I was planning on putting this out in one story before Sunday, but I'm still writing. I promise the end will be out before the next episode on TV! I intended this to be a one-shot, so for all of you who read the first part, here it is amended as one story.

Please comment! I love them! I'll also try story suggestions, in any rating.

Here is my version of how the heroes get the darkness out of Emma.

The heroes are back in Camelot, including Emma. Regina has freed Merlin from the tree. All but Emma are gathered in Merlin's library and he is about to brief them on how to save Emma.

"The Dark One had been around for so long, because we have never before had the power and the means to eliminate it. I believe we now have that power and the means, right here in this very room." Merlin looked over all the heroes seated about the giant square table in the center of the room. "One person who can wield magic alone cannot defeat the Dark One. The Dark One is stronger than two, and will destroy them both as well. But we have here, three of the greatest to wizards known to all the realms." He nodded at Regina and Zelina. "Our combined power should be enough to remove the darkness from Emma, and destroy it in the process. Regina, I know you're with me. She nodded. "Zelina, will you come to our aid?" Merlin stared at her, and all eyes followed his. Zelina looked about and squirmed uncomfortably in her seat.

"Why not. I'm feeling generous." Everyone let out the breath they didn't realize they were holding.

"You said we have the power and the means, what is it that we have to do?" Regina asked.

"As you all know by now, the most powerful magic of all is love, and to love is to live. Emma has many people that love her. What we will need to do is transfer that life force-that love-into her. The life force will replace her own corrupted one, and the love will overwhelm the darkness and destroy it before it can bind with a new host."

"Please," pleaded Mary Margaret. "Tell us what we have to do. I will do anything to save my daughter."

Merlin took a deep breath before continuing. "This is where it becomes difficult. Of course, all magic comes with a price. We will need someone to willingly give their life force to Emma."

"I'll do it." Hook said without hesitation.

"You need to understand the consequences before agreeing so readily." Merlin paused, then continued slowly, making sure all his words were clear. "You will transfer all your life force into Emma." His eyes bore into Killian's. "All of it. You will be no more." Silence filled the room.

Mary Margaret seemed thoughtful, and Merlin glanced at her. "I know what you're thinking, and no, it won't work. Since there will be no trace of life left in him, not even True Love's Kiss will work to revive him."

"Are there no other options?" David asked.

"I'm afraid not. Only the love of someone willing to lay down their life for another is strong enough to overcome the darkness and banish it forever."

Everyone pondered this weighty statement in their own way. No one wanted to look at Killian, their sacrificial lamb. His deep voice breeched the silence. "I said I'll do it. This is what I was meant to do. All those hundreds of years I wasted chasing after the Dark One as Rumpelstiltskin. All that led me here, to Emma. I've been in love with her since first laying eyes on her. Now the Dark One is Emma. My Emma." He smiled wistfully as he looked at David and Mary Margaret. "My true love, my happy ending." She began to weep. "I will do anything for Emma, including give her my life." Killian stood up. "If this means I can save Emma and destroy the Dark One simultaneously, than this is truly the purpose I was meant to fulfill. This is why I have survived all these years-for this task."

Everyone was quiet, his words hit them hard. Killian had become such an integral part of their team, such a loss would be devastating, especially to Emma. "Well then," Regina said seriously, "It sounds as if we have a plan."

"The darkness is too enticing, too empowering, she will not give it up willingly, and she will sense a trap." Killian said to Merlin. "How are we supposed to do this?"

"Everyone will leave this room but Killian and me. Everyone move far enough away so she will not detect you. Regina and Zelina, stay close enough so you can come back quickly when she is incapacitated." The group got up from the table. Merlin moved over to a shelf and removed a few books to reveal a niche in the wall. A wave of his hand opened the door, and he removed a small vial. "You summon her here," he said to Kilian, "and I will use this dust. It should paralyze her magic and put her to sleep. We must work quickly though, since she is so powerful, I'm not sure how long it will last. The rest of the details I will reveal to you when necessary. Killian, this all depends on you. Are you ready, or do you need some time?"

He smiled, trying not to look nervous. "No time like the present, mate. Let's get on with it."

Mary Margaret ran over and hugged him fiercely. "Oh, Killian, I wish there was another way." She looked into his eyes. "You have made Emma so happy, and I was really beginning to like you."

Killian laughed. "High praise indeed, your Highness. Thank you."

David came over next. "I can't thank you enough for what you are doing for my daughter, and my family, and for everyone. I can assure you Emma will know of your bravery." He hugged him and clapped him on the back.

"I appreciate that, but I'm sure she will already know why I had to do this. Please, take care of her."

"Always."

Henry hugged him, trying to hold back tears. "Thanks for saving my mom. You would have made a great stepdad."

Killian smiled and ruffled his hair. "And you a wonderful son."

They left and the other three came to say their goodbyes. "It's an amazingly heroic thing you're doing here, Jones." Robin shook his hand. "She's lucky to have met you."

Regina took his hand in both of hers, and smiled sadly at him. "Thank you, again. For saving all of us."

Zelina stood in front of Killian, staring deeply into his eyes, invading his personal space as she does with everyone. He was preparing himself for a snarky remark. Finally, she spoke, softly and almost gently. "You must really love her, to be doing this."

"Aye, I do. More than anything."

"I can only hope to meet someone like you someday." She turned and walked out with Robin and Regina.