The darkness was surrounding Regina. Emma and Robin were trying to think of something they could do to help. Emma, his brilliant Swan, remembered that the darkness could be tethered to a person.
"I love you," she whispered to him. It was the last thing he perceived of reality. He saw his love walk towards the cloud of darkness, and time seemed to stop. He remembered meeting her in the Enchanted Forest, and their adventure on the beanstalk. He recalled how she gave herself a ten-hour head start for the climb down. He saw himself falling in love all over again. However, this time, he knew his feelings were reciprocated.
Killian watched as the darkness consumed his love. He was helpless. Today alone, he had forgotten everything. He had become no more than one of Blackbeard's slaves, he'd been killed by an evil Prince Charming, and he magically returned home, to find that nothing had truly happened. This isn't real, he told himself. If I died, and yet I didn't, then she will not become the bloody Dark One.
He saw Emma's mouth move. He watched her lips, but he heard no sound. He watched as she disappeared from view, hidden by a sea of black. And then, she was no more. In her wake fell a dagger. Killian's eyes trailed towards it. He saw a name, her name engraved in the knife. Emma, love, please tell me you didn't do this to yourself, he silently begged.
His head turned of its own accord. He saw her parents, holding each other in their grief; he saw Regina and Robin doing just the same. I would hold on to you now, love, but I can't. I'd hold you if you were upset, like I always have. The problem is that we're all in grief over what you've just done. Come back to me, Swan. You know I love you. I need you more than you will ever know.
Killian still heard nothing. He saw Mary Margaret look his way - she was saying something to him - was she? He suddenly heard the sound of blood rushing through his ears. The world slowed even more - if that was possible - until there was nothing but a pirate and his sudden grief. Ten minutes ago, you were in my arms and we were happy.
Very quickly, a pain settled in his chest. His heart began to ache. Am I truly becoming this weak this fast? he wondered. Why? It's only been a minute. Has it? It feels like it's been lifetimes since I last laid eyes on you, Swan. He had once observed that time did not affect him very much. This was back when he was in Neverland. He had come to terms with his then never-ending life, and his quest that would never be fulfilled. I didn't actually think I'd stick to that promise. You have done wonders to me, love.
He now noticed that everyone around him was trying to communicate to him. Killian could still hear no sound, apart from the blood in his ears. He felt himself fall, but did not feel any pain, apart from the one in his heart. His vision blurred. It feels like you've stuck a hook through my heart, Emma. Killian saw no more, as he fell unconscious.
A/N: That is it! If you're wondering about Snowflakes, I am NOT giving up, but tonight's Once really made me want to write this little piece. Too bad that now we must wait until September for new episodes...