Faye blushed a bit noticing the flirtatious tone and wink. She said to Henry, "Well, if that's the case, I'd be happy to hear you sing at least one time. Me, I'm not so good when it comes to music," She wasn't used to flirting, and she felt so awkward when she responded. She looked subtly to see if a waitress was coming to take their order.

"Well, maybe you'll get the chance one day. I don't wear these headphones for show, you know." He said in a jokingly taunting manner. Deciding to have a bit of fun, he aded, "You're so adorable when you're nervous. This...funny little look in your eyes, I love it." He grinned wider-than-usual, twiddling his thumbs.

Faye blushed even redder when he started complimenting her on her blush and how she had a funny look in her eyes. She tried to answer him, "Oh-Er-Th-Thank you," How was she supposed to respond to that? Was saying thank you the right way to answer that? She cleared her throat, realizing that her co-workers were right when they said that she needed to get out more, and karma was now striking her back for her workaholic tendencies.

She suddenly couldn't help but hear a persistant ringing in her ears, and her mind started to cloud. No...Not here!

Suddenly, an arm seemed to come out of nowhere and placed a plate of onion rings between Henry and Faye, Ruby giving them both an apologetic smile.

"Lunch rush." She said tucking her hair behind her ears, as if that would explain everything. "Onion rings are on me for not getting to you guys quicker. So...what can I get you? Before you say though, we're out of-" Ruby stopped to count on her fingers. "Ice cream, avacado's, cheese, bread and milk..." She gave them a sideways smile, understanding herself that practically meant everything Granny's had to offer. "We have sausages...and...onion rings...sorry..."

Faye gasped, startled by Ruby's sudden appearance as though Faye just woke up from the sound of a loud door slam. She breathed a sigh of relief as Ruby spoke. Thank God for Ruby! If she hadn't come, who knows what kind of disaster her counterpart would've brought upon herself and the others? She swallowed thickly and she answered Ruby politely, "It's alright. I'll have the sausages. Thank you," She thought to herself about how Ruby had absolutely no idea how grateful Faye was for Ruby's sudden appearance.

"Those are very specific restrictions!" Henry objected, his tone sounding more whiny than actually angry. "Oh, but very well. I'll just have...more onion rings, I guess, thank you. And your finest carbonated cola beverage!" He added in his usual friendly voice, taking off his glasses and rubbing the lens against his sleeve to clean them.

Ruby nodded once, committing the overly-simple orders to memory and then left the two to resume their conversation before she had interrupted.

He noted Faye's sudden disposition change, almost as though she was overcome with a terrible feeling or illness.

"Are you alright, Faye?" He asked in concern, using her first name. He had to strongly resist the urge to put his hand atop hers.

'She doesn't know you, Chesh. Doesn't know, doesn't know.' He repeated inwardly to himself, a small frown (an indeed rare expression) curving at his lips.

Faye heard Henry's voice clearly, and she nodded answering "Yes. Yes, I'm alright. I just had a dizzy spell, that is all," She took in a deep breath and drank from her water bottle. She looked at her watch and she asked in surprise "What? Is that the time already?" She then started gathering her things and she said "I'm terribly sorry Henry. But I have an appointment set, and I can't skip out on it,"

She then said to him, "I enjoyed hanging out with you, and I hope we can meet up again. Thank you, A-Henry..."
She then hurried out of Granny's, trying to make it seem like she was heading to the hospital, and not to a certain psychiatrist's office. As she walked she thought to herself,
"What was that? I must've suttered...A simple slip of the tonge,"

Henry forced a fond smile as she bade him farewell, "I enjoyed this too, doctor. Be seein' ya." He said warmly, waiting until she was well out of sight before letting his expression fall to one that could only be described as loneliness.

He slowly reached for the headphones wrapped around his neck, securing them over his ears before pressing 'Play'.

He stayed just like that for a few minutes, not paying attention to anyone until a new objective entered his mind: he had to talk to Gold.

Paying the "lunch" bill, he quickly left the diner, and hastily made his way towards the pawn shop.

Once Upon a Time...

Collaboration between Major Ursa as Knox Kowalski and I as Dr. Faye Stevenson

*~*~*

Faye had heard everything about the earthquake and the small rescue mission that took place. When the earthquake struck and everyone had gone out to see what was happening, she remained in the hospital, in case anyone was injured and needed medical attention. Now, Knox was in the hospital, and after seeing his condition, a nurse rushed him to a hospital room. Now, Dr. Stevenson was heading for that room, to check on Knox.

She knocked on the door before she entered the room and she greeted politely and respectfully, "Mr. Kowalski," She looked over his wounds, and she asked him, "How do you feel?"

“Dr Stevenson.” Giving the doctor a respective nod, Knox raised a hand in greeting as she stepped into the room, before lowering it again after a few seconds. In all honesty, he had already become tired of people rushing around and/or asking after seeing him bleed.

Hearing Faye’s question, the security guard shook his head dismissively and held the bloody towel back to his head, tighter to this wound, “I have been fine for a while now…” Well…Knox was bleeding again, if that was anything to go by, but he felt alright. On the completely positive side to this, his shirt hadn’t gotten blood on it…yet.

Faye noticed the bleeding, and after he gave his answer, she rolled her eyes a bit, and she commented as she got out the supplies needed to treat the wound effectively, "Last time I checked, bleeding is not the same as being fine,"

“I must have rewrapped the wound incorrectly, after cleaning up. Still, I believe a sec—third opinion would be good.” Both the Knox and the attending paramedic had concluded that it was what it was; a bump and a bit of a deep cut...but one could never be too careful in these respects.

Faye smiled a bit after he after Knox made his comment. She joked good naturedly as she walked over to him, "Good thing you came here then,"
She tended to his wound, and as she did, she tried to make small talk, "I heard about your rescue mission. I'm glad to hear that everyone's safe,"

The tall security guard had to lean down quite a bit for the doctor to see and attend to his wound properly, but Dr Stevenson’s touch was gentler than the paramedic’s, and for this he was grateful. His mouth pressed into a firm line once she mentioned the rescue, “The mission was a complete success. The boy Mason was frightened, but otherwise, unharmed. Ruby and the fireman left with little to no injury…” Trailing off towards the end, Knox almost groaned to himself, being injured like he did. “Tall men are not built for confined spaces.”

Dr. Stevenson smiled, hiding a chuckle at how professional Knox sounded, even though he wasn't working as of now. She retorted to his last comment still joking in a good nature, "Oh? Then what are tall men built for? Climbing up trees?" She then shook her head and said "Still, Mason's family must be incredibly relieved,"

“Hmmm…tall men were made for hitting the tops of their head on doorways and low ceilings, apparently,” Knox answered rather dryly, reaching up to having a slight feel of the injury. The security guard let out a hiss of pain, since his touch was blind and much too hard, before letting his hand drop to his side again. Pausing and thinking, adding… “And wearing big clown shoes.” His tone was deadpan serious, but his expression was more at ease.

The next inquiry, Knox didn’t have the right to just throw around that sort of information to anyone, Dr Stevenson wasn’t Mason’s doctor…raising his gaze, his eyes met hers. “The boy is with the proper authorities at this present time.” Holding her gaze as he spoke carefully, he eventually let it drop, closed his eyes entirely and let out his signature tired sigh.

Dr. Stevenson admonished Knox for touching his wound after she cleaned it and disinfected it, "Don't touch that Knox," She then started bandaging his wound, as he told her about Mason being with the authorities. She sighed through her nose, knowing what his response meant. She commented in response, "Right. It's none of my business,"

She asked after he made his sigh, joking slightly, "Thinking about someone again?" She wondered if he was thinking about his father, a patient of hers.

Besides the feelings of sympathy towards the boy without parents, Knox did think on his own father, and the small (yet selfish) fortune that the man was still alive today. And, on the other side of things...he did hold a certain waitress in his thoughts, as well as his growing impulsiveness…the kissing.

Almost just holding his head in his hands, Knox instead settled with avoiding her eyes now, squinting (at what he perceived to be) the bright ceiling light, “What is the verdict? How is my injury, from a professional standpoint?”

Dr. Stevenson finished bandaging his head when he asked, and she answered him "Your injury is going to heal, and you're not going to develop any infections any time soon. The rest of your cranium appears to be fine as well,"

She then asked as she put away the supplies she used to treat Knox's wounds, "However, you seem to be squinting a lot lately. How is your vision?"

Knox stiffened at her observation, but it was clear she didn’t know the half of it. In careful measure; he knew denying it now would raise suspicion, so…running a hand through the unbandaged portion of his hair, he gave her a look, before moving his hand down to rub the back of his neck, “Yes, my squinting. I have been having trouble sleeping for some time, and so, my eyes seem to have become a little sensitive.”

Speaking calmly about this, nonchalant even, not much of a lie if at all…‘Little’, undermining the heavy and consistence light sensitivity he was suffering, “Do you need to examine them? Or…do you have an appropriate form of medication you can prescribe, instead?”

Dr. Stevenson answered him, "I would have to examine your eyes, but it's not quite necessary, unless it's impeding on your life. For now, I can only suggest get proper rest and sleep when you can,"

“If that is all…” Getting back onto his feet, no longer stuck in an uncomfortable leaning position, Knox let out an internal sigh of relief (and the smallest internal cheer). "I'll be heading back to work."

Heading out the door, the security guard stood at the doorway for a few moments, before finally turning back to the doctor and giving her another curt nod, “Thank you for your time and expertise, Dr Stevenson. You have been doing nothing but excellent work, and as usual...call the security office if anything comes up.”

Dr. Stevenson watched Knox walk to the doorway and after he complimented her, she nodded back and answered, "Thank you, Mr. Kowalski. I'll be sure to call if anything does come up," After Knox had gone, she left the room to tend to the other patients, briefly looking at her watch to make sure that she had time to do so. She had an appointment with Dr. Hopper this afternoon.

Supreme Team Psi!

Hibiki snapped out of her shocked daze when her phone gave off the ringtone she had set for texts. After she snapped out of her daze, she remembered that Ikaku was the one who got hurt in protecting her, and how he had been limping away. She opened the phone, intent on calling Ikaku, only to find the text that he sent her. She gulped heavily as she texted back, saying in her message,

"I'm on my way, -Hibiki"

She stood up and she hurried away from the scene and followed the directions that were on her phone. She soon reached the apartment door minutes later, and she rang the door. She waited for him to answer, not exactly comfortable with the idea of just barging in. She looked around as she thought she kept on hearing something akin to a helicopter nearby.

Once Upon a Time...

Collaboration between GhostShadow as Henry, and I as the Mysterious woman and Dr. Faye Stevenson

*~*~*

After the slight shenanigans at the school, Henry quickly cleaned himself up as best he could before leaving the school to head for the sheriff's office.

The walk there wasn't terribly bad, and Henry didn't want to risk his car being parked there in case of suspicion. He looked through the windows before walking through the front door, eyes almost immediately landing on the Mysterious Woman in the cell.

"Hello, Sweetie." He greeted with a sly smile, approaching the cell with a slight swagger to his step, pulling the key from his coat pocket.

The woman stopped humming when she felt a pair of eyes on her, and she smirked when the door opened and she was greeted with Henry's voice. She stood and turned to face him, and started, "Hello, Fox-"

She stopped when she caught whiff of his scent. Her smirk fell, and her shoulders slumped. She commented dryly and her joviality gone, "Her perfume...and that smell of desire. You made out with her..."

Henry's smile fell just as quickly as it came. He knew there was no point in lying to the Woman, and prayed she would be understanding. "Yes...I did. It was the only way I could get the key while being inconspicuous." He explained in a bargaining tone, hiding the fact that he thoroughly enjoyed the kiss - and hoped for more later.

The woman paid careful attention to the scent that permeated off of him, ready to detect any lies that he may utter. What he said was the truth, supported by the key's presence, but she knew that he enjoyed being with the woman. She didn't make any move to attack Henry like she had with Regina, and she said tartly, "I see,"

She then commented with a light hearted tone to hide a hidden pain that she would never show to anyone, "Well, you certainly are a lady killer, hm?" She then warned still using the light hearted tone, "Just be careful in playing with the mayor. I'd rather not see you as her puppet,"

"I understand." He responded seriously, but offered a small, almost sad smile as he approached the cell; inserting the key into the door with an audible clack as the door subsequently swung open with a creak.

"You're free now." He stated matter-of-factly before continuing. "Try not to get yourself arrested again, be it for my sake or not. I don't think I can pull that stunt again." He warned, but his tone was warm, and his eyes shone with a certain brightness.

The woman walked through the open door after Henry opened it, and she said "Very well. And I shall make my disappearance. It may be a while before you ever see me again," She stopped walking after she passed Henry and she turned to face him, and she told him, "If you have any problems, Dr. Stevenson is a pret-ty good...listener,"

"I'll keep that in mind." He responded with a simple nod, his hands going to his coat pockets as she made her disappearance. He followed out the door shortly after, not wanting to be caught in the sheriff's office by anyone less-than-savory.

He stood on the side of the road for what seemed like forever, figuring out just what to do until he remembered - he had to volunteer.

The woman walked out as well, taking great care to make sure that not a single soul saw her flee the prison, and make it back to Dr. Stevenson's home, through the back door. There, the woman changed to comfortable pajamas before she switched back to Dr. Stevenson.

The doctor woke up in the chair, finding a glass of scotch next to her. As soon as she thought she slept in because of the alcohol, she panicked and quickly got dressed and hurried for the hospital for work, ignoring the throbbing bruise and cut on her face that she received from Mr. Gold's cane.

She rushed into the hospital, and checked in. Dr. Whale spotted her and he asked in concern, "Dr. Stevenson! There you are! What happened?" Dr. Stevenson shook her head and said "Nothing, nothing. Dr. Whale, what's the report on the patients?"

The day continued on like normal as far as Faye knew.

Henry sat alone in Snow's room, the steady beeping of the heart monitor being the only sound besides the careful rustling of pages and the sound of his own voice as he read, looking up from the book constantly to see any sign of life.

"Once upon a time there lived a lovely princess with skin as white as snow and appropriately named Snow White. Her mother died when Snow was just a young woman and her father eventually married again. This new Queen was stunning beyond all measure, but she was also very cruel. The wicked stepmother was very angry and jealous of Snow White and so she ordered the Huntsman to take Snow White to the forest and kill her. “I want you to bring back her heart,” she ordered. But when The Huntsman reached the forest with Snow White, he took pity on her and set her free. He killed a stag and took its heart to the Evil Queen and told her that he had killed Snow White."

After taking care of other patients that needed urgent attention, she went to go and check on Jane Doe. She stepped in to see Henry was there reading to her. She wasn't sure why, but she felt...somewhat relieved to see him. She remained silent as she watched him, with a small kind smile appearing on her face.

Henry didn't seem to notice Dr. Stevenson as he continued to read. But every so often, he would let one of his hands brush across the Jane Doe's; as if he was trying to goad her awake, or enjoy her touch. "If only you could see me now." He said in a voice that was just barely above a whisper. "Not a silly old cat now, am I?' He asked, though he knew no one would answer him.

Dr. Stevenson raised an eyebrow, just barely hearing what Henry had just said to Jane Doe. She had caught the words 'cat' and 'am i' from his quiet voice. She cleared her throat and she spoke up, "I hate to interrupt, Mr. Carlyle. I just wanted to check in on Miss Doe,"

Henry jumped, startled, obviously not expecting anyone else to come in. "Oh, yes, of course. Excuse me, Dr. Stevenson." He said politely, moving away from the bed to allow her access.

Dr. Stevenson nodded and she answered politely, "Thank you," before she moved to get diagnostics on Miss Doe's condition. So far, it seemed as though Miss Doe was the same as ever, much to her disappointment.

He got a good look at the cut that dotted her forehead, narrowing his eyes. "Might I inquire how you got that cut there, Doctor? Looks nasty - no offense." He stated in a peculiar manner.

Dr. Stevenson had finished when Henry asked about her wound. She touched her wound, wincing slightly, and she answered "An uncooperative patient. Don't worry, it's part of the occupational hazards,"

Henry couldn't help but give a slight wince, as though a blow had fallen on him. "Being a doctor's more dangerous than I thought, then. Hope elementary students aren't as bloodthirsty." He japed with a friendly smile, leaning against the wall; eyes kept on the doctor as she examined Snow.

Dr. Stevenson chuckled in a grim tone, "It's not as dangerous as you're thinking. It's natural for people to lash out, especially when it seems that their situation seems...hopeless,"

"I've been talking to your roomate." He started, trying to make conversation.

Dr. Stevenson paled at the mention of her roommate, knowing who he was talking about, and she groaned "Oh dear...Whatever she did, I greatly apologize for her actions. If there's anything I can do to make up for whatever she did, let me know,"

Henry's expression turned from one of base amusement to confusion. "Apologize? I quite enjoyed talking to her. She's very...feisty." He settled on, smiling once more. "Ran into her at the Rabbit Hole, then it seems we kept bumping into each other." He commented with a slight roll of his shoulders.

Dr. Stevenson was surprised at what she heard, and she asked confusedly "Oh...really? I-I see," She then apologized, "I apologize for my outburst then. Normally if someone brings her up as a conversation topic, it's to complain about what she did. I'm glad to hear she hasn't caused you any trouble..." She then grumbled under her breath, "Yet, anyways..."

"Oh she's not caused me any trouble. Quite the contrary, honestly. I think she wants to go on a date with me, though." He added, scratching the back of his head. Normally he'd be more composed around Dr. Stevenson. But his regular interactions with her at Rumpelstiltskin's castle loosened him up a bit - even if she didn't remember him or anything about the Enchanted Forest.

Dr. Stevenson widened her eyes slightly, and her cheeks turned pink at the mention of what her 'roommate' may want with him. She stated "O-Oh," She had no idea what she wanted to say, but she felt awkward now. She cleared her throat and she asked stuttering a bit "Forgive me for being brash, but do-do you want to date my roommate...?"

Henry raised his eyebrows at the question, a coy smile teasing at the corner of his lips as he thought about the inquiry for a few moments. "Sure, why not? She's quite easy on the eyes and has a remarkable...for want of a better word, aura around her." He answered with a small chuckle. "I'm sorry, did that make you uncomfortable?" He asked, hands in hs coat pockets once again.

Dr. Stevenson shook her head and answered "No. No, of course not! I'm just concerned because most relationships that my roommate starts up...almost never ends well. I just really would hate to see you get hurt because of my roommate. Also she doesn't exactly have the best reputation in town...."

"Well, I like people who have flaws - makes them more real." He replied nonchalantly, studying Dr. Stevenson with an almost intense gaze while he was speaking.

"You know, you remind me of someone I knew awhile back." He began, running a single hand through his hair. "I don't know if I'll see her again, but she was very beautiful like you - and remarkably intelligent. Funny how people can remind you of old friends." He said in an almost reminiscent tone.

Dr. Stevenson didn't respond to his comment about people having flaws, remembering how she had to be perfect to everyone around her.

She snapped out of her brief reverie when Henry mentioned how she reminded him of an old friend. She nodded in agreement at his last comment as she stated "Thank you for the compliment, and yes it is quite strange," She looked at him carefully, and she couldn't help but get the feeling that he seemed familiar...

"Ah well..." He finished, looking at Snow White on the bed. "Any change?" He asked, his voice turning dour and serious instead of warm and giddy.

Dr. Stevenson shook her head and answered seriously "Sadly no...Thankfully, she's still stable," She then asked, "Mr. Carlyle. Are you sure you don't know her? I believe you mentioned something about a cat a little earlier,"

Henry nodded solemnly as she spoke, giving a passing glance to Snow before looking back at the doctor. "No, I don't know her. She, like you, just reminds me of someone before. As for the cat - little poem I learned as a child. Recite it from time to time, force of habit." He lied, but his tone didn't give away any false deception, even his eyes stared plainly into the doctor's.

Dr. Stevenson sighed as she answered, "I see..." She couldn't help but get the strange feeling that he was lying to her, but she didn't bring it up. Instead she ignored the feeling as a figment of her imagination. Before she could ask Henry anything, her pager beeped loudly and she said "Oh, I have to go. Maybe we can talk later, Mr. Carlyle?"

"I'd quite like that. Go on then, off you pop. No need for someone to die of cardiac arrest because I was keeping you." He joked with a warm grin, waving her off.

Dr. Stevenson smiled and laughed a bit at the joke, and she waved bye to him, and as she left, she said to him, "I'll see you later, Mr. Carlyle,".

After she said that, she rushed to the patient that was in the ER.

Once Upon a Time...

Collaboration between YoshiSkittlez as Regina Mills and I as the Mysterious Lady

The analog clock inside the Sheriff's office just hit 8:00 am, and no sooner than the second hand could even tick once more did the doors open, but it was not Robert who came into the room that held the cells, but Regina. She pocketed the key that Robert had given her the night before into her suit jacket pocket, patting it for good measure as she walked with purpose towards the cell that held the mystery woman Robert had sent her a report about.

In the cell, the mysterious woman was humming 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' to herself as a way of killing time and waiting for Henry or that mayor to show up. As soon as the mayor entered, the woman easily picked up the smell of expensive perfume that was tinged with a bit of fear, alerting the woman to the mayor's presence. The woman's pitch black eyes opened as she stopped humming, and she slowly faced the mayor.

Regina approached the cell and enclosed her small hands around the bars, peering inside so close that her forehead was practically pressing up against the two bars, her dark brown eyes glaring down at the woman who Regina didn't bother getting to know in the past, but now that she knew who it was in her cell, (the mystery woman that had been seen around Storybrooke for quite some time) the once emerging beast that had quelled in her stomach overnight subsided; relief washing over her as she was able to gather that she was, indeed not, with Henry.

The woman also went and stood at the bars, meeting her cold, soulless gaze with Regina's gaze, not at all fazed by the anger in her eyes. She said nothing as she smirked and greeted coolly "Yo, Mayor lady,"

"You wanna tell me how you came by ten-thousand dollars of Storybrooke's tax money?" She asked with no regard of hiding her venemous tone, opting to ignore the chivalry in the woman's voice.

The woman chuckled and she retorted, like she was lightly scolding a child, "Now, now, mayor. It's not polite to ask questions that you already know the answer to. Besides it would take out the fun in playing make-believe, now wouldn't it?"

Regina's upper lip curled into a bit of a snarl at the word 'make-believe.' She didn't even blink, though, as she continued to stare the woman down. Now that some of her questions had been answered, more arose.

"Who are you?" She decided on asking at last, her tone notwitstanding even a hint of trying to be polite.

The woman merely shrugged and said with great casualty, "Can't answer that,"

"Why not?" Regina demanded, though kept her voice down.

The woman laughed as though Regina had told a mildly funny joke, and she answered "Don't want to, and I don't even have a name to give you. Too bad, so sad,"

Regina straightened up her gait a bit, releasing her hands from the bars which she had just realized had been clutching onto so hard the tips of her fingers had lost feeling.

That wasn't possible, the girl had to be lying. She gave everyone a name, everyone. Regina's eyes never left the woman's, her lip curling in another (though lighter) snarl, as if the woman's very presence before her disgusted her beyond measure.

"Why do you protect him?" Regina folded her arms across her chest, turning so that she was sideways agaisnt the prisoner, but her head still turned to better keep a close eye on her.

The woman tilted her head sideways, but kept her smirk and her gaze on Regina. She answered the mayor, "Why not? Besides, it's quite rude to frame a guest of Storybrooke of any crimes while they're in town, don't you think?"

Regina pursed her lips in annoyance.

Then the woman called out, like a child playing a game, "My turn!" She then asked, "Why frame a guest anyways? I'm sure innocent ol' Henry has done nothing to you,"

"You know nothing." Regina practically spat at the prisoner. She took a moment to unfold her arms and dug into her pocket, feeling the two keys kept safe inside and pulled out the second one and held it up to the woman, though she was far away enough that the prisoner couldn't just reach out and grab it.

"I hold the key to your cell here in my hand. You would be wise to cooperate or so help me - you might want to remember that I am Mayor of this town, and my influence on the DA is more than important in deciding what will become of you within the next few days."

The woman raised an eyebrow, her smirk faded, and she stepped back. She looked completely serious now as she asked, "What's the condition?"

Regina sighed loudly, the vein in her forehead now prominent in her obvious irritation. God, it was like dealing with Rumpelstiltskin.

"Your immunity for information." She said simply, a heavy breath coming from her nose in an effort to keep from losing her temper. "The correct information."

The woman looked at Regina and she smirked again. She then answered not giving her a chance to ammend or add to her deal, "Alright. Deal,"

Regina couldn't explain it, but suddenly her arms felt stiff and uncomfortable. Underneath the barrier of her suit jacket sleeves, goosebumps caused the hairs on her arms to stand on end. Something...unsettling about how the woman answered her, but she refused to pause on it.

"Now...I'll ask you again. Why. Help. Henry?"

The woman smirked, having noticed how her arms went stiff. She told the woman "I told you the truth earlier. You see, I don't lie," She then stated, her voice lowered into an animalistic growl or sneer, "I believe you are going to let me out now," She raised both of her eyebrows as she stared at Regina to show she's serious.

"Not until I get the answers I want." Regina furrowed her eyebrows together, returning her hands to the bars with her forehead resting on the metal, but putting the key back into her pocket before she did. "Give me something of importance, your answer will determine if you walk free or not."

The woman's predatory smirk widened to show her pearly whites, that seemed almost unnaturally sharp. She suddenly jumped towards the bars quickly, and wrapped her hands at the bars. She smirked and said "You remember Storybrooke's little guardian angel, the head of the hospital, yes? Your reliable little doctor that keeps watch over the Jane Doe in the hospital, yes?"

Regina only answered by narrowing her dark eyes a bit, unflinching when the prisoner jumped at the bars towards her. She had enough experience of that with Rumpelstiltskin in his cell.

After Regina answered, the woman continued with a smirk, "Her life...is in my hands. Anything that happens to me, you lose your way of keeping an eye on that Jane Doe. Next in line for Head Doctor is that Dr. Whale guy, and he's made his point clear of not letting you near her."

Raising an eyebrow, Regina's lip twitched, and then she smiled, as if trying to outshine the prisoner's own brilliant whites.

"Whale has no authority over me. Keep trying dear." She goaded.

The woman's smirk widened more if it was possible, to show that Regina had just made a mistake. She answered calmly "Alright...I am capable of much. I can easily break out of here on my own, come after you, and do...THIS!"

Her last word sounded more like a lion's roar than a normal yell, and her hand shot out and gripped around Regina's throat. Her grip was tight around Regina's throat, blocking the air passages, until it looked as though Regina was ready to faint. She choked and sputtered, her face becoming an alarming shade of pink as her hands went to the single hand clutched around her throat, using what strength she had to pry the hand away. At that point, the woman let go and stepped back, allowing Regina to breathe.

Regina staggered a few steps back from the cells immediately, putting her hand to her throat to rub at the raw flesh. Her eyes were wide, unmoving from the woman as she looked upon her with unbelief. Just what the hell was going on in Storybrooke? Five years, five years of absolute perfection. Everyone had always done as she willed, and though yes, it was boring, she made her own happiness from it. But now...ever since yesterday...things seemed to be coming unglued faster than she could nail it back together.

"You're insane!" Regina coughed out, still rubbing her throat, her eyes changing from unbelief to a steely glare. She took a moment to stand up tall once more, holding her chin up high to prove that she was still in control here, but the firmness of her iron face from when she first entered the Sheriff's department that day was all but gone. "But you still haven't given me what I want." She adjusted her suit jacket, and double checked to make sure that both keys were still there. "I'll inform Sheriff Leland to bump your appointment up with the DA, and with my influence it will happen, and you will never see Storybrooke again."

The woman laughed as Regina showed her fear and shock. She commented shaking her head, "It's so cute that you are still trying to show dominance over me, especially when it's very clear that you are afraid of me," She then said to Regina, "I can easily disappear, and you'll never be able to find me, until it is too late for the poor unfortunate soul who crosses me."

Regina scowled, and her face darkened as if a few lights had gone out in the building, a mask she wore when attempting to hide her fear.

"I doubt it." She spat, her eyes only growing darker in anger. In a huff, Regina flipped back her suit open suit jacket flaps, putting her hands on her hips over her dark blue silk shirt and turned on her heel, walking out of the building without another word.

As Regina left, the woman called out to her in a sinister sing song voice, "Run, run, run, as fast as you can, but you won't be able to escape!" After Regina was gone, she went back to her seat and resumed humming.

Regina had a new agenda now, she needed to know more about Dr. Faye Stevenson, find out her connection to this mad woman throwing taunts at her back. And she knew just the man to go and see.